Original subtitles

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by 🌃 Life Issues 🌃 Team @Viki.com

'Be My Own Light' - Xian Zi

♫ It’s not necessary to conceal our scars ♫

♫ We’ll maintain grace through difficulties ♫

♫ Afterward, alone I’ll continue and start anew ♫

♫ I can pick myself up and can let go ♫

♫ I’ll look back at the world, amidst the confusion and chaos ♫

♫ There’s nothing to fear, oh ~ ♫

♫ Despite my occasional frustration and fatigue, the essence of youth persists ♫

♫ I'll seize my chances and set off again, oh ~ oh ~ ♫

♫ Even if I’m stumbling and faltering, I’ll become my own light ♫

♫ I'll live my life beautifully even as I walk on a path filled with thorns ♫

♫ The stillness of the night foreshadows the approaching sunrise ♫

♫ I’ll continue my upstream journey in the far distance ♫

♫ Ride the wind and waves to become my own light ♫

♫ With unyielding determination, I’ll let my soul soar free ♫

♫ I'll smile at the challenges, weather the storms, and blossom in determination ♫

♫ The greatest reward is the gift of a fresh start ♫

[Stand or Fall]

[Episode 20]

General Manager Ding. I apologize.

Chairman Zheng really doesn't have the time today.

It's fine. Go back to your work. I'll wait for him.

Still waiting?

That Zheng is really something. He won't even show his face.

I bet he was involved with Zhang Li.

Then I'll force him to have to meet me.

- General Manager Ding, enjoy your meal. - Thanks.

General Manager Ding.

Director Li.

Are you here for a meeting?

I'm here to see Chairman Zheng, but he doesn't have the time to see me.

Please enjoy your meal.

Just give this to Director Li later.

- General Manager Ding, you're here. - General Manager Ding.

Nice to see you.

Chairman Zheng is too busy to see me.

I can only wait for him.

- Then please have a seat. - All right.

Do you think that Chairman Zheng has something against General Manager Ding?

I heard he's been sitting here for the entire morning.

Chairman Zheng doesn't want to see him.

Is he doing this on purpose?

- Keep your voice down. - All right.

Pass this to Director Li.

General Manager Ding.

Chairman Zheng will see you now.

Thank you.

Not bad, Ding Ning.

You're so open about your threats now.

It doesn't fit your style

of being ruthless behind people's backs.

I have no choice. The task is heavy due to the limited time.

You didn't have time to see me.

I can only wait for you outside.

And show the whole world that I'm petty and intolerant.

They'll see how busy you are and that you work tirelessly for the company.

You should work on your attitude if you're asking for help.

Chairman Zheng is really a prophet.

You've already guessed why I came to you.

There are no secrets in this industry.

So you've already heard that Wanli is having trouble attracting merchants.

I'm sure you'll be able to help, right?

- You want to increase the business development budget? - Right.

You are still young and inexperienced.

You know nothing about the financial reports and budgets.

It's such a big group.

You want to increase the expenses so much in the third quarter?

How am I supposed to explain this to the shareholders?

Then can you explain to the shareholders the reason for having Zhang Li pull strings with our competitors?

Do you know what you're talking about?

Chairman Zheng, you created such a big mess for Wanli

just because you wanted me to bow to you, right?

Now I'm here.

Why aren't you taking a step back?

Don't think of our relationship as so hostile.

I'm more than ten years older than you.

In terms of seniority, you should be calling me uncle.

So let me teach you a lesson today.

To want to turn the world upside down with just your abilities,

that's impossible.

A lot of the time, luck is what matters.

And whether or not there's someone there to help you is very important.

So what you're saying is that as long as I serve as your knife within the Group,

you'll be there to help me?

I'm a man who values talent.

It depends on your attitude.

It's a pity. I don't like to be someone else's...

Dog.

Ding Ning. Please don't pretend to be righteous.

You're not willing to accept my help because you think you still have a chance to beat me

and eventually, replace me in the future.

It's all about personal interests.

Chairman Zheng, you're overthinking it. Let's get back to talking about business.

Sorry.

Wanli's Business Development budget for the year has been capped.

I really want to help,

but I can't do anything about it.

I need to explain to the board after all.

Got it.

I appreciate your advice, Chairman Zheng.

But even without the Group's financial support, I can still solve the problem.

Then I wish you success.

You waited all day outside Chairman Zheng's office.

You value your reputation so much.

Why were you willing to bow to him?

Did you come to laugh at me?

I just think you're asking for trouble by trying to reasoning with a hooligan.

