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 23=

Come in.

Ms. Xu, here's our latest

sample video feedback report.

Take a look.

We'll ship the goods next week.

Focus on customer reviews and after-sales issues.

Got it.

Go ahead.

Alright.

Hello, Ms. Song.

Did anything go wrong

with Haochen at school?

No.

Haochen's doing well.

Do you have a minute?

Yeah.

It's Parents' Day next Saturday.

Got it.

(Relationship Guide, Real-World Clarity)

Brother-in-law.

Interesting paragraph.

Even for a married couple,

what keeps the marriage alive

isn't the certificate

or how much they sacrifice

for the relationship.

What really binds them

is their ability to maintain the relationship

and resolve conflicts.

This is profound.

It requires deep thought.

Enjoy.

Thank you.

I know the theory,

but what should I do?

Listen to this.

World Literary Masters on Love.

Maugham said,

"In matters of love,

if you consider self-esteem,

the only explanation

is that you've only ever loved yourself."

Therefore,

if you really love her

and want her back,

you should completely discard your pride

and take initiative.

Be fearless.

Be shameless.

Don't be afraid

to embarrass yourself.

Are you free tomorrow?

Meet me at the café.

It's about Haochen.

We can meet tomorrow. I...

Don't.

Don't send it.

Wait.

Not tomorrow.

Today.

Go to her place.

You came here fast.

Why are you here?

Didn't we agree to

meet at the café tomorrow?

I happened to have a meeting nearby.

So I thought I'd drop by

and ask about Haochen.

May I come in?

Shoes off?

No need.

It's Parents' Day

next week at Haochen's school.

The parent organizing this time

wants me to share our last event's plan.

But I've been swamped with work.

And I can't reach her.

I'll send you the documents.

Contact her, okay?

You're having guests?

I sent you the link.

Did you get it?

Just download it.

Okay.

Received it?

Poor connection.

Do you have Wi-Fi here?

My router's broken. Download it when you get home.

Let me fix it for you.

I've scheduled a repair.

I got this. It'll be quick.

I'll fix it.

T-Thank you.

It just needs a reboot.

Okay.

Yan.

What's your Wi-Fi password?

My phone number.

Okay.

- 100. - 100...

51807561.

Let's see.

Still not working.

Do you have a modem?

Where is it?

Just download it at home.

It'll be quick.

Where's the modem?

The modem is in the shoe cabinet.

Got it.

Go ahead.

Found it.

Let's see the living room signal.

It's good now.

Mind if I check your bedroom

for the signal?

Go ahead.

Yan.

Do you mind if I close the door?

It's more accurate.

It'll be quick.

Alright.

Looking for something?

Good signal under and above the bed.

Full coverage.

The bathroom.

Perfect.

Finally,

by the window.

You have full coverage now.

That's great.

Thank you so much.

Go back and check the documents.

I'll get going then.

Bye.

These curtains...

No.

I-I can change them myself.

It's fine. I'll help you.

It's dangerous and tiring for girls.

You don't have to do this.

It's okay. I got this.

Shen Haoming.

Smells amazing.

What soup are you making?

Coconut chicken soup.

Careful there.

This is your signature soup.

Must be an important guest.

Yan, look.

Smooth, right?

Thanks. You've worked hard today.

My pleasure.

You cooked quite a feast today.

It's already dark.

Head back home.

Pay more attention to Haochen.

Ask me if you need help.

Alright then.

I'll go back now.

Call me if your Wi-Fi ever fails again.

Okay. Thanks.

Finally here.

What did you say?

Your guest has arrived.

Go ahead.

I'll get the door.

Shen Haoming?

Sister.

Long time no see.

Come on in.

Yao.

Guan.

Hello.

I'm Shen Haoming.

Don't stand there.

Come in.

Keep the shoes on.

Yan.

I brought fruits.

Yan.

A cake for you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Sit.

I'll get you some drinks.

What are you doing?

Your sister and besties are here.

We should treat them well.

Shen Haoming.

Is this okay?

Okay, thanks.

What happened?

Why is he here?

No idea.

He fixed the router

and changed the curtains.

