I know that you're very busy.
I'm also busy too.
I think that...
Promise me.
Give me more time.
Don't give up on us.
We rarely travel abroad, but when we did
he was reluctant to spend money and said everything is too expensive.
It makes me so mad, you know?
So?
That's the reason you came to the States by yourself?
I relied on myself to come here and see you.
Your dad's an adult. He can take care of himself.
You're so immature.
How long are you planning to stay then?
I'm telling you. I have classes, so I can't go sightseeing with you.
I've traveled the world for almost a week.
I've done enough sightseeing.
That Chinese medicine program sounds interesting. Can I sit in?
-No. -No?
I'll check if you can.
You do that.
Fine.
Are you really not going to care about your husband, though?
He doesn't want me to care about him, okay?
I bought him a new wallet that day and he scolded me for spending money.
His old wallet was already falling apart.
How expensive could a wallet be?
All right. Since you're here already, try to enjoy your trip.
It's okay to fight. You'll make up. It's not like you've never fought before.
I don't want to talk to him.
It's just a wallet, okay?
-You two are ridiculous. -He's ridiculous.
We could have had a family trip together.
Look how pretty the view is.
Look at the view. Get positive energy.
He's asking where we're from.
He said you're very beautiful.
He's taking a picture.
-It seems he wants your phone number. -Me?
All right. Never mind.
You won't make up with Dad.
-You can be single in San Francisco. -No, I can't!
Just go out and have fun.
You can be single since you're out here, okay?
This is a famous park in San Francisco.
It's called Dolores Park.
In the summertime,
a lot of people sunbathe naked here.
Really?
-You're like a local now. How awesome. -Don't you feel bad?
You came during the wrong season.
I wouldn't dare.
There's a nice ice-cream place down there.
I'll take you there later.
Sure.
Shouldn't you do these things with Ryan instead of me?
You should do these things with Dad instead of me.
Where did I put it?
-Mr. Li, what are you looking for? -The conditioner you put on leather.
-Leather conditioner? -Yes.
A wallet cost 30,000 TWD.
Does she think I print money for a living?
I'm a Chinese Medicine doctor.
Thirty thousand is very expensive.
But you shouldn't have left your wife there because of this wallet.
Found it.
I wonder if it's enough.
You...
Young man, you can't say that.
Come sit here.
It was her who left and ignored me.
-Sunshine. -I didn't leave her.
That looks so tacky.
-Do a cuter pose. -She's the one who went
-Hipster pose. -to San Francisco to see Nian-nian.
Really?
She has traveled the world
-so she's brave enough to be alone now. -I guess.
It's like she's testing my patience by spending money on this trip.
Look at this wallet.
It's genuine cow leather.
I just have to put some conditioner on it
and I can use it for another ten years.
Why are you here alone? Where's Jo?
Isn't her mom going to stay here?
-Her mom's coming the day after tomorrow. -I see.
She went to buy some toiletries for her.
So I came to clean up the room.
You don't seem too happy.
Why? I know.
You're worried about meeting
your future mother-in-law.
It's not that serious.
It's because Jo's mom is coming on her own.
Jo's really nervous about it.
And I have lots of renovation projects right now.
I can't finish them.
I might not be a good host when her mom comes.
-That would be rude. -Don't worry.
It's the thought that counts.
If you care about Jo,
you have to know that your mother-in-law is more important than your business.
Right?
No matter how busy you are, you have to make time.
I haven't been around much lately, right?
But no matter how busy Nian-nian is, she always keeps in touch with me.
This girl, Jo,
she's great.
She's loyal to you and she helps you out a lot.
Hey.
Don't let her down.
Do you hear me?
I do.
-Do you hear me? -I do.
All right.
She has good taste.
Doesn't it look new?
-It's great. -It's great.
Isn't he a Chinese Medicine doctor?
Why are the cupboards empty?
Because Nian-nian went to the States.
They're taking a break right now.
Why are you standing?
Jo, are you making your mom stand?
Ask her to sit over there.
-Come. -Thank you.
-Have a seat. -Have some healthy soup.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Li, for letting Jo and I stay here.
