Something Just Like This Episode 25 Recap
> Something Just Like This 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.
