Original subtitles

[Love Between Lines]

[Episode 10]

How am I supposed to explain to Zhao

that I'm moving back?

Xiu,

help me finish the leftover cake

from my shop.

Zhao,

I'm moving back to my old place in the lane.

I've already discussed it with my boss.

We're in the home stretch of the project,

so it's more convenient for work if we share a place.

That makes sense. I'd be worried

if you lived alone.

What did you say?

I said this room is too small.

It's really not convenient for you to live here.

Moving back is a good idea.

Let me help you pack up.

It really isn't convenient.

I'll take you back to the lane later.

You have so much stuff.

No need.

My boss lent me his car.

You're on such good terms with your boss now?

Not really.

I just earned it

by working overtime.

Alright.

Mr. Xiao.

You just parked my car on the street?

I just finished moving everything.

I'll go park it in the lot now.

Mr. Xiao,

I can go by myself.

It's just a short walk. You don't need to come with me.

But it's still a bit of a distance.

Mr. Xiao,

do we really have to wash the car at this hour?

It's just a bit of mud.

And it's still raining.

I've checked the weather forecast.

The rain will stop by the time the car is washed.

It's okay.

I can manage with only one hand.

Then... then go ahead and wash it.

I'll go back and unpack.

Okay.

You left something?

Yes, yes.

I left my conscience behind.

Here, give it to me.

You go sit over there.

♪ Life lays out the outline of my scenes ♪

♪ The last act was a monologue in a dream ♪

♪ And in the next, I wander through the city's noise ♪

♪ So many arrivals that turned out to be nothing ♪

♪ I'm counting the beats of the clock ♪

♪ I can't tell which platform is for leaving or returning ♪

When you lost your job earlier,

♪ Until you walk toward me ♪

you shouldn't have worried at all.

Look at you, you're great at washing cars.

Mr. Xiao,

♪ And my breath softens ♪

I can do even better as a designer!

Fine.

Then tomorrow night, no car washing.

♪ I forget every absurd line ♪

Draw designs instead.

♪ Because of you ♪

These are blueprints I've just revised.

If these get ruined,

you'll be responsible.

♪ So you're beside the story written by fate ♪

Wash the car properly.

I'm going to get a drink.

My hands are all wet,

and you're making me hold it...

♪ Oh, ok ♪

♪ Oh, ok ♪

You're playing me?

♪ Oh, ok ♪

You still want water?

I'll give you some water.

♪ Oh, ok ♪

Drink your fill! Drink!

♪ Oh, ok, my love ♪

♪ It turns out you're my exception ♪

What's wrong, Hu Xiu?

Didn't sleep well last night?

Yeah.

Moving

is exhausting.

Here.

A little pick-me-up for you.

I remember you love these konjac jellies.

Moving is quite exhausting.

Especially when you have

a roommate who doesn't understand the meaning of "peace and quiet."

Ms. Hu,

why haven't I seen you at the café lately?

I've already moved.

Why?

Is it because of that video?

Video?

What video?

Okay.

I'll communicate with them again.

Goodbye.

Mr. Xiao.

I'd like to leave two hours early

today.

How about

you take a taxi home tonight?

What happened?

It's Zhao,

my friend who runs the café.

She got into a fight at the club last time

and got herself into some trouble.

And I moved out without knowing anything about it.

I want to go back to the café for a bit.

Okay.

Wait.

You have my keys, right?

Take my car.

Thank you, Mr. Xiao.

Ms. Zhao, sorry to bother you.

What's the matter?

Ms. Zhao,

I'm just here to notify you

that next quarter, your shop's rent

will be raised according to regulations.

No, that's not right.

I've already discussed this with the industrial park management.

I provide discounted coffee in exchange for

keeping the rent the same.

Why the sudden change?

Well...

All those previous business arrangements

are no longer valid.

Did something happen?

Ms. Zhao,

your shop has been reported for mixed commercial and residential use.

We can't

just ignore this kind of thing.

After the leadership found out,

they stopped all previous cooperation with you.

That's why

they sent me here to verify the situation.

But I specifically consulted with the property management about this.

My second-floor loft

isn't open to the public.

They said short-term residence wasn't a problem.

Yeah, that's true.

