All language subtitles for The Early Spring Episode 21

SAY NO TO PIRACY, SUPPORT ORIGINALS

ADAPTED FROM THE EARLY SPRING ON JJWXC.NET
AUTHOR: GU NIANG BIE KU

Come in.

So? The results are out?

She deserves the Specialist title.

And it turns out, about 80%
of my decisions are right,

and 20% are wrong.

But when it comes to people,
you made the right decisions.

Shang Zhitao is outstanding.

You have a good eye for talent.

Well prepared. Who did this?

Dony must've planted someone here
before he went to prison.

The whistleblower was one
of his former subordinates.

Someone who worked at Lime briefly.

A real piece of work.

He's like a bad penny.

The day Flora reported him
for sexual harassment,

you stepped in
and dealt with him yourself.

That's when I knew something
was going on between you.

I'd actually sensed it before then.

I didn't say anything
because I know where your line is.

And I trusted that she wasn't the kind
of employee who'd break the rules.

But

someone gave me this.

What are you going to do with it?

A GRAND RETREAT

LIME ANNUAL APPRECIATION NIGHT

Cheers, Lumi.

Song Ying made the shortlist.
Did you know that?

I just found out.

Her dad is giving 80%
of next year's ad budget to Lime.

Eighty percent? How much is that?

Two hundred and fifty million.
Across all platforms.

That's the power of money.

Flora.

- Congratulations.
- Kitty.

You finally made Specialist this year.

I'm telling you,
you're the most envied woman at Lime.

Got your acceptance speech ready?

I still need to work on it.

Don't worry. You'll be fine.

Flora, I just joined
the company this year.

Please look out for me.

- Do your best.
- Thank you.

I'll head over first.

Relax. It's definitely you.

Everyone knows it.

If she wins, people won't accept it.
It won't be her.

If someone's going to win,

why can't it be you?

If it's not you,
I'll be the first to object.

Luke.

Thank you for your guidance and support.

Keep up the good work.

Let's talk later.

Distinguished leaders, honored guests,

ladies and gentlemen,
dear Lime family and friends,

good evening!

Next, it's time for our biggest award,

the announcement
of this year's Specialist.

Lime is the leading advertising agency
in the industry.

The Specialist we choose each year

must have made outstanding contributions
and achieved remarkable results.

They'll help lead the advertising industry
to new heights

and serve as an example to us all.

This year's finalists
are the head of the Northwest project,

who has served the company
faithfully for six years, Flora.

- Thank you.
- Shang Zhitao.

I love you.

THE LEGEND IS HERE!

And the second finalist,
who was selected by exception,

a rising star in the industry

who secured the company's
biggest account of the year, Yilia.

Who will take home the title?

Now, please welcome Luke,
the General Manager of Lime Advertising,

to announce this year's Specialist.

A big round of applause.

This year's

Lime Specialist is…

Yilia, Song Ying.

SONG YING, LIME SPECIALIST

Thank you.

Alright. Yilia, how do you feel
about winning this honor?

Thank you to the company
for this recognition.

I'd like to share this honor with Flora.

I… Thank you.

It belongs to you.

You've done an incredible job.

When I was your age,
I wasn't anywhere near as good.

I was completely ordinary.

It was an honor to compete with you.

Congratulations.

Alright. Thank you both
for your wonderful speeches.

Now, let the banquet begin.

Please excuse me.

Are you okay?

Sun Yu and I are catching
a midnight movie later.

Is Sun Yuanzhu not coming?

You knew today's result, didn't you?

Why didn't you tell me beforehand?

Would that have changed the outcome?

Of course not.

But Lumi knew Song Ying
was competing against me.

She told me in advance.

You've been my superior for years.

You knew how much
I'd put into this project.

And you just sat there,

watching me wait in anticipation
below the stage like a clown.

If it wasn't Song Ying,
it would've been someone else.

Everyone can see how hard you've worked,
what you've achieved,

and what you're capable of.

If you know you've done well,

don't let other people's
opinions get to you.

Then tell me.

Would you have scored me fairly?

What do you mean?

Could you, Luan Nian,

ignore that 250 million
and judge me fairly and objectively?

Could you?

Shang Zhitao,
this was another competition.

Is it really that hard
to focus on doing your best?

One result doesn't define you.

As long as you keep doing well,
next time will be yours.

This is the workplace, I know.

Things are never completely fair.

Relationships, connections, money.

They can all come before ability.

But I always thought this was different.

Because it was Lime.

It's the Lime that made an exception
to hire me and helped me grow so quickly.

It was fair and objective.

Anything was possible here.

That's why I never thought I'd lose.

And I don't want to be
the last one to know

that the outcome was already decided.

Shang Zhitao, I never thought you were
someone who couldn't handle losing.

There are winners and losers
in the workplace.

Adults should know
how to accept the result.

You're only this upset because
you think I didn't treat you differently.

Am I right?

Let me tell you this.

I keep work and personal life
completely separate.

I suggest you do the same.

Otherwise, you're only making things
harder for yourself.

I'm not like you.

You can afford to lose with grace.

I can't.

