Original subtitles

Take care.

Thank you, sir.

Xun.

Does the light inside the crystal ball

resemble aurora?

So beautiful.

Aurora?

Is this what aurora looks like?

I don't know.

Never seen it either.

But it looks like the one on the postcards.

So colorful.

It's beautiful.

Whatever it is,

it's pretty.

(Meiwan Town General Store) What do you want to do?

I'll buy it for you.

It must be expensive.

Don't.

It's okay. I can afford it now.

Don't.

Why waste your money on this?

You like it.

I'll buy it for you.

Don't worry.

Listen.

Don't buy it today.

You can gift it to me on my birthday.

Okay?

But I can buy it now.

Gift it to me on my birthday is more meaningful.

Right?

Gift it to me on my birthday.

Alright?

Alright.

It's settled then.

On your birthday,

I'll buy one for you.

No doubt.

Okay.

When is your birthday?

You've never mentioned it.

I don't remember my birthday.

I knew the day I arrived

at the welfare house,

but I forgot it too.

You've never celebrated a birthday?

What for? I'm not a child anymore.

I'll gift it to you

for your birthday this year.

But it's not the only one gift.

If you like or want

anything else,

just tell me.

I'll get it for you.

Alright.

Let's go.

Okay.

Tang?

What is this?

Xun.

I'll celebrate your birthday today, okay?

Okay.

But why today?

Birthday could be your birthdate,

or any happy day.

In a year,

you need one day for this ritual.

Old folks always say,

"It's always better do it today."

Why not

make it today, November 9th?

Do you agree?

I do.

Then today is

the birthday you gave me,

and also

my first birthday celebration.

So it's settled.

I'll be with you

on your birthday every year.

It's too late today.

Birthday cakes were sold out.

I only found this rice cake.

But next year,

I'll definitely get you

a huge birthday cake,

covered with candles.

Okay?

Make three wishes.

Blow out the candles.

I wish Ye Haitang

gets into her ideal university.

I wish Ye Haitang

stays healthy and strong.

I wish Ye Haitang

lives well

in this life.

I wish Tang Yixun a happy birthday.

May he be happy every single day.

Blow out the candles.

Okay.

Let's do it together.

Three, two, one.

=Twelve Letters=

=Episode 8= (The spring is bright, but gone forever)

(1991)

Xun.

Tang.

Listen to me.

You go home first

and change your clothes.

You didn't come here

and knew nothing about this.

I didn't come here?

What's your plan?

Just do as I said.

No plan.

Just go back, okay?

What's your plan?

Go back.

- Go back. - No!

Go back.

No.

Go back!

No!

I won't go. Let's face it together.

Let's face it together.

- Let's face it together. - Tang.

They tried to kill us.

Ye Haitang! Ye Haitang!

Listen to me! Please listen!

You go back. Please go back.

No.

Let's face it together.

They tried to kill us.

There is no "us".

Only me.

You have a bright future.

You need to go to college.

What about you?

Y...

You...

live well for me.

You live well for me.

No!

No!

No!

No!

Xun!

(Police)

Officer.

I committed a crime.

I killed someone.

Get down. Hands up!

Please cooperate.

Where did it happen?

Half-hill.

Xun!

Ye Haitang!

What are you doing here?

What are you doing?

What are you doing? Answer me!

Officer.

I was there.

They tried to kill us.

Leave!

Calm down.

Leave!

- Calm down. - Leave!

They tried to kill us.

Leave!

Calm down.

Leave!

Officer.

I was there. They tried to kill us.

I can testify.

Take them to interrogation.

They tried to kill us.

They tried to kill us!

Leave!

I did everything.

She is innocent!

She is innocent!

♪Moonlight shines on the fields♪

♪My boy, go to bed♪

♪I need to plant rice tomorrow♪

(Meidong Prison, Nanjiang Province)

(Visitation Room)

Alright.

Understood.

He refused to see you.

You should leave now.

He refused to see me?

Officer.

There must be a mistake.

Did you tell him

I'm Ye Haitang?

He wouldn't refuse to see me.

We already told him.

And he refused.

Next.

(Plead Guilty and Accept Punishment)

(To Tang Yixun)

(Visitation Registration Office)

Officer.

Can I see Tang Yixun today?

He still refused.

This is a letter he asked us to give you.

(To Ye Haitang)

(Tang,)

(don't come again.)

