Original subtitles

(2026, Beixing City)

Let me do it.

Be careful.

Thank you.

Nothing.

It's nothing.

Thank you.

Kitty, don't run away.

Kitty, don't run away.

Where's the kitten?

Where's the kitten?

(Write a letter to your future self)

=Twelve Letters=

=Episode 6= (Family)

I always thought

these writings came from genuine emotions.

Now that you mention it,

they do mirror our current situation.

Look,

daily fights and debt collection,

living in constant fear,

like weeds by the roadside.

I really miss...

2026.

I'll be in my fifties.

Why would I write this to you?

This is so bizarre.

No.

I need to figure this out.

Why did it happen suddenly?

It all started with that mailbox appearing.

After that mailbox showed up,

the love letter came,

then my suicide note,

Yu Nian's reply...

That mailbox is the key.

Where did that mailbox come from?

An old man collecting scrap.

He pulled a flatbed cart

with that mailbox on it.

Not sure if it's the same one

we know now.

But the day after he left,

the mailbox appeared.

An old man with a cart?

Was his hair gray?

Yes.

And very thin?

Extremely thin.

With a cat?

Yes.

I saw him at your doorstep, too.

Pulling a cart

with a mailbox on it.

Also red-colored.

Strange. Why aren't we getting letters?

Maybe the time has passed?

No longer September on their end?

But if they don't reply,

we won't have

stationery to write on.

If the time over there

has pasted September 23rd,

what would they reply?

They'd call us scammers.

So it must not be

the time on their end.

Don't worry. Let's wait longer.

When will we get replies then?

This defies all logic.

There's no clear timeline at all.

Now you believe in science.

Officer Hu?

We just got word.

Near a gas station in Wangjialing,

a car was found.

An elder with dementia was inside.

It's perhaps your father.

Go check immediately.

Okay. I'm coming now.

Seems they found my dad.

Found who?

My father.

Quan,

do you have a car?

Your dad?

An old man,

thin with gray hair.

Pulling a cart

with a cat.

Probably a scrap collector.

A cat?

I've never seen anyone matching that.

Fully Gray-haired.

Nope.

No one that old here.

Any other recycling plants

nearby?

Mine's the only one in town.

I've never seen that person.

Try somewhere else.

Thank you.

I regularly sell paper scraps.

It's always been that middle-aged man.

I only saw that old man once.

Maybe that old man

doesn't live in our town?

Both of us have seen him.

The letters in the mailbox all have our names.

This whole thing is definitely targeting us.

Honestly,

I still can't believe this is real.

Even if it is real,

what does that even prove?

If they really are from the future,

I want to ask them

if I can get into college

and leave Meiwan.

You don't need to ask them.

Just ask me.

You'll definitely get in.

What about you?

I just want to know

if you will be doing well in the future.

What about yourself?

I haven't thought much about it.

But I always feel like the future

can't be anything good.

Even if bad things happen,

knowing in advance helps us avoid them.

You have a point.

Who exactly is Yu Nian?

I think she

might not know our future selves.

Hard to tell.

From the tone of her letter,

I can sense

this communication is crucial for her too.

Somehow, I instinctively trust her.

Like that love letter.

It didn't feel fake.

The car for hauling vegetables.

Awesome.

Don't damage the vegetables.

Got it.

Drive slowly.

There are many narrow roads.

Watch out for big trucks.

Drive fast.

It's over 70 kilometers away.

Be careful.

Let's talk when we're back.

Safe travels.

What are you doing?

I can't drive a manual.

Get out!

Why sit here if you can't drive?

Officer.

Officer.

Where's my dad?

In the car.

Dad.

Dad.

Not my father.

Not the one we're looking for.

Call 120.

On it.

Here.

It's cold.

Is my dad like that old man,

unable to say his own name

or where his home is?

On such a cold day,

is he dressed warmly enough?

Where did he go?

What if something happened?

Why did I argue with him?

Why did I have to argue with him?

Dad.

Where are you, Dad?

Why did I argue with him?

Dad.

Where are you, Dad?

Where are you, Dad?

It's so lively here.

Cha.

What are you here for?

Bao's worried about you guys.

He sent me to check in.

We brought fruits.

Hope you don't mind

if we share some fruits.

He's too kind. You can leave.

Cha.

Why say that?

This little shop

isn't worth continuing.

Bao said it.

We'll let bygones be bygones.

We're still in the same boat together.

Let's keep making money.

We're just battered soldiers now

and can't board your boat.

We don't want to hold you back.

You're complaining we went too hard on you?

My leg's still lame.

I didn't blame you.

You don't understand?

Fine.

