Ordinary Glory Recap, Plot, Synopsis

> Ordinary Glory

Ordinary Glory Synopsis

Wu Kezhi, the manager of Jin Chen Capital, has a sharp investment vision and an unruly personality.

Because he is not good at getting along with his superiors, there is a gap between him and Qu Zhonghui, a senior executive of the company, and he is not put in an important position by the company.

The company suddenly sends Sun Yiqiu, a trainee with an average education and no experience, to join Wu's department.

Wu Keizhi is very reluctant to accept him. At this critical moment, Sun Yiqiu retains an important client and earns himself a valuable trial period.

During the process of working together, Wu gradually finds out about Sun's ability and strength, and he teaches him by example and guides him carefully so that Sun can grow rapidly.

Wu Kezhi also gradually become clear about his own perseverance and bottom line. The constant friction and collision, let the master and disciple gradually tacit understanding.

At an important time when the company is facing internal and external problems, this pair of ordinary masters and disciples, who are not favored by the company, save the company's reputation.

After a series of events, they have new ideas about their careers and make new choices.

Ordinary Glory Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

In a King Capital conference room, a meeting was underway with high-level executives awaiting Wu Kezhi to sign an agreement. Lin Yuming frantically called Wu Kezhi, who simply told him to stall. General Manager Ma grew impatient, remarking that they had waited over two hours, but President Zhu Zhijie insisted they wait for Wu Kezhi, stating he had promised Chief Wu. Manager Ma, asserting King Capital, not Wu Kezhi, was Zhu Zhijie's investor, became increasingly agitated and nearly walked out.

Just then, Wu Kezhi arrived, apologizing for the delay. He immediately declared that the contract could not be signed, explaining that the project lacked investment value from the company's perspective. President Zhu Zhijie was bewildered, reminding Wu Kezhi of his previous encouragement to persevere. Wu Kezhi calmly explained that while he had said that, Love Future's situation was not as dire then, and he now had to change his mind.

Manager Ma interjected, stating the Investment Committee had decided to invest and that Wu Kezhi didn't have the final say. Wu Kezhi conceded but firmly stated that as the project's person in charge, he had the authority to cancel it anytime and had already sent a report to the company while en route. Manager Ma, seeing the report, stormed out, and Wu Kezhi asked Zhu Zhijie to join him outside.

Wu Kezhi understood Zhu Zhijie's anger but explained his actions were for Zhu Zhijie's benefit. He revealed that King Capital didn't genuinely want Love Future but rather its core technology, intending to transfer it to Youneng using its stakeholder rights, effectively abandoning Zhu Zhijie and sacrificing Love Future in the market. Zhu Zhijie, disheartened, questioned how Love Future could become a "unicorn" if he was sacrificed.

Wu Kezhi acknowledged he should have noticed the problem sooner, noting that a small company's project approval shouldn't have been so easy. He recounted discovering from meeting minutes the previous night that King Capital's higher-ups hadn't discussed Love Future's future development at all, and had simultaneously invested in another AI company with overlapping research. This convinced Wu Kezhi that King Capital's true intention was to eliminate Love Future as a potential competitor.

He rushed in that morning to halt the collaboration and save Zhu Zhijie's company. Zhu Zhijie, however, was distraught, lamenting the destruction of his hope and accusing Wu Kezhi of making nonchalant decisions on his behalf. Wu Kezhi countered that "fake hope is the biggest trap," before Zhu Zhijie walked away, declaring he didn't need Wu Kezhi's perceived salvation. Later, Wu Kezhi received a call from Director Qu, who wished to discuss the Love Future contract.

They met at a familiar old haunt. Wu Kezhi presented a supplementary agreement he had drafted for Love Future, proposing that King Capital offer the founder at least 5% of shares to prevent him from losing everything. Director Qu responded that Zhu Zhijie needed to learn to be responsible for his own decisions. He then informed Wu Kezhi that the upper management had met and unanimously voted to fire him, but Director Qu had vetoed the decision.

Instead, starting the next day, Wu Kezhi would cease to be the leader of Integrated Team II, and a new Integrated Team IV would be established in the New Business Division, with Wu Kezhi appointed as its head. Director Qu wished him good luck. Wu Kezhi and Lin Yuming discussed the new arrangement, realizing it was a clever way to force Wu Kezhi out.

Lin Yuming angrily pointed out that all their hard-earned projects, resources, and connections would be transferred to Team II's successor, while Team IV was clearly intended as the "company's trash can," designed to handle the worst projects. Lin Yuming speculated that Director Qu sought to minimize the company's losses from Wu Kezhi's potential resignation while appearing magnanimous. He urged Wu Kezhi to leave, confident in his ability to find a better career.

But Wu Kezhi refused, stating he wasn't a "thorn that could be pulled out so easily." He tried to dissuade Lin Yuming from following him to Team IV, warning him of the difficulties ahead. Lin Yuming, however, remained resolute, affirming his loyalty and declaring they would build Team IV together.

Six months later, after leaving a particularly bad project dinner, Wu Kezhi and Lin Yuming were still lamenting the constant "trash" projects, with Lin Yuming advising against drinking with obviously bad clients. Wu Kezhi countered that without drinking, he wouldn't know they were swindlers. Meanwhile, Sun Yiqiu was moving goods at a supermarket when his mother called him home with "good news."

She presented him with a King Capital application form, explaining she had secured him a new white-collar office job through a friend. Sun Yiqiu was surprised, questioning if their family truly had such connections and what he could possibly do for a big company given his lack of skills. His mother insisted he start the next day, reminding him of his unemployment since quitting chess, a sensitive topic for him.

Sun Yiqiu, reflecting on his "useless self," resolved to give the opportunity a shot. The next morning, he put on his only suit, which was a bit too big, and left for King Capital with his mother's well-intentioned but poorly tied necktie, which he decided to fix later with an online tutorial.

Upon arrival, he was greeted by Gao Yue from HR, who, in the elevator, swiftly outlined King Capital's diverse operations and introduced Integrated Team IV under the New Business Division, where Sun Yiqiu would be working. Gao Yue led him to the Team IV office, which was empty as everyone was out. She instructed him to wait for someone to guide him and assured him that Chief Wu was kind to newcomers.

After a nervous wait, Lin Yuming rushed back, answering a call, then immediately pulled Sun Yiqiu into a client meeting without even a proper introduction. During the meeting, Sun Yiqiu silently recorded the discussion on his phone. Once the client left, Lin Yuming received another urgent call. He quickly instructed Sun Yiqiu to go to the main meeting room and convey the previous meeting's content to the Risk Control and Conventional teams, emphasizing the importance of this "coordination" task.

Sun Yiqiu entered the main meeting room timidly. Manager Pan of Risk Control impatiently asked him to summarize Lin Yuming's meeting with the client, pressing him for details like investment amounts and key conditions. Fumbling, Sun Yiqiu struggled to articulate anything from his notes. He then tried to play his voice recording, only to tangle his earphone wires in a frantic sweat.

Another intern, Gao Sicong, swiftly came to his aid, transcribing the recording and emailing the detailed report to everyone. After the meeting, a manager advised Gao Sicong to be polite to Sun Yiqiu, noting that he was a "parachute" recruit with unknown connections, despite appearing "stupid." Gao Sicong approached Sun Yiqiu, who was splashing water on his face, feeling out of place. Gao Sicong introduced himself and offered reassurance, telling Sun Yiqiu not to be nervous.

Sun Yiqiu, recognizing the stark difference between himself and this corporate world, resolved to stay, no matter what. Back at the office, Sun Yiqiu apologized to Lin Yuming for his poor performance in the meeting. Lin Yuming told him to be honest about his capabilities. He assigned Sun Yiqiu tasks like re-examining a business report, compiling a due diligence investigation report, and translating an English document. Sun Yiqiu, however, confessed he couldn't do any of them.

Meanwhile, other interns gossiped about Sun Yiqiu being hired without an interview or assessment. Lin Yuming took Sun Yiqiu to the rooftop and asked about his education. Sun Yiqiu awkwardly admitted he was only a high school graduate. When asked how he got into the company, Sun Yiqiu said his mother sent him. Lin Yuming initially speculated that Sun Yiqiu might be a rich "second-generation" with a powerful background or a "unicorn" bringing significant resources.

However, Sun Yiqiu clarified that his family did not run a business and had no "unicorn." Faced with Sun Yiqiu's lack of qualifications, connections, or basic skills, Lin Yuming advised him that in the corporate world, everyone carries a resignation letter, either from themselves or their superior, implying Sun Yiqiu should be prepared for the latter. Later, Wu Kezhi returned to the company to find a commotion outside.

Zhu Zhijie, disheveled and agitated, was being escorted away by security, desperately trying to get investors to look at his "Love Future AI" project. He no longer recognized Wu Kezhi, mistaking him for a boss to plead with. As Zhu Zhijie was led away, a flash of their past conversation replayed in Wu Kezhi's mind, with Zhu Zhijie's words about having his hope crushed echoing, followed by Wu Kezhi's own reply about "fake hope being the biggest trap."

Wu Kezhi watched with tears in his eyes. Back in the Team IV office, Sun Yiqiu greeted Wu Kezhi, who had returned from his own "trash" project. Wu Kezhi, upon learning Sun Yiqiu was the new intern, immediately challenged him, asking about his expectations for market changes in the next three years, then what kind of investor he aspired to be. Sun Yiqiu's smile faded, and he stammered, unable to answer. Wu Kezhi sighed, then asked him the most fundamental question: why he came to King Capital.

Episode 2 Recap

Wu Kezhi, the leader of Integrated Team IV, immediately questioned Sun Yiqiu on his first day, asking about the market changes he anticipated over the next three years. When Sun Yiqiu failed to answer, Wu Kezhi pressed him on his reasons for joining King Capital. Sun Yiqiu faltered, attempting to recite a generic description of King Capital, listing its investment sectors. Lin Yuming quickly urged him to "get to the point," but Sun Yiqiu struggled to articulate a personal reason.

To ease the awkwardness, Lin Yuming intervened, telling Wu Kezhi that Sun Yiqiu was new and still clueless. He then sent Sun Yiqiu to photocopy a document, directing him to the machine. In the photocopy room, Sun Yiqiu observed another intern, An Qianyi, politely but firmly declining a male colleague's invitation to a concert, stating she simply didn't want to go. Sun Yiqiu then fumbled with the photocopying machine.

Noticing his struggle, An Qianyi subtly prompted him, then patiently demonstrated the steps, pressing buttons and explaining the process. When he still couldn't manage, she stepped forward to assist him, correcting a mistake he made. This small act of help made Sun Yiqiu feel a sense of relief, realizing that not everyone in the company was as harsh as Wu Kezhi. He hoped the job might not be as difficult as he had initially imagined.

Back in the office, Lin Yuming remarked to Wu Kezhi that Sun Yiqiu, despite his inexperience, must be "special" to have been hired. Wu Kezhi, reviewing Sun Yiqiu's dismal resume – devoid of relevant education or work history – expressed disbelief. Lin Yuming confirmed that Sun Yiqiu claimed his mother sent him, but neither of them knew who she was. Incensed, Wu Kezhi marched to the HR department to confront Director Gao Yue.

Gao Yue explained that Sun Yiqiu's hiring was "the management's idea" and she was simply "acting upon an order," subtly hinting at a higher authority involved. Returning to his office, Wu Kezhi, frustrated, muttered that Team IV was being treated like "a trash can." He then confronted Sun Yiqiu, who had just returned with the photocopied document, shoving the briefcase into his hands and telling him not to come to work the next day.

Zhou Qingyu quickly intervened, pulling Wu Kezhi away, while Lin Yuming tried to comfort Sun Yiqiu, assuring him that Wu Kezhi was just short-tempered and he'd get used to it. Outside, Zhou Qingyu suggested to Wu Kezhi that sending a high school graduate to his team was a deliberate move to make things difficult for him. Wu Kezhi immediately suspected Director Qu Zhong Hui.

Zhou Qingyu advised Wu Kezhi to endure, warning that challenging those in power at the company was futile. As the workday ended, Wu Kezhi coldly told Sun Yiqiu it was time to leave. However, Lin Yuming, as Sun Yiqiu packed his things, reminded him to return at 9 a. m. the next morning and not be late, reigniting a faint spark of hope in Sun Yiqiu.

Sun Yiqiu pondered his situation, seeing the office as a chessboard where everyone had a role, but he alone seemed to lack a clear position. Shortly after, Wu Kezhi received an urgent request for another client meeting. He instructed Lin Yuming to inform Mr. Daniel from Templeton Investments, with whom they had an an appointment, that he would try to be on time and Mr. Daniel should wait.

Moments later, Gao Sicong informed Lin Yuming that Manager Ma was holding a mandatory meeting in five minutes. Faced with conflicting schedules, Lin Yuming called Sun Yiqiu, who was waiting for a bus. Lin Yuming instructed Sun Yiqiu to go to the Grand Hyatt Hotel at 7 p. m. and stall Mr. Daniel, mentioning that Mr. Daniel spoke English. Sun Yiqiu rushed to the hotel and introduced himself to Mr. Daniel, only to realize he couldn't communicate effectively in English.

Wu Kezhi, upon learning that Sun Yiqiu had been sent, was furious, calling Lin Yuming "stupid" and fearing Sun Yiqiu would ruin the project. He rushed to the hotel. To his surprise, he found Sun Yiqiu and Mr. Daniel amicably playing chess. Mr. Daniel enthusiastically told Wu Kezhi that Sun Yiqiu had shown him an interesting game. As Mr. Daniel departed, he added Sun Yiqiu on WeChat, expressing his desire to play chess with him again.

After Mr. Daniel left, Wu Kezhi took Sun Yiqiu aside. He clarified that, despite Sun Yiqiu's cleverness in stalling, it wasn't enough to survive at King Capital. However, he admitted Sun Yiqiu had been helpful and decided to give him a chance. He asked Sun Yiqiu to define his "selling point" or "value" as a potential investment consultant, giving him one opportunity to answer.

Sun Yiqiu stated his selling point was being "hardworking," admitting his lack of knowledge and special skills but vowing to work harder than anyone else. Wu Kezhi immediately rejected this, having already seen his "diligence" on his resume. He argued that everyone in the company worked hard and climbed the ladder through fair competition, unlike Sun Yiqiu, who "took a lift and came up instantly."

Wu Kezhi dismissed him as a "trash project" with no value, stating that Team IV already handled too many such projects and didn't need another. He concluded by telling Sun Yiqiu to leave once his training period was over and seek opportunities elsewhere. Disheartened, Sun Yiqiu asked to be dropped off. He recalled his childhood, where his father had pushed him to become a national chess player, and the memory only deepened his despair.

Upon returning home, Sun Yiqiu found his mother asleep on the sofa, waiting for him. She awoke and asked about his day, to which he falsely replied that everything was fine and that he got along well with his colleagues. Later, he discovered his mother had bought him an expensive new suit. He complained about the unnecessary expense, intending to return it. However, his mother understood his underlying worry about losing his job and the money being wasted.

She told him the suit wasn't for others but to boost his own confidence, reminding him that once he'd entered the "battlefield," he shouldn't think of running away. She urged him that if he truly cared for her, he should wear the suit for as long as he could. Sun Yiqiu was left contemplating whether wearing this "armor" could truly transform him into a warrior. The next morning, with complex emotions, he re-entered the King Capital office building.

At the office, Gao Sicong offered to help An Qianyi carry a stack of reports, but she politely declined his assistance. In the elevator, An Qianyi nearly dropped her reports, and Sun Yiqiu quickly helped her retrieve them. She mentioned they were industry analysis reports, a task for all trainees. Meanwhile, Wu Kezhi noticed an unusual commotion around Manager Wang's office.

He learned that Yiwanxian, a client involved in a project personally assigned by Director Qu, was reneging on their agreement, demanding a reduction of King Capital's shares from 30% to 15% without altering the investment amount. Wu Kezhi realized this situation was being set up for him to take the blame. Manager Wang emphasized the company's directive to secure the project "without compromising." Wu Kezhi, though skeptical of Yiwanxian's trustworthiness, agreed to find a solution and requested additional personnel.

Lin Yuming assigned the interns a task to go to various restaurants and count customer numbers. He exempted An Qianyi, stating she had a "special task." When the most distant and challenging location, Pudong, remained unchosen, Sun Yiqiu volunteered, insisting it was his responsibility as part of Team IV. While Wu Kezhi negotiated with President Qiao of Yiwanxian, the interns fanned out.

Sun Yiqiu quickly realized that merely counting queue tickets was unreliable due to people leaving, necessitating entry into the restaurants for accurate data. An Qianyi, for her special task, entered a surveillance room, fabricating a story about a lost dog to gain access to CCTV footage. Sun Yiqiu, inside a restaurant, was noticed by a security guard, who, having observed his suspicious movements on CCTV, confronted him and eventually expelled him for loitering.

Meanwhile, An Qianyi, posing as a potential major buyer, convinced a seafood supplier to show her Yiwanxian's purchase invoices to prove his capacity. In the pouring rain, Sun Yiqiu stood outside the restaurant, meticulously counting heads, getting soaked and splashed by passing cars. During the negotiation, President Qiao asserted Yiwanxian's strong market position, claiming other firms were eager to invest.

Wu Kezhi challenged him, presenting real-time sales reports for Yiwanxian's Shanghai branches from that afternoon, alongside King Capital's estimated annual sales based on this data. He pointed out a glaring discrepancy, stating their figures were "more than five times the difference" from President Qiao's. President Qiao attempted to deflect, blaming the bad weather and asserting his data came from a "professional firm."

Wu Kezhi countered by showing how, even factoring in weekends and holidays, their lowest estimated average was still far from President Qiao's numbers. Then, he unveiled An Qianyi's findings: "These are the details of your purchases from your supplier." Wu Kezhi coldly stated that to reconcile President Qiao's sales figures with his actual purchases, Yiwanxian would have to be selling "one prawn for RMB 900. . . and one fish for RMB 3,500."

An agitated President Qiao demanded to know what Wu Kezhi wanted. Wu Kezhi replied that he wasn't trying to make trouble, but Yiwanxian needed to prove its value if it wanted to raise its price, warning about the rapid spread of news within the investment circle. He then directly asked President Qiao if he truly wanted to work with King Capital, to which President Qiao, cornered, conceded.

As the other interns returned to the office, Wu Kezhi asked about Sun Yiqiu, with Lin Yuming expressing surprise that he was still in Pudong so late. Sun Yiqiu eventually arrived, drenched from the heavy rain, only to find the office already empty.

Episode 3 Recap

Most of the interns had returned to the company, but Sun Yiqiu was still missing. Gao Sicong noticed Sun Yiqiu was not in their chat group and called him, only to find his phone switched off. Other interns made mocking remarks about Sun Yiqiu, with one saying he deserved it for volunteering to go to Pudong, and another suggesting he was too ashamed to return after failing.

Gao Sicong intervened, telling them to watch their words and that they were going overboard. Lin Yuming also attempted to call Sun Yiqiu, leaving a message, but confirmed his phone was off. Lin Yuming then questioned the other interns for not noticing Sun Yiqiu's absence from the chat group, for which Gao Sicong took responsibility, admitting his negligence.

Wu Kezhi, annoyed by the interns' laughter, dismissed the concern, stating Sun Yiqiu was an adult capable of taking care of himself, and urged everyone to go to dinner after a long day. When Sun Yiqiu finally arrived at the office, it was empty. He charged his phone and retrieved his soaked receipts from his bag.

He then saw a message from Gao Sicong indicating that everyone had left for dinner and shared the location, though the message also contained the mocking voices of other interns. Wu Kezhi, upon seeing Sun Yiqiu still working, told him to drop everything and go join the others for dinner, then returned to his own desk. Soaked from the rain, Sun Yiqiu rushed to the restaurant.

Through the window, he saw his colleagues enjoying their meal together, seemingly without waiting for him. He hesitantly entered, and upon seeing him, Lin Yuming and Gao Sicong quickly invited him to sit down. Lin Yuming raised a toast, thanking everyone for their timely data submission which helped expose Manager Qiao.

Gao Sicong apologized to Sun Yiqiu for his previous oversight, and Lin Yuming praised Sun Yiqiu’s data as the most comprehensive and accurate, subtly admonishing the others for not checking on him. Following Lin Yuming's prompt, several interns approached Sun Yiqiu to add him on WeChat. Lan Qianyi, feeling unwell from being caught in the rain, excused herself and left, with Gao Sicong offering to walk her out.

Later, walking home, Sun Yiqiu pondered Lin Yuming's advice about trying his best to fit in. He reflected that throughout his life, he had rarely belonged to any group, always feeling like he was fighting the current alone. The sudden warmth and friendliness from his fellow interns made him uneasy, as he sensed their underlying motives but found the feeling of acceptance irresistible, like an intoxication.

He later sent a message in the group chat about the rain stopping, only to receive dismissive and playful replies from other interns, further highlighting his struggle to truly connect. Manager Wang advocated for Wu Kezhi's promotion to Director Qu, highlighting his instrumental role in securing a recent contract.

Director Qu agreed to consider a raise for Wu Kezhi but set two conditions: Wu Kezhi must personally approach him, and he must find a suitable replacement for his current position in Team IV. When Manager Wang relayed this to Wu Kezhi, he outright refused to consider it, explaining that no one would willingly step into a role often perceived as a "trash can" or "scapegoat." Manager Wang urged him to think about his subordinates' futures.

Around the same time, Sun Yiqiu approached Lin Yuming, asking for work because he noticed other interns were all writing reports. Lin Yuming was surprised by Sun Yiqiu's unusual eagerness for what he described as a basic, often boring, and torturous task, but agreed to let him learn, provided he wouldn't demand Lin Yuming's time for teaching.

Wu Kezhi later discussed Lin Yuming's stagnant career, noting he had been a manager for over three years, and confessed that he felt responsible for holding him back. Wu Kezhi then entrusted Lin Yuming with the "Somersault Cloud" project, emphasizing its importance for Team IV and Lin Yuming himself, despite acknowledging that many others lacked faith in it.

Manager Wang confronted Wu Kezhi, questioning his strong confidence in the project, suggesting it was merely an attempt to help the founder, Liu Chang, make a comeback after his previous shared-bicycle venture failed spectacularly. Wu Kezhi countered that while Liu Chang's previous venture failed, he maintained his credibility. He asserted his belief that successful investment hinges on backing the right person, not just the project itself, as a capable individual will eventually yield returns.

Soon after, Wu Kezhi received a message confirming the Somersault Cloud project's approval. He immediately returned to Team IV, instructing them to prepare materials. Sun Yiqiu again offered his help, only to be dismissively told by Lin Yuming to fetch two cups of coffee. The other interns groaned about the demanding industry analysis reports, envying Gao Sicong for his competence and Sun Yiqiu for being spared such tasks, though Sun Yiqiu was merely fetching coffee.

Gao Sicong advised Sun Yiqiu that everyone has their own value and he shouldn't overexert himself. Sun Yiqiu, eager to contribute, offered to write an industry analysis report for the new project. However, Wu Kezhi vehemently rejected the offer, explicitly telling Lin Yuming not to let Sun Yiqiu get involved, stressing "especially him." Feeling increasingly irrelevant, Sun Yiqiu found himself with no real work.

Wu Kezhi then handed him an English finance dictionary, instructing him to memorize it all, sarcastically adding that it would at least help him "pretend" in the future. Undeterred, Sun Yiqiu approached Lin Yuming again, persistently asking for the new project materials. Lin Yuming, worn down, reluctantly agreed but warned him strictly to keep it a secret from Wu Kezhi.

Zeng Hao, also an intern, offered to do the report for Sun Yiqiu if he encountered trouble, claiming to be good at it, but Sun Yiqiu politely declined, insisting on doing it himself. Zeng Hao then shared that all interns rely on templates for their reports and offered guidance, which Sun Yiqiu gratefully accepted. After days and nights of diligent work, Sun Yiqiu presented his completed report to Lin Yuming, who was genuinely impressed by its quality and professional appearance.

Lin Yuming then showed the report to Wu Kezhi, who also deemed it "pretty good" and suggested writing a letter of recommendation for Sun Yiqiu. Later, Sun Yiqiu thanked Zeng Hao for the templates. During their conversation, Zeng Hao revealed he was recruited from college and didn't know anyone in upper management, asking if Sun Yiqiu could help introduce him if the opportunity arose. Sun Yiqiu, with a difficult expression, promised to help if he could.

However, while using Sun Yiqiu's computer, Wu Kezhi stumbled upon the project materials and templates. He confronted Sun Yiqiu publicly, demanding to know what they were and if he had written the report. Despite Lin Yuming's attempt to intervene, Wu Kezhi angrily ordered Sun Yiqiu to shred the report. A distraught Sun Yiqiu questioned why his report, which Wu Kezhi had just deemed "pretty good," was now worthless simply because he wrote it.

Wu Kezhi sternly explained that while other interns could use templates because they possessed foundational knowledge from their years of study, Sun Yiqiu, lacking even the slightest understanding of industry analysis, was not learning but merely copying and fabricating. He warned that such a report could severely jeopardize the company's judgment on the project, concluding that Sun Yiqiu had written it for his own ambition, not for the project's success.

The other interns openly discussed Sun Yiqiu's public reprimand, some gossiping that Wu Kezhi was unwise to offend a well-connected newcomer and attributing Wu Kezhi's stagnant career to his poor judgment. Gao Sicong announced an upcoming intern training session. On the rooftop, Lan Qianyi found Sun Yiqiu and offered comfort.

She confessed to being frequently reprimanded during her own first internship because she, too, had consistently overexerted herself in a desperate attempt to prove her worth, without questioning whether the things she was so hard-pressed to prove truly belonged to her. Lan Qianyi urged him not to be discouraged and suggested he go eat before the canteen closed.

Sun Yiqiu was left to ponder her words, questioning his purpose, the failures he endured, and his relentless efforts to prove himself, wondering if what he strived to prove was indeed his authentic self.

Episode 4 Recap

Despite his recent difficulties, Sun Yiqiu returned to the company for the intern training, much to the surprise of his colleagues who had expected him to quit. Lan Qianyi, however, seemed pleased to see him. Yu Wenli, the general manager of the TMT Department, led the training, explaining that the session would be live-streamed internally and that performance would factor into their final assessment.

She asked each intern to share their strengths, adding a rule that each speaker must first recap the strengths of those who spoke before them. Gao Sicong was the first to present, highlighting his impressive academic background, including a bachelor-master degree in finance from Fudan University, proficiency in Japanese and English, and experience as a guest writer for the China Internet Finance Summit and a three-year study period at Columbia University.

Zeng Hao followed, diligently recounting Gao Sicong's achievements before humbly stating his own strengths: diligence, honesty, and tenacity, mentioning his postgraduate studies from SWUFE and his origins in a mountain village in Guizhou. Li Xiaoxian then took the stage, quickly summarizing the preceding interns' points before declaring his own strengths as simply "talented and handsome," which prompted Yu Wenli to sharply criticize his "clever" act of labeling people.

Lan Qianyi, in her turn, precisely reiterated the strengths of her peers before stating that her own strength was not caring if she had any. Finally, it was Sun Yiqiu's turn. Lin Yuming watched intently from his computer. Sun Yiqiu nervously began by summarizing the strengths of his colleagues from his own perspective—seeing Gao Sicong as reliable, Zeng Hao as friendly and patient, others as outstanding and motivating, and Lan Qianyi as prideful yet helpful and honest.

He then introduced himself, explaining that his name, "Yi Qiu," implied a need to be focused and committed. He honestly revealed his background: 26 years old, never attended university, worked as a deliveryman, waiter, and driver, with no resources, background, or connections. He admitted he still didn't understand how he got into the company and wanted to clarify any misunderstandings.

When asked about his strengths, Sun Yiqiu argued that the question itself was flawed, as one's strengths depend entirely on whether they are needed by others. Yu Wenli was unexpectedly impressed by his answer, noting that he displayed the qualities of a professional investment consultant who remains calm and uninfluenced by surface information. Later, Lin Yuming suggested to Wu Kezhi that they shouldn't be too harsh on Sun Yiqiu, but Wu Kezhi responded that they shouldn't give him hope.

Sun Yiqiu later sought Zeng Hao's help to verify some unclear data points. Zeng Hao initially seemed to ignore him but eventually helped clarify the operating cash flow and cash flow from financing. Sun Yiqiu, grateful, apologized for any past misunderstandings and asked if they could be friends. Zeng Hao, in a characteristic manner, stated he had no friends. Sun Yiqiu also approached Wu Kezhi to apologize for a previous report.

Wu Kezhi told him there was no need to apologize for doing nothing wrong, only for being in the wrong place. He reiterated that he would not give Sun Yiqiu hope, stressing that "fake hope is the biggest trap in this world." He warned Sun Yiqiu that once his training was over, he wouldn't let him stay, urging him to leave with pride. Sun Yiqiu, however, declared that "nobody knows the result until the end of the game."

The next day, Sun Yiqiu was jostled out of the elevator by Li Xiaoxian, but Gao Sicong quickly led him to another elevator. Meanwhile, Director Qu inquired about Team IV's "Somersault Cloud" project to Manager Ma, who expressed skepticism, pointing out the major technical challenge of battery charging in bike-sharing services. Team IV was short-staffed, and while other teams had interns actively working, Sun Yiqiu felt unproductive. Lin Yuming assigned him the basic task of printing contracts.

While reviewing them, Sun Yiqiu discovered subtle yet critical differences: one copy included phrases like "in principle" and "strive to" in crucial clauses, which would render the original conditions useless. He immediately brought this to Wu Kezhi's attention. Recognizing the severity of the error, Wu Kezhi instructed Lin Yuming to verify the contracts with Sun Yiqiu. After confirmation, Wu Kezhi called President Qiao, using the ambiguous phrases to address the discrepancy, then ordered the contracts revised and reprinted.

He later told Lin Yuming that he should be grateful to Sun Yiqiu, as this oversight could have cost him his job. Sun Yiqiu went to the copy room with the corrected documents and noticed Zeng Hao looking unwell. Zeng Hao mentioned skipping breakfast and possibly having low blood sugar. Sun Yiqiu, leaving his own documents unattended, quickly went to get him some food.

Zeng Hao, feeling weak, inadvertently picked up one of Sun Yiqiu's documents by mistake and later dropped it in the lobby. Upon returning, Gao Sicong cautioned Sun Yiqiu never to leave documents unattended, as it could be treated as a security breach. Soon after, Director Qu arrived at Team IV's office, holding the document he had found in the lobby. Sun Yiqiu immediately tried to apologize, but Wu Kezhi angrily silenced him.

After Director Qu left, Lin Yuming expressed his deep disappointment, while Wu Kezhi erupted in a furious outburst, shouting that this was precisely why Sun Yiqiu did not deserve a chance and ordering him to leave Team IV immediately. Lin Yuming quickly led Sun Yiqiu away. Later, as Wu Kezhi calmed down, he noticed food stains on the recovered document. He recalled Sun Yiqiu earlier asking Lin Yuming for food for Zeng Hao, who was experiencing low blood sugar.

Wu Kezhi went to confront Zeng Hao, who remained silent as Wu Kezhi held the document. However, upon learning that Zeng Hao had a one-month-old baby, Wu Kezhi softened, tucking the document away, understanding the pressures of supporting a family. That evening, during a team dinner, a visibly drunk Zhou Qingyu made several indirect jabs at Wu Kezhi's lack of career progression, calling him childish.

He then urged Sun Yiqiu, who hadn't been drinking, to toast Zeng Hao for his help. Before Sun Yiqiu could pour a drink, Wu Kezhi intervened, asserting that Zeng Hao should be the one apologizing to Sun Yiqiu, as Sun Yiqiu had taken the blame for Zeng Hao's mistake that day.

Zhou Qingyu and Wu Kezhi’s argument escalated, with Zhou Qingyu accusing Wu Kezhi of bullying his intern and being jealous of his own promotion, suggesting the stains could have come from Wu Kezhi's team. Wu Kezhi vehemently defended Sun Yiqiu, declaring, "I won't allow you to bully my team member!" Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu had to pull Wu Kezhi away. Zeng Hao later approached Sun Yiqiu to sincerely apologize, admitting his cowardice for not standing up and taking responsibility.

Sun Yiqiu, however, acknowledged that he too had made a mistake first. Zeng Hao then asked if they were still friends. Wu Kezhi, witnessing Zeng Hao's confession, was pleased. He advised Zeng Hao to always take responsibility and remain honest, regardless of life changes, stressing that true happiness comes from living honestly. The following day, Wu Kezhi questioned Sun Yiqiu about taking the blame, knowing he hadn't been in the lobby.

Sun Yiqiu, while continuing an exercise Wu Kezhi had assigned him, confessed that he was indeed the one who lost the document, and regardless of how it happened, he felt he should take responsibility. Recalling Wu Kezhi's impassioned words the night before—"our Yiqiu" and "my team member"—Sun Yiqiu finally felt a profound sense of belonging. He realized he was no longer alone; he was Sun Yiqiu of Team IV.

Episode 5 Recap

Sun Yiqiu woke up early, helping his mother prepare breakfast to avoid the morning rush hour on the train. As he rode the elevator up to the office, he encountered Gao Sicong, who was surprised to see him arrive so early. Gao Sicong then asked if Sun Yiqiu had found a partner yet, clarifying that everyone needed a partner for this week's training, a notice he hadn't even sent out himself.

Meanwhile, in the underground garage, Wu Kezhi greeted Director Qu, who inquired about the progress of the Somersault Cloud project. Director Qu noted that many similar electric bike-sharing projects had stalled, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right people for success. Back in the office, Wu Kezhi instructed Lin Yuming to revise the analysis and the introduction of the founder, Liu Chang, to highlight his strengths.

Lin Yuming specifically asked if he should omit Liu Chang's past failures, but Wu Kezhi explained that his experience and the lessons learned from those failures were, in fact, his greatest advantages. Sun Yiqiu, ever observant, brought them coffee and then sought tasks. Lin Yuming handed him receipts to paste and deliver to the Finance Department, warning him not to make another mistake.

After reviewing Sun Yiqiu's completed work, Lin Yuming approved it for delivery, subtly wishing to himself that Sun Yiqiu could stay at the company. Wu Kezhi, overhearing Lin Yuming's distraction, told him to focus on anticipating questions for the upcoming meeting instead of worrying about subordinates. Wu Kezhi emphasized that while their idea of establishing charging piles at private gas stations seemed promising and had received positive initial feedback, silence from other departments did not equate to approval.

He stressed the need for concrete, signed contracts to eliminate any potential flaws before the investment meeting, and instructed Lin Yuming to go secure them. Interns buzzed about finding partners. Gao Sicong advised Sun Yiqiu to secure a partner quickly. Sun Yiqiu, feeling apprehensive, asked Gao Sicong what would happen if he couldn't find anyone.

Gao Sicong lightened the mood by joking that the worst outcome would be finding another job, then reassured him not to be so pessimistic, predicting someone would eventually approach him. Dejected, Sun Yiqiu passed Lan Qianyi, momentarily considering asking her to be his partner but ultimately holding back. Soon after, Li Xiaoxian directly approached Sun Yiqiu, asking him to consider being partners.

One by one, other interns followed suit, piling snacks on his desk as they all vied for his partnership. Sun Yiqiu was genuinely surprised by his sudden popularity. Despite her outstanding work ability, Lan Qianyi hadn't yet been approached to be a partner. Wu Kezhi praised her presentation slides and told her that she absolutely must join Team Four after her training period. He then asked if she had chosen a partner.

Lan Qianyi, like Sun Yiqiu, admitted she hadn't, expressing surprise that no one had asked her. Later, she invited Sun Yiqiu for coffee and proposed they become partners. Sun Yiqiu was elated but immediately worried he might burden someone as capable as her. Lan Qianyi, however, assured him that she had her own weaknesses and was confident they could succeed by working as a team.

Lin Yuming later advised Sun Yiqiu not to rush his decision, urging him to consider "why" he had suddenly become so sought after. He explained that people weren't choosing him as a partner but as a "pushover" or "cannon fodder." Because Sun Yiqiu was perceived as the least competent trainee, anyone partnering with him could easily highlight their own strengths. This revelation deeply shocked Sun Yiqiu, who lamented not having realized it.

Lin Yuming suggested it might be because he had never been in a competition, emphasizing that in competition, one must know both oneself and their opponent, and only inexperienced rookies would be so easily manipulated. Sun Yiqiu's expression darkened as he reflected on his misjudgment. He confessed that it wasn't a lack of competition experience but his failure to see them as opponents, driven by a desperate desire to fit in.

He felt isolated and like a worthless laughing stock, regretting his prolonged loneliness and missed opportunities for true companionship. He wondered if his life would be simpler if he had never pursued this path. While Sun Yiqiu was on the rooftop reflecting, Hao Shuai from the Consumer Goods Team approached him.

Hao Shuai explained he had been in Hangzhou for a due diligence investigation and hadn't met Sun Yiqiu before, but he had heard about him and wanted to be his training partner. Sun Yiqiu, still reeling from Lin Yuming's warning, immediately assumed Hao Shuai also saw him as a scapegoat. Hao Shuai, however, argued he chose Sun Yiqiu because he was "extraordinary."

He pointed out that Sun Yiqiu, despite lacking the typical qualifications and certificates for King Capital, had managed to get in and was determined to stay. Hao Shuai admired Sun Yiqiu's independent spirit and focus on his own path, claiming to value judgment and self-belief above all else. Back at the office, the interns gossiped about Hao Shuai, referring to him as "Poodle" due to both his hairstyle and his personality.

They recounted rumors that he was sent to Hangzhou because of his wealthy family's connections there, and that he had been accused of sexual harassment by multiple female colleagues in the PR Department shortly after joining the company. They speculated his connections prevented his dismissal. Meanwhile, Wu Kezhi angrily confronted Lin Yuming for being in the office instead of securing contracts with gas stations, criticizing him for merely calling instead of going in person.

Furious, Wu Kezhi ordered Lin Yuming to memorize every word of the project materials and then told Sun Yiqiu to accompany him. Wu Kezhi explained the concept of "cold-calling" to Sun Yiqiu, a method of directly contacting potential clients when no prior connections exist, describing it as "scouting with no vision." As heavy rain poured down, Wu Kezhi drove, making numerous calls to arrange meetings.

He consistently told Sun Yiqiu to wait in the car while he braved the rain to meet one manager after another. Sun Yiqiu, getting an umbrella from a convenience store, overheard Wu Kezhi persistently, even humbly, pleading with a manager for just five minutes to discuss adding charging piles, but the manager unequivocally refused. In another part of the office, Gao Sicong asked Lan Qianyi if she had found a partner, suggesting they could "join hands with another capable person."

Lan Qianyi, however, countered that it was more important to pick a partner one could get along with, rather than someone they would fight with. Sun Yiqiu and Wu Kezhi, having only secured three contracts, sat disheartened in a convenience store. Wu Kezhi, soaked from the rain, listened as Sun Yiqiu asked if securing collaborations was always so difficult. Wu Kezhi smiled, replying that this was "just the start."

Later, Sun Yiqiu, still troubled by the partner dilemma, sought Wu Kezhi's advice. Wu Kezhi explained that collaboration was simply about "making use of each other," and that one should work with anyone who can provide value. That night, Wu Kezhi returned to the office to find Lin Yuming still working. Lin Yuming apologized to Wu Kezhi, who then asked if he had memorized all the materials, revealing that Lin Yuming would be presenting at the next day's meeting.

After a night of deep thought, Sun Yiqiu approached Hao Shuai the following morning and announced his decision to team up. Hao Shuai asked what changed his mind. Sun Yiqiu explained that Hao Shuai possessed valuable due diligence experience that he lacked. He acknowledged Hao Shuai's obvious weaknesses but stated they didn't matter to him, expressing his belief that while no one is perfect, everyone has their own unique value. Hao Shuai, in turn, told Sun Yiqiu to remember this moment, as this decision would "change your fate completely."

Episode 6 Recap

Colleagues gossiped about Sun Yiqiu's unexpected choice of Hao Shuai as his partner, wondering what he was thinking, perhaps attributing it to their shared eccentricity. With all other interns paired, only Lan Qianyi and Li Xiaoxian remained. Lan Qianyi, expressing her strong distaste for Li Xiaoxian, requested to proceed without a partner altogether, but she was instructed to submit her confirmation promptly.

Wu Kezhi, preparing for the investment committee meeting, urged a nervous Lin Yuming to double-check his belongings, even reminding him about his pen, which Sun Yiqiu promptly handed over. Before they entered, Wu Kezhi gave Lin Yuming some last-minute advice on his posture and demeanor. Inside the meeting, they exchanged greetings with various managers and Director Qu.

During the meeting, a visibly nervous Lin Yuming began his presentation, explaining that it was his first time addressing the investment committee as a consultant and detailing the Somersault Cloud electric bike-sharing project. Meanwhile, Sun Yiqiu watched from outside. Gao Sicong joined him, suggesting that Wu Kezhi had deliberately given Lin Yuming this project to create an opportunity for him to shine.

Gao Sicong then mysteriously hinted that Sun Yiqiu would soon have a similar chance to prove himself, leaving Sun Yiqiu puzzled. Gao Sicong later gathered the interns to announce the week's critical training, stating it would likely determine who would be retained. He emphasized the seriousness of the task: working with their partners to find an investment project, develop a proposal, and present it on Friday during a mock investment committee meeting.

He warned that senior management, besides Manager Yu, might also be present, advising them to be prepared for this simulation of a real investment consultant's experience. During the investment meeting, Lin Yuming's presentation of the Somersault Cloud electric bike-sharing project received initial positive feedback, with managers acknowledging its promising market prospects and efficiency for short-distance commutes.

