How to pronounce "凤凰"
Transcript
[Footprints of Change]
[Episode 26]
Sue Yu Dongjun!
Sue him!
From the inside.
Sorry, sorry.
He accuses me of having an affair with Lu Guoyao.
Lu Guoyao is my distant relative.
He's my boss.
Isn't it normal for us to work together?
Isn't it normal for us to go purchase fabric together?
So I can't interact with any men from now on?
I'm out earning money,
and all he needs to do is cook at home
and take care of our child.
But what happens? When I get home,
he smashes everything in sight.
16 years.
He got Hua
to curse at me...
He called me a slut,
said I was shameless,
and accused me of sleeping with Lu Guoyao.
My...
my son...
Why...
Why do I...
Why do I...
Why do I...
Why do I go out and work?
Ye, I'm...
I'm sorry.
Jiuling.
You can't just brush the outside of your teeth.
You need to brush the inside too.
Otherwise, your breath will smell.
Why are you making such a fuss?
Beichuan is a nice guy.
I said, Beichuan is a nice guy.
Don't bully him.
What are you talking about, Jiuling?
I'm saying you're a shrew.
Don't bully Beichuan. He's a gentle guy.
I don't understand what you're saying.
Why are you mentioning Beichuan?
I saw you two kissing!
Jiuling!
Ye Xining and Xiang Beichuan were kissing!
You can't even stay quiet while brushing your teeth?
I'll treat you to lunch, alright?
Dinner too.
Deal?
Fine, fine, fine.
Just stop talking about it.
I saw it with my own eyes.
What did you and Jiuling talk about
after I left yesterday?
Shen and I talked about us.
She didn't just talk about it last night,
but this morning too.
What did she say?
She said...
She said I'm like a big stroke of luck
that landed right in your lap,
and that you should cherish me.
What do you think?
I think she's right.
What else did she say?
She talked about you too.
She said...
"Xiang Beichuan is
not that great."
What does that mean?
She said you're
slow-witted,
stubborn,
old-fashioned,
and as dense as a block of wood,
and that I should think carefully before proceeding.
I was going to argue with her,
but the more I thought about it,
you know, they say, "If you don't listen to your elders' advice,
you'll soon regret it."
Are you upset?
No, I'm not.
Are you feeling kind of upset?
Not at all.
You are upset.
Don't get anxious,
and don't feel bad.
You know, I
only see
your good qualities.
For example,
you're honest and straightforward.
Being slow-witted just means you're honest, right?
You're well-read,
educated, and polite.
You're also virtuous,
gentle,
and considerate.
That's good then.
Anyway, I only see your good qualities.
As for your flaws,
I can put up with them for now.
You can work on them gradually.
I'll work on them gradually.
See? There's another good quality:
you're willing to correct your mistakes.
Okay.
By the way,
I have good news for you.
Mr. Zhong told me
I can return to teaching at the school.
Really?
Congratulations, Mr. Xiang Beichuan.
You can finally return to the teaching post you love.
I'm really happy for you.
But how did you manage it?
How did you get the school to change its stance so dramatically?
Not me.
Several female students in my class
wrote a joint letter to the school
and continued sending more,
proving my innocence.
Female students?
You're quite popular with the ladies, huh?
Jiuling was right.
You're really not that great.
Why are you getting upset?
Well,
I'm not just popular with women.
I get along well with men too.
Yan Jun's here.
Let's go somewhere else to eat.
No need.
Let's just eat our meal.
Two friends of mine are coming.
I'll go check on them.
You guys came here to eat too?
Come on, join us.
Wouldn't that be awkward?
Not at all.
Is she your girlfriend?
Yes...
and no.
Well, not exactly...
Sort of.
How long have you been together?
We just met the day before yesterday.
And she's already your girlfriend?
Sometimes,
nice guys don't always
get the girl.
Am I right, Xining?
Come on, come join us.
Come on.
Let me introduce you to two friends of mine.
Sit.
Let me make some introductions.
This is
my college classmate
and good friend, Xiang Beichuan.
We're so close that...
at work, I can't even tell which one of us is the boss.
Don't be silly.
This is Miss Ye Xining.
She is
a good friend to both of us.
This is Lu Mingming.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you, Miss Ye.
What are you doing?
She is your friend?
She wrote an article about me.
Based on just one photo,
in which I appeared close to a man,
she claimed we were having an affair.
Mr. Lu has a limp,
and I was helping him walk.
Was I wrong to do that?
You threw dirt at me,
but I only splashed clean water back at you.
That's not too much, is it?
That's not it, Jun.
Someone previously submitted a story
about gossip between a boss
and his female employee.
There were photos included.
Entertainment news, right?
You know, some people nowadays
just love reading that kind of gossip.
Here.
Wipe the water off your face first.
This is quite embarrassing.
You should go first.
My hairpin is still in your bedroom.
Buy a new one.
I just want that hairpin.
Leave your hairpin with me
as a keepsake.
The dishes have barely been touched.
There are sweet and sour ribs that you love.
I'll order your favorite dishes next time.
Waitress!
Bring some tableware!
Right away.
After we finish eating,
let's go upstairs
and play poker.
Yan Jun,
what was that all about?
We didn't expect to run into her here.
Xining,
you were being too impulsive just now.
This is a public place.
Besides,
she's Yan Jun's friend after all.
No big deal.
Some friends are closer than others,
just as some relatives are dearer than others.
Right?
But I never expected that...
you, Miss Ye,
would have such a fiery side.
That's just how I am—
straightforward.
It's mainly because she crossed the line.
If she had messed with the person I love,
then I definitely
wouldn't have let her off that easily.
She crossed me,
so I just splashed her with a glass of water.
But if it were about someone I love,
I might just smash a bottle on her head.
No, don't do that.
If you actually hurt her,
you'd end up at the police station
and have to pay for her hospital bills.
Next time you encounter this kind of situation,
try to hold back a little.
Alright, I'll listen to you.
I'll be more careful next time.
Wait, what's going on here?
You're acting like you're dating.
Don't you know?
I have some good news to share with you officially.
Beichuan and I are together now.
That is great news.
We should celebrate.
Waitress!
Bring us a bottle of Maotai!
Right away, sir.
Wait,
that's not necessary.
That's too extravagant.
I'm paying. Don't worry about it.
It's time. I have something else to attend to.
