Original subtitles

(Firefly Theater)

♪Neon lights twist into a knot♪

♪I rest in the ruins of defeat♪

♪You tap your fingers lightly♪

♪I fall into the abyss♪

♪I've seen this game before♪

♪Every single move was calculated♪

♪I finally see your silhouette♪

♪Just an empty shell♪

♪I've broken this game before♪

♪Every move was placed wrong♪

♪Now it's my turn to play♪

♪I'll show you what stunning looks like♪

♪When I stand back up again♪

♪The whole city goes dark♪

♪For the part you owe me♪

♪I'll make you pay double♪

♪You're just my starting point♪

=The Vanishing Beauty=

=Episode 9=

Wait for me.

I'll go up

and grab your crutches.

No need.

Leaning on you

is way better than crutches.

These days,

my underarms got completely chafed.

It hurt so much.

The company reimburses

taxi fares for overtime.

Don't push yourself

to drive.

I wanted to practice a bit.

When

did you get your license?

Two days ago.

Maybe I should

drive instead.

Can your foot handle it?

Sure.

Stepping on the gas

doesn't take much effort.

The keys.

All right, you drive.

Let's go.

Honey.

Why were you there?

I had a dinner somewhere

near the office.

Parking was awful there,

so I had Zhang Tao

park back at the office.

I didn't expect to run into you.

You and Zhang Yu

seemed close.

She's your top performer.

I quite like her.

Honey,

how much does someone like her

make in a year?

It rises yearly

based on performance.

And bonuses.

Why do you ask?

Her car looks like

it costs over a million RMB.

Her salary alone definitely

wouldn't cover it.

Word is

she's a stock market pro.

But I can't ask

for details.

I see.

Your leg is all better?

You can drive?

I didn't dare ride in Zhang Yu's car.

She told me

she got her license two days ago.

I value my life too much to risk it.

If your leg is better,

let's let Ms. Hui go.

She came to me privately again,

saying she must leave.

Being a housekeeper for so long

has worn her out.

She can't handle it.

She wants

to rest for a while.

Why does Ms. Hui

always come to you,

not me, when something comes up?

Ms. Hui said you're too sentimental,

afraid you'd cry.

Seeing you cry would make her cry, too.

But she said she has to leave

and that she's sorry.

You trusted her so much.

Later,

once we have a baby,

we can hire her back,

and you'll see her again.

I'll book her a ticket

for one of these days.

Honey,

since your leg is healed,

can we sleep

in the same room tonight?

Not yet, honey.

With my leg,

walking a few steps is fine,

but walking too much still hurts.

Besides, the scab just formed.

It itches like crazy at night.

I just keep scratching it.

I'm worried it'll keep you awake.

Wait until I'm fully recovered.

All right.

Poor thing.

Honey,

not done yet?

Yeah, honey.

I'm getting sleepy.

Could you pour me a cup of coffee?

No problem.

Thanks, honey.

Could you add

a splash of milk to it?

Sure, no problem.

Wait, is there

a cup missing?

I'm sorry.

I accidentally broke it.

What?

Why didn't you tell me?

I need that for my shoot.

Don't worry.

I asked

the brand for a replacement.

Wait.

What do you mean?

If I hadn't noticed today,

would you two have kept it

from me?

Ms. Hui,

is this how you handle things?

How much was it?

I'll pay you triple.

It's priceless.

It was a custom-made gift

from the brand.

It's not for sale.

What good is your money?

What's that smell?

Ms. Hui,

check the kitchen.

It's the bird's nest stew.

What's with you, honey?

Why do you always

take her side?

Of course I'm on your side, honey.

It's just that

when Ms. Hui broke the cup,

I happened to be right there.

She was terrified

and felt so guilty.

She kept apologizing to me

and asked to pay for it.

I felt bad for her,

so I let it go.

I was about to tell you

when you noticed.

If you go after her now,

aren't you undercutting me?

I was just teasing Ms. Hui.

Ms. Hui,

is the bird's nest ready? I'd like some.

It's ready.

Have the bird's nest.

Skip the coffee.

I added some astragalus.

Thanks.

What's wrong?

No. My stomach feels awful.

Easy, easy.

My stomach hurts.

I'm okay now, honey.

You were fine just now.

