Subtitles by DramaFever
[Negotiator]
[Episode 35]
That's great. Aren't you happy you can go back?
- But-- - No buts!
I know what you want to say.
CAEA fired you by Xie Tian Cheng's request
but is now asking you to return.
It is a bit disrespectful towards you.
But think about this. Isn't your dream to work at New York headquarters?
To negotiate alongside your idol?
That's why this disrespect is inconsequential if it's for your dream.
More importantly
only in CAEA can you find the key figure who can help clear your dad's name.
Cai Tian Lan.
I'm not holding out any hope anymore.
You can't say that.
As long as he's not dead yet, you can't lose hope.
Understand?
Don't look so discouraged. Smile. Here's a pinch.
One pinch does the trick.
- I should pinch you more from now on. - Okay, thanks.
I seem to be getting well-acquainted with resignation letters lately.
But this time, I'll happily approve it.
Tian Yu, I'm sorry.
You should feel a bit sorry.
But...
Wei Wei, keep your chin up.
I hope your dream comes true.
Thank you, I will.
Who are you looking for?
I'm here to work. That's my office.
That is Manager Xiao's office.
Xiao Xiang took my office?
Director Zhou told me to come.
Do you have an appointment?
Please give a call to Cui Xi. She is my assistant.
Cui Xi? She left on my third day of working here.
- What about Jiang Ke? - Jiang Ke...
Jiang Ke went to the Hangzhou branch.
- What about Kiki? - Kiki?
Hello, Security?
There's a strange woman
at the Negotiation Department on the 28th floor.
Send someone up here.
Okay.
I'll just go directly to Director Zhou.
You can't go in without an appointment!
I'm sorry, Manager Tong. I'm Yoyo, a new intern.
They forced me to do this.
What are you doing? What did I tell you?
When you saw her
you were supposed to viciously yell at her and shove her around.
How could you turn into such a chicken?
The show is ruined!
Manager, do you like this unique welcome celebration?
How could she not?
I racked my brains for a long time to come up with this.
How can you all be so childish? You never grow up.
If you're not here, we'll never grow up!
Gross!
I'm your little baby.
Well, if it isn't Tong Wei!
Hello, Manager Xiao. You're welcome to continue antagonizing me.
What are you saying?
Don't make the mood so heavy as soon as you get back.
Who antagonizes you? Am I that kind of person?
You are!
Thank you for preparing this welcome celebration for me.
I'm very touched. Thank you.
Thank you, Director Zhou.
You shouldn't be having any problems work-wise, right?
Do you need a few days to adjust?
No need. Just give the order. I'm ready to work.
There are no pressing matters. Take care of this first.
This is...
CAEA's annual meeting this year will be held in Suzhou.
Why don't you attend and represent our Shanghai branch?
I think Xiao Xiang should go.
You've had accomplishments. It would be unfair to let Xiao Xiang go instead.
I just think Xiao Xiang has also worked hard for a long time.
I just got back. Please let me keep a low profile for now.
There's also another reason for you to go.
I heard Cai Tian Lan will also attend.
Really?
I saw his name on the guest list but it's tentative.
He is very unpredictable. Nobody knows for certain.
Try your luck.
Okay.
Thank you for looking out for me.
Don't worry about Xiao Xiang. I will do his work.
Good luck.
You must be Tong Wei in Class 6.
I don't know you.
We'll get to know each other.
What are you being arrogant for?
Everybody knows your dad embezzled money
and committed suicide after being exposed.
You're the child of a criminal.
You should be happy we're willing to play with you.
Know what's good for you.
Exactly!
You're spreading lies! My dad didn't do that.
You're just in denial. Everybody knows your dad is guilty of corruption!
Yes, her dad is an embezzler!
Embezzler!
Dad, I will uncover the truth one day.
Dad, Mom, the truth is finally about to be revealed.
I look so tired.
You're going on another work trip?
I will probably get to see Cai Tian Lan this time.
Really?
Director Zhou told me to go to CAEA's annual meeting
and said Cai Tian Lan might attend.
Might?
She says he is always on the move
so whether I'll see him will depend on my luck.
These people are all nutjobs.
If I could go with you, I'd beat them up for you.
I'd let him beat me up if I could see him.
Are you nervous?
I'm not sure.
I guess all I can do is pray for you at home.
President.
Did you have a smooth journey?
Your room is ready. Please come this way.
You're still here?
