I only have this darn grocery store!
And I'm in huge debt!
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.
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.
Li Nian-nian.
Li Nian-nian, cheers.
Cheers.
It's like
I had a dream.
And now I'm back to square one.
They say that love is but a dream.
I'm just the same.
The God of Love, Yue Lao, gave me such a good woman.
But look, I wasn't able to hold on to her.
Yue Lao gave me...
a troublesome man.
He made me fall in love with him,
and then made me give up on him.
I think Yue Lao is warning me.
He wants me to focus on my studies
and go home to take over Heshengtang.
He doesn't want me spending time on these petty love matters.
Li Nian-nian.
I've known you for so long, you've finally got it, right?
Here.
Cheers to the best doctor in the world, Li Nian-nian.
Cheers.
Since we're both feeling down right now,
do you want to do something that will make us happy?
Tell me about it.
It's clear, right?
It looks pretty clear, right?
Mr. Li.
Sit down. How will you see it when you're standing?
Sit down. Stop acting shy. Take a seat.
Hi, Tian-ming.
Take it out.
Hey.
Isn't that an Italian wallet?
-How did you get that? -Hey.
You don't have to go to Italy to get Italian things nowadays.
Nian-nian said that this kind of wallets
are cheaper if you buy them online.
How cheap is it?
Fifty US dollars.
Look.
The seams and details are very exquisite.
You scolded me when I wanted to buy one for you.
So now you're happy that your daughter bought you one?
Don't tell me off first.
Here. Let me ask you something.
Explain this to me.
What is this photo about?
Who is that man next to you?
-What am I supposed to explain? -You can't explain this, right?
We went to a party.
A Hollywood movie premiere.
Why were you dressed that way?
I'm telling you.
It was a formal event. A lot of people were there.
They all wore gowns. I can't be underdressed.
I can't embarrass you.
When I wore that dress,
everyone said I looked sexy.
"Sixie"? What the hell is that?
How about seventy?
It's "sexy," got it?
That Professor Qian, he wore a tuxedo.
Hurry up.
I know. I'm looking for it.
Why are American policemen so scary?
I've been driving here for so long. This is the first time I got into trouble.
I know. It's because of you. You brought bad luck.
Did you do something to make the customs watch you?
How is that possible?
If you look at my passport, you can see stamps from every country.
They can envy me, but why would they make it difficult for me?
He even asked me, "Why did you come here?"
I said my wife is mad. I came to bring her back to Taiwan.
He complimented me right away.
He said, "Very good. Good luck."
Maybe you look like a bad person.
Me?
Does this face look like a bad person?
-He's coming. -He's coming.
I can drive.
-That was close. -It was.
Hey.
Maybe I should drive.
The roads in the US are so wide. It'll be fun to drive.
Do you have a license?
A Taiwanese one.
Do you see the word "international" on here?
-I see. -That's right.
You brought this here?
Of course I did.
-You know why? -Why?
Because you made me this protective charm.
That's right. That's my girl. I'll give you a round of applause.
XINFANGCHUN TEA COMPANY
-It's quite different, isn't it? -Yes.
It used to be a tea company,
so I put some tea elements into this space.
Now that you've cleaned it up,
my childhood memories are all coming back.
See this hole right here?
We played hide-and-seek here as children.
Didn't they put coal in there?
No, we could play here when they were taking a break.
-I saw this one. -Really?
I saw this one, too.
They were re really thoughtful.
This was an exhibition for the props the movie companies used in the 1920s
when they made Dadaocheng-related movies.
Wow, Tian-ming.
By the way,
-see this teapot? -Yes.
That brings back a lot of memories as well.
My great grandmother used to use that teapot
to make ground tea for me.
-Have you heard of the Hakka ground tea? -Yes.
You have?
At that time,
the whole street was drinking English tea.
Only my great grandmother
especially liked to make ground tea for me.
Whenever she made that tea for me, she would sing that song.
Peach boy
"Peach Boy"?
Yes! This brings back all those memories.
Thank you for supporting my project.
You let me handle such a beautiful house,
that's why we can reminisce on how life was like back then now.
Tian-ming also suggested using the space for relevant conferences and discussions.
Mr. Qiu, these are the two talented designers at our company.
-Hello. -Hello.
If everyone can listen to lectures in this old structure where it happened,
I'm sure they'll experience the atmosphere back then.
