Original subtitles

=Best Choice Ever=

=Episode 23=

Ms. Zheng, the driver is already downstairs.

Alright, we're leaving right away.

Ms. Zheng, are you available right now?

I'm about to catch a flight. Is there something urgent?

May I take ten minutes of your time?

Then make it quick, please.

Ask the driver to wait for me.

Okay.

Sorry to take your time, Ms. Zheng.

Chenghuan, actually, I've made it clear on the phone.

This time our business cooperation

has already been settled with Botticelli.

How about we look for another chance in the future.

Ms. Zheng, my visit this time

is not for that.

Last time I overheard you on the phone,

saying there seemed to be some issues with the wedding venue and timing.

I wonder if the wedding venue has been decided.

Not yet. If it really doesn't work out, we'll have to reschedule.

Then would you consider our hotel?

You mean Xing'anli?

Yes.

Actually, I noticed during my last visit to your office

that you particularly like the Shanghai style, the retro style.

This matches the style of Xing'anli

perfectly.

So I was thinking maybe

you also appreciate this style for your wedding.

I do have a special fondness for this style.

So is my mother.

She likes the afternoon tea at Xing'anli.

That's great.

In fact, apart from accommodation and dining,

the garden in Xing'anli

was maintained by my grandma and her team

with years of dedicated care.

And the century-old Shikumen villa

at the back

is also very distinctive.

Most importantly,

there has never been a public wedding in Xing'anli.

If you are willing to,

you will be the first one

to host a wedding in Xing'anli.

Frankly speaking,

choosing the wedding hotel has been troubling me.

But, although I like the style of Xing'anli,

as a wedding venue, it still is...

Ms. Zheng,

I won't take any more of your time.

This is the wedding plan I've made specifically for you.

You can take a look on the way.

Then how about this?

When I return from business trip,

I'll visit Xing'anli.

That's great.

You are welcome in Xing'anli at any time.

What would you like to drink today?

Anything is fine.

Anything? Then let's have something simple. Americano?

Okay.

Okay.

Well,

the wedding of Ms. Zheng is just a one-time job, isn't it?

What's your plan after it's all finished?

Let me ask you something.

What comes to mind when you think of Capella?

Expensive.

When you think of the Peace Hotel, you think of history.

Then, when you think of Xing'anli,

what do you think of?

Weddings?

Exactly, weddings.

And a wedding brings not only the banquet,

but also accommodations and catering,

even many embedded brands.

Your idea is pretty good.

When I got married,

in such a big city as Shanghai,

I couldn't find a hotel that I was satisfied with.

Either the food was not made with care,

or it was full of overpriced dishes,

all flashy and ostentatious.

Then there was the venue, decorated in a particularly tacky manner,

seeming quite cramped.

It wouldn't do.

So, what I'm doing

is a small opening with a grand vision.

I want to make the first big splash for weddings at Xing'anli.

In the future,

as soon as the locals think of weddings,

the first hotel that'll come to mind will be my Xing'anli.

I think that'll work.

There's not much I can help you here,

but I can certainly provide enough coffee.

How come you can't help me?

You can offer me some practical help.

What kind of practical help?

Your hands.

Mao,

I promised Ms. Zheng to make

a comprehensive customized plan for her.

As you know,

the jewelry accessories for the wedding dress are important.

Ms. Zheng likes independent brands.

The clothes she wears

are some botanical brands we've never heard of.

And her husband is an artist.

I think big brands

mostly wouldn't catch their eye.

Now I can only rely on you, Mao.

Got it. It seems like I have to do it.

Alright, leave it to me.

When is the deadline?

No rush. I'll come get it tomorrow.

Tomorrow?

You really are my bestie.

Tomorrow?

Is that okay?

Alright.

Okay.

I knew it.

Mao, you are the best!

What is this? What did I draw?

That's not right.

I can't draw it.

What's wrong?

I don't have time to attend to you.

