How to pronounce "凳子"

[Footprints of Change]

[Episode 20]

I've made some stylistic changes this time.

Look at the draft.

I can see that.

It's so beautiful.

Great Designer Yi!

Great Designer Yi!

Hello, hello.

Getting off work?

Hello, hello.

Comrade Xiurong, you're here too.

Feels like forever since I last saw you.

Now, I'm working as a reporter

for the newspaper.

Since our workshop is

a pilot for state-private joint ownership,

I'm particularly interested in learning about

the people here—

ordinary workers,

labor representatives,

capitalists,

and also designers

and artists like you.

And where...

where does your design inspiration come from?

What do you want to know?

Well, for example,

when I just came in,

I saw you

admiring your work.

It's gorgeous.

This is an attempt to blend Chinese and Western styles.

Chinese and Western styles...

Then,

what does this mean?

This comes from the flying apsaras dance from the Dunhuang murals.

Right, right.

Reporter Yang, have you been to Dunhuang?

Dunhuang.

Dunhuang...

I-I'll go chat with the workers,

the fellow workers.

I'll have... have a quick chat with them.

You carry on, carry on.

Newly made?

It's very well done.

Yi.

Does Minister Wen know

that Reporter Yang is here to interview you?

What does this have to do with Minister Wen?

He could help review it for you.

Xiurong,

I don't want any special privileges,

and I don't want people to find a reason

to criticize Minister Wen through me.

I take responsibility for everything I do.

Even if you think this way,

others will still think you have privileges.

I can't control what others think.

I only make sure I do my own part well.

Does your work have a mix of styles?

Does your work have...

Let me show you this one.

A blend of Chinese and Western...

Hello?

I'm not disturbing you while you're on duty, am I?

I thought you would say,

"I'm not disturbing your rest, am I?"

You wouldn't be resting at this hour.

Neither would I.

How are your designs coming along?

Do you need my advice?

No.

Why?

Looking down on this layman?

Of course.

Laypeople can't guide professionals.

Comrade Wen Pu.

Yes, Ma'am.

I order you to stop staying up late

and go to bed now.

I'll follow your order, Ma'am.

You should rest early too.

Good night.

Good night.

Yi!

Yi!

-Here, Xiurong. -Yi!

Look at this article quickly.

Here.

The article

doesn't mention your name,

but the factory leaders

called me.

They think the designer mentioned in the article

is you.

These aren't my final drafts.

How did they end up in Yang Xue'an's hands?

How did you handle your drafts?

I gave them to the pattern makers

so they could make samples for me to see.

Then they must've made a mistake.

They must have mistaken these

for your final designs.

I'm going to find Yang Xue'an now.

No, I have to ask him myself!

How could he use my discarded drafts?

How could he write it up like this?

If Yang Xue'an did this on purpose,

would arguing with him help?

Then who can defend me?

Go to Minister Wen.

He's a leader

and an old revolutionary.

-I'm sure he can... -I repeat!

I will not drag others down for something I did myself.

Is Minister Wen "others"?

Xiurong, look at this headline.

"New Trends in Class Struggle."

This is a big deal!

Yi.

This article does come across as a bit radical.

But you're someone who has weathered great storms.

Don't be nervous.

It's not that I care

what others say about me.

They can say whatever they want.

But my actions now

no longer represent just myself!

I understand.

How about this:

I'll go talk to the factory leaders again.

Is that okay?

Just...

please don't say anything rash or do anything impulsive,

okay?

Just wait for me here.

I'll be back soon.

Wait for me here!

Hello?

Hello.

I know all about the news report.

I'm afraid of getting you involved.

I'm going to talk to Yang Xue'an myself.

Don't be nervous,

and don't overthink it.

Go to the water town

and lie low for a while.

Leave this matter to me.

What about you?

Don't worry.

I'll handle everything.

Comrade Zhou,

I was planning to talk to the factory leaders,

but I don't think it would help much.

This issue has already spread to the city level,

so I asked you to come.

Let's figure something out together.

What can I do?

How could Yang Xue'an do something like this?

Isn't he your boyfriend?

Yi?

Yi!

Yi!

Where has she gone?

Here's a note

and a letter.

"Comrade Xiurong,

in response to various opinions about my design drafts,

I need to step out of the design room

to find more materials and inspiration in society.

Please give me some time.

As long as the factory leaders trust me,

I will persist in completing my designs."

There's also a letter.

She wants me to pass it to Minister Wen.

She must be afraid of implicating Minister Wen.

For heaven's sake,

she hasn't done anything wrong.

What is there to be afraid of?

Exactly.

Xiurong, what are you doing?

Hello?

Please connect me to the city government.

Xiurong, don't make the call.

She definitely doesn't want Minister Wen to know,

and that's why she left.

You intellectuals are just too concerned with keeping up appearances.

Who is Minister Wen anyway?

If he's afraid of being implicated by others,

then he wouldn't be the man he is.

Hello?

Yes, yes.

Minister Wen, I was just about to call you.

Okay, okay.

Minister Wen will be here shortly.

Minister Wen, this way.

This way, please.

Please.

This is a letter from Yi Yi for you.

Open the door.

Aren't you afraid someone might hear us?

Open the door.

Don't be so nervous.

Please sit down.

Minister Wen.

Here's a stool.

You can sit while you read.

No need. I'm fine standing.

Then let me...

pour you some tea?

Would you like some?

[I'll take care of myself. Don't worry.]

What did my sister-in-law say?

Don't worry.

She'll be fine.

She will take care of herself.

Minister Wen.

Oh right,

look.

These are Designer Yi's latest design drafts.

Reporter Yang's article

used her discarded drafts.

I know Designer Yi.

She's just a simple designer

who wants to make these export products

beautiful and elegant

to satisfy foreign buyers.

Look,

these lines really capture the beauty of our Chinese style.

