[NORTHWARD]
[Episode 23]
Sister Hua is busy and doesn't have time to see you.
-Sister Hua. -Sister Hua.
Sister Hua.
Sister Hua!
Sister Hua.
Sorry, Sister Hua.
We want to quit too.
Have you all thought it through?
Yes.
Even if it means delivering over 50 more orders a day?
We're not afraid of hard work.
We're afraid of poverty.
Please don't overthink it.
Nowadays,
everyone out there is doing the same.
The workload
is getting bigger day by day.
We...
We know you're considerate.
We just want to make money.
I see.
Making money is not a problem.
But don't push yourself too hard.
Try not to get sick.
Hospitals are expensive here.
He,
help settle their accounts.
Fenghua, this...
-Thank you, Sister Hua. -Thank you, Sister Hua.
Thank you, Sister Hua.
You guys...
Are you crazy?
It's your own shoe, don't blame me.
I was wondering why everyone had left.
No, no, no.
Alright, alright.
Let me tell you some good news.
Our overtime rate
has been controlled at five percent.
Really?
Let's have a late-night snack to celebrate.
You two can celebrate.
I'm going home to catch up on sleep.
I'll wake you up.
Quick, quick, just smell this and you'll wake up.
Take it away.
Let's eat together and then go sleep.
Come on, let's go.
I'm not going, really not going.
You're really not going?
Who is it at this late hour?
Must be a woman.
Oh, Fenghua.
Are you free tomorrow? I'd like to treat you to coffee.
Why won't she invite me for coffee?
I'm free. You can tell her that.
I'm leaving. I'm going home to sleep.
Let's go together!
Hurry up, hurry up.
How have you been doing lately?
Not bad.
I'm the expert canvasser.
I went there and impressed them all in just a couple of days.
Is Wanghe treating you well?
His attitude is impeccable,
but I haven't seen any money yet.
However, I bet
it'll be good.
You didn't discuss payment before starting work? You're something else.
That's Xie Wanghe.
Would he cheat me?
What a joke.
Asking a girl out for coffee during work hours.
Is that appropriate?
Sorry, boss.
It was love at first sight on the street.
Love at first sight?
Waiter.
Bring a cup of coffee.
And an afternoon tea set as well.
Certainly, please wait a moment.
Ms. Xia,
is business not good?
You still have time for coffee?
I'm here to poach someone.
Xingchi.
Come work for me.
Dream on.
We have a labor contract.
If you want to poach him, pay the compensation first.
How much is it?
You're really serious about poaching?
I'm really short-staffed lately.
If he could come, it would save me a lot of trouble.
Where have you been?
To poach someone, you've got to strike first.
It's too late now.
I offer insurance and housing fund. Does he?
Wait...
You're being serious?
I'm serious.
I'm exhausted now. I can't handle it anymore.
Fenghua,
how about this?
I'll subsidize you.
Poach a professional,
someone with management experience.
If you pay enough,
you won't have trouble finding someone.
I've just got things sorted out here.
I can't give you Xingchi.
I'm sorry.
[Fenghua Express]
Fenghua.
Thank you.
Why aren't you eating?
I don't have an appetite.
Are you really childhood friends with Mr. Xie and them?
Why? Doesn't seem like it?
Are you close?
Of course. We grew up in the same courtyard.
Door to door, window to window.
We could even hear each other sleep talking at night.
Then why do they treat you like that?
Are you trying to sow discord now?
No, no, no.
He, call the ambulance!
Fenghua.
Take a rest! Look at your condition!
Don't worry, we're here. Nothing will be lost.
Fenghua!
Don't run!
Get out of the way!
It's none of your business. Move aside, move aside!
He, note down the license plate number.
Move aside, move aside!
Let me tell you,
if you dare to run, it's a hit-and-run. You'll be sentenced.
See that?
There are cameras over there.
Run off to outer space if you can.
I've gotten it, Fenghua.
[Shuntong Express]
Mr. Wei.
How is it?
The driver is over there.
The traffic police are taking notes.
What about the courier?
Sent to the hospital.
He fractured his lower leg.
The rest still needs to be examined.