I haven't been back in 20 years.
Honestly, I don't have friends or family here anymore.
It would be too lonely if I stay in a hotel by myself.
You're very welcome.
I treat Jo like my own daughter.
Yes.
You can stay as long as you want.
-Thank you, Mr. Li. -Thanks.
Heshengtang is huge.
No wonder Nian-nian is so incredibly talented.
I'm not just saying this.
Those old people in the Taiwanese Association
are hard to please.
But Nian-nian has been able to handle all of them.
Really?
Their children tell them to eat healthier, but they never listen.
Nian-nian tells them
and now they're all very focused on it, just like health experts.
Thank you.
Jo is very talented as well.
She's an engineer in Silicon Valley, right?
Yes.
Also,
my back was aching all over the other day.
Jo taught me how to do yoga.
That helped a lot.
When we traveled around the world,
whenever I got tired along the way,
I would stand up and stretch a bit.
That would get my blood and energy flowing again.
I can say that Jo is both book smart and street smart.
You did a good job, Mrs. Chen.
You're too kind.
I'm telling you,
when I raised Jo and her brother on my own,
I cared most about their education.
-Yes. -So,
I always told them, "You have to learn Taiwanese."
You can never--
Uncle, I'll take my mom upstairs to leave her luggage first.
-Okay. -Let her rest for a bit.
That's right.
You haven't unpacked yet. That way.
Just come down if you want to chat.
-Okay. Thank you. -Okay.
I RAN INTO ETHEN AT SAFEWAY TODAY.
HE BOUGHT A BOTTLE OF DOM PÉRIGNON - VINTAGE.
HE SAID IT WAS HIS FATHER'S FAVORITE AND HE'S BRINGING IT TO HIS GRAVE.
I REMEMBER WHEN I TOOK XIU-HE
TO THE NEWLY-OPENED ASIAN RESTAURANT WHEN I WAS LITTLE.
THEY HAD CANTONESE FRIED NOODLES, BUT IT CAN'T BEAT THE ONE FROM YONGLE.
Your dad wore this jacket
for so many years.
I patched it up for him before.
So I especially brought a chair up for you.
You didn't have to do that.
I can sit on the floor.
Thank you for coming back.
Dad would be really happy.
It's been so many years.
I've come to understand some things.
It's not like your grandma and I hate each other.
I just don't want to see her
because it still hurts.
I can't face her.
Look at this.
What do you think?
Aren't they too young to be your boyfriends?
You're such a smart aleck now.
Who taught you that in Taiwan?
I picked these men for you.
They make at least 500,000 USD a year.
They have houses and cars.
Their family is also quite simple.
There are no demanding mothers-in-law.
I've thought out everything for you.
This one.
I like this one the most.
And cute.
I just remembered.
Mr. Li prepared miancha for you.
-Really? I haven't had it in forever. -Yeah, have some.
It does.
Jo. Here.
If you don't like that doctor earlier,
here, this one.
He's also an engineer like you.
You'll have more things to talk about.
Pretty nice, right?
-Yes. -There's also a lawyer.
This one. He's a lawyer.
When did you get a boyfriend?
Where did you meet him?
What does he do?
Where does he live?
Is he Taiwanese?
Mom, when did you switch jobs and become a lawyer?
How come I don't know about it?
Stop joking around with me.
What kind of person is he?
His name is Deng Tian-ming.
-He's from Dadaocheng. -Okay.
Tell me the truth.
Is he really poor?
You never mentioned money in all the things that you said.
Does he have a job?
You'll know when you meet him tomorrow.
Stop asking me so many questions.
You're being so mysterious.
And tomorrow,
I'll take you around the area.
There's a lot of fun stuff and good food here.
Or if you have somewhere you want to go,
I can go with you.
When did you become such a good daughter?
It's called hospitality.
Tian-ming taught me that.
Enjoy your miancha.
Hey, can I ask you something?
Do they really not have any beds here?
They sleep on the floor?
If I had known, I'd stay in a hotel.
This is the opposite of hospitality.
You're all about hospitality now, aren't you?
I'm Taiwanese, okay?
I'm going crazy.
