TWO YEARS LATER
Why aren't you at the wharf?
Why do I need to go? The kids are all there.
Kids are kids. They can't represent us.
It's the first time your brother and his wife visited here. Don't be rude.
Aren't we all family?
Why we should trouble ourselves?
He's your brother. Don't you know a big brother is like a father?
No, I don't.
You going or not?
No.
I know what you're trying to say
but he's nothing like a father, ok?
He's been nice to you, hasn't he?
I wanted him to act like a father, but did he?
He didn't so I'm not going. Lift that for me.
You know what, I think you're just being difficult.
You're being a snob to your own brother, that's what you are.
So, what if I am? What can you do?
What can I do? I'm no match for you.
Where are you going?
Picking up your brother.
Why? Why must the whole family go?
I still remember how nice they were to me.
I'm not like you. Totally heartless.
How were they nice to you? How?
By allowing you to marry me?
You don't think I should be grateful?
They literally changed my life by allowing me to marry a heartless woman.
So how can I forget?
Just go…
Don't just sit here.
Make something delicious for them.
No way.
-Jiang. -Welcome…
Can't believe you came.
-This is… -Hurry, An Yi. Say hello to Uncle.
-Look, as if he's greeting foreign guests. -Welcome…
Why are you all standing there? Come help with the luggage.
-Say hello to Uncle and Aunt. -They're so big now.
-Let's go… -Ok, let's go…
-You must be tired. -I'm ok… Just a little dizzy.
Such a big yard.
How come they've aged so much?
Like you've not.
Hello, dear brother.
Hello.
Xiaojie.
-An Yi. Say hello to your aunt. -Say hello to Auntie.
-Auntie. -She's so tall now.
-Don't just stand there. Come in. -Ok…
-Were you seasick? -No…
-Wind wasn't strong today so I'm ok. -You're lucky.
Hello, everyone.
-It's you. I'll help you… -It's ok.
Good job, my wife.
You too.
Mum, Dad, what are you doing?
-Hungry? -They're acting in front of Uncle.
-Why? -I'll tell you later.
-What are you guys saying? -Tell you later.
So much luggage.
How did they manage to bring it?
On their hands and shoulders.
What's in it?
Good stuff, of course.
Stuff that you can't buy on the island.
Must be food, right?
Most of it.
What is it?
I think there must be milk caramel, chocolate, and cookies.
I'm getting hungry again.
Enough. Stop peeping.
Better not let them catch you. Especially their daughter.
So, what if they see me?
They'll laugh at us.
They'd think we're some hillbillies who can't afford the good stuff.
But it's true.
We do live in a small village with nothing to buy.
There are so many rooms at Auntie's place and her yard is so big.
You're so right.
I think I could get lost in this house.
What are you talking about?
As if you haven't seen big houses with a big yard.
I haven't.
You? Of course not.
Dad, do you think I could get into the military?
Sure.
Your uncle is an officer. Of course, he'd help you.
Look at your brother. Isn't he in the military right now?
But I don't think Auntie is too happy to see us.
You said you wanted me in the military,
then she said "the military isn't a place you can just check your kids in."
She's just speaking generally.
It's because I said
that you can't learn anything by just staying at home.
She only said that because I said you're better off in the military.
I don't think she's too happy about it. This might not work.
Don't you think, Dad?
This all depends on your uncle, not her.
That's right.
But doesn't my uncle listen to her?
You silly child.
Why would your auntie turn her back on her own family?
Enough already. Hurry up unpacking.
Go to sleep once you're done.
We must get up early.
We can't sleep in at other people's houses.
Otherwise, she will get mad.
It's like she's the queen.
What a snob.
Then you must also
marry someone like your uncle when you grow up, ok?
What are you on about?
I'm just saying she should look up to her aunt.
A woman must marry wisely
and not end up like your other sister.
Enough. Finish up already.
How do you write the word "yi" for cousin An Yi?
I think it's like this.