Don't worry.
We kept an eye on it. Nothing's missing.
It's just this box.
You might need to pay compensation.
Here, cigarette.
It's fortunate you were here.
We're all in the same business.
No need for such formalities.
If there's nothing else, we'll be going now.
You can discuss the accident settlement with the traffic police.
[Steamed Buns]
Fenghua,
are we just leaving like this?
What else? Wait for him to pay you?
He didn't even say thank you.
It doesn't make a difference whether he says it or not.
As long as he thinks it, it's fine.
I'm afraid he doesn't.
He'll just play dumb and let it slide.
It doesn't matter. Just take it as doing a good deed.
What would you like to eat? It's my treat.
What are you thinking about?
Nothing.
Worried about Fenghua?
She always shares the good news but never the bad.
This is the first time she's surrendered
and said she's tired.
How much pressure can there be in the express delivery industry?
If she can't handle it,
she should just reduce the delivery areas.
Fenghua has quite a few people working under her.
If she can't afford to pay them, she should fire them.
She's running an express delivery business, not a charity.
She's soft-hearted.
She likes to take on everything.
She spoils all her subordinates.
Everyone says she's nice.
She bears all the pressure alone.
This can't go on forever.
If she wants to bear it, let her.
When she can't handle it anymore,
she'll naturally let it go.
When that time comes, we'll help her
with whatever she needs.
We'll make sure she doesn't suffer or go poor.
But she's feeling wronged right now.
That's her own doing.
When I went to Bee,
I wanted her to come with me.
The salary would have been much higher than now.
With me there,
I could have taken care of her if anything happened.
She absolutely refused to do it.
Why?
Because she couldn't let go of those employees.
And what happened?
Other companies offered 300 yuan more per month,
and those people left without a second thought.
Fenghua got wasted
and came to my doorstep at night, sobbing,
asking me how much she was worth.
Why was 300 yuan was enough to betray her?
What could I have said?
It was her own fault?
♫When I need someone the most♫
♫Gently pat on my shoulder♫
♫Who is willing to share with me♫
♫In their happiest moments?♫
♫Life is long♫
♫I'm by your side♫
♫Witnessing your growth♫
♫Gives me strength♫
Hello?
What are you doing?
♫Who can forget the past?♫
On a date.
A date?
♫I've been with you all the way♫
Is there someone in your room?
♫Who can predict the future?♫
Fine.
♫Long and far, where are you?♫
I'm leaving.
Where are you going?
I've figured it out.
You're the biggest obstacle in my weight loss journey.
You've always been.
Fine.
Don't eat it.
I'll eat it.
Hand it over.
Go away.
You're not mad at me, are you?
I am.
You're pregnant?
How long has it been? How many months?
It's burning my eyes.
Serves you right for making me angry.
Get me some tissues.
Actually, I'm quite happy for you.
What are you happy about?
At least you've settled down
and are willing to do some proper work.
We were all worried about you before.
Xie Wanghe begged me.
I had to give him some respect, at least.
I begged you too.
But you didn't give me respect.
Wanghe is indeed having a tough time now.
He's under a lot of pressure.
Now, everyone in the company
is waiting for him to fail.
I went over with Haikuo
to help him.
Once we get through this busy period,
and overcome this hurdle,
the road ahead will be smoother.
Don't be mad at me.
As soon as I finish canvassing the east street,
I'll come help you when I have time.
No need.
I'm not really tired,
just anxious.
What are you anxious about?
Food delivery is booming right now.
They're pouring money into recruitment.
I'm afraid I'll wake up one day
and all my employees will be gone.
Let them go.
You can't keep the ones you want to stay.
You can't force away the ones you want to leave.
Just let it be.
Keep an eye on Wanghe.
Don't let him do anything reckless.
He's the type who's willing to do anything
for the sake of performance.
When he was doing ground promotions with Haikuo before,
he dared to climb over the wall into a school in broad daylight.
He almost fell to his death when the security guards chased him.
If you have time to worry about others,
why don't you take good care of yourself instead?
I'm doing fine.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Then don't get upset in the future,
and complain after getting drunk at midnight.
