Uncle, thanks for your hard work.
The work is not hard, but my life is hard.
Hey, sweetie.
What do you have in your hands?
Good eye! You've got good eyesight.
Cut to the chase. Let your uncle have a look see.
This is something I got for you to thank you for watching the baby.
This is the best stamp ink made in Zhangzhou of Fujian province.
Yes, I know. This is well-known.
Where is my dad?
He's sleeping upstairs.
Auntie!
Silly girl, you scared me!
Are your lips burning? This is what you get for stealing food.
Are you asking for a beating?
God will punish you for hitting a kind person with a spoon.
I've come to award you.
You've been working hard. Have dinner with us today.
I made this dinner. I can eat it anytime I want!
I don't need your invite.
I am curious. Who pissed off your dad?
Did he lose his temper?
No. He went right to bed when he arrived home.
He didn't talk to anyone.
Poor daddy.
Did you upset him?
I forced him to quit the dance contest.
Silly child,
why did you ask him to quit? He dances so well.
If he's doing well, I would not have asked him to quit.
This must be hard on him. He'd rather lose his life than his face.
He must be so and upset and angry.
Move!
Dad...
Dad.
I see you're up from your nap.
Nap a little more. I'll tuck you in.
Take a look at this. This is good stuff.
Why are you so materialistic?
You wouldn't understand.
Dad, I have good news for you.
Our chief has decided to give you the suit as memorabilia.
Be careful. What is it?
Dad, what are you doing?
What the hell are you doing?
What's wrong? Yafei, what's wrong?
I broke my leg...
-Get up... -Watch where you are going.
So careless. Did you break it?
Yafei, is your leg really broken?
I heard a cracking sound just now.
Oh, no. It's broken.
Where are you going?
I am calling the doctor.
It's not necessary. She's faking it.
It hurts so bad.
Why are you faking it?
Yafei, are you really getting rid of your dad?
I told you. He can't dance. He doesn't have any rhythm.
Uncle...
Don't say it.
I will keep my mouth shut, but under one condition.
What condition?
What's the use of ink if there's no stamp?
What do you mean by that?
You know what I mean.
Even if your dad quits dance contest,
can he watch the baby and do house chores on his own?
We still need to help out, right?
You're taking advantage of the situation to serve your own needs, I see.
Is that a yes?
Can I say no?
I have one condition, too.
What is it?
You need to treat him nicely.
That's going to be difficult.
Let's do this.
I will have two stamps made for you.
One for official use, the other for unofficial use.
Okay, deal.
What will be on your unofficial stamp?
Unofficial stamp.
Let me think about it.
I already thought of something for you.
Tell me.
A Liangshan hero.
What does it mean?
Liangshan is known for bandits.
That's rude.
A bandit he is.
Hurry up. You can't even lock a door.
Stop being so pushy.
Wait up. Why are you in such a hurry? It's not like you're getting paid for this.
I still need to be punctual even if I'm doing them a favor.
How will you ever get two seal stamps if not for helping them out?
One of them is a bandit seal.
You don't understand. It's not just about the stamps.
It's about winning first place for the sanatorium.
If your brother joins the contest, they can forget about winning first place.
If my brother quits, who will pair up with my sister-in-law?
Deputy Director Xiong.
Who is he?
His wife died of a stroke last year. That guy.
What? Do you think your sister-in-law is everyone's cup of tea?
That guy, Xiong, is quite a womanizer.
He has been going on blind dates. Not a reliable guy.
What's wrong with going on blind dates?
He is single now, so he has every right to do so.
Why did you stop?
Men are dogs.
Yeah, women are all saints.
Why are you looking at me like that?
Is that what you're wearing to the dance?
Yes. This is our custom-made costume.
What's wrong with it?
It's worrying.
Why is that?
Come on. Let's go inside. Don't hold her up.
Mom, what are you doing?
You've kept me waiting. Let's go.
