Original subtitles

[Love Between Lines]

[Episode 8]

Changing one's name...

Truly pathetic.

Your brother changed his name.

He took my surname.

His name is Xiao Zhiyu now.

From now on,

you can't call him by his original name.

Mr. Xiao.

Should we call everyone for a meeting

to discuss the project requirements Lyman just mentioned?

Let's talk when we get back.

Zhuling

has several branch offices in prefecture-level cities.

They're small operations,

perfect for someone to keep a low profile.

Pick one

and report there next week.

Thank you, Mr. Pei.

Thank you, Mr. Pei.

When a dog is starved for three days,

it will naturally look for leftovers.

The difference between humans and dogs

is that humans

can't wait that long.

Let's go.

Why was Mr. Xiao unhappy just now?

Wasn't the meeting going smoothly?

That's because our opponent this time is Zhuling again.

Zhuling again?

What do you mean?

You just joined us, so you don't know yet.

Previously, several projects at our studio

were won by Mr. Xiao

from Zhuling.

Honestly, we've been speculating in private

that he's deliberately targeting Zhuling.

But why Zhuling?

Just because they're the industry leader?

That we don't know.

They're all big shots.

Whatever conflicts they have,

there's no way they'd air them publicly.

Do you think

what happened to Jiang Tianyi

could be related to Zhuling?

Could it be?

[Zhuling Group]

Dad!

Son.

Did you miss me?

I did.

What's got you in such a good mood?

The new company registration.

It was all settled today.

That's wonderful.

Once this current project is completed,

Kanghua and I will leave the group.

Dad, what's your company called?

It's called...

Zhuling.

"Ling" means

the most beautiful feathers on a bird.

Xiaoyi,

my company

will build many grand buildings in the future

and adorn them with the finest feathers.

Mr. Xiao, you're still as early as ever.

Well, I don't have any old ties to catch up on.

I know what you did.

And I know Jiang Tianyi was acting on your orders.

Acting on my orders?

Have you ever considered that you've

simply made too many enemies?

Not as many as the ones you're wary of.

You used Jiang Tianyi this early.

Has Zhuling become nothing but a hollow shell,

so much so that you don't even dare let me into the game?

At the end of the day,

you're just not very fond

of my little greeting gift.

How about this?

Once Zhuling wins this round,

whatever you want,

I'll be sure to give it some thought.

Over the past five years,

I've heard that promise many times.

I hope it can come true this time.

Good luck.

Not everyone is like Jiang Tianyi.

Don't get too happy yet.

People's hearts aren't as unbreakable as you think.

This looks nice.

I haven't taken the photo yet.

Drink this one.

What are you doing?

Updating product photos?

I set up an account.

I regularly update photos of our coffee.

You're running an account?

Didn't you say

you didn't want to promote our shop?

Times have changed.

I've even made a business plan.

Things like...

the best posting frequency,

trending topics,

and

the best times to post for maximum traffic—

I've researched them all.

But

the numbers just won't rise.

No matter how beautiful my photos are,

the best post barely gets

a dozen likes.

What's your account called?

Regard Coffee.

Regard Coffee.

Be sure to like my posts right away when I upload them.

It's my dad. Hold on.

Dad.

Are you busy at work?

Not too bad. I'm off work now.

I'm at Old Zhao's place.

Go home early today.

Why?

Your uncle

sent over two boxes of crabs.

One's here,

and the other went to the lane.

Go back early to pick them up.

Crabs don't keep well if they sit too long.

Okay, I'll be home soon.

Bye-bye.

[Zhou Yan]

Why so quiet?

I'm listening.

Lyman is really strict about costs,

but I won't give up on the current design.

Understood.

I want to connect with more building material suppliers

so we can better estimate costs.

Go talk to Mr. Wu of Huasheng Materials.

I've worked with them before.

See if they're interested.

Got it.

[Hu Xiu]

What?

Hello, Mr. Xiao.

Did you get the package at your door?

Those are Chongming freshwater crabs

sent by my uncle.

He farmed them himself.

Every year, he only sets aside

a small box of them from his customers.

Not a single extra one.

They're only available this season.

My leg isn't fully healed yet,

so I can't eat anything that could cause inflammation.

I can only treat you with them.

Mr. Xiao?

Why aren't you responding?

Don't tell me you're already steaming them.

Got it.

According to the geological survey report,

most of this area

has good foundation conditions.

It belongs to Zone N.

Only the southern part over there—

that's Zone S.

Shanghai has a lot of soft soil;

it's unavoidable.

That means foundation treatment costs

for the southern area will be higher.

I'm not sure

if it will affect our overall plan.

