Original subtitles

Next time, just come here to make photocopies.

Life isn't easy for you. Don't waste money at the copy shop.

Thank you, miss.

However,

you still have to join group activities

like class meetings and lectures.

Just skip what you can and don't be late if you can help it.

Chen Yanzhou,

what happened to you?

I was careless.

I came to ask about the elective PE class.

The football teacher said he didn't receive my request,

but I submitted it.

After discussing it with the Academic Affairs Office,

we think football isn't right for you.

You had heart problems in the past.

What if intense exercise causes you to have a relapse?

I've submitted my physical exam results.

I've already recovered.

Our university has many other PE courses.

Tai chi, yoga, and aerobics

are all more moderate.

I can approve any of those.

Right, Zheng Yu.

You chose the tai chi class, right?

Isn't it easy?

Rollerblading.

I must've remembered wrong.

Rollerblading isn't bad either.

How is the class?

Pretty good. The teacher is kind.

Good class vibe too.

A newbie could pick it up easily.

How about rollerblading?

Miss, I'll just be frank.

I chose football because I'm good at it.

As long as I'm not absent or tardy,

and don't get a substitute,

I'll have a guaranteed perfect score.

Besides, my choice complies with the rules.

I can't think of any reason I can't take it.

You have to understand

that we have to be prudent as teachers sometimes.

Moreover, your family circumstances are rather unique.

How about this?

Let's compromise.

Fill this out.

Get your doctor to sign off on it.

If the doctor confirms that you can handle the physical load,

I will personally submit your application.

But I…

Thank you, miss.

Zheng Yu,

as it happens, I want to talk to you.

Your academic performance in the past two years has been good.

Do you have any plans

to boost your learning outside the classroom?

Our college has a professor

who has a spot for an undergraduate in her lab this semester.

The lab works on real projects through industry partnerships.

As soon as I heard, I thought of you.

If you can get in, it would be a great learning experience.

If I get in, do I get to work on paid projects right away?

Not so fast.

You will have to at least get a doctorate first, or secure funding as a postdoc.

There is plenty of time. Look ahead to the future.

Miss,

only those who have everything

can look far ahead like that.

For someone like me,

what is in front of me

is all I can see.

What I mean by "look ahead to the future"

is your overall plan.

Who can succeed instantly?

With your GPA, if you get into the lab,

you're guaranteed to get the Vitality Award.

- The Vitality Award? - Yes.

Lab research will get you extra points

when applying for the Vitality Award.

It's a new regulation this semester.

It counts more than a high GPA.

Which professor's lab?

Professor Cheng Xiulin.

I'll get the document for you.

Lab research will get you extra points

when applying for the Vitality Award.

It's a new regulation this semester.

It counts more than a high GPA.

Linjie, I want to ask you

about Cheng Xiulin's lab.

When is a good time?

WANG LINJIE

How about tomorrow? Come see me.

PROFESSOR CHENG XIULIN

Okay, that's pretty much it.

If you have questions, you can ask me anytime.

Thanks, Linjie.

Ms. Cheng was just here.

I was going to introduce you.

Maybe she had to step out.

It's okay. Thank you, Linjie.

You're welcome.

BULLETIN BOARD

Professor Cheng.

Have you recovered?

I'm fine now.

I'm sorry for the trouble.

In all my years as a teacher,

you're the first student of mine to collapse in the lab.

I haven't had the chance to apologize to you in person.

Chen Yanzhou,

I'm not the one you should apologize to.

It's yourself.

And your parents.

If something truly had happened that day…

Do you intend to put them through that again?

Do I still have a chance to come back?

I will email the application.

I hope you can view each resume fairly.

I'm busy. I have to go.

Looks like Cheng Xiulin didn't agree to let you return.

UNDERGRADUATE RECRUITMENT NOTICE

No, she didn't.

So I'll have to compete for the sole undergraduate spot.

You're more impressive than I thought.

You spare no effort for the Vitality Award.

You're no better.

To boost your GPA, you won't even change your PE class,

disregarding your health.

We're not close enough to care about each other's health.

Instead of trying to cozy up to me, why not compete properly?

Fine.

Don't you dare be late today.

LU SIQUAN (STORE MANAGER)

Do you know why indoor cats can never beat stray cats?

