Be Together Episode 18 Recap
> Be Together Recap
At the ODC International Programming Contest award ceremony, Yan Chang Jun took the stage. He began his speech by humbly stating he had nothing new to share, having already given a detailed industry talk a month prior. However, he mentioned the dean had urged him to speak again to broaden the students' horizons.
He then announced that an important person was in the audience: his junior schoolmate, Xu Cheng Yi, the CEO of SG Technology and the winner of the very first ODC gold award. Yan Chang Jun proposed that instead of him rambling, he and Xu Cheng Yi should have an on-the-spot competition to serve as practical learning for the students. The crowd responded enthusiastically, and Xu Cheng Yi was invited to the stage.
Watching the live broadcast on TV, Xue Ning immediately recognized Yan Chang Jun's move as a ploy to challenge Xu Cheng Yi. She instructed her subordinates, Maggie and Yoyo, to each draft a public announcement in preparation for Xu Cheng Yi's potential loss, emphasizing that winning was less important than being prepared for a defeat. She also told Amy to monitor online discussions and extract significant comments regarding the event.
Yan Chang Jun then revealed details about the upcoming "Confidante Planet" app, co-developed with SG Technology, and announced an extensive collaboration between NK Technology and SG Technology. Xu Cheng Yi agreed about the mutual benefits of such a partnership. Yan Chang Jun then suggested they use their competition to iron out "minor discrepancies" in their collaboration policies. He presented a challenge: if Xu Cheng Yi won, they would adopt SG's collaboration plan, and NK would provide funding for "Confidante Planet."
If Yan Chang Jun won, they would follow his plan, with an additional requirement: Xia Yan, an outstanding operations talent at SG Technology who led the "Confidante Planet" project, would join NK Technology in a leading role. Yan Chang Jun emphasized that in the 21st century, the fight was for talent. Xia Yan, sitting in the audience, immediately stood up and objected.
Yan Chang Jun tried to reassure her, saying she would still manage "Confidante Planet" at NK Technology and that her move would benefit both companies. He even provocatively questioned if she lacked confidence in Xu Cheng Yi. However, Xu Cheng Yi firmly refused the challenge, stating that SG Technology also highly valued its employees and he would not risk losing such an outstanding talent in a bet.
Observing this turn of events on television, Xue Ning looked visibly disheartened, and those around her noticed her disappointment. On their way back from the event, Xia Yan asked Xu Cheng Yi why he had been so quiet. She questioned his refusal to compete, admitting her own opposition had been impulsive.
Xia Yan worried that finding another partner for "Confidante Planet" would be difficult, as NK Technology was the most suitable collaborator and the app was due to launch in a week. Xu Cheng Yi explained that from SG Technology's perspective, they had already profited from the pre-launch marketing generated by Yan Chang Jun. He clarified that Yan Chang Jun would have collaborated with SG Technology regardless, driven by market demand; the only variable was the business plan.
By refusing to compete, Xu Cheng Yi forced Yan Chang Jun to take the initiative in contract negotiations, securing more favorable terms for SG Technology. Xia Yan wondered if this whole scenario was a collaboration between the two men to deceive everyone. Xu Cheng Yi confirmed that Yan Chang Jun benefited too, as NK Technology was seeking financing and preparing to relist on the stock market.
Xia Yan pressed him, asking if Yan Chang Jun was so confident in Xu Cheng Yi's refusal because of some past event. Xu Cheng Yi responded that everything he said on stage was genuinely true, indicating his sincerity about not wanting to lose Xia Yan. He then informed her that he would be away on a business trip to America for about a week, reassuring her not to worry about the fallout from the day's events, promising, "I'm here.
I won't let you face it alone." Xia Yan later reflected on Xu Cheng Yi’s words, feeling a deeper connection with him. Meanwhile, Xue Ning summoned Cai Xin, a talent signed by SG Technology. Xue Ning informed Cai Xin that her contract was being terminated due to a report of her privately accepting an advertisement from a small company without approval and publishing false propaganda on "Show Me."