Wu Kezhi even presented signed agreements with private gas stations to address charging concerns, an unconventional move that sparked discussion but was ultimately seen as bold and effective. However, Manager Ma then introduced a critical challenge, presenting images and headlines about electric bike fires and charging safety regulations, strongly questioning the project's viability amidst policy risks. This led to a heated exchange between Wu Kezhi and Manager Ma. Director Qu intervened, acknowledging both the project's potential and the policy risks.

Ultimately, Director Qu declared that the final decision-making power for the project would rest with Wu Kezhi, stating that she would respect whatever choice he made, whether he followed the trend or went against the odds. After the meeting, Lan Qianyi gave Sun Yiqiu and Hao Shuai a chilly glance as she left, while Li Xiaoxian unsuccessfully tried to follow her.

Sun Yiqiu later asked Hao Shuai about their project, to which Hao Shuai responded that he was leaving the entire selection and proposal writing to Sun Yiqiu. Hao Shuai claimed his own capabilities were already recognized by the company, making the current tests mere formalities for him. He stated that it was now Sun Yiqiu's turn to work hard and stand out, promising only to check the proposal after Sun Yiqiu completed it.

Sun Yiqiu was left bewildered by this arrangement. Lin Yuming was confused by Director Qu's decision to hand over the final say. Wu Kezhi explained that Director Qu was not extending trust but rather absolving the company of responsibility, effectively forcing them to "fend for themselves." He elaborated that typically, approved projects carry corporate risk, empowering consultants to be bold.

However, Director Qu's words had stripped away this corporate shield, meaning any failure would be deemed an individual mistake, potentially leading to their dismissal. Wu Kezhi stated that while he was prepared to risk his own career, he could not gamble with Lin Yuming's future. He expressed deep regret for overlooking this potential issue, feeling that all their hard work might now be in vain.

Wu Kezhi made the difficult decision to reject the shared electric bike project, informing Manager Wang and offering a personal explanation to the founder. When he found Lin Yuming still at the office, looking fatigued, Lin Yuming apologized for not sleeping well.

Wu Kezhi expressed concern for Lin Yuming's well-being and offered to take over the urgent task of compiling acquisition materials for Shengcai Fresh Produce, urging Lin Yuming to go home and rest, reassuring him that his promotion prospects were not hopeless despite this setback. Sun Yiqiu, noticing the team's low morale, approached Wu Kezhi and asked if he could help, but Wu Kezhi simply told him to focus on his own responsibilities.

In the printing room, Lan Qianyi saw Sun Yiqiu poring over a list of recommended projects for the internship task and politely offered assistance, which he declined. Soon after, Li Xiaoxian approached Lan Qianyi, attempting to pull her away to discuss their project, but Lan Qianyi rebuffed him, annoyed by his physical contact and his reputation. Meanwhile, Sun Yiqiu began searching for projects, receiving an encouraging "Good luck!" text from Hao Shuai.

However, when Sun Yiqiu presented a chosen project, Hao Shuai, via text, flatly rejected it as "not good enough" and urged him to find something more "eye-catching." Confused, Sun Yiqiu called Hao Shuai, asking for clarification and examples.

Hao Shuai, in a noisy environment and clearly distracted, vaguely described an "eye-catching" project as something "sexy, alluring, and exhilarating" that one "can't resist," before telling Sun Yiqiu to look at past successful projects himself and not bother him with such "trivial" matters. Seeking further guidance, Sun Yiqiu approached Lin Yuming, asking what constituted a "good project" and how to choose one. Lin Yuming responded with a vague, almost cynical, answer about life's unanswerable questions.

Shortly after, Lin Yuming instructed Sun Yiqiu to shred a pile of documents from Wu Kezhi's desk. As Sun Yiqiu fed the "Proposal for Somersault Cloud Electric Bike-Sharing Project" into the shredder, he felt a profound sense of loss and disillusionment, reflecting on repeated failures and the perceived worthlessness of effort without tangible results.

Gao Sicong, observing Sun Yiqiu, remarked that staring too long at the shredder could evoke a feeling of "all hopes lost," as if everything was a game where one always returned to square one, their efforts amounting to nothing. Sun Yiqiu, however, concluded that even if he ended up back at square one, he would at least learn what he truly desired.

Li Xiaoxian approached Lan Qianyi, criticizing her chosen underwater vehicle project as "too ordinary" and suggesting she pick one from the company's shortlisted list instead of doing things "the hard way." Lan Qianyi, annoyed, retorted that she was making her own decisions. Later, Gao Sicong brought Lan Qianyi a cake from Manager Yu, empathizing with her stress.

He then probed, asking if she initially wanted Sun Yiqiu as a partner, noting that Sun Yiqiu was highly sought after, with interns choosing him to make themselves look better by comparison. Lan Qianyi pondered if Sun Yiqiu believed she had chosen him for the same opportunistic reason. Serendipitously, Sun Yiqiu and Lan Qianyi met. They both admitted to having difficult partners.

Sun Yiqiu then asked why she hadn't chosen him, wondering if she worried he would "steal the show" or exploit her. Lan Qianyi clarified that she chose him precisely because he seemed to focus on proving himself rather than undermining competitors. She expressed regret that he misunderstood her intentions. Acknowledging that their partnership choices were now set, they wished each other luck and promised to apologize properly if they both passed the test.

That night, Sun Yiqiu, after being interrupted while trying to make a delivery, called Hao Shuai to discuss their project. Hao Shuai, clearly at a noisy nightclub, was difficult to hear. He briefly stepped into the restroom to call Sun Yiqiu back, telling him that his 3,000-word email proposal was too jargon-heavy and unreadable. He emphasized the need for a proposal that "stands out," is "simple, but effective and on point," and comes from "understanding life."

When Sun Yiqiu asked for specific guidance, Hao Shuai vaguely told him to figure it out himself and abruptly ended the call, returning to his lively night out. Late that night, Wu Kezhi returned to the office, utterly exhausted, and fell asleep in his chair. Sun Yiqiu, noticing, attempted to cover him with a coat, but Wu Kezhi abruptly woke up and sharply recoiled, telling him not to touch him.

Wu Kezhi then asked Sun Yiqiu about his internship test preparations. Sun Yiqiu admitted his partner, Hao Shuai, seemed disinterested and kept rejecting his work, leaving him lost. Wu Kezhi challenged Sun Yiqiu's naive belief that Hao Shuai didn't care, explaining that Hao Shuai was executing a "sneak attack"—a Go term for a confusing, unpredictable move designed to mislead an opponent.

He warned Sun Yiqiu not to be manipulated, asserting that Hao Shuai, aware of the test's importance, surely had a hidden agenda. Sun Yiqiu, reflecting on his 20 years of Go experience, was dismayed that he hadn't recognized such a maneuver. The next morning, as colleagues discussed the scarcity of women in their investment department, Sun Yiqiu inadvertently witnessed Hao Shuai discreetly photographing female colleagues.

Later, Hao Shuai made an unexpected appearance at Team IV's area, loudly introducing himself as Sun Yiqiu's partner and asking them to "look after him." Annoyed by Hao Shuai's antics and earlier unresponsiveness, Sun Yiqiu quickly pulled him away to the rooftop, demanding to know why he had ignored his calls and texts, questioning if he intended to give up on their project.

Episode 7 Recap

Sun Yiqiu brought pan-fried buns from an old shop for Lin Yuming and Wu Kezhi to enjoy. Shortly after, Hao Shuai made a boisterous entrance to Group Four, introducing himself loudly as Sun Yiqiu's partner and asking everyone to look after him. Sun Yiqiu quickly pulled Hao Shuai to the rooftop, where Hao Shuai, annoyed, demanded to know why Sun Yiqiu had ignored his calls and texts, implying he was giving up.

Sun Yiqiu asserted that in this "game," he would not allow himself to be in a passive position. Hao Shuai apologized for his previous impatience, admitting he wasn't nice, but insisted he was trying to help, arguing that he was more experienced. He then asked if Sun Yiqiu had reviewed the three proposals he sent overnight. Sun Yiqiu confirmed he had, noting that writing three 3,000-word proposals in one night seemed hasty.

Hao Shuai dismissed this, asking which proposal Sun Yiqiu would choose. Sun Yiqiu selected the second one, calling it "slightly more interesting" but "still not good enough." Sun Yiqiu acknowledged Hao Shuai's experience but firmly stated that he would take full charge of their project proposal as previously agreed, making every move with a clear objective and without hesitation.

He then challenged Hao Shuai's earlier claim of being pre-selected by the company, asking if Hao Shuai truly believed he would fall for it, and pointed out that if the test truly didn't matter, Hao Shuai wouldn't be there. Lin Yuming praised Sun Yiqiu to Wu Kezhi, marveling at his progress from memorizing a dictionary in a week to now picking projects and writing proposals. He expressed his genuine hope for Sun Yiqiu to pass the test.

Wu Kezhi, however, was dismissive, stating that Sun Yiqiu needed substance, not just appearances, and was still far from competent. Moments later, Wu Kezhi received a phone call from Manager Wang, informing him that the Shengcai project materials had been rejected by the Risk Control Centre. Wu Kezhi angrily confronted Lin Yuming, demanding to know why the non-operating profit and loss for Shengcai Fresh Produce hadn't been calculated.

Lin Yuming claimed he had no information about it, but Wu Kezhi retorted that if that were true, the materials wouldn't have been rejected. Lin Yuming admitted his mistake and apologized, which only fueled Wu Kezhi's anger, scolding him for making such a "stupid mistake" despite prior warnings. Wu Kezhi acknowledged Lin Yuming's bad mood but stressed it was no excuse, emphasizing that the project could not afford any errors. Lin Yuming accepted full blame.

Manager Wang then arrived, chastising both Wu Kezhi and Lin Yuming as "useless" and prone to mistakes, threatening them with dismissal. Sun Yiqiu quickly sought out Zeng Hao for an explanation. Zeng Hao clarified that such data problems could be very serious, and if they were suspected of submitting false financial information, it would lead to significant trouble. Hao Shuai showed Sun Yiqiu his profile, boasting about securing angel investors thrice in college.

Sun Yiqiu was unimpressed, pointing out that his current trainee status implied those projects had failed. Hao Shuai retorted that his experience made him superior to "nerds with no actual experience." Noticing Sun Yiqiu's lingering worry about Lin Yuming, Hao Shuai probed, but Sun Yiqiu told him to mind his own business. Hao Shuai defended his inquisitiveness, stating that gathering information was crucial for an investment consultant, even playfully claiming he could read minds and women.

Sun Yiqiu later asked Wu Kezhi if he could help with the situation. Wu Kezhi simply retorted, "What can you do?" Before Hao Shuai left, Wu Kezhi warned Sun Yiqiu not to let Hao Shuai "lead him by the nose again." Sun Yiqiu presented his project, "Tell Her Relationship Counselling," explaining that the idea stemmed from his own life, believing many people like him struggle with self-expression and would benefit from such a platform.

Hao Shuai, though initially interested, quickly questioned its profitability, stating that any good project must demonstrate its expected return to the Investment Committee. Sun Yiqiu outlined his profit model, based on charging for frequency and time, with free services for subscribers. Hao Shuai swiftly calculated the substantial cost of hiring counselors and concluded that breaking even was "totally impossible," dismissing the project as "mediocre and stupid" and unlikely to attract investors.

However, he then pivoted, suggesting an unconventional approach: the project's true value lay not in charges but in free services. By sharing interesting stories from members, they could generate "traffic"—the most valuable asset in the internet age. This traffic could then be monetized through advertisements and, more ambitiously, by developing these real stories into "intellectual property" for collaboration with animation and production firms, promising considerable returns.

Hao Shuai advised Sun Yiqiu to incorporate these insights into his proposal, stressing that "the key in securing investment lies in telling a story that can move the heart." Sun Yiqiu reflected on his own inexperience, acknowledging that despite Wu Kezhi's warning, he was still a "rookie" compared to Hao Shuai, whose professional judgment was far more advanced than simply memorizing facts.

Manager Wang informed Wu Kezhi that Lin Yuming was ordered to publicly review his mistake at the next quarterly meeting. Wu Kezhi vehemently protested, calling it a "humiliation" and suggesting they "just fire him" instead, arguing it was a common, minor error. Manager Wang hinted that Director Qu's initial reluctance towards the Shengcai project made Wu Kezhi accountable for its outcome, urging him to humble himself and beg Director Qu.

Wu Kezhi defiantly refused to "learn" to avoid trouble, stating he would take responsibility for his own problems and not involve others. He stormed off, intending to confront Director Qu and take the blame himself. Lin Yuming chased after him, declaring that if Wu Kezhi resigned, he would quit as well. Lin Yuming hurried out of the company to meet clients, as the Shengcai contract was scheduled for signing the next day, while Wu Kezhi had not yet returned.

Hao Shuai reappeared in Group Four, telling Sun Yiqiu his proposal was "pretty good" and ready for submission. Wu Kezhi, seeing Lin Yuming rush out, felt a pang of sadness. Later, Wu Kezhi observed Hao Shuai coaching Sun Yiqiu on presentation techniques near the elevators. Hao Shuai was explaining how to end a presentation provocatively to elicit empathy and guide the committee's conclusions, also suggesting Sun Yiqiu study prominent industry leaders' public speaking videos.

Wu Kezhi interrupted, chastising Sun Yiqiu for not submitting his meeting minutes and neglecting work for the test. Sun Yiqiu promptly delivered the minutes to Wu Kezhi's desk. Wu Kezhi warned Sun Yiqiu that Hao Shuai was playing a calculated game, like "Chinese checkers," where he would always aim to jump over Sun Yiqiu to get ahead, rather than just using simple tricks.

Sun Yiqiu defended his collaboration, arguing that Hao Shuai's experience and capability were valuable, aligning with Wu Kezhi's own advice to work with people who offer value. Wu Kezhi accused Sun Yiqiu of giving in and sacrificing his pride to be Hao Shuai's "lowly servant." Sun Yiqiu calmly responded that in his current situation, "pride can't solve any problem," admitting Hao Shuai was more competent.

He affirmed that he "must first survive to have the rights to speak," and would only "think about my pride if I manage to stay." Wu Kezhi went to find Director Qu but was told he was unavailable, meeting a business partner, forcing Wu Kezhi to leave. In the elevator, Wu Kezhi spotted Hao Shuai.

As Hao Shuai exited, Wu Kezhi deliberately bumped him, spilling coffee on his shirt, and sarcastically advised him to "wash off the dirty things on you while you can, otherwise, your shirt will be ruined." Later, Wu Kezhi found Sun Yiqiu practicing his speech and urged him to "read it out" loud and practice diligently. He vividly described the anxiety of public speaking—racing heart, sweating palms, and a blank mind—to emphasize that only thorough preparation could prevent embarrassment.

Meanwhile, Lan Qianyi, who had arranged to practice with Li Xiaxian, was stood up because Li Xiaxian prioritized dinner with a senior. Lan Qianyi noted that many interns were working overtime in the office, leveraging the environment to gather information and monitor competitors. Sun Yiqiu asked Hao Shuai to practice their presentation together. Hao Shuai, however, dismissed the idea, claiming his "real experience" made practice unnecessary for him, though it might benefit "inexperienced rookies."

He insisted that as the presenter, and having submitted the proposal, he would not reveal his speech content to Sun Yiqiu, reserving the "freedom to improvise on the spot." Sun Yiqiu expressed his disappointment, believing that as partners, they should be honest with each other. He felt a pang of despair, realizing Wu Kezhi was right about Hao Shuai's self-serving intentions.

Hao Shuai then launched into an attack on Wu Kezhi, calling him "unprofessional" and a "useless thing" who lets subordinates take the blame, accusing him of sacrificing the entire team. Enraged, Sun Yiqiu punched Hao Shuai. Hao Shuai retaliated, and they began fighting on the rooftop. Both suddenly received a company notification on their phones, bringing their altercation to an abrupt halt.

The notification announced the second test for trainees: they had to pick a project and convince their partner to invest. It was revealed that Wu Kezhi, humbled, had begged Director Qu to reconsider Lin Yuming's public review, not wanting him to face such public humiliation. Upon seeing the new test requirement, Hao Shuai immediately declared to Sun Yiqiu, "It's over for you, Sun Yiqiu. I won't invest in your project!"

As everyone else busied themselves with final preparations for the next day's investment committee meeting, Sun Yiqiu felt "doomed for real." Wu Kezhi encountered Hao Shuai again while going upstairs, but Hao Shuai ignored him and walked away. Sun Yiqiu later asked Wu Kezhi whether "the people" or "the project" mattered more in an investment. Wu Kezhi dismissed the question as trivial, stating that "the project and the people are tied together."

He explained that all proposals, reports, and data are produced by people, making such a distinction a "false proposition." Wu Kezhi concluded with a metaphor, advising that if the "shoes don't fit, the farther you go, the greater the pain." Sun Yiqiu pondered this, wondering if Hao Shuai's past failures, like his own, stemmed not from the outcome, but from the realization of fruitless effort.

Episode 8 Recap

Sun Yiqiu ate quickly before heading to the company, having already decided that even if he failed the upcoming test, he would pursue entrepreneurship to make use of what he had learned. He believed that the greatest adversary in any competition was oneself, and that true adulthood meant being both reliable and independent.

Meanwhile, Hao Shuai received a stern phone call from his father, who repeatedly urged him to perform well in the exam, reminding him of the significant cost and connections used to secure his internship. His father threatened to disinherit him if he failed, to which Hao Shuai defiantly claimed he would pay him back, abruptly ending the call as he entered the subway. Lin Yuming confronted Wu Kezhi, having witnessed him pleading with Director Qu the previous night.

Lin Yuming expressed that while he didn't care about a promotion for himself, seeing Wu Kezhi, who never pleaded for his own benefit, do so for him, made him feel terrible. Wu Kezhi dismissed his remarks. Later, Wu Kezhi received a call confirming from Manager Wang that Lin Yuming was no longer required to submit a self-criticism. Overcome with emotion, Lin Yuming repeatedly bowed to Wu Kezhi, thanking him.

Wu Kezhi sternly warned him not to let such a situation occur a third time. The trainees were visibly anxious before the assessment began, with many expressing that they hadn't been this nervous since their college entrance exams. Hao Shuai, in particular, admitted his extreme nervousness to Sun Yiqiu, though he quickly tried to compose himself.

As the directors, including Director Qu, Manager Ma, and Wu Kezhi, took their seats, Wu Kezhi openly stated that many departments, including his own, were interested in Lan Qianyi, confirming she was the only trainee he had confidence in. Director Qu then addressed the interns, welcoming them and emphasizing the test's crucial nature in determining who would join the company and who would conclude their journey there.

He outlined the rules for the first session: each team had 10 minutes to present a project using only pre-submitted materials, with penalties for any last-minute changes. The first team to present for their "Sing Together" app began with a song, which Director Qu abruptly halted, criticizing their lack of understanding of a professional presentation. As other teams presented, Hao Shuai began to feel unwell, his face paling and sweat beading on his forehead, which concerned Sun Yiqiu.

An intern presenting an Anypay platform was then questioned by Director Qu about his resume, specifically his past achievement as a provincial-level international junior chess runner-up, having started learning chess at age five. Director Qu probed why he didn't pursue a professional chess career. The intern stammered, offering reasons like wanting to try something different, his family desiring a stable job, and his interest in finance.

Director Qu, however, rejected his explanation as a mere excuse, implying he couldn't confront past failures. He criticized the intern for including an "unimportant" detail in his CV to appear better, ultimately declaring him a "huge letdown" and stating the company sought individuals with strong minds and clear objectives, which the intern clearly lacked.

Meanwhile, Hao Shuai, battling his physical discomfort, was simultaneously overwhelmed by the mental pressure, vividly recalling a past incident where his strict father lambasted him for fearfully passing a basketball in a game. Lin Yuming confided in his colleagues, Zhao Boqian and Jiang Nan, expressing his grave concern that Sun Yiqiu was "doomed" without a miracle.

While they all recognized Gao Sicong and Lan Qianyi as promising candidates, Zhao Boqian found Lan Qianyi's consistently serious demeanor "unlikable," describing her as "gloomy" and acting as if "everyone owes her money." Lan Qianyi then delivered an "impeccable" presentation on an AI chip for underwater robots, demonstrating its applications in various industrial tasks despite a brief interruption.

Gao Sicong's subsequent presentation on shale oil was also well-received, with impressive slides and a "on-point" delivery, yet Wu Kezhi sensed that "something was lacking." As Zeng Hao delivered his presentation on a new energy battery project, Sun Yiqiu noticed Hao Shuai was sweating profusely. Their turn was next. As they walked onto the stage, Hao Shuai nearly tripped, but Sun Yiqiu quickly steadied him.

Hao Shuai, pale and visibly distressed, began presenting their project, the "Tell Me Counselling Platform," but his words came out as a stuttering mess, repeating phrases and struggling to form coherent sentences. Director Qu sternly urged him to present properly. Hao Shuai then asked for a bathroom break, prompting Sun Yiqiu to wonder if his partner was too distracted by the pressure of the outcome.

Director Qu agreed, but stipulated that the time spent in the restroom would count against their remaining seven minutes. Hao Shuai, deciding against the break, continued to flounder. Sun Yiqiu, seeing their time dwindle, stepped in to take over the presentation. However, he also struggled with his public speaking, acknowledging to himself that his lack of soft skills couldn't be masked by a positive attitude.

Hao Shuai, meanwhile, was tormented by his father's critical words, who had previously berated him for not succeeding in college or business, and urged him to give up and marry. Hao Shuai inwardly resolved to prove his father wrong, fearing he'd be deemed "worthless" if he failed this test, but the pressure only intensified his anxiety. Wu Kezhi, observing Sun Yiqiu's persistent but faltering efforts, was reminded of his own resolute nature.

Realizing their project was in jeopardy, Hao Shuai, despite his initial struggle, abruptly regained his composure and took back the lead. He spoke with newfound confidence, explaining that the project addressed a cultural tendency among Chinese people to seek emotional resonance through others' stories. He then clearly and effectively articulated the project's core selling points within their limited time, captivating the audience and performing as impressively as Lan Qianyi.

Sun Yiqiu recognized that Hao Shuai had succeeded in proving himself, no matter who he intended to impress. As the first round concluded, the trainees collectively breathed a sigh of relief, some lamenting the "inhumane" and "strict" nature of the test. While some colleagues debated whether Lan Qianyi or Hao Shuai was superior, with arguments for Hao Shuai's "capability and guts" in turning his presentation around, Wu Kezhi's concern for Sun Yiqiu was evident, though he tried to conceal it.

Yu Wenli teased him for his "rigid" nature, suggesting he was "hung up on the past" and needed counseling. Later, in the restroom, Wu Kezhi offered Sun Yiqiu a cynical piece of advice: "If you can't beat him, drag him down." Sun Yiqiu, however, countered with a more optimistic outlook, stating, "You won't know the result until the end of the game."

The second test began, requiring trainees to convince their assigned partner to invest in a chosen project, with bonus points for successful persuasion and deductions for unfounded rejections. Gao Sicong expertly presented an app called "Talk Nicely" to his partner, Zhou Bo, strategically using data from the app to highlight Zhou Bo's own excessive use of verbal fillers during their conversations, implying a weakness in his communication skills.

Despite Zhou Bo's discomfort, the data on user growth and retention compelled him to invest, a move Wu Kezhi found "loathsome," believing that exploiting a partner's weakness would not lead to beneficial long-term collaboration. Next, Li Xiaoxian pitched "Your Majesty," a stress-relief game for working women, to Lan Qianyi. He even used images of Lan Qianyi as an example for the game's customizable avatars. Lan Qianyi was clearly displeased and promptly rejected the project.

She argued that the app displayed "prejudice and gender discrimination" by portraying women as overly emotional and irrational. She asserted that real-world issues required direct action and legal recourse, not merely emotional destressing. Furthermore, she criticized the project's lack of technological innovation, ease of replication, and absence of long-term investment value, concluding that he should "save this self-deceiving stupid project for yourself." For the final pair, Hao Shuai presented his chosen project, "Teli Women Fashion," to Sun Yiqiu.

He made it clear that unlike other participants who might tailor their pitches to their partners' interests, he was recommending a project he genuinely wished to invest in himself. Hao Shuai described Teli as a niche women's clothing brand founded by a local designer, praised for its exceptional designs and perfect tailoring, which had gained significant recognition among affluent consumers and even caught the attention of international designer Issey Miyake for a potential collaboration.

He presented a market survey showing over 60% overlap between Teli's consumers and those of top international brands like LV and Gucci. Acknowledging that such data wasn't always perfectly accurate, Hao Shuai revealed he had spent several months personally gathering information, showing photographs he had taken of women wearing Teli garments alongside high-end luxury items. Sun Yiqiu realized then that Hao Shuai's seemingly odd behavior of secretly taking photos was, in fact, dedicated market research.

Hao Shuai passionately articulated his personal dream and the driving force behind his ambition to become an investment consultant: to build a top international brand that truly belonged to China. He lamented the "strange phenomenon" that despite China being the world's largest luxury market, it lacked a globally recognized luxury brand akin to Armani or Gucci.

When Director Qu inquired about the origin of this ambition, Hao Shuai explained that his parents had built their clothing business by selling imitations of international brands. This led to a difficult childhood where he was often ridiculed by peers for "selling fake things," instilling in him a deep desire to "redeem himself" by creating an authentic Chinese international brand. His resolute ambition impressed the observers. Finally, Hao Shuai asked Sun Yiqiu if he would invest in his "judgment and hard work." After a long pause, Sun Yiqiu delivered his answer: "No."

Episode 9 Recap

During the assessment, Sun Yiqiu was asked if he would invest in Hao Shuai's project. He replied, "No," which surprised everyone. Hao Shuai inquired about his reasoning. Sun Yiqiu explained that he wasn't rejecting the project because it was bad, but because he felt he wasn't good enough. He admitted he knew nothing about luxury brands, fashion design, or women's fashion, especially regarding Hao Shuai's goal of turning Teli Women Fashion into a top international brand.

He believed that if he, in his current state, recklessly invested, he would only destroy the project. Sun Yiqiu then turned the argument back to Hao Shuai, stating that if it was Hao Shuai's dream and born from his judgment and hard work, then Hao Shuai himself should be the investor, promising to support him fully if he were. Wu Kezhi, listening, acknowledged that such a reason was indeed irrefutable, noting that at least Sun Yiqiu understood his own limitations.

Sun Yiqiu then recommended the "Campus Makers Competition." Hao Shuai questioned its relevance, having graduated long ago. Sun Yiqiu reminded Hao Shuai of his three entrepreneurial attempts in college and argued that a platform encouraging college students to become entrepreneurs would offer more youngsters opportunities, just as Hao Shuai had. Hao Shuai countered that his success couldn't be replicated and that college student projects tended to be childish, unlikely to yield good results, and not worth the investment.

Sun Yiqiu challenged him, asking if the investors who had supported Hao Shuai's three failed ventures back then had made a mistake. Hao Shuai conceded that, based on the outcome, they might have. Sun Yiqiu disagreed, asserting that it was precisely because of their support that Hao Shuai possessed his current vision and experience.

He elaborated that while such projects were often dismissed as unrealistic dreams, Hao Shuai, as an investor and judge in this field, would be uniquely positioned to see their value, just like he had persevered back then. Sun Yiqiu concluded by asking Hao Shuai if, as an investment consultant with good vision, he would reject his past self. Yu Wenli commented that this move was too clever, as rejecting the project would mean disapproving of his own past.

Wu Kezhi secretly commended Sun Yiqiu, realizing he had finally understood the situation. The training period officially ended, with the assessment results slated for announcement in one week. During the waiting period, Sun Yiqiu kept busy with various part-time jobs, delivering food, handing out gym flyers, and even helping his mother clean hotel rooms because her shoulders hurt. He assured his mother he had nothing else to do.

Meanwhile, in the office lounge, Wu Kezhi and Zhou Qingyu discussed Zeng Hao's performance. Zhou Qingyu believed Zeng Hao likely wouldn't pass the assessment and was actively helping him find jobs at other companies, empathizing with Zeng Hao's family responsibilities. He suggested that it was better for Zeng Hao to give up sooner if he wasn't cut out for the industry.

Zhou Qingyu then inquired about Sun Yiqiu, to which Wu Kezhi admitted Sun Yiqiu performed well but company requirements were still a concern. Later, Lin Yuming instinctively asked Sun Yiqiu to deliver some documents, only to realize he was no longer there. He felt they had been too cold and should have at least offered Sun Yiqiu a farewell meal.

Wu Kezhi dismissed the idea, instead telling Lin Yuming to find a suitable seat for Lan Qianyi, who was expected to join their team. He even suggested Lin Yuming swap his long-held seat with her. Late that night, Sun Yiqiu, unable to sleep, took out a Go board. His mother was surprised, reminding him he had wanted to forget about Go for years.

Sun Yiqiu confessed that thinking about Go used to make him feel like a failure, having wasted his years of hard work and letting his parents down. However, he had finally realized that regardless of the outcome, he should face it instead of running away, and promised his mother he wouldn't be depressed even if he failed this test. He then asked her to play a game with him.

Around the same time, Lan Qianyi, Hao Shuai, and Gao Sicong all received employment notifications on their phones, confirming they had passed the test. Sun Yiqiu was explaining the concept of a joint venture to a neighbor at a pancake stall when he too received a message. He abruptly dropped his half-eaten pancake and ran off. The next day, Sun Yiqiu's mother gave him a new necktie.

He put on his suit once again and headed to the company, reflecting that the suit felt like the "armor of the white-collar class," instilling a moderate anxiety that kept him grounded and reminded him of his identity and responsibility. Lan Qianyi, Gao Sicong, and Hao Shuai had gathered at the company entrance, believing only the three of them had passed. They were surprised when Sun Yiqiu arrived.

Lan Qianyi and Hao Shuai were happy for him, while Gao Sicong's expression was filled with astonishment. Manager Gao led them inside, informing them that Director Qu wished to see them personally. Director Qu first spoke with Lan Qianyi, praising her impressive work on the Milai project and her collaboration with Manager Yu. He then spoke to Hao Shuai, acknowledging his entrepreneurial experience and his father's support.

When it came to Gao Sicong, Director Qu complimented his pragmatic, logical, and well-articulated presentation, though noting his preference for the Energy Division. Finally, Director Qu addressed Sun Yiqiu, simply telling him, "All the best." After the meeting, they received their department assignments. Hao Shuai was assigned to the Consumer Goods Division, Lan Qianyi to the Energy Division, and Gao Sicong to the Technology Division, which was the opposite of their stated preferences.

Sun Yiqiu reported to Integrated Team IV as a formal employee. Wu Kezhi initially feigned annoyance, asking why Sun Yiqiu was back and complaining that he had wanted Lan Qianyi for his team. However, Sun Yiqiu thanked him, having heard that Wu Kezhi specifically requested the HR department for him. Wu Kezhi vehemently denied it, claiming he would only ask for Lan Qianyi and engaging in a playful argument with Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu about who was responsible.

Later, Director Qu visited Team IV, expressing satisfaction. He noted that Wu Kezhi had finally "grown" and believed it marked a new and good beginning for the team. Sun Yiqiu went to the rooftop, reflecting on Lin Yuming's words from his first day: how he lacked qualifications, connections, and basic skills, and was told he came to the wrong place but could learn if he tried his best.

Wu Kezhi joined him, remarking that Sun Yiqiu was "slacking off" on his first day as a full-time manager. He honestly admitted he still didn't have much confidence in Sun Yiqiu, reminding him that this was a new start, not an end, and he had a long way to go. Wu Kezhi emphasized that the investment industry was different from others; one either worked hard or worked harder. He cautioned that few reached the peak, while most remained nobodies.

If Sun Yiqiu only wanted to "get by," he advised him to find a more stable job. Sun Yiqiu assured him he would work hard. Wu Kezhi then jokingly wished he had Lan Qianyi instead, saying she wouldn't utter such "silly" words. He further elaborated that while hard work didn't guarantee success, not working hard guaranteed failure, and that investment consultants either succeeded or failed, always hoping for success and waiting for failure.

Sun Yiqiu then brought up a Go principle: one must never think of losing before the game ends, as that thought hinders focus. This made Wu Kezhi question if Sun Yiqiu had omitted something from his resume, which Sun Yiqiu awkwardly clarified was merely an analogy for maintaining a winning mindset. A week later, Wu Kezhi was furious, scolding Sun Yiqiu for disorganized and inconsistent project documents.

Lin Yuming tried to calm him, revealing that a project had been stolen from them, which was why Wu Kezhi was in a bad mood. Sun Yiqiu sighed, realizing that his own situation was the only one that hadn't changed. Hao Shuai, unaccustomed to strict office routines, was still struggling to adapt; all his intern privileges had vanished, and Manager Yin assigned him numerous business plans to review and report on.

Gao Sicong, in contrast, found himself with absolutely nothing to do in the Technology Division, feeling less significant than a potted plant. Lan Qianyi's situation was perhaps the most challenging. The once proud and enthusiastic intern was having the worst time. She faced hostility from Manager Ma and Manager Xu, with Manager Ma specifically instructing Xu Tai Ping to "educate" her and make her obedient, implying the effort it took to get her transferred to their team.

Lan Qianyi even received a phone call during lunch, where she was told to focus on her job. She felt as though every day dragged on endlessly. During lunch, Lan Qianyi, picking up her specially ordered low-oil, low-salt meal, encountered Sun Yiqiu, who was also going to eat. She suggested they eat together. Sun Yiqiu felt a bit awkward, concerned his food might make her uncomfortable given her diet.

Lan Qianyi simply laughed and advised him not to ask such impolite questions in the future. During the lunch, Sun Yiqiu apologized to Yu Wenli because a project he worked on, Hong'an Biotech, was passed to the Energy Division. Yu Wenli said she was used to it and asked for his opinions on a new project, and also mentioned someone's comment about Lan Qianyi marrying a family man.

Wu Kezhi then saw Lan Qianyi in the cafeteria and warmly invited her to sit with him and Yu Wenli, conspicuously ignoring Sun Yiqiu. He inquired about her experience in the Energy Division, offering support against any bullying, and advising her to develop an "iron heart" like Yu Wenli, whom he praised as the company's youngest, capable, and tactful general manager, contrasting himself, still a chief after so many years.

Later that afternoon, Wu Kezhi told Sun Yiqiu to get ready for a meeting, as he would be joining them since he had prepared all the project materials. Sun Yiqiu was overjoyed, realizing it would be his first official meeting, though Wu Kezhi commented it wasn't necessarily a "good thing."

Episode 10 Recap

Lan Qianyi, now assigned to the Energy team, asked her superior, Chief Xu Tai Ping, about the time for an upcoming handover meeting between Team IV and the Energy team. Xu Tai Ping, however, was dismissive, telling her he would inform her when it was confirmed and to stop bothering him with trivial matters. He also confided in a colleague that he would "handle" Lan Qianyi, who was chosen by Manager Ma.

Meanwhile, Manager Ma called Xu Tai Ping to his office, stating there was a problem with an investment agreement. He confirmed the main agreement was fine, but the supplementary agreement was missing. Xu Tai Ping immediately tried to blame Team IV's new member. Manager Ma grew agitated, hinting at potential bribery or dual contracts, and insisted Xu Tai Ping call Wu Kezhi right then to confront him.

Xu Tai Ping made the call to Lin Yuming, who answered for Wu Kezhi. He downplayed the situation, describing it as a minor misunderstanding caused by a "blunder" from Team IV's new intern, and simply asked for the document to be sent over for the meeting. Manager Ma was clearly annoyed by Xu Tai Ping's evasiveness. When Lin Yuming finished the call, he turned to Sun Yiqiu, but Wu Kezhi quickly interjected, asserting it was not his problem.

Wu Kezhi then instructed Lin Yuming to call Xu Tai Ping back and tell him to come personally and deal with the issue. Wu Kezhi confronted Xu Tai Ping, demanding to know the whereabouts of the supplementary agreement. Wu Kezhi stated he personally handed the document to Xu Tai Ping two weeks prior, accusing him of lying and being cowardly for trying to shift blame onto him.

Xu Tai Ping retorted that Wu Kezhi had no right to accuse others of taking the blame, as "no one is better than you at letting others take the blame," even alluding to a past incident where Wu Kezhi allegedly "got someone killed" by doing so. Enraged, Wu Kezhi struck Xu Tai Ping, who then stormed off, vowing to report Wu Kezhi to Manager Ma. Wu Kezhi was then reminded of a painful memory from years ago.

A project involving Yixing Medical Supplies failed due to patent infringement, and the company was holding his team accountable. He had decided to take the blame for his mentor, Chief Qu, who was about to be promoted. However, his mentee, Ma Xiyuan, knew how much he loved his job and submitted her own resignation, taking full responsibility for the project's failure, rationalizing that as a contract employee, her departure would minimize the company's losses.

Later, news broke that Ma Xiyuan had committed suicide by jumping from a building. Chief Qu's immediate concern was whether she left any messages or a will that could damage the company's reputation, wondering if she blamed anyone before her death, which deeply distressed Wu Kezhi. Back in the present, Sun Yiqiu, worried about Wu Kezhi's emotional state, asked Lin Yuming if he was alright and if Xu Tai Ping's words were the cause.

Lin Yuming, however, shut him down, telling him not to ask and to never bring up the matter again. Manager Ma and Xu Tai Ping then went to Manager Wang, demanding severe disciplinary action against Wu Kezhi for hitting Xu Tai Ping. Manager Wang offered to apologize on Wu Kezhi's behalf, but Manager Ma refused, insisting that Wu Kezhi apologize publicly. Xu Tai Ping reiterated his version of events, claiming Wu Kezhi withheld the agreement and then assaulted him.

Manager Wang expressed doubt, knowing Wu Kezhi to be meticulous, suggesting there might be more to the story or even that Xu Tai Ping himself was at fault. Manager Ma, however, dismissed these doubts, stating Wu Kezhi was likely disgruntled with company decisions and taking it out on them. He then declared that Wu Kezhi must publicly apologize to Xu Tai Ping after their handover meeting, or the matter would not be dropped.

Separately, Hao Shuai approached Sun Yiqiu, apologizing for his past comments and humorously remarking on Wu Kezhi's strong punch earlier. He then brought up a story from Manager Yin, claiming that five years ago, Wu Kezhi's female subordinate had voluntarily taken the blame for his mistake and committed suicide. Sun Yiqiu refused to believe it, but Hao Shuai warned him not to be "another naive one," reminding him that "human hearts are complicated and the reality is cruel."

During the handover meeting, Wu Kezhi maintained his refusal to apologize. When Manager Ma once again demanded that Wu Kezhi bow and apologize to Xu Tai Ping, Wu Kezhi staunchly refused, challenging Manager Ma to hit him instead. Manager Ma, unable to provoke Wu Kezhi further, then turned to Lan Qianyi, repeatedly asking if she thought he had "stolen Wu Kezhi's project." Lan Qianyi, under immense pressure, stated that he should ask "the parties involved."

Manager Ma erupted in anger, yelling at her. To spare Lan Qianyi further humiliation, Wu Kezhi intervened, offering to write a formal apology letter to "everyone in the company." Despite Wu Kezhi's concession, Lan Qianyi was later harshly reprimanded by Manager Ma, who ordered her to "get lost." After the meeting, Sun Yiqiu, Gao Sicong, and Hao Shuai found a dejected Lan Qianyi.

Sun Yiqiu proposed that the core of the conflict was the missing supplementary agreement, and if they could locate it within the Energy Division, Wu Kezhi would be absolved. Lan Qianyi, having only been in the Energy team for a week, hadn't seen it. Sun Yiqiu then turned to Gao Sicong, who had interned in the Energy Division two weeks prior when Wu Kezhi claimed to have handed over the document.

Gao Sicong initially denied any memory of it, but when Sun Yiqiu pressed him, he became irritated, telling Sun Yiqiu he was "going too far" and warning him not to involve Lan Qianyi, as he would "get her into trouble." He then quietly murmured that he couldn't help. Lan Qianyi, sensing his hesitation, directly asked Gao Sicong if he had seen the agreement, stating she wanted to know "the truth." Gao Sicong's response, "Missy, does the truth matter?"

, along with his subsequent admission, "Even if I've seen it, I won't tell you," confirmed to Lan Qianyi that he had indeed seen the document. He then advised her that "in the corporate world, the truth is sometimes. . . not that important." Back in the Energy team office, Lan Qianyi observed Xu Tai Ping behaving strangely, frantically talking on the phone and suggesting someone "shred" a document when no one was around, hinting at the supplementary agreement.

Wu Kezhi later came to the Energy team office with Sun Yiqiu, pulling him away when he noticed Sun Yiqiu looking around, and instructing him to stay by his side from then on. Wu Kezhi then tasked Sun Yiqiu with picking up Yu Wenli's daughter from kindergarten, as Yu Wenli was preoccupied with a client call and unable to leave. Sun Yiqiu reluctantly agreed to this "honorable mission."

In the elevator, Sun Yiqiu encountered Hao Shuai, who asked where he was going. Sun Yiqiu awkwardly admitted he was on his way to a kindergarten to pick up Yu Wenli's child for Wu Kezhi. Hao Shuai found the situation amusing, but ultimately wished him good luck. Later, while the Energy team office was empty, Lan Qianyi attempted to open Xu Tai Ping's desk drawer.

A colleague entered unexpectedly, nearly catching her, and issued a veiled threat that if anything went missing, Lan Qianyi would be blamed. Distressed, Lan Qianyi confided in Yu Wenli, feeling like she was "working with gangsters." Yu Wenli reassured her that even in such an environment, one could still "choose your own role" and that one would "definitely regret" doing something knowing it was wrong.

