Little girl.
Excuse me, but where am I?
Mm.
Mm? No!
I asked, where's this?
Mm.
10.30?
Little girl, what's your name?
Alice.
Alice?
~ Exchange a seed for a dream ~
~ The rules are so simple ~
~ Choose bliss instead of suffering ~
~ Flower fragrance seeps into the soul, dissolving pain ~
~ That is a way needing courage ~
~ If you're willing to pay hardship ~
~ you may escape numbness to find fulfilment ~
~ The richness of lies ~
~ can't match the warmth of two hands ~
~ Aloneness is freedom, but without you ~
~ it's merely waiting ~
Episode 01
10.30?
Didn't I set it for 9:30? Heck!
I'm late, I'm late...
Alice...
Sorry. Excuse me.
[Taipei Symphony Orchestra - Ting Yu He]
Excuse me.
Big sis!
Why are you in line?
Hold this. Follow me.
What's wrong?
Concertmaster isn't here for rehearsal.
You mean He Ting Yu?
Make sure you come to tomorrow's interview.
I'm just letting you help today.
Our admin staff is busy.
Don't just act like a fan.
Okay, I get it!
- Sorry! - What are you doing?
I...
Don't talk, pick it up.
- Director wants you. - Okay.
Don't wander around.
Wait for me.
Director. Concertmaster's not here. I called, but got no answer.
Then call again!
Hello?
I just called, but no answer.
Understood.
What do we do now?
Let's not rehearse.
Wait for Concertmaster.
He's here, he's here.
Everyone, 20 minutes!
20 minutes left.
Ting Yu, you must come.
I cancelled rehearsal.
I moved the interview to afterwards.
I can stall the audience.
Hear me, Ting Yu? Hello? Hello?
I'll go to his house. Look after things here.
- Tell them he's here. We're coming. - Yes, sir.
You haven't slept? I feel bad for you.
I didn't sleep even with pills.
I'm sorry.
Be careful!
What if Seagull (Hai Ou) got broken?
Who are you? Why're you here?
- You... - Director!
She's my sister.
Didn't I say not to wander? Come with me.
- You're finally here! - So sorry...
Come on, come on.
Take that off.
Give it to me.
Dong Dong! It's your birthday
so the first song is for you!
Okay!
Sibelius Violin Concerto in D Minor Op. 47 Third movement
First get on the shuttle bus;
transfer to the trolley.
Get off at Yuanshan Station.
- Okay, I get it. - Thank you. - Thanks.
My pleasure.
Happy. Birthday. To. You.
Hell-o.
Wait.
Concertmaster. You scared me.
You broke a string playing.
You were really calm.
Send Seagull to my house.
Why's that section need an E string?
Can't you discern a performance?
He broke it on purpose. Never mind.
It was fascinating!
You're not Taiwanese? Then...
I'm sorry! Hello!
I'm from Japan but I speak Chinese.
The crowd almost pushed you down.
Thank you.
Your violin is amazing.
My violin? My violin teacher gave it to me.
It's... my best friend!
Oh, you meant I play violin well?
Right.
Thank you. Thank you.
Excuse me.
How. Are. You?
Me?
I want to get to know you.
I don't understand.
Are you sightseeing in Taiwan?
You could say that.
You speak Chinese well.
Just enough to get by.
Do you need a guide?
Taiwan's small but it's easy to get lost on the roads.
I have no money.
I don't need money.
Hi. I'm Chen Hai Jie.
Alice.
Alice?
Hello!
Alice.
Okay then.
See you tomorrow.
I must plan a good itinerary
to make this city fun for you!
I can't disappoint a friend.
I must plan well. Go for it!
Today's the last concert. Oh! I missed it...
Ting Yu!
I brought Seagull back.
Ting Yu.
So you're Lan Die Fei (Blue Butterfly). How romantic.
So, what music was that?
It's Kreisler's 'Liebesleid'.
Xiao Shu, as good as you said.
Try another one.
What about this, Miss Butterfly?
It's also Kreisler's 'Liebesleid'.
I know. What about it?
Don't play such tricks.
