Original subtitles

[The White Olive Tree]

[Episode 2]

[This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to reality is purely coincidental.]

I might never see him again.

Even if I do,

can I still recognize those eyes?

Ms. Song.

I'm Mr. Luo's friend.

He's giving a speech,

so he asked me to bring you an umbrella.

The moment I saw him again,

I knew

no matter how much time had passed,

I'd always recognize those eyes.

The rain is too heavy.

Your face is all wet.

Here, wipe it.

I'll walk you over.

Where are you headed?

North Gate Street.

It's quite far,

but my car is over there.

That's your car?

The chassis is too low.

Let me give you a ride.

Where on North Gate Street?

Green Alley.

Looking for someone

is like looking for something.

The harder you look, the less likely you'll find him.

But if you stop looking,

he might just show up

one day.

That man did have a point.

Do you want the AC on?

No, thanks.

When the AC is on,

I get carsick.

Carsick?

Reporters often have to go out on field assignments, right?

What do you do then?

I usually try to sleep through it.

Close your eyes and rest then.

I'll let you know when we're close.

I don't feel like sleeping now.

Are you Chinese?

Is your home in Liang City?

I'm of Chinese descent,

but by nationality,

I'm from Xi Country.

You seem familiar with Liang City.

You don't even need navigation.

After my dad retired,

he wanted to return to his roots,

so he settled in Liang City.

I stay here for some time

whenever I'm free.

In Eastern Country,

you saved me.

Do you remember?

Of course.

I thought you forgot.

How could I forget?

I just wasn't sure

if bringing it up

would make you feel uncomfortable.

You saved my life.

Back then,

I even forgot to say thank you.

I've always wanted to find you

to express my gratitude.

You're welcome.

It was my duty.

Why did you interview Mr. Luo?

I want to do

a special report on Eastern Country.

Volunteers are one of the topics.

That sounds interesting.

Would you watch

a show like that?

I would watch it.

Then if I needed to interview you,

would you agree?

Yes.

Rainy days are so good.

This pagoda has nearly 3,000 years of history.

It's the place the people of Eastern Country dream of visiting.

Sorry.

I'm late.

No worries.

You eat first.

Give me a minute.

Okay.

How's my mentor been lately?

To be honest,

I don't know.

I've barely seen him

since I came back.

He's out early and back late.

He said he just got a new job,

and it was recommended by you.

I totally forgot.

I just set him up with some home renovation work

in an old neighborhood.

So,

after this volunteer task,

would you come back to help me?

I'd love to.

It's a deal.

Great!

You know what?

It's so hard to get you to agree.

To convince you,

I'm going with you to Eastern Country for volunteer work.

If you still said no after that,

I'd have to give up.

Mr. Luo,

most people

wouldn't say that out loud

because the other person might change their mind,

thinking you're not committed enough.

But you wouldn't.

Instead, you'd see me as

sincere

and frank.

And,

you're the gentlest

yet…

most determined person I've met.

The first half of that

was very sincere,

but the second half...

You've got something else you need from me, don't you?

When you start awkwardly praising someone,

it usually means you want a favor.

What do you think about…

reporters?

Reporters?

Pretty good.

Knowledgeable,

thoughtful,

and socially responsible.

And...

You're a good person.

You should go now.

I don't want you to die here with me.

Also brave.

That makes things easier.

Forget it.

I'll talk to you when they start

pressuring me again.

Eat up.

After dinner,

I need to discuss a case with you.

After Song Ran's short film was aired,

the response was unexpectedly good.

Shen Bei,

we've discussed it.

For next month's topic,

we want both

the Eastern Country idea from Song Ran

and your original topic

to be developed into detailed proposals.

We'll decide the final topic

based on those proposals.

Isn't this what you wanted?

Why are you looking so down?

Were you hoping

to win without a fight with that short film?

I guess whatever I say now,

you'd think I'm being hypocritical, right?

Don't get me wrong.

I have no issue

with this fair competition.

Let's each do our best.

Today's the weekend.

I came to return the umbrella

without knowing if he'd be here.

If I don't leave soon,

the guard might think I'm here to steal a car,

not to retrieve one.

Zan.

Ms. Song?

You're here for your car?

Yeah.

It's been parked here for a week.

Sorry for the trouble.

No trouble at all.

And that umbrella.

Are you planning to return it like this?

No.

I was just thinking about

where I should put it.

What was your major?

I saw your books.

I studied

structural demolition.

Here.

It's too hot.

Have a bottle of water.

My red string bracelet,

do you still have it?

It's okay.

If you can't find it, don't worry about it.

I do have it.

I just didn't bring it

with me today.

Well,

I'll bring it to you next time then.

Alright.

Is that bracelet

for good luck?

Is it a gift from your family?

-My show… -I watched…

What do you think?

Pretty good.

It's very authentic,

not forced at all.

I really like it.

I also watched a few other TV shows

about Eastern Country.

They overplayed the tragedy,

which might evoke sympathy,

but that's not the real Eastern Country.

Exactly.

The Eastern Country I visited,

though filled with turmoil,

is also

brimming with vitality.

I feel the same way.

