Timing and Subtitles brought to you by The 1/2 Heart Team @ viki
The First Half of My Life
Episode 10
You must have watched too many television dramas. Have some common sense, won't you?
After you eat so many pills, you'll first feel stomach pain, then you'll puke until you regret attempting suicide.
It's not as tragic and touching as you think it is.
Just leave.
You're telling me to leave? You think I want to be here?
I'd love to leave! The doctor won't let me.
They're afraid you'll attempt suicide again and want me to stay and keep watch.
I wasn't thinking of committing suicide. I only took two pills.
I drank a glass of wine. Why did you take me to get my stomach pumped for no reason?
Get this into your head, will you?
Sleeping pills are prescription drugs. They're supposed to be by prescription.
Yes, some people can't get restful sleep even after taking three or four pills
but others could be knocked out for the whole night just by taking half a pill. You even had alcohol?
Do you know you were unconscious on the sofa and couldn't even hear me trying to wake you up?
In this day and age, maintaining your health isn't just for your own sake.
It's also for the sake of your friends and family
so you minimize being a nuisance and taking up other people's time.
This is an essential element to being civilized.
Seeking death is a vicious waste of others' time.
That is a display of poor breeding.
What's more, you were at your friend's house, ingesting your friend's pills.
How would she live with herself?
Luo Zijun, listen well.
When my mother passed away from illness, I was just as old as Ping'er.
My personal experience tells me this is devastating to a child.
I'm sorry.
I'll remind you again. If you still want to fight for custody over your child
your current actions are just adding insult to injury to yourself.
You absolutely cannot admit that you don't want to live anymore.
Otherwise, do you think anybody would give custody of a child to a mother who has the tendency for suicide
or relies on sleeping pills to sleep?
Zijun.
Mr. He.
I thought you wouldn't be coming.
I forced him to come.
You guys can talk. I'm leaving.
I'm not going.
Let's go.
It's not that I didn't want to come. I didn't dare to.
I was afraid your mood would turn sour after seeing me.�
You overestimate yourself. You don't have such a big influence on me.
Zijun, I'm sorry.
Regarding our child, I think as adults
we should be rational and not be led by our emotions. We need to consider our child's future.
As for the two of us, things will still be the same.
I'll support you for however long you want. If you think there's not enough money, I'll work hard to earn more.
If you find it uncomfortable to live in the old house, I'll rent another place for you.
It can be near Tangjing's place, or Mom's house, or Ziqun's place.
You should go.
Ping'er's workload is increasing.
He does need to live in a good environment.
I've also spoken with Lingling.
You're ridiculously crazy.
Even if I'm a useless mother, I'm still better than
a shameless father like you and that stepmother.
Leave. Get out of here.
Leave.
I'll leave, I'll leave.
Mom.
Chen Junsheng, who are you calling Mom? You bastard!
You ruined my daughter.
You bastard!
If anything happens to my daughter, just wait 'til I get my hands on you.
Even if I turn into a ghost, I'll drag you to the King of Hell
and have him sentence you to death!
Chen Junsheng!
I hate you to death!
I hate you!
Zijun is fine. She's fine.
- She's okay?- Yes.
Zijun just took a few too many sleeping pills
and had some alcohol. She's rather sensitive to the medication.
He Han was just overreacting.
Let's go see Zijun in the ICU.
- Okay, okay. Where is she?- That way.
All right. When I see Chen Junsheng
I just want to kill him.
Junjun! Junjun!
Junjun.
You're okay? All your limbs are still intact?
Does your head hurt?
Are you conscious? Can you recognize me?
- Do you see me?- I'm fine, Mom.
That's good. Your sister said she brought the children to the hospital.
She will come visit you later.
All right, Mom. I'm okay now.
You scared me to death, you know?
You scared me to death.
If you couldn't sleep, that's fine.
You could have counted sheep.
One sheep, two sheep, three sheep. You'd sleep eventually.
Why did you take sleeping pills?
I'm old now. Honestly speaking, I'm not afraid of anything.
But if anything happens to you or Ziqun
I'd be scared to death.
Mom.
I really wasn't thinking of committing suicide. Even if I can't take it anymore
I still have Ping'er, you, Ziqun
- and Tangjing, right?- Yes, yes.
I wouldn't let myself do such extreme things.
Auntie.
The doctor will be coming by later to examine Zijun.
Okay, they'll examine you.
Go home then. You can pick up Ping'er for me.
Okay, okay. I'll pick up Ping'er.