Make yourself at home.

What is this drawing?

Your sister took on a wedding customization,

and she handed the jewelry design over to me.

Tight deadline, heavy task.

I can't let her down, can I?

How should I draw it?

Stop drawing.

If I don't draw, will you?

Let's go.

Where to?

Change the environment and look for inspiration.

It's raining so heavily.

Did you bring me out to find inspiration or get drenched?

I want to go back.

Can you give me the time of one song?

This is my reserved song.

Especially good. Give it a try.

I'll do it myself.

Wait a moment.

Not bad.

Let's go.

♪Toward the foam of the night♪

Mai Chengzao,

you dare to...

Wait a minute.

What are you doing?

♪People are whispering♪

♪Neon lights flickering in your eyes♪

♪You become real as well♪

♪Passing by, the sycamore trees are in bloom♪

♪Listening to Mozart's A major♪

♪Crowds brush past♪

♪The city circulates a beautiful legend♪

♪It's just that the flavor is also tart♪

♪Yet the heart is sweet♪

♪A faint light gently falls upon the ripples of time♪

Mao, I...

Well,

it's raining heavily. You should go home early.

I'm going in.

♪The sound of someone slowly approaching♪

♪Heals all the past sorrows♪

(Mao,)

(since the moment I saw you,)

I liked you.

Will you let me be

the one who can protect you?

(If you come to harass her again,)

(I'll stake my career)

to ensure you're disgraced.

♪The starlight guards the figure returning late♪

Mao, I brought you ginger tea.

Ms. Zheng, this is our lawn garden.

If you are willing to,

your wedding can be held here when the time comes.

Huan.

It's pretty good.

You've come just in time.

Ms. Zheng, let me introduce to you.

This is my friend, Mao Yongxin.

- Hello, Ms. Zheng. - She's a jewelry designer.

She has her own independent brand.

I asked her

to design your wedding jewelry.

Yes, Ms. Zheng. I must show you.

After Huan told me about you,

I think pearls should be chosen for the main ornament.

Please take a look.

Because pearls symbolize health

and pure love.

I'll embellish it with some diamonds

and platinum for the match.

When it's finished,

it will look even better.

Chenghuan,

the big event of my life

is in your hands now.

Ms. Zheng, you mean

you're entrusting your wedding to Xing'anli?

To be honest,

I've started to look forward to it.

Thank you, Ms. Zheng.

We will definitely not disappoint you.

Mr. Cui,

please take Ms. Zheng to our kitchen

and select some of our signature afternoon tea treats.

You can have a taste on your way back.

Please tell me which one you like.

Then we can use that for the wedding.

You really understand me.

I hate wasting time the most.

Ms. Zheng, this way please.

Thank you.

She likes it.

The first order.

We made it.

We are awesome.

I think

Ms. Zheng quite likes the jewelry you designed.

Are you kidding? Don't I do the best independent designs?

Zao.

Why are you here? Didn't you go to work?

Well,

it's your big day.

I came to cheer you on.

Wait a second.

What's up with your hair?

Why have the same style as Yao Zhiming?

Where did you get it?

Stop. I went to see a client today.

That's very important. So I tidied up a bit.

Really? What kind of client?

Well, Huan, why don't you go ahead and get busy?

It's okay. I'm not busy.

It's fine. You can go ahead.

I'm really not busy.

Not busy?

Really not busy.

I am busy.

Yes, I am busy.

I'll go check on the dining hall.

I'll go with you.

No need. Stay here.

Zao, take good care of Mao.

See you.

You actually came here?

What if your sister finds out?

She'll know as she does.

She'll know sooner or later anyway.

Let's go. Come on.

What is this?

Open it and see for yourself.

Well,

Chenghuan really has something in her mind.

(Xing'anli Hotel Wedding Invitation)

When she can't compete in business reception,

she quickly secured Ms. Zheng's wedding.