Because indoor cats fight as play.

Stray cats fight

for survival.

UNDERGRADUATE APPLICATION FOR CHENG XIULIN'S LABORATORY

Zheng Yu, here's the latest news.

Does your class have a new student named Chen Yanzhou?

I heard he also applied for the spot in Ms. Cheng's lab.

He's a strong competitor.

WANG LINJIE

You might not know.

He used to do research with Ms. Cheng.

He only withdrew due to medical reasons.

I know.

CERTIFICATE OF RECOVERY

I really can't sign this.

I have no way to confirm or supervise the intensity of this class.

What if I sign this and something happens?

I know I can do it.

You're confident, but I'm not.

How about this?

I'll give you a medical exemption note to give to your teacher.

An exemption only gives me a pass.

I want the credit.

Your university's PE courses aren't that important.

You're so strange.

So many students ask me for an exemption

so they can slack off.

You, on the contrary, want the trouble.

That's all the more reason that I can't sign this.

Hello?

Hello.

This is the Shang'an Road Police Station.

Are you Mr. Chen Yanzhou?

Look. Do you see that?

This was when your wallet was stolen.

If this thief hadn't committed another crime there,

we wouldn't have found this.

Do you know this girl?

What about her?

The thief said

this girl followed him

to the emergency staircase and got the wallet back.

There happened to be no CCTV there.

We didn't know if he was telling the truth,

so we asked you to come mainly to check if that girl returned the wallet to you.

ZY, ADD TO ADDRESS BOOK

SEND FRIEND REQUEST

I'M CYZ IN THE "LIFE SCIENCES CLASS 1" GROUP

On campus?

ZHENG YU

FAST NEIGHBOR (THE QING YI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BRANCH)

Six hours have passed.

We now change the cell culture medium.

Take out our cells…

Did you install this wind chime?

That's smart.

What do you want?

Why didn't you say

you got the wallet back from the thief?

You weren't wrong that day.

Even if you hadn't made that post,

I would still have asked you for money.

If I were a kind, selfless, and good person seeking no reward,

when he made his move in the elevator,

I would have called him out on it.

But I'm not.

So what does it matter whether I said it or not?

At least I would think--

At least I would seem less detestable?

I don't care what others think.

I already got what I wanted.

Also,

we're not so close

as to sit and chat.

In your own words, instead of trying to cozy up to me…

why not compete properly?

Hello, Professor Cheng Xiulin.

I'm Chen Yanzhou, a Life Sciences junior.

I hope to have the chance to join your lab.

SELLING PERFUME (MINOR FLAW) ON RQ SECONDHAND GOODS

MOLECULAR MECHANISM BY WHICH THE CXN48 GENE…

Zheng Yu,

can you dim the light a bit?

The brightness is keeping me awake.

Did you send the email?

Yes.

What did Ms. Cheng say?

Actually, don't pin all your hopes on that.

You can try different things.

You could try a different research topic.

What about your choice of PE class?

The university and the hospital

won't let me take football.

What did you pick then?

This is a new addition to our class. Chen Yanzhou.

By the way, which college are you in?

Life Sciences.

That's the same as Zheng Yu.

Different majors, though.

- Same class. - Okay.

In that case,

Zheng Yu, you can look after him.

Everyone else, listen up.

During practice, help each other out.

Then you will improve faster. Got it?

- Got it. - Got it.

Wait.

Where are your rollerblades?

Borrow a pair from the equipment room!

When you show up,

either bring your own pair or borrow a pair in advance.

Don't be unprepared again. Got it?

The teacher is kind. Good class vibe too.

I suggest you get a medical exemption.

You can still get a pass.

And you? So what if you can rollerblade?

Has Cheng Xiulin replied to you?

I heard you don't have any lab experience.

Getting the spot will be hard.

A newbie could pick it up easily.

Why pick this class?

I didn't pick it.

Someone paid to swap.

At your skill level,

how can you teach me?

I'll say this first.

If you cut class,

I won't cover for you.

I just need the restroom.

I should've known.

CAMPUS LEARNING WEEK: ENCOUNTER A BETTER VERSION OF YOURSELF.

You can definitely beat him.

- What? - I was in the equipment room.