If you need anything else,
go and discuss with them.
It's all right.
If you can't get the deal, tell me.
I know a lot of people here.
-I see. -Yes, since I was a kid,
my great grandmother...
TAIPEI CITY DAAN DISTRICT OFFICE
Please take a seat. We'll serve you shortly.
-Okay. -Thank you.
Everything's different now.
It's spacious and comfortable.
In the past, when we register our account and the like,
the clerks were so stuck up.
They weren't like how the clerks are now.
It's been over 30 years.
Taiwan changed a long time ago.
If you stayed a bit longer,
you would find out that Taiwan is actually a very charming place.
I've lived in the States for over 30 years.
If I come back to Taiwan,
I'll just trouble myself.
Don't be like this.
Hello, what would you like to do today?
I want to...
My mom's been abroad for over 30 years.
She wants to reinstate her citizenship status.
Okay. Did you bring a new photo today?
No.
That's fine. We have a machine here to serve your needs.
-Please come with me to take your picture. -Okay.
ID CARD PHOTOS, EASY TO SHOOT, CONVENIENT AND TIME-SAVING
This is your new ID card.
ID CARD, CHEN XIU-HE
Welcome home.
Mr. Li.
I picked some fresh vegetables for you this morning.
I picked some vegetables for Mr. Li this morning.
But Mr. Li went to San Francisco for Lunar New Year.
He did?
He didn't tell me.
Then...
Cook these for your mom.
I'm good.
Sorry, I--
My mom got her Taiwanese ID card.
So I'll get my citizenship soon.
Sounds great.
I'm also doing well recently.
Work is going well.
I'm going to meet another landlord later.
Where are you going?
I'm going for a run.
-Dad. -Yes?
Hey.
When you came with your mom,
did you go to that Chongqing hotpot place?
-We did. -How nice.
-Ren-gui. -Dad.
-That's Union Square. -Yes.
It's really famous.
-Did you see that heart? -Is this new?
-No. -No?
Ren-gui.
Your English is pretty good.
No kidding.
-The Golden Gate Bridge. -That heart?
That's famous too.
They've never changed that, right?
That heart is an art installation.
Get closer.
-Look sweeter. -I see, sweeter.
-Let's be sweeter. -Didn't you just make up?
Hold me tighter.
Kiss each other.
-No. -Gosh.
Do you have to be really good at driving to drive here?
That's right.
The weather's great.
So many people are sunbathing.
Yes.
Didn't you sleep well last night?
Goodness.
-Li Ren-gui. -What?
Look at the sky.
Isn't the sun nice?
-Enjoy the sunlight. -I'm going to lie down too.
Let's enjoy it. Come on.
Hey.
You can sunbathe anytime you want, right?
Why sunbathe now?
Didn't you set an appointment for me to meet Professor Qian?
Why aren't we going there yet?
Hurry up.
You're so annoying.
What's the matter? Let's go.
You really don't know how to enjoy life.
That's right.
Am I appropriately dressed to meet with Professor Qian?
Yes. You look very handsome.
-You're very handsome. -Really?
-You look fine. -Nian-nian.
-Yes? -You have better taste in fashion.
Look at me.
-Gosh. -What?
Gosh.
-Isn't he that guy? -What?
That guy.
It's Dadaocheng's Johnny Depp.
What?
Who's Johnny Depp? The one making sausages?
You're really...
All right, that's enough. Let's go.
You don't know how to enjoy life at all.
Stop saying that. Come on. Stand up.
-Let's lie down for a bit. -Come on. Let's go.
Gosh.
-Come on. -You're so strange.
Professor Qian isn't going anywhere.
No, we need to keep our word.
We have an appointment. We have to be there.
-It's not supposed to be folded like that. -It's fine. Come on.
Let's go.
All I have is a sore throat
and a slight cough.
You two doctors have been taking my pulse for over five minutes.
And you still don't have an answer.
Nian-nian, you know better. Come and do it instead.
What?
Why are you looking at me?
I'm not the doctor here.
If you want to give me a diagnosis, you have to speak up.
I didn't want to steal his thunder.
Professor Qian,
please go ahead.
Mr. Li, you're the guest.
I must treat you with respect.
How can I go first?
Hold it right there.
I don't want to trouble you two anymore.
You're leaving me hanging to this extent.
Dr. Nian-nian.
Please take my pulse for me.
And see if I'm already dying.
