Something Just Like This Episode 10 Recap
> Something Just Like This 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.