I don't know why he won't leave.

He won't leave?

Okay, let him stay.

Let me handle this.

Thank you for taking care of Yan

this whole time.

You've worked hard

and achieved such great results

in such a short time.

As her husband,

I'm really proud.

It's such a nice opportunity

to meet you and hang out here.

Annoying ex.

Why is he texting me again?

So annoying.

Unbelievable.

You haven't blocked him?

She shouldn't just delete his contact.

She should curse him every now and then,

block him,

unblock him after some time,

curse him again,

and block him.

That's what he deserves.

Some men are just like that.

When someone is in love with them,

they take it for granted.

But when that love fades,

they suddenly can't let go.

Aren't they mentally ill?

Yes, they are.

Those people are abnormal.

Don't be afraid...

To embarrass yourself.

Let's play a game.

Use two-word phrases

to describe our exes.

Okay?

I'll go first.

Stubborn fool.

Blind idiot.

Calculating brat.

One more.

Ungrateful wretch.

Nice.

So how should we treat them?

Obviously,

leave them to die alone.

Destitute in old age.

And what kind of attitude

should we adopt?

Ignore them.

Act like they're dead.

Oh right,

Jinda Group's new mall

is opening soon.

Feel free to visit.

Buy whatever you like.

My treat.

Your treat?

How much discount?

All for free.

My secretary will go with you.

Mr. Shen is absolutely

approachable.

Confident and kind.

Peerlessly handsome.

A true gentleman.

Showing off your vocabulary?

You know so many phrases, huh?

Ms. Xu is cooking alone.

Won't you help her?

Yeah.

- I forgot. - Hurry.

Let's help her.

Let's go.

Ms. Xu.

Ms. Xu.

Ms. Xu.

Let us do this.

Ms. Xu.

Take a break.

Rest for a bit.

We've got this.

Why don't you go home?

It's your first time attending Parents' Day.

There is a lot to do.

It's fine.

Let me talk with Lin a bit more.

I have nothing to say to you.

Alright.

Then I'm off.

Call me if you need help

with your Wi-Fi.

Ladies,

Jinda Mall welcomes you anytime.

Thanks, Mr. Shen.

Bye, Mr. Shen.

He acted like the host here.

So shameless.

I don't get it.

Forget it.

Come on, let's eat.

Let's eat.

Set the table.

You have the appetite?

What happened just now?

You betrayed your friend

for some petty money?

Brother-in-law.

Why does the drink

taste so bitter today?

Brother-in-law.

Your sadness and sorrow have been transmitted

to the brain,

which then signals the glands.

These glands received neural stimulation

and secreted melatonin,

causing low mood.

It's normal.

Just take some Vitamin B.

Yeah.

My previous advice was wrong.

As you know,

we doctors have multiple treatment plans.

There's a Plan B?

Of course.

(Excerpt) Your longing,

your regrets,

and your anguish

should all be shown to them.

As they say, "When a man cries,

a woman's heart softens."

The second tactic is to be love-sick.

(Yan Studio)

What brings you here?

Thanks.

Yan.

I thought about it a lot

and decided that

you should know about this.

Look.

What is this?

These are candid shots I took.

When you were away,

he often visited your building.

Many times, he almost went up,

but always gave up.

And he's been staring

out of the windows at work.

There's more.

When he was sent

to a regional subsidiary,

I secretly took some photos.

The local manager

picked on him to block his audit.

Mr. Shen fought alone

in unfamiliar territory.

What got him through the nights?

Your photos.

Yan.

I can tell

that you're everything

to Mr. Shen.

I haven't seen him smile

for a long time since you left.

You're really important to him.

I see.

The photos are well taken

and clear.

Good work.

I just want to know

what kind of candid shots could get this close?

Shen Haoming seemed quite cooperative.

And this one.

He was in bed, right?

Yeah.

So you were in bed too?

Both of you were in bed?

Why are you having water?

Why are you nervous?

I get nervous when you're nervous.

And you're blushing?

Well...

You may leave.

(Chen) I'm sorry, sir.

I failed.

