" Our Glamourous Time " Episode 5
Wen Da's subsidiary, Ai Da is now under my management.
We have a job vacancy.
I wonder if you are interested.
Mr. Li, you burnt the clothings right after you became the CEO.
All of Linhai City know about you.
But as much as I know, Wen Da hasn't been doing well lately.
Furthermore, Ai Da is just a subsidiary.
A great chance just presented itself to us.
There is a grand project for the whole fashion industry of Linhai City.
Ming Sheng Group is having a call for tender...
for the project uniforms in South East Asia.
If we can have this project,
Ai Da's crisis will be cleared.
Wen Da will be revived.
I hope that you can join Ai Da as soon as possible,
take charge of this project.
Uniform?
You mean what the employees wear?
No, it's the specialized suit for emergency,
flood prevention and rescue mission.
It's the turnout jacket?
This project can be interesting.
But when it comes to specialist's wear,
I don't really know much.
No, you know very well about it.
I checked your background.
Your graduation project was a windcheater design.
And after you graduated, that very design...
caught the attention of an English company and was bought.
It sold well.
Lin Qian?
You checked my background?
If I wish to work with you, I need to know you.
I don't know much about clothings. But, I do know the original design...
was the English army trench coat.
Both the windcheater and turnout jacket...
have certain requirements for water resistance, air flow and articulation.
So, I hope you can take this job as soon as possible.
The design may be related,
but I can't just join you because of what you say.
This is too unreasonable.
The experience of a national project...
is not something you can get else where.
Even in other company, they won't let you be in charge...
of such a huge project right after you got the job.
You want me to be in charge of the design for this project?
You are the chief designer for this project.
Lin Qian, I am giving you a chance.
So, I hope you can give Ai Da a chance too.
If we do get the project,
you will hold the title of design director.
Your monthly salary is RMB 20,000, excluding the bonuses.
Excuse me, I need to answer a call.
Hello? Who is this?
Qian, do you know who I am?
Ning Wei Kai?
You do remember me.
Of course I remember, my senior.
Is this your number?
Yes, I heard you came back to Linhai City.
Right, I've been here for a while.
How are you lately?
I am doing fine.
So, are you busy?
Lately,
It's okay, I am not that busy.
Are you free tonight?
Let's meet up.
Tonight?
To be honest with you.
I am working at Xin Bao Rui.
You sent your resume to our company.
Perhaps there are some errors at the human resources.
So, I called you right away to talk about your job.
After all, a talent like yourself is wanted by all companies.
If I hadn't call sooner, someone might have already hired you.
Okay, we will meet up tonight and talk about it.
I will send you the location after I booked the table.
Goodbye.
How about this, Mr. Li?
Can you give me some time to consider this offer, okay?
Sure.
I hope you can think wisely about my offer.
Okay, I will contact you later.
Okay.
I am Hu Xiao Ting,
I graduated from the course of fashion design of Linhai University.
I am here to interview for the vacancy of designer.
As a designer,
do you have any knowledge regarding the fabrics?
Mr. Gu,
you are so handsome.
I want a minimum wage of RMB 30,000.
Here.
All the details of the candidates are here.
It didn't go well?
The key element of this project is the fabric.
The designer must know very well about the materials used.
But those who came to interview barely know anything about fabric.
How are things on your side?
We need to wait.
Look at this.
Do you recognize this?
This dress looks nice.
The fabric.
These dresses...
are made from the old fabrics left in Wen Da's storeroom.
Now that you said it, I recognize it now.
Isn't this the Marseille relief design?
Nice job.
These dresses are sold at over one thousand each?
These are old junks in Wen Da's storeroom.
But in the hands of a true professional,
they became valuable resources.
We need to find a professional like this as soon as possible.
Continue the interview tomorrow.
Where are you going?
A little details wouldn't kill you.
Senior.
- Qian. - Senior, we haven't met in a while.
Right, it's been a while.
Come, have a seat.
- You didn't change at all. - Same goes for you.
Time passes so quickly.
All those memories from school are flashing back to me.
Do you still remember? Back in the school,
we are the only two broke kids.