Well,
you two continue celebrating.
Yan Jun, the baijiu...
Why did he leave?
The baijiu just came.
He probably went to comfort his girlfriend.
Wait, that's not right.
From what I could tell earlier,
they've probably already broken up.
In the future,
you won't treat me the way Yan Jun treats his girlfriend,
will you?
What do you mean?
Like he did.
Xiang Beichuan,
from now on,
you need to take good care of me,
be patient with me,
spoil me,
and indulge me.
Got it?
I got it.
Is it hot?
I'll feed you too.
Can I peel it?
No.
You're really eating it?
I'm just teasing you.
Let me peel one for you.
I can do it myself.
Tell me the truth—
what kind of business are you really running?
Labor export.
Labor export?
What does that mean?
I get them jobs overseas.
Their county is
extremely poor.
Many strong young men have no work to do.
Families can barely put food on the table.
What I do
is send them abroad.
This way, they can get jobs
and earn money,
and their families can live better lives.
We're doing something really meaningful here.
This isn't dangerous, is it?
There's no danger for us.
No,
I mean, is it dangerous for them?
I'm helping you make money,
[Longhua Guesthouse]
and here you are asking too many questions.
Mr. Yan.
Thank you for your hard work.
Is everyone here?
Th-They're all inside.
These are the guys from our county.
Say hello to Mr. Yan!
-Hello, Mr. Yan! -Hello, Mr. Yan!
No need for that, no need.
Everyone, sit down and take a rest.
Mr. Yan,
I-I heard
that once we get abroad,
your people will take care of us.
Didn't I give you a phone number?
Call it when you arrive.
That person is my relative.
He will arrange
everything for you.
Look at Yin and me—
we're both college graduates.
Look at him,
the scholarly type.
Then look at me,
reeking of money.
Oh, right, Yin,
um...
overseas,
many people don't speak Chinese.
Director Hu mentioned last time
that Yin's English is quite good, right?
After these people arrive there,
they'll need a translator for daily life.
Please take extra care of them.
D-Don't worry.
My English is fine.
Well then,
when you return,
I'll have Maotai ready
to welcome you back.
Okay.
You two chat first.
I need to take a call.
Thank you.
That was you I ran into on the street that day, wasn't it?
I...
I actually...
never went to college.
My family is quite poor.
I just thought we could...
make more money together.
That time when we met Director Hu,
why did he bring you along?
Director Hu just asked me
to help put on a show,
p-pretending to be someone educated.
He was afraid y-you'd look down on us.
Alright.
Have a safe journey
on your trip.
Take care of yourself.
Thank you.
Don't bite my dress.
Later...
I have a social event later.
Do I look good?
Look at that wagging tail.
Let's ask Professor Xiang.
Do I look good?
Yes, you do.
If you think you look good, then you do.
Did you even look at me
before saying I look good?
You look good.
What's wrong?
You seem upset.
Nothing.
I just...
didn't sleep well last night.
Well,
why didn't you sleep well?
I was tossing and turning all night, thinking.
Maybe today...
I'd better not go.
But you already promised me.
It's mainly that...
with so many strangers at that kind of occasion,
I really don't feel comfortable with it.
You're afraid of crowds?
Professor Xiang,
when you're teaching classes,
aren't there even more people in front of you?
It's like this.
Teaching is teaching,
and socializing is socializing.
They're two completely different things.
Teaching
is my main job,
and those sitting below are all students.
But socializing is different.
There will be so many strangers.
I don't even know what to say to them,
and it's hard to choose topics.
Whether I talk about serious topics or keep things light, nothing feels right.
Alright, alright.
You nerd.
You're in teacher mode again,
giving me a lecture, aren't you?
Alright.
If you don't want to go, then don't.
You don't have to go if you don't want to.
But can you...
come pick me up?
Of course.
I'll definitely come pick you up on time.
That's great.
I just want them to see
that I have such a handsome and tall boyfriend.
I'll look good.
Being able to make you look good...
might be the only thing I can do.
You're so sweet.
Don't worry.
I'll be on time.
Mr. Liu.
You go ahead, go ahead.
It's been a while since we met.
Mr. Zhu.
Huajing.
Huajing,
it's been a while since we had drinks together.
Let's drink more today.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Huajing,
do you know Prosecutor Zhang
from our city prosecutor's office?
No, I don't.
Then I'll introduce you later.
We're very close.
Great.
Is she here today?
That one,
that tall woman.
What are you looking at?
Huajing.
I have a friend.
Could you look after her for me?
Which friend are we talking about now?
How do you want me to "look after" her?
Just...
show her the ropes.
This sis of mine
just started her business
and doesn't know anything.
But you know, at times like this,
who she learns from matters.
If I didn't leave her with you,
I'd be really worried.
Look.
That one.
That girl in the red dress.
I'll ask her to come over
to acknowledge you as her mentor.
Don't, don't.
Wait...
She doesn't know anything yet.
Aren't you putting me in a tough spot?
How am I supposed to guide her?
Huajing,
when I first started in business,
I didn't know anything either.
Take it step by step.
The important thing is...
finding a mentor like you.
With your guidance,
everything will work out fine.
What's your relationship with her?
Nothing special.
She's like a little sister to me.
Please don't read too much into it.
Alright, alright.
No need to explain.
I get it.
You're just going to sit here by yourself all night?
It's mainly because there are
too many people I don't know here.
That doesn't matter.
Just go over and toast with them,
act like a buddy,
and you'll get acquainted.
I'm not familiar with them either,
so I don't know what to talk about.
This is a great opportunity to build your network.
You know, any of these people
might become
your business partner in the future.
You've met Ms. Shan, right?
Yes.
I dealt with her once,
but it didn't go well.
No way.
Ms. Shan told me she really likes you.
Really?
Yes, really.
She said
that as soon as she saw you,
she could tell you're a very straightforward girl.
She had a good first impression of you.
If it were those people
who've been around too long in society
and become complicated,
she would actually dislike them.
She specifically asked me to come over
and invite you to chat with her.
She asked for me?
Yes, she did.
Why else would I have come over?
Come on, go.
Well, I'm going then.
Hurry up.
Excuse me, sorry to disturb.
My little junior,
you look so beautiful.
That red dress looks great on you today.
Thank you, Ms. Shan.
Ms. Shan,
last time at the café,
I said the wrong thing.