Do I not look presentable in this dress?
Says who?
Says your aunt. She didn't like my dress, and she said it's worrying.
Don't mind her.
She's just jealous. Come on.
Why do I have to put up with all of this to be in a contest?
What do you mean?
Ever since your dad was eliminated, he's been mean to me.
He acts as if I was the one who eliminated him.
Don't keep mentioning the word elimination. It upsets him.
I don't dare to mention it in front of him.
I am doing my best to put on a smile at all times. It doesn't work.
I would never dare to mention the word, elimination.
I am sorry to put you through this.
Come on. Let's go. Everyone is waiting for you.
Have you eaten?
Which meal of the day are you referring to?
I am just saying hi to you.
You came in for work?
I came to help out.
You guys are good folks.
Well, I'm afraid I won't be rewarded.
What do you mean? Didn't you get two seal stamps as a reward?
Who told you that?
No one told me anything. But I'm not deaf.
Did you think when you two were bargaining, I didn't hear you?
So, you aren't deaf, are you?
Far from it. You might become deaf before me.
Here. Take the baby.
Where are you going?
None of your business.
Did you think you didn't have to work for your bandit seal stamps?
Dad, did I hurt you?
Are you okay? Does it hurt?
What do you think? Of course, it hurts.
Let's sit down.
Uncle, can't you see?
Look... I'm hurt. So, don't ask me for the stuff.
Yafei, you're not going to change your mind, are you?
Change whose mind?
You ask her.
Here. Give me the baby.
You're asking me a question I don't have an answer to.
What did you say about my mom earlier?
What did I say about your mom?
Did you say something about her being worrying?
Yes, I did.
I did say that.
How is anything worrying?
Look at how she's dressed. Isn't it worrying?
Something wrong with her dress?
The dress is too young for her. I don't like it.
You are not the judge. Who cares if you like it or not?
Let me ask you. Why did you pair her up with Xiong, the deputy director?
Don't you know Xiong isn't exactly a good guy?
Why?
Dad, did you forget something?
It's none of your business what I forget.
You two are in trouble.
Commander Jiang, why aren't you at the practice?
Isn't the contest commencing soon?
Why don't you go for practice? Everybody is there working hard.
Oh, I hurt my back.
I am going to the clinic to receive physical therapy.
Is that right? Did you hurt yourself during dance practice?
Yes...
You practiced hard and hurt your back, right?
Yes!
Okay, go to your physical therapy. Go, go.
Commander, can you still participate in the contest with your condition?
We'll see.
Commander Jiang,
are you unwell?
My chest is tight.
Is it?
Let's order ECG, all right?
Hello?
What? I'll be right over.
ECG results are fine.
But your dad said his chest has been tight.
We should keep an eye on him.
What should we do?
We must wait and see.
Go home and watch his development. If there's anything, contact us ASAP.
Certainly.
Dad.
Let's go home.
Commander.
Chief.
Commander, what is wrong?
My dad's not feeling well in the heart. He has chest tightness.
Well, go to the hospital right away.
Doctor Chai said we just need to watch his development.
Don't be silly.
Chest tightness needs to be looked at right away.
What if an emergency happens? Get an ambulance right away.
No. I am fine. I am okay now.
No. Dad, let's go consult a doctor.
I am fine. Why go to the hospital?
Don't you feel tightness in the chest?
No more tightness.
Thank you, chief.
Is your dad really all right?
He's fine.
His ECG results are even better than mine.
He is just upset and seeking attention.
But you need to be mindful of it.
I know. Don't you worry.
I must go check on him.
Let me help you.
No, I'm fine.
-Let me help you. -I can walk myself.
Let me help you!
-No! -What is going on?
Good, you're here. Go.
One of you, please go buy some soft bread.
Neither one of us can do that now.
My dad is sick. I must help him.
What is wrong with you?
Chest tightness.
Well, go to the clinic and get it checked out.
