You're like a sniffer dog.
Where did you get the cash to buy chicken?
I got it from Yafei.
She gave me the money for a chicken.
What are you groaning at?
The fact you haven't changed your bad bourgeois habits.
-You're always living it up. -That's right.
You're absolutely right.
My fondness for food is something I'll never be able to change.
You'll just have to be more understanding.
Me? Understand you?
I don't want to be corrupted by people like you.
You were corrupted by me a long time ago.
What did you say?
Haven't you left yet?
Why are you smacking your lips now?
Wasn't that a bad habit you associated with peasants?
This chicken soup smells delicious.
It's really tasty.
It turns out that delicious food makes you want to smack your lips.
I was wrong to judge you. I'm sorry.
Don't patronize me.
I'm serious. Please accept my sincere apologies.
As a sign of good faith, I'll give you some chicken soup.
I already told you.
I really don't want any of your rotten chicken soup.
You're acting as if I've never had chicken soup.
The smell of that soup makes me feel nauseous.
It smells like chicken poop.
Fine, don't eat it then. Why are you so disgusted with me?
Besides, it's useless to be disgusted with me.
I'm not the same old An Jie.
I don't care what you say to me.
You've got a lot of nerve these days. Why are you so brash?
I am. I'll give you that.
Anyway, why are you so thin-skinned these days?
You're so sensitive.
You're eating chicken poop!
Look at this!
Well, I guess the loss outweighs the gain.
ONE YEAR LATER
Mom.
-What did you bring? -Dad's liquid laxatives.
Why did he ask you to get them?
The old man discovered he didn't have any, so he ordered me to get him a box.
Where is he?
-He's still in the bathroom. -He's still in the bathroom?
Is he trying to win the Guinness World Record for being on the toilet?
He's scared. Your uncle's death really shook him.
He's become odd in his old age.
Dad never used to be afraid of dying. And now look at him.
He's become a coward.
Don't talk about your father like that.
You'll get old one day and you'll be scared of dying.
I might begin to fear death, but not to that extent.
Look at Dad.
Now, he can't go to the bathroom without using laxatives.
Even then, it takes him ages.
There are 24 hours in a day and he spends half of that in the bathroom.
It's ridiculous.
This was brought on by your uncle's death. He was perfectly healthy.
He was playing chess that morning, and was as busy as ever.
And then he was dead that afternoon.
Because of constipation.
And since he's constipated... Really...
Your dad often talks in his sleep these days.
He calls out for Ding. It breaks my heart.
Just hearing that breaks my heart.
Nowadays, I just need to close my eyes and I can see Uncle's smiling face.
I never used to believe that someone could live on in your heart.
But now, Uncle lives on in mine.
Don't mention your uncle anymore. You'll upset your dad.
You don't need to tell me. I'm not that dumb.
Who's calling you dumb? She has a lot of nerve.
Old Comrade, have some dignity and pull up your pants.
There are no strangers here.
One's my wife, the other's my daughter. What's the problem?
You might not have a problem with it, but perhaps we do.
Maybe us civilized folk can't handle our scruffy relatives.
There's no use mocking me.
This scruffy relative isn't afraid of being mocked by his civilized relatives.
Why are you provoking him?
My dearest father, your servant has brought you the laxatives you requested.
Very good.
-My Lord, are you still angry at me? -I'm not.
Dad's easily pleased.
Who's that? Go see who it is.
No need. They'll come in shortly.
-Is anyone home? -No!
Is something wrong?
Would she be here if there wasn't? What a thing to say...
-That's not what I meant. -There is something wrong.
What is it?
It's almost Tomb Sweeping Day, right?
The kids have been talking and they would like to lay their father to rest.
Yes, they should lay their father to rest.
Everyone should be laid to rest. I want to be laid to rest too.
Then I can look for Ding and play chess with him.
Dad, don't interrupt. Let my aunt talk.
The kids...
want their mother and father... to be buried together,
in the same grave.
But... what about you? What would happen to you?
Mom, could you stop interrupting? Let Aunt finish what she's saying.