- I'll walk you downstairs.- Okay.
You should go too.
I'll stay with you a little longer. Let's go.
Okay, then I'll be leaving now. I'm going to pick up Ping'er.
Okay, stop crying.
I'll come by again.
Okay.
Tangjing, you'll have to help out Zijun more from now on.
I know you're really busy.
I'm just saying to take some time out of your busy day to spend time with her.
I will keep her company
until everything has been settled and she is back to her normal self.
No, I'm not talking about that.
I meant, you know a lot of good men. Introduce someone to her.
Someone who is nice and wealthy.
When she is in better spirits, I will discuss it with her.
No, you don't need to discuss it with her.
Someone you find suitable will do.
As long as he doesn't mind that she is divorced and has a child
and is willing to live with her, he will do.
Just talk to me. We can make this happen.
- Okay?- All right.
Tangjing, listen.
Junjun's future happiness
and my hopes are all in your hands.
Don't worry, Auntie.
Okay, thank you, Tangjing.
- Everything will be fine.- Yes.
- You have to help me think of something.- Don't worry, Auntie.
You have to help me with this
or else it'll be a worry in my heart.
This is Zijun's mother.
This is He Han.
- Hello, Auntie.- Hello. Is this your boyfriend?
He'll escort you home. I'm going to watch over Zijun.
You're not leaving?
I have something important to tell Zijun.
Please help me take Auntie home.
Thanks.
I'm going back up now.
I'm leaving her to you.
- Let's go, Auntie.- Okay.
What's the matter? Is there still something you needed to do?
No, nothing. Thanks for giving me a ride home.
No need to thank me.
- Is this your car?- Yes.
What brand is this?
This car must have cost over a million yuan.
Something like that.
Tangjing's car was also from you, wasn't it?
No, she bought it herself.
You two are so capable.
You'd never be able to use up all the money you two make in a month.
It's not that much. What we don't spend can be saved.
Yes, yes! Save, save.
Oh, right! Do you have any colleagues?
Right, I mean, do you have any male colleagues?
Any who are single?
Or divorced? Or about to divorce?
Introduce someone to Zijun!
None of them are suitable.
It's fine if they're not suitable for Zijun. I also have another daughter, Ziqun.
They have completely opposite personalities.
If there are any available men, I'll tell Ziqun to divorce right away.
- Divorce?- Yes.
Auntie, your whole family is very... unique.
Very unique?
Get in.
Okay, okay.
Thank you.
I've asked the doctor.
The exam results show no problems. You can be discharged tomorrow morning.
You should go home soon.
Let's go.
What? To where?
You're all fine. Why would you waste your life lying in a hospital bed?
Where are we going?
Wait. No, no, I'm getting dizzy.
Okay, okay. Lie down for a while.
If you've been lying down for too long, you'd feel lightheaded when suddenly get up.
You'll be fine soon though.
Tell me where we're going. If you don't tell me, I won't get up.
You try having your stomach pumped.
Let me ask you. If we could win custody of Ping'er, are you ready to
raise him by yourself? Regardless of whatever happens
you won't regret it or abandon him?
Of course. Do you even have to ask?
I am his mother. If I can't, who can?
You have to think about this carefully.
The difficulties you'll be facing will be long-term and continuous.
I've already decided even if it'll be hard. He is my child after all.
Nobody else can give me the happiness he brings me.
Good. Then do what I say.
Do what?
Go home and find a job.
What are you saying?
Regardless of what kind of job it is, even if the salary is only 2,000 yuan a month
you can prove you are capable of working.
You can at least provide basic necessities for your child.
This way, you could confidently make a counter argument against that detestable lawyer and your in-laws.
How can I find a job when I'm like this? Tell me.
It'd be best if you can have an interview and be hired tomorrow.
Chen Junsheng's lawyer won't give you much more time.
Every day is very important for you.
The faster you get a job, the higher your chances of winning.
What about the hospital?
I'll come here tomorrow morning and pay your bill.
Wait. How can I work? Look at my current state.
Go home and get a good night's sleep. You'll be just fine when you wake up tomorrow morning.
What kind of jobs are you searching for?
I don't even know what I can do.
Sales clerk, waiter, and clothing and cosmetics sales.
Sales clerk? They have to stand all day. How can I stand like that?
Waiters have to carry trays and walk back and forth.
Don't even mention sales.
They have to cater to others and kiss up to others. How can I possibly do that?
Then forget about having custody of your son.
I want him.