I did.
What did the doctor say?
Doctor told me to come home first and watch the development.
Did he prescribe some nitroglycerin and ask you to take it now?
He told me to take it when I get back.
Who's the dumb-ass doctor?
Doctor Chai.
Well then, go get some rest and watch the development.
Let me help you.
Take it easy, dad.
Be careful.
He's very good at faking illness.
You are doing a great job faking it.
I am not faking it! I do have chest tightness.
Here… let me help you. My uncle is watching over there.
I don't care. I only care about chest tightness.
I know you do. But it is not a heart-related condition.
It is associated with narrow-mindedness.
What's shameful about it?
This shows that you care about Mom.
Really, Dad. I am especially pleased about it.
Is this what they call 'real love'?
Don't be silly. Nonsense.
Dad, I am sorry.
What are you sorry for?
If I knew this would happen, I wouldn't have asked you to quit.
Winning would not mean anything in the end.
The most important thing is the love and bond between a couple, right?
You just realized that now?
Too late.
Dad.
Why are you running?
My old man is sick. He has heart problem.
He's quite good at spreading the news.
-What did you say? -He's good at sensationalizing it.
What's the use of dancing?
Did you almost forget you had a family?
Look at what you are wearing. Do you think you look decent?
Jiang, I get how you are feeling. But you're simply being rude.
You are jealous of those who are decent and capable.
What's dancing got to do with decency and capability?
Can you dance your way to rescuing all of China?
If it wasn't for me fighting in the war,
did you think you could hug and dance like that now?
Did you single-handedly liberate China? What's with the attitude?
Yes, that's right. You don't get to claim all military medals.
Don't argue.
Everyone has his or her own military medals.
No, not everyone.
When I was fighting in the war,
you weren't even born!
Okay, fine. You two can claim all the credit, all right?
Let's eat.
Mom, it's time to eat.
Would you like a drink?
What about your heart?
I don't care. Seize the day!
I am not afraid of anything. Let's drink!
Yafei, get me some liquor.
Give me the baby.
-No, you go eat first. -No, after you.
You eat first. You deserve it. You've been working hard for the contest.
You've been working hard, too.
That bottle is only for special occasions!
Seize the day!
How many more years can you live?
Seize the moment and enjoy!
I will start to eat first. I need to look after the baby later.
You're right. Let's finish that bottle today.
You two are acting like you only have a few days to live.
Die faster, and get reincarnated faster.
Yafei, you're getting more and more impudent.
You have no respect for anyone.
That's right.
Children need to be disciplined. Or else, they become bad-mannered.
You're spoiled rotten.
Behave like an adult. Don't you know the virtue of respecting others?
It's because she hasn't experienced hardship.
She needs to suffer losses in order to finally learn to behave.
Look at her. She can't take any criticism.
Blame yourselves.
You all ganged up on her. All of you criticized her.
We criticized her because we want her to improve.
You need to do it with the right method.
Look who's talking. Did you just slam the table?
Did I? I merely put down my chopsticks.
Both of you shut up!
Eat up!
Don't you want to eat?
Okay...
If you want to have a few drinks, go ahead.
Don't you want some?
Have some if you want to.
Dehua, pour one for your brother.
He is your man. You get him some.
I don't need anyone to serve me. I am not having any.
Come on, Yafei's uncle.
I will drink with you.
Don't push your luck.
You can't drink.
Tell me, what else can you do?
She can dance.
Why don't you go dancing, too?
Come on, cheers.
You're an old broad.
Pretend you didn't hear her.
I am not deaf.
Think of it as a backward opinion that you should not pay attention to.
The rest of us are backwards. You are the progressive ones. Right.
So, she understands everything we say now? She's not so dumb anymore.
She has had good teachers.
Who is the teacher? You or uncle?
We both are.
Press your lips.
The contest is starting soon.
Mom, please do your best to win first place.
Is it too red?
