Timing and subtitles brought to you by The River of LifeTeam@ Viki
[Like a Flowing River]
[Episode 3]
You're here for your daughter's job, right?
- Sit down. - Yes.
I saw how you've been going around for your daughter's matter.
Let me be honest with you, too.
For this matter, I don't think that I can decide. It's no use speaking with me.
You must talk with the higher ups.
But with your family situation,
I reckon that it will be useless no matter who you speak with.
How are our parents' health?
Don't let them tire themselves too much. They are old already.
You're home!
Dad, Xiao Hui wrote us a letter.
What did he say?
He said that he did well for this semester.
He said that he misses you two. He asked that you take good care of your health and not to tire yourselves too much.
Okay. Okay.
Husband,
what did the medicinal material office said?
Can they give Ping Ping a job?
I've went there so many times and said everything that can be said,
but they won't even give her even a temporary post.
I've also been to the health center a few times.
They only have a few open job spots there, just one to two per year.
It was also hard for them, that they haven't replied until now.
Ping Ping,
we really are so incapable; hence, unable to help you.
Mom, what are you saying?
I know that
those educated youth that returned to their hometown and those decommissioned soldiers
are all falling in line to get a job.
It's fine. I'm able to provide for myself no matter what job I take.
But what can a lady like you do by yourself?
I can knit clothes or paste paper boxes.
I'm even fine doing rushed clothes.
Father, Mother, I also have given it some thought.
I shouldn't keep staying home and being a free loader.
I should go out and look for a job
to help with our finances.
A few days ago, I delivered some medicines to Auntie Li.
I saw that her whole family, both old and young ones,
is knitting clothes for the county factory.
She said that they earn a lot from it.
Ping Ping,
jobs like knitting clothes and pasting paper boxes are too tiring.
If others can do it, why can't I?
Why don't I go to the county now and look for any job opportunities?
Ping Ping.
Taking a job is not a small matter.
You must think about it well before deciding.
I'll go look at the situation first. It's not as if I'm pasting paper boxes now.
- Be careful. - Yes.
- Husband. - What is it?
Our Ping Ping
must earn money by herself to live now?
Didn't the child already say
that she's just going to check first.
This child has such a difficult life.
She feels aggrieved, but can't say it.
Xiao Hui!
Sister? Why are you here?
I miss you, so I came to visit you.
Look at you.
You've traveled very far to come here alone, so why still bring so many things?
Dad and Mom both miss you.
They were worried that you were not eating well. I brought a lot of delicious food for you.
If you're unable to finish them, you can share them with your classmates.
With such delicious foods, I don't want to share it with them.
- Sister, are you tired? - No.
Xiao Hui, your school is so big.
I had to ask so many people before I could find your dorm.
Wait for me for a while. I'll just put these things down.
- I'll take you to look around. - Okay.
[Library]
Sister, this is our classroom.
Xiao Hui, your classroom is so huge.
If you look from here, it's like a small mountain.
Xiao Hui, where do you usually sit?
Sister, this is the university.
There's no designated seat. You can sit anywhere you want.
So free.
Really great.
Is college life interesting?
Very interesting.
We frequently discuss things.
Of course, we also argue to the point of our faces and ears turning red.
But we also are able to gather for wine and brag.
Oh, right, Sister.
I usually stand here to read the People's Daily to everyone.
And my current English level has become exceptional.
Even my professor said that I've improved very quickly.
Everyone is praising me.
I'm thinking
that if I'm able to read the newspapers in English, that's what really is on a different level.
Sister.
Sister, what are you thinking?
I'm happy for you.
I'm proud.
It's true.
Guests and friends,
all the members of Dormitory Room 209 of Anyun University
welcomes Comrade Song Yunping, who has traveled far to come here.
Okay. Let's do some introductions.
For this one, I think there's no need for it.
You probably know him better than any of us.
Third in senoirity, Yu Shanqing.
If we're going to talk about a person that's cold on the outside, but warm inside, he surely will be the perfect example.
How do you talk?
This one...
pass.
Oh, wrong. This is the oldest person
among us here in our room, with the most virtue and prestige.
However, he doesn't behave as one.