Normally, we wouldn't be so strict about it.

But you see...

someone filed a report,

so we have to take action, right?

Well,

can you tell me who reported it?

I'd like to discuss it with them.

Well...

I'm afraid I can't disclose that information.

Sorry about that.

I found out.

It was all Qian Jinxin's doing.

Ms. Zhao,

I've sent you the complete video.

Maybe it'll help.

You didn't know all along

that your bestie was flirting with another actor, did you?

He hit a woman.

He hit a woman?

Shameless!

I'm the owner

of the Regard Café.

Here's what really happened

that day

at the murder mystery game club.

The most beautiful café owner in the world—

do you still have coffee?

There's only one cup of cold coffee left,

and the latte art is terrible.

If you don't mind,

it's on the house.

♪ Under the streetlight, I grow increasingly weary ♪

I don't mind.

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

♪ The girl who once basked in the sunlight ♪

♪ Where did she go to play? ♪

Xiu, I'm sorry.

♪ I don't understand either ♪

I should've explained everything to you earlier.

I thought

♪ Flicking through old chat logs ♪

Wang's project had fallen through,

and if I had

spoken badly about Qian Jinxin online at that time,

♪ I just realized the replies were somewhat delayed ♪

I might not have been able to keep this shop open.

He's still building his business,

so...

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

I didn't know what to do.

I thought I'd wait until all this blew over,

then I...

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

Zhao,

you don't need to apologize,

♪ Stand with me tonight, look at the starlight ♪

and you don't need to explain anything to me either.

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

But what if Qian Jinxin causes trouble again?

I don't care.

I'm going to fight back right now.

♪ I know the dark clouds will still come ♪

Zhao.

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

I support you.

I'll support you no matter what you do.

Then you have to support me like this forever.

♪ Who looks forward with the same hope as me ♪

The coffee spilled.

Mop the floor.

You're ordering me around?

I'll mop it. I'll mop it.

My fault. It's my fault.

Such expensive coffee—

what a waste.

Well...

Drink it then.

I'll drink it. I'll really drink it.

I'll drink.

Go ahead.

Qian Jinxin,

I just transferred you here,

and you've already caused such a huge mess!

What were you thinking?

Boss,

I'm innocent.

It was those two girls who were giving me trouble.

Enough!

There's a complete video online.

Stop making excuses!

Because of you alone,

the reputation of the entire industrial park staff has been tarnished!

The impact is terrible!

Come to my office

first thing tomorrow morning!

Boss, I was wrong.

Boss...

After you started sharing an apartment with your boss,

you're sharing a car too?

Things between him and me

are rather complicated.

Once things get complicated, they become dangerous.

What does he want?

Qian Jinxin, are you crazy?

If you won't let me live in peace,

neither of you will have peace!

Xiu, be careful.

It's okay.

Stop right there!

Pei Zhen?

Xiu,

we need to call the police now.

[For plot purposes only—do not imitate]

How did you even drive like that?

You've got a death wish?

Do you even know how to drive?

Wait...

W-What do you want?

I've got a death wish.

Go ahead and call the police.

You...

Are you nuts?

Mr. Pei.

Ms. Hu.

I'm really sorry about tonight.

It all happened so suddenly,

and I...

didn't see your car coming.

It's okay.

It wasn't your fault that the car got hit.

Actually, you didn't need to chase after him.

I wasn't thinking much at that moment.

I saw him running away,

so I thought I'd take a shortcut to stop him.

Who knew he would turn around right then?

Now that I think about it,

it was pretty scary.

Last time at the property site,

did I put you in a difficult position?

Mr. Xiao wouldn't make things difficult for someone over such a small matter.

I just think it's a pity.

If our two companies weren't competitors,

you and I could have been good friends.

It seems we need to win

the Design Competition quickly.

He won't lose either.

All done, Xiu.

The police said

that administrative penalties for him and for us are inevitable.

As for criminal liability,

they'll investigate further.

If they need our cooperation,

they'll contact us.

You're Mr. Pei, right?

Thank you so much for today.

-Nice to meet you. -Sorry for the trouble.

I just heard from the officer

that vehicle damage claims are quite complicated,

and it seems you need some kind of liability determination report...

