Ten Years Late Episode 36 Recap
> Ten Years Late Recap
Gu Sa stumbled and fell while descending the stairs, and Jin Ran quickly rushed to her side. Gasping for air, she asked him to retrieve her chemotherapy medication, which revealed to Jin Ran the advanced stage of her illness. Gu Sa expressed her profound fear of undergoing chemotherapy, dreading the inevitable hair loss and severe weight loss. She tearfully confessed that she didn't want the last memory Jin Ran held of her to be of a frail and disfigured woman.
Jin Ran, trying to reassure her, offered to arrange for top medical professionals and highlighted the advancements in modern medicine, asserting that she could recover. Gu Sa then candidly told Jin Ran that she intended to pull her investment from Feitu Travel, urging him to leave with her. She argued that the company's current predicament was beyond their ability to salvage, and its collapse would irrevocably end his career in China.
She also warned of potential hostile actions from Ji Aoting once he discovered Feitu's dire financial state. Despite her pleas, Jin Ran firmly declared that he would not abandon Feitu, nor would he forsake her and Alex. He even offered to take her to the hospital immediately to consult with doctors.
Gu Sa then revealed she had already purchased tickets to Japan, knowing he wouldn't accompany her, and simply asked him to spend her remaining days in China with her and Alex. Jin Ran agreed, prompting Gu Sa to lament that she had lived her life wrongly, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one's health. Before they left, she implored Jin Ran to keep her illness a secret from everyone.
As Jin Ran and Gu Sa were talking by the door, Chu Yun secretly photographed them. Gu Sa then asked Jin Ran to stay with her for the day, even acknowledging it might displease Yuan Lai. Jin Ran called Ding Ang, informing him that he couldn't make it to the planned proposal venue. Ding Ang, frustrated by the last-minute change, told Jin Ran to explain the situation to Yuan Lai himself, but nonetheless agreed to handle the immediate fallout.
When Yuan Lai arrived at the meticulously arranged site, she was surprised to find only Zhao Chengzhi. She immediately asked for Jin Ran, and Zhao Chengzhi, quick to improvise, declared that it was actually his important announcement. He then knelt and proposed to Shen Shuangshuang, asking her to marry him. Shuangshuang playfully agreed to consider it. Yuan Lai, however, saw through their elaborate charade, noting the extensive preparations, and said it would be disingenuous to feign ignorance.
While she appreciated their efforts, she couldn't shake off a feeling of disappointment at Jin Ran's absence and decided to leave. Later, Jin Ran called Yuan Lai, apologizing for missing their date and vaguely explained he was with a gravely ill friend who required his care, necessitating his absence. Yuan Lai, understanding, said they could reschedule their date.
Jin Ran and Ji Aoting jointly hosted an employee meeting at Feitu, where they announced the collaborative development of the Peixin Island and Lan Town projects, emphasizing their combined strengths. Ji Aoting publicly expressed his profound gratitude to Jin Ran for his crucial support during Taihe's previous financial difficulties, acknowledging that Jin Ran's intervention had been instrumental in his company's survival. Jin Ran modestly deflected the praise, stating their cooperation was a mutually beneficial venture.
Ji Aoting then revealed plans for broader collaborations between their companies, directing his assistant to work with Jin Ran's team on the Lan Town hotel expansion. Jin Ran also instructed Yuan Lai to provide Ji Aoting with Feitu's project plan. Addressing both sets of employees, Jin Ran stressed that they were now one unified team, committed to achieving shared success through collective effort. Yuan Lai visited Jin Ran in his office, inquiring when they could make up their missed date.
Jin Ran apologized for his earlier absence and agreed to reschedule for that evening. However, his plans were interrupted by a call from Gu Sa, who reported feeling unwell and requested Jin Ran pick up Alex from school. Jin Ran, visibly conflicted, agreed to help Gu Sa. He offered Yuan Lai a vague excuse about an urgent matter and promptly left.
Ji Aoting, who had intended to host a dinner for both Jin Ran and Yuan Lai to express his gratitude, ended up dining with Yuan Lai alone. During their conversation, Yuan Lai voiced her concerns about Jin Ran's recent secretive behavior and her lingering suspicions about his relationship with Gu Sa. Ji Aoting, in turn, reassured her, affirming his belief in Jin Ran's integrity and his sincere feelings for Yuan Lai.
He speculated that Gu Sa might be dealing with personal struggles that Jin Ran felt compelled to keep private and urged Yuan Lai to trust Jin Ran, emphasizing that many relational conflicts stemmed from unfounded speculation. Chu Yun called Yuan Lai, pretending to inquire about her well-being, but Yuan Lai accused her of insincerity, suggesting Chu Yun was merely pleased by her troubles. Chu Yun then requested a meeting at a coffee shop Yuan Lai frequented, and Yuan Lai agreed.
