Original subtitles

Welcome, sir

What would you like to drink?

Brandy, double please

Your good name, sir?

My name is Lo Wei

Any girl of your acquaintance here ?

None

Mind if I accompany you?

Yes, please

My name is Julie

What would you like to drink?

Dry Martini

I presume you're from abroad, Mr. Lo ?

I'm a seaman; first time here in Hong Kong

Used to ply with the Taiwan line earlier

How long have you been Hong Kong?

I just arrived

Thank you

Why is it so quiet in here ?

It's Christmas

All the men folk at home with their families

Oh, yes

Thank you for the wine

And I thank you...

for accompanying me on a lonely night

Good bye

Ms Julie

What's up?

It took me a long time to decide to come

Are you free now?

What is it?

Thinking of inviting you home

Don't get the wrong idea

I need a favor from you

Yes ?

There is this child

He has never met his father before

Every X'mas...

I lied to him that...

His father will be home very soon

It has been five X'mas past

He still didn't see his father

That's very strange !

You quite resemble his father

I was thinking...

You want me pretending to be his father

If it's inconvenient...

No

I have no plans as such

Do I really look like him?

Yes, very much

Then you must have...

a touching love story?

No, just a simple story

Long time ago

There were a boy and a girl

They grew up together

They had some very happy moments

Their parents were great friends

But life... uncertain as it is;

When she was seven years old

... her father passed away

Leave me alone

Li Na

Remember! Xiao Li

Don't count on your friends...

even when you're poor

Look at me

They kicked us out...

just because I owed two months rent

Mind what you say !

When did I ever ask you to move?

Forget about it!

I know it even if you didn't say so

You...

Xiou Fen, Xiou Fen

What's wrong with you?

Our two families have such good relations

and this was their house at first

Though they sold to us

Why're you asking her to move just because...

they missed two months rent ?

This really pissed me off

I didn't push her

I just reminded her

She still owes us rent for two months

Why do you need to ask?

Her husband was like my own brother

He died and we compelled her to leave

What will the people say?

All right! It's all my fault

Go ahead! Stay here

As long as you like

I wouldn't dare say anything

Don't worry! I won't stay here a day longer

Xiao Li, let's go

Julie...

In this way both families parted

The friendship of their kids didn't change

As time passed it grew closer and closer

My car is here

I'm not going back to the dormitory

Please take back my books

Good bye

Young master, where are you going?

The Tsim Sha Tsui supermarket

Miss, how much ?

Happy Birthday

Thank you

Mr. Zhou

-Good morning -Mornin'

Good morning, miss

What would you like to have so early ?

A dozen of escargots to start with

Then the salad and steak

How about you? Miss

Same for me

The same, whatever he eats today

First up though, please give us a cake

It's someone's birthday today

Oh, congratulations !

Right away!

OK

Every year it's the same

We came here and you ordered the food

This is a private club

It's not that crowded

There aren't too many people

Hi, Paul

Hi

You are early. Don't you have school?

No, I don't have school today

Please join us

No

If my guess is right,

I'm pretty sure you're Miss Julie?

You're right

I shouldn't be wrong

You wouldn't have known more than one Julie...

in your lifetime

Stop it !

Today are you with Nancy of the drama class ?

We broke up last week

Today I invited Marie of the Literature Faculty

Alan

She is here. Bye

He has the most girl friends...

among all the students of my year

How about you?

I also have a lot

For example! Like you, Julie

Your mom's girl, & my childhood girlfriend

Enough!

I've heard many times

I heard that...

your mother is introducing girl friends to you

Is it true?

You knew my mom

Don't mind her

I wasn't

But my mother is nagging all the time

They used to be good friends

What went wrong with their relationship?

It's possible because you became more rich

And we became more poor

Forget about it!

Next Sunday it's my mom's birthday

We'll have a party at home

Can you get off your work earlier?

Ain't you scared your mom won't be glad to see me ?

Oh, forget about all that

It's my mom's birthday. You'll have to come

Young Master

Julie is here, dad

Uncle Zhou

Where is mom?

She is over there

Mom, Julie is here

Auntie Zhou

You are here anyway !

