DEFEND OUR COUNTRY
CHINESE NAVY ADVANCED ARTILLERY ACADEMY
What is her problem?
There are plenty of buses. She has to exploit human labor.
Quite right. This place is not meant for her kind.
Well, she's here.
With a pretty face, knowing how to dress, she is a beauty.
So, what?
What's a pretty face worth? Nothing.
A girl from a capitalist family is no good.
Let's go, girls. Come on, follow me.
Let's go. Come on.
Follow me.
Why are you going so fast? You are not looking for a mate.
I need to see what you've brought us.
I'm warning you. Don't expect too much.
-What's wrong? -Just think.
Good-looking girls are like flowers. Once bloomed, they will be picked.
-Secretary Yang. -Secretary Yang.
Where are you going?
We are seeing the artillery.
Don't run around. It's about to start.
Yes, we understand.
Why are you stopping?
These are the people you got?
Not even worth a second look.
Lower your expectations.
And you can't tell just by seeing three of them.
Not even one of those three.
With a probability like that, I would know what it will be like.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven...
-Nice one. -Good.
Charging foul!
What are you doing, Ding?
You are the referee. Can't you just blow the whistle?
I did. Were you listening? As if I would if you touch me.
I know you wouldn't even if I kicked you.
The principal is asking for you.
NAVY
Why did you ask for him?
To get him to the ball.
Let him take a look at the girls. See if he likes anyone.
Didn't he just divorce? Give him a break.
Why would he need a break? Divorce is not heavy work.
It's like going for the pot with a plate just emptied, without wiping your mouth.
Is that decent?
How is it not decent?
It's not like his wife died so he has to stay single for three years.
He divorced from a feudal marriage imposed by his parents.
Principal, you asked for me.
Why aren't you going to the ball?
It's not really my thing.
It's indecent, men and women touching and hugging each other. Not for me.
How rude!
Local comrades care about the marital issue of bachelors like you,
and you make such ungrateful remarks.
No wonder they are offended.
Ma'am,
I am just being honest. Please forgive me.
I'm surprised, Colonel Jiang. You are young but still feudal-minded.
I am rustic. It's not really my thing.
All the more reason for a transformation.
Get dressed and come with me.
What, you are going to ignore my orders? Go now.
Okay then. I'll go and take a look.
I'll get dressed.
What was that about?
With a feudal mind like his, why bother divorcing?
An imposed marriage suits him perfectly.
Look at you.
Upset over someone else's divorce.
I am speaking up for us women.
He doesn't have kids, does he?
I really don't know about that.
MILITARY CLUB
Don't be nervous.
Just relax.
What's wrong?
My ankle got sprained.
Are you okay to dance?
I'm okay.
Let's go.
-What a lively scene. -Quite so.
Principal...
Take a seat.
Principal.
Sit, sit.
What's with the frown?
Principal,
honestly, I can't put up with this,
men and women barely knowing each other getting physical.
What does it look like?
If I'm looking for a wife, I won't consider one that dances like this.
You are such a bullhead!
Let's go dancing.
May I dance with my wife? Is that fine by you?
Yes, yes... That's absolutely fine.
Let's go.
May I have this for a dance?
Sorry, I can't. I got a sprained ankle.
Why are you not dancing? What are you here for?
I got my ankle sprained. It hurts badly.
Nice timing for a sprain. Did you do it on purpose?
I didn't.
Why would I do it on purpose?
You were not excited when you were informed about this.
Do you think this place is just for anyone?
If we had enough people, you wouldn't even be here.
A dance?
For the record,
I'm no good at dancing.
I'm not either.
Let's just do what we can.
Come on, we can just follow suit.
Look there.
I have eyes.
He said he wouldn't consider a woman that dances.
Turns out he has an eye for the best.
Shall we begin?
Then let's dance.
And that's not it. He's picky, too.
She's the only pretty one here.
But that doesn't matter.
Pretty as she is, he cannot have her.
Why is that?
Her background is not good. She's from a capitalist family.
Would you people want such a girl?
You...
Why would you bring her here if you knew that?
-I'm sorry. -It's okay. It's okay.
I'm just using her to up the numbers. Because...
What?
We don't have many pretty ones here tonight, do we?
Sorry, I'm stepping on your foot again.
-You are reckless. -Come on.
You are overreacting again.
Even if none of them work out,
you could just see this as a military social event.
Easy for you to say.
Are you stepping on my foot on purpose?
PEOPLE'S DAILY
Slow down. Don't run around.
Are you okay? You've looked uneasy all night.