Cai Xin admitted to the ad and offered to return the money, delete the vlog, handle PR, or post an apology, pleading for the contract not to be terminated. Xue Ning then added that Cai Xin was also reported for falsely inflating expenses, showing her an inconsistent invoice and spending record. Cai Xin questioned the accusation, dismissing the amount as trivial and asking for evidence.
She then asserted that Xia Yan had helped pay for most of her expenses and could prove her innocence. Xue Ning then revealed that it was Xia Yan who had reported Cai Xin for violating the rules regarding private work. The next morning, Xia Yan arrived at the office to find everyone there unusually early.
Amy explained that after witnessing Xu Cheng Yi's actions towards Xia Yan the previous night, Xue Ning's mood had been terrible, prompting everyone to arrive early to avoid her wrath. At a team meeting, Xue Ning announced that Xia Yan had ranked first in the internal promotion interviews and would soon be promoted to supervisor, commending her outstanding results despite her short tenure and encouraging others to learn from her.
Maggie, one of Xia Yan's colleagues, felt disheartened, but Xia Yan tried to reassure her that their scores were only one point apart. Shortly after, Li Jing from the Internal Investigation Department arrived and asked to speak with Xia Yan about some financial irregularities related to Cai Xin's accounts, which Xia Yan had managed. Li Jing stated that Cai Xin had reported Xia Yan, accusing her of instructing her to submit falsified accounts and split the income.
Xia Yan denied the charges, asking for evidence and calling it "fabricated slander." Li Jing presented records of four transfers totaling over ¥14,000 from Cai Xin to Xia Yan. Xia Yan explained these were repayments for items she had paid for with her own card, insisting that Cai Xin had indeed purchased the items. Li Jing also brought up Xia Yan's father's recent surgery, implying financial difficulties.
Xia Yan confirmed the surgery but stated she had sufficient savings and would never resort to such dishonest means. Li Jing questioned why Cai Xin would harm both her own and Xia Yan's reputation if the accusations were false, especially after posting about it online. Xia Yan maintained her innocence, insisting that the investigation would reveal the truth.
Li Jing informed her that a full investigation would be launched, emphasizing the importance of public opinion for a listed company like SG Technology. Xia Yan reiterated her denial, stating she would not admit to something she didn't do. Li Jing warned that if the company couldn't find evidence to refute Cai Xin's claims within 72 hours, legal action would be pursued. Xia Yan tried to call Cai Xin, but her phone was off.
Seeing Xue Ning watching her from her office, Xia Yan recalled previous incidents where Xue Ning seemed to be targeting her, suspecting Xue Ning might be orchestrating the current situation. Xue Ning called Xia Yan into her office, leaving the door open. She demanded to know why Xia Yan hadn't informed her about Cai Xin's report, dismissing Xia Yan's explanation that the investigation department had asked for confidentiality.
Xue Ning asserted that Xia Yan, as her subordinate, should report all issues to her immediately, even if Xu Cheng Yi had requested secrecy. She warned Xia Yan about the severe consequences this matter could have for both her and Xu Cheng Yi. Xue Ning urged Xia Yan to resign at once, promising to suppress the matter for her. Xia Yan firmly denied any wrongdoing.
Xue Ning retorted that verbal denial was insufficient, demanding proof of being framed; otherwise, the entire operations department and SG Technology would face humiliation. She warned that further investigation could lead to legal proceedings, and potentially to the public security bureau. Xia Yan countered, suggesting Xue Ning should be more concerned about the consequences, as the receipts in question had passed through Xue Ning's hands as well.
She accused Xue Ning of risking her own professional reputation just to force her out of SG Technology. Xue Ning dismissed Xia Yan, stating they would soon discover the truth, and then angrily told Xia Yan to leave. Shortly after, Xia Yan received messages from Amy confirming that Cai Xin was unreachable, had moved, and was rumored to be signing with NK Technology.
Xia Yan immediately set out to find Cai Xin, also sending a message to Xu Cheng Yi about her predicament. Xu Cheng Yi, in America, then called Xue Ning to inquire about the investigation. Xue Ning explained that an influencer had reported falsified accounts handled by Xia Yan, accusing Xia Yan of instructing her to create them. Xu Cheng Yi quickly dismissed the accusation, stating Xia Yan would never do such a thing.