Don't say that.
It's just a slight cold.
According to Shanghan Lun,
if the patient has a headache and fever,
pain in the lower back area, sore joints,
doesn't sweat, and is out of breath,
the Mahuang decoction should be used.
According to Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet,
her body is weak and therefore has been attacked by outer forces.
She doesn't sweat or urinate much.
The air is concentrated in her chest. She almost cannot speak.
She is feeling cramps in her body.
The Kudzu decoction should be used.
The Mahuang decoction is better.
Shanghan Lun is the best reference for colds and related illnesses.
Use the Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet
-for miscellaneous illnesses. -Sir, that's not right.
Colds are caused by the Taiyang syndrome and chills in the lung area.
Shanghan Lun can only deal with the Taiyang syndrome.
Only the Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet can deal with both.
What? I'm an authentic Taiwanese Chinese Medicine doctor.
-So what? Let me tell you. -How did you study medicine?
-Haven't you heard about me -You'll just harm your patients
-in Shanghai? -if you analyze symptoms that way.
-I'm very influential in Shanghai. -Dadaocheng's Heshengtang is the best.
-Otherwise, why would I be -Do you know my wife better than me?
-in the States? -Have you seen the things I've seen?
-I can't believe you. -Don't give me that.
Why are you fighting over this?
Actually, I've already taken the Yin Qiao San Dr. Nian-nian gave me.
I feel better already.
Really?
Excuse me.
Sorry to disturb you.
Are you busy? Can you help me?
Sure.
Your ages are almost 200 years old when summed up together.
Stop fighting. It's ridiculous. Please. Okay?
Also, Professor Qian.
Ren-gui.
I'm telling you now.
Taiwanese people don't believe in what Westerners do.
When you see her in the future, don't go...
You're mad that I kissed her.
Let me tell you. The next time I see you, I'll kiss you too.
It's called manners.
Don't do that. Please.
It's just a little kiss. It's fine.
No big deal.
You'll get used to it.
Gosh.
When you perform acupuncture, the points you need to find
are Guanyuan, Xuehai, Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, and Taichong.
Like this?
Yes. Very good.
-All the best. -Thank you.
Nian-nian.
I'll let it pass this time,
but how could you help someone else make a diagnosis?
Actually, Iris has the knowledge, but her English isn't good.
I was just helping out.
Her poor English is her problem.
Your diagnosis could be your problem.
If medical disputes occur, will you take responsibility?
When treating patients,
we should always help those in need.
I think Nian-nian did the right thing this time.
Nian-nian is a student here. She has to listen to my instructions.
When she was five, I taught her all the acupuncture points.
She probably knows just as much as you do.
Mr. Li, you're in the States.
You can't treat patients with your passion.
You have to protect yourself.
If every doctor just took care of themselves,
let me ask you this, who would take care of the patients?
You can't answer me, right?
-You don't make any sense at all. -That's enough, Ren-gui.
You need to reflect.
-Dad. -You don't agree?
-Dad. -If you don't agree, come to Taiwan.
I still have class. You guys go have fun.
I'll meet up with you later.
-I'll take your dad home first. -Okay.
Thank you, Professor Qian.
Professor, I'm sorry.
In the future, I won't ever...
It's delicious.
-Is this a new dish? -Yes.
How did you get in?
Mr. Li.
Mrs. Thomason let me in.
-Why are you in the States? -After what you did to my daughter,
how could I not come?
What do you want?
Are you divorced?
Not yet.
-Mr. Li. -Yes?
Please give this to Nian-nian.
It's a new dish I made for her.
Goji berries?
Yes. I want to add Chinese Medicine to my recipes.
That's how much I miss her.
Goji berries are good for your health.
What are they good for?
I don't know.
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.
You don't know what she cares about, what she worries about.
You think making this shows that you really care?
The truth is, this is all superficial.
Mr. Li.
I'll leave this by the door.
Please tell Nian-nian on my behalf.
When she sees this dish,
she'll understand how I feel.
There are some things that I can't explain,
but I really love her.
I'm sorry.
I'll go ahead.
Should I ask him to come back?
There's no need.
Just like what you said earlier,
he doesn't know the function of goji berries.
It's all superficial.
What about his food?
I don't want it.
How dare he come here again?
I'm so worried, seeing Nian-nian like this.
She's just putting on a show.
She's keeping it all bottled up inside.