I wonder how little sister is doing.
Poor girl.
I feel bad for her just thinking about it.
Feel bad about what? What's so bad about going to a dance?
What do you know?
Going to a ball like that, you are just an option for others.
And what's bad about that?
If she can be with an officer, that's a blessing for her.
And for the family.
I knew you would think like that.
What’s wrong with that? It is good for her.
Good for her? It seems to be more about yourself.
Even if I am thinking about myself, it is also good for the family.
You think about it.
For a family like ours, a military officer would be way out of our league.
Then again, who knows if we are that lucky?
You do it yourself.
What are you doing?
You are quarreling again.
Don't you ever get tired?
You're just getting tired now? You should have been long ago.
Your little sister is sent to a ball like that,
and you are sitting here, reading the newspaper.
You keep saying "a ball like that". What kind of ball is it anyway?
Is it some fire pit?
It's not, but it's no better.
She goes there as a choice for people. Don't you think it's humiliating?
An Xin,
you are worrying too much. So sensitive.
It's just a dance at the military school. How is it humiliating?
And besides,
even if someone is into her,
can she not choose for herself?
You don't get to choose in a place like that.
I hear it's a place filled with illiterates.
Those people are uncouth.
How can she marry someone like that?
When will this be over?
Pretty soon.
My God. Finally.
I'm all sweaty from dancing.
I'm sorry.
I should be apologizing.
I kept stepping on you.
Look at your foot. Maybe you should take a break?
You are worried about your boss, aren't you?
How about this,
you wait here, I'll talk to them.
Yeah, he's not here.
Principal,
Secretary Yang, I see one of your comrades
got a sprained ankle and cannot dance. Perhaps we could let her go home?
Okay then.
-You keep up the dance. -Okay.
See her off.
It's okay now. Let's go.
I guess warriors do have a weakness for charms of a beauty.
Jiang Defu hasn't realized.
Couldn't move his eyes away.
Not just him. You couldn't either.
-What are you talking about? -Just dance.
Thank you. I'll be going then.
Is your foot okay?
Perhaps I can get you a car?
No need.
There are plenty outside. Don't bother.
Who are you looking at?
Fascinated by a cripple.
That's my dancing partner. I just danced with her.
You can dance now? When did you learn?
Just a while ago.
I see.
She was crippled by you.
Not entirely. But I'm partially responsible.
It's Little Auntie. She's back.
This early?
What happened? Did someone offend you?
No one offended me. I sprained my ankle.
Get up. Where's the sprain?
Here?
What's wrong with you? All tossing and turning.
I can't sleep.
Insomnia?
Damn.
I didn't know insomnia would be such a pain.
I guess it's because of the dance.
You are quiet now?
I just danced myself into sleeplessness. How come?
Your crippled dancing partner, she's really that pretty?
Yes, very much so.
Like a beauty from a New Year painting.
No wonder you can't fall asleep.
Since you are attracted to her, do something about it.
Now that you are divorced, you are practically single anyway. You can do it.
Listen to yourself. Easy for you to say.
As if I could ever get someone like her.
A western-style student like that is not for uncouth fellows like us.
It's common for those students to marry the uncouth.
You are just one of many. What do you worry about?
Besides, you could at least try.
If you’re lucky, it may work.
And if not, it wouldn't hurt to have tried, would it?
Ding...
What?
You are a cool roommate.
Principal.
Getting off work?
Going home alone?
What is the Secretary making for dinner? Dumplings?
Tell me what you want.
Principal,
what is it with you matchmakers?
I was forced to go to the ball, and then there's no follow-up.
I thought you didn't want women who dance.
Well, people change.
Old thoughts can be transformed.
You went to a ball and your thoughts got transformed?
Then what are political commissars for? A dance would do just fine.
Well, it depends.
To look for a partner, a dance works better.
What, are you into the girl you danced with?
Yes, that's right.
Principal, can I try?
Anyone will do, but not her.
Why? What's the matter with her?
She's from a capitalist family.
What? Cat got your tongue?
Are you afraid?
That's funny. Why should I be?
Capitalist family, so what?
We dealt with the Japanese, the Americans and even the KMT reactionaries.
Can't we deal with a lady from a capitalist family?
I was worried earlier that I wouldn't deserve her.
Now it's different. We are almost equal. There's no reason for any contempt.
That's a good point.
Quite so.
A young student with little work experience. What could be wrong?
-Indeed. -We care about family background,
but it's not everything.
Who knows, maybe we will get along rather well.
-Warriors and beautiful women. -Sir, for me to make it,
anything you can do as a matchmaker would really matter.
