Original subtitles

=Best Choice Ever=

=Episode 22=

Mai.

Mai.

Coming.

Glutinous rice balls.

So many? How can we finish them all?

Don't be silly. Take them to Huan.

Hurry up, or they'll get smushy.

Why don't you go?

I sent her so many videos

and messages,

but she only replied with a meme.

I won't disgrace myself by approaching her.

Look at you.

You'd suffer just to save face.

You obviously care about her.

You keep checking her WeChat Moment

and send her short videos.

You think I don't know?

Hurry up and go.

Okay, is there any for me?

Eat when you come back.

Let me take a bite.

You...

Just a bite. It won't delay anything.

It's burning. Be careful.

It's burning.

Tasty, huh?

Yeah, so chewy.

Hurry up.

I'm off now.

Keep them for me.

Have glutinous rice balls, and we are all united.

Hello everyone, I'm Mai Chenghuan.

Based on

Ms. Chen Shuzhen's will, I will take over Xing'anli

starting tomorrow.

I hope we can work together

to revitalize this time-honored brand.

I also hope

that you can support me just as you supported my grandma.

I will do my best.

Welcome.

Someone really hit the jackpot.

If anyone has any questions,

please speak up.

Nobody wants to speak up. Then I will.

Madam, you just took over

and the hotel was tampered with.

I wonder if you have

offended someone.

We almost lost our jobs because of that.

What are you talking about?

Mr. Cui, it's alright.

You're Liao Gang, right?

You know me?

I reviewed all your profiles before I got here.

So, I know every one of you.

Liao Gang.

You started as a doorman at Xing'anli,

and became the leading concierge within three years.

You once saved a guest

who suddenly fell sick.

Madam, I know you've done your homework.

But that's all in the past.

There's no need to mention it.

To put it simply,

workers like us

want something tangible.

I understand.

You think I'm giving you false hopes.

To be honest,

Xing'anli is in a period of tumultuous transformation.

My grandma has just passed away.

People are eyeing us intently.

I've read our business reports in recent years.

Frankly speaking,

Grandma's management style

can no longer keep up with market changes.

So, I've decided

to gradually adjust the salary structure.

We will give you

reasonable salary.

I also hope

our management system can align with

that of a public company.

Regardless of your positions,

as long as you do well

and make certain contributions,

you will receive bonuses and dividends accordingly.

- Dividends? - Dividends?

Isn't that for the executives?

Everyone will have a share once we go public.

That makes things easier.

This is the greatest sincerity I'm offering.

I hope to continue Grandma's legacy

and become your family.

I also hope you can

think of your job here

as your life-long career.

So,

please work with me.

Well said.

Miss Mai, rest assured.

We promise we'll do our best.

Huan, is everything okay?

Do those department managers

comply with you?

Everything's fine, Dad.

I have to start somewhere, right?

Oh, right.

I saw on the internet the other day

that there was

food poisoning issue here.

Have you solved it?

Don't worry. We solved it.

Mr. Cui and the others

worked with me and resolved the matter.

Through this incident,

I experienced a sense of achievement and belonging

I've never had before.

Dad, do you get it?

My whole life has been quite ordinary.

I haven't had any sense of achievement.

It's good that you had it.

Huan, I don't want you to be under

too much pressure.

I won't be.

But pressure is good.

It creates motivation.

Dad, you have to support me.

Of course, I do.

It's just that I've been driving for Ms. Zhang for years.

I saw her

starting

from scratch.

It wasn't easy for her to achieve

such a huge success.

I'll take care of myself.

Dad.

Xing'anli and Yueda

have some

conflicts of interest.

If Ms. Zhang ever asks you anything about Xing'anli,

just say you have no idea, okay?

Okay, I got it.

Of course, I'll side with you.

These are freshly cooked glutinous rice balls

with sesame filling. Your favorite.

Remember, have meals on time.

I see.

Dad, how is Mom doing?

When you first took over Xing'anli,

she was absolutely thrilled.

We came

the other day

and caused you trouble.

After we returned,

she couldn't get over it.

It's fine. I'll talk to her.

Once I settle into

the job here,

I'll go back and talk with her.

Okay.

You really need to talk.

