Original subtitles

Here, slowly.

Ms. Shen, I can tell that you were from the Legal Department.

You're so meticulous.

You're so attentive to detail

even when putting up a display.

It has been nearly 20 minutes, right?

Mr. Huang.

This is such a large display.

It would be more secure to hold it up with something like nails.

Otherwise, it could easily fall.

But our PR colleagues said

it would be best to glue it.

That's why I'm quite conflicted now.

Ms. Shen, do you know

how much I paid for this display?

Designers are expensive too.

I spent so much money on this design.

If it has nails all over it,

what would that look like?

Besides,

in similar events in the past,

our team always used glue.

So I hope you try your best

to follow the convention.

-Okay? Follow the convention. -Okay.

-Mr. Huang. -Amanda.

What's left to do?

Everything's pretty much done, except for this.

I see.

Ms. Shen, after you're done with the display,

do you mind finishing up?

My team has already been busy for a week.

Help us out, will you?

We've also--

Everyone, put down what you're doing.

I have an announcement.

You've all worked hard the past few days.

Mr. Liu is treating us to dinner.

-It's to cheer everyone on. -That's great!

We have to keep fighting tomorrow.

Other departments are already there.

We're the only ones left.

Everyone, wrap it up!

Ms. Shen, thanks for your hard work.

-Mr. Liu is treating us. -Let's go.

It'll definitely be a fancy restaurant.

That's for sure.

Our days of hard work are paying off!

I'm starving.

There's so much to do.

It looks like an all-nighter.

Let's continue. Come on.

Coming.

-Ziyan. -Aunt, it's me.

Is my brother not home?

He's working overtime. He'll be back late. Do you want to come in?

It's okay. I have a flight to catch.

Xiaoxin's dad is out of town for an event.

The housekeeper took time off

and I have a business trip.

Can you take care of him for a few days?

By the way, this contains Xiaoxin's clothing and toys.

How many days?

Two or three days.

I'm not sure exactly how long.

By the way, Xiaoxin has a morning class tomorrow.

I'll message you the time and address.

Where are Mom and Dad?

Don't get me started.

Dad has high blood pressure.

Mom told him to rest at home for two days.

She said you don't have to work anyway,

so I could have you look after Xiaoxin for a few days.

Xiaoxin likes you,

so I can trust you with him.

Hold on.

Hello.

I have the electronic boarding pass.

See you at the security checkpoint. Okay.

Ziyan, I'm sorry.

I have to get going.

I'm counting on you.

Xiaoxin, listen to your aunt, okay? Be good.

-Hey, you-- -Thank you, Ziyan.

Aunt, I'm sleeping with you tonight.

Isn't this a surprise?

Hang in there.

INSPIRATION DRIVES INNOVATION

It fell.

Here.

Eat before you sleep. Boost your blood sugar.

Thank you.

It's hard to be my assistant, right?

It's tiring.

But it doesn't matter.

What matters is that I can learn. I'm happy.

It's life-saving chocolate.

My earring fell off.

Stay still. I'll find it.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

Found it. Here.

Thank you.

It's broken.

It's no longer a matching pair.

That's an easy fix. Give it to me.

Hold the light for me.

I can't believe

you're also good with your hands.

Remember your online shop partner?

You can sue her.

I can always earn more money.

What I can't stand is the people I care about

leaving me one by one in the end.

Su Yang too.

His family gave him only a year's rent.

He said if he can't find a job,

he'll have to take the civil service exam.

He thinks he won't be able to stay in Shanghai for long.

When he fails an interview, I get more frustrated than he does.

I was wondering why you don't live at home.

You live with Su Yang to help him out with rent.

Then that will buy him more time.

Ever since I was young, aside from my mom,

the people I care about

always made me feel insecure.

They all act as if they're passing by.

They come and go.

No matter how nice I am to them,

I can't change my destiny.

It's fixed.

