Episode Summary
In Episode 22, newlyweds Liu Jun and Cui Bingbing return to work. Liu Jun partners with the state-owned Beiyuan Group, despite a warning from his contact, Song Yunhui, to remain cautious. A severe power shortage hits the region, forcing Liu Jun to buy expensive generators for his factory, with his father's illicit help. At home, the blackouts affect his now-pregnant wife, Cui Bingbing, who suggests moving. The episode ends in 2005, with Liu Jun still under pressure to deliver products for the financially struggling Beiyuan Group, but receiving understanding and support from its leader, An Xinhua.
Spoiler Alert
"Created in China" Episode 22: Power Plays and Personal Struggles
Returning from their honeymoon, Liu Jun and Cui Bingbing are immediately consumed by their work. Liu Jun secures a promising but risky partnership with the state-owned Beiyuan Group, a deal facilitated by Song Yunhui. However, Song Yunhui gives Liu Jun a cryptic warning: keep the relationship with Beiyuan's representative, An Xinhua, strictly professional.
Not one for social subtleties, Liu Jun misinterprets the advice and, at his wife's suggestion, attempts to give An Xinhua an expensive watch as a gift. An politely refuses it but signs the contract anyway, expressing great faith in Liu Jun's factory, Tengfei. Later, Liu Jun learns that An, despite managing a large corporation, is on a fixed salary and struggling with a son who is underperforming in school abroad. This, coupled with the knowledge of Beiyuan Group's financial losses, leaves Liu Jun with a sense of unease even as the first round of funding comes through.
The episode also touches on other characters' lives. Qian Hongming thoughtfully arranges pension insurance for Fu Qiufang, moving her to tears. Meanwhile, Liu Jun's father, Liu Shitang, is persuaded to buy a property in Shanghai for his retirement.
A new personal joy and a major professional crisis emerge simultaneously: Cui Bingbing discovers she is pregnant just as the region is hit by severe, frequent power outages. The electricity shortage, caused by a combination of drought, reduced coal production, and power plant maintenance, threatens to cripple local factories. Desperate to keep Tengfei operational, Liu Jun invests heavily in generators. His father, Liu Shitang, steps in to help, bribing an employee at a diesel engine factory to secure a much-needed shipment.
While the factory's immediate problem is solved, the blackouts at home take a toll on the pregnant Cui Bingbing. Filled with guilt, Liu Jun listens as she suggests they move back to the city. She comforts him, reaffirming her belief that he is more capable than his peers like Qian Hongming.
The episode jumps forward to 2005. Beiyuan's financial situation remains precarious, and the pressure is on for Tengfei to deliver its new products. However, An Xinhua remains supportive, telling Liu Jun to take the time needed to ensure quality, a gesture for which Liu Jun is deeply grateful.
