Dad, I'll peel the shrimp for you.
-Shrimp is good for your dad. -It's fine.
Miss got accepted at Shandong University.
Mom, hurry.
My hands are shaking.
Let me see.
There's nothing in it.
Right here, she was running too fast. Look at this.
Uncle should look at it first, he works for the government.
-Where are you going? -I need my glasses.
-Just let me read it for you. -No, I want to read it myself.
-Look how excited he is. -Let's go.
Acceptance letter.
Dear Ms. Jiang Yaning, The Shandong Admissions Committee
informs you here that you've been accepted by our Chinese department.
Hooray... mom!
What do mean by hooray? Just say great!
Hooray...
Dad, why are you looking at me like that?
Yaning, congratulations.
You are the first intellectual in this family.
I have to thank you.
Thanks, dad.
Honey,
I need to thank you as well for giving me such a wonderful daughter.
Mom.
I'm so happy for you...
A FEW YEARS LATER
Why does it look so weird?
It's like my skin and bones are gone.
I never thought the badges looked good,
but it feels like they are perfect accessories.
Dad, you're getting better at giving great speeches.
Everyone would love it if you gave a speech to an army.
Too bad you're retired.
What a waste of
your eloquence.
That's a waste of talent, right?
Think about it. It wasn't easy for
the Party to turn an illiterate poor kid into who you are today.
When you've finally become someone,
they just lay you off like that. What a waste.
Yafei,
your eloquence is like a double-edged sword.
It brings you glory, but also trouble.
-If you had been born... -In the 1950s.
I'd been attacked as a rightist, look at my uncle.
Don't mention him, I'm not interested.
You sympathized with him when he was in trouble.
Why are you annoyed by him when he is successful now?
-What are you looking for? -It's none of your business.
Why are you angry again?
Did I do something wrong?
Why are you always angry? Are you going through the menopause?
-What are you looking for? -Some clothes.
-You're not naked, you know. -I want to find my casual outfits.
-Do you have any? -Of course, I do.
I thought I had some when I was young, when we were in Qingdao.
Can you still fit in them now?
I'll try them on.
What made you want to wear the casual outfits?
I'm not wearing a military uniform without any badges.
So, everyone else can wear it,
but not you? Are you special?
Can't I be like everyone else?
Look at the military uniforms these days.
Even the farmers and fishermen are wearing them.
The uniforms these days are just like any working clothes.
I see.
So, dad doesn't want to look like a commoner.
Dad, am I right?
Get lost, don't bother me.
Yes, why are you here anyway?
Don't you have better things to do?
Of course, I do.
I thought I was being nice here.
I heard that dad was retiring today, so I came back
to comfort him, in case he felt sad about it.
Thank you very much, but I'm fine.
I'm not sad about it. I'm in a great mood.
Where are all my clothes?
Did I do something wrong?
Those are mine, don't mess them around.
Mom.
What are you doing here?
Let me see if you have any good stuff here.
What are you doing? Don't mess them around.
Is there anything that fits me?
Just wear your military uniform.
These are all your casual outfits.
That's it?
How many do you think you have?
You've only got these. I bought them for you after we got married.
You didn't have any casual outfits before we got married.
It's a little tight.
Of course, it is.
Look at your belly now.
Dad, mom.
Look at me.
Do I look good?
You look like a young me.
She's not as pretty as you were.
Was my mom prettier than me?
She was way prettier.
Don't stare at me. I'm just being honest, okay?
Dad.
Why would my mom, a pretty young girl, marry you anyway?
I wasn't ugly.
I looked amazing in my Navy uniform.
Why are you laughing? You don't believe that?
I do, of course I do.
But maybe there were other reasons?
Like what?
Like maybe my mom's family condition wasn't ideal, so she had to?
Who told you that? Your mom?
No, my mom didn't tell me that.
My mom never talks about her youth.
That's why I've never worn any of these outfits before.
That's more like it.
Of course, she doesn't talk about her youth.
She was so humiliated.
She wouldn't be who she is now if she hadn't married me.
