Later, I Laughed Episode 9 Recap
> Later, I Laughed Recap
Back in high school, Wu Xiuya's unrestrained rant in the broadcasting room awakened Shi Ye’s comedic talent for roasting others. This newfound ability even spilled over into his work life, where he occasionally couldn’t resist roasting eccentric clients to their faces. Later, when Shi Ye discovered stand-up comedy, he resolved to quit his job and fully commit to this craft. Not long ago, Shi Ye received a call from Zhang Peng, who happened to mention Wu Xiuya's name.
That prompted Shi Ye to take a particular gig, which led to their reunion. Watching Wu Xiuya rediscover herself and shine brightly on stage, Shi Ye decided to confess his feelings for her—feelings he had harbored since high school. However, just as he was about to confess, Cao Zhiyong interrupted with an announcement. Cao Zhiyong revealed that Xiuya had been invited to perform at Alpaca, an open mic hosted by Cheng Cheng.
Alpaca was a prestigious event in the stand-up community, held only about ten times a year. The audience consisted entirely of seasoned comedians, making it a stage that symbolized the highest level of stand-up comedy. Xiuya's invitation to Alpaca stirred discussions across various comedy clubs. Many doubted whether a young woman like her could handle stand-up comedy well. Feeling the pressure, Xiuya struggled to write material and felt dissatisfied with her drafts.
Xiao Lan comforted her in her own simple and slightly clumsy way, but it still helped Xiuya a little. Determined, Xiuya worked tirelessly on her material. Even while eating, she scribbled notes, catching the chairman’s attention. Impressed by her dedication, he instructed his subordinates to prioritize young talent in the newly established Brand Promotion Department. Meanwhile, Shi Ye, though he had been confessed to many times, had never confessed to anyone himself.
He wanted to confess to Xiuya but found himself unable to muster the words. Xiao Lan, having learned from Zhao Na that Shi Ye was currently single, decided to pursue him and asked Xiuya for advice. Xiuya suddenly realized what Shi Ye’s earlier hesitation might have meant. However, she couldn't reveal this to Xiao Lan, who was determined to chase after Shi Ye. That evening, Shanghai was hit by a torrential downpour.
Xiuya, unaware of messages in the group chat, braved the rain to reach Banghe, only to find it closed. Before leaving, Liang Dong noticed a man entering Banghe and remembered he had taken the shop’s only umbrella, leaving Xiuya without one. Concerned, he called her phone, but no one answered. He then called the shop, but there was no response. Xiao Lan mentioned in the group chat that Xiuya hadn’t returned home and couldn’t be reached, worrying everyone.
Seeing Liang Dong’s messages, Cao Zhiyong wanted to check on the bar but couldn’t leave because he was accompanying his wife. Shi Ye, upon seeing the messages, immediately set out despite his car breaking down on the way. Determined to ensure Xiuya’s safety, Shi Ye ran through the rain to Banghe. At Banghe, a guest had come specifically to hear stand-up comedy. Taking the opportunity, Xiuya decided to test her new material, performing exclusively for him.
When Shi Ye finally arrived, he saw Xiuya dazzling on stage, a scene that instantly made her the brightest figure in his eyes. After the guest left, taking Shi Ye’s raincoat with him, Shi Ye stayed behind to help Xiuya clean up. Suddenly, the power went out. Shi Ye took out a bottle of Cao Zhiyong’s treasured liquor, and they shared a drink.
As they worked, they discovered water had seeped into the shop and quickly used sandbags to block the door. Amidst the chaos, a fish slipped in with the water, startling both of them. They laughed at each other’s reactions, and in that moment of shared amusement, something unspoken and intimate grew between them. Just as their emotions seemed to draw them closer, the power came back on, interrupting a near-kiss.
However, the spark lingered in Xiuya’s heart, creating ripples of emotion. Shi Ye later escorted her home. Upon arriving, Xiuya saw Xiao Lan asleep on the couch and felt a small pang of guilt.
Related Posts