Inspired by Yu Wenli's words, Lan Qianyi returned to Xu Tai Ping's desk, found and retrieved the supplementary agreement from his drawer. Just as she did, Gao Sicong walked by and quickly warned her that "they are coming back," indicating Xu Tai Ping and other colleagues. Lan Qianyi quickly put the agreement back. Meanwhile, Sun Yiqiu arrived at the kindergarten to pick up Yu Wenli's daughter, Xiao Xiao.

The teacher, Shi Yan, playfully teased Sun Yiqiu before explaining that Xiao Xiao would not simply leave with a stranger. To help him bond with the child, Shi Yan encouraged Sun Yiqiu to play games with Xiao Xiao. Xiao Xiao wanted to play "house," and much to Sun Yiqiu's dismay, he was cast as the "mom" while Shi Yan played the "dad." After an afternoon of playing, Xiao Xiao fell asleep on Sun Yiqiu's shoulder.

Shi Yan showed Sun Yiqiu a photo of Xiao Xiao, explaining that she often sleeps on Yu Wenli's shirt, as it makes her feel like she's in her mother's arms. Shi Yan and Sun Yiqiu exchanged WeChat contacts, and Shi Yan saved a selfie on Sun Yiqiu's phone. Later, Gao Sicong told Lan Qianyi that she "did the right thing" by putting the agreement back, even though her curiosity got the better of her.

He advised her to keep some things to herself, adding that "life is like a marathon" and one needs a plan. Lan Qianyi acknowledged his words, reflecting that she didn't "want to live with regrets. . . just because of a moment of cowardice," suggesting a renewed determination to act on the truth she discovered.

Episode 11 Recap

Lan Qianyi messaged Sun Yiqiu, asking to meet, so they went for coffee. As working hours were ending, Sun Yiqiu prepared to return to the office. Lan Qianyi, in a hushed tone, revealed the password to the Energy Division’s file cabinet: 3338, 0325. Sun Yiqiu immediately understood that the supplementary agreement was indeed with their team, and he questioned why they had been so confident in denying it.

Lan Qianyi explained that they were taking advantage of Chief Wu Kezhi having no one to support him, blaming him for everything as a matter of corporate survival, and that people like Chief Wu tended to get bullied in the corporate world. Sun Yiqiu worried about how this action would affect Lan Qianyi’s standing within her team. Lan Qianyi admitted she didn’t know what the future held, but she was certain she would regret it if she didn't act now.

Meanwhile, Lin Yuming expressed concern that Wu Kezhi's apology letter to Manager Ma Jian Guo might be used against him, even offering to write it himself. Wu Kezhi, however, was dismissive, telling Lin Yuming to focus on their work and test the drone. Upon returning to her team with drinks, a colleague questioned Lan Qianyi, asking if she had met someone she shouldn't have. Lan Qianyi retorted that if they doubted her, they shouldn't send her to buy drinks.

Sun Yiqiu later informed Yu Wenli that he had successfully taken her daughter, Xiao Xiao, home. Yu Wenli, seeing a photo of Xiao Xiao sleeping cuddled with her clothes, felt a pang of tenderness and, uncharacteristically, left work early to be with her daughter. That evening, Sun Yiqiu quietly made his way to the Energy Division and opened the file cabinet. Before he could retrieve the supplementary agreement, Manager Xu Taiping appeared and caught him red-handed.

Manager Xu immediately accused Sun Yiqiu of trying to frame his team, claiming that Wu Kezhi had instructed him to plant the agreement inside. Just then, Wu Kezhi emerged, holding the very supplementary agreement Manager Xu had been looking for. Manager Xu was dumbfounded. Wu Kezhi led Manager Xu to the rooftop. Manager Xu quickly tried to explain that he never intended to escalate the situation, but Wu Kezhi had publicly humiliated him, making him lose face.

Wu Kezhi sternly warned Manager Xu never to bring up Ma Xiyuan again and tossed the supplementary agreement to him, instructing him to tell Manager Ma Jian Guo that he had found it himself. Manager Xu looked resigned. Afterward, Wu Kezhi took Sun Yiqiu out for drinks. Sun Yiqiu was eager to know how Wu Kezhi had obtained the agreement, but Wu Kezhi refused to tell him, even joking that he wouldn't reveal it even if drunk.

Separately, Lan Qianyi was also having a drink with Gao Sicong. It was revealed that Gao Sicong was the one who had given Wu Kezhi the supplementary agreement, a fact that surprised Lan Qianyi. Gao Sicong explained that he did it because he feared Lan Qianyi would escalate the matter, perhaps even resigning, if she tried to handle it herself.

He advised her to feign ignorance if questioned the next day, but Lan Qianyi asserted that she would handle her own problems. The next morning, Wu Kezhi was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for his wife and two sons. His wife was astonished, remarking that he rarely cooked.

After breakfast, Wu Kezhi personally drove his children to school, and his wife observed that it had been a long time since she had seen him so happy on his way to work. Sun Yiqiu, who had taken Wu Kezhi home the previous night, had accidentally left his jacket at Wu Kezhi’s house. Wu Kezhi discovered several English flashcards inside the jacket, indicating Sun Yiqiu's continuous effort to learn.

Manager Xu Taiping nervously delivered the supplementary agreement to Manager Ma Jian Guo's office. At the same time, Wu Kezhi's "apology letter" was circulated. It was a scathingly sarcastic letter that, under the guise of an apology, publicly criticized Manager Xu Taiping and Manager Ma Jian Guo. Manager Ma was enraged. Lin Yuming was utterly flabbergasted by the letter and declared that he wanted to write his resignation immediately, intending to leave with Sun Yiqiu the next day.

In the Energy Division, Manager Ma Jian Guo furiously demanded to know who had given the supplementary agreement to Wu Kezhi, his accusations directly aimed at Lan Qianyi. He then issued an order forbidding anyone from his team to have direct contact with Team IV. Manager Zhao later warned Lan Qianyi not to provoke Manager Ma again, before instructing her to get Manager Ma’s signature on documents for the Hong'an Biotech project.

Lan Qianyi entered Manager Ma's office, where he expressed his displeasure with her, warning that he could easily dismiss her as he had brought her in. He also insinuated that she relied on her "sex appeal" to advance in King Capital, and told her to get lost. Lan Qianyi left his office, furious and on the verge of tears, and found herself crying in the stairwell.

Yu Wenli, who was on the phone discussing arrangements to pick up her child, happened upon Lan Qianyi. Yu Wenli comforted her, advising her to analyze Manager Ma’s true motives and to resist his attempts to make her give in. Manager Ma Jian Guo went to Director Qu, demanding that Wu Kezhi be fired.

Director Qu, however, advised Manager Ma to act with more discretion, reminding him that Wu Kezhi's actions were backed by facts and that Manager Ma himself needed to learn from the situation and avoid creating unnecessary trouble. Meanwhile, Gao Sicong's professional life remained stagnant. Despite putting a lot of effort into a project plan for Bayer Tech, his manager dismissed it, stating it wasn't an assigned task.

His only assigned work continued to be the tedious task of transferring data into the computer. Back in Team IV, the drone project finally received approval. Wu Kezhi, Lin Yuming, and Sun Yiqiu were ecstatic. They visited the TMT Division, bringing coffee to express their gratitude, acknowledging Yu Wenli's crucial role in the project's success.

Wu Kezhi then went to Manager Wang for the final signature, instructing Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu to promptly prepare the investment agreement for the drone project, declaring that from now on, no one could look down on Team IV. Manager Wang, burdened by the difficult Fanhua Culture case, asked Wu Kezhi to meet its founder. Manager Wang offered the project to Team IV if Wu Kezhi could successfully secure the deal.

Wu Kezhi reluctantly accepted the materials, knowing Fanhua Culture was a highly contested and challenging project, a "hot potato." Hao Shuai soon appeared, jokingly offering himself as a "volunteer" for Team IV. He then offered unsolicited advice about Fanhua Culture, explaining that its founder had made money from selling intellectual property, but the company's net worth was low.

He described it as a strategic investment to enter the film industry, a "thankless job" where Team II would benefit from success, and Team IV would be blamed for failure. Sun Yiqiu impatiently dismissed Hao Shuai. However, upon receiving the project materials and seeing the founder's name, Jiao Yaohua, Wu Kezhi broke into a smile. Jiao Yaohua was his middle school classmate, whose grades were terrible, but who was good at basketball and often copied Wu Kezhi's homework.

Wu Kezhi also recognized Jiao Chun He, listed as the Finance Director. Wu Kezhi instructed his team to set up a meeting with them as soon as possible. Lan Qianyi continued to face harassment from Manager Xu Taiping and Manager Zhao. During a meeting, Manager Xu criticized her slide for using outdated data.

Lan Qianyi calmly stated she compiled the data based on Manager Zhao's information and offered an updated version she had prepared, asking for clarification on which version to use in the future, and if she needed to prepare two versions at all times. Later, Manager Zhao confronted Lan Qianyi, criticizing her for being overly clever and for not informing him about the data issue, claiming she had embarrassed him publicly.

Lan Qianyi retorted that she "had" informed him, but he told her to proceed as she saw fit. Manager Zhao then furiously threw documents on the floor, ordering Lan Qianyi to pick them up. Sun Yiqiu immediately stepped forward to help Lan Qianyi, which only further angered Manager Zhao, who yelled at Sun Yiqiu to mind his own business.

Episode 12 Recap

The atmosphere grew tense between Manager Zhao and Sun Yiqiu. Manager Zhao reprimanded Sun Yiqiu for his lack of manners, his constant attempts to be clever, and his tendency to help outsiders. Wu Kezhi quickly intervened, asking Manager Zhao what he was doing and stating it was none of his business, before sending him away by claiming Chief Xu was looking for him.

Later, as Wu Kezhi and Sun Yiqiu walked past the Energy Division, Sun Yiqiu couldn't help but glance at Lan Qianyi. Wu Kezhi noticed and advised him, "If you really care about her, you must learn to keep a distance. Otherwise, she'll be further ostracised." Wu Kezhi and Sun Yiqiu went to meet Jiao Yaohua, the founder of Fanhua Culture.

Jiao Yaohua greeted Wu Kezhi warmly, using his old nickname "Tadpole," and reminisced about their basketball team days, even claiming they were "best buddies." Wu Kezhi introduced Sun Yiqiu. After a brief friendly exchange, Jiao Yaohua told them to wait in a meeting room while he finished some work, but in reality, he returned to his office to play games, as he never truly considered Wu Kezhi a friend from the bottom of his heart.

Once Jiao Yaohua left, Wu Kezhi remarked that Jiao Quan (Jiao Yaohua) was still a show-off. Sun Yiqiu noted that Wu Kezhi seemed to know him well, to which Wu Kezhi replied that he knew him better than his own parents, recalling that Jiao Yaohua had no friends in school and followed him everywhere like a sidekick. Two hours passed, and Sun Yiqiu grew restless, but Wu Kezhi patiently insisted that Jiao Yaohua was likely busy and would come.

Meanwhile, back in the office, Lin Yuming was swamped with work. Zhou Qingyu expressed concern to Lin Yuming that Wu Kezhi might be too relaxed, cautioning that encountering an old classmate in a professional setting wasn't always a good thing. Unbeknownst to them, Jiao Yaohua was deliberately delaying their meeting, playing games in his office, as he never truly considered Wu Kezhi a friend.

Eventually, Jiao Yaohua appeared, feigning being busy, and announced he only had five minutes before a premiere. Wu Kezhi promptly presented the contract, reminding him they had discussed the terms over the phone and only needed a signature. Jiao Yaohua, however, went back on his word. He suggested they leave the contract and materials with his secretary, who would then inform them once everything was processed. Wu Kezhi's smile froze.

He left the contract but deliberately left behind a pen, a gift from his wife, telling Sun Yiqiu it would give him another reason to meet Jiao Yaohua. Soon after, Manager Wang called, inquiring about the contract. Wu Kezhi awkwardly admitted it hadn't been signed. Manager Wang became agitated, reminding Wu Kezhi of his confident promise to secure the project. After the call, Wu Kezhi was visibly upset, and Sun Yiqiu, sitting nearby, didn't know what to say.

In the basement parking lot, Sun Yiqiu went to help Lan Qianyi move heavy boxes but encountered Manager Zhao, who promptly mocked Lan Qianyi. Wu Kezhi, driving by, honked his car horn and signaled Sun Yiqiu to return, advising him to leave before others saw him "hanging out with Team IV again," which would cause further trouble for Lan Qianyi. Manager Zhao didn't offer any help, leaving Lan Qianyi to struggle alone.

Determined, Lan Qianyi began moving the heavy items upstairs by herself. Gao Sicong approached her, urging her to yield to the Energy Division, explaining that she needed to "play by their rules." Lan Qianyi refused, asserting she would only abide by the company's rules and not compromise her integrity. Gao Sicong then insisted she didn't understand what they truly wanted and that giving in would resolve everything, but Lan Qianyi defiantly stated, "Sorry. That wasn't taught in school."

Back at the company, Wu Kezhi sent Sun Yiqiu home and then went to the rooftop to eat instant noodles alone. Soon after, he received a call from Jiao Yaohua, inviting him to dinner. Wu Kezhi excitedly pulled Sun Yiqiu to a humble noodle shop, explaining it was Jiao Yaohua's favorite since childhood.

However, Jiao Yaohua arrived in a luxurious car, took one look at the noisy, crowded establishment with disdain, and told Wu Kezhi and Sun Yiqiu to get in his car. Jiao Yaohua took them to an upscale club, where he introduced Madam Hua, the owner, as "his woman." He immediately began to humiliate Wu Kezhi, repeatedly calling him "Tadpole" and referencing the children's story "Where's Mama?" Wu Kezhi forced a smile and endured the insults, as did Sun Yiqiu.

Jiao Yaohua's words were cutting, reminding Wu Kezhi that if it weren't for their old school ties, someone of Wu Kezhi's current position wouldn't even be allowed to see him. Wu Kezhi, still smiling, agreed, calling Jiao Yaohua a "perfect example of a winner" and himself "truly lucky." Hearing that Sun Yiqiu hadn't attended college, Jiao Yaohua insisted he drink a full glass of spirits. Madam Hua dutifully poured, filling Sun Yiqiu's glass to the brim.

As Sun Yiqiu prepared to drink, Wu Kezhi quickly intervened, offering to drink on his behalf. Wu Kezhi gulped down the entire glass, losing his voice temporarily. Jiao Yaohua, instead of showing sympathy, mocked him, calling him "ignorant." After enduring the degrading dinner, Wu Kezhi and Sun Yiqiu put the heavily intoxicated Jiao Yaohua into his car, reminding him about the contract.

As the car drove away, Jiao Yaohua threw Wu Kezhi's cherished pen, the gift from his wife, out the window. Wu Kezhi picked up the pen and sat by the roadside, smiling with a profound sadness. The next day, Wu Kezhi still reeked of alcohol. Lin Yuming and Zhou Qingyu expressed their worry, while Manager Wang, impatient for an update, came to ask about the contract. Just then, Wu Kezhi received a call from Fanhua Culture, rejecting their investment.

Wu Kezhi went to the rooftop to call Jiao Yaohua, while Sun Yiqiu, seeing Manager Wang's anger, pleaded for more time. On the phone, Wu Kezhi pressed Jiao Yaohua, asking why he rejected the investment after appearing to agree the night before, and if the terms or profit allocation were the issue. Jiao Yaohua, however, bluntly stated he never intended to collaborate with Wu Kezhi, admitting, "I just wanted to humiliate you."

Wu Kezhi, confused, asked what he had done to offend him. Jiao Yaohua explained that in school, Wu Kezhi was always the center of attention, while he was "sidelined," which made him uncomfortable. He confessed he simply wanted Wu Kezhi to "have a taste of being sidelined." Wu Kezhi argued that even if Jiao Yaohua hated him, he shouldn't mix personal feelings with work, asking how he could explain this to his company.

Jiao Yaohua dismissed him as still "holier-than-thou" and uninterested, then abruptly ended the call, mentioning he had other investors to meet. After hanging up, Wu Kezhi looked up, a painful, bitter smile on his face. Manager Wang once again lost his temper with Wu Kezhi, stating that the project, which had some hope, was now "over for real" because of him. Lin Yuming immediately questioned Sun Yiqiu, wondering why Jiao Yaohua, Wu Kezhi's supposed buddy, had behaved this way.

Wu Kezhi was consumed by self-blame, convinced that Jiao Yaohua's refusal to sign was solely directed at him. Sun Yiqiu proposed that Lin Yuming go to Jiao Yaohua and claim he also disliked Wu Kezhi, suggesting that if he secured the project, it could lead to a promotion and embarrass Wu Kezhi. Wu Kezhi considered the idea but then thought of a more suitable candidate: Zhou Qingyu.

Zhou Qingyu was puzzled why Wu Kezhi would hand over such a promising project to a competitor. Wu Kezhi explained that the goal was to secure the project for Manager Wang, regardless of who did it. He instructed Zhou Qingyu to simply repeat everything he had ever said negatively about Wu Kezhi behind his back, directly to Jiao Yaohua.

That evening, Zhou Qingyu followed Wu Kezhi's advice, speaking ill of him to Jiao Yaohua and leveraging Fanhua Culture's future by detailing how his resources could ensure its success, from IP management to platform distribution and film collaborations, predicting a massive growth in cash flow. The next day, he successfully finalized the project.

Wu Kezhi again faced mockery from Jiao Yaohua, who, in front of him, praised Zhou Qingyu for revitalizing his interest in the contract and for being a healthy contrast to Wu Kezhi's "old and senile" state. Zhou Qingyu, playing along, agreed that Wu Kezhi's body was "a wreck." Manager Wang was ecstatic that Zhou Qingyu had secured the project, praising his "style" and quiet efficiency, and even suggested Zhou Qingyu might be promoted ahead of Wu Kezhi.

He then told Wu Kezhi to thank Zhou Qingyu. Lin Yuming, frustrated by Zhou Qingyu's deceptive act, complained about his "shamelessness" and how he got credit without apparent effort. Wu Kezhi, however, calmly told him to move on and focus on their next project. Separately, Li Chao tried to persuade Jiang Nan to reconsider a medical technology project whose founder was a physically disabled individual, emphasizing his impressive journey of building the company from a wheelchair.

Jiang Nan, however, maintained a professional stance, stating that an investment firm is "not a charity" and that there should be a "limit to sympathy." She dismissed the project as overvalued, with low production, a flawed business model, and insufficient investment value. When Li Chao pointed out their patented "smart all-terrain electric wheelchair," Jiang Nan retorted that it was "pricey but impractical and not covered in medical insurance," making it unmarketable.

Later, Gao Sicong presented Jiang Nan with an analysis report based on data he had been tasked to input, hoping it would deepen Jiang Nan's understanding of the project. He explained that although inputting data was not meaningful in itself, it allowed him to learn more about the project. Jiang Nan, however, tore up the report in front of him, leaving Gao Sicong speechless and questioning if he had done something wrong.

Episode 13 Recap

Gao Sicong voluntarily performed data analysis on tables he had previously keyed in, hoping to impress Jiang Nan. However, Jiang Nan tore up the analysis, asking if he had been instructed to do it and then ignored Gao Sicong's question about whether he had done something wrong. Jiang Nan then assigned Gao Sicong the task of sorting and binding documents, stating he would handle it himself if Gao Sicong wasn't willing. Gao Sicong, confused, but proceeded to bind the documents.

Soon after, Hao Shuai approached Gao Sicong, teasing him about the binding task. He shared the good news that the four interns would soon begin two-person group training. Gao Sicong immediately inquired about his teammate, prompting Hao Shuai to correctly surmise that Gao Sicong was more interested in Lan Qianyi's partner.

Gao Sicong playfully stated he didn't mind who his teammate was, as long as it wasn't the talkative Hao Shuai, who then jokingly suggested Sun Yiqiu would be paired with Lan Qianyi. Later, the official group assignments were released. Lin Yuming expressed dismay that Sun Yiqiu was partnered with Li Chao, acknowledging Li Chao's kindness but questioning his competence.

Wu Kezhi, however, defended Li Chao, explaining that despite being introverted and often perceived as soft, Li Chao was a trusted assistant to Manager Yu and exceptionally skilled at fostering relationships with startups, a rare and valuable asset he urged Sun Yiqiu to learn from. That evening, Li Chao was seen having a drink with Jiang Nan, confiding his doubts about his suitability for the investment industry.

He felt the job required decisiveness and a firm hand, qualities he struggled to embody due to his compromising "pleaser personality." Jiang Nan advised him to be resolute and even "mean" to become an elite, and to change himself if he couldn't change the world. Li Chao expressed his frustration at his inability to change.

Jiang Nan likened him to a sheep unable to become a wolf, but Li Chao countered that even a sheep has horns, leading Jiang Nan to encourage him to use them. The next day, Li Chao took Sun Yiqiu and Gao Sicong for their first practical training, which involved a meeting with Cheers, a video company. Li Chao instructed them that while representing a large company, they should avoid being aggressive in negotiations to prevent intimidating clients.

He stressed the importance of maintaining good relationships, comparing it to "treading on ice." Gao Sicong countered that aggression could project confidence and superiority, arguing that being overly accommodating might reduce a project's success rate. Li Chao clarified that "moderation" was key, a skill he was still mastering. He explained that Cheers had only signed a letter of intent, not a binding contract, attributing their caution to multiple stakeholders.

Gao Sicong, however, suspected Cheers was using King Capital's offer to bargain with other investors. Upon arrival, their suspicions were confirmed when they spotted representatives from Silver Maple Capital. Li Chao, embarrassed, dismissed Sun Yiqiu and Gao Sicong, telling them to return to the office. Sun Yiqiu, wanting to help, asked Gao Sicong for advice. Gao Sicong suggested exposing Cheers' dishonesty and forcing them to sign, though he doubted Li Chao's ability to act on it.

Sun Yiqiu discreetly took photos, hoping they might be useful. Gao Sicong, however, warned him against interfering, stating it was Li Chao's problem and inappropriate for interns to witness their superior's potential embarrassment. Gao Sicong then left, but Sun Yiqiu remained, determined to assist. Sun Yiqiu returned to Li Chao, who allowed him to stay.

Li Chao confronted Cheers' Director Xie, accusing him of using King Capital's contract to negotiate with Silver Maple Capital, thereby violating the exclusivity clause in their letter of intent. Director Xie vehemently denied wrongdoing, claiming it was a misunderstanding and promising to sign their contract immediately, appealing to Li Chao's sense of partnership. Director Zheng then dramatically reprimanded Director Xie for jeopardizing their collaboration, emphasizing the plight of hundreds of unpaid employees and their crushed hopes.

Seeing Li Chao hesitate, Sun Yiqiu discreetly messaged the photos he had taken to Yu Wenli. Moments later, Yu Wenli called, causing Director Zheng to visibly panic. Back at King Capital, Li Chao approached Yu Wenli, requesting Sun Yiqiu's presence at the upcoming meeting with Cheers' representatives, crediting Sun Yiqiu for his significant help earlier. Yu Wenli agreed. Later, Hao Shuai informed Gao Sicong about the meeting and Sun Yiqiu's unexpected inclusion.

Gao Sicong, recalling Sun Yiqiu's decision to stay behind earlier, contrasted it with his own adherence to professional "respect and boundaries." During the meeting, Yu Wenli pressed Li Chao for an explanation regarding Cheers and Silver Maple Capital. Li Chao admitted that Cheers had violated the exclusivity clause but took full responsibility. He stated that his excessive consideration for the client, without securing a binding contract, made him appear unreliable to both Cheers and King Capital.

He asserted that a startup primarily seeks a reliable investor and pledged to bear all consequences. Sun Yiqiu observed a transformed Li Chao, whose courageous self-reflection highlighted the distinction between genuine kindness and weakness. Yu Wenli then asked Sun Yiqiu to leave so she could speak with Li Chao privately. On the rooftop, Sun Yiqiu admired Li Chao's bravery but worried his intervention might have caused him harm.

Gao Sicong joined him, accusing Sun Yiqiu of selfishly trying to prove himself. Gao Sicong warned that if Li Chao were forced to resign, he might struggle to find employment elsewhere, implying Sun Yiqiu, being selfish, wouldn't care. Yu Wenli later reassured Li Chao that he had performed exceptionally well in the meeting, proving himself a competent investment consultant.

She emphasized that trust was paramount between investors and founders, and his responsible actions demonstrated his reliability, confirming that Cheers had ultimately signed the contract. Meanwhile, Wu Kezhi criticized Sun Yiqiu's training report for its overly descriptive and flowery language, likening it to a "novel." Shortly after, Li Chao visited their office to personally thank Sun Yiqiu for his significant help.

After Li Chao departed, Wu Kezhi cautioned Sun Yiqiu, explaining that their success was purely "lucky" and he had narrowly avoided disaster. He clarified that while Sun Yiqiu could offer suggestions and assistance, he did not possess the authority to make decisions on behalf of others. Separately, Lan Qianyi offered Zhao Manager coffee and asked if there was any work she could assist with.

Zhao Manager then presented her with a challenging project that had been rejected three times by the Risk Control Centre, telling her that if she could get it approved, it would be hers. Manager Wang met with Wu Kezhi, offering him a highly promising E-commerce packaging project, which he described as profitable and the best project in the company. Manager Wang positioned this as an opportunity for Wu Kezhi's long-overdue promotion, acknowledging his past challenging assignments.

However, Wu Kezhi politely declined, stating his preference for his agricultural project proposal, despite its known risks. Manager Wang grew angry, questioning Wu Kezhi's judgment and refusing to trust him, recalling a past unreliable associate. He gave Wu Kezhi time to reconsider, promising not to force the packaging project but explicitly stating he would not support the agricultural one.

Later, Yu Wenli also advised Wu Kezhi to reconsider the agricultural project, detailing its numerous common problems and asking him to pick another project. Lin Yuming later confronted Wu Kezhi, calling agricultural projects "huge traps" and questioning why he would reject such a good opportunity from Manager Wang, suggesting he was turning an ally into an enemy and urging him to think about his family.

Zhao Manager and Chief Xu discussed Lan Qianyi's difficult assignment, hoping it would teach her a lesson and intentionally withholding the Risk Control Centre's rejection comments. Sun Yiqiu noticed Lan Qianyi's struggle and learned she lacked critical information, unable to determine why her project had been rejected thrice. He suggested she approach Manager Pan, the head of the Risk Control Centre, who alone held the authority to disclose such details.

Lan Qianyi hesitated, explaining that company hierarchy considered it disrespectful to bypass multiple superiors to approach Manager Pan. Sun Yiqiu dismissed this unwritten rule, arguing that if she explained her urgent need, Manager Pan might be understanding. Encouraged, Lan Qianyi informed Chief Xu and Manager Zhao that she was going to the Risk Control Centre.

Hao Shuai, overhearing, found Manager Pan, known as a "demoness" with a "fussy" and "strong personality," intriguing, recounting an incident where Manager Pan rejected a well-written project simply because "she didn't feel like approving it."

Episode 14 Recap

Gao Sicong diligently works on binding documents when Hao Shuai approaches him, seeking information about Director Pan, the Risk Control Director. Hao Shuai is trying to find a way to convince her after she rejected one of their projects. Gao Sicong describes Director Pan as famously difficult to communicate with, known for her peculiar temperament, and a woman entirely dedicated to her career.

Despite her eccentricities, her professional capability in risk control is unparalleled in the industry, earning her immense respect even from senior management. Meanwhile, Lan Qianyi directly seeks out Director Pan. Director Pan challenges her to state a valid reason to stay within three seconds, but Lan Qianyi is unable to respond before time expires and is dismissed. Back with her colleagues, Gao Sicong criticizes Lan Qianyi for making such a fundamental error by directly confronting Director Pan.

Sun Yiqiu timidly admits he was the one who encouraged her to try. Hao Shuai speculates that Director Pan might simply dislike Lan Qianyi, hinting at a "rivalry between those of the same gender" and suggesting that perhaps a different person would yield a different outcome.

However, Gao Sicong argues that the Energy Division's true motive is merely to force Lan Qianyi to concede, but he states that if Lan Qianyi were to bow down, she would lose her true self. Hao Shuai, determined to win over Director Pan, offers to take on the task himself. He secretly brings flowers to Director Pan, claiming they are from a young man who admires her.

Director Pan corners him, questioning if Yin Sheng Chao sent him, then instructs him to leave the flowers and depart. Terrified, Hao Shuai quickly drops the flowers and flees, muttering about how "scary" the encounter was. Later, he tells Sun Yiqiu he feels he was "probably sexually harassed" by Director Pan. Sun Yiqiu struggles to suppress his laughter, while Lin Yuming bursts out laughing openly.

Lin Yuming then explains that any project rejected by the Risk Control Centre, especially by Director Pan herself, has "zero chance" of ever being approved due to their stringent assessment system. Separately, Wu Kezhi consults Chief Su for examples of successful agricultural projects to support his current proposal. Chief Su informs him that there are no successful cases, only a long list of failures, including cucumbers dying overnight, stored ginger decaying, and millions lost on washed-away scallops.

Wu Kezhi, however, remains resolute, asserting that agriculture is fundamental to human life and should not be abandoned simply because it is difficult. Chief Su, having failed in agricultural investments himself, offers moral support but no tangible examples. Other colleagues wonder why Wu Kezhi insists on pursuing such a challenging project. Wu Kezhi receives a video call from his son, who has a fever and asks him to bring home his favorite pear syrup candy.

After work, Wu Kezhi hurries to the store, only to find out they have discontinued the handmade candy due to its labor-intensive, costly, and low-profit production. Recognizing Wu Kezhi, the kind owner gives him the last portion she had saved for herself, refusing payment. Lan Qianyi returns to Director Pan, this time sincerely apologizing for her previous approach and expressing a genuine desire to learn, even proposing to train under the Risk Control Centre.

Director Pan accepts and provides Lan Qianyi with all the materials for the gas hydrate project, instructing her to write a rejection statement from the Risk Control Centre's perspective. Meanwhile, Manager Zhao confronts Lan Qianyi, criticizing her for doing the Risk Control Centre's work, calling her an "embarrassment" and accusing her of undermining their own division. Wu Kezhi intervenes, scolding Manager Zhao for his inappropriate behavior, then takes Lan Qianyi to the rooftop.

There, he offers her a piece of the special pear syrup candy, explaining its laborious, traditional production method and why it stands out from others of its kind. Though Lan Qianyi initially finds it similar to a mint candy, Wu Kezhi's point about comparing it to "the same kind" sparks a profound realization for her. Inspired by this conversation, Wu Kezhi develops a new vision for his agricultural project.

He realizes that focusing solely on the agricultural product won't fully reveal its value. Instead, he proposes integrating it with "tourism development," transforming the farm into an "eco resort." This innovative approach would allow consumers to experience the entire production process, maximize resource utilization, boost profits, build a strong brand, and foster a sustainable cycle. Sun Yiqiu thinks it's an excellent idea. Lin Yuming, however, is deeply concerned, seeing Wu Kezhi's serious commitment to this challenging project.

He laments that while their peers who joined the company at the same time as Wu Kezhi are now Vice Presidents, and Manager Wang specifically offered Wu Kezhi an easier project for promotion, Wu Kezhi stubbornly chooses the difficult path. Lin Yuming urges Sun Yiqiu not to support Wu Kezhi and emphasizes that they must do everything possible to make him abandon the agricultural project before the proposal is submitted.

Elsewhere, Gao Sicong provides Lan Qianyi with previously rejected project documents from the Energy Division for her research, suggesting that Director Pan must truly appreciate Lan Qianyi for entrusting her with such a task. After working late, Lan Qianyi and Sun Yiqiu coincidentally meet downstairs. Lan Qianyi shares that she now fully understands the Risk Control Centre's reasons for rejecting the gas hydrate project, though she sees no immediate hope for its approval.

Sun Yiqiu observes her enjoyment of the challenge, comparing her resilience to Wu Kezhi's. He then poses a question, implicitly about Wu Kezhi: given a choice between a project one loves and a project that guarantees promotion, which would she choose? Lan Qianyi, understanding his concern for Wu Kezhi, believes that Wu Kezhi would prefer to be an "outstanding consultant" over merely a "qualified employee," suggesting he would follow his passion.

She concludes that following one's heart is always the best path. Sun Yiqiu invites her for a drink, but Lan Qianyi politely declines, stating she still has more work to do at home. Wu Kezhi returns home with the pear syrup candy. His sons are delighted, but innocently ask what a "promotion" means and why their mother constantly says he "can't get a promotion," causing Wu Kezhi to sigh heavily.

Director Pan is pleased with Lan Qianyi's swift completion of her assignment. Pan clarifies that true risk control standards are derived from experience and cannot be simply measured or quantified. She agrees with Lan Qianyi's rejection statement and acknowledges that the gas hydrate project is indeed "not mature enough." However, she expresses her willingness to wait for Lan Qianyi to submit a "feasible proposal."

Meanwhile, Manager Xu and Manager Zhao, mocking Lan Qianyi and assuming her efforts were fruitless, are interrupted by an awkward Manager Ma. He announces Director Pan's new directive: all documents submitted to the Risk Control Centre must now first be "pre-examined by Lan Qianyi." Lan Qianyi is overjoyed, while Xu and Zhao are exasperated and bewildered by Director Pan's favoritism, speculating whether Pan sees her younger self in Lan Qianyi or if Lan Qianyi is simply being cunning.

Wu Kezhi presents his agricultural-tourism project proposal to Manager Wang. Seeing Wu Kezhi's unwavering determination, Manager Wang accepts his decision. However, Manager Wang immediately summons Zhou Qingyu and assigns him an "E-commerce packaging project." He then informs both Wu Kezhi and Zhou Qingyu that, due to limited quarterly investment funds, only one project can be funded, and it will be the one that first gains approval from the Investment Committee, framing it as "fair competition."

Zhou Qingyu and his colleagues celebrate their perceived easy victory, while Lin Yuming is disheartened. Wu Kezhi, however, appears unfazed. Wu Kezhi later contacts General Manager Yu via phone, requesting a staff member for the due diligence investigation of his agricultural project, acknowledging it's an "unrewarding job" and that he has no other help. Sun Yiqiu eagerly volunteers. Lin Yuming initially protests, exclaiming, "If you don't go, who's going to inspect the pig farm?

Who's going to valuate the pig's pedigree?" Wu Kezhi confirms these specific tasks are indeed on the due diligence checklist, horrifying Lin Yuming, who desperately pleads to be exempted from evaluating "pedigree pigs." Manager Jiang instructs Gao Sicong to prepare for a "work trip" to the countryside for the due diligence investigation, explaining that Wu Kezhi requested his assistance.

Gao Sicong, feeling unfairly treated and sidelined with "meaningless tasks" while his peers are given "proper work," confronts Manager Jiang, asking if she has a personal vendetta against him. Manager Jiang sternly replies that her professional attitude is separate from personal feelings, stating that "meaningful tasks aren't just tasks that put you under the spotlight," and advises him to adapt or find work elsewhere.

Yu Wenli later clarifies to Gao Sicong that she arranged the trip, viewing it as a valuable "learning opportunity" for the four new recruits. Hao Shuai, eager for fieldwork, is dismayed when Manager Yin attempts to excuse him from the trip by calling Manager Yu and claiming Hao Shuai is "not feeling well" and "too shy to say it."

Hao Shuai quickly insists he "kind of want to go," prompting Manager Yin to suggest this could be a "bonus" if Manager Yu believes he's working while unwell. Finally, Hao Shuai arrives at the parking lot to join Lin Yuming, Sun Yiqiu, Lan Qianyi, and Gao Sicong. Before they depart, Manager Yin hands Hao Shuai a bottle of mosquito spray, warning him about the numerous mosquitoes in the countryside. Lin Yuming playfully teases Manager Yin about his protective concern for Hao Shuai before the group gets into the car.

Episode 15 Recap

On the drive to the countryside, Hao Shuai began a live stream, coercing Gao Sicong, Lin Yuming, and Lan Qianyi to greet his fans, much to their visible annoyance. He playfully called Gao Sicong handsome and tried to show Lan Qianyi, who threatened him. He also jokingly announced Lin Yuming as his "favorite guy" before signing off. Gao Sicong and Lan Qianyi visited a peach and pear orchard.

The farmer explained his secret of using soybean fertilizer, which makes the fruits incredibly sweet and safe to eat directly from the tree, unlike supermarket fruits that require taxes and logistics. He argued that his high-quality fruits, sold at half the price of imported ones, were not expensive as consumers were willing to pay for safety and peace of mind.

Despite the excellent taste and quality, the farmer lamented that sales wouldn't increase, and many good fruits rotted in the warehouse. When Gao Sicong requested three years of financial reports, the farmer produced a thick, handwritten account book, admitting he didn't know what a financial report was. Meanwhile, Hao Shuai was at a reservoir, humorously conducting a "quality test" by ordering fish dishes from the fisherman.

The fisherman explained that his fish, raised in flowing water, were superior in taste and quality to pond-farmed fish, much like free-range chickens compared to caged ones. However, he admitted that maintaining such high quality required low-density farming and patience, meaning quantity could not be achieved alongside quality.

Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu arrived at a pig farm, where they underwent a strict disinfection process before meeting the founder, Wan Li Tao, who introduced himself as a sociology PhD from America and the creator of this advanced farm. Lin Yuming was surprised by the luxurious conditions, remarking that the pigs lived better than he did. Wan Li Tao explained that these pigs were more than pets, sacrificing their lives for humans, and thus deserved care.

He asserted that the perception of agricultural products as cheap was the core problem, and until that changed, no amount of testing would be a permanent solution. He acknowledged he couldn't change the whole world but could set an example. Sun Yiqiu was deeply inspired by this philosophy, but Lin Yuming, frustrated, pointed out the exorbitant cost, estimating the pork would sell for RMB 400 per kg.

Sun Yiqiu countered that expensive, high-quality pork existed abroad, citing examples like Kagoshima black pork. He believed that to elevate the image of domestic agriculture, someone had to lead the way, and that Chief Wu Kezhi probably felt the same. Lin Yuming warned Sun Yiqiu that if the project failed to pass the investment committee, not only Wu Kezhi but the entire Team IV would face dismissal or merger due to their current poor performance.

During lunch, the team discussed the common plight of all local agricultural products: excellent quality but low yield, making it difficult to scale and convince consumers to pay premium prices, unlike imported goods. Gao Sicong shared that the fruit farmer's handwritten account book was incomprehensible, making it impossible to get accurate financial numbers. Lin Yuming further elaborated on Wan Li Tao's background, expressing his dismay that a sociology PhD was farming pigs with such unrealistic high costs.

Back at the office, Lin Yuming urged Wu Kezhi to abandon the project, reminding him that "fake hope is the biggest trap." Sun Yiqiu, however, believed the project had potential, but Lin Yuming quickly cut him off. Undeterred, Wu Kezhi called Manager Wang, requesting an additional week to adjust the proposal for the agriculture project. Manager Wang initially refused, stating that the packaging project's meeting was already scheduled for that week and the first approved project would be chosen.

However, he then seemed to reconsider, saying he didn't want to appear petty towards his former boss, Wu Kezhi, and encouraged him to "do a good job." Wu Kezhi refused to give up, insisting there was nothing wrong with the project's positioning or direction; any problems were their fault, not the project's. He believed giving up meant ignoring its true value.

Sun Yiqiu agreed, highlighting that the products were genuinely high-quality but the challenge lay in proving their value to consumers. Lin Yuming skeptically asked if they could "let every single consumer see how the pig is grown." This rhetorical question sparked an idea in Wu Kezhi's mind: what if they could? At the same time, Yu Wenli was facing a crisis. Her streaming platform had been penalized for uncontrolled content, and she was struggling to salvage its image.

She received a call from Wu Kezhi, who proposed a collaboration: using her streaming platform for the agriculture project. He suggested live streaming the entire production process of fruits, pigs, and seafood, allowing consumers to witness and even participate in quality control from cultivation to harvest. Yu Wenli, recognizing this as a unique opportunity to provide "healthy content" and restore her platform's image, immediately returned to the office.

She instructed Li Chao to quickly finalize a plan for a press conference to announce the collaboration, believing it would definitely help her platform, even if it wasn't guaranteed to save Team IV's project. Wu Kezhi then instructed Lin Yuming to coordinate with Yu Wenli's team.

He asked Sun Yiqiu to lead Gao Sicong, Lan Qianyi, and Hao Shuai back to the countryside the next day to assess the feasibility of live streaming, as Lin Yuming needed to stay behind to revise the proposal. The following day, Sun Yiqiu, Gao Sicong, Lan Qianyi, and Hao Shuai returned to the pig farm. Sun Yiqiu explained the live streaming concept to Wan Li Tao.

While Gao Sicong remained skeptical about the effectiveness of live streaming agriculture, Hao Shuai and Lan Qianyi enthusiastically launched a live stream, showcasing the adorable piglets and explaining the farm's strict international standards and the Jinhua pig's historical significance. To everyone's surprise, they sold over twenty piglets in less than half an hour. During lunch, Sun Yiqiu thanked everyone.

Hao Shuai jokingly congratulated Sun Yiqiu on becoming a "team leader," which subtly irked Gao Sicong, making him feel uneasy about Sun Yiqiu leading the team. Gao Sicong later pulled Lan Qianyi aside, saying he needed a walk to clear his head. He confided in her about his dissatisfaction in the IT Division, feeling that Jiang Nan had a personal issue with him.

Lan Qianyi, who had interned in the IT Division, disagreed, explaining that Jiang Nan was simply very logical and not difficult to get along with. She suggested Gao Sicong might be misunderstanding him. Meanwhile, Hao Shuai was asked by Manager Yin to write a due diligence report due the next morning, so Sun Yiqiu sent him back to the office early.

