Original subtitles

♪So many blessed souls in this world♪

♪The celestial palaces that mortals have admired a thousand times♪

♪But I have just one wish♪

♪To build grand shelters for all who suffer from the cold♪

♪Dreaming of solitude as my only companion♪

♪No one understands me, yet I'm not lonely♪

♪Walking in the rain, holding my umbrella alone♪

♪Its cover feels wide enough for me♪

♪Paying the price just to exist♪

♪Finding completeness in Sartre's words♪

♪So please don't tell me to find someone♪

♪I'm really not to be pitied♪

♪Why is he still single, unable to touch the closeness of fate♪

♪He just doesn't want to hesitate or get hurt again♪

♪Escaping, the final harbor for adults♪

♪Eliminating himself, freeing others, a kind of responsibility too♪

♪Without mutual ties or pain between them♪

♪Leaving a bit of innocence behind♪

♪Why is he still single, unable to hold on to true love?♪

♪Maybe he's always been too passive, afraid to meet someone's gaze♪

♪Pride, the gun that wounds two hearts♪

♪In the stillness of night, gazing at his reflection with pity♪

♪Feeling a pang of heartache now and then♪

♪Will he spend the rest of his life this way?♪

♪Or turn back to that distant light?♪

=Why Is He Still Single=

=Episode 12=

Here you go.

I promised I'd make you noodles.

You're such a good friend.

Let me smell it.

It's great.

You're amazing, Xiaoman.

I have to praise your cooking.

This is one of the reasons

I love coming to your place.

I can't wait to try it.

Delicious.

Wait.

Shouldn't you

give Mr. Yu a bowl of noodles too?

Well, you see.

I could put up a longevity plaque for him at the temple,

but asking me to treat him to a meal...

I get it.

Mr. Yu-phobia.

We're both patients.

Say, Xiaoman,

are you free this weekend?

Can you come to a matchmaking event with me?

Why again?

My dad and I

made a deal.

If I attend this matchmaking event,

I get two months of peace.

I really don't want to go.

Is Mr. Yu doing aerobics?

Mr. Yu?

Doing aerobics?

Ouch.

Ow.

My back.

Please come in.

What happened?

It hurts.

Where?

The ab roller.

I did nine reps.

Just nine reps and you're in this much pain?

Each rep

was very solid.

That's why

my whole body is sore now.

Does this hurt?

- Does this hurt? - What are you doing?

Is this how you treat the elders?

Since when are you my elder?

I call your dad "Fourth Brother",

so you should call me "Sixth Uncle", got it?

Oh, Sixth Uncle.

You're in so much pain.

Should I bring you

a wheelchair?

The exam's done.

You over-exercised and your muscles are sore.

Rest for two days, and you'll be fine.

Exercise is for your health.

Why punish your body like this?

Don't push yourself too hard.

Why suddenly do ab-roller training?

Because I want abs.

Mr. Yu, even without abs,

you're still a very charming man.

Oh?

- Really? - Yeah.

My dad signed me up for a matchmaking event.

He keeps saying no one likes me,

so I want to prove my charm.

Do you want to join me and test yours as well?

We can make a bet.

Hmph!

You really love betting.

Let's see if anyone wants to go on a date with you

after the event.

What? Scared?

Says who?

Time. Place.

(Yu Yu Design Studio)

Wu.

Yes?

If I had abs,

would you look?

What?

Forget it.

I'm not showing you.

Wu.

Yeah.

Why are you staring at him like you're seeing something gross?

Mr. Wu asked me to feel his abs.

You have abs?

Don't touch me.

Oh, please.

All my personal trainers are better than you.

Hmph! Listen.

Even without abs,

I'm still very charming.

What did you buy this time?

Beauty.

Let me formally introduce her.

Vivien Leigh,

birth name Vivian Mary Hartley.

She won an Oscar

for "Gone with the Wind".

You know her?

This poster

is from "A Streetcar Named Desire".

1951. First premier. First edition.

This is her autograph.

How much?

Shallow.

(Be with me. I love you.)

(Meet and Hold Hands)

I'll scan yours.

Come. Give me a hug, my baby.

Dad, look.

This is the matchmaking event.

Pretty impressive, right?

I've hit this month's quota.

If there's anything else, wait till next month.

Monthly blind date KPI, done.

Matchmaking event attendance, checked.

Wait.

- Oh. - Thank you.

We should celebrate this. Cheers.

Do you think Mr. Yu will come?