Who are you talking about?
Not you.
Here, put this on.
Why would you take it out? Does it still fit me?
This is such a nice suit.
No way, I need to go buy some casual outfits.
Where can you buy them? You should hire a tailor.
I'm not hiring a tailor. What can they do?
I need to leave the island to buy some.
Leave the island? And go where?
I'll go to Qingdao. I'll revisit the old place.
Qingdao? Dad, can I go with you?
Act more mature...
You shouldn't be jumping around in that outfit.
What's going on?
The kid's being difficult.
Xiaoyu, are you done yet? Get up and wipe your butt.
You didn't go?
Okay.
We've heard them crying from outside.
People might think you run a daycare here.
They've been crying all morning long. I don't know why.
Is he sick?
They don't have fevers or diarrhea.
-I don't know what's wrong. -Look...
-Okay... -Is that you?
Well, well, well...
Look at you,
you're like a rich landowner. You should at least help out.
They are your grand kids.
You're trying to start a fight here.
Good thing their grandma doesn't listen to you.
Who told you I don't listen to him? Do I have a choice?
Now you're talking nonsense. You asked for it.
Why would you babysit them anyway?
You're babysitting both of them.
Look what you got yourself into. You asked for it!
I had to, their parents are at work.
Someone needs to take care of them.
And that someone is you?
Why don't you hire a babysitter?
Enough.
Okay...come here...
I have to help both of my kids babysit their kids.
Or people might say I'm not fair.
So? Just let them figure it out.
If I were you, I wouldn’t help them.
Are you done?
Just mind your own business.
What are you doing? Are you minding my business now?
See? That's what happens when you mind others' business.
We're not here for that.
We're here to tell you that we're revisiting Qingdao.
Can we help you with anything there?
You're going to Qingdao? Both of you?
Both of us, we are inseparable.
Don't you remember that comrade who went there and didn't want to return?
Come on, don't bring that up.
Give me your measurements.
I'll bring you clothes from Qingdao.
No, I'm fine.
I have so many military uniforms to wear.
See, you've just flattered him.
That's even better, we'll save some money.
Dehua, we're leaving. Please water our plants for us.
Will you come back?
Of course, we will. Qingdao is not our home.
Here… measure this.
For what?
I thought you want measurements.
-I thought he didn't need them. -Of course he does.
When I was leaving Qingdao,
I got pretty worried on the train.
What were you worried about?
I was worried that your mom might not like living on the island with me.
What would you do if she didn't like the island?
What could I do?
I had to be like those officers who lived alone,
and visited their families in their hometowns, every year.
They visited their wives.
I shouldn't have left Qingdao.
So, you would visit me every year?
Maybe I wouldn't.
Maybe I would have divorced you,
and dated the telegram delivery girl.
Why the telegram delivery girl?
Your dad had a crush on that girl.
I know.
Was she working in the security office?
Dad, were you with her?
I wanted to be, but your mom wouldn't let me.
She gave me two telegrams before your mom scared her away.
Aren't you embarrassed?
He asked the girl to deliver fake telegrams
in order to make me jealous.
That's hilarious. How come you've never told me?
How could we tell you that?
Honey, am I right?
Who's your honey?
You, you are my honey.
Please don't flirt in front of me, that's disgusting.
Hey, watch your mouth.
If she...
Fine...I know exactly what you're going to say.
Dad, tell me.
Have you been in love with anyone else besides my mom?
What makes you think you can stare at me like that?
Why can't I?
Have I ever wronged you in any way?
No, you haven't wronged me.
Mom, please don't interrupt.
Just let dad tell me the truth.
The truth? What kind of truth?
My whole life,
I've never been in love with any other women besides your mom.
I can assure you that with my honor as a Party member.
Unlike someone else...
their thoughts and imagination are beyond the Party's control.
Don't think so highly of yourself.
You are not a saint.
You haven't been in love with any other women?
What about your first wife? Wasn't she a woman?
That doesn't count.
It was a marriage under feudalism. It was my parents' idea.
Of course it counts.