I feel quite embarrassed.
Not at all.
In my eyes,
you're quite adorable.
Don't overthink it.
You're still
working for Mr. Lu?
Yes, I'm still working for him.
Mr. Lu
is really a nice person.
Have you ever thought about changing jobs?
I don't have such plans for now
because Mr. Lu treats me very well.
You've just entered the business world.
Following the right person is really important.
I'm not saying Mr. Lu isn't a good person,
but being honest
isn't exactly a compliment in the business world.
Actually, there's someone around you
who's really good.
Mr. Yan, Yan Jun.
He's so resourceful,
young, and promising.
If you follow him,
you'll definitely advance quickly.
I sincerely hope
you take the fast track in business
instead of the long way around.
Thank you, Ms. Shan.
Huajing.
Speak of the devil.
Looks like you two are having a good chat.
My little junior.
This is my senior from the same school.
Ye,
what's your Chinese zodiac sign?
I'm a Horse.
Huajing is a Tiger.
These two zodiac signs are most compatible.
Then... then let me toast to you.
Cheers.
It's fate.
Excuse me, I need a word with Mr. Zhu.
Sure.
Section Chief Shan.
Miss Ye.
Mr. Yan,
it's been a while.
It's been a while, Mingming.
By the way,
I'm not a journalist anymore.
I quit.
Now I work at Mr. Zhu's company
as the PR manager.
Mr. Zhu,
what a coincidence today.
We're all gathered here.
Mingming, we haven't seen each other for about 2 years, right?
The last time we met was...
at the department store, right?
Time really flies.
Indeed.
Feel free to visit our company when you have time,
and maybe we can collaborate if there's an opportunity.
No problem.
Welcome to visit my company.
My little restaurant is quite nice.
We can all have a casual meal there.
Great, sounds good.
Come on, cheers.
Looking forward to it, everyone.
Me too, me too.
Looking forward to it.
Mr. Zhu,
would you accompany me to get something to eat over there?
Okay.
Section Chief Shan,
please excuse us.
When that girl graduated,
she worked as a proofreader at a newspaper.
I've seen her before.
She came from a small town
and was so unsophisticated.
Forget about the Shanghai dialect,
she couldn't even speak Mandarin properly.
But in just a few years, she completely transformed.
An ugly duckling has turned into a swan.
How do you think she managed to do that?
She slept
her way to the top.
Mr. Zhu
will definitely not be her last man.
Ms. Shan,
do you think career women's success
always depends on men?
Of course not.
A woman can only
count on herself to succeed.
Well, Huajing,
there's a grown man sitting right here,
and you two...
How did you manage just now
to act like you really haven't seen her for over 2 years?
Well,
I couldn't just leave a girl sitting there awkwardly, could I?
Mr. Yan,
well,
looks like Reporter Lu wouldn't have made it today
without your help.
How come I didn't know about this?
You've kept it quite secret.
Not at all.
Huajing,
this is why I said you two are compatible.
Ye,
you've been sitting here for, like, 5 minutes,
and you've already sold me out.
You're really something.
Alright, I won't chat with you anymore.
You two continue. I'm going to get a drink.
We made him uncomfortable.
Ms. Shan, I'd like to toast you.
Come on, cheers.
Then,
I'll need to learn more from you in the future.
Hello, who's calling?
Beichuan,
it's Yin.
Yin?
Can we meet downstairs?
Sure.
See you in a bit.
Yin.
What did you want to see me about today?
Nothing special.
Come on, Beichuan, let's drink.
Thanks.
Come on, Beichuan.
Beichuan...
If you have something to say, just say it.
Beichuan,
they...
they say you
and Mr. Yan were classmates.
We were bunkmates.
Could you talk to Mr. Yan for me and tell him
that I want to go to Europe?
They... they said that in Europe,
laborers earn more money.
O-Once I save enough, I-I'll go to America.
Of course.
Yin.
There's something I don't quite understand.
Why do you insist on going to America?
I...
I like a girl.
S-She's in America.
And then?
We were high school classmates in our county.
I remember
when I first saw her,
I was stunned.
She's tall
with big eyes,
and when she smiles, she has two dimples.
A-And she has fair skin.
Every time I saw her smile,
I just...
I just...
I didn't expect
you to be quite devoted.
But...
but my family was poor,
so I could only go to a junior college.
She...
she went to university in Shanghai later.
After graduation, she went to America.
P-People in our county say
that she has a boyfriend now.
I don't know why.
I never even held her hand,
but I
just want to...
see her once more.
Maybe...
I'll finally let go after seeing her.
Yin.
Do you think it's worth it...
for love?
I don't really know what love is.
I just know
I want to see her.
Sometimes I ask myself too—
is it worth going through
all this trouble?
I think...
it's worth it.
Come on,
let me toast you.
Thank you, Beichuan.
Sir,
we'd like 10 more skewers.
Coming right up!
Huajing,
after all these years,
you just keep getting better at drinking.
Can't handle it anymore.
You don't even blush
and stay as calm as ever.
Allow me, Huajing.
Let me take you home, Huajing.
Mr. Yan, I wouldn't dare ride in your car.
Too many eyes are watching.
But you could give
Miss Ye a ride.
No need.
I have someone to take me home.
My ride is here.
Section Chief Shan, it's been a while.
Is he your boyfriend?
Yes.
Beichuan.
You've met him before.
Ms. Shan,
what do you think of him?
I've been wondering
what kind of man would be worthy
of my brilliant junior.
I don't know him well enough to judge.
I can only say
he's a very lucky man.
I am indeed very lucky.
Is he still working at your company?
I've always wanted to
groom him into a businessman
to make some real money.
But he
keeps wanting to go back to school
to teach.
You see?
How much can you make teaching each month?
It's okay.
We get a base salary
plus hourly teaching fees.
It's enough to get by.
You two are quite the romantic couple.
Ye,
you need to ask your boyfriend to work harder
and buy you a car soon.
Otherwise, on rainy days,
he won't be able to come pick you up.
We'll definitely work hard together.
Ms. Shan, we'll be going now.
-Bye-bye. -Bye-bye.
Goodbye.
Huajing,
please look after
this sis of mine.
I'm off.
You're not mad at me
for going out networking tonight, are you?
Of course not.
I don't understand your business dealings anyway.
I'll definitely buy you a car in the future.
