Our Times Episode 5 Recap
> Our Times Recap
Pei Qinghua gave Xiao Chuang a new towel, noting that Xiao Chuang's old one was worn out. Xiao Chuang thanked him, then advised Pei Qinghua to reconsider his career path, pointing out his talent in sales and suggesting he could become a top salesman. Pei Qinghua, however, firmly stated his passion lay in research, reminiscing about the scent of solder oil, a smell he loved, contrasting it with the beer he now burped, which he detested.
Xiao Chuang then reminded Pei Qinghua about the "Rivers of Babylon" cassette for Tan Yuan. Pei Qinghua, realizing he had nearly forgotten, rushed to deliver it to her at her dance practice. There, Tan Yuan and her group, including Lin Xiao Yu, Liu Qian, and Man Lin, were struggling with their current routine and eager to perform "Rivers of Babylon."
Upon receiving the cassette, they were excited and decided to change their scheduled performance, inviting Pei Qinghua to stay and watch. However, during their performance, a recording for "Ten yuan for three plates" played instead of "Rivers of Babylon," humiliating Tan Yuan and her group on stage. Tan Yuan was furious, told Pei Qinghua to leave, and vowed their dispute was not over.
Later, Pei Qinghua discussed the incident with Xiao Chuang, who confirmed Pei Qinghua had been very drunk when he acquired the tape, making the mix-up entirely plausible. Pei Qinghua expressed deep regret for the trouble he had caused despite his good intentions. The faculty then received a draft of a contract from Conpo, which they celebrated. Their joy was cut short when police officers arrived, announcing an investigation into allegations of illegal commercial activities, based on a public report.
Tan Qizhang took full responsibility and was taken away for questioning. Pei Qinghua recognized the informant as Wang Chong, a sales manager from Batong, who then brazenly approached Xiao Chuang and Pei Qinghua, introducing himself and inviting them to join Batong. Xiao Chuang was enraged and nearly attacked Wang Chong, but Pei Qinghua intervened and restrained him.
Later that night, Pei Qinghua received a phone call from the police, instructing him to inform Tan Qizhang's family to prepare clothes and daily necessities. Pei Qinghua went to Tan Yuan's house, where he once again apologized for the cassette mix-up. Tan Qizhang arrived in a police car to collect his belongings, reassuring Tan Yuan that he was merely attending a few meetings for a few days.
He instructed Pei Qinghua to tell everyone at the institute not to panic, as they had done nothing wrong and the situation would be resolved fairly. Tan Qizhang also advised Pei Qinghua to reconsider his personal career matters and entrusted Tan Yuan to his care, though Tan Yuan stubbornly declared she didn't need Pei Qinghua's help. With Tan Qizhang under investigation, the Third Research Department was left without a leader.
The institute's Director approached Lin Yimin, the Director of the Political and Educational Affairs Office, to temporarily lead the department. Lin Yimin was initially hesitant, stating he was unwilling to "clean up Tan Qizhang's mess" again, referencing a past incident. The Director reassured Lin Yimin that he would be the permanent director, even if Tan Qizhang returned, and appealed to his ambition, convincing him to accept.
Upon taking charge, Lin Yimin immediately initiated a "self-reflection" campaign, mandating detailed reports on the computer sales. He specifically targeted Xiao Chuang for questioning his authority and warned both Xiao Chuang and Pei Qinghua about their unresolved employment status. Noticing a lack of discipline, Lin Yimin appointed Xu Yang to supervise the team and scheduled private meetings with him.
Later, Tan Yuan visited the institute looking for her father and overheard Qi Rong Bin discussing a neighboring company's manager receiving a life sentence for smuggling. This led Tan Yuan to fear a similar fate for her father, causing her to run out in distress. Pei Qinghua pursued her, urging her to be strong and avoid causing further worry for her father. Pei Qinghua followed Tan Yuan home.
Just as he was leaving after seeing her go inside, Tan Yuan called him back, explaining her gas cylinder was empty and the gas station was closed. Pei Qinghua ingeniously used hot water to temporarily restore gas flow. He then made her a bowl of "paomo".
Tan Yuan, still holding a grudge about the cassette incident, initially dismissed his gesture, but Pei Qinghua reiterated his promise to Tan Qizhang to look after her and assured her he would return the next morning to replace the gas cylinder before leaving. Tan Yuan eventually ate the "paomo". Wang Chong later confronted Xiao Chuang at a video store, renewing his attempt to recruit him to Batong.
Wang Chong praised Xiao Chuang's talent and disparaged the research faculty's prospects, but Xiao Chuang adamantly refused the offer. Wang Chong responded with an insult, suggesting Xiao Chuang's current environment could "only rear villains." The next day, Pei Qinghua replaced Tan Yuan's gas cylinder, and Tan Yuan acknowledged that their past grievances were now "even" thanks to his help and the "paomo".
Xiao Chuang and Pei Qinghua later learned from Qi Rong Bin about Lin Yimin and Tan Qizhang's shared history: they had both received disciplinary action after a project led by Tan Qizhang went awry. The incident resulted in Tan Qizhang's promotion to acting director, while Lin Yimin was sidelined. This revelation clarified Lin Yimin's apparent animosity, making Xiao Chuang and Pei Qinghua feel their futures at the institute were grim.
During a meeting, Lin Yimin called on Xiao Chuang to read his self-reflection report, which turned out to be a highly embellished and humorous narrative of his sales trip, much to Lin Yimin's fury. Before Lin Yimin could react to Xiao Chuang's report, police investigators arrived to question everyone involved in computer sales, including Xiao Chuang, Pei Qinghua, Xu Yang, Xu Yiwan, and Qi Rong Bin.
They were subjected to detailed inquiries about various expenses, sales methods, and any potential connections to Tan Qizhang. Xiao Chuang, observing the extensive questioning, felt optimistic, believing that the police's thoroughness indicated a lack of solid evidence, which boded well for Tan Qizhang. Soon after, the official contract from Conpo arrived from the U. S. , with a strict deadline for signature and return within one week.
Xiao Chuang and Pei Qinghua took it to Lin Yimin, who deliberately refused to sign, citing an early holiday closure and the locking away of official seals. Unwilling to let the hard-won opportunity slip, Xu Yiwan contacted Conpo's China office, explaining the seasonal closure and requesting to sign the contract after the New Year. The representative promised to consult headquarters, noting that their institute was held in high regard.
Pei Qinghua informed Xiao Chuang that he hadn't secured a train ticket home for the New Year and could only afford a hard seat, as their previous reimbursement had not been processed. Xiao Chuang was visibly concerned. Pei Qinghua then suggested they should adhere to Director Lin's instructions to ensure their reimbursement came through. Xiao Chuang, however, maintained that they should remain loyal to Tan Qizhang.
Meanwhile, Qi Rong Bin displayed Shanghai stock subscription certificates, confident they would provide enough money for his New Year expenses. This prompted Xiao Chuang to recall the certificates Xie Hang had given him. Later, Pei Qinghua received a phone call from his mother, who, concerned about the difficulty of buying train tickets, announced her decision to visit him in Beijing for the New Year.
