~ 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 way needs your courage ~
~ If you're willing to pay hardship ~
~ you may escape numbness for fulfilment ~
~ The richness of lies ~
~ can't match the warmth of two hands ~
~ Aloneness is freedom, but without you ~
~ it's merely waiting ~
I'm Chen Hai Jie.
- Alice. - Alice?
Yeah.
- Concertmaster's late. - Again?
I can help!
What's this?
Where's my violin? Tell me!
- This watch is so old. - Sure is.
- It's in good condition. - Not bad.
If I clean its movement, it will last 10 more years.
Please do.
I've had it for decades.
It's precious to you. Come tomorrow.
- Thank you. - See you. - Ok, thanks.
You're back?
- Where's your sister? - On overtime. - Again?
I cooked noodles.
She's just an assistant; why's she late every day?
Maybe she's a special assistant.
But how'll she study to go to England?
- She doesn't want to. - No? Yes, she does!
She'll take the public exam.
Look after your sister.
She found you a job. Did you thank her?
Eat up; but leave her some.
Die Fei! Take out the trash!
Such a bother.
Take your time.
So annoying.
Careful!
What was that for?
If you don't have Seagull, go away.
I know you're upset
but I need your schedule.
I said no rehearsal.
I'll tell Director Tang.
Hey!
Why weren't you fired?
I didn't lose the violin.
You're saying I did?
If there's no rehearsal, I'm going.
These are Ketagalan's revised tour plans.
Please review it.
Leave it for now.
Why are new applicants unremarkable?
Not one can be a star.
We're selecting violinists, not elegance.
You don't get it. Amateurs are useless.
They need charm and...
"and a smile not enough people see".
Bingo! Oh, did you ring the insurance company?
Yes. They'll start procedures once the police file a report.
A payout will be fast.
Follow them up.
Insurance firms like to stall.
We tour soon.
The payout is needed to buy Ting Yu a new violin.
Our finances are tight.
Don't suspect my sister.
She's not that foolish.
If you disbelieve my sister, you disbelieve me.
And selling that violin won't be easy.
- Maybe a bad person used her. - What bad person?
No way. That's insulting.
Why'd you laugh?
You're so serious.
How's that funny? I'm realistic.
Don't be mad. You're cute, serious.
Don't be mad?
Did you hear me?
Yes. I'm the bad guy.
Die Fei didn't do it.
Leave it to the police.
Don't be angry.
- Kiss? - No.
Give him a chance.
Then you wait.
Alice!
Next person.
Alice!
What is it?
Sorry, sorry.
How many to go?
Only Chen Hai Jie is left.
Should we wait?
Let's wait for Chen Hai Jie.
while we discuss the others.
Concertmaster! Please wait.
Give me a reason.
Because...
Chen Hai Jie admires you
so give him a chance.
He admires me?
After I performed, he gave me tips. Admires me?
Should I wait for all admirers?
He'll come soon.
So call him. Now, at once, pronto!
- I don't have his number. - Ting Yu! Just wait.
He lent you his violin.
Violin? You dare mention violins?
And where's my Seagull?
I don't know.
The police are onto it. Cool down.
Hello!
There's still time? Sorry.
Let's start.
Little brother, how are you?
We're on stage.
Good luck! Don't give up!
Not bad.
Relax; leave it to me.
Variations on an Original Theme Op. 15 - Wieniawski
Do you like it?
Okay! It's him.
- Great. It's you. - Really?
I heard and saw it. It's you.
Oh, just be on time for rehearsal next week.
That's it then.
No-one changes his decisions.
- Aren't we discussing Seagull? - I'm coming.
Die Fei will fill you in. That's it then.
Thank you. Thank you!
I've never seen Concertmaster praise a musician.
Really?
That isn't how I see him.
His moods are unpredictable.
His word is law, like a god. No-one stops him.
It's weird. I felt he understood me.
It was like being butt naked in front of him.
He spoke so intensely.
Your description is strange
but he is like an alien! Not much logic.
I never thought I'd get into Ketagalan.
I'm dreaming. It's too easy!
So you wanted to join Ketagalan?
Actually, not that much.
I thought my violin only called Alice, but it makes me friends.
Alice? Alice who?
Alice is...
just my inspiration.
I want others to hear me. I want to know...
Want to know what?
Just, sometimes playing alone is lonely.
No-one shares it.
Being with everyone will be different.
You might be an alien like He Ting Yu.
