Our Times Episode 26 Recap
> Our Times Recap
Pei Qinghua cooked flat noodles with thick gravy for Xiao Chuang, as there were no regular noodles available. Xiao Chuang ate with great enthusiasm, finishing every last bit. Xiao Chuang inquired about Pei Qinghua's sudden venture into business in Foshan, noting that the LaserDisc player market was reportedly challenging. Xiao Chuang claimed that the competition in Guangzhou was too intense, and that he was developing other businesses in Foshan, quickly making profits and seeking new opportunities.
He reminisced about his time in Guangzhou, where he was called "Mr. Xiao" by everyone during business dealings, mobile phone in hand and trench coat on. Pei Qinghua gently reminded Xiao Chuang of his past preference for working with his team rather than in a large office alone. Xiao Chuang dismissed it as plans changing, suggesting he was destined to work independently.
Pei Qinghua also pointed out that Xiao Chuang, who used to be a picky eater, now devoured everything, even the broth, which Xiao Chuang attributed to not having such good food in a long time. Pei Qinghua went downstairs to buy liquor to share with Xiao Chuang. While there, he asked the store owner, Wang, for coriander and heard her say that her refrigerator was "not at home." This remark sparked Pei Qinghua's suspicion.
Upon returning, Pei Qinghua toasted his own recent successes and wished Xiao Chuang safety and smooth sailing. He encouraged Xiao Chuang to return to Huayan, believing it would make things perfect. Xiao Chuang deflected, praising his current life in Foshan and his past glories in Guangzhou. Pei Qinghua shared that Huayan was developing its own brand, and Tan Qizhang had sent him to Hong Kong for business.
Xiao Chuang found this news intriguing, predicting an intense rivalry between Lin Yimin and Tan Qizhang, which Pei Qinghua confirmed was their usual dynamic. Xiao Chuang seemed surprisingly well-informed about Huayan's internal affairs, claiming to be "well-informed even without being present." He offered business advice, comparing the commercial world to a battlefield and urging caution. Pei Qinghua expressed that if Xiao Chuang were there, he wouldn't have to face such challenges.
He pressed Xiao Chuang to reconsider returning, but Xiao Chuang merely urged him to drink. Xiao Chuang then asked about Tan Yuan, wondering if she had gone abroad. Pei Qinghua revealed that Tan Yuan was pursuing her master's degree at the University of Illinois and was now his girlfriend. Xiao Chuang expressed happiness for him, though he also admitted to feeling envious, despite claiming to be doing well himself.
Sensing Xiao Chuang's concealed struggles, Pei Qinghua told him that if he faced any difficulties, he must confide in him, emphasizing their bond as "brothers forever." Xiao Chuang, however, brushed off the suggestion of any problems and called for another toast. The next morning, Xiao Chuang woke to find Pei Qinghua gone, but a letter and cash were left on the table.
In his letter, Pei Qinghua confessed he knew Xiao Chuang was in trouble, despite his efforts to hide it. He listed the inconsistencies: coriander in the fridge (which Xiao Chuang detested), a woman's overcoat in the wardrobe, a broken television that wouldn't turn on, and Xiao Chuang's uncharacteristic lack of liquor during their meal.
Pei Qinghua acknowledged Xiao Chuang's past desire to be a hero, but suggested that true heroes faced their own destinies, and that Xiao Chuang might have already become the person he aspired to be. He reaffirmed their unbreakable brotherhood, promising to shield Xiao Chuang from any adversity and to support him unconditionally if "the sky falls." He also assured Xiao Chuang that he would arrange for more financial assistance from Beijing.
Xiao Chuang was deeply moved and wept as he read the letter. Meanwhile, Zhang Ping Ping went to Wang's store to collect his payment for painting a wall. Wang deducted five yuan from his fifteen-yuan pay, falsely claiming he had eaten her beef from the fridge.