A couple of days back I did mention that...

I've invited the daughter of Heng Fong Bank

I'd wish that you attend to her well

But Julie is also here

What now ?

Mom, I will do it

You will

Where should I find you later?

It's fine that you date Paul

But you need to give him time

He has to entertain others

Besides, the chairman of Heng Fong Bank...

really likes Paul

It may be helpful to his...

career and future

Auntie, you mean...

What I mean is ...

you stop dating with Paul

And of course I ain't never letting you get married

Paul, I think you oughtta break up with Xiao Li

So your mom wouldn't think we covet your money

Auntie

Enough!

You know very clearly that...

even if Xiao Li marries you,

she will never have the happiness

He is really here !

Paul

The daughter of Heng Fong's chairman...

invites you to dinner

Did you forget it?

I don't want to go, mom

Why?

Because of her ?

Xiou Fen...

What's wrong? It's my fault again

Look at your son!

He is not young

He's going to take care of your factories

There's no future staying at such a dump

Okay, it's enough

Don't come for Xiao Li anymore! Paul

Mom...

Shut up!

We do like you, Paul

Auntie Zhu is different from before

For our betterment; You leave Xiao Li

It'd be better if we separate

I'll find a job

As long as we can support ourselves

We can get married right away

I still remembered when we were little

We walked by those pine trees

You told me that time

We'll get married when the trees grow taller

The trees are taller now

But we're going to be apart

I'll miss you, Julie

I understand

I'll miss you more. Paul

I found love last night in my dream

I found you last night in my dream

Sunset we hugged and kisses in the rain

This morning you're gone

Only the tears of last night

My sweet love

When can we meet?

I want to love you forever

When can we love and be together again

I found love last night in my dream

I found you last night in my dream

Sunset we hugged and the kisses in the rain

This morning you're gone !

Only the tears of last night

Here are your clothes, Paul

Are you really discontinuing school ?

My family can't afford it

What a strange world !

The poor worried about the money

The rich worried about the love

I guessed that it was fair

Did you figure it out these two weeks?

My mom is a problem

The marriage is between you two

It's got nothing to do with your mom

I'm afraid that if we do get married...

Julie will not happy

Now you've separated,

then Julie must be happy now?

My dear Mr Zhou

There ain't too many happy things in the world

You're lucky to find it

Why do you have to give up for your mom...

and torture yourself

Or else some day perhaps,

You'll regret...

when you lose it

What's Julie's number? I'll call her for you

She'd be at the supermarket

Hello, can I talk to Ms Julie?

Sorry, she's taken a day off today

Thank you

She didn't go to work today

What's her home number?

She wouldn't be home

I know where she is !

Why are you here?

Been looking for you

What are you doing here?

I'm still waiting for you

Julie

Paul, Paul

Julie

Do you know...

I was wandering around on the beach

I was looking for the reason

why do we need to separate

Did you find it?

No

Could only figure out reason to move away from you

It's the same with me

I've been sitting here alone...

for many hours

I was thinking that we wouldn't be happy

... even if we got married

Yesterday one of my classmates reminded me

It's our separation that makes us suffer right now

How can we know whether we'll be happy or not?

I wish I could find a place

Only two of us there

No more nosy things

No more nosy people

We could marry and raise children there

We don't need the money from my family

We can support ourselves...

with our own hands

Julie, with your love

I can live on

Really?

Yes

Look

It's a beautiful house

Let's take a look!

OK

I heard that a musician wrote this song

when he walked in Beethoven's house

May I come in?

Sorry, this is not our house

I know. It's mine

You like listening to the violin ?

Can you play it?

No, but we like to listen

May I introduce myself

I'm the engineer Lau De

My name is Julie

I'm Paul Zhou

This house is beautiful

It belonged to a farmer before

I renovated it

You have to help me tonight

What is it?

Because I got many fishes

This is better. It is too salty

Are you married?

No

Me neither

More wine?

No

And you?

Okay, thank you

The marriage is just like a contract...

between man and woman on the earth

It doesn't mean love and happiness

The true love

only exists when the love is gone

Because ever since when they parted,

their love became eternity

Didn't you read a lot of books?