Or we could move these 2 originally planned buildings

to the south.

But Mr. Xiao is a perfectionist.

He'll definitely want to rearrange the orientation.

What's wrong?

I'm thinking...

that no matter where we build them or how we build them,

ultimately we have to consider

how to deal with that soft soil area.

That's another budget item.

But this expense

is unavoidable.

That's right.

Mr. Xiao always emphasizes

that when it comes to designing,

safety issues are non-negotiable.

We definitely need to consider soil replacement.

It's to thoroughly improve the foundation.

But soil replacement requires a lot of labor,

and our design costs are already high.

It's quite challenging.

You are nervous?

What are you talking about?

Aren't you nervous?

I'm... I'm fine.

You know our competitor is Zhuling, right?

Yes, I know.

You're quite something.

I'm impressed, Hu Xiu.

You've got quite strong nerves.

I believe in Mr. Xiao's design.

Of course.

I believe in him too.

Mr. Xiao's designs

have always been unique.

After competing with Zhuling for so many years,

we're not necessarily at a disadvantage.

But Zhuling...

is a big, well-established company.

Their strengths lie elsewhere.

Secretary Li.

Thank you for coming.

Mr. Pei.

Please, this way.

Watch your step.

The environment here is quite nice.

Yes.

We plan to utilize the entire water system.

That person is from the Construction Bureau.

The area we're looking at now

is the core landscape zone.

Supporting facilities will be at the entrance.

Try as much as you can to avoid the part

where clay is under the water.

The foundation must be solid.

So Zhuling's advantage

is their connections.

Having connections makes things easier.

And it helps keep project costs down.

Like I just said,

Mr. Xiao's skills are top-notch,

but the corresponding costs are high.

In terms of cost-effectiveness,

we might not have the edge.

So the only thing we can rely on

is Mr. Xiao's design?

Right.

Good luck.

Take this.

If that's the case,

this area will be wasted.

We need to do it over there,

because it allows for future extension.

The other side is...

Hello, Ms. Zhou.

A meeting?

Now?

I'm on the site.

It's fine.

We'll head back now.

What happened?

Some details in the previous plan

aren't fully aligned with Ms. Zhou's budget.

Mr. Xiao and Ms. Zhou need to have a meeting

to reconfirm everything.

We need to get back quickly.

You go back first.

I'll stay here.

It's getting late.

Is it okay for you to be alone?

Since I'm already here, and...

based on the materials I have,

the difference between the site elevation

and the road elevation on-site is a bit large.

I want to measure it again.

You go back.

And this too.

Here.

I can handle it.

You're excellent.

I am excellent.

Be careful on your own.

Okay.

Call me when you get home.

♪ Under the streetlight, I grow increasingly weary ♪

♪ A few specks of dust drift by in the wind ♪

Does anyone have any different ideas?

Feel free to share.

Mr. Xiao.

We have these ideas for the three-dimensional

decision-making model:

♪ The girl who once basked in the sunlight ♪

first,

cultural symbolism.

Through patterns, colors...

♪ Where did she go to play? ♪

Come on, let's go take a look up ahead.

♪ I don't understand either ♪

♪ Flicking through old chat logs ♪

♪ I just realized the replies were somewhat delayed ♪

♪ At the crossroads of choices, amidst the bustling crowd ♪

♪ Who hasn't paid the price and still fallen short? ♪

♪ Stand with me tonight, look at the starlight ♪

♪ Even if we're always pushed aside by reality ♪

♪ I know the dark clouds will still come ♪

♪ But in this world, there will always be someone ♪

♪ Who looks forward with the same hope as me ♪

Thank you.

Where's your colleague?

He had to leave early.

How about I give you a ride home?

It's fine.

I'll take a taxi.

Thanks.

It's hard to get a taxi here,

and it's raining now.

I'll wait.

I can go to the main road.

Ms. Hu, do you dislike me?

I...

Given the relationship between our two companies,

I completely understand if you want

to keep your distance from me.

But for safety reasons,

there's no way I, a grown man,

would let a girl

stay here alone.

Let's go together.

Hu Xiu,

are you home?

It looks like it's raining outside.

Don't worry.

I'm already in the car.

Alright.

Then let me know when you get home.

It's Hu Xiu?

What's wrong with her?

Didn't I go to the site today?

I couldn't find an assistant at the time,

so I asked her to go with me.

She's not back yet?

She insisted on staying there

to verify the elevation differences on site.

But she just said she's already in the car.

Okay, I got it.

Sun,

you really don't go easy on newcomers.

Hu Xiu has been here for so long.

