Timing and Subtitles brought to you by The 1/2 Heart Team @ viki
The First Half of My Life
Episode 2
Ling Ling, how much money did you buy this house for?
Where was your old house? Is it rented out?
My old house?
Zijun asked me how I know you live here,
so I told her the whole company has been discussing the purchase of your new house.
I randomly found it.
At the time, I really liked it.
How old is your child?
- First grade.- What?
My son is also in first grade! Is your child a son?
What a coincidence!
Can I have your number? This way,
we can bring our children out to play or eat together.
Enough. Stop asking so many things at your first meeting with her.
You make friends easily. She might be different.
Okay. I'm sorry.
I'm this type of person.
How about we add each other on WeChat? That's no problem,
- right?- Sure.
My WeChat username is "A Daffodil Swaying in the Wind."
You changed your username again?
You said that you like daffodils.
That was a few years ago. Now, I like sunflowers.
Sunflowers? I'll change it again, then.
"A Dimly Discernible"...
Ling Ling, it's "A Dimly Discernible
Sunflower in the Wind."
- Ling Ling, do you see it? I finished changing it.- Oh.
Okay, okay.
Please don't mind. I...
I just think the girls at Junsheng's office
are either seductive or heartless.
They're always thinking of ways to steal people's husbands.
It's too scary. I'm afraid to even mess with them.
They're so unlike you!
You look so honest and disciplined.
I like you, so I think we'd get along.
Actually, I'm just a hardworking housewife.
I'm not as lucky as you, Mrs. Chen.
You have no pressures, and you've been maintaining your skin so well.
You are so fortunate.
I really am fortunate!
I'm also lucky to have met a good husband like Junsheng.
Otherwise, I would have to work just as hard as you.
What does your husband do?
Uh... It's hard to find a parking spot at the market. I'll stop here, then.
I'm here! Then, I need to get off.
- Ling Ling, let's chat another day.- Sure.
I'm leaving, husband.
Zijun saw me taking Sandra out to buy
a necklace yesterday, so she got all suspicious.
Early this morning, she insisted on taking my car.
I didn't have time to notify you.
No need to apologize.
She's your wife, anyway.
- I'm sorry. - It's okay.
It's my fault.
I'm the one who insisted on liking you.
It's not your fault.
You know that I will get a divorce.
Give me more time. I need to make preparations.
You should also get prepared.
He already agreed.
He agreed?
- Wasn't he always opposing the idea?- Yes,
but I later told him that
I don't want anything except our son,
so he agreed.
Why didn't you tell me earlier?
Junsheng,
liking you is my own problem.
It has nothing to do with you.
Also, I just saw Mrs. Chen.
So blissful.
You can't tell at all that her husband doesn't treat her very well.
I will talk to her soon.
I'm leaving him
because we really can't continue living together anymore,
so I'm not telling you about this to force you.
You can decide whether or not you'll talk to her.
It won't impact my love for you.
Let's go.
Chen Junsheng.
You're at work so early.
There's a proposal.
You're here early, too.
Your colleague?
Ling Ling. This is my wife's best friend, Tang Jing of Bi'anti.
I've heard about you. I hope I can find a chance to learn from you.
- You two can talk. I'll go upstairs now.- Okay.
Zijun said that she suspects you're having an affair in the office.
She was talking about Sandra, right?
I already explained it to her.
Whenever she sees young and pretty girls, she thinks we're in a relationship.
I don't think the attractive ones
aren't necessarily young and pretty.
That colleague from earlier
has some family problems, so she was in a bad mood.
She does look troubled.
We're arrived at Chenxing.
S-See you later.
- Good morning, Director Tang.- Good morning.
Good morning, Director Tang.
- Good morning, Director Tang.- Good morning.
Thanks.
Ya Qin, I don't have an appetite.
Seriously...
These dates are good!
Ya Qin,
are there more in the pot? Get me some more.
I'll do it myself.
Ziqun, Ziqun,
let me get you some. These dates are great!
They're good for your body. Drink it.
Take it!
What's up with your older sister? Why is she still not home yet?
Should I call and ask her where she is? I'll drive you two there.
No need.
We have more than enought ime.
I... I'll just wait here for her.
Just look at your older sister.
What a waste!
Always shopping.
Look at this. Do I look good in this, daughter?
She bought another shawl.