Do you really think

you can convince him, and he'll drop his cleaver?

If I don't provoke him, I won't be able to hear him be honest with me.

I wouldn't know where the bottom line is.

What if I tried all the possibilities and the Group still doesn't help?

Wanli will have no choice but to join the battle alone.

Do you think it is possible

to defeat Feile City on your own?

The fish are swimming towards us.

Half an hour has passed.

Will the fish swim towards us?

Be patient.

He is here, isn't he?

Waiter. Cappuccino, please. With more milk.

Director Huang.

- General Manager Ding. - Thank you, Director Huang.

- Director Guan. Have a seat. - Please have a seat.

Sorry, I'm late. The traffic was so bad.

It's fine, Director Huang. Traffic is inevitable at this hour.

I haven't had a chance to thank you for the work dinner last time.

It's nothing. No big deal.

Director Huang, then I won't beat around the bush.

On the phone, you said you were willing to give us Feile City's shopping mall map

and their conditions for rent negotiations as an exchange with us.

I don't know what you would like for the exchange.

[Rent Reduction Agreement]

Here is the thing.

Feile City provides its brands with very attractive conditions.

But my heart is with you two.

As for the conditions, I'm not asking for much.

I want full funding for the renovations,

and a 10% decrease in the rental cost. That's all.

Please wait.

A 10% decrease in rent?

Director Huang, are you taking advantage of us?

What are you talking about, General Manager Ding?

We're not a big brand.

However, once we sign with Wanli,

it'll have some influence on the other brands to a certain extent.

These conditions are fair to you, aren't they?

Director Huang. I'm afraid we can't work with your conditions.

Hold on, Director Guan.

I want to have a few words with Director Huang.

Director Huang, thank you for your hospitality today.

But before we leave, I have a few more words to say.

First of all, the owner of Feile City has just entered the commercial real estate industry.

He hasn't built his foundation yet.

But Liya Group is totally different.

We have a lot of power in the second and third-tier cities.

If your brand wants to enter malls in the future,

you'll have to consider the possibility of that happening.

Also, our meeting today will make it back to Feile City's Business Development Department.

Really? Then...

Finally, what I want to emphasize the most is that

although Director Huang is not on our side on the matter of Feile City,

it's okay. We won't bear grudges.

If you run into any problems at Feile City in the future,

look for Guan Wen at any time. If Guan Wen can't solve it,

come find me. I will solve it for you.

I'm a man of my word.

No.

Director Huang. Thank you for today.

Hold on.

General Manager Ding and Director Guan.

My heart is with you.

That's it.

I didn't expect for Zhang Li to be so ambitious.

He even wants to take TL.

Judging from the map,

they're basically emptying out all of our international brands.

For brands that have already launched, if they really do have to move,

it'll involve both the contract period and amortization fees.

It's not that simple. But look at this.

These are the brands we intend on negotiating a deal with that we have yet to finalize.

If they want to steal them, there's a lot of room for doing so.

Take it.

Although Feile City agreed to pay 100% of their renovation fees,

but in order to balance their accounts,

their rent is 10% higher than ours.

So they're just using their future money to fill in the gaps from now.

The renovation expenses need approval from the Group.

But as the manager of the mall,

I still have the ability to agree to provide several brands with support

in terms of rent.

For the next step,

who will be the first brand we start with?

- This. - C & H.

A reduction of 3%?

These conditions are indeed competitive.

But to be honest, for a newly-launched brand,

renovation expenses are a big investment.

So, if you guys are willing to give supplements,

I can make the decision now.

I'll choose Wanli.

Director Yao, Wanli is now an up-and-coming mall.

It's a bit difficult for us to cover the renovation costs.

General Manager Ding and I personally paid this visit today

to show our sincerity.

We are very willing to let CIH settle in.

Even though you wavered and backed out when we were about to sign the contract,

we can totally understand.

But the conditions they offered

is something I can't refuse.

I'm sure a brand doesn't just look at the business conditions when choosing a mall.

Otherwise, wouldn't CIH be on every street?

Director Yao, if you really couldn't refuse them,

you wouldn't have made time to meet with us.

You could've just signed with them. Right?

That's because you haven't cooperated with them before.

You still doubt their management and operations capabilities.

That's true.

But I still have to take care of Advisor Zhang's feelings.

Zhang Li is just a business development advisor.

No matter how strong his connections in this circle are,

he is still just a business development consultant.

After your brand has settled, and the mall opens,

he'll retire with his achievements.

Will he be responsible for the future and sales of your brand?