She's hardly a newcomer anymore.

Besides, you have no idea,

but the people from Zhuling were also there today.

It was quite a scene.

Young man,

you should feel some sense of crisis.

Get to work.

Ms. Hu, you don't need to be so formal.

Actually,

we should have been colleagues.

How did you know?

An outstanding candidate like you

certainly leaves a deep impression.

It's just a pity

that you didn't choose us in the end.

Being able to interview at Zhuling

was an honor.

It was just that my career goals

might not have fully aligned with Zhuling's needs.

That was our mistake.

HR's assessment of you was off.

If possible,

I wonder if you'd be willing to

give me another chance.

You're too kind, Mr. Pei.

I'm already really grateful

that you drove me back in the rain.

It was no trouble.

As a boss,

I would never leave my employee

alone at the site.

Indeed.

My colleague wanted me to leave with him.

It was my fault— I just wanted to hurry a bit.

Sounds like you've been

fairly happy

at Dynamism.

Of course.

After all, working in this field

has always been my dream.

And Dynamism

is a

very open-minded place.

Open-minded?

What about Mr. Xiao?

Is he open-minded too?

Even before I started working,

I already admired his designs.

Mr. Xiao is young and talented.

He's always been impressive.

Are you alright?

♪ I wanted you to see the light ♪

♪ But you tried to shut it down ♪

♪ That night ♪

♪ I know I should be dreaming ♪

♪ But I'm still standing here ♪

♪ Trying to take in reality ♪

♪ Just wanna let this storm calm down ♪

Get off the car.

♪ But I can not sleep ♪

♪ Because I'm done pretending ♪

♪ And I ♪

♪ I'm ready, I won't hide ♪

♪ Now it's my turn ♪

Mr. Xiao,

you're quite timely.

♪ The reality is boring ♪

What?

Are you afraid I'll poach your employee?

♪ Following all the rules ♪

Zhuling is full of elites.

Surely you wouldn't need to poach a junior designer.

♪ So I'll just break it ♪

Ms. Hu,

it seems your Mr. Xiao

♪ I'm free ♪

doesn't have much confidence in you.

♪ A new interpretation ♪

Bye.

♪ Dreams contend with waking hours ♪

♪ Even if fate ♪

♪ Cycles on and on ♪

♪ How many tales tomorrow will spawn ♪

♪ I'm free ♪

♪ Winner still unknown ♪

♪ I'll be the one writing my own story ♪

Mr. Xiao,

why did you suddenly come here?

[Mr. Wu]

Mr. Wu,

long time no see.

Yes,

I asked Zhou Yan to contact you.

The park's identification system often malfunctions.

I'll walk back.

I'll get an umbrella

and walk you downstairs.

The Lyman project is very important to us.

I don't want any mistakes to happen.

Of course.

That's why we went to check out the site today.

What I mean is...

as a member of the project team,

you should keep a distance from them.

Today I got into Mr. Pei's car

only because it was raining

and I couldn't get a taxi.

I'm sorry, Mr. Xiao.

I wasn't thinking it through.

You've probably heard about Jiang Tianyi, right?

Zhuling is definitely involved in this.

During this project,

it's best to stay away from their people.

So, Mr. Xiao,

you came to the site

because you don't trust me?

I...

[Zhou Yan]

Yes.

Mr. Wu from Huasheng Materials called me.

What did the supplier say?

Then I will need you and He

to go on a trip out of town.

Alright, that's it for now.

Am I so untrustworthy

in his eyes?

[Solara Tech]

If I'd known they wouldn't be here,

I wouldn't have brought so many dishes.

Don't mention them.

They were all exhausted.

I sent them all home.

You ordered so many dishes today?

Ms. Zhao,

did you land a big deal?

I'm in a good mood today.

Didn't the park say they were going to raise the rent before?

I took care of it.

They won't do it now.

How did you manage that?

I negotiated a cooperation

with the park.

In the future, when the companies in there hold events,

I can provide catering

and venue support.

The costs—

have you checked the costs?

Of course.

I never do business at a loss, okay?

I've been thinking

we could make employee membership cards for them.

There are so many holidays throughout the year.

Our shop's cards

could totally be used as employee benefits.

What do you think?

Impressive.

So,

there's no need to be stressed.

Everything can be solved.

Honey,

since you're so smart,

I have a problem of my own lately.

Could you help me solve it too?

I'm listening.

Come with me to play a murder mystery game.

You want to play murder mystery games?

I'm discussing a project.

That client

wants us to develop

a business park management software product.

When I asked further,

I found out he's from Fangyun Group—

the one in charge of your park's operations.