This is the shawl that Zijun always wears.
I folded it up and placed it there. It's very expensive!
I got it! You can get back to work.
I know.
This purse is also nice.
Ziqun, you put it on. Let me see.
Let me see. Stand up and let me see!
Your sister is always buying purses.
That's right! Seriously, we can talk later.
What is this?
Chlitina?
Skin care products.
Classic skin care.
So intricate.
I'll borrow some of your sister's limelight.
One day, I'll go to this Chlitina for some facial care.
Look. Look at that skin,
look at your sister's complexion. It's great.
I tell you. We all want to do it.
Mom. Ziqun, you're here?
You're here.
You're back.
Mom asked me to come.
You have the audacity to say?
It's all because of her good-for-nothing husband.
Otherwise, I wouldn't bring you to your older sister's place.
What's wrong with Bai Guang?
What else could it be?
He lost more money!
He learned from somebody to trade incense bracelets.
In the end,
he lost ¥20,000!
Last time, it was herbal medicine. This time, he's trading bracelets?
I don't understand. Does he even have a brain?
He's not even an expert in that field.
If he goes to trade bracelets, people will trick him!
- Exactly!- I really don't understand your husband.
This time was ¥20,000. Last time was ¥30,000. Do you think your brother-in-law is a billionaire?
Exactly!
He was doing it for the sake of our family.
He wants to earn more money. He's also a victim!
I already criticized him. He feels very guilty.
Also, don't worry. We'll think of a way to repay the money you borrowed to us.
Repay? When did I ask for a repayment?
Have you even repaid me once?
I'm not trying to criticize you, Luo Ziqun,
but you're still taking your husband's side? What's wrong with you?
Seriously.
There's nothing else I can do.
He's my husband! We also have a child together.
Of course I have to help him.
Why is there nothing you can do about it?
If you can't continue living together, then forget it!
Even if you worked alone, you can support yourself and your child,
so that you won't have to endlessly clean up that useless man's mess.
Why are you looking at me?
In the past,
I raised you two.
Enough, enough. Let him fend for himself,
so that-- Why did you pinch me?
I'm not trying to be mean, but look at this.
I bore and raised you two,
but look at the situation now.
Look at how your sister is living, and look at how you're living.
Why? Isn't it because your sister
married a good husband?
In the past, I told her not to marry Bai Guang,
but she didn't listen. I told her to let Chen Junsheng
introduce his well-off colleague to her.
- Right.- She doesn't want to! Says she's in love with Bai Guang.
Look at the situation now. If you're starving to death, what's the use of love?
- If you're tricked, what's the use of love?- What's the use?
- When you're out borrowing money from people, what's the use of love?- Exactly!
Fine, I won't borrow any money! Stop talking so much!
I'm telling you. Even if I, Luo Ziqun,
need to go begging on the streets, I won't borrow money from you,
so that you won't show off in front of me.
Showing off! As if you're so great! What's so great about you?
Are you crazy?
Are you crazy? You're speaking to your older sister!
For so many years, if your sister didn't help you,
you and your poor husband would have starved to death, understand?
What? Her money?
It's not even her money! It's my brother-in-law's money!
In the end, she's more useless than I.
She doesn't know how to do anything.
Luo Zijun, I'm telling you,
nobody's life is ever smooth sailing.
If something happens between you and brother-in-law one day,
you'll be worse off than me!
Are you cursing me, little girl?
What's wrong with your brain? I'm your biological sister!
I'm telling you,
Chen Junsheng and I
will only live a life
better than the past or present!
With your muddled brain,
even if you suffer for a lifetime with Bai Guang, nobody will have sympathy for you!
When have you ever seen a housewife's life become better?
None! Their lives only become worse and worse!
You're already in your thirties. You just wait.
Hardship is waiting for you!
I'll be waiting!
You... Do you want to die?
Come back! How could you speak that way?
I'm your biological sister!
I let you borrow money, but you insult me?
She cursed me!
Is something wrong with her brain?
Jun Jun, don't be angry.
- Sit down. Don't be angry with your sister.- I won't eat anymore!
Okay, okay. Here, don't be angry anymore.
- Jun Jun, don't be angry.- So angry.
I'm telling you,
your sister has recently been very troubled.
I'm also troubled!
Yes, yes, yes.
