Original subtitles

Come in.

Director Tan, you were looking for me?

Pei. Come in. Come in.

Have you moved into your new office yet?

Not yet.

I have a lot of stuff that needs to be packed.

You are officially the marketing manager now.

I called you in

to give you a reminder.

Take it as an order as well.

As the marketing manager,

you can't always play the good guy.

You need to be aware of any problems

and dare to solve them.

You can't be afraid of offending others.

I understand.

I will keep my business and personal affairs separate.

All right.

I will be

leaving for a business trip in a few days.

To inspect several distributors.

Look after the company while I'm gone.

Don't worry.

I'll let you know if anything happens.

All right. Go and get busy.

Oh, right. Director Tan,

has Tan Yuan reached America?

Yes.

She is staying in an Ethnic Chinese household.

The couple seemed to be taking good care of her.

She has already settled in.

That's good.

All right, Director Tan.

If there's nothing else, I'll leave now.

All right.

(Adapted from the novel, Our Times by Wang Qiang)

=Episode 23=

(Ignorant)

=Our Times=

(Jefferson China Co. LTD)

I only look at the data.

We've been losing our market share.

But you're telling me

that you've tried your best.

Over the past few years,

large orders from major enterprises and institutions

account for a significant portion of our clientele.

The time costs needed

to develop these accounts are very high.

I hope you will understand this

and be more tolerant.

Regarding that matter,

Abby mentioned a few

interesting points in her report.

Abby, share it with everyone.

I... I think

not only do we need to focus on major accounts,

but we should develop the market for personal computers as well.

Do you know the purchasing power of the individual market?

Compared to large accounts, profits from personal computers

are but a drop in the bucket.

I studied this quarter's report.

The sales of personal computers

have improved significantly compared to the past.

Although it still can't be compared

to orders from larger accounts,

this shows that there is a rising trend.

Many state-owned brands are now trying

to capture the personal computer market

by all means.

If we don't start paying attention to it,

we will definitely lose out in the future.

State-owned brands do not have an advantage in technology.

Of course, they have to focus on other means.

I see that you don't have a lot of solutions.

But you have a lot of excuses.

What is a sales manager?

A sales manager should plan for the long-term future of the company.

If your report

is still as bad as it is now next quarter,

you can remove yourself

from this room.

Lydia.

Thank you for affirming me just now.

Was that an affirmation?

Was your report perfect?

Was it flawless?

I only wanted to give

that indolent sales manager

a warning.

I will definitely consider

things more thoroughly next time.

But for someone

who has never dealt with computers,

your report

was not bad.

Go back, do further research

and improve your report.

I'll make the edits as soon as possible.

I haven't had a good cup of coffee

in so long.

I'll make you a cup of coffee right now.

Director Lin told me

to get the office ready for you a long time ago.

Take a look and let me know if there's anything else you need.

(Marketing Manager, Archive) I'll get them all for you in the afternoon.

(Archive) There's no need for that.

I can do all of this myself.

You're a manager now.

You can't do all these things by yourself.

- Please enter. - Brother Pei!

I'm here, Brother Pei.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

From now on,

I will definitely work hard

on every shift.

I'm counting on you then.

Take a few days

to familiarize yourself with the workflow around here first.

I'll assign you tasks later on.

Oh, right.

You can have my place.

All right.

I'll make the arrangements.

Thanks.

Thank you, Brother Pei.

Come. I'll show you your seat.

Xiang.

You'll sit here.

I'll give you a tip.

As a secretary, you must say less and do more.

If there's anything you don't understand,

you have to ask questions.

Say less, do more, and ask questions.

All right. I got it. Thanks, Brother Man.

It's nothing.

Work hard.

Come in.

Mr. Pei.

This is a leather seat Director Tan gave you.

You can even adjust the height.

The phone number is still the same

as before.

If there's anything else you need,

just let me know.

Can I make international calls from this phone?

Oh, I forgot about that.

You're a manager now.

You'll have to contact headquarters every now and then.

