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 18=

Xu.

Have a seat.

Here.

Sit here.

An incognito visit?

Well,

that outdoor event

was a huge success.

The clients loved it.

Why didn't you mention

your influence at all?

I know who your mother-in-law is.

With your ability,

you could ask her to promote our products.

I'll assign you our luxury women's fashion brands.

As long as your mother-in-law and her CEO friends

wear our clothes on camera,

our sales

will definitely skyrocket.

Sorry, Mr. Qiu.

It's not appropriate.

Well, I understand.

They can't show up, huh?

But you can do it.

You can build yourself into a classy socialite persona.

Talk about your world.

Like...

How to marry into wealth.

How to fend off mistresses.

Marriage wars,

splitting assets,

fights with rich in-laws,

and so on.

Share those stories,

and I swear

you'll gain followers instantly.

I'm not doing that.

Fine.

Okay.

You may leave now.

Mr. Qiu.

What?

It's the end of the month,

and I still haven't been paid.

I want to ask...

Could you...?

Okay.

Let me check.

Thank you.

Last week...

(Payout of live stream anchors)

20,000 in total.

Thank you, Mr. Qiu.

But the warm-up host,

IT team for product listing and unlisting,

sales, customer service,

and product sourcing,

all that gets deducted.

Let me recalculate your balance.

(Payout of live stream anchors)

You've got 1,400 left.

Can I see the breakdown?

I don't think that's fair.

Want more money?

Then do what I said.

Just spin a story.

Like...

A career woman marrying into wealth

and making it her own.

Very inspiring.

You'd be a top influencer in no time.

The daily commission

would beat your yearly salary.

At that time, no more swallowing pride.

Please email me

the breakdown.

I quit.

♪Where does the soul come from♪

♪An island of exile for dreams♪

What a waste of a hot topic.

Idiot.

♪I'm ready to shine♪

♪Reproductions may dazzle♪

♪But living uniquely outshines♪

Two bottles left.

I've put the milk and yogurt in the fridge

and thrown away the expired ones.

Okay.

I love those promo freebies.

♪Confidence shapes my style♪

You survive on snacks all day,

never eat proper meals.

Here,

fruit and cookies.

Thank you, Xu. You're so sweet.

♪I'm ready to shine♪

What are you doing?

Maximizing the leftover value.

(Trial product)

These trial bottles were used by many.

It's not clean. Don't...

You know how much it costs?

This way,

I can get half a bottle more.

I don't mind.

If you really...

It's fine.

Can you hold it for me?

Stop using this, seriously.

It's okay.

Answer it on speaker.

(Guan)

Hello? What's up?

Qiao Lin.

Yao's competition results are out.

How'd she do?

Not great.

She's really upset now.

Can you come cheer her up?

Of course.

I'll be right there.

I'll hang up.

You're free, right?

Why not go with me?

I'll introduce you.

But she's in a bad mood...

It's not...

It's appropriate. Really.

I'll get changed.

Then... I'll pack these up.

Go ahead.

This is the most stunning ethnic-style outfit I've ever seen.

Yao,

you're really talented in design.

Don't be discouraged.

One contest doesn't mean much.

You'll do better next time.

You already did great.

That was a national contest.

That's impressive.

Right.

Got knocked out in the semifinals.

Don't lose hope.

Just work harder

and try again.

Exactly.

I noticed your sketches and final pieces weren't fully matched.

Many accessories missing.

If it's due to time constraints,

you'll do better next time

with enough time.

It's not about time.

It's about money.

Fashion design burns money.

Fabric's expensive,

and accessories too.

Hiring models, shooting photos, all cost.

When I delivered takeout,

I kept thinking

that after 100 orders

I'll buy those fabrics.

After 500

I'll afford those buttons.

People said I was dreaming,

but I didn't care.

After I finally saved up and entered, I realized

the costs would keep ballooning.

Soon

I can't even afford fabric.

It's the truth.

With my salary,

after rent

and basics,

nothing's left.

Earn and spend right away.

Not a cent saved.

People like us,

shouldn't dream too big.

Well... Just

making ends meet

is hard.

Yao.

Not everyone's dreams can come true.

You can still design.

Take it as a hobby.

Don't push yourself so hard.

No.

No. No way.

Like the movie says,

without dreams, we're just salted fish.

If 500 orders aren't enough,

let's push for 600.

We'll save enough.

Just try it.

It's so kind of you saying that.

Alright.

I've calculated.

By the time I'm 120, I'll have saved enough.

Something on your mind?

