Original subtitles

[Love Between Lines]

[Episode 15]

Have you made a decision?

Aren't you coming in?

Honey,

I suddenly have a business dinner tonight.

Go to bed early. Don't wait up for me.

How about Friday night?

I'll take you out for dinner.

Let's not go out.

Just stay at home.

I'll prepare something.

But you have to promise me—

you must come home early.

[Happy 2nd Wedding Anniversary!]

Did I wake you?

No.

Drink this.

It'll help you sober up.

Honey...

I'm sorry I came home late again.

It's okay.

I know you've been busy.

Sorry it's a day late.

Happy second wedding anniversary.

It's beautiful.

I like it.

I thought you'd forgotten.

How could I?

Miss,

we've been going in circles.

Where exactly are you going?

This place is way too hard to find.

Even the GPS can't locate it.

We can't just

keep driving around.

Alright,

I'll just get off here.

Thank you, sir.

Okay.

Hello, excuse me,

do you know where this factory is?

I really don't know, sorry.

Sorry.

Hello, hello, excuse me.

Do you know where this ceramic factory is?

It's...

Your destination is on your left.

Navigation complete.

Hello,

my name is Hu Xiu.

I'm an assistant architect

from D Design Studio.

Here's the thing:

I recently saw your products

at a ceramics exhibition featured in a magazine.

They fit perfectly with one of our architectural project's requirements.

So I wanted to come and learn more

and see if we could establish further...

I'm not the boss.

I'm just a security guard.

Then where's your boss?

Over there.

Is the content okay?

Yeah.

We have designated personnel handling the legal matters.

As long as the content is fine,

you can rest assured.

It's pretty tidy here.

Feel free to contact me if there are any issues in the future.

Looking forward to working with you.

This way, Mr. Ma.

Take care.

You must be tired from the meeting.

I brought you some fruit.

-Thank you, Xiaorou. -Thank you, Xiaorou.

Perfect timing. I need some sugar.

I'm exhausted.

Guangming has been running around these past few days

barely even having time for lunch,

just to meet clients.

What do you have to complain about?

Well, it's a sweet complaint.

But honestly,

anywhere is better than Longyuan.

Let me tell you,

I just don't have Guangming's courage.

Before he left,

he really let Qu have it.

That was so awesome, right, Guangming?

Let's go have fruit.

What does he mean by "let Qu have it"?

You left Longyuan?

G-Go have fruit.

Okay.

Honey,

come with me for a moment.

What's going on?

Have a seat, honey.

Mr. Qu found out about Zhan Jie and me

starting our own business.

I'm in the middle of handing things over

and will officially resign soon.

But honey, don't worry.

Tao registered Solara,

and I've checked Longyuan's internal policies.

Mr. Qu can't hold us accountable.

Guangming,

I've always felt

that you were working too hard before.

I've always supported

you leaving Longyuan.

But why is your first reaction always

to hide things from me whenever something happens?

Is there anything

that we, as husband and wife, can't...

can't face together?

It's just that I thought

the procedures weren't complete

and the company wasn't stable yet,

so I didn't dare tell you.

Honey, I know this would make you worry.

I was wrong.

I'm sorry.

I promise you

from now on, I'll tell you about any decision I make.

No more hiding things,

okay?

Don't be mad anymore, okay?

I have good news for you.

Remember I mentioned

that a major company

was interested in taking over our project?

Five minutes ago,

we just signed

the contract.

Our company will definitely make it.

The big house we want,

a big coffee shop,

and a big dog—

we'll have them all.

Even if you don't have to run between two companies,

you'll still be busy like a spinning top.

Busy like what?

A spinning top.

A spinning top.

A big spinning top.

I'm just a medium spinning top.

-They're spinning! -Yeah!

I won't be a spinning top.

Don't be mad anymore.

What are these two doing?

They're so sweet!

So sweet!

They're watching.

Hu Xiu?

Miss,

do you work here?

This place is quite remote.

After my last drop-off,

I thought I'd have to drive back with no customer,

but I didn't expect to run into you here.

What a coincidence, sir.

If I hadn't run into you driving out here,

I wouldn't have been able to get back.

I've been trying to get a cab for ages.

Hello, Sun.

Hu Xiu,

Lyman's celebration banquet is about to start.

When will you arrive?

I'm already on my way.

Should be there soon.

Sir,

could you please drive a bit faster? Thanks.

Sure, no problem.

I'll be there soon.

Mr. Xiao.

Congratulations on winning the competition.

You're truly a young talent

with unlimited potential.

Mr. Xiao.

You flatter me.

Our company has a project,

and we'd like to invite you to be our consultant.

