Original subtitles

A DREAM FACTORY AND ROSEM FILMS PRODUCTION

PRODUCED BY NAI AN AND SYLVAIN BURSZTEJN

WITH QIN HAO, CHEN SICHENG, TAN ZHUO,

WU WEI, JIANG JIAQI AND ZHANG SONGWEN

DIRECTED BY LOU YE

Come on, let's take a piss.

SPRING FEVER

I love you.

You've got them with you?

What's wrong?

No, it's nothing. Let's go that way.

You shouldn't look at these photos.

Then I won't.

Do you want me to keep following him?

Call me if you need me.

Have you got a girlfriend?

How do you know?

Actually, Wang Ping has it all sorted.

No woman would guess.

But I knew something wasn't right.

See you Monday.

Do you know how old I am?

Go on, guess.

Twenty... seven?

Seventeen.

No way.

It's true.

The top part of my body is 27,

down there I'm only 17.

I promise you.

It's not a joke. Really.

Really?

Check.

- Let me see. - Look.

NANJING, MARCH, JUST AFTER THE DAY OF THE INSECTS' AWAKENING.

Dumplings, please.

Boss, Mr Zhou is here.

- What does he want? - No idea.

Have we been paid?

Wang Ping's at the bookshop.

I'll take him his supper, pick up the keys and go home.

Keep an eye on him.

I'm off, see you.

- Lin Xue, here you are. - Xiao Li.

Wang Ping!

You're here.

Here you are.

- The keys? - They're on the table.

Thanks.

- Is everything OK? - Yes.

- Did you eat? - Yes, at school.

Are you off, Lin Xue?

Have a god day.

Li Jing, what are you doing later?

I'm going home.

Do you want to have supper? Same place as usual?

I'll take you home after.

Here we are.

Xiao Wu, bring some water.

Sure.

Do you like it, Mr Ming?

It gets better every time.

You flatter me, Mr Ming.

Xiao Mei, look after them.

- Anything else? - No, that's fine.

I'm having a bit to eat with my client.

I'm finishing, then I'm off home.

OK, I'm coming. As soon as I've finished, I'm off home.

OK?

Sure you don't want me to take you home?

A little problem, I've got to go.

Here, take this with you.

OK, bye.

Qiang, I'm going.

Why are you here?

I was round the corner, I thought I'd pop in.

Wait a minute.

Have you missed me?

A customer might come in.

Spring Fever by Yu Dafu.

"The fruits of my labour:

"of the five kuai I've received

"I've spent three. Including the one I had left over,

"once my rent is paid I've only got a few pennies left.

"What can I do?

"Pawn this lousy coat?

"I don't think anyone wants it.

"Put an end to it all?

"I simply lack the courage.

"These words still haunt me,

"proof that my spirit isn't completely exhausted.

"Today the train driver,

"how did he insult me?

"'Yellow dog'.

"Yellow dog, what a lovely name!

"My thoughts are racing

"yet I can't work out

"what to do to escape from this grim situation.

What are you doing?

- Sending a message. - Who to?

I'm nearly done.

Who's it to?

Don't mess around.

Shall we dance?

The best thing is for you to meet her.

Just a meal with friends,

nothing fancy.

Let's eat, we'll talk later.

Don't you want to meet her?

Make an effort.

- I don't want to see her. - Why not?

It's just between the two of us. I don't want it to get complicated.

I just thought that

if she could think of you as a friend

it would be so much easier.

Do you think?

And how will you introduce me?

I'm off.

Take the umbrella!

Keep it.

Hello?

I know how I'll introduce you.

We'll say we studied together.

You were two years ahead of me

and we worked together on the student newspaper.

We've just met up again.

What do you think?

I'll say that we bumped into each other at the bookshop.

Alright. So, that's our story?

Relax.

Promise?

Don't worry.

Perfect! Bye.

Luo Haitao.

Opposite, second floor, you see? Middle window.

Come here, you'll see better.

The one in white?

No, on the other side, in dark clothes.

Here are the travel details.

Hello?

Lin Xue.

Are you still at School?

I'm running errands.