Yes, yes... Go on.
What was I saying?
You said they want Ding and Wang Xiu'e to be buried together.
-Who is Wang Xiu'e? -Stop interrupting.
I was only asking.
So, gods may do what cattle may not. Is that it?
Everyone, please shut up.
Continue.
Wang Xiu'e was your uncle's ex-wife.
Siyang's mother.
Oh, I see. Go on, Aunt.
Well, that's it, really. They will be buried together on Tomb Sweeping Day.
But if she's buried with Uncle, what will happen to you?
Jiang Yafei!
Dad, we're all members of the Communist Party.
We must be pragmatic.
We all need to deal with these issues at some point. Aunt's no exception.
-Right, Aunt? -That's true.
I'm not a tortoise that can live a hundred or even a thousand years.
So, let's say Uncle and Wang Xiu'e are buried together.
Years go by... and what then? Don't you want to be buried with Uncle?
Why wouldn't I? That's my dream.
But it's simply a matter of first come, first served.
Wang Xiu'e was his first wife. And she bore him four sons.
So, she ought to be buried with your uncle.
Aunt, your reasoning is wrong.
Sons, daughters... That's not important.
Just because she bore sons and you had a daughter,
it doesn't mean you're less important.
Secondly...
it's unfair to say "first come, first served."
Why's that?
Because we should take into account how long you have both lived with Uncle.
You and Uncle were together for how many years?
Thirty years.
And how long was he with Wang Xiu'e?
Less than twenty years.
You see.
Thirty years versus twenty years.
The answer is staring us in the face.
Stop butting in.
What is this nonsense?
What do you know?
This isn't about who has been with him the longest.
This is about who was the first to marry into the family and who's more important.
So, who's more important?
Wang Xiu'e, of course.
She's the woman his parents and their matchmaker chose for him.
She married into their family through honorable, official means.
This is an irrefutable fact.
So, you're saying... I snuck in through the back door?
That's not what I said, nor what I meant.
-That's exactly what you meant. -You see.
Everyone interpreted it that way. Why deny it?
I came here to discuss this with you and ask for your advice.
I never imagined you would side with someone else.
You call yourself my brother? What kind of brother are you?
Aunt, don't get angry.
-Let's sit and talk. -I'm done talking to him.
Aunt.
Aunt! Don't go.
Look what you've done.
Why are you blaming me?
-I'm not the one siding with the Dings. -What's wrong with siding with the Dings?
I'll side with whoever is right.
I can't act against my conscience just because she is my sister.
Don't give me that.
Tell me...
Why are you wasting energy on other people's problems?
-Does it matter to you? -Of course it matters.
How so?
I wasn't your parents' choice of partner, and I'm definitely not your first wife.
I'm just afraid that... I won't be buried with you.
You're laughing? Why are you laughing?
Thank you, my wife.
We will still be a married couple in the hereafter.
I'm not done with you yet.
All right.
We'll still be together when we're six feet under.
Great.
What's the matter?
Still thinking about your aunt?
You didn't want to help me think.
It's not that I didn't want to help you. I just think others shouldn't interfere.
Am I "others"?
I'm just saying that you can't take all this upon yourself.
This isn't good for you.
It's both your strength and your weakness.
How many times have you suffered?
Why haven't you learned from your mistakes?
You local authorities are too focused on self-preservation.
We always talk about societal apathy.
But if everyone is as passive and indifferent as you,
is it any wonder this world is so cold?
You're laughing?
You leaders really know how to appoint the right people.
See how you're promoted to political commissar from deputy director.
That's such a great move.
Knock it off and go to bed.
-I'm still busy. -You've got three minutes.
-Three minutes and then it's lights out. -Give me five minutes.
I said three minutes.
As a leader, I'm allowed to issue new policies.
-One minute. -Don't worry.
Two minutes.
Three minutes!
No, you--
Come on, Yafei.
-What happened? -I stubbed my toe.
Yafei, why did you want to see us?
I like your personality. Here.
Let's have another round of drinks.
The alcohol should help us summon up our courage.
Cheers.
