Opening Sequence
[Our Glamorous Time]
[Episode 5]
The subsidiary company Aida in fully under my charge right now.
There is an open position. Not sure if you are interested.
President Li, you are the new broom sweeps clean the company. There is no one that doesn't know you in entire Lin Hai.
But as far as I know, the condition of Wenda isn't so positive.
quite apart from a subsidiary company like Aida.
Now there is an opportunity. A big project just came up for the entire Lin Hai clothing industry.
Ming Sheng Group is calling for bid of uniform manufacture for their A Belt and A Road Initiative project.
If Aida can win this deal, it's going to change things for Aida.
Wenda will come back to life also.
Therefore I hope you join Aida asap to be in charge of the design.
Uniforms. The cloth wore by staffs?
No. It's special uniform for rescue.
That's like fire-fighting anti-chemical special uniforms.
The project is interesting. But for special uniforms
I'm not very good at designing those.
No, you are very good at it. I've learned your background.
Your thesis design was trench coats. And after graduation,
your work was bought by a British company. It made very good sales.
Lin Qian.
You investigated me.
Since we are going to collaborate. Of course I'm going to know about you.
Although I don't know about clothing, but I know the original idea of trench coat are the British military uniforms in WWII.
And trench coats and uniforms, they have similar requirements of water proof, breathable etc.
So I hope you can join the company asap.
Even though they have similarities. I can't take your job offer this easily
-You are too bossy. -A national level project like this, you can't get it from else where.
In other companies, they won't give you such big project as soon as you enter.
You want me to be responsible for the entire project.
Yes you are the lead designer of this project.
Lin Qian, I'm giving you an opportunity. I think you can give Aida a opportunity too.
If we win this deal, your title will be director of the design department.
Three thousand dollars monthly salary plus bonus and benefits.
Excuse me I have to take this call.
Hello who's this?
Qian, do you know who I am?
Ning Wei Kai?
Oh you remember me.
Of course I remember you senior fellow.
-Is this your number? -Yeah.
I heard you are back in Lin Hai.
Yeah I've been back for a while.
I'm good. How's it going? Have you been busy?
Recently...it's alright not too busy.
Then do you have time to meet up this evening?
Tonight?
Honest it's that I'm now working at Xin Bao Rui.
And I saw you came for a job interview in our company.
And maybe our HR made some mistakes.
I called you as soon as I could wanting to talk about work.
After all, you are so talented, must be very popular in the job market.
I'm worried that if I called too late someone else will hire you.
Okay. Then let's meet up tonight.
Great I'll send you the address after I make reservations.
Bye bye.
How about this President Li.
Give me some time to let me think about it okay?
Okay. I hope you can think about my invitation seriously
Okay we will be in touch.
Okay.
My name is Hu Xiao Ting, graduate from fashion design major at Ning Hai University.
I want to interview for the position of Designer at your company.
As a designer, what's your research on the fabrics?
Chair Gu, you are so handsome.
I think my lowest monthly salary should be five thousand dollars.
All the interviewee materials are here.
Not going so well?
The key of this project is the fabrics. Designers must know it very well.
But all the interviewees don't really know about it.
How's it going on your end.
Need to wait.
Look at this.
Do you recognize her?
Is this dress nice?
Fabric. All those clothes are made of the old fabrics from Wends's warehouse.
Now you said it I can see.
Isn't this the moisac print?
Good boy, one of this can sold for two hundred dolalrs.
There were all trash in the old Wenda warehouse.
But for someone who knows the fabrics well, they are real money.
So we have to find someone like that.
Continue the interview tomorrow.
Where are you going?
Is he gonna die if he says one more word?
Senior fellow.
-Qian. -Long time no see.
Yeah, long time no see. Come
have a seat.
-You really haven't change much. -So haven't you.
Time flies. Now I feel all the memories from college
all came back.
Do you remember when we were in college, just two of us who were so broke.
-Every weekend all the others -would go to parties.
Yeah, they went to parties or road trips.
Do you remember the award we won together? At the compotation at school?
Of course. I still have that trophy.