It's tasty.

Take your time.

(Xing'anli, Mai Chenghuan, Pickup Code) Lily, take this to the courier downstairs.

Alright, Mr. Yao.

Sir,

yesterday, I sent you the operational plan

and the market layout

for the second half of the year.

Do you have any comments?

I'll revise my report

and submit it to the board.

Eric,

I trust your work capabilities.

But I also hope that you hold nothing back from us.

Ms. Zhang said

you were planning to acquire Xing'anli.

I'm very interested.

Here's the thing.

Ms. Zhang has employed

some illegitimate tactics against Xing'anli,

which made their current leader strongly against the idea

of collaboration.

It takes time to persuade her.

Given your work capabilities,

one month should be enough.

Don't let me down.

Ms. Zhang really loves playing dirty, doesn't she?

She instigated Amber to give you the order.

It puts you in an awkward position.

Seriously.

Should we tell Mai Chenghuan

about it?

No need.

Tell me.

Xing'anli and Mai Chenghuan.

Which one do you choose?

What would happen if I moved into that western-style house?

What are you up to now?

May I ask how you manage to be...

so calm?

I brought your package in.

Thank you, Mr. Cui.

(Wish you great success.)

(Xing'anli Garden Hotel Planning)

For the Xing'anli Hotel Group

located at the intersection of Jianhua South Road

and Fuyang Road in Xuhui District,

the property rights will be transferred

to Mai Chenghuan,

and owned by Mai Chenghuan.

But if all of this comes at the cost of your health,

I will give it up.

I seem to find something new from you,

which has never been found.

What is it?

Human touch.

(Xing'anli Garden Hotel Planning)

Come on in, Mrs. Wang.

Yu, your house is awe-inspiring.

I'm really impressed.

And this garden

could fit two dance troupes.

Such a garden and such a house

are rare even in Shanghai.

Yeah.

Look over there.

It's all connected.

That's enough with the garden.

Remember what I told you.

Find us some outstanding young men.

Those lads you introduced us are not worthy of my daughter.

It's hard for outstanding young ladies to find a match.

Think about it the other way around.

Huan doesn't have to worry about money now.

But she is busy with work.

How about finding someone attentive to take care of her?

He must be attentive.

But his career matters too.

Career matters.

I get it.

- Mom. - I won't forget.

Mrs. Wang.

Huan, you're back.

Yeah.

Mrs. Wang, hurry up.

Come on in, Mrs. Wang.

Come on in. Have some fruit.

No, thanks. I'm going home to cook.

You enjoy the fruits.

- Come on. - See you.

See you around.

Goodbye, Mrs. Wang.

Goodbye.

Visit us again.

See you.

You didn't even come in.

You didn't have to buy so much fruit.

And they're expensive.

Don't waste money on us.

These are not expensive. I got them on sale.

We're doing much better now.

Don't be so frugal.

Have whatever you want.

Come on.

Where is your luggage?

I didn't come

to stay here.

I want to talk to you about renting a place.

Renting a place? You...

Y-You still

want us to move.

Yeah.

Didn't we talk about it?

This house belongs to Yao Zhiming.

We can't go on living here.

Buying a house isn't an easy decision to make.

So

I've found a few short-term rentals

before buying a house.

Once you choose a place,

I'll buy it for you.

How much

does it cost to rent a house

with a garden in Shanghai?

- Why would you waste money like that? - Huan, you're back.

Dad.

Why don't you go inside?

Don't get so excited.

She didn't come back to stay.

She came to make us move out.

Well...

We have to move out.

Right, Yu.

Mr. Yao is moving back in today.

Look.

Hello, there.

Mr. Yao is coming back to stay.

He likes to be alone.

Let's not bother him.

Take a look.

No, Huan, that's not what I meant.

I do want to move back in,

but I'm not asking Mr. Mai and Mrs. Mai to move out.

We have plenty of rooms here.

You can stay as long as you like.

It's alright.

Really?

Listen, you heard what Mr. Yao said.

Thank you, Mr. Yao.

I can do some cleaning

since I'm around

to keep the place clean.

Yeah, Huan, I think Mrs. Mai is right.

Let them stay.