Seeing Guan just now

reminded me of my first years in Jingzhou.

Just like them,

I run around

for survive.

I was terrified

one wrong move would cost me the city.

So I desperately sought security.

I know

my way was wrong.

But my goal wasn't.

Wanting a quality life,

creating better material condition for my family,

and changing my fate

are not vanity.

Of course.

You're right.

So we've got to work hard

and to earn money.

Living really costs.

I want to try.

What?

You want to try?

Try what?

Paper copy's here.

E-copy has been sent to your email.

Thanks.

Mr. Zhang.

What's the plan now?

Since I dared give it to him,

there's nothing he can find.

When Wang Defu comes back,

inform him about the headquarters' inspection team.

Clever.

Mr. Wu from Anqiang ran off with his money.

He's been trying to get it back.

Let me tell you.

That guy's trouble.

Right.

This is how we'll force him out.

Mr. Shen.

We just started and they came causing trouble,

preventing us from working.

We tried reasoning,

but they turned violent.

Stop! Stop!

Stop!

What's going on?

You're Mr. Shen, right?

Let me introduce myself.

I'm

Wang Defu.

Defu, as in 'virtue wins'.

I heard you're here to solve our problems.

That's perfect.

Jinda Group owes me six million.

Pay up now.

If I'm not mistaken,

it was Wu Chengming from Anqiang

who pulled you into this project, right?

Exactly.

It was a personal loan.

Your loan agreement

is between Anqiang Group and you.

If you want repayment,

go to Wu Chengming,

not Jinda Group.

Besides, police are already involved.

He conned me using your project.

Without Jinda Group's backing,

he'd never dare make such claims.

Would I have lent six million so easily?

Now Wu's vanished,

and you want to deny responsibility?

The police?

Even the courts

won't side with you.

Pay up.

By law,

Jinda Group is not on the hook, jointly or otherwise.

Similar cases

with identical circumstances

have already been ruled that way.

You can check

or consult your lawyer.

Lawyer?

Debts must be paid.

That's natural law.

Right, guys?

Yes.

- Right! - Pay up!

What are you doing?

Don't move!

Pay up!

Pay up!

I've told you.

Don't be so rude.

Rule with virtue.

(Get well soon) This is a lesson.

Yes, indeed!

Mr. Shen,

you're so rich,

swimming in cash.

But we ordinary folks have to work hard to earn.

If you want to bully us,

that won't be easy.

We're locals here.

We have plenty of time.

No money today?

We'll be back tomorrow.

No tomorrow? Then the day after.

We'll see who cracks first.

I'll give you some face today.

We're leaving.

Let's go.

Go away.

Clean up.

Get to work.

- Back to work. - Yes.

Time to work.

Begin!

Let's see

how a rich guy fights thugs.

Right.

Let him learn

this water runs deeper than it looks.

Wherever he came from,

he'd better go back.

Xu Yan.

Why'd you call us here?

My sister's got a startup idea,

and you're all part of it.

Startup?

Yes.

I've been thinking.

We can combine our strengths.

Yao can handle design with an ethnic focus,

Guan can be our brand ambassador,

and my sister handles styling.

Let's launch a clothing brand together.

In the initial phase,

we'll build exposure and our image

with short videos.

Later, we'll open stores

and sell ready-to-wear.

What do you think?

Yan.

It sounds great,

but starting a business is tough.

Take me.

I poured everything into that competition.

And now?

I got nothing back.

Exactly.

My job doesn't pay much now,

but it's steady.

If our business plan failed,

how do we live?

Besides, we lack startup fund.

True.

Here's my savings,

150,000 yuan.

This'll be our startup fund.

And I'll bring in investors later.

Our funds will be more than this.

If...

If this fails,

all your money will go.

Are you sure about this?

I'm quite sure.

This isn't impulsive.

Trust me.

Now I just want to ask.

Are you confident in your skills?

Absolutely.

I've always

wanted to show our ethnic clothes to more.

Mixing it with modern fashion

excites me.

This could be huge.

My makeup skills speak for themselves.

My clients posted my makeups online,

and people are still copying them!

Look at my face

and figure.

My confidence.

On camera,

I'm confident

and photogenic.

Picking me as the model?

You are smart.

Come on.

I am good at program planning.

And you have the cash.

So, Yao and Guan.

Any other questions?

Do you need more time to consider it?

Yes. I need.

I need to quit my job first.

Me, too.

I'm free.

I manage my own time.

♪Reproductions may dazzle♪

♪But living uniquely outshines♪

Then... Then let's build this.

