Nothing But Thirty Episode 20 Recap
> Nothing But Thirty Recap
Xu Huanshan and Gu Jia decided to address the tea factory issue promptly due to the high risks involved. They planned to meet the village leader to close the factory and cut their losses. However, when Xu Huanshan opened the door, the village leader and numerous tea farmers were already waiting.
The village leader pleaded with them to visit the tea field, emphasizing that closing the factory would eliminate the sole source of income for many tea farmers who had dedicated their lives to tea production. He showed them the loose soil and explained how children helped pick tea during breaks to earn tuition money.
He further elaborated that their disadvantage lay in low production quantity, as they adhered to traditional methods, refusing artificial flavors, added sugars, colors, or de-acidification, which led to them being undervalued by owners and struggling against competitors who used additives. As the head of both the plant and the village, he explained that villagers earned around 18,000 yuan annually, relying solely on this income for survival and family support, as the land was only suitable for growing tea.
He warned that without the tea business, the children would starve. Gu Jia asked why the low salaries hadn't led to complaints before, to which the village leader replied that when people had no choices, things were simpler. Gu Jia then saw children attempting to eat dirty items, which clearly affected her. Wang Manni brought Amanda, the General Manager from her company's Hong Kong headquarters, to a relaxed wine party at a friend's cellar.
Wang Manni introduced Amanda to her boyfriend, Liang Zhengxian, who then offered Amanda wine, knowing she preferred fruity types. During a wine tasting challenge, Wang Manni and Amanda were the only ones to correctly identify the wines, further impressing Amanda. Later, Wang Manni excitedly told Liang Zhengxian that Amanda had mentioned a potential opportunity for her to transfer to the Hong Kong store. Liang Zhengxian was surprised, asking why she'd want to leave her successful position in Shanghai.
Wang Manni explained that she wanted to be with him every day and not live in two different places. She also mentioned that a move to Hong Kong would prevent her parents from pressuring her about marriage. Liang Zhengxian, however, advised her to reconsider. He pointed out that a salesperson relies on an established customer base, and moving to Hong Kong would mean starting from scratch.
Wang Manni countered that she would have him, then asked if he was afraid she would become dependent on him. He admitted that he was. Wang Manni reassured him that she would continue to work hard and support herself, viewing the Hong Kong transfer as a promotion. She emphasized that her decision wasn't solely for him and he shouldn't feel burdened. Despite Liang Zhengxian's plea to discuss it further, Wang Manni remained firm in her decision.
Zhong Xiaoyang enthusiastically led Zhong Xiaogin to the building's rooftop, despite her initial apprehension about breaking rules. He assured her he would take responsibility, promising a sight she wouldn't want to miss. On the rooftop, Zhong Xiaogin was delighted by the beautiful clouds, having not seen such a sky in a long time. Zhong Xiaoyang, who was part of a "Cloud Collectors" WeChat group, meticulously explained various cloud formations, from castellanus to cirrus and cirrocumulus.
He likened cirrocumulus clouds to fleeting moments in life, urging her not to miss what belonged to them. He connected this to her recent resolve, saying that if one has courage, they should strive for what they want. Zhong Xiaogin was impressed by his unique perspective and ability to find beauty.
Seizing the moment, Zhong Xiaoyang took her hand and began to confess his feelings, but Zhong Xiaogin immediately withdrew her hand and asked him to stop, not wanting to hear it. Seeing Chen Yu in low spirits, Chen Xun invited him for drinks at a bar and quickly deduced that Chen Yu and Zhong Xiaogin had divorced. Chen Yu admitted it, recalling their hasty decision. He then confessed his profound sense of misunderstanding by Zhong Xiaogin and her mother.
He revealed that despite being perceived as a popular editor, he had actually been marginalized at work for a long time. He clarified misunderstandings: Zhong Xiaogin had initially prevented him from washing her clothes, fearing he would ruin them, and although he occasionally couldn't pick her up, he always provided taxi fare.
Most importantly, Chen Yu revealed his initial reluctance about having a child transformed into deep affection after hearing the baby's heartbeat during a prenatal ultrasound; he even measured his fish tank, planning to convert the fish room into a nursery. However, after the miscarriage, while Zhong Xiaogin openly grieved, Chen Yu felt his own sorrow was overlooked and never asked about.
Chen Xun pointed out Chen Yu's subtle communication style and failure to explain himself, concluding this was why they divorced. Chen Yu then stated unequivocally that in his heart, Zhong Xiaogin had always been his wife. Chen Xun, sensing his brother's desire to reconcile, offered to help. Later that night, Chen Xun brought a heavily intoxicated Chen Yu to Zhong Xiaogin's apartment, placing him on her bed before quickly departing to give them space.
Delirious from alcohol, Chen Yu repeatedly called out to Chen Xun, regretting his mistakes and pleading for Chen Xun to ask Zhong Xiaogin for forgiveness. Zhong Xiaogin, covering him with a blanket, heard his heartfelt apologies. As the cool night air filled the room, she lay awake, deeply reflecting on their marriage. Gu Jia reflected on the tea factory debacle, admitting she had been wrong.
