Timing and Subtitles brought to you by The 1/2 Heart Team @ viki
The First Half of My Life
Episode 25
I'm so nervous I'm sweating.
No need to be nervous. It's all family.
Besides, they know that my requirements are quite high.
The person that I pick definitely won't be wrong.
Uncle Cui!
- You're here, you're here.- Hello, Uncle Cui.- Hello, Uncle Cui.
- Please sit.- You sit.
Ok. Sit, sit, sit.
Sit.
You've met those that you need to meet. We already did introductions.
The first thing I want to do today is just sit down
and understand and get to know one another.
Secondly,
your Uncle Cui has something to say.
I'm sorry. I can't drink alcohol.
- I can only replace it with tea. - That's okay. Here, here. Cheers.
Thank you Uncle Cui.
Firstly, I want to thank both Ms. Luos
for entrusting your mother to me.
Cheers.
Uncle Cui, you don't have to be like that.
I think the fact that our mother got to know you makes us really happy.
- That's true. Her old self-- Hey, just drink your wine.
Bao Qian. Sit down quickly.
Here, sit down.
Here, you guys eat.
Help yourself.
These are all dishes that Uncle Cui ordered.
I don't know what you guys like to eat.
He ordered all the delicious food in the restaurant. I didn't even have time to stop him.
Help yourself.
It looks good. Thank you Uncle Cui.
Oh, that's right Uncle Cui. You said just now
that you have an important matter you would like to discuss with us.
Say it, just say it. They're both really easy to talk to.
It's like this.
I have gotten to know your mother for quite a while now.
I'm an introverted person,
but she complements my personality.
I am currently living alone.
I have a good lifestyle,
but I do feel very lonely.
So.. I want to discuss with you two.
Just say it.
When you have time, please let your mother come to my house
to just have a chat together and talk.
She would be considered a senior who lives alone?
In the end, that means both of us would have a partner, right?
That's pretty good. Aren't you two already doing that?
Ai yah...
Bao Jian, maybe I should say it.
I'm dying to say it. You have to say it clearly.
What your Uncle Cui means is that
he wants me to move into his house.
Yes, yes, yes. My oldest son is coming back
from America from visiting relatives.
When he comes back, I will discuss with him about my marriage with your mother.
So then, please rest assured.
I won't lie to your mother.
And I won't ever dare to do anything bad either.
Uncle Cui, even if you brought our mother to America to live,
we wouldn't be against it either.
She doesn't listen to us anyway.
Oh, that's great. That's great.
I never thought your family would be so democratic.
Our family is very democratic...very open.
I'm sorry, let me use the restroom.
- Okay, okay. I will go with you.- Mom, go with him.
How is Uncle Cui so cute?
He told us not to be concerned and said he's not a cheat!
I was specifically thinking that "Uncle Cui, you should worry about this old lady!"
How dare you talk about your mom like that?
She clearly was little red riding hood, but she thinks she is the big bad wolf. But look.
Look at mom's face, look at mom's face!
You...speak less. You are no better.
What's up with Ziqun?
Nothing, nothing. It's all the same.
Here. Take this.
What are you doing?
Before, Mom was always asking you two for money.
Can't be helped as I needed the money.
Just like how the US elect their president. Don't know how much money were spent behind those people that got elected.
But your mom isn't someone who has no conscience.
Since Mom has some money now, I want to give it all to you two.
You two are still young. Promise me,
that you must not live your life worse than mine.
Don't worry.
Okay. In my heart, you are the best.
I am proud of you.
You take this money. I'm doing better than you right now.
Hurry up and put it away.
Jun Jun,
I heard that you had broke off with Old Jin.
Umm.
If he is not good enough for you
why don't you pass him over to Ziqun?
- This.. - What's wrong with you?
No matter what, he's better than Bai Guang.
- I think.. - Mom just go back to your seat and eat.
You were quite serious just for a minute and now you are being loud again.
- I didn't commit anything illegal.- You have no morality limit at all.
- Go back, go back. - Whatever, you two.
I'm going to the ladies.
Little red riding hood has come out.
Are you supposed to be at the B&T meeting?
I'll go there later. I need to discuss something with you.
Sit.