Well, Mr. Yao.

I'll take your luggage in.

Thank you.

I'm going to wash some fruit.

Come in for some fruit.

- Come on. - Okay.

Thanks.

Don't mention it.

Come on in.

- Come in. - Yao, take a seat.

I'll wash the fruit.

Mai, make some tea.

Alright.

Mom, forget it.

Mr. Yao is moving in.

Tidy up the master bedroom

for Mr. Yao first.

Right.

But...

I kept the master bedroom for you.

It's full of your stuff.

How can you...

It's no problem, Mrs. Mai.

I can stay in any room.

Any room will do.

Any room? There is the attic.

That's inappropriate, right?

How about this?

Your dad and I will move out of the second bedroom

and let Mr. Yao stay, okay?

We'll move to the attic.

No need.

I'll live in the attic.

It'd be too much trouble for you to go up and down.

It's inconvenient.

That's inappropriate, Mr. Yao.

It's okay.

Okay, thank you.

Mom. It's Mr. Yao's house.

Now that he's moving in,

how can we let him live in the attic?

Sorry, Mr. Yao.

Anyway, I won't be living here.

I will pack up my things and put them in the attic.

You can move in today.

But you'll have to move here.

It's not my decision to make.

He lent us his house for transition.

He's helping us.

Dad, here are the rental listings.

Pick one with my mom.

Hurry up and move out

to not trouble Mr. Yao.

Okay, I got it.

I see.

You just want me

to move out anyway.

Huan.

Mom.

I'm reasoning with you now.

Alright, Chenghuan.

Come out for a second.

Say no more. Stop arguing.

Come on.

Sorry, we troubled you again.

I'll persuade my mom to move out as soon as possible.

It's okay.

Moving out is such a hassle.

Why don't you move in too?

Wouldn't that be better?

You know my mom.

She's always making a fuss.

And you are used to living alone.

You won't get along with her.

You won't enjoy living like that.

Stray cats aren't born wanting to be strays.

How do you know I won't like it?

Alright, hurry home, stray cat.

I'm off.

Even though Mr. Yao moved back,

he didn't fight us for rooms.

He let us stay.

So stop being mad.

Right?

Here is the rental listing Huan brought back.

This one looks fine. Take a look.

No.

Take a look.

No.

Dad.

What's wrong with Mom?

Who's made her angry again?

Mr. Yao moved back.

Your sister said

that since he moved back,

we should move out soon.

So she got upset.

Mom.

This house belongs to Zhiming.

If he wants to move back,

then it's quite reasonable

that my sister asks us to leave.

Exactly.

Exactly what?

Mr. Yao let us stay

because he was polite.

We shouldn't overstay our welcome

just because he is nice.

It'd be taking advantage of him.

How am I taking advantage of him?

I'm taking advantage of him?

Let's talk facts and reason, okay?

We've paid the rent for this house.

Right?

Say yes.

Yes.

Yao Zhiming agreed

for us to live here.

Right?

Yes.

Alright then.

What else do we need?

I don't know what got into...

Sorry.

I don't know what got into your sister.

Mom.

Stop it there.

Be the judge. Who's wrong here?

We are all family.

Why must we distinguish that?

My sister has some issues to deal with.

You can't tell, right? You decide.

Be the judge. Who's wrong here?

Hasn't Zao answered you?

Why should a family talk about right and wrong?

Well, Huan

has her issues to deal with.

Whose side are you two on after all?

Whose side?

Come on, Mom.

I-I have an idea.

How about I move out

to accompany my sister?

Zao.

You don't want to live here, either?

No, Mom, that's not what I mean.

We can change our approach.

What approach?

I can stay with my sister for a couple of days

and mediate the whole thing,

so that our family can reunite sooner.

Right?

Good idea.

It sounds

like a plan.

Listen, Zao.

Keep an eye

on your sister.

No, wait.

Scrutinize her words and actions.

Report to me if anything comes up.

I can tell you what to do next

at the first opportunity.

You can count on me.

Okay.

Huan.

Zao.

Wait a minute.

Why are you carrying luggage?

I'm moving here.

Don't talk nonsense. Hurry back.

I'm not talking nonsense.

