Original subtitles

♪Hu Manli, Manli♪

♪Who's obsessed with money♪

♪Hey Manli, Manli♪

♪I just wanna tell you♪

♪Long lashes big bright eyes♪

♪Always rockin' shades♪

♪Tiny steps click-clack beat♪

♪Graceful fierce elite♪

♪Your loyal sidekick here♪

♪Ready to cheer♪

♪Copy your swagger every day♪

♪Ah-ha Ah-ha♪

♪I see you rush♪

♪Through crowds on streets each dawn♪

♪Bump into you texting alone♪

♪Midnight café empties out♪

♪Fatigue fights the void♪

♪Victory's sweet shout♪

♪Hey Honey♪

♪Let's pause♪

♪Breathe deep feel the air♪

♪Sense the vibes we share♪

♪Wallet's magic sparks the night♪

♪Whirlwind takes flight♪

♪Love's a comet streaking high♪

♪Vanishing in sky♪

♪Hey Honey♪

♪Love you first♪

♪Tomorrow's world reborn♪

♪Slip into new threads♪

♪Leave blissful steps ahead♪

♪I'll wait♪

♪Where we first met♪

♪Who craves that cash♪

♪Hey Manli, Manli♪

♪I'm so dazzled♪

♪Hu Manli, Manli♪

♪I'm all about that Manli♪

[A Better Life]

[Episode 23]

I hope you won't mind.

We need to talk.

I know.

My dad always speaks what's on his mind.

It's nothing personal.

What are you talking about?

Am I that petty?

Glad to hear that.

I just want to know.

Did they say when they'll leave?

They came to

look after a pregnant you.

I guess it will be a while.

I know.

But look.

My morning sickness has weakened.

And I have a nanny at home.

At the firm, I have Jiang.

I can't bear to have the elders

take care of

me.

And.

The room

facing north downstairs they live in

lacks sunshine.

In a long term,

it'll be bad for their health.

Why don't you tell them to go home

later?

No.

They've just arrived.

What will they think?

I don't think so.

Dad and Mom are well-educated.

They're no average seniors.

They'll understand.

What do you think?

OK.

Yes.

I'll make time to talk to them.

It's settled then.

Soon.

The king is throwing a wedding.

The poor maid

is gazing by the gate secretly.

You're Xue Xiaozhou from TSI?

Yes.

Please.

Thanks.

We offer law service for Puhui Culture

and also help manage this bidding.

Please tell us your TSI's

plan in 10 minutes.

Feel free to use the white board

if you need.

I'll pass on that.

People before me must have made

enough presentations.

I believe you've known the benefits

and even added cash value of

various plans by now.

Today,

I just want to convey the meaning

behind legacy.

Tell us.

What do you think

is the most important of inheritance?

Fortune?

No.

People.

People change.

So in our plan,

we address

eliminating risks people bring.

Here.

Thanks.

Now turn to

page...

Please give us some private time.

Linjiang is

doing the dividing thing.

I can't decide for him.

So

you must've known

Linjiang and Xiaozhou had a fight.

In that way,

it'll be rude of me to ask for a favor.

Recently,

Xiaozhou told me how he thought.

So I thought

it might inspire your vendors.

Tell me.

What do you think

is the most important

of a family's legacy?

What?

You dare to come?

You want to threaten us

with Ma Xiaowei?

Don't misunderstand.

When I mentioned people with risks,

I meant you.

I assume everyone designed

their plans based on you.

To be frankly,

you're much better than Xiaowei.

What about your kids?

Kids after that?

For example.

If Xiaowei's kids

can better protect and even make better

use of the fortune.

Should we change the guardian?

You're saying my kids will

be worse than Xiaowei's?

Kids of me and Ya will be incompetent?

I didn't

say that.

But,

there's a theory

called social mean reversion.

You heard of it?

It means

great parents

tend to have average kids.

Of course it's just possible.

But parents usually put high

hopes on their kids.

In our plan, Xiaowei

is the biggest ticking bomb.

We deduced a worst case.

How is it?

