Where the Lost Ones Go Episode 15 Recap
> Where the Lost Ones Go Recap
Having reconciled with Liu Xinran, Zhang Daniao joined Xiang Zeyi on his morning run, noting Xiang Zeyi's energetic state. Zhang Daniao began by inquiring about Xiang Zeyi's current working relationship with Ye Zi, quickly apologizing for bringing it up. However, he stressed that the truth about the past would inevitably come out, as "paper can't hold fire for long," and trying to suppress it would only cause more heartache.
He believed Xiang Zeyi was his own biggest obstacle, the only one unable to let go of the past. Xiang Zeyi acknowledged Zhang Daniao might be right but insisted it was not yet the time. Drawing from his own experience with Liu Xinran, Zhang Daniao explained that all women truly desire is someone to rely on, someone they can trust if a man is brave enough to make a decision.
He urged Xiang Zeyi to face his past, asking where the brave Xiang Zeyi, who once dared to love and hate without caring for others' opinions, had gone. Xiang Zeyi responded thoughtfully, observing that "the further you go, the longer your shadow gets," and questioned if one could ever truly leave their own shadow behind. Meanwhile, Shao's company's anniversary party invitation had arrived at Ye Zi’s company.
Zhu Xuan asked Ye Zi if she would be attending and who her plus-one would be. Ye Zi replied, "Xiang Zeyi." Zhu Xuan was astonished, unable to comprehend how the two could be interacting this way. Her friends then discussed "Xiang Hui" (Xiang Zeyi's current identity), noting that he was now the animation director at Shao's company, having successfully operated several major programs and earned a strong reputation in the field.
They referred to him as "our big Shige," speculating that he must have studied abroad during his years of absence to return as an animation legend. Later, Xiang Zeyi, dressed in a black suit, arrived to pick up Ye Zi for the party, who was also wearing an elegant black long dress. The two looked like a match made in heaven.
At the party, Mr. Shao, after playfully commenting on what a great couple Xiang Hui and Ye Zi made, informed Ye Zi that he needed to "borrow" Xiang Hui because many attendees were curious to meet their distinguished "Director Xiang." He asked Ye Zi if she would be alright on her own, and she assured him she would be. Xiang Hui was then introduced to several important clients, including Mr. Xing, with whom he shared toasts, discussing future programs.
Mr. Xing even joked about trying to poach the young and talented Xiang Hui from Mr. Shao's company. Feeling uncomfortable amidst the crowds and networking, Xiang Zeyi eventually slipped away to the garden for fresh air. Ye Zi followed him with a drink, finding him outside. She commented on his discomfort inside, and he confirmed that "too many people makes me uncomfortable."
Ye Zi admitted that her first cocktail party had left her too nervous to even hold a glass or speak to anyone, but Xiang Zeyi noted she was no longer that shy girl. Ye Zi mused that perhaps everyone grows up and learns to compromise, acknowledging that while it can be difficult, one can also gain something from it. When Xiang Zeyi asked what she had gained, she playfully replied, "Never getting drunk?"
She then asked if it was his first time seeing her drink, to which he replied, "No, I've seen it for many times." The next day at work, Mr. Shao approached Xiang Hui about an issue with a storyboard. He explained that clients requested changes to the story and character clothing colors for the Pre-production Meeting (PPM).
Xiang Hui argued that such changes would cause character colors to clash with backgrounds and suggested presenting their professional opinion instead of simply complying. Mr. Shao, while acknowledging Xiang Hui's best efforts, proposed that Xiang Hui provide two options: his suggested plan and one that aligned with the client's requests. Xiang Hui questioned the need for a second plan when he believed his initial one was the best.
Mr. Shao clarified that offering choices made the company appear more professional and careful to clients, and that presenting two plans also served as a professional challenge. He urged Xiang Hui to proceed, confident in his ability. A similar professional challenge arose for Ye Zi. Zhu Xuan returned to the studio distraught after being reprimanded by chief editor Yu at the publishing house.
Ye Zi asked what was wrong, and Zhu Xuan, visibly angry, thrust the manuscript at her, demanding she "look for yourself." Zhu Xuan recounted how she had been "yelled at" because Ye Zi's submitted traditional artwork did not match the agreed-upon "modern urban style" publishing theme for the season. Ye Zi insisted she had expressed her refusal to change the style during the initial meeting. Zhu Xuan reminded her that she had agreed to some modifications to secure the contract.