But Wanli's performance in the past six months is obvious to all in the market.

Although we can't help you with the cost of opening up a store,

but we can guarantee your brand's image and future profits in our mall.

For us to offer such a low rent, this must be a long-term benefit for a brand.

Of course, you can also place all your bets on the other party.

But when that time comes, and you want to switch over to Wanli,

I'm afraid it'll be impossible to get such a good position

and favorable conditions.

Director Guan, we still have a few meetings. We won't bother Director Yao.

Please think it over. Alright?

- We'll go now. - Come on.

[C & H | CARVEN HERBERT]

Do we still have to go to the next brand?

Let's wait.

Director Yao should call Feile City soon.

He'll use our offer to pressure them.

That's very likely. Feile City is a shopping mall, not a charity.

They have to find a way to settle the accounts.

Even if they can afford the money to subsidize the renovation cost of those new brands,

the rent will not be cut anymore. They still need to make money.

So, are we ruining their plan?

It was your idea to reduce the rent, General Manager Ding.

I wasn't involved in any of this.

Are you starting a war with Chairman Zheng?

I'll fight him this time.

I won't let him go easy.

The reason he did this trick

was to make you surrender to him or to take second best.

He wanted to overpower you in the final result,

making you feel embarrased and leave on your own.

But instead of admitting defeat,

you even planned to fight him to the death.

He started this war.

Since he wants a war, I'll fight with him.

I won't easily hold up the white flag.

Any progress with Guan Wen lately?

It's not good.

Take some initiative, Brother!

Do you have any ideas?

Hit on what one likes.

Figure out what she likes and do just that.

Will that work?

Who has more girlfriends, you or me?

Have some water?

You came especially to see me?

I haven't heard from you in a week.

I should ask you why.

I've talked to the company's management

but they wanted to reduce the rent.

We are offering full renovation costs.

You can take the money to open your shop and renovate it.

It won't cost you anything.

I hope that the brand can try to understand us.

It's a win-win for all of us.

It's very difficult to reduce the rent.

We can discuss it.

How about this? We've received your opinion.

You can leave now. We'll discuss it a bit.

And then we'll give you an answer. Does that work?

Please.

How do you know I'm avoiding you?

It's been a while since you reached out to me.

I replied to you in the group chat.

Is replying the same as reaching out?

I have known you for more than ten years.

I can tell when you're acting different.

What did I do to piss you off?

It's not you. It's my own problem.

Because of your husband?

You changed your attitude

after we bumped into President Wang last time.

We did have an argument recently.

Because of me?

He told me to keep my distance from you.

He's right. You should keep your distance from me.

Recently, he stole one of my brands

and I was so furious.

I wished I could kill his entire clan.

God, look what you're capable of.

Kill his entire clan.

I have shown my utmost sincerity.

It's hard to reduce the rent.

President Wang, what's the hurry?

We can take our time to discuss this.

Take our time? How? C & H is pressuring me to lower our rent.

If the other first-tier brands all ask for the same thing,

and want us to match Wanli's rent, even after twenty years...

I won't recover the cost even after twenty years.

President Wang, you must remember that compared with Wanli,

Feile City originally had no chance at all.

But now there's hope. And it's because of me.

All right. That's all for today.

Since you know what Wang Liren thinks, why did you still come to me?

Aren't you worried I'd be on his side this time and ruin your plans?

There's no way. You had a falling out with him because of me.

I regret it a lot now, you know?

I should be on my husband's side instead of my friend's.

I'd like to see you try.

I came to see you because I know you can be sensitive.

You think too much.

That's why I want to tell you, that no matter what happens out there,

it will never affect our long-lasting friendship.

How pure our friendship was back then,

it'll be the same now and in the future.

The three of us must not have a falling out.

We agreed to be in retirement together.

I don't want to be in retirement with you. All right?

I have a husband and a child.

So please, Guan Xiao Wen. Find a man to be responsible for the rest of your life.

I don't want it! I can't! I want to cling to you.

I'm single now anyway, and you had a falling out with your husband.

We can just be alone together for the rest of our lives.

Get off!

Idiot.

Will President Wang pick you up later?

Don't mention it. I haven't been living at home recently.

I'm staying at my parents' place.

What's going on?

I told you that after an argument, you should make amends.

Don't fight because of me.

It's not your fault.

It's our own problem.

Either way, we both need to calm down right now.

And figure out what to do next.

I'm back.

You got takeout again?

Mom was here. She made your favorite braised pork.

And there are also strawberries in the fridge.

