Original subtitles

If we can't find food, Mom and my

brother will starve.

I thought falling off Blackwood [music]

Mountain would kill me.

But when I woke up, I was in a

fairyland.

This place is huge, 100 times fancier

than the magistrate's estate. Where am

I? Could this be some noble's mansion?

In this famine year,

how come the grass here hasn't been dug

up and eaten?

Did I die and end up in heaven?

>> You the new maid?

How did you get in dressed like that?

>> I'm Alora. I accidentally trespassed on

your estate. Please spare me, master.

I'll leave right away.

>> What's up with this agency?

The new maid they sent,

did they hire an actress?

All that this servant nonsense.

Is this what he meant by immersive

service?

>> [music]

>> All right. All right. Stop kowtowing.

Get up now.

Didn't the agency teach you the rules?

Working as a maid at Crestview Estate,

the first rule is to look presentable.

>> A maid?

If I please the master, maybe I'll get

some food to take back to my mom and my

brother.

>> Forget it.

Come with me first.

>> That palace blinding. The magical

artifact is angry. Spare me, celestial

being.

>> That's just a chandelier. What backwards

did you crawl out of? Go to the first

floor guest rooms and take a bath.

Dressed like that, you're a disgrace to

Crestview Manor.

>> This

This fabric is so smooth.

So soft.

Such nice material.

It's even better than the silk the

mistress wears.

And I get to wear this?

What kind of place is this?

>> This is Mr. Sterling Sr.'s study.

The stuff inside is all very valuable.

Your probation task is to clean it up.

Let me be clear, the three maids before

you all messed up, touched things they

shouldn't, and got fired. If you mess

up, you're out.

>> Don't worry, Miss Hudson.

I used to work for a wealthy family.

I know the rules. I definitely won't

damage the master's belongings.

>> I'll check before dark.

>> These ancient books and inkstones are

just like what my previous master had in

his study. Even the handwriting is the

same. So, immortals have places like

ours, too.

Qimin Yaoshu, which is a farming book,

should be on the bottom shelf.

This is the Book of Songs. It should be

in the middle.

This inkstone is a real gem. Got to

polish it to be worthy of the master.

These books are so easy to get bugs.

Some mugwort smoke keeps the worms away.

My old nanny taught me that trick.

Comes in handy now.

>> The arrangement of these books is

exactly like Mr. Sterling Sr.'s, exactly

how he arranged them before he died.

Those ancient texts, I can't even read

half of them.

And that country bumpkin, how does she

know?

>> Miss Hudson, I'm done cleaning. I also

burned some mugwort to keep the bugs

away. I'll open the window to air it

out.

>> You can read these characters, and you

know how to preserve ancient books?

>> Well, Miss Hudson, my old master was a

book lover. I picked up a few characters

from him.

>> All right, you passed.

Starting today, you're officially on

staff at Crestview Estate.

>> [music]

>> Even the bathing room here is so fancy.

The floor is so shiny you can see your

reflection.

What's this? Looks like a little stool.

Why is there a hole in the middle?

A miracle. Spare me, gods. I didn't mean

to offend the magical artifacts.

>> What are you doing?

This is a toilet.

It's not a god.

How did your arm get so thin?

Your bones are sticking out.

This girl must have suffered so much.

>> Miss Hudson, this white jade artifact

just moved by itself and it spat out

water.

>> [music]

>> I'm scared a demon's after me.

>> Artifacts? Demons? This is a smart

toilet for going to the bathroom. When

someone comes near, it automatically

opens the lid and flushes. It's all

modern technology. Don't you get it?

Two, all.

All right, look at you, so scared. You

must be starving and dizzy. Stop

cleaning for now.

Come with me to the dining room to eat.

Sit down and eat. This is the regular

meal for the staff.

>> This This is white rice and such big

pieces of meat. This white sugar cake is

even more delicate than the ones at the

master's birthday feast. Even during the

holidays, we servants wouldn't get half

a piece.

>> What are you staring at?

Eat up.

Eat well so you can work well.

>> Mom.

If you could just have a bite of this

very food, how wonderful that would be.

Leo loves meat so much. Three years of

drought, he hasn't even smelled meat. If

mom could eat this meat, maybe her leg

would get better.

>> This girl must be from some poor

mountain village. She hasn't seen much

of the world. Her family is so poor they

can't even afford to eat. These days,

people are still starving like this. How

awful.

>> Miss Hudson, don't throw that out.

>> What's wrong?

These are leftovers.

>> They don't keep leftovers overnight at

the manor.

Miss Hudson,

I'm still hungry.

These

Can I have these?

I've got a big appetite.

Such good food. Throwing it away would

bring divine punishment. Back in the

village, for a piece of tree bark, folks

would kill each other.

>> All right, all right. I'll get you a box

to pack it up.

>> Thank you, Miss Hudson.

If only the ancient world could send

back again. My family would have food to

eat.

I'm back.

I really am back.

This isn't a dream.

>> Alara, you're back. No wild greens? It's

okay. We still have flatbread.

>> Leo, don't eat the wild cakes anymore.

I brought back some good food.

>> Alara,

what nonsense are you talking about?

How could there be food these days?

For miles around, even the grass roots

are gone.

>> Alara, this smells amazing. It's meat

and sugar cakes.

>> Alara,

>> [snorts]

>> where did you get this?

>> Don't worry, just eat. This is

something I got from someone.

>> Delicious, so delicious. Alara, this is

10,000 times better than wild greens.

>> Alara, this is something only nobles can

eat.

Where did you get it? People like us,

poor families, don't even have the

fortune to see it.

>> Please don't ask, just eat.

>> Mom, try it. This meat smells so good.

It's good for your leg. Tell me the

truth, child.

Did you steal from the master?

>> No. Mom, I didn't steal. The master

really gave it to me.

>> You silly child. How could the master

give such food to a maid servant?

If you get caught stealing, you'll be

beaten to death.

>> Mom, I really didn't steal.

How could I do something like stealing?

>> Then how did you get it? Tell me

quickly.

>> Did you sell yourself or sign [music]

your life away to work like a slave?

>> Mom, don't jump to conclusions. I didn't

do [music] anything like that. If I told

you about the fairyland, would you even

believe me? But if I don't tell you,

you'll worry yourself to death.

>> Alara, give it back quickly. I won't eat

anymore. I'll never be greedy again.

>> Auntie, I don't want anything to happen

to you.

>> Mom, trust me.

I got this fair and square. I didn't get

into any trouble for it. Then just

explain clearly, where exactly did it

come from? I

I met a kind [music] person in the

mountains.

I was out picking wild greens on

Blackwood Mountain today when I

accidentally fell into a

thousand-year-old ancient well.

I didn't die.

At the bottom, there's a passage to a

fairy world. They are really tall glass

houses.

At night, they shine brighter than any

night pearl.

The people there wear weird clothes and

there's an automatic water spraying

white jade magical artifact.

>> You You met a demon.

>> Not a demon.

It's a fairy.

The fairies there are all nice.

They didn't hurt me at all.

They even gave me a job.

They let me work for them.

These treats were given to me by Miss

Hudson.

>> That's all just a demon's trick.

It's meant to drain your vital energy.

I've heard the village elders say the

fox demons in the mountains love to

trick young girls with treats.