I remember we were so happy that we got the award and wanted to celebrate with a drink.
But we couldn't afford any bottle of wine from any store.
-So broke. -Yeah but now it's different.
Now no matter what we wanna drink, we can buy it.
This is the Torbreck Les Amis from 2005.
Try it out to see if you like it.
I'm so ashamed that till now I can buy you an expensive drink.
I don't know wine that well.
I feel they are all the same.
This is what's so adorable about you.
Cheers.
-The air is so fresh. -Yeah what a day.
After so long that we could have a reunion. It's fantastic.
But Qian,
what I talked to you about over the phone
I hope you can consider it.
You mean Xin Bao Rui?
Yeah. I really hope you can come to work here.
Yeah, Aida's president Li
came to me too. He wants me to join Aida.
That isn't strange. You're so talented.
I believe Li Zhi Cheng has seen that.
But Xiao(little) Qian you have to know.
Wenda is like a small boat on the verge of being sunk by a larger boat. Right now, everyone
are jumping overboard to save themselves. If you enter Aida right now,
wouldn't be fair to your own artistic talents.
I'll say again, Li Zhicheng is just a soldier.
He doesn't have the least experience or knowledge of the fashion industry.
What I just said seems like I underestimated my rival.
However, right now I'm not speaking to you in my role as President of Xin Bao Rui.
But as a senior brother that sincerely wants to help you.
I know.
Actually, I've been working hard at Xin Bao Rui these past few years. Even though I have the position of President,
I've always believed that Xin Bao Rui's existence as a family-owned enterprise brings its own problems.
So, at Xin Bao Rui, I need my own people
to prove that together in Xin Bao Rui
We need true experts in the field.
Senior brother, you have already proved it in the past. You're very talented.
Then I really have to thank you.
Actually do you know? These past few years I have always been thinking.
When we started out, we worked together and won the prize back then
So I hoped we could collaborate again one day.
Senior brother never begged someone.
So today...
Senior brother, I understand.
Okay, I agree to come work at Xin Bao Rui.
So, what kind of salary would you expect to receive?
I hope that it will be greater than my previous job by 50 percent.
Alright. We understand your situation. If we have any news.
We will immediately contact you.
What's with you today. You look very apprehensive.
No need for an more interviews. The person just now isn't so bad.
Let's talk about his salary.
Longhai Avenue.
A designer lives here?
Excuse me, is there anyone?
Yes!
-Hello, who are you looking for? -Hello, I'm looking for designer Lin Qian.
She isn't here.
What's the matter? You can say it to me.
Are you here to buy clothes? But I have to apologize.
We don't sell men's clothes only women clothes.
No. Let me introduce myself first.
I am Aida Group's vice president, Gu Yan Zhi.
Aida Group again?
Didn't your president Li came here already ones? How come you are here too?
Yes. Our President Li isn't too eloquent.
So I came here to negotiate again with designer Lin Qian.
I want her to join our Aida Group.
Join your Aida Group? You're too late. Right now, she's on her way to sign a contract with Xin Bao Rui.
- She's going to sign with Xin Bao Rui? - Yes.
-Hello? -Hello,
Where are you?
I am in a traffic jam on the road.
-I'm telling you. This Aida Group has let someone come to look for you again. -Huh?
Who? Li Zhi Cheng?
No. He's also handsome but not as handsome as president Li.
President Li, Lin Qian is on her way to sign a contract with Xin Bao Rui.
I think there's still a chance. Do you want to fight for her?
They very sincere about wanting you to work at Aida. It's the second time they've come to see you.
- Maybe you should think about it again. - You shoulldn't waver.
Her assistant says she's supposed to sign the contract with Xin Bao Rui at ten-thirty.
Right now it's 9 o'clock. You still have 1 hour left.
Give me Lin Qian's location.
President Li, it is a white taxi with the license plate number A42Z01.
Right now, she's at the first intersection with Zhong Xin Road.
Driver, how long will it take?
She's supposed to sign the contract with Xin Bao Rui at ten-thirty. You need to hurry.
I was just in Lin Qian's design studio. Besides the huge amount of women's clothing,
She also has a pair of battle fatigues.