Xue Ning insisted she couldn't be sure and that they should await the investigation results. She deflected Xu Cheng Yi's concern, telling him to focus on his forum, calling the matter trivial, and reiterating that the investigation department would handle it within 72 hours. Xu Cheng Yi acknowledged her words.
Xu Cheng Yi then instructed his assistant to book a flight for him to return early the next morning, despite having a scheduled speech on the Sedop algorithm and important client meetings requested by the chairman. He moved the client meetings to that same evening, prioritizing his return. He then called Xia Yan, reassuring her that he believed in her and urging her not to feel pressured.
He promised to be back soon and vowed not to let her face the situation alone. Next, Xu Cheng Yi called Yan Chang Jun, inquiring about Cai Xin and her potential signing with NK Technology. Yan Chang Jun confirmed Cai Xin was negotiating with his company and had told him the "truth." Xu Cheng Yi then asked Yan Chang Jun for a favor.
Yan Chang Jun, surprised by Xu Cheng Yi's request, demanded that Xu Cheng Yi publicly apologize for "betraying" him and "privately selling" the software they had co-developed years ago. Xu Cheng Yi flatly refused, and Yan Chang Jun ended the call. Xia Yan, however, met with Yan Chang Jun shortly after. Yan Chang Jun offered her a contract for collaboration with NK Technology, but Xia Yan instead asked for his help in finding Cai Xin.
Yan Chang Jun expressed skepticism, believing Cai Xin, who intended to frame her, wouldn't easily give up. Xia Yan insisted she still wanted to try. Impressed by her determination, Yan Chang Jun noted her unwavering confidence. He then offered his help on the condition that after completing the first season of their collaboration, Xia Yan would join NK Technology.
Xia Yan refused this condition, even as Yan Chang Jun warned of the lasting damage this scandal could inflict on her career if not properly handled. Xia Yan asserted that as long as she worked hard, she would have a clear conscience regardless of the outcome. Yan Chang Jun, intrigued by her resolve, then gave her Cai Xin's new address, telling her not to disappoint him.
Xia Yan found Cai Xin, who was arguing with her boyfriend over a parking ticket. Xia Yan attempted to talk to Cai Xin, showing her the receipts she had collected from stores, proving that Cai Xin had indeed purchased the items Xia Yan had paid for. She urged Cai Xin to clarify the matter with the company to avoid legal consequences. Cai Xin's boyfriend intervened, dismissing Xia Yan's concerns and insulting her. Just then, Lin Hao arrived.
Outraged by the boyfriend's words, Lin Hao confronted him, demanding an apology. A fight ensued. Xia Yan desperately tried to stop them, telling Lin Hao that violence was not the answer and that his actions were for his own ego, not for her. She told him not to seek her out again. Lin Hao, agitated, then revealed his deeper insecurities, explaining that he had pursued graduate school in Beijing to become stronger than her, to prove he was not inferior.
He expressed resentment that she would ask him to abandon his hard-won achievements in Beijing to return to Xinzhou. He also misinterpreted her offer to buy him a car as a condescending gesture, believing she viewed him as a "free driver." He accused her of abandoning him like a "rag" after meeting Xu Cheng Yi and lamented feeling unworthy to even associate with her friends.
Xia Yan, realizing how deeply she had misunderstood Lin Hao during their seven years together, found him "beyond reason." Despite his desperate pleas for another chance, Xia Yan firmly told him, "There is no 'us' anymore." Meanwhile, Xu Cheng Yi held his client meeting. He explained the concept of their Sedop algorithm but stated it was still under confidentiality and could not be demonstrated or officially released.
The guests, who had heard rumors that SG Technology planned to sell the algorithm, were surprised and questioned how he intended to sell it if it remained confidential. Xu Cheng Yi clarified that while they had been developing the algorithm for six years, they were not in a hurry to sell it. Their immediate goal was to understand the clients' views and expectations regarding the algorithm, without disclosing specific details.