-Thank you. -You're welcome.

Have you ever played with sand?

You use your hand.

You hold a handful of sand.

The tighter you hold on,

the faster the sand flows out.

If you just let it be,

things turn out better.

Maybe.

I think

you should take the bar exam.

I don't want to be a lawyer.

Listen to me.

If you want to work as a legal counsel,

having experience at a law firm

makes a difference.

I don't want to be a legal counsel.

What do you want to be then?

Forever an assistant?

I just want to save up.

Then I'll set up my online shop.

I would still like to do jewelry design.

I like doing it.

I'm good at it too.

Is everyone in Generation Z so irresponsible

with career planning?

It's not like you studied jewelry design.

The online shop is just a temporary hobby.

What about five years from now?

What will you do in ten years?

Ruoxin, how much a year do you make?

That's personal.

I won't tell you.

I know how much I will make.

With permanent employment,

my starting salary will be about 10,000 yuan.

After deductions and such, I take home less than 10,000 yuan.

You've been working for seven years, right?

You wanted to be promoted to Legal Director, right?

I know that in companies like this,

a Legal Director's salary is around 500,000 yuan a year.

Guess how much I made per month in my online shop.

An online shop?

About 3,000 yuan a month?

8,000 yuan.

That's a lot.

Yes.

Listen, I made a bracelet

that was a hot seller.

It's a silver bangle,

and all the beads on it

were hand-painted and molded by me.

They're all customizable.

For four years in college…

Ladies and gentlemen, our press conference will now begin.

Please welcome Xu Minjie,

the new general manager of our New Energy Department,

to the stage.

We all know that

Zenpro is a high-technology enterprise

dedicated to using technology

to satisfy people's aspirations

for a better life.

Ever since Mr. Xu joined the company,

he has continuously succeeded at our headquarters.

For five years in a row,

he won the Automotive Marketer of the Year Award.

With Mr. Xu joining the new energy car project,

will the development of new energy cars

be a trendsetter in the Chinese market?

Let's welcome Mr. Xu.

Hello, everyone.

Welcome to Zenpro Automotive's

new energy car press conference.

I'm Xu Minjie.

We've never given up our philosophy of using technological innovation

to achieve safe and pleasant green commuting.

That's why we took the lead in mastering

core power technologies,

pioneered futuristic technologies such as cloud services and the like,

and are striving to become a leader in the industry.

Yes.

This time,

Zenpro Automotive is a key player

in the category of new energy cars,

we are unveiling a formidable flagship model.

Hey.

-Magic stabilizers. -It's what customers need

after we analyzed the market segmentation.

This flagship model includes an onboard system,

an all-new smart driving assistance system…

Hello, Ziyan?

Ruoxin, come and save me.

What's wrong? What happened?

A little rascal arrived at my doorstep.

He's driving me crazy!

Talk louder.

It's so noisy here. I can't hear you.

I said--

I'm busy with an event right now.

I'll call you back when I'm done, okay?

-We only have one aim. -I'm hanging up.

It will fully reflect your happiness when driving.

Airplane!

Now let us all witness

Zenpro Automotive's flagship model

in the new energy car category.

Mr. Liu.

Xu Minjie was well-prepared.

He must want a foothold in the East China region.

The East China region has flat terrain and no severe weather.

Consumers here are the wealthiest

and open to trying new things.

If Xu Minjie's new energy car

fails to take off in the East China region,

he'll have a hard time explaining

to the chairman.

-Mr. Xu. -A huge success.

-Mr. Liu. -Thank you.

Congratulations, Mr. Xu.

It has been hard on you.

You came straight to the press conference as soon as you landed.

Not at all.

It's all for the company.

New energy cars are the future.

Work still needs to be done

to change and guide consumption habits.

Don't worry. The first step is always the hardest.

No matter the car, its core is still technology.

The technological development of new energy cars

will indeed take time.

