Original subtitles

-Hello? -Ruoxin.

Can we have lunch near your company?

I have something to ask you.

Mr. Gu is asking me for help?

I've been back for quite some time.

Actually, I'm comparing cars these days.

I used to drive new energy vehicles in Singapore.

But I'm really unfamiliar with local cars.

So I thought I should ask you.

Okay, no problem.

Let's meet later.

-Ruoxin, come and sit. -Thank you.

I didn't expect that I'd acquire a new client.

I'm very particular about cars.

If your new energy vehicle is good enough,

then I'll become a client.

Of course.

We will meet your requirements.

Here's some information I got today for the models we have launched.

Each has its advantages

and is suitable for driving in the city.

After lunch,

you can follow me to our flagship store

to look at the real car

and you can have a test-drive.

Sure, buying a car is more than

just about aesthetics.

I'll take a look at this. Go ahead and order.

-Okay. -Waiter.

Last time when we had dinner,

you said you have a boyfriend now.

Who is he? Which industry is he in?

Why are you gossiping?

I'm not gossiping.

We need clients on my line too.

I just returned and I don't know anyone.

I need old friends' recommendations.

He's in design.

He's a very sensible boy.

Boy? Is he younger?

Is he the one we had dinner with yesterday?

Correct.

It's him.

But

my mom doesn't know.

So please keep it a secret.

I really didn't expect it.

Expect what?

My impression of you

is someone who's opinionated,

won't make rash decisions, and is always logical.

You have solid life plans

and life goals.

I thought you're the kind

who likes to be conquered.

-"Be conquered"? -Yes.

You just said I'm opinionated

and hardly rash.

How did you come to the conclusion

that I would be conquered by someone?

Something is wrong with your logic.

You got me wrong.

What I meant of being conquered is…

you should find someone

who's successful in his career

and not someone like…

A truly independent woman

does not need to be attached to a strong man

to live her life.

I don't know what's the definition

of your so-called "success."

Maybe in your eyes, Qi Xiao is not successful,

but in my eyes,

I think

he has potential and is very capable.

You've misunderstood me.

I'm just considering this

from an old friend's perspective.

As they say,

five years age difference is considered a generation gap.

Youngsters nowadays

are volatile and unpredictable.

Plus, they're impulsive in relationships

and unreliable.

As an old friend,

I'm afraid you'll fall

and hurt yourself.

Actually, I have been

in short-term relationships

and had other suitors.

I can clearly feel that

they just wanted what's best for them.

I see it all too clearly.

But with Qi Xiao, there's no such thing.

It's just plain, simple happiness.

I'm enjoying this whole thing.

I think

this is how love should be, right?

Love?

I haven't heard that term for years.

Then do you think this love will last?

Who knows what will happen tomorrow?

Just like you didn't know

when you first got married

that you'll leave her one day, right?

Future matters

are out of our control.

We have to enjoy the moment.

All relationships take time

and will have its ups and downs.

But what's important is, when faced with troubles,

both of us can stand together

and overcome them.

That's why I think everything is good now.

As long as you're happy.

But I can't imagine

what Ms. Zhou would say when she finds out.

Slowly,

she'll accept it.

Hello?

You left early today. Is there something urgent at work?

Urgent notice.

A new vice president has been appointed.

Everyone is informed ahead of time

that we need to have a meeting.

I must go early to prepare a report.

Hot Americano medium size.

Your coffee.

That's fast.

It has already been paid for.

Thank you.

Qi Xiao,

how many spies do you have?

I told you

that I'll be responsible for your coffee from now on.

So you told them to make me such a small cup?

I'm helping you control your intake.

What's a little difference going to do to me?

Doesn't it save your time?

It can be made in advance.

You don't have to wait, right?

All right, have a good day. Bye.

-Good morning, Ms. Shen. -Good morning.

Ruoxin, here's the report you requested.

But the latest figures are not in yet.

I went to the Sales Department this morning,

but the new vice president

is their immediate superior.

They are very busy now.

This is the best that I can do.

Thank you for your work. I'll do the rest.

Ruoxin,

did Mr. Xu mention

the newly appointed leader's background?

I've heard a lot of rumors.

What sort of rumors?

