Original subtitles

(Letter) Meiwan Town.

Where is Meiwan Town?

Meiwan Town.

Meiwan Town.

Meiwan Town.

Meiwan Town was annexed to Pushui in 2004.

Pushui.

(East Pushui, North Beixing)

Tickets to Pushui.

Meiwan Town is in Pushui.

(Pushui)

Hello?

I've arrived in Pushui.

Make arrangements.

Rest assured.

I'll carry her to England if I have to.

Mom.

Mom.

Mom.

Mom.

Hello?

The number you dialed is powered off.

Please...

Hello?

Hello, is this Ye Wanru?

Who is calling?

Shiqiao Traffic Police.

Why didn't anyone

answer my calls?

I'm her son.

What is it about?

Does your mother own

a white-colored vehicle with a license plate

K4863J?

Yeah. Why?

It's been parked on the mountain for days.

Your mother has been

unreachable.

Please come and pick it up.

=Twelve Letters=

=Episode 3= (Time and the Youth)

Ye Haitang.

Are you awake?

Ye Haitang.

Ye Haitang.

Ye Haitang.

I'm coming in.

Ye Haitang.

(Class 1, Grade 12)

(Study for the College Entrance Exams)

Your class fund?

How did you get that wound?

It's nothing.

Tang.

I'm worried about you.

Are you in some kind of trouble?

Tell me if you need help.

I can advance your class fund.

Just tell me the truth.

I'll bring the class fund.

Alright.

Go back to class.

(Dreams Set Sail) Ye Haitang

grabbed a huge knife

and slashed her dad's neck.

Blood sprayed all over the wall.

Her dad had already collapsed,

and Ye Haitang kept chasing him.

No way.

- Really? - Yeah.

I heard about it too.

My buddy saw it with his own eyes.

She gutted him until his intestines

spilled everywhere.

But you said

she slashed his neck.

Yeah, that's inconsistent.

She gutted him afterwards.

Want to tell the story?

No, sorry. My bad.

Tell us more.

Ye Haitang

was in a blood frenzy.

Nobody could stop her.

She attacked everyone

who tried to stop her.

- How many... - How many victims were there?

Yeah.

How many?

Five, six... maybe eight?

I don't know the exact death toll.

But she looks so well-behaved.

Why did she lose it?

She was insane.

Ye Haitang

pretends to be normal at school.

My buddy said

that she's already been arrested.

I think she'll be

executed.

Executed?

What nonsense.

W-What's your problem?

Come on.

Sit.

That's it.

Why are you here?

Get back to your seat.

Don't stand here.

Go away.

Come on.

See? I was telling the truth.

Even Tang Yixun doesn't dare speak up.

Isn't she executed?

Yeah.

Suspended sentence.

Tang, your dad came

to see the teacher.

That brat put her up to this.

She came

right at me with a knife.

She stabbed you?

This is serious. Miss Tan, should we call the police?

I've already smoothed things over.

I can't let this ruin

my child's future.

Yeah.

There's definitely something wrong

with your way of education.

Calm down.

How can I calm down?

Calm down? Something is wrong.

Ye Yibo.

Let's go to the office.

Calm down.

How can I calm down?

My daughter tried to kill me.

Nonsense!

Leave.

Leave.

It's not nonsense.

Dare you say in front of everyone

where you slept last night?

Were you with this punk?

Ye Yibo, you're so full of nonsense.

Go ahead. Hit me.

Ye Yibo, come here.

Get over here.

Go on, kill me.

Seeking violence at school?

Where's the principal?

Get the principal.

Get the principal.

Say that again.

Keep spouting nonsense and I'll...

I want to see the principal.

Let me speak with him.

Where's the principal?

Don't run away.

Everyone. Come on. Back to class.

Back to class.

Back to class.

Mr. Ye, are you okay?

Sir.

You heard what happened.

He hit me in front of the whole school.

