Our Times Episode 19 Recap
> Our Times Recap
Xiao Chuang prepared to tell Xie Hang about his decision to resign, but she joyfully interrupted him to share her own good news. She had been officially transferred to the Financial Department that day and was excited about learning the company's two accounting standards. Xiao Chuang suppressed his sadness, congratulating her and insisting they celebrate. Xie Hang, however, suggested they didn't need to celebrate every piece of good news.
Xiao Chuang then spoke profoundly about how life is inherently difficult, and therefore, people should seize every opportunity to celebrate when they are happy, lest they have nothing to sustain them during times of sorrow. When Xie Hang asked what he had originally wanted to tell her, he dismissed it as nothing and insisted they go celebrate. They went to a photo studio, realizing they didn't have a single picture together despite dating for so long.
Xie Hang found it a more meaningful way to celebrate than typical outings. The photographer commented on them looking like a couple taking wedding photos, encouraging Xiao Chuang to smile and get closer, but his smile appeared forced. Days passed, and Xiao Chuang did not show up for work. Xu Yiwan asked Pei Qinghua to pass along the quarterly report, which needed statistical analysis for an upcoming meeting.
Pei Qinghua, unaware of the truth, believed Xiao Chuang was simply out on business and offered to relay the message. Later, Pei Qinghua called Xiao Chuang, who, still sounding groggy, vaguely said he was out on business and had nothing to report from the Northeast, quickly ending the call. Xiao Chuang had spent several days at a VHS hall. He told the owner he had quit his job and inquired about the capital needed to open a similar establishment.
Despite his interest in movies, he admitted he couldn't stand being confined to a shop all day and left. That night, when Xiao Chuang finally returned to the dorm, Pei Qinghua, thinking he had been out with Xie Hang, advised him to keep his romantic life separate from his work. Xiao Chuang denied it, saying he hadn't been with Xie Hang and was too tired to talk.
The next morning, Pei Qinghua found Xiao Chuang's bed empty and left a note for him. At a company meeting, Xiao Chuang's absence was noted. Pei Qinghua covered for him, claiming Xiao Chuang was feeling unwell and volunteered to present the Northeast sales report. Man Huansheng, who knew the real reason for Xiao Chuang's absence, remained silent.
Meanwhile, Xiao Chuang visited the photo studio, explaining he was in a hurry to get the photos developed because he was leaving for a long journey and wanted to keep a memento. The owner, recognizing him, provided the negative films. Xiao Chuang then went to see Xie Hang, braving heavy rain. She invited him inside, mentioning that her parents had spoken highly of him and wished to meet him. Xiao Chuang politely declined, insisting they talk outside.
He gave her a collection of gifts he had bought for her, including a durable hot water bag, a parasol for sun protection, a cushion for back support during work, and sesame paste for quick breakfasts. He meticulously explained the purpose of each item, expressing his deep concern for her well-being. Xie Hang sensed something was amiss.
Xiao Chuang finally confessed that he had decided to go to Guangzhou and would not be able to fulfill the promises he had made to her. Xie Hang was visibly hurt that he had kept this from her, but she assured him that she would support him no matter what he chose to do. Despite her unwavering support, Xiao Chuang, with a heavy heart, apologized and proposed they break up.
When Xie Hang, shocked, asked for a reason, Xiao Chuang merely stated that his parents were right about him being unreliable. Xie Hang pressed him for an explanation, promising to support his decision if it was well-thought-out, but Xiao Chuang simply repeated that breaking up was "the best decision I can make" and left without providing any further reason. Back at the office, Xu Yiwan once again approached Pei Qinghua about filling in Xiao Chuang's urgent sales forecast.
Pei Qinghua, frustrated by Xiao Chuang's continued absence, refused to help, insisting Xiao Chuang should return and do it himself. Unable to bear it any longer, Man Huansheng pulled Pei Qinghua aside and revealed that Xiao Chuang had been fired due to the Conpo incident. Shocked, Pei Qinghua immediately rushed back to their dorm.
Meanwhile, Xiao Chuang sat in a barber chair, getting his favorite center-parted long hair, a style reminiscent of the "Four Heavenly Kings" of Hong Kong, cut short. As the barber worked, tears silently streamed down his face, signifying his resolve for a fresh start. Upon arriving at the dorm, Pei Qinghua found a letter from Xiao Chuang on his desk.
In the letter, Xiao Chuang explained that by the time Pei Qinghua read it, he would already be on a train to Guangzhou. He confirmed his dismissal was due to the Baosong incident, acknowledging that while they had saved Huayan's reputation, Conpo's punishment was unavoidable, and he was the one who had to take responsibility. He emphasized that he didn't view it as a failure, having gained everyone's trust and, most importantly, found a true friend in Pei Qinghua.
He felt it was time to embark on a new journey, inspired by Pei Qinghua's earlier words at Baosong to rethink his life's direction. He declared his intention to "charge ahead into the world" in Guangzhou, unafraid of any obstacles, and vowed to fulfill his unkept promises. He mentioned leaving his stereo and television for Pei Qinghua and even included new cassette tapes, knowing Pei Qinghua often complained about his loud music.
