Something Just Like This Episode 44 Recap
> Something Just Like This Recap
Jiang Zheyang confessed his feelings to Qian Xixi, telling her how much he wished he could be the one to bring her joy and sunshine. However, Qian Xixi firmly reiterated that she was happy with him as her best buddy, explaining that they simply weren't destined for romance. Jiang Zheyang, acknowledging Qian Xixi's unwavering affection for Duan Ran, expressed his sadness that his own popularity among fans meant nothing when the one he truly liked didn't reciprocate his feelings.
They both agreed to remain good friends. Meanwhile, at Cloud Live, Chen Lang and Zhang Jiayun oversaw the first live stream since its unblocking. Chen Lang was ecstatic to be back on the platform, reminiscing about the old days when he relied on a high stool for comfort. Now, he happily declared that Zhang Jiayun, standing by his side, was his new source of mental support.
Zhang Jiayun reminded him that signing new broadcasters was just the first step; he still needed to train them, build their personas, cultivate fan bases, and find suitable brand collaborations. Chen Lang, in turn, felt confident they were on the path to success. Later, Qian Xixi received a video call from her father, Lao Qian, who excitedly told her he'd found a beautiful two-story white house for sale abroad, which he wanted to buy for her.
He hoped that a change of environment would help her forget Duan Ran and ease her sadness. Lao Qian empathized with her emotional struggle, advising her that ultimately, she needed time and space to process her feelings. Qian Xixi admitted she had been considering going abroad for a while, but was hesitant to tell Duan Ran now, as he had just started a new job and was still adapting.
She didn't want him to be caught in the middle between her and Aunt Zhou. Lao Qian, eager for her to join him, offered to put down a deposit, but Qian Xixi asked for time to handle her affairs and secure her visa. Qian Xixi then sought out Duan Ran. He already knew she had been sidelined by Ding Ding at Rui.
Duan Ran offered to take her to the mall to buy a ring, but Qian Xixi declined, citing her poor emotional state and promising to choose one later when she was feeling better. She brought him fish balls, playfully teasing him about his favorite food before they shared egg tarts. Qian Xixi questioned Duan Ran's new role as a floor manager at QE, suggesting he was using it to escape his problems.
She lamented that if he were still at Rui, his presence would at least give her strength. Duan Ran admitted that the events at Rui had profoundly changed his perspective and asked for time to adjust and find his direction.
Qian Xixi then cautiously suggested they take a temporary break, explaining that while he had always helped her through tough times, she felt like a failure as his girlfriend because she couldn't offer him the same support when he was struggling. She worried about bringing him down with her own negativity. Duan Ran acknowledged her feelings but firmly refused to accept a breakup, asking her never to utter those words again.
He proposed a family dinner next week for her farewell. Zhang Jiayun and Chen Lang went to the clothing market. While picking out items, the female boss mistakenly assumed they were a couple and enthusiastically took their photo, much to Zhang Jiayun's embarrassment. During their drive, Chen Lang asked Zhang Jiayun for feedback on Cloud Live's operations. She praised its improved management and detailed processes compared to Rui, attributing it to his "science geek" precision.
However, she also pointed out inefficiencies, such as assigning two assistants per streamer and over-planning fan management, suggesting a more flexible approach. Chen Lang, while valuing her input, preferred a stricter, competitive environment to foster cohesion and drive success, referencing Antoine's quote about teaching people to yearn for the sea, rather than just gathering wood. Qian Xixi visited Duan Ran's parents, Duan Shengyun and Aunt Zhou, to bid them farewell.
She gave them protein powder, and they expressed their reluctance to see her leave. Duan Shengyun mentioned Qian Xixi's unspoken desire to join Duan Ran when he went to England. Qian Xixi explained her desire to care for her father abroad. Duan Ran, feeling neglected, urged her to stay, suggesting they bring Lao Qian back to China so the two of them could care for all three elderly parents.
He then insisted he wouldn't find a girlfriend because he didn't want Qian Xixi to be unhappy. Duan Mu quickly intervened, changing the subject to prevent Duan Ran from revealing the truth of their relationship. Duan Shengyun asked if Qian Xixi's sudden departure was due to work problems, specifically her transfer to the R&D department. Qian Xixi denied any issues with Ding Ding, even praising his actions in handling a brand sample problem, though Duan Ran remained unconvinced.
