Original subtitles

♫ You are the sun in my life ♫

♫ You're the light of my love ♫

♫ When I'm lost in the dark ♫

♫ Every shadow fades away ♫

♫ You are the sun in my life ♫

♫ You're the light of my love ♫

♫ When I'm lost in the dark ♫

♫ Every shadow fades away ♫

[Episode 14]

Foodie, foodie, foodie...

Shoot.

Seems Nie is the chosen one after all.

Congrats!

Congrats!

I didn't mess up the odds, did I?

Not at all. Thanks, Mr. Lin.

All right, I'm handing this grand mission over to Nie and Cui Qin.

What's the deal here?

What do you mean?

It's called courtesy.

Then how come he didn't show me any courtesy?

You're the one who rushed to go first.

Anyway, I've gotta get to work.

I'm skipping out tomorrow for that tasting, you know.

I smell something fishy.

Is everyone here?

I'm truly thrilled to be here today.

Honestly, the cafeteria hasn't been this full of life in ages.

I know you've all had complaints about our cafeteria.

For various reasons, our hands were tied.

But the days of terrible food are finally coming to an end.

- Awesome! - Great!

So, we've shortlisted three different catering companies

for everyone to try out and vote on.

And just to make sure everything is completely above board,

the caterers will be going by codenames.

They are Braised Pork...

Sweet and Sour Fried Pork...

and Twice-Cooked Pork.

Does Sweet and Sour Fried Pork mean they provide Northeast dishes?

Twice-Cooked Pork for Sichuan dishes?

It's not about the culinary styles.

They're just codenames.

Mr. Hua, welcome.

I won the draw.

Let's get this show on the road. The food's getting cold.

Alright, one last thing.

Please make your vote count.

Now, everyone, please line up and grab your food.

Let's go.

Mr. Lin, welcome.

Yeah, I'm starving, so I thought I'd come score a free meal.

Glad to have you. Shall I get you a few things to try?

No. I'll go join my department.

Alright. Over there.

Everything smells so amazing.

Wait, I gotta pace myself.

I should only take a tiny bit of each.

Or else, I'll be bursting by the second vendor.

You're underestimating yourself, aren't you?

Mr. Lin, you're here too?

Since I didn't win the draw, I just showed my face to get some food.

Too bad I don't have a vote.

That won't do.

You're the one who spearheaded this whole vendor switch, Mr. Lin.

Then Nie and I will share one vote.

Huh?

Got a problem with that?

About the drawing earlier...

Not at all.

It's my pleasure.

That's quite a variety... for sampling.

Of course.

I take my job seriously.

That's a pretty weak selection.

Well, in that case, I should get 80% of the say.

How could you just make up the rules on the fly?

Mr. Hua is taking this way too scientifically.

- Let's dig in. - Let's dig in.

This is great.

I'm about to explode.

I'm going with the Twice-Cooked Pork.

I'm voting for the Sweet and Sour Fried Pork.

- Theirs is definitely the best. - What?

But theirs is a bit too sweet, don't you think?

I don't think so.

If it were just for me, I'd actually prefer it even sweeter.

But considering everyone else, it's just the right amount of sweetness.

You Wuxi people are terrifying.

But you still have to see what Mr. Lin thinks.

Don't you two share a vote?

I prefer...

Braised Pork.

Why don't you give it another taste?

I can follow your lead on the vote.

Though, I think your favorite is likely going to lose.

I'm going to drop off my plate.

Wait, you're letting me vote?

No.

We're 100% going with Sweet and Sour Fried Pork.

But since you have that 20% authority, I want to honor it.

So, I'm handing the power of the pen over to you.

Nie, you certainly understand the distribution of power.

Thanks for making me feel included.

[Sweet and Sour Fried Pork]

One vote for Braised Pork.

One vote for Twice-Cooked Pork.

One vote for Braised Pork.

One vote for Twice-Cooked Pork.

Oh no.

I'll never get to eat food this good in the cafeteria again.

You really have a sweet tooth, don't you?

One vote for Braised Pork.

It's really not that sweet.

