Ch. 181President Zhao, Director Zheng (4)
President Zhao, Director Zheng (4) — Summary
Key Plot Points and Events
- Zhao Linxiu publicly announces he is in love and will no longer attend gatherings, shocking his friend circle.
- He takes three days off to stay with Zheng Zaisheng, moving into the director's apartment in all but name.
- Zhao Linxiu pesters Jiang Tingxu and Lu Jiatang for dating advice; Jiang Tingxu blocks him in frustration.
- The couple goes on dates: a Cantonese restaurant (paid for by Zheng Zaisheng, who insists as his boyfriend) and a luxury mall where Zhao buys Zheng an expensive fountain pen despite protests.
- They visit a plum blossom park; Zhao photographs Zheng while Zheng photographs the scenery.
- Meanwhile, the Shengmao/Xie Yan subplot advances: Xie Yan has fully taken over Shengmao through PUA-style manipulation of Wang Yingrou, who has become a hollow shell of her former self.
- Zhao Linxiu secretly targets Shengmao's business, punishing anyone who helps Xie Yan.
- He sends Wang Chongtian a strategic message: use this opportunity to oust Xie Yan and choose an heir among his illegitimate sons to keep the company in the Wang family. Wang Chongtian is revitalized and begins fighting Xie Yan.
Character Developments
- Zhao Linxiu: Openly embraces love, abandoning his former "live free forever" bravado. Becomes clingy, love-drunk, and devoted—treating Zheng as his second territory. Shows a protective, vengeful streak, vowing to remember what Xie Yan did even if Zheng chooses to let it go.
- Zheng Zaisheng: Softens visibly, shows shy smiles, grows more accustomed to intimacy. Reveals a frugal, practical nature and surprising firmness (insisting on paying for meals, resisting expensive gifts). Gradually lets his guard down.
- Xie Yan: Characterized as deeply self-serving—never blames himself, uses cold violence against Wang Yingrou, driven by resentment.
- Wang Yingrou: Has been psychologically destroyed by years of manipulation; barely recognizable as her former confident self.
- Wang Chongtian: Given renewed purpose by Zhao Linxiu's message; gains vigor to fight Xie Yan to the end.
Significant Themes
- Love as transformation: The contrast between Zhao's unguarded infatuation and his merciless revenge plot against Xie Yan.
- Protection and retribution: Zhao Linxiu refuses to let Xie Yan's past cruelty go unpunished; he is more unforgiving than the actual victim.
- Power and manipulation: Xie Yan's PUA of Wang Yingrou versus Zhao's financial warfare—different forms of control.
- Domestic intimacy vs. external conflict: The warmth of the couple's early days juxtaposed with the cold scheming at Shengmao.
- Generational/veteran wisdom: Zhao's blunt advice to Wang Chongtian about pragmatism over sentiment.
Character Interactions
- Zhao Linxiu & Zheng Zaisheng: Cozy, playful domestic scenes—Zhao being overly attentive ("Drink it when it's not so hot"), Zheng calling him abnormal, both exchanging "Aren't I your boyfriend?" as a mutual soft spot. Their bond deepens naturally without an awkward adjustment period.
- Zhao Linxiu & Jiang Tingxu: Comedic banter; Zhao asks for gift/date advice, Jiang answers tersely then blocks him, showing their close but bickering friendship.
- Zhao Linxiu & Zheng Zaisheng (phone exchange): Zheng tells him to go to sleep "stop messing around"; Zhao obeys instantly—quietly mutual.
- Zhao Linxiu & Wang Chongtian (via messenger): A calculated strategic move disguised as advice; Zhao sets his enemy's father-in-law against him with cynical cleverness.
- Zheng Zaisheng & the world: His quiet smile at Zhao's text, his shy embarrassed rush to the bathroom—he is coming alive again.