My Stand-In – Season 1 Episode 10

Published: Nov 18 2024

Episode 10 of "My Stand-In" finds us once again in Joe's apartment, where Ming reveals that he's kept everything as it was, eagerly awaiting Joe's return. Joe, voicing his thoughts aloud, wonders if Ming had truly missed him and ponders why he would have chosen the new Joe as his lover. Ming insists that he saw something special in the new Joe, a spark of emotion that he couldn't ignore.

Yet, when did the seeds of Ming's suspicions first sprout? It was on their inaugural night of sharing the same bed that Ming finally found solace in a peaceful slumber, a rare commodity since Joe's departure. Despite Joe's lingering resentment, Ming was steadfast in his vow to remain and gently remind him of their cherished memories, weaving a tapestry of nostalgia. Joe, on the other hand, refused to allow Ming's lips to brush against his, yet he did not repel him away.

My Stand-In – Season 1 Episode 10  1

The following morning, Tong's call interrupts their moment, causing Joe to hang up abruptly. Observing Tong's name on the screen, Ming guesses that he's probably calling to borrow money due to his financial troubles. Ming finds it astonishing that Joe would hang up on Tong so abruptly—something he never would have done in the past. Joe attributes this change to him and Tong, but Ming insists on preparing breakfast and giving Joe a ride to work.

As Ming drops Joe off, he offers to pick him up later, but Joe mentions that he has to meet his mother. When Ming asks why Joe cares for someone who isn't biologically his mother, Joe explains that she took care of him for two years and has become a part of his family. Ming vows to consider her as his own mother too.

However, at the hospital, Joe's mother is nowhere to be found. When Joe returns home, he discovers her happily organizing dinner, having been taken to Ming's family's hospital by him. Ming mentions that the doctor believes her current treatment isn't effective, and she admits to feeling exhausted. Joe tries to reassure her, but Ming cuts in, saying he has plenty of time to help out in the future. As they sit down to dinner, Joe finds himself left standing alone, a silent observer to the tender moments unfolding around him.

As Ming eventually departs, Joe finds himself yearning to unravel the mystery behind Ming's sudden silence and the absence of a phone call. Convinced of Ming's genuine affection for his son, Joe extends his support unwaveringly. Soon after, Ming's voice echoes from outside Joe's abode, laden with an assortment of excuses. Relenting, Joe invites him in, where Ming, confronted by Joe's seething anger, confesses his fear of losing him. With tender embraces and gentle kisses, Ming melts Joe's resolve, leading to an intimate reunion where Joe, lying supine, shares a passionate encounter with Ming.

The following morning, Joe awakens to find Ming by his side, contemplating whether their lovemaking had recaptured its former magic. Joe, avoiding a direct response, hastily attempts to usher Ming out before his mother catches them in such a compromising position. The prospect of his mother's disapproval looming large, marriage seems the only viable option to Joe, a notion Ming embraces but still finds himself summarily evicted from the bed.

However, it is already too late; Joe's mother's knock interrupts their hastily concealed scene. Horrified, Joe watches as his mother realizes Ming's overnight stay. Over breakfast, inquisitive as ever, she delves into the details of their relationship—its duration (Ming claims four to five months) and whether Ming's parents are aware. Though Ming admits they are not, he vows to inform them soon.

Meanwhile, at Tong's office, loan sharks arrive to collect their dues, leaving Tong in a precarious position as he hasn't yet contacted Ming. The lender grants him a week's extension, but Tong's distress intensifies with May's unexpected arrival for lunch.

Ming then takes Joe to a crucial meeting with a top agency, confessing that he had blocked Joe from the press conference to prevent him from acting alongside Sol. Upon Mr. Wisit's arrival, Ming introduces Joe as the actor he envisioned for the film he's investing in—Joe will replace Tong as the lead in a script titled "My Stand-In." Joe shares his previous encounter with the agency, where he was replaced by the director's child. Ming, eager to rectify past injustices, reveals Tong has other film commitments and deserves a chance to reclaim his stolen opportunity.

As they were on the brink of departure, Tong burst in, his fury unleashed like a tempest. Yet, Mr. Wisit calmly reassured Tong that he had envisioned a different role for him, but beforehand, he desired a confidential conversation with Ming.

Tong is incensed to discover that Ming has been engrossed with Joe rather than lending him a hand. Ming, acknowledging Joe's role in his life, confirms him as his lover. As a gesture of remorse, Tong extends an invitation to them for the premiere of the movie they had collaborated on, and Joe promptly accepts, eager to smooth over any tensions.

Upon arriving at the glittering premiere, Joe's sole intention is to maintain a harmonious atmosphere, mindful of Tong being Ming's in-law. Ming notices Joe's continued kindness, contrasting it with his perception that Ming has undergone a transformation, as he had never harbored ambitions of entering the entertainment industry before. Ming's entry into the industry was solely driven by the hope of crossing paths with Joe, a sacrifice of his privacy.

As they watch the film, the much-anticipated opening of "Nine Swords 2," Joe reprises his role as Tong's stunt double. Ming prepares to capture Joe's name in the credits, ready to face any penalty for snapping photos inside the cinema. However, his name fails to appear, and Ming instantly accuses Tong. Addressing the media, Tong boasts about performing all the daring stunts himself, while Joe prevents Ming from making a scene.

Back at their apartment, Ming's fury reaches its peak, dialing Tong to vent his frustration. Tong claims that Joe's agency removed his name as part of a promotional deal for the film but assures Ming he can reinstate it. He expresses relief that Ming has finally recognized who his true family is. Ming offers to pay Tong if he apologizes to Joe directly.

A raging Ming finds it unbelievable that Joe isn't enraged, but Ming's anger is enough for both of them, vowing to force Tong into an apology. Waiting at the office, they share an intimate conversation, and Ming admits that his perspective of Tong has changed after witnessing his true character.

When Tong finally arrives, he ushers in Ming's fiercely determined mother. She demands an end to the relationship with the gold-digger and insists that Ming support Tong, threatening to expose the truth to his father. Joe reassures her that their contract is temporary and he will fade away afterward.

As Joe walks away, Ming vows to rectify the situation, but Joe claims he is exhausted and desires an end to it all. Tong believes Ming is obsessed with Joe but acknowledges that he is finally seeing things clearly. Returning home, Joe confides in his mother that everything has unfolded as she predicted, leaving him once again heartbroken.

Regrouping, Tong and Ming's mother are relieved that Joe has left, especially after the previous incident involving another Joe. Ming joins them but refuses to hand over the money to Tong. Upon his father's arrival, Ming confessionally admits to dating a man named Joe.



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