Chen Yanzhou was borrowing rollerblades.

He can't do it at all.

You can definitely win.

I don't care about winning.

I never tell myself that I want to win.

My only thought is that I must not lose.

The desire to win stems from expectations.

The desire not to lose

is because there is no way out.

With this mindset,

I hurry across campus in the early morning.

I'm not the only one in a hurry.

It's scary.

- What? - I was reading comics at the library.

Zheng Yu and Chen Yanzhou

studied there all afternoon and never got up.

I heard they're competing to get into Ms. Cheng's lab.

Zheng Yu is our roommate,

but I think Cheng Xiulin will choose Chen Yanzhou.

He was there first.

Not necessarily.

Maybe Zheng Yu will impress her more.

Zheng Yu, your application form has been received.

The written test, interview time,

location, and notes

have been sent to you.

Please check your inbox.

Chen Yanzhou,

your application form has been received.

The written test, interview time, location, and notes

have been sent to you.

Please check your inbox.

Cheng Xiulin's laboratory.

Today's written test doesn't seem too hard.

Next, Zheng Yu.

ZHENG YU, COLLEGE OF LIFE SCIENCES

Zheng Yu.

The resume you submitted left a deep impression.

It seems you did a lot of research when writing your application.

However,

I'm not looking to recruit an undergraduate

to do simple data organization,

assist their upperclassmen,

and be free labor.

I hope that they can truly be involved in the project

and find a role that suits them in the project.

Of course.

If it were only for the former, I wouldn't be here.

I see you were recommended for admission after a biology competition.

That shows you have great potential.

And in the past two years,

your grades in your major have been excellent.

Honestly, I'm quite satisfied with you.

However, you haven't applied to any labs before.

What consideration lies behind this?

I…

I don't want to lie.

Due to personal reasons, I need to make money.

So for the past two years,

I've been busy working.

What are your plans for the future?

Next, Chen Yanzhou.

Originally,

I wasn't inclined to approve your application.

But you were right.

I should judge fairly.

Your grades and experience

are sufficient to take you to this stage.

I hope you can give me a chance to start over again.

Do you know what truly starting over means?

Buying something?

Ring me up.

That's 4,260 yuan.

I'll pay the rest with WeChat Pay.

Finished?

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Whose beautiful daughter is this?

Ms. Yang, sorry for troubling you during this time.

Why are you being so polite?

You seem to have lost weight again.

Have you been eating and resting properly?

You clearly haven't.

Say, you finally paid off the hospital charges.

Then you come here, and you're on your laptop.

Xiaozheng,

sometimes, you need to catch your breath.

All the part-time gigs

were originally enough to pay for hospitalization costs.

But now, I don't know when a costly emergency might come up.

And on top of that, at the end of each semester, I have to…

You have to what?

Nothing.

I'm just wondering if I can get the Vitality Award this semester.

You said before that only your college offers it.

Right?

I'm wondering,

how come only your college has it?

The city's top scholar six years ago could have gone to a better institution.

But he chose to go to Qing Yi University's College of Life Sciences

to study thale cress.

Thale what?

It's a weed that grows by the roadside.

How is a weed worth researching?

Geniuses always know their calling early on.

Some companies wanted to sponsor him and set up a fund

to encourage people like him.

It's what is now the Vitality Award.

I remember.

You previously said

that this award was the reason

you didn't change majors.

It pays a lot.

Then this top scholar

is a guide in your academic journey.

What is he doing now?

He's so incredible.

By now, he must have a PhD.

A teacher?

Maybe he even became his own boss.

I don't know.

I don't even have enough time for myself,

much less to wonder about other people.

Don't say that.

Regardless of what job you do in the future,

nothing bad can come from knowing more.

Maybe

it can give you more options.

WHO IS ZHOU GUANQI, QINGYI'S TOP SCHOLAR?

ZHOU GUANQI WINS NATIONAL BIOLOGY COMPETITION

Does anyone know what Qingyi's top scholar six years ago, Zhou Guanqi, is doing now?

POST

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT QINGYI'S TOP SCHOLAR SIX YEARS AGO, ZHOU GUANQI, IS DOING NOW?

We're closing.

Are you going to eat those noodles?

No.

I'll take them home.

What a weirdo.