But I believe that with Mr. Xu on board,

sales of our new energy car

will be booming all the way.

Mr. Liu,

everything starts out unknown to the world.

But in the end, everything fades into obscurity.

So you and I

face different challenges and hardships, right?

That's true.

We're all under pressure.

We're all under pressure.

What is it?

I'm sorry, Mr. Xu.

Your apartment hasn't been arranged yet.

Please stay at a hotel for a few days.

Here's your keycard.

Mr. Liu.

Is this the efficiency of the East China region's administration?

I remember I emailed them my requests

two weeks ago.

What happened?

I arrived today, but my living arrangements aren't ready?

This is unacceptable.

Mr. Xu came all the way to Shanghai to direct us.

Is this how you do things?

Mr. Xu, don't worry.

At this week's executive meeting,

I'll be sure to critique the Administration Department.

It's okay, Mr. Liu.

My New Energy Department

was just established.

For the time being,

I'll inevitably have to borrow some of your staff.

This is great.

I'll be working with them directly from now on.

I'll tell them the way I do things.

-Which floor is Administration? -The 26th floor.

When my secretary transmitted the mail,

I saw that Ms. Li is the administrative director, right?

Yes, Ms. Li.

Thank you.

"The way I do things."

Ruan Ye,

what is Xu Minjie's way of doing things?

Mr. Liu,

Xu Minjie's temper is flaring.

Will Ms. Li be burnt first?

Ms. Li?

Her?

She can handle herself.

I spoke to you

about the lease agreement three days ago.

Your refusal to amend the unreasonable terms in the contract

has already caused losses for us.

If you don't amend it now,

I'll have to switch to another agency.

Please don't do that.

How do you want to amend it?

You'll amend it?

I'll read it now. Write it down.

Number one.

"If the lessor's failure to conduct timely maintenance of the premises

results in a destructive accident to the premises

that causes property damage or bodily injury

to the lessee,

the lessor shall be liable to pay compensation." Okay?

Number two. Listen up.

"During the lease term,

should the premises be gifted, inherited, sold, or transferred,

this lease agreement continues to be valid.

We can continue renting."

Okay?

Okay.

Here's number three. Listen carefully.

"If the lessor needs to repossess the premises before the lease term ends,

the lessor must first seek permission

or be liable for any losses incurred by the lessee."

Is that okay?

Okay.

Number four.

"During the lease term,

the lessor may not unilaterally and arbitrarily increase the rent."

Is that okay?

Wait.

Ms. Shen, this is honestly--

Honestly, what?

These are from Administrative Measures for House Leasing

issued in 2010 by the Supreme Court.

Refusal to implement this

would be a serious violation of the law.

I can report you to the government.

Ms. Shen.

Please, Ms. Shen.

I'll change it as you wish, okay?

In two hours,

I want to see the revised contract.

That's all.

Ms. Shen.

Leftover gifts from the launch are here.

Please check them.

-Is it in your department? -Yes.

-Come on. -Okay.

Hello, Mr. Xu.

Hello, Mr. Xu.

Mr. Xu.

What?

I'm sorry, Mr. Xu.

This is unacceptable.

Hold on.

Where's Shen Ruoxin?

She's not at her desk.

Call her to my office.

-Okay. -Go now!

What's wrong with Mr. Xu?

He's already being hostile.

I wonder who the unlucky one is.

I heard Xiaotian just gave him a hotel room key

and told him his rental wasn't ready.

He was furious.

Wasn't Ms. Shen in charge of that?

Ms. Li sure was cruel.

Shen Ruoxin is already on the new supervisor's bad side.

Ruoxin!

You're in big trouble.

Calm down. What happened?

Xu Minjie came to confront Ms. Li

and asked why his rental isn't ready.

Ms. Li put all the blame on you.

They're looking for you now.

Let me finish.

You're doomed this time.

Don't go. It'll just end badly.

Mr. Xu wants to cast blame.