>> You can't go back there.

>> Mom, don't be afraid. It really isn't a

demon. Look.

>> This. How is this fabric so smooth?

Even smoother than the landowner's

wife's silk and even softer.

>> Mom.

>> Why would a demon give us such nice

clothes to wear?

>> Miss Hudson there, though strict, means

well. Long as I'm willing to work, I can

get food in return.

>> Really?

>> Really. I'm not lying to you, Mom.

You just stay home, eat some meat, and

rest that leg of yours.

I'll go back and work even more.

I'll try to bring back some rice next

time.

>> Then you be careful on your own. Don't

offend the fairies.

>> I know. Mom.

>> Laura, did you just say rice? Not rice

husks?

>> It's rice.

>> Rice that can fill a jar. Rice that

fills the whole jar.

>> I'll make sure you eat white rice every

day.

>> Yay, white rice.

>> The master has given so much fancy food.

I got to work harder to repay the

master's generosity.

This fairy grass is so tough.

An immortal has appeared. Thanks,

immortal, for lighting my way.

I'll work even harder, I promise.

>> Elara,

this is called a refrigerator.

It's used to preserve food.

From now on, leftover dishes and the

meat we buy must be put inside so they

don't spoil.

>> Miss Hudson, this big iron box, why

doesn't it have a lock? Everything

inside, won't someone steal it?

>> No one steals here. Come here. I'll

teach you how to open it.

>> This iron box is blowing cold air. Miss

Hudson, this is this a magical artifact

made of thousand-year ice? I don't dare

touch it. What if it freezes and ruins

the master's food? I can't pay for that.

>> What magical artifact? This is an

electrical appliance. Go ahead, touch

it. It's cold, sure, but it won't bite

you.

>> [music]

>> It's so cold.

Stuff from the fairy world is really

magical.

>> Elara, don't use the broom.

A broom won't clean this carpet.

Use this vacuum cleaner.

>> What is this monster? It's eating dust.

Miss Hudson, get back.

This monster even eats dust.

It might suck us both in, too.

>> [music]

>> Oh, Elara, Elara,

which backwards mountain did you crawl

out of?

How come you've never seen a vacuum

cleaner? [music]

Back in your village, you must have had

it rough.

>> My village was poor.

We couldn't even afford lamp oil. How

could I ever see a metal monster that

eats dust?

>> All right.

Since you've come to Crestview Manor,

you'll learn about all this little by

little.

>> Um hum.

>> Hey,

the new girl,

you trying to take my job?

>> Nancy, I I mean to.

I saw you were busy, so I thought I'd

lend a hand.

I'll leave now.

>> All right. All right.

Stop calling yourself a servant.

What era do you think this is?

My name is Nancy.

The hallway and dish sanitizing are my

job. You work so hard, makes me look

lazy, doesn't it?

>> HMP

>> I I just wanted to do more work to repay

the master's kindness.

>> All right. Stop getting in the way.

Go to the kitchen and help Miss Hudson

wash vegetables.

This girl, she's a great worker, but her

personality is too meek.

Miss Hudson, that new girl, Elara,

what's her background anyway?

When she works, she works like her life

depends on it.

She grabs every task.

>> I asked her. She said she's from a

remote mountain area fleeing the famine.

Her family is so poor they can't afford

food.

She came out alone

and has to earn money to support her

mother back home, her brother, and two

little nieces.

>> Fleeing the famine.

>> And she has to support the whole family?

>> That's right.

>> That girl is so thin, like skin and

bones.

>> She even cried at the sight of white

rice.

>> She's had a hard life. I was the same

back then.

>> I begged my way into the city for my

child. I've been through all kinds of

hardships.

>> This girl, she is exactly like I was

back then.

>> These fairy things are so heavy.

>> Clumsy.

Such a big crate. With your little thin

arms, can you even lift it?

Move aside.

Go take those lighter ones inside.

Here. Two leftover hot buns from the

kitchen. I can't eat anymore. You'd

better eat them quickly.

Don't starve to death here, or they'll

say I'm bullying you.

>> [snorts]

>> Nancy, thank you.

>> Elara, I can see you're already less

scared of the electric lights and the

toilet.

You're making good progress.

Nancy taught me well. Now I know they're

not monsters. They're appliances.

Why is my mother-in-law calling at this

hour? Could something have happened to

Timmy?

Oh, no. What do we do now?

Whose mistake is this? You broke the

master's highly valuable item. In the

past, they'd break your legs and sell

you off for that.

Nancy's always been so kind to me.

She's old now.

If she gets kicked out, how will she

survive?

Miss Hudson, I did it. You did it? Do

you realize that Mr. Sterling Sr. gave

this to Mr. Sterling as a coming-of-age

gift before he passed away?

He cherishes it. That silly girl. I'm

the one who knocked it over. Why is she

taking all the blame? I know I messed

up.

While I was dusting the bookshelf, I

accidentally knocked over the vase.

Please punish me, Miss Hudson.

I'm willing to use all my wages to pay

for it. Even if we sold you, you

couldn't pay for this vase.

Miss Hudson, it wasn't her. I broke it.

Who broke it? My mother-in-law just

called. I got flustered, and when I

turned to answer the phone, my arm

knocked over the vase. Alora had nothing

to do with it. She's just a poor

scapegoat. No.

Miss Hudson, I broke it. Nancy didn't

touch the vase.

I'm just clumsy. Get up.

How much do you make a month?

Can you afford to pay for this vase?

I did it. I'll take the blame.

Nancy, I know your family is struggling.

You can't lose this job.

Miss Hudson, you can hit me, scold me,

whatever.

Just please don't fire Nancy. These two,

both are idiots.

Nancy is usually feisty, but she steps

up when it matters.

And Alora is so genuine.

All right. All right.

Stop arguing.

You're giving me a headache. Elara, you

think I can't see right through you?

You were two steps away from the

bookshelf. How could you have knocked

over the vase?

Nancy, this vase was Mr. Sterling Sr.'s

keepsake. I can't hide this. I have to

report it to Mr. Sterling. As for the

punishment, it's up to Mr. Sterling.

Ma'am, what are you doing here?

These two accidentally broke Mr.

Sterling Sr.'s vase.

>> I was listening from the hallway.

It's just an object. It's broken. That's

that.

>> Ma'am, this

>> That won't do. It's so valuable.

No matter how valuable, a kind heart is

worth more than anything.

>> This fairy lady is even more forgiving

than a saint.

>> Elara, stop kneeling all the time. From

now on in the estate, we don't do that.

>> Thank you, ma'am.

Nancy, your hand's bleeding.

>> It's nothing. Just a little cut.

I just got a message from my

mother-in-law. She said the kid has a

fever.

I got to finish cleaning up quick and go

check on him.

>> Nancy, you'd better go now. I've got

this covered. I promise I'll have it

spotless.

>> No, I can't. I was the one who caused

this mess.

>> Nancy, a sick child is a big deal. It

can't wait.

Nancy, I secretly saved sweet cakes for

you.

>> Take them to your kid for a treat.

>> Elara, thank you.

>> Nancy, you always look after me.

>> Don't mention it.

>> Elara, I'll remember your kindness.

>> That new girl, Elara, is so calculating.

Yesterday, she broke a vase and acted

sorry, confessing before anyone else,

just to win Ma'am's sympathy.

