List of Crescendo episodes
Crescendo (simplified Chinese: 起飞) is a Singaporean television drama series produced by Wawa Pictures, starring Christopher Lee, Tay Ping Hui, Darren Lim, Cynthia Koh, Ann Kok and Jacelyn Tay as the main characters of the series. The series is set against the backdrop of the Xinyao Movement, synonymous with the pursuit of dreams of a young generation of Singaporeans in the local music industry, and a part of Singapore culture many still hold dear. It tracks the lives of a group of youngsters through a generation, as they experience hope, love and lost amidst a background of music.[1] The series began airing on MediaCorp Channel 8 on 23 October 2015 with 30 episodes.
Episodic Guide
| No. in series | Title | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Episode 1" "Chapter One: Dreams Take Flight (第一篇章:梦想起飞)" | October 23, 2015 PG | |
| Yang Yiwei (Christopher Lee; teenage version portrayed by Brian Ng), CEO of Crescendo Record Company, is lauded with a Top Ten Outstanding Youth of the Year award. His good friends Jiang Chufan (Tay Ping Hui; teenage version portrayed by Xu Bin) and David (Darren Lim; teenage version portrayed by Fraser Tiong) are at the presentation ceremony, but his wife, Wang Yafang (Cynthia Koh; teenage version portrayed by Bonnie Loo), is nowhere to be seen. Away from the limelight, Yiwei has to deal with divorce proceedings that Yafang has initiated, an indifferent son, Chengye (Gavin Teo), and queries from a sceptical journalist, Shixin. Yiwei, Chufan and David became good friends in their junior college days because of the song Yi Wan Guo Qu, which continues to attest to their strong bond of friendship. Alixia (Olivia Ong), a new singer, has done an impressive recital of Chufan’s new song in the studio. Chufan is immensely satisfied with her performance and believes she is the most suitable singer for the song. Wenjie (Jeffrey Xu), the sound engineer, secretly adores her. Mei, a tycoon from China, promises to finance Crescendo’s overseas expansion, on condition Chufan is the producer for the new album his god-daughter, Linna, is about to cut. Yiwei views this as an opportunity for the company. Chufan strongly objects to the suggestion that Linna should replace Alixia as the singer for his new song. Citing the financial difficulty that Crescendo is mired in, Yiwei tries to reason with him. David is caught in between his two good friends. Swallowing his pride and disregarding Chufan’s objections, Yiwei agrees to sign the contract with Mei in order to rescue Crescendo out of its cash flow shortage. After much persuasion from David, Chufan agrees to attend the contract signing ceremony, but he cannot be reached on the actual day itself. | |||
| 2 | "Episode 2" | October 26, 2015 PG Some Sexual References | |
| Crescendo loses financial support from Boss Mei after Chufan offends him. Anxious, Yiwei keeps begging Boss Mei for another chance. He suggests using the incident to create media hype even before Lin-na’s album launch. Boss Mei is not taken in, and demands that Chufan should go on his knees and kowtow to him. Chufan refuses, and reminds Yiwei of how they had succeeded in 2003 despite all the difficulties. He is sad when even Dawei takes Chufan’s side. Alixia assumes she has sung badly when Chufan curbs her recording opportunities. Trying to console her, Wenjie offers to be her first fan. Yiwei admits to Alixia that Lin-na has suddenly become very important to Crescendo. He tells her that the competition involved only her own hard work, but cutting an album involves the entire company. Wenjie uploads Alixia’s demo video and the song becomes an Internet hit. Chufan defends Wenjie when Yiwei decides to fire him. Boss Mei insists Yiwei drink urine when Chufan fails to turn up to beg for forgiveness. Yiwei obliges, and discovers the liquid is merely chrysanthemum tea with beer. Boss Mei meets Alixia and decides to invest in her instead. Yiwei does not stop her from going to the KTV lounge with Boss Mei, but regrets it later and rushes there. Chufan takes Alixia away from Boss Mei and beats Yiwei up. | |||
| 3 | "Episode 3" | October 27, 2015 PG | |
| The staff at Crescendo gossip when they see Yiwei turning up for work with sunglasses because of his bruises. Alixia hands liniment to him and thanks him for rushing to the KTV lounge. She admits she was disappointed with him initially. Yiwei suggests looking to China to get funding. Chufan is worried that they will meet another Boss Mei, but Dawei reasons that not everyone is similarly unscrupulous. Dawei has to mediate between his partners, as Chufan is still angry with Yiwei. He knows it is risky to bank on Alixia alone, unless they have help from Fang Xinyi (Dawn Yeoh). He is surprised when Yiwei and Chufan forget their feud and unite in objecting to the suggestion. Dawei meets up with Xinyi, who promises to help if Crescendo needs her. Chufan complains to Yafang and tells her that all Yiwei cares about now is earning money. Yafang is still unable to forgive Yiwei for going to China with an artiste to sign a contract when their dying daughter was yearning to see him for the last time. She has decided to divorce Yiwei. Yiwei tells Xinyi he is getting divorced. She feels responsible, but he knows it is not her fault. Inspired after meeting Li (Li Feihui), Yiwei decides to concentrate all the company’s efforts on Alixia. Yiwei is hoping Yafang will give him one year to win her back. | |||
