Standing in the Time Episode 7
Without Leiyang's contact info,
I can't continue proofreading the draft.
She knows nothing
about literature.
You shouldn't have asked her
to proofread my book.
Even his email
is hard to understand.
He considers himself always right.
Is this your senior?
She's just
a proofreader.
Wearing such a tight shirt
and posing in the presence of so many people.
I think I was selling my body.
Why did you change your attitude
suddenly?
You're a model!
Are you a proofreader?
Do you even know something about the profession?
Which book are you proofreading?
Oldest Nephew.
Please get me a pen and a piece of paper.
Thank you.
Hold on.
I'll tell you the whole story slowly.
Let me ask you a question first.
Aunt!
Thank you.
Remember. No oil.
Got it.
Do you know this character?
How about this?
See?
Few people know them, right?
The book I'm proofreading
is written by Leiyang.
It's called "A Footless Insect."
What's up?
You know what?
This guy
can't make himself understood,
but he said it's because of my poor cultural literacy.
Let me tell you a short passage
from his book.
Don't bother.
You have to listen.
It's really weird.
"In the afternoon with thick clouds,
the sun is shining obliquely.
It seems everything in the world has been whipped.
I'm surrounded
by people who're in a hurry.
Only I am creeping
on a bare branch,
looking forward to
arriving at the top of the tree
and spreading beauty someday."
Tell me.
Do you understand those words?
I think he's describing
a vulnerable caterpillar
that lives fearlessly
in the big world
and tries its best to get close to its goal,
hoping to come out of the cocoon and become a butterfly
someday.
The author must have compared himself
to a caterpillar.
The caterpillar is also a metaphor
for the young people
who're fighting for their dreams.
Zhou Zimo.
You're awesome!
It's just a casual comment.
I think the passage
is not bad.
He must have read a lot.
Come on.
If only
what he wrote were as clear as
what you said.
Can you explain to me
what the second part means?
"I'm surrounded
by people who're in a hurry.
Only I am creeping
on a bare branch."
What does it mean?
Li Xiao.
Uh.
I've had a lot.
It's not easy to digest
if I eat too much.
I have to go.
You're really self-disciplined.
It's still early, right?
I have to run back home.
Huh?
How far is it?
5-6 km.
See you next time.
I'm leaving.
Okay.
Hey.
Sir.
Thank you for the noodles.
I have to go.
Do as you please.
You don't need to see me out.
I… I'm running home.
Be safe.
See you next time.
Bye.
Uh. Sir.
I'm leaving.
It's ready.
You scared me.
Come on.
What's the big deal of being a model?
Look. He has so many noodles left.
He's not polite at all.
A model.
I really doubt your taste.
A vulnerable caterpillar
lives fearlessly
in the big world.
Having nothing to fear,
it'll come out of the cocoon and become a butterfly
someday.
What's up? Go ahead.
But save your breath
if it's about getting another proofreader.
Did you do it or not?
So,
you failed to
convince her.
Wu Yu, listen to me.
No matter what you want me to do,
I'll say yes.
I'll change it
completely as you said.
I just want you
to get me a new proofreader.
Unbelievable.
You always think you're one of the best young writers,
but you're going to give in to an inexperienced proofreader.
Will you help me or not?
It took me so much effort to try to persuade you,
but you changed nothing.
I can't believe you just volunteered
to modify your work.
It means this proofreader
is more persuasive than me.
So, I decide
not to do that.
Wu Yu, I'm telling you.
If you don't get me
a new proofreader,
I'll
go to another Publishing Press
We've signed a contract.
You'll have to pay us liquidated damages
once it's breached.
Besides,
I don't think
anyone else
dares to publish your work.
So, let me remind you.
You'd better
think about her opinions
and then modify your book
based on that.
Hello?
What are you doing?
Zhou Zimo.
Are you okay?
Do you think what love is?
Actually, I let you
stay at my home
because I was afraid you'd escape.
Do you think
I should
be true to myself
or pretend to be a perfect man
at the beginning of a relationship?
Be true to yourself.
Just as you always do.
But now, I don't know
how to be true to myself.
You know,
it's such a wonderful world.
It's small
and full of coincidences.
Zhou Zimo.
Love is a beautiful thing.
It means you meet the right one
in the right place
at the right time.
But I don't think
it has anything
to do with us.
You…
Xia Fan, what are you talking about?