Unfortunately,

that film is too short.

There is so much more

I want to say.

That's a pity.

I'd love to see it.

Really?

Yeah.

So if I were to

compile the content

that isn't in the show

into a book

to give everyone a true picture of Eastern Country,

what would you say?

A book?

That's a good idea.

I actually enjoy reading.

That's great.

Wish you all the best

with your writing.

Thanks.

I should get going.

Wait a sec.

Last time I mentioned wanting to interview you,

you said it was okay.

Does that still stand?

Of course.

Then let's set up a time.

Sure.

But…

how can I get in touch with you?

Can we add each other on WeChat?

I'll scan your code.

I'm really sorry.

I left my phone

at home today.

Oh, I see.

Give me your phone.

Done.

This is my number.

What's your name?

Li Zan.

Zan, with the "wang" radical

and the "zan" for "praise."

You can just call me Zan.

You know that.

Zan.

I'll be on my way.

By the way,

that pagoda was once damaged by a fire

and rebuilt later.

In your film,

you mentioned the pagoda in Uglai City,

saying it

has nearly 3,000 years of history.

Bye.

He really watched my show.

Ladies and gentlemen,

the plane has landed at Liang City Airport.

The temperature outside is 35 degrees Celsius.

The plane is now taxiing.

For your safety and that of others,

please remain seated and do not open the overhead compartments.

I watched that short film of yours.

After all that time in Eastern Country,

you made a video that's just about 10 minutes long.

It's too rough.

The content is scattered,

the theme isn't clear,

and it's overly sentimental.

It might be seen as fresh in your station,

but on a national scale,

it wouldn't make the cut.

Don't let this bit of achievement

blind you.

If you don't step out of this circle,

you'll never see your true self.

Whether you're gold or scrap iron,

you need to test it out there.

It's too dry there.

I can't handle it.

The air is bad too.

Don't be so delicate.

Have a good rest at home.

The station has an urgent matter for me.

I've got to go.

Shen Bei,

we've decided

to go with Song Ran's topic this time.

Then,

can I see Song Ran's proposal?

Of course.

It's your team's topic after all.

Song Ran's proposal

is really good.

[Interview Subjects: International Rescue Organization Volunteer, Luo Zhan]

But...

Do you know someone from the International Rescue Organization?

Is it for work or personal matters?

It's…

a personal matter.

I'm not interested in personal matters.

This is a friend of mine.

But you actually played dirty.

[International Rescue Organization Volunteer, Li Zan]

Li Zan?

Li Zan…

He's a demolition engineer,

quite excellent.

His name is Li Zan.

Looks like it's fate.

I saw in the rerun that you corrected

the introduction about the pagoda.

Thank you.

No, I should be thanking you.

You're welcome.

Why are you back so late today?

As a small-time reporter,

no matter how busy you are, you can't achieve much.

Few people know about that.

I searched for ages

to find the information on the pagoda's destruction.

You've done research on Eastern Country's history?

I heard it from the locals.

I'm looking forward to your next show.

Don't play with your phone while eating.

You don't like the TV program

I made,

but some people do.

I don't have big ambitions.

I think I'm doing good now.

You're just like your father.

I'm his daughter.

Of course, I'm like him.

But you're my daughter too.

Don't act like a kid.

You think you're a grown-up now.

Don't forget

Song Zhicheng betrayed this family.

Stay here if you want to.

Has Song Zhicheng ever told you

when he's going to buy you a house?

No.

The house you're living in now

was left by your grandmother to your uncle.

Ran Chi is still in university

and will graduate in a year or two.

When he gets married,

you'll have to move out.

Isn't that still a few years away?

In a few years, I'll buy a house.

Can you afford a house with your salary?

If I can't, I'll just rent one.

It's not like I'll be sleeping on the streets.

Fine.

You've got spirit.

I'm going back this weekend.

The flight is at 2 PM on Sunday.

You'll give me a ride.

This Sunday…

You'll give me a ride.

The new round of overseas assignments

is about to start.

If you have any ideas,

just tell me.

Ran,

your show has the highest ratings

and engagement in the station.

I'm sure the Reporter of the Year

will be you.

Thank you.

Alright, alright.

Let's discuss these matters after the meeting.

Submit

your application forms

by this Friday.

The second thing is about

the Reporter of the Year.

Let's congratulate…

Shen Bei.

It's really Ms. Shen.

I knew it.

Ran.

Don't be upset.

In my heart, you're the best reporter.

I'm not upset.

I'm just thinking.

Well,

if I submit an application

to go to Eastern Country now,

would the station approve it?

Eastern Country?

It's so dangerous there right now.

Ran,

even if you didn't win the award this time...

What are you thinking?

I'm not that fragile.

I'm just asking.

Everyone worked hard today.

I'm treating you to hot pot tonight.

Thanks, Ms. Shen.

That's great!

Sorry, I'm late.

Ms. Shen,

everyone from our team is here.

Why is there still an empty seat?

Who else is coming?

I forgot to tell you all.

I invited my boyfriend to come today.

Boyfriend?

Who is he?

I didn't invite him here

to show off.

