Original subtitles

[Love Between Lines]

[Episode 4]

Xiu.

There's a customer coming to pick up their pre-ordered coffee beans.

Help me go to the shop first and open the door.

Ms. Zhao, you're ordering me around already?

Of course.

How can I waste free labor?

Alright, I'm on my way.

By the way,

remember to take a photo of your ID and send it to me.

I'll give it to the park's property management for registration.

That way, you'll be able to enter and leave freely

even outside business hours.

Alright, just a minute. I'll send it to you.

A bumper pad?

Mr. Gong, are you in?

It's still so early.

He's already gone to work?

Mr. Gong.

Sorry to bother you.

When I came to sign the contract yesterday,

I think I accidentally left my cardholder

on the sofa.

When would be a good time for me

to come by and pick it up?

[Gong Huaicong]

Mr. Gong?

You're in, right, Mr. Gong?

Thank...

Thank you.

Are you okay?

I've got some allergies—

can't really see people right now.

He just moved in and he's already having allergies?

Mr. Gong.

I thought it might not be convenient for you to go out,

so I bought you some allergy medicine.

I'll leave it at your doorstep.

So polite?

Zhao.

Xiu.

Come help me.

I can't handle it by myself anymore.

Okay.

Checkmate.

No. 27.

Thank you.

Why are there so many customers today?

All thanks to the shop across the street.

They're all here for the murder mystery game?

I asked,

and they said another post about it went viral on the internet.

The data was really good.

Look.

Since it's Friday night, many people have come over to catch the late sessions.

They're all taking photos outside and waiting to get in.

How many more cups? I'll go deliver them for you.

So he's rich.

Wait.

He has allergies, yet he still came so far just to play a murder mystery game?

His license plate is also local.

Who ordered the coffee?

It's ours.

Here.

Thank you.

There're name tags on the cups.

Don't mix them up.

Hello, long time no see.

But there are quite a lot of people here today.

We might not be able to get you in.

I noticed a player came in as soon as he parked his car.

That's our boss.

All the players are waiting here.

That red car

belongs to your boss?

Mr. Gong's got a new car again?

Yeah.

He looks really happy today.

You have no idea.

Once he changes his car,

it means he's got a new girlfriend.

So everything he said about coming here

on a business trip was a lie.

Then what's his point in renting my place?

Gong Huaicong...

Qin Xiaoyi...

He's not home.

That matches up.

I-I must be overthinking it.

Why-

Don't talk.

I'm not talking.

Ms. Hu,

a fox can't be the winner here.

I can't just let it go.

Have Dong Qi report directly to me.

We'll discuss the rest when you get back.

That works.

Just park here.

Here.

Why is it so noisy over there?

Just deliver it to this door.

No. 27.

-It's the first door. -Okay.

And then deliver it to the second floor.

Okay, okay. It's alright.

Be careful.

The doorway is a bit narrow.

Maybe just tilt it and slide it in.

The stairs aren't easy to climb, either.

Thanks for your hard work.

Watch out behind you.

Alright, alright.

Be careful not to damage it.

Alright, alright.

Be careful not to damage it.

Mr. Gong.

You're home, right?

It just occurred to me

that the bed in the attic is quite old,

so I bought a new one and had it delivered.

What happened?

Are you okay?

Mr. Gong.

I was worried the bed might collapse

when you sleep at night,

so I rushed over here on purpose.

I know you're in there.

Is there anything inconvenient for you?

Just leave the bed at the door.

I'll carry it in myself.

That won't work.

The delivery guys need to install it inside,

take photos, and confirm with the store before they leave.

That's right.

It's our company policy.

Xiao, do you have time to come by the club sometime soon?

Just hurry over. She's blocking my door.

Mr. Gong.

Mr. Gong?

Ms. Hu.

I still need to tidy up a bit.

Would you mind going to the property management office?

There was a payment reminder posted on the door yesterday.

I don't know what fee it's for.

Alright, I'll go check it first

and come by later.

Well, since

this hallway is narrow,

how about we leave it here for now?

I'll take you guys downstairs to wait,

and we can grab some water on the way.

After the tenant finishes tidying up,

we'll come back up.

Alright then.

Thank you.

Mr. Gong.

I just checked with property management,

and they said there's no outstanding payment.

Could there be a mistake?

Have you finished tidying up?

Didn't you say you had arrived? Where are you?

I

got the wrong door.

I'm next door to you.

Mr. Gong.

Mr. Gong.

Are your balconies next to each other?

I think so.

You're not thinking of...

I'm going all out for you today.

You almost scared me to death!

Go put on these pajamas.

Let's make this act convincing.

