How to pronounce "空气"

[Footprints of Change]

[Episode 25]

Ms. Shan.

Section Chief Shan.

Why are you still here?

I was waiting for you to finish work.

It's so hot out here.

Why didn't you wait inside?

There are too many people inside.

I was afraid I might disturb your work.

There were some things

I didn't feel comfortable saying in your office.

I actually wanted to…

Let's not talk here.

Let's go somewhere else.

Okay.

Ms. Shan.

You and our politics teacher, Mr. Qi,

were in the same grade, right?

You look

at least 10 years younger than him.

What's your secret?

I mean, you're so young,

yet you're already a division-level official.

Section-level.

Oh, a section-level official. That's so impressive!

I need to learn from you

and seek your guidance.

Where are you from?

Your Mandarin is so standard.

You must be from Beijing, right?

I wanted to develop my career in Beijing,

thinking there were more opportunities there.

Kunshan, Suzhou.

You're from Kunshan?

Kunshan is such a beautiful place.

The air is fresh too.

There's an ancient town I've visited several times.

Every time I go there, I feel

it has such rich cultural heritage.

You asked me to out

just to talk about these?

Ms. Shan.

I...

I actually wanted to ask you for a favor.

I left the government system

and just started in business.

I really value this job.

Our factory isn't big,

but it supports many people.

If this deal doesn't go through,

we might not be able to pay salaries.

Our department has rules.

I'm someone who follows procedures.

Asking me to come here to discuss business

is inappropriate.

Yes.

I'll book a private room at a restaurant tomorrow.

It allows more privacy.

What's your favorite food?

Our staff cafeteria is quite good.

I have other matters to attend to.

I'll be going now.

Ms. Shan.

That's a nice necklace.

Is it a designer brand?

Is it platinum?

No,

a classmate brought it for me from abroad.

What are you doing?

I want to give it to you.

No, no.

It looks good on you.

It suits you well.

Why is there a power outage?

Ye Xining.

Ye Xining.

Ye Xining, wake up.

Wake up.

Why did you drink so much?

Jiuling.

Jiuling.

Jiuling.

Wake up.

Where are the keys?

Ye Xining.

Ye Xining, wake up!

The keys!

I'm looking for the keys, okay?

The keys.

You look small and skinny.

Why are you so heavy?

Hang in there.

Let me pull harder.

You and

Shan Huajing are together.

Who am I together with?

Shan

Huajing.

I'm together with Shan Huajing?

Do a magic trick for me.

I don't know any magic tricks.

Then, tell me a joke.

What kind of joke?

Sing a song.

You're drunk.

Sleep on.

Sit down.

I need to tell you something.

Go ahead.

Lie down.

What?

Lie down.

How can I do that?

Lie down!

I can't do that.

Lie down.

I-I'm lying down.

I'll hold you.

D-Don't!

This is inappropriate!

Thank you.

Go ahead and cry,

if it makes you feel better.

You're awake.

I bought breakfast.

What are you staring at? Eat up.

Miss Ye.

Last night...

What's your relationship with Shan Huajing?

After you gave her the envelope,

she rejected me.

What did you give her?

Money?

How much did you pay her?

Not money?

Right. The envelope wasn't that thick.

Property deed?

That can't be.

Surely not.

That's too expensive.

Too high a price.

Shan Huajing has a son.

You know?

He's in middle school.

It's possible that you gave her

an acceptance letter to a prestigious high school.

Am I right?

Good for you, Yan Jun!

You are something.

This is clearly a case of bribery,

which should not be encouraged.

But it got the job done.

Miss Ye,

you came to my place last night…

Did I come here?

Yes, you did.

Did I really?

Yes, you did.

I didn't.

You were dreaming.

I was dreaming?

You were dreaming.

Was I dreaming?

You must have been dreaming.

I must have been dreaming.

You dreamed about me.

What's your dream about?

Don't daydream!

I was dreaming.

Purse.

Purse!

Here.

Eat while they're hot.

Goodbye.

[Fuxingzhai Restaurant]

Madam.

Hello.

How's your business lately?

Thanks to you,

it's good.

The usual. Two packs.

Okay.

Since it's thanks to me,

shouldn't you give me a lighter?

Of course.

Look, I've got it ready.

Mr. Yan.

Miss Ye.

Have you eaten?

Yes, I have.

By the way, Mr. Yan,

I have something

I'd like to ask you about.

Go ahead.

Are you

and Section Chief Shan at the customs

on good terms?

We're okay.

Why do you ask?

Well, it's...

I...

You…

want to befriend Section Chief Shan?

Here's what we'll do.

I'll arrange a gathering in a few days

and invite Section Chief Shan to join us for dinner.

Would she be willing to have dinner with me?

With me there,

it won't be a problem.

Thank you so much, Mr. Yan.

It's nothing.

Madam.

this lady will pay

the two packs of cigarettes.

Okay. Okay.

Consider it tuition.

No problem.

Here.

Here you go.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yan.

Professor Xiang.

Professor Xiang.

This is...

Let me introduce.

This is...

No need to introduce.

You just said

she's Tong Tong.

Just introduce me directly.

This is Miss Ye.

Miss Ye.

Ye Xining.

Hello.

Please, have a seat.

Let's sit down.

Professor Xiang,

this is my new essay.

Could you take a look at it?

I can review it for you.

Don't you need to use the bathroom?

Go ahead.

Excuse me.

So,

Miss Ye, you're a teacher too?