Just something she would do.

Don't worry what she'd do.

What now? Are you going to the wedding?

Of course. It's a joyous event.

What about the cash gift?

Of course, it's on you.

Why did I bother to ask?

It's really nice.

Ms. Zheng, the jewelry really suits you.

It looks really beautiful when paired this way.

Thank you, Chenghuan.

It is truly memorable today. I'm very happy.

As long as you're satisfied.

If you're ready,

we can now head to the lawn.

Then let's go.

This way.

Let's go.

Mr. Cui, the bride has gone to the lawn.

Please prepare the cold dishes. They can be served now.

I'm going down right now.

Congratulations.

You're late with the congratulations. The bride has already left.

It's you I'm congratulating.

Precise differentiation.

Your mind works fast, doesn't it?

If you're congratulating me, shouldn't you show it somehow?

Sure.

Then I'll treat you to meals more often in the future.

Okay.

Speaking of meals, I have to thank you.

Thanks to the meal you treated me to last time.

It gave me a great idea.

I never thought that the lawn at Xing'anli

could look like this.

If Grandma could see it,

she would definitely be happy.

Yes, indeed.

I heard from Sherry,

your boss gave you a very important task.

It's related to Xing'anli, right?

I can manage it.

If it really is related to Xing'anli,

don't worry about me.

Just be at ease and do your job well.

Why are you taking photos of us?

Sorry, Miss Mai.

The lighting is quite good

and your outfits really match well,

so I couldn't help but take a photo.

Is that so?

Let us have a look.

Everyone, you can stop what you're doing.

Take a break and have some watermelon.

Come on.

It's for everyone.

Come on, it's time for watermelon.

Miss Mai's brought watermelon.

Come on, everyone can enjoy it.

- Thank you, Miss Mai. - Come on.

- Thank you, Miss Mai. - Not at all. It's for everyone.

Come on, it's time for watermelon.

Come on. Have some watermelon.

There's more.

Eat up. There's more.

Have some more.

The guests have left. Why are you still here?

I want some watermelon too.

I'll cut another one for you.

Mr. Cui, let me do it. You can have a rest.

Watch your hands.

Want some watermelon?

Why aren't you eating? Do you dislike my knife skills?

Or you think this one isn't tasty?

No, that's not it.

I'm just curious about something.

When you eat watermelon,

do you always start with the middle part?

Of course, how else would you eat it?

The middle part is the sweetest,

and it's a ritual in eating watermelon.

When I was young,

my dad would bring home a big watermelon.

Then my mom would cut it from the middle,

half each for my brother and me.

We would eat until our bellies got so big.

When I was little,

if I started with the middle of the watermelon,

I would get a beating

and be called selfish.

But now,

it's different.

Someone else will prepare it

and bring it over to me.

Now, no one calls you selfish anymore. Go ahead and eat.

Is it sweet?

Help yourself.

It's really sweet.

Why do you keep shooting from the same angle?

I want to see if it's good.

Later.

- Let me see. - Nope.

Great photographer, you've worked hard today.

Come on.

Tasty.

I'll have one myself.

I spilled it on my shoe.

Stop.

I'm all flustered.

Aren't these accessories mainly for everyday wear?

It's pretty nice.

Really? Are you serious?

Really.

Let me see.

It looks quite natural.

Not bad, right?

It's good.

Huan.

Tired, aren't you?

I'm fine.

Where's Mao? Why didn't she come today?

She took on a job and was quite in a hurry.

I had no idea about it.

You know better than I do now.

Huan, did the wedding go well today?

Quite well.

Your hairstyle today...

Met clients again?

Yes, exactly.

The same one as last time.

Pretty good.

By the way, Huan.

You mentioned that house you went to check on last time.

Mom and Dad liked it a lot.

But Mom still wants to ask you in person

what kind of layout they should choose.

I'm okay with any. Let them decide.

If they like it, just buy it.

