Our Times Episode 12 Recap
> Our Times Recap
Pei Qinghua expressed his deep concern over Xiao Chuang, who had been in Shenzhen for over ten days and was completely out of contact. He felt compelled to report the situation to their superiors but lacked a border defense permit to go to Shenzhen himself. Man Huansheng suggested approaching Tan Qizhang first, as he was generally more approachable than Lin Yimin and possessed an equally extensive network. Meanwhile, Tan Qizhang and Lin Yimin were playing ping-pong.
Lin Yimin, who was critical of Pei Qinghua's timid demeanor, questioned why Tan Qizhang valued him so highly. Tan Qizhang, on the other hand, lauded Pei Qinghua's talent and reliability. Just as Pei Qinghua arrived to speak with Tan Qizhang, who insisted he speak in front of Lin Yimin, he was about to reveal the situation when Man Huansheng burst in.
Man Huansheng had just learned from Xu Yang that Xiao Chuang had been found safe in a police station in Shenzhen and would be released within five to six days. To prevent Pei Qinghua from revealing the truth, he blurted out that Xiao Chuang had secured a train ticket back for three days later and needed an extended leave. Lin Yimin, already frustrated by Xiao Chuang's prolonged absence, expressed his displeasure.
A few days later, Xiao Chuang finally returned to Beijing. Xie Hang, deeply worried, met him at the train station. Despite Xiao Chuang's initial embarrassment over his unkempt appearance, he embraced Xie Hang, who was teary-eyed with relief. Xiao Chuang explained that he had only acted as a tout to make enough money to cover Xie Hang's tuition, hoping to secure her freedom from financial burdens. Xie Hang, however, was angry that he had risked his future for money.
Xiao Chuang then made a solemn vow never to engage in such illegal activities again. He then asked Xie Hang if she would wait for him if he were to be imprisoned for several years. She initially joked that she wouldn't associate with a criminal, but then, with a smile, accepted his heartfelt declaration of love, calling him her "bandit."
Pei Qinghua, observing from a distance, couldn't help but comment that Xie Hang was in for a challenging life with Xiao Chuang. Upon his return, Xiao Chuang was warned by his friends that Lin Yimin was upset. He went to apologize to Lin Yimin, expecting a reprimand. However, Lin Yimin surprised him by stating that due to Xiao Chuang's success in selling 50 computers while on leave, he would overlook the unauthorized absence.
Xiao Chuang later learned from Qi Rong Bin that Xu Yang had given him those clients as a way to repay a debt. Lin Yimin advised Xiao Chuang to always inform him directly about any future leaves, emphasizing his reasonable nature. Xiao Chuang then spoke with Pei Qinghua, apologizing for the trouble he caused.
Pei Qinghua expressed his anger about Xiao Chuang becoming a tout after they had gone to great lengths to gather ID cards for him, but admitted he was also touched by Xiao Chuang's efforts for Xie Hang. Pei Qinghua refused the 10,000 yuan Xiao Chuang had remitted, but Xiao Chuang insisted it was payment for lending his ID cards, and that Tan Yuan would also receive her share.
He told Pei Qinghua to handle the money as he wished and asked him to return Tan Yuan's ID card. Later, Tan Qizhang granted Pei Qinghua a few days off to visit his mother, noting that Pei Qinghua hadn't been home for Chinese New Year. He also tasked Pei Qinghua with finally explaining his business career to his mother, a conversation Pei Qinghua had been avoiding. Pei Qinghua met Tan Yuan to return her ID card.
Tan Yuan shared some unique purified water she received from Wang Manlin, which Pei Qinghua initially found indistinguishable from tap water. They both agreed that they couldn't simply return the money to Xiao Chuang, knowing his personality. Instead, they decided to pool their money to buy him a gift that would appeal to his showy and attention-seeking nature. At dinner, Xiao Chuang officially introduced Xie Hang to Pei Qinghua and Tan Yuan.
His friends then presented him with their combined gift: a secondhand cellular phone with a prestigious number, 9000666. Pei Qinghua explained that while making money wasn't hard for Xiao Chuang, they wished him a lifetime of peace over riches. Moved to tears, Xiao Chuang listened as they called "Sound of the City Song Request Session" to dedicate a song to him, wishing him great success in business.
Xie Hang mentioned she hoped to return to Beijing next month, though she was unsure of her next steps. After dinner, Xiao Chuang drove Xie Hang home. Tan Yuan learned from Xiao Chuang that Pei Qinghua was returning to his hometown for a visit and became visibly upset, confiding in Wang Manlin that she was hurt Pei Qinghua hadn't told her directly. She realized she was growing increasingly attached to him.
Later that night, Pei Qinghua, lost in thought, tasted the purified water Tan Yuan had given him again and found it to have a hint of sweetness. Meanwhile, Man Huansheng and Qi Rong Bin were excitedly examining Xiao Chuang's new cellular phone. Xu Yang, having returned from his business trip, thanked Xiao Chuang for his help with clients.
Xiao Chuang offered to assist Xu Yang in negotiating with some difficult distributors, even offering his new cellular phone to boost his image. However, Xu Yang, annoyed by Xiao Chuang's arrogance, declined, vowing to handle the negotiations himself. Back at the university, Tan Yuan and Wang Manlin faced an angry group of students who accused them of fraud, as none of them had been selected for the internship after submitting their ID cards.
The students reported Tan Yuan to the principal, who confirmed with Huayan that no such internship existed and threatened police involvement. Just as the situation escalated, Pei Qinghua arrived. He apologized, claiming to the principal that Huayan did indeed have an internship program, but it had been delayed due to the company's busy schedule. The principal, recognizing Pei Qinghua as a former student, accepted his explanation but warned Tan Yuan to use official channels for such matters in the future.
Tan Yuan thanked Pei Qinghua profusely, who, still upset by her reckless actions, made her promise not to resort to "clever tricks" that would lead to severe consequences. Recognizing the need to rectify the situation, Pei Qinghua decided to postpone his trip home to organize a legitimate internship program, asking Tan Yuan to cancel his train ticket. He then convinced Tan Qizhang to approve the internship.
Tan Qizhang was pleased with Pei Qinghua's initiative to bring in fresh talent, noting that Xiao Chuang, despite his intelligence, lacked the suitable temperament for such a role. Xiao Chuang, hearing about the internship, apologized to Pei Qinghua and offered to take over, but Pei Qinghua reiterated that he had already made commitments to the principal and Tan Qizhang had specifically chosen him.
Xiao Chuang acknowledged he now owed Pei Qinghua yet another favor, and Pei Qinghua jokingly remarked that he felt Xiao Chuang would owe him for a lifetime. He also pointed out that Tan Yuan owed him, criticizing Xiao Chuang for putting undue pressure on her to collect so many ID cards. Finally, Xie Hang arrived in Beijing, and Xiao Chuang met her at the train station.
Xie Hang was troubled, revealing she had resigned from her job without informing her parents and had no place to stay. Xiao Chuang immediately took her to Yanjing University and secured temporary lodging for her in Xu Yiwan's dorm. Although Xu Yiwan's feelings were complicated upon learning Xie Hang was Xiao Chuang's girlfriend, she generously offered her room, showing Xie Hang where to find water, electricity, and even extra bedding, insisting she make herself at home.
