For a middle-aged guy born in 1957,
the last half century has been one big surprise.
Some things started with great ceremony,
and ended up as farce.
Some started as comedy,
but ended in tragedy.
As the 21st century began,
I was smack in the middle of a tragicomedy.
A play that opened with a pounding drum,
but closed with a dirge.
Now it seems just a memory,
except for the sigh still buried deep down inside.
Grab your own bags.
He's pretty picky, doesn't eat beef or lamb,
but likes anything wild.
Does he like to write in the morning or at night?
He's not as regimented as other writers.
If he finds a groove,
it's 24 hours straight without food.
If he's blocked, he'll go out with anybody who calls.
That's why I shipped him from Beijing to here,
where he doesn't know the place of the people. Let me carrry that for you.
How's his health?
Do I need get any medicine?
He's had insomnia lately.
He's been writing for 2 months solid writing,
with no one to talk to.
This place reminds me of Hawaii.
Have you been to Hawaii?
No, but it feels like Hawaii.
Look at how the pool surrounds the place,
it's just like Europe.
It's even better.
- Have you been to Europe? - No
but this is how I imagine it.
You sure do things right.
This place must cost a fortune.
Me, spend money?
It's totally free.
All I have to do is mention the hotel in the TV series.
But you can only use the 2nd floor.
This is his room.
- Professor Liang? - In here.
Are you decent? We have a newcomer.
Writing in the bathroom again?
There's a good vibe in here. I get lots done.
Xiaodan.
Xiaodan, come in.
Leave your things out there and come meet Professor Liang.
Nice to meet you.
I read "Blubber All You Want", it was hysterical.
It was supposed to be a tragedy.
Liu Xiaodan is a budding writer.
I brought her down especially to assist you.
Great. Why are we talking in toilet?
Let's go outside.
Do anything he says.
If he wants a book or food,
get it for him.
If he's tired,
take him for a walk on the beach to clear his head.
Professor Liang.
This is also a chance for her to learn from you.
It will be mutual study.
Just tell me if I do anything wrong.
OK, I'll be direct.
Why don't you change out of your long underwear first?
Then I'll just say bye for now.
I've got to head back to Beijing tonight,
to convince Mr.Qiu from Taiwan,
to pre-buy the overseas rights for this series.
So you're on your own.
But try not to spend to much.
If he's hungry,
go out and buy whatever he wants,
but avoid room service...
a bowl of noodles,
costs 300 in these 5-star hotels.
I cancelled the long-distance phone service,
so use these Jitong lP cards to make calls.
Li Xiaodan,
today you are in heaven.
- Did Mr.Liu leave yet? - Yes.
These are all about Empress Lu.
Where should I put them?
Give them to me.
Professor Liang, if you are tired,
you can dictate and I can type.
To tell you the truth, I'm totally blocked.
I've done 10 episodes and still haven't found a groove.
I'm just an average guy.
I don't have a clue about emperors and courts.
Try to loosen up.
Just write about all their intrigues.
Write all the bad stuff you'd have to do,
to get rich,
and the audience will eat it up.
It's what you write best, so you won't lost face.
Besides, you're buying a new apartment, so it's worth the headache.
So you know about the apartment too?
What else do you know?
That you have insomnia and don't eat beef or lamb.
You know all about me,
but I don't know anything about you. It's not fair.
Me. One mom, one dad and a brother.
We're not from Beijing.
After graduating, no official work unit wanted me,
and I didn't want to leave Beijing, so I just bummed around.
Then Mr.Liu started his film company,
and hire me as an editor.
I'm really just a gopher,
but I'm happy.
Li Xiaodan!
- You guys. - I got you on video!
Sorry about this.
They're old college friends. I haven't seen them forever.
Is it OK if you go back first and I talk to them for a while?
Of course, take your time.
- Hurry up! - Come on.
What are you guys doing here?
After my observation,
I think the apartments at Euro Classic are the nicest.
Great layout, but a little bit expensive.
That's OK. Go ahead and make a down payment,
and then we can do it in installments.
I have a friend at the Bank of China.
I already checked with my firend who got a bank loan.
We don't even need a connection,
just a proof of our income.
Then go ahead.
There's no hurry.
Yueyue. I want to talk to her.
She's sleeping. When will you be back?
Soon. I'm dying to finish this thing.
I hate being down here alone.
Mind your health. You know we depend on you.
Sure. I better get back to my writing.
We wish the motherland well, the motherland well.
- We wish... - Had a bit to drink?
...the motherland well.
Nope, I just really happy.
You silly girl, I'm sure your friends made you pound the drinks.
So what?
All they did was rave about you.
And I thank them.
How about I get you some tea to sober you up.
You know I worship you.
I know lines from your novels by heart.
Sure...
If you don't believe me, I can recite some for you.
Definitely not.
You just keep them in your heart. Have some tea.
The great river flows east, stars in the heaven rise north.
It has me, you,
- and everything else... - I wrote that?
I can write phases that good?
Why don't I remember?
Don't be modest. It's great stuff.
I like it too.
But I didn't write it, I swear.
Sit down, please. I'm so impolite.
There's more. "When young, I had a thief's heart, but not a thief's nerve."
"When older, I had both,"
"but the thief was gone".
It's intoxicating.
Admit it, you wrote it!
I wrote that,
but it's missing the grandeur of "big river flows east".
I'm so stupid.
Do you feel better after vomiting? I'll help you back to your room.
I can walk, I don't need your help.
See you tomorrow.
What's wrong?
My zipper's broken.
The zipper's broken. Just wear it to bed. Come on.
I'll be uncomfortable.
You can't sleep like this.
No, don't. I don't feel good.
So you want to act like a boozer?
Mr.Liang,
My school mates think your novels suck.
