Original subtitles

Everything is fated.

Nothing is up to us.

Half a life in officialdom,

wielding power in my hands,

I'm like a fish in this pond,

coddled and fed by those around me.

Yet even should the waters run dry,

I shall never allow myself

fall onto the chopping block

to be slaughtered.

[Light the Dark]

[Episode 5]

Come in.

Boss.

Boss,

this is the list of

all the remaining goods.

Please take a look.

Can't you see?

It used to be crowded here,

and there was a line at the door.

We're not one player short anymore.

We need three.

Can't even play the game.

Boss,

the Red Dragon is still here.

So, you're still the one

sitting in the center

and controlling the direction.

Neither of us is the Red Dragon now.

This batch of goods is.

[List of goods]

If we don't play it out quickly,

and someone discovers it,

everyone at this mahjong table

will be doomed.

Now everyone at the table

is watching.

I'm afraid

it's not that easy to back out.

You've been with me for many years,

so you should understand one thing.

Fortune favors the bold.

This time, I won't take any of these tiles.

They're all yours.

Boss,

that's not what I meant.

These years, you've actually

given me a lot.

If it weren't for you,

I'd just be

an ordinary driver.

I'm worried I might let you down

and hold you back.

But since

you still trust me so much,

then fine,

we'll stick to the old rules.

I'll take 30 percent.

I knew I was right about you.

You've got guts.

This time, I'll give you 70 percent.

Deal.

How's it going?

What do you think?

Those old foxes

under Wan Yang

are really hard to deal with.

Team Leader Pan and the investigators

had several talks

with them,

but all of them were evasive and talking in circles.

And without solid evidence,

the investigation team

had to release Wan Yang.

They released Wan Yang?

That secret warehouse Shan found

while following Liu Jun

should count as solid evidence, right?

We can follow this lead

and keep digging.

I'm afraid this lead is a dead end.

They must've found out

the investigation team came.

They probably transferred it long ago.

Ying,

you should first

look for clues

in those account books.

Come here.

These are the parts receipts for the past five years.

I found that

just the falsified scrap reports

alone

have cost our plant

800,000 yuan in losses.

800,000 yuan?

How much does an ordinary family

spend on food and clothing

in a year?

That's too corrupt!

But these receipts

aren't enough to be evidence.

Based on my memory,

I sorted out the years of the parts

on the supply department's delivery notes.

Then I compared them and found the problem.

But on the surface,

the account book

is totally clean.

The investigation team

might not be able to audit anything.

We must find the real account book

to prove their crimes.

You want to find the account book?

They probably keep that thing

on them even when they sleep.

Where can we find it?

Follow Wan Yang.

We'll definitely find clues.

As for you,

stay at home.

Don't go anywhere.

-Ying -Be good.

Shan.

Got it.

Take a look at the toys. Buy two, get one free.

Liu Hong just went in.

Look, for this shipment,

can you let Sun Jie

take Jun with him?

Sun Jie was trained

by you.

If Jun

works with him,

he can also learn some of your skills.

You can ask for anything else.

Don't you know how dangerous

this shipment is?

Sun...

Even Sun Jie chickened out.

I promised him 70 percent, and that's why

he dared to take the mission.

70 percent?

Don't yell.

Yes, we didn't get Jun

involved in many things.

But you've given him

too little.

You're giving an outsider so much.

This outsider can risk his life for me.

Can Jun do it?

He's a useless man,

and you're protecting him like he's a treasure.

You think I don't know?

Haven't you given him

money from our family?

Besides, the money he's made in the plant

over the past few years

is enough for him to live on.

Believe it or not,

if you give him 30,000 yuan today,

he'll drive a Santana

to the plant gate tomorrow

to show off.

What's wrong with giving him money?

He's my brother.

Giving it to him

is better than giving it to an outsider!

Wan Yang,

don't play dumb.

Have you ever cared about our family?

Whenever you open your mouth,

everyone has to do as you say.

What about Jun?

He's been helping out without any complaints.

He truly respects you

as his brother-in-law!

What about you?

What about you?

I always thought

you were a smart person

who could see the bigger picture.

How could you be so disgraceful

at a crucial moment like this?

You're just like your brother!

Wan Yang,

we've been married for decades,

and this is how you see me?

Take a look at the fine wine.

Jie, be quick.

We've been waiting for you.

You do this all the time.

We'll play first.

Help yourself.

Okay.

Okay, ship the goods.

Mr. Lin, the goods have been shipped.

Look,

go to the arranged warehouse

and wait to receive them.

