Something Just Like This Episode 35 Recap
> Something Just Like This Recap
Qian Xixi calls Duan Ran, acknowledging that Bai Siyu's streaming account is still operational and Yu Shi's recent impromptu live stream had surprisingly good results. He suggests a strategy to help Bai Siyu prove herself to her father: collaborate with Hualu Coffee for the upcoming Singles' Day event.
Duan Ran explains that Mr Bai, the head of Hualu Coffee, is known for taking on large deals, and the best way to handle him in business is to "feed him until he bursts." Jiang Zheyang meets Ouyang, ordering her customary Mojito. He excitedly shows her Yu Shi's live stream, explaining that Rui Live's other accounts have been blocked because the company was framed.
He proudly mentions that Qian Xixi approached him for assistance, and he agreed since his Perfect Blue endorsement had just expired. Ouyang initially teases him, accusing him of merely wanting to flaunt his renewed opportunity to work with his "dream girl." However, Jiang Zheyang persists, highlighting their shared tenacity. He argues that Ouyang's extensive experience in the entertainment industry would make helping Rui Live "a piece of cake."
He encourages her to leverage her expertise and resources for Rui's planning, promotion, and marketing, emphasizing that this would also allow her to impress Duan Ran. Ouyang eventually realizes that Jiang Zheyang's true intention is to genuinely help Duan Ran and Qian Xixi, and she is persuaded. Duan Ran spends the entire night waiting outside the platform association building for a representative. When the representative finally emerges, he expresses surprise at seeing Duan Ran.
The representative apologizes to Duan Ran for the wait and explains Rui Live's predicament: with Singles' Day fast approaching, all their accounts have been blocked due to being framed. Impressed by Duan Ran's dedication, the representative promises to look into the matter at his office and assist where he can, though he cautions Duan Ran not to have overly high expectations.
Duan Ran then confides in him about the struggles of entrepreneurship, including selling his treasured anime figurines for cash flow in the early days and the ongoing pressure from an alliance of physical apparel companies against the live streaming industry. Dressed in designer clothing, Cola returns to Rui Live to visit Little Yellow Duck. Su Su confronts Cola, stating unequivocally that Chen Lang is behind Rui Live's accounts being blocked.
Little Yellow Duck, however, defends Chen Lang, pointing out the lack of concrete evidence, which infuriates Su Su. Su Su accuses Little Yellow Duck of disloyalty, and Cola immediately steps in to defend Little Yellow Duck, escalating into a shouting match. To diffuse the tension, Little Yellow Duck hastily pulls Cola downstairs. Outside, Cola buys them milk tea, a full-sugar hot milk tea for Little Yellow Duck and a sugar-free one for herself.
Cola then shares her ambition to surpass other streamers at Cloud Live, recalling a previous successful co-stream they did together, which even Little Yellow Duck's mother praised, comparing them to sisters. Capitalizing on this, Cola suggests they reunite their popular duo act at Cloud Live, implying it would offer Little Yellow Duck a better opportunity for development. Qian Xixi and Bai Siyu meet Mr Bai for dinner to discuss a partnership.
Qian Xixi directly addresses Rui Live's current crisis, explaining their strategy to prominently feature Bai Siyu's mukbang account for Singles' Day to promote Hualu Coffee online. She assures Mr Bai that they have thoroughly researched Hualu Group's stable e-commerce operations, presenting this collaboration as an ideal opportunity for his company to "test the waters" in live streaming. Qian Xixi then makes a bold offer: Rui Live will purchase Hualu's products at the same price as physical offline stores.
Mr Bai is visibly surprised, questioning if her offer is "business or charity." Qian Xixi calmly clarifies that he might be unfamiliar with the nuances of online sales costs and emphasizes her intention for live streaming to directly compete with physical retail. Intrigued by her ambition and daring proposal, Mr Bai immediately agrees to the collaboration, expressing keen interest in seeing how the live stream will be executed.
Ouyang calls Duan Ran, who is in Beijing, inquiring about job opportunities at Rui Live, also mentioning her father's successful surgery. Duan Ran initially expresses skepticism about affording her, but Ouyang offers to work without pay. Concerned about Qian Xixi's reaction, Duan Ran deflects, advising Ouyang to formally apply through Zhang Jiayun. Duan Ran then calls Qian Xixi, who is at Hualu Coffee, to inform her of Ouyang's interest in joining.
He praises Ouyang's high academic qualifications and exceptional work abilities, suggesting her expertise would greatly benefit the company. Offended by his glowing endorsement of his ex-girlfriend, Qian Xixi abruptly hangs up. Ouyang subsequently arrives at Rui Live and requests to speak with the CEO about a work opportunity. Zhang Jiayun, currently acting as CEO, welcomes her. Ouyang expresses her intention to "cross over" into e-commerce live streaming.