When the weekends come, they would all...
- Have a party. - Right, a party.
Or they will go on a road trip.
Do you remember the award we won that time?
The Fashion Design Award.
I remember that. I kept the trophy all along.
We were so excited after getting the award.
We wanted to have red wine for the celebration.
But after going through all the convenient stores,
there wasn't a bottle that we can afford.
We were so broke.
But it's different now.
Now, we can buy whatever we want to drink.
Come.
This a bottle of 2005 Torbreck.
Try it out, see if you like it.
I feel so bad now.
It took me so long to buy you a drink of wine.
I don't know much about red wines.
They all taste the same to me.
That's what makes you adorable.
Here, cheers.
Cheers.
- The air is good. - Yes, and today is a rare occasion.
We meet again after so many years.
This is great.
But Qian,
about what I told you on the phone,
I hope you can consider it.
You mean joining Xin Bao Rui?
Yes. I really do...
hope that you can join Xin Bao Rui.
Right, Li Zhi Cheng, the president from Ai Da,
he came to me too. He wants me to join his company.
That is no surprise. You have a great talent.
I believe Li Zhi Cheng can see that as well.
But Qian, I must remind you.
Wen Da is now a sinking ship.
All the men on-board are abandoning the ship.
If you go to Ai Da now,
it would be a waste of your talent.
Besides,
Li Zhi Cheng is just a soldier.
I bet he doesn't even have the basic knowledge and experience on clothings.
All these words...
seem like an attempt to defame my rival.
However,
I am not telling you as the president of Xin Bao Rui.
I am here as your senior...
and I truly wish to help you.
I know that.
I have been working for Xin Bao Rui for years.
I may be the president of this company,
but I think the company...
still retains the illness of a family business.
So, I need my own ally in Xin Bao Rui.
I need someone with me to prove that Xin Bao Rui...
needs talented professionals in its ranks.
Senior, you proved that point. You are outstanding.
Thank you for the compliment.
You know?
I have been thinking about...
the moment when we won the award together.
I hope that one day we can work together as a team again.
I never asked anyone for help.
So today...
Senior,
I know what you mean.
Very well. I will join Xin Bao Rui.
So, what is your expected salary?
I am looking for an 50 % increase from my previous job.
Okay, we have all the details we need.
If there is anything, we will contact you at once.
Okay.
What is wrong with you today?
You look anxious.
That's all for the interview. That man was good enough.
Negotiate the salary.
Longhai Street?
This is where the designer lives?
Excuse me, is anyone home?
Yes!
Hello, how may I help you?
Hello, I am looking for Lin Qian, the designer.
She is not here.
You can leave the message to me.
Are you here to browse for clothing?
But my apologies,
we only sell clothes for women, not for men.
No, let me introduce myself.
I am the deputy CEO of Ai Da. I am Gu Yan Zhi.
Another one from Ai Da?
Didn't your president, Mr. Li come here before?
- Why are you here now? - Yes.
Mr. Li is not good at talking.
So I am here to negotiate the terms with Miss Lin Qian again.
I want her to join Ai Da.
You want her to join Ai Da? You are too late.
She is now on her way to sign the contract with Xin Bao Rui.
- A contract with Xin Bao Rui? - Yes.
- Hello? - Hello?
Where are you now?
I am stuck in the traffic jam.
Listen, another man from Ai Da is here for you.
Who is it? Li Zhi Cheng?
No, it's a handsome guy,
but not as good-looking as Mr. Li.
Mr. Li, Lin Qian is on her way...
to sign the contract with Xin Bao Rui.
There may still be a chance. Do you want to give it a shot?
They really do want you at Ai Da.
This is the second time they are here.
You should really think it through.
You must not be wavered.
Her assistant said the contract will be signed at 10.30 a.m..
It's half past nine now. You have another hour.
Give me Lin Qian's location.
- Here you go. - Thank you.
Mr. Li, it's a white taxi.
The car plate is Lin A42Z01.
It's now stuck in the traffic at the first junction of central road.
Sir, how long will it take?
The contract will be signed at 10.30 a.m..
