I thought Tan Qi Zhang
would just use the money he made from selling Conpo computers
to pay off the debt of Huayan.
Who knew
Conpo was just the beginning of a snowball?
My friend, I think we shouldn't meddle.
We still have the trading company in Hong Kong, China.
Let's hold our ground
and pay no heed to him.
You're too naive.
After March,
Tan Qi Zhang will have the most power.
Do you think your little company there will be safe?
What should we do then?
Doing business is like serving tea.
You fill 70% of the cup, leaving 30% as the room for error.
Tan Qi Zhang
likes to fill the cup to the brim.
He's a risk-taker. What he does is like tightrope walking.
No more mercy from me.
The 9th of March
is the day
he falls from his tightrope.
Contact the representatives from Conpo.
I want to meet with them.
(Adapted from the novel, Our Times by Wang Qiang)
=Episode 31=
(Live or Die)
=Our Times=
My friend!
You're here.
Qian bought this for me from Hong Kong, China.
Burberry.
It's the same as buying it yourself.
What do you mean?
Brother Lu,
any update from the Chen Village?
Chen Village?
Nothing new.
You insisted on investing in Chen Village.
We both know
the reason why.
It's your private matter and so I'll leave you be.
However, we agreed
that Chen Village is just an interim plan.
Our factory needs to be built.
And I mean now!
I have several addresses for our factory.
I need your input.
I've been to this place.
You can't treat wastewater there.
It won't work.
And this one,
mountain by the west. Bad fengshui.
And this, a barren land.
No one wants their factory there.
What happened?
What's going on?
Tell me.
Do you want to establish this factory or not?
But...
Let's be civil.
- The shirt is expensive... - Lu Hai Niu.
We're friends. I'll be frank with you.
If you won't allow me to establish this factory,
let's sever ties here.
We will go our separate ways.
But why?
Why get so riled up?
There's no need to be like this.
You... don't...
You know what?
I have no comment
about the factory.
You do what you want.
Build it wherever.
Pick an address.
This one.
It should be 5,000 square metres. No smaller than that.
It should be 5,000 square metres?
But the construction
and the equipment cost money.
Thirty million yuan.
Thirty million yuan?
My gosh... Thirty million yuan for the land...
I won't bother then.
No... Wait...
Look,
you're mad again.
Listen.
Let's do it this way.
We get you the startup capital
from the company's account.
Good enough?
You should have said it earlier.
Brother Lu.
Once the factory is ready,
you'll witness
an exponential growth
and profit.
Then you'll know
why I remain adamant in my decision.
Bye.
But... the profit...
Buy me a brand new one then.
Seriously.
You left a gaping hole on it.
Ever since Huayan launched its own brand,
the sales of Conpo
remain stable.
However, its growth
has taken a nosedive since last year.
How is the headquarter
viewing this issue?
The headquarter has confidence in Huayan.
After all, we have been partners for three years.
We trust each other.
Trust each other?
Unbeknownst to you two,
the contract renewal
might not be smooth sailing.
I'll put it this way.
Is Conpo
still willing to collaborate
with Huayan?
Of course.
But we need to talk about
the renewal conditions.
The headquarter is pleased
with Huayan's service,
but they have a word or two
regarding Mr. Tan's own brand.
Great minds think alike.
I have a solution
that can please both of you.
I have good news for everyone.
Our stock is clearing
faster than expected.
The loss
has gone down by 60% or more
compared to the previous quarter.
Amazing.
The factory
is resuming its usual productivity.
If this carries on,
we'll start making a profit
by July.
Not that long. By the end of May at the latest.
Any plan made by Director Tan
will be completed earlier than usual anyway.
You're bootlicking.
However,
don't let your guard down.
The real trial is yet to come.
Our focus now
is to devise a solid sales strategy
for the next stage.
For example...
What's the matter?
Bad news.
Something bad happened.
Speak slowly.
Conpo wants to terminate
the partnership.
What?
What else did they say?
No further discussion is allowed.
They are hellbent on terminating.
(Certificate) At the moment,
for every Song series unit we sell,
we lose 1,200 yuan.
Still,
we're dumping all our money in ads
to promote sales.
Or else, we'll lose even more.
We have nothing left in our account book.