Fine. Help me search. See what I can do.
I'll try.
But, right now, at least for the time being, I really can't stand, even if it's just for an hour.
You'll just go for an interview tomorrow. They won't ask you to start working immediately.
You can ask to start after three days. You could rest for three days.
There will be a few times in our lives when
we're forced to leave our comfort zone.
You think you can't do it right now
but it's actually because you still think of yourself as Mrs. Chen who is handed everything.
Times have changed, Zijun.
Your current situation isn't any better than that of a working girl.
Close your eyes and change your role.
Sales assistant or waiter, I've never imagined I would become one among them.
I admit that when I went to a mall or restaurant in the past
I wouldn't even give them a second glance.
It's as if I was born as Mrs. Chen.
Actually, I've become too proud and forgotten where I came from.
I don't want to remember that I was first merely a secretary at a small business.
I've regarded it like a past life.
From this day that I've decided to work
I've seen that I can be as lowly as dust
and seen the adaptability of life.
Do I have too much lipstick on?
No. It's better than looking pale and sickly.
You're interviewing for a sales position. That's the kind of interview which really judges your looks.
It's to see how you look. It's not whether you look good.
It's to see if you look cheerful and friendly.
What should I say?
Just say you didn't work after giving birth. Your child is grown up now.
Your husband's job isn't financially stable
so you've decided to earn a living.
You're not going with me?
Not only can I not go with you, but I have to head straight to the office after I drop you off.
You'll have to go to the other stores on your own.
I don't want to.
There are many things that you'll have to face on your own in the future.
Start here. Let's go.
I didn't get my bag yet.
Hurry up, Miss!
Which bag should I bring?
Who are you looking for?
I'm here for an interview.
Please fill out this form.
Okay.
- Thank you.- Have a seat over there.
Ma'am, are you also here to interview for a customer service desk position?
Yes.
- How old are you?- Ma'am, you look really classy.
Where were you working before?
I was working at Kerry Centre.
I worked front desk for Chlitina before. It was quite high-end.
How much were you paid a month?
You must have had to know English.
Yes.
We were working at a mall near Jiangqiao.
We were doing well initially, but we had an argument with a client over an invoice.
We weren't allowed to create invoices for office supplies
but she insisted on it and got physical.
I'm human too. I couldn't just stand there and be hit, right?
I later quit.
In the end, she even had to pay for that woman's medical fees. Wasn't that unlucky?
Are you done?
Here.
How come you haven't filled out your work history over the last two years?
I wasn't working these past two years.
You had a child?
Yes.
Are you from Shanghai?
Come with me. Bring your bag.
I'm not discriminatory. We just don't dare to use Shanghai natives.
We'd rather employ
those pretty, young ladies who are from other places.
They're willing to work hard and aren't picky.
Our mall isn't considered high-end
but it can be considered mid-end.
A front desk job is so easy. They'd really cherish it.
I've employed Shanghai women before. They're not right for the job.
If it's not an issue with this, it's an issue with that.
Their fathers drop them off to work and their husbands pick them up after work.
They complain about the material quality of our uniforms
or that our shoes are too hard or whatever.
When we dismiss them, they report us to the Labor Bureau.
We pay her a salary but we end up waiting on her instead.
I actually have your interests in mind.
Of course, it's also for my own sake.
I think you should probably leave.
Oh, right. Next month
we have our anniversary sale with deep discounts. Come make purchases!
Grand Gateway 66
Our day shift starts at 6 a.m.
Night shift ends at 1 a.m. We run on two shifts.
Most people who are mindful of skincare and health like you
who like to stay beautiful, likely can't last very long.
You should look elsewhere.
- Thank you.- You're welcome.
I'm not going anywhere else.
I'm not young or capable. Nobody wants me.
Basic necessities and makeup.
Even if you're not capable, nobody's better at these fields than you.
You're familiar with the products. You'll definitely be better at selling them than those aunties.
It's almost nighttime. Why don't we come back tomorrow?
You don't understand the feeling of being rejected so many times in a few days.
I don't want to be rejected one more time.
I was rejected more times than you when I was looking for a job as a freshly graduated graduate student.
I'm 37 years old. I'm not in my early 20s.
Forget it, then. I seem to care more than you do.
You say you want this and that, but you aren't willing to suffer any hardship.
Let's leave then.
I don't care anymore. It's not my son we're talking about.
Mom, when can we go back home?
What's the matter?
We're not going to keep living at Auntie Tangjing's house, are we?