This kind of illness is hard to treat once it worsens.
-Take care, ma'am. -Okay.
-Thanks. -Bye.
Mrs. Chen.
Hi.
Why are you still here?
I told you not to wait for me.
It's fine. Jo said she's busy today.
She told me to go to the doctor with you.
What did the doctor say?
Well...
Everything's normal.
My heart is just...
-It's always been like this. -Really?
Did the doctor say when you should come back?
There's no need.
My life was too stressful back then.
Seeing the doctor in the States is too expensive,
so I always bought over-the-counter medicine.
Sometimes, my heart just doesn't beat in a consistent rhythm.
Is that so?
Mrs. Chen, do you want to try Chinese Medicine?
My dad used to have heart problems.
He took Chinese Medicine for a while to treat it.
It seems to have fixed the problem. Do you want to try it?
-Really? -Yes.
When I get back to the States,
I'll have Nian-nian take a look then.
I'm getting old now. Taking those Western medicines
give me an upset stomach.
By the way, there's a place that sells pig hearts over there.
They say that the animal organ you eat will help that organ in your body.
Let me buy some pig hearts to help your heart.
You're really not good with words, aren't you?
Pig heart?
Pig heart.
Mushrooms.
Taiwanese mushrooms are the best.
Mom, you're in Taiwan right now.
The New Year's Market on Dihua Street will start tomorrow.
You're so weird.
Haven't you always told me to buy these things at a supermarket?
Will Tian-ming spend New Year in Dadaocheng?
I've been here for so long. Why haven't I seen his family?
His parents already passed away.
He always celebrates New Year at Nian-nian's house.
I see.
Why are you asking so many questions?
Why am I not aware that you guys are close now?
Aren't you guys close?
Water bamboo.
I'll get two more bags.
They're really good.
-Nian-nian. -Yes?
-Let me ask you something. -Yes?
Do you think you can have a career here in the States?
Why are you asking?
I'm your dad.
I know that you've always loved San Francisco, of course.
-Now, you're here. -Yes.
You're also used to life in the States now.
But, there are some things
that you must consider.
It's so pretty here.
Look.
Are you worried I'll be like her?
Mom told me already.
She said she came back once.
She wanted to come back to our family.
But you wouldn't take her back.
If I were you,
I wouldn't know how to choose
between her and Mom either.
When she left me,
I was around your age now.
I needed to take over Heshengtang.
I also needed to face the fact that my wife left me.
And I have a five-year-old daughter.
She was asking for her mom every day.
At that time,
I almost went crazy. I was about to break down.
I didn't know how to continue living.
But, fortunately,
Jing-wen was there
to help me take care of you,
so that I can continue living my life.
What you just said earlier
can prove everything.
The "mom," that you were referring to
isn't her,
but Jing-wen.
You two are really slow.
Hurry up. Ren-gui.
Take a picture of me. I'm so cold.
Fine. I'll be right there.
It's so windy here. Hurry up.
Nian-nian.
You must remember one thing.
I am only here today because of your mom.
And you are who you are today because of her.
I'm coming.
-I'll take the photo for you. -Nian-nian, come here.
Join us in the picture.
-You stand in the middle. -Here.
How romantic. Gosh.
It's like Titanic.
One, two, three.
Lift your leg higher. One, two, three.
Gosh. One more. One, two, three.
-Okay. -Okay.
-Come on. -All right. Let's go over there.
-Okay. -Sure, let's go.
MINGTIAN BAR AND GROCERY STORE
How's your marriage?
Are you getting a divorce?
If I could get divorced, I would have already.
The winery suffered a huge hit from the fire.
If I divorce Sally right now,
the alimony alone would be too overwhelming.
Then what are you going to do?
You can't just keep dragging it on, right?
I have to split my assets during our marriage.
The income after we separate is considered my own.
Two years, maybe.
I want to save enough money, so I can handle things better.
Did you tell Nian-nian, though?
What would she do if she knew getting a divorce would make me bankrupt?
Gosh, she's not dating you for your money.
Do you want her to enjoy being bankrupt with me, then?
How is that possible?
As you know, I've been married three times already.
I can't pretend not to know how important money is in marriage.
You're right.
I agree.
Money is very important when it comes to love.
Money can decide the future of love.
Money can also decide the direction of each argument.
Look at me.
I've been bankrupt twice already.
The first time, I didn't even have the courage to pursue love.