How about this?

I'll go and make the arrangements for that right now.

All right.

Here are the keys.

Thank you.

You're in a good mood today.

Have you been excited since this morning?

That's not it.

Mr. Pei.

I'm here to give you a "housewarming" gift.

You don't have anything in your hands.

Where's my "housewarming" gift?

The receipt for the meal last time.

Please reimburse us.

Over 400?

What did you guys eat?

Nothing much.

A new Japanese restaurant

opened up at Wangfujing.

We sampled every type of sashimi

they had.

Yes.

He ate the most.

As if you ate any less, Man Huan Sheng.

- You ate more. - Get back here.

- Get back here. - That's enough.

I'll reimburse both of you.

You will?

Thanks. I'll be going now.

A few of my clients have been chasing after me for their goods.

Mr. Qian, I need an answer.

When exactly will my goods arrive?

Brother,

you know it as well.

(Youhe Laserdisc) This is what happens when you go by sea.

It's normal for the ship to be delayed because of the typhoon.

I consider you a brother.

But it's already half a month later

than expected.

We're all in the line of business.

I need to be responsible for my clients too.

You can't just say that.

You know my character, don't you?

You have customers chasing after you.

So do I.

It's not as if

I can control the weather.

Look.

This is the delivery order.

It's all there in black and white.

How about this? When the goods arrive,

we'll go and get them together.

There are more than your 300 players in there.

That will do, right?

(Yuanda Steamship Line Special Seal)

Thank you for understanding, Brother Qian.

I'm under a lot of pressure as well.

With this, I feel a lot better.

- I know what you're thinking... - Mr. Qian.

Ms. Li.

Look at this.

The deposit is here.

The goods will be here soon as well.

See?

It's not just you.

A lot of others are waiting as well.

I have to talk to Ms. Li now.

You go ahead, all right?

Your business seems to be doing well.

I suppose.

Danny Lee.

My favorite celebrity.

I guarantee

that this is the only photo

in Guangzhou.

There are two things to discuss in this meeting.

Firstly,

the company has decided to appoint an office manager.

After much discussion,

we have decided to appoint

Man Huan Sheng as the office manager.

Man Huan Sheng.

Director Lin.

I... I can't even speak well.

You don't have to worry about that.

We've already considered that.

This position requires a meticulous mind

instead of a quick tongue.

Everyone knows

your work ethic.

So you are perfect for this position.

That's right, Man Huan Sheng.

I think this position

will allow you to make the most of your advantages.

That's right.

Man Huan Sheng. No problem.

He can do it.

I...

(Quality Carries Dreams)

Thank you, Director.

Thank you, everyone.

(Technology Leads the Way)

I always thought a stutterer

would not be able to take up this responsibility.

But since I was given this opportunity,

I... I will do my best.

I won't disappoint everyone.

Good!

You can do it!

Let us know if you run into any problems.

You can do it.

All right.

Now, for the second matter.

Mr. Pei has some suggestions and ideas for the management

of the Marketing Department.

I'll let him tell everyone about them.

Over these past few days,

through observation,

I discovered that there are some problems

with our department's reimbursement process

that have led to inefficiency.

I made some changes.

There's one for everyone. Please pass it around.

Please pass it around.

I was in charge of the previous arrangements.

I designed it to be rigorous, effective,

cost-saving, and preventing waste.

I don't understand what the problem is.

Your plan made sense.

The only drawback is that the cycle time was too long.

The previous costs have not been reimbursed yet, and the new ones can't be reported.

A lot of our projects are being stalled

by the reimbursement process.

To solve this problem,

I applied for a petty cash fund

from the company.

That's great.

From now on, before we leave for a business trip,

we can apply for petty cash from the Financial Department.

After spending the money, we'll report the expenditures to be reimbursed.

Any money left over will be returned, and additional costs will be reimbursed.

I've listed all the specific details

regarding the process

on this piece of paper.

This is exactly what I wanted!

This is great!