There's something that I would like to discuss with you two.
Please, go ahead.
It concerns my uncle's... that is, your father's funeral.
What's the matter?
Have you discussed this with my aunt?
Aunt already knows about this.
She knows about this, right?
I'm not asking if you have told her.
I'm asking if you have discussed it with her.
We talked about it with her, and she didn't object to any of it.
That's right.
My aunt married into the Ding family 30 years ago.
Has she ever objected to anything you've done?
Has she ever made any decisions concerning the Ding family?
That's right. I remember...
She has made decisions. She helped you raise your kids.
Do you remember?
My aunt had broken her arm that year.
Your wife went back to school, there was no one to care for the kids.
My aunt wanted to help you raise your kids against your father's wishes.
They had a huge argument over this.
My aunt looked after your children for six months. With her arm in a sling.
Have you forgotten?
You may have forgotten, but I haven't.
I also remember the time your daughter had a fever and was put on an IV.
My aunt used her good arm to cradle your daughter,
sitting there, motionless.
I saw this scene through the window of the health center.
I remember thinking at the time...
Is she only a stepmother?
She was a real mother. That's all there is to it.
As for you, Sanyang...
Your son was barely three months old. You brought him to my aunt.
She endured all sorts of hardships to bring up your son.
She's looked after all of your kids, apart from your brother's.
All of the others have been raised by her.
My aunt is getting old.
She hasn't had a moment's rest from raising her three grandchildren.
Has she ever grumbled?
Has she ever complained to you?
I didn't come here today to manage your family affairs.
I just wanted to have a heart-to-heart conversation with you.
I don't think it's fair.
It's extremely cruel to my aunt.
She has been part of the Ding family for 30 years.
She's devoted her heart and soul to this family for 30 years.
And despite everything... she's still an outsider.
You didn't deem her important enough to be told about this.
Think about it.
Wouldn't she be upset?
I've often heard people say that good things happen to good people.
Isn't my aunt a good person?
Have you ever met a kinder person than her?
You haven't.
So, where is my aunt's reward?
You've never seen me drunk, have you?
Right? Here.
Today I'll show you.
-Yafei, don't. -Yafei.
It's fine, I won't drink too much.
I'm fine. I can walk on my own.
I'll open it.
-Let me open it. -Be careful.
It's fine...
-Careful. -What's going on?
Come out! Yafei drank too much.
-We're here. -Careful.
-Who's responsible for this? -Aunt...
Who let her drink so much?
Tell me what happened to her, you two assholes.
Stop yelling!
Pull your pants up.
I'm fine, Mom. I'm extremely happy, aren't I?
Quickly, carry her inside.
I can walk on my own.
Why did the two of you drink with her anyhow?
Uncle, we didn't pour her any drinks. She did it herself.
-What crap! -Hold on.
-Is she an idiot? Or a drunkard? -Lie on the bed.
-Are you still holding her? -That's enough.
Don't just stand there. Bring her a glass of water!
I'll get it.
You don't know your way around.
-How much did she drink? -I didn't drink much.
Uncle, she didn't even drink a whole bottle.
Not much? Don't tell me she drank on her own.
We also drank quite a bit.
But...
she should be able to hold down at least a bottle herself.
Why were the three of you drinking together?
Well, Uncle, she invited us. She wanted to see us.
She invited you? She wanted to see you?
Why did she meet with you?
She... it was nothing.
She said it had been ages since we'd seen each other.
What crap! This would never happen.
You tell them, Dad. Give them a good scolding.
They're talking crap.
Where's that water?
Aunt.
The two of us... The two of us want to discuss something with you.
Discuss what? Tell me.
Aunt, our original plan was ill-considered.
We upset you. We're sorry.
-What-- -Aunt, we're sorry.
We're really sorry.
We were too selfish.
We didn't consider your feelings... and think this through.
Please forgive us.
Aunt, us brothers and sisters have discussed this.
We've decided to ask for your opinion.
Yes, Aunt.
You can be together when you pass away.
Thank... thank you, children. Thank you.
-Aunt, don't... -Thank you.
