Something Just Like This Recap, Plot, Synopsis

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Something Just Like This Synopsis

Qian Xixi, whose parents are divorced, grew up in the home of Duan Ran, a wealthy young man.

They grew up together as childhood sweethearts, but their personalities are very different because of their different family backgrounds.

By mistake, Qian Xixi comes into the E-commerce live streaming industry, while Duan Ran believes that the E-commerce live streaming industry will be the next economic hotspot. After working hard, he acquires the anchor company and becomes Qian Xixi's new boss.

After entering the industry, the arrogant Duan Ran discovers that the industry is far more complex than he could have imagined.

Qian Xixi is fully committed to the wave of Internet entrepreneurship but meets the superstar Jiang Zheyang, her classmate in high school, unexpectedly.

With the efforts of Qian Xixi, Jiang Zheyang saves Duan Ran's company.

At the same time, Duan Ran and Qian Xixi encounter many difficulties and challenges in their careers while being bound together in a relationship.

He grows up in the midst of adversity and eventually finds true love while realizing his own "Chinese dream".

Something Just Like This Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

Duan Ran, son of retail magnate Duan Shengyun, returned to China after three years of overseas study. His father hoped he would return to QE, their family's company, and learn from Qian Xixi. However, Duan Ran declined, calling QE a "sunset industry" and expressing disdain for Qian Xixi's reliance on his father's investments, even though she worked at his father's live streaming company.

His father then revealed that Qian Xixi didn't know the company was his investment when she applied, secured her position purely on merit, and was now a popular streamer and director. Qian Xixi, whose parents divorced when she was young and whose mother died unexpectedly when she was in primary school, had won Duan Ran’s mother’s heart with her tears, becoming a permanent member of their household.

Known for her independent and strong-willed nature, and dubbed a "desperate third sister" for her relentless work ethic, Qian Xixi meticulously paid her share of household expenses, even though she lived with the Duans, striving to avoid being looked down upon as someone living under others' roof. She had resigned from QE to further carve her own path, joining an e-commerce live streaming company where she quickly became a popular streamer and director, showcasing impressive sales capabilities.

Still unconvinced by his father's praise for Qian Xixi, Duan Ran visited the e-commerce live streaming company. Chen Lang, the company's director, welcomed him and provided a tour, explaining the rapid growth of the live streaming e-commerce industry, which evolved from a "wasteland" before 2015 to a "street market" in 2017, becoming a "regular army" (formal industry) by 2018.

Chen Lang highlighted that among their 52 streamers, many were top salespeople he personally recruited from major retail counters, valuing their strong communication skills, experience, approachable image, and diligence. As Duan Ran observed the bustling live stream rooms, he playfully questioned if Qian Xixi fit the "easy-going" type, to which Chen Lang responded she was more of the "hardworking type." Duan Ran then witnessed Qian Xixi in action during the final day of the spring-summer special.

Her performance was outstanding; she surpassed her own record by achieving 50,000 in sales within 30 minutes, well on her way to meeting the two-million-yuan target for the day. Impressed, Chen Lang immediately instructed his staff to promote her live stream to the homepage. Witnessing Qian Xixi’s success, and seeing her mischievous, provocative smile from the live stream, Duan Ran felt a familiar wave of annoyance and grievance.

He recounted how, on his very first morning back home after three years abroad, he discovered Qian Xixi had encroached upon his personal space, claiming his room, closet, towels, and even his hats and car as her own dedicated items. He felt his parents seemed to prioritize her over him, treating her with more affection than their own son.

They constantly held his adoptive sister up as an example of self-reliance, instructing him to learn from her, despite his own achievement of securing a full scholarship while studying abroad, which they seemed to overlook. He perceived her presence as that of "the dove occupying the magpie's nest." After her live stream, Qian Xixi prepared to meet a client (Mr Wu of Pineapple Xpress), but Duan Ran shamelessly insisted on taking her to lunch, even tugging at her hair.

She expressed her frustration, explaining she had spent the entire morning brainstorming ways to sell a difficult denim jacket and had no time to check her phone, let alone eat. She revealed that she had already met with a client twice without success and had a crucial third meeting that afternoon. Duan Ran, undeterred, continued his persistence.

During their conversation, he challenged her company's low-end product strategy, arguing that selling only "dozens of yuan" items and relying on high volume would lower a brand's prestige. He suggested that if they couldn't provide "added value" to a brand like Pineapple Xpress, that brand wouldn't want to collaborate with them. Eventually, he offered to drive her to her appointment in his sports car.

As Duan Ran dropped Qian Xixi off at her meeting, he unexpectedly demanded his car keys back, revealing that the one she possessed was merely a spare. He asserted that he was reclaiming the "baby's" usage rights, leaving Qian Xixi furious and shouting "liar!" as he sped away, accusing him of breaking his promise. Later, Qian Xixi recounted the car incident and her frustrations to her friend, Zhang Jiayun.

Qian Xixi confided that her earlier meetings with Mr Wu of Pineapple Xpress, arranged by Zhang Jiayun, had been unsuccessful. Zhang Jiayun, observing the dynamic between Qian Xixi and Duan Ran, questioned if their relationship was truly just sibling-like. Qian Xixi vehemently asserted they were only siblings, explaining that even Duan Ran's parents, Mr Duan and Zhou Yi, consistently regarded her merely as his younger sister.

She added that having benefited from their hospitality and lived in their home for so many years, it would be morally wrong for her to harbor romantic feelings for their only son. Their conversation was abruptly cut short when they spotted Zhang Jiayun's boyfriend, Chen Lang, approaching, causing them to quickly hide. Meanwhile, Chen Lang at the office continued to discuss Duan Ran’s visit with his secretary.

He worried that Duan Ran's refusal to join QE, combined with his presence at the e-commerce company, suggested he might be eyeing Chen Lang’s position. The secretary, however, believed Duan Ran's visit was primarily for Qian Xixi, noting their interactions seemed more akin to a romantic couple than siblings.

Duan Ran, after leaving Qian Xixi, took his sports car to a 4S shop for a thorough cleaning and inspection, instructing staff to remove and discard any small ornaments from the front seat, lamenting the car had been "trashed" by Qian Xixi's usage. Later, he encountered Qian Xixi acting furtively, seemingly tracking someone. His sudden appearance caused her to lose sight of the person, leading to another lively dispute between them.

Duan Ran once more urged Qian Xixi to have dinner with him. She was preoccupied with perplexing financial calculations, still struggling to articulate the "value" proposition to clients like Mr Wu. Recognizing her difficulty, Duan Ran, in a few succinct sentences, clarified the concepts of value, investment return rate (ROI), and the necessity of using a "value proposal" when dealing with companies like Pineapple Xpress, in contrast to simply focusing on price-performance ratios.

Impressed by his insights, Qian Xixi agreed to dinner, hoping to glean more knowledge. Elsewhere, Chen Lang, still anxious about Duan Ran's intentions, secretly sought out Mr Shen to inquire about Duan Ran's future. Mr Shen informed him that while Duan Shengyun wished for Duan Ran to join QE, he would not object if his son chose to carve his own path in the e-commerce sector, a revelation that further unsettled Chen Lang.

Later, Qian Xixi presented Duan Ran with her projected ROI calculations for Pineapple Xpress, based on his earlier guidance. She estimated a gross profit of 1. 56 million yuan and a sales revenue of 5. 2 million yuan from a 100,000-yuan investment. Duan Ran dismissed her figures as mere estimations, emphasizing the necessity of a statistical analysis table based on past sales to accurately demonstrate profit potential.

He cautioned her against making overly ambitious projections, repeatedly telling her, "Don't make it too big. Silly." Undeterred by his warning, Qian Xixi confidently declared her intention to confront Mr Wu the following day, fearless of the outcome. The next day, Qian Xixi found Mr Wu rushing to a meeting. Unyielding, she pursued him into the men's restroom to pitch her proposal. There, she presented her detailed plan, reiterating that a 100,000-yuan investment would yield 1.

56 million in gross profit and 5. 2 million in sales revenue. To solidify her commitment, she boldly pledged to clean the men's restroom for a day for every 10,000 yuan she fell short of the target. Impressed by her determination, Mr Wu agreed to sign the contract, provided she included her pledge in the agreement. Upon successfully signing the contract, Qian Xixi excitedly called Duan Ran to celebrate, inviting him to dinner and proudly displaying the signed document.

Duan Ran, however, was aghast at the ambitious figures, especially the 5. 2 million sales target, declaring it impossible and telling her to prepare for half a year of cleaning toilets. Overwhelmed, Qian Xixi burst into tears, hysterically begging him for help and crying even louder when he initially refused. Fearing public embarrassment, Duan Ran quickly relented and promised his assistance.

Immediately, Qian Xixi's tears ceased, a smile broke across her face, and she cheerfully raised her glass to drink with him. Duan Ran initially planned to scold her for her reckless and carefree attitude after signing such a monumental contract. However, as Qian Xixi passionately elaborated on the workings of the e-commerce industry, he began to realize that achieving the sales target for her company might not be as impossible as he first thought. He decided to fully commit himself to helping her. The following morning, Duan Ran and Qian Xixi arrived at their company, only to find it completely deserted.

Episode 2 Recap

Qian Xixi and Duan Ran arrived at the company to find it completely empty. Searching the offices, they couldn't locate any staff, nor could they reach anyone by phone. Meanwhile, Chen Lang, who had gathered all the staff on a beach for a supposed "team building" event, called Duan Shengyun, threatening to halt the Pineapple Xpress live broadcast if Duan Shengyun did not transfer 80% of Rui's e-commerce shares back to him.

Chen Lang accused Duan Shengyun of promising to nurture his company only to hand it over to his son, Duan Ran, once he returned from abroad. Duan Shengyun staunchly refused, asserting that Rui was QE Group's asset. He admonished Chen Lang for acting shamelessly and attempting to exploit QE's vulnerable position. Chen Lang, however, retorted that he learned such tactics from Duan Shengyun himself.

Qian Xixi managed to get through to Chen Lang, criticizing him for disrupting the crucial live broadcast. Chen Lang claimed he understood Duan Ran's true intentions for visiting the company, viewing Duan Ran sitting in his chair as an act of provocation and an attempt to seize his company just because he was Duan Shengyun's son, despite Chen Lang's deep emotional and professional investment.

Qian Xixi proposed recruiting new broadcasters from Duan Ran's network to handle the stream, but Yu Shi, the company's treasurer whom Chen Lang had left behind, informed them that Chen Lang had also taken all the products. Yu Shi, who Chen Lang always disdained as Duan Shengyun's assigned treasurer, explained that Chen Lang had confiscated everyone's phones under the guise of "commercial confidentiality" during a company activity.

Duan Ran and Qian Xixi found Chen Lang's social media post showing professional diving instructors, which led them to deduce that the staff were in Sanya. Yu Shi then helped them retrieve booking records by calling a booking company, confirming a flight to Sanya Phoenix International Airport. Qian Xixi and Duan Ran immediately booked tickets to Sanya, leaving Yu Shi to hold down the fort at the office.

En route, Qian Xixi described Chen Lang as a formidable and complex individual who had sacrificed everything, even selling his house, to start Rui. Yuan Yuan overheard Chen Lang's phone conversation and realized the broadcast was not canceled, prompting her to ask Chen Lang what was happening. Chen Lang confided in her, expressing his trust and assuring her that as long as he remained in the industry, she would always be his company's top broadcaster.

He urged her to keep their conversation a secret from the other staff. Separately, Duan Shengyun advised Duan Ran to collaborate closely with Qian Xixi, cautioning that Chen Lang was a meticulous and challenging opponent. Duan Ran vowed to find Chen Lang, while Qian Xixi worried that even if they found the broadcasters, Chen Lang might withhold the products. They decided Duan Ran would search for the staff, and Qian Xixi would acquire replacement clothing.

Su Su managed to retrieve her phone and called Qian Xixi, revealing Chen Lang's lie about Qian Xixi being sick and confirming their phones were seized. Su Su also informed Qian Xixi that Chen Lang was threatening Duan Shengyun by stopping the broadcast to reclaim the company shares.

Upon discovering Su Su's call, Chen Lang accused her of being "sick" and told her to go home, before ordering someone to hide all the original products and taking the other staff out to sea on a boat, leaving Su Su behind. Duan Ran headed to Xidao Dock to find Su Su, while Qian Xixi began a frantic shopping spree for new clothes, struggling to find all the items, especially the Nishiyama Yohji collaboration collection.

Realizing the inefficiency of buying with a lookbook, Su Su remembered the detailed product list was on her company computer. Qian Xixi immediately called Yu Shi, instructing him to retrieve the list from Su Su's desktop and send it to her. Armed with the list, Qian Xixi pre-ordered items. She even spotted a passerby wearing a sold-out yellow jacket, GM890, and impulsively traded her own designer bag for it.

Duan Ran successfully found Su Su on the beach using a photo Qian Xixi sent. Su Su then received a call from Yuan Yuan, who, having learned about Chen Lang's blackmail from Su Su, sent her location to help. Duan Ran promptly rented two large boats: one for himself and Su Su to pursue the others, and another for Qian Xixi.

He called Qian Xixi, informing her of the plan and urging her to prioritize getting the broadcast started, even if it meant proceeding without the unavailable Nishiyama Yohji collaboration items. Qian Xixi rushed to the dock with her newly acquired clothes but found no boat for her, and Duan Ran’s line was busy. Back at the office, Mr Wu from Pineapple Xpress arrived unexpectedly to observe the live broadcast, only to find the office deserted.

Yu Shi quickly covered, explaining it was a surprise "unprecedented outdoor live broadcast" customized for Pineapple Xpress, assuring Mr Wu that Qian Xixi was merely busy with preparations. Mr Wu, intrigued, expressed his excitement for the surprise. Yu Shi called Qian Xixi to inform her of Mr Wu's arrival. Feeling the mounting pressure, Qian Xixi called Chen Lang to renegotiate.

During the call, Chen Lang reiterated his demand to buy Rui back at its original price, allowing QE to retain 49% of the shares, but on the strict condition that Duan Ran never interfere with Rui Live. He warned of a contract breach if his terms were not met.

Duan Ran, confronting Chen Lang, accused him of blackmail and called him a "scoundrel" whose "small-mindedness" was the root of his company's failures, sarcastically claiming Duan Ran's visit to take Qian Xixi to dinner had merely exposed his true nature. As the broadcast deadline loomed, Chen Lang taunted Duan Ran about the lack of broadcasters and products.

Duan Ran then called Qian Xixi again, instructing her to get on the unexpectedly large boat he had secured for her at the dock and start the broadcast immediately. He explained that having an online broadcaster on time would prevent a breach of contract, and that she could manage the initial 25-35 minutes alone with the clothes she had. Qian Xixi, though hesitant, agreed, urging Duan Shengyun to handle Chen Lang.

Duan Shengyun then joined the call, directly addressing Chen Lang. He emphasized that client collaborations should never be affected by internal company disputes, which should be resolved internally, and clarified that Duan Ran had no intention of joining Rui and was not a threat to Chen Lang.

Episode 3 Recap

With only three minutes remaining until the live broadcast, Qian Xixi, already made up and with her phone ready, asked a yacht crew member for assistance with filming. Meanwhile, Mr. Wu of Pineapple arrived at Rui Live, where Finance Director Yu Shi tried every tactic to stall him.

At the beach, Chen Lang had agreed with Duan Sheng Yun to proceed with the Pineapple special live stream before discussing company shares, but after hanging up, he refused to provide the necessary clothes for the broadcast. Duan Ran, angered by this, confronted Chen Lang, just as Su Su announced that Qian Xixi had already begun broadcasting from the yacht. Mr. Wu expressed his delight at the unexpected sea broadcast, calling it a pleasant surprise.

Duan Ran, in front of Chen Lang, deliberately praised the beautiful backdrop, vibrant colors, and Qian Xixi's appearance on screen. He instructed the other streamers to board the approaching yacht immediately and begin their broadcasts, ordering Chen Lang to make the arrangements. Chen Lang then explained that earlier there had been a slight misunderstanding about whether the Pineapple special would air, but since Mr. Duan had specifically come, they would proceed. He then distributed phones to the streamers.

When Duan Ran pressed for the clothes, Chen Lang admitted that some pieces, particularly the Nishiyama Yohji collaboration items, were missing. He claimed to have left them on the beach rocks and promised to retrieve them. However, the rising tide had already soaked all the clothing. Duan Ran, furious, engaged in a physical altercation with Chen Lang. Just as Qian Xixi’s large yacht arrived, the missing Nishiyama Yohji pieces were located.

Duan Ran ceased fighting and urged everyone to board the yacht with the now-wet clothes to begin their streams. Mr. Wu grew impatient with only Qian Xixi streaming. Yu Shi explained it was due to signal issues at sea but assured him that all other streamers would be online shortly. True to his word, all the other live streams soon appeared. Duan Ran and Qian Xixi, relieved, exchanged a high-five, acknowledging each other’s hard work.

Mr. Wu was especially pleased to see Qi Yuan Yuan, whose sales consistently topped the charts. However, Qian Xixi quickly discovered that the clothes, especially the limited-edition Nishiyama Yohji items vital for Mr. Wu’s launch, were discolored from being soaked in seawater, causing her distress. She attempted to call her friend Zhang Jiayun for help, but Zhang Jiayun was preoccupied chatting with a handsome man.

Qian Xixi, learning that Zhang Jiayun was working at a counter in Xiamen, arranged for a Pineapple staff member to bring the Nishiyama Yohji items to her to stream from her store. Su Su quickly set up the live stream room and sales link for Zhang Jiayun. Mr. Wu again voiced his concern about the absence of the Nishiyama Yohji collection, but Yu Shi reassured him that the main attraction would appear soon.

Zhang Jiayun, known as Ms. Yun on the Qianjiang Forum, went live, showcasing the limited-edition Nishiyama Yohji collection. Despite being her first time streaming, her natural sales ability shone through, allowing her to explain the garments effortlessly. Her live stream was quickly promoted to the homepage, and her first item sold out rapidly. Qi Yuan Yuan’s sales also surged.

Qian Xixi later mentioned to Duan Ran that she had traded the bag he gifted her for the limited-edition yellow outfit that Qi Yuan Yuan was wearing. Zhang Jiayun's impressive broadcast drew much praise, but it incurred the wrath of her store manager. The manager reprimanded Zhang Jiayun for streaming for another brand during work hours, leading to her termination. Zhang Jiayun, angered by the accusations of being a spoiled and useless young lady, promptly resigned.

Meanwhile, Chen Lang called Mr. Ding, who instructed him to plan his next move cautiously and on a larger scale. Chen Lang requested naming his new company "Cloud" (Yun), which Mr. Ding approved as a personal touch. The live stream concluded successfully, with a total turnover of 5. 09 million yuan for Pineapple, of which Qi Yuan Yuan alone accounted for over 1 million yuan.

Duan Ran began to praise Qian Xixi for her half-hour solo broadcast on the yacht, but she suddenly fell asleep standing. He carried her to the cabin to rest, finding her adorable in her sleep, though he humorously noted she was "deadly" when awake. He soon dozed off beside her. Qi Yuan Yuan reflected on her transition from celebrity to e-commerce streamer, acknowledging the financial benefits but feeling increasingly disconnected from her original aspirations.

Later, Mr. Wu called Qian Xixi, expressing his satisfaction with the live stream's impact but questioning the impromptu trip to Sanya. Qian Xixi promised to provide an explanation when they met. Duan Ran called his father, confirming the live stream’s success and mentioning their plan to stay an extra day in Sanya before returning to Xiamen. His father assured him that QE’s board would handle Chen Lang’s issues and advised against extreme measures.

Qian Xixi then arranged for a bus to take the other staff to a hotel. Qian Xixi confessed to Duan Ran that she was 110,000 yuan short of her contract target with Mr. Wu, meaning she faced the penalty of cleaning toilets. Duan Ran playfully suggested it was good exercise, but refused to go in her place. Zhang Jiayun called Qian Xixi, asking about the urgent need for her help and informing her that she had been fired.

Qian Xixi immediately offered her a position as a streamer at their company, but Zhang Jiayun declined, expressing a preference for a more relaxed lifestyle compared to Qian Xixi's demanding schedule. Qian Xixi explained to Duan Ran that Zhang Jiayun, despite being scouted by talent agencies since college due to her looks, always rejected such offers, preferring a simpler life as a counter saleswoman.

Duan Ran, however, was confident he could recruit Zhang Jiayun if he opened a live stream company, a claim Qian Xixi doubted, citing Chen Lang's past failed attempts. Duan Ran acknowledged that the sea live stream had been a truly impactful experience. At a bar, Duan Ran and Qian Xixi reminisced with Su Su about their childhood entrepreneurial ventures, selling toys from Qian Xixi’s mother’s small shop to earn pocket money.

Duan Ran shared that he once believed that with Qian Xixi by his side, he could achieve great success, though he later blamed her procrastination for their "company's" downfall. Qian Xixi retorted that it was Duan Ran who squandered their earnings. During their conversation, Duan Ran subtly added more alcohol to Qian Xixi's cocktail. A tipsy Qian Xixi was eventually carried back to their hotel room by Duan Ran. Meanwhile, Chen Lang was executing his own scheme.

He instructed his assistant, Zhu Wan, to gather all the other streamers, and they moved overnight to a new location in Xiamen. The next morning, Su Su discovered Duan Ran and Qian Xixi still sound asleep. Upon realizing Chen Lang and the streamers were gone, they called Yu Shi, who confirmed Chen Lang had given him a day off and had already left. Qian Xixi immediately suspected a conspiracy, and they quickly departed for Xiamen.

At the new location, Chen Lang addressed the assembled streamers, announcing the establishment of "Cloud Live," which would have no affiliation with Rui Live or QE. He voiced his frustration with Duan Sheng Yun's "Big Brother" approach from the traditional retail industry, which he felt stifled their e-commerce business. Chen Lang revealed he had secured 25 million yuan in angel investors' funds and was confident they could build a company far superior to Rui.

He presented two contracts: one for termination with Rui Live and another for employment with Cloud Live, promising that the new company would cover any breach of contract fees. Chen Lang dismissed the absence of Qian Xixi and Qi Yuan Yuan, stating that Qian Xixi, as Duan Sheng Yun’s foster daughter, would not join them. He vowed to transfer all of Rui Live's resources and connections to Cloud Live, leaving Rui with nothing to stream for a significant period. Chen Lang then promised a salary increment to everyone who joined Cloud Live, which was met with enthusiastic approval from the streamers.

Episode 4 Recap

Qian Xixi, Duan Shengyun, and Duan Ran discussed Chen Lang's recent actions, concluding that they were premeditated. Duan Ran protested being blamed, asking why it happened only when he visited. Qian Xixi explained that Chen Lang deliberately chose the day of Duan Ran's visit to create the impression that his departure was due to his position being threatened, making Duan Ran an unwitting catalyst.

Duan Shengyun concurred, noting Duan Ran's usual obtrusive behavior could easily lead to misunderstandings with Chen Lang, who he believed to be narrow-minded. Duan Shengyun revealed that his private investigations showed Chen Lang had secured new investors and established a new company called Cloud Live.

He explained that the Sanya incident was merely a "feint shot" to divert their attention to the Pineapple Xpress live broadcast, allowing Chen Lang to covertly recruit Rui's broadcasters, employees, and clients for his new venture, carefully following legal procedures. Meanwhile, Chen Lang made a phone call to Yuan Yuan, one of Rui's top broadcasters, trying to persuade her to join Cloud Live.

Yuan Yuan politely declined to sign immediately, noting her high termination fee and suggesting it would be more cost-effective for Chen Lang to wait for her contract to expire. Chen Lang then tried to secure a verbal agreement from her not to join other companies if she left Rui. Although Chen Lang left behind Rui's equipment and obsolete inventory, Duan Ran pointed out these assets were useless without broadcasters.

Duan Ran insisted QE, as an 80% shareholder, should sue Chen Lang for acting without consent. However, Duan Shengyun dismissed the idea of a lawsuit as pointless and too slow, urging for a more forgiving approach and explaining that the business world requires both rationality and realism. In a separate conversation, Duan Shengyun discussed Rui's precarious situation with Old Shen, a board member.

Old Shen, noting QE's year-long "blood transfusion" into Rui and Rui's current "hollowed-out" state, advocated for "cutting losses" and selling Rui. Duan Shengyun countered that abandoning Rui would signify a complete strategic retreat from QE's online business. He mentioned that QE was in a critical phase of transformation and needed experienced people like Chen Lang, especially as the board of directors would likely halt investment in Rui.

Until a resolution could be found with Chen Lang, Duan Shengyun instructed Qian Xixi to return to work at QE. The next day, as Qian Xixi, Yu Shi, and Su Su prepared to pack up Rui's office, Yu Shi confirmed that Rui Live was temporarily shut down indefinitely, and everyone was to return to QE. Yu Shi said he would go back to managing accounts in QE's basement, and Su Su was also expected to return.

Qian Xixi, however, was distraught, questioning if they truly wanted to return to mundane 9-to-5 jobs after experiencing the dynamic environment of Rui. She passionately reminded them how Rui Live had transformed her from selling nothing a day to thousands of clothes an hour, allowing her to connect with thousands of people. She refused to go back to her old life and vowed to dedicate her youth to Rui.

She also appealed to Duan Ran, stating that QE could not satisfy his ambition, but Rui could provide him with everything he desired and was the ideal place to achieve his goals. Moved by her words, Duan Ran, Yu Shi, and Su Su decided to stay and fight to save Rui. Soon after, the landlord arrived at Rui's office, demanding overdue rent for over a month, explaining that Chen Lang's delay in lease renewal caused the issue.

Qian Xixi tried to negotiate for a week's extension, citing the company's difficulties, but the landlord was unyielding. Duan Ran intervened, calmly defusing the tension. He offered the landlord a QE membership card, promising significant discounts at all QE stores, and assured her that Rui was a subsidiary of QE. The landlord, placated, agreed to a two-day extension for the rent payment.

Meanwhile, Qian Xixi went to Pineapple Xpress to settle the final payment with Mr Wu, also fulfilling a promise she had made to him to clean the men's toilet. Duan Ran, learning of her whereabouts, rushed over and found her scrubbing toilets. He argued that this was not the time for such tasks, given Rui's precarious situation and Yu Shi and Su Su waiting. Qian Xixi, however, insisted it had meaning, refusing to believe Rui was finished.

Mr Wu, surprised to find Qian Xixi actually cleaning the toilet, apologized for the predicament. He revealed that their actual sales target for the special event was 3. 2 million, but Qian Xixi had exceeded it by 2 million (achieving a total of 5. 2 million). He admitted to deliberately inflating the publicly stated target to motivate them.

Mr Wu further revealed that Chen Lang's Sanya plot was a "feint shot" aimed at sacrificing their Pineapple Xpress event to facilitate his company transfer. He acknowledged that without Qian Xixi's extraordinary efforts, he would have been ruined. Expressing deep admiration for her capabilities, Mr Wu promised to entrust future business to Qian Xixi, but only if she succeeded in reviving Rui Live.

He also praised Zhang Jiayun's impressive sales of the Nishiyama Yohji collaboration products, remarking that all the bosses regretted she wasn't an anchor. At the same time, Duan Shengyun's secretary collected Chen Lang for a meeting. On his way to Duan Shengyun's office, Chen Lang made sarcastic remarks, accusing Duan Shengyun of opportunism and being an "old fox," doubting his authority to make decisions without the board's approval.

During their meeting, Chen Lang expressed his view that wealth and status, which Duan Shengyun and Duan Ran took for granted, were lifelong dreams for people like him. Duan Shengyun reiterated his initial promise to Chen Lang to make him Rui's leader and decision-maker when QE acquired Rui. He reminded Chen Lang that he had readily agreed to Chen Lang's demands in Sanya, including allowing him to buy back shares at the original price and ensuring Duan Ran's non-interference.

As his ultimate concession, Duan Shengyun offered to increase Chen Lang's shares to 49%, making him the largest shareholder with absolute decision-making power, thereby relinquishing QE's majority stake. Despite this significant offer, Chen Lang firmly declined, thanking Duan Shengyun for saving Rui in the past but stating his decision to pursue a separate path from QE.

Duan Shengyun accepted his decision, telling Chen Lang he would become a successful businessman, but not necessarily the most excellent one, adding that Chen Lang would understand his words one day. Later, by the sea, Qian Xixi and Duan Ran reflected on Chen Lang's character. Duan Ran criticized Chen Lang for being overly calculative, taking away all valuable assets like broadcasters and clients, and leaving behind useless equipment and inventory.

He doubted Chen Lang's proclaimed affection for Rui, remarking that Qian Xixi's feelings were far deeper. Qian Xixi then shared her unique story of joining Rui. She explained that she was so curious about Duan Shengyun's vision for Rui, especially when the QE board opposed his acquisition, that she resigned from her floor manager position at QE to audition as a broadcaster.

She recounted her first chaotic interview: while Yuan Yuan was changing, Qian Xixi was unexpectedly pushed onto the stage to warm up the audience. She spoke like a street vendor, even accidentally misquoting a 600 yuan dress as 60 yuan, almost causing a huge loss. Chen Lang scolded her harshly afterwards, but a miracle happened: in just 15 minutes, her broadcast gained an unprecedented 3,000 new followers. This extraordinary achievement convinced Chen Lang to hire her.

Qian Xixi emotionally expressed her deep attachment to Rui, having watched it grow from its infancy, and declared she couldn't bear to see it perish. Holding Duan Ran's hand, she made a heartfelt vow to the sea: to revive Rui, save its future, and save their world. Duan Ran, in turn, promised his unwavering support, echoing her earlier sentiment that Rui could fulfill his ambitions, and pledged to ensure it would not fail.

Separately, Chen Lang attempted to recruit Zhang Jiayun for Cloud Live, praising her talent after seeing her successful Nishiyama Yohji broadcast. However, Zhang Jiayun rebuffed his offer, stating that she had previously rejected Qian Xixi multiple times, implying Chen Lang had no chance given her close relationship with Qian Xixi. Chen Lang, acknowledging her refusal, understood his efforts were futile.

Episode 5 Recap

Rui Live faced a severe crisis due to Chen Lang's premeditated departure. Duan Shengjun (Mr. Duan), Duan Ran's father, investigated and discovered Chen Lang had secured external investment, allowing him to leave and take all of Rui's streamers with him. Despite Duan Shengjun's attempt to retain Chen Lang by offering him 49% of Rui's shares and a guarantee that Duan Ran would not join the company, Chen Lang refused, asserting his independence.

With Rui in disarray and the board unwilling to invest further, Duan Shengjun initially instructed Qian Xixi to return to QE headquarters. However, Qian Xixi was unwilling to accept Rui's demise. Having started from struggling to sell a single item to selling thousands in an hour, she envisioned Rui as the place to fulfill her ambitions. She rallied Duan Ran, Yu Shi, and Su Su, urging them to stay and jointly embark on an entrepreneurial journey to revive Rui.

Faced with an impending eviction as the landlord demanded rent after Chen Lang's delayed renewal, Duan Ran stepped in. He skillfully negotiated with the landlord, offering a QE membership card and securing a week's extension. Later, Qian Xixi visited Mr. Wu to collect a final payment, demonstrating her dedication by even cleaning the restrooms. Duan Ran, finding her there, playfully carried her out, drawing Mr. Wu's attention.

Impressed by Qian Xixi's ability to exceed sales targets (selling two million yuan more than the anticipated 3. 2 million) despite the chaos caused by Chen Lang's strategic move to relocate the company, Mr. Wu commended her. He promised to entrust her with future business if she could successfully revive Rui, also noting that other company owners found Zhang Jiayun's talent as a streamer wasted.

Separately, Chen Lang had also tried to recruit Zhang Jiayun, but she refused, stating she wouldn't join him if she even refused Qian Xixi. After these events, by the sea, Qian Xixi held Duan Ran's hand, swearing an oath to revive Rui. Duan Ran, to further aid Qian Xixi in their entrepreneurial venture, sold his cherished limited edition collectibles and his sports car.

He even travelled to Shanghai to meet the buyer for his car, losing his way in The Bund in the process. He then presented a proposal to the board of directors, who were initially planning to shut down Rui. Duan Ran announced that he had paid 1. 6 million yuan for Rui's next six months' rent, stating his confidence and ability to manage the company.

He promised that if allowed to continue, Rui's sales would match QE's offline results within the next half-year. If he failed, he would clean QE's washrooms. Mr Duan, Duan Ran's father, questioned his sudden interest in Rui, suggesting it was mere enthusiasm and that Duan Ran lacked the capability of Chen Lang, who couldn't even achieve such a target. Mr Shen, however, was inspired by Duan Ran's passion and proposed that the board formally discuss his plan.

Later, Mr Duan privately revealed to Mr Shen that he was concerned about Duan Ran's inexperience, but he trusted Qian Xixi to help him succeed. He confessed that he only appeared to oppose Duan Ran in the board meeting because it was inappropriate for a father to overtly support his son in such a public setting.

He asked Mr Shen to lead the restructuring of Rui Live, acting as the "bad cop" while he played the "good cop," a strategy Mr Shen found remarkably shrewd. Mr Shen visited Duan Ran and Qian Xixi at the Rui office, requesting an iced cola, a well-known preference of his. Duan Ran teased him about his age and drink choice, but Qian Xixi quickly interjected, praising Mr Shen's excellent taste and asserting his right to drink whatever he pleased.

Mr Shen informed them that the board had agreed to let them continue building Rui, but he reminded them that Rui was a "battered company," and rebuilding it would not be easy. He emphasized that running a business required more than just passion, stressing the importance of industry knowledge and current events, as a single managerial decision could determine a company's fate.

He advised them to use every possible resource to drive the company's progress and encouraged Qian Xixi to assist Duan Ran. Qian Xixi feigned indifference about Duan Ran potentially having to clean toilets, but was secretly determined to make their live stream a success. After Mr Shen left, Duan Ran immediately began redecorating the office, removing the old photos of female streamers that were hanging on the walls, deeming them tasteless.

He boasted that he already knew how to renovate Rui, emphasizing that taste was paramount. Duan Ran then overheard Mr Duan discussing with his wife that the plan was to pit Duan Ran and Qian Xixi against each other, believing that mutual competition would foster their growth. Mr Shen had also told Qian Xixi that both he and Mr Duan considered her more suitable to be Rui's CEO.

Realizing that Mr Duan intended for her to compete with Duan Ran, Qian Xixi decided to accept the challenge. She confided in Zhang Jiayun, asking her to join Rui as a streamer and support her bid for CEO. However, Zhang Jiayun, citing her busy schedule with night classes, refused, telling Qian Xixi to reconsider how she could compete for CEO if she couldn't even convince her best friend. Mr Shen officially announced the headquarters' three decisions for Rui.

First, Rui would operate independently, be self-financing, with no further financial support from the parent company. Second, a six-month observation period was set, after which Rui would be sold or transferred if it failed to turn a profit. Lastly, the new CEO would be chosen through a fair competition between Duan Ran and Qian Xixi, based on their business strategies to overcome Rui's current difficulties. Duan Ran was indignant, believing the CEO position was rightfully his without a contest.

Qian Xixi, however, accepted the challenge, finding the competitive selection fair and reasonable. Duan Ran enlisted Yu Shi as his assistant, while Qian Xixi recruited Su Su. Duan Ran, overly confident, believed he and Yu Shi would easily triumph over Qian Xixi and Su Su, though Yu Shi was less optimistic.

Qian Xixi, despite believing Duan Ran was more suited for CEO and intending to use her strengths to compensate for his weaknesses, decided to compete, seeing it as an opportunity. Her initial strategy involved recruiting and conducting an inventory check. Meanwhile, Duan Ran pursued a strategy of elevating Rui's brand image by partnering with high-end brands, such as light luxury, designer, beauty, and skincare products.

He visited his old classmate, Mr Ma, who managed the Meiluozi brand, to discuss online live streaming rights. Mr Ma rejected the proposal, expressing concern that Rui would diminish their brand's image. He pointed out that Chen Lang had taken all the talented streamers when he left to establish Yun Live, leaving Rui with only Qian Xixi, who, according to him, was "no match for Yuan Yuan."

Qian Xixi, knowing that Yuan Yuan hadn't signed with Chen Lang, sought her out at the gym. Yuan Yuan, visibly exhausted, expressed her dislike for streaming, describing it as "painful," and her desire for a change of career, as her contract was set to expire in less than a week, and she had no intention of renewing it.

Upon hearing Qian Xixi's ambition to become Rui's new CEO, Yuan Yuan sarcastically remarked that her decision not to renew was "the right choice," implying doubt about Qian Xixi's capabilities, which greatly irritated Qian Xixi. Duan Ran and Yu Shi went to Yun Live to try and recruit Wen Wen, a former Rui streamer. As Duan Ran was promising Wen Wen better salary, commissions, and benefits, Chen Lang unexpectedly appeared.

He immediately sent Wen Wen back to her streaming room and angrily confronted Duan Ran, accusing him of poaching. Their argument escalated into a near physical altercation, with Chen Lang calling Duan Ran shameless for eavesdropping in his company. As Yu Shi pulled Duan Ran away, Duan Ran noticed his previously sold sports car parked nearby, realizing Chen Lang had bought it from a "huckster."

Chen Lang further provoked Duan Ran by mocking him for losing both his streamers and his car, adding that the car was "quite hard to drive." Enraged, Duan Ran declared war on Chen Lang. Following the confrontation, Chen Lang, wary of further poaching attempts, installed numerous surveillance cameras around his company. Back at Rui, Qian Xixi began to implement her strategy of checking the company's leftover stock.

She found over three thousand pieces of denim shirts and jeans, reminiscent of the "Brokeback Mountain" style. Su Su, however, was skeptical, calling them "rags" and doubting they could be sold for money. Qian Xixi proposed selling them at a discounted price, emphasizing the sturdy and durable fabric, but Su Su insisted that only fashionable styles would sell.

Episode 6 Recap

Zhang Jiayun was attending a cram school, and after class, Chen Lang arrived in a car to pick her up. He claimed he bought the car as soon as he heard Duan Ran was selling it, adding that he would sell it back to Duan Ran at a high price if Duan Ran ever wanted it. Duan Ran was having a bad day, facing continuous setbacks.

Qian Xixi was also frustrated; she had been rejected by Yuan Yuan and found that their inventory was mostly old, worthless items. Duan Ran, struggling to find suitable streamers, suddenly thought of Zhang Jiayun and decided to approach her. Qian Xixi advised him against it, stating that if she had no hope, no one else would either.

Chen Lang reiterated his offer for Zhang Jiayun to work as a streamer at his company, but Zhang Jiayun firmly refused, stating that as Qian Xixi's best friend, she would never go to Chen Lang’s company, even if it meant her death. Chen Lang was once again rebuffed. Qian Xixi and Su Su went to a market hoping to find the renowned market designer, Mr Five, a popular figure online.

At the market, Mr Five's friend, Mao, was selling goods when city enforcement arrived. Everyone scattered, riding their bikes away. Qian Xixi's car happened to be passing by, and Mao faked an accident, demanding two thousand yuan from her. Qian Xixi offered two hundred yuan to settle the matter, but Mao tried to refuse. Noticing Mr Five's distinctive logo on Mao's clothing, Qian Xixi mistakenly believed Mao was the famous designer.

Meanwhile, Zhang Jiayun was at a supermarket, taste-testing food, when she got into a squabble with an elderly woman over samples, accidentally pricking the woman's hand with a toothpick. The woman became enraged, verbally scolding Zhang Jiayun. Coincidentally, Duan Ran appeared, bought the taste-test products for the woman, and then invited Zhang Jiayun to dinner, praising her outstanding performance in a previous livestream. Qian Xixi and Su Su took Mao to the hospital.

Despite knowing he wasn't seriously injured, Mao attempted to extort more money from them, demanding ten thousand yuan for lost wages and compensation, which irritated Qian Xixi. As they were leaving, the real Mr Five arrived to visit Mao. Mr Five turned out to be a woman, and she immediately reprimanded Mao for trying to cheat Qian Xixi and Su Su. Qian Xixi and Su Su formally introduced themselves, and Mr Five invited them to her studio.

The studio showcased avant-garde clothing. Mr Five, a graduate of Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, admitted she had resorted to street vending for financial reasons. She expressed her willingness to help, contingent on them finding a market for the modified clothes, which delighted Qian Xixi. Duan Ran understood that Zhang Jiayun had rejected Qian Xixi because Qian Xixi hadn't appealed to her true aspirations.

He had learned that Zhang Jiayun was secretly attending a cram school, preparing for postgraduate exams, revealing her ambitious and proactive nature beneath her calm exterior. Recognizing Zhang Jiayun's interest in business, Duan Ran offered to teach her business logic and even help her apply to Cambridge Business School, securing a recommendation letter from his own tutor.

He cited the example of how his advice helped Qian Xixi successfully secure a partnership with Mr Wu from Pineapple Xpress after numerous rejections, which captivated Zhang Jiayun. Impressed by Duan Ran's words, she agreed to collaborate with him. Zhang Jiayun's unexpected arrival at the company surprised Qian Xixi, who confronted her, asking if Duan Ran had bought her over. Zhang Jiayun simply smiled without explaining.

Qian Xixi then brought Mr Five in for livestream training and to help alter sample clothes in the evenings. Duan Ran, upon seeing their late-night work, jokingly accused Qian Xixi of extorting her workers' time. After Zhang Jiayun toured the company, Duan Ran dismissed Qian Xixi, suggesting she didn't need training and only needed to be notified once brand partnerships were finalized.

That night, finding Qian Xixi not at home, Duan Ran returned to the office, where Qian Xixi and Mr Five were busy modifying clothes, and brought them late-night snacks, including satay noodles. He again commented on them "wasting time." Duan Ran met with Uncle Mu to discuss online live sales for Perfect Blue, aiming to reshape the brand's image. He pointed out that Perfect Blue had stagnated due to suppression by Mr Wu (Wu Zhong Quan).

Hearing that online sales could salvage the brand's image, Uncle Mu agreed to cooperate with Duan Ran and asked him to draft a contract promptly. Later, Mao visited Mr Five, who was working late. Mr Five offered him a position as her operator, but Mao declined, explaining he preferred the freedom of street vending, which allowed him to care for his mother. Mr Five did not press the issue further.

Episode 7 Recap

Qian Xixi hosted a live stream showcasing redesigned old stock, with Mr Five as the designer and model. Mr Five was visibly nervous, struggling to articulate her design concepts beyond simple descriptions like cutting fabric and adding buttons. Watching the live stream, Chen Lang scoffed, believing Qian Xixi was desperate to bring in someone so timid to be a streamer. He dismissed Rui's current state, stating they lacked funds, streamers, brands, and products.

While Chen Lang felt Qian Xixi had a slight edge over Duan Ran due to her past experience as a streamer with him, he ultimately looked down on both of them, confident that Rui would not last long. Meanwhile, Duan Ran successfully secured the Perfect Blue brand deal and quickly instructed his assistant to prepare the contract, emphasizing the need for streamers to familiarize themselves with the product line and for promotional materials to be created promptly.

That evening, Duan Ran shared the news of the Perfect Blue deal with his father, Duan Shengyun, hoping for some guidance. To his dismay, Duan Shengyun revealed that Uncle Mu, the head of Perfect Blue, was gravely ill and currently in the ICU. Duan Ran became anxious, realizing the contract was just awaiting signature and now uncertain if it could proceed. Separately, Qian Xixi sought out Yuan Yuan at the gym.

Yuan Yuan, assuming Qian Xixi wanted her to return as a streamer, immediately refused. Qian Xixi clarified her intention was for Yuan Yuan to train new talent, specifically Su Su and Mr Five. Both Su Su and Mr Five were hesitant; Su Su preferred to remain a programmer, and Mr Five, recalling her previous nervous performance on camera, felt she was not suited to be a streamer. Qian Xixi tried to encourage them, highlighting Mr Five's beautiful designs.

Just then, Yuan Yuan arrived and asserted that no one is a born streamer; dedication and a clear goal are essential. She motivated them by saying, "After you fail, pick yourself up from where you've fallen and give yourself another chance." Yuan Yuan also promised that if Mr Five truly wasn't suitable, she would convince Qian Xixi not to waste time on her.