One's fortune

is as unpredictable as the weather.

What if

Linjiang...

before

you,

childless?

What to do with Xiaowei?

Let's take it even more extreme.

What if

Xiaowei's the only one left?

This is just an assumption.

But you know better than us

what Xiaowei is.

Xiaozhou studied law.

He tends to look at the bigger picture.

This is his plan.

If you find the time...

Manli.

Thank you for your reminder.

I'll ask my vendor

to consider

all the risks.

Once a client, always my client.

This is my principle.

Sure.

What did Zhonghua say?

Nothing.

Linjiang didn't hit you, did he?

Why would he do that?

But I think

I pissed him off.

We've tried.

Forget about the result.

Xiaozhou,

you've challenged yourself.

Well done.

OK, see you.

Look at the big mall.

So much clothes.

Dare, pick something for your grandpa.

He's handsome.

Looks good in anything.

I'm almost 70.

It doesn't matter what I wear.

We should save money for his studies.

Come home in the same plain clothes?

The family will laugh at you.

It's OK.

Mom.

You're going back?

What's the hurry?

No.

We were just talking.

So what's your plan?

I mean if you have one,

tell me in advance.

It's about to be a holiday.

You need to book tickets early.

It's OK.

Here's my plan.

When will be your book meeting?

That must be after the holiday.

I'm thinking about

leaving after your meeting.

Why?

You still don't get it?

Your dad was talking to you about that

Madame something.

He used to teach

and was obsessed with literature.

You won't ask

him to give a speech?

It was just a casual talk.

Don't just decide for me.

I think it's fine.

Quit being modest.

You guys could do a debate,

a hot discussion.

Actually,

it's a good idea.

I really know about

modern French novels.

That's right.

You two can make a good topic.

Prepare yourself.

Make your son proud.

Zhiyuan.

What do you think?

Mom.

You're...

Of course it's OK.

Great.

It's settled then.

Tell Lisu about it.

Honey.

Go.

Pick an outfit for the occasion.

It's OK.

It's not.

Daer.

Pick something for him.

That, that one.

That one sells menswear.

The restaurant...

Great cooking.

Here's our car.

It's here?

You should visit your colleagues

on your own.

Won't we go together?

Daer still has classes.

Classes?

Yes, at night.

OK, get in.

OK.

Careful.

OK.

Call me when you arrive.

Yes.

Let's go.

Bye.

Let's go.

I have classes.

All your dishes are here.

Enjoy.

Thanks.

Come on.

This is your favorite.

Dad.

You don't want Grandpa to join.

Nonsense.

When did I say that?

Your bitter smile just now

almost cracked me up.

Really?

Hey.

No talking during meals.

Don't be nosy.

You know now

how many troubles Mom saved for you?

In the past,

Mom arranged everything from tickets,

picking them up, and

their tours in Shanghai.

They visit as they like.

What's the hassle?

After today's shopping with them,

you still say that?

What's bad about hanging out

with them

and buying stuff?

Dad.

Don't you think this is the end.

It's just the beginning.

Beginning.

For instance,

the tickets.

They choose berth trains over

bullet trains.

Bullet trains take only 3 to 4 hours,

while berth ones,

7 to 8.

They can't bear

sitting for hours.

They can lie on berths instead and

have to lie on the lowest one.

And the time.

They leave early in the morning.

So when they arrive,

Granny can still take a nap at home.

And to cap it all,

Mom

needed to guess their minds.

Only in that way would they be nice.

If she got it wrong,

they'd call her thoughtless,

ungrateful,

you name it.

She never told me.

Yes,

she did.

But you'd always say,

"She's my mom.

What should I do?"

Hey.

Mom.

Let me take it.

Was it fun?

He's such a big boy.

You could get him a taxi.

It's on my way.

New shoes?

Pretty good.

It wasn't her.

It was...

my parents.

Right?

You don't need to lie.

It doesn't matter.

You don't mind?

I do.

But this is between us adults.

Nothing to do with him.

You're an excellent lady.

Say goodbye to Dad.

Bye, Dad.

