Something Just Like This Episode 32 Recap
> Something Just Like This Recap
Qian Xixi felt a sense of guilt towards Jiang Zheyang and wanted to find an opportunity to clarify things with him. However, Ouyang believed there was no need, emphasizing that matters of emotion could not be forced and everyone was entitled to their own choices.
Ouyang revealed that Jiang Zheyang had been attracted to Qian Xixi, making her the first girl he was ever truly moved by, and that he was currently relying on his mother for comfort after being hurt. Qian Xixi, acknowledging her own feelings for someone else, expressed her admiration for Ouyang's strong and decisive nature, and her ability to know what she wanted, making her seem immune to the world's hurts.
Ouyang admitted that she now longed to be a "princess" and find true love, a sentiment Qian Xixi shared. During a crucial negotiation, Duan Shengyun, representing QE Group as both a retail business and the largest shareholder of Rui, advocated for a neutral stance and a fair discussion among all three parties—the Entity Alliance, Live Streaming Alliance, and an unnamed third party—to find mutually beneficial solutions, stressing against sudden attacks or coercion.
This approach angered Mr Song, who accused Duan Shengyun of being "scheming and conniving." Mr Song claimed Duan Shengyun was outwardly with the Entity Alliance but secretly aligned with the Live Streaming Alliance, acting "two-faced" and "sitting on the fence" to benefit himself and his son, Duan Ran, while physical stores were pushed to the brink. Duan Ran fiercely defended his father, demanding Mr Song show his own sincerity. Amidst the heated exchange, Mr Wu suggested Duan Shengyun step aside.
Mr Song then directly accused Duan Shengyun of being a "servant to two masters." Duan Ran furiously retorted, asking what "two-faced" meant and accusing Mr Song of lacking sincerity. Overwhelmed, Duan Shengyun suddenly suffered a heart attack and collapsed, prompting Duan Ran to rush him to the hospital. Qian Xixi, having received a call from Aunt Zhou, immediately went to the hospital. Doctors confirmed Duan Shengyun was stable and out of immediate danger, but required a stent.
Due to his unique condition, they recommended conservative treatment and suggested transferring him to a larger city like Beijing or Shanghai for the procedure, requiring an overnight stay for observation. Duan Shengyun, feeling the effects of age and illness, reminisced about difficult times when Duan Ran and Qian Xixi were children, recalling how he secretly bought them expensive roujiamo (meat sandwiches) from his meager allowance because their mother couldn't afford it.
Qian Xixi, touched by the memory, offered to make him roujiamo herself. Returning home, Qian Xixi was confronted by Zhang Jiayun for being out all night and unreachable. Qian Xixi explained she was at the hospital with Duan Shengyun, and her phone had died. She then voiced her frustration and anger at Duan Ran for keeping the critical negotiation details from her, feeling he didn't trust her abilities or considered her insights too narrow to be helpful.
Zhang Jiayun, however, lauded Qian Xixi's intelligence and past successes, specifically recalling her "Denim Special" idea that "turned the tables" for the company. Inspired by this, Zhang Jiayun shared her plan to replicate Qian Xixi's success to counter the stalled negotiations with the Apparel Alliance. She aimed to bring Mr Five back to live streaming, showing Qian Xixi some niche clothing samples Mr Five had designed, which Qian Xixi believed would appeal strongly to his fanbase.
Zhang Jiayun then surprisingly revealed that Chen Lang had given her this idea, which puzzled Qian Xixi, as Duan Ran had just told her that Chen Lang had abandoned the negotiation, seemingly out of fear of the Entity Alliance. Meanwhile, Zhang Jiayun and Mr Five were already putting their plan into action. Mr Five, with sharp negotiating skills, secured fabric at a significantly lower price.
Zhang Jiayun elaborated on her cunning strategy: she simultaneously approached several fabric vendors, falsely requesting thousands of rolls of denim fabric, intentionally creating an illusion of high demand. This ploy drove down prices as vendors eagerly competed for the large order, allowing Zhang Jiayun to purchase the necessary cotton and other materials for their sweaters at a much reduced cost.
Mao was already on-site at Rui, preparing to produce the clothing based on Mr Five's designs, even creating "the emperor's new robe," a testament to his fine, invisible stitching. Elsewhere, Ouyang received numerous frantic calls from Jiang Zheyang’s production crew, searching for him as he had disappeared from the set. Ouyang, suffering from stomach pain, decided to go to the hospital. There, she unexpectedly found Jiang Zheyang, who had injured his hand on set and come alone.