Before this, I always had to pay out of my own pocket.

Don't get too excited now, everyone.

I made a promise to Director Lin

and Director Tan.

We have to produce good results

in the next quarter.

Don't worry.

- Leave it to me. - No problem.

Pei.

I look forward to hearing good news.

No problem.

All right. That's all for today.

Meeting adjourned.

The petty cash is great.

It will save me from paying out of my own pocket.

Come on.

Let's go, Manager Man.

Xu.

If you think there's anything wrong

with the changes I made,

please tell me directly.

Pei Qing Hua.

You are better suited for this position

than I am.

Pei.

(Technology Leads the Way) Some agents

have invited me for lunch tomorrow.

Come with me then.

Director Lin.

Xu Yang has always been

dealing with the agents.

I think it's better that he goes instead.

Pei.

You are the marketing manager now.

I need to introduce you

at lunch.

Xu Yang, come along as well.

Get a few others to come too.

That will show how much we value them. It's settled then.

Hello?

Hello?

Is it you, Tan Yuan?

I haven't even said anything.

How did you know it was me?

I guessed.

You're still at work so late.

Be honest now.

Have you been waiting for me to call?

Not really.

I...

I was just working on some materials.

Oh, so you weren't just waiting for me to call.

Um...

How is the weather over there?

It's great.

It's just like...

It's just like that day

when we were taking a stroll together at Yanjing University.

You gave me a bottle of water that day.

Did you know?

I still have

that bottle with me.

You even kept it?

Um... I got my timetable.

I don't have classes on Wednesdays.

So from now on, our regular call time

be 10 am every Wednesday.

The time difference between us is 12 hours.

This way, you won't have to wait for my call every day.

I heard from your father

that you found a place to stay.

That you're staying in an Ethnic Chinese couple's house.

Yes.

What else did you guys talk about?

You didn't tell him about us, did you?

I wanted to.

Um... I can't, right?

Let's not tell him yet.

I still need to think about it.

I'll tell him after I figure it out.

♪By the rivers of Babylon♪

♪There we sat down♪

♪Yeah we wept♪

That's a nice song.

The landlord had this tape,

so I borrowed it.

Pei Qing Hua.

Sing it for me.

I... I sing out of tune.

Well, you said you had poor oral skills too.

As if I would believe that.

Anyway,

if you don't sing,

you're fake.

Does dating require singing skills too?

Are you going to sing or not?

I'll sing.

Hold on.

By the river...

♪By the rivers of Babylon♪

♪There we sat down♪

♪Yeah we wept♪

♪When we remembered Zion♪

♪By the rivers of Babylon♪

♪There we sat down♪

♪Yeah we wept♪

♪When we remembered Zion♪

Is there still none picking up?

Lend me your radiophone.

I think something might be wrong.

I need to go to the port.

How is it?

Is his phone still off?

They were supposed to deliver at eight.

It's already an hour late.

You don't think something went wrong, do you?

Where is our delivery order?

Let's check the port first.

(Port of Sanbu)

Are you sure the ship will dock here?

None of the ships here look like cargo ships.

How is it? Has the ship arrived yet?

(Delivery Order)

This ship doesn't exist.

It's all on here, isn't it?

We didn't issue that.

We don't have a record of this ship and the cargo number.

Wait, take another look!

There's no need.

The seal isn't even the right design.

It's not ours.

It's just as we feared.

(Tape Drive)

Check the storage.

Goodness...

I can't believe this.

He is a fraud!

Hey! Who are you guys?

Are you trying to rob in broad daylight?

Where is Qian Dong Lai?

Where is he?

You... Who are you?

Don't even think about leaving this place

before telling me where he is!

Where is Qian Dong Lai?

I... I'm the landlord.

- I'm the landlord... - Xiao Chuang.

Let's find out what's going on first.

Let go of him first.

You're the landlord?

Yes.

Eat. Eat. Have more of it.

Enjoy yourselves.

If there isn't enough,

feel free to order more.