What did you get for dinner?

Spaghetti.

Spaghetti.

Was it good?

As usual.

Zhiyuan.

Did you book the tickets?

When will they leave?

It's been five days.

No news of our bid?

You'll go to the firm?

Zhonghua's lawyer

just called me.

How is it?

It's all

my fault.

It's OK.

We tried anyway.

Baodan.

Come here.

Talk to Dad.

Cheer him up.

Or no one scoops your poops.

You laugh?

We won the bidding.

Why did you

lie to me!

Childish.

You can really put up a show.

With a long face, you still comfort me.

Don't get cocky.

Don't think it's in the bag.

Keep your eyes on the ball till the end.

Yes, madam.

Baodan.

You're such a lucky cat.

Come in.

You want me?

Xiaozhou.

Come on in.

Take a seat.

Here.

Congrats.

Another big order.

It's not over.

Sit.

Here.

Can you tell me about your client?

We haven't signed.

You'll know.

She introduced, I guess.

Yes, her connections.

You're smart.

I'll be straight to the point.

You can

do better

with me.

With you?

How?

Give me this order.

Of course you have the commission.

And I could pay you more privately.

You won't make money?

The firm wants a family office.

I need this

to prove myself to Qing.

If I get in,

I'll reward you generously.

That sounds tempting.

Xiaozhou.

Manli trusts you.

Have her resources

and take them to me.

I'll bring you into the office.

But,

I feel like I can't.

Why?

Betrayal

isn't virtuous.

You have integrity.

Does she have it too?

What do you mean?

She's nice to you

because she doesn't have a position.

She has to rely on you.

You ever thought about

two years later?

Once her ban is lifted,

do you still matter to her?

What do

you think she'll treat you?

Xiaozhou.

She's using you as a tool,

that's all.

Keep that in mind.

You're right.

Thank you.

I need time to figure out

what she is.

But I knew about you

long ago.

When I first got here,

without a client,

you didn't even buy me bubble tea.

And when I had a big order,

you gifted me a dear bag.

Thanks.

But I think it's you

who's making me

feel like a tool.

Xiaozhou.

Mind your manners

while I'm still nice.

I do.

I don't have any strengths

but I can tell who's nice to me.

I don't know

what she'll do to me.

People change.

But I know this.

She'll never

be as bad as you.

Thanks for inviting

and the water.

I'll be off.

You're using the computer?

I'll come later.

Zhiyuan.

You have something to tell me?

No.

When will you stop avoiding me?

Sit down.

Look at you.

Avoiding you?

About your parents.

Listen.

They'll

leave after the book meeting.

Why?

Mom said

I should invite my dad

to give a speech,

to discuss with me.

Mom said...

What do you think?

It's OK to

insert a discussion.

Zhiyuan.

I've been holding

Maple Book Meeting for years.

The guests

are all big bosses

of Shanghai.

They're busy.

They'll give half of a day.

What does it mean?

They're enthusiastic about culture.

In an event like this,

can you

really invite a middle school

teacher?

My dad knows about literature.

And he's my dad.

I can't turn him down.

I have no issues with your dad.

It's just

work is work.

It's unprofessional of you.

And it downgrades the meeting.

Can you calm down?

I wish I could.

Thought I wouldn't tell you this.

Here, read it yourself.

[Medical Records]

I went to the doc.

They said the baby

has a stunted growth,

probably

because I have a bad mood lately.

Yes, they're your parents.

But I'm also your family.

And so is your baby.

He's yours.

They wouldn't want anything

to happen to him, would they?

I hope

you think carefully.

Tell them

what you must tell.

OK.

No problem.

It'll be soon.

Thanks.

How's underwriting?

Still in inspection,

in process.

Linjiang's lawyer

keeps pushing me,

asking me if there's any problem.

In this way,

the client will get suspicious.

Did you push underwriting?

Not on phone.

Face to face.

I did.

It's easier to talk face to face.

I even brought them

Starbucks vouchers.

They didn't accept.

You idiot.

They need your coffee

for such a big order?