Qian Xixi then sincerely thanked Duan Shengyun and Aunt Zhou for raising her, feeling apologetic for leaving. Duan Ran again pressed her to stay and care for their parents together, but Duan Mu cut him off, prompting Qian Xixi to retreat to the kitchen to compose herself, where Aunt Zhou joined her, sensing her distress. Later, Aunt Zhou expressed heartfelt gratitude to Qian Xixi for her consideration and concern for the family, tearfully apologizing for being selfish.
Qian Xixi reassured her, promising not to return for a while and to slowly distance herself from Duan Ran, ensuring Aunt Zhou had no cause for worry. Aunt Zhou, feeling immense guilt, tried to give Qian Xixi a bank card, explaining that their family's finances weren't as good as before, but she worried about Qian Xixi being abroad alone. Qian Xixi initially refused but Aunt Zhou insisted.
Duan Ran later confronted Qian Xixi, suspecting she was hiding something, especially after overhearing his mother and father discussing her departure in hushed tones. Qian Xixi subtly deflected, suggesting he consider joining Cloud Live since Duan Shengyun was a major shareholder there. Duan Ran wanted to drive her home, but she declined, saying she was meeting Zhang Jiayun and reaffirming her plan to leave the next day.
As Qian Xixi prepared to leave, Duan Ran tried to hold back, but ultimately emerged to tell her to take care of herself and to call him if she needed anything. Qian Xixi secretly placed the bank card from Aunt Zhou near a potted plant by the door before leaving, her eyes filled with reluctance as she looked back at Duan Ran and his parents, struggling to hold back her own tears.
Zhang Jiayun, preparing for her own departure to study abroad, met Chen Lang. She told him that she finally understood her past "carefree" attitude was merely an escape from her true self and the pressures of life, similar to his own experiences as small-town youth striving in the big city. She explained that she initially agreed to join Rui because Duan Ran promised her a chance to study abroad.
Zhang Jiayun expressed her deep concern about adding to his burdens, particularly referencing the incident with the independent brand where she felt her involvement had made him vulnerable to Ding Ding's schemes. Chen Lang, however, reassured her, declaring his love and promising to wait for her, no matter how long she was away, comparing her to his "rose" from "The Little Prince". Zhang Jiayun was deeply moved by his words.
Jiang Zheyang met Ou Yang by the sea, sharing his lingering sadness and regret over Qian Xixi's rejection. Ou Yang advised him to let go, emphasizing that Duan Ran and Qian Xixi's shared history and experiences had forged an unbreakable bond, making it impossible for anyone else to truly enter their world. She encouraged him to move on and open himself to new possibilities.
Jiang Zheyang then urged Ou Yang to return to their company and resume her entrepreneurial work, confessing that the team was disorganized without her and that he often had to teach them everything. He understood her departure stemmed from disagreements with his mother and promised to speak with his mother to ensure Ou Yang would have full autonomy if she returned.
Finally, Qian Xixi confided in Zhang Jiayun, revealing the difficult truth that Aunt Zhou was indirectly involved in her mother's car accident. Qian Xixi admitted that the thought of Duan Ran discovering this truth was unbearable, fearing it would taint their relationship and cause him immense guilt. She couldn't imagine how he would react or what choices he would make.
Qian Xixi confessed her love for Duan Ran, calling him her "other life," but admitted she lacked the confidence to confront Aunt Zhou's inner turmoil or Duan Ran's potential reaction. She had chosen to leave, hoping that time would provide the answers and that her departure would spare Aunt Zhou further pain and Duan Shengyun and Duan Ran from an impossible dilemma.
Zhang Jiayun expressed concern over Qian Xixi's passive approach, reminding her that this wasn't the Qian Xixi she knew. Qian Xixi reiterated that while she could be impulsive, she couldn't bring herself to hurt others, believing her departure was the only way to avoid making the situation worse. Zhang Jiayun, as Qian Xixi's best friend, vowed to support her, crediting Qian Xixi's directness and bravery for helping her own passive nature to improve.
