Subtitles by DramaFever
[Negotiator]
[Episode 2]
Who are you?
Sorry, I'm in the wrong room.
- Sorry. - This is kidnapping!
I'm going to sue you!
- Let me go! - I'm sorry! She's my sister.
Give to her.
Leave with me. Come--
I'm not leaving. I'm going to Fashion Week. I'm not leaving the U.S.
What Fashion Week? Come home with me.
- I'm not leaving! - Come with me!
- Come with-- - You all shut up!
- Who are you? Why are-- - I dare you to keep shouting.
I want to shout! I'm not leaving!
Let me tell you.
In the U.S., if you trespass onto private property and cause trouble
I could teach you a lesson!
This would be reasonable self-defense.
Sorry, sir.
I'm sorry. Don't be mad. I'll take her away right now.
My mother is resting inside.
If you dare shout and scream and disturb me
I will make sure you get a stay here.
Did I make myself clear?
Understood.
Do you have any patriotism? Chinese don't fight Chinese, you know?
Tian Tian! Tian Tian!
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
Sorry, sir.
Let's go, people.
Tian Tian, how could you just leave on a whim?
Do you know what kind of place New York is?
There are all sorts of bad people there.
What if something happened to you?
Good thing your sister was there.
Sister? She's not my sister.
If she didn't force me to come back
I might have already made a name for myself in Fashion Week.
Are you laughing at me?
Tian Yu, stop the car. I don't want to be in the same car as her.
Yes, stop the car for her right here.
Let her go to Fashion Week. Let her go.
Enough, enough. Stop fighting.
Do it for me. Ladies, stop talking.
Hello, Luo Bin?
Can the information you sent me be trusted?
Isn't it the middle of the night in New York? Why aren't you sleeping?
I just had a drink and was about to go to bed.
After seeing your fax, how could I sleep? I'm super excited.
Tell me what's going on with that piece of land.
The land was originally for commercial use.
There's an old lady in her seventies who just won't move out.
She won't accept any amount of compensation.
Current developers are local and small-scale.
This has been dragging out for two years and they're running out of money.
It's been passing hands like a hot potato.
I remember you told me two years ago you were interested in that land
and I should hold it for you if there's a chance.
You're really doing me a huge favor.
Well, just hold on to that land for me.
Don't worry. Nobody's going to fight you for this land.
But I have to warn you, Xiao Fei.
The old lady won't move. It'll be tricky.
You're out of the country so you don't know.
I suggest you think about this carefully.
Don't worry. There'll be a way.
Anyway, I want that land. Wait for news from me.
All right, I'm going to get back to work. You should sleep soon too.
Don't drown your sorrows every night.
I know. Bye.
Mr. Song of Ke Wan has come to New York before.
We met in private a few times.
We already have an initial intent for collaboration.
However, since this involves two corporations
both parties will still need to negotiate collaboration details.
The company is unmistakably gearing towards a return to China.
Our family is a legend after all. We must not forget our roots.
The problem is that we know very little about China, in particular the market.
Who will represent X-Group in negotiations with Ke Wan?
Hi, everybody. Good morning.
- Good morning. - What are you doing here?
I brought breakfast for everybody.
Stop messing about. Can't you see we're in an important meeting?
Leave it here. We'll eat it later.
Dad, listen. Eating breakfast will keep you alert in early-morning meetings.
I actually have something important to discuss with you all today.
You can eat while I talk.
Let me get started.
Suzhou is a one-hour drive from Shanghai, China.
There is a plain and simple village there.
The people there work from dawn to dusk.
The houses they live in were built with their own hands, brick by brick.
In short, the people there live a fairytale life.
Isn't that your wife's hometown?
I recently received reliable information.
The local government has the intent for commercial development
and hopes to promote the local travel industry.
That means they are currently searching for suitable developers.
Xiao Fei, are you saying you want to purchase the land in Suzhou?
Very smart.
However, you're only half right.