I'll go hide in the attic wardrobe.

Don't blow our cover.

But

this isn't even my usual dressing style.

Mr. Gong!

I'm sorry, Ms. Hu,

for keeping you waiting.

That's very thoughtful of you,

bringing a new bed.

Well, it's actually a coincidence.

Since I was thinking about renting out this place a while ago,

I bought a new wardrobe.

W-Wardrobe?

W-What wardrobe?

The one in the attic.

It's the same brand as this bed.

And then I thought,

since they gave me a discount coupon,

I might as well use it.

So I went ahead and bought this bed too.

I see.

Thank you then.

No need to change your shoes.

Just come right in.

I'll have the delivery guys come in to install it then.

Okay.

Come on in.

Thank you for your hard work.

It's nothing.

I need to use the restroom.

Please, go ahead.

The new bed is installed.

We'll take the old one downstairs.

Thank you for your trouble.

It's okay, no trouble at all.

Mr. Gong.

This bed replacement was actually due to my oversight.

These old pieces of furniture are prone to problems.

Now that

I'm here,

I might as well help you

check the rest of them too,

especially the one in the attic.

It's okay, Ms. Hu.

No need for such trouble.

There's actually nothing that needs checking.

Apart from the bed,

the other pieces of furniture are all fine.

It's okay.

Let's have everything checked, so we can both have peace of mind.

Especially this wardrobe.

Mom.

Why didn't you reply to my messages?

It's finally the weekend.

Come back for dinner.

Okay, got it.

I'll be home soon.

Let's skip the wardrobe. It's a bit inconvenient.

Personal stuff?

Yeah.

Understood.

I'll be going then.

I'll walk you out.

Bye-bye.

Dazhong.

Going out?

Bad cat.

She didn't close the door.

She's definitely thinking

there's something scandalous in that wardrobe.

Seriously,

I already told her I'd handle it myself.

Do you think she's being well-meaning,

or she's just too naive?

You know what?

Good thing I showed up in time today.

Otherwise, you'd be finished,

I'd be finished too,

and my hard-earned reputation would be ruined in one stroke.

She might even kick you out.

What's going on?

Still not back to your senses?

We've been exposed.

No way.

Everything was fine when I saw her off just now.

If we had really been exposed,

she wouldn't have stayed silent.

Didn't she tell you that wardrobe was newly purchased?

Yes, it's the same brand as the bed.

And didn't she say she wanted to check the old furniture?

Why did she check the new piece too?

So you mean she...

Knew all along?

Then why didn't she just expose us?

I don't care what she thinks.

If this happens again,

I suggest you come clean.

No need to thank me for helping you this time.

Just do one more show for me.

I'm leaving.

Let me walk you out,

so you don't end up at the neighbor's again.

Xiu, you're back.

Dinner will be ready soon.

Is there anything I can help with?

No need.

You just got off work. You must be tired.

Go rest.

That's right.

Xiu.

You've been back at the company for a while now.

How has it been?

After taking such a long leave,

has Mr. Xu given you any trouble?

It would be normal

if Mr. Xu gave her trouble.

What do you mean normal?

Our Xiu is so capable.

She never took a day off before.

What's wrong with taking a short break?

If you really think so,

then why did you prepare that thing?

What do you mean?

I've prepared a gift for you

to give to Mr. Xu on Monday.

What gift?

Two bottles of Moutai—

your dad's prized collection.

Remember to take them with you later.

Such expensive gifts

would be wasted on Mr. Xu.

As a GM assistant,

it's important to maintain a good relationship with your boss

and show a positive attitude, you know?

Be a good girl.

I'll put them away first.

I-I'll find a bag to pack them.

Okay.

To part with that wine

makes my heart ache.

Dad.

Alright.

Dinner's ready.

Hello, this is Zhuling Group.

We've reviewed your resume

and would like to know if you could come

for an interview on Monday at 1 PM.

Where did you say you were calling from again?

Zhuling Group.

I'll definitely be there on time.

What's wrong?

Who was that?

What's with all the secrecy?

If there's anything new going on,

remember to let us know.

When dating someone,

you need to keep your eyes wide open.

But it was just a spam call.

Let's eat. I'm starving.

So delicious.

Mr. Gong,

I sent you a message yesterday.

I need to go home to grab something today.

What time will you be there?

Here you are, Miss.

Thank you, Sir.

You can come over now.

I'm home.

He's home?

Aren't those two tired of

putting on a show like that all the time?

Are you sure this is the last time?

I am sure.

I'll come clean with her in a moment.

Why the sudden change of heart?

Maybe because

lies mess with the fengshui,

and the fengshui messes with my sleep.