I asked you about it
because I met a girl.
My ego, my inner self and actual self
are all exhibited to her.
I…
But she just can't
mix the three sides of me together.
You hipsters
all chat like that, right?
That's to say,
you fell in love with a girl.
You want to stay with her.
You want to see her.
I miss her
every second of every minute.
It's your first love, right?
She's different
from the others.
She's special.
I admit I fell in love.
But
I'm a little afraid of her.
Is she too pushy?
No.
She's
too straightforward.
Hi, Leiyang.
I mentioned your book when I had dinner with a friend.
He's a model,
but he understands your work well.
As for the book's introduction,
his interpretation is easier to understand.
A vulnerable caterpillar
lives fearlessly
in the big world.
Having nothing to fear,
it tries its best to creep toward its goal,
expecting to come out of the cocoon
and become a butterfly someday.
I know
you have your own literary pursuit,
but in the end,
literature has to be reader-centered.
You have to let your readers understand.
Right?
Zhou Zimo.
You're just a super model today.
Let's go.
Where are we going?
You'll see soon.
Do you want to buy books?
No.
I don't like reading.
I just like looking at pictures.
In this case,
why do you work as a proofreader?
Nobody said
a proofreader has to like reading, right?
However,
after reading a long book,
I've really learned a lot.
So, why are we here?
Do you remember
I told you something about a writer
called Leiyang?
Yeah. What's up?
Ms. Shi told me
he once published a collection of essays
called "Morning Sunlight".
One of the essays
won first prize of New Concept Composition Contest.
I see.
I think
it's not easy
to do that.
It's a prestigious award.
You may begin to
understand "A Footless Insect "
after reading
his previous works.
Impossible.
I've given up hope.
It's impossible to persuade him.
He's immune to both soft and hard tactics.
Actually, I'm here
for his previous works
just in the hope of
finding any of his photos.
I'd like to see
which kind of person
can write those words.
What's up?
Help me look for it.
"Morning Sunlight".
Well.
You don't need to do that.
He's just another face in the crowd.
Just like us,
a pair of eyes and one mouth.
If he's ugly-looking,
it may put you in a bad mood.
But if he's
tall and handsome,
you'll be torn.
It's…
Impossible.
Now that
he wrote those words,
how could he
be tall and handsome?
You know,
the face is the index of the mind.
I'm just curious
what he looks like.
Then,
I'll be able to know
why he wrote
those words.
I'll try to persuade him
by following his train of thought.
Well.
I think
you're too subjective.
Don't worry.
Just help me look for it.
"Morning Sunlight." Remember.
Zimo.
They told me it's over here.
Li Xiao.
I got it.
Sh!
Awesome!
That's right. Leiyang.
That's it.
There isn't any photo.
I see.
Leiyang
must have no confidence
in his appearance,
so he didn't want the readers to know him.
Darkness still enveloped the town,
but I had thrown myself
into its arms.
Walking on the street
wet with dew,
I could not only hear the sound
of the soles rubbing against the ground,
but also a voice
which repeatedly interrogated me:
can you keep going till daybreak
on this dark street?
When the first ray of sunshine
pierced the darkness
and tore the hole apart,
I began to hear the sound of
dew being evaporated.
The sound conveyed warmth and strength.
I stopped and opened my arms,
bathed in morning sunlight.
I thought I had the answer.
It's over?
Great.
How do you like it?
Good. I think it's great.
But I'm not sure if it's because
of your voice or the essay itself.
I think
it's because the essay is well-written.
It shows
his expectations for the future.
Besides,
it shows his longing and hope
for the future.
I think
there are some similarities
between its theme
and that of "A Footless Insect ".
Maybe it's just the author's state of mind has changed.
It sounds like
you've read that book.
You read a passage
to me that day. Remember?
It's just a shot in the dark.
I think
you're really awesome.
I mean,
as I said,
you're different from the others.
If you were a writer,
you must be 100 times better
than Leiyang.
Really.
I'll ask my nephew
to cook a few specialty dishes for us. Okay?
Don't bother.
I'll gain weight if I eat like that.
That's right.
I almost forgot.
You spent the whole day with me.
You must be tired.
Not at all.
I'm happy.
Me, too.
I'm leaving.
Zhou Zimo.
You're bound to
become one of the best models.
You're back.
Is it not going well?
I'm hungry. I have to eat eggs.