Are you trying to coax me, kid?
Enough now. Stop it.
The cream won't make your face bloom.
Are you thinking about a younger woman because I'm old?
Not again. Listen to yourself.
You keep saying this. Don't you ever get tired of it?
I do not.
I'm keeping the alarm ringing.
It is for your own good.
Forget the alarm. You have a mission now.
Jiang Defu is into that capitalist girl, and he needs you to set things up.
Didn't you tell him?
About her family background?
How could I not have?
But he does not care.
He says he's a divorced man, so, they're almost on equal terms.
That is quite true. I'll try then.
She's hesitating?
Why would she be?
Send her to my office right away. I'll talk to her.
What an ungrateful girl.
Go on.
Now.
Secretary Yang is probably not inside. Come another day.
Come in.
Feeling hot?
Do you know why you are here?
Can you do more than nodding or shaking your head? Say something.
Louder.
Okay then. Let's get to the point.
I hear you are hesitating.
Tell me, what is it?
Why are you quiet again? Speak.
I'll go.
What?
I don't hear you.
I can go.
Why can you now?
Did you come around by yourself? Or did I just make you?
I'm not a tiger. I won't bite you.
I'm asking you one last time. Are you seeing him or not?
I might as well.
You have such a lady's temper.
Tomorrow then, at my place.
You can go now.
Wait.
An, you don't need to be this reluctant.
I'm just trying to help by setting things up.
No one is forcing you.
If it works, then it works. If it doesn't, just let it go.
We are in a new society now. Marriage is a personal choice.
It's totally up to you.
You're back early.
I know.
I guess the date won't happen.
She's not even dressed up. Clearly, she doesn't really care.
Don't just sigh. Teach her a lesson. You are just letting her be.
Do you think good fortune just falls into your lap?
Shut up. If you didn't talk, nobody would think you were dumb.
Jiang Defu, not that I like preaching you,
but as a divorced man,
do you need to be this excited about a date?
Honestly, I am a bit excited.
Just a bit?
You are over-excited.
How many times have you checked your watch in less than ten minutes?
Comrade Jiang, you are losing composure. This is serious.
I admit it.
I'm not sure enough. I have butterflies in my stomach.
Why would you? It's within your grasp.
Although you are on equal terms,
you have the principal and the secretary backing you up.
You have all the favorable conditions.
If this doesn't work, it means you are an idiot
and nothing else.
Now that you put it that way, I'm under even more pressure.
What are you looking at?
No.
Two will do.
Three would be trying too hard.
Good.
You got it.
Good boy. Full of eagerness.
I hope he can cross the Yalu River.
What does that mean?
You don't get it? I am wishing you guys good luck.
I should be the one to say that. Where did you find such a good guy?
The Artillery School.
Right, that's where to look.
Mr. and Mrs. Principal.
The suit really makes a difference. I can barely recognize you in it.
Not so much. I'm still the same man.
-Come in and have tea. -Yeah.
See the way you were playing? You have a cough now, don't you?
CHINESE NAVY ADVANCED ARTILLERY ACADEMY
Come here. You're about to fall.
There, look. Is that the lady you are expecting?
She must be a bride. Look how beautiful she is!
You wait here. I'll go back and let them know.
Auntie, are you a bride? Are you going to my home?
Come, I'll take you there.
Comrade, I...
-The bride is here. -She's here.
Dad, Mom, the bride is here.
Look at my boy, so joyful.
She's not your bride. What are so you excited about?
Your date makes our home so much livelier. Go.
My son is even happier than you.
I wish we could send you into the bridal chamber tonight.
Calm down.
Auntie, this is our home.
Mom, Auntie Bride is here.
Secretary Yang.
You are here.
Come on in.
-She's here. -You're here.
This is Colonel Jiang.
He was a first-grade combat hero in the Korean War,
one of our "more adorable men".
Colonel Jiang, this is An, An Jie.
She's an accountant at our hospital.
-Shake hands. -Right. Get to know each other.
By the way, this is my husband.
And these are my children.
This is the first time we're doing this. We are all excited.
-Come on, take a seat. -Yes, sit down. Come, An.
Come on, take a seat there.
-Yes, sit. -You two... sit down.
-Jiang Defu, sit. -Yes, sir.
Comrade An,
-have you had dinner? -Yes, I have.
What did you eat?
What kind of question is that?
-Have some water. -I'm just making a conversation.
-You do the talking then. -There's plenty to ask.
Besides, it's not for you to ask.
If you'll excuse me, I'll go take a walk.
