Original subtitles

♪The sun comes out♪

♪While the clouds are idle♪

♪What a beautiful day♪

♪Catching up with all my might♪

♪The wind blows away the fatigue♪

♪Telling me♪

♪To love the world♪

♪The smell of cooking♪

♪Fills the streets♪

♪Indulge myself♪

♪In the tenderness of life♪

♪The small restaurant we once went to♪

♪Is filled with my longing for you♪

♪Oh, I want to meet you♪

♪Oh, hand in hand♪

♪Stroll through the small town at night♪

♪Take our time with our sweet love♪

♪Love means to be with you♪

♪During three meals a day for all seasons♪

♪Each meal is♪

♪A beautiful feast♪

♪Underlying♪

♪The warmth of home♪

♪Please remember♪

♪Love's about trivial matters in life♪

♪Enjoying ordinary meals with you♪

♪Your smiling face♪

♪Will always be vivid♪

♪And give me the happiness♪

♪That I expect♪

[Chef Son-in-law]

[Adapted from Yandou Laoge's novel, The Great Nation's Master Chef]

[Episode 4]

He's trying to connect me

with the big shot from a Top 500!

I should show my gratitude.

But

where was your thank-you to me?

That day…

Why this embarrassingly shy?

Well.

Thank you for handling

Mr. Xu's incident.

But about this,

anything else to do?

What?

What do you want?

Though

I work in the kitchen,

don't think I don't know

our daily revenue has grown these days.

You think if my contribution counts?

Absolutely.

Give me some reward?

Fine.

Full marks on this month's performance review,

plus a double salary bonus.

Double salary?

Yes. Generous enough?

Tao Ruxue,

haven't you forgotten

about the million you promised me?

You know what?

My brain's been so fried lately.

I completely forgot that.

I'll get this sorted out ASAP.

Wait.

That million was before Xu Hexiang's incident.

How much do you want?

Here is the thing.

Your mother had promised me

ten million to invest in Canteen.

This

is my business proposal.

Ten million?

Did she promise you that?

Then go to her.

I did

and talked to her,

but she acted softheaded,

claiming the company is in your charge

and told me to deal with you instead.

Hey!

You two aren't conspiring to deny it, are you?

She never mentioned it to me,

so I had no idea.

Then

how about this?

I'll hand your proposal

for the review by the General Manager's Office.

But

I'll only give you one million.

Forget about ten million.

I won't agree.

No.

Ms. Tao!

Ms. Tao!

Look, our conversation's going so well.

Review the proposal first.

I promise you won't be disappointed.

Starting a business requires caution.

Study it carefully before making decisions.

I've studied it

and did a rough calculation.

The annual turnover will be at least 20 million.

You're getting an incredible deal here!

A single canteen

raking in 20 million annually?

With this?

Dream on!

What do you mean?

Then I'll go ahead.

Quick runner, huh?

[Chapter 1 Project Overview Brand: Canteen]

Ellie,

where are you?

Haven't seen you after waiting here for ages.

Ellie?

Where did you come from?

Waiting for ages, but didn't see you.

Took the VIP lane

long ago.

I completely forgot about that.

Was the flight exhausting?

Not at all.

A bed on board.

I even took a shower!

Took a shower?

So you flew on a private jet.

Alright then.

Let's go!

I promised to make you Mapo Tofu.

The ingredients are prepared.

Really?

So thrilled!

First time returning to China?

Take a good look along the way.

It's not how they portray it abroad.

Miss, the cars are ready.

I never asked for these.

Let's go.

Wait, you…

This…

♪The sun comes out♪

♪While the clouds are idle♪

♪What a beautiful day♪

♪Catching up with all my might♪

♪The wind blows away the fatigue♪

♪Telling me♪

♪To love the world♪

♪The smell of cooking♪

♪Fills the streets♪

So my hometown

has developed wonderfully!

♪The small restaurant we once went to♪

Not what I'd learned abroad.

