All language subtitles for qS0ium_The.Early_.Spring.E09_eng

SAY NO TO PIRACY, SUPPORT ORIGINALS

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

Good.

Keep it steady.

Not bad.

What are you doing?

Do you just slam on the brakes
and hope you hit the right gear?

Is that how you drive?

Start over.

Put it in gear.

-In gear.
-Here.

Go on. Signal.

Good. Go.

Forget it. Take a break.

Switch drivers. Your turn.

OK. Shift gears. Go.

Good. Turn left.

Good. Turn left.

Stop! Stop, now!

Did they put the wiper switch
in the wrong place?

Should I apologize
to you two on its behalf?

I… I give up on you two.

Unbelievable.

LOVE IS STOLEN CANDY

Luke's in charge now,
and he's bringing the heat.

That meeting was intense.

Cut it.

The overall budget is too high,
and the return is too low.

Cut it.

Cut it. Cut it.

Cut it.

Unless you've thought this through,
my advice

is to cut it.

Every budget got slashed.

Not a cent gets spent.

Clear goals, solid action plans,

and every expense fully accounted for.
I learned a lot again.

But I think Luke might have made

a lot of enemies in that meeting.

He's not worried, so why are you?

He doesn't care at all.

He's so brutally direct.

-It's so sexy.
-I'm telling you,

those old fogies
needed to be put in their place.

They spent money like water,

then dragged their feet during audits.

I think I understand why the board
put Luke in charge.

Who else could do it?

Just like you said,
that's this stubborn mule's…

Irresistible charm.

Tell me.

-Have you lost your mind?
-Me?

You must have,
taking on that basketball game.

It's a thankless job.

Actually, I've realized
that to move a project forward,

you need to get everyone
in the internal process on board.

This gives me a chance
to get to know people in every department.

Things are always easier
when people know you.

Not bad, Shang Zhitao.

You've got a strategy.
I underestimated you.

I'll do my best.

Eat more meat.

Get some vitamins and protein in you.

Let's see whether
you're still smiling in a few days.

Tao.

Was that Flora?

Why did she run off so fast?

Luke. Tracy.

Maybe she thinks we're terrifying.

Not us.

Probably just you.

But Flora really is impressive.

She's diligent and dependable.

I like her.

Let's go.

Oh my.

You didn't have to bring
this yourself, Mr. Luan.

Don't mention it.

I know it's hard for your team
to rein in spending,

but I want you to understand
that I'm doing you a favor here.

I've heard.

Headquarters is being especially strict
about budgets this year.

Yes.

Mr. Lin's annual review is still ongoing,

and several of last year's budgets
still haven't been approved.

If they're investigated, the lightest
punishment is a formal warning.

Worse, someone could be fired.

And in serious cases,
criminal charges are possible.

You're in charge
of Lime's biggest project next year.

Keep the budget under control,
and no one can pin anything on you.

I knew you weren't trying
to put me in my place.

I should thank you
for playing bad cop for me.

After all these years,

we know each other well.

After all, we've both
done plenty of scheming

behind each other's backs.

Neither of us would back down.

That was…

my fault.

I like trying to be clever.

What was I thinking,
trying to outsmart you?

All right. From now on,
you've got my full cooperation.

Then let's put the past behind us.

Agreed.

But there's one small thing.

Do we really have to hold
that basketball game?

There's barely any budget.

If we win, we offend the client.

If we lose, Lime loses face.

A game is a game.

Winning and losing are part of it.

Giving it your all
is the best way to respect a friend.

That's why you're the boss.

You always see the big picture.

A basketball game for 60 people
on a 5,000-yuan budget?

Did today's meeting mean nothing to you?

What did I say?

If you haven't thought it through, cut it.

Keep the budget tight.

This game doesn't count
toward our workload or our team's KPI.

I carved that 5,000 yuan
out of my own budget for you.

Just do what you can.

Whatever you manage is fine.

Dinner's ready.

Tao.

To celebrate Tao's promotion,

we're having something special tonight.

Thanks, Zhu. I still have some work to do.
You guys eat first.

No rush. We'll wait.

I'll check and get back to you.

Dongxiang lamb, simply boiled.

It smells amazing.

The lamb practically melts in your mouth.

-My mom sent it.
-Give your mom my regards.

Tao.

Come eat.

Hello. How much would it cost
to rent your venue?

That much? All right.

Did she get on her boss's bad side?

-Why is she doing grunt work?
-Hello.