Don't worry. He'll definitely show up.

There's so much food.

♪I'm eighty-seven this year♪

♪Fed up with boring love stories♪

♪No pension?♪

♪Because I only care about being young at heart♪

♪Day and night each count as a day♪

♪Anything that comes in pairs feels like trouble to me♪

♪But I still have to wear shoes♪

♪Pride always gets slapped by reality♪

♪Being alone is hassle-free♪

♪No one wants me, but I'm dead gorgeous♪

Wow.

You look handsome, Mr. Yu.

Clothes make the man.

Looks like he's taking our bet seriously.

Just wait until he talks.

Who are you talking about?

You.

You look decent.

Of course. I don't want to embarrass Fourth Brother.

Who's Fourth Brother?

My dad.

What?

They became sworn brothers?

Yeah. You were there that day.

Hello,

pretty lady... Ladies.

I'm Ximen.

Nice to meet you.

Hello.

Pretty ladies?

Fake compliment.

What's pretty about her?

I...

Let me tell you what's pretty.

Smile.

See? Two dimples.

Best thing she's got

from head to toe.

Show your hip joint.

Hip?

I'm warning you.

Have some confidence.

Don't go this far just to win.

See that?

Calm face

with the raging storm inside.

That's her trait, not a flaw.

It means she comports herself well

and is forgiving.

Besides, she never holds a grudge.

She's a care-free type.

Something happens, and she forgets.

Is he your ex-husband?

Yes, he is.

Nice looks,

but average performances.

I'll let you guys talk.

I'm going to the restroom.

Well.

What a shame. He's not interested in you.

Why are you messing this up?

Wait.

I was praising you.

I was promoting you.

No need. Worry about yourself.

Stop interfering.

Annoying. You're going to lose for sure.

Take your nonsense elsewhere.

This is called, "I shot myself in the foot."

Up there. Isn't that Mr. Yu?

He's in the one-on-one area.

Doesn't matter where he is.

No one can stand listening to him.

He gets three seconds of sympathy from me.

Jia,

I love your dimples.

I'm so jealous.

I want to get surgery for one.

Don't.

They'd collect rainwater.

You're sounding more like Mr. Yu.

You're starting to act like him.

Am I?

Look.

There are two of them.

They can't handle him for long.

Aren't you two cramped?

This is a competition.

This is a rat race.

You're fighting for mate-choice rights.

The rights go to you.

One's gone.

Right, we weren't done talking.

There's also a related term for that, priority mate-choice rights.

You're not that knowledgeable.

The other one left too.

I told you.

We'll definitely win.

Right.

Nikon FM2.

Oh, you know cameras.

People don't carry cash anymore.

Can't believe someone brought coins.

Thank you.

Hey. If you keep shooting me, I'm charging for image rights.

My job is to photograph the event,

but I respect your privacy.

But this is a film. I can't delete them.

And I shot other things at the start,

so I can't give you the whole roll.

So?

So, I'll develop the negatives and send them to you.

Keep or throw them away, your choice. How does that sound?

Whatever.

But I don't think you'll throw them away.

What do you think?

Develop the negatives and give them to me.

Okay.

What's your name?

Yu Yu.

Yu Yu?

Mmm.

No wonder you looked familiar.

I've seen you in home decor magazines.

You must be the talented

but quirky designer, right?

Am I weird?

Nice to meet you, I'm Fei Wenli.

What?

(Fei Wenli. Events Department) Fei Wenli.

I didn't expect to meet you here.

Are you here for the matchmaking event?

I'm here for a competition.

And I'm about to win.

Congrats.

I remember your design concept centers on the kitchen.

- Right? - Right.

People say a bed makes a home,

but it doesn't.

The warmth of cooking does.

Mmm.

To be precise, it's wok hei. [*Charred, smoky flavor from stir-frying]

Wok hei?

You know about food?

Of course. All I do every day is take photos and eat.

I love meat,

especially braised pork belly.

Braised pork belly?

Yeah. Do you like it?

I used to eat it all the time.

I see.

Jia, I can't find Mr. Yu.

Could someone have picked him up?

Impossible.

He's immune to flirting.

Maybe he ran off because he felt defeated.

Let him.

I've struck out on seven conversations in a row.

It's like I've collected every kind of superhero here.

The matchmaking event

is seriously training my stress tolerance.

Yeah. Like you said,

someone funny, attractive, and easy to talk to

can't be found here.

Honestly,

everyone here is less interesting than Mr. Yu.

