01x15 - Episode 15

[bunniefuu]

SAY NO TO PIRACY, SUPPORT ORIGINALS.

Put it down.

Slow down.

Why are you sneaking around like that?

Take a look.

CINDY

One of my inside contacts
at Bolo Culture just tipped me off.

She said she saw Lin Long getting
into Mr. Shen's car after work last night,

and they were all over each other.

Those two have been acting weird lately.

Ask her what's going on.

Final delivery is coming up.

I don't want any drama
like with the Celestial project.

Is that true?

I just didn't drive that day.

Mr. Shen gave me a ride.

Is it really that big a deal?

Cindy loves to make stuff up about me.

It's not the first time.

Seriously,

I'm telling you, I've known you for years.

You can't fool me.
Your face just now gave it away.

Did it?

Wait, no way.

How could you make such a rookie mistake
and get tangled up with a client?

Don't tell me your divorce
messed you up so bad

your head's not on straight?

Listen, you need to pump the brakes.

Don't worry. No brakes needed.

Because nothing ever started.

Really?

That's good.

I thought you weren't thinking straight
and would fall for it.

With your situation right now,
how could Shen ever genuinely like you?

He's definitely just got a whim
and wants a taste of…

A taste of something new. I get it.

Excuse me.

Why would a unicorn startup founder
fall for someone like me,

a divorced woman?

So when I noticed
he might be even slightly into me,

I shut it down immediately.

I just asked him straight up. I asked him,

"Do you have feelings for me?"

And sure enough,
he chickened out and backed off.

Then why did you get
in his car last night?

Because…

Because I'm a normal human being.

I think after clearing things up,

I have every right
to accept normal kindness from a guy.

And what era are we living in anyway?

I can't just feel inferior
to everyone else because I'm divorced.

That's not what I meant.

I know.

But I have to say,

when a guy who's got it all together

wants to get close to you
and care for you,

it's actually kind of nice.

{\an8}So that night,

{\an8}when he insisted on taking me
to get some trendy ice cream,

I said yes.

But in the car, I was torn.

Part of me hated myself
for having no principles,

but the rest of me was glad

I still had it going on enough
to make a man fall for me.

I'm just so indecisive, hesitant…

And a total hypocrite.

But even now,
I don't think I did anything wrong.

Hey you.

You didn't let him

into your place last night, did you?

Come in.

Can I not answer that?

Of course.

MEETING ROOM

Let's talk when we get back.

Is it about Mr. Zheng?

Peng Yuan was fired and handed over
to economic crime investigators.

Ma Ke is off the hook.

His voluntary resignation is accepted.

Yang Rui will stay on with a new team.

The project will fully resume next week.

We keep moving forward.

I did my part today.

Then keep it up

and go buy some milk tea
for everyone to celebrate.

Mango?

Medium matcha.

Light ice, light sugar, no foam topping.

Then I want choco…

Never mind. I'm good.

I've known Richard for so long.

Looks like he's finally met the one.

{\an8}HUANGHE BUSINESS SCHOOL EMBA
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

RISKS, OPPORTUNITIES, AND STRATEGIC
RESPONSES IN DIGITAL COLLECTIBLES MARKET

SPEAKER: YE XINZHI, GUEST PROFESSOR

The digital finance market

is like a blue ocean
full of hope and challenges.

But opportunity and risk go hand in hand.

The domestic crypto market

has been through multiple rounds
of strict regulation

and is relatively stable now.

But the blockchain finance tied to it
is running wild in new forms.

Mr. Ye, what do you think
of digital collectibles?

They're blowing up lately.

That's a great question.

Digital collectibles have
massively expanded the art market.

Compared to traditional collectibles,

they have better liquidity
and transparency,

which draws a ton
of eager investor attention.

I bought a few digital collectibles
to get in on the hype,

but I've noticed
a lot of people into digital collectibles

can't really explain
the business logic behind them.

Most just see them
as an alternative to crypto,

hoping to get rich overnight.