Of course not.
Let me ask you. Do you want to live with me
or with your dad and grandparents?
With you, of course.
But Mom, where will we live from now on?
Will we be poor?
No. Your mom is looking for a job.
Let me ask you. What do you think about me being a sales assistant?
That's great! If I buy something there, will it be free?
All you care about is money.
Mannings
We have four people rotating shifts. I'm the store manager.
Why don't you tell me about your past work experience?
Why are you here now?
I haven't worked much in the past.
I just want to come out and do a bit of work.
Miss, did you have a fight with your husband?
Don't worry. You're just angry with your husband right now. Things will be fine in a few days.
Go home.
Our store looks put together and modern but it's not what you think.
We have to move cargo every day. It's tough work.
You won't be able to manage.
Go home.
We didn't have a fight. We divorced.
I need to find a job in order to win custody of my child.
There's not much I know how to do but I'm willing to learn.
I've already went to many places but nobody will hire me.
At least give me a few days so I can give it a try. Thank you.
All right, all right. Okay, Miss.
Don't cry. Don't be like this, all right?
Come give it a try for a few days.
If you do a good job, you can be an official employee, okay?
Okay.
Listen, you can't cry when you're on the job. You need to smile.
Even if you lose your wallet, you need to smile. If a customer yells at you, you need to smile even more.
Remember. In any case, you need to smile at all times.
Come on. Show me a smile.
Your smiling face looks worse than your crying fine. Fine, fine.
Come to work tomorrow.
Although it's merely a makeup sales promoter
and the salary is only 3,000 yuan a month
it means a lot to me.
Think about it. I thought I wouldn't be able to do anything.
Now things are great. Even if it's just Ping'er, I'm doing my best.
Bring us more wine.
You should think back to a few days ago.
If you really had gone to sleep after taking those sleeping pills and couldn't wake up anymore, this day wouldn't have come for you.
Although, in my opinion, this can't be considered a start
after a month
when you've received your wages and they're keeping you as an employee, then it'll be a real start.
Come, now. The first step is always the hardest.
Let's celebrate again in a month.
When I get my wages in a month, I'll treat you all to dinner.
Sure.
I have to go home early today. Ping'er is waiting for me to tuck him into bed.
I also have to go to sleep early so I'll be the first at work tomorrow.
- I'm leaving.- I'll drive you.
No need to. I'm going now. Bye, Old Zhuo.
I can breathe easy now.
It feels like It's been a long time since I saw a lively Luo Zijun.
Don't be happy so soon.
What do you mean?
She hasn't worked in ten years. Now, she's suddenly working again.
If it were so easy to adapt
then there wouldn't be so many cynical and pessimistic people.
I think Zijun is prepared to be a normal, working-class mother.
It's just that she thinks she's ready.
If you don't believe me, just wait and watch.
In less than three days, she'll be defeated by
various issues she finds weird and never could have imagined.
Do you think being a makeup sales promoter is easy?
You think it's just making yourself and other people pretty
like seen in Korean dramas?
She has to unload cargo, tally inventory, and clean.
She also has to deal with all sorts of unreasonable customers and coworkers.
I'm going to call her to warn her.
Hello?
Zijun, I want to tell you--
I know. It's such a small shop. It's not even as big as my house.
Why would I not be able to manage? Experience is gradually gained.
I'll just be nicer to everyone.
That won't happen. I do have some common sense. It's not like some high-end product.
I'm currently writing
a letter to the teacher for Ping'er. What should I write?
Just be honest.
Just say some things are happening at home lately that will inevitably affect his mood.
As parent's, you'll try to settle it as quickly as possible
and do your best to provide a safe and stable environment for the child.
Okay, I got it.
I told Ping'er I'll be working.
He said he supports me.
He also said when his friends used to ask him what his mom's job was
he wasn't able to answer.
I can't talk. I have to finish writing. Bye.
Okay, that's all then.
Bye, now.
You win again, Mr. Mind Reader.
One has to walk the path step by step and taste the hardship bite by bite.
Only by stripping yourself of all you are can you become an all new person.
Other than that, there are no shortcuts.
Instead of worrying, why don't you focus on eating?
When she has suffered a serious defeat in a few days
and comes to you crying and sobbing, you'll have the energy to deal with it.
Do you think
it'd be possible for Zijun to be a waitress at a restaurant like this?
If there's a boss out there who hires her
I'm guessing he will regret that decision for the rest of his life
and would love to sew his mouth shut and tie it off with eight knots.
