Original subtitles

=Best Choice Ever=

=Episode 25=

Stay here and calm down.

Such a temper at such a young age.

Leave any issues to us, the police.

I can't calm down even a bit.

Officer, this fraudster is outrageous.

He exploited my sympathy to commit fraud

and even had the audacity to extort me.

I'd have been deceived had I not been cautious.

People like him deserve to be taught a harsh lesson.

Sit down.

Officer, my head still hurts.

I'm a bit dizzy. It could be a concussion.

I need to go for a check-up.

Sure. I'll send you to the hospital to rid the people of harm.

After all, I'm loaded.

Zhang Ziyu.

Yao Zhiming.

Apply this to reduce the swelling. Use medication when you get back.

That punch didn't land well. So frustrating.

All right, isn't it enough that you've swollen his face?

You care about me so much.

I thought you were going to lecture me.

I'd lecture you, but there's a proper time for that.

Yao Zhiming, don't think of me as a child.

I'm already in college.

What should I think of you as?

Of course, as a charming, elegant, and mature woman.

What a bummer.

Where is she?

I called her. She's still in a meeting, so I came over first.

Okay, I see.

So I'll go with you.

I was your guardian abroad.

But we're back in China now. Go home and get some rest.

Where should I go?

Yao Zhiming, come back here.

What's the point of that?

The occupancy rate is still low.

The Marketing and Sales Department is starting to work with

other housing platforms

and has customized promotional strategies

to increase the occupancy rate.

What about the project? Won't you consult with that secretary?

I've had a meeting with his secretary

about these issues.

Wang, what do you say?

We're still awaiting feedback regarding

what we need support with.

Fine. Fire them if it doesn't work.

In fact, their team

didn't do so well in the past year.

- Follow up on it. - Okay.

What did his secretary say?

What is the feedback?

I've conveyed your thoughts.

What do you think we should do?

What...

Ms. Zhang...

Alright. Let's continue tomorrow.

Okay, Ms. Zhang.

It's not a holiday. Why are you back?

Yao Zhiming has come back.

I'm bored alone out there. So I've decided to drop out.

What do you mean?

How can you quit?

What are you going to do? You're only twenty years old.

I've already dropped out.

Right now, I'm a well-known travel blogger

with dozens of thousands of followers.

I can do whatever I want.

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

♪Warmth lights up a corner in my heart♪

♪The sound of someone slowly approaching♪

♪Heals all the past sorrows♪

♪Good night, good night, good night, good night♪

♪You lightened me♪

(Chenghuan)

(She must be asleep by now. Better not disturb her.)

♪The starlight guards the figure returning late♪

(There's light back home.)

(Partially visible, Chenghuan) ♪When you come closer to listen♪

(There's light back home.)

♪Let me be myself♪

(It's dark and dangerous out there.) ♪Peaceful and unrestrained♪

(It's dark and dangerous out there.)

♪You lightened me♪

(I went to help a little sister.)

♪Sweetie♪

Little sister.

(Okay, good night.)

(Good night.)

♪My sweetie♪

♪Good night, good night, good night, good night♪

♪You lightened me♪

♪Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry♪

♪Sweetie♪

♪Tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight♪

♪Be with me♪

♪Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry♪

♪My sweetie♪

Doublecheck the order. The sequence is wrong.

Mr. Cui, did you see it?

Please reply to me.

They have sent it to you.

Come on, dig in.

Yeah, this one is correct.

Carry it out accordingly.

Mom, leave it there. I'll eat later.

It'll affect your appetite if you work

during mealtime.

(Monthly sales revenue) Just a second.

It's okay. We'll talk once I get there.

Alright, I'll be there in a bit.

Mom.

Hurry up and dig in.

Weren't you always longing for the hometown dishes?

But you're not reading the Anhui Cuisine Cookbook I bought.

You usually have Shanghainese cuisine.

We only have stinky mandarin fish and a few other dishes.

What's there to learn?

But I like them. I'll have them if you make them.

Besides, when we're not home,

you can cook for yourself and Dad.

