Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

[The Inner Eye] [EP25]

[Chen Jun Law Firm]

Would you like some coffee?

Sure.

Thanks.

This coffeemaker is awful.

I'll swap it out sooner or later.

So you're not cutting down on sugar anymore?

Nope, I'm not.

How about you?

Well, I won't either.

Xiaoyun, look!

Now you are not working, just gossiping.

They make such a good match.

Well, I've heard

that Director Kang

might resign anytime.

But can't he

continue to work here

as a personal favour to my mentor?

So, I need to tell you something.

Go ahead.

Um…

Can you spare Cheng Feng for several days?

I need him to assist me

with two clients.

As far as I know,

Cheng Feng has already been

on your team for days.

Well, I didn't ask for permission first.

Then,

I'll make sure

to ask for your approval beforehand.

That's not asking for my permission.

You're just informing me of it, Director.

Well...

Hi, Director Kang, Attorney Tang.

I apologize for

what I did before.

It's Okay.

Don't let it happen again.

Wait,

why don't ask me...

Because I don't want to.

Director,

we are at a law firm now.

We don't discuss personal matters here.

Xiaoyun,

Do you think it's possible

for Director Kang

to stay here with us

since they are so well-matched

and act in sync.

It makes no sense.

Both of them

don't have an ounce of romance in them.

They are more rational than you.

Frankly, more than when

Director Kang is leaving,

I'm more concerned about

who will take over Chen Jun Law Firm

after he's gone.

Anyway,

I want him to stay.

My mentor and he,

they have taught me so much.

I'll be upset to see either leave.

You idiot.

Never does the new wave rise

till the old one recedes.

It's common for lawyers to move between firms.

Xiaoyun,

by the way,

about Senior Director Chen,

is he seriously ill lately?

He is still in treatment.

Attorney Tang

is busy taking care of him,

and has no time for work.

I hope he can recover soon.

By the way,

as soon as you get off work,

you vanish without a trace these days.

What are you up to, taking side jobs?

No, no.

Just some personal stuff lately.

Then, I'm getting back to work now.

[Chen Jun Law Firm]

After accepting your case,

my leader had me investigate

your "AYW" account.

Here's a list

of documents you need to provide.

Also, I need to

clarify a few things

with you.

Well,

you've long been prepared

to help me with the lawsuit?

Yes, Youyou

contacted Director Kang right away,

asking us to use law

to protect you

from any harm.

Now I need to clarify one thing.

Is Li Bing the legal representative

of Ailili Company now?

Yes.

Since its foundation,

he said

that he'd handle all subsequent procedures.

And he would bring in business on his own.

So it was more convenient for him

if he was the legal representative.

I see.

Is there any agreement

between you and Ailili,

that during your contract,

all your earnings and shares will be

directly used as capital contribution.

If it didn't reach 5 million yuan,

you need to cover the difference.

I think even though you're

one of the company's shareholders,

you only own

a small portion of shares.

Li Bing is actually

the real decision maker of the firm.

Besides, he is now

planning to replace you with new streamers,

trying to

sideline and eliminate you.

Attorney Cheng,

according to what you said,

Is the AYW

snatched away by Li Bing,

and there's nothing we can do?

Don't worry about that.

We'll definitely find a way.

Director.

Sorry, I'm late.

Something just came up.

How's it going?

Currently, after Li Bing

posted the video,

the public opinion online

is actually unfavourable to Miss Ai.

Indeed, Mr Li

has really handled everything

incredibly meticulous.

But he only

made one mistake,

that he was too eager to cut ties

between the account and Miss Ai.

That's the problem.

Attorney Cheng, do you have any idea?

I think Youyou and Miss Ai

should also speak up,

to tell everyone the truth.

Let's just stick to the facts.

Right?

Turn their own weapons against them.

I think it could work.

But people online

all believed Li Bing.

They're all

attacking Xiaoai for being ungrateful.

If we speak out the truth,

won't we get criticized?

It's possible,

in fact, it's very likely to get criticized.

There will be negative comments.

But

fight fire with fire.

I'll do it if I were you.

Of course it's up to you,

and this is just our suggestion.

You decide.

Director,

so do you think

Miss Ai and Youyou

can get their account back?

It all depends on effort.

But we must be ready

for a tough fight.

Okay.

If there's anything you need me to do,

just tell me.

Alright.

My master told me

to learn from you and make improvements.

Good.

Director,

but I think

my mentor has been

a bit

distracted lately.

Yes, Senior Director Chen

was seriously ill,

so it's understandable.

What's more,

don't you think

that Miss Ai seems

independent, strong yet fragile?

You, a bachelor,

are you...

No, not like that.