Okay. Thank you, Department Chief Sun,

for giving me such a good price.

Well, the money...

As usual.

Give it to Hong's people.

Okay, no problem.

Glad to work with you.

-Okay. -I'm leaving.

Okay.

We must find the real account book

to prove their crimes.

[Imperial Virtue and Divine Might]

Sister, how is it?

Did my brother-in-law agree?

He agreed.

Now, go to the hotpot restaurant

and do as I say.

Dongzi Hotpot Restaurant.

Okay.

Hurry.

Sir, follow that motorcycle.

[Wugang Taxi]

Okay.

[Xinghuo Mahjong Club]

[Xinghuo Mahjong Club]

[Xinghuo Mahjong Club]

Hong, why are you here?

The money will be delivered to you

in a moment.

I'm just here

to tell you

to get the amount right

when calculating the money.

It's not 70 percent.

It's 30 percent.

Director Wan and I

agreed on 70 percent.

Sun Jie,

your appetite has really grown

over the years.

Are you forcing me

to say this?

Without Wan's help,

could you have made it this far?

Don't crave what you shouldn't have.

Is this your idea

or Director Wan's idea?

Questioning me?

Oh my god.

You even dare to question me now?

Sun Jie,

you used to be

merely Wan's driver.

Without our family,

you wouldn't even be able to touch

the tires of a Santana!

Are you out of your mind?

What's wrong with you?

I'm sorry.

Sorry, Hong. I shouldn't have said that.

I crossed the line.

I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'll walk you out, Hong.

70 percent.

Not a penny less.

Don't worry, not a penny less.

Then I'll stop here, Hong.

Take care, Hong.

Mr. Lin,

the guy collecting money for Hong

is in trouble.

He's been noticed.

Don't give him the money.

A guy called Shui

replaced him.

Give it to him.

I'll send you his number

in a bit, okay?

Okay.

Slow down, sir.

No need to follow too closely.

Okay.

Hello, Shui.

Did you get the money?

Yes.

Okay, bring it to Pier 5 right away

and wait for me there.

Okay.

Right here.

Okay.

Here, thanks.

[Renovating, Closed]

[Renovating, Closed]

Jun, why are you here?

Are you closed?

Hong said we needed to renovate.

That's right.

My sister

will come over to eat later.

Get some food.

[Renovating, Closed]

Hong didn't tell me.

She told me.

Okay.

Go, hurry.

Okay.

[Dongzi Hotpot Restaurant]

Did they move the plant

to their home?

Not bad.

Here's the money.

The ship is already at the pier.

Drive the car away.

Okay.

Who are you?

Who are you?

I'm Liu Jun.

Liu Hong is my sister.

My sister told me

that I'll be in charge of transportation from now on.

Wait a minute.

I'll tell my boss.

I'll stay here.

Go back now

and report this

to the investigation team.

Hurry!

Don't let him escape.

Be careful.

[Incoming Call] [Answer]

Hello?

Director,

I have something to tell you.

Go ahead.

Liu Jun went to Dongzi Hotpot Restaurant.

He said Hong asked him

to take over the transportation.

Did you know?

Where is he?

He's left.

Back off!

Don't grab it!

Put it down!

[No Swimming. It's Dangerous. Ignore It at Your Own Risk.]

Let go!

Let go!

[Pier 5]

Go!

Go! Hurry!

Director, something terrible happened.

Chen Shan snatched the account book.

All our financial transactions

are written in it.

It'll definitely

fall into the hands of the investigation team.

There's no turning back.

Director, what should we do?

This is the address.

Qi Mo is keeping an eye on him.

Okay. Wang,

take this.

Take your people to this address immediately.

Make sure to protect the evidence.

Yes, sir.

Zhang,

tell the police

to cooperate

and ensure everyone's safety.

Yes, sir!

Team Leader Pan.

My brother said Sun Jie escaped.

What about Wan Yang?

Go to the teahouse.

Department Chief Wang.

Department Chief Wang.

Who is it?

Take your men

and come with me!

Team Leader Pan.

Hurry! Go!

Go! Follow him!

Hurry up!

Ying.

Shan.

You're all here.

Ying.

You were smart as a kid.

I watched you grow up.

And now you're even more clever.

Do you think you've investigated

everything clearly?

Shan.

Take good care of your sister.

Zhang Wenying,

Chen Fu,

you're luckier than me.

Everyone,

entrusted by the superiors and the plant party committee,

[Boost Efficiency Through Reform, Thrive Through Technology]

I'm making an announcement.