(Yan's WeChat Moment)

(Jiang Liang) Love preserved in old film reels

is charming because

it focuses on one person.

Radios and film projectors museum.

(Vespa125 motorcycle) Careful there.

Watch your feet.

Alright.

Put it down here.

Be careful.

Be gentle.

- What's going on? - Be careful.

Stop.

Put those down.

Mr. Jiang.

We're changing the exhibits.

We'll finish soon.

Who authorized this?

You.

Put it down.

A collector bought all the exhibits

at a hefty price.

He paid and asked for delivery.

They're sold?

Don't you know I'm your boss's friend?

I pay a fortune for maintenance

every year

just to see these items.

Now they're sold?

What were you thinking?

I-I had no choice.

He paid way too much.

Even our boss agreed...

Who is it?

Who's the buyer?

The heir of Jinda Group,

Shen Haoming.

What are you waiting for?

Start loading.

Hurry up.

Be careful.

You're causing trouble in this scorching heat?

Faster.

Be gentle.

Hello?

Let's meet.

Alright.

You did this?

Want a drink?

Shen Haoming,

I've never seen you so agitated before.

But your actions are understandable.

You've finally realized

that the money and connections

you took pride in

mean nothing to her now.

Her career is thriving now.

She doesn't need to rely on you anymore.

Meanwhile,

as her partner,

I've supported her

every step of the way.

Not to mention

that your marital bond is crumbling.

Even if our marital bond is crumbling,

as you assume

without any basis,

we are still married, aren't we?

I'm still

her legal spouse.

This is indisputable, right?

If you're just an ordinary investor,

I'd appreciate your support for her.

But you'd better not approach her

with ulterior motives.

I won't tolerate anyone who wrecks

people's families.

Shen Haoming,

how can you be so confident?

You've long been excluded from her life.

Do you know who she is today?

Do you know her business scale?

What's Yan Studio's production capacity

for major products in the coming year?

What's the product matrix

she aims to build

within three years?

How much profit increase does she target?

Do you know any of this?

Do you know how much effort

she's poured into establishing Yan Studio?

Thank you for reminding me.

I'll make sure to learn all these details.

However,

I think you might have overestimated your importance.

You just happened to be the investor.

Her success isn't because of you.

Without you,

she could have still accomplished her goals.

And I will always

stand firmly by her side.

Whenever she needs me,

I'll be there.

Your position is not

so irreplaceable.

Go ahead and try.

Mr. Shen.

Mr. Baraikin has made a request.

Jinda Group must undergo three months

of evaluation before we sign the contract.

No risks or scandals will be allowed.

Then Mr. Baraikin will confirm the terms.

Can you find a way

to delay the divorce?

Also,

what should I do about the film equipment?

Store them in a warehouse.

What a waste of money.

Oh.

Buy some cosmetics.

Cosmetics?

For whom?

Someone.

Okay.

Still no leads on Shen Haoming

and Xu Yan's divorce?

They might still be married.

But my instincts at Yanbo Resort

can't be wrong.

Something is fishy between them.

They feigned harmony

just to secure the deal with Baraikin.

Xu Yan moved out and started her own business.

Divorced couples naturally drift apart.

But strangely,

Shen Haoming keeps mentioning her at work.

They're still intimate.

He's even visited her rented apartment.

Back at Yanbo Resort,

they put on quite a show.

They're kind of romantic.

Even if they're in a fight,

Baraikin's three-month inspection

will make Shen Haoming

try every means to keep Xu Yan

from leaving.

I don't care what you do.

Use Fang Lei

or your legal connections,

obtain evidence of their divorce

or marital breakdown in three months.

Remember.

Don't let your godfather down.

If neither approach works,

Yan Studio can also be the target.

Enjoy.

Thank you.

- Sister... - No. I'm not your sister.

You'll remain my sister-in-law

until I'm divorced.

I stand by my sister.

I won't persuade her

to reconcile with you.

I tried every possible way

to make things right with Yan.

Last month,

we were supposed to finalize the divorce.

I used every excuse to delay it

and missed the deadline.

That was the first time

I avoided facing reality.