Get up...
Thank you.
The scenery is enchanting, and it's an ideal feng shui spot.
-It's not bad. -How did you find this place?
A friend told me about it.
The two of us almost missed this public cemetery.
We finally settled on here.
You two know how to honor your parents. Heaven can testify to it.
Quiet. This isn't a place for frivolity.
Then stop teasing us. I've found that you're quite talented.
You are able to make us cry or laugh at your command.
When did she make you cry?
I didn't just make them cry.
-I was the first one to start crying. -That's true.
Here, this is it. Have a look. What do you think?
It's not bad. Not bad at all.
-What do you think, Professor Wang? -It's not bad.
Hey, come over here.
I think something like this is great. What do you think?
Would this be okay? Would they approve of it?
Who are you asking? Them? Or them?
Them, of course. Why would I ask a stranger?
It's simple. We'll go back and ask her what she thinks.
We can't ask her about this.
We originally agreed on three plots. Now we are down to one.
She's going to think that we're just trying to save money.
That's right.
Besides money issues, do you think this is a good idea or not?
It does sound good.
It's only a joint burial if they're buried together.
I don't know if Aunt will agree to this.
It's simple.
We'll go back and I'll talk to her. I'll try to convince her.
All right?
Sure.
What are you doing? You gave me a fright sneaking around like that.
Let's go.
What's going on?
This is different to what we originally discussed.
What's that? Speak louder so that I can hear you.
My brother says...
he begged his friends for those plots.
Now we only need one plot.
He… he doesn't know what to do.
If that's the case, we'll just keep them all.
Professor Wang, how about our families split the cost?
That way, your dad can be buried with both of his wives.
Oh, you...
-Why are you smiling? Is it okay or not? -Okay, it's settled then.
-Aunt. -Aunt.
Aunt!
You're here.
Aunt.
Aunt, here. Sit down first. Sit and hear what we have to say.
So... Who would like to tell her?
-You tell her. -Yes, you tell her.
Okay. Aunt, I'll talk to you face to face.
I'm used to reporting to someone. Listen to me.
It's like this. It's about Phoenix Mountain Cemetery.
We already told her about it. She already knows.
Do you want to report back to her? Or should I?
-No. You tell her. -Don't interrupt her.
You're not sensible.
-Where was I? -Phoenix Mountain Cemetery.
Can you please stop interrupting?
All right. Yafei, calm down and carry on.
I'm starving and I can see Aunt has been making noodles for us.
I know you love homemade noodles, so I made them especially for you.
Are you listening to me or not?
All you've talked about up till now is food.
-This is ridiculous. -Fine, sit down and carry on talking.
This kid. Really...
Thanks to you two, I'm hungry. To cut a long story short,
Aunt, didn't you say you wanted three cemetery plots?
Yafei, I was just about to tell you...
I heard that cemetery plots can be very expensive these days.
They can cost more than a house.
It's ridiculous.
We can't just let people taking advantage of us, right?
So, we shouldn't buy three plots. Just buy two.
Your mother and father should be buried together.
Let them stay together.
Your mother...
was my senior and your father's first wife.
She should be with your father.
Me... as long as I'm close by, that's good enough for me.
I'll be content with that.
Your mother was very good to me when we were young.
I don't want to fight her over this.
Have you two changed your minds?
Who said we changed our minds?
So, why did you nod?
-Did you nod? -No.
-You did nod. Just admit it. -They're just feeling emotional.
Yes...
-Aren't you? -Of course I'm emotional. Aren't you?
I am. I'm very touched.
Aunt,
you've been so good, so kind.
I've been good? Kind?
I…I didn't feel so good in the beginning either and I even blamed them.
Well... you should blame us. What we did was wrong.
Yes.
All right, that's enough self-criticism.
Aunt, I've got some good news for you.
Good news?
Nowadays, there's a popular new trend.
That is, to put the photos and the names
of all three of you together.
Just like one big family, don't you think?
-This is popular? -Of course. Why would I lie to you?
How about we eat those noodles and then take you there?
Do people really do that these days?
