Original subtitles

=Love Story in the 1970s=

=Episode 15=

Oh, that one.

Excuse me, Honey.

Look.

I saved it in case the kids needed it in an emergency.

Stop looking.

This is all there is.

I traded liquor coupons for it.

I mean it.

Here.

You don't need the liquor coupons.

Dad.

Mom.

I'll pay you back.

We're family.

What are you saying?

What I'm worried about is

that you spent all the money on lumber.

What about the wedding?

Let's get through this first.

Ting,

what's your plan

once the wood arrives?

I'll find a carpenter to make the furniture.

A good carpenter

won't be cheap.

True.

But it's cheaper than buying ready-made.

How about this?

Give me the money.

When the wood arrives,

I'll make it for you.

Don't mess around, Fang Muyang.

You know carpentry?

Don't worry.

If I mess it up,

I'll pay you back double.

But I can't do it alone.

I'll need your help, Ting.

Good.

Deal, then.

Consider this money

a wedding gift

from Fei Ni and me.

It's enough for the wedding ceremony.

That won't do.

I can't let you work for free.

We're family. No need to stand on ceremony.

♪If the future cannot be grasped♪

♪Don't think too far ahead♪

♪Just work hard for today♪

Ting,

strip the bark.

Alright.

I'll try.

♪The ones who smile the most♪

♪Gain the most in return♪

♪I want a life that’s real♪

♪Steady, feet on solid ground♪

♪Slowly, our paths begin to cross♪

♪Each day holds something to look forward to♪

Liu Cuihua from Building No. 3, you've got a call.

♪Two people, three meals, four seasons♪

♪Collecting ordinary moments in life♪

♪Making them into memories♪

Stop working. Time to eat.

Take a break. Come and eat.

Right away.

♪A down-to-earth life♪

♪The cloudy days and rain along the way♪

♪As long as I have you, I'll gladly endure anything♪

♪Live it real♪

♪Two people, three meals, four seasons♪

♪Collecting sweet moments in life♪

♪Making them into memories♪

Come have some watermelons.

Come on. Have some watermelon.

Fang Muyang.

Take a rest.

Ting, you go ahead.

I'll finish this bit.

Okay.

Hurry up.

Fei,

stop cutting.

Fang Muyang is such a good lad.

He can do everything.

You used to look down on him.

Yeah.

What are you talking about?

You were the one who disliked him.

I was just venting.

I actually liked him a lot.

Oh, sure. You did.

Come on.

Fang Muyang,

have some watermelon.

Don't run.

How dare you steal my whip!

I'm done playing.

Let's go.

Ting,

teach me

how to varnish when you have time.

Sure.

Fang Muyang.

Who taught you carpentry?

Self-taught.

Back at the forest farm,

we had to build our own houses

and make our own furniture.

The educated youth station had plenty of wood.

If I failed once, I'd try ten times

or twenty times.

I thought we had it tough.

Turns out you had it harder.

We had a roof and food,

that's not rough.

Fang Muyang,

I think I understand now

why Fei Ni likes you.

Why?

You're

like a weed.

No matter where you're thrown, you grow just fine.

Ting,

that's a pretty special compliment.

I mean it.

A man needs that toughness.

No matter what happens,

we carry it.

True.

Ting,

I really admire you.

Fei Ni said

you were the best farmer

among the educated youths.

Many local farmers asked you for advice.

I'm not bragging.

When it comes to

farming

or cooking,

no one beats me.

But when we farmed,

we hated weeds like you.

Now suddenly I'm handling the writing,

and it feels strange.

I understand.

If we don't know anything, we can learn.

I couldn't make furniture before either.

Look at me now.

Writing is no big deal.

We're youth who survived in Great Northern Wilderness.

We fight heaven and earth.

That's right.

I have to study hard.

You and Fei Ni went to great lengths

to get me this job.

If I fail it,

I'd disgrace you both.

Ting,

do you have any extra lumber?

Can I take some?

Sure.

Pick the best pieces.

I'll give you as much as I have.

Sure.

Thank you, Ting.

Don't mention it.

A little to your side.

Your side!

No.

Lower it. Lower it on that side.

Be careful, you two.

Wait.

It's too tight!