If I cook those, you must eat at home more often.

I don't have much appetite

when I eat alone at home. It doesn't matter what I eat.

Mom, why not utilize your cooking skills?

I'll set up a short video account for you.

You'll be a middle-aged chef vlogger. How about that?

Short videos? I don't know how to do that.

It's okay. I'll sign you up for the senior university.

There are lots of courses. It's quite fun.

Check it out. You might be interested.

Senior university? I can't do it.

You can. Just check it out.

Okay, I'll do as you say.

Great. Fantastic. Fabulous.

Huan, well...

Mrs. Zhou sent me a few photos some days ago.

Some of these young men look very promising.

Will you take a look?

Check them out. Look.

Especially this one. Look, he's good-looking.

Nice family background.

And he has a good character.

Okay, Mom. I have to go to work.

Everyone's waiting. I'm done here.

Wait, just take a look.

I'm running late, Mom.

Huan, going to work?

Yes, Dad. Bye.

She didn't eat?

She's back, but her mind is not here.

She's the owner of a big hotel now

with greater responsibilities.

Yao Zhiming is also out early and back late every day, isn't he?

Mai, why don't you drive our daughter around?

Me?

Yeah, I feel more at ease if you're by her side.

Yu, are you trying to make me

spy on our daughter?

How could you think that?

You're being paranoid.

Where's my breakfast?

Here. She didn't eat hers. Have it.

Fine, I'll have it.

Yeah, use your wrist. Draw W and M.

W, M, W, M, W.

Go back and forth.

W, M, W, M.

Wrist, W, W, M, wrist.

W, M, W, M, W, M, wrist.

W, M, W, M, W, M.

Yu, what are you doing?

I'm learning tea ceremony.

M, W.

It seems you've learned a lot

from the senior university that Huan signed you up for.

It's quite enriching.

They teach tea ceremony, baking,

(and editing. Short video editing. It's great.)

(Right, I will film a video)

(and edit it to show you.)

I could learn anything she signed me up for

except rock climbing.

Rock climbing?

Yeah, rock climbing.

Forget it, I'll pass.

You forgot the rope.

Anyway, our daughter cares so much about you.

I don't get to learn even if I want to. Keep it up.

Are you jealous? Of course, I'll keep it up.

I will do my best.

I will show Huan my progress and improvement.

She's doing quite well. I have to keep up the pace.

Then no one would say

that I'm dragging her down. That would be embarrassing.

Is dinner ready? What's for dinner?

Don't you see I'm busy? Cook for yourself.

There are instant noodles. Go ahead.

Sure, dinner's on me. Keep practicing.

W... And what?

W... And...

W... Whatever.

Mr. Mai.

Hello, Mr. Yao.

Keep it down. Your auntie is already asleep.

Huan signed her up for a senior university.

She comes back home exhausted every time.

That's perfect. I brought you something nice.

What is it?

This is really nice.

You're tending to the flowers at this hour?

You see, someone has to tidy up

this huge garden, right?

Besides, I've got nothing else to do after work.

I might as well look over the flowers.

It uplifts our mood to see nice flowers.

Mr. Mai, you are so patient.

And you are able to keep Ms. Liu happy.

Can you teach me a few tricks?

You're seeing someone?

Better safe than sorry.

When it comes to pampering the wife, you've asked the right person.

I truly have my ways in this regard.

Whatever sustains a marriage

is not a matter of one day or two.

It's about decades of persistence.

Take these flowers and plants for example,

you must take great care of them.

I bring them out to the sun every morning

and ask your auntie to bring them back in at noon.

They must be sunned.

But they can't be exposed to the sun for too long.

So, no matter what you do,

put your heart into it and that's the key.

Yeah.

Look, once you take good care of them,

they will reward you

by blooming to the full.

Mr. Yao, I must thank you for something.

You went through a lot of trouble

to reconcile Huan with Wanyu. Thank you.

Here.

Take this pot of flowers.

It's a token of appreciation.

Thank you, Mr. Mai.

All you need to do is water it regularly.

