Ten Years Late Episode 12 Recap
> Ten Years Late Recap
Upon their return to Shanghai from the Peixin Island project, a playful argument erupted between Zhao Chengzhi and Jin Ran at the airport over who would drive Yuan Lai home. Ding Ang cleverly intervened, suggesting Chengzhi drive him and Xinyi instead. Seizing the opportunity, Jin Ran distracted Chengzhi by calling out to Shuangshuang, snatched his car keys, and tossed them to Ding Ang.
As a frustrated Chengzhi gave chase, Jin Ran took Yuan Lai home, where he thoughtfully offered her comfortable slippers. At her doorstep, he suggested they have breakfast together the next morning and then go to the office, to which Yuan Lai agreed. As she exited the car, her keys fell, and Jin Ran picked them up, holding them close to her, creating a moment of intimate tension that left Yuan Lai shy.
He admitted he was rusty with such romantic gestures but promised to get better, suggesting she drink warm milk before bed for a good night's sleep. Later that night, a visibly upset Zhao Chengzhi was passionately playing basketball when he summoned Jin Ran. Their conversation escalated into an argument, with Chengzhi accusing Jin Ran of abandoning Yuan Lai five years prior, leaving her to face difficult times alone.
Jin Ran firmly stated that he could compromise on anything but Yuan Lai. With a wry smile, Chengzhi conceded the competition for Yuan Lai, imploring Jin Ran to cherish her and reminding him that a woman’s heart should only be broken once. At the company, Jin Ran’s immersive experience team was awarded the final decision-making power for the Peixin Island project, having demonstrated a clear advantage.
Jin Ran publicly praised Yuan Lai for her substantial help and unwavering trust in developing the new route. He also pointedly thanked Ji Aoting, his rival, for his "monopolistic strategy" which had provided inspiration. Ji Aoting modestly dismissed the idea of winners or losers, claiming all efforts were for the company's benefit.
Vincent, the company head, echoed this, noting that while Jin Ran achieved a win in data, Ji Aoting had secured significant profit margins, making it a win-win for Feitu. Afterward, Ji Aoting attempted to secure a deeper partnership with Lucas from Senlv, a long-time collaborator, regarding the Peixin Island project.
However, Vincent revealed Feitu's new strategic direction: investing in film co-production to explore new market frontiers, and explicitly stated his intent to prevent any single partner from monopolizing Feitu's core businesses. Meanwhile, Zhao Chengzhi sought solace in alcohol by the river. Shen Shuangshuang found him there, only to be met with an angry outburst from Chengzhi, who accused her of lacking self-respect.
Hurt, Shuangshuang revealed she had already prepared his birthday gift and then feigned loud crying to draw attention from passersby. Embarrassed, Chengzhi reluctantly comforted her and agreed to celebrate his birthday with her, sealing the promise with a pinky swear. Back at Feitu, Lucas from Senlv stormed in, furious about a contract breach. A bewildered Yuan Lai tried to understand the situation, but Ji Aoting quickly intervened, pulling Lucas aside, all under Jin Ran's watchful eye.
Jin Ran later invited Yuan Lai to lunch, an interaction noticed by Ji Aoting and Lisa. Ji Aoting then instructed Yuan Lai to transfer her current tasks to Lisa, dismissing Yuan Lai's questions by stating she had a more critical assignment. Left with limited time, Yuan Lai resorted to eating instant noodles at her desk, enduring snide remarks from Lisa and other colleagues about her apparent closeness with Mr. Jin.
Jin Ran, seeing her, immediately insisted she join him for a "working lunch." He led her to a rooftop with a unique view of the Oriental Pearl Tower, illustrating how perspective can change one's understanding, much like the company's new film co-production strategy. He elaborated on this innovative approach, acknowledging its complexity but emphasizing Feitu's commitment to growth over stagnation. Yuan Lai expressed concern that Ji Aoting might alienate long-standing clients like Lucas.
Jin Ran reassured her that Ji Aoting would find a solution. Realizing Jin Ran's lunch invitation was more than just for scenery, Yuan Lai, before leaving, expressed her frustration that she now had to learn golf because Jin Ran's sudden shift in company strategy had angered Lucas, leaving her to mitigate the fallout. Subsequently, Ji Aoting brought Yuan Lai to a golf course to meet Lucas.
Lucas maintained a cold demeanor, rejecting Yuan Lai's attempts to appease him with a customized golf club and opera tickets, stating he was preparing for legal action against Feitu. Despite her lack of golf experience, Yuan Lai boldly challenged Lucas to a game. She proposed that if she could defeat him after just one week of practice, he should grant Feitu an opportunity to make amends.
Confident in his superior golf skills and amused by her audacity, Lucas readily accepted the challenge. Concurrently, Xu Xinyi was managing the advertisement for the Peixin Island route, starring the celebrity Xu Bingbing. Bingbing’s diva-like behavior caused significant production delays. After diplomatic efforts failed, Xinyi confronted Bingbing directly. She cleverly led Bingbing to believe that she might lose the endorsement to the popular actress Chu Wei, effectively manipulating Bingbing into cooperating.
Ding Ang, who arrived to visit the set, witnessed Xinyi's ingenious handling of the situation and lauded her intelligence. He then tenderly wrapped his coat around her, and the two shared a sweet, intimate moment. For Zhao Chengzhi’s birthday, Shuangshuang surprised him with a party at Gu Yang’s coffee shop. Chengzhi was deeply touched to find all his friends gathered for the celebration. After making a wish and blowing out the candles, they took a group photo.
In an unexpected turn, Gu Yang announced his decision to close the coffee shop, explaining he needed to find his long-lost love. He shared his story: years ago, he and his girlfriend, Bai Zan, broke up impulsively after a fight. They corresponded through letters for a few years until the communication abruptly ceased. Having drifted for too long, he was now determined to find her. Before embarking on his journey, Gu Yang entrusted Jin Ran with their cherished letters.
Moved by his story, the friends decided to secretly help him locate Bai Zan, planning to surprise him with her whereabouts. They resolved to use the postmarks on the letters as their initial clues. Later, Jin Ran found Yuan Lai diligently practicing golf alone. He expressed surprise at her dedication, suggesting the challenge seemed futile. Yuan Lai explained that having made the promise, she was committed to seeing it through.
Jin Ran offered to coach her, confidently stating that Lucas had underestimated her athletic background. Yuan Lai then mentioned that Chengzhi and Shuangshuang had already left to search for Bai Zan. Jin Ran cautioned them to be safe. He also shared his deduction: based on Ding Ang's provided location and the geographical features in the photos, Bai Zan was likely residing in a small village in Zhejiang called Setting Sun Manor.
Chengzhi confirmed this via message, stating he and Shuangshuang were indeed heading there to scout the location, as he had visited the area three years prior. Jin Ran reiterated his concern for their safety.
