Ordinary Glory Episode 29 Recap
> Ordinary Glory Recap
Lin Yuming confided in Sun Yiqiu about Ma Xiyuan, explaining that she had battled depression for many years, even if she appeared happy on the surface. Her illness had taken a final turn after her resignation. He pointed out that it had been five years since her passing, and every year on this particular day, Wu Kezhi would erupt in anger without explanation.
Sun Yiqiu probed if Wu Kezhi felt responsible, and Lin Yuming confirmed that Wu Kezhi blamed himself, feeling both guilty and furious, unable to forgive himself for what happened. Lin Yuming recounted how Wu Kezhi had a massive confrontation with Director Qu upon hearing the news of Ma Xiyuan’s death, as Director Qu had chosen to sacrifice her to protect the company’s reputation. From that point on, Wu Kezhi found it difficult to integrate within the company.
Trying to lighten the mood, Lin Yuming then asked Sun Yiqiu about his recent salary increase, but Sun Yiqiu remained silent, leaving Lin Yuming to wonder if he had said something inappropriate. Wu Kezhi later went to buy a cordyceps gift box, specifying it was for an elderly person. He then visited the old apartment of Ma Xiyuan’s mother.
A flashback revealed an earlier visit where Ma Xiyuan's mother had apologized to Wu Kezhi, explaining her daughter’s long battle with depression and how her time working under him was among her happiest. She expressed sorrow that her daughter had caused trouble in the end. Wu Kezhi, clearly distraught, had tried to apologize in return.
In the present, Wu Kezhi was informed by a neighbor that the old lady had moved away a long time ago and her current whereabouts were unknown, possibly not even alive. Meanwhile, Lan Qianyi was deep in thought in the stairwell. Manager Zhao and Manager Cui approached her, suggesting they help persuade Manager Ma about her role in the upcoming project.
They had earlier been overheard discussing Lan Qianyi’s past relationship with her boss at Youwei Capital, questioning her suitability for such an important project. Lan Qianyi, however, calmly stated that she was not being emotional but had carefully considered it and decided not to participate. Her colleagues also mentioned how she had spoken up for Chief Xu earlier, who was now in an even worse predicament.
Chief Xu was seen struggling with French phrases for the transnational project, repeating basic greetings with visible frustration while his colleagues made light of his difficulties. Shortly after, Lan Qianyi received a call on her mobile phone. Seeing "Youwei Capital" on the screen, she answered. A voice on the other end, Chen Zhan's, asked, "Qian Yi, is that you?"
She immediately stiffened and handed the phone to Manager Zhao, asking him to take the call, as it was "someone from Youwei Capital." Later, Hao Shuai apologized to Sun Yiqiu for a misunderstanding earlier that day regarding their salary increase, admitting he had not read the notice carefully. Sun Yiqiu accepted his apology, acknowledging that the incident, though unintentional, had made him acutely aware of his precarious situation.
Hao Shuai dismissed the idea of contract renewal being an issue for Sun Yiqiu, reasoning that if he could get into the company with just a high school diploma, staying on should be simple. He suggested Sun Yiqiu inquire at home, hinting that the person who helped him secure the job initially could also help him extend his contract. That evening, Sun Yiqiu returned home to find his mother and relatives having dinner. His relatives were praising his achievements.
His mother then revealed the true story behind his job, explaining she obtained it "from collecting trash." A flashback showed her, working as a hotel housekeeper, discovering an old man, Director Qu’s father, collapsed in a room. When Director Qu came to thank her with money, she refused. Impressed, Director Qu gave her his business card, offering any assistance she might need.
She later called him, asking him to secure a job for her son, explaining that after Sun Yiqiu stopped playing Go, he had taken on various part-time jobs, constantly working hard, and as a mother, she could only hope he would have a stable place to rest. Sun Yiqiu, listening to his mother's heartfelt confession, felt a mix of shame and a profound awakening.
He realized that despite his brief illusion of having something to rely on, he actually possessed nothing – no qualifications, experience, or connections. However, his time at King Capital had at least taught him one crucial lesson: he could always depend on himself to navigate life and achieve his goals without external expectations. Feeling reinvigorated, Sun Yiqiu returned to the company to work overtime. He found Wu Kezhi passed out drunk in the office.