The investigation team

[Wugang Petrochemical Gas Distribution Plant Mobilization Meeting]

thoroughly investigated

the Project 713 accident

and a series of disciplinary

and legal violations

[Wang Hao] [Zhang Xiangyang]

uncovered at the plant.

The investigation findings

[Wang Hao] [Pan Minghui] [Zhang Xiangyang]

and the decisions on the actions

are hereby announced as follows.

First, it has been verified

that Wan Yang, the former plant manager,

embezzled state assets and accepted bribes

during his tenure overseeing

the construction and daily operations

of Project 713.

[Pan Minghui]

The violations are serious

and egregious in nature.

[Wang Hao] [Zhang Xiangyang]

Sun Jie, the former supply department chief,

Liu Hong, wife of Wan Yang,

her relative Liu Jun, and others

also participated in the crimes

to varying degrees.

Most of the illicit funds have been recovered,

and relevant witness testimonies, evidence, and documents

have all been verified and secured.

Second, given the above facts,

the relevant personnel are handled as follows.

Wan Yang, the principal offender,

committed suicide out of fear of punishment during the investigation.

With the approval of superiors, he is expelled from the Party

and the plant.

All posthumous benefits are canceled.

Accomplices Sun Jie,

Liu Hong, Liu Jun, and others

have been handed over to the judicial authorities

for severe punishment according to the law.

He Jianchuan, the former construction team leader,

and Feng Jian, the design department deputy director,

abused their power and failed to report what they knew.

They are transferred and demoted.

After careful investigation

and prudent consideration,

we've decided that because Chen Fu died in the line of duty,

a pension of 100,000 yuan

will be given to his family on a chosen date.

As for Zhang Wenying,

as the former director of the design department,

she failed to report and covered up

multiple cases involving Wan Yang.

All her lifetime ranks and honorary titles

are now revoked.

In addition, according to reports from the people,

her daughter Chen Ying's accounting job

in the supply department

was also due to

her connections.

She is hereby dismissed.

Wait.

Everyone,

this is a hard lesson.

All cadres and workers

must take this as a warning

and strictly abide by

-the national laws and regulations. -They're corrupt.

They deserved this.

Now, the market-oriented reform of the plant

is imminent.

At this critical point,

we need to select a new plant director

as soon as possible.

Ying.

Ying.

Well...

Ying.

Don't worry.

I'll explain it to

the investigation team

and try to persuade them.

Thank you, Mr. Qi.

The bad guys got the punishment they deserved.

In our opinion,

getting justice for our parents

is the most important thing.

Other things don't matter to me.

Hurry back to the meeting.

We're going home.

Hello, everyone.

I'm Geng Jian, the acting plant director.

You're working hundreds of miles away.

And I'm always concerned about you.

Make sure to be safe

and take care of yourselves.

Once I'm done with work,

I'll go see you.

Okay. Goodbye.

Come in.

What's the matter?

-Are you busy? -Yes.

Well, I want to talk to you.

Well,

now that Wan Yang and Sun Jie are gone,

there is no one in charge of the supply department.

So, what should

the supply department do next?

You're the top leader and the plant director.

Please give us some guidance.

The new plant director

hasn't been decided yet.

I'm just the acting director.

Well, about that...

Don't be so modest.

Didn't you hear what the leader said at the meeting?

He said we need to select a new director as soon as possible

to lead the reform work.

He also said

the new director must have experience

and understand the business and technology.

Who else could it be but you?

By the way, there's one more thing.

A few days ago,

someone gave my wife

a painting,

saying it was by

that famous painter

named Zhao Hui.

[Gathering of Fine Traits]

Take a look.

Chrysanthemum, orchid, plum blossom, and bamboo.

My wife said

it's a refined piece of art.

Then I thought

a refined work like this

should belong to a capable person.

Then it occurred to me

the most capable person around me

is you, right?

So, I quickly packed it up.

I'll leave it here.

Right here.

Department Chief Gao, what are you doing?

I-I'm not doing anything.

What are you doing?

I...

Wan Yang just fell.

Do you want me

to repeat his tragedy?

I-I didn't...

Take it back.

That's not what I meant.

Take it back.

That's not what I meant!

Take it back!

Director,

please put it down. Put it down.

Listen to me.

I...

I...

I'm not good with words.

I mean, I'm gifting

this painting

to the plant.

I'm giving it to the plant.

It belongs to the plant now.

You're the top leader and the director.

So, you can decide

how to use the plant's resources,

right?

I think

in a week at most...

In a week,

the appointment will definitely be issued.