What nonsense.

Remember to sign a new contract,

so your drama doesn't affect me.

You don't have to worry about that.

By the way,

what did you say she was coming to get again?

Something big or small?

S-Something small, I think.

There's a box on top of the fridge in the living room.

She said something about documents.

You're not planning to

get it ready for her in advance, are you?

Let me tell you,

flattery isn't supposed to be done like that.

I just want to get this over with quickly.

Take your time getting it over then.

Just don't get yourself trapped.

Why aren't you talking?

What did Hu Xiu do for work before,

and where did she work?

Is she an architect?

I don't think so.

She doesn't look like someone in your profession.

I remember now.

She mentioned before

that she used to work as an assistant at some real estate company.

Later, she quit that job,

and now she's unemployed,

living off the rent she collects from us.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

I might be overthinking.

Hanging up.

[Galaxy Bookstore & Library]

Ms. Hu, I had to go out for something urgent.

The key is under the doormat.

Just let yourself in.

How nice of him to bring it down for me.

♪ Close your eyes for me ♪

♪ Don't rush to wake up ♪

♪ Let the night pass more slowly ♪

♪ Will you stay with me? ♪

♪ Don't ask for why ♪

♪ No need for words, let it be ♪

♪ You won't know ♪

♪ I so often feel alone ♪

♪ But watching you ♪

♪ How come I feel solaced ♪

Xiu is currently staying on the second floor of our café.

Just FYI.

Pretend that you don't know.

I don't want her to feel burdened.

What's on your mind?

I was thinking

it would be nice if our place were a bit bigger.

That way, it would be more convenient

for our family and friends

to come over and stay.

I don't know about others,

but I know Xiu well.

Even if we had a big mansion,

she wouldn't want to stay here and be the third wheel.

So you

needn't worry too much.

I quite like this place as it is.

All done.

Look at you.

You've been working overtime nonstop lately,

coming home so late,

and yet you're still busy even after you get back.

Not anymore.

I won't bring work home anymore.

Let's go see a movie.

That new horror film is really good.

Do you remember

our first date in college?

I came to your school to see you,

and you took me to see a horror movie.

I don't know if you were being clueless

or actually quite clever.

Many passengers

take a second look at this building when passing by.

It seems to be an internet-famous bookstore,

called Galaxy Bookstore.

It's been around for a few years...

Three years.

Young people really do have better memory.

♪ Under the streetlight, I grow increasingly weary ♪

♪ A few specks of dust drift by in the wind ♪

♪ The girl who once basked in the sunlight ♪

♪ Where did she go to play? ♪

♪ I don't understand either ♪

Excuse me.

I just wanted to say that your bookstore

is really beautifully designed.

Thank you.

♪ Flicking through old chat logs ♪

I'll let our manager

pass that on to the designer.

I remember the designer is quite young as well.

I know him. I also study architecture.

♪ I just realized the replies were somewhat delayed ♪

[Mom]

Pardon me.

It's okay.

Mom.

Xiu.

♪ At the crossroads of choices, amidst the bustling crowd ♪

Your dad and I are at the hospital.

According to the doctor,

his condition can't be treated conservatively.

He needs surgery.

Mom, Mom, calm down.

I'll head to the hospital right now.

♪ Who hasn't paid the price and still fallen short? ♪

♪ Stand with me tonight, look at the starlight ♪

♪ Even if the plot is changed dramatically by fate again ♪

Hello. I'm here for the interview.

♪ I know the dark clouds will still come ♪

♪ But in this world, there will always be someone ♪

Check this.

And these two data points—

check them again more carefully.

♪ Who looks forward with the same hope as me ♪

Ms. Hu, right?

We don't have much time,

so let's get straight to the point.

Okay.

I see on your resume

that during your university years,

you participated in an architectural design competition.

Yes,

and I've brought the model with me.

No need to bother.

What I mean is

there's no need to review your portfolio.

The honors you mentioned in your resume

are sufficient proof of your professional competence.

After all, not every architecture student

can win awards during their university years.

Actually,

we collaborate with

many excellent architects.

It's good

that you have professional knowledge in architecture.

Your ability to communicate with architects

is also something we value highly.

I don't quite understand what you mean.

To put it simply,

our general manager

is looking to hire an assistant.

I wonder if you'd be interested, Ms. Hu.

But you called me for an interview

for the assistant architect position, didn't you?

You should know that

your resume

is actually more suitable for an administrative assistant position.

Our company, Zhuling,

is a very established architectural firm.

Even a GM assistant

needs solid professional expertise

to be up to the job.