Yes.

What year are you in?

Junior year.

You're 21?

Twenty.

How old are you, Miss Ye?

A bit older than you.

Indeed,

you do look quite mature.

What's wrong with your eyes?

My eyesight is excellent.

I'm not nearsighted.

Miss Ye.

How long have you known Professor Xiang?

Not very long,

just a few months.

No wonder

Professor Xiang has never mentioned you to me.

But from what I just heard,

Professor Xiang Xiang

must talk about me to you often, right?

He just mentioned you.

Here, Tong Tong,

try this.

It's the cola Professor Xiang loves the most.

Miss Ye,

I've known him for 3 years.

As for him,

I have some right to speak.

He doesn't have

many female friends at school.

Nor is he close to any girl.

But I think he treats me differently.

We often chat together,

especially about literature.

Whenever he talks about literature,

he becomes so eloquent.

Some people might find it boring

and don't like hearing him talk about these things,

but I'm different.

I especially love hearing him talk.

Miss Ye,

what do you usually talk about when you're together?

We don't talk about these things.

When we're together,

I wash his shirts

and pants.

When I'm hungry at night,

he makes noodles for me.

No wonder!

Last time when I went for a walk with Professor Xiang,

I noticed that

his clothes smelled particularly nice.

Miss Ye,

what brand of detergent do you use?

When did you go for this walk?

Professor Xiang.

How's it?

What were you two talking about?

Nothing much.

Walking. Chatting.

What do you mean?

Professor Xiang, you must be hungry.

Let's order food.

Tong Tong,

about what Miss Ye just said...

Tong Tong said you often take her for walks.

You said those things just now?

No, I...

Have we ever done any of those things?

Tong Tong.

I hope you can face your problems.

This isn't the first time, right?

I think our relationship

is just an ordinary

teacher-student relationship.

It's inappropriate for you to say that.

Although we learn academic knowledge at school,

developing moral values is also important.

One should seek truth from facts,

be sincere,

and be honest, right?

You say these things at school,

and you tell my friend outside of school

the same things.

Do you know what kind of impact

that might have on me?

No…

Please stop

thinking about all these random things

and telling everyone about them.

I didn't!

I haven't!

Could she be gone to jump off a building?

No.

This isn't the first time she's done this.

I'm sorry about that,

but I still need to thank you

for helping me so much today.

Well,

what would you like to eat?

Order whatever you want.

This meal is on me.

I'm not eating.

She has already made me lose my appetite.

Eat by yourself.

Jiuling?

Professor Xiang.

What brings you here?

Are you here to look for Yan Jun?

No, no.

I'm here to see you.

Please sit down.

I came here to

show you something special.

Take a look.

Jeans?

Can you recognize them?

These are from that water-damaged batch.

Xining redesigned them.

They're selling really well out there now.

It's truly turning trash into treasure.

They're so fashionable to wear.

When young men wear them,

they look so stylish.

So, I brought one pair specially

to give to you.

But Jiuling,

this isn't appropriate.

Why not?

What's wrong with me giving you a pair of jeans?

It's perfectly normal.

When you walk around campus

or standing on the sports field,

hands in pockets,

your students will see you and think,

"My teacher is so stylish!

That's so cool!"

If they like the jeans,

you can refer them to me.

Jiuling,

didn't Xining tell you?

What?

I'm not teaching at school anymore.

You've left?

That doesn't matter. Take them anyway.

This is my sincere gift.

It's just for you.

Take them.

Alright, thank you.

No worries. We're practically family.

Now, the two of us

are selling jeans

at Qipu Road Market.

It's just a stall.

Xining has never experienced such hardship before.

She used to have such delicate skin,

but now her face is all tanned and dark.

And when it comes to selling,

she doesn't know how to sell or how to call out to customers.

She's too shy.

When someone finally wants to buy and tries to bargain,

she gets upset.

"If the price isn't right, I won't sell."

Isn't bargaining normal?

So, we don't sell anything and suffer for nothing.

This situation,

isn't it heartbreaking?

Jiuling.

Now…

How about this:

I'll buy five pairs of jeans from you.

Really, Professor Xiang?

This is such a big favor.

I thank you on behalf of Xining.

No need.

Then, I'll

tell her to close the stall right away.

We'll call it a day.

Today's mission is accomplished.

Okay.

Where did you go?

I went to sell jeans.

How many did you sell?

Buy five, get one free.

Guess who I sold them to?

Who?

I'm not telling you.

Stop chatting.

I have two things to announce.

I have good news and bad news.

Which one would you like to hear first?

The good news.

The bad news.

Can't you wish us something good for once?

She picked the good news.

All there's left for me is the bad news!

Did you even give me a choice?

Our loan has been approved.

That's great news!

What's the bad news then?

Mr. Chen's batch of sand-washed silk fabric...

He won't sell it to us anymore!

Why?

He said...

the manager from your former workplace,

Director Jin, has withheld it.

That Director Jin...

I'll go talk to him.

Forget it! You?

You've already been fired!

You think you can solve the problem?

You think he'll do you this favor?

I'll go.

People...

should know their limits.

Listen to that.

You're going to be the death of me someday.

Could it be as simple as you think?

You think he'll see you just because you show up?

Who do you think you are?

Do you hear that?

Ye.

We'll still need you to make the trip.

I'll go find him.

Ye, come in.

Thank you for coming down to meet me.

You're a guest now.

It's only natural that I welcome you.

Come, Ye, have a seat.