If having a son with her doesn't count, I don't know what counts.
Mom, can you not interrupt? You have to be a part of everything.
We're talking about something serious.
Dad, where were we?
Now I don't remember.
We were talking about if I've loved other women.
Right, tell me,
have you ever been in love with any other women besides my mom?
I've already told you.
I've been disciplined by the Party at work and by your mom at home.
Do you think I could fall in love with anyone else?
Did I have any chance to mess around? Did I have the guts?
It wasn't just me.
The men we know on the island all live disciplined lives.
All the men in the Defense Zone.
How about my uncle? He's been in love with many women.
He even broke his promise of marrying his fiancée. He has a bad reputation.
A bad reputation doesn't make him a bad guy.
He hasn't been lucky enough to find a classy wife like mine.
You're the lucky one.
I know I am.
My wife is pretty and good at everything, and she is from Qingdao.
Here we go again, you two are disgusting.
We'll arrive at Qingdao shortly, please get ready.
-Kid, clean it up... -I will.
It hasn't rained for days.
You've brought the rain with you.
It means that you are a noble person.
Jiang,
we've lived here for many years.
It's nice...
My brother-in-law, the train ride
must've tired you out. Drink some water.
Thank you, but I'm not tired.
The train is very convenient. I was sleeping the whole way.
If it's so convenient, maybe you should've visited us more often.
Don't talk rubbish.
Only women talk like that.
He is a commander. I'm sure he has been busy.
I know you've been busy, but I'm sure you could find time to visit.
Jiang, am I right?
You're right.
Why do you always have to be so sarcastic?
You don't have to talk.
I'm just saying the truth.
Somebody needs to speak the truth, right?
I wish his bad label hadn't been moved, so he could be quiet.
You didn't remove his label, Why do you regret it?
I'll give a toast first.
My family is very happy today. This is better than Chinese New Year.
-Our little sister's family is here. -It's not the whole family.
Don't interrupt, they represent the whole family.
I'm very happy and excited.
I don't even know what to say,
so I won't say anything. Cheers.
-Welcome back. -Welcome...
-Thanks, sister-in-law, thank you. -Welcome...
-We'll drink a little. -Suit yourself...here.
Try this.
So,
I'll give a toast.
To my little sister and her husband,
really,
I'm so happy that you're here.
Here's to my brother-in-law.
Brother-in-law, you know what?
I couldn't sleep well last night.
I was tossing and turning all night.
What would our family do without you?
Nobody knows.
Here, brother-in-law.
I represent my kids who aren't here to give this toast.
-Brother-in-law. -Okay.
Take it easy.
Sister-in-law, cheers.
Look, I've drank it all.
Okay...
Take it easy and don't drink too much.
We still need to go to dinner.
Look at your older uncle,
he doesn't drink, and he doesn't want anyone else to drink.
I just don't want them to get drunk and miss the dinner tonight.
If they miss it tonight. we can go out tomorrow.
Isn't that simple? They aren't leaving yet.
It's a welcome party for their arrival. It has to be today.
Why can't it be tomorrow?
I'll make noodles tonight.
Isn't it a tradition about
farewell dumplings and welcome noodles?
-Right... -I like noodles.
No way,
haven't we talked about this? Lunch here and dinner at our place.
We've prepared it all. We've reserved a table already.
Stop arguing.
We'll take turns. I'm sure you'll get tired of eating with us.
Don't you worry, we won't get tired. Please stay longer.
You'll need to stay longer this time.
Will you? Brother-in-law.
-Will you? -Of course.
We'll settle down here this time.
-Great... -Here...
Sir, this way.
Jiang, look at this.
Do you still remember this place?
Of course I do, I'll never forget.
Isn't this where you planned to embarrass me?
Commander, have a seat.
We should let our old brother-in-law go first.
You're the guest, you go first.
Right, you're the guest.
Okay, then I will. I'll rise up from where I fell.
-Let's sit down. -Sit...
What are you doing? You should wait.
Ask for the chopsticks later.
Why would I need chopsticks?