The HR Department sent word

that she's a lady.

We were disappointed.

The new leader is a lady? What's the problem?

Mr. Liu is too powerful.

We had hoped that the new leader

could challenge Mr. Liu

and fight for the New Energy Department.

Look at the executives under Mr. Liu.

They are arrogant and domineering.

One small mistake and you'll be bullied.

With a lady boss,

how can we fight back?

Are you guys skeptical of a lady boss?

I don't mean you.

When you and Mr. Xu were cooperating,

it was fantastic!

So you think that, in the workplace,

women deserve to be only in second place

and can't be independent enough

to take the lead at the top?

That's not what I mean.

It doesn't matter.

The key is the results.

I believe in the headquarters and Mr. Xu.

They have their reasons.

Okay, I'll go back to work.

Ruoxin,

Mr. Xu

just come and go.

Initially, I thought

you were sincerely following him.

He should have taken you to the headquarters.

Since he didn't,

he should have at least promoted you.

In the end,

he sent us a new leader.

If I were you, I would've panicked.

You're too serious, Ms. Li.

As employees of the company,

without a doubt,

we'll do our best for the company.

Now that the headquarters has sent us a vice president,

I believe everyone at the New Energy Department

is very delighted.

I say, Ruoxin,

what a high EQ.

Even without a leader,

she's still loyal.

-We should learn from her. -Yes.

Yes. You know,

I heard this new leader

is also a woman, right?

Mr. Xu is so unusual.

He likes to use female generals, right?

That's also part of their capabilities.

Look at how sarcastic you're being.

You're envious, aren't you?

It depends on your abilities.

But I heard this newcomer…

Ms. Fang, was it?

She's from the Sales Department.

Women in the Sales Department

are all tough cookies.

She's either a fox

or a female bandit.

Ms. Li, I do not agree

with what you just said.

If Ms. Fang

has proven herself in a predominantly male sector

like the Sales Department,

this means she has overcome many prejudices

and has put in more effort than others.

Don't you think so?

Everyone,

this is the vice president from the headquarters.

Our new leader at the New Energy Department

and the Sales Department, Ms. Fang.

Welcome.

Nice to meet you. My surname is Fang,

but I prefer to be called Lisa.

I'm new here, but I'd like to take this chance to meet everyone.

Mr. Liu isn't here yet?

Before I arrived,

I did some basic research on East China

-and I understand… -Lisa,

Mr. Liu has some tasks at hand,

but he'll be here soon.

While waiting for Mr. Liu,

let me briefly introduce myself.

I started at the headquarters more than ten years ago

as a first-line salesperson

to the sales director and the management team.

I believe the headquarters sent me here

due to my background in the Sales Department.

We, the people in the Sales Department,

have clear goals.

Only numbers speak.

Thus, my management style

is direct and straightforward.

I wish to minimize our communication costs to reach our goals.

Of course,

if I offend anyone in the future,

I would like to apologize in advance.

I'm impartial.

Everything I do

is for the company.

I'm very sorry.

I was suddenly delayed.

Everyone is here. Welcome.

-I'm Liu Pei. -Lisa.

Mr. Liu.

If you're late next time,

please inform us.

We're all busy. There's no need to sit here and wait.

My mistake.

Lisa,

you've just arrived and still unfamiliar with everything.

Let me introduce ourselves.

The company has two departments,

the department for traditional fuel vehicles and new energy vehicles,

with unified management and planning.

The leaders of some of the departments are here today.

Ms. Li

-from the Administration Department -I'm Li Fang.

Mr. Ruan Ye from the Legal Department.

Mr. Liao

is the sales director.

And Mr. Bao from the PR Department.

They are my old subordinates.

They are always on duty.

Did you hear me?

From now, whatever Ms. Fang needs,

give full cooperation to it.

No need to report everything to me.

We're all elites here.

We are now comrades in arms.

I'm late today.

Let me represent the Shanghai branch

and welcome Ms. Fang.

A round of applause.

Thank you, everyone.

Now that we've all gathered, I'll be upfront.

Let me announce

the headquarters' latest plans for the East China region.

Soon, the East China branch will have traditional and new energy cars.

Two business divisions.

Independent but cooperating.