I've heard about what happened.

I was planning to rent a place

for us all

and move over there.

I'll also live there

and have a good talk with Mom.

Look what happened.

I'll have to make the hotel my home from now on.

Huan, I know you want to stick to principles,

but you're caught in a dilemma.

Although I can't be of much help,

I can't stand by and watch you

suffer all alone.

It's okay. I'm fine.

After all, this is between Mom and me.

I don't want to drag you into this.

Rest assured. I haven't been fanning the flames.

I told Mom I'd try to persuade you.

That's what you told her?

With so much luggage? Do you think she is foolish?

Mom allowed me to stay with you for a couple of days.

Really?

Of course. Otherwise, how could I have come out?

Besides,

I've had enough of being like an only child.

I'd like to be free for a while.

Alright, I'm hungry.

Treat me to dinner.

Why are you so stubborn?

Get me something tasty.

Zao.

You didn't need to move out.

Huan.

Mom doesn't want to move,

and Dad has to take care of her.

As your brother, I have to make a stand.

Besides,

we can't depend on Zhiming like that.

Zao.

You're suffering because of me.

Why don't I

get a guest room for you?

No need.

The guest rooms are for business.

If you can live in a dorm, why can't I?

Let's go.

Hello, Miss Mai.

This is Mai Chengzao,

my younger brother.

He will be staying in the staff dorm for a few days.

This is the head of our concierge department,

Liao Gang.

Hello, sorry for the inconvenience.

Hello.

Miss Mai, we welcome your family to supervise our work.

I must hurry to tell the others.

We won't dare

to be late for work from now on.

I'm heading up.

Huan, he...

It's okay. That's how he talks. Just ignore him.

Zao, I've been thinking.

Mom refuses to move out.

Our apartment isn't relocated.

We might as well

just buy a new house.

Take them

to see apartments when you're free.

Rest assured. Leave it to me.

Let me show you the dorm.

This way.

Hello, sir, good evening.

How's life in that house?

What's going on? Why are you in the attic?

Are you trying to be Cinderella?

Where's the pumpkin carriage?

It's quiet up here in the attic.

You went to join the bustle. And you care to be left alone?

Is the mother-in-law hard to please?

I'm seeking tranquility amid the chaos, okay?

Mai.

Listen.

I think there is noise downstairs.

Is it a rat?

Could it be a thief?

He came last night.

Now he wants to slip away.

Good morning, Mr. Yao.

Morning, Mr. Mai and Mrs. Mai.

Morning.

So it was you who were making all those rustling noises.

I asked He Dong to prepare you breakfast.

Have a taste.

These are

for us?

I'll be living with you.

It's my gesture.

This is too extravagant.

You don't have to do that.

We're taking advantage of you

by staying in your house.

And you... We...

Huan will scold us.

No way, Mrs. Mai.

It's just a breakfast.

Help yourselves.

Don't eat.

Why is he so nice to us?

He's letting us stay

and offering a luxurious breakfast.

Do you know what he's thinking?

It's okay.

Mr. Yao has always been nice to me.

No.

One should not harbor ill intentions,

but should guard against others.

Right?

So we're not eating? What a waste.

The daily turnover of the restaurant

has decreased by 40 percent within a month.

The guest rooms are half occupied as usual.

During the off-season,

it's tough

to increase the turnover

through walk-in customers.

We can't rely solely on walk-in customers.

We need to aim

at large-scale business events.

This is the fastest and most direct way.

Mr. Cui, I was

in charge of the client sources back in Yueda.

I'll figure something out

and take care of that.

But,

we've never held large-scale business events.

I know your concerns.

But Xing'anli can't play it safe now.

We must expand.

So we must make an extra effort.

Mr. Cui.

I'll send you the training plan once it's drafted.

Please train

all the employees.

Okay.

Sherry, it's me.

I need a favor.

I know you have many clients.

Is there any business event

Botticelli wouldn't take on?

Can you pull some strings?

My sister says we don't need to live

under others' charity because we have money.

I've sent you some property information.

See if you like some places.

My sister said she'd pay for it.

(From Zao)

This is not bad.

I have a good daughter.

Look at this.

This child...

This child is quite fine.