I do want to turn this place into a holiday resort
but I want to turn it into a resort that is
completely different from X-Group's usual style.
A resort with local flavor.
- A resort with local flavor? - That's right.
I think this would be a great project for X-Group's break into China.
This resort can show off the charms of China's traditional culture.
We don't need to change anything in this small village
not even the facilities.
We only need to attract tourists to this location
to experience an authentic country lifestyle.
What do you think? It's a great idea, isn't it?
This idea is fairly bold.
It is indeed bold.
Tian You, let me put in a fair word.
I have doubts about Xiao Fei's idea.
However, since Xiao Fei is finally interested in working at the company
why don't you let him give it a try?
If he fails, we'll just use other projects to succeed.
Xiao Fei, you used to stay clear of company matters though.
Why the sudden change?
Are you confident you can do a good job on this project?
Uncle, you don't like me to be unambitious.
When I'm ambitious, you don't believe in me?
Business is about making profit and cutting losses.
You've never done business before. Can you handle such a large investment?
I know you all probably talk behind my back and say I ignore my duties
that I refuse to do this or that
and just idle about, boxing with foreigners.
But what about now? I'm pulling myself together.
I'm taking this project seriously
and starting to assume control of X-Group.
18 Secrets is X-Group's most important asset.
I know you won't easily let me try this.
But the future of 18 Secrets is in our motherland.
We will eventually return our business to China.
You must support my native resort plan.
All right, let's end here for today. Meeting adjourned.
Xiao Fei, come with me.
Are you feeling better, Dad?
You care about your old man?
How long have you been eyeing that land in Suzhou?
Two months?
Two weeks?
Two days?
Two years, Dad.
This really isn't a spur of the moment idea.
I haven't been in China, but I had a friend keep tabs on developments there.
I've been searching for a suitable opportunity.
The opportunity has come.
Convince me.
You're playing around out there every day.
How can I trust you?
This is a large investment.
I've made frequent visits to China in the past few years.
You all thought I was fooling around, eating and drinking.
Everybody eats and drinks
but every person gains something different.
I made connections with different people every time I went to China.
I could perceive that there have been great changes in China.
People of your age likely aren't too fond of change.
However, for young people, change represents a chance.
For modern corporations
change carries a likelihood of failure
but resisting change is equivalent to suicide.
X-Group's signature concept of luxury service
always feels snobby and out of touch to us young people.
There's no way it can strike a chord with young people.
This market is gearing more towards young people now.
We really cannot neglect this portion of the market.
You have to give me your support.
Dad, I know.
This land is in my mom's hometown.
Enough, don't say anymore.
You can go now. I have an important phone conference.
In your eyes, is there nothing I can do right?
Pretend I didn't say anything.
Xiao Fei, calm down.
If you're trying to persuade me for Dad, then save it.
Xiao Fei, Dad is always praising and defending you in front of everybody.
He's only strict with you because he has high hopes for you.
Don't be mistaken.
He's not doing it for my sake, but for the company's.
It's so the company won't have a heir that will bring him shame.
Xiao Tian, this isn't my dream.
I won't be bound to this company my whole life.
Xiao Fei, what are you saying? You are X-Group's only heir--
Everybody can see.
You're more suitable than I am to be the heir.
But I'm not.
I know what you want to say. You're not his child by birth.
What does that matter?
The eldest son has to be successor?
Are you kidding? What age are we living in?
You are capable.
Everybody would be at ease with you at the helm.
That's enough.
In my mind, you are my younger brother.
So, don't you dare say to my face that you're not.
You hear me?
Xiao Fei.
That's right. Bye.
Uncle Xie.
Chen Xi, you're here!
Come in, come in.
I'm sorry I'm late.
That's fine. I know how traffic in New York can be.
Come, let me take a look.
It's been a few years and you're all the more beautiful.
You flatter me.
Come, have a seat.
Uncle Xie, my father told me to give this to you. I hope you like it.
This is exquisite.
Your father is giving up his treasures again.