I just checked which other restaurants this caterer has in its portfolio.

I'm going to take you through all of them, one by one.

I hereby announce the winner with the most votes

is Twice-Cooked Pork.

What's on your mind?

I'm giving serious thought to the request you made.

Any conclusions yet?

It's not that simple.

There are still a lot of issues to consider.

For example,

if the cafeteria contractor has to go through a formal bidding process,

does that mean the PV Garden has to go through one too?

When you say my request, you mean the PV Garden?

Yeah.

Wasn't this the task you assigned to me in the dead of night,

with such utmost gravity?

So, what's the verdict?

A formal bid isn't strictly necessary.

- You have the final say, Boss Nie. - Alright.

I'll put a proposal together and get it to you soonest possible.

But...

I feel like I've taken on a lot of extra work here.

Is there any compensation from you and the company?

For instance, an overtime meal stipend?

Absolutely.

However, it might not be appropriate to bill the company.

How about I pay you out of my own pocket?

The honey-glazed crispy pork looks good.

Over there.

Yum.

- Hi. - We're here.

Better food in the cafeteria isn't all good news.

Actually, come to think of it, it's mostly bad.

Let's hear it.

First, it's too crowded, and the lines are forever.

Second, the food is so good that I've been overdoing it

and now I'm gaining weight.

But I remember back when I first joined,

someone told me bad food at the cafeteria makes you fat

because you binge later to feel satisfied.

Who?

Who would say such nonsense?

A little puppy said that.

Anyway, you guys are quick.

Already digging in.

You didn't sneak out of work early, did you?

Here, have some juice to get some vitamins into your system.

Hey, don't call us out like that. We only slipped away a few minutes earlier.

I'm so jealous.

We've got two giants crushing us. We can't even move.

We're the ones who are jealous.

You get to enjoy eye candy like Mr. Lin every day.

What's there to envy?

It's not like he belongs to us.

Xi Guang, right?

Huh?

Xi Guang, a quick question.

The food here is better now.

So why have you been eating out every night instead?

Eat up.

The year-end party gifts are coming in at 12:30 PM.

We need to go and check them in.

Hurry up.

This one is great!

I want this one and that one, too!

We have great taste. Everything's so practical.

I don't really care about these.

I just want to win the paid leave.

Who doesn't want that?

- Cui Qin. - Yes?

Mr. Zhang, Mr. Lin, and Procurement have a meeting at 3 PM.

I need you to take the minutes.

Mr. Wang, I have to go to the plant this afternoon.

I'm not sure when I'll be back.

Mr. Wang, I'll take care of it.

- Alright. - Thanks.

Nie can do it too.

Thank you.

What's your point?

So you're not dodging Mr. Lin anymore?

What are you talking about? When did I ever dodge him?

Got any proof to back that up?

Due to external factors,

many of Procurement's suppliers need to be re-vetted and re-engaged.

Mr. Lin recently provided us with the company's key raw material

external RFQ list in 2012. [PV Glass Price Comparison]

This helped us streamline the supplier shortlist much faster.

Then, based on my past experience with the vendors throughout our collaborations,

Procurement has drafted a preliminary supplier assessment list.

First, regarding photovoltaic glass,

our top recommendations are these two manufacturers:

Qicai Glass and Mingyan Glass.

From a pricing perspective,

Qicai is about five percent higher than Mingyan.

However, Qicai's quality control and capacity are more stable.

Furthermore, over the past few days, I have been in contact with them.

Technologically, they have made another breakthrough,

and they have very warmly invited us to conduct an on-site inspection.

Qicai Glass is an old friend of ours.

Their management team truly prioritizes

R&D innovation and quality control.

You should consider flying there for a visit.

We're on the same page. I'm planning to go.

I've met Mr. Wu from Qicai once before.

I'll fly out this time as well.

Let's try to finalize everything in one trip.

Wang Qi, you're coming with me.

What dates are we talking about?

There are a lot of meetings and events before Chinese New Year.

Mr. Zhang asked me to attend those.

I'm afraid my schedule is already packed.