Maybe I am.
Maybe in past lives, there was a great story.
See! Hai Jie and Hai Ou has a nice ring.
Don't laugh, Lan Fei Fei.
I said I'm Lan Die Fei!
It's the same thing!
How's it the same? I'll call you Chen Jie Jie (Sister).
- I'll call you Lan Lan Xian (Elder). - I'll call you Sis...
Like little eyes~
Twinkle, twinkle, bright~
The sky is full of little stars~
That was great!
You sang well.
- Miss Momo will tell you a story! Okay? - Yes!
Thank Miss Momo!
- Can you sing the Elephant Song? - Yes!
Sing with me! Ready?
Elephant, elephant~
Why's your nose so long?~
Mom says long noses are pretty~
Elephant, elephant...~
The teacher called you?
She wants to see me tomorrow.
Have you had breakfast?
I'm not hungry.
Here. Eat.
Hai Jie.
Know how often she skipped class?
I'm scared to talk to her.
She's erratic these days.
Kids now rebel more.
Relax. Let this nice uncle talk to her.
When I came to Taipei, Mom probably felt like this.
You just realized?
Mom cried for months; Dad kept yelling at her to stop.
I deserve this punishment.
But Mei Mei wasn't like this.
She was obedient and sensible.
Maybe...
it's because you're marrying.
She knows Li Ren.
We began dating a year ago.
But marriage is different.
She should tell me. Why's she like this?
Hello? Yes, I'm Mei Mei's mom.
Hello, Ma'am.
What? She skipped class again?
- Chat her up. - Watch me.
Hey, wanna see a movie?
I feel I know you. Give me your number. Hey!
Hey, don't go!
- This one's pretty! - Want to see this style?
- This one? - Yes, that one.
It's a Japanese exclusive series.
Only we carry it in Taiwan.
- Not bad. - Want to see it? - Sure.
It has a slight curve
with a centre coloured layer.
This is a diamond; and see the engraving.
You can engrave your names on the inside.
Little girl, slow down. Wait for Mom.
Miss, how much is that?
- Sorry; one moment. - Sure.
Here.
Sorry. I have an urgent matter
but take your time looking.
Sorry; if you like this house, call me, please!
Your phone's ringing.
Phone!
I know! I'm not deaf.
Not answering?
Annoying.
Hello?
Hi, Uncle.
I'm fine.
I didn't wanna go.
Okay, okay.
Tell Mom I want leave of absence.
No! I don't want to be picked up.
Fine; I'll go back.
You're going back?
Why are you snooping?
Are you hungry?
Buy me food? If not, bug off!
The one on the left...
- Can I ask a question? - Yes.
You said you're my mom. Aren't you too old?
I get it. It's hard at your age
to call yourself Grandma.
I'll ask you a question.
Why aren't you in school?
Why do you shoplift?
Your call is redirected.
Mei Mei, it's Uncle Pang.
How's the chocolate I got?
Remember I'm your friend.
Tell me your problems; I'll help for sure.
Go home early after school. We'll get fried chicken.
Let's celebrate. Bye bye.
You're not sleeping well.
Take a hot bath to feel better.
Let me ask something.
Where are green peas from?
From Jiayi people (ren).
Because green pea soup is "yiren".
Why don't you say hello?
Okay. Mei Mei, want fried chicken tonight?
What are we celebrating?
- You went to school today! - I didn't.
- Then we're celebrating... - Eat it yourselves!
Mei Mei, what's up?
You don't answer my calls or his calls.
You skipped school again, and now you won't eat!
- What do you want? - I don't feel well.
I want to sleep. Okay?
Mei Mei!
How can she be so rude?
You used to get on well.
I think Mei Mei can't accept we're getting married.
She can't be so bratty!
She should talk to me!
Lisa King.
- You look happy today. - Yes. Look at all the people!
Everyone came. It's fun!
- It's crowded. - Yeah! It's fun!
- You're Lisa King. - Yes.
Mom. I'm your daughter.
Ito Seiko.
Mom. I'm your daughter.
Itou Seiko.
Mom.
- Thank you. - Take care. - Sure.
See you.
- Bye bye. Go safely. - Yep. Bye.
Bye bye.
Bye.
Thank you.
Tell me again, who are you?
Itou Seiko.
Itou Seiko?
Tonight was crowded.
Mom, is it bad I found you?
No. Of course not.
Itou...
Seiko.