Okay.

She locked the door.

Sis.

Open up. We are right at the entrance.

Alright, coming. Just a second.

Why didn't you tell me you'd come?

I'd tell Mai to pick you up.

Qiu is on summer break.

His dad and Fang made some time to come over.

Two hours by high-speed train. It's just a nap away.

Come on in.

Shoes off?

- No need. - It's fine.

It's okay. I will clean up.

Take a seat. I'll make some tea for you.

Alright.

It's so nice.

Be careful, Qiu.

Here, have some tea.

You don't have to do this.

It's okay.

This is the good tea Huan got me.

Really?

- Try it. - Nice tea.

It has a fragrance.

Smells good, right?

It's nice.

Have some more.

- Yu. - Nice tea.

You used to live in a small house in the longtang.

But you've moved into such a villa in no time.

And you used to worry that she wasn't doing well.

I worry about my little sister, okay?

Jie, where is your wife?

They had a quarrel.

Why did you blurt it all out?

What's the big deal? She's my little sister.

- It's okay. - We're family.

Your big sister can't keep a secret.

It's fine.

Keep an eye on Qiu. He may break something.

- Qiu. - Qiu.

It's okay, come here, Qiu.

Sit here with Grandma.

Let Grandma take you to a big restaurant later, okay?

Okay.

Be good.

I heard that Chenghuan took over a huge hotel.

She's just a young lady. Can she manage it?

Of course. Kids these days are really smart. They learn fast.

She's doing quite well.

Let's have lunch at her hotel.

- Alright. - Okay.

- Okay. - Have some tea.

What a magnificent place.

Looks good, huh?

So pretty.

It's over 100 years old.

Look at these stairs, all made of solid wood.

Yeah, it's picturesqueness. This is amazing.

There are over 100 staff members.

Huan is overwhelmed.

Cui.

Ms. Liu.

Hello, please get two rooms for my sister and brother-in-law.

Nice to meet you.

Shall we get a suite?

With two bedrooms and a living room.

No problem. This way please.

Okay.

A luxury suite.

Alright.

Give us something with the best view of the lawn.

Rest assured, the view is excellent.

The deposit would be 5,000 yuan.

Can we forego the deposit?

And the room charge...

Ms. Liu, we have a reservation system. Everything must be recorded.

I can't make a reservation for you privately.

It's our hotel. I'll tell Huan...

Yu, is it too much trouble?

Actually, a small room will do.

- We'll manage. - It's no trouble.

Come on, bigger rooms are cozier, right?

We're already in a fancy hotel, aren't we?

Exactly, it's no big deal. We own the hotel.

Book the room. I'll talk to Huan about it later.

It's not like we can't pay.

Ms. Liu, it's not up to me.

How about I get Miss Mai here?

(Top Ten Characteristic Hotels in Shanghai)

I've reviewed the wage system optimization plan.

I think everything is fine.

You can send emails to inform everyone about the raise.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Don't say that. It's a recognition of your hard work.

Is there anything else?

Miss Mai, please take a look.

Miss Mai, we have adopted a word-of-mouth marketing strategy.

(2023 Top Ten Characteristic Hotels) But customer referrals are one-to-one.

(Hotel Industry Oscars) It's very limited.

The most authoritative review website

is selecting the top ten characteristic hotels in Shanghai.

Shall we put in more effort?

(Nomination criteria, Scoring) It's the most known booking site.

I believe it can bring us high-quality customers.

This is a good approach.

We can focus on our featured wedding services.

We can establish it as our core service

so that people think of Xing'anli

whenever they decide to host a Shanghai-style wedding. Alright.

Come in.

Miss Mai.

Something came up.

Go ahead. I'll wait for your proposal.

We'll revise it together next week.

Alright.

What's wrong, Mr. Cui?

There are some relatives of yours in the lobby.

Your mom won't pay the deposit.

I don't mean to embarrass them.

But if every relative tries to be special,

we'll have to break all our rules.

Huan, I don't mean to make things difficult for you.

Just put on a show. I will pay.