Especially with housing prices dropping
and the stock market weak lately,

lots of regular people
jumped on the bandwagon.

But the overhyping

has pushed the risk
to a pretty alarming level.

Everyone, you're the ones
shaping the market policy.

And steady industry growth
needs everyone's input.

Since we're on the topic
of digital collectibles today,

I'll just assign a paper.

Research on the Operational Models
and Risk Prevention

of Domestic Digital Collectibles.

Work in groups.

We'll discuss it in the next class.

That's it for today. Class is over.

-Mr. Ye, can we add each other on WeChat?
-Sure.

Let me scan yours.

What you talked about today
was so helpful to us.

Hope we can hear
more from you in the future.

-Thank you.
-Thanks so much.

Hello there, Mr. Ye.

Nice try.

Miss Xu, you weren't
paying attention in class,

sipping milk tea
and goofing off down there.

I'm going to have to give you
a serious lecture.

Guess I'll have to bribe you then,

so you won't fail me on the final.

That's more like it.

What you just said was spot on.

You assigned the paper so naturally.

Yuanzhou is such a hot topic right now.

Everyone will definitely use it

as a case study
and dig deep into its problems.

But is that really efficient?

The person I just added on WeChat
is from the Internet Finance Association.

What do you think?

SHEN JIN, BOLO CULTURE

-What are you doing?
-I called you 124 times.

-Why didn't you pick up?
-Didn't hear it.

Then why did you block me on WeChat?

I added you on WeCom, sir.

It's easier for colleagues
to reach you there going forward.

-What did you just call me?
-Sir.

So we're being all formal now?

Mr. Shen, we're just business partners.

Lin Long, you're kicking me
to the curb now?

Use me and toss me aside?

You're playing me for a fool?

No, Mr. Shen--

Who was it that night,
all sweet and tender, asking…

asking if her old ticket
could still get her--

Okay, stop. Nothing happened that night…

-No, hold on…
-Nothing happened that night…

-Let's get this straight.
-I completely forgot.

Lin!

Are you two okay?

We're fine.

Mr. Shen, let's just talk on WeCom
if we need anything.

I'm leaving. Bye.

-Bye.
-Bye.

-I'm really sorry. I…
-You're bleeding.

You're pregnant.
How could you drive so carelessly?

Is the baby okay?

Look at you. You're thin as a rail.

If you haven't fully recovered,
don't rush back to work.

Why push yourself?

Xu Chi brought this to me before.

She said you specifically asked for it,

and she passed along that message.

"A rebirth through hardship
and better days ahead."

I've had my share of hardship.

Now it's time to earn those better days
with my own two hands.

{\an8}Want to watch this one?

Looks boring.

They say it's good.

Let's go.

I'm serious. Want to give it a shot?

Long.

How have you been?

You're back at work?

Why didn't you take more time off?

None of your business.

Long, listen to me.

-I've actually always wanted to tell you…
-Let go of me.

-I don't want to hear it.
-Zhiwen.

Who is she?

Just a friend. Just ran into each other.

Are you playing me for a fool?

Isn't she your ex-wife?

What's the deal with you two?

You're divorced and still flirting?

He's right. He's playing you for a fool.

Who are you calling a fool?

You're the shameless one
throwing yourself at my boyfriend!

-Don't you know he has a girlfriend now?
-Lin Long!

I knew you'd be here.

-Give it here.
-Are these two your friends?

Give it here.

Car keys.

I didn't want to say this

because I think two women fighting
over a guy is just pathetic.

But to settle this once and for all,
I'll just tell you straight.

This guy you're treating like a prize?

I dumped him a long time ago.

And him?

He chased me around in fancy cars,
and I still wasn't interested.

A divorced guy making less than me,
destined to be laid off by 40,

doing nothing but playing
video games all day?

You're welcome to him.

She doesn't really get it.

This car's actually nothing special.

I've got a few more at home.