You talk so much every day.
I'll do it myself.
You're full?
[Fenghua Express]
You turned smart today.
You even remembered to lock it.
[Fenghua Express]
It's okay, you go up and deliver it.
I'll watch it for you.
Really. You can go.
The packages are all here.
I dare you to touch it.
I touched it.
So what?
You gonna bite me?
Don't be shameless when I'm being nice.
What if I am shameless?
Being shameless, huh?
Come on.
Are you hurt?
No.
Where are they?
They're inside.
I didn't fight.
That's progress.
He threw my packages.
They're all fragile items inside.
They must compensate for that.
We will.
We were in the wrong this time.
We'll compensate for whatever is damaged.
Come, sit down.
Why are you standing?
Have a seat. Have some water.
[Shuntong Express]
Thank you.
No need.
I should be thanking you.
About that incident last time,
if you hadn't been there,
I would've been in big trouble if I'd lost that package.
You should advise them in the future
to always wear helmets when riding.
I've already told them.
And I've made it a rule.
If you don't wear a helmet, you'll be fined.
They think it's too hot.
Well...
Did you buy insurance for them?
Yes, I did.
Three yuan a day for accident insurance.
Three yuan?
That's not enough.
I won't worry about your company's affairs.
How about
we talk about business?
Rather than vicious competition,
it's better to cooperate for mutual benefit.
How do you want to cooperate?
I'll take the east side, you take the west.
We each do our own thing.
The Keyuan Nanli community in the middle has the highest volume of deliveries.
We can work together there
and split the profits proportionally.
We won't take advantage of you.
A 40-60 split.
Our two companies can cover this entire area.
Other big companies won't be able to get in.
30-70 split.
Look, I have so many people.
The pressure is high.
Alright.
Then 30-70 it is.
It's a pleasure doing business with you.
Please take care of us.
[Shelf 04]
[EV charging is prohibited in the workshop and warehouse]
You scared me.
[No smoking]
It was going so well.
Why did you bring up insurance?
You said three yuan wasn't enough.
Mr. Wei almost lost his temper.
It really isn't enough.
[Be careful of fire]
How much can insurance
for three yuan a day pay if an accident happens?
Fenghua,
the wool comes from the sheep's back.
[Shuntong Express]
Rather than spending money on peace of mind,
it's better to increase everyone's commission.
That's narrow-minded.
Everyone thinks that way.
Really.
He is back.
Mr. He, how was the talk?
[Fenghua Express]
How did it go?
You're all eating?
-Sister Hua. -Sister Hua.
First, I have some good news for everyone.
I've already communicated
with Mr. Wei from Shuntong.
From now on, we'll work together
in Keyuan Nanli.
There won't be any more business disputes.
Great!
There's one more thing I want to discuss with everyone.
Okay, go ahead. Tell us.
I've tried to get insurance.
The headquarters said there's no such plan,
so I hope everyone can work together.
I'll pay half,
and everyone pays the other half.
Let's buy the basic five insurances and one housing fund.
I know
everyone is reluctant to spend this money.
You think it's useless.
It really is useless.
We came to Beijing to make money.
We can't stay here anyway.
Once we've earned enough money,
most of us still have to go back home, right?
Yes, indeed.
It's the same for me.
I came to Beijing right after graduating from high school.
Over these six or seven years,
I've changed countless jobs.
Why is that?
I just felt unsettled inside.
I didn't have a sense of belonging.
So I hope
we can all work together
to get the insurances
and make our place
a home we can rely on.
It's okay.
Think about it some more.
I'm not forcing the insurance issue.
Those who want it can fill out the application form.
You all eat up.
Mr. Wang, these couriers are out doing deliveries all day.
What if an accident happens one day?
Currently, we're
deducting money from their wages to buy accident insurance.
But precisely because it's their own money being deducted,
they don't want to buy it.
So, I was thinking,
if I cover half
and the company covers the other half,
they won't have to pay for it.
What are you thinking?
How many employees do we have in our company?
If I cover half for them,
half for all the people, in our company,
how will we survive?
You're trying to bankrupt the company, aren't you?
