Original subtitles

♪That day♪

♪Nothing stays together forever♪

♪I've quit romance♪

♪Who hasn't failed again♪

♪Crying in death♪

♪And in life♪

♪Even now♪

♪We keep learning♪

♪It's no surprise♪

♪Being happy is so hard♪

♪Weirdly, I became a role model♪

♪On the day we met again, we said hi♪

♪It was a reminder, a test, and a complaint♪

♪Who can do anything without regret♪

♪I am all right♪

♪May you live in peace♪

♪Let the world roar♪

♪Sounds like a carnival♪

♪Being alive is never dull♪

♪How wonderful to be free♪

♪I became even better without you♪

♪Nothing can be perfect♪

♪We bless each other in pain♪

♪We nod and smile♪

♪May we both be well♪

= Love's Ambition=

=Episode 1=

(Public Security) I'm here for my new ID.

(Certificate)

(Dayun Public Security) Your original ID, please.

(Qiao Yan)

(The first time I fabricated my life)

(Essay) (was in my notebook.)

(My Parents) (I have the most loving parents)

(in the world.)

(I lied about myself)

(for the first time.)

(The apple of their eye.)

I'll take her

if you don't want her.

If you won't raise her,

I will.

Mom.

She has congenital heart disease.

We can't afford her treatment.

Alright.

(Dayun Public Security) Here's your new ID card.

Here you are.

The old ID is invalid.

We'll keep it.

(Xu Yan)

(The second time I fabricated my life)

(was on the ID card.)

(At 18, I changed my name)

(from Qiao Yan to Xu Yan, taking my grandmother's)

(surname.)

(I had only one goal:)

(to give Grandma a better life.)

(2023)

Xu Yan.

What a lovely name.

Does it have a meaning?

Xu stands for "promise" as in a promise of gold.

Yan stands for beauty inside and out.

It represents our expectations

for our daughter.

Thank you

for entrusting Yan to me.

I'm lucky to be able

to marry her.

Haoming,

you're outstanding in every way.

Top schools.

Good-looking.

And you're already

helping your father

at this age.

That's impressive.

Syracuse University's architecture program

is prestigious.

With you two here,

we'll surely need

your insights on future trends

in architecture.

I'll definitely

seek your guidance.

You're too modest.

Jinda Group is a top player

in the industry.

In the past few years,

you've led several

national landmark projects.

No matter what,

our practice still needs

theoretical guidance.

What are you working on these days?

Eviro...

Eviro...

Eviro...

Eviro...

Eviro...

Eviro... biu biu.

Environmental building.

Yeah, that.

Yeah.

I sent you the files last week.

Please memorize everything

to avoid any slip-ups.

Rest assured,

we'll definitely...

I'll try another shampoo.

This perfume is for you.

Cheap perfumes have

a harsh alcohol smell.

Start using this tomorrow.

Miss Xu, don't worry.

We'll memorize all the materials

and professional terms.

We'll memorize them

by heart and be flawless.

You specialize in...

Environmental building.

This has been my focus

at the research studio.

Zero-carbon buildings

have been and will remain

a major research field worldwide.

Only highly educated parents

like you could raise

their daughter so well.

Syracuse University.

I visited this university last year.

The campus diners are awful.

Typical Western food.

There's a Chinese restaurant

on Marshall Street nearby

with authentic Peking duck.

Have you tried it?

(Three.)

(Two.)

(One.)

Smile.

Stop.

You're not here sightseeing.

We will visit

the campus and local communities

to enhance your memory

as if you've genuinely

lived and worked here.

Understand?

Got it.

Behind you

is the Ernest Bird Library.

(Ernest Bird Library)

To the right is the law school.

(Law School)

The campus has two canteens

and 14 coffee shops.

We usually go to Schine Diner.

The only Chinese restaurant

has three signature dishes.

Sichuan boiled fish, mapo tofu,

and spicy chicken.

What's it called?

P.F. Chang's, right?

My husband and I are regulars there.

But it's a Sichuan restaurant.

They don't serve Peking duck.