Lin Long.

-Stop following me.
-I know.

I just wanted to say
you were really badass back there.

Badass. Not "bad".

I'm not insulting you.

That day outside the bathroom,

you went off on me just like that too.

And I just thought…

Do you just like getting kicked around?

Maybe I do.

Shen Jin. Open your eyes and look at me.

I'm just a divorced woman
trying to prove she's still got it.

Shallow, vain, and a total coward.

I do want to thank you
for keeping me company when I was lonely.

And sorry about just now.

I had to use you to put on a front,

so I could keep
what little dignity I have left

in front of my ex-husband.

And didn't you say
you felt nothing for me?

So why are you clinging to me like this?

Just because you can't stand losing?

Or is it because a guy with your money
has never been dumped like this before?

So, should I pay you
for emotional damages then?

Lin Long,

am I really that terrible?

So terrible that you have to run away
every time you see me?

And are you really that insecure?

All you did was get a divorce
and hook up with a guy.

How does that turn into being
a coward, insecure, and shallow?

If you were really like that,

I wouldn't have been chasing you this long
with zero shame.

I know.

You've been avoiding me

because I chickened out
when you asked if I had feelings for you.

Back then, I told you
it was just sympathy.

But love isn't some high-stakes exam.

Can't I change my answer
if I got it wrong?

I admit I didn't mean
what I said that day.

Later, I figured it out.
I really regret it.

I'm not some young girl
who falls for fairy tales anymore.

What you feel for me now
is just admiration and curiosity.

Maybe mixed with a little
wounded pride and the need to win.

If I said yes,

you'd get bored of me
in less than a month.

And me?

I'd be really disappointed and hurt.

Maybe I'd fall back
into that crazy mess I used to be.

Like how I was when you first met me.

Remember when I rear-ended your car?

There wasn't an ounce
of admiration in your eyes.

So if you think I'm badass now,

please just let me hold
onto this fragile pride of mine. Okay?

Because after the divorce,

I don't have much pride left.

Thank you.

What are you doing here?

Aren't you supposed
to be heading to the airport?

Driving my girlfriend to work
is more important than a business trip.

Get in.

Actually, I just woke up to a notification
that my flight got delayed.

Plus, I have some great news for you,

so I came over.

What great news?

Give me your bank account number.

Morse's bonus came through.

One million.

If it's not enough for a down payment,

I can chip in.

It's enough.

With what I've saved,
it's definitely enough.

And apartment prices
have been dropping lately.

This is more than enough!

This is… This is such great news.

Xinzhi, thank you so much.

Don't just say it. Show me.

You're still driving.

Message me when you land.

-Bye.
-Bye.

Morning.

Morning. You're here for work too.

Is that him? Your new boyfriend?

Nice car.

No wonder you broke up with me.

We broke up because we weren't compatible,

not because he drives a fancy car.

I'm sorry.

And I owe you a thank-you.

If it weren't for you,

I wouldn't have kept this job.

It's fine.

Can we still be friends?

I've already repaid the favor
from when you helped me

during the team-building.

Let's just be colleagues from now on.

What are you doing here?

They had me swap project teams
with Yang Rui.

Then go sit over there.

Why are you still keeping your distance?

Everyone who needs to know
already knows anyway.

The Celestial project is back on track.

Today's meeting is mainly
about restructuring the project team.

Zhou Sen, Tianna, Du Qian.

You'll still be in charge
of your original teams.

Okay.

Xu Chi, IT was at the heart
of the last mess,

but I want you
to take the lead on it this time.

Li Yue has experience in this area.

-He'll back you up.
-Okay.

As for the new project manager,

the higher-ups haven't decided yet.

I mean, we're already
more than halfway through this project.

Bringing in a new consultant now
wouldn't be ideal.

So Mr. Pi wants to pick

one of the team leads
to fill in as acting manager.

I'd like to hear what everyone thinks.

Who do you think it'll be?

You think I've got a shot?