-Isn't that pronounced "tai"? -Yeah.
It's "yi", not "tai". As in the candy "Gaoliangyi".
But Bean Eyes from my class pronounced it "Gaoliangtai".
Then let's nickname her "An Tai".
Not funny, ok?
-Why not? -Uncle's name is also An Tai.
See, I told you they wouldn't come for no reason at all.
Always wanting more from people.
Why are they never satisfied?
Why are you so quiet?
What do you want me to say?
You want me to bad mouth your brother?
I shall do no such thing.
You can get away with talking behind their back, but if I do it,
you'll get mad at me.
You'd be all defensive then, right?
You're such a wise man.
How about we introduce her to Political Commissar Zuo?
That way she can learn to practice medicine. Not bad, right?
Didn't you say they were greedy and always wanting more? Why do you bother?
How can I turn my back on my one and only niece?
It's your business then.
You can do just about anything, right?
I'll call Political Commissar Zuo then.
What makes you think you can call him?
Does he even know who you are?
I'm Jiang Defu's wife.
Who does he think he is?
Just someone stationed at the hospital. And an old comrade of yours.
You're really something.
I can't even remember where all my old comrades and school friends are,
but you remember every one of them.
Must be such hard work.
That's because you're silly. You're a fool.
A connection is a treasure you must never let go.
I'm sure you'll keep a good eye on my treasure. No doubt about it.
-What are you doing? -Warming your bed for you.
Are you trying to seduce me?
Are you serious? You think I'm pretty enough to seduce you?
What do you think?
I think I am.
Please stay on your side.
You bit me.
Yeah, so what?
Look.
What?
-Look at this bite mark. -What's there to look at?
I'll look if someone else bites you.
Fine, you just wait.
I dare you to find someone to bite you.
I double dare you on that.
-No, I double double dare you on that. -Are you stupid or something?
Double of double is simply called "quadruple".
What's the difference? You think you're so smart because you know "quadruple"?
I just think you're stupid.
You know what I like about you the most?
What?
The way you treat other women.
You may be stupid in many ways but you're always very alert around other women.
-How can you be so sure? -I just know.
I needn't worry. The party will look after you for me.
-They will keep an eye on you. -That's hard to say.
There are still plenty who can't keep out of trouble.
You're not like them. I know you too well.
Don't be so smug.
Or I might have to show you an affair.
You wouldn't dare.
I'll bite you until you drop dead.
Stop talking nonsense. Get to business.
-What business? -Call Zuo.
Weren't you going to call?
You call him.
Fine... I'll call.
What is it?
Look, look.
What's your brother doing?
He's just doing some Tai Chi.
-When is he such a health freak? -Why else would he get up now?
He must be so bored. Bored out of his brain.
He's just exercising before breakfast, ok?
See, exactly like I said.
You can bad mouth, but I can't.
Of course not. No one can bad mouth my own flesh and blood.
Then how come you can bad mouth mine?
That's because you don't, so, I feel obliged to say something.
Why did I go through all that trouble just to marry you?
I should've learned better from Ding.
Don't mention his name. I hate the guy.
Such a womanizer.
Who does he think he is, chasing after anything in a skirt?
Fine. Why are you so jumpy in the morning?
You up already? Why don't you sleep in?
How can I sleep when my guests are all awake?
Did I wake you?
No, no.
You keep going. I'll go for a walk.
Shall I go with you?
-You finished? -Yes, finished.
Ok, let's take a walk together.
Sure.
One, two, three, four.
An Tai.
Who are you calling?
You called me?
No, Uncle. I wasn't calling you.
I'm calling my cousin. It's her nickname.
What a silly girl.
What are you doing?
I called our cousin "An Tai" and Uncle got mad.
Really?
Why did you do that?
Take a look at this.
She's with Wang Haiyang. So?
Why are they together?
What do you mean?
They must be dating. So shameless.
Really?
Let's make some trouble for her.
Why are you here?
What? Can't I be here?