Xiaozheng, are you not returning to your dorm tonight?

I'll sleep here today.

Don't sleep hunched over.

It's bad for your spine.

Use this.

It's getting colder now.

There is a blanket in the bag next to my mom's bed.

Don't mind it. It's clean.

I just washed it a few days ago.

Thank you.

I'm leaving.

When the caregiver isn't here, please look after her.

Thank you.

Hello, Zheng Yu.

Thank you for your trust

and the effort you put into the written test and interview,

but we have found a suitable candidate for the undergraduate position.

You're welcome to visit the laboratory and learn.

Others rise to the rooster's crow.

You probably get up earlier than the rooster.

The early bird gets the worm.

Got it.

You got the worm, and now you're showing off. Congratulations.

Didn't you receive an email from the lab?

I did.

Then why are you congratulating me?

I didn't get in.

What a coincidence.

I didn't either.

Human emotions are as fickle as the weather.

I thought only successful people share their joy.

Turns out two failures

don't need to say a word

to feel an inexplicable closeness.

Ms. Cheng choosing Zhang Rui is understandable.

You don't know, do you?

Zhang Rui has been guaranteed admission into our graduate program

and will keep working in the lab as a graduate student.

It meets the hiring standards.

So

don't let it get to you.

Are you listening?

I understand.

No matter who got in, it doesn't affect me.

Besides,

I'm not the only one who failed.

If I were too fragile to take it, wouldn't I seem useless?

What?

I thought you would be depressed for a while.

I don't have time for that.

You've been on your phone since you got here. What is it?

My advisor wants to talk about the Sports Meet.

You were banned from PE classes.

What can you do with the Sports Meet?

I don't have enough community service credits.

She wants me to volunteer at the Sports Meet.

Then go.

I was going to wait until the winter break

and do volunteer work in the community with my mom.

She gives environmental science talks.

Getting proof of volunteer service would be easy.

I think getting it done early at the university would be better.

Your advisor has it tough.

Juniors and seniors hardly ever participate at the meet.

We get it. Seniors have one foot out the door.

But many junior classes have zero participation.

The numbers look terrible when they're reported.

I heard the college wants to boost participation

and even set up monetary prizes.

The prize for a gold medal is only 500 yuan.

I don't think it will help.

THE 26TH SPORTS MEET REGISTRATION

It's just the Sports Meet. All categories are full.

Sign up for something unpopular.

Fewer competitors means a higher chance of winning a medal.

You don't say.

They told me to sign up for a long-distance race.

Class 1 has signed up, but not our class.

Who is so brave in Class 1?

No idea. Let me see.

800 M, 1500 M, 3000 M, 100 M

ZHENG YU

Zheng Yu.

Zheng Yu?

I thought she wouldn't participate.

This… This personal shopper can't be trusted.

This size 37 feels like a size 36.

Major discovery!

Participant information is shown here.

Her birthday is soon.

When is it?

My goodness, Zhuang Ning. So you were here.

So when is it?

- Friday. - Friday?

That's the day of the Sports Meet.

1500 M: ZHENG YU, 3000 M: ZHENG YU

Dear teachers and students,

for this crisp autumn season,

we welcome Qing Yi University's 26th Track and Field Sports Meet.

Let's welcome every participant's outstanding performance

with great enthusiasm and high spirits.

Thanks.

Sir. Some water.

Thank you.

Wait!

Wait!

Chen Yanzhou from Class 1, right?

Can I have a bottle of water?

These are for the referees.

There's a vending machine over there.

Drink up.

Linlin, you're still the best.

Do you think Zheng Yu has returned to the dorm yet?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ZHENG YU!

Sorry for taking up your desk before.

We can go to class together from now on. I'll save you a seat.

Happy birthday, Zheng Yu!

Why am I wasting time here?

No way! You're volunteering too!

You are…?

Class 1's class monitor, Zhang Qi. We're in the same class.

Yan… Yanzhou,

I have to ask you for a favor.

Look, I just got the news.

This afternoon's shot put event was suddenly moved to tomorrow.

Wrong person.

I didn't sign up, and I can't do it.

No, that's not it. I signed up.

But the timing of the event clashes with my volunteer slot tomorrow.

So I want to ask if you're free tomorrow.