You must accept our offer.

Mr. Xiao,

so successful at a young age.

I wonder...

are you married?

No.

Starting a family and building a career

go hand in hand,

am I right?

Thank you.

Mr. Song, come on.

Could you introduce us?

No problem.

Xiao!

Mr. Xie, Mr. Li.

Mr. Xiao,

this is my daughter, An'an.

Nice to meet you.

Let's go.

Ms. Hu?

This feels like déjà vu.

What?

Here to play the beauty rescuing the hero again?

Mr. Pei, you're actually right.

Hu Xiu.

Ms. Zhou.

Where have you been?

This is such an important event,

and you're late.

I was busy inspecting...

Here's the dress prepared for you.

Put it on quickly.

Tonight's banquet

has all the big names in the industry.

It's a big day for our studio.

Look your best.

Okay.

So you graduated from Cornell University, Mr. Xiao.

That's impressive.

I used to visit friends there all the time.

Maybe we even saw each other back then.

Maybe.

What a coincidence, Mr. Xiao.

I also graduated from Cornell.

Could I add you on WeChat?

I'm sorry.

My phone is charging in the lounge.

This is a 2013 Dom Pérignon.

It's quite good.

Try it.

Cheers.

Excuse me,

Mr. Xiao will be giving a speech later.

Let me drink this one for him.

Mr. Xiao,

who is she?

I'm Mr. Xiao's employee,

Hu Xiu,

assistant architect at Dynamism.

Mr. Xiao needs to go prepare first.

Please wait a moment.

I believe Mr. Xiao's speech

will definitely not disappoint you all.

Excuse us.

Only Hu Xiu could

have gotten you out of there.

Otherwise, who knows

how long you'd still be stuck talking to them?

I have to say,

in that dress, you and Mr. Xiao

look pretty well-matched.

Last time you said

you wanted to find a supplier of 3D printing materials.

I found one.

Do you remember

the ceramic art factory

I mentioned before?

I looked into it.

Their technology is not a problem,

but they do need to overcome the production capacity issue

we discussed earlier.

However, as long as we pay in full upfront

and don't let them bear the cost pressure,

they'll fully cooperate.

So this is what you've been busy with lately?

If we can't pay in full upfront,

I can communicate with them again.

Ladies and gentlemen,

good evening.

First, on behalf of Lyman,

I'd like to welcome and thank

all of you for being here.

[Lyman Group · Future Living · Celebration Banquet]

The design competition for our company's resort community

has attracted enormous attention.

Mr. Xiao Zhiyu

from Dynamism

has won over the judges

with his bold and brilliant proposal

and has become the chief designer of this project.

I believe

that once this project is completed,

it will surely become

another shining landmark in the architectural field!

Furthermore,

I'd like to sincerely thank

all other companies that participated in the competition.

Although we didn't get to cooperate this time,

there will be opportunities in the future.

We sincerely hope

to cooperate and achieve mutual success with all of you.

Now, let's invite

Mr. Xiao Zhiyu, the chief designer

of the Lyman Resort Community,

to the stage.

It is an honor

to stand here

on behalf of Dynamism.

Our studio will do our utmost

to live up to everyone's trust,

making this project a classic masterpiece.

Taking advantage of this important occasion,

I'd also like to announce

a major decision on behalf of our studio.

Dynamism

has already signed

a project cooperation letter of intent with Zhuling Group.

We'll officially begin cooperation after the New Year

to jointly complete the construction of this project.

That factory director's former chauffeur

became a building materials supplier.

The powerful backer he latched onto

is Zhuling Group.

Hu Xiu?

Ms. Zhou.

So you just came from

the supplier.

You've worked hard.

Not hard at all,

just doing my job.

I just didn't expect

that Mr. Xiao had already made the decision.

The cooperation with Zhuling

was only finalized right before today's banquet.

I was also surprised

when Mr. Xiao told me about it.

I figured as much—

if we're working with Zhuling,

they would definitely use their supplier resources

as a bargaining chip.

But what I didn't expect was

that Mr. Pei would make such excessive demands.

He's after the entire Lyman's project.

What I least expected was

that Mr. Xiao would actually accept it.

However,

looking at it from another angle,

the two companies working together peacefully

might not be a bad thing.

Besides,

Mr. Xie and Mr. Pei have a good relationship,

which will help the project progress more smoothly.

I understand.

Go grab something to eat.

See you later.

Thank you.

You're here to see Mr. Xiao about something urgent?

Just some minor matters at the studio.

It was about the supplier, wasn't it?

I know

you've been looking for new suppliers.

But clearly,

no matter how hard you look,

you won't find anyone more suitable than Zhuling.