Are you sure you're seeking me?
At age 20, you came to Tokyo.
In your Ginza hotel job, you met botanist Ito Shiromi.
You married and had a girl.
When I was 3, Dad went exploring in South America and had an accident.
Yes.
You speak Chinese well.
I studied Chinese.
I apologize for my attitude.
Having a stranger for a mom is a bit tough.
I shouldn't have found you
but I came with friends and ran out of money.
They went home so I came to find you.
Mom, I'm really Seiko.
Yes.
Mom, I'm your daughter.
Stay with Mummy.
Don't leave me...my precious.
Mummy.
Alice!
I sincerely apologize.
I never thought we'd first meet like this.
Can you let us raise Seiko?
We beg you!
But...my child is precious to me.
I can't do that. Truly, I can't.
Mummy.
Alice.
Mom.
- Mom. - Yes.
I had a bath.
Have some tea.
- What were you just thinking? - Nothing.
Mom, where will I sleep?
Sleep in the next room.
I made the bed. See if you need anything.
No need. Rest; talk tomorrow.
Goodnight.
Alice. This can't be true!
Wait! Alice.
Alice!
[ Want to talk? I'm downstairs ]
Hot chocolate.
She's your daughter for sure?
She told me everything. Nothing's suspicious
and I'm not worth swindling.
So shouldn't you be happy?
Yes. I should be happy.
But I don't know how to be happy.
I thought I'd never see her again.
She was separated from me at 3.
She was so young.
I've never forgotten her calling me "Mummy".
Never.
This daughter in front of me
calls me "Mom" in Japanese.
It's a truly strange feeling.
It's unreal.
The daughter in my memories is more real.
The daughter in front of me feels very distant...
very far.
Come for a drive.
Your Chinese is really good.
I majored in Chinese.
After I graduated, I worked in Beijing.
It's in my blood; Chinese feels natural.
So that's it.
My Japanese is a bit rusty.
Mom. Can I stay with you for a while?
Sure. Of course you can.
If you want to go anywhere, I can take you.
Want to go shopping?
- We can buy pretty clothes. - I don't need clothes.
I just want to be with my mom.
Okay.
But I have something to ask you.
What is it?
Can you stop smoking?
It's bad for your health.
What are you looking at?
I'm just thinking...
You're 25 now.
I never thought I'd see the 25-year-old you.
Do your grandparents know you came to find me?
That year...
your dad had just died.
You had a high fever.
I nursed you all night, giving you medicine and cold cloths.
I didn't relax
until your fever broke.
When I woke up, you were gone.
Alice?
Your grandpa left me a note
to say they'd taken you away.
Alice!
Alice.
Don't cry, Alice.
Alice.
Alice!
Alice...
How could they take you away?
Didn't they know you were my everything?
Do you know you're my everything?
What if you couldn't find me?
What would I do?
I couldn't find you.
I was so anxious.
I didn't know where you were taken.
I thought I'd never see you again.
Mom.
Seiko.
Mom, don't be sad.
I can visit you in Taiwan.
Do you blame me for failing to find you?
Mom. That's all in the past. It doesn't matter.
No. It's not in the past.
In my heart, it's not in the past.
I didn't know where your grandpa took you.
I looked for you crazily.
Until...
until my Japanese visa expired.
Japanese Immigration found out I over-stayed.
I had to return to Taiwan.
I asked friends in Tokyo to keep looking
but no-one could find you.
Mom, I never blamed you, really.
Coming!
- Morning! - Morning.
Thanks.
I got snacks and coffee.
Espresso?
I'll introduce you.
Itou Seiko, my child.
- Seiko, my good friend, He Ting Yu. - Yo.
I got enough for two.
Mom, I want Steamed Dumplings.
You want Dumplings?
Okay! I'll go buy some.
What about the soybean milk sold in the alley?
You eat. I'll be back soon.
So you're my mom's boyfriend?
So you're Lisa's daughter?
So you're my mom's boyfriend.
Lisa's daughter, you're so rude.
Me? How am I rude?
I'll tell you straight.
I made up my mind...
whatever Mom's like, it's fine.
So I won't care if she has a rude boyfriend like you.
What can I do? She's lonely.
Are you done?
Why's a toy-boy so arrogant?
Shut up!
You know nothing; don't talk rot.
You're a 'bad girl' blow-in.
How are you fit to be her daughter?
What happened?
Where's Ting Yu?
Your boyfriend's very angry.