But we're just analysts.

So what? Can't we aim higher?

I'd like to nominate Tianna.

Ever since Ma Ke's suspension,

she's been coordinating
and running the entire project.

Seconded.

Wow.

Now I finally get what it means
to be the obvious choice.

Okay. Then let's congratulate Tianna

on becoming Maxmise's
youngest project manager.

Thank you, everyone.

You all know I hate talking fluff,

though that sentence itself was fluff.

So now let me walk you through
my plan and progress

since the project kicked off.

Jealous?

I'm just…

I just

wasn't ready for this.

Honestly, when we both got promoted
to SBA around the same time,

I was fine with it.

But then she just shot past me
and became a project manager.

-I just feel a little…
-I get it.

Back when you took
the Bolo Culture project from me,

I felt the same way.

-Lin…
-I'm just kidding.

Actually, this kind of thing happens
all the time at the company.

Just like Lu Le and me.

We're friends, but we're also rivals.

So don't worry about it.

After a few more times,
you'll get used to it.

I know.

It's not that I'm scared
to compete with her.

When we were doing
the draft for Celestial,

we went head-to-head.

I just…

And Tianna didn't tell me anything.

I didn't even know she took over
the whole Celestial project

while I was suspended.

When you were suspended,
you went to help Morse pull off a deal.

You didn't tell Tianna
about that beforehand, did you?

There's no such thing
as absolute fairness in the workplace.

While you're grinding,
other people aren't just sitting around.

Back when Celestial and Maxmise
were at each other's throats,

everyone thought the project was done for.

But Tianna was the only one
who didn't give up.

She went to Mr. Pi and fought
to keep the project from being shut down.

She coordinated with colleagues
to go through the investigation,

while keeping the project moving.

So without her drive and effort,

do you really think Celestial would've
decided to restart the whole project

the second they saw
your evidence clearing Ma Ke?

I get it.

I really have no right
to be jealous of her.

Thanks for setting me straight.

Call it payback.

After all, I was a pretty lousy mentor.

I never really gave you any real guidance.

But now I think you're actually grounded.

Like a girl who hasn't been
out of school for long.

Not like one of those prodigy girls
you only see in books or TV shows.

Is this more like it?

Let me check a message.

That's the amulet
Mr. Shen gave you, right?

You're still wearing it.

No idea if it even works.

I use it as a phone charm.

Just got used to it.

I zoned out.

I just suddenly thought

of something I discussed
in a call with Celestial.

Don't push yourself so hard.

I've already been
on two business trips this week.

We only get two hours together today,

and you're still working so hard.

You're practically getting dark circles.

Do I have them?

Where?

Just kidding.

Back when you were my protege,

I could only tell you to take it easy
when I saw you grinding like this.

But now, as your boyfriend,

I have to seriously tell you
to stop pushing so hard.

Don't treat yourself like a work machine.

Consulting is a marathon of output.

If you keep pulling
all-nighters like this,

you'll burn yourself out sooner or later.

What's wrong? Tired of me nagging?

I just want your work to be easier.

But we both prefer seeing
each other strive to do better, right?

Okay, okay.

Whatever the lady says goes.

I think so too.

-Eat up.
-Eat up.

Honestly,

I just want to push a little harder.

I don't want to be outdone by Tianna.

I get it.

But don't forget

why you got into this industry
in the first place.

Don't let specific issues
get you completely bogged down.

Of course I haven't forgotten.

I want to be a top consultant like you,

make partner,

have my own office,
and buy back my mom's old apartment.

Apartment.

I told the agent this morning
that I had the money ready.

I've been so busy all day
that I forgot to ask him for an update.

Where's my phone?

Right here.

Any updates?

The agent said apartment prices
dropped again.

The guy who signed online before
changed his mind and backed out.

Then the landlord said

if I could pay the same price,
he'd sell it to me.

That's great news.

Hey, Zhu. This is Xu Chi.

How did it go?
When did the landlord say we could sign?