Their total age is over a hundred years old,
yet they're still fighting. They keep asking me to pass the message.
It's sweet that they're still fighting at this age.
Fighting is communicating, okay?
Maybe your parents want to be like you and have a long distance relationship.
Gosh.
That's possible.
Then it's a good thing my mom came.
Please take care of my dad then.
Why do you have to feign courtesy?
Isn't your dad my dad too?
Jo's mom is staying at your house.
I think I probably won't go over there as much.
Deng Tian-ming.
Are you afraid of her?
You know how bad my luck is.
Who would entrust their daughter to me?
Here you go again.
Hey, I'm not there yet.
I'm three days late.
I'm talking about you, not your period.
Listen to me.
Do you know what your strength is?
Elders love you.
Just be yourself.
Jo's mom is easy to handle.
Her bark is worse than her bite.
If you get to know her, she's really nice.
Stop feeling inferior.
I'm not feeling inferior. You are.
No. I'm super confident.
I wish you could keep bickering with me.
Hang on.
I prepared some food for your mom.
I see.
Thanks.
I'll let her know.
-Should I... -She's taking a shower.
Maybe we could have dinner together on another day.
I smell Chinese Medicine on you.
It makes me miss Heshengtang.
I'll get going now.
AGED WILD GINSENG
CATERPILLAR FUNGUS
Hey, Qin.
Hey, Jo.
This is my mom.
-Nice to meet you. -She came to visit me from the States.
-Hi. You came from the States? -Yes.
Welcome.
Hi, Shun.
-Hi, Jo. -This is my mom.
Your mom looks so young.
No wonder you're so pretty.
Shun, can my mom try this tea?
-Sure. This is our very famous health tea. -Thanks.
Try it.
It's very good.
These are our cake molds.
They were carved from wax.
The one you're using right now says "happiness."
These are Pingxi pies.
-Jo, you can ask your mom try them. -Pingxi pie.
These have sword bean filling in them.
Thank you.
You've only been in Taiwan for a while.
You're not a picky eater anymore.
This is so greasy.
This is so sweet.
How can you eat them?
I think they taste and smell great.
If you don't like it, I'll have it.
Or, you could have that.
ICE FLAKES
Girls should eat less cold food.
This is the grocery store I told you about.
Mom, wait a second.
Help me introduce this.
Merci.
Merci. Bon appétit.
Merci beaucoup. Arigato.
-Jo. -Hey.
My mom is here.
Hey, why didn't you tell me your mom is coming?
Hi, nice to meet you.
He's taken good care of me during my stay in Taiwan.
Are you the owner of this grocery store?
I'm not some big shot. I just own a small business.
That's true.
It's very small.
Mom, don't underestimate this store.
Business is quite good.
A lot of tourists come here.
After repackaging the items,
they sell really well and the profit is good.
It's different from the grocery stores you imagine.
Oh, and Tian-ming graduated from the National Taiwan University too.
Yes.
You graduated from NTU?
I didn't know that NTU teaches people how to run grocery stores now.
Mom.
Tian-ming is really good at investing.
Apart from this grocery store,
he's also working on other investment projects right now.
They're about to come through.
Could it be...
that you're my legendary prettiest and smartest aunt?
Meng.
Auntie.
I finally get to see you.
I'm one of your fans.
I post comments on your videos.
Am I more handsome in real life?
You are. A hundred times more handsome.
Jo, isn't he just like Hank?
Auntie, I can't compare with Hank.
He likes to sing. I like to make videos.
That's two different things.
Also, I'm more handsome than him, right?
Yes, of course.
-Uncle. -Yes?
-Can I ask you a favor? -Sure. What is it?
-When we have dinner with my mom in a bit, -Yes?
can you not mention that thing about Tian-ming?
You mean,
how he owes a lot of money around here?
I know.
Here. Take this to the table.
What a feast.
I'm so embarrassed.
I'm staying here and made you prepare all these.
Don't say that.
These are just normal family dishes.
You don't need to be embarrassed.
Tian-ming, get Jo's mom some food.
-Auntie. -There's no need.
Jo, you get some for me.
Mr. Li is such a good cook.
