The Secret of Love Episode 26 Recap
> The Secret of Love Recap
Li Jiashang presented a financial document to his grandfather, Li Yaohui, revealing that Su Yi had provided the information. Li Yaohui was surprised by the swiftness of the delivery. The document exposed Lin Zi's new product strategy as a suicidal move, with production costs far outweighing potential profits, clearly designed to undermine the Lee Group's high-end market. Li Jiashang proposed to dilute his shares and place them into the Lee Group's option pool.
However, Li Yaohui was enraged, accusing Li Jiashang of retreating from a minor difficulty and calling him a fool, stating this was the most disappointed he had ever been and warning that such an action could lead to the loss of Lee Group. Li Jiashang explained his intricate strategy: Gao Mu was deliberately using the new product to inflate Lin Zi's stock price to acquire Lee Group shares, even though Lin Zi's loans were already unsustainable.
Li Jiashang's aim was to force Gao Mu into bankruptcy and liquidation, confident that Gao Mu would then be compelled to buy back his diluted shares at a higher price. He then directly confronted Li Yaohui, asserting his independence by stating he was not like his father, who always tried to please him, and firmly declared that Gao Mu had never been an uncle to him.
Li Yaohui, though outwardly dismissive, privately conceded that Li Jiashang was finally "up to the mark." Later, Su Yi encouraged Li Jiashang to try a different approach with his grandfather, believing Li Yaohui could also change. Inspired by Su Xiangtai's scientific principle that everything can undergo qualitative change under the right conditions, Su Yi resolved to finally open a mysterious box she had long avoided.
Li Jiashang took Su Xiangtai to a jewelry store to select a diamond ring for Su Yi. After they chose a customized design, Su Xiangtai playfully demanded a lavish meal. Li Jiashang, in turn, insisted that Su Xiangtai first address him as "brother-in-law." Su Xiangtai reluctantly conceded, calling him "brother-in-law," much to Li Jiashang's delight. Li Jiashang then enthusiastically promised to treat him to an extravagant meal at a newly opened French restaurant.
Meanwhile, Su Yi confided in Xia Xiyang and Luo Manni about Li Jiashang buying her a ring. Xia Xiyang asked if this was Su Yi's motivation for wanting to win over Li Yaohui. Su Yi admitted that securing Li Yaohui's approval would bring her peace of mind, otherwise, he would constantly cast a disapproving shadow. Xia Xiyang then accidentally revealed her own pregnancy, shifting Luo Manni's attention to her marriage plans.
Su Yi then clarified her strategy for Li Yaohui: she intended to make him abandon all other potential candidates for his grandson's spouse. Luo Manni introduced Su Xiangtai to Li Yaohui as her boyfriend, which greatly displeased the elder. Luo Manni tried to pacify him, explaining that Li Jiashang had kept her busy, but Li Yaohui remained unimpressed, advising her to be more discerning about people.
Luo Manni passionately defended Su Xiangtai, describing him as responsible, considerate, honest, innocent, and passionate. Su Xiangtai, though somewhat inarticulate, promised to always treat Luo Manni well. Luo Manni further highlighted his academic achievements, mentioning his ongoing doctoral application and his distinguished mentor. She also noted that his parents resided in Japan, which would prevent any in-law conflicts, and that she got along well with his older sister.
Li Yaohui, still unconvinced, sarcastically questioned if that was all, but Su Xiangtai firmly declared his unwavering commitment to Luo Manni. At that moment, Su Xiangtai's phone rang, and Li Yaohui noticed "Su Yi" on the caller ID, realizing she was Su Xiangtai's sister. He reacted with a sarcastic chuckle, finding the family connections increasingly tangled. Li Yaohui summoned Li Jiashang, commenting on the confusing web of relationships now that Luo Manni might become Su Yi's sister-in-law.
Li Jiashang, holding his grandfather's hand, assured him that both he and Luo Manni would treat him well. Li Yaohui, softening slightly, told Li Jiashang to manage the company as he saw fit, as he was retired, but warned him not to seek his help for any difficulties he couldn't handle himself, emphasizing the need for him to develop full self-reliance. Li Jiashang then guided Li Yaohui to dinner, mentioning that a guest was expected.
As anticipated, Su Yi entered, having been invited by Li Jiashang. Li Yaohui, seeing her, immediately tried to leave, claiming he had no appetite. However, Su Yi bravely called out "Grandpa!" and, despite Li Jiashang's earlier advice to take things slowly, directly confronted Li Yaohui. She apologized but then passionately articulated the immense difficulties she and Li Jiashang had overcome to be together.
She asserted that her love and protective devotion for Li Jiashang were no less than his own, boldly challenging him by suggesting that by not accepting the choice of the successor he personally trained, he would implicitly be denying his own judgment. Li Yaohui paused, then, with a playful remark about suddenly feeling hungry and asking about "stinky tofu," agreed to stay and join them for dinner, his demeanor visibly changed.
After Li Jiashang and Su Yi departed, Li Yaohui's secretary presented him with Lin Zi's financial statement for the previous month. Reading the report, Li Yaohui became furious and immediately placed a call to Gao Mu, delivering a stern warning that he had reached his limit and not to overstep. With Li Jiashang's supportive presence, Su Yi finally found the courage to open the mysterious box.
Inside, she discovered old photographs of herself with her parents and a black leather diary titled "Diary of Mu Feng." Reading entries that described her family's daily life, her past illness, and a traumatic incident where her necklace was taken by a "bad guy," deeply saddened her. She then listened to a recording left by her father, in which he urgently warned "Brother Mu" to leave because someone was chasing him.
Su Yi realized that "Brother Mu" was her, leading her to the heartbreaking conclusion that Gao Mu had lied about being her father's friend, and in fact, she suspected he was involved in her father's death. Su Yi later visited Zheng He at the hospital, bringing him sunflowers and wishing him a bright future. To her surprise, Gao Mu was also present.
Gao Mu produced a pocket watch containing a photograph of Su Yi's mother, prompting Su Yi to remark sarcastically that he also harbored an unforgettable figure. Gao Mu then offered Zheng He a bottle of Constantine Whiskey, discussing the emperor's history, to which Su Yi pointedly responded, "Illegitimate children are indeed different." When Zheng He declined the sunflowers, Su Yi re-gifted them to Gao Mu, adding that another meaning of sunflowers is "loyalty," a thinly veiled insinuation.
Gao Mu remained impassive, and Su Yi departed. Later, Li Jiashang deduced that Gao Mu had met with Zheng He. That evening, Li Jiashang joined Zheng He at a bar. Zheng He ordered him ginger water, but Li Jiashang reached for a lighter, which Zheng He quickly prevented. Li Jiashang then spoke of how much Su Yi had changed him and how important she was in his life.
Zheng He, feeling that his presence was superfluous, commented that if this was the reason for Li Jiashang's visit, it was redundant. Li Jiashang abruptly left without a word, leaving Zheng He displeased. Back home, Su Yi noticed Li Jiashang acting "mysterious" after her shower. He thanked her for reaching out to Li Yaohui on his behalf. Su Yi downplayed it, calling it "rather fun," and suggested they visit Li Yaohui more often as he was getting old.
The next morning, Su Yi awoke to find Li Jiashang dressed in a suit, declaring it a "very significant day." He then presented her with a beautiful diamond ring, mentioning that Su Xiangtai had given him many suggestions. Su Yi was deeply moved but playfully chastised him for needing others' opinions on such a personal gift.
They shared a tender, playful moment as he pretended to take the ring back, then he affectionately noted her "whiskers" and, as a reward for the day, asked for her help.