They think you should stick to TV,
and forget the novel thing.
Are you going to throw up? Hold on, I'll get you a bucket.
Don't move. I don't feel good.
Lie down.
I don't feel good.
Dr.Song, phone call.
Hi, I'm from Euro Classic sales office.
When will you making your down payment?
There are only two homes left facing the sun,
and we can't hold them much longer.
I'm waiting for my husband,
to get back so he can see them first.
I'll call you soon, OK?
That's fine. Goodbye.
Is everything OK?
Just fine.
I dream last night that you fooled around on me.
Then you got mad and threw me out.
Then I tried to kill you both,
but everything I tried failed.
You came after me and I ran.
I wanted to scream, but no sound came out.
I woke up in a panic and didn't sleep the rest of the night.
You didn't do anything did you?
Don't get yourself into a tizzy.
I'm fine, nothing happened.
Bye.
Get me a ticket, I'm going to finish writing in Beijing.
Are you mad at me?
It's not you. I just miss my daughter.
When will you leave?
What flight do you want? Today or tomorrow?
Should I tell Mr.Liu to pick you up at the airport?
Am I going with you?
You are such a silly girl.
I'll drop you at home first.
No, I'll drop you off first.
Why not come up so you know where I live?
This zipper is broken too.
It's fixed.
The screenplay's already being written.
Yeah, it looks great.
Li Xiaodan!
I already signed the contracts for those actors Mr. Zhang wants.
I made the down payment.
If I were you, I'd have him wire the money over.
Hey fatty. Don't just leave the laterns in the sun,
take them to storage.
- That's my money sitting out here. - OK.
Let him transfer the money to here.
Or else we won't be on schedule.
In a hurry to get home?
What? No, not at all.
Seems like you are.
Do you feel bad for your wife?
Actually, I feel bad for you.
Do you regret it?
Like you weren't strong enough?
I really like you a lot, but l...
You must think I'm a scumbag?
What woud that make me, Professor Liang?
Xiaodan, this wasn't just some fling.
I know you're serious,
and please believe me, but...
But you have a wife and a sweet daughter.
They need you more than I do,
so you're only responsible to them.
Don't be so harsh. It's not like you.
Disappointed? You didn't expect me to be so serious?
What does your wife call?
"The kid's father."
Well when you're here, you are the kid,
so I'm giving you a nickname - Goofy.
- What? - What's wrong with that name?
What kind of name is that?
It's terrible. Give me another one. You scared the crap out of me.
You have the heart of a weasel.
I've been away too long, with a ton of things waiting for me at home.
I thought I would write the last 10 episodes at home.
So you come home but don't go home?
I never expected this from you.
She's got a boyfriend you know.
I tried, but I couldn't help myself. This can't go any further...
I told her I'd be home this morning,
and now it's almost night.
I've got to come up with a good excuse.
Just say you missed your flight.
I called her just before boarding.
She'll kill me if she finds out.
I can't believe this. It's all your fault.
Oh no you don't.
I work with her every day and nothing ever happened.
Flies only buzz around cracked eggs.
What's wrong?
Want me to go up with you?
That would look funny.
Maybe she hasn't even thought about it. Bye.
- What can I get you? - A small bottle of Erguotou. 5 dollars?
Right.
Here.
Hey squirt!
You scared daddy to death.
How did you know I was here?
- You smell like alcohol. - Let's go home.
It smells great in here. Come on, down you go.
- Give me all your money. - Right, I have to hand it over.
- More. - That's all I have.
- That's it? - Afraid so. Where's your mom?
She's making dumplings for you.
Comrade Song Xiaoying, I missed you so much I hardly could sleep.
Stop your foolishness.
- Give me a kiss. - Give me a kiss.
Go practice your violin.
Getting her to practice is like pulling teeth.
Take it.
No acceptable.
Dad leaves and you turn into a little rebel.
You go practice.
Then you can play your scales for daddy tonight.
OK.
Good, I'll go help your mom with dinner.
Just help me eat it. Your tea's in the study.
Liang Yazhou...
When did you get back to Beijing?
When?
Just before dinner.
It's already dark.
Where's my baby?
Alseep.
Alseep?
Of course. It's already 10.
I'm going to get some more dumplings.
Look me in the eyes.
What?
You're lying to me.
I don't understand.
You? Cover you with fur and you're more clever than a monkey.
Even if I was real monkey, I wouldn't understand.
You might be a good writer,
but you're acting stinks.
So just tell the truth. When did you get back?
If I tell the truth, you can't get upset.
Tell me.
I got back this morning.
- Go on. - When I got off the plane,
Liu Dawei dragged me to the Hilton,
to have drinks with some investors from Northeast.
Wanted to show me off.
One of them have read my books,
and wouldn't let me go.
It was a guy. I swear it was guy.
Anyway, he called me his brother and got me drinking.
I drank so much, well...
I finally blacked out.
When I woke up in the afternoon...
guess where I woke up?
Passed out in a sauna.
I have no idea how I got there,
my mind was a total blank.
I guess the steam woke me up.
I thought you'd be mad.
Coming back, not going home, drinking, passed out in a sauna.
So I made up a lie.
I knew something was up when you walked in.
If he thought you could convince
those investors using you as bait,
then they must have been blind.
They weren't so bad. Who knows what Dawei told them,
probably that I was a Nobel prize winner.
Look at yourself in the mirror.
Like an opium addict...
bags under your eyes, your face like wax.
Liu Dawei's got some explaining to do.
How can he do this to you?
Treating a screenwriter and my husband like a bar girl.
You always look after me.
Stop it.
I can't. No...
Why not? You said no when I left and now it's no again?
I'm sorry.
It's not your fault.
I should have come back this morning!
Just be patient. I'll be fine in a couple of days. Don't be mad.
