Begin Again Episode 1 Recap: Mai Youge Travels Alone to Macau for Work

Mai Youge navigates work chaos, an urgent Macau trip, and unexpected challenges, while Han Junhao battles self-doubt amid racing glory.

Begin Again - Episode 1

At a photography studio in Shenzhen, the team is bustling with activity. Mai Youge leads her team through an overnight shoot for a red wine advertisement. Despite the team’s exhaustion, the director demands multiple retakes in pursuit of perfection, stirring complaints among the crew. Balancing the models, props, makeup, and the dissatisfaction of client representative Lisa, Mai Youge perseveres under pressure. Her efforts finally ensure the shoot’s successful completion.

Just as she plans to return to Beijing, Mai Youge receives a call from her boss, Maggie, assigning her an urgent task in Macau. She is to meet Wu Kaitong, the PR manager of Star Harbour Hotel, to discuss a promotional project. Despite feeling unwell, Mai Youge boards a ferry to Macau.

Unfamiliar with the area and language, Mai Youge overcomes numerous challenges to reach her destination. However, a racing event blocks the roads with heavy traffic and crowds. In a pinch, she seeks help from Xu Junle, a motorbike rider, who gives her a ride and helps her get through the congestion.

Meanwhile, seasoned professional racer Han Junhao arrives in Macau to compete in the International GT Cup. His stellar performance during the warm-up race garners him the championship, earning widespread attention. However, during the press interview, a journalist provocatively suggests his success might be due to the absence of his rival, Tang Ben Douzhen. The comment unsettles Han Junhao, and his teammates quickly escort him away.

A Rocky Start

When Mai Youge finally reaches the Star Harbour Hotel, she is ten minutes late. Her contact, Mandy, cancels the meeting and informs her via message. Determined to make amends, Mai Youge reprints her materials and serendipitously runs into Mandy. She explains her delay, but Mandy, preoccupied with welcoming Han Junhao, brushes her off. Amidst the chaos of fans crowding around Han Junhao, Mai Youge waits patiently. Her persistence and sincerity eventually persuade Mandy to accept the proposal on behalf of Wu Kaitong.

That night, Maggie berates Mai Youge over the phone for her mistakes. A remorseful Mai apologizes repeatedly. On top of work stress, her mother calls to push her into marriage and suggests a potential match, leaving Mai Youge overwhelmed. She quickly ends the call with an excuse.

In his hotel room, Han Junhao prepares for the upcoming race by studying track videos. However, the journalist’s cutting remarks linger in his mind. Ever since his loss to Japanese racer Tang Ben in last year’s GT Cup, Han Junhao has struggled with self-doubt, yearning for a breakthrough but stuck in a cycle of insecurity.

Unexpected Encounters

Stranded without cash and with her phone accidentally dropped into a pool, Mai Youge finds herself in a bind. Xu Junle, recognizing her from earlier in the day, offers assistance. His impression of her is enhanced when he remembers she forgot to return his helmet.

Elsewhere, Han Junhao, weighed down by his mood, decides to take a break and goes for a nighttime motorcycle ride. On the coastal highway, he encounters a mysterious female rider, Chen Jiahui. The two engage in a thrilling race to the mountain peak. When Chen Jiahui removes her helmet, her stunning appearance leaves Han Junhao captivated. However, by the time he turns back, she has vanished, leaving him alone to gaze at the twinkling lights of the city below.

The next morning, Mai Youge waits in the hotel lobby for Wu Kaitong. Using her persuasive skills, she secures another opportunity and is tasked with submitting a revised proposal within three days. With her phone still unusable, she again turns to Xu Junle for help. Together, they explore Macau’s surroundings, scouting locations for the project.

8
Episode Score
Positive Events
  • Successful Completion of the Red Wine Advertisement Shoot:
    Despite numerous challenges, Mai Youge manages to coordinate all aspects of the shoot, leading to a satisfactory outcome.
  • Help from Xu Junle:
    Xu Junle offers timely assistance, giving Mai Youge a motorbike ride through the crowded streets and later helping her with her damaged phone.
  • Han Junhao’s Championship Win in the Warm-Up Race:
    Han Junhao showcases his exceptional racing skills, winning the warm-up race and earning widespread recognition.
  • Mai Youge’s Determination Impresses Mandy:
    Mai’s persistence and sincerity convince Mandy to accept the proposal on behalf of Wu Kaitong, despite the initial setback.
  • Securing a Second Opportunity:
    Mai Youge manages to schedule another chance to present the revised proposal after a candid conversation with Wu Kaitong.
  • Introduction of Chen Jiahui:
    Han Junhao’s encounter with the enigmatic and skilled rider, Chen Jiahui, hints at potential growth and new dynamics in his story.
Negative Events
  • Strained Work Environment During the Advertisement Shoot:
    The team’s exhaustion and the director’s relentless pursuit of perfection create tension and complaints among the crew.
  • Mai Youge’s Delayed Arrival at the Meeting:
    Traffic and unforeseen challenges cause Mai to arrive late at the hotel, leading to the cancellation of her meeting with Wu Kaitong.
  • Mai’s Boss Criticizing Her Performance:
    Maggie harshly reprimands Mai for her mistakes, adding to her stress.
  • Personal Stress from Family Pressure:
    Mai’s mother pressures her about marriage, adding another layer of emotional burden to her already stressful day.
  • Han Junhao’s Emotional Turmoil:
    A journalist’s sharp question undermines Han Junhao’s confidence, bringing back doubts about his racing abilities and his past losses.
  • Mai Youge’s Lost Phone:
    Mai’s phone gets damaged when it falls into a pool, leaving her temporarily stranded without communication.
  • Han Junhao’s Lingering Self-Doubt:
    Despite his victory, Han struggles with self-doubt stemming from last year’s loss to Tang Ben Douzhen, casting a shadow over his achievements.
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