At the café, Chu Yun complained about her reputation being ruined, feeling like a "rat" due to her past being exposed, implying Yuan Lai was responsible. Yuan Lai dismissed the accusation, asserting she would never intentionally inflict pain on others, but Chu Yun retorted that if Yuan Lai insisted on doubting her, it would only lead to more suffering for Yuan Lai.
Chu Yun then asked if Yuan Lai knew who Jin Ran had spent the night with, asserting he was still entangled with Gu Sa and that Yuan Lai was the reason for his perceived lack of courage. Yuan Lai adamantly denied Chu Yun's claims, confident in the strength of her relationship with Jin Ran. Chu Yun persisted, telling her not to be naive and that Jin Ran had lied, spending the night with Gu Sa.
Yuan Lai questioned Chu Yun's motives, pointing out that such revelations brought her no benefit. Chu Yun responded that she understood Yuan Lai's pain, having experienced it herself, and sarcastically concluded that Yuan Lai had finally been abandoned, prompting Yuan Lai to angrily call her a "bastard." Shen Shuangshuang chatted with Zhao Chengzhi's father, who remarked on the abundance of unhealthy snacks in the office and advised her and Chengzhi to adopt healthier eating habits.
Shuangshuang, feeling a bit flustered, poured him a glass of water, mentioning that Chengzhi kept his favorite citrus Puerh tea readily available in the lounge. Zhao's father thanked her for her help in a previous incident, stating that Chengzhi had explained the full story. He reminisced about having discouraged Chengzhi from pursuing photography as a child but now conceded that hobbies were acceptable as long as they didn't detract from one's primary career.
He commended Shuangshuang's handling of the plagiarism case and expressed his approval of their relationship, adding that Chengzhi's late mother would be comforted if Shuangshuang became his daughter-in-law. Chengzhi was overjoyed by his father's acceptance. Taking advantage of the moment, Shuangshuang playfully informed Zhao's father that Chengzhi still harbored feelings for an ex-girlfriend, which enraged Zhao's father, who then playfully chased and hit Chengzhi, warning him against being a "two-timer."
Later, as Shuangshuang cleaned Chengzhi's minor bruises, Chengzhi comically blamed his mother's early passing for his lack of a proper role model in choosing a partner. He then began ordering Shuangshuang around, requesting water and a leg massage. Shuangshuang, pretending to give him a gentle massage, cunningly twisted his arm in playful retaliation.
Chengzhi then showed Shuangshuang a renowned travel magazine, announcing that its editor had been impressed by his photography and invited him to join as an editor for their upcoming season's theme: "traveling the world with a lover." Shuangshuang realized this meant he was contemplating resigning from his current job. Chengzhi playfully stated that this was a joint decision and he couldn't find inspiration without her.
Despite initially calling the theme "lame," Shuangshuang, feigning shyness, eventually agreed to embark on a world trip with him. Given Gu Sa's plan to withdraw her investment, Jin Ran contacted a news agency, instructing them to maintain strict confidentiality to prevent any unwarranted complications. Later that morning, Ji Aoting noticed Jin Ran's worried demeanor and inquired about the cause.
Jin Ran, mindful of Gu Sa's earlier warnings about the potential collapse of Feitu and Ji Aoting's possible opportunistic moves, decided not to fully disclose his current predicament. Instead, he vaguely mentioned estimating working capital for the Lan Town project and reviewing the Peixin Island situation, suggesting a more diversified approach to sponsorship to mitigate risk. Ji Aoting, however, sensing Jin Ran's unusual conservatism, revealed that he was already aware of Gu Sa's withdrawal.
Jin Ran assured him that he would manage the situation, that it would not affect their collaboration, and that he only needed time. Ji Aoting clarified that his concern was less about the projects and more about Jin Ran, reminding him that Jin Ran had once saved his life and company. He firmly stated that he would not allow Jin Ran to shoulder the burden alone, emphasizing their commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership.
Jin Ran expressed his surprise at Ji Aoting's changed perspective, to which Ji Aoting explained that his near-death experience had taught him to value life over wealth and fame. Jin Ran acknowledged his words, adding that the unpredictable nature of their industry meant they could only do their best and hope for the best. He then reiterated his request for Ji Aoting to keep Gu Sa's withdrawal a secret, a request Ji Aoting readily granted.