During my stay here,
I almost started eating meat again.
You should eat meat.
You just eat vegetables. You're so skinny.
How would you be healthy then?
Am I right, Tian-ming?
I think eating meat or vegetables is a personal choice.
I respect Jo's decision.
Yes, I guess as her mom,
I really don't know how to respect that.
Auntie.
That's not... That's not what I meant.
Mrs. Chen.
Here.
I watched Tian-ming grow up.
If you think I raised Nian-nian well,
please trust me.
Tian-ming is an honest and ambitious young man.
Yes.
Tian-ming is really great.
However, Jo is going back to the States with me soon.
So they can just be friends.
Here. I'll take that.
Here.
I thought this man was so great
that you left Chris.
You chose randomly and got a guy like that.
And for your information, he sells dried longan in his shop.
Dried longan.
Does he even make 5,000 TWD a day?
I think he can't even feed himself. How will he support you?
I can make money myself.
I know.
I've raised you all these years.
You can make a living now.
I worked so hard over the past years to raise you.
I don't want you to marry someone who can't feed you
and even needs you to earn the money.
I don't care.
You've had enough fun in Taiwan.
You're going back to the States with me next week.
Look at your daughter.
Class.
Many patients have weak kidneys and livers.
Their liver heat is very strong. They have an excess of liver yang.
That's why they feel dizzy and have tension in their heads.
They can't sleep or they wake up early.
When you see these symptoms, it's best to give them
the gastrodia and uncaria combination.
Professor, you just suggested giving those with headaches caused by liver yang
the gastrodia and uncaria combination,
but I was thinking if the large wind-expelling decoction
would be more effective?
Sit down. Just speak sitting down.
I--
That's enough. Stop talking.
Okay?
Good. You're working very hard.
Keep up the good work.
That's really how it is. I didn't make a mistake.
I'm going to call your dad.
Sure. Have you reconciled?
Call him.
Call him now.
Do you have your phone? Use mine.
Professor.
Excuse me. Let me introduce myself.
I'm Nian-nian's mom. You can call me Monica.
Thank you for taking care of Nian-nian.
She always tells me how great your classes are.
I'm sorry about what just happened.
I was so mesmerized by your lecture
that I forgot where I was and stood up to talk.
I apologize for interrupting.
Very good. No, I mean,
the school usually prescribes the gastrodia and uncaria combination.
So that's what I teach.
Please understand.
Some of these students aren't so bright. If I give too much input,
they'll get confused.
Please understand, Mrs. Li.
No... I mean, Monica.
Please understand.
Your mom likes to cause trouble, just like you.
See you.
Let's talk again later.
Did I make him mad?
He likes you.
Hey, Monica.
What you just said
about treating dizziness caused by long-term excess of liver yang...
You can indeed use large wind-expelling decoction.
Thank you, Professor.
-Thank you. -All right.
He's into you.
Hey, Monica.
Do you want to just stay and have a career in the States?
I think there's really a market for you here in the States.
I think so too.
Yes, you won't reconcile with your husband anyway.
You can find another man here.
Good morning.
Morning.
You don't look well.
Are you feeling sick?
I have a slight headache.
That's all right. Come here.
I'll stick a few needles in you.
Acupuncture.
She's an adult now.
She's not a child. Why can't she think about things?
Young people have their own way of thinking.
Don't move.
Is it that terrible to go back to San Francisco?
The salaries are high, with good benefits.
The boys there have good qualifications.
How will she have a good life
if she stays in Taiwan and be with dubious men?
She's too smart for her own good.
She didn't inherit that from me at all.
Mrs. Chen.
Tian-ming is not a dubious man.
He's a native of Dadaocheng.
I watched him grow up.
I told you,
he's an honest and upright man.
He treats Jo nicely too.
He just has bad luck.
You should give him a chance.
Don't judge him so quickly and say that he's a bad kid.
What is that stench?
Do you keep sea lions here?
Why does it smell so bad in here?
We don't have sea lions.
That's just the Chinese Medicine I'm cooking at the back.
Don't talk.
I'll go take a look at the back.
Stay still.
Don't move.