Convinced, Mr Five agreed to participate in the training, with Su Su reluctantly agreeing to accompany her but insisting she would not go live herself. Duan Ran visited the hospital, finding Uncle Mu unconscious in the ICU, making any contract signing impossible. He received a call on his mobile phone from Zhang Jiayun, who pressed him for updates on securing new business. Duan Ran reassured her, promising to find the best opportunities.

Yuan Yuan commenced rigorous live stream training for Su Su, Mr Five, and other new recruits. Duan Ran, learning of Yuan Yuan's return to train, promptly called Zhang Jiayun on his mobile phone to join the sessions as well, saying it would help her improve her business skills. The training was comprehensive, covering everything from proper standing posture and physical exercise to rapid costume changes. Even Qian Xixi participated, jokingly being reminded by Yuan Yuan that she also needed training.

Sadly, Uncle Mu passed away, nullifying the Perfect Blue contract. Duan Ran, accompanied by Zhang Jiayun, then approached Mr Wu from Pineapple, hoping to secure a partnership for Pineapple's next seasonal product launch. Mr Wu agreed to the collaboration almost too easily, which immediately made Duan Ran suspicious. Duan Ran and Zhang Jiayun returned to Mr Wu's office, where Duan Ran directly questioned his hesitation.

Mr Wu frankly admitted his concerns, explaining that Chen Lang had severely weakened Rui, leaving only Qian Xixi and Zhang Jiayun as reliable streamers, and no other brands were willing to collaborate with them. He questioned if Rui could handle Pineapple's extensive product lines, which included men's wear, women's wear, summer and autumn collections, jackets, shirts, and skirts, given their current lack of streamers. Zhang Jiayun quickly informed him about Rui's ongoing training for new talent.

Duan Ran then proposed a direct competition between Rui and Chen Lang's company, suggesting that whoever achieved better sales for Pineapple would secure the contract. Mr Wu eventually agreed to this competitive approach. Mr Five continued to struggle with the training, especially maintaining the prescribed standing posture, which she found uncomfortable and unnatural. Qian Xixi noticed her distress and reassured her, affirming that she possessed her own unique style.

Qian Xixi explained that attempting to force an uncomfortable posture only distracted her from the actual content of the live stream. She encouraged Mr Five to embrace her "slouchy" demeanor and her experience as a street vendor, asserting that these were unique charms that resonated with her audience and her design philosophy. Back at the office, Duan Ran agreed to dance with a tired Zhang Jiayun to motivate her to continue training.

As they danced playfully, Qian Xixi and Su Su walked in. Su Su began recording the scene on her mobile phone. Qian Xixi felt a fleeting sense of discomfort seeing Duan Ran and Zhang Jiayun together but quickly pushed it aside, instructing Su Su to capture their dance beautifully. After a period of intensive training, the new streamers, including Mr Five, Zhang Jiayun, and Su Su, underwent a promotional photoshoot, looking as captivating as superstars.

Yuan Yuan praised Rui for its willingness to cultivate new talent and innovate beyond industry norms, expressing confidence in their future success. While Qian Xixi hoped Yuan Yuan would stay, Duan Ran acknowledged Yuan Yuan's personal aspirations, stating they shouldn't force her, but assured her that Rui would always welcome her back. Yuan Yuan, reflecting on the positive memories of training at Rui, thanked both Duan Ran and Qian Xixi.

During her subsequent live stream, Mr Five faced a barrage of negative comments from viewers who criticized her brand as "generic" and disparaged her past as a street vendor. Remembering Qian Xixi's earlier advice to embrace her authenticity, Mr Five defiantly responded to the critics. She asserted that every big brand started as a "generic" one and passionately defended her handcrafted designs, stating they were on par with any major label.

She declared the live stream was hers to command and that she believed in her ability to become an excellent streamer without constantly relying on Qian Xixi. Though initially concerned, Qian Xixi, witnessing Mr Five's newfound confidence and powerful stance, stepped back from the live stream and gave her a proud thumbs-up. Unexpectedly, Mr Five's authentic and assertive approach resonated deeply with the audience.

Her direct replies and unique style, reminiscent of her street vending days, invigorated the live stream, attracting a surge of new followers. The entire inventory quickly sold out, leaving Duan Ran and Qian Xixi ecstatic with their success.

Episode 8 Recap

Mr Five excitedly told Qian Xixi that he had sold over 3,000 pieces of denim pants and gained many new fans, achieving in just a few hours what used to take a month on Cat Street. Mr Five expressed his gratitude and happiness, saying "I love you all." After Mr Five went to the restroom, Qian Xixi and Su Su discussed his newfound cute side, which Qian Xixi advised him not to change to maintain his unique style.

Meanwhile, Chen Lang, observing Rui Live's surging sales, particularly Mr Five's, grew uneasy. He instructed his assistant to closely monitor Rui Live, detailing everything their streamers sold, how they sold it, what they said, and the products they featured. He declared that such individuals must be eliminated while they are still fledgling, to prevent them from becoming a threat. Zhang Jiayun teased Duan Ran about losing the Perfect Blue order while Qian Xixi had sold over 3,000 pairs of pants.

Despite the high sales, the net profit after all expenses was only 400,000 yuan, not the 1,000,000 Duan Ran initially thought. Duan Ran criticized Qian Xixi for selling the pants at a low price, but Qian Xixi retorted that attracting buyers with discounts was necessary for the company's immediate survival, emphasizing the importance of cash flow and inventory, echoing Duan Ran's own past advice.

She urged him to focus on how to keep the company afloat rather than just broad strategies. Zhang Jiayun further jabbed at Duan Ran, suggesting his chances of becoming CEO would be even lower if Qian Xixi had actually made a million. Qian Xixi, in turn, smugly told Duan Ran to work harder, confidently adding, "I believe you can do it, so don't lose hope in the competition."

To celebrate their successful denim special, Qian Xixi then invited Mr Five and Su Su to a KTV, offering to treat everyone. Later that evening, at the KTV, Qian Xixi expressed gratitude for their triumph in the denim special to Mr Five and Su Su. Meanwhile, Chen Lang met with Mr Wu for a drink. Mr Wu candidly revealed that Duan Ran had approached him recently to discuss next season's endorsement.

Although Chen Lang believed the contract was already secured, Mr Wu praised Duan Ran and Qian Xixi for saving him from a potential "blank show" that Chen Lang might have caused. Mr Wu admitted he was intrigued by Duan Ran's proposal: a three-hour live stream competition between their two companies, with the winner securing the next season's contract.

Chen Lang showed signs of apprehension, prompting Mr Wu to openly challenge his courage, questioning if he was afraid to compete against a new company like Rui Live, especially since Duan Ran only had new talent. Mr Wu further highlighted that Cloud Live had dozens of streamers, with five or six above-average performers, while Rui Live only had Qian Xixi and an amateur, Zhang Jiayun. Ultimately, spurred by Mr Wu's taunts, Chen Lang agreed to the challenge.

Mr Wu conveyed the news of the impending competition to Duan Ran, urging him to seize the opportunity. At the KTV, Duan Ran shared his ambitious plan with Zhang Jiayun, confidently declaring his intent to reclaim the Pineapple Xpress brand. He stated he already had a well-thought-out strategy. Qian Xixi noticed Duan Ran and Zhang Jiayun talking animatedly. Although she couldn't hear their exact words, a hint of jealousy stirred within her.

Shortly after, Chen Lang received a phone call from an unnamed individual who, after confirming Rui Live's recent sales surge was due to old stock that they sold at cost, reiterated the importance of securing Pineapple Xpress. The caller sternly warned Chen Lang to "kill Rui Live in the cradle" before it grew too strong, or Cloud Live would be the one destroyed.

The next day, Duan Ran formally announced their challenge against Chen Lang for the Pineapple Xpress livestreaming rights. Su Su voiced concerns about the vast disparity in strength, fearing they couldn't defeat Cloud Live. Duan Ran declared that whether they could win or not, they must fight, especially since it was a chance for revenge and he and Qian Xixi were united. Qian Xixi, in turn, firmly declared that no matter how difficult the battle, they must fight back.

Meanwhile, Yuan Yuan was struggling to find new acting roles, with her agent's efforts proving fruitless. Duan Ran arrived to insist that Yuan Yuan return to livestreaming as per her contract, which still had a few days remaining. Qian Xixi quickly intervened, reprimanding Duan Ran for disturbing Yuan Yuan, stating that Yuan Yuan had new aspirations and should not be bothered.

Their escalating argument, however, was quickly seen through by Yuan Yuan, who, realizing they were acting, directly asked what the real issue was. With their act exposed, Duan Ran admitted the company's current difficulties, asking Yuan Yuan to step in and save the day. He offered to use his connections in the entertainment industry to help her pursue an acting career. Qian Xixi embraced Yuan Yuan tearfully.

Yuan Yuan, realizing the gravity of the situation, agreed to livestream one last time, considering it her farewell performance and a final contribution to the company. She acknowledged that as long as her contract with Rui Live had not expired, she remained a part of it and could not stand idly by, and therefore should offer help. Both Duan Ran and Qian Xixi expressed their relief and confidence with her presence.

Before the competition, Chen Lang rallied his Cloud Live team with an impassioned speech, reminding them of their strength and encouraging them to bring their utmost passion, energy, and stamina to win the afternoon's "war." He also offered enticing incentives, including a 5% raise for everyone and a trip to Thailand's Koh Samui with luxury villas, fancy cars, and gourmet meals if they decisively defeated Rui Live.

At Rui Live, while there were no such grand motivational speeches, Mr Shen had successfully invited Mr Wu to observe the Pineapple Xpress special livestream in person. As the livestream began, Rui Live's individual streamers showed good sales, but their overall total sales lagged significantly behind Cloud Live. Chen Lang, observing their initial lead, mockingly sent a message to Duan Ran, boasting that his sales had already tripled Rui Live's.

A quick check of the live sales data revealed Cloud Live's sales were indeed three times higher than Rui Live's. Qian Xixi, determined to win, poured her full energy into her segment, showcasing sports attire and even jumping rope to demonstrate the clothing's comfort and versatility, driving her individual sales to a peak. Yet, Rui Live's overall sales still couldn't catch up.

Seeing their lagging numbers, Zhang Jiayun spontaneously began dancing in her livestream, an act that garnered significant attention and caused her sales to surge dramatically. Duan Ran, pleased with this unexpected turn, immediately messaged Chen Lang, playfully taunting him that his "goddess" (referring to Zhang Jiayun) had personally come online to "deal with him," asking how Chen Lang would respond.

Duan Ran excitedly confided in Mr Wu that he had secretly practiced dancing with Zhang Jiayun for some time to prepare her for such a moment. However, even with Zhang Jiayun's impressive surge, her sales were quickly hitting their peak. Just as Duan Ran began to worry, Yuan Yuan arrived. Duan Ran had already arranged for Yuan Yuan to be promoted to the homepage as soon as she went live.

Her appearance instantly caused Rui Live's sales and popularity to surge, rapidly catching up to Cloud Live. Chen Lang grew increasingly concerned, realizing it was only a matter of time before Rui Live surpassed them. On her stream, Yuan Yuan playfully teased Qian Xixi about her (Qian Xixi's) earlier low sales, urging her to make more effort. Yuan Yuan's arrival also spurred Qian Xixi to redouble her efforts, leading to a significant increase in Qian Xixi's own sales.

Just as Rui Live's momentum was at its peak, the main power switch malfunctioned, plunging the entire livestream studio into darkness. Chen Lang's team immediately saw the opportunity, urging their streamers to seize the advantage during Rui Live's power outage. Inside Rui Live, amidst the darkness and falling fan numbers, Qian Xixi quickly instructed her team to explain the situation to their audience to prevent them from leaving.

She then rushed outside with her phone to livestream the scene where Duan Ran and other staff were fighting a fire that had broken out at the main power switch outside the building. Realizing the potential, Yuan Yuan quickly instructed everyone to film Qian Xixi's mobile livestream and rebroadcast it. This impromptu coverage of the fire and the efforts to extinguish it captivated the audience, causing Rui Live's viewership and popularity to skyrocket, surprisingly matching Cloud Live's numbers.

Duan Ran personally put out the fire, then went to the security room to replace the blown fuse. Once the power was restored, the livestream studio lit up, and the team resumed broadcasting, with their popularity continuing to soar. Chen Lang, who had been intently watching the online data, was suddenly startled by the ringing of his phone.

Episode 9 Recap

Chen Lang receives a phone call from the individual responsible for the power outage during Rui's live stream. He scolds the caller for using "unsavoury" tactics. The caller retorts, questioning if Chen Lang would have won without their intervention, claiming Rui was "on their last legs" before the power went out. Despite Rui's loss in the live stream competition, Mr Wu is deeply moved by their resilience and teamwork during the power outage.

He praises their innovative approach to disrupting the retail industry, noting that they attracted tens of thousands of customers within an hour, a feat even QE's malls couldn't achieve. He specifically commends Zhang Jiayun's outstanding performance. While adhering to the contest rules, he decides to award Rui the live streaming rights for Pineapple's entire skirt collection. Duan Ran expresses his gratitude.

Mr Wu then announces that Rui's new CEO will be revealed the following morning, leaving Duan Ran and Qian Xixi feeling anxious. Later, Zhang Jiayun finds Duan Ran and shares her suspicion that the power outage was not a coincidence. She commends him for his brave actions during the incident. When Qian Xixi arrives, she feels a pang of jealousy seeing Duan Ran and Zhang Jiayun chatting happily.

Zhang Jiayun notices Qian Xixi's reaction, having realized Qian Xixi was behind a prank video posted by Su Su to tease Duan Ran out of jealousy. Zhang Jiayun pulls Qian Xixi aside to reassure her that there is nothing romantic between her and Duan Ran.

She reaffirms her support for Qian Xixi and Duan Ran as a couple, urging Qian Xixi not to let external factors, like Duan Ran's parents' opinions or the perceived "taking over" of his position, deter her. She emphasizes their strong friendship, stating, "between you and I, there's no Duan Ran." Qian Xixi admits that her feelings for Duan Ran are complex and she struggles to articulate his good qualities. To help Qian Xixi, Zhang Jiayun arranges a dinner date.

She first calls Chen Lang, who enthusiastically accepts, then calls Duan Ran. Zhang Jiayun describes Chen Lang as self-centered and rigid, always finding ways to justify his own logic, making him tedious to work with. In contrast, she portrays Duan Ran as empathetic and attentive, someone who genuinely listens and cares for others. She tells Duan Ran to dress handsomely for the evening.

After setting up the dinner, Zhang Jiayun instructs Qian Xixi to go in her place, reiterating that Qian Xixi and Duan Ran's deep bond makes it impossible for any third party to interfere. She jokingly asks why she would sabotage her "dream couple" and reminds Qian Xixi that friends' partners are off-limits, encouraging her to seize the opportunity. While Chen Lang and his team celebrate their victory, Mr Wu calls him to temper his enthusiasm.

Mr Wu congratulates him on securing the next season's streaming rights for Pineapple but points out that Yun's skirt sales were less than a tenth of Rui's. He explicitly states that if not for Rui's power outage, Yun would not have won. Mr Wu then informs Chen Lang that the skirt collection is excluded from their agreement and instructs him to sign an amendment the next day, leaving Chen Lang furious.

Qian Xixi meets Duan Ran for dinner as arranged by Zhang Jiayun. Duan Ran is initially surprised to see her instead of Zhang Jiayun. They playfully tease each other, recalling past relationships that ended due to long-distance issues. Duan Ran's previous girlfriend was older, and his parents disapproved, while Qian Xixi's ex wanted to stay in Shanghai when she returned to Xiamen. Both confirm they are no longer in contact with their ex-partners.

Duan Ran then muses why they, as childhood neighbors who have shared so much, never became a couple. Before Qian Xixi can fully respond, Duan Ran receives a video notification on his phone—it's the CCTV footage from the power outage area. After reviewing it, he takes a phone call and confirms that the footage indicates the power outage was due to "deteriorated wiring" and not "human intervention."

The video and subsequent phone call interrupt their conversation, but they soon return to playfully teasing each other about who will get the upcoming CEO position. The next day, Duan Shengyun and Mr Shen announce Qian Xixi as Rui Live's new CEO, effective immediately. Duan Ran objects, asserting that Qian Xixi lacks the strategic vision for the company's current needs, calling her an "idiot" who cannot lead.

Mr Shen counters by outlining Qian Xixi's significant contributions to restoring Rui's direction and morale, praising her pragmatic, diligent, and wise approach. Duan Ran proposes splitting the company into two divisions, with Qian Xixi managing internal operations and him overseeing external affairs. Duan Shengyun dismisses this as "childish" and advises Duan Ran to reflect on his own perspective.

He then informs Qian Xixi that she has five months to meet Duan Ran's initial promise of matching QE Marketplace's sales, or Rui Live will be sold. Qian Xixi accepts the challenge, thanking them for their trust. Enraged, Duan Ran accuses Qian Xixi of being a "thief" who has taken everything from him since childhood, including his company. Qian Xixi is deeply hurt by his words, almost in tears.

Duan Ran then storms out, expressing his disdain for their lack of understanding of e-commerce live streaming. As the team excitedly congratulates Qian Xixi on her appointment, Qian Xixi herself feels the immense pressure of the role, vowing to revive Rui Live within the given five months. She calls for a company-wide meeting. Meanwhile, Duan Ran, still unconvinced about the power outage, examines the CCTV footage alone.

He discovers that the video has been tampered with—a specific loop of two people with a stroller appears at two different timestamps, indicating that the original footage of the power cut was deliberately covered up. He deduces that the culprit anticipated his investigation. However, the security personnel he is speaking with remains skeptical, citing the real-time upload of footage as an obstacle to tampering and suggesting it could be a coincidence. Duan Ran is adamant that it's not.

During the meeting, Qian Xixi begins to announce team appointments. Duan Ran, returning late, dismisses his tardiness as a "traffic jam." Qian Xixi, unamused, orders him to stand in a corner for a five-minute "timeout." After some initial resistance, Duan Ran reluctantly complies. Qian Xixi appoints Yu Shi as Head of Finance, Mr Five as the head of supply chain with a vision for their own brand, and Su Su for technical support.

Despite Zhang Jiayun's preference not to be a leader, Qian Xixi assigns her the responsibility of managing the live streams for Pineapple's skirt collection. Observing Duan Ran's defiant behavior during his punishment, Qian Xixi then informs him that his only available position is that of an intern, or he can return to QE as a floor manager.

Episode 10 Recap

Duan Ran vehemently protested his new role as an intern, accusing Qian Xixi of retaliating against him. Qian Xixi challenged him, stating that if he was truly capable, she would give him three months to win back Pineapple Xpress, after which she would make his position permanent. She emphasized that all fresh graduates, regardless of their university or degree, must start as interns. Qian Xixi then presented him with a meager salary.

Duan Ran, who had already sold his car, money, and even his figurines, was infuriated that the pay was barely enough to cover his taxi fare. Qian Xixi, in response, flippantly suggested he take the bus or carpool with her and Yu Shi, or return to QE as a floor manager. Duan Ran, fuming, left.

Later, Duan Ran instructed Yu Shi to follow up on the police report made by security regarding the power outage and to report any updates directly to him. Yu Shi, subtly questioning Duan Ran's authority as an intern, asked if he should report to Ms Qian instead, which only further angered Duan Ran. Meanwhile, Qian Xixi and Yu Shi inspected the company's warehouse.

Qian Xixi liked the empty warehouse because it meant products were sold, but Yu Shi disliked it because it meant no stock. Yu Shi saw this as an opportunity to generate income and suggested renting out some unused space to a friend of his friend who needed an office for their startup. Qian Xixi, initially hesitant, was touched by Yu Shi's initiative to help the struggling company and agreed to the idea, asking him to negotiate a good price.

Yu Shi then made a call, revealing his friend's client was an online sacrificial ritual service firm. Duan Ran discovered his car, which he had sold, and found the door still faulty, allowing him to easily open it. Inside, the car was a mess. He started cleaning it, criticizing the car's new owner for being careless and unrefined.

He soon encountered Chen Lang, accusing him directly of deliberately damaging his beloved car and also causing the power outage during the live stream competition. Chen Lang mocked Duan Ran, denying any wrongdoing and advising him to use his brains rather than resorting to violence. Duan Ran, in turn, challenged Chen Lang to compete fairly and stop playing dirty tricks.

At home, Duan Ran's mother expressed concern to Duan Shengjun about pairing Duan Ran and Qian Xixi, predicting constant quarrels, especially with Qian Xixi as Duan Ran's superior. Duan Shengjun, however, defended his decision, stating Qian Xixi was better suited for the CEO role at this stage, and her weaknesses could be improved with Duan Ran's help, while Duan Ran needed to gain experience from the ground up. He urged his wife not to worry.

Duan Ran arrived and immediately questioned his father about the power outage during the live stream, revealing he had checked the surveillance footage and found it tampered with—a specific segment had been copied and pasted to loop. He knew Chen Lang was behind the dirty trick. Duan Shengjun agreed Chen Lang was a rival and advised Duan Ran to keep an eye out for Qian Xixi, who was already overwhelmed with her new CEO duties.

Duan Ran then voiced his frustration, arguing that he had solved all the recent crises for the company yet was relegated to an intern, while Qian Xixi, whom he perceived as less capable, became CEO. Duan Shengjun stood firm, emphasizing that starting from the bottom was a valuable experience and urged his son to accept the outcome with an open mind, not allowing his ego to get the better of him.

Duan Ran, feeling that his father and Qian Xixi were colluding, expressed his bitter unwillingness to accept this loss, especially after always besting Qian Xixi in significant matters. The next day at Rui Live, Duan Ran was horrified to find the company's reception area transformed into a space for an online sacrificial ritual service firm.

He confronted Yu Shi, who explained that due to the company's severe cash flow issues, Qian Xixi had agreed to lease out the unused space to generate much-needed income. Yu Shi passionately defended the decision, listing all the company's expenses and arguing that Duan Ran, as a "rich kid," didn't understand the hardships of running a business. Unconvinced, Duan Ran stormed off to confront Qian Xixi, calling the situation preposterous and likening their live streaming company to a cemetery.

Qian Xixi, asserting her authority as CEO, made Duan Ran step out, knock, and address her as "Ms Qian" before re-entering. Inside, Duan Ran accused her of putting on airs, but Qian Xixi countered by reminding him of his own past advice: "Inventory and cash flow decide the life or death of a business." She then revealed that after paying salaries, the company had less than RMB100,000 left.

Duan Ran outlined the urgent need for funds to prepare for Singles' Day, recruit streamers, and expand the market. Qian Xixi, however, adamantly refused to ask Duan Shengjun for money, explaining she disliked being indebted and couldn't even sleep at night if she owed someone. She insisted Duan Ran make the request, despite his complaints about his low intern salary. Duan Ran, for the sake of Rui, reluctantly agreed, but demanded Qian Xixi accompany him.

To butter up Duan Shengjun, Qian Xixi and Duan Ran prepared a cake for his birthday celebration, attended also by Director Shen. Duan Shengjun, wise to their intentions, immediately asked what they wanted. Duan Ran, hesitant, explained Rui's excellent operations but critical cash flow shortage, requesting financial support. Director Shen interjected, cynically remarking on the "free lunch" scenario.

Qian Xixi then clarified they remembered Duan Shengjun's stance on self-sufficiency and were only seeking a loan or temporary financial relief in any form. Duan Shengjun firmly reiterated his condition: any financial assistance would require equivalent pledges like company stakes or personal assets. He concluded by telling them to "save themselves," reminding them of their initial commitment to self-reliance.

As Director Shen prepared to leave, he pulled Duan Ran aside, expressing sympathy for their entrepreneurial spirit, which reminded him of his own youth. He offered to personally invest his private savings as an angel investor. Initially, he proposed five million for 10% of Rui's shares. Duan Ran, however, negotiated for a larger sum, promising great success.

Impressed by Duan Ran's ambition, Director Shen agreed to invest ten million in exchange for 20% of Rui's shares, cautioning Duan Ran to ensure the safety of his life savings. He also noted the current equity structure (80% QE, 20% Chen Lang) meant he would need to devise a convincing explanation for Duan Shengjun.

The next day, Qian Xixi, analyzing the proposed equity structure, realized a major flaw: with Director Shen taking 20%, Chen Lang already holding 20%, and QE retaining 60%, the founding team, Duan Ran and herself, would be left with no shares, essentially making them mere employees rather than entrepreneurs. Duan Ran initially dismissed her concerns, confident that QE's 60% majority stake ensured stability. Unbeknownst to them, Duan Shengjun and Director Shen had already discussed the funding.

Duan Shengjun, having reflected on Duan Ran and Qian Xixi's efforts in managing Rui and covering losses after Chen Lang's departure, acknowledged their "glorious defeat" and deemed their request for money justified. Director Shen revealed his intention to invest ten million. Duan Shengjun then proposed they each invest five million. Director Shen also suggested bringing his son into Rui, as he had no interest in QE, and allocating the future equity to the children.

The two fathers agreed to jointly invest the money and leave the shares to Duan Ran and Qian Xixi. Back at Rui, Su Su reported that their recruitment drive on 58. com was highly efficient, with many qualified applicants sending in resumes. Duan Ran, brimming with excitement over the ten million investment, gathered the staff to announce the good news, proclaiming their "miseries are over."

He enthusiastically detailed plans for lavish spending: upgrading all live streaming equipment, renovating dressing rooms, lounges, and offices, improving meals, and celebrating with a party that night. Qian Xixi quickly intervened, stopping his extravagant plans. She firmly reminded everyone that the ten million was the company's "life-saving fund" and not to be spent recklessly.

She stressed the company's urgent needs for hiring more staff and streamers, and warned against viewing investment as limitless funds, emphasizing that "investment is like lending an umbrella in fair weather and asking for it back when it begins to rain." Duan Ran argued that he was the one who secured the funding, but Qian Xixi sarcastically offered him an "Outstanding Intern" certificate.

Duan Ran, despite his earlier grandiosity, reluctantly suggested a small 20,000 celebration, which Qian Xixi immediately shot down. She reasserted her authority, stating she was in charge and that no frivolous spending would occur until new products and supply chains were secured, with Singles' Day just two months away. She then called for a meeting to plan their next phase of work, leaving Duan Ran deflated.

Meanwhile, Mr Ding, the person behind Chen Lang, learned that Rui had successfully secured ten million in funding, resolving their cash flow crisis. Speaking on the phone, Chen Lang casually credited the "timely" power cut for his success. Mr Ding informed Chen Lang that Rui had "survived" and ordered him to temporarily cease his rivalry with Duan Ran, advising him to focus on Cloud's business while he traveled abroad.

Mr Ding made it clear, however, that his own "fight" with Duan Ran was far from over. Chen Lang, though acknowledging the order, stated firmly that he was "not done with Duan Ran." Simultaneously, at Rui Live, the company began its expansion. Many enthusiastic candidates, having seen the job postings on 58. com, flocked to apply for various positions, with some expressing excitement about brand marketing and the interview process. The efficiency of the recruitment platform was noted, and the team continued to evaluate candidates and other operational needs, such as sourcing suitable warehouses.

Episode 11 Recap

Qian Xixi, Su Su, and Mr Five embarked on a search for leftover stock in various warehouses, hoping to modify and sell new products since the company lacked inventory. However, their efforts were largely unfruitful; two out of three warehouses denied them entry, citing restrictions from brand owners, preventing them from even viewing the goods. The items they did manage to inspect were made of unacceptable fabric.

Qian Xixi firmly stated that they could not sell inferior goods, as it would inevitably lead to high return rates, customer dissatisfaction, and a damaged reputation. She expressed frustration over the loss of their reliable supply chain to Chen Lang and the ongoing difficulty in securing top broadcaster Yuan Yuan, acknowledging the urgent need for an alternative solution for product sourcing.

Meanwhile, Qian Xixi received a phone call from the Municipal Office regarding noise complaints from neighbors about her old house's tenant. Rushing home, she felt a pang of nostalgia, recalling her childhood memories in the house with her late mother. Upon entering, she heard a loud grinding sound from upstairs. Her tenant, Xiao Bai, a food engineer in her senior year of university, was operating a coffee grinder.

Xiao Bai explained she was devoted to her dream of researching and developing various delicious bulletproof coffees for her idol. She proudly introduced her "Yuanbaobao Bulletproof Coffee," explaining that it originated as an energy drink in Silicon Valley, known for being filling and refreshing, popular among fitness enthusiasts. Xiao Bai elaborated that her formula, which precisely calculated the ratios of butter, coconut oil, and coffee, resulted in a unique, mellow, and satisfying drink.

After tasting it, Qian Xixi was impressed by its distinct flavor. Xiao Bai confirmed that all necessary business licenses were obtained, and she had a contract with a bottling company; her only hurdle was marketing the product. Recognizing this as a stroke of "greatest fate," Qian Xixi immediately saw an opportunity for collaboration and live stream sales.

Concurrently, Duan Ran and Zhang Jiayun finalized their selection of new broadcasters, including Mei Li and Little Yellow Duck, the latter particularly appealing for her youthful energy that fit a desired demographic. Despite this success, the scarcity of product sources remained a critical challenge, with only about a hundred leftover items secured—insufficient for even one live stream. Duan Ran, however, assured the team that he was actively addressing the supply issue.

Back at the office, Qian Xixi presented her "Yuanbaobao Bulletproof Coffee" as a viable product. Duan Ran, however, scoffed at the idea, calling it a low-end product with a negligible profit margin, arguing that it couldn't cover operational, labor, and logistics costs, unlike apparel which offered a 30% profit. Qian Xixi countered that Chen Lang controlled all reliable apparel brands, leaving them with few options, and that selling a unique product like coffee was essential for survival.

Duan Ran retorted by questioning her competence as CEO, sarcastically suggesting she might as well sell baked potatoes if she only planned to "flap her mouth." Undeterred, Qian Xixi then presented her detailed cost and profit calculations for the coffee to Yu Shi, emphasizing its significant potential despite a low unit price.

Yu Shi, after reviewing the figures, confirmed that the coffee indeed had a substantial profit margin, potentially over 50% after operating expenses, and agreed its potential was enormous with optimized packaging, logistics, and sales. He promised to verify the data with suppliers for accurate figures. Later, Qian Xixi overheard Duan Ran requesting 1,000 yuan for client entertainment.

She initially told him to pay out of pocket, but Duan Ran insisted he had returned all his bank and credit cards to his father to prove his independence, making him financially constrained. He explained the funds were for securing the Pineapple Xpress deal, which he deemed far more productive than selling coffee. Reluctantly, Qian Xixi approved the 1,000 yuan.

Duan Ran, complaining about Qian Xixi's stinginess and her new rule requiring a thumbprint for expenses over 100 yuan, then saw Yu Shi engrossed in calculating coffee profits. Learning that coffee's overall profit margin was "really higher than apparel," Duan Ran’s opposition softened, conceding that "selling coffee is better than sitting and doing nothing." Duan Ran then met with Mr Wu of Pineapple Xpress, initiating a conversation about their business.

Mr Wu, while appreciative of Rui's past successes, stated he had already signed the next season's contract with Chen Lang. Duan Ran clarified he wasn't there to steal contracts, but to address a "small problem" he observed: Perfect Blue's consistent practice of copying Pineapple Xpress's designs and underselling them, achieving higher sales.

Duan Ran argued that despite Mr Wu's disdain for Perfect Blue as a "thief's den" selling "low-end goods," sales were the "only criterion for success" for a young apparel brand. He suggested that Mr Wu was being constantly "pressed and beaten" by them. Duan Ran then proposed a solution to enhance Pineapple Xpress's brand image: a celebrity endorsement.

He suggested securing a "top star with the most fans," Jiang Zheyang, to interact with their broadcasters in a live stream, thereby converting his fanbase into customers. Mr Wu admitted that Jiang Zheyang was already their target but revealed the difficulty in dealing with his agent, Ouyang Meixuan, who had dismissed Pineapple Xpress as "too low-end." Duan Ran, admitting to being "a little acquainted" with Ouyang Meixuan, offered to secure Jiang Zheyang.

In exchange, he negotiated a deal for Rui to handle all of Pineapple Xpress's projects for the next three seasons, to which Mr Wu agreed. Back at Qian Xixi’s old house, she continued discussing the coffee with Xiao Bai, learning about optimal storage and consumption timelines. Xiao Bai excitedly revealed that her passion for coffee was inspired by her idol, "the dreamboat, Jiang Zheyang," showing Qian Xixi his picture.

Qian Xixi found Jiang Zheyang unusually familiar and inquired if he had ever changed his name. Xiao Bai, a dedicated fan, confirmed that he had, revealing his old name as "Jiang Jin Suo" and sharing details of his "dark past." Qian Xixi was astonished, realizing Jiang Jin Suo was her elementary school classmate and former seatmate, whom they both used to tease.

Although she no longer had contact information, she promised to help Xiao Bai meet her idol, delighting the young fan. To further the deal with Pineapple Xpress, Duan Ran purchased first-class tickets for himself and Yu Shi on a flight to Beijing, explaining to a concerned Yu Shi that a "very important person" was on board. During the flight, they "accidentally" encountered Ouyang Meixuan, Jiang Zheyang’s agent and Duan Ran’s former classmate.

Duan Ran introduced Ouyang to Yu Shi as his former classmate, and Yu Shi greeted Jiang Zheyang’s mother, who was also traveling with them. Duan Ran then discreetly observed Ouyang and Jiang Zheyang’s mother in a heated argument.

The mother criticized Ouyang’s handling of a recent "fan incident," believing Jiang Zheyang should not have apologized, while Ouyang argued their side had "crossed the line" first and an apology was necessary to prevent escalation, also chastising the mother for intervening in fan chat rooms. After the flight, Ouyang invited Duan Ran to dinner, which he accepted.

Yu Shi expressed frustration over the expensive tickets and Ouyang's apparent lack of assistance, but Duan Ran pointed out that Jiang Zheyang’s career decisions were controlled by his mother and agent. Therefore, Duan Ran concluded that approaching Jiang Zheyang’s mother was his most viable strategy. Returning to the office, Yu Shi attempted to get Qian Xixi to sign the reimbursement forms for their Beijing trip.

Qian Xixi, seeing the first-class tickets, was furious, especially after authorizing only 1,000 yuan for Duan Ran. She demanded an explanation. Yu Shi, under pressure, confessed they met Mr Wu from Pineapple Xpress to discuss future collaborations and that Duan Ran claimed to have "connections" to secure Jiang Zheyang. Yu Shi then reluctantly revealed that Ouyang, Jiang Zheyang’s agent, was Duan Ran’s ex-girlfriend, and that Duan Ran had orchestrated the first-class "accidental" encounter.

Incensed, Qian Xixi confronted Duan Ran in the pantry, where he was cooking noodles, accusing him of misusing company funds for a personal rendezvous with his ex-girlfriend shortly after they had secured capital. Duan Ran lightheartedly dismissed her anger as jealousy, promising to earn back "double" the money spent, asserting that the meeting with Ouyang was purely for work.

He then revealed that Mr Wu had promised Rui all future Pineapple Xpress projects if Duan Ran could secure Jiang Zheyang as their endorser. Upon hearing this strategic revelation, Qian Xixi’s anger dissipated, and she finally paid attention to the noodles Duan Ran was preparing.

Episode 12 Recap

Duan Ran had intended to cook a bowl of noodles for Qian Xixi, but she scoffed at the appearance of his cooking, so he prepared a bowl for himself instead. Qian Xixi expressed displeasure that he only made it for himself, to which Duan Ran retorted that she had previously found his cooking unappealing.

Duan Ran then explained his growing understanding of e-commerce live streaming: initially, the main concerns were cash flow and broadcasters, but once those were secured, the focus shifted to increasing engagement and popularity. Qian Xixi realized that Duan Ran had been trying to leverage Jiang Zheyang's popularity and traffic, though Duan Ran insisted it was a relationship of mutual support. He elaborated that no one generates more buzz than a top-tier celebrity like Jiang Zheyang.

With enough buzz comes traffic, which can turn ordinary individuals into successful broadcasters. Once they have a head broadcaster, suppliers would eagerly seek them out. Qian Xixi agreed with Duan Ran, acknowledging that a major star like Jiang Zheyang could quickly generate sales hype online in a way that others couldn't match.

Seeing that Qian Xixi hadn't eaten, Duan Ran offered her his noodles, gently patting her head and remarking that he, her brother, was the person who cared for and loved her the most in the world. Qian Xixi, however, seemed preoccupied, having just conceived a plan to help Xiaobai sell Yuanbao coffee.

Qian Xixi knew that Xiaobai was a big fan of Jiang Zheyang, and she herself was an elementary school classmate of his, with his real name being Jiang Jinsuo. She began recording short videos for various live streams, reminiscing about their childhood and inviting Jiang Zheyang for coffee, turning these invitations into a viral greeting. This sparked a craze online, with many people asking Jiang Zheyang for coffee dates.

In one video, Qian Xixi invited him for coffee at the sports village that weekend. Jiang Zheyang saw the video, recognized Qian Xixi, and expressed a desire to meet her, despite Ou Yang's belief that Qian Xixi was merely trying to capitalize on his fame. Jiang Zheyang, however, seemed unconcerned by this. On Saturday, Qian Xixi and Xiaobai waited at the old stadium for Jiang Zheyang to arrive for coffee, streaming their wait live.

Xiaobai grew disheartened as Jiang Zheyang didn't show up. Some viewers accused Qian Xixi of being a fraud and doubted Jiang Zheyang would appear. Unexpectedly, Jiang Zheyang eventually arrived, calling out Qian Xixi's name. Overjoyed, Qian Xixi rushed to embrace him. Jiang Zheyang greeted Qian Xixi's friends, and instantly, the live stream became incredibly lively. Back at the company, Duan Ran felt a twinge of discomfort, watching Qian Xixi's live stream viewership surge tenfold.

At that moment, he, too, wished he could be there. Qian Xixi and Jiang Zheyang reminisced about their past. Qian Xixi recalled how she used to call him "Little Fatty," which motivated him to exercise and transform into a handsome man. Xiaobai expressed her disappointment at having missed Jiang Zheyang twice – he arrived just after she left and left just before she returned.

Qian Xixi comforted Xiaobai, telling her that Jiang Zheyang had praised Xiaobai's Yuanbao coffee as delicious, so their effort was a success. With her newfound earnings, Xiaobai planned to rent an apartment near the company. Qian Xixi, in turn, considered renovating her old house and moving out of Duan Ran's place, as she didn't want to live with his family indefinitely. To celebrate their success, Qian Xixi approved a generous 200 yuan for their celebratory dinner.

Overwhelmed with excitement, she drank too much. Upon returning home, Duan Ran's mother doted on Qian Xixi, offering her water, while pointedly ignoring her own son. With coffee sales reaching over a million, Qian Xixi formed a group called "The Coffee Sisters" to continue selling coffee through live streams. Meanwhile, Duan Ran learned that Jiang Zheyang and his mother were attending an art exhibition. He seized the opportunity to approach Jiang Zheyang's mother, Madam Wu.

Knowing she frequently shopped at QE Mall, he introduced himself, implicitly linking himself to the mall, and complimented her on raising such an outstanding son. Chen Lang soon arrived, greeting them and claiming the exhibition host was a friend of his, who wished to meet Madam Wu. Chen Lang then whisked Madam Wu away to meet the artist, leaving Duan Ran sidelined. The artist even presented Jiang Zheyang with several paintings.

Duan Ran was annoyed by Chen Lang's interference and deliberately provoked him by mentioning how he had once sold his car at an inflated price to a foreigner just to raise funds, which ultimately saved Rui Live. Chen Lang, aware of Duan Ran's strong emotional attachment to the car, intentionally praised the car's excellence, much to Duan Ran's irritation. Both Duan Ran and Chen Lang employed various tactics to win over Jiang Zheyang's mother, catering to her preferences.

Duan Ran arranged for chefs from a famous vegetarian restaurant to cook for her at home and offered free services at a friend's pet salon for her dogs. Chen Lang even accompanied her dogs for a bath and grooming. However, his attempt to flatter her went awry when he fed the dogs ham. Madam Wu became extremely anxious, fearing her dogs would shed, and quickly made them vomit, leaving Chen Lang thoroughly embarrassed.

Duan Ran had dinner with Ou Yang, discussing Qian Xixi's use of Jiang Zheyang's image. Ou Yang grew increasingly annoyed by Duan Ran's repeated references to "our Xixi" and warned him that she would sue Qian Xixi if she continued to exploit Jiang Zheyang's image. Duan Ran immediately defended Qian Xixi, promising to reprimand "his Xixi" upon returning home. Ou Yang then offered to help Duan Ran, but he politely declined, preferring to handle the matter himself.

Ou Yang then offered a subtle but valuable piece of advice: Jiang Zheyang's mother finds great satisfaction in accomplishing things that Ou Yang strongly opposes. Later, the general manager of Hualu Coffee visited Qian Xixi. Expecting a major client, Qian Xixi was surprised when he proposed an acquisition of Rui Live.

Episode 13 Recap

Mr. Bai visited Qian Xixi, announcing his intention to acquire her company. Qian Xixi, surprised, mentioned the company's complex capital structure but was open to other collaborations. Mr. Bai clarified that he was interested in acquiring the bulletproof coffee they were selling, which had seen great sales and attracted many brand partnerships.

Qian Xixi explained that the coffee's patent was not held by their company but belonged to a broadcaster named Si Yu, known online as Yuan Bao, whose exclusive recipe it was. Mr. Bai, already aware of this, requested an introduction. Qian Xixi then brought Yuan Bao to meet him, only for Yuan Bao to reveal that Mr. Bai was her father.

Duan Ran accompanied Mrs. Jiang, Jiang Zheyang's mother, on a shopping trip at QE, a department store owned by his family. Mrs. Jiang admired various luxury brands, especially a limited-edition crocodile skin handbag, which Duan Ran immediately purchased for her. During their conversation, Mrs. Jiang expressed her desire to help Jiang Zheyang with his business ventures beyond Ouyang's management, fearing that Ouyang might eventually leave him.

Seizing the opportunity, Duan Ran brought up Pineapple Xpress, a brand with Italian designers targeting young women, suggesting it would be a good fit for Jiang Zheyang. He revealed that Ouyang had previously rejected the brand due to its small scale, a fact Mrs. Jiang was unaware of and found unacceptable. Incensed, Mrs. Jiang insisted that Ouyang, as his manager, should have informed them and urged Duan Ran to revive the project.

Duan Ran readily agreed and asked Mrs. Jiang to inform Chen Lang that he was now handling Jiang Zheyang's endorsement to avoid confusion. Mrs. Jiang agreed and accepted the numerous gifts Duan Ran had bought for her. Duan Ran remarked to Qian Xixi that Si Yu, despite her adorable appearance, showed rebellious tendencies, suggesting a deeper story behind the tense atmosphere between her and her father.

Si Yu's father criticized her for selling his patented coffee and hiring a celebrity endorser, arguing that the coffee was developed during her internship at his company, ""Hualu Coffee"", under the guise of a graduation project. He threatened to sue both her and the live streaming company if she did not return. Si Yu retorted that live streaming offered promising prospects and was perfect for her coffee, challenging her father to send his own daughter to prison.

She accused him of always forcing her to follow his plans, studying business and management instead of pursuing her own dreams, and declared her current venture a "silent protest" to prove herself and show him she was not a child. Mr. Bai, seeing his daughter's resolve, eventually left, entrusting Qian Xixi to look after Si Yu.

After her father's departure, Si Yu informed Qian Xixi that the bulletproof coffee's patent belonged to ""Hualu Coffee"", meaning they could no longer sell it on their platform. Qian Xixi, understanding Si Yu's situation, assured her it was fine; she could continue as a streamer and sell other products, provided she stayed with the company.

Si Yu explained that she and her father held vastly different ideas, with his generation preferring old-fashioned ways, while she aimed to create products and marketing strategies suitable for youngsters. She preferred to strike out on her own because staying at home was too draining. Duan Ran then cheerfully informed Si Yu and Qian Xixi that while the coffee venture was over, Pineapple Xpress was coming, and he expected to secure the contract in two or three days.

