Episode Summary

The 2008 financial crisis creates a perfect storm, battering Liu Jun's factory and pushing Qian Hongming's high-risk business to the brink. With banks refusing to lend him money, Qian Hongming grows increasingly desperate. Despite his father's explicit warnings, Liu Jun offers financial aid and agrees to a critical request: to personally see Qian Hongming's wife and child safely out of the country. As his own enemies close in, Qian Hongming faces financial ruin, culminating in a tense airport farewell that leaves his future uncertain.

Spoiler Alert

"Created in China" Episode 30

The rift between Liu Shitang and Qian Hongying widens as he comes to her with his sincere concerns. He explains that while he truly wants a future with her, her brother Qian Hongming's business venture is fraught with immense risk. Unfortunately, Qian Hongying refuses to listen, and the wedge between them is driven deeper.

As the 2008 Chinese New Year approaches, a severe blizzard hits, but Qian Hongming is unfazed by the news. His focus is on his own plans: he has already secured passports for his wife, Shen Jiali, and their daughter, and has purchased a house and arranged for schooling for them abroad. He promises to join them as soon as his business is settled. Soon after, he buys a new Bentley and takes Liu Jun and Luo Qing for a ride. The lavish purchase fuels Liu Shitang's suspicions about the legitimacy of Qian Hongming's funds, but Liu Jun believes his uncle is perfectly capable of earning that kind of money.

The global financial crisis, triggered by the U.S. subprime mortgage collapse, begins to take its toll. Liu Jun's Tengfei factory is hit with its first-ever canceled overseas order, a problem Luo Qing traces back to their European headquarters.

Meanwhile, Cui Bingbing has been promoted to Vice President at her bank. During a visit from a Director Liu, she learns that their department is deliberately holding up Qian Hongming's loan approvals. The pressure mounts on Qian Hongying, who stares at her computer screen in disbelief: the interest payment due for the month is over 1.9 million. Liu Shitang meets with her again, desperately trying to make her see the reality of the economic collapse unfolding around them, with countless businesses facing bankruptcy. Still, she refuses to accept it, placing her unwavering faith in her brother's judgment.

Worried, Liu Shitang asks Cui Bingbing to persuade Liu Jun not to lend any money to Qian Hongming. Cui Bingbing informs Liu Jun that the bank has rejected Qian Hongming's loan, but Liu Jun, not thinking his uncle is that desperate, decides to help. He calls Qian Hongming and offers to open a five million RMB letter of credit for him.

The two meet the next day. Liu Jun brings KFC, a nostalgic gesture that reminds Qian Hongming of when Liu Jun first returned to China. Qian Hongming is touched, admitting that of all his friends, only Liu Jun has proactively offered help. He insists he can handle the pressure and would never flee with the money. However, his biggest worry is his family. He asks Liu Jun to do him a huge favor: escort Shen Jiali and their child to Australia. Though overwhelmed with problems at his own factory, Liu Jun agrees. Cui Bingbing is furious at his decision but ultimately accepts it.

Soon after, Qian Hongming discovers he's being followed by men hired by a "President Yan." He calls Yan and warns him that if he's pushed to the edge, he'll take everyone down with him. The situation becomes dire when Qian Hongying rushes to him in a panic—the loan payment is due, and if the bank finds out they can't even cover the interest, the consequences will be catastrophic. Qian Hongming tries to calm her, assuring her they just need to survive this period. The episode closes with a tearful farewell at the airport, as Liu Jun and Cui Bingbing see Shen Jiali and her daughter off on their journey.