The doctor informed Ouyang that she needed an immediate gastroscopy. Jiang Zheyang, despite needing to return to filming, insisted on signing the necessary paperwork for her as a relative. Duan Ran called Ouyang to thank her for recommending the doctor for his father, informing her that he would take Duan Shengyun to Beijing for surgery the next day.
Knowing Duan Ran would be preoccupied with his father's surgery, Qian Xixi volunteered to step in as the representative for the crucial negotiations. However, Duan Ran flatly refused, saying he couldn't "throw a little sheep into a wolf pack," fearing she would be bullied and endure hardship.
Qian Xixi argued that he couldn't manage everything alone and insisted on contributing, stating she didn't want to watch the situation worsen due to any oversight, and that she wanted to help Rui, Duan Shengyun, Zhang Jiayun, and him. Duan Ran, however, saw it as him paving a smooth path for her to return as CEO later, which Qian Xixi vehemently rejected, declaring she didn't want her path to be entirely arranged by him.
Despite her persistence and growing anger, Duan Ran remained steadfast in his refusal. Later, Qian Xixi and Duan Ran went to a restaurant, where they encountered Jiang Zheyang and Ouyang. Duan Ran learned that Ouyang and Jiang Zheyang had terminated their contract. Duan Ran offered Ouyang words of comfort, suggesting she take a much-needed break from work.
Qian Xixi, however, scolded Jiang Zheyang for not confiding in her about such major events, questioning if he still considered her a "good buddy." Jiang Zheyang admitted that after their last heart-to-heart, he still struggled to treat her merely as a "buddy." Duan Ran, overhearing this, became agitated, demanding to know what kind of relationship they intended to have if not that of "buddies."
He angrily recalled a previous instance where Qian Xixi had not answered his calls while she was out with Jiang Zheyang, demanding an explanation and accusing her of not trusting him. Qian Xixi tried to deflect, but their argument escalated, prompting an embarrassed Ouyang and Jiang Zheyang to discreetly leave.
Duan Ran’s parents noticed his sour mood, and he reluctantly fabricated a story, claiming his argument with Qian Xixi stemmed from her insistence on participating in the negotiations against his wishes. Duan Ran’s mother initially agreed that Qian Xixi, being a young girl, might not be suitable for the role of CEO.
However, Duan Shengyun strongly disagreed, stating that Qian Xixi was, in many respects, more capable than Duan Ran, possessing greater persistence, determination, and flexibility, with a better understanding of modern solutions. He confessed that he had only initially joined the Entity Alliance's negotiation talks to support Duan Ran and Qian Xixi, expressing regret that his failing health had prevented him from doing more.
Duan Ran reiterated his concerns, not doubting Qian Xixi's abilities but fearing that she, as a young girl, would face unfair treatment in the cutthroat negotiation environment. Duan Shengyun then instructed Duan Ran to retrieve a confidential folder from his drawer, containing two share transfer documents—one for Duan Ran and one for Qian Xixi—telling him to open it with Qian Xixi to understand his true intentions.
Meanwhile, Chen Lang remained in a state of deep indecision, unable to sign the agreement with the Apparel Alliance. His assistant pressed him on the contract. Chen Lang admitted he felt like a rudderless ship, uncertain of his direction. He confessed that Zhang Jiayun's past remark about people forgetting their original goals when accustomed to seeking only advantage and avoiding harm had deeply confused him.
His assistant tried to rationalize that a merchant's pursuit of profit and a company's withdrawal from the Live Streaming Alliance were understandable business decisions, but Chen Lang requested to be left alone to ponder his choices. Later, Duan Ran arrived to apologize to Qian Xixi, bringing a set of formal clothes suitable for negotiations, along with the share transfer documents from his father.
Qian Xixi, deeply moved to tears by the immense kindness she had received from the Duan family, felt she could not accept such a valuable gift, insisting she needed to repay their generosity rather than accept more. Duan Ran gently explained that his father's intention was for them to wholeheartedly manage and nurture Rui as their "child." Qian Xixi, accepting the shares, then happily tried on the new suit.
Duan Ran, pulling her close and embracing her, begged for her forgiveness, playfully teasing her as he did. He confessed his faults: nearly exposing their relationship, and his initial refusal to support her negotiation efforts. He explained that he had simply cherished her too much, viewing her as his "treasure," and didn't want her to be burdened by the company's "mess." He continued to playfully prompt her for what other apologies she might need from him.