Their specialty is actually mapo tofu.

Dad loves their boiled fish.

What a pity.

They run out in the winter,

unlike how things are back at home.

Exactly.

Sorry, I got confused.

I visited too many places last time.

Actually, I met several

Chinese-American professors.

Why haven't I seen you there?

I've searched on Baidu

but found no information about you.

Why is that?

(Xu Jiajia.)

(You're really immigrating?)

This university?

It looks amazing.

My paperwork's done. I'm leaving next month.

I really envy you.

(Directory) Your parents are professors.

And you attend

the university where they work.

They're not professors.

They are just research staff.

You might find their names listed abroad.

But on Baidu,

you can't find anything.

Ms. Yu.

My father doesn't teach.

He only serves as a researcher at the institute.

Therefore,

you probably won't find him on Baidu.

Here you are.

We researchers may not enjoy

the wealth of industrialists.

But we possess our own value.

I'm not after fame and fortune.

Absolutely.

You dedicate yourselves to research,

right?

Without seeking glory.

That's true intellectual nobility.

Sorry.

I've been quite forward.

Oh.

Here is

my recently published work.

You are professionals.

I'd appreciate your opinion. Thank you.

Thank you.

Nice handwriting.

Educated people have beautiful handwriting.

Why don't I get a signature?

Perhaps you forgot.

Please sign it.

Or it'd be a shame.

My apologies.

I must have forgotten.

Thank you for the book, Mr. Xu.

Thank you for bringing me gifts

all the way.

What a pity.

Jiajia has gone to Paris.

I've spoken to her.

It's fine.

We can meet next time.

Could you sign this for me?

Well...

I didn't write this book alone.

All our researchers

put in their efforts.

But you're the only one I know.

Alright then.

There.

Thank you.

Excellent handwriting.

I can feel the cultural refinement.

Mr. Xu and Mrs. Xu.

You must be hungry now.

Let's discuss the wedding

in the dining room.

You should decide on the wedding.

Our opinions are just suggestions.

This way.

The main advantage

of this area is its prime location, maybe.

The only drawback

I can think of is that

it's under a flight path.

Sometimes,

planes pass overhead.

It's alright.

It's not so loud.

Yan,

do you like the cooking

of our family chef?

Great food.

Thank you.

I'm glad you like it.

You don't like eggs?

Are they your biological parents?

You don't seem so close to them.

How could a mother

not know her own daughter

doesn't eat eggs?

Yan, here.

Thanks, Mom.

Yan,

dig in.

What's true can't be faked.

What's fake can't be real.

I want the truth.

Have some fruit.

Okay, thank you.

Don't be shy.

I'm sorry.

What for?

I lied.

About what?

They want a spare cue.

I said,

"Keep learning.

We won't make it."

Actually,

I grew up living with my grandma.

My parents left me behind

and went to work overseas early on.

So I've barely

seen them at all.

I don't know what it's like to be loved

by my father or mother.

I've fought

and protested.

But it didn't do anything.

I even wanted to cut ties with them.

If it weren't

for the fact that we were

getting married,

I wouldn't have contacted them.

When I said that

I have a loving family

earlier today,

that was a lie.

I'm sorry, Ms. Yu.

I just wanted

to do my best

to make you

think highly of me.

I wanted you to believe

that I grew up

in a loving household,

which was not true.

I wanted you

and Haoming to feel assured, so...

I'm sorry.

Your parents had their reasons.

Everyone tries to balance

work and family life.

But achieving that balance

isn't easy.

Haoming's been studying abroad

alone since childhood.

We rarely saw him.

I've always felt sorry about that.

Ms. Yu.

Haochen is back from school.

I see.

Excuse me.

Ms. Yu.

Thank you.

(Huanhuan)

What's wrong?

Yan.

You didn't make it as the host

of Family Feast.

Sun Siwei heard you applied

and shouted at the director.

Watch your back.

This is just the beginning.

The matter

isn't settled yet.

Yan,

come have some fruit.

Coming.

Come on.

Miss Xu,

everything went smoothly.