He would have killed me if people hadn't stopped him.

I'm not embarrassed to say this.

I'm in bad health.

All the money I've earned these years

went to my daughter's education.

I didn't even go to the hospital when I was sick.

I have no money.

Mr. Ye.

I'm truly sorry.

We failed in supervision.

Take this money and get a checkup

at the hospital.

I can't accept your money.

I can die for my daughter.

But I won't let a punk

ruin my daughter's future.

Students get away with everything?

I'll ask the police

to step in.

Mr. Ye, we should discipline our students.

Rest assured, we'll address this issue seriously

and get back to you.

Please, take the money

and get yourself checked.

Your health comes first.

I really can't take it.

Take it.

Just take it.

Take it.

Go to the hospital.

Sir.

You're truly reasonable.

I'll count on you one more time.

Thank you.

I'll get a checkup.

Thank you, Miss Tan.

Look at this mess.

You think this is a pool hall?

Is that why you bring

that gangster mentality here?

What did I do wrong?

Ye Yibo is a bad guy after all.

Tang Yixun.

You want to get kicked out?

If you run the school like this,

then you should kick me out.

What's this tantrum about?

You assaulted a parent.

The love letter...

Do you even listen?

I didn't write that.

Xun.

I watched you grow up in the orphanage.

I know you very well.

Hanging out with Li Chadong,

you're lawless.

What's your point?

I've been teaching Ye Haitang

since Grade 10,

and I know her well.

Don't tell me you have nothing

to do with her recent troubles.

Think it over.

Why did your last school kick you out?

I fought hard to get you this second chance.

And you keep disappointing me.

What did you promise me?

Xin.

I'm sorry.

But if you think I'm the one

causing trouble,

then you can expel me.

I don't care.

But don't wrong Ye Haitang.

Here.

Class fund.

I'm paying for her.

Let me get killed the moment I step out

if I lied today.

No one is begging you to stay.

Go home.

You're suspended. Go home and reflect.

Go.

(Study for the College Entrance Exams, Dreams Set Sail)

See?

The school has rules.

He's expelled.

Miss Tan.

Tang Yixun has nothing to do with it.

Why did you suspend him?

Tang.

Don't mention this again.

I pleaded with the principal

not to expel either of you.

Let this matter drop.

You can expel me.

But don't wrong Tang Yixun.

Do you know

what you're doing?

Do you give up on attending college?

If that's what you want,

feel free to leave right now.

But Tang Yixun is innocent.

Miss Tan.

Don't wrong him.

He did this to help me.

Miss Tan.

Don't suspend him.

Miss Tan.

I'll explain to the principal.

Ye Haitang, stop making a scene.

We finally agreed

not to hold you responsible.

He's only suspended.

If you keep defying school rules,

you'll both get expelled.

(Hengsu Printing Shop)

Where were you yesterday?

Right here.

You learned to lie, right?

You think I'm stupid?

Why did you wield the knife?

That wasn't me.

It was none of

your business.

That girl was helpless.

You just wanted to hit on her.

Couldn't you hit on

someone without a gambler dad?

That's not true.

Besides, Ye Yibo owed that money.

Not that girl.

Xun.

We're debt collectors,

not some justice-serving heroes.

We only care

about IOUs.

I told you on your first day here

that it's not a fancy business.

We're just trying to survive on our own.

You have families.

Why stick with me?

Do you still want to

work here or not?

If not, get out right now.

Yes, I do.

What about you, Hao?

What's your deal with Qiang?

I'm talking to you, Hao.

What's your deal with Qiang?

I can't stand him.

He's childish.

Are you also childish?

Do you think you can mess with Bao?

Stop causing trouble

if you want to stay here.

There are consequences.

(Sunshine Bookstore)

Ye Haitang.

Grandma's sweet soup.

It's very sweet.

Try it.

(Jiawang Dumpling Shop)

It's fine.

