Episode Summary

In this episode, the characters are swept up in the 2007 stock market craze. Liu Shitang abandons his interest in the family business for stock trading and a new romance, only to lose his investment in a sudden crash. Qian Hongming's business dealings appear increasingly shady as he repays a loan to Liu Jun with suspiciously high interest and his wife grows fearful of unseen threats. A stark contrast emerges between the aggressive, high-risk business philosophies of characters like Lu Huadong and the cautious, conservative approach of Liu Jun, who feels increasingly out of place.

Spoiler Alert

"Created in China" Episode 27: Fortunes Rise and Fall

The Spring Festival of 2007 arrives, but family traditions are taking a backseat to new pursuits. Liu Jun’s plans for a family celebration are upended when his father, Liu Shitang, prioritizes a new romance, booking a private dinner in Shanghai. As Liu Jun helps Cui Bingbing with decorations, she notes that her retired father-in-law seems to be enjoying life more than they are. Liu Jun is baffled by his father's sudden disinterest in the company, Tengfei, to which Bingbing explains he's now preoccupied with two things: stock trading and dating.

Their conversation is interrupted by a call from Qian Hongming, who needs to borrow three million for his business. Remembering Qian's help in the past, Liu Jun readily agrees, unaware that Qian is also spending his time dating a young woman.

Later, Qian Hongming, along with his wife and daughter, visits Liu Jun and Cui Bingbing at their new home. When Liu Jun mentions that Shen Jiali has been setting aside money, Qian dismisses it, saying the funds he gave her were merely to provide her with a sense of security. Meanwhile, Liu Shitang visits his son's office and, after seeing the luxury cars in the parking lot, complains that the employees are paid too much. He then proudly shows off his stock market profits, which are substantial enough to impress Liu Jun.

Back at the company, a post-holiday meeting is filled with optimism. Following a suggestion from Luo Qing, Liu Jun decides to start exporting their products and plans to ask Qian Hongming for assistance. He rebrands the "Donghai No. 1" project as "F1" to signify a fresh start.

Qian Hongming's business dealings grow more mysterious. When Cui Bingbing shows a potential client, Chen Qifan, Shen Jiali's villa, Chen's sharp eye catches the sophisticated security system. He correctly infers that Qian's business extends beyond real estate into home loans, a deduction that impresses Bingbing. Soon after, Qian arrives at Liu Jun's place with a box of cash, paying back the loan with an unexpectedly high amount of interest. He then offers to manage Liu Jun's spare cash. Sensing Liu Jun's discomfort, Cui Bingbing cleverly steps in, loudly stating that the money also belongs to Liu Shitang, which makes Qian drop the subject. The situation grows more tense when Shen Jiali thinks she sees a prowler outside their home one night, causing her to panic. Though security finds nothing, she worries Qian has made dangerous enemies, a fear he quickly tries to soothe.

The widespread belief in a booming financial market is shattered when the stock market suddenly crashes. Liu Shitang's investments are wiped out in an instant, and his sister, Qian Hongying, frantically calls to advise him to cut his losses. Qian Hongming, while no longer an active trader, is deeply concerned as many of the business owners who owe him money are heavily invested, jeopardizing their ability to repay their debts.

In another part of the city, a fierce bidding war at a government land auction ends with Lu Huadong acquiring a plot at a high price over his competitor, Lin Chuan. Lu Huadong later learns from Lin Chuan that his relative, Lin Yue, has sold his coal mines to invest in nickel. Lu Guangfa worries his son is being reckless, but Lu Huadong is confident that land in the old city district is a scarce resource with immense potential.

The stock market's volatility doesn't dampen the spirits of Liu Jun's employees. He notices that everyone, including the usually level-headed Luo Qing, is obsessed with trading. During a dinner, Luo Qing even suggests the company should adopt a more aggressive, market-like strategy. Liu Jun, however, remains cautious. On a business trip with the ambitious Lu Huadong, Liu Jun's conservative approach stands in stark contrast to the era's prevailing mood of aggressive expansion.