(My True Friend)
(Episode 30)
What are you doing?
Don't forget to buy me breakfast tomorrow.
Can't you buy it yourself?
Zhen Zhen please check your cell phone.
My mom said she had been calling you all afternoon...
but you didn't answer.
I totally forgot...
that I was going to accompany your mom to see the doctor today.
What should I do?
Is your mom angry at me?
When my mom went to the hospital,
she saw you and Shao Peng Cheng.
What did she say?
Trust me. I really didn't do it on purpose.
I've been searching for Ms. Yu all day.
I was just worried that she'd...
I was just worried that she'd have an abortion irrationally.
This concerns a life.
I had to handle that first.
Can you explain it to your mom for me later?
Zhen Zhen, I know you're busy with your work.
But if you couldn't accompany my mom to the hospital,
shouldn't you give her a call first?
Otherwise, she'd be so worried about you. Right?
I know. I promise you.
This will never happen again.
Jing Ran.
When you get home, can you explain it to your mom for me?
- What's wrong? - I'm fine.
Did you sprain your ankle?
No, I might have walked too much today.
I have blisters on my feet.
Here, I'll carry you.
- Hop on. - It's fine. I'm not that fragile.
- Can you still walk? - I can.
We'll walk back together slowly.
Let's go.
Do you have something to say to me?
I just sort of missed those days we spent in Italy.
Back then, I was all you thought of...
and you were all I thought of.
Every day, we both worked toward the same goal.
We rejoiced together and strove together.
It really was a precious memory.
But since we returned to China,
I suddenly felt that...
something seems a bit different...
between the both of us.
I actually don't know what to do to be a perfect girlfriend.
At my age,
I haven't really been in a serious relationship.
All I know is that in my mind,
apart from you, there's no other guy I want.
Am I the one you're fond of?
What?
I mean...
Are you really in love with me?
Or is it...
the Jing Ran you imagined him to be?
Aren't you one and the same?
Yes, we're one and the same.
But the Jing Ran of your imagination might be...
more special and more perfect.
But in reality, I'm just...
I'm just not as nice.
You're very nice.
I admit.
So much has happened since we returned to China.
Our interactions...
It's indeed a bit different from what I had imagined.
I also don't know if I can become the kind of girl you like.
You don't have to change yourself.
The way you are right now...
is just how I like you.
We'll encounter all sorts of problems in real life.
But I believe that as long as we work hard together,
things will surely get better.
It's just like...
I wish to have a family of our own with you.
Therefore, I gave up my job in Italy and returned to work in China.
You gave up your job in Italy...
because of me?
I love you.
I'm willing to change the way my life plans for the one I love.
Don't you worry. I can promise you.
I won't let you become a housewife...
who is always working away on the stove top all day.
I mean it.
Jing Ran.
Give me some time.
Let me think it through.
Sure.
I'll wait for you.
Let's go.
My mom might really be a bit angry today.
But it's all right.
Just explain it properly to her later.
It's all right.
Ms. Bai.
Mom.
Come.
Mom.
You're still up?
Ms. Bai, I'm sorry.
You're home.
Are you particularly busy today?
Otherwise, why would you miss all the calls that I made...
and ignore all my text messages?
You haven't eaten yet, right?
I have the food heated in the pot.
Come in quickly and have a bite.
Zhen Zhen.
If you're really tired and don't feel like going home,
we have plenty of rooms. Just stay.
What are you still waiting for?
Go inside.
Let's go.
Thank you, Ms. Bai.
Don't be so polite.
All right, Ms. Zhen Zhen. Enjoy.
This is such a hearty meal.
Jing Ran has gone to work.
He told me not to wake you up.
He said you had a really long day at work yesterday.
He also said that you slept in the guest room last night...
so he didn't know if you found it comfortable.
He wouldn't let me disturb you.
He wanted you to sleep in.
It's quite nice in the guest room. Thank you, Ms. Bai.
Thank you for preparing such a hearty breakfast for me.
I got up at 6am to cook all these.
Honestly, I'm quite proud of myself. Really.
I think that as a housewife,
I should make food look good, taste good, and smell good.
Well, it's for the sake of my son,
and my dearest Zhen Zhen.
- I'll help myself to the food. - Sure, enjoy.
Try the omelet roll first to see how well I've made it.
This looks especially scrumptious.
That's great.
Is it good?
It's very good.
Really? Have more.
Can you cook?
I...
I can make a few simple dishes.
But I don't know if they are to your liking.
It's all right.
You can still learn how to cook.
It's not too late. There's still plenty of time.
