Cute Bodyguard Episode 16 Recap
> Cute Bodyguard Recap
Bai Anrou attempted to assert her authority over Su Jingjing, instructing her to move a plant that was obstructing her view. However, Su Jingjing began pruning the plant's branches instead, defiantly stating that as Gu Rong's personal bodyguard, her responsibilities were solely to him and not to Bai Anrou’s office. Gu Rong then entered, gently taking the pruning shears from Su Jingjing and cautioning her to be careful.
He mentioned that Xie Te had been looking for her, before taking her hand and leading her away, much to Bai Anrou's evident frustration. Gu Rong brought Su Jingjing to the pantry, asking if Bai Anrou had given her any trouble. Su Jingjing dismissed it as trivial, but Gu Rong then proposed making their relationship public. Su Jingjing strongly objected, fearing that publicizing their romance would adversely affect his career.
She argued that once their relationship was known, people would scrutinize them intensely, which would undoubtedly hinder his work. Gu Rong embraced her, explaining he simply wanted everyone to know that "Su Jingjing is my girlfriend" to protect her from any potential bullying. Su Jingjing playfully retorted, "I am Su Jingjing. Who dares to bully me?" , and told him not to worry about it. As they shared a kiss, a colleague unexpectedly walked in.
Gu Rong quickly pretended to spot a cockroach, successfully startling the colleague away to conceal their intimacy. Later, Ai Mi texted Su Jingjing, asking about her first day at work. Su Jingjing lamented that it was "absolutely boring" and that she felt like an "orphan" in the president's office. Ai Mi suggested using afternoon tea as an opportunity to socialize. Su Jingjing subsequently provided afternoon tea for her colleagues.
Gu Rong was particularly pleased, believing a "special flavor" coffee was exclusively for him, and even gave her permission to slack off at work. However, while in the restroom, Su Jingjing overheard colleagues gossiping, speculating that her boyfriend was Xie Te. They cited Xie Te’s attentiveness, such as providing her with new stationery and personally delivering coffee and snacks. Su Jingjing found the rumor quite amusing and chose not to correct it.
She later relayed the gossip to Xie Te, who became visibly anxious about Gu Rong finding out. Su Jingjing, however, remained unfazed. When Gu Rong learned about the rumors, he was furious that his girlfriend was being associated with another man. He confronted Xie Te, accusing him of creating a scandal, and ordered him to take paid leave and disappear immediately.
Gu Rong adamantly declared that if there were to be any rumors about Su Jingjing, her alleged boyfriend could only be him. Su Jingjing grew increasingly frustrated with Gu Rong, even ignoring his phone calls. Gu Rong summoned her to his office, offering a sincere apology and pledging to defer to her wishes going forward.
He presented her with a highly coveted secret figure as a peace offering, but Su Jingjing declined it, stating she needed to leave quickly to avoid colleagues' suspicion. Later, Chief He proposed a departmental dinner gathering after work. Su Jingjing initially declined but changed her mind upon hearing Chief He intended to invite Gu Rong. She then informed Chief He that Gu Rong was busy and would not attend, though he had permitted her to join.
At the dinner, Su Jingjing attempted to clarify her platonic relationship with Xie Te, but her colleagues repeatedly interrupted her, dismissing her explanations. Unexpectedly, Gu Rong appeared, fabricating a reason that Su Jingjing had forgotten her phone. He apologized for the recent confusion and reiterated his willingness to keep their relationship private, respecting her wishes. However, as they shared a tender moment, embracing and kissing, they were once again spotted by their colleagues.
Seizing the moment, Gu Rong immediately declared, "Su Jingjing is my girlfriend. Remember it when you spread rumors next time." Su Jingjing was left speechless. Gu Rong then playfully told her that from now on, her primary role in the company would be to "raise the fish and plant flowers" so he could see her constantly, and "hug and kiss" her whenever he felt tired, claiming he himself was her "work."
Gu Rong's father also made an appearance, witnessing their affection and jovially remarking on their impending wedding. That evening, Xie Te tenderly cared for Ai Mi, whose toe bone was fractured. He promised to look after her and her store for the duration of her two-week recovery, highlighting their loving relationship. Following the public announcement of Gu Rong and Su Jingjing's relationship, the corporate atmosphere subtly shifted as colleagues reacted to their newfound openness.
Only Bai Anrou maintained her open criticism, even advising Gu Rong to know his limits. Undeterred, Gu Rong openly held Su Jingjing’s hand in the elevator. Bai Anrou confronted him, questioning whether his pursuit of profitability included hiring his girlfriend as a personal bodyguard, and advising him not to overstep. Gu Rong dismissed her concerns, asserting that nothing mattered as long as it contributed to profit and posed no conflict.
Feeling awkward, Su Jingjing quickly excused herself to check on machines. During a subsequent company meeting, Gu Rong listened to a report. He then addressed the room, advising the presenter to focus more on data analysis rather than on him.
He acknowledged the whispers regarding his relationship with Su Jingjing and her position, firmly stating that while the company sought profit-makers, he specifically hired Su Jingjing for seemingly "trivial works" because she had cured his haphephobia, enabling him to conduct such meetings. He confidently declared his prowess in generating revenue and guaranteed that under his leadership, the Gu Group's performance would reach satisfactory levels, inviting everyone to supervise him and address any concerns immediately or never.
Later, Han Ran spotted Bai Anrou, but when he attempted to greet her, she pointedly ignored him. Bai Anrou then visited Mr. Gu, the Chairman, at his home, where they played Go. She voiced her concerns about Gu Rong's recent takeover, highlighting the company's instability during this transition and the negative discussions sparked by his public relationship. She feared these developments could lead the Gu Group to spiral out of control.
Mr. Gu, however, remained composed, asserting that as CEO, Gu Rong possessed the authority to steer the company as he saw fit, as long as it caused no harm, and he would not interfere. He subtly advised Bai Anrou to "know her place" and avoid "crossing the line," reminding her that he had previously halted her project related to Su's Martial Club because she had taken unnecessary risks.
He also suggested that "some things just won't happen no matter how hard you try." Mr. Gu then declined a meeting with Mr. Zhao from Wansheng Technology, directing Gu Rong to attend instead. Meanwhile, Gu Rong's grandpa sent a message to Su Jingjing, expressing his anticipation for her future performance at the company, noting her newfound popularity. Feeling unproductive, Su Jingjing actively sought work from Chief He, complaining that she was "bored of doing nothing."
Chief He hesitated, explaining he would face trouble if he assigned her tasks, as per Gu Rong's instructions. Su Jingjing persisted, even offering to be his personal assistant. Finally, Chief He relented and gave her a file to deliver to the Design Department. Upon arriving, Su Jingjing was asked if she was Gu Rong's girlfriend. Bai Anrou also entered the Design Department, immediately demanding the latest project files concerning Wansheng Technology, subtly threatening to involve the director if her request wasn't promptly met.
