Nothing But Thirty Episode 43 (Ending) Recap
> Nothing But Thirty Recap
Zhong Xiaoqin held a book launch and sharing event for her new novel, "The Many Shapes of the Cloud," accompanied by Chen Yu, who had helped her choose an outfit for the occasion. Chen Yu complimented her new writerly look. At the event, a reporter asked if the novel was based on her personal experiences and if she had any thoughts on its ending, which featured a remarriage.
Zhong Xiaoqin responded that genuine emotions are more powerful than actual experiences, acknowledging that she felt she didn't have her own story until she turned thirty, when her life changed dramatically, inspiring her to write. She expressed hope that readers would find her story relatable and be proactive in creating their own happiness, understanding that while marriage might seem like putting two different fish in a tank, a loving partner and a warm home provide courage.
Afterwards, Chen Yu joked that he would return to being an editor for two years and would have to rely on his charisma to keep her, as she was bound to make more money than him. Wang Manni continued her work as a debt collector, becoming more adept at the job. During her final assignment, she confronted a man, Mr. Ni, who owed Zhisheng Electronics payment.
Despite his attempts to evade her, even calling the police claiming harassment, Wang Manni calmly explained to the arriving officers that it was a financial dispute. After the police left, she told Mr. Ni that her department had many specialists who could visit daily to "chat and reason" with him. When he insisted he had no money, Wang Manni produced his son's social media posts, which clearly showed extravagant trips, proving his family's financial capability.
She later told her colleague, Jenny, that she had been studying lines and actions from debt collection and gangster films to cultivate a formidable presence. This task was her last one, and she bid Jenny goodbye. Later, Mr. Wei met with Wang Manni for dinner. She presented him with a record of her completed tasks and collected debts from the past three months.
As per their agreement, he offered her the position of Mishil's store manager or a sales executive role at Zhisheng. Wang Manni declined both, explaining she wouldn't be returning to the company and wanted to study abroad. She explained that while she once believed staying in Shanghai offered endless possibilities, her debt collection experience showed her how little of the world she had seen.
She felt she had been too quick to define her path and no longer wanted to restrict herself, desiring instead to explore more and see if her life held other possibilities. Impressed by her determination, Mr. Wei offered to cover her tuition, asking her to return to his company after graduation. Wang Manni politely refused, stating that her commissions, approximately 100,000 yuan, were sufficient for her tuition, and she planned to work part-time for living expenses while abroad.
She expressed deep gratitude to Mr. Wei, calling him her benefactor for giving her the opportunity that bolstered her confidence, but insisted on forging her own path without further financial aid. Mr. Wei respected her decision, acknowledging that their contract had concluded. Gu Jia made preparations to close her fireworks company. Chen Xu helped her finalize the last remaining matters, including handling the car, and prepared to leave for Guangzhou to start a project with friends.
Gu Jia sincerely thanked him for his help over the past two years. Chen Xu humorously replied that he should thank her, as meeting her had given him a clear standard for finding a wife. Afterwards, Gu Jia baked a cake and visited Mrs. Wang in her penthouse apartment to bid farewell before selling her own large home. Mrs. Wang expressed her sadness about the situation and her appreciation for Gu Jia's cakes and character.
Gu Jia reflected that her time living in the luxury apartment felt like a dream she had now awakened from, and she was ready to resolve her current issues and start anew. As Gu Jia gazed at the "Water Lilies" painting, Mrs. Wang confided that it was a forgery, purchased merely for appearances. The village head from the tea farm, having heard about Gu Jia's difficulties, traveled to Shanghai to see her.
He brought a plastic bag containing 13,756 yuan in small bills, collected by the villagers. He explained that while the amount was small compared to her problems, it represented the collective support of everyone who cared for her. He noted that thanks to Gu Jia, the tea factory was now thriving, enabling the villagers to contribute. Deeply moved, Gu Jia initially tried to refuse but ultimately accepted, asking him to convey her thanks to everyone.
The village head reassured her not to worry about the tea factory, promising they would continue to care for the tea plants as she had instructed. Gu Jia then withdrew her son, Zi Yan, from his kindergarten. She thanked his teachers for their care and informed them they were moving to another city.