I won't let her borrow my money anymore!
She can go borrow money from whoever she likes!
Jun Jun, listen to me.
In a few days,
I'll ask her to come and apologize to you.
At that time, we can talk about the borrowing of money again.
There's nothing to discuss! I refuse!
Just listen to me, my good daughter.
You're my good daughter,
right?
Okay, okay, okay. I'm done talking about my problems.
I'm going now. I'm going. Don't be upset.
Jun Jun, I'm not trying to nag at you,
but you already have so many purses
and scarves. I'm fine wearing this one, so I'll take this for now.
I'll also take this purse.
If you want them back, just call me.
Call me, and I'll deliver them back.
Don't be angry, okay?
- Good girl. - Fine.
I'll leave now!
Ya Qin. I'm going now!
What about your bag?
I forgot my bag.
Right. I'm going now. Going.
Zijun, you treat them too well. You agree to their every request.
It even seems like it's your duty to help them.
You only said two sentences to her, but she was even angrier than you!
One's my younger sister, and one's my mother.
It's only natural that I treat them well. It's fine if they argue with me.
There's nothing I can do about it.
Timing and Subtitles brought to you by The 1/2 Heart Team @ viki
Since I married Chen Junsheng,
I became my mother's pride,
and naturally, I condescendingly criticized
my younger sister Ziqun, with a poor and miserable marriage,
as if my marriage
is the perfect paradigm of a woman's life.
The door's not locked!
Nobody is home?
Am I not human?
I meant, only you're home?
Where's Ziqun?
Didn't she go with you to her sister's house?
She left first, but she hasn't arrived yet.
No. I'm home alone.
Do you see these things?
Her sister gave them to her!
When she comes home, tell her.
Enough, quickly give it to me. What can you even do well?
Look at how the child ended up in your care.
Xiao Bao! Good Xiao Bao.
Let me feed you.
Here, open up your mouth.
You know how to bear a child, but not how to raise it. You know how to spend money, but not how to earn it.
You ask your wife to go outside and beg people?
How could you tolerate this humiliation?
If you have the guts to borrow money, then don't hide.
If you're afraid of people chopping off your hands, don't borrow money.
You ask your wife to repay the money? Who do you think you are?
You're embarrassing our family so much.
What are you doing? You...
You have no right to lecture me about Ziqun's and my problems.
Why do I have no right?
I'm not your son! You have no right to lecture me!
You either shut up or you leave!
Fine, fine, fine. You're mean.
I'll tell Ziqun.
Divorce! If she won't divorce you,
I'll write my name, Xue Zhenzhu, upside down!
Seriously, Ziqun's marriage to you
is so lucky. Even I'm suffering along with her.
- Fatty.- Old Zhuo?
Do you have any female helmets?
Check here.
- I'll check.- That's it.
- This is good. It's this one.- Sure.
Then, I'll pay you the money later through WeChat.
20% off, okay?
Brother-in-law, are you busy right now?
I just passed by your company.
I was thinking we can eat lunch together.
Oh, you're with a client?
How about we meet at
the Jiangzi nearby my office in 30 minutes?
Right. Right, I'll see you soon.
Let's go eat noodles. You've always wanted to eat youpo noodles.
Are you busy? Just go. I can go eat alone.
No.
So many things happened these few days.
We haven't had a good chat yet. Let's go.
It's not as difficult as you make it sound.
We still see each other at work everyday.
These upcoming days,
I'll talk to Zijun.
Junsheng. I told you already.
My divorce is my own business. It has nothing to do with you.
Don't feel so burdened, okay?
I'm not burdened by it.
I just want to give you a good life.
Don't be anxious. Just relax, okay?
Go about your business. I'm going to eat.
Thank you.
You're new here?
Please, choose what you want to eat.
We're going to check the menu first.
What to eat...
Have you and my sister been doing well lately?
Yes. Why?
It's nothing. That's good.
Is something on your mind?
It's not me.
Bai Guang lost money from his business again.
How much?
¥20,000.
He can learn a lesson from this.
At the beginning of doing business, losing ¥20,000 is actually a small amount.
Take this money first.
You have a child at home. You need money.
Here.
Do you know that person from earlier?
Why did he give that woman so much money?
It's not money for you, anyway. Go take more orders.
What are you doing?
Who are the people who come to eat here?
