Smile to Life Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
> Smile to Life Recap
Zhan Zhilin confronted Gu Jiayi, accusing her of targeting Xu Duocheng. Gu Jiayi acknowledged this, noting how the "unremarkable" Xu Duocheng had become "the biggest winner," captivating Jiang Nan and even Zhan Zhilin. Zhan Zhilin warned Gu Jiayi not to assume she was safe because of Liang Zhe, threatening to make her understand what pain was. Gu Jiayi feigned ignorance, but Zhan Zhilin dismissed her, having already settled their bill.
The XS team faced a crisis as Jiang Nan garnered overwhelming public support for his devotion to Xu Duocheng. His withdrawal statement and Bao Rui's termination notice solidified his decision. Alex, from XS, attempted to meet with Bao Rui, who initially claimed to be swamped with another call to President Chen, a falsehood soon revealed. During their meeting, Bao Rui asserted that exposing Xu Duocheng’s illness had deeply affected Jiang Nan, making him resolute in not competing.
When Alex threatened Jiang Nan with a substantial penalty for breach of contract, Bao Rui, confident in Jiang Nan's widespread popularity, dismissed the threat, suggesting that XS stood to lose more by suing. Immediately after Alex left, Bao Rui called President Chen, confirming his earlier lie. Alex then received a furious call from the Station Director, who lambasted him for the public outcry against their show.
Advertisers were threatening fraud, and a public boycott of the finals was growing, fueled by accusations of exploiting a sick person for ratings. The Station Director delivered an ultimatum: if Jiang Nan did not compete, Alex would be fired. Liang Zhe arranged a meeting for Gu Jiayi with President Huang of FT Real Estate, which Gu Jiayi realized was not the "gathering" she was promised.
After she was assaulted during the encounter and attempted to call the police, Liang Zhe intervened, warning her against creating a public scandal that would ruin her career, just as he had "taken down" Jiang Nan. Gu Jiayi confronted him, realizing he was behind Jiang Nan's past downfall. Liang Zhe smugly admitted orchestrating Jiang Nan's ruin and even arranging the assault on her assistant to cover evidence.
He cruelly informed Gu Jiayi that, to Jiang Nan, she was nothing more than a "scumbag" for abandoning him during his lowest point. Jiang Nan comforted Xu Duocheng, urging her not to let the negative news affect her. Xu Duocheng proposed forgoing a grand wedding, explaining that a lavish ceremony was merely for guests, and she preferred to cherish their private, everyday moments. She also worried about her parents, who had just begun to accept her condition.
Jiang Nan agreed to honor her wishes, expressing that simply being with her was his greatest happiness, a sentiment she reciprocated. Later, while Xu Duocheng struggled to cut onions due to her worsening condition, Jiang Nan gently took the knife, noticing her tears, which she blamed on the onions. He playfully reminded her of his culinary skills, learned from her father, and chided her for picking onions to cut.
An online video exposed Gu Jiayi’s assistant for framing He Jia Huan in the past allergy incident, prompting Gu Jiayi to announce her retirement from the entertainment industry on Weibo. This news brought immense relief to Xu Daqiang, allowing He Jia Huan to reopen for business. He expressed hope that they could earn more money for Xu Duocheng's treatment.
Meanwhile, Qin Shan received an anonymous email containing incriminating evidence of Liang Zhe's illegal fundraising scheme, involving a collapsed "Steel Haven long-term rental apartment" project where a relative was used as a scapegoat. Her colleagues speculated that Gu Jiayi, who had just retired, must be the anonymous informant, especially since Liang Zhe was responsible for exposing the video of Gu Jiayi’s assistant, indicating their public feud. Qin Shan decided to use her gathered evidence to finally hold Liang Zhe accountable.
With Liang Zhe’s arrest, Qiqi, having lost her influential backer, resigned and quietly left the company, a move met with satisfaction by her former colleagues. Qin Shan returned to her unit, receiving a warm welcome. She announced a team-building trip to Sanya, promising a seven-day island getaway, with an extra spot for a family member, if the team achieved top three in performance this month. Bao Rui then approached Qin Shan with flowers, intending to propose.
Qin Shan, sensing his hesitation, gave him a ticket for the trip, subtly including him as her "family member." Later, at a celebratory dinner, colleagues teased the pair about their blossoming relationship, noting Bao Rui’s caring gestures toward Qin Shan. Qin Shan, in high spirits, also promoted Keqin, who had managed effectively during her absence, jokingly admonishing her before granting the promotion.
The team also discussed keeping the "explosive news" of Gu Jiayi and Liang Zhe's mutual exposure confidential for a strategic release. Keqin congratulated Xu Duocheng on her happiness with Jiang Nan, but Xu Duocheng encouraged Keqin to find her own happiness with Zhu Linfeng. Later, Keqin received a message from her "ideal type" suggesting a meeting at Yingyue Lake Park.
At the park, Zhu Linfeng, wearing a mask, explained he felt like a "virtual person" to her and was there to say goodbye as he planned to emigrate, implying there was no future for them. However, Keqin revealed she already knew he was Zhu Linfeng, listing his online posts that mirrored her specific interests, from Modigliani paintings to William Russell and the aurora in Iceland.
She playfully confronted him, calling him "Zhu Xiaopang," and after a brief chase where she removed his mask, he confessed to his deception. He explained he wanted to show her a different side of himself, fearing she would "hate him even more" if she knew his true identity. After calling him "really annoying," Keqin unexpectedly leaned in and kissed him, confirming their mutual affection.
Jiang Nan informed Bao Rui of his decision to sell his current home and buy a new one, as its existing design, which he had personally overseen, was no longer suitable for Xu Duocheng’s deteriorating health. He highlighted the need for wide circulation spaces, non-slip flooring, and enhanced privacy, along with a garden and lawn for her to enjoy.
He also requested that the new home be close to He Jia Huan for her parents and within a 20-minute drive of a hospital, adding that Xu Duocheng would love a dog if possible. Although Bao Rui initially found these requirements daunting, Jiang Nan persuaded him by offering all his future contracts to Bao Rui, a deal Bao Rui readily accepted. After officially registering their marriage, Jiang Nan surprised Xu Duocheng by taking her to their new home.
Xu Duocheng was deeply touched to find that every aspect of the house was thoughtfully designed to accommodate her future needs, and the rooms were filled with cherished mementos and photographs chronicling their journey, including their sheet music displayed prominently as a love token. Jiang Nan presented her with a potted orange sapling for their garden, explaining he had researched its care, and pledged to be by her side always.
Xu Duocheng reflected on her life, realizing that while she faced extreme misfortune, she also experienced extraordinary luck by meeting Jiang Nan. She resolved to fight for every moment with him, believing that even if she eventually lost her ability to speak or move, her smile directed at him would be the purest expression of her love.