Elsewhere, Manager Wang was having dinner with Zhou Qingyu, assuring him that his promotion was guaranteed if the packaging company project succeeded. However, Wang then received a call from Director Pan, informing him that the packaging project's food packaging failed a new government quality test, requiring a full production line overhaul. This meant the project would not be able to proceed to the investment committee meeting that week.

Back at the company, Hao Shuai returned with local produce he'd brought back. Chief Su, mistaking his due diligence trip for a vacation, chastised him for playing while others worked. Manager Yin tried to defend Hao Shuai, which only angered Chief Su more, who accused Yin of spoiling him. Hao Shuai insisted he hadn't been playing. Concurrently, the gas hydrate project was approved.

Lan Qianyi, who had put in significant work, arrived at the meeting expecting to continue, only to be informed by Chief Xu that Manager Zhao would be solely responsible for it. She was visibly upset. Manager Zhao felt a bit awkward, recalling his promise to Lan Qianyi that the project would be hers if approved, but he couldn't openly defy Chief Xu.

The press conference for the agricultural project, arranged by Yu Wenli, was scheduled for next Monday, which was too late for the upcoming investment committee meeting. Just then, Manager Wang approached Wu Kezhi with surprising warmth, expressing interest in his agricultural project and praising the live streaming collaboration idea. Wu Kezhi was perplexed by this sudden change of attitude. Lin Yuming, noticing a glum Zhou Qingyu nearby, explained to Wu Kezhi that the packaging company's production line had encountered problems.

Sun Yiqiu was surprised by the news, initially thinking Manager Wang genuinely believed in their project. Lin Yuming clarified that while Manager Wang was indeed Wu Kezhi's friend, he was also shrewd and pragmatic, always prioritizing personal gain, unlike their team's unconditional support for Wu Kezhi. The next morning, Gao Sicong sought out Jiang Nan, trying to discuss what he had learned from the due diligence trip, but Jiang Nan completely ignored him.

Frustrated, Gao Sicong went to the stairwell to smoke. Soon after, an angry Lan Qianyi joined him, tearfully eating a bag of chips. Seeing her distress, Gao Sicong suggested they both leave the company together, revealing he had already decided to look for a new job.

Episode 16 Recap

Gao Sicong expressed his frustration to Lan Qianyi, feeling they shouldn't remain in a company where they are treated unfairly. He suggested that if their situation didn't improve, they should consider leaving together, as both of them were capable of finding positions in other investment firms. Lan Qianyi, however, questioned whether they would face similar issues elsewhere, causing Gao Sicong to admit he hadn't decided yet but found the current stagnant situation unbearable.

He urged her to consider her own future, emphasizing that while neither of them wanted to surrender, planning for their future was more important. Wu Kezhi decided against postponing the investment meeting for his "Farm to You" project, eager to finalize it. Yu Wenli, in a friendly gesture, reminded him that agricultural projects remained an unpopular investment choice and would likely face scrutiny despite their new streaming platform collaboration.

She advised him to seek Director Qu's direct support, noting that the decision-maker's words could sway the outcome more than any proposal. Meanwhile, Director Qu inquired with Manager Ma about Team IV's "Farm to You" proposal. Manager Ma was critical, calling agricultural projects traps due to their slow nature, inherent risks, and susceptibility to unforeseen challenges. He believed the topicality of a live stream wouldn't solve these fundamental problems.

Director Qu, uninterested in the process, stated he only cared about the results. To prepare for the meeting, Wu Kezhi, Sun Yiqiu, and Lin Yuming held a mock investment meeting. Lin Yuming played Director Qu and Sun Yiqiu played Yu Wenli, both relentlessly questioning Wu Kezhi. Sun Yiqiu pressed for measures beyond live streaming, and Lin Yuming challenged the appeal of an "educational" agriculture show to general consumers.

Wu Kezhi grew visibly frustrated, but Sun Yiqiu reminded him to control his emotions. Wu Kezhi clarified that it was an interactive activity allowing consumers to participate in farm management and monitoring. When asked about product safety rumors, he proposed a third-party quality control with transparent data. However, he struggled to answer questions about controlling yield and managing order cancellations over long growth periods, which prompted Lin Yuming to point out his inability to answer.

Wu Kezhi complained about the realism of the simulation, but Lin Yuming insisted he was just trying to help. Shortly after, a news report about a tornado and hail devastating a high-end farm in Zhejiang Province plunged the team into further despair. Lin Yuming lamented that Manager Ma now had a perfect reason to reject the project, asking what they could do against nature. Wu Kezhi, initially distraught and remarking on the untimely tornado, soon had a revelation.

He realized that judging agricultural projects by conventional risk standards was inherently flawed. The inherent, uncontrollable risks of agriculture, he concluded, were not disadvantages but rather defining features of the industry. He believed they should question their assessment system, not the project itself, and urged a perspective of respecting and collaborating with nature to truly understand the value of agricultural investment.

At the actual investment meeting, a participant challenged Wu Kezhi to provide a specific payback period for his "advantageous" project. Wu Kezhi candidly admitted he didn't know, explaining that agricultural projects had no timelines or shortcuts, and success simply meant the project survived and remained relevant in the market.

He argued that while a long payback period was often seen as a disadvantage, he viewed it as a strength, asserting that agricultural products would always be in demand, especially premium ones, if trust and sustainable development were achieved. Director Qu, acknowledging the project's unique vitality, surprisingly expressed his support, and other participants followed suit. However, after the meeting, Director Qu made an unexpected announcement.

Citing monitoring purposes, he decided to transfer the "Farm to You" project to the TMT Division, appointing Yu Wenli to take over. Yu Wenli immediately refused, emphasizing that Wu Kezhi had planned the project from scratch and the farm founder would likely resist changing consultants. Ignoring her objections, Director Qu simply instructed Wu Kezhi to convince the founder. Wu Kezhi was devastated. Yu Wenli voiced her outrage at Qu's unreasonable decision to force her to "steal" his project.

Wu Kezhi, however, saw it as Qu merely reasserting his authority as the boss. When Yu Wenli threatened to complain to the partners, Wu Kezhi dismissed it, stating that Qu would have anticipated such a move and prepared excuses. Despite Yu Wenli's concern that he couldn't tolerate such treatment, Wu Kezhi stoically replied he was used to it and asked her to help him by doing her best for the project.

Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming were saddened by the outcome, wondering why Director Qu consistently targeted Wu Kezhi. Lin Yuming speculated that Wu Kezhi's unyielding pride would likely lead to similar conflicts regardless of where he worked. Meanwhile, Lan Qianyi, on her way to deliver a due diligence report to Yu Wenli, was accosted by Manager Ma. He accused her of prioritizing other teams and Yu Wenli over her own team, questioning her loyalty and intentions.

Later, Manager Zhao proposed to Manager Xu that Lan Qianyi be allowed to participate in the gas hydrate project, arguing that her involvement was key to its approval and that he had promised her. Xu was hesitant, but Zhao insisted on keeping his word and highlighted Lan Qianyi's potential to facilitate communication with the Risk Control Centre. Xu agreed, but only if Zhao could prove he could keep Lan Qianyi "under control."

Zhao then instructed Lan Qianyi to empty and thoroughly wash all the rubbish bins in their team's area. Despite her reluctance, Lan Qianyi complied. Hao Shuai, feigning illness to leave work early, encountered Lan Qianyi carrying the trash cans. He was furious, asking why she had become so submissive after her pivotal role in the gas hydrate project. He urged her to confront her tormentors, reminding her of her "female warrior" persona and telling her not to change.

Lan Qianyi, however, reflected that perhaps being seen as a "female warrior" was what made her seem intimidating. Adopting a new strategy, she returned to Manager Zhao, respectfully informing him she had completed the cleaning task. She then humbly requested to participate in the gas hydrate project, offering to do any menial task, including cleaning, document compilation, or serving drinks. Zhao, seizing the opportunity, told her to clean the entire Conventional Department. Lan Qianyi, after a slight hesitation, agreed immediately.

Sun Yiqiu, fetching coffee for Wu Kezhi, noticed Lan Qianyi cleaning and assumed she was being bullied. Wu Kezhi, observing her, remarked that she didn't look bullied; rather, she looked "fired up and waiting to declare war." In another part of the company, Gao Sicong flatly refused work assigned by Jiang Nan, stating he couldn't do it because he had quit.

He argued that he came to work, not to waste his life on tasks that could be done by anyone, questioning why they had worked so hard to pass their exams. Jiang Nan, disappointed, observed that Gao Sicong had learned nothing during his time there, to which Gao Sicong retorted that he had at least learned "to endure." Gao Sicong then stormed out early, angrily asking Lan Qianyi if she wanted to join him for a drink.

Lan Qianyi declined, citing remaining work, but thanked him for his previous advice, acknowledging that sometimes a "tactical retreat is necessary." Gao Sicong wished them both good luck before leaving. Wu Kezhi met with Wan Litiao, the farm founder, to reassure him about Yu Wenli taking over the project, vouching for her capabilities. Wan Litiao expressed his regret at seeing Wu Kezhi endure such indignity and suggested he resign and find another job, given his talent.

Wu Kezhi, however, saw leaving as an act of surrender, which would only please his adversaries and disappoint his colleagues. Sun Yiqiu, observing Wu Kezhi and Lin Yuming, reflected on everyone's different motivations: Wu Kezhi fighting to not admit defeat, Lin Yuming driven by friendship, and pondered his own purpose beyond mere survival. Later that evening, a drunken Wu Kezhi was helped home by his wife.

Despite his project being taken from him, he stubbornly mumbled that everyone wanted him to leave, but he refused to go. The following morning, Wu Kezhi took his son to taekwondo class. Gao Sicong was on a blind date, during which his date expressed her dream of becoming a housewife, advocating for traditional gender roles, much to Gao Sicong's bewilderment.

Meanwhile, Sun Yiqiu went for a run, finding clarity and resilience in physical exertion, reflecting that life was a marathon requiring sustained stamina. His mother, seeing a movie invitation from a girl named Shiyan on his phone, insisted he accept it, dismissing his protest that they were just friends and he wasn't in the mood. Sun Yiqiu reluctantly agreed. At the cinema, Gao Sicong surprisingly encountered Lan Qianyi, casually dressed, which made him almost not recognize her.

He, on the other hand, was still in a suit, having just come from an unsuccessful meeting with an "old-fashioned" founder for a project. As they discussed movie choices, Sun Yiqiu and Shiyan walked in, leading to a surprised quadruple encounter.

Episode 17 Recap

Gao Sicong and Lan Qianyi unexpectedly met at the cinema entrance. Gao Sicong, surprised, asked if they had come together, but Lan Qianyi clarified they had run into each other. Soon after, Sun Yiqiu arrived with Li Shi Yan. Li Shi Yan introduced herself, and Gao Sicong introduced himself and Lan Qianyi as Sun Yiqiu's colleagues. When deciding on a movie, Sun Yiqiu mentioned he wanted to see an action film.

Li Shi Yan eagerly suggested an action movie called "Battery," even though Sun Yiqiu thought she preferred "Into Wall Street." Lan Qianyi, who initially wanted to see an action film, quickly changed her mind, stating she no longer felt like watching it and would go for a comedy with Gao Sicong, and they parted ways. After their respective movies, Gao Sicong loudly complained to Lan Qianyi that their film was "unbelievably bad."

Meanwhile, Li Shi Yan gently probed Sun Yiqiu's thoughts on the action movie, asking what he would do if he were the hero. She then offered to buy him dinner to reciprocate the movie ticket, but Sun Yiqiu politely declined, citing work commitments. Before leaving, Li Shi Yan asked for his ticket stub, declaring, "From now on, I'll keep all our ticket stubs," before booking a car and departing.

The next morning at work, Lan Qianyi asked Sun Yiqiu how long he had been dating the "pretty girl" from the movies. Sun Yiqiu quickly explained that Li Shi Yan was not his girlfriend, a story Lan Qianyi seemed to believe. Moments later, Hao Shuai enthusiastically confronted Sun Yiqiu, demanding to know why he had hidden his "girlfriend" from him. Gao Sicong and Lan Qianyi stifled their laughter, leaving Sun Yiqiu thoroughly exasperated.

Hao Shuai continued to tease Sun Yiqiu, who was trying to convince him that Li Shi Yan was not his girlfriend, insisting he saw Gao Sicong and Lan Qianyi talking earlier. In the elevator, Wu Kezhi encountered Director Yan, a confident businesswoman and an investor from Luocheng Group, who was on her way to meet Director Qu. During their discussion, Director Qu acknowledged Director Yan's long-standing trust and financial support.

Director Yan, known for being straightforward, informed Director Qu that while there was no inherent reason to renew their contract, her analysts had suggested exploring other promising investment firms. She assured him she wouldn't completely abandon King Capital, but her team would re-evaluate the investment sum for the next fund. Later, Manager Wang cornered Wu Kezhi, informing him that Director Yan had specifically requested his presence for dinner and drinks, implying the investment amount depended on him.

Wu Kezhi vehemently refused, citing prior commitments and suggesting Manager Wang find someone else. Manager Wang, growing increasingly frustrated, insisted. He even threatened to resign if Wu Kezhi wouldn't cooperate. Lin Yuming then added that he and Zhou Qingyu would also quit, saying "We can all quit since there's no funds." Lin Yuming further teased Wu Kezhi, remarking on his transformation from a "teenage heartthrob" to someone "irresistible to mature women."

Director Yan's assistant then arrived, delivering a gift for Wu Kezhi – a stylish, smooth shirt – along with an invitation to meet at her private club the following night. Desperate, Wu Kezhi attempted to feign illness to Manager Wang, claiming a heart ailment from too much drinking, but Manager Wang dismissed his excuse, demanding a medical report that Wu Kezhi couldn't provide.

Lin Yuming and Zhou Qingyu understood Wu Kezhi's internal struggle, recognizing that while such duties were commonplace for other consultants, Wu Kezhi held firm to his principles. Sun Yiqiu proposed a drastic solution. He took Wu Kezhi and Lin Yuming to the rooftop, where he presented them with notoriously spicy skewers, rumored to cause severe digestive distress for days. Wu Kezhi, seeing no other option, began to consume the skewers, even drinking the accompanying soup.

Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu joined him in solidarity. Afterward, they finished a large tub of ice cream. Soon, Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu were both suffering from stomach issues, frequently rushing to the restroom. To their surprise, Wu Kezhi remained completely unaffected. Zhou Qingyu, seeing his colleagues' discomfort, urged Wu Kezhi to reconsider, emphasizing that Team IV was already understaffed and his two colleagues were pushed to their limits daily.

Wu Kezhi went to the pantry to fetch hot water for the ailing Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming, a gesture Gao Sicong observed with a hint of unease. Back in their team area, Jiang Nan, who had left to meet a client, had assigned Gao Sicong a stack of documents to revise by the end of the day.

Eventually, Wu Kezhi decided to accept the dinner invitation but set a condition with Manager Wang: if he successfully signed the contract, Team IV must be allocated a new, competent team member. Manager Wang readily agreed. Wu Kezhi then instructed Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming to summon Hao Shuai to the meeting room to strategize, acknowledging Hao Shuai's superior experience in dealing with clients.

During the meeting, Hao Shuai presented his analysis: all investment consultants who successfully secured contracts with Director Yan shared one common trait—they were "handsome." Conversely, those who failed were, in his words, "not." He concluded that Director Yan "really cares a lot about looks." Hao Shuai also highlighted Director Yan's remarkable alcohol tolerance, noting that no one had ever managed to get her drunk enough to sign a contract, but he maintained that "there is still hope."

To prevent them from getting drunk first, Hao Shuai devised an elaborate plan: when Wu Kezhi prompted Director Yan to drink and she pretended to take a phone call, Sun Yiqiu should covertly refill her glass. He also instructed them to discreetly spit out alcohol into various receptacles like towels, cups, trash cans, or even potted plants.

Meanwhile, Manager Xu and Manager Zhao finally gave Lan Qianyi the green light to participate in the combustible ice project, instructing her to prepare a report. As Lan Qianyi was gathering her documents, Hao Shuai pulled her into the meeting room to role-play as Director Yan for their practice session. Lan Qianyi quickly identified a critical flaw in their current plan.

She argued that as a woman, Director Yan would likely be offended and angered by direct attempts to get her drunk. Instead, Lan Qianyi proposed a different approach: engaging Director Yan in a conversation about emotions and life experiences. She theorized that if they could touch upon a sad or vulnerable topic, Director Yan would voluntarily want to drink to cope, making her more amenable.

Lan Qianyi shared a three-step method: first, listen and encourage her to reveal her inner thoughts; second, express support and use examples to reiterate her points; and third, adopt her perspective, abandon rationality, and wholeheartedly side with her. If successful, Director Yan would feel understood and be more willing to drink with them. Hao Shuai was impressed by her insights.

Wu Kezhi then wrapped up the meeting, asking Lin Yuming to compile a list of conversational questions based on Lan Qianyi's techniques and to prepare hangover medicine. In the pantry, Sun Yiqiu thanked Lan Qianyi for her valuable suggestions. Lan Qianyi commented on Wu Kezhi being "pretty interesting" and "so old-fashioned."

She mused that being admired by a rich and beautiful woman like Director Yan wasn't inherently bad, and leveraging that fondness for a long-term collaboration shouldn't be difficult, yet Wu Kezhi treated her "like an enemy." Sun Yiqiu suggested it was Wu Kezhi's principle not to take advantage of others' feelings, a notion Lan Qianyi found hard to believe in the modern world. Wu Kezhi was diligently researching Director Yan.

Jiang Nan returned to the office and noticed Gao Sicong's computer screen displayed job search results. Jiang Nan told Gao Sicong he wouldn't stop him from seeking opportunities elsewhere but insisted he complete his current work properly until he left. Gao Sicong retorted that Jiang Nan was the reason he was leaving, claiming he wasn't even given a chance to "go to the battlefield." Jiang Nan accused him of blaming others.

Jiang Nan then presented a project plan for "Bayer Tech" that Gao Sicong had written, which Jiang Nan had already reviewed. He told Gao Sicong he didn't believe he knew what he truly wanted, explaining that in their profession, the return often fell short of the effort invested. He criticized Gao Sicong's impatience and desire for compliments, which he believed made his work "lacking in substance" and "without operational value."

Gao Sicong felt that Jiang Nan was implying he lacked substance and asked why he hadn't told him earlier. Jiang Nan sighed, stating he had said all he could and it was up to Gao Sicong to understand. As quitting time arrived, most employees were cheerful, but Wu Kezhi, Sun Yiqiu, and Lin Yuming appeared downcast, knowing they were headed to their "battlefield."

Wu Kezhi reluctantly put on the shirt Director Yan had given him and reminded Sun Yiqiu to take their hangover medicine before they departed for Director Yan's private club. Director Yan made an elegant entrance, flanked by two assistants. It soon became clear that the situation in the private room was entirely different from their expectations. Hao Shuai's elaborate plan to get her drunk couldn't be executed at all.

Director Yan's assistants proactively intercepted all toasts, claiming she wasn't feeling well and drinking on her behalf. Sun Yiqiu, narrating, realized that Director Yan was never truly drunk because she brought assistants who could hold their liquor well, and she didn't drink herself. Efforts to engage her in personal conversation also failed, as she maintained she had "nothing to say" when Wu Kezhi tried to apply Lan Qianyi's techniques.

That night, it was Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming who quickly succumbed to the alcohol, forgetting their purpose. Only Wu Kezhi, though not drunk, continued to struggle for the sake of work, enduring the difficult circumstances. A slurring Lin Yuming told Wu Kezhi to ensure Director Yan returned home safely before he and Sun Yiqiu left. After Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu departed, Director Yan pulled Wu Kezhi into her car.

The next morning, a hungover Sun Yiqiu met Lin Yuming and realized that Wu Kezhi hadn't contacted either of them since the previous night. Both admitted they were too afraid to call him, speculating he must be utterly exhausted.

Episode 18 Recap

Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming arrived at the office, their clothes still reeking of alcohol from the previous night. Sun Yiqiu remarked on Lin Yuming's heavy drinking. They found Wu Kezhi in a similar state, wearing the same clothes as yesterday, also smelling of alcohol. Sun Yiqiu expressed concern, noting Wu Kezhi must be exhausted, and offered to get him a hot towel, but Wu Kezhi brushed him off, telling him to focus on his work.

Lin Yuming then lamented their situation, recounting how Wu Kezhi not only failed to secure the contract but was also rudely kicked out of Director Yan's car. He questioned why Wu Kezhi had even gotten into the car if he couldn't handle the situation, then blamed himself for not stopping him. Manager Wang was furious, confronting Wu Kezhi for offending Director Yan instead of entertaining her, declaring that everyone in the company was "done for" because of his actions.

He sarcastically brought up Wu Kezhi's previous demand for a new team member and anticipated bad news for them all. Feeling dejected, Wu Kezhi went to the rooftop. His wife called, asking if he had slept and urging him to come home early, inquiring if he remembered what special occasion it was.

Wu Kezhi, discreetly checking his phone, quickly claimed to remember it was their wedding anniversary and said he had a gift for her, asking what she wanted for dinner. She playfully accused him of checking his phone. Still on the rooftop, Wu Kezhi dozed off. Sun Yiqiu found him and expressed concern about his tiredness and drinking. Wu Kezhi admitted to feeling like he had "fallen into a hole" and that his leg often went numb.

Sun Yiqiu suggested he go home to rest, but Wu Kezhi refused and asked him not to mention it to Lin Yuming, who tends to overreact. Meanwhile, Zhao Manager approached Lan Qianyi, who was studying a project unrelated to her current assignment. He angrily scolded her, questioning her commitment and accusing her of not cherishing the opportunity he had helped her secure under significant pressure. He suggested she complain to Manager Ma if she found assisting him unfair.

Later, Hao Shuai tried to console Lan Qianyi, explaining that Zhao Manager's behavior likely stemmed from insecurity, fearing she would look down on him as an outstanding woman. However, Lan Qianyi disagreed, acknowledging that Zhao Manager was right this time and that the fault was hers. Wu Kezhi, still in low spirits, announced he was going out for a walk. Zhou Qingyu called Lin Yuming, concerned because Wu Kezhi was unreachable and looked unwell.

He warned that men in their late 30s working long hours, staying up, and drinking excessively were at risk, recounting how a friend with similar symptoms of sleepiness and hemiparesis had recently died of a stroke. Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu immediately recalled Wu Kezhi's leg numbness and dozing off that morning, recognizing the alarming symptoms. They quickly rushed out to search for him, splitting up.

Sun Yiqiu reflected on how deeply he now cared for Wu Kezhi, comparing the potential loss to the sudden passing of his own father, who had disappeared from his life before he could say goodbye. Manager Wang, also unable to reach Wu Kezhi, instructed Zhou Qingyu to send Team II to assist in the search. Wu Kezhi awoke on a hospital bench, startled by numerous missed calls.

He immediately called Manager Wang, who reprimanded him for missing his scheduled body check-up. Manager Wang assured Wu Kezhi that he would arrange for a new team member for Team IV, but emphasized that no job was worth sacrificing his life, especially since he had a family relying on him. He then handed Wu Kezhi a package of dried sea cucumbers, a specialty from his hometown, explaining they were good for lowering high blood pressure.

Wu Kezhi playfully tried to bargain for a new team member in exchange for taking care of his health, but Manager Wang simply insisted he get a full body check-up the next day. Back at the office, Lin Yuming curiously eyed the sea cucumbers, but Wu Kezhi protectively clutched them, declaring they were all for himself and he wouldn't share.

Manager Wang then excitedly announced to the team that Director Yan had not only signed the renewal contract but had also specifically praised Wu Kezhi for his handling of the situation. Overjoyed, Manager Wang offered to treat everyone to dinner, but Wu Kezhi, having made prior plans, declined. Wu Kezhi explained his strategy to the curious team: after their initial meeting, he thoroughly researched Director Yan and her husband, who were known as successful entrepreneurs and a loving couple.

He discovered that three months prior, her husband had abruptly sought a divorce due to his company facing bankruptcy, fearing he would become a burden to her. In Director Yan's car, Wu Kezhi revealed this information to her, suggesting that her husband's actions stemmed from a desire to protect her, not from ingratitude or betrayal.

He further speculated that her husband might have kept this severe situation from her because he believed he wasn't the most important person in her life. This resonated deeply with Director Yan, who, though angered, eventually signed the contract before telling Wu Kezhi to leave. Wu Kezhi concluded that the couple had likely reconciled. That evening, Wu Kezhi left work early. At home, he presented the sea cucumbers to his wife, jokingly passing them off as an expensive anniversary gift.

She noticed he was still wearing the same shirt from yesterday, which he quickly claimed he had specially bought for the occasion. She smiled, saying she liked it. The next morning, Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming insisted on accompanying Wu Kezhi to his medical check-up, emphasizing it was a crucial task personally assigned by Manager Wang.

Wu Kezhi complained about their fussing but expressed hope that their new team member would be experienced and capable, specifically wishing for someone like Lan Qianyi, which amused Lin Yuming. In the elevator, Gao Sicong openly answered a call from a headhunter, discussing an interview for next Thursday with Silver Maple Capital.

Wu Kezhi observed this in front of Jiang Nan and deduced that Gao Sicong was deliberately creating a scene to test Jiang Nan, hoping his boss would ask him to stay. Wu Kezhi remarked that Jiang Nan was a good boss, unlike himself, who would react strongly to such behavior. Soon after, the new colleague for Team IV arrived: Lu Siqiu, an old acquaintance and a former subordinate of Manager Wang.

Lu Siqiu immediately began criticizing the team, mocking Lin Yuming for his age and managerial position and insulting Sun Yiqiu, referring to him as a "high school graduate" with an "empty" resume and suggesting he used charm to get hired. He advised Sun Yiqiu to leverage his looks when dealing with clients. Wu Kezhi intervened, telling Sun Yiqiu to return to his work and ignoring Lu Siqiu's taunts.

Wu Kezhi then went to Manager Wang's office, demanding Lu Siqiu be transferred, citing his notoriously bad reputation. Manager Wang argued that given Team IV's current state, no other capable person would agree to join. He defended Lu Siqiu, highlighting his experience in post-investment supervision for unicorn companies, his connections, and resources, which Manager Wang believed could bring good projects to Team IV. He advised Wu Kezhi to view Lu Siqiu as a tool to be utilized.

Zhou Qingyu, observing the exchange, feigned comfort to Wu Kezhi, expressing relief that Lu Siqiu had not joined his own team, then ironically praised Wu Kezhi as the only one under Manager Wang capable of controlling Lu Siqiu. Wu Kezhi challenged Lu Siqiu to propose some good projects if he found all their current ones "trash." Lu Siqiu evasively stated he needed time to understand the situation, then abruptly left, claiming he was going to meet a client.

Lin Yuming was visibly frustrated by Lu Siqiu's presence. Sun Yiqiu remained silent, prompting Lin Yuming to note that Sun Yiqiu always avoided offending people and allowed himself to be pushed around. Later, Jiang Nan informed Gao Sicong about his upcoming two-day business trip and entrusted him with covering the work. This forced Gao Sicong to call the HR firm and postpone his interview for Silver Maple Capital until the following day.

Meanwhile, Lan Qianyi submitted her report for the gas hydrate project to Zhao Manager, then proceeded to perform menial tasks like washing mugs for her colleagues, including Zhao Manager. Gao Sicong, witnessing this, confronted her, criticizing her for allowing herself to be humiliated and losing her pride. He argued that as investment consultants, they deserved respect and should not stay in a place where they were treated like "errand runners," urging her to join him at Silver Maple Capital.

Lan Qianyi, however, calmly stated that she might have no pride, but she was actively trying her best instead of running away. She explained that she was learning crucial lessons not taught in school, such as "earning people's acceptance" and how to cope with being "hated and ostracized." She believed that refusing to learn this lesson would lead to the same problems regardless of how many times one changed jobs. Gao Sicong remained unconvinced and declared his intention to resign.

Episode 19 Recap

Manager Su praised a report on a Diana face mask, which was actually written by Hao Shuai but presented by Manager Yin Sheng Chao. To appease Hao Shuai, Yin handed him a credit card without a PIN, encouraging him to treat his friends. Hao Shuai, feeling grateful, took Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming out for a meal.

Despite the free food, Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming appeared visibly unhappy, prompting Hao Shuai to deduce they were troubled by their new colleague, Lu Siqiu. Hao Shuai, drawing from his experience with "thugs," advised them to fight back against bullies like Lu Siqiu, warning that continuous tolerance would only encourage more abuse. Lin Yuming agreed with Hao Shuai's advice, but Sun Yiqiu's quiet "yes" left Lin Yuming doubtful that he truly understood.

The meal took an awkward turn when the waiter announced that Yin Sheng Chao's credit card had exceeded its limit. Hao Shuai, after a moment of disbelief, used his own card to pay for everyone. Later, Hao Shuai confronted Yin Sheng Chao, who feigned forgetfulness due to being busy. Hao Shuai presented the receipt, suggesting Yin Sheng Chao reimburse him via WeChat.

Yin Sheng Chao, however, produced a form for expense claims, asking Hao Shuai to submit it to the Finance Department. Hao Shuai, sighing, decided to cover the meal himself. Seizing the opportunity, Yin Sheng Chao immediately assigned Hao Shuai the task of picking up Italian clients at midnight and finding suitable accommodation for them, stating it was an opportunity to "display his value" given Hao Shuai's knowledge of such venues.

Overwhelmed, Hao Shuai confided in Sun Yiqiu, explaining that while Yin Sheng Chao seemed nice superficially, he consistently offloaded his work onto Hao Shuai without any apparent guilt, and always took the credit. Sun Yiqiu empathized, as he too was facing similar issues, immediately receiving a call from Lu Siqiu. At a mahjong game with Yin Sheng Chao and others, Lu Siqiu disparaged Wu Kezhi, calling him a "brainless and gutless fool" who thought too highly of himself.

Sun Yiqiu, following Lu Siqiu's instructions to pick him up, struggled to connect with Lu, who finally answered after many attempts, correcting Sun Yiqiu's location from "Basement 2" to "Basement 3." Sun Yiqiu was visibly uncomfortable witnessing Lu Siqiu's intimate behavior with a woman in the car. With Jiang Nan away on a business trip, Wu Kezhi had to rely on Gao Sicong to compile industry data and project-related information.

Wu Kezhi took the opportunity to advise Gao Sicong to think carefully about his career choices, reminding him that while leaving might be easy, returning could be much harder. Lu Siqiu arrived late to the office, immediately checking his stock portfolio, which had hit a "limit down." He gloated about having sold the stock just in time, dismissing Wu Kezhi's annoyance by claiming he was "studying the secondary market."

When Wu Kezhi pressed him about his commitment to work, Lu Siqiu declared he needed an assistant and unilaterally chose Sun Yiqiu. Lin Yuming vehemently objected, pointing out that Sun Yiqiu was already his assistant and had a heavy workload. Lu Siqiu dismissed Lin Yuming's projects as "trash," nearly provoking a physical fight. Sun Yiqiu quickly intervened, volunteering to be Lu Siqiu's assistant while also continuing to assist Lin Yuming.

Lin Yuming, frustrated by Sun Yiqiu's lack of pride, called him "Fatso." Manager Wang then arrived for a round, and Lu Siqiu immediately fawned over him, praising Team IV and bragging about Sun Yiqiu's willingness to be his assistant. Lu Siqiu even offered to find a Chinese medicine practitioner for Manager Wang's arm.

During a dinner later that evening, Wu Kezhi revealed that Lu Siqiu had once been an excellent and hardworking investment consultant, even creating a unicorn company in his first year, much like Sun Yiqiu's potential now. He emphasized that since Lu Siqiu was now a member of Team IV, they had to make it work. Wu Kezhi then instructed Sun Yiqiu to do his best to assist Lu Siqiu.

Lin Yuming, deeply concerned, warned Sun Yiqiu that Lu Siqiu would "bully him to death" and that unconditional compromise would only encourage Lu Siqiu to become more aggressive. Sun Yiqiu, however, internally resolved to approach the situation strategically, focusing on understanding his opponent and waiting for an opportune moment to counterattack rather than reacting impulsively. Sun Yiqiu later sought information about Lu Siqiu from Gao Sicong, asking about his character.

Gao Sicong admitted he only knew about Lu Siqiu's professional dealings with Jiang Nan and had no interest in his private life. He advised Sun Yiqiu to stay away from Lu Siqiu and not attempt to change his attitude, emphasizing that Lu Siqiu was unlike Wu Kezhi and beyond Sun Yiqiu's ability to handle. Undeterred, Sun Yiqiu presented Lu Siqiu with a list of potential projects.

Lu Siqiu, while acknowledging Sun Yiqiu's "potential," dismissed the list as readily available online information, questioning Sun Yiqiu's ability to do more than "copy and paste." Sun Yiqiu then demonstrated his in-depth knowledge of various founders and their companies, such as Fang Xu Hua of Lianlian Bao and Luo Yong Jie of Yuqing Culture, and even differentiated between three notable Xu Leis.

Lu Siqiu scoffed, stating that true connections meant mutual recognition, not just knowing names, and then flaunted his extensive network of contacts on his phone. He further derided Wu Kezhi, suggesting he hadn't taught Sun Yiqiu anything useful beyond copying and pasting. Meanwhile, a call came through to Jiang Nan's desk phone. Gao Sicong answered, learning that the "Xinyuan Energy Conservation" project's investment budget had been reduced by five percent.

Shortly after, Cui Manager rushed over, urgently needing the proposal revised for the Risk Control Centre. Despite Gao Sicong's initial hesitation, citing Jiang Nan's absence, Cui Manager pressed him, praising his intelligence. Cui Manager then called Jiang Nan, who, in turn, asked Gao Sicong to do him a favor and complete the revision for the team before his potential resignation. This request invigorated Gao Sicong, who immediately began working on the proposal.

Lu Siqiu's exploitation of Sun Yiqiu continued to escalate. He demanded Sun Yiqiu massage his stiff neck, complimenting his technique, then insisted he massage his aching legs, claiming he had played basketball all day. Just as Wu Kezhi and Lin Yuming were about to intervene, Lu Siqiu received a call from a "Director Liu" regarding "that project" and abruptly left. Lin Yuming pulled Sun Yiqiu aside, furiously questioning his constant deference to Lu Siqiu.

He expressed his confusion, stating that while he understood enduring Wu Kezhi's criticism, he could not comprehend why Sun Yiqiu would tolerate a "nasty man" like Lu Siqiu. Lin Yuming concluded that Sun Yiqiu had become a "real coward" and pleaded with him to explain his thoughts if he trusted him. Sun Yiqiu simply replied, "I'm not thinking of anything."

Back in his own division, Hao Shuai was mistakenly perceived by Manager Su as a playboy who spent his nights out, contrasting him with a supposedly diligent Yin Sheng Chao who "is always staying up to entertain our clients" and still managed to write the Diana face mask report. This misperception, combined with Yin Sheng Chao claiming credit for Hao Shuai's work, pushed Hao Shuai to finally confront Yin Sheng Chao.

Hao Shuai pointed out his heavy workload and the unfairness of Yin Sheng Chao taking all the credit. In response, Yin Sheng Chao dramatically apologized, even hitting himself, and appealed to their "brotherly" bond and his relationship with "Uncle Hao" (Hao Shuai's father), suggesting a video call. This manipulation effectively sent a flustered Hao Shuai back to his work.

Separately, Gao Sicong's revised proposal for "Xinyuan Energy Conservation" was rejected, and Cui Manager, unable to provide a reason, criticized Gao Sicong's recent performance compared to his trainee days. Meanwhile, Lan Qianyi was relegated to menial tasks in the Energy Division, wiping desks and cleaning up shattered glass while Xu and Zhao managers idled. Sun Yiqiu came to her aid to help with the broken glass.

Later, Hao Shuai joined Lan Qianyi, Sun Yiqiu, and Gao Sicong, intending to vent his frustrations, only to realize that their situations were even worse than his. Hao Shuai urged them again to fight back against the "evil forces." Sun Yiqiu, however, reiterated his strategy, explaining that direct retaliation would only expose their weaknesses. Instead, he advocated for observing their opponents, making them waste effort and lose composure, and waiting for an opening to counterattack.

Lan Qianyi found Sun Yiqiu's nuanced approach very sensible, while Gao Sicong, still disheartened, sighed about finding his "third option." As Lan Qianyi returned with takeout for her team, she encountered Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu, and then unexpectedly ran into her ex-girlfriend, Chen Zhan. Panicking, Lan Qianyi dropped the food and fled. At the bus stop, Sun Yiqiu checked on her, but Lan Qianyi remained visibly distressed and continuously ignored calls from Chen Zhan.

Episode 20 Recap

Gao Sicong confirmed his interview was scheduled for 10 AM the day after tomorrow. Wu Kezhi reviewed Gao Sicong's proposal, noting issues with the sales revenue forecast needing scenario analysis, incomplete data descriptions, and missing debt and equity ratios. He remarked that such "stupid mistakes are common among rookies," but added that Sun Yiqiu had never made similar errors. Meanwhile, Xu Manager and Zhao Manager discussed Lan Qianyi's recent change in demeanor.

Xu Manager found her sudden shift from being "a poor mistreated lass" to "a happy and hardworking bee" suspicious, wondering what she was "up to." Zhao Manager, however, believed Lan Qianyi had simply "learnt her lesson" and criticized other colleagues for their inconsistent opinions, urging them to take a stand. Gao Sicong reflected on Wu Kezhi's comment and previous advice from Jiang Nan, feeling a mix of emotions about his own career path.

Later that day, Wu Kezhi inquired about Lu Siqiu, only to be told he had left at noon, claiming to meet a client, though it was clear he hadn't even taken his bag, likely indicating he was gambling or getting a massage. Wu Kezhi dismissed Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu to go home. As Sun Yiqiu was leaving, he encountered Lan Qianyi.

Just then, Lu Siqiu appeared and jokingly asked Lan Qianyi if she was on a "date," causing her to quickly depart. Lu Siqiu then warned Sun Yiqiu to abandon any thoughts of pursuing Lan Qianyi, stating she would either become like Manager Yu if she married or Director Pan if she remained single, neither of which he could handle.

Lin Yuming, witnessing the exchange, became frustrated with Sun Yiqiu's passive nature, scolding him for letting Lu Siqiu walk all over him. Sun Yiqiu invited Lin Yuming to his home, explaining his desire to reveal his true thoughts. Sun Yiqiu's mother warmly welcomed Lin Yuming, delighted to meet her son's boss. She poured wine and, finding Lin Yuming's face familiar, prompted him to perform an impression that amused them both.

In Sun Yiqiu's room, Lin Yuming was surprised to see numerous Go competition awards, which Sun Yiqiu explained he had kept secret after failing his professional certification exam. He recounted how people used to assume he was smart for playing Go, but their eventual disappointment led him to conceal his past to avoid misunderstandings.

Sun Yiqiu then demonstrated Go, explaining that its core principle of hiding one's intentions doesn't translate well to the corporate world, where secrecy can lead to misunderstandings with allies, not just opponents. Lin Yuming realized Sun Yiqiu's perceived cowardice was a calculated strategy in his rivalry with Lu Siqiu, and reassured him that Wu Kezhi and he would support him. As Lin Yuming left, he reflected on how much more they had communicated that night than ever before.

He shared his Weibo side account for jokes and encouraged Sun Yiqiu to follow him, questioning if they were friends. Lin Yuming advised Sun Yiqiu not to view everyone as an opponent, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing allies from enemies, as one cannot fight alone. Sun Yiqiu, reflecting on his long-standing solitude from Go, acknowledged that while he was accustomed to loneliness, no one truly desired it.

He recognized that the world was not a chessboard, and outside of it lay an infinite realm where understanding and consolation were crucial for moving forward. Meanwhile, Gao Sicong called Jiang Nan to report that his Xinyuan Energy Conservation project proposal had been rejected without a specific reason.

Jiang Nan explained that such rejections usually indicate common mistakes and guided him through revisions, advising him to include scenario analyses for sales revenue and detailed descriptions for all financial data, and to adhere to standard formats by reviewing other proposals. Gao Sicong, reinvigorated, decided to cancel his external interview and remain at Jinchen. Back at the office, Lu Siqiu and Yin Manager were seemingly discussing stocks but were actually making inappropriate comments about female employees.

A distressed female employee reported this to Yu Wenli, who then confronted Wu Kezhi, demanding he manage his team member, Lu Siqiu, more effectively for openly harassing staff. Wu Kezhi, suppressing his anger, told Lu Siqiu to "get lost," asserting that Team IV, unlike him, still had dignity. Lu Siqiu offered a perfunctory apology, promising to apologize to the female employees and urging Wu Kezhi to calm down.

Wu Kezhi issued a stern warning: if it happened again, Lu Siqiu should "go back to where he came from." To diffuse the tension, Lu Siqiu promptly presented a new project: the acquisition of a private cinema, boasting it was a "mature project" worth "100 million" and could be signed immediately due to his connections, significantly boosting Team IV's performance.

Wu Kezhi later received a call from Manager Wang, congratulating him on the acquisition and taking credit for Lu Siqiu's involvement, advising Wu Kezhi to be patient and magnanimous towards capable individuals. Despite the apparent success, both Wu Kezhi and Sun Yiqiu felt something was amiss with the acquisition project. Lu Siqiu, eager to push it through, instructed Sun Yiqiu to send the proposal to the Risk Control Centre, but Wu Kezhi intervened, requesting more time to review historical data.

