Original subtitles

=Love Story in the 1970s=

=Episode 13=

You just got assigned a unit,

and you're already eyeing a TV?

Aren't you asking too much too fast?

No.

I was just asking.

Alright, stop overthinking it.

He doesn't get the final say on TV coupons.

Not to mention him,

our factory barely hands out two a year.

Even the section chiefs

can't get one.

With your seniority and position?

Not a chance.

Then can we just buy one?

Buy it?

Forget the TV itself.

Just that one coupon

would cost four or five hundred.

That much?

Of course!

If you didn't spend a cent,

you'd have to save for more than half a year.

Forget it.

Listen,

Comrade Fei Ni,

stop letting your mind wander.

This month,

our workshop

is going to exceed the quota.

Got it.

Focus on your work.

Let's go.

Yeah.

(In times of hardship,)

(we must see our achievements and see the light ahead,)

(and bolster our resolve.)

Fei Ni.

Comrade Feng Lin.

What brings you here?

You moved into a new place,

and I never got the chance to congratulate you.

I had some time today,

so I came by.

Is that so?

Comrade Feng Lin,

haven't you already congratulated us?

When?

Forgotten?

Thanks to the paint you splashed,

we got the inspiration to decorate the place.

So how did you decorate your new home?

I'd like to see.

Come on.

Don't just stand there.

Fang Muyang,

I just remembered, we've got nothing

at home.

There's money in this bag.

Go buy some food and drinks.

We should properly host

Comrade Feng Lin.

Alright.

No need.

- We're neighbors. - Feng Lin.

- No need to be so formal. - Let's head upstairs first.

Fang Muyang

is just very hospitable.

You really didn't have to

bring all these things.

It's only right.

You and Fang Muyang...

Are you two...

sleeping alright together?

Don't even get me started.

Everything in that place

was set up by Fang Muyang.

This way.

I know.

The key's in the bag.

Fang Muyang took the bag.

He went to buy things for you.

Right, right.

The wallet's in there, too.

Well...

Maybe...

another day?

It's fine.

I can wait.

What was that?

Is someone in your house?

A mouse.

- A mouse? - Yeah, a mouse.

Right.

- You have mice? - I'm telling you, Feng Lin,

the mice in our place are this big.

Look.

Then you really need to deal with that.

Yes, yes.

You sure it's fine?

Really, it's fine.

Mice, they...

- They have a whole litter at once. - They do?

A whole litter at once...

They love eating sugar...

- Really? - And biscuits, too.

Big ones.

Then you really should...

Look at that,

the flowers.

They've all bloomed.

Do you have mice at home?

We're alright.

Alright?

So is that a yes or no?

We haven't had any lately.

Lately?

Right.

Ours are this big.

This big?

Impressive, huh.

Fang Muyang.

Coming, coming.

I'm back.

Look at you.

- The key. - I mean...

Yes.

See?

I left in such a rush that I forgot the key.

You kept Feng Lin waiting.

Here it is, right here.

Please, come in.

What a huge painting.

You deserve some credit for it.

Fei Ni,

where's the leftover wedding candy?

In the cabinet.

Here.

- What's wrong? - Fei Ni!

Look.

There it is again.

That big mouse.

I'll deal with it later.

I used to be a model in the Four Pests campaign.

I'll get you another piece.

No need.

Have a taste.

Yes.

Really, no need.

Then try some of this.

- Have this. - Don't trouble yourself.

You two newlyweds

sleep on the lower bunk?

Isn't it cramped?

Not at all.

We're both pretty slim.

We're used to it.

Look at this little desk.

The drawer...

What are you doing?

This...

(Condoms)

So...

You've been married quite a while,

and the ones the factory issued

haven't been used at all?

Nope.

Not used?

Or couldn't use them?

Couldn't.

These are too small.

Feng Lin,

you wouldn't know.

They come in different sizes.

It's about the fit...

Okay, stop explaining.

Fang Muyang, show some manners.

What's wrong?

We're married.

I could be even bolder.

Alright.

You're impossible.

We have a guest.

Someone's here.

Alright!

Sorry about that.

It's fine.

It's good.

Seeing you two like this

puts me at ease.

Well then, I...

I won't disturb you.

There's work to do.

Stay for dinner.

Yes, stay.

- No need. - Have a bite.

Take care.

That was terrifying.

Feng Lin.

