Our Times Episode 28 Recap
> Our Times Recap
Xiao Chuang was brainstorming names for his new VCD, which was due to launch the following week. He expressed to Xie Hang his desire for a name that was impactful, sophisticated, and distinctive, truly "exceptional and one of a kind." Xie Hang suggested "lead," but Xiao Chuang still felt it wasn't quite perfect. After Xie Hang stepped away to prepare, inspiration struck Xiao Chuang, and he wrote "Linghang" on her mirror.
He explained that in his eyes, she embodied the very qualities of being "exceptional and one of a kind," making it the perfect name for his brand. Despite her initial hesitation about using her name, Xiao Chuang firmly declared it was his brand and his choice. He announced that the next goal was to make Linghang a household name across the country. The first batch of Linghang VCDs was delivered to Zhao Si Hu, who readily accepted them.
The VCDs quickly became a sensation, with customers forming long queues outside Lu Hainiu's shop. Demand was so high that prospective buyers were told the current batch was already the next batch. Celebrating their remarkable success, Xiao Chuang, Lu Hainiu, and Zhang Ping Ping reminisced about their challenging days in Foshan, where they often worried about their next meal. Xiao Chuang confirmed that all 500 units of the first batch had sold out.
He raised a toast to Lu Hainiu and Zhang Ping Ping, acknowledging them as instrumental to his current achievements. He declared Lu Hainiu his benefactor and offered him 50% of Linghang’s shares, emphasizing Lu Hainiu's pivotal role in sourcing components and securing the manufacturing plant, as well as the substantial 102,000 yuan loan he provided. Despite Lu Hainiu's initial reluctance, viewing his contribution as merely making connections, he eventually accepted.
Xiao Chuang then turned to Zhang Ping Ping, recognizing their joint effort in recovering their funds, and offered her 25% of the shares. When she modestly tried to refuse, Xiao Chuang urged her to accept what was rightfully hers. With a profound sense of camaraderie, the three partners vowed to "grow and nurture Linghang." The grand opening of Linghang Electronics was a festive occasion.
At the front desk, Lu Hainiu coached a new receptionist from Chen Village, noting that her cousin in electronics manufacturing could be a future collaborator. He proudly showed Xiao Chuang a congratulatory banner from Pei Qinghua. Moved by the gesture, Xiao Chuang instructed Zhang Ping Ping to book two plane tickets for him and Xie Hang to Beijing for the upcoming Sunday.
He planned to attend Huayan’s independent computer brand launch and, more importantly, to formally ask Xie Hang’s parents for her hand in marriage. Zhang Ping Ping enthusiastically offered to help prepare the necessary gifts. Back in Beijing, Man Huansheng noticed Pei Qinghua consistently working late, particularly on Wednesdays, finding it unusual. Shortly after, Pei Qinghua received an international call from Tan Yuan, who surprised him by initiating the call.
Pei Qinghua explained that despite the demanding launch of Huayan’s microprocessor, he had intentionally saved all his leave days for six months to ensure he could spend ample time with her upon her return. Tan Yuan subtly inquired about his route home from the office, asking if he turned left or right after the main gate, then abruptly ended the call, urging him to get some rest.
As Pei Qinghua descended the stairs to leave, he was astonished to find Tan Yuan waiting for him. She revealed she had returned early to surprise him, reciprocating a surprise he had given her when she left. Pei Qinghua was momentarily speechless, remarking that the surprise felt "too surprising" and "unreal." Tan Yuan playfully asked if his feelings were more tangible now, confirmed she would be staying for about a month, and gently reminded him that they were "together now."
Pei Qinghua then embraced her with a tender kiss on her forehead. The next day, Tan Yuan and Pei Qinghua went for lamb skewers at their favorite spot outside Yanjing University. The owner recognized Tan Yuan, much to her embarrassment, and recounted a past incident where she drank too much and Pei Qinghua had to care for her. He then treated them to his special "roasted chicken foot tendons."
Tan Yuan was delighted by the food, and Pei Qinghua promised to bring her there every day during her stay. Later, Tan Yuan visited Pei Qinghua’s office. Her former Yanjing University classmate, Xiang Yi Fei, entered and was surprised to see her. He cautioned her not to touch Pei Qinghua’s desk, especially his clock, as Pei Qinghua disliked it. However, Tan Yuan had already lifted the clock, revealing her photo underneath.
Realizing the nature of their relationship, Xiang Yi Fei swiftly promised to keep their secret from Tan Qizhang and excused himself. Tan Yuan then confronted Pei Qinghua about the photo, which he awkwardly dismissed as an oversight from when she needed an internship certificate. To deflect, Pei Qinghua eagerly changed the subject, taking her on a tour to showcase Huayan’s new models, including the "Song series," alongside the "Ya and Feng" series.
Tan Yuan noted their professional appearance, on par with foreign brands, and Pei Qinghua proudly highlighted their superior performance in many aspects. He admitted to feeling a sense of his dream "coming true," but humbly added that it had "just started." Huayan hosted a dinner for its dealers, where Lin Yimin thanked them for exceeding Conpo's sales targets and introduced Huayan's "Song series," urging their continued support.
Pei Qinghua further incentivized the dealers by promising a 1% higher commission for Huayan computers compared to Conpo, along with "extra marketing subsidies" and full support to overcome sales challenges, reassuring them that Huayan would help them thrive. The dealers were visibly relieved and toasted Pei Qinghua.