You're quite confident, Mr. Pei.

Do you really think

you can control the entire supply chain in the industry?

You're wrong.

We don't need to.

We can't monopolize the entire industry's supply.

What we can do

is keep the best part

for ourselves,

and that's enough.

And your boss, Mr. Xiao,

he's indeed a clear-headed, decisive businessman.

Especially in this matter,

he knows when to bend and when to stand.

Your company is the one

seeking this work.

If we're talking about who truly knows how to "bend,"

I'd say you're the master at it.

It was your boss who willingly chose to work with me.

The word "bend"

doesn't even apply here.

Using supplier resources

in exchange for project cooperation—

the cooperation opportunity you schemed so hard to get—

and you still say it wasn't "bending"?

Alright, Ms. Hu,

let's not debate anymore.

May I have the honor of this dance?

We're about to become partners.

You wouldn't deny me this courtesy, would you?

In that case,

I shall respectfully comply.

I'm fine.

Is this your first time dancing, Ms. Hu?

Of course not.

You don't seem very practiced.

I can only work with what I'm given.

Well then, I'd better perform well

so as not to hold you back.

Excuse me, everyone. Sorry to interrupt.

In terms of construction,

Zhuling has always been an industry leader.

Our studio is also very honored

to collaborate with them.

Taking advantage of this occasion today,

I'd like to invite Mr. Pei

to give a speech on behalf of Zhuling.

Why do you still look so glum?

I'm not.

Oh, right,

Ms. Zhou,

thank you for preparing this dress for me.

Otherwise, I would've embarrassed myself badly again today.

I didn't prepare it.

Mr. Xiao asked me to bring it to you.

Why are you out here alone?

There are too many people inside.

It's too stuffy.

When did you make the decision?

Mr. Xie,

do you have time to meet today?

I'd like to introduce someone to you.

Sure.

Come to my office tonight.

Okay.

I never expected

that you two

had such a connection.

Zhiyu has been independent since childhood

and never wanted support from the family,

so we didn't

make it public.

You could have relied on

a major corporation like Zhuling,

yet you insisted on striking out on your own.

Mr. Xiao,

you never cease to amaze me.

Mr. Xie,

my studio and Zhuling

have no financial or equity connections.

My relationship with the Pei family

won't affect the project's progress either.

You can hire a supervision agency

to oversee the construction process

and ensure our cooperation is fair and transparent.

Uncle Xie,

Zhuling

attaches great importance to Lyman's project this time.

Please rest assured—

we will commit our best resources

to complete this project.

In the company, only you know about

my relationship with the Pei family.

You've been

working so hard to find suppliers these past few days

because you didn't want to see me bow to Zhuling,

right?

I'm sorry

I didn't tell you about my decision earlier.

No need to apologize.

I just didn't expect

that you would actually cooperate with Zhuling.

What did Pei Zhen say to you?

He said

you know when to bend and when to stand.

Then...

what do you think?

I think...

I think since you've made this choice,

it must be absolutely necessary,

not just a last resort.

♪ Close your eyes for me ♪

♪ Don't rush to wake up ♪

♪ Before the night ends ♪

Why are you smiling?

♪ Will you stay with me? ♪

I'm smiling...

because you're not angry anymore, right?

♪ I won't search for ♪

♪ The reason we met ♪

♪ The city gradually turns pale outside the window ♪

I've accepted your gift,

so how can I stay mad?

♪ The stars twinkle ♪

You look pretty.

♪ I've quieted down ♪

♪ What kind of story will you like? ♪

♪ Would you join me? ♪

♪ To make a long, romantic dream ♪

♪ Just you and me ♪

♪ Briefly, beyond the clamor ♪

♪ Carefully drawing close to you ♪

♪ Clinging to that trace of unknown joy ♪

♪ 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 ♪

Zhiyu,

I know everything now.

♪ Oh, special night ♪

I'm very happy you agreed

to cooperate with Zhuling.

Uncle Pei was just saying

we're a family,

♪ Oh, special night ♪

and it's wonderful when we can

work together toward the same goal.

Everyone, come get your gift boxes before leaving work!

There's one for everyone!

We get two gift boxes this year?

What is this?

We just landed a big project,

so Ms. Zhou and Mr. Xiao must be feeling generous.

-Right. -Yeah.

Let me open it and take a look.

All done.

Time for vacation!

I'm almost done too.

Once I finish organizing the materials for our post–New Year work

with Zhuling, I'll email them to you.

Okay.

Let me try to snag a train ticket first.

I'll check it later.

Mr. Xiao,

how are you planning to spend the New Year?

Just like any other day.