No money.
That's why we're applying for a loan.
If we can't get it,
our computers
will turn into metal scraps,
let alone paying the 20 million yuan
that we owe the suppliers.
Qi Zhang,
you told me so confidently
that you could turn the tide.
Look at us now,
on the brink of bankruptcy.
I never said that.
Also, I don't know why Conpo
had a 180-degree change in their attitude.
Enough.
President...
I only have one question.
On the 9th of March,
how confident are you in the contract renewal?
President,
I do not have an answer.
Come in.
(Spectacular Mentorship) President, Director Lin is here.
Go back to your work.
President.
(President's Office)
Lin, explain this mess.
Why is Conpo terminating the contract?
They are going straight
to Huayan's jugular.
Calm down, President.
I am more or less
apprised of the situation.
Personally,
I'm surprised but I can understand them.
Let's be impartial.
I don't think Tan handled this
in a proper way.
He burned money to clear stock.
That's a risky move.
One could even say it's a gamble.
The moment he came up with this idea,
he placed the fate of Huayan
in the hands of Conpo.
Stop beating around the bush.
Just give me
a solution.
I have an idea.
Tan and Conpo are now on bad terms.
Fortunately, I'm still
on Conpo's good side.
If I handle this,
concede some profit to them,
we might still be able to strike a deal with them.
But...
But?
President.
If I go to Conpo now,
they will ask me
if I'm still Huayan's General Manager,
and if I still represent Huayan...
Come on, Lin. It's a crucial time now.
Why are you still thinking
about your personal gain?
Can't you look at the bigger picture?
President,
how could you say that to me?
You know my character very well.
What makes you think
that I'm doing this for myself?
It's all for Huayan.
Enough.
I'm going to make it clear.
Our utmost priority is to renew the contract with Conpo.
Whoever can do this
can negotiate with me.
Noted.
I'll give it a try.
Man Huan Sheng,
you're the one in charge
of the contract renewal with Conpo.
What did you do?
Mr. Tan, I always follow your instructions.
Conpo
was quite eager,
but for some reason,
they decide to terminate
the contract now.
Someone must have leaked something.
That person just wants to bring me down.
Director, let's find a solution.
Zhuge Liang used thatched boats to get the opposites' arrows
so as to repay the respect for his talent.
He wished to light Seven Lanterns to bring blessing,
but Wei Yan foiled his plan.
If a grand strategist like Zhuge Liang can make mistakes,
then someone like me can only accept my fate
and deal with the repercussion.
It seems like
we have an internal problem.
It's fine. You're dismissed.
Xu Yang.
(Generous and Tolerant)
Do you have something to tell me?
(CONPO CORPORATION AUTHORIZATION AGENCY CONTRACT)
Mr. Lin, are you sure
this is the contract renewal draft?
Don't worry. Our president gave me his word.
This is real.
As long as you proceed as my instruction,
I can make sure
that Huayan's computer business will cease immediately.
We will
assume the full control then.
Good.
Here.
To our partnership.
(Latest Song Series)
(Best service, best quality)
(Huayan Technology Co., Ltd.)
I'm back, Director Tan.
How's everything?
I did everything you said.
Tomorrow
will be the day then.
It's the 9th tomorrow.
Why tear it down this early?
What will come will come.
Also,
iron the suit the President
gave me later.
I need to wear it tomorrow.
But it will be rainy tomorrow.
You don't usually wear it.
Why so vain out of a sudden?
You're nosy.
Just do as you're told.
Cook something nice and warm up the wine tomorrow night.
I'll be back for dinner.
Is tomorrow an important day?
(Huayan Technology Co., Ltd.)
Look, they are here.
(Conpo Computer)
It's raining outside. There's traffic.
Sorry for being late.
Please have a seat.
(Technology sets the trend)
Have a seat.
It's an important meeting.
Why isn't Mr. Pei here?
I have errands for him.
He's on his way back.
Let's not wait for him then.
We invite you here today
to gather together
and have a detailed discussion regarding
the prospect
of Conpo and Huayan's partnership.
On behalf of Huayan,
we are all for a partnership.
(Conpo Computer) May I know what you want?
Mr. Zheng,
we're here to terminate our contract.
Terminate...