It's dinnertime. Why don't you eat?
I'm tired.
Then get some rest. I'll be going.
Lei Xiong, I've arrived in Suzhou.
Hello. Are you Ms. Tong?
I'm here to assist you. My name is Jing Jing.
- Hello, Jing Jing. - Please come in.
Ms. Tong, this is the schedule for tonight's banquet. Take a look.
My number is on there. You can call me if you have any questions.
Will there be full attendance at the banquet?
I heard the council president is in the U.S. most of the year.
Will he be here?
Are you talking about President Cai? He's already here. I saw him earlier.
Can you arrange for me to meet him alone?
I'm afraid that'll be difficult
because President Cai is only staying in Suzhou for two days.
Others had to make appointments in advance.
I'm afraid you won't be able to see him so unexpectedly.
I have very urgent business to see him about. Please help me arrange it.
I can't do much in my position.
Why don't you send an email request? Maybe that will work.
An email? When would I get a reply?
I don't know.
This way, please.
Mr. Cai, please come in.
Mr. Lei is waiting for you.
[Meditation Garden]
Hello, Mr. Lei.
President Cai! Hello!
I have been looking forward to meeting you for a long time.
Ms. Tong, the banquet begins at 7 p.m. sharp.
Get some rest. I'll see you tonight.
Here is the schedule.
I'll be leaving now.
Hello?
How's it going? Have you seen Cai Tian Lan yet?
The banquet hasn't started yet.
Why are you even more impatient than I am?
It's up to luck now.
I'm praying for you.
Take care of yourself.
I'll pick you up at the bus station afterward.
Okay.
Ms. Tong, this way.
Ms. Tong, the one beside Director Qu is President Cai.
This must be your first time seeing him.
Tong Wei, let me introduce you to President Cai.
Okay, Director Qu.
Wait.
What's the matter? Do you feel unwell?
It's nothing. Let's go.
President.
This is President Cai.
Hello, President.
You must be Tong Wei of our CAEA Shanghai branch.
You've made quite a stir this year.
I stay distanced from these matters but I've still heard about you.
Tong Wei, you should thank the president for his admiration.
Thank you, President.
Don't say that. Your accomplishments are plain for all to see.
I don't suggest random promotions.
I'm old now.
All I can do now is put in a good word and open doors for young people.
President, I--
Tian Lan, it's been a long time!
You must be enjoying life in the U.S.
I'm not having as much fun as you are.
I heard you're going to the North Pole to view the aurora borealis next month.
Let me tell you...
Ms. Tong, Ms. Wu of the Guangzhou branch would like to meet you.
- Okay. - This way.
Allow me to introduce Ms. Wu, a negotiator of the Guangzhou branch.
Hello.
This is Ms. Tong, a negotiator of the Shanghai branch.
Excuse me, I must go.
Director Qu.
Where is President Cai?
He was feeling a bit unwell and left.
Please carry on.
President Cai! President Cai!
President Cai.
I have something important to see you about.
Miss, there's no rush. Take your time talking.
I'm sorry, I lost my manners earlier.
You need to see me about something?
I know this is quite abrupt.
I wonder if you still remember these two people?
Tong Bo Xue and He Xiao Hui.
You are...
I am their daughter.
Look at you.
The manner with which you speak is an exact replica of Bo Xue.
Age is making me dull. I should have seen it.
Your parents and I were close friends.
If not because of that accident back then...
I would have watched you grow up.
I came today to seek proof from you.
Go ahead.
On the day my father took his own life...
Were you there?
Can you tell me the whole story behind that incident?
Let the past remain in the past.
I can't!
This has been on my mind for so long.
If you don't tell me today...
I really can't get over it.
Please tell me.
Tong Wei, your parents are already gone.
Stop dwelling on it.
Can you please tell me?
Did my father really accept a bribe?
I'm tired. I need to rest.
Uncle Cai.
Please tell me.
Tell me what happened back then.
Even if my father did do it, please tell me.
You have to know...
I'm afraid it will upset you.
It doesn't matter.
I am prepared.
Tell me.
Back in the day, your father, mother, and I
were students at Stanford.
There were very few foreign exchange students back then.
Chinese students at the School of Business
were even more rare.
Our advisor at the time
was Roger Tim, known as the number one business negotiator.
At the time, the field of negotiation in China was nearly nonexistent.
Not one professional business negotiator could be found in the country.
Your father returned to China
to do a service to the country
and also for your grandmother.