♪Is filled with my longing for you♪

Many tall buildings on the clean streets.

♪I want to meet you♪

♪hand in hand♪

What's that?

♪Stroll through the small town at night♪

That's...

♪Take our time with our sweet love♪

A toilet.

Even a toilet is this gorgeous!

[Public toilet]

♪During three meals a day for all seasons♪

I'm staying for quite some time.

Would you show me around?

♪Underlying♪

♪The warmth of home♪

I can

show you around for a few days.

But my canteen opens soon,

so I might not have time.

Canteen?

I can invest as a shareholder.

Your shares have been reserved,

but no contribution needed

After the dinner,

I'll explain to you in detail.

Sounds good!

But I'll contribute.

Let's talk about this later.

Ms. Tao,

since you're Mr. Zhan's friend,

I'll be frank with you.

Please go ahead.

As we're an international company,

securing such a significant discount

would need over a year to go through procedures.

After all, we're merely a branch office

without independent decision-making rights.

Among Chinese restaurants nationwide,

we boast the largest number of outlets.

Given our immense demand

for ingredients,

we can fully assist Huasheng Group

in expanding in China.

I know what you've mentioned.

To be frank with you,

Mr. Tao Rende from your company

had reached out to us.

He has contacted you?

But

his offer

was three percentage points higher than yours.

All these are documented internally.

If I submit this report upward,

how would the headquarters

perceive my judgment?

I thought you came today

with a surprise,

offering me a more reasonable

and favorable quote.

How outrageous!

This is deliberately undermining me.

What?

I'm coming!

Would you

excuse me, please?

What happened?

Likely, a senior executive has arrived.

Rende holds all client connections.

If we can't close the deal with Huasheng Group today,

we'll likely have to accept his instead.

Who knows how much profit he will get?

We should

discuss it with your mother.

After all,

ingredients are no small matter.

I told her about it.

But she always claims she has a headache

and asks me to discuss with Qiao Zhi.

Mr. Song, I just don't get it.

What's so great about him?

Why does Mom favor him so much?

I'm not sure,

but I trust her judgment

when it comes to evaluating people.

Go take a look.

A young lady.

Appears to be about your age.

- Qiao Zhi? - Qiao Zhi?

What is he doing here?

And she's

practically fawning over him!

Miss, this way please.

Taking him by the arm!

You know what?

I never thought I'd taste it again in this lifetime.

Once my canteen opens,

feel free to come by anytime.

Right.

I'm a shareholder,

albeit a minority one.

Not going to move on?

My father told me

to hold controlling shares when investing,

but you're an exception.

Then thank your father.

You're welcome.

This gives us a starting point

to compete with Baiwei Group.

Besides, this is my decision.

Then thank you.

I'm leaving.

No need for the car.

I can go by myself.

You should go back early.

If anything comes up, I'll call you.

Alright, goodbye!

Crazy? Do you know how to drive?

Tao Ruxue,

no need to go this far over just one million.

What's your relationship

with that young lady?

Why should I tell you?

I didn't ask about yours with Zhan Shikun!

We're now discussing with them

something highly significant

to the future of Huaixiang Group.

She's my college classmate.

That's all?

College classmate?

She took you by the arm.

You never pull your hand away when others hold it.

What does that even mean?

Qiao,

why don't you get in the car?

Where are you heading?

We can give you a ride.

I'm going to cook for Mom.

After Xu Hexiang's incident,

Mr. Chen secretly suggested

preparing therapeutic meals for her.

I helped you,

but look what happened!

Come on!

Isn't she your mom?

Yeah, so I agreed to do it!

Is Huaixiang Group a family affair?

Two different things.

You've forgotten our agreement?

If there's nothing else,

I must be going.

I've got tasks piled up. I'm swamped!

Come back here!

Even shouting at me?

Is this how someone asks for help?

What do you really want?

Listen, just transfer one million

to me without hesitation.

