Episode 5 recap: Hui Agrees to Xian and Cong's Relationship
In Episode 5, Hui is at home waiting for Xian to return for dinner, but Xian goes straight to her room and skips the meal. Concerned, Hui asks about Xian's work, but Xian lies, saying everything is fine. The next morning, as Xian is getting ready to leave for work, Hui stops her and warns that she must be home by 7 PM.
At work, Xian receives a pair of expensive earrings from Meng Yu Nong, which draws envy from her colleagues, who believe Xian is lucky to have Meng Yu Nong looking out for her. Feeling flustered, Xian calls Cong, asking him to pick her up after work. Cong even requests time off from the editor, skipping an event just to be there for Xian.
After filming, Meng Yu Nong drives up to pick Xian again. Xian attempts to return the gift, but Meng Yu Nong refuses to take it back. At that moment, Cong arrives to meet Xian, and she introduces him as her boyfriend to Meng Yu Nong, hoping to lessen any romantic implications.
When Xian arrives home, Hui confronts her with an elegant qipao that Meng Yu Nong gifted her. Hui becomes increasingly convinced that Meng Yu Nong has ulterior motives and views Xian as just a trophy. Xian feels her mother doesn't understand her, leading to a heated argument between them.
The next day, Xian returns to the filming set to find Meng Yu Nong absent. When she inquires about him, she faces ridicule, and the implication is that if Xian doesn't know where Meng Yu Nong is, no one else does. During filming, Xian struggles with her lines and is scolded by the director for her lack of expression, resembling a student reciting a lesson. Director Sun angrily berates Xian to the point of tears, and there are whispers that she might be replaced, although some argue that Xian is too closely tied to Meng Yu Nong for that to happen.
The makeup artist informs Xian that being associated with Meng Yu Nong is the reason for her being reprimanded. Meanwhile, as Hui cleans, she discovers the earrings from Meng Yu Nong and rushes to find Xian, but is stopped by the gatekeeper. Later, Cong drives Xian home, and Hui anxiously questions her about work, but Xian ignores her and goes to her room. Hui can't help but vent her frustrations to Cong, who comforts her, suggesting that Xian is just eager to prove herself and earn Hui's approval.
After sending Cong away, Hui pulls her weeping daughter Xian close and shares her own story, hoping to protect Xian from being deceived and following in her footsteps. Years ago, Hui's father ran a photography studio and took on two apprentices: Uncle Li and Yang Bochao. Yang Bochao was handsome, and he and Hui fell in love at first sight, eventually having a child together.
When Hui's father learned of her pregnancy, he confronted Yang Bochao, who ended up killing him. Although Yang Bochao was arrested, he was later released without charges, with the police claiming Hui's father died in an accident. After that incident, Yang Bochao left for abroad, promising to return and marry Hui. However, when he came back, he pretended not to recognize her. Hurt by the betrayal of men, Hui reveals her painful past to Xian in hopes that her daughter will find happiness.
Understanding her mother's struggles, Xian decides to resign from her job with Meng Yu Nong the next day. Knowing it’s due to Director Sun’s influence, Meng Yu Nong offers to replace the director and promises Xian a leading role in the next project, praising her unique charm. Despite this, Xian insists on leaving. Meng Yu Nong, feeling heartbroken, lets Xian go while accusing her of betraying his trust and throwing away her bright future. Xian is once again moved by his words and, upon returning home, kneels to plead with her mother for another chance.
In anger, Hui confronts Meng Yu Nong, demanding he release her daughter. Meng Yu Nong maintains a detached demeanor, and Hui realizes she cannot persuade him. Resolutely, she returns home and brings Cong with her, declaring that she will marry Xian off to him, hoping Cong will take good care of Xian. Cong vows to love and protect Xian for a lifetime.
The next day, Meng Yu Nong not only replaces the director but also makes Xian the lead in the upcoming drama. That evening, he arranges a dinner with the director and screenwriters, clearly showing his support for Xian. During the dinner, various screenwriters find reasons to toast Xian. She turns to seek Meng Yu Nong's help, but he deliberately clinks glasses with someone next to him, leaving Xian feeling helpless and unknowingly drinking too much.
After stumbling out, Meng Yu Nong rushes forward to support her. Their interaction is captured by reporters, and the next day, it lands on Cong's desk, prompting a demand for immediate publication.
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