He got that from a gamble on gemstones. It's not worth much money.
It's for your own pleasure.
All right, I'll accept it.
Sit down.
Let's talk about business now.
Young people just don't have patience.
As a matter of fact, the last time your father visited New York
we had already come to an intent for collaboration
and discussed initial plans.
As for the details
you and Xiao Fei will discuss them in Shanghai.
Xiao Fei is...
Look at me, I've forgotten to make introductions.
Here.
The one standing beside me is Xiao Fei, my unruly son.
Xiao Fei, are you really not waiting for Manager Li and the others?
I'm going ahead to Shanghai to work. Isn't it what Dad wants?
Are you still mad at Dad?
- I wouldn't dare. - Xiao Fei.
Dad didn't outright reject your proposal.
On the contrary, I could tell he quite admired it.
He must have his concerns for not giving you free rein.
I'm someone who neglects my job, doesn't work, and boxes.
What could I possibly achieve?
Isn't that what you all think?
Xiao Fei, don't say that. Everybody can see your talents.
Go back and tell Dad I will do a good job in Shanghai.
The one standing beside me is Xiao Fei, my unruly son.
You are Xie Xiao Fei?
Who are you?
I saw a picture of you in Uncle Xie's office.
Hello, I am Zhao Chen Xi. Why are you here?
Don't mention him.
I'm going to China purely for leisure. Don't spoil my mood.
Really?
Come closer.
Be sure not to tell him.
I can't let my dad know I'm not actually working. Okay?
Ladies and gentlemen, this is an emergency broadcast.
If there are any doctors on board, please contact the pilot immediately.
Please contact the pilot if you are a doctor onboard.
Hey, what's going on?
A 60-year-old lady has just fainted in economy class.
It's most likely fatigue
from the flight that caused the temporary dizziness.
It's best to let the patient lie down and relax for a bit.
I'm sorry, but the flight is full and there are no other seats available.
That's okay. You can let her sit in my seat.
Oh, but you're in first class.
- Yep. - Thank you.
You see?
Even if I wear the emperor's robe, I can't be the prince.
Why?
Because this spot doesn't belong to me.
So, I have to go now.
Bye.
Young man, thank you. Thank you.
It's nothing, granny. Get some rest.
This guy doesn't speak a word of truth but he's quite kindhearted.
Xiao Tian.
Dad, Xiao Fei's flight has landed.
I already confirmed it with airline personnel.
Okay. Thanks, Xiao Tian.
Dad, I think Xiao Fei's idea is actually pretty good.
It's very good.
Then why won't you let him go ahead and do it?
He has been mucking around the last few years
but there is no question about his abilities.
Yes, Xiao Tian.
He did accomplish some things in the past.
Even so, working in a start-up company
is completely different from working in a business empire like X-Group.
Besides, I have my own selfish reasons for sending Xiao Fei to Shanghai
to oversee this project.
Then why didn't you tell him this?
He has not listened to me ever since his mother passed away.
He doesn't go home and can't be bothered to have a proper conversation with me.
In his eyes, I am just a cold man
who would sacrifice my family's happiness for profit.
I believe he will one day understand all you've done for him.
But when will that day come?
I'm almost 60. My health is worsening.
I'm afraid I won't be able to see that day.
I deeply regret giving up my first class seat.
It was a good deed though.
I hope the granny gets better.
Hello! Are you Mr. Xie?
Hello, I am your trip assistant.
You reserved a vehicle with us. This is your car key.
Thanks.
Chen Xi!
Yang Xiao.
How was everything? Good?
It went well.
Then let's...
What are you looking for?
- Nothing. Let's go. - Come.
Manager!
Not bad. You're glowing.
You returned two days before me and rested well.
There's no time for small talk. I have terrible news.
What is it?
Did you know Negotiations Department is now divided into Team A and Team B?
Oh, that? I already knew.
The company is seeing a dramatic increase in business.
We'll be in friendly competition. Isn't that a good thing?
Good thing?