This inquiry list from Administration is quite comprehensive.

I wonder who prepared it.

Actually, we should consider bringing that person along.

As for my team, I'll be bringing Mr. Wang Xin.

I had Nie put together this inquiry document.

Wang Qi reminded me that with the end of the year approaching,

we need to check the department's schedule.

It could just be the three of us.

Why don't you coordinate the schedule with them?

Sure.

Then let's wrap up today's meeting.

Okay.

Nie, wait.

Nie, you looked very distrustful.

Because you have a bit of a track record.

True.

But not this time.

Because I'm still caught in a dilemma.

About what?

The approach.

I believe pursuing a girl should be upfront.

But doing so in the office will definitely get people talking.

It wouldn't be fair to you.

You're overthinking it a bit.

That's just how the world works, so I have to consider every detail.

But there is a way.

Nie, why don't you stop hiding your true identity?

Then, most of the talk will be focused on me.

And I can finally show you what I'm made of.

Mr. Lin, Mr. Zhang asked me to have you look over this document first.

Think about the business trip and get back to me.

A business trip.

I seriously can't help myself anymore.

Xi Guang, you're going with Mr. Lin?

Just the two of you?

Oh my goodness, I knew there was something going on.

Nie Xi Guang, if you don't admit that Mr. Lin is pursuing you,

I'm so done with you.

Hey.

You know...

I used to be a very fearless person.

Back then, if I liked someone,

I'd go all in and pursue them.

I wasn't like this,

so hesitant and self-conscious about even being pursued.

Lin Yu Sen was right.

His feelings for me aren't a burden.

Even if I haven't fully moved on yet,

there's no need to be so guarded and elusive.

I once had the courage to chase after someone.

So why can't I find that same courage to let myself be pursued?

What does any of this have to do with my question?

A lot, actually.

It means...

you were right.

He is pursuing me.

Really?

He's dead serious.

- [Thanks, dinner was delicious.] - [Too sweet. Need to work it off.]

- [It was fine.] - [Wuxi food is no joke.]

[Keep at it!] Why isn't he replying?

How rude.

Did he fall asleep?

[Mr. Lin]

- Hello. - I was just in the shower.

Tell me, Miss Nie.

What does "keep at it" mean exactly?

What?

The message you just sent me.

♫ Raindrops ♫

Maybe I sent it to the wrong person.

The wrong person?

I thought you were trying to mess with my head.

♫ And the world stops ♫

Why would I do that?

Well, that's disappointing then.

What if you meant to send it?

What would you be trying to say?

So you're saying the "revolution" is not yet complete,

the "comrade" still needs to work hard, though the "policy" is now open?

♫ I'll be there ♫

Wow, your understanding is really next-level.

Am I guessing it right?

♫ Stay right here ♫

♫ Cause' you and I were meant to be ♫

There are two things I need to tell you.

Go ahead.

First, I'd like to go on the business trip.

I just want to get out for a bit.

No, I want to go see how things are done.

Okay.

One more thing.

I want you to show what you're capable of...

out in the open.

There might be some gossips at first...

but it's the gossips that should take the blame, not you.

So please, don't hold yourself back.

But if the rumors are still targeting me in two weeks,

then you are the one to blame, too.

It would mean I haven't done enough.

Exactly.

So you'd better keep it up.

If every friend of mine starts saying,

"Xi Guang, Mr. Lin isn't serious, be careful."

Then I'm going to bail immediately.

Then...

how about giving me a list of your best friends?

No chance.

I'm not helping you cheat.

Okay, I'm done. I'm going to sleep now.

Goodnight, Mr. Lin.

♫ You're near me ♫

[Edit Contact] [Delete "Mr. Lin"]

[Save contact as "Lin Yu Sen"]

[Lin Yu Sen]

What's wrong, Mr. Lin?

Anything else?

Yes.

Nie.

Book the tickets.

I can't believe I let my heart rule my head

and make such a reckless decision.

Qicai Glass is actually in Guangzhou and I have to fly.

Nie, your turn.

Coming...

I'm kinda scared of flying.