I'll get you one
that's better than
Yan Jun's and Shan Huajing's cars!
Then you'll have to
work hard to get your driver's license.
That's too generous of you, Ms. Ye.
In the future, I'll only ride
in your car and no one else's.
I'll sit in your passenger seat every day.
In the future,
I'll work hard to make money outside.
And you can focus on your writing.
When you become a great writer someday,
you'd better not forget
this little darling who provided for you.
If that day really comes
when I become a famous writer
and then forget about you,
wouldn't you hold a knife to my throat?
No way.
I'd only
crush your bones and scatter your ashes!
Even more ruthless than I imagined.
Alright, it's getting late.
Hop on the bike.
Please, Ms. Ye,
take your exclusive seat.
Who is the passenger seat reserved for?
I was afraid it might be uncomfortable for you.
Not at all.
My butt has plenty of padding. I won't feel a thing.
I'll take your passenger seat.
Then sit tight.
Let's go!
[Echoes of Time]
Please turn your books
to page 15.
Everyone, it's important to note
that the development of New Era literature
began after 1976,
centered on the development
and creative work of Chinese writers.
Xining,
this batch of goods was inspected
at the factory before shipping.
What is there to worry about?
Several batches of wool sweaters
were in perfect condition during the factory inspection,
but when the goods reached the buyers,
they reported defective products,
and not just a few.
So the problem must have occurred
somewhere between the factory and the dock.
Some people will do anything for money,
no matter how shady.
They must have tampered with the goods somehow.
They're all moldy.
Mr. Lu.
Please come take a look.
What's wrong, Ye?
They're all moldy.
Two whole boxes.
Since we've found the moldy ones,
just get rid of them.
Let it go.
How can we just let it go?
What if this happens again?
They're all long-term clients.
I know why they did this.
Why?
Ye.
You've never run a factory.
Running a manufacturing business is very tough.
We need to find
a mutually beneficial approach.
What kind of mutual benefit?
Give up a little profit here and there
so we can secure hard-to-get goods.
If you do the math,
it's still worth it.
Mr. Lu,
I've noticed
that your business approach and philosophy
are becoming more like someone else's.
Are you copying him?
Copying who?
The guy next door.
It's business.
All businesspeople are like this.
That guy next door isn't a good role model.
Why not?
In business, Yan Jun has
very low standards
and poor principles,
yet he's got thick skin.
Ye,
that doesn't sound like a compliment.
If you stay in business long enough,
you might end up the same way.
I won't.
I don't copy others.
I am who I am,
Ye Xining.
That's all for today's class.
There's one more thing
I need you all to pay attention to.
Starting today,
when you come to see me in my office after class—
whether you're male or female students—
you need to come in pairs.
Please keep this in mind.
Alright,
that's all for now.
Class dismissed.
Just wear it.
Bye-bye!
It's easy to make money off foreigners.
Jiuling.
Do you know about the shady dealings
between Mr. Lu
and that sweater manufacturer?
Shady business?
I don't know. What happened?
Let me tell you, the company is so unprofessional.
If he keeps playing these games,
something bad will happen sooner or later.
No, he's not playing games,
and the company is not unprofessional either.
With such a big thing happening in his family,
he must be distracted.
What happened
to his family?
You don't know?
No, I don't.
I don't spill secrets.
This stays only between you and me.
He got divorced.
Wasn't he getting along pretty well with his wife?
They were childhood sweethearts with a son and a daughter.
How could they divorce?
That's just what they showed to outsiders.
All those little domestic problems...
The real reason is...
I can't tell you.
Come take a look at these jeans!
Where was I?
You were saying
it was all for show.
Right.
Take a look, come on.
How much are they?
-90 yuan. -90 yuan per pair.
Too expensive. I don't want them.
Come back next time!
The real reason is
that he's been neck-deep in debt now, right?
He couldn't pay that back at all.
So he borrowed money from his wife's family.
All the extra money.
And then?
Two years later, he still couldn't pay them back.
They'd had enough.
His mother-in-law came to his house, making a scene.
She sat on the floor and cried.
His brother-in-law scratched his face badly—
blood everywhere. Very terrifying.
Wait, Ye Xining.
You were trying to get me to spill the beans, weren't you?
No, I wasn't.
You said it yourself.
I didn't.
You said it yourself.
I didn't!
You said all of it.
What did I say?
You said
his brother-in-law scratched his face,
and his mother-in-law
was crying there.
Did I say that?
Ye Xining, if you weren't tricking me,
I wouldn't have said any of this.
You cunning woman, trying to pump me for information.
You...
I can't outsmart you.
Well, what's the deal
with Mr. Lu and that manufacturer?
Two boxes in the batch of goods
he gave to me are defective,
and he wants me to mix them with the good ones and sell them.
Defective products?
Keep your voice down.
Or the whole street will know later.
With that big mouth of yours...
Does he know
about the defective ones himself?
He definitely...
Let's not talk about this anymore.
Are you thirsty?
How about I go buy you a bottle of water?
Buy me a popsicle then.
Cream or red bean?
Cream is fine.
That one's more refreshing.
Most people have fried dough sticks
with soy milk for breakfast.
Why do you have fried dough sticks with rice balls?
Carbs with carbs.
These aren't enough for me!
Aren't you afraid of gaining weight?
You think I'm fat?
No.
Just by looking,
you're probably around 55 kg.
Are you blind?
Pick me up!
We're in public.
Hugging or cuddling isn't appropriate.
Just pick me up when I ask you to!
I take back what I just said.
You're not 57.5 kg.
How much then?
Just around 54.5 kg.
Xiang Beichuan, you're such a jerk!
Alright, alright.
I was wrong, okay?
I'm a jerk, I'm a jerk.
Jerk,
[Women's Status and Choices Amid the Market Economy Boom]
isn't this your paper?
This jerk's paper got published.
Sir,
I'll take 10 copies.
Why buy so many?
Can you even read them all?
I'll give them to others as gifts.
Come on,
we don't need to be all vain about this, right?
You're not vain?
You don't want to be famous?
Honestly,
being famous or not
doesn't really matter much to me.
My main task is
to write down my observations as papers
so readers can read them. That's enough for me.
I'm vain.
When you publish a book, I'm proud.
It's like, "If one of us becomes wealthy and successful someday..."
We'll definitely forget about each other.
Don't talk to me for the rest of the day!