Enjoy yourselves today.

Please feel free to order more

if there's not enough.

Please have more.

Everyone, allow me to interrupt for a bit.

I have a few words to say.

A toast to everyone here.

Thank you for all the help

you have given

to Huayan these years.

Without you,

Huayan wouldn't be where it is today.

Here,

a toast to everyone.

Here.

Thank you.

Thank you, everyone. Thank you.

Please enjoy yourselves.

To a brighter future

- for Huayan. - Thank you.

- Please enjoy yourselves. - All right. Here.

All right.

Next,

I have an important announcement to make.

Pei Qing Hua.

Stand up. Let everyone get to know you.

Pei Qing Hua.

He is now

our marketing manager.

In the future, if you encounter

any problems in sales,

feel free

to ask him.

Let's put it this way.

Pei Qing Hua

can be considered half a leader of Huayan now.

Great!

I'm honored

to become Huayan's marketing manager.

From now on,

I hope you will continue to take care of me.

A toast

to everyone.

- All right. - All right.

Come on.

- Here. - Please look after me, Mr. Pei.

Please look after us, Mr. Pei.

Here, Xu.

He is a promising young man.

(North Street Hot Pot)

Xu,

why don't we share a taxi

and go back together?

You guys go ahead first.

It's my son's birthday.

I need to buy a cake for him.

Stop.

Pei.

Get in the car. I'll send you back.

I have something to tell you too.

Xu Yang, you drank a lot today.

Be careful on your way back. Come on.

Go on.

Drive.

Here. Use this to dry yourself.

Thank you, Director.

Pei.

I joined the faculty out of nowhere and became a director.

And I suddenly became

the person in charge of Huayan.

I know

some of you

are bothered by it.

But just like Tan,

I think of Huayan as my child too.

I understand.

You and Xiao Chuang

were nurtured by Tan.

To be honest,

I didn't think

you would achieve too much back then.

But your recent achievements

have certainly changed my opinion.

Director Lin.

You mentioned Xiao Chuang.

Actually, Xiao Chuang

had helped me a lot

when it came to making sales.

Xiao Chuang.

He is a rare talent indeed.

So may I please ask you a favor?

Could you please give Xiao Chuang

another chance to come back to Huayan?

Pei.

If anyone else had asked me this,

I would never agree.

But you made a great achievement

and got the deal with Yuanzhou.

That's enough to make up for it.

I will give Conpo's headquarters a call.

Wait to hear from me.

That's great.

Thank you, Director Lin.

Whatever for?

We're all in the same boat.

You know

I appreciate talents.

I hope all of you will be of use to me.

You are a manager now.

From now on,

you have to cooperate even better with me.

Director Lin.

We are all from Huayan.

As long as it is for Huayan's sake,

we will do everything we can.

(Just)

Sir,

I guarantee

(Enforcement, Police) that the fraud's name was Qian Dong Lai.

There is no Qian Dong Lai.

Frauds like these often use aliases.

This is the list of criminals with fraud records in our province.

Take a look.

(Strict Law Enforcement)

(Suspect Profile)

(Guangzhou Police Station Suspect Register)

(Suspect Profile, Huang You Wei)

This is him.

This is the bastard.

Are you sure?

Yes.

I would recognize him even if he turned to ash.

This man is Huang You Wei.

He is a repeat offender.

He used a lot of aliases

to commit crimes everywhere in Guangzhou.

I'll be direct.

You're not the only ones to have reported him.

We've been looking for him for a long time.

Sir,

you must capture this unscrupulous crook

(Uphold Integrity, Serve the People) to eliminate a vermin for the people.

Don't worry.

Protecting the people's lives and property

is our duty.

We will get to the bottom of this.

Could you give me a photo of him?

I'll give it to you after I record your statement.

Your name is Xiao Chuang, right?

(Happy Birthday)

Come on. Mind your head.

I'll see you off here then.

Drive back safely.

Give me a kiss.

Stop. Don't.

Don't worry about that role.

