Something Just Like This Episode 26 Recap
> Something Just Like This 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 He advised her not to rush into marriage, emphasizing that traditional age-related anxieties were outdated.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.