So silly.

Why did he get so much carbohydrate?

How can we finish them?

It's quite tasty.

It's just too sweet.

He doesn't get it. I'll teach him properly.

Sweet things are not good for the elderly.

A liquor company wants

to collaborate with us.

When do you have time?

Let's schedule a meeting.

Okay, next week.

I'll make an appointment.

Where are you going? Are you getting off work?

Do you enjoy working overtime?

No, I don't.

I just don't know what to do if I get off work so early.

Remember that yoga instructor the last time

we video-chatted?

Let's go get stretched.

No, thanks.

Where are you going?

Go home for dinner.

Go home for dinner?

Hello, Mr. Zhang, is the salmon I ordered ready?

Okay, I'm getting it now.

I'm quite embarrassed.

We live in your house

and make you pay for food.

I made

all these special dishes.

Try them.

Yu.

Mr. Yao bought the salmon for us.

You bought salmon?

Do you prefer the steamed or braised one?

Mr. Mai, this fish is best eaten raw.

I've heard of it. Eaten raw.

For sure I've heard of it.

But I don't eat raw things.

I-I'm scared of bacteria.

Mrs. Mai, rest assured.

This is air-freighted New Zealand king salmon

from the purest waters.

It's very safe.

Rest assured.

It may have bacteria even if it's clean.

After all, it's raw.

It's not as good as our dish.

You see, it's braised.

And it's a bit spicy with all these ingredients.

Stinky mandarin fish.

Stinky mandarin fish.

Traditional cuisine.

This is traditional Chinese cuisine.

This is...

Yeah, I've heard of that.

But Mrs. Mai, you shouldn't have too much food

that has been pickled or fermented

for a long time.

It's bad for your health and can cause cancer.

Oh, come on. It may cause cancer?

I've been having it for decades.

And I'm fine, look.

Mai has been having it for decades too.

Tasty, huh?

- Alright. I am fine. - See? Alright. He's fine.

Yao, I bet you haven't tried it before.

It smells good. Let me get you a piece.

Give it a try.

It may be stinky but it tastes good.

Come on, try it.

Mrs. Mai, just leave it there.

You must try it.

Okay.

It's good. Traditional cuisine.

Mrs. Mai, try the sashimi.

I...

Here.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Well...

Let me try it.

What are you doing?

Have a taste.

- Dig in. - Try it.

Give it a try.

Well...

This is surprising.

A company leader like him

works quite efficiently.

Look how he's doing the dishes.

He came back from abroad.

Youngsters who have studied abroad

have great living skills.

I find it quite suspicious.

Was the salmon good?

Yeah, I had six pieces.

I'll buy it for you more.

It's expensive. No big deal.

He's washing dishes there.

Is it inappropriate for us to sit here?

It's fine.

Let's go for a walk.

Yao, we're going for a walk.

Okay.

Thank you.

No problem.

Rest early once you're done.

Okay.

Have some tea. Ms. Zheng will be here shortly.

Thank you.

I know time is tight and it's hard to book a hotel.

But it is

a special day for me and my husband.

Yeah, the wedding date can't be changed.

Try a bit harder.

Sorry, Miss Mai.

Some personal matters got me delayed.

It's okay.

I just heard you're getting married.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Ms. Zheng. I'll be outside.

Okay.

I have read the proposal

you sent over.

I can see your sincerity.

So let me cut to the chase.

I prefer a bigger brand

that is more experienced

in holding business events.

I get it, Ms. Zheng.

For this business event,

we have conducted

comprehensive training for all the staff members.

You don't need to worry about the quality of service.

I know.

Mingwei Daily Chemicals is an established company in Shanghai,

with a profound corporate culture.

Taking that into account,

we complemented the plan.

Please take a look.

Meanwhile, we've reduced

the price

by another 10 percent.

But rest assured.

We'll still offer

the best service at that price.

If there is anything...

Ms. Zheng, Mr. Yao from Botticelli is here.

Mr. Yao, what brings you here?

Welcome.

Long time no see.

Indeed.

Ms. Zheng, go ahead and talk.

I'll wait for your update.

Okay. Thank you for making the trip.

No problem.

Go ahead.