You know,

I am a fan of her.

I just think

there are differences

between her online and offline characters.

Maybe you can stop analysing women,

and go find someone to date.

Take the first bold step.

Don't follow me in this,

for I'm a bad example.

Be brave while you're young.

Enough about dating.

Get back to work.

Their case

is still waiting for you.

Director,

you're not really

leaving, are you?

Does it matter?

Less gossip.

More work.

I see a bright future for you.

Hi everyone.

I am Xiaoai.

Today,

I want to talk

about recent events.

First of all, I'm sorry

to meet you in a video

under these circumstances.

Regarding my partner,

Li Bing

who has posted videos

through AYW,

all his remarks

are distorting the truth.

Six months ago, Li Bing approached me

and promised me

make AYW successful.

I was naïve back then,

so I believed him.

I thought it would be a great opportunity.

He tricked me

into signing the authorization agreement.

But later I got to know

that his words

are not matched by his deeds.

It's nothing but a scam.

Li Bing accused me

of being irresponsible

to fans

for stopping livestream.

I really do

and I need to apologize for that.

But I want to make clear

that this was a decision I made

after careful consideration.

Because I couldn't stand by

while he resorted to any means

to twist the truth.

Nor could I let him

destroy AYW.

For me...

How is the feedback

on this video online?

It has gotten

over 10,000 likes and comments.

Public opinion

is firmly behind Miss Ai.

I want to truly deserve your support.

I don't want to pretend to be young,

and I don't want to pander for attention.

I don't want you to see me

that's been overly packaged.

As for Li Bing,

he will never understand

what AYW means to us.

He only uses fans and followings

with false advertising

to promote

outdated stocks

and expiring goods.

He treats fans like cash cows.

She is definitely crazy.

She's trying to ruin us.

Boss, then

will we still stream today?

What are you thinking about?

If we stop streaming now,

can I afford the loss?

Business as usual.

Go get ready.

Get out.

[Incoming Call]

Yes, who's this?

Hello.

Is that Mr Li?

I'm Kang Jun,

the attorney representing Miss Ai.

Please check your schedule.

Then we can arrange a meeting.

Where to meet?

[Attorney's Letter]

What do you mean?

First, you attack me online.

And now,

you're sending me a lawyer's letter.

We're just here to convey

Miss Ai's demands

Actually it's quite simple.

Just three things.

First,

we hope you can

return the operational management rights

of AYW to Miss Ai.

Then, terminate the cooperation

between Ailili Company

and AYW.

Second,

you must cease all smearing and slanders

against Miss Ai

and publicly apologize to her

online.

Third, it's even simpler.

We hope Ailili Company

will immediately

terminate its contract with Miss Ai.

Well, it's funny.

Attorney Kang, right?

Yes.

What you're saying

might scare amateurs.

But I must remind you

of the authorization agreement,

on which she had

signed her name.

On that point alone,

if you sue me,

you have no ground for filing the case.

Here is the authorization agreement.

Yes, right here.

According to the agreement,

In clause 2, section 4,

it clearly states that

the second party must ensure the contents

of the account's videos is consistent

with the first party's brand image.

But Miss Ai has provided us

with lots of footage of

your company forcing her to wear indecently

and to perform inappropriate dances.

No need to show you

these evidences.

So it's you who breached the contract first.

What do you say?

But there is no

specific implementation standards

on this contract.

The so-called "consistent image"

is just a matter of interpretation.

We have different understandings.

Even if she doesn't want to do it anymore,

she can end the agreement following procedures.

But she incited fans

online

to cyberbully her own company.

Is that reasonable?

You maliciously smeared Miss Ai first.

Her response video to your company

has won

great support online.

They all hope

that Miss Ai will return soon.

What they want to see

is the sincere

AYW formed before.

Mr. Li,

We're around the same age.

You're an old hand at this

and you already made enough money.

This account was originally hers.

It's time to return it to its owner.

At least we should have some principles.

Don't you think so?

Attorney Kang,

you were well-educated

and it sure makes a difference.

You insulted me without using dirty words.

But I'm putting my foot down,

that I not only want to take it,

but to take as much as I can.

I'm going to win.

A lawsuit?

I can drag it out for

a year or half.

In the meantime,

I can promote more new accounts.

Not bad, right?

Fine.

See you in court then.

Sure.

Would you like to order anything else?

My treat.

No time.

[Caller ID: Li Bing]

Attorney Kang told us,

if Li Bing makes a decision,

he will contact them.

Let's leave it to professional lawyers.

You shouldn't engage with him anymore.

[Li Bing]

Xiaoai,

I'd like to have a private talk with you.

After all, there are some things

can only be said

between us.

