Johnny Keep Walking! 2023

Hu Jianlin, played by Dong Chengpeng, is a dedicated and honest fitter with many years of experience working at Zhonghe Standard Component Factory. Known for his hardworking nature, Hu Jianlin finds joy in participating in the company’s talent shows, showcasing his talents beyond just manufacturing. One day, unexpectedly, he receives a transfer order that moves him to the Zhonghe Group’s head office. Believing this transfer to be a recognition of his loyalty and consistent performance—having been named an exemplary worker year after year—he accepts the new position without suspicion.

However, this fortunate turn of events turns out to be a mistake. The company’s management, including Ma Jie, who is played by White-K, mistakenly believes Hu Jianlin’s transfer is deliberate and well-planned, rather than an accidental mix-up. Ma Jie, also known as “Magic,” is tasked with handling this mistake by his superior Zhao Feiyu, or “Thomas.” To cover up the error and avoid risking his own position, Ma Jie decides to keep quiet about the blunder, attempting to make the best of an awkward situation.

Meanwhile, Zhuang Zhengzhi, portrayed by Wang Xun, who is the head of Distribution, is enraged upon discovering the mistake. Zhuang Zhengzhi had gone to great lengths—bribing a middleman for 300,000 Renminbi—to secure a legitimate transfer, and Hu Jianlin’s unintentional promotion threatens to expose a corrupt scheme. This scheme involved illegal payments and under-the-table deals to benefit high-ranking officials and insiders. The accidental promotion of Hu Jianlin thus sparks tension and conflict within the company.

Throughout the story, Hu Jianlin—whose name is officially changed to “Johnny” or “John” by the HR department to seem more international—is oblivious to the intricate corporate politics swirling around him. His background as a factory worker and his unfamiliarity with corporate culture quickly make him a subject of curiosity among colleagues and superiors. Ironically, Hu Jianlin begins to experience rapid and successive promotions, leading others to believe he holds some significant influence or insider knowledge. People begin to wonder if he is part of some top-tier strategy or connected to the company’s inner circle, fueling rumors across all levels of the organization.

One of the key characters, Pan Yiran, played by Sabrina Zhuang, is a cynical temp who works in administration and is also known by her nickname Penny. Despite her own frustrations—having been on a temporary contract for years with little hope of a full-time position—she forms an unlikely friendship with Hu Jianlin. Her cautious attitude and experience with corporate politics make her wary of Hu Jianlin’s sudden rise, which she suspects may involve more than just luck.

Compounding the tension is the looming threat of layoffs, which cast a shadow over the company’s future. The annual company gala, meant to project strength and stability, becomes the battleground for revealing the truth. As layoffs threaten to cut deep into staff numbers, especially among temporary workers such as Penny, the company’s management holds a grand event, masking their cost-cutting measures behind a façade of celebration and success. However, during the gala, Hu Jianlin unexpectedly exposes many of the company’s dark secrets through a compelling performance.

In his speech and act, Hu Jianlin uncovers widespread scandals: he reveals that many employees, including Ma Jie, have been stagnating at the same level with no wage increases, despite the company’s profits, while the bosses party and indulge. He exposes that temporary staff like Penny have been kept on indefinite contracts without benefits, and highlights the dubious practices of Zhuang Zhengzhi, who paid a significant bribe to facilitate a shady scheme involving cheaper parts, combined with a theft of company funds. Hu Jianlin also sheds light on the company’s unethical culture—a pattern of layoffs whenever financial troubles arise, even as millions are spent on lavish events to boost corporate image.

His revelations prompt concern from management, and the company president publicly commits to investigating these issues, promising justice and reparation. It is stated that those who have been unjustly laid off will be rehired, and the company vows to rectify its wrongdoings.

In the concluding scenes, the consequences of the revelations have begun to unfold. Ma Jie, who was caught in the web of lies and cover-ups, is shown to earn a promotion, symbolizing some acknowledgment of the truth. The masterminds behind the corrupt schemes face arrest, and Hu Jianlin himself is rewarded with a well-deserved promotion. The once dilapidated Standard Component Factory is renovated and revitalized, symbolizing a fresh start. Meanwhile, Pan Yiran receives a full-time contract, leading her to decide to resign from her temporary position, signaling hope for her future and the beginning of real change within the organization.

This story illustrates a journey of integrity, loyalty, and the hope for justice within a competitive and often corrupt corporate environment. It highlights how honesty and courage can reveal hidden truths, ultimately leading to reforms and new beginnings for those who stand up against injustice.