Mom, you could have told me

and let me arrange it.

Rest assured. Auntie has been so kind to me.

I'll foot the bill for all their expenses this time.

- Auntie. - Huan.

Uncle, Cousin, I didn't know you came.

Say hi to Auntie.

Hello, Auntie.

Dou.

Qiu.

What's wrong with me? Qiu has grown up. So cute.

Huan, you must be busy. Did we cause you trouble?

Not at all, Auntie.

You haven't checked in, right?

I'll get you a room first.

Okay.

Our local dishes at Xing'anli are great.

Have you eaten? Would you like to eat first?

- Okay. - Alright.

Let's have food first.

- Mom, take them inside. - Okay.

Leave it here, Uncle.

Alright.

We'll take care of it.

Let's have something tasty, Qiu.

Get these to their room.

Okay.

Mr. Cui, I know your concerns.

To rank among the top ten characteristic hotels,

standardized management is imperative.

I'll be the role model.

All their expenses will be charged to my account.

Alright.

Sir, there's been quite a fuss in Xing'anli recently.

Ms. Zhang has been working from home these days.

She's been making reports to the headquarters.

What's that attitude?

I don't care. If anything goes wrong, it's on you.

Yao Zhiming.

Why haven't you contacted me?

Zhang Ziyu, I'm at work.

Isn't it a lunch break now?

He Dong. Have Mr. Mai send her back.

We must take good care of Miss Zhang.

Did you hear that, Yao Zhiming?

I've come all this way. You have to treat me to a meal.

My takeout has arrived. I'll get it.

What do you want to have?

I'll have whatever you like.

That's it?

That's it. Stir-fried shrimp. Sweet and sour ribs.

Three shrimp noodles. Authentic local dishes.

This is my first meal back in Shanghai.

You're brushing me off with casual food instead of a fancy meal.

Doesn't it hurt your conscience?

No, it doesn't.

It's quite good.

Your mom says you dropped out. What's going on?

It's a temporary absence.

She doesn't know where I study. I'm just messing with her.

Don't gamble with your life just to upset your mom.

I didn't. I know what I want very well.

Mind the boundaries.

Yao Zhiming, you've changed.

Didn't we share food when we were kids?

How old were you? And how old are you now?

We need boundaries.

There's one way to keep things the same.

Zhiming, be my boyfriend.

Look, after all these years,

I don't even remember what my dad looks like.

My mom is never there.

Only you have kept me company.

You're there to share my success

and handle my mistakes.

I can't find

another person who is so good to me in this world.

Ziyu, I've said that we are family.

The only possible relationship between us is that of siblings.

It's okay. I've imagined it countless times in my mind

before I say it out loud.

I thought you'd say kids like me don't know love.

But judging from what you just said,

you didn't talk down to me like I was a child.

Nor did you deny or disregard my affections.

I'm not frustrated at all.

On the contrary, I'm surprised.

I like you even more now.

That's enough. Dig in. Go home after this.

Okay, I'll go to your place.

No, my house is crowded right now.

Crowded? What do you mean?

(The black tea is nice.)

- Thanks. - Here, Zhihong.

- Five-star quality. - Five-star quality.

Sweet and sour fish. Steamed shrimp with scallion oil.

Get your specialty dishes.

I got them all.

Sis, Zhihong.

Hello, Mai.

Here he comes. You finally made it.

- It's been years. - Yeah.

We must have a few drinks today.

Yeah.

Yeah, let's have Moutai.

- Moutai? - Okay.

No need. I don't want Moutai.

Let's have yellow wine. It's good for blood circulation.

No, Fang has gout.

He can't drink anything.

Why are you so worried?

Chenghuan can afford such a pricy liquor now.

Let your uncle bask in your glory, too.

It's a happy day.

Have a few drinks with my dad.

- Bring a Moutai. - Okay.

My sister is frugal with herself but very generous with her family.

Zao has become so mature. He's speaking up for his sister.

Fang Jie is also mature. Look how well they grew up.

They grew up like real brothers.