Why'd you throw up?

Should we see a doctor?

Here.

No need, honey.

I'm fine now.

Throwing up like that...

Did you eat something bad?

Not really.

I've been eating

pretty normally lately.

Though it has been weird.

All the delicious stuff

I used to love,

like meat,

makes me nauseous

looking at it.

And the sour

and spicy foods

I used to dislike

actually feel fine to eat now.

How long

has this been going on?

Probably

about a month now.

Has your period been regular?

I've been so busy lately

I didn't track it.

Let me think.

Last month was...

Wait, I'm over two weeks late.

Then

could you be pregnant?

Honey,

I need a new toothbrush.

The one I'm using

is all frayed.

But that toothbrush

isn't even that old.

Why is it frayed already?

All right,

I'll get you

a new one later.

Ms. Hui,

could you unpack the package

on the counter?

Sure.

Honey,

you can't eat this.

This one's fine.

Have mine.

If you're pregnant,

you shouldn't eat raw food.

That's what it said

in that guide you had me read.

Thank you, honey.

I can really see

how excited you are

to have a baby.

(Raw Sea Cucumber)

Ms. Hui,

these local specialties are for you.

I've booked your ticket

for tomorrow afternoon.

Take them back

for your family to try.

Thank you.

But no need.

I'm not leaving.

Really, Ms. Hui?

You're staying?

No changing your mind this time.

I won't.

Given your condition,

I can't leave.

That's wonderful, Ms. Hui.

I didn't want you to leave anyway.

Honey,

cancel the ticket.

I'm off to work.

You haven't even finished eating.

What's...

What's with him?

(I'm not leaving.)

I... I'll come back later.

What is it?

Nothing much.

I mentioned before

that my sister just graduated

and wants to work in Jiangzhou.

I want to rent a place for her.

Could I get a month's salary

advance from you?

And your parents?

Why are you

worrying about that?

As you know,

I'm from a rural area.

My parents are old

with no pension,

and money is tight.

I want to help them out.

Am I your dad?

Are you my son?

If your own parents won't pay,

why the heck are you asking me?

(Xiaocheng, 20 years ago) Is your wife having a baby an excuse?

Whose wife doesn't have babies?

I gave you the chance

to be team lead.

You should be grateful.

Now look at you,

threatening me with your sales

and demanding an advance.

What are you doing?

I hit my target every month

and exceeded it for months.

Asking for an advance

isn't out of line.

Says who?

Did you make the rules?

There are plenty of other options.

Don't come crying poor to me.

What's with the attitude?

Sorry, Manager.

I'm desperate.

No money? Go ask your old man.

Right,

your parents are dead,

aren't they?

Hit me and I'll call the cops.

And then

you won't get

this month's pay.

Let go.

Come back.

How much do you need?

I'll transfer it.

Honey,

look at these baby clothes.

Aren't they cute?

Honey,

your taste is always good.

By the way,

I'll take you for a checkup

tomorrow.

No rush.

I have work tomorrow.

Besides, aren't you busy too?

I'll find time

and have Liu Zi go with me.

Ms. Hui.

Ms. Hui, come here.

Coming.

Ms. Hui, take a look.

Are these clothes cute?

Are they good?

And these?

Not really.

Clothes with buttons and zippers

might look nice

and cute,

but

they can easily scratch a baby's skin.

That's true.

See?

Ms. Hui really has experience.

Ms. Hui,

if I ever need help,

I'll come to you.

Honey,

you should learn along with me.

Don't be clueless

when I ask you later.

Me?

Once the baby is born,

I'll study it properly.

Right.

Baby clothes

aren't as interesting as your

financial statements.

Why are you

suddenly getting mad?

It's pre-pregnancy anxiety, okay?

If you cared about me,

would I be like this?

The baby hasn't been born yet.

When the baby comes,

you won't know anything

or do anything I ask.

What am I supposed to do?

Are all men like this?

Ms. Hui,

was your ex-husband like this too?

So you divorced him?

When you were pregnant,

did he care about these?

Back then,

disposable diapers were just getting popular.

People weren't that picky.

Did he help change

the baby's diapers?

No.

What about feeding

or making baby food?

He didn't.

What if the baby woke up in the night,

crying and fussing?