Would you boild some dumplings, I'm hungry.
Sure, I'll go boil some. Just don't be angry.
I still don't know how she knew I got back early.
I asked her many times,
but all she said was that women trust their instincts.
Over the next weeks,
I locked myself in the house and wrote.
I didn't call Li Xiaodan,
and didn't ask anyone about her.
It helped that she didn't call me either.
But I almost felt used.
Girls today are totally different.
When not writing,
my wife and I visited every housing development in town.
Practically every sales office in Beijing,
had a hotline to our house.
- Hurry up. - You can take out...
a 30-year mortgage, worth up to 80% of the house's total value.
In other words, if the apartment costs 500,000,
you mortgage can be 400,000. The bank will handle everything.
Why did that wall get torn down?
I changed my mind.
Your study will be the big room.
It has lots of sun.
So all the walls are going.
Wait a second! Your chair will be against this wall.
When you're tired of writing,
you can just plop down in the sun. It'll be great!
Look at you. You're almost off the deep end.
so what, it's not like anyone is paying attention to me.
Move aside, don't just stand there.
Yuanzi...
Xiaoying spent all her energy on the house.
Picking materials, overseeing the work.
She changed her mind left and right.
Every day working to realize her dream house and satisfy her longings.
She was a woman who lived for me and daughter, for our family.
Nothing was too much for her when it came to us, not even death.
She told everything to her boyfriend.
She was brought here.
I haven't heard from her in a month.
I thought it was over.
That's what you thought.
She sacrificed everything for you.
You've got big problems.
Just forget it. You have to hurry up and finish my script.
I'll wipe this ass for you.
No way. If I don't stay with her...
I'd feel like a total asshole.
Then have a peek through her door.
Xiaodan, how are you doing?
Fine. And you?
Still writing. I've been thinking of you lately.
And you never called, so I thought something might have happened.
I'm fine. Everything is fine.
I didn't call because I didn't want to disrupt your writing.
Don't smoke too much, and rest if you get tired.
What kind of wood is your bookcase.
Teak.
It's such a beautiful color.
Yazhou, take your shoes off, in here and learn something.
It's fine from here, really nice.
You two go ahead and do your thing.
Another new idea?
Tear it up. We changing to teak.
It's been the hassle of a lifetime, but I'll finish it.
All I ever wanted was to make a beautiful home,
where you and Yueyue can be comfortable.
When we're old and Yueyue gets married and has a kid,
they can stay with us.
It's even big enough for her husband to move in.
Where is it? Hand it over. We might have money, but we have no script.
How much did Liu Dawei pay you per episode?
Writing screenplays won't make you rich.
You're not rich? Didn't you buy a new house?
Tell the truth, you're rolling in money aren't you?
It depends.
Do you have truth to tell?
Long time no see.
What are you doing?
Meeting time.
Very comfortable, one more time.
Xiaodan, everyone's here,
- let's get the meeting started. - OK
Hey, meeting time.
Bring along with your gifts.
I'll contact you after the meeting.
Pay more attention in the meeting.
After the meeting is over, I'll take her back to the office.
You keep your room and relax,
and tinker with the screenplay based on suggestions.
After finishing the script,
You can play out your "Casablanca" thing,
after you finish the revisions.
Maybe you could first pay the rest of my fee,
Xiaoying needs more money for the renovations.
No problem.
Miss Li,
this is a gift from Mr.Liang in 2121.
Thank you.
If I didn't look for you,
you'd just forget all about me.
I knew you'd look for me.
Do you still want me?
I want to kill you.
This is Yazhou's script payment. He told me to give it to you,
so I wrote it in your name.
Perfect timing. The money's been flowing like tears lately.
I've got to run, Yueyue's getting out of school.
Let me take you.
I don't see why
- he has to be in the hills writing. - It's more peaceful there.
What's wrong with his home?
It doesn't matter where you have writer's block.
It really is more peaceful there.
Just you wait. When the house is all done,
he'll have a five-star study.
I won't let him out,
he'll have to write at home.
Right, just tie him up in the study with a chain.
I can save on hotel bills too.
You are impossible.
The meeting lasted two days, but it was just for show.
No one made any real suggestions.
Liu Dawei left me there alone to keep writing,
while Xiaodan shuttled back and forth from the city.
Every day after work she spent an hour on a bus to come be with me.
Those were the most unreal yet most intoxicating days of my life.
Almost like a dream, like time was in reverse.
I believed I wasn't married.
Stop playing around and let me finish writing.
Don't pretend it wasn't you.
Are you OK?
I'm fine.
How about I take you for a stoll in the hills?
I'm begging you. I'm scared.
Get me down,
Liang Yazhou. Don't leave.
I was wrong... I won't bother you again.
So you admit you were wrong. How exactly?
Everything I did was wrong.
Then tell me, what are you?
I'm a puppy.
Don't kid yourself.
I'm a snake. OK?
I'm scared, get me down.
What kind of snake?
An icicle snake.
Liang Yazhou, get me down. I'm scared.
Tell me what I am?
A goodhearted farmer who's going to save me.
Nice try.
After I finish these episodes I'll come back and be the good farmer.
If you leave, I'll jump.
Go on and jump then.
Liang Yazhou, I'm jumping.
Hey!
You silly girl, you really did jump.
I thought you didn't care about me.
Of course I do.
I was just kidding around with you.
No, you weren't, you wanted me to jump.
You saw I was ready to throw it all away.
I'm not scared of anything.
What if you'd really hurt yourself?
I can take care of myself.
And you'd be miserable for the rest of your life.
I'm off to a good start.
- Are you better? - Perfect.
Don't answer it.
I told you not to pick up the phone.
Hello. I'm writing...
It's my wife.
Why didn't I call? You didn't call either.