Getting suspended

doesn't bother me.

I don't want to go to school anyway.

Don't worry about me.

I'll pay back a portion

of what I owe you.

The rest will be paid next month.

What is it?

The class fund.

I don't want it.

Take it.

Really, keep it.

Take it.

If you don't let me repay,

we won't speak again.

Alright.

Consider this money repaid.

Now,

I'm repaying you.

It's the money we took

from your grandma.

If you don't take this,

we won't speak again.

Take it.

Oh right.

And keep this.

(Buddies Billiards, Phone number, Tang) From now on,

if anyone dares to

bully you,

or if you have any trouble,

call me.

Oh, the sweet soup won't taste good later.

So have it now.

After you finish,

give me the spoon

and the cup.

I'll take them back to Grandma.

♪What's next after tomorrow♪

Well?

Sweet, huh?

♪Too many fantasies♪

Told you it was good.

♪Did they take root and grow♪

♪How long is time's tunnel♪

♪Where does it take us♪

♪How many dreams have we missed♪

♪Can we look back and cherish them♪

♪Where does the tunnel end♪

♪Keep walking and find our way♪

♪Like a lost child♪

♪Believe there's a guiding light♪

♪Don't be afraid♪

♪I'll stay by your side♪

♪Dreams beneath neon lights♪

♪Winds that swept through old streets♪

♪Who still remembers♪

♪They are long forgotten now♪

♪Where are the stories of yesterday♪

♪Do lamps still glow in memories♪

♪Some night♪

♪There are things♪

♪I wanted to tell someone♪

♪Growing up♪

♪Shall we accept or resist♪

(Love letter)

♪Can they heal the sorrow♪

(But I still wanted to try)

(again and again)

(to pull you out of the abyss.)

(Back then,)

(we were both struggling.)

(I fought and collected debts every day.)

(You lived in constant fear.)

(You said we had no roots,)

(like weeds by the roadside.)

♪Can we look back and cherish them♪

(Buddies Billiards, Fenxiang 2nd Road, Phone number, Tang)

(I miss those days.)

(It was the best time of my life.)

♪Believe there's a guiding light♪

♪Don't be afraid♪

♪I'll stay by your side♪

♪How long is time's tunnel♪

♪Where does it take us♪

♪Those wishes left behind♪

♪Will they be fulfilled♪

♪Where does the tunnel end♪

♪Keep walking and find our way♪

♪When confusion grips your heart♪

♪Believe there's a guiding light♪

♪Don't be afraid♪

(2026, Beixing City)

Sorry, sir.

He's gone missing.

I've called the police.

And I'm looking for him.

We really can't discuss the demolition now.

How come there's always an excuse?

Listen, hiding your father like this

won't solve anything, you know?

I wouldn't

make up such a terrible lie.

You can check

with the police station.

I wouldn't make up something like this.

What did you promise me two day ago?

What's going on?

Got a problem?

That old man is ill and missing.

He could even be dead.

Why are you harassing her,

blocking the door like this?

We're here to figure things out.

So are you done?

Come back when he's found.

Should I join you here?

Stay back.

- Getting physical? - Alright, enough.

Tell me when your dad is back.

We'll come by.

Fine.

Try laying a finger on me.

Stay put.

Listen up.

We're living here.

Cut our utilities,

and I'll camp at your office tomorrow.

I swear I'll go there.

Get in.

Keep me updated.

Got it, sir.

I'll call you.

Sorry about that.

(No. 23, Lanhua Street, Lehe District, Beixing City)

What? Your dad's name, Yu Zhiyong, is fake?

Sit down.

Don't startle the baby.

Why didn't you

tell me earlier?

I just found out.

Take a look.

What's this?

Just read it.

I'm sorry.

Exhausting every possible method...

It's hopeless.

Try again and again.

A suicide note.

Why would you take someone's

suicide note?

I didn't take it.