I...

I still want to go talk with him.

What's left to discuss with him?

Let's ask for

Attorney Kang first.

If you insist on going,

at least let me accompany you.

I know Attorney Kang

will fight for justice for us.

I also believe in the law

that will give me a fair result.

But

I also need to find the closure for myself.

I can't always

hide behind you.

No matter what,

there are some things

I have to face them myself.

What do you want to talk to me?

We had to stop livestreaming again.

Now all brand partners

are demanding compensation.

We can't hold on much longer.

Is this what you wanted?

You are to blame for all this,

not me.

Now if you

return my account to me,

I can let bygones be bygones.

We may still part on good terms.

Xiaoai,

there's something

I've always wanted to say.

I thought my actions

would make you see my feelings.

Xiaoai,

Stop touching me!

I like you all the time.

I just wanted to help you.

I did all this

to back you up.

Otherwise,

why would I throw money

at promotions?

What do I get out of it?

For the views.

To sell more.

Li Bing, stop.

I don't know

what you want from me,

and I'm not interested.

So,

from the start,

I was just a tool to you?

Let's be clear.

You used me to cash in.

You call that

being used?

Fine.

I don't deny it.

I wanted

your connections

and your skills on my side.

I wanted

you working for me.

What's the issue?

So

once I was used up,

you'd just toss me aside.

Is that it?

Just like Youyou.

You used her,

then dumped her.

That was different.

How?

Tell me

you never used her.

Tell me you never threw her away.

I came to this city

with nothing.

I'm here

to make my mark.

Anyone

who gets in my way?

I'll clear them.

There you go.

The real you

is

conniving

and self-serving.

But you hide it

so well.

You act all innocent

to have them fooled.

Why?

So you can use them.

But

let's be real.

You're worse.

You'll do anything to get ahead.

If we go to court,

who wins?

It could go either way.

But play this recording,

and it's over for you.

Your public image? Ruined.

You won't recover from this.

Passion!

Get out.

[Chen Jun Law Firm]

[Evidence Submission Notice, Civil Complaint]

Wait,

Ailili Company is suing you.

His company,

is suing you.

For breach of contract,

damages,

and harming the brand's reputation.

He's not just suing me.

He's threatening to release the recording,

to ruin my image.

I know...

It's too late

for "sorry".

But I shouldn't

have pushed his buttons.

Calm down.

You're still the face of the company.

He won't release it

unless

he's ready to burn bridges.

He's bluffing.

Attorney Kang.

So,

what's our move?

Let me ask you

something.

Level with me.

Do you trust Youyou, completely?

Of course.

That's all I needed to hear.

Attorneys Kang and Cheng

will go with you to mediation.

You're

in good hands with them.

You have nothing to worry about.

I got you.

You don't need to say a thing.

Don't worry.

I just

don't believe in myself.

I feel like I'm always letting you all down.

I believe in you.

You can handle AYW,

even on your own.

I know you can.

Hold on.

Let's go.

Ms. Ai,

as the defendant,

are you willing to accept

the plaintiff's settlement terms?

Look. Here's the deal.

You agree to the terms,

you stay on

as the top host.

We put this all

behind us,

go back to working together.

Everyone wins.

What do you say?

My client

rejects your offer.

She maintains that

Ailili Company

has no right to continue operating

the "AYW" account

and must hand over control.

Ms. Ai,

you should reconsider.

Mr. Li is offering you

this pre-trial settlement opportunity

as a gesture of good will.

Rejecting our terms now

is not

in your best interest.

My attorney

speaks for me.

Then we're done here.

Fine.

We'll see you

in court.

Mr. Li,

allow me a moment

to explain.

Have a seat.

Please.

Let me clarify

why we rejected

your terms.

And why we're requesting you

hand over operational control.

You see,

there's something

you may not be aware of.

The account

doesn't actually belong to Ms. Ai.

She holds no ownership rights

to it.

The authorization she signed is void.

What?

She put her own signature

on that document,

in black and white.

This is a copy

of the complaint,

along with evidence.

It clearly states that

Ms. Zhang You,

the true owner of the "AYW" account,

is suing Ms. Ai.

For

intellectual property infringement.

For the unauthorized use

of the account's

trademark, name,

and original content,

causing damages.

Ms. Ai

must face the legal consequences.

Wait,

Youyou is suing her?

Yes.

The account

was registered

in her

real name

from the start.

Then

you and Ms. Ai started your company,

and she walked away.

But she never

gave anyone permission

to take it over,

not on paper, not ever.

So that account

is still Zhang You's.

That authorization

is void.

It has no legal force.