I was wondering
if you could offer us a better rate.

All right.

Thank you.

Tao. Come eat first, before it gets cold.

Come on.

Our poor girl's worn out.

Have some meat first.

Build your strength back up.

Eat first.

Have some water spinach.

It might help you work things out.

I'm not hungry.

Why am I under so much more pressure
after getting promoted?

They only gave me a 5,000-yuan budget.

I need to rent a venue, buy jerseys,
and prepare gifts.

That's not even counting transportation,

energy bars, and bottled water.

Your boss has gone too far.

As a seasoned event planner
who does this every day,

I can tell you with complete confidence

that with the budget your boss gave you,

you'd be better off holding up a sign
and begging on the street.

You might even meet a couple of kind souls
who'll toss you a few coins.

That's it!

Why didn't I think of that?

Are you really going begging?

In advertising, we call begging
securing sponsorships.

Mr. Liu, this is Flora from Lime.

I'm calling because Yueteng and Lime

are planning a friendly basketball game,

and we'd like
some of our top suppliers to join us.

I remember your venue
has an indoor basketball court, right?

No… We couldn't possibly.

Our Ms. Shang is really going places.

Good for her.

If I had someone
like Shang Zhitao on my team,

I'd be smiling in my sleep.

She's always been amazing.

Come in.

Boss,

could you spare
some of your valuable time this afternoon

to grace the basketball game
with your presence?

I never attend events like that.

Then may I take the afternoon off
to cheer on our athletes?

What help would you be?

You're just looking for an excuse
to skip work.

Shang Zhitao is my prized mentee.

I should at least be there to support her.

She's really come into her own.

She organized the whole basketball game
without spending a cent.

From jerseys and the venue
to food, drinks, and everything else,

she found sponsors for it all.

She's put together quite an event.

Where did she find the sponsors?

She offered suppliers priority
consideration for the next three years

and got them competing
for sponsorship slots.

Pretty clever, isn't she?

Not bad.

In that case,

use this opportunity to see firsthand
how cooperative our suppliers are.

So I am going there for work.

Give me a break.

Go before I change my mind.

You got it.

Lumi.

Nice new hairstyle.

I know.

Looking sharp yourself.

YUETENG

Jack, how's everything?

The jerseys have arrived. Take a look.

OK. Thanks for your hard work.

No problem.

-These look good.
-They do.

-And here's another one.
-Great.

-Shang Zhitao.
-Lumi.

Not bad.

You've got everything
running like clockwork.

You've finally put your knack

for playing capitalists at their own game
to good use.

I learned from the best.

You taught me that working hard alone
gets you nowhere at Lime.

Flatterer.

I couldn't have pulled this off.

Even those penny-pinchers in Finance

praised how well
you controlled the budget.

Check out the fabric. What do you think?

It's pretty good, right?

The players will look great in these.

A little something for you.

With your new promotion,

you'll want to make a splash
inside and outside the company.

I appreciate the gesture,
but I make it a rule not to accept gifts.

Mr. Luan, here's the thing.

I know Lime created
a new supplier database for our project.

I know several reliable suppliers
I've worked with for years.

They're much easier to work with.

Could you add them to the database?

We'd be happy to consider them.
Send me their information.

As long as they meet
our supplier database criteria

and pass the compliance review,
they can be added.

But if they don't qualify,
no one gets special treatment.

That's why I've come
to discuss it with you, Mr. Luan.

Make an exception.

It's no big deal.

Mr. Wan, Lime has
a very strict evaluation system.

Companies admitted
to our supplier database

must not only be easy to work with

but also highly professional.

We place great importance
on our future collaboration with Yueteng.

We established this supplier system
precisely to avoid the mistakes

that Chengbiao made
when working with Yueteng.

So you see, if I make an exception,

how can I expect others
to follow the rules?

I didn't expect you
to be such a man of principle.

You can still keep the gift.

I truly appreciate it.

We'll have opportunities in the future.

All right. We'll discuss it another time.

I'll be going, then.

I'll see you out.

LU MI

Luke, we won.

Lime won!

There's a celebration tonight.

-Come make an appearance.
-I'm not going.

I know you're worried everyone
won't be comfortable around you,

but everyone's in high spirits.

At the celebration,
all our colleagues will be there,

along with Yueteng's executives.

Just stop by and show your face.

I already met Wan Jun today.
I'm not going.

That doesn't mean
you can't come celebrate with everyone.