I heard she drew inspiration from the Dunhuang flying apsaras murals.

Xiurong,

the report this time

also interviewed your factory's Chief Designer Tang.

Many of the quotes were from him.

Does he have a lot of influence?

Regarding this matter,

I've verified with Designer Tang.

There was indeed a reporter named Yang

who called him.

However,

he wasn't familiar with the situation

and gave some vague answers to the reporter's questions.

Reporter Yang

clearly didn't look into things carefully this time.

His thinking is too arbitrary

and rigid!

He always tries to

make everything into something serious!

Minister Wen,

this matter has had quite an impact.

Even the city's foreign trade officials have inquired about it.

Really?

Some people don't bother to learn the facts.

Anyway, there are all kinds of rumors going around.

Minister,

what about my sister-in-law?

It's okay.

This matter

can get more people involved in

the discussion about cultural exchange between China and the West.

It's a good thing.

It also increases your factory's visibility.

How is that a good thing?

Won't my sister-in-law suffer even more

if more people talk about it?

Minister Wen.

You're really going to let this happen?

Relax.

When this matter is brought before the masses,

the truth will become clearer through debate.

What if it doesn't?

Minister Wen,

we're counting on you regarding Ms. Yi.

She'll be fine.

Sir,

-I'd like an order of fried tofu puffs. -Hello.

Coming right up!

Miss, here you go.

Thanks. Here's the money.

What were you thinking, writing this article?

Did you get

Yi Yi's consent before publishing this?

You took her discarded drafts

and made such a big deal out of them,

writing such a provocative headline!

Do you realize

this could have serious consequences?

Can you calm down?

If you can calm down,

we can talk.

-What are you looking at? -If you can't calm down,

I'll leave now.

I'm sorry.

Am I not calm enough?

I'm asking you questions.

First,

my work

doesn't require anyone's approval.

Second...

I don't care if those drawings were discarded

or official.

The fact that she drew them

proves there's something wrong with her thinking.

She has reactionary thoughts.

What I'm doing now is trying to save her—

pulling her back from the edge of danger!

Xue'an,

what's wrong with you?

There's something seriously wrong with your thinking right now!

You're being too radical, you know that?

Look...

Look, Minister Wen and Director Fang

didn't say anything about this matter...

Don't mention Minister Wen to me.

They didn't say anything!

Don't mention Minister Wen to me!

I used to work in the Anti-Capitalist Office.

I put all my passion and effort into it.

He looked down on me!

He was biased against me

and transferred me away from my position!

I could have had a bright future!

And you?

As my girlfriend,

have you ever spoken up for me?

Have you ever considered things from my perspective?

For the sake of that job back then,

my mother...

You want to talk about your mother, right?

Yang Xue'an,

you brought this up yourself.

Leave my mother out of this.

When your mother was sick,

critically ill,

you didn't even go back to see her!

Leave my mother out of this!

Do you regret it or not?

Leave my mother out of this!

Do you regret it or not?

You have no right!

Do you regret it?

You have no right to reopen my wounds!

Zhou Yunqing.

Before...

when you agreed to date me,

I thought you valued me as a person.

Now I understand.

You were only interested in my position back then.

You were attracted to my power!

You were in love with my power, not me!

Turns out you're actually quite insecure.

I always thought you were full of confidence.

Get lost!

Minister Wen.

-Minister Wen. -Come in.

Minister Wen.

What can I do for you?

Minister Wen,

I brought Yang here today

to apologize on behalf of the newspaper.

W-We're sorry.

Have a seat.

No, we won't sit, Minister Wen.

We don't deserve to sit.

We're too embarrassed to sit.

I've heard from readers

that Yang's article was somewhat biased

and stirred controversy.

We're sorry.

Yes, Minister Wen.

It was my negligence at work.

I apologize to you.

Would it be acceptable to make amends this way?

We'll publish another article in the newspaper's name,

stating that I, Yang Xue'an, failed

to properly review the clothing design

and hereby formally apologize to Ms. Yi Yi.

Would that work?

I suggest

we explore this topic further.

Invite authorities from various fields

to discuss

the exchange and interaction between Chinese and Western cultures.

An open discussion?

Wouldn't that cause

even more harm to Ms. Yi Yi?

I suggest we still apologize,

sincerely apologize.

I have faith in the masses.

I believe even more that the truth will only become clearer through debate.

Editor-in-Chief Ji.

I'm leaving this in your hands.

Yes, Minister Wen.

Comrade Yang,

I also look forward to your excellent follow-up reports.

Okay.

We'll be going now, Minister Wen.

Go ahead.

We'll head back first.

What's Minister Wen really up to?

Scholar.

If one day I run into trouble,

will you help me?

Of course, I will.

But it depends on what kind of trouble

and whether I can be of help.

Lend me some money to cover a shortfall.

How much?

Ten thousand yuan.

Are you kidding me?

Do you think I'm made of money?

See? See?

I knew you couldn't help me.

I was just kidding.

I just wanted to test you.

Well, well. Getting cunning now, huh?

You've learned to test me.

You know what?

If you're really in trouble,

I have some money saved up.

I can have Mrs. San bring it to you tomorrow.

Forget it.

You don't have much money yourself.

Oh, right, you told me

you had a former classmate who was an official up in the Northeast, right?

Yes, Liu Tao.

He's the regional party secretary.

Why?

How's your relationship with him?

Pretty good.

We were roommates in college,

and we've kept in touch all these years.

Could you introduce us?

Why do you want to meet him?

Well... with this construction project of mine,

all those materials and supplies

are shipped from the Northeast.

I was thinking if I knew such a leader,

maybe I could...

Could what?

You know, when the time comes, I could...

What are you getting at?

I'm telling you,

don't get any funny ideas.

We absolutely cannot do anything

that violates principles or discipline.

Look how serious you get.