What brings you here?

I came to see Fei Ni.

You two are close now?

Chief Wang, off work?

Going to buy groceries?

Go on.

Chief Wang.

Yes?

Chief Wang,

you live next door to Fei Ni.

Haven't you noticed anything strange?

Strange how?

Today,

I happened to see

the family planning supplies she picked up before.

Not a single one's been opened.

Now that you mention it,

it is a little strange.

Chief Wu and his wife used to live next door.

Every few days,

you'd hear some noise.

Now Fei Ni and her young husband are here.

They've been married a while,

but every night, it's completely quiet.

And besides,

what newlyweds in a real marriage

buy bunk beds?

Once you step inside

that place,

it's cleaner than the palm of my hand.

Does that look lived in?

Looks like it's just for show.

Right?

When the factory assigned housing,

Fang Muyang was supposed to wait for the next round.

It was only because he suddenly got married

that the factory had no choice but to give him a unit.

So what you're saying is...

I heard that

when No.3 Textile Factory assigned housing before,

they uncovered

people who got fake marriages

just to get a unit.

Of course,

I'm not saying

Fang Muyang and Fei Ni

are definitely doing the same.

But don't you think

this is all too strange?

Too much of a coincidence?

This could be serious.

But it's not easy to prove it.

Chief Wang,

here's what I think.

Out of responsibility to the factory,

since we've noticed a problem,

we can't just ignore it.

As for how the leadership handles it,

that's up to them.

Don't you agree?

You're right.

Let's report it

to Ms. Xu.

Right away.

Let's go.

Let's go.

(TV Coupon Savings Plan)

Still short by over three hundred.

After what Feng Lin pulled today,

I'm exhausted.

What are you busy with?

Nothing.

By the way,

we need to be more careful from now on.

In the morning,

we have to put the quilts away.

Got it.

This is the room.

Open up.

I want to see for myself

what you two...

Who's there?

What are you doing?

Well...

Comrade Fang Muyang,

you two,

put your coats on.

You barged in here.

What's there not to see?

Fei Ni,

I suspect you and Fang Muyang are in a fake marriage.

Comrade Feng Lin,

what exactly do you mean by that?

Ms. Xu,

it's the middle of the night.

What have Fang Muyang and I done wrong?

Chief Wang said

you two set up bunk beds at home,

and ever since you got married,

there hasn't been a sound from your place.

Chief Wang,

didn't I already explain?

The top bunk is for storage.

I told her that!

Alright, enough.

Since

there's been a report,

I have to verify it.

Comrade Fang Muyang,

Fei Ni,

don't feel pressured.

Alright?

We've confirmed the truth of it,

so everyone can put their minds at ease.

And that'll be the end of it.

Ms. Xu.

Confirmed, you said?

How do you confirm this?

How exactly?

When I sleep with my wife,

do I need to file a report

and wait for approval?

Chief Wang,

we're neighbors.

When I'm intimate with my wife,

I don't dare make a sound,

for fear of disturbing you.

And this is what I get? Suspicion?

Fine.

From now on,

the two of us

won't hold back.

We'll just do as we please.

Let's see whose place is louder.

Otherwise, you'll think we're a fake couple.

I didn't...

She suspected...

Comrade Feng Lin,

I get it.

It's because of this unit

that you've always had it out for us.

When you came earlier today,

I honestly thought you came to make peace.

Turns out you were here to spy on us.

You distrust Fang Muyang and me that much?

Fine.

Then don't leave tonight.

Stay and see if we're a real couple.

No...

Fei Ni, you...

How can you say something like that?

You barged in and lifted our blankets.

What is there I can't say?

And don't just watch by yourselves.

Let everyone come take a look.

Come on, everyone, take a look.

Let's see how Ms. Xu of Jiangcheng No. 1 Textile Factory

and the Publicity Section Chief

- show their concern for Fei Ni - Alright, alright.

by standing here, watching her sleep with her husband!

Fine!

That's enough.

Alright. Get back to sleep.

It's late at night!

Comrade Fang Muyang,

Fei Ni,

we have

handled it poorly.

We owe you an apology.

Get some good rest.

We'll talk about anything else tomorrow.

Yes, yes.

Tomorrow. We'll talk tomorrow.

Are they gone?

This is outrageous!

Feng Lin,

I know that

because of the housing issue,

you've held a grudge against Fei Ni.