Why are you mad?
[Footprints of Change]
[Episode 26]
Sue Yu Dongjun!
Sue him!
From the inside.
Sorry, sorry.
He accuses me of having an affair with Lu Guoyao.
Lu Guoyao is my distant relative.
He's my boss.
Isn't it normal for us to work together?
Isn't it normal for us to go purchase fabric together?
So I can't interact with any men from now on?
I'm out earning money,
and all he needs to do is cook at home
and take care of our child.
But what happens? When I get home,
he smashes everything in sight.
16 years.
He got Hua
to curse at me...
He called me a slut,
said I was shameless,
and accused me of sleeping with Lu Guoyao.
My...
my son...
Why...
Why do I...
Why do I...
Why do I...
Why do I go out and work?
Ye, I'm...
I'm sorry.
Jiuling.
You can't just brush the outside of your teeth.
You need to brush the inside too.
Otherwise, your breath will smell.
Why are you making such a fuss?
Beichuan is a nice guy.
I said, Beichuan is a nice guy.
Don't bully him.
What are you talking about, Jiuling?
I'm saying you're a shrew.
Don't bully Beichuan. He's a gentle guy.
I don't understand what you're saying.
Why are you mentioning Beichuan?
I saw you two kissing!
Jiuling!
Ye Xining and Xiang Beichuan were kissing!
You can't even stay quiet while brushing your teeth?
I'll treat you to lunch, alright?
Dinner too.
Deal?
Fine, fine, fine.
Just stop talking about it.
I saw it with my own eyes.
What did you and Jiuling talk about
after I left yesterday?
Shen and I talked about us.
She didn't just talk about it last night,
but this morning too.
What did she say?
She said...
She said I'm like a big stroke of luck
that landed right in your lap,
and that you should cherish me.
What do you think?
I think she's right.
What else did she say?
She talked about you too.
She said...
"Xiang Beichuan is
not that great."
What does that mean?
She said you're
slow-witted,
stubborn,
old-fashioned,
and as dense as a block of wood,
and that I should think carefully before proceeding.
I was going to argue with her,
but the more I thought about it,
you know, they say, "If you don't listen to your elders' advice,
you'll soon regret it."
Are you upset?
No, I'm not.
Are you feeling kind of upset?
Not at all.
You are upset.
Don't get anxious,
and don't feel bad.
You know, I
only see
your good qualities.
For example,
you're honest and straightforward.
Being slow-witted just means you're honest, right?
You're well-read,
educated, and polite.
You're also virtuous,
gentle,
and considerate.
That's good then.
Anyway, I only see your good qualities.
As for your flaws,
I can put up with them for now.
You can work on them gradually.
I'll work on them gradually.
See? There's another good quality:
you're willing to correct your mistakes.
Okay.
By the way,
I have good news for you.
Mr. Zhong told me
I can return to teaching at the school.
Really?
Congratulations, Mr. Xiang Beichuan.
You can finally return to the teaching post you love.
I'm really happy for you.
But how did you manage it?
How did you get the school to change its stance so dramatically?
Not me.
Several female students in my class
wrote a joint letter to the school
and continued sending more,
proving my innocence.
Female students?
You're quite popular with the ladies, huh?
Jiuling was right.
You're really not that great.
Why are you getting upset?
Well,
I'm not just popular with women.
I get along well with men too.
Yan Jun's here.
Let's go somewhere else to eat.
No need.
Let's just eat our meal.
Two friends of mine are coming.
I'll go check on them.
You guys came here to eat too?
Come on, join us.
Wouldn't that be awkward?
Not at all.
Is she your girlfriend?
Yes...
and no.
Well, not exactly...
Sort of.
How long have you been together?
We just met the day before yesterday.
And she's already your girlfriend?
Sometimes,
nice guys don't always
get the girl.
Am I right, Xining?
Come on, come join us.
Come on.
Let me introduce you to two friends of mine.
Sit.
Let me make some introductions.
This is
my college classmate
and good friend, Xiang Beichuan.
We're so close that...
at work, I can't even tell which one of us is the boss.
Don't be silly.
This is Miss Ye Xining.
She is
a good friend to both of us.
This is Lu Mingming.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you, Miss Ye.
What are you doing?
She is your friend?
She wrote an article about me.
Based on just one photo,
in which I appeared close to a man,
she claimed we were having an affair.
Mr. Lu has a limp,
and I was helping him walk.
Was I wrong to do that?
You threw dirt at me,
but I only splashed clean water back at you.
That's not too much, is it?
That's not it, Jun.
Someone previously submitted a story
about gossip between a boss
and his female employee.
There were photos included.
Entertainment news, right?
You know, some people nowadays
just love reading that kind of gossip.
Here.
Wipe the water off your face first.
This is quite embarrassing.
You should go first.
My hairpin is still in your bedroom.
Buy a new one.
I just want that hairpin.
Leave your hairpin with me
as a keepsake.
The dishes have barely been touched.
There are sweet and sour ribs that you love.
I'll order your favorite dishes next time.
Waitress!
Bring some tableware!
Right away.
After we finish eating,
let's go upstairs
and play poker.
Yan Jun,
what was that all about?
We didn't expect to run into her here.
Xining,
you were being too impulsive just now.
This is a public place.
Besides,
she's Yan Jun's friend after all.
No big deal.
Some friends are closer than others,
just as some relatives are dearer than others.
Right?
But I never expected that...
you, Miss Ye,
would have such a fiery side.
That's just how I am—
straightforward.
It's mainly because she crossed the line.
If she had messed with the person I love,
then I definitely
wouldn't have let her off that easily.
She crossed me,
so I just splashed her with a glass of water.
But if it were about someone I love,
I might just smash a bottle on her head.
No, don't do that.
If you actually hurt her,
you'd end up at the police station
and have to pay for her hospital bills.
Next time you encounter this kind of situation,
try to hold back a little.
Alright, I'll listen to you.
I'll be more careful next time.
Wait, what's going on here?
You're acting like you're dating.
Don't you know?
I have some good news to share with you officially.
Beichuan and I are together now.
That is great news.
We should celebrate.
Waitress!
Bring us a bottle of Maotai!
Right away, sir.
Wait,
that's not necessary.
That's too extravagant.
I'm paying. Don't worry about it.
It's time. I have something else to attend to.
Well,
you two continue celebrating.