Is the house taking shape?
What do you mean I don't care?
I'm letting you make the decisions.
I'll come back tomorrow to admire your work.
You think I'm happy out here in the Styx?
of course I'm alone.
You don't believe me? If you don't believe me, come look for yourself.
What are you doing?
Keep your hands off me!
What's wrong with you?
Let's go back and talk about it.
Go to hell!
Why should l? My life is just fine.
If you convict me, you have to give my crime a name.
Don't play dumb, you know perfectly well.
No, I don't.
All I did was answer the phone.
Xiaodan!
Walk slower. Doesn't your ankle hurt?
Don't be mad. I'll treat you better.
I don't blame you, I just hate myself.
Don't be like this.
It just makes my realize that you're the one who is mature and I'm just a jerk.
Come on, go back with me.
How do you plan to treat me better?
I plan... Plan to get a divorce.
You think your life is so tragic, don't you?
No I don't. Really... I'll marry you.
Why don't you ask if I want to marry you?
You think you can just divorce and marry whomever you want?
You are so cocky.
You think all women were made just for you?
Don't be so proud.
Are you saying that... you don't want to marry me?
No.
- Mommy, play cat's cradle with me. - Sure...
Hurry up and stop dawdling.
Drink you milk.
Don't forget to give Yueyue her treats.
Take them to Double Clear across the street for lunch,
it's better than the hotel food.
I already called and booked you a table,
otherwise you'd never get in.
It's packed on Sundays.
You are too good to me.
I'm not doing it for your wife,
but for your daughter.
I'm off. Be good.
Where will you go?
Don't worry about me, just spend some good time with your daughter.
Page me when you're done.
- Liang Yazhou. - Daddy.
Hey! Get over here my little baby and give dad a little peck.
- Just look at your dad's mess. - OK...
See, you're aleady wreaking havoc.
You broke your dad's glasses.
What are we going to do with you.
Did you ride here on the bus with mommy?
Why didn't you just take a taxi?
Why be so skimpy?
Why should I show off? It's not like it was an emergency.
Yueyue, I got you some M&Ms.
Just look at this pigsty.
You sure know how to pick your hotels.
It was Li Dawei. He's always got something up his sleeve.
- Yueyue, isn't this place fun? - Yes.
- How about stay with dad for a while? - OK.
Sure, move in. I'll just forget about my script
- and keep you company. - Don't worry
we wouldn't really.
You'd drop everything for someone else,
but we don't want to impose on your reputation.
Dad, is that the goldfish in the story you told me?
Don't mess around with the fish.
Since when did you start keeping pets? What else are you keeping?
I bought them for Yueyue.
Isn't the fish pretty?
Yes, very pretty.
I brought this revitalizing tonic from the hospital for you.
It's not like I'm taking college boards. Why should I drink this stuff?
Look at the weight you've lost from working so hard.
If the words aren't flowing, just take a break.
We want you to live a few more years.
Give me your dirty clothes, I'll take them home and wash them.
I don't have any.
The hotel washed them.
When did you become a neatnik?
- Who is it? - You're showerhead is broken.
Come in. I didn't know.
Your wife told us yesterday that the little thing was stuck.
- No. - Your wife told us.
She said the showerhead was broken.
What little thing?
You wife told us herself.
I didn't tell you.
Maybe I should take a look first.
I don't know what wife she's talking about.
Yueyue, let's go take the gondola.
Cool! I want to take the fish with me.
Sorry, no fish.
Liang Yazhou, come here for a second.
Let's go.
Did your wife fold these too?
Dad, let's go.
Come here Yueyue.
I said get over here! Now!
Is this your wife's too?
Take it away.
Better get it over with,
there's no river's you can't cross.
Just listen if she screams her head off.
Let her get her rage out.
I'm not afraid of her anger.
I just know she's so disappointed.
Of course she is. Try to humor her.
Just confess your crime, and make it sound good.
Liang Yazhou, I want a divorce.
Say something.
Isn't it what you wanted me to say?
Divorce isn't something to take lightly.
You should think hard about it.
Don't give me that.
You're the one who has to do some thinking.
Liang Yazhou,
death for me is diddly squat,
not to mention a goddamn divorce.
You don't want a divorce, you're just angry.
Mr. Liang, you've gone too far.
It's like I should be grateful to you for letting me beg for a divorce.
OK, then I'll say it,
please agree to a divorce.
Don't do this.
Really, I'm so sorry.
I'm begging you, Liang Yazhou,
stop lying to me.
I gave myself to you when I was a native 20-year-old.
For the sake of our 11 years together,
please tell me this one truth.
OK... I agree.
I thank you.
I don't want anything - money, the house,
- It's all yours. - Get your hands off me.
And our daughter? Don't want her either?
I'll do whatever you want.
Oh really? Then I'll just go and strangle her to death.
You think she was serious or just angry?
I don't know.
What are you going to do?
I don't know.
She won't really do anything crazy, will she?
I don't know.
You don't really want a divorce, do you?
I...
We've been married so many years,
and all of a sudden we're nothing.
And our child.
She didn't even want to have kids,
but I insisted...I said if she had kids
then she wouldn't be able to run off.
Then don't get divorced.
We can be together like this and I accept it.
I just don't want to see you so unhappy.
Give me a cigarette.
You promised you'd tell the truth.
I won't lose my temper.
Pass me the ashtray.
I don't care about who's right anymore,
I just want to understand.
When did you start to see her?
When I got back from Hainan.
Did she initiate it or did you?
I did.
Was she with you the whole time in the Fragrant Hills?
Yes.
Do you love her?
Do you still love me?
You can't avoid answering me.
That's all I want to know.
My feelings for you and our daughter are different.
What feelings?
At night, when I touch your leg,
it's like touching my own leg. I don't feel anything.
