Episode 4 recap: Xian Joins the Film Company

In Episode 4, since Xian has been unreachable, Cong feels uneasy, and his colleagues encourage him to pull himself together. That evening, Cong decides to visit Xian again and encounters Hui, who opens the door. This time, Hui invites Cong inside, hoping to gather information about Meng Yu Nong, as Cong works for a newspaper and might have some insights.

Hui shares the details about Meng Yu Nong coming to see Xian for a film project. She believes Xian is being stubborn; ever since Meng Yu Nong’s last visit, Xian has been waiting for him to return and has even fallen ill. Hui insists that she will not allow her daughter to be in such an environment, deeming it unsuitable for Xian.

Cong suggests he should meet Xian to find out more about the situation, but Hui firmly refuses, emphasizing that she has not approved of their relationship. She explains that Meng Yu Nong only contacted Xian to discuss the film company. While she confirms that Meng Yu Nong is indeed the owner, she remains suspicious of his intentions.

At the newspaper, Cong's colleagues are buzzing about a promotional piece on Yao, speculating that her rise is due to her connection with Meng Yu Nong. They view Meng Yu Nong as someone who has a stable home but is also surrounded by women, painting it as a man's dream. This adds to Cong’s worries about Xian, prompting him to rush to the company to confront Meng Yu Nong. However, he is stopped by the security guard, who, recognizing Cong as a journalist, informs him that Meng Yu Nong is out of town.

Meanwhile, Meng Yu Nong visits the photo studio to see Xian, just as Hui is out grocery shopping. He once again invites Xian to the company, but she coldly declines. Noticing Xian’s anger, Meng Yu Nong quickly apologizes, but Xian ignores him. He leaves his business card, saying that if Xian changes her mind, she can reach out to him anytime.

However, Meng Yu Nong hasn’t left; instead, he waits quietly in a car across the street. Eventually, Xian, unable to resist her feelings, approaches him. In the car, she breaks down in tears, and Meng Yu Nong offers her a handkerchief, expressing regret for not being in touch while he was away.

He then takes Xian to his film company. Back at the newspaper, Cong seeks out the editor to propose writing about Meng Yu Nong, only to discover that the assignment has already been given to Wang Dong, who is scheduled to interview Meng Yu Nong the day after tomorrow. Cong realizes he has been misled, as Meng Yu Nong has not actually gone out of town but is still in the area.

Xian lacks confidence in her ability to make movies, but Meng Yu Nong paints an enticing picture for her, showing her that even the biggest stars started out just like her. Now, those stars are famous nationwide. After hearing Meng Yu Nong's words, Xian is persuaded and prepares to sign the contract. Meng Yu Nong reminds her that she can discuss it with her mother first, but this suggestion only fuels Xian's determination. She believes she is an adult and has the right to make her own decisions without needing to consult anyone.

When Hui returns home and realizes Xian is missing, she begins searching for her. Not finding her at Cong's place, she heads to the film company, confirming that Xian is there. Upon returning home, Xian presents the signed contract to Hui. With tears in her eyes, Hui urges her daughter to reject the offer, expressing her belief that all men are the same—they only want women for their bodies and will abandon them once they've gotten what they want, leaving them with nothing.

Xian interprets her mother's words as jealousy over her good fortune. In a fit of anger, Hui tears up the contract, but this action changes nothing. Xian's resolve only deepens Hui's fear, prompting her to cry. Cong arrives looking for Xian and, seeing Hui in distress, seems to understand what has happened. He rushes upstairs to find Xian, who embraces him tightly. He tries to persuade her not to pursue a career as a star, explaining that while it may seem glamorous, it requires significant sacrifices. However, Xian dismisses his concerns, insisting that she will stay true to her original intentions. She is determined to push forward, believing that if she doesn’t, her mother will never allow her to be with Cong.

Realizing that she can’t be swayed, they decide to take things one step at a time. Xian holds onto Cong tightly, confident that he will protect her from harm. Soon, Xian arrives on set to film, but she struggles repeatedly—either forgetting her lines, mixing them up, or speaking out of turn. This frustrates the director, who loses his temper. Meng Yu Nong, sitting in the back, reminds Director Sun to be considerate of Xian's feelings, given that it’s her first time acting. Director Sun quickly agrees.

On the way home, Xian feels weighed down by worries, doubting her suitability as an actress. Meng Yu Nong drives up and encourages her to get in the car. To cheer her up, he takes her to choose fabric for clothes, but Xian declines. He offers to drive her home, but she refuses, insisting she wants to meet her boyfriend. Meng Yu Nong feels a bit upset but doesn’t say anything.

Later, Cong shares a meal with Xian, and she expresses her sadness about the day's filming. She mentions Meng Yu Nong’s support on set, and Cong reminds her that if she’s unhappy with the filming, she doesn’t have to continue. Nevertheless, Xian insists she wants to keep going.