Yan Jun, the baijiu...
Why did he leave?
The baijiu just came.
He probably went to comfort his girlfriend.
Wait, that's not right.
From what I could tell earlier,
they've probably already broken up.
In the future,
you won't treat me the way Yan Jun treats his girlfriend,
will you?
What do you mean?
Like he did.
Xiang Beichuan,
from now on,
you need to take good care of me,
be patient with me,
spoil me,
and indulge me.
Got it?
I got it.
Is it hot?
I'll feed you too.
Can I peel it?
No.
You're really eating it?
I'm just teasing you.
Let me peel one for you.
I can do it myself.
Tell me the truth—
what kind of business are you really running?
Labor export.
Labor export?
What does that mean?
I get them jobs overseas.
Their county is
extremely poor.
Many strong young men have no work to do.
Families can barely put food on the table.
What I do
is send them abroad.
This way, they can get jobs
and earn money,
and their families can live better lives.
We're doing something really meaningful here.
This isn't dangerous, is it?
There's no danger for us.
No,
I mean, is it dangerous for them?
I'm helping you make money,
[Longhua Guesthouse]
and here you are asking too many questions.
Mr. Yan.
Thank you for your hard work.
Is everyone here?
Th-They're all inside.
These are the guys from our county.
Say hello to Mr. Yan!
-Hello, Mr. Yan! -Hello, Mr. Yan!
No need for that, no need.
Everyone, sit down and take a rest.
Mr. Yan,
I-I heard
that once we get abroad,
your people will take care of us.
Didn't I give you a phone number?
Call it when you arrive.
That person is my relative.
He will arrange
everything for you.
Look at Yin and me—
we're both college graduates.
Look at him,
the scholarly type.
Then look at me,
reeking of money.
Oh, right, Yin,
um...
overseas,
many people don't speak Chinese.
Director Hu mentioned last time
that Yin's English is quite good, right?
After these people arrive there,
they'll need a translator for daily life.
Please take extra care of them.
D-Don't worry.
My English is fine.
Well then,
when you return,
I'll have Maotai ready
to welcome you back.
Okay.
You two chat first.
I need to take a call.
Thank you.
That was you I ran into on the street that day, wasn't it?
I...
I actually...
never went to college.
My family is quite poor.
I just thought we could...
make more money together.
That time when we met Director Hu,
why did he bring you along?
Director Hu just asked me
to help put on a show,
p-pretending to be someone educated.
He was afraid y-you'd look down on us.
Alright.
Have a safe journey
on your trip.
Take care of yourself.
Thank you.
Don't bite my dress.
Later...
I have a social event later.
Do I look good?
Look at that wagging tail.
Let's ask Professor Xiang.
Do I look good?
Yes, you do.
If you think you look good, then you do.
Did you even look at me
before saying I look good?
You look good.
What's wrong?
You seem upset.
Nothing.
I just...
didn't sleep well last night.
Well,
why didn't you sleep well?
I was tossing and turning all night, thinking.
Maybe today...
I'd better not go.
But you already promised me.
It's mainly that...
with so many strangers at that kind of occasion,
I really don't feel comfortable with it.
You're afraid of crowds?
Professor Xiang,
when you're teaching classes,
aren't there even more people in front of you?
It's like this.
Teaching is teaching,
and socializing is socializing.
They're two completely different things.
Teaching
is my main job,
and those sitting below are all students.
But socializing is different.
There will be so many strangers.
I don't even know what to say to them,
and it's hard to choose topics.
Whether I talk about serious topics or keep things light, nothing feels right.
Alright, alright.
You nerd.
You're in teacher mode again,
giving me a lecture, aren't you?
Alright.
If you don't want to go, then don't.
You don't have to go if you don't want to.
But can you...
come pick me up?
Of course.
I'll definitely come pick you up on time.
That's great.
I just want them to see
that I have such a handsome and tall boyfriend.
I'll look good.
Being able to make you look good...
might be the only thing I can do.
You're so sweet.
Don't worry.
I'll be on time.
Mr. Liu.
You go ahead, go ahead.
It's been a while since we met.
Mr. Zhu.
Huajing.
Huajing,
it's been a while since we had drinks together.
Let's drink more today.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Huajing,
do you know Prosecutor Zhang
from our city prosecutor's office?
No, I don't.
Then I'll introduce you later.
We're very close.
Great.
Is she here today?
That one,
that tall woman.
What are you looking at?
Huajing.
I have a friend.
Could you look after her for me?
Which friend are we talking about now?
How do you want me to "look after" her?
Just...
show her the ropes.
This sis of mine
just started her business
and doesn't know anything.
But you know, at times like this,
who she learns from matters.
If I didn't leave her with you,
I'd be really worried.
Look.
That one.
That girl in the red dress.
I'll ask her to come over
to acknowledge you as her mentor.
Don't, don't.
Wait...
She doesn't know anything yet.
Aren't you putting me in a tough spot?
How am I supposed to guide her?
Huajing,
when I first started in business,
I didn't know anything either.
Take it step by step.
The important thing is...
finding a mentor like you.
With your guidance,
everything will work out fine.
What's your relationship with her?
Nothing special.
She's like a little sister to me.
Please don't read too much into it.
Alright, alright.
No need to explain.
I get it.
You're just going to sit here by yourself all night?
It's mainly because there are
too many people I don't know here.
That doesn't matter.
Just go over and toast with them,
act like a buddy,
and you'll get acquainted.
I'm not familiar with them either,
so I don't know what to talk about.
This is a great opportunity to build your network.
You know, any of these people
might become
your business partner in the future.
You've met Ms. Shan, right?
Yes.
I dealt with her once,
but it didn't go well.
No way.
Ms. Shan told me she really likes you.
Really?
Yes, really.
She said
that as soon as she saw you,
she could tell you're a very straightforward girl.
She had a good first impression of you.
If it were those people
who've been around too long in society
and become complicated,
she would actually dislike them.
She specifically asked me to come over
and invite you to chat with her.
She asked for me?
Yes, she did.
Why else would I have come over?
Come on, go.
Well, I'm going then.
Hurry up.
Excuse me, sorry to disturb.
My little junior,
you look so beautiful.
That red dress looks great on you today.
Thank you, Ms. Shan.
Ms. Shan,
last time at the café,
I said the wrong thing.
I feel quite embarrassed.