We'll sort out the rest later.

Deal?

Goodbye!

Mr. Song,

transfer one million from my personal account to him.

Xue,

but that's cash.

I should apply

through company channels instead.

No time. Look at how smug he is!

[Xiaojiuwo]

[Your account has been credited with RMB 1,000,000.00.]

Finally arrived!

At last, the first step is taken.

[Xiaojiuwo Bar]

[Ding Chan, Ding Heng's Daughter]

She must work here.

Hey girl,

go home and play!

Let's go.

Isn't this…

Have fun at home!

Go with me!

Don't touch me!

What are you doing?

Mind your own business. Get lost!

Still here?

You brat!

What are you doing?

Stop shouting!

Hey!

Look at that!

Shout louder!

Yell at that spot.

Go ahead.

Lucky for you!

Let's go.

Go!

Miss,

wake up.

Are you alright?

Miss,

please wake up!

Wake up!

Hey.

Where do you live?

I live,

I live in Fuyuan Beili.

Fuyuan Beili?

You...

Hold on a second.

Come on, let's go.

Just wait a moment.

Come.

Walk.

Sir.

Get in.

Be careful!

Miss,

Fuyuan Beili is here.

Where is your home?

Wake up!

What to do?

Sir, head to that hotel up ahead.

Follow that car!

[Liyi Hotel]

Be careful!

Well.

Rushuang.

Pretty fast, huh?

What do you mean?

Scum!

What are you doing! Are you crazy?

What am I doing?

How dare you ask me that!

Don't you even know

what you have done?

I haven't done anything!

I just saw

you helping that girl into the room.

I filmed the whole thing on video.

You can explain it to Ruxue later!

Beat you first to vent my anger.

Why?

Wait. You...

Let go of me, you pervert!

Fine.

Since you're Ruxue's sister,

I'll explain myself once.

Never seen that lady before.

She was too drunk and some creep was taking advantage of her.

I stepped in to help. That's heroic behavior!

Her home is nearby.

She's passed out now,

so I have to take her to the nearest hotel.

Now you get it?

What you men say is all nonsense.

Ruxue's been praying for an excuse to divorce you.

Just wait! You'll leave with nothing.

Don't trust me? Suit yourself.

Sure thing.

If you want me to trust you,

take me inside to check.

If you took advantage of her,

Ruxue will divorce you

and I'll press charges. You'll rot in jail.

Fine.

Keep your voice down.

Alright, I'll show you.

Come on. Let's go look.

Want to run away?

Fetching the room key.

Come and see for yourself.

Look how peacefully she's sleeping.

All her clothes are taken off.

This is what you call heroic behavior?

She was wearing it and took it off herself.

Still making excuses.

She wasn't wearing anything when I came in.

She drank too much

and was warm,

so she took off her clothes.

Perhaps

she likes sleeping naked.

Right?

You stayed in here

for a full minute

and even let out an oh sound.

What does one minute prove?

Are you seriously doubting me?

What are you doing?

This is evidence.

I'm taking it to Ruxue.

No recording. It's a violation of privacy!

You two are even caring about your privacy.

Stop messing around!

I don't even know her.

No connection between us!

Don't you believe it? Ask her

when she wakes up tomorrow.

See?

If you don't listen,

I'll pour all of these into your mouth.

Hand back my phone!

Stop messing around.

You claimed she got harassed

outside the bar

and you played the hero.

Yes! I'm completely in the right.

Great.

Let's go to the police station

to check the surveillance footage.

Wait! I don't think

this warrants police attention.

Obviously got something to hide.

You were trying to harass her

at the entrance of the bar.

Fine, let's go.

Let's go now.

Go.

Go.

My car is nearby.

Go get the car first.

[Qiao Zhi]

Here.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Such things happen frequently lately.

If it weren't for you,

I'm afraid that young lady...

This is my duty.

How I wish

everyone shared your vigilance.

Your girlfriend is so beautiful.