It was also the first time

I was so terrified to solve an issue.

Sister.

I don't want to divorce Yan.

I want to win her back.

Why were you so cold when Yan said

she wanted to make things right?

It was my fault.

I was convinced that

she couldn't live without me.

But after we parted, I realized

that I can't live without her.

I might be her sister,

but I can't tell her what to do.

Figure this out yourself.

Just don't push me away.

By the way,

I met with Dr. Yu some days ago.

Why did you meet him?

Misery loves company.

His current state...

What...

What's wrong?

Stop beating around the bush.

How is he?

He's in terrible shape,

barely eating or drinking,

hiding his weakness,

while obsessing over

how to win back your favor.

I-I never imagined

you would hang out with Yu Yiming.

It's like the bottom two students

helping each other out.

You must be truly desperate.

Given your dedication,

I'll give you one more chance.

Yan's been through so much.

I hope you can support her.

Tell me.

Tomorrow's Saturday.

Yan will be working overtime.

Okay.

Thanks.

Jiang Liang will be there.

Huh?

These are the points I'll address next.

Shen Haoming? Why are you here?

I knew you'd be working late,

so I brought desserts.

Here.

How did you know my schedule?

Look.

There are cookies,

pastries,

and...

I'm in a meeting.

Can I observe?

Of course.

Have a seat.

Thank you.

Go on.

My advice is pretty straightforward.

Seek investment.

China has seen over 44 million new startups

in the past three years.

A new company emerges

every seven seconds.

The one-year survival rate

stands at 20%.

Two years, 4%.

Three years, only 0.8%.

Ms. Xu.

Do you know why the survival rates are this low?

In my opinion,

they failed to develop

a truly market-approved product

or service.

Of course,

capital shortages,

talent deficits,

market expansion limitations,

and poor management

are also key factors.

Exactly.

For every 100 startups,

there are 99 ways to fail.

But the most crucial issue

is undoubtedly funding.

A new brand's cold-start phase

requires 3 million yuan

in one marketing cycle.

The annual marketing expenses approach 10 million.

To put it bluntly,

if you want fame,

keep the cash flowing.

However,

besides funding,

another critical factor

is product quality.

A strong product

must evolve with market needs

through continuous updates.

For startups like ours,

the process involves

constant refinement

and trial-and-error.

This entire journey requires

massive financial resources.

Without solid funding,

there is no room for error.

As entrepreneurs,

we must prioritize financing

from day one.

Cash flow management

determines survival.

You're right.

Yan Studio has repeatedly

faced such crises.

But now you have me and Yuanhang.

We can do much more than inject funds

to support your expansion.

In the long run,

with our lead investment,

funding will never hinder your growth ever again.

Money solves talent acquisition,

brand building,

and development challenges.

Mr. Shen, any objections?

You've listed so many benefits,

but ignored all the drawbacks.

What do you mean?

The internet ventures

have seen so many capital-driven successes.

It's nothing new.

But even if you depict investors as angels,

they are not charities

nor wishing wells.

They're investing in you,

expecting a return

that's dozens or even hundreds of times

their initial investment.

Mr. Liang.

Just tell me whether you will sign a valuation adjustment agreement

with Yan Studio.

Even if Yuanhang requires a return,

it'll be based on Yan Studio's actual operational performance.

I can guarantee

that I'll prioritize Xu Yan and her co-founders' vision above all

and ensure their autonomy.

You guarantee?

Yeah.

What about the executives?

What about your sister?

Even if your sister agrees,

the company's Articles of Association

won't change.

We know that you remember every data point

with photographic accuracy.

Recall for yourself.

How many cases follow this pattern?

(Equity valuation bets)

The investors want you to maintain

annual growth rates of 50 percent,

100 percent, or even 200 percent,

which is abnormally high.

Why?

To gain a higher valuation

in capital markets.

Such performance clauses

will force you to conduct rapid expansion

or make prompt and short-sighted decisions

that damage your fundamentals.

But what happens

if targets aren't met?

Your company would be acquired.

Years of hard work

could vanish overnight.

Do you think you'd still have the right to refuse then?