(You should be at school now,)

(Plead Guilty and Accept Punishment) (instead of waiting for me.)

(Meidong Prison, Nanjiang Province) (Did you forget our agreement?)

(You must leave here,)

(and move forward.)

(Live well)

(for me.)

(I won't see you again.)

(Go.)

(Don't feel guilty.)

(This is my own fate.)

(I have no regrets.)

(Remember what you promised me.)

(If you live well,)

(everything I did)

(wouldn't be in vain.)

(Tang Yixun.)

(To Ye Haitang)

Miss Tan.

I want to retake.

(Xun.)

(I'll retake my twelfth grade)

(for our promise.)

(Days without you pass so slowly.)

(Like I could hear time's footsteps.)

(But I can't catch up no matter what.)

♪Is it too long♪

♪Say goodbye in haste♪

(Meiwan High School of Fu'an County)

(Test Site of 1993 National College Entrance Examination)

♪It'll pass, won't it♪

♪Light will come as promised♪

♪Even if this world♪

♪Thump, thump, thump, thump♪

♪Abandons both you and me♪

(Meidong Prison Demolition Command)

We're just demolition workers.

About the prison,

you should go ask

prison staff.

Do you know where the prison moved?

Take the household register

and inquire the government office.

Thank you.

Prisoners' details

are personal privacy.

You're not immediate family,

so we can't disclose them.

Thank you.

♪If I think of you three times♪

♪The dark clouds will part a little♪

♪When sunny spring days arrive♪

♪We'll meet again♪

(Nanjiang Normal University Admission Letter)

♪If I think of you thirty times♪

♪The stars won't fade anymore♪

(Xun.)

(I got into a university.)

(I wish you could see it.)

(Where are you?)

♪We'll meet again♪

♪When sunny spring days arrive♪

♪We'll meet again♪

(Xun.)

(I finally left that place)

(and lost you forever.)

(Xiaohua Welfare House of Pushui City, 1995)

No.

These are five balls.

Sign your name here.

Then,

if we decide,

when can you start?

Tomorrow can work.

Do you like kids here?

Very much.

Try interacting with them later.

These boys

are mischievous sometimes.

(Volunteer Resume: Ye Haitang)

Nanjiang Normal University?

Many students

from your school come here

to volunteer every year.

But I must tell you.

We require six-hour shifts

to issue work certificates.

I don't need certificates.

I can come every week.

No need for work certificates?

I have a family member who grew up in welfare houses.

I feel attached here.

(1996) Here.

What would you like for lunch today?

Kids, line up.

Let's go.

- Let's go eat. - Come on.

Come on, time for lunch.

Let's go.

Time to eat.

Let's go, everyone.

Let's go.

Rat!

Why are you here in Pushui?

I just got released.

Came here to check on you.

Have you seen Zhenzhu?

Is she okay?

She's fine.

Actually...

Today...

I came

to tell you something.

Go ahead.

Do you have news about Xun?

Xun

fell seriously ill.

He...

What kind of illness?

Tell me.

Xun

is gone.

What did you say?

Impossible!

Take me to see him.

Wait!

Tang.

Tang.

Take me...

- Calm down. - to him.

Calm down. Listen.

Listen!

The address is here.

When you're ready,

go to Meiwan to visit him.

Rat.

Rat!

Rat!

(Plot 5, Section 1, Fu'an Memorial Park,)

(99 Anning Road, Fengshun District, Pushui City)

(Tang Yixun's Grave)

(Tang Yixun's Grave)

(Xun.)

(You wanted me to live well.)

(But how)

(to live well?)

(How do I live well without you?)

(You once asked me)

(why I grabbed your knife.)

(Nothing special.)

(Just wanted to help you.)

(Wanted you to live.)

(Ye Haitang.)

(If you don't mind me,)

let me be your family.

Let's live well.

Let's go.

Let's go home.

Go home.

(Tang, I mean...)

(If one day,)

(I really put you in danger,)

(run away if you can.)

(Even if we have to separate for a while,)

(as long as I'm alive,)

(I'll come find you.)

(I wish Ye Haitang)

gets into her ideal university.

I wish Ye Haitang

stays healthy and strong.

I wish Ye Haitang

lives well

in this life.

(Please go back.)

(No. Let's face it together.)

(You...)

(live well for me.)