Ye Zi retorted that she had also clearly stated her intention to maintain the studio's unique style. Zhu Xuan accused Ye Zi of "throwing me under the bus," asking what she was supposed to tell the publishers and why Ye Zi couldn't simply change one episode. Ye Zi passionately defended the importance of their "personal style" and questioned the purpose of the studio if they had to compromise their artistic integrity for market demands.
Zhu Xuan, increasingly frustrated, urged Ye Zi to be "realistic" and temporarily set aside her "so-called persistence" to focus on their current livelihood. She pointed out that after moving into a new office and hosting an "idealistic exhibition" for Ye Zi, the studio was struggling financially, and their staff depended on them.
Ye Zi countered by highlighting how few people could truly make a living solely from their passions, admitting her luck but questioning the point of the studio if it meant constant compromise. Zhu Xuan, exasperated, called Ye Zi "stubborn and selfish," which Ye Zi returned by labeling Zhu Xuan "rude and reckless," accusing her of not considering the studio's future or their collective well-being. Zhu Xuan warned that Ye Zi would understand the consequences if the studio eventually collapsed.
At that moment, Liu Xinran and Cheng Xi arrived, immediately sensing the serious nature of the argument. They intervened, urging both women to calm down and talk through the issues. Zhu Xuan, still fuming, pushed the rejected work toward Ye Zi, threatening to lose the contract, to which Ye Zi dared her to lose the contract with her as well.
Liu Xinran and Cheng Xi quickly separated them, insisting they sit down and discuss the problem rationally, with Cheng Xi humorously asking if they were "having a divorce." Liu Xinran reassured them that "couples always make up" and that nothing was truly unsolvable. Focusing on the immediate crisis, they recognized the urgency of meeting chief editor Yu's demands. Liu Xinran offered her assistance, and Cheng Xi volunteered her help, declaring, "Eight hands.
Let's get to work," as they divided up the tasks to revise the drawings. Later, Xiang Zeyi was working overtime at home, feeling restless. Suddenly, the doorbell rang, and it was Xu Wenjie. She explained that she had been worried about him, as he had been ignoring her calls and she hadn't seen him recently. Xiang Zeyi questioned her concern, to which she responded that she worried if he was doing well.
He curtly replied that he was doing "so well that I've forgotten about where I was for the past years." Xu Wenjie admitted that "that thing happened all because of me" and expressed her desire to help, recalling how he had refused to see her, which had deeply affected her. She now wished to "make up to you." Xiang Zeyi, filled with bitterness, asked how she intended to help or make amends.
He lamented that he "could've had good times with the one I loved" but now had "nothing," living in "terror" and desperately trying to forget his past identity. He also recalled the painful memories of his time in prison; how he once secretly returned to school to see Ye Zi only to be discovered by Lin Sen, who questioned his whereabouts before he fled, and how his promising life was completely ruined during those years.
He told her she had "no idea how I made through the past years in there." He brought up Ye Zi, stating it was "unfair to her," and questioned if her apologies or proposed compensation could truly resolve anything. Xu Wenjie conceded that it was "too late for me to say or do anything," but pleaded with him to promise one thing: "Take good care of Yezi for me."
He acknowledged her request with a simple "Thanks," then firmly told her to "Leave. I don't want to see you again," and sent her away. As she left, Xu Wenjie reflected on her own pain, acknowledging that she had "paid for my mistakes" and had "nothing to say with you."
She confessed that her "heart breaks seeing you like this" and revealed that she had loved him for years, but had finally given up on pursuing a relationship, now only wishing for him to have a good life and "start over." After Xu Wenjie's visit, Xiang Zeyi decided to move again. Zhang Daniao helped him find a new place, belonging to an old friend who had gone abroad.
Zhang Daniao called Xiang Zeyi to check if he was settling in, and Xiang Zeyi assured him he could adapt to any environment, thanking his friend. After the call, Xiang Zeyi reflected on his painful days after prison, where he was afraid of being recognized, always wearing dark clothes and a hat, and even quick trips to buy groceries were filled with terror. Zhang Daniao then reminded him about Ye Zi's upcoming exhibition and urged him to keep their secret.
Xiang Zeyi confirmed he knew. Looking at a photo of Ye Zi, a faint smile crossed his face. Although he hesitated for a long time and found those days very painful, he eventually composed himself, put on dark clothes, and went to see Ye Zi's art exhibition.