Zhang Ping Ping denied the accusation and argued with her, but Wang not only refused to pay the full amount but also accused him of an unpaid phone bill and hurled insults, calling him a "shameless brat" and expressing regret for his birth. Bystanders offered Zhang Ping Ping a bun, which Wang had used to insult him, and continued to disparage him, mocking his claim of having been a gangster by pointing out his worn shoes.
Humiliated, Zhang Ping Ping spotted others boarding a bus to Jiangmen, where a construction site was hiring 50 laborers with good pay and accommodation. He was told it was a better prospect than his current situation. He got on the bus, but soon had a change of heart, feeling it was wrong to leave without informing Xiao Chuang. He quickly got off the bus and returned to Foshan.
Back at their residence, Zhang Ping Ping was surprised to find Xiao Chuang had prepared a generous meal using the money Pei Qinghua had left. Xiao Chuang acknowledged their recent hardships, often unsure of their next meal. Zhang Ping Ping attempted to confess his fleeting thought of leaving, but found himself unable to articulate it.
Xiao Chuang then presented Zhang Ping Ping with a new pair of "Laorentou" brand leather shoes, declaring that as his brother, he deserved to wear such quality items. Overwhelmed, Zhang Ping Ping vowed to follow Xiao Chuang indefinitely, whether they had good food or not, recognizing Xiao Chuang as his "big brother for life."
Xiao Chuang responded that their journey was far from over, promising that once they achieved success, they would feast on chicken legs and tenderloins and wear only "Laorentou" shoes. They toasted and enjoyed their meal together. Concurrently, Xie Hang overheard a conversation between two colleagues, Michael and Edward, about an embezzlement scandal and staff shortages at the Guangzhou office. She immediately approached Lydia to request a transfer to Guangzhou to be with Xiao Chuang.
Lydia was infuriated, criticizing Xie Hang's decision as foolish and self-sacrificing for putting a man before her career in Beijing, especially given the disarray in the Guangzhou office. Xie Hang defended her choice, explaining it was a vital opportunity for her to gain hands-on sales experience and that she would regret it forever if she didn't follow her heart. She assured Lydia she would accept all consequences, even if she faced complete failure.
Lydia, resigned, warned her that she might never return to Beijing and would have to endure any difficulties alone. Xie Hang called Xiao Chuang to inform him of her decision to transfer to Guangzhou, which would bring her closer. Xiao Chuang expressed concern about her impulsive choice, but Xie Hang's mind was set. He promised to prove his worth to her, realizing he couldn't let her suffer while he passively waited for Huang You Wei.
He decided that as soon as Xie Hang arrived, he would pursue a different path. In Beijing, Tan Qizhang presented his vision for Huayan computers to the director, proposing "Feng, Ya, Song" as three product series, inspired by Chinese poetry, to emphasize both national and global appeal. He also suggested establishing a trading company in Hong Kong to streamline the import of computer parts.
Lin Yimin, also present, promptly intervened, stating that his cousin, Lin Yifu, already owned a trading company in Hong Kong, and the director agreed they could collaborate. Tan Qizhang argued for a wholly-owned company for long-term flexibility, highlighting that his arrangements were already in place. Lin Yimin countered by accusing Tan Qizhang of seeking personal gain by not utilizing an existing, family-affiliated company. The director sided with Lin Yimin, stating that "benefits should not flow to outsiders."
Disheartened, Tan Qizhang conceded, later telling Pei Qinghua, who had returned from his Hong Kong business trip, that Lin Yimin had indeed preempted his plans, making Pei Qinghua's Hong Kong arrangements unnecessary. Tan Qizhang advised Pei Qinghua to prepare for a difficult struggle ahead. Xu Yang, having divorced and moved out of his home, moved into Pei Qinghua's dormitory, as it was the only available bed.
Pei Qinghua welcomed him, noting it would make the room more lively as the New Year approached. Xu Yang observed Pei Qinghua working on an old stereo system Xiao Chuang had left. Pei Qinghua explained he was trying to fix the distorted bass, and Xu Yang offered his expertise, having previously studied characteristic sensitivity. They began working on the speaker together. For New Year's Eve, Xiao Chuang and Zhang Ping Ping ate instant dumplings.