(Ye Yibo!)

(Leave this place.)

(Move forward.)

(Live well for me.)

(Remember what you promised me.)

(If you live well,)

(everything I did)

(wouldn't be in vain.)

(Tang Yixun.)

(You did nothing wrong.)

(And you've tried so hard.)

(So you deserve to live well.)

Tang Yixun.

(2005) Here!

(Release Certificate)

It's the prison release certificate.

Sign here.

Yes.

(Tang Yixun) Here are your clothes

and belongings.

And items your family left

for you during visits.

(To Tang Yixun)

(Shilin Prison of Pushui City)

♪When trees sway♪

♪When moonlight trembles♪

(To Tang Yixun)

♪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♪

(Xun.)

(It's your birthday again.)

(Happy birthday.)

(Did you make a wish?)

(I fixed the leaking roof.)

(No more leaks.)

(Am I impressive?)

(Don't worry.)

(I'll keep the promise I made.)

(I'll get into college)

(and live well for you.)

(Waiting for you.)

(Tang.)

♪Future, where are you♪

♪No turning back now♪

♪Too afraid to face tomorrow♪

♪Perhaps wander aimlessly♪

Sir.

What's wrong?

I wanted to know

where the household registration office is.

Take the release certificate

and register at that room.

Thank you.

No problem.

Thank you.

♪Don't wait for me♪

(ID Card Service)

(Household Registry)

Okay.

Look at the camera.

Three, two, one.

Take care.

Make these cakes crispier.

Teng.

(Granny's Sweet Soup Shop) Take a spoon.

Okay.

For that table's customer.

Careful, don't spill.

(Old-style Fried Skewers)

What are you doing?

I said I'd handle this.

It's fine.

Careful.

Let me check your homework.

Zhenzhu.

A bowl of sweet soup.

Okay.

Over a decade has passed.

Everything's changed,

except this.

Where's Granny?

She's passed away.

The year after my release.

She passed away in peace,

didn't suffer much.

When we were kids,

we stole coins from Granny's stall.

She always pretended not to notice.

Never expected

you still had money when returning.

Right.

What's your plan?

Shall we three...

No need.

You're doing well.

Don't

make Zhenzhu worry about you.

You just got out,

must need time to adjust.

It'll get better soon.

Look at me.

My kid is already

helping with the business.

How old is he?

Six, starting school soon.

Rat.

Make sure your kid

studies well.

Don't end up like us.

I will.

I will let he go to college.

Yes.

He must go to college.

What about Cha?

When Cha first got out,

he bought that boat.

At first, he wanted me

to crew with him.

But Zhenzhu got pregnant.

I couldn't leave her. Wouldn't.

I had to stay by her side. I...

I couldn't let her live

in fear anymore.

Before leaving, Cha drank with me one last time.

I wanted to see him off, but he refused.

I thought it'd be just a few months.

Never imagined he'd be gone

for nearly seven years,

and never came back.

Seven years?

And you haven't been in touch?

No.

But...

Cha.

That's Cha.

He must be living free

on the sea now,

with nothing to worry.

Nobody dares mess with him.

He's fine.

There's one thing

I've been wanting to tell you.

What is it?

Cha left some money with me.

He said it's for you.

What money?

He said he owed it to you.

You keep the money.

I need to go out of town.

Where to?

I need to do something I promised

to a friend.

Alright.

Here is

the number she gave me.

(Ye Haitang)

She visits your grave every year.

Rat.

Tang Yixun is dead.

I know.

But don't you want to see her?

No.

Really?

Rat.

Don't worry about me.

I'm fine.

Go back.

Don't keep Zhenzhu waiting.

It's okay.

Take this.

Okay.

Delicious.

Go ahead.

I'm leaving.

Call me anytime.

Okay.

Rat.

Take care.

Take care.

Take care.

It's fine. Go.

It's okay.

Bye.

Mom, stop pushing.

I'm strong now.

Teng has grown up!

Dad, pull harder!

Got it.

If buying a boat, get a big one!

Who'll sail it?

I can learn.

He learns to sail it.

And you learn English, Xun.

We'll do export business,

negotiate with foreigners,

and earn US dollars.

- US dollars! - US dollars!

Then Cha can finally marry

Xin.

By then,

you can buy

those American sneakers

with US dollars!

American sneakers.

American sneakers.

No need to ask me for money.