Like mother, like daughter.
They come from the same mold.
It smells great. How does it stink?
It stinks so badly.
It stinks.
When did you learn how to make tea?
Grandma taught me.
How is Tian-ming doing?
Great. Don't worry.
That's good.
If he needs anything, just let me know.
Thank you, Grandma.
Mom.
You seem healthy.
That's wonderful.
I don't need to worry now.
I came back this time
to come visit you on Min-hsiung's behalf.
If everything goes according to plan,
next week,
I'll bring Jo back to San Francisco.
Jo has decided to get Taiwanese citizenship
and inherit Min-hsiung's fortune.
I asked you to come back this time to register her account
so she can come back to her roots.
INHERIT VIRTUE FROM THE ANCESTOR
She has decided to stay in Taiwan.
She won't be going back to the States.
Mom.
We have enough money.
I'm taking Jo back to the States next week.
You...
You're really such a cruel woman.
Because of you, I didn't get to see my son before he died.
Now, you're taking away my granddaughter too.
What will she do here?
She had a good job in Silicon Valley.
All she does in Taiwan is have fun.
And fool around with that grocery store owner.
What can she make of herself that way?
Jo has decided to stay in Taiwan.
Tian-ming is a good man.
What's wrong with them being together?
So I'm the last person to know?
You're staying here in Taiwan?
San Francisco and Taipei are both my homes.
I want to stay here and do what I want to do.
Are you going to burn some incense or not?
Or,
do you not think of yourself as a part of the Huang family?
Nian-nian.
I heard that it's a continental climate over there.
It's quite dry.
Don't forget to drink water.
Mr. Li.
You've said that three times already.
Mrs. Li is actually not home right now.
I'm concerned about my daughter right now.
What does it have to do with her?
I've been in San Francisco for so long. When have you cared about my water intake?
Since you care about her, stop being stubborn and make up.
Let me concentrate on studying, okay?
I'm not the one being stubborn.
You saw it.
I called her, but she didn't pick up.
I video call you all the time, but I don't see her.
Where is she?
Let me tell you.
Your wife is very popular here.
The Italian upstairs says she's beautiful.
My Chinese Medicine professor
thinks she's my sister and asks her out for coffee every day.
I don't know who she's having coffee with today.
Fine. Whatever.
I'm busy.
Bye.
Aren't you going overboard?
Didn't you say we're going to a movie premiere?
Of course we have to dress up.
Look what goodies I got today.
This one.
Isn't it beautiful?
-Hey, Monica. -Yes?
I think your husband can't take it anymore.
Don't you want to comfort him a bit?
He's at home?
Who cares if he's at home?
You know, Wendy took me to an art gallery today.
It's so beautiful. The atmosphere is amazing.
It's best for two people to take a stroll.
Your dad...
Ask Ryan to take you there.
Silly girl.
Women have to take care of their careers and studies,
and also their other half.
-Really? -Yes.
I'll help you take care of your other half then.
-What are you doing? -Dad.
Your wife is back.
-I don't want to talk to him. -She doesn't want to talk to you.
-She's dressed up so nicely today. -Tell him I'm not home.
She said she's not at home.
You want to see how pretty she looks?
-No. Don't tell him. -She's so pretty.
A foreigner said I look like I'm in my twenties.
She told me not to tell you a foreigner said she looks like she's in her twenties.
She's wearing a miniskirt.
Do you want to see her?
Do you want to see her? She's so hot.
You silly.
I'm so tired.
-I was worried I dressed too formally, -Have some more.
but everyone here is dressed so extravagantly.
-I told you not to worry, Mrs. Li. -Hello, Mr. Cai.
-Hello. -In this day and age,
-This is Nian-nian. -many rich Asians invest a lot in movies.
The afterparties can't lose to Hollywood's, of course.
It has to be crazy enough.
-What do you think? -Great.
-Cheers. -However, the movie
-seems to be too artistic. -Thanks for coming.
I don't quite get it.
We're all here just to socialize.
The party is more important than the movie premiere itself.
I don't quite get what you're saying now either.
Nian-nian.
Okay. Have fun then.