See you tomorrow.

My son is a year older now.

Here. Let me put it on for you.

Raise your head.

Come on.

Here you go.

You didn't cycle back today, did you?

It's our son's birthday today.

My supervisor sent me back with his car.

That Toyota Crown.

I don't know the model.

The candles are about to melt.

Let's sing "Happy Birthday" first.

Come on, Wei.

♪Happy Birthday to you♪

♪Happy Birthday to you♪

♪Happy Birthday to you♪

Mom,

I want to eat the cake.

Be good, Wei.

You can have the cake

after you blow out the candles.

Okay.

I'll count.

Three, two, one.

Good boy.

I saw you exit the car.

Isn't your troupe leader

up in years already?

Our performance troupe was sold.

We only have a boss now.

We don't have a troupe leader anymore.

Even a boss can't do such things in public, right?

Xu Yang,

how could you say something like that?

I saw everything you guys did

down there.

Fine.

I'll make things clear to you today.

My boss is trying to pursue me.

And I prepare to accept him.

What are you going to do about it?

Won't you feel shameful?

You're calling me shameless?

Today is Wei's birthday.

Must you do this right now?

What?

Are you going to hit me?

Let me tell you this.

If you dare raise your fist against me today,

we are getting divorced.

Then so be it!

Mom. Dad. Don't fight.

I'm scared.

Come on, Wei.

(Carry Dreams)

Xu?

(Systemboard)

You haven't left yet?

I was going through the statements.

What's the matter?

Oh, I'm just drinking for pleasure.

What happened?

Pei Qing Hua.

Do you miss

the days back when we were in the faculty?

Everyone was the same.

Living a peaceful life.

Then all of a sudden, a wave hit.

Some people joined the waves.

And some others hit the shore.

I'm actually a bit envious of Xiao Chuang.

I'm envious of you too.

Because I don't know how to swim.

I don't know what will happen tomorrow.

And I don't know

where the waves will carry me.

I'm afraid of this era.

I should have known he was a scammer.

We can't keep dragging this on.

I'll just tell them

(Painting of Cattle) that I was tricked too.

Either way, we...

Would they listen to you?

You lost the money.

Of course, they're going to come after you.

I can't avoid it any longer.

Hello?

Where's Xiao Chuang?

I'm Xiao Chuang.

Why are you hiding from me?

Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere.

Are you taking me for a fool?

Where are my goods?

Let's meet up.

I'll explain it to you in person.

Give me a summary of your report.

The general idea is to distinguish it from a key account sales model

and establish a model focusing on personal computers.

Integrate the product development, design,

production, marketing,

branding,

channels,

and sales of personal computers into one system.

Ambitious.

With the development of the economy,

people's income is increasing as well.

The market for personal computers has not been fully explored yet.

So it is necessary to invest in the infrastructure.

First of all, we need to create a demand

to fulfill it.

But you should know

that the product was not designed nor created in China.

So your idea is a bit idealistic.

But the Chinese market has potential.

Whether it is production or design,

domestically or overseas,

the nature of business

is drawn towards profit-making.

(Domestic personal computer sales volume and domestic market share trend)

Okay.

I'll consider it.

You may leave now.

(Director)

Check this out.

That's why I brought her here.

That's great.

Looks like I might need to apologize.

Please come in.

Pei.

Director Tan.

You're back.

I am.

Sit down.

How is it?

(Loyalty, Serve the People and the Country) Do you like the chair I bought for you?

It's comfortable.

But it feels a bit too high-end for me.

Well, you don't deserve any less.

Oh, right. Lin and I

called Conpo's headquarters just now.

We reported your achievements

and asked them about letting Xiao Chuang come back.

What did they say?

It should be all right.

That's great.

I'll give Xiao Chuang a call later

and ask him.

No need to rush.

You can tell him

after we're certain.

All right.

What has Xiao Chuang been doing?

He is selling laserdisc players in Guangzhou.

I tried calling him several times.

He was either not around

or the line was busy.