I have to speak up and defend myself.

Qi Xiao, remember this.

In the workplace, you can't hide from trouble.

Once you do,

every blame will be pinned on you.

Wait!

Try this year's early-season harvest.

Young leaves, infused in a cup. Old leaves, steep in a pot.

For young and tender leaves like this,

it would be better if you could brew the tea in a clear glass

so that I can see the tea leaves unfurl in the water.

The way that tea leaves churn in water

is just like life, isn't it?

Yes.

Come in.

You asked for me, Ms. Li?

Of course I did.

I told you well in advance

to prepare Mr. Xu's rental.

Why is it that Mr. Xu has to stay at a hotel?

Mr. Xu,

I'm really sorry about this.

The real estate agent included some one-sided contract clauses,

so talks did not go smoothly

and delayed your move-in date.

Don't worry. I will have this handled today.

Don't make excuses.

You used to be in the Legal Department.

You should've known from the start

such lease agreements will require negotiation.

Why didn't you make your request earlier and confirm?

You've done a terrible job.

You're back to zero this month.

If you don't have

the key to Mr. Xu's rental waiting

at his hotel's front desk by tonight,

you'll also lose your bonus for next month.

Mr. Xu, have I handled this to your satisfaction?

Mr. Xu, it's true that I could've done better.

But for this assignment,

I was given a very tight timeframe.

What do you mean?

Don't try to search for an excuse.

When did you receive this assignment?

It has been a total of five days since I received this assignment,

including the weekend.

You said you've already found a place.

Where exactly is it?

Are you sure every aspect meets my demands?

I'm someone who always strives for perfection.

Mr. Xu, don't worry about that.

I searched based on your requirements.

It's in the Wutong neighborhood,

a quiet oasis and easily accessible.

The layout of the house also meets your demands.

The property and management belong to Sunny World Group.

They're of good repute and well-known in the industry.

The house was newly built in 2017.

If you're still not satisfied,

I'll call the agency right away

and show it to you in person.

It's okay.

I heard you talking on the phone in the elevator.

You're very professional

and responsible.

You've gotten so much done in just five days.

You're very efficient.

Thank you for your understanding.

I'll complete this task as soon as possible today.

Ms. Li.

How many years have you been

in your current position?

Me?

I've been an executive director for four years.

That's a long time.

Ms. Li.

I just arrived in Shanghai.

My way of doing things may still be unfamiliar to everyone.

It's okay.

We'll be working with each other a lot from now on.

I like giving my all when doing something.

I believe

that's what Mr. Liu asks of you too.

Right?

Of course.

Don't deduct Ms. Shen's bonus.

She prepared so many things in just five days.

She has done a good job.

By the way, Ms. Shen, there's one more thing.

I need you to check whether my office

has a coffee machine.

In general,

apart from the obligatory tea-tasting,

I only drink coffee.

Okay.

Shen Ruoxin.

You're good.

You used me for your own ends.

Ms. Li, I was just stating the facts.

I wouldn't have had the chance if I wasn't thrown under the bus first.

If there's nothing else, I'll get back to work.

Ms. Shen, are you all right?

I'm fine.

You're not taking the blame again, are you?

Do you think anyone would get a kick out of that?

That's good.

Is he asleep?

Leave it.

It'll be a mess again in the morning.

Luckily, we don't have kids.

Otherwise, I would go crazy every day.

Don't say that.

If Xiaoxin were your child

and you raised him,

you would love him instead of finding him annoying.

Give me a break.

I'm only confident

because he goes back to your sister

in a few days.

Otherwise, I would be in despair.

I know this is hard for you, Ziyan.

But don't you think

that with Xiaoxin here,

our home has become lively, fun, and full of life?

Fun?

You're right.

You must be having fun.

You just play with him for a bit after work

like he's a pet.

Of course that's fun.

Did you feed him?

Did you take him to class?

Did you bathe him? Did you clean up after him?