I'm so lucky then. So lucky.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF DING JIQIANG, WANG XIU'E, AND JIANG DEHUA.
Yafei is going to become a political commissar soon.
Did you know that?
That's nonsense.
If all the veteran cadres know, why don't I know about it?
Are you happy?
How much did you drink today? You're spouting nonsense.
Tell me, old chap...
Why would it be nonsense?
Aren't you happy about your child's progress?
Haiyang?
How much did your dad drink today?
-He didn't drink much. -He looks drunk.
He's just rambling.
You're being unreasonable.
I'm only trying to share some good news with you.
Why do you say it's all nonsense?
What? You sharing good news with me?
What good news have you got to share?
That fact that Yafei got promoted to political commissar.
What other good news could there be?
Is Yafei your child?
Of course she is!
Yafei is the Wang family's daughter-in-law.
She's our pride. Am I wrong for saying that?
Daughter-in-law? It's nothing like a daughter.
Jiang Yafei is my daughter. Me, Jiang Defu.
Would I need you to share her good news?
Jiang Yafei is my daughter-in-law. Me, Wang Zhenbiao.
She eats and lives in our house, not yours.
Does it matter whose house she eats and lives in?
Of course it does. She's part of our household.
In that case, tell her to change her name to Wang.
Change her name to Wang-Jiang.
Can you do that?
You can't, right?
What rights have you got to share her news with me if you can't?
I'm not going to argue with you.
Is there any point to arguing? Is there a point to it?
It's like the chicken and egg question.
So boring and meaningless.
You can be a chicken or an egg.
Just pick one, pick one.
Pick one? I want both chicken and egg.
I leave nothing to you.
-Stop the car! -What happened?
Dad?
Good gracious! What is Dad doing?
-He must have had an argument. -An argument with who?
Who knows. Wang Haiyang wouldn't dare provoke him.
Did he argue with your dad?
I bet you that's the case, and your husband probably lost the fight too.
Lose? Why would he lose?
You, get out and go sit in the car in front of us.
Sure...
-Uncle, what happened? -Drive!
Get in the car. Quickly.
Yafei, do you have any free time today?
Could you spare some time to come shopping with me? I need knitting wool.
What? Why do you need knitting wool?
I want to knit a sweater and pants for your dad.
No one wears hand-knitted sweaters anymore.
Why? Are you that bored?
Your father turns 80 this year. It's a milestone birthday,
so I want to knit him a sweater and pants.
Isn't Dad turning 79 this year? He turns 80 next year, right?
Isn't it bit early to suck up to him?
People say you can't celebrate birthdays with odd numbers
so we must celebrate his 80th birthday one year earlier.
-Why? -I don't know why.
But it's a rule we must observe.
All right, I'll be there soon.
All right, we're home.
You two are quite something.
Out shopping for so long… Are you trying to starve me to death?
We're sorry.
-We bought McDonald's for you. -I won't eat that junk food.
Then I'll give it to my parents-in-law. They love to eat it.
But your mom bought it for me. You can't give it to them.
I'm sorry but you're mistaken. I'm the one who paid for this.
So you mean I can't eat it? Who made that rule?
I thought you didn't like it. How about I make you noodles?
No.
It's okay. Don't bother. I'm fine with this.
-Was all this stuff free or something? -We paid for all of this ourselves.
What are those yarns for?
-For a sweater. -A sweater for who?
Who else? You, of course.
Why are you knitting me a sweater all of a sudden?
My mother is trying to show you how she feels about you.
It's an expression of her love for you.
See, you gave your dad a fright.
My dear comrade, you don't have to play tough in front of us.
How am I playing tough?
You've been in love all your life but you still pretend to choke on the word.
Why are you so pretentious?
Pretentious? Why do I have to pretend about?
My dear comrade. How do you plan to spend your birthday?
If you don't want to make a fuss, then we won't either.
We'll just get Aunt to make a bowl of noodles.
-What if I want a lavish celebration? -Then we must go all the way.
People used to consider 70 long life.
You'll be turning 80. That's amazing!