So they can be at ease sooner.

Okay.

Then, Huan, you get some rest. I'm leaving.

Zao,

actually I wanted to tell you.

You're handsome with this hairstyle.

Keep it up.

Laitian,

time to go.

Still making tea? Come on.

Get changed. We need to go now.

I'll make you some black tea.

Shouldn't we go in the afternoon?

It's still early now.

Let's go early.

What if others buy it first?

Hurry, hurry.

You can drink it when you come back.

- Mr. Mai, Mrs. Mai. - This...

Morning.

Yao,

I want to tell you something.

Today, we

are planning to buy an apartment.

If we choose the right one,

we might move out of here.

Then we won't have to trouble you anymore.

Here's the situation.

Huan is providing the money

to help us buy a place downtown.

Mr. Yao,

in the past few days,

we really caused you trouble.

Thank you.

Don't mention it.

Hurry up.

Turn it off. You can drink it when you come back.

- This is... - Turn it off.

It's always at a crucial moment...

In today's brief morning meeting,

I want to say a few words to everyone.

Through everyone's concerted efforts these days,

our wedding debut

was very successful.

Thank you all.

I believe you all have guessed already

that we will develop the wedding business in the future.

Therefore, your current positions

as well as responsibilities

will all undergo corresponding changes.

Later, I will select an on-site wedding planning company

to help us become more standardized.

So currently,

the wedding department

will be temporarily managed by Mr. Cui.

Next, you can volunteer yourselves

to take on this challenge.

Does anyone want to give it a try?

Well...

Boss.

Liao Gang, do you want to give it a try?

I want to resign.

Resign?

- Boss. - Boss.

- Us too. - Us too.

Liao Gang, what nonsense are you talking about?

And you two. What are you doing?

I'd like to hear your reasons.

Then

I'll be frank.

This wedding customization business

is highly volatile.

In the end,

it may not be profitable.

We were doing well working at the hotel originally.

And now?

Just like an old ox,

- Right. - having to work overtime every day.

Not to mention the heavy workload,

the salary is still the same as before.

Exactly.

You mentioned

the bonus.

I've inquired about it too.

It seems we won't get it until the end of the year.

We can't wait that long.

So we want to resign.

No problem, right?

Exactly.

Indeed, there is no bonus yet.

Now we even lost our days off in lieu.

Right?

A lot of work for little pay. What's the point?

We won't make money at the cost of our lives.

Exactly.

Isn't it?

How do we do it?

Okay, no problem at all.

This industry

is inherently free and transparent.

If anyone wants to leave,

I will not stop you.

I believe in the potential of Xing'anli.

I also believe that the remaining colleagues

share the same thoughts as me.

We are comrade-in-arms.

When faced with issues,

we can discuss and solve them together.

We won't quit easily.

We've just fought a very beautiful battle

and found out footing.

The most difficult times have passed.

Next,

in your salaries,

you will see my commitment.

For those who want to leave,

if you have a better place to go,

I'll gladly part with you.

I also wish you

better development than at Xing'anli.

So much for the meeting. We're dismissed.

Gang, what should we do?

Chenghuan.

Mr. Cui, it's okay. You don't need to comfort me.

I understand it all.

Actually they don't really want to leave.

They are just questioning me.

But I also know that the matter of salaries

must be put on the agenda immediately.

After all, for us,

the most crucial thing now is to keep our crew.

Although the poisoning incident has been clarified,

it still caused some impact

on our guests,

leading to our income last month

not being as good as before.

The first wedding

was also earning a reputation at a loss,

just to make a bit of a name.

As for the next investments,

we've just taken out another loan from the bank.

But where can we

get so much money in a short term?

Mr. Cui.

I can fill the public account with the money

for our new apartment.

No, this won't do.

You're taking the money for your apartment

to raise our pay.

I'm absolutely against it.

It's because I didn't manage my team well.

I should take the blame.

