Something Just Like This Episode 7 Recap
> Something Just Like This Recap
Qian Xixi hosted a live stream showcasing redesigned old stock, with Mr Five as the designer and model. Mr Five was visibly nervous, struggling to articulate her design concepts beyond simple descriptions like cutting fabric and adding buttons. Watching the live stream, Chen Lang scoffed, believing Qian Xixi was desperate to bring in someone so timid to be a streamer. He dismissed Rui's current state, stating they lacked funds, streamers, brands, and products.
While Chen Lang felt Qian Xixi had a slight edge over Duan Ran due to her past experience as a streamer with him, he ultimately looked down on both of them, confident that Rui would not last long. Meanwhile, Duan Ran successfully secured the Perfect Blue brand deal and quickly instructed his assistant to prepare the contract, emphasizing the need for streamers to familiarize themselves with the product line and for promotional materials to be created promptly.
That evening, Duan Ran shared the news of the Perfect Blue deal with his father, Duan Shengyun, hoping for some guidance. To his dismay, Duan Shengyun revealed that Uncle Mu, the head of Perfect Blue, was gravely ill and currently in the ICU. Duan Ran became anxious, realizing the contract was just awaiting signature and now uncertain if it could proceed. Separately, Qian Xixi sought out Yuan Yuan at the gym.
Yuan Yuan, assuming Qian Xixi wanted her to return as a streamer, immediately refused. Qian Xixi clarified her intention was for Yuan Yuan to train new talent, specifically Su Su and Mr Five. Both Su Su and Mr Five were hesitant; Su Su preferred to remain a programmer, and Mr Five, recalling her previous nervous performance on camera, felt she was not suited to be a streamer. Qian Xixi tried to encourage them, highlighting Mr Five's beautiful designs.
Just then, Yuan Yuan arrived and asserted that no one is a born streamer; dedication and a clear goal are essential. She motivated them by saying, "After you fail, pick yourself up from where you've fallen and give yourself another chance." Yuan Yuan also promised that if Mr Five truly wasn't suitable, she would convince Qian Xixi not to waste time on her.
Convinced, Mr Five agreed to participate in the training, with Su Su reluctantly agreeing to accompany her but insisting she would not go live herself. Duan Ran visited the hospital, finding Uncle Mu unconscious in the ICU, making any contract signing impossible. He received a call on his mobile phone from Zhang Jiayun, who pressed him for updates on securing new business. Duan Ran reassured her, promising to find the best opportunities.
Yuan Yuan commenced rigorous live stream training for Su Su, Mr Five, and other new recruits. Duan Ran, learning of Yuan Yuan's return to train, promptly called Zhang Jiayun on his mobile phone to join the sessions as well, saying it would help her improve her business skills. The training was comprehensive, covering everything from proper standing posture and physical exercise to rapid costume changes. Even Qian Xixi participated, jokingly being reminded by Yuan Yuan that she also needed training.
Sadly, Uncle Mu passed away, nullifying the Perfect Blue contract. Duan Ran, accompanied by Zhang Jiayun, then approached Mr Wu from Pineapple, hoping to secure a partnership for Pineapple's next seasonal product launch. Mr Wu agreed to the collaboration almost too easily, which immediately made Duan Ran suspicious. Duan Ran and Zhang Jiayun returned to Mr Wu's office, where Duan Ran directly questioned his hesitation.
Mr Wu frankly admitted his concerns, explaining that Chen Lang had severely weakened Rui, leaving only Qian Xixi and Zhang Jiayun as reliable streamers, and no other brands were willing to collaborate with them. He questioned if Rui could handle Pineapple's extensive product lines, which included men's wear, women's wear, summer and autumn collections, jackets, shirts, and skirts, given their current lack of streamers. Zhang Jiayun quickly informed him about Rui's ongoing training for new talent.
Duan Ran then proposed a direct competition between Rui and Chen Lang's company, suggesting that whoever achieved better sales for Pineapple would secure the contract. Mr Wu eventually agreed to this competitive approach. Mr Five continued to struggle with the training, especially maintaining the prescribed standing posture, which she found uncomfortable and unnatural. Qian Xixi noticed her distress and reassured her, affirming that she possessed her own unique style.
Qian Xixi explained that attempting to force an uncomfortable posture only distracted her from the actual content of the live stream. She encouraged Mr Five to embrace her "slouchy" demeanor and her experience as a street vendor, asserting that these were unique charms that resonated with her audience and her design philosophy. Back at the office, Duan Ran agreed to dance with a tired Zhang Jiayun to motivate her to continue training.
As they danced playfully, Qian Xixi and Su Su walked in. Su Su began recording the scene on her mobile phone. Qian Xixi felt a fleeting sense of discomfort seeing Duan Ran and Zhang Jiayun together but quickly pushed it aside, instructing Su Su to capture their dance beautifully. After a period of intensive training, the new streamers, including Mr Five, Zhang Jiayun, and Su Su, underwent a promotional photoshoot, looking as captivating as superstars.
Yuan Yuan praised Rui for its willingness to cultivate new talent and innovate beyond industry norms, expressing confidence in their future success. While Qian Xixi hoped Yuan Yuan would stay, Duan Ran acknowledged Yuan Yuan's personal aspirations, stating they shouldn't force her, but assured her that Rui would always welcome her back. Yuan Yuan, reflecting on the positive memories of training at Rui, thanked both Duan Ran and Qian Xixi.
During her subsequent live stream, Mr Five faced a barrage of negative comments from viewers who criticized her brand as "generic" and disparaged her past as a street vendor. Remembering Qian Xixi's earlier advice to embrace her authenticity, Mr Five defiantly responded to the critics. She asserted that every big brand started as a "generic" one and passionately defended her handcrafted designs, stating they were on par with any major label.
She declared the live stream was hers to command and that she believed in her ability to become an excellent streamer without constantly relying on Qian Xixi. Though initially concerned, Qian Xixi, witnessing Mr Five's newfound confidence and powerful stance, stepped back from the live stream and gave her a proud thumbs-up. Unexpectedly, Mr Five's authentic and assertive approach resonated deeply with the audience.
Her direct replies and unique style, reminiscent of her street vending days, invigorated the live stream, attracting a surge of new followers. The entire inventory quickly sold out, leaving Duan Ran and Qian Xixi ecstatic with their success.
