Let me do it.
- Thanks. - Have you waited for long?
I just got here.
Why do you have so much luggage?
No, these two bags are for Ms. Bai. I brought some food for her.
I'll need to trouble you to bring them to her.
This is the address of my hotel.
We're not going to the hotel. We'll head straight to my house.
Let's go.
That's great, Zhen Zhen.
Look at these dishes.
It's all made with the seasoning that you brought over from China.
With the Pi Ju bean paste and all.
You know, I haven't had local Chinese food for a long time.
Look at me, I'm drooling.
- Ms. Bai, dig in. - Okay, okay.
Do you know how difficult it is to pass...
the immigration, bringing so many seasoning over?
It's not like we don't have a Chinese supermarket here.
I'm wrong.
Before I came over, I did my research online.
I only brought those that are not available here.
Thankfully I was smart, and didn't get caught.
That's great! Zhen Zhen
You've to stay here for a few more days.
Firstly, I'm going to make you good food.
And then... Jing Ran.
You have to show Zhen Zhen around.
Ms. Bai, I'm representing my company...
to discuss some work matters with Mr. Jing.
I can't stay for too long. I have to go back to work.
Zhen Zhen, you can call me Jing Ran...
instead of Mr. Jing.
Stay here for a while.
Let me find some time and show you around.
This is a historical city.
If you don't go around and have a look,
it'd be a wasted trip.
Thank you, Mr. Jing.
I mean, Jing Ran.
I thought you would talk about work first.
Don't you always prioritise work?
There's no rush.
Here, welcome.
Welcome to Italy.
Me too.
Thanks.
Great.
Help yourself.
Here, son.
Thanks Mom.
I've helped Zhen Zhen settle down.
Look at how practical she is.
She insisted on...
coming over to discuss work with you
I told her it's late, and she should sleep off the jet lag.
You can talk tomorrow.
And you...
don't always bother her with work.
I realize young people like you...
don't know work-life balance.
Why?
Is something bothering you?
Nothing.
Say that again.
Now tell me what you're thinking about.
Alright, I'll tell you.
Go ahead.
Mom, on the way to the airport,
I received a design tender notice...
for a famous project.
They told me that their person-in-charge...
likes my work and ideas,
and it'd probably be a successful bid.
But if it is,
I won't be returning to China in the next 1 or 2 years.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, Mom.
I know you always want to go back.
But... I'm still thinking about it.
I haven't made a decision yet...
on whether I should bid for it, so...
Yes.
You have to bid for it.
You can't afford to let me get in the way.
You should go for it.
But what about Zhen Zhen?
It would be a wasted trip for her.
Mom,
I...
I really like this project.
I also want to make use of this project to prove my worth.
Can you wait for me? In a few years' time,
when I'm done with this project, we'll head back immediately.
I'll go back to develop my career. How does it sound?
Actually, I'm fine.
If Zhen Zhen can stay behind,
cook and accompany me,
I will be fine being anywhere.
Who do you think you are to her?
You want her to stay in Italy to cook for you?
Say, if we find her a job in Rome...
will she be willing to stay?
How is it?
- Pretty exquisite, right? - Yes. Ms. Bai.
Let's go get some fruits.
Shao Peng Cheng told me...
to get you more fruits.
It'll be good for your body and mood.
Xiao Shao, I've got to thank him.
He still cares about me.
- How's Xiao Shao? - He's doing well recently.
He's different from before.
He's getting a lot better at work then before.
We even sold a house just recently.
Really?
Zhen Zhen,
Be honest with me.
How do you feel about Xiao Shao?
When I see...
the both of you together,
you two look very compatible.
Ms. Bai, don't tease me.
We're just colleagues.
Really?
You're just colleagues?
Yes, we're just colleagues.
He's still young and immature.
I try to help him out so that he can support himself.
Great, I know you're a kind person.
But I think...
you're at the age when you should get yourself a boyfriend.
You should hurry up.
Do you have someone in mind?
You can't just work all day long...
and you'll miss Mr. Right.
Ms. Bai... there's no Mr. Right.
Here's the fruit stall. Have a look.
Here, look. Hello.
Hello.
Zhen Zhen, guess what this is.
What is this?
Make a guess.
I've no idea.
It's a pear.
- It's a pear? - Yes.
Here. Okay, this.
This one.
Okay.
How much is it?
11 dollars in total.
Can it be cheaper?
Sorry ma'am, no bargaining.
- All right. - Thanks.
- Zhen Zhen, you're amazing. - Okay.
You speak Italian?
I learned a little Italian for fun...
when I was in school.
But I'm not good at it.
You were great.
You spoke so well.
That's great. If you find a job here...
Right? You have the basic language skills.
You'll be working with Italians,
and then you'll improve even faster.
Ms. Bai,
I'm here to discuss a collaboration with Jing Ran.
I haven't thought about getting a job here.
Staying behind is a collaboration.
Rome is a big city.
When you're free,
you can do grocery shopping and cook with me.
It's so much better than selling houses in Shanghai.
But Ms. Bai, I...
Let's go get some flowers.
Looking at flowers makes you happy.
Excuse me, ma'am.
I'm looking for Mr. Jing.
Have you made an appointment?
- No. - Please wait a moment.
What's the matter?
Mr. Jing, a Chinese lady is looking for you.
Let her in.
Please go in.
Zhen Zhen, have a seat.
Why are you here?
I thought you went to the elderly community centre...
in Chinatown with my mom.
Ms. Bai wanted to do so...
but we still have work to discuss.
Mr. Jing, if you have the time now,
we can talk about the collaboration.
- Have a drink. - Thank you.
When I was flying over,
a foreigner said he knows you.
He said you're very famous here.
There aren't many famous Chinese in Europe,
so it's not surprising that he knows me.
Let's get back on topic.
Mr. Jing, I'm here to represent...
Love and Family's chairman, Mr. Shao Jian.
We'd like to invite you...
to be our chief designer.
We hope you could help us improve...
the design and concept of small apartments.
This is our proposal.
The details are in it, and I'll explain to you.
If you have any questions,
feel free to ask me.
Okay.
A talented...
and famous designer like you,
remuneration alone is not enough...
to win you over.
Therefore I'll explain to you...
why Love and Family thinks so highly of you,
and what we can offer you exclusively...
while other companies cannot.
Good. Go on.
Okay.
Mr. Jing, can I use your computer?
Of course, here.
As you see, this is Love and Family's...
current house plans.
Most of them are small apartments that are 40 to 50 square metres big.
It's perfect for the type of houses that you design.
Our director is not very satisfied with the designs that we have now.
He thinks that these designs are a waste of space.
It doesn't give owners a sense of warmth and cosiness.
The director has seen your designs...
and love them very much.
This is our company's proposal that's tailored for you.
Mr. Jing, what do you think?
You did a great explanation.
But...
I'm sorry.
The proposal from Love and Family is very sincere.
The remuneration as well as the project are very tempting.
But I have an even more...
important project in Italy that needs me.
So I can't accept your proposal.
Wait, Mr. Jing.
- Would you reconsider? - I'm sorry.
Look at this.
What does it mean?
Ms. Cheng Zhen Zhen,
allow me to sincerely invite you to join my studio.
This is the contract for a design assistant.
You can have a look at home.
If you need any legal help,
let me know. I can offer you free service.
Wait, this is too sudden.
I'm here to represent Love and Family...
to talk about the collaboration.
Why would you want to hire a real estate agent like me?
Because you've shown professionalism just now.
It shows that you are suitable for this job.
I'm inviting you to join my studio...
after deep consideration.
Mr. Jing,
have you thought about the fact that it'll cause a sensation...
if you apply your concepts and design...
to the apartments in China?
I've thought about it, of course.
But right now, I have to complete the project in Italy...
before I can consider going back.
Will you accept our proposal by then?
I hope the both of us can consider...
each other's proposal.
All right?
All right.
Then I'll get going.
Zhen Zhen.
Don't forget your USB drive.
Here.
- Thanks. - You're welcome.
Mr. Jing, this is the information you need.
Thanks.
Mr. Jing.
What is the meaning of this?
Can I take it that...
the director has sent me here under your request...
to discuss the collaboration with you,
but actually you've never wanted to work with us?
Your real motive was to make his employee...
stay and work for you here.
That's too much of you.
I don't think I am...
in any way comparable to your employees here,
and I have no idea what your purpose is.
I'm not messing with you.
The reason why I want you to stay is...
Let me help you.
You want to keep me in Rome...
so that I can accompany Ms. Bai and go around with her.
You want me as a helper, don't you?
Yes, I like Ms. Bai.
But I won't accept...
this jobbery.
Hello?
Why did you turn off your phone?
Where did you go?
You can't get out of line just because you're out of town.
Report to me once in the morning and once at night.
You hear me?
Report.
What do I have to report?
I'm not going to tell you...
Jing Ran wanted me as a helper.
You moved out so suddenly.
My mom is worried sick.
She's been looking for you.
And you haven't been picking up calls.
Thank goodness I still remember the name of the hotel.
I'm sorry.
I was too rash.
I should've informed Ms. Bai.
But I'm here for business anyway.
It's just right that I stay in a hotel.
Do you think that I'm an unreliable person?
Can I ask you a question?
Since you've never considered working with Love and Family,
why did you ask me over to discuss matters?
Is our company's proposal worth none of your time?
You threw it away the moment I left.
Come with me.
Why did you bring me to Ponte Sant'Angelo?
In the 17th century...
when Bernini designed the bridge,
he'd probably not have thought...
that after four centuries and countless wars,
it would still be intact.
Zhen Zhen.
Whenever I walk by,
I truly feel...
the vitality of architecture.
My biggest wish as a college student...
was to use my hands and legs...
to measure every brick and sculpture.
The structure of Ponte Sant'Angelo...
and the design of the sculptures...
was the topic of your Master's thesis.
How did you know?
I did my research because...
Love and Family wanted to work with you.
When you were on your way to Rome,
I got a call from the town hall.
They invited me to participate in...
the project to repair Ponte Sant'Angelo.
It's not that I intentionally wanted to...
reject Chairman Shao's proposal.
I didn't want you to come for nothing either.
But this project comes...
as a surprise to me too.
This is also my greatest dream. So there's no way I can reject it.
I can only choose to turn down Love and Family.
I see.
I get it.
Thank you.
But don't worry. I'll explain to Chairman Shao.
I'll also pay for all your expenses in Italy.
Mr. Jing, can I show you something?
Look. Temple of Heaven and The Palace Museum.
These historic architecture of China,
Suzhou Water Town.
They're all beautiful, aren't they?
Of course.
Look.
These classic architectures,
this is where you belong,
where your roots are.
I know Ponte Sant'Angelo is your dream.
But I always think that...
as an architect,
you should work with your fellow citizens...
back in your hometown...
in order to truly interpret and express the relationship...
between architecture and human beings.
I'm inviting you back to China to work with Love and Family...
not just because I'm an employee.
It's also because...
a talented architect like you...
who has a global vision,
I feel like you should return your hometown...
to unleash your greatest potential.
I've been working so long here.
I just wish that the world could hear the voice of China.
So I have to grab this opportunity.
As a Chinese architect,
crossing cultural borders to express oneself,
I think that's my duty and honour.
I get it.
Everyone has their own dreams.
I'll support your decision.
I hope your dream comes true.
Thank you.
Let's go.
Zhen Zhen.
Didn't I invite you to join my studio today...
as a design assistant?
I really mean it.
I feel like you have the potential and ability.
I hope that you can consider it.
Thank you for your appreciation.
But I have my own dreams too.
I misunderstood you. I'm sorry.
Look how beautiful Ponte Sant'Angelo is.
Ponte Sant'Angelo.
How beautiful it is.
We'll make use of the latest technology...
to complete such an important project.
And the results of our technological research...
can assume the responsibility...
of repairing Ponte Sant'Angelo,
and thus allow Ponte Sant'Angelo...
to exist in Rome a thousand years later.
Raphael,
he is a famous architect in Rome.
We're the only two left tendering.
Tendering is a serious matter.
Having me here doesn't seem like a good idea.
I did so for a reason.
I hope that you can witness this moment with me.
Mr. Raphael...
has finished explaining his project plans.
Can we now invite Mr. Jing Ran to give your account?
Mr. Jing, you may begin.
It is well known that...
Ponte Sant'Angelo is a masterpiece...
of Baroque style.
Before I elaborate on the project.
I would like to invite everyone...
to recall the original meaning of Baroque.
It originated from Portuguese,
which means "weirdly shaped pearl".
Baroque is flamboyant,
and it's full of romanticism.
Movement and change are the soul of it.
So in my repair plans,
we intend to do everything by hand.
From reinforcing the bridge's foundation...
to repairing the bridge deck and to refilling the missing parts,
all the materials will come from where the marble for...
Ponte Sant'Angelo originated.
Thank you.
Mr. Jing, thank you for the great speech.
I never thought of...
a Chinese designer like you...
could explain Italian culture in such great details,
and have such deep understanding of Baroque architecture.
I'm impressed. Thank you.
I know whatever I say now...
will not convince you...
to return to China.
But I feel so happy for you. You're amazing.
I'm very excited that...
you're here to witness this moment with me.
You can do it!
I think it's time for me to go home.
Ms. Bai!
Zhen Zhen.
I've finally found you!
It took me so long. It's hard to find this place.
What brings you here? Come in. Take a seat.
- Close the door. - Here.
- It looks nice. - Not bad, right?
- It's beautiful. - Have a seat.
Zhen Zhen,
I came here to...
tell you something.
I already heard about it.
Jing Ran rejected...
your company's proposal.
But this doesn't stop you from staying in Italy.
Listen to me. A lot of young people...
want to emigrate these days.
Why can't you just stay here and get a job?
Stay, please.
- How great would it be? - Ms. Bai.
My job,
my family and my friends are in China.
I can't just leave like that.
Silly girl.
Look at you.
You consider too much.
Your job...
Don't get me wrong, but...
your job isn't exactly...
stable.
Am I right?
As for your parents,
you can't stay by their side forever...
and not get married.
Besides, they can come over too.
Ms. Bai, I came over on behalf of my company...
and discuss some business with Jing Ran.
I can't stay here after failing to convince him.
I can't do that.
I know.
Your job is important.
But personally,
I think...
your future should be valued more.
Hold on.
Look.
This...
Jing Ran did everything possible...
to bring this succulent to Italy.
He looked up the policy and regulations...
and got questioned by the immigration.
He filled out countless documents...
and spent a large sum of money.
He almost hired a lawyer for that.
I thought...
You thought Jing Ran...
would leave it behind in China, didn't you?
You know,
he just looks cool on the outside.
But I can tell...
he really wants you to stay here...
with him.
What are you thinking about?
Why are you hesitating?
Ms. Bai,
I'm really touched that you and Jing Ran...
care so much about me.
But I can't stay here.
Think about it.
I came here this time, representing Love and Family,
as well as Chairman Shao.
Chairman Shao has high hopes of...
collaborating with Jing Ran.
If I leave just like that,
it's against my own values.
Silly girl.
I let go of my secured job.
Why are you so narrow-minded?
What era are we in?
Everything about you is perfect.
Except you're too honest.
I think we should seriously reconsider...
hiring a Chinese architect...
to repair our national treasure,
Rome's symbolic Ponte Sant'Angelo.
Ms. Bai, I've seen him before.
He was on the plane with me.
Really?
And it happens that even Mr. Jing's Chinese counterpart...
queries his understanding...
of a foreign country.
Did he mention Jing Ran?
That's not it!
How can he say that?
I have here with me an interview with the lady.
What is he saying?
She's a very capable salesperson...
from Love and Family real estate agency in China.
Her opinions proved that my concerns are not wrong.
Given that the lady wants to remain anonymous,
I'll only make public her sound recording.
I think Mr. Jing Ran is like Titan...
in Greek mythology.
Only when he's in the country where he grew up in,
can he fully unleash his potential and talent.
To China's market, small apartments...
I didn't expect to meet a counterpart up in the air.
I'm so glad to meet someone...
who also likes architecture on the plane.
Liar.
I agree with this lady's opinions.
What can one achieve,
leaving his home country?
Bullshit. He is not professional at all!
But he's being quite provocative for normal people.
I don't care!
I wonder if we really need a Chinese assignee.
Miss Alcadi.
Hello.
Feel free to speak.
What are you talking about?
Sorry.
I apologize for the town hall's final decision.
The decision doesn't represent my personal opinions.
I feel that it's extremely unfair too.
Even though I did my best,
I couldn't convince them.
I ask for your understanding.
Obviously you made a stupid decision.
I didn't think...
a country that emphasises freedom and democracy...
would have such cultural prejudices.
I am very disappointed.
We've been rejected.
Who is that woman?
Why did she say that?
What are we supposed to do now?
Mr. Jing, the voice you heard on TV earlier...
was what I said casually on the plane.
That was neither my exact words...
nor my original intention.
What I meant is...
you could do better...
if you are in your home country.
I don't blame you.
It's not your fault.
No, but that Italian guy...
misinterpreted what I said.
Don't worry. I'll clarify things with him.
And make him apologize in public.
Zhen Zhen,
His name is Leo.
He graduated from Rome Architectural Design Academy.
He's a popular commentator on Rome's cable TV.
He has a close relationship...
with the boss of my competitor,
so he wouldn't make the clarification.
And his opinions...
don't just reflect his personal attitude.
Do you know why what he says...
has such an impact?
Why?
Italy wasn't a xenophobic country before.
Otherwise I wouldn't have started my business here.
But ever since joining the EU,
there's been more and more refugees.
Public safety is getting worse.
Recently, there were incidents...
that involved the refugees.
Together with the economic depression,
the citizens...
are becoming more xenophobic.
The things he said on TV...
is just on the surface level.
Even if it wasn't for you,
they'd have found another reason to reject me.
I didn't expect it's been so difficult for you..
starting a business in a foreign country.
It's impossible for a Chinese to succeed...
in the world of arts...
with no enemies.
I'm used to it.
Why did you call me in the middle of the night?
You miss me?
Don't talk nonsense.
I need your help.
Only you can help me with this.
I screwed up the task that Chairman Shao...
assigned to me.
I also made a terrible mistake,
and got Jing Ran implicated.
You're best at dealing with mean people.
Please come up with a solution.