Mr. Cui, don't say that.

Since I've already taken over from Grandma

to manage Xing'anli,

it's my responsibility.

I must face it,

and must also solve this issue.

Mr. Cui, don't worry. Let's think of a solution together.

Mr. Yao, this is Cui.

Although I am an employee of the hotel,

I'm still your elder, after all.

I venture to give you a piece of advice.

As for the ownership of Xing'anli,

even if you are dissatisfied,

it was Ms. Chen's decision.

You have to accept it.

Could you not press Chenghuan too hard?

What's the matter?

You're relentlessly pursuing Xing'anli,

and the employees here are clamoring for a raise.

Chenghuan plans to pay everyone's salaries

with the money for her apartment.

I got it.

(Today, we are planning to buy an apartment.)

If we choose the right one,

we won't have to trouble you anymore.

Huan is providing the money

to help us buy a place downtown.

Where are you going, Mr. Yao?

This is our main type of house model.

Is your sister really not coming today?

Mom,

Huan is really busy with work.

She can't make the time these days.

But she said,

if you find something you like,

go ahead and make the decision.

She has no objections.

Well...

She must be busy.

It's fine if she can't come, as long as we feel her good intentions.

Hello, Huan.

Zao,

I want to tell you something.

Has something happened to Xing'anli?

Nothing has happened. It's just that...

Xing'anli has recently encountered some financial issues.

Could you discuss with Mom and Dad

and see if we can postpone buying the apartment?

I know Mom and Dad would definitely be disappointed.

Right now,

I indeed am facing some difficulties.

But tell them

I will definitely help them buy an apartment later.

Once I deal with these matters at hand,

I will explain it to them when I get home.

Huan, I know you.

You must have your difficulties,

right?

As for Mom and Dad,

don't worry, I'll talk to them.

Thank you, Zao.

Why? Why not buy it then?

She didn't even give us any reason.

Look at her now.

She won't come.

She doesn't consult me about anything.

I thought if we bought an apartment,

you all could come back home.

Well, that's fallen through again.

Wanyu, Huan must have her difficulties.

We need to understand and respect her.

Haven't I respected her enough?

She changes her mind every day.

Today, we can't buy the apartment.

Tomorrow, the old house is not available.

Always making me anxious. I can't even sleep well.

Mom, I also asked Huan.

But she also said,

it's not that we wouldn't buy it.

We'll just buy it later.

She didn't say not to.

Who can still believe her?

I'm telling you,

I don't want to rent an apartment.

I don't want it.

I'm not going anywhere.

I'll go back to my old house.

Let the rice cooker explode again.

Let the fridge leak again.

- Mrs. Mai. - Let my feet...

Mr. Mai.

What are you doing here?

I came to pick you up.

The rent you paid hasn't expired yet.

Then just stay there for now. We can talk about other things later.

Let's go. We're going home.

Okay.

Let's go.

Thank you.

And room cleaning.

I've mentioned it many times before.

- Our towels need to be sorted out... - Huan.

You can go ahead.

How is it, Zao? Are Mom and Dad okay?

Mom and Dad have been settled in.

I want to ask you,

what exactly happened at Xing'anli?

There's nothing to worry about.

It's just that right now,

it's hard to have the best of both.

Don't I know you well?

If you had other choices,

you definitely wouldn't do this.

By the way,

Yao Zhiming came to pick up Mom and Dad.

He even made sure they'd live in that old house.

Yao Zhiming?

Why did he go there?

I don't know.

But he came just in time.

Yao Zhiming

keeps helping us over and over again.

Does he have feelings...

You have been quite talkative lately.

Have you eaten? If not, I'll take you to the dining hall.

Let's go.

Haven't gone to bed yet?

Is it because of the apartment?

Are you still angry?

I believe

Huan must have her difficulties.

She must have encountered some issue.

Perhaps Xing'anli

is just waiting to use the money.