For better lives.

- Cheers! - Cheers!

Cheers!

- Cheers! - Cheers!

♪Ready to shine♪

♪Like a raw diamond♪

♪Confidence shapes my style♪

♪Blooming in my colors, every frame's perfection♪

♪My beauty's defined by none but my own command♪

(Cultural symbolism guide)

The red ones.

These outfits

can't be...

Wait.

You...

We're building our own brand.

There's no need.

I'm just testing this sample.

Last time...

♪Cherish my sweet spots, embrace my flaws♪

Isn't that right?

No.

If you design it this way,

when people wear it...

It could work as casual wear.

I hope...

♪My beauty's defined by none but my own command♪

♪Ready to shine♪

♪Ready to shine♪

♪Ready to shine♪

♪I'm ready to shine♪

Someone!

Someone liked it!

Calm down.

Only 41 likes?

Why?

Maybe at this time

people aren't on their phones.

Don't worry.

Let's wait.

It takes time.

(Yan Studio: Every thread tells a story of elegance)

42 likes now!

(Share the link)

(Yu Yiming: True beauty lies in culture. Please share and support!)

Dr. Yu.

Day off today?

I'll go grab lunch.

Wait.

Your outfit's unique.

Where'd you get it?

Nice, right?

A friend gave it to me.

They run a clothing brand

of ethnic style.

This is their new sample, unisex.

Ms. Wang.

(Yan Studio) You can follow their video channel,

Yan Studio.

Look,

they post daily.

Official sales coming soon.

Look, their designs.

Is this your girlfriend?

No. It's not.

Which one is she?

No one is.

Ms. Wang, remember to follow it.

Lin.

Why are you here again?

For you.

Why?

Your mom wants you to be a manager,

a bank manager.

I'm not a bank.

Why look for me?

Lin.

Last time,

I only talked

without any action.

My bad.

Now I've found you a job back home.

As a receptionist at my friend's company.

Late starts, early finishes.

Easy work, good earnings.

Think about it

and come home with me.

How many times do I have to say?

Breaking up with you was my calmest decision.

Lin.

I'm sincerely apologizing.

Come back with me.

I promise,

if you come back,

we'll live well.

No more fights. Okay?

Please stop telling ghost stories.

I'm not.

You've only dated me your whole life.

We're first loves.

We've got a real foundation.

When you insisted on breaking up,

I didn't want it.

But my parents pressured me,

and you pressured me.

I got panicked and agreed.

Now I deeply regret it.

Lin.

Come back with me.

Big cities are filthy,

full of temptations and desires.

Come back with me.

I'll love you well.

Whatever worries you,

I'll help resolve them.

Are you insane?

I love big cities.

I'm staying here.

I'm not going back.

Good!

Big cities are great.

They have their...

Stop it!

Charm.

As long as you want to,

I can quit my bank job.

I'll go wherever you go.

I'll stay and be with you.

Again!

What's wrong with you?

We broke up!

Are you even sober?

I'm perfectly sober.

I never wanted to break up with you.

This breakup of ours

was just a minor mistake.

After adjustment,

I believe

we'll get back on track.

Want me to hit you?

Go on.

Hit me!

If hitting me brings us lasting peace,

I'll endure it all.

You're insane.

Lin, come back with me.

Let me go!

Let go!

What's wrong?

Yu Yiming.

Why are you everywhere?

Perfect timing.

I'm informing you here.

I

officially get back together with Qiao Lin.

He's insane.

Lin.

I'll tell you one last time.

There's no future for us.

Lin Tao.

Qiao Lin has made up her mind.

And you've seen it.

Go back.

Stop bothering her.

Yu Yiming,

you stop it.

Dare you say you love Qiao Lin?

Right here, right now, in front of us both?

I love her.

- What did you say? - What did you say?

Say that again?

You heard me clearly.

Feels like ages since I saw you.

Yes.

Now I mainly work at my sister's place,

so I have to go attend meetings.

And I need to accompany Guan to film videos.

We start it from scratch,

so we are quite busy.

But I quite enjoy it.

Good then.

Whatever you do, just enjoy it.

Your teacher told me

you've kept up with school.

Be attentive in class.

Done your homework well.

You've been contacting my teacher?

Don't you think

this outfit's pattern is too formal?

The overall vibe

looks so rigid.

Dr. Yu brought you yogurt.

Drink up.

What...

What's wrong?

Why so gloomy?

Followers increased.

Increased?

Let me check.

We have

eleven more.

That's something!