It's Kreisler's 'Liebesleid'
but it's He Ting Yu's 2007 release,
in the year Ketagalan was founded.
He was Conductor but his poor health let you...
I mean, he hired you, Mr Li Yun.
Ting Yu.
Why are you here, not practising?
- You can pick my violin? - Ah. - How?
I don't know.
- Do you really want this job? - Yes.
- Why? - No reason.
I just like classical music
so I want to work here.
I went to most of your concerts!
I bought all your albums!
If I can't work here, who can?
- Why? - Stop asking "why"!
I want to work here.
I went to most of your events and bought all your albums!
If I can't work here, who can?
- Why? - Stop asking "why"!
Ting Yu.
We can handle this. You go.
Good.
This job is yours.
Don't forget your words today.
And, hey! Stop joking around.
We're an orchestra, not a drama group.
Oh, right.
He's not Conductor because of my health.
I'm too lazy to do it.
- Skipping school? - What's it to you?
- Which school? - Not telling.
Why'd you run into me? Get up. You okay?
Why'd you block me?
It's yum! Did you make it?
Yep. Why'd you skip school?
I don't know you. Why'd I tell you?
Right.
So how do we get familiar?
Only if...I get a strawberry shake.
- Fine. Wait for me. - Okay.
You brat. I had to save for this phone.
If it's broken...Be more careful!
- You deserved it! - You...!
A Pan!
Lisa.
How are you so patient?
Isn't he annoying?
So weren't you a brat?
I was obedient and sensible
and not too annoying.
That's now.
What if no-one had cared for you?
These kids are just having fun
so they wander the streets.
If they met a bad person, they mightn't return.
Their parents would be so worried.
Maybe these kids
want to escape for a bit
or need someone to talk to.
- If there's no-one...hold! - Hold what?
Hold them steady on the right path.
Hello.
You want coffee?
So why're you staring at it?
Why don't I take you somewhere?
Let's go.
Where's my shake?
Here's your shake.
Kid, drink slowly and talk; then we'll go to school, okay?
- Alright. Cheers! - Cheers.
Here...a friend lent me this.
So cute! Put it on.
This area has hot springs and pretty hotels.
It's a long drive.
The hot springs are ahead.
- It's fun here. - Really?
My violin teacher said,
"The unseen has the most power".
I'm not clear, but I like your playing.
I like coming here.
and my heart feels opened.
Isn't it beautiful?
Don't fall quickly, cute flower petals.
Hai Jie!
Are you okay?
What to do?
How awkward.
You're all wet.
- I caught it. - Thank you.
Dear Alice. Our past few days together
are my best memories.
[ ONE YEAR LATER ]
Dear Alice. Remember?
Our first date here a year ago
is stored in my heart.
But where are you now?
- Sorry; there was traffic. - Why's it you?
Director had a video conference.
Give me the keys.
- I can drive you. - I don't want you to.
Take this. Get in.
- What are you doing? - Eh. - Sit in the back.
Concertmaster. Tomorrow's the annual showcase.
Director wants you to sleep early.
I know this is annoying...
You needn't say it...
but...I'll still ask.
Why can't I sit up front?
It's Seagull's spot.
But you didn't bring your violin.
Can you just drop me at the bus stop?
Wake up. We're there.
Where's this?
Oh, I'm home. Thanks.
Concertmaster. Please sleep early tonight or...
Careful now.
Okay!
Wait!
Hang on!
Miss! Be on time.
We're always punctual.
Okay.
Ting Yu, it's me. Are you up?
Why didn't you answer?
Not sleeping again?
Today's schedule changed slightly after dress rehearsal.
You like no fuss so I only allowed one interview.
Please co-operate.
See you at the concert hall.
Director. I called Concertmaster but got no answer.
Again. Again.
I'll call again.
Please sign for the package.
Package? Not my job.
Sorry. My car's about to be towed.
Thank you.
It's so heavy!
What now?
Miss, can I buy a ticket from you?
The counter has sold out.
Right. They're sold out. Sorry.
Please; I missed it last year. I have to get in.
You play violin?
