Sniper Butterfly Episode 3 Recap
> Sniper Butterfly Recap
Cen Jin prepared to leave the restaurant, but Wu Fu quickly followed her, questioning her behavior and urging her not to let her emotions affect their business dealings, particularly offending a client. He criticized her, telling her to stop living in a bubble and reminding her that the world doesn't revolve around her. Upset, Cen Jin asked why he was so hurtful, bringing up her recent poor health and their continuous arguments despite their long relationship since college.
Wu Fu interrupted, acknowledging his pain from losing their child but swiftly shifting to his own exhaustion. He claimed that their marriage, where he felt he was never good enough and constantly had to manage her and her parents' emotions, had left him fed up and unable to continue. He expressed regret for not having left her sooner, believing he wouldn't have lost the child if he had, concluding there was no point in reconciliation.
Cen Jin walked home alone, dispirited. On the way, a cyclist accidentally bumped into her, scattering the fruit she was carrying across the ground, a poignant reflection of her shattered marriage. She arrived home feeling numb. Soon after, her father, Mr. Cen, arrived, bringing steamed dumplings from Cen Jin's mother and other food for Li Wu.
He advised Li Wu to eat while the food was hot and provided him with study materials, encouraging him to practice when he had time. Mr. Cen then took Cen Jin aside to discuss Li Wu's studies and her own marital issues. He informed her that he had arranged for Li Wu to enroll in Mr. Qi's prestigious repeat-year program in Yi City, which boasted the best educational resources and would assist with transfer procedures, including obtaining his student record.
Mr. Cen noted that since Li Wu had already graduated from high school, the process would be simpler, and he asked Cen Jin to take Li Wu to the school the day after tomorrow so he could get accustomed to the environment, emphasizing the importance of not delaying his studies if he proved capable. He also gently reminded Cen Jin to prioritize her health, especially with her return to work imminent.
Cen Jin then confided in her father that she and Wu Fu were likely heading for a divorce. She explained that she now realized their problems were deep-seated and long-standing, only becoming evident after the loss of their child. Wu Fu’s accumulated resentment had erupted, culminating in his desire for a divorce. Cen Jin admitted her struggle to accept a future without him, feeling lost and unsure of what to do.
Mr. Cen offered his wisdom, explaining that all marriages face conflicts and that happiness is a result of mutual effort, acceptance of differences, and a shared commitment to move forward. He asked Cen Jin if she still wished to continue her marriage with Wu Fu. Tearfully, she responded that Wu Fu had already asked for a divorce, leaving her with no choice.
Mr. Cen acknowledged that he could not solve her marital problems, as it was a decision for both parties. However, he urged her not to doubt herself, stating that just as one can change an unsatisfying job or end a painful marriage, the important thing is the courage to choose and to take responsibility for that choice.
He encouraged her to try and work things out if there was a possibility, but if not, there was no need for prolonged mutual suffering. He advised her to consider the decision carefully, as divorce is not a minor matter, and reassured her that no matter the outcome, her mother and he would always be there for her. Before leaving, Mr. Cen suggested that Li Wu stay at their house for tutoring, given the current inconvenience.
However, Cen Jin declined, citing her mother's ongoing anger and the fact that Li Wu would soon be moving into the school dormitory anyway. Mr. Cen then reminded her to call her mother, assuring her that despite her mother's sometimes harsh words, she meant well and only worried about Cen Jin's well-being. The narrative then fast-forwarded to 2024.
At Shengcan company, Cen Jin presented their refined proposal, emphasizing the slogan "The Future Has Arrived," which she believed resonated with their brand concept. However, Li Wu, now a client, immediately raised questions. He inquired if the field research data was based on outdated online statistics, suggesting it might compromise the proposal's feasibility. Cen Jin clarified that the data, particularly concerning nursing homes, was derived from recent on-site visits conducted by their team.