I knew you couldn't help me.

Just...

Forget it.

Tell me,

are you in some kind of trouble?

No.

Really?

What trouble could I possibly have?

You can't hide things from me.

What would I be hiding from you?

Alright, alright. I'm hungry.

Have Mrs. San cook me some noodles.

What time is it?

Mrs. San went to bed long ago.

I'll make you some noodles.

And I'll throw in an extra egg for you.

Help yourself to some tea.

[Comrade Wen Pu,]

[it's 8 o'clock in the evening now.]

[What are you doing right now?]

[You're definitely not telling bedtime stories to Yuanyuan.]

[I know.]

[You're probably busy working again.]

[You probably haven't had dinner yet.]

[You promised me]

[you'd eat meals on time.]

[You need to keep your promise.]

[Oh, and

you should drink less coffee when working at night.]

[It's bad for your health]

[and affects your sleep.]

[There aren't many residents in this town.]

[It's lively during market days,]

[but once the sun sets,]

[it gets frighteningly quiet.]

[After some time,]

[I'll go back.]

[As soon as I return,]

[I'll come see you right away.]

[Don't worry about me.]

[Take good care of yourself.]

Just right.

Scholar.

You're really impressive.

Well...

This whole matter about Yi Yi

caused such a big stir,

yet you calmly and quietly

managed to handle it.

Have you thought about

what if the public opinion

had shifted in Yang Xue'an's favor?

What would you do then?

You went to the leadership, didn't you?

No, that's not it.

That's not like your personality.

So it was your own accurate judgment,

wasn't it?

Impressive.

Impressive. Truly impressive.

Tomorrow,

I'm going to see her.

Then I'll be your driver.

Young lady, this color looks nice, right?

Why don't you try it on?

Okay.

Here, take a look.

Thank you.

This color is lovely.

It suits you. Makes you look so elegant.

Beautiful, very beautiful.

Young lady, you're just too gorgeous.

Here.

Take this mirror and see for yourself.

Okay.

Isn't it beautiful?

Honestly, you're stunning.

You're absolutely stunning, young lady.

Alright.

Everyone is watching us.

Let them watch.

I want to hold you a little longer.

Okay, I'll listen to you.

Have you gained weight recently?

No.

Your arms are fuller than before.

Your stomach's gotten a bit rounder too.

Really?

Young lady, don't just grab and run!

You haven't paid yet!

I'm sorry.

-I'm sorry. -I'll pay, I'll pay.

Seriously...

We're so sorry.

10 yuan.

Okay, okay.

Here.

That's enough.

Sir, you're very lucky.

Yunqing.

You're here.

Yes.

I didn't know you'd be so late,

so I had a bit to drink myself.

You know I don't usually drink.

I asked you to come today

because I wanted to apologize to you.

That day,

I was indeed too harsh with my words.

And then

I scolded you.

I'm sorry.

I've reflected on it, and I apologize to you.

Just

think of today as us

going out to eat together.

I ordered some dishes you love.

We wouldn't normally splurge

on dishes like these.

And this baijiu too.

I just had some.

This baijiu is aromatic.

It's good.

It cost me half a month's salary.

Come on.

Let's have a drink together.

Come on.

I don't want to drink.

I want to talk to you while we're both sober.

Are you sober right now?

Of course I'm sober.

Okay.

I want to break up with you.

Yunqing.

Look, I told the chef not to put

chopped green onions on this dish.

You know, sometimes dishes

taste better without green onions,

a different kind of flavor...

Looks like you're not sober enough.

And this meat...

You must love this meat. Usually you...

I think you're still not clear-headed enough.

I didn't want to come today.

But I thought I should come

and make things clear with you.

During this period, I've been thinking about us.

It all feels like a blur.

Maybe all of this between us was just a misunderstanding.

I already apologized to you.

If it's because that day

I was too harsh

and scolded you,

you can scold me back.

If that's not enough,

you can even hit me.

It's not because you scolded me.

Then why?

Because we're not right for each other.

How are we not right for each other?

In what way are we incompatible?

Was I not good when I taught you calligraphy?

Was I not good when I taught you how to cook?

I know you don't like green onions.

Since then, I've never added green onions

to any dish I've made.

But you know what?

I actually like green onions!

Waiter!

Add some green onions to this dish

and cook it again.

You'll regret this.

Let's sit here.

Sure.

Waiter, a pot of tea.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Here.

It smells so good.

These past few days,

the newspapers have been discussing

your design drafts intensely.

Do you know that?

There aren't any Shanghai newspapers here.

This matter has become very serious now.

You should know about it.

I brought you a newspaper.

Take a look.

I'm afraid to read it.

What are you doing?

Sit down first.

Come on.

No matter how serious something is,

you have to face it.

Take a look.

This article.

Come on.

[Inheritance and Innovation: Promoting Dunhuang Culture in Fashion Design]

What do you think about what he wrote?

What do you think about what he wrote?

I think

he wrote it very well.

It's well-reasoned

and redirects all those baseless

and exaggerated opinions

into

an academic discussion.

Don't you think?

You ordered him to write it this way?

I didn't.

But the matter is resolved now.

Put away your newspaper and drink your tea.

Yes, Ma'am.

Wait.

Let's celebrate with tea instead of wine.

What a pity.

There is

an opera troupe performing in town tonight.

They sound amazing.

I've watched their performance once before.

It's alright.

If you want to hear opera,

Hangong sings well.

Hangong.

Sing one of your best folk songs.

Come on, don't be so coy.

Yes, Secretary Zhao,

I really love hearing you sing.

Come on, sing on, sing on.

♪ The white-necked pug ♪

♪ Barks toward the south ♪

♪ The herder ♪

♪ Drives the herd along ♪

♪ If you're my girl ♪

♪ Then wave to me ♪

♪ If you're not my girl ♪

♪ Continue on your path ♪

Ms. Yi.