While we were abroad
Xiao Xiang took all the competent staff over to his team.
All we're left with are rookies who were just hired
recent graduates who are clueless.
Friendly competition?
Mark my words. We'll be crushed.
Don't fret.
Isn't it to be expected that Xiao Xiang would do something like that?
Rookies are a blank slate.
Maybe they'll even turn into elites after just a few cases.
But the newly-hired rookies...
You'll understand when you see them.
- Good morning, Manager Tong. - Morning.
Good morning, Manager Tong.
You shocked me!
Watch where you're going!
Jeez, it's dirty now!
Hello.
This perfume...
You have such good taste!
Where did you buy your perfume?
Do you have a personal shopper you can introduce to me?
What's your number? Let's add each other.
- Let's add. - Jiang Ke, that's enough.
This is your boss.
Boss?
You are...
Hello, I am Tong Wei.
Oh my gosh!
What a beautiful and stylish boss!
How am I going to focus on work?
Oh gosh, oh gosh!
Am I blushing?
Oh no, I have to calm down. Calm down.
Oh my gosh!
- Crazy. - It's so spacious and elegant!
Kiki, go to the wonton restaurant down the street for lunch.
Whose team is she on?
Yours.
That restaurant uses the freshest ingredients!
The restaurant with the yellow sign!
- Okay, Mom. - Kiki.
Let me introduce to you.
This is our team manager, Tong Wei.
Hello.
You are Kiki's boss?
You're so beautiful and young.
Manager, how are you?
Kiki is young and just entered the workforce.
Manager, please look after her from now on.
Don't worry, Auntie.
Manager, what are you having for lunch?
Mom.
If you go out to eat, go to the wonton restaurant down the street.
It's really good! Bring Kiki.
Make sure she eats the entire bowl of wontons.
You're always dieting. That's no good.
All right, Auntie. We have to work. Why don't you go now?
I'm leaving now.
Goodbye, Manager.
Bye, Auntie.
I'll get to work.
Wait.
Your mom won't be seeing you to work every day, will she?
She won't next time.
Get to work.
Our team members are not just inexperienced, but also unreliable.
How are we going to work together?
One ultra friendly and one ultra young.
Very nice.
I should go see Director Zhou and see what she has to say.
Okay.
Director Zhou, I'm here to report in.
You're finally back.
How was your trip to New York?
I got a lot out of it. I'm ready to work.
Wonderful. Come in and sit.
By the way, our negotiations team is now split into two teams.
You and Xiao Xiang will each lead a team. You probably already know.
I already know.
However, I have a question.
Go ahead.
How did those two clowns pass the interview?
It seems you've already met them.
Business negotiation is already ubiquitous abroad.
However, it's still relatively unknown in China.
Domestically, negotiations are either handled by a company's internal staff
or done with a lawyer.
Business negotiations aren't widespread
firstly, because everybody has low awareness of it
and secondly, because there aren't enough talents in this field.
I understand now. You want me to train the newbies.
But I feel
those two have issues even with just basic communication.
So, I'm afraid you'll be let down.
Tong Wei, who do you think is
our department's most experienced negotiator?
Xiao Xiang?
He used to be marketing director of a large corporation after all.
He has experienced countless commercial battles.
Yes, but in my mind
our department's most outstanding negotiator is you.
Xiao Xiang is experienced
but he is easily distracted and rather foxy.
You possess the most prized quality of a negotiator: sincerity.
Thank you for the praise, Director Zhou.
I understand now.
Those two have many problems right now
but they're diamonds in the rough in need of polishing.
Do you have any more questions regarding personnel arrangements?
None. I will do my best to lead my team.
Good. That's the attitude I want.
Go get ready. We have a meeting in an hour.
Okay, I'll go back downstairs.
Tong Wei is back!
You've learned a lot in New York, haven't you?
It seems you also gained a lot while I was away.
Director Zhou.
Thank you.
Everybody, take a seat.
We have a lot of work to do so let's keep this short.