Use your brain! You're squeezing my hand.

You're squeezing his hand.

- Easy. It won't fit at all. - You're squeezing my hand.

Watch out!

Let go.

This won't work.

- Dad. - We can't lift it in.

Didn't you say you'd hoist it up through the room beam?

Go ahead and hoist it.

I was just saying.

Fei Ting,

I must say

you're really something.

You said one month,

and here all thirty-six legs are.

You flattered me, Mrs. Lin.

- They're all... - What do you think?

Fei Ting has pretty good craftsmanship, right?

Yes.

Very good.

Just like the ones they sell in stores. Very well made.

Mr. Lin, Mrs. Lin.

You see.

My job is settled,

and the thirty-six legs are all ready.

About our marriage...

I've always felt that

marriage is a major life decision.

It should be taken seriously.

Song,

were you cautious back then?

After you met your wife once on a blind date,

you were so impatient

and wanted to register the next day.

Mom.

Now you're telling me to be cautious?

- Alright, alright. - Well.

Your brother doesn't want you to leave.

You're spiky.

I like Fei Ting.

I'm marrying him.

What are you saying?

The neighbors are all here.

Aren't you embarrassed?

Mr. Lin. Mrs. Lin.

Song.

I know you think I'm not good enough for Lin Mei.

I think I'm not good enough, either.

To me,

she's the best girl.

Forget me,

no one in Jiangcheng deserves her.

Since I'm not good enough,

I'll love her more,

cherish her more,

and listen to her more.

I'll earn more money

and give her more of my pay.

And I'll

have two chubby kids with her.

What are you saying?

Sorry, Mr. Lin, Mrs. Lin. I...

I'm not good with words.

Dad.

Mom.

Brother-in-law.

Please give us your blessing.

We didn't mean to refuse.

If you didn't mean to refuse,

that means you agree?

Our daughter has grown up.

We can't keep her forever.

You...

You decide for yourself.

Your parents are still here.

Hurry up. Move it.

Mom.

Brother-in-law, I'll do it.

Lift.

Well done.

It's going in?

Watch the legs.

Careful with the legs!

Lift.

Right.

About the furniture,

thank you.

I owe you one.

You can make a request.

I actually do have one.

Go ahead.

Wait.

Not like last time.

Don't push your luck.

Where's my bunk bed?

I sold it.

I made this out of your brother's wood.

This...

How are we supposed to sleep?

Fei Ni,

I've analyzed the situation.

The bunk bed

is a hidden danger.

Think about it.

As long as we're not sleeping in the same bed,

their doubt won't go away.

Besides,

you promised me one request,

didn't you?

This is my request.

Fang Muyang,

we had made a deal.

Don't get any funny ideas.

What funny ideas could I have?

Why don't you try it?

See if it's comfy.

What are you doing?

I'm about to fall.

I need to move in a bit.

Give me back my bunk bed.

Fine.

Lie down first.

Then I'll give it back.

What are you doing?

Don't move.

I might hit you.

What do you think?

The border.

You should've made it taller.

Even if it's taller, it wouldn't stop me.

I mean, this takes skill.

Look how smooth it is.

There's no splinter.

You did a good job.

There's a handle here.

Is Fei Ni home?

Is Fei Ni home?

Yes. What do you want?

Open the door.

Nope.

I'm not home.

Hey!

Is Fang Muyang home?

Fang Muyang.

Cover your ears.

Don't listen.

Cover your ears.

The groom is here to fetch the bride!

Congratulations!

Dad, Mom.

I'm leaving.

How wonderful.

Look at them.

Dad, Mom, don't worry.

Let's go.

♪Bathed in sunshine♪

♪With lofty ideals in our hearts♪

♪We educated youths go up the mountains and down to the countryside♪

♪Vowing to unite with the workers and peasants♪

♪Let our youthful brilliance shine♪

My face is stiff

from smiling all day.

You're happier than Ting at his own wedding.

You were helping out a lot.

Of course you're tired.

How could I not be happy?

Their problem's finally solved.

Doesn't that mean

half the credit goes to me?

You deserve first-class merit.

But honestly,

ever since I ran into you again this time,

everything's been good.

Unlike before.

If I said everything that happened back then

was an accident,

would you believe me?