Hold on.
Zhen Zhen, this...
This isn't how napkin is used.
The napkin has to be placed across your lap.
If the food splatters on you, it's greasy.
It won't look nice when you go out, right?
A girl should be trained into an elegant lady, understand?
Look at this magazine.
There's an interview of Jing Ran in it.
Take a good look at it.
Read it as you eat.
I'll make you some sea cucumbers.
Ms. Bai, there's plenty of food. Don't cook anymore.
That won't do.
I must let you enjoy...
the top-quality service of a housewife.
Give me some time. Read it slowly.
(My wife doesn't have to undertake any pressure in life.)
(She should just lead a simple and joyful life...)
(like a little bird who snuggles by my side.)
(I'll shield her from all troubles.)
(Am I the one you're fond of?)
I mean...
Are you really in love with me?
Or is it...
the Jing Ran you imagined him to be?
Zhen Zhen.
Here you go.
Thank you, Ms. Bai.
I've read it.
How is it?
His standards aren't low.
Do you feel particularly stressed out?
Listen.
Before Jing Ran met you,
he had always been single.
I think that, first of all,
it's because he's too outstanding. Right?
Second, it's also my fault...
that I raised him very strictly.
I asked too much of him.
Therefore, any common girl can't be of his liking.
Of course, Zhen Zhen, you're different.
Our Zhen Zhen is a girl with many strengths.
First, you're honest.
You're kind and virtuous.
You're also devoted to Jing Ran, right?
Yes.
However...
I think that you...
In terms of the standards that Jing Ran has set,
you somewhat fall short of it.
Of course, it's not by much.
It's just a little bit.
Are you particularly displeased to hear me say so?
No, it's fine.
Well, I truly am sincere about it.
I mean well for you. Do you understand me?
Look, Zhen Zhen. I...
My biggest regret in life is that I don't have a daughter.
From the bottom of my heart,
I really think of you as my own daughter.
I especially want to pass on my lifetime of experiences...
to you entirely without keeping any to myself.
Really, I just...
You and Jing Ran's happiness in the future...
is the only thing I could wish for the rest of my life.
Ms. Bai.
Jing Ran has never told me that...
he has such standards for choosing his spouse.
Well...
You know about it now.
Ms. Bai.
If there's anything you wish to say to me, just say it.
We're a family,
so I won't beat about the bush then.
I'll be honest with you.
Well...
I hope you'll resign.
It's because that job of yours...
I think that your job...
takes up too much of your time and energy.
Jing Ran is also busy.
The two of you get to spend very little time together.
I think, if that goes on,
your affection with each other will gradually run thin.
Right? Then your happiness index will also be particularly low.
Quit your job.
After you resign,
I'll first sign you up for an etiquette school.
Let's get you to learn what you should learn.
We'll learn cooking.
We'll learn flower arrangement.
Foreign languages, and art.
Do you like horseback riding?
Horseback riding and tennis.
We'll get you to learn all of those.
I can guarantee that...
I'll have you cultivated just as outstanding as Jing Ran is.
I'll support you.
You're so hardworking.
You can master anything you learn.
A girl can't have too many talents.
Thinking about it feels good. Jing Ran will also be happy.
The point is that you'll have the basic qualities...
Ms. Bai, I still have an appointment with a client today.
I have to get to work.
We'll talk about this topic another time?
I'll get going.
There's no rush. Hold on.
This.
Take this with you.
When you're hungry, eat this.
Take it.
Thank you.
And this magazine...
Read it carefully again.
Don't turn a deaf ear to what I said.
Sure.
Take it.
Thank you, Ms. Bai.
My client is still waiting for me.
I'll get going first.
Go on.
Thank you.
What a waste of my breath.
Why are you so low-spirited and unhappy?
What are you reading?
Let me have a look.
This...
If you want to tease me or make a jab at me,
just go ahead and say it.
Ms. Bai already had a go at me all morning.
I can't get more upset than I am now.
I think what he said was pretty good.
People like him have such standards for their spouses.
It isn't strange at all.
Ms. Bai picked on you but there's nothing wrong with her either.
She's a very picky person in the first place.
She was first a very picky client.
Then she transformed perfectly...
into a very picky future mother-in-law.
That's fine.
As for you, you're the odd one.
You are still not the best real estate agent,
how can you be an outstanding daughter-in-law?
Tell me. Aren't you the odd one out?
Yes.
When I read that, I also felt the same way.
Look at Jing Ran.
In terms of appearance, height,
education, intelligence, and occupation,
he's outstanding in every way.
How am I compatible with him?