I got unlucky this time. I'm bankrupt again.
I don't even know if I can make Jo stay.
It's so hard to keep a man's pride and make a woman stay at the same time.
Jo is tough.
Just talk to her.
Tough? My brain is about to explode. How can I talk to her?
You understand then.
I love Nian-nian.
I can't let her suffer because of my divorce.
That's very considerate and mature.
I know.
I suggest you talk to Nian-nian's parents and explain things.
They're quite open-minded. Maybe they can help you talk to Nian-nian.
Gosh, my silly girl.
Why are you such a pushover?
Men are just a pair of balls.
How much can they be worth?
Look at what he did to you.
Hey, you don't look well.
Let me change your prescription.
There's no need.
The medicine you prescribed is fine.
However...
I have occasional spotting down there lately.
Let me perform acupuncture on you.
No. I'm busy today.
-I don't have the time. -It's just 20 minutes.
Actually, Professor Qian's daughter died from breast cancer.
At that time,
she was really young.
She just graduated from college.
She just graduated from college?
Then was she only around 22 or 23?
Yes.
Professor Qian wanted her to come and live in the States.
That's when it happened.
So Professor Qian has always blamed himself.
He seems like a carefree old man.
I never knew he had such a past.
Then why are you letting us worry about you?
Professor Qian is right.
We have to watch you closely.
When are you free tomorrow?
Why are you asking?
I'm going to schedule a consultation for you.
No, why would you do that?
I've already scheduled an appointment for you.
For what?
To get a new license.
If you don't ride with me, you ride with Ryan.
Or you take Uber.
Are you rich or something?
For people from Taipei,
driving is very easy.
Taipei's traffic is terrible.
-Is that so? -Don't worry.
When Asians take the driving test here, nobody passes the first time.
We're really good drivers,
but nobody follows the rules.
Also,
turn around for me.
What?
The examiners hate letting attractive women pass.
Really?
Wait.
I'm talking about me.
Oh, no.
I surely won't pass, then.
I'll fail. I'm so nervous.
Yes. You'll surely fail.
I'll have to give you special training.
Wendy, is it hard to pass the driving test here?
Of course, it's hard.
It's hard, but your daughter is smart.
She'll be fine.
-Okay. -Thanks.
You're so nervous.
She's here.
She looks very serious.
-She doesn't look happy. -Yes. She's not smiling.
She passed!
Awesome! I knew it!
I passed!
Congratulations, Li Nian-nian!
I'm so happy!
Congratulations, Li Nian-nian. You finally got your US driver's license!
Thank you for being with me all this time.
What are you saying? Just take care of yourself!
How are you so awesome?
Am I awesome or what?
-Am I awesome or what? -Yes.
-Dad. -What?
Are you crying?
No. Why would I cry?
You're not crying?
Your eyes are wet. Let me see.
This is something to be happy about. Why are you crying?
No, I just saw how happy you are to get your driver's license.
-I suddenly remembered that year -I'm so happy!
when you got your Chinese Medicine doctor's license.
I'm happy for you.
Congratulations.
-Congratulations. -Let's take this opportunity
to remember this happy moment together.
-Ren-gui, let's take a picture. -Okay.
Get the car in there too.
Yes, let's take one with the car.
Three.
Awesome.
Please call me the driving goddess of the States.
"Driving goddess of the States"?
Didn't you get your driver's license ten years ago?
Please.
California's driver's license is really hard to get.
I had to listen to the instructions in English
and remember the rules here in the States.
I also had to speak English. It was really hard.
Fine, you're the driving goddess of the States.
Wait, didn't you bring your international license there?
Why do you need a US driver's license?
Ryan had always taken care of me.
I want to prove that I can be independent.
That's why I wanted to get it.
I see.
I want to prove that I myself...
How annoying.
Why do I still tear up whenever I think of him?
Because you're a crybaby, silly girl.
I'm not.
Fine, you're not.
Hey, make a guess.
Whose house is behind me?
-What? -Make a guess.
Is it the house in North Street
that belongs to Mr. Wang, who loves to scold people?
You have a good eye. Lower your voice.
Is it the house of Mr. Wang in North Street, who loves to scold people
and has lots of girlfriends, but his wife doesn't know?
Quiet!
Deng Tian-ming, you're such a coward.
Mr. Wang.
Mr. Wang is here.
Mr. Wang, I'm Li Nian-nian!