It literally dropped at my feet

from the shipyard mailbox.

The mailbox was empty

when I checked it.

Then suddenly this fell out.

So it was meant for me.

Look again.

It's not addressed to you.

It says Ye Haitang.

Are you Ye Haitang?

And this.

Look.

The "Tang" character on the postcard

(Ye Haitang) looks just like this one, right?

They do look the same.

My dad has kept this postcard.

And the handwriting is so similar.

It's very likely

that Ye Haitang wrote this postcard.

My dad kept saying that

he was waiting for a letter.

Now, I received a letter

from Ye Haitang in 1991.

So many coincidences.

What does it mean?

That's a lot to process.

I'm just a pregnant lady.

What would I know about this?

What is the deal with this letter?

There's toilet paper, right?

(Ye Haitang's letter) Meiwan Town.

Where is Meiwan Town?

Meiwan Town.

Meiwan Town.

Meiwan Town.

(Meiwan Town)

(Meiwan Town was annexed to Pushui)

Meiwan Town was annexed to Pushui in 2004.

Pushui.

Pushui.

(East Pushui, North Beixing)

Tickets to Pushui.

Meiwan Town is in Pushui.

(2026, Pushui)

(Meiwan Town was beyond this bridge.)

(I used to live here.)

Sir.

You must know Meiwan Town by heart.

Of course.

I grew up here.

It's a small place.

Everybody knows each other.

Did the locals stay here?

It's hard to say.

My family and many others

moved to the city.

Sir, I'm looking for someone.

Her name is Ye Haitang.

She's from Meiwan Town.

She was 19 years old back in 1991.

So she's in her fifties now.

Have you heard of her?

No.

I was only three in 1991.

She used to live in Meiwan Town.

Could you check her current address?

How do you know her?

She's my aunt.

Sorry.

Only direct family members

get to see the files.

Officer.

She's my relative.

It's something urgent.

Could you please help me?

Sorry, there are rules.

Please understand that.

Of course.

Thank you, sir.

Hello.

Can I help you?

I'm filing a report.

Only direct family members get to see the files?

Do you know who else

could help me find her?

Ask the local elderly people.

Or search her name online.

I did.

I've done that.

It keeps showing me pictures of Haitang flowers.

What should we do?

Why don't you

come back first?

Enough, don't worry.

I'll find a place to stay.

She's been

out of reach since the 8th.

Her car has been parked in the lot

on the mountain.

Her used name was Ye Haitang?

Yeah, it's written here.

Ye Wanru. Used name, Ye Haitang.

A young lady just came and claimed

to be her relative.

What young lady?

The one who just left.

Thank you, sir.

You...

Who are you?

Why are you

looking for Ye Haitang? Who are you?

I'm her relative. Who are you?

What kind of relative?

Hometown fellow.

Where are you from?

What do you want?

I came looking for her

for family matters.

What would bring

a hometown relative

all the way here?

Why do you care

who I'm looking for?

Who are you?

Ye Haitang is my mom.

You're Ye Haitang's son?

Where's your mom?

Tell me the truth.

Why are you looking for my mom?

I can't explain it just yet.

I need to talk to Ye Haitang

in person.

Fine, let's talk it through

in front of the police.

No need.

Sir, let me explain.

I'm not your mom's relative.

But I really need to see her.

Wait.

Stop pulling me.

I can explain right here.

Wait, sir.

Why are you dragging me?

(Harmony comes first)

Officer.

I had no idea

his mom was missing, too.

I didn't know his mom.

If I could reach her,

I wouldn't have come here.

Right?

How does your dad know her?

I came all the way to see her

to figure out how my dad

knows her.

You came all this way because of

this letter and postcard?

Yeah, look at the "Tang" character.

Look at this letter.

Ye Haitang wrote it.

They look identical.

Is it your mom's handwriting?

I'm not sure.

You don't recognize it?

You recognize your dad's?

Most of his handwriting.