Mr. Li,

when you were pushing

so hard

to get control from Ms. Ai,

did you ever stop to ask

who really owned the account?

Doesn't seem very professional.

Does it?

Missing a key detail like that.

Mediator, here's the thing.

I had no idea about

any of that.

So, I was thinking…

Mediator,

if I may interrupt.

Mr. Li failed

in his due diligence.

Ignorance is no excuse.

Wouldn't you agree, Mediator?

What we are discussing here

is the defendant's infringement

and breach of contract against my client.

Regardless of

who owns AYW,

we can still

sue Ms. Ai.

Her actions

caused the loss.

Of course,

that's your right.

But is it the right move?

Is it worth it?

Think about it.

First,

Zhang You

reserves the right

to claim all unlawful profits

from Ailili Company.

You're a businessman.

You know the numbers

better than I do.

To risk

losing everything

over one account,

is it worth it?

Well?

I'm paying you

to find a solution.

Plaintiff,

now that

the amended complaint has been acknowledged

by the defendant,

do you

have any final remarks?

Passion!

Let's settle this.

You name the terms.

Thank you, Attorney Kang.

Thank you for your time.

You're welcome.

She wanted me to give you this.

[Account Operation & Management Transfer Agreement]

But where is she?

She promised

she'd wait here.

She's gone?

She's gone?

Attorney Tang.

Could you

give this to Ai

for me?

[Account Operation & Management Transfer Agreement]

It's the account transfer agreement.

Shouldn't you

be giving it to her?

Why me?

Isn't that what friends do?

You step up when you're needed.

You step back

when you're not.

Right.

Everyone wants something.

To her,

me and Li Bing,

we're just tools.

She thinks

AYW is hers, and hers alone.

But whatever she becomes,

I'm still me.

Okay.

I'll do it.

No problem.

There's a lot

to chase in this world.

Like success. Like money.

Like friends.

But want it all,

and the world won't always give you

the ending you hope for.

So

does she

still count me as a friend?

I believe

she always will be.

We just

hit ten thousand views!

You know what that means?

Ten thousand people

saw our video.

If we keep going

like this,

could

AYW

just go viral one day?

If AYW blows up,

I'll get us sponsorships.

We'll monetize the traffic.

Good food and a great host,

that's our secret formula.

Ai,

get ready to be famous.

To our little project!

Cheers!

AYW

is not

just our channel.

It's our baby.

Ai,

wear this.

It'll be like I'm always with you.

No matter what happens,

I'll always be here for you.

AYW got this far

because of me.

They watch for me.

That million-plus followers? They're my fans.

They're not here for you.

Is...

is that really what you think?

Honestly, I envy you.

Having a friend

who supports you

unconditionally.

If it were me,

I'd never

let her drift away.

[Caller ID: Ai]

[Caller ID: Ai]

Why did you just leave?

Why did you just walk away?

Youyou, I'm sorry.

It's my fault.

I was wrong.

I should never have done that to you.

I shouldn't have turned my back on you

for my own gain.

And I shouldn't

have tried to take AYW for myself.

I was so selfish.

I really hurt you.

I never thought

you'd help me after all that.

I've been wanting to say

I'm sorry for so long.

I know.

AYW

is yours now.

But we're still friends.

Without me,

you can

run it freely.

No.

AYW

was never mine alone.

I've been doing

a lot of thinking.

I don't need to be famous

or rich anymore.

None of that matters more than you.

I just want

you

by my side.

You're my best friend.

You promised

you'd always be there,

no matter what.

Now I'm alone again.

Just like when I first got here.

I lost you,

didn't I?

Ai,

even if I'm not around,

you'll meet new people.

You'll make new friends.

Even if

we aren't in the same city,

I want you to be happy.

I hope

you have a

happy,

independent life of your own.

Let's start over.

Like we used to be.

Okay?

Please?

Sir,

what's going on with them?

It's complicated.

Here you go.

[Three years ago,

I was at a bus stop,

with just a backpack

and a suitcase,

looking around, feeling totally lost.]

[Then Youyou showed up.]

[It felt so warm

from the very beginning.]

[Right away,

we just clicked.]

[We were a real team.]

[Together,

we built

AYW from scratch.]

[Even when we split for a while

over different ideas,

it was

just a bump

in the road.]

[When Youyou left,

she never really let go.]

[And when I was lost,

I'd think back to how well we worked together.]

[This isn't about

going back to the start.]

[It's about understanding each other, scars and all.]

[I see her drive now,

and she sees

how she failed our friendship.]

[This bond

goes beyond

business.]

It's

family now.

[Ride or die.]

[We were

two people

brought together by dreams,

and we parted with understanding.]

[But the good memories we made together

will always stay with us.]