Of course you can, but shouldn't you say something first?
Is this Tiananmen Square or the residence of Chairman Mao?
Do I need your permission?
You've got quite a quick mouth there.
I must show you a lesson then.
Yafei…
Haiyang, what are you doing?
Haiyang.
What are you doing?
Are you mad?
How about that, Jiang Yafei? Scared yet?
Why would I be scared?
You're such a loser.
What? What did you call me?
I called you a loser. A total loser.
-Who called me that? -My dad. Are you going to beat him up?
See if he dares.
Yafei.
You must watch that mouth of yours, or else you'll scare all the men away.
Then I'll marry her.
I'll marry her and beat her three times a day.
You just wait. See if I let you lay a finger on me.
You rotten scoundrel.
Fill up…
Ok, here…
Why are you wasting time on garnish? It's just food.
Of course not. It's an art.
Wait… Wipe this off here.
Art, my foot.
Be careful. Don't mess it up.
It's like a flower.
An.
I've never had anything that looks as good as it tastes.
It's nothing at all. Have more if you like, sir.
I think I've never been called "sir" in my life either.
I think you're right.
-Here. -Ok.
Come…
An Tai.
-Could you come here? -Ok.
-Ok, just stop there. -No, cheers…
Please… excuse me for a while.
-Eat up and don't wait for me. -Ok.
Listen,
isn't your sister-in-law the daughter of a land-owner?
Yeah, so?
How come she's so good at cooking?
Is my wife's cooking not good enough for you?
Not as good as the daughter of a land-owner.
At least, not as refined.
Maybe the daughter of a fisherman can cook even better.
Why would you mention that? So annoying.
You're annoyed?
Haven't you already moved on to another girl?
Where did you hear that?
What are you two talking about in secret?
We were praising you.
Wouldn't want Dehua to hear.
You talked all this nonsense just to make your wife happy?
What else can I do? Argue all day?
What are you talking about? Who is it?
We were bad-mouthing you.
Fine. Just eat and drink as much as you can
so you may live on to bad mouth other people.
Why are you looking at me like that?
Buddy, you're my hero.
What do you mean?
You certainly have a way with difficult women.
Definitely my hero.
Thank you so much. Here, let's drink to that.
I'll definitely drink to that.
Let's test my limit tonight.
How could Ding's wife die during labor?
Wasn't she a midwife herself?
Didn't she help deliver Weidong? How could she die in labor?
You're not making any sense.
So, a midwife can't have a hard labor?
That's not what I meant.
I mean, the living environment in a military compound is quite good.
How can something like this happen?
She was too careless.
Having had three children made her like that.
The baby was in bad position and it was a premature birth.
She had no one with her.
She was all bled out when they found her.
Such a shame.
It is a shame. She was such a nice person.
Nice people die fast.
Ding is a nice man too.
He hasn't remarried after all this time.
A man like him is hard to find these days.
What?
Feeling sick? Don't throw up here.
Come throw up here.
Why is he like this? You just get out of my way.
-Why did you make him drink so much? -I didn't. He's the one who kept drinking.
We drank no less.
How come you're not sick? Why is he sick?
Unbelievable.
Wipe your mouth. Give him some water.
-You ok? -I'm fine.
Dehua is really good to Ding.
She was so worried.
Such a shame about them.
Ding's blind. He doesn't deserve her.
Letting go of a good woman like that. He's going to regret it later.
He's all over that Miss Wu right now. He's going to pay for it.
Miss Wu? What Miss Wu?
-That ears and throat doctor at infirmary? -Who else is called Miss Wu?
She's been with so many man before. Can't be wife material, right?
Ding isn't so great himself either.
Men are all bad news.
Why drag me into this? You're not being fair now.
Here. Give me a massage here. Why is it hurting like this?
Good. It's a punishment for you.
It'll remind you to stay alert and keep you out of trouble.
Not again.
Ms. An, going home?
-Deputy Ding, going home? -Yes. You too?