Let me put it simpler.

From now on, we'll just run the pool hall

to make a living.

Your business has nothing to do with us.

Clear?

Want to do legitimate business now?

Good.

I wish you a thriving business

and great prosperity

in advance.

Let's go.

Go, Fat Dog.

Enough.

Cha,

they really walk away like this?

We'll see.

At least, they can't force us.

Anyway, remember this.

Don't provoke them when you see them.

It's okay.

It's okay.

Back to work.

Xin.

Zhenzhu.

Miss Tan.

Have a seat.

You don't have to stand.

No. I'll just look around.

How about a drink?

No, thanks. You sit.

I'll just say a little.

Sit.

Tang Yixun.

Miss Tan.

To return to school,

agree to two conditions.

I agree.

I haven't told you.

I'll accept anyway.

First,

study hard at school from now on.

Don't cause me any more trouble.

Tang promised me

she'd tutor you.

You two will improve together.

Deal. No problem.

Second,

no fighting outside school.

No associating

with punks.

If discovered,

instant expulsion.

Why are you looking at me?

I'm a decent person.

Do you accept?

Yes.

Good.

I told the school.

Come back tomorrow.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

- Thanks. - No problem.

Carry on with your work.

I'm leaving.

Tang, tutor him.

Go home early.

Miss Tan.

Please stay.

Stay and try our boss's cooking.

He's an excellent cook.

Yes, Xin.

Stay and dine with us.

If it's good, eat a lot.

You and your silver tongue.

Spend time studying instead.

Xin.

Cha.

She's gone.

Long gone now.

What idiots!

Like I need your advice!

He's the shyest one.

Tang Yixun.

Didn't you go home to do homework?

Ye Yibo's back?

You're returning to school tomorrow.

I'll cut your hair.

Can you?

Of course I can.

I cut my own hair all the time.

Don't move.

Sure.

♪We've walked the winding roads♪

♪Remember the pain of thorns♪

♪Whose life hasn't faced♪

♪Wind and rain♪

♪What's next after tomorrow♪

♪What kind of answer did we hope for♪

♪Too many fantasies♪

Now, we can see your eyes.

♪Did they take root and grow♪

A bit strange.

♪Shall we accept or resist♪

♪Tears♪

♪Can they heal the sorrow♪

♪Do you also♪

After finally returning to school,

don't fight with Shen Xiaojun

and others anymore.

Focus on your classes.

I'll help you if you don't understand.

There's actually a lot I don't understand.

Then I'll explain each problem to you

until you understand.

♪How many dreams have we missed♪

Okay.

Thinking about college?

Never.

Have you considered your future?

Never.

People like us

take one day at a time.

Getting by is enough.

We live for

more than just surviving starvation.

I went hungry a lot as a kid,

so for me,

having regular meals is enough.

No point dreaming about the future.

Besides,

I'm alone anyway.

Nothing really matters.

No.

Don't just accept this fate.

Do you know

what keeps me going?

My hope of getting into college.

If I get into college,

I can leave Meiwan

and Ye Yibo.

Grandma left me the house.

She wanted me to sell it after getting into college

and take the money

and go far away.

Every time Ye Yibo hits me,

I repeat to myself a hundred times,

"Get into college"

"and leave Meiwan."

Each passing day

brings me closer to that hope.

I believe in you.

You can do it.

You're different.

You'll get into college.

We can get into college

and leave together.

Ye Haitang, are you kidding me?

How can I?

You haven't tried it yet.

Let's study together.

Push through this.

Can I?

Easier than fights.

Don't move.

♪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♪

♪Forever shining by your side♪

See how neat and handsome you look now?

Honestly,

I barely

recognize myself anymore.

You did a great job.

Thanks.

If what the letter says about the 23rd is true,

let's ask Yu Nian

if we can get into the same college.

That...

No need to ask about this.

I won't get into your target university.

Another letter?

No.

This one's from me to you.

I'm going in.

Ye Haitang.

Tomorrow morning,

I'll pick you up.

Okay.

(To Tang Yixun)

(May we have the courage to journey through mountains and seas)

(and the luck to witness the aurora.)

(Ye Haitang)

Ye Haitang.

Ye Haitang.

Ye Haitang.

(Meiyu Building)

I bought this for you. Eat.

Got a haircut?

Wow.

I thought you'd dropped out.

You stepped on my shoes!

My bad.

I didn't see them.

That's all?

You know how much they cost?

The only pair!

You can't pay for them!

I can't,

so I won't.

And don't mess with me.

You can't handle me.

You're threatening me?

Shen Xiaojun,

listen,

from now on,

let's get along well at school,

so we can graduate smoothly.