Could you be any harsher?
I'm just telling the truth.
You seem to be in a good mood today.
Are you adjusted to working at Chen Xing now?
I can adjust to working anywhere.
Chen Junsheng seems to perform decently at work.
I didn't force Lingling to leave
but gossip is a fearful thing. I'm afraid she won't last long.
She hasn't left yet; first, because her relationship with Chen Junsheng
hasn't been locked down yet. Moreover, she needs
this decent salary to support herself and her son.
However, Lingling's self-preservation ability
truly is something that not even ten of Luo Zijun can compare to.
I heard you haven't signed a contract with Adam yet.
When are you signing?
Next month.
I'm not familiar with some of Chen Xing's rules and regulations yet
so I need to work out some of the details with Adam first.
- What's the matter?- Nothing.
Since you haven't signed a contract yet, then I still have a chance.
You know I'll do my best up all the way until the last minute.
I've also been brainstorming already.
So why are you telling me?
Aren't you afraid I'll move up the contract signing and you'll lose your chance?
An honest man does not do underhanded deals.
I'll pretend I didn't hear what you said.
Don't do stupid things like this again.
If you let others know your hand, you'll lose your business.
Don't tell me you're hoping someone will award you with a plaque that says labels you as an honest person?
Is there any meaning to that?
If you can do it, why don't you get the contract signed before I do?
If you get it done before I do, I'll have Old Zhuo bring in the best bluefin tuna belly
in celebration of your mastery of all lessons.
You can go ahead and reserve it now.
All right.
On the whole, you have learned all I have to teach
but you are still a bit lacking in being resilient as a person.
Otherwise, you really are invincible. Even I might not be a match for you.
I don't want to become another He Han who is devoid of humanity.
Well said. Devoid of humanity.
Is this
tasty?�
It's tasty. That is human nature.
Closed
Luoluo, get changed and get ready to go.
- What's this for?- Happy birthday.
Whose birthday is it?
Stop acting. It's your birthday today.
I saw your ID card.
I only follow the Chinese Lunar calendar, not the Gregorian calendar.
What's the matter?
All right, all right.
Thank you. Give it.
Wear this hat.
- No way.- It's cute.
What would I look like?
- It'll set the mood. It'll be cute.- What?
Make a wish and blow out the candle.
You haven't made a wish yet.
I already did. How would you know if I did or didn't?
All right, then. Hold on.
What are you doing?
I don't eat cream. There's so much.
Look. Is there any cream?
It's cheesecake. I told them not to use any cream.
Okay, okay. Thank you.
You're even drinking?
It's a happy occasion. I have to drink with you.
What's the big deal? It's just a birthday.
Which of those wines is the most expensive?
The second to last one.
This one?
Yes. Eat some.
Hope you don't mind that I'm using your alcohol.
Fine, fine.
Don't drink so much. That's enough.
- Happy birthday.- Thank you.
- What is this taste?- Isn't it spicy?
Don't drink so much.
Don't underestimate me. I have a wealth of experience. I can hold my liquor as good as you can.
What kind of experience would you have, kid?
Fine, tell me about your experiences. I'll wash it down with my liquor.
Go ahead.
Have you seen my mother?
Yes.
When she got married.
I'll continue talking about my experiences.
In the following ten years
my mother remarried three times. So aside from my dad
I have three other stepfathers who are as varied as they come.
When I go to their houses, I have to mentally prepare myself first.
I'm afraid I'd call them by the wrong name when I enter.
Then why do you insist on going?
I need money.
My mom took all the money my dad earned in Japan with you.
That's why I have to show up in her face all the time to ask for money.
Have you experienced that before?
Drink.
What a wealth of experience. What happened afterwards?
What do you mean afterwards? It's your turn.
I don't have anything to talk about. I just opened this restaurant. That's it.
Keep talking about your experiences.
Fine.
Later on
after my mom took the money and left
my dad was very sad and didn't work.
The two of us stayed at home every day.
One day, he told me
we only had 4.8 yuan left.
He knew I was starving
so he bought a bag of cookies for me.
I don't know if I was hungry or what
but I thought that bag of cookies was the most delicious I've ever had.
My dad steeped a cup of tea for himself.
I saw him chew the tea leaves and swallow it.
♫ Into your season, dreaming... ♫
Don't drink anymore.
Talk about something else.
My dad passed away last year.
Don't drink so much.
Timing and Subtitles brought to you by The 1/2 Heart Team @ viki
"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. ♫