Si Yu was incredibly excited to hear that Jiang Zheyang would be the endorser, remarking on the tight primary school friendship between Qian Xixi and Jiang Zheyang, which she perceived as beneficial for this opportunity, and also noting the strong bond between Qian Xixi and Duan Ran. Qian Xixi, in turn, playfully reminded Duan Ran about his previous "Coffee and Class Reunion" stunt, where he almost got sued, noting that this time it was his "personal matter."

She then teased Si Yu that it was "Mr Duan's international love affair." Duan Ran, in a dramatic tone, corrected her by calling it his "foreign fling" and elaborated on the difficulties he faced befriending Mrs. Jiang to accomplish his dreams. Meanwhile, Si Yu explained her decision to move back home: her father felt more secure with her living there and had agreed to let her live at her own pace as long as she returned.

She expressed her belief in balancing personal dreams with responsibilities, which led her to study food engineering to innovate products and explore new sales channels for the family business. Qian Xixi, noting Si Yu's drive, commented on the similarity between Si Yu and Duan Ran, both from privileged backgrounds yet choosing a challenging path. Qian Xixi had already arranged a moving company to help Si Yu pack and move her belongings.

While helping Si Yu move, Qian Xixi explained that she intended to clear out her old house and potentially renovate it to move back. Having grown up, become independent, and started earning money, she felt it was inappropriate to continue living at Duan Ran's house. She showed Si Yu a height chart on the wall, recalling how her mother had promised her father would return once she reached a certain height.

Despite surpassing that height, her father never came back, and Qian Xixi remained silent when Si Yu asked about him. Later, after moving a cabinet, Qian Xixi discovered a "cockroach chewing gum" from her childhood, a prop she used to prank Duan Ran, sparking memories of how she used to tease him when they were kids. Si Yu was surprised to learn that Qian Xixi was the one who bullied Duan Ran in their childhood.

Duan Ran confidently went to meet Mr. Wu at Pineapple Xpress, believing he had secured Jiang Zheyang as an endorser. However, he was shocked to learn from a receptionist that Mr. Wu had already signed Niu Jun Feng. Rushing into Mr. Wu's office, Duan Ran found Chen Lang there, confirming he had been tricked.

Duan Ran confronted Chen Lang, accusing him of lacking principles, realizing Chen Lang had feigned competition for Jiang Zheyang while secretly facilitating Niu Jun Feng's signing with Pineapple Xpress. Chen Lang, unrepentant, mocked Duan Ran's delayed realization and suggested he was only good for relying on his family.

Duan Ran, furious, also confronted Mr. Wu, who explained that the board of directors had decided against Jiang Zheyang due to his "too international" image, opting for the more "down-to-earth" Niu Jun Feng, whom they had previously approached and been rejected by. Duan Ran, seeing he had been thoroughly played, sarcastically told Chen Lang and Mr. Wu to continue their discussion, before storming out.

Back at the office, Duan Ran angrily vented to Yu Shi about Chen Lang's betrayal and Pineapple Xpress's decision to sign Niu Jun Feng, lamenting his wasted efforts. Yu Shi chided him for not listening to his earlier warnings. When Qian Xixi approached, asking about the Pineapple Xpress deal, Duan Ran, wanting to hide his failure, confidently assured her it was going well and "in the bag."

Qian Xixi expressed her excitement, believing securing Pineapple Xpress's entire line would allow their company to rebound after the coffee business halt. After Qian Xixi left, Duan Ran discovered an invitation to Perfect Blue's Mid-Autumn Festival celebration and a memorial service for the late Mr. Mu Sr. Realizing Perfect Blue was seeking a new spokesperson, he saw an opportunity.

He quickly called for Perfect Blue's company information, internally dismissing Pineapple Xpress as unreliable and highlighting Perfect Blue's broader product lines and his existing relationship with Mr. Mu Jr. When Qian Xixi questioned his sudden shift from Pineapple Xpress to Perfect Blue, Duan Ran dismissed her concerns, stating he and Yu Shi were going to meet Mr. Mu Jr immediately and he would handle everything. Duan Ran and Yu Shi arrived at Mr. Mu Sr.'

s memorial, which was also a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration. Duan Ran approached Mr. Mu Jr. , praising his speech. Mr. Mu Jr. , however, was initially dismissive of business talks on such an occasion, telling Duan Ran he had other friends to attend to and no time for discussions. Duan Ran, recalling their previous verbal agreement with Mr. Mu Sr. , pressed him, highlighting Pineapple Xpress's move into e-commerce and offering Jiang Zheyang as Perfect Blue's endorser. Mr. Mu Jr.

explained his resistance, stating that Perfect Blue had long been suppressed by Pineapple Xpress, a brand that prioritizes advertising over the quality and innovative designs his father championed. He firmly believed that product quality was the best advertisement and saw no need for celebrity endorsements like Jiang Zheyang. Duan Ran argued that times had changed, emphasizing the importance of the "influencer economy" and "social media economy" to connect good products with consumers.

Despite Duan Ran's persistence and promise of guaranteed sales in the contract, Mr. Mu Jr. still tried to leave. As Mr. Mu Jr. and a female companion departed, Duan Ran and Yu Shi chased after his car. Yu Shi dramatically blocked the car, forcing Mr. Mu Jr. to give Duan Ran more time. Duan Ran passionately appealed to Mr. Mu Jr.

, emphasizing the critical importance of this project for his new venture and assuring him that his plans would benefit Perfect Blue. Moved by Duan Ran's sincerity and long-standing friendship, Mr. Mu Jr. agreed to cooperate under two conditions: Jiang Zheyang must be the spokesperson, and Duan Ran's profit share would be reduced from twenty percent to ten percent. If Duan Ran accepted, Perfect Blue would give them all their clothing and latest beauty products for live streaming.

Yu Shi discreetly signaled Duan Ran to agree, and the deal was successfully sealed. After Mr. Mu Jr.' s car drove away, Duan Ran put his arm around Yu Shi, humorously warning him never to block a car again, no matter the circumstances.

Episode 14 Recap

Perfect Blue officially signed a contract with Rui Live and Jiang Zheyang, securing Jiang Zheyang as the spokesperson for Perfect Blue. Duan Ran expressed his sincere gratitude to Ouyang Meixuan, acknowledging that her crucial tip on how to gain Jiang Zheyang’s mother’s approval was instrumental in securing the deal. Ouyang Meixuan suggested celebrating with dinner that evening, but Duan Ran, eager to share the good news with Qian Xixi, regretfully declined, much to Ouyang Meixuan’s disappointment.

She then reminded Duan Ran to finalize the workflow for Jiang Zheyang’s upcoming live stream and to collect self-introduction videos from all Rui broadcasters for initial screening. Duan Ran excitedly informed Qian Xixi about the Perfect Blue signing, desperately seeking a reward for his success. Qian Xixi playfully presented him with a prank chewing gum containing a fake cockroach, which startled him. Annoyed, Duan Ran confiscated the item.

Qian Xixi then mentioned she was renovating her old house because Yuanbao had moved out. Duan Ran, concerned, asked if she planned to move back, but Qian Xixi quickly clarified it was merely to increase the property’s rental value. Shortly after, Duan Ran tasked Qian Xixi to record a self-introduction video as an example for all Rui broadcasters.

He announced that five top broadcasters would be selected from the submitted videos, and Jiang Zheyang himself would choose one to co-host the live stream. While some assumed Qian Xixi, being Jiang Zheyang's classmate, would have an advantage, Duan Ran insisted on a fair and just selection process, even suggesting roles like event assistants or the mascot for those not chosen as co-hosts.

In recognition of his success, Qian Xixi officially promoted Duan Ran from intern to Project Manager, entrusting him with all Perfect Blue collaborations. Meanwhile, Duan Ran happened to overhear Qi Yuan Yuan desperately making phone calls, humbly pleading for acting roles, even minor ones without lines, but facing repeated rejections.

Seeing her struggle, Duan Ran approached her and offered her a compelling opportunity: to return to Rui Live and participate in the selection to partner with Jiang Zheyang, intending to make her a top broadcaster if she rejoined. The company buzzed with excitement as broadcasters, including Yuanbao and Xiaohuangya, began preparing their videos, some even researching Jiang Zheyang's preferences. Su Su even developed an algorithm for betting on the likely winner.

Qian Xixi, despite being a top contender in the internal predictions, felt uneasy about the undefined selection criteria. She directly questioned Duan Ran, but he refused to disclose them, claiming she wasn't a good match for Jiang Zheyang and that he was "protecting" her from potential disappointment. Qian Xixi, confident in her popularity, found his secrecy frustrating.

Duan Ran maintained his ambiguous stance, praising everyone's hard work (some with "dark circles under their eyes like pandas") and promising a "fair and just choice" from Jiang Zheyang, but still withholding the specific standards. Meanwhile, Duan Ran's fear of a hamster, a gift from Jiang Zheyang's fans, amused his colleagues. Qian Xixi later observed Duan Ran instructing Zhang Bin to discreetly mail a package.

Intercepting it, Qian Xixi discovered files containing only videos from five selected broadcasters, including Qi Yuan Yuan and four new faces. Realizing Duan Ran had secretly pre-selected Yuan Yuan, likely as a condition for her to re-sign with Rui, Qian Xixi was incensed by the unfairness. Asserting her role as CEO to ensure balance, she decided to counteract Duan Ran’s scheme by sending videos from "all fifty-plus" Rui broadcasters to Ouyang Meixuan, Jiang Zheyang's agent.

Ouyang Meixuan, surprised and annoyed by the deluge of over fifty videos, called Duan Ran to express her displeasure before deciding to visit Rui in person. Panicked, Duan Ran swiftly called Qi Yuan Yuan to the office and instructed Yu Shi to discretely assemble his five chosen candidates in a small meeting room. When Ouyang Meixuan arrived, she voiced her preference for a formal, press conference-style event for Jiang Zheyang, not a casual "internet celebrity" live stream.

Qian Xixi, witnessing this, pulled Duan Ran aside and directly accused him of pre-selecting Qi Yuan Yuan. Duan Ran admitted he had promised Yuan Yuan the co-hosting role to persuade her to re-sign, intending to groom her into a top broadcaster. Qian Xixi vehemently opposed this, arguing it was unfair to other broadcasters and detrimental to the company. Their argument was cut short by Qi Yuan Yuan's arrival, who, unaware of the tension, warmly embraced Qian Xixi.

Seizing the moment, Duan Ran quickly ushered Qi Yuan Yuan into the meeting to meet Ouyang Meixuan, disregarding Qian Xixi's objections. Outside, other broadcasters, observing Duan Ran's actions, pressed Qian Xixi for answers. A frustrated Su Su exposed Duan Ran's secret arrangement with Qi Yuan Yuan, revealing that the entire selection process had been a charade. The broadcasters were furious, demanding Qian Xixi, as CEO, address the injustice.

Qian Xixi, determined to rectify the situation, entered the meeting room, introduced herself to Ouyang Meixuan, and politely, but firmly, asked Duan Ran and Qi Yuan Yuan to leave so she could speak with Ouyang Meixuan alone. Before leaving, Ouyang Meixuan, seemingly to vex Qian Xixi, deliberately asked Duan Ran to fetch her favorite coffee and sandwiches, which he promptly agreed to.

Duan Ran then warned Qian Xixi not to interfere with his plan, but Qian Xixi firmly reminded him of her authority as CEO. Qian Xixi began by expressing Rui's honor in partnering with Ouyang Meixuan and Jiang Zheyang, and conveyed the immense enthusiasm of her broadcasters. She then proposed that Ouyang Meixuan personally interview every Rui broadcaster, ensuring a fair and just opportunity for all.

Ouyang Meixuan, however, promptly declared that Qian Xixi would be the first to be eliminated, citing her past "piggybacking" on Jiang Zheyang's popularity to sell coffee and demanding she refrain from appearing in any of Jiang Zheyang's future events. Qian Xixi, while acknowledging her past actions, pointed out that the incident also propelled Jiang Zheyang into a trending topic, suggesting this benefit was why Ouyang Meixuan was even speaking with her now.

Ultimately, Qian Xixi agreed to withdraw from the selection herself, provided Ouyang Meixuan granted all other Rui broadcasters a fair chance. Ouyang Meixuan, impressed by Qian Xixi's resolve, accepted the offer. Qian Xixi then announced to all broadcasters that Ouyang Meixuan would interview them one by one, urging them to prepare. She candidly told them she had been eliminated due to her past actions of leveraging Jiang Zheyang's popularity for sales, accepting it as a fair consequence.

Later, Qian Xixi privately spoke with Qi Yuan Yuan, explaining that despite Duan Ran's initial promise, as CEO, she had to ensure a fair and impartial selection for all. Qi Yuan Yuan expressed understanding and confidently stated that as long as the competition was fair, she was certain to win. As the interviews began, Ouyang Meixuan listened impassively.

Duan Ran, present during some of the interviews, continued to champion Qi Yuan Yuan, highlighting her past success as a top broadcaster and explaining his desire to re-sign her, promising to build her into a leading talent. He asserted that other broadcasters would readily accept losing to their experienced "senior." Meanwhile, the broadcasters presented their best, some like Yuanbao, expressing fervent admiration for Jiang Zheyang and his positive image, others discussing his public persona and preferred partner type.

Ouyang Meixuan shrewdly questioned how this "public persona" knowledge would translate to a live stream focused on selling goods. The interviews then progressed to a second round, requiring product demonstrations. One broadcaster, in an attempt to connect on a personal level, even asked Ouyang Meixuan about her mood and first thought upon waking that morning.

Episode 15 Recap

After Ou Yang’s interviews, Zhang Jiayun was ultimately chosen to interact with Jiang Zheyang during the live stream. When Qian Xixi announced the results, Ou Yang congratulated Zhang Jiayun, telling her she was the one who would stream with Jiang Zheyang. Zhang Jiayun, surprised, felt that Yuan Yuan would be heartbroken and even offered to relinquish her spot. However, Qian Xixi quickly dismissed the idea, stating that Yuan Yuan’s personality would never allow her to accept such an offer.

Before leaving, Ou Yang told Qian Xixi to finalize the venue arrangements and ensure Zhang Jiayun was dressed elegantly for the event, implying that Qian Xixi should buy her more expensive clothes. Ou Yang explained to Zhang Jiayun that she had always envisioned a smart, intelligent, yet laid-back girl for Jiang Zheyang, and she found Zhang Jiayun to be a perfect fit. Duan Ran, still eager to recommend Yuan Yuan, had been speaking positively about her to Ou Yang.

However, Ou Yang remained unconvinced, arguing that Yuan Yuan's "internet celebrity" appearance didn't align with the persona she had carefully crafted for Jiang Zheyang. Ou Yang stated that Yuan Yuan lacked a specific quality compared to Zhang Jiayun and didn't fit the desired image. Unbeknownst to them, Yuan Yuan overheard this conversation and stormed off in anger. Duan Ran rushed to follow her and her manager, offering to treat them to dinner as an apology.

Yuan Yuan's manager expressed frustration, reminding Duan Ran that they had only returned on the promise of Yuan Yuan interacting with Jiang Zheyang, only for Zhang Jiayun to be chosen. The manager also questioned why Qian Xixi, who had been trying to get Yuan Yuan to return, was now seemingly undermining them. Duan Ran, unfazed, vowed to find a solution.

He shared a crucial insight: all major decisions concerning Jiang Zheyang were the result of negotiations between his mother and his manager. He proposed that Yuan Yuan approach Jiang Zheyang's mother, a strategy Yuan Yuan readily accepted. Meanwhile, Qian Xixi was celebrating with Zhang Jiayun, thrilled for her selection. Qian Xixi confessed that she had initially expected Ou Yang to show favoritism towards Yuan Yuan due to her past relationship with Duan Ran.

She had even secretly hoped Ou Yang would act unfairly, giving Qian Xixi a reason to disapprove of her. However, Ou Yang’s impartial decision to choose Zhang Jiayun earned Qian Xixi's respect, making her acknowledge Ou Yang's ability to separate personal feelings from professional responsibilities. Zhang Jiayun mused that Ou Yang was like a crystal: outwardly dazzling, but her brilliance relied on external illumination. Qian Xixi didn't quite understand this metaphor.

Jiang Zheyang, seemingly pleased, was looking at a photo on his phone when Ou Yang approached him. She showed him Zhang Jiayun's profile, remarking that she had chosen a Rui Live broadcaster who would be a good match for him. Jiang Zheyang agreed, finding Zhang Jiayun's image and elegance suitable. Ou Yang then playfully teased Jiang Zheyang about his particular attentiveness to the collaboration, which Jiang Zheyang playfully denied, stating that "work is work."

She also chided him for his previous impulsive decision to help Qian Xixi sell coffee at the stadium. Ou Yang reminded him that he had other commitments and that his mother would be attending his charity auction on his behalf. At Jiang Zheyang's charity auction, where his mother was representing him, Duan Ran accompanied Yuan Yuan with a deliberate plan. The auction commenced with a classical guitar previously used by Jiang Zheyang.

Duan Ran encouraged Yuan Yuan to bid a substantial amount, advising her that winning over Jiang Zheyang's mother was paramount. Yuan Yuan followed his advice, successfully acquiring the guitar for RMB 300,000. As soon as Jiang Zheyang's mother saw Yuan Yuan, Duan Ran seized the opportunity to introduce them, highlighting Yuan Yuan’s exceptional standing in the streaming industry and her dedication to charity.

Yuan Yuan then charmed Jiang Zheyang's mother by complimenting her youthful appearance and suggesting she would be an ideal spokesperson for beauty products. Flattered, Jiang Zheyang’s mother praised Yuan Yuan's beauty, youth, and philanthropic spirit. Capitalizing on the positive interaction, Duan Ran proposed a photo, to which Jiang Zheyang's mother readily agreed, personally handing the guitar to Yuan Yuan for the photograph.

Qian Xixi and Yu Shi meticulously set up the venue at QE mall, coordinating the crew and ensuring every detail was perfect. Qian Xixi expressed her strong belief that the success of Rui Live depended on this event, confident they would prevail. Duan Ran, however, was nowhere to be found, and wasn't answering calls, which Qian Xixi found odd. Jiang Zheyang arrived earlier than expected.

Qian Xixi promptly greeted him, escorting him to a spacious dressing room and lounge she had specifically reserved. Jiang Zheyang and Ou Yang, his manager, were very pleased with the arrangements. Ou Yang then left Jiang Zheyang to get his makeup done while she accompanied Qian Xixi to oversee the live stream preparations. As a large crowd of Jiang Zheyang’s fans gathered, Ou Yang grew concerned about the insufficient security, expressing her worries to Qian Xixi.

She then criticized Duan Ran’s absence, accusing him of not prioritizing Jiang Zheyang’s event and failing to greet them upon arrival. Qian Xixi, maintaining a calm demeanor, suggested that if Ou Yang was satisfied with the venue, she should return to check on Jiang Zheyang's makeup. She then subtly challenged Ou Yang to call Duan Ran herself, implying that Ou Yang might not even have his contact information.

Annoyed, Ou Yang dismissed Qian Xixi, reiterating her demand for a flawless event since it was Jiang Zheyang's first live stream. Yu Shi, witnessing Ou Yang’s haughty attitude, grumbled about her arrogance, but Qian Xixi quickly silenced him. She stressed that their primary goal was to ensure the live stream proceeded without any issues, even if it meant tolerating Ou Yang's behavior. Qian Xixi went to Zhang Jiayun's dressing room, eager for her to get ready.

She presented Zhang Jiayun with a specially chosen, beautiful outfit and urged her to try it on quickly. Zhang Jiayun, excited, momentarily got distracted by Jiang Zheyang’s presence in the next room, wanting a photo, but Qian Xixi redirected her focus to the event. Once Zhang Jiayun emerged in the new clothes, Qian Xixi was genuinely captivated by her appearance, exclaiming that it would be a grave injustice not to choose her as the host.

Zhang Jiayun, beaming, confidently affirmed her inherent beauty. Qian Xixi then hurried her and the makeup artists to continue preparing. As Qian Xixi searched for Duan Ran, she witnessed him arriving with Jiang Zheyang’s mother and Yuan Yuan. Duan Ran introduced Qian Xixi as their streaming company’s CEO, but Jiang Zheyang's mother barely acknowledged her, immediately asking for her son. Qian Xixi, sensing trouble, quietly followed them.

Inside the dressing room, Jiang Zheyang’s mother asserted that Yuan Yuan, being Rui Live’s leading broadcaster with top sales and a vast fan base, was the ideal partner for her son, dismissing Zhang Jiayun as an unsuitable amateur. Ou Yang attempted to explain that Zhang Jiayun was selected after careful consideration, but Jiang Zheyang’s mother was insistent on a last-minute change. Qian Xixi later confronted Yuan Yuan, surprised that she had resorted to influencing Jiang Zheyang’s mother.

Yuan Yuan, however, declared her determination, stating she was tired of past failures and would now relentlessly pursue her success, no matter the cost. An intense argument erupted between Jiang Zheyang’s mother and Ou Yang regarding the selection of the interactive host. Ou Yang professionally argued for Zhang Jiayun, citing her suitability, while Jiang Zheyang’s mother passionately advocated for Yuan Yuan, emphasizing her experience and her liking for Yuan Yuan.

Seeing Qian Xixi arrive with the event schedule, Jiang Zheyang seized the chance to escape the heated discussion, quickly pulling her away under the pretense of reviewing the event’s schedule. Once outside, he confessed his relief at fleeing the stressful situation. Qian Xixi, curious about his mother's sudden intervention, listened as Jiang Zheyang recounted a past incident: his mother had once accepted a last-minute commercial during his concert, forcing him to abruptly leave after only two songs.

This angered his fans and took Ou Yang half a year to rectify. He concluded by explaining that, despite Ou Yang’s efforts, she ultimately had to defer to his mother’s decisions. Jiang Zheyang’s mother, confronting Ou Yang, invoked their "gentleman's agreement," reminding her that since she had secured the contract for Perfect Blue, her decision was final. She sternly told Ou Yang that everyone must abide by the rules.

She also subtly chastised Ou Yang for allowing Jiang Zheyang to help "that girl named Qian" sell coffee, deeming it Ou Yang's negligence. Although she decided to overlook it this time, she warned Ou Yang against future lapses. She then downplayed the significance of the current event, advising Ou Yang not to be overly serious before leaving to find Jiang Zheyang.

As soon as Jiang Zheyang's mother departed, Ou Yang shot a furious glare at Duan Ran, who quickly found an excuse to slip away, leaving Ou Yang visibly fuming and with a stomachache. Oblivious to the ongoing tensions, Jiang Zheyang insisted on taking selfies with Qian Xixi outside, unmasked. His mother soon found them and immediately scolded Jiang Zheyang for being in public without a mask, fearing that paparazzi might capture photos and concoct defamatory stories.

Jiang Zheyang then formally introduced Qian Xixi to his mother as his primary schoolmate, even revealing that they were deskmates back when he was known as Jiang Jin Suo. His mother, surprised by the coincidence, complimented Qian Xixi’s youth and beauty, but reiterated her warning about the dangers of public exposure and potential rumors. Duan Ran hesitantly made his way to Zhang Jiayun’s dressing room, where she was applying makeup.

He awkwardly initiated small talk, clearly struggling to deliver uncomfortable news. Zhang Jiayun, perceiving his hesitation, urged him to be direct. Duan Ran then stammered out the truth: Jiang Zheyang’s mother had arrived with Yuan Yuan and expressed a strong desire for Yuan Yuan to be the interactive host. He explained that Jiang Zheyang’s mother typically held significant sway over her son’s career decisions. To Duan Ran's utter surprise, Zhang Jiayun reacted with immense relief rather than anger.

She confessed that since her selection, she had been plagued by sleepless nights, evident from her dark eye bags, and was actually happy to be taken off the main role. Hearing Zhang Jiayun's candid admission, Duan Ran also felt a wave of relief wash over him.

Zhang Jiayun then eagerly asked if she no longer needed to memorize the script, a question Duan Ran quickly answered with a firm "no." Overjoyed, Zhang Jiayun celebrated by high-fiving Duan Ran, expressing her gratitude. She explained her aversion to the pressure and responsibility of main hosting, assuring him that she would still diligently promote the products from her supporting role.

Suddenly, Ou Yang received an alarming email containing negative news about Yuan Yuan from her past as an entertainment streamer, specifically accusations of being financially supported by a wealthy married man. Ou Yang immediately rushed to inform Jiang Zheyang’s mother that Yuan Yuan could no longer participate, showing her the widespread news online. Although Jiang Zheyang's mother was initially with her son, she was informed of the situation and reluctantly conceded.

Qian Xixi was then instructed to notify Zhang Jiayun to prepare for the interactive live stream. Duan Ran and Yuan Yuan both protested, with Yuan Yuan asserting the accusations were false. Duan Ran defended Yuan Yuan, arguing she was their best streamer. However, Ou Yang stood firm, emphasizing Jiang Zheyang's pristine, scandal-free public image and her unwillingness to risk even a slight negative association.

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Yuan Yuan voluntarily withdrew from the live stream, reiterating that the rumors were baseless fabrications by others. Qian Xixi then went to explain the sudden change to Zhang Jiayun, who was again hesitant to take on the main host role, but Qian Xixi reassured and encouraged her. Yuan Yuan explained that she had initially left entertainment streaming for e-commerce because she could no longer tolerate the slander and baseless accusations.

She found e-commerce to be a less toxic environment than entertainment platforms, allowing her to earn a living through her own merit and hard work, rather than depending on others’ generosity or battling constant rumors.

Episode 16 Recap

Yuan Yuan reflected on her journey, stating that every bit of effort she had put in was rewarded. She expressed how much she cherished this opportunity, mentioning she had lost five pounds for it and even memorized Jiang Zheyang's information and Perfect Blue's product information in her sleep. While she felt she deserved the chance, she ultimately decided to withdraw, not wanting her colleagues' hard work to go to waste.

She also thanked Jiang Zheyang's mother for her recognition, acknowledging it was a pity she couldn't collaborate with Jiang Zheyang this time. Other team members expressed their regrets as well. Duan Ran, though feeling uncomfortable, pushed through to continue with the event. Jiang Zheyang's mother, finding the situation uninteresting, left. When Duan Ran tried to say more, Ouyang curtly told him he was looking for trouble. Suddenly, a message arrived: Jiang Zheyang had disappeared and wasn't answering his phone.

Ouyang immediately began directing the team to search for him, asking if they checked the washroom. Meanwhile, Zhang Jiayun found memorizing the scripts overwhelming, but some colleagues envied her, wishing they could interact with Jiang Zheyang. In the QE lobby, Yuan Yuan, feeling bored, heard a passerby playing the piano. The beautiful music drew her in, and she spontaneously joined the person, playing a harmonious duet.

Soon after, Jiang Zheyang also arrived and joined them, creating a trio at the piano that captivated a large crowd, many of whom recorded the moment on their phones. With the live stream about to begin, Qian Xixi and her team frantically searched for Jiang Zheyang throughout the mall. She finally found him as the piano performance concluded to applause. She quickly pulled him away.

Yuan Yuan's agent recognized Jiang Zheyang, but Yuan Yuan stopped him from calling out, pulling him along instead. Qian Xixi escorted Jiang Zheyang back to get ready, a sight that made Duan Ran jealous. He wondered why Qian Xixi could find Jiang Zheyang when no one else could, implying it was too convenient. Qian Xixi playfully suggested it was "destiny," further irritating Duan Ran, who then tugged on her ear.

At that moment, Yu Shi rushed in, announcing that Bai Siyu, who was supposed to be the mascot, had abandoned her post, leaving them without anyone to wear the white bear costume. Duan Ran quickly declared Qian Xixi would take her place. Qian Xixi protested, feeling the bear head was too big for her small frame. Duan Ran found her "quite cute" in it and put the mascot head on her, teasing her about being furry and huggable.

Qian Xixi asked Duan Ran not to tell anyone, especially Jiang Zheyang, that she was the mascot. She felt it would be embarrassing since Jiang Zheyang had just complimented her. Duan Ran agreed, saying she could act however she wanted with the head on. During the live stream, Qian Xixi, in the mascot costume, nearly stumbled on stage, but Jiang Zheyang quickly caught her.

On stage, Zhang Jiayun and Jiang Zheyang interacted, with Zhang Jiayun commenting on the mascot's energetic and fast dancing, which they struggled to keep up with. The live stream was a huge success, with fan engagement and follower counts soaring, especially for Rui's broadcasters. This angered Chen Lang, who watched Rui's live stream. His team suggested inviting Jiang Zheyang to their platform.

Chen Lang scoffed at Rui's "attention-grabbing gimmicks," insisting their company relied on "capability" and had Xiao Xiao, but his jealousy was evident. Towards the end of the show, Jiang Zheyang announced he wanted to thank a very special person: the White Bear mascot. He insisted on removing the mascot's head, revealing Qian Xixi, and praised her for taking on the most tiring and difficult work to make the event a success.

He then suggested taking a photo with her, much to Duan Ran's visible jealousy. Jiang Zheyang later admitted to Qian Xixi that he recognized her when she stumbled on stage and he helped her, realizing who was inside the costume. After the live stream, Ouyang approached Duan Ran, expressing satisfaction with the "explosive" results and the significant increase in fan numbers. She suggested future collaborations, which Duan Ran enthusiastically agreed to, promising to "create opportunities" if none arose.

Later, a report confirmed that QE Mall had its highest visitor traffic of the year, with all restaurant bookings filled. As Duan Ran left the mall, he encountered Lao Qian, Qian Xixi's father, playing piano in the lobby. The two agreed to have dinner together that evening. Worried about Yuan Yuan, Qian Xixi then encountered Bai Siyu, who rushed in with gifts for Jiang Zheyang, only to be heartbroken and cry when she learned he had already left.

Qian Xixi and others tried to console her. That evening, at a family dinner, Qian Xixi was stunned and upset to see her father, Lao Qian, present. Her mood immediately turned somber, and she left the table. Duan Ran's mother followed her, trying to explain that Lao Qian had returned to visit her. Qian Xixi angrily declared he wasn't her father, as he had neither raised nor cared for her; she only recognized Duan Ran's parents.

Duan Ran's mother urged her to give Lao Qian face, asking her to finish the dinner. Qian Xixi agreed, but only after making Duan Ran's mother promise she would never have to see him again after that night. During dinner, Lao Qian expressed his desire to make up for lost time and compensate Qian Xixi, hoping to take her abroad to continue her studies after dealing with some domestic matters.

Duan Ran's mother confronted him, questioning how he planned to fund her education when he hadn't prepared anything, calling his words irresponsible. She then left the table in anger, while Qian Xixi remained silent throughout the exchange. Lao Qian decided to return to his old house. Duan Ran insisted Qian Xixi accompany him to see her father off.

In the car, Lao Qian repeatedly called Qian Xixi's name, eager to talk and apologizing for his failures as a father, but Qian Xixi remained unresponsive. Upon arriving at the old house, Qian Xixi prevented Duan Ran from helping with Lao Qian's luggage, stating she would simply open the door and be back in two minutes, clearly indicating her unwillingness to spend any more time with her father.

Episode 17 Recap

Qian Xixi opened the door to her old house, observing its messy state, and told Lao Qian it was uninhabitable, suggesting he stay elsewhere. Lao Qian, feeling homesick, expressed how he often dreamt of returning to Xiamen and seeing Qian Xixi and her mother there. Qian Xixi, however, harshly reminded him that she and her mother had long forgotten him, and firmly rejected his plans to take her abroad, declaring she would never leave the country with him.

Later, in the car, Qian Xixi confessed to Duan Ran that she was deeply upset. She recounted how, as a child, her yearly birthday wish was for Lao Qian to return and be with her and her mother. She always wondered why her father never picked her up from school or gave her birthday gifts, and constantly questioned if she wasn't good enough, which was why he stayed away.

She recalled being bullied by other children who claimed she had no father, only for her mother to fiercely protect her, asserting that Qian Xixi was stronger than any other child because her father was a great musician abroad. Seeing Lao Qian now, Qian Xixi felt only rage. She questioned why he could arbitrarily re-enter her life and demand affection without having contributed or been present.

She lamented that everything she desired seemed to slip away, while things she wished to discard clung stubbornly, making her feel like an insignificant blade of grass. Duan Ran, seeing her tears, pulled the car over, embracing her and encouraging her to cry freely, assuring her that in his world and the world of those who loved her, she was the most important person.

Meanwhile, Zhang Jiayun's popularity soared after her live interaction with Jiang Zheyang, with his female fans flocking to support her, tripling her follower count. Yuan Yuan, having returned to livestreaming, found her sales lagging behind Zhang Jiayun's. Her manager, Zhang Bin, consoled Yuan Yuan, reminding her that her fanbase was still the largest.

Yuan Yuan's assistant, Xiao Bu, expressed frustration that Rui Live's best resources were going to Zhang Jiayun, even noting that Yuan Yuan's former assistant, Qing Qing, had been temporarily assigned to Zhang Jiayun's broadcast. Yuan Yuan, however, remained confident, and wasn't angry about Duan Ran's unfulfilled promises, dismissing the interactive live stream as an accident.

She asserted her determination to work hard, showcase her strength, and use sales to prove that she remained Rui Live's top streamer, regardless of what anyone said behind her back. Back at the house, Qian Xixi hired a renovation company to install furniture, only for Lao Qian to summarily send the workers away. Enraged, Qian Xixi confronted him, accusing him of making decisions on her behalf.

She was particularly furious when he wallpapered over a growth chart her mother had drawn on the wall. Tearing down the wallpaper, Qian Xixi scolded him for destroying her mother's artwork, which Lao Qian claimed he knew nothing about and apologized profusely. She warned him not to chase away the renovation company again. Later, Lao Qian's continued noisy renovation work led to a neighbor reporting him to the police.

Qian Xixi, interrupted during a live stream, had to rush to the Jimei District Police Station to bail him out. Further angered, she lashed out at him, asking how much more trouble he intended to cause. Lao Qian, explaining he only wanted to surprise her and make amends for damaging her mother's drawing by hanging photos of Qian Xixi and her mother, admitted he knew she hated him.

He said he simply wanted her to call him "Dad," asking how many times they had seen each other in her life, especially when her mother was sick. He apologized sincerely, agreeing she had every right to hate him, and offered to let her hit or slap him if it would make her feel better. Lao Qian then began slapping himself, apologizing to both Qian Xixi and her mother.

Tears streaming down her face, Qian Xixi rushed to stop him, crying out "Dad" for the first time in years. Lao Qian, overcome with emotion, collapsed and wept like a child, while Qian Xixi knelt to comfort him, stroking his head. Their long-standing grievances seemed to wash away with their tears.

Returning home, Qian Xixi felt a warmth in her heart as she saw the photo frame of her and her mother on the wall, and Lao Qian looked at his daughter, now seemingly reunited with him, with loving eyes. That evening, Qian Xixi called Duan Ran to update him on the situation, mentioning the police issued a verbal warning and that Lao Qian would continue staying at the house to save money.

She encouraged Duan Ran to go home and spend time with his mother. Meanwhile, Chen Lang's Cloud Live had successfully promoted Xiao Xiao as a head broadcaster by investing heavily to boost her position on the Talent Chart. Duan Ran was frustrated, noting that Rui Live lacked a head broadcaster and was struggling financially.

He was worried, especially after hearing that Chen Lang was actively preparing to further boost Xiao Xiao's ranking into the top thirty on the Talent Chart, which would solidify her status as a true top-tier head broadcaster. Cola met with Chen Lang, directly asking if he considered himself despicable. She confronted him about sending her Yuan Yuan's incriminating information, correctly inferring he intended for her to prevent Yuan Yuan's rise and hinder Rui Live's competition with Cloud Live.

Chen Lang admitted his methods were "despicable" and pointed out their similarities: both desired to succeed. He revealed he chose her because, upon joining Rui Live, she adopted a "Little Yuan Yuan" persona which attracted fans, but she disliked the name and preferred to be called Cola, showing her ambition to stand out. Chen Lang offered her a partnership, but Cola, not wanting to become someone she despised, refused.

Separately, a video of Lao Qian, Yuan Yuan, and Jiang Zheyang performing a six-hand piano performance went viral online, garnering over ten million views and attracting significant attention, much to Cola's envy. Duan Ran then discussed the need for a head broadcaster with Zhang Jiayun. He felt streamers like Little Yellow Duck and Yuan Bao were not yet mature enough for the role, and proposed nurturing Zhang Jiayun for it.

Zhang Jiayun, however, expressed her disinterest in competition and fame, and instead recommended Yuan Yuan, showing Duan Ran the viral piano video. Following this, Duan Ran called Lao Qian to the company. Lao Qian arrived with lunch he had personally prepared for Qian Xixi and Duan Ran, which Duan Ran heartily praised. However, Yu Shi interrupted, informing Duan Ran of an urgent meeting. Duan Ran, pulling Qian Xixi who had barely eaten, rushed to the conference room for a mobilization meeting to discuss pushing Rui Live's broadcasters onto the Talent Chart.

Episode 18 Recap

Duan Ran convened a meeting with all the broadcasters, aiming to help Yuan Yuan vie for the Talent Chart. However, Qian Xixi voiced strong opposition. As Duan Ran rushed her to the meeting from her meal, she immediately questioned his plan, asking how he intended to "reach the top" and with what resources.

She clarified that while she didn't object to Yuan Yuan participating in the Talent Chart, she strongly opposed mobilizing all the company's human and material resources to push her up the ranks, especially with less than a week left. Duan Ran, however, was confident, assuring her there was "more than enough time." Just then, he received a call and announced that their "saviour is here." He then instructed Qian Xixi to organize the meeting minutes before rushing out.

Curious about this "saviour," Qian Xixi followed him. Qian Xixi followed Duan Ran outside and saw him greeting Ouyang, who had arrived in a nice car. Feeling a pang of jealousy, Qian Xixi expressed her frustration that her opinions seemed to hold no weight compared to Ouyang's. Meanwhile, Lao Qian, feeling uneasy, went to check on Qian Xixi.

He worried about her grueling schedule as a CEO during the day and a broadcaster at night, finding it "too tough" for a young woman. Qian Xixi, however, reassured him that she was used to it and found her work fulfilling. She dismissed any talk of her being "owed" anything, explaining that Duan Shengyun entrusted her with Rui Live because he "acknowledges and trusts" her, and she didn't want to let him down.

Lao Qian questioned why Duan Shengyun didn't entrust the company to his own son, Duan Ran, who had studied in the UK, and pointed out that Qian Xixi hadn't received any company shares. Qian Xixi brushed this off, stating her salary was the highest. Lao Qian, drawing on his own business experience, argued that a CEO should hold shares.

He then accused Duan Ran of not treating Qian Xixi properly, recalling how he argued with her in the meeting and then left with "the woman in the sports car" without hesitation, confirming he saw it himself. Duan Ran then discussed his plan with Ouyang. He proposed recreating the viral six-hand piano video on a reality TV program, similar to an overseas show that reproduces viral scenes.

He suggested hiring a music producer to re-edit the song, believing the unique concept would appeal to local audiences. He casually mentioned that the "wild piano man" in the video was actually his friend's father, which Ouyang found quite a coincidence. Ouyang expressed interest but immediately raised a "critical problem": Yuan Yuan's past scandal. Duan Ran confidently dismissed the rumors as impossible and declared his trust in Yuan Yuan.

However, Ouyang insisted that his personal belief wasn't enough; they needed a "long-term plan" to convince the public that the allegations were false. The following morning, Duan Ran arrived at the office exceptionally early, waiting for Yuan Yuan. He praised her for always being the first to arrive. He then revealed that he had come early specifically to discuss a "new plan" for her.

Recalling the previous interactive project that fell through, Duan Ran stated that he felt responsible and needed to follow through. Yuan Yuan expressed her trust in him, but also brought up her "bad history." Duan Ran reassured her that "everyone makes mistakes" and promised they would make "sufficient preparations" to "achieve this goal," to which Yuan Yuan agreed. Duan Ran invited Lao Qian to a restaurant, pitching him on the idea of appearing on a TV program.

Lao Qian, still suspicious of Duan Ran's intentions towards Qian Xixi and believing Duan Ran was exploiting her, was initially hesitant. Duan Ran attempted to reassure him about Qian Xixi's passion for her work and her capability, but Lao Qian only grew more worried.

When Duan Ran finally revealed his business proposition for Lao Qian to perform the six-hand piano with Yuan Yuan and Jiang Zheyang, promising that they would "all become famous," Lao Qian agreed to help, but quickly brought up his own financial struggles, mentioning he hadn't even bought Qian Xixi a decent outfit since returning. He then stated that he expected a "service fee."

Duan Ran, trying to downplay the potential compensation due to the program's strong producers and Rui Live's startup phase, mentioned an amount of 30,000 RMB. Lao Qian, however, calmly corrected him, stating, "you missed one more zero," implying a demand for 300,000 RMB, which left Duan Ran utterly stunned. Stunned by Lao Qian's demand, Duan Ran went to Qian Xixi, sarcastically asking if she knew why her father's surname was "Qian" (meaning money), implying he was "money minded."

Qian Xixi was offended, but Duan Ran quickly explained that Lao Qian was demanding 300,000 RMB to appear on the TV program with Jiang Zheyang and Yuan Yuan. Duan Ran, exasperated, pointed out that he had already "lowered his pride and did everything he could" for the preliminary promotion and publicity. Qian Xixi, initially deflecting by mentioning Duan Ran's "ex" Ouyang, refused to get involved, saying it seemed like they were taking advantage of Ouyang.

Duan Ran insisted that Lao Qian was her father and she "must handle this." To Duan Ran's shock, Qian Xixi retorted that her father asked for "too little," and if it were her, she "would request for three million." Duan Ran, aghast at her response, stressed the urgency of participating in the program to compete with Chen Lang's company and insisted she "must persuade her father." Despite her earlier bravado, Qian Xixi approached Lao Qian to discuss the matter.

She explained her personal stake in the program, emphasizing that the company's recent performance had been "mediocre" and she needed to "push our broadcasters up the ranks" to secure a successful quarterly performance review as CEO. However, Lao Qian remained unmoved, believing Qian Xixi was being undervalued and tirelessly working for Duan Ran's family. He insisted that the 300,000 RMB fee was entirely justified, asserting that her being sent to negotiate proved his worth.

He provocatively questioned why, if the Duan family truly cared for her, Duan Ran's mother, Zhou Jie, hadn't "accept you as her daughter-in-law." Angered by his "ridiculous" remarks, Qian Xixi tried to defend the Duan family, stating they treated her very well. Lao Qian, however, remained resolute, believing he understood both her and the Duan family's intentions, concluding, "This world is not as simple as you imagined." He declared his decision was final: "RMB300,000 and not a penny less.

There's no space for negotiation." Frustrated and exasperated, Qian Xixi abruptly left, telling him to "pretend I never came today." Qian Xixi met with Zhang Jiayun to vent her frustrations, lamenting that her father, who had "appeared before me out of nowhere," was driving her crazy. Zhang Jiayun calmly reminded her that "love comes with restrictions," a truth Qian Xixi acknowledged but still needed to rant about.

Zhang Jiayun then defended Lao Qian, praising his good looks, musical talents, cooking skills, and ability to surprise, ultimately calling him "great." Qian Xixi, however, warned Zhang Jiayun not to be fooled by his "kind" exterior, dismissing his talents as trivial accomplishments. Despite this, Zhang Jiayun concluded that while Lao Qian might be "stubborn, rigid, and conservative," he was genuinely "fighting for your benefits" and admitted she "kind of admire[d]" Qian Xixi for having such a father.

The next day, Qian Xixi took Lao Qian shopping, immediately launching into criticisms of his outdated attire, calling his clothes and shoes "hideous" and "unfashionable." She then arranged for him to get a new, shorter haircut, which Lao Qian initially found unfamiliar but conceded "makes me look younger." Qian Xixi offered styling advice, insisting he wear his colorful inner shirt visible rather than zipped up, declaring "only oldies wear them this way" and that it would make him "look younger."