I heard that recently,

you've been doing quite well in business.

You must've made a fortune with Lu.

It's not that impressive.

We're just a small private business.

We'll need your continued support in the future, Director Jin.

You're being modest.

Would you like some tea?

No, thanks.

Wang Li,

go to the store and get Ye a soda.

Sure thing!

You can have a soda in a moment.

Director Jin,

that batch of sand-washed silk for our company

still hasn't been approved.

I heard it's being held up by you.

What are you talking about?

I don't have that kind of power.

I do know about that matter, though.

Mr. Chen wants to raise the price.

After hearing the opinions from the bureau,

he decided to wait a while before selling.

But don't worry.

Did you sign a contract?

Yes, we've even paid the deposit.

That makes things easier.

I'll ask about it at the bureau.

Don't worry. I'll take care of it.

Thank you so much, Director Jin.

We were colleagues. No need for thanks.

Here, Ye,

have a soda.

Thank you, Li.

You're welcome.

Here, have some soda.

But there's something

I need to discuss with you.

Please go ahead.

A factory overseen by our bureau

has a batch of towels, bed sheets, etc.

They were all for foreign aid,

so they're definitely of good quality.

There are some left.

The factories are all trying to generate income,

so they asked me

if I knew of any sales channels.

As you know,

foreign trade is booming now.

Selling our Chinese light industrial textiles

to the European market

can more than double the price.

I think this is a good opportunity,

so I'm asking if your company is interested.

Director Jin, I'm just an employee.

I'll have to ask our boss, Mr. Lu,

and discuss it with him.

I'll get back to you.

I understand.

Alright, I'll wait for your news.

Okay.

Ye,

remember,

it's such a great opportunity,

and I thought of you first.

Isn't that right?

Yes, thank you, Director Jin.

Well, I won't stay any longer.

I should hurry back

and tell him about this matter.

Okay.

I'll take the soda with me.

Okay.

Let me walk you out.

It's fine. You don't need to see me out.

I know the way.

Well then, take care, Ye.

Take care.

If what he said is true,

it's good quality and low priced,

why would they work with

a small company like ours?

They're just taking advantage of us.

Yes, Mr. Lu.

We can't listen to him.

We've done market research.

The best-selling products in Eastern Europe right now

are clothes.

Bed sheets and towels won't sell at all,

or they would've sold them themselves.

If we take these goods,

what would we do if they don't sell?

We'll be stuck then.

What can we do?

We're just not powerful enough.

We might as well use this opportunity

to build a good relationship with Director Jin.

Although I hate him too.

Let's leave it at that.

Is the director male or female?

Female.

She's very young, in her twenties.

Why don't you go then?

No, why?

You have to go. I'm counting on you.

You should sing that…

Lady White Snake for them.

Stop it.

Enough.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Thank you for your trouble.

Let me introduce you.

Hello.

This is Professor Xiang, Xiang Beichuan.

He teaches at a university.

Professor Xiang.

Hello.

Hello.

Please sit.

Please sit.

Director Hu.

We Shanghai people do business

with honesty, not empty talk,

so there are some things

I need to tell you.

This project is a good thing,

but you need to move quickly.

Well...

I can only say we'll do our best.

Yin,

show them the agreement.

Thank you.

Yin

will be representing us

in all dealings with you from now on.

Yin was the top humanities student in our county's college entrance exams.

His English is excellent.

He can be your translator in the future.

How does that sound?

That's great.

Perfect.

So, Yin, right?

You'll teach the workers English.

And Professor Xiang, standard Mandarin.

You two together make a powerful force.

How great!

Mr. Yin,

in which year did you take the college entrance exams?

Which university did you attend?

A key university.

Professor Xiang,

which university

do you

teach at?

Tonghua Normal University.

It's also a key university.

But I've recently taken unpaid leave.

Yes, he has

specially taken time off

for our project.

This is truly the best combination!

Great. Great!

Yeah.

This works.

Director Jin is a bit shrewd,

making us buy his

pillowcases

and duvet covers

before he approves our sandwashed fabric,

but

we got the sandwashed fabric after all.

So, we don't lose. We can actually make a profit.

Whose idea was this?

It was my idea.

I even told Ye

that we should take this opportunity

to build a good relationship with Director Jin.

See? That's why you're the boss.

Smart thinking.

This kills two birds with one stone.

Come on, take a look.

What's that smell?

It's like green onions

wrapped in dead rat skin and dipped in sauce.

Fishy, stinky, spicy, and rancid.

Breathe in a bit more and you'll get pneumonia.

[Shanghai Meijia Textile Company Supply Order Form]

1980?

Look at this.

The stock has been sitting for over a decade.

We can't sell it at all.

He's really something!

We got the sandwashed fabric

but ended up with a pile of junk.

Whose idea was this?

Must be yours, Ye Xining.

You must have suggested it,

and he was like, "Ye, this is great."

Can you please stop talking?

What do you mean stop talking?

You're such a sycophant.

Ask Mr. Lu.

Wasn't I trying to stop you?

Mr. Lu, say something.

This isn't Ye's fault.

It was my decision.

I'm sorry.

I've caused you trouble.

What should we do now?

What else can we do? Now you're asking.

Who was so eager to take it on? "Me! Me!"

When things go wrong, you don't know what to do.

If you're so capable, solve it yourself.

Solve it all.

[Shanghai Textile Industry Bureau]

Come in.

Director Jin.

Ah, Ye.

