Episode 8 recap: Yao Steals Xian's Spotlight
In Episode 8, Meng Yu Nong remains calm and lights a candle for Xian before trying to leave. Xian quickly calls her back, and Meng Yu Nong steps in closer, attempting to kiss Xian. Instinctively, Xian pulls away, but Meng Yu Nong picks her up, and Xian stops resisting.The next morning, Xian wakes up to find Meng Yu Nong gone. Hearing a rapid knock at the door, she opens it to find Cong, who urges her to return with him. He believes that making movies is not for ordinary people and promises to take care of her. However, Xian tells Cong that it's too late and returns the watch he gave her, firmly shutting the door. As she closes it, tears stream down her face.
Hui visits the hair salon again, where Old Wang, who styles her hair, offers her advice. When he sends her off, he mentions that he can provide home service, which Hui appreciates.
Meng Yu Nong organizes a press conference for Xian's new play. Before Xian can speak, Yao arrives, dazzling in her outfit, and teasing Meng Yu Nong about her success. After a brief speech, Meng Yu Nong steps outside to find Yao, who is wearing the same outfit she had on the first time she lost her innocence, clearly trying to provoke Meng Yu Nong. Meng Yu Nong warns Yao not to compete with a newcomer, but Yao, feeling defiant, points out that she has played supporting roles before while Xian has only been a minor character.
Yao wants Xian's leading role in the play, and although Meng Yu Nong wants to refuse, Yao reveals that a new company is trying to poach her. This company has been looking for ways to undermine Meng Yu Nong, but she hesitates to let their relationship suffer. Ultimately, Meng Yu Nong agrees to Yao's demands. Their intimate interactions happen to be witnessed by Xian, who is furious when Meng Yu Nong leaves with Yao that evening, smashing things in her home out of anger.
The next day at work, Xian learns that Yao has taken her role, prompting her to confront Meng Yu Nong, but she is blocked at the door. After spending two days at home in despair, Xian sees Meng Yu Nong approaching from the window. She quickly tidies herself up and pretends to be sick on the sofa. Worried that Meng Yu Nong hasn't come by because of Yao, she chastises him for not informing her about the role change earlier. Meng Yu Nong reassures Xian that she will play the second female lead and has spoken to the writer about giving her more scenes. He promises that she will be the lead in the next project.
In a fit of anger, Xian knocks items off the table, accusing Meng Yu Nong of lying. Meng Yu Nong is frustrated by Xian's emotional outburst but tries to soothe her. Despite his efforts, Xian leaves disappointed, leaving behind a letter for Meng Yu Nong.
Old Wang visits Hui to provide her with a massage, and they find plenty to talk about, discussing their loved ones. Old Wang confesses that he lost a partner, which has left him in deep sorrow, unable to move on from the pain of that loss. Hui shares that she has a daughter. At that moment, Xian returns with her suitcase and sees her mother getting her hair done. Before Xian can say anything, Hui hastily pushes her out of the house.
Old Wang encourages Hui not to be angry with Xian, prompting her to rush outside and see Xian waiting at the door. He also suggests that the mother and daughter should reconcile, conveying Hui's longing for Xian and reminding her that having a daughter is a blessing. Eventually, Hui allows Xian back inside.
During dinner, Xian can’t help but ask her mother if she is still upset with her. Hui's eyes glisten with unshed tears, but she remains silent. That evening, Xian makes a point of helping her mother pluck out her gray hairs. Hui then asks Xian if Meng Yu Nong has someone else in her life. Xian’s expression says it all, leading Hui to suggest that Xian stay for a few days before returning home, implying that she should commit to whoever she’s with, as that's just how life goes.
Xian offers her mother the money she earned from filming, but Hui refuses to accept it, hoping that Xian can manage her own finances. The next morning, as Xian heads to the film set, she encounters Hui again. After sending Xian away, Hui advises Cong not to come around anymore, explaining that Xian has her own life now and that his visits will only complicate things.
While getting her makeup done, Xian is abruptly told to leave by Yao, who arrogantly claims the makeup room as her own and insists it can't be shared. Xian simply gets up and walks out without a word. During filming, Xian plays Yao's maid and is intentionally slapped by Yao, but the director intervenes. He believes that Bai Mengzhi is a kind person who wouldn’t resort to violence, especially since that scene wasn't part of the rehearsal, and he reminds Yao not to improvise like that.
As Xian exits the set, she sees Cong waiting at the gate.
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