Practically all of our classmates and teachers
believed this move would affect his career prospects
and were against it.
However, he was determined.
Your mother followed him unconditionally.
Not long after, you were born.
Your father began working at a foreign enterprise.
In the early years, a job at a foreign enterprise was very cushy
paying a high salary tens of times more than average.
It may have seemed glamorous
but your father had his secret sorrows.
Secret sorrows? Like what?
Where there are people, there are politics.
Of course, foreign enterprises are no exception.
Your father was a scholar and very knowledgeable.
However, he was a complete social misfit.
To put it in modern ways, there are unwritten rules and such.
He didn't understand any of it nor did he care.
I believe every one of us should know how to be flexible.
The same goes in negotiation.
However, he was stuck in his ways and very opinionated.
He offended many people so his career was very rocky.
You could say those who were hired by a foreign enterprise
were more or less competent.
However, your father stepped on their toes.
That's why he was quickly frozen out by everybody.
So...
He took his life because he was being excluded?
He was a scholar but he wasn't that weak.
It was because there was something that pushed him to his doom.
I reunited with your father during a transnational negotiation case.
We were opponents in business
but we were still friends in our personal lives.
I can't believe you turned out to be the one the Americans hired.
Tian Lan, we may be classmates, but don't go easy on me.
Let's each do our best and don't hold back.
When we were in school, I never beat you during mock negotiations.
In this real battle, I'll make sure you leave with your tail between your legs.
All right, enough. It's been such a long time since we've seen each other.
You two are ready for battle before giving each other a warm welcome.
If you keep this up, I'm leaving.
Xiao Hui is mad.
Okay, okay. I'll drink in apology.
Here.
Tian Lan, to be honest
this is the last case I'm working for the company.
What do you mean?
We plan on immigrating to the U.S.
Immigrating to the U.S.?
Bo Xue, you made a big deal out of coming back here from the U.S.
Why are you going back so soon?
I don't want to either.
However, it's hard to explain.
During our reunion dinner
your father told me about all the unpleasant things happening at work.
They were unexpected but not surprising.
I could tell he regretted not listening to me when he returned to China.
But since it played out this way and he was to return to the U.S.
I was certainly happy for him.
I even invited him and your mother to live in my apartment in the U.S.
and take their time finding a place of their own.
That night, Bo Xue, Xiao Hui, and I drank a lot.
Xiao Hui said your father hadn't been so happy in a long time.
We envisioned our future in the U.S.
and even made plans to take you to Disneyland.
We didn't know the situation would change so drastically the next day.
Please sit.
Who is Tong Bo Xue?
That day, as we were about to begin our second round of negotiation...
I am.
Several people from the prosecutor's office suddenly came in.
They suspected your father of
divulging company secrets during the negotiation process
in order to seek illegitimate gain.
Xiao Hui? Come in.
Xiao Hui.
Xiao Hui, don't fret.
They must have made a mistake. There must be a misunderstanding.
I know Bo Xue. He isn't that kind of person.
He couldn't possibly do something like that!
No, Tian Lan.
- He really did do wrong. - What did you say?
- What are we going to do? - How can you say that?
What am I going to do?
What is this?
What am I going to do?
That's not possible.
No! There must be a misunderstanding!
Why would he do that?
Calm down.
What was written in the journal my mom gave you?
That was your father's journal.
All the unpleasantries he faced were written in there.
He was favored and unusually lucky when he was young.
But he had achieved nothing in middle age.
I could see he had slowly began to change on the inside.
Then, one day, he recorded in his journal the first time he made a compromise.
- Are you saying... - Yes.
He accepted a bribe.
What's even more awful is he recorded the entirety of it in his journal
which served as irrefutable proof.
I really don't understand.
Why did he become like this?
There were many reasons.
In his journal, he was conflicted.
He wavered.
But...
He thought about your mother giving up her career to follow him back to China.
He thought about you and your grandma.
In a moment of weakness
he accepted the US$200,000 our company offered him.
Back then, that was an astronomical amount.
That money was enough to land him in prison for decades.
I can't believe you really found this.
I know you have always wished to find the truth about your father's case.
However, you placed all your hopes on Cai Tian Lan.
I thought that wasn't wise all along.
I was inspired by a case last year.
I found some clues to your father's incident.
I reckon this should be useful to you.
No wonder.
I noticed a few pages were missing in Dad's journal.