Well, I...

on behalf of the supply department,

I swear...

Oh, no, I'm making a statement.

Everyone in the supply department

is ready for the reform.

We're just waiting for your order.

We'll deal with that when the time comes.

But

our work can't be delayed.

That's right.

Department Chief Gao,

now that you've started preparing,

you should take charge of the department

for now.

Wait, I...

Also,

we can't let

people like

Wan Yang and Sun Jie

disrupt our progress

in the reform.

Don't worry.

I'll definitely fulfill the mission.

I'll leave you to it.

I'm leaving.

[September 3]

Ying,

why don't you wait a bit longer?

I've been

looking for information these days.

Let's go to the plant and fight for it.

If it really doesn't work,

we'll look for a job elsewhere.

Didn't you always say

that we can't stay

in our parents' plant forever,

and that we have to go out and see the world?

Things have changed.

The plant doesn't want me,

so I have to look forward.

I've thought it through.

Once I find a job,

[Reform and Opening Up Need Talent; Enterprise Growth Depends on Talent]

I can definitely support myself.

As for Guangzhou,

you should go if you have to.

But listen,

if you gain a foothold there,

you must come back and take me there with you, okay?

Look,

with my resume,

finding a job will be a piece of cake, right?

Okay, go back and wait for our reply.

There are fewer people here.

Hello.

I'm looking for an accounting job.

Chen Ying. Accounting job...

Yes.

Wugang Petrochemical?

Chen Fu and Zhang Wenying...

Are they the ones in the newspaper?

Yes. Why is she here?

Is Zhang Wenying your mother?

She covered up the director's crime.

So, your family is involved

in the recent scandal of

Wugang Petrochemical Gas Distribution Plant?

Your mother covered up

the director's crime?

-Why talking about her mother? -Alright. Let’s go.

It's okay. Let's talk to someone else.

Just ignore them, Ying.

Wait a moment.

I need to take a call.

Go ahead.

Hello.

Hello.

I'm the HR manager

of Guangdong Petrochemical Plant.

Is this Mr. Chen Shan?

Yes, this is Chen Shan.

Hello, Chen Shan.

A month ago,

you turned down the engineer position

in our technical department.

It was really a pity.

But now we have a new position

in the engineering department.

After review,

you're still very suitable.

I wonder if you'd consider

taking the position.

I'm sorry.

I wonder if you

still have any

accounting vacancies right now.

No, not at the moment.

No?

That's right.

Alright then, I won't

take that position.

Thank you.

Actually,

I only want to find a job.

How about this? Take a copy of my resume.

My phone number is on it.

If there are any suitable jobs,

please call me, okay?

Okay.

Thanks.

Team Leader Pan.

You were looking for me?

Mr. Qi.

We received

your reform proposal.

Many of your ideas are very interesting.

Conflicts and disagreements

are inevitable during the reform of a company.

What's your opinion

on that?

Right now, our plant is like

an old ship stranded in the tide of reform.

If we don't transform,

we will only sink.

Personnel integration and position streamlining

will definitely be a hard process.

But this is also

the necessary path to break through the dilemma.

To completely fix the long-rooted problems and turn the tables,

we must boldly break out of our old patterns.

Great.

Mr. Qi, thank you so much

for practical ideas and honesty.

I've already submitted

your proposal to the leaders.

Thank you.

Well...

Team Leader Pan,

about Chen Ying,

I want to have a brief talk

with you.

As far as I know,

she was fully prepared

for her transfer.

It's not the kind of nepotism

you think it is.

And this position...

Mr. Qi,

we've already

reached a conclusion on this.

Let's not discuss it further,

okay?

-Sir, I put it in. -Okay.

-What’s wrong? -It's hot. Be careful.

Here you go.

Thanks.

Look at these stalls.

Their business is booming.

If I really can't find a job,

I'll also set up a stall.

Ying,

no matter what you do,

count me in.

I'm strong.

You're strong?

Let's go.

Set up a stall.

Put this here.

Do you want socks?

[Socks]

Do you want socks?

No.

Sit down.

No need.

Ying,

it's okay to set up a stall,

but do we have to do it at the plant gate?

There are so many familiar people.

I'm afraid they might say bad words about you.

The more familiar the place is,

the better you know

when there are more customers.

Besides,

selling socks

isn't something shameful.

Put this in the front.

Ying, you should take a break.

I'll go get some food.

Take a break.

[Socks]

Not bad.

You're doing business right at the plant gate.

Do you want socks?

For this kind,

1 yuan a pair,

1.5 yuan for two pairs.