Me too.
I heard you're getting married.
Where did you hear that from?
Everyone on the island knows
except for our poor Dehua who still goes to clean and cook for you.
It's a good thing for Dehua too.
She won't have to work so hard from now on, right?
Deputy Ding, you're quite a ladies' man.
Dehua and Ms. Ge are both head over heels for you.
You're really a lucky man.
I heard that Miss Wu hasn't made up her mind yet. Is that right?
Want me to put in some good words for you?
Thanks, but no thanks.
What were you saying to Ding?
You scared me.
You're up to no good again, aren't you?
I just teased Ding for a bit.
He got so mad at me.
Why would you tease him? Who gave you the rights?
I'm Jiang Dehua's sister-in-law.
Jiang Dehua is a victim of his, so how can I not help her?
Why is Jiang Dehua a victim?
Ding made it clear he wasn't interested in her at all.
It's Jiang Dehua who wouldn't give up, so why is it his fault?
Fine, just you wait. I'll tell Dehua what you said.
I'm just speaking the plain truth.
You shouldn't be so cruel as her brother.
That's why I'm only saying it to you.
Dehua, I need to tell you something.
You must promise not to get mad.
What is it?
Have you heard about Deputy Ding?
What about him? I haven't heard anything.
Apparently… he's getting remarried.
To whom? Who is he getting married to?
Miss Wu at the hospital. A spinster.
She's over thirty and still picky.
And now she has no one to pick from.
Is she good-looking?
No, just average.
Then why is she picky?
That's what I meant. Serves her right.
If she's so picky, why would she want Ding?
Because Ding is…
He's at least an officer.
His title is Deputy Chief too.
Pretty high up the rank.
But will she be good to the kids?
That's… hard to say.
We can't jump to conclusions.
I'd like to see her. See what she's like and if she'd be good to the kids.
What's her looks got to do
with how she's going to treat the kids?
Of course, it's related.
I can tell a bad step-mother with just one look.
People with wicked mind can't hide it from their face.
You got a point.
How about… we go take a look?
Sure. You think I'm too scared to take a look?
Listen to you.
Why do you sound like it's me who's curious about her?
What's the difference? It's just a look.
Fine…
GARRISON CLINIC
Are you ok?
I'm bleeding.
-Bleeding? You are too. -Look…
She made my tooth even worse.
Yeah, what kind of a doctor is that?
Did you get a good look?
What look? I can't see anything with that big mask on her.
But judging from her wandering eyes, I can say she's definitely no saint.
Why did you laugh?
You…
You just hate anyone who's getting married to Ding.
I wasted my time.
It is a waste of time.
-Remember to write. -Go back now.
-Do write. -Just go…
-Go…
Take care.
You too.
Don't forget to write.
I don't like your brother.
But he's so polite in front of you.
It's like you're his big brother…
or his superior, or something.
He's nothing like my men.
My men are all better than him.
He's even manly.
He looks more like a…
like a weasel.
You're more like a weasel.
How am I like a weasel?
I'm at least the leader of weasels.
But seriously…
I don't like your brother not only because he acts like a weasel,
but also because of the way he treats Ou.
He came all this way while Ou only lives doors away.
Shouldn't he pay Ou a visit?
Unlike you, An Xin has never been back to Qingdao once in all these years.
As the eldest brother,
how can he turn a blind eye to his other sister?
Shouldn't he show more concern toward them?
I agree with you. I'm upset that he didn't go too.
I'd never help his daughter if I knew he was like this.
That's not the same. You're not being fair.
You shouldn't punish her for her father's sin.
I heard some rightists have already been vindicated. Wonder when is Ou's turn?
"The waves of the Yellow Sea beat excitedly to welcome the sunrise
just as the hearts of the warriors bloom like sunflowers.
They sing in the most passionate voice
with nothing but the Party in their thoughts."
Ms.
What is it?
My stomach hurts.
Then you better have it checked.
-Want me to go with you? -No…
Your sister.