But spreading rumors

comes with consequences.

Especially when the person

is a hero who saved lives.

Tell me,

if this incident got out,

where would that leave me?

I'm sorry, Ms. Xu.

But I just wanted to find the truth.

If their marriage really were fake,

it'd be deception against the organization and the Party.

The truth?

The truth is that their relationship

is better than you think.

And Chief Wang,

as a leader

and their neighbor,

you should be setting an example.

How could you

doubt your own comrades?

It's my fault, Ms. Xu.

If something like this happens again,

I will...

Again?

Good thing Comrade Fei Ni

and Comrade Fang Muyang are politically aware.

Otherwise, if this had blown up,

how do I even explain it

to the leadership?

You two are

unbelievable!

Reflect on this mistake!

Ms. Xu, I was...

Enough.

Take care, Ms. Xu.

Look at you.

It wasn't a big deal,

and you just had to take it to Ms. Xu.

How am I supposed to face them

as neighbors now?

Return the key!

Fang Muyang,

I'm still shaken.

If they had found out,

we'd be done for.

Then shouldn't you thank me properly?

(Men's Restroom)

Thanks for your hard work, comrade.

How did you know

they were coming to expose us?

Wang Xiaoman

saw our bunk beds before

and even asked me about them.

And today, Feng Lin suddenly showed up to congratulate us.

She clearly had an agenda.

Do you think,

after tonight,

they'll stop suspecting us?

I don't know about the others,

but Feng Lin will definitely keep watching us.

Then, what do we do?

Looks like you'll have to bear with it.

If we're exposed,

they'll confiscate the unit.

And Wang Xiaoman lives right next door.

If you want to erase her doubts,

you'll have to put up with it.

Are you sure this is right?

I think so.

I've never done this before.

So...

How long do we shake it?

The longer the better, I guess.

Why are you up all of a sudden?

You're worthless!

Fang Muyang,

can I talk to you about something?

No need to ask.

You call the shots at home.

The money your sister gave you this morning,

can I borrow it for now?

Of course.

Did something happen?

The Publicity Section has

an opening right now.

My brother's been looking for work.

But,

Chief Wang agreed.

Isn't that a good thing?

But she wants a TV coupon.

A TV coupon?

Where are we supposed to get that?

You want to buy one?

I've thought it through. That's the only way.

But don't worry.

I'll pay you back.

I'll go to the printing factory tomorrow

to see Ms. Ma.

I'll ask for extra paper.

Even scraps add up.

I'll save more that way.

So, do we keep shaking?

One thing at a time.

Keep shaking.

Fei Ni...

Ms. Xu went to inspect their place last night.

I saw it, too.

Ms. Liu.

Ms. Sun.

Fei Ni.

Here.

Take this.

What?

Second Workshop just handed these out today. Go on.

We all know about you and Fang Muyang...

Don't be shy.

Chief Wang told me everything.

Use them freely.

If you run out,

I'll get you more.

I...

Alright.

Have fun.

Not bad, Fei Ni.

Good taste.

Fei Ni.

Those...

The dark circles...

I absolutely believe you two are the real deal.

You two...

Maybe keep it down a little.

I'm begging you.

Need anything?

- There's more. - Look at this thermos.

It may look old,

but it keeps heat.

It really does.

It doesn't say so on it.

It keeps heat. See? Take a look.

Young man, come here.

Over here.

Shanghai brand.

This is a thermos.

Young man!

- Take a look at the radio. - Come on over.

It's in great condition.

Excellent quality, too.

Nice, right?

Not bad.

Like it?

Take one if you do.

I'll come back later.

Young man,

how about a watch?

Shanghai brand.

Oh, you have one.

Young man.

(Gao)

I'm not buying that.

What are you looking for?

A TV.

I fix watches pretty well, you know.

Let's go.

You really have one?

Why is it just the shell?

Ever heard of assembly?

I paid a lot to piece this together.

It may be secondhand,

but all the parts are there.

Will it work?

Of course.

I'm back.

Why so late?

What's all over your clothes? They're filthy.

Charcoal pencil smudges.

Take it off.

I'll wash it for you.

Take off the false collar, too.

Be more careful next time.

Don't get it this dirty,

or we'll have to buy a new one.

You wash that yourself.

What's the difference?

Fei Ni,

doing laundry this late?

Fang Muyang got back late.