You've all looked through the information I sent.
I'll give a brief overview of our new case.
Our client this time is X-Group.
X-Group is an American enterprise.
They are preparing to break into the China market.
That's why they are searching for a Chinese company
to establish a joint venture through joint investments.
Our mission is to help them negotiate with their business partners.
There's one thing.
From X-Group's chairman to their main shareholders
they're all Chinese!
How come they're an American enterprise?
X-Group's founder, Mr. Xie Zhen Nan
immigrated to the U.S. at the turn of the last century.
Through the efforts of three generations
X-Group is now a force to beckoned with in the U.S. hotel and tourism sector.
It's not easy for Chinese to flourish in American society.
Yes, that's why our company places great importance on this project.
X-Group currently has a target collaborator.
It is Ke Wan Corporation, the well-known real estate developer.
Ke Wan?
There have been many who have wanted to work with Ke Wan
but very few who have succeeded.
It's said that it's because the president of Ke Wan is too difficult to please.
If it's an easy case, they wouldn't have come to CAEA.
You're right, Director Zhou.
Team B will put in our best efforts and secure Ke Wan as soon as possible.
Team A will handle the X-Group case.
Tong Wei, it won't be a problem, right?
No problem. We will do our best.
Director Zhou, it's not quite appropriate to hand such a large case to Team A.
Look at the new kids.
They don't have any experience at all.
I think it'd be safest to leave it to Team B.
Newbies need the training.
Real experience will allow them to mature quickly.
Xiao Xiang, with Team A taking the front line
Team B shouldn't be slacking off.
If they need any help, you must provide timely assistance.
Yes.
Tong Wei, this project is extremely important for our company.
Only success is allowed.
If you need any help, don't hesitate to seek advice from Xiao Xiang.
I hope you won't mind, Xiao Xiang.
Of course not.
Great.
X-Group's representative will be arriving in Shanghai soon.
We need to work with them to come up with a negotiation plan within two weeks.
We engage in first-round negotiations with Ke Wan's representative
at the start of next month.
That's our current timeline.
Tong Wei, any issues with that?
No problems. We will do our best.
Manager Tong, I never expected that.
I already expected it.
Manager Tong is so cool
beautiful, has good taste, and such charisma.
She's totally the best.
Manager Tong, I'm faithfully yours.
I also want to become just like you, Manager Tong.
Don't be so happy just yet. We have a tough battle ahead of us.
With Manager Tong, what do we have to fear?
Are you afraid? Are you?
What do we have to fear?
Manager Xiao.
Director Zhou handed such a large case to the rookie team.
What does she mean by that?
Director Zhou.
It's kind of late to be thanking me.
I'm here to worship you.
Why's that?
You previously let Xiao Xiang take whomever he wanted
so that he'd have nothing to say when you assigned cases, right?
Tong Wei, let me put it this way.
If this case is a success
you will be guaranteed a spot in
the year-end CAEA Headquarters annual meeting.
But if you fail--
Don't worry. I've never tasted failure.
I'm not worried about you.
But you'll have to watch over your subordinates.
Don't let them hold you back.
I understand.
It's easy to paint on a blank canvas.
I will make sure my team matures quickly.
Good. It's up to you now.
Do you have information?
I have quite a bit. Take a look.
I've organized all the information found online regarding X-Group.
Wasn't that fast?
Fast but useless.
If you can find this information online, others can as well.
That's why this information is of no use to negotiators.
We need to make a case-by-case analysis.
For example, let's take X-Group's representative, Xie Xiao Fei.
What is his background?
I've looked into Xiao Fei. This is his resume.
This won't be very useful.
What I want to see is more personal information on Xie Xiao Fei.
For example, what kind of person he is
his personality, astrological sign, blood type
what he likes to eat, if he has a girlfriend
and whether he likes Chinese people or foreigners.
I didn't think Manager Tong would be just as nosy as I am.
I mean wouldn't we be paparazzi if were to dig up this information?