Zhang Ping Ping explained that traditional Cantonese reunion dinners included special dishes like "getting rich while at it" and "springing up." Xiao Chuang promised they would have a proper meal the next day, hoping for future prosperity. Zhang Ping Ping also mentioned buying Spring Couplets but needing a horizontal scroll, suggesting they write one. Xiao Chuang, in a somber mood, declined, stating that after the New Year, they would leave Foshan and abandon their search for Huang You Wei.
Just then, Zhang Ping Ping noticed a light on in Huang You Wei's house across the street and excitedly urged Xiao Chuang to confirm. They verified it was Huang You Wei's residence and decided to wait for the opportune moment. Huang You Wei, discussing ancestral rites with his uncle, admitted that his business had been struggling, and he had offended many people, making it difficult for him to appear publicly.
Later, Xiao Chuang and Zhang Ping Ping broke into Huang You Wei's house, restrained him, and demanded their money. Huang You Wei initially tried to stall but eventually provided the safe's password. Inside, they found only about 160,000 yuan. Huang You Wei confessed this was all he had left after gambling away their 300,000 yuan.
He then offered them a VCD, describing it as a "miniature LaserDisc player" with advanced compression technology, lower production cost, and superior performance to traditional LaserDiscs. He claimed it had been displayed at exhibitions and was easy to manufacture, proposing a partnership to quickly recover their losses. Xiao Chuang rejected the offer, refusing to collaborate with a swindler. Xiao Chuang instructed Zhang Ping Ping to call the police, ignoring Huang You Wei's pleas for mercy and promises to stop gambling.
Xiao Chuang thanked Huang You Wei for the "experience," telling him to reflect on his actions in prison. As the police approached, Xiao Chuang refused to take Huang You Wei's mobile phone, deeming it a "dirty" tool of his crimes. They departed with the recovered money and the VCD player. Recognizing the local influence of Huang You Wei's family, Xiao Chuang decided they needed to leave Foshan immediately to avoid further complications.
Before leaving, he hastily wrote a horizontal scroll that read "Brave the World with Confidence" on a piece of paper, despite Zhang Ping Ping's criticism of his calligraphy, which Xiao Chuang proudly called "exquisite." As they left, Xiao Chuang admitted a touch of sadness, despite his initial reluctance to come to Foshan, and bid farewell, knowing they would not return. They hitched a ride on a chicken truck bound for Guangzhou.
The driver, noticing it was New Year's, refused payment but warned them of the strong smell. Inside the chicken-filled compartment, Zhang Ping Ping expressed concern about the outstanding 130,000 yuan deficit. Xiao Chuang decided to "gamble" on the VCD, confident that its smaller size, better performance, and lower production costs would enable it to quickly replace LaserDiscs in the market. He reassured Zhang Ping Ping that his engineering background made manufacturing such devices easy.
Zhang Ping Ping affirmed his trust in Xiao Chuang's judgment. They celebrated their journey with liquor and dumplings, singing "Walk with Confidence for Once," looking forward to a brighter future. Pei Qinghua returned to his hometown to celebrate the New Year with his mother. He shared the joyful news that he and Tan Yuan were now in a relationship, which delighted his mother, who had been fond of Tan Yuan since their first meeting.
Tan Yuan received a letter from Pei Qinghua, who had carefully timed its delivery since international calls were not possible from his hometown. In the letter, he expressed his New Year's wish: "My new year wish is every year after this, there will be me to accompany you." Back in Beijing, Pei Qinghua and Xu Yang continued to work on Xiao Chuang's stereo, and Pei Qinghua taught Xu Yang how to play "Auld Lang Syne" on a harmonica. On the radio, a host led a countdown to the Chinese New Year, officially marking the start of the new year with a joyful "Happy New Year!" broadcast.