Xiurong.

Yi, you're back.

These are gifts I bought

for your children in the water town.

You bought one for each of my 5 children?

Yeah, gender equality.

These must be expensive. How much?

Let me pay you back.

Don't be so formal with me.

I heard from Minister Wen

that you kept speaking up for me during the debate.

I'm really touched.

I was just telling the truth.

I really dislike Yang Xue'an.

Did the factory leaders tell you?

Your work made it to the first round.

Really?

That's wonderful.

It wouldn't have made the shortlist without your input.

This is Wen Pu.

Do you have any news about the matter

I asked you to look into?

I asked around for you.

Zhao's matter isn't that simple.

He's been behind on payments to that factory for ages.

Recently, that factory started the state-private partnership.

The audit found many problems.

Among them, the accounts between them and Zhao

are very unclear.

What else?

I don't know the specifics.

You should go to Zhao quickly.

He knows best what he's done.

I have a meeting soon.

I have to go.

Operator?

This is Wen Pu.

Minister! There's a call from the city.

They're requesting your presence at an urgent on-site meeting.

Alright.

Operator? Hello?

The car is already waiting downstairs.

Okay.

Let's go.

Yi!

I want to talk to you about something.

What is it?

I broke up with Yang Xue'an.

Are you sad?

I'm not sad.

Minister Wen, you're finally back.

Secretary Zhao's wife is here.

She says she's been calling you all afternoon

but couldn't get through.

She's waiting inside.

Jiang? Jiang.

Political Commissar, you're finally back!

Alright, please sit down.

Calm down. Take your time.

Sit down.

I was afraid this would happen!

See? It happened today.

I knew it.

I just knew it!

Slow down.

Come on, sit down. Calm down a bit.

My man owes them 10,000 yuan!

I never even dreamed of

such a large amount of money!

How can we ever pay that back? 10,000 yuan!

If we can't pay it back,

does that mean Hangong will have to go to prison?

I've asked that regional party leader...

Please sit down first. Please sit.

How did he end up owing so much money?

I only know

that he's been...

keeping a pretty young mistress in Shanghai.

I heard

she used to be some kind of socialite.

She really knows how to please men!

I don't know when,

but she got my husband hooked on her.

Women like her

never have enough!

Hangong rented her

a very, very expensive garden villa in Shanghai.

She even did—what do you call it—

some speculative business.

Ended up losing everything!

That money all came from my husband!

Sir, you know it.

Hangong never had that kind of money!

He took on those projects

all for that pretty young woman!

What should we do?

Well,

all that money's what Hangong

stole from the state.

A total of 10,000 yuan.

Where am I supposed to find that money?

Our family has no money!

All our relatives are even poorer than we are!

What are we going to do?

Alright.

Jiang, here's what we'll do.

You should go home first.

I'll figure something out.

Let me look into the situation first,

and I'll let you know as soon as I have any news.

Don't worry too much. Go home first.

Your children need you at home.

Go home first.

Minister Wen,

Hangong is

the only son for three generations.

Please,

take this matter seriously.

Don't worry. I'll think of a way.

Jiang!

Please get up! Get up!

On behalf of our whole family...

Please get up!

My husband...

Get up, get up.

Get up!

When there are problems, we find solutions.

Go home now.

We'll repay your kindness.

Alright, alright.

Thank you.

Go back first. Go back.

Operator, please connect me to Minister Wen's home.

Sorry,

Minister Wen's line is busy.

Thank you.

That's the whole situation.

In short, it's a serious matter.

Anyway,

we need to cover this deficit first, right?

He owes that much money.

Please help figure something out.

I've been calling everyone else

in the division I can reach.

I have to go now.

I'll wait for your news.

I have a long-distance call from G-Guangzhou coming in.

It might be Ziliang.

Okay, okay.

Hello?

Ziliang.

I'm sorry

for calling so late.

Here's the thing.

Um...

Zhao Hangong is in trouble.

He owes a lot of money.

Public funds, of course.

So we need to...

we need to cover this deficit first.

I've already contacted Huang Kuisheng.

Do you have Jiaxing's contact information?

Give me the number.

Alright, I've noted it down.

How much money can you help raise?

It's really urgent.

Great. Great.

I'll wait for your news then.

Okay, okay.

I'll call Jiaxing now.

Where is he?

Tianjin.

Alright, I'll call this number.

Okay, I'll wait for your news.

It's extremely urgent.

Well?

I've borrowed money from all the old comrades-in-arms

from our old division.

Altogether, I've gathered over 5,000 yuan.

I've had them wire it all to Jiang,

who is keeping it for now.

I'm asking how you are doing.

Zhao really acted foolishly.

As a leading cadre,

he's received so many years of Party education,

yet he made such a mistake!

He must take responsibility for his actions!

Ms. Fang,

you and the Chief

have watched us grow and develop.

You both know Hangong well, right?

At heart, he's different from

Liu Qingshan and Zhang Zishan,

right?

I know that.

He's just lustful.

He can't resist beautiful women.

And now his whole life is ruined because of it.

So I was wondering

if you could tell the Chief

to give him a chance to redeem himself.

Let him...

What I mean is...

I should borrow more money for him

and collect more funds.

Don't do this to yourself.

He made the mistakes. Don't punish yourself over it.

Does Yi Yi know about it?

She doesn't know.

That's right.

This is a Party matter, and she's an outsider.

I just want to tell you

not to bring these emotions home.

Yi Yi is not Rumei.

Someone like Yi Yi, a petty-bourgeois intellectual,

is fragile and sensitive.

She won't understand you.

Then how about this, Minister Wen?

I'll go back

and ask Yan.

See if he can also borrow some money

f-from his comrades-in-arms

to help Zhao Hangong.

That would be wonderful.

Thank you, Ms. Fang.

And thank the Chief for me.

