Our Times Episode 4 Recap
> Our Times Recap
Conpo Computer's East China Regional Manager, Xiao Chuang, launched his highly anticipated ordering conference. He confidently addressed the assembled bosses, introducing himself and the Conpo Microcomputer. Using a Tang drink mix as a clever analogy, he highlighted that just as NASA chose Tang, the prestigious Yanjing University IT Faculty chose Conpo.
Xiao Chuang then outlined three key advantages: top-notch quality, an affordable price that was 25% lower than competitors like Jefferson or IEM, and unparalleled after-sales service from the faculty's expert technicians. He announced a limited stock, sparking immediate and enthusiastic orders from several bosses, with purchases ranging from 10 to 60 units. The conference proved to be a resounding success, ultimately securing orders for 253 computers. Meanwhile, in Guangzhou, Pei Qinghua faced a difficult situation.
Lu Hainiu, a local contact, approached him, stating that Mr. Zhang from Saisheng Store was interested in his computer. After a brief phone conversation with Mr. Zhang, Pei headed to his office with the machine. However, during the demonstration, the computer inexplicably failed to power on. Despite Pei's earnest attempts to fix it and his apologies, Mr. Zhang, angered by the malfunction, left abruptly, refusing to waste any more time.
Lu Hainiu, having been embarrassed by the incident, expressed his apologies to Pei, lamenting that his influence could only go so far. Following his successful conference, Xiao Chuang was approached by Xie Hang, who belatedly arrived at the event. He expressed surprise at her appearance.
Xie Hang presented him with ten Stock Subscription Certificates, explaining that her boyfriend, Lei Min, had informed her about the earlier Chinese language card incident, and she felt a deep sense of guilt for not being more helpful. She hoped these certificates, which offered a chance to subscribe to stocks and potentially recoup their losses, would serve as compensation. Xiao Chuang attempted to reassure her, stating she had no reason to feel guilty.
However, Xie Hang insisted, saying "we" (implying herself and Lei Min) didn't want to owe him any favors. Realizing this gesture signified a final farewell and that they would likely not meet again, Xiao Chuang sadly accepted the certificates as "memorabilia," and they parted ways. Pei Qinghua eventually uncovered the reason for his computer's malfunction: someone had stolen his RAM card.
He recalled the only time he had left his computer unattended was for ten minutes at a noodle shop while he used the restroom, having asked the owner to watch it. Desperate, he returned to the noodle shop, pleading with the owner for information about the missing RAM card, explaining it was crucial for his mission and that failure meant returning to the cement plant. However, the owner, growing agitated, denied any knowledge and angrily expelled him from the premises.
Back in Beijing, Tan Qizhang hosted a celebration for Xiao Chuang, commending him for his "brave and resourceful" efforts and for exceeding his sales target. Xiao Chuang, however, was more concerned about Pei Qinghua and asked Tan Qizhang for an update. Tan Qizhang sighed, revealing that Pei had been "feeling down" since Batong snatched his previous deal, and he worried Pei was becoming too "stubborn" to recover.
He also explained that the director was hesitant to reinstate Pei if he failed his mission, fearing ridicule from other research facilities. Despite this bleak outlook, after a moment of contemplation, Xiao Chuang requested permission to travel to Guangzhou to help Pei, promising to leave the next morning. Tan Qizhang, understanding the urgency, granted his request.
Upon arriving in Guangzhou, Xiao Chuang found Pei Qinghua in a heated confrontation with his roommate, whom Pei had discovered was the thief of his RAM card. Xiao Chuang intervened, adopting a menacing stance and issuing a stark threat, stating that two lives would be lost that day, one being his, and asking who would be next. Frightened by Xiao Chuang's aggressive demeanor, the thief quickly returned the RAM card, apologizing profusely and claiming it was a misunderstanding.
Pei verified that the card was still functional and thanked Xiao Chuang, who then summarily dismissed the thief. Later, while eating by the river, Pei Qinghua despaired over his inability to sell a single computer in the vast city of Guangzhou. Xiao Chuang suggested he adopt his Shanghai-style trade show strategy, but Pei felt he lacked the time and confidence for such an approach.