Come, have a seat.

What did Lu say?

Mr. Lu said our company is too small

to handle such a large order.

He's wondering if we could just take a small portion of it.

That batch of goods is in high demand.

You came from our department.

That's why I gave this order to your company.

You don't want it?

Fine.

We want it. I never said we didn't.

If you do, then take it.

I have a meeting.

Director Jin.

I have Huang Yahui's diary here.

Have you seen it?

What does Huang Yahui's diary have to do with me?

Turns out you two have been together for three years.

Don't you have a wife?

She also said

the reason she fell in love with

a playboy like Shang Yunfei…

was because she was hurt by you.

Let me see it.

Why don't we go to the bureau chief's office next door?

You can read it with him.

Fine.

You've learned how the game is played.

I understand.

Don't worry about the towels and sheets anymore.

As for the shirt fabric...

I'll tell Mr. Chen to sell it to you at cost.

Is that good enough?

Thank you, Director Jin.

If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving now.

Please continue with your work.

Hello.

Aren't you the one...

We just met.

You've got the wrong person.

The other day I asked you

which university you got into.

My name is...

Xiang Beichuan. Do you remember me?

You've got the wrong person.

Yin, where are you going?

Excuse me.

Are you his coworker?

Who are you?

I just want to know

what your relationship with him is.

Who are you?

I barely know him.

We just met.

Who are you?

My name is Xiang Beichuan.

We're from the same county.

Isn't he the top scorer in your county's college entrance exam?

If he's the top scorer,

then I'm the President of the U.S.

Sorry. I might've got the wrong person.

Sir, a piece of newspaper.

Okay.

Hello, ma'am.

Excuse me,

where does Yu Dongjun live?

Ma'am, may I ask

where Yu Dongjun's home is?

It's right here.

Are you Yu Dongjun?

Yes, that's me.

Could you come out for a moment?

What's it about?

Did you write this for the newspaper?

Why did you do this?

Dad.

You're back.

You're living with my mom.

What are you doing here?

My dad told me to tell Jiang Jiuling

that she's shameless.

This has nothing to do with you.

Go do your homework first.

Do you know how much this affects me?

Making something out of nothing!

What do you call this?

It's called spreading rumors!

Do you have any evidence?

I'm talking to you!

What's going on?

Why are you here?

See for yourself.

The newspaper told me

it was written by your husband.

You wrote this?

I didn't.

It wasn't him.

Do you have proof?

That's right.

You're spreading rumors and defaming me.

I'm going to sue you!

Sue me?

Let me tell you.

I'm being nice by not suing you!

He knows what he did!

Ask him yourself.

Hua, go upstairs.

Are you crazy, Yu Dongjun?

What grudge does she have against you?

Why did you slander her?

I wasn't trying to target Ye.

I just can't stand that guy, Lu.

I wanted to curse him, make him feel sick,

and ruin his reputation!

If I don't vent this anger,

I'll suffocate.

I'm a man!

Do I have money? No!

As for my house, it's just a few square meters!

What's wrong with me cursing rich people?

I just need to vent!

I earn honest money through hard work.

What are you doing?

I don't care if you die!

If you act like this in public,

how are my son and I supposed to live?

How can we face others?

You work overtime every day

and even stay at the company every night.

Who knows what you're really doing?

Were you shopping at the newly opened Pacific Department Store

with that Lu a few days ago?

Let me tell you,

my cousin happened to be there that day.

He saw Lu holding your hand!

Lu holding my hand?

Don't make false accusations.

I'm telling you, Yu Dongjun.

We can't live together anymore.

Mr. Lu and I are relatives!

He's my factory director!

Isn't it normal for us to look at fabrics together?

Explain yourself!

That Lu has a wife and kids too.

Why is he always with you?

You're convinced we have that kind of relationship, right?

Fine. We can't be together anymore.

We're over, Yu Dongjun!

I've had enough!

Don't go!

What?

Don't leave!

Explain yourself before you go!

Get lost!

Don't go!

Mom!

Come back!

Mom!

My mom told me to give you this.

It's compensation for your emotional distress.

This is the money my mom earned from her stall today.

It's all here.

I don't want your money.

Take it back.

What do you want to do then?

I don't want anything.

Why did your dad do that?

Because we're poor.

My dad wasn't like this before.

Do you think

Jiuling will be angry with you?

I don't know whether I should be angry with her

or feel sorry for her.

I think she'd rather have you hate her

than have you pity her.

Yes.

Jiuling is a proud person,

but does that mean I should be slandered?

Of course not.

But you won't mind.

Because no one will believe the rumors.

You can't represent everyone.

You're a nerd.

I'll tell you one last time.

I'm not a nerd.

I understand you.

I will always be on your side.

Close your eyes.

Why?

Just do what I tell you to do.

I didn't warn you.

You're…

not upset, are you?

If keeping my eyes closed like this

means you'll keep kissing me,

that would be nice.

Alright.

Then, keep them closed.

Don't open them.

Ye Xining.

Um...

You just kissed me.

If we follow

the natural

progression of things,

then next,

shouldn't we...

I didn't expect

you to be so naughty.

I-I mean...

Shouldn't we

go out for a meal?

Rascals aren't scary.

What's scary is

an educated rascal.

When you kissed me just now,

my eyes were closed.

What?

You want another kiss

with your eyes open?

Eyes are the windows to the soul, you know.

You should sue Yu Dongjun!

Sue him!

Wrong way!