She realized her habitual reliance on shortcuts and her belief that the "madam group" offered the best opportunities had led her astray, proving Xu Huanshan's earlier warnings true. She felt possessed when she rushed into signing the contract, swayed by connections like Mrs. Wang's kindergarten recommendation and Mrs. Yu's fireworks order.
Although declaring bankruptcy would be the smallest financial risk to their family, Gu Jia confessed that after visiting the tea mountain and seeing the children, she couldn't bring herself to close the factory and leave. Xu Huanshan understood her desire to rectify her mistake and not retreat. He reassured her, stating that mortgaging their house again was not an issue and expressed confidence that they could pay off any debts once his amusement park business stabilized.
He also offered his design expertise for the tea packaging. Grateful for his unwavering support, Gu Jia decided to name their new product "Empty Mountain Tea," inspired by the phrase "empty mountains calm the heart." The next morning, Daisy accosted Wang Manni, noting her prime parking spot and luxury car. Daisy sarcastically warned Wang Manni not to be delusional, implying that a wealthy boyfriend didn't guarantee a bright future and that rich men often changed girlfriends quickly.
She reminded Wang Manni that women should always prioritize their careers, questioning the longevity of relationships. Wang Manni calmly retorted that if Daisy had concrete evidence of rule-breaking, she should report it, otherwise, she should respect her privacy. Daisy, undeterred, admitted she was aware of Wang Manni and Amanda's discussions about a transfer to Hong Kong, expressing surprise at Wang Manni's "courage" to potentially abandon her efforts in Shanghai for a relationship.
Daisy reiterated her warning not to be blinded by love, suggesting the Hong Kong opportunity might be an "empty promise" and questioning how Wang Manni would face returning to the Shanghai store if it didn't work out. Wang Manni dismissed Daisy's remarks as typical office politics, implying Daisy was more interested in playing games than working hard. During a meal with friends, Zhong Xiaogin and Wang Manni discussed Gu Jia's difficult situation with the tea factory.
Wang Manni reiterated her firm decision to accept the Hong Kong transfer if an opportunity arose, assuring Zhong Xiaogin that distance wouldn't affect their friendship. Wang Manni then asked Zhong Xiaogin about her relationship with Zhong Xiaoyang. Zhong Xiaogin said that Zhong Xiaoyang seemed intent on confessing his feelings. However, she expressed reservations, stating she had never considered dating someone younger and doubted his seriousness, attributing his actions to a possible impulse.
She admitted relief that he hadn't confessed, fearing future awkwardness at work, especially given her recent divorce. Wang Manni, having observed Zhong Xiaoyang on several occasions, believed he was quite serious. Liang Zhengxian took Wang Manni to a commercial meeting hosted by Mr. Wei. At the meeting, men discussed complex financial topics like Asia Pacific funds and blockchain technology, while a group of women, including the bosses' companions, chatted about trivial matters like photoshopping photos.
When Wang Manni tried to listen to the business discussion, Liang Zhengxian dismissed her, saying she wouldn't understand and didn't need to force herself. He suggested she join the other women. During their conversation, the women openly discussed their long-term relationships with wealthy directors, revealing they simply "dragged it on" and didn't understand or engage with the business topics. Feeling indignant, Wang Manni decided to leave.
Liang Zhengxian questioned her abrupt departure, and Wang Manni clarified that she was different from those women who "photoshopped their face and legs for a living." She revealed that she was actively taking notes on her phone, not playing games, demonstrating her genuine desire to learn.
Wang Manni expressed gratitude for Liang Zhengxian broadening her horizons but declared her intention to work hard independently to earn her spot in Hong Kong, aiming to be qualified to sit beside him and understand the discussions, rather than being a mere accessory. Upon returning from the tea factory, Gu Jia immediately headed to the madam club. Mrs. Wang quietly cautioned her against creating a scene over money.
However, Gu Jia, holding a can of her newly produced "Empty Mountain Tea," confronted the group. She announced her firm decision to operate the tea factory and spoke of the meticulous, laborious process of tea production, implying that people, much like tea leaves, must endure hardship to avoid making wrong turns. The other madams scoffed at her, with Mrs. Li eventually revealing that they had long wanted to remove Gu Jia from their circle.
Gu Jia thanked Mrs. Li for "digging such a deep hole" for a "lowly person" like herself, stating that she was willing to pay for her mistakes, and warned that everyone present would eventually pay for theirs. She accused them of having distorted values, relying on shortcuts and backing. Gu Jia then declared that unlike them, she could leave with her own name intact, asserting her independence.
She scornfully described them as women who only survived by their husbands' last names and worth, gathering merely to flaunt and compare, ultimately becoming "sadder the more glamorous" they appeared. Concluding her powerful speech, Gu Jia declared, "I'm Gu Jia. Let's not meet again," and walked out. While shopping, Wang Manni noticed her ex-boyfriend intensely focused on making coffee in his shop. Intrigued, she entered.
During their conversation, they acknowledged their difficult breakup, which Wang Manni admitted was largely due to his financial status at the time; she had desired a rich boyfriend. He confirmed that he was now the owner of the coffee shop, a dream she was happy he had fulfilled. When he asked about her, Wang Manni wryly remarked that she was "still guarding rich people's closets," referring to her job in luxury sales. She then confirmed to him that she had indeed found the rich boyfriend she had wished for. He offered to make coffee for her anytime she visited.
