Something Just Like This Episode 34 Recap
> Something Just Like This Recap
Duan Ran had a phone conversation with Qian Xixi, discussing her potential workload as both the CEO of Rui and the head of the Live Stream Alliance. He suggested that Zhang Jiayun continue as Rui's CEO. Overhearing the conversation, Zhang Jiayun quickly interjected, stating her unwillingness to remain CEO. She felt she was too talented for the position and desired a more creative role, believing that becoming the alliance head would be a "misuse of her talents."
After Duan Ran and Qian Xixi ended their call, Zhang Jiayun teased them about their overly affectionate conversation, lamenting her status as a single person. Zhang Jiayun then expressed concern about Chen Lang, asking if he had tried to seek their help to rejoin the Live Stream Alliance. Qian Xixi revealed her plan to invite all interested live streaming companies, including Chen Lang's Cloud Live, to join the alliance. Zhang Jiayun was surprised by this decision, calling these companies "opportunistic."
Qian Xixi explained her concept of "cooperative competition," using the analogy of a food street to illustrate how they could first attract customers collectively before competing based on individual strengths and specializations. She also noted that Mr. Duan Sr.' s initial goal was to establish industry regulations and clean up the chaotic market, aligning with her current vision.
Zhang Jiayun, impressed by Qian Xixi's vision but still holding complex emotions regarding Chen Lang, thanked Qian Xixi on Chen Lang's behalf, a gesture Qian Xixi playfully avoided. Zhang Jiayun launched a "shopping theme" live stream, giving viewers a tour of Rui Live's various rooms, including showcases of Mr Five's denim designs and Little Yellow Duck's vibrant fashion.
The live stream quickly gained popularity, boosting morale among the team, with Su Su and Yu Shi confident about their prospects for Singles' Day. However, the excitement was short-lived as all live stream screens suddenly went black, and Rui Live's accounts were suspended due to violations. Upon contacting the platform's administration, they learned that the suspension was due to complaints about a batch of imitation products sold. Zhang Jiayun immediately suspected the goods Chen Lang had previously "donated."
After inspecting the remaining stock, she confirmed that they were indeed imitation products. Overwhelmed with guilt and regret, Zhang Jiayun cried, blaming herself for trusting Chen Lang and feeling she had let down Qian Xixi and Rui. Yu Shi and Su Su tried to comfort her, emphasizing that it was Chen Lang's deliberate sabotage, not her fault. Zhang Jiayun then instructed Yu Shi and Su Su to retrieve all orders for the fake goods to prevent further customer complaints.
Qian Xixi, learning of Zhang Jiayun's distress, reassured her not to blame herself, stating that Chen Lang's underhanded actions were not surprising. She affirmed Zhang Jiayun's capabilities as CEO. Qian Xixi then contacted Duan Ran, who was in Beijing, asking him to clarify the situation with the platform and explain that selling imitation goods was not Rui's intention, hoping to get the accounts unsuspended quickly.
Duan Ran went to the platform's office, presenting Cloud Live's delivery receipt as evidence of sabotage. However, the platform's representative stated that while the receipt was valid, it wasn't direct evidence. He refused to expedite the unblocking process, insisting on more direct evidence and citing company policy against providing special treatment. Meanwhile, Cola confronted Chen Lang, accusing him of breaking his promise to make her a top broadcaster, despite her efforts as an insider.
Chen Lang dismissed her complaints, telling her to focus on understanding her fans' needs rather than just "dieting." He then showed her a past video of her live-streaming with Little Yellow Duck, highlighting her enhanced affability when broadcasting with a partner. Chen Lang revealed his vision for a "new form of broadcasting" through a duo live stream, subtly shifting the blame for her lack of progress.
In another part of the city, Yuanbao's father, Mr Bai, met her for his birthday. He expressed disapproval of her "mukbang" live streaming, calling it an embarrassment and urging her to return home to take over the family's Axis Coffee business, which he believed was more reliable than e-commerce. Yuanbao refused, wanting to carve her own path and gain experience before inheriting the business.
She argued that physical retail was being replaced by e-commerce and urged her father to broaden his perspective. Their disagreement led to Mr Bai leaving in a huff, instructing Yuanbao to finish the large spread of food he had ordered for her. With most of Rui Live's accounts blocked, Qian Xixi approached Jiang Zheyang for help.
She explained the dire situation, and he readily agreed to do a live stream with Yuanbao to boost their popularity for Singles' Day, refusing any compensation. Back at the office, the team decided on an unconventional strategy: having Yu Shi open an account and become a broadcaster. Yu Shi was initially hesitant, but after Su Su's persistent pleading and playful threats, he reluctantly agreed. Yu Shi and Su Su then began a live stream together.
Yu Shi offered "boyfriend-style" reviews of products, and their playful banter and Yu Shi's distinct "straight male" aesthetic, including a cute hairpin he was wearing, quickly made their stream unexpectedly popular. Qian Xixi was pleasantly surprised by their success. Yuanbao also started a live stream, consuming the elaborate meal her father had left her. Her relatable "mukbang" also garnered significant attention.
Seeing the potential, Qian Xixi suggested that Yu Shi continue as a broadcaster, even coining a duo name for him and Su Su: "Su Su Shi." Driven by anger, Zhang Jiayun confronted Chen Lang, slapping him and accusing him of using malicious tactics to get Rui Live's accounts suspended. She warned him that retribution would inevitably come. Chen Lang, genuinely appearing surprised and denying any knowledge, later confronted his subordinate, Zhu Wan.
Zhu Wan confessed to mixing fake goods into the shipment sent to Rui, claiming that Mr Ding had pressured him to do so, knowing Chen Lang's affection for Rui's CEO. Enraged, Chen Lang slapped Zhu Wan, but Zhu Wan stubbornly defended his actions as a justified act of "revenge." Despite their decade-long working relationship, Chen Lang furiously ordered Zhu Wan to leave his office.
Later, Si Yu confided in Zhang Jiayun about her late older brother, who died while pursuing extreme sports. His death caused her father to become extremely overprotective, hiring round-the-clock surveillance on Si Yu, which eventually led her to run away from home. Si Yu expressed her desire to earn her father's complete trust and freedom. She also shared her belief that her family's Axis Coffee business was facing a plateau and needed change, aligning with Qian Xixi's innovative ideas.
Zhang Jiayun then asked Si Yu about her feelings for Chen Lang, to which Si Yu responded sadly that she could barely consider him a friend anymore. Despite the challenges, Chen Lang rallied his Cloud Live broadcasters, giving them a motivational speech for Singles' Day. He encouraged them to aggressively compete for rankings, promising a 1% commission increase for every ten ranks climbed and a 5% bonus for reaching the centralized market, urging them to fight a "victorious battle."