We're working on the Eastern Country special, right?

My boyfriend has done volunteer work in Eastern Country,

and he was a demining volunteer.

Song Ran's short film

was so successful.

We must keep up the good work.

Maybe my boyfriend

can help us.

A demining volunteer.

That sounds impressive.

Drop the "sounds" part.

Anyone worthy of Ms. Shen

must be excellent.

Here comes my boyfriend.

Over here.

♫Stepping on my heart alone♫

Isn't he the handsome guy in the short film?

You've got sharp eyes.

♫You're triggering a bomb unknown♫

It's really him.

♫Where the light reaches, shadows ripple in return♫

♫Stay where you are, don't move♫

Here, wipe it.

This is my number.

I'd watch it.

You're welcome.

You can keep it.

He looks more handsome in person than in the film.

♫We fall, we're falling slow♫

♫We fall, we're falling slow♫

I'll go get a dip.

She got so emotional.

I'm going to the bathroom.

Excuse me.

Ms. Song.

Y-Your bracelet...

I was afraid I'd forget to bring it

when I met you,

so...

♫When love is deeply buried in♫

♫The castle piled up on the beach♫

♫Time washes it away♫

♫Let me guess, have you ever walked into♫

♫The castle you built for me♫

♫And disappeared at dawn?♫

♫This love is deeply buried♫

♫In the castle on the beach♫

♫Time washes it away♫

♫Let me guess, have you ever walked into♫

♫The castle you built♫

♫And disappeared at dawn?♫

♫Let me guess, have you ever walked into♫

♫The castle you built for me♫

♫And disappeared at dawn?♫

I'm sorry.

I didn't give you a heads-up

before inviting my colleagues over.

Are you and Song Ran…

very close?

It's okay.

I have something to do.

I have to go.

Dad, I met Li Zan.

Did the meeting go well?

No.

I think I might have upset him.

Upset him?

What I mean is,

I like

Li Zan,

but the meeting didn't go well.

However, I won't give up.

He's…

indeed unique.

[Uglai City, Eastern Country]

Ms. Song.

Although my name is Sasin,

which sounds very Eastern Country,

I'm part Chinese.

That's why the station specifically sent me to receive you.

No wonder your Chinese is so good.

Eastern Country,

I'm back.

A female journalist.

And a pretty one.

Why would they send a female journalist?

I bet she'll be frightened into crying.

Sasin.

Good morning, Song Ran.

Morning.

Captain Jiang.

You've brought the volunteers back.

Yeah.

Ms. Song.

Captain Jiang.

You have a shoot today?

Yes,

in a town 60 kilometers away.

Alright.

When you come back,

stop by our camp.

I have something to discuss with you.

Okay.

Captain Jiang.

I heard today that you are growing vegetables at your camp.

Who's in charge?

Did you

get a volunteer just for that?

So what?

Planting vegetables isn't unusual.

Seriously?

No wonder you needed us to come.

I'll be helping too.

We're also raising chickens.

And we even sent some to the field hospital

to provide extra nutrition for the injured mercenaries.

Haven't you heard about this?

Then I should thank you on behalf

of those mercenaries,

Miss Journalist.

Miss Journalist,

could you honor me with a drink?

Are you here to do your job

or to harass girls?

Where's your team leader?

The leader,

the leader…

Where's the leader?

Oh, right,

I am…

the team leader today.

They actually let a mercenary lead?

What's wrong with mercenaries?

Mercenaries only care about money.

If we weren't here to make money,

who would protect your precious lives?

A baby who hasn't grown up

came to be a war correspondent.

Later on,

won't we have to be his babysitters?

Nonsense!

I don't need your protection.

Alright.

Then be a good kid, and don't go back on your word.

Let's go.

Get in the truck.

Ben, can you teach me some Chinese?

Why?

Are you attracted?

This girl is actually prettier than the other.

I like both of them.

These foreigners are all mercenaries,

hired to work for money.

You can't judge them

by military standards,

and you don't need to be too polite to them,

or they'll act like animals in heat.

Watch your mouth,

young boy.

With your attitude,

how did you become a journalist?

Are you Chinese?

Don't I look like one?

Or is my Chinese not fluent enough?

I practiced my Chinese hard

just so

I could marry a Chinese woman.

No wonder.

Kid,

you're from Eastern Country

but speak fluent Chinese.

Are you planning to marry a Chinese woman too?

Mr. Mercenary,

can't you tell

I'm also Chinese?

And I bet you haven't been to college, huh?

Naturally, you wouldn't know

that many colleges now

offer Chinese as an elective.

Having been to college is not so impressive.

Bullets don't care if you're a college graduate.

A college graduate, huh?

When a fight broke out, all you did was hide at the back.

You ran around

all over the place when you should

have covered the news.

Can you even finish your task?

Won't you get scolded when you go back?

Shut up!

Mind your own business.

Watch out!

Clear.

If I minded my own business,

you'd have died.

It's okay.

He wasn't hiding at the back.

He was trying to protect the civilians over there.

Protecting civilians is our job.

Yes,

but this is his country,

his people.

He wants to protect this place more than you or I do.

Okay. Let's go.