Li Wu then pressed further, asking if the product's full applicability could be adequately demonstrated with such limited data scenarios. Cen Jin assured him that, given sufficient time, they would expand the data demonstration beyond single scenarios like nursing homes. Cheng Rui, another client, expressed overall satisfaction with the proposal, acknowledging the tight deadline, but suggested further refinements. Li Wu then interjected, proposing that they highlight "computing power" as the core of their system.
Cen Jin countered that such technical terms were generally unfamiliar to users and would not effectively grab immediate attention in advertising. Cheng Rui ultimately concluded the discussion, agreeing to proceed with the current plan and anticipating the next version, effectively curtailing further debate. Later that day, on their way home, Li Wu accidentally "tapped" Cen Jin’s WeChat profile. Cen Jin, noticing the notification, responded in their project group chat.
Soon after, Cen Jin received a call from her friend Chun Chang, who invited her for dinner and suggested she try new items at her shop. Cen Jin, currently working late, cited exhaustion and lack of time. When Chun Chang inquired who was keeping her so busy, Cen Jin revealed it was Li Wu, a partner at their client's AI environmental technology company.
Chun Chang immediately suspected that Li Wu was deliberately trying to get close to Cen Jin and offered to come over. Cen Jin, overwhelmed, dismissed the idea, stating she had no energy for such thoughts and simply wanted to finish her work. Chun Chang agreed to call back later to "gossip" when Cen Jin was free. The next morning, Li Wu convened a meeting at nine o'clock.
His assistant grumbled about the early start, noting that Li Wu had a lab visit at eleven and his colleague had an afternoon meeting, making the morning their only available slot. The assistant jokingly remarked on Li Wu's "heartlessness" and ordered coffee for everyone, paid for by Li Wu. Cen Jin acknowledged the challenging schedule, stating it was normal for project work.
As Cen Jin concluded her presentation and prepared for the contract signing, Yi, another partner from Tongchen, abruptly entered the room, interrupting the meeting. Cen Jin, sensing potential complications, instructed her assistant, Lu Tong, to return to Shengcan while she remained to follow up. Yi questioned the necessity of hiring a professional planner and investing in system upgrades and promotion, arguing that their current system was sufficient for market demand and that funds were tight.
Li Wu countered that he had long envisioned improvements to their system, believing that an upgrade would secure a larger market, as technology and business were interdependent. Yi remained unconvinced, asserting that new and advanced technology did not necessarily equate to market demand. An assistant then escorted Cen Jin to Li Wu's office to wait. There, Cen Jin noticed the pen she had once given him on his desk and numerous old startup photos in a display case.
When Li Wu returned, Cen Jin attempted to inquire about the photos, complimenting his achievements. However, he quickly put them away, preventing her from seeing the small, hidden photos of them together on the back of each frame. Cen Jin then expressed her concern to Li Wu, asking if he harbored any resentment towards her, fearing her presence was hindering the project's progress, and even offering to step down if necessary.
Li Wu dismissed her concerns, telling her she was overthinking things. He added philosophically that effort doesn't always guarantee a return, implying some things were beyond their control. Back at Shengcan, Cen Jin explained her concerns to Shen, the general manager, feeling that her involvement might be an obstacle. Shen, adhering to the company's motto of "always look on the bright side," reassured Cen Jin.
She suggested that since her own previous project had just concluded, she could take over as the lead for the Tongchen project, with Cen Jin providing support, thereby ensuring their efforts would not be wasted. Just then, an assistant excitedly announced that Tongchen had sent the contract and it was ready for signing, pending legal approval. Shen, noting Cen Jin's earlier "worrying over nothing," told her to get back to work.
She then confirmed the contract looked fine and expressed gratitude to Tongchen's representative, confirming Shengcan was ready to sign. Li Wu, having finished his system debugging, rushed into the meeting room with anticipation. He was visibly crestfallen to find Cen Jin absent, as Shen informed him that she would be taking full charge of the project moving forward. They exchanged pleasantries about future cooperation. After the contract signing, Li Wu, having consumed alcohol, waited downstairs for Cen Jin.