But if your leg got sawed off,
it would be like I had sawed off my own...painful.
You two are my family.
But she's the one I love.
Both are equally important, one can't replace the other.
They warned me a long time ago that people in the arts were unreliable,
but I wouldn't believe it.
Not you, I thought you were different.
We were poor together and,
we got through so many hard days,
and you always cared for me
and for our family.
When did you stop loving me?
How is she better?
What did I do wrong?
Just tell me and I'll change.
So she's younger,
but she won't always be.
I don't belive that she will take care of you if you get sick.
What if you were paralyzed,
who would you rely on? It would be me.
You also have to rely on your daugher.
Would you please don't leave us?
I didn't want to get you mixed up in our divorce,
but I couldn't lie to her,
so I just told the truth.
So you told her. How did she react?
She cried.
Did you cry?
I am such a shithead.
It's like a dog ate my heart,
but left me a little.
You must think I'm slime.
I can't avoid reality that I fell in love with a married man.
Listen, you are going to raise our child, and stop telling what the hell to do.
I was a workhorse for you all these years.
Wake up. You listen.
I can have a good time too.
Anybody can have goddamn fun. A lot of men want me.
Better men than you. Did you hear me? Wake up.
- You've gone too far. - What?
I said you've gone to far.
So you want to hit me. Go on then, do it.
What did you turn into a witch.
Then tell me, how should we split it up?
Say something.
Speak!
Say something! Usually all mouth,
all of a sudden you've gone dumb.
You get it all, including the apartment.
Half of anything I make from now is also yours. OK?
I fucking hate you.
You've even willing to ditch your daughter. Liang Yazhou,
tomorrow, I will tell her you died.
You'll never see her again.
- That's enough! - I'm telling you...
Isn't that what you want anyway?
Please, let me go to the bathroom. OK?
You fucking bastard!
So it's over!
Destroyed.
All of it destroyed!
Don't push her anymore on getting a divorce.
Or yourself.
Otherwise, you'll both go crazy.
I feel like such a tramp.
She agreed to a divorce.
I feel like something's still missing.
Add a flower, something bright.
And maybe do your hair this way.
ID, residence card, marriage certificate, did you bring them all?
The letter of introduction from your work unit?
Divorce is our personal choice,
why do we need our work unit's agreement?
Of course. You are both educated people.
- Do you have a child? - Yes.
Is the division of assets document prepared?
We already discussed it. There's no dispute.
Just ask if you don't trust us.
You need to fill out a form and sign it or afix a finger print.
Here's the form.
Take it back, fill it out in triplicate,
but no corrections allowed and don't use a ball-point pen.
When you bring it back,
also bring three passport photos each.
Color or black and white, it doesn't matter.
As you leave on the right is a Polaroid shop.
We're open from 9 to 4,
call before you come.
I'm Mrs. Gao.
Everything clear?
Sit up. Straighten you head.
Simile!...
I can't.
The plastic o-ring in the faucet is worn down,
so don't turn it too tight,
or you might end up flooding the house.
And remember to keep the security gate shut when you're at home.
I paid the bills for this month.
And when you're not using the gas, don't forget to turn off the main valve.
Yazhou, don't forget about us.
- Here sweetheart, have some more. - Thank you daddy.
Yueyue.
Where are daddy's shoes?
Daddy...
I'll practice my violin and do my homework,
so you will like me.
But if you don't want me and mommy,
I won't study anything.
Dad loves you. I never said I didn't.
The image of my daughter's tears stayed with me,
those eyes stared at me night and day,
so that I lost all courage.
I thought I was heading for a new life,
but I was really on the road to ruin.
I couldn't say no to my daughter's demand,
and didn't dovorce my wife. But we separated.
So many guys, and you had to pick him.
His wife tracked me down yesterday,
and asked who was the woman Yazhou was with.
I didn't tell her and she nearly bit my head off.
I can't win.
Go ahead and tell her. I'm not scared.
I'm sure you'd just love this to blow up.
But let me tell you,
it's not so simple.
Liang Yazhou won't get divorced.
He isn't someone who loves the new and hates the old.
He loves both.
I know exactly who he is.
I know he's weak, but he's a good man.
If he didn't love his wife and daughter,
I wouldn't love him.
I will give him time,
10 years if I have to.
Liang Yazhou is afraid to go home.
Hiding isn't a solution.
But if you hide it might be.
Go with the crew on the location scout,
and come back when the start shooting.
I can't leave him now.
Then you'll just have to leave the company.
I couldn't get through to anyone.
Then let's find
- a cheap place to stay. - I don't think so.
We should fine a nice hotel, especially since...
they're cracking down on prostitution.
We don't want the police to think you're a hooker.
You think that's funny.
I almost forgot, Beijing has a law that,
forbids local residents to stay in hotels.
When we get to the hotel, you better register for us.
Sure.
I'd sleep on the street, but not my fish.
At least we'll get a good nights sleep tonight.
This is so much fun.
Who is it?
Hotel security. Please open the door.
- Hello. - Is there a problem?
We're doing an inspection tonight,
so please cooperate. Your lD please.
Isn't 218 registered under a woman's name?
What's your relationship?
He's my lover.
The law doesn't recognize "lover".
It's a vague concept.
The law only recognizes husband-wife relations.
Don't push me.
- Squat down! - Why should l?
You do what I say.
Squat.
This way.
OK. Now stand against the wall.
What's happening?
What's your problem?
How can you do this? This is a five-star hotel.
Five-star hotels are under the leadership of the five-star red flag too.
Don't move.
What are you doing here?
I was just taking a sauna and now they bring me here.
Thanks for getting Xiaodan out.
If you were any later,
they would have shipped her home.
Now we're really drifters.
