Love Together (Trial Marriage) Episode 18 Recap
> Love Together (Trial Marriage) Recap
Six months have passed since Mu Qiuhui disappeared from the hospital, and Gu Lingse has also vanished without a trace, leaving Ye Chengshu searching for them without success. During this time, Dezhuang Group has been jointly managed by Jiang Han and Ye Chengshu, leading to frequent clashes between them, particularly during board meetings. Ye Chengshu expressed keen interest in an old city renovation project in Yushan Street, a typical "urban village" whose existence conflicted with the city's development plans.
To secure the bid for this project, the company first needed to obtain signed consent forms from the Yushan Street residents. Wanting to take the initiative, Ye Chengshu made a pledge to the board, vowing to resign if he failed to secure the project. At a board meeting to discuss the project, Gu Lingse made a surprise appearance, negotiating on behalf of the Yushan Street residents.
She pointed out the street's strategic location near a new international airport, a planned Maglev station, and a Sub-CBD, predicting that Yushan Street would become the most competitive spot within five years. Consequently, she demanded a compensation package ten times the standard amount. A company representative reacted with disdain, calling her presumptuous. Jiang Han opined that the residents were merely after money and that simply paying them would suffice, though he noted ten times the compensation was excessive.
Ye Chengshu, however, reiterated his commitment, asking about the bidding deadline and stating his intention to personally inspect Yushan Street to secure the project. In a sarcastic tone, Jiang Han reminded Ye Chengshu of the serious consequences should he fail, inquiring about the company's policy for employees who cause significant damage, implying termination. Meanwhile, Ming Rixin received a call from her brother, who relayed their parents' wish for her to return home permanently to take over their overseas business.
Ming Rixin then directly asked Quan Zimo if he wanted her to stay. Quan Zimo, however, avoided giving a direct answer, stating that he did not want to interfere with her personal decisions, which left her feeling unheard and frustrated. Ye Chengshu continued his work, ignoring concerns from his secretary, who noticed him drinking coffee despite a recent stomachache.
He reviewed information on the Yushan Street project and discussed his plan for a "Shi Zi Shui and Mulin County" collaboration, aiming for a positive development cycle. He then instructed his secretary to deliver a new proposal to Jiang Han. Ye Chengshu’s secretary voiced her worries about the high-risk Yushan Street project, noting that Jiang Han had rejected similar proposals multiple times.
Ye Chengshu explained that he needed "extra force" and saw Su Nian, a director from Mulin County who currently worked with Jiang Han, as a good candidate to help. He remained firm in his decision to personally inspect Yushan Street, preferring to take a bold risk to regain his influence within the company rather than merely following orders.
He acknowledged the challenges, such as the large elderly population and outsiders wary of developers, but assured his secretary he had a plan. Before heading to Yushan Street, Ye Chengshu visited Jiang Wenbin in the hospital. He confided in the unconscious Jiang Wenbin, informing him about the new project that would require him to travel, meaning fewer visits.
Ye Chengshu expressed his deep sadness over how things had changed, longing for the days when Jiang Wenbin was healthy, Gu Lingse was still around, and Jiang Han had not strayed. He blamed himself, wishing he had been mature enough to handle company affairs, believing it might have prevented the current misfortunes. Feeling alone and weary, he admitted his struggles. Concurrently, Director Su Nian presented Ye Chengshu's "Shi Zi Shui Project" plan to Jiang Han, who immediately dismissed it.
He then abruptly fired his assistant, declared "I'm the boss," and expressed his intent to personally develop Mulin County, instructing Su Nian to assist him and provide all information about Yushan Street. Later, Gu Peiya visited Jiang Han at work, bringing him his favorite rib soup and expressing concern about his long hours. Jiang Han thanked her for taking care of him and his mother, and she left him a heartfelt note wishing him a happy day.
Meanwhile, in Yushan Street, Mu Qiuhui, whose memory had regressed to her eighteen-year-old self, lived a peaceful life with Gu Lingse and Bei Chen. She affectionately called Bei Chen "Uncle Zhao" and eagerly awaited the return of "Brother Zhao," unaware that Bei Chen "was" Brother Zhao. Though saddened that she didn't recognize him, Bei Chen was content to be "Uncle Zhao" as long as she was happy. Ye Chengshu, disguised, arrived in Yushan Street for his inspection.
The street's director, Meng Xiangqian, noticed Ye Chengshu's suspicious behavior and questioned him. Ye Chengshu feigned being there to rent a place, but Meng Xiangqian saw through the lie, suspecting him of being a developer's representative, and tried to engage him in a private discussion. Soon, a group of real estate agents arrived, displaying appealing blueprints for a "New Yushan Street" and promising residents new homes without demolition, along with resettlement fees.
Bei Chen tried to intervene, calling the agent a "fraud," but the residents mistook him for a rival company's shill. Ye Chengshu, witnessing the scene, stepped forward. He expertly exposed the sand samples as low-quality, washed-out construction waste with severe safety hazards. He then pointed out the glaring inconsistencies in their generic blueprint, highlighting how it failed to account for Yushan Street's unique funnel shape. Realizing they were con artists, the residents turned on the agents.
The infuriated head agent attempted to strike Ye Chengshu, who cleverly used the moment to embrace Gu Lingse, who had appeared in the crowd. Bei Chen immediately intervened to fend off the agent's associates, while Gu Lingse seemed momentarily intrigued by Ye Chengshu's sudden reappearance.