Should be more careful when you are out.

Sir,

I'm not his girlfriend.

Oh.

I'm talking nonsense.

Never mind. If that's all, we'll leave.

You may go now.

What never mind?

I need to make things clear!

What? Trying to take advantage of me?

Tell me.

[Public Security] Why didn't you explain clearly?

Trying to take advantage of me?

Speak up!

Must you dwell on this?

Just a minor misunderstanding,

affects nothing at all.

No need for explanation.

Besides, we've already

got the task done.

Don't waste time on explanation.

This is the police station.

You think it's that fun or appealing?

Go explain it. I'm out!

What's more,

you're much more uglier than Ruxue.

Why should I take advantage of you?

You narcissist!

You!

How can you say that?

Do you believe? I'll beat you to death here

and turn myself in.

Watch your tongue!

Don't talk like that.

Apologize right now!

Say sorry.

Sorry.

Say it!

Fine.

I'll apologize. Enough?

Sorry, I was wrong.

You're not ugly but stunning.

That sounds weird.

Come on.

Get in the car and head home.

See you later!

Never see again unless necessary.

Aren't you getting in the car?

Offending you, I dare not.

Just go.

I've forgiven you.

Don't push your luck!

Get in.

I don't want to be misunderstood.

Just go ahead.

Ungrateful!

Mom and both daughters

are one tougher cookie than the next.

Right, where's their father?

They never mentioned him.

Scallion oil noodles?

Mr. Qiao,

you should have told me.

I could've made it for you.

It's fine.

Just suddenly craved this dish.

I didn't expect you

to know so many things!

Ms. Tao, you're back.

It smells wonderful!

Today we're having noodles?

Yes, this is exactly…

Ms. Chen,

I've finished eating.

Let me handle this.

Thank you!

Alright.

Ms. Tao, noodles.

They smell amazing!

Ms. Chen,

this dish tastes incredible!

Why didn't you make it before?

Good as long as you enjoy them.

Actually...

Hello,

Mom,

how are you feeling?

Pretty good.

The doctor said I'm recovering well.

Qiao Zhi prepares therapeutic meals for you?

You knew it?

Mr. Chen told me

he navigates the hospital better than I do!

He's eyeing our family fortune,

so he has to stay extra eager!

Xue,

it's been some time since you two got married.

What do you think of him?

Unreliable.

I'm asking you seriously.

I don't know either.

Truth is, I can't really figure him out.

He's different

from all the other men I've met before.

Let me tell you.

When you can't read him,

he's on a higher level than you are.

He's on a higher level?

He even called me ugly!

He said you're ugly?

Alright then.

I did curse him out too.

Anyway,

he is a man…

Good to be straightforward.

Much better than your loser dad.

Back then,

right after giving birth to Rushuang,

I was still in the startup phase.

Such tough times!

He failed to lend a hand

and was out there with shady women,

partying recklessly

and shirking his responsibilities.

This kind of man is unreliable.

But Mom,

who is my dad?

Don't I even deserve

to know his name?

He doesn't deserve it.

Let me tell you, Xue.

Qiao Zhi is truly talented.

You'll support each other and grow together.

Mom,

I know Grandpa wronged their family.

We've compensated them with money.

We don't owe him anything.

Xue,

someday you'll know

why I say he is talented.

He...

Still awake?

Talk with him.

I'm heading off to rest now.

Goodnight!

Long day. Get some early sleep.

Daughter of the CEO of Huasheng Group?

I helped them before,

so they treat me quite well.

This time…

You break out in pimples.

Are you firing up lately?

You're firing up.

Let me make some soup to cool down the heat.

Don't bother.

Why did she suddenly get angry?

[Ensure inclusiveness and multiculturalism]

One million

stretched thin no matter how I calculate it.

Spend the money where it counts.

To pay for my mom's medical treatment,

I have to sell alcohol.

I understand.

I went through the same thing

because of my father.