| 4 | "Episode 4" | October 28, 2015 PG | |
| Alixia’s album is ready. Dawei recognises that if the album fails, Crescendo may have to fold. Chufan is confident in his judgment. Yiwei insists they must succeed, as he had mortgaged his house to fund the new album. Yiwei and Dawei call on Seven, a variety programme producer, at the TV station. Dawei is worried, as Crescendo has offended Seven in the past. Seven agrees to let Alixia sing in an upcoming charity show, but wants her to do a difficult dance. Yiwei agrees, and goes all out to flatter Seven. Yiwei is reminded of how he had fallen for Yafang when he was young, but had no courage to woo her, as she and Chufan made a perfect pair. Crescendo won the school songwriting competition then, and that was when Dawei met Xueli (teenage version portrayed by Tan Chu Xuan), whose group won second place. Yiwei is upset when Seven scraps Alixia’s song from the show. He confronts Seven and is reminded of how Crescendo had let her down two years ago. Yiwei is unable to get Chufan to apologise to Seven. Chufan goes drinking and does some self-reflection after chatting with a senior. Chengye is moved by his father’s sincerity and agrees to help him ask Yafang out. Yiwei is on the way to meet Yafang when he learns Chufan has gone to see Seven. Afraid Chufan will offend Seven, Yiwei gives up the chance to date Yafang. | |||
| 5 | "Episode 5" | October 29, 2015 PG | |
| Chengye is angry when Yiwei calls to say he cannot meet Yafang. Yiwei and Dawei rush to the TV station and learn Chufan has sorted out the problem and Alixia can go on the show as planned. Moreover, Producer Chen wants Alixia to be a co-host for a new programme, and Shen Ximen, a Taiwanese host who has seen her online video, wants to invite her to appear on his show. For the sake of the bigger Taiwanese market, Yiwei turns down the local programme despite Chufan’s objections. Wenjie gives Alixia a talisman and expresses his hope that everything will go smoothly for her in Taiwan. Yiwei and Dawei take Alixia to meet Ximen, hoping that Ximen can give her even more opportunities. Dawei learns from Ximen that Xueli (Ann Kok) has married a rich man. However, he later finds out she has fallen on hard times and is singing in a rundown restaurant. Alixia cannot answer the IQ questions during the programme and is called Miss Brain Damage. Though she feels hurt, that foolish image boosts her popularity. Ximen asks her to continue being insulted and punished on air, and Alixia puts up with the abuse. When she can no longer tolerate it and gives the correct answer, Ximen is infuriated. Yiwei tells Alixia that if she cannot take it, he will inform Ximen they have decided to pull out of the programme and return to Singapore. However, in order not to let down the hopes Crescendo had pinned on her, Alixia agrees to continue with the filming. | |||
| 6 | "Episode 6" | October 30, 2015 PG | |
| To Yiwei’s relief, Alixia finally makes the decision to continue her stint in Taiwan, so that she does not let Crescendo down. Dawei knows Yiwei pretended to be understanding, knowing she would do everything she can to help the company. Alixia continues with her brainless image on the programme. Wenjie is sad when he sees reports on how she is being humiliated in Taiwan. He flies there to be with her. Alixia’s parents are indignant and want her to return home. Yiwei tells Alixia she has been invited to appear in another programme and will be given a chance to sing. Wenjie feels sorry for Alixia, who reasons that she has to work hard if she wants to succeed. Chufan cannot understand why Yiwei and Dawei did not protect Alixia. Yiwei asserts that they have to blend into the Taiwanese culture. He even quotes Huang Xiaolun, who became a success in Taiwan after accepting all sorts of minor roles. Chengye composes a song for Carina (Hayley Woo) and is surprised when she declares that she supports xinyao (locally composed) songs and her favourite song is Yiwei’s Lonely Star. Yafang is reminded of the past when Chengye asks her about Yiwei’s song. On the quiet, Dawei gets a new job for Xueli, but she is unhappy when she discovers he had helped her. Alixia runs away when she is forced to put on a swimsuit for the new programme. | |||
| 7 | "Episode 7" | November 2, 2015 PG | |
| Alixia runs off the set. Loitering in the streets, she is recognised as Miss Brain Damage by several people. She walks into a pub, where she hears Xueli singing. Alixia tags along with Xueli after the latter has ended work, and asks whether she is from Singapore. Xueli is surprised a Singaporean still remembers her. Alixia relates her own plight. Alixia is surprised by Xueli’s spartan home. Xueli shares how her inability to strike it big was due to her reluctance to play by the rules of Taiwanese show business. She did not return to Singapore because she had vowed never to unless she succeeded. She suggests Alixia get some inspiration in Ximending. Wenjie manages to find Alixia. He shares that Yiwei has turned down the swimsuit appearance on her behalf. Xueli tells Yiwei she is moved by Dawei’s love for her, but has no feelings for him. She hopes he will regard her as just a memory. Back in Singapore, Alixia makes it clear that all she wants to do is sing. She refuses to appear in any events. Yiwei is incensed she is not concerned about the welfare of the company. Yafang learns about Yiwei’s feud with Alixia from Chufan, and returns home to persuade him not to be so harsh. Yiwei sells Alixia’s contract to a non-mainstream Taiwanese record company and reconciles with Chufan. | |||