They are regular customers who come from their company, right?
If you keep staring at them,
what if they don't come back?
Aren't you just hurting my business?
While at work, you need to stay focused!
Go back to work. Go.
What are you doing?
I need to focus my energy on one thing.
If I can't look at the customers, I can only look at you.
Old Zhuo, did you know?
That man has an employee card from Chenxing upstairs.
That woman doesn't look like his wife.
Is she his mistress?
Do you men all like to have mistresses?
Why are you talking to me about this? We aren't close.
We are! We're so close! We're close through my dad!
I've been here for so many days. Also, Old Zhuo,
whenever I see you, it feels like déjà vu.
Don't you think we're close?
Yes, very close.
I'll transfer that ¥20,000 to you later.
The same code?
Brother-in-Law,
I'm actually very embarrassed for always secretly coming to ask you for money.
There's nothing else I can do.
You understand my sister's temper.
Yes, she's like that,
but her heart is kind. Her tongue is just a little sharp.
If she argues with you, ignore her.
If there are any unsolvable problems, come to me.
Thanks, then.
Let's eat noodles. Also, take a portion for Bai Guang when you leave.
I won't eat. I still need to do something. You can enjoy your meal.
- You won't eat?- I'm leaving now.
Brother-in-Law,
you even treat me so well.
You must treat my sister even better, right?
What's wrong?
It's nothing. I just hope you two
can be together in happy harmony.
I'll leave now.
Goodbye, Brother-in-Law.
Thank you! Please come again!
Ya Qin!
My left eye is jumping a lot. What do I do?
It won't stop jumping. People say that a jumping left eye is an ill omen, right?
No, no. There's no such saying.
What will I do, then?
- I'll go find paper for you.- Why?
Stick it on your eyes! People say that it'll stop the jumping.
What nonsense is this? I thought it was some secret trick.
Do you think Luo Ziqun is cursing at me at home?
No.
I feel so uneasy.
Zijun, stop pacing back and forth.
No, no. My heart is in chaos right now.
I feel like something'll happen.
If I don't find something to do, my heart will jump out from my throat!
Sit there. Close your eyes and rest a little.
Poker cards! Where are the poker cards? Hurry.
In this world, if any beings have a sixth sense
or the ability to predict the future,
they must be women.
I really sensed that something bad was about to happen,
but I didn't know any specifics.
Later, it was proven that in those few days,
my fate with this family
was being completely changed by Chen Junsheng.
I don't know if I could have avoided the disaster
if I had realized earlier.
- Miss Tang!- I'm looking for Chen Junsheng.
Do you have an appointment with him?
Tell me the truth. What are you up to?
I don't know what you're talking about.
You and Ling Ling!
Now, not to mention Chenxing,
even Bi'anti upstairs knows about it.
Everyone is stressed from work.
Everyone gossips about your scandal to relieve stress and make friends.
It's a common topic.
There's nothing going on between me and Ling Ling.
Everyone knows! You're still denying it?
Communication is so developed nowadays. Very soon,
your unsuspecting Mrs. Chen
will receive the news. What will she do?
I will explain it to her.
I will take care of everything.
You've only heard about it. You don't know for sure
the specifics of this issue,
so don't tell Zijun.
Okay, one month.
I'll give you one month to end your affair.
Otherwise,
you and Ling Ling will suffer the consequences.
Don't even think about divorcing Zijun.
Although Zijun is an honest person,
as her friend, since I know about this,
I will intervene until the end.
Timing and Subtitles brought to you by The 1/2 Heart Team @ viki
Zijun?
Junsheng, I'm at the mall below your company.
I'll wait for you at Shanghai Cuisine for you later, okay?
Let's eat together.
I'll also invite Tang Jing. Okay.
Bye bye.
Hello?
Not going!
It's nothing. I have an appointment with somebody else.
You two can enjoy.
Bye.
Is your anxiety disorder coming back?
You didn't even look at me. How did you know I'm upset?
I smelled it.
Thanks for that day's sea urchin.
So great. After returning home from a business trip, I had a specially delivered midnight snack.
That was from He Han.
Nobody would believe you. He's not so considerate.
Old Zhuo, I have a question for you.
A man has
a young, pretty, and loving wife who's good at keeping the home together.
Why would he fall in love with
another woman, who is less young and less pretty?
