Episode Summary
Shen Haoming reveals the tragic backstory of how he became a single father, leading to a moment of connection with Xu Yan. Their attempts to win over the Stevens are repeatedly threatened by Jiang Liang's bumbling assistant. The pressure culminates at dinner, where the assistant tries to expose them for not wearing wedding rings. Shen Haoming saves the day with a dramatic, improvised proposal and a kiss, which not only convinces the Stevens to consider the deal but also leaves Xu Yan genuinely flustered.
Spoiler Alert
Love's Ambition: Episode 20 Recap
This episode was all about Shen Haoming and Xu Yan trying to survive a weekend with their targets, the Stevens. And of course, trying to survive Jiang Liang's cartoonishly evil assistant.
The Backstory We Needed
Shen Haoming Spills Everything
Let's get this out of the way. Xu Yan finally asks Shen Haoming a very good question. Why did he need her for this deal? He could have found an easier way.
He admits the board completely shot him down. They used his "private life" as the excuse. He says he was too arrogant back then and made enemies. This leads to the big reveal about his son.
He tells Xu Yan he broke up with his ex-girlfriend two months ago. She later showed up in the rain. She told him she was pregnant with his child. But she also said he didn't have to take responsibility. Things got tragic after that. The ex-girlfriend died in a diving accident. A DNA test proved the baby was his. So, he took his son home. It's a heavy story. It explains a lot about his desperation.
Xu Yan Plays Therapist
Xu Yan listens to all of this. She doesn't just offer sympathy. She actually gives him some solid perspective. She asks if he hates Shen Haochen's mother for the board's decision. Then she suggests something interesting. Maybe his father isn't just being cruel. Maybe blocking him from the board was a weird, misguided attempt to protect him.
Shen Haoming seems genuinely surprised by this idea. He realizes she's actually trying to help him sort through his feelings. For a second, you can see the business partners act drop. He then tries his luck and asks who her secret investor is. She immediately puts the wall back up. She reminds him they are just partners. Private matters are private.
The Sabotage Attempts
Jiang Liang's Guy Is a Total Amateur
While our main duo is having a heart-to-heart, Jiang Liang is scheming. His assistant is at the resort. He's been ordered to stop the deal no matter what.
His first attempt is just sad. He climbs a tree to get spy photos of the group. He ends up getting sprayed with pesticide and falls out of the tree. His plan to secretly follow them ends right there. You almost feel bad for him. Almost.
The Confrontation
The assistant's next plan is much bolder. And much dumber. He sneaks into Shen Haoming and Xu Yan's hotel room. He wants to find proof that they're a fake couple. He fails, but he doesn't know that.
Later, he crashes their meeting with the Stevens. He shows up with a gift, acting all friendly. Then he tries to expose them. The whole thing backfires spectacularly. He trips and covers himself in mud. He looks like a fool.
Shen Haoming and Xu Yan had a backup plan ready. They had decorated their room as a romantic surprise. This easily deflects the assistant's accusations. But the guy just won't quit. He keeps making nasty comments at the dinner table. Xu Yan is visibly angry. She is barely holding it together.
The Big Gamble
The Ring and The Kiss
The assistant makes one last desperate move. He points out that Xu Yan and Shen Haoming aren't wearing wedding rings. This definitely gets the Stevens' attention. The room gets quiet.
This is where Shen Haoming really shines. He improvises a whole story on the spot. He admits they've been having marital problems. He says this trip is their last chance to fix their relationship. Then, he pulls out a ring. He gets down on one knee and asks Xu Yan to forgive him. It's a performance, but it's a convincing one. Xu Yan looks genuinely shocked and a little moved.
The assistant, still not satisfied, says a real couple would seal it with a kiss. So they do. Shen Haoming and Xu Yan kiss right there at the dinner table. It shuts the assistant up for good.
The Aftermath
The plan works. Mr. Steven is impressed. He tells his wife he respects their patience. They spent the whole vacation with him and never once mentioned business. He decides he's willing to discuss a partnership.
Once the Stevens are gone, the act is over. Shen Haoming is still holding Xu Yan's hand. She pulls it away. She tells him their contract is finished. There's no need to pretend anymore.