Let me tell you,
this method you're suggesting is absolutely impossible.
Alright.
I understand.
Let's leave it at that for now.
[Data Center]
[Send] [Take]
Does it feel good to see?
It's okay.
Just keep pretending.
Really.
It's just a few kilometers of territory.
They couldn't handle it before
because they were incompetent.
I'm complimenting you.
Don't give others a hard time.
I'm not giving anyone a hard time.
I'm just being practical.
Prioritize the bigger picture.
You did well this time.
You didn't embarrass me.
Don't just say it.
How about contributing that bottle of Fenjiu?
You're not drinking it anyway.
Liquor?
Take it if you want.
This is for you too.
Really giving it to me?
This is just the beginning.
If you help me secure Haidian District,
I have a big reward for you later.
Wait for my good news.
This month,
[Service Counter]
everyone has done a great job.
Our order volume has repeatedly hit new highs.
Under Mr. Xie's leadership,
you've created miracles for Bee.
Mr. Xie's rule is
clear rewards and punishments.
It has proven to be effective.
I've thought about it
and decided that next week's commission
will be doubled!
Mr. Xie!
What's wrong with you?
Are things not going well at work?
A few more employees jumped ship today
to Bee.
Why?
It pays better than this.
You can't leave.
Ms. Xia has been good to our family.
As long as she's here,
we can't leave.
Got it?
Stop drinking.
Stop drinking. You've been at it all night.
I'm afraid if she still doesn't think of a way,
we'll have to close too.
When that happens,
what are we going to do?
Our whole family will end up living under a bridge.
When I first came to Beijing,
I loved seeing the lights from all the households.
I thought that as long as I worked hard,
one day,
I could have
my own home here too.
But
after working hard all these years,
I realized that
in this place that seems to have infinite possibilities,
everyone is being held hostage
by cruel competition.
As for me,
I'm just an insignificant person.
I can't change anything.
Wanghe.
Mr. Meng.
I've brought you the liquor you wanted.
You're really willing to give it to me?
What are you talking about?
I've even given you the car.
A bottle of liquor is nothing.
From now on,
just take whatever you like.
As long as you all can help me
completely take over Haidian District,
I'll even drive you all
to and from work every day if you want.
I wouldn't dare.
Then let's wait
until we've completely taken over Haidian
and drink this at the celebration party.
Alright.
Let me formally introduce you all.
Zhou Haikuo.
Shao Xingchi.
Hello.
Mr. Meng.
Hello.
The three of us grew up together since we were babies
in the same courtyard.
Then I must toast to you all.
One hero needs three helpers, right?
Come.
Resigning is not a small matter.
Have you really thought it through?
Although Bee is on a roll,
the food delivery industry is so competitive.
I think it's hard to say if they can even survive.
But I'm happy doing it.
How should I put it?
It feels like
as soon as I open my eyes every day, I really want to work.
I just want to keep charging forward.
And working under Wanghe,
I feel like there's something to look forward to.
Wanghe really has charisma.
You all just do whatever he says.
What, are you jealous?
I just think he's really good at sweet-talking people.
It's like he's on a constant adrenaline rush.
People like him should do sales.
You know what?
if he did sales, he'd definitely get rich.
When we were in high school,
he even had our homeroom teacher and the principal
under his thumb.
He set up a test prep center and caused chaos.
He had endless energy back then.
Childhood friendships are precious,
but after growing up, you still have to rely on yourself.
Then I'll just refuse to grow up.
Friends walk together for life.
Those days won't come again.
One promise for a lifetime.
One lifetime of friendship.
One cup of liquor.
Let's drink.
Cheers!
Come on, come on.
[A lifetime of friends, you'll understand]
[You'll get hurt and feel pain]
[You still have to go, you'll still have me]
Fenghua,
after they arrived,
things have been smooth for us.
We're going to take over
Haidian District soon.
If you want to join now, it's not too late.
Is this why you called me here?
Celebrating our success is priority.
Poaching you is second.
I know
you can't let go of your employees.
Fenghua, if you're willing to come,
I'll take all your employees.
To do what?