Can you volunteer for me?

It won't take more than an hour.

I'll come as soon as I'm done.

I'm not free. I don't plan to come to campus tomorrow.

Please help me out.

If I could find anyone else, I wouldn't trouble you.

Our class's participants have scheduling conflicts.

For example, Liu Chen is shot-putting with me.

Xing Mingtao will shoot hoops.

Zheng Yu has the 3000 m race. I really…

Zheng Yu

is running the 3000 m?

What event did you want me to volunteer for?

The 3000 m race.

Zhang Qi, what were you asking me?

What?

Are you free tomorrow to volunteer for me?

Sure.

You didn't see the hurdler.

Every hurdle fell over.

Be careful.

What if we ruin it?

How will you give it to Zheng Yu?

If I ruin it, I'll buy ten for her.

- Hide it. - Hide it.

Come on.

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

Let's go.

Quietly.

Still eating cake?

Yes.

I bought it. Why wouldn't we eat it?

It's fine. Sit.

Who says we can eat cake only for a birthday?

We can eat it even without a birthday.

Let's share it.

Are you running the 3000 m in those shoes?

Why not?

You will be behind at the starting line.

Thanks for the warning.

As it happens, I've never stood at the same starting line anyway.

Next, we have

the women's 3000 m race, junior year group.

The juniors only have one group, eight people in total.

After the race starts, volunteers will help count your laps.

The finish line is over there.

Later,

I will wait for you there.

JUNIOR WOMEN'S 3000 M LAP COUNT

No. 331 crossed the line.

Okay, make sure not to cross the line.

On your marks.

- Go! - Go!

We can now see

the junior women's 3000 m race has officially begun.

Currently in the lead

is No. 331, Tong Ruyi,

from the College of Management.

- Go! - Go!

- Go! - Go!

First time volunteering at a meet?

Relax.

The outcome is obvious at a glance.

Why?

No. 323, Li Zheng, was on the track team as a freshman.

Her movement and form are pro-level.

She's pacing herself.

She will surely win.

Aren't athletes ranked separately?

She left the team last year.

She's good, but not considered a sports major.

- Go! - Go!

- Go! - Go!

- Go! - Go!

In the second lap,

the eight contestants have separated into three groups.

We can see

the first group is No. 331 and No. 372.

The second group has No. 323 and No. 308.

Lagging behind in the third group are No. 357,

No. 339,

No. 351,

and No. 395.

ZHENG YU

LI ZHENG

ZHENG YU

LI ZHENG

The junior women's 3000 m race has entered the final stage.

No. 323 and No. 308

are the first to enter their sixth lap.

Interestingly, since the start of the race,

the two contestants

have maintained their positions.

Choosing the right pacer is very important.

No. 308 has stuck to No. 323's heels.

I have to say it was a very wise decision.

- Go! - Go!

No. 323 is finally starting to sprint.

She has begun to speed up,

easily increasing her distance

from No. 308.

JUNIOR WOMEN'S 3000 M LAP COUNT

LI ZHENG

- Go! - Go!

What's No. 308's major?

She's a tough one to run in those shoes. Her legs will fall off.

You should be at the finish line when 323 crosses.

Already? I have to go.

ZHENG YU

- Go! - Go!

- Go! - Go!

I can't go on.

Forget it.

Let's go.

LU JIAMEI

LI ZHENG

It's the last 100 m.

No. 323 sprints across the finish line!

Congratulations, No. 323!

TONG RUYI

- Go! - Go!

- Go! - Go!

- Go! - Go!

Final half lap.

- Go! - Go!

- Go! - Go!

- Go! - Go!

- Go! - Go!

- Go! - Go!

- Is she okay? - Right. Is something wrong?

I'm here, Chen Yanzhou!

Thanks so much!

Still three runners left. Mark their laps.

Why are you standing here?

Sad that you failed the test, so you're standing in the rain?

No, I'm just looking.

Looking at what?

Looking for anyone like me,

unsure of where to go.

Have you found anyone?

Yes.

How strange.

We both lost.

But I feel less lonely than when I win.

It's not love.

Nor is it friendship.

It's not even understanding.

It's just a confirmation of sorts.

Confirmation that someone else

is just like you,

caught in the rain.