-I'll use fork and knife today. -Right.
Waiter, we're ready.
Please enjoy.
A meal for each of us?
Yes, do you want to share it with me?
No, I'm just a little nervous.
I've never seen you get nervous.
Please help me for the sake of our relationship.
Then you need to be humble.
Learn every single step from me. Pay attention to the way I eat it.
Sure.
What are you whispering?
She's never been to a Western restaurant.
You should eat more.
Silence, everybody.
Darling,
is silence the correct term?
-What did uncle call aunt? -He called her darling.
-What does that mean? -It means dear.
-Stop whispering. -Fine...
Go ahead.
Let's finish
this glass of wine.
Our big brother, please make it clear,
what are you toasting to?
-Exactly. -She's right.
For the hero of the An family.
-Okay, here... -Cheers.
Come!
Jiang,
you chew very quietly now.
I haven't chewed loudly for a long time. She has trained me.
But our kid An Chen still chews loudly.
-It was all your fault. -I know...
Jiang,
I can't believe it.
What do you mean?
You're getting pretty good at using the fork and knife.
There're many things you don't know about me.
Your dad dined at Western restaurants after the military conferences.
-Really? -Why would she lie to you?
Whenever they asked me what I preferred to eat,
I'd say the Western meals.
So, they took me out to Western restaurants every time.
They called me a Westernized freak.
This house is tiny.
Come on,
they gave us their master bedroom. You should be thankful.
Nowhere else feels like home. Our house is way more comfortable than this.
Isn't it Qingdao here? Isn't it the city?
Don't act all weird.
Go to bed.
Good morning, Jiang. How did you sleep?
I slept fine.
Mr. Ou, come on, Mr. Ou.
Hurry up.
You're up.
Good morning.
Don't be a freak, move.
He's Westernized.
The things you've prepared.
Mr. Jiang will call me a Westernized freak.
Did he call you that again?
Right there...
Right, this is awesome.
I'm really getting fond of Jiang.
Seriously, he is way better than your brother.
Right, my brother hasn't really helped you with anything,
but Jiang is different.
Without Jiang,
could your sweet daughters go to college and work in the military?
That's not what I meant. I'm not like your sister-in-law.
My wonderful little sister-in-law...
That's so mundane.
That's way too mundane.
It might be mundane, but she is sincere.
And I'm not sincere?
The dinner last night cost a month's salary.
And you said you're being sincere.
I don't feel bad about the money. I'm showing my determination.
I plan on taking them to another Western restaurant before they leave.
An even fancier place.
I'll spend two months' salary on it.
Okay.
You can decide what we eat
and how much it costs.
You are the sole decision maker.
Look at the breakfast your sister cooked,
compared with...
-I'm shocked by the difference. -Exactly.
Why are you shocked?
I didn't know Mr. Ou lives such a wonderful life.
What's your plan for today?
Just go to work, don't worry about us. We'll walk around by ourselves.
That'd be rude of us.
I've taken days off.
We'll be alright. We enjoy walking around by ourselves.
I've taken days off.
Forget it.
We'll just let them walk around by themselves.
-Okay. -This is so good, try some.
You should eat more.
Dad,
I can't believe you graduated from here.
Why not?
You keep saying that my dad is uncultured and tasteless.
I thought he'd never gone to school.
Look at you,
you've created a negative image about me for the kids.
Exactly.
Dad, you were pretty good.
I know I was.
Let me show you around.
-Okay. -Morning.
Stop there.
Comrade, I need to see your ID.
What ID?
Your staff ID or entrance permit.
I'm an alumnus. Why do I need ID to visit my old campus?
Sorry, but that's the rule.
What kind of stupid rule is that?
That's a school rule.
Comrade, you can discuss it at the security office.
Forget it, let's not go in. We'll look from the outside.
No, I'm going to the campus today.
-Where is it? -That way.
Stop here, please wait behind this line.
PLA NAVAL ACADEMY
Mom, no one has ever talked to my dad like that before.
He'd better get used to it.
It's okay, he'll be able to.