Independent?

That is to say, these two divisions will not overlap,

be it in work or management styles

as well as regular meetings and work reports.

They will be separated.

Mr. Liu.

In the future, the New Energy Department

will no longer concern you.

Legal Department, Finance Department, and Administration Department.

Separate your affairs with haste.

The person in charge will have to attend both meetings.

Give full cooperation

while performing both processes.

What are you looking at?

I agree.

Headquarters has thought it over.

Since the establishment of the New Energy Department,

we've had management issues and a few accidents.

Also, Mr. Xu

left abruptly

with loose ends unresolved.

It's all good now

with this arrangement.

With a clear structure,

our roles are clearer

and we can work better.

Right, Ms. Fang?

Thank you, Mr. Liu, for your understanding.

The new rules are in process

and will be applied soon.

I'm informing you about this now

as I hope everyone has a new plan.

Make your statement.

I think, Lisa,

the issue is not about cooperating.

If the company is divided

into two divisions,

the people in charge like us

will be overwhelmed.

To hold two regular meetings

would be hard on us.

My regular meetings

will try not to coincide with Mr. Liu.

Of course,

once we are at the peak of the marketing season,

everyone will be tied up.

If anyone thinks

the current staff aren't enough to complete these tasks,

you can bring it up to me

and I will inform Mr. Xu.

We'll see if we need the HR Department

to recruit people of the same level

to take charge

of splitting up the department.

What do you think?

The Administration Department is fine

because our work isn't as demanding.

We can, of course,

as you said,

we'll cooperate.

Mr. Ruan.

No problem from the Legal Department.

I'll do my best to cooperate.

Then I'll have an individual consultation with everyone.

Mr. Liu, if there's nothing else,

that's all from me today.

Yes, sure.

Ms. Shen, come to my office in an hour.

Okay.

That's it?

After the meeting, the boss said to expect big changes.

What does it mean?

The new vice president came and Mr. Liu was reassigned.

The New Energy Department stands alone.

Let me tell you something.

The new vice president

is quite something.

She looks pleasant,

but she's aggressive.

After the meeting, she wanted to talk one-on-one with the leaders

to report on their work.

Then has Mr. Ruan talked to her yet?

It's not his turn yet,

but he looks very pressured.

What should we do then?

Before, we had to tiptoe around Mr. Liu.

Now, the company is divided into two.

We are forced to choose sides.

What if we ended up on the wrong side?

Enter.

Lisa.

I've organized a report

on the New Energy Department for the past three months

and added the latest sales figures.

Please check.

It's very clear.

I especially like this summary

and suggestion column.

I can tell, Ms. Shen,

you've put in the effort.

It's my duty.

Sit.

Thank you.

Before I came, Mr. Xu had mentioned you

many times.

He said that the situation in East China is a bit complicated

and that you'll be a great help to me.

Now, I believe him.

I'm from the Sales Department

and I value

efficiency and results.

They say mixed methods in the workplace are crucial.

But I think being direct isn't such a bad thing at times.

Indeed,

especially when the situation is complicated.

The headquarters has devised a strategy for the New Energy Department.

Now, the hardest part

is to remove the weak

and establish new ground.

Liu Pei

is old-school.

He relies on seniority and winning people's hearts

to establish power

and he thinks everything is going to be okay.

The New Energy Department

will be the catalyst for change.

Although we are now independent,

the headquarters' resources are limited.

The rest is up to us.

I'm honored

to be your comrade in arms.

I will do my best

to fight for this department.

Before I arrived,

I heard rumors

that this department

was established by you and Mr. Xu.

Yet you were not promoted and I was brought over.

Do you have any opinion on that?

Lisa.

Honestly,

with my qualifications,

even if I was promoted, I won't make it to where you are now.

If it's not mine, I do not want it.

If it's mine,

I will slowly gain it.

You're straightforward.

I like it.

Thank you.

I'm really happy

with the headquarters' decision to bring

someone like you over.

Why?

I was like the others.

I didn't expect

the new leader to be a woman.

But

your performance and qualifications

are outstanding

and made true by yourself.

You're a good example and a role model for me at work.

I hope one day,

I can be a strong woman like you.

"Strong woman"?