I will help you

check out tomorrow.

Just leave your key cards

at the front desk.

Lay low until the wedding.

I'll contact you.

Your job will be done after the wedding.

I won't bother you

with anything afterward.

Okay.

Got it.

Rest assured.

We're character actors.

If you see us on the street

one day,

you won't recognize us.

Yeah.

Since we've taken on this job,

we won't cause you any trouble.

Rest assured.

Yeah.

Alright.

Right.

Miss Xu.

I've pre-screened these extras

for the wedding.

See if they qualify as wedding guests.

I will settle the payment.

The rest is none of your business.

Got it.

Got it.

Check out before 7:00 AM.

I'm leaving.

Well...

Miss Xu, take care.

Take care.

(It's a life built on lies.)

(I did my best)

(to make a fortress.)

(But how can there be)

(fortresses built on sand?)

(Family Feast)

Everything needs to be categorized.

The salad ingredients

and the recipes

for today's show

should all be sorted.

Here.

Wash this.

Huanhuan.

The guest has been waiting for an hour.

Where is Sun Siwei?

Yan. I've urged her twice.

Try to fetch her, okay?

I...

How dare you call me by my name?

Sorry, Siwei.

Why don't we first...

Do you know why you can't replace me

as the host?

Because you only scheme

behind the scenes.

It's just too low-class.

A mere planner like you wants to become a host?

Are you even qualified?

Besides,

you can't even do your job right.

What is this script?

(Script) The lines are so convoluted.

Every time we record this show,

I can't use your scripts

and have to improvise.

The guests you book

keep getting worse.

The topics get increasingly boring.

And you think

you can be a host?

Siwei,

if you don't like the script,

I can revise it right now.

But some guests have mentioned

that the interview

doesn't match the script.

What's going on?

Are you blaming this on me?

What now?

You're dating some rich guy.

So you think you can be in charge?

You'd better know your place.

Those rich guys

have relationships that last

a month or two at most.

Instead of wasting time there,

you should focus on pleasing me.

I call the shots here.

I can kick you out with just one word.

Where is the guest?

(Weekly Ratings) The weekly ratings are out.

See for yourself.

Mr. Zhou,

the low ratings for this episode

are my responsibility.

I tried communicating

with the host about the guests.

But she...

Could you please

talk to her?

Xu,

I know it's challenging.

But a successful show

requires great teamwork.

As the planner, you need to consider the bigger picture.

Do you agree?

Found a guest for next week?

Yes.

We're contacting Mr. Sanmu,

founder of Sanmu Art Museum,

to appear on our show.

He said he'd come?

He's interested

and has to check

his schedule.

So it's not confirmed yet.

Xu Yan,

you've worked here long enough.

You should know

that as the planner of the Family Feast,

your job is to make a great show

and invite popular guests.

Don't rush

to apply to be a host.

Let me remind you.

If the ratings keep dropping next week,

management will reconsider

your position here.

Still working?

I haven't secured guests

for the next episode.

So, we need backup scripts.

(Mr. Sanmu)

I've been reaching out for so long.

Mr. Sanmu is a friend I made in London.

This museum contains

(Sanmu Art Museum) his private collection.

I've set up a meeting.

He'll contact you.

Thank you.

No problem.

Let me note down

his phone number.

How do you know about my work?

Because I have

my informants there.

Oh.

I meant to ask you.

What did your parents think

of my parents?

Whatever they think,

I'm perfectly happy.

♪I like it when it's just me and you♪

♪I think by now you know it♪

♪Not sorry if we ditch the crowd♪

Do you really love me?

Of course.

What do you love about me?

Everything.

(I know very well.)

(This man fits)

(all my imaginings)

(of a great husband.)

♪I like you♪

♪Here in my arms♪

(I love Shen Haoming.)

(He's the first guy)

(who made me feel)

(loved)

(and irreplaceable.)

(Despite all the obstacles,)

(I'll hold onto this relationship.)

(Six Months Earlier)

Morning.

Good morning.

Yan.

Here's the proposal.

Thanks.