He has tolerated your disciplines and mistreatment for years,
-this is nothing to him. -You brat.
You should watch your mouth.
It hasn't changed much.
-Did it work? -You can come in.
Thank you.
My dad is pretty awesome.
Commander,
where should we begin?
-Let's go to President Cong's house. -Okay, this way.
-Whose house? -Listen,
the matchmaker for me and your dad.
Dad, let's hurry.
Mrs. Yang.
Secretary Yang.
You are?
I'm An Jie, An Jie.
This is Jiang Defu.
My goodness.
Welcome!
I almost didn't recognize you.
But now you do.
I do...
You've aged a lot,
but An hasn't changed much.
She looks pretty much the same.
Let's come inside, come on.
Mom.
She was just being polite, she didn't mean it.
Look how happy you are.
The TV is so loud.
What are you doing? I can't hear.
-Look who's here! -President.
President.
He is senile now and he can't really hear.
Isn't that nice?
Who are you?
President, I'm Jiang Defu from the second military group.
I'm not getting a haircut.
He's like a kid, he doesn't like getting a haircut.
Here, please sit down.
Here, have a seat...
-Have some water. -Ma'am, it's okay...
we aren't thirsty.
-When did you arrive? -We just arrived yesterday.
Thank you for remembering me.
-Secretary Yang, what do you mean? -Exactly.
You were the matchmaker for our marriage.
You are a good couple, so I did something right.
Of course you did.
We're forever grateful to you and the president.
Who are you?
President, I'm Jiang Defu, Jiang Defu.
Don't mind him, he can't remember, so he'll keep asking you.
-Just watch TV. -Who are you?
I'm Jiang Defu, Jiang Defu.
I'm not getting a haircut.
An, how old are you?
Ma'am, I'm almost 50, too old for you to call me An.
You'll still be my An even if you're 80.
Right...I'm your An forever.
You are.
-Do you call yourself old in front of me? -That'd be rude of me.
An, do I still intimidate you?
I'm still a little scared of you.
How did I intimidate you anyway?
I was scared that you might enforce proletarian dictatorship on me.
Who are you?
I'm not here for your haircut.
No haircut.
The TV needs to be louder.
Did you hear me?
Everything has changed.
Look how much it has changed.
Look at this field.
I remember one year,
I was playing basketball there in the afternoon.
President Cong showed up and told me that
a lady named An Jie is pretty cute, but her background is not so good.
-Wanna meet her? -What did you say?
I only said one word back then.
Sure, why not?
That's more than one word.
Mom, was it true?
Your dad is bragging.
I'm not bragging.
You know what?
I almost got discharged from the military and sent home for marrying your mom.
Ask your mom if that was true.
Who are you?
I'm Jiang Defu from the second military group.
My dad is like the old man who is obsessed with his youth.
Your dad is undergoing menopause.
Nonsense.
Only women can have menopause. How can men have it?
Dad, men experience it too. It's less common in men,
but it’s worse in men when they do have it.
Look at you right now. Aren't you going through the menopause?
You're nuts.
Who are you?
Mom, look at that.
What's the matter?
I think Mr. Ou wears something like this.
These are pajamas.
I know they are pajamas.
-So, what are you thinking? -I want to wear them.
I thought you don't like wear pajamas to bed.
I didn't, but now I do.
Yafei, give me the money.
Your dad wants these.
-Dad, you're a Westernized... -I know.
A Westernized freak.
I want this outfit.
-Good. -Do you like it?
-Let's try on this one. -Sure, no problem.
What's with dad?
Didn't you say he had menopause?
It must be intense. I can barely recognize him.
Who is he?
-He's trying more? -Let him try them on.
Dad, please,
can we stop shopping?
No, we can't. We need to find something for your uncle.
We got his measurements already.
Why didn't you buy the same one for him earlier?
How can we wear the same thing? We're not twins.
When did you become so particular?
Am I particular?
I'm way more easygoing than your mom's brother-in-law.
Why do you always compare yourself with him?
Why always compare yourself with that rightist?
