The Brightest Star in the Sky Episode 20 Recap
> The Brightest Star in the Sky Recap
Following her promotion, Zhenzhen moves into her new office, where she is congratulated by Director Liu. He reminds her to stay humble, revealing that Ma Lina personally vouched for her. Soon after, Ma Lina meets with Zhenzhen, confirming that Director Chen intends to cultivate her talent.
Ma Lina announces that she, Zhenzhen, and Yuhong will now form a team to manage Zheng Boxu, setting a monumental goal to make him generate an annual value of one billion for the company, leaving Zhenzhen stunned by the ambitious target. Meanwhile, Zheng Boxu, recuperating in the hospital, notices Zhenzhen’s absence. Zhenzhen seeks advice from Mr. Gu, who serves her his infamous "secret recipe" dish, ironically named "The Life of a Manager."
He warns her that being a manager is vastly different from being an assistant, requiring intelligence and flexibility to navigate the many challenges ahead. Despite the daunting prospects, Zhenzhen expresses her determination. Embracing her new responsibilities, she begins studying industry documents, and with Xia Yuan's help, gets a professional makeover to suit her new role. Concurrently, Blossom Company faces severe financial difficulties, with unmotivated employees and no funds for wages.
The head of the company, Yang Jian, desperately seeks new investments. Xia Yuan is overwhelmed managing the company's finances and fears its impending collapse. Over drinks, Yang Jian confides in Yu Zirui that their funding has ceased. Yu Zirui suggests a collaboration with Star Entertainment, but Yang Jian vehemently rejects it, seeing it as an acquisition that would compromise his core philosophy of creating soulful, high-quality music distinct from mainstream pop.
He believes merging would mean abandoning the very dream he fought to build. Hearing about Blossom's troubles from Xia Yuan, Zhenzhen meets with Yu Zirui to ask about his future. Yu Zirui admits the company is collapsing and that joining Star Entertainment seems like the only logical option, though he is reluctant to leave the creative freedom he cherishes at Blossom. Believing he is only one opportunity away from success, he tentatively asks Zhenzhen if she would wait for him.
Their conversation is cut short by a call from Zheng Boxu, and Zhenzhen rushes back to the hospital for his physical therapy. Upon arrival, Zhenzhen sees Zheng Boxu charismatically interacting with a fan while preparing for his therapy. Later, Ma Lina summons Zhenzhen to discuss his career plan. Zhenzhen proposes a strategy focused on quality over quantity—top-tier variety shows and selective film roles to enhance his artistic credibility. Ma Lina dismisses her ideas, insisting the company's profit is paramount.
She orders Zhenzhen to create a new plan that maximizes Zheng Boxu's revenue, regardless of his personal or artistic development. Dejected, Zhenzhen confides in Yuhong, who explains that neither she nor Ma Lina is wrong; they simply have different priorities based on their roles. Yuhong advises Zhenzhen to learn how to protect herself, compromise without abandoning her principles, and navigate the "gray areas" of her new position. This advice gives Zhenzhen a new perspective.
Still trying to save his company, Yang Jian proposes a "horizontal cooperation" to Yu Zirui, suggesting they merge with other small, like-minded companies to "withstand the cold winter." Yu Zirui is skeptical, arguing that combining several failing businesses would only lead to a faster collective demise. Desperate, Yang Jian then suggests selling Yu Zirui's song demos for quick cash.
Yu Zirui refuses, convinced his best work would be wasted by a small company and that the money would only be a temporary fix. He believes his songs need a major platform to achieve their true potential. Later, Yu Zirui recounts this blunt conversation to Zhenzhen. She agrees that Yang Jian's plan is unreliable, concluding that both artists and their companies must partner with a major entity like Star Entertainment to truly succeed. The episode ends with Zheng Boxu continuing his rehabilitation, learning to walk without a crutch as Zhenzhen supports him.