| 8 | "Episode 8" "Chapter Two: Where Do We Go From Here (第二篇章:何去何从)" | November 3, 2015 PG | |
| After Alixia’s departure from Crescendo, the three bosses decide to hold an audition to groom newbies. Chengye asks Chufan to give a talk on xinyao in school, as Carina is organising a xinyao event. He admits he likes Carina. Chufan agrees to do so, and takes the opportunity to say he hopes the boy will stop picking on his father. Yiwei is clearing up his things at home when he comes across an old cassette tape recording of Chufan’s love song, Like in the Past. He is reminded of the time when Chufan was unhappy with Irene (teenage version portaryed by Erika Tan)’s rendition of his song and wanted Yafang to sing it. Yafang’s parents objected; it was Yiwei who managed to persuade them to change their minds. When Yafang’s singing was aired on radio, Yiwei recorded it and gave the tape to her. Yafang is reminded of the past as well, when Chengye hands her the cassette tape. Chufan promotes Crescendo’s upcoming audition during his talk at Chengye’s school. The response is good; even Chengye turns up to participate. Chufan and Dawei like Chengye’s rendition of an English song, but Yiwei makes it clear they are looking for singers to sing in Chinese. Chufan intervenes, and Chengye is chosen, together with Meiqi (Macy), Huiru (Boon Hui Lu) and Jianwei (Charles Lee). Dawei wants to use his inheritance to help Crescendo, but his sister, Monica (Tracer Wong), objects. He has a meeting with a new investor, and is surprised when the representative turns out to be Chufan’s ex-wife, Irene (Jacelyn Tay). | |||
| 9 | "Episode 9" | November 4, 2015 PG | |
| Irene is well aware that since Xinyi and Alixia’s departure from Crescendo, the company has not been making much money. She hopes that with fresh funds, it can become publicly listed and expand into the China market. If Crescendo is unwilling to work with her, she will move her investment elsewhere. Back home, Irene is reminded of how she had specially arranged to get acquainted with Chufan in school. She was unhappy when Yafang took away her chance to sing his love song. However, she stayed by his side and supported him when he wanted to set up a company. They married, but grew apart because of his love for music. Jianwei, Chengye, Meiqi and Huiru will be given three months of training before the most outstanding gets to become Crescendo’s artiste. Jianwei knows Chengye is Yiwei’s son and feels it is unfair. Carina encourages Chengye to do his best. Yiwei has to give a warning to both him and Jianwei when they quarrel over a piece of copied homework. Irene tells Dawei that if Crescendo accepts her investment, they can invite Xueli to return to Singapore. Dawei hopes Yiwei will agree to the deal. However, he suspects Yiwei is afraid Irene will vie for the CEO’s post or seek revenge on Chufan for her failed marriage. | |||
| 10 | "Episode 10" | November 5, 2015 PG | |
| Irene assures Yiwei she is not back for revenge and he need not be apprehensive about her involvement. She reminds him that he may meet a Boss Mei-type if he looks for another investor. She believes she is the better choice. Irene points out the potential in Xinyi and Alixia. It is her belief that if Crescendo had the funds, the two singers need not have left. Irene helps Yafang reconcile with Yiwei. Nonetheless, Yiwei continues to be suspicious of Irene’s motives. Dawei travels to Taiwan to see Xueli. She is neither singing in the pub nor working in the steak restaurant. He goes to her house, where he finds her very ill. By rushing her to the hospital, he saves her life and she is very grateful. He convinces her to return to Singapore to train newbies. Chufan is not satisfied with Meiqi’s singing. With guidance from Carina, she improves. However, she does not mention Carina’s help when she receives praise from Chufan. Dawei advises Yiwei to accept Irene’s offer of $3 million for 49% of the company’s shares. He reasons that if he, Yiwei and Chufan are united, they will always own 51% of the company. During the contract signing ceremony, Irene is reminded of how she had used Yiwei to break Chufan and Yafang up. Yiwei is stunned to see her smirking jubilantly after the contract is sealed. | |||
| 11 | "Episode 11" | November 6, 2015 PG | |