Xiao Chuang passionately argued for being a "big ship" in the "tidal wave" of the era, a "trendsetter" like film heroes Mark or Hui Man-keung, capable of navigating any challenge. Pei, however, countered with a different philosophy, asserting that the true strength lay in being a "skerry," deeply rooted and unmoving, enduring the waves while a ship might capsize or run aground. He even joked that "a ship hitting a skerry will sink."
Xiao Chuang then revealed his true intention: he had come to bring Pei back to Beijing, having already sold both their allocated quotas with a surplus. But Pei, determined to prove himself, insisted on trying one last time on his own, asking Xiao Chuang to "have faith in us." Committed to helping, Xiao Chuang arranged a meeting with Lu Hainiu at a popular Guangzhou "spa treatment," where he introduced himself as Pei's senior.
During the spa, Xiao Chuang asked Lu Hainiu if there was any chance to salvage the deal with Mr. Zhang. Lu Hainiu indicated that Mr. Zhang was still a possibility but reiterated their "rules" regarding rebates. Pei Qinghua firmly refused to offer any rebates, declaring it a "bottom line" they could not cross, even when Xiao Chuang suggested making an exception.
Pei then proposed an alternative strategy: offering a free Chinese language card with every Conpo computer purchase, emphasizing the previous popularity and utility of their handmade cards. Lu Hainiu, acknowledging the strong demand for the Chinese language cards, agreed to arrange another meeting with Mr. Zhang, advising them to bring a sample computer. The next meeting took place at a lively KTV. Pei Qinghua diligently presented the main Conpo 386 computer model to Mr. Zhang, detailing its advanced specifications.
However, Mr. Zhang demanded that Pei drink alcohol as a show of sincerity, stating he would order one computer for every cup Pei consumed. Xiao Chuang offered to drink on Pei's behalf, explaining that Pei was a non-drinker, but Pei insisted on fulfilling his "mission" personally. Pei then used a landline phone to call Tan Qizhang, asking for permission to offer the Chinese language cards as gifts and to confirm their remaining sales target.
Learning they were still 50 units short, Pei confidently vowed to "guarantee to complete the mission." He then stoically endured drinking 55 cups of alcohol, visibly struggling and vomiting multiple times, but ultimately secured an order for 55 computers. Exhausted and disoriented in the taxi afterward, Pei was a mix of tears and laughter, ecstatic that he had met his target.
He tearfully confided in Xiao Chuang, expressing his profound desire to return to the research institute and avoid working in the cement plant. He thanked Xiao Chuang for his unwavering support. During the taxi ride, Pei Qinghua's consciousness flickered, and he suddenly requested a stop at a roadside cassette stall. He eagerly asked the vendor for the "Rivers of Babylon" tape that Tan Yuan had mentioned.
After confirming the correct song, he purchased three tapes, including new releases from popular artists like Alan Tam, Leslie Cheung, and Sally Yeh's "Walk Gracefully Once." On the train back to Beijing, Pei continued to be unwell, frequently using the restroom, much to the annoyance of other passengers. Xiao Chuang took care of him, and despite his groggy state, Pei clutched his signed contract, repeatedly asking Xiao Chuang for reassurance that it had indeed been signed.
Upon their return to the institute, Xiao Chuang and Pei Qinghua were warmly welcomed. Xu Yang acknowledged that Pei's over 50 orders in Guangzhou had been instrumental in defeating Batong and securing the Conpo distribution rights. Xiao Chuang distributed various Guangzhou local specialties.
When Xu Yang offered him dried persimmons from his hometown, Xiao Chuang politely declined, stating he "can't face them right now," and gave his portion to Xu Yang, a subtle sign of his lingering heartbreak over Xie Hang. Pei Qinghua immediately approached Tan Qizhang, requesting to be reinstated as a researcher now that the mission against Batong was complete, stating he felt sales was not his calling.
Tan Qizhang, though praising Pei's "huge contribution" and the "increased value" he brought through sales, and suggesting he "think twice," ultimately respected Pei's wishes. He agreed to apply for Pei's reinstatement to the faculty and advised him to await news. Later, Xiao Chuang, reflecting on a romantic film, remarked that while Chow Yun-fat was still Chow Yun-fat, "romantic movies are not for me," further underlining his recent personal disappointment.