Yes, it's my another hobby

The more you read, more you know about life

You'll have doubts about almighty God

You'll dislike all the social burdens

In the room of this house

There are no rules, laws or theory

There is no God but the present moment

No one can predict...

what will happen in the future !

Maybe the same you two;

When you meet again...

you'll become strangers to each other

Scary, isn't it ?

But it's the fact

Every one and every thing in this world...

are changing every second

It's almost two o'clock

I'm going to bed

The rain won't stop tonight

The buses would've stopped too

I think you better stay over tonight

Excuse me!

It's almost morning. You haven't slept

The rain is beautiful

Don't miss it!

You're educated but not honest to yourself

I'm going to sleep

I know many people will have regretion...

for a particular thing he done it wrong

But I also know that...

there'd be many more who would regret about,

something they should've done... but didn't !

Is it hard to find the true love?

Is it difficult meeting a real sweetheart ?

I want to say I love you

Maybe it won't be forever

No one will know

Right now the present time

I know I love you truly

Let's cherish the moment

Keeping the memories of tonight

I'm afraid to wake up

You're away when love is gone

Is it hard to find the true love?

Is it difficult meeting a real sweetheart ?

I want to say I love you

Maybe it won't be forever

No one will know

Right now the present time

I know I love you truly

Paul

I didn't mean to forbid you marrying Julie

It's just that our society is so realistic

When you finish the school

Get the foundation then we'll talk about it

I've told you

They shouldn't be together

What is she after?

It's for the sake of our money

For God's sake, Mom

Please don't insult Julie

All right...

I don't want a penny from you hereafter

Paul

Love isn't bread & butter

One day you'll regret

No, dad

I love Julie

As long as we stay together

I'll be the happiest person in the world

Paul

What do you think?

Move it over

A little more

OK

More

Soup is here! Drink it!

Mr Wang, thank you for the hammer

It's hot!

Any feeling of remorse, Paul ?

Had I known it's like heaven here...

I should've left home earlier

Bye Bye

So ? Getting used to it?

Whatever

I almost forgot to thank you...

for helping me finding this job

We are pals. What are you saying?

Let's go for the meal

Sure

Happy Birthday

Every year is the same

You order the food and at the same restaurant

Thank you!

Captain, they...

Don't order too much!

It's very expensive!

I know

Captain

It has been a long time !

Could we have some salad and steak?

Would that be all ?

Mr. Zhou, you knew it

It's a private club

... and for members only!

This is our rule

Hope you would't mind !

Paul

Stay! Paul

Captain, let me have their bill

They are my friends

Of course

Great! Great!

No, please don't bother

Thank you, Alan

We'll go to some other restaurant

It'd be the same

Let's go! Julie

Good bye

Who is he?

He is a guy...

who considers love to be everything

It's all my fault

If it's not because of me,

we wouldn't...

Don't be silly! Would've been no different

Steak houses are everywhere these days

Really ?

The place doesn't matter if you're with me

What is it ? Are you hungry?

No, it has been a while

The doctor asked you to take more rest...

for fear that you might have a miscarriage

You better quit your job tomorrow

The money we earned...

just covers our expenses

If I quit my present job,

where can we find that money?

I'll find one more part time job

Mr. Zhou

Thank you

What would you like to have ?

The usual

Porridge with croutons

Why are you so late?

I fell asleep at Ta Pei Dong

I'm going

Be careful!

Tzen Hwa

What's wrong?

How much do you have?

It's the end of the month

I don't have money

Oh! Baby girl is crying

I'm coming

Why do you need so much money?

Julie had an accident

She needs an operation; it'd cost a few thousand

What?

We hardly even have a hundred !

You take it

I have no money

Take this to pawn shop

No

Take it! Get the money

No

Sister, how is my wife ?

Oh yeah, a gentleman named Zhou...

just settled your wife's hospital charges

I told your father

There is no other way

It's the only way to help Julie

We can go now

Did your father pay for it?

It's my fault

Had I been capable...