Is that short-haired girlfriend still around?
That's not funny.
Are you in a better mood now?
Thank you.
Don't overthink things.
Fine.
I really miss Taiwan's ginger duck.
I'll send some to you via express delivery.
TAIPEI XIAHAI CITY GOD TEMPLE
I love Taipei! I'm Meng!
A year ends amidst the crepitation of firecrackers.
Today I'm going to tell everyone
why people set off firecrackers during Lunar New Year.
To put it simply, there used to be a monster called Year.
We call it the Year Monster.
The Year Monster would come out and eat someone every 365 days.
To protect themselves, the villagers set off firecrackers to scare it.
The firecrackers made loud sounds.
So, after the Year Monster was scared away,
the villagers celebrated the fact that they survived the Year.
That's the origin of Lunar New Year.
There's something I'm still puzzled about, though, after much thought.
If Year was a monster, why do people always say "Happy New Year"?
Why don't they say, "New Year, don't come"?
Or say, "New Year, go away"?
I'm not sure either.
You should say nice things on New Year.
Tian-ming is here. He's here to greet us.
Happy New Year!
-Happy New Year! -And me!
Happy New Year!
Meng, you should film our store.
I decorated the whole store with the Year of the Pig theme.
-Come on. -Let's go.
-Now, I'll take you to see -Go now.
how Mingtian Grocery Store spends Lunar New Year.
Come on! Excuse me!
I see my cousin!
And my prettiest auntie. Say hi!
-That's enough. -Happy New Year!
Look at this. A miniature model.
-Please, I spent a lot of time on it. -What else is here?
Our boss is teaching people how to write spring couplets.
-They wrote a lot. -He's teaching our friends to write
"Luck comes when spring arrives."
Hang the "Spring" and "Luck"
-characters upside down. -Look.
That will bring luck to you the whole year.
MAY THINGS GO AS YOU HOPE IN THE YEAR OF THE PIG
-Come on. -What's wrong?
-Why are you so irresponsible? -Yes, it's all your fault!
-Are you okay? -Clean the mess.
This is a pedestrian area.
-Place them over there, if you want. -My fault?
Your child wasn't watching where he was going.
Now my stuff is all messed up.
That's nonsense. I rented this property.
-Nonsense? -Don't pile them up here.
All right. Stop arguing. It's the New Year!
-I'll help you. Stop arguing. -There's no need. We'll take care of it.
-It's fine. Thanks. -Thanks. We'll do it ourselves.
-We'll do it ourselves. -Place your things properly.
Mrs. Chen, isn't it pretty?
I made it with a few friends I work with.
It's a pretty accurate miniature model of the grocery store.
It looks real.
However,
these dolls in here...
And this one. Aren't they too big?
-You mean these? -Yes.
I was worried that the space would look too empty.
So I added them.
I'll go get Meng and tell him you're here.
I'm not here to see him.
I was free and happened to pass by,
so I thought I'd come in.
By the way, how did you deal with the situation yesterday?
You mean the incident yesterday?
It's all taken cared of.
Speaking of which, it still makes me a bit mad.
In the recent years, the Dadaocheng New Year's Market
allows outsiders to sell their goods here,
but the things they sell have nothing to do with Dadaocheng.
And it affects the local business.
That's why they got into a fight.
I'm sorry you had to see that.
It's fine.
Actually, all the screaming yesterday
made the atmosphere quite lively.
That's the Taiwan in my memories.
I remember when I was a child,
we would spend New Year in the countryside.
We were so busy just cleaning the entire house.
We even had to prepare food
and kill chickens as offerings to the gods.
Every task kept everyone so busy.
All those things together made me feel
that I'm having a Taiwanese Lunar New Year.
Yes, that's what the New Year is all about.
Have dinner with us on New Year's Eve.
Sure.
Ren-gui. Are you wearing enough clothes?
Yes.
Why are you here again?
Nian-nian's not here. She's at school.
I know Nian-nian's busy.
That's why I want to take you out today.
There's no need. We can take public transport.
In Taiwan, you two took care of me.
Now that you're in San Francisco, I should take care of you.
I also want to talk to you guys.
About what?
You shouldn't come here anymore.
Nian-nian will not date a married man.
A divorce in the States isn't as simple as you think.
This isn't Taiwan.
I hope you can give me a chance to explain.
-In the States-- -That's enough.