Better than nothing.

Right?

It's okay.

We must admit Yan Studio has a problem.

There's a British brand,

Ladysee, ever heard of it?

This brand

focuses on medieval maiden style.

The tone of the brand is elegant,

exquisite,

and fantasy-like.

My research shows

(Welcome to Ladysee's fashion realm) the brand is niche,

so the early sales were poor.

But why did it later sweep Europe?

During the London Olympics,

it merged with a sports brand,

blending classical elements

and making athletic wear elegant,

with girlish charm and unique style.

It skyrocketed local girls' purchasing desire.

So, I was thinking

if our current videos

are overemphasizing ethnic styles.

Our brand philosophy aims to preserve and develop traditions.

Therefore, we should make ethnic-style clothing more appealing.

We should highlight functionality and mass appeal in our products.

For example.

When going on an outing,

I could wear Yan Studio's clothes,

feeling free and joyful.

When going to work,

I could also choose Yan Studio's clothes.

When going to wedding,

or parties...

Do you understand me?

I think this direction is spot-on.

If we follow Yan's suggestions,

I have a preliminary concept.

For our next video,

could we include topics like Normal Outfit of the Day?

Normal Outfit of the Day?

Then we can dial everything down to real-life mode.

So as the makeup style.

Then I'll appear more relaxed and natural

during filming.

No problem. Let's do this.

We'll adjust and integrate it

into our next collection.

- Sure. - Agreed.

I'll send you the plan later.

Okay.

I'm going back.

I'll revise the schedule.

Go ahead.

I'll take this.

I'll see your video.

(Hello, everyone!)

(Welcome to today's live stream!)

(Don't miss out, everyone!)

(Please stay with us!)

(Today, we have prepared)

(amazing benefits for you.)

(Including the...)

(Xu Yan)

(Don't forget. 8th next month at Civil Affairs Bureau.)

Mr. Shen!

A batch of pipes is here.

Come to inspect.

Okay.

You did wrong in this position.

Tighten quality control here

and correct this.

Got it.

Okay?

You can leave.

Okay.

Hello.

Mr. Shen, update you.

Operations are running smoothly.

How's Xu Yan doing?

Yan is busy starting her business.

Doesn't she livestream?

She quit.

Now she runs an ethnic fashion account

with her sister and two others girls.

How's it?

Not great.

A few hundred followers

and under thousand likes per post.

Right, Mr. Shen,

Wang Defu's profile you requested

was sent to your email.

Got it.

Bro,

will Mr. Shen give us the money?

If he refuses,

I'll go to his father.

Right.

May I sit here?

Sit.

Shen Haoming.

You're interesting.

I didn't come to you today,

yet you came to me.

What's wrong?

Can't handle it?

Pay up now,

principal plus interest.

Make it quick.

I came to you to discuss repayment.

Look!

Figured it out.

Go ahead.

We need more investment.

Excuse me?

We need more funds.

Are you insane?

You still owe me money,

now you want more from me?

Have you lost your mind?

You want me

to fall in the same trap twice?

Are you taking me for a fool?

Are you fooling me around?

Lovely night tonight.

Let's take a walk.

Walk?

Fine.

Should we hold hands?

Why don't you suggest to date?

What I offer

will not disappoint you.

Well,

people from big cities

are so special.

Alright.

Where to?

Shen Haoming.

What are you doing?

We're almost at my place.

You said to walk with you,

and I've walked with you this long.

Say something.

Say something!

Almost there.

Almost there?

Let me tell you.

This is my place.

If you try any tricks,

I'll beat you up!

Ms. Wang.

Haoming.

What brings you here?

I...

Haoming.

Why didn't you tell me you'd come?

To surprise you.

Whose car is this?

Go.

Go!

Go.

- Go. - Go.

Go.

- Go. - Go.

One, two, one.

Mom.

Why are you here?

I...

Haoming.

Did he cause trouble again?

Tell me,

I'll beat him hard!

Hey.

Ms. Wang.

He didn't.

We're discussing business nearby,

so I came to you.

Discussing business?

Legitimate business?

Of course, it's legitimate.

Defu is partnering with Jinda Group.

Really?

Wonderful!

Please come in.

Please.

Alright.

Mind your words.

Come in, Haoming.

Come on in.

No need.

We can talk here.

Alright, have a seat.

Alright.

I'll make some tea.

No need.

I'll leave soon.

Don't bother.

Alright, sit then.

You!

Talk properly.

Shen Haoming.

How do you know my mom?

Don't be nervous.

