Episode 7 recap: Xian and Meng Yu Nong Together
In Episode 7, Cong desperately tries to persuade Xian to return home, fearing that Hui will go mad if she loses Xian. However, Xian believes that going back will subject her to inhumane torment. After much convincing, Xian agrees to wait for her mother to come and talk things over, which reassures Cong.
Xian pretends to eat well but deliberately asks for chili sauce, prompting Cong to borrow some from a neighbor. Seizing the opportunity, Xian sneaks away. When Cong realizes Xian is missing, he rushes to find her. Xian skillfully evades Cong and her pursuing mother, hastily finding a phone booth to call Meng Yu Nong. Meng Yu Nong drives over to pick Xian up and takes her to a large house.
Meanwhile, Hui goes upstairs and discovers the uneaten food on the table, realizing something has happened. She collapses helplessly into a chair. Meng Yu Nong shows great concern for Xian, knowing she ran away. He even arranges for some underwear for her. At the same time, Hui and Cong frantically shout Meng Yu Nong's name outside his company, hoping he will return their daughter.
After calming Xian, Meng Yu Nong leaves, assuring her that he will inform Hui and not let her worry too much. Although Xian is scared living in such a large house, she asks Meng Yu Nong to help her find a smaller place. He reminds her that she can call the front desk for anything she needs.
Cong, unable to find Xian, blocks Meng Yu Nong's car at the company entrance, demanding to know her whereabouts. Meng Yu Nong flips the situation, accusing Cong of being Xian's fiancé while claiming he doesn't know where she is. He had specifically come to see Xian, bringing her a record player and food, which he personally feeds to her. Xian shyly accepts, lowering her head, and Meng Yu Nong finds her bashfulness endearing.
Cong later tells Hui about his encounter with Meng Yu Nong, and she decides to stop searching for Xian, believing it's fate. Even if Xian returns, she will no longer be the same. At that moment, Xian stands outside a photo studio, deep in thought. Later that night, she visits Cong's building, watching as his lights go out and he hurriedly leaves, seemingly bidding farewell to everything.
Eventually, Xian returns to her new place and finds Meng Yu Nong waiting for her. Noticing her unhappy demeanor, he encourages her that she can go back if she wants, but Xian refuses to return. Meng Yu Nong expresses his desire for Xian to keep him informed about where she goes, assuring her he will look after her safety. He also tells her there's a script on the bedside table, hoping she will read it and go to the movie company tomorrow. Xian feels delighted at the prospect of acting again.
The next day, Xian stood in front of the company meeting. Director Li felt that while Xian was very beautiful, she lacked experience and was unsuitable for the role of Bai Meng Zhi; Yao was a better fit. However, Meng Yu Nong insisted against the consensus that, aside from Yao, he wanted to develop another star, and that person was Xian.
While Hui was getting her hair done, her usual stylist had left, replaced by a newcomer. This new stylist suggested giving Hui a facial massage and complimented her looks, encouraging her to consider herself more. He pointed out that aside from herself, no one truly cared for her, which seemed to touch Hui’s heart.
After getting a new hairstyle, Hui appeared much more spirited. With normal life and work, Xian was gradually growing with Meng Yu Nong's help. He encouraged her to be fearless and confident, but during the audition, she still struggled to convey the right emotions. The director felt her delivery was too calm and didn’t resemble how lovers would part.
After multiple adjustments, Xian still didn’t meet expectations, appearing overly exaggerated. She realized her performance was lacking and requested another try, but everyone, including Meng Yu Nong, left the meeting room, leaving Xian alone. Heartbroken, she cried, and her anguish satisfied both Meng Yu Nong and the director; this was the effect they wanted.
Meng Yu Nong explained that it was a deliberate arrangement meant to push Xian, as otherwise, her potential wouldn’t be stimulated. That evening, he took Xian out for Western food and gifted her a pearl necklace. Xian initially wanted to refuse, but Meng Yu Nong persuaded her, saying that if she wanted to be admired, she needed to change a lot. This was just the first step; he aimed to make Xian a brilliant jewel of Shanghai. Xian didn’t refuse him again.
Cong went to the photo studio to find Hui, wanting to tell her Xian's whereabouts. However, Hui said that Xian was no longer her daughter and urged Cong not to hold out hope, as Xian was unworthy of his love. Meanwhile, Xian was dancing with Meng Yu Nong when the lights suddenly went out, plunging the room into darkness amid thunder and lightning outside. Xian felt frightened, and while Meng Yu Nong tried to embrace her, she pushed him away. Meng Yu Nong expressed his affection for Xian, but she remained silent, looking down, filled with resistance.
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