He is usually inferior to Xiao Hui in terms of being unfettered. Our big boss,
Ding Jianguo.
You're talking wildly!
That... Comarade Song, don't listen to his rubbish.
Among us, he is the most shameless and unruly.
I'm Tian Jiachang.
In this room, I ranked second in seniority. Little Song and I
are like brothers.
Whenever he writes letters back home, does he usually praise me?
He does.
Whenever Xiao Hui wrote me letters, he would say a lot of interesting things about all of you.
I usually would laugh nonstop.
I finally get to meet you all personally.
You all are more welcoming and interesting than I imagined.
I love hearing those words.
If you're not family, you won't be going inside the same room.
Xiao Hui is like family to us. You are his family.
Then, all of us is one big family. No need to be courteous with us.
Yes, it is our Xiao Hui's good fortune to meet all of you.
Thank you for taking good care of him.
If you're going to thank anyone, thank the good policy of the country.
It's because of it that we're all able to enter the university and gather together.
Comrade Song,
I heard that you also passed the college entrance exam.
But because of some reasons,
you handed the opportunity to your little brother.
Was it like that?
This... I also heard about it.
Comrade Song, for that, you're really
outstanding. We all are expressing our admiration.
Okay already. Stop saying it.
That...Third Uncle, drink one by yourself first.
- Right, drink. - Huh?
- Right. You drink by yourself first. - I can't drink that much.
Drink by yourself. Come... Let's have a toast!
I'll drink one first, bottoms up.
Sister, where are we going?
Here.
Let's go.
Sister, why did you bring me here?
I'll be taking the ride back home tonight.
It's rare for me to be able to visit you. Let us buy some stuff for you.
I don't lack anything. No need to buy.
Xiao Hui, come here and look.
Doesn't this shirt look nice?
What about this?
Sister, don't buy any more.
I think this one looks nice.
Comrade, can you let me see this shirt?
Look at how nice it is.
Comrade, how much is this?
¥6,29.
So expensive. Moreover, I won't be able to wear that.
Why not?
I saw your classmates wearing this kind of shirt.
See, you surely will look good on this.
I'm taking this shirt. Wrap it up for me.
- ¥6,29... - Pay at the cashier.
Where is it?
That way.
Thanks.
Sister, I haven't had a good chat with you yet during this visit of yours
and you're already leaving.
There's a hostel near our school.
How about you stay for the night and just go home tomorrow?
I won't anymore. Hostels are quite expensive.
Moreover, I'm still needed at home.
If you want to say anything, just write them to me.
Xiao Hui, turn around and let me see.
It fits.
- It fits? - Yes, you look good.
I'll be wearing it then.
When I read novels before,
the leading men would wear white shirts like that.
I will then think that one day, I would let you wear one, too.
In my eyes now, you have pizzazz, are calm, bold, and elegant.
Beautiful. A young handsome man.
Sister, how could you praise your little brother like that?
I'm saying that you're a grown up now. You're now a man.
I'm a man to begin with.
I'm saying that you look good in anything you wear.
You must bring that out often. Bear to wear it, okay?
Oh, right, Sister. You've brought me so much stuff.
You even bought me clothes and are buying a ticket back.
Where did you get so much money?
I have my ways. Don't bother with that anymore.
Why are you looking at me like that?
I don't do illegal or profiteering acts.
Where did you get the money?
I sold my hair for ¥12,53.
Don't overthink.
I've grown my hair for decades.
I've been planning to change my hairstyle.
I happen to hear the hair stylist say that the quality of my hair is good.
My two pony tails are very black and thick. It can sell for a good price.
I then sold it. ¥12,53.
It was also not a waste to care for them for so many years.
It was worth it.
What are you doing? Isn't it just two ponytails?
Look. Don't I look very tidy now?
I know, Sister. Keep this.
Be careful on your way back. Remember to write me letters.
You must remember to review.
Don't forget to wear that white shirt. Don't keep it in your clothes chest. That's such a waste.
Five years have passed.
It still looks the same.
[Jinling County Armed Forces]
[Review Main Points]
Do you want a rabbit?
That's a rabbit?
Of course. It's a long-haired rabbit.
Long-haired rabbit?
