Episode Summary
In this episode, Liu Jun discovers a critical data leak to a competitor, Beiyuan, creating a financial and morale crisis at his company, Tengfei. After securing a loan to temporarily stabilize the situation, he faces internal dissent and a heated conflict with his wife over his high-risk R&D spending. Just as pressure reaches its peak, his team achieves a major technological breakthrough, leading to an emotional celebration and reconciliation. Liu Jun receives a prestigious national award, where he demonstrates his growth as a leader by tolerating a past betrayer for the greater good. The episode ends with new personal and business complexities emerging, setting the stage for future developments.
Spoiler Alert
"Created in China" Episode 26: Breakthrough and Betrayal
A comment from his wife, Cui Bingbing, leads Liu Jun to a startling realization: the research and development data from his company, Tengfei, has been leaked. He suspects the professors who signed non-disclosure agreements are the culprits. After questioning several technicians, only Professor Zhang comes clean, admitting that the rival Beiyuan Group offered a high price for the data. While he refused, he cannot guarantee that others weren't tempted by the money.
Facing this crisis, Liu Jun calls a meeting to address the dire situation. Not only has their data been compromised, but funds are critically low, and they are on a tight deadline to complete their R&D by the end of the year. He fears Beiyuan will not only steal their hard work but also poach their talent. The only option is to accelerate their research. However, this news is met with dissent from the staff. Luo Qing argues that revealing the company's vulnerability has only created panic and instability.
To boost morale, Liu Jun, with Luo Qing's help, secures a crucial ten-million-yuan loan. The relief is short-lived as Liang Sishen, a seasoned veteran, warns Liu Jun that the money won't last. She advises him that as a leader, he must prioritize the interests of the majority when facing such risks. At home, Liang Sishen discusses the situation with Song Yunhui, who remains confident in Liu Jun's resilience, promising his support if things take a turn for the worse.
The pressure mounts as internal conflicts arise. Engineer Xu complains about favoritism, and Liu Jun has to placate him and his followers. This expenditure draws criticism from Luo Qing. At home, the tension boils over into a heated argument with Cui Bingbing, who is furious that he allocated half of their precious funds to R&D while the factory and their family face an uncertain future. Overwhelmed by guilt as their child cries, Liu Jun leaves.
His return to the factory marks a turning point. Engineer Sun excitedly pulls him into the R&D lab—they've had a breakthrough. To verify the results, Liu Jun inputs a highly complex command, and the equipment performs flawlessly. Cheers erupt in the lab. Cui Bingbing, who had come looking for him, arrives to witness the tearful celebration of their hard-won success. Liu Jun then reads a text from her: "If you fail, come home. I will support you." The two embrace, reunited by the triumph.
Later, at the 2nd National Science, Technology, Manufacturing, and Invention Entrepreneurship Award Ceremony, Liu Jun accepts an award for Tengfei. In the audience, his friend Lu Huadong is overjoyed for him. Lu Huadong's father, Lu Guangfa, points out that an expert sharing the stage with Liu Jun is one of the very people who betrayed Tengfei. He notes that Liu Jun, for the good of his company, has chosen not to expose the man, showing his evolution from a moral idealist to a pragmatic leader.
After the ceremony, Shen Jiali meets with Liu Jun. Worried about her partner, Qian Hongming, she gives Liu Jun her life savings for safekeeping. The exchange is witnessed by Cui Bingbing's friend, leading to a confrontation at home. However, after Liu Jun explains the situation, Cui Bingbing understands and agrees with Shen Jiali's cautiousness.
The episode closes with Liu Jun and Lu Huadong catching up. Lu Huadong mentions that the Municipal No. 1 Machine Works is expanding, and its former land is now a booming real estate project developed by Lin Yue. As the 2007 Spring Festival approaches, Liu Jun's hopes of celebrating with his father are dashed when he learns Liu Shitang will be spending the holiday in Shanghai with Qian Hongying.