Lao Qian readily agreed to follow her advice. As they picked out new shoes, including a pair similar to her own, Lao Qian asked Qian Xixi to tie his shoelaces. Watching his daughter perform this simple act filled him with happiness. Admiring his complete makeover, Lao Qian remarked, "Clothes make the man," feeling "a few years younger" in the new outfits, to Qian Xixi's delight.

Later, Lao Qian confessed his earlier demand for money wasn't out of greed, but because "I just wanted to do something for you," seeing her work so hard. Qian Xixi, in turn, shared her journey, from her childhood dream of running a small business like her mother – a dream Duan Ran once teased her for – to becoming CEO of Rui Live.

She spoke of her relentless efforts, the support from Duan Ran and his family, and the achievements she and her team accomplished, such as selling hundreds of thousands of coffee bottles and successfully signing Jiang Zheyang. She expressed deep satisfaction and "a sense of achievement" in her work. Moved by her words, Lao Qian declared, "You're amazing. I'm very proud of you!"

He then decided to participate in the company's event "for free," explaining that he'd witnessed her difficult journey and realized he "shouldn't wrangle with Duan Ran because of my emotions," vowing instead to help her as much as he could. Qian Xixi was overjoyed by his change of heart. Duan Ran successfully arranged the six-hand piano performance, bringing together Jiang Zheyang, Lao Qian, and Yuan Yuan for preparations.

At the venue, Jiang Zheyang was pleasantly surprised to learn that Lao Qian was Qian Xixi's father, recognizing him despite his new haircut, which Qian Xixi jokingly took credit for. Jiang Zheyang remarked on their "fate," having met when he was a child. As Ouyang briefed them on the program's flow and the setup for the six-hand piano, Lao Qian and Jiang Zheyang chatted about their shared appreciation for Paul Simon's music.

Lao Qian then deliberately told Qian Xixi that Jiang Zheyang's "great taste" and her own preference for Paul Simon made them "a good match." Qian Xixi dismissed this as "ridiculous," but Jiang Zheyang agreed with Lao Qian. Feeling a surge of discomfort witnessing the warm interaction between Qian Xixi and Jiang Zheyang, Duan Ran abruptly turned to Ouyang and suggested they go for a drink that night, seemingly ignoring Qian Xixi.

Qian Xixi protested about him taking the car, to which Duan Ran replied he would get a driver. Jiang Zheyang then proposed they all go to a live house he frequented, and Lao Qian readily agreed. That evening, everyone gathered at a live house. While chatting with Ouyang, Duan Ran's gaze kept drifting towards Qian Xixi and Jiang Zheyang. Noticing his distraction, Ouyang urged him to focus on the music rather than "watching the performance" of Qian Xixi.

In response, Qian Xixi, wanting to provoke Duan Ran, deliberately asked Jiang Zheyang to dance. Later, she leaned close to Jiang Zheyang under the pretense of adjusting his hat, engaging him in conversation about their elementary school days. Duan Ran, clearly annoyed by this display, continued to drink heavily with Ouyang. As the night ended, Jiang Zheyang and Qian Xixi helped a very drunk Lao Qian return home.

A neighbor, seeing the scene, mistakenly asked Qian Xixi if she was happy because "your son-in-law is here," implying Jiang Zheyang was her boyfriend. Later that night, Ouyang, having drunk excessively, confronted Duan Ran, asking, "What am I to you? What kind of a person do you think I am?" Duan Ran described her as "Ouyang Meixuan," a "daring, free-spirited, and capable woman" who was never sad, undeterred by failure, decisive, and never hesitant—a true "heroine."

Ouyang, with a bitter smile, expressed her feeling that she no longer lived up to that description, lamenting her current lack of self-confidence and ease. Duan Ran gently insisted he still saw her as "easy-going." She then showed him a bracelet he had given her for her birthday, which she still wore and cherished, despite a diamond having fallen out. She revealed the "funny" coincidence that her father had given her an "exact same thing."

Ouyang then brought up their past breakup, explaining that while her father had disapproved of their relationship and she wanted a career back in China, Duan Ran's actions were "unreasonable." She expressed her hurt, saying he should have at least "told me that I'm being dumped" and that she was "unaware" of the breakup.

Episode 19 Recap

A still-intoxicated Duan Ran confronted Ouyang, blaming her for not informing him of their breakup. He complained, "You broke up with me. And you didn't even inform me. How could you do this? It's unacceptable." Ouyang, in turn, put the blame on her father, saying, "Blame my dad for having no vision then. He doesn't even appreciate you." Qian Xixi worried that Jiang Zheyang might think she was unreliable after she used him to provoke Duan Ran.

She decided to clarify her actions, explaining that her behavior the previous night was a deliberate act to make Duan Ran jealous, and hoped for his understanding. Jiang Zheyang didn't mind at all; in fact, he was happy to help her. When Qian Xixi saw Duan Ran approaching again, she intentionally held Jiang Zheyang's hand, sincerely expressing her gratitude for his significant help. Duan Ran, unable to contain his jealousy, finally approached.

However, his pride prevented him from showing his true feelings too obviously. He advised Jiang Zheyang and Qian Xixi to let go of each other's hands, scolding Qian Xixi not to negatively impact Jiang Zheyang with rumors. Jiang Zheyang smiled, indicating he didn't care. Duan Ran then turned and left, and Qian Xixi smiled, pleased and happy to see Duan Ran's obvious jealousy.

A live streaming company organized a variety show centered around a restaurant theme, inviting Jiang Zheyang to participate. During the show, Jiang Zheyang was interviewed about the "six-hand piano performance," and as a surprise, Yuan Yuan and Lao Qian were also brought out. Jiang Zheyang genuinely expressed his surprise, stating, "I didn't expect them to be here today." The host confirmed, "This is what we hope to see."

Meanwhile, Cola, consumed by jealousy over Yuan Yuan's renewed popularity and trending status, confronted Chen Lang. Chen Lang, noticing Cola's envy, deliberately stirred up her emotions. He remarked, "Everyone in Rui saw Yuan Yuan come and go. It's happened many times. Why Duan Ran and Qian Xixi haven't given up on her? He just wants to make her the head broadcaster.

As long as she doesn't reach the top, these two will spare no effort to put her in that position. Then when Yuan Yuan makes a name for herself, what will you do? Everyone will be looking at Yuan Yuan. Who will still care about you?" Chen Lang then renewed his invitation for Cola to join Cloud Live, promising her better resources.

He further proposed a condition: Cola would act as an undercover agent at Rui for a period, after which she would formally join Cloud Live and be groomed into their top broadcaster. Believing Chen Lang's promises, Cola agreed to his terms. Yu Shi voiced his concerns to Duan Ran, arguing that he shouldn't "put all the eggs in one basket" by allocating all resources to Yuan Yuan and neglecting other broadcasters.

Duan Ran, however, insisted that the immediate priority was to cultivate a head broadcaster, believing his strategy was sound and he was utilizing talent wisely. He explained, "Xi Xi is already the CEO, so she shouldn't be competing for these broadcaster things, right? As for Jia Yun, her mind isn't focused on this at all. She doesn't want to compete so much. Her personality is just like that. So I can't push her too hard.

If I push too hard, I might scare her away, right? And now Yuan Yuan. Let me say this. Yuan Yuan is a career-oriented woman. She's now striving for performance, climbing the ladder. We're giving her so much pressure, but people don't think we're forcing her. We're giving her opportunities and resources. And because of this, she will be even more loyal to Rui."

Qian Xixi also repeatedly advised Duan Ran not to concentrate all resources on Yuan Yuan, but he refused to listen. Later, Su Su informed Duan Ran that Chen Lang's side was behind the anti-fan attack on Yuan Yuan, adding that Qian Xixi already knew about it. Duan Ran initially wanted to keep it from Qian Xixi. Qian Xixi found Duan Ran to discuss the anti-fan issue. She pressed him, "About Yuan Yuan's anti-fan incident, any idea who did it?"

Duan Ran casually replied, "Chen Lang, obviously. Don't take it to heart. Whoselive stream doesn't have a couple of anti-fans?" Qian Xixi, however, emphasized the severity, noting that if hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of anti-fans flooded the stream, "ten Susu can't handle it. What then?" She then reiterated her earlier point, "Didn't I tell you not to rely only on Yuan Yuan?

Chen Lang doesn't just want Yuan Yuan to be ruined, he wants the whole company to be ruined with her, don't you know?" Duan Ran remained dismissive, telling her not to "get agitated over every little thing and blame me." Qian Xixi expressed her frustration, pointing out how many viewers and fans Yuan Yuan's live stream had lost.

Duan Ran brushed it off, urging her to "hurry and drink your soup" instead of worrying, which made Qian Xixi exclaim, "Are you crazy? What time is it now? ! Still thinking about drinking things?" At one point, Lao Qian arrived with food for Qian Xixi, concerned about her working late. Qian Xixi, touched by her father's visit, briefly introduced him to Duan Ran as "Qian Xixi's father."

Lao Qian then decided to stay and observe Qian Xixi working, saying he would "just stay and see you work." To boost Yuan Yuan's ranking on the Talent Chart, a 12-hour live stream was scheduled, requiring extensive product displays. Duan Ran had meticulously prepared, going "all out" to support Yuan Yuan. He instructed Yuan Yuan's manager to emphasize business attire for women during the afternoon session, stating, "In the afternoon session, people will pay more attention to office-related products."

Su Su later discovered that Xiao Xiao from Chen Lang's team was also gaining significant momentum, directly challenging Yuan Yuan. Chen Lang himself stayed glued to the screen, barely eating, and believed Rui's broadcasters were "too pretty," creating distance with the audience. He considered Xiao Xiao "down to earth" and more relatable, explaining, "Xiao Xiao is different in this aspect. You could say she's not extremely pretty, but not ugly either, she's right in the middle. This is called approachability."

Noticing the fierce competition, Duan Ran initiated "Plan A." He announced that the first fifty customers to place an order would receive a "Perfect Blue Super Experience Pack" signed by Jiang Zheyang. This immediately boosted Yuan Yuan's sales. Duan Ran later asked Qian Xixi and Zhang Jiayun to temporarily take over Yuan Yuan's live stream so she could rest. Lao Qian, seeing Qian Xixi so busy she couldn't eat, was deeply touched and urged her to eat.

Meanwhile, Chen Lang was intensely coaching Xiao Xiao, openly declaring war on Duan Ran, stating, "Duan Ran, our war starts from this moment." Upon Yuan Yuan's return to the live stream, her comment section was flooded with anti-fans hurling insults, accusing her of being supported by a sugar daddy. Yuan Yuan froze, unable to speak. Su Su's attempts to block comments led to her administrator privileges being suspended.

Furious, Qian Xixi berated Duan Ran for putting all their resources on Yuan Yuan alone. However, after a moment of silence, Yuan Yuan removed her high heels, used one as a phone stand, and sat on the floor to engage with her audience. Yuan Yuan sincerely recounted her life story, explaining, "If life is a river, then my life has always been swimming upstream."

She described her childhood poverty, where plastic sheets covered windows, and how in winter, her family would huddle on a "stove-bed" for tens of days. She also shared her early dreams of acting, achieving first place in the nation-wide art school examination. She recounted extreme efforts for roles, jumping through mud ponds, getting hit by trains, and enduring 48 hours in special effects makeup. Despite her hard work, scandals always ruined her efforts.

She revealed that her "scandal" originated when a rich fan's wife framed her to ensure her husband's divorce resulted in him leaving with nothing. Yuan Yuan expressed her belief that some would trust her story and words, hoping they would continue to follow her live stream. She concluded, "If you think I did well, then please place more orders. Trust in Yuan Yuan's judgment. Trust that I will always bring you benefits."

Her honest confession captivated more fans, stopping the stream of insults and causing her popularity to surge. Chen Lang was stunned, while Duan Ran felt triumphant. Lao Qian, reflecting on the situation, noted, "She can really talk. She's winning people's hearts. He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world, same principle in the live streaming industry."

Duan Ran emphasized that the current era was no longer about simple TV shopping, but the internet, where "everything is unpredictable, but everything has also become richer at the same time."

Episode 20 Recap

Lao Qian expressed his concern that Yuan Yuan was grandstanding in her live stream, but Zhang Jiayun argued that in the internet era, personal charisma is crucial, and Yuan Yuan's genuine expressions would likely win over the audience. Meanwhile, fearing they would be outmatched, Chen Lang instructed Xiao Xiao to distribute vouchers like cash during her live stream, creating a dramatic visual impact for viewers.

Qian Xixi initially thought Yuan Yuan would lose, as Xiao Xiao's rank soared to 31st while Yuan Yuan dropped to 40th. However, Ouyang arrived at a critical moment, celebrating Yuan Yuan's birthday live on air with a cake. She also connected with Jiang Zheyang via video call, who sent his best wishes and vouched for Yuan Yuan's character, stating he believed she wasn't the person portrayed online.

This act caused Yuan Yuan's ranking to surge from 40th to 24th, surpassing Xiao Xiao and allowing everyone to breathe a sigh of relief. Chen Lang, on the other hand, was deeply disheartened by this development. He later called President Ding, realizing that with Yuan Yuan's popularity explosion, further investment in Xiao Xiao's campaign would be pointless.

It was later revealed that Yuan Yuan's entire performance, including her heartfelt confession, was meticulously orchestrated by Ouyang, who had hired scriptwriters and directors to stage the "self-acquittal" to clear her name and boost her rank. Yuan Yuan had practiced the segment for a long time to achieve its authentic effect, though Ouyang clarified that the core story itself was true. Qian Xixi thanked Ouyang for her crucial help and suggested they celebrate together.

Ouyang declined, however, and asked Duan Ran to escort her out, which made Qian Xixi feel a pang of discomfort. As Duan Ran walked Ouyang out, he thanked her for her strategic input that enabled Yuan Yuan to achieve such a good ranking. They exchanged compliments, with Ouyang praising Duan Ran's leadership and Duan Ran downplaying it as "blind faith." Ouyang then suggested that Qian Xixi seemed jealous and advised Duan Ran to console her.

Duan Ran dismissed the idea, stating that he and Qian Xixi often bickered and that she was probably just upset that Yuan Yuan's rank had surpassed hers, rather than being truly jealous. At that moment, Lao Qian arrived with food for Qian Xixi, deliberately passing between Duan Ran and Ouyang, and jokingly warned Duan Ran to "watch his mouth" in the wind. Duan Ran, initially nodding politely, then realized the oddness of the remark.

Later, Lao Qian revealed his intention to sell their old house, infuriating Qian Xixi, who promptly chased away the real estate agent and prospective buyers. Lao Qian then explained his desire to buy a larger house overseas for Qian Xixi, so she wouldn't have to "live under someone else's roof" if she moved abroad. Qian Xixi, however, adamantly stated she had no intention of leaving, insisting she was happy with her life and work in the country.

Lao Qian expressed his belief that Duan Ran was using Qian Xixi as a pawn and that her role as CEO was "embittering," asserting she was being bullied without realizing it. He declared that only he could protect her unconditionally, unlike Duan Ran or Duan Shengyun. While touched by his concern, Qian Xixi grew angry, warning him not to badmouth the Duan family and demanding her house keys back.

Lao Qian left feeling dejected, and Qian Xixi felt a pang of remorse. Lao Qian later encountered Jiang Zheyang drinking alone at a bar. He vented about feeling "homeless" and his concern that the Duan family was using Qian Xixi as a pawn. He also recounted a harrowing experience overseas where he was misdiagnosed with a malignant tumor.

This near-death experience, which thankfully turned out to be a "misdiagnosis," had given him a new perspective on life, and he explained that his sole purpose for returning was to do something meaningful for Qian Xixi with his remaining time. Jiang Zheyang offered a calming perspective, advising Lao Qian not to interfere with Qian Xixi's chosen path.

He emphasized that despite the hardships, Qian Xixi was happy and fully capable of handling her career and personal relationships, explaining that Qian Xixi herself loved her chosen life and that the Duan couple treated her like their own daughter, with Duan's mother even restless at the thought of Qian Xixi leaving. Jiang Zheyang suggested that what Qian Xixi truly needed was her father's silent support and understanding. Convinced by Jiang Zheyang's words, Lao Qian agreed to call Qian Xixi.

Meanwhile, Qian Xixi, worried after Lao Qian left without his keys and hadn't returned by 2 AM, called Duan Ran for help. Duan Ran promptly drove to pick her up, and together they searched for Lao Qian. They found him with Jiang Zheyang. Qian Xixi, relieved but still frustrated, scolded Lao Qian for causing trouble. Lao Qian, however, joyfully told Qian Xixi that she wouldn't need to move abroad with him.

He reassured her to boldly pursue her passions, promising to be her unwavering "pillar" and "support," even playfully punching Duan Ran for "bullying" her, though he also acknowledged Duan Ran's sincerity in joining the search. Duan Ran, visibly annoyed by Lao Qian's effusive praise for Jiang Zheyang, curtly declined to offer Jiang Zheyang a ride home, but Jiang Zheyang merely smiled, unfazed. Lao Qian decided to return overseas to give Qian Xixi space to live her own life.

Qian Xixi returned his house keys, ensuring he'd have a place to stay whenever he visited, and peppered him with advice to eat healthily, dress better, and call her frequently via video or voice calls instead of expensive phone calls. Lao Qian listened, his heart full of warmth. At the airport, he gently stroked Qian Xixi's hair, promised to visit often, and entrusted Duan Ran with her care.

Qian Xixi's eyes welled up with tears, understanding the profound love her father held for her. Following Yuan Yuan's viral success, brand collaborations flooded in, leaving other streamers idle. Little Yellow Duck attempted to butter up Yuan Yuan with doughnuts and suggest sharing some work, but Yuan Yuan's manager, Zhang Bin, firmly explained that contracts explicitly stipulated Yuan Yuan as the required streamer.

Cola, observing this, grew increasingly resentful, noting that Yuan Yuan monopolized over half of the company's projects, leaving Zhang Jiayun and her team with no active broadcasts. As a result, Zhang Jiayun resorted to leading her employees in broadcast gymnastics to pass the time. Qian Xixi, also anxious about the situation, buried herself in work, trying to organize special sales and exclusive events for the employees. Duan Ran took note of the growing discontent and decided to proactively reach out to new suppliers to secure more projects.

Episode 21 Recap

Yuan Yuan was dedicating herself completely to her work, not afraid of busy live streams or tough acting schedules. She was only afraid of being ignored. After finishing her live stream each day, she still had to memorize the next day's product catalog. On her way home, she suddenly realized she had forgotten the catalog and decided to go back for it. Zhang Bin accompanied her. Meanwhile, Qian Xixi was still working late at the office.

She saw a figure in black flash by, which startled her. She chased after the person, only to find it was Jiang Zheyang. Jiang Zheyang was preparing for a new role as a broadcaster and was curious to observe a live stream. Qian Xixi, surprised but happy, then gave him a tour of her live stream studio. While chatting, they reminisced about their childhood.

Jiang Zheyang recalled that Qian Xixi, despite her gentle appearance, was formidable when it came to fighting. He remembered her once defending him in school, describing it as "the damsel saving a hero in distress." In his memory, Qian Xixi had always been very adorable. As Qian Xixi and Jiang Zheyang were talking, Yuan Yuan and Zhang Bin returned to retrieve the product catalog.

Seizing the opportunity, Qian Xixi invited Yuan Yuan and Jiang Zheyang to do an impromptu live stream. However, realizing Jiang Zheyang couldn't show his face, Qian Xixi ingeniously put a white fox mask on him. During the live stream, when showcasing lipsticks, an audience member requested to see a lighter application. With no tissue available, Jiang Zheyang leaned in, offering his masked face, and Qian Xixi dabbed the lipstick onto the mask, lightening the shade.

This interactive moment caused both featured lipstick shades to sell out completely. Upon learning of Jiang Zheyang’s visit and the impromptu live stream, Duan Ran immediately requested the surveillance footage. Watching their interactive moment during the live stream, particularly Qian Xixi dabbing lipstick onto Jiang Zheyang's masked face, Duan Ran's jealousy boiled over. He stormed into Qian Xixi's office, feigning anger about the company's rules on unauthorized live streams and accusing her of overworking Yuan Yuan.

Qian Xixi, however, saw right through his act and teased him about how cute he looked when he was jealous. Duan Ran vehemently denied being jealous, claiming he was only worried she might be taken advantage of. He warned her to maintain a proper distance from celebrities like Jiang Zheyang. Qian Xixi deliberately confused him, hinting that her relationship with Jiang Zheyang was "complicated," which only fueled Duan Ran's fury.

Later, Jiang Zheyang visited Ou Yang, clearly delighted by the live stream. Ou Yang immediately knew his happiness stemmed from selling lipsticks with Qian Xixi, but she reminded him to be careful not to expose himself to paparazzi. Jiang Zheyang explained that he went to Rui Live to experience life as a broadcaster for his upcoming role in "The Suspect," where he plays a male broadcaster with a dual personality.

Ou Yang, though aware of his underlying motivation, chose not to expose him. Qian Xixi, knowing Yuan Yuan's long-standing admiration for a high-end cosmetics brand, successfully negotiated an advertising deal for Yuan Yuan to represent it. Yuan Yuan had never dreamed of working with such a prestigious brand and was deeply grateful to Qian Xixi. This made her even more hesitant about revealing her intention to terminate her contract.

Under Zhang Bin's encouragement, Yuan Yuan finally mustered the courage to meet Qian Xixi and proposed terminating her contract. She explained that her lifelong dream was to develop her career in the film industry, and now, having secured a lead role, she didn't want her live stream commitments to hinder her movie career. Qian Xixi was angry, scolding Yuan Yuan for being irresponsible.

She pointed out that the company had invested all its resources into boosting Yuan Yuan’s popularity, and her sudden departure would cause significant losses. Yuan Yuan, acknowledging her wrongdoing, offered to pay the five-million-yuan breach of contract fee. After learning of the situation, Duan Ran advised Qian Xixi that when they initially invested in Yuan Yuan, they had prepared for such possibilities.

He insisted that if Yuan Yuan chose to leave, she must pay the breach of contract fee to offset the company's losses. Qian Xixi, knowing Yuan Yuan's modest family background, worried about how she would manage to gather such a sum. Duan Ran, seeing through Qian Xixi’s tough exterior to her soft heart, reiterated that she must accept the payment. He also stressed the immediate priority of filling all the gaps left by Yuan Yuan's departure.

Initially unaware of Yuan Yuan's commitment to pay the breach of contract fee, Zhang Bin sought out Qian Xixi after discovering Yuan Yuan planned to sell her house and car. He shared with Qian Xixi the story of how he first met Yuan Yuan. He explained that he wasn't her fan initially but had gone to Hengdian to visit another celebrity. There, he unexpectedly saw Yuan Yuan hanging from a tree in a wired costume during mealtime.

The crew, finding it too troublesome to get her down, left her there, making her unable to eat. Zhang Bin fed her himself and was deeply impressed by her dedication as an actress. From that moment, he became her fan. Zhang Bin pleaded with Qian Xixi to be lenient and waive the fee, hoping it would allow Yuan Yuan more stability and confidence when facing future opportunities and challenges. Qian Xixi, already soft-hearted, was profoundly moved by his sincere appeal.

Meanwhile, Jiang Zheyang was diligently training and building muscle for his role as the male lead, Xiao Yu, in the movie "The Suspect." Back at Rui Live, with Yuan Yuan's departure, the company's viewership had significantly decreased. Duan Ran, in a phone call with Ou Yang, asked her to recommend an internet celebrity with an existing fan base to help boost Rui Live's attention and fill the void. Ou Yang agreed to check her contacts' schedules and arrange a meeting if she found suitable candidates.

Episode 22 Recap

Duan Ran had just finished a phone call with Ouyang, during which he asked her to introduce potential broadcasters to Rui Live to compensate for the anticipated loss of traffic after Yuan Yuan's departure. Qian Xixi approached him with a serious expression, and Duan Ran, mistakenly assuming she was jealous, quickly assured her it was purely business. Qian Xixi, however, was preoccupied with Yuan Yuan's resignation and the 5 million RMB termination fee.

She felt it would be ungrateful to accept the money, recalling Yuan Yuan's significant contributions to Rui Live since its inception. Duan Ran argued that the contract legally mandated the payment, and the company had heavily invested in promoting Yuan Yuan. He believed Yuan Yuan was being ungrateful by leaving after achieving popularity. Qian Xixi countered that Duan Ran had unilaterally decided to promote Yuan Yuan and, therefore, she owed him nothing.

She firmly declared her refusal to accept the 5 million RMB, citing it as an excessive burden on Yuan Yuan. Duan Ran insisted the company desperately needed the funds to avoid bankruptcy, but Qian Xixi, as CEO, maintained her decision, asserting her authority. Later, Duan Ran visited Shen, hoping the board would intervene and compel Qian Xixi to accept Yuan Yuan's termination fee, warning that Rui Live might not survive otherwise.

Shen noted that Duan Ran's concern for Qian Xixi, whom he described as overly emotional and prone to getting caught up in minor details, suggested she needed his constant oversight. Shen then commended Duan Ran's significant progress, highlighting his success in securing contracts with major brands like 'Pineapple Interactive Live' and leading Yuan Yuan to become a top broadcaster. Shen explicitly suggested that Duan Ran was now more suited to be CEO.

Duan Ran, surprised, initially expressed his contentment with Qian Xixi as CEO, stating he merely wanted to support her. However, Shen dismissed Duan Ran's view, explaining that Qian Xixi's initial appointment was also meant to provide Duan Ran with training and experience. He reiterated his belief that Duan Ran was now the more appropriate choice for CEO.

Duan Ran, clarifying that he was not making a complaint but seeking assistance for Qian Xixi, insisted that collecting the fee was a pure business decision. Shen then made it clear that if Qian Xixi refused the termination fee, she would no longer be able to serve as CEO. As Duan Ran left, he once again urged Shen to help him.

Qian Xixi tried to convince Yuan Yuan not to pay the 5 million RMB termination fee, explaining that as Yuan Yuan transitioned to acting, she would need every penny to start over in a new and demanding industry. She emphasized that having money provides a solid foundation to pursue one's dreams. However, Duan Ran arrived and insisted that Yuan Yuan must pay the termination fee if she wanted to leave, reminding her of the resources Rui had invested in her.

Qian Xixi, angered by his interference, accused him of meddling and attempted to stop him, asserting her authority as CEO. Duan Ran, in turn, pulled her downstairs, sternly rebuking her for being too soft-hearted. He reminded her that as CEO, she represented the interests of all Rui Live employees and must prioritize the company's well-being, conducting business purely on commercial terms.

Qian Xixi argued that waiving the fee was crucial for fostering a positive corporate culture and human touch, which would ultimately benefit Rui's reputation and the entire live-streaming industry. Duan Ran retorted that as businesspeople, they must adhere to the rules of the commercial world and honor contracts, not "illusory human touch." Their argument was cut short by a tearful Yuan Yuan, who firmly declared that she would pay the 5 million RMB, stating her decision was final.

Duan Ran then commanded Qian Xixi to obey him on this matter, stressing its importance, but offered no further explanation beyond "for the company and for everyone" when Qian Xixi pressed him for a concrete business reason. Watching Yuan Yuan leave, Qian Xixi felt a pang of sadness and confusion, unable to reconcile Duan Ran's seemingly cold, business-driven stance with his usual character.

She found herself questioning her decision to become CEO, feeling physically and mentally exhausted by the pressures of the role and her perceived shortcomings. Zhang Jiayun comforted her, urging her not to dwell on the past and to focus on future work. Qian Xixi confided that while she was happy with Duan Ran's improvements, the increased pressure on her, coupled with Ouyang's recent presence, made her uncomfortable and left her feeling indebted.

Zhang Jiayun encouraged her to find new talent and projects to fill the void left by Yuan Yuan, while pointedly avoiding comment on the love triangle. Qian Xixi then revealed that Duan Ran had already enlisted Ouyang's help to find new celebrity broadcasters, a plan she intended to let him execute. Reflecting further, Qian Xixi remarked that Yuan Yuan shared a strong resemblance to Chen Lang in her decisiveness and relentless pursuit of goals.

Zhang Jiayun visited Chen Lang at his office. Chen Lang, surprised but pleased, immediately offered to take her out to eat, but Zhang Jiayun insisted on seeing his new company. As Chen Lang proudly showed off his state-of-the-art live-streaming equipment, Zhang Jiayun cut straight to the point, accusing him of poaching Yuan Yuan and attempting to destabilize Rui Live. Chen Lang admitted to introducing Yuan Yuan to a producer but claimed her career success would depend on her own capabilities.

He defended his actions by invoking the "business is war" adage, implying that conflict and competition were inevitable. Zhang Jiayun countered that success wasn't limited to one path, nor was business solely about ruthless competition. Chen Lang, feigning ignorance, questioned why Rui would be struggling if Yuan Yuan had paid her substantial termination fee, suggesting that the money should cover their losses. Zhang Jiayun simply told him that Qian Xixi was different from him.

She then delivered a stern warning to Chen Lang, advising him against using underhanded tactics, as such actions might offer temporary advantages but would ultimately prove harmful in the long term. After connecting with Ouyang for potential talent acquisition, Duan Ran's mother, Aunt Zhou, encountered Duan Ran and Ouyang. Delighted, she invited Ouyang home for dinner, where they were found happily making dumplings together by Qian Xixi.

Aunt Zhou praised Ouyang's taste in jewelry and expressed her enjoyment of Ouyang's company, subtly hinting at her approval. Qian Xixi, feeling disheartened by the scene, made a quick excuse about having plans with Zhang Jiayun and left. She later met Zhang Jiayun at her old house, speculating that Aunt Zhou might be trying to set up Duan Ran and Ouyang.

Qian Xixi lamented how excluded she felt watching them converse about "madam" topics, describing a palpable connection she couldn't penetrate. Over drinks, they both criticized Ouyang's ambiguous attitude as "scum-like" and Duan Ran's reaction as "scumbag-like," feeling that the two were ganging up on Qian Xixi. Zhang Jiayun playfully chided Qian Xixi for retreating, suggesting she should show her feelings, but Qian Xixi insisted she had a right to leave her own home when upset.

Zhang Jiayun revealed that her landlord would not be renewing her lease, forcing her to find a new place. Qian Xixi saw this as an opportunity and invited Zhang Jiayun to move into her old house, suggesting they could support each other through difficult times. Zhang Jiayun agreed, believing a temporary separation from Duan Ran would provide both of them with space to clarify their feelings, as they had been too close for too long.

Qian Xixi confessed that she had always wanted to move back to her own home, as living with the Duan family felt like being a guest. She also admitted that recent conversations with her father and the awkwardness with Aunt Zhou and Uncle Duan made the idea of a "distance" appealing, hoping it would create a positive effect. They decided Qian Xixi would move in first, with Zhang Jiayun following shortly.

Qian Xixi, in a tipsy state, joked that her long-held dream of moving out was quickly realized over drinks. Zhang Jiayun teased her by wishing Duan Ran could be her next roommate, to which Qian Xixi jokingly declared herself and Duan Ran "bitter enemies" and suggested Ouyang could be his roommate instead. Duan Ran drove Ouyang home, his mind preoccupied with concern for Qian Xixi.

Ouyang noted his newfound maturity, attributing it to his need to care for the "hot-tempered" Qian Xixi, a realization that left Ouyang feeling uneasy. After dropping Ouyang off, Duan Ran waited for Qian Xixi to return home. When she finally arrived, he immediately asked if she was jealous about his mother inviting Ouyang for dinner.

Qian Xixi, still a bit tipsy, brushed off the jealousy accusation and instead informed him of her plan to move back to her old house with Zhang Jiayun, whose lease was expiring. Duan Ran was visibly distressed by her decision, questioning her reasoning and expressing his reluctance for her to leave, asking if she had considered his or his parents' feelings. Qian Xixi retorted by asking if he had considered her feelings about perpetually living in their house.

She assured him she would still visit his parents regularly, dismissing any significant difference. When Duan Ran again probed about her jealousy, Qian Xixi scoffed, calling him narcissistic, and quickly ended the conversation, feigning extreme tiredness. Yu Shi excitedly informed Qian Xixi that Yuan Yuan's 5 million RMB termination fee had been successfully deposited into the company's account.

However, Qian Xixi found no joy in the news, instead expressing her sadness that Yuan Yuan had to sell her only house, earned through years of hard work in Xiamen, just to pay the fee. She worried that Yuan Yuan would have to start completely from scratch. Learning that Yuan Yuan was at the company's dressing room packing her belongings, Qian Xixi rushed to find her.

She tried one last time to persuade Yuan Yuan to stay, reminding her that the decision hadn't been fully cemented. Yuan Yuan, though visibly reluctant to part, resolutely stated her commitment to her chosen path, invoking the phrase, "Life is like chess, no regrets after a move is made." Qian Xixi questioned if betting everything on an uncertain dream was truly worth it, but Yuan Yuan, tearfully, explained that having paid the termination fee, she had left herself no alternative.

She promised that once she made a name for herself in the entertainment industry, she would return to help Qian Xixi. Qian Xixi encouraged her to succeed quickly and take good care of herself, acknowledging the complexities of the industry. She then assured Yuan Yuan that as long as Qian Xixi remained at Rui, Yuan Yuan's access card would always open the company's doors for her.

With an emotional goodbye, Qian Xixi watched Yuan Yuan walk away, tears streaming down her face. Qian Xixi gathered the Rui Live broadcasters to announce Yuan Yuan's departure. The news was met with dismay, as the broadcasters worried about the company's future without its only head streamer, and felt their own careers as "internet celebrities" paled in comparison to Yuan Yuan's move into showbiz.

Qian Xixi quickly sought to reassure and motivate them, explaining that Yuan Yuan's exit created a significant opportunity for everyone. She announced that the substantial resources previously focused on Yuan Yuan would now be redirected to support each of them, and the company would actively cultivate new head broadcasters from within their ranks. Zhang Jiayun and others voiced their support.

Qian Xixi acknowledged that many brands, originally attracted by Yuan Yuan, had already proposed terminating their contracts, but she pledged to negotiate diligently to retain as many as possible. She promised to distribute the remaining brand resources among them and urged them to prepare thoroughly, maintaining composure despite Yuan Yuan's departure. Some broadcasters still expressed anxieties about the limited resources, their equitable distribution, and whether Duan Ran's celebrity reinforcements would monopolize opportunities.

They also questioned if Duan Ran was actively pursuing new brands. Qian Xixi reiterated the cost-effectiveness of retaining existing brands over acquiring new ones, concluding the meeting as Zhang Jiayun thanked her for her efforts.

Episode 23 Recap

Qian Xixi expressed deep self-doubt to Zhang Jiayun, feeling her live streaming skills were inferior to Zhang Jiayun's and Yuan Yuan's, and her management abilities were lacking, struggling to retain staff, close deals, or win trust. She regretted competing for the CEO position against a Cambridge graduate, seeing herself as merely an undergraduate. Zhang Jiayun reassured her, explaining that her and Duan Ran's roles were different, and Duan Ran’s focus was simply more aligned with the team’s immediate interests.

Zhang Jiayun reminded Qian Xixi that she was personally selected as CEO by two chief executives of QE and urged her to have more confidence. Later, Duan Ran approached Qian Xixi, questioning why she had taken his car that morning. Qian Xixi, feeling irritated, sarcastically suggested he contact his ex-girlfriend, Ouyang Meixuan, about recruiting star broadcasters. Duan Ran insisted his contact with Ouyang was purely professional.

Just then, Ouyang Meixuan arrived with a new streamer, Xue Xiao Xiao, and Duan Ran offered to give them a tour of the company. Qian Xixi quickly made an excuse and departed. Afterward, Qian Xixi presented her quarterly work report to Shen Zong. He praised her for securing Yuan Yuan's termination fee, revealing that Duan Ran had initially asked him to pressure Qian Xixi into accepting it.

Shen Zong explained that balancing personal feelings and business is a critical lesson for young entrepreneurs, even admitting he had threatened to replace her with Duan Ran as CEO if she refused the fee, treating it as a test. Qian Xixi was touched by this revelation, understanding Duan Ran’s actions were meant to protect her position. Shen Zong noted Duan Ran’s rapid improvement, to which Qian Xixi affirmed her commitment to learning and growing from recent challenges.

Meanwhile, colleagues were gossiping about Su Su, speculating she was in love after being seen picked up by a handsome man in a BMW. Overhearing this, Yu Shi became visibly agitated, sweeping some donuts off a table. He repeatedly called Su Su, but she did not answer, leaving him anxious and staring blankly into a mirror. His personal turmoil was then interrupted by the office phone ringing.

A customer on the line vehemently complained that Rui Live’s skincare products had caused her to grow a beard, demanding compensation. Yu Shi, still in a foul mood, angrily dismissed her claims as a "new form of fraud," suggested she simply shave her beard, and scoffed at her tears, stating he also had reasons to cry.

Later, Su Su experienced a heartbreak after her boyfriend, whom she met through a blind date, publicly gossiped about her online and criticized her appearance. While she was still upset and crying, the same complaining customer arrived in person at the office. Su Su, still reeling from her breakup, rudely dismissed the customer's claims of growing a beard from Rui Live's "Perfect Blue" cosmetics, accusing her of attempting to extort the company.

Su Su further mocked the customer by linking her misfortune (her boyfriend dumping her due to the beard) to her own recent experience with a "scum man," causing the customer to cry and leave in anger. Unfazed, Su Su did not take the complaint seriously. At breakfast, Duan Ran’s mother, Zhou Yi, expressed deep sadness about Qian Xixi moving back to her old house, worrying about her well-being.

Qian Xixi clarified that the house was newly renovated and comfortable, explaining that her friend, Zhang Jiayun, needed a place to stay, and it was also time for her to be independent. Duan Ran’s father, Duan Shengyun, shared his wife’s concerns, asking if anything was wrong. Zhou Yi became tearful, as she considered Qian Xixi like a daughter.

Duan Ran playfully suggested renovating the house next to Qian Xixi's old place and moving in to take care of her, but his mother dismissed the idea, stating he couldn't even take care of himself. Duan Shengyun conceded that children eventually grow up and leave home. Later, while packing, Qian Xixi reflected on Duan Ran's protective actions, feeling a pang of reluctance. Duan Ran entered, teasing her about being sad to leave him.

Qian Xixi, now enlightened by Shen Zong’s words, sincerely thanked Duan Ran for his persistence in collecting the termination fee, which was ultimately to safeguard her CEO role. Duan Ran joked that he thought she was about to confess, adding that her remaining time, after he helped her move, would belong to him. She agreed.

Duan Ran helped Qian Xixi move her boxes, but they soon fell into a playful argument over trivial matters, like whether to make the bed or clean up first. Zhang Jiayun, exasperated by their bickering, briefly stepped aside. When they discovered Qian Xixi had forgotten her bedsheets, Duan Ran suggested they all go shopping. Zhang Jiayun, seizing the chance to leave them alone, feigned other commitments. While out, Qian Xixi expressed a desire for dorayaki.

They playfully debated the best flavor, red bean versus chocolate, eventually agreeing on a bet: the loser would buy the winner dorayakis for life. At the stall, the vendor offered a "one-for-one couple's special." Qian Xixi, feeling awkward, tried to decline, but Duan Ran immediately embraced her and declared them a couple to get the discount, igniting an unexpected feeling in Qian Xixi.

Though the promotion required both dorayakis to be the same flavor, they continued their playful banter, each championing their chosen flavor. Amidst their spirited discussion about dorayakis, Duan Ran challenged Qian Xixi to eat all four, promising her a lifetime supply if she succeeded. Then, he unexpectedly kissed her. Qian Xixi returned the kiss. Duan Ran softly confessed, "I love you." When Qian Xixi asked when he started liking her, he vaguely replied it was "too long ago."

Qian Xixi then reciprocated, "I like you, too," but playfully withheld the timing, telling him he had to finish the dorayakis first. Duan Ran then lifted her in a hug, telling her his heart wanted to embrace the "most lovable woman in the world." They joyfully affirmed each other as the "most lovable." While waiting for the elevator, they were intimately hugging when Zhou Yi unexpectedly appeared. Startled, they quickly claimed Qian Xixi had twisted her ankle.

Zhou Yi, concerned, immediately offered to help, instructing them to apply ice and providing Red Flower Oil. Back at Qian Xixi’s old house, after Zhou Yi applied Red Flower Oil to her "sprained" ankle, Duan Ran hugged Qian Xixi, expressing relief that they could be intimate without constant supervision now that they were out of his parents' house.

They agreed to keep their relationship a secret from Zhang Jiayun for the time being, and playfully warned each other to avoid potential romantic rivals like Jiang Zheyang and Ouyang. Before bed, Duan Ran insisted on a goodnight kiss. The next morning, at breakfast, Duan Ran tried to subtly take the car keys, but Zhou Yi caught him and insisted he drive Qian Xixi to work. Qian Xixi, playing along, said she needed a chauffeur, and Zhou Yi readily agreed.

During breakfast, they covertly touched feet under the table. On their drive to work, Qian Xixi tested Duan Ran on her lipstick shade. When he couldn't name it, she revealed it was "strawberry red." Duan Ran then kissed her, remarking that it didn't taste like strawberries. Their playful journey was abruptly interrupted by a phone call from Yu Shi, urgently summoning them back to the office due to a major incident.

They rushed back to find officials from the Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) at Rui Live, attempting to access their warehouse. Yu Shi, a middle manager, tried to delay the officials until the CEO arrived. Duan Ran and Qian Xixi quickly appeared, and Su Su informed them that the SAIC was investigating based on a consumer report, likely stemming from the customer Su Su had just offended.

The SAIC official presented a search warrant to Qian Xixi, identifying her as the company's CEO, stating that Rui Live was suspected of selling counterfeit Perfect Blue cosmetics and that they intended to seize and inspect all such products. The complaining customer, also present, pointed to the beard she claimed developed after using their foundation.

Episode 24 Recap

The quality inspection department arrived at Rui Live’s office, informing Duan Ran and Qian Xixi that they had received a consumer complaint regarding the alleged sale of fake and unauthorized Perfect Blue cosmetic products. They announced their intention to seize and investigate all Perfect Blue products. The consumer, Fei Fei, present during the inspection, claimed that after using the foundation bought from Rui Live, she began to grow a beard.

Qian Xixi, however, defended the company, stating that they possessed a legitimate business license and all their products had passed quality inspections, making it impossible for them to sell counterfeit goods. She also questioned how Fei Fei could be certain the product was from Rui Live. The officials reiterated that they were conducting a spot check based on the verified complaint and requested cooperation. Duan Ran agreed to the inspection, confident in their products.

Fei Fei then specifically accused Yu Shi and Su Su of sarcasm and mockery, accusing her of trying to scam them during previous interactions. The officials proceeded to collect samples for testing and confiscated all Perfect Blue products, requiring Qian Xixi to sign the documentation. Duan Ran and Qian Xixi then separately confronted Yu Shi and Su Su about the incident. Duan Ran questioned Yu Shi's uncharacteristic mistake in handling a customer complaint, especially after being so cautious.

Yu Shi confessed that he had fallen in love with Su Su, and her recent dating activities had left him distraught, affecting his work. Meanwhile, Su Su admitted to Qian Xixi that she had been heartbroken after breaking up with a "scoundrel" and had handled Fei Fei's complaint poorly due to her emotional state. Both expressed sincere regret and offered to make amends. Duan Ran and Qian Xixi did not reprimand them harshly.

Duan Ran, however, sensed something deeper, noting the unusually rapid spread of online negativity and the swift arrival of the quality inspection department. He suspected a "black sheep" within the company and immediately requested all employees' attendance records. Later, Duan Ran revealed to Qian Xixi that a live streamer named Xiao Xiao had unexpectedly backed out of her contract.

He listed the few individuals who knew about Xiao Xiao's potential signing—Cola, Little Duckling, Yuanbao, Zhang Jiayun, and Mr Five—suggesting that if there was an issue, it stemmed from one of them. He advised Qian Xixi to be vigilant, but stressed that resolving the Perfect Blue crisis was the immediate priority.