You went out with a girl
and you didn't have dinner?
Do you think
I should
keep the truth from her
to make the relationship last longer?
Why are you asking this?
I'm just thinking
what I should do
if she finds out
I'm not the one as she thinks.
I wonder
if I should go on.
You're thinking too much.
When you meet someone you like,
of course you want to
put your best foot forward
to make a favorable impression.
Nobody would
show the worst and negative version of himself
to the one he cares about.
Isn't that cheating?
You're wrong.
It depends on
how much you love her.
If you're afraid she finds out
you're different from what she thinks,
will you make a change
for her?
There is a big difference
between the two issues.
I don't want to
change myself to please anyone.
What she likes
is a glamorous model,
but actually,
I'm an unsuccessful writer.
It's quite different.
They're not contradictory.
They're the two sides of you.
Just tell her the truth.
The power of love!
Don't eat yolk.
If he loses his temper
and yells at you,
try your best to tolerate it.
That's the price you have to pay
for arguing with the author.
Mr. Wu.
It's the first time
Li Xiao proofread such a kind of book.
She made lots of casual comments.
Let me get it back and modify it again.
Then I'll take it back to you.
Well done.
Great job.
I love it.
You've pointed out
all the key questions.
That's exactly what I wanted to say to him.
I've read all your emails.
I'll give this draft
to him directly
to widen his knowledge.
She's a rookie, but you're not.
Mr. Wu,
it needs to be proofread for three times.
It's against the rule to do that.
All rules should serve the aim.
As long as it can help
that uppity guy
a little bit…
Wu.
Mr. Lu.
You're making exaggerated compliments.
Okay. Tell me how you'll thank me.
Thank you so much.
Do something to show your gratitude.
No problem.
It's for you.
Were you really praising me?
Bye!
Hold on!
Don't worry.
No matter how long the distance is,
I'll wait for you.
Thank you.
You must be very tired recently.
Your eyes are bloodshot.
Is it so obvious?
One of the writers I'm responsible for
sent me a massage card
and a lipstick.
He must think
I have a girlfriend.
They're of no use to me.
Take them.
Have a massage and relax yourself.
The lipstick color
also suits you.
Wu Yu,
are you taking advantage of me?
Why did you say that?
We're colleagues.
Don't get me wrong.
Here you are.
You're silver-tongued.
Take them.
Come on.
Don't let them go to waste.
Sorry.
I said something
that may hurt your feelings.
There are different genres of literature.
Being straightforward is a way of expression.
Maybe my style of writing
is a little cutting-edge,
but actually, it's just an insinuation
and emotional release.
It's another way of expression
in literature.
Anyway, thank you
for your valuable advice
and your time
on proofreading.
Hi, Leiyang.
I got to know a model recently.
I mentioned him
last time.
He likes
the essays you wrote earlier.
He's handsome and cultured.
I don't think he's less knowledgeable than you.
If he were a writer,
he might be more awesome than you.
He read me
a passage of your essay.
I think
it's great.
It's easier to understand
than A Footless Insect .
I hope you can write more books
like Morning Sunlight.
It's easier to be appreciated and accepted.
I don't agree, Wu Yu.
You're not discussing about it with me.
You're just informing me.
It's Mr. Yunzhi,
one of the greatest writers
in Chinese literary circle!
It's a great honor
that he asked us
to publish his new book,
but you…
How can you let
a rookie proofread it?
Who'll be to blame if anything goes wrong?
Answer me.
Me!
Stop kidding.
It's more than you can cover
if something really goes wrong.
You know
Mr. Yunzhi well.
He's strict
and short-tempered.
I know
Mr. Yunzhi well.
That's why
I insist Li Xiao should do that.
What do you mean?
I can't give you more details,
but I can promise
nothing would go wrong
if Li Xiao proofreads his book.
No.
I'm still worried about it.
You have to tell me the reason first.
I can't.
I've promised
Mr. Yunzhi.
What?
What did you promise?
Does he know Li Xiao?
Of course not.
There is just a relationship
between the two of them.
I know you're worried.
I can promise you again.
No matter
what happens,
I, Wu Yu,
will take full responsibility.
Yun Xiu Bang?
I know the character.
Yunzhi? I've never heard of him.
You're really
culturally illiterate.
The hit drama "Spring Breeze in Those Days"
was adapted
from his novel.
When it was published,
it won
Mao Dun Literature Prize that year.