I met your mom days ago

at the senior care event.

You disappeared for days,

so you found my mom.

Listen.

If you threaten me using my mom,

you're asking for death.

Mr. Wang,

these years you've traded stocks,

and run private loans,

earning good money smoothly.

And you got many lackeys under you.

But you people

are always domineering.

In the neighbors' eyes,

you're definitely no good people.

None of your business.

Despite your bad reputation,

you're filial.

Every year on your mom's birthday,

you'd kneel to wash her feet,

yet she rejects it.

She would kick over the basin.

Our residential project is near the bus terminal.

But the access road is still unpaved,

highly inconvenient.

If we can repair this road,

the residents will benefit.

All villagers along the road

will have improved livelihoods.

The town government supports this too, right?

What do you mean?

Your previous investments became bad debts.

They are unrecoverable.

If you invest more money

for the road construction,

the group will reevaluate

and set up new budgets.

Your lost money would become legitimate investments.

Then you can retrieve your funds.

Understand?

Are you fooling me around?

Let's sign an agreement then.

When the apartments have been completed,

you can choose one first.

You run a landscaping company, right?

You can get

all the landscaping of our project.

Seriously?

You know

who I am, right?

I keep my promise.

As a native here,

if you invest in road construction,

it would truly

benefit villagers and bring honor to your family.

Everyone will remember your name.

Wang Defu.

And I believe your mom

will be very proud of you.

I've sent all road reconstruction contracts to your company.

They include official town government approvals.

Think it over.

And we'll discuss after that.

It's getting late.

I'm leaving.

Pleasure to meet you.

What did I say?

Lovely night tonight.

Indeed.

We even held hands.

You're here.

Mr. Shen.

What a feast!

You've been here so long,

yet I never hosted you properly.

Now you're treating me.

This makes me...

Have a seat.

I'm so embarrassed.

I brought fine wine.

We can have a drink later.

Mr. Shen.

After working together all this time,

I see you have genuine construction expertise.

You even

tamed that Wang Defu.

You're young and capable.

Impressive!

Here.

Let's have a drink.

Let me toast you.

Thank you.

Let's eat.

The group approved the budget?

Yes.

Really?

Fantastic!

Let me tell you,

I've been waiting

for this project to get back on track.

Here.

Let's celebrate. Come on.

A new general manager will

come tomorrow.

What?

This is a farewell banquet?

Fire me?

I can leave.

I won't stay a minute longer.

But remember,

with me here,

this mess remains contained.

If I leave, this will collapse instantly.

You can't leave now.

Wait until I audit the deficits,

and then you can leave.

What?

Audit on me?

Go!

Let's go to the office now!

I will hand over every password,

every account!

Let me tell you.

I am completely clean.

All these years,

I never took an extra cent from the company!

Shen Haoming.

You are outrageous.

Does your brother-in-law run a jade shop in town,

selling antiques?

Yes.

A legitimate business with proper licenses.

What's wrong?

Moreover,

my brother-in-law

has nothing to do with me.

Including stone gambles?

A stone

costs tens of thousands,

or even hundreds of thousands.

Man!

That's the gamble!

Take all

or lose all.

What's wrong?

Are they really involving gamble on stones

or transferring the kickback to you?

You contracted the project to suspicious Anqiang.

Mr. Wu transferred huge kickbacks

through stone gambling.

You committed seriously derelict

and embezzled company assets.

For major embezzlement, you'll get 3

to 10 years imprisonment.

Massive amounts, you'll get over 10 years imprisonment

or life sentence.

You know it, right?

Stop racking your brains.

One last chance for you.

Tell me,

who's protecting you in Jinda Group?

You handled the Hongyun project delay well.

Chairman,

all connections between our staff and Mr. Zhang

are listed here.

Should I handle the follow-up?

No, I'll handle it.

Your divorce cooling-off period with Xu Yan should end soon, right?

When will you finalize it?

8th next month.

Keep it low-key.

Stay discreet.

Got it.

I'm leaving.

(People to be accused of the project delay)

(Project Manager, Zhang Youcai)

(Financial staff, Wang Zhiwen, Persons linked to Zhang Youcai, Qu Mingcheng)

Qu hasn't arrived yet?

Alright.

Let's begin.

(Persons linked to Zhang Youcai, Qu Mingcheng)

The Hongyun incident was exposed.

Mr. Shen must be on high alert.

Shen Haoming's marriage is their weakness now.

I heard he is getting divorced from his wife.

Investigate this.

Get solid evidence of their divorce.

♪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♪