Shall we have dinner tonight with an old university friend?

I told you about it.

- I'll come and get you from school. - OK.

Please!

If you plan on travelling, I'll get you a deal.

Did you come on your own? And your girlfriend?

The problem is, he's got a few.

Yeah, right.

The food here is good. Let's have a drink.

What for?

If he drinks too much, I'll take him home.

Wang Ping, enjoy your dinner.

I'm going to see my parents.

OK, fine.

I'm off, excuse me.

Aren't you eating?

She gave me a funny look.

What do you mean?

Didn't you notice?

When I turned up I saw in her eyes

that she recognised me.

What imagination!

How would she know you?

What are you doing?

What's this?

Who took these photos?

Bravo!

You've had me followed!

You were asking for it! And it's my fault?

What's got into you?

You're making a scene? What right have you?

Did you hear me? Do you know what you are?

A girl, OK, but a boy?

Stop smoking!

You're sick!

Stop!

Why did you hit me? Why?

How dare you hit me!

My parents respect you and you dare to hit me!

You want to ruin everything?

You want to destroy us?

Answer me!

I'm suffocating here.

Shall we go to the island?

Tell me where you are.

At the supermarket near my house, I'm buying some stuff.

I'll meet you there.

Wait for me, I'll come and pick you up.

OK, I'll wait for you by the entrance.

Hold me.

Miss, can I help you?

I'm fine.

Are you looking for someone?

- Him! - What's this all about?

- Miss Xu, it's for me. - Leave us alone!

Let's go talk over there.

- Why not here! - It's an office.

I will never divorce Wang Ping!

In any case, you couldn't live together.

Don't call him any more.

No more messages. Aren't you ashamed?

Leave me alone.

How can you mess up our lives? Go away!

Do you know what's going on?

I'm warning you. I don't want to see you ever again!

If you dare come back you'll be sorry.

Don't you get it?

But you're a man!

Dear friends, the music tells us that,

the show is about to begin.

Artistes and waitresses, get ready.

We hope you enjoy your evening at Club Zhongtian.

Down in one?

Up to you.

Jiang Cheng, I know you can do it.

A glass for you, one for me.

Down in one!

You've got a new boyfriend?

What do you think?

- So? - We've just separated.

Thank you for being with us tonight.

Let me introduce our special guest. An old friend -

Jiang Cheng is here tonight!

Dear friends, a big hand! Thank you!

Lower the music a bit.

Bring me a mike, please.

I was saying, Jiang Cheng...

You must have been busy, we haven't seen you here for ages.

To what do we owe the honour of tonight's visit?

I missed you.

You missed me? Cheeky boy!

We won't annoy you this evening.

I've just got one small favour to ask you.

Do a turn for us.

Enough talking, let's have fun!

Dear friends,

to persuade Jiang Cheng to sing for us

give him a big round of applause.

You know, Jiang Cheng is a star,

a well-known figure at our club...

And now for...

Get ready to go on stage.

♪ The corner of your lips,

♪ a tiny smile,

♪ is so gorgeous

♪ that I'm captivated forever... ♪

WHERE ARE YOU? I NEED TO SEE YOU. WE NEED TO TALK. WANG PING.

You haven't picked up for two days.

I'm feeling awful.

That's all I have to say.

Say something. How could you have changed so much?

Is something up? Tell me. We can sort it out.

Nothing. You should know me.

This is too much. You can't...

You can't make me.

I'm coming to see you. Where are you?

If that's it, I'm hanging up.

Please don't hang up. I'll wait for you at your place.

Don't bother, I'm not going home.

Please can we talk? It's nothing serious.

I have to be with you. I can't...

I can't be alone. If you knew the state I'm in.

- Have you finished? - I can't bear it.

Can I hang up?

No, I beg you. I have to see you.

I'm hanging up. I'm out of battery.

Don't hang up. Please...

What's your problem?

Calm down, mate.

Let's get a drink somewhere else.

Have we met?

That guy there.

Come on, guys!

Let's go back and have a drink, it's my birthday!

Those idiots weren't joking!

Let's go, this place is shit.