If he brings up the suppliers
at the banquet,

don't discuss it privately.

Report it to me immediately.

I know what to do.

But we're celebrating tonight.

We'll just drink. No work talk.

Anyway, whatever he says to you,
report it to me right away.

Fine. I'll tell Flora too.

I just saw Wan Jun asking her
about the supplier database criteria.

-She's there too?
-Of course.

She organized the event

-and deserves most of the credit.
-Sure.

-Our athletes
-We should work together sometime.

-even gave her their medals.
-Thank you.

Mr. Wan praised her too,
saying she did a great job.

Bye.

Looks like everyone in
the Business Division is an all-rounder.

-Not really.
-Exactly.

Organizing an event this big
is no easy feat.

I'm John from the Commerce Division.

Next time you need sponsors, come to me.

Nice to meet you.

-Bottoms up.
-All right.

Bottoms up for what?

Don't you dare pressure her to drink.

Flora is our division's pride and joy.

Anyone who pressures her answers to me.

Drink with me first.

-All right.
-Got it.

Let's drink together.

Cheers.

We'll get going.

Take it easy on the drinks.

No wonder you keep drinking
without getting drunk.

You've learned a little trick.

I'm just putting
what I learned into practice.

Clever girl.

You did a great job.

Now all those aloof Lime employees
know who you are.

It was nothing.

-I'm doomed.
-Why?

Luan Nian isn't coming.
I'll never live this down.

Luan Nian was supposed to come?

He's not coming.

During the basketball game this afternoon,

I promised the girls in the Media Division

I'd bring Luan Nian
to tonight's celebration.

I've spent the whole afternoon

answering questions about him.

What… What gossip is there about him?

His love life.

He's handsome, rich,
single, and successful.

Of course the girls are interested.

I already promised them
I'd find out about his love life.

If I do, they'll prioritize

all our proposals for the next six months.

Aren't you trading
your boss's privacy for favors?

Don't be ridiculous.

This is work.

And who am I doing it for?

I just don't understand
what there is to ask.

Luan Nian is so cold.

Why is everyone so interested in him?

Tao, why don't you ask him to come?

You seem to know how to handle him.

Me?

No. I can't.

There's no way.

Don't be modest.

Luan Nian is difficult,

but I always feel
you can get through to him.

I've put my reputation on the line.

-Help me out. I'm your mentor, after all.
-I really can't.

He's here.

Next week's Yueteng proposal
depends on tonight.

Hello, Mr. Luan.

Mr. Luan.

Mr. Luan.

No need to be so formal. Relax.

Have fun.

Boss,

your presence really lights up the place.

I've never seen you this enthusiastic
when entertaining clients.

We're all having a drink and unwinding.

Why don't you have one too and loosen up?

I'm perfectly relaxed.

You go ahead and relax.

-Tao.
-Yes?

Fill Mr. Luan's glass.

Mr. Luan.

Welcome.

Tao. You're the star
of tonight's celebration dinner

and the one who made it all happen.

Let's toast Mr. Luan together.

Cheers, Mr. Luan.

Sorry.

I'm driving, so I can't drink.

You're driving? No problem.

Come on, Tao. Let's drink.

You did great.

Well, I'll let you guys talk.

Tao.

Mr. Wan.

Here's the thing.

I know some excellent suppliers.

They're highly capable and very reliable.

So,

I was hoping

you could give me a hint.

What will it take for Mr. Luan

to make it happen?

Mr. Wan, I think you've misunderstood.

Mr. Luan created this supplier system

so that every contract
can withstand public scrutiny.

Excuse me.

I need to use the restroom.

Excuse me.

Have you been avoiding me?

No.

"Tao"?

Only third-rate salespeople
use alcohol to win clients.

The sponsors helped us a lot this time,

and my colleagues have been working
nonstop for over ten days.

Having a drink together afterward
is just part of normal socializing.

Is drinking part of workplace socializing?
Who taught you that?

You did.

You said if I can't handle alcohol,
I shouldn't drink at all.

I wanted to try a little.

Doesn't that count as progress?

You also taught me
not to forget who helped me.

So, of course, I'm grateful
to my clients and colleagues.

I learned from the best.

I supported your work too.

How come you've never
shown me any gratitude?

I have.

Here. A medal. I got it today.

I don't want it.

Keep it.

Let it remind you
not to keep running away.

Running away keeps me safe.

I'm not like you.

I have to think ahead.