Is that Miranda hard to deal with?
No one is better than Tang Jing at B&T.
It's not about work.
Then what is it about?
I heard that Zijun
quit her previous job.
I don't know if she found a job or not yet. But if she didn't find one yet then,
I can find her a good job at a luxury brand shop.
Still as a sales assistant?
Yes.
What do you mean?
If I were her, I would change to a
job with a larger space for progress.
She's used to working life now and has retail experience.
This has exceeded my expectations.
If she could be this stable and bring our child up,
I think that would be nice. However,
I can't say that I found the job for her. I'm scared she won't take it so..
So you want me to tell her?
Could you please say it was due to your contacts.
The previous job was due to my contacts already.
Yes. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.
You have a wide circle of contacts. She won't suspect.
I've already printed out the job specifications.
Okay. Then I will think of how to tell her.
That's a relief to hear. I'm going to go to the conference now.
What are you doing?
Out of all the companies I applied for, all of these are the ones who gave me a chance to interview.
Do you not look at what jobs these are?
If you want to change jobs, you have to at least change for the better.
Whether it be a better environment or a better salary,
or whether it be near your house. These are all possible reasons.
I only applied to the previous one because you asked someone to introduced me to that job.
Then you can keep looking for me.
I am your connection resource.
If you treated me better, maybe with a little more respect,
or maybe ask me how I'm doing from year to year,
Of course I will help you if you come to me.
I want to rely on myself.
Maintaining a good relationship with me is your ability.
Finding a better job via the people that I know.
Who said that isn't your ability?
Ability isn't about how many good resume your make or how many shoes you sell.
Understand?
What's this? BaoBao Guo? (red date and walnut snack)
What?
Maintaining my good relationship with you.
You're getting smarter.
These are two options I am giving you.
First, Henglong Plaza.
Pros are that it's close to your house, and it has a good environment.
The work characteristics is the same as your previous job.
Second, the market research company that's a downstream enterprise of our company.
The pros are that you can learn many things,
because the company will let you all undergo training.
And also, you can get in contact with the consultation company upstream.
The con is that it will be very difficult.
It's survival of the fittest.
And also, you have to face people younger than you who have just entered the workforce.
This job is just like playing Chinese chess.
You cannot proceed without a plan
and should have thought of the succeeding steps before making this first move,
or even the plan for the whole game.
Let me think about it.
Okay. Then I'll let you think about it.
Thank you. You even came here personally just for this.
Actually, today Chen Junsheng asked me to come look for you.
What did you say?
This Henglong Plaza is his idea, not mine.
He heard from Ziqun that you are looking for a new job, so he wanted to help you.
But he didn't want to personally confront you, so he wanted me to be the good guy.
How about the market research company?
That one is my idea.
I don't think that your next job should be the same as your previous one.
You can stand taller and look further.
Of course, what Chen Junsheng hopes is that you can find a job that's not too tiring
and can help raise your child in a stable manner.
Our outset are different.
Then I don't need to think about it anymore.
Anyway, anything that involves Chen Junsheng, I won't consider it.
It wasn't easy to finally get rid of my reliance on him. I don't want to be affected by him again.
If we are going to talk about having involvement,
then if you accept the job at the market research company,
logically speaking, you will bump into Chen Junsheng and Ling Ling.
Because Chen Junsheng is your company's client.
So in the end, you should still think about it.
Boss.
- Oh, Ah Zhu, what do you want to buy for today?- Hello.
- Rice cake. - Rice cake? Okay.
How many?
Eight.
Ah Zhu, are you buying rice cakes for some happy occasion?
Yes. I'm moving.
Where are you moving to?
Move into the man's house.
Really?
Then someone's probably getting married!
Which daughter of yours is getting married?
It's for me, not for my daughters.
It's you?
Congratulations.
Thank you, thank you.
- Okay, here. Eight of them. - How much?
Thirty.
Okay, let me give it to you.
Okay, perfect.
Okay, thank you.
- Ah Zhu, remember to visit us when you get the time.- Sure...
Don't forget us.
Okay, goodbye.
Goodbye.
There's still more stuff?
There's a lot more.
Our mother can really hide things.
What is this cookie box for?