Look at my noodles.
They're not pretty, but they're delicious, right?
Some shops have beautiful storefronts and attract many customers.
Some shops have delicious food and welcome many regular customers.
Of course, there are also ones like you, who come to eat my noodles out of generosity.
You know who I'm talking about?
No. I'm not a gossip website.
The problems at your company are hard to explain.
Tang Jing, have you ever read Krylov's fable of
- Demyan's Fish Soup?- No.
I suggest that you do.
Hello. Would you like to order now?
I'm here early. Wait a little bit.
What a coincidence!
You're eating fast food?
What a coincidence.
I was working overtime, so I'm buying some food to eat upstairs.
Fast food isn't good for the body!
How about you go eat a little with me before going back to work?
No need.
I've already planned out my time. If I go upstairs now, it'll fit into my schedule.
Don't be so anxious.
Junsheng is also working overtime, but he's also coming down to eat.
You two can go upstairs together after we eat.
No need. No thank you.
What's wrong? You look down on me
and can't be bothered to chat with me?
That's not it! that's not what I meant.
Then, come eat with me!
Tell me about Chenxing.
I don't know many of Junsheng's colleagues.
The ones I know are only acquaintances.
They always have a condescending attitude,
unlike you. Seeing you today is like seeing an old friend.
We can chat on another day.
No! Just come today.
How about you go inside? We can begin eating.
When Junsheng comes down later, you can go back upstairs.
Or, you can go inside and eat some to-go wontons, noodles,
or fried rice. Those are better than fast food!
Let's go. Come on. Hurry!
What's your favorite dish?
I really don't need to order anything. I'll go back upstairs after chatting a little with you.
Don't be shy. I'll order some that are quick to prepare.
Chen Junsheng
Chen Junsheng calling
What's wrong? Is someone hurrying you?
It's nothing. The agency is bugging me.
That's right. Agencies are the most annoying. They're always calling.
Hello, Mr. Chen.
Mr. Chen.
Xiao Dong, where's Ling Ling?
I don't know.
You can get back to work, then.
I heard that male and female relationships at Chenxing are very distorted.
A few days ago, Rick
eloped overseas with his mistress.
Actually, it's not specific to Chenxing.
Wherever women and men are together,
things like this happen.
You're just like me: married and has a child.
Don't you think hearing about these things is very infuriating?
Yes,
but sometimes, when these things happen,
there are also problems within the original family.
It's understandable.
You're so relaxed. I'm not as magnanimous as you.
If I were in charge, after catching these people,
they need to be sliced up and sent to hell. That way, people won't dare to do it.
Junsheng!
Hurry! We're waiting for you!
Why did you two run into each other?
I was waiting here for you,
and I saw her walking by to buy fast food.
I said that fast food is unhealthy,
so I dragged her in here to eat with us.
Here, the dishes are all here. Begin eating.
You two can take your time. I'm really busy.
- You're not done with your work?- Yes.
No, no. Even if you have work, you must eat!
If you don't eat well, your body will collapse.
Then, what's the point of earning money?
Husband, will you eat shrimp?
- I'll help you peel them. - Okay.
Then, let's eat together.
- I'll do it myself.- Will you eat the shrimp head?
Yes.
Hurry!
Yangcheng Lake's wild crabs.
What are you thinking about?
I'm just inviting you to my house for a meal.
Why do you look so distraught?
I was thinking about Chen Junsheng and Luo Zijun. Something is bound to happen.
Why didn't I see you all of today?
You only appeared after work.
This is also one of the topics at our private feast tonight.
Why are you making it sound so mysterious?
Are you going to ease your lovesickness like Chen Junsheng?
Other than you,
I have yet to meet a woman who makes me lovesick.
In order to commend you for being a sweet talker and a great cook.
Thank you.
Wait.
What's wrong?
In the restaurant upstairs.
Chen Junsheng, Luo Zijun, and Ling Ling.
What are they doing?
The sky is bound to rain; the woman is bound to marry. Why are you being so nosy?
No, I need to go upstairs.
Everything will be revealed eventually.
It's time Luo Zijun understands
the cruelty and hardship of life.
She's in her thirties. If she takes a hard fall, she can still recover,
but in a few more years, that'll be hard to say.
Chen Junsheng and Ling Ling are like a jackal and a fox.
