Something Just Like This Episode 20 Recap
> Something Just Like This 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.