Or do you want to create

a quick-profit brand?

Something marketable to sell

at peak value for fast returns?

That's not our goal.

Yan Studio never intended to become

a rapidly expanding

copycat business model.

Our true purpose is bridging

traditional culture with modern life,

making Neo-Chinese Style with cultural resonance

accessible to and appreciated by broader audiences.

We're creating

a distinct cultural style.

I understand

this process may take time,

but it is worth waiting for.

So,

with your clear positioning,

you must maintain control

firmly in your hands.

Be the decision-maker,

not the professional manager

who works for investors.

You're advising Ms. Xu to avoid deep capital ties.

But where will funding come from?

Presales.

IP Ecology Matrix.

First, presales.

The brand isn't established yet.

So I suggest you focus on online sales.

Generate cash flow via presales

and maintain liquidity.

Remember.

Only financial independence

guarantees that you retain control

over your company.

IP Ecology.

The essence of the internet today

is standardization first, and then personalization.

If you develop one or two hit products,

you can expand with other SKUs.

You could even create your own derivative products.

Then the complete

IP ecosystem

keeps growing stronger.

What you'll own is creativity

and design copyrights.

With these assets,

you'll have better leverage

when negotiating with investors

to protect your interests

and maintain control.

Building your own unique IP brand

is the essence and core advantage

of cultural products.

Am I right, Mr. Liang?

I think

there's some validity to your points.

Thank you.

One final suggestion.

Whether it's me,

Ms. Jiang,

or higher-level executives

offering advice,

listen to them

but don't blindly accept them.

Final decisions

must come from your own judgment.

I see.

Good.

Thank you, Mr. Liang and Mr. Shen.

I'll consider your advice.

Thank you.

Let's conclude the meeting here.

Well,

I'll take my leave now.

- Want a ride? - Want a ride?

I prefer walking these days.

Mr. Liang.

Please lock up for me.

Okay.

Shen Haoming.

My fingerprint locks the door.

Please leave so I can lock up.

Okay.

Remember this business model.

What nonsense.

Why are you here?

We agreed on a week.

It's already Monday.

Oh.

May I come in?

Have a seat.

Me?

These are for you.

You practice on yourself

for new makeup looks.

But some cosmetics

may damage your skin.

I've done my research.

These are made with safe ingredients.

Your dry skin is prone to allergies in summer.

This contains hyaluronic acid,

aloe vera,

and ceramides.

It's great for hydration and soothing.

Here.

Your cool undertones

suit pink

and nude lipsticks.

This is 928, Milky Sakura.

This is 302, Nude Bean Paste.

They give a fresh daily look.

This is 396, Strawberry Red.

That's your favorite fruit.

And 564, Clear Peach Glow.

Low saturation, natural flush.

Here.

- And this... - Okay.

Enough.

Thank you.

But

why did you suddenly decide

to learn about these?

Because you like them.

We'll have more topics in common like this.

You'll like me more.

Lin.

Have you decided?

I gave you this whole week

to make up your mind.

I've thought it through.

I think all your concerns

are unnecessary.

I've never felt that our degrees

or jobs put us on different levels.

On the contrary,

you came alone from your hometown,

worked diligently from scratch,

never belittled yourself,

and strived to learn more.

I've always

thought that you're shining.

So I'm sure

that I like you.

I want to be with you.

You're not proposing, are you?

What kind of proposal is this?

Can't you do it...

Sorry, did I hurt you?

Let me see.

Anatomically speaking,

it's around the left third, second,

and first rib,

and deeper in.

What?

Where?

The heart.

You scared me.

I thought I actually hurt you.

Annoying.

But it doesn't hurt now.

Because you're in there.

Is this an orthopedic romance?

Did I not express myself?

Lin,

though I'm just a doctor,

I can support you in Jingzhou.

Feel free to do whatever you want.

Decide on

the trial period.

Then,

when do you think...

when do you think

we should start counting from?

♪Like fireworks that loved♪

♪Rushing toward the stars♪

♪Undaunted by pain♪

♪We regained freedom♪

♪If you remember me♪

♪Then I'm pleased♪

♪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♪