These are not easy words.

If men are strong,

people say that it's only natural.

But if women are strong,

we get oppressed by others.

If men have goals and ambitions,

we praise them.

If women have goals and ambitions,

people will be on guard.

Ms. Shen,

if you're taking me as an example,

the first thing you have to do

is to not be swayed by others' comments.

Don't retract and surrender

just because you're a woman

and you haven't reached your goals.

I'll remember that.

Thank you, Lisa.

ZHU LIN'S FASHION DESIGN STUDIO

Hello?

Has the meeting ended?

Yes.

How's the new vice president?

A decision-maker.

Liu Pei has met his rival.

This lady boss gave me so much confidence.

It's a lady boss?

Do you have any doubts?

No,

I wouldn't dare.

You know that

I love lady bosses.

Should we have dinner tonight?

Are you taking the initiative

to ask me out on a date?

I'm always available.

Let's celebrate tonight.

See you tonight.

Hi, Mr. Ruan.

Mr. Liu, are you looking for me?

Mr. Liu.

No, I…

Mr. Liu, just now,

I was busy with a contract.

I came as soon as I'm done.

Have you reported your work?

I was just about to report to you.

This woman is too difficult.

She was picking on details to ask me!

She told Ms. Li

that she wants to prepare

a new office with a report system software.

All office procedures and documents

must be transparent and electronic.

She has also assigned a task to the IT Department

to set up an internal forum.

And I am not aware

about any of these.

No, what's her intention?

What's she up to?

Don't you understand?

Human relations are complicated.

She's opening a new platform

for those at the bottom

to see everything clearly.

Once the office process is transparent,

everyone's responsibilities

and the company's resources

will be clear to all.

You guys

can't go against the law anymore.

This lady,

compared to Mr. Xu,

is a lot more aggressive.

It's not easy.

You see,

she's on my turf.

If she conspires against me,

she will not get away so easily.

But she's the opposite.

She initiated changes

and got me tied up.

Now, I can't say anything.

It's true.

Women are deadly.

Ruoxin, how is it?

Just a moment ago,

we heard a lot of rumors.

Everyone, check your shopping cart.

-Shopping cart? -What do you mean?

We've worked hard these past few months.

Last quarter's bonus

and special allowance from the test-drive event

have been approved by Ms. Fang.

It's time to empty your shopping carts.

-Amazing. -That's great!

Good news on the first day she's in the office.

-We have support now. -Yes.

Not just that,

I heard that during the work report,

she had a good grasp of all heads of department too.

She is so amazing!

It's a pity Qi Xiao isn't here.

Don't worry.

He will be compensated.

We won't let him be the scapegoat.

Ruoxin, with you and Ms. Fang,

the future KPI of our department

-will not be a problem! -Go for it!

Let's keep up the good work.

-Yes! -Yes!

Hey, pretty.

Are you available tonight?

You scared me!

Didn't we agree to not meet at the company?

I've resigned. Are you still afraid of being discovered?

Don't worry. Everyone leaves earlier than you.

Everyone knows you used to be my assistant.

What if people see and gossip?

How long did you wait?

Not long.

I get to observe some beauties.

Which one do you like?

They are not as beautiful as you.

Let go. People are going to see us.

Let go! Quickly!

I'm hungry. Let's go eat.

And then?

"Mr. Liu,

next time if you're busy,

please inform us ahead.

Everyone is busy too.

We don't need to wait for you."

That was a low blow.

Liu Pei must be very upset.

His facial expression was something.

Incredible.

Why wasn't I there? I'd like to see that.

Keep it low.

I can't control it.

Why do I feel like

I'm the villain here?

At first,

I thought you were putting up with the humiliation,

but I was naive.

You're dormant but lethal.

I won't allow you

to be the scapegoat.

You're so nice.

Let me share some good news.

Zhu Lin and I

don't have to apply for a loan.

Zhu Lin found an investor.

Now, we just need to win the jewelry design contest

and make our name.

This will boost our shop

so that our business will thrive.

That's great.

And the design ideas? Any inspiration?

We're overflowing with inspiration.

Are you that confident?

What's the design theme?

It's a secret.

But you can look forward to it.

It's related to you.

Could it be

something like

a cupid design?