I just washed it while I was at it.

Fang Muyang's a lucky man.

You're lucky, too.

Fei Ni,

about that TV coupon...

Any progress?

Soon.

Very soon.

Maybe forget it.

I know

this whole thing

puts you in a tough spot.

Chen'll retire in half a month.

I need to fill the post.

Chief Wang,

can you give me a little more time?

It's really close.

But I need a clear answer.

How much longer exactly?

Chief Wang,

ten days.

Give us ten more days.

You'll definitely get a TV.

Take this coupon for now.

Exchange it for the TV in ten days.

(TV Purchase Coupon)

A TV coupon!

What size TV can I buy?

You can get

a 12-inch or

a 14-inch.

Depends on your luck.

Alright. I'm not picky.

Any size is fine.

That's great.

Fei Ni,

have

your brother

get his paperwork ready.

I'll get going then.

Thank you, Chief Wang.

Fang Muyang,

where did you get that TV coupon?

It must've cost a lot.

I don't have that much right now,

but I'll definitely pay you back.

Alright.

No rush.

Guess what I managed to get.

What?

A TV coupon.

You actually pulled it off.

I didn't become section chief

for nothing.

Wang Xiaoman.

Let's go pick a TV cabinet.

It's fake.

Fei Ni!

Do you two take me for a fool?

You gave me a fake TV coupon!

How could you?

I thought I drew it pretty well.

How did she spot it?

Fang Muyang!

You actually made a fake one?

I'll explain later.

Chief Wang,

please don't be angry.

When I gave you that coupon,

I told you

that in ten days,

it could be exchanged for a TV.

Fang Muyang,

I know you hurt your head before,

but did it make your skin thicker, too?

How dare you

still play games with me?

Let me ask you,

where am I supposed to redeem this fake coupon?

What if I try to use it and they find out?

Are you trying to

ruin me?

Chief Wang,

we gave you our word.

Fine.

I'll trust you one more time.

But if this falls through again,

mark my words.

Your brother...

Don't panic.

Where there's a will, there's a way.

We're not out of options yet.

But...

A TV coupon costs five hundred.

Even with your sister's money, we're still short seventy.

Another ten days

until the next payday.

It's simply not enough.

We'll have to think of something else.

Can't sleep?

Still worrying about the TV coupon?

Fei Ni...

What do you think marriage means?

What does it mean?

One mind falls short.

Two minds go further.

Since we're married,

your problem is my problem.

We'll figure it out together.

I understand.

Good night.

Good night.

(Jiangnan University, Teaching Building No. 1)

Professor Wu.

What is it?

Professor Wu,

I'd like to request a transfer out of Luo Min's group.

Why?

I've already studied and absorbed

the previous findings from your team.

I hope to transfer into your group instead.

I know.

With your ability,

that work is beneath your potential.

But right now,

I really can't take you into my team.

Why?

Is it still because of my background?

No, no.

Your background is no longer an issue.

I've been informed by higher-ups.

Our project team

will soon merge with Jiangcheng University's team.

When that happens,

the core members will be reassigned there.

You just got married,

and Qu Hua is a doctor here in Jiangnan.

There's no way you can move to Jiangcheng.

I can.

Professor Wu, I really can.

If the team needs me,

I can transfer anytime.

No.

And Qu Hua...

No need to worry about my personal life.

If you can

come with us to Jiangcheng,

that would be ideal.

Alright.

Talk it over with Qu Hua.

If he

agrees with this,

you can lead a team of your own.

No need to discuss it.

I can give you my word right now.

Very well.

Thank you, Professor Wu.

You're back.

Dinner's kept warm in the pot.

Mom and Dad were called back to the unit.

Where's Grandma?

She's asleep.

Give me a few more days on this math paper.

There are too many technical terms to translate.

Qu Hua,

I'm sorry.

What's wrong?

Sometimes, I feel like I'm too selfish.

You don't have to help me translate anymore.

But I can finish this one tonight...

Mao Zedong Thought,

like sunlight and rain,

nourishes the university campus.

Ling Yi.

Son,

look at what Ling Yi wrote.

I've read it, Mom.

(The blazing red military flag waves in the wind.)

(The people's army...)

Just look at that.

Ling Yi,

you're only an intern,

and your article already made page two.

You truly are gifted.

It's mostly thanks to Uncle Fu's support.

I just benefited from it.