Lin Yuming saw no issues, noting the cinema's value had grown from 3 million to 30 million in three years under Lu Siqiu's initial management, making 100 million a good acquisition price. However, Sun Yiqiu felt something was amiss, articulating his suspicion: "The problem with this project is that it went too well."

He also highlighted Lu Siqiu's gambling nature, questioning if a seemingly straightforward 30 million to 100 million deal would satisfy him, and found Lu Siqiu's unusual punctuality that day particularly suspect. Lu Siqiu, growing impatient, repeatedly pressed Wu Kezhi to submit the proposal, emphasizing the 100 million value and accusing Wu Kezhi of "being personal" and delaying for no valid reason.

Meanwhile, Lan Qianyi was still assigned menial tasks, even being asked by Xu Manager to pick up his car and buy toy cars. She proactively brewed medicine for a sick Cui Manager, which surprised Xu Manager. Zhao Manager, however, defended Lan Qianyi against colleagues' ridicule, asserting that she shouldn't be treated like a maid and deserved to participate in projects.

Shortly after, Zhao Manager assigned Lan Qianyi to perform due diligence at the Smooth Drive car accessories warehouse, instructing her to review audit reports and inventory, and surprisingly told her to go home directly afterward, without returning to the office or retrieving Xu Manager's car. Lan Qianyi was taken aback by this sudden shift. As Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming continued to examine the private cinema project, they concluded that Lu Siqiu was indeed "up to something."

They identified that while the cinema's shift to a franchise model from direct sales, expanding into third and fourth-tier cities, might not immediately show returns in accounts, the market expansion created significant invisible assets not accounted for in the current valuation. Wu Kezhi acknowledged their consensus but emphasized that merely knowing the problem was "far from enough."

Manager Wang, influenced by Lu Siqiu's complaints about Wu Kezhi's "narrow-mindedness" and incompetence in delaying the project, called Wu Kezhi, delivering a "last warning" to submit the proposal immediately. Wu Kezhi, having no other option, personally delivered the contract to the Risk Control Centre, but not before subtly requesting Director Pan's secretary to convey that he desired the merger and acquisition case to be processed "the slower, the better."

Later, Gao Sicong sought out Wu Kezhi to express his gratitude, informing him that his revised proposal had been approved and he had decided to remain with the company. Wu Kezhi wished him well working under Jiang Nan. After completing her due diligence, Lan Qianyi, while reviewing materials in her car, called Cui Manager (as Zhao Manager was out), expressing her suspicion that "something feels off."

She noted that the product prices were significantly lower than market rates and the person in charge was overly eager to please, making her suspect issues with the supply channel, despite all documentation and inventory appearing "complete." Cui Manager, however, dismissed her concerns, urging her to return to the office immediately, stating she couldn't investigate such matters alone. Later, Lu Siqiu approached Wu Kezhi about the M&A case review, but receiving no clear update, he pulled Sun Yiqiu aside.

Lu Siqiu aggressively questioned Sun Yiqiu about Wu Kezhi's intentions, warning him not to rely on Wu Kezhi, whom he described as "a failure who can't even protect himself," and advised Sun Yiqiu to "have a clear picture of the situation" and "not be a fool."

Episode 21 Recap

After Wu Kezhi received a phone call from Director Pan, he informed Lu Siqiu that their project had not yet been approved and they needed to wait. Lu Siqiu grew impatient, accusing Wu Kezhi of "plotting something with the Risk Control Centre." He warned Wu Kezhi that he would give him "three more days," stating that if the project were lost due to delays, it would not be his responsibility.

Meanwhile, Lan Qianyi was at the auto parts warehouse inspecting the merchandise. Manager Zhao called her, and Lan Qianyi reported a significant problem: "Many boxes are empty and hidden on the upper part of the racks." She assured him she had taken pictures and would finish after checking the last two rows. However, Manager Zhao angrily told her, "Are you nuts? Who told you to climb up and check? Come back at once!"

At the office, Jiang Nan found Gao Sicong organizing files. Jiang Nan was dissatisfied with Gao Sicong's method of arranging them by month, suggesting it would be more efficient to use alphabetical order. Gao Sicong immediately apologized for his thoughtlessness and began to rearrange the documents. Later, Sun Yiqiu overheard Lu Siqiu talking on the phone, discreetly arranging to meet someone in the cinema basement across from the office after hours, so as not to be seen.

Sun Yiqiu followed and observed a man in a suit exchanging documents with Lu Siqiu, managing to take photos of them. Lan Qianyi continued her inspection at the warehouse, but the staff, unaware she was still inside, locked up for the night. She frantically yelled, "Don't close the door! I'm still inside!" Back at the office, Manager Zhao was waiting for Lan Qianyi but couldn't reach her by phone. He eventually went to the warehouse himself and rescued her.

Lan Qianyi thanked him, explaining she had "proof of their lies in my phone." Manager Zhao, however, expressed his concern, asking if she was "stupid" for climbing the ladder alone and what would happen if she got hurt. When Lan Qianyi offered to return the company car, Manager Zhao insisted on driving her home, telling her he would "send someone to pick it up tomorrow."

Back at the office, Lin Yuming reported that the man Sun Yiqiu photographed was not among the management-level employees of the buyer company. Sun Yiqiu was certain the man was holding the same envelope Lu Siqiu had, but Lin Yuming noted that an envelope alone wasn't conclusive evidence. Lu Siqiu then approached Wu Kezhi, reminding him that he had "two days left" to get the project approved.

Disturbed by his lack of solid evidence, Sun Yiqiu asked Gao Sicong if there was any device that could record conversations when he wasn't present, specifically to capture what was discussed in a car. Gao Sicong suggested checking the dashcam, as it "usually comes with an audio recorder." Sun Yiqiu quickly left, leaving Gao Sicong puzzled by his haste.

After work, Sun Yiqiu lingered until Lu Siqiu returned and unexpectedly asked him to drive him and his girlfriend to a dinner engagement. Sun Yiqiu seized the opportunity, dropping them off and offering to park the car up front. He discreetly removed the memory card from the dashcam, narrowly avoiding detection by Lu Siqiu. At the dinner, Lu Siqiu made Sun Yiqiu drink heavily to entertain his business associates. During the party, Lu Siqiu openly declared, "Once you. . .

get this project approved,. . . Wu Ke Zhi can't be so proud anymore!" That night, Sun Yiqiu was dropped off at home by Lu Siqiu's girlfriend. The next morning, his mother chastised him for associating with "indecent women." Sun Yiqiu confided in Lin Yuming and Wu Kezhi that he had obtained the dashcam's memory card but had lost his wallet containing it after "blacking out" from the night's drinking.

Wu Kezhi found the timing of this "first blackout ever" to be exceptionally unfortunate. Determined to find the wallet and the "key evidence" it held, the three went back to the restaurant, but it was nowhere to be found. Just then, Sun Yiqiu received a call from DiDi's Lost and Found, informing him that the driver had found his wallet and delivered it to the company's front desk.

Rushing back, they learned that Lu Siqiu had already collected the wallet on Sun Yiqiu's behalf. Lu Siqiu, having discovered the memory card, confronted Wu Kezhi, Sun Yiqiu, and Lin Yuming, alongside Manager Wang. Wu Kezhi openly expressed his "suspic[ion] that you have unethical dealings with that man." In response, Lu Siqiu called in the man from the photos, Liu Yun Peng, who was revealed to be a real estate agent.

Liu Yun Peng explained that the documents were a house sale contract, and he was forced to sell his property due to stock market losses and his wife's unemployment. He met Lu Siqiu in the basement for privacy because the company discouraged team members from selling personal properties. Sun Yiqiu tried to admit his mistake, but Wu Kezhi quickly interjected, taking responsibility for the suspicion himself and stating that "for now, I have no problem."

Angered by Wu Kezhi's actions, Lu Siqiu declared he would "stop working on that project for now." Manager Wang then issued a stern warning to Wu Kezhi and his team: if they "don't do your best to get this project approved, you guys know the consequence." Elsewhere, Hao Shuai refused to revise a report for Yin Manager, arguing that he was constantly stuck "cleaning after you" and took leave.

He later commiserated with Lan Qianyi, stating that they both suffered under "bad bosses" who offered "opportunities" that were "just a huge lie," ultimately taking credit while junior staff bore the responsibility. Coincidentally, Manager Xu praised Lan Qianyi's thorough warehouse investigation the previous night and instructed Manager Zhao to assign such tasks to her in the future, as it was a suitable role. Manager Zhao then informed Lan Qianyi that she should prepare for the China-Europe logistics project.

He explained that since she was the only one on their team who knew French, she had a chance to become one of the project leads if she performed well. He added that this assignment was "better than sending you on due diligence investigations" and would "save myself from troubles." Lan Qianyi thanked him profusely. Feeling the pressure, Wu Kezhi went to the rooftop to smoke.

Lan Qianyi joined him, remarking that while she wasn't particularly bothered, her work was her priority, and she had to overcome her personal feelings. Inspired by her resolve, Wu Kezhi decided to humble himself and "beg" Lu Siqiu. Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming offered to accompany him, but Wu Kezhi refused, emphasizing that if anyone were to be fired, it would be him, and he had no intention of letting that happen.

Wu Kezhi waited for Lu Siqiu, who was getting a massage. Lu Siqiu, aware of Wu Kezhi's presence, instructed his assistant to tell him to "keep waiting." Meanwhile, the Energy Group was preparing to leave for a project meeting. Manager Ma told Lan Qianyi to stay behind, claiming there wasn't "enough space in the car." Wu Kezhi continued to wait for Lu Siqiu, having already endured three hours without seeing him.

Episode 22 Recap

Lan Qianyi went to Gao Sicong to retrieve some documents related to China-Europe logistic platforms. Gao Sicong, usually indifferent to minor tasks, said he needed to rebind them first, which Lan Qianyi found uncharacteristic. She commented that he had changed, as such trivial matters never used to concern him. Gao Sicong responded that it is not the work itself, but the people involved, that matters.

Later, as Jiang Nan was leaving the office, Gao Sicong greeted him and stated he was staying to continue working late. Wu Kezhi located Lu Siqiu at a restaurant, bringing two bottles of wine, which Lu Siqiu’s friends openly mocked as cheap. Lu Siqiu, with his friends, was condescending, and made Wu Kezhi fetch chili oil.

One of Lu Siqiu's friends asked if Wu Kezhi was the "trash manager" Lu Siqiu had spoken of, to which Lu Siqiu confirmed that without him, Wu Kezhi was "just a mud puddle." Lu Siqiu then dismissively told Wu Kezhi to state his business, pay for the meal, and leave, as his presence ruined his appetite.

Despite this humiliation, Wu Kezhi poured a drink for Lu Siqiu, humbly asking him to reconsider the acquisition project and not to abandon it because of him. Lu Siqiu feigned ignorance, then questioned why Wu Kezhi, who had previously dismissed the project, now wanted it back, asking if he was "his dog." Wu Kezhi apologized for his past judgment errors and pleaded with Lu Siqiu to return to the project.

Lu Siqiu, prolonging the torment, made Wu Kezhi repeat his apology louder and then demanded he bow. Wu Kezhi attempted to, but declared his back was "too straight" to bend. Finally, Wu Kezhi, regaining his composure, challenged Lu Siqiu, asking if he truly wanted the project. He pointed out that Lu Siqiu also seemed unwilling, suggesting they both forget about it.

Wu Kezhi reminded him that it was Lu Siqiu's project, and if he wanted to give up, Wu Kezhi would not stop him, but he should not forget his own words about the project's potential to grow from 3 million to 100 million in three years. Wu Kezhi concluded by saying he had prepared all the materials, leaving the rest to Lu Siqiu, and left, leaving Lu Siqiu seething with anger.

Meanwhile, Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu were waiting at the office for Wu Kezhi, aware that while they knew the project was flawed, they were now compelled to proceed. Lin Yuming noted that Wu Kezhi likely still could not approve of the valuation, but they were forced to move forward. Sun Yiqiu was consumed by guilt, believing that the current passive and humiliating situation was entirely his fault.

Distracted, he accidentally fed a document meant for photocopying into the paper shredder. Lin Yuming jokingly criticized him for not using a newer shredder that would have pulverized the document, preventing them from having to piece it back together for such a "scoundrel." Sun Yiqiu began the tedious task of reassembling the shredded papers. Lin Yuming offered to help, but Sun Yiqiu insisted he go home, promising to handle it himself.

Lin Yuming eventually left, advising Sun Yiqiu not to stay up too late. As Sun Yiqiu worked late into the night, piecing together the document, he inadvertently discovered some crucial information. Later that evening, Hao Shuai tried to call Sun Yiqiu, but his call went unanswered. He then called Gao Sicong, who confirmed he was still working. Hao Shuai expressed frustration, lamenting that working late only harmed oneself.

Hao Shuai next called Lan Qianyi, inviting her for a drink, but she, too, was still at the office working and had to decline. Hao Shuai ended up drinking alone. The next morning, Sun Yiqiu, having worked all night, nearly overslept. His mother had kindly completed the task of piecing together the remaining shredded documents for him.

At the office, Manager Wang informed Wu Kezhi that Director Pan had approved the micro-cinema acquisition project and wanted to hold the investment meeting the very next day for signing. He emphasized the project's importance to Team IV and the division, urging them to expedite it without further complications. Manager Wang then called Sun Yiqiu to his office.

There, Sun Yiqiu showed Wu Kezhi and Lin Yuming a recovered document: a notice of damages receivable for property sale mailed to Lu Siqiu, revealing a a 3 million payment. The notice was dated the previous week, indicating Lu Siqiu had received damages even before selling his property to Liu Yun Peng. This anomaly led Wu Kezhi to realize the 3 million was likely a bribe. With only one day until the investment meeting, they decided to act.

Wu Kezhi tasked Lin Yuming with investigating Lu Siqiu's property transaction at the relevant agency to find more evidence, while Sun Yiqiu was to re-examine Chenmei Pictures' information. Wu Kezhi also reported his suspicions to Manager Wang, who, though sighing at the potential scandal's damage to the company and all signatories, admitted that if the suspicion came from Wu Kezhi, it was "mostly right."

Lin Yuming proceeded to a property agency, inquiring about Lu Siqiu's property at No. 19, Shangnan Road. He learned that the house had been listed for sale for over a year without success. More significantly, the agent's records showed three instances of breach of contract, all involving the same buyer, Liu Yun Peng, who repeatedly paid damages. This strengthened their suspicion.

To further investigate Liu Yun Peng's connection to Chenmei Pictures, Lin Yuming suggested they needed a "pretty lady" from outside the company. Sun Yiqiu offered a contact, Li Shi Yan. Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming met with Li Shi Yan, who, after some coaching, recorded a voice message for Liu Yun Peng, pretending to be an aspiring actress seeking a role in Chenmei Pictures' new drama. Liu Yun Peng replied, indicating her role would "depend on 'your performance'."

Li Shi Yan cleverly took the initiative to propose an evening meeting. During their conversation, she successfully extracted information that Liu Yun Peng's brother-in-law was Zhang Ke, the deputy director of Chenmei Pictures. This confirmed the direct link. Later, Wu Kezhi, after much contemplation, called Lin Yuming and told him to stop the investigation. Lin Yuming, understanding Wu Kezhi's internal struggle and knowing he would regret giving up easily, refused to stop, stating he would take all responsibility.

Manager Wang, too, insisted on continuing the investigation, acknowledging Wu Kezhi's past sacrifices for the company and deeming it not worth sacrificing his career for a "scumbag" like Lu Siqiu. He emphasized the importance of following proper procedure, especially since the situation was clearly suspicious. Lu Siqiu was summoned by Director Pan. Earlier, Manager Wang had already ordered the cancellation of the investment meeting and the suspension of the micro-cinema project.

Director Pan stated that based on their information, they suspected he had accepted bribes from Chenmei Pictures in the form of damages from multiple unsuccessful property sales. Lu Siqiu vehemently denied the accusations, questioning how damages received from Liu Yun Peng could be related to Chenmei Pictures, and demanded evidence. Just then, Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu arrived with the collected evidence.

Sun Yiqiu played the recording of Liu Yun Peng admitting that Zhang Ke, the deputy director of Chenmei Pictures, was his brother-in-law and could easily secure a role. Lu Siqiu lashed out at Wu Kezhi, accusing him of sabotaging the project, ruining three years of work, and sacrificing a 100 million profit without any personal gain.

Wu Kezhi countered that Lu Siqiu himself had ruined the project by selling a 300 million project for 100 million, questioning if he truly acted for the company. Director Pan intervened, telling Lu Siqiu his denial was an insult. Enraged, Lu Siqiu punched Wu Kezhi, again questioning his motives for self-sabotage and threatening to call Director Qu to ensure Wu Kezhi and his entire team were fired.

However, Director Qu did not answer Lu Siqiu's call, confirming he had no intention of saving him. The next morning, Hao Shuai was bewildered to encounter officers from the Economic Crime team in the elevator. Manager Wang later explained to Wu Kezhi and Sun Yiqiu that while he had not accepted bribes or hidden the crime, he would still face company punishment, likely a demotion or an unimportant position.

He noted that most people in such a situation would resign due to the lasting stain on their professional record within the industry. Lu Siqiu, brought before Director Qu, desperately asked if he would be saved. Director Qu, having previously advised Lu Siqiu to moderate himself and not "bite off more than you can chew," had no intention of doing so.

Lu Siqiu, bitter about Director Qu using him to make a fortune and allowing him into Team IV, angrily shouted that he would await Director Qu to "join me in this misery" as he was escorted away by the police. Before leaving, Lu Siqiu shot a furious glare at Sun Yiqiu.

Episode 23 Recap

Sun Yiqiu witnessed his superior, Lu Si Qiu, being escorted away by the police. Lu Si Qiu's involvement in a one-billion-dollar project, his first at the company, had led him to accept a bribe via a bank card, confirming he had compromised his integrity from the start.

The next day, Hao Shuai eagerly gossiped to Gao Sicong and Lan Qianyi about Sun Yiqiu’s role in putting Lu Si Qiu behind bars, labeling it the worst scandal in the company’s history, even implicating Manager Wang and suggesting Chief Wu had made matters worse. Hao Shuai’s enthusiastic storytelling abruptly ceased when he noticed Sun Yiqiu standing silently behind him.

Sun Yiqiu then expressed his gratitude to Gao Sicong, acknowledging that Gao Sicong’s suggestion to check the dashcam had been crucial in finding a critical clue. Gao Sicong, however, quickly downplayed his involvement, insisting the idea was entirely Sun Yiqiu's own. The incident caused a significant stir throughout the company. Manager Wang, taking accountability, submitted his resignation. Colleagues gathered to bid him farewell, expressing sadness over his unfortunate entanglement. Wu Kezhi, in particular, felt a profound sense of remorse.

Manager Wang smiled as he said his goodbyes to everyone, then approached Sun Yiqiu, shaking his hand solemnly and offering a sincere "Thank you." He also told Lin Yuming that he had ordered Wu Kezhi to proceed with the investigation, validating their actions. Soon after Manager Wang’s departure, Chris, the son of King Capital's founder and a newly appointed partner returning from post-graduate studies in England, made an unannounced visit.

Dressed in casual hip-hop attire and wearing headphones, Chris headed directly to the work area. Sun Yiqiu unexpectedly encountered him, and to his surprise, Chris knew his name. As they exited the elevator, Sun Yiqiu walked ahead, oblivious that everyone in the office was standing in deference to Chris. Lin Yuming quickly prompted Sun Yiqiu to stand properly. Chris commended their bravery in handling the recent scandal, asserting that the company would not tolerate such individuals.

He personally rewarded the team with red envelopes, clarifying they were from his own pocket. When Director Qu arrived, having rushed to greet Chris, Chris noted Wu Kezhi’s five years as a chief, suggesting he should have been promoted. He then specifically advised Sun Yiqiu to work diligently under Wu Kezhi, assuring him he would learn a great deal. Lin Yuming was ecstatic, viewing Chris’s remarks as a definite sign of Wu Kezhi’s impending promotion.

Director Qu hosted Chris for tea, displaying an exceptionally deferential attitude. Director Qu proposed Manager Ma Jian Guo, the general manager of the Conventional Division, as the ideal candidate to fill Manager Wang's vacant position in the New Business Division, highlighting Manager Ma's expertise and familiarity with the division. Chris, however, while acknowledging Manager Ma's suitability, subtly suggested he was "certainly not the best," hinting at a "surprise" candidate.

He then subtly steered Manager Ma towards remaining in his current division, implying that focusing on one area, like Director Qu had in the past, could lead to greater success. After their conversation, Chris conveyed a message from his father to Director Qu about being mindful of strenuous exercise, then departed. Later that day, Wu Kezhi gazed at Manager Wang's empty desk, overwhelmed by a deep sense of melancholy.

At home, his two children joyfully announced, "Dad finally got a promotion!" However, Wu Kezhi remained unhappy. He later confessed to his wife that the promotion came at a significant personal cost, as he felt responsible for Manager Wang being forced to leave. His wife, understanding his burden, lovingly assured him of her unwavering support regardless of his decisions.

Wu Kezhi became the subject of widespread criticism within the company, branded as someone who betrayed a colleague for personal advancement and was ungrateful. Consequently, Team IV found themselves ostracized by their peers. Lin Yuming was furious at the injustice, but Wu Kezhi calmly advised him that it was exhausting to care about others’ opinions and pointless to try to please everyone.

He asserted that there was no need to explain themselves if their consciences were clear, as what others said was irrelevant. Unbeknownst to Wu Kezhi, Zhou Qingyu arranged a farewell dinner for Manager Wang, explicitly instructing colleagues not to inform "that guy." Wu Kezhi accidentally overheard this and quietly departed. Later, Yu Wenli approached Wu Kezhi with a project referral, thinking it might interest him. Wu Kezhi found the project promising and proposed an evening meeting to discuss it.

Yu Wenli politely declined, mentioning she already had dinner plans. Wu Kezhi understood she was attending Manager Wang’s farewell, and acknowledged that he wouldn't have the courage to attend such an event, recognizing that Manager Wang’s departure was indeed due to his actions. Meanwhile, Gao Sicong faced criticism for his report. Although it had passed risk control, Jiang Nan was unsatisfied, deeming it too verbose.

She instructed him to condense the risk forecast from three pages to one and submit it by the weekend. Separately, Hao Shuai, feeling rebellious, began refusing tasks assigned by Manager Yin. This defiance led to Jiang Nan publicly berating Hao Shuai's business plan in front of Chief Su, highlighting flaws in his understanding of project periods.

Lin Yuming excitedly informed Wu Kezhi that Team IV would be getting a new member: Ding Libo, an old teammate and close friend who had worked with them previously under Wu Kezhi. However, when Ding Libo arrived, his demeanor was unexpectedly formal. He merely left his belongings, stating he would begin work the following day, and maintained a noticeable distance from Lin Yuming and Wu Kezhi, leaving Lin Yuming bewildered by his swift departure.

Feeling utterly miserable, Hao Shuai sought out Sun Yiqiu and Lan Qianyi, pleading with them to join him for drinks. They agreed, and Gao Sicong also joined the gathering. That evening, Hao Shuai passionately ranted about Manager Yin, lambasting him as a cunning, irritating "fox" who had even fooled Chief Su. Mid-rant, Hao Shuai received a call from Manager Yin. Under his friends’ persistent urging, Hao Shuai reluctantly answered.

Manager Yin, seemingly heavily intoxicated, repeatedly apologized for his past treatment of Hao Shuai and begged him to come for a drink to mend their relationship. Despite his initial hesitation, Hao Shuai eventually decided to go. Manager Yin was indeed very drunk, and as he spoke, he poured out his heart, confessing his profound envy for Hao Shuai’s intelligence, capabilities, wealthy family background, and extensive connections, asserting that Hao Shuai was inherently destined for success in their industry.

He lamented his own struggles, questioning whether he enjoyed being criticized or playing the "bad guy," and explained he pushed himself hard simply to be able to stand on par with Hao Shuai. Manager Yin’s outpouring of grievances, however, made Hao Shuai increasingly uncomfortable. Back at the bar, Sun Yiqiu, Gao Sicong, and Lan Qianyi decided to leave since Hao Shuai had not returned.

Both Sun Yiqiu and Gao Sicong instinctively offered to walk Lan Qianyi home, so they all walked together. Along the way, Sun Yiqiu considerately draped his jacket over Lan Qianyi. Lan Qianyi, amused by his thoughtfulness, playfully asked if his caring nature was a result of having a girlfriend. Sun Yiqiu, blushing slightly, denied having a girlfriend and explained that he wasn’t adept at multitasking, and his career was his sole priority at the moment. Lan Qianyi returned his jacket, hailed a taxi, and departed for home. Sun Yiqiu and Gao Sicong exchanged an awkward smile before turning and walking away.

Episode 24 Recap

Hao Shuai was left waiting for Manager Yin, who had claimed he was going to the toilet. A waiter approached Hao Shuai, asking if he was with the earlier gentleman, and then presented him with an exorbitant bill. Hao Shuai, expecting Manager Yin to return, was informed that Manager Yin had already left and that there had been more than a dozen guests.

Realizing he had been tricked again, Hao Shuai, muttering Manager Yin's name in frustration, paid the substantial bill. Later that evening, Lan Qianyi spotted her ex-boyfriend at a café. Meanwhile, Gao Sicong continued reviewing documents on his way home, even receiving a kind reminder from his driver to rest after work. Hao Shuai, feeling down from the earlier incident, was seen drinking alone in a private room.

The following day, Sun Yiqiu tried to help Ding Libo unpack his belongings, but Ding Libo coldly told him to focus on his own work. Lin Yuming attempted to lighten the mood, suggesting Ding Libo was just teasing, but Ding Libo called Lin Yuming to a private meeting room.

He insisted on discussing only work-related matters from then on, explaining that his transfer to Team Four was a company decision, likely because of his past familiarity with the team, to prevent any further "internal incrimination" like the Lu Si Qiu incident. A frustrated Lin Yuming pressed Ding Libo on his true feelings towards them.

Ding Libo responded that while they may have acted correctly, no one desires to work alongside someone unpredictable, likening it to owning an "untamable dog" that could "bite back" at any moment. Back in Team Four, Wu Kezhi, sensing the strained atmosphere, suggested they all go for a drink that night to welcome Ding Libo, who agreed. Later, in the cafeteria, Hao Shuai confronted Manager Yin, presenting him with the bill from the previous night.

Manager Yin feigned intoxication, claiming he had "blacked out" and usually just signed for his friend's restaurant. Hao Shuai, accusing Manager Yin of deliberately making him pay, publicly demanded repayment. General Manager Su intervened, berating Hao Shuai for causing a scene and embarrassing the company.

When Manager Yin offered the cash he had on him, promising to get more later, General Manager Su then sharply told Hao Shuai to take the money and "get lost," implying that Hao Shuai had shown a lack of respect by questioning his superior over such a matter, even questioning the value of his colleagues' friendship. Hao Shuai was left feeling deeply wronged and angry.

That evening, Wu Kezhi, Lin Yuming, Sun Yiqiu, and Ding Libo gathered for the welcome dinner. Lin Yuming tried to break the ice by reminiscing about a past due diligence trip to Wuhan, where they had to sleep in a bathhouse during peak season. He recounted how Ding Libo, despite being exhausted, claimed he "slept well." Ding Libo, however, remained mostly reserved.

Wu Kezhi then addressed Ding Libo directly, acknowledging the unfairness of his transfer but urging him to accept the reality and assuring him that Team Four was serious about work, not office politics. This prompted Ding Libo to raise his glass, declaring that from that day forward, he was officially part of Team Four, and pledged for them to work hard together, finally easing the tense atmosphere.

Later, Ding Libo offered to help Sun Yiqiu with any questions, while Lin Yuming jokingly remarked that Sun Yiqiu no longer needed their guidance. Sun Yiqiu, however, expressed that he still had much to learn from Wu Kezhi, leading to a playful exchange between Wu Kezhi and Lin Yuming. The next day, Team Four found themselves adrift in purposeless work, effectively cut off from new projects due to the lingering impact of the Lu Si Qiu scandal.

Wu Kezhi noted in a meeting that Team Four felt "like a boat in the Bermuda Triangle," with their signals for cooperation "blocked by all projects." After three exhausting, sleepless nights, Sun Yiqiu had a breakthrough, recalling his Go teacher's past advice: to become a true expert, one must "think out of the box" and "break the conventions." Inspired, he bravely proposed revisiting the private cinema project.

Lin Yuming and Ding Libo reacted with disbelief, questioning if he had "gone crazy," reminding him it was a "scandalous project" that everyone in the industry avoided. Wu Kezhi, however, allowed Sun Yiqiu to elaborate. Sun Yiqiu argued that the problems in this project were just the corrupt investment consultant and the opportunistic company trying to buy it low.

He emphasized the unfairness of letting one person's actions ruin everyone else's hard work, urging them to evaluate the project on its own merits, separate from the previous scandal. Gao Sicong presented his revised risk assessment report to Jiang Nan, who, uncharacteristically, praised his efforts, stating he had "done a good job." At lunch, Hao Shuai was noticeably quiet.

Gao Sicong shared with Lan Qianyi and Hao Shuai that he had overheard Sun Yiqiu suggesting they continue with the private cinema project. Gao Sicong dismissed it as "ignorance," believing it would only "make the matter worse" for the already infamous Team Four. Lan Qianyi, however, found Sun Yiqiu's idea had a valid point and expressed her admiration for his "courage in breaking the conventions."

Hao Shuai, still sulking, then dramatically declared that he too would abandon conventions and "do whatever I want" starting immediately. Wu Kezhi, after much consideration, approached Yu Wenli to suggest her team take over the private cinema project. Yu Wenli, however, gently refused, explaining that as it was initially Team Four's project, no other team had reason to intervene, though she assured him of her support should Team Four decide to proceed with it.

He then visited Zhou Qingyu, who was clearly exasperated. Zhou Qingyu flatly refused to take on such a "tainted project," reminding Wu Kezhi of the embarrassment it had caused King Capital. He urged Wu Kezhi to learn from past mistakes, questioning if he had "nine lives to challenge the impossible again and again" and advising him, as a newly promoted "Director Wu," to adopt a broader "vision" and avoid personal risks. Wu Kezhi, frustrated, simply told him to "get lost."

Wu Kezhi called Sun Yiqiu to his office, asking why he was so determined to continue with the private cinema project, urging him to ignore notions of the founder or profits. Sun Yiqiu explained that he refused to "run away" from the past incident, believing that to truly move on, they must "face it" and "redeem Team Four's pride on our own." Convinced by Sun Yiqiu's unwavering stance, Wu Kezhi declared his decision to proceed with the project.

Lin Yuming and Ding Libo immediately voiced their strong disapproval, with Lin Yuming drawing a controversial analogy about a hero turning villain by not finishing the job. Ding Libo argued that even setting aside public opinion, selling the project at a deflated price would still damage their reputation.

Wu Kezhi agreed, then stunned them by revealing he had no intention of selling it; instead, he planned to "further invest in it," citing recent findings that the private cinema's business model had evolved, expanding into second and third-tier cities, which now valued the project at "at least 300 million." He proposed leveraging this momentum to grow the project towards an IPO.

Both Lin Yuming and Ding Libo were aghast, deeming him "mad" for suggesting King Capital further invest in a "scandalous project," calling it "absurd" and "ridiculous" to expect unconditional support from Director Qu. Wu Kezhi responded that they "won't know unless we try." Lin Yuming, after expressing his frustration with Sun Yiqiu for getting Wu Kezhi "all worked up" and reminding him of Team Four's reputation being at stake, reluctantly agreed to cooperate but warned Sun Yiqiu against "thoughtless" suggestions.

Ding Libo then sternly lectured Sun Yiqiu, criticizing his boldness without solutions, emphasizing that Wu Kezhi was already "impulsive" and should not be encouraged in "reckless decisions." He reminded Sun Yiqiu of the company's rules and the necessity to consider all consequences and uncertainties before taking action. Sun Yiqiu apologized, to which Ding Libo added that he was "too young" to understand the complexities of interpersonal relationships within the company.

Lan Qianyi was looking for "China-Europe logistics" information when Gao Sicong quickly found it for her. He remarked that she was the first among their cohort to be put in charge of a project, and that no matter how high she soared, he would consider it entirely "reasonable." Later, Lan Qianyi excitedly told Gao Sicong she had received her bonus, showing him the amount.

Gao Sicong teasingly commented that her enthusiasm for money made her "finally like a woman," implying she usually didn't act so feminine. Soon after, Chief Xu summoned Lan Qianyi, informing her that she would be joining him in a few days for an official negotiation on the China-Europe logistics project with Youwei Capital.

When Lan Qianyi asked if their counterparty was Chen Zhan, Chief Xu enthusiastically confirmed it, then recalled her past year at Youwei Capital, asking if she knew Chen Zhan. He continued to praise Chen Zhan's impressive rise as Youwei Capital's youngest assistant manager, his successful investments in "three unicorns," and his widespread popularity among ladies. Lan Qianyi’s expression became conflicted as she looked at his name on her computer screen.

Wu Kezhi then assigned Lin Yuming and Ding Libo the critical task of conducting a due diligence investigation in nearby cities, specifically to verify the actual situation of the private cinema's franchisees against the provided reports, stressing the importance of this "first-hand information" for convincing the company to invest further. Meanwhile, Sun Yiqiu, overwhelmed by the potential repercussions, approached Wu Kezhi, asking if he could retract his suggestion.

He confessed his fear of his "thoughtless suggestion" dragging the entire team into trouble and his inability to "bear the responsibility." Wu Kezhi dismissed his worries, reassuring him that as the person in charge, he alone would be held accountable, and that Sun Yiqiu's only task was to get him a cup of coffee.

That night, Ding Libo secretly met with Director Qu to discuss Team Four's plan for the private cinema project, only to find that Director Qu was already aware of the situation and their intention to apply for "further investment for the purpose of expansion." Director Qu implied that Wu Kezhi "hasn't changed at all" and deflected Ding Libo's indirect question about his support for Team Four's plan, reminding him that Wu Kezhi was the team leader.

Episode 25 Recap

The following day, Ding Libo and Lin Yuming embarked on a due diligence trip across the Suzhou-Wuxi-Changzhou Metropolitan area. In the car, Lin Yuming offered Ding Libo a drink, but Ding Libo, who was driving, declined. They reminisced about a similar trip six years prior when Lin Yuming suffered from food poisoning. Ding Libo then asked Lin Yuming if he also felt frustrated, working on a project they both knew was a "mission impossible."

Lin Yuming admitted he was accustomed to it, always managing to convince himself of Wu Kezhi's decisions, a trait Ding Libo openly envied. Back at the office, Wu Kezhi tasked Sun Yiqiu with preparing the financial forecast for the project. Sun Yiqiu confessed he wasn't familiar with it, as Lin Yuming had always handled such tasks.

Wu Kezhi, exasperated, chastised Sun Yiqiu for still acting like a newbie and being unreliable, telling him to gather the reports so he could do it himself. Shortly after, Zhou Qingyu informed Wu Kezhi that Director Qu intended to elevate the project to a company-wide consensus vote, involving all mid-level staff and above. Sun Yiqiu was puzzled by Director Qu's motivation. Wu Kezhi explained that the scandal caused by Lu Siqiu had severely eroded the partners' trust in Director Qu.

By making it a collective decision, Director Qu would either redeem himself if the project passed or blame Team IV if it failed, absolving himself of any responsibility. This meant Team IV would offend the partners regardless of the outcome. Despite this grim outlook, Wu Kezhi remained resolute, determined to craft a proposal that would satisfy everyone. He assigned himself the presentation, Ding Libo the script, and Lin Yuming the presentation slides.

For Sun Yiqiu, who couldn't contribute to the core tasks, Wu Kezhi sent him to pick up Yu Wenli's daughter and collect information from her. While picking up Yu Wenli's daughter, Xiao Xiao, Sun Yiqiu seemed visibly unhappy. Yu Wenli attempted to cheer him up with a game about embracing uncertainty, demonstrating how one never knows what will happen next. Xiao Xiao then showed him a drawing of a young lady that, when inverted, appeared to be an old woman.

This playful demonstration of a different perspective deeply inspired Sun Yiqiu. He bought the drawing from Xiao Xiao with two playful kisses. Later, as Wu Kezhi struggled to rehearse his presentation, admitting he couldn't even convince himself of its content, Lin Yuming agreed that their current approach lacked a crucial element. Seizing the moment, Sun Yiqiu proposed a radical change.

Inspired by Xiao Xiao's drawing, he suggested that instead of reiterating the project's benefits, they should highlight the severe disadvantages of "not" pursuing it, specifically how abandoning the project would benefit their competitors. Lin Yuming expressed concern about the unconventional nature and the tight deadline, as there was no precedent for such an approach. However, Wu Kezhi saw the merit in taking them by surprise.

He instructed Sun Yiqiu to immediately develop a new proposal based on this innovative idea, despite having less than a day before the meeting. Ding Libo, furious at Wu Kezhi’s decision to follow a "newbie's" lead, stormed out of the meeting room. Lin Yuming quickly followed, trying to calm him.

Ding Libo vented his frustration, convinced that Wu Kezhi had lost his mind and that there was no future for them with such a leader, even advising Lin Yuming to seek opportunities elsewhere. Just then, Director Qu appeared, inquiring about Ding Libo's anger and their preparations for the upcoming investment meeting. He expressed his anticipation for Team IV's presentation and wished them good luck.

Wu Kezhi, Lin Yuming, and Ding Libo eventually left, but Sun Yiqiu remained in the office, working through the night to complete the new proposal. The next morning, Lin Yuming found Sun Yiqiu asleep at his desk. Ding Libo woke him, telling him to quickly freshen up and change for the rehearsal. During the rehearsal, Yu Wenli was genuinely surprised and impressed by their unconventional presentation style, calling it "amazing and beyond my expectation."

However, she cautioned that its acceptance by others in the company remained uncertain, though Wu Kezhi was prepared to take the risk. Before the actual investment committee meeting, Director Qu offered his encouragement to Team IV. An unnamed manager from another team confronted Wu Kezhi, accusing him of using the meeting as a stepping stone for his ambition. Director Qu intervened, restoring order, and then Chris, a prominent partner, arrived unexpectedly.

Director Qu immediately invited Chris to take a seat, showing deference. Wu Kezhi commenced his presentation by listing 38 projects from various divisions that King Capital had rejected over the past five years due to different reasons. He highlighted that these projects later thrived in the hands of competitors like Silver Maple and Youwei, accumulating at least 60 billion in market value.

When interrupted, he pressed on, displaying a chart of three more projects that King Capital had canceled due to scandals, which also became highly profitable for their top competitors like Silver Maple, Youwei, and Huali. Wu Kezhi passionately declared it an "unforgivable mistake" for an investment consultant to abandon a valuable project due to "human factors" or scandals. He questioned the professionalism of forsaking potential profits for the company.

He concluded by asserting that the discussion should solely focus on the project's inherent value and appeal, rather than potential controversies, as that is the true duty of an investment consultant. Following this impactful opening, Wu Kezhi continued the presentation using Ding Libo’s original script. However, the initial segment had successfully shifted the audience's perspective and imbued Wu Kezhi himself with newfound confidence, allowing him to present calmly and smoothly.

Chris was profoundly impressed, strongly agreeing to proceed with the project and commending Team IV’s courage. Director Qu echoed Chris’s sentiment, and the project was approved by a collective vote, despite evident displeasure from some attendees. Chris then asked who proposed to revive the project. Wu Kezhi identified Sun Yiqiu, prompting Chris to ask Sun Yiqiu about his reasoning. Sun Yiqiu, after a brief hesitation, replied, "Because we're investment consultants."

Chris praised his answer as "right" and "well said," encouraging them all to work hard together and congratulating Team IV. Filled with joy, Wu Kezhi, Lin Yuming, and Ding Libo returned to Team IV's office. Ding Libo, visibly moved, thanked the entire team, stating it had been a very long time since he felt so genuinely happy. Wu Kezhi agreed to treat them to dinner.

Meanwhile, Sun Yiqiu was pulled away by Hao Shuai, Lan Qianyi, and Gao Sicong for a celebratory drink. After just one toast, Lan Qianyi and Gao Sicong excused themselves to return to work. In the elevator, Lan Qianyi candidly admitted her jealousy of Sun Yiqiu's success and the limelight he had garnered.

Gao Sicong, surprised by her frankness, confided his own frustrations, lamenting that despite being "proud honor students," they hadn't been entrusted with any projects, while Sun Yiqiu, a high school graduate, had become the most successful. He even questioned his own competence. Lan Qianyi, however, reminded him of his strengths and assured him she had never doubted his abilities. They then formed an alliance, promising to support and re-energize each other whenever self-doubt arose.

As they continued their conversation, they realized neither had pressed the elevator button. That evening, Gao Sicong's client meeting was canceled, frustrating his plans. He saw Jiang Nan pass by and, after a moment's hesitation, invited him for a drink. Jiang Nan noted that Gao Sicong "finally learnt," but Gao Sicong faltered, unable to articulate his deeper intentions, simply saying "Nothing." Later, Jiang Nan merely reminded him not to be late for their 9 AM meeting the next day.

While Team IV continued their jubilant celebration elsewhere, Gao Sicong felt a pang of envy as he drank alone. Team IV, however, continued their jubilant celebration. Lin Yuming, drinking enthusiastically, declared it was the first time in over a year that Team IV had felt such pride. He boasted about a partner's personal approval and praise, even mentioning a pat on the shoulder, vowing to confront anyone who dared to disrespect Team IV.

Wu Kezhi and Lin Yuming raised a toast to happiness, and Wu Kezhi playfully acknowledged Sun Yiqiu as "the star of our company." Their celebration was interrupted when Zhou Qingyu arrived, explaining he had known they were there when they didn't answer his call. He then delivered breaking news: Manager Wang's successor in their division had been confirmed as Li Sheng Si, a revelation that also called for a celebratory drink.