Keep looking for him then.

Sure. I'll look for something fun.

Isn't that Mr. Yu?

They're chatting and laughing.

She's a young, pretty lady.

That makes no sense.

Look.

Is that a staff ID

hanging around her neck?

Mr. Yu is doing whatever it takes

to win.

Hmph.

Such a pity.

He scared off all the ladies,

so now he can only talk to the staff.

Blanch the pork belly.

Then, turn it to medium heat and simmer for two minutes and fifteen seconds.

Yes, to get rid of the blood smell.

Then, cut it into pieces,

and fry it until half-cooked.

Golden brown.

Add ginger and scallions.

Yes. Then add rock sugar and stir slowly.

After adding water,

throw in some star anise and cinnamon.

Hey, not "throw".

You need the exact grams.

Fine. Skip ahead to lifting the lid

and serving it at the table.

Glossy and red.

Nice aroma.

You're making me hungry.

Come on. Let's eat now.

Now?

- Let's go. - Let's go.

Whoa. Have you found someone who wants to marry you?

Need my help?

We had a good conversation.

No thanks.

Really?

Ximen.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Let's continue.

Let's go.

Xiaoman.

Your friends?

My neighbor and my doctor.

Ignore them. Let's go.

Okay.

I'll take you to a place

you've definitely never tried.

Really?

He's despicable.

He went after the staff.

He really wants to win.

(Yu Yu) (I won.)

May I ask, which one of you is supposed to talk to me?

- Her. - Her.

Let me try.

How does it taste?

The braised pork belly is really good.

Right? I've eaten it since I was a kid.

Even after I became a photographer,

I came back to shoot the chef here.

An old Shanghai man.

Not bad.

You captured that warmth of cooking I like.

Well, your photos are artistic,

but they still feel real.

That's what a good photographer should do.

Thank you.

A bad one is that they close their eyes, hit the shutter,

and call it "art".

I know people like that.

What do you usually shoot?

Beauty.

I don't want to shoot Messi being tackled mid-air,

or homeless refugees.

I just like shooting things that are beautiful.

But those photos don't get paid,

so I can only take gigs

like the matchmaking event earlier

to fund my dream.

Keep at it.

I support you.

Take photos that make people feel calm

when they're upset

or hopeful when they're down.

Alright.

Thank you.

An optimistic photographer spreads joy.

A kind designer creates happiness.

I have to get back to work.

Annoying. Bill, please.

Wait.

Guess how many photos I took.

Even or odd?

I think

even.

Wrong. 35 photos.

It's on me.

Thank you.

Nice meeting you.

- Is it here? - Yes.

Give me a second.

Again?

I really can't wait to see them.

Really? I'll do it quick.

Thank you for sending me back.

Don't mention it. Next time it's your turn.

Next time?

(Espresso)

Mr. Yu, sorry to call you back

on the weekend.

It's fine.

Wow.

Did you go to an audition or something?

Just cleaned myself up a bit.

Why do you sound like Ou Yang?

Well,

Sun said the schedules are overlapping.

They're short-handed.

Figure something out. Xiaoxiao went to get the documents.

She'll bring them over in a moment.

Mr. Yu.

The files.

(Slackers Group Chat)

What?

What's it?

Xiaoxiao stepped on my foot.

(Who's that woman?)

(Mr. Yu's girlfriend?)

(It's that photographer from the matchmaking event.)

(Are they dating now?)

Let's take a selfie.

The lighting's bad here.

Let's move to this side.

You look pretty from this angle, Xiaoxiao.

Really pretty.

It's working hours now.

- Alright. - Alright.

(Something's wrong with him.)

Mr. Yu,

who was that girl just now?

A girl?

No wonder you clean up so nicely.

She's young and beautiful.

She dropped him off.

Really?

Who is she?

No one.

No one? She's gorgeous.

Look at him.

He's trying to hide it.

Are you shy?

You really got yourself a girlfriend?

Someone actually asked you out, Mr. Yu?

Am I not allowed to go on a date?

Why are you all freaking out?

What do you think?

I just like shooting something that is beautiful.

Hello, I'm Fei Wenli.

- Wu. - Yes?

Take that poster down and throw it away.

Why?

That one isn't the real Yu Yu.

Do you need a straw?

No.

Do you have a membership card?

No.

By the way,

this one's on me.

Thank you.

We can make a bet.

Let's see if anyone wants to go on a date with you

after the event.

You're definitely losing.