One more thing.

The owner of that plant store

is super secretive.

I've tried calls, emails,

and even visits. All rejected.

He doesn't take any interviews.

The recording is in two days.

What do we do?

I'll come up with something.

Counting on you.

(Trendy Plant Theme Store)

(Looking for Interesting People)

♪That day♪

♪Nothing stays together forever♪

♪I've quit romance♪

♪Who hasn't failed again♪

♪Crying in death♪

♪And in life♪

♪Even now♪

♪We keep learning♪

♪It's no surprise♪

♪Being happy is so hard♪

♪Weirdly, I became a role model♪

♪On the day we met again, we said hi♪

♪It was a reminder, a test, and a complaint♪

This way.

♪Who can do anything without regret♪

♪I am all right♪

This way.

Watch your step.

♪Let the world roar♪

♪Sounds like a carnival♪

♪Being alive is never dull♪

♪How wonderful to be free♪

♪I became even better without you♪

♪Nothing can be perfect♪

Careful.

♪We nod and smile♪

♪Overcome♪

♪The obstacles and love ourselves♪

♪Be so good♪

♪That you can't recognize me♪

♪When I can look up♪

♪At different clouds♪

♪I'll embrace the memories♪

♪May we both be well♪

Hello, sir.

I'm here for the interview.

I'm Amy.

Prune and repot that agave.

Got it.

Your resume says

you've worked on agaves for ages.

It hasn't been that long.

Compared to you,

I'm just a beginner.

Very few girls like agaves.

Why are you interested?

Because of its extraordinary resilience.

It was crafted by Earth

100 million years ago.

They coexisted with dinosaurs,

thriving in rocky terrains,

enduring harsh elements.

Their shape

resembles dragon tongues,

as legends say.

But most importantly,

I can shape them

as I desire.

Every plant cultivator

has a unique perspective.

Some people prefer

natural growth.

Others, however,

favor controlled cultivation.

But my philosophy is

I must shape it into

the form I envision.

So I will use intense lighting

to suppress leaf expansion,

precisely regulate fertilizer and watering,

and monitor soil and ventilation.

Every minute change

must remain

under my supervision.

Only through this

can it achieve its full potential.

Start working tomorrow.

Okay.

But what about your current job

if you come to work here,

Miss Xu?

Miss Xu Yan.

You're very smart.

You're a great show planner

and a superb actress.

To approach me,

you studied so much

about agave cultivation

and practiced

gardening techniques.

And you disguised yourself well.

Judging from your clothing and resume,

average people

won't be able to spot the lies.

Unfortunately,

your assistant

who's been contacting me

once posted

(Weibo) your photo on Weibo.

But your philosophy

impressed me.

I stand by what I said.

No interviews.

You may leave now.

I'm sorry, Mr. Shen.

This isn't

how I wanted to make your acquaintance.

I respect

your decision

regarding the interview.

However,

I did prepare a gift

for you.

It's a pruning shear crafted

by Mr. Yiding,

the renowned botanist.

I believe

you will like this.

Miss,

you've come many times.

Haven't you found anything you like?

Let me look around.

I'm indecisive.

No rush.

Take your time.

Tell me if you need me.

Thanks.

Careful there.

Take this to the back.

That...

Let me help you.

Yeah.

Here.

If I lose this,

I'd get fired.

It's so valuable?

It's my boss's personal garden fork,

crafted by Mr. Yiding.

It's precious.

Seems you've thoroughly

researched my preferences.

However,

it's quite pointless.

That's not true.

You found this limited-edition.

It shows your dedication.

I have something for you too.

Thank you, Mr. Shen.

Open it.

Is it a coincidence?

Of course not.

Every move I made

was under your surveillance.

A pretty lady like you

visits my shop so often.

How could I not notice you?

I thought I was being subtle.

So you knew it all along.

You enjoy taking the initiative, right?

I've read your articles online.

"My grandma's eyesight was failing,

but she collected

osmanthus flowers early in the morning.

I would come home from school

and see her

through the window.

(Wearing reading glasses,)

(she was baking the petals.)