Do accidents fit into your plans too?

Was what happened on the mountain
planned too?

No.

Shang Zhitao, you're pretty heartless.

You like me, but you keep holding back.

Isn't that exhausting?

Mr. Luan, I can't lose my job.

The company doesn't allow office romances.

If that bothers you,

we can keep our relationship private.

-Come on.
-Cheers.

-Let's drink.
-Cheers.

Cheers.

Cheers!

Boss, we're celebrating tonight.

On behalf of Lime's female colleagues,

I have a dangerous question for you.

For an eligible bachelor like you,

are you permanently off the market

or just not taking reservations right now?

Answer me!

Is this what you all spend your time on?

We're celebrating tonight.

You can't talk shop at the dinner table.

-Right?
-Exactly.

-Right?
-Yes.

Exactly.

I think we should discuss
next week's proposal

and whether you can submit it early.

Please, don't. We're celebrating tonight.

No KPI talk.

Right, Tao?

Yes.

Luke, they want to ask you…

Go on.

They want

to know whether you have a girlfriend.

Good job.

Answer.

The only things I want to discuss
with you are work and plans.

Whether I have a girlfriend
is none of your business.

We don't accept that answer.

-Just tell us.
-Tell us.

-Tell us.
-Come on.

Tell us.

You really want to know?

-Of course. Tell us.
-Of course.

-Who is she?
-Tell us.

Actually, I've been divorced twice.

I work so hard

because I have two children to support.

Come on. Everyone over there,
raise your glasses!

Come on!

We're celebrating tonight. Cheers!

-That's nice.
-Cheers!

-How many children do you have?
-Two.

Two? You have two as well?

A third one's on the way.

-Are you getting a cab too?
-Yes.

-Then let's share one.
-Sure.

-Let's go together.
-OK.

I'll drive you.

No need. I'm going over there.

You've been drinking.

-I'll drive you.
-Boss.

You're still here.

Perfect. I need your help.

I'm not your boss after work.

Didn't you already leave in a cab?

The driver canceled on me
and won't answer my calls.

You drove here, right?

Could you give me a ride?

Tao's had too much to drink, too.

Give us both a ride.

It's on your way. Come on.

You're the best.

Lumi. Address.

Boss, drop Flora off first
before driving me home.

By order of priority,
your place comes first.

No. Drive her home first.

Her place is on your way. Mine isn't.

Drop me off first, then. Thanks, Luke.

What cologne was Wan Jun wearing?

It was suffocating me.

Tao, why didn't he offer you a ride?

He spent the whole night
trying to impress you.

I… I was just maintaining
a client relationship.

We briefly discussed
some advertising ideas.

Then you should've reminded him

that under Clause 17 of Lime's contract,

unauthorized personnel may not
discuss possible changes to a proposal,

especially not after drinking.

We only discussed public information.

Boss, are you flying a plane?

Keep this up,
and I'll throw up in your car.

Then I'll pull over up ahead.
You can get a cab.

No, don't.

Tomorrow, forward to Legal

all records of informal communication
with their company.

Remember to email them a warning.

Isn't that a bit much?

WELCOME HOME

FRIENDLY BASKETBALL GAME

If that bothers you,

we can keep our relationship private.

What do you mean
by a private relationship?

Dating is too much trouble.

And I can't be bothered
to maintain a romantic relationship.

If you're willing,
we can keep this between us.

If it works, we continue.

If it doesn't, we end it.

If either of us wants to date

or sleep with someone else,

we tell the other person honestly

and end what we have.

OK.

But we have to be exclusive.

I'm exhausted.

I thought once Luke got promoted,
I'd get a break,

bBut this supplier shake-up
has me making calls all day.

What am I, a propeller?

Is there anything I can help with?

Not really.

It's because these old suppliers
keep making snide remarks,

and it's getting on my nerves.

Don't let it get to you.

I'm having a little get-together tonight.

A girls' night.

Want to come?

We'll have a few drinks and have some fun.

Oh, right.

The system says today's your birthday.

Happy birthday, Tao.

What do you want for your birthday?

I want…

How about I set you up with someone?

He's a childhood friend of mine,
three years older than you.

His family owns a small restaurant,
he owns three apartments,

and he's really good-looking.

Think about it.

If you two start dating,
you and I can hang out all the time.

What do you say?

I'm not looking for a boyfriend right now.

Then just have dinner with him

and get to know him, OK?

Hello?