What? How could he just
change his mind like that?

What happened?

The landlord backed out.

He said I need to pay in full
to close the deal.

Don't panic just yet.

Let's head over right now
and talk to him in person.

Xu, we go way back.
How could I pull anything on you?

The landlord already agreed.

He even went to the transaction center.

But the paperwork to cancel the signing
and get the tax refund is a hassle.

He got annoyed
and didn't want to deal with it.

He said if he sold it to you,
he'd have to make trips again,

and waiting for your loan approval
would take months.

So either you pay in full
or he's not canceling the signing.

Come on.

Banks approve mortgages really fast now.

And I know people there.
I definitely won't drag it out.

How about this?

Can you help me contact him
so I can talk to him in person?

But it's 11 p.m. now.

He's probably asleep.

Besides, the notes say
he's only available during the day.

-Then… Then I…
-Easy now.

The landlord really said
it has to be full payment, right?

Yes… It's true. Why would I lie to you?

Whether you pay in full or take a loan,
our commission is the same.

The landlord wouldn't
let us see the place.

Now he's about to sell it.

Can you take us to see it?

Alright.

I'll step out and take a call.

Remember which room
you stayed in as a kid?

It should be this one.

No, I think it was this one.

You don't remember?

This used to be my grandma's apartment.

I only got to come and stay here
with my mom during the holidays.

It's been so many years.

This place looks nothing like I remember.

All I remember

is that my mom sold it for 80,000 yuan
to help my dad fund his business.

Then my dad got a mistress.

My mom divorced him.

When my mom saw on the news that
apartment prices here had skyrocketed,

she regretted it so much.

Before my mom passed,
she told me so many times.

She said she really wanted to go back
to before she met my dad.

Back to Beijing.

Back to this apartment.

But I was too young then.

There was nothing I could do.

Is this her wish or yours?

Is there a difference?

Anyway, every time I'm sad, I come here.

Just looking at this little building
and that window full of flowers,

it's like I go back in time.

Back to when I was happiest.

Then let's buy this place.

I don't have that kind of money.

You've got me.

That's not what I meant.

Sometimes,

opportunity matters more than money.

-But I can't just use your money.
-You already missed out once.

You can't miss it again.

If it really bothers you,

we can sign a loan agreement.

Chi, give me a chance
to do what a boyfriend should do.

Alright?

{\an8}Hey, ladies.

Long time no see.

Missed you guys so much.

Let me give you a quick update.

Today I'm doing the preliminary delivery
with the Reinsurance Department.

Let's talk about it
at the morning meeting.

-Okay.
-Uh, I can't make the morning meeting.

And I need to take some time off.

At 8:40, I'm meeting Mr. Sun
to check the database.

And tomorrow, I'm going
on a business trip with him.

We're hitting Celestial's data centers

in Guangzhou, Shenzhen,
Chengdu, and Suzhou

to do on-site training delivery.

Probably won't be back until the weekend.

That many places in such a short time?

Can your body handle it?

Okay, as long
as you've got it planned out.

No need to send daily reports.

Just give me a summary when you're back.

IT Department's on the 17th floor.

I'll take the high-zone elevator.

Bye.

My bad. My bad.

She's grinding right now,
trying to pull ahead of me.

Don't hold her back.

No way.

You've already been project manager
for some time.

Even if she knocks it out of the park
with the IT Department,

she still can't top you.

Do you really think this hand-me-down
project manager spot

is worth all that much?

She and I are both gunning for a partner.

You think we care
about some temporary title? No.

What we care about is Mr. Pi and Sha Sha's

overall evaluation
after this project wraps.

That affects how far I can go at Maxmise.

-Get it?
-Got it.

Okay, I'm done talking to you.

Have to go grind too.

How about this?

Let me grind with you at your place
these next few days?

You wish.

{\an8}MOM

I'll take the stairs.

Hey, Mom.

What's up? I'm at work.

A blind date?