Sorry. Sorry.

[Footprints of Change]

[Episode 25]

Ms. Shan.

Section Chief Shan.

Why are you still here?

I was waiting for you to finish work.

It's so hot out here.

Why didn't you wait inside?

There are too many people inside.

I was afraid I might disturb your work.

There were some things

I didn't feel comfortable saying in your office.

I actually wanted to…

Let's not talk here.

Let's go somewhere else.

Okay.

Ms. Shan.

You and our politics teacher, Mr. Qi,

were in the same grade, right?

You look

at least 10 years younger than him.

What's your secret?

I mean, you're so young,

yet you're already a division-level official.

Section-level.

Oh, a section-level official. That's so impressive!

I need to learn from you

and seek your guidance.

Where are you from?

Your Mandarin is so standard.

You must be from Beijing, right?

I wanted to develop my career in Beijing,

thinking there were more opportunities there.

Kunshan, Suzhou.

You're from Kunshan?

Kunshan is such a beautiful place.

The air is fresh too.

There's an ancient town I've visited several times.

Every time I go there, I feel

it has such rich cultural heritage.

You asked me to out

just to talk about these?

Ms. Shan.

I...

I actually wanted to ask you for a favor.

I left the government system

and just started in business.

I really value this job.

Our factory isn't big,

but it supports many people.

If this deal doesn't go through,

we might not be able to pay salaries.

Our department has rules.

I'm someone who follows procedures.

Asking me to come here to discuss business

is inappropriate.

Yes.

I'll book a private room at a restaurant tomorrow.

It allows more privacy.

What's your favorite food?

Our staff cafeteria is quite good.

I have other matters to attend to.

I'll be going now.

Ms. Shan.

That's a nice necklace.

Is it a designer brand?

Is it platinum?

No,

a classmate brought it for me from abroad.

What are you doing?

I want to give it to you.

No, no.

It looks good on you.

It suits you well.

Why is there a power outage?

Ye Xining.

Ye Xining.

Ye Xining, wake up.

Wake up.

Why did you drink so much?

Jiuling.

Jiuling.

Jiuling.

Wake up.

Where are the keys?

Ye Xining.

Ye Xining, wake up!

The keys!

I'm looking for the keys, okay?

The keys.

You look small and skinny.

Why are you so heavy?

Hang in there.

Let me pull harder.

You and

Shan Huajing are together.

Who am I together with?

Shan

Huajing.

I'm together with Shan Huajing?

Do a magic trick for me.

I don't know any magic tricks.

Then, tell me a joke.

What kind of joke?

Sing a song.

You're drunk.

Sleep on.

Sit down.

I need to tell you something.

Go ahead.

Lie down.

What?

Lie down.

How can I do that?

Lie down!

I can't do that.

Lie down.

I-I'm lying down.

I'll hold you.

D-Don't!

This is inappropriate!

Thank you.

Go ahead and cry,

if it makes you feel better.

You're awake.

I bought breakfast.

What are you staring at? Eat up.

Miss Ye.

Last night...

What's your relationship with Shan Huajing?

After you gave her the envelope,

she rejected me.

What did you give her?

Money?

How much did you pay her?

Not money?

Right. The envelope wasn't that thick.

Property deed?

That can't be.

Surely not.

That's too expensive.

Too high a price.

Shan Huajing has a son.

You know?

He's in middle school.

It's possible that you gave her

an acceptance letter to a prestigious high school.

Am I right?

Good for you, Yan Jun!

You are something.

This is clearly a case of bribery,

which should not be encouraged.

But it got the job done.

Miss Ye,

you came to my place last night…

Did I come here?

Yes, you did.

Did I really?

Yes, you did.

I didn't.

You were dreaming.

I was dreaming?

You were dreaming.

Was I dreaming?

You must have been dreaming.

I must have been dreaming.

You dreamed about me.

What's your dream about?

Don't daydream!

I was dreaming.

Purse.

Purse!

Here.

Eat while they're hot.

Goodbye.

[Fuxingzhai Restaurant]

Madam.

Hello.

How's your business lately?

Thanks to you,

it's good.

The usual. Two packs.

Okay.

Since it's thanks to me,

shouldn't you give me a lighter?

Of course.

Look, I've got it ready.

Mr. Yan.

Miss Ye.

Have you eaten?

Yes, I have.

By the way, Mr. Yan,

I have something

I'd like to ask you about.

Go ahead.

Are you

and Section Chief Shan at the customs

on good terms?

We're okay.

Why do you ask?

Well, it's...

I...

You…

want to befriend Section Chief Shan?

Here's what we'll do.

I'll arrange a gathering in a few days

and invite Section Chief Shan to join us for dinner.

Would she be willing to have dinner with me?

With me there,

it won't be a problem.

Thank you so much, Mr. Yan.

It's nothing.

Madam.

this lady will pay

the two packs of cigarettes.

Okay. Okay.

Consider it tuition.

No problem.

Here.

Here you go.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yan.

Professor Xiang.

Professor Xiang.

This is...

Let me introduce.

This is...

No need to introduce.

You just said

she's Tong Tong.

Just introduce me directly.

This is Miss Ye.

Miss Ye.

Ye Xining.

Hello.

Please, have a seat.

Let's sit down.

Professor Xiang,

this is my new essay.

Could you take a look at it?

I can review it for you.

Don't you need to use the bathroom?

Go ahead.

Excuse me.

So,

Miss Ye, you're a teacher too?

Yes.