| Yafang finally moves back home. She is happy when Yiwei buys sweet soup for her. Crescendo holds a press conference to introduce its new shareholder, Everest, whose representative is Irene. She assures everyone that Everest is merely a sleeping partner and Crescendo will still be managed by Yiwei, Chufan and Dawei. Yiwei tells the reporters their main goal is to groom new artistes, as well as to stage a comeback for one particular talent. Irene arranges for Xinyi to join Crescendo as well. Yiwei and Chufan are to take charge of her comeback album and concert, while Dawei manages the new music academy. Dawei invites Xueli to become a trainer at the music academy. He is vexed when a reporter, Xiaoxin (Zen Chong), assumes Xueli is the one making a comeback. Yiwei tells Dawei to clarify the situation with Xueli, but Dawei cannot bring himself to hurt her. Already disheartened when the students snub her and are disgruntled about her teaching methods, she receives another blow when Yiwei makes it clear Crescendo is helping Xinyi with her comeback, not her. Dawei organises a mini-concert for Xueli to appease her. He quarrels with Yiwei because the press is confused by the two events. Irene comes up with a way to resolve the matter. | |||
| 12 | "Episode 12" | November 9, 2015 PG | |
| Xinyi makes a successful comeback, and Xueli gets a chance to perform as well. Crescendo’s reputation shares the limelight, and Yiwei celebrates with the others. Xinyi feels awkward when Dawei asserts that her long wait for Yiwei has not been a waste. Yiwei hopes to let Xinyi cut an album within three months, and needs Chufan to write a couple of songs for her. Xueli is envious of Xinyi. Dawei announces that Xueli’s good performance has had the effect of increasing enrollment at their music academy for their singing courses has increased. Chengye asks Yafang how he can win Carina’s love. Reminiscing about Yiwei consoling her after her relationship with Chufan soured, she tells Chengye he has to persevere. Reporter Shixin interviews Xueli and asks about her six-month disappearance when she first arrived in Taiwan. He is insulted that she has no idea who he is. Chufan is unable to write any songs for Xinyi. Yiwei is exasperated. Disillusioned when all her students turn out to be middle-aged, Xueli is exhilarated when Dawei tells her that a record company wants to cut an album for her. However, Yiwei turns the proposal down, reasoning that it will affect her image. Irene tries in vain to give Chufan inspiration for a new song. It is Xueli’s tragic story, which finally does inspire him, after all. | |||
| 13 | "Episode 13" | November 10, 2015 PG | |
| Yiwei is shocked when Wenjie tells him how Chufan had completed a new song in one night. Xueli does a demo recording of the song. Chufan relates how, in the past, he had also written a new song when Crescendo was on the brink of collapse due to a new male artiste’s messed-up personal life. He knows Yiwei and Dawei had gone all out to save the company and he treasures his two buddies. Hearing Chufan talk about the past reminds Xueli of the child she had lost when she went to Taiwan. During an interview, Shixin goes all out to probe into Xinyi’s personal life. Xinyi loses her temper, and the interview ends on a sour note. Yiwei is on his way to celebrate his wedding anniversary with Yafang when he learns of all that has happened to Xinyi. Apologising, Xinyi breaks down in his arms. Irene sees Yiwei flaring up over gossip about him and Xinyi. She promises to clarify matters with Yafang. With Yiwei by her side, Xinyi does well during the second interview. She has been in love with him since he saved her from her uncle years ago. Xinyi feels she should not have returned to Crescendo. Irene contradicts her and urges her to follow her heart. Dawei is jealous when Xueli misses classes because she is helping Chufan with the demo recording. | |||
| 14 | "Episode 14" | November 11, 2015 PG | |
| Xueli tells Dawei that after what she has suffered, nothing can move her. Huang Xiufen hopes to find a spokesperson for a soda company from Crescendo. Dawei asks Xueli to help and is unhappy she is busy with the demo recording. Feeling bad, she promises to give him a hand. All the students are happy they will have a chance to appear in a commercial. Chengye lacks confidence because his Mandarin is weak. Everyone likes the demo recording by Xueli. Xinyi falls out with Chufan, as she feels she can do a better rendition of the song. Xinyi complains to Yiwei about Chufan picking on her. He manages to appease her. Chufan assumes Yiwei will force him to give in to Xinyi. On the contrary, Yiwei does not, and Chufan is obliged to give Xinyi another chance. Carina gives Chengye a hand when all the others vie for the commercial opportunity. Shixin vows to make Xueli pay for what she did in Taiwan. Yet again, Xinyi quarrels with Chufan over the new song, and injures Xueli when the latter apologises to her. Irene instigates Chufan to fight for his rights. Someone takes pictures of Chufan holding a crying Xueli in his arms. Yiwei objects to letting Xueli sing the new song instead. He decides to call for a vote. Dawei holds the deciding vote. | |||
| 15 | "Episode 15" | November 12, 2015 PG Some Drug References | |