Did he soothe them?

No.

Unbelievable.

He was totally useless.

No wonder you divorced him.

No,

I don't blame him.

I actually felt bad for him.

Back then,

to provide for the family,

he worked several jobs

and barely had time

to sleep.

Given what you said,

you two

seemed pretty close.

Ms. Hui,

come sit here.

Don't stand there.

Come on.

Here.

Thank you.

If you were so close,

why did you divorce?

We weren't compatible.

Incompatible?

How long were you together

before getting divorced?

Over...

over ten years.

Over ten years?

Then it wasn't about personality.

Did he cheat?

Debt?

Abuse?

I know.

He hid money from you.

Don't tell me he was married before

and had a child out of wedlock?

No.

None of that.

Then he must have done

something that broke your heart

for you to divorce him.

Ms. Hui,

this is the first

I've heard of it.

Tell me more.

I can help you talk it out.

Don't bottle

everything up inside.

Venting to me will help relieve stress.

Bottling it up makes you sick

and depressed.

Honey,

you're way off track now.

Your imagination

is running wild.

Ms. Hui isn't that fragile.

Ms. Hui,

Meng and I are going to look

at baby clothes.

Okay.

Go back to work.

Ms. Hui,

a woman at fifty is in her prime.

You can definitely find

a better man.

I'm forty-one.

You...

You're younger than Liren?

Don't worry.

Leave it to me.

I have tons of anti-aging

facial masks.

I'll grab some for you now.

You can use them.

They work wonders.

There are hydrating ones

and brightening ones, too.

Sweep gently.

You're kicking up dust.

A fifty-year-old woman

can't control her strength.

Lift your feet.

Unbelievable.

Why aren't you leaving anymore?

To help you two

take care of the baby.

She hasn't even been tested.

Why would she have

pregnancy symptoms?

Didn't you

have a vasectomy?

There's something I haven't had the chance

to tell you.

I owe you an apology.

Because she wasn't getting pregnant,

Yu Meng and her parents

kept scheduling me

for tests at different hospitals.

A while back,

I couldn't put it off anymore.

I was worried the vasectomy

would be found,

so I had a reversal surgery.

Which means

Yu Meng might actually

be carrying your baby?

What about our child?

Do you want me or her?

You, of course.

Even if she is pregnant,

I'd never let her

have the baby.

Are you satisfied now?

It's your choice.

Don't make me look like

the bad guy.

It's my decision.

It has nothing to do with you.

Did you ever think

about what last name

this child would take?

Yu.

There you have it.

I married into their family.

To put it bluntly,

I'm just a tool to them,

with no status and no dignity.

How could I have a child

not bearing my last name

to remind me of my humiliation?

Did sleeping in the nursery

make you sensitive?

She put that room together herself.

I had no part of it.

But I couldn't stop her.

You can understand, right?

All right.

There, now.

Honey?

What are you two doing?

I saw how pretty the flowers were

and wanted to cut some,

put them in a vase,

and take them to you.

I didn't expect to get

a thorn in my hand.

Ms. Hui was taking it out for me.

It's already out.

Wash it with soapy water

so it won't itch.

Okay.

You're so sweet to me, honey.

It's the middle of the night,

and you were cutting flowers for me.

These flowers really are pretty,

but this twin blossom stem

looks undernourished.

One branch needs to be cut off,

or else

they'll compete for nutrients.

Here, honey.

Pick one

and cut it.

We can't cut this.

Why not?

Twin blooms on one stem

bring double the blessings.

Twin blossoms symbolize good fortune.

Cutting one brings bad luck.

Brings bad luck?

Bad luck for whom?

For our family, of course.

Plants are part of feng shui.

Fair enough.

Still, I think

people shouldn't be too greedy.

Wanting it all

most likely means

ending up with nothing.

Why cut this one?

It's thriving and well-nourished.

Planted anywhere,

it can blossom beautifully.

It doesn't need other branches

or to steal nutrients from anyone.

As for this

withering blossom,

whether it waits around to die

or rises from the ashes

will depend

on its own choice.

Cuttings don't always take root.

I have the ability and confidence

to make sure it survives.

Honey,

what video account

did you get this

chicken soup from?

(We can agree to)

(Dr. Kang's terms.)