Usually, she seems so meek and timid,

but she's great at sucking up to the

master.

You two gossips, what nonsense are you

blabbing?

I'm the one who broke the vase

yesterday.

Elara took the blame for me. If I hear

you talk trash again, I'll go straight

[clears throat] to ma'am and have you

both fired.

>> Nancy, you're back. Is the kid feeling

better?

>> It's nothing serious, just a little

cold.

My mother-in-law gave me some free-range

eggs and dried persimmons, good country

stuff. I brought some for you.

>> Thanks, Nancy.

>> Well, if there's nothing else, I'll get

back to work.

>> Elara, what a nice sunny day. Come with

me to the study. We need to take Mr.

Sterling Sr.'s ancient books out to air

them out.

Air out the mustiness.

>> Okay, coming, Miss Hudson.

>> Oh my goodness, what are we going to do?

This was Mr. Sterling Sr.'s most

treasured possession when he was alive.

If Mr. Sterling sees this, my days as

housekeeper are over.

This paper is mulberry paper.

No, I need to call Master Vance right

away. He's an expert in this field. He

must have a way to restore it.

Hello, Master Vance.

I'm the housekeeper of Crestview Estate.

We have a chest of Mr. Sterling Sr.'s

ancient books, and they're badly

worm-eaten. I'd like to ask you to come

over and restore them. Miss

>> Hudson, I'm truly sorry, but my schedule

is booked solid for the next year. I'm

afraid I can't spare the time.

>> Master Vance, these books can't wait a

year.

I'll pay $7,000. Could you see if you

can move us up and fix this batch first?

>> Miss Hudson, it's really not about the

money. Rules are rules.

>> $15,000, Master Vance. Money is no

object. As long as you prioritize us,

I'll pay whatever it takes.

>> Miss Hudson, well,

the best I can promise is to start 6

months early.

Also, I need to be clear with you up

front.

Modern technology can only patch up the

damage. If those books are on handmade

mulberry paper, the technique is long

lost. I can't restore the original

texture of the pages.

>> Can't be restored. 16,000.

Miss Hudson said it must be 15,000

coins. 15,000 coins. Even the magistrate

couldn't come up with that much money.

Miss Hudson is always so good to me. I

should help her. Besides, if I pull this

off for her,

even if she only tips me a few coins,

it'll ease things at home.

Miss Hudson.

>> Elara, please step out for now.

>> Let me be alone for a moment.

What am I going to do?

Miss Hudson, if you don't mind, I could

try to fix these books.

>> How could a country girl like you

possibly repair such a precious ancient

book?

>> Miss Hudson, I'm not laughing.

I just examined it.

The paper of this book is mulberry

paper.

>> Even a national-level restoration master

couldn't finish this job. Don't take on

such a tough job just to help.

>> It's not something you can handle.

I once found a method in an old book

from my hometown. I know how to use

mulberry bark and glutelin to make a

paste for a repair paper. I also have a

family secret insect repellent powder

formula.

>> You really know that? Even Master Vance

said this technique is lost.

>> Miss Hudson, I really can do it.

If the paper is made according to the

old method, it will surely restore this

ancient book to its original condition.

>> As for this damaged ancient book, it

can't wait. If we drag this out any

longer, forget half a year, it'll be

completely ruined in a few months. This

girl usually works quickly and neatly.

Maybe she really knows what she's doing.

Fine. Can't do any harm. First, take the

most damaged one and give it a shot.

What materials do you need? I'll have

someone buy them right away.

>> Don't make the heat too high. It has to

simmer slowly.

Boil the bark until it's soft, so

[music] the paste turns fine and smooth.

Miss Hudson, this is called papermaking.

Once this film dries, it becomes the

best mulberry repair paper.

>> This technique is even steadier than

that of the experts in those TV

documentaries.

Incredible.

There's really no trace of repair at

all.

Alora, [music] you're a miracle.

Ms. Hudson,

these 20-some books are all repaired. I

put aged mugwort powder in the lining.

It'll keep the books bug-free for 5

years. Alora, Alora,

you have no idea how much you've helped

me.

>> [music]

>> This craftsmanship is absolutely

incredible.

The way you fix these is better than

those masters who charge $15,000. You

can't even see the repairs.

Even the color of the paper matches

perfectly. Ms. Hudson,

I was wondering, after fixing these

books, could I get a little reward? At

home, I have a crippled mom and three

young kids waiting for food. Not much,

just a few coins, enough to buy some

rice.

Mr. Sterling, you're back.

>> The repairs are seamless.

Even the faded handwriting

has become much clearer after cleaning.

This girl seems fragile and timid, but I

never expected she possess such a lost

skill, and to support her family, she

works so hard.

Truly remarkable.

These books are very well repaired. This

skill far surpasses many so-called

experts today.

>> Thank you for your kind words, sir.

>> Ms. Hudson, tell accounting starting

this month to give Alora a raise of

$300.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Also, I'll give you an extra $3,000 as

payment for restoring the ancient texts

along with this month's salary, all

together.

>> $3,000?

3,000 coins?

Oh my, am I dreaming?

So much money.

Enough to buy half the village's land.

Mom's leg can be saved, and Leo can

attend school.

Thank you for your generosity, sir. Your

great kindness, I'd work like a dog and

be forever grateful to repay you.

>> Get up. You earned this with your skill.

No need for such a big bow.

>> You are a saint, sir. It is only right

that I kowtow to a saint.

This glowing square box, what kind of

magical artifact is it? And there are

words on it. Could this be the legendary

glowing magic book? When you tap your

finger on the board a few times, the

magic book produces words. It's

incredible.

>> Elara, come here.

>> Mr. Sterling,

I didn't mean to sneak a peek at the

glowing magic book.

Please forgive me, Mr. Sterling.

>> What magic book? This is called a

computer.

>> Computer?

>> It's a tool for work.

Look, these documents, data, can all be

stored in here. And through the

internet, you can send information far

away.

>> Computer network?

I can't understand a single word of

these fairy words.

>> Do you want to try typing?

>> No, no, no.

I dare not.

Such a magical treasure. If I break it,

I could never atone for it.

>> It's okay.

I'll teach you.

>> [music]

>> It moved.

The words on the glowing magic book

moved.

>> She's never even seen a computer.

What kind of a life did this girl have

before?

Here, try it.

>> What is this?

>> Cake.

>> So sweet. Mr. Sterling, this is the best

thing I've ever had in my life.

You're [music] such a kind man, Mr.

Sterling. You're a good master.

>> You'll have more if you like it.

Since you're curious about these things,

I'll slowly teach you from now on about

things in the modern world.

>> Today is payday.

20,000 coins.

I've never seen that much money.

First, buy 10 barrels of rice and store

them.

That'll last the family over half a

year.

Then buy two bolts of coarse cotton. Mom

and Leo's clothes are too tattered to

wear. The remaining money I need to get

Mom a good doctor for her leg. And also

for Leo, I need to hire a tutor.

When I get the money, I'll buy an old

hen to nourish Mom's health.

>> Elara, stop your work for a moment. Come

over here.

This is your salary for this month.

You're always so hard working and

diligent. Base salary plus Mr.

Sterling's $300 raise for you. So, it's

$1,050 in total.