But after school,

it's hard to tell.

This part is meant to scare you.

Remember this.

Has Ye Haitang not arrived?

She might be here soon.

Class dismissed.

Stand up.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Alright, goodbye.

Miss Tan.

Why didn't Ye Haitang come today?

She took a few sick days.

Sick leave?

What sick leave?

Her dad requested it

this morning.

Her father?

Where are you going?

I'm taking leave, too.

It's your first day back today.

Tang Yixun!

Ye Haitang!

Ye Yibo!

Ye Yibo!

Ye Yibo!

Ye Yibo!

What's your problem?

Who? What's going on?

Ye Yibo?

Haven't seen him.

Was he here recently?

With unpaid debts

and new ones now,

how could he come?

Three against one?

This.

Hello.

Is this the Fenghua Sugar Factory?

May I speak to Ye Yibo?

I... I am...

I'm his relative.

He's on leave?

When?

Okay.

Thank you.

Sir.

(Meiwan Police Station)

Take it easy.

Speak slowly.

What are you to Ye Haitang?

Classmate.

Classmate?

Yeah.

Does the school know

she's missing?

Her dad asked for leave,

but he's suspicious.

What's wrong with her father?

Give this to Liu.

Got it.

You are the girl's classmate

from last time, right?

Yes.

What's wrong?

He reported his classmate missing,

but

the parent already notified the school.

Same girl as before?

Yes.

Did her dad take her to the hospital?

They say she has delusions.

Treatable.

Many tell me to send her to a psychiatric hospital.

Mr. Chen!

Let me borrow your bike.

Let me use it.

Alright.

Calm down.

Return it tonight, Xun.

Okay.

Make way.

(Mental Rehabilitation Center)

Tang.

Don't blame me for being harsh.

It's for your own good.

They'll feed you.

Focus on getting better.

Wait till I sell the house

and win big.

I'll come back for you.

Tang.

We're here now.

Go along.

Let me untie you.

No more outbursts, okay?

Work with the doctors.

Stay still. Isn't this better?

I'm fine, really.

My child is ill.

Why hit me again?

It's okay.

My child is ill.

I'm here with you.

It's alright.

We're here.

We're here.

We're at the hospital.

Ye Haitang!

Ye Yibo!

We're here.

Ye Yibo!

Raising your hand against me?

Ye Yibo!

Ye Yibo!

You're an animal!

You hit me?

I'm her father!

I make the rules!

I'll do whatever I want!

You can't stop me!

Ye Yibo!

What did she do wrong?

Why treat her like this?

She tried to stab me!

She tried to kill me!

To stab me to death!

Go ahead! Kill me!

Come on, Ye Yibo!

- Stop it! - Stop!

No more fighting!

He will die!

Ye Yibo!

He will die!

Let go!

Stop fighting!

Ye Yibo!

You beast!

Do it! Kill me!

Ye Yibo!

My own daughter tried to stab me!

She brought

this punk to kill me!

Come on! Kill me!

Don't you run!

Stay right there!

You beast!

Ye Yibo!

Stop!

Don't run away!

Get lost!

Ye Haitang.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Let's go home.

Let's go home.

♪This road is too long♪

♪Must we be like this♪

♪Too afraid to face tomorrow♪

♪Perhaps wander aimlessly♪

♪Forgive my silence♪

♪Green grass, distant hills, setting moon♪

♪Don't wait for me.♪

♪If you were by my side♪

♪That'd be my greatest wish♪

♪Don't wait for me♪

That monster.

You're his daughter.

How can he do that?

He resents my mom.

He said she was promiscuous

and seduced men.

Still want fish cakes?

It's too far.

I will make tomato egg noodles tonight.

Your mom will be back soon.

Mom.

Ye.

Why are you home today?

Day off today.

Coming back to cook.

Go ahead.

Alright.

Where are you going?

Explain yourself today!

You sold yourself for a can of malted milk?

Mom.

Bo.

What are you doing now?

Mom, stay out of this!

Speak clearly!

Tang.

Mom!

Let's go.

Mom!

I saw it today.

You got out of his car at the alley entrance.

Have you no shame?

All for a can of malted milk?

Ye Yibo, stop talking nonsense.

We're just ordinary friends.

He gave me this just to show

his gratitude.

Mom!

Was it that man?

The malted one?

Is it him?

Ye Yibo, stop talking nonsense!

Out with it!

Mom, I'm home.

Give me your dress.

Who paid for it?

I bought it.

But I've never seen it.

I bought it.

Where did you get the money to buy this?

Who gave you the money?

Who paid for this?

Who?

