Episode 17 recap: Double Job Loss and Setbacks
In Episode 17, the company decides to let Na Wei go, and Li Xiao Yue also chooses not to remain in an environment that makes her uncomfortable. To persuade Li Xiao Yue to stay, Qin Feng offers her an enticing deal—if she agrees to remain, she will be promoted to the position of Advertising Department Manager, with the potential to take over the entire Marketing Department in the future. This is undoubtedly a significant recognition of Li Xiao Yue's abilities.
However, Li Xiao Yue is a person who values loyalty and friendship. She refuses to betray her colleagues for personal gain and resolutely decides to leave. When Na Wei returns to the company and sees Li Xiao Yue packing her things, he mistakenly assumes it’s a decision made by HR. Li Xiao Yue clarifies that it’s her own choice; she feels that the company lacks compassion and prefers to leave together.
At noon, Hu Hai Li invites Shen Lin to lunch and unexpectedly announces her resignation. This news catches Shen Lin off guard, and her eyes well up with tears. Hu Hai Li reassures her, explaining that she has long planned to return to her hometown, where her parents have prepared a car and house for her, along with a small fruit shop she can take over—a life that promises comfort and familial warmth.
Shen Lin reflects on this, realizing that everyone defines happiness differently. Whether staying in a big city or returning to one’s hometown is a personal choice that doesn’t require external judgment.
After saying goodbye to her colleagues in the Marketing Department, Na Wei confides in Li Xiao Yue. She believes Na Wei's expectation of a 500,000 compensation is unrealistic, while she is content with just receiving a month’s severance. She thinks Na Wei has yet to adjust to the reality of unemployment. Na Wei, on the other hand, is more anxious; as he gets older, finding a new job will not be easy, and he has been loyal to Wang Ruizhi without preparing for his own future.
Shen Lin suggests that she and Na Wei visit Jia Yongwang to ease any tensions by bringing tea.
The next day, Jia Yongwang introduces the new HR Director, Chen Xiaoqi, just as Shen Lin arrives to deliver the tea, leading to an awkward moment. Shen Lin composes herself and hands the tea bags to Jia Yongwang, who accepts them without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Na Juan learns that Li Xiao Yue has resigned and quickly contacts Na Wei, urging him to accept the 500,000 compensation and leave. Na Wei takes her advice and returns to the company to sign the termination contract. However, he is confronted by Qin Ling Ling, who discovers that Na Wei is the legal representative of Wang Ruizhi's company and erupts in anger, refusing to pay the compensation.
In a fit of rage, Na Wei and Qin Ling Ling get into an argument at the office.
At the same time, the Marketing Department Director blames Shen Lin for hiring Zheng Wena, a pregnant employee, despite Shen Lin not knowing about Zheng’s pregnancy during the interview. Faced with the director's demands, Zheng Wena feels heavy-hearted as she prepares to hand over her work.
Shen Lin speaks privately with Zheng Wena and learns the truth behind her decision to conceal her pregnancy. Subsequently, Jia Yongwang attempts to terminate Shen Lin’s employment, citing her negligence. However, Shen Lin stands her ground, arguing that she has always followed company regulations and is entitled to legal compensation since she has passed her probation period. In front of everyone, Jia Yongwang becomes increasingly hostile, while Shen Lin fearlessly retaliates, exposing his inappropriate behavior, including allegations of sexual harassment against female subordinates, earning the respect and sympathy of those present.
Comments(Episode 17)