Why don't you come and have some?

I don't have an appetite.

What's wrong, Xuanxuan?

Lin Hao, what is this?

Ding Ning.

- What a coincidence. - Is it?

I have a membership here.

Lately, I'm here in the afternoon and evening unless I have an event.

Didn't you know that?

I forgot.

Sit here and let's have a competition on this equipment. Let me check your fitness results.

You are not having a fever?

What's your problem? Competing with a woman on weights?

Didn't you always like to win? Let's compete.

Sorry.

It's all right. Go and work out. I'm going on a run.

- I'll run with you. - Don't follow me.

Let's have a late-night snack after our workout.

I know a restaurant that has great snail rice noodles.

Are you under a lot of pressure from work recently?

Why do you ask?

You're acting a bit abnormal.

During lunch the other day,

a female colleague left this earring on the table.

When I came back after paying the bill, I saw that she left this on the table.

So I put it in my pocket to give it back to her.

Then I forgot to take it out.

- That's it? - That's it?

What are you thinking all day?

If I really have something going on, would I let you find out about it?

All right, Xuanxuan.

Stop overthinking.

We've been together for so many years.

If I wanted to like someone, I would have liked them long ago, right?

Would I have waited for us to get married

to do so?

Lin Hao,

you want to spend the rest of your life with me, right?

Of course.

Let's have a child then.

What are you doing?

What a bad idea. You...

I told you to cater to their pleasure, I didn't ask you to compete with her.

How was I supposed to know? She's like a combative rooster who wants to win.

Winning is the greatest pleasure for her.

She's such a fierce woman. I really don't know what you see in her.

Do you think you have too long of a life? Or do you like self-abuse?

Okay, I can't talk to you anymore.

I'm going to bed. I have to negotiate the discounts with the client tomorrow morning.

Let me sleep here tonight. My dad has canceled my credit card.

You can't refuse a dying man.

You're so funny. You have so many girlfriends, and not a single one wants to take you in?

We've been married for so long. Shouldn't we have a child?

That's not what I meant.

You...

You're suddenly... You're bringing up this topic so suddenly.

- I'm not ready. - Why is this sudden?

- What else do you have to prepare? - No, Xuanxuan. Look.

We haven't had our wedding yet. Let's not rush things.

- Let's wait a little longer. - Okay. When can we have our wedding?

I've been busy lately. Let's wait a little longer.

How much longer? I'm over 30 years old.

If I keep waiting, I will be an old woman in labor.

As you know, we lost a child before.

If I don't get pregnant now, I'm afraid it'll be too late in the future.

You don't want a child?

Never mind then.

I didn't mean that.

If you want to have a baby,

let's have a baby.

All right then. Then I'll make an appointment.

We'll go to the hospital to get a checkup.

Do whatever you want.

Director Yao from C & H called.

He said Feile City agreed to reduce their original rent by 5%.

Our opponent is rich with deep pockets and doesn't consider the consequences.

The reduced rent is close to the price we offered.

We can reduce the rent by another 2%.

You want me to match Wanli's rent decrease?

That's impossible.

If you refuse to do it,

then this opportunity will be theirs.

Giving in now will put Feile City on the stage.

They will only be better in the next ten years.

We won't have a chance to catch up.

It's the last hit.

You must show your determination.

We already took 99 steps. I'm not willing to give up

It's just about the money.

I already paved the way for you.

It's just about the money? Easy for you to say.

I hired you to be my consultant, not to give away my wealth.

Since you can't afford to, quit the game.

Go to Wanli and surrender.

Quit?

I've already come this far, and you're telling me to quit?

Back then, you assured me that with your ability,

Feile City can house luxury brands.

You said we could compete with Wanli.

That's why I convinced all investors

to change their investment strategy and re-invest.

Why can't you do it?

You can do it.

You just don't want to spend any money.

You want to make a profit of 100 yuan at the cost of ten yuan.

Such advantages don't exist anymore.

You're blaming me?

We discussed the budget for the upgrade with you.

We only moved forward when you said it was enough.

Why is the budget increasing another 30 million tomorrow when we agreed on 20 million today?

Which company can do this?

You think investors' money comes from the sky?

Like I said, I can't take on jobs like Feile City

who are switching from one field to another because they're too stingy.

If Chairman Zheng didn't come to me personally,

I wouldn't have become the business development advisor for this project.

So it's Liya's internal conflict.

And they want to sacrifice Feile City.

Either way, this is the currently situation.

The other party has cut off all means of retreat

and are determined to make it to the end.