They'll swallow up Luo Zijun, this small bunny, skin and all!
If I don't go, she'll be scared to death.
- Come upstairs with me.- Why?
Forget it, then.
Tang Jing, wait for me.
I thought you weren't coming.
I was afraid you'd flip their table.
Look. It's very peaceful.
Ling Ling, women need to take care of themselves.
It's your capital.
When I invited you, you didn't come, but you came here alone.
Sit down. Let's eat together.
We're not here to eat.
She saw you guys, and came to say hello.
This is Ling Ling, Junsheng's colleague.
We met each other this morning. When I saw her earlier, we decided to eat together.
Sit down! Hurry!
Met her this morning?
You guys are all friends. You can enjoy your food together.
I'll go now. Thank you.
Wait.
We all work in the same industry.
Since we have the fate to meet each other, let's hang out.
The place is too small. There's no room. Let's not join their party.
I'll leave after a few sentences.
Waiter, add a chair.
Thank you.
You're also the one I met this morning in the underground parking lot, right?
Yes.
If people know, they'd know you two are colleagues.
If people didn't know, they'd think you two are having an affair,
but it's best not to do something like that.
He's destined to leave you in the end.
So messy.
Eat crabs!
This year's new crabs. Hurry.
Husband, here.
Waiter.
- Hello.- Is this from Yangcheng Lake?
I'll only have wild ones from Yangcheng Lake. I won't take others.
These are indeed from Yangcheng Lake.
- Okay, okay.- Look!
You can get back to work.
Mrs. Chen, according to my experiences,
whether these crabs are from Yangcheng Lake or Lake Tai,
they take the same.
On the other hand, this plate of shrimp in front of you
isn't very fresh.
What's wrong with the shrimp? Junsheng already ate a bunch, right?
They're pretty fresh.
I mean to say,
you're putting your thoughts in the wrong place.
A big problem has occurred, instead,
in a place where you put no thoughts. It's also right before your eyes.
Mr. He, I know that you're an expert in Japanese cuisine,
but this is Shanghai cuisine.
My husband and I have eaten all the Shanghai cuisine in Shanghai.
We can differentiate between good and bad.
I have the right to speak in this aspect.
Here. Husband, have a shrimp.
- Okay, then you three can enjoy this feast.- Very fresh, right?
We'll leave now.
Let's go.
Enjoy.
- Pretty fresh.- Ling Ling, have some crab.
I don't know if they're from Yangcheng Lake.
Are you still thinking about that previous conversation?
I'm debating whether or not to tell Zijun the truth.
I think she's so pitiful being kept in the dark.
If I really were to say it,
once they begin fighting, they might get divorced even sooner.
But if I don't say it, if Chen Junsheng still has a conscience,
and if Ling Ling isn't so manipulative,
this marriage can be saved.
The pathetic man is hated for a reason.
But in my opinion, the most pitiful person is Chen Junsheng.
He's pitiful?
He's hateful, he's punishable, and he's extinguishable.
He abandons the old and welcomes the new. He should be excited right now!
Excited?
Maybe when he first fell in love with Ling Ling.
Now, if he really has to make a decision and bear the responsibility,
he'd rather disappear from this world.
Do you think he'll really divorce Zijun
and form another family with Ling Ling?
I think it's most likely due to Ling Ling adopting every possible means, both tough and soft.
Deep within a man's heart,
he always wishes for a wife to remain a wife, and for a lover to remain a lover.
Like two planets, may they forever stay over 30,000 light years apart,
travel in parallel paths, and never meet each other.
You also think this way?
Unfortunately, I fell in love with the sun,
shining and dazzling.
"In The Pouring Rain" by Ye Linsheng
♫ In the torrential rain, among the busy cars. ♫
♫ Why is the image of your face still so clear? ♫
♫ I hold my breath, watching you as you leave. ♫
♫ Why do I feel my heart slightly wavering? ♫
♫ When did I start becoming used to your presence? ♫
♫ Your calls always appear at the perfect time. ♫
♫ My heart has sold me out. ♫
♫ I still have a little hope ♫
♫ that you will come back, searching for me. ♫
♫ In the torrential rain, among the busy cars. ♫
♫ Why is the image of your face still so clear? ♫
♫ I hold my breath, watching you as you run towards me. ♫
♫ My heart is slightly wavering. ♫