Yu Shi and Su Su went to Fei Fei's home to apologize, even bringing hair removal tools, but Fei Fei refused to open the door and angrily cursed at them. Undeterred, Yu Shi encouraged Su Su not to give up, likening their persistence to "Liu Bei's three visits to Zhuge Liang," implying they would return repeatedly. However, Fei Fei suddenly poured a bucket of water on Yu Shi from above.

Su Su was furious, feeling Fei Fei had gone too far, but Yu Shi calmly explained that Fei Fei's agitated behavior might be a symptom of a more serious emotional disorder, such as bipolar disorder, which could manifest in extreme mood swings, from agitation to deep depression, potentially leading to dangerous actions. Concerned by this, Su Su rushed back to Fei Fei’s door, worried about her well-being.

Duan Ran and Qian Xixi met with Mr Mu Jr to discuss the escalating crisis. Qian Xixi informed him that the "beard issue" had gone viral and the company was temporarily closed due to the inspection. Initially, Mr Mu Jr maintained that Perfect Blue, a decades-old company with strict quality control, was blameless, suggesting Fei Fei was an "anti-fan" hired by a competitor. He promised Perfect Blue's full support to Rui Live.

However, after Su Su and Yu Shi finally managed to enter Fei Fei's apartment, they found her in deep distress, clutching a bottle of pills. Fei Fei tearfully explained that her boyfriend, Zhang Si, had broken up with her because of the beard caused by the Perfect Blue foundation. Su Su, seeing Fei Fei's suicidal ideation, implored her not to harm herself over a "scoundrel" like Zhang Si.

Shortly after, Mr Mu Jr received the devastating news that the quality inspection report confirmed their liquid foundation indeed contained excessive hormones. Faced with this revelation, Mr Mu Jr immediately changed his stance, abandoning Rui Live to prioritize Perfect Blue's reputation and manage the crisis for his own company. Meanwhile, Mr Ding and Chen Lang, secretly orchestrating the downfall of Rui Live, discussed their plans.

Mr Ding expressed pleasure at causing Duan Ran distress, and Chen Lang affirmed his commitment to making Duan Ran suffer. Chen Lang also revealed that he had a "spy" within Rui Live, planning to poach their trained broadcasters once the company collapsed. During this tumultuous time, Ou Yang called Duan Ran to offer assistance, saying she'd help if needed. Qian Xixi, overhearing the call, became visibly jealous, leading to a playful argument with Duan Ran.

They were interrupted when Su Su and Yu Shi returned, prompting Duan Ran and Qian Xixi to pretend to bicker about trivial matters. Su Su then reported that Fei Fei had rejected their apology and blamed their product for her breakup, leaving Duan Ran worried. Separately, Jiang Zheyang, concerned about Qian Xixi, wanted to visit her at Rui Live.

Ou Yang, however, advised him to focus on his upcoming audition with Jing Jie and offered to contact Duan Ran again, promising to accompany Jiang Zheyang if their help was truly required. Chen Lang held a public press conference, disclaiming all responsibility from Perfect Blue and deflecting the blame onto Rui Live, citing "logistics and warehousing problems" as the cause of product spoilage.

He then met with Mr Mu Jr to negotiate Perfect Blue’s next season’s exclusive streaming rights with Cloud Live. Chen Lang capitalized on Rui Live’s predicament, demanding a 25% share of the profits/commission and a detailed quality report for all products, insisting Cloud Live's own inspectors would verify everything. Despite recognizing the vast difference in approach between Chen Lang and Duan Ran, Mr Mu Jr reluctantly agreed, realizing he had no other option.

News outlets were flooded with stories accusing Rui Live of being an unscrupulous platform. Duan Ran acknowledged the company's critical weaknesses: a lack of a comprehensive supply chain, insufficient staff for quality inspection of every product batch, and inadequate after-sales service. He organized an urgent plan to recall all sold Perfect Blue products in Xiamen. Su Su, feigning illness, requested leave. Zhang Jiayun remained at the office to handle customer refunds.

The other live streamers—Little Duckling, Cola, Mr Five, and Bai Siyu—set out to visit customers door-to-door, collecting returned items. Many customers were angry, while others were unreachable. Unbeknownst to her colleagues, Su Su had left the company, determined to find Zhang Si. She believed that if the Perfect Blue product genuinely caused his breakup with Fei Fei, then they had a responsibility to help Fei Fei get him back. Meanwhile, a dejected Qian Xixi overheard two girls discussing the Perfect Blue scandal, one of whom mentioned having an unopened bottle of the problematic foundation.

Episode 25 Recap

The ongoing discussions among staff about Perfect Blue products, with many believing the products themselves are fine and only those sold by Rui Live are problematic, weigh heavily on Qian Xixi, plunging her into a profound sense of failure. In the solitude of her old house, a place holding bittersweet memories that has become her refuge in times of despair, Qian Xixi finds Duan Ran. She confides in him, questioning why he loves her, feeling utterly undeserving.

She recalls a childhood memory where she admired a beautiful pink princess dress on a friend. When Duan Ran's mother offered to buy it for her, Qian Xixi, out of a deep-seated insecurity, falsely claimed she disliked it, feeling she didn't deserve such a beautiful item. Her drive to become CEO, she explains, was her attempt to prove her worth, but her recent failures have brought back her feelings of inadequacy.

Duan Ran holds her close, reassuring her that in his eyes, she is the most wonderful person, and nothing is unworthy of her. He expresses how much he loves her, even more than she loves herself. Touched by his unwavering affection, Qian Xixi thanks him, feeling his love makes her feel truly proud and real. She kisses him, asking for his support in whatever she chooses to do next, and Duan Ran embraces her even tighter.

Meanwhile, the crisis at Rui Live deepens as brands begin to cancel their contracts. Any mention of Perfect Blue during live streams immediately triggers a barrage of negative comments, making it impossible to continue broadcasting. The head office demands that those responsible for the fiasco be held accountable.

Concurrently, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) issues a mandate requiring Rui Live to cease selling non-compliant Perfect Blue products, issue refunds to all customers, and provide additional compensation for damages. Feeling personally responsible, Yu Shi tenders his resignation to Qian Xixi, stating his intention to go to Taizhou to find Su Su. Qian Xixi, however, rejects his resignation, though she grants him permission to search for Su Su.

Later, Qian Xixi and Duan Ran meet with Mr. Duan Sheng Yun to explain the situation. Qian Xixi admits that while the exact cause of the problem—whether it was a product defect, a logistics error, or a staged event by the customer Fei Fei—remains unclear, it highlights significant internal deficiencies at Rui Live. She acknowledges the company's chaotic management, weak quality control, and the complete absence of a reliable public relations team.

Taking full responsibility as CEO for these shortcomings, Qian Xixi offers her resignation to the board. Duan Ran pulls Qian Xixi away, strongly disagreeing with her decision to resign. He argues that she is merely running from failure and abandoning the company, its employees, and her own promises. Qian Xixi, in tears, admits her fear of failure and her feelings of incompetence, stating she doesn't deserve the CEO title and is powerless to fix such a major crisis.

She also wants to protect Yu Shi and Su Su from being fired. Duan Ran tries to reassure her, urging her not to fear failure and promising to stand by her and shoulder any burden. However, Qian Xixi remains unconvinced and leaves by taxi, overwhelmed by her self-perceived inability to handle the situation. Concurrently, Su Su arrives at Zhang Si's old residence in Cuihua Estate, only to discover he has moved.

With her phone dead, she begins asking residents in the vicinity for information about Zhang Si. After several unsuccessful attempts, an old man provides her with directions to his new home, much to her relief. Simultaneously, Yu Shi, worried about Su Su, arrives in Taizhou and starts asking locals, showing them Su Su's photo, hoping to find her. He eventually locates Su Su waiting patiently outside Zhang Si's new place, bringing her Meko Fruit Tea—her favorite—and bread.

He playfully scolds her for traveling alone to an unfamiliar place, but their interaction turns tender as they play a hand game, their hands lingering in a meaningful touch. Duan Ran, meanwhile, contacts his father, Mr. Duan Sheng Yun, to discuss the board's decision to suspend Qian Xixi from her CEO duties. Duan Ran argues that this move would play directly into the hands of those deliberately orchestrating Rui Live's downfall.

He advocates for giving Qian Xixi another chance to resolve the crisis. However, Mr. Duan Sheng Yun informs him that it's too late and instructs Duan Ran to prepare to take over as interim CEO. Duan Ran firmly refuses, explaining that while Qian Xixi may appear strong, she is emotionally vulnerable. He fears that him taking her place would be a devastating blow to her, especially after her hard work to prove herself.

He praises Qian Xixi's unique leadership, noting how she has managed Rui Live with an invaluable "human touch" that fosters a strong sense of mission among employees, something he believes he cannot replicate. Later, Qian Xixi meets Jiang Zheyang, who has been rigorously training for an upcoming role. She thanks him for his previous assistance and apologizes for involving him in the Perfect Blue controversy.

Jiang Zheyang, however, dismisses her apology, highlighting that the final decision for the endorsement rested with his team, making Rui Live merely a middleman. Noticing her low spirits, he suggests they go on a relaxing boat trip. As they enjoy the night on the river, they share their past experiences with loneliness as a trainee and a streamer, admiring the city lights and reflecting on the transient nature of fame. Jiang Zheyang expresses his admiration for her resilience.

After the cruise, they pass by a closed bar owned by Jiang Zheyang's friend. Qian Xixi expresses a desire to listen to music, and knowing where the spare key is hidden, Jiang Zheyang lets them in. On the second floor, filled with records, he shows her some of his albums, including "Zhe." Meanwhile, back at Rui Live, Duan Ran brings Zhang Jiayun her favorite Peach and Pink Grapefruit drink, hoping to elicit information about Qian Xixi's whereabouts.

Upon learning that Qian Xixi is out with Jiang Zheyang, Duan Ran's jealousy is palpable, and he questions why she would spend time with him. Observing his agitated reaction, Zhang Jiayun astutely deduces that Duan Ran and Qian Xixi are now romantically involved, teasing him relentlessly. She confesses that she has been a "couple shipper" for them since their university days and is thrilled her dream has finally come true. Duan Ran, embarrassed but unable to deny it, tries to silence her with more food while attempting to bribe her for more details.

Episode 26 Recap

Qian Xixi had always struggled with deep-seated insecurity, a part of herself she disliked but couldn't shake. She knew Duan Ran was the rightful CEO, but after overhearing his parents' conversation—Duan Ran's mother did not wish for Qian Xixi and Duan Ran to work together—Qian Xixi was spurred by a defiant urge to prove herself. She unexpectedly became CEO, a position that quickly left her exhausted.

She had initially taken the role to give Duan Ran time to mature, sensing his inexperience in the industry. Now, she felt she was no longer worthy of the position and intended to resign. Having understood the true situation from Zhang Jiayun, Duan Ran decided to apologize to Qian Xixi. Jiang Zheyang played music for Qian Xixi and candidly expressed his feelings for her.

He revealed his initial encounters with her were driven by a desire to research a character for a movie that would help him shed his "idol" label. However, over time, he found himself genuinely drawn to her, stating that every day spent with her made him happy, leading him to realize he had fallen in love.

Qian Xixi, however, gently turned him down, telling him that they came from "completely different worlds" that she could never reach, and asked him not to waste his time on her, preferring to remain good friends. When Jiang Zheyang asked if Duan Ran was the reason for her refusal, Qian Xixi simply stated that it was a matter between them and did not involve him. They agreed to remain good friends.

Su Su and Yu Shi finally caught up with Zhang Si, only to discover he had a new girlfriend. Su Su was left disheartened, feeling her luck was terrible and that she always encountered unpleasant men on blind dates. Yu Shi, sensing her despair, reassured her that her intelligence and emotional maturity were perfectly fine. He advised her not to rush into marriage, emphasizing that traditional age-related anxieties were outdated.

He promised her that one day, she would find someone who truly understood and cherished her. Later, as Su Su drifted to sleep, Yu Shi tenderly draped his jacket over her, bringing a gentle smile to her lips. Meanwhile, Duan Ran had cleverly sent Zhang Jiayun to a hotel, ensuring he could have a private moment with Qian Xixi. He had prepared flowers and waited for her return, eager to offer a sincere apology.

He expressed regret for not understanding her perspectives, for failing to share her burdens and sadness, and for his impulsive words earlier at QE. Qian Xixi, though touched, playfully guessed that Zhang Jiayun had coached him, a fact Duan Ran conceded slightly, but insisted the depth of his remorse was entirely his own. She also teased him about potentially disclosing their secret relationship to Zhang Jiayun, which he denied, assuring her their agreement remained.

Duan Ran, having hidden his own clothes, was wearing Qian Xixi's pajamas. He refused to leave her apartment, comically feigning fear of being attacked by "groups of young girls" if he ventured out alone at night, given his "dazzling" appearance. Qian Xixi laughed, reminding him of his imposing height, but firmly told him he had to be gone by the time she finished her shower.

Concurrently, Duan Ran's mother grew suspicious of Duan Ran and Qian Xixi's closeness, recalling seeing him carrying her (despite her not seeming injured) and their playful demeanor, along with Duan Ran protecting her at work. She voiced her concerns to Duan Shengyun, blaming him for putting them in a working relationship, but he dismissed her worries, attributing their bond to maturity and camaraderie.

Ouyang and Jiang Zheyang attended a meeting with a producer and director, where Jiang Zheyang showcased his dedication to his craft. Despite the successful meeting, Jiang Zheyang remained downcast. Ouyang immediately recognized his dejection stemmed from Qian Xixi's rejection. Jiang Zheyang regretted his early confession to Qian Xixi, and felt that her not mentioning Duan Ran during her refusal only solidified his belief that she harbored feelings for Duan Ran.

Ouyang empathized, sharing her own past experiences with Duan Ran, recalling how he would drop everything to spend entire evenings chatting with a distressed Qian Xixi, leaving Ouyang feeling resentful during their relationship. Qian Xixi began packing her belongings, marking her last day at Rui Live. Her colleagues, visibly upset, gathered to bid her farewell. She reassured them that they would still meet and that Duan Ran would soon take over to guide them through the current crisis.

She encouraged each of them to pursue their individual dreams—a coffee brand, a successful designer, and head broadcasters—and promised to visit them. Su Su lamented that her own "carefree life" was dependent on Qian Xixi's hard work. Qian Xixi, in turn, also mentioned her intention to find an easy job and enjoy a "carefree life" herself. Shortly after Qian Xixi’s departure, Mr. Shen arrived, representing the board, to initiate the process of selecting a new CEO.

He announced Qian Xixi's resignation had been approved and explained that a company could not function without a leader. Duan Ran initially objected, believing Qian Xixi would return and insisting they shouldn't rush to appoint a replacement. However, Mr. Shen clarified that Qian Xixi's resignation was influenced by public opinion and regulatory pressure, making her return unlikely in the near future. The employees unanimously nominated Duan Ran, but he steadfastly refused to accept the position during Qian Xixi's absence.

Seeing the deadlock, Yu Shi stepped forward, volunteering to take on the CEO role. He acknowledged his primary responsibility in the Perfect Blue customer complaint incident and sought to atone for his past mistakes, hoping to clear Qian Xixi's name. However, his colleagues rejected his proposal, citing his communication style and perceived lack of management experience. Mr. Shen then suggested a vote, allowing everyone fifteen minutes to deliberate.

During the break, the employees decided to collectively vote for Qian Xixi, believing she was the most capable and compassionate leader who had sacrificed for the company. They hoped their unified support would compel her return. Unbeknownst to them, Qian Xixi had gone to find Fei Fei, who was in distress because Zhang Si had blocked her phone number and WeChat.

Fei Fei tearfully pleaded with Qian Xixi to contact him, but Qian Xixi explained she didn't know him or his whereabouts. Upon reconvening, Mr. Shen observed the overwhelming number of votes cast for Qian Xixi, noting the loyalty of Rui's employees. Despite their impassioned pleas for Qian Xixi's reinstatement, Mr. Shen declared that the votes for her were invalid, as only currently employed staff were eligible candidates.

He then revealed that there were two valid votes, both cast for Zhang Jiayun. Confused whispers broke out among the staff, with some wondering who the "traitor" was, and Zhang Jiayun herself questioning who had cast the second vote. Following the rules, Mr. Shen formally announced Zhang Jiayun as the interim CEO, effective immediately, to manage Rui's daily operations until a permanent board appointment was made.

Episode 27 Recap

The board of directors officially announced Zhang Jiayun as the interim CEO, to manage Rui's daily operations until a permanent appointment. This news sparked resentment among the employees, who believed Zhang Jiayun had unfairly taken Qian Xixi’s position. Accusations flew that Zhang Jiayun had voted for herself, going against the group's agreement to support Qian Xixi.

Unfazed, Zhang Jiayun asserted her authority, immediately assigning tasks: Yu Shi was to compile the quarterly financial report, Su Su was to gather all broadcasters' live stream data since Chen Lang's departure, and all broadcasters were to provide an inventory of their brand supply chains and products, all due by the next day. She also instructed Duan Ran to assist her in reporting to the board.

However, this entire situation was orchestrated by Duan Ran, who had secretly asked Zhang Jiayun to temporarily take the CEO role to create space for Qian Xixi, promising her future favors, which Zhang Jiayun hinted would involve treating her to more good food. Meanwhile, Fei Fei was in a state of distress, crying as her landlord pounded on the door.

She confessed to Qian Xixi that she hadn't paid rent for three months and had changed the lock, preventing the landlord from entering. Fei Fei tearfully explained her desperate situation, having lost her boyfriend, roommates, and job, and now grappling with growing a beard. She revealed her severe insomnia and fear of being alone at night, begging Qian Xixi to stay.

Qian Xixi, while sympathetic, agreed on one condition: Fei Fei must accompany her to the hospital the next morning to have her beard examined. Zhang Jiayun convened another meeting to introduce reforms. She began by stating that her appointment was driven by responsibility and a desire to address Rui's management shortcomings. Her first reform was to implement product monitoring and a customer feedback mechanism, tasks she assigned to Yu Shi and Su Su.

Both expressed hesitation, citing their lack of expertise in customer service and negative experiences related to the Fei Fei incident. Zhang Jiayun dismissed their objections, urging them to atone for past mistakes. Her second reform involved a mandatory training program for all non-head broadcasters, effectively everyone, given Rui's current situation. Lastly, she announced a performance review system: the top three broadcasters would receive a five percent commission increase, while bottom-ranking broadcasters would face a five percent deduction.

Those who remained at the bottom for six consecutive months would be fired. The broadcasters voiced their concerns about working longer hours for potentially less pay. Zhang Jiayun countered that a fundamental change was necessary, not just putting out fires. She then proposed a controversial collaboration with Cloud Live, citing the need for industry players to cooperate.

Yu Shi, however, advised caution and gradual changes, and accused Zhang Jiayun of abusing her authority by immediately seeking a partnership with Chen Lang, given his problematic history with Rui. Zhang Jiayun forcibly suppressed their objections, asserting her authority, and ended the discussion by declaring that all aspects of the company needed reform and abruptly adjourned the meeting.

Following the meeting, Yu Shi and other employees sought out Duan Ran, hoping he would intervene and stop Zhang Jiayun's drastic measures and her proposed collaboration with Chen Lang. Duan Ran, however, appeared indifferent, claiming to have "no comment." He launched into a philosophical monologue about the meaning of life, having found peace in tending to his plants in the office and advising everyone to embrace nature and live a more relaxed, unhurried life.

Despite the employees' pleas, he dismissed their concerns, even pointing out a plant with rotten roots. He then told them to return to work, support Zhang Jiayun, and work hard. He then openly lay down and slept, stating he was tired and needed to rest. Qian Xixi lovingly made breakfast for Fei Fei and gave her the medication prescribed by the doctor, explaining that the beard was due to hormonal imbalance, an unhealthy lifestyle, and emotional stress.

She advised Fei Fei to take her medicine, eat regularly, and not overthink things. Fei Fei expressed deep remorse for disrupting Qian Xixi's life, but Qian Xixi clarified that Fei Fei was merely a "remote cause" for her job loss. Qian Xixi also admitted her secondary motive for staying: to find clues about the problematic Perfect Blue liquid foundation.

Just then, Duan Ran arrived with a heavy bag of daily necessities, playfully suggesting Fei Fei move out so he could move in with Qian Xixi. After a tender moment, Duan Ran voiced his suspicion about Fei Fei, asking why Rui was targeted among so many platforms selling the product. He urged Qian Xixi to investigate whether Fei Fei was truly a victim or if the situation was a ploy.

Qian Xixi agreed to look into it, then playfully insisted Duan Ran help her carry the heavy bag upstairs. At Rui's office, employees commiserated over their lack of work and income, lamenting that three CEOs had changed in just a few months. Cola then shared a Cloud Live recruitment notice, enticing them with stable work and good conditions. She argued that e-commerce streamers' careers decline after age 27, and she couldn't afford to wait for Rui to recover.

While she claimed not to incite mass resignations, she clearly encouraged them to consider Cloud Live. Little Yellow Duck declared she would follow Cola, prompting Mr Five to angrily leave the room. Zhang Jiayun observed these interactions silently. Meanwhile, Jiang Zheyang’s mother resorted to her usual tactic of threatening to run away from home, taking a bag and claiming she was going on a trip with friends.

Jiang Zheyang confronted her, pleading with her to stop using such "bitter stratagem," reminding her of his unwavering obedience throughout his life. Despite knowing her intentions, he ultimately compromised, agreeing to take on the film "Love, Summer" that she had recommended. Later, Ouyang, clearly inebriated, called Duan Ran, asking him to meet her. Duan Ran, fearing Qian Xixi would misunderstand, called her to explain.

Qian Xixi expressed her annoyance and jealousy, questioning why Ouyang always called him when she was drunk and demanding he pick her up. Although she begrudgingly agreed, recalling Ouyang's past help, she was visibly upset, claiming Ouyang's calls were not work-related but an endless personal imposition. Back at Fei Fei's place, while cleaning, Qian Xixi discovered numerous online shopping boxes.

This sparked a memory of Duan Ran's earlier suspicion, prompting her to consider if Fei Fei's complaint was indeed genuine or if the product had even been purchased from Rui. Ouyang had earlier sent frustrated voicemails via WeChat to Jiang's mother, urging her to act rationally for Jiang Zheyang's career, citing upcoming photo shoots and contract signings. She even offered to resign if Jiang's mother didn't want her involved. Meeting Duan Ran later, Ouyang apologized for calling him out.

Duan Ran, noticing her low spirits, listened as she confessed to feeling like a failure. Duan Ran reassured her, praising her as Jiang Zheyang's top agent and an elite in their field, suggesting she simply had high expectations. Ouyang then mused about the futility of hard work if it leads to failure and reflected on how "no party lasts forever, and people will always leave."

Duan Ran probed if she and Jiang Zheyang had a disagreement, but Ouyang refused to disclose the details, only hinting that it involved "him or his mother." She rejected Duan Ran's offer to mediate, stating she preferred to handle her work issues herself and just wanted him to drink with her. Back at Rui, Zhang Jiayun held individual meetings with her key employees to discuss her Cloud Live collaboration plans.

She met with Bai Siyu, proposing a special event for her involving a well-known coffee chain and Cloud Live. She told Bai Siyu, whose father was a successful businessman, to be rational and not let personal feelings interfere. Zhang Jiayun emphasized that this coffee chain deal was her bargaining chip against Chen Lang and must be kept secret. She then met with Little Yellow Duck, revealing plans to organize a special for her with Cloud Live, featuring Minion animation derivatives.

This, too, was a bargaining chip against Chen Lang and had to be confidential. Next, she met Mr Five, presenting a deal with a trendy Chinese brand called "Recluse," which would use Mr Five's original designs for a product series, aiming to establish him as the industry's top designer, a plan also involving Cloud Live and to be kept secret as a bargaining chip.

Finally, Zhang Jiayun met Cola, praising her potential to become a head broadcaster, a role she felt Cola was previously denied due to Yuan Yuan. She highlighted that with Yuan Yuan and Qian Xixi gone, Rui urgently needed a head broadcaster. Zhang Jiayun proposed a collaboration with Cloud Live for Cola, despite their rivalry, and asserted her ability to secure the Pineapple Xpress deal again, declaring "Cola's era" had arrived.

She concluded by reiterating that the Pineapple Xpress collaboration was her bargaining chip against Chen Lang and strictly confidential. Fei Fei then confessed to Duan Ran and Qian Xixi that she was unsure if the problematic Perfect Blue product was from Rui. She admitted that her complaint was fueled by her recent breakup with Zhang Si, her bad mood, and a perceived rude attitude from Rui's staff.

Duan Ran angrily scolded her for her impulsive actions, detailing the severe consequences for Rui, including business suspension, Qian Xixi's job loss, and employees like Su Su and Yu Shi having to search for Zhang Si in Taizhou. He even revealed that Su Su was going through her own breakup. Duan Ran bluntly informed Fei Fei that Zhang Si had a new girlfriend.

Qian Xixi, while chastising Duan Ran for his harshness, comforted Fei Fei, urging her to cultivate emotional independence and self-love to attract a healthy relationship. She also advised Fei Fei to stop "making trouble for others." Witnessing the fallout and Qian Xixi's sacrifices, Fei Fei sincerely apologized and offered to do whatever she could to "make it up" and help Rui recover its losses.

Meanwhile, Cola secretly met with Chen Lang, reporting the growing unrest among Rui's employees under Zhang Jiayun's leadership and their hesitation to jump ship. Chen Lang encouraged her to give them "one more push" to expedite their defection to Cloud Live. As they spoke, they discussed a painting called "Circus Sideshow." Cola perceived the cruelty inflicted upon the animals, noting the audience's lack of guilt.

Chen Lang, however, saw the painting as a depiction of "the survival of the fittest," reinforcing his ruthless approach to competition. Later, Zhang Jiayun met Chen Lang, insisting he address her as "Ms Zhang" and clarifying their meeting was strictly professional. She reminded him of his residual stake in Rui and pointed out that both Duan Ran and Qian Xixi, whom he disliked, were no longer at the company.

She then proposed a 50/50 profit-sharing collaboration for joint live stream specials. Chen Lang, however, immediately expressed skepticism and revealed he had anticipated her real intention: to reclaim the Pineapple Xpress special, fearing she would use her connections to Wu Zhong Quan to do so, resulting in a significant loss for him.

Episode 28 Recap

During a conversation with Chen Lang, Zhang Jiayun realized that Cola was the mole within Rui Live because Chen Lang knew details about the Pineapple Xpress special, which she had only discussed with Cola. Chen Lang, unaware that his plan with Cola had been exposed, continued to try and persuade Zhang Jiayun to join Cloud Live.

He claimed that Rui was "on the brink of collapse" and that she had limited options, even offering her a position as a head broadcaster or "wife of the boss" at Cloud Live. Zhang Jiayun, however, saw through his "wishful thinking" and sarcastically agreed to be part of Pineapple Xpress before stating that rules must be followed in business. She then left, making him pay the bill.

Later, Cola, having negotiated terms with Cloud Live, tried to rally other streamers like Little Yellow Duck to join her, arguing that their future was more important than loyalty. Mr Five and Bai Siyu, however, strongly disagreed, feeling it would be a betrayal to Qian Xixi who had supported his (Mr Five's) venture. Cola aggressively pitched Cloud Live's offer of a 30% salary increase, portraying it as a rare opportunity, and dismissed Zhang Jiayun's promises as uncertain.

Little Yellow Duck and several others decided to follow Cola, signing their termination contracts with Rui. When they presented these contracts to Zhang Jiayun, she understood their desire for personal development and accepted the documents, asking them for more time. Zhang Jiayun then presented her employee share scheme proposal to Mr Shen, aiming for Rui to buy back shares from the holding company so employees and founders would have a stake, thus preventing talent loss.

Mr Shen, finding the idea too ambitious, questioned its source and raised doubts about the holding company's approval. Zhang Jiayun explained that Rui's fundamental problem was the lack of ownership among founders and employees, leading to talent drain and instability, citing QE's acquisition of 80% of Rui's shares as "unreasonable" and a reason for key departures like Chen Lang, Qian Xixi, and Yuan Yuan. She argued that good management was futile without retaining people in a "people-oriented" industry.

Mr Shen, while appreciating her "courage and sense of responsibility" as CEO, rejected her proposal as an "extortion" that wouldn't even pass the board. That evening, Duan Ran discussed the employee share scheme with his father, Duan Shengyun, who had already heard about it from Mr Shen. Duan Ran complained that Mr Shen had rejected their well-researched plan outright.

Duan Shengyun, an experienced man who knows everything, listened as Duan Ran explained that Rui's core issue was "people management" and the failure to retain talented individuals. Duan Shengyun agreed and asked to see the plan. Meanwhile, Qian Xixi, who was shopping at QE, expertly exposed a customer attempting to return a high-imitation skirt. She meticulously pointed out the differences in the logo, inner label, and embroidery compared to the genuine product, causing the customer to back down.

Impressed by Qian Xixi's professionalism and efficiency, the store manager offered her a permanent position as a sales associate, which Qian Xixi happily accepted, reflecting on how her first job after college was also at QE. Separately, Zhang Jiayun visited Mr Mu at Perfect Blue, forcibly gaining entry to his office. She presented him with the investigative report on Fei Fei’s case, which confirmed that Fei Fei’s beard growth was due to Perfect Blue's product.

The report, alongside an authority's test, showed hormone overdose in the foundation, matching Fei Fei’s symptoms. Zhang Jiayun warned Mr Mu that authorities were already sampling his products from various channels and he should "know his fate," before leaving with a reminder for him to answer her calls. Later, Duan Ran, Qian Xixi, and Zhang Jiayun celebrated with a street food dinner.

Zhang Jiayun announced that the Perfect Blue issue was largely resolved, the employee share scheme was almost final, and Qian Xixi had found a new job, calling for a toast. However, Qian Xixi interrupted, leading to Zhang Jiayun confronting Duan Ran about the "shadow CEO" arrangement.

Duan Ran admitted to strategically letting Zhang Jiayun take the lead as CEO to draw attention while he, pretending to be a "spoiled rich dude," secretly orchestrated events, calling himself "a master of covert operations." He revealed his actions were "all for" Qian Xixi, prompting her to assert her happiness in her new sales job. Zhang Jiayun then playfully scolded Qian Xixi for not revealing her relationship with Duan Ran, despite having wished for them to date for years.

Qian Xixi blamed Duan Ran, who denied it, saying Zhang Jiayun had simply guessed. Qian Xixi then clarified the circumstances had made it difficult to share the news, assuring Zhang Jiayun that she was the first and only one they had confided in. Qian Xixi was seen at her new sales job at QE, arriving early to meticulously clean and organize the store, believing it enhanced the customer experience. The store manager praised her initiative.

At a company meeting, Zhang Jiayun announced the good news: Rui had overcome the "beard incident," and the authority had lifted the ban on their operations. While some asked if Qian Xixi could return, Zhang Jiayun explained she couldn't yet, as the board was still addressing the accountability of "responsible persons."

She then shared the second good news: the group had approved the employee share scheme, allowing all employees to buy company shares at a low price, effectively making them "Rui's bosses" and shareholders. The employees reacted with excitement, envisioning big profits and eagerly asking about purchasing details. Zhang Jiayun emphasized the upcoming Singles' Day as the company's most crucial sales event, urging everyone to strive for the "inner field."

She then produced the termination contracts signed earlier, reaffirming her desire for no one to leave, but accepting their choice if they insisted. Inspired by the share scheme, most employees, with the exception of Cola, enthusiastically committed to staying at Rui, calling it their home. Immediately after the meeting, Cola tried to leave, feigning illness. Duan Ran stopped her, speculating on the reason for her sneezes, before directly asking why she became Chen Lang's informant and what he offered her.

Cola initially feigned ignorance, but Duan Ran revealed his long-standing suspicion of an informant, dating back to earlier incidents like the interactive live stream and the poaching of new broadcasters after Yuan Yuan left. Zhang Jiayun then stepped in, confirming she was the temporary CEO and that she and Duan Ran had set a trap using her relationship with Chen Lang to identify the mole through the information Chen Lang received.

She also reminded Cola about keeping the Pineapple Xpress deal secret. Cola questioned why they waited to confront her. Duan Ran explained it was a calculated move; Cola's actions in urging others to resign provided the necessary leverage to propose the employee share scheme. Feeling humiliated, Cola believed they wanted to dismiss her, but Duan Ran denied it, pressing for her true motive.

Cola confessed to feeling "helpless" and believing she needed to seize any opportunity to avoid remaining an "insignificant broadcaster." Duan Ran countered that Rui was a family where she was valued as "Cola," a performance graduate, and reminded her of her initial defiant spirit. He asserted that while striving for improvement was good, "hard work isn't betrayal."

Despite being offered another chance by Duan Ran and Zhang Jiayun, Cola stood firm in her decision to leave, stating that if she joined Chen Lang, she would be a "hero," but staying at Rui would leave her with a "guilty conscience." Accepting her choice, Duan Ran and Zhang Jiayun wished her well, hoping she would truly find her own path and "become better."

Later, Cola apologized to Little Yellow Duck, who then confronted Cola, asking if she was truly leaving and expressing doubts about the share scheme's benefits for new, inexperienced broadcasters. Cola angrily told Little Yellow Duck to develop her own independent judgment rather than being a "weather vane" who always follows others.

Little Yellow Duck then admitted she would miss Cola and had strong feelings for Rui and her colleagues, including Yuanbao, Mr Five, Qian Xixi, Zhang Jiayun, Duan Ran, Yu Shi, and Su Su. Cola understood, explaining her weariness of being "Yuan Yuan's shadow," even after Yuan Yuan's departure, and her desire for a fresh start elsewhere. She promised to help Little Yellow Duck if she "succeeded" in the future.

Duan Ran and Zhang Jiayun discussed Rui's challenges for the upcoming Singles' Day. With the Perfect Blue partnership canceled and Cola gone, they worried about the lack of strong brands and broadcasters, particularly if Little Yellow Duck followed Cola, which would further empower Chen Lang. During this conversation, Duan Ran chipped a tooth on a "stone" in the dried squid Zhang Jiayun had bought, complaining about the food's quality, to which Zhang Jiayun jokingly suggested he needed more calcium.

Later, Duan Shengyun observed Qian Xixi at QE, where she was enthusiastically and skillfully selling clothes to customers. He smiled, clearly pleased by her performance. Duan Ran, still on a special diet of porridge and pickles due to his chipped tooth, tried to persuade Qian Xixi to return to Rui. He reminded her that he had brought her into the company and emphasized Rui's current struggles, having lost Perfect Blue and facing Singles' Day with him shouldering client negotiations alone.

Qian Xixi countered that Zhang Jiayun and Duan Ran were working well together, having caught the mole and secured the employee share scheme, implying that Zhang Jiayun was more effective in her current role. She expressed deep happiness in her new sales job, finding it meaningful and fulfilling, reminiscent of her mother's passion, and believed Rui no longer "needed her."

Duan Ran insisted the company still needed her, but Qian Xixi dismissed her past as a broadcaster and CEO, citing the troubles she caused. She declared that the chapter of Rui was "closed" for her, and she then showed Duan Ran a cheerful photo of Fei Fei on social media, giving it a "Like."

Episode 29 Recap

Qian Xixi and Duan Ran were both relieved that Fei Fei had found peace, as evidenced by her happy social media post. Qian Xixi, however, stated her clear intention not to return to Rui Live, finding deep contentment in her current, seemingly mundane job. She explained that it offered her a "sense of reality" she cherished and wished the period wouldn't end quickly. Duan Ran handed her several books, suggesting they would be helpful for learning.

Qian Xixi playfully complained they were too complex for her relaxation time, but Duan Ran gently patted her hair, implying she could read them after her rest. Duan Ran's parents missed Qian Xixi, who had not been home in a while. Duan Ran's father, Duan Shengyun, was the one who actually wanted Qian Xixi to read those books, hoping she would take this opportunity to reflect and "recharge."

His mother, however, worried that such a "break" sounded more exhausting than relaxing. At the retail counter, Qian Xixi was frustrated as many customers would only try on clothes, take photos, and then order online. She initially paid little attention to the books Duan Ran had given her, casually placing them aside.

It was her store manager who noticed one of them, titled "The Balanced Scorecard," remarking that it was a famous, essential read for all business managers, an expensive hardcover edition worth about 100 yuan. Realizing their value, Qian Xixi immediately retrieved the other two books, which she had been using to prop up clothes hangers in the storeroom. Meanwhile, Cola arrived at Cloud Live, expecting to meet Chen Lang.

The receptionist informed her Chen Lang was in a meeting and required an appointment, but Cola insisted, stating her name. She was led to a general work area and given a product catalog. Cola was greatly disappointed that Chen Lang's promises of an exclusive dressing room and live stream room were not met, only being told to "bear with it" due to the Singles' Day rush. Chen Lang’s assistant dismissed her, saying he was too busy.

Duan Shengyun discussed the upcoming Singles' Day with Duan Ran, emphasizing its equal importance for both online and physical stores. He expressed concern that e-commerce platforms' excessive discounts and coupons were "seriously disrupting the retail market." He suggested Duan Ran learn from how physical retail alliances operate, where businesses "sit down peacefully to negotiate issues, solve problems, and formulate industry rules." He stressed the necessity of a "collective system" for the e-commerce sector.

Later, Duan Ran visited Su Su, bringing her a pile of snacks. He urged her to "distribute coupons with all your might," promising that after Singles' Day, she would be rich and wouldn't need blind dates. Su Su successfully launched the first wave of coupons, boosting Rui Live's fan count by 30,000 and increasing orders by 10%. Just as Duan Ran was celebrating this success and planning a company lunch, Yu Shi arrived with grim news.

He had received an email from the Apparel Alliance, demanding that all online apparel prices match those in retail stores and strictly forbidding discounts. Failure to comply would result in the termination of all partnerships. Duan Ran's celebratory mood instantly plummeted to anger. Zhang Jiayun speculated that the Apparel Alliance's move wasn't impulsive but "premeditated." She warned that if Rui Live complied with the unified pricing, they would lose all competitive advantage, and their Singles' Day sales would barely increase.

This would also render their employee stock ownership plan "empty talk," putting Rui Live in severe jeopardy. Duan Ran decided that for Singles' Day, they would stop selling branded clothes and instead focus solely on non-branded items from their warehouse. Yu Shi then proposed a "united front" or a "live streaming alliance" to combat the Apparel Alliance, echoing Duan Shengyun's earlier advice about forming a collective organization.

Duan Ran immediately tasked Yu Shi with contacting other successful live streaming companies to build this alliance. At Rui Live, Zhang Jiayun's team took stock of their limited inventory of non-branded clothes, finding only "35 blouses" and "66 dresses," some of which were extremely outdated. They realized the quantity was insufficient for sales. Despite the dire situation, Zhang Jiayun rallied the team, reminding them of their commitment to employee stock options and the need to push through.

She then announced a plan: everyone would meet at the clothing market at 5:30 AM the next day to "rush in, pick everything, snatch everything, and buy everything." Mao, however, interjected, cautioning that their stylish "princess-like" appearances would make them easy targets for shrewd market vendors, who would "slaughter" them on prices. He advised them to wear ordinary clothes as a disguise.

Mao then shared three bargaining "secret techniques": "create a diversion" by showing disinterest in desired items, "bluff" by exaggerating competitor prices, and "be brutal" by offering two-thirds less than the asking price and slowly walking away if rejected. Amidst these urgent plans, Zhang Jiayun, burdened by her temporary CEO role, expressed her longing for Qian Xixi's return.

Duan Ran secretly instructed Zhang Jiayun not to disclose the company's current struggles to Qian Xixi, hoping she would return to a stable environment rather than a "mess," and affirmed that Qian Xixi's smile made all his efforts worthwhile. The next morning, the Rui Live team, dressed in their plain disguises, stormed the wholesale market. During their chaotic shopping, a man harassed Mr Five. Mao immediately intervened, punching the man.

Zhang Jiayun tried to break up the fight but was shoved by another person. Unexpectedly, Chen Lang, who was also at the market for sourcing, stepped in to defend Zhang Jiayun, but he too was injured in the brawl. The fight ultimately prevented the Rui Live team from continuing their bulk purchases. Duan Ran's meeting to form the Live Streaming Alliance began with very few attendees, leading him to wonder if people were simply stuck in traffic.

One attendee from Jinduoduo Live mistakenly thought the conference room was a bar, while another initially confused Duan Ran for a delivery man. Duan Ran passionately addressed the small group, explaining the Apparel Alliance's "unreasonable requests" regarding pricing and discounts, and how these demands "insulted the spirit of live streaming." He urged them to unite to gain leverage in negotiations, stressing the need to protect their industry's "passion and spirit." However, the other company representatives were largely unenthusiastic.

One declared he had "no interest in fighting a war," asserting that his small company couldn't afford to provoke the Apparel Alliance. Another stated his company didn't solely rely on branded goods and could "live" by selling other products. Duan Ran warned them that if the Alliance could dictate prices and discounts today, they could forbid selling unbranded goods tomorrow.

A skeptical CEO pointed out that Duan Ran, as QE's scion, could always "pack up and try something else" if live streaming failed, while smaller companies would become "sitting ducks" or "cannon fodder." Duan Ran vehemently denied this, assuring them he was "one of them" and would fight "until the end" to secure what they needed, promising not to abandon them.

More company representatives eventually arrived, but many seemed to view the alliance as a last resort rather than a shared vision. Later, Zhang Jiayun thanked Chen Lang for his intervention at the market, offering to treat him to a meal. Chen Lang, in a charmingly smooth manner, credited his presence at the market to "fate," claiming he wouldn't have met such a "beautiful girl" otherwise. Despite her modest attire, he insisted she looked like a "fairy."

He then cheekily requested a meal as compensation for his "pain," which Zhang Jiayun, though flattered, politely postponed, citing current circumstances. Back at Rui Live, sales were dismal, generating "close to nothing." The small batch of clothes from the market had sold out in less than an hour, leaving streamers like Yuanbao to sell spicy strips and Little Duckling to hawk cheap toys to fill their airtime, with minimal profit.

Many streamers had taken days off, expressing that they had "nothing to stream." Zhang Jiayun worried that with Singles' Day approaching and "nothing to fight with," Rui Live was in a precarious position. Duan Ran, trying to reassure her, insisted, "When there is a will, there is a way." Duan Ran went to a dental clinic to address a broken tooth that was hitting a nerve.

To his surprise, Chen Lang was also there, his face swollen from the market brawl. They playfully mocked each other's fear of the dentist. Chen Lang dramatically claimed his injury was "for love," a "work-related injury" for "true love." Despite their bravado, when the dentist explained that Duan Ran's broken tooth would be quite painful to fix, both men became visibly anxious, and during the actual treatment, their cries of pain were equally loud.

Later, Su Su, dressed up and wearing freesia-scented perfume, asked for a day off for a blind date. She explained her mother had been constantly urging her to go and asked who would manage the control room in her absence.

Episode 30 Recap

Su Su requested leave from Zhang Jiayun for a blind date, explaining that her mother had arranged numerous dates recently, and with the live stream rooms currently vacant and the control room unneeded, turning off the computers would save electricity. Zhang Jiayun approved her request. Yu Shi, feeling anxious, secretly followed Su Su and witnessed the entire blind date. The man inquired about her small studio apartment and her ordinary Volkswagen.

He then proceeded to lay out his expectations, stating that her apartment would serve as their temporary marital home, but it was too small for his future plans of buying a villa. He also demanded that her parents buy her a new car as a dowry so he could drive it to work with "more face." Furthermore, he expected Su Su to resign after marriage to focus on family and limit social activities like friends' gatherings and shopping.

He admitted his own salary couldn't support a family, so he required her to contribute her savings initially. He even presented a form for her to fill out for future questions, including family health history. Disgusted, Su Su ended the date abruptly, sarcastically complimenting his form and taking it with her. She then spotted Yu Shi and confronted him, asking if he was following her. Yu Shi, flustered, denied it, claiming he was there to buy famous and tasty vermicelli.