It's fine.

My assistant is coming.

I'll have him take care of it.

Okay.

Then,

let's exchange contact info.

Sure.

If you need my help later,

just contact me anytime.

I'll scan your code.

I was the one driving the car.

But you were helping me with my situation,

so of course I should take responsibility.

Mr. Pei, so that's settled then.

If anything comes up later, just contact me directly.

Alright.

We'll be going now.

Bye-bye, Ms. Hu.

Bye-bye.

Mr. Pei.

Are you alright?

I'm fine.

Just finished dealing with the penalty.

But I don't understand—

why did you waste your time

helping them?

That's Xiao Zhiyu's car, isn't it?

That's right.

It's hard not to be curious, isn't it?

You have to play the long game to catch the big fish.

What about your car?

Should I take it in for repairs first

and then deal with that guy, or...

Just get rid of it for me.

A defective product is a defective product.

It'll still be defective, even if it's fixed.

Mr. Xiao,

you're still up?

You startled me.

If I could use this hand properly,

I wouldn't be sitting here all night doing nothing.

I'm sorry.

I...

got held up helping my friend with something.

I can work now.

Something happened?

Mr. Xiao.

Actually...

just now...

I almost crashed your car.

Are you okay?

But

I ran into Mr. Pei.

That's basically what happened.

I don't know why it was such a coincidence,

but I thought I should let you know.

Don't worry.

I didn't talk about work with Mr. Pei.

If there's anything that needs to be handled later,

I'll have Zhao take care of it to avoid anything

that could cause misunderstandings.

Next time,

contact the car owner first if anything happens.

I mean,

contact me first.

Got it.

We're not continuing with the drawings?

Get some rest.

Hello, Zhao.

Hello, Xiu.

Check the industrial park's announcement now.

You know what?

Early this morning,

the park's leadership was waiting for me at the entrance.

Did they give you trouble again?

No.

The leadership personally apologized to me.

They said my cooperation with the park will continue as usual.

And the rent

won't increase at all.

That's great!

That's not all.

Let me show you a video.

Stop filming... Stop filming!

Someone like you

should have been kicked out long ago!

Stop filming!

That's right!

Stop filming!

I've already apologized!

Shameless!

Don't cover your face!

Stop filming! Stop filming!

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Stop filming!

I asked around.

Apparently, the owner of ME Club

pressured the park management,

firmly refusing to allow

someone like Qian Jinxin to manage the park.

So he was fired immediately.

The ME Club owner?

Good morning, Mr. Xiao.

Breakfast is ready.

That's what we didn't finish last night.

Let's continue this afternoon.

Also,

this bowl of porridge—

I bought it as a thank-you gift.

You helped out with

the vendors' protest too, didn't you?

I just wanted to get justice

for my injured hand.

I understand.

I understand.

What are these?

Onion bulbs.

I want to grow green onions.

If we're cooking at home,

how can we not have green onions?

Real onions.

No need.

Your delivery is here!

Coming!

Hello, your flowers.

Thank you.

Have a nice day.

You too.

Who sent them?

I bought them myself.

Is it also a thank-you gift for me?

No.

Of course, Mr. Xiao,

if you like them,

I can share half with you.

No need.

Another delivery?

Xiu?

Xiu, open the door.

It's my dad.

My dad is here.

Quick, quick, hurry!

Xiu?

Bathroom! Bathroom!

Dad!

What were you doing?

I've been knocking forever, and you didn't answer.

I... I was listening to music.

I was... I was dancing in my room.

Dancing.

Why did you come so suddenly

without telling me first?

Do I... do I have to report to you before coming?

I... I guess not.

I made some food for you.

Get a couple of bowls and dish it out.

Okay.

Why is there a new table here?

I needed it for work,

so I just bought it.

Xiu.

Your mother and I

came all this way to bring you those two bottles of baijiu.

You didn't give them to your boss?

Dad, it'd be a waste to give them to my boss.

He...

He has high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol—

he can't even have a sip of alcohol.

If I eagerly gave him baijiu,

w-wouldn't that show I'm clueless?

T-That many health problems?

You should've told me earlier.

Dad, you don't need to bring me food.

I think I

can take care of myself.