We don't have the time to listen to you.
Can I ask you a question?
You're...
beautiful, sexy,
proactive, motivated,
and funny.
There are so many people in this world, though.
Because you bring
sunshine into my life.
When I'm with you, I can continue dreaming.
I can continue working on fulfilling my dreams.
I've been thinking,
maybe it's because I'm too stressed out.
Maybe...
I'm not the Deng Tian-ming you think I am.
In other words, I don't think I deserve you.
Even though I said I don't care?
Can you not get past it?
I don't know.
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.
And don't let anyone know about this during our New Year's Eve dinner.
Look at those lanterns.
They're everywhere.
I never thought Americans also celebrate Lunar New Year.
It's nice. Right, Ren-gui?
It's at par with Taiwan.
This? It's nothing.
When I came here on my honeymoon,
there were so many people.
You couldn't even walk because it was so crowded.
It's way nicer before.
-Li Ren-gui. -Yes?
What's your problem?
I'm telling the truth.
Under these circumstances,
you're talking about the past.
-Hey. -That's right.
Your honeymoon was so romantic and nice.
So now you're bored while traveling with me?
No.
That's not what I mean.
That was in the past.
Now...
I bought this kite for you.
Look.
It's a fish.
-For prosperity? -Yes.
-You need to fly it.
All right. I'll fly it for you.
She forgave him just like that?
They're like high school students.
-High school lovers. -Have seen you seen a kite fly in bed?
Lunar New Year is here The God of Prosperity is here
-Mom, anything else you need help on? -Yes, this is ready.
This looks really nice.
This one.
Okay.
He'll be here when it's time.
Don't worry.
I think this dinner is less like New Year's,
but more like a wedding banquet.
I really like what Jin-hua said.
Jo, work hard together with Tian-ming.
Work together for your future.
It's best if you give me a grandchild.
That'll make me happy.
Ren-gui.
Look at this vacuum robot Jo has. It's so cute.
Let's buy one to clean Heshengtang, okay?
Don't forget. We live upstairs.
It might get out as it cleans.
What if it gets lost?
It's not like a dog. You guys are so funny.
A dog?
Come here.
It's time to eat. What are you whispering about?
All right. Let's eat.
Come on.
Hey.
Who...
Who's coming?
I'll get the door.
Who's coming?
I'm sitting here.
-Come in. -Why are you being so mysterious?
-Mr. Li. -Hey.
Hi, Mrs. Li.
I'm sorry. Things got hectic at the restaurant.
Nian-nian.
Your mom and I invited him.
The more, the merrier during New Year's Eve dinner, right?
Come sit here.
You're right on time.
Dad.
Eating is more important.
We'll talk after eating.
Yes.
-Come on. Let's eat now. -Dig in.
-Wow. It smells wonderful. -Yes.
Nian-nian cooked all this.
-Let's eat. -Let's eat.
Hey, Jo. Come here.
These are the dishes Taiwanese people like to eat during New Year's Eve.
They look amazing.
Grandma.
He's here.
What do you mean by that?
It's "brother-in-law".
Hello, brother-in-law.
-Happy New Year, Grandma. -Thanks.
-Tian-ming, you're here. -This is for you.
Sit down.
That's not your seat.
Where do I sit then?
Your auntie is going to sit there. Sit here.
Conch and garlic sprout soup.
This was Min-hsiung's favorite New Year's Eve's dish.
I made it for many years
before he finally said the taste was close to his mom's.
Mom, try it.
Wait.
Okay.
Get a bowl.
Okay.
Here.
-Slide my chair over. -Okay.
All right.
Pour Min-hsiung a bowl of soup first.
Xiu-he.
Come on.
We're all here for New Year's Eve dinner.
The only one missing is Hank.
He doesn't know that Mom and I...
We...
Otherwise, he would take a leave to come here.
Are you too embarrassed to say it?
We've reconciled.
Getting along with people is hard.
So when you're on friendly terms, you should cherish your time together.
If you part ways because of a misunderstanding,
who knows how many years it'll be
until you can have a meal together,
especially family.
If you reconcile tomorrow, it's reconciliation.
If you reconcile in 30 years,
it's still reconciliation.
Long story short,
I was very stubborn.
I didn't want to budge.
That's why Xiu-he and her children
had to live such a hard life abroad.
Xiu-he.
I'll make a toast to you.
No.
Mom.