Who was that girl just now?

Who is she?

No wonder you clean up so nicely.

Oh.

What are you doing here, Dao?

Look what I brought you.

Dao.

Mr. Yu.

What are you eating, Dao?

He says it's nothing.

Um... Mr. Yu.

That girl from the matchmaking event...

Her name is Fei Wenli.

Right.

How are things going with her?

Have you two had a meal together yet?

We have.

How was it?

The food is good.

I mean, how are things between you two?

Not bad.

What did you two do?

We ate, took a walk,

took a car,

and took some photos.

Wow, so romantic.

Romantic what?

I didn't even get her number.

So "not bad"

means "not okay".

Liar.

Wait...

Why is she here?

Mr. Yu.

How did you know I live here?

I'm staff.

I have your info.

We chatted for two hours,

and I didn't add you on WeChat.

We talked for two hours?

Yeah. Here you go.

Looking forward to it?

(Podfelin Laboratory) Check and see if it's clear.

I'm looking forward to it.

What's that?

It has nothing to do with you.

Hi, neighbor.

We met this morning.

I'm Fei Wenli.

Hi, I'm Xia Xiaoman.

This is my card.

I'm a photographer.

If you want a photo shoot, just hit me up.

Okay. Sure.

Why are you coughing?

Don't you have things to do?

You guys talk.

Tomorrow's the weekend.

Come by my studio if you're free.

I have a Flextight X5 scanner.

All the chemicals are single-use,

including E6.

Interested?

Very interested.

The anticipation of film

is something digital can't compare to.

Here. Add me on WeChat, and I'm off.

See you at my studio tomorrow.

Alright.

Coming.

Welcome.

Big news!

Mr. Yu is seeing someone.

What?

That girl from the matchmaking event. Fei Wenli.

Oh.

You know what?

The way they looked at each other

was pure chemistry.

Oh, really?

"Oh"?

This is huge news. I need a moment.

(Podfelin Laboratory, Fei Wenli)

Look.

It's her, right?

(Photographer, Podfelin Laboratory)

She looks elegant.

She's older than me,

but she's very artsy.

Marriage is a dark path

full of thorns.

Wish them luck.

What are you talking about?

They're not getting married tomorrow.

True.

Are you upset that Mr. Yu's dating someone?

Why would I be?

Well, I am.

He's already dating, and I'm still single.

Makes me look like a loser.

How about we go shopping tomorrow?

I need an outlet.

Sure. Afternoon.

I have consultations in the morning.

Mr. Yu's dating someone.

Ridiculous!

What is this?

You're so lazy now, and you see a doctor by video?

Well...

I need you to help me pick an outfit.

Look.

Pick one for me.

Which one works?

You really need me for this?

If you don't want to help,

it's fine.

What's the occasion?

I'm meeting someone.

Man or woman?

Woman.

Fei Wenli?

Top right, first outfit.

This one?

What are you doing?

- Taking pictures of you. - Delete it.

Film can't be deleted.

Aren't you going on a date? Why are you here?

I wanted to test the camera.

I'm busy.

I'll take just two shots.

Why not shoot someone else?

Out of the people I know, you're the only one I thought of.

No one else wants to deal with you, right?

You look best in photos.

Don't move. No big movements.

One, two, three.

This one's nice.

Look outside. Good.

A few more shots. It won't take long.

Big faces are easier to focus on.

What did you just say? Say that again.

(Podfelin Laboratory)

(Podfelin)

How's it?

Mr. Yu,

just relax and pose naturally.

Try putting one foot down.

Mr. Yu,

it isn't quite ideal today.

Why don't we shoot at your studio another day?

That's troublesome.

You bought the premium portrait package.

Of course, I want to capture the most real, natural,

and handsome version of you, right?

You're right. I agree.

Great. It's settled.

(Podfelin)

How's my studio?

Not bad.

I thought it'd be some ordinary photo studio.

I didn't know it was a film lab.

For a moment, I thought I had traveled back in time.

Photo studios are all over the place.

This place

is history.

Oh, right. Can you develop this roll?

This is

a Seagull 4A.

One of the two Chinese classic rolls.

The other one's Phoenix.

You're an expert.

But this roll must be really old.

Hope it develops.

It's a 400 roll, but I shot it at 100.

So develop it at 800.

Professional.

No problem.

Nice shot.

Not bad.

Can I do it myself?

Of course.

Here.

Remember.

This is the developer.

This is the wash.

This is the fixer.

Is she the doctor?