You really want to get in?
I really want to.
Please. I'll do anything.
Have I seen you before?
Wait here; don't move. I'll find you.
He must've had insomnia.
- Should we get him? - No time.
Switch his part to the end.
But we're one short for rehearsal.
Do you need help? I can do it.
- Who are you? - Oh, I...
- He's my friend. He's interning. - Intern-?
You know it?
I can play that piece.
Why don't I show you?
Do you really know it?
Can I?
Can he?
Yes. It's fine.
You can do it.
Get ready.
Die Fei. Take him in.
This way.
Go straight...Turn right.
To the front.
The front seat.
This way? Here?
Sit here, okay?
Hi.
Alright... let's start.
Pomp & Circumstance - Edward Elgar
Who's that?
Ting Yu, you're here.
- Ping Yi. - Yes.
- Concertmaster's here. - I'll tell them.
Why's he on stage?
Don't be mad. You weren't here so...
I'm asking, why's he on stage?
They needed a rehearsal stand-in.
The interview's at intermission
and it's short. Just bear it.
Concertmaster's here.
Sorry. Can I borrow him?
Concertmaster. I talked to the Conductor.
There's half an hour...
to do the interview
before the second half starts.
- Where's Seagull? - Seagull?
Where's Seagull?
- What's up? - Where's Seagull?
Seagull? It wasn't brought up?
Relax; it's in the car.
Hello? Xiao Shu. Yes.
I want Seagull now!
Call me back.
Ting Yu, we'll get it. You...
You know his car?
- Bring the violin. Hurry. - Alright.
Ting Yu. Wait.
Hi.
- I want to ask... - I can't talk.
Your violin's here.
I walked so fast, I almost fell.
You can fall, but save my violin.
What's this?
Ting Yu, what's wrong?
Where's my violin? Tell me.
That's not Seagull.
It's an ordinary practice violin!
Where's my violin? Tell me!
Isn't it the front seat one?
No! Are you an idiot?
Where's my violin? Tell me!
I...
Ting Yu. Listen.
We need a violin sent here.
Security cameras. The cameras.
Before I came down, I checked them.
If you don't believe me, I'll verify it.
You don't need to.
Where's my Seagull?
Ting Yu, calm down.
Want me to calm down?
That violin's my life. How'd I be calm?
Die Fei. Come with me.
Die Fei, listen.
Give up the violin now; I can minimize punishment.
I promise, I'll help you.
I don't know where it is.
You know how serious this is.
Do you know its market value?
Do you know what it means to Ting Yu?
Then you get my meaning.
So, you're saying I stole it?
I'm not. But it was lost in your care.
I did get the violin, but check the CCTV.
I never opened the case.
Maybe it was already switched.
Okay.
I have no evidence. I'm sorry.
I hope you told the truth.
The media are here.
For you and Ting Yu,
I hope you think it through.
Okay?
Hello, Sis?
Yes. He's beside me.
Xiao Shu, my phone broke.
Ting Yu's Seagull is missing.
Hurry and get a violin.
Why do you play violin?
Is the orchestra special to you?
I don't know.
They say I was born to play violin.
It's only my job, nothing more.
So playing doesn't make you happy?
I repeat:
I don't need to know why I play.
That's my answer.
Whether I'm happy is unimportant.
You did solos at 10.
You got awards or published music every year, ah...except at 17.
What happened that year?
- You cheat! - Mom!
That year...
I died.
Explain how you "died"?
Sorry. I found a violin.
Found a violin? What happened?
Nothing. Don't misunderstand.
Who is this?
That's Mr He's friend.
Mr He wants a new music mood
so his friend brought a violin to test.
Let's end this interview.
I'll reschedule you a time.
Okay. Of course.
Can we film Mr He trying the violin?
Of course. Please.
Okay. Thank you; I'll see you out.
Thank you, Director. Thank you, Mr He.
- May I borrow this? - Yeah, sure.
Just start the program on time.
Okay. I got it.
Can I stay and watch?
Okay. Let's go.
Come in.
Congrats. You were amazing.
- It's just a shame... - A shame what?