Xiao Hui tore them out.
What are you doing?
Tian Lan, stay out of this.
I know this isn't right.
But I have no other option.
I can't let them take away Bo Xue!
So... So I have to destroy this!
- I have to destroy this! - At the time...
your mother was already distraught and out of her mind.
I only had one thought in my mind.
Bo Xue was forced to take this step.
We were old friends. I had to save him.
However, the moment the prosecutors appeared
your father's will had already been completely broken.
Bo Xue, say something. What did they ask you?
I've let you down, Xiao Hui.
I've let down this family.
Bo Xue, don't worry.
I've already contacted the best attorney for you.
He says anything could happen in your situation.
However, remember to keep your silence starting now.
Try not to answer if you don't have to.
It's no use, Tian Lan. It's over for me. My life is over!
It's not as serious as you think it is.
Let's plan for the worst.
Return the money.
We'll plead for a lighter sentence.
I want some time alone. Is that okay?
All right.
It will be a tough battle ahead.
You need to eat more.
Help Bo Xue through this.
If you collapse, what is he going to do?
How could something like this happen?
Did Bo Xue not reveal anything to you before?
If I'd known, would I have let him do it?
Room 711's guest jumped from the building!
What?
Xiao Hui! Xiao Hui!
Bo Xue!
- Bo Xue! - Xiao Hui, you're finally up.
Here.
How could he be so foolish?
He just had to serve a few years for his mistake!
Why did he have to choose this path? Why?
- Why? Why? - Xiao Hui.
Calm down, Xiao Hui. Lie down.
Calm down.
Xiao Hui, think about your daughter.
She is still young. She needs you.
If you collapse, what will your daughter do?
Tong Wei.
Think about her. Pull yourself together.
Tian Lan.
I want a glass of water. Can you get one for me?
Okay, hold on a moment.
So...
Dad really took money that he shouldn't have.
Tong Wei, from a legal point of view, your father did commit a crime.
However, there are many things in life that render us helpless.
His life seemed glamorous on the surface
but in reality, he was in great sorrow on the inside.
I hope you can understand and continue to love him.
I also made a mistake back then.
If I had paid more attention
your mother wouldn't have followed in his footsteps.
I am very regretful. I am sorry.
It was Dad's mistake.
He did do something he shouldn't have.
Thank you for today.
I finally learned the truth that I've been seeking all these years.
I think I should get going.
Why don't I arrange a ride for you?
That's not necessary.
If you need anything in the future, you can come to me.
Are you all done?
Xiao Fei.
Calm down. Tell me what happened.
Tong Wei? Tong Wei!
Hello?
Tong Wei!
Xiao Fei, what's wrong?
I don't know but something's happened to Tong Wei.
What happened?
Cui Xi, send me the address to Tong Wei's hotel in Suzhou right now.
And give me all contact information of CAEA's reception staff.
Why?
Don't ask so many questions! Give it to me right now!
Okay.
Hello?
Mr. Xie? I am at the hotel lobby.
Okay, I'll be waiting for you here.
Hello, sir.
Hello.
Hi. Are you Mr. Xie?
Yes. Have you reached Tong Wei?
Not yet.
What happened last night?
Last night, Ms. Tong said she wanted to see the president
and seemed restless all night.
She wanted to speak with the president alone.
- Did she see him? - Yes, and then...
And then I lost contact with her.
Tong Wei, where are you?
Please be all right.
Tong Wei?
Ms. Tong.
- Tong Wei! - Ms. Tong!
You're finally up. How do you feel?
The doctor said you have a severe cold.
Drink this.
What did Cai Tian Lan tell you yesterday?
He told me...
He said my dad did accept bribes.
Cai Tian Lan said that?
Such a long time has passed.
Don't dwell on it.
Nobody is perfect. Everybody makes mistakes.
In my heart...
I always believed...
he was innocent.
He had his reasons.
In these 13 years...
the only motivation that gave me the will to live...
was clearing his name.
I turned out to be wrong.
I don't know what I'm doing.
Can you understand what I'm feeling?
Of course I can.
I understand.
I want to go home.
Let's go home.
I'll take you home.
I want to go home.
Don't cry.
Thank you.
Make sure Ms. Tong gets some rest. Take care.
That's the gist of it.
Okay.
Wei Wei.
- How come you're here? - I heard from Bi Chen.
Wei Wei, what happened?
Get some rest.
Subtitles by DramaFever