He's just been transferred there

and is extremely interested

in murder mystery games.

So you want to take him to play?

Yes.

But I know nothing about murder mystery games.

I'm afraid it might get awkward by then.

What's so hard about playing a game?

Here's the plan:

let's call Hu Xiu along.

More people means more fun.

She's way more experienced than I am now.

That would be wonderful.

Honey.

You're the best.

The food you prepared today is delicious.

Then have some more.

Mr. Xiao.

The southern part near the river is all soft soil.

Foundation treatment costs will be high.

I think what Sun said before has a point.

Why don't we move the detached houses in the plan

over to the southern part?

What about the orientation and lighting?

Orientation can be adjusted.

Having the side facing the water is actually not a problem.

The most important thing

is to make the waterfront concept work to its fullest.

In Shanghai's modern architecture,

there are many riverside buildings,

but most

have a certain distance from the water.

Designs like a fitness path along the river

are too conventional,

and they don't fit the lane-style elements we're aiming for.

You mean...

waterfront lanes?

Yes.

In Shanghai,

most lanes are in the city center.

Apart from some nearby ancient towns,

waterfront lanes are actually very rare.

Since Lyman's site is by the water,

we could consider

this kind of waterside-perching layout,

creating a contemporary version of a waterfront lane.

This proposal is worth considering.

It has practical potential.

Hu Xiu,

your ideas are bold,

but they're very creative.

Thank you, Ms. Zhou.

Boldness brings innovation.

At Dynamism,

there's no need to stick to conventions.

Well, Ms. Zhou,

I'll get back to work now.

Not bad, this girl.

She keeps her emotions in check.

Yesterday,

seeing so many people from Zhuling go there

and how they have connections to the Construction Bureau,

she was really worried.

She insisted on checking and verifying

all the site conditions before going home.

Alright, let's settle on this for now.

Next, I'll handle the coordination.

Mr. Xiao, Ms. Zhou, see you tomorrow.

Goodbye.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Why are you still working after hours?

I need to grow up

in the shortest time possible.

I want those who don't believe in me

to see what I'm really capable of.

What upset you this time?

Nothing.

You need to balance work and rest.

How about this?

Wang is taking his client

to a murder mystery game tonight.

Let's join them,

just to relax a bit.

Can I skip it?

Wang is going there for business.

It'll be boring for me if I go alone.

Didn't you like playing that game before?

Just come with me, please?

I had a falling out with Qin Xiaoyi there.

It'll be awkward if I see him.

When I went to the club to pick up the tickets today,

it was Li Yue there.

It should be his session today.

Li Yue?

Fine, I'll go.

That's my friend.

Are these the most expensive beans?

Yes.

Mr. Qian.

Mr. Guangming.

Just call me Qian.

Alright, Qian.

I brought you some coffee.

Thanks.

Let me introduce you.

This is Qian Jinxin.

He's in charge of operations for the entire park.

This is my wife,

Zhao Xiaorou.

The café

across the street,

Regard,

is hers.

I saw it when I passed by earlier.

It's very nice.

Thanks. Feel free to drop by anytime.

And who is this?

My best friend, Hu Xiu.

Hello.

Hello.

Let's go get our tickets checked first.

Sure.

Let's check in first.

Honey,

teach me how to play now.

I don't want to embarrass myself later.

Ms. Hu,

you have such elegant poise.

Did you study dance before?

No.

You should explore more in the arts.

You're so young.

You should try more new things.

You're really funny.

I'm not joking.

Alright, players for the next session,

you may start choosing your boxes now.

Attention,

drinks

are not allowed in the game area.

If you need to store them,

there's a locker over there.

Qian!

Choose a box.

What were you guys talking about?

Nothing.

Is that guy Guangming's client?

They're discussing a collaboration.

Qian Jinxin

was recently transferred to this park.

He wants Wang to develop

a park management software product for him.

Later, things like access control, parking,

and property management

can all be handled through this software.

How do you know so much?

I have no choice.

Wang is in the early stage of his startup.

I want to provide all the support I can,

and help him secure

any potential clients.

Let's go.

Let's go pick our boxes.

Ms. Hu! Ms. Hu!

Ms. Hu, let's go together.

Rongcheng is too dangerous.

No need.

Let's not get separated.

It's fine.

No need.

I'm sorry.

What?

Is this a welcome gift for me in Rongcheng?

Why is it you?

You're surprised?

This is my wife.

I haven't been able to keep her in line.

My apologies.

Mr. Qian.

Reporter Han Yingzhi and Mr. Miyazaki

are indeed married,

but it's a fake marriage.

I understand.