What about you?

My parents used to come to the lane to celebrate the New Year with me.

It's kind of our family tradition.

We feel the old house has a more festive atmosphere.

It's close to downtown after all,

so it's very convenient to see the lanterns.

Just a ten-minute walk or so.

Perfect.

I won't be staying in the lane during the New Year.

Feel free to use it as you like.

I was going to ask if you'd like to join us.

Happy New Year.

Happy New Year. Happy New Year.

Li, happy New Year!

Happy New Year. Happy New Year.

Here, eight-treasure rice pudding.

Great.

I get to taste your eight-treasure rice pudding again!

Thank you, thank you.

You're welcome.

Alright, alright.

Happy New Year.

Happy New Year. Happy New Year.

Thank you.

Hu!

Happy New Year. Happy New Year!

Happy New Year. Happy New Year.

Be careful!

Granny, happy New Year.

You're in such good health.

You came back to spend the New Year with Xiu?

Yes, yes.

Oh, right,

this is eight-treasure rice pudding we made ourselves.

Please try some.

Okay, okay.

I'll be right back.

Her favorite.

Happy New Year.

The lanterns look really nice.

Yeah.

They're more festive.

Mr. Hu?

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year.

Dad,

it's been a while since you greeted anyone like that, right?

Yes.

After walking around, I can see things really have changed a lot.

Help me check

if these are straight on both sides.

The one on the right

needs to move a bit to the left...

Xiu!

Xiaorou is video calling you

to wish our family a happy New Year.

Okay, I'm going inside.

Egg dumplings!

-Granny made them. -They are my favorite!

Zhao!

Happy New Year!

-Happy New Year. -Happy New Year.

That new cardigan looks really nice on you.

We bought it together last time we went shopping, right?

That's the one.

It looks really nice.

Isn't it good?

Uncle Hu, Auntie Bai,

happy New Year.

Wishing you good health.

Thank you, Xiaorou. Happy New Year to you too!

We're preparing the New Year's Eve dinner.

Are you at your own place or at your parents'?

Guangming and I are at my parents' place.

I wish you

success in your career

and that you and Zhao achieve financial freedom soon,

so I can share in your good fortune.

Thanks for the good wishes.

Xiaorou,

well,

I wish you young lovebirds

a smooth new year

and hope you have a child soon.

Thank you, Uncle.

Thank you, Uncle.

Um, Xiaorou,

let me wish your parents a happy New Year too.

Sure, I'll go get them.

You elders can chat.

I'll go make some tangyuan.

Xiu, make one with sugar filling.

Alright.

For good fortune.

Sure thing.

Hello, hello.

Did you ask Zhiyu to come for dinner?

This year, our whole family is in China.

We should have a family reunion dinner together.

I asked him.

I've been busy cooking

and haven't had time to check WeChat yet.

That must be Zhiyu.

Zhiyu?

Uncle Xu,

happy New Year.

You're Ms. Xiao Wanyue, right?

This is for you.

Mom,

I sent you some gifts,

and I won't be joining you for dinner.

Wishing you a happy Spring Festival

and good health.

Look at you,

you really didn't need to buy all these.

I still haven't finished

the liquor you gave me

last New Year.

I didn't expect

you'd come.

I heard earlier that your mother was coming back to Shanghai this year,

and I thought you would...

By the way,

you landed a big project,

and I haven't properly congratulated you yet.

Wait a moment.

I'll prepare some food,

and we can have a drink.

Uncle Xu.

I'm just stopping by.

Please don't trouble yourself.

I saw you on the TV news.

The way you looked

on that competition stage

really resembled your father.

If he were still here,

he would be so proud of you.

So many years have passed.

You're no longer that little boy from back then.

Uncle Xu,

I've always remembered what you said back then.

Listen to your uncle.

Don't rush.

You're still young.

You and your mother

have finally adapted to life in America.

At a time like this,

you can't act on impulse.

Your father wouldn't want you to be reckless either,

right?

So there's nothing I can do?

There's one thing you can do.

Grow up well.

When you're an adult

and have the ability and resources,

only then will you have the chance to unravel everything

and discover the truth.

Uncle Xu,

I'll grow up quickly.

Sooner or later, I'll prove

my father's innocence.

Good boy.

Zhiyu,

you've grown

so much over these years.

But sometimes I wonder

if what I said back then

planted a seed of revenge in you

that has affected

your life all these years.

Uncle Xu.

I'm one step closer to what I want to do.

I won't give up.

I know.

You've always wanted to clear

your father's name.

But I can't bear to see you

carrying such a heavy burden.

I can't bear to see you risk everything.

You're not young anymore.