Those battle fatigues are very similar to your special forces' uniforms.
Aren't you going to Xin Bao Rui for an interview? Why are you still sleeping?
-You're right. -Aren't you afraid of being late?
-Driver, are we still in a traffic jam? -This road is like this. I can't do anything about it.
Let's go. Ride with me, I will bring you.
President Gu, can I ask you, are you always with president Li?
In theory, yes.
I'll give you these shrimp and scallops. They're really tasty.
Could you tell President Li for me...
I'm one of his fans; his most loyal fan.
No problem. I also have to thank you for helping me with this favor.
No problem, but don't forget what you promised! If Xiao(Little) Qian Qian really goes to joins Aida Group,
you must give her the best treatment, okay?
Don't worry. Our Aida won't let Lin Qian suffer.
-Eat this. -Grace, this is very interesting.
I was thinking that, with this situation concerning the children's clothing, I would finally have a chance to meet with you.
Of course, I had to find the most elegant place to meet that was appropriate for someone of your position.
This old man here, will be retiring soon. (idiom: remove military armour and return to civilian life)
Isn't that that too early? Your mental state is still really good, why are you saying something like that?
But it's no wonder, people have been saying
that you've found the right successor.
I heard that he has been tidying up the company's regulations to your satisfaction.
Is it Ning Wei Kai?
Ning Wei Kai is young, with a strong mentality
who only knows how to move forward, and not go back.
He still needs to be slowly guided.
Really? But I heard that when he was in Wenda Group,
he was already a leading figure. He should be very experienced.
Wenda Group's leading figure, isn't that Li Zhicheng?
Yeah, I also heard that at the time, Li Zhicheng treated him with great importance.
But who knew that he suddenly switched over to Xin Bao Rui. Because of this,
people even said bad things.
They say he... that he is a betrayer.
President Ning, Lin Qian's employment contract has been written accordingly to your suggestion.
Okay.
Did president Xiao(Little) Zhu say anything?
President Xiao Zhu, when he heard that it was someone you personally hired, he didn't say much.
Also, go to the receptionist later on and when Lin Qian comes,
-Bring her directly to my office. -Yes.
Young people all got their unique personalities.
Choosing somewhere is the best for themselves to develop
is the best way to grow. Understandable.
It's understandable.
Yeah.
President Ning is very wise.
He clearly knows what he wants.
No wonder everyone in the industry, every time they mention Xin Bao Rui
the first name pops up in their mind is Ning Wei Kai.
President Zhu you can be at ease
to give him the entire company.
Is Lin Qian here?
Not yet.
Okay.
[Hiring Contract]
Let's go.
Do you have anything important to send me here for?
Two more minutes and you are gonna be late.
Thank you President Li.
But I still won't choose Aida.
Whatever you like.
But your behavior makes me thing that you are not what I'm looking for for Aida.
President Li, though I didn't choose to join Aida,
you don't have to insult me like this.
Choosing Xin Bao Rui is a sign of you lacking critical thinking.
This tactic is used too late.
What are you doing?
Before arriving on the 19th floor,
I'll try my best to explain my reasons.
First, Xi Bao Rui 's focus right now is
that UEM and copy high fashion brand.
The moment you go, even though you won't be copying, but it's still about the same.
Second,
Xi Bao Rui is a big company with full system
but the fuller the system is
the less room there is for new people.
Third, it has something to do with your senior, Ning Wei Kai.
How did you know Ning Wei Kai was my senior?
Nowadays the internet and social media
makes knowing anything very easy.
So?
Though Ning Wei Kai is the CEO, he's ground is pretty shaky,
the battles between the executives are very intense
and you are such a new comer, you can't leave yourself out of that.
It's very possible to have you become the collateral damage of those battles.
Hello Mr. Ning.
Then would I not become the collateral damage at Aida?
I guarantee you that won't happen.
As a designer, what do you need now?
Opportunities
Opportunities comes from platforms.
This is why running a online store
isn't gonna make you a famous designer in the industry.
If you as a designer
finish the nation level project considering A Belt and A Road Initiative
Then your publicity is going to go up.