Buy Xun a robot.

Yes, yes.

Buy a robot.

Madam.

Madam.

Who are you?

You scared me!

Did someone come by earlier?

What?

Well, the stuff

at that grave.

The one who delivered a cake?

She was here.

She comes every year at this time.

She always cleans the place spotless,

and comes with a cake.

Where is she now?

She just dropped the stuff

and left.

Thanks, madam.

(Tang Yixun's Grave)

(Happy Birthday, Xun)

(Xun.)

(I'll celebrate your birthday today, okay?)

(Tang Yixun's Grave)

(So it's settled.)

(I'll be with you on your birthday every year.)

(It's too late today.)

(Birthday cakes were sold out.)

(I only found this rice cake.)

(But next year,)

(I'll definitely get you)

(a huge birthday cake,)

(covered with candles.)

(Okay?)

(Public Phone: Local, National, International)

I'm closing up.

(Zhenxing Grocery Store)

I'm closing up.

Make it quick.

Hurry up.

Hello.

Hello.

Cheng?

Who is it?

Whose call is this?

Mom, they don't speak.

Give it to me.

Hello.

Who is this?

Probably a wrong number.

I made sweet and sour ribs.

(When I make money,)

(I'll take you traveling.)

(Any place you want to visit?)

(I want to see snowfall.)

(I've never seen heavy snow.)

(Me neither.)

(When I make money,)

(we'll go)

(wherever it snows.)

(Deal.)

Who's there?

Come in.

Can I help you?

I...

I'm Yu Zhiyong's friend.

I came to visit you.

Well, come in.

Dad.

Dad.

Nian.

Look.

So many delicious dishes.

Plenty of food.

Here, let's eat.

Thank you.

I shouldn't let guests cook.

Eat while it's hot.

Here.

Try this.

Dad.

Grandma says you drive big trucks,

the really huge ones.

Where do you drive them, Dad?

Whenever I ask Grandma,

she says you're down south,

very far away.

So every time,

it takes forever for you to come back.

Dad.

Can I come with you?

Nian.

Focus on eating.

Good girl.

I always cough.

Dad's cooking

is so delicious.

Can I have it tomorrow?

Nian.

From now on,

I will cook delicious meals for you every day.

Okay?

Okay.

Okay.

Have some more.

Here.

Try this.

Have some meat.

Have some water.

Dr. Hao just told me

you have

improved these days.

I know how serious my illness is.

Don't waste money on me.

Don't worry about

the money.

Take good rest.

Kid,

you promised Yong to visit us

and travelled all this way.

It is already enough.

We've taken too much of your time.

Don't let us

hold you back.

Since I'm here,

I can't just leave.

I have no home,

no mom,

and no one around.

If you don't mind,

I'll treat you well for Yong.

I'll be your son.

I'll take care

of you and Nian.

Dr. Wang.

Is there any other way?

Money's not the issue.

I understand how you feel,

but your mother's illness

isn't looking good.

Prepare the funeral.

(Xi Town, Beixing, City Bus)

Dad.

Where are we going?

Nian,

you're going to kindergarten.

We'll live in a big apartment.

Okay?

Nian.

Look over there.

A big ship!

Dad, will we ride that ship?

Nian,

do you like big ships?

Yes.

Then we'll buy a home

and stay here. Okay?

Anywhere is fine

when I'm with you.

Dad, let's race!

Ready? Go!

Yong, you're late.

Yeah.

Haven't eaten yet?

You worked so hard.

I only made five yuan today.

I still haven't eaten.

Need two strong ones.

Coming, sir.

What's the job?

What's the job?

Carry metal plates by the river.

20 yuan per day.

That's way too low.

Way too low.

I'll do it.

You?

Me.

Anyone else?

Me too.

♪The tomorrow we long for♪

♪Might truly come♪

One, two, three. Lift!

Go!

Faster!

Faster!

Let's race!

Three, two, one.

Go!

♪Freezing memories into forever♪

Dad, wait for me!

Dad, wait for me!

Dad, catch me!

Can't catch me now!

Can't catch me!

You've grown up now.

I can't keep up anymore.

♪Old wounds may heal♪

Let's go.

I will cook delicious dishes for you.

Okay.

♪We'll still be together♪

♪Letters to the future♪

♪About hope♪

Nian.

It's your first day of school today.