Yeah, they've both grown up.

Yu, how time flies.

I chased Zao all over the street for stealing money back then.

In the blink of an eye...

Zao stole money? W-What happened?

Yu, they were kids.

They were just naughty. It was a misunderstanding.

Zao has always been a good kid.

He would hand over the coins he found on the street to the police.

- Uncle must have remembered it wrong. - You're right.

Huan, you have no idea.

Zao was quite something when he was little.

I took the blame for many things he did.

Let me tell you everything during the meal.

Have some tea.

Enjoy the meal.

I have a meeting coming up. I have to go now.

Have something first.

It's alright.

You're leaving?

He's busy.

I will see him out.

Have some water.

Zao.

Tell me. Was Fang Jie bullying you

when you were in the hometown?

It wasn't exactly bullying.

It's just that he stole Uncle's money and made me take the blame.

Uncle gave me a beating.

And that doesn't count as bullying?

You didn't steal the money. Why did you admit to it?

I didn't know before.

Now we must make it clear.

Or our parents will believe it.

Huan, listen. I wasn't bullied.

Fang Jie wanted to bully me.

But I judo-threw him straight to the hospital.

He deserved it.

I didn't tell you because I was worried.

You and our mom are skilled fighters.

There would be trouble if you rushed over

to beat him up.

Alright, Huan, I'm fine. Don't worry.

Keep them company.

I'll have Mr. Cui pack something for you.

Have it on the way.

No need. I have to go.

Be careful.

Hello, this way please.

Chenghuan.

It's okay now. Thank you.

Hello, are you looking for me?

You might not remember me.

I helped you with your homework when you visited your hometown.

My second uncle, Fang Zhihong, is your uncle. I'm Fang Da.

What a coincidence. Nice to meet you. You're here...

Uncle sent me a message this morning but I didn't see it

until I got off work.

- It's okay. - So I'm late.

They're inside. Let me take you in, this way.

Everyone, meet Fang Da,

my older brother's child.

Yeah, Huan. Da runs a wedding planning company in Shanghai.

You should talk.

You might be able to help each other.

Yeah. Here's my business card.

Da...?

(Huixue Wedding Planning) Auntie, do you remember that

you took Chenghuan home

and my mom left me at Uncle Zhihong's home, too?

You cooked for me the entire summer.

That was you?

Yeah.

- Da. - I remember him.

He's grown up so much. Look how handsome he is.

Really, time flies.

You are from Huixue Wedding Planning.

Yeah.

Have you bid on our project?

Yeah, actually, I knew that you were the boss of Xing'anli.

I was quite surprised.

But I found it inappropriate to reveal our tie right away.

It would be like cheating.

So I figured I'd better focus on my job

and wait for your response.

It's okay. You don't have to be so cautious.

After all, business is about performance.

Yeah, let's talk more when you're available.

I'd love to work with you one day.

No problem.

Alright, that's enough.

You don't get married and talk only about work.

Fang Da is a guy. So it's fine.

But Chenghuan is a girl.

Getting married and having children is the proper thing to do.

Huan just took over such a big hotel.

There's a lot of pressure. Marriage can wait.

Says who? Zhihong is quite right.

Times are different now.

For girls, work is important but so is life, right?

Chenghuan is almost thirty, right?

And she's still single.

She's too busy for a relationship.

Yu, Huan doesn't have time, but you do.

Quit the senior university.

Go to the matchmaking corner in the park

and look for some potential matches for Huan.

You know, that's how I found my daughter-in-law.

Look how old Qiu is.

I've done that.

I showed her so many photos.

But she just didn't like anyone. She has high standards.

Fang Da is still single, right?

Yeah.

Uncle, Auntie, the times have changed now.

A woman can focus on her family if she wants to.

But she can also focus on work.

Right now, I want to focus on my work.

So, don't worry about me.

Uncle, Auntie, I've been working at the wedding company

for a long time.

I've seen too many couples splitting up right after the wedding.

We should leave it to fate

and just be happy.

Da, what you're saying is wrong. I disagree.

One must get married, right?

There's a right age for everything.

You can only be happy with a good job and a nice family.

A happy marriage life helps you

- focus on work, right? - Right.

Look at how happy I am with my husband.

We're happy.

That makes our children happy, right?

Yeah.

Chenghuan, your mom is right.

The most important thing for a girl

is her family, isn't it?

We've seen more of everything than you've had hot dinners.

We know what's best for you.

Yeah.

- Drink. - Uncles, Aunties.

Let me toast

to our joyful reunion today

and to the well-being

and happy future of our big family.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

Cheers.

- Good wine. - Qiu, have you eaten enough?

Yeah.

Let's go back to the room.

- Fang Da. - Be careful.

When will you invite us for a meal? Mai should come too.

I'll definitely show you hospitality.

Fang Da is such a good kid.

And you are in the same line of work.

Who knows. You might work together.

I see, Mom. You don't have to worry.

I'm too busy with work

to take everyone out for fun.

Take them everywhere and use my card.

Look, Huan wants you to have a great time.

Huan, thank you. You've gone to a lot of expense.

Don't say that, Auntie. I've been working non-stop lately

and couldn't accompany you.

I'll take you out for fun once I'm done with work.

What kind of job is this, Huan?

You can't even rest on the weekends.

Take care of yourself, okay?

Exactly, all she does is work and earn money.

She never takes care of herself.

Being busy is good. Huan is contributing to society.

Unlike me.

I've spent my life around the stove, kids, and my husband.

Isn't it the same for me?

We are well as long as they are well.

Auntie, take good care of yourself.

What matters is your happiness.

I'm not as lucky as your mom.

Don't say that, Auntie.

Mom, take Auntie

- to get some rest. - Alright.

- The room is ready. - Okay.

Okay, she's busy. Let's go.

Excuse me, pretty.

Do you know where Yao Zhiming lives?

No idea.

- Sorry. - It's okay.

It's a nice day. Let's buy some fish.

Okay.

Excuse me, ma'am.

Do you know where Yao Zhiming lives?

- No. - No idea.

Alright, go ahead and have fun.

I'll join you after I've cooked.

They can't do without me.

- Without me... - Ma'am.

No, no, thanks.

I won't buy anything.

I'm not selling something.

So what do you want?

I'm asking for directions.

Asking for directions? Well, go ahead.

Do you know where Yao Zhiming lives?

Who are you to him?

I am his...

What?

Girlfriend.

(Ms. Liu)

Hello, Ms. Liu.

It's so good. I want another bowl of it.

You want more? You've had two bowls.

You may look thin, but you can really eat.

Do you ever gain weight?

Auntie, I won't eat your food for free. I have money.

You're just like Yao Zhiming, talking about money all the time.

I won't take your money. Just eat.

Drink this. My daughter likes it very much. Have it.

Auntie.

Is this your daughter?

Yeah, what about it?

She's so pretty.

Well, look who her mother is.

Zhang Ziyu, how come you're here?

Yao, why didn't you tell me

you've got a girlfriend? She can really eat.

Auntie, she is Zhang Peisheng's daughter, not my girlfriend.

Y-You are...

Auntie, don't listen to him.

I am his girlfriend.

Even if I'm not now, I will be one day.

Auntie, don't listen to her.

- Come here. - I am his girlfriend.

- Come here. - Remember, I'm his girlfriend.

Auntie, I'm his girlfriend. Don't forget that.

Yao Zhiming, why are you kicking me out?

We had each other's back abroad.

Now, you won't even invite me home.

Are you living with a whole bunch of people

because of that pretty lady?

- Mind your own business. - Tell me.

- Don't come again. - Who is she?

Yao Zhiming, open up.

You won't tell me, huh? I'll ask He Dong.

Mom, I'm back.

Look at you. You didn't come home for dinner again.

Yao Zhiming must be busy too.

But he came home for dinner.

You know what?

Zhang Peisheng's daughter came looking for Yao Zhiming today.

She said she was his girlfriend.

♪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♪