The first rule of negotiation is to know who you're dealing with.
If you want to become an even better negotiator
you must have the attentiveness of paparazzi.
We need to do all we can to learn about the collaborators and your competitors.
That's how we can determine an effective negotiation plan.
This is your lesson for today.
But where are we going to find this information?
Where you find it isn't my concern.
Kiki and Jiang Ke, this will be your homework for today.
Find out everything about Xie Xiao Fei.
Class is dismissed.
Hello, Shan Shan?
What are you up to?
- I'm about to leave work. - I'll pick you up.
No refusals. I'm hanging up now. Bye.
Oh, Shan Shan.
I really have no idea what to do with those two fools at work.
It seems CAEA has been lacking talent to replace me after I left.
Not just that. Xiao Xiang is also out to get me.
Didn't you say there is a club opening? Where is it?
It's obviously upstairs. Did you think it'd be outdoors? Come on.
You're being so mysterious. Honestly!
Mr. Luo.
- Mr. Luo. - You two have a good time.
I'll be waiting for you.
- Peter, hi! - Mr. Luo!
James! Hello!
Welcome. Please enter.
Li, it's been a long time!
Have a good time.
- Hi, Mr. Luo. - Drink.
Have a drink first. I'm going to say hi to the owner.
Go on.
It's been a long while, Mr. Luo.
Shan Shan! You're so pretty today.
Thank you, thank you.
You did a really good job here. I really like it.
You like it?
Hold on.
Qi told me to give this to you. He said Master wants you to pray with it.
Thank you so much to Qi.
When is he going to bring me to see Master? I can't wait.
Master isn't a financial consultant. You can't just see him when you want.
Make use of this bracelet.
Three months later, Master will check your progress.
You will see him when fate decides it's time.
All right, I'll be focused on praying.
What a beauty.
Is she for me?
You wish! She's my good friend, Tong Wei.
I'm warning you. Don't hit on her.
What? Is she married?
But even if you try to hit on her, it won't work.
She's a negotiator for CAEA.
She is light years ahead of those ordinary girlfriends of yours.
She's out of your league.
Fine.
What are all you women thinking?
You clearly don't have to work so hard, but you just do.
You're making us men feel useless.
All right, I have to pick up a friend who has come in from New York.
- Go on. - Okay.
You know, I've been in China for 10 years.
I've never seen a girl as pretty as you.
Thank you. Sorry. (Japanese)
I'm being honest, in my opinion
Japanese girls are the most charming and better dressed, for sure.
Sorry? (French)
Are you French?
Someone tried to hit on you again?
It's so noisy in here. I want to leave.
You want to leave already?
I have an important meeting tomorrow.
I want to go home and recharge.
All right, then. Look around. Nobody here holds a candle to my Qi.
I'll leave with you.
Let's go.
It's so darn loud. I have a headache now.
It is a bit on the noisy side. It's also my first time here.
Opening a restaurant here wouldn't be about earning money.
This club is just a spot where
business acquaintances can gather and chat.
It's only open to club members. You need a card for entry.
Where did you get your card?
From Qi, of course! He is close friends with the club owner.
Tell Qi to come to these places with you. Don't ask me next time.
He's away on business!
You're just a backup. Don't take it so seriously.
All right, all right. When are you two going to tie the knot?
I'm not pinning any hopes on that.
Qi has been divorced for so long.
I'm guessing he's no longer interested in hosting a grand affair.
You should still get a marriage license.
He's busy. We'll talk about it when he's free.
Are you sure he's just busy?
What do you mean by that?
This is just a warning. I saw Qi with his ex-wife last week.
They're divorced but still colleagues.
It's absolutely normal for them to meet clients together and discuss business.
I believe you.
What's that look? What's that look?
Listen, I'm still holding on to Qi's divorce certificate.
Do you have a problem with seeing me happy? Have you fallen for Qi?
What's wrong with you?
Didn't you see my car coming?
Subtitles by DramaFever