Meeting me was the greatest mistake of his life.
The greatest mistake will have to be corrected eventually.
But this isn't your fault either.
Everyone has their own preference.
Some people are fond of elegant and perfect ladies.
However, some people prefer a plain girl like you.
Who are you calling a plain girl?
You are.
Don't be discouraged. I like girls who are like plain Jane.
Come on, you.
What's the point of being upset in here?
Let's do something meaningful, all right?
Ms. Yu and her family will need us to help with their problem.
I came up with a strategy yesterday.
I'll need your help.
See how nice I am to you?
Whenever there's such a huge event,
I always let you take credit for it as well. I treat you so well.
Let's go.
Let's go, plain Jane. Quickly.
Keep up with me.
Let's welcome a new challenge.
- Xiao Ning. - What?
I read from a website of a food blogger that...
the cheesecake they have here is the best in the world.
Let's go and try it, okay?
Or why don't we have pasta instead?
Why don't we skip that today?
We still have a client to meet this afternoon.
It won't be good if we show up late.
Let's go some other day.
Fu Xiao Ning.
How long have I been in Shanghai?
All I do is follow you around everywhere to sell houses.
I don't even get Sundays off.
You can't even grant me this tiny request.
I'm not coming with you!
Xi Shan!
Xi Shan, are you all right?
Gosh.
Are you blind?
The road is so wide.
You had to scratch my car!
I'm sorry.
We really didn't mean it.
I'm sorry.
How much does your apology cost?
Can you afford to pay for this car?
I'm particularly annoyed by lousy real estate agents like you...
who ride bicycles here and there on the road.
You're swerving like flies.
Listen up. The traffic in Shanghai is messed up by people like you.
It's our fault to have bumped into your car.
But you can't insult us like this.
Insult you?
Are you worth it? Are you worth insulting?
Why are you staring at me?
Are you acting tough?
Pay for the damage.
Look. Come here. Take a look.
There's this scratch.
The entire door has to be repainted.
This is imported paint. Look carefully.
I won't talk to you about imported paint either.
Have you been in a good car?
You are just a lousy agent who rides a bicycle all his life.
If you don't have the money, just behave and tuck your tail in.
Do you hear me?
Pay up. Quickly.
Get lost quickly after you pay me.
What are you doing?
What car is this?
Isn't it just an Audi A8?
We let our nannies drive that sort of car.
Miss, what do you mean by that?
What do I mean?
I just can't stand people like you.
You are putting on airs just because you're filthy rich.
You're bullying them.
There are many others who are richer than you.
Judging by what you said,
you're going to pay for them?
Sure, I'll do it.
Name your price.
- Ms. Luo. - Yes?
I'll try to pay you back soon for what you paid for me today.
I've told you. Don't mention paying me back.
It hurts my feelings to talk about money.
Xiao Ning and I are close friends, right?
Ms. Luo.
It's all thanks to you. If it weren't for you,
we really didn't know how to resolve the issue.
You've really helped us a lot this time.
Xi Shan and I will really keep this on our minds.
Xiao Ning makes it sound so much better.
These lamb chops were flown in...
from New Zealand this morning.
The chef has specially made us three different sauces.
Dig in quickly.
If you enjoy this happily, it will make me feel great, right?
Sure.
This is the first time we've encountered such an issue.
Xi Shan is still more or less a bit shocked by it.
- Excuse her. - It's all right.
We were thinking about going out to have...
some pasta or something.
But who knew this would happen?
We were so worried about what to do.
Then you came to the scene...
resolved our issue for us...
and now, you bought us an extravagant meal.
Thank you so much.
Isn't this a blessing in disguise?
Didn't I just say it? We're friends.
It's only right that I help you.
We're friends. Why bother saying that?
Wipe with this.
- I'll go to the restroom. - Okay.
Wait...
Let's eat.
As for the issue with Ms. Yu's family,
I'm already aware of it.
You've come here today to persuade me...
to approve of your Youth Apartment project.
You'd like Ms. Yu's family to become your first client.
Exactly.
Chairman, this is the latest business proposal.
Peng Cheng, Zhen Zhen.
After I graduated from college,
I started working in Love and Family.
It's been almost 20 years.
I witnessed the housing prices in Shanghai...
rise from 300 to 400 dollars per 3.305 square meters...
all the way to several thousands.
What do you mean?
You did a great job with this survey.
The data analysis is also justified.
However, you didn't take cultural factors into account.
Settle down and start a career.
That's the basic component of Chinese culture.
In terms of all Chinese people,
getting married, buying a house, and having children...
are the call of our blood.
