Episode 10 recap: Zhao Lei was demoted, and Chen Yu Zhou was beaten.
The steel purchased by Xu Ban Xia this time is priced higher than the current market price in China. If she sells at this price, she would suffer a loss of 1.75 million. She hoped that Zhao Lei could buy the 50,000 tons at her cost price, excluding the labor costs and other expenses. Zhao Lei is a rational businessman, and following Xu Ban Xia's plan would be irresponsible to the company. However, he understood the efforts Xu Ban Xia had put in and agreed to help her for a few more days. During this period, Xu Ban Xia needed to figure out her next steps.
Guo Qi Dong knew that Xu Ban Xia was in need of money, so he approached her to discuss a loan. Guo Qi Dong proposed that there would be no interest, but Xu Ban Xia had to give him goods worth 1 million at the cost price of the steel. Xu Ban Xia realized that Guo Qi Dong was trying to take advantage of the situation, even asking her to cover the taxes and shipping costs. So she decided to endure it and not provide any steel, but she would pay the 1 million in interest.
Steve found out about Zhao Lei's unauthorized transfer of over 20 million. Steve questioned Zhao Lei about where the money went. Zhao Lei said it was used to buy steel and claimed that he had the authority to do so. Steve believed that Zhao Lei's actions were inappropriate, as there was no contract and he paid the money without proper procedures. Steve warned Zhao Lei to purchase the steel at the current market price.
Xu Ban Xia arrived at the door of Zhao Lei's office and witnessed this scene. Zhao Lei used the excuse of having a friend visit to send Steve away. As Steve left, he gave Xu Ban Xia a meaningful look. Xu Ban Xia took out the oversized leather coat she specifically bought for Zhao Lei, and after trying it on, Zhao Lei praised it.
Xu Ban Xia apologized to Zhao Lei for causing him so much trouble with the steel purchase. However, Zhao Lei made it clear that they were not in a romantic relationship and there was no need to mix personal feelings into the situation. He analyzed the current situation rationally and admitted that his desire to make money was also a factor.
Zhao Lei was a capable person who was willing to shoulder responsibilities. He acknowledged his duty, but also appreciated Xu Ban Xia to some extent. They decided to support each other through this difficult time. Xu Ban Xia separated Tong Xiao Qi's fleet from the company, fearing that if something happened to the company, the fleet would be affected as well.
Tong Xiao Qi understood Xu Ban Xia's intentions. Although the fleet now belonged to him, he requested that all three of them face any challenges together if something happened to the company.
Guo Qi Dong sued Xu Ban Xia, and the court has issued a subpoena. Xu Ban Xia's lawyer advised her to try to satisfy Guo Qi Dong's demands and persuade him to withdraw the lawsuit. Otherwise, other creditors would also file lawsuits, and the steel Xu Ban Xia had piled up in the yard would be used to pay off the debts.
In a state of panic, Xu Ban Xia directly fainted and was taken to the hospital where Su Guo Dong worked by Chen Yu Zhou. Su Guo Dong realized that Xu Ban Xia's fainting was due to poor eating and sleeping habits and excessive stress, causing a deficiency in blood and energy. He suggested that she stay in the hospital for a few days, but Xu Ban Xia refused. She was worried that people would think she had run away, which would make things even more difficult to handle. She wanted to go home and find a solution. However, she barely took a few steps before losing her strength.
Chen Yu Zhou stayed at the yard, not only being subservient and serving tea to the workers but also being confronted by the village chief and his people. The court sealed off the yard, and the village chief didn't dare remove the seal himself, so he asked Chen Yu Zhou to do it and return the land to the village. Chen Yu Zhou refused, and as a result, he was beaten by the village chief and his men before returning to the temporary shack in the yard.
The people playing cards saw his injuries but remained indifferent, engrossed in their own enjoyment. This made Chen Yu Zhou feel disheartened. Xu Ban Xia fell ill, and naturally, Chen Yu Zhou would come to visit her. He couldn't hide his facial injuries from Xu Ban Xia. Chen Yu Zhou had never touched the money at home despite facing numerous difficulties. However, this time he sold the house, his parents' retirement savings, and bonds, completely severing ties with his family.
Xu Ban Xia thought that after dealing with the lawsuit, even if the steel was gone, at least the land in the yard belonged to her. This statement made Chen Yu Zhou feel a pang in his heart because he knew that the village chief was forcing them to return the land. Although he had just been beaten up, Chen Yu Zhou put on a smile and brought fruits to find the village chief.
When the villagers saw him, they wanted to lay hands on him, but they were stopped by the village chief. However, the village chief didn't even give Chen Yu Zhou a friendly face and refused to offer him a drink of water. Chen Yu Zhou told Xu Ban Xia that Zhao Lei had been demoted. Xu Ban Xia knew that it was all because of this incident. She understood Zhao Lei's personality, which was similar to hers. He disliked sympathy and pity from others, so she didn't call him.
With Zhao Lei's demotion, the atmosphere in the company immediately changed. Not only did they not give him any face, but they also removed signs in front of him and didn't even give him a well-lit workstation. Zhao Lei encouraged Xu Ban Xia, assuring her that steel prices would definitely rebound and urged her to hang on.
It's rare to come across a drama where I don't dislike any of the main characters, supporting roles, or antagonists. I dare not fast-forward while watching this drama.
The filter used is incredibly pleasing, and each character has their own motives, including the antagonists who possess their own spirit. The protagonist is no longer a naive and sweet character.
This isn't just a romance drama or a business-themed drama. It's a microcosm of the steel industry during that era.
Am I the only one who doesn't really like the stray cat? The reason for the stray cat leaving home in the show was explained very simply, because she was dissatisfied with the arranged job. But she's already a working adult, not a rebellious little girl.
She shouldn't make her family worry every day, especially by hanging out with a group of people who have been in trouble with the law. Who can accept that?
They are ultimately not meant to be together. In real life, it's also impossible for them to be together, maybe just dating is possible. Forced marriages that are not compatible will only bring unhappiness.
Don't be deceived by television, reality can be very cruel.