This... I just trimmed their hair.
For one rabbit,
you can cut off one kilo of hair.
It can sell a lot.
You can sell rabbit's hair?
Why then are you selling all these rabbits?
I have four more children at home.
I really am too busy to even care about them.
Miss, you're quite young.
How about you give it a try?
But I have never tended rabbits before.
What do you need to do?
It would indeed require a bit of effort.
It has to pull up weeds, eat,
and cleanliness is very important. And...
Can you see that? There's a Livestock Office over there.
Go ask there.
They would be able to explain it better than me.
I just want to ask about long-haired rabbits.
How do you care for them?
Can you earn money in raising them? More or less, that kind of questions.
Sit. Sit.
Okay. There are a lot of species of long-haired rabbits.
In our province, the most commonly raised kind is the white Angola long-haired rabbit,
because it's easier to dye white hair.
Actually, our province
hasn't been raising long-haired rabbits for a long time yet.
There is also no large scale raising of such an animal.
If you really want to raise one,
if you really want to earn money from it, you must make it large scale.
If you're able to raise 50 rabbits,
you're able to produce 50 kilos of white hair.
If you take it to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative, you can exchange it for ¥300 plus.
¥300 plus?
Raising long-haired rabbits can earn me that much money?
Does our Supply and Marketing Cooperative only accept rabbit hair?
All the branches of our county's Supply and Marketing Cooperative accept rabbit hair.
I have two books here. You can take them back for reading.
It talks about all knowledge regarding raising long-haired rabbits.
Miss, bring them home and raise them well.
Goodbye, Auntie.
Move aside! Move aside!
- How do you ride your bike? - How do you walk?
Didn't you see that you almost hit someone?!
Didn't you see her?
What's wrong with you?!
My rabbits!
- What's wrong? Let me do it. - The rabbits have escaped!
Don't rush. I'll help you.
Comrade, for you.
Thanks.
There's still one over there.
Comrade, here. How many are still missing?
Two more.
- Here. - Thanks.
What happened to it?
I accidentally stepped on it.
I'll pay you.
I went out of the house in a hurry and only have a 20-cent note with me.
How about you wait for me here? I'll go home to get it.
I have decommission pay.
How about you give me your address?
I'll deliver the money to your house once I got it.
Comrade, I'm not a swindler.
I'm a decommissioned soldier. I'm from the Xiaoleijia Army.
Look.
Soldiers of the People's Liberation Army don't lie.
Forget it.
Comrade, take this. Give me your address.
Once I get my money, I'll go to your house and exchange this with the money.
Forget it.
You also were just helping. I just have bad luck.
Comrade! The rabbit!
I don't want it anymore.
- Dongbao. - You're done with your decommission papers?
Where did you get this wild animal?
A wild rabbit will look like that? Quickly clean it.
Roast it to be paired with alcohol.
Roasting it to pair with alcohol? Brother Hongwei, go get some wine.
Brother Dongbao has been back for several days, but we still haven't given him a welcoming party.
Where will I get wine? Tell me, who in the whole village will have wine?
We can only go to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative, but at this time it's also now closed.
Even if it's open, do you have money?
Do you have any money?
Laowu, you're the wisest.
I'll handle the rabbit. Hongwei will get the wine. You'll be idle?
I didn't say I'll be idle. I'll clean up.
- What are you going to clean? - Roast it, right?
Go look for Zhongfu.
He knows how to brew sweet potato wine. I'm guessing that he's hiding some in his house.
Right...
- Are we calling Zhongfu to join us? - Why?
We won't have enough to eat.
Tell him that I asked him to come.
If he's willing to come, then good. If not, it's okay.
Okay. I'll go now.
Laowu! Come help me!
- Boil some water. - Okay.
Fill it to the brim.
Fill it.
Today, we're
doing a welcoming meal for Comrade Dongbao, right?
That... How does your troop drink alcohol?
All are still drinking. Come!
After leaving to be a soldier for so many years, thanks to you all for taking care of my mother.
I came today to thank you all.
Dongbao, your mother is our mother. We also didn't do much.
The whole village is poor. It's just some farming and helping work.