(You are now authorized)

(to negotiate with Dr. Kang.)

(We hope you can close the deal.)

Enjoy the flowers.

I'm going to sleep.

Good night.

Haven't you

gotten authorization?

Just reach out to Dr. Kang.

That's way too stiff.

The best way to start

a partnership is to make friends first.

Meaning?

Just wait.

(Chemical Raw Material: Hydroxytyrosol)

Look at the photo.

You're going to promote

the doctor's book,

doing him a favor?

Exactly.

I bought up all the copies

of Dr. Kang Long's book

at the bookstore.

Once the company gives authorization,

I'll immediately

promote it

on Moments

and the account

of Lucky Beauty Yu.

We can have students

repost it for a giveaway

and drum up buzz

in the comments.

When Dr. Kang Long sees

how great the numbers are,

won't he naturally

be eager

to talk with me?

Rule One to charm a man:

shower him with adoration.

I think when the time comes,

we should

shoot the wide shot first

and then zoom in.

What do you think?

Sounds good to me.

The main thing

is this part.

(Script) Take a look.

(Ms. Yu,)

(this Sunday at 2:00 PM,)

(are you free?)

(We can talk further)

(about the contract.)

There's progress.

Kang Long messaged me.

See? When it comes to men,

no gift beats

pure adoration.

I must say, Mr. Jiao really

has a way with words.

Yep.

Okay.

But didn't he agree

way too quickly?

I only posted it yesterday.

The comment section

hasn't even heated up yet.

and he already agreed.

Besides, a worldly man

like him could be

bought off by a few words

and some copies?

Maybe he checked out

your social media

and saw your commercial potential.

I think so too.

Great.

(Popular blogger Lucky Beauty Yu vanishes after a cryptic video)

(Clues point to her husband, Jiali Cosmetics chairman)

(What a bombshell. I wonder what really happened?)

(I saw her before. She was gorgeous)

(She seemed upset after a phone call. Something must've happened)

(She's back, so she's probably fine. Maybe the couple just had a fight)

(With her bestie, she's totally alive again)

Hello, Ms. Yu.

Hello, Dr. Kang Long.

And this is?

I told you I have

a great partner named Liu Zi.

This is her brother, Liu Bai.

He also helps us

handle some work.

I'm professional, reliable,

and trustworthy.

Meng, you two talk first.

I'll pick you up later.

Okay.

Come in, please.

Ms. Yu, given your

harmonious,

close-knit team,

no wonder the Lucky Beauty Yu account

is so eye-catching.

So, Dr. Kang Long,

are you interested in this?

If so, how would that work?

Honestly, social media platforms

need people like you most,

knowledgeable creators

in a specific field.

But being a creator requires

a long-term commitment.

Considering your time

and energy,

I think the best approach

is to use my resources

to maximize your personal fame

after you return to the country.

You want to use social media to lock me

into an exclusive deal?

That's not all.

We'll also set you up

with a dedicated

product R&D lab.

You can also build your own

personal team.

Dr. Kang Long,

all the details are right here.

Take a look.

(Tech Development Contract)

I'm satisfied

with Jiali's terms.

But I have some concerns.

What concerns,

Dr. Kang Long?

What are you doing here, honey?

I happened to have a meeting here.

I heard Dr. Kang has some concerns.

Why not tell us?

Given my previous

work experiences overseas,

when companies

are equally matched,

I care more about

a company's reputation.

I want to focus on R&D in peace,

doing experiments and products.

I don't want messy public drama

or office politics.

I also hope

the leadership transition

and family life

both stay stable.

Could you be more specific?

I don't know what the "missing her"

thing was all about.

Sorry about that.

The whole thing

was just a misunderstanding.

Meng and I are very much in love.

If you've seen the posts

she made about us,

you'd believe

nothing

can tear us apart.

I saw them.

But I still

want an answer.

Mr. Di,

can you guarantee your marriage stays stable

and the company's name

keeps improving?

Of course.

It was the vow I made

when we got married.

For five years,

it hasn't changed.

And you, Ms. Yu?

Can you guarantee it?

I can't guarantee it.

Life is full of

ups and downs.

No one knows

what happens next.

But I can guarantee this:

Dr. Kang Long,

you won't face any

interference or involvement.