No, why did they delay it anyway?

Let me remind you.

You rejected Ling

and criticized her harshly.

You mean it's Ling's doing?

Highly likely.

Why?

If I have the order,

she has commission too.

She's hurting both of us.

She just hates you.

You stop her climbing up.

She'll get back at you.

I'll report to Qing.

She won't allow Ling to affect

the firm for personal gains.

That's a taboo.

Don't do that unless

you kick her out for good.

Can I?

Of course you can't.

Ling works for Qing for 3 years.

Will Qing choose you over

Ling?

Look.

Many of my old clients asked

if I was banned.

So I checked and found

Ling knows them.

So Ling not only

wants to ruin Ai's plan.

She wants us to

walk into a dead end.

Hi.

Ms. Sun, long time no see.

You're Tang Ling?

Yes.

We've met years ago.

Hello...

Manli and I are colleagues then.

I drafted the critical illness

plan for you.

Did you?

A small gift.

You're too nice.

Thanks.

Sit.

Yes.

Anything to drink?

Latte.

Miss.

A latte please.

Ms. Tang.

I want to know

why Manli

was banned.

What happened?

She made a mistake,

insurance fraud.

Low moral standards.

I see.

What about

the plans I bought from her?

There's so many.

Don't worry.

Other agents will take care of them.

That's good.

Good.

It's just...

What is it?

I don't know if I should tell you.

Tell me.

In a case like yours,

your plans are called orphaned policies.

The firm

distributes them to random agents.

And if you renew your plans,

those agents,

according to Blue Ocean's rules,

get no commission.

Do you think

they'll serve you sell?

What to do?

You have me.

Since you came,

it means you

trust me.

Consult me if you have

any questions.

OK.

Of course.

You can also buy insurance from me.

I can do that?

Yes.

But you left

Blue Ocean.

Yes, I'm at an insurance broker company.

We can do any plans

that are on the market.

A company like that?

Ms. Sun.

What do you think?

You can tell me.

OK, Ms. Tang.

I'll be honest with you.

I came because

I want a life insurance for my husband.

I used to come to Manli.

But once you told me about her ban,

I can certainly no longer do that.

The problem is,

you're a broker now,

a middleman.

I need to pay more,

right?

Rest assured.

You'll pay whatever

the insurance firm charges you.

And.

Manli and I are different.

I always do

win-win deals.

Win-win.

How?

OK.

How much do you want for this plan?

Here's the thing.

My husband

is kind of an executive at office.

People all know he has high salary.

But the risks are high too.

And we have a

loan of 5 million.

So what if he...

Right?

I can't imagine.

So,

I want a life insurance of 5 million.

But,

come to think of it.

Premium a year is thousands.

Too expensive.

Madam,

you're joking.

As far as I know,

your husband is an executive.

The premium

is nothing to you.

You're right.

But our bills

are long too.

They say international schools,

huge loans, and being a housewife

makes you go broke.

That's exactly what my family is like.

People might think we lead

a lavish life.

The truth?

Only I know.

I'm panicked.

It's hard for you.

How about this?

If you buy a plan from me,

I'll give you half of

the first year's commission.

Is

that appropriate?

Let me tell you this.

Many agents do so.

It's normal.

Why hasn't

Manli...?

Could she have told you?

Would she be honest?

She hid it from you,

two-faced.

She didn't want to share her interests.

You've been fooled for too long.

So,

Ms. Tang.

You sure you'll give me your commission?

Ms. Sun.

I'm sincere.

It's up to you.

[Got time?]

Manli, you want to see me?

Hi.

Sit.

Do your nails? My treat.

Manli.

I'm busy.

If it's just about

doing nails,

then sorry.

I only save time for the important.

Ling.

During the four years,

I taught you a lot,

but never how to destroy people.

You really want Xiaozhou's

order?

Yes.

If he won't give in,

will you continue

informing my old clients

that

I was banned?

What do you think?

It hasn't dried.

No, in a bit.

OK.

Unlock my phone.

What do you want?

Something you want.

My hands are occupied.