Don't mention it.

[Footprints of Change]

[Episode 20]

I've made some stylistic changes this time.

Look at the draft.

I can see that.

It's so beautiful.

Great Designer Yi!

Great Designer Yi!

Hello, hello.

Getting off work?

Hello, hello.

Comrade Xiurong, you're here too.

Feels like forever since I last saw you.

Now, I'm working as a reporter

for the newspaper.

Since our workshop is

a pilot for state-private joint ownership,

I'm particularly interested in learning about

the people here—

ordinary workers,

labor representatives,

capitalists,

and also designers

and artists like you.

And where...

where does your design inspiration come from?

What do you want to know?

Well, for example,

when I just came in,

I saw you

admiring your work.

It's gorgeous.

This is an attempt to blend Chinese and Western styles.

Chinese and Western styles...

Then,

what does this mean?

This comes from the flying apsaras dance from the Dunhuang murals.

Right, right.

Reporter Yang, have you been to Dunhuang?

Dunhuang.

Dunhuang...

I-I'll go chat with the workers,

the fellow workers.

I'll have... have a quick chat with them.

You carry on, carry on.

Newly made?

It's very well done.

Yi.

Does Minister Wen know

that Reporter Yang is here to interview you?

What does this have to do with Minister Wen?

He could help review it for you.

Xiurong,

I don't want any special privileges,

and I don't want people to find a reason

to criticize Minister Wen through me.

I take responsibility for everything I do.

Even if you think this way,

others will still think you have privileges.

I can't control what others think.

I only make sure I do my own part well.

Does your work have a mix of styles?

Does your work have...

Let me show you this one.

A blend of Chinese and Western...

Hello?

I'm not disturbing you while you're on duty, am I?

I thought you would say,

"I'm not disturbing your rest, am I?"

You wouldn't be resting at this hour.

Neither would I.

How are your designs coming along?

Do you need my advice?

No.

Why?

Looking down on this layman?

Of course.

Laypeople can't guide professionals.

Comrade Wen Pu.

Yes, Ma'am.

I order you to stop staying up late

and go to bed now.

I'll follow your order, Ma'am.

You should rest early too.

Good night.

Good night.

Yi!

Yi!

-Here, Xiurong. -Yi!

Look at this article quickly.

Here.

The article

doesn't mention your name,

but the factory leaders

called me.

They think the designer mentioned in the article

is you.

These aren't my final drafts.

How did they end up in Yang Xue'an's hands?

How did you handle your drafts?

I gave them to the pattern makers

so they could make samples for me to see.

Then they must've made a mistake.

They must have mistaken these

for your final designs.

I'm going to find Yang Xue'an now.

No, I have to ask him myself!

How could he use my discarded drafts?

How could he write it up like this?

If Yang Xue'an did this on purpose,

would arguing with him help?

Then who can defend me?

Go to Minister Wen.

He's a leader

and an old revolutionary.

-I'm sure he can... -I repeat!

I will not drag others down for something I did myself.

Is Minister Wen "others"?

Xiurong, look at this headline.

"New Trends in Class Struggle."

This is a big deal!

Yi.

This article does come across as a bit radical.

But you're someone who has weathered great storms.

Don't be nervous.

It's not that I care

what others say about me.

They can say whatever they want.

But my actions now

no longer represent just myself!

I understand.

How about this:

I'll go talk to the factory leaders again.

Is that okay?

Just...

please don't say anything rash or do anything impulsive,

okay?

Just wait for me here.

I'll be back soon.

Wait for me here!

Hello?

Hello.

I know all about the news report.

I'm afraid of getting you involved.

I'm going to talk to Yang Xue'an myself.

Don't be nervous,

and don't overthink it.

Go to the water town

and lie low for a while.

Leave this matter to me.

What about you?

Don't worry.

I'll handle everything.

Comrade Zhou,

I was planning to talk to the factory leaders,

but I don't think it would help much.

This issue has already spread to the city level,

so I asked you to come.

Let's figure something out together.

What can I do?

How could Yang Xue'an do something like this?

Isn't he your boyfriend?

Yi?

Yi!

Yi!

Where has she gone?

Here's a note

and a letter.

"Comrade Xiurong,

in response to various opinions about my design drafts,

I need to step out of the design room

to find more materials and inspiration in society.

Please give me some time.

As long as the factory leaders trust me,

I will persist in completing my designs."

There's also a letter.

She wants me to pass it to Minister Wen.

She must be afraid of implicating Minister Wen.

For heaven's sake,

she hasn't done anything wrong.

What is there to be afraid of?

Exactly.

Xiurong, what are you doing?

Hello?

Please connect me to the city government.

Xiurong, don't make the call.

She definitely doesn't want Minister Wen to know,

and that's why she left.

You intellectuals are just too concerned with keeping up appearances.

Who is Minister Wen anyway?

If he's afraid of being implicated by others,

then he wouldn't be the man he is.

Hello?

Yes, yes.

Minister Wen, I was just about to call you.

Okay, okay.

Minister Wen will be here shortly.

Minister Wen, this way.

This way, please.

Please.

This is a letter from Yi Yi for you.

Open the door.

Aren't you afraid someone might hear us?

Open the door.

Don't be so nervous.

Please sit down.

Minister Wen.

Here's a stool.

You can sit while you read.

No need. I'm fine standing.

Then let me...

pour you some tea?

Would you like some?

[I'll take care of myself. Don't worry.]

What did my sister-in-law say?

Don't worry.

She'll be fine.

She will take care of herself.

Minister Wen.

Oh right,

look.

These are Designer Yi's latest design drafts.

Reporter Yang's article

used her discarded drafts.

I know Designer Yi.

She's just a simple designer

who wants to make these export products

beautiful and elegant

to satisfy foreign buyers.

Look,

these lines really capture the beauty of our Chinese style.