I thought you said he was elegant and unique.
Can't I be elegant and unique too?
Dad, I'm begging you.
Can we please stop shopping?
Please, I'm exhausted.
And you're a soldier.
You shouldn't get tired so easily. Look at your mom.
Mom, aren't you tired?
Of course I am, that's why I'm not even talking.
See? My mom is too tired to talk.
Can we please stop shopping? I'm hungry.
-I'm starving. -See?
Fine, let's go eat.
Dad, since you're paying for it...
-let's go to the best restaurant here. -Fine, my treat. Let's go.
Finally.
It's high up.
I've never dined in a tall building like this.
Me neither.
Didn't you dine...
-on the airplane before? -Does that count?
Of course it does.
Wasn't that dining at the tallest place?
Mom, it was my dad's achievement, You don't need to remember for him.
Your dad's achievements are also mine. You don't understand.
Okay...I don't understand anything. There's a lot I need to learn.
-Can we start eating? -Sure.
-Don't we need to order first? -Of course not.
It's a buffet.
So, you'll get whatever you like by yourself.
That's great. You two can take care of yourselves.
Have you been taking care of us?
So, we'll bring this.
No, they have plates for you to use there.
They have everything there.
-Aren't you coming? -I need to watch our stuff.
-I'll go when you come back. -Okay.
Dad, you should get more.
I know, I'm not stupid.
Dad, the meat dishes are over here.
Didn't you get some water?
I'll go get it later.
My goodness, why did you get so much?
Nobody was stopping us.
No one will stop you, but they'll make fun of you.
Why?
Because you've got so much food.
They can say whatever they want. We're not spending their money.
Exactly.
Let's eat.
-Why are you looking at us like that? -Are we embarrassing you?
I shouldn't have come with you.
It's too late, now
You can pretend that you don't know us.
Right, you can sit somewhere else,
so we won't annoy each other.
He's right.
She's picky.
You're right, she is.
What's this? I didn't see it.
It's chicken, try some.
I'll go get more later.
Mom,
you really think you're classy?
Listen, this is your last opportunity.
You can quit being elegant, nobody knows you here.
We're paying for our own meals, so we don't need to be shy.
You didn't want to come here because it's too expensive,
but now you're pretending to be generous here.
You're not getting your money's worth with that amount of food.
Exactly, don't suffer for your pride.
Just mind your own business.
How can we just mind our own business? You're wasting our money.
Be quiet and eat more. You should eat your mom's share.
You too, we should eat her share.
Okay, deal.
Let's go get more.
Very good...the fish looks good.
I forgot the fish.
I'll go get fish and other stuff.
This one is great...
-Dad, I'm so full. -You can stop. Don't upset your stomach.
We'll just take more antacids when we get home.
Don't let your mom know.
Don't you worry, she won't.
That's it? That's not worth the price.
You should go get more. Bring back my share.
What's wrong? You should be laughing.
All the food should give you more energy, right?
I didn't notice this good stuff before. How did I miss it?
My goodness, aren't you full yet?
-These are for us. -Don't...
I can't eat anything anymore.
Even one corn kernel will make my stomach explode.
Didn't you know that this has always been my favorite food?
It's always been like a family member of mine. I feel bad not to eat it.
-There's coffee too. -Right.
Do you want a cup?
No. I want to, but I really can't.
You should finish them all, don't waste any.
Why are you laughing? I'm serious.
You couldn't even afford to eat potatoes when you were a kid.
Isn't that why you get so moved whenever you see potatoes?
Dad, listen, just ignore her.
You're falling into her trap if you really eat it.
I want to fall into her trap,
but I'm so full.
I think you've forgotten your roots.
Jiang,
should we visit your hometown?
I'm serious, I'm not joking.
Since we're already here, might as well visit everywhere.
Let's see if your hometown is as good as you say it is.
I think that's a good idea.
We're twenty years late,
but it's better than never.
Dad, it's never too late to become more self-aware, right?
I think I'll eat it.
Dad, that's suicide.
Subtitle translation by Wanyin Tsai