Handwriting

is easy to forge.

What are you implying?

Why would I fake

your mom's letter?

The officer is here.

Tell me what you want.

I want to find my dad.

Why would I care about you

or your mom?

Sit down.

Don't argue here.

Officer.

I...

I shouldn't have pretended

to be her relative.

But other than that,

everything else I said was true.

What's so funny?

Enough.

This letter and postcard

don't provide any concrete leads.

We need information

about both elders.

- Sir. - Come in.

It's been confirmed.

Yu Zhiyong was reported missing

in Beixing

on November 8th.

See?

I was telling the truth.

My dad is missing.

I wasn't lying.

Calm down.

Tell me.

Do you know Yu Zhiyong?

No.

Have your neighbors seen your mom

these days?

Not at all.

Relatives?

We

don't have relatives here.

Friends?

I don't know them.

You don't know

any of her friends?

I've been living abroad with my dad.

So I don't know

much about her.

When did you last see your mom?

Two years ago.

Are you her son or not?

I told you

I've been living abroad with my dad.

- So I'm clueless. - Well done.

Enough.

Listen.

Your mother is a person

with full civil capacity.

She drove to the parking lot.

I totally understand.

But her car was found in a mountain parking lot,

which is remote

with no cameras.

It's suspicious that she drove

to such a place.

Don't you think so?

But there's no evidence indicating

she's in any danger right now.

So we can't open a case.

Why not?

Yu Zhiyong is so shady.

He's tied to my mom's disappearance.

What's your problem?

How is my dad shady?

Your mom is the shady one.

Watch your mouth.

Your dad went missing on the 8th.

My mom also went missing on that day!

So she's also shady.

Listen.

Based on my experience,

the seniors might have private matters to deal with.

You know?

Things they can't discuss with their children.

Go home and try contacting them.

Private matters.

You don't want it?

Then why are you here?

Cat got your tongue? You were so talkative.

What a pity that Ye Haitang

raised a son like you.

Watch your words.

Why should I watch my words?

Did I say anything wrong?

You should reflect on yourself.

Your mom is missing. You know nothing.

Yet you were grilling me.

You were living abroad.

Who cares if you live on the moon?

Just go.

I don't need you here.

What do you mean?

Seriously?

You forgot Chinese

because you lived abroad?

I said you leave.

I don't need your help.

Don't ruin my meal.

Sir.

Finished? That'll be 40 yuan in total.

Sorry.

I don't have cash.

Just scan the code.

This one, right?

Yeah.

Okay.

Thanks.

What good are you?

Why are you looking for my mom?

Why do you care?

One last chance for you.

I need to check your place now.

Sure.

How many people?

Just me.

Okay.

Where's your dad?

He's gone.

He passed away?

He's abroad.

They divorced.

I knew it.

Knew what?

It's an online relationship scam targeting old people.

Who's the scammer?

Your mom, of course.

Otherwise, why would

my dad come all this way?

Watch what you said.

What does your mom do?

She's a teacher.

That explains all the books.

Real intellectual vibe.

My dad has

an identical cookie tin.

Don't mess with her stuff.

Seriously.

Look, it's the same.

It is the same.

Why would they

have identical cookie tins?

What do you think?

What's with that tone of yours?

Where's this from?

You think

I faked this photo?

You're well-prepared.

You put some real effort into it.

Are you insane?

This is my first time here.

How would

I know about the cookie tin?

Maybe

you've been here before.

Get to the point.

Let's see how far you can get.

Fine.

I'll prove you wrong today.

Search this place

and find anything your mom wrote.

I'll get that letter.

Let's compare them

to verify the handwriting.

(Handwriting)

See for yourself.

The "Hai" characters look identical.

See for yourself.

A letter from 1991.

This is 2026.

A letter preserved for 35 years

can't look this new.

I didn't invent the date in 1991.

It's written right there.