>> Plus Mr. Sterling's additional $3,000

for you.

>> As a bonus for restoring ancient texts.

So, it's $4,050 in total.

Count it to make sure it's correct.

>> Thank you, Miss Hudson. Thank you, Mr.

Sterling.

What?

What is [music] this?

It's just colorful paper.

Where are my coins?

And my silver?

>> What's wrong?

Child, don't tell me you've never seen

this much money and gone completely

silly with joy.

>> These are clearly just waste paper. How

can this be money? Mr. Sterling said

he'd reward me with 3,000. So, it's

3,000 pieces of paper.

Great. Just great. Mom's medicine money

and Leo's tuition, all gone.

Alora, what are you doing?

>> Get up, Miss Hudson.

>> I know I was wrong. I know I'm clumsy at

work, not quick with my hands. It's not

worth a reward of 20,000 coins. Miss

Hudson, I'm not asking for much. This

paper money, I can't possibly accept

this.

I beg you, be kind.

Just give me two real copper coins.

>> What nonsense are you talking about,

child? Aren't these all real, genuine

money?

>> Is this girl crazy? She got a bonus of

over $3,000 and she's not happy crying

like this.

>> Miss Hudson,

I have at home a lame mother and three

half-grown children who need to be fed.

I beg you, even just a small piece of

broken silver, or exchange it for half a

sack of brown rice, as long as it can

save us. In my next life, I'll work like

an ox to repay you.

>> Get up first.

Tell me whatever you have to say on your

feet.

This money can buy a lot of rice.

>> You're lying, Miss Hudson.

How can scrap paper buy food?

That's a trick for fooling ghosts.

I thought I had met an immortal who

could save my whole family, but it's all

fake. My mother's leg can't be healed.

Leo and the others will have to go back

to the days of being cold and hungry.

>> What's going on?

What are you all standing around for?

Elara?

What's wrong? Why are you crying like

this?

>> Elara has never seen this kind of money

before. She doesn't believe it can buy

things. Mr. Sterling, please talk to

her.

>> What has she been through to be so

devastated over this money?

>> Julian, you've never experienced famine.

Back when we were fleeing the famine,

a worthless piece of paper could buy a

child's life.

Those starving people ate all the bark

and roots.

In the end, they could only eat clay.

Choked to death.

>> Elara, we're not lying to you.

This isn't worthless paper. It's money.

>> Really?

Can it really buy food?

>> Yes, this money can buy a lot of meat.

With this money, you can make sure your

family has enough to eat and warm

clothes.

No more having to chew on bark.

>> Mr. Sterling,

you didn't lie to me.

>> I'm not lying to you.

Ms. Hudson will take you to buy rice

right away.

You'll see for yourself.

>> Ms. Hudson will take you to buy things

right now.

>> Go on.

>> Oh my god. Is this the Imperial Granary?

No, even the palace doesn't have that

much stuff. This is all grain.

>> Yes, buy as much as you want.

>> As long as you have money.

Wow, so much rice.

Ms. Hudson, this pound of rice, how much

is it in coins?

>> For this loose kind, it's $2 a pound.

>> $2? Mr. Sterling gave me over $3,000.

Then how many pounds of rice can I buy?

Over 10,000 pounds, enough for our whole

village to eat for several months.

>> Let's get the bagged kind, easier to

carry.

>> Ms. Hudson, can we really take all this?

>> Of course.

Let's buy something else.

>> Ms. Hudson, I want this piece of meat.

Half a pound is enough.

>> Only half a pound? That's not even

enough to fill a tooth. Buy more. Get

two or three pounds.

>> No, no. Half a pound is enough. We got

to be frugal. Can't spend it all.

This rice is really heavy. Much heavier

than the wild greens I used to carry.

Still,

as long as Mom and Leo get to eat their

fill,

no matter how heavy, I'll carry it.

I need to hurry home and show Mom.

>> Alara, you're back.

Alara, this is this rice? That's a ton

of rice.

>> Don't just stand there. Come help me.

Alara,

>> is this a bit too much?

>> It's okay, Mom. We'll have more from now

on. Eat. We're going to eat till we're

full.

>> It smells like meat.

>> [music]

>> Mom, try it.

>> Good. Really good.

>> From now on, we'll eat rice and meat

every day.

>> We'll never starve again.

Alara,

I is this really for us to eat?

>> Eat up.

Yes, we can eat it.

Bought it all for you.

>> Yummy.

This is amazing. I've never had anything

so tasty.

>> Eat slowly. There's plenty.

>> Auntie, is this what meat tastes like?

It's so delicious.

>> Yeah.

From now on, our family can have meat,

too. So, you can all grow up strong.

>> Mhm.

>> Alara, you eat, too.

You've done so much for this family and

suffered so much.

Before, we were the poorest in the

village.

We barely even had tree bark to eat.

We never dared to dream of eating such

good food.

>> Mom, your legs are bad. Eat more meat to

build up your strength.

At the master's house, I eat my fill

every meal.

>> Okay.

That's wonderful.

>> Miss Hudson from the fairy world and Mr.

Sterling are good people. I must make

sure to work hard there, earn more

money, and bring things back.

Mom, I will make sure Leo gets an

education

and get your legs treated. And I'll make

sure Siaohui and Siaoyin both get new

clothes.

I won't let you go hungry or cold

anymore.

>> Humph.

The Su family is so poor, they can't

even afford pants. But these days,

they're eating like kings every day. So,

where's the money coming from?

>> Tyson, this Elara must be up to

something shady outside.

>> Tyson.

What are you doing here?

>> Oh, Elara.

I see your family has been eating meat

every day.

Just looking out for the folks.

>> No need.

>> To be honest, this fine grain of yours,

did you steal it from the master?

Don't bring trouble to the whole

village.

>> The grain was given by my distant

relative.

It's not stolen. None of your business.

What distant relative do you

have? If you don't hand over the grain

today, I'll teach you a lesson on behalf

of the master, you dirty thief.

Get her.

>> I, Elara, may be a woman, but I've

picked up some self-defense moves.

Tyson, if you dare to mess with my

family's grain again, I won't let you

get away with this.

I have to protect my family.

>> How dare you, Elara? Just you wait.

I will find out where you got this

grain. We'll see about that.

>> Elara, this Tyson is the village bully.

If he brings people again to rob us,

what should we do? Mom, don't be afraid.

Leo, come help me. Let's hide the grain

in the cellar out back.

>> It's been 3 years of drought.

The manor has no extra grain to feed

freeloaders.

Take this half a pancake, grab your

crippled mother, and these brats.

Now get lost. If you dare come near the

gate again, we'll break your damn legs.

>> Elara, let's go. Let's dig for wild

vegetables. We'll get by somehow.

There's no food left.

Even the tree bark is stripped bare.

It'll give you a stomach ache, but it's

better than starving.

The despair of crying out to heaven with

no one answering.

I never want to go through that again in

my life.

Mom.

Leo, stay home these few days and keep

the door locked.

If Tyson comes again, don't you dare

open the door.

>> Elara.

You're leaving again?

>> I need to get back to the master's place

right away.

I need to earn more money

and bring back more food.

Even if it costs me my life, I will

never let my family suffer like that

again.

Stop.

Don't pour it out. This grain could save

10 people. How can you just throw it

away like trash?