Yeah.

Nice shot.

Thank you.

Please. Please.

What are you doing, Xiaoxiao?

Tomorrow's Monday.

I'm making a wish that I don't have to wake up early.

Stop dreaming.

Unless the earth explodes.

What are you thinking about?

I just think

that Fei Wenli is a bit weird.

When we see Mr. Yu,

we don't like him.

But when she sees him,

she's even more into him.

What's wrong with that?

Maybe she sees Mr. Yu as a potential client.

When we meet a client,

we all do that sincere fake smile.

A sincere fake smile?

It sounds twisted.

That's normal.

After all, she's trying to get customers.

Anyway,

if she really hits the right note,

Mr. Yu would definitely spend money.

Yeah.

What?

Mr. Yu says tomorrow's a day off.

He told me to let you know you don't need to go.

I don't need to go?

My wish came true.

But I have confirmed

tomorrow's work with him.

Why suddenly cancel?

And why don't you need to go to work?

You're not under him.

Look. Ms. Lin just texted me.

Mr. Yu told her not to go to the studio tomorrow.

What on earth

is Mr. Yu doing at the studio tomorrow?

I heard he's meeting Fei Wenli this weekend.

So maybe

your day off has something to do with her.

I get it.

Men always bring women to their turf

to show off their success.

That's typical of men.

He's probably meeting her there tomorrow

and doesn't want you guys around,

as it'll be awkward,

so he gave everyone the day off.

Is he really dating now?

How would I know?

Whether he is or not, we'll find out tomorrow.

You can wake up early then?

Not even the food can shut you up.

I want to see too.

But we both have work tomorrow.

You can go.

I'll help you apply for leave.

You go for me.

I'm not interested.

My task is very important.

Give me another one.

I want to have a boyfriend.

Here.

Eat one.

It's really good.

Nice, right? Eat more.

(Yu Yu Design Studio)

Good.

Very good.

Yes. Good. Lower your head a little. Turn around.

Taking photos is exhausting.

You're good at this.

People used to ask me to model, you know?

I turned them down.

Close-up shot.

Good.

Let me check the light.

Mr. Yu,

your studio is so nice.

I'm jealous.

If a designer

who can't fix his own workspace,

how can clients trust them?

Fair point. Clothes make the man.

House too.

- Close-up shot. - Okay.

- Is that okay? - Yes.

Hi, I'm Shen Wu.

Nickname Wu.

Hello, I'm Fei Wenli.

No nickname.

You're Fei Wenli?

I heard

you rescued Mr. Yu

from the matchmaking event

and saved thousands of girls from his mean sarcasm.

I thank you on their behalf.

No need.

- Wu. - Yes?

Didn't I tell you not to come today?

Why are you here?

I forgot something.

Carry on. Don't mind me.

Let's continue.

- Ignore him. - Okay.

Milk tea.

Hi.

Hi.

What are you doing here?

I...

I thought you were working so hard,

so I came to check on you.

Aren't you living with Wu?

He could've brought it.

We're couples. Either of us can deliver.

Have something sweet?

No thanks.

Just put it down and leave.

Wu.

Yes?

Have you found it?

Where is it? I can't find it.

Xiaoxiao,

help me.

Don't disturb Mr. Yu.

- Let's change angles. - Okay.

- Ignore them. - Okay.

Come on.

Let's get a few nice shots.

Whoa.

Ms. Lin.

- Everyone's here? - You're here, Ms. Lin.

Mr. Yu,

those eyes of yours.

Missing your girlfriend?

Hi.

Hello. Well...

I'm Fei Wenli.

You really do know Vivien Leigh.

I'm Lin Sa.

- Nice to meet you. - You too.

How's it going?

Thrilling.

Don't lie.

The client loved your design so much.

They added another half a million to the budget

for a better design.

So my commission is going up too?

As expected of Ms. Lin.

Right.

But Mr. Yu will have to redo the design.

I'm not redoing it.

Miss Fei.

Quick. Capture this moment of stubborn Mr. Yu.

I'm putting this photo on my desk

to motivate myself.

Okay.

It's just a photo shoot.

Did you have to send us all away?

Right? Was that necessary?

Yeah. Was that necessary, Mr. Yu?

It's just a photo shoot.

Yeah. Mr. Yu, we're not outsiders.

Let's take a group photo. Miss Fei, take one for us.

No, no, no!

Come on.

Okay. Ready?

Three, two, one.

=Why Is He Still Single=