You see,

as Huan's parents,

we should be more understanding of her.

Don't you think so?

If she has difficulties, she should tell me.

She doesn't tell me anything,

becoming more and more distant from me.

She's just afraid

that you'd worry about her.

Besides,

even if she told you, you couldn't conjure up the money

to help her.

I can't indeed.

But if we move out,

we still need a place to live, right?

So we would have to rent a place.

That requires money for the rent,

and the agency fees.

Isn't that another large sum of money?

Doesn't that mean we're even less able to move out?

But

Yao really surprised me.

Actually, he's a pretty good kid.

Yes.

He's just a boy, alone.

Actually, it's not easy for him.

Quite pitiful.

Let's be nicer to him.

Mom,

I want to talk to you about our new house.

You scared me to death.

You could have just greeted me. Why did you poke me?

What are you doing here? Why aren't you going inside?

I'm just

strolling around.

And you?

You just came back from running?

I heard from Zao today.

Why did you suddenly go to the sales office?

Mr. Cui called me

and complained to me a lot.

Mr. Cui, he really shouldn't have...

You don't have to worry.

This...

Just pretend he never called you.

Don't worry,

I will definitely come up with a better solution

to get my parents to move out as soon as possible.

It's okay.

Do you think taking over Xing'anli

and having your parents live in my house

would be too much?

I just feel

people like me

who just got a sudden windfall

shouldn't repeatedly

accept help from others.

But Tang Sanzang

also needs Sun Wukong to help fight monsters.

This analogy you're making...

So that makes you a monkey?

If you prefer, I can be Zhu Bajie?

Zhu Bajie does resemble you.

Alright, no more joking around.

Thank you for today.

This is our newly developed milk tea from Xing'anli.

Consider it a thank-you gift.

I don't want it.

Why? You dislike it?

Yep.

How would I know if it's for your mom or for me?

Then how should I thank you?

Tomorrow, come fishing with me.

Fishing with you?

I didn't quite understand the guidebook you gave me last time.

I need you to personally instruct me on-site.

How am I supposed to instruct you?

I bought that book online.

Well, I don't care.

I'll pick you up at nine o'clock tomorrow morning.

(Miss Mai.)

(The photos I took last time are ready. I will send them to you.)

Mao.

Hello, Huan. What's up?

Yao Zhiming

has asked me to go fishing with him tomorrow.

That's quite a move.

He's trying to win you over.

So, are you going?

I'll go. Why not?

I really want to see

what big moves he still has up his sleeve.

Tell me if you need anything.

Mrs. Mai.

What are you doing here?

I'm waiting for you.

Waiting for me?

Thank you for being so generous today

and for letting us stay in this house.

There's no need to thank me. It's only right.

Shall we add each other on WeChat?

WeChat?

Yes. If we add each other on WeChat,

you can tell me what you like to eat

and what you need at home

in advance.

And I'll have it all sorted before you come back.

Okay, but I don't have my phone with me right now.

I'll have Mr. Mai forward it to you in a bit.

Okay.

I also wanted to ask you

if you have a girlfriend.

I haven't considered that yet.

You should think about it. You're not getting any younger.

There's another benefit if we add each other on WeChat.

Do you know what it is?

What?

Make a guess.

After we add each other on WeChat,

I can send photos of good girls

to you to choose from.

You see if you like them.

- Mrs. Mai. - I'll...

Well...

Thank you, but I really don't need it.

Young man, it's time to consider about it.

Go to sleep early.

Okay.

Don't forget to approve my request.

I'm off to bed.

What's the matter? What are you looking at?

It's nothing.

Then let's go.

Let's go.

Huan.

Dad.

Huan.

Where are you guys going?

Zao, you're here too.

You...

It's weekend. Dad don't work today. I'm going fishing with Dad.

Mom isn't coming too, is she?

How would your mom go fishing?

Fear of sunburn.

Where are you going?

♪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♪