>> Are you out of your mind?

You scared the hell out of me.

>> This is perfectly good grain.

Not a single grain is spoiled.

Throwing this away is asking for divine

punishment.

>> Divine punishment? What would a hick

like you know? These are leftovers. The

master doesn't eat leftovers.

Rules say we toss them.

Our Crestview estate has plenty of

money.

What's a little leftover food? What's a

little leftover food? We throw away more

than this every day.

Stop getting in the way.

Get out of here.

>> White white rice, fragrant meat buns.

On Blackwood Mountain, for just a bite

of food, how many have sold their

children? How many have starved to

death?

How dare they? How dare they waste the

gifts of heaven?

Such a waste. Such a terrible waste.

>> Alora, what's the matter? Who upset you?

>> Mom, the grain all spilled.

Such a waste.

>> When I was young, I often went hungry.

Young people today haven't experienced

that.

Very few people truly understand how

precious grain is.

I never thought she'd cry like that.

Just over wasted grain.

After all, I'm the one who forgot my

roots.

Child, we were wrong about this.

Everyone in the kitchen, come here.

Starting today, the estate won't allow

any leftovers to be wasted.

>> Ma'am, the estate is so big, how could

there be no leftovers?

>> I lived through famine as a kid.

We fought for half a coarse grain meal.

Every grain is precious.

Today, I'm setting a new rule.

From now on, no one in the estate wastes

a single grain. Any clean leftovers,

pack them up, take them home, or donate

to charity, but never throw them away.

Anyone who breaks this, fired on the

spot. No exceptions.

>> Yes, ma'am. We'll remember.

>> Good girl, don't cry. You did the right

thing. Grain is for saving lives, not to

be wasted.

From now on in the estate, this won't

happen again.

>> Thank you, ma'am.

You're a true saint.

At my former master's place, a servant

was worse than livestock.

But here, you actually, just because of

something I said, changed the entire

estate's rules. This is the first time I

felt like family, with warmth and

respect.

>> Ma'am, what's wrong?

Ma'am, quick, drink some water to calm

down. Your chronic problem flared up

again.

>> Ma'am,

you got a chronic dry cough from years

of yin deficiency.

Now, with a change of seasons and dry

weather, your symptoms have worsened.

>> Doctor, can modern medicine fix it for

good?

I've taken a lot of medicine over the

years, but it keeps coming back.

>> Modern medicine can only temporarily

suppress the cough, treating the

symptom, not the root.

To fully recover, you need traditional

Chinese medicine.

Ancient texts record an herb called

frost vein herb.

It's cold in nature, excellent for

moistening the lungs and promoting

fluid.

It's a specific remedy for your

condition.

>> Can I buy it? No matter how expensive.

>> It's not a matter of money.

This herb, 100 years ago, during the

great famine, was over-harvested by

starving refugees, leaving not even the

roots behind. It's long extinct now.

You can't find it on the market at all.

>> It looks like this old problem of mine

is going to go to the grave with me.

>> Take these cough suppressants for now to

calm it down.

Drink plenty of water and keep warm.

>> Frost vein herb.

Isn't that the poisonous weed that's

everywhere on Blackwood Mountain? It

causes stomach pain and diarrhea for

days. Even the hungriest refugees

wouldn't eat it.

Frost vein herb, doctor.

That frost vein herb you mentioned, does

it have leaves like willow leaves, white

roots, and white sap when broken?

>> Yes. That's how ancient texts describe

it.

How do you know that?

>> Ma'am, doctor, please wait for me. I

have

Doctor, please have a look. Is this it?

>> That's it.

The texture, the smell, they match the

description exactly.

This is the long-lost frost vein herb.

Young lady, where did you get this?

This is priceless, I tell you.

>> I dug this from the hill

behind my hometown.

It's everywhere over there.

It gives you diarrhea, so even pigs

won't touch it.

This herb is cooling in nature. You need

to add a few slices of old ginger to

balance it.

So Mom won't get an upset stomach from

drinking it.

Mom.

This is Miss Hudson's lung-soothing

massage.

Press here to ease your breathing.

Alora.

You have such nimble fingers. After

drinking this herbal tea, my throat

really feels less dry and itchy.

Alora, thanks to you, my chronic

condition is finally better. You really

are family's lucky charm.

Indeed. Alora is so kind-hearted. And so

skilled with her hands. Miss Hudson,

from today, give Alora a $300 raise.

From now on, in the estate, you don't

have to do the heavy cleaning tasks

anymore. You'll be solely responsible

for managing my meals and study.

$300.

Thank you, Mom.

Thank you for your kindness.

Another $300 raise. Now I can buy a lot

more rice and meat to take back and get

Leo some paper and brush pens.

Mom is truly the kindest person in the

world.

Looks beautiful.

Our Alora, all dressed up, is a real

pretty young lady.

Alora, this is for you.

You had no way to contact anyone.

So we got you this, the latest

smartphone.

Mom, this.

What magical artifact is this?

Will it bite me? Oh, silly child. It's

called a smartphone. It lets you talk to

people. It's not a magical artifact.

Come on, don't be afraid. I'll show you

how to use it. See, this is the call

button. If you want to call Miss Hudson,

just press the screen one, the phone

icon.

Besides calls, you can send voice

messages.

Like this. Press and hold to speak.

Your turn. Send a voice message to Miss

Hudson.

>> Miss Hudson, it's me, Elara. Can you

hear me?

>> Elara, I hear you. Why are you yelling?

>> You almost deafened me. Oh my god, Miss

Hudson is trapped inside this little

box.

No, no, no. Miss Hudson's in the

kitchen.

>> [music]

>> It's through the internet that the sound

is transmitted.

These fairy realm things are terrifying.

>> [laughter and gasps]

>> Hey.

Such good vegetables, just rotting in

the ground.

Such a waste.

Back in my village,

even a rotten leaf could save a life.

If we could pickle these, they wouldn't

spoil in winter.

And I could take some back for Mom and

Leo to try.

Mom.

>> What's wrong, Elara? Just say it.

>> Mom. The vegetables in the backyard that

we can't finish are all rotting.

It's such a shame.

I

was hoping to borrow some jars to pickle

them.

That way they won't go bad in winter,

and we can save them for later.

>> That's all?

Go ahead and pickle them. There are

plenty of empty jars in the storage

room. Help yourself.

>> Thank you, Mom.

>> Welcome back, Mr. Sterling.

>> What are you making? Smells great.

>> It's the pickling method from my

hometown.

We pickle the extra vegetables and they

last all winter.

>> Let me help you.

>> Oh, you don't have to. You do important

work. How can you do such rough chores?

>> It's fine. I'll help you pack them.

It'll be faster.

>> Finally done. Once these are pickled,

I'll take a jar back. In winter, Mom and

Leo can have some tasty pickles. With

white rice, it'll be delicious.

>> Good work. In a few days, we'll be in

for a treat.

Oh my, what's that smell?

It smells so good. It's making me

hungry.

>> Miss Hudson, these are the radishes I

pickled a few days ago. Please try some.

>> It's delicious, tangy and crunchy.

And a little spicy.

Your skills are amazing.

>> Ilara, these pickles are really

authentic. They taste even better than

the ones from those time-honored brands

in the city.

Really appetizing.