Not at all. You look great. Let me put more.
-No... that's enough... -Red lipstick lights up your face.
What are they doing?
They are putting on makeup and getting ready for the bridal sedan.
The best makeup skills wouldn't make her look like she's in her late teens.
Isn't it true?
It's like 'a blindman using a candle'.
Why are you looking at me like that?
You are showing your intelligence.
You even know idioms.
That's not an idiom she just said. It was a saying.
What do you think? No good?
Isn't she stunning?
Stunning? Not really.
Aunt, your opinion is biased. Let the men share their opinions.
Dad, you first.
Clothes make the man.
He compliments on the dress.
What about the person who is wearing it?
Don't over praise her.
Dad, are you sure you won't come to the contest to cheer her on?
I'm not coming.
My wife.
Relax and enjoy the journey.
Did what you just said count as an encouragement?
What? Not good enough?
Fine...
Your dad is a better help than you are.
Brown noser.
Let's go. Come on.
We're leaving.
Aren't you all coming?
Let's go.
General.
Rook is gone.
Okay, that's enough chess. You've been playing it all afternoon.
Don't talk. Don't mess it up.
What are you looking at me for? There are no chess pieces on my face.
Are you losing?
Spectators see things as they see them.
What about letting him win once in a while?
You keep quiet. You talk too much.
Stop playing. No one wins!
What are you doing?
Oh, I see. You're a team. You're doing a two-man act.
What two-man act? I don't know how.
Okay, what should we have for lunch?
Since she'll win first place for certain,
we can't have it at home, can we?
What if she doesn't win first place, where should we eat?
We'll have it at home.
Right?
Are you buying if we eat out?
What do I have to pay for it?
I am not participating in the contest. I won't be winning first place.
Then, don't even mention you deserve half of the military medal.
Why not?
Who plays chess with you every day?
Who looks after the baby with you?
Am I doing it for nothing?
Why? Aren't you doing this for those two seal stamps?
The contest event is concluding.
You're trying to get rid of us, aren't you?
Think positively, please.
Two to one. I can't compete with you two.
Well then, let's eat out.
-Let me take a break from cooking. -Yes...
Fine.
If she wins first place, I'm buying you a feast.
-Good, where to? -Okay.
It's too early to decide where to go eat.
It looks like she's won first place. You're definitely buying.
But it's not me who won first place.
Have you changed your mind?
Why is Xiong with them, too?
The dance is over. Why isn't he gone?
Be quiet. Don't talk too much.
Friends, I have good news.
We know.
Who told you?
No one told us. We could tell by your happy expressions.
Well, you don't know everything.
What don't we know?
Do you have an idea how many first places we received?
How many dance contests did you participate in?
Only one.
But we got three first places.
Why?
So, one is not enough.
That was fast.
The ride is here. Let's go.
-The car is here. -It's here.
Let's go. I am starving.
See? I told you to eat more for breakfast.
Where are you going?
We're going to have a celebration feast. Yafei is buying. Let's go.
We are not invited?
Yes, of course you are invited.
You've been a great help.
I am buying all of you a nice meal.
No, thank you. We're not coming.
We ate.
You ate? When?
None of your business. I ate already and that's all you need to know.
We all ate.
What did you have?
Noodles.
Mom...
Mom, you guys get in the car first.
Okay.
We go first.
I'll be right over, go ahead.
Are you sure you all ate?
-Yes, we ate. -Yes, we ate.
You ate noodles?
How many times do I have to repeat it?
Okay, great. So, we see it as me having already treated you to a meal.
Don't pin it on me in the future, okay?
You didn't pay for the noodles. So, you didn't buy us anything.
Well then, join us, it'll be on me.
We're stuffed. Very full.
Okay then. I won't force you. Excuse us.
Bye-bye. We're going to have a feast.
I thought you two wanted to eat out. Why not join them?
I don't want to eat with them.
They are show-offs.