If I didn't come home, I wouldn't have known it. I was really shocked.
Upon opening our house's door, there was a big hole on our wall.
The northern winds blow in and the snow floats in. It's really cold inside our house, like an ice cellar.
I must thank you all a lot.
I'm thinking of getting some sogon grass and yellow mud tomorrow
to fill up the wall. You all see
- if anyone is free to help me out. - I'm free.
I'll go. I'll be there first thing in the morning.
Dongbao, you can be considered as being experienced.
What is your plan upon coming back to our village?
You asked the main point.
Among us, you had the finest life.
Tell me, our Xiaoleijia is already like this. What is your plan?
What plan can I have?
Just farm my house's plot well, store some food, and just talk about other things next time.
Don't put off the other things. Aren't you saving up food to marry a wife?
It's been so many years.
None of you have gotten married, right?
We... have to wait for you, our boss, to marry first. Right?
Don't talk about us. That Shigen, what?
He's already thirty plus years but still unmarried.
He is even literate. What's the use?
Our Xiaoleijia is too poor.
A day of workload is just 7 cents.
In the adjacent village, people can get 38 cents for a day's workload.
Just 7 cents?
- That's still one cent short to buy a mail stamp. - Right.
Didn't Zhongfu ask earlier what my plans are?
Okay. I'll tell you all my thoughts.
My plan is that our Xiaoleijia
can't continue to be this poor anymore!
- It can't continue to be this poor! - Let's drink!
Come, for not being poor.
Bottoms up!
Uncle, I came to ask for work.
Close the doors.
It wasn't easy for me to accumulate this much heat. It's all gone, thanks to you.
Close them. Close them.
It's still your place that's warmer.
What work do you plan to give me?
I went to the commune yesterday.
The commune asked about you. I said how else could you be?
I saw you grow up.
You even joined the Revolutionary Forces.
How can you be bad?
The commune promised
to temporarily make you an assistant secretary for six months.
What are you laughing about?
You're really my biological uncle. You put too much confidence in my skills.
I only wanted to be some company commander of the voluntary corps. Assistant secretary?
Uncle, if you have any problems in the future,
just let me handle it. I guarantee that I'll fulfill the task.
Dongbao,
I still haven't even fulfilled the tasks
given by the commune a year ago.
One is...
is... Look at my brain.
Contract responsibility system.
Later, go and read that document well and tell me what to do.
At the start of the year, come up with a proposal and report it to the commune with me.
Start of the year?
That's less than a month from now.
That's right. Hence, you must hurry.
Dongbao. Dongbao?
The commune said that our Xiaoleijia Brigade is the poorest in the county.
Until now, we're still eating giveaway grains by the government.
Think of a way.
[Jinling County Revolutionary Committee Document]
Xiao Bao, say something.
Are you going to meet these ladies or not?
No, Xiao Bao, if you didn't like all of them, that... Look.
Your Auntie Zhang said that there's another one in the western village. Look at this picture.
She looks quite pretty.
It's just that there's something wrong with her leg.
Not even one is acceptable. Is your son that cheap?
We can't do anything about it. If you're not a decommissioned soldier, a party member,
or a cadre of the brigade, you won't even find ladies like these.
Who made our village so poor?
In our village, one day's work is just 7 cents.
We couldn't even catch up to the adjacent village.
Who would be willing to marry into our village?
Let's just talk about it next year.
I've just become a cadre. I have no time for marriage. Let's not talk about it.
No, Xiao Bao, listen to me.
You will get married sooner or later. While I'm still very active,
have a son, so I can take care of him for you.
One year. Mom, can we not talk about this matter for a year?
- No, Bao'er, you— - Mom, give me a year.
- I don't believe that I'm unable to find a decent wife. I'll find you a good one. - Dongbao!
Dongbao! Auntie.
- Matchmaker Zhang came to your house? - Yes.
Auntie, a decommissioned soldier is really different.
Upon coming back, someone's already suggesting marriage prospects?
That many? Let me see. I'll help choose for Dongbao.
So many. Who do you like?
White. Big eyes. You too look quite alike.
- Quite good. - She's more suitable for you. [Crippled left leg]
Mom, I'm going out!