| Dawei does not want Xueli to be with Chufan and decides to vote for Xinyi. He hopes they can keep their votes secret, but Xueli finds out through Chufan. When Dawei delivers soup to Xueli, she tells him off for being a hypocrite. He admits he does not want her to spend too much time with Chufan. She makes it clear that if he continues to be overly concerned about her, she will start to detest him. Irene’s boss, Wei Nian (Guo Liang), is of the opinion that she invested in Crescendo because of her ex-husband. He warns her not to let her emotions get the better of her. Dawei is drunk, and hits Chufan in the studio. In turn, Chufan goes drinking, and meets Irene. She tells him that he has no idea how involved he becomes when he is recording a song with an artiste. Chufan is reminded of his friendship with Dawei, but cannot bring himself to reconcile with the latter. Yiwei intervenes. Xinyi picks on Chufan during the recording and insists Yiwei be present. Yiwei tells Dawei about a past incident during which Xinyi mistook Chufan for him. Xinyi is upset Yiwei is avoiding her. Refusing to practise, she tries to manoeuvre her way into Yafang’s good books. Irene is jubilant when Yafang agrees to be her assistant. She learns all about Xueli’s ex-boyfriend, Zhang Hongying, and his brother Shixin. Yiwei worries when Xinyi calls but speaks incoherently. | |||
| 16 | "Episode 16" | November 13, 2015 PG Some Drug References | |
| Yiwei rushes to Xinyi’s house and discovers she is a drug addict. She relates how she resorted to taking drugs to numb her feelings for him years ago. She feels bad about causing friction between him and Yafang, and plans to leave after annulling their contract. Xinyi recounts a suicide attempt that she pulled out of because she did not have the courage to die nor to face him. Since then, her only escape has been to go on drugs. Guilt-stricken, Yiwei urges her to kick the habit. She hugs him in gratitude. Xinyi returns to the recording studio. All too soon, she picks a fight with Chufan. Yiwei is having a meal with Yafang when he learns of the quarrel. He rushes off to keep Xinyi company. Xinyi laments that the song may not be meant for her, which is why she feels so lost. Yafang goes to Crescendo with Irene and finds out that Yiwei has been lying about his problems at work. Carina observes Wenjie preparing to visit Alixia in Taiwan. She feels sorry for him, as she knows Alixia has a new boyfriend. Chengye is unhappy Carina cares about Wenjie. Yiwei cancels his trip to France with Yafang, so that he can accompany Xinyi to shoot her music video in Thailand. Yafang finds out from Irene. Yiwei reveals Xinyi is addicted to drugs and he has to help her. Carina tells Wenjie that Alixia has a boyfriend in Taiwan. She then goes to a karaoke lounge with him and Chengye. When Yiwei lashes out at Chengye for skipping class, Chengye questions him about the trip to Thailand. | |||
| 17 | "Episode 17" | November 16, 2015 PG Some Drug References | |
| Chufan tells the four trainees that the one who sings his Write A Song For You best will be given a contract with Crescendo. Yiwei is about to leave for Thailand with Xinyi when he learns Yafang has fainted. He rushes home and discovers Chengye had lied to test his feelings for Yafang. Yiwei apologises to Yafang and tells her about Xinyi’s drug habit and the background to it. Xinyi attempts suicide in Thailand and is saved by Wenjie. He consoles her and shares that, like her, the one he loves is with somebody else. Yiwei tells Wenjie to bring Xinyi back to Singapore right away. Wenjie decides to give Alixia up, as he does not want to turn out like Xinyi. Jianwei suspects Chengye has tampered with his guitar. Meiqi is picked for the contract with Crescendo. Irene knows Meiqi was the one who had tampered with the guitar. Instead of exposing her, Irene praises her. Irene learns Shixin has pictures of Xueli and Chufan, as well as pictures of Xinyi taking drugs. She calls on Hongying and convinces Shixin not to release the photographs. She knows Shixin merely wants to avenge his brother, Hongying. Carina shoots to stardom with the commercial and becomes hotly sought after. Yiwei is keen to sign her on, but learns she is negotiating a contract with a movie company. | |||
| 18 | "Episode 18" | November 17, 2015 PG | |
| Yiwei rushes to Carina’s house. To his surprise, her father, Richard (Danny Yeo), announces that she will sign the contract with Crescendo after all. Richard’s reaction puzzles Yiwei. Yafang is pleased when Yiwei gives her a CD of songs from her first album. Yiwei finds out that Irene had used information on Richard’s extra-marital affair to blackmail him into making Carina sign a contract with Crescendo. Upset, he tells Irene to stay out of Crescendo’s affairs in future. Dawei listens to Xueli’s songs and tells his niece, Melody (Seah Hui Xian), that Xueli is as gentle and sweet as her voice. Monica worries when Melody tells her that Dawei’s girlfriend is pretty and Dawei is devoted to her. She confronts Xueli and sneers at her for trying to get a rich husband. When Chufan defends Xueli, Monica accuses her of being a two-timer. A devastated Xueli cries in Chufan’s arms. Dawei finds out more from Wenjie and makes it clear to Monica that Xueli is the only woman he will ever marry. He is sad when Xueli tells him to stop pestering her. Wei Nian sees Xinyi in a drunken stupor and is concerned that she will ruin Crescendo’s reputation. Irene records what Yafang says about Yiwei’s feelings for Xinyi and sends the recording to Xinyi. Disturbed by the recording, Xinyi plots to die with Yiwei. She lures him to her house and spikes the wine. | |||
| 19 | "Episode 19" "Chapter Three: The Ebb and Flow (第三篇章:潮起潮落)" | November 18, 2015 PG Some Drug References | |