If not because it's your off day today, and I don't have a job,
What would she do if she didn't have anyone helping her?
Let me tell you, between that Henglong Plaza and some market research company,
I surely go to Henglong Plaza.
It's so comfortable to work in a huge mall. There's air-conditioners.
Just selling shoes worth thousands or bag worth tens of thousands, how comfortable is that?
What is that market research company?
Just hearing it, and it sounded so exhausting and poor.
There's no room to progress. You won't be able to take it.
Regarding on how Jun Jun should choose her work, I think...
Hey, I'm talking to you Jun Jun.
I want to ask you something.
Where do you think would be the best place for you put yourself out there and get married for the second time?
About this Henglong Plaza, it is indeed not bad.
Selling purses and leather shoes,
but I don't think many men will come.
Usually it will be men taking their wives or girlfriends,
but I don't think that would be good for you to make a move on them.
But in the end, even your husband was stolen from you.
So if you stole someone else's husband, it would just be as fair.
Why are you looking at me like that?
Comrade Xue Zhenzhu I urge you that once you arrive at Uncle Cui's house,
you should say those words like scooping and taking revenge less.
I'm not stupid. I won't.
I am just saying those words with you two.
I.. I.. I'm not done talking.
Would you be able to catch me a rich son-in-law in this market research company?
If you ask me, you should directly accept this option.
Isn't it? There, your future will be endless.
Right? You will be able to interact with a lot of unmarried young men,
like He Han.
When you play mahjong, it would be great if you win big on the first round.
Mom, are you taking your Mahjong set?
No, no, no. I told your Uncle Cui that I don't know how to play.
But don't throw it away. I'm telling you, the texture of these cards are amazing.
I brought it over from Taiwan from the 90's.
That. The clothes. Leave the clothes!
I still want that.
What era is it already. These clothes make you look like a big bear.
It looks good on me. Everyone tells me that it looks good on me!
And when I bore you, I was even wearing these clothes.
Okay, okay, okay.
Mom, this house won't really be sold that easily.
If you ask me, just leave the things that you won't be able to use here.
Stop acting like some refuge and stock all your stuff in Uncle Cui's house.
That's true.
It will make me look like I'm so in a hurry. I should act more demure.
- Uncle, is this Building Number 4?- That's right too...
I'll take a look if it's for us.
Let me look.
Yes, yes, yes. The car is here.
- I'm coming. - When you guys are moving the stuff, be careful, okay?
Don't accidentally hurt your hip, okay?
What am I moving first?
Move these first. These boxes and whatnot.
Okay.
Okay, we're done.
Let's go.
We're not going over to live with you.
What do you mean?
No. Come take a look at the house.
We'll just go take a look once you're already officially married.
If it's opposite of what you expected upon arriving there, hurry and come back. Don't endure it.
Nonsense. Talk something auspicious.
This child, seriously.
Let me tell you. You're moving to live with someone else. It's not like before
where we can just go whenever we want to find you.
You have to take care of yourself. Do you understand?
Okay, I understand.
I surely will be better and better as the day goes by.
Mom, why do I feel like I'm sending out my daughter to live with someone else?
What are you saying?
What's wrong with you two today? Saying so disrespectful words.
Okay, okay. I'm going now.
Ziqun, come. Let me hug you for awhile.
Okay, I'm going. I'm going!
Be careful.
I'll keep moving forward then. I'm going home now.
I'll go with you.
I'm going to the hairdresser.
Blowdry your hair? That hairstylist again?
If he's not there, I'll find someone else.
I don't have anything to do anyway. I'll go with you.
You're going to the hairdresser too?
What? I can't go to the hairdresser?
If you go, don't spout whatever nonsense.
I won't talk! Let's go.
Kevin, since Ziqun came here to your shop, she has become more energetic.
That's right. She's really pretty.
It's just that she just didn't find her inner beauty.
You two sisters are really pretty.
That's not true. My sister was always pretty.
I'm different. I'm the ugly duckling.
You two have your own uniqueness.
It's just that, you are different from others.
If you're done, you can go first.
Aren't you almost done? Let's go together.
We.. we're going out to eat later.
Oh, okay. Then I'll leave first.
Come out first. I need to tell you something.