Cen Jin was dropped off at her building by a man, whom she briefly thanked before he drove off. Li Wu then confronted her, questioning why she was there. He challenged her withdrawal from the project and accused her of always making decisions to leave or stay without consulting him, asserting she was "still the same after so many years," unilaterally deciding everything and never giving others a chance.
Cen Jin, noting he was drunk, urged him to go home and discuss work when he was sober. Li Wu pressed on, asking if she truly didn't want to see him. He expressed his frustration that he, as the project leader, was not consulted about the change in responsibility, asking if he was "that insignificant." He then forcefully kissed Cen Jin, who struggled to break free. She reiterated that they should talk about work when he was sober.
Li Wu, hurt, then commented that she "hasn't been lonely these past years" and that he expected a different answer, implying his past actions and their shared history had had no effect on her. Sleepless that night, Li Wu's thoughts drifted back eight years to his initial enrollment.
Cen Jin, having helped him gather his test papers (initially advising him to only bring high scores but then telling him to bring all, good or bad, for authenticity), escorted him to Yingcai High School. On the way, she prepared him for the interview with Mr. Qi, a renowned math teacher and Olympiad champion trainer. She advised him to be confident and suggested that, to make a good impression, he should tell Mr. Qi that he "really liked math."
Upon meeting Mr. Qi, Cen Jin introduced Li Wu, flattering Mr. Qi about his reputation. Mr. Qi acknowledged Li Wu's situation, assuring them that despite lacking NCEE scores (a rare but not unheard-of situation), his past grades ensured admission to Yingcai High School's top-ranked repeat-year program.
He explained that students were typically assigned to either the "Rocket Class" or "Talent Class" based on NCEE results, but Li Wu would take a placement test the following Monday after completing admission and dormitory procedures. Mr. Qi asked if Li Wu, having missed school due to work, would be able to keep up. Li Wu pledged to try his best.
When Mr. Qi inquired about his math, Li Wu initially said "average" but then, remembering Cen Jin's advice, confidently added that he "really liked math" and "would work hard." Cen Jin playfully scolded him for being reticent with her earlier. She then decided to take him shopping for clothes, explaining that she wanted him to avoid unnecessary attention or comments due to his attire at school, considering it a welcome gift.
At the clothing store, Cen Jin helped Li Wu pick out basic outfits, despite his initial reluctance, and he constantly glanced at the price tags, feeling embarrassed by his perceived lack of money, a detail Cen Jin seemed to overlook. While Li Wu was trying on clothes, Cen Jin took a call from Chun Chang, who asked about her parents. Cen Jin said they had calmed down, but she still felt "hurt."
Chun Chang offered to treat her to dinner as a comfort, and Cen Jin agreed to bring Li Wu. The shop assistant helped Li Wu try on clothes, praising how "trendy" he looked in a new outfit Cen Jin had picked. Cen Jin then suggested buying shoes, and Li Wu, who wore size 44, tried on a size 43 offered by the assistant due to stock issues.
When it didn't fit, Cen Jin arranged for the correct size to be shipped later and paid for the clothes, telling Li Wu to wear his new shirt for now. Later, they met Chun Chang for dinner. Chun Chang immediately complimented Li Wu's handsome appearance, introducing herself and inviting him to call her "Chun Chang."
She then asked Cen Jin how she was doing, jokingly wondering if she'd been too upset to eat or sleep, and Cen Jin assured her she was fine. Chun Chang advised Cen Jin to eat more to improve her immunity. Chun Chang offered Cen Jin a lawyer friend's contact, which Cen Jin declined, stating she could handle her current situation.
Chun Chang then asked Cen Jin about her mother's recent visit, and Cen Jin revealed it was for another matchmaking attempt for Chun Chang, who expressed her fear of marriage, jokingly calling Cen Jin her "warning example." Chun Chang continued to tease Li Wu, admiring his blushing face, saying he was "cute" and "a feast for the eyes." Suddenly, Li Wu's face turned very red. Cen Jin and Chun Chang quickly realized he was unwell after seeing him eat crab. They immediately called for the bill and rushed Li Wu to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a seafood allergy, fortunately caught in time before serious complications.
