(My True Friend)
(Episode 26)
Silly girl.
All grown men and women must marry.
Since you and Jing Ran are in love,
I'm very happy about it.
It's just all up to your parents now.
All right, we'll talk and plan this matter very carefully, okay?
What do you think?
Sure, I'll discuss this with my parents.
Good.
Let's eat.
Here.
Thank you, Ms. Bai.
Help yourself to the food.
I know.
(Mom)
Zhen Zhen.
Mom, why aren't you in bed yet?
I can't fall asleep.
You asked to borrow 723,000 dollars some time ago,
but then your colleague said it's already resolved.
What exactly happened?
Your dad and I were so confused.
Zhen Zhen, what happened?
Why are you sweating so much?
Are you ill?
I'm not, Mom. I'm fine.
You gave me a fright.
Listen.
Your dad and I are still worried.
We've bought train tickets to go to Shanghai tomorrow.
Hold on.
You...
All right, I heard you.
What's wrong?
You seem so troubled.
Listen.
Don't just worry on your own.
When we get to Shanghai tomorrow,
we'll discuss together. Do you hear me?
When will you arrive tomorrow? I'll pick you up.
I'll ask your dad later and then text you.
(Project Introduction)
Come in.
Chairman, it's very late.
I'll have the chauffeur drive you home.
Yun Ping. Here, have a seat.
Let me talk to you about Peng Cheng's project.
Here.
I've read his proposal very seriously.
Research on policies, data analysis, market survey and research,
financial prospect estimation, and implementation.
He has everything covered.
Yun Ping, I think that we had overlooked...
the domain of youth apartments.
We should place emphasis on this from now on.
Chairman.
Since you're asking me, I'll be honest with you.
Do tell.
Chinese people buy houses for a different reason from foreigners.
It's irrational consumption.
A house is a symbol of stability for Chinese people.
It's the same as cash or currency.
If they don't own this asset,
they won't feel at ease.
Therefore, to have our people rent instead of buying houses,
that's impossible.
Now that the new generation is taking over soon,
perhaps, our way of thinking is already stereotypical.
There are some words Peng Cheng wrote in here...
that made a lot of sense.
Let me see.
"People's consumption habits will need cultivation and guidance.
As long as the industry model is fully developed...
and truly meets the practical needs of the consumers,
enabling their lives to become more convenient, easy, and happy,
they will surely choose and accept it."
Yun Ping, give this a thought.
Fifteen years ago,
when Taobao and Alipay were first introduced,
who actually thought highly of that E-Commerce platform...
and online shopping website?
The E-Commerce platform has developed to this state now.
It really is unimaginable.
You no longer have to leave your home with cash.
It takes only one smartphone to finish all transactions.
Chairman, I agree with your opinion.
However...
However?
As for the changes in traditional values...
and the development of consumption habits,
it will take a long period of time.
You've just mentioned online shopping.
It took 10 plus years to get to where it is now.
When those online shopping tycoons first started out,
they also suffered from deficit for a long time.
Once they pulled through it, the businesses flourished.
What if they can't make it?
They can only quit halfway.
Chairman, we're a corporation.
We must be responsible to our shareholders.
Before we become listed company, we have to face...
strict challenges in sales performance.
I am well aware of what you just said.
It's just that Peng Cheng really got to me...
with what he said in the proposal.
Apart from profits,
a corporate should have Corporate Social Responsibility.
"Could I get mansions covering 10,000 miles,
I'd house all poor scholars and make them beam with smiles."
What is an entrepreneur's best state of mind?
It is to benefit the people whom you profit from.
Chairman, do you mean...
Here's what.
Form a project team immediately to work on youth apartments.
Conduct a detailed market survey on the current situation and prospect.
Have them submit a detailed report to me.
Yes, I'll get it done right away.
It seems that Peng Cheng didn't study abroad for nothing.
He still made some progress.
I made him train at the Hua Yuan Store.
It seems I was right to do so.
Yes, indeed.
They should be here soon?
(Welcome to Shanghai-South Station!)