Seems like the cops are working for Xiaoying.
The owner used to be a young woman.
She made good money selling makeup, and didn't want to get married.
Amore Cosmetics bought this shop,
and is looking for someone to run it.
I'm friends with Amore's Beijing agent.
He sponsors all of my TV shows.
and there's a place to sleep upstairs.
Anyway, you two will have a place to stay.
What do you think Xiaodan?
It's fine, I'll do it. Maybe I can even make some money,
and take Liang Yazhou as a husband.
All his money goes to her.
He took out a mortgage and went crazy on renovation,
meanwhile we're practically homeless.
He buys Song Xiaoying,
a 3,000 yuan dress without batting an eye,
and I took at a 300 yuan coat, and he says it costs too much.
Everything comes and goes, Comrage Li Xiaodan.
You can't have all the breaks in the world.
And what do I have?
What have you given me?
I don't even have an ounce of security with you.
not to mention any self-respect.
I can't even compete with a whore, at least they make money.
That's totally unfair!
What do I have? I gave up my family.
You're right. I deserve it. No one forced me.
I deserve to live on the street.
What crawled up your ass?
Yazhou, give her a break,
- she's having a hard time. - And I'm not?
If you think it's so bad,
- then go find something better. - Liang Yazhou.
You are losing it.
You can gut the bullshit anytime.
I'm leaving if you two don't stop this.
To be honest, I don't think you should be together,
but you are, so there's no point in blaming each other.
If there's a problem, deal with it.
What's the use of attacking each other?
Otherwise, just split up and stop pussy footing around.
Li Xiaodan, you won't have a problem finding a husband,
and Liang Yazhou you can go home and pass your days in peace. It's simple.
If you don't want to split up, then stop this foolishness,
bite the bullet and do what you have to to make some money.
Liang Yazhou, to be fair, if you divorce Xiaoying,
you have to support her and the kid,
and that will mean spending meony.
if they aren't taken care of,
Xiaodan you won't have any happiness either.
I know Liang Yazhou too well.
I never asked him for money.
I even reminded him to get Yueyue a gift for the new year,
because I knew he would feel guilty and would keep it all inside.
I feel bad making you pay for us again.
Don't bother. I have no choice.
Just count it as a down payment for your writing.
What's this?
Here's the outline for a new 20-part sitcom.
I need it in a month.
Where I'll find the inspiration to write comedy,
I don't know.
You can stay here tonight,
and buy some cheap furniture.
I'll send over a space heater tonight.
- OK. See you later. - Bye-bye.
Bye.
For a long time,
I acted two different roles,
one for my family and one for my lover.
Before my daughter, I was a father,
but before Li Xiaodan,
I was more like a spoiled kid,
who couldn't come to grips with the fact that,
he was totally smitten by her maternal instincts.
This went on for 2 years,
until we were all looking into the abyss.
Listen to your mom.
Eat your meals, prictice your violin.
If you classmates bully you, just tell your dad.
Let me give you a kiss.
Now give daddy one.
- What? - I'll let you see the video.
You look so beautiful.
- I want to watch it. - You look...
No...not this one.
Let me see. I want to see it.
Why don't you let me watch?
This was from before on her birthday.
So what? Why can't I see it?
Isn't a video made for watching?
Listen to me.
What's the matter with you? What's the big deal?
Watch...Get the frame right.
Up a little. A little closer...
Closer. One, two, three...
Ours is a lot better than this.
Yueyue, kiss your daddy!
Why do you want to watch this?
Isn't a video made to be watched?
I just want to look.
- Are you seeking trouble? - Yes, I'm.
I...
You look...
- I will. - Beloved Wife,
happy birthday!
I'm panning over the burning candles,
and now I'm on my wife's lovely face.
Go on, blow out the candles.
- Are we late? - Up early to finish writing.
Who forced you to go to the bathroom?
What do I call your father?
Call him big brother Li.
Mom, Dad!
Pops, you look great.
You're the same.
Sorry we're late.
Xiaodan, is this...
This is the Yazhou I told you about.
Aunt, it's nice to meet you.
- Shake his hand, pops. - Uncle.
- Pops, you're so cool. - Let's go.
Come on. Mom, let's go.
Very cool, pops.
You made us wait for almost 20 minutes.
You can't blame us, traffic was bad. You'll see...
Then you should have left earlier.
I've left earlier.
Professor Liang. Yes. You must be about 40...
Just turned.
You are experienced, more mature than our little girl.
My wife and I don't want to interfere in her life,
and we respect her choices,
but as her parents,
we hope that you can take care of some things...
Dad, he just got here and you're making a scene.
Where'd you learn to talk to me like that?
I have to say it.
You don't tell us anything,
we have to hear it from other people.
You've put us in a totally passive position.
What have I done?
You know what you've done.
You shouldn't be proud of what you've done, it's immoral and people are talking.
Maybe I should...
Professor Liang. Don't go anywhere. Sit down.
I want to say some things, but to your face.
If you are serious and want to marry our Xiaodan,
we don't have a problem.
But if it's some passing fancy,
then we absolutely forbid it.
Our family doesn't have any power or money,
but we take our name very seriously.
We don't want to run our danghter's life,
but we insist she lives a good one.
Of course. I will treat Xiaodan well. We are serious.
This has nothing to do with you.
What's marriage anyway?
I don't want to marry. If you think I'm an adultress then, just say it.
I am having an affair.
He's a good man, and I want to be with him.
I don't care if he has a family or not,
and I will never get married.
Do you have no pride?
What did you do...
What is this all about!
What took you so long to come downstairs?
Hurry up and get me down, these ropes are tight.
You were sleeping like a pig, what if I had knocked over the chair?
Would you have woken up?
Hurry up and get me down. I'm losing all circulation.