I saved it myself.

Mom.

You seduced another man, right?

Who did you seduce?

Get inside!

Mom!

Explain yourself!

Go out with me.

Go, hurry.

Which man did you seduce this time?

I didn't.

Go.

Mom.

You didn't?

My mom wasn't that kind of person.

He's the mentally ill one.

Whenever my mom spoke to other men,

he'd fly into rage.

Later, he gambled.

When he lost,

he'd come home and beat my mom even worse

until she couldn't bear it

and ran away from home.

He couldn't find her,

so he took his anger out on me.

Didn't the factory leaders intervene?

Didn't you

think about talking to them?

They worked at the same place.

My mom was the cashier.

She took the factory funds when she left.

Ye Yibo cried and said

he'd repay this money.

The factory leaders were moved.

Tang, it's still hot.

Wait for it to cool down.

I don't mind,

but she needs to eat.

Ye.

This isn't a small amount of money.

Director Wei,

I'll repay this money.

I've discussed it with Secretary Liu.

I'll write an IOU.

Deduct it from my wages later.

I won't default.

Then how will you and your family eat?

No, I...

I can manage the hardships.

Tang and I eat simply.

Just let me keep a little

for my mom's medical bills.

There's been no news of Wu Fengying at all?

Her hometown relatives are all gone.

I don't know where to look for her.

How about this?

Write me an IOU.

If you can repay the money,

the factory won't press charges.

Director Wei, I'll definitely repay this.

I'll come to your office tomorrow.

Thank you.

I'll be going.

Take care of the child.

Goodbye, Ye.

Take care.

He never spoke ill of my mom

in front of others.

He always said it was his poverty

that made her suffer so much.

All these years, everyone

saw him repaying

the debts, raising me through hardships,

and caring for my grandma in the hospital.

When the sugar factory caught fire,

he rushed into the flames alone,

saving over a dozen people.

The factory paraded in with an award.

He stood in the hall,

wearing a red flower,

solemnly vowing to be

a just and courageous man.

Whenever my neighbors needed help,

if he was home,

he'd assist them.

Those who tried matchmaking for him

all got turned down.

He said he'd not let me be mistreated

by a stepmother.

I told people Ye Yibo was a bad person.

Who'd believe that?

Scum.

Worse than an animal.

Every time I fought back,

it only made things worse for me.

I ran out and told people many times,

but he always claimed I was mentally ill.

He even consulted doctors

and learned a term called

delusional disorder.

Everyone said my mom ran away.

I was insane.

Since childhood,

I've never seen my father.

My mom told me then

she'd go find my dad

and come get me when she found him.

But after that day,

I never saw her again.

I was only 4 years old then.

I was in our house,

nearly starving to death.

Then I went out

to scavenge food from trash bins.

Later on,

I got sent to an orphanage.

My parents left me nothing.

Not even a proper name.

I only knew myself as Xun.

My current name

was given by Chubby Auntie at the orphanage.

Chubby Auntie is Miss Tan's mother.

That was when I realized

my birth parents

never cared about me at all.

So whether I become a wolf

or a dog,

I have to survive.

Did you ever go back to search?

Maybe your mom came back looking for you?

Of course I went back.

But the old house had collapsed.

She never came back at all.

Without Chubby Auntie,

I would have starved to death.

No wonder Miss Tan worries about you so much.

Both Miss Tan and Chubby Auntie

have always told me

to study hard

and gain more knowledge,

so I could succeed in the future.

But I did study hard.

My classmates all looked down on me.

They called me a stray dog

and threw my books in the toilet.

I couldn't take it,

so I fought back.

Then I got sent to reform school.

Xin never gave up on me.

Through her,

I met Cha.

But Xin always thought

Cha was a bad influence.

She felt guilty about it

and kept pushing me to return to school

and focus on studies.

Were they together before?

Yes.

Xin used

to attend a normal college in the city.

Cha would bike

to visit her every week.

Riding a bicycle

for five or six hours.

But later,

Xin thought Cha took the wrong path

and was crooked,

so they broke up.

Cha isn't that bad.

Right?

He's a good person.

He just never got proper schooling.

He's uncultured,

so he

couldn't find decent work.

He can only do what he knows how to do.

Same with Rat.

He's not bad.

His dad was a murderer.

When his dad got locked up,

he and his mom became outcasts in the village.

His mom couldn't take the bullying

and killed herself.

As for Rat,

he's lived feeling ashamed,

like he's inferior to others,

so he doesn't go to school.

Just wandering around.

Why are there so many unfortunate people in the world?

Living like weeds,

easy to be crushed underfoot.