Don't be so anxious.
I'm nervous.
I'm really nervous.
Zhen Zhen!
Dad! Mom!
My baby!
Zhen Zhen, my baby!
- I miss you. - Why have you lost weight again?
- Dad! - Over here.
It's a long trip.
I... I'll make an introduction.
This is Jing Ran.
He's my boyfriend.
When I was in college,
he was my senior.
Nice to meet you, sir.
Nice to meet you, sir. Nice to meet you, ma'am.
- Jing... - Jing Ran.
Jing Ran.
- Your senior? - Yes.
You went to the same college as Zhen Zhen?
Yes, we attended the same college.
I was in my senior year when she was just a freshman.
- Oh, my. What a coincidence. - It really is.
Mom, stop staring at him.
What is it?
He's such a handsome man.
Who doesn't want to take a few glances more?
Thank you, ma'am.
Look, do you think he resembles...
Alain Delon?
Dad, can you keep an eye on my mom, please?
What is it?
- What? - All right now.
Let's go to the hotel first.
- All right, let's go. - Let's go to the hotel first.
Mom, we just started going steady.
So much for worrying about you.
What is it?
You want to give us a surprise?
It's not that. Mom, stop it.
But I have to remind you first...
that when women are older, they can't always be so picky.
Of course, I know you aim high.
But I think this young man here is quite good-looking.
- Is he? - He should be the type you fancy.
You're so shallow.
All you care about is the face.
- Who's shallow? - You should consider one's virtues.
Who's shallow? I get it.
The appearance reflects the inner personality.
I'm all about the appearance.
I have to consider the face first and then the virtues.
All right, you both should walk ahead of us.
- It's okay. Zhen Zhen, it's fine. - What are you doing?
Sir, ma'am, we'll check you in at the hotel first,
and then have a meal.
After we've eaten,
you can slowly grill me for more details.
From personality to appearance and vice versa.
See?
This young man is so broad-minded.
He's confident and humorous.
Tell me.
When did you two meet?
When did you start dating?
Where are you at?
What does he do?
What is his family like? What about his parents?
Does he have a good personality?
Dad, Mom.
You're asking me so many questions all at once.
Who should I answer first?
Where are you at?
He's proposed to me.
But I haven't made up my mind yet, so I haven't answered him.
He already proposed?
You didn't even tell us.
Oh, my. If we haven't suddenly come over to Shanghai,
how long do you intend to keep this from us?
What was it about the 723,000 dollars?
You were still crying because of it a few days ago.
Does it have anything to do with this?
It doesn't.
That was just work related.
I've already resolved it.
Dad, Mom.
I didn't mean to keep this from you,
but this matter about Jing Ran is just...
I am really fond of Jing Ran.
But I really haven't decided...
if I want to get married so soon.
Women should be more reserved in a relationship.
The more reserved you are, the more men will cherish you.
Bear my words in mind.
If you want a man to treat you well,
you must first get hold of the situation.
Your dad is right.
It's fine to go dating.
But you must be cautious in deciding on your marriage.
Be cautious.
Well...
Why did Zhen Zhen leave so early today?
Don't you know?
Zhen Zhen's parents are visiting.
So she asked Ms. Zeng to take some time off...
to pick them up.
- Her parents have come to Shanghai? - Yes.
Her parents are visiting Shanghai,
but she can't have them stay with her.
Accommodation... Where will they stay?
I heard Zhen Zhen on the phone saying that...
they will stay at the Outlets Happy Valley Apartment.
Why have I heard that...
Zhen Zhen's parents are visiting Shanghai this time...
to meet Ms. Bai, their future in-law?
This is such big news.
Doesn't any of you know about it?
Zhen Zhen really is quite remarkable.
Without anyone knowing,
she managed to get Jing Ran hooked.
Xi Shan, you really should learn from Zhen Zhen.
It's better for women to marry well than to work well.
Especially our field of profession. It's only for the young.
It's not promising.
Yes, the older ones shouldn't be in the field of the young.
