Our Times Episode 20 Recap
> Our Times Recap
Pei Qinghua rushed his mother to the hospital after she fainted. The doctor informed him that his mother had mild coronary heart disease and had collapsed due to insufficient blood supply when she became agitated. He administered medication to dilate her blood vessels and advised her to rest and stabilize, suggesting a few days of hospitalization for observation. The doctor stressed that emotional provocation was the last thing she needed and that family members should be extra careful.
Pei Qinghua, feeling responsible, promised to be more attentive and proceeded to handle the hospitalization procedures. He spent the night at her bedside, unable to sleep, only managing to lie down briefly when exhaustion hit. The next day, Pei Qinghua was distracted during a meeting concerning the development plan for the northeast region.
When asked for his input, he admitted he hadn't thought of anything, only mentioning that Xiao Chuang had left contact information for purchases and his next step would be to establish contact. Tan Qizhang reminded him that in business, time was critical and competitors wouldn't wait. Xu Yang then stepped in, offering a detailed plan to expand into new markets, specifically targeting small to medium-scaled clients like schools, institutions, and banks, while also updating accessories for existing models.
His well-prepared presentation impressed everyone and outshone Pei Qinghua's. Later, Pei Qinghua tried to comfort his mother, adding an extra blanket and offering her chicken soup, but she remained cold. Questioning if he was spending money from his business, she expressed her confusion about why he was doing business when his research institute salary should be enough.
Pei Qinghua tried to explain, emphasizing her need for rest and calm and promising to explain everything when she recovered, but she wouldn't listen. Pei Qinghua then approached Tan Qizhang, requesting an additional two days of leave. Tan Qizhang understood his difficult situation, especially as the company was looking to appoint a marketing manager. While Lin Yimin had recommended Xu Yang, Tan Qizhang believed only Pei Qinghua was truly capable of the role.
He granted Pei Qinghua the leave, urging him to spend time with his mother and communicate with her, hoping she would support his career path. Tan Qizhang reassured Pei Qinghua that he would keep an eye on the manager position, but Pei Qinghua needed to remain firm in his convictions.
Xu Yiwan, having thoughtfully purchased slippers, toiletries, socks with loosened openings for better circulation, and pears for Pei's mother, told Pei Qinghua not to hesitate to ask for help, as she and Qi Rongbin would handle things at the company. However, when Pei Qinghua returned to the hospital, he discovered his mother had already been discharged, having insisted on leaving despite medical advice, and had gone back to her hometown.
He frantically called his fourth uncle, who informed him that his mother had arrived at midnight and was furious because Pei Qinghua had pursued a path she strongly disapproved of and had hidden it from her. His fourth uncle urged Pei Qinghua to resign and return to research, warning that his mother would still drive him away if he came back without quitting.
Meanwhile, Xiao Chuang was busy selling Japanese imported hairdryers from a fair, featuring four-gear temperature control, which he believed could sell for at least 50 yuan each. He asked his associate if anyone had called for him, hoping to hear from Xie Hang, but was disappointed. He then called the Huayan office late at night, surprised to find Pei Qinghua still there.
Pei Qinghua admitted he had been busy, and Xiao Chuang confidently shared his new venture in Guangzhou, foreseeing "a lot of money" from his hairdryer business. He also expressed concern about Pei Qinghua working so late. Before hanging up, Xiao Chuang asked if Beijing was experiencing pollen season, then quickly dismissed it as a casual question. Pei Qinghua staying at the office until midnight was also a cause for worry for Xu Yiwan and Qi Rongbin.
They observed that his demeanor had been off since Xiao Chuang left, and his mother's situation had only made it worse. While promoting his hairdryers, Xiao Chuang overheard a debate in a nearby shop about whether Chow Yun-fat or Danny Lee was the better actor. He confidently chimed in, impressing the shop owner with his knowledge of Hong Kong cinema.
The owner, Qian Dong Lai, a businessman from Hong Kong, introduced himself and showed Xiao Chuang the source of the clear image on his screen: the latest laserdisc player, or LD, which maintained picture quality regardless of how many times it was played. Qian Dong Lai, a general agent for the brand in mainland China, was impressed when Xiao Chuang, after hearing the 4,800 yuan price, remained unfazed and discussed the profit margin, indicating his business acumen.
Feeling a connection, Qian Dong Lai offered him a player to take home, requesting feedback for the head office in Hong Kong. Xiao Chuang accepted, convinced the laserdisc player would replace videotapes and now was the opportune moment to enter the market. He planned to use his computer sales strategy of recruiting retailers to expand the market for a large-scale operation.
At a café, Lydia informed Xie Hang she was leaving Interflow for an offer she couldn't refuse and asked Xie Hang to join her. Xie Hang quickly agreed, hoping a change of environment would help her move on and that she could gain valuable experience by following Lydia. Lydia revealed she planned for Xie Hang to work in the marketing department as a salesperson to unleash her potential.
Xie Hang agreed, surprised to learn the new company was Jefferson, a rival of Xiao Chuang's former company. Pei Qinghua, overwhelmed by his troubles, proposed returning to the research institute to Tan Qizhang. Tan Qizhang, however, felt this was not the best solution and suggested Pei Qinghua take a few days off to rest and think carefully, cautioning him against making a decision he would regret. Tan Yuan, observing her father's distress, learned about Pei Qinghua's situation and became concerned.
She found Pei Qinghua looking defeated at his dorm. Not wanting to leave any regrets before going abroad, Tan Yuan woke him early the next morning to fulfill a wish list he had promised her. She had several activities planned, starting with trying to "eat a free lunch" at a hotpot restaurant. Pei Qinghua initially refused, but then discovered Tan Yuan had already settled the bill, revealing her playful prank. Next, Tan Yuan took Pei Qinghua roller skating.
It was his first time, and he clung to the railing. Tan Yuan enlisted some children to pull him onto the rink, then swiftly skated around with him. Following this, they went dancing to make up for a previous time Pei Qinghua stood her up. Neither was a skilled dancer, but they persevered. In the evening, they roasted sweet potatoes and watched the stars.
Pei Qinghua pointed out the Big Dipper and the Polaris, explaining its significance for fishermen in his hometown as a constant guide. The last item on her wish list was to find a quiet place to listen to one's inner voice. She urged Pei Qinghua to close his eyes and truly listen, believing it would guide him. The next afternoon, Pei Qinghua was scheduled to return to his hometown.
Tan Yuan, as she headed off to take her graduation photos, gave him her wish list, asking him to cross off the last item once he found his answer. Surrounded by friends in their academic dress, there was a bittersweet farewell atmosphere. Tan Yuan reflected that while she regretted not experiencing a college romance, she felt no regret because she had done all the things she wanted to do with the person she liked.
Back in Guangzhou, Xiao Chuang ordered fifteen laserdisc players from Qian Dong Lai as his initial order to test the market. Meanwhile, Pei Qinghua was on the train home, still contemplating the questions in his heart.