To do food delivery.
What else?
I trust the people you've trained.
I'm telling you,
the income from food delivery
will definitely be much higher than express delivery.
It's a win-win.
What if I refuse?
Why would you refuse?
I'm not interested. Is that okay?
Why aren't you interested?
Alright, alright.
I'm sorry. I was wrong.
If you really don't want to come, I can't force you.
But you should at least tell me your actual situation.
Why?
I came here today for entertainment,
but you insist on talking business.
Okay, let's not talk about it.
Let's sing and drink.
What are you doing?
Are you stealing oil?
Stop!
How dare you steal oil?
Stop!
How dare you steal oil?
You dare to steal oil?
Boss!
You dare to steal oil!
Go, go, go!
Little rascals!
Stealing oil?
Boss, what's wrong?
I was too careless.
Help!
Someone, help!
Mom?
Is he okay?
Okay, okay, I got it.
I'll be right there.
What happened?
My dad was stabbed while driving long-distance.
He's in emergency care at Tianjin Hospital now.
I need to get there quickly.
You've been drinking. How can you drive?
Substitute driver.
What?
Give me the car key.
You can't go.
You and Haikuo need to stay here.
It's a critical moment now.
We need to watch out for Qiu Lin and Mr. Song.
They might cause trouble.
Where are you going?
I have an emergency.
I'm sorry.
Let's meet again next time.
You two, be safe.
Drive carefully!
My dad, I swear,
he still gets so worked up over nothing at his age.
I can't stand him.
When you see him, watch your language, okay?
Don't start arguing again.
If he's the one causing trouble, can't I say something?
When people get old,
they're like children again.
They get agitated when you scold them.
Why isn't Grandpa Zhou like that?
He's always so gentle and mild-mannered.
Your dad has a good temper too.
I've never seen him talk back.
My dad does talk back.
He just mutters it so others can't hear it.
I think
I should take this opportunity
to get them both to stop working
and retire soon.
Why should they retire?
I'm capable of supporting them now.
They'll be happy that you're making money,
but their generation really can't stand being idle.
It's even more impossible for them to be comfortable spending their children's money.
Why?
Their joy comes from showing off.
The more successful their children are, the happier they are.
A couple of years ago,
my mom used to complain to me.
She said,
"When will I be able to enjoy the fruits of your success?"
Later, when I made some money and bought her jewelry,
she yelled my ear off.
She said, "You should've saved this money for your dowry.
Your father and I are still young.
You don't need to worry about us."
How old are they?
Still young, huh?
It's precisely because they've reached this age that they can't admit to being old.
Otherwise, they'd really be old.
Let's go a bit faster.
Mom.
Aunt Liang.
You two came together?
Well, I had some drinks,
so I couldn't drive.
How's my dad?
Don't worry, the doctor said he's fine now.
He got a dozen stitches on his stomach.
What happened?
Someone was stealing oil.
Your dad acted like the Good Samaritan
and pushed the thieves too far.
It's okay now.
The doctor said he was treated in time.
[Tianjin City People's Hospital]
He can be discharged after a few days of rest.
Don't worry.
Which ward?
Bed 28. He's asleep.
I'll go check on him.
[Facts About Infectious Diseases]
In the blink of an eye,
you've grown into a young lady.
You shouldn't just focus on your career.
At your age, you should be looking for a man.
Pressuring for marriage is a traditional New Year activity.
It's not New Year yet.
I have a son,
so I'm not in a hurry.
Your father
always has his ears perked.
With the information he's researched,
he could change careers and open a matchmaking agency.
Yes.
Fenghua,
you need to
keep an eye on Wanghe for me.
Don't let him mess around.
Don't worry, he's doing quite well.
Xingchi and Haikuo are both working for him now.
He even tried to poach me.
I firmly refused.
Why?
If you have any concerns, tell me.
I'll go scold him later.
I'm not concerned.
I'm doing fine on my own.
Why should I work for him?
I can't be bothered to listen to his nonsense.
You little girl.
[Monopoly]
I'll build another house
and put it here.
I've connected all these, haven't I?
You just said you guys also poached Fenghua.