How much

are her medical expenses?

She's now in a vegetative state.

Just monthly care

costs over 10,000 yuan.

To transfer her to a better hospital now

will require at least 200,000 yuan.

People seldom visit the food street

where your canteen is located, right?

Yes.

That's why we bought the house at a low price.

Later, we could make money by takeout.

In fact, that property

used to belong to our family.

Really?

You mean Canteen.

This is what I think.

I want to buy it back

and reopen it.

Would this work?

I'll give you 200,000 as a down payment,

enough to cover your mom's medical expenses.

Although I badly need the money,

I have to remind you.

Food street has

high property prices

despite low foot traffic.

Previously I estimated at least seven million.

Wanting to brush me off with just 200,000 now?

Seven million?

Okay.

I can give you the money,

But

I'll need a year to pay it off in full.

The down payment remains 200,000.

I don't struggle to sell it.

So why should I sell it to you?

If you don't,

you wouldn't have worked at a bar.

Besides, that place isn't suitable for living.

My parents aren't there.

I can only lease it out.

I can't sell it.

Alright then.

I'll rent it for now

with 200,000 yuan.

You mean it?

We help in emergencies, not poverty.

Still have cutlery and kitchenware over there?

Yes.

All from famous brands.

Then

let's consider it included.

Okay.

We'll sign the contract tomorrow.

Perfect.

Never expected in just a few years,

the food street would become desolate.

[Good BBQ Restaurant]

Hei, your alcohol tolerance has improved now!

Come tomorrow for another round!

Alright, Yan!

Join me for a couple more cups tomorrow.

No problem.

Tomorrow,

several bottles of premium sake will be delivered.

Come by then to give it a taste.

Sounds good!

Heading back now.

Alright then. I won't walk you out.

Okay.

Take care.

Ma'am,

a grilled sausage.

Five yuan.

Scan this.

A starchy sausage?

If this thick cut

is made with lean meat,

it can't be sold for five yuan.

Mrs. Liu,

are any meat sandwich buns left?

I'm craving one so badly.

You're Qiao Zhi!

Such a man!

Where've you been all these years?

Wow.

Look at you!

Must be nearly 1.8 meters now!

Barely enough, I guess.

Quite a young man now.

Are you married yet?

How's Mr. Liu doing?

Don't even mention him.

Ever since losing the storefront,

he spends all day playing mahjong.

Let's not talk about it.

Mrs. Liu,

it has changed a lot here.

After what happened at Canteen,

this place

plummeted overnight.

Qiao,

I believed in your grandpa's character,

but many people here

still complain bitterly.

I understand.

After all,

it led to people avoiding

this food street altogether.

Mrs. Liu,

I'm back this time

to reopen Canteen.

Would you help me?

You…

You want to reopen Canteen?

Just wonderful!

The food street has been declining for far too long.

Only that barbecue seller,

the widow,

has decent business.

We're utterly failing here.

Widow?

Yes, her.

Don't get involved with her.

When it comes to business,

she shows no mercy to anyone.

Qiao,

we're counting on you from now on.

You,

just like your grandfather,

will lead us back to prosperous days.

Let's go

to meet the director.

He still remembers you.

Go.

Alright then.

By the way,

how'd the exam go today?

Got the report?

Decent score, actually.

No wonder good moods make a difference.

By the way, Qiao Zhi,

guess what I found?

What is it?

A photo of you and Ruxue from when you were kids.

I remembered you two had taken one together.

It took me ages to dig it up.

Really?

I don't even remember it.

When you were ten years old.

You really don't recall?

I'll send it to you via WeChat.

I've scanned the file.

Alright,

I'll check it later.

Bye!

[Qiao Zhi]

Really a long time ago.

Dad,

you can't handle

this pile of paperwork alone.

I'll come over to help.

Alright then.

Sihai's funeral arrangements

will fall solely on your shoulders.