Mr. Wan.

Come in.

Boss, you really saw it coming.

One of Wan Jun's
recommended suppliers contacted me.

A "premium supplier"
offering a 3% monthly kickback.

What did you say?

If they want to make money
by doing good work,

they can earn it honestly,

but don't try anything under the table.

What a joke.

Why come to me?

Do I look like I need the money?

How are the revisions
to the Yueteng proposal coming along?

Isn't it due next week?

I want it tonight.
Next week will be too late.

Boss,

I know a new broom sweeps clean,

but could you sweep a little faster?

If you ruin my habit
of never working overtime,

I really can't last here.

When promotion season comes,

with a raise, a new car, and a new bag,

you'll find a way to keep going.

Fine. I'll finish it tonight.

What about Flora?

She can help you.

You have to let Flora
leave on time tonight.

-Why?
-It's her birthday.

Her birthday?

We're having a girls' karaoke night.

We want to have a few drinks together.

I'll get back to the proposal.

I can still make it in time
to cut the cake with her.

PURE K

I'm here, girls!

Happy Birthday!

-Come on.
-Thank you!

Let's put on "Happy Birthday".

-I'm on it.
-Thank you!

A birthday cake!

Come on.

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy Birthday, Tao.

Happy Birthday!

Birthday girl, say a few words.

-Come on, say something.
-All right.

This is my first birthday in Beijing.

Thank you all for coming.

I'll have many more birthdays,

and I hope you'll be there for every one.

-We will.
-That's all.

I love you all.

We love you too.

-Come on.
-Cut the cake.

-Hurry.
-Cut the cake.

-Time for some cake!
-Come on.

It's beautiful.

Cheers!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHANG ZHITAO
FOREVER EIGHTEEN AT HEART

Here comes the good stuff.

Try it.

I've seen people polish walnuts,
but never a phone.

Keep that up, and it'll develop a patina.

Is it really that hard to call?

Is Ms. Shang's number too hot to handle?

It's her birthday today.

I see. She didn't invite you,

so you came here to drown your sorrows.

SHANG ZHITAO

CAN YOU FINISH THE PROPOSAL TODAY?

That's it?

Luke,

I really want to whack you
with a rolling pin from the kitchen.

What are you thinking?

Why is it so hard for you
to say something nice?

Ms. Shang likes you,

and I can tell you care about her, too.

You two stop waiting for the other person
to make the first move.

I know she didn't invite you
to her birthday party,

but you still could've wished her
a happy birthday.

Look at what you sent.

Even a bank's birthday greeting
would sound warmer than that.

Tao,

-I need to leave early.
-Why?

My landlord's taking back
the apartment tomorrow.

I need to go back and pack.

You're going to Hong Kong, China?

Yes. I leave tomorrow.

Tomorrow?

My time in Beijing ends today.

I haven't even had a proper talk
with you tonight.

I'll miss you.

Hey, it's okay.

Friends don't have to be nearby.

Tao,

you'll definitely make something
of yourself in Beijing.

Unlike you, I can't choose
between love and my career.

Neither can I. But I understand you.

Falling for someone
can make you feel so helpless and afraid.

Love is an adventure.

You can't weigh the gains and losses.

It's fine. It'll all pass.

We're all growing.

Come on.

Let me take a picture of you.

What are you talking about?

Love.

We only live for around 30,000 days.

If you like someone, tell them.

If you miss them, go see them.

As long as we're safe,
and it's what we want,

we have nothing to lose.

Exactly.

My boss says any marriage
without dating first

is downright indecent.

Your boss just wants
everyone in China to sign up…

-Exactly!
-And pay membership fees.

-I don't get it.
-Cue up "Auld Lang Syne"!

It's for your boss!

OK!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHANG ZHITAO
FOREVER EIGHTEEN AT HEART

Luke, sorry.

I didn't hear my phone ring.

Where are you?

I'm out with some friends.

Have you been drinking?

Is today your birthday?

Why do you remember my birthday?

I know. Because as my boss,

you have to remember
every employee's birthday.

It's part of Lime's corporate culture.

Any birthday wishes?

Wishes?

Will they come true if I make them?

Tell me.

I want…

I want the people I love

to stay in Beijing forever.

And I want…

to hold on to whatever I can.

Like my job.

And…

I want to become a better person.

That's all?

I want to hold on to you too,

Luan Nian.

Cheers, my friends!

Cheers!

Hello?

Where are you?