It's hard to describe.
You were great
but your finale was weak.
I'm grateful for your violin
but why should you critique me?
I admit the finale was a bit weak
but it's my interpretation. Got it?
But your sound was still strong.
- No problem. - No problem?
How's there 'no problem'?
I was a bit weak at the end
but that's my interpretation.
But your sound was still strong.
- No problem. - No problem?
What "no problem"?
Ting Yu, you should rest.
What's your name?
I'm Chen Hai Jie. "Da Hai, Hao Jie" (talented).
- Which orchestra? - Never had one.
I work as a garbageman, and practise violin at the hot springs.
Practise violin?
He's not in an orchestra
and you let him in? So like you.
No. Actually...he's my friend.
I asked him to help...
It's Director's problem.
Ting Yu.
The rehearsal was starting.
He plays really well.
Don't pressure me.
You're really strange.
You were the one late;
how can you talk like that?
Without me, it shouldn't start,
it should be cancelled.
Understand?
What about the audience?
The audience came to see me.
So a random person on stage
makes Ketagalan a variety show!
Ting Yu...
Your problem is finding Seagull.
I won't perform without it. Get that?
And you, take your violin. Thanks.
What are you doing?
Sis, should I quit?
Why?
I lost Seagull!
I should lose my job.
The police interviewed you
and found no evidence against you.
I can't give you trouble.
Don't over-think.
It's no trivial matter
but Director and Concertmaster are reasonable.
They won't blame you.
Really?
I'm such a bad person.
Isn't that violin worth a lot?
The market value right now...
is maybe over 10 million.
God!
That's comforting me? I'm dead.
I'll be a slave forever.
Don't be silly! The violin is insured.
Insured? (-mm) Really?
No.
Concertmaster won't perform without Seagull.
Today he's mad; tomorrow will be fine.
That's good, but when's his next freak-out?
Go home or Dad will yell at me.
He never yells at you. Come with me?
I have work to finish with Director; tell Dad. Bye!
Xiao Shu...
Lan Fei Fei (Blue Fly).
What Fei Fei? I'm Lan Die Fei (Blue Butterfly).
It's much the same. You okay?
- I feel rotten. - Rotten?
Why are you here?
I came to see if you're okay.
Is your police interview over?
They inspected the car
and notified insurance.
Then you're fine, right?
Me? I don't know.
So annoying. I just started this job.
I believe in you.
Relax. I believe it'll be alright.
That's the most comforting thing I heard tonight. Thanks.
Why thank me? I should thank you.
Thank you for a great performance.
Onstage or backstage?
On stage, of course!
Actually, Concertmaster played so differently tonight.
It was very... free. He Ting Yu's never like that.
Really?
It must be your violin.
My violin? Why's it involved?
Of course it is. He never played anyone else's violin before.
What's wrong?
I never thought to name my violin!
What do you think of...
Hai Tun (Dolphin)?
Are you serious?
Of course I am!
Xiao Hai Tun (Little Dolphin). Cute, eh?
It's stupid!
Why? Hai Jie suits Hai Tun!
- It's sickening. - It's not!
- What now? - Nothing.
I'm out of time. I must go.
- Okay. - Then...
You'll be fine. Go for it!
Go for it! I'm off.
- Ride safely. - Okay!
I don't need to know why I play.
That's my answer.
Whether I'm happy is unimportant.
NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW
It's you.
Really?
I not only heard, I saw it.
This is how I got into Ketagalan.
You're Lisa King.
Yes.
Mom.
I'm your daughter.
Itou Seiko.
How are you a fit daughter?
Why are you arrogant?
Are you done?
~ So this is how heartache feels ~
~ It's hard to be indifferent ~
~ Seeing you give him your loveliest smile ~
~ hurts my obstinate heart ~
~ It turns out this is regret ~
~ It turns out I envy him ~
~ It turns out he can make you laugh out loud ~
~ I don't have that talent ~
~ If only I admitted earlier how much I depend on you...~
~ what would we be now? ~
~ If I could be brave and innocent like you ~
~ maybe I'd be more deserving of your love ~