I wouldn't have needed my family's help

Forget it

While in the hospital I got thinking;

You should go abroad to study

Let's not fool ourselves, you know

In these couple of months we've grown up quite

Your father was right

Love indeed is costly

You need money to have it

Be realistic! Paul

When you complete your education...

we'll have the money to build our dream house

Are you all packed?

When are you coming back?

Dad wants me to concentrate on studies

I won't be able to come back during holidays

Reckon it'd be at least 4 or 5 years

God ! 4-5 years... that's a long time !

Would you wait for me ?

What if there's a baby ?

It would keep me company

I will be lonely in the coming few years

What happened to you after Paul left?

For the 1st year he wrote to me almost every day

In his letters he wrote:

he loved me and he missed me

He couldn't live without me

At that time,

I thought the world is so beautiful

The next Fall our baby was born

I embarked on the 2nd part of our journey

I was planning to write to him

... about the birth of our baby

Also let him know...

our baby's name is Nien Tzu

But his mother didn't want me...

to disturb his studies

She insists in not allowing me...

to tell him about the baby

For this reason...

I haven't told him anything about our baby

One year later, my mom passed away

In this world...

I was only left with a baby

He is with me every lonely day...

and every cold winter night

Paul's letters got fewer & fewer by the year

Until... finally there was hardly any letter

My boy was two

I was still waiting for him at our place

The Spring was over and Summer came

The Fall left and the Winter was here

The winter was almost gone

I was still waiting for him

Day after day

One day the postmas did deliver a letter

Paul had eventually written to me

However who'd have imagined that...

in the letter he said

he couldn't deal with his family's pressure

He got married with the chairman's daughter...

of Heng Fong Bank

He had asked me not to wait for him anymore

... and asked my forgiveness

And our story ends right here

I live up there

Oh !

It seems that you've begun to hate Paul Zhou ?

Earlier on, I did

But soon I was fine after thinking it clearly

We are just ordinary people

If my family is rich

I will go abroad to study

Maybe I would be like him

That engineer we met before; he was so right

Everyone and everything in this world...

are changing every second

No one knows what will happen in the future !

Consider me, for instance:

I couldn't believe

I would work in a night club...

to support the two of us

Why don't you tell him about the child?

For what?

I can't force him to marry me...

just because of the kid

I live on the second floor

You've lived here...

and awaited him for 6 years ?

Yes, I promised him

I would wait here for his return

We always make many promises

... when we were young

Please come in

It is big

There are four families living here

I live in the front room

I'm going to change. Have a seat

That's him

He is the child...

who wishes to meet his father every X'mas

Mr. Lo, thank you very much

You're welcome

Nien Tzu...

Wake up! Your dad is home

Dad?

He is my father

Are you really my father?

Dad, please come with me. Please!

Come on

Nien Tzu, Nien Tzu

Please come out ! My dad is home!

Hurry up!

I want to tell them that my dad is home

Look! Brother Chung

My dad is home

He is my father

It's great that you're home! Mr. Zhou

Ms Julie has been waiting for a long time

Yes

Great!

Uncle Chang, I got a father now

Let's go! Go to play! Hurry!

Sit here

Papa, I missed you very much!

Why did you take so long ?

Didn't I tell you before?

Your father is working abroad

He only can come back when he is free

Dad

Please stay! Don't leave us again, okay?

Mom cried many a time

... waiting for your return

Please come with me! Dad

Come on

Get down!

You know something !

In fact, I begged Santa Claus

... every Christmas !

I begged him to bring you back

He really did it

He's so nice, isn't he ?

Hurry up! Hurry up!

Good bye

Good bye

Thanks a lot for helping me out tonight

Your son is very cute

But he has a miserable life

Will his father come back?

I don't think so

If he didn't see you tonight...

he would never know...

... what his father looks like !

What would you do the next Christmas ?

I'll lie to him as before

I'll still be in Hong Kong tomorrow

I don't have any friends here

If you don't have any other plan...

I can come over & play with him

How about it?

You like Nien Tzu?

Yes, I do

Thank you

I think he'll be very happy tomorrow

Why are you so naughty?

You made people wet

What's wrong?

Really annoying

What are you doing?