I'm not going.

You guys promised me

you'd never pull this blind date
nonsense on me. I…

Dad.

Okay, I got it.

I'll be there on time.

BETTER HOME TOGETHER

Tianna.

Ms. Xue's son works in IT.

I heard he's doing really well.

Wow, that's impressive.

So if my laptop breaks,
can he fix it for me?

Don't be silly.

His company is huge.

Come on. Don't pull that long face.

Your dad wanted you to come
and vet the guy for him.

He recently got into some…

What's it called again?

It's a new business model, anyway.

Perfect timing.

Ms. Xue's son works in tech.

Don't overthink it.

It's not a blind date.

Just think of it as making a new friend.

Have a nice chat.

Right this way. It's this private room.

Thank you. Hui!

-Come on.
-You're already here.

-Mrs. Xue is here.
-So sorry. We're late.

-Son, come on.
-Quick.

-Long time no see.
-Exactly.

-And this is…?
-Tianna.

Say hi.

-Hi, Ms. Xue.
-Hello.

So pretty.

Jin, Tianna also studied in the US.

-She's a consultant now.
-Okay, Mom.

I know Mr. Shen.

-He's a client of our company.
-Know each other?

-They've known each other.
-So I'll go chat with him outside?

-Sure.
-Great.

Go chat with her.

Go on.

The other day, you were chasing Lin down
in the parking lot,

and now you're out on a blind date.

Mr. Shen, your time management
is really something.

Fellow sufferers of the same fate.

Cut each other some slack.

Aren't you out on a blind date
behind your boyfriend's back?

Don't talk nonsense.
I don't have a boyfriend.

Okay, whatever you say.

You're really…

Why are you being so snarky?

No wonder Lin doesn't like you.

What, did I say something wrong?

No. You're right.

She really doesn't like me.

By the way, how's she been?

You wanna know?

You think I'd be nice enough to tell you?

Let's make a deal.

Tell me how she's been,

and I guarantee your mom won't bug you
for a long time.

Really?

-At least half a year?
-A whole year, even.

What do you think they're talking about?

They're really hitting it off.

Now tell me.

How's she been?

She's fine. Everything's normal.

-That's it?
-Yeah.

That's worth a year?

What else do you want?

Lin got divorced
and ended up in the hospital.

After all that, she comes back to work
as if nothing happened.

You expect her to be heartbroken?

Besides,

you're the one pursuing her like crazy,
not the other way around.

Are you done?

If you keep throwing out
these useless comments,

I'm calling off the deal.

No, then what…

Then what else do you want to know?

I want to know…

I don't even know what I want to know.

I don't even know what she really wants.

I told her to stop selling herself short,

but she still told me to stay away.

She said

she wants to keep
her dignity and her pride.

What are you laughing at?

Sorry.

I'm just laughing at how dumb you are.

What do you mean?

What did she say she wanted to keep?

Her dignity and pride.

Then it must be because you did something

that made her feel
like she lost her dignity.

That's like dragging someone
who's scared of heights

up to a rooftop and telling her,

"Honey, don't be scared." Does that help?

So that's it.

Okay. Now you know. Go explain yourself.

No rush.

Never go into battle unprepared.

Let me tell you something.

Missy, don't think you can boss me around
on everything.

If you were actually good
at this love stuff,

you wouldn't be here tonight.

I wasted my breath on you.

It wasn't wasted.

Come closer.

I said come closer.

Why should I come closer?

The choice is yours.

Is it okay now?

-Take my arm.
-Take your arm?

On my cue.

I'll count to three,
and we turn around, look back,

smile, and nod.

Got it?

I asked if you got it.

Answer me properly.

-Got it, Mr. Shen.
-Three, two, one.

You two go ahead and chat.

You two have a nice talk.

But holding arms on a first blind date
is a bit much, isn't it?

There's worse. Wanna try?

-No thanks.
-So it wasn't wasted, was it?

No, Mr. Shen.