I heard she drew inspiration from the Dunhuang flying apsaras murals.

Xiurong,

the report this time

also interviewed your factory's Chief Designer Tang.

Many of the quotes were from him.

Does he have a lot of influence?

Regarding this matter,

I've verified with Designer Tang.

There was indeed a reporter named Yang

who called him.

However,

he wasn't familiar with the situation

and gave some vague answers to the reporter's questions.

Reporter Yang

clearly didn't look into things carefully this time.

His thinking is too arbitrary

and rigid!

He always tries to

make everything into something serious!

Minister Wen,

this matter has had quite an impact.

Even the city's foreign trade officials have inquired about it.

Really?

Some people don't bother to learn the facts.

Anyway, there are all kinds of rumors going around.

Minister,

what about my sister-in-law?

It's okay.

This matter

can get more people involved in

the discussion about cultural exchange between China and the West.

It's a good thing.

It also increases your factory's visibility.

How is that a good thing?

Won't my sister-in-law suffer even more

if more people talk about it?

Minister Wen.

You're really going to let this happen?

Relax.

When this matter is brought before the masses,

the truth will become clearer through debate.

What if it doesn't?

Minister Wen,

we're counting on you regarding Ms. Yi.

She'll be fine.

Sir,

-I'd like an order of fried tofu puffs. -Hello.

Coming right up!

Miss, here you go.

Thanks. Here's the money.

What were you thinking, writing this article?

Did you get

Yi Yi's consent before publishing this?

You took her discarded drafts

and made such a big deal out of them,

writing such a provocative headline!

Do you realize

this could have serious consequences?

Can you calm down?

If you can calm down,

we can talk.

-What are you looking at? -If you can't calm down,

I'll leave now.

I'm sorry.

Am I not calm enough?

I'm asking you questions.

First,

my work

doesn't require anyone's approval.

Second...

I don't care if those drawings were discarded

or official.

The fact that she drew them

proves there's something wrong with her thinking.

She has reactionary thoughts.

What I'm doing now is trying to save her—

pulling her back from the edge of danger!

Xue'an,

what's wrong with you?

There's something seriously wrong with your thinking right now!

You're being too radical, you know that?

Look...

Look, Minister Wen and Director Fang

didn't say anything about this matter...

Don't mention Minister Wen to me.

They didn't say anything!

Don't mention Minister Wen to me!

I used to work in the Anti-Capitalist Office.

I put all my passion and effort into it.

He looked down on me!

He was biased against me

and transferred me away from my position!

I could have had a bright future!

And you?

As my girlfriend,

have you ever spoken up for me?

Have you ever considered things from my perspective?

For the sake of that job back then,

my mother...

You want to talk about your mother, right?

Yang Xue'an,

you brought this up yourself.

Leave my mother out of this.

When your mother was sick,

critically ill,

you didn't even go back to see her!

Leave my mother out of this!

Do you regret it or not?

Leave my mother out of this!

Do you regret it or not?

You have no right!

Do you regret it?

You have no right to reopen my wounds!

Zhou Yunqing.

Before...

when you agreed to date me,

I thought you valued me as a person.

Now I understand.

You were only interested in my position back then.

You were attracted to my power!

You were in love with my power, not me!

Turns out you're actually quite insecure.

I always thought you were full of confidence.

Get lost!

Minister Wen.

-Minister Wen. -Come in.

Minister Wen.

What can I do for you?

Minister Wen,

I brought Yang here today

to apologize on behalf of the newspaper.

W-We're sorry.

Have a seat.

No, we won't sit, Minister Wen.

We don't deserve to sit.

We're too embarrassed to sit.

I've heard from readers

that Yang's article was somewhat biased

and stirred controversy.

We're sorry.

Yes, Minister Wen.

It was my negligence at work.

I apologize to you.

Would it be acceptable to make amends this way?

We'll publish another article in the newspaper's name,

stating that I, Yang Xue'an, failed

to properly review the clothing design

and hereby formally apologize to Ms. Yi Yi.

Would that work?

I suggest

we explore this topic further.

Invite authorities from various fields

to discuss

the exchange and interaction between Chinese and Western cultures.

An open discussion?

Wouldn't that cause

even more harm to Ms. Yi Yi?

I suggest we still apologize,

sincerely apologize.

I have faith in the masses.

I believe even more that the truth will only become clearer through debate.

Editor-in-Chief Ji.

I'm leaving this in your hands.

Yes, Minister Wen.

Comrade Yang,

I also look forward to your excellent follow-up reports.

Okay.

We'll be going now, Minister Wen.

Go ahead.

We'll head back first.

What's Minister Wen really up to?

Scholar.

If one day I run into trouble,

will you help me?

Of course, I will.

But it depends on what kind of trouble

and whether I can be of help.

Lend me some money to cover a shortfall.

How much?

Ten thousand yuan.

Are you kidding me?

Do you think I'm made of money?

See? See?

I knew you couldn't help me.

I was just kidding.

I just wanted to test you.

Well, well. Getting cunning now, huh?

You've learned to test me.

You know what?

If you're really in trouble,

I have some money saved up.

I can have Mrs. San bring it to you tomorrow.

Forget it.

You don't have much money yourself.

Oh, right, you told me

you had a former classmate who was an official up in the Northeast, right?

Yes, Liu Tao.

He's the regional party secretary.

Why?

How's your relationship with him?

Pretty good.

We were roommates in college,

and we've kept in touch all these years.

Could you introduce us?

Why do you want to meet him?

Well... with this construction project of mine,

all those materials and supplies

are shipped from the Northeast.

I was thinking if I knew such a leader,

maybe I could...

Could what?

You know, when the time comes, I could...

What are you getting at?

I'm telling you,

don't get any funny ideas.

We absolutely cannot do anything

that violates principles or discipline.

Look how serious you get.

I knew you couldn't help me.