What's wrong?
I saw big Auntie, Uncle, and their two daughters going to our house.
-Are you sure? -I'm positive.
Let's go.
Mum, hurry up.
You go on…
What should I say?
Don't you even know what to say to them?
Mum, there they are.
An Xin.
An Jie.
An Xin…
An Jie, how did you know we were coming?
She saw you.
She saw you while daydreaming in class.
What made you guys come over?
Can't I come with no reason at all?
Of course… You're always welcome.
An Jie, my husband…
-He's been vindicated. -Really?
Really?
Ou, is that true?
Yes, one hundred percent true.
That's such good news. Such good news.
Come… Come to my place.
Jiang and I were just wondering the other day
about when you'd be vindicated.
-Didn't think it'd happen so soon. -All thanks to Commanding Officer Jiang.
Why are you thanking him for? It's because of the Party and Chairman Mao.
Yes.
This yard is so nicely kept. Who did all these?
He grows vegetables while I grow flowers.
We do what we like and keep to our own business.
A Commanding Officer doing housework?
Of course, he's got to eat too, right? Besides, he loves it.
Your uncle's from a farming village. He only comes alive around vegetables.
See, there he is now. The farmer's back.
Have you seen a farmer riding in a car?
Distinguished guests indeed.
Welcome…
Thank you…
Thanks to the Party and Chairman Mao for giving me a second chance.
Yes, thanks to the Party and the Chairman.
Ouyang, we must have a drink tonight.
We must drink until we pass out.
How about that?
Sure, it's your call.
Come. Say hello to your uncle.
-Uncle. -Uncle.
-They are… -An Ran and An No.
My goodness. They've grown so fast in the blink of an eye.
That's quite a slow blink you got there.
Your girls have grown to be such pretty ladies.
What are you talking about? Nothing compares to your girls.
These two are not quite there yet.
Who says I want to be pretty? Can't I get uglier?
Fine, be ugly. I don't give a damn anyway.
Ugly or not, you're still my dear daughter, right?
-Let's eat already. Come in… -Ok, come in… Let's eat.
Here…
This is all the dishes? That's not enough.
We didn't know they were coming, so, we didn't have time to prepare.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow I'll prepare a banquet.
No…No need at all.
-This is just a family gathering. -Yes…
I think this is more than enough. Look at all the food.
-More than enough. -It's enough.
How can this possibly be enough?
Tonight, we're turning a new leaf so, we must eat like New Year's dinner.
I'll call the cafeteria and get them to deliver some food.
Ok.
Here we are.
I have not used this type of glasses for years.
Ouyang, I owe this honor all to you.
You've given me an excuse to drink again in such elegant manner.
Come.
Let's drink to your vindication and your second chance in life. Cheers.
Go easy.
Be careful with the glasses. Don't break them now.
So what if we do? Right?
I…
I don't know how to address you anymore.
How should I address you from now on?
Brother-in-law. He's your brother-in-law.
You just keep your mouth shut.
You just address me however you did in the past.
He used to call you "Jiang Junior". Do you think that's still appropriate?
It is kind of embarrassing now.
"Jiang Junior".
What? Who's calling me?
Enough. Your uncle's speaking.
Jiang.
Commanding Officer Jiang.
I thank you. Thank you so much.
How can you do that? How can you drink without me?
That won't do. Drink again.
Fine, I'll drink again. Fill me up.
Take it easy…
-Don't make a fool of yourself. -Here…
What do you mean? When have I ever made a fool of myself?
-Yes… Drink up… -Drink up…
It's ok, we're family here.
Come. Let's eat.
-Eat up… -Feel free…
Do eat.
I'll get that for you. Here.
Thank you, Auntie.
-Here… -Make yourself comfortable here.
An Jie.
Do you have any spirits around here?
This wine stuff can hardly be called alcohol.
It's not fulfilling at all, right?
What is it with you? Have you had too much?
With this wine? This is not nearly enough to knock me out.