What year are you in?

Junior year.

You're 21?

Twenty.

How old are you, Miss Ye?

A bit older than you.

Indeed,

you do look quite mature.

What's wrong with your eyes?

My eyesight is excellent.

I'm not nearsighted.

Miss Ye.

How long have you known Professor Xiang?

Not very long,

just a few months.

No wonder

Professor Xiang has never mentioned you to me.

But from what I just heard,

Professor Xiang Xiang

must talk about me to you often, right?

He just mentioned you.

Here, Tong Tong,

try this.

It's the cola Professor Xiang loves the most.

Miss Ye,

I've known him for 3 years.

As for him,

I have some right to speak.

He doesn't have

many female friends at school.

Nor is he close to any girl.

But I think he treats me differently.

We often chat together,

especially about literature.

Whenever he talks about literature,

he becomes so eloquent.

Some people might find it boring

and don't like hearing him talk about these things,

but I'm different.

I especially love hearing him talk.

Miss Ye,

what do you usually talk about when you're together?

We don't talk about these things.

When we're together,

I wash his shirts

and pants.

When I'm hungry at night,

he makes noodles for me.

No wonder!

Last time when I went for a walk with Professor Xiang,

I noticed that

his clothes smelled particularly nice.

Miss Ye,

what brand of detergent do you use?

When did you go for this walk?

Professor Xiang.

How's it?

What were you two talking about?

Nothing much.

Walking. Chatting.

What do you mean?

Professor Xiang, you must be hungry.

Let's order food.

Tong Tong,

about what Miss Ye just said...

Tong Tong said you often take her for walks.

You said those things just now?

No, I...

Have we ever done any of those things?

Tong Tong.

I hope you can face your problems.

This isn't the first time, right?

I think our relationship

is just an ordinary

teacher-student relationship.

It's inappropriate for you to say that.

Although we learn academic knowledge at school,

developing moral values is also important.

One should seek truth from facts,

be sincere,

and be honest, right?

You say these things at school,

and you tell my friend outside of school

the same things.

Do you know what kind of impact

that might have on me?

No…

Please stop

thinking about all these random things

and telling everyone about them.

I didn't!

I haven't!

Could she be gone to jump off a building?

No.

This isn't the first time she's done this.

I'm sorry about that,

but I still need to thank you

for helping me so much today.

Well,

what would you like to eat?

Order whatever you want.

This meal is on me.

I'm not eating.

She has already made me lose my appetite.

Eat by yourself.

Jiuling?

Professor Xiang.

What brings you here?

Are you here to look for Yan Jun?

No, no.

I'm here to see you.

Please sit down.

I came here to

show you something special.

Take a look.

Jeans?

Can you recognize them?

These are from that water-damaged batch.

Xining redesigned them.

They're selling really well out there now.

It's truly turning trash into treasure.

They're so fashionable to wear.

When young men wear them,

they look so stylish.

So, I brought one pair specially

to give to you.

But Jiuling,

this isn't appropriate.

Why not?

What's wrong with me giving you a pair of jeans?

It's perfectly normal.

When you walk around campus

or standing on the sports field,

hands in pockets,

your students will see you and think,

"My teacher is so stylish!

That's so cool!"

If they like the jeans,

you can refer them to me.

Jiuling,

didn't Xining tell you?

What?

I'm not teaching at school anymore.

You've left?

That doesn't matter. Take them anyway.

This is my sincere gift.

It's just for you.

Take them.

Alright, thank you.

No worries. We're practically family.

Now, the two of us

are selling jeans

at Qipu Road Market.

It's just a stall.

Xining has never experienced such hardship before.

She used to have such delicate skin,

but now her face is all tanned and dark.

And when it comes to selling,

she doesn't know how to sell or how to call out to customers.

She's too shy.

When someone finally wants to buy and tries to bargain,

she gets upset.

"If the price isn't right, I won't sell."

Isn't bargaining normal?

So, we don't sell anything and suffer for nothing.

This situation,

isn't it heartbreaking?

Jiuling.

Now…

How about this:

I'll buy five pairs of jeans from you.

Really, Professor Xiang?

This is such a big favor.

I thank you on behalf of Xining.

No need.

Then, I'll

tell her to close the stall right away.

We'll call it a day.

Today's mission is accomplished.

Okay.

Where did you go?

I went to sell jeans.

How many did you sell?

Buy five, get one free.

Guess who I sold them to?

Who?

I'm not telling you.

Stop chatting.

I have two things to announce.

I have good news and bad news.

Which one would you like to hear first?

The good news.

The bad news.

Can't you wish us something good for once?

She picked the good news.

All there's left for me is the bad news!

Did you even give me a choice?

Our loan has been approved.

That's great news!

What's the bad news then?

Mr. Chen's batch of sand-washed silk fabric...

He won't sell it to us anymore!

Why?

He said...

the manager from your former workplace,

Director Jin, has withheld it.

That Director Jin...

I'll go talk to him.

Forget it! You?

You've already been fired!

You think you can solve the problem?

You think he'll do you this favor?

I'll go.

People...

should know their limits.

Listen to that.

You're going to be the death of me someday.

Could it be as simple as you think?

You think he'll see you just because you show up?

Who do you think you are?

Do you hear that?

Ye.

We'll still need you to make the trip.

I'll go find him.

Ye, come in.

Thank you for coming down to meet me.

You're a guest now.

It's only natural that I welcome you.

Come, Ye, have a seat.