Su Su joked about his nervousness, but then recounted her unpleasant experience with the "disgusting man." Yu Shi had bought two bowls of vermicelli, which he offered to share with Su Su, who found it delicious. He was attentively caring for her, offering water when she ate, but Su Su remained oblivious to his feelings, simply remarking on his thoughtfulness.

She mentioned that she was tired of meeting strange people on blind dates but had no other way to find a boyfriend since her life revolved around work and home. Yu Shi wondered aloud if she truly needed to keep going on blind dates. Yu Shi later called Duan Ran to report on his attempts to form a live stream alliance, expressing frustration that potential partners were either unreliable or unwilling to commit, leaving Rui without a proper alliance.

Duan Ran, exasperated, emphasized the need for unity in the current environment to avoid collective downfall. Chen Lang, who overheard the conversation, acknowledged that an alliance was a good idea but immediately pinpointed Duan Ran's mistake: he had likely appealed to grand ambitions instead of practical financial benefits. Chen Lang asserted that to convince these companies, one must talk about money. Duan Ran countered that he couldn't talk about money if the alliance hadn't even formed.

After some playful banter where Duan Ran called Chen Lang a "gang leader" and Chen Lang referred to Duan Ran as a "rich man's son," Duan Ran stressed the "one cannot survive without the other" reality of their situation, warning that they would all go bankrupt together if they didn't unite. Moved by this plea, Chen Lang agreed to help him form the alliance.

Chen Lang and Duan Ran arranged a meeting with several live stream platform representatives at a street barbecue stall. The attendees expressed relief at not being subjected to another lengthy, formal speech in a hotel, and instead vented their frustrations about the Apparel Alliance's current actions. Chen Lang took charge, appealing to their shared desire to earn more money and provide for their families.

He criticized Wu Zhongquan (presumably from the Apparel Alliance) for causing trouble and interfering with their livelihoods. When some suggested waiting for the situation to blow over, Chen Lang passionately argued against retreat, warning that backing down now would only lead to further exploitation and ultimate ruin for all of them. He galvanized them with a vision of collective success, asserting that by uniting, they could overcome the challenges and secure a profitable future.

Convinced by his words, the other companies unanimously agreed to form the alliance and appointed Duan Ran to be their representative for negotiations. Duan Ran, having drunk a lot, went to Qian Xixi's apartment. Observing his frequent late-night engagements and Zhang Jiayun's early mornings and late nights, Qian Xixi grew concerned and directly asked if the company was facing difficulties.

Duan Ran reassured her that their busyness was a sign of the company's prosperity and that everything was fine and running smoothly. Qian Xixi then presented him with a cute cat figurine. Duan Ran initially teased that it was "too swollen" and "for girls," but when Qian Xixi feigned taking it back for Zhang Jiayun, he quickly snatched it, declaring he loved any gift from her. The two then affectionately embraced and fell asleep together on the chair.

Mr Five brought Mao to Rui Live, hoping he would join the company. Mao, however, disliked the formal office environment and proposed working part-time, coming in only when needed, to avoid offending anyone with his temper. Zhang Jiayun agreed, finding it a lighter burden for both sides, and stated she would draft a contract for him. Mr Five thanked her, mentioning Qian Xixi's instruction to look after them, and Mao playfully declared himself Zhang Jiayun's "little kitten," completely hers.

Chen Lang decided to join the live stream alliance with Duan Ran, seeing it as an opportunity to counter the Apparel Alliance and, more importantly, to create more chances to meet Zhang Jiayun. Heartbroken by Zhang Jiayun's struggles, he instructed his assistant to send a truckload of merchandise to Rui Live. This was from a batch of goods he had fought for, sustaining a chipped tooth that required RMB15,000 for dental filling.

At Rui Live, the streamers were dejected due to low inventory and poor sales. Zhang Jiayun tried to lift their spirits by offering to treat them to lunch, though suggesting humble takeout due to the company's financial struggles. Just then, Chen Lang arrived with the truck filled with new merchandise. The delighted streamers saw it as a salvation. Zhang Jiayun, ever cautious, questioned if there were any hidden conditions.

Chen Lang recounted his efforts and injury, prompting Zhang Jiayun to accept the shipment, declaring her thick skin. Chen Lang then proposed she repay him by having meals with him for the rest of their lives. Zhang Jiayun compromised, agreeing to one hotpot meal, but insisted on bringing all the streamers along for a lively gathering.

At the hotpot, Chen Lang was exceptionally attentive to Zhang Jiayun, recommending specific dishes like boneless Basa fish and Japanese beef, much to the envy of the other streamers. At Qian Xixi's retail store, the Building Manager arrived and immediately began to reprimand her. She criticized the haphazard arrangement of clothes hangers, claiming it lacked aesthetic appeal, and dismissed the Store Manager's explanation that it was due to a customer and that their layout was designer-approved.

The Building Manager insisted that constant change was necessary to prevent "aesthetic fatigue" among customers. Her criticism escalated to Qian Xixi's attire, pointing out she was wearing a T-shirt instead of a uniform, which she deemed unprofessional and detrimental to the sales associates' image. Qian Xixi apologized, attributing it to rushing that morning and promising to adhere to dress code and display rules in the future.

Unmoved, the Building Manager declared that mistakes warranted punishment and assigned Qian Xixi the task of cleaning the entire building's corridors, a regular penalty. The Store Manager attempted to intercede, but Qian Xixi accepted the task without protest. Upon returning from cleaning the extensive corridors, Qian Xixi was exhausted and sore. Her colleagues immediately tended to her, massaging her, and offering milk tea and warm food. Qian Xixi expressed her gratitude and affection for their support.

A colleague explained that the Building Manager's harshness stemmed from Qian Xixi "snatching away" the position meant for her sister-in-law, who was heavier than the manager and wouldn't have passed the regular recruitment process. Qian Xixi realized the Building Manager viewed her as an enemy due to this connection. Duan Ran located Wu Zhongquan from Pineapple Xpress at a salon getting his hair done and called Chen Lang to join him.

Chen Lang, annoyed about being interrupted from what he hoped would be a shopping trip with Zhang Jiayun, joined Duan Ran. Together, they aggressively questioned and playfully harassed Wu Zhongquan, who eventually revealed that the Apparel Alliance's demand for standardized pricing was a result of pressure from the Entity Alliance. Wu Zhongquan explained that the Entity Alliance, formed by brick-and-mortar retailers, was retaliating against e-commerce platforms' heavy use of coupons and low prices, which hurt their business.

They threatened to convert their retail spaces into restaurants, entertainment centers, and cinemas if e-commerce didn't adopt uniform pricing, leveraging their over 70% market share in physical retail. Upon hearing this, Chen Lang angrily pulled Duan Ran aside, accusing him of feigning ignorance and conspiring with his father. He revealed that Duan Sheng Yun was the president of the Entity Alliance and suspected Duan Ran of trying to gain information.

Duan Ran vehemently denied the accusation, asserting that his father would not sabotage his own son, and that he was genuinely working for the benefit of the entire live stream alliance. Chen Lang, still unconvinced, demanded that Duan Ran clarify the matter with his father, warning that no company would cooperate with him otherwise, and then stormed off, regretting having wasted time he could have spent with Zhang Jiayun.

Duan Ran immediately went to confront his father, Duan Sheng Yun, asking why he was threatening the Apparel Alliance. Duan Sheng Yun explained that his friend, Song, had initiated the Entity Alliance and, leveraging Duan Sheng Yun's e-commerce investment experience, convinced him to serve as its rotating president for a term.

He admitted he couldn't refuse Song, acknowledging Song's aggressive methods were in line with the Entity Alliance's interests to "set a trap" for e-commerce platforms before Singles' Day, and believed Duan Ran's chances of turning the situation around were slim. Duan Sheng Yun's own philosophy was for both sides to "take a step back" and compromise, though he conceded he didn't have the final say.

Duan Ran, undeterred, declared that despite the odds, he would fight back and prove that e-commerce could unite just as effectively, telling his father not to worry and to "wait and see." Duan Ran then visited Pineapple Xpress and asked for Qian Xixi, learning from the store manager that Qian Xixi had been assigned to clean the corridors by the Building Manager, which made him feel very distressed.

The next day, Chen Lang arrived at Rui Live to find Duan Ran, seeking to discuss the upcoming negotiations. He found Qian Xixi at the reception and learned Duan Ran was out with Yu Shi. Chen Lang expressed his unease about Duan Sheng Yun being the president of the Entity Alliance, explaining he wanted to understand their strategy for the negotiations to avoid any potential self-sabotage, given his previous negative experience with Duan Ran's father.

Qian Xixi was unaware of Duan Sheng Yun's new role, to which Chen Lang stated he had only found out yesterday. While he believed Duan Ran himself wouldn't betray the alliance, he remained wary of Duan Ran's father, who had "once sabotaged" him in the past.

Episode 31 Recap

Chen Lang, who originally founded Rui, visited the company. He confessed his feelings for Zhang Jiayun, but she firmly told him that they were not the same kind of people and could never be together. She described his actions as "nasty," to which Chen Lang explained that he didn't want to end up like his parents, living a lifetime of mediocrity. Zhang Jiayun, conversely, expressed a desire for an ordinary life.

Chen Lang then advised Zhang Jiayun to consider how Qian Xixi handled things when she first took over the company, reminding her that Mr Five was a "treasure" right in their own store and suggesting a "Leftover Denim Special." Chen Lang admitted that he often looked at the company from this angle and missed its previous state. Duan Ran was worried about the upcoming negotiation and tried to seek help from Uncle Shen.

Uncle Shen mentioned that Song Er Jiang, the chairman of the Entity Alliance, had a commanding presence and spoke with authority, advising Duan Ran to be cautious in the negotiation. Duan Ran felt the risk was too high to bet everything on the negotiation and expressed that both Uncle Shen and QE Group might find it difficult to intervene directly.

Uncle Shen explained that Song Er Jiang pulled Duan Ran's father, Duan Sheng Yun, into the Entity Alliance precisely so that neither he nor Duan Sheng Yun could directly interfere. Uncle Shen, along with Duan Ran's father, believed e-commerce was the future, but acknowledged that entrepreneurship had its challenges, viewing this as a valuable experience for Duan Ran. Meanwhile, Zhang Jiayun approached Mr Five, sharing her idea for the "Leftover Denim Special" and encouraging her to return to clothing alteration.

Mr Five happily agreed, seeing it as an opportunity to realize her dreams rather than idly worrying. Chen Lang later met with Mr Song, the chairman of the Entity Alliance, who presented him with a profit-sharing agreement. Mr Song stated that more than half of the Live Streaming Alliance members had already signed it and urged Chen Lang to consider signing if he didn't want his company to go out of business after the negotiation.

Chen Lang realized that Mr Song was trying to use subsidies to divide and conquer the Live Streaming Alliance. Mr Song clarified that he was seeking survival for physical stores, which had suffered significant losses and pressure due to the flourishing online businesses. He believed it was time to "settle the score." He then revealed that the Entity Alliance was planning an action to use subsidies to break apart the Live Streaming Alliance.

He also warned Chen Lang that he and Duan Ran were "not from the same world." Duan Ran, having learned about this plan from Mr Mu Jr. , rushed to talk to Chen Lang. Chen Lang met with Duan Ran and suggested that given the current tense situation, they should agree to the unified pricing proposed by the Entity Alliance for now, get through Singles' Day, and then retaliate.

Duan Ran angrily retorted that Chen Lang was being indecisive and warned him not to be a weak link at such a critical moment, even mentioning that it was probably why Zhang Jiayun didn't like him. Xiao Xiao, a key streamer, went on strike, complaining about the low-quality products like diapers she was forced to sell. She worried about losing her fans and refused to stream, saying she would rather go home.

Chen Lang tried to persuade her to consider the bigger picture. Duan Ran and Qian Xixi had dinner, where Duan Ran appeared distracted and emotional. Qian Xixi, sensing company troubles or worries about Singles' Day, pressed him to tell the truth. Duan Ran admitted he was scared about their efforts for Singles' Day potentially failing. Qian Xixi reassured him, holding his hand and promising to always be by his side, no matter what difficulties the company or he faced.

She then told him that Boboluo's leftover stock was being shipped directly to the head office for disposal, rather than being sold, and encouraged Duan Ran to investigate what they were doing with the stock. The tripartite negotiation between the E-commerce Alliance, Entity Alliance, and Live Streaming Alliance began. Qian Xixi learned about the negotiation from her colleagues' discussions and tried to call Duan Ran, but his phone was off during the meeting.

At her workplace, Qian Xixi and her Store Manager were reviewing leftover stock. Qian Xixi learned from a driver that Boboluo's unsold stock was being shipped "out of the city" rather than being returned to headquarters or sold, and she was curious about its destination, but was told it was "not their business."

Later, the Floor Manager criticized Qian Xixi for her uniform and product display, implying she was guilty regarding the "facial hair incident" and therefore unsuited for the job. The Floor Manager then ordered Qian Xixi to help out at a neighboring store, but the Store Manager intervened, stating that the regional manager was coming for an inspection and no one could leave. The Floor Manager left in a huff, and Qian Xixi expressed gratitude to her Store Manager.

In the negotiation, Mr Song reiterated that physical stores were losing customers to online platforms offering arbitrary discounts and coupons, and their demand was for unified retail prices. Duan Ran countered, pointing out that physical stores also offered significant discounts through promotions, membership programs, and seasonal sales, making their effective prices not much different from online platforms.

He stressed that the negotiation should be mutually beneficial, proposing that the Live Streaming Alliance could agree to unified pricing for newly launched products for a period of one to two weeks, after which they should be allowed to use coupons for those items and for off-season products. Duan Ran also argued that the target audience for high-end physical stores was not consumers who waited for discounts.

Mr Song, however, accused Duan Ran of lacking sincerity and asked why other alliance companies could accept the conditions but Rui could not. Chen Lang, to Duan Ran's surprise, then spoke up, urging Duan Ran to consider the Entity Alliance's perspective. Duan Ran's father, Duan Sheng Yun, then suggested a lunch break for everyone to digest the discussions.

During the lunch break, Duan Ran confronted Chen Lang, asking if the Entity Alliance had given him benefits and why he suddenly changed his stance, sitting silently during the negotiation. Chen Lang explained that his company was a small business that couldn't withstand the pressure, and that his employees were depending on him. He felt that his situation was different from Duan Ran's, who had his father and QE Group behind him.

Duan Ran argued that they were in the same predicament, and that his father hadn't helped him during the meeting. He urged Chen Lang to stand with him and fight back for what was theirs, calling their small companies' efforts against the Apparel Alliance a "mantis trying to stop a chariot." Chen Lang, however, abruptly left, stating he would not continue the meeting. Duan Ran was left disheartened.

Later, Qian Xixi ran into Ou Yang, who revealed that she had also resigned. Ou Yang explained that she had disagreements with Jiang Zheyang's mother regarding his career management. She added that Jiang Zheyang had been hurt by Qian Xixi and had sought comfort from his mother, making Ou Yang unable to blame him. Ou Yang concluded by telling Qian Xixi that she was the first girl to capture Jiang Zheyang's heart.

Episode 32 Recap

Qian Xixi felt a sense of guilt towards Jiang Zheyang and wanted to find an opportunity to clarify things with him. However, Ouyang believed there was no need, emphasizing that matters of emotion could not be forced and everyone was entitled to their own choices.

Ouyang revealed that Jiang Zheyang had been attracted to Qian Xixi, making her the first girl he was ever truly moved by, and that he was currently relying on his mother for comfort after being hurt. Qian Xixi, acknowledging her own feelings for someone else, expressed her admiration for Ouyang's strong and decisive nature, and her ability to know what she wanted, making her seem immune to the world's hurts.

Ouyang admitted that she now longed to be a "princess" and find true love, a sentiment Qian Xixi shared. During a crucial negotiation, Duan Shengyun, representing QE Group as both a retail business and the largest shareholder of Rui, advocated for a neutral stance and a fair discussion among all three parties—the Entity Alliance, Live Streaming Alliance, and an unnamed third party—to find mutually beneficial solutions, stressing against sudden attacks or coercion.

This approach angered Mr Song, who accused Duan Shengyun of being "scheming and conniving." Mr Song claimed Duan Shengyun was outwardly with the Entity Alliance but secretly aligned with the Live Streaming Alliance, acting "two-faced" and "sitting on the fence" to benefit himself and his son, Duan Ran, while physical stores were pushed to the brink. Duan Ran fiercely defended his father, demanding Mr Song show his own sincerity. Amidst the heated exchange, Mr Wu suggested Duan Shengyun step aside.

Mr Song then directly accused Duan Shengyun of being a "servant to two masters." Duan Ran furiously retorted, asking what "two-faced" meant and accusing Mr Song of lacking sincerity. Overwhelmed, Duan Shengyun suddenly suffered a heart attack and collapsed, prompting Duan Ran to rush him to the hospital. Qian Xixi, having received a call from Aunt Zhou, immediately went to the hospital. Doctors confirmed Duan Shengyun was stable and out of immediate danger, but required a stent.

Due to his unique condition, they recommended conservative treatment and suggested transferring him to a larger city like Beijing or Shanghai for the procedure, requiring an overnight stay for observation. Duan Shengyun, feeling the effects of age and illness, reminisced about difficult times when Duan Ran and Qian Xixi were children, recalling how he secretly bought them expensive roujiamo (meat sandwiches) from his meager allowance because their mother couldn't afford it.

Qian Xixi, touched by the memory, offered to make him roujiamo herself. Returning home, Qian Xixi was confronted by Zhang Jiayun for being out all night and unreachable. Qian Xixi explained she was at the hospital with Duan Shengyun, and her phone had died. She then voiced her frustration and anger at Duan Ran for keeping the critical negotiation details from her, feeling he didn't trust her abilities or considered her insights too narrow to be helpful.

Zhang Jiayun, however, lauded Qian Xixi's intelligence and past successes, specifically recalling her "Denim Special" idea that "turned the tables" for the company. Inspired by this, Zhang Jiayun shared her plan to replicate Qian Xixi's success to counter the stalled negotiations with the Apparel Alliance. She aimed to bring Mr Five back to live streaming, showing Qian Xixi some niche clothing samples Mr Five had designed, which Qian Xixi believed would appeal strongly to his fanbase.

Zhang Jiayun then surprisingly revealed that Chen Lang had given her this idea, which puzzled Qian Xixi, as Duan Ran had just told her that Chen Lang had abandoned the negotiation, seemingly out of fear of the Entity Alliance. Meanwhile, Zhang Jiayun and Mr Five were already putting their plan into action. Mr Five, with sharp negotiating skills, secured fabric at a significantly lower price.

Zhang Jiayun elaborated on her cunning strategy: she simultaneously approached several fabric vendors, falsely requesting thousands of rolls of denim fabric, intentionally creating an illusion of high demand. This ploy drove down prices as vendors eagerly competed for the large order, allowing Zhang Jiayun to purchase the necessary cotton and other materials for their sweaters at a much reduced cost.

Mao was already on-site at Rui, preparing to produce the clothing based on Mr Five's designs, even creating "the emperor's new robe," a testament to his fine, invisible stitching. Elsewhere, Ouyang received numerous frantic calls from Jiang Zheyang’s production crew, searching for him as he had disappeared from the set. Ouyang, suffering from stomach pain, decided to go to the hospital. There, she unexpectedly found Jiang Zheyang, who had injured his hand on set and come alone.

The doctor informed Ouyang that she needed an immediate gastroscopy. Jiang Zheyang, despite needing to return to filming, insisted on signing the necessary paperwork for her as a relative. Duan Ran called Ouyang to thank her for recommending the doctor for his father, informing her that he would take Duan Shengyun to Beijing for surgery the next day.

Knowing Duan Ran would be preoccupied with his father's surgery, Qian Xixi volunteered to step in as the representative for the crucial negotiations. However, Duan Ran flatly refused, saying he couldn't "throw a little sheep into a wolf pack," fearing she would be bullied and endure hardship.

Qian Xixi argued that he couldn't manage everything alone and insisted on contributing, stating she didn't want to watch the situation worsen due to any oversight, and that she wanted to help Rui, Duan Shengyun, Zhang Jiayun, and him. Duan Ran, however, saw it as him paving a smooth path for her to return as CEO later, which Qian Xixi vehemently rejected, declaring she didn't want her path to be entirely arranged by him.

Despite her persistence and growing anger, Duan Ran remained steadfast in his refusal. Later, Qian Xixi and Duan Ran went to a restaurant, where they encountered Jiang Zheyang and Ouyang. Duan Ran learned that Ouyang and Jiang Zheyang had terminated their contract. Duan Ran offered Ouyang words of comfort, suggesting she take a much-needed break from work.

Qian Xixi, however, scolded Jiang Zheyang for not confiding in her about such major events, questioning if he still considered her a "good buddy." Jiang Zheyang admitted that after their last heart-to-heart, he still struggled to treat her merely as a "buddy." Duan Ran, overhearing this, became agitated, demanding to know what kind of relationship they intended to have if not that of "buddies."

He angrily recalled a previous instance where Qian Xixi had not answered his calls while she was out with Jiang Zheyang, demanding an explanation and accusing her of not trusting him. Qian Xixi tried to deflect, but their argument escalated, prompting an embarrassed Ouyang and Jiang Zheyang to discreetly leave.

Duan Ran’s parents noticed his sour mood, and he reluctantly fabricated a story, claiming his argument with Qian Xixi stemmed from her insistence on participating in the negotiations against his wishes. Duan Ran’s mother initially agreed that Qian Xixi, being a young girl, might not be suitable for the role of CEO.

However, Duan Shengyun strongly disagreed, stating that Qian Xixi was, in many respects, more capable than Duan Ran, possessing greater persistence, determination, and flexibility, with a better understanding of modern solutions. He confessed that he had only initially joined the Entity Alliance's negotiation talks to support Duan Ran and Qian Xixi, expressing regret that his failing health had prevented him from doing more.

Duan Ran reiterated his concerns, not doubting Qian Xixi's abilities but fearing that she, as a young girl, would face unfair treatment in the cutthroat negotiation environment. Duan Shengyun then instructed Duan Ran to retrieve a confidential folder from his drawer, containing two share transfer documents—one for Duan Ran and one for Qian Xixi—telling him to open it with Qian Xixi to understand his true intentions.

Meanwhile, Chen Lang remained in a state of deep indecision, unable to sign the agreement with the Apparel Alliance. His assistant pressed him on the contract. Chen Lang admitted he felt like a rudderless ship, uncertain of his direction. He confessed that Zhang Jiayun's past remark about people forgetting their original goals when accustomed to seeking only advantage and avoiding harm had deeply confused him.

His assistant tried to rationalize that a merchant's pursuit of profit and a company's withdrawal from the Live Streaming Alliance were understandable business decisions, but Chen Lang requested to be left alone to ponder his choices. Later, Duan Ran arrived to apologize to Qian Xixi, bringing a set of formal clothes suitable for negotiations, along with the share transfer documents from his father.

Qian Xixi, deeply moved to tears by the immense kindness she had received from the Duan family, felt she could not accept such a valuable gift, insisting she needed to repay their generosity rather than accept more. Duan Ran gently explained that his father's intention was for them to wholeheartedly manage and nurture Rui as their "child." Qian Xixi, accepting the shares, then happily tried on the new suit.

Duan Ran, pulling her close and embracing her, begged for her forgiveness, playfully teasing her as he did. He confessed his faults: nearly exposing their relationship, and his initial refusal to support her negotiation efforts. He explained that he had simply cherished her too much, viewing her as his "treasure," and didn't want her to be burdened by the company's "mess." He continued to playfully prompt her for what other apologies she might need from him.

Episode 33 Recap

Duan Ran apologized to Qian Xixi, admitting his jealousy and misunderstanding regarding her and Jiang Zheyang. He stated there was nothing between them and asked for her forgiveness, which she granted. At her current workplace, QE's Pineapple Xpress, Qian Xixi informed the store manager and Lu Hui that she was resigning. She explained that her former company, Rui Live, was facing difficulties, and she had been observing the store's leftover stock with the intention of helping Rui.

She felt she could no longer remain there and needed to return to help her old colleagues. The manager and Lu Hui expressed their admiration for Qian Xixi's intelligence and resilience, wishing her luck. Meanwhile, Mr Five hosted a live stream to showcase her latest design, a unique garment splicing a sweatshirt and a shirt. The audience's reaction was overwhelmingly negative, with comments calling the design "low-class," "weird," and "ugly."

Overwhelmed by the criticism, Mr Five ran off the set, locking herself in a restroom and crying. Mao stayed outside to comfort her, while Su Su and Zhang Jiayun worried about the failed plan. Qian Xixi met with Mr Wu, the manager of Pineapple Xpress, seeking a "golden key" to create a new collaborative landscape for the Entity, Live Streaming, and Apparel Alliances.

She directly implied he was that key, reminding him of their past successful collaborations where both Rui and Pineapple Xpress profited. Qian Xixi then revealed that during her time as a shop assistant at QE, she discovered a large amount of unsold leftover stock at Pineapple Xpress. She proposed that Rui Live sell these items. Mr Wu, however, declined, citing unwritten "customary rules" and strict company regulations that prevented him from independently making decisions about the leftover stock.

He advised Qian Xixi to accept the Entity Alliance's rigid proposal, as he couldn't afford to displease Mr Song. Undeterred, Zhang Jiayun and Bai Siyu visited the Pineapple Xpress counter to speak with the store manager and Lu Hui. They appealed to the manager's sympathy by highlighting Qian Xixi's struggles, her selfless resignation to help her company, and her positive character, hoping to get information about the leftover stock.

While the manager acknowledged Qian Xixi's plight, she feared company repercussions and initially refused to disclose any details. After Lu Hui's persistent persuasion, the manager relented slightly, providing Zhang Jiayun and Bai Siyu with two spare work uniforms and the location of the leftover stock's dispatch point. Concurrently, Qian Xixi, dressed in an outfit Duan Ran had bought for her, attended the tripartite negotiation as Duan Ran's representative.

Mr Song, representing the Entity Alliance, dismissed her presence, questioning why Duan Ran sent a "young lady" after a "young kid." Unfazed, Qian Xixi rejected the Entity Alliance's proposed agreement. She presented a counter-proposal: a "sole agents" model where live streaming companies would sell specific product lines online, distinct from what was available in physical stores, ensuring both online and offline markets could operate without interference.

Mr Mu Jr and Mr Song vehemently opposed this, arguing it was impractical, prone to ambiguities, and financially inefficient. Mr Song pushed for the immediate signing of his agreement, warning against further delay. Mr Shen, acting as a mediator, called for a five-minute break. During the break, Zhang Jiayun and Bai Siyu, disguised in the work uniforms, successfully followed a truck carrying Pineapple Xpress's leftover stock to a recycling yard warehouse.

Zhang Jiayun attempted to take photos with her phone to gather evidence, but she was caught by the transport workers. They confiscated her phone and deleted all the pictures and videos she had taken before forcing them to leave. Simultaneously, Qian Xixi confronted Mr Wu and Mr Mu Jr during the break.

She claimed to possess irrefutable evidence—photos, videos, and audio recordings of drivers, warehouse staff, and counter staff—proving they were secretly sending valuable leftover stock to recycling to maintain favorable sales figures for the negotiation. When they demanded to see the proof, she cleverly withheld it, emphasizing the difficulty of obtaining such sensitive information.

She then appealed to their past professional relationship and personal friendships, reminding Mr Wu of her past efforts for Pineapple Xpress during difficult times and Mr Mu Jr of her assistance with Perfect Blue. Despite her emotional plea, they remained reluctant to cross Mr Song. At that critical moment, Su Su and Yu Shi, who had been dispatched as a backup, successfully used a drone to capture comprehensive video footage of the leftover stock processing at the recycling warehouse.

They immediately sent the video to Qian Xixi, who then presented it to a stunned Mr Wu and Mr Mu Jr. The negotiation resumed. Faced with undeniable evidence, Mr Wu, with Mr Mu Jr present, announced that Pineapple Xpress would accept the Live Streaming Alliance's proposal to adopt the "sole agents" model. He confirmed that all leftover stock would now be sold at discounted prices through live streaming platforms, and new contracts would be drafted.

Mr Song was visibly disappointed, while Qian Xixi displayed a confident smile, having successfully secured a victory for the Live Streaming Alliance. Chen Lang, who had been reconsidering his stance, arrived at the negotiation venue only to find that it had already concluded. Back at Rui Live, Qian Xixi was greeted by a bustling and lively office, which brought a happy smile to her face.

News of their negotiation victory had spread quickly, and various live streaming companies who had previously distanced themselves now eagerly sought to join their alliance. Yu Shi sarcastically noted their sudden enthusiasm. Chen Lang arrived to congratulate Qian Xixi, but Zhang Jiayun confronted him, criticizing his opportunistic behavior and earlier withdrawal. Chen Lang defended himself, explaining that unlike Duan Ran, he had employees depending on him and couldn't afford to take risks without a safety net.

Zhang Jiayun expressed her disappointment in his excuses, and Chen Lang left. The Rui Live team celebrated their success with a cake, welcoming Qian Xixi back as CEO. Qian Xixi, in a heartfelt gesture, gave the first slice of cake to Zhang Jiayun, thanking her for her immense contributions. However, Zhang Jiayun was still distracted by her conversation with Chen Lang. Later that evening, Duan Ran video called Qian Xixi.

He was with his mother, who was praying for Duan Shengyun's successful surgery, and mentioned he had also acquired an amulet for Qian Xixi. Qian Xixi was overjoyed to hear that Duan Shengyun's surgery went smoothly. She asked Duan Ran to return soon so they could celebrate their first Singles' Day together. Duan Ran worried that Qian Xixi would be too busy managing both Rui Live as CEO and leading the Live Streaming Alliance, leaving no time for him. Qian Xixi, overhearing this, proposed that Zhang Jiayun continue to serve as the CEO of Rui Live. Zhang Jiayun, coincidentally passing by, overheard Qian Xixi's suggestion.

Episode 34 Recap

Duan Ran had a phone conversation with Qian Xixi, discussing her potential workload as both the CEO of Rui and the head of the Live Stream Alliance. He suggested that Zhang Jiayun continue as Rui's CEO. Overhearing the conversation, Zhang Jiayun quickly interjected, stating her unwillingness to remain CEO. She felt she was too talented for the position and desired a more creative role, believing that becoming the alliance head would be a "misuse of her talents."

After Duan Ran and Qian Xixi ended their call, Zhang Jiayun teased them about their overly affectionate conversation, lamenting her status as a single person. Zhang Jiayun then expressed concern about Chen Lang, asking if he had tried to seek their help to rejoin the Live Stream Alliance. Qian Xixi revealed her plan to invite all interested live streaming companies, including Chen Lang's Cloud Live, to join the alliance. Zhang Jiayun was surprised by this decision, calling these companies "opportunistic."

Qian Xixi explained her concept of "cooperative competition," using the analogy of a food street to illustrate how they could first attract customers collectively before competing based on individual strengths and specializations. She also noted that Mr. Duan Sr.' s initial goal was to establish industry regulations and clean up the chaotic market, aligning with her current vision.

Zhang Jiayun, impressed by Qian Xixi's vision but still holding complex emotions regarding Chen Lang, thanked Qian Xixi on Chen Lang's behalf, a gesture Qian Xixi playfully avoided. Zhang Jiayun launched a "shopping theme" live stream, giving viewers a tour of Rui Live's various rooms, including showcases of Mr Five's denim designs and Little Yellow Duck's vibrant fashion.

The live stream quickly gained popularity, boosting morale among the team, with Su Su and Yu Shi confident about their prospects for Singles' Day. However, the excitement was short-lived as all live stream screens suddenly went black, and Rui Live's accounts were suspended due to violations. Upon contacting the platform's administration, they learned that the suspension was due to complaints about a batch of imitation products sold. Zhang Jiayun immediately suspected the goods Chen Lang had previously "donated."

After inspecting the remaining stock, she confirmed that they were indeed imitation products. Overwhelmed with guilt and regret, Zhang Jiayun cried, blaming herself for trusting Chen Lang and feeling she had let down Qian Xixi and Rui. Yu Shi and Su Su tried to comfort her, emphasizing that it was Chen Lang's deliberate sabotage, not her fault. Zhang Jiayun then instructed Yu Shi and Su Su to retrieve all orders for the fake goods to prevent further customer complaints.

Qian Xixi, learning of Zhang Jiayun's distress, reassured her not to blame herself, stating that Chen Lang's underhanded actions were not surprising. She affirmed Zhang Jiayun's capabilities as CEO. Qian Xixi then contacted Duan Ran, who was in Beijing, asking him to clarify the situation with the platform and explain that selling imitation goods was not Rui's intention, hoping to get the accounts unsuspended quickly.

Duan Ran went to the platform's office, presenting Cloud Live's delivery receipt as evidence of sabotage. However, the platform's representative stated that while the receipt was valid, it wasn't direct evidence. He refused to expedite the unblocking process, insisting on more direct evidence and citing company policy against providing special treatment. Meanwhile, Cola confronted Chen Lang, accusing him of breaking his promise to make her a top broadcaster, despite her efforts as an insider.

Chen Lang dismissed her complaints, telling her to focus on understanding her fans' needs rather than just "dieting." He then showed her a past video of her live-streaming with Little Yellow Duck, highlighting her enhanced affability when broadcasting with a partner. Chen Lang revealed his vision for a "new form of broadcasting" through a duo live stream, subtly shifting the blame for her lack of progress.

In another part of the city, Yuanbao's father, Mr Bai, met her for his birthday. He expressed disapproval of her "mukbang" live streaming, calling it an embarrassment and urging her to return home to take over the family's Axis Coffee business, which he believed was more reliable than e-commerce. Yuanbao refused, wanting to carve her own path and gain experience before inheriting the business.

She argued that physical retail was being replaced by e-commerce and urged her father to broaden his perspective. Their disagreement led to Mr Bai leaving in a huff, instructing Yuanbao to finish the large spread of food he had ordered for her. With most of Rui Live's accounts blocked, Qian Xixi approached Jiang Zheyang for help.

She explained the dire situation, and he readily agreed to do a live stream with Yuanbao to boost their popularity for Singles' Day, refusing any compensation. Back at the office, the team decided on an unconventional strategy: having Yu Shi open an account and become a broadcaster. Yu Shi was initially hesitant, but after Su Su's persistent pleading and playful threats, he reluctantly agreed. Yu Shi and Su Su then began a live stream together.

Yu Shi offered "boyfriend-style" reviews of products, and their playful banter and Yu Shi's distinct "straight male" aesthetic, including a cute hairpin he was wearing, quickly made their stream unexpectedly popular. Qian Xixi was pleasantly surprised by their success. Yuanbao also started a live stream, consuming the elaborate meal her father had left her. Her relatable "mukbang" also garnered significant attention.

Seeing the potential, Qian Xixi suggested that Yu Shi continue as a broadcaster, even coining a duo name for him and Su Su: "Su Su Shi." Driven by anger, Zhang Jiayun confronted Chen Lang, slapping him and accusing him of using malicious tactics to get Rui Live's accounts suspended. She warned him that retribution would inevitably come. Chen Lang, genuinely appearing surprised and denying any knowledge, later confronted his subordinate, Zhu Wan.

Zhu Wan confessed to mixing fake goods into the shipment sent to Rui, claiming that Mr Ding had pressured him to do so, knowing Chen Lang's affection for Rui's CEO. Enraged, Chen Lang slapped Zhu Wan, but Zhu Wan stubbornly defended his actions as a justified act of "revenge." Despite their decade-long working relationship, Chen Lang furiously ordered Zhu Wan to leave his office.

Later, Si Yu confided in Zhang Jiayun about her late older brother, who died while pursuing extreme sports. His death caused her father to become extremely overprotective, hiring round-the-clock surveillance on Si Yu, which eventually led her to run away from home. Si Yu expressed her desire to earn her father's complete trust and freedom. She also shared her belief that her family's Axis Coffee business was facing a plateau and needed change, aligning with Qian Xixi's innovative ideas.

Zhang Jiayun then asked Si Yu about her feelings for Chen Lang, to which Si Yu responded sadly that she could barely consider him a friend anymore. Despite the challenges, Chen Lang rallied his Cloud Live broadcasters, giving them a motivational speech for Singles' Day. He encouraged them to aggressively compete for rankings, promising a 1% commission increase for every ten ranks climbed and a 5% bonus for reaching the centralized market, urging them to fight a "victorious battle."

Episode 35 Recap

Qian Xixi calls Duan Ran, acknowledging that Bai Siyu's streaming account is still operational and Yu Shi's recent impromptu live stream had surprisingly good results. He suggests a strategy to help Bai Siyu prove herself to her father: collaborate with Hualu Coffee for the upcoming Singles' Day event.

Duan Ran explains that Mr Bai, the head of Hualu Coffee, is known for taking on large deals, and the best way to handle him in business is to "feed him until he bursts." Jiang Zheyang meets Ouyang, ordering her customary Mojito. He excitedly shows her Yu Shi's live stream, explaining that Rui Live's other accounts have been blocked because the company was framed.

He proudly mentions that Qian Xixi approached him for assistance, and he agreed since his Perfect Blue endorsement had just expired. Ouyang initially teases him, accusing him of merely wanting to flaunt his renewed opportunity to work with his "dream girl." However, Jiang Zheyang persists, highlighting their shared tenacity. He argues that Ouyang's extensive experience in the entertainment industry would make helping Rui Live "a piece of cake."

He encourages her to leverage her expertise and resources for Rui's planning, promotion, and marketing, emphasizing that this would also allow her to impress Duan Ran. Ouyang eventually realizes that Jiang Zheyang's true intention is to genuinely help Duan Ran and Qian Xixi, and she is persuaded. Duan Ran spends the entire night waiting outside the platform association building for a representative. When the representative finally emerges, he expresses surprise at seeing Duan Ran.

The representative apologizes to Duan Ran for the wait and explains Rui Live's predicament: with Singles' Day fast approaching, all their accounts have been blocked due to being framed. Impressed by Duan Ran's dedication, the representative promises to look into the matter at his office and assist where he can, though he cautions Duan Ran not to have overly high expectations.

Duan Ran then confides in him about the struggles of entrepreneurship, including selling his treasured anime figurines for cash flow in the early days and the ongoing pressure from an alliance of physical apparel companies against the live streaming industry. Dressed in designer clothing, Cola returns to Rui Live to visit Little Yellow Duck. Su Su confronts Cola, stating unequivocally that Chen Lang is behind Rui Live's accounts being blocked.

Little Yellow Duck, however, defends Chen Lang, pointing out the lack of concrete evidence, which infuriates Su Su. Su Su accuses Little Yellow Duck of disloyalty, and Cola immediately steps in to defend Little Yellow Duck, escalating into a shouting match. To diffuse the tension, Little Yellow Duck hastily pulls Cola downstairs. Outside, Cola buys them milk tea, a full-sugar hot milk tea for Little Yellow Duck and a sugar-free one for herself.

Cola then shares her ambition to surpass other streamers at Cloud Live, recalling a previous successful co-stream they did together, which even Little Yellow Duck's mother praised, comparing them to sisters. Capitalizing on this, Cola suggests they reunite their popular duo act at Cloud Live, implying it would offer Little Yellow Duck a better opportunity for development. Qian Xixi and Bai Siyu meet Mr Bai for dinner to discuss a partnership.

Qian Xixi directly addresses Rui Live's current crisis, explaining their strategy to prominently feature Bai Siyu's mukbang account for Singles' Day to promote Hualu Coffee online. She assures Mr Bai that they have thoroughly researched Hualu Group's stable e-commerce operations, presenting this collaboration as an ideal opportunity for his company to "test the waters" in live streaming. Qian Xixi then makes a bold offer: Rui Live will purchase Hualu's products at the same price as physical offline stores.

Mr Bai is visibly surprised, questioning if her offer is "business or charity." Qian Xixi calmly clarifies that he might be unfamiliar with the nuances of online sales costs and emphasizes her intention for live streaming to directly compete with physical retail. Intrigued by her ambition and daring proposal, Mr Bai immediately agrees to the collaboration, expressing keen interest in seeing how the live stream will be executed.

Ouyang calls Duan Ran, who is in Beijing, inquiring about job opportunities at Rui Live, also mentioning her father's successful surgery. Duan Ran initially expresses skepticism about affording her, but Ouyang offers to work without pay. Concerned about Qian Xixi's reaction, Duan Ran deflects, advising Ouyang to formally apply through Zhang Jiayun. Duan Ran then calls Qian Xixi, who is at Hualu Coffee, to inform her of Ouyang's interest in joining.

He praises Ouyang's high academic qualifications and exceptional work abilities, suggesting her expertise would greatly benefit the company. Offended by his glowing endorsement of his ex-girlfriend, Qian Xixi abruptly hangs up. Ouyang subsequently arrives at Rui Live and requests to speak with the CEO about a work opportunity. Zhang Jiayun, currently acting as CEO, welcomes her. Ouyang expresses her intention to "cross over" into e-commerce live streaming.

Zhang Jiayun is initially hesitant to make a hiring decision without consulting Duan Ran or Qian Xixi. However, Ouyang reminds her that an acting CEO possesses direct hiring authority and highlights Rui Live's urgent need for assistance. Convinced, Zhang Jiayun agrees to hire Ouyang. Ouyang then presents two immediate demands: an office for her and retrieval of her luggage from her car, as she plans to move in.

Zhang Jiayun readily agrees to both, showing Ouyang the three available director offices: Duan Ran's, Qian Xixi's, and Yu Shi's. Ouyang, however, suggests sharing an office with Duan Ran, a suggestion Zhang Jiayun quickly rejects citing their demanding work schedules. Ouyang then casually dismisses Zhang Jiayun's own office as unsuitable. This sequence of eliminations leaves only Qian Xixi's office.

Upon Qian Xixi's return to the office, Zhang Jiayun tries to explain the office arrangements, but Qian Xixi's gaze lands on Ouyang before she can finish. Zhang Jiayun justifies her decision to hire Ouyang by highlighting her impressive qualifications, experience, and the company's desperate need for such high-caliber talent, especially considering Ouyang's earlier offer to work without pay during this difficult time. She urges Qian Xixi to calm down and reminds her that Ouyang is currently on a trial period.

Ouyang, having already settled in, immediately presents a pre-prepared plan: a live stream collaboration between Bai Siyu and Jiang Zheyang, with Bai Siyu adopting a "fangirl" persona. Bai Siyu, however, reveals she is no longer a fan of Jiang Zheyang and now supports his rival. Qian Xixi interjects, advocating for natural and approachable hosts, which she believes audiences prefer.

Ouyang counters, insisting that on-screen authenticity is relative and that a well-defined persona is essential for a broadcaster, much like an actor. Their escalating disagreement causes a flustered Bai Siyu to excuse herself and leave. Ouyang then emphasizes her academic achievements and extensive resources, stating that she is there to help Duan Ran and that Qian Xixi should be grateful for her assistance.

Duan Ran returns from Beijing, and Qian Xixi, overjoyed to see him, immediately confronts him, asking if he and Zhang Jiayun had conspired to hire Ouyang. Duan Ran clarifies that their decision was merely an "unintended agreement," emphasizing the company's critical need for Ouyang's expertise given the current circumstances. He urges Qian Xixi to consider the situation from a CEO's standpoint.

To smooth things over, Duan Ran presents Qian Xixi with a special gift: a pair of "marriage talismans" he specifically sought in Beijing, one for each of them. Qian Xixi is visibly delighted by this thoughtful gesture. Zhang Jiayun calls Chen Lang to discuss Little Yellow Duck's decision to join Cloud Live.

Chen Lang explains that Little Yellow Duck chose to come due to her close friendship with Cola, her positive impression of Cloud Live's growth, and the belief that they could achieve better development by working together. Zhang Jiayun, surprisingly understanding and without anger, simply requests that Little Yellow Duck return to Rui Live to sign her termination contract when convenient, though she sternly warns Chen Lang against any future schemes.

Qian Xixi, learning of Little Yellow Duck's departure, also expresses understanding, believing that Little Yellow Duck, having always been moderately successful, might find better development opportunities at Cloud Live, and therefore does not hinder her decision. Meanwhile, at Cloud Live, Chen Lang proudly presents Cola and Little Yellow Duck with a specially designed, charmingly pink live stream room, complete with custom-selected, cute outfits that he claims perfectly suit their style.