Amazing? What's so amazing about that?
Of course it's amazing. I don't even know if I can make it to 70.
We're talking about your dad's birthday, stop making everything about you.
Sorry, I got distracted.
Anyway, just tell me...
do you want a lavish celebration for your 80th birthday or not?
Of course I do.
Good. Then we'll put together a planning commission.
Dad, you're the chairman and I'm your deputy.
Mum…
Mum can be a member. Senior member.
Why should I plan my own birthday party? Isn't that a bit weird?
Yeah, that reminds me.
People would have to give you presents for such an important birthday,
and these presents can't be cheap, either.
Yes, I think so.
So, we're actually using your birthday
to take advantage of other people,
which means you can't be the chairman.
I have to be the chairman so people can blame me for it.
-Isn't that right? -Then I won't have a party.
Don't be like that, comrade. Why do you always run away from challenges?
You'll never get another chance again.
Just think,
you've never received anything valuable in your life.
This is your once in a lifetime chance.
Why do you make everything sound like a conspiracy?
Really...
You too.
You're in this with me.
My dad is no longer the chairman so that means you're promoted to deputy.
-We must both take the blame. -All right, I'll be your assistant.
-You're taking the garbage out? -What, have you never done it?
-I do it all the time. -And that makes you so great?
-When have I said I was great? -It's in your tone.
Stop there.
-What is it now? -I'll give you some friendly advice.
What is it? Spit it out.
Isn't it a bit inappropriate to celebrate your birthday so lavishly?
-How is that any of your business? -How isn't that my business?
I was told that I must prepare something nice.
Let me ask you, what kind of gift do you consider nice?
-Who told you that? -Your daughter.
-Which daughter told you? -Yafei. Yafei told me.
Isn't she your daughter-in-law? What's that got to do with me?
Is she not your daughter? Didn't you claim her back?
As if you listen to everything I say.
Have you forgotten your chicken and egg theory?
Why has he become such a grumpy old man?
Come home right away. I need to talk to you. Right away!
-What is it? -Let's wait for the chairman.
Babysitting?
Why are you running?
It's urgent. Your brother has ordered my immediate return.
-For what? -I don't know either.
He says he need to talk to me. I need to go, Aunt.
Dad! This heat is killing me.
What's the rush? Why did you run?
What would you know? She's only following my orders
-like a true military officer. -Yafei.
Please just tell me what you wanted to talk to me about.
I'm still busy.
-Who is it? -Dehua.
Why is she here?
Can't she come over without a reason?
Please… please hurry. I don't have much time.
I'm thinking of...
I'm thinking of having my birthday earlier.
What? Having it earlier?
-Why? -What are you guys talking about?
-Let me in on it too. -You're so nosey.
So what if I am? Does that bother you?
-Sit. -Sit down.
Just quickly tell me your reason.
I have my reason, and it's well-grounded.
Stop talking nonsense and get to the point.
I was never sure about the exact date of my birth.
I can never remember whether it's the lunar or solar calendar.
Besides...
I'm not used to celebrating my birthday like this.
So, you know…
We never remember your birthday anyway.
How come you can remember all your kids' birthday but not mine?
I always forget my own birthday.
-But my… -Enough…
Let's get back to the main topic.
When do you want to celebrate your birthday?
On August 1, Army Day.
I'm a veteran, I have to celebrate it with my comrades.
Why don't you just say you're a party member so you have to
celebrate your birthday on July 1 with the party?
Ms. An, be careful of your rightist tone.
Mr. Jiang Defu, since you've given me such a touching reason,
I shall support your decision with a salute.
-Very good. -I really have to go now.
Oh, that's right...
Everyone's asking what you want for your birthday?
They want me to ask you.
I've already decided on sweater and pants.
Then I'll make you a bowl of noodles, so that you get to live
as long as the noodles.
Food is so meaningless.
What can be more meaningful than food?
That's all your generation thinks about.
Yeah, you're eating the entire country to poverty.
That's right. They're always eating out.
I have to go or else I'll be publicly denounced.
Subtitle translation by Lisa Lai