Before you

say things like that next time,

put away this junk food

first.

It's the middle of the day.

Why are you having porridge?

I-It's leftover from breakfast.

Dad, don't worry about this.

I still have

a lot of work to do after I eat.

If I can't

complete my work on time,

no amount of gift-giving will help,

right?

Right, right.

Let me walk you out to get a taxi.

Let's go. Let's go.

Okay, okay.

I'm really busy today, Dad.

Okay, okay.

Wait, no rush.

What's that sound?

Maybe Dazhong is taking a shower!

His bathroom and our living room

are only separated by one wall.

No, the sound seems to be coming from over there...

That's empty.

How could anyone be there, Dad?

Let me walk you out. Put your shoes on.

Okay.

Let me help you.

Okay, okay.

This foot.

Alright, that's it.

Be careful with your leg.

Go on with your work.

I'll walk you downstairs, Dad.

No need, no need.

Let me walk you...

Just focus on your work.

Don't let me hold you up.

Okay.

Bye.

I'll let you know when I'm free.

Alright!

Be careful going downstairs!

Okay.

Bye-bye!

Bye-bye!

What are you doing?

Mr. Xiao,

I'm really sorry.

It happened so suddenly.

I had no choice.

But I promise you—

three times max!

Three times max?

So that means there's still one more time?

Oh, you're right.

You even took a shower in there?

My thermos container...

-Dad! -Dad.

U-Uncle, hello.

How did you get in?

Why didn't I hear anything?

-You didn't close the door. -You didn't close the door.

Dad,

this is Yu.

You've met him before.

I know.

You're colleagues, right?

Yes.

You came today

to pick up a contract too?

Uncle, I came to get...

Go upstairs and change your clothes.

Don't catch a cold.

Go ahead.

You said you wanted to focus on your career.

You said there were many things

more important than marriage.

I actually believed you.

You've forgotten about Zhang Qiran already, haven't you?

I'm not against you dating.

But

how long has it been since you broke off your engagement with him?

And now, you're...

well, you're already living together?

This lane isn't very big.

People see everything.

What will they think of you?

Why should I care what others think of me?

Yu and I are living together.

But we're not in a relationship.

He's my tenant.

To be precise, we're roommates.

Room...

Roommates?

Do your other colleagues

know that you two are living together?

Will they gossip about you?

My other colleagues

won't know.

That's good.

Because I've already resigned.

That baijiu...

I never gave it to Mr. Xu.

I got rid of him long ago.

He doesn't deserve it.

Also,

I didn't rent out the loft

because he was struggling financially

or needed help.

I did it

because I wanted the money myself.

Yu and I are indeed colleagues.

He's my boss,

the founder of D Design Studio.

W-W-What?

What? Design what?

What?

D Design Studio.

It's an architectural design company.

Why architectural design again?

No, you...

You said you weren't happy at work, so you quit,

and I understand that.

Shanghai is so big.

There are so many companies.

You have experience as a general manager's assistant,

right?

You could work at any company you want.

Why do you keep jumping around

and ending up back in architecture again?

I like architecture.

♪ Fireworks scatter across the sky ♪

Dad,

if it weren't for this new job,

♪ And the faint light in my eyes fades with them ♪

I wouldn't have moved on so quickly.

What's good about working in architecture?

It's hard, exhausting, and dangerous.

♪ Just like the end of our story ♪

You know all this.

You said it when I was filling out my college applications.

♪ Who says ♪

Exactly the same.

♪ We meet just to say goodbye? ♪

Yes, I said it.

But did you listen?

Back then, you even kept your college applications from me

♪ Who's to blame for a fate like this? ♪

and insisted on studying architecture.

When you graduated,

because of this useless leg of mine...

♪ Walking across ♪

you didn't go abroad to study.

Yet you chose to find a stable job in Shanghai.

♪ This hollow bridge of fate ♪

I thought that was pretty good.

Wasn't that a blessing in disguise?

I thought that from then on,

I wouldn't have to worry

♪ If you can't see the other shore, turn around ♪

about you anymore.

I never expected that today...

So?

Three years ago,

I already missed one chance.

I already gave up once.

♪ Only a few stars shine ♪

Do you want me to make that same mistake again?

