Cute Bodyguard Episode 23 Recap
> Cute Bodyguard Recap
Upon returning home, Su Jingjing and Gu Rong playfully debated whose grandpa was truly theirs, with Su Jingjing pointing out Gu Rong’s beaming smile and their shared "bad temper" as proof of their familial connection. Gu Rong, however, insisted he was not as unreasonable as his grandfather. Su Jingjing then admired the fragrant peach crisp her grandpa had bought, offering some to Gu Rong who initially declined but was caught sniffing it secretly.
Their Senior, Han Ran, then arrived, bringing Master's favorite dishes that he had prepared for Su Jingjing. Su Jingjing eagerly shared the food, lamenting that the only downside of moving out was not being able to enjoy her father's cooking. Han Ran encouraged them to visit the Martial Club often, mentioning that Master and Mistress missed them daily.
Su Jingjing promised to visit once the busy period in the design department was over, suddenly remembering she had forgotten to submit a design draft and rushing off to do so. While Su Jingjing was away, Han Ran pulled Gu Rong aside, revealing that he had been drinking with Du Yuchuan recently and believed Du Yuchuan had genuinely developed feelings for Su Jingjing.
Han Ran even recounted Du Yuchuan's lament about meeting Su Jingjing too late, feeling that Gu Rong had "beaten him to it." Gu Rong vehemently dismissed the idea, stating Du Yuchuan had no chance. Han Ran observed that Su Jingjing herself seemed unaware of Du Yuchuan's affections.
Gu Rong expressed his reluctance to discuss the matter with Su Jingjing, as their last conversation about it had been unpleasant, and he didn't want her to perceive him as an unreasonable or overly jealous person. Han Ran lightheartedly teased Gu Rong, suggesting he had "grown up in a pool of jealousy" before excusing himself to leave the couple alone.
Later, as Su Jingjing worked on her designs, Gu Rong sat before her and earnestly asked if she felt tired being his girlfriend, and if she would leave him should someone else pursue her. Su Jingjing was surprised by his unusual questions, joking about him having a fever, and assured him she would never leave. Gu Rong playfully reminded her of her promise.
Though Su Jingjing found his behavior out of character, Gu Rong soon offered constructive criticism and creative inspiration for her design, suggesting the chubby doll could look adorable in a crop top. Days before the anniversary celebration, Gu Rong reviewed the design drafts submitted by the department, including Su Jingjing's, and sternly warned everyone against any leaks, threatening to dismiss the entire design department if any information got out.
He specifically instructed that Su Jingjing should not be informed about this warning. Du Yuchuan, visibly disturbed by Gu Rong's words, soon received a message from Mr. Huang, asking if he had "got what I need." Du Yuchuan was then seen listening to a recording of Gu Rong's earlier warning. He hesitated but was ultimately swayed by thoughts of how others, like Bai Anrou, had been discarded by Gu Group despite their contributions, leading him to send the recording.
At the anniversary press conference, reporters barraged Gu Rong with pointed questions about alleged commercial disputes and an unauthorized blind box design. Gu Rong dismissed all claims as "purely rumors." Then, Lin Yaozhong arrived for the opening ceremony, announcing his collaboration with Gu Group and that he and Su Jingjing had jointly designed a limited edition secret figure, calling it a groundbreaking creation, which was met with enthusiastic applause. During this, Du Yuchuan hastily departed.
Gu Rong followed and confronted him in the underground parking lot, telling him to stop pretending. Gu Rong revealed he had deliberately made Du Yuchuan believe the collaboration with Lin Yaozhong had fallen through, specifically to see what Du Yuchuan intended to do. Gu Rong explained that he had suspected Du Yuchuan ever since Du Yuchuan tried to lead them to suspect Zhang Ting for the design leak.
Flashbacks showed Gu Rong's prior conversations with Lin Yaozhong, where he detailed his plan to expose the mole by making them believe the deal was off. Su Jingjing, hidden nearby, overheard the entire confrontation. Gu Rong expressed his profound disappointment in Du Yuchuan, who he once admired as a talented senior and cherished as a friend.
Du Yuchuan confessed his deep-seated resentment, explaining that despite his efforts, he felt unappreciated at Gu Group until Mr. Huang of Dimon offered him a chance to realize his dreams by funding his rejected designs and offering to establish a studio. Seeing no other option, Du Yuchuan agreed to testify against Mr. Huang and Dimon as atonement for his actions.
Later, Zhang Ting returned to the company, and she and Su Jingjing reconciled, agreeing to move past the incident and work together to improve the design department. Su Jingjing then received a call informing her that Grandpa was unwell and rushed to his side. Holding his hand, she tearfully listened as Grandpa, appearing weak, praised their combined efforts in overcoming the company crisis and expressed his trust in leaving the group in their hands.
He then stated his only remaining wish was to hold a great-grandchild. Su Jingjing, emotional, immediately promised to marry soon. However, while drinking water, Grandpa's "illness" was exposed as a trick, with starch on his mouth. Despite being caught, Grandpa continued to pressure them for marriage, playfully suggesting it would still take at least a year for him to hold a great-grandchild even if they married quickly. Gu Rong, amused, joined in, reminding Su Jingjing of her promise.
Subsequently, Gu Rong and Su Jingjing visited the Martial Club, where they were warmly welcomed by the neighbors and friends. Su Jingjing's parents had prepared a lavish feast. During dinner, Gu Rong proposed marriage to Su Jingjing's parents. Su Jingjing's parents initially feigned shock and anger, scolding Gu Rong for not discussing such a significant matter with them first, making both Su Jingjing and Gu Rong nervous. However, they quickly revealed their playful act, expressing their full approval and delight for the couple. Everyone celebrated, deciding to have a drink together.
