Episode Summary
In this episode, Liu Jun secures needed equipment for Tengfei Factory with Qian Hongming's help, though it's a compromise on his ideals. Qian, ignoring Liu Jun's warnings about high risks, launches "Hongsheng Real Estate" with his sister. A promising bid in North China, secured with Song Yunhui's help, is jeopardized when Liu Jun's father, Liu Shitang, makes a poor impression at a crucial meeting. This failure prompts Liu Jun to seek a new VP of Marketing. His first choice, Dong Qiyang, demands equity, which Liu Jun refuses. Meanwhile, Cui Bingbing's insecurity about their relationship leads to a failed attempt to make Liu Jun jealous and another rejected marriage proposal. The episode ends with Luo Qing surprisingly applying for the VP position and Liu Jun discovering he has severe high blood pressure.
Spoiler Alert
"Created in China" Episode 19: Ambition, Setbacks, and Strained Relationships
The story picks up with Liu Jun reluctantly accepting Qian Hongming’s help to acquire second-hand dust removal equipment. While it solves an urgent problem for Tengfei Factory, the idealist in Liu Jun is disappointed not to be using new machinery. Qian, ever the pragmatist, advises him to prioritize the company's survival over perfection.
Shifting gears, Qian Hongming sets his sights on the booming real estate market. He consults Liu Jun, who analyzes his plan and warns that using leverage to boost cash flow, while potentially very profitable, also carries massive risks. Meanwhile, Shen Jiali's mother grows concerned about the widening gap between her daughter and Qian, urging her to get more involved in his business life to prevent their marriage from failing.
The narrative jumps to 2009. Tengfei Factory is thriving, and Cui Bingbing has successfully transferred back to Donghai. Qian Hongming and his sister, Qian Hongying, have officially launched a small real estate company named "Hongsheng Real Estate." At the opening, Cui Bingbing confronts Qian, making it clear she knows he's financially supporting a female college student in Shanghai and that she despises him for it.
A major opportunity arises for Liu Jun: a bid for a project in North China. Unfortunately, the client only works with state-owned or foreign enterprises. Liu Jun turns to the influential Song Yunhui for help. Song explains the client’s hesitation stems from a past incident where a private company cut corners, leading to a severe accident. However, Song respects Liu Jun and agrees to vouch for him, securing Tengfei a spot at the technical exchange meeting.
The meeting conflicts with a bid in South Asia, forcing Liu Jun to send his father, Liu Shitang, in his place. The decision proves disastrous. Upon his return, Liu Jun finds his team looking grim. His father, with his slick, stereotypical private-business-owner approach, completely alienated the North China client, reinforcing his exact prejudices.
Realizing the need for a new strategy, Liu Jun decides to hire a Vice President of Marketing who has both technical knowledge and sales skills. He first approaches Dong Qiyang, who agrees but demands equity in the company—a condition Liu Jun rejects, as he has no plans to take Tengfei public.
On the personal front, Cui Bingbing's insecurities about her relationship with Liu Jun fester. After a conversation about marriage with friends, she tries to provoke a reaction from him by using a VIP card given to her by Lin Chuan and acting overly affectionate in public. The ploy fails, and Liu Jun, seeing through her actions, reassures her of his feelings and asks her to marry him again. She doesn't accept.
The episode concludes with two significant developments. First, Luo Qing, a government official, unexpectedly shows up and nominates himself for the VP of Marketing position. Second, a company health check reveals Liu Jun is suffering from dangerously high blood pressure, adding a personal health crisis to his mounting professional challenges.
