To Be A Brave One Episode 34 Recap
> To Be A Brave One Recap
An Yu was feeling disheartened at work because Lin Zhanhong consistently rejected all her proposed projects. Observing her distress, Shao Moli encouraged her to pursue what she truly desired, suggesting she reconsider her idea of starting a charity foundation, a thought she had after their trip to Nankou Village, as these current professional setbacks seemed unchangeable.
An Yu acknowledged this, but Shao Moli cautioned that establishing a charity foundation would be more complex than investment projects, particularly concerning its legal framework and operational models. An Yu agreed, deciding to first contact leaders of major charity foundations to learn from their experiences and discuss operational models before deciding how to proceed.
Shao Moli then received a call from an industry colleague who, while discussing the news that Zhuoyue was being put up for sale, expressed surprise that Shao Moli hadn't shared any information about such a significant development. The colleague revealed that Lin Zhanhong, in conjunction with other major shareholders, was actively seeking buyers. Shocked by this revelation, Shao Moli immediately convened a meeting with his most trusted colleagues.
He began by expressing gratitude, acknowledging that he had been at Zhuoyue for almost five months and deeply appreciated their partnership, late nights, overtime, and collective efforts on every project. He then introduced a new, exceptionally difficult project, warning that its success might yield no personal gain, but failure could mean it would be their last endeavor at Zhuoyue.
He disclosed Lin Zhanhong's plan to sell Zhuoyue, especially profitable ventures like Hongxin Telecom, which had unlimited valuation, to maximize his personal profits through a significant premium. This sale would result in Zhuoyue being acquired or even dismantled, leading to widespread layoffs at established factories like Hongxin Telecom and many people losing their jobs. Shao Moli confirmed that their new mission was the "battle to protect Zhuoyue."
He emphasized the project's zero benefits and high risks, including potential job losses and being blacklisted from Yuqing's financial industry. Despite the dire warnings, everyone present pledged their support. One colleague declared unwavering loyalty, while another, with nothing to lose, felt compelled to take a stand. Fang Li, whose life and her son's future were deeply tied to Zhuoyue, vehemently stated she would not permit anyone to ruin their lives.
Another participant expressed that without the team, they would have nothing. Deeply moved, Shao Moli thanked them and formally established the "Protect Zhuoyue Project Team." To combat Lin Zhanhong, An Yu enlisted Zhou Min, who was interning at a new media company, to write an article. An Yu believed that utilizing public opinion was a powerful way to pressure Lin Zhanhong, as news of Zhuoyue, Yuqing's top enterprise, being sold would significantly damage his reputation.
Zhou Min, confident she could write her "first popular article" (meaning achieving 100k+ views), eagerly agreed. An Yu promised to provide her with all relevant materials and invited her to interview Zhuoyue employees. Meanwhile, Shao Moli analyzed their position. He noted that his and An Yu's combined shares, though slightly less, were comparable to Lin Zhanhong's holdings. He believed that securing the support of other shareholders could turn the tide.
Fang Li, recalling her previous interactions with some of Zhuoyue's veteran shareholders, offered to reach out to them and attempt to win their allegiance. Jin Lailai also proposed applying "mass pressure" on Lin Zhanhong. She reasoned that thousands of Zhuoyue employees, particularly those in lower and middle management, would be concerned about their job security if the company were to undergo major changes. Lailai was careful not to cause panic, aiming instead to "retain talents" and ensure a measured approach.
She subtly spread the news among colleagues, then introduced a "joint protest petition web page" where employees could sign, reminding them that Zhuoyue belonged to everyone. The petition quickly garnered over 500 signatures. Upon seeing the popular article and the overwhelming employee protest, Lin Zhanhong confronted Steven, furious about the leak. While Steven suggested someone was behind it, Lin Zhanhong stated he already knew who the instigator was.
Steven attempted to reassure him that the employees' protests were ultimately inconsequential, as the "right to decide the fate of the company" rested with Lin Zhanhong and the board of directors. Lin Zhanhong, however, resolved to secure the board's support. Amidst the corporate turmoil, An Yu received a playful phone call from Shao Moli, who was waiting downstairs to pick her up.
After some teasing, they walked to a bookstore, which Shao Moli revealed was An Yu’s favorite, much to her surprise. An Yu confessed her anxieties about their upcoming confrontation with Lin Zhanhong, despite their extensive efforts. Shao Moli gently reminded her that "the result isn't the most important thing; what matters is that you've done your best." As they chatted, he directed her to check his coat pocket. Inside, An Yu found three tickets to Hainan.
Shao Moli reminded her of their previous promise to go after their busy period and Kai and Lailai's wedding. An Yu was touched to discover that he had even purchased a ticket for Yiyi, explaining that he wanted to mend his relationship with Yiyi and had already researched an eco-park for them to visit. Overwhelmed with emotion, An Yu kissed Shao Moli in the bookstore.
The climactic board meeting began with Lin Zhanhong expressing his honor in collectively deciding Zhuoyue’s future and announcing a vote by board members, explicitly limiting participation to those with board seats. However, An Yu promptly intervened, stating that employee and partner representatives had important messages to deliver. She emphasized that "the fate of Zhuoyue is shared by us and the employees who aren't around today."
The representative from Hongxing Telecom was the first to object, submitting a "joint statement" against the acquisition. Representatives from "Soul Mate App" and "Smart Desk" followed suit, presenting their "boycott statements." Then, Jin Lailai presented a "joint protest petition" signed by 612 Zhuoyue employees. Lin Zhanhong became visibly agitated.
He passionately declared that he had founded Zhuoyue, nurtured it from a small company into a powerful enterprise, and felt a deeper emotional connection to it than anyone else, calling it "my child" and "all my hard work." He argued that he was selling because he was aging and wished to "retreat at the peak of his career," believing it was "time for Zhuoyue to enter a new chapter and era."
Shao Moli countered that the company's future direction should be a collective decision involving everyone present. In a powerful display of defiance, Fang Li stood up and declared she would "resign from her post" if the acquisition proceeded, and several other key employees immediately followed her lead. Steven, Lin Zhanhong's assistant, interjected, reminding them of their recent "non-compete agreements" with two-year restrictions and "huge sums" in penalties for breach.
Enraged by what he perceived as a threat, Lin Zhanhong accused them of insubordination and ordered the voting to begin immediately. Just as the vote was about to commence, Lin Fei'er burst into the room, halting the proceedings. Lin Zhanhong, questioning her sudden appearance, accused her of "trying to rebel." Lin Fei'er calmly stated that she was not manipulated by Shao Moli and had learned about the sale from the popular article.
She pressed her father, asking why he would sell Zhuoyue now, when it was thriving and all projects were progressing smoothly. Lin Zhanhong argued that its success made it the opportune moment to sell for "bottom fishing" in the current global economic downturn. Lin Fei'er emotionally questioned if he would "forsake Zhuoyue because of such a small profit," reminding him of the immense effort required to build the company.
He dismissed her idealism, stating that business required more than "a dream and a hot-blooded attitude." Frustrated, An Yu and Lin Fei'er lamented how Lin Zhanhong had changed and was now destroying his own dream. As Shao Moli pondered how to change Lin Zhanhong's mind, Lin Fei'er had a sudden idea. She proposed drawing a "portrait of him" as part of her "portrait series," and led him to his "old home," a place she had never visited.
Once there, surrounded by familiar surroundings, Lin Zhanhong became emotional as he reminisced about earlier days, sharing hotpot with An Yu's and Zhou Yuan's fathers, and their initial dreams of building Zhuoyue together.