| Xinyi consumes a large number of sleeping pills with red wine and forces Yiwei to swallow some too. The police turn up in time to save them. Shixin snaps pictures of Xinyi being carried out from the house. Yafang does not believe the police’s conclusion that Yiwei took drugs. Irene grabs the chance to sow discord. Chengye is infuriated when news reports on Yiwei’s alleged affair with Xinyi and the double suicide attempt appear. Yiwei vows to prove to him that the reports are not true. Shixin reminds Irene to feed him with information on Xueli, now that he has helped her ruin Yiwei’s reputation. The incident prompts sponsors to pull out of Crescendo projects. Irene instigates Chufan and Dawei to oust Yiwei from the company. Refusing to resign, he insists he is not on drugs. Dawei is hoping to confide in Xueli, but she avoids him. He is disheartened when he sees her chatting happily with Chufan over dinner. Chufan is angry that Dawei is mistaken about his relationship with Xueli. He finally understands how the maligned Yiwei feels. Yiwei agrees to resign, but Chufan objects. | |||
| 20 | "Episode 20" | November 19, 2015 PG Some Drug References | |
| Irene is upset her plan has fallen through, but pretends to be moved by the trio’s friendship. Yiwei calls for a press conference to clarify his relationship with Xinyi, as well as the drug incident. Instigated by Irene, Shixin asks questions about Xinyi’s drug addiction. Yiwei admits he was careless with regard to that matter and apologises. When Shixin asks why Yiwei did not resign, Chufan and Dawei speak up for their partner. Irene tells Chufan she is trying hard to stop her company from withdrawing its investment. He stays up to write songs for Carina and forces himself to entertain sponsors and their families. During practice, Carina feels stressed by Chufan’s demands. Chengye feels sorry for her, and blames Yiwei for causing the crisis. Yiwei feels worse when he learns Xinyi may remain in a vegetative state forever. Irene continues to stir up dissension, and makes Richard hate Yiwei even more. He forces Carina to annul her contract with Crescendo. Wenjie is well aware Carina does not want to leave the company. Yiwei has no choice but to announce that he has decided to resign as CEO of Crescendo, in the hope of dissipating the bad publicity. | |||
| 21 | "Episode 21" | November 20, 2015 PG | |
| Shixin is not satisfied with the resignation. He asserts that Yiwei should give up his shares in the company as well. Annoyed, Dawei and Chufan warn that they can sue Shixin for libel. Irene pretends to distract the reporters. Chufan is impressed. Yiwei returns home and feels consoled when Yafang assures him that his talent will be appreciated elsewhere. Irene becomes the new CEO. She reports to Wei Nian, who is impressed that she has been able to throw Yiwei out so quickly. Yiwei’s contacts avoid him, now that he is no longer the CEO of Crescendo. Irene promises to ask Chufan to write songs for Xueli, and to send her overseas for more opportunities. Xueli is grateful. Yiwei decides to celebrate Chengye’s birthday, as he was too busy to do so in the past. Chengye is sad Carina is in love with Wenjie. Yiwei and Yafang console him. Irene tells Wenjie he should give Carina up, so as not to ruin her career. Wenjie lies that he regards Carina as Alixia’s replacement. Carina does a good rendition of Chufan’s new song because of her own misery. Chufan’s love for Irene is rekindled when she drinks on his behalf while entertaining Director Wu. | |||
| 22 | "Episode 22" | November 23, 2015 PG Some Drug References | |
| Chufan feels bad about being so drunk as to have spent the night with Irene. She urges him to relax, and even prepares breakfast for him. Chufan is unsure of his feelings for Irene, but Dawei urges him to give the relationship a try. Carina faints and is hospitalised. Her parents blame the company for putting too much pressure on her, without recognising that her topsy-turvy love life is the real problem. Carina rejects Chengye when he expresses his feelings for her. Chengye tells Wenjie off for giving Carina up because of Irene. He is disillusioned when the couple reconciles, but Yafang is pleased her son has matured. Irene and Chufan travel to China with Carina for a singing competition. Carina gives a good rendition of her song, but receives a score of zero. The judge, Zhao Ping, criticises her diction and understanding of the lyrics. Fuming, Carina’s fans and the audience stage a demonstration outside Zhao Ping’s house and he is injured. Carina’s popularity soars when she apologises to Zhao Ping at the hospital. Chufan is proud when even Zhao Ping professes to be a fan of his. He has no idea Irene has masterminded everything. Xinyi finally comes round from her coma and reveals the truth to clear Yiwei’s name. However, he refuses to return to Crescendo. | |||
| 23 | "Episode 23" "Chapter Four: Back to the Beginning (第四篇章:回到原点)" | November 24, 2015 PG | |