Unless you can cease
the development of your own brand,
or else, Conpo does not see any possibility
of a contract renewal.
I disagree with the Conpo representatives.
First of all, the brand we made
bears the hope of every Huayan staff.
It is also the highly-praised product of our nation.
The government
has given us tremendous support.
And we
have dedicated our time and effort to it.
From a personal to a national level,
there's no reason to shelf the project
now.
I agree with Mr. Tan here.
After all, I'm also one of the founders of Huayan.
I feel the same way.
And when it comes to the love for our country,
I'm just as patriotic as you.
However, we shouldn't confine ourselves to just one form of patriotism.
The sales of Conpo computers allowed us
to pay millions in taxes,
which feeds our staff
and has single-handedly reduced
the financial burden on the faculty and Yanjing University.
Meanwhile,
it also offered a huge contribution
to the informatization of our nation.
All of them
are the fruits of our effort.
What Director Lin said is also right.
But in my eyes,
by manufacturing and selling
the computers we invented,
we can achieve
bigger and faster...
Mr. Tan.
You have great aspirations.
But my plan is more pragmatic.
Besides, if you treat
a foreign company whom we have worked with
for many years like this,
it will harm the image of Chinese companies
on the international stage.
Are you saying that Chinese companies
are doomed to be either
an ODM or an agency?
Import, learn, develop independently
are the ways to guarantee growth longevity.
How else
are we supposed to learn
the core technique
of the industry?
You know what?
Let's have a break.
Let's eat first.
We'll talk
after the meal, all right?
Okay.
(Quality brings dreams)
I hope you can reach a unanimous and sincere
consensus this afternoon.
Okay.
Are they here?
They are in the hotel now.
They are ready to come anytime.
Bring them in.
Look at this mess.
Huayan is on the brink of death now.
How did it come to this?
Our brand
shouldn't be the sacrificial lamb.
Or else, we'll lose more than we can gain.
Huayan is going bankrupt.
There's no losing or gaining.
Can't you understand?
You know what?
Lin will take the lead
during the negotiation.
Also, before we get the loan,
Lin will be in charge
of the company.
Are you fine with it?
I have reservations.
Okay.
However,
I'd like to ask two questions.
Go ahead.
First and foremost,
Conpo has been anything but reluctant
to renew the contract.
Why did their attitude change?
The timing of the loan application and Conpo's contract renewal
is rather coincidental,
but this is confidential info.
Not many know about it.
How did Conpo
learn of this?
Huayan's financial loss is not a secret.
It's normal
that Conpo plays the proactive role.
You're saying that it's normal,
but the way I see it,
Conpo knows precisely where to strike,
as if they know all the tricks
up our sleeves.
I refuse to believe
that this is just a coincidence.
It's more like we have a snitch.
Tan,
are you suspecting me?
Tan,
let's not
create something from nothing.
Fine.
I can give you my word today
that if I am found guilty of framing you,
I will gladly accept
any sort of punishment.
However, if there's a snitch among us,
I will tell him
that he's the reason why Huayan is in shamble.
It's me.
I gave the info to him.
During the night of the Lantern Festival,
Director Lin came to visit me.
He was upset
and stressed,
so I told him about Conpo's matter.
Didn't I tell you many times
not to tell anyone about it?
Especially Lin.
I know
but I don't understand.
Director Lin is also one of my superiors.
I'm his student.
I can't possibly treat him like he's a spy.
Also, I know him.
He won't collude with Conpo.
But the truth now
is that Conpo is ending this partnership.
Explain then.
You have been used.
Since I'm the one who leaked the secret,
I will deal with the consequences.
(Certificate) If someone
wishes to bring harm to Huayan,
I will not protect him.
What if that person
is your teacher?
What will you do?
Nonsense!
When did you give me any info?
When?
This is mud-slinging.
I get it now.
Tan Qi Zhang bought you off.
You see how outnumbered and weak I am now
so you pile on it.
You're all grown up, aren't you?
Grown up?
Mr. Lin, do you know how many years I've waited
to hear this from you?
I'm not good with words
but I tried my best to sell computers. I got a divorce.
I got assaulted when I was selling the computers.
All these so that you can say,
"Xu Yang, you've grown up."