He emphasizes that their addition addresses a crucial gap in Cloud Live's target market, specifically the 18-25 year-old female demographic. Chen Lang then gathers all Cloud Live staff to formally welcome Cola and Little Yellow Duck, fostering a warm and encouraging atmosphere. Zhang Jiayun receives an email from the live streaming platform, bringing good news. The platform's investigation concluded that the allegations of Rui Live selling counterfeit goods were likely a result of being framed.

Consequently, in anticipation of the Singles' Day shopping festival, Rui Live's account suspension has been reduced to three days, with all broadcaster accounts slated for full unblocking at 8 a. m. on November 11th. While Zhang Jiayun is overjoyed, Qian Xixi reminds everyone that they still need to ensure Bai Siyu's account performs well enough to gain entry to the main Singles' Day event.

Inspired by Yu Shi's unexpected success, Qian Xixi then playfully suggests that Duan Ran also try his hand at being a streamer. Duan Ran agrees, but with a series of dramatic demands: his live stream must be "grand," "classy," "magnificent," and "awe-inspiring," which draws chuckles from the team. On Singles' Day, multiple live streams are in full swing. Bai Siyu successfully hosts her mukbang stream alongside Jiang Zheyang, featuring Hualu Coffee and charming the audience.

Simultaneously, Yu Shi, adorned with bunny ears, delights viewers with his unique "straight guy roast" style of commentary, attracting a significant following. Over at Cloud Live, Cola and Little Yellow Duck's "Happy Twins" stream is a massive success. They captivate a large fanbase with their fashion show, engaging games, and lively banter, proving to be a formidable duo.

Episode 36 Recap

Cola and Little Yellow Duck's live stream on Cloud Live showed impressive statistics. The two broadcasters had an interesting style, switching outfits to create a novel look, which Chen Lang had meticulously planned. Meanwhile, Duan Ran was preparing a big surprise for Chen Lang. Cloud Live, with Cola and Little Yellow Duck's numbers continuing to rise, maintained its lead over Rui Live's overall popularity, as Jiang Zheyang's fan appeal had peaked, offering little room for new strategies.

Suddenly, Duan Ran and Mao appeared in a new Rui Live room, both wearing face masks. They began enthusiastically selling beauty products, like "ex-face masks" that promise to make one so beautiful their exes would return. Duan Ran meticulously demonstrated how to apply the mask, emphasizing not wasting any essence. This unexpected move caught Chen Lang's attention.

Chen Lang, determined not to be outdone, decided to open his own live stream, instructing his assistant, Zhu Wan, to monitor Duan Ran and sell identical products. The two live streams, Rui Live and Cloud Live, entered a fierce head-to-head battle, with Duan Ran and Mao playfully promoting foundation, toners, and lipsticks. Chen Lang, despite his self-proclaimed "steel-straight man" persona, mirrored their efforts, even applying lipstick himself.

Seeing the intense competition, Ouyang quickly made a call to a contact, "Yuan," to arrange an urgent hot search for Jiang Zheyang, who was already live streaming with Yuanbao. She also directed Yuanbao and Jiang Zheyang to switch products and to be more enthusiastic, and told Yu Shi to initiate a flash sale to ensure Rui Live surpassed Chen Lang.

Yuanbao and Jiang Zheyang's food live stream, featuring river snails rice noodles and self-heating hot pots, quickly gained traction and topped the hot search. Yu Shi's flash sales were also successful, selling items at a "dirt cheap" price of 99 yuan from 499 yuan. Thanks to everyone's combined efforts, Rui Live successfully entered the main ranking page, filling Qian Xixi and Ouyang with excitement.

Just as midnight approached, Chen Lang, seeing Rui Live's progress, instructed all Cloud Live broadcasters to simultaneously release 50% discount coupons, hoping to capture more sales. With seven hours remaining until Rui Live's account was officially unsuspended, Duan Ran suggested everyone rest. However, Ouyang interjected, stressing the critical importance of the post-unblock sales for Singles' Day and the company's survival.

To ensure optimal performance, she had invited her friend, Li Yanyan, an entertainment industry veteran, to conduct an impromptu training session for all Rui Live broadcasters. Li Yanyan, adopting an artist-standard approach, advised Zhang Jiayun to embrace her "princess" persona and instructed Mr Five, who had a more androgynous look, to work on his "expression management."

Duan Ran, acknowledging Ouyang's significant contributions of "fresh blood and energy" to Rui Live, playfully told Qian Xixi that he still only had eyes for her. Qian Xixi, feigning jealousy, asserted her ownership over him, prompting Duan Ran to proudly declare his online persona as the "perfect boyfriend" of the live streaming world. As the 12-hour food live stream concluded, Jiang Zheyang and Yuanbao were visibly exhausted, falling asleep in the live stream room.

Su Su, also tired, dozed off in the control room until Qian Xixi offered her coffee. Qian Xixi, admiring their dedication, vowed to reward Yuanbao and Jiang Zheyang with big bonuses. Feeling light-headed as he tried to leave, Jiang Zheyang leaned on Qian Xixi, and playfully requested a private dinner with the CEO. Qian Xixi, pretending not to understand, suggested Zhang Jiayun accompany them, which amused Jiang Zheyang, accepting the support as a reward.

Witnessing this interaction, a jealous Duan Ran instructed Mao to carry a "princess-style" Jiang Zheyang away to rest. Qian Xixi then asked Duan Ran for a similar hug, but he playfully declined. At 8 AM, Rui Live's account was officially unsuspended, marking the start of a new round of competition on Singles' Day. Chen Lang rallied his Cloud Live team, urging them to give their all to prevent Rui Live from recovering.

However, Rui Live's newly launched clothing lines, featuring diverse styles, were met with overwhelming success. Their first wave of coupons was instantly snatched up, and within moments, Rui Live's sales volume skyrocketed, surpassing Cloud Live. Qian Xixi enthusiastically cheered on her team. By the end of the Singles' Day event, Rui Live's overnight sales volume had exceeded ten million, officially outperforming Cloud Live. Qian Xixi and Duan Ran, elated, went to the seaside to celebrate.

Meanwhile, Ouyang saw Jiang Zheyang off. Jiang Zheyang, expressing his admiration for Rui Live's collaborative work atmosphere, reaffirmed his intention to continue pursuing Qian Xixi. Ouyang appeared subtly disappointed. At the seaside, Duan Ran reminded Qian Xixi of their past struggles, when Rui Live was left desolate. He recounted his commitment to save Rui Live because Qian Xixi had once described the company as "her child."

He had sworn a "pledge" to revive Rui Live within six months, a promise he had now fulfilled. Qian Xixi, overcome with emotion and exhaustion, leaned into Duan Ran's embrace, falling asleep as he held her. Back at Cloud Live, Little Yellow Duck and Cola, despite their good performance, were puzzled by Chen Lang's deep frustration after their loss. Cola concluded that Chen Lang, having never won anything in his life, was deeply affected. Little Yellow Duck suggested they celebrate their new status as "head broadcasters" with beer and grilled fish, but Cola declined, stating she had a gym appointment.

Episode 37 Recap

Yuanbao reconciled with her father, and as a representative of Hualu Coffee, she signed a long-term strategic partnership contract with Duan Ran for Rui Live. Feeling happy for Yuanbao, Qian Xixi noted their substantial gains from Singles' Day, but expressed sadness at Yuanbao's departure. Yuanbao confirmed her resignation, explaining that increased production demands at her family business required her to return and assist her father as CEO. Duan Ran congratulated her, wishing her well in her new role.

Before leaving, Yuanbao presented Qian Xixi with a lovely coffee capsule gift box, explaining that she would miss the handmade coffee Qian Xixi used to brew for her every morning. Yuanbao expressed deep gratitude to Qian Xixi, acknowledging that Qian Xixi was the first person who made her feel like an independent and remarkable individual, never pressuring her for rent, and bringing her into Rui Live. Qian Xixi, in turn, praised Yuanbao's unique insights and maturity.

Yuanbao then said her goodbyes to colleagues, including Zhang Jiayun, Su Su, and Yu Shi. She confided a secret about her brother to Zhang Jiayun and advised her to call if needed, reminding her to avoid late-night snacks. To Su Su, Yuanbao offered all her snacks and promised frequent calls, even if she was bad at games. To Yu Shi, she encouraged him to "work hard" as a man.

Before taking a group photo on a Xiaomi phone, Yuanbao encouraged everyone to speak up and share their burdens, and for men to sometimes set aside their pride. Meanwhile, Chen Lang reviewed the Singles' Day sales report, noting that while Cloud Live made it into the top ten live streaming companies, they still lost to Rui Live. He was visibly displeased and sent his exhausted staff home to rest, declining his assistant's offer to stay.

Later, Mr Ding called Chen Lang, angrily chastising him for being decisively defeated by Duan Ran on Singles' Day despite having advantages. Chen Lang took the opportunity to inquire about Mr Ding's grudge against Duan Ran or QE, but Mr Ding dismissed it as irrelevant, asserting his authority as an investor. Mr Ding demanded a recovery plan within three days. Chen Lang, however, refused, stating he was tired of despicable acts and only wished to conduct business honorably.

Separately, Little Yellow Duck approached Chen Lang about the termination fee for her contract with Rui. She offered to pay it using a salary advance, but Chen Lang dismissed the idea, offering to cover the entire penalty fee on behalf of his company to expedite her departure from Rui.

During a board meeting at Rui, Mr Shen commended the team's efforts and Rui's impressive achievements over the past six months, noting that Duan Ran had fulfilled his promise to the board. He announced the approval of an employee stock option plan, where Rui acquired 35% of the group's shares for distribution to its employees. Mr Shen then revealed Zhang Jiayun's resignation, expressing regret but understanding her decision.

He then announced that Qian Xixi would resume her role as CEO due to her outstanding recent performance, a decision met with applause. Qian Xixi then presented her vision for Rui, proposing to expand their successful partnership model (like with Hualu Coffee) to other industries such as beauty, furniture, and food, aiming to establish a safe, stable, and mutually beneficial sales network. She confirmed that a new strategic cooperation agreement with Hualu Coffee had already been signed.

Mr Shen praised her strategic foresight. Ouyang then presented her plan to establish an independent brand for Rui, arguing that live broadcasting companies should move beyond being mere downstream sellers. She specifically proposed a clothing brand endorsed by Jiang Zheyang, leveraging his millions of followers to ensure investment and customer base. Zhang Jiayun confirmed her plans to take a break and pursue an MBA at the Cambridge Business School, receiving Mr Shen’s support.

Duan Ran, however, made a seemingly unexpected proposal: a "minor renovation" for his office, particularly an elegant, clean, and spacious lavatory. Qian Xixi reacted with surprise and disapproval. Following his earlier conversation with Little Yellow Duck, Chen Lang met Qian Xixi, handing her Little Yellow Duck's termination fee. He explained that Zhang Jiayun wouldn't answer his calls, so he was giving it to Qian Xixi.

Chen Lang also tried to explain that he was not responsible for the counterfeit goods, wanting Zhang Jiayun to know the truth. Qian Xixi, however, reminded him of Zhang Jiayun's pragmatic nature, stating that she only believed in concrete evidence and wouldn't accept mere explanations. She then revealed that Zhang Jiayun was soon heading to the Cambridge Business School for further studies and advised Chen Lang to make a clean break with her.

Unbeknownst to Chen Lang, Zhang Jiayun was at a security control center, meticulously reviewing surveillance footage from a clothing wholesale market, specifically identifying the notorious brawler Shi Lao San, intending to gather evidence to help her friend. In line with Ouyang's plan for an independent brand, she and Jiang Zheyang discussed potential designers. Ouyang suggested a renowned and talented British designer, highly influential in Europe. Jiang Zheyang agreed.

Ouyang raised concerns about the designer's high fees and whether his style would align with Jiang Zheyang's preferences. Jiang Zheyang offered to use his private savings for the initial costs, and Ouyang jokingly offered to sell her house. They ultimately decided to have the designer submit a draft proposal first before making a final decision. Yu Shi was busy overseeing the renovation of Ouyang's new office, which was nearing completion.

Ouyang visited him, asking what Qian Xixi had discussed with him. During their conversation, Ouyang, knowing Yu Shi's affection for Su Su, subtly tried to "bribe" him. She offered to send him a drone from her friend in the UK, knowing Su Su liked them, for Yu Shi to give to Su Su. Yu Shi readily accepted. Ouyang then pressed him again about what Qian Xixi had said earlier.

The company continued to recruit new employees and also proceeded with renovations. Su Su, seeing the influx of new male candidates, jokingly asked Yu Shi to help her find a future husband among them. However, Yu Shi found fault with every potential suitor, dismissing them with various criticisms. Duan Ran, meanwhile, was vehemently pushing for a luxurious, oversized lavatory to be installed directly within his own office. Qian Xixi strongly opposed this extravagant plan, calling it excessive.

However, Ouyang unexpectedly sided with Duan Ran, arguing that the quality of a company's washrooms reflects its overall standard and is a form of employee benefit. With Ouyang's support, Qian Xixi found herself outnumbered 2-on-1 and reluctantly agreed to the lavatory renovation. Yu Shi later reviewed the renovation budget, noting that while Ouyang's office renovation costs were within reason, Duan Ran's lavish lavatory project significantly exceeded the allocated budget, totaling 160,000.

During the new employee recruitment interviews, Qian Xixi and Ouyang clashed over a candidate named Lai. Lai, an art graduate specializing in inspired makeup with a bold style and some online following, expressed a desire to be a professional streamer and boasted knowledge of cosmetic brands. Qian Xixi, having reviewed his videos, felt he lacked the essential qualities of a streamer, deeming his content too self-expressive, ungrounded, and without a distinct personal style that would resonate with viewers.

She emphasized that a good streamer makes the audience feel relatable. Ouyang, however, believed Lai had a solid foundation and could be trained, encouraging him to develop his unique personality. Duan Ran suggested they "provisionally hire" Lai and give him a trial broadcast, but Qian Xixi, confident in her judgment, rejected the idea. Ouyang supported Duan Ran's suggestion, leading to a 2-on-1 situation where Qian Xixi grudgingly conceded to keeping Lai's resume on file.

Later, with thirteen provisional candidates, Qian Xixi proposed a voting system where each of the three (Qian Xixi, Ouyang, Duan Ran) would select three candidates. Ouyang chose candidates 2, 7, and 8. Qian Xixi selected 5, 8, and 9. Duan Ran, feeling the pressure, carefully chose candidate 3 (a male salesperson to balance the gender ratio), candidate 8 (a model with a micro-store, good traffic, and high emotional intelligence), and candidate 5.

Despite the diverse selections, everyone ended up with at least one preferred candidate. Qian Xixi expressed a hope that they hadn't made any misjudgments. Ouyang, however, confidently stated that as management, their overall strategic thinking would align. Duan Ran, feeling the intense pressure of the voting process, admitted it was exhausting. Later, at home with Zhang Jiayun, Qian Xixi vented her frustrations.

Zhang Jiayun lightheartedly praised Qian Xixi's meticulousness, joking that her house's cleanliness had vastly improved since Qian Xixi moved in, even suggesting she start a housekeeping company if she ever lost her job. Qian Xixi then complained about Duan Ran's lavish lavatory plans and Ouyang's support, accusing Ouyang of deliberately stirring trouble and forming a clique against her. Zhang Jiayun laughed, dismissing it as the typical overthinking of people in love.

Duan Ran then called Qian Xixi, who initially refused to answer, but Zhang Jiayun urged her to pick up. During the call, Duan Ran mentioned he had wanted to take her to a Japanese bar earlier, but sensing her continued displeasure about the office renovation, he reassured her that his relationship with Ouyang was purely professional, emphasizing that only Qian Xixi occupied his heart.

To further pacify her, he announced that he would not proceed with the office lavatory renovation after all, realizing the project was too extensive and he didn't want to waste Qian Xixi's hard-earned money. Hearing this, Qian Xixi's anger quickly subsided, and she happily agreed to go to the Japanese bar with him the next day. They flirted on the phone, with Qian Xixi playfully complaining about his sweetness, while Zhang Jiayun watched, feeling "sour" from their affectionate exchange.

Episode 38 Recap

Ouyang presented a collection of design sketches from Professor Strange, a renowned European designer, suggesting his high profile would enhance Rui's new brand. Qian Xixi, however, immediately voiced her concern, deeming the designs too high-end and expensive for Rui's "grassroots and affordable" brand positioning. She advocated for a mid-range, cost-effective approach. Ouyang countered, arguing for a broader vision and aligning the brand with Jiang Zheyang's sophisticated image.

Qian Xixi maintained that Jiang Zheyang's personal style did not represent the general public and found the proposed designs overly complex and costly. Observing their heated debate, Duan Ran intervened, acknowledging the validity of both their arguments. He emphasized the immediate need for a clear brand positioning and proposed they all take time to reconsider their ideas, aiming for a solution that best served the brand's interests. Both Qian Xixi and Ouyang agreed to his mediation, and the meeting concluded.

Later, Duan Ran sought out Qian Xixi, who was still upset about the meeting. He gently chided her for acting childishly during a company management meeting, explaining his need to remain neutral and prioritize the company's welfare as a shareholder. Qian Xixi accused him of being a fence-sitter, but Duan Ran reassured her that he would never oppose her wishes.

She continued to express her frustration, describing Professor Strange's designs as "ugly and expensive," and inferior to Mr Five's, questioning why Ouyang hadn't considered Mr Five. Duan Ran calmly responded that talented individuals tend to be broad-minded, a sentiment Qian Xixi found quite philosophical. To fully appease her, he affectionately kissed her multiple times, after which she declared herself content. Zhang Jiayun visited Mr Five, asking her to alter a favorite skirt for an upcoming, important interview in Shanghai.

She requested updated measurements, having become slimmer from her recent efforts. As they walked to the workshop, Zhang Jiayun mentioned Ouyang's search for a high-profile designer and encouraged Mr Five to put herself forward. Mr Five, however, stated she had "given up on that" and was content assisting customers at Cat Street alongside Mao. Zhang Jiayun playfully challenged Mr Five’s contentment, eventually convincing her to take the new measurements.

Meanwhile, Jiang Zheyang arrived at Ouyang's office, playfully introducing himself as her delivery person and offering her kumquat lemonade, saying he noticed she'd been working hard. Ouyang, amused by his "smooth-talker" demeanor, quickly steered the conversation to business, asking about the team's feedback on Professor Strange's designs. Jiang Zheyang confirmed the proposal was rejected due to its high cost.

He added that he personally found the designs "a little out there" and incompatible with his preference for "simple, bold and honest" styles. He also emphasized that Professor Strange's aesthetic was misaligned with Rui's brand identity, urging Ouyang to reconsider her choice. Mr Ding visited Chen Lang, finding him drinking alone.

Aware of Zhang Jiayun's impending departure overseas, Mr Ding offered Chen Lang another chance, though he mocked Chen Lang for his self-pity over a woman, suggesting it was why Zhang Jiayun had left him. Chen Lang then proposed a new strategy to undermine Rui: launching his own private label. He revealed that he had once suggested to Zhang Jiayun that Mr Five create her own brand, but the idea never materialized. Now, he intended to pursue this plan himself.

Mr Ding, amused by Chen Lang's "sly" approach, readily agreed to the plan, promising full financial backing to "destroy Duan Ran." Chen Lang, for his part, dismissed the need for other resources, requesting only money. Later, Mr Five's phone ran out of battery, leading her to Ouyang's office to find a charger. Ouyang seized the opportunity to chat, asking for Mr Five's opinion on Professor Strange's designs.

Mr Five frankly stated her dislike, describing them as "too over the top and too avant-garde." This immediately struck Ouyang as familiar, leading her to realize that Mr Five’s aesthetic preferences were identical to Jiang Zheyang's, finally clarifying why Jiang Zheyang was so eager to collaborate with Mr Five. The next morning, Qian Xixi prepared "Top Scholar Congee" for Zhang Jiayun, sharing a historical anecdote to wish her success in her upcoming Cambridge examinations.

Qian Xixi playfully suggested that if Zhang Jiayun excelled, she wouldn't have to endure Ouyang's "holier-than-thou attitude." Zhang Jiayun, now preparing to leave for Shanghai, promised to work diligently for their shared dream of success. Before Zhang Jiayun departed, they shared a heartfelt hug, with Qian Xixi reminding her to contact her parents upon arrival and prioritize her safety in Shanghai. While Mr Five continued her design work at Rui, Chen Lang struggled with his own team at Cloud Live.

He found their designs unsatisfactory and pressed them to accelerate the development of his private label. Soon after, he encountered Mr Five and Mao on the street. Mao immediately recognized Chen Lang, making a sharp remark about his "contemptible face." Chen Lang, unperturbed, disclosed that he had researched Mr Five's past, including how her graduation project designs for the Pretty Island Original International Fashion Week were commercialized by a large company, but she refused to alter them.

He then openly invited Mr Five to join Cloud Live, promising extensive promotional support for her designs, particularly given Cloud Live's sponsorship of the upcoming fashion week. Mao firmly rejected the offer, stating their contentment at Rui. Undeterred, Chen Lang quickly handed his business card to Mao, hinting at a continued hope that Mr Five would reconsider. Zhang Jiayun first returned to Shanghai to visit her parents, who expressed their worries about her upcoming move.

She then unexpectedly met Chen Lang's mother, who thanked her for taking care of Chen Lang at work and entrusted her with many items to pass on to him, asking Zhang Jiayun to urge Chen Lang to visit home more often. Afterward, Zhang Jiayun attended her Cambridge interview, confidently stating her readiness for a new start. Unbeknownst to anyone at Rui, Mr Five's clothing designs were secretly photographed by an unidentified person.

Six months later, Rui's "Vine" brand, a private label developed by Jiang Zheyang and designed by Mr Five, launched with a live stream. Jiang Zheyang introduced the flagship shirt, and Mr Five showcased her versatile "pants-skirt" design, explaining her use of recycled fabrics and Jiang Zheyang's concept of "tenacious freedom." The live stream was a massive success, topping all other streamers and experiencing overwhelming orders, much to Duan Ran's delight.

He praised Ouyang for her crucial role in the brand's success. While acknowledging Ouyang, Mr Five, and Jiang Zheyang as "great contributors," Qian Xixi showed a hint of internal displeasure. However, the celebration was cut short when Rui staff discovered Cloud Live's live stream, featuring Cola and Little Yellow Duck, was selling identical clothing.

Chen Lang, whose stream was underperforming compared to Rui's and facing accusations of plagiarism in his own comment section, instructed his streamers to offer deep discounts and instantly produce a patent certificate, claiming their designs were independently developed and legally registered to quell audience doubts. Rui's team was enraged by Cloud Live's blatant copying, with Duan Ran accusing Chen Lang of having "no bottom line" and illegally patenting stolen designs.

The pressing question was how Chen Lang obtained Mr Five's drafts, leading to suspicions of an internal mole. Qian Xixi worried that Cloud Live's earlier patent filing made Rui look like the plagiarizer and advocated for urgent crisis management over a lengthy lawsuit.

Ouyang, Jiang Zheyang, and Qian Xixi quickly decided on a two-pronged approach: Ouyang and Jiang Zheyang would go live to clarify the situation by reminding fans of Mr Five's consistent design style, while Duan Ran would gather evidence for legal action. Backstage, a distraught Mr Five confronted Mao, accusing him of stealing her designs for Chen Lang.

Despite her suspicion being fueled by his mother's illness and need for money, Mao vehemently denied betraying her, reminding her of his unwavering commitment as her boyfriend. Ouyang consulted a contact about the plagiarism, initially suggesting generating online buzz, but was advised against it. Her contact warned that creating a "big stink" would be counterproductive, recommending instead to focus on gathering design evidence and pursuing legal action.

Meanwhile, Qian Xixi confided in Duan Ran that Mr Five still suspected Mao, citing his mother's illness as a motive, though Mao denied it. Duan Ran disagreed with Mr Five's suspicion, suggesting that Chen Lang had likely planted another "rat" in their company, and cautioned against rushing the investigation, preferring to wait for the culprit to expose themselves.

Duan Ran then announced that his father's legal team had already sent Mr Five's design drafts to the Patent Office to file for patent opposition, aiming to prove that Cloud Live's designs lacked "novelty" and initiate a copyright infringement lawsuit. Qian Xixi raised concerns that a prolonged lawsuit would halt their sales and seize their stock for evaluation, severely impacting their business, but Duan Ran insisted the lawsuit was unavoidable to hold Chen Lang accountable.

Zhang Jiayun unexpectedly returned from Shanghai, walking into a conversation between Qian Xixi and Duan Ran about Chen Lang. Feeling saddened by the situation, she announced her intention to meet Chen Lang the next day. She then revealed she had already gathered "rock solid evidence" from the Singles' Day incident, including video from the fashion market and delivery records, proving that Chen Lang had supplied Rui with imitation goods.

Duan Ran expressed concern about the severe repercussions of reporting Chen Lang, which could lead to Cloud Live's downfall. However, Qian Xixi countered that Chen Lang "deserved it for what he has done." The next day, Zhang Jiayun met Chen Lang, delivering gifts from his mother. Chen Lang explained that he had told his mother they were "working together" to ease her worries, as Zhang Jiayun was her only acquaintance.

Zhang Jiayun then confronted him directly about Mr Five's designs and her evidence regarding the imitation goods. Chen Lang, while not denying the imitation goods, attempted to shift the blame to Zhu Wan. Enraged, Zhang Jiayun demanded to know what other despicable acts he was still capable of, listing his repeated attacks on Rui, including anti-fans, spies, imitation goods, account suspensions, and now the theft of Mr Five's designs.

Episode 39 Recap

Zhang Jiayun confronted Chen Lang, accusing him of despicable actions including anti-fan behavior, using double agents, selling imitation products, causing account suspension, and now, stealing Mr Five's designs. Chen Lang admitted to taking the designs but justified it by explaining that he had noticed Mr Five's strong desire to create her own brand and had previously encouraged Zhang Jiayun to help her with it.

Since it didn't materialize then, he felt it was his place to make up for that missed opportunity. Zhang Jiayun found his reasoning ridiculous, stating she had never seen anyone so self-righteous about stealing others' hard work. Unbeknownst to Chen Lang, Zhang Jiayun had recorded their conversation. She used this recording, along with conclusive evidence of Cloud Live sending imitation products on Singles' Day, to report the company for unfair competition via a phone call.

Consequently, Cloud Live's live streaming account was suspended. Chen Lang quickly gathered his panicked broadcasters, assuring them that despite the unexpected suspension, salaries would continue to be paid. However, Xiao Xiao, Cloud Live's head broadcaster responsible for 40% of their viewership, submitted her resignation. She argued that a three-month suspension would lead to significant financial losses, especially as she had a child to support and her subsidized salary was insufficient.

She also mentioned that her new company's legal team would handle any breach of contract fees, which she believed would reduce Chen Lang's burden. Chen Lang was frustrated by her departure but powerless to stop her. Meanwhile, at Rui Live, Qian Xixi encouraged Mr Five to reconcile with Mao. Mr Five approached Mao and apologized, acknowledging that she had been too focused on her own work and neglected his feelings, admitting she had been foolish and careless.

Mao accepted her apology and assured her that everything had passed, embracing her. Later, Mr Five and Jiang Zheyang went live to announce that the patent for their "Vine" series had been officially awarded by the government, clarifying that their designs were original and based on Mr Five's previous denim elements.

Duan Ran expressed his hope that Chen Lang's conscience or gratitude had led him to voluntarily return the patent, wishing for Cloud Live to pursue a legitimate business path moving forward. Ouyang commented on the fluctuating nature of business, where success can lead to a stampede of support, but setbacks often result in abandonment. Qian Xixi, however, emphasized focusing on a swift and targeted pre-sales strategy, including data collection and analysis, to capitalize on their renewed attention.

Cola initially considered leaving Cloud Live, but Chen Lang pleaded with her to trust him one more time, despite the company's current struggles. She agreed to stay and help him tidy up his office, a gesture that signaled her renewed commitment. Zhu Wan also approached Chen Lang, deeply apologetic for being coerced by a secret boss to send the imitation goods to Rui, which led to Cloud Live's suspension.

Chen Lang absolved him of blame, reflecting on his own past actions and admitting that Zhang Jiayun was right to scold him. Everyone at Rui Live was aware of Yu Shi's feelings for Su Su and decided to orchestrate a confession for them. Su Su inadvertently discovered a light sign bearing their names, realizing the planned surprise. As Yu Shi nervously rehearsed his confession speech in the men's room, he accidentally locked himself in.

Duan Ran and Qian Xixi tried to open the door but couldn't. Yu Shi, mortified at the thought of Su Su seeing him trapped, expressed his embarrassment and feeling unlucky. Su Su arrived at the men's room door, aware of the plan. Through the locked door, Yu Shi poured out his heart, confessing his deep affection for her. He admitted he might not meet all her "criteria" but promised to work tirelessly to become the man she desired.

Su Su, amused and touched, told him that despite his timidness and occasional foolishness, she was willing to be his girlfriend. Overhearing the romantic confession through the door, Qian Xixi remarked on the power of love. Separately, at Rui Live, Duan Ran and Qian Xixi spread festive cheer by distributing red packets to everyone, marking the annual year-end bonus meeting and welcoming the new year.

This celebration also served as an impromptu party for Yu Shi and Su Su's successful confession, fostering a joyful and grateful atmosphere among the team. Later, Zhu Wan visited Zhang Jiayun, clarifying that Chen Lang was unaware of his secret boss's order to send imitation products to Rui. He expressed deep concern for Chen Lang, who had been isolating himself in his office and was in a very bad emotional state, urging Zhang Jiayun to visit him.

Feeling sympathetic, Zhang Jiayun brought food from her hometown, including bamboo shoots from Chen Lang's mother, and hot pot ingredients, to his office. She noted his living situation in the office and remarked on his humble beginnings, which he confirmed by recounting growing up above a pigsty. Zhang Jiayun acknowledged his impressive journey in overcoming his background to achieve success, but also noted the immense pressure he put on himself.

Chen Lang confided that his drive came from wanting a better life for himself and his family, but lamented the volatile nature of the e-commerce industry. Zhang Jiayun comforted him, sharing an analogy from a friend about all people being like rabbits, some black and some white, but all striving to live using their unique talents, emphasizing mutual support over "survival of the fittest."

Chen Lang found the perspective refreshing, and Zhang Jiayun offered to introduce him to the friend who shared that philosophy. That evening, Qian Xixi, Duan Ran, Mr Shen, and Duan Sheng Yun with his wife were having dinner, joined by Mr Ding who had recently returned from overseas. Qian Xixi and Duan Ran playfully teased Mr Ding about his weight, much to his discomfort, a habit Mr Duan Sr pointed out they had since childhood.

In another private room, Zhang Jiayun brought Chen Lang to meet the "friend." To Chen Lang's surprise, it was Duan Sheng Yun and his wife. He was instantly overcome with guilt. Duan Sheng Yun, however, reassured him, saying he saw Chen Lang, Duan Ran, and Qian Xixi all as his own children and wished to dispel any misunderstandings Chen Lang held against them.

Episode 40 Recap

Duan Sheng Yun acquired all of Cloud Live's shares from Ding Ding, now holding sixty percent equity. He then decided that Chen Lang would continue to operate Cloud Live and tasked him with bringing the company back on track within a year. Chen Lang, expressing deep gratitude, was touched by Duan Sheng Yun's continued trust. Shen Jiang Tao harbored ambitions to transform QE into a comprehensive entertainment center, shifting all retail sales online.

However, Duan Sheng Yun consistently disagreed with this vision. Shen Ding Ding, Shen Jiang Tao's son, saw Duan Sheng Yun as a conservative and actively encouraged his father to seize control of the company. Shen Jiang Tao, reluctant to betray Duan Sheng Yun, initially hesitated. Shen Ding Ding then revealed that after Cloud Live ran into trouble, he immediately sold his shares through an investment company, turning a profit of over a million.

Shen Jiang Tao was surprised to learn that Duan Sheng Yun was the buyer of those shares. Later, Shen Jiang Tao admonished Shen Ding Ding for nearly jeopardizing his larger plan by competing with Duan Ran, instructing him to report any matters concerning Duan Sheng Yun immediately. Shen Ding Ding remained confident that Cloud Live, with a three-month account suspension, was beyond saving and would disappear from the market.

Meanwhile, Qian Xixi and Duan Ran walked home together embracing, discussing Shen Ding Ding. They noted a significant change in him; he used to be quiet but now seemed argumentative, challenging their every word. They reminisced about his childhood, when he was chubby and easily fooled, recalling how they once tricked him into giving them his four-wheel-drive toy car.

The next day, Qian Xixi and Duan Ran prepared to welcome Shen Jiang Tao, who was expected to deliver a holiday bonus. To their surprise, Shen Ding Ding arrived instead, announcing that his father was occupied with a crucial meeting and had sent him to conduct an on-site inspection as QE's representative. Simultaneously, Shen Jiang Tao had unexpectedly called a board meeting, pushing Duan Sheng Yun to attend without prior notice, leaving Duan Sheng Yun unaware of the agenda.

Chen Lang, finding himself with nothing to do after Cloud Live’s suspension, was helping Zhang Jiayun at Rui. He recognized Shen Ding Ding leaving the office. Chen Lang informed Zhang Jiayun that Shen Ding Ding was his former "Mr. Ding," the anonymous investor who had orchestrated his actions and coerced Zhu Wan into stealing Rui's designs and poaching its talent. He confessed that he had been manipulated by this "Mr. Ding" into going against the Duan family.

At the unscheduled board meeting, Duan Sheng Yun faced accusations from other directors about his private acquisition of Cloud Live, which they feared would operate independently and compete with QE. Duan Sheng Yun clarified that his intention was to develop Cloud Live for six months and, if successful, merge it into QE.

He argued for maintaining both online and offline operations, even at a loss, steadfastly believing that online retail was merely an extension of the offline experience, which remained irreplaceable. Shen Jiang Tao countered, asserting that offline retail had no future and that QE must transform into a comprehensive entertainment center. He proposed closing most apparel stores and unprofitable supermarkets within two to three years, shifting those sales online, and focusing QE on dining, cinemas, and education centers.

The other board members largely agreed with Shen Jiang Tao, but Duan Sheng Yun reiterated his conviction that the direct human interaction of offline shopping could never be replicated. Driven by Shen Jiang Tao, the board moved to vote on the company's future strategy. Feeling cornered, Duan Sheng Yun, in a fit of anger, resigned from his position. Upon receiving a phone call from Duan Ran’s mother, Qian Xixi and Duan Ran quickly rushed home.

After Duan Sheng Yun's departure, Chen Lang and Zhang Jiayun analyzed the shareholdings of Rui Live. They realized that if Shen Jiang Tao became the CEO of QE, his and Shen Ding Ding's combined stake would reach forty-five percent. Acquiring another six percent would grant them controlling interest in Rui Live. Duan Sheng Yun later confronted Shen Jiang Tao, revealing he had been investigating Loud Capital's investor, identifying "Richard Shen" as Shen Ding Ding.

He connected Shen Ding Ding's actions to Chen Lang's past departure and Shen Jiang Tao's efforts to manipulate the sale of Cloud Live shares. Duan Sheng Yun expressed his profound disappointment in Shen Jiang Tao, believing their friendship and shared vision were betrayed. Shen Jiang Tao admitted he orchestrated these events for his son, Shen Ding Ding, who he felt had always been overshadowed by Duan Ran.

Shen Jiang Tao acknowledged Duan Sheng Yun had always treated him well and saved him from past business failures, but insisted he was simply ahead of his time before and was now confident he would succeed. Duan Sheng Yun, however, reminded Shen Jiang Tao not to underestimate the capabilities of the younger generation. Back home, Duan Ran and Qian Xixi questioned Duan Sheng Yun about his decision to buy Cloud Live's shares.

Duan Sheng Yun explained he did it to support Chen Lang, whom he admired as a capable young man, despite his past mistakes. He hoped that Duan Ran, Qian Xixi, and Chen Lang could unite and build something significant together. Regarding Shen Jiang Tao, Duan Sheng Yun stated he had no intention of continuing their conflict, attributing their differences to conflicting business philosophies rather than personal animosity.

He reiterated his belief in the enduring value of offline retail, recalling the genuine joy his mother experienced interacting with customers in her small grocery store. Duan Sheng Yun then entrusted his hopes for the future to Duan Ran and Qian Xixi, declaring that the future belonged to the youth. Meanwhile, Shen Ding Ding congratulated his father on his new position as chairman of QE, confident that his business philosophy was far more advanced than Duan Sheng Yun's.

Shen Jiang Tao confessed to feeling a complex mix of emotions, acknowledging this as his second betrayal of a friend. Shen Ding Ding, promising not to let him regret it, urged his father to secure the board's support to gain control of Rui Live, as its online transformation was crucial for QE's overall restructuring. A flashback revealed Shen Ding Ding's deep-seated resentment stemming from childhood memories of Duan Ran teasing him and tricking him out of his toy car and calling him fat.

Episode 41 Recap

As children, Duan Ran once convinced Ding Ding that two cars placed together for 81 days under high voltage could combine to form a new vehicle. Believing him, Ding Ding handed over his Buster Sonic RC car. However, this was merely a prank by Duan Ran, who found Ding Ding easy to fool. From Ding Ding's perspective, Duan Ran looked down on him and bullied him, which over time led to a self-abasing and distorted desire for revenge.

Years later, Duan Ran and Qian Xixi reminisced about their childhood antics, still failing to recognize the impact their actions had on Ding Ding, who, in Duan Ran's eyes, was simply petty for holding grudges and too easily tricked. Duan Ran remained confident that Ding Ding could never gain controlling interest in Rui Live. Meanwhile, Yu Shi was visibly troubled.

Ding Ding approached Yu Shi, informing him that his father was preparing to assume the post of QE Group's chairman, which would put QE Group under the Shen family's command. Ding Ding outlined a "big plan." Duan Ran, noticing Yu Shi's distress, asked him about it. Yu Shi lied, claiming he was almost hit by a car and the driver threatened him.

Duan Ran reacted fiercely, declaring that no one but he could bully Yu Shi, and he would fight anyone else who dared to. Yu Shi was touched by Duan Ran's loyalty. Ding Ding then formally requested Yu Shi allow him to hold his 6% shares as a proxy. Ding Ding reminded Yu Shi of how he and his father had helped Yu Shi's master and his family when his master died in jail, leaving significant debts.

Under this thinly veiled threat to his master's wife and junior, and evoking his master's "spirit in heaven," Yu Shi felt compelled to agree. He later offered a remorseful apology to Duan Ran, acknowledging his betrayal. Ding Ding then convened a company meeting, announcing his representation of the QE Group board and their dissatisfaction with Rui Live's operations. He declared a decision to re-elect the CEO, stating the need for someone aligned with his father's vision for QE's transformation.

Duan Ran challenged this, stating that Rui's operations were sound and that such a significant decision required a staff vote. Ding Ding proceeded to ask Yu Shi about his shareholdings and formally requested that Yu Shi allow him to hold his 6% shares as a proxy. With Yu Shi's forced consent, Ding Ding's holdings surpassed 50%, granting him majority control. He immediately appointed Yu Shi as the new CEO.

Yu Shi vehemently opposed the decision, offering his shares but refusing the CEO position, insisting that Duan Ran and Qian Xixi were better suited. Ding Ding, having already prepared the appointment letter, dismissed Yu Shi's objections, declaring Rui Live was now under his command. In protest, Su Su angrily stormed out of the meeting. Yu Shi frantically pursued Su Su, trying to explain his actions.

He revealed that his master, who had raised him, guided him into the industry, and even sponsored his education, had died in prison after facing legal trouble and leaving his family in dire financial straits. It was Shen Jiang Tao, Ding Ding's father, who had stepped in to assist his master's family and brought Yu Shi into QE, making him deeply indebted to the Shen family.

Su Su, however, was unmoved, arguing that his obligation to the Shen family did not justify betraying his friendship with Duan Ran, their relationship, or his loyalty to his other colleagues. Accusing him of betraying everyone, she ended their relationship, leaving Yu Shi heartbroken and powerless. Ding Ding proceeded to dismiss Qian Xixi and Duan Ran from their management roles. He reassigned Qian Xixi to her former position as a broadcaster and appointed Duan Ran as her operational manager.

Duan Ran erupted in anger, asserting that Ding Ding was unfit for his position and had no right to dictate to Qian Xixi. Ding Ding coolly retorted that he had learned the art of bullying from Duan Ran himself. Yu Shi attempted to intercede on their behalf but was sharply reprimanded by Ding Ding, who branded him a traitor and urged him to embrace his new role as CEO to "climb higher."

Ding Ding explained that his own busy schedule, managing an investment firm and a fund, and checking US stocks at night, prevented him from taking the CEO position and reiterated that Yu Shi was merely repaying the Shen family's kindness. The rest of the team, including Mr Five, were outraged by Yu Shi's betrayal and considered resigning en masse. However, Ou Yang, who had just returned from vacation, persuaded them to stay.

She reminded them that Rui Live was the fruit of their collective labor and couldn't be abandoned lightly. While acknowledging Ding Ding's current power due to his majority shares, she advocated for them to "bide their time" and "settle scores later." Ding Ding overheard this conversation but did not confront Ou Yang. As Qian Xixi prepared for her return to broadcasting, Duan Ran meticulously organized her dressing room. Ou Yang remarked on Duan Ran's thoughtfulness and kindness toward Xi Xi.

Feeling the weight of the company's changed circumstances, Duan Ran confessed to Ou Yang that Rui was no longer the same and he could no longer provide her with opportunities for professional growth. He suggested she consider leaving if she had other options, assuring her he would understand. Ou Yang, however, expressed her unwavering commitment to staying and supporting Duan Ran, believing he still had the potential to create a "new era."

Ding Ding then addressed all the Rui Live staff, introducing himself as the new captain and promising the formidable resources of QE and his personal financial expertise. He declared a new direction for Rui, abandoning the sale of leftover stock and clothing from lower-tier city workshops in favor of endorsing only major brands like Baoqi and Maya.

Qian Xixi publicly challenged his strategy, explaining that the vitality of China's internet industry stemmed from its focus on the mass market, not just high-end consumers. Duan Ran supported her, advising Ding Ding, as a newcomer to the domestic market, to heed Qian Xixi's and Yu Shi's experience. Humiliated, Ding Ding lashed out, attempting to prove his capabilities by revealing his past schemes against Rui.

He admitted to previously investing in Cloud Live, manipulating Chen Lang to work against Rui, causing the power outage during their competition, and coercing Yu Shi into leaking Mr Five's design plans. Enraged by the revelations, Duan Ran stormed out. Yu Shi, in a desperate attempt to explain, chased after him but stumbled and fell down the stairs, breaking his leg. He was immediately rushed to the hospital.

At the hospital, Mr Five and other colleagues confronted Yu Shi about the series of sabotage incidents, including the power outage, the high imitation goods scandal, the deleted videos, and the leaked design. Yu Shi denied involvement in the power outage and the high imitation goods but confessed to deleting the videos and leaking Mr Five's design.

He claimed he was forced and had his reasons, but his former friends, still furious, ignored his pleas and left him alone in the hospital. Ding Ding subsequently accused Duan Ran of deliberately causing Yu Shi's fall and had him expelled from the company. Duan Ran, after a tense, silent encounter with Mr Shen Sr and Ding Ding, gathered his belongings and left Rui Live. Qian Xixi drove a visibly exhausted and heartbroken Duan Ran home.

He expressed profound disbelief and pain over Yu Shi's betrayal, calling him his most trusted friend and lamenting that he had failed to manage Rui Live, feeling "beaten down" by the ordeal. He expressed no immediate plans, wanting only to rest and sleep until he naturally woke up. His father observed Duan Ran's stubborn refusal to explain himself to Shen Jiang Tao.