You asked me before

why I grabbed your knife.

No reason.

Just to help you.

I wanted you to live.

We hopeless folks

are still hanging on.

You did nothing wrong.

And you've tried so hard.

So you deserve to live well.

Thank you

for keeping me alive.

When I was injured before,

you kicked at my door.

Seeing how worried you looked

made me think

this must be what having family felt like.

Ye Haitang.

I want to be your family,

if you let me.

Let's live well.

Okay.

We'll live well.

Okay.

Live well.

Live well.

Millet porridge.

Any else?

Corn.

Seek for.

Both mean "seeking".

What's the difference?

"In search of"

means seeking hard.

It emphasizes the active effort.

What follows it?

In search of a job.

Or what you all crave.

In search of freedom.

After the examination, you'll all be free.

Freedom.

♪If our dreams could reach further♪

How do I move this?

Steady. Align the handlebars.

I'm holding it.

Just pedal forward.

Forward.

I can't!

Xun! Xun! Xun!

Easy, easy now.

I've got you.

I'll push faster.

Hold tight.

Turn now, yes.

Easy.

I've got you.

You hold on.

♪We bloom in♪

♪The season of spring♪

♪Let me run to you♪

♪Throw all tears into the wind♪

♪Old wounds may heal♪

♪You warm me♪

♪We'll still send together♪

♪Letters to the future♪

♪About hope♪

By Euclidean geometry,

AC squared equals AD multiplied by AB.

Given AD is 3 units

and AB is 4 units,

so AC squared is 3 multiplied by 4.

So x squared equals 12,

and x equals the square root of 12.

Letting go now.

Biking's so fun!

Slow down!

Use the left brake, not the right!

Got it!

♪You're always here when I turn around♪

Slow down!

♪The season of spring♪

♪Let me run to you♪

♪Throw all tears into the wind♪

Xun!

How's my riding?

So fast.

Slow down!

That's a downhill!

Brake carefully!

Understood!

Tang!

♪I've found you again♪

♪This time, don't wake from the dream♪

So what's AC's length?

Zero?

Sorry, sorry!

Explain again?

Last time!

I'll get it.

Look.

(Sunday, 22nd)

It's the 23rd.

(Monday, 23rd) Go check the dock

for "waterspout".

Qiang.

Take it easy.

Another bag.

Almost 6:00 AM.

Still nothing here.

The letter said this afternoon.

It's getting dark.

Probably not happening now.

Let's go home.

The letter clearly said this afternoon.

Thank you.

Did they mix up the dates?

Is it tomorrow or the day after?

Or beyond?

Just not today.

Look!

There's a dragon!

Such a huge dragon!

What's going on?

Have you ever seen this before?

(Hello, Yu Nian,)

(at our local dock,)

(a waterspout phenomenon did occur.)

(Now is)

(September 23rd, 1991.)

(I can't believe I'm writing)

(to a person from 2026.)

(I did receive a letter,)

(but it wasn't from Yu Zhiyong.)

(And I don't know him.)

(I'm sorry the letter was already torn.)

(I don't know where Beixing City is.)

(At midnight,)

(when a cat jumps onto the mailbox, letters arrive.)

(Please explain what all this means.)

(Ye Haitang)

(1991)

(September 23rd)

Are you sure

she's your mother?

I can't confirm yet.

She mentioned receiving a letter before,

but it wasn't from your father.

Exactly.

How could my dad write a love letter?

The mailbox connects two timelines.

May be others also discovered it.

We aren't the only ones.

Maybe others are doing the same?

Or perhaps

not just two mailboxes?

You mean it could be crossed?

Right.

So perhaps

others could join this correspondence.

If that's really the case,

things just got more complicated.

I need to first

confirm if she is my mom.

Stay out of this reply.

Why?

Even now,

you don't trust me?

I apologize for doubting you before.

I hope you understand how I felt then.

To verify if the sender

is truly Ye Haitang,

I'll ask something

only my mom and I would know.

So I'll write this letter alone.

I'll mail it myself.

Okay?

Fine.

Coming!

Well? Did it work?

Did it work?

Explain what happened.

I'm going to Pushui.

They found my mom.

♪When trees sway♪

♪When moonlight trembles♪

♪This road is too long♪

♪Must we be like this♪

♪Too afraid to face tomorrow♪

♪Perhaps wander aimlessly♪

♪Forgive my silence♪

♪Green grass, distant hills, setting moon♪

♪Don't wait for me♪

♪Too afraid to face tomorrow♪

♪Perhaps wander aimlessly♪

♪If you were by my side♪

♪That'd be my greatest wish♪

♪Don't wait for me♪