The Secret of Love Episode 5 Recap
> The Secret of Love Recap
Su Yi received a worn-out copy of the 2014 "Ming Xiu" magazine from Ding Hang. He explained that finding it was incredibly difficult, as the incident it covered, involving Lee Group's investment and Mu Feng's suspected embezzlement, had stirred up significant controversy. The official conclusion about the car accident was quickly suppressed. Ding Hang questioned if Su Yi was trying to destroy evidence for Lee Group or if she was related to Mu Feng.
He then proposed a deal: he would help her find an intact magazine if she helped him complete the original report. Su Yi expressed concern about the danger involved, but Ding Hang, portraying himself as a principled journalist, declared he was not afraid of powerful entities like Lee Group. He handed her the magazine.
Su Yi then showed the incomplete magazine to Xia Xiyang, highlighting how "Ming Xiu" abruptly transitioned into an entertainment periodical right after the article about Lee Group and Mu Feng, suggesting the group's manipulation. Xia Xiyang speculated about Li Jiashang's involvement, but Su Yi dismissed the idea, stating Li Jiashang was too young seven years prior and likely uninvolved, pointing instead to Li Yaohui.
Despite Su Yi's initial intention to visit the Li Mu Research Institute, Xia Xiyang volunteered to go in her place, concerned about Su Yi's recent struggles with nightmares. Li Jiashang arrived at the pet hospital he subsidized, first checking in with Uncle Zhang about the received funds and the clinic's improved condition. He was surprised to find Su Yi volunteering there.
Su Yi explained her love for animals and her past experience in veterinary medicine, having volunteered in Japan after her return. Li Jiashang, however, seemed suspicious of her intentions. While bathing a dog named An An, Li Jiashang recounted its story as a stray that repeatedly returned to the clinic after being adopted, finding a sense of security there. He criticized people who abandon their pets as "heartless" and stressed the importance of lifelong commitment.
Su Yi challenged his view, arguing that sometimes separation is a necessary and rational decision, especially when considering an animal's long-term suffering. This led to a heated debate where Li Jiashang accused her of being cowardly for not wanting to "own" something forever, while Su Yi countered that people are independent and cannot be owned. They parted on strained terms. Afterward, Uncle Zhang asked Su Yi why she felt the need to conceal the truth from Li Jiashang.
Later, Xia Xiyang called Su Yi from the Li Mu Research Institute, describing it as a scene of destruction, "like after a war," and advised Su Yi that it was good she hadn't come. Su Yi, understanding the gravity, urged Xia Xiyang to return home immediately. Meanwhile, Li Jiashang summoned Zheng He to inquire about the investigation into Su Yi's background. Zheng He frustratingly suggested Li Jiashang ask Su Yi directly, leading Li Jiashang to walk away in annoyance.
During a meeting, Editor Sun announced that their company would handle the promotional campaign for Lee Group's new product, and Su Yi would be in charge of the project. Tao Feilin immediately objected, detailing her extensive experience with Lee Group's brands and arguing that Su Yi, being newly returned to China, was unsuitable to lead. Editor Sun, however, confirmed that the decision was made in conjunction with CEO Li Jiashang, and she asked Tao Feilin to assist Su Yi.
When Tao Feilin continued to voice her displeasure directly to Li Jiashang about Su Yi's appointment, Li Jiashang sharply questioned if she was doubting his decision. He then announced he would personally take Su Yi to the Lee Group Product Museum, concluding the meeting. Li Jiashang led Su Yi through the Lee Group Product Museum, explaining that while it showcased their products, most primary materials were kept in the file room.
Upon Su Yi's request to see them, he instructed his secretary to prepare an access card for her. He then highlighted a significant event seven years ago when an international journal first reported on Lee Group, launching its global recognition and subsequent collaborations. Li Jiashang probed Su Yi about her activities seven years prior, but she deflected by referring to her resume, citing personal privacy when he pressed further.
He then specifically asked if she knew of the Li Mu Research Institute. Su Yi feigned ignorance, and Li Jiashang dismissed it as merely a failed investment. When he offered to arrange a driver or personally drive her home, Su Yi declined, stating a friend was picking her up. After Su Yi left, Li Jiashang reflected that her calm demeanor suggested she was concealing something.