Jiali Cosmetics

was built by my parents.

For over twenty years,

there have been no accidents

or liability issues.

I stake our family's

business reputation on it.

That's my utmost sincerity.

Ms. Yu, your sincerity is admirable.

I trust you.

Don't let me down.

Thank you.

Let's work well together.

I'll have our team reach out

to you right away.

I'll coordinate directly

with Ms. Yu going forward.

Great working with you.

Meng.

- Hello, Mrs. Di. - Hello.

Put it there.

I'll sit next to Ding.

Mrs. Di.

Hello.

Careful.

Okay.

Help me clear this.

I got it.

Thanks for your help, guys.

We'll be going.

Okay.

Meng,

what are you doing?

I just heard

my transfer to Product Center

was rejected.

Well, in that case,

I should move here

and sit with you guys.

It'll be easier to learn and improve.

Meng,

I explained it to you.

After a comprehensive review,

the company

decided we need

a brand ambassador with built-in influence

rather than a rookie starting from scratch

in the Product Center.

That's why the rejection.

It's for the company's

overall interests,

not a personal attack.

I know.

I fully respect

the company's decisions.

But there's no company rule

that says

I can't move my desk over here

and sit with everyone.

Go back to work.

I heard you moved your desk

to Zhang Yu's doorway.

It scared Di Liren

away from the office all day.

Impressive.

I was blowing off steam.

It won't change

the fact that Product Center

rejected me.

A superficial win is still a win.

At least you let everyone at the company know

you're not to mess with.

Right now, Di Liren

has the company pretty brainwashed.

Everyone believes

he's an upright,

highly capable boss.

So people like Zhang Yu

and other department heads

are fiercely loyal to him.

Some "good boss"

and a bloodsucking asset-drainer.

He's no live-in son-in-law.

He's a freaking tick, okay?

Enough about him.

It gets me so worked up.

Once everything is settled,

I'm going to make sure everyone

knows about

all his dirty secrets.

Then he'll be completely ruined,

become a headline,

and drown in public outrage.

No.

That's far from enough.

Once I've gathered all the evidence,

I'll make sure he gets out of

the Yu family and Jiali for good.

My goal is

to make sure

he spends

the rest of his life in prison.

You're kind of cool.

Easier said than done.

But day after day

of fighting back and forth,

the days ahead

won't be easy at all.

But

I'll do everything I can

to take back

everything that's mine.

Mr. Dong is here.

Let's go say hello.

Ms. Wen,

a friend of mine

wants to learn to fly too.

Let's add each other.

Honey?

Why are you here?

Honey,

I was going to the hot spring

with Zi

and a few friends.

A friend of mine said she saw you

coming into this room.

Meng said she wants me

to look after her for a while.

I'll leave

once she's better.

You said you wanted to keep busy.

Any ideas?

Honey,

I'm going back to work.

(Once I gather all the evidence,)

(I'll make sure)

(he spends)

(the rest of his life in prison.)

Director,

sorry to bother you.

Well,

my dad's health check report

came out,

and I'm really worried.

I wanted to ask

how my dad

is really doing.

Overall, the results are good.

The treatment is working.

The patient recovers nicely.

No need to worry too much, Mr. Di.

Thank you so much.

Everyone, raise your glasses.

To all of you.

Thanks for your hard work.

- Cheers! - Cheers!

This signing ceremony

was a huge success.

Liren,

great work.

I just

heard the staff talking

that we owe this all to you.

You flew to Germany yourself

and kept going back

to win Dr. Kang over.

You showed him our sincerity,

so he decided to join us.

This is all thanks to you.

I just made a few extra trips.

At the time,

I put in the time

and money

because I predicted

Jiali would

definitely move into R&D.

So I prepared ahead.

And now,

it's paid off.

Liren,

didn't I bring

Dr. Kang Long in?

Right.

Meng

deserves credit too.

She deserves credit.

Right.

Meng

put a lot of effort too.

She bought several

of Dr. Kang's books

and promoted them online.

That was a smart move.

Meng is truly

your better half.

A ship at sea needs a helmsman.

With you at the helm of Jiali,

we can rest easy.

I am sorry.

I got held up.

Hurry.

Come on.

Mr. Tian.

Please sit.

Dr. Kang Long.