What boyfriend?
Isn't that dead-beat your boyfriend?
I said he's a good friend, not a boyfriend.
No wonder.
I thought he was your toy-boy.
I told him I've no problem with him as your toy boy.
Seiko, go apologize.
He's a close friend. You were very rude.
- Go apologize. - Why? He went to hit me.
- Why should I apologize? - You must apologize.
Seiko!
I get it.
Give me the address. I'll go some time.
Hello!
Lan Fei Fei! What's up?
The practice room is short a chair.
- Is it my chair? - It is! You pull it. - Okay.
You've been busy all morning. Let me help.
Just how?
This is the Hai Jie high-speed train.
Get settled, we're off. Go!
Too fast!
You frowned all morning so we have to leave here fast!
Yo.
Hey.
Why are you here?
Mom told me to apologize.
Is this apologetic behaviour?
Fun comes before apologising.
So that's your mom? So pretty.
Why don't you look like her?
Ridiculous. You apologized; leave.
When did I apologize?
No manners...
I've no manners?
You're bad mannered!
Since we met, you weren't polite.
I know you're a violinist. Great, but so what?
Fine. Apologize now.
I don't want to.
Do you have cola?
I don't know.
Is this a display house?
Artists are idiots. I'll look for myself.
- Hey, don't snoop. - I'm just looking.
Just water and cornflakes. Are you a bird?
You don't live normally. It explains a lot.
Miss. Aren't you too nosy?
I've something to do. Please go.
Why?
I have plans. Leave.
- Why? - Why?
You're so thick. I have plans.
If you don't go, I'll lock you in.
If I just obey, aren't I your dog?
I don't want to go.
Fine, whatever.
- You're weird. - Bye!
We can begin.
Bach's Concerto for 2 Violins, D minor.
D minor.
Ting Yu.
Why not add that piece to this year's showcase?
- A duet would be great. - Really? Okay.
OK? Done! I'll tell the Conductor.
Playing your violin that day felt familiar.
- Only Seagull was as easy to play. - Really?
A mentor gave it to me.
Not 'gave'. I should say... "loaned". One day I'll return it.
Why would you return it?
One day when I am unrivalled, I will return it.
Any news of Seagull?
She left. I'm making new friends.
Are you still garbage collecting and that...?
Hot springs.
Not as much. I have no time.
- Then let me buy you dinner. - Really? Okay. Let's go.
- That's not polite. - Who's polite to a pal?
Ting Yu. There's a problem.
Will the orchestra disband?
No. It's a major sponsor's CEO.
Tonight's his housewarming party.
- They want you to go. - I won't go.
I'm eating with him.
It's a major sponsor's CEO.
Tonight's his housewarming party.
- They want you to come. - No; I'm eating with him.
It's best you play them one piece so I needn't explain.
I'm eating with Chen Hai Jie.
We can eat any time, no problem.
- Right, Hai Jie, no problem? - No!
I won't change my mind.
- How about two for one? - What?
I'll come for fun.
Great! Play together.
I'll introduce you.
Fine. I'll play violin, nothing else.
Thanks.
- You looked good playing violin. - Thanks. - Thank you.
I'm going now.
- This is our gift. - Thank you.
It's our new company product. This is a gift.
Wow! How great!
Thanks. Bye.
President Chen, President Lin, hello. It's been ages.
Thank you for your patronage.
Why are you alone?
They're not talking to you.
They're scared to listen.
My music is only an appetizer for their vanity.
So let's go. Why stay?
- Go? - Mm. - Now? - Yeah.
They'll get drunk.
They know you came. Who'd know you left?
Let's go. Hurry, go.
Wait.
Take it.
Let's go.
Wait, wait.
I ate too much. I'll explode.
Didn't you steal too much wine?
This wine is wasted on them.
They drink for show.
What investments? Piddling stocks. Waste of time.
You didn't want to be there, right?
I started going as a kid; no-one asked if I like it.
Why'd you go since you were a kid?
I was a child prodigy.
Just like Mozart, often put on display.
Sounds scary.
As a kid, I'd go to my uncle's birthday
to play something.
I got used to it...
a long time ago.
NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW
The death god gives young women eternal youth.
Give me eternal youth.
This violin is Siren. Its owners die by 35.
It's cursed.
Concertmaster won't keep Hai Jie.
Where is it?
Shikoku, Ehime, Japan.
In Ehime like Alice?
~ 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