Who knew I'd hear it under this
circumstance?
Thank you.
Enough!
To earn your approval,
I ran one errand after another.
I pulled one all-nighter after another.
You controlled me mentally,
you belittled me,
you insulted me with harsh words.
And all I wanted was one compliment from you.
Something like,
"Xu Yang, you're a good student."
Xu Yang.
Calm down.
You are teacher and student.
You two can talk things through.
What is wrong with you two?
You've been working together for many years.
Why let emotions get the best of you?
Let's take a step back.
Say if Xu Yang told Lin something,
but that doesn't prove anything.
It's not like Lin will collude with Conpo
to tear down Huayan.
Tan Qi Zhang, once the negotiation is done,
we'll settle the score.
It's not urgent.
I still have my second question.
President, if we can find another
big computer enterprise
to replace Conpo and strike
a partnership with them,
does it mean we can
get out of the current predicament?
Are you joking?
The loan deadline is near.
Who can you find?
If we find such a corporation,
can we terminate our contract with Conpo?
Which corporations?
IEM? Hongbo?
Add Daile for good measures.
You know how big they are.
No way you can strike a deal
with one at such short notice.
Coincidentally,
I have a group of clients
coming in today.
Pei is now welcoming them.
We'll meet them soon.
(Huayan Technology Co., Ltd.)
I'm sorry, Man Huan Sheng.
These two are my clients.
Come here, please.
Come.
See you.
Aren't they from Hongbo?
Oh, no!
Go now!
President, allow me to introduce them.
This man here
is the Deputy CEO of Hongbo from the U.S. HQ,
Mr. James.
This one is our president.
This one is
Hongbo China Regional Manager,
Alex.
President.
Welcome.
Hello, Mr. Zheng.
Have a seat.
We're honored to be invited by Mr. Tan
to come here.
Hongbo holds Huayan's
sales network and reputation
in high regard.
When we know
the partnership between Conpo and Huayan
is about to end,
we realize that this is our chance.
We have negotiated with Mr. Tan and Mr. Pei
for quite some time.
Hongbo is more than willing to collaborate with Huayan on agencies.
Our visit to China
is to negotiate with Mr. Zheng and Mr. Tan
on the framework of agencies
of our partnership.
Wonderful news.
Why didn't you say earlier?
President,
we hid it out of respect to Conpo, who is
our business partner.
Only when Conpo terminates the contract
are we allowed to negotiate
with Hongbo.
What is happening, Mr. Lin?
What do you mean?
This is just an accident.
You have to believe me.
We believed you
but you let the situation get out of control.
I'm sorry.
Conpo never wanted
to terminate this partnership.
There is a misunderstanding.
We're willing to renegotiate
with Huayan.
We are even willing to formulate
a strategy together with Hongbo.
Mr. Wu.
You were so determined in terminating just now.
Your retraction
puts everyone in an uncomfortable position.
It's all Lin Yi Min's doing.
He asked us to do that.
Nonsense!
President, don't worry.
I have planned everything out.
There shouldn't be any problem.
Seems like I misjudged a person.
At this point,
Lin Yi Min is definitely implicated.
But the main fault lies in me.
Sorry for putting you through this.
Not at all, President.
It's a valuable lesson for us.
Finish the negotiation then.
Huayan needs you.
I feel reassured knowing you're managing it.
Don't worry.
I'll leave then.
Man, send him off.
President, careful.
Director Tan.
How's the negotiation?
Unanimous agreement.
Hongbo and Conpo
reached a non-exclusive agency agreement.
We've won this war.
Director Tan, you awed me.
You turned the tide
when the odds were stacked against you.
I believe in the axiom,
good will begets good support, bad will begets isolation.
So you have set this trap for a while,
waiting for Director Lin to fall for it.
In the end,
he was too eager to eliminate me.
I'm just a part of your plan then.
You wanted me
to leak the info to Lin Yi Min.
Your words about the Seven Star Lanterns
were for me as well.
You implied that I was Wei Yan
because you knew I would come up and clarify.
You know which button to push.
Xu Yang.
I didn't plan everything.
I merely bet on your moral integrity.
It's normal that Lin Yi Min lost to you.
You're far scarier than him.
Oh, well.
You believe what you want to believe.