You could have died if I hadn't heard you.
What would I do if you died?
You are no fun.
It's not like you were the one hanging up there. I'm so stiff.
Did it look real?
Don't touch my flowers. I'll do it later.
What's wrong with you? You are no fun at all.
When are you going to marry me?
Why don't you say something?
don't pretend like you're mad at me.
Here you go again. I thought we already agreed on this.
I want a final answer today.
as long as you want me, I won't leave you.
You didn't answer my question.
Is a piece of paper so important to you?
Yes it is.
It's what every woman wants.
Stop it.
Sit down. Let's resolve this today.
It's been two years, and every time I ask all I get is silence.
You used to say you would marry me,
but now you don't even say that.
You think there are johns like me, who just throw everything away?
I'm desperate.
I know you're tired of me.
If I had really died, I'm sure you'd be happy.
Forget about it,
there's no point staying anyry at him.
Fcous on your future, be grateful you're still young.
You can't just sacrifice your whole life for him, it's not worth it.
And you shouldn't give him the house.
We're fine.
I got used to Yazhou staying away to write and never coming home.
Besides, aren't a lot of families like this now?
It all seems normal.
I thought it was the quality of a marriage that counted.
He still comes back and helps out.
He buys us this and that with his money from writing,
and he's hard working.
Like an old married couple. I'm satisfied. Is he?
Isn't he satisfied?
Maybe I shouldn't be interfering.
Dawei, we're all friends.
How can you do this with a straight face.
You are so low.
Will you take a look, I think I have a crooked tooth.
Let me see.
A crooked tooth you can fix. Not a crooked heart.
Hey, buy some please.
What do you want?
10 yuan.
Who the hell are you?
Get away from me!
Is Yazhou here?
He's waiting for you upstairs. He's on the last episode.
What kind of make-up is this?
What were you so upset about?
Video pirates,
when I see them I just lose it.
you make a show, the streets are filled with pirated copies before it even airs.
I should invent a virus that,
fries video players using pirated copies.
How's the script coming?
Daiwei, come over here.
Did you see Xiaoying? Did she freak out?
She's spending all of her enerying painting the house.
I'm betting she painted the bookcases, doors and windows.
Very shiny.
She's calm, with plenty of time.
You're going to have to talk to her yourself.
I can't help you with this one.
This food is cold.
I promised my kid. I can't do it.
You think she's grateful for the way things are now?
She hates your guts, but she won't show you.
She's keeping it inside.
She's playing on a higher plane than you.
Daiwei, let me give you some very good advice.
Go tell it.
Never, never follow my lead.
Even if you meet a goddness, just walk away.
Not to mention there's no such thing as a goddness.
The script's on the disk.
But it's all pretty bitter,
I don't even know if it's any good.
Make sure it's what you want.
The moon drifting through lily-white clouds,
The evening breeze carrying a happy song,
We sit high above the valley,
Listening to mother recall things bygone...
We sit high above the valley,
Listening to mother recall things bygone...
Mom!
Dawei, you live closer to my new house.
Take her to the hospital for me and I'll meet you there.
Xiaoying fell and hurt her back.
She can't move. I've going to the hospital.
Wait. I'll go with you.
- What good will that do? - I can help.
Don't make this an even bigger mess.
She can't even move and she's already upset.
If I take you, she'll kill me.
Don't worry. If she yells at me,
I won't say anything back. I want to help her.
And I thank you for her,
but if you really want to help, go back in and go to sleep.
- Go. - Wait.
Follow that car.
Yazhou! Over here. They just took an X-ray.
What it a serious fall?
Calm down. I don't know yet, but it looks pretty bad.
I think Xiaodan followed me.
Whatever you do, don't let her in here. Hurry.
- She's in the observation room. - Thanks.
This girl never gives up, does she?
- Xiaodan. - Where is she?
Inside. Where are you going?
Yazhou left in a hurry, I'm afraid he forgot his money.
Xiaodan, listen to me. Come here.
We'll take care of this.
We don't need you. You can't help here. You go on back.
Why should l?
There's power in numbers.
If Yazhou gets tied up, I can fill in.
Listen to me. Why don't you wait in my car?
If something happens, I'll can fill in.
Why are you all so afraid of me?
I just want to see her.
It's like you think I want to wreak havoc.
Isn't that what you're doing?
Look at it from another perspective.
- You are... - Excuse me...
just trying to provoke a situation?
Grow up! Just go on and leave. Go!
She fell down, and I hurried all the way over here to help her.
I am grown up. Let me go!
What are you going?
Li Xiaodan, don't you feel any shame?
If I'm paralyzed, what will happen to the child?
I'm here. Don't scare youself.
We'll make sure you get well.
I don't have any fellings at all. I can't move.
Don't be afraid. I'm here. It will be OK.
What did the X-ray show?
The doctor said that her spine is fine
but she pulled some muscles.
She can go home, but she has to stay in bed for 2 weeks
best if she lies on a stiff board, which will relieve the pressure on her back.
Her back is numb now, but it will be very painful in a couple days.
That's normal, so no need to worry.
Your wife is a doctor, so just do what she tells you.
Yes...
Be careful of your mother's back.
Take it.
Here. Drink some water.
- No, I can't do it. - It hurts?
Did you swallow it?
It can stop the pain.
Take my request for sick leave to work tomorrow.
My office doesn't allow us to call in sick.
I'll take care of it.
Yueyue, do you want to sleep alone, or with us?
- I want to sleep here. - Then hurry up and get ready for bed.
Finish you milk.
I don't want to.
You little girl.
If it hurts during the night, wake me up.
It's good mommy fell.
What did you say?
It's good because now I can stay with you at night.
Xiaodan!
Page 2818.
I'm back home. Call me immediately.
Where did you go?