Oh. I see.
Do you really know
who he is?
I know the hero of the drama
is handsome.
Exactly.
I've heard
he's also handsome in real life.
Really?
Does he…
Stop it.
Stop gossiping. Time to work.
Let's get down to business.
Li Xiao,
now that you did a great job
at proofreading Leiyang's book,
I think I should
look at you with new eyes.
So, I decide to…
Of course, Mr. Lu also agrees with me.
I decide
to let you proofread
"Yun Xiu Bang",
Mr. Yunzhi's latest work.
No way!
I can't do that.
I almost died
when I proofread
Leiyang's book.
I'll stay away from
literary works.
Mr. Lu,
please let me proofread RESA.
Really.
We're not responsible for RESA.
Don't forget
you're eliminated by them.
Why do you still want to work for them?
Mr. Lu.
I want to proofread
Mr. Yunzhi's book.
It's not Leiyang,
but Mr. Yunzhi!
Mr. Wu.
Can I…
Li Xiao.
Can't you see
it's a now-or-never chance?
Why don't you cherish it?
Mr. Wu.
I'm very grateful
for you giving me the chance,
but
I really have no interest in
such literary works.
What are you interested in?
I…
Hairstyle?
Makeup, earrings, necklaces,
and clothing matching, right?
Or maybe
luxury brands
and designers?
I'm telling you.
You're proud
you know those well, right?
But numerous girls
know about that.
Do you think
you can be a fashion editor because of that?
In your dreams!
Based on your current ability,
you're not qualified
for any entry-level position
in Dongfan Building,
let alone RESA!
Wu Yu, what are you talking about?
Liang.
Well. Mr. Wu.
I can do it. Trust me.
I know.
Sorry.
I shouldn't have said that.
I'm sorry for hurting your feelings,
but I hope you can understand
what I mean.
No matter
whether you want to be an editor
or a proofreader,
now that you are
a proofreader,
you should
take all chances
to improve your cultural literacy.
As you said,
it's a miserable journey
to proofread Leiyang's book.
You also died, right?
It proves that
you know
what's real literature.
This is real literature.
It's beautiful.
Do you want to bet?
On what?
If nothing goes wrong
with the proofreading,
you have to treat me to BBQ.
No problem.
I want to have grilled squid.
Deal!
Li Xiao.
He's acting weirdly.
There must be a trap.
There is nothing to be afraid of.
Xia Fan.
Today is the weekend.
I've got a coupon of a restaurant.
Do you want to join me?
Okay. Ask Li Xiao to join us too.
I've got a massage card.
We can have a spa after dinner.
She has to work overtime tonight.
Wait for her.
Okay.
The card is a gift from Mr. Wu, right?
Mr. Wu?
Wu Yu?
Why did he send you a card?
What does he mean?
It's just a card.
Don't think too much.
Xia Fan.
You silly girl.
Obviously, he's chasing you.
Can't you see it?
I didn't think so much.
Xia Fan.
It's okay that you don't think too much.
But things are different
now that you accepted
his gift.
You're smart.
You have to think about it.
Wu Yu is very crafty.
I'm telling you.
He's not the only one who's chasing you.
Don't be fooled by him.
Fine.
Enjoy the massage.
Change the subject.
No way.
We have to continue the topic.
As you know,
Mr. Wu
is somebody
at Dongfan, right?
I'm telling you.
For a man like him,
you have to play hard-to-get.
You can't say yes easily.
The more you look indifferent,
the more he wants to chase you.
Don't teach her to play with others' feelings.
Playing hard-to-get?
As for a relationship,
it's a yes-or-no question.
Xia Fan.
You have to ask him about it.
If he gave you the card
because he wants to chase you,
just give it back to him.
I'll also pay for
the massage.
You know nothing about it.
You've never been in a relationship.
What are you talking about?
You know what?
I'm going to enter a relationship.
What's going on?
Who's he? Xiao.
Tell us about him.
It's a secret.
Go on.
Tell us about him.
Enjoy the massage.
Look at you.
You're here.
Mr. Lu.
Are you here for me?
No.
I'm here for her.
Is it feedback from Mr. Yunzhi?
I'm very careful this time.
I wrote all the suggestions
in the form of questions.
I'm very polite.
Wu Yu.
What on earth did Mr. Yunzhi say?
You'd better listen to him
yourself.
Master Yunzhi wants to see you.