| Yiwei wants to start his own company, but is unable to get a bank loan. He is impressed by how Irene has been helping to boost business for Crescendo. Dawei relates how she has been able to raise funds easily, and offers that Yiwei would have succeeded as well, if he had the funds. He fails to persuade Yiwei to return to Crescendo. Irene praises Meiqi, and says she believes the latter will become Crescendo’s next big star. Confident with Irene’s support backing him, Chufan goes along with all of her proposals and diligently writes more new songs. Dawei is surprised by the change in him. Irene suggests Wei Nian should buy up Yiwei’s shares in Crescendo. The three men will then no longer be able to control the company by combining their holdings. Yiwei is tempted when Irene offers him $2 million for his shares. Meiqi is unhappy when Dawei asks Carina to guide her in her singing. She tips Irene off about Carina’s secret relationship with Wenjie. Irene resolves to force Wenjie out of Crescendo. Meiqi learns the song meant for her will be sung by a singer from China named Ding Ziwei. Dawei quarrels with Chufan over the matter. He no longer wants to remain in Crescendo. Monica is surprised when he offers to work for her company. Chufan has changed completely. Irene takes the opportunity to badmouth Yiwei again. She convinces Yafang to make Yiwei sell his Crescendo shares. | |||
| 24 | "Episode 24" | November 25, 2015 PG | |
| Yiwei changes his mind at the last minute and decides not to sell his shares. He has found another investor. Although Irene pretends to be pleased, she hires a private eye to find out who the investor is. Yiwei learns it is Monica who is behind the deal, on account of Dawei. He suggests not informing Irene and Chufan, as he still hopes for the original threesome to work together again someday. Yafang resigns to join Yiwei at his new firm. Chengye helps out as well. Carina is unhappy when she learns Irene had forced Wenjie to resign because of her. She wants to resign as well, but Wenjie advises her not to ruin her newfound success. Chufan speaks up for Irene when Wenjie asserts that she is the sort who will resort to anything to succeed. Yiwei has difficulty finding song writers because Irene stands in his way. Chengye pulls his weight, and even ropes Wenjie in. Irene is jealous when Chufan has a congee meal with Xueli. She tries in vain to get him to avoid Xueli, who is confused by the mixed signals. Disgruntled when Chufan announces that Irene is the woman for him, Xueli resigns. She also rejects Dawei yet again, and even claims she is a murderer. | |||
| 25 | "Episode 25" | November 26, 2015 PG | |
| Xueli relates how she had left for Taiwan despite being pregnant with Hongying’s baby. She spiralled into a deep depression after the child was born, and caused her daughter’s death. Xueli implores Dawei to give her up for good. Shixin tells Xueli he wants her to meet someone before she returns to Taiwan. She sees Hongying and learns how he was crippled in an accident after their breakup and is now suffering from a terminal disease. Xueli decides to stay and take care of Hongying. She is unaware Irene has been working behind the scenes: It was Irene who tipped Shixin off, in an effort to stop Xueli from leaving. Her aim is to lock Xueli into a lifetime of untold suffering. Dawei decides to stand by Xueli, to support her after Hongying dies. Chufan wins the Outstanding Youth award with Irene’s help. Yiwei is insulted when Shixin asks him whether he had deliberately downplayed Chufan’s role in the past, so that he could win the award himself. Irene faints out of exhaustion. She is moved when Chufan asks for a reconciliation, but is worried he will react adversely when he finds out what she has been plotting. Dawei and Chufan have a falling out over Xueli. Hongying suffers a relapse and collapses. | |||
| 26 | "Episode 26" | November 27, 2015 PG | |
| Hongying learns his days are numbered. He convinces Shixin to abandon plans for revenge. Xueli shows Hongying a picture of their late daughter and apologises for letting him down. Happy he will be reunited with his daughter soon, he promises to bless Xueli from above. He passes away peacefully while listening to Xueli sing. Yiwei is pleased with the new song Chengye and Wenjie have composed. As their budget is limited, Chengye suggests uploading the song onto the Internet to garner attention. It is a hit, and Yiwei happily accepts pre-orders for the EP. Concerned about the grieving Xueli, Dawei asks Yafang to comfort her. Yafang urges Xueli to start life anew. Xueli does some self-reflection and finally realises Dawei does have a place in her heart. He is reduced to tears when she finally accepts his love. Wei Nian decides to sell Crescendo to a Chinese entrepreneur, Liu Zhengdong. He warns Irene not to ruin his plans. She now hopes to continue being at the helm of the company, as Chufan has reconciled with her. Irene discovers one of Wenjie’s compositions in the latter’s old computer. Zhengdong is impressed with Yiwei’s new song and wants to buy over the company. Yiwei turns down his offer. All too soon, Yiwei learns Crescendo wants to sue his company for infringing copyright. Compensation is set at $2 million. | |||
| 27 | "Episode 27" | November 30, 2015 PG | |