Besides, I think that your extreme ideas...
shouldn't influence our Xi Shan.
No, you... Who did you call older?
Why is she your Xi Shan?
Tell me.
She's my cousin.
If she's not our Xi Shan, is she your Xi Shan?
I can't be bothered with you.
Seriously.
Here, wipe your hands.
This...
Sir.
Ma'am.
Can I address you so?
Okay. Welcome to Shanghai.
Welcome.
You should stay seated.
Here, here.
Dad and Mom, it's a long journey.
Zhen Zhen, this child,
she's earnest and dutiful.
As for me, from the bottom of my heart,
I'm really especially fond of this child.
I just don't know if you're pleased with my son, Jing Ran?
Jing Ran is a very handsome child.
He's successful in his career and very well-mannered.
You've taught your son so well.
You must have made such a huge effort.
Sir, thank you.
Thank you.
Having heard you say so,
I'll be honest with you.
It made me so happy.
I have to say that this is the power of parental love.
As for me, my only wish is that...
Jing Ran can be successful and competent.
Whatever he needs, I... I...
I'm willing to do whatever it takes.
It must be so hard on you.
I heard from Zhen Zhen that...
Jing Ran's father passed away young.
You raised him single-handedly.
It really can't be easy.
Jing Ran is mature and filial.
Now, there's also Zhen Zhen.
I'm too happy.
So I hope that they can get married sooner...
and have a few more children.
While I'm still capable,
I wish to raise their kids for them.
Sir, ma'am, while you're visiting Shanghai,
I thought we can pick an auspicious date...
and decide on our children's wedding.
Are you fine with it?
Isn't this a bit too soon?
Zhen Zhen really hasn't told us about their relationship at all.
Zhen Zhen's mom and I aren't prepared for this yet.
That's right.
Sir, ma'am.
All grown men and women must marry.
What's there to be prepared for?
Besides, Jing Ran and I have thought it out for Zhen Zhen.
Jing Ran.
I heard that you used to work in Italy.
- Yes. - In the future,
do you wish to live in Italy...
or settle back here to develop your career?
Ma'am, I've had it all planned out.
I'll return to Italy next month to wrap up my work there.
Then I'll move back here to work in Zhen Zhen's company...
as their chief interior designer.
- Yes, yes. - Are you?
Yes, Jing Ran and I have had this discussed.
We won't move back to Italy.
Besides, we already bought a house.
The contract is signed, and deposit made.
It's just handing over the ownership.
You've even bought a house.
Yes, it's bought.
It's a three-story mansion.
Two stories on the ground level and a one-story basement.
There's also an individual parking space...
and a courtyard.
Why do I want them to get married and have kids sooner?
If I get to watch the children run around in the courtyard,
it simply makes me feel too happy.
Mom, don't just...
don't just keep talking. Have some food quickly.
Here, dig in. Go on.
- Here, have some of this. - Sir, help yourself.
I... I'm having some. I'm eating.
- Here, ma'am. - That's right.
- Sure, sure. - Have some vegetables.
I've discussed with Jing Ran.
After they are married,
Zhen Zhen won't keep on working.
First of all, I think that...
if a married couple works in the same company,
it's particularly inconvenient.
Moreover,
please don't take it to heart that I'm saying so.
I think that Zhen Zhen's job isn't very promising.
A young woman works so hard, but she gets paid so little.
In the future, Jing Ran will be the breadwinner.
There's no need for Zhen Zhen to work.
Do you think it's all right?
Women mustn't do without a job.
They should be financially independent.
Jing Ran's mom.
Now that our society has already developed...
to how it is today,
traditional and feudal ethics will have to evolve...
and improve with the times.
Mom.
Ms. Bai.
My dad speaks candidly.
Don't take it to heart.
Since ancient times, the mother-in-law has always...
had a hard time getting along with the daughter-in-law.
Particularly yours.
I have to say it's even more so.
Dad, didn't I say that I don't want to get married so soon?
She's not my mother-in-law yet.
Listen, Zhen Zhen.
Life is all about being happy.