(Six Years Ago)

Don't you take her things!

I bought that.

Who are you?

My fly!

Stop flying.

Another one.

Get down here.

You're making a scene,

Fei Ni.

Come to my office after class.

Yes.

Fang Muyang!

I...

Uh...

Why is there a tree here?

Are you handing it over or not?

Let go.

I'm not giving it to you!

Give it here!

Let go!

Get off of me!

Let go.

How much?

0.4 yuan.

I'm sorry.

Why are you apologizing?

You didn't know what happened.

Fang Muyang,

sometimes I feel like

I've known you for years.

But sometimes

it feels like I just met you.

Then, on the first day you truly know me,

would you take a photo with me?

No.

Why waste the money?

It's free.

Fei Ni,

can you see me?

Yes.

What is this?

A gorilla.

Gorilla?

Let me show you this.

Sure.

This is

an ostrich.

That's quite accurate.

Can you do the Young Pioneers salute?

Of course.

Come.

Let's do one.

One, two, three.

Three.

Do you remember when we took our marriage registration photo?

How about we take another one?

Sure.

Come.

You didn't look like that back then.

Your head should tilt a little.

Turn your shoulder slightly.

I think I didn't turn.

You did.

It's late. I'm going down.

There are so many people

involved in this merger?

Of course.

Besides Jiangcheng University,

there are Jiangnan Institute of Technology,

Beijing University of Technology,

and Nanjing Normal University.

Quite a crowd for a small university like Jiangcheng.

That's probably because

Professor Zhou and Professor Wu

made a breakthrough.

Definitely.

I heard you have a younger brother in Jiangcheng.

Why don't you go visit him?

I'm here to do research,

not visit relatives.

True.

You can even leave your newlywed husband behind.

Fang Mujing,

I'm really impressed by you.

I'm serious.

I couldn't do it.

Ding Yang,

everyone ranks their life differently.

Maybe our priorities

were never the same.

What's the most important thing in your life?

I know. It must be research.

They're here.

(Warmly Welcome New Comrades!)

(Jiangcheng University)

- They're here! - They're here!

- Thank you for coming. - Thank you for coming.

Hello. Thank you.

- It's a long journey. - They're here.

- Thank you so much. - It's a long journey for you.

Careful.

Alright. Thank you.

Good.

(Liu Wei)

Ms. Fang,

long time no see.

Long time no see, Mr. Liu.

This way, please.

(Jiangcheng No. 1 Textile Factory)

Fei Ting.

Chief Wang.

There are only a dozen flags.

You've been counting for two hours.

Chief Wang,

I really have nothing else to do.

Last round.

Alright.

Stop counting.

I've got something for you.

Workshop One exceeded

its production target last month.

So the Publicity Department needs to write a radio interview script.

You'll be

in charge.

Yes, I'll complete the task!

Alright.

But let me be clear.

Our department carries heavy responsibilities.

Don't drag us down.

And don't embarrass Fei Ni.

Understood. Please rest assured.

I'll do my best.

The reason

Workshop One

was able to complete 130 percent

of its production target

was thanks to everyone's hard work.

All the workers in Workshop One

are not afraid of hardship

and press forward courageously.

That's how we achieved

this small success.

Anything else?

That's all for now.

(Not afraid of hardship. Press forward courageously. Small success.)

Ms. Liu, maybe

you could add a little more.

Fei Ting,

maybe

you can ask a little more.

What do you want me to ask?

What do you want to interview about?

Maybe ask about

the outstanding examples of Workshop One.

Right.

Ms. Liu,

could you tell me

what outstanding examples

have happened in Workshop One?

Speaking of that,

there are plenty.

I won't even mention myself.

Let's talk about the women workers on the production line.

President Mao once said, "Women hold up half the sky."

Each and every woman

(Women hold up half...) in our workshop

is skilled and responsible.

Let me tell you this.

Not only are they technically skilled...

(Overtime)

Ni, you're home.

Ms. Wen.

Ni.

Do you have any idea what's wrong with your brother?

He came back with a long face.

He barely touched his food

and won't say a word when we ask.

Alright. I'll go check.

Dad.

You're finally back.

Something's wrong with your brother.

