Nothing But Thirty Episode 36 Recap
> Nothing But Thirty Recap
Wang Manni excitedly met Gu Jia for wontons, confiding that she had just endured a challenging "special dinner" that served as an interview. She described it as being much tougher than a regular interview, but she successfully passed the first round. Feeling both thrilled and uncertain about this unique new opportunity, she admitted to Gu Jia that she felt she was taking a risk again and wanted to talk things over.
Gu Jia encouraged her to pursue what she truly desired, offering her unwavering support and urging her not to lose herself in the process. Manni reaffirmed her commitment, recalling a previous conversation at the tea mountain and stating that this new opportunity was like a mountain she was determined to climb. She promised to make rational decisions moving forward. During their meal, Wang Manni noticed Gu Jia checking her phone and speculated if Xu Huanshan wanted her to go home.
Gu Jia casually denied it, but when Manni pressed, she admitted to a recent disagreement with Xu Huanshan over the fireworks company, though she insisted it was now resolved. Manni, drawing on their decade-long friendship, assured Gu Jia that their deep understanding meant any marital spat would soon pass. Gu Jia then offered to treat both Manni and Zhong Xiaoqin to a celebratory dinner once Xiaoqin returned, marking Manni's new beginning.
Manni, invigorated, declared her intention to eat well to prepare for the "battle" ahead, and they wished each other luck. Later that night, Xu Huanshan approached Gu Jia, offering a heartfelt apology. He regretted his harsh words during their argument, acknowledging that everything Gu Jia did was for him and their family. He also confessed his error in asking Lao Yan to cover for him and admitted that creating the blue fireworks was a reckless decision.
However, with the orders already placed, he explained that he had instructed Lao Xing to closely monitor the production and solemnly promised to never manufacture blue fireworks again after fulfilling the current order. Gu Jia, visibly emotional, clarified that her anger stemmed not from the blue fireworks themselves, but from his deception. She tearfully asked if there were any other secrets he had kept from her.
Xu Huanshan earnestly denied any further lies, pleading with her to believe him and vowing that this was the first and last time he would ever lie to her. His sincerity seemed to ease Gu Jia’s heartache, and they reconciled. The next morning, Wang Manni reported for her first day at the Sales Department. After collecting her access card, she navigated to her new office. She introduced herself to a colleague, Jenny, who worked in Accounts Receivable.
Jenny explained that their role involved collecting payments and that the department's setup meant they often worked outside the office, with only a few shared desks available for making calls. Jenny found Wang Manni's offered nickname "Ni Ni" too "corny" and suggested she go by "Maggie," which Manni accepted. Jenny also shared a snack with Manni, a gesture of welcome. Meanwhile, Zhong Xiaoqin took Chen Yu to an aquarium.
Chen Yu initially believed she was testing his resolve to give up his fish-keeping hobby, reiterating his commitment to quitting and even offering to smash his fish tanks at home. Despite his claims, he was visibly captivated by the diverse marine life, expertly explaining different species to an inquisitive child. While he was engrossed, Zhong Xiaoqin discreetly disappeared. Chen Yu became frantic when he couldn't find her, frantically calling her phone.
Suddenly, a mermaid appeared in the main tank, waving at him and forming a heart shape with her hands. It was Zhong Xiaoqin, surprising and delighting Chen Yu. After emerging from the water, she playfully chided him for taking so long to notice her and teased him about his obvious fascination with the fish. Chen Yu insisted he had indeed emptied his home tanks. Zhong Xiaoqin then slyly asked if he would like to take a mermaid home.
Understanding her subtle proposal, Chen Yu embraced her and lifted her into his arms, ready to formally propose. Around the same time, Lin Youyou, using the pretext of delivering a package and needing a signature for an air conditioning cleaning service, gained entry into Gu Jia’s luxurious home. As she casually looked around, she saw photos of Xu Huanshan's firework designs.
She then asked if she could add Gu Jia on WeChat, claiming it would facilitate communication regarding the AC cleaning schedule. Gu Jia, unaware of Lin Youyou's true intentions, agreed. When Xu Huanshan returned home, he found an unopened package and learned from Gu Jia that "Xiao Lin from the front desk" had brought it up. He became visibly agitated and nervous, especially when Gu Jia mentioned Xiao Lin had added her on WeChat.
Gu Jia found the package's contents, cotton soft wipes she hadn't ordered, to be odd, wondering if it was a misdelivered item from an online sale. Xu Huanshan, flustered, quickly suggested she might have forgotten purchasing them during a promotion. He dismissed her questions about Lin Youyou's intentions, attributing the WeChat exchange to mere customer service. Back at Wang Manni's office, as Jenny was preparing to leave for the day, their boss, Frank, arrived.
Upon learning about the new hire, he announced a welcome dinner for Maggie, insisting that Jenny also attend. At the dinner, colleagues celebrated Frank's leadership and then turned their attention to Maggie. They tested her drinking prowess, with one colleague suggesting that 60% of their business relied on drinking. Frank implicitly pressured Jenny to drink with Maggie, but Maggie boldly took the initiative, downing three full glasses of alcohol.
She declared her commitment to her new role, stating that the drinks were nothing compared to the challenges of debt collection. Her straightforwardness impressed Frank. Later, after the main gathering, Frank discreetly asked Maggie for gift ideas for "Director Wei's" upcoming birthday, hinting at her supposed connections with the CEO's office. Manni shrewdly deflected, reminding him that a true friend wouldn't have referred her to such a demanding role.
As they were leaving, Wang Manni noticed Jenny being awkwardly handled by a male colleague who seemed to be taking advantage of her drunken state. Manni swiftly intervened, faking a black belt in Karate to deter him and offering to take Jenny home, claiming they lived in the same direction. Jenny later confessed she had been faking her drunkenness and thanked Manni for rescuing her, acknowledging her genuine character.
The next morning, Jenny, now genuinely supportive, gave Manni a hangover remedy and advised her on navigating the tough world of debt collection. Meanwhile, Xu Huanshan's patience wore thin as Lin Youyou continued to pursue him. His mounting frustration boiled over at the company, leading him to lash out at his secretary when asked about a minor packaging decision, instructing them to handle such trivial matters without bothering him.
Sometime later, Lin Youyou, having seen Gu Jia's social media post about her son at a playground, deliberately went there. She "accidentally" encountered Gu Jia and Xu Ziyan. Lin Youyou immediately showed an unsettling familiarity with Xu Ziyan, complimenting him and giving him a Buzz Lightyear keychain. Gu Jia, while outwardly composed, recognized the keychain.
Her mind raced back to a memory of Xu Huanshan mentioning buying similar toys at a park previously, and she instantly understood Lin Youyou's calculated move. This realization left Gu Jia feeling deeply disturbed and increasingly suspicious. She abruptly left the playground and met with Wang Manni. A cryptic text she had sent just beforehand—"My friend left"—signaled that she had uncovered Lin Youyou's deception.