>> Yeah, it's good.

Ilara, make a few dozen more jars of

these pickled vegetables.

>> Mr. Sterling, can we finish that many?

>> The holidays are coming soon.

I plan to give some to a few friends at

the company to try.

They usually eat gourmet food. They're

tired of it. They just love this kind of

authentic rustic flavor.

>> Okay, Mr. Sterling. I'll prepare the

jars this afternoon.

These pickles, Mr. Sterling and Mom both

said they're delicious. Mom and Leo will

love them, too. With plain white rice,

Leo might eat two extra bowls.

>> This weaving technique looks casual, yet

subtly follows a lost ancient pattern.

Such [snorts] a fine piece. Why is it

being used to hold vegetables?

Miss Hudson, do you know who made this?

>> Oh, that was Elara.

She was free a couple days ago, so she

wove it with leftover bamboo from the

backyard.

She said it lets vegetables breathe.

What's wrong, Chloe?

>> Oh, no.

Why is Chloe holding my bamboo basket?

Could she have discovered that I came

out of the ancient well?

Does she know my my secret of traveling

between worlds? Elara?

Chloe. Chloe.

I know I was wrong.

I shouldn't have wondered off.

>> Elara, did you really weave this basket?

This pattern is gorgeous.

Where did you learn such an ancient

weaving method?

>> Chloe.

You're asking about this basket? Yes.

>> The craftsmanship is incredible.

On the market today, you can't find

anything purely handmade. Such fine

bamboo weaving.

>> You scared me to death. To answer your

question, Chloe, this is a skill that

everyone in my hometown village knows.

It's not worth much.

>> Elara, look at this.

>> Chloe, what's wrong with this basket?

It's not even as sturdy as the ones I

weave.

>> Now, look at the price tag.

>> $30?

Wait, how much is that?

>> $30 each.

Elara, your work is way better than

this.

If we put them in my cultural shop,

>> No. No, Chloe. These are just scrap

bamboo strips I wove into something

simple. They're good enough for carrying

veggies, but how can I sell them? That's

just cheating people.

>> You don't get it. City people nowadays

love this kind of purely handmade stuff

with that ancient charm.

It's called intangible cultural

heritage.

It's art. If I price them at $30 each,

they'll sell like hotcakes.

>> $30? A pound of rice is only 30 cents.

One shabby bamboo basket can buy nearly

100 pounds of rice. 10 baskets could

feed our whole family for a month.

>> Alora, don't worry about it. I'll

provide the materials.

All the money from sales goes to you.

Think of it as helping my shop add some

special products.

>> Chloe, since you think they're good

enough, I'll start with 10 baskets.

>> Great. It's a deal. Wait here.

I'll go get you the best bamboo strips

and tools.

>> 10 baskets.

That's almost $300.

Mom, Leo, our family is really going to

have better days ahead.

Just one more left.

>> This pattern is absolutely stunning.

It's perfect for putting my tea set in.

Boss, do you have any more? I want a

custom order. Three large ones as

storage baskets. Everyone, don't worry.

There's enough for everyone. I'll ask

the craftsman to speed up production.

Alora, look. All sold out. Here's your

money.

>> Ooh, all sold out.

Just half a day. These people from the

fairy realm, they've got more money than

sense.

>> How can a few worthless bamboo sticks be

worth so much money?

>> Not only are they sold out, but dozens

of people have pre-ordered.

Alora, however many you weave, I'll take

them all.

>> No, no.

Chloe, that's way too much.

Every day, I still have to work on the

estate.

If I spend all my time weaving, it'll

hold up the work for Mom and Mr.

Sterling.

>> What's the big deal?

I'll go talk to Julian and Mrs.

Sterling. I'll get you approved for 2

weeks of paid leave.

>> [music]

>> You won't have to do any chores. Just

focus on weaving baskets for me.

>> Thank you, Chloe. Thank you, Chloe.

2 weeks off work.

And still get paid.

And I can weave baskets to sell. Now I

can buy the family a lot of grain and

winter clothes.

>> Alora, what kind of divine treasure is

this?

>> It even glows. These are called toys,

things that immortal children play with.

Here, play with it.

>> Alora, this fabric is so nice.

It's even softer than the quilts the

landlords used to have. How much did

this cost, Alora? Tell me the truth.

Were you in the immortal realm doing

some dangerous job to earn so much

money?

I feel uneasy about this.

>> Mom, don't overthink it. All the things

I brought back, I got them by selling

bamboo baskets.

>> What? Bamboo baskets? The kind made from

the bamboo in our back hills? Those

shabby baskets can buy all these good

things?

>> It's true.

People in the immortal realm really like

this kind of handwoven basket. One

basket can trade for half a bag of rice.

>> Good heavens. This This is a windfall

from heaven.

>> Mom, I've made a decision. I've taken

many orders. I can't finish them alone.

If the whole family weaves bamboo

baskets together and earn some money, we

can build a new tile-roofed house, fix

your leg, and send Leo to school.

>> Great.

My hands may be old, but when it comes

to splitting bamboo, I still have some

strength. Let's all work together.

>> Mom, look. When you split it, keep your

wrist steady and even and follow the

grain of the bamboo, so the strips will

be all the same thickness and the basket

will be nice and smooth.

>> Oh, my hands are old and they just won't

obey me.

>> Mom, take your time. You'll get the hang

of it after a few more tries.

Leo, are you okay?

>> Elara, I'm fine. This little scratch is

nothing and I'm determined to learn.

>> The base is the hardest part as the

strips need to interlock so the basket

is sturdy and doesn't wobble. So, watch

carefully.

>> Elara, show me how.

Elara, this pattern is so unique.

It's like water ripples.

Layer upon layer.

>> My niece made this. She's got nimble

fingers. She learned the water ripple

pattern from Miss Hudson.

>> This is absolutely stunning. I'm going

to make it the star of the shop.

>> This is

This is a lost art, the water ripple

weaving technique. To think we could

still see such quality.

Authentic handmade craftsmanship.

Boss, I'll buy this bamboo basket. I'll

offer $5,000.

>> Elara,

those 120 bamboo baskets are all sold.

Here's the agreed payment. That's a

fortune.

The pattern I casually taught my niece

can actually be worth $5,000.

In the old days, this would be enough

for a wealthy family to buy several

maids.

Also, that water bamboo basket was

bought by a collector for $5,000. Here's

that $5,000, too.

Elara.

>> There are dozens more customers with

pre-orders.

>> We're going to make a killing.

Chloe, as for these orders, I can't take

on that many.

From now on, the delivery speed will be

slower.

>> Why though? Turning away money?

>> Chloe. Mom and Mr. Sterling have been

good to me.

I can't make money from bamboo baskets

and neglect my duties at the estate.

From now on, these bamboo baskets will

be woven mainly by my mom and my brother

back in our hometown.

I'll only weave a few in my spare time

after chores to help out.

>> Elara, I understand. It's okay. Quality

takes time. Good things are worth

waiting for.

>> I agree.

>> Boss.

I want the most drought-resistant,

highest-yielding seeds, the kind that'll

fill you up.

>> Miss, buy this hybrid corn and improved

potato seeds.

The corn is drought-resistant and the

potatoes are high-yielding. Pair them

with these bags of compound fertilizer

and you'll get a bumper harvest.