-Okay. -Sure.
-Nian-nian. -See you later.
-Gosh, Monica. -Do you like it?
-You're so hot. -Right?
Yes.
-No need to thank me. Old Qian. -Are you competing with the female lead?
Let's take a photo. We haven't taken one yet.
-The gorgeous and stunning Monica. -Let me take it.
Professor Qian.
Hello.
Take the photo now!
You're so beautiful.
That's enough, Old Qian.
Enough?
So pretty.
Everyone, let me introduce you.
This is the producer of the film tonight, Kate.
-She's also from Taiwan. -Hello.
-Congratulations. -Thank you.
Professor Qian, I've heard so much about you. Hi.
-Congratulations. -Hello. Thank you.
-I'm Nian-nian. Hello. -Thank you for coming.
How are they doing?
Not wife, ex-wife.
His girlfriend is here.
This will upset his girlfriend, right?
Ex-wife?
Girlfriend?
-I'll go get you some drinks. -Okay.
Do you know his ex-wife?
I think I need to find a chance to tell my mom everything today.
Okay. Can you wait until this is over?
They didn't get a divorce.
They did. They already...
I know Sally and Tiffany really well.
I'm sure they aren't divorced.
Ryan.
You aren't divorced?
Lower your voice.
Mrs. Li, I'm working right now. Can I explain this to you later?
I trusted you from the beginning.
You lied to me.
Mrs. Li.
Brad Pitt is here. Let's go see him.
She told me about it. Explain everything right now.
Mrs. Li.
I have to go now.
Excuse me.
Where are you going?
Ryan.
Li Nian-nian!
-Come on. Have more drinks. -Play some music.
Have more drinks.
Come on.
Let's drink.
Thank you.
So you knew that he wasn't divorced.
I can't believe you're still dating him.
Why won't you let me explain?
The States handle marriage and relationships differently from Taiwan.
They separate things very clearly.
It's not that Ryan doesn't want to get a divorce.
It's because his assets are not...
Don't talk to me about that now.
So what if he's American?
Americans and Taiwanese are all the same.
He has a wife and a family, so he shouldn't date you.
What if it takes him forever to fix this?
Are you going to be his mistress forever?
Wu Jing-wen.
I am not his mistress.
-The love in their marriage is long gone. -How would you know?
How would you know that?
What if they get back together?
They can get back together because they're still married.
What about you then?
Who are you, Li Nian-nian?
Your dad and I have protected you and nurtured you since you were little.
You are our precious daughter.
Now, how is this man treating you?
How are you allowing this man to treat you?
How upset would your dad be if he finds out?
What would I tell your mom?
I'll be fine.
Are you really fine, Li Nian-nian?
Look at me.
Are you really fine?
When you know that he's not divorced,
the man you love is still married and belongs to another woman...
Are you really fine? Doesn't it hurt?
Don't you feel sad?
Are you really fine?
You're just fooling yourself when you tell yourself that.
You silly girl.
Silly girl.
It's okay.
What do you mean your mom is gone?
I thought...
I thought our relationship improved.
I thought it changed.
But the truth is, no.
Why can't she support my decisions?
Why does she always think that my decisions are wrong and bad?
Gosh. Be careful.
Calm down, okay?
Look.
Your mom's luggage is still here.
She hasn't been in Taiwan for so long. There must be places she wants to go to.
She's an adult. She'll be fine.
Hey, where are you going?
Do you remember?
When you were little,
your dad would take us to see lotus flowers in Golden Gate Park.
He said he liked the lotus
because I have that character in my name.
When we were students,
one time,
we went to an art museum to watch a performance.
Afterward,
we were still very touched.
So a bunch of us passed through the botanical garden,
singing while walking.
Along the way, your dad
talked about his dreams proudly.
Freedom,
equality,
equality for all.
When we passed Roosevelt Road,
we saw how red
the kapok flowers were.
If your dad
were still alive,
I think he wouldn't criticize Tian-ming like I do.
I really want to know what he would say too.
I think he would chat with the two of you.
He would want to understand your thoughts.
Maybe,
he would tell me to let go and let you do what you want.
We would probably fight over it.