Yes, that's right.
Wanghe has always wanted Fenghua to come.
Fenghua refuses.
Why? Is it because the pay is too low?
It's not about the money.
Then it's about feelings?
Actually, Fenghua didn't have to come to Beijing.
If she had stayed in Flower Street doing e-commerce, she would have earned quite a bit.
She's suffered a lot in Beijing
and has been holding on until now.
It hasn't been easy.
Fenghua came to Beijing because of Wanghe?
Besides this,
I can't think of any other reason.
Then she should go to Bee even more.
They could be together day and night.
Wouldn't there be many more opportunities?
If she came, she and Wanghe would be superior and subordinate.
Wouldn't that completely ruin any chances for them?
Does Wanghe know about this?
He should be aware of it in his heart.
No one dares to say anything.
Why?
If this kind of thing is said out loud,
it's fine if it works out.
If it doesn't,
after that,
they can't even be friends anymore.
You're awake.
When did you arrive?
Last night.
He drank,
so I drove here.
Have a seat.
Dad.
I'm fine, I'm fine.
I'm really okay.
Just a small cut on my stomach.
It'll heal in a couple of days.
What if it wasn't your stomach?
If it had been a bit higher,
would you still be alive?
At your age,
can't you stop causing trouble?
Can't you give us a break?
That's enough.
You're nagging more than my mom.
Is it a crime to be a Good Samaritan?
He won't listen.
Alright, stop talking nonsense.
Come out quickly for breakfast.
Why are we eating out?
Your dad can only have liquid food now.
Are you going to eat in front of him?
That's inhumane.
Let's go.
Don't move. I'll be back soon.
You talk too much.
I've noticed.
You're really sick in the head.
You're the one who's sick.
I told you before we came
to watch your language when you see your dad.
You didn't listen, and we almost had another fight just now.
What's wrong with having a fight?
He was reckless.
Can't I say that?
That's just how your dad is.
He loves to meddle and stand up for others.
He doesn't think he's wrong,
but you insist on him admitting his mistake.
Isn't that just asking for a fight?
If he would listen, that'd be fine.
The problem is that he can't change.
Even if he can't change, he has to.
Fine.
Go ahead inside.
You two have a fight.
Beat him into submission, then force him to admit he's wrong.
Is this how you're supposed to give advice?
Eat.
I bought it for your mom.
Have you eaten already?
I'm full from anger.
Don't provoke me.
Why didn't you bring me a bottle of water?
Serves you right.
The remaining few businesses have all signed as well.
The task has been completed successfully.
Good job.
Where's Mr. Xie?
He had something to attend to.
He went to Tianjin.
Why?
We're in the middle of a fierce battle with Yuntu right now
and he took time off?
Does he not have any sense of organizational discipline?
His father was hospitalized.
So what if his father was hospitalized?
Even if his father were dying right now,
he couldn't just leave without saying a word.
Just let us know if there's anything that needs to be done.
We'll handle it.
These past few days,
our market share has indeed increased,
but the number of orders has decreased.
That's impossible.
So what if you had successful street canvassing?
So what
if you signed agreements
with all the merchants?
The merchants aren't placing orders now.
What can you two do about it?
Why aren't they placing orders?
Yuntu has increased their subsidies.
They're subsidizing an average of three yuan per order.
They're crazy.
How long can they keep burning money like this?
That's why I've been telling you all along
to quickly apply to headquarters
for us to increase our subsidies as well.
Mr. Xie won't agree to that.
For him to disagree,
he has to be here, right?
We can't just stand by and watch
as Yuntu takes our territories one by one,
without even the strength to fight back.
Isn't that embarrassing?
What will the entire industry think of us?
Alright.
How about this?
Let's put the subsidy issue
on hold for now.
Let's do what we can.
Continue to optimize the delivery process,
and further reduce the delivery time.
Further reduce it?
We're already at the limit.
Leave it to us.
We'll figure something out.
We'll give our all for the company.
We can't.
Hurry up.
Brother-in-law,
the illness
of Mr. Xie's father happened
at quite an opportune time, didn't it?
Stop looking.