Grab this chance.
I saw it at the studio. Aside from women clothes everywhere,
a camouflage coat was hanging at the front.
The design is closely similar to what the special force wears.
Don't you have an interview at Xin Bao Rui?
Why are you still sleeping?
- Right. - Aren't you afraid to be late?
We are still stuck?
That's how the traffic is here. It can't be helped.
Come on, I will give you a ride.
Mr. Gu, are you at Mr. Li's side all the time?
Basically, yes.
Take these scallop snacks. They are delicious.
Can you tell Mr. Li that...
I am his biggest and most loyal fan.
No problem.
You have my thanks for helping us out.
It's no big deal. But promise me,
if Qian Qian really go to Ai Da,
you must give her the best benefits.
- Okay? - Don't worry.
Ai Da will pay her well.
- Try this out. - Grace, how thoughtful of you.
I need to get in the line just to have a lunch with you.
Now that I finally got the chance,
I certainly need to get us a classy restaurant...
to match someone of your status, right?
I am just an old man.
It's almost time for me to retire.
Isn't that a little too soon?
You look to be in good health.
What makes you want to retire so soon?
Well, I see it now. There are rumours that...
you have found a suitable candidate to take the baton from you.
I heard he got the company up and running very well...
and you are satisfied with his results.
Is it Ning Wei Kai?
Ning Wei Kai?
Young man always has too much spirits.
He only ever knows how to advance and not the take a step back.
He need to slowly learn everything.
Is that so?
But I heard that when he was in Wen Da,
he was already a man of leadership.
He should have a lot of experiences.
I thought Wen Da's leader was Li Zhi Qian.
Right, I heard he was Li Zhi Qian's right hand man.
Yet, no one expected him to jump on to Xin Bao Rui.
And because of this, there are some...
rather unpleasant rumours.
They said that...
he was a traitor.
Mr. Ning,
the employment contract for Lin Qian was prepared as you ordered.
Good.
Did President Zhu say anything?
President Zhu?
He didn't say a word after he knows that you appointed her.
Right, I want you at the front counter later.
When Lin Qian is here,
- bring her to my office right away. - Yes.
These young men have their own personalities.
You must choose the field that suits you...
in order to unleash your potentials.
That's understandable.
I can accept that.
You have a point.
Mr. Ning really is a man of wisdom.
He knows very well what his goal is.
I can see why every time people of the circle mention Xin Bao Rui,
the first name that came to our minds is Ning Wei Kai.
Chairman Zhu, there's nothing to worry about...
if you let him be in-charge of the company.
- Is Lin Qian here yet? - No.
Okay.
Come on.
Is there a reason why you sent me here?
You will be late in two minutes.
Mr. Li, thank you for sending me here.
But,
I won't change my decision.
Whatever.
Your performance tells me that
you're not the expert I was looking for.
Mr. Li, I may have chosen Xin Bao Rui,
but you don't have to criticize me.
Choosing Xin Bao Rui shows that you lack proper analytical skills.
It's too late for prodding.
What do you want?
Before we reach the 19th floor,
I will try my best to tell you my reasons.
One,
the main focus of Xin Bao Rui's work...
are OEM and plagiarizing other premium brands.
You may not become a patterner there,
but the work won't be much different.
Two,
Xin Bao Rui is a massive firm with complete hierarchical structure.
But the more comprehensive the structure is,
the less room a newcomer can perform her skills.
Three,
it's about Ning Wei Kai, your senior.
How do you know he is my senior?
The internet has everything.
I can find whatever I wish to know.
- So? - Ning Wei Kai may be the CEO,
but his position isn't secured.
The infighting between higher-ups are intense.
If you go there as a newcomer,
you will be involved nonetheless.
You will become expandable because of their fighting.
- Good morning, Mr. Ning. - Good morning, Mr. Ning.
Good morning, Mr. Ning.
I won't become expandable if I join Ai Da?
I assure you, no.
What do you need now as a designer?
- Opportunity. - And it comes from platforms.
This is why...
your skills are not recognized after you opened your online shop.