No matter how worried I am about my daughter,
out of respect for her,
in the end,
I'll accept her decision.
I won't say no anymore.
Jo.
I'm willing to register your account in Taiwan so you can stay.
However, I want you to think about this.
If you didn't have Tian-ming, would you still stay?
Tian-ming.
Jo is my precious daughter.
As her mom, I just want to be very cautious.
Jo has done so much for you.
What kind of future can you offer her?
She used to have a rich and stable life,
yet she chose an unpredictable future for you.
Do you know what she gave up?
Do you know what she gave up for you?
Take care.
Come again next time. Bye.
Tian-ming.
Don't you sleep quite late recently?
Maybe you should go home and rest.
I'll take the inventory for the rest tomorrow.
It's fine. You can go home now.
What's wrong?
Did you have a fight with Jo?
It's fine.
Just sweet-talk her.
Girls like sweet talk, right?
And Jo's so nice to you.
She's not fussy.
Just let her win this time. Comfort her a bit.
Didn't I tell you to go home?
If there's nothing else,
I'll go ahead.
Bye, Jo.
Why did you leave and left me and my mom at the botanical garden?
I had something to do.
What is it?
Is it important? Do you need my help?
Haven't you helped enough already?
Yes. That's right.
It's my pride.
Did you have to say those nice things about me to your mom?
Or is that Deng Tian-ming you're describing to her your ideal man?
Because that's not me.
The Deng Tian-ming I described to my mom is the Deng Tian-ming I know.
You're the one who thinks you're inferior.
How can I not think that way?
I only have this darn grocery store!
And I'm in huge debt!
I don't know if the Dadaocheng projects will succeed.
Why are you with me?
I'm just the fucking owner of a lousy grocery store.
I'm just a fucking grocery store owner.
Let's go. It's getting late.
Come on.
You think I didn't know all you have is this shabby grocery store?
And that you have a lot of debt?
Because I'm happy when I'm with you.
You can't buy that with money.
I never expected that you don't understand me at all.
Min-hsiung should come back.
When are you bringing him back?
I'll take care of it when I get back to the States.
Okay.
How's Jo and Tian-ming lately?
They've been fighting.
I think it's because of me.
I'm worried about Jo.
What are you worried about?
Didn't you want to separate them?
I just wanted Jo to think about
whether they should be together.
She should make the decision.
I'm not taking that responsibility.
You're not?
You have to take responsibility for her whole life.
Don't be like me. I made a mistake.
I sent the person closest to me away.
I gave my son
so much pain.
He wouldn't come back to see me.
It's been so long now.
You still think about it.
You still can't let go of it.
You...
You know about Min-hsiung and Li-yun?
I've always known.
It's my fault.
I separated them.
That's why Min-hsiung wouldn't come back
no matter what.
Mom, that's not true.
Actually, he really missed you.
Whenever he went to the beach,
he would always sing "Hometown at Dusk."
He would say,
his mom is on the other side of the ocean.
On this side of the ocean,
I missed him every day.
On that side of the ocean,
he lived in pain and sadness.
Why...
Why wouldn't he come see me?
Mom.
Min-hsiung was sick by then.
He didn't want to come back when he was sick.
He was afraid you'd be worried.
During his last year,
he really wanted to come back and see the mom he missed.
But in his condition,
I didn't want him to take a plane.
It was my fault.
I was the one who decided
that he shouldn't come back.
I'm sorry.
Now I know.
After that,
you wouldn't come back not because of him,
but because of me, right?
It's all my fault.
I didn't want to blame my son.
I didn't have the courage to blame myself as well.
So I put all the blame on you.
You've been wronged.
It's all my fault.
I have a bad temper.
It's my fault too.
I didn't try to understand
how it feels
when a mom loses her child.
I'm sorry.
In short,
our personalities are too similar.
Mom.
I've missed you.
Hey.
I've seen these photos when I was little.
But I couldn't find them again.
So they're with you.
I hid them.
Why?
Because I'm selfish.
I was afraid you'd always think about your mom when you see her.
Why would you think that?
Nian-nian.
Do you ever think
that I broke up your family?