As your elder,

I'd rather see you living happily

with a family of your own.

♪ Midnight ♪

Zhiyu,

♪ I see stars fly ♪

it's not easy to turn black into white

all by yourself.

This path is tough.

♪ As they fall to Earth ♪

There may be danger.

No one knows

♪ Lighting up this moment ♪

how this will turn out.

So, Uncle Xu...

given my current situation,

♪ You outshine the stars ♪

I don't have the right to pursue happiness.

♪ And hold them in your palm ♪

♪ Now we've made a way ♪

♪ Now we're at the edge ♪

♪ Tomorrow and today ♪

♪ Now in every way ♪

♪ The world draws still ♪

Brother, happy New Year.

♪ I wish for you ♪

I want to give you this.

Thank you.

Xinxin, wait for me!

♪ I wish for you ♪

♪ Look up at the moon and reach for my hand ♪

♪ Oh, I wish for you ♪

Why is your "young boss" here?

Mr. Xiao?

Didn't you say he wouldn't spend New Year's in the lane?

Yeah, why is he here?

Young boss,

come up and join us.

Mr. Xiao,

that lantern in your hand looks nice.

Could you give it to me?

Mr. Xiao!

Happy New Year.

Happy New Year, Uncle.

Happy New Year.

Let me see.

A child passing by gave it to me.

Thank you, Mr. Xiao.

Why don't you come in for a while?

No, thanks.

You can't leave! You can't leave.

It's New Year's.

Since you're already here,

how can you leave?

Besides, you're Xiu's boss.

Come on, come in.

Come in. Come on.

Come in, come in.

Come in.

Come on.

Mom,

Mr. Xiao is here!

Hello, Auntie.

Come on, have a seat.

Hello.

Happy New Year.

Please have a seat.

Young boss,

it's New Year's.

Why are you all alone?

Where are your parents?

Dad,

Mr. Xiao's family isn't in Shanghai.

He's here by himself.

How can someone spend the New Year alone?

Stay and have dinner with us.

Besides,

you're renting our house,

so we should at least show you some hospitality,

okay?

Yes, yes.

Stay and have dinner with us.

You chat with my dad here.

I'll go help my mom.

Have some dried fruits.

Dad's attitude toward him has changed so drastically.

Later,

have a drink with me.

I've got some good baijiu.

It's hot.

Is it good?

Pour for the young boss first.

Don't rush.

Drinking on an empty stomach isn't good.

Let Mr. Xiao eat something first.

Auntie,

you can just call me Yu.

Alright, Yu.

That's enough. That's enough.

Let me fill your glass.

Here,

have some "Fish for Prosperity."

This is your Uncle Hu's specialty.

Try it and see if you like it.

It's delicious.

Actually, this dish

is really suitable for the young boss—

"Rising Higher and Higher."

Next year,

I wish you'd take on more big projects.

Thank you, Uncle.

Here.

In previous years,

it was always just the three of us celebrating the New Year.

Yes, yes.

This year we have one more person.

It really feels different.

Yes, yes.

We should've had a son-in-law joining us by now anyway,

right?

I'll go check if the tangyuan are ready.

Why do you always have to bring up sore subjects?

Didn't you bring it up first?

Is that what I meant?

Here come the tangyuan.

Great!

Help yourselves.

Okay, okay.

Mr. Xiao.

This is our family's special tradition.

We hide one black sugar filling

among the five-nut tangyuan.

Whoever gets it

will have good luck in the new year.

Yes.

Xiu will definitely get it first,

right?

Be sweet and happy, and then find a good boyfriend.

Young boss,

you're so lucky!

If you ask me,

our old family house

has great feng shui—

it's bringing you good fortune.

It seems

good things will happen to you this year, Yu.

Maybe next New Year you won't be alone anymore.

Then I'll gladly accept your good wishes.

Come on, come on!

Come on, let's make a toast.

Alright.

Alright, come on.

Come on, come on.

Cheers!

Wishing everyone good health

and everything going smoothly in the new year.

Xiu,

let's leave last year where it belongs—

in the past.

It's all in the past.

It's all in the past.

It's all behind us now.

Young boss,

I want to thank you too.

You see, Xiu

now has a stable job,

and her life is back on track.

It's all thanks to you.

Here, I toast to you.

Thank you.

Uncle, you're too kind.

Cheers.

Hu Xiu has actually helped me a lot.

Okay.

Xiu,

well, these past few years,

you've

been through a lot.

From now on, your days will surely be peaceful,

smooth, and happy.

Okay.

Mr. Xiao.

Uncle is right.

Hu Xiu,

I wish you a New Year...

free from all troubles.