[Guangzhou]

Last year, we upgraded our PV glass lines and optimized our tech.

We added new nano-coating gear for our in-house self-cleaning glass.

To the right is our production facility.

Ms. Chen mentioned Shuangyuan expanded its lines?

Yes. The Phase II plant should be finished after Chinese New Year

and will start production in H1.

We are making a move against the tide.

I really have to give it to you.

Great minds think alike.

You flatter me. I've got nothing on how you've been grinding away, Mr. Wu.

When the market picks up again, Qicai will definitely be the one to beat.

It's a small-time operation.

Really, it's nothing.

Mr. Lin, to have you visit us in person, is such a surprise!

At first glance, I was thinking who this sharp-looking young man is.

And he looked so familiar.

Then it hit me that we've met before.

It was back in Shanghai, having tea with some friends.

That was three years ago.

Back then, I never imagined our paths would cross again like this.

Tell me about it!

Didn't you used to be a doctor?

What brought on the sudden switch to PV?

Shengyuan really doesn't take Shuangyuan seriously.

And the people working under them are even...

Oh? Did someone there offend you, Mr. Wu?

It was your former Head of Procurement.

Not only did he drag his feet on payments,

but he also claimed our quality control was subpar.

He was basically trashing our reputation.

You mean Mr. Mo?

Right, that's the one, Mo.

Why? Does he have a bad reputation at your company, too?

There was a high-quality dorm,

but Mr. Mo's relative cut the line and snatched it up.

When Mr. Lin found out,

he went to great lengths to get them back for us.

Ever since then, Mr. Mo has been...

He actually dared to give you an attitude?

Let's drop it.

That's just how it is in these big family businesses.

Everything is so intertwined.

So, is he no longer in charge of procurement?

No.

Late last year, during a HQ internal audit,

he was flagged for financial irregularities during his time there.

Later, they found out his record at Shuangyuan wasn't clean either.

So...

I just didn't realize he had crossed you as well.

I'm going to bring this up with my grandfather.

Why didn't you lead

with such a massive piece of good news the moment we met?

Forget about telling your grandfather.

It's fine.

I'm not a petty man.

I only have one question.

Is he behind bars?

Pretty much.

Sen, you've only just arrived,

and you've already settled an old score for me.

I'm a big believer in fate and energy.

Our signs must be perfectly aligned.

We really should stay in close touch.

I'd be more than happy to.

I'm new to the industry, so I have a lot to learn from you.

Of course.

We're in the same supply chain.

We rise and fall together.

To be honest, my beef with Mo isn't just about a personal grudge.

The main thing is, he cut ties with us

and immediately started sourcing overpriced Japanese products instead.

In fact, over the last few years,

the quality of domestic PV glass has completely caught up.

There's really no need to be so obsessed with foreign brands.

True.

Full localization of the entire PV industry chain is only a matter of time.

Exactly.

We've been talking all this time, and I still don't have your contact info.

Come on, let's add each other on WeChat.

[Add "Facets" as a friend]

Come on, let me show you around.

My stomach is starting to growl.

How about having dinner in our VIP dining room today?

It's just up ahead.

Mr. Lin, please don't mind the simplicity.

Our house-made braised specialties and Char Siu

are more authentic than any five-star restaurant.

Then let's see if your kitchen's quality control lives up to its name.

By the way, several power station projects in Northwest China

are about to go out to tender.

Sen, do you have any plans for those?

I used to deal with their upper management.

This is the first time I've met Mr. Wu in person.

I thought he was just another second-gen riding the coattails of Aiyue Group.

I didn't expect him to know the business so well.

That's how Cantonese entrepreneurs are. Low-key and practical.

So, about the terms we discussed today...

- Squeeze them a bit more on the price. - Got it.

Then I'll play the bad cop, and Mr. Lin, you play the good cop.

So, do you guys have WeChat yet?

Yeah.

But I don't use it much.

I mostly use it to chat with my girlfriend.

I just got it recently. Haven't used it much either.

But this app will likely become the mainstream.

For sure. It's free. What's not to love?