Because I always think that.
I think I was in my twenties at that time.
I was an assistant at Heshengtang.
I followed your dad around everywhere.
He was handsome,
smart,
and he was so funny.
Most importantly, he's a doctor that really cares about his patients.
If patients called him in the middle of the night,
he would go check on them.
He was so kind to your mom.
Whenever I saw your dad, I would think,
"God,
can you let me meet such a good man in the future?"
I kept thinking that for a few years.
Many people wanted to introduce men to me back then,
but I didn't like any of them.
Because in my heart,
your dad was the only one.
What happened then?
Did you confess your feelings to him?
Then your mom came to San Francisco and they got divorced.
You wouldn't imagine what your dad was like then.
It's like the most important thing in his life was gone.
He was so depressed.
But I didn't say anything.
I just silently stayed by his side.
And took care of you.
One day, your dad said
that you needed a mom.
He asked me if I was willing to be your mom.
I said yes immediately.
I didn't hesitate for even a second.
Because I was afraid he would change his mind.
Your dad wanted to hold an official wedding for me.
But I said no.
Women are really troublesome.
I know that your mom is the only one your dad loves.
And I know that you only have one mom.
-I-- -It's fine.
I understand.
When we had that fight that day
and you called me Wu Jing-wen, I suddenly realized
that the happiness I have now
was stolen from someone else.
I stole all my happiness from someone else.
In my heart, you're not just Wu Jing-wen.
You will always be my mother.
Your mom actually came back one time.
Your dad and I just got married then.
I never told you.
She suddenly showed herself by Heshengtang's door,
said she regretted everything and wanted her life back.
Of course I said no.
Your dad said no as well.
I couldn't bear the thought of someone taking away my husband and child.
So, for this family, I stood up to her.
And your mom left.
I never told you about it all these years.
Even though I have a husband and child,
I've always felt guilty.
Only when your mom died
did I finally feel relaxed.
I thought, nobody will steal my husband or daughter ever again.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry I never told you all these years.
Thank you
for telling me all this.
You're not mad at me?
It's been so long. Why would I be mad?
Just like my mom,
we have to take responsibility for our decisions.
She chose to leave,
so she must deal with losing us.
I chose to be with Ryan,
so I have to deal with his marriage.
Li Nian-nian.
-Yes? -You've matured so much after coming here.
I know you have your own thoughts and ideas now.
I'm telling you these things today
just to let you know how hard and how sad it is to walk this path.
And Ryan isn't even divorced yet.
You're my precious daughter.
I don't want you to experience those things.
Nian-nian, look.
That dog is smiling.
Why don't we ever talk about these things in Taiwan?
Talk about what?
A smiling dog?
You're being goofy.
Where's your mom?
She went out with Wendy.
Can you give me a deadline?
How long do I have to wait for you to get a divorce?
I can't ignore how my mom feels.
I really don't understand.
Why does everyone have to get involved in my problem?
We're dating like kids.
Why do you care what other people say?
If you're not legally single, I'll care about it forever.
Didn't we agree?
Give me some time.
Then we can be like what we used to be.
We never agreed on anything.
Do you care so much because you want me to marry you?
I really want you to marry me.
I even imagined us having many beautiful babies.
After we get married,
you can continue running your winery and your restaurant.
I can open a Heshengtang.
So that my mom and dad in Taiwan call tell people proudly
that we have a branch in San Francisco.
Doesn't every girl dream about that when they're in love?
Every girl has these dreams.
But I can't.
I don't want to share you with anyone anymore.
Let's break up.
Do we have to do this?
Can you get a divorce then?
If you can't, let's break up.
Let's break up then.
-Gosh. -What?
It's Dadaocheng's Johnny Depp.
Who's Johnny Depp? The one making sausages?
Deng Tian-ming, if you think you don't deserve me...
I'll give you time to work hard.
If one day, when you think you're ready
and confident enough,
if I'm still single,
I'll give you a chance to pursue me.
All you know is that the red color of goji berries looks nice.
You don't even know their function.
It's really like you.
You don't understand Nian-nian.
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Subtitle translation by Sophie Chang