So conventional.

You're underestimating me.

Let's eat.

Try this shrimp.

Hi, number 23's bill.

Sir, the lady has settled the bill.

Thank you.

What's the matter?

Why did you pay?

This should be my treat.

Whenever we had dinner,

I'd pay the bill.

This is not like before.

Before, you were my leader.

Now, you're my girlfriend.

This is also our official first date.

There's no dating policy

that the boyfriend has to pay.

I don't care about others.

I can't have my girlfriend pay.

Why are you so old-fashioned?

You're in such a hurry to pay.

It makes me feel like I'm Gu Yutao.

It's the same treatment.

Why?

You don't want to be in-debt

and have a long-lasting relationship?

Yes, my boyfriend.

From now onwards, you pay, okay?

That's better.

No more next time.

So, my manly boyfriend,

mealtime is over.

What should we do next?

The classic dating operation.

After a meal, it's movie time.

-Let's go. -Let's go.

Your popcorn.

-Thank you. -You're welcome.

-Hello? -Hello?

Have you bought tickets?

Let me tell you.

That horror movie is effective.

Sijia was constantly in my arms.

It's done. I've even bought popcorn.

All the best.

I wish you luck.

-I'm scared. -Okay, it's all right.

My goodness!

It's all right.

I'm here. It's okay.

-I'm here. -I'm scared.

It's all right.

Don't be scared.

Qi Xiao.

Qi Xiao.

Does it hurt?

We just ate

and you bought a big bucket of popcorn?

We can eat together.

I'm not eating. I'm full.

I can't eat anymore. Too many calories in that bucket.

At my age, my metabolism isn't like yours.

-How many days must I run? -I also just ate.

Popcorns are fine.

I'm not eating. Which hall is it?

-Number three. -Let's go.

I love watching horror movies.

I've watched The Shining eight times.

Have some popcorn.

I don't want to. You should eat them.

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

It's fake.

It's all fake.

That's not right.

Logically, it doesn't make sense.

As a human or as a ghost,

it should appear at least once.

Why are you quiet?

Don't you like the movie?

I liked it.

I just had too much popcorn.

Then let's go home and rest early.

Wait. That's it?

It's ten o'clock.

I have work tomorrow.

My boyfriend.

Today's date

makes me very happy.

Didn't you say

the light in the bathroom is broken?

-Do you want-- -I've already

repaired it.

Then

have a good rest.

Good night.

It's getting chilly.

You should stay warm

and close the windows.

Okay.

-Good night. -Good night.

Then I'm going home.

Why isn't he home yet? It's late.

This boy works so hard every day

and for what reason?

-Seriously. -I'll call him.

Sir, ma'am, what are you doing here?

Qi Xiao.

We are here to see Su Yang.

Su Yang said he changed jobs

and hasn't called us for a long time.

We are worried,

so we came to see him.

Qi Xiao,

you got off work quite late.

We have been knocking for half a day.

Su Yang is still working overtime.

I'll give him a call.

-Let's go in first. Come. -Thank you.

This neighborhood looks good outside,

but the house is too shabby.

This used to be an office, right?

There is so much stuff piled up.

How can you live here?

Ma'am,

our room might look ordinary,

but this neighborhood is great.

Transportation is convenient for Su Yang and me to get to work.

I say,

you guys are asking for trouble.

For all of that,

the rent is 5,000 yuan a month?

Sir.

Actually, for such a neighborhood and area,

5,000 yuan is okay.

Please sit. I'll peel some fruits.

Qi Xiao, don't worry.

When Su Yang returns, we'll just have a short chat.

Okay.

Sir, ma'am.

When you come to Shanghai,

did you inform Su Yang?

We didn't tell him.

If Su Yang knows,

he won't let us come.

This child is stubborn

and always fights us.

-My son. -Mom.

You're finally home.

Did you lose weight?

Your face looks smaller.

Mom, I've gained weight.

Honey, look at your son. He looks darker.

Mom, I work in an office every day.

I don't go under the sun.

I'm not dark.

Why didn't you inform me

that you're coming to Shanghai?

Why?

Aren't you happy that we're here?

No.

You guys arrived late

and I didn't get to prepare a place for you to stay.