As a designer,
if you complete projects given out because of the Belt and Road project,
you will become well-known instantly among the circle.
I know that.
That's why I chose to join his company.
He can help me.
Ning Wei Kai maybe a CEO,
a professional manager,
but Xin Bao Rui belongs to the Zhu Corporation.
Zhu Corporation has a very powerful influence.
The whole company is filled with the family members.
Do you think you'll have freedom for creativity?
Will he let you handle such an important project?
Chairman.
You have been pointing out my senior's flaws.
Yet you never said anything about Ai Da's situation.
You are the owner of Ai Da,
but you know nothing about clothes.
Ning Wei Kai and I are both designers. We are the same.
We can communicate.
What about you?
What reason you have to make me trust you?
I need you.
Helping someone in need...
is always better than making a good life better.
Besides, I helped you before.
Shouldn't you help me as well?
According to the most recent statistics,
The overall market share of Xin Bao Rui is 27%.
Judging by the statistics, it's a positive result.
But in recent years,
Si Mei Qi shift their focus to online retailers and youngsters...
and their sales are on the rise.
If we want to secure our place,
we should come prepared and plan one step ahead.
Our brand gained some fame over the years,
but our recognition is rather mediocre.
Of course, our reputation is accumulated through various products.
The most important aspect is the design.
I transformed the design department into design research centre...
in order to attract more...
professional talents that excel in designs.
I am here.
The project we need to get our hands on...
is the Belt and Road project from Ming Sheng Group.
The project is about...
the turnout jacket for construction in South East Asia.
The design for water resistance will decide who gets the bidding.
Not bad.
Did you find anyone with appropriate skills?
That's right, Mr. Ning.
Chairman Zhu needs someone with skills.
Not someone that pulls strings.
I was planning to recruit a classmate I had in England.
Her name is Lin Qian. Her results are outstanding.
In terms of design, especially in fabrics,
it's her field of expertise.
I told you we don't want those that pull strings.
I interviewed Lin Qian in person.
And I dismissed her myself.
Even after graduating from top university,
she has zero working experiences.
B Block?
You led me to the wrong way.
This is the employment contract for chief designer.
The period is one month.
I plan to extend the contract after the project is done.
I rejected her.
But Mr. Ning insisted on getting her into the design department.
He even asked the human resources to make the contract earlier.
I was wondering why he has to choose this girl.
I checked all of your works.
Even an outsider like myself...
can tell that your works have immense strength and passion.
Ai Da is in trouble.
I need that strength and passion to break through the situation.
I admire your qualities.
President Zhu,
you may be one of Xin Bao Rui,
but the board has agreed to recruit new designers.
As for the recruitment,
there is no need for you to interview in person.
Father, Han Chong, you are here.
Yes.
Sister, this is how it goes.
Mr. Ning wishes to recruit an old classmate of his from England...
into the design department. What do you think?
This is a minor issue.
Mr. Ning can make the call.
There is no need to ask for our permission.
Jing, well said.
This is but a minor issue.
Since the human resources filtered her out,
you should find someone else for the job.
Follow the regulations.
We shouldn't intervene in this.
Chong, the two of you may go now.
I need to have a word with Wei Kai.
I have a request.
- Do tell. - My assistant is Ya Yi.
I want her to be my assistant after I got the job.
Okay.
You can't pay less than what I pay her.
- Okay. - Social insurance and housing fund?
Okay.
Zhu Corporation has subsidiaries all over the world.
But Xin Bao Rui is the company that I built from scratches.
I let you be in charge of Xin Bao Rui...
not just because I admire how you work,
but because of friendship too.
As for the matter about Lin Qian,
we need to calm the storm.
First of all, you violated the company regulations.
Secondly, you must learn to...
be intimate with the board members.
Give me your lipstick.
- Why? - Give it to me.
What now?
May we have a pleasant cooperation.
A cooperation with me won't be very pleasant.
What?
You change your tone quicker than you flip the pages!
You should at least say something like 'Welcome to Ai Da'.
Tomorrow at 9.00 a.m., meet me at my office.
I heard the editor in chief of H Magazine, Grace...
is very close with Li Zhi Qian.