Yuan Lai discovered a substantial reduction in the startup funds for the Peixin Island, Three Rivers Bay, and Celestial Residence projects while examining the financial reports. She learned that Jin Ran himself had approved these reductions. Realizing that all these projects had initially been funded by Gu Sa, Yuan Lai confronted Jin Ran. She demanded an explanation for the sudden decrease in investment.
Jin Ran attempted to delay his explanation, but Yuan Lai pressed him, asking if the issue was related to Gu Sa and if he had been with Gu Sa on the day he canceled their date. Jin Ran confirmed he had been with Gu Sa.
Yuan Lai stated that she didn't mind his association with Gu Sa because she trusted his feelings for her, but she was hurt by his secrecy, questioning if Gu Sa was indeed the "sick friend" he had kept hidden. Jin Ran simply reaffirmed his love for her. Yuan Lai then questioned his lack of communication regarding work matters.
Jin Ran explained that he and Ji Aoting had already reached a consensus on the Peixin Island project, and her role was to continue with its planning. Yuan Lai firmly told him that if his secrecy was an attempt to protect her, she didn't need it. She emphasized that her decision to reconcile with him was based on trust, not a need for a protector, and that she wished to share any difficulties with him.
Jin Ran, deeply moved, responded that her words were profoundly meaningful and made all his efforts worthwhile. Ding Ang arranged a dedicated car service for Xinyi without her knowledge. Later, Xinyi visited a toy store, where she admired two rabbit plushies but opted not to purchase them. Shortly afterward, Ding Ang bought the exact same plushies, only to be discovered by Xinyi.
She angrily confronted him, accusing him of stalking her and arranging the mysterious gifts she had received, as well as the car service that morning. She demanded to know his intentions. Ding Ang insisted he merely wanted to care for her and their baby. Xinyi retorted that her personal affairs were none of his concern.
Ding Ang tried to explain that nothing untoward had occurred between him and Chu Yun that night, attributing his actions to being drunk and falling asleep, and reminded Xinyi of Chu Yun's manipulative nature. Xinyi, unconvinced, maintained that only he and Chu Yun knew the truth and challenged him to call Chu Yun immediately and make her admit that nothing had happened. Ding Ang agreed but, to his frustration, couldn't locate his phone.
In a fit of anger, Xinyi walked away, instructing him not to follow her. Xinyi then made a video call to Yuan Lai, complaining about Ding Ang's persistent trailing. Yuan Lai, surprisingly, defended Ding Ang, suggesting Xinyi give him a second chance, especially considering her pregnancy. Xinyi, however, remained resolute, reiterating that Ding Ang's actions constituted a "serious mistake." Their conversation shifted to Jin Ran's aborted proposal.
Xinyi, having heard rumors of Gu Sa's recent problems, earnestly advised Yuan Lai to carefully consider marriage and to be wary of Jin Ran's complicated relationship with Gu Sa. She urged Yuan Lai to thoroughly assess everything before tying the knot, to avoid future regrets, and added that she herself couldn't fully move on until Chu Yun admitted the truth about that night.
Yuan Lai, expressing unwavering trust in Jin Ran, suddenly received photos of Jin Ran and Gu Sa together. Realizing Chu Yun was the sender, Yuan Lai confronted her the next morning. At Chu Yun's residence, Yuan Lai accused her of sending the photos. Chu Yun admitted to it, dismissively calling it "amusement." Yuan Lai warned her to cease her manipulative "little tricks," asserting they would not undermine her friendship with Jin Ran.
She reminded Chu Yun that the group had chosen not to dwell on her past misdeeds out of a belief in her potential for change, but her current actions only deepened their disappointment. Chu Yun retorted by questioning whether they had genuinely forgiven her and then sarcastically asked if Yuan Lai would mind Jin Ran going to Japan with Gu Sa.
She further implied that Jin Ran had chosen Gu Sa, linking their recent financial activities, such as withdrawing from Feitu, to their apparent plans to move to Japan. This revelation, combined with Yuan Lai's earlier discovery of Jin Ran approving significant reductions in project funds, stirred a strong sense of doubt within her. Meanwhile, Jin Ran was with Gu Sa at the hospital.
When Yuan Lai called, Gu Sa, acknowledging her request was selfish, pleaded with Jin Ran to stay and care for Alex, as she couldn't bear for her son to see her in her deteriorating condition. She expressed deep remorse for constantly burdening him and for potentially subjecting Alex to a broken family life, begging him for his help.
Jin Ran promised to care for Alex as his own son and ensure his happy growth, and reassured Gu Sa that he would not abandon her. However, he firmly stated that he could not assume the role of her husband and hoped for her understanding. During this conversation, Jin Ran did not answer Yuan Lai's incoming call.