Episode 26 Recap

Lan Qianyi brought coffee to her exhausted colleagues, who were working late on the China-Europe logistics report. Chief Xu emphasized the urgency, stating that Manager Ma had ordered them to submit it by tomorrow and would be furious if they didn't, especially since Manager Ma was already unhappy after Team IV received praise earlier that day. Lan Qianyi offered to complete the report by herself, even if it meant pulling an all-nighter.

Though some colleagues initially expressed hesitation about leaving all the work to her, Chief Xu and Manager Zhao quickly departed. The remaining colleagues then packed up, commenting on how much Lan Qianyi had changed and how she was trying to protect Chief Xu from Manager Ma's anger. Sun Yiqiu later asked Lin Yuming about the new general manager, Li Shensi, whom Chief Zhou had mentioned.

Lin Yuming, surprised by Sun Yiqiu's ignorance, explained that Li Shensi was a legendary figure in the investment world, someone "extremely amazing," and that if they followed him, prosperity would be within reach. He added that the company's new partner had invested heavily in recruiting Li Shensi, believing he would lead the New Business Division to great achievements.

Sun Yiqiu observed that just 24 hours prior, Team IV was seen as an outcast, but now they were the center of envious attention. He reflected on how investment consultants and chess players were similar, with performance being the ultimate determinant of one's standing. He noted the irony that he, Sun Yiqiu, seemed to be the unexpected key player in this recent turn of events.

Back home, Sun Yiqiu's mother had waited up for him, unable to sleep, anxious to hear about his important meeting. When she asked how it went, Sun Yiqiu remained silent, instead pulling her into a hug. She sensed his distress but reassured him that "it's okay, it doesn't matter." Meanwhile, a heavily intoxicated Gao Sicong stared at Jiang Nan's contact on his phone but hesitated to call.

He then dialed Lan Qianyi, but she was still working late and missed his call, sending him to voicemail. Feeling frustrated, Gao Sicong vowed that "tomorrow onwards, I must be completely different." Gao Sicong, after a night of heavy drinking, woke up late and struggled to hail a taxi to avoid being late for work. Meanwhile, Hao Shuai, after teasing Sun Yiqiu, answered a call from Gao Sicong and readily agreed to help him.

Hao Shuai covertly went to the technology group, logged into Gao Sicong's computer, and draped his own jacket over Gao Sicong's chair to create the illusion of his presence. When he encountered Jiang Nan, Hao Shuai quickly lied, saying Gao Sicong was not around and he didn't know where he had gone. Hao Shuai then met Gao Sicong downstairs by the elevators, casually inquiring about his relationship with Jiang Nan.

He observed that both of them were "cold types," and if neither made an effort to "break the deadlock, the situation will never change." Just as they exited the elevator, Jiang Nan appeared, catching them red-handed. Jiang Nan tossed Hao Shuai his jacket and ID, prompting Hao Shuai to make a hasty exit. Jiang Nan then reprimanded Gao Sicong, stating he wasn't angry about his tardiness but about his attempt to hide it.

As punishment, Jiang Nan ordered Gao Sicong to arrive half an hour earlier for work every day for the next month. The arrival of Li Shensi, dubbed "The King of Unicorns" in the industry for fostering five unicorn companies, caused a stir in the office. Everyone was on edge as Director Qu personally went down to greet him. Upon entering the New Business Division, Li Shensi, after being introduced to Wu Kezhi, surprised everyone by recognizing Sun Yiqiu.

He mentioned he had heard about Sun Yiqiu and that the company's partners were pleased with his contribution during a recent meeting, encouraging him to "do his best." Manager Ma, however, arrived late and missed the initial welcome. He later dismissed Li Shensi as "overrated," suggesting he was merely an older figure who got lucky and was even rumored to have engaged in unethical dealings in the past.

Director Qu, clearly annoyed, retorted sarcastically, challenging Manager Ma to create a few unicorns himself if he wanted to be "embarrassed" like Li Shensi. Meanwhile, Lan Qianyi, having worked all night, finally submitted the China-Europe logistics report. Manager Zhao praised her efforts and urged her to take a half-day break.

Chief Xu attempted to discreetly leave the report on Manager Ma's desk while he was out, but his plan was foiled when Manager Ma returned with a scowl, causing Chief Xu to hesitate. Seeing Zhou Qingyu meticulously gathering Team II's project documents to seek Li Shensi's advice, Lin Yuming quickly urged Sun Yiqiu and Ding Libo to do the same for their team.

Zhou Qingyu, eager to impress, rushed into Li Shensi's office, where he found Li Shensi with various health-preserving ingredients on his desk, offering Zhou Qingyu a bowl of health-boosting porridge made from ginseng and jujubes. This left Zhou Qingyu utterly bewildered, especially when Li Shensi then started recording short joke videos for his daughter. Sun Yiqiu, observing Wu Kezhi's subdued reaction amid the general excitement, asked why he seemed unhappy about Li Shensi's arrival.

Wu Kezhi admitted he sensed "something odd." He questioned why the New Business Division, which had never been the company's "frontliner" and faced numerous hardships, would "deserve a famous figure like Li Shensi." He elaborated, noting that someone like Li Shensi, a first-generation investment consultant who had achieved financial freedom years ago, would have "endless possibilities" in life.

He found it illogical that Li Shensi would choose to return to a company to lead a "busy and tiresome department" and perform management tasks he had "already quit 10 years ago." After Li Shensi had recorded short joke videos for his daughter and Zhou Qingyu had finished the health porridge, Li Shensi offered him more. Zhou Qingyu then presented his team's diligently compiled project proposals, hoping for guidance.

However, Li Shensi gently pushed them back, humbly stating that his "experience is no longer relevant" in the rapidly changing investment industry. He clarified his role, explaining that he was primarily there "to support and supervise the division" and would grant the teams "authority and freedom" for all investment-related work, expressing faith in the "younger generation's judgment." This confirmed Wu Kezhi's suspicion: Li Shensi was effectively there "to retire," finding a big company for a stable job until retirement.

Sun Yiqiu questioned why the company would spend so much to hire him then. Wu Kezhi explained that with Li Shensi's massive annual income from his past "unicorns," it was "a good time to retire" to avoid "leaving bad records" at the end of his career. He suggested Li Shensi simply sought a stable job in a big company while awaiting retirement, serving as a prestigious "ambassador" for the firm, a clever move by Chris.

Wu Kezhi lamented that ultimately, this would make them "the unlucky ones." Sun Yiqiu, however, believed that a man of Li Shensi's stature wouldn't cease his efforts, regardless of his past successes. Wu Kezhi, intrigued by Sun Yiqiu's conviction, proposed a bet: the loser would have to "chug the whole bottle" of alcohol on his desk. Sun Yiqiu, despite initial hesitation, agreed.

Seeing Chief Xu nervously hovering outside Manager Ma's office, unwilling to face him, Lan Qianyi boldly stepped forward to deliver the report herself. Meanwhile, Zhou Qingyu returned from his meeting with Li Shensi, looking dejected, which puzzled Lin Yuming and made Sun Yiqiu subtly lower his head. Manager Ma, reviewing the report, flew into a rage and demanded that Lan Qianyi summon Chief Xu.

Lan Qianyi, however, bravely confessed that she was the one who prepared the report, only further infuriating Manager Ma. He accused her of thinking she was "good enough to replace Xu Tai Ping" and, despite her offer to take full responsibility, angrily told her to "listen here" before dismissing her. Shortly after, everyone received a company-wide email. Manager Ma, who had just been furious, suddenly changed his tone and told Lan Qianyi to go back to her desk.

Lan Qianyi found her colleagues staring at their phones, stunned. The email was an invitation from Li Shensi for all three divisions—New Business, TMT, and another—to a joint team-building retreat at the Moon River Hot Spring Resort over the upcoming long weekend, with all expenses covered by him. Yu Wenli and Manager Ma soon met with Li Shensi. Manager Ma sarcastically complimented Li Shensi's generosity but expressed concerns about the appropriateness of such a large-scale event.

Yu Wenli, the general manager of the TMT Division, directly stated that she thought it was "not a good idea," citing tight schedules, especially within her department, and also concerned about Director Qu's approval. Li Shensi dismissed her concerns with a quote from Lu Xun about squeezing time and promised to personally handle any issues with Director Qu, assuring them he wouldn't put them "in a difficult position."

Manager Ma then pressured Yu Wenli, noting that with his agreement, it was "two to one," implying she should comply. Lin Yuming, frustrated by the team-building invitation, requested leave, wanting to visit his parents during the long weekend. However, Wu Kezhi firmly refused, explaining that since Li Shensi was personally funding the event, participation was compulsory. Lin Yuming grumbled, unable to comprehend why Li Shensi would "spend money on annoying others" instead of focusing on substantial work.

Wu Kezhi cynically suggested that at this stage of his career, Li Shensi "only wants joy." Lin Yuming expressed his disappointment, having hoped for an extraordinary leader but finding only a "retiring old man." He concluded that it was Team IV's fate to "only depend on ourselves." Meanwhile, Director Qu was seen complaining to Ding Libo, lamenting that he had warned Chris against hiring Li Shensi.

He recounted how he had foreseen that Li Shensi would merely seek "a safe transition to retirement" and "won't contribute to the company substantially," but Chris had insisted. Director Qu criticized Chris's overconfidence as a young man for not heeding his seniors.

He confessed that Wu Kezhi alone was already "enough trouble" for him, and now, with Li Shensi on board due to Chris's persistence, the New Business Division, having to contend with both Wu Kezhi and Chris, had become a considerable headache for him. He concluded by telling Ding Libo that he was "the only person" he could count on in the division.

Episode 27 Recap

Director Qu expressed his dissatisfaction with Li Shengsi, noting that he had warned Chris when Li Shengsi was hired. Qu Zhonghui believed Li Shengsi merely sought a safe transition into retirement and would not contribute substantially to the company. He confided in Ding Libo, stating that within the New Business Division, Ding Libo was the only person he could truly count on.

He then gifted Ding Libo a fine bottle of wine, remarking that both wine and people need someone who values them. Hao Shuai was eagerly anticipating the upcoming weekend team-building event, displaying a map of the Moon River Resort and detailing plans for relaxation, rowing, and swimming. However, his enthusiasm was met with disinterest from Sun Yiqiu, Gao Sicong, and Lan Qianyi, whose minds were preoccupied with work.

Gao Sicong mentioned an important client's reply was due the next day, making it hard for him to sleep, while Lan Qianyi lamented that the team building ruined her plans to work through the holiday. Sun Yiqiu added that he didn't partake in any of the activities Hao Shuai suggested.

Wu Kezhi offered Sun Yiqiu a ride home, much to the envy of Gao Sicong, Lan Qianyi, and Hao Shuai, who recognized it as a perk of being with a leader. Wu Kezhi clarified that he was not doing it specifically for Sun Yiqiu, as it was his older son's birthday, and the restaurant was on the way. Sun Yiqiu awkwardly wished his son a happy birthday.

Wu Kezhi then handed Sun Yiqiu a gift, explaining it was a reward for his commendable work on the private cinema project. He retracted his previous statement about fake hope being the biggest trap, acknowledging that the current Sun Yiqiu deserved "this much of hope." Sun Yiqiu was deeply moved by this small glimmer of hope, recalling Wu Kezhi's earlier harsh words about him being a "trash project."

He pondered what hope truly was and why it compelled people to risk everything without expecting a return, comparing it to strong liquor that could intoxicate with just a little. Later, as Wu Kezhi’s wife packed his bags, their son excitedly played with a ribbon, claiming it was his birthday gift from his dad. This made Wu Kezhi realize with alarm that he had accidentally swapped gifts, giving his son's present to Sun Yiqiu and vice versa.

Meanwhile, Sun Yiqiu, upon opening his gift, found a child's water cup, leaving him puzzled. At home, Ding Libo was drinking alone, disheartened that his wife had no intention of returning and his child might no longer remember him. Qu Zhonghui, who had called him, told Ding Libo he didn't like to comfort people as it was for the weak, but expressed his belief that Ding Libo would become strong in both work and life.

He encouraged Ding Libo to strive, assuring him that once he was promoted to general manager, his wife would regret her decision. The next day, on the bus to the team-building event, most employees were drowsy. Hao Shuai woke a sleepy Gao Sicong, who admitted he had only slept for a few hours. Hao Shuai then took a group photo with Gao Sicong, Lan Qianyi, and Sun Yiqiu.

After arriving at the Moon River Resort, Li Shengsi revealed that it was his first tourism project and encouraged everyone to enjoy themselves. Hao Shuai attempted to keep his group of four together for rowing, but Manager Yin and Chief Su overheard his plans and insisted on joining them, snatching the map from Hao Shuai.

Sun Yiqiu quickly became popular among his colleagues, with various teams trying to recruit him for activities like fishing, hiking, or barbecue, much to Gao Sicong's astonishment. Lan Qianyi suggested going swimming with Sun Yiqiu. However, Jiang Nan called Gao Sicong aside, informing him about issues with a reply letter that needed immediate revision. Gao Sicong told Lan Qianyi to go ahead, promising to join them later, thus leaving Sun Yiqiu and Lan Qianyi to go swimming.

At the swimming pool, Manager Ma angrily confronted the Energy Division, yelling that clients were calling him while they were having fun. Lan Qianyi quickly stepped forward, offering to handle the urgent matter on the spot by reading the email and resolving the problem. As Jiang Nan and Gao Sicong worked on the document, Gao Sicong found himself distracted, his thoughts drifting to Lan Qianyi.

Jiang Nan noticed his wandering attention and sternly told him to focus on the work, reminding him that he had chosen to stay and work, so he should finish it quickly. Yu Wenli arrived with her daughter, Xiao Xiao, who preferred playing with her dolls. Yu Wenli commented on Wu Kezhi's ability to balance work and family, admiring how he managed to spend time with his two sons despite their demanding schedules.

Wu Kezhi claimed to have a "special secret," which he attempted to use on Xiao Xiao by startling her, but it only made her angry. He noted that his sons loved it, but Yu Wenli observed it wouldn't work on her. When Sun Yiqiu arrived, Xiao Xiao immediately brightened, happily asking "Uncle Qiu" to lift her up. Sun Yiqiu then helped Xiao Xiao introduce her dolls, Polka and Olio, to Yu Wenli, making the atmosphere cheerful.

Later, Gao Sicong received a text message from Hao Shuai inviting him to a real-life Counter Strike game. He looked at the pile of documents on the table with a sigh. Jiang Nan also received a message about the group activity and prepared to leave. Gao Sicong hesitantly asked about the revisions, but Jiang Nan assured him that he had checked the document and found no problems, promising to review it again that night before sending it to the client.

Jiang Nan praised Gao Sicong's improvements, prompting Gao Sicong to quickly agree to join the game. For the Counter Strike game, Hao Shuai and Gao Sicong were assigned to Team A, while Sun Yiqiu and Lan Qianyi were in Team B along with Yin Sheng Chao and Jiang Nan. Hao Shuai, intent on ambushing the other team, broke the rules by climbing a tree, asking Gao Sicong to hold his gun.

Gao Sicong warned him it was dangerous and against the rules, but Hao Shuai dismissed the rules, declaring he was fine with losing as long as Yin Sheng Chao was "eliminated." During the game, Jiang Nan quickly shot Gao Sicong out, praising his "improvement" ironically. Hao Shuai later avenged Gao Sicong by shooting Yin Sheng Chao. Wu Kezhi and Li Shengsi took a walk together.

Li Shengsi sought Wu Kezhi's insights into Qu Zhonghui's character, but before Wu Kezhi could answer, Qu Zhonghui joined them. Wu Kezhi attempted to excuse himself, but Qu Zhonghui seemed displeased, and Li Shengsi insisted they all go for a drink at his place. In the game, Yin Sheng Chao, out of bullets, used Sun Yiqiu as a human shield against Hao Shuai. Hao Shuai, reluctant to shoot Sun Yiqiu, urged him to get out of the way.

Yin Sheng Chao, however, pressured Sun Yiqiu to shoot. Sun Yiqiu accidentally fired, hitting Hao Shuai, who then announced he was out of the game. Later that evening, Gao Sicong, still contemplating his place, hesitantly asked Jiang Nan if he was free to have a drink together. Jiang Nan surprisingly agreed, stating he wanted to hear what Gao Sicong had learned from his job. At dinner, Sun Yiqiu, Gao Sicong, Lan Qianyi, and Hao Shuai were separated by different groups.

Sun Yiqiu was constantly called upon to drink, showing his newfound popularity. Hao Shuai jokingly complained to Sun Yiqiu that he caused his loss in the CS game, as he was distracted and attacked multiple times. Gao Sicong, observing Sun Yiqiu's popularity, felt envious and wanted to understand why he felt he was "losing." Jiang Nan assured him he hadn't lost, but merely thought others were moving faster.

He explained that in the journey to become an investment consultant, Gao Sicong had learned just as much as anyone else. Jiang Nan emphasized that glory and applause belonged to projects, not consultants, who must possess patience, and asked if Gao Sicong had that patience. Gao Sicong affirmed that he did, and Jiang Nan told him to keep his word.

Meanwhile, a drunken Li Shengsi reminisced about his "unicorn" projects, attributing his success to "pure hard work" as a young man. He then paradoxically declared that "unicorns are worthless," lamenting that they couldn't cure his diabetes, fatty liver, stop his wife's nagging, or make his daughter smarter.

Qu Zhonghui interjected, calling Li Shengsi humble and overly modest, arguing that Chris wouldn't have gone to such lengths to make him the new leader of the New Business Division if he wasn't outstanding. Li Shengsi, however, insisted that Chris merely wanted his fame and that he was only there for the company's image.

He then proclaimed that King Capital's future would not rely on "old men like us" but on "young and capable frontliners like Ke Zhi," praising Wu Kezhi as an outstanding, capable, genuine, and relentless young man who could "drink a lot." After Li Shengsi was escorted away due to his inebriation, Qu Zhonghui turned to Wu Kezhi, asking if he also believed Li Shengsi was "unreliable" and if he had guessed his true purpose for joining the company.

Qu Zhonghui suggested that for Team Four to truly grow, Wu Kezhi needed "someone to support your team." Wu Kezhi responded with a wry smile, stating that his team "has always been on our own."

Episode 28 Recap

Feeling a little tipsy, Wu Kezhi decided to leave a conversation with Director Qu and Li Sheng Si, who had been trying to advise him on team support. Wu Kezhi believed his team had always stood on its own. He then joined Lin Yuming and Ding Libo. Ding Libo teased Wu Kezhi about his usual poor performance in the upcoming finale activity, where he was always the first to be eliminated. Sun Yiqiu, also present, asked about additional activities.

Wu Kezhi informed him that the "finale for the investment circle" was next, but added that it had nothing to do with him. Wu Kezhi then reminded Sun Yiqiu of their previous bet regarding Manager Li Sheng Si, emphasizing that the loser would have to chug a bottle of alcohol, urging Sun Yiqiu to keep his word. Sun Yiqiu prepared to drink the entire bottle in one go, looking despairing.

Lin Yuming quickly intervened, declaring that such a glorious moment needed to be witnessed by everyone. He helped Sun Yiqiu onto a stool, announcing that Sun Yiqiu would perform for the group by chugging the bottle as a thank you for their support.

Wu Kezhi initially commented that Sun Yiqiu couldn't hold his liquor, but when Lin Yuming pointed out that Sun Yiqiu would stop when he reached his limit, Wu Kezhi changed his tune, remarking that he had forgotten Sun Yiqiu’s gullibility. Soon after, Manager Ma announced that the final team-building activity was about to begin in the recreation room.

Ding Libo pulled Wu Kezhi to the recreation room, urging him to try and stay in the upcoming card game for at least ten minutes. The game's stakes were high: the number of cards a team held would determine their annual leave days for the next year. Wu Kezhi was playing, betting, and calling, but it quickly became apparent he was struggling.

Lin Yuming explained to a confused Sun Yiqiu that Director Qu was one of the experts in the game, while Wu Kezhi usually lost due to his impatience, recklessness, and inability to hide his emotions, making the game unsuitable for him. Sun Yiqiu wondered if the game was difficult. Hao Shuai, joined by Lan Qianyi and Gao Sicong, offered to teach Sun Yiqiu, but a clearly intoxicated Sun Yiqiu struggled to grasp the rules.

As Wu Kezhi was about to make a losing move, Sun Yiqiu suddenly blurted out "fold." Lin Yuming attempted to pull Sun Yiqiu away, attributing his outburst to drunkenness, but Wu Kezhi stopped them. To everyone's surprise, Wu Kezhi asked Director Qu if Sun Yiqiu could play his last hand for him, to which Director Qu agreed, musing that Wu Kezhi needed a change of luck.

Sun Yiqiu took over and immediately showed an unexpected knack for the game, winning a hand with Triple 7s, then another against Manager Jiang with a Straight. He continued his winning streak, even beating Director Qu's Triple 9 Full House with a Triple Ace Full House. Ding Libo, seeing Director Qu’s growing displeasure, suggested they call it a night, but Manager Ma insisted on continuing, stating the match between him and Sun Yiqiu wasn't over.

Sun Yiqiu, still drunk, agreed to play on. In the final hand, Sun Yiqiu confidently identified Director Qu’s weak hand, noting that Director Qu had a tell: he touched his chin whenever he was bluffing. Sun Yiqiu won with a pair of 10s against Director Qu's High Card. A surprised Director Qu asked how many years Sun Yiqiu had played poker, to which Sun Yiqiu replied he had "just learnt it earlier tonight."

Director Qu expressed amazement at such a natural talent within the company. The short holiday concluded swiftly. Some returned from the break exhausted, while others had enjoyed themselves. Hao Shuai attempted to tease Sun Yiqiu about a video of him chugging alcohol, but Sun Yiqiu deflected.

Gao Sicong, too, had a fulfilling break, receiving positive feedback from Manager Jiang Nan on a German document he had drafted, though Jiang Nan pointed out some grammatical errors and gave him a day to correct them or revert to Chinese. Manager Ma also hurried staff, including Gao Sicong, onto a bus, concluding the holiday activities. Five months later, Sun Yiqiu was preparing for an important presentation on the "Youfeng Air Purifier" project.

Wu Kezhi, Lin Yuming, and Ding Libo conducted a mock Q&A session to prepare him. Sun Yiqiu confidently presented the project's market potential, focusing on consumer health concerns and outlining a three-pronged analysis covering industry, government policies, and the economy. Wu Kezhi abruptly halted his presentation, stating they had already read the report and preferred to move directly to questions. Ding Libo challenged Youfeng’s product, calling it "20 years late" in the market.

Sun Yiqiu deftly responded, explaining that while not a market forerunner, Youfeng's timing was optimal, appearing at the end of a typical 20-year introductory period for such products in advanced countries. Lin Yuming then questioned how an unknown brand could compete in a saturated market. Sun Yiqiu articulated Youfeng’s strategy: focusing on improving the downstream services, as the upstream manufacturing was already mature.

Lin Yuming observed that Sun Yiqiu's past lack of confidence seemed to have been resolved by the private cinema project, finally unleashing his potential. From outside the meeting room, Hao Shuai watched, amazed by Sun Yiqiu's newfound assertiveness. Hao Shuai then entered, ostensibly to inform Sun Yiqiu about a newcomer meeting with HR. Wu Kezhi, however, was not satisfied.

He dismissed Lin Yuming's praise and challenged Sun Yiqiu to state, within one minute, three reasons why the project might be rejected by the investment committee. Sun Yiqiu, caught off guard, admitted he was unprepared for such a question. Wu Kezhi sharply criticized him, questioning if he was an investment consultant or merely a sales manager focused only on the positives of popular projects.

He emphasized the inherent risks of popular projects, warning, "The more popular a project, the higher the risk involved. The higher you climb, the harder you fall!" Hao Shuai quickly stepped in, ushering Sun Yiqiu out to the HR meeting, remarking later that he thought Sun Yiqiu could handle Wu Kezhi, but still ended up angering him, and claiming he had to rescue him.

At the HR meeting, the manager congratulated Gao Sicong, Lan Qianyi, and Hao Shuai on officially establishing themselves within the company, handing them their new salary confirmation letters. Sun Yiqiu was also there, but the HR manager, after checking her email, clarified that the salary raises were only for employees with permanent contracts. As Sun Yiqiu’s contract was expiring soon, he would not receive a raise.

Hao Shuai admitted he had told Sun Yiqiu to attend, mistakenly believing the invitation was for all newcomers. Sun Yiqiu quietly left, feeling foolish. He reflected on Wu Kezhi's earlier warning about the risks of popular projects, chastising himself for having "lost sight of my actual situation" after receiving compliments, and wondering if he was destined to lose "everything I worked so hard to obtain."

Meanwhile, Manager Xu (Xu Tai Ping) went to Manager Ma's office to submit the China-Europe logistics project proposal. Manager Ma, upon learning Lan Qianyi had prepared the report, angrily threw the documents aside. Manager Zhao, a colleague, was confused, believing the proposal was flawless. However, Lan Qianyi knew the true reason for Manager Ma's anger and went to explain herself.

Manager Ma then confronted Manager Xu, asking if he knew about Lan Qianyi’s past relationship with her boss at Youwei Capital, their collaborative partner, and questioned how such a "suspicious person" could be involved in a critical negotiation. Manager Xu was stunned but tried to vouch for Lan Qianyi, assuring Manager Ma that she would not sabotage the team.

Manager Ma, unwilling to take any chances, demanded to know if Manager Xu would "guarantee her integrity," warning him to be responsible for his words. Unannounced, Lan Qianyi entered Manager Ma's office, holding all the French project documents she had translated. She stated she understood Manager Ma's anger but urged him not to blame Chief Xu, and formally requested permission to withdraw from the China-Europe logistics project.

Manager Ma, still visibly upset, dismissed her and instructed Manager Xu to take full responsibility for the project, suggesting he learn French to handle the documents himself. Later, colleagues were teasing Lin Yuming about his modest salary increment and his unmarried status, joking about his high standards. Wu Kezhi suddenly returned, looking grim, and angrily asked if they had nothing better to do. Ding Libo messaged Lin Yuming, asking what was wrong with Wu Kezhi.

Lin Yuming initially didn’t know, but then suddenly realized the reason. As Wu Kezhi’s mood seemed to worsen, Ding Libo quickly found an excuse about an urgent client meeting and fled. Sun Yiqiu, who had just returned, was immediately scolded by Wu Kezhi for not being at his desk. Lin Yuming comforted Sun Yiqiu, explaining that Wu Kezhi's anger wasn't personal; it was "Ma Xiyuan's death anniversary."

Lin Yuming recounted Ma Xiyuan's story to Sun Yiqiu: like him, she had been a clueless trainee five years ago, joining at the same time as Lin Yuming and working under Wu Kezhi (who was then an investment manager in Team II). She was hardworking and intelligent, quickly improving, and Wu Kezhi was very pleased with her work.

When Ma Xiyuan’s contract was nearing expiration, Wu Kezhi placed her on a high-profile project, which the higher-ups were paying close attention to, to help her secure a permanent position. They successfully completed the project, but it later faced a lawsuit due to a mistake made by higher-ups. Though Wu Kezhi was the one who should have faced punishment, Ma Xiyuan unexpectedly resigned, taking all the blame herself.

Episode 29 Recap

Lin Yuming confided in Sun Yiqiu about Ma Xiyuan, explaining that she had battled depression for many years, even if she appeared happy on the surface. Her illness had taken a final turn after her resignation. He pointed out that it had been five years since her passing, and every year on this particular day, Wu Kezhi would erupt in anger without explanation.

Sun Yiqiu probed if Wu Kezhi felt responsible, and Lin Yuming confirmed that Wu Kezhi blamed himself, feeling both guilty and furious, unable to forgive himself for what happened. Lin Yuming recounted how Wu Kezhi had a massive confrontation with Director Qu upon hearing the news of Ma Xiyuan’s death, as Director Qu had chosen to sacrifice her to protect the company’s reputation. From that point on, Wu Kezhi found it difficult to integrate within the company.

Trying to lighten the mood, Lin Yuming then asked Sun Yiqiu about his recent salary increase, but Sun Yiqiu remained silent, leaving Lin Yuming to wonder if he had said something inappropriate. Wu Kezhi later went to buy a cordyceps gift box, specifying it was for an elderly person. He then visited the old apartment of Ma Xiyuan’s mother.

A flashback revealed an earlier visit where Ma Xiyuan's mother had apologized to Wu Kezhi, explaining her daughter’s long battle with depression and how her time working under him was among her happiest. She expressed sorrow that her daughter had caused trouble in the end. Wu Kezhi, clearly distraught, had tried to apologize in return.

In the present, Wu Kezhi was informed by a neighbor that the old lady had moved away a long time ago and her current whereabouts were unknown, possibly not even alive. Meanwhile, Lan Qianyi was deep in thought in the stairwell. Manager Zhao and Manager Cui approached her, suggesting they help persuade Manager Ma about her role in the upcoming project.

They had earlier been overheard discussing Lan Qianyi’s past relationship with her boss at Youwei Capital, questioning her suitability for such an important project. Lan Qianyi, however, calmly stated that she was not being emotional but had carefully considered it and decided not to participate. Her colleagues also mentioned how she had spoken up for Chief Xu earlier, who was now in an even worse predicament.

Chief Xu was seen struggling with French phrases for the transnational project, repeating basic greetings with visible frustration while his colleagues made light of his difficulties. Shortly after, Lan Qianyi received a call on her mobile phone. Seeing "Youwei Capital" on the screen, she answered. A voice on the other end, Chen Zhan's, asked, "Qian Yi, is that you?"

She immediately stiffened and handed the phone to Manager Zhao, asking him to take the call, as it was "someone from Youwei Capital." Later, Hao Shuai apologized to Sun Yiqiu for a misunderstanding earlier that day regarding their salary increase, admitting he had not read the notice carefully. Sun Yiqiu accepted his apology, acknowledging that the incident, though unintentional, had made him acutely aware of his precarious situation.

Hao Shuai dismissed the idea of contract renewal being an issue for Sun Yiqiu, reasoning that if he could get into the company with just a high school diploma, staying on should be simple. He suggested Sun Yiqiu inquire at home, hinting that the person who helped him secure the job initially could also help him extend his contract. That evening, Sun Yiqiu returned home to find his mother and relatives having dinner. His relatives were praising his achievements.

His mother then revealed the true story behind his job, explaining she obtained it "from collecting trash." A flashback showed her, working as a hotel housekeeper, discovering an old man, Director Qu’s father, collapsed in a room. When Director Qu came to thank her with money, she refused. Impressed, Director Qu gave her his business card, offering any assistance she might need.

She later called him, asking him to secure a job for her son, explaining that after Sun Yiqiu stopped playing Go, he had taken on various part-time jobs, constantly working hard, and as a mother, she could only hope he would have a stable place to rest. Sun Yiqiu, listening to his mother's heartfelt confession, felt a mix of shame and a profound awakening.

He realized that despite his brief illusion of having something to rely on, he actually possessed nothing – no qualifications, experience, or connections. However, his time at King Capital had at least taught him one crucial lesson: he could always depend on himself to navigate life and achieve his goals without external expectations. Feeling reinvigorated, Sun Yiqiu returned to the company to work overtime. He found Wu Kezhi passed out drunk in the office.

Sun Yiqiu tried to console him, reminding him that Ma Xiyuan suffered from depression and her death wasn't his fault. But Wu Kezhi vehemently rejected this, stating, "Don't comment when you know nothing. . . It was my fault." He insisted he should have taken responsibility and believed that if he had taken one step forward, she wouldn't have died. Wu Kezhi then confessed his envy for Sun Yiqiu, who had yet to experience such profound regret.

He urged Sun Yiqiu to always make choices he would never regret, advising him to live with dignity and avoid any regrets. Still intoxicated, Wu Kezhi asked for more alcohol. Seizing the moment, Sun Yiqiu asked, "If I can get a project approved independently,. . . will the company renew their contract with me?" The next morning, Sun Yiqiu transformed into a workaholic, diligently reviewing project documents, much to Lin Yuming’s surprise after his gloomy demeanor the previous day.

Internally, Sun Yiqiu knew he was running out of time. Shortly after, Chief Huo from the Communications Division visited their office. He praised Sun Yiqiu’s capabilities, openly criticizing Wu Kezhi for not fully utilizing his talent and hinting at an offer to join his team. Wu Kezhi, still suffering from a hangover, had been napping at his desk. Lin Yuming later informed Wu Kezhi about Chief Huo’s visit, suspecting he was attempting to poach Sun Yiqiu.

Wu Kezhi immediately confronted Chief Huo, who initially denied it but eventually admitted he had considered recruiting Sun Yiqiu because his one-year contract with the company was nearing its expiration, and Wu Kezhi had shown no signs of retaining him. Back in their office, Sun Yiqiu approached Wu Kezhi, proposing to independently lead a project in an effort to secure his position and stay with the company. Wu Kezhi, after a moment of hesitation, agreed.

Lin Yuming and Ding Libo, overhearing this, were shocked to learn that Sun Yiqiu's contract was indeed only for one year and was close to expiring. Ding Libo pressed Wu Kezhi about what he had said to Sun Yiqiu the previous night, which had ignited such fierce determination. Wu Kezhi claimed he couldn't remember due to his drunken state. Both Lin Yuming and Ding Libo surmised that Wu Kezhi must have made a significant promise.

Ding Libo pointed out the extreme unlikelihood of a high school graduate with less than a year of experience successfully completing an independent project. Lin Yuming admonished Wu Kezhi for making such an irresponsible promise. Wu Kezhi denied it, but then a flashback revealed a similar conversation with Ma Xiyuan when her contract was expiring due to past illness.

Wu Kezhi had offered her a chance on a project, telling her that to break the rules, she needed extraordinary results, and the rest would depend on her hard work. Back in the present, Wu Kezhi questioned himself, pondering if he had indeed made another unrealistic promise to Sun Yiqiu. Elsewhere, Chief Xu continued his arduous French lessons, frustratingly repeating simple phrases for the project.

Lan Qianyi, still shaken from the call from Youwei Capital, requested Manager Zhao to handle any future communications from them. Manager Yin summoned Hao Shuai and another employee, informing them that a client meeting scheduled for Friday had been abruptly moved to tomorrow morning, demanding all necessary information be prepared immediately.

He specifically instructed Hao Shuai to complete the task that very night, warning him of job loss if it wasn't finished in time, leaving Hao Shuai with a heavy burden. Meanwhile, Sun Yiqiu had begun meeting with potential company founders. He left a note for Wu Kezhi indicating his intent to meet a founder and would be back later. Wu Kezhi, still bothered by his hangover and Sun Yiqiu's newfound resolve, appeared troubled.

Sun Yiqiu's initial progress was slow; he waited for hours for a scheduled 2 p. m. meeting with Director Zhou of Zhishang Tech, a rising star in consumer electronics. When he finally met Director Zhou, who had been meeting an "important client," the Director was visibly dismissive upon learning that Sun Yiqiu had come on his own accord and was not sent by Director Qu, questioning his authority to discuss a collaboration.

Episode 30 Recap

Sun Yiqiu, representing Integrated Team IV, attempted to propose a collaboration to Director Zhou, even presenting slides. However, Director Zhou curtly asked what right he had to discuss collaboration and quickly dismissed him, stating he was busy and would consider King Capital if he ever needed funds. Wu Kezhi, Lin Yuming, and Ding Libo saw Sun Yiqiu return to the office, noting from his expression that his meeting had not gone well.

Lin Yuming had been wondering about Sun Yiqiu's well-being and whether Wu Kezhi would be able to keep him if he secured a major project. They acknowledged that rejection was common for newcomers. Even late into the evening, Sun Yiqiu continued to work diligently. Hao Shuai, working late, called Manager Yin to inform him that the document for the next day was complete and offered to have him check it.

Manager Yin, however, told Hao Shuai to simply save it and go home, declining to review it. Feeling provoked, Hao Shuai made a decision. The following morning, when Chief Su and Manager Yin were frantically searching for the missing document, Hao Shuai arrived with a thumb drive. He explained that a system problem prevented him from saving it on his computer, so he used the drive. Chief Su, frustrated, questioned Manager Yin's absence the previous night.

Manager Yin claimed he was forced to entertain a client who insisted on drinking. While Hao Shuai offered to share the blame, Chief Su revealed that the client had fortunately canceled the meeting. Chief Su then unexpectedly lectured Manager Yin about his drinking habits and neglecting his health. Then, turning to Hao Shuai, he harshly reprimanded him for being late and irresponsible with crucial company work.

Sun Yiqiu dedicated himself to finding projects, constantly out meeting potential clients, often too busy to even eat. Lin Yuming observed Sun Yiqiu skipping lunch to prepare materials for more company visits, noting that he was acting like a salesman and seemed unable to grasp that hard work alone wouldn't secure an opportunity. Both Lin Yuming and Wu Kezhi were troubled by his struggles.

Lin Yuming suggested they offer assistance by using his personal list of company founders he knew, though he conceded that Team IV hadn't accumulated many valuable connections over the years. Ding Libo, however, dismissed the idea, asserting that such connections wouldn't trust a rookie like Sun Yiqiu anyway.

He explained that Sun Yiqiu needed a project with guaranteed success, but such projects were beyond their reach in Team IV, and there was no reason the company's higher-ups would intervene to help. Determined to find a solution, Ding Libo went to speak with Director Qu, requesting company assistance for Sun Yiqiu, whom he considered "pretty good." Director Qu, however, sharply reminded Ding Libo that Team IV's very existence was thanks to his past intervention to help Wu Kezhi.

He then assured Ding Libo that his own future was not confined to Team IV and advised him to leave "HR matters to the management," promising a careful assessment of every employee. The Energy Division was preparing for a meeting with Youwei Capital. Manager Ma instructed his team, particularly Xu Taiping, to be focused. Lan Qianyi, sensing Manager Ma's wariness, excused herself to go home.

During the meeting, when Mr. Henry, the French representative, arrived, Xu Taiping struggled to communicate in French. Manager Zhao attempted to awkwardly translate for him before finally calling Lan Qianyi for urgent assistance. Wu Kezhi found Sun Yiqiu still working late and took him to the rooftop, asking what he had said to him previously in that same spot.

Sun Yiqiu reminded him that after he asked if an independently approved project would lead to a contract renewal, Wu Kezhi had simply "thrown up." However, Sun Yiqiu clarified that his current resolve stemmed from Wu Kezhi's words "before" he got sick: "You must only make decisions you'll never regret" and to "live with dignity, never leave any regrets for yourself."

Sun Yiqiu explained that he was doing his utmost until the very end to ensure he wouldn't have any regrets. Wu Kezhi then pressed him, asking why he was trying so desperately to stay. Sun Yiqiu revealed that he initially joined King Capital to fulfill his mother's wish for him to have a more comfortable job and to avoid disappointing her.

Over time, his motivation shifted to not wanting to be a "mediocre person" who was "ridiculed and looked down on forever," hoping hard work could change his life. Now, his objective was simpler: to remain at the company and work alongside his team. He then asked Wu Kezhi if he believed there was still "a little hope" for him. Wu Kezhi responded with a smile. Lan Qianyi rushed back to the company to assist with the meeting.

She was stunned to find that the person in charge of the China-Europe logistics project for Youwei Capital was her ex-boyfriend, Chen Zhan. Memories of their past relationship flooded her mind. She recalled being an assistant analyst while Chen Zhan, a star investor, was the youngest Vice President at their previous company.

She often felt scrutinized and disrespected by colleagues due to their relationship, a sentiment she voiced to Chen Zhan, who dismissed it as jealousy and assured her their open relationship wasn't against company rules. Lan Qianyi, however, felt he was too high up to understand her predicament. Chen Zhan had then suggested she resign if she was "tired of all this," promising to provide her with an "enviable life."

Back in the present, Lan Qianyi's distraction caused her to falter during a crucial translation of Mr. Henry's remarks to Manager Ma. Chen Zhan quickly stepped in, smoothly explaining the points and saving her from embarrassment. After the meeting, colleagues noted that Chen Zhan had covered for her. Manager Ma expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached with Chen Zhan.

Sun Yiqiu felt increasingly disheartened by his lack of progress in securing projects, fearing he might soon have to leave the company. Meanwhile, Manager Yin instructed Hao Shuai to create slides for Chief Su and email them directly, effectively sidelining him from a client meeting despite Hao Shuai having initiated the project, found the founder, and prepared all the necessary materials and gifts. Furious at being excluded, Hao Shuai vented his frustration.

Shortly after, a man named Ye Nongzhou approached Hao Shuai with a torn business card, inquiring about "Manager Sun." Hao Shuai led Ye Nongzhou to the office lounge. Sun Yiqiu returned, visibly weary from another unproductive day. Ding Libo offered him advice, explaining that successful collaborations in investment require mutual willingness, and desperation makes a fair deal impossible. Sun Yiqiu asked if there were alternative ways to find company founders beyond his current method of cold calls.

Lin Yuming then informed Sun Yiqiu that Hao Shuai was looking for him in the lounge, where he had drawn a crowd. Sun Yiqiu found Hao Shuai engaged in a video game, repeatedly losing to Ye Nongzhou.

Ye Nongzhou then introduced himself to Sun Yiqiu as the founder of Thunder Fire Studio and the creator of "Justice Online," a PC game a hundred-person team had developed over four years, aiming to create a breathing "Wuxia universe" that only needed one final funding round for its Beta phase.