Sun Yiqiu tried to console him, reminding him that Ma Xiyuan suffered from depression and her death wasn't his fault. But Wu Kezhi vehemently rejected this, stating, "Don't comment when you know nothing. . . It was my fault." He insisted he should have taken responsibility and believed that if he had taken one step forward, she wouldn't have died. Wu Kezhi then confessed his envy for Sun Yiqiu, who had yet to experience such profound regret.
He urged Sun Yiqiu to always make choices he would never regret, advising him to live with dignity and avoid any regrets. Still intoxicated, Wu Kezhi asked for more alcohol. Seizing the moment, Sun Yiqiu asked, "If I can get a project approved independently,. . . will the company renew their contract with me?" The next morning, Sun Yiqiu transformed into a workaholic, diligently reviewing project documents, much to Lin Yuming’s surprise after his gloomy demeanor the previous day.
Internally, Sun Yiqiu knew he was running out of time. Shortly after, Chief Huo from the Communications Division visited their office. He praised Sun Yiqiu’s capabilities, openly criticizing Wu Kezhi for not fully utilizing his talent and hinting at an offer to join his team. Wu Kezhi, still suffering from a hangover, had been napping at his desk. Lin Yuming later informed Wu Kezhi about Chief Huo’s visit, suspecting he was attempting to poach Sun Yiqiu.
Wu Kezhi immediately confronted Chief Huo, who initially denied it but eventually admitted he had considered recruiting Sun Yiqiu because his one-year contract with the company was nearing its expiration, and Wu Kezhi had shown no signs of retaining him. Back in their office, Sun Yiqiu approached Wu Kezhi, proposing to independently lead a project in an effort to secure his position and stay with the company. Wu Kezhi, after a moment of hesitation, agreed.
Lin Yuming and Ding Libo, overhearing this, were shocked to learn that Sun Yiqiu's contract was indeed only for one year and was close to expiring. Ding Libo pressed Wu Kezhi about what he had said to Sun Yiqiu the previous night, which had ignited such fierce determination. Wu Kezhi claimed he couldn't remember due to his drunken state. Both Lin Yuming and Ding Libo surmised that Wu Kezhi must have made a significant promise.
Ding Libo pointed out the extreme unlikelihood of a high school graduate with less than a year of experience successfully completing an independent project. Lin Yuming admonished Wu Kezhi for making such an irresponsible promise. Wu Kezhi denied it, but then a flashback revealed a similar conversation with Ma Xiyuan when her contract was expiring due to past illness.
Wu Kezhi had offered her a chance on a project, telling her that to break the rules, she needed extraordinary results, and the rest would depend on her hard work. Back in the present, Wu Kezhi questioned himself, pondering if he had indeed made another unrealistic promise to Sun Yiqiu. Elsewhere, Chief Xu continued his arduous French lessons, frustratingly repeating simple phrases for the project.
Lan Qianyi, still shaken from the call from Youwei Capital, requested Manager Zhao to handle any future communications from them. Manager Yin summoned Hao Shuai and another employee, informing them that a client meeting scheduled for Friday had been abruptly moved to tomorrow morning, demanding all necessary information be prepared immediately.
He specifically instructed Hao Shuai to complete the task that very night, warning him of job loss if it wasn't finished in time, leaving Hao Shuai with a heavy burden. Meanwhile, Sun Yiqiu had begun meeting with potential company founders. He left a note for Wu Kezhi indicating his intent to meet a founder and would be back later. Wu Kezhi, still bothered by his hangover and Sun Yiqiu's newfound resolve, appeared troubled.
Sun Yiqiu's initial progress was slow; he waited for hours for a scheduled 2 p. m. meeting with Director Zhou of Zhishang Tech, a rising star in consumer electronics. When he finally met Director Zhou, who had been meeting an "important client," the Director was visibly dismissive upon learning that Sun Yiqiu had come on his own accord and was not sent by Director Qu, questioning his authority to discuss a collaboration.