Upon returning to the company, Su Yi noticed a commotion at the entrance as Chu Mo, a director known for his lax work style, was enthusiastically distributing gifts to employees. Editor Sun quickly intervened, reprimanding the staff for loitering and scolding Chu Mo for disrupting the office with his carefree attitude. Chu Mo playfully retorted that life should be relaxed to avoid illness, prompting Editor Sun to complain about the heavy workload she and others bore.
After accepting a gift from Chu Mo, Editor Sun introduced Su Yi as the company's new creative director. Chu Mo, in turn, invited Su Yi to his office, claiming he had a gift for her there. In his office, Chu Mo complimented Su Yi on her new role before asking why someone with her impressive resume chose to return to China. Su Yi presented the magazine, stating her return was for her father.
Recognizing Mu Feng as Su Yi's father, Chu Mo immediately said she shouldn't have sought him out. Su Yi revealed her memory loss after the car accident, her recovery in Japan with a friend of her father's, and how receiving the magazine cover ignited her quest for truth. She directly asked Chu Mo if he had sent the magazine, which he denied.
Su Yi pressed him on why he didn't continue his reporting, insisting her father was innocent, and the interview records would prove it. Chu Mo countered that while the embezzled funds were never found, her father, as the project head, had authorized every expenditure. He cautioned her to stop investigating, warning her about the formidable power of her opponents. Overwhelmed and emotional, Su Yi fainted.
After she regained consciousness, surrounded by colleagues, Editor Sun suggested she go to the hospital instead of Lee Group. Su Yi, however, confirmed her commitment to her work, telling Zheng He over the phone that she would meet him at Lee Group. Chu Mo then asked Tao Feilin to accompany Su Yi to Lee Group for the afternoon, ensuring she wouldn't be alone.
Shortly after they left, Li Jiashang called Chu Mo, inquiring if he had confirmed Su Yi's intentions, to which Chu Mo replied he still needed more time for observation. At the Lee Group archives, Su Yi discovered several confidential files protected by passcodes, accessible only to Chairman Li and CEO Li Jiashang. Realizing she would need Li Jiashang's assistance, she later invited him to dinner.
While at the restaurant, a thought about a four-leaf clover knot on a gift he once received sparked a memory in Li Jiashang, connecting it to a girl named Mu Xiao and making him wonder if Su Yi was indeed Mu Xiao. He tried to dismiss the thought, reminding himself to confirm her identity before getting too close. Su Yi then received a phone call from Su Xiangtai, and excused herself to take it.
During her absence, Gao Mu, the Chairman of Lin Zi Group, approached Li Jiashang, subtly threatening his market share by claiming he had already secured all the suppliers Li Jiashang's director, Zheng He, had been trying to sign. When Su Yi returned, Gao Mu greeted her briefly and left. Li Jiashang then offered Su Yi shrimp, which she politely declined, stating she simply didn't like them. He commented on her close relationship with her non-biological younger brother.
Su Yi then directly inquired about the locked files in the archive, but Li Jiashang dismissed them as unnecessary, containing only proprietary product formulas which were Lee Group's core secrets and required strict protection. He rejected her request for access for her new product research. Their discussion was interrupted by the arrival of Su Xiangtai, who confronted Li Jiashang, accusing him of overworking and exploiting Su Yi.
Su Yi quickly intervened, urging Su Xiangtai to go home to prevent further commotion. Back at home, Su Yi tried to talk to a disgruntled Su Xiangtai, who had gone to his room. Seeing a birthday cake, she suddenly remembered it was his birthday. She repeatedly apologized to him through his closed door for forgetting. Later, Su Xiangtai emerged from his room, having eaten the longevity noodles Su Yi left for him, indicating his anger had subsided.
Su Yi, meanwhile, deliberated on whether to ask Li Jiashang for permission to access the confidential files. She concluded that since Lee Group's investment in the Li Mu Research Institute could tarnish their reputation, Li Jiashang would likely refuse, forcing her to rely on her own efforts to uncover the truth and prove her father's innocence. The next day, during lunch, Su Yi stayed behind, claiming she wasn't hungry. She was then caught by Li Jiashang attempting to access the locked files in the archive.