She is not a worry for you.
There is no ever-lasting rivalry and friendship in business.
What must be taken, will be taken.
But Grace is a foe to be reckon with.
To get her attention,
you still have a long way to go.
Chairman,
have you met her?
Did she say anything to you?
The H Group is the centre of all attention.
I can understand the recklessness of a young man.
Remember not to overdo it.
Stay friendly even when the deal is blown.
Do not offend those who must never be offended.
Yes, Chairman. I understand that.
I am glad you do.
- Hello? - Qian, are you here yet?
Yes, I am.
But something unexpected happened.
I will tell you when we meet.
Same goes for me.
I have an idea.
There is a coffee shop nearby.
Wait for me there.
Okay, see you there.
Go ahead. After you.
So...
Senior, I can't join the Xin Bao Rui.
What a pity.
I am sorry.
I just signed a contract with another company.
But the contract is only for one project.
After the project ended,
if you have need of me, I will still help you.
You don't have to apologize, I respect your decision.
- Really? You are not mad at me? - Why would I be mad at you?
I just pity that the chance was lost.
Will you tell me which company you are going to?
It's Ai Da.
So, Mr. Li from Ai Da...
came all the way to me and stalled me inside the elevator.
I was persuaded.
You mean he chased all the way to the elevator?
He was at Xin Bao Rui?
He kept talking about the new project.
The project he mentioned, is it from Ming Sheng Group?
Yes.
Interesting.
So, we'll soon be opponents.
Not at all, I don't deserve to be your opponent.
I just think that this is a great opportunity.
I can have the chance to take part in a grand project.
I can design as I wish.
So, I will work hard to complete my mission.
I look forward to your results.
We may have worked together before,
but never as rivals.
You should watch out.
Here.
Coffee instead of wine. Congratulations for getting a new job.
So, you support my decision?
Of course I support you.
- All the best. - Thank you, senior.
All the best for both of us.
Don't answer it.
Hello?
Hello, my dear brother.
I am Qian Qian. What are you doing now?
Just get to the point.
I am already in New York.
I just wanted to tell you that I have a new job.
I am going to be a designer in Ai Da.
Ai Da?
You don't want to be a freelance designer anymore?
Even if I go there, I am still the chief designer.
They hired me to work on a project.
I am free to make decisions. I am in charge of the design team.
I want to showcase my skills on a...
bigger and better platform.
That's experience grinding too, right?
You won't listen to me anyway.
After the fight we had last time, I gave some thought into it.
I reflected and I made my mind clear.
This is your life.
Whatever path you chose,
all I can do is to share some thoughts as advice.
But your life is still yours to decide.
I won't demand anything from you again.
Okay, brother.
I will ask you for advice if I need help.
I will let you know if anything happens, okay?
Do as you wish.
I have work to do. I am hanging up.
Nice shoes. They are pretty.
I think so too.
Come on.
Hello, we are the new employees. This is our first day at work.
- I am Ya Yi, the assistant. - Hello.
- This is Lin Qian, the designer. - Hello.
I will get you your cards. Please wait here.
Thank you.
Have a look.
I am used to these event. Refuse it for me.
This the Annual Wine Festival from Vipshop.
Fabric suppliers from all over the world will be there.
Refusing it won't be nice.
Ask Jin Yuan. Let her represent Ai Da.
She is more suited for these kinds of occasions.
Mr. Li, Lin Qian is reporting in.
You are here. Come in.
Mr. Gu, let me introduce you.
This is our new designer, Lin Qian.
- Hello. - Hello.
Bring her to her office later.
Okay, take your time.
Have a seat.
Mr. Li, this is the design solution I made for the turnout jacket.
Have a look. It's the first draft.
You stayed up all for this?
I roughly did some research last night.
It's mainly focus on the needs of Ming Sheng Group.
The order required for The Belt and Road is used at tropical region.
The average precipitation is around 2,000 to 3, 0000 millimetres.
It's warm and humid. So our product must be...
highly water resistance and have good air flow.
How much is the cost for one?
I made the calculation.
It's RMB 214 each.
No.