Something Just Like This Episode 15 Recap
> Something Just Like This 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.