You drink spirits too?
What do you mean? I was always a spirit drinker.
Ok, let's get out the spirits.
I'm not used to this either.
-See… -We should've stuck to spirits.
-Yes… -Weidong, go get my spirits.
Make sure you bring my Maotai.
Ok.
Don't get Maotai… My dear child.
No need, just ordinary spirits would do. Any good old spirits would do.
-How can we drink just ordinary spirits? -It's ok, he's just happy.
We must drink the best. Listen, I also have two bottles of Wuliangye.
-Really? -Really.
Ok, I'll drink them all for you tonight.
You said it. Now you must drink to your words.
-I'll get new glasses. -Yes… New glasses.
Here…
What's wrong? Someone stepped on your toes?
He never treated his other brother-in-law to Maotai.
We only have one bottle, not enough to go around.
Then the elder brother should have it.
-Besides… -Besides what?
How can he forget to invite Ding on such an occasion?
So, this is why you're sulking?
Why don't you go and get Ding now?
How can I? We're already half-way through dinner.
Dehua.
-You're so good to Ding. -Fat lot of good it did.
Ouyang, are you still ok?
Of course, better than you.
-Cheers. -Cheers.
-That's enough. Stop there, Ou. -Give it back. Give it to me…
What's wrong with you, Ou?
What did you call me?
Ou… You…
What… what did you call me?
What did you call me?
I didn't call you Ou. I said Ouyang.
Who do you think you are?
Why did you call me Ouyang? Who the hell is that?
You… Sorry, he's drunk.
It's ok…
Fill up…
-Ok, fill up. -He's drunk already?
-I don't think he's drunk. -What do you mean?
He's going to make a scene soon.
-Tell me… -Why is he like this?
What is my name?
Your name is Ouyang. Right?
Nonsense. Why did you call me Ouyang?
-Why? Isn't that your name? -Of course not.
Who the hell is Ouyang?
I don't know who the hell Ouyang is either.
But my name is not Ouyang.
I'm just good old Ou.
Got it?
-I got it… -You got it?
-I got it. -Ok.
Tell me, what is my name?
Your name is Ou.
-Yes, I'm Ou. Cheers. -Ok, cheers.
You. What did you call me?
You're my brother-in-law, Ouyang.
Son of a bitch! I'm not Ouyang, I'm Ou.
My brother told me to call you Ouyang, and not Ou.
He's wrong. I'm right.
My name is Ou. Got it?
-Ou… -What's wrong with you?
Sorry, he's drunk.
-Fill up. -It's ok…
Ou, that's enough.
What did you call me?
I called you Ou.
Is that ok with you, Ou?
You're calling me Ou too?
Are you ashamed of me too?
Are you trying to belittle me?
My name is…
My name is Ouyang Yi.
I'm not Ou. I'm Ouyang Yi.
My name is Ouyang Yi.
What's going on? Is he crying?
Why is he crying?
My name is Ouyang Yi.
What did you say?
Why aren't you sleeping?
I'm too upset to sleep.
Upset about what?
Don't know. Something is bugging me.
Hate seeing Ouyang like this.
He's Ou, not Ouyang.
He's Ouyang, not Ou.
I almost cried too.
We must think of a way to help them.
Help? How?
An Ran and An No are waiting to be assigned posts in Qingdao.
Don't know how long that would be.
Besides, there won't be any good jobs for them.
How about putting them into the military, too?
I can ask Wei Dazhuang in Guangdong to think of something.
Really? You'd do that?
Not really. Go to sleep.
What is it? Why are you crying?
Enough…
Jiang, thank you so much.
We're married. You don't have to thank me.
Dad, I got to go to training. I'm late already.
-Ok. Train well. -Eat something.
-No? Take a mantou. -Bye, Auntie.
Bye, Weidong.
Sit…
Ou.
How about some more spirits today?
Don't say the word "spirits". I'm sick at the sound of it.
Subtitle translation by Lisa Lai