You sit, sit.
You two just sit down.
Sit.
What are you doing sitting there?
You sit.
Go. How is it more of your business than mine?
Okay, then.
You guys have a nice talk.
Colonel Jiang, take some initiative.
An, be cooperative.
The rest is up to you now. We'll leave it to you two. Have a nice talk.
Do you think they'll get along?
I'm not so sure.
Why?
The girl didn't even get changed. She's wearing the same clothes from work.
No dress-up, no make-up.
I guess she's not that interested.
The bourgeoisie are just annoying.
If it doesn't work, let it be. Don't push anything.
They are from two different worlds. Even if it works, there will be problems.
Auntie, I'm here to look for something.
Go ahead.
Auntie, I didn't find it. I'm going.
Okay.
-Are they kissing each other? -They are sitting there doing nothing.
-Auntie seems unhappy. -What about Uncle?
I don't know. I forgot about him.
You are silly, going in there for nothing.
It is so hot.
Have some water.
I'm not thirsty.
Auntie, I'm here to look for something.
Go ahead.
No, no need.
No luck, again. I'm going now.
Uncle.
See you later.
Are you burnt?
Are you okay?
What are you two doing?
-Auntie got burnt with hot water. -Auntie got burnt with hot water.
-What happened? -Do you have any medicine? She's burnt.
Burnt? Here.
Such a big burn!
Take them off and let me see.
Get out...
Now.
What's wrong with you?
You're all sweaty. What did you do?
I did nothing. What could I have done?
Nothing? How did you burn her, then?
I was pouring water for her.
I was nervous already, and your daughter greeted me.
I just accidentally over-poured it.
Why did you go in?
Brother told me to go in and see if they were kissing.
You...
You kissed her?
How could I?
I didn't even get a good look at her lips.
Well? Is it serious?
How could it not be?
You'd better take her to the clinic. I can't help with this.
MARCH TO THE MODERNIZATION OF NATIONAL DEFENSE FORCES!
I think you should go to our clinic.
I'm good.
How can that be? The burn is serious. Go and take a look.
It's really not necessary. Thank you.
It's my fault. Don't thank me.
Are you sure you're not going?
I am sure. I have medicine back at home.
-I'll find a vehicle for you. -No need.
There are plenty outside.
-Chen. -Jiang.
Come on, let me use this for a while.
Sure. Take it, Jiang.
Come on, hop on.
Just hop on. It's okay. Come on.
Tricycle!
Thank you so much.
Can we see each other again?
I guess.
Well... how do we get in touch?
How about we exchange contact information? What do you say?
Yes... fine.
Here, write it in my book.
Don't you have pens there?
Okay then, I'm going.
Let's go.
Such a disaster.
Jiang, you went out?
Comrade, seems you had a bad beginning.
What are you doing?
This is top-grade.
Your top-grade pen embarrassed me.
-What happened? -Before I explain anything,
write the character "dui".
Which do you mean?
The one as in the word "unit".
What kind of pen is this? Not working for strangers?
Look.
Look at that. I knew I didn't get it right.
I should have added a stroke.
One stroke short. Now it's even less hopeful.
What is with you? You got yourself crippled both times.
Bad memory.
So? Does it look like there's hope?
What hope?
Even if there is, it is ridiculous.
You sprained your ankle again? How?
Not my ankle this time. It's my leg.
It's not sprained. It's burnt.
Let me take a look now.
Gosh.
Such a mark! This is serious.
Did you think I was pretending?
You were smiling.
With that smile, I thought you had a nice talk and went dancing again.
And you said bad memory, so, I figured you got stepped on again.
That's it, that's it. Stay still. I'll get medicine for you.
What's this?
Jiang Defu.
Advanced Artillery School of Navy,
Unit One, Sub-Unit Two.
The "dui" is written wrong.
I didn't bother to take another look.
I didn't expect him to be illiterate.
He had two pens in his pocket.
Had I not seen those, I wouldn't have come up with this idea.
This is what happens when you overreach.
Who would expect I, An Jie, am dating such an illiterate and uncouth fellow?
What a world.
You have no idea. He was like...
"Can we see each other again?"
"How do we get in touch?"
-No way. -Okay, okay. You decide.
That ugly?
No, I can't just let it go like this.
What now?
You got your energy back after some sleep?
Exactly. I am on fire.
Comrade Jiang,
you can't use a brute approach in pursuing a woman.
You need to use your head.
I'm using both.
I don't believe I can't get her.
I have made it through so many battles. How can I lose to a capitalist lady?
Subtitle translation by Christine Huang