You don't have to worry about that.

-Your mom and I will manage. -Yes.

It's okay, you two.

You guys can stay here.

I will go back to my mom's place.

Don't trouble yourself, Qi Xiao.

After we talk to Su Yang,

we will go to a hotel.

That won't do.

You came to Shanghai.

How can you stay outside?

Don't worry. Please stay.

Qi Xiao,

we apologize for troubling you.

Thank you, Qi Xiao.

Since Su Yang has a friend like you in Shanghai,

we feel at ease. Thank you.

You're welcome.

Su Yang and I are like brothers.

Talk nicely.

Goodbye, you two.

-Goodbye. -Goodbye.

Please take me in.

Su Yang's parents arrived unnoticed

with no place to stay.

As a good citizen,

I did what's right

and gave up my room.

I'm saving the old folks the trouble.

I was thinking

of returning to my mom's place,

but at this hour,

she's probably asleep.

As my girlfriend,

shouldn't you step in at a time like this

and take me in?

Come or I'll shut the door.

Yangyang, if we didn't call,

will you still be at the office working?

What kind of company is that?

Keeping you at work so late.

Have you eaten?

Let me make you something.

Mom,

we have meal plans at work.

I'm a little busy now,

but

I'm working towards my dreams.

I don't feel tired.

We're here today

to discuss something with you.

We're not here to discuss but to notify him.

Mr. Ling said that

our area is expanding and recruiting civil servants.

Your dad and I think

you should apply to be a civil servant.

Mom.

I've told you many times I don't want to be a civil servant.

No, don't worry.

Our neighborhood is developing well.

Being in civil service

is a good thing.

It's close to home

and it's not hard work.

Sure, whatever.

Watch how you talk to your mom.

Mom.

I think civil servants are good,

but I do not wish for that life.

If you want me to have a leisurely life

and apply to be a civil servant,

then you're mistaken.

The requirements are now very high.

Even the lowest levels are often busy.

Although you'll be busy, it's still a secure job!

Look at what you're doing now.

You sound like you earn well,

but after paying the rent, how much is left?

Also, if you work for a private entity,

what's your guarantee?

They can go bankrupt at any time.

They can fire you anytime!

Did you watch the news?

In Shanghai,

a vice president of a company

got cancer

due to being overworked.

What did the company do?

They got rid of him immediately!

Your mom and I saw the news.

We couldn't sleep the entire night.

That's it. This decision is final.

Dad,

I'm an adult.

Can you please let me decide?

What sort of nonsense is that?

If you don't want us to decide for you,

then don't worry us!

Your mom was softhearted back then.

She didn't insist that you come back after graduating.

Look. The job at the design institution we got you

has been taken by others!

If you can't get into civil service,

-your life is ruined! -Dad! Mom!

Can you listen to me?

All right, sit down.

Talk nicely.

I know

we are just an ordinary family

and I'm

an ordinary person.

Aside from enrolling into East China Normal University,

I have never made you guys proud.

You're worried about me.

I understand.

I also worry about myself

when I didn't have a job.

I was worried that I wouldn't find a job.

When I have a job,

I'm worried that I'll lose my job.

I used to ask myself,

"Shanghai is so big.

Is there a place,

a corner,

that belongs to me?"

Sometimes when I look at Qi Xiao,

I envy him.

I envy him

because he doesn't worry.

It's like there's always a way out.

It's like he's not afraid of failures.

My son,

you have a way out.

We are your way out!

No, Mom.

I came to realize that

I can definitely go back with you

and work a 3,000-yuan salary job,

live a stable, peaceful life.

Then I can blame this city for how bad it is.

And I can be glad that I returned.

I can also blame how unfair society is,

be cynical,

and push everything onto others.

But…

Someone told me

that I don't have to be like that.

I keep saying that my dream is in Shanghai.

What's my dream?

Is it a promotion or a raise?

Is it to get married and have kids here?

Is it for everyone to see the webtoons I drew?

Yes and no.

My dream

is to become a better version of myself.

One I can be proud of!

One who can handle life's struggles,

grab all opportunities,

and see a bigger stage!

Then do everything possible

to get a hold of it.

Subtitle translation by: Eve Teh