- You stayed out all night didn't you? - I went out for some fun.
Did you go drinking?
Am I so embarrassing?
Do you think I'm shameless too?
I think maybe I am.
My emotions are all mixed up right now.
That's for sure.
I'm begging you, I can't lose you now.
You lose me? I'm having a hard time not losing myself.
I left them in bed this morning to come see you.
I hurried back here.
I had to see you.
I have to be at the hospital at 8:30
I have to help her with the sick leave application.
and then I have to go back home
and take care of them.
Please don't make me worry about you too.
My head's about to explode.
Go on. I'm just a useless piece of trash anyway.
I apologize to you.
I apologize to you, is that enough?
I'm on my knees and I apologize everybody.
I was wrong. I should be dead!
I should have died a long time ago.
I am a goddamn freak.
How can someone like me deserve to live this long.
I ought to be run over by a car when I leave her.
Why should I do this?
I'm so bad to both of you.
Things had gone this far
but I already guessed at what was coming.
I just didn't know when
How and the price
I would have to pay.
From that day
I stayed at home and took care of my wife
took my daughter to school
bought the groceries and made the meals.
I worked from morning till night
doing everything my wife used to
and understanding how hard she had it.
I didn't see or talk to Xiaodan.
I thought if I saw her again
I wouldn't have the courage to leave.
I accepted it all as fate.
My wife's back slowly got better
and the days passed peacefully.
It made me think that my affair was just a sad song.
with sounds drifting farther away.
Xiaoying forgot what had happened
and a smile returned to her face.
He's been so good.
He's done everything, cooking, cleaning.
I know, but I can't move.
He's busy washing the blanket.
I know, but it's so dirty.
He's done 20 years of work in 20 days.
OK, don't worry. OK.
Yazhou, My mom says hi.
Tell her I said hello.
What are you doing here?
It's your birthday. I wanted to see you.
I was so busy I forgot. How are you?
Is she better?
Have you been waiting here a long time?
Goofy, you've had such a hard time.
Let me put some shoes on, we can go somewhere to talk.
No, I just wanted to see you.
Is that Li Xiaodan?
I'm so sorry...It's his birthday
and I just wanted to say hello that's all...I'll go.
That won't do.
You should come in.
I should thank you for remembering his birthday.
I forgot.
Come in and visit for a while.
Yes...come in.
It's Yazhou's birthday today
so let's not ruin it.
I don't want the child to get upset.
Can you do that?
Sure.
Yaxhou don't just stand there, make a place for her to sit down.
Sit.
Have you eaten yet?
You're a friend here, feel free to help yourself.
I already ate.
What are you supposed to say?
Auntie, have some water.
Thank you, Yueyue.
Is everything OK?
I'm fine.
Yazhou is 42.
Time has flown by.
He was just 25 when we met, I was 18.
We were in the same army unit then.
You look at him now.
He doesn't look like a soldier does he?
I knew he was
but he didn't say much about that time.
Really? Then I'll tell you.
Yueyue, go get the photo of your dad
when he was in the army to show Auntie.
Open the wine.
Yes...
Auntie, give you.
That's my photo.
I told you to get dad's.
He was in the film projection unit
and I worked in the hospital.
He was a great basketball player
and his calligraphy was beautiful, swift and clean.
The leaders loved him...
All the girls in the hospital would send him their best food.
He was younger then.
he looked great in his uniform.
He's so good in everything and attactive to women.
There are still women who won't talk to me even today.
But he only liked me.
When he would pick up the movie prints
he would take me on the back of his motorcycle.
We wore army uniforms and goggles
it felt great
knowing that everyone was looking at us.
When they shoued movies
he would let me sit behind the screen.
Back then, we watched "Bridge over the River Kwai"
"The Dirty Dozen", "Guns of Navarone", a lot of movies.
I saw them all backwards.
I remember one movie the most
"From Here to Eternity".
About halfway through
the electricity went out and he grabbed me.
It scared me so bad I yelled out "Grab the hooligan".
That's when I fell for him.
He's a bad one, don't be fooled by his innocent face.
Xiaodan, let's wish Yazhou a happy birthday.
Happy birthday.
Just after we got married
our time together seemed endless.
But years later, it's probably time to split up.
Don't say that.
I didn't come today to...
Yazhou, pour some more wine.
You've been good to me these past few days.
You made good on your vow.
I thank you for that.
I'm sorry for interrupting you. I should go.
Yazhou, show her out. Give me a hand.
Your back is hurt, please don't get up.
It's nothing. Of course I'll send you out.
Yueyue, come with me.
I have to go.
I'll send you out.
That's far enough. I'll go from here.
Bye.
Go inside.
I didn't see her after that.
My life went back to its old ways.
The last new year of the century was approaching.
Xiaoying was busy picking out furniture
determined to move into our new place before the new year.
She said it was sending off the old.
and bringing in the new.
After the 4th ring road at Anhui bridge
take a left at the second light
We're in the one on the corner.
It says Euro Classic.
You can't miss it.
Call again when you get downstairs.
Yea, they're all coming, we have plenty for room in our place.
Enough for two games going at once.
Yueyue
Go tell your dad to put the slippers by the boor
the guests will be here any minute.
Mom, what is that?
It's Zhong Kui, he keeps ghosts away.
With him here, we're safe.
I know.
Dad, mom ordered you to put out the slippers.
Put out the slippers for the guests.
Go and put out the slippers.
They're here.
Let's take the slippers out.
The black ones are of size 42.
They're for Auntie Dong.
- The black ones for her. - The black ones.
The black ones.
They've turned upside down.
- OK, turn it around. - OK.
How about these ones?
Dad, mom said this is Zhong Kui, he keeps ghosts away.
I have to go.
I'll leave you behind.
Hello.
Who?