(She told me that)

(the osmanthus jam won't be sweet)

(if we miss the blooming season.)

(If your grandmother)

(had also made osmanthus jam for you,)

I don't believe

you could be filled with loneliness."

Your writing is full of emotion.

It deeply moved me.

I believe

you love osmanthus jam very much.

What?

He recognized you.

Did he give you a hard time?

Not exactly.

But he still refused the interview.

What a stubborn guy.

Let's not judge him.

Maybe

he has his reasons.

Or...

Wait.

♪You once shone like the sun♪

♪The flowers bloomed and withered♪

Yan.

Did you catch a cold?

Take care.

Get some rest.

I know.

Talk later.

♪I've lost those beautiful moments too♪

♪Passing through my eyes a thousand times♪

♪I couldn't embrace that feeling♪

♪My love solidifies into amber♪

♪I love you, that's right♪

♪How I wish to say it♪

♪To you♪

♪I love you, that's right♪

♪You changed me♪

♪We shed tears♪

♪Deep blue seas turn to foam♪

♪You found me♪

♪If you remember me♪

♪Then I'm pleased♪

Yan.

You look so pale.

Go home and rest.

I got this.

Take care.

Call me anytime.

Xu Yan.

Have you interviewed

the plant shop owner?

I'm sorry.

It's not settled yet.

It's not settled?

We'll record the show soon.

When will you be ready?

- I'll hurry up. - What's going on?

You're sick?

You want to go home and rest?

Fine.

Settle your salary payments.

Go home and don't come back.

I reminded you

of the situation last week.

Don't blame me if the director

gets displeased.

(Trendy plant shop owner) (I can do the interview today.)

(Meet me at Jinda Group.)

(Contact Cathy at the front desk.)

Jinda Group.

Hello.

I'm meeting Mr. Shen Haoming.

Is he...

Hello.

You must be Miss Xu.

Mr. Shen is waiting upstairs.

Please follow me.

Yueyue.

This way.

Sorry,

let me make it clear.

When you said Mr. Shen,

were you referring to Mr. Shen Haoming?

That's right.

Mr. Shen is our group's vice president

and Chairman Shen's eldest son.

This way.

Please.

♪You once shone like the sun♪

♪The flowers bloomed and withered♪

Back to the point.

Miss Xu.

Mr. Shen is in a meeting.

Please wait here.

♪I've lost those beautiful moments too♪

♪Passing through my eyes a thousand times♪

♪I couldn't embrace that feeling♪

♪My love solidifies into amber♪

♪When you speak, the universe halts♪

♪Even fate grows still♪

♪How do you♪

♪Portray me♪

♪Till sunset, with smiles♪

♪Tears flow, no sorrow♪

♪When I look back♪

♪Will you wait for me♪

♪Like fireworks that loved♪

♪Rushing toward the stars♪

♪Undaunted by pain♪

♪Fearless of flames♪

♪Even if just a fleeting sparkle♪

♪We shed tears♪

♪Deep blue seas turn to foam♪

♪We regained freedom♪

♪If you remember me♪

♪Then I'm pleased♪

♪I just wanna take my time tonight♪

♪To do all the things I said I'd try♪

♪I go surfing, go diving, go driving, and go flying to a different place♪

♪I go drink, go party, and go dance♪

♪Even if I'm lonely♪

♪Cause I just have been hurt too many times♪

♪I'm giving it all to get nothing back♪

♪I was lost in the dark, and it's too hurt to even see♪

♪See the world and how it flows. We never let go♪

♪So I'll take my time♪

♪To reignite♪

♪The love I should deserve♪

♪When the time is right♪

♪You realize♪

♪It will all be alright♪

♪Cause I just have been hurt too many times♪

♪I'm giving it all to get nothing back♪

♪I was lost in the dark, and it's too hurt to even see♪

♪See the world and how it flows. We never let go♪

♪So I'll take my time♪

♪To reignite♪

♪The love I should deserve♪

♪When the time is right♪

♪You realize♪

♪It will all be alright♪