Once we get to the hotel and have Wi-Fi, I'll download it, too.

Yin Jie told me to get it last month, but I didn't.

Mr. Lin, you didn't even give me a heads-up. Now I'm way behind the curve.

Sorry, my bad.

Can I have everyone's ID card? I'll go handle the check-in.

Sure.

- I'll take it. - Thanks.

Mr. Lin, maybe I should do it.

After all, Nie is...

It's fine.

When I booked online, I found a bundle deal

that includes free access to the executive lounge.

Plus, each room comes with a complimentary spa session.

It closes at 11 PM.

You guys can still make it now.

Nie is so thorough and thoughtful.

Before booking, she even asked for my preferences.

I told her I had none, that we could just share a room,

it's totally up to her.

I learned it all from my colleagues. Let's go.

- Okay. - This way.

Hi, do you have any openings for the spa?

[Installation failed] [Insufficient storage space]

Great. I'll head over in half an hour.

Are there two slots available?

Got it. Thanks.

Too many games.

Nie, why don't you check with Mr. Lin?

Men usually aren't into spas.

- We can go together. - Sounds good.

[Lin Yu Sen] Late-night snacks?

Overtime? Even on this trip? [Nie Xi Guang]

Ms. Chen told me to ask if you are using your spa vouchers.

If not, she and I will take them.

Wait a sec.

Wang Xin, go hit the spa. Don't let the voucher go to waste.

Hold on, men at spas?

Why not?

Wang Xin is dying to go.

Mr. Lin says Mr. Wang is dying to go.

Oh, okay then.

Since there's no spa for me, I might as well go for a stroll.

But I'm stuffed.

I'll just go buy some things.

Wait for me at the entrance.

When?

Now.

Um, I'm gonna go pick something up.

Okay.

♫ Just you and me ♫

You actually changed your outfit?

♫ The curve of your smile says it all to me ♫

Well, you told me to keep at it, didn't you?

So it's only natural to pack a few extra options, right?

It's called playing to my strengths.

I see.

You're looking sharp.

Flattered.

So, what are you buying?

I need a new phone.

My old one is out of storage.

- Let's go. - Let's go.

This is our latest model.

It comes in these two colors.

Your friend is using the exact same model.

Is it good?

Yeah. It's really snappy.

You could go with the pink one.

It makes a great set with your friend's.

The color doesn't really matter.

I'll be using all kinds of cases anyway.

So pink is fine.

Sure.

And I'll take the one with the most storage.

Sure. We actually have one last unit in stock.

The total is 2498.

Okay.

- Who's paying? - I am.

Okay.

Would you like me to unbox it? We can help you set it up.

That'd be great. Could you help me install the basic apps and WeChat?

Miss, since your old phone is the same brand,

all your messages, contacts, and photos can be transferred to your new one.

Okay.

Thanks.

Wait!

Actually, I only need the contacts.

Everything else can just stay on the old phone.

Okay.

Yep, I'm all set.

Come on, let's add each other.

[New Friends: "Lin"]

[Profile of "Lin"]

Wow, you're fast.

I've been watching.

Since you've got the new app,

of course I have to be the first to request.

Do you accept?

I do.

Request approved.

My friend.

Ms. Chen, I brought you some double-layer steamed milk custard.

Thanks.

Didn't you go to buy necessities? How'd you end up hauling food back for me?

Honestly, I wasn't even hungry

until I spotted this place that's famous for their milk custard.

I gave it a try and honestly, it's really tasty.

Mr. Lin also said...

He said he was worried you might be on a diet,

so if you don't want to eat it, I'll just hand it back to him.

No point letting it go to waste.

He's quite petty, isn't he? Of course I'm having some.

It's delicious.

The milky flavor really comes through.

Nie, are you and Mr. Lin...

No, we're not. We...

I mean, me and him...

Don't sweat it. I was just asking out of curiosity.

It's nothing like that.

There are a few things...

I probably shouldn't bring up.

But after what I've been through,

I'd still like to give you a heads-up.

My old company was considerably larger than Shuangyuan.