If you don't wish to get married,
I can support you for life.
Sit down.
What are you talking about?
Our daughter is a grown-up, so she should get married.
In my opinion,
I think Jing Ran is pretty nice.
It's his mom who is a bit difficult to get along.
Who is it?
I'll get the door.
What are you doing here?
I'm not here to see you.
Where are your parents?
Hold on. How did you know we're here?
Why should you care?
Zhen Zhen, who is it?
Mom.
This is... This is my colleague.
- Shao Peng Cheng. - Sir, ma'am.
I'm Shao Peng Cheng, Zhen Zhen's partner.
Ma'am, we even talked on the phone.
Did you forget?
It's Shao.
- Yes, that's right. - Zhen Zhen often talks about you.
She said that you always look after her.
Quickly, come in and have a seat. Quickly.
I've brought you a bite to eat.
You bought so much?
Quickly.
Here, put them here.
Sir, ma'am.
I've heard from Zhen Zhen that both of you prefer spicy food.
So I went and bought you some spicy crayfish.
Shao.
You've really bought the right food.
It's exactly what her dad likes.
Really?
He's so thoughtful.
There are all sorts of different flavours of crayfish.
And... Right, there's rice congee.
Ma'am, I bought it for you.
This child is so thoughtful.
And this, the beer.
Here, sir. Here's some beer for you.
- You bought so much? - Quickly.
Perfect, I didn't eat well just now.
My appetite is boosted when I see these.
Thank you, Shao.
You're welcome, sir.
Ma'am, I have to tell you.
The best dish in this restaurant is their crayfish.
Do you know?
I'll peel one for you. Taste it and you'll understand.
No... Have it yourself.
I'll peel mine.
What's more, I...
I can't have greasy food.
Yes!
I have one that's not greasy. This one.
This isn't greasy.
Ma'am, I have to say this isn't greasy...
and it's also very easy to eat.
Just soak this in boiling water for two minutes and you can eat it.
- I'll get it done for you. - Don't... I'll do it.
Look at this child.
He's so thoughtful.
- Drink. - Here.
Shao, thank you.
You're welcome, sir.
Here, Dad.
- Have a sip. - Have a sip.
Here.
Mom.
Here.
Have some water.
What is it?
Are you still unhappy about what happened at dinner?
Mom, I actually think that...
I think that Zhen Zhen's parents are quite nice.
They are quite nice.
At least, whatever opinions they have,
they are willing to tell us and communicate with us.
It's better than keeping it bottled up.
Am I right?
Fine.
You're already taking their side now.
Mom, I'm not taking their side.
I just think that...
I think that today,
aren't you a bit too...
A bit too harsh on Zhen Zhen today?
I'm harsh?
This is the first time we met her parents.
When you pulled a long face at dinner before everyone,
doesn't that put Zhen Zhen in a tight spot?
Isn't this getting Zhen Zhen in a fix?
I...
Jing Ran.
Son, listen.
I didn't mean to make things hard for Zhen Zhen.
She's now...
She's now different from what she used to be. Understand?
She was an outsider.
She was a friend of our family.
Now, she's a daughter-in-law to me.
Can a daughter-in-law be the same as a common friend?
Besides, what's wrong with having her stay home to raise children?
This is all for your best interests.
I can't be like Zhen Zhen's father.
He only sees what is at hand, and not in the long term.
- Am I right? - Yes, Mom. What you said is right.
I can also understand it.
You must have meant well for us.
However, give this a thought.
This is after all the first time we met her parents, right?
You immediately criticized...
their daughter's job and wanted her to quit.
You want her to stay home to attend to her husband and kids.
Can they be pleased about that?
It might be right but...
Shouldn't we... Well...
Just take it slow. Right?
Yes, that's right. You do have a point in saying so.
But, Jing Ran, I...
I really consider all this for the sake of your future family. I...
I considered all these for...
Yes, Mom. I believe it must be so.
Right? I...
I'm old now.
I can't always be with you.