They didn't even take off their costume.
That's right. The contest is over. They should have changed.
Shameless.
So, where do we go eat?
What do you want to eat? We have noodles.
I'll have to cook it.
I should've joined them if I knew I had to cook.
Go to grandpa. We're having noodles.
SEVERAL YEARS PASSED.
CLINIC
Whose car is this? Why is it parked here?
Whose car is this?
Anybody?
It's my car...
Why did you park here?
My kid is sick. I was in a hurry.
Please move it.
What is it?
Are you Jiang Yafei?
Who are you?
Don't you recognize me? I'm Wang Haiyang.
My goodness, Wang Haiyang!
Yeah, that's right. It's me, Wang Haiyang.
Sorry. I didn't recognize you at first. You've changed so much.
You haven't changed much. Still a tough woman.
No parking here. You have yourself to blame for not following the rules.
-Excuse me, your son wants you. -Okay...
I must go. My son is getting his IV. We'll talk some other time.
Sure.
Your car.
Be careful.
Eat your vegetables. Don't be picky.
Do you want to know who I ran into today?
Who did you run into?
Wang Haiyang.
He's changed so much. I didn't recognize him.
Yes, he's changed a lot. He's looking more and more like his dad.
Of course. Like father, like son.
When he was younger, he looked more like his mom.
What about his wife? Is she pretty?
She is pretty. But so what? They still divorced.
He's divorced?
Long time ago. He is raising his child on his own.
Is that so? That's a shame.
He's doing quite well. He's come back to work as a professor.
He doesn't need your sympathy.
Wang Haiyang is a professor? How is that possible?
Why not? He got his PhD from the United States.
Do you need an American PhD degree to become a professor in China?
Western culture worshipers.
That's right.
I thought becoming a professor was difficult. Now that Wang Haiyang...
has become a professor. It doesn't seem that hard.
Yes, I agree.
If a good-for-nothing from a wealthy family can become a professor,
the job seems to have lost its prestige.
Are you going grocery shopping?
He's all grown up. You don't have much free time for yourself, right?
Yes, but we really enjoy our lives together.
Well, you'll see what I mean in the future.
We shall see.
This boy is good looking. He looks like his mom, right?
Good thing he doesn't resemble his dad.
That's rude.
You're a responsible step-mom.
Could you not mention the word, step-mom, okay?
Aren't you a step-mom, too?
Okay, I am, too.
Me too.
Is Haiyang looking for someone?
It's not that easy.
His standards are too high.
He's a college professor. He can have whoever he wants.
Is your Yafei looking?
What do you mean?
Look at you.
I mean to say...
I think they are a good match.
They grew up together...
Stop it.
Ge Meixia, what are you say?
Our Yafei...
Do you see Yafei as a step-mom material?
Quit the silliness. I am leaving.
Going grocery shopping.
CADRE RELAXATION CLUB NAVY YOUTH ROAD
Miss Jiang, do you need help?
Professor Wang, you're being a gentleman, aren't you?
If we're headed to the same direction, I wouldn't mind giving you a ride.
That won't be necessary. Go ahead.
I don't need a ride.
Come on. Get in.
What about I drive you to wherever you want to go?
Now, that's more like it.
Yafei, put on the seat belt.
What seat belt? What is a seat belt?
Stop playing. Buckle up.
Life is the most important thing of all.
What are you laughing about?
You still like to curl your lip just like old times.
Does that lip curling run in the family?
I recall your mom liked to do that, too.
It's a learned behavior, not genetic.
Why are you shaking your head?
You are still a tough cookie.
Still have a way with words.
And you are still dumb and dishonest.
What are you laughing about?
I am reminded of when we were little.
Then, you should've cried, not laughed.
Why?
Think about it.
You were bigger than I was. But you got bullied by me.
I let you bully me.
That's not true. You liked to pick fights with me.
But you would give up after a few rounds of arguments. Don't you remember?