I'll be back.
What do you want? My hair isn't finished yet.
I'm telling you. You are someone who's married, with a husband and child.
You come here to have a hair wash and blow-dry. That should be enough.
Why are you having a meal with that person? Do you think it's appropriate?
We are just friends having a meal together.
Anyway, mum and you are always telling me to divorce Bai Guang and find someone better.
First of all, you are not divorced. Secondly, is this good for everyone?
He treats all women well. This charmer can't be trusted.
Can you please think clearly?
Why should I think clearly? If I do, it's very painful.
I like coming here. At least, it makes me happy.
Didn't you just say that my situation is much better now?
So when I am here, he praises me and says I'm beautiful.
That improves my mood. So then I make the effort to dress up and look nice.
What's wrong with that?
That...I'm going in now. Leave me alone.
If I don't care, what happens if you get cheated?
Little lady, please have a clear head.
Does this sort of person look like someone you can trust?
Didn't Chen Junsheng look trustworthy?
Calling someone a betrayer doesn't make them one.
So can you really rely on what you see?
I've already met Luo Zijun.
She's agreed?
I told her that it's you who helped to find it.
Then she will definitely not go.
At the same time, I also gave her my opinion.
I think that she could intern at the market research company.
In this field she has a lot of potential.
But it's too difficult, she can't endure it.
Let her decide herself.
Yup..when she warms up to the idea
she might agree. But with all the running around,
plus overtime, what's going to happen to Ping'er?
So with Luo Zijun's career choices, you don't consider her needs first
but instead, whether Ping'er can be cared for properly right?
I need to consider this. So should she.
Instead of thinking how to earn a few thousand yuan more, I can give her that money.
If it's near home, at least the job won't be so tiring.
There's no overtime, she can do the school pick up and drop-off easily.
Isn't this the best arrangement in her opinion?
In your opinion, it's the best arrangement.
Junsheng,
CEO He, it's rare to see you eating here.
It's rare to see you.
- I ordered coffee for you.- Okay.
Hello, the usual.
Please don't let her know about my helping with Zijun's job search.
Ping'er is growing up.
You can look at spending money to hire a nanny
to do the pickup and drop-off at school.
He Han, excuse my frankness.
You're an outsider, so you are used to..
seeing Luo Zijun's perspective and helping her plan.
Just like having a new company employee. But I'm different.
From where I stand, my viewpoint is not the same.
You are also considered an outsider now, from her perspective.
I'm not going to disturb the conversation between the both of you.
- It's fine for you to eat here!- Let's eat together.
Yes. You're Junsheng's idol.
He praises you every day. He compliments you so much my ears have calluses.
Is that so?
I happen to have a meeting with someone, so I need to take off.You guys take your time.
Okay. Goodbye, CEO He.
Are you okay?
I'm fine.
How come when I came in you guys were talking so seriously?
He's your boss. Sometimes you just have to endure things.
It's nothing, we were talking about work.
Junsheng, let me tell you.
Between husband and wife it's better to be more open about things.
If you don't say today, and you don't say tomorrow, then after a while, we'll slowly grow apart.
It wasn't easy for us to be together.
You're really okay?
I'm really fine.
That's good then.
I have some.
Everyone is busy pursuing their future and happiness
whether they're basically doing it blindly, if it does or doesn't make a difference.
Mum and Ziqun are like this. Tang Jing and He Han are like this.
Furthermore, those who are close to you and willing to lend a listening ear
sincerely giving you their view point. This is already giving you a great honour.
The remaining storms of life is one where you walk alone.
Such being the case, it is better to thinkabout it again than start walking.
Radio broadcast Hong Kong [Cantonese]
Hello...Hello...Hello.
Sorry...sorry.
The pace of work in Hong Kong is a killer
I actually saw your message during the day,
but it's only now that I'm able to return your call.
The question you asked me, you probably know what my answer is,
or you already know the answer in your heart.
But I have no idea what on earth the market research company actually does!
Just do the job, and you'll know.
Marriage..childbirth..divorce. Which of these did you know before you went into it?
It's all about learning as you experience it.
All these matters...work, vacation, renovation.
The hardest is when you start.
Once you take the first step
you're actually already in the middle of the whole process, and the hardest part is already over.