I see that you have more than 3 years of experience as a GM assistant,

which makes you an even better fit for this position.

But my plan is to change my career direction.

If your company could give me an opportunity,

I'm willing to lower my salary expectations

and work hard to catch up.

Ms. Hu.

If a car wants to reach its destination,

all it needs is some fuel.

But for a person to succeed,

driving force alone won't do.

You've been working for years.

You should know the market better now

than when you just graduated.

The position of GM assistant

offers far better salary and career scope

than an assistant architect.

Why give up the foundation you've built over these years?

Those branching crossroads

have always been there,

but what lies ahead

is more likely a trap

than an opportunity.

I hope you give this careful thought.

I've made an appointment with him.

-Mr. Pei. -Mr. Pei.

Please press the first floor for me.

Thank you.

Who is this?

No idea.

Thanks.

Mr. Xie is here. He's in the tea room.

Uncle Xie,

you finally made it.

The GM of Zhuling asked me to come—

how could I not?

You're too kind, Uncle Xie.

I've prepared

your favorite Wuyi Rock Oolong for you.

Please, sit down and have a try.

Tell me,

what can I help you with?

I heard Lyman is launching a new project.

What,

is Zhuling also interested?

Of course.

Zhuling won't miss out on

any of Lyman's projects.

I wonder which other companies

will be participating in the competition.

Are you trying to ask about

Dynamism?

As you expected,

they've also expressed interest.

I didn't expect that

a firm that gained fame through hype

is also joining the competition.

They've got some nerve.

Of course

Dynamism's got some nerve.

Otherwise, how would they have dared

to keep stealing projects

from Zhuling all these years?

Let's not talk about this anymore.

Today is just for tea.

Alright.

Here.

Ms. Hu.

If a car wants to reach its destination,

all it needs is some fuel.

But for a person to succeed,

driving force alone won't do.

Those branching crossroads

have always been there,

but what lies ahead

is more likely a trap

than an opportunity.

Hello, is this Ms. Hu

from No. 27, Lane 9, Yanhua Road?

Yes, speaking.

Stop here!

I've been watching you for days.

You've been wandering around our lane,

looking and taking notes.

What exactly are you up to?

I live here. What's wrong

with me walking around a bit?

I already checked with property management.

There's no record of you at all

in the tenant information.

Whether I live here or not

is very easy to prove.

What's wrong?

What's going on?

Dazhong,

didn't you say someone broke into your home the other day?

And there were men's footprints, right?

What's going on here?

They might be his.

What's happening?

Anyway,

this guy's very sneaky.

I don't feel comfortable

letting him stay here anymore.

Don't you all agree?

Right.

Yeah, that's right.

I never saw him here before either.

Don't leave!

Let go.

Running away? Feeling guilty?

Do you dare to show everyone

what's inside this?

Why should I show you anything?

How dare you cause trouble in my lane!

Hu Xiu, are you out of your mind?

Since when is this your lane?

Bullying my tenant in broad daylight—

do you think I'm invisible or what?

Look at the kind of tenant you've rented to—

wandering around our lane all day,

looking and taking notes.

Who knows, maybe he's some kind of...

Some kind of what?

At least he's better than someone like you, who just loafs around all day

and secretly taps into the neighbor's electricity.

You're making false accusations!

False accusations?

Go check the electric meter right now.

You know what?

Dabao did steal electricity from neighbors before.

Indeed.

Don't change the subject.

He wanders around the lane every day.

If something happens in the future,

will you take responsibility?

What is this?

It's just a painting.

Isn't this our lane?

So he's here for artistic inspiration.

It's painted quite nicely.

Then... What about those footprints

at Dazhong's house?

My friend came to see me the other day.

He wasn't familiar with the lane's environment

and didn't know two households share the same house number,

so he accidentally entered your house. I apologize.

I see.

It's okay. Don't worry about it.

It's all cleared up.

You can all go home now.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Anything else you want?

Let's talk.

What brought you here today?

The property management reminded me

that I forgot to give my tenant,

Mr. Gong Huaicong, a copy of the lease agreement.

I'm sorry.

I'm the one who's actually renting your place.

I know that

popular NPCs like you want to maintain

an air of mystery

and don't want any contact with players in private.

But

since you're renting my place,

you can't hide your identity from me,

the landlord.

Draft a new contract.

I'll sign it another day.

Okay.

What's wrong?

My interview today

didn't go well.

I'm a bit down.

Interviewing for an architect position?

How did you know?

That day when I helped you get your things prepared,

I accidentally saw your architecture portfolio

and trophies.

Yes.

And it was a really big architecture firm.

I wonder if you've heard of it.

The firm's name is Zhuling.