Come to think of it, I'd love to visit Jiangcheng No. 1 Textile Factory

to gather material.

Maybe I'll write an interview piece on you, Mrs. Ye.

It might even make the front page.

No need for a personal interview.

But you're welcome to write about our factory.

We'd be delighted.

Ye Feng,

you should learn a thing or two from Ling Yi.

Ling Yi,

what do you usually read?

Recommend some books to Ye Feng.

Sure.

Ye Feng,

I'll borrow a few books for you

from the university library.

Ye Feng,

did you hear what Ling Yi said?

Yeah, yeah, I heard.

Then it's settled.

Ye Feng is in your hands now.

Alright.

Careful not to cut yourself.

What are you so happy about?

How could the Educated Youth Office

assign you to a milk station?

A grown man working among a bunch of women?

That is silly.

Washing milk bottles isn't so bad.

After finally landing a job,

it turns out to be temporary.

That's not a long-term plan.

A temporary job beats no job.

Let's start there.

Things will get better.

When we get home,

don't mention that it's temporary.

Okay.

Lin Mei's back.

Mr. Li.

Good, good.

Mom.

Dad.

Mrs. Lin.

Mr. Lin.

I said I'd bring Fei Ting home for dinner.

This is all we're having?

There are so many mouths to feed.

We can't eat well at every meal.

Exactly.

Your little nephew's growing,

and he hasn't complained.

Why are you being so picky?

Mr. Lin, Mrs. Lin,

these are gifts I brought for you.

Fei Ting, you don't even have a job yet.

How could you spend money like this?

Fei Ting already found a job.

He did?

Sit down and eat.

Honey, serve the noodles.

Coming, coming.

Here, here.

Eat.

Fei Ting,

where were you assigned to work?

The milk station.

Raising cows?

Washing bottles.

Washing bottles?

A grown man washing milk bottles?

Embarrassing.

What's so embarrassing?

There's no hierarchy in honest work.

What's wrong with his job?

People get clean milk to drink

because of workers like Fei Ting.

Pretty words don't change anything.

Can he compare to Wang Tengda?

Besides,

how can a milk station compare to the transport team?

Can he compare?

Song, why bring up Wang Tengda?

Leave him out of this.

Fei Ting,

didn't you know?

Not long ago,

someone introduced a match to our Lin Mei.

He works for the city transport team,

and he could even arrange a job for her brother.

Come on.

Eat up.

Mr. Lin, Mrs. Lin,

about that guy,

Wang, was it?

Lin Mei didn't mention him.

But I do know

there's no way she'd fall for someone else.

Please don't worry.

I'll make sure Lin Mei is happy.

You all eat.

I'm leaving.

All talk.

Nothing to show,

but plenty of temper.

Lin Mei!

Mom.

Forget them.

Fei Ting!

Fei Ting!

You were really something back there.

Lin Mei,

I can't promise anything about work,

but when it comes to us, I'm certain.

How do you know

I wouldn't fall for someone else?

I just know.

Whatever you end up doing, I'll follow you.

Even if you were scooping sewage!

Come on.

Let's get scallion oil noodles.

Let's go.

(Ms. Liu...)

Something's come up at home.

I urgently need money.

I can't come up with that much right now.

Could you help me out?

Fei Ni,

it's not that I don't want to help.

You know our situation.

We're supporting four elders and two children.

My husband and I are still squeezed into temporary housing.

Our combined salaries each month

barely cover expenses.

There's no savings to speak of.

If you're really in a bind,

you could ask Ye Feng.

He draws a salary and has no real burdens.

He's probably better off than the rest of us.

And besides,

didn't you two date before?

He'd surely do you that favor.

I'll think of another way.

Thank you, Ms. Liu.

♪After the laughter, I think of you♪

♪After the storm, I think of you♪

♪In the little courtyard, there you are dancing♪

♪That earnest you, smiling so innocently♪

♪In spring, I stay by your side♪

♪When summer comes, I watch over you♪

♪In the light of dawn, you belong to me♪

♪At the edge of the world, I will still hold you tight♪

♪There is a small place♪

♪Where they carry big dreams♪

♪Every lovely face♪

♪Shines brightly in the heart♪

♪Even when we collide, we hold our course♪

♪Even when we stumble, we keep our resolve♪

♪My you, walking toward the distance♪

♪Please carry our dreams and let them soar♪