Why did Mr. Yunzhi
want to see me?
You know writers best.
Give me some tips.
It's hard to say.
Maybe
he's irritated
by your childish theory,
so he wants to give vent to his anger.
Come on.
My opinions are pertinent.
Is it because
my question are too incisive?
Shall I apologize to him
as soon as I see him?
What's wrong with you today?
You're tough
on other writers,
such as Leiyang.
It's different.
Mr. Yunzhi is a master.
Leiyang is just an inexperienced young man.
I thought you didn't know that.
Is Mr. Yunzhi here?
He's inside.
Mr. Yunzhi.
Sorry to have kept you waiting.
How are you doing?
She's the proofreader
of your new book.
She's Li Xiao.
Nice to meet you, Mr. Yunzhi.
I'm Li Xiao.
I'm sorry.
I'm straightforward.
I hope you can forgive me
if any offence is caused.
Never mind.
Take a seat, please.
Coffee.
Sit.
Li Xiao, right?
I've read the proofs.
It's true that few people
would put forward such opinions on my book,
so I'm very curious
what kind of person you are.
It turns out
you're a beautiful young girl.
Exactly.
Please don't laugh at me. Mr. Yunzhi.
To be honest,
I'm stubborn.
If I find
anything unreasonable,
I just can't help
expressing my opinions.
She's not only stubborn.
She's famous for
arguing a point to death.
It's rare to see enthusiastic young people.
It's worth praising.
I should also
learn from you,
or I don't know
how to explain to Mr. Wu
if my new book
doesn't sell well.
Mr. Yunzhi,
don't say like that.
For our publishing house,
it's a great honor to publish
your new book.
Personally,
I want to thank you
for your support and trust over the years.
Forget about those polite formula,
but don't forget
what you promised to me.
Trust me. I'll walk the talk.
What did you promise?
You'd better not ask about it.
Help yourself. Drink some coffee.
Mr. Lu.
It's of no use to worry.
It's unavoidable for a writer to lose his temper
when he comes across a rookie like Li Xiao,
let alone it's Mr. Yuzhi.
In my opinion,
instead of worrying about Li Xiao,
we'd better think about
how to explain to the management.
It's unnecessary.
Now that it's Wu Yu's decision,
he has to take full responsibility
no matter what happens.
Mr. Yunzhi,
are you mad at me?
Of course not.
Do you think
I'm that narrow-minded?
No. I don't.
It's just he kept scaring me
on our way here,
so I thought
you must be strict.
But when I saw you,
I remember a sentence:
the greater achievements one has made,
the more broad-minded he is,
and the more even-tempered he is.
Is it so serious?
I'm telling the truth.
I just proofread a book
written by a young writer.
It's opaque
and hard to understand.
So, I put forward my opinions with good intentions
and wanted to discuss with him.
Unexpectedly,
he didn't accept any…
It doesn't matter.
Go ahead.
Then I'll continue.
The book is called A Footless Insect ,
written by Leiyang.
Few people understand the name of the book.
As for the content,
it's full of obscurities.
But he insisted on
calling it by a good name of
"experimental literature" and "polyphonic novel".
Actually, he just used
a lot of unintelligible words
to release pent-up emotions
Your book is
a totally different case.
It vividly tells
the changes which happened to a southern town
and the life of several generations.
As a reader,
I can share the feelings of the characters
and I can experience
intuitively
the emotions you devoted
between the lines.
A Footless Insect is no match for yours
at all.
Well.
Mr. Wu told me something about it.
He also said
you emailed the author
and told him
about your opinions.
That's right. I had to do that.
Books have to be reader-centered.
If readers don't understand,
what's the point of publishing the book?
Well said.
Books have to be reader-centered.
Wu Yu,
you're the editor-in-charge.
How can you let such a book be published?
Well. Mr. Yunzhi,
I think
what's most important for a book
lies in its content
and the talent of the author.
Without doubt, young writers
usually desire to
impress their readers with astonishing language.
It's naïve to do that,
but we have to protect
the spirit and personality
shown in the book.
It's precious.
It's worth encouraging.
Hold on.
Mr. Wu.
What do you mean
by "spirit and personality"?
How can a book be published because of that?
It's ridiculous.
Aren't you always picky?
Wu Yu,
it seems you have to
communicate more with Leiyang.
What she said went right to the heart of the matter.
Her remarks are more insightful.