Xiao Bao! Xiao Bao!
- Where are you going? - I'm killing that tree in our backyard.
Auntie, Matchmaker Zhang looks down on Xiaoleijia.
- Let's go. - Even I wouldn't want them.
[Remaining]
- Dongbao. - Uncle. - You're starting your work?
I have to hurry.
You understood the essence of the document that fast?
What understand? I only understood this statement in the whole document.
Uncle,
you must write me a recommendation letter. I'll go to the different brigades and look around.
I'll try to learn from them.
Good. I'll write you one now.
Okay. You guys just go back to your work.
Come. Come and support him over there.
I can't exert any more effort, Old Ding.
Singing makes us closer.
- Pull his clothes. - What's wrong, Big Uncle?
- Why did he drink... - Not stopping until completely drunk.
He is happy.
He received a letter from home that his father's rightist faction has completely been rehabilitated.
- Old Ding. - Look at the letter.
- Read the letter! - Okay already, Old Ding.
- Old Ding. Old Ding. Stay calm. - Read the letter!
Okay, let's sing. Come.
♫ Five star red flag welcomes the wind ♫
♫ and flutters; Victory songs ♫
♫ are so loud and clear ♫
♫ Singing about our beloved country ♫
♫ From now on, walking towards progress and wealth ♫
♫ Going over high mountains, going across the flat plains ♫
♫ Crossing the surging Yellow River and Yangtze River ♫
♫ Vast and beautiful lands ♫
♫ It's our beloved hometown ♫
♫ Heroic citizens, stand up ♫
♫ Our united friendship is as strong as steel ♫
♫ Five star red flag welcomes the wind and flutters; Victory songs ♫
♫ are so loud and clear ♫
♫ Singing about our beloved country ♫
Slow down!
Sister, do you know that
rehabilitating the rightist faction is the newest spirit of the central government.
Based on this latest central authority spirit,
it means that our family's counter-revolution reputation
will soon be removed. Let me hold that.
That's really good news.
But you being able to come home for the new year this year is the best news.
Xiao Hui,
how were you able to save up for your bus ticket home?
Isn't your stipend just ¥15?
You even have to buy so many books. Are you saving too much on food?
Just right.
Sister, you even mailed me money twice, one ¥5 and one ¥10. I saved them all.
Oh, right, Sister.
You told me in your letter that you don't plan to take the college entrance exam anymore. Are you serious?
I'm not taking it.
Why? The latest policies are getting better.
If you take it again this year, you surely won't encounter those situations again.
Also, once our family is rid of our counter-revolution reputation,
no one can make things hard for us anymore.
Sister, look. I've brought you so many books because I don't want you to give up on your dreams.
Who told you that I'm giving up on my dreams? Let's go.
Sister.
Xiao Hui! Xiao Hui! Are you all right?
I'm fine. I'm fine, Sister.
- Did you get hurt? - I'm fine.
Catch the bag.
- Give me your hand. - I'll go up on my own. I'll be fine. - Give me your hand.
You're still laughing?
- I told you that I can do it on my own, yet you still want to pull me. Are you all right? - I'm not.
Let's go. I'll go up first and then pull you.
Give me your bag.
Comrade, come.
Come. Come.
Thanks.
This comrade, thank you.
It's you.
- Sister, you two know each other? - We do. - We don't.
Comrade, please act with decency.
No, we count as knowing each other, and also not knowing each other.
- This comrade, thank you for earlier. Goodbye. - Don't. I haven't paid the rabbit money yet.
My sister already said that she doesn't know you!
You should explain clearly that I'm not a bad person.
I bought some rabbits in the town proper last time, but two escaped.
He helped me catch them.
Right. I was so clumsy that I stepped on and killed one.
I said that I'll pay your sister back for it, and still haven't done so yet.
Our house is just nearby. Why don't we go there and get the money?
No need. I've already told you to forget that matter.
No, are you here to visit a relative? Which brigade are you from? Do you know this path well?
We do! Comrade, we're going home.
Thanks. Sister, let's go.
- Be careful. - Look, be careful.
They used to burn bricks here; hence, the road has a lot of potholes. Let me be your guide.