>> Leo.

>> Elara.

>> Don't bury the seeds too deep. Leave

some spacing.

Don't put the fertilizer directly on the

seeds, or it'll burn the seedlings.

>> Elara, what kind of magical crops are

you planting in your field? Good

heavens, how are these corn cobs so big?

What's that you dug out of the dirt?

>> Elara, what What of magic did you use?

Or what magical seeds did you plant?

>> Martha,

this is hybrid corn and improved

potatoes, high-yield seeds.

Martha, share these seeds with everyone

and have them give it a try. As long as

they follow my method, I guarantee no

one will ever go hungry again.

>> Elara, you really are the saint of our

village.

>> What did you say?

He's been hospitalized with acute

gastroenteritis.

Of all times.

Mr. Yamamoto is coming this afternoon to

discuss the partnership.

Do you know he's very particular about

tea ceremony? Because the tea master

wasn't up to par, we've already lost two

multi-million dollar deals.

Get in touch with all the other tea

masters right now. Even if you have to

bring one from another city, find me

someone who actually knows their stuff.

This project is absolutely critical to

the company. If we mess this up, a whole

year's work goes down the drain.

>> Sir, please have some tea.

>> This tea is better than any tea I've

ever had from top tea masters. It's

simply the best. This tea?

Who brewed it?

>> Sir, I brewed it myself.

>> You made it?

You studied tea ceremony?

>> Before, when I served in a wealthy

household, I learned a bit from Miss

Hudson, just the basics of the

traditional tea ceremony.

If you don't like it, I'll make a fresh

pot.

>> No, it's great.

Elara, this afternoon, a very important

client is coming. Can you do me a favor?

Could you help entertain him this

afternoon?

Brew tea for him.

Your tea brewing skills are better than

those of all the so-called masters out

there. If you help me out,

I'll owe you one.

>> Please, have some tea.

>> [music]

>> This is the most authentic, most perfect

traditional tea ceremony I've ever

experienced. Your tea brewing skills are

true art. Mr. Sterling, to have such a

tea master means your estate is

absolutely trustworthy.

This contract, I'll sign it.

Elara, we really owe you this time.

You've earned this.

>> Mr. Sterling, this is too much. I just

brewed a pot of tea.

>> Take it.

Not only that, starting today, you are

the acting butler of the estate in

charge of all the staff.

>> A B, a butler? How can I be the butler?

>> Everyone can see how capable you are.

Miss Hudson is getting old. I need you

to help her out from now on it's

settled.

>> Mr. Sterling, this what is this monster?

Can it run?

>> It's an electric scooter.

I notice every time you go shopping, you

have to carry such a heavy bag and walk

so far.

That's really tough. I got it just for

you.

From now on, just ride it when you go

out.

>> No way. I don't dare ride it. What if it

goes wild and bites?

>> See, this is the throttle.

Twist it slowly and it goes forward.

This is the brake. Squeeze it and it

stops. It's not dangerous at all. Give

it a try.

Twist it slowly.

>> Mr. Sterling, help.

>> Squeeze the brake.

>> Mr. Sterling, I think I've got it now.

>> Okay, try a lap on your own.

>> Mr. Sterling, I can actually ride it.

This iron horse from the heavens is

truly amazing.

With it, I can now bring back more grain

and supplies all at once. When Mom and

Leo see this, they'll freak out, too.

>> All 12 haute couture shops in the city

sent over 30 dresses, and not one is

presentable.

Either the styles are tacky, like a

nouveau riche, or the fabrics are so

cheap, I can't stand to look. How can I

wear

something like this to the annual

charity gala?

>> Ma'am,

what's wrong?

Are these dresses not to your liking?

>> The gala is coming up,

and I can't even find a decent gown.

Those so-called haute couture pieces are

all mass-produced, and the stuff they

turn out has no soul at all.

>> Alara,

in the songket weaving technique,

the hardest part is the water ripple

pattern. I'm passing this lost art on to

you.

You must remember it well.

>> Mom has been so good to me,

not only raising my wages,

but also paying for my treatment and

buying me things. If I can help out, it

would repay her kindness.

Ma'am,

if you don't mind, I can make a dress

for you.

>> Alara can barely even use a smartphone.

A modern sewing machine, she's probably

never even seen one. How could she make

an haute couture gown? Alara,

this isn't just any ordinary dress.

The gown for the gala has very high

standards.

>> Ma'am, please trust me. With just silk

thread and a loom, I can definitely make

a dress that will satisfy you.

>> Fine. Since you're so confident, I'll

trust you this once.

Whatever you need, just go ahead and buy

it, and I'll cover the cost.

This fabric from the fairy world is so

varied.

It feels so smooth and the colors are

bright. But it lacks cultural depth. It

can't achieve that flowing texture.

>> This girl must be staying up late again

working on the bamboo basket orders.

Pushing herself so hard. How can her

body handle it?

>> [music]

>> Alora, Mr. Sterling told me to bring you

some food. Stop weaving for now.

Go get some rest now.

>> Miss Hudson, just leave it there. Let me

finish this water ripple pattern and

then I'll eat.

>> Oh dear.

You've got blisters on your hands.

>> I'm okay.

Mom, the dress is ready. Please try it

on.

>> Did you really weave this by hand?

>> Ma'am, this is water ripple pattern song

brocade. Took some work.

Luckily, it didn't delay your gala.

>> This is so beautiful. I'll go try it on

now.

>> [music]

>> Oh my goodness.

Ma'am, that dress is absolutely

stunning.

You look like a fairy from heaven.

>> [music]

>> Mom,

this qipao is incredible.

The fabric's luster, the tailoring beats

those big-name haute couture by a mile.

>> [music]

>> Alora, this qipao is a work of art. Did

you actually make it?

>> Yes, I made it, Mr. Sterling.

>> Alora, you always manage to bring us

surprises.

>> Alora, tonight you're coming with me to

the charity gala.

>> Mom, how could I ever go to a place like

that? I'm just a nobody.

>> You are my most honored guest.

This dress will be the star of the whole

night. You made it, so you have to be

there.

>> Oh my gosh, what fabric is that? The

sheen is gorgeous. Just look at the

texture. It ripples like water. This

isn't your ordinary haute couture.

>> Which international master's new

creation is this?

>> Mrs. Sterling, the fabric of this gown

is absolutely unique. Could you tell us

what the material is?

>> [music]

>> Mrs. Sterling, tonight you look

absolutely stunning. This gown is

one-of-a-kind.

It really highlights your elegance.

Mrs. Sterling, my wife absolutely loves

this gown of yours.

Could you tell me where you had it made?

Mrs. Sterling, if possible, I'd be happy

to pay double the price to have that

designer create an identical gown for my

wife.

>> Mrs. Sterling, could you let me take a

closer look at this fabric?

>> Of course. Here you go.

>> This

This is the water ripple song brocade

lost for 300 years.

Everyone, the fabric of this Qipao is a

true intangible cultural heritage

treasure. The craft of water ripple song

brocade is extremely complex. It demands

incredible feel and precision from the

weaver. It's difficulty far exceeds any

modern mechanical technique.

This skill has been on the verge of

extinction. Even the Cultural Heritage

Institute could only find records in

ancient texts. I never imagined today

I'd see it with my own eyes. Mrs.