When Sun Yiqiu asked how he found him, Ye Nongzhou explained he had encountered Sun Yiqiu several times at various financial centers across Shanghai, realizing they were both diligently searching for investments and projects, respectively, suggesting their meeting was fate. Lin Yuming, finding the project unreliable, interrupted and sent Ye Nongzhou away, stating that Sun Yiqiu had other engagements.

Aware that Team IV didn't handle online games, Ye Nongzhou then asked Sun Yiqiu to introduce him to a colleague who specialized in such projects, leaving Sun Yiqiu feeling conflicted. Lan Qianyi found herself repeatedly distracted at work following her encounter with Chen Zhan. Manager Zhao, noticing her state, approached her sternly. He told her that he didn't care about her reasons for being distracted, attributing it to her simply "not being on form."

He urged her to "pull herself together" and "not imagine things," emphasizing that their collaboration with Youwei Capital would involve multiple meetings. Sun Yiqiu brought Ye Nongzhou to meet Manager Jiang Nan to discuss the "Justice Online" project. Gao Sicong immediately expressed his annoyance, questioning why Sun Yiqiu was passing on any gaming project to their team, deeming it a waste of Manager Jiang Nan's valuable time.

However, Jiang Nan surprisingly intervened, noting that Ye Nongzhou "looks sincere" and suggesting it "might be worth a try." He then asked Sun Yiqiu for a favor, as he was running late, implying he should introduce Ye Nongzhou. After Sun Yiqiu left, Ye Nongzhou passionately presented his vision to Jiang Nan.

He acknowledged the popularity of mobile games but argued that PC games, particularly Wuxia-themed ones, offered a completely different level of immersion and engagement, asserting that they were merely in a "deep slumber." He believed that the "Wuxia dream of the Chinese ethnic has been there for generations," and players needed someone to awaken it, a role he believed he could fulfill. Impressed, Jiang Nan then instructed a surprised Gao Sicong to stay, listen to Ye Nongzhou's detailed presentation, and "submit a report on 'Justice Online' before you go home."

Episode 31 Recap

Ye Nongzhou arrived to personally deliver a proposal to Gao Sicong, and attempted to give him a business card. Gao Sicong politely declined, stating that all contact information was already in the proposal, and then escorted Ye Nongzhou to a waiting taxi, assuring him they would provide feedback. Lan Qianyi went to Manager Ma's office to apologize for her performance in the previous day's negotiation and requested to be removed from the team. Unexpectedly, Manager Ma urged her to stay.

He revealed his knowledge of her past romantic involvement with Chen Zhan from Youwei Capital, and suggested that her presence could secure an additional 5% profit for their company. Lan Qianyi felt deeply insulted, insisting her relationship with Chen Zhan was over. Manager Ma pressed her to reconcile with him, calling it a "Beauty Trap." Lan Qianyi angrily retorted that his suggestions constituted workplace harassment and threatened to report him to the Labour Arbitration Institute.

In response, Manager Ma scornfully dismissed her, yelling at her to "Get lost" and calling her "ungrateful." Distraught, Lan Qianyi was later found by Gao Sicong, who took her for dessert. He suggested she request a transfer to another department, but Lan Qianyi worried that such a move would make an enemy of Manager Ma, effectively blacklisting her from other divisions. As they returned to the office, they overheard Manager Ma disparaging Lan Qianyi.

A heated argument ensued, during which Lan Qianyi publicly exposed Manager Ma's unethical suggestion. Enraged, Manager Ma threw coffee at her, but Gao Sicong quickly stepped in front of Lan Qianyi, shielding her from the splash. Manager Ma left, muttering angrily. Lan Qianyi thanked Gao Sicong, her emotions a complex mix.

Sun Yiqiu approached Wu Kezhi, asking for permission to go out and find new projects, but Wu Kezhi flatly refused, instructing him to focus on assisting Lin Yuming with current tasks. Meanwhile, Hao Shuai, after completing a set of slides, received a phone call from Manager Yin, who assigned him another report due the next day, implying it was Manager Yin's own responsibility. Hao Shuai felt a surge of suppressed anger.

To express her gratitude, Lan Qianyi presented Gao Sicong with a new shirt. He appreciated the gesture, acknowledging the irony that after having coffee thrown at him, he received a gift. He encouraged Lan Qianyi not to lose hope, believing that good things would eventually come her way. Jiang Nan then assigned Gao Sicong to conduct due diligence for the "Justice Online" project at Thunder Fire Studio.

Gao Sicong argued that PC games were an outdated trend and a project that had been ongoing for four years was likely flawed, rendering a due diligence investigation unnecessary. Jiang Nan dismissed Gao Sicong's market analysis as biased and challenged him to investigate the project thoroughly, presenting it as his first independent project if successful. Gao Sicong reluctantly accepted. Later, Sun Yiqiu again questioned Wu Kezhi about being held back from finding projects.

Wu Kezhi retorted that Sun Yiqiu's current approach was aimless and assigned him to assist the IT Division with a project, stating that his performance there would determine future opportunities. This project was "Justice Online," meaning he would be assisting Gao Sicong. Believing the "Justice Online" project was a waste of time, Gao Sicong left the office for the day. However, Sun Yiqiu remained to continue working.

Lan Qianyi and Hao Shuai, also compelled to work late due to their demanding supervisors, saw Gao Sicong leaving. They expressed their frustration, feeling exploited while he was free to leave. Lan Qianyi reminded Gao Sicong that he was the project lead, not Sun Yiqiu. Prompted by their words, Gao Sicong returned to the office to join Sun Yiqiu.

Lan Qianyi and Hao Shuai also decided to stay, finding comfort in their shared plight and working together late into the night. When they eventually tired, they chose to play games to unwind. Gao Sicong, who had previously disparaged gaming, watched his colleagues play with a contemplative expression.

Over dinner, Lin Yuming questioned Wu Kezhi's reasons for preventing Sun Yiqiu from pursuing his own projects, especially since "Justice Online" was a TMT Division project and wouldn't earn Sun Yiqiu significant credit. Wu Kezhi hinted that he was helping Sun Yiqiu and that "Justice Online" was crucial for him. Ding Libo seemed to grasp Wu Kezhi's reasoning, but Lin Yuming remained confused, unable to understand how the seemingly "stupid project" could be important.

The next morning, Sun Yiqiu and Hao Shuai, having slept at the office, were ready for the day. Lan Qianyi, however, had spent a sleepless night, disturbed by phone calls and messages from Chen Zhan. Sun Yiqiu and Gao Sicong, now dressed as investment consultants, met Ye Nongzhou. Instead of leading them into a grand office building, Ye Nongzhou directed them to a cluttered underground warehouse, explaining that financial constraints had forced Thunder Fire Studio to relocate there.

Inside, Ye Nongzhou passionately detailed their meticulous historical research for every game element, from weapons to daily objects. Gao Sicong pointed out that Ye Nongzhou had previously claimed a team of over a hundred, but only three people were present (Ye Nongzhou, an art director, and a chief programmer). Ye Nongzhou explained that the others were on holiday after completing a milestone demo.

Gao Sicong then demanded all the studio's registration and financial information, instructing Sun Yiqiu to test the game's demo. Hao Shuai, despite working through the night to complete his report, was met with relentless criticism from Manager Yin. Manager Yin nitpicked every detail, ordering him to redo the entire report by the end of the day and burdening him with additional urgent tasks.

It became clear that Manager Yin was seeking personal revenge for Hao Shuai having previously exposed him in front of Chief Su. Infuriated, Hao Shuai resolved to challenge Manager Yin. Simultaneously, Lan Qianyi’s submitted documents contained numerous errors, which Manager Zhao highlighted, commenting on her recent distraction.

Xu Manager intervened, sending Lan Qianyi away to collect a document and then privately explained to Manager Zhao that Lan Qianyi's past relationship with Chen Zhan was the root cause of her current absentmindedness. Back at Thunder Fire Studio, Gao Sicong reviewed the financial reports, noting that all initial capital had been invested in improving game quality. He questioned the project's viability and how it would foster player loyalty.

Meanwhile, Sun Yiqiu was engrossed in testing the game, struggling with the final chess puzzle, "The Chess Demon." Ye Nongzhou explained that he found the puzzle in an ancient chess record and that it had no known solution, leading Gao Sicong to remark that Ye Nongzhou was "fooling the players." Dismissive, Gao Sicong announced that their work for the day was complete and prepared to leave. However, Sun Yiqiu asked to stay and solve the chess game, to which Ye Nongzhou happily extended an invitation for them to stay for lunch.

Episode 32 Recap

Filled with rage, Hao Shuai marched to Director Qu's office, intent on complaining about Manager Yin. He admitted his actions might seem unprofessional and irrational but felt compelled to speak. Like a child who had suffered injustice, he passionately recounted how Manager Yin Sheng Chao had exploited him, stolen his work, lied to superiors, and subjected him to insults and threats, desperately pleading with Director Qu for help against this "bully."

Just as he finished, the door opened, and Yu Wenli, Manager Ma, and other executives emerged from a meeting. Realizing Director Qu had been occupied and had ignored him, Hao Shuai apologized and left, consumed by regret. Gao Sicong and Sun Yiqiu stayed to have dinner with Ye Nongzhou and his Thunder Fire Studio team.

A nostalgic Ye Nongzhou, having had a few drinks, reminisced about their entrepreneurial journey and his past belief that a good game would always find funding, lamenting how they had "lost their place in this world." He introduced his dedicated team, "Brother Jie" and Cheng, expressing concern about their future in their current "hideous" workspace. Ye Nongzhou shared his hope that if King Capital invested, they could immediately restart the 'Justice Online' project and show their game to the world.

However, Gao Sicong interrupted, acknowledging the game's superior quality but reminding him that King Capital is an investment firm focused on profitability, not on funding "artwork." He stated that dreams alone would not secure project approval. Sun Yiqiu attempted to reassure Ye Nongzhou that they would try their best. Gao Sicong then pulled Sun Yiqiu aside, asserting that the 'Justice Online' project was impossible to approve and continuing to work on it was merely a "waste of time."

Sun Yiqiu, however, believed the project had unique selling points and wanted to pursue it, revealing that his contract was expiring soon. Gao Sicong eventually relented, granting Ye Nongzhou two days to submit a revised proposal that aligned with market trends. Ye Nongzhou expressed his gratitude. Meanwhile, Lan Qianyi was visibly distressed after discovering a job posting for a French-Chinese simultaneous interpreter. She retreated to the stairwell, where Manager Zhao approached her.

He explained that he and Chief Xu were aware of her past relationship with Chen Zhan and her reluctance to face him in the upcoming final negotiation. To avoid forcing her into an uncomfortable situation, they had secretly arranged for an interpreter, keeping Manager Ma unaware. Manager Zhao assured her they would not compel her.

Despite their concerns, Lan Qianyi insisted on participating in the negotiation, affirming that her personal history should not impede company business, and she pledged to perform professionally. Sun Yiqiu thanked Gao Sicong, acknowledging that by giving 'Justice Online' an opportunity, he was also giving Sun Yiqiu one. Gao Sicong, though defensively stating it was his own project and he wouldn't easily give up in front of Manager Jiang Nan, then asked Sun Yiqiu about his expiring contract.

Sun Yiqiu confirmed it, explaining that an independent project approval could lead to a contract renewal, and Director Wu had instructed him to work on 'Justice Online' with Gao Sicong before pursuing other projects. Gao Sicong then warned Sun Yiqiu to prepare for a demanding period as his assistant.

Internally, Sun Yiqiu reflected on his motivations, wondering if his desire to help Ye Nongzhou was purely for his own career or if it was because Ye Nongzhou reminded him of his past self—someone who passionately pursued a goal but ultimately lost. Having already experienced that loss, Sun Yiqiu sincerely hoped Ye Nongzhou would be victorious. With Sun Yiqiu now engrossed in the project, Lin Yuming's workload dramatically increased, leaving him utterly exhausted.

He complained to Wu Kezhi about the sudden surge in tasks. Later, Hao Shuai entered the office discreetly, wearing a mask and taking the stairs to avoid attention. Wu Kezhi and Lin Yuming noticed his odd behavior. Shortly after, in the elevator, they overheard other employees discussing Hao Shuai's embarrassing outburst in Director Qu's office the previous day, criticizing his lack of professionalism.

The next day, the negotiation with Youwei Capital proceeded, with Chen Zhan notably absent; his representative explained his unavoidable absence due to other commitments. Lan Qianyi performed admirably, earning commendation from Chief Xu. After the meeting, she approached the French representative, Mr. Henry, to inquire about Chen Zhan's whereabouts.

Mr. Henry surprisingly revealed that Chen Zhan had, a few days prior, requested to withdraw from the project he had dedicated half a year to, a decision that even surprised him, given their friendship. Mr. Henry also indicated he was aware of Lan Qianyi and Chen Zhan's past relationship. Taken aback, Lan Qianyi asked Mr. Henry to convey her wish to meet Chen Zhan.

In their follow-up meeting, Ye Nongzhou presented his team's latest ideas, focusing on the game's immersive elements like a "Chance Encounter System" and an open-world physics engine using Havoc. Gao Sicong abruptly halted him, demanding to see revisions based on their prior feedback, not new brainstorming. Ye Nongzhou confessed he had made no modifications, explaining that to alter "Justice Online" in the way requested would fundamentally change its identity.

Gao Sicong, unwavering, declared that Ye Nongzhou's team lacked the capability to complete the game to meet market demands. He issued a final offer: Thunder Fire Studio must transfer all game materials and development rights to King Capital, allowing them to outsource its completion to a mature third-party game company, with Thunder Fire Studio still credited as the creators. He gave them until that night to decide, stating there would be no deal otherwise.

Sun Yiqiu, troubled by Gao Sicong's ultimatum, followed him, arguing that despite the team's stubbornness, the game itself was "pretty good" and "fun." Gao Sicong countered that "fun" was not a valid criterion for project approval; as an investment firm, King Capital prioritizes profitability, adhering to "the market's rule." When Sun Yiqiu suggested that the creators' dream also held market value, Gao Sicong scoffed, asking what "dream" could exist in "harmful products like games."

Gao Sicong reported his decision regarding 'Justice Online' to Manager Jiang Nan, outlining his plan to acquire the development rights and outsource the project. Jiang Nan stated he had "no opinions," affirming that Gao Sicong was solely in charge of the project and could make his own decisions. Later, discussing the matter with Yu Wenli, Jiang Nan privately acknowledged Gao Sicong's strong ego.

He explained his intention not to intervene, believing it was essential for Gao Sicong to learn to manage projects independently. If Gao Sicong couldn't handle this, it would simply prove he wasn't yet ready to be an investment professional, a strategy Yu Wenli found insightful. After much deliberation at the office, Sun Yiqiu hurried to Thunder Fire Studio, only to find Ye Nongzhou sitting alone in the emptied workspace.

Ye Nongzhou explained that his team members had left because he had decided to accept Gao Sicong's terms. After four years, he couldn't bear for 'Justice Online' to be abandoned. He admitted he might have been wrong in his approach but firmly believed in the game itself. He asked Sun Yiqiu to inform Gao Sicong of his acceptance, hoping King Capital could ensure 'Justice Online' would finally launch.

Though his decision was made, Ye Nongzhou appeared profoundly weary, requesting to be left alone. Sun Yiqiu, deeply saddened, lamented whether this was truly the "end of this game," likening his disappointment to a player who, after trying so hard, wouldn't get to see the "final boss." The next day, Gao Sicong and Sun Yiqiu met with the representative of the third-party game company, who turned out to be Qiu Shuang. Sun Yiqiu, still hesitant about outsourcing, questioned its necessity.

Qiu Shuang, recognizing Sun Yiqiu, lightheartedly boasted about the gaming industry's rapid profits, claiming one year's income was at least three years' in King Capital, and even suggested Sun Yiqiu join his company. When the discussion turned to 'Justice Online,' Qiu Shuang confidently stated his company could easily handle it, claiming they could produce multiple similar games quickly and create a "super popular game" from Thunder Fire Studio's materials.

Sun Yiqiu attempted to advocate for Thunder Fire Studio's focus on user experience and immersion, but Qiu Shuang dismissed this, explaining that modern games prioritize templates and profit, asserting that "the quality lies in the profits it generates." Qiu Shuang then called Ye Nongzhou, introducing himself as a project manager from Mowan Games, now commissioned by King Capital to complete 'Justice Online,' urging him to quickly sign the emailed cooperation agreement.

After the call, Qiu Shuang smugly informed Gao Sicong that the contract was "settled." He then openly mocked Ye Nongzhou as "just a dreamer" and "a huge joke" in the industry for his impractical focus on technological upgrades. Hearing this dismissive attitude, Sun Yiqiu, visibly upset, abruptly left the meeting.

Qiu Shuang then commented on Sun Yiqiu's perceived arrogance, to which Gao Sicong, while acknowledging Sun Yiqiu's unique "perspective and style" which he might not agree with, quickly clarified that he and Qiu Shuang were "probably not the same kind either," subtly distancing himself from Qiu Shuang's purely commercial mindset. Lan Qianyi received a text message from Chen Zhan inviting her to meet the following evening at their usual place.

Coincidentally, Chief Xu announced a team dinner for that very night to celebrate the logistics project's success. Lan Qianyi politely declined, stating she couldn't make it, prompting the team to reschedule the dinner to accommodate her. Following his dramatic complaint to Director Qu, Hao Shuai found himself unable to hold his head high at the company. Facing the consequences of his actions, he humbled himself by offering Manager Yin coffee, a gesture of concession.

Manager Ma continued to criticize Hao Shuai's lack of manners and his complaining to higher-ups, while Manager Yin feigned acceptance of his "fate." The 'Justice Online' project was now officially moving forward under the new arrangement. Gao Sicong, sensing Sun Yiqiu's lingering sympathy for Ye Nongzhou, advised him to accept the reality, stating, "this is how the market is." Later, Sun Yiqiu sought out Wu Kezhi, asking which was more important for an investment professional: "The founder's dream. . .

or the return on investment?" Wu Kezhi dismissed it as a "stupid question," explaining that while venture capital invests in founders' dreams, they wouldn't invest in "unprofitable and unrealistic" ones. He clarified that a mature investment consultant understands that "dreams and profits are not mutually exclusive," and how one balances them "depends on your stand."

Wu Kezhi concluded by telling Sun Yiqiu that his own stand didn't matter; it was Sun Yiqiu's problem to solve, and "what you believe is right is probably the right answer." Gao Sicong reported to Manager Jiang Nan on the project's progress. He projected that 'Justice Online' would officially launch within a month, become profitable within three months, and generate "considerable profits" for the company within six months.

When Jiang Nan inquired about the period "after six months," Gao Sicong candidly explained that such games typically have a short lifespan, losing "half of their players after six months," at which point there would be "no need to sustain the business." Jiang Nan then commented that players, in this model, were treated like "disposable batteries."

While Qiu Shuang went to Thunder Fire Studio to finalize the contract with a subdued Ye Nongzhou, promising him money would "roll in" and reassuring him that 'Justice Online' was still his project with them as "unsung heroes," Gao Sicong and Sun Yiqiu shared a meal. Gao Sicong, noticing Sun Yiqiu's absentmindedness, informed him that once Qiu Shuang confirmed the contract was signed, the project would "most likely succeed."

He then inquired if Sun Yiqiu found him "too bossy," explaining that his strictness was for the project's sake, as newcomers needed accomplishments to prove their worth. Gao Sicong then revealed his deeper motivation, telling Sun Yiqiu, "Do you know that I'm also trying to help you?" Sun Yiqiu, still clearly troubled by the events, could only respond with a hesitant "I. . . I know. I'm just. . . . ."

Episode 33 Recap

Ye Nong Zhou was moments away from signing an agreement with Qiu Shuang when several former employees of Thunder Fire Studio unexpectedly arrived. They declared that "Justice Online" was the fruit of their collective "blood, sweat, and tears," not just Ye Nong Zhou's alone. They presented their job applications, stating they'd rather take another chance than see their "semi-finished product" sold off by an "idiotic boss."

They acknowledged Ye Nong Zhou was broke and assured him they wouldn't ask for salaries. Qiu Shuang, frustrated, reminded Ye Nong Zhou of his prior promise to sign with him. Despite Qiu Shuang's objections, Ye Nong Zhou, supported by his former team, tore up the agreement, declaring that "Justice Online" was "everything to our studio" and he couldn't sell it. Gao Sicong called Sun Yiqiu to discuss Ye Nong Zhou's refusal to sign the agreement.

While on the phone, he inadvertently saw Sun Yiqiu's chat records, revealing Sun Yiqiu's direct involvement. Sun Yiqiu admitted he had contacted Ye Nong Zhou's former employees, explaining he knew Ye Nong Zhou never truly wanted to sell "Justice Online" and believed its full potential could only be realized under Ye Nong Zhou's leadership. He "borrowed their power" to help Ye Nong Zhou. Gao Sicong was furious, accusing Sun Yiqiu of undermining his efforts on what he considered "my project."

Sun Yiqiu apologized, but Gao Sicong, still angry, stated he regretted taking Ye Nong Zhou on in the first place and decided to abandon the project, informing the company the next day. The following day, Gao Sicong's proposal to abandon the "Justice Online" project was rejected. He was bewildered, having clearly outlined in his report that the game had "no prospect of success."

However, Yu Wenli informed him that Thunder Fire Studio had contacted their company directly, requesting a change in leadership; they preferred to work with Sun Yiqiu from Team IV. Yu Wenli was enraged, demanding an explanation from Gao Sicong. She couldn't fathom how a founder who initially approached them was now effectively "firing" them, a precedent unheard of in the TMT Division. She tasked Gao Sicong with resolving the situation immediately.

Gao Sicong was plagued by memories of his childhood, where his passion for gaming was crushed by his parents, who scolded him for poor grades and forced him to break his game discs. Sun Yiqiu approached Gao Sicong, who, believing he was there to gloat, told him to leave, insisting he'd rather face Yu Wenli's anger than "bow down" to him.

Sun Yiqiu, however, shared news that the demo version of "Justice Online" had just launched and achieved 200,000 downloads on its first day, calling it "a good sign." Gao Sicong dismissed it, saying he was "not in the mood" and "couldn't care less" about the project. Sun Yiqiu then told him it was "Gao Sicong's" project, as he had decided to withdraw from it and hoped Gao Sicong would continue.

Gao Sicong, interpreting this as pity, retorted that he didn't need it. Sun Yiqiu denied any pity, reminding Gao Sicong that he was the first person to help him when he started at the company, and that Gao Sicong, being the most "qualified and capable," was far more suitable for the project. He sincerely urged Gao Sicong to help them. Gao Sicong agreed to "think about it."

Sun Yiqiu then asked Gao Sicong to accompany him to the Shanghai Chess Centre, where he had spent over ten years of his childhood. He explained he was trying to find the answer to a chess puzzle for Ye Nong Zhou. A flashback revealed how Sun Yiqiu's father sacrificed his job, and the family relocated to Shanghai so Sun Yiqiu could pursue professional Go, aspiring for him to become a champion.

Upon entering, younger students enthusiastically greeted Sun Yiqiu as "Senior Yi Qiu," admiring his suit and remarking on his return. Sun Yiqiu, however, felt ashamed, admitting he would never have returned alone after failing his certification exam. His teacher, recognizing the bond between Sun Yiqiu and Gao Sicong, confirmed the chess puzzle was from the 300-year-old "Qiuxian Records," an incomplete compilation, making it inherently "a puzzle with no answer."

He reflected that ancestors invented Go purely "as a game" for leisure, but people today, including Sun Yiqiu, "blindly pursue victories," losing sight of its true purpose. The teacher explained Sun Yiqiu's past underperformance in competitions stemmed from the immense pressure of his parents sacrificing "everything" for his chess career, leading him to be "too desperate to win" and ultimately crushing himself.

He reassured Sun Yiqiu that "giving up on Go could be a good thing" and that he looked "happier now," concluding that while "chess puzzles with no answer," life offers "many answers." Gao Sicong remarked on the teacher's wisdom, to which Sun Yiqiu humorously replied that Gao Sicong wouldn't think so if he had been scolded by him for over a decade.

Sun Yiqiu informed Gao Sicong that Ye Nong Zhou had developed a new solution for the chess puzzle: a "Chance Encounter System" where players who couldn't solve it would encounter a "Chess Deity" (named Yi Qiu) disguised as a beggar in a tavern, who would solve the puzzle for wine.

Gao Sicong, having clearly had a change of heart, agreed to stay on the "Justice Online" project on one condition: Sun Yiqiu must not withdraw and instead be his assistant, as Sun Yiqiu was "better at dealing with people like Ye Nong Zhou." Sun Yiqiu happily accepted, calling him "boss."

Gao Sicong then confided that he, too, loved video games as a child, but his mother believed it affected his grades, leading him to suppress that passion, eventually convincing himself he "hated video games." He realized he had been "lying to myself," constantly striving to be the "most special" and "the best" in everything.

However, seeing Sun Yiqiu, who "persevered for more than 10 years for your parents' hope," bearing "more pressure" than himself, and recognizing similar struggles in Lan Qianyi, Hao Shuai, and Ye Nong Zhou, Gao Sicong concluded that "We're all special in our own ways. I don't have to force myself to be the best." He thanked Sun Yiqiu, expressing gratitude for this realization, and offered to buy him a celebratory drink, suggesting they also invite Ye Nong Zhou.

Lan Qianyi met Chen Zhan to discuss their past and his recent withdrawal from the project. Chen Zhan assured her his withdrawal was due to "something else to do," not her previous emotional outburst. Lan Qianyi, regretting her abrupt departure with just a letter, felt she owed him a proper explanation for their breakup.

She admitted that while she was happy at the start of their relationship, she also felt "uneasy" because she gradually realized she was becoming "a part of your plan." She recalled him suggesting she "resign and rely on you" when she faced recruitment test worries. Lan Qianyi emphasized that her chosen path, especially after joining Youwei Capital, was one "full of uncertainties and challenges," not a perfectly planned life under someone else's guidance.

She confessed her fear that if they continued, she would eventually give up her own ambitions, accept his suggestions to resign, get married, and have children, only to "definitely regret this decision" later. She believed a premature breakup now was "the better choice" to prevent a worse outcome for both of them in the long run.

Chen Zhan acknowledged her honesty, remarking that he had "underestimated" her and that she was truly herself when living this way, congratulating her on her resolve. He then revealed the real reason for his project withdrawal: he was getting married next month and had found "a person who's willing to be a part of my plan," showing her a diamond ring. Lan Qianyi congratulated him.

However, as Chen Zhan drove away, he discarded the ring, muttering, "It's fake," indicating his entire explanation about getting married was a lie. The next morning, Sun Yiqiu, Gao Sicong, and Lan Qianyi seemed noticeably more relaxed and energetic, exchanging pleasantries. In contrast, Hao Shuai was still trying to avoid everyone, sneaking up the stairwell to reach his office. Manager Yin, however, was waiting for him. He asked Hao Shuai if he had reconsidered his actions.

Hao Shuai offered a humble apology. Manager Yin then recounted a story about dogs in his village, concluding with a chilling remark: "A dog that bites its master cannot live." He offered Hao Shuai "another chance," but on stringent terms: from that day forward, Hao Shuai was to "just do what I want you to do" and "finish all the work I assign you carefully without a word of complaint." If he disliked these terms, he was free to resign.

Hao Shuai, unwilling to quit, reluctantly agreed, forced by Manager Yin to declare his submission loudly: "From today onwards, I'll do whatever you want me to do without a word of complaint." Later, Gao Sicong and Sun Yiqiu were meticulously preparing their presentation for the investment committee, rehearsing their arguments about the potential of PC games and the necessity of achieving 500,000 downloads for "Justice Online" to likely pass. Suddenly, Ye Nong Zhou called, his words instantly changing their demeanor.

He informed them that overnight, the internet had been flooded with negative reviews about "Justice Online". Sun Yiqiu quickly pointed out that many of these reviews contained "lies and exaggerations," and Gao Sicong noted that their content was suspiciously similar, indicating a coordinated attack. It was clear someone had "prepared this in advance to sabotage right before the investment meeting" to prevent them from securing funds.

While the identity of the competitor was obvious, the real challenge was "how should we deal with this?" Sun Yiqiu asked if they could take PR measures, but Gao Sicong immediately dismissed the idea, explaining that after completing the demo version, Ye Nong Zhou was "completely broke" and couldn't afford it. They were left wondering what to do.

Episode 34 Recap

At the investment committee meeting, the issue of "Justice Online's" negative online reception was raised. Director Qu noted the widespread bad reviews. Gao Sicong explained that he and Sun Yiqiu, along with Thunder Fire Studio employees, had meticulously filtered through thousands of negative reviews, finding a significant number to be redundant or highly repetitive. He revealed that "Justice Online" was unable to fund a public relations response as all their resources had been poured into product development.

This manual analysis, though tedious, was their only effective strategy. Wu Kezhi added that instead of struggling for an answer, they should return to the problem itself and use these troubling reviews as their strongest weapon. Gao Sicong then presented their findings: the negative campaign was orchestrated by the three most capable PR teams in the MMORPG industry, indicating that powerful competitors were investing heavily to sabotage "Justice Online."

He argued that this demonstrated "Justice Online" had already gained its rivals' recognition even before securing market acknowledgment. Convinced, the project was approved, with Wu Kezhi expressing his faith in Sun Yiqiu and quoting Warren Buffett on being "fearful when others are greedy, and greedy only when others are fearful." Thunder Fire Studio, Gao Sicong, and Sun Yiqiu were overjoyed, as were Wu Kezhi, Lin Yuming, and Ding Libo for Sun Yiqiu.

After the successful approval, Wu Kezhi questioned Sun Yiqiu about his takeaways from the "Justice Online" project. Sun Yiqiu admitted that, preoccupied with his expiring contract, he had focused only on popular projects, realizing now he wasn't even qualified for them. He concluded that there's no shortcut in investment; to achieve good results, one must grow alongside the founder.

Wu Kezhi agreed, allowing Sun Yiqiu to search for his own project, but strictly from Team IV’s pool, which was often disparagingly called the "trash can" by others in the company. Despite the label, Wu Kezhi pointed out that Team IV consistently met their KPIs with these "trash projects," which he believed were more suitable for Sun Yiqiu’s current situation. He instructed Lin Yuming and Ding Libo to guide Sun Yiqiu, dismissing Lin Yuming’s protests about his workload.

Sun Yiqiu resolved to make another attempt to stay, no longer feeling alone in his endeavors. Meanwhile, Lan Qianyi was tasked by Chief Xu to begin working independently on her own project, "Qiancheng Solar," based on a feasibility report she had previously written. He urged her to submit the proposal quickly, as Manager Ma was in a good mood after the approval of another project (China-Europe logistics). Her project was subsequently accepted.

However, Hao Shuai continued to face mistreatment under Yin Shengchao, enduring ridicule and being relegated to menial tasks like making coffee and paying for colleagues' orders. Lan Qianyi, celebrating her new project, decided to treat her friends to dinner. Hao Shuai, feeling down, initially refused to join, but Sun Yiqiu and Gao Sicong insisted, pulling him along. At dinner, they noticed Hao Shuai’s low spirits and encouraged him to vent.

Hao Shuai, however, insisted he was fine and accepted his situation. He admitted that his previous recklessness was due to his own failure to understand the corporate world, its hierarchy, and its rules. He concluded that sometimes the truth doesn't matter, and one must simply follow the rules, even if it means surrendering to authority. He then left early, citing work.

As Sun Yiqiu prepared for a crucial meeting with a founder, Wu Kezhi sent him a message on his phone to rest well. Sun Yiqiu silently vowed that the next day was his last chance, and he must secure the project. The following day, Team IV anxiously awaited news from Sun Yiqiu’s meeting. Simultaneously, Lan Qianyi’s solar energy project was officially accepted, much to the joy of her energy team colleagues.

In another department, Hao Shuai attempted to flag issues he discovered in the financial report of "Mofan Fashion," a project managed by Yin Shengchao, but he was sharply rebuked and told to simply do his assigned duties. Sun Yiqiu’s meeting began awkwardly, with the founder absorbed in his computer and asking Sun Yiqiu to wait. Fearing a bad start, Sun Yiqiu then overheard terms from the game of Go being spoken from the computer.

Realizing the founder was an avid Go player, Sun Yiqiu shrewdly leveraged this shared interest to break the ice and successfully win the negotiation. Back at the office, Team IV celebrated Sun Yiqiu's triumph, acknowledging both his preparation and a stroke of luck. They believed that once the Risk Control Centre approved the project, Sun Yiqiu would become the project manager, naturally leading to his contract renewal.

Over celebratory drinks, a tipsy Sun Yiqiu expressed profound gratitude to Wu Kezhi for teaching him what kind of investment consultant he wanted to be, to Ding Libo for negotiation guidance, and to Lin Yuming (jokingly) for his food orders. He sincerely expressed his deep desire to stay in Team IV and continue working with them, hoping his wish would come true. However, the celebration was short-lived for Lan Qianyi.

Manager Ma abruptly decided to change her project, proposing an offshore wind power project that he himself had rejected the previous year, blaming the prior rejection on insufficient research. Chief Xu attempted to argue for Lan Qianyi’s solar project, which had already passed Risk Control, and suggested working on both simultaneously.

Manager Ma adamantly refused, citing insufficient manpower in the energy division and criticizing Lan Qianyi as "too difficult to please and ambitious," comparing her to "another Wu Kezhi" who didn't understand rules. He ordered Chief Xu to "educate that girl properly." Later, as Lan Qianyi was informed of the project’s termination by Zhao, she remained outwardly calm, but tearfully sent the project termination email, observed by a sympathetic Chief Xu and other colleagues.

Meanwhile, Chief Su raised concerns with Yin Shengchao about "Mofan Fashion," mentioning rumors of operational problems and senior management departures. Yin Shengchao dismissed them as baseless, insisting he knew the boss well and the project was sound. Unseen by Yin Shengchao, Hao Shuai appeared preoccupied, having already discovered financial loopholes in Mofan Fashion’s report. Elsewhere, Lin Yuming’s mother tried to set him up on a blind date.

He initially refused, claiming to be too busy, but quickly changed his mind when his mother described the girl as "very pretty" during their phone call. His colleagues teased him, with Ding Libo and Wu Kezhi concurring that despite the girl's beauty, Lin Yuming had no chance. Determined to prove them wrong, Lin Yuming resolved to meet her. The good news for Sun Yiqiu also proved fleeting.

Wu Kezhi received a call from Manager Li Shensi, who informed him that the Risk Control Centre had rejected Sun Yiqiu's project. While the project itself was sound, the issue lay with the "designation" of the person in charge. Li Shensi explained that the project required one to two years for execution, which conflicted with Sun Yiqiu's expiring contract.

When Wu Kezhi urgently proposed renewing Sun Yiqiu's contract, Li Shensi clarified that the HR Department refused, citing Sun Yiqiu's lack of "accomplishments" for the company. Wu Kezhi erupted in frustration, calling it a "stupid rule." Li Shensi, revealing the company's unstated policy, sadly explained that this guideline effectively meant they had "no plans to renew any one-year contracts" from the outset.

Wu Kezhi implored Li Shensi for help, but Li Shensi reiterated that despite his personal regard for Sun Yiqiu, company rules were absolute, and even higher management like Director Qu or Chris could not overturn the decision.

Episode 35 Recap

Wu Kezhi returned to Team Four, feeling downcast, and the sight of Sun Yiqiu's unwavering enthusiasm only deepened his melancholy. Sun Yiqiu requested leave to meet with a founder about his project, and Wu Kezhi, distracted, granted his request. During the meeting, the founder expressed genuine admiration for Sun Yiqiu, remarking on his youth and comparatively less experience, yet highlighting his excellent qualities and genuine passion for the project.

He looked forward to officially collaborating with Sun Yiqiu, leaving Sun Yiqiu quite flattered by the unexpected praise. Back at the office, Lin Yuming received a call from the Risk Control Centre, informing him that Sun Yiqiu's project assessment was complete. Initially, Lin Yuming pondered dinner plans, but shortly after Sun Yiqiu returned, Wu Kezhi abruptly stood up, threw his car keys at Sun Yiqiu, and told him to fill up the gas tank, citing an upcoming work trip.

Sun Yiqiu left, puzzled, as he had already filled the tank. Lin Yuming and Ding Libo were utterly bewildered. Upon learning that Sun Yiqiu's project had been rejected, Lin Yuming became extremely agitated, wanting to immediately confront the Risk Control Centre and HR Department. Wu Kezhi urged them to keep the news from Sun Yiqiu for now, promising to find a solution himself.

Wu Kezhi then went to Li Shensi's office, proposing a deal: if Li Shensi could help Sun Yiqiu stay, Team Four would do anything for him. Wu Kezhi passionately described how he had witnessed Sun Yiqiu's growth over the past year, starting from nothing and overcoming immense challenges to reach his current point. He believed Sun Yiqiu deserved to stay. However, Li Shensi remained firm, explaining that while Sun Yiqiu was capable, his qualifications were inferior to his peers.

He pointed out that Sun Yiqiu was a newcomer, and as a relative newcomer himself, he had limited influence. Li Shensi questioned if there had ever been a permanent employee at King Capital with only a high school education, implying that such a request was impossible given company policy. Meanwhile, Lan Qianyi was visibly distressed. Gao Sicong attempted to speak with her, but she ran to the rooftop, where she was heard crying.

There, she overheard Wu Kezhi on the phone with Director Pan from Risk Control. Initially, Wu Kezhi erupted in anger, accusing Pan of passing the buck and calling the company's rules unreasonable: how could Sun Yiqiu renew his contract without a project, yet not have a project because he couldn't renew his contract? When Director Pan questioned his attitude, Wu Kezhi humbled himself, pleading and apologizing profusely, offering to host a dinner with HR to discuss the matter.

Despite his fervent pleas, the calls yielded no results. Later, Wu Kezhi found Lan Qianyi on the rooftop and offered her advice. He urged her to endure her difficulties with Manager Ma, cautioning her against impulsive decisions. He admitted that Manager Ma, despite his many flaws, was not foolish to have reached his position.

Wu Kezhi advised Lan Qianyi to learn patience and endurance, explaining that once she became indispensable and valuable, Manager Ma would no longer dare to target her. Lan Qianyi acknowledged his words. Wu Kezhi sighed, noting that Lan Qianyi still had the luxury of time, unlike Sun Yiqiu, who was on the verge of leaving the company. He then asked her to keep their conversation private.

Back at Team Four, Lin Yuming and Ding Libo struggled to hide the truth from Sun Yiqiu, feeling increasingly uneasy. Over lunch, Lin Yuming suggested that Sun Yiqiu could simply leave and find success elsewhere with his diligence. Ding Libo, however, countered that this was naive.

He explained that Sun Yiqiu's lack of academic qualifications and the absence of a completed project during his year at King Capital would make it nearly impossible for him to secure an interview at another investment firm, let alone prove his capabilities.

He elaborated on the three types of people who leave investment firms, noting that Sun Yiqiu belonged to the type whose resume would appear empty, rendering his year at King Capital a waste of time and making him an unattractive candidate to any HR manager. Suddenly, a group of workers from Mofan Fashion arrived at the company, demanding to see Manager Yin.

They revealed that the Mofan Fashion factory had long ceased operations, their boss, Mr. Zhou, had absconded, and they hadn't received their wages. Crucially, they had also invested their life savings into company shares under Mr. Zhou's name, having been persuaded to do so for "tax evasion" purposes without proper documentation. Manager Yin, after initially dismissing their claims, became openly sarcastic, calling them "ignorant of the law" and implying they had no one to blame but themselves.

He arrogantly told them his work mistakes were internal company business and ordered them to leave, threatening to call security. Chief Su, observing the commotion, was furious and instructed Manager Yin to resolve the issue before Director Qu returned from abroad. Hao Shuai, who had previously tried to alert Manager Yin to problems with Mofan Fashion's financial reports, watched the scene unfold. Later, Li Shensi approached Sun Yiqiu, who was diligently working on his project.

He made small talk, offering Sun Yiqiu advice about eating lunch, but seemed hesitant to speak his mind. Meanwhile, Wu Kezhi attempted to contact Director Qu, only to be informed that Director Qu was abroad indefinitely and could not be reached. Sun Yiqiu received a message from Shiyan inviting him to meet, which he reluctantly accepted. Shortly after, he received a phone call summoning him to Li Shensi's office. Lin Yuming and Ding Libo exchanged anxious glances, anticipating the worst.

In his office, Li Shensi, with a heavy heart, informed Sun Yiqiu that his project had been rejected by the Risk Control Centre. Sun Yiqiu's eyes darkened, and he returned to Team Four like a ghost. Wu Kezhi, Lin Yuming, and Ding Libo watched him in profound silence. The oppressive atmosphere lingered until the end of the workday. As Sun Yiqiu packed his belongings, Wu Kezhi called out to him. Sun Yiqiu turned, forcing a strained smile.

He then sat alone by the roadside for a long time, his mind replaying his journey from joining King Capital as an intern to the present moment. He felt a familiar sense of defeat, recalling how he had once said goodbye to his past as a failure when he left the Go club. He wondered if this was another such goodbye.

That evening, Lin Yuming called Sun Yiqiu, telling him to be ready to hang out if his blind date did not go well. Moments later, Shiyan called, asking why Sun Yiqiu hadn't arrived for their scheduled meeting.

Episode 36 Recap

Sun Yiqiu rushed to meet Shiyan, apologizing for being late. Shiyan was not angry and pulled him along to play claw machines. Sun Yiqiu tried repeatedly to win a specific large-eyed doll for Shiyan, but despite winning many other prizes, he couldn't get the one she wanted. Shiyan noticed his subdued mood and worried about him. He later received a call from Lin Yuming.