Like Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Though compared to Angelina Jolie,

you're missing

a little bit of that sexy factor.

Although we're on different sides,

the people we're up against are the same,

right?

Let me see your character card.

-Let me see. -Xiu.

How is it?

Not bad.

Guy,

it's getting late.

Let's head into the city.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Please.

Well, well, well, Reporter Han,

I've heard so much about you.

What's my mission?

I need you

to get close to Qin Xiaoyi

under the pretense of an interview

and steal his pocket watch.

Pocket watch?

I found a very important lead.

Qin Xiaoyi's father was an economic criminal.

That pocket watch is his heirloom.

Once we expose his background,

he'll be finished.

Don't rush.

He's at the theater. He can't get away.

Ms. Hu!

Ms. Hu!

Ms. Hu!

Ms. Hu.

Looks like I wasn't mistaken earlier.

You did go to the casino.

Ms. Hu,

as a young woman,

it's not really appropriate for you

to keep going to places like that.

Mr. Qian,

in Rongcheng, players can go anywhere.

I understand.

Then let me take you somewhere fun.

No thanks, I've got a mission.

It's just nearby.

When I passed by earlier,

I saw a clothing store.

Actually,

I wanted to tell you this

right after we got off the train.

The outfit you picked

is a bit outdated.

But it's okay.

We can get you something else.

Girls like you

should wear pretty dresses.

I know that store.

But it doesn't sell clothes—

it sells identities.

But a new identity is too expensive.

I don't have that money.

Who says we don't have money?

I have plenty.

When we entered the game,

Mr. Guangming gave me his props.

He's just too kind.

It's just a game,

yet he takes such good care of me.

Someone as reliable as him—

his company is bound to succeed.

Wang is in the early stage of his startup.

I want to provide all the support I can,

and help him secure

any potential clients.

Alright, let's go take a look.

This way, Ms. Hu.

Welcome.

How about this one?

A young lady who studied abroad.

This one's nice.

A nurse.

Saving lives and helping the wounded.

This looks good.

When playing this kind of game,

you need to wear clothes like these.

That's what makes it fun,

right?

Just a moment, Ms. Hu.

Try this one.

Size S.

A qipao

is meant to show the curves.

That's what makes it look good.

Mr. Qian.

When I came in just now,

I noticed

an indigo suit on that rack.

It's just as good as any big brand

and really suits you.

Why don't you try it on?

If you wear it, you'll totally outshine all the other players.

Really?

Alright, I'll go take a look.

All of our suits are made with the finest fabrics,

and the craftsmanship is excellent.

Ms. Hu,

which suit were you talking about?

Ms. Hu?

Ms. Hu?

Reporter Han, what brings you to a movie today?

I'm here for an interview.

That's rare.

Rare how?

I invited you to the military office for an interview,

but you ignored me for days, Miss Reporter.

What invitation?

It clearly says here that Reporter Han requested a meeting with Qin Xiaoyi.

When has Qin Xiaoyi ever been the one to reach out first?

Let's start, Reporter Han.

General Qin,

don't you need to check my press credentials first?

No need.

It's pitch-dark in this theater.

You can't even see my face clearly,

and you're not confirming my identity either.

Aren't you afraid I'm using the title of reporter

to do something shady?

I never allow anyone I don't trust

to come near me.

As a member of the project team,

you should keep a distance from them.

During this project,

it's best to stay away from their people.

The competition for the mayor is fierce.

Aren't you afraid that one day

someone close to you might be bought off by your rivals,

or tricked into leaking critical information,

ruining everything at the last moment?

So, Mr. Xiao,

you came to the site

because you don't trust me?

No.

Everyone around me is smart.

And she knows

who will win in the end.

Reporter Han, you've finished all your questions.

Now I have a few of my own.

Are you and Mr. Miyazaki

very close?

Why are you asking that?

I saw you two sticking together at the city gate.

Even between husband and wife,

the husband doesn't always

stand on the wife's side—

let alone a fake marriage.

I've known for a long time

that he's not on my side.

Sooner or later, he'll betray me.

So, why do you...

I'm doing this for my friend.

My friend has business to discuss

with Mr. Miyazaki.

Otherwise, I wouldn't bother dealing with him at all.

Your friend needs to rely on him?

It seems

his career is doing quite well.

I don't know how his career is going,

but as a person,

he's just questionable, to say the least.

He doesn't even know what manners are,

and he doesn't follow Rongcheng's rules either.

Don't let me run into him again.

Otherwise, I won't be able to stop myself from hitting him.

Then things will get ugly for everyone.

Okay.

What?

I won't let you run into him.