If you had chosen me,

you wouldn't have to suffer like this.

I make my own living,

unlike some people

who always cling to others

like stinky socks

that can't be shaken off.

Which socks are the most expensive?

Knee-high socks.

The black ones,

and the ones in the plastic bags.

These socks...

Is the quality good?

Here's a piece of advice.

Whether working in a state-owned enterprise

or doing a small business,

you have to make sure the quality is good.

These socks are terrible.

They get holes so easily.

It's not going to work.

People have to pay.

Look,

who wants to buy torn socks like these?

Thank you.

Quality is what matters most.

Shan! Shan!

Shan! Shan!

-Shan! -Stop!

Ying, he's picking on you again!

Shan.

I know

you want to protect me.

But right now,

I only hope you can stay safe.

Don't cause trouble again.

Eat up. The popsicle is melting.

[Wugang Petrochemical Gas Distribution Plant Review and Summary Conference]

Director Geng,

the celebration banquet

is ready.

After the meeting,

we'll go to the private room at Songhe Restaurant.

Private Room 2.

[Wugang Petrochemical Gas Distribution Plant Review and Summary Conference]

Okay.

Stop talking.

[Wugang Petrochemical Gas Distribution Plant Review and Summary Conference]

Hello, everyone.

Following deliberation by the factory Party committee

and approval by the higher-level Party committee,

[Wugang Petrochemical Gas Distribution Plant Review and Summary Conference]

I am hereby authorized to announce

the appointment of the plant director

during the restructuring period.

To deepen the reform of state-owned enterprises

and optimize the leadership structure,

in accordance with the Wugang Petrochemical

Gas Distribution Plant

Director Work Regulations

and the spirit of the opinions on deepening the reform

of the personnel system

of state-owned enterprises,

after research and decision by the CPC Wugang Petrochemical

Gas Distribution Plant Party Committee,

and with the approval of the superior Party committee,

[Wugang Petrochemical Gas Distribution Plant Review and Summary Conference]

we're making the following appointments.

Comrade Geng Jian...

-Great! -Great!

-Great! -Great!

[Wugang Petrochemical Gas Distribution Plant Review and Summary Conference]

Comrade Geng Jian

will continue to serve as the deputy director.

We're appointing Comrade Qi Mo

as the director of the Wugang Petrochemical

Gas Distribution Plant,

fully in charge of the enterprise's production, operation,

technology research and development,

market-oriented reform,

and internal control management.

The term of office starts today,

lasting three years.

Great!

[Wugang Petrochemical Gas Distribution Plant Review and Summary Conference]

Comrade Qi Mo, your reform plan

is excellent.

I hope you can

act as you said and thought that day,

and lead our plant

into a new era!

-Great! -Great!

Now let's invite Director Qi Mo

to the stage and say a few words.

Okay!

This appointment is really a surprise.

But now that the leaders

have entrusted me with this heavy responsibility,

I'll certainly live up to their expectations

and lead our plant to embrace the reform

and write a brand-new chapter!

Thank you, leaders,

and thank you all.

Five years ago,

you said someone in your family was sick

and borrowed 20,000 yuan from Finance.

You still haven't paid it back.

I never mentioned it

[IOU]

and even helped you cover up the accounts.

Three years ago,

you were arrested

for soliciting at a dance club.

I paid and pulled strings

to get you out.

This is the detention warrant from that time.

[Decision on Early Release by the Wugang County Public Security Bureau]

I was the one who picked you up.

No one else knows.

A year ago,

you went to the north on a business trip.

At the dinner table, you got a little drunk

and groped a saleswoman.

She came straight to me,

threatening to report you for sexual assault.

I paid another 20,000 yuan

[Receipt]

to keep her silent.

This is the receipt from that time.

Boss.

What do you mean?

I only want to tell you

that you have to help me persuade your senior.

As long as she doesn't turn herself in,

I'll return all these things to you.

Moreover,

I'll retire early,

and you'll be the plant director.

In addition,

Comrade Geng Jian

has done his best

and made great contributions

during his time as the acting director.

Now, let's welcome Deputy Director Geng Jian

to come on stage and say a few words!

Okay!

I didn't make

great contributions

as the leader

Actually,

I also agree

that Qi Mo is

the most suitable candidate

for the director position.

He's got solid foundations

and understand the technology.

-That's how unpredictable life is. -I believe that under

-You never know who'll be the next winner. -Director Qi's leadership, our factory

will enjoy an even brighter and more prosperous future!

Congratulations!

[September 3, 1997]