Just...

Forget it.

Tell me,

are you in some kind of trouble?

No.

Really?

What trouble could I possibly have?

You can't hide things from me.

What would I be hiding from you?

Alright, alright. I'm hungry.

Have Mrs. San cook me some noodles.

What time is it?

Mrs. San went to bed long ago.

I'll make you some noodles.

And I'll throw in an extra egg for you.

Help yourself to some tea.

[Comrade Wen Pu,]

[it's 8 o'clock in the evening now.]

[What are you doing right now?]

[You're definitely not telling bedtime stories to Yuanyuan.]

[I know.]

[You're probably busy working again.]

[You probably haven't had dinner yet.]

[You promised me]

[you'd eat meals on time.]

[You need to keep your promise.]

[Oh, and

you should drink less coffee when working at night.]

[It's bad for your health]

[and affects your sleep.]

[There aren't many residents in this town.]

[It's lively during market days,]

[but once the sun sets,]

[it gets frighteningly quiet.]

[After some time,]

[I'll go back.]

[As soon as I return,]

[I'll come see you right away.]

[Don't worry about me.]

[Take good care of yourself.]

Just right.

Scholar.

You're really impressive.

Well...

This whole matter about Yi Yi

caused such a big stir,

yet you calmly and quietly

managed to handle it.

Have you thought about

what if the public opinion

had shifted in Yang Xue'an's favor?

What would you do then?

You went to the leadership, didn't you?

No, that's not it.

That's not like your personality.

So it was your own accurate judgment,

wasn't it?

Impressive.

Impressive. Truly impressive.

Tomorrow,

I'm going to see her.

Then I'll be your driver.

Young lady, this color looks nice, right?

Why don't you try it on?

Okay.

Here, take a look.

Thank you.

This color is lovely.

It suits you. Makes you look so elegant.

Beautiful, very beautiful.

Young lady, you're just too gorgeous.

Here.

Take this mirror and see for yourself.

Okay.

Isn't it beautiful?

Honestly, you're stunning.

You're absolutely stunning, young lady.

Alright.

Everyone is watching us.

Let them watch.

I want to hold you a little longer.

Okay, I'll listen to you.

Have you gained weight recently?

No.

Your arms are fuller than before.

Your stomach's gotten a bit rounder too.

Really?

Young lady, don't just grab and run!

You haven't paid yet!

I'm sorry.

-I'm sorry. -I'll pay, I'll pay.

Seriously...

We're so sorry.

10 yuan.

Okay, okay.

Here.

That's enough.

Sir, you're very lucky.

Yunqing.

You're here.

Yes.

I didn't know you'd be so late,

so I had a bit to drink myself.

You know I don't usually drink.

I asked you to come today

because I wanted to apologize to you.

That day,

I was indeed too harsh with my words.

And then

I scolded you.

I'm sorry.

I've reflected on it, and I apologize to you.

Just

think of today as us

going out to eat together.

I ordered some dishes you love.

We wouldn't normally splurge

on dishes like these.

And this baijiu too.

I just had some.

This baijiu is aromatic.

It's good.

It cost me half a month's salary.

Come on.

Let's have a drink together.

Come on.

I don't want to drink.

I want to talk to you while we're both sober.

Are you sober right now?

Of course I'm sober.

Okay.

I want to break up with you.

Yunqing.

Look, I told the chef not to put

chopped green onions on this dish.

You know, sometimes dishes

taste better without green onions,

a different kind of flavor...

Looks like you're not sober enough.

And this meat...

You must love this meat. Usually you...

I think you're still not clear-headed enough.

I didn't want to come today.

But I thought I should come

and make things clear with you.

During this period, I've been thinking about us.

It all feels like a blur.

Maybe all of this between us was just a misunderstanding.

I already apologized to you.

If it's because that day

I was too harsh

and scolded you,

you can scold me back.

If that's not enough,

you can even hit me.

It's not because you scolded me.

Then why?

Because we're not right for each other.

How are we not right for each other?

In what way are we incompatible?

Was I not good when I taught you calligraphy?

Was I not good when I taught you how to cook?

I know you don't like green onions.

Since then, I've never added green onions

to any dish I've made.

But you know what?

I actually like green onions!

Waiter!

Add some green onions to this dish

and cook it again.

You'll regret this.

Let's sit here.

Sure.

Waiter, a pot of tea.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Here.

It smells so good.

These past few days,

the newspapers have been discussing

your design drafts intensely.

Do you know that?

There aren't any Shanghai newspapers here.

This matter has become very serious now.

You should know about it.

I brought you a newspaper.

Take a look.

I'm afraid to read it.

What are you doing?

Sit down first.

Come on.

No matter how serious something is,

you have to face it.

Take a look.

This article.

Come on.

[Inheritance and Innovation: Promoting Dunhuang Culture in Fashion Design]

What do you think about what he wrote?

What do you think about what he wrote?

I think

he wrote it very well.

It's well-reasoned

and redirects all those baseless

and exaggerated opinions

into

an academic discussion.

Don't you think?

You ordered him to write it this way?

I didn't.

But the matter is resolved now.

Put away your newspaper and drink your tea.

Yes, Ma'am.

Wait.

Let's celebrate with tea instead of wine.

What a pity.

There is

an opera troupe performing in town tonight.

They sound amazing.

I've watched their performance once before.

It's alright.

If you want to hear opera,

Hangong sings well.

Hangong.

Sing one of your best folk songs.

Come on, don't be so coy.

Yes, Secretary Zhao,

I really love hearing you sing.

Come on, sing on, sing on.

♪ The white-necked pug ♪

♪ Barks toward the south ♪

♪ The herder ♪

♪ Drives the herd along ♪

♪ If you're my girl ♪

♪ Then wave to me ♪

♪ If you're not my girl ♪

♪ Continue on your path ♪

Ms. Yi.