Yes, I remember it clearly.
Oh, right, where are you headed to?
To the airport.
The airport?
Yafei.
I have a lecture at the worker's cultural palace at 2:30 pm.
I can’t be late.
But you said you would take me anywhere I want to go.
I didn't know you wanted to go to the airport. I thought...
What?
I thought you wanted to go somewhere within the city.
So, what are we going to do now?
What about this?
You get a cab, I'll pay for the cab fare.
That's not fair.
I am sorry. I am really sorry.
Did you lie?
Are you going to the airport or not?
You are so gullible.
Typically, when one is knowledgeable, one is quick and clever.
You, my friend, are the opposite.
There is a worker's cultural palace in front of us.
We're headed in the same direction after all.
Okay, I know.
Thanks a lot.
Where is your next lecture?
Why?
I might stop by to listen to what you have to say.
No, don't stop by.
Why? You are not any good?
Well, if you showed up, I might perform badly.
Well then, I must stop by. I need to see it for myself.
Bye.
WELCOME AMERICAN PHD DOCTOR WANG TO LECTURE HERE
It's about resource allocation.
Its development was founded upon clear
historical trajectories and philosophical...
Historical and philosophical trajectories.
Speaking of this theory,
we must understand the evolution of international trade.
Let's borrow Chapter 42 in Laozi's Dao De Jing,
and attempt to describe it.
Everyone, look at this. The one birth that gives birth to two.
It mirrors the theory of microeconomics.
The theory of international trade, intrinsically, is open economy...
Yafei, why are you walking so fast?
I am hungry. I want to go home and eat.
What about...
Can I treat you to a meal?
So, it was only a suggestion. You didn't really want to invite me.
Why are you being so difficult?
What are you going to do about it?
Okay, you win.
Whatever pleases you.
Miss Jiang, could I please have the honor of inviting you to have a meal with me?
And who are you?
I am a defeated opponent of yours.
Do I eat with a defeated opponent of mine?
No...
you enjoy a meal while I accompany you, all right?
If you are defeated, are you qualified to accompany me?
What should I say, then?
You don't even know how to talk. Maybe we shouldn't dine together.
No, Yafei.
Order whatever you want.
Of course, I'll order what I want. You don't need to remind me.
Take your time. I'm going to the restroom.
Abalone and vegetable soup.
Have you ordered your favorite dishes?
Don't talk like I am someone who likes free meals.
We have agreed that we go Dutch on this meal.
None of us is buying.
Why?
Because I have always wanted to find someone whom I can go Dutch with.
But I never had the opportunity.
Good thing you are someone who's lived in the west.
So, going Dutch should be something you are accustomed to.
Let's go Dutch. I want the experience.
Sure. No problem.
Thank you.
Chinese food outside of China is quite expensive.
Please pour some tea for me.
Thank you.
246 dollars in total.
123 each.
Sorry, I don't have small change.
Not necessary. I'll lend you what you need.
I'll pay you back.
Just some small change. You don't have to pay me back.
It's a token of appreciation to thank you for coming back...
to contribute to our country.
Teacher An.
You are here, too. How come I didn't see you?
I called your name several times.
-Taiping, why aren't you in preschool? -Someone got chicken pox at the school.
Yes, you can't go to school.
Why are you here by yourself? Why isn't Deputy Wang with you?
Aren't you always together?
He hurt his legs. He can't come.
Oh, I see.
I am not by myself. I have my grandson here with me.
Yes, that's right. Grandson is with you.
I want to tell you something.
What is it?
Go ahead and tell me.
But you can't tell your family I said it.
What is it? Why so mysterious?
His dad and your Yafei
seem to have been dating.
Who told you that? How is that possible?
I saw it with my own eyes.
Don't be mad. They're grown-ups.
Let them decide on their own futures.
That's easy for you to say.
Subtitle translation by Chia-Chin Wu