I heard that recently,

you've been doing quite well in business.

You must've made a fortune with Lu.

It's not that impressive.

We're just a small private business.

We'll need your continued support in the future, Director Jin.

You're being modest.

Would you like some tea?

No, thanks.

Wang Li,

go to the store and get Ye a soda.

Sure thing!

You can have a soda in a moment.

Director Jin,

that batch of sand-washed silk for our company

still hasn't been approved.

I heard it's being held up by you.

What are you talking about?

I don't have that kind of power.

I do know about that matter, though.

Mr. Chen wants to raise the price.

After hearing the opinions from the bureau,

he decided to wait a while before selling.

But don't worry.

Did you sign a contract?

Yes, we've even paid the deposit.

That makes things easier.

I'll ask about it at the bureau.

Don't worry. I'll take care of it.

Thank you so much, Director Jin.

We were colleagues. No need for thanks.

Here, Ye,

have a soda.

Thank you, Li.

You're welcome.

Here, have some soda.

But there's something

I need to discuss with you.

Please go ahead.

A factory overseen by our bureau

has a batch of towels, bed sheets, etc.

They were all for foreign aid,

so they're definitely of good quality.

There are some left.

The factories are all trying to generate income,

so they asked me

if I knew of any sales channels.

As you know,

foreign trade is booming now.

Selling our Chinese light industrial textiles

to the European market

can more than double the price.

I think this is a good opportunity,

so I'm asking if your company is interested.

Director Jin, I'm just an employee.

I'll have to ask our boss, Mr. Lu,

and discuss it with him.

I'll get back to you.

I understand.

Alright, I'll wait for your news.

Okay.

Ye,

remember,

it's such a great opportunity,

and I thought of you first.

Isn't that right?

Yes, thank you, Director Jin.

Well, I won't stay any longer.

I should hurry back

and tell him about this matter.

Okay.

I'll take the soda with me.

Okay.

Let me walk you out.

It's fine. You don't need to see me out.

I know the way.

Well then, take care, Ye.

Take care.

If what he said is true,

it's good quality and low priced,

why would they work with

a small company like ours?

They're just taking advantage of us.

Yes, Mr. Lu.

We can't listen to him.

We've done market research.

The best-selling products in Eastern Europe right now

are clothes.

Bed sheets and towels won't sell at all,

or they would've sold them themselves.

If we take these goods,

what would we do if they don't sell?

We'll be stuck then.

What can we do?

We're just not powerful enough.

We might as well use this opportunity

to build a good relationship with Director Jin.

Although I hate him too.

Let's leave it at that.

Is the director male or female?

Female.

She's very young, in her twenties.

Why don't you go then?

No, why?

You have to go. I'm counting on you.

You should sing that…

Lady White Snake for them.

Stop it.

Enough.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Thank you for your trouble.

Let me introduce you.

Hello.

This is Professor Xiang, Xiang Beichuan.

He teaches at a university.

Professor Xiang.

Hello.

Hello.

Please sit.

Please sit.

Director Hu.

We Shanghai people do business

with honesty, not empty talk,

so there are some things

I need to tell you.

This project is a good thing,

but you need to move quickly.

Well...

I can only say we'll do our best.

Yin,

show them the agreement.

Thank you.

Yin

will be representing us

in all dealings with you from now on.

Yin was the top humanities student in our county's college entrance exams.

His English is excellent.

He can be your translator in the future.

How does that sound?

That's great.

Perfect.

So, Yin, right?

You'll teach the workers English.

And Professor Xiang, standard Mandarin.

You two together make a powerful force.

How great!

Mr. Yin,

in which year did you take the college entrance exams?

Which university did you attend?

A key university.

Professor Xiang,

which university

do you

teach at?

Tonghua Normal University.

It's also a key university.

But I've recently taken unpaid leave.

Yes, he has

specially taken time off

for our project.

This is truly the best combination!

Great. Great!

Yeah.

This works.

Director Jin is a bit shrewd,

making us buy his

pillowcases

and duvet covers

before he approves our sandwashed fabric,

but

we got the sandwashed fabric after all.

So, we don't lose. We can actually make a profit.

Whose idea was this?

It was my idea.

I even told Ye

that we should take this opportunity

to build a good relationship with Director Jin.

See? That's why you're the boss.

Smart thinking.

This kills two birds with one stone.

Come on, take a look.

What's that smell?

It's like green onions

wrapped in dead rat skin and dipped in sauce.

Fishy, stinky, spicy, and rancid.

Breathe in a bit more and you'll get pneumonia.

[Shanghai Meijia Textile Company Supply Order Form]

1980?

Look at this.

The stock has been sitting for over a decade.

We can't sell it at all.

He's really something!

We got the sandwashed fabric

but ended up with a pile of junk.

Whose idea was this?

Must be yours, Ye Xining.

You must have suggested it,

and he was like, "Ye, this is great."

Can you please stop talking?

What do you mean stop talking?

You're such a sycophant.

Ask Mr. Lu.

Wasn't I trying to stop you?

Mr. Lu, say something.

This isn't Ye's fault.

It was my decision.

I'm sorry.

I've caused you trouble.

What should we do now?

What else can we do? Now you're asking.

Who was so eager to take it on? "Me! Me!"

When things go wrong, you don't know what to do.

If you're so capable, solve it yourself.

Solve it all.

[Shanghai Textile Industry Bureau]

Come in.

Director Jin.

Ah, Ye.

Come, have a seat.