Xiurong.

Yi, you're back.

These are gifts I bought

for your children in the water town.

You bought one for each of my 5 children?

Yeah, gender equality.

These must be expensive. How much?

Let me pay you back.

Don't be so formal with me.

I heard from Minister Wen

that you kept speaking up for me during the debate.

I'm really touched.

I was just telling the truth.

I really dislike Yang Xue'an.

Did the factory leaders tell you?

Your work made it to the first round.

Really?

That's wonderful.

It wouldn't have made the shortlist without your input.

This is Wen Pu.

Do you have any news about the matter

I asked you to look into?

I asked around for you.

Zhao's matter isn't that simple.

He's been behind on payments to that factory for ages.

Recently, that factory started the state-private partnership.

The audit found many problems.

Among them, the accounts between them and Zhao

are very unclear.

What else?

I don't know the specifics.

You should go to Zhao quickly.

He knows best what he's done.

I have a meeting soon.

I have to go.

Operator?

This is Wen Pu.

Minister! There's a call from the city.

They're requesting your presence at an urgent on-site meeting.

Alright.

Operator? Hello?

The car is already waiting downstairs.

Okay.

Let's go.

Yi!

I want to talk to you about something.

What is it?

I broke up with Yang Xue'an.

Are you sad?

I'm not sad.

Minister Wen, you're finally back.

Secretary Zhao's wife is here.

She says she's been calling you all afternoon

but couldn't get through.

She's waiting inside.

Jiang? Jiang.

Political Commissar, you're finally back!

Alright, please sit down.

Calm down. Take your time.

Sit down.

I was afraid this would happen!

See? It happened today.

I knew it.

I just knew it!

Slow down.

Come on, sit down. Calm down a bit.

My man owes them 10,000 yuan!

I never even dreamed of

such a large amount of money!

How can we ever pay that back? 10,000 yuan!

If we can't pay it back,

does that mean Hangong will have to go to prison?

I've asked that regional party leader...

Please sit down first. Please sit.

How did he end up owing so much money?

I only know

that he's been...

keeping a pretty young mistress in Shanghai.

I heard

she used to be some kind of socialite.

She really knows how to please men!

I don't know when,

but she got my husband hooked on her.

Women like her

never have enough!

Hangong rented her

a very, very expensive garden villa in Shanghai.

She even did—what do you call it—

some speculative business.

Ended up losing everything!

That money all came from my husband!

Sir, you know it.

Hangong never had that kind of money!

He took on those projects

all for that pretty young woman!

What should we do?

Well,

all that money's what Hangong

stole from the state.

A total of 10,000 yuan.

Where am I supposed to find that money?

Our family has no money!

All our relatives are even poorer than we are!

What are we going to do?

Alright.

Jiang, here's what we'll do.

You should go home first.

I'll figure something out.

Let me look into the situation first,

and I'll let you know as soon as I have any news.

Don't worry too much. Go home first.

Your children need you at home.

Go home first.

Minister Wen,

Hangong is

the only son for three generations.

Please,

take this matter seriously.

Don't worry. I'll think of a way.

Jiang!

Please get up! Get up!

On behalf of our whole family...

Please get up!

My husband...

Get up, get up.

Get up!

When there are problems, we find solutions.

Go home now.

We'll repay your kindness.

Alright, alright.

Thank you.

Go back first. Go back.

Operator, please connect me to Minister Wen's home.

Sorry,

Minister Wen's line is busy.

Thank you.

That's the whole situation.

In short, it's a serious matter.

Anyway,

we need to cover this deficit first, right?

He owes that much money.

Please help figure something out.

I've been calling everyone else

in the division I can reach.

I have to go now.

I'll wait for your news.

I have a long-distance call from G-Guangzhou coming in.

It might be Ziliang.

Okay, okay.

Hello?

Ziliang.

I'm sorry

for calling so late.

Here's the thing.

Um...

Zhao Hangong is in trouble.

He owes a lot of money.

Public funds, of course.

So we need to...

we need to cover this deficit first.

I've already contacted Huang Kuisheng.

Do you have Jiaxing's contact information?

Give me the number.

Alright, I've noted it down.

How much money can you help raise?

It's really urgent.

Great. Great.

I'll wait for your news then.

Okay, okay.

I'll call Jiaxing now.

Where is he?

Tianjin.

Alright, I'll call this number.

Okay, I'll wait for your news.

It's extremely urgent.

Well?

I've borrowed money from all the old comrades-in-arms

from our old division.

Altogether, I've gathered over 5,000 yuan.

I've had them wire it all to Jiang,

who is keeping it for now.

I'm asking how you are doing.

Zhao really acted foolishly.

As a leading cadre,

he's received so many years of Party education,

yet he made such a mistake!

He must take responsibility for his actions!

Ms. Fang,

you and the Chief

have watched us grow and develop.

You both know Hangong well, right?

At heart, he's different from

Liu Qingshan and Zhang Zishan,

right?

I know that.

He's just lustful.

He can't resist beautiful women.

And now his whole life is ruined because of it.

So I was wondering

if you could tell the Chief

to give him a chance to redeem himself.

Let him...

What I mean is...

I should borrow more money for him

and collect more funds.

Don't do this to yourself.

He made the mistakes. Don't punish yourself over it.

Does Yi Yi know about it?

She doesn't know.

That's right.

This is a Party matter, and she's an outsider.

I just want to tell you

not to bring these emotions home.

Yi Yi is not Rumei.

Someone like Yi Yi, a petty-bourgeois intellectual,

is fragile and sensitive.

She won't understand you.

Then how about this, Minister Wen?

I'll go back

and ask Yan.

See if he can also borrow some money

f-from his comrades-in-arms

to help Zhao Hangong.

That would be wonderful.

Thank you, Ms. Fang.

And thank the Chief for me.

Don't mention it.