Did you read to him? Did you clean after him?

I did everything by myself.

I feel like a vegetable right now.

I'll be all dried up in a few days.

This will take a toll on me

and I'll become a dried vegetable.

When you come home,

do you still see Song Ziyan?

Ziyan.

I know you must be going through a hard time.

But if we have a child of our own,

when I come home,

I won't just see Song Ziyan,

but the mother of my child.

This woman gives birth to a child for me

and takes care of my home.

In this world, there is a life

that is half of me and half of her.

Then we won't be two separate individuals,

but an indivisible whole.

That is a normal home.

Those are the roles

that a woman and man

should experience.

But I don't want

to experience

a normal woman's life.

Life revolving around children. Living in a dump.

Unkempt appearance and fitful sleep.

My life will be a mess.

I'm not young anymore.

I really yearn

for a traditional life

with a wife and kids.

Sometimes, when work gets really exhausting,

my mind wanders.

What is the point

in working so hard?

Will your life have meaning by having a child?

Yes.

When I entertain clients I don't like,

I would tell myself

I need to earn money to put my kid through school.

When I can't take it anymore,

I'll think of my wife and kids waiting for me at home.

Ziyan,

for a Chinese man,

family is his everything.

So without a child,

is this not your family?

Am I not your family?

Where is the Zou Cheng who once said I was his life?

Where is he?

I know, Ziyan.

You still can't accept it.

But I want to tell you this.

Yes, when we were young,

we wanted excitement and freedom.

But I think I've changed now.

I want warmth.

I want ties.

Come in.

Hello, Mr. Xu.

I'm a lobby attendant.

Ms. Shen asked me to give this to you.

Okay, thank you.

LIVING ROOM, TOILET, DINING ROOM

Mr. Xu,

I'm sorry for the delay.

I've already had your house cleaned.

The mattress and daily necessities

have been purchased as you ordered.

Call me if there's any problem.

Shen Ruoxin.

Nice handwriting.

Come in.

Mr. Xu.

What is it?

This confidentiality agreement came from the Legal Department this morning

and needs a stamp.

It's the upcoming invitation for the tender

to seek advertisers for our new energy cars.

I think there are two clauses

that may lead to ambiguity.

I've marked them.

Please take a look.

What do you think the problem is?

The breach of contract clause

contains the risk of unascertained damages.

If the other party breaches confidentiality

and there is a lawsuit,

it will be hard for us to determine our actual losses

or gather evidence,

and for the court to make a ruling.

In other words,

there isn't enough threat to the other party.

Very good.

I'll check with the Legal Department.

Mr. Xu, if there's nothing else,

I'll get back to work.

Do you have any urgent work to take care of?

No, not really.

-Have a seat. -Okay.

I heard that

you were transferred from Legal to Administration.

Normally,

such a transfer happens when the higher-ups want you gone.

But you haven't left.

I'm curious.

Why didn't you quit?

I read your resume.

I looked into your abilities.

You're quite capable.

If you resign from your position,

it shouldn't be hard to find another job.

You might even get a better position.

Thank you for the compliments.

If this transfer were a statement about myself,

I might've already left.

But if it's a statement about my professional abilities,

then I won't stand for it.

Because I have pride in my profession.

You're an ambitious person.

I wouldn't call myself ambitious.

But I do hope

that my position can commensurate with my abilities.

Nothing more, nothing less.

How long have you worked for Zenpro?

Seven years. Straight out of graduate school.

I'm new here.

I'm not too familiar with the personnel structure, work style,

and corporate culture in the East China region.

However,

I need to get up to speed right away.

Since you're a longtime employee,

I'm wondering if you would like

to be my guide in the company.

Give me some guidance.

Mr. Xu, I'm not qualified to be a guide,

but I can promise that if you ask me any questions,

I'll answer to the best of my knowledge.

Thank you.

These Ethiopian beans were imported by air.