Zhang Jiayun is initially hesitant to make a hiring decision without consulting Duan Ran or Qian Xixi. However, Ouyang reminds her that an acting CEO possesses direct hiring authority and highlights Rui Live's urgent need for assistance. Convinced, Zhang Jiayun agrees to hire Ouyang. Ouyang then presents two immediate demands: an office for her and retrieval of her luggage from her car, as she plans to move in.
Zhang Jiayun readily agrees to both, showing Ouyang the three available director offices: Duan Ran's, Qian Xixi's, and Yu Shi's. Ouyang, however, suggests sharing an office with Duan Ran, a suggestion Zhang Jiayun quickly rejects citing their demanding work schedules. Ouyang then casually dismisses Zhang Jiayun's own office as unsuitable. This sequence of eliminations leaves only Qian Xixi's office.
Upon Qian Xixi's return to the office, Zhang Jiayun tries to explain the office arrangements, but Qian Xixi's gaze lands on Ouyang before she can finish. Zhang Jiayun justifies her decision to hire Ouyang by highlighting her impressive qualifications, experience, and the company's desperate need for such high-caliber talent, especially considering Ouyang's earlier offer to work without pay during this difficult time. She urges Qian Xixi to calm down and reminds her that Ouyang is currently on a trial period.
Ouyang, having already settled in, immediately presents a pre-prepared plan: a live stream collaboration between Bai Siyu and Jiang Zheyang, with Bai Siyu adopting a "fangirl" persona. Bai Siyu, however, reveals she is no longer a fan of Jiang Zheyang and now supports his rival. Qian Xixi interjects, advocating for natural and approachable hosts, which she believes audiences prefer.
Ouyang counters, insisting that on-screen authenticity is relative and that a well-defined persona is essential for a broadcaster, much like an actor. Their escalating disagreement causes a flustered Bai Siyu to excuse herself and leave. Ouyang then emphasizes her academic achievements and extensive resources, stating that she is there to help Duan Ran and that Qian Xixi should be grateful for her assistance.
Duan Ran returns from Beijing, and Qian Xixi, overjoyed to see him, immediately confronts him, asking if he and Zhang Jiayun had conspired to hire Ouyang. Duan Ran clarifies that their decision was merely an "unintended agreement," emphasizing the company's critical need for Ouyang's expertise given the current circumstances. He urges Qian Xixi to consider the situation from a CEO's standpoint.
To smooth things over, Duan Ran presents Qian Xixi with a special gift: a pair of "marriage talismans" he specifically sought in Beijing, one for each of them. Qian Xixi is visibly delighted by this thoughtful gesture. Zhang Jiayun calls Chen Lang to discuss Little Yellow Duck's decision to join Cloud Live.
Chen Lang explains that Little Yellow Duck chose to come due to her close friendship with Cola, her positive impression of Cloud Live's growth, and the belief that they could achieve better development by working together. Zhang Jiayun, surprisingly understanding and without anger, simply requests that Little Yellow Duck return to Rui Live to sign her termination contract when convenient, though she sternly warns Chen Lang against any future schemes.
Qian Xixi, learning of Little Yellow Duck's departure, also expresses understanding, believing that Little Yellow Duck, having always been moderately successful, might find better development opportunities at Cloud Live, and therefore does not hinder her decision. Meanwhile, at Cloud Live, Chen Lang proudly presents Cola and Little Yellow Duck with a specially designed, charmingly pink live stream room, complete with custom-selected, cute outfits that he claims perfectly suit their style.
He emphasizes that their addition addresses a crucial gap in Cloud Live's target market, specifically the 18-25 year-old female demographic. Chen Lang then gathers all Cloud Live staff to formally welcome Cola and Little Yellow Duck, fostering a warm and encouraging atmosphere. Zhang Jiayun receives an email from the live streaming platform, bringing good news. The platform's investigation concluded that the allegations of Rui Live selling counterfeit goods were likely a result of being framed.
Consequently, in anticipation of the Singles' Day shopping festival, Rui Live's account suspension has been reduced to three days, with all broadcaster accounts slated for full unblocking at 8 a. m. on November 11th. While Zhang Jiayun is overjoyed, Qian Xixi reminds everyone that they still need to ensure Bai Siyu's account performs well enough to gain entry to the main Singles' Day event.
Inspired by Yu Shi's unexpected success, Qian Xixi then playfully suggests that Duan Ran also try his hand at being a streamer. Duan Ran agrees, but with a series of dramatic demands: his live stream must be "grand," "classy," "magnificent," and "awe-inspiring," which draws chuckles from the team. On Singles' Day, multiple live streams are in full swing. Bai Siyu successfully hosts her mukbang stream alongside Jiang Zheyang, featuring Hualu Coffee and charming the audience.
Simultaneously, Yu Shi, adorned with bunny ears, delights viewers with his unique "straight guy roast" style of commentary, attracting a significant following. Over at Cloud Live, Cola and Little Yellow Duck's "Happy Twins" stream is a massive success. They captivate a large fanbase with their fashion show, engaging games, and lively banter, proving to be a formidable duo.