Sterling, on behalf of the Cultural

Heritage Institute, I'm willing to offer

$150,000 just to purchase the remaining

fabric scraps of this cheongsam as the

institute's centerpiece.

>> $150,000?

$150,000

just for scraps? Wearing this dress is

like wearing a museum piece.

>> Everyone, you've all been curious who

designed this dress.

Today, I'd like to introduce the weaver

and creator of this water ripple song

brocade cheongsam. She is standing right

next to me, this young lady, Alora.

Thank you.

>> Hello, this is Crestview Estate. What?

You're from Somo Couture brand, the

director?

>> They want to collaborate with Alora.

Miss Hudson, don't pick up.

All the top fashion brands and

collectors in the city have come

knocking on our door. They all want

custom pieces of Alora's song brocade.

Name your price.

Julian, Alora's song brocade is a total

hit.

I propose we set up a dedicated heritage

weaving studio for her.

Alora will be in charge of weaving, and

I'll handle operations and sales.

Together, we're a powerhouse.

>> This proposal is excellent. Intangible

cultural heritage really needs a better

platform to preserve and promote it. I

fully support this.

The largest wing in the back courtyard

isn't it vacant?

Clear it out immediately.

Get the best renovation crew to remodel

it.

>> This

Is this really prepared for me?

A weaving room?

Compared to the embroidery room the

master seamstresses used before, this is

a hundred times more spacious and

bright.

Mr. Sterling, Chloe, is this really for

me?

>> [music]

>> Of course.

From now on, this is your exclusive

studio. Whatever materials you need,

just let Chloe know.

>> Thank you, Mr. Sterling. Thank you,

Chloe.

I will definitely work hard.

>> [music]

>> I won't let you down.

>> Elara, come. You're the chief weaver, so

you do the ribbon cutting.

And off to a great start.

This is our first order.

A famous designer offers a high price to

customize a Song Brocade shawl as a gift

for his mother's 70th birthday. The

pattern must have a blessing and

longevity meaning and look elegant.

For a 70th birthday, the blessing and

longevity pattern is perfect, but it

can't be too tacky. So, we need to use

interwoven hidden patterns to embed the

bat and peach motifs within the water

ripple pattern.

>> Stunning. The blessing and longevity

pattern is subtle, understated, yet

luxurious. This craftsmanship is simply

exquisite.

Exquisite. The best birthday gift for

Mom.

>> Take care. Come again.

>> Elara, I had someone import the best

natural silk threads and dyes. From now

on, use these.

>> Thank you, Mr. Sterling.

>> This is this month's salary. I raised

your base pay plus commission. Keep it

safe.

>> Boss, these eco-friendly dyes, I want 20

different colors, 10 buckets each.

And these hand-weaving shuttles,

spindles, and bobbins, give me 10 sets.

>> [music]

>> Alara, what treasures have you brought

back from the fairy world this time?

What's this colorful water?

>> Alara, this is a shuttle for weaving,

right? How can it be so light and

smooth?

>> Mom,

these are dyes and weaving tools.

The cloth I wove in the fairy world, the

immortals loved it. Any one piece can

sell for a lot of money. It makes way

more money than weaving bamboo baskets.

>> Weaving? But the women in our village,

the coarse cloth they weave, the town's

fabric shop doesn't even want it.

>> Mom, don't worry.

These dyes I brought back are bright in

color.

And I'll also teach everyone the fairy

world's weaving method. Mom,

I want to open a weaving workshop at

home and hire all the ladies in the

village who can't get enough to eat and

teach them to weave and earn money. This

way, everyone can have enough to eat and

wear and no longer have to bow to those

rich landlords.

>> Good. Mom supports you. Our Alara has

made something of herself

>> and knows how to help the villagers now.

>> Alara, look, is this level? Pressure a

little more here.

The Su family's weaving workshop is

hiring. For any nimble and hardworking

women, we provide three meals and pay

monthly wages. No indenture contract

required. The wages are twice what the

town's cloth shops offer.

>> Three meals provided and twice the pay

of the town's cloth shops.

>> Did Alara just come into some money and

come back to show off.

Exactly. Who would believe such a good

deal? I bet it's a trick to get us to

sign an indenture and sell us to some

heartless landlord. It's definitely a

scam.

Ladies, I, Ellara, mean what I say.

Anyone who signs up will get a deposit

on the spot. I trust Ellara. Last time,

if it weren't for the fairy seeds she

gave, my husband would have starved to

death.

I'll sign up.

Martha, here's your deposit. 500 coins.

Please keep it safe.

It's almost lunchtime.

Martha, why don't you stay for a simple

meal?

Mhm.

Oh my, this white rice is so soft. The

meat is so delicious. Ellara's cooking

is better than any rich landlords.

Ellara, I'll sign up. I'm the quickest

with my hands.

I'll sign up, too. I know how to spin

thread.

Martha, you can't pull the thread too

tight. It'll break easily.

Right. The rhythm of pressing the pedal

needs to match the shuttle in your hand.

Ellara, I broke it again. Is it that

precious? Do I have to pay for it? It's

fine.

Everyone starts like this.

You'll get better with practice.

No need to pay.

>> Good fabric. What great fabric.

The color, the texture, absolutely

top-notch. Miss Ellara, I'll take all 50

bolts. I'll pay three times the market

price. From now on, whatever you weave,

I'll take it all.

>> Good heavens, in all my years, I've

never, with my own two hands, earned

this much money.

With this money, my kids won't have to

freeze this winter. Ellara, you are

truly the lifesaver of our entire

village.

>> [music]

[music]

>> Good times are here. Our Su family is

finally living well. Elara, this house

is really impressive.

I've never lived in one my whole life.

>> Such a nice house, new house, big house.

From now on, when it rains, we won't

have to worry about leaking.

>> It wasn't all for nothing me running

back and forth between two worlds.

As long as my family lives well, all my

hard work is worth it.

Leo, what's wrong? Is the food not to

your liking? Or are you feeling unwell?

>> No, Elara, the food is delicious.

>> Then why aren't you eating?

If something's bothering you, tell me.

>> Elara,

I I envy those kids in town who carry

backpacks and go to school.

I want to go to school to learn to read.

I want to learn skills.

Once I've learned enough, I can help

share your burden in the future. Then

you won't have to work so hard.

But,

I'm afraid the tutor's fees are too

expensive.

You work day and night. I'm afraid all

the money you work so hard for will be

spent.

>> Leo is so considerate. He knows to care

about Elara, but school is expensive.

Our family now, though a bit better off,

still has to spend wisely.

In the modern world, kids their age are

all in bright classrooms studying.

Since I can go to the modern world and

earn money, I absolutely cannot let Leo,

Xiaohui, Xiaoying, and the others stay

illiterate their whole lives.

Leo, listen to me.

I work my butt off to make money just to

let you all live a good life.

To me, you learning to read and write is

what matters most. As long as you want

to learn, I don't care how much it

costs.

>> Alara, you you agree to let me go to the

tutor?

>> Not only will I send you, I'll also take

your two younger sisters to school with

us.

>> [screaming]

>> Us girls, can we go to school, too?

>> Of course you can. Who says girls can't

read and write? As long as the tutor

agrees to take you, I'll cover all your

tuition.

>> Auntie is