The Director praised Lin Yimin’s crucial contributions to Huayan's success, calling Huayan the "image of our faculty," and presented him with a bespoke suit from a renowned tailor, emphasizing the importance of his public image. Meanwhile, Tan Qizhang attempted to discuss sales strategies with the Director, who politely deferred the conversation to "another day," preferring to keep the evening celebratory.
Later, Pei Qinghua gathered his team, stressing the need for close contact with dealers, sales monitoring, and adherence to company strategy, acknowledging some dealers' anxieties about market competition. At this moment, Xiao Chuang made a surprising entrance, playfully teasing them for not recognizing him. Everyone enthusiastically greeted him. Pei Qinghua proudly introduced Xiao Chuang to the new staff as the "founder of Linghang VCD" and a former "talented salesman" from Huayan.
Xiao Chuang humbly downplayed the praise, encouraging the new staff to learn from their seniors and Pei Qinghua. He distributed luxury watches, including Omegas, to Pei Qinghua, Qi Rongbin, and Man Huansheng, asking Pei Qinghua to pass one to Xu Yang, who was still busy with clients. Pei Qinghua noted that Xu Yang had moved into their old dorm after Xiao Chuang left and gently asked if Xiao Chuang had no intention of returning.
Xiao Chuang confirmed that his decision to leave Beijing was a "point of no return." He repaid the money Pei Qinghua had lent him and gifted him a cellular phone for easier communication, insisting it was appropriate for Pei Qinghua’s current status. Pei Qinghua accepted the phone but initially tried to return the money, urging Xiao Chuang to keep it for his startup, but Xiao Chuang was firm about repaying his debt.
Xiao Chuang and Pei Qinghua then arranged to have dinner with Xie Hang and Tan Yuan. During the meal, Xiao Chuang announced his plan to propose to Xie Hang the following day. He described the "formal talk" with her parents as more daunting than any business negotiation, though he felt confident with Xie Hang as his "stronger support."
He reflected on his journey over the past two years, from timidly selling Chinese language cards to now developing his own computers and VCDs. Pei Qinghua proposed a toast to the Chinese language card, acknowledging it as the pivotal moment that "brought their paths crossed." Xie Hang inquired why Huayan wasn't prioritizing the more "financially affordable" Feng series.
Pei Qinghua sighed, acknowledging her "impressive insight" but deferring to a "long story," while Xiao Chuang playfully hinted at an impending "battle with Jefferson." Xie Hang intervened, urging them to keep business competition separate from their friendship, a sentiment they all readily agreed to. Later, Xiao Chuang, feeling a sudden urge, returned with two bicycles he had "just bought from two ladies."
As they cycled, Xiao Chuang suggested Tan Yuan look for "business opportunities" while studying abroad, arguing that their combined "experience and knowledge" would be "a waste" if they didn't start a company. Tan Yuan agreed, and they decided to name their future venture "Hua Chuang Yuan Hang," a combination of characters from their names, with a mutual promise that all four of them would be involved.
As Pei Qinghua walked Tan Yuan home, he expressed nostalgia for the past, particularly the days of waking Xiao Chuang up, who was flying back to Guangzhou the next evening. Tan Yuan, eager to embark on her career, asked Pei Qinghua for advice. She playfully suggested joining the marketing department to work opposite him, so she could "secretly look at him" every day, but he cautioned her about her father's potential reaction.
At her doorstep, Pei Qinghua, feeling "uneasy," proposed they inform her father about their relationship, but Tan Yuan insisted it was "a normal relationship" and that revealing it would only "cause a fuss." She then kissed him goodbye and hurried into her house. The following day, Xiao Chuang arrived at Xie Hang’s home with an array of gifts, including the Linghang VCD, for his proposal. Xie Hang’s parents greeted him with a reserved demeanor.
Mrs. Xie then instructed Xie Hang to go to her room, stating that she and Mr. Xie needed to speak with Xiao Chuang privately. Xie Hang attempted to advocate for Xiao Chuang, emphasizing his sincerity, but her mother was firm. Mr. Xie acknowledged Xiao Chuang's evident success as a businessman, his wealth, and the likelihood of him being "surrounded by many women."
He expressed surprise at Xiao Chuang's enduring "loyalty" after two years, as they had assumed he would have "forgotten about Hang." When asked what he valued in Xie Hang, Xiao Chuang candidly admitted his initial attraction to her beauty. However, he explained that after spending time with her, he discovered her "many, many charms," praising her as "smart, kind, mature, and positive," and seeing her as "almost flawless."
He used a metaphor, comparing people to books: while he may have "opened Xie Hang’s book" because of its "attractive cover," reading it "taught me a lot of things," with every word "seared into my mind." He concluded that in his heart, Xie Hang was "the masterpiece that can inspire me forever," flawless because he loved her. Shortly after, Mrs. Xie left the room, making a remark about his elaborate theory.
Mr. Xie then inquired about Xiao Chuang's parents in Jiuquan, causing Xiao Chuang to hesitate, claiming they were "busy welcoming representatives from West Europe." Xie Hang re-entered the room and subtly covered for him. Mr. Xie, his demeanor softening, agreed to their marriage and invited Xiao Chuang to stay for lunch, revealing that Mrs. Xie had simply gone out to buy groceries. Overjoyed, Xiao Chuang clasped Xie Hang’s hand.
