Cute Bodyguard Episode 9 Recap
> Cute Bodyguard Recap
Jingjing’s mother, having found a lipstick stain on Gu Rong’s shirt while doing laundry, immediately scolds Jingjing for drinking so excessively. She laments how complex society is and expresses immense gratitude to Gu Rong for ensuring Jingjing’s safety. Sensing the awkwardness, Gu Rong quickly changes the subject, takes the shirt, and excuses himself and Jingjing by saying they have something to discuss privately.
Before they go upstairs, Jingjing's mother sternly warns her that this is the first and last time she should ever get so drunk, calling it a matter of principle. Jingjing promises to remember. Once in Gu Rong’s room, he presses her about the previous night. Jingjing only recalls him helping her at the banquet and asks him to forget anything else he said. Gu Rong insists that they had both made their feelings clear, leaving Jingjing confused.
He then points to the lipstick mark on his shirt. Jingjing reluctantly admits the shade matches hers but claims to have no memory of how it got there. Gu Rong pushes further, asking why she slept in his closet. As Jingjing struggles to remember, a flashback reveals her drunkenly calling Gu Rong a "blind box" and "sleeping beauty" before trying to kiss him. Gu Rong confirms, "You kissed me." Overwhelmed with embarrassment, Jingjing flees the room.
Downstairs, the neighbors are already aware of Jingjing’s drunken escapade, teasing her about it and confirming that Gu Rong had carried her home. Just then, Ai Mi calls to announce a delivery of blind boxes. It turns out to be an investment from Gu Rong, who has partnered with Ai Mi's shop to use his residence as a distribution point.
When Jingjing worries about the lack of space, Ai Mi reveals her solution: a vending machine for immediate sales, with the rest stored in her warehouse. After Ai Mi leaves, Gu Rong formally declares his intention to pursue Jingjing, stating that his feelings are genuine. Skeptical, Jingjing dismisses it as a prank or an act of pity, accusing him of pursuing her only because he has no other options. She firmly states she won't date a "difficult rich guy."
Gu Rong denies her cynical theories and points out her hypocrisy in denying their kiss, leaving Jingjing flustered and in need of space to clear her head. Later, Jingjing confides in Ai Mi that her long-standing affection for Senior Han Ran might not be true love and that she needs to clarify things with him. To cheer her up, Ai Mi and Xie Te arrive with her favorite comfort foods: river snail rice noodles, pig's feet, and beer.
Jingjing refuses the beer, mentioning her recent "trouble," and whispers to Ai Mi that she drunkenly kissed Gu Rong and he confessed. A shocked Ai Mi demands answers, and Xie Te confirms Gu Rong is serious about his pursuit. This angers Ai Mi, who scolds Xie Te for prioritizing his boss's secret over their relationship.
Jingjing remains unconvinced of Gu Rong’s sincerity, but Xie Te defends him, detailing his extensive efforts to woo her—from his thoughtfulness toward her parents and planning dates to a fight club and a meteor shower viewing, to the necklace she received, which he confirms was always meant for her. Ai Mi then reveals she bought the necklace from Gu Rong so Jingjing wouldn't have to return it.
The following week, while trying to avoid Gu Rong, Jingjing runs right into him outside. He playfully calls her out for hiding and for rushing out in her pajamas without her phone. They play a game of truth or dare, during which Gu Rong reveals that Jingjing is his first love. As they walk, neighbors comment on how well-matched they look.
Gu Rong then informs Jingjing that Han Ran has called, asking her to bring the remaining files to his studio and inviting Gu Rong along. Jingjing resists, wanting her private space, but Gu Rong insists that her business is now his. As they wait for the elevator, Gu Rong spots his grandfather, yanks Jingjing toward the stairs to hide, but is recognized anyway.
At Han Ran's studio, which is in disarray as he prepares to move, Jingjing finally speaks candidly with him. She confesses she doesn't have romantic feelings for him, explaining she had pretended to be someone she's not out of fear of losing their connection and becoming just another fan. Understanding, Han Ran reassures her that she is an excellent person and that he will always see her as a beloved sister.
Jingjing then admits that Gu Rong wrote all the reports. Han Ran reveals he had suspected as much from the first batch, noting the novel ideas were beyond her usual scope. Gu Rong, who had been trying to eavesdrop, enters pretending to get coffee. When questioned, he casually explains he found the information on "Vascoda," an interdisciplinary website, and proceeds to elaborate on a specific author, impressing Han Ran with his depth of knowledge.
As they leave, Gu Rong spots Chief He and his team searching the floor under "the chairman's" orders and quickly pulls Jingjing into a stairwell. In the cramped space, he teases her, reminiscing about finding her in his closet, describing her blushing face and their proximity. Flustered, Jingjing urges him to focus on their escape. Their plan to call Xie Te for help fails as his phone is off.
They nearly run into Chief He again but are saved when he is distracted by an angry customer complaining about her wedding photos. Gu Rong suggests he create a diversion while Jingjing escapes, but she refuses, insisting they face the situation together.