| Irene tells Yiwei she will lift the charges if he gives up his Crescendo shares. Wenjie tenders his resignation and gives Yiwei all his savings. Well aware Irene is out to get him, Yiwei refuses to accept Wenjie’s resignation. Yiwei remembers that Zhengdong had once mentioned Irene wants to sell Crescendo. He realises her aim is to gather enough shares to control Crescendo and sell it. Incensed, Dawei confronts Irene in Chufan’s presence. Chufan’s suspicions are aroused. Irene finally reveals Wei Nian’s goal. However, she declares she has been trying to protect Crescendo since their reconciliation and that she will always put their love in first place. Irene urges Chufan to safeguard her position as CEO, so that she can protect the company against Wei Nian. Chufan agrees, but demands she lift the charges against Yiwei’s company. During the board meeting, it is announced that Irene has been fired. Wei Nian is appointed the new CEO. Yiwei and Chufan are shocked, and particularly that Dawei is supportive of this development. Irene is moved when Chufan promises to take care of her and even asks her to move back home. Dawei had betrayed Yiwei and Chufan because Wei Nian has evidence of what Xueli did and threatened him with it. Xueli decides to give herself up to the police, so that Dawei need not be under Wei Nian’s threat. Dawei proposes to her and vows to wait for her return. On the wedding day, Shixin turns up to kill Xueli, but inadvertently strikes Dawei instead. | |||
| 28 | "Episode 28" | December 1, 2015 PG | |
| At Dawei’s wake, Monica lashes out at Xueli, who blames herself for bringing harm upon all those who care about her. Yiwei and Chufan are devastated at the loss of their buddy. They promise to take care of Xueli. Shixin is arrested for attempted murder. He asks to see Yiwei. At the remand centre, he expresses his remorse at accidentally causing Dawei’s death, and tells Yiwei what Irene did in the past to set him up. When confronted, Irene admits she did manipulate everything to gain control of Crescendo, but now regrets it as she has realised that what she needs most is a man who truly loves her. She begs Yiwei to keep the truth from Chufan. Knowing Chufan really loves Irene, Yiwei decides to help her. Nonetheless, she has nightmares because she is worried Chufan will discover the truth. Dawei’s shares go to Monica. She is bent on selling Crescendo and wiping out its existence. Wei Nian refuses to change his mind about selling Crescendo, and acts to sow discord between Chufan and Irene. Grieving, and unable to trust Irene, Chufan ends their relationship. | |||
| 29 | "Episode 29" | December 2, 2015 PG | |
| Irene tries to win Chufan back but to no avail. Carina tells Wenjie the company has fallen into shambles since Irene’s departure. The singers are made to sing songs that cater to the China market. They even have to entertain Wei Nian’s friends. Wenjie tells Carina that Yiwei’s new company is also in a bad state, as no one dares to give them any projects because of the copyright issue. Carina tells Chufan she prefers to sing local compositions. She is taken aback when he tells her she needs to break into the China market first, before she can choose what kinds of songs to sing. Wei Nian orders Chufan to make Carina practise the songs he has chosen, so that she can perform during an upcoming function. He raps Chufan, saying that Carina owes her success in China to Irene, and that he should not overestimate his own talent either. Yiwei helps Chufan and Irene reconcile. Unwilling to accept Irene’s help for nothing, he uses his Crescendo shares as collateral to settle the copyright issue. Xueli takes sleeping pills for her insomnia and is mistaken for attempting suicide. When the doctor informs her that she is pregnant, she finally realises how important Dawei is to her and decides to pull herself together. Irene is sad when she is told she can no longer conceive. Wei Nian tries yet again to garner her help. Chufan is mistaken when he finds out Irene has had a meeting with Wei Nian behind his back. Wei Nian is confident of selling Crescendo, as he holds 49% of the shares. Monica turns up to cast the deciding vote. | |||
| 30 | "Episode 30 (Finale)" "Epilogue: Starting Over Again (完结篇:从心出发)" | December 3, 2015 PG | |
| Monica decides to stand on Yiwei’s side. Yiwei suggests removing Wei Nian from the CEO’s seat. Wei Nian has a heart attack and collapses, abruptly halting the board meeting. Monica tells Chufan and Yiwei she has been listening to Dawei’s favourite songs since his death and has been reminded of many things. She shares that she had stepped in to help them on his account, as she finally understood him better after reading his diary. Monica exhorts Yiwei and Chufan to remove Wei Nian from his post as soon as possible, to avoid further trouble. Xueli is reduced to tears when Monica visits her and promises to take care of her in Dawei’s place. Yiwei is caught between Crescendo and his new company. Chengye suggests he manage the new company, while Yiwei handles the problems at Crescendo. Yiwei is fully aware that Wei Nian had faked his heart attack. Wei Nian lets Irene take his place. She, too, is bent on selling Crescendo. Chufan tries in vain to change her mind. All hope of saving Crescendo seems lost, when Li suggests they hold a concert to raise funds to stage a buy-back. The concert is an overwhelming success. Congratulating Yiwei and Chufan, Irene announces that she has found a buyer from China to take over Crescendo. Crescendo becomes history, but its music lives on in the hearts of those who were a part of the company. | |||
See also
- Crescendo
- List of MediaCorp Channel 8 Chinese Drama Series (2010s)
References
- "Crescendo 起飞". MediaCorp Advertising.
External links
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