The moment I walked in, he snapped at me.

The work

has driven him crazy.

What's wrong?

I'll take a look.

What are you doing?

I didn't dare

turn up the radio.

I'll go out to listen.

Ting.

Comrade Fei Ting.

Stop messing around.

I'm writing.

(New Blossoms on the Assembly Line)

You've only

written a title?

Ni,

I'm not cut out for writing.

Why don't you talk to Chief Wang

and transfer me to Security

or the cafeteria?

Ting, the Publicity Department is highly sought-after.

Everyone wants it.

Are you taking it for granted?

I know it's good, but I just

can't do it.

What can you do?

Serving food?

If not for yourself,

at least think about Lin Mei.

Jobs may not be ranked high or low,

but

your mother-in-law isn't easy to deal with.

If so, I'll learn.

I'll learn how to write.

How is writing an article harder

than harvesting wheat in the rainy season?

That's more like it.

Ting, writing is simple.

Definitely easier than reclaiming land in Great Northern Wilderness.

Just remember this.

When writing, don't go straight and flat like looking at a mountain.

Meaning,

don't be too straightforward.

Let it wind and unfold.

Well.

Since this is your first interview,

I'll draft it for you.

You copy it later.

For example,

if you want to praise Workshop One,

don't praise it directly.

You have to hold it back a little.

That involves another concept,

structure and layout.

There are a few parts an article should have.

First part,

start with

the workshop director,

Ms. Liu.

Then lead into

the workshop's achievement

of exceeding production targets.

(Jiangcheng No. 1 Textile Factory)

"New Blossoms on the Assembly Line.

Dash.

All Staff of Workshop One.

Twenty-six years ago, at the Founding Ceremony,

when those 'thounderous' words

rang out to the skies...."

Did it make you think of Workshop One?

Why bring in the Founding Ceremony at all?

Feng Lin,

I actually think it's quite well written.

Chief Wang,

the Publicity Department

needs to improve its standards.

Who wrote this?

Feng Lin, look.

If you think mentioning the Founding Ceremony...

Who wrote it?

- Feng Lin. - I did.

Feng Lin,

I wanted to use the Founding Ceremony as an introduction

and then lead into how the Chinese people stood up.

And independence and prosperity

for each individual

means doing one's job well

in one's own position.

So Workshop One exceeding production targets

and the Founding Ceremony

represent the individual and the collective,

cause and effect.

They're closely connected.

What is all this nonsense?

Can't you just stick to the facts?

Why drag in all this unrelated matter?

Why not start from the creation of heaven and earth?

You're out of touch with the people!

Look at these allusions

and these big words.

You're just showing off.

Exactly the same flaw as your sister.

Chief Wang,

I'm not using this piece.

Rewrite it.

Fei Ting.

Maybe

you can revise it again.

You're back.

What happened?

Having trouble at work?

Lin Mei,

I might not last long in the Publicity Department.

Why?

Was the article Fei Ni wrote for you no good?

The factory office said

Ni's article

was

all over the place.

They said

it was out of touch with the people,

so they couldn't use it.

I spent all day revising it.

I only changed a few words,

but it still didn't work.

Let me see.

What for?

You wouldn't understand it.

Didn't they say it was out of touch with the people?

I'm one of the people.

I didn't even finish middle school.

If I can understand it,

then everyone can.

Give it to me.

Up.

Pen.

Look. I don't understand the idiom in the first sentence.

(Thunderous)

This sentence is too long.

Hard to read.

Cut it.

I don't know how to pronounce this character.

Or this one.

Cut it.

I don't understand this whole paragraph.

Hey.

You've deleted

everything.

I can only understand this much.

But I can't just write this little.

Well.

I'll add a few lines for you.

From dawn till dusk,

each drop of sweat splashes into eight.

That works, right?

Yeah. Keep going.

There's only one goal in their hearts.

That's...

To exceed this month's production target.

They remind me

of my days in Great Northern Wilderness.

We were the same back then.

Working from dawn till dusk,

bleeding and sweating but never shedding tears.

Losing skin and flesh but never falling behind.

Oh!

That was the spirit of Great Northern Wilderness.

And it's also the spirit of Jiangcheng No. 1 Textile Factory!