Dr. Kang.

Around here,

lateness means a drinking penalty.

Of course, absolutely.

Dr. Kang,

the company

has started preparing

to build the research center.

If you need anything,

just tell Zhang Yu.

She's your contact.

Dr. Kang, feel free to reach out anytime.

Thank you.

Sorry, everyone.

The company

has some matters to handle.

Mr. Tian and I

will head out now.

Meng,

look after everyone for me.

But

none of you can bully her

or force her to drink.

Who'd dare make Mrs. Di drink?

Enjoy your meal.

Take care, Mr. Tian.

Okay.

Ms. Zhang,

I'd like to ask

how Jiali usually develops

new products.

Well,

inside Jiali, we have our own

R&D process.

Basically,

once we get the proposal...

(So annoying.)

(Getting the doctor on board)

(was all Mr. Di's doing.)

(Why would she come for the dinner?)

(I want to clock out.)

(Last time, because of her,)

(the product launch was delayed.)

(I worked overtime)

(for half a month.)

(And now here she is again.)

(Even wage slaves need a nightlife.)

Look.

She posted that in the group chat.

The boss's wife is in the group too.

So awkward.

(Tickets)

These photos are?

Misunderstandings should be cleared up on the spot.

I posted these photos

to tell you all

Dr. Kang Long

was brought in by me.

Dr. Kang,

I remember this was

the first time

I met you, right?

You really went for it.

With an injured leg,

you chased me all the way.

I even thought

Jiali was mistreating its employees.

You didn't agree to work with us

just because

you felt sorry for me, right?

It's because you're

professional

and sincere.

You're worth trusting.

Thank you, Dr. Kang.

Meng,

I'm sorry. I misunderstood.

It's okay.

Anyone can be misunderstood.

Actually,

while I have the chance,

I'd like to apologize to you.

The previous product launch

was delayed because of me.

I caused you trouble.

I'll drink this glass to all of you.

- Meng. - Meng.

- Bye. - Bye.

Meng,

I'm at the restaurant entrance.

I'll come pick you up now.

=The Vanishing Beauty= (Next Episode Preview)

Dump it.

I think you've forgotten

what it's like to eat leftovers.

To be looked down on.

I haven't forgotten.

Calm down.

I'm like

a dead volcano.

Been calm long enough.

Stay calm any longer,

and I'll end up as the leftovers,

dumped in the trash,

down the drain,

rotting away.

My period just started today.

I'm not pregnant at all.

Whenever I close my eyes,

I keep hearing these noises

right by my ear.

Noises?

♪We are broken butterflies♪

♪Can't fly beyond the boundary of fate♪

♪Wings torn apart by the night♪

♪Still seeking open fields in the ruins♪

♪Locked inside a pendulum♪

♪Repeating the same fate♪

♪I hear high heels♪

♪Crushing silent replies♪

♪Every step feels like a trial♪

♪Yet sobers me up♪

♪Love is a thorny rose♪

♪Promises are mere anesthesia♪

♪I once gave it my all♪

♪Only to be shattered in pieces♪

♪Now I forge my tears♪

♪Into gray diamond gems♪

♪No longer asking who's right or wrong♪

♪Only who dares to control me♪

♪I am nobody's accessory♪

♪Nor am I anyone's failure♪

♪Even with broken wings♪

♪I can still pierce the sky♪

♪When all the lights go out♪

♪I am the final torch♪

♪We are broken butterflies♪

♪Can't fly beyond the boundary of fate♪

♪Wings torn apart by the night♪

♪Still seeking open fields in the ruins♪

♪We are broken butterflies♪

♪Dancing in the brilliant dark♪

♪Wearing a brighter lipstick♪

♪Heading toward an arranged end♪

♪I am nobody's accessory♪

♪Nor am I anyone's failure♪

♪Even with broken wings♪

♪I can still pierce the sky♪

♪When all the lights go out♪

♪I am the final torch♪

♪We are broken butterflies♪

♪Can't fly beyond the boundary of fate♪

♪Wings torn apart by the night♪

♪Still seeking open fields in the ruins♪

♪We are broken butterflies♪

♪Dancing in the brilliant dark♪

♪Wearing a brighter lipstick♪

♪Heading toward an arranged end♪