Come on, Mr. Yao, take a seat.

Let's have tea

and discuss our collaboration.

Alright.

Chenghuan.

Headquarters assigned Mr. Yao an important task.

We must secure all the deals in the market.

It's okay, Sherry, thank you.

So what's your plan?

Move on to the next client.

We may have lost Ms. Zheng,

but we still have Ms. Zhang or Ms. Li.

Okay, that's it.

You are both related to Ms. Chen.

How can Mr. Yao not show any consideration?

It's understandable.

He's also under pressure.

Chenghuan, Botticelli is a foreign-funded

five-star hotel.

We can't compete with them

in holding business events.

Mr. Cui.

We have no advantage in regular business events.

Could there be hope

if we offer something unique?

Unique?

What do you mean?

I'll think it over.

Go ahead with what you're doing.

Okay.

Miss Mai.

Mr. Yao, you ordered so much

to contribute to the revenue of Xing'anli?

Yeah.

Give me a chance to apologize.

It's no big deal.

It's a fair competition. I'm not petty.

But since it's your treat,

I won't pass up a free meal.

I suddenly remembered

what my grandma once told me.

Don't eat alone.

I didn't get it.

But I think I began to get it

after my grandma passed away.

What did you get?

Eating alone is surviving.

Eating with someone is living.

I didn't expect

that you'd have such an understanding of life.

So?

Do you have any plans

for Xing'anli?

Actually, I've been thinking.

Xing'anli is disadvantaged

in holding

business events.

But our strong point

is our local characteristics.

I've considered hosting weddings,

but the competition is too fierce.

We might not outperform others.

How do you know if you don't try?

Who knows?

Xing'anli has a unique style.

Shanghai-style weddings?

That may work.

It is an option.

Mr. Yao, it's you.

I thought it was my wife.

Mr. Mai.

Are you secretly drinking again?

She's gone dancing.

I'm alone here.

Actually, I think she only

verbally forbids you from drinking.

You don't need to hide it.

This is

a subtle matter about marital relations.

Would you like to hear about it?

I'm all ears.

Drinking is unhealthy.

So, your auntie doesn't let me drink.

But then, she turns a blind eye to it

and lets me drink a little.

Why is that?

Why?

Because of love.

You see, drinking is unhealthy.

Drinking too much is bad for health.

But she knows I like to drink.

Drinking makes me happy.

So, she turns a blind eye to it

and lets me drink a little.

Isn't this love?

So, you have to drink behind her back.

Drinking openly right in front of her

would be taking advantage of her love

and hurting her feelings, right?

Impressive, Mr. Yao.

You're really clever.

Let me tell you.

No matter whether

she allows me to drink or forbids it,

she means well.

Right?

So,

I listen to her in everything.

It seems

that Mrs. Mai has completed

a thorough brainwashing on you,

so that you convince yourself before doing anything.

Mr. Yao, you're making fun of me.

No.

Mr. Mai, I think

you are truly wise.

I should learn more from you.

You flatter me.

♪My sweetie♪

♪I don't know if I'm a good mother♪

♪It's my first time being a mother♪

♪Though the years have turned my hair white♪

♪I'm too busy to have meals on time, but that's not my fault♪

♪It will make me feel guilty to let you know about it♪

♪I know you care about me♪

♪But it makes me feel like I've never been trusted♪

♪Those carefree people can't be mothers♪

♪I know it all, but it breaks my heart♪

♪Please let me pursue the life that belongs to me♪

♪I'm as brave and kind as you, so I'm not afraid♪

♪One day, you will also become a mother♪

♪Will we embrace each other on that day♪

♪Like a stream traveling around the world♪

♪And returning to where it came from♪

♪I hope you are loved♪

♪I hope you find happiness♪

♪I hope I can shelter you from the storms♪

♪I know that we argue sometimes♪

♪I know that people will grow old♪

♪So we must say I love you out loud♪

- ♪My mother watched me out of sight♪ - ♪Are you nearly home♪

- ♪My memories became so intense♪ - ♪The door is open♪

♪Through the gentle times♪

♪Wherever you are is my home♪

♪Come back home♪

♪My sweetie♪

♪Please believe in yourself♪