If you don't have the determination,

you'd better quit your business.

What's the matter? Scared?

Aren't you usually very daring?

I'm afraid you won't be able to explain this to the Group.

If I let Feile City seize the opportunity to grow their business,

then I wouldn't be able to explain to the Group.

We must not lose this battle.

This is the last time.

Have you really discussed this with Lin Hao?

When are you planning on having kids?

As soon as possible.

We must pick up the pace then.

What about the wedding?

We didn't plan for that yet.

It's hard to book a hotel nowadays.

We need to start booking one year in advance.

Right.

But you already got married.

It's fine to have the wedding when you give birth.

Why hasn't Lin Hao come yet?

Did you tell him the wrong time?

No.

I told him it's at one o'clock.

I will call him.

He didn't pick up?

Chen Xuanxuan. Is Chen Xuanxuan here?

How about you get the checkup first? Come on.

[Honey]

It's my birthday today.

I got called in for a last-minute meeting.

I'm afraid I won't make it back.

Lin Hao must have been held back by something.

He's not as free as you.

He has a lot to do at his job.

He said he was at a meeting.

See? Lin Hao is a reliable boy.

It's normal for him to be busy with work.

So I deserve to be ranked last on his list

for the rest of my life, right?

All right.

Don't pull a long face.

Be careful on your way back.

I'll tell you when the report comes out.

Come on.

Sorry.

Is it really impossible to continue the negotiation?

Did you already sign the contract with them?

Not yet. But we will soon.

I didn't expect for Feile City to be so reckless

to take the brand from us.

Actually, I already made a plan B.

I didn't think we would need it.

We don't need it.

This is very different from what we expected.

It went from a young, fashionable, and luxurious shopping center,

to a community-based commercial project.

Then all the efforts we've made before will be in vain.

I don't want to change the plan any more than you do.

But we don't have ammunition in our hands. We can't defeat Feile City.

- You want to give up? - Of course I don't want to.

If I was the only one involved,

I wouldn't have surrendered voluntarily

until the outcome was finalized.

You are right.

As long as these brands haven't signed a contract with the other party,

we will still have hope.

What's so funny?

I thought you would ask me to stop

to make a more practical plan.

That's how you think of me?

That's not it.

But in front of reality and reason,

I can understand your compromise.

You're responsible for the entire mall.

You have more things to worry about.

I didn't think this day would ever come.

Guan Wen stood in someone else's shoes for once,

and is taking someone else into consideration.

That's good.

How about this? You've been working overtime these days.

Go back early today. Let's continue the discussion tomorrow.

- See you tomorrow. - Bye bye.

President Wang. Are you meeting with C & H to discuss the details of opening the store?

- Congratulations. - Thank you.

Director Guan.

Do you have time? I need to talk to you.

I need to talk to you about a personal matter. For Xiao Qiu.

She hasn't moved back home yet?

I called her several times, and she didn't answer.

I wanted to know if she's doing well.

She loves you so much, and you two are fighting.

Do you think she's doing well?

President Wang, you should take the initiative to talk to her.

I'm sure you know her better than me.

She is soft on the outside but tough on the inside.

If it's something she has to deal with on her own, no one can urge her otherwise.

You have to be the one to fix this.

I'll pick her up later.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Since when did they become so close?

sTiming and Subtitles brought to you by 🌃 Life Issues 🌃 Team @Viki.com

♫ Like an undiscovered swing, a convenience store in the early morning ♫

♫ Like a dimly lit night, coffee has its limits ♫

♫ My heart remains untamed and unyielding ♫

♫ I'm thankful for a chance to give it my all ♫

♫ My heart is captivated by the past, letting me embrace the nostalgia ♫

♫ Basic encounters have transformed into dream-like encounters ♫

♫ I said not to have regrets, but I've contradicted myself ♫

♫ Stubbornness doesn't come into play here ♫

♫ Unexpectedly glancing back, I realized you've always been at the beginning ♫

♫ The unwavering heartstrings play a calm tune ♫

♫ Putting my pride aside, I've discovered you remain unchanged ♫

♫ Is it too late for me to make a secret wish? ♫

♫ Even after a long separation, words aren't necessary ♫

♫ In this moment, I want to capture this wonderful scene ♫

♫ Thank you for your courage in accepting my simplicity ♫

♫ Embrace the new me, eagerly heading to the next destination ♫

♫ I'm grateful your presence slowly fills my surroundings with joy ♫

♫ How lucky I am to have you in my sight ♫

♫ How worthy I am that you are my answer ♫