The most that Chinese people can put up with...
is sharing a bicycle or transportation.
If you want them to rent a house for life, that's impossible.
If we take into consideration the Chinese culture,
buying a house is a must.
I knew you'd say so.
Think back to the past.
Since the times you were born up until now,
how fast has China developed?
Let's not look back that much. How about just 10 years ago?
In the past decade, can you imagine without leaving your home,
how you will be able to find a house you want by using the internet?
You can't. Therefore, no one should be complacent and conservative,
by limiting your own imagination.
Mr. Mu, we've also considered these scruples that you mentioned.
However, when we were conducting these interviews,
we found out that young people have a totally different outlook...
on how to live their life compared from the previous generation.
Young people nowadays prefer to further develop their career...
before they reach the age of 35.
They wish to expand and broaden their horizons.
After the age of 35,
when they are certain of the kind of life they want...
and when they also have a stable source of income,
only then will they consider buying their own property.
Exactly.
Now, consumption upgrade is encouraged.
Listen.
Compared to the young people,
even I have a sense of crisis.
Why do you always fall behind in keeping up with the times?
Young man.
You already feel a sense of crisis?
Yes.
Well, Chairman.
Let's get back to the topic.
As for this project, you must have thought it through.
I'd like to know your final thoughts.
Since the client's needs are urgent,
we can't wait till the board meeting to carry out the project.
How about this?
I approve your application.
We'll use Ms. Yu's house...
as the experimental unit for the Youth Apartment.
You'll both be in charge of managing...
and the company will cover the expenses to buy the house.
Thank you.
Thank you, Chairman. Thank you.
Chairman, can this matter...
The two of you can go ahead with this matter boldly.
If there's any difficulty that requires mediation,
Mr. Mu will assist and protect you.
Thank you, Mr. Mu.
- Yun Ping. - Yes?
As for the details, keep an eye out for them.
They are both still young after all.
Rest assured.
I'll be sure to assist them the best I can.
As for the experimental unit, I can operate it for you right away.
However, if we are to promote it comprehensively,
we'll need the board to make the decision.
You should head back and prepare for that.
When we hold the next board meeting,
be sure to present this to the shareholders well.
- Yes. - Sure.
You did well just now.
You convinced the chairman right away.
Well, I have submitted the proposal to Mr. Mu earlier on.
He might have had the chairman look at it.
I still think our chairman is nice.
When I met him last time, I thought he seems like a loving elderly.
He's willing to help us as well as the clients.
Right, we still have to convince Mrs. Tian.
We have to convince her to accept the idea of Youth Apartment.
Otherwise, we'd have made the application for nothing, right?
Yes, let's go. Let's go to the hospital.
- Let's go. - Go.
Try some.
Listen, there's an even nicer restaurant over there.
This one has good lamb.
That one has a good steak.
But there were too many people there and I didn't get a table.
Next time, we'll go for the steak.
I'll take you both there. It's really good.
Sure. This is already very good.
It's my treat the next time.
Don't bother. I'll treat you both to it.
Are you all right?
Miss.
This is the water for you to rinse your fingers.
What sort of a service is this?
Shouldn't you explain it beforehand?
I'm sorry, Ms. Luo. I'm really sorry.
It's our negligence.
Leave us. Go on.
It's all right, Xi Shan.
Plenty of people drink the wrong water in life.
This water is like orange juice. It's all right.
Have some of this.
It's fine. This water is quite good.
I bumped into a 200,000 dollar car today.
What's the big deal about drinking some rinsing water?
Why don't you come shopping with me after lunch?
Sure.
No, thanks.
We have matters to handle this afternoon.
We have a client to meet so we can't go with you.
Am I not your client as well?
No, I'm your potential client.
I have a huge deposit left in Hua Yuan Store.
The house that I asked you to take me for viewing,
as long as you can get it for me,
the commission is yours.
Sure.
Let's join her?
You can if you want. I won't.
Let's go, Xi Shan. Don't spoil the mood.
If you fancy anything, I can buy it for you.
I'm sorry, Ms. Luo.
I seem to have a headache today.
I'll get going first.
Xi Shan. Xi Shan!
Fu Xiao Ning!
If she doesn't want to go, it's the two of us.
Come on. Come shopping with me.
Come on!
You're not tired?
There's nothing nice.
Take a look at the cosmetics with me downstairs.
Sure, sure.
This outfit seems okay.
- What do you think? - It's good.
Okay. I'll have to trouble you. Thank you. Thanks.
- Ms. Luo. - Yes?
