Footprints of Change: Episode 28 Recap and Spoilers

Episode Summary

Beichuan gives up his chance for an apartment to a colleague, causing a major fight with Xining. Meanwhile, Xining secures a large international order, but it gets stuck in customs. She learns that a 100,000 bribe is the only way to get it released. Against Beichuan's warnings about the illegality, she decides to go through with it to save the company.

Spoiler Alert

The Apartment Problem

So, Teacher Guo hears a rumor. He's not on the list for new faculty housing. He immediately storms into the department head's office to complain about all his hard work for the school. The department head just tells him to cool it. The list isn't public yet, so he shouldn't listen to gossip.

On the other hand, Xiang Beichuan is pretty happy. He hears his name is on the list. He and Ye Xining really need a place to live. Right now, they're still sleeping in the company's warehouse.

Beichuan Gives Up His Shot

A few days later, Teacher Guo finds Beichuan. He lays it on thick. He and his wife are both teachers. They don't make much money. They have been desperately waiting for the school to assign them a house. He begs Beichuan to give up his spot for him.

Beichuan is a soft touch. He hears Guo's sob story and immediately writes an application to withdraw his name from the housing list.

Xining Is Not Happy

Of course, this news gets back to Ye Xining. She is furious. This was a huge decision. Beichuan didn't even talk to her about it. She feels it was completely irresponsible.

They have a big fight over dinner. Beichuan thinks Xining has changed and isn't "gentle" anymore. She thinks he's just weak. The meal ends badly.

Business Is Booming (and Complicated)

Ye Xining hears that Shan Huajing is sick with a cold. She goes to buy some fruit. She also remembers Shan liked a necklace once, so she buys a nice one for her. Shan is thrilled with the gifts. She starts helping Xining pull in new clients.

Director Lu finally shows up again. He says he's landed a massive order. They need to make expensive festival costumes for Christmas in the West. Xining is worried they won't be able to deliver on time. Director Lu isn't concerned, as long as Xining can handle the customs process.

Ling Jie quietly tells Director Lu that Yan Jun was the one who helped clear out half their old inventory. She adds that Yan Jun only did it as a favor to Xining. This makes Director Lu respect Xining even more. He even takes Beichuan out to dinner. He tells Beichuan to hold on to a girl like Xining. She was a star at the state-owned factory, and she's even better in the private sector. He tells Beichuan to let her handle all the company's external business from now on.

Beichuan Quits

Beichuan can finally go back to his old teaching job. He gathers all the salary and manuscript fees he's saved up. It's just enough to pay back the money he owes Yan Jun. He goes back to the company to resign.

Yan Jun is not pleased. He helped Beichuan when he was at his lowest point. He paid off his debts, gave him a place to live, and gave him a job. Now that Beichuan can go back to his old life, he's ditching the company that helped him through a tough time.

The Customs Crisis

Xining's factory gets the Christmas order ready. But the shipment is stuck at customs and can't get out. Xining goes to Shan Huajing's house, hoping she can pull some strings. Shan says she doesn't handle those specific details anymore. She claims she'll look into which part of the process is causing the problem.

A Favor Turned Bribe

It's obvious Shan has no intention of helping. Xining goes to Yan Jun for advice. He tells her that Shan is the type of person who never does something for nothing. He explains that for a huge European order like this, she'll want a bribe. He estimates it will cost at least 100,000. He even offers to lend Xining the cash if she can't get it herself.

100,000 is a huge amount of money. Xining goes back to her boss, but he can only come up with 50,000. The deadline is tight. Beichuan says he'll try to find a way to get the other 50,000.

But then Beichuan hears from Ling Jie just how much money is involved. He runs to find Xining. He tells her seriously that bribing a public official is illegal. She could go to jail. Xining is speechless. The delivery date is right around the corner. If the goods don't clear customs, they'll have to pay a penalty. Plus, the Christmas costumes will be completely worthless after the holiday.