♪ It's true ♪

Dad, I stayed three years ago,

♪ I miss you ♪

and I've never regretted it.

I only had a tiny bit of regret.

♪ Hope the night brings me to you ♪

But how could you call my regret

a blessing?

♪ And I also know ♪

♪ The night will pass and I have to part with you ♪

♪ It's hard to accept but true ♪

♪ It's true ♪

♪ I loved you ♪

No matter what you say,

I still don't agree.

♪ Hope the dream brings me to you ♪

But I know I can't control you.

♪ And I also know ♪

♪ The dreams are false and I should forget you ♪

Uncle.

♪ It's hard to accept but true ♪

Dad,

do we really have to move?

I've counted.

It's 30 steps per floor.

If you want to go up or down,

you can call me.

I'll help you walk.

That way, your leg won't hurt.

I don't want to move.

I can't bear to leave everyone here.

Xiu, stop talking.

It's not about your dad's leg.

He's heartbroken, understand?

Living at school is so convenient.

Why did you have to move out?

What a hassle.

Xiu didn't tell you?

The dorm shuts the lights off at a certain time.

She can only draw by a desk lamp,

you know?

Dad, Mom,

I've redesigned our rooms.

Go take a look.

Dad? Mom?

Why are you here?

I'm taking your dad for a follow-up at the hospital.

We were passing by, so we came to see you.

You became a regular employee?

Actually,

Shiyuan Real Estate is quite good.

Your cousin wanted to work there before but couldn't get in.

I know. Let me walk you two to get a taxi.

You ordered all this fried chicken and fries,

and you're just leaving it out here?

At least take it inside to eat.

And these flowers.

If you leave them like this,

they'll wilt soon.

The onion bulbs fell on the floor,

and you didn't even come out to clean them up.

The drainpipe under the upstairs sink is broken.

If you don't want the loft to flood,

come up and fix it now.

There are spare pipes in the living room cabinet.

You can replace it yourself.

No.

My hand hurts.

Didn't we just replace the pipe a few months ago?

Why is it broken again?

See for yourself.

Are you messing with me?

If I hadn't resorted to such a dirty trick,

you would've stayed in bed until the Design Competition.

I would not.

But you were right about one thing—

not telling my parents

about changing jobs

was like setting a time bomb.

But you defused it yourself.

Aren't you still standing here perfectly fine?

I have a way

to help you forget everything temporarily.

Wait here.

Watch out.

You're taller than I am.

What's that method you mentioned?

It really is a good method.

Let's do it.

♪ Close your eyes for me ♪

♪ Don't rush to wake up ♪

♪ Before the night ends ♪

Here.

♪ Will you stay with me? ♪

♪ I won't search for ♪

♪ The reason we met ♪

♪ The city gradually turns pale outside the window ♪

The dimensions are wrong.

♪ The stars twinkle ♪

You made the same mistake before.

♪ I've quieted down ♪

♪ Escape the world ♪

♪ Forget all things ♪

♪ And fall down a long, romantic dream ♪

♪ Just you and me ♪

♪ Under moonlight ♪

♪ Briefly, beyond the clamor ♪

♪ Getting closer to you secretly ♪

♪ Clinging to that trace of unknown joy ♪

♪ Oh, special night ♪

♪ We will meet tomorrow ♪

♪ I know ♪

♪ Oh, special night ♪

♪ Oh, special night ♪

Did you see it?

How is it?

Not bad.

How about you?

Pretty good.

I've figured it out now.

There's only one shortcut

to solving everything—

and that is to win.

Win?

Something that difficult,

and you call it a shortcut?

Though it's difficult,

it can solve a lot of problems all at once.

Look,

if we win this competition,

I can become a regular employee.

Once I become a regular employee, I can get a raise

and work on the follow-up project implementation.

When the project is implemented,

I'll have a small accomplishment.

Then, at that time, no matter how my father...

Hold on, hold on.

You haven't "figured things out."

You're clearly pushing me.

I wouldn't dare.

They should be out at their stalls now.

Let's go, Mr. Xiao.

Let's go grab some breakfast.

What's the rush?

I'm in a rush.

I have to come back and draw the next one.

Come on, get moving. Let's go.