Regardless of the year,

everything adds up now.

I just returned today,

and you came.

You're quite something.

Let's talk.

Where's my mom?

Are you saying

that I abducted your mom?

You probably don't know,

but my mom is sick.

I came back to take her for surgery.

She's in poor condition.

Name a price.

I'll pay you.

And I promise not to

hold your dad responsible.

My dad has Alzheimer's.

His mind gets foggy sometimes.

How could he abduct your mom?

I don't care what he has.

Bring my mom back.

If you're so certain,

why didn't you

ask the police

to have me arrested?

Afraid I'll kill her?

Save me some time.

Hand over my mom.

I'll agree to any terms.

If anything happens to her,

none of you can

get away with this.

It's like talking to a brick wall.

I'll tell you once more.

This letter

dropped out of an empty mailbox.

That's why I traveled here

to look for my dad.

I don't know how your mom

knows my dad,

but I suspect that they're together now.

I'm going to

look for my dad.

You can go

wherever you want.

Give it back to me.

What part of this letter concerns you?

Give it back.

If you're telling the truth,

I believe they might be together.

I'll search with you.

Under two conditions.

You get to set terms?

You'll follow my lead.

Why should I?

And no lies.

Again,

I'm telling the truth.

Come with me

if you don't believe me.

Sure.

From now on, I'll go

wherever you go.

(Xiaochun)

Didn't I tell you to buy a down jacket at the airport?

You'll be crying from the cold in another hour.

Are you sure trains stop here?

Are you sure this is an actual station?

Of course.

I've taken trains here

so many times.

I've never seen such a station.

China is a vast country.

There are plenty of things

you've never seen.

Do you know geography?

A letter materialized out of thin air.

Do you know physics?

No, I don't.

Consider me illiterate.

You're really something.

You insisted on coming with me.

You can give me

the letter

and leave.

Tighten security measures.

Strictly follow the demolition plan.

Dispose of the waste properly.

Greetings, sir.

Assign the tasks.

Don't worry. We'll handle it perfectly.

Here.

Look, the plan is right here.

(Write a letter to your future self. Join now for 20% off stationery sets)

Excuse me.

Do you charge for sending letters to the future?

No, it's free.

Just drop your letter in the mailbox.

Can I send postcards?

Yeah.

Thank you.

(Ye Haitang, September 3, 1991)

Cha.

Alright.

Everyone's here.

Line up.

Hurry up.

Bao.

The kids are stupid.

Please do me a favor

and let this go.

Apologize to Bao.

No need.

I didn't come for your apologies.

You grown-ups tried to bully kids.

And you couldn't even handle them.

You dare call yourselves my crew?

You piss me off.

Cha.

I've disciplined my people.

Shouldn't you discipline yours now?

Causing trouble, huh?

Causing trouble, huh?

(Public Telephone)

♪How to climb up♪

♪How to climb down♪

♪Praying to gods is useless♪

♪Min's being delicate♪

♪I, Min♪

♪Will make something of myself♪

♪The money rolls in daily♪

♪Now♪

♪I'm looked down upon and can't let go♪

♪Broke and adrift, oh♪

♪No need to worry♪

♪I'll strike it rich♪

♪My family♪

♪Will see better days♪

♪Dad said you'd fail♪

♪Only losers blame the times♪

♪Said you want to leave but got no plan♪

♪Hey, stop grinning♪

♪Bro, don't look down on me♪

♪My buddies are all leaving♪

♪Don't scorn us while putting us down♪

♪Even if we ride tricycles♪

♪How to climb up, how to climb up♪

♪How to climb down, how to climb up♪

♪How to climb up, how to climb down♪

♪How to climb up, how to climb up♪

♪How to climb down, how to climb up♪

♪How to climb up♪

♪Nine mountain, eighteen bends♪

♪Brother's going out to earn money♪

♪Nine mountain, eighteen bends♪

♪My buddy♪