Not at all.
In my eyes,
you're quite adorable.
Don't overthink it.
You're still
working for Mr. Lu?
Yes, I'm still working for him.
Mr. Lu
is really a nice person.
Have you ever thought about changing jobs?
I don't have such plans for now
because Mr. Lu treats me very well.
You've just entered the business world.
Following the right person is really important.
I'm not saying Mr. Lu isn't a good person,
but being honest
isn't exactly a compliment in the business world.
Actually, there's someone around you
who's really good.
Mr. Yan, Yan Jun.
He's so resourceful,
young, and promising.
If you follow him,
you'll definitely advance quickly.
I sincerely hope
you take the fast track in business
instead of the long way around.
Thank you, Ms. Shan.
Huajing.
Speak of the devil.
Looks like you two are having a good chat.
My little junior.
This is my senior from the same school.
Ye,
what's your Chinese zodiac sign?
I'm a Horse.
Huajing is a Tiger.
These two zodiac signs are most compatible.
Then... then let me toast to you.
Cheers.
It's fate.
Excuse me, I need a word with Mr. Zhu.
Sure.
Section Chief Shan.
Miss Ye.
Mr. Yan,
it's been a while.
It's been a while, Mingming.
By the way,
I'm not a journalist anymore.
I quit.
Now I work at Mr. Zhu's company
as the PR manager.
Mr. Zhu,
what a coincidence today.
We're all gathered here.
Mingming, we haven't seen each other for about 2 years, right?
The last time we met was...
at the department store, right?
Time really flies.
Indeed.
Feel free to visit our company when you have time,
and maybe we can collaborate if there's an opportunity.
No problem.
Welcome to visit my company.
My little restaurant is quite nice.
We can all have a casual meal there.
Great, sounds good.
Come on, cheers.
Looking forward to it, everyone.
Me too, me too.
Looking forward to it.
Mr. Zhu,
would you accompany me to get something to eat over there?
Okay.
Section Chief Shan,
please excuse us.
When that girl graduated,
she worked as a proofreader at a newspaper.
I've seen her before.
She came from a small town
and was so unsophisticated.
Forget about the Shanghai dialect,
she couldn't even speak Mandarin properly.
But in just a few years, she completely transformed.
An ugly duckling has turned into a swan.
How do you think she managed to do that?
She slept
her way to the top.
Mr. Zhu
will definitely not be her last man.
Ms. Shan,
do you think career women's success
always depends on men?
Of course not.
A woman can only
count on herself to succeed.
Well, Huajing,
there's a grown man sitting right here,
and you two...
How did you manage just now
to act like you really haven't seen her for over 2 years?
Well,
I couldn't just leave a girl sitting there awkwardly, could I?
Mr. Yan,
well,
looks like Reporter Lu wouldn't have made it today
without your help.
How come I didn't know about this?
You've kept it quite secret.
Not at all.
Huajing,
this is why I said you two are compatible.
Ye,
you've been sitting here for, like, 5 minutes,
and you've already sold me out.
You're really something.
Alright, I won't chat with you anymore.
You two continue. I'm going to get a drink.
We made him uncomfortable.
Ms. Shan, I'd like to toast you.
Come on, cheers.
Then,
I'll need to learn more from you in the future.
Hello, who's calling?
Beichuan,
it's Yin.
Yin?
Can we meet downstairs?
Sure.
See you in a bit.
Yin.
What did you want to see me about today?
Nothing special.
Come on, Beichuan, let's drink.
Thanks.
Come on, Beichuan.
Beichuan...
If you have something to say, just say it.
Beichuan,
they...
they say you
and Mr. Yan were classmates.
We were bunkmates.
Could you talk to Mr. Yan for me and tell him
that I want to go to Europe?
They... they said that in Europe,
laborers earn more money.
O-Once I save enough, I-I'll go to America.
Of course.
Yin.
There's something I don't quite understand.
Why do you insist on going to America?
I...
I like a girl.
S-She's in America.
And then?
We were high school classmates in our county.
I remember
when I first saw her,
I was stunned.
She's tall
with big eyes,
and when she smiles, she has two dimples.
A-And she has fair skin.
Every time I saw her smile,
I just...
I just...
I didn't expect
you to be quite devoted.
But...
but my family was poor,
so I could only go to a junior college.
She...
she went to university in Shanghai later.
After graduation, she went to America.
P-People in our county say
that she has a boyfriend now.
I don't know why.
I never even held her hand,
but I
just want to...
see her once more.
Maybe...
I'll finally let go after seeing her.
Yin.
Do you think it's worth it...
for love?
I don't really know what love is.
I just know
I want to see her.
Sometimes I ask myself too—
is it worth going through
all this trouble?
I think...
it's worth it.
Come on,
let me toast you.
Thank you, Beichuan.
Sir,
we'd like 10 more skewers.
Coming right up!
Huajing,
after all these years,
you just keep getting better at drinking.
Can't handle it anymore.
You don't even blush
and stay as calm as ever.
Allow me, Huajing.
Let me take you home, Huajing.
Mr. Yan, I wouldn't dare ride in your car.
Too many eyes are watching.
But you could give
Miss Ye a ride.
No need.
I have someone to take me home.
My ride is here.
Section Chief Shan, it's been a while.
Is he your boyfriend?
Yes.
Beichuan.
You've met him before.
Ms. Shan,
what do you think of him?
I've been wondering
what kind of man would be worthy
of my brilliant junior.
I don't know him well enough to judge.
I can only say
he's a very lucky man.
I am indeed very lucky.
Is he still working at your company?
I've always wanted to
groom him into a businessman
to make some real money.
But he
keeps wanting to go back to school
to teach.
You see?
How much can you make teaching each month?
It's okay.
We get a base salary
plus hourly teaching fees.
It's enough to get by.
You two are quite the romantic couple.
Ye,
you need to ask your boyfriend to work harder
and buy you a car soon.
Otherwise, on rainy days,
he won't be able to come pick you up.
We'll definitely work hard together.
Ms. Shan, we'll be going now.
-Bye-bye. -Bye-bye.
Goodbye.
Huajing,
please look after
this sis of mine.
I'm off.
You're not mad at me
for going out networking tonight, are you?
Of course not.
I don't understand your business dealings anyway.
I'll definitely buy you a car in the future.
I'll get you one
that's better than
Yan Jun's and Shan Huajing's cars!