No need, Comrade. We're rushing to go home. Our parents are waiting for us.
Thank you for today.
Why be so courteous?
Sister.
That annoying person didn't follow us.
I think he's just too hospitable and not really a bad guy.
He's being too friendly. I really couldn't get along with people like that.
Aren't the Big Uncle and Second Uncle in your dorm like him, too?
In terms of personality, they are indeed similar.
But they both are well-educated. They wouldn't speak or act in such an unruly manner.
- Shigen. - Dongbao.
Is there food prepared in your home?
None.
What are you holding?
- Nothing. - Let me see. - No.
Don't drop it. Let me borrow that.
- No, Zhongfu just cooked this. - I'll pay you back next time.
How can you borrow food?
Look at your sweet potato like face and you still eat them?
You could have left me even just one piece!
You now know the route, right? Just walk ten miles more forward and we'll be home.
This is indeed faster than taking the main road. Xiao Hui, are you hungry?
I'm already hungry.
What about the food in your bag?
I do have some, but they are all cold now. I fear that my stomach will act up if I eat them.
- Hey! - Let's quickly go then.
Comrades!
I finally caught up with you two.
The weather is very cold. I saw your lips already turning blue earlier.
You two haven't eaten yet, right? Look.
These have just been cooked and are still hot. Quickly take it. It might burn your hand.
I'll give this to you, too.
Just treat it as payment for the rabbit.
Thanks.
How many thanks have you said along the way?
Are you from the Hongxing Brigade in front?
I heard that your Hongxing Brigade is currently doing the Land Contract Responsibility System?
I'm from the Xiaoleijia Brigade. I'm currently the assistant secretary.
Our brigade also plans to do that.
We live in the Hongwei Town in front, but are not farmers.
We don't know about the responsibility system.
Are you talking about all-round contract production responsibility system used by the Xiaogang Village in Fengyang County, Anhui Province?
Or payment according to output by groups, willingly creating and dividing work groups, contract for labor and production of functional groups?
You know these?
No, I... don't mean ill.
- Look at me. - My little brother is a college student.
College student? Those college students who ride the train to school?
He's capable.
Can you explain to me how to do this all-contract thing? How do you do the co-production responsibility system?
Our brigade also wants to do it. I've been to several brigades,
but none of them were able to explain it. Say, can you explain it to me?
I can, but we're in a hurry. I fear that I don't have time.
I can escort you to your destination. Let's talk while walking. I won't delay you.
The commune also asked us to learn that Anhui's all-contract system that you mentioned.
But you know that this document got passed from the city to the county, then from the county to the commune.
After getting passed around, the document indeed arrived, but no one knows anymore what its essence is.
Tell me about it.
Xiao Hui, do you know about them?
I do know some, but the practicability of some details differ from place to place.
No, it's fine if there are differences.
You're a college student, so you know more. Just casually tell me anything and it will surely be useful.
I'm thanking you in behalf of Xiaoleijia.
Let's first talk about in 1987, there was a mountain village in Anhui called Xiaogang Village.
There emerged a group of true practitioners.
Eighteen families of farmers put all their wealth at stake and made a blood pact.
They started to equally distribute fields to each household. From then on, they were able to maximally mobilize each villager's initiative to work.
Timing and subtitles brought to you by The River of LifeTeam@ Viki
♫ Flowers quietly bloom in the spring ♫
♫ Looking forward to the big and ripe golden fruits of Autumn♫
♫ Those seeds of hope that our predecessors sowed ♫
♫ will be reaped by their successors ♫
♫ The proud sun of summer burns like fire ♫
♫ Emerging layers of waves are still warm ♫
♫ Push open windows, let the breeze blow past, ♫
♫ as if spring has come to visit ♫
♫ The wind and snow of winter sweep past ♫
♫ Bringing songs of harvest during autumn ♫
♫ When did the rain fall? When did the wind stop blowing? ♫
♫ Telling stories of the past ♫
♫ The spring breeze continues to blow, still looking forward ♫
♫ to the flowing rivers of age; time fleetingly passes by ♫
♫ A journey of difficulties and loud songs ♫
♫ All belong to us ♫
♫ Smilingly watch as time passes by ♫