The Trick of Life and Love Episode 19 Recap
> The Trick of Life and Love Recap
Li Qian was enraged by Gu Zhe's intention to sell Star & Quark, making Gu Zhe hesitant to approach her directly. He sought Yu Qingqing's help to mediate, but Yu Qingqing understood Li Qian's fiery temper and knew better than to push too hard. Nevertheless, she gently reminded Li Qian that Star & Quark was in debt and the current opportunity was ideal for securing new financing.
Li Qian clarified that she wasn't against financing in general, but vehemently opposed working with Lirong. Gu Zhe tried to explain, but Li Qian cut him off, stating she would only discuss business with him and was not in the mood for personal conversations. She dismissed him, suggesting he return home as he couldn't help. Before leaving, Gu Zhe suggested he could ask his family for assistance.
After he departed, Li Qian adamantly told Yu Qingqing that they absolutely could not let him raise money from his family. Yu Qingqing concurred, explaining that if Gu Zhe approached his family, they would likely sell Star & Quark and force him to take over the family business.
Li Qian emphasized the immense effort invested in Star & Quark by not only themselves but also the engineers and employees, declaring they could not lose the company and must continue its operations. She then instructed Yu Qingqing to expedite the search for suitable private equity investments. At his apartment, Ning Chengming and Lu Shao, along with Qi Wei, shared a meal.
Lu Shao complained about having sweet and sour spare ribs for three consecutive days, which Qi Wei explained was due to Ning Chengming's preference. The rice cooker was broken, forcing Qi Wei to prepare instant noodles, which both Ning Chengming and Lu Shao found unappetizing. Ordering takeout would take too long, so they endured the meal.
Lu Shao informed Ning Chengming that Ma Hao's overseas account was merely a decoy, with no activity on his domestic accounts, suggesting meticulous pre-planning to avoid detection. Ning Chengming was confident that the money couldn't vanish without a trace and Ma Hao would eventually expose himself. Regarding the company insider, Qi Wei found it unlikely that Cao Mei would collude with Ma Hao against Ning Chengming, noting her repeated inquiries about Ning Chengming's whereabouts during his disappearance.
However, Lu Shao suggested that even close relationships could turn hostile, implying Cao Mei might have changed her allegiance. Ning Chengming then instructed Lu Shao to investigate Cao Mei for any leads. He also tasked Lu Shao with obtaining background information on Gu Zhe's three family generations, promising two months of free rent if the task was completed within two days.
Qi Wei also requested a rent exemption, but Ning Chengming, dissatisfied with his cooking, told him not to prepare meals anymore. After Ning Chengming left, Lu Shao gossiped with Qi Wei, speculating that Ning Chengming's interest in Star & Quark's data was part of a plan to retaliate against Li Qian. He also observed that Ning Chengming was now openly expressing a full range of emotions, suggesting his emotional cognitive disorder was gone.
Cao Mei later arrived at Ning Chengming's apartment with homemade meatballs, his and his father's favorite. Ning Chengming allowed her inside but then sternly questioned her about her prior conversations with Ma Hao. Cao Mei admitted Ma Hao had expressed his affection for her and wanted to be with her, which she claimed to have rejected. She quickly tried to distance herself from Ma Hao's actions, asserting her ignorance and sorrow over what he had done to Ning Chengming.
Ning Chengming, however, was unmoved, stating he was not upset and that Ma Hao's skewed values and obstinacy inevitably led to his downfall. Changing the subject, Cao Mei reminisced about their happy past, particularly with her father, stating those were her most joyful times. She then expressed her profound fear and loneliness after her father's death and Ning Chengming's sudden disappearance, tearfully pleading that she couldn't lose him.
She apologized for her impatience and hoped they could reconcile once all company matters were resolved. Ning Chengming offered no response. Meanwhile, Ma Hao lived a life of constant anxiety in a rundown hideout, meticulously checking his money. Flashbacks revealed his past as a poor student mocked by classmates for his humble background and inability to surpass Ning Chengming academically despite his diligent efforts.
Only Cao Mei showed him kindness, noticing his distress and offering support, which sparked a different kind of feeling in him. In another memory, Ning Chengming chose Ma Hao as his project partner, even though Cao Mei and her father were surprised by the decision. Ning Chengming explained that he valued "steadfast stupidity" over "shameless cleverness," asserting Ma Hao was a truly responsible person.
Cao Mei tried to reassure Ma Hao, saying Ning Chengming's choice was a testament to his capabilities and would help him earn credits faster. Ma Hao, however, still harbored resentment towards Ning Chengming. Realizing he had no path to return, he resolved to continue his escape. Back at Star & Quark, Li Qian, Yu Qingqing, and Gu Zhe awaited the arrival of a potential acquiring party.
The investment intermediary informed them that the original party had backed out, but a "better one" had been found. This new party was remarkably knowledgeable about Star & Quark and had already lowered the valuation by thirty percent. Enraged, Li Qian cursed the "bastard" who was opportunistically cutting the price.
As she finished speaking, Ning Chengming entered the room, asking if she was referring to him, and pointedly stated that his surname was "Ning," not "Wang," playing on a pun with the curse word she used. He then casually discarded Li Qian's meticulously prepared proposal without even glancing at it, declaring they would "re-negotiate terms" and dismiss any "unrealistic demands."
Separately, Cao Mei met with Uncle Zhang and Uncle Lin, apologizing that Ning Chengming's sudden change in strategy might affect her previous commitments to them. They were impressed that Ning Chengming had managed to secure Lirong's involvement, acknowledging his formidable skills. They discussed a rumor that Li Jingfan's daughter, Li Qian, worked at Star & Quark, speculating that acquiring Star & Quark and gaining Li Qian's favor could lead to significant backing from Lirong.
Cao Mei quickly dismissed such notions, insisting that Ning Chengming was always dedicated and would not consider such ulterior motives. Back in the meeting room, Li Qian observed her brother, Li Jun, accompanying Ning Chengming. She deduced that Ning Chengming had successfully persuaded Lirong to financially support Guanding's acquisition of Star & Quark. During the formal negotiation, Li Qian challenged Ning Chengming on the low valuation and proposed personnel adjustments.
Ning Chengming, knowing her position as "Secretary to the President," sarcastically praised Star & Quark for having such a capable secretary, implying that the president must be "outstanding." Li Qian retorted, sarcastically commending Ning Chengming for "fooling Lirong" to "squeeze and acquire Star & Quark" while Guanding was in a difficult situation, calling him "outstanding."
The discussion then shifted to competition clauses and a five-year lockup period, with Ning Chengming asserting that Guanding would not compromise on retaining "talents like Miss Li." Li Jun intervened, cautioning Ning Chengming about his communication style. Ning Chengming agreed to discuss the specifics later and suggested a brief break. During the break, Li Jun approached Li Qian to check on her and suggested having Gu Zhe speak with Li Jingfan, but she rejected the idea.
Li Qian acknowledged that, despite her personal objections, the deal was financially sound, and Star & Quark could not afford to wait for other partners. Yu Qingqing noted Ning Chengming's obvious targeting of Li Qian, which Li Qian brushed off by recalling his difficult personality during their college days. Li Qian then decided to step out for fresh air, and Li Jun followed her.
Later, Ning Chengming found Li Qian alone and directly addressed her, declaring his intention to settle their "old accounts" and stating that the resolution of their past was entirely up to him, not her.