When Zi Yan asked if his father would join them, Gu Jia explained that his dad was on a long business trip and would be away for some time, but would return eventually. Zi Yan then asked if he could call his dad frequently during his trip. Gu Jia later visited Xu Huanshan in prison. Noting his unshaved beard and disheveled appearance, she gently urged him to take better care of himself.
She reassured him that their parents were healthy and Zi Yan missed him, but Xu Huanshan declined a video call, feeling his current state was "unsightly." He expressed regret that she had to bear all the responsibilities alone. Gu Jia informed him that the company had been shut down and employee severance payments were settled, with the house sale and tea factory earnings providing enough for her and Zi Yan's living expenses.
She encouraged him to behave well and strive for a reduced sentence. When Xu Huanshan worried about his future after release, Gu Jia reminded him of his talent as a fireworks designer, advising him to view his time in prison as a period of "closed-door training" for a new beginning. She also reflected on their marriage, acknowledging her own mistakes and stating that it wasn't solely his fault that they had reached this point.
After a moment of silence, Xu Huanshan looked at her and quietly suggested they divorce, stating he would have his lawyer draft a new agreement for her to sign. Overcome with emotion, Gu Jia began to cry as he ended the call. After leaving the prison, Gu Jia was met by Wang Manni and Zhong Xiaoqin.
As the three friends linked arms and walked, Gu Jia reflected on a proverb, "The butterfly flew over the mountain gate, the canoe crossed the mountain peaks," signifying that they had all moved forward independently. The trio then went to a bar. Wang Manni shared her plans to study abroad, having chosen a design school in Edinburgh for a two-year buyer and marketing course. She aimed to start in spring after a language course and an interview.
She expressed that she never had the opportunity or means to study when she was younger, but now, with the money she earned and newfound courage, and no familial or career hindrances, it was the perfect time. She wanted to see the world and explore other possibilities for her life. Gu Jia and Zhong Xiaoqin expressed their support and admiration for her courage, with Gu Jia emphasizing that age should not be an obstacle.
While at the bar, Gu Jia noticed Liang Zhengxian. Wang Manni decided to approach him. She acknowledged her initial hesitation to greet him. Liang Zhengxian remarked on her changed demeanor and shared that he had broken up with Zhao Jingyu and would be based in Shanghai. He offered to buy her a drink, but Wang Manni politely declined, stating her "taste has changed."
He then brought up seeing the northern lights in Iceland and suggested they travel the world to see them together. Wang Manni smiled, noting that he hadn't changed at all. While she still wished to see the world, she now preferred to do so alone. She wished him well and walked away. Wang Manni later visited Jiang Chen's coffee shop. A female staff member, holding Jiang Chen's arm, happily announced that they had gotten their wedding certificates the day before.
Wang Manni warmly congratulated them and promised to attend their wedding. As she left, Jiang Chen chased after her with a can of his special coffee, explaining he added dried figs to the roast. Wang Manni, still smiling, declined the coffee, saying she was leaving the city soon, but reiterated her promise to be there for his wedding. Chen Yu and Zhong Xiaoqin went to see off Chen Xu, who was leaving for another city.
Zhong Xiaoqin observed that despite their banter, the brothers clearly cared deeply for each other. On their way back, Zhong Xiaoqin excitedly told Chen Yu that she was pregnant, playfully referring to their baby as "Xiao Dao" (little island). Overjoyed, Chen Yu immediately picked her up in a celebratory embrace. Gu Jia's "Kongshan Tea" gained recognition, winning the "Product of the Year with the Most Potential" award.
She expressed her commitment to combining business with public welfare and sharing the story of the mountain community. Later, Gu Jia, her father, and Zi Yan returned to the tea farm, bringing many toys and books for the local children. The villagers greeted them warmly. Gu Jia discussed her future with her father, deciding to live at the tea farm and dedicate herself to its operation until Zi Yan started elementary school.
Her father revealed he had already canceled his retirement home booking and planned to live with them at the tea farm in two side rooms in the yard, enjoying what he called the "wonderful life that people of old dreamt of" in the beautiful mountains. Zhong Xiaoqin's narration concluded the episode, reflecting that while embarking on a new life alone, one often carries the memory of past trivialities.
She shared that turning thirty might feel like a piece of youth has been stolen, but it ultimately brings invaluable experience and the drive to pursue a better future. She emphasized that no age should define one's pace or stopping point in life, and wished all women the courage to embrace their "Nothing But Thirty" journey.