Let's get a drink somewhere else. It's on me.

Are you sure? You look pretty far gone to me.

You underestimate me.

Where d'you want to go?

I don't mind.

Follow me.

Where do you live?

I'll take you home.

If that's how you want it, I'll go.

I'm not finished yet. What's the matter?

Hello?

No.

I can't hear you. Hang on.

Hi it's me.

Where shall we meet?

Hello?

I'm outside.

I'm going home.

I won't be late.

Don't wait up for me. Go to bed.

OK.

Come in.

Boss, this is Li Jing.

Sit down.

What are you doing? Leave us.

Excuse me.

Are you tired?

No, I'm fine.

I thought you should have a break.

Li Jing.

I'm thinking of closing this factory.

Why?

The market for counterfeits and copies

is slowly going to disappear.

I'm going to open a new factory with some friends near here.

We're going to make real designer stuff.

I was wondering if you'd like to come and work there with me?

Will you?

Boss! Red alert!

The police are in the factory!

- We've got permits, no? - Not the new guys.

You're a dead man, Tao. You never told me!

I thought everything was in order.

You've got me in real trouble.

Can't we bribe them?

Try! And tell the new ones to run for it!

Hurry!

Drop everything! Run!

Li Jing!

Do something for me. Hold on to this money for me.

When the time comes, go see Qiang. I'll come and find you.

Hide it in your bag. Leave your stuff here.

The back door! Keep going! Hurry!

Hurry!

Hello?

What's up?

I'm with a friend. At Xinjiekou.

What?

We'll speak later. Call me when you get here.

Bye. I've got to go.

No, don't go.

Forget it. Another time.

No, wait! She'll be here in a minute.

Wait a bit.

What did you used to do?

I was a student. I've never worked.

I swear.

I've got something to ask you.

What?

Can I borrow your place for one night?

Why?

She just told me she's got nowhere to sleep tonight.

Just one night.

So where do I sleep?

You don't have a bed at the office?

Why can't she sleep at your place?

I've only got one room, and a roommate.

It's not practical. Just one night.

Who is it?

- Where are you going? - To the hairdresser.

You had a good time tonight?

Do you think you're a reincarnation of David?

Xiao Mei, don't forget to turn off the lights

and lock the front door.

See you. Don't be late tomorrow.

Li Jing.

You're looking lovely.

How are things with Mr Ming?

Ah yes, Mr Ming...

I've got a contact.

And I called someone who can help him.

But we've got to wait a bit. I'll let you know.

Qiang, you can't let him down.

Mr Ming has always supported you. Only you can help him.

He's always helped me, without him I'd never have opened this place.

You know I'm not selfish.

But look, the situation isn't so simple.

You need money and connections.

Those guys do nothing for nothing.

And there's the fact that...

this is a very delicate affair.

You see what I mean, no?

Anyway, I think...

What's got into you, Li Jing?

I'm staying tonight. Can I sleep on the sofa?

You just left your girlfriend and now you're after a guy?

You can't live without me? Sort yourself out!

Stop it!

I'm talking to you.

You do that to all the guys?

Pretty much.

I'm telling you the truth. So what's the problem?

What do you feel for me?

You talk too much.

You came here to fuck, didn't you? Come on then!

You fucked Li Jing on that bed. That disgusts me.

What are you thinking?

Nothing.

Hang on... I'll take you home.

And then?

I have to go to Suqian.

And if I came with you?

Hello?

I'm not at home.

I'll explain later.

THE RAMBLING LOTUS ON THE POND IS SUBMERGED BY LEAVES.

"A boat takes us to sleep amongst the lotuses

"their bewitching odour invades our dreams.

"Precious beads,

"stars in the celestial blue,

"Venus emerging from her bath

"a light breeze intoxicates us with its subtle odour.

"As if those distant pagodas, the echo of an indistinct song,

"made their leaves and petals shiver.

Below the surface of the lake, dense with leaves..."

Professor Lin, could you come out for a moment?

"...comes the ripple of an emerald wave,

"the pulsing current

"hidden from our gaze, invisible,

revives their trembling."