♪How could every choice be wrong?♪

♪Too many brilliant fireworks♪

♪Always plummet in an instant♪

Qiao Zhi,

good boy.

What would you like to eat?

I'll make it for you.

♪Didn't do anything wrong♪

♪The story unfolds from start to finish♪

Dear,

if you're feeling sad, just cry.

♪Pretending to be carefree♪

Don't keep it bottled up inside.

♪But deep inside, there's sorrow♪

Hello, Dad,

what's up now?

♪Why does later bring such torment?♪

I...

♪Neither you nor I could bear to part♪

Okay.

Wait for me.

♪After all, we once loved deeply♪

Xue, keep Qiao Zhi company.

♪Yet the greatest regret lies in that moment of farewell♪

♪With just one word from you, I'd turn back♪

♪So easily could've stayed♪

Don't be sad.

♪But you never spoke up♪

♪My slowed steps dragged on too long♪

♪Eventually, I'd walk away♪

♪Even tenderness became a luxury♪

♪Even if excuses were made-up♪

♪Any random reason would do♪

Aren't you into sweet stuff?

♪I'd naively accept it all♪

♪But falling leaves blinded your eyes♪

♪Obscuring my departure♪

This is all I have.

Here you are.

When you feel down, just eat some.

It'll help.

♪So easily could've stayed♪

♪But you never spoke up♪

I have no grandfather anymore.

I don't have a home either.

♪My slowed steps dragged on too long♪

♪Eventually, I'd walk away♪

Your grandpa is still there.

He'll watch over you from heaven as you grow up,

always sending his blessings your way.

♪Even if excuses were made-up♪

♪Any random reason would do♪

♪I'd naively accept it all♪

♪But falling leaves blinded your eyes♪

♪Obscuring my departure♪

♪Once looked back♪

Qiao Zhi,

got a minute?

Yeah, I'm decent.

Come in.

You came back so late, huh?

Had a meeting all night long.

What are you doing?

Working on the budget.

With that little amount you gave me,

I have to budget carefully.

By the way,

did you write that business proposal?

Yes.

Is this beef?

Wagyu.

Wagyu?

At such a low price?

Wait.

These are all organic vegetables.

Why are the prices so low?

What's your secret?

That's why I went to Huasheng Group.

I went there also for business.

No way!

This is even 30% lower

than the quote they gave me!

At this price,

they're losing money.

No way.

At worst,

they make no profit on my order,

or skim less margin.

Why?

What's your relationship with Ellie?

Nothing special. You saw it.

She trusts me.

Plus, Huasheng Group

invests in my Canteen,

but as a minority shareholder with only 5%.

They invested in your venture,

as a minority shareholder?

Huaixiang Group holds a much larger stake.

I'm treating you well enough.

Could you help me negotiate?

I don't need such a low price.

Hey!

What are you doing?

No physical contact allowed!

Remember the agreement?

No physical contact!

I negotiated with two companies today.

Their prices are higher than Baiwei's.

They supply 40%

of restaurants nationwide,

so their pricing is lower.

You wouldn't want Huaixiang Group to work with them,

right?

Huaixiang is not my company anyway.

♪One day♪

♪In front of me♪

♪You'll look at my face♪

♪I'll tell you♪

♪My oaths♪

♪One by one♪

♪You'll find♪

♪Oh, my heart♪

♪Has never changed♪

♪Just like the sea♪

♪That always reflects♪

♪The scene of the sky♪

♪I'll take you out of the hustle-bustle world♪

♪To go wild freely♪

♪Don't worry about the journey ahead♪

♪Just keep going♪

♪You'll find the tears I left behind♪

♪You'll also see me writing my own poems♪

♪And I'll always hold you tight♪

♪I'll take you out of the hustle-bustle world♪

♪To go wild freely♪

♪Don't worry about the journey ahead♪

♪Just keep going♪

♪You'll find the tears I left behind♪

♪You'll also see me writing my own poems♪

♪And I'll always hold you tight♪