I think he was just too busy.

But don't worry, Director.

He promised me

that he would come back as long as he was given a chance.

That's good to hear.

Well,

this brat certainly manages to make a living anywhere he goes.

Here.

Have something to eat, everyone.

Don't play tricks with us.

When are we getting our money back?

I have

ten thousand left.

You can have it first.

Stop pretending.

Just come clean, will you?

I ordered 40 players.

That's forty thousand!

I understand.

When I find the scammer,

I'll definitely

pay everyone back.

Mr. Xiao,

I don't want to rush you,

but I simply don't have enough money

to make up for my loss right now.

I have dozens of employees waiting to be paid.

I used the money meant to build a house

in the countryside to order the goods.

How much longer are you going to make me wait?

What am I going to do? Let it collapse?

That's right!

I'm telling you,

several thousand is a huge sum

for a small business owner

like me.

And you're not going to give me back my money?

How could you do that?

Indeed.

I understand.

I understand.

But I was scammed too.

I'm a victim as well.

How about this?

I'll definitely pay you guys back

when I have the money.

I really can't give you any more right now.

Everyone, don't be fooled

by his empty words.

He must have the money. He just doesn't want to pay us back!

Look.

If you don't believe me,

and you can't let it go,

hit me.

Here.

Let your anger out on me.

Just make sure not to kill me.

Don't give me that!

I've met many people like you!

What is all this nonsense?

Everyone,

I'll say this again.

I really don't have any money left.

When I find that scammer,

I'll make sure

to return every cent to all of you.

But I am

really at my wit's end right now.

Well, hurry up and find him then.

All this mess. Goodness.

=Our Times=

♪The vicissitudes of life♪

♪Treacherous like the weather♪

♪Is this true or fake?♪

♪Who can tell me?♪

♪My youthful passion♪

♪Fuels my bravado♪

♪Who can understand♪

♪How I feel now?♪

♪The waves are choppy♪

♪But I will not settle for the ordinary♪

♪The tower might be high but I can climb♪

♪My ambition is as loud as the ringing bell♪

♪Reverberating in my chest♪

♪Facing the gusty wind♪

♪It cleared the thoughts in my heart♪

♪Ups and downs, I'll face it with a smile♪

♪The faraway light calls for me♪

♪So I brave the wind again♪

♪The wind that signals the changing of time♪

♪My undying faith shall be reborn♪

♪Only with love and integrity that you can get to the end♪

♪After this long journey♪

♪Who will remain as a hero?♪

♪That gusty wind♪

♪Oh, that gusty wind♪

♪The thick mist♪

♪Is like the doubts in my heart♪

♪It feels so real♪

♪It can't be fake♪

♪Let the naysayers be♪

♪They mock my stubbornness♪

♪Success or failure♪

♪They serve a purpose♪

♪The waves are choppy♪

♪But I will not settle for the ordinary♪

♪The tower might be high but I can climb♪

♪My ambition is as loud as the ringing bell♪

♪Reverberating in my chest♪

♪Facing the gusty wind♪

♪It cleared the thoughts in my heart♪

♪Ups and downs, I'll face it with a smile♪

♪The faraway light calls for me♪

♪So I brave the wind again♪

♪The wind that signals the changing of time♪

♪My undying faith shall be reborn♪

♪Only with love and integrity that you can get to the end♪

♪After this long journey♪

♪Who will remain as a hero?♪

♪That gusty wind♪

♪Oh, that gusty wind♪

♪Oh, that gusty wind♪

♪Facing the gusty wind♪

♪It cleared the thoughts in my heart♪

♪Ups and downs, I'll face it with a smile♪

♪The faraway light calls for me♪

♪So I brave the wind again♪

♪The wind that signals the changing of time♪

♪My undying faith shall be reborn♪

♪Only with love and integrity that you can get to the end♪

♪After this long journey♪

♪Who will remain as a hero?♪

♪That gusty wind♪

♪Oh, that gusty wind♪