I know
so that's why I'm joining in Xin Bao Rui, so Ning can help me.
Ning Wei Cai is indeed the CEO,
but Xin Bao Rui belongs to Zhu Group.
Zhu Group is very powerful,
and Xin Bao Rui is saturated with the Zhu family
Do you think you will have the creative freedom?
Can he give you such an important project?
President.
You've been telling me about Ning's problems.
but didn't mention Aida's situation.
As the boss of Aida, you know nothing about the clothing industry,
my senior fellow Ning was once a designer.
Same as me. We can communicate.
But what about you?
What reasons can give me in order to trust you?
I need you.
A timely help is much more meaningful than just to make something already good a little better.
Also I helped you before. Shouldn't you also help me in return?
According to the statistics,
Xin Bao Rui has the market share about 27%
From the numbers it looks good.
But recent years, Si Mei Qi through their youngful theme and online sales
has been grow rapidly.
If we want to be secure, we should prepare in advance
take further steps. Even though we have our brand set up
but it's not very stable.
Of course, a brand relies on the accumulations of products.
The most important is the design.
So previously I changed the design department into the design research institution.
In order to take in specialized talents in design.
I'm here.
Now we need to compete for a project
is Ming Sheng Group's A Belt and A Road.
The content is uniforms for infrastructure building in South East Asia.
And waterproof it the most important thing.
Right. Have you found those talents?
Yeah President Ning.
President Zhu needs professional talents,
not people who are just close to you.
Few days ago I was going to hire a fellow of mine back in the UK.
Her name is Lin Qian. Her professional skills are outstanding.
In the design aspect, especially in textile and fabrics,
she's very specialized.
I just said we don't want people who are close to you.
Lin Qian, I interviewed her before and rejected her.
Graduated from elite university but doesn't have any experiences after all these years.
[B Building]
B Building?
You led the wrong way on purpose.
This is a hiring contract of my lead designer.
Time limit is one month.
After the project we can extend it to long term contract.
I rejected her before.
But President Ning insists to hire her in the design department.
Even had HR draft the contract in advance
I'm confused, why it has to be Lin Qian.
I've seen all your work.
Someone outside this industry can even see all your work has tremendous power and passion.
Right, now Aida is facing difficulties.
I need this kind of passion and power to break the barriers.
I appreciate you.
Chair Zhu,
even though you are a board member in Xin Bao Rui,
but the board all agree to hire new staff
what kind of staff to hire might not be your duty.
Dad, Han Chong, you are also here.
Yeah.
Sister, it's like this,
President Ning wants to hire his fellow from the UK
in our design department. What do you think of that?
Such small matter,
President Ning should be able to decide Why do we need to ask?
Xiao Jing is right. It's a small matter.
Now that HR turned her away,
Wei Kai you can find someone else.
and follow the protocols.
We don't need to intervene too much.
Chong
can you guys excuse us, we have something to talk in private.
[Aida hiring contract]
I have a request.
Say it.
My assistant's name is Ya Yi.
I hope once I take the job she can still be my assistant.
Okay
And salary has to be at least equal as what I pay her.
And also insurance.
Okay.
Zhu Group's subsidiary companies cover so many fields.
But Xin Bao Rui is what I started at the very beginning when I had nothing.
I let you take over Xin Bao Rui
except for I appreciate your professional skills,
there is also some sentiments.
As for Lin Qian, let's take it lightly.
First, you went against the company's protocols`.
Second, you need to keep a good relationship with other board members.
[Lin Qian]
Give me your lipstick.
What for?
Give it to me.
What?
[Lin Qian]
Let's have a good collaboration.
Cooperating with me won't be too joyful.
What?
You... how could you change your attitude so quickly?! (idiom: change your face as fast as flipping a page)
Shouldn't you be saying something like: Welcome for joining Aida Group?
Tomorrow at 9am, move into the company.
I heard H Group's chief editor, Grace
and the Li family son who just passed away, were very close.
You don't have to worry about that.
In this market, there are no enemies and friends that are forever.
If I need to fight for it, I will.