I should make a toast to you.
Thank you...
for forgiving Min-hsiung and me for being unfilial.
I wish you good health.
Come on, everyone.
Grandma, I hope you stay healthy and live a long life.
Thank you.
Mom, I wish you good health.
Happy New Year.
After this meal,
you'll have to wait until the second day of the lunar year to eat with us.
Why?
It's Chinese tradition for married couples.
-Let's eat now. -Okay.
Here, have some sausage. It's your favorite.
Dig in.
Goji berries with steamed egg is good for the liver.
I know Mrs. Li likes sewing.
It's good for your eyes as well.
Goji berries are rich in beta-carotene,
which is a fat-soluble nutrient.
So you can't just add it after cooking.
You have to heat it up and stir-fry with oil to release the nutrients.
He did his research.
Come on, Nian-nian. Let's try it.
What exactly is happening right now?
Well, Ryan came and explained to us why he can't get a divorce.
-Let him explain. -Yes.
The law in the States is different from Taiwan.
-Right? -Yes.
I know all that.
I couldn't understand it at first either,
but you'll still see each other when you've calmed down.
And he can get a divorce in two years, right?
-Am I right? -Right?
-It's just two years. -Yes.
How about your mom and I give you some privacy,
so you two can talk about it, okay?
-Come on. -Talk it out.
I'm very disappointed in you two.
I thought you both see me as an adult who can deal with things on her own.
But aren't you treating me like a child by bringing Ryan here now?
That's not true.
Actually, I'm very grateful to you.
When I first came to San Francisco to see...
my so-called true love,
thank you for being there with me and making me happy.
And thank you for teaching me
what real love is.
You taught me how to be responsible.
But you also taught me
that if I lose myself in love, then it isn't love anymore.
I feel like I'm back to the time when I came to see Wei-sheng.
Nian-nian, you know what?
It's not that you don't understand. But you refuse to understand.
This kind of love
should be let go.
Nian-nian.
Are you happy right now?
So...
I'm back to square one.
Nian-nian.
When we first started dating, I was very happy.
But, later on,
I wasn't happy anymore.
I want to find the happiness I initially had.
So I have to find myself first.
I understand.
You have to think about it carefully.
I'll wait for you.
Happy New Year.
Come here.
Happy New Year.
As long as you're happy.
As long as I'm happy.
I know. I'm very happy right now.
Come here.
-Happy New Year. -Yes.
Cheers.
Happy New Year.
-Happy New Year. -Happy New Year.
-Let's be happy in Taiwan and here. -Happy New Year.
As long as we're happy.
Cheers.
Your mom and I have been away from home for so long.
I think we should go back to Taiwan.
-So soon? -Yes.
I have so much more to show you.
Your mom misses home.
This time, I traveled with her around the world.
It made her really happy.
Even though she's happy,
she still thinks it's better to go back home to Taiwan.
Okay.
-Hey. -Yes?
I think you're already used to your life here.
We don't have to worry about you, right?
Yes.
What's the matter?
Your mom and I rushed things yesterday.
That's why we invited Ryan to your place.
It doesn't matter whether you and Ryan work out in the end or not.
We just hope that you can be happy.
That's enough, all right?
I'll think about him, of course.
However...
That's as far as it goes.
-Really? -Yes.
Please.
Don't be so hard on yourself, okay?
I like the Dr. Li Nian-nian
who always treats her foreign patients with so much confidence.
I know.
-Then let me ask you. -Yes?
Do you like Taiwanese tea or American coffee more?
Do you even need to ask?
Of course I like Taiwanese tea.
All right?
Jing-wen.
-What are you doing? -Look.
What?
The dogs.
Okay.
What is it?
Those dogs are so cute.
You really like dogs.
Let's have ten dogs back in Taiwan.
-Really? -Of course.
I heard that dog-sitters in the States make a lot of money.
Twenty bucks a day.
If I take care of ten dogs, I'll make two hundred a day.
Maybe you should just stay here as a dog-sitter.
You really like that idea.
Can you find something for me?
There's a few postcards from San Francisco in there.
Only one or two have addresses.
May I ask
if you know this person?
That's Grace.
Why would you rather be here in San Francisco without me
than be in Dadaocheng with me?
I see, so am I also family to you?
You're my most important...
friend.
I missed my chance with you, didn't I?
I'm very happy.
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Subtitle translation by Sophie Chang