During class, raise your hand

if you need to go to restroom.

When the school bell rings,

go back to class.

If you need help,

tell your teacher.

Don't be nervous.

Obey the teachers.

Dad.

When you were little,

did you obey the teachers?

Are teachers always right?

Of course,

I obeyed my teachers

when I was little.

What teachers said

are always right.

So promise me,

always obey your teachers at school.

Okay?

Nian.

After school,

wait for me at the school gate.

Don't wander around.

Got it?

Dad.

You've worked at the shipyard so long.

When will you finally build a big ship?

Nian.

Building a big ship

isn't that easy.

But I promise you,

when I finally build that ship,

I'll take you sailing right away.

Okay?

- Okay. - Okay.

Let's go to school.

Come on.

(Wang Jianguo.)

(Yes, yes.)

Forty.

Sign here.

Next, Yu Zhiyong.

Eighty. Sign here.

Can you weld?

Yes, I can.

Alright.

Be at the workshop

tomorrow at 7:00 AM.

Thank you. Thank you!

Thank you.

It's nothing.

Yong!

- Mei. - Yong.

You wanted to see me?

I need

to ask you a favor.

Don't mention it.

I can always help you.

What's wrong?

I'm going out of town for a few days.

Could you

look after Nian for me?

Take her to my place.

She can stay with us at night.

Thank you.

Don't mention it.

We're friends.

Here, take this money.

What are you doing?

Stop it.

Don't do that.

No need.

We're friends and colleagues.

No, take it.

Don't.

I'm leaving.

Come on.

Right,

bring her to the compound gate tonight.

(Tang Yixun's Grave)

Xun.

It's your birthday again.

I've kept our promise.

I'm living well.

You can rest assured.

I went to see snowfall last month.

The actual snowfall.

It was very beautiful.

I will try my best

to live well for both of us.

I'll make sure you see from heaven

that everything you did for me wasn't in vain.

Xun.

Life is long.

We'll probably meet again.

Xun.

Happy birthday.

May you be happy every single day.

♪Listen to insects chirping♪

♪See distant mountains curling♪

♪Future, where are you♪

♪No turning back now♪

♪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♪

Yong!

Yong!

Done your work?

We're getting benefits.

Go get yours.

Temporary workers don't have benefits.

I'll help you.

No need.

Why don't you

take some of mine?

My parents work here.

We get multiple sets.

Take some.

No, thank you.

Yong.

Yong.

Look,

take the cookies back for Nian.

Take it. I give it to the kid.

Come on. Take it!

Just take it.

Thank you.

Don't mention it.

You've been busy lately, Yong.

If you're that busy, send the kid to me.

Or

I could go cook for you.

I can cook and clean.

I'm good at making buns,

noodles and stews.

No, thank you.

It's fine. I'm single anyway.

I have time.

Mei,

you've been kind to me and Nian.

I really thank you.

But,

I really don't plan to remarry.

Don't waste time on me.

Yong, what are you talking about?

I didn't mean that.

I-I just...

I just like the kid.

I...

Alright, I understand.

Let's stay friends

and colleagues.

Well,

if you need help, send Nian to me.

I'll look after her.

Thank you.

I...

Alright, you...

I'll head home.

Tell me if you need help.

Thank you.

Xun.

Happy birthday.

(Tang Yixun's Grave)

♪If I think of you three times♪

♪The dark clouds will part a little♪

♪When sunny spring days arrive♪

♪We'll meet again♪

♪If I think of you thirty times♪

Xun.

Happy birthday.

♪When sunny spring days arrive♪

♪We'll meet again♪

♪I'll think of you three hundred times♪

♪Then storms and winds will cease♪

♪If we hold on until that day♪

♪We'll love without restraint♪

♪In the new world♪

♪If I think of you three times♪

♪The dark clouds will part a little♪

♪When sunny spring days arrive♪

♪We'll meet again♪

♪If I think of you thirty times♪

♪The stars won't fade anymore♪

♪When sunny spring days arrive♪

♪We'll meet again♪

♪I'll think of you three hundred times♪

♪Then storms and winds will cease♪

♪If we hold on until that day♪

♪We'll love without restraint♪

♪In the new world♪

♪Having thought this way a thousand times♪

♪This sorrowful planet♪

♪Has turned halfway again♪

♪When sunny spring days arrive♪

♪We'll meet again♪