Mr Ming, do you have plans for the future?

Not any more.

Who knows if it was chance or bad luck?

The factory has closed. Why not send me Li Jing?

I mean... she doesn't have a job

so she could work here.

Li Jing,

Mr Ming has lost his factory.

I can offer you a job.

And you love oysters.

You can count on me.

Take some time to think it over.

Enjoy your meal, Mr Ming.

What's the matter?

It's nothing, sorry! Everything's fine.

Li Jing!

WANG PING IS DEAD. IF ANYONE ASKS, WE DON'T KNOW EACH OTHER.

I'LL SEND YOU YOUR LAST CHEQUE. LIN XUE.

The number you have dialled is busy. Please, try again later.

What's happened?

Look how many have signed up for Hainan.

I've resigned.

Wait a minute.

- Hello? - Luo Haitao... Where are you?

I miss you so much.

Can I come and see you?

She's not been great recently.

What if she came with us?

Would you mind?

Why should I mind?

What's the matter? Don't you recognise me?

Do you like it?

BLOSSOM SEASON IS NEARLY OVER.

Is this how you two hold hands?

♪ That laughter reminds me

♪ of those flowers I had

♪ which blossomed just for me

♪ in every corner of my life.

♪ I always believed that

♪ we would be together.

♪ Now we are apart,

♪ scattered over the immensity of the earth,

♪ they must have died.

♪ Where are they?

♪ Everyone goes his own way

♪ to the ends of the earth...

♪ just as the flowers were blown by the wind

♪ and dispersed towards the horizon.

♪ Some stories aren't over yet.

♪ Better to forget them.

♪ What will remain of these emotions

♪ and how can we know they're real?

♪ Now, weeds have covered everything.

♪ Not a single flower has survived.

♪ How good it is at least to be able to bear witness

♪ to the beauty of your past bloom.

♪ The flowers have all died.

♪ Where are they now?

♪ So everything goes, just like that... ♪

I'm going to buy cigarettes.

Do you need anything?

Li Jing!

I should never have come with you

and Li Jing shouldn't have come.

Well, go then!

What did you say?

Are you serious?

Shut up! Leave me alone!

Go!

Go away!

I DON'T LIKE WANDERING.

I'VE MISSED THE LOVE THAT WAS MY DESTINY.

FLOWERS ALWAYS KNOW THE SEASON WHEN THEY MUST BLOOM.

Leave that.

Let's go out for dinner.

Whatever you like.

A tattoo?

You like it?

It's beautiful.

- Go and get ready for dinner. - OK.

"She refuses this work but her fate obliges her

"I'd like to find a job

"but nothing comes my way,

"except physical labour.

"My weak arms

"will they be strong enough to pull a tuktuk?

"To end my life?

"I simply lacked the courage.

"These words still haunt me

"the proof that my strength of spirit isn't completely exhausted.

"Today, the tram conductor,

"how did he insult me?

"'Yellow dog',

"Yellow dog, what a lovely name!

"My mind is racing, yet I end up

"finally with no idea

"of what might save me from this grim situation.

"To hear the factory siren,

"it must be midnight...

"I stood up.

"I put on the tattered coat that I'd taken off.

"I blew out the candle

"and went out for a walk.

"The people down below were sleeping peacefully.

"In the foreign buildings, in the Rixin alleyway opposite,

"a few stalls had kept their signs alight.

"The sound of a balalaika

"the crystal notes of a plaintive melody,

"echoed through the cool air of the dark, quiet night

"all the way to my ear.

"Probably young Russian girls in exile

"selling their songs to survive.

"The sky is covered with pale-grey clouds

"like decomposing bodies.

"When they pull apart you can barely see two stars.

"In the darkness around the stars you see the colour of the sky

"as if it contained an infinite sadness.

15th July, 1923."

Are you listening?

I'll read it again.

DRUNKEN SPRING NIGHTS WITHOUT HOPE, LIKE THIS ONE,

I SPEND THEM WANDERING OUTSIDE UNTIL THE SKY GROWS PALE.

BY XU DAFU. 1923