You've probably heard of it.

I joined right after graduation and stayed over a decade,

rising to Deputy Chief of Procurement.

I thought I'd spend my whole career there.

I've always been cautious and held firm to my principles,

refusing to take dirty money,

and that made me a target when I got in the way of others' easy money.

Office politics and backstabbing come with the territory,

but they went out of their way to resort to the lowest tricks,

painting me as someone with a tangled love life.

All of a sudden, stories about me were spreading like wildfire.

They're disgusting.

So what did you do?

What could I do?

They whisper behind my back,

and put on an act in front of me.

You're right.

They're disgusting.

I wanted to call the police, but there's no evidence.

I tried talking to the boss,

but he just brushed it off, saying I was overthinking it.

That was the last straw.

I just walked away.

I'm not wasting any more energy on those scumbags.

Of course, before I left,

I left them a little parting gift.

Well done.

But isn't this just a way of running away?

And didn't they actually win?

It's truly tough for us women in the workplace.

We work our heads off, and no matter how well we do,

others can just throw together some rumors and drag you through the mud.

Nie, I've learned the hard way.

That's why I want to warn you.

Maybe ask Mr. Lin to keep a lower profile?

Otherwise, I'm afraid the backlash will all be aimed at you.

With the way he's been acting,

even for someone whose romantic radar is as rusty as mine, it's pretty obvious.

So you can bet the others have noticed too.

But don't worry.

My lips are sealed.

Ms. Chen.

Thanks for telling me this.

We've actually thought about it,

but we decided to just let things take their course.

After all, there's no rule against workplace dating,

so we decided there's no need to hide it.

Actually, I went through something similar back in college.

It wasn't as severe as what you faced, but...

that feeling of being wrongly accused

and having no way to explain yourself

is the same.

And even long after,

it still haunts you out of nowhere,

making you feel humiliated...

and wronged.

It's like living under a shadow.

That's why I'll do everything I can

to make sure nothing like this ever happens to you,

or anyone else in this company, ever again.

Look at you,

talking like you're my boss and you're here to protect me.

No, that's not it.

It's just back then,

I wished someone would have protected me.

I did have friends who helped and comforted me.

So I just...

I get it. I mean, you might not be my boss,

but listening to you,

I somehow feel a sense of security.

Alright. Since you and Mr. Lin have already thought this through,

I'll keep my mouth shut.

I just hope you don't think I'm being nosy.

Not at all.

I feel quite comforted.

The milk custard was totally worth it.

Alright, it's getting late. Go take a shower and get some sleep.

Okay.

Wait, Ms. Chen.

I think you misunderstood.

Mr. Lin and I aren't in a relationship yet.

"Yet"?

Got it.

Just call me Chen.

Everyone in the department calls me that.

Let's not be so formal.

♫ A patch of heavy clouds above ♫

♫ That winding, twisting road we walk ♫

♫ Stopping and going countless times ♫

♫ Love feels less rushed that way ♫

♫ The rain from yesterday has finally cleared ♫

♫ And today the sunshine feels so warm and bright ♫

♫ I used to hide away in the corner ♫

♫ But now I long to follow close behind you ♫

♫ How much longer must I keep missing out? ♫

♫ When it's only you who makes my heart race ♫

♫ I've rushed through the endless crowd ♫

♫ I'm holding your hand at this moment ♫

♫ Clutching tight, with tender arms ♫

♫ I just want to keep your gentle smile ♫

♫ I've made it past the endless trials ♫

♫ I'm gazing into your eyes at this moment ♫

♫ No turning back or fear of winter's chill ♫

♫ The sunlight shines like you ♫

♫ And like me ♫

♫ Dreams realized, broken and gone ♫

♫ Nothing more than a dream all along ♫

♫ Wake up to the bright lights on the streets ♫

♫ I'm here by your side ♫

♫ The sky dimmed, deepened and died ♫

♫ Nothing more than some rain inside ♫

♫ Open the window to boundless blue skies ♫

♫ Side by side, just you and I ♫

♫ Side by side, just you and I ♫