But they only wanted to hire me as a GM assistant.

They didn't even take a single look at

the model I brought with me.

I noticed your model just now.

Being able to produce a work like this as a student

is actually quite impressive.

You're just trying to comfort me.

I never comfort people.

As a bookstore design,

it at least has some memorable features.

You can tell it's a bookstore?

I designed it based on

the Jiangnan courtyard style.

Reading books in the corridor

not only creates a unique atmosphere,

but also brings people closer together.

That year,

Galaxy Bookstore was built on Binhe Road.

That designer became an overnight sensation.

I thought to myself at that time

that I'd definitely design something better than his someday.

What happened then?

Then...

That "someday" never came.

I gave up on design.

♪ Close your eyes for me ♪

Why?

Maybe some paths, once you miss them,

♪ Don't rush to wake up ♪

are hard to turn back to.

♪ Before the night ends ♪

I thought today might be a turning point.

♪ Will you stay with me? ♪

♪ I won't search for ♪

So...

♪ The reason we met ♪

Are you planning to accept that job at Zhuling?

If I continue to work as a GM assistant,

♪ The city gradually turns pale outside the window ♪

I'll really have nothing to do

with architecture design for the rest of my life.

♪ The stars twinkle ♪

♪ I've quieted down ♪

It's getting late.

I should go.

♪ What kind of story will you like? ♪

Thanks for the coffee.

I'm off then.

♪ Would you join me? ♪

♪ To make a long, romantic dream ♪

Oh right,

I haven't asked your name.

♪ Just you and me ♪

Just call me Yu.

Yu?

Which Yu?

♪ Briefly, beyond the clamor ♪

The "Yu" as in "extended eaves."

♪ Carefully drawing close to you ♪

♪ Clinging to that trace of unknown joy ♪

You know...

"To the south stands the Yan Pavilion,"

"its extended eaves, Yu, hanging in gentle curves."

"Walking along the veranda to change garments,"

♪ Oh, special night ♪

"the circuit spans about the distance of a short walk."

That actually fits quite well with

what we were just talking about.

♪ I need you maybe ♪

See you next time then, Yu.

♪ The crowds are gone ♪

♪ My thoughts have sunk to the bottom ♪

♪ Maybe you never noticed me at all ♪

♪ Yet you're in my view ♪

Ms. Hu,

have you made a decision?

♪ Escape the world ♪

Hello.

♪ Forget all things ♪

After careful consideration of my career plans,

♪ And fall down a long, romantic dream ♪

I've decided to decline your company's job offer.

Thank you!

♪ Just you and me ♪

♪ Under moonlight ♪

♪ Briefly, beyond the clamor ♪

♪ Getting closer to you secretly ♪

♪ Clinging to that trace of unknown joy ♪

♪ Oh, special night ♪

♪ We will meet tomorrow ♪

♪ I know ♪

[Zhuling Group]

Mr. Pei,

regarding the recruitment deadline for the GM assistant position,

we may need to extend it a bit.

So far,

we haven't found a suitable candidate yet.

What about the girl who came in yesterday afternoon?

How was she?

She...

She was pretty good,

but

she declined our offer.

What was her reason?

She wants to be an architect.

Careful, it's hot.

So you're giving up on Zhuling like that?

This might actually be a good thing.

I did the math—

from here to Zhuling,

the commute alone would be exhausting.

Besides,

after I finished the interview last time,

I couldn't even bring myself to take a taxi.

Alright.

That's a good attitude.

Mom, I forgot to take it with me last time.

Since I forgot, let's just forget about it.

You and Dad can keep it.

It's okay, Xiu.

Your dad and I will bring it to you.

We're already on our way.

Gong Huaicong.

Gong Huaicong. Gong Huaicong. Gong...

Gong...

The door isn't open yet.

Zhao, help me put these away.

I-I need to go back for a moment.

Sir,

could you drive a bit faster? Thanks.

Be careful.

Dad! Mom!

Xiu.

Why did you get off work so early today?

I...

I was out on an errand, and...

I figured it was about time to get off work anyway, so I clocked out.

What errand?

I, uh, delivered a document.

Look at you, all out of breath.

Come on, let's get inside.

-I… -Come on.

Let's go.

Let's go. Come on.

Let's go talk inside.

I...

Mom, Dad, actually,

I forgot my keys today.

Why didn't you say so earlier?

I brought the spare key.

You did?

L-Let me.

Let me.

Which key is it? There are so many.

You don't even recognize the key to your own house?

This short one.

Dad! Mom!

I'm opening the door now!

What is this about?

We haven't gone deaf, alright?

I-I'm opening it!