But I have an honest remark for you.
I see your worth.
From now on,
you'll be given more important tasks.
He was my teacher, after all.
I already made up my mind when I decided
to turn against him.
I'm here to resign.
Okay.
In that case,
I'll write a recommendation letter to President.
You can continue working for the faculty.
There's no need.
I appreciate it,
but I can't turn back now.
I want to try my luck outside.
Farewell.
(Vice General Manager)
(BBQ Beef Tendon, Braised Peanuts, Smacked Cucumber)
Why are you here?
Aren't you supposed to be celebrating
beside Tan Qi Zhang?
I turned against you today
not to spite you.
Not to earn Tan Qi Zhang's favor either.
Why then?
I can't let you destroy Huayan.
Also,
everyone says
I'm Lin Yi Min's pet.
So I did something big today.
I showed them
that I'm not a pet.
I'm a human.
Destroy Huayan? Me?
I built Huayan
from the ground up.
Why would I destroy it?
Curse that Tan Qi Zhang.
He
Was relentless and tenacious, pushing me aside.
I have no other option left
so I bet everything on this one last fight.
I want to win so badly!
I thought I was thinking one step ahead.
But
he was one step ahead.
So I lost.
I came here to tell you
that I've resigned.
Mr. Lin.
This might be my last time calling you this as your student.
Farewell.
You sound... weary.
Yes, too many things have happened.
The situation twists and turns
like the rollercoaster.
Xiao Chuang is gone.
You're abroad.
Director Lin also left Huayan.
And even Xu has resigned too.
Everything happened so quickly.
Nothing is the same.
Cheer up.
I'm still the same.
Also,
change is good.
What if everyone becomes better?
But I miss
the budding Huayan.
After I woke up,
Xiao Chuang would holler like the brat he is.
Xu would read the newspaper silently.
Man Huan Sheng would fill
the thermal bottle with warm water.
Xu Yi Wan would hit Qi Rong Bin ten times a day.
Good old days.
You said change is good.
But I can't feel it.
Well, that's just you.
In my heart,
you're becoming better and better.
I hope so.
I just hope
one thing will never change.
I won't change.
I won't either.
See you.
(General Manager)
(Folder)
Director Lin. Let me see you off.
(Product system. Product introduction)
I can't believe
you will be the one to send me off.
Tan Qi Zhang
found a hidden gem like you.
That's his gift
but also his luck.
You flattered me.
Here will do.
Goodbye, Director Lin.
Take care.
Just some friendly advice from me.
I know Tan Qi Zhang
better than all of you.
If he can treat me this way,
he'll do the same to you too.
Be careful.
Thank you for the advice.
However, I believe in Director Tan.
There's a Chinese opera called
Theft of the Imperial Horse.
It's a story between Dou Er Dun
and Huang San Tai.
The two of them agreed to spar.
They could only use their limbs.
No assassination tool.
But Huang San Tai
was someone crafty.
I know the story.
Huang San Tai
hurt Dou Er Dun with an assassination tool, right?
Just like how Lin
wanted to drag me down.
But you won eventually.
The renewal of Conpo's contract was just a decoy.
Truth be told,
we can't make it to renew the contract.
So
Why not bait Lin instead?
So asking Xu Yang to come
to the meeting earlier this year
was part of the plan too?
Yes.
You guys worried that he might tell Lin
but I worried
that he might not.
Got it?
So you bet on him
from the get-go?
I didn't say that.
I bet on you.
If you couldn't bag Hongbo,
then nothing would have worked.
Director Tan.
That was a beautiful battle.
But...
But what?
I don't have the word for it.
Unscrupulous, you mean?
But think about this,
if Lin wasn't planning
to undermine me,
then he wouldn't have been where he is today.
I'll teach you that opera one day.
It'll be fun.
Director Tan.
Singing requires talent.
I don't have it.
Fine.
So be it.
Eat. We have a press interview later.
Mister, can I have some soup?
Okay.
Mr. Tan?
I'm sorry. Continue, please.
As one of the homegrown computer brands,
Huayan is now famous and reputable.
Now that you own Huayan,
what will be your next step?
As we all know,
the IT industry
faced a huge challenge
last year.
Huayan was affected by it too,
but we managed to stand our ground.