He urged Pei Qinghua not to blame anyone for his departure and to continue striving at Huayan, expressing his belief that they would someday "fight side by side again." He apologized for the abrupt farewell, calling it a "more decent" way to leave. Pei Qinghua immediately called Xiao Chuang, who was already on the train. Xiao Chuang tried to prevent Pei Qinghua from speaking, explaining that this was precisely why he had written the letter.
Pei Qinghua, with a cracking voice, offered to resign from Huayan at once and join him in Guangzhou if he needed him. Xiao Chuang was deeply touched, saying Pei Qinghua's words affirmed his actions. As the train entered a tunnel, the signal was lost. Pei Qinghua, speaking to the dead line, wished Xiao Chuang a smooth journey, while Xiao Chuang, also tearfully, urged Pei Qinghua to "do your best," though neither heard the other.
Pei Qinghua then went to Tan Qizhang, attempting to explain that he was the one responsible for the Baosong issue, not Xiao Chuang. However, Tan Qizhang stated that Xiao Chuang had given a different account, taking full responsibility himself. He added that Xiao Chuang had been processed as a resignation, Conpo had dropped the matter, and the situation was now final.
Tan Qizhang advised Pei Qinghua to remain at Huayan and work diligently, suggesting there might be a chance for Xiao Chuang to return someday. He acknowledged Pei Qinghua's sentiment that "half of his position belonged to Xiao Chuang" and encouraged him to work hard as if Xiao Chuang were still there. The team was despondent over Xiao Chuang's dismissal, with many expressing that they shouldn't forget his significant contributions to Huayan's success.
Later, Pei Qinghua sat alone at the Western restaurant Xiao Chuang had taken him to, listening to the old tapes Xiao Chuang had left for him, and eating pizza with difficulty. Meanwhile, Xiao Chuang arrived in Guangzhou and sought out Lu Hainiu, who offered him a temporary space in his warehouse and encouraged him to join the profitable second-hand computer business. Xiao Chuang declined, citing his promise to Huayan never to deal in computers again.
Lu Hainiu admired his resolve and offered to introduce him to other business contacts in a few days. Using Lu Hainiu's phone, Xiao Chuang called Pei Qinghua to inform him of his safe arrival. Pei Qinghua, still determined, told Xiao Chuang he had spoken with Tan Qizhang about his return, though without success yet, he still held onto hope.
Xiao Chuang reiterated his stance, telling Pei Qinghua not to meddle further, and the call ended with an agreement that Pei Qinghua would help Xie Hang if needed. Separately, Xie Hang found a sticky note from Xiao Chuang, causing her to break down in tears in a stairwell. Lydia, her colleague, found her and urged her to talk, explaining that unspoken pain festers like a thorn.
Xie Hang confided that Xiao Chuang had gone to Guangzhou and broken up with her. Lydia, recalling her own past heartbreak and how Xie Hang had helped her through it, empathized deeply. She advised Xie Hang that she needed time to understand her own feelings and bravely face the situation, emphasizing that ultimately, she alone could help herself move forward. Back at Huayan, Lin Yimin and Tan Qizhang discussed appointing a new head for the marketing department.
Lin Yimin proposed Xu Yang, highlighting his dependable character and strong capabilities as a veteran. Tan Qizhang, however, advocated for Pei Qinghua, pointing out his significantly superior sales performance. The two debated, with Lin Yimin stressing the importance of someone trustworthy and familiar, while Tan Qizhang worried about appearing biased and discouraging younger talent. They decided to postpone the decision to avoid further destabilizing team morale after Xiao Chuang's departure.
Later, while Pei Qinghua was diligently correcting a sales report, his mother called from a public phone booth at Beijing Station, announcing her unexpected arrival and her intention to head to his dorm. Panicked, Pei Qinghua rushed to meet her, asking a colleague to inform Director Tan. At the station, his mother embraced him warmly, noting his improved appearance.
Man Huansheng, sent by Tan Qizhang with a company car to arrange a hotel for Pei Qinghua's mother, almost revealed that Pei Qinghua worked for a "company," which Pei Qinghua quickly corrected to "work unit." Pei Qinghua's mother insisted on going to the dorm, preferring it over a hotel. Once there, she noticed Xiao Chuang's empty bed, and Pei Qinghua quickly explained he was on an official business trip to Guangzhou.
He tried to distract her by suggesting they go out to eat, but while she used the washroom, she discovered his "Huayan Technology Co., Ltd. Advanced Salesman" medal and sales contracts. Furious, as her late husband had also been involved in business, she accused Pei Qinghua of lying about his job. She demanded he immediately resign and return to the research institute, especially upset by the money he had been sending her, believing it came from this "business."
Pei Qinghua pleaded with her, explaining that their institute had started a company with national support, and many, including Director Tan and Lab 3 members, were involved. He firmly stated that he could not resign at this critical time, especially since Xiao Chuang had been fired because of him, and he needed to stay to fight for Xiao Chuang's return. Overwhelmed with anger, his mother suddenly fainted, sending Pei Qinghua into a frantic panic, shouting for help.