Tap on it.

Li.

Come back later.

OK.

What about this?

If you buy a plan from me,

I'll give you half of

the first year's commission.

Is

that appropriate?

Let me tell you this.

Many agents do so.

It's normal.

Why hasn't

Manli...?

She hid it from you,

two-faced.

She didn't want to share her interests.

You've been fooled for too long.

So some Tang told you

that I was banned due to fraud.

Manli.

We

spent so much on the plan

I bought from you.

Don't you trick me.

Manli told me this.

She's set up.

Right?

So that's why.

Tang keeps calling

me for a coffee.

OK.

I'll decline now.

No...

Jie, how about

doing me a favor?

Manli.

I asked Xiaozhou to check.

He said regulatory authorities

crack down on rebate.

With solid evidence,

your license could be revoked

for life.

I'll polish your nails.

Manli.

I was wrong.

I made a mistake.

For the sake of the 4 years.

Can you

spare me?

I meet you today

for this one last lecture.

Selling insurance

is not about getting a plan signed.

As a salesperson,

you serve your client all their life.

Your service starts

the moment the paper is signed.

Without that belief,

you won't excel in this business.

Yes...

Manli.

You're absolutely right.

I was wrong.

You were?

Yes.

How will you change?

I'll listen to you.

In that case,

I guess Zhonghua's plan

will soon pass inspection.

I see.

Rest assured.

I'll watch over this policy personally.

Li.

Coming.

Let me.

All good.

I have this hangnail.

Cut it.

OK.

Let me do it.

Manli.

I'll get going then.

I'll keep you posted.

Take care.

Mr. Ai.

What does Linjiang

think of

your picking us?

He walked away

when he first heard it.

Then

I analyzed and

made him see

the rules lying underneath.

You know about Xiaowei

and consider him

in your proposal.

So the division

is in safe hands with you.

He contemplated after calming down

and listened to me.

I came here to thank you

for burying the past

and choosing us in the end.

How would you thank me exactly?

I'm just one call away

for you anytime.

You lost your license

so you've got free time now?

Ling

called you too?

Mr. Ai.

Let me explain.

I did lose my certificate

but Xiaozhou works for TSI.

I'll cooperate...

Any difference?

Manli.

You

are still you.

I don't care whom you work with,

which firm you go to,

or which title you hold.

I only

acknowledge you.

It's you

who makes me

feel at ease.

Thanks for your trust.

Let's go.

Go.

♪If I close both eyes tonight♪

♪Back to that wishing summer night♪

♪Wind brushes your shaking frame♪

♪That world feels close just the same♪

♪If I dare to face the dawn♪

♪Do you know this face you'd drawn♪

♪Gray spirals looped in endless chase♪

♪Tracing tears not words they trace♪

♪How many times must this repeat♪

♪Sighs pull my gaze to retreat♪

♪Sleepless nights, risks untold♪

♪None of it for my own soul♪

♪Winds blew, rains poured♪

♪Umbrellas broke, we soared♪

♪Sky fell, ground shook♪

♪Through dusk till dawn I stood♪

♪Cars passed, dreams drowned♪

♪Every stop's chain unbound♪

♪Moon watched, stars blazed♪

♪Lamps died, connections phased♪

♪Held hands, laughed then cried♪

♪Hearts froze, parts died inside♪

♪Tried hard, spoke true♪

♪Now I'm someone I never knew♪

♪Love came, hate stayed♪

♪I arrived, you frayed♪

♪Voice cracked, tears burned♪

♪Life lost, lessons earned♪

♪Grew up, let go♪

♪Why cling to old sorrow♪

♪How many loops replay♪

♪Sighs steal my gaze away♪

♪Lost nights, bold bets♪

♪Nothing for my regrets♪

♪Winds raged, storms crashed♪

♪Dawns broke, I held fast♪

♪Cars fled, dreams fled♪

♪Every route left dead♪

♪Love left, hate stayed♪

♪Voice gone, tears paid♪

♪Grew strong, moved on♪

♪Why dwell when it's gone♪