Meanwhile, Lin Yuming's blind date was cut short when his date told him she didn't think they were right for each other. Lin Yuming pressed her for a reason, asking if it was his astrological sign or appearance. She explained he was "too nice," revealing that he had spent half their conversation talking about his colleagues: his short-tempered but kind-hearted boss, his boss's two adorable children, and a diligent subordinate, Sun Yiqiu, who was facing problems.

She said while a man who cares for colleagues would care for family, his personality reminded her of her father, who was constantly taken advantage of and given thankless tasks. She admired such people but only wanted them as friends, not as a life partner. Lin Yuming offered to change, but she apologized and left. Sun Yiqiu and Shiyan went to meet Lin Yuming.

Lin Yuming vented his frustrations to them, complaining about being rejected for being "nice" and questioning if it was a flaw. Shiyan tried to comfort him, even joking that he could get all of Sun Yiqiu’s claw machine prizes if he told enough sad dating stories. When Lin Yuming stepped away to take a call, Sun Yiqiu realized Lin Yuming had invited him out because he was worried about Sun Yiqiu's recent project rejection. Sun Yiqiu thanked him.

Lin Yuming downplayed it but then offered some advice: in the corporate world, effort doesn't always guarantee proportionate rewards. He noted that if it did, he, Wu Kezhi, and even Sun Yiqiu wouldn't be where they were today. However, he added that returns aren't just promotions or raises; successfully completing projects, surpassing oneself, and maintaining one's principles in a chaotic environment are also forms of reward.

He concluded by telling Sun Yiqiu that if he had to leave, it couldn't be helped, but Sun Yiqiu would always be a part of Team IV, and "they would always be them." Sun Yiqiu told Shiyan he felt he needed to return to his old life outside of King Capital. Shiyan, though unfamiliar with his job, understood his turmoil.

She encouraged him to leave with his head held high, rather than in defeat, and gave him one of the dolls he had won, telling him to remember her support whenever he faced difficulties. Sun Yiqiu later reflected on their conversation, looking at his project plan. The next morning, Sun Yiqiu sent a message to Lin Yuming requesting a day off, and Wu Kezhi’s attempts to call him went unanswered.

Meanwhile, Manager Yin reassured Chief Su that he would take responsibility for the Mofan Fashion issue and prevent Chief Su from being implicated, to which Chief Su relented. Manager Yin then instructed Hao Shuai to investigate Mofan Fashion's fixed assets. Calls from Mofan Fashion workers kept coming in, but Manager Yin ordered his assistant to hang up, dismissing them as unimportant and blaming their boss for running off with the money.

Elsewhere, Zhou Qingyu proudly announced that one of his subordinates had been selected for an overseas survey. Wu Kezhi was visibly upset, partly because Lin Yuming had also been a candidate for the overseas survey but was overlooked, leaving Wu Kezhi frustrated by his inability to secure such benefits for his subordinates. Zhou Qingyu offered to help with Lin Yuming, but Wu Kezhi confessed his greater concern was for Sun Yiqiu.

After work, Manager Yin was ambushed by angry Mofan Fashion workers. Hao Shuai intervened to help Manager Yin escape and was beaten in his place. Lan Qianyi, arriving just then, quickly helped disinfect his wounds. Hao Shuai expressed sympathy for the workers, seeing them as victims of a scam. Gao Sicong advised him to stay out of it, reiterating Manager Yin's point that the workers' protests wouldn't achieve anything.

Hao Shuai countered, saying that if he remained silent, he would be no different from Manager Yin. Lan Qianyi's shoe heel broke, prompting Gao Sicong to offer to walk her home, but she simply broke the other heel and walked away. Later that evening, at a celebration, Lin Yuming became heavily intoxicated. Manager Yin, noticing his state, taunted him, attributing his sorrow to having an "useless" boss (Wu Kezhi).

Enraged, Lin Yuming lunged at Manager Yin, and a brawl nearly ensued before others intervened. With Lin Yuming completely drunk and no one knowing his address, Jiang Nan and Manager Zhao took him to a hotel. Exhausted, the three collapsed on a bed, reminiscing about their carefree days as trainees when they once slept together like that, working on urgent reports. They noted how now, their concerns had shifted to promotions, money, cars, houses, and providing for their children.

Jiang Nan commented that it was nice to occasionally relax in such a way. The following day, Chief Su furiously confronted Manager Yin after a call from Director Qu, demanding he immediately resolve the Mofan Fashion crisis. Chief Su ordered Manager Yin to personally explain to the workers that their only recourse was a lawsuit and to ensure they never returned to the company premises. Manager Yin reluctantly accepted the task.

Wu Kezhi called Lin Yuming to the rooftop and presented him with a departmental transfer application to the TMT Division, already signed by Li Shensisi. He told Lin Yuming to sign it, stating he "didn't want him anymore" and that Lin Yuming wouldn't succeed under a "failure" like him. Lin Yuming, deeply hurt and angry, tore up the application.

He admitted that everyone, including Wu Kezhi, probably thought he was foolish and a failure for staying in Team IV, especially knowing how many people Wu Kezhi had offended and how few good projects they received. However, he insisted he stayed because he saw Wu Kezhi as a good leader and valued the experience gained in the team far more than any overseas trips or projects.

He asserted that he wrote similar transfer applications weekly when he first joined but chose to stay because of Wu Kezhi, warning that if Wu Kezhi ever changed, he would be the first to leave. Just then, Sun Yiqiu appeared, having learned from Chief Ding where they were. He explained that he had spent the previous day compiling all the project information. Since he wouldn't be leading the project, he was entrusting it to Lin Yuming, whom he fully trusted.

Sun Yiqiu declared that he had come to terms with the situation and, even if it was his last day at King Capital, he would remain focused and complete his final work, refusing to be an embarrassment to Team IV.

Episode 37 Recap

Sun Yiqiu introduced Lin Yuming to Director Liu, explaining that Lin Yu Ming would now be taking over the project. Director Liu, the project founder, expressed confusion about Sun Yiqiu's sudden withdrawal but accepted his decision, telling Sun that he would always be welcome back if he chose to return. Meanwhile, Manager Li offered Wu Kezhi a highly anticipated Rihuan Biotech project, a rapidly growing company in the genomics industry on the verge of an IPO.

Wu Kezhi was suspicious, questioning why such a lucrative opportunity would fall to Team IV. Manager Li clarified that Director Qu had personally invested in the project years ago and specifically instructed that Wu Kezhi handle it. Despite Manager Li's assurances that it could become a "unicorn" in a few years, Wu Kezhi sensed a hidden motive and rejected it, stating Team IV was "not good enough" to deserve it.

Manager Li urged him to reconsider, expressing his desire to see Wu Kezhi achieve something significant. Yin Shengchao invited Hao Shuai to lunch and unexpectedly asked him to visit Mofan Fashion's factory to communicate with the agitated workers. Hao Shuai was reluctant, pointing out that Chief Su had assigned this task to Yin Shengchao. However, Yin Shengchao promised Hao Shuai a project of his own if he could handle the situation. Hao Shuai, feeling pressured, reluctantly agreed.

At the factory, Hao Shuai sincerely told the workers that King Capital was also a victim and advised them to stop coming to the company. He admitted that any compensation would be minimal and catching the runaway boss depended on fate. The workers were skeptical, claiming Yin Shengchao was fully aware of the situation and was "buddies" with the company's founder, Zhou, meeting him often and implying Yin Shengchao helped Zhou escape.

This information surprised Hao Shuai, as Yin Shengchao had previously claimed he hadn't seen Zhou in half a year. The workers agreed to temporarily stop coming to King Capital's office but warned Hao Shuai that this was not the end. In the Energy Division, Manager Ma's new offshore wind power project was rejected by the Risk Control Centre for not being "feasible enough."

His team suggested using Lan Qianyi's Qiancheng Solar project as a replacement, which had already received Risk Control approval. Simultaneously, Yu Wenli was struggling with a hectic work-life balance, arguing with her husband over the phone about childcare for their daughter, Xiao Xiao, while he was on a work trip. She discussed her urgent infant incubator project with Wu Kezhi, mentioning her personal struggles. As she prepared for a meeting, Yu Wenli suddenly fainted from exhaustion.

Meanwhile, Lin Yuming's project was progressing smoothly. Sun Yiqiu, upon hearing this, felt a little depressed and went to the rooftop. He pondered why he was feeling upset when withdrawing from the project was his own decision, and what there was to be unable to accept. Lan Qianyi noticed Manager Ma repeatedly checking on her team. Her colleagues, Chief Xu and Manager Zhao, alluded to Manager Ma's difficulty in directly asking for a favor.

When Manager Ma arrived again and found Lan Qianyi briefly absent, he became agitated with Chief Xu. Lan Qianyi quickly returned with her Qiancheng Solar project report and proactively asked Manager Ma to give her a chance to work on the project. After reviewing the report, Manager Ma, without explicitly approving it, told Chief Xu to take the team out for a celebratory meal, implicitly giving Lan Qianyi the green light.

The team was overjoyed and praised Lan Qianyi for her quick thinking. Yu Wenli was hospitalized due to neurasthenia and exhaustion, but her mind remained on the infant incubator project. Her subordinates visited her, feigning concern while subtly pressing her to finalize the project report. Yu Wenli explained the project's importance for premature babies and entrusted it to them.

Wu Kezhi also visited her, reassuring her that she would recover with rest and that her husband was arranging family care for Xiao Xiao and would return soon. Yu Wenli contemplated resigning, feeling like a failure to her boss, subordinates, husband, and child, believing everyone thought she wasn't doing enough. She suspected her subordinates only visited to push her to abandon the project.

As Wu Kezhi left, he overheard her subordinates complaining about the project being too much work and not lucrative, wishing Yu Wenli would just go home and be a housewife. They even tried to persuade Wu Kezhi to talk Yu Wenli out of the project, which saddened him. Back at the office, Hao Shuai cautiously asked Yin Shengchao if he was friends with Mofan Fashion's founder, Zhou.

Yin Shengchao reacted angrily, accusing Hao Shuai of implying his involvement, and dismissed him. Later, Wu Kezhi discovered that the project report submitted by Yu Wenli's subordinates for the infant incubator project was intentionally flawed, seemingly designed to ensure its rejection. He informed Jiang Nan and Gao Sicong, expressing his disappointment that their hard work would be in vain. With the submission deadline looming and Jiang Nan scheduled for a work trip, the project seemed doomed.

Wu Kezhi decided to take matters into his own hands, calling Jiang Nan to "wait for his call" and then taking the project to Team IV, telling Sun Yiqiu it was "time to work." Wu Kezhi, Sun Yiqiu, Lan Qianyi, Gao Sicong, and Hao Shuai worked through the night on the infant incubator project. Sun Yiqiu, confidently declaring himself an "expert" at meeting minutes, struggled with an English audio recording and sheepishly sought Lan Qianyi's help.

The team meticulously revised the report, discussing technical solutions, financial planning, and social impact. Gao Sicong identified and corrected a data error. Lan Qianyi remarked on Wu Kezhi's exceptional dedication to Yu Wenli, noting their strong bond as batchmates who joined the company together. Hao Shuai once again voiced his suspicions about Yin Shengchao's connection to the Mofan Fashion scandal.

Gao Sicong sternly warned Hao Shuai to stay out of it, reminding him of Yin Shengchao's past retaliation and that he was "no match" for him. Lan Qianyi agreed with Gao Sicong's advice. As their late-night work continued, Wu Kezhi asked Sun Yiqiu "how long more," referring to the time left on his contract. Sun Yiqiu thanked Wu Kezhi for giving him one last opportunity to work overtime and create more memories with the team.

Wu Kezhi expressed regret, feeling he had done all he could. Sun Yiqiu, however, reassured him, acknowledging Wu Kezhi's efforts and expressing pride in all he had learned and achieved during his year in Team IV, feeling that he had become a "good project" himself. He light-heartedly declared that if he was a good project, then Wu Kezhi was "the best investment consultant ever" with commendable vision, adding that it was "about time to leave."

The next morning, Wu Kezhi brought the revised project plan to Yu Wenli in the hospital. She was deeply grateful but also saddened by the state of her life, admitting she had considered giving up. Reading the report, however, rekindled her fighting spirit. Wu Kezhi then showed her a photo of Sun Yiqiu and the others sleeping on the office floor, reminding her of their own tireless dedication when they first joined the company.

Yu Wenli reflected on their shared past, wondering if all the years of hard work had truly been "worth it." Later, Wu Kezhi encountered Director Qu and asked him to find a way for Sun Yiqiu to stay at the company. Director Qu stated he couldn't break his own rules without a compelling reason.

However, he mentioned that company personnel allocations were based on the team's project workload, implying that if Team IV secured a project of sufficient size, Sun Yiqiu's departure might be re-evaluated.

Episode 38 Recap

Sun Yiqiu, Lan Qianyi, Gao Sicong, and Hao Shuai shared a meal when Wu Kezhi unexpectedly sent them a photo. While the others quickly deleted it, Sun Yiqiu expressed his desire to keep it as a memento, acknowledging that his contract was expiring soon and he would be leaving the company. His friends were taken aback by his words. Soon after, Yu Wenli was discharged from the hospital.

She asked Wu Kezhi why he was hesitant to accept a major project. Wu Kezhi, still preoccupied with Director Qu's earlier words about how team size was determined by workload, found himself in a dilemma. At home, his wife offered him some homemade plum wine. Wu Kezhi confided in her, admitting he had been trying to find a way to keep Sun Yiqiu at the company. Now, an opportunity had arisen, but acting on it might lead to significant trouble.

His wife, however, reminded him of his own principle: if one doesn't do what they know is right, they will surely regret it later. It was Sun Yiqiu's last day at Jinchen. He started his workday as usual, though with a completely different mindset, reflecting that this was the final day of a cherished memory.

Lan Qianyi wanted to appeal on his behalf to Manager Yu and Manager Ma, while Gao Sicong meticulously advised Sun Yiqiu on the process of leaving a company, urging him never to submit a resignation letter and to insist on contract renewal to claim compensation if denied. Sun Yiqiu, appreciating their concern, gently declined, stating he didn't want to trouble them further.

Meanwhile, Wu Kezhi sought out Director Qu, questioning why Team IV had to be assigned the Rihuan Biotech project. Director Qu acknowledged Wu Kezhi's sharp intuition that something was amiss. He revealed that Rihuan Biotech had recently received an anonymous letter threatening to report issues with their product to the CSRC unless they halted their IPO.

Director Qu emphasized that Rihuan Biotech was the fruit of his many years of hard work, and he was determined to see it successfully listed. He tasked Wu Kezhi with finding the sender of the anonymous letter and settling the problem, offering in return to allow Wu Kezhi to retain one or two subordinates if he succeeded. Later, Sun Yiqiu received a call from the Human Resources Department. He solemnly stood up, bracing himself for the inevitable.

Hao Shuai, worried, urged him to wait for Lan Qianyi and Gao Sicong so they could brainstorm solutions together, but Sun Yiqiu believed it was futile. Lin Yuming, seeing Sun Yiqiu head to HR, paced anxiously. Wu Kezhi, however, confidently told Lin Yuming that Sun Yiqiu would not be leaving.

Indeed, HR Manager Gao Yue informed a stunned Sun Yiqiu that the company had decided to renew his employment contract and asked if he wished to continue working for King Capital. Upon his return to Team IV, Sun Yiqiu was still in a daze. Lin Yuming and Ding Libo were thrilled for him and suggested a celebratory lunch. Wu Kezhi, however, seemed somewhat uncomfortable and declined, stating he had work to do.

Hao Shuai, Lan Qianyi, and Gao Sicong were also delighted that Sun Yiqiu was staying. Elsewhere, Director Su informed Yin Shengchao and Hao Shuai that the Mofan Fashion case had been officially filed with the police, and the company was considered a victim. He instructed them to visit Mofan Fashion's office to collect and organize documentation for liquidation, a task Yin Shengchao clearly resented.

Later, Lin Yuming once again proposed a celebratory gathering for Sun Yiqiu, but Wu Kezhi again declined, citing his wife's request for an early return. Ding Libo also demurred, saying he needed to take work home. Lin Yuming then confided in Sun Yiqiu about Ding Libo's past. He explained that Ding Libo, Wu Kezhi, and he used to be in Integrated Team II.

Ding Libo, an exceptionally capable professional, had once single-handedly managed a large project for three years, neglecting his family, hoping to create a "unicorn." However, a small oversight allowed a competitor to exploit an opening, causing the entire project to collapse overnight. This devastating failure left Ding Libo severely depressed, almost dysfunctional, leading the company to reassign him to manage other enterprises.

Lin Yuming considered it a miracle that Ding Libo had returned to Team IV and believed he needed to overcome his past on his own. Sun Yiqiu reflected on the day's dramatic turns, still finding it incredible that he was allowed to stay and unsure of the reasons behind it. Concurrently, Wu Kezhi was grappling with the Rihuan Biotech project. He reached out to many contacts, but none reported any anomalies with the company.

Wu Kezhi then consulted Ding Libo, who admitted he wasn't fully familiar with the project since he had withdrawn from it after leaving Team II. Nevertheless, Ding Libo encouraged Wu Kezhi to pursue the project, emphasizing that despite potential concerns regarding Director Qu's involvement, it represented a valuable opportunity for Team IV. He proposed they keep their investigation confidential.

Ding Libo believed that if they could solve the problem within 15 days, there would be no issues, and he was excited for them to prove themselves, reminding Wu Kezhi that identifying and solving problems was their strength. Hao Shuai and Yin Shengchao visited Mofan Fashion to collect documents. Hao Shuai noticed Yin Shengchao's expensive new belt, which he estimated to cost at least 10,000 RMB, from an international luxury brand.

Yin Shengchao, visibly uncomfortable, dismissed it as fake and tried to avoid the conversation. While gathering materials, Hao Shuai discovered a photo of Yin Shengchao with Manager Zhou. Later, Manager Zhou from Risk Control stopped by Team IV, congratulating Wu Kezhi on their "double happiness"—Sun Yiqiu's retention and a major project heading for an IPO in two weeks. Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming were completely baffled, unaware of any such large project.

Lin Yuming later tried to extract more information from Manager Zhou, but Zhou refused, stating he couldn't reveal what Wu Kezhi had chosen to keep confidential. The atmosphere in Team IV grew peculiar after Manager Zhou's visit. Sun Yiqiu observed that Wu Kezhi and Ding Libo seemed to be secretly busy, often disappearing for half a day, seemingly hiding something from him and Lin Yuming. Hao Shuai's suspicions also intensified, particularly concerning Yin Shengchao.

Relying on his family's expertise in the clothing business, Hao Shuai accurately guessed the brand, material, and price of Sun Yiqiu's and Gao Sicong's belts simply by touching them. He then told Gao Sicong and Lan Qianyi that Yin Shengchao had purchased a shirt costing over 18,000 RMB and a belt exceeding 10,000 RMB, which Hao Shuai guaranteed were genuine luxury items. He argued that Yin Shengchao's sudden wealth, especially right after the Mofan Fashion fraud, was highly suspicious.

Both Lan Qianyi and Gao Sicong warned Hao Shuai against spreading rumors, reminding him of the risks of antagonizing his superior, but Hao Shuai was resolute in his determination to uncover the truth. As Wu Kezhi and Ding Libo continued their secretive investigation into the anonymous letter, Lin Yuming remained curious about the mysterious big project. However, even after inquiring, Ding Libo found that no one, not even Rihuan Biotech's current employees, knew who sent the letter.

Wu Kezhi and Ding Libo discussed the possibilities: the sender could be an insider dissatisfied with their IPO gains or an external competitor. Acknowledging the urgency and lack of clear leads, they decided to split the investigation: Ding Libo would focus on the internal situation, and Wu Kezhi would handle the external aspects, both determined to prove their team's capabilities.

Episode 39 Recap

Wu Kezhi had made several calls to friends, seeking information about the anonymous letter regarding Rihuan Biotech. His friends confirmed that a detailed anonymous letter like that likely originated from within the company, not from competitors, as outsiders wouldn't possess such specific information. Lin Yuming, overhearing Wu Kezhi's phone calls, became upset. Sun Yiqiu noticed his manager's mood and asked what was wrong, to which Lin Yuming simply told him to go home.

Later, Lin Yuming approached Wu Kezhi, hesitantly asking if he and Ding Libo were facing some trouble. He observed that the "big project" they were handling didn't seem as straightforward as it appeared. Wu Kezhi dismissed his concerns, assuring him that he and Ding Libo could manage it and advised Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu to focus on their current project. Lin Yuming, knowing Wu Kezhi's tendency to shoulder burdens alone, insisted that the team was ready to assist.

Despite this, Wu Kezhi maintained that they did not need to worry. The following day, Wu Kezhi and Ding Libo decided to conduct an on-site investigation at Rihuan Biotech, with Wu Kezhi having already contacted Rihuan's founder. Ding Libo noted that Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu seemed unhappy about being excluded. Wu Kezhi explained that for this project, given by Director Qu, Team IV was essentially both the "cannonball and cannon fodder."

If they succeeded, it would be a triumph, but if anything went wrong, he wanted to ensure Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu would not be held responsible. To protect them, he believed they needed to resolve the issue quickly. Lin Yuming remained frustrated, believing there was no need for such secrecy within their team, though he acknowledged Wu Kezhi's nature. Meanwhile, Hao Shuai was looking through old files on Mofan Fashion, searching for clues related to its liquidation.

Manager Yin told him the police were already investigating and to simply send the information to the resource center. Hao Shuai noticed Manager Yin wearing an unusually expensive shirt, which raised his suspicions. Gao Sicong, observing Sun Yiqiu's distress over being excluded from Wu Kezhi's new project, offered his analysis: exclusion from a project usually meant either the boss didn't trust them or the project carried significant risks, and the boss was trying to protect them.

Sun Yiqiu then recalled that the project began around the same day his contract was renewed. Gao Sicong speculated that the two events might be connected, suggesting that only one person in the company had the authority to give Team IV an IPO project "and" ensure Sun Yiqiu's continued employment. Elsewhere, Director Xu and Manager Zhao were discussing how to celebrate Lan Qianyi's recent success. Gao Sicong overheard their conversation and was happy for her.

He later went to a shoe store and bought a pair of high heels, explaining to the salesperson that they were a gift for a colleague. He tried to act nonchalant about the purchase, emphasizing it was a "normal social relationship." Back at the office, Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming received documents from Rihuan Biotech, confirming their suspicion that this was Wu Kezhi's major project. They silently understood each other's thoughts and resolved to follow their instincts.

Meanwhile, Wu Kezhi and Ding Libo were deep in their investigation at Rihuan, interviewing employees. Wu Kezhi felt that their interviews were fruitless and that the anonymous letter writer was not among Rihuan's current employees. Back at their office, Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming were also looking for clues without success. However, a comment by Lin Yuming about Wu Kezhi not being able to fire him sparked a realization in Sun Yiqiu.

When Wu Kezhi and Ding Libo returned, Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming, who had clearly been up to something, left awkwardly. The next day, Wu Kezhi concluded that the anonymous letter likely came from a former Rihuan employee. He instructed Ding Libo to contact Rihuan for a list of recently departed personnel, only to be informed that someone from their own company had already taken that list the previous night.

Gao Sicong saw Lan Qianyi wearing shoes similar to the ones he bought her, but he hesitated to give her his gift. Soon after, Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming returned to the office. Wu Kezhi angrily confronted them about their unauthorized investigation. Lin Yuming admitted it was his idea, then triumphantly presented the list of Rihuan's former employees. They announced that they had identified the likely culprit: Dr. Li, an IT supervisor who had been dismissed half a year ago.

Given his position and knowledge of the company's technology, he was the most probable author of the anonymous letter. Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu revealed they had already met with Dr. Li under the guise of potential investors. During their meeting, they subtly questioned Dr. Li about his departure from Rihuan. Dr. Li, thinking they were investors, began to explain how Rihuan Biotech had deceived him.

At this crucial moment in their recorded conversation with Dr. Li, Lin Yuming suddenly paused the playback. He refused to continue unless Wu Kezhi allowed him and Sun Yiqiu to formally join the Rihuan project. Faced with no other choice, Wu Kezhi reluctantly agreed. Dr. Li's recorded testimony revealed that when he resigned, Rihuan had promised to annul his non-compete agreement. However, they reneged on their word, threatening his new employer with the contract.

This effectively prevented him from developing similar products in his specialized field of genomics for five years, forcing him to pursue a niche market and start his own company. Lin Yuming then revealed their true identity as employees of King Capital and urged Dr. Li to retract his anonymous letter. He promised that if Rihuan's IPO proceeded successfully in ten days, the company would annul Dr. Li's non-compete agreement.

Dr. Li, however, accused them of being Rihuan's accomplices and refused to cooperate, storming out of the meeting. Despite the failed negotiation, Lin Yuming believed finding the culprit was a significant breakthrough. He and Sun Yiqiu again pressed Wu Kezhi to allow them to officially join the project, emphasizing that team unity was paramount, even with the project's inherent risks. Wu Kezhi, though frustrated, accepted their persistence.

Separately, Hao Shuai inquired with Chief Su about the progress of the Mofan Fashion liquidation, which Chief Su stated was proceeding normally. Manager Yin then entered, discussing his intention to buy a Maserati, further solidifying Hao Shuai's suspicions about him. Gao Sicong later approached Hao Shuai, asking for his help to discretely find out Lan Qianyi's shoe size.

Hao Shuai, known for his ability to accurately appraise clothing and shoe sizes due to his family's background in fashion, agreed, but only if Gao Sicong would help him investigate Manager Yin. Meanwhile, Gao Sicong shared some disturbing findings with Sun Yiqiu about Rihuan Biotech. He pointed out that Dr. Li's genomics project had been fruitless for three years.

Yet, just three months after Dr. Li's departure, the product was released under the leadership of his former assistant and became a major source of Rihuan's profits. Gao Sicong questioned how a project could succeed so rapidly after the withdrawal of its main developer unless there was a significant underlying issue. Lin Yuming, deeply concerned by these revelations, suggested they return the Rihuan project to the company, viewing it as too risky.

Ding Libo, however, vehemently disagreed, insisting that they were close to resolving the anonymous letter issue and should not give up. Wu Kezhi decided he needed time to think. Later, Manager Li informed Wu Kezhi that Director Qu wanted to see him. Director Qu surprised Wu Kezhi by revealing he already knew they had identified the anonymous letter writer.

He pressed Wu Kezhi to resolve the matter before the IPO, stating that he didn't care about the process, only the result, effectively giving Wu Kezhi free rein to "do whatever it takes." Li Shensi then spoke with Sun Yiqiu, discussing Sun Yiqiu's commitment to Wu Kezhi and the team. He explained that by accepting Director Qu's project, Wu Kezhi now had no option but to succeed.

Li Shensi expressed his concern about Wu Kezhi's fate if Rihuan truly harbored a major problem. Sun Yiqiu, pondering these words and the project's anomalies, began to seriously doubt Rihuan. When the team later discussed the project, Ding Libo reiterated his belief that Dr. Li lacked concrete evidence and they should focus on negotiating with him. Lin Yuming, however, argued that Dr. Li was clearly not motivated by money.

When Wu Kezhi asked for Sun Yiqiu's opinion, he admitted he didn't know what to think about the situation and its potential impact on Wu Kezhi. Ultimately, Wu Kezhi decided they needed to uncover the complete truth and planned to meet Dr. Li again.

Episode 40 Recap

Wu Kezhi met with Dr. Li, who was initially wary, mistaking Wu Kezhi for the boss of the previous investigators. Wu Kezhi presented Rihuan Biotech's meeting minutes related to the product Dr. Li developed. He pointed out the suspicious pattern: over three weeks before Dr. Li's dismissal, Rihuan's higher-ups held seven meetings with his R&D team, but only the last meeting's content, announcing his dismissal, was preserved. Wu Kezhi inferred a major conflict led to Dr. Li's dismissal.

Dr. Li confirmed this, explaining that based on Rihuan's technology and funds, developing the new genetic testing device so quickly was impossible. Rihuan, rushing for their IPO, pressured him to sign off on its market release. He refused, citing the vulnerable user base, including children, the elderly, and pregnant women. He swore that Rihuan had not overcome the product's technical challenges.

However, when Wu Kezhi asked for concrete evidence, Dr. Li admitted he had none, only begging Wu Kezhi to prevent the product's listing to avoid harming people. Meanwhile, Sun Yiqiu and Lin Yuming were investigating hospitals that partnered with Rihuan. They found that none had switched to Rihuan's new testing device, making them question where the company was selling its product, especially since its financial report claimed high sales to overseas medical institutions. They suspected fabricated profits.

Ding Libo informed them that their overseas investigation agency had been contacted, but results would take 2-3 days, possibly longer due to time differences. With the Rihuan IPO meeting fast approaching, time was critical, and Lin Yuming urged Ding Libo to expedite the process. Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu later saw Ding Libo coming down from an upper floor, stating he was going to the rooftop for a smoke break.

Lin Yuming mused that if the project proved problematic, Wu Kezhi would surely reject it, causing Team IV to offend higher-ups once more, a situation he had grown accustomed to. Wu Kezhi was visibly conflicted. He later received a phone call and left, informing Ding Libo he had to go. Separately, Hao Shuai expressed his conviction that Manager Yin was involved in something unethical related to the Mofan Fashion project.

Gao Sicong cautioned him about the severe consequences if they were caught, but Hao Shuai insisted it wasn't personal animosity. He felt compelled to act for the Mofan Fashion workers who had lost their life savings and didn't want to be like Manager Yin by feigning ignorance. Gao Sicong, touched by Hao Shuai's words, called him a good friend.

When Lan Qianyi arrived, Gao Sicong told her to remember that he, too, would take risks for his friends, hinting at their clandestine activities. That evening, Director Qu invited Sun Yiqiu to dinner. Director Qu told Sun Yiqiu that while he initially recruited him to repay his mother, Sun Yiqiu's performance in Team IV had genuinely surprised him. Wu Kezhi arrived unexpectedly and, despite Director Qu's invitation, firmly told Sun Yiqiu to return to work, sending him away.

Wu Kezhi then confronted Director Qu, asking why he hadn't disclosed the problems with Rihuan's product and its suspicious financial reports. Director Qu admitted that King Capital was low on funds and needed Rihuan's successful IPO to demonstrate their capabilities to investors. He explicitly told Wu Kezhi that Rihuan's destiny, and thus King Capital's fate, was in Wu Kezhi's hands, and he only cared about the outcome, not the methods.

Wu Kezhi expressed his concern that allowing an unfinished product to list was akin to tricking retail investors into a gamble. Director Qu dismissed his concerns, arguing that Wu Kezhi and he would be safe, but their juniors would bear the brunt if King Capital faced a crisis. Wu Kezhi declared his dread of subordinates paying for his own poor decisions.

Outside the restaurant, Sun Yiqiu tried to understand why Director Qu had invited him, but Wu Kezhi curtly told him it was none of his business and to go home. The next day, Hao Shuai initiated their plan by swapping phones with Manager Yin under the guise of an urgent call about Manager Yin's car being hit. While Manager Yin rushed out to check his car, which was perfectly fine, Gao Sicong attempted to access Manager Yin's computer.

However, Jiang Nan unexpectedly walked into the office. Later, Wu Kezhi advised Sun Yiqiu not to dwell on Director Qu's dinner invitation and to focus on his own projects. Sun Yiqiu was then called by Li Shensi for a game of Go. During their game, Li Shensi, using the analogy of Go pieces, subtly advised Sun Yiqiu.

He noted Sun Yiqiu's excessive focus on protecting a "lone soldier" on the board, which ultimately became a burden, suggesting that sometimes it's necessary to abandon a piece to find a way out, urging him to consider the bigger picture. In the elevator, Manager Yin realized the phone he had wasn't his. He returned to his office to find Gao Sicong and Jiang Nan there.

Jiang Nan returned Manager Yin's phone, claiming she had accidentally picked it up during a meeting. Hao Shuai later asked Gao Sicong if he had retrieved any data. Gao Sicong admitted he hadn't, but he had noticed numerous missed international calls from a specific number on Manager Yin's phone, which Manager Yin had not answered. Jiang Nan demanded to know what they were doing.

Hao Shuai and Gao Sicong confessed their suspicions about Manager Yin's involvement in the Mofan Fashion case. Jiang Nan sternly told them to stop, emphasizing that stealing information was unjustifiable and would lead to all three of them, including Manager Yin, getting into serious trouble if discovered. Gao Sicong then asked Jiang Nan if she also saw the international calls and whether she believed Hao Shuai's theory that Manager Yin might be in contact with the runaway founder.

After a moment, Jiang Nan agreed to look at the number Gao Sicong remembered. Wu Kezhi called Ding Libo and Lin Yuming into his office and told them to cease the Rihuan investigation. He revealed that if Rihuan failed to get listed, the company would not retain Sun Yiqiu. He explained that Sun Yiqiu's recent contract renewal was part of a deal between Team IV and the company.

Lin Yuming was stunned, questioning what would happen if Rihuan truly had major issues. Wu Kezhi, with a heavy heart, stated that if he had to choose between Sun Yiqiu and the project, he had no other option. Sun Yiqiu, recalling Li Shensi's Go analogy, returned to the office to find everyone subdued, sensing something was being kept from him. Wu Kezhi then announced a celebratory dinner for Sun Yiqiu's successful contract renewal, declaring that the Rihuan matter was closed.

A bewildered Sun Yiqiu was then pulled along to the celebration. At the celebration, Gao Sicong discreetly gave Hao Shuai the phone number Jiang Nan had memorized, reassuring him of its accuracy. Hao Shuai was delighted, feeling a strong intuition that this number was a crucial lead. As the group became intoxicated, Ding Libo and Lin Yuming excused themselves to the washroom.

Sun Yiqiu took the opportunity to thank Wu Kezhi, implying he knew his contract renewal was linked to the Rihuan project. Wu Kezhi dismissed his assumption. Sun Yiqiu then confessed that when they first met, he had lied about "effort" being his selling point, admitting he felt hopeless at the time. He shared that Wu Kezhi had given him a "tiny bit of hope," which was now enough for him to carry on, no matter where he went.

Episode 41 (Ending) Recap

The next morning, Sun Yiqiu went to the office and left a resignation letter on Wu Kezhi's desk. Wu Kezhi visited Rihuan Biotech. The alarm regarding the project there had been lifted, but Wu Kezhi felt a heavy burden of guilt. Back at the office, Lin Yuming expressed his suspicions about how the Rihuan situation played out.

Ding Libo then admitted that he was the one who informed Director Qu about the project's progress, explaining that the project was crucial for Team IV. Lin Yuming was furious, stating that Wu Kezhi had always avoided questionable projects, but Wu Kezhi took responsibility for the decision, halting the argument. Elsewhere, Hao Shuai waited for Manager Yin in the underground parking lot.

He presented Manager Yin with a phone number, revealing he had called it pretending to be Manager Yin's subordinate, recording their conversation. The recording exposed Manager Yin's collusion with Mr. Zhou, the founder of Mofan Fashion, to help cover up bankruptcy in exchange for a large sum of money. A panicked Manager Yin offered Hao Shuai half the money to delete his backup recording and keep silent, even offering him his car and expensive watch. Hao Shuai refused.

Instead, he brought in a group of Mofan Fashion workers and instructed Manager Yin to distribute all the illicit money he received to them as interest, cooperate fully with the police investigation, and leave the company, stating he found Manager Yin disgusting. Meanwhile, Gao Sicong gifted Lan Qianyi a pair of high heels. He tried to ask her out for dinner after work, but Lan Qianyi, engrossed in her project, had no time.

Back in her team, Manager Ma told Lan Qianyi to suspend her current project and transfer the documents to Zhao Boqian. Fearing she had made a mistake, Lan Qianyi was relieved when Chief Xu informed her that the company was offering a one-year advanced study program in France, and Manager Ma had selected her for it due to her outstanding performance. Lan Qianyi was thrilled. Gao Sicong, passing by, overheard the news.

He then told Lan Qianyi that in his hometown, gifting shoes often signifies a farewell, and he couldn't believe it was true. He asked how long she would be gone, and upon hearing it was for a year, he joked that he would likely be a manager by the time she returned, to which Lan Qianyi replied she hoped he would look after her then.

When Wu Kezhi, Lin Yuming, and Ding Libo returned to their office, they found Sun Yiqiu's desk cleared, with only a resignation letter remaining. Gao Sicong, who had just learned about Lan Qianyi's upcoming departure and felt disappointed, then received a call from Hao Shuai, informing him of Sun Yiqiu's resignation. Lin Yuming frantically tried to call Sun Yiqiu, growing increasingly agitated. He angrily confronted Ding Libo, blaming him for Sun Yiqiu's departure by informing Director Qu.

However, Lin Yuming later acknowledged that Sun Yiqiu was already caught up in the situation and would have left regardless, expressing deep sadness at his friend's departure. Sun Yiqiu's letter stated that leaving King Capital was a selfish personal decision, and the days spent in Team IV were the happiest of his life.

He promised to hold onto hope and the principles he learned from them, concluding with a line he remembered: "Leaving is a trend in this world, and yet, we are not good at saying goodbye." He felt he was one such person, making every goodbye feel like a flight in which he abandoned everything, and simply wanted to say "thank you" to Wu Kezhi and Team IV.

Ding Libo then presented Wu Kezhi with the results of their overseas investigation into Rihuan Biotech, confirming that the company had indeed fabricated its data. He apologized for the delay. With their own resignation letters prepared, the three resolved to fight. Wu Kezhi crashed Rihuan's celebratory banquet, confronting Director Qu and presenting the evidence of Rihuan's suspected falsification of profits through related companies. He demanded the immediate termination of their IPO application.

Director Qu argued about the immense financial losses King Capital would face if Rihuan's IPO failed. Wu Kezhi countered that a scandal post-IPO would be even more damaging, threatening to personally report Rihuan to the China Securities Regulatory Commission if no action was taken by 10 AM the next day. Despite Director Qu's threat to end his career in the investment industry, Wu Kezhi remained unyielding, declaring that Team IV would "rather die with dignity."

The next day, news spread like wildfire that Rihuan Biotech's IPO had been abandoned, followed by the surprising announcement of Director Qu's resignation. Director Qu met with Wu Kezhi, explaining that he decided to leave rather than let Wu Kezhi be forced out.

He admitted his initial goal was to maximize company profits by pushing Rihuan's IPO, but since he failed, he believed someone like Wu Kezhi, who matters more to King Capital than the company does to him, should stay. He reflected on how he had changed over the years, sacrificing some people for the sake of others, and hoped his departure would be an opportunity for Wu Kezhi to do a better job if he chose to stay.

Wu Kezhi returned to the company to an entirely different reception, with colleagues addressing him as "Director Wu." Gao Yue escorted him to Director Li's office, informing him that Director Li had replaced Director Qu and this office was now his. Later, Zhou Qingyu visited, dismissing office rumors that Wu Kezhi had aligned with Chris and Director Li to oust Director Qu.

He encouraged Wu Kezhi to remain true to himself and not be bothered by gossip as long as he had "nothing to be ashamed of." Director Li then summoned Wu Kezhi, acknowledging his role in the Rihuan outcome and expressing that Wu Kezhi's talent had been wasted for years. He offered Wu Kezhi the position of General Manager of the New Business Division, promising projects like "unicorns."

However, Wu Kezhi, suspecting Director Li's involvement in Sun Yiqiu's resignation, handed in his own letter of resignation. Wu Kezhi returned to his office to pack. Lin Yuming immediately began helping him, while Ding Libo watched them with complex emotions. Wu Kezhi, however, tore up Lin Yuming's resignation letter, advising him to think about his own future and pursue his promotion.

He also reassured Ding Libo that he had done nothing wrong and should not blame himself, entrusting the future of Team IV to them both. Two months later, Sun Yiqiu was working odd jobs, including driving for ride-sharing services, while trying to find new employment. However, his lack of academic qualifications led to numerous rejections. Despite his own struggles, he found comfort in the good news of his former colleagues.

Hao Shuai had become a celebrated figure in the Consumer Goods Division for resolving the Mofan Fashion issue, finally getting to invest in the domestic fashion industry as he always wished and becoming a fashion icon. Gao Sicong's project, "Nishuihan (Justice Online)," was hailed as a miracle in the gaming industry, earning him an award and a reputation as the next top investment consultant.

Lan Qianyi, having completed her studies in France six months ahead of schedule, returned to the company and was promoted ahead of Gao Sicong, much to his chagrin. Ding Libo, as a member of the team that exposed Rihuan's misdeed, was promoted to Wu Kezhi's former position. However, Team IV was never the same, experiencing high staff turnover. Wu Kezhi, at 40, started his own research and consulting firm, embracing the opportunity to pursue work that aligned with his principles.

One day, Lin Yuming arrived at Wu Kezhi's new firm, carrying boxes of belongings, and joined the company. It was revealed that Sun Yiqiu had already been recruited by Wu Kezhi. Sun Yiqiu was studying for a degree in investment and project management, still harboring the hope of becoming an investor.

Wu Kezhi, reflecting on his past cynical views, now affirmed that having hope was a good thing, regardless of whether it felt fake or real, as it served as a source of motivation. Lin Yuming soon discovered that Sun Yiqiu's salary was higher than his own and complained about the unfairness.

Wu Kezhi playfully reminded him that Sun Yiqiu was an "old timer" and he was just a "newcomer intern," and suggested they change how they addressed each other now that they had left King Capital. He insisted Lin Yuming address Sun Yiqiu as "Manager Sun." Lin Yuming eventually conceded, then jokingly told them they could call him "Fatso." The trio, bickering good-naturedly as always, then set off together for a new work assignment, embarking on their future with renewed hope.