From the first day I joined Lime,
all I've wanted was to survive here.

Every single step I've taken
is like walking on thin ice.

Do you understand?

Luan Nian,

of course you don't understand.

If you did,
you wouldn't have asked me that.

You wouldn't be talking to me like this.

You've always looked down on me.

You never believed I was good enough.

You never thought I had what it takes.

You've never respected me
or treated me as your equal.

Why did I spend six years
with someone like you?

What kind of person do you think I am?

Arrogant. Conceited. Selfish.

Is that really how you see me?

Why do you always question me?

Why am I always the one being doubted?

Why are you always so condescending?

Luan Nian.

Is it really that hard
to talk to me properly?

Shang Zhitao, you should calm down now.

Why should I?

Why do I have to calm down?

I've struggled in this city for six years,

and in the end, I've got nothing.

I lost my best friend.

I lost the competition I should've won.

And now you're telling me to calm down.

What gives you the right?

My patience is wearing thin.

Stop pushing me.

I want to end this.

End what?

What are you ending?

I'm ending…

this filthy,

ugly,

disgusting relationship between us.

You think our relationship was filthy?

Ugly? Disgusting?

It was never a normal relationship.

We never trusted each other.

We never loved each other.

So you were only with me
to get ahead in your career?

And now that you lost,
you think I've outlived my usefulness?

The main reason I lost

was spending six years
with someone like you.

Someone who couldn't judge me fairly.

Exactly.

You said it yourself.

We were only together for six years.

There weren't any real feelings.

If it wasn't you,
it could've been someone else.

Let's end it here.

I can't accept adding Yilia
to this year's Specialist selection.

She hasn't been here long enough.

She doesn't meet
the company's requirements.

You know this.

It was a special exception by the board.

I don't agree.

Luke, it's only an extra candidate.

You and I both know

Flora deserves
this year's Specialist title.

She spent over a year
working in the Northwest for this project.

And you also know Yilia brought Lime
250 million in ad spending.

That's enough to change the rules.

I admit Yilia is capable.
She's delivered results.

You can promote her,

give her a raise,
or a huge bonus if you want,

but the Specialist title recognizes
ability, seniority, and experience.

I won't accept the company
changing the rules on a whim.

What are you going to do?

I pulled some records as requested.

The first person Flora informed
about weekend overtime was you.

The first person
she traveled with was you.

The security footage was reviewed too.

Every Friday night, you two always left
the office one after the other.

You know those facts can't be changed.

Fine.

I'll leave. I'll resign.

But you know perfectly well,

if you leave,
she won't be able to stay either.

I'm due to report to the US.

There's an opening
for President over there.

I turned it down before.

Now I can apply for the transfer.

On one condition.

Flora stays at Lime.

This job means everything to her.

I know.

I've watched her fight
her way up over the past six years.

I want her to stay too.

But this year's Specialist title
must go to Yilia.

Give it to Yilia then.

Next year, create
another Specialist position for Flora.

Don't worry.
I'll do everything I can for her.

Never thought you'd actually fall in love.

I have one more request.

Keep all this from Flora.

Why?

Wouldn't it be better
if she knew what you've done for her?

She's too proud.

If she finds out,
she'll either leave Lime or leave me.

Alright. You have my word.

Thank you.

I'm ending

this filthy, ugly,
disgusting relationship between us.

You're only this upset because
you think I didn't treat you specially.

Am I right?

I keep work and personal life
completely separate.

I suggest you do the same.

Otherwise, you're only
making things harder for yourself.

We were only together for six years.

If it wasn't you,

it could've been someone else.

Shang Zhitao,

don't be impulsive.

I'm not. I'm taking Luke with me.

You're an adult.

If you say it's over,

then don't ever start it again.

I never will.

Let's go, Luke.

Come on, Luke.

Luke.

Listen.

You can only choose one.

If you stay,

you'll never see me again.

Luke.

We're leaving.

Let's go, Luke.

Come on. Let's go, Luke.

You're staying, aren't you?

Fine.

You stay. I'll go.

You ungrateful Luke,
you chose the rich over the poor.

Even you betrayed me.

Luke.

Thank you, Luke.

We'll start a new life together.

Here's some warm water.

Sun Yu.

I didn't get promoted.

I prepared for so long.

I really thought I'd win.

But I lost.

I…

I…

I let Zhu down

after everything he did for me.

Tao, don't scare me.

Promise me you won't do anything silly.

You know that.

I can't lose another friend. You hear me?

Don't cry. I can't handle it when you cry.

Please don't cry.

Please don't cry.

Take this.

My company's doing great now.

I'd sincerely like to invite you
to be our Vice President.

Once we secure Series C funding,
we'll expand into the south.

With your ability, you could be
an executive at any company.

Can I still steal you away?

I'll have HR talk to you
about the salary, alright?

No more crying.

Don't worry.

I'm okay.

I just

broke up.

I haven't gotten over it yet. I…

It…

It hurts.

MOM

Tao, when are you taking leave?

Your dad told me not to tell you,

but he fell downstairs a few days ago.

He broke a bone.