What did Lu say?

Mr. Lu said our company is too small

to handle such a large order.

He's wondering if we could just take a small portion of it.

That batch of goods is in high demand.

You came from our department.

That's why I gave this order to your company.

You don't want it?

Fine.

We want it. I never said we didn't.

If you do, then take it.

I have a meeting.

Director Jin.

I have Huang Yahui's diary here.

Have you seen it?

What does Huang Yahui's diary have to do with me?

Turns out you two have been together for three years.

Don't you have a wife?

She also said

the reason she fell in love with

a playboy like Shang Yunfei…

was because she was hurt by you.

Let me see it.

Why don't we go to the bureau chief's office next door?

You can read it with him.

Fine.

You've learned how the game is played.

I understand.

Don't worry about the towels and sheets anymore.

As for the shirt fabric...

I'll tell Mr. Chen to sell it to you at cost.

Is that good enough?

Thank you, Director Jin.

If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving now.

Please continue with your work.

Hello.

Aren't you the one...

We just met.

You've got the wrong person.

The other day I asked you

which university you got into.

My name is...

Xiang Beichuan. Do you remember me?

You've got the wrong person.

Yin, where are you going?

Excuse me.

Are you his coworker?

Who are you?

I just want to know

what your relationship with him is.

Who are you?

I barely know him.

We just met.

Who are you?

My name is Xiang Beichuan.

We're from the same county.

Isn't he the top scorer in your county's college entrance exam?

If he's the top scorer,

then I'm the President of the U.S.

Sorry. I might've got the wrong person.

Sir, a piece of newspaper.

Okay.

Hello, ma'am.

Excuse me,

where does Yu Dongjun live?

Ma'am, may I ask

where Yu Dongjun's home is?

It's right here.

Are you Yu Dongjun?

Yes, that's me.

Could you come out for a moment?

What's it about?

Did you write this for the newspaper?

Why did you do this?

Dad.

You're back.

You're living with my mom.

What are you doing here?

My dad told me to tell Jiang Jiuling

that she's shameless.

This has nothing to do with you.

Go do your homework first.

Do you know how much this affects me?

Making something out of nothing!

What do you call this?

It's called spreading rumors!

Do you have any evidence?

I'm talking to you!

What's going on?

Why are you here?

See for yourself.

The newspaper told me

it was written by your husband.

You wrote this?

I didn't.

It wasn't him.

Do you have proof?

That's right.

You're spreading rumors and defaming me.

I'm going to sue you!

Sue me?

Let me tell you.

I'm being nice by not suing you!

He knows what he did!

Ask him yourself.

Hua, go upstairs.

Are you crazy, Yu Dongjun?

What grudge does she have against you?

Why did you slander her?

I wasn't trying to target Ye.

I just can't stand that guy, Lu.

I wanted to curse him, make him feel sick,

and ruin his reputation!

If I don't vent this anger,

I'll suffocate.

I'm a man!

Do I have money? No!

As for my house, it's just a few square meters!

What's wrong with me cursing rich people?

I just need to vent!

I earn honest money through hard work.

What are you doing?

I don't care if you die!

If you act like this in public,

how are my son and I supposed to live?

How can we face others?

You work overtime every day

and even stay at the company every night.

Who knows what you're really doing?

Were you shopping at the newly opened Pacific Department Store

with that Lu a few days ago?

Let me tell you,

my cousin happened to be there that day.

He saw Lu holding your hand!

Lu holding my hand?

Don't make false accusations.

I'm telling you, Yu Dongjun.

We can't live together anymore.

Mr. Lu and I are relatives!

He's my factory director!

Isn't it normal for us to look at fabrics together?

Explain yourself!

That Lu has a wife and kids too.

Why is he always with you?

You're convinced we have that kind of relationship, right?

Fine. We can't be together anymore.

We're over, Yu Dongjun!

I've had enough!

Don't go!

What?

Don't leave!

Explain yourself before you go!

Get lost!

Don't go!

Mom!

Come back!

Mom!

My mom told me to give you this.

It's compensation for your emotional distress.

This is the money my mom earned from her stall today.

It's all here.

I don't want your money.

Take it back.

What do you want to do then?

I don't want anything.

Why did your dad do that?

Because we're poor.

My dad wasn't like this before.

Do you think

Jiuling will be angry with you?

I don't know whether I should be angry with her

or feel sorry for her.

I think she'd rather have you hate her

than have you pity her.

Yes.

Jiuling is a proud person,

but does that mean I should be slandered?

Of course not.

But you won't mind.

Because no one will believe the rumors.

You can't represent everyone.

You're a nerd.

I'll tell you one last time.

I'm not a nerd.

I understand you.

I will always be on your side.

Close your eyes.

Why?

Just do what I tell you to do.

I didn't warn you.

You're…

not upset, are you?

If keeping my eyes closed like this

means you'll keep kissing me,

that would be nice.

Alright.

Then, keep them closed.

Don't open them.

Ye Xining.

Um...

You just kissed me.

If we follow

the natural

progression of things,

then next,

shouldn't we...

I didn't expect

you to be so naughty.

I-I mean...

Shouldn't we

go out for a meal?

Rascals aren't scary.

What's scary is

an educated rascal.

When you kissed me just now,

my eyes were closed.

What?

You want another kiss

with your eyes open?

Eyes are the windows to the soul, you know.

You should sue Yu Dongjun!

Sue him!

Wrong way!

Sorry. Sorry.