- Mom. - I just think that in the future,
Zhen Zhen will have to look after you,
your children, and this family.
I really don't want my son to come home...
after a hard day's work...
to find the house empty without any hot food.
- All right now. - Without anyone at home...
All right, Mom.
You're not old. How are you old?
I really am old.
You're really not old.
I'm already old now.
Trust me, you're not.
Don't be upset.
All right, don't be upset.
Say, you should have come over a bit earlier.
I won't eat out at all.
It's all right. Have a bit more.
I'll peel a crayfish for you.
- Peel one. - Okay.
- Shao. - Yes, sir?
You're partners in the same unit.
How do you get along?
Sir, ma'am.
As for that, you really don't have to worry at all.
We both now get along, let's say...
perfectly well, right?
Although in the beginning,
it took us some time to adapt to each other.
In no time...
We got along very well in no time.
Now, in a month,
we get to seal a couple of deals.
- Really? - Yes.
What do you think about the prospects of realtors?
Sir, this is quite a serious question.
However, I do have some of my own opinions about this industry.
If you're willing to listen to them, I'll tell you a few casually.
I... I'm interested.
Sure.
I think that in such times, it's the best times for realtors.
As for future prospects, I think there are...
two particularly obvious traits.
First, this industry will surely be more professional and normalized.
Second, it will make use of...
huge data analysis to extend to...
providing more services that's more accurate in orientation.
It will also develop more services truly necessary for this market.
A young man who hasn't worked for a long time has such ideas.
- Exactly. - How rare.
Mom, he graduated from a famous American university. He's well-read.
But he's not very smart.
Look.
No... Sir, ma'am.
That's... Although sometimes,
I don't seem very bright,
I still have my aspirations.
My ambition is that,
I hope purchasing a house in the future...
will no longer be a burden to everyone's family.
For instance,
back in the times when you were both young,
buying a television or even a refrigerator...
is already considered extravagant, right?
Those are luxury items.
- Right? - You're right.
But now, look at how it is.
These items are just common products for everyone.
We can say that now,
nearly every family and every person has them, right?
You mean to say that,
in the future, buying a house...
will be as simple as buying a car like we do now?
Really? That...
What does that mean?
Is it that the housing prices are dropping?
Or does it mean that in life, we...
That our salaries are going up rapidly?
Ma'am, the fact is, it's neither.
This is... It's not that...
our income will increase or that houses will become cheaper.
It's just because, in society nowadays,
there's actually a new business model.
It's that people no longer need to buy houses.
Moreover, without having the need to buy houses,
we can still use a fixed and affordable capital...
to live comfortably with great convenience.
Of course, such a model is yet to become widespread.
Therefore, we also... Well...
We hope that through the efforts made by young people,
we can make this model more popular.
You can do it!
You had me so excited about it that my hairs are standing up.
All right.
Let's eat and chat.
- Quickly, this is ready. - Here, put it in the middle.
Young people like you are so ambitious and motivated.
If it weren't that I'm already old,
I really wish to get in there and have a go at it.
Here, here. Here's a toast to your dreams.
- Here, sir. - Cheers!
- Ma'am, have some. - Here.
- Here, cheers! - Cheers!
- Here's a toast! - Cheers!
Here, sir.
- Have a sip. - Sure.
- Have some as well, ma'am. - Here, here.
- Here, cheers. - Cheers!
Here. Here.
This lad can really drink.
I'm impressed.
Dad.
What are you talking about?
However well I can drink, I...
Can I outdo you?
Dad, look at your face.
Your face says that you can drink very well.
Your eye bags are so big.
Such big eye bags!
You surely can hold your liquor!
Am I right, Dad? Listen, Dad.
You'll have to take care of those eye bags.
You seem as if you're still sleepy.
How will that do?
- Listen, son. - Yes?
You... Look at me.
What is it?
Where are your eyes?
Look at my daughter's eyes.
Then look at my eyes.
Don't just notice my eye bags.
Dad, you don't get it.
Mine are valuable. Single eyelids are worth the most.
If they become like this, they aren't worth anything, okay?