He keeps saying he wants to see you.

Can you take a few days off

and come home early?

If you're too busy, then forget it.

Got it, Luke.

- Where are you going?
- To hand in my resignation.

Luke.

That's fast.

Are you leaving for the US next week?

The position has been vacant.

They want me there early to take over.

See you.

RESIGNATION FORM, SHANG ZHITAO

Flora, there'll be another
Specialist selection next year.

I'll do my best to help you get it.

Thank you, Tracy,

but I'm not leaving because of that.

You don't need to thank me.

If anyone deserves thanks,

it's you,

for all your hard work
and perseverance over the years.

I still want to thank you.

Thank you for helping me
and encouraging me.

I've already bought my ticket home.

Please sign it for me.

Flora.

I hired you myself.

I've watched you work hard
and earn everything you have today.

I'm proud of you.

So hearing you resign,

I really hate to see you go.

I hope you'll think it over.

Not just for yourself,
but also for your career,

and Luke too.

I… I heard from Lumi
that Luke's going to the US.

At my level, I don't think my resignation
needs his approval.

Tracy.

Just help me one last time.

Please sign it.

Something happened at home.

I have to go back.

Alright.

Thank you, Tracy.

Your first rotation
is with Business Division One.

You can sit here.

Lumi, I'm Shang Zhitao.

My English name is Flora.

Since Lime hired me,

I believe I have something of value.

Being able to join the world's top
advertising agency and broaden my horizons

is both an honor and a stroke of luck.

I'll work hard and earn my place here.

Goodbye, Lime.

Have some water.

Thanks.

Do either of you
have Zhu's family's contact?

Why?

I still owe him money.

I might as well tell you now.

The money my ex-wife and I used
to buy the apartment

was borrowed from Zhu.

He told me not to tell you.

He said he wanted to give you two a home.

But before you could enjoy it for long,
the family fell apart.

One of you is heading south,

and the other is going back home.

So I thought

while the housing market was still good,
I'd sell the apartment.

He's gone now,
but I still owe it to his family.

If you sell the apartment,
where will you live?

Me? I got promoted.

The company's giving me a dorm,
so I'll save on rent.

From now on,

call me Deputy Product Manager
of the Marketing Department.

You got promoted.
Dinner's on you then, Lei?

Of course.

Let's go somewhere expensive then.
Same as always.

Works for me.

When I get back home,
I'm changing my phone number.

The day I call you again
will be the day I have truly started over.

We'll all be doing better.

Before you go,

let's take one last photo.

Sure. Let's take one.

Let's…

- Let's take one with this.
- Okay.

I'll go get the car.

- Thank you, Lei.
- Don't mention it.

Open the trunk.

Tonight, I'm cooking for you guys.

I just learned a new dish.
Lightning Five Whips!

- How is that?
- That's the name of a dish?

Tao. Tao.

We're leaving. Get in.

Here.

Hop in.

TIANTONG DONGYUAN

TIANTONGYUAN GYMNASIUM

TIANTONG RENHE TCM HOSPITAL

Tao,

take good care of yourself
when you get home.

Call me, okay?

Yeah. Take care, Tao.

If anyone gives you a hard time,

call me right away.

I'll fly over and beat them up.

Alright.

I have your word on that.

You do.

LUMI

I'm going to miss you, Lumi.

SHANG ZHITAO: I'M GOING TO MISS YOU, LUMI

I hate goodbye.

Shang Zhitao, you heartless little thing.

Shang Zhitao, you'd better live well.

Could I have another osmanthus milk?

LUAN NIAN

LUAN NIAN

Thank you for these past six years.

All the best.

LUAN NIAN

BLOCK THIS CALLER

This isn't running away.

It is a grand retreat.

Because I want to give myself
another possibility.

BEIJING TO HARBIN

Goodbye,

Beijing.

Shang Zhitao.

Are these all limited editions?

Not bad.

Lime has treated you well
these past years.

The company has that year-end flea market.

I'm leaving, so I won't make it.

Help me sell these.

Half price to our colleagues.

Then we'll split the money.

Just get rid of them quickly.

You didn't buy these yourself, did you?

They were gifts from my boyfriend.

Luke bought them for you?

You didn't really think I couldn't tell,
did you?

You're leaving now.
I don't have to pretend anymore.

It's all over.

I'm leaving

Beijing.

Why?

My dad hurt his leg.

People always say,

"When your parents are alive,
don't live too far away."

I've been chasing this dream for years.

I'm tired. I want to go home.

I've already arranged for Luke
to be taken to Harbin.

From now on,
he's officially a Northeastern pup.

You're really giving up
everything you've built in Beijing?

Do you have no regrets?

Thinking about it now, career growth,

double the salary,
none of it really matters.

I don't need to prove myself
anymore to anyone.

I think being with my parents
is what really matters.

You've had an epiphany.

Screw this job.

I wish you all the best. Shang Zhitao.

If you ever need anything,
you can always come to me.

Okay?

If anyone bullies you, I'll beat them up.

Enough with the sad stuff.
What should we eat today?

My treat. Deal?

We'll meet again. I promise.