After a period, Qian Xixi returned to live streaming, only to find that many viewers no longer remembered her. To support her, Duan Ran, using the username "Four-Wheel Drive Tycoon," placed numerous orders, but he remained her sole customer. Ding Ding made a brief appearance to check on her sales, but Ou Yang promptly told him to leave. Separately, Ou Yang continued training new model broadcasters.

Ding Ding attempted to curry favor with her by purchasing a custom-made, comfortable sofa from ZaoZuo for her personal use. Ou Yang, however, rejected the gift, citing the company's current austerity measures as inappropriate for such extravagance. Meanwhile, Zhang Jiayun received an acceptance letter from Cambridge Business School.

While planning her resignation, she intended to first meet Chen Lang at Cloud Live to secure a "shelter" for the Rui team, envisioning a place for them to restart should they be forced out of Rui. Overhearing this, Qian Xixi fiercely declared that Rui was their "most beloved baby" and they would not be easily driven away. Finally, Chen Lang met with Mr Wu to discuss a potential collaboration. Mr Wu, having heard of Duan Shengyun's recent removal, expressed bewilderment and implicitly questioned Chen Lang, asking why Duan Shengyun would put himself out of office for Chen Lang's sake.

Episode 42 Recap

Chen Lang found himself struggling to secure partnerships for Cloud Live. Mr Wu’s assistant quickly dismissed Cloud Live, highlighting that Duan Sheng Yun had lost his position trying to support Chen Lang. Chen Lang attempted to assure Mr Wu of Cloud Live's resilience, but Mr Wu showed little interest in discussing business, instead suggesting yoga.

Later, Chen Lang confided in Zhang Jiayun over the phone about his difficulties, lamenting that despite Cloud Live’s past prominence, it was now being ignored by potential partners. Zhang Jiayun, empathizing, reminded him that brands prioritize tangible returns and sales targets over a mere company name, echoing his own sentiment that business can be cruel and merciless.

She then optimistically advised him not to be pessimistic, revealing that she had foreseen a "divine assistance" coming his way, though she kept the details a secret, leaving Chen Lang to ponder its meaning. Meanwhile, Duan Ran, now with ample free time, immersed himself in baking, creating an array of egg tarts. His new passion, however, proved overwhelming for his parents, who were "almost sick of" the constant stream of experimental flavors and urged Qian Xixi to intervene.

At Rui Live, Ding Ding approached Ouyang with protein powder, and Ouyang took the opportunity to propose Qian Xixi manage the OEM factory issues. Ding Ding strongly opposed, arguing that Qian Xixi was only suited to be a broadcaster and owed her position to their childhood friendship with Duan Ran, not her competence. Ouyang firmly asserted her independent administrative authority granted by her contract, stating she would appoint Qian Xixi regardless.

Ding Ding reluctantly conceded, but made it clear his agreement was merely a courtesy. When Ding Ding later invited Ouyang to dinner, Qian Xixi strategically intervened, reminding Ouyang of their shared weight loss goals and pulling her away. In private, Qian Xixi convinced Ouyang that with Duan Ran no longer at the company, they should set aside any past rivalry and unite against Ding Ding during Rui Live’s "darkest period."

Ouyang agreed, clarifying that their "feud" was simply a shared preference for the same type of person. Qian Xixi, promising to protect Ouyang from Ding Ding's antics, joked about using "violence against violence" against office harassers, a sentiment Ouyang found amusing given Qian Xixi’s gentle nature. Qian Xixi found Duan Ran still absorbed in his baking. She affectionately embraced him and gently questioned his newfound idleness.

Duan Ran, however, insisted he was simply relaxing, enjoying life, and pursuing neglected hobbies like drumming. Qian Xixi, seeing through his facade, suggested he was using these activities to escape his true feelings. She pressed him on whether she was part of his future plans, and he quickly affirmed her place as his girlfriend. When she asked about Rui, Duan Ran expressed a desire for a simpler, more comfortable life, which for him meant moving on from Rui.

Qian Xixi encouraged him to consider Cloud Live, where Chen Lang was building a new venture, and where Zhang Jiayun had already joined to assist. She passionately believed it could be their new beginning and urged him not to doubt himself, reminding him he was "the best." Duan Ran, calling her naive, was hesitant. He feared repeating past failures, unwilling to relive the "ideals, ambitions, desires, and pain" associated with building a company from scratch.

As they embraced during this conversation, Duan Ran’s mother entered the room, witnessing their closeness and hearing Duan Ran refer to Qian Xixi as his girlfriend. A look of deep concern crossed her face. Later, she confided in Duan Sheng Yun that her biggest worry had finally materialized. Meanwhile, Mr Five excitedly unveiled Vine's new second-season collection during a livestream, with models showcasing her designs.

However, she was dismayed to discover a manufacturing defect—the pleated fabric lacked the crucial double welt seam, causing one of the garments to rip live on air. She immediately ended the stream. Ding Ding confronted Qian Xixi, blaming her for failing to oversee the factory. Ouyang quickly interjected, explaining that Qian Xixi had only begun her supervision two days prior, suggesting the problematic batch was likely produced before her involvement.

Yu Shi proposed shipping the thousands of pre-ordered garments and handling returns later to avoid disappointing customers, but Mr Five strongly opposed, arguing it would be a deceptive practice that would tarnish Vine’s reputation for excellence. Ding Ding then declared the entire batch must be destroyed. Qian Xixi, supported by Jiang Zheyang and Ouyang, passionately pleaded to save the clothing, emphasizing the effort put into each piece.

She took full responsibility and offered to personally oversee the re-processing at a factory. Ding Ding, though visibly frustrated, gave Qian Xixi one last chance, threatening termination if she failed. He then reprimanded the entire team for the chaos during his short absence. Before leaving, Ouyang provided Qian Xixi with a comprehensive list of garment factories in Xiamen, but informed her she had other plans and would not be staying to work overtime.

That evening, Duan Ran, pressured by his mother who worried about his future and his idleness, reluctantly went on a blind date. To his surprise, he found Ouyang waiting for him; their mothers had independently arranged the meeting. Ouyang confessed that she had joined Rui earlier, not for personal gain, but to help him overcome the streaming crisis, hoping he would see her sincere intentions.

Despite her strong self-esteem, she admitted that when it came to him, her pride held no sway. Regardless of his response, she wanted him to know she still loved him. Duan Ran, however, gently but firmly told Ouyang that he was already in a relationship with Qian Xixi, making any future for them impossible.

He explained that his love for Qian Xixi had emerged after Jiang Zheyang’s arrival, when he experienced intense jealousy over their close interactions, realizing his past generosity towards Qian Xixi was, in fact, an expression of his love. He confessed that he had initially feared confronting these feelings, but eventually realized there was no escaping them. Ouyang, appreciating his honesty and sincerity, accepted his words without blame, remarking that hearing it directly was not as painful as she had anticipated.

She then revealed that her mission at Rui was complete, and she intended to leave the company. As a parting gesture, she offered Duan Ran the "Vine" brand, suggesting he use it as a powerful bargaining chip to return to Rui. Duan Ran declined, stating he lacked the resources to manage it and instead urged Ouyang to entrust "Vine" to Qian Xixi. Meanwhile, Qian Xixi received a video call from her father, Lao Qian, who noticed her haggard appearance.

He expressed concern, revealing he knew about Duan Sheng Yun's departure from QE and her own current struggles at Rui. He urged her to come abroad to stay with him for a while to relax, wishing he could be by her side to protect her, just as she always protected Rui. Qian Xixi, asserting her independence as a mature adult, declined his offer, assuring him she could manage her own life.

Soon after, Duan Ran’s mother, Aunt Zhou, arrived at Rui Live, insisting on speaking with Qian Xixi alone. Qian Xixi set aside Duan Ran’s phone calls, assuring Aunt Zhou she would call him back later. Aunt Zhou began by asking Qian Xixi how she felt about the way she and Uncle Duan had treated her over the years. Qian Xixi gratefully affirmed that they had raised her like their own daughter, providing a loving and carefree home.

Aunt Zhou then probed if being lovers with Duan Ran felt different from being siblings, before dropping a bombshell: she insisted Qian Xixi break up with Duan Ran, stating she could not accept their relationship. When a shocked Qian Xixi demanded to know why, Aunt Zhou confessed a thirteen-year-old secret. She admitted that Qian Xixi’s mother's death was connected to an "unforgivable mistake" she had made. Qian Xixi, bewildered, reiterated that her mother died in a car accident.

Aunt Zhou then recounted the truth: During a dark period when Duan Sheng Yun was busy building his career and she felt overwhelmed caring for the family, she often dragged Qian Xixi’s mother out drinking. One night, despite her friend having other plans, Aunt Zhou insisted they go to a bar. After enjoying their drinks, Aunt Zhou lost a game and sent Qian Xixi’s mother to buy more alcohol, promising to wait.

Moments later, she heard shouts of a car accident and realized her friend had been hit. Unable to contact Qian Xixi’s father, Aunt Zhou felt immense "guilt and self-blame," vowing to raise Qian Xixi to be "healthy and happy." Qian Xixi finally understood why Aunt Zhou had always looked at her with a peculiar, remorseful gaze, making her constantly question if she had done something wrong. Aunt Zhou tearfully admitted she couldn't confess earlier, fearing Qian Xixi's unforgiveness.

She had hoped that once Qian Xixi was grown and independent, things would ease. However, Qian Xixi's relationship with Duan Ran made it impossible for Aunt Zhou to face her daily life, as she "didn't want to live in such a shadow anymore," thus her demand for them to break up.

Qian Xixi, in turn, tearfully accused Aunt Zhou of always acting solely from her own self-interest: raising her out of guilt, concealing the truth out of fear, and now demanding a breakup because she could no longer face her own past. She questioned if Aunt Zhou had ever considered her feelings in any of these decisions.

Episode 43 Recap

After a heart-wrenching conversation with Duan Ran’s mother, Qian Xixi was consumed by sadness. She tearfully accused Duan Ran's mother of always acting on her own terms, never considering Qian Xixi's feelings. Despite her pain, when Duan Ran’s mother pleaded with her to stop tormenting her, Qian Xixi found herself unable to refuse her. Later, alone in her old house, Qian Xixi looked at the growth tree painting her mother had left on the wall and quietly wept.

Duan Ran went to Rui Live to find Qian Xixi, but everyone had already left except for Yu Shi. Yu Shi informed him that Aunt Zhou had picked Qian Xixi up earlier that day. Duan Ran was about to leave when Yu Shi chased after him, wanting to talk. Yu Shi, filled with self-loathing, apologized profusely for his past actions and vowed to repay his debt to Duan Ran with his entire life.

Duan Ran dismissed the idea of repayment, stating that voting was always a choice. Yu Shi explained that after casting his vote for Shen Ding Ding, he felt his obligation to the Shen family was over. However, he chose to become the puppet CEO to protect those who remained, including Qian Xixi and Mr. Five. He offered to protect Rui Live for Duan Ran.

Duan Ran, feeling lost himself and unsure of his own entrepreneurial direction, entrusted Yu Shi with Rui’s protection and advised him to focus on healing his leg so he could truly support him later. Meanwhile, Ou Yang formally submitted her resignation. She planned to hand over her work to Yu Shi and transfer the own brand, Vine, to Qian Xixi, exercising her independent decision-making authority over the brand. Shen Ding Ding, realizing he couldn’t sway her, reluctantly agreed.

Ou Yang then met with Qian Xixi, acknowledging the pain of her relationship with Duan Ran and sharing her own struggles of being in his world. She revealed that Duan Ran specifically wanted Qian Xixi to take over Vine. Ou Yang advised Qian Xixi to be more tactful and flexible when facing work challenges, rather than confronting them head-on, and to give emotional matters time if answers weren't clear.

Qian Xixi, saddened by Ou Yang's departure, expressed her hope for future collaborations. Ou Yang admitted she wouldn't have left if the company hadn't changed ownership. Chen Lang had diligently reorganized Cloud Live after Zhang Jiayun’s previous hint about "divine assistance," intending to make it a sanctuary for Rui Live. He shared with Zhang Jiayun his belief that the assistance referred to Duan Ran and his team.

However, Cola and Little Yellow Duck once again betrayed him, returning to Rui Live after being poached by Shen Ding Ding. Cola requested to work on the Pineapple Xpress brand, and Ding Ding promised them focused cultivation under that brand. Chen Lang reflected on his experiences, viewing people like Cola, Ding Ding, Duan Ran, and Shen Jiang Tao as grindstones that sharpened him, while Zhang Jiayun, with her calm wisdom, was like a scabbard that contained his edge.

Zhang Jiayun then advised Chen Lang that building business relationships required more than just money and profit; it needed genuine emotional connection. She suggested he find common ground with Mr. Wu from Pineapple Xpress. Zhang Jiayun arranged a meeting, and Chen Lang, taking her advice, avoided direct business talks.

Instead, he shared personal anecdotes, highlighting their shared background from nearby regions (Wanbei and Subei), and his humble beginnings including altering his sisters' hand-me-down clothes, and his computer science degree from Tsinghua, then failed business venture and founding his women's fashion business. Mr. Wu, also having experience with altering clothes, was impressed by Chen Lang's passion for his work and their shared experiences. Duan Ran went fishing with his father, Duan Shengyun.

Duan Shengyun emphasized the patience required in fishing, contrasting it with the quick gains of net fishing. When Duan Ran accidentally kicked their water bottle into the sea, they were left thirsty until a kind ice cream vendor appeared. Duan Ran initially wanted to buy many, but the vendor, concerned about their health, advised against eating too much.

Duan Ran praised his honesty, and the vendor revealed he sold ice cream not just for profit, but to allow people to taste traditional flavors. Duan Shengyun was highly impressed by the vendor’s empathetic and humane business approach, reminding Duan Ran of his grandfather’s bartering days, where relationships were key. Duan Shengyun urged Duan Ran, despite his youth and previous wilfulness, to withstand setbacks, set clear goals, and know when to cut losses.

He suggested Duan Ran return to QE as a floor manager to hone his skills, emphasizing it was a role requiring high emotional intelligence and decisiveness. He assured Duan Ran that Shen Shu would not make things difficult, as their past disagreements were purely about business philosophy. Taking his father's advice, Duan Ran proactively met with Shen Shu to apologize. He admitted partial responsibility for Yu Shi’s injury, despite not directly causing it.

He also confessed his previously unrealistic mindset and expressed his desire to start from the bottom at QE as a floor manager to truly train himself. Shen Shu, pleased by Duan Ran’s sincerity and change of heart, immediately agreed and called Manager Liu to assist him. Manager Liu, trying to offer Duan Ran special treatment due to his father’s past influence, suggested a less demanding schedule.

However, Duan Ran insisted on being treated fairly and working hard to learn, earning Manager Liu’s respect. At Rui Live, Qian Xixi was busy working, often pulling all-nighters, prompting Su Su and Mr. Five to worry she was heartbroken. The second season of Vine launched with excellent sales, leading Shen Shu to approve a special bonus for Qian Xixi, celebrating Shen Ding Ding's first major success since joining Rui.

Qian Xixi, however, wished to reinvest the bonus back into the own brand. Shen Ding Ding then announced a new department dedicated to developing diverse own brands, placing Qian Xixi in charge. Simultaneously, he declared that the successful Vine brand would be transferred to Yu Shi’s responsibility. Qian Xixi immediately realized this was a subtle demotion designed to sideline her, and she left the office, deeply upset.

Sitting alone, she wept, her distress noticed by Jiang Zheyang, who hurried to comfort her. As he tried to console her, his mother called on his mobile, attempting to book another job for him. Jiang Zheyang angrily refused, stating firmly that he would not take any engagements that day. Meanwhile, as Duan Ran patrolled his floor at QE, he encountered a customer dispute involving a delivery person carrying numerous parcels.

He learned that a perfume store was conducting live streams directly from their shop, and their products were so popular they required multiple daily parcel collection trips. Duan Ran observed that this in-store live streaming offered customers a more direct and engaging view of the products, contributing to its success. Later, Jiang Zheyang took Qian Xixi to the beach to help her clear her mind.

He confessed that he had wanted to comfort her earlier when she lost her CEO position but was hesitant due to Duan Ran. Qian Xixi explained she’d been working relentlessly to cope with the recent events. Jiang Zheyang offered to stop collaborating with Rui if Shen Ding Ding continued to undermine her brand.

Qian Xixi, however, implored him not to, emphasizing that with Ou Yang and Duan Ran gone, she was the only one left to protect Vine, Mr. Five, and their original mission. As the sun set, Jiang Zheyang tried to distract her from her worries, wishing he could be the one to bring her happiness and sunshine.

Episode 44 Recap

Jiang Zheyang confessed his feelings to Qian Xixi, telling her how much he wished he could be the one to bring her joy and sunshine. However, Qian Xixi firmly reiterated that she was happy with him as her best buddy, explaining that they simply weren't destined for romance. Jiang Zheyang, acknowledging Qian Xixi's unwavering affection for Duan Ran, expressed his sadness that his own popularity among fans meant nothing when the one he truly liked didn't reciprocate his feelings.

They both agreed to remain good friends. Meanwhile, at Cloud Live, Chen Lang and Zhang Jiayun oversaw the first live stream since its unblocking. Chen Lang was ecstatic to be back on the platform, reminiscing about the old days when he relied on a high stool for comfort. Now, he happily declared that Zhang Jiayun, standing by his side, was his new source of mental support.

Zhang Jiayun reminded him that signing new broadcasters was just the first step; he still needed to train them, build their personas, cultivate fan bases, and find suitable brand collaborations. Chen Lang, in turn, felt confident they were on the path to success. Later, Qian Xixi received a video call from her father, Lao Qian, who excitedly told her he'd found a beautiful two-story white house for sale abroad, which he wanted to buy for her.

He hoped that a change of environment would help her forget Duan Ran and ease her sadness. Lao Qian empathized with her emotional struggle, advising her that ultimately, she needed time and space to process her feelings. Qian Xixi admitted she had been considering going abroad for a while, but was hesitant to tell Duan Ran now, as he had just started a new job and was still adapting.

She didn't want him to be caught in the middle between her and Aunt Zhou. Lao Qian, eager for her to join him, offered to put down a deposit, but Qian Xixi asked for time to handle her affairs and secure her visa. Qian Xixi then sought out Duan Ran. He already knew she had been sidelined by Ding Ding at Rui.

Duan Ran offered to take her to the mall to buy a ring, but Qian Xixi declined, citing her poor emotional state and promising to choose one later when she was feeling better. She brought him fish balls, playfully teasing him about his favorite food before they shared egg tarts. Qian Xixi questioned Duan Ran's new role as a floor manager at QE, suggesting he was using it to escape his problems.

She lamented that if he were still at Rui, his presence would at least give her strength. Duan Ran admitted that the events at Rui had profoundly changed his perspective and asked for time to adjust and find his direction.

Qian Xixi then cautiously suggested they take a temporary break, explaining that while he had always helped her through tough times, she felt like a failure as his girlfriend because she couldn't offer him the same support when he was struggling. She worried about bringing him down with her own negativity. Duan Ran acknowledged her feelings but firmly refused to accept a breakup, asking her never to utter those words again.

He proposed a family dinner next week for her farewell. Zhang Jiayun and Chen Lang went to the clothing market. While picking out items, the female boss mistakenly assumed they were a couple and enthusiastically took their photo, much to Zhang Jiayun's embarrassment. During their drive, Chen Lang asked Zhang Jiayun for feedback on Cloud Live's operations. She praised its improved management and detailed processes compared to Rui, attributing it to his "science geek" precision.

However, she also pointed out inefficiencies, such as assigning two assistants per streamer and over-planning fan management, suggesting a more flexible approach. Chen Lang, while valuing her input, preferred a stricter, competitive environment to foster cohesion and drive success, referencing Antoine's quote about teaching people to yearn for the sea, rather than just gathering wood. Qian Xixi visited Duan Ran's parents, Duan Shengyun and Aunt Zhou, to bid them farewell.

She gave them protein powder, and they expressed their reluctance to see her leave. Duan Shengyun mentioned Qian Xixi's unspoken desire to join Duan Ran when he went to England. Qian Xixi explained her desire to care for her father abroad. Duan Ran, feeling neglected, urged her to stay, suggesting they bring Lao Qian back to China so the two of them could care for all three elderly parents.

He then insisted he wouldn't find a girlfriend because he didn't want Qian Xixi to be unhappy. Duan Mu quickly intervened, changing the subject to prevent Duan Ran from revealing the truth of their relationship. Duan Shengyun asked if Qian Xixi's sudden departure was due to work problems, specifically her transfer to the R&D department. Qian Xixi denied any issues with Ding Ding, even praising his actions in handling a brand sample problem, though Duan Ran remained unconvinced.

Qian Xixi then sincerely thanked Duan Shengyun and Aunt Zhou for raising her, feeling apologetic for leaving. Duan Ran again pressed her to stay and care for their parents together, but Duan Mu cut him off, prompting Qian Xixi to retreat to the kitchen to compose herself, where Aunt Zhou joined her, sensing her distress. Later, Aunt Zhou expressed heartfelt gratitude to Qian Xixi for her consideration and concern for the family, tearfully apologizing for being selfish.

Qian Xixi reassured her, promising not to return for a while and to slowly distance herself from Duan Ran, ensuring Aunt Zhou had no cause for worry. Aunt Zhou, feeling immense guilt, tried to give Qian Xixi a bank card, explaining that their family's finances weren't as good as before, but she worried about Qian Xixi being abroad alone. Qian Xixi initially refused but Aunt Zhou insisted.

Duan Ran later confronted Qian Xixi, suspecting she was hiding something, especially after overhearing his mother and father discussing her departure in hushed tones. Qian Xixi subtly deflected, suggesting he consider joining Cloud Live since Duan Shengyun was a major shareholder there. Duan Ran wanted to drive her home, but she declined, saying she was meeting Zhang Jiayun and reaffirming her plan to leave the next day.

As Qian Xixi prepared to leave, Duan Ran tried to hold back, but ultimately emerged to tell her to take care of herself and to call him if she needed anything. Qian Xixi secretly placed the bank card from Aunt Zhou near a potted plant by the door before leaving, her eyes filled with reluctance as she looked back at Duan Ran and his parents, struggling to hold back her own tears.

Zhang Jiayun, preparing for her own departure to study abroad, met Chen Lang. She told him that she finally understood her past "carefree" attitude was merely an escape from her true self and the pressures of life, similar to his own experiences as small-town youth striving in the big city. She explained that she initially agreed to join Rui because Duan Ran promised her a chance to study abroad.

Zhang Jiayun expressed her deep concern about adding to his burdens, particularly referencing the incident with the independent brand where she felt her involvement had made him vulnerable to Ding Ding's schemes. Chen Lang, however, reassured her, declaring his love and promising to wait for her, no matter how long she was away, comparing her to his "rose" from "The Little Prince". Zhang Jiayun was deeply moved by his words.

Jiang Zheyang met Ou Yang by the sea, sharing his lingering sadness and regret over Qian Xixi's rejection. Ou Yang advised him to let go, emphasizing that Duan Ran and Qian Xixi's shared history and experiences had forged an unbreakable bond, making it impossible for anyone else to truly enter their world. She encouraged him to move on and open himself to new possibilities.

Jiang Zheyang then urged Ou Yang to return to their company and resume her entrepreneurial work, confessing that the team was disorganized without her and that he often had to teach them everything. He understood her departure stemmed from disagreements with his mother and promised to speak with his mother to ensure Ou Yang would have full autonomy if she returned.

Finally, Qian Xixi confided in Zhang Jiayun, revealing the difficult truth that Aunt Zhou was indirectly involved in her mother's car accident. Qian Xixi admitted that the thought of Duan Ran discovering this truth was unbearable, fearing it would taint their relationship and cause him immense guilt. She couldn't imagine how he would react or what choices he would make.

Qian Xixi confessed her love for Duan Ran, calling him her "other life," but admitted she lacked the confidence to confront Aunt Zhou's inner turmoil or Duan Ran's potential reaction. She had chosen to leave, hoping that time would provide the answers and that her departure would spare Aunt Zhou further pain and Duan Shengyun and Duan Ran from an impossible dilemma.

Zhang Jiayun expressed concern over Qian Xixi's passive approach, reminding her that this wasn't the Qian Xixi she knew. Qian Xixi reiterated that while she could be impulsive, she couldn't bring herself to hurt others, believing her departure was the only way to avoid making the situation worse. Zhang Jiayun, as Qian Xixi's best friend, vowed to support her, crediting Qian Xixi's directness and bravery for helping her own passive nature to improve.

Episode 45 Recap

Qian Xixi and Zhang Jiayun spent their last night at the Rui office, feeling a deep reluctance to leave behind the company that held so many memories of their entrepreneurial journey. They reminisced about all the fun, memorable, exciting, and moving moments they had shared there. They even had the same idea, each preparing a camera as a gift for the other—the very camera they had both longed for upon graduating from college.

The following morning, they were in a rush, almost missing their flight, but thankfully, they had brought their luggage to the office the night before. Meanwhile, Duan Ran found a perfume shop at QE Mall impressive for its in-store live streaming, where staff demonstrated product creation and answered customer questions directly. This reminded him of their pioneering live stream on the boat in Sanya.

He enthusiastically shared his idea of integrating physical stores with live streaming e-commerce with Chen Lang, who agreed it was a fitting venture for Duan Ran, given his vision and resources. During their conversation, Chen Lang also brought up Qian Xixi's earlier confession of feeling unworthy, lamenting that he couldn't let Xixi be so self-deprecating. Then Chen Lang casually mentioned that Qian Xixi and Zhang Jiayun were flying out together that day, a fact Duan Ran was completely unaware of.

Realizing the urgency, Duan Ran, already distressed by Qian Xixi's earlier confession, borrowed Chen Lang's car and sped to the airport. Along the way, he frantically sent Qian Xixi a series of WeChat voice messages, urging her to stay and emphasizing that his innovative ideas could not be realized without her. Upon arrival, he desperately searched for her, but he couldn't find her before getting a parking ticket.

Just as despair washed over him, Qian Xixi appeared behind him, clarifying that she was only there to see Zhang Jiayun off. She had seen Duan Ran's messages and was deeply moved by his anxious, tearful state. Realizing she couldn't leave him either, Qian Xixi ran into his arms. Three months later, Duan Ran and Qian Xixi had successfully established Cloud Live, reaching out to everyday people such as fishermen, fruit growers, and farmers, empowering them to become streamers.

This initiative not only provided a platform for individuals to sell their products but also helped entire villages with sales, quickly gaining popularity. Meanwhile, Mr. Shen and his son, Shen Ding Ding, at Rui Live, were planning a grand "QE Night" event. Shen Ding Ding told his father that the event aimed to demonstrate that online shopping had rendered physical stores unnecessary, which would bolster Mr. Shen’s proposal to redevelop the QE mall for board approval.

Mr. Shen cautioned him to meticulously check the event schedule and be prepared for an approaching typhoon. Separately, Chen Lang met with Mr. Wu, who presented him with the challenge of handling a large quantity of surplus stock from the Apparel Alliance. Chen Lang considered selling them at a discount or as goody bags, but Mr. Wu explained this would devalue the brands.

Instead, he suggested Chen Lang become an "online Don Quijote," referring to the renowned Japanese discount retailer known for maximizing the potential of surplus goods and managing complex supply chains. Later, during a phone conversation with Duan Ran, Chen Lang, after much thought, decided to create an online excess goods sales chain, focusing on "big data live streaming" with highly refined content, tailored to specific products and customer demographics.

He joked with Duan Ran about his new-found online shopping habits, filling his cart with cheap household items and even an imported yellow peach, a stark contrast to his usual preferences. Duan Ran's mother called, inquiring about his work. Qian Xixi, sitting beside him, held her breath, as they had been keeping their relationship a secret to avoid upsetting her. Duan Ran reaffirmed his promise not to marry before achieving career success.

Later, Duan Ran confided in Qian Xixi that his mother was struggling with severe insomnia and stress, prompting her to see a psychologist. Qian Xixi worried about the consequences if his mother discovered their deception. Duan Ran planned to tell his mother the truth when the time was right. His mother, Ms. Zhou, spoke to her psychologist, blaming herself for a past accident and expressing her inability to stop Duan Ran and Qian Xixi from being together, despite their promises.

The psychologist suggested that Ms. Zhou was not genuinely trying to separate them but was trapped in self-blame, inadvertently punishing the young couple. Qian Xixi, reviewing Cloud Live’s progress and Chen Lang’s annual return report, realized that their current small-scale operations would hinder growth.

She proposed partnering with a larger platform, specifically QE, arguing that success with QE was crucial to regain the dignity they had lost to Mr. Shen and Shen Ding Ding, reminding Duan Ran that business demanded rationality over emotion. Yu Shi, who had secretly been helping Qian Xixi, was caught by Shen Ding Ding while sending Cloud Live the QE Night event schedule.

Despite Shen Ding Ding's accusations of treachery and threats of legal action, Yu Shi calmly admitted to sharing the widely distributed schedule but refused to disclose Cloud Live's intentions, stating he was not motivated by money. Shen Ding Ding, enraged, fired Yu Shi. However, Su Su and Mr. Five stepped in, arguing that as a senior QE employee with Rui stock, Yu Shi could only be fired with board approval.

Shen Ding Ding questioned their loyalty, particularly Su Su's, given her past relationship with Yu Shi, but Su Su asserted her personal life was irrelevant. Mr. Five added that without Yu Shi, Rui's finance department would be unmanaged. Shen Ding Ding, accusing them all of rebellion, declared he was aware of Su Su secretly writing programs for Duan Ran and Mr. Five openly watching Cloud Live streams.

He then fired Su Su and Mr. Five as well, dismissing their value by claiming he could easily hire better designers with Rui's money, even when one employee pointed out Mr. Five was the lead designer for Rui's own brand, Vine. Qian Xixi felt guilty for their dismissals, but Duan Ran celebrated their collective unemployment, raising a toast to their new journey.

Yu Shi, Su Su, and Mr. Five expressed no regrets, stating that Rui was no longer the same without Qian Xixi. They were excited to join Cloud Live and collectively build a brighter future. During a board meeting, the members expressed concern about Jiang Zheyang's unavailability and the cancellation of Rui's own brand launch, which left a 40-minute void in the QE Night schedule. Mr. Shen confidently assured them that Rui Live, with its years of experience, was making emergency adjustments to the show.

Episode 46 Recap

A board meeting was held at QE, where board members questioned Mr. Shen about Jiang Zheyang's sudden absence from the QE Night event and the lack of a backup plan. The new product launch of the private label had been cancelled, leaving a 40-minute gap in the program. Mr. Shen, feigning confidence, promised a detailed backup plan in 20 minutes and then abruptly adjourned the meeting, immediately calling for Shen Ding Ding.

Meanwhile, a red alert had been issued for an incoming typhoon in Xiamen, causing all flights from Beijing to be cancelled. Jiang Zheyang, who was supposed to fly in, was stuck in Beijing, and a batch of goods for the "Vine" new product launch was held up in a Fuzhou warehouse. Learning of this, Duan Ran immediately contacted Qian Xixi and Chen Lang by phone, seeing the crisis as a perfect opportunity for them.

Qian Xixi quickly called Ou Yang, instructing her to apply for a self-pickup authorization for the goods stuck in the Fuzhou warehouse. Qian Xixi then braved the rain, sending others to retrieve the goods. Qian Xixi believed that if Cloud Live could step in to save QE Night, Mr. Shen would have no choice but to agree to a partnership. She emphasized this was their chance to showcase the power of real-scene live broadcasting.

As Qian Xixi's team, including Mr. Five and Su Su, prepared to head to the Rui Live office, Chen Lang went to QE. He was tasked with taking all the central control room equipment to QE and training eloquent QE shop assistants to become semi-professional broadcasters in just ten minutes. Simultaneously, Duan Ran went to negotiate directly with Mr. Shen.

Shen Ding Ding, meanwhile, was in a state of panic at Rui Live, realizing they couldn't stream with no goods and the ongoing typhoon. He called his father, Mr. Shen, admitting they might have to cancel and offering to take sole responsibility. Mr. Shen was furious, reminding Ding Ding that everyone knew he was his son. Elsewhere, QE shop assistants were discussing the typhoon, fearing the cancellation of QE Night and potential layoffs as online sales increasingly threatened their jobs.

Qian Xixi, Mr. Five, and Su Su arrived at the Rui Live office, only to find it deserted, with all staff having gone home and Shen Ding Ding already gone. Despite the empty office, Qian Xixi decided that the three of them were enough to proceed. Duan Ran met with Mr. Shen, who was clearly frustrated.

Duan Ran calmly showed Mr. Shen his prepared plan, which included the secured "Vine" goods, poncho-covered equipment for protection, and amateur broadcasters already in position at the Fuzhou warehouse. He presented Mr. Shen with an ultimatum: if Mr. Shen agreed to Cloud Live becoming a partner of QE, QE Night would proceed; otherwise, Duan Ran's team would withdraw immediately. Impressed by Duan Ran's capabilities and acknowledging his own son's inferiority, Mr. Shen agreed to the partnership, congratulating Cloud Live.

With the green light, QE Night commenced. Chen Lang instructed the newly trained shop assistants to focus on building customer loyalty rather than rushing sales, emphasizing authenticity, professionalism, and maintaining a high-end demeanor. Mr. Five began the main broadcast, explaining Jiang Zheyang's absence due to the typhoon but showing him remotely cheering them on.

She then introduced Hai and Fen, who were live-streaming the "Vine" new product launch from the Fuzhou warehouse, demonstrating that even amateurs could wear the clothes stylishly. Other shop assistants also began live-streaming from their respective stores. Initially, the traffic and sales were mediocre, drawing criticism from board members who questioned the use of novices instead of celebrities. Mr. Shen defended it as his "Plan B."

Duan Ran, monitoring the situation, reassured Chen Lang that Qian Xixi had a "big move" up her sleeve. Indeed, Qian Xixi had contacted Yuan Yuan, now a big star, who was filming in Xiamen. Despite the typhoon and heavy traffic, Yuan Yuan arrived via a three-wheeler, drenched but grateful to Qian Xixi for her past support.

Yuan Yuan immediately went live, promoting Mr. Five's "Vine" designs, which she loved and even wore on set, causing a massive surge in traffic and quickly landing on the hot search. Not to be outdone, Duan Ran introduced his own "big move": Yuanbao, the CEO of Hualu Coffee. Yuanbao, inspired by Duan Ran, showcased her newly renovated "coffee theatre," emphasizing the unique offline experience her physical stores offered. Her live stream also significantly boosted traffic.

Then, Chen Lang revealed his "big move": Zhang Jiayun live-streaming from a unique, handmade furniture store in the UK, featuring the store's owner, James. Chen Lang expressed his deep, lasting admiration for Jiayun. The concerted efforts of all these live streams led to an overwhelming success. The event featured twenty-eight live stream rooms and attracted two million real viewers, shattering previous retail records. Dealers quickly signed agreements with QE and Rui due to the success of the live broadcast.

The board members, previously critical, showered Mr. Shen with praise for the innovative QE Night. Mr. Shen proudly attributed the success to his "Plan B." After the successful event, Qian Xixi expressed her joy to Duan Ran via phone, realizing the true potential of real-scene live broadcasting, not just in nature but in every corner of the city. Duan Ran playfully hinted at a deeper commitment.

Yuan Yuan, before leaving, encouraged Qian Xixi to believe in herself and pursue her dreams boldly, reassuring her that she kept her access card and could return anytime. Later, Mr. Shen approached Duan Ran, acknowledging his clever business tactics in combining physical stores with live-streaming. He then outlined his proposal to the board for the next day: converting physical retail spaces into online sales models, with the physical stores becoming restaurants and family entertainment centers.

He asked Duan Ran to support his proposal at the board meeting, leveraging Duan Ran's identity as Duan Shengyun's son, hoping to sway conservative board members. Duan Ran understood. At the subsequent board meeting, board members were hesitant about Mr. Shen's radical plan, citing its boldness and execution difficulty. Mr. Shen presented financial reports, highlighting QE's declining profits and rising vacancy rates, arguing that physical retail was a "chronic death" and his e-commerce strategy was essential to maximize property value.

Just as he finished, Duan Ran entered the meeting. Duan Ran acknowledged the problems Mr. Shen identified but argued that a complete, immediate transformation was not feasible. Instead, he proposed a gradual shift towards a comprehensive mall model, likening QE to a "full-capacity ship" that needed to be lightened and sped up, not immediately converted into a "plane."

He detailed a four-part cooperation plan with Rui Live and Cloud Live: brand broadcasting, private labels, real-scene live streaming, and targeting underserved markets. This, he asserted, would make QE a landmark both physically and online. He then revealed that this comprehensive plan was crafted by his father, Duan Shengyun. Duan Ran clarified that his stance was purely for QE's benefit, free of personal grudges. The board members, after a show of hands, unanimously approved Duan Shengyun's plan.

Later, Duan Ran was seen at an I DO jewelry store, looking for a gift for Qian Xixi. A shop assistant showed him a diamond ring inspired by the Eiffel Tower, featuring rubies symbolizing a passionate heartbeat, suggesting it was perfect for a proposal. Meanwhile, Mr. Shen joined Duan Shengyun for a fishing trip. They reminisced about their old fishing days, with Duan Shengyun teasingly blaming Shen for ruining their fishing partnership.

Mr. Shen asked about the new plan, and Duan Shengyun revealed that being "kicked out" had given him the time to perfect it. Despite this, he asked Mr. Shen to continue managing QE, emphasizing that their complementary skills made them inseparable, like "Meng not leaving Jiao" (two inseparable friends). Mr. Shen, touched, accepted the role. Finally, Shen Ding Ding met Duan Ran, angrily demanding why Duan Ran hated him so much.

He expressed frustration at how, despite his efforts to push Duan Ran and Qian Xixi to rock bottom, they always managed to bounce back and defeat him. Duan Ran calmly explained that it wasn't about hatred or personal animosity. He spoke of his profound passion for the live broadcasting industry, calling it unpredictable, stimulating, primitive, direct, and full of vitality, with only a screen separating acceptance and expression. He declared his firm belief that this industry would become a "giant" and that he was committed to giving it his all.

Episode 47 (Ending) Recap

Shen Ding Ding, expressing a long-standing resentment stemming from childhood bullying by Duan Ran, particularly after Duan Ran tricked him out of his four-wheel-drive car, which led to him being ridiculed by other children and caused him deep psychological trauma, admitted he hated superficial broadcasters who used filters and feigned smiles for meager tips, as well as the rowdy audience and his own "stupid" staff.

He confessed that his sole motivation for staying in the industry for so long was his desire to defeat Duan Ran, but ultimately, Duan Ran had won. Duan Ran, in turn, told Ding Ding that his past actions constituted unfair competition but he had decided not to sue. He urged Ding Ding never to let hatred and competitiveness change him, as it would lead to a life of unhappiness.

Ding Ding acknowledged that he was indeed very unhappy and was preparing to leave the country, having returned Rui to Duan Ran before his departure. Shortly after, Qian Xixi questioned Duan Ran if Ding Ding was genuinely returning Rui Live, finding his sudden change of heart confusing given his long-held grudge. They began searching for their childhood four-wheel drive car and eventually found it hidden under the bed. They playfully bickered about who might have put it in a box.

Duan Ran then packaged and sent the car to the departing Ding Ding. While Ding Ding verbally declared to Duan Ran that returning the car didn't absolve him and he would one day return to defeat him, in his heart, he had forgiven his childhood rival.

Meanwhile, Yu Shi, ashamed of his past mistakes, went to Duan Ran to submit his resignation, apologizing profusely to both Duan Ran and Qian Xixi for his actions and expressing his inability to forgive himself. Duan Ran, however, firmly refused the resignation, stating that apologies required sincerity and responsibility. He reminded Yu Shi that they were brothers and friends, emphasizing that he and Qian Xixi had no hard feelings, especially after their past physical altercation.

Duan Ran urged him to stay, be a good brother, and work hard. Moved by Duan Ran's words, Yu Shi later found Su Su, apologized again, and asked for another chance to pursue her, promising to be a good person and even encouraging her to "monitor" and scold him if he ever strayed. Su Su expressed her disappointment that he had never confided in her about anything important.

Yu Shi apologized once more, and Su Su agreed to give him another chance on the condition that he promised to tell her everything in the future. Yu Shi eagerly accepted. Qian Xixi's father, Lao Qian, returned from abroad to celebrate her birthday.

At the party, which was streamed live, her friends presented her with gifts: Mr Five and Mao crafted a unique, limited-edition denim shirt, Su Su gave her wine glasses, and Yu Shi presented a bottle of expensive red wine. Lao Qian then played a heartwarming video from when Qian Xixi was two years old, featuring her late mother, Li Li, who had specifically recorded the message for him.

In the video, Li Li expressed her wish for their daughter to grow up happy and find a loving, loyal partner who would cherish her for life, ensuring she would be happier than her mother was. After the video, Lao Qian emotionally addressed Duan Ran's mother, Mrs. Duan, confessing his deep regrets over his past as a father, admitting he was once ignorant of his own daughter, and feeling utterly unworthy, especially after his quick divorce and departure from China.

He explained that he initially opposed Duan Ran and Qian Xixi's relationship but was deeply moved by their persistent efforts to be together, including their thoughtful gesture of finding a therapist for Mrs. Duan. He highlighted Li Li's tenacious spirit in love and earnestly pleaded with Mrs. Duan to give the young couple a chance for Li Li's sake, knowing their love had been difficult without her approval. Mrs. Duan, visibly emotional, retreated into the restroom.

Duan Shengyun followed, comforting her and confirming that the psychologist believed her opposition stemmed from an inability to forgive herself, a form of self-punishment. He also apologized for his own past neglect, having focused too much on work. He gently reminded her that their children were adults capable of making their own choices and facing consequences. Mrs. Duan agreed, ready to let go of her burden.

Qian Xixi tearfully apologized to Lao Qian for misjudging him, and he promised to make up for all the lost fatherly love. Mrs. Duan then returned, tearfully apologizing to Qian Xixi, acknowledging all her efforts. She declared that the "knot" in her heart was finally untied and joyfully entrusted Duan Ran to Qian Xixi, promising to always stand by her side and even "beat him up" if he ever mistreated her.

She affectionately asked Qian Xixi to call her "Mum," which Qian Xixi did with tears of happiness. Suddenly, the lights went out, causing a moment of confusion. Then, a message "MARRY ME LOVE" appeared on a large screen, followed by Duan Ran appearing from the control room.

He explained he was about to do something he would regret not doing, speaking of their journey from siblings to lovers and how much he cherished their shared moments—her smile when he came home, their walks, her busy mornings. He expressed how she made him believe in their mutual support and how he wished to be her sole reliance in times of despair.

He spoke of her waiting for him to return from his "battles" and how, despite their familiarity, she still made his heart skip a beat. Professing his profound love, Duan Ran then got down on one knee and asked, "Will you marry me?" accompanied by the on-screen message, "Marry me, Qian Xi Xi."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Qian Xixi admitted that hearing him speak like that felt strange, but she too feared a world without his smile, his presence, and his voice, calling it an addiction she could never overcome. She enthusiastically accepted his proposal, declaring she had waited for this day for a very long time. They embraced and shared a deep kiss, as their families watched with smiles of relief and joy.

Qian Xixi playfully warned him about dividing his assets, but Duan Ran countered that while his assets belonged to his parents, his entire being belonged to her. Life settled into a new rhythm. Qian Xixi, now married, began a new live stream. Duan Ran, acting as her "brain-dead fan" from the background, enthusiastically hyped up products like a pink shirt she was promoting.

She playfully chided him for his cheesy comments, but he insisted that as her husband, he was indeed her biggest fan, and she playfully agreed he always would be. As they shared a loving kiss, memories of their journey establishing Rui Live flashed before their eyes—the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges that defined their "Youth Genesis."

This era, the narrative concluded, offered everyone the chance to create their own miracles through the boundless platform of live streaming, regardless of their identity, profession, or location. Other familiar faces like Su Su and Yu Shi (now "Team Su-Shi"), Mr Five, Yuanbao, and Qi Yuan Yuan (even from Cambridge) also found their places in this vibrant world, each forging their unique paths.