Would you like a cup?

It's all right, Mr. Xu.

I'll have some water.

Sparkling or still?

Just still.

Women should drink room temperature water.

Thank you.

Let's start with the company's personnel structure.

In the East China region,

how many divisions does Liu Pei manage?

Ruoxin, why were you in there for so long?

The Legal Department is in charge of contracts.

If they make mistakes,

why should you help them?

Are you stupid? I'm getting in with him.

This is to help us get back to Legal.

I'm not that kind.

Who are you getting in with?

Mr. Xu.

Ruan Ye is a director right now,

but he hasn't measured up yet.

We must return to Legal in glory.

I see.

But Mr. Xu oversees

the New Energy Department.

It operates parallel to the East China region.

It's not in the hierarchy.

How can Mr. Xu interfere?

I don't care.

I think I understand now.

A good boss is crucial.

In that case,

I have to choose a powerful one.

Mr. Xu just arrived,

but he has the headquarters' support.

He also manages our company's up-and-coming business.

Most importantly, he has a clear mind.

He has high standards, but he's excellent at his job.

I have a feeling.

He'll be a good boss.

Have you gotten in with him yet?

Soon, I think.

He asked me a lot

about the East China region.

While he was talking to me,

I got the feeling that although

he'll transfer some people from the headquarters,

he'll also select some elites

within the East China region.

Not only do we need him,

but he also needs us.

Ruoxin.

-Does that mean-- -Quiet.

Does that mean we'll make a comeback?

It's a bumpy road,

but our future is bright.

Let's wait and see.

Go back.

Come in.

Mr. Xu.

Did you call for me?

Have a seat, Ms. Li.

Please, Mr. Xu.

Let me know what you need.

There is one thing you can do for me.

My New Energy Department was just created.

The team isn't quite ready yet.

The call for advertisement tenders is coming up.

I hope the Administration Department can cooperate with me

and transfer some staff to help me out.

No problem.

You have the Administration Department's full support.

Thank you.

I need two people for the time being.

Ms. Shen, the one who arranged my rental,

was quite detail-oriented.

I like her work style.

I'll have her.

Ms. Shen can choose the other person.

Is there a problem?

No.

For the second person,

how about Qi Xiao?

He works for Shen Ruoxin.

They work well together.

If Ms. Shen is fine with it.

That's all.

I'll be outside.

Thank you, Ms. Li.

Ms. Li, you wanted to see me?

Mr. Xu is transferring you and Qi Xiao to help him.

From now on,

you two will work for the New Energy Department.

Let me remind you of one thing.

It's just temporary.

You're still part of the Administration Department.

You should know

where you belong.

Don't get ahead of yourself.

Of course.

Ruoxin, what's happening?

Mr. Xu is borrowing the two of us

to help him in the New Energy Department.

That quickly?

It's time for our comeback!

Keep it down.

There are no changes in the organizational structure.

We're still employees of the Administration Department.

So that means…

We're doing work for two departments at the same time.

Will Mr. Xu give you a paycheck too?

Get to work.

Quit dreaming, kid.

Mr. Xu.

Mr. Xu.

-Has Ms. Li told you? -Yes.

Ruoxin,

before my team arrives in Shanghai,

I will be borrowing your help.

This is the information on the invitation to tender

for advertisers for our new energy cars.

Get familiar with it quickly.

I need a tender document as soon as possible.

When can I have the draft?

By two o'clock.

Good.

Nice lipstick color.

Do you have plans after work?

No.

If your draft passes my review

and all goes well,

would you be free after work

to meet a client with me?

Yes.

Hello, Mr. Xu.

I'm Ms. Shen's assistant, Qi Xiao.

-I'll be waiting for your draft. -Okay.

"Ruoxin."

Does he need to sound so friendly?

Do you know him well?

If he's not friendly,

how can he get himself free labor?

Subtitle translation by: Renee Luk