Dad, they hit me

Don't bully the kid

You want a fight?

Go

Great...

Come on! Nien Tzu

Come to have ice-cream

Goody

What a wonderful day! Mommy

Had a great fight

We got some new clothes and ice-cream

I wish everyday could be like this

Why?

Because then I'll have a daddy forever

Where are we going after the ice-cream ?

You...

Oh yeah...

Any other nice places in Hong Kong we could visit ?

There was this place 6 years back

Though I wouldn't be so sure about it now

It's nice

Would you like to have a look ?

There is a garden

Who lived here before?

A hydraulic engineer lived here

Do you come here often?

This is the first time since 6 years ago

Because I'd rather not remember the past

I can remember that he is standing here

Every word that he said

No one knows...

what will happen in the future !

Even the same people;

When you see each other again

It's possible that you'd be total strangers

It's a pity that you're not Paul Zhou

Otherwise I will adore him more for saying so

I feel the same way

I admire him for really understanding what's life

I wish he was still here

I want to ask him...

what's our future?

Take it! Dad

No, enough

Eat it

No, I don't want

Oh please, I insist

Good boy!

Wait a second! I need to pee

What are you thinking?

Nien Tzu is so happy today

But tomorrow...

Would you blame me for disturbing your quiet life ?

Without you, he couldn't have had so much fun

Why don't you find a father for Nien Tzu?

Are you still waiting for him to return ?

If he wanted he'd already have returned

Superman! I am Superman!

There is a monster

Nien Tzu...

You'll fall down! Come on!

Don't be naughty! Nien Tzu

Mom, Dad is home after 6 years

Why do we need to go home so early?

It's 11 o'clock! It's late

You need to take a shower

Come on! Clean you up

Turn around

No, I want daddy to do it

OK, let me do it

Come...

Wipe it dry and then put on the clothes

Dry your hair or you will get sick

After they finished the X'mas dinner

Their father left them...

when they were asleep

The mother and son...

continued to wait and wait !

But the father never came back

The end of story

Will you leave when I fall asleep...

and never come back?

Please don't leave us! Dad

We had such fun today !

When you were not home...

Mom and I used to be so pitiful

Good boy! Nien Tzu

Daddy leaves you...

because of the work

When I'm not home,

...your mom only got you

You have to listen to her and love her

Okay, dear ?

Sleep tight!

If you're gone tomorrow morning...

when will you be back again?

I don't know either

Maybe one day you'll see me again

Perhaps during one fine Christmas

Or it could be that I never return

Is he sleeping?

Yes

You still have to work?

Perhaps I'll have more customers tonight

Are you leaving Hong Kong tomorrow?

Yes

When will you come back ?

Maybe next Christmas

Or it could be that you never return ?

I don't know

Well, that's life

Who can predict the future !

Like me

6 years ago, I didn't know Paul would desert me

Neither did I know that I'd meet you

No matter what, I need to thank you...

for making this Christmas so merry for Nien Tzu

Guess he would never forget about you

I'll also remember him for the rest of my life

Jesus Christ is born! Merry X'mas

Merry Christmas

It's getting late

You should go on board, right?

Yes

I'm going with you

I'll walk you to the pier

Ms Julie

This money is my saving of many years

I want to give it to Nien Tzu

It can pay for his tuition

I do it because I like Nien Tzu

That's all !

Thank you

I reckon the money Nien Tzu borrowed from you...

he can't return to you in the rest of his life

Also...

I believe you too used to borrow money from others

The world is like that

You owe me and I owe you

However hard one tugs, it can never even up

Okay, call it God's will...

or just a matter of destiny

We have to say good bye

That's how it is in this world

Come and go in a hurry

Don't feel sorry!

It's only a little part of your life

You'll forget it very soon

Julie, I need to take your leave

It's likely I might never return

But before I go...

I want to tell you

I'll remember these two days...

for the rest of my life

Also I'd forever remember

You and Nien Tzu...

are staying somewhere in the world

The boat is here

See you

Good bye

Do take good care of yourself

Good bye

The same old house and cold night

The old feeling has gone with the wind...

and there's no trace of my friend !