The neighbourhood where the house that you like is,
no proprietor is willing to sell their houses.
When shopping, don't speak of such mood dampening topics.
Come with me to take a look at some clothes. Let's go.
Okay.
Hello, Miss. What would you like?
Are you getting clothes for your boyfriend?
No, I'll take a look.
Sure.
This shirt is quite nice.
What do you think?
Yes, it's good.
Miss, this type of collar...
belongs to our latest collection in this season.
The colour for the one on top is nice.
I'll take these two.
Sure.
- Show this to me. - Miss, you have such great taste.
This is our most popular fabric.
It looks very good. It suits this gentleman's charm.
Shao Peng Cheng should look quite good in this.
I'll take this as well.
- Sure. - And those two shirts.
Sure, definitely. Please wait a moment.
That's enough.
All in all, I object to selling the house.
It's just such a small house.
I hope to leave it to my future grandchild.
Didn't I have already recorded what I wanted to tell you?
How many times do you want me to say it?
Mom, we've already discussed this.
We'll sell the house first to raise some funds...
so you can get treatment.
Don't you wish to recover soon?
Besides, Xian Xian and I are still young.
We have plenty of time to earn money.
Once we've earned money, we can still buy a house.
Silly son, you have no idea.
The current situation is like this.
If you sell your house now and want to buy one later,
it will be too difficult.
I might have injured my body...
but my mind is still clear.
Mrs. Tian.
Ms. Yu has good news for you.
Ms. Cheng.
Let's not bring it up right now.
I'm already in this state. What good news can there be?
Mom.
I'm pregnant.
It's been two months.
- Really? - Yes.
Mrs. Tian, you're going to be a grandmother.
Give this a thought. Ms. Yu and Mr. Tian,
they both work so hard.
You really have to get well soon.
Then you can help them look after their child.
The child will have to eat and head out to play every day.
Then there's kindergarten.
If you don't get well, who will help them with the child?
How can I not want to do so?
I even dream of looking after my grandchild.
But look at me...
How can I help them?
I'm even a burden to both families.
- Mom... - Am I not old and useless?
Mom, don't say that.
You'll get better.
We'll make sure that you get well.
Don't think about anything else now.
Just get yourself treated.
About our house, we can always get another one.
What is important right now is for you to get well and be safe.
Okay?
Tian Gang and I will definitely lead our lives well.
Just ease your mind and wait to hold your grandchild.
In the future...
I'd like you to look after my child.
Mrs. Tian, did you hear that?
Your daughter-in-law said it so well.
Stop being so pessimistic.
What's more,
I've been keeping another good news bottled up...
without telling you.
Good news?
What good news is it?
Listen.
Zhen Zhen and I have actually...
found a solution to resolve your issue.
With the consent of our chairman,
he already decided to purchase your house...
in the name of our company...
and rent it to you at the most favourable price.
When you have enough money later...
and you still wish to buy the house back,
you will be on the priority list...
at and it will be sold at a better price than anyone else.
Hey.
Do you mean that as long as we pay the rent,
we can still live in our house?
We can live in it as long as we want?
We don't have to move out?
Mr. Shao, if I heard you correctly,
when the six of us wish to buy the house back in the future,
we on the priority list, right?
Yes.
There won't be a change in the landlords...
nor an unpredictable raise in rent.
As long as you sign the long-term contract,
you can live in the house without any worries.
In the future, when you have enough savings,
you can buy the house back.
It's actually just like living in your own house.
- This is great. - No...
No, hold on. Hold on.
This is great. It's great.
But I still have a question.
After paying the rent, we get to live in it.
This is a leaseback?
I still have another question.
When we have the money...
and we wish to buy our house back,
do we get to pay much less than the others for our house?
Is that it?
Definitely.
Shao Peng Cheng and I applied to our chairman for that.
It suits us.
This is great! This exactly works for us!
Exactly. How lovely.
Mom, you'll get to be treated.
Our entire family is saved.
Zhen Zhen, Xiao Shao.
Not only did you save my life,
but also our two families.
- You're our family's benefactors. - Exactly.
How can we ever thank you enough?
Mr. Shao, Ms. Cheng.
On behalf of our family of six,
we'll surely remember your kindness for life.
I mean it! For life!
Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you both. Thank you.
- Thank you. - Thank you.
Thank you so much. We mean it.
This is what we should do.
All right, everyone. I'll ask one last time very formally.
Are you willing to be the very first leaseback client of...
Love and Family?
- Yes. - Yes.
We definitely do!
Definitely!
Right? We do!
How wonderful.
Seriously.
This is great.