But this Miss Grace has a strong role.
Chairman, have you met her?
Did she say something to you?
Right now, H Group is a hot commodity.
You young people are impulsive. I can understand that.
But you have to pay attention to proprieties.
"Kindness and uprightness should exist between professionals even if you fail to clinch a deal" [Chinese saying].
Please don't offend someone who shouldn't be offended.
Yes chairman. I understand.
As long as you understand that then it's good.
Hello?
-Xiao(Little) Qian, did you arrived?
I have arrived.
Unexpectedly, something's come up. I'll tell you about it when I see you.
It's the same for me too. How about this?
There is a cafe next to me. You can wait for me there.
Alright. See you later.
You can say it first. Ladies first.
That...
Senior Brother, I can't come to Xin Bao Rui.
That's such a pity.
I'm sorry.
It's because I just signed a contract with another company.
But it's just a contract for a project. Once the contract ends
If you need me I can still come back.
You don't need to apologize to me. I respect your decision.
Really? You aren't mad?
How could I be mad at you?
I only think it's a pity.
Is it convinience for you to tell me wich company you're going to?
It's Aida Group.
That... Aida Group's president Li. He...
He chased after me into an elevator.
He persuaded me.
You're saying, he chased you into an elevator?
So, he followed you all the way to Xin Bao Rui?
He only talked to me about the project.
This project you mentioned is that Ming Sheng projectj?
Yes.
That's interesting. We will be rivals very soon.
No, no, no. What rights do I have to be senior brother's competitor?
I only think this is a very good chance.
I can try out being deeply involved in such a project.
So I much work hard en compleet it.
I'm still looking forward to your prestation.
After all, we once cooperated together, but we've never had an official partnership.
Then you have to be careful.
Here, let this coffee substitute for wine. Congratulations on your new job.
Then senior, you're supporting me?
Of course I support you. Fighting.
Thank you senior brother. Let's do our best together.
[1987]
Please don't pick up, please don't pick up, please don't pick up, please don't pick up, please don't pick up.
Hello?
Hello? Lovely brother, I am Qian Qian. What are you doing?
If there's anything wrong, just say it. I'm already in New York.
I only wanted to tell you that I found a new job.
I...am going to Aida Group as a designer.
-Aida Group? -Yes.
Are you not going to be your own designer anymore?
I was hired there to be a designer...
They hired me to do a project.
I have my complete freedom. The designs are completely under my control.
I also want to show off what I can do on a big stage.
This way, I can get build up more experience. What do you think?
Whatever I say you won't listen.
After the two of us argued last time, I thought a lot about it.
I even reflected on my own decisions.
It is your own path. You need to think about where you're going to walk.
The most I can do is give you something to consider.
But your path is your path. I won't make it hard for you anymore.
I know brother.
I'll ask you if I ever run into any problems.
The moment I have problems, I'll let you know, okay?
If you like it, then it's fine.
-I still have something to so. I'm hanging up. -Yes.
[Aida Group]
Those shoes are nice. They really look great.
I also think it's very nice.
Let's go.
Hello, we are the new workers of this company. Today's our first day.
- I'm assistant Yayi. - Hello.
This is designer Lin Qian.
Hello. I'll get some company i.d. for you.
Thank you.
[President's Office]
Take a look.
I'm not very suitable for these kinds of events. Withdraw for me.
This is the only product cocktail party, held annually.
Many domestic and international product suppliers will be there.
It's bad if you don't attend.
Ask Jinyuan. Let her represent Aida.
She's much more suitable than me for this type event.
President Li, Lin Qian is here.
She came? Come in.
President Gu, let me introduce. This is our company's new designer Lin Qian.
-Hello. -Hello.
Take her to her office later.
-Okay. Then you two can talk. -Yes.
Take a sit.
President Li, these are designs I've created for the emergency uniform project. Take a look at this first draft.
You worked all night?
Last night, I was doing general research.
The important things are the requirements Ming Sheng Group has for this project.
The purchase order for "One Belt, One Road" [a major Chinese construction project] is for use in a tropical, rainforest cimate.
No good.
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