The Brightest Star in the Sky Episode 40 Recap
> The Brightest Star in the Sky Recap
While having dinner with friends, Wu Gong discussed his role as a judge for the upcoming Global Idol Singer Contest hosted by Star Entertainment. Despite a past unpleasant experience with Star Entertainment, he accepted the invitation due to the contest's high-level nature, which would gather talented singers worldwide. He stressed the importance of strict judging to ensure Chinese candidates would be competitive on the global stage.
During the conversation, he heard a compelling song, which Zhenzhen revealed was by Zheng Baixu. Wu Gong vehemently expressed his disbelief. Convinced of Zheng Baixu's talent, Zhenzhen made a bet with Wu Gong: if she could prove Baixu's ability, Wu Gong would grant him a spot in the contest, and Wu Gong agreed. Zhenzhen then brought Wu Gong to Grandpa Gu’s place, where Zheng Baixu was under strict vocal training, forbidden from speaking.
Zheng Baixu voiced his frustration, mentioning he was already banned from the contest by Chen Tianhao. Wu Gong, however, was drawn to a poster of "Jeff" and discovered that Jeff was actually Grandpa Gu. Wu Gong shared his deep admiration for Jeff, explaining that 25 years ago, Jeff was a groundbreaking artist who introduced hip-hop to China and profoundly influenced Wu Gong’s own decision to pursue music, calling him his "guide in music" and "mentor for my soul."
He recounted how Jeff abandoned his prestigious position in the music industry to stay true to his musical style but disappeared during a contest in the U. S. amid rumors of a drug-dealing case, which abruptly ended his career. Convinced of Zheng Baixu's potential after learning of Jeff's mentorship, Wu Gong went to Star Entertainment.
He advised Chen Tianhao to unfreeze Zheng Baixu's contract and allow him to compete, citing an impressive original song by Baixu that Jeff had confirmed as authentic. Skeptical, Chen Tianhao questioned Baixu's songwriting ability. Wu Gong then revealed that Baixu's new teacher was Jeff, the renowned musician who was also Chen Tianhao's former mentor. Du Wanqing, passing by, overheard this revelation. She immediately decided to visit her long-lost mentor, whom she had been searching for for decades to apologize.
Despite Chen Tianhao's attempts to stop her, Du Wanqing accused him of framing their teacher. Chen Tianhao defensively argued his sacrifices were for the company and their family, but Du Wanqing was undeterred. Du Wanqing found Grandpa Gu and tearfully apologized. She revealed that she had forced Chen Tianhao to confess that he had deliberately lost a contest for money and then framed Grandpa Gu by reporting him for hiding drugs, which led to the end of his music career.
Grandpa Gu showed no resentment, stating it had been many years. He enthusiastically recommended Zheng Baixu, explaining that he had worked to strip away Baixu's bad habits to unearth his raw talent. Grandpa Gu noted Baixu's suitability for rap and the emotional depth of his music, which reminded him of the song "Pure White" that Chen Tianhao had once written for Du Wanqing. He concluded that Baixu was likely in love, because "Music never lies."
Upon returning to Star Entertainment, Du Wanqing convened a high-level meeting and demanded they unfreeze Zheng Baixu's contract, threatening to use her authority to terminate it otherwise. Faced with overwhelming support for her from other directors, Chen Tianhao was forced to agree. Later, he sought out Grandpa Gu to apologize and offer repayment. Grandpa Gu refused any deals, asserting that he had lost nothing because "music is on my side."
He handed Chen Tianhao the sheet music for "Pure White," implying that Chen, despite his wealth, had lost far more valuable things. Zhenzhen accompanied Zheng Baixu to a follow-up hospital appointment, where the doctor confirmed his vocal nodules were "almost gone." Overjoyed, Zheng Baixu sincerely thanked Zhenzhen for her unwavering companionship during his "darkest and hardest time." As they left, Zhenzhen discovered that Zheng Baixu had sold his car.
Unfazed, she happily rode on the back of his bicycle, playfully asking him to buy her a watermelon as thanks. Returning to Grandpa Gu's restaurant, they found a "Transfer" sign at the entrance. Inside, they discovered a farewell letter. Grandpa Gu explained that his music career had ended years ago, but the music in his heart never stopped.
He saw a reflection of his younger self in Zheng Baixu, who was pursuing the kind of music he had wanted to make but couldn't. This, not just Zhenzhen's plea, motivated him to teach Baixu. As a final gift, he revealed he had asked his friend Justin, a renowned artist in the U. S. , to be Baixu's referee, securing him direct entry into the international contest. He signed the letter, "Your friend, Jeff."
Puzzled by Grandpa Gu's departure, Zheng Baixu expressed regret for not spending more time with him. They decided their priority was to find Justin in Cancun. Zhenzhen recalled that Justin had moved to a beach town to care for the family of a deceased friend who was also a musician. Planning to go there first, they took a taxi. The driver, Carlos, mistook them for a honeymooning couple, a suggestion that amused Zheng Baixu.