Chief Wang,

the Publicity Department

really needs to improve its standards.

Right, Ms. Xu.

That's what I've been saying.

Fei Ting has already revised the draft once,

but it's still not good.

Who knows

what standards the Publicity Department uses to recruit?

He's new.

Of course, he needs guidance.

But he also has to be willing to learn.

As for this draft,

just my personal opinion,

it has no substance and is empty.

There's no literary quality or depth of thought,

let alone anything profound.

Think about it carefully.

Why was Workshop One

able to exceed its production target?

Because the workers

have a strong sense of collective pride.

They hold deep feelings

for our New China.

It was built on the blood and sacrifice

of countless revolutionary martyrs.

When I say that,

I believe it reminds you of something.

The Founding Ceremony.

This article

could begin with the grandeur of the Founding Ceremony.

Ms. Xu, well said.

That was actually our original idea.

But...

We were worried that writing it that way

might seem out of touch with the people.

So we revised it into this version.

Fei Ting,

show Ms. Xu

your earlier draft.

Okay.

Ms. Xu.

Good.

This piece is pretty good.

It has thought, substance,

and rich associations.

How is this out of touch with the people?

The people

also need to improve their cultural literacy.

Right.

We were being narrow-minded.

However,

there are still a few uncommon characters

you need to revise.

Once it's revised, no need to show me.

Send it straight to the radio station.

Have it broadcast during the lunch break.

Yes.

(Twenty-six years ago,)

(when those thunderous words)

(were proclaimed at the Founding Ceremony,)

(workers at the sewing machine factory)

(were striking with iron hammers,)

(forging the frame)

(of New China's first industrial sewing machine.)

(Fei Ni,)

(the rooftop is our secret base from now on.)

(Whenever you see this arrow pointing up,)

it means we meet up there.

What are you doing?

Fei Ni,

to celebrate your masterpiece

being broadcast across the whole factory,

I'm treating you to a Great Northern Wilderness hotpot.

This is a feast.

Back in Great Northern Wilderness,

we used to cook hotpot in heavy snow.

One potato could last us two hours.

Your knife skills are impressive.

So thin.

It takes years of practice.

Besides potatoes,

what else did you eat there?

There wasn't much good food.

Mostly coarse grains,

like sorghum rice and cracked corn.

I couldn't get used to it when I first got there.

I kept getting the runs.

Later, I adapted.

I just looked forward to holidays when we could get a bowl of two rice.

Two rice?

Rice mixed with millet and steamed together.

That's tough.

That must've been torture for a food lover like you.

That's when you learn

to find joy in hardship.

If we didn't eat coarse grains every day,

how would we know how good two rice tasted?

If we had vegetables all year round

and meat regularly,

how could we appreciate

the fun of catching fish and digging wild greens?

But you said you couldn't catch fish at the wedding.

That's different.

In Great Northern Wilderness, we fished in winter.

When the lake froze over, we'd cut a hole this big.

Sometimes the fish would jump out on their own.

That big?

That's impressive.

You're making me curious.

Sure. We can go someday.

But for now,

try the cooking of a Great Northern Wilderness master chef.

Fei Ni.

We should buy two bowls.

We're living together and don't have proper bowls.

Alright.

I'll buy them tomorrow.

Slice this for me.

Okay.

Carrot top.

To be

or not to be,

that's the question.

Whether it's nobler in the mind to suffer

the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

or to take arms against a sea of troubles

and by opposing end them.

To die.

To sleep.

No more.

Brilliant!

Where did you learn that, Fang Muyang?

What did you think

I was skipping class for?

I had to find something to do.

I snuck into the city theater for a whole year to watch plays.

I've always wanted to ask you something.

You love fooling around so much.

Why did they recommend you for university?

I don't know.

I never thought about going to college.

I did everything I was asked.

I went to the countryside,

reclaimed the barren lands,

built houses,

and harvested wheat.

And then they recommended me.

And you?

I've never asked.

You were doing fine at the textile factory.

Why insist on going to university?

I want to major in Chinese Literature.

I want to be a writer.

A writer?

That's good.

Fei Ni,

I've always believed you have talent.

Your dream will come true one day.

I used to think so.

But now...

♪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♪