Episode 9 recap: Xian Uses Scandal to Overcome Hui
In Episode 9, Cong specifically comes to find Xian. He learns that Xian was originally cast as Bai Mengzhi but has now been replaced by Yao, which leaves him confused. Previously, Wang Peng from the newspaper had taken scandalous photos of Yao getting cozy with President Li of the Chamber of Commerce. Cong thought Meng Yu Nong wouldn’t hire Yao again after that, but he was surprised that the casting was still changed.
The newspaper refrained from publishing the photos to avoid causing a rift in the film industry and to save face for Meng Yu Nong. Unbeknownst to him, Xian learns about the situation and intentionally invites Wang Peng to dance, eventually obtaining the photo. After much hesitation, she decides to send it out.
Meng Yu Nong visits Xian, hoping she will return, but she refuses, stating that she can only choose one between herself and Yao. She laments how briefly she has stayed in Meng Yu Nong's heart and informs him that she has left all the gifts he gave her at her place, hoping they can part ways amicably.
When Xian returns to the set, she finds out that Yao is in trouble, and the filming has come to a halt. Yao has had scandals before, but this time it’s different; President Li's wife is the daughter of the police chief and has a notorious reputation. In the past, another actress who was rumored to be with President Li vanished without a trace, and now Yao is in a precarious situation as well.
Back home, Xian is unable to eat and breaks down in tears. She never intended for things to escalate this much and feels guilty toward Yao. Hui comforts her daughter, advising her not to discuss the incident with anyone, assuring her that time will heal the wounds. Meng Yu Nong visits Xian again, expressing his serious feelings for her and his longing for her presence. Xian stipulates that he can only treat her well and cannot like any other women. Meng Yu Nong takes her hand, telling her that Bai Mengzhi is her, and everyone is waiting for her. Xian smiles brightly in response.
When Xian reappears, it’s at the press conference. She handles the reporters' questions with ease, impressing Meng Yu Nong with her composure. Cong is also present and seizes the opportunity to privately ask Xian if she had anything to do with Yao's situation. Xian admits she only wanted to get back at her but never expected things to escalate. Cong acknowledges that Xian has become more beautiful but warns that she has also become frightening and reminds her that this industry is dangerous and she must be cautious.
Watching Cong leave, Xian is overcome with sadness. In the car ride home, she is lost in thought. Meng Yu Nong candidly mentions that he saw Xian talking to Cong and hopes they will be mindful of their public image. He warns that the consequences could be dire if they are caught in a compromising situation and asserts his claim over Xian, declaring that she belongs only to him.
Cong was quickly notified of his dismissal, the reason for which was unclear. The director only suggested that Cong think about whether he had offended anyone. Nearby, an elderly woman named Granny Li, who lived in a alley by Hui's photo studio, suddenly disappeared. When her body was taken away by a vehicle, many onlookers gathered, lamenting the unpredictability of life. Watching the body being carried away, Hui felt a sense of loss. While getting her hair done by Old Wang, she couldn’t shake off thoughts of Granny Li and felt nauseous. Old Wang tried to comfort Hui, urging her not to be sad. Hui recalled the deceased Granny Li and made a grim connection to herself, fearing that one day her own body might also be discovered, and that no one would know if she died at home. Suddenly, Hui grasped Old Wang's hand tightly.
Meanwhile, Xian was focused on her filming at the set. She was friendly and approachable with her colleagues, who appreciated her down-to-earth demeanor. She also warmly signed autographs for fans and engaged with them, smiling as she answered their questions, which pleased Meng Yu Nong.
That day, while Xian was eating, Hui abruptly appeared in front of her, downing drink after drink. She asked Xian if she knew who was responsible for the recent troubles. Xian lowered her head in silence. Hui felt like a walking corpse, shunned by everyone. She had come from a difficult family background and had fought hard to reach her current position. Nobody had ever genuinely cared for her, and she had even been sold to a theater troupe until she met Meng Yu Nong.
One photo had ruined everything for her. Yao vowed that if she found the person responsible, she would tear him apart, but despite inquiring at several newspapers, she found no leads. Yao genuinely liked Meng Yu Nong, and nothing had happened between her and President Li. She had always wanted to have a child with Meng Yu Nong and regretted not being able to.
After returning home, Xian pondered deeply, examining the medicine she had taken out from her drawer for a long time.
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