Have another sip, Dad.
Who are you calling Dad?
Isn't this my dad?
This is my dad! What is it?
He's my dad!
Your... Your dad is my dad.
Your mom is also my mom.
Your aunt is also my aunt.
Your entire family is...
on very close terms with me. Right, Dad?
He's my dad. No...
I am his dad.
This... It's all messed up.
Can you still drink?
How can I... How can I not?
How can I not drink?
Of course, I can. Do you have more?
- I do. - Drink. We'll have a drink!
Here, here.
Dad, I'll have...
Your daughter... I'll have a drink with your daughter.
- Drink! - Wait for me.
I'll drink it all up. Bottoms up.
We'll have a drink.
The both of us still...
Dad.
Jing Ran.
Sir, ma'am.
Did you rest well last night?
Yes.
If we are going to look at your house today,
we should tell Zhen Zhen to get a day off to come with us.
It's just the two of us. That's a bit inappropriate.
What's inappropriate about it?
You'll be staying there quite often in the future anyway.
I've invited you over to take a look first...
at the rooms and layout.
If there's anything you're displeased with,
I can get it fixed with my design.
We'll go with Jing Ran to take a look.
Let's make it clear that we'll just look at the house.
- We won't express any opinion. - Sure.
It's entirely up to you.
Sure.
Sir, ma'am.
About what happened at dinner last night,
I'm really sorry.
We'll look at the house first.
Sure, let's look at the house first.
Let's look at the house.
Ma'am, the environment is pretty nice, right?
Yes.
This is the balcony on the second floor.
Over here, this is a lounge area on the second floor.
After you.
When there's time, we can read books in here...
and have some tea or something.
Are you pleased with it?
Zhen Zhen and I quite like it here.
Health comes first. Jing Ran.
A newly renovated house must be environmentally friendly.
Is formaldehyde removed?
I've had it all removed.
I... I've placed a bottle of this in every room.
It can remove formaldehyde and purify the air.
It's quite useful.
It's that good?
It's really good.
Such a small bottle can have such a huge effect?
Yes.
This is like bringing a forest home.
Sir, I'll show you around over there.
Let's go.
Jing Ran.
You're really thoughtful.
You've had the house renovated so classy.
Not at all, sir.
This house hasn't been renovated yet.
The furnishings and layout was kept the way the owner had.
After some time,
when I get the time,
I'll have this redesigned properly.
Here.
It's all right, sir.
Ladies first.
- I'll go first. - Thank you.
Thank you, sir.
Here, sir.
Here, ma'am. After you. After you.
Earlier on, her dad and I have been worried.
She's all alone in Shanghai and she doesn't have a boyfriend.
- When will she ever settle down? - Yes, yes.
This is great.
Zhen Zhen has such a good boyfriend like Jing Ran...
and he's bought a house.
We can now really ease our minds.
Jing Ran's mom, here's what.
It's a big deal for the children to buy their own house.
Besides, houses in Shanghai are so expensive.
Her dad and I still have about 188,000 some dollars.
If there's a need for money, just let us know.
It's fine.
It's fine, don't be so polite.
Really, as for the payment,
you really don't have to worry about it.
Jing Ran has it all prepared.
According to the customs,
shouldn't the groom's family pay for the house?
So you don't have to be worried.
You really needn't worry about it.
Look at the living room. How is it?
It's really nice.
Have a seat.
- Sir, have a seat. - Here, sir. Have a seat.
- You should sit as well. - Sure, sure.
Here, son.
Sir, ma'am,
as for the payment, you really needn't worry about it.
I've got it all settled.
This house belongs to me and Zhen Zhen.
I intend to write down both our names on the certificate.
You don't need to worry.
Since our in-laws would like to express their token of appreciation,
I have a suggestion.
How about using the 188,000 dollars on the renovation?
Look, the groom's family pays for the house...
and the bride's, the renovation.
- Mom. - This isn't against the customs...
and also demonstrates parental love on both sides of the family.
It's perfect, isn't it?
Mom.