Our next step
is to
continue developing our own brand
with an iron will.
Grow and nurture Huayan
so that it can be the pride of our national brands.
This is my wish
as well as the wish of all
Huayan's staff.
Come in.
Mr. Tan.
The dinner party for the representatives
of Hongbo and Conpo is ready.
This is your suit for tonight.
Besides, our esteemed guests have also prepared fireworks
to celebrate
your promotion to General Manager.
It's not a big deal.
No need for fireworks.
Today is an important day for Huayan.
We should celebrate.
Oh, Ms. Shu.
Please stay for tonight too
to support us.
Sure. I don't plan to leave anyway.
Good.
Leave the brightest spot
to Ms. Shu then.
Noted.
Thanks, Mr. Tan.
To thank you,
I have one more question.
Go ahead.
(Huayan Technology Co., Ltd.)
(I have one last question.)
Use one word
to describe the first half of your life.
And what do you make of
the ups and downs in your career?
If I have to use one word
to describe my journey,
that will be faith.
Even when Huayan was at rock bottom,
I never thought of letting go.
For me,
Huayan is my child.
(Vice General Manager) Director Tan!
- Congratulations, Director Tan. - Thank you.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Pei, bring your glass here.
Come.
Okay.
Come, we're in this together.
May our partnership prosper.
Thank you.
Can't wait to work with you.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Congratulations.
Ms. Shu, here.
Thank you for your surveillance,
or else,
we wouldn't have been developing this quickly.
You are welcome. Congratulations.
Come.
Let's raise our glass
and have a toast.
Okay.
- Cheers! - Cheers!
=Our Times=
♪ The vicissitudes of life ♪
♪ Treacherous like the weather ♪
♪ Is this true or fake? ♪
♪ Who can tell me? ♪
♪ My youthful passion ♪
♪ Fuels my bravado ♪
♪ Who can understand ♪
♪ How I feel now? ♪
♪ The waves are choppy ♪
♪ But I will not settle for the ordinary ♪
♪ The tower might be high but I can climb ♪
♪ My ambition is as loud as the ringing bell ♪
♪ Reverberating in my chest ♪
♪ Facing the gusty wind ♪
♪ It cleared the thoughts in my heart ♪
♪ Ups and downs, I'll face it with a smile ♪
♪ The faraway light calls for me ♪
♪ So I brave the wind again ♪
♪ The wind that signals the changing of time ♪
♪ My undying faith shall be reborn ♪
♪ Only with love and integrity that you can get to the end ♪
♪ After this long journey ♪
♪ Who will remain as a hero? ♪
♪ That gusty wind ♪
♪ Oh, that gusty wind ♪
♪ The thick mist ♪
♪ Is like the doubts in my heart ♪
♪ It feels so real ♪
♪ It can't be fake ♪
♪ Let the naysayers be ♪
♪ They mock my stubbornness ♪
♪ Success or failure ♪
♪ They serve a purpose ♪
♪ The waves are choppy ♪
♪ But I will not settle for the ordinary ♪
♪ The tower might be high but I can climb ♪
♪ My ambition is as loud as the ringing bell ♪
♪ Reverberating in my chest ♪
♪ Facing the gusty wind ♪
♪ It cleared the thoughts in my heart ♪
♪ Ups and downs, I'll face it with a smile ♪
♪ The faraway light calls for me ♪
♪ So I brave the wind again ♪
♪ The wind that signals the changing of time ♪
♪ My undying faith shall be reborn ♪
♪ Only with love and integrity that you can get to the end ♪
♪ After this long journey ♪
♪ Who will remain as a hero? ♪
♪ That gusty wind ♪
♪ Oh, that gusty wind ♪
♪ Facing the gusty wind ♪
♪ It cleared the thoughts in my heart ♪
♪ Ups and downs, I'll face it with a smile ♪
♪ The faraway light calls for me ♪
♪ So I brave the wind again ♪
♪ The wind that signals the changing of time ♪
♪ My undying faith shall be reborn ♪
♪ Only with love and integrity that you can get to the end ♪
♪ After this long journey ♪
♪ Who will remain as a hero? ♪
♪ That gusty wind ♪
♪ Oh, that gusty wind ♪