Then you'll have to
work hard to get your driver's license.
That's too generous of you, Ms. Ye.
In the future, I'll only ride
in your car and no one else's.
I'll sit in your passenger seat every day.
In the future,
I'll work hard to make money outside.
And you can focus on your writing.
When you become a great writer someday,
you'd better not forget
this little darling who provided for you.
If that day really comes
when I become a famous writer
and then forget about you,
wouldn't you hold a knife to my throat?
No way.
I'd only
crush your bones and scatter your ashes!
Even more ruthless than I imagined.
Alright, it's getting late.
Hop on the bike.
Please, Ms. Ye,
take your exclusive seat.
Who is the passenger seat reserved for?
I was afraid it might be uncomfortable for you.
Not at all.
My butt has plenty of padding. I won't feel a thing.
I'll take your passenger seat.
Then sit tight.
Let's go!
[Echoes of Time]
Please turn your books
to page 15.
Everyone, it's important to note
that the development of New Era literature
began after 1976,
centered on the development
and creative work of Chinese writers.
Xining,
this batch of goods was inspected
at the factory before shipping.
What is there to worry about?
Several batches of wool sweaters
were in perfect condition during the factory inspection,
but when the goods reached the buyers,
they reported defective products,
and not just a few.
So the problem must have occurred
somewhere between the factory and the dock.
Some people will do anything for money,
no matter how shady.
They must have tampered with the goods somehow.
They're all moldy.
Mr. Lu.
Please come take a look.
What's wrong, Ye?
They're all moldy.
Two whole boxes.
Since we've found the moldy ones,
just get rid of them.
Let it go.
How can we just let it go?
What if this happens again?
They're all long-term clients.
I know why they did this.
Why?
Ye.
You've never run a factory.
Running a manufacturing business is very tough.
We need to find
a mutually beneficial approach.
What kind of mutual benefit?
Give up a little profit here and there
so we can secure hard-to-get goods.
If you do the math,
it's still worth it.
Mr. Lu,
I've noticed
that your business approach and philosophy
are becoming more like someone else's.
Are you copying him?
Copying who?
The guy next door.
It's business.
All businesspeople are like this.
That guy next door isn't a good role model.
Why not?
In business, Yan Jun has
very low standards
and poor principles,
yet he's got thick skin.
Ye,
that doesn't sound like a compliment.
If you stay in business long enough,
you might end up the same way.
I won't.
I don't copy others.
I am who I am,
Ye Xining.
That's all for today's class.
There's one more thing
I need you all to pay attention to.
Starting today,
when you come to see me in my office after class—
whether you're male or female students—
you need to come in pairs.
Please keep this in mind.
Alright,
that's all for now.
Class dismissed.
Just wear it.
Bye-bye!
It's easy to make money off foreigners.
Jiuling.
Do you know about the shady dealings
between Mr. Lu
and that sweater manufacturer?
Shady business?
I don't know. What happened?
Let me tell you, the company is so unprofessional.
If he keeps playing these games,
something bad will happen sooner or later.
No, he's not playing games,
and the company is not unprofessional either.
With such a big thing happening in his family,
he must be distracted.
What happened
to his family?
You don't know?
No, I don't.
I don't spill secrets.
This stays only between you and me.
He got divorced.
Wasn't he getting along pretty well with his wife?
They were childhood sweethearts with a son and a daughter.
How could they divorce?
That's just what they showed to outsiders.
All those little domestic problems...
The real reason is...
I can't tell you.
Come take a look at these jeans!
Where was I?
You were saying
it was all for show.
Right.
Take a look, come on.
How much are they?
-90 yuan. -90 yuan per pair.
Too expensive. I don't want them.
Come back next time!
The real reason is
that he's been neck-deep in debt now, right?
He couldn't pay that back at all.
So he borrowed money from his wife's family.
All the extra money.
And then?
Two years later, he still couldn't pay them back.
They'd had enough.
His mother-in-law came to his house, making a scene.
She sat on the floor and cried.
His brother-in-law scratched his face badly—
blood everywhere. Very terrifying.
Wait, Ye Xining.
You were trying to get me to spill the beans, weren't you?
No, I wasn't.
You said it yourself.
I didn't.
You said it yourself.
I didn't!
You said all of it.
What did I say?
You said
his brother-in-law scratched his face,
and his mother-in-law
was crying there.
Did I say that?
Ye Xining, if you weren't tricking me,
I wouldn't have said any of this.
You cunning woman, trying to pump me for information.
You...
I can't outsmart you.
Well, what's the deal
with Mr. Lu and that manufacturer?
Two boxes in the batch of goods
he gave to me are defective,
and he wants me to mix them with the good ones and sell them.
Defective products?
Keep your voice down.
Or the whole street will know later.
With that big mouth of yours...
Does he know
about the defective ones himself?
He definitely...
Let's not talk about this anymore.
Are you thirsty?
How about I go buy you a bottle of water?
Buy me a popsicle then.
Cream or red bean?
Cream is fine.
That one's more refreshing.
Most people have fried dough sticks
with soy milk for breakfast.
Why do you have fried dough sticks with rice balls?
Carbs with carbs.
These aren't enough for me!
Aren't you afraid of gaining weight?
You think I'm fat?
No.
Just by looking,
you're probably around 55 kg.
Are you blind?
Pick me up!
We're in public.
Hugging or cuddling isn't appropriate.
Just pick me up when I ask you to!
I take back what I just said.
You're not 57.5 kg.
How much then?
Just around 54.5 kg.
Xiang Beichuan, you're such a jerk!
Alright, alright.
I was wrong, okay?
I'm a jerk, I'm a jerk.
Jerk,
[Women's Status and Choices Amid the Market Economy Boom]
isn't this your paper?
This jerk's paper got published.
Sir,
I'll take 10 copies.
Why buy so many?
Can you even read them all?
I'll give them to others as gifts.
Come on,
we don't need to be all vain about this, right?
You're not vain?
You don't want to be famous?
Honestly,
being famous or not
doesn't really matter much to me.
My main task is
to write down my observations as papers
so readers can read them. That's enough for me.
I'm vain.
When you publish a book, I'm proud.
It's like, "If one of us becomes wealthy and successful someday..."
We'll definitely forget about each other.
Don't talk to me for the rest of the day!
Why are you mad?