As to meeting Chen Junsheng, what's the big deal?
He can't eat you up, and that Ling Ling.
If I were you, I would be looking for opportunities to take revenge on her.
Now the opportunity has arrived, you can show your true colours.
Who's that at such a late hour? Is it male or female?
Miss Vivian.
She wants to resign, and she's here to negotiate.
Has He Han been in touch with you?
No. Everyone's too busy to keep in contact.
No news is good news.
Bye bye. I have to go now.
I have to deal with Bai Wu Chang (one deity of a pair, that instills dread and disturbs the peace).
Miss...who are you looking for?
I came.. I'm waiting for a person...Tina.
I don't know her Chinese name. She just told me to wait downstairs. She'll be down shortly.
Then please have a seat over there.
Thanks.
Luo Zijun.
Why are you here?
I'm here to sign a contract with the big boss. And you? Why are you here?
I...
I'm here to have a look around.
When you talked about a market research company I had no idea what it was.
It's not like malls or shops which I already understand.
So I came over to have a look.
To have such an idea shows how much you improved.
Miss. Has the friend you are waiting for arrived yet?
I am the friend she was waiting for.
She said she was waiting for Tina.
Tina is my new assistant.
Let's go inside and talk.
Mineral substances and trace elements
when applied to skin
- are very gentle, right?- Yes, they're great.
Can I use them on my sensitive skin?
On sensitive skin? Of course.
It has natural non-irritants for easier absorption.
I'd like to ask what the quality of the materials are.
Tang Jing had mentioned this place to me before. It's my first time here.
Weren't we in the room next to this, just now?
In this room, people are really not aware that others are watching them
and not aware that others are listening to them?
They are doing this so that these people can relax.
Otherwise there would be a lot of people sitting here waiting for participants reactions to the product.
For their truthfulness you have to fudge it a little.
Besides, in our interview process of them
whatever is said here is very important. What is done,
even their facial expressions when looking at the packaging or the product, are also very important.
We want to record of all of these things directly.
Then it's really the same as a drama on television with the interrogation room like this?
I have already arranged an interview for you, the day after.
Interview? I only came to find out what it's like.
I'm not a tour guide accompanying you on a trip.
Since I brought you here and introduced you
then it's assumed that you will begin work here.
Will you be home tonight? I will prepare a resume and send it over.
My resume? Why should you do it and send it over?
Do you know what the company requirements are for you?
Do you know what kind of job experience they want you to have to get hired?
I know I only have a little work experience.
You don't know.
Let's go.
Coming.
I thought you weren't coming.
If I said I'm coming, I will definitely come.
Anyway, I said in the evening, and it's evening now right?
Hello, Mr. Dong. Where are you?
Wusong Road? Ok, hold on a second.
I'll let someone give you the address details.
Tell him your house number.
Hello, sir, you're on Wusong Road?
It's Public Safety building,
yes, the one with the red brick and the old roof.
At South floor 201.
Okay.
What's happening?
My friend's sending over some fish. Lao Zhuo isn't at his restaurant, so it was best to send them here.
It's already past 11 pm. Why are they delivering fish?
That's because the fish just came off the plane.
Here's your resume.
How can this be my resume?
Apart from selling clothes and shoes,
what hotel lobby manager, reception desk supervisor, after-sales manager, cosmetics market--
when did I do these?
Just say that you have done it.
And these aren't some unfathomable jobs.
You'll understand when I'll explain this to you shortly.
Anyway, others will not ask. If they do, pretend as if it's real.
Lying to others is something I'm afraid to do.
I promise you that it's easier than getting married and having children, a thousand times.
No way. You're written as my reference.
What happens if the truth is discovered? Won't this affect you?
You don't need to worry on my behalf, okay?
Besides murder and arson, I'm not afraid of being implicated in anything.
The fish is here.
Manager He, your fish has arrived.
- Good. Thanks for your effort.- It's nothing, it's nothing.
- Thanks.- No problem at all.
Didn't you say it was a few fish?
This much?
Would you like to have a taste now? Fresh fish is more delicious than when it's frozen later.
Then we have to do this quickly.
Fifteen minutes. Why don't we wake Ping'er up, so he can have a taste?
No need. Let him sleep as he needs to go to school tomorrow.
Ok. We'll cook the fish and have a discussion at the same time.
I'll tell you what you need to pay attention to for the interview.
Ok.
Can you give me a flat pan?
Such delicious fish needs wine to accompany it.
Actually this type of fish needs white wine.
I know, but I don't have white wine in the house right now. The next time, I'll send over a cask to you.
Sure. Although I seldom have fish with red wine,
I will have a drink with you today.
Make do.
Here, have a taste
I'm letting you know that this job has three months probation.
People may give you the opportunity, but if you want to stay on, it will all depend on you.
This job is very difficult.
I'm not afraid. If I can learn a lot in this period of time,
I can persevere through this.
Like Tang Jing arriving at my office right after she graduated, and a few others, once you develop your skills you can astonish others in your success.
But in your case, a thirty-something housewife
who has to start from the beginning entering the workplace, you're the first.
So in work and life, I'm really interested to know just how far you can go.
The main thing is...not to disappoint me,
nor let others have the satisfaction of laughing at you.
Sure Manager He. I will try my best.
Thanks.
So how is this? Delicious?
Very delicious.
Don't you have any questions for me?
To tell you the truth, Tang Jing and I have very little contact.
I believe she must be very busy right now.
Being busy is good. This means that all is going well.
Apart from Tang Jing, do you have other girlfriends?
Not at all.
I tell you,
good girlfriends are like good fish. They can be found only by chance, not search.
Instead of spending time hanging around them aimlessly, isn't it better to make a little money,
to drink nice alcohol, and eat good fish?
And walk some nice paths.
Again another day.
- Hello.- Help me get a parking pass.
Ok. Please wait a moment.
My house also has a broken microwave.
It's on the way here now, I'm waiting for them.
Here you are, for two hours.
What are you doing mum?
Mum's doing homework.
Grown-ups have to do homework?
What sort of homework are you doing?
Just like your teacher wanted you to research,
life matters and then write
these down into a composition.
Wow...it sounds difficult!
Now don't you dare cheat otherwise the teacher will discover.
Of course not. I know I cannot cheat.
Now you continue your homework. I'll go inside to do mine.
Okay. Good boy.
Ping'er...Ping'er...get out of bed.
Get out of bed..
What's the matter?
Why are you so hot?
Ping'er...you have a fever.
Come..wake up.
Let's take some medicine for your fever, ok?
I don't want to take medicine.
Mum will bring a towel to cool you down. Don't cry.
Here.
Good boy. Ping'er..listen to mum is saying.
Mum has a very very important matter today
just like how you take an important exam
Mum has to finish this matter.
So can you please be a good boy and take this medicine?
In a little while, once your fever subsides
I will call grandmother to be with you ok?
Once mum finishes the matter, I will be back very soon.
I don't want you to go Mum. Can you stay?
Don't cry.. don't cry...good boy.
Good boy.
- Hello.- Hi ..He Han.
Sorry to bother you so early this morning
Ping'er has a fever
I gave him fever medicine an hour ago
but until now, the fever has not subsided. I need to take him to the hospital.
But you know about this morning's interview.
Can you help explain my situation to them?
I'm so sorry that I can't go.
Or if they are willing, could we change the time?
Of course it can be done but..
in this situation, people may get the impression that you have heavy family responsibilities.
And then later on, because of this situation it's likely
it could hold up getting the job, so it's best not to.
Look, I'll come over in twenty minutes.
Okay, thank you.
"In The Pouring Rain" by Ye Linsheng
♫ In the torrential rain, among the busy cars ♫
♫ Why is the image of your face still so clear? ♫
♫ I hold my breath, watching you as you leave ♫
♫ Why do I feel my heart slightly wavering? ♫
♫ When did I start becoming used to your presence? ♫
♫ Your calls always appear at the perfect time ♫
♫ My heart has sold me out ♫
♫ I still have a little hope that you will come back, searching for me ♫
♫ In the torrential rain, among the busy cars ♫
♫ Why is the image of your face still so clear? ♫
♫ I hold my breath, watching you as you run towards me ♫
♫ My heart is slightly wavering ♫