Episode Summary
Episode 17 throws us into a tense Nanshan Chamber of Commerce meeting where Wei Jinghai's bid for project control is fiercely contested by Fan Longquan, leading to a heated argument and Wei Jinghai storming out. Meanwhile, Zhao Jiadi impresses the esteemed Huang Hu with his poetic talents, leading to a job offer (which he declines for his own private equity firm plans) and a new mentorship. Li Zhijin is encouraged by her father, Li Minxian, to rejoin the Li Shi Group, a move she resists, while Zhao Jiadi faces setbacks with Fan Longquan's project, suspecting Li family interference, but ultimately regains his determination to succeed.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens at a Nanshan Chamber of Commerce internal meeting, and let me tell you, the tension is thick enough to cut with a knife. The big kahuna on the table is control over a new construction site and its future operations. Wei Jinghai and his crew are making a power play to run the show, but a hefty chunk of the members are pushing back hard. Their main beef? They're worried that if Wei Jinghai takes charge, the profit-sharing will be anything but fair.
Wei Jinghai tries to play the diplomat, emphasizing cooperation and pointing out that the Li Shi Group already has a 40% stake in the 12 billion funding. He then highlights how Fan Longquan suddenly popping up demanding an equal share and operational control looks suspiciously personal. Fan Longquan, however, isn't budging. He fires back, claiming his involvement is all about transparency, ensuring every last cent goes directly into the project. And guess what? His fiery declaration actually sways a lot of folks, with hands shooting up in support all over the room.
But it doesn't stop there! Fan Longquan decides it's time to air some old grievances with Wei Jinghai, demanding he clear the air about past issues. Wei Jinghai, whose patience has clearly left the building, loses it. He blasts Fan Longquan for his "crude" language, especially his habit of calling himself "Laozi" (a rather arrogant way of saying "I," kind of like "your old man" or "daddy" but referring to oneself). Wei Jinghai even throws in a low blow, saying Fan Longquan's actual father isn't around anymore. Ouch. With talks completely derailed, Wei Jinghai is the first to bail, declaring they can reconvene once Fan Longquan's money is actually in the bank.
Meanwhile, in a different corner of this tangled web, Zhu Hongzhi is living it up, winning big at Jiao Ye's gambling den. Jiao Ye, watching him on the security feed, learns Zhu Hongzhi is connected to the Pengcheng Club and, just like that, his interest is piqued.
Over on the Li family front, Xu Huizhang makes a proactive visit to Li Minxian to fill him in on the previous day's happenings. Li Zhijin gets wind that Huang Hu specifically requested a meeting with someone from Risheng and she's ready to jump in and stop it, but Li Minxian tells her to stay put. After Xu Huizhang leaves, Li Zhijin tries to convince Li Minxian to dig deeper into the situation, but he seems hesitant. The ever-observant butler quietly clues Li Zhijin in: Li Minxian's moves are all designed to smooth her path forward.
Now, for a change of pace, Jin Buzhang escorts Zhao Jiadi to meet the highly respected Huang Hu. In a classic comedic beat, right as they arrive, Jin Buzhang suddenly "feels unwell" and makes a dash for the restroom. This leaves Zhao Jiadi to wander into the courtyard alone, where he stumbles upon Huang Hu deep in a game of chess and a poetry battle with an old friend. Huang Hu is a fountain of knowledge, effortlessly spouting verses, but even he hits a snag. And just when you think the old master is cornered, who swans in like a poetry superhero? Our boy, Zhao Jiadi! He steps up and finishes the verse, then drops a few more poetic bombs that leave everyone stunned and thoroughly impressed. Mic drop, Zhao Jiadi.
Huang Hu is clearly chuffed, feeling an instant connection with Zhao Jiadi. It turns out this is their second meeting, and Huang Hu reveals that Zhao Jiadi is the exact person he’s been searching for. He cuts to the chase and offers Zhao Jiadi the role of secretary-general for his foundation. Zhao Jiadi, however, politely declines, explaining he’s already got his own blueprint for the future: launching a private equity firm. Huang Hu, far from being offended, throws his full support behind Zhao Jiadi's ambition, and just like that, an unlikely but heartwarming friendship blossoms between the two, a true "wangnianjiao" (friendship that transcends age).
The next morning, Li Zhijin calls Zhao Jiadi, still dreamy from the night before, to tell him about a dream she had. Zhao Jiadi casually asks how her meeting with that important person went (referring to Huang Hu, of course). Li Zhijin, completely in the dark about Zhao Jiadi's own encounter with Huang Hu, sighs that it was a bust. Elsewhere, Wei Jinghai is having breakfast with Li Minxian, who once again pushes for Li Zhijin to return to the Li Shi Group. But Li Zhijin is adamant; she wants nothing to do with the Li family's corporate infighting and prefers to keep her distance from all the drama. Wei Jinghai, ever the strategist, offers to help her figure things out.
Back at his own company, Zhao Jiadi gets some grim news from Wang Qihan and Lin Peng: Fan Longquan's mining project is dead in the water. Wang Qihan pulls Zhao Jiadi aside for a private chat, confessing that the Fan Longquan situation is "out of their hands." Zhao Jiadi’s intuition immediately screams "Li family involvement!" He passionately defends Fan Longquan, questioning why a genuinely dedicated entrepreneur is being stonewalled.
Despite Zhao Jiadi's impassioned plea, Wang Qihan admits he’s powerless, leaving Zhao Jiadi feeling pretty crushed. He starts reflecting on all the hurdles he faced back in Jinhai, and a wave of cynicism washes over him – it feels like no matter where you go, it’s the same old story. Lin Peng, seeing his friend down, shares some of his own experiences to lift his spirits. Slowly but surely, Zhao Jiadi starts to find his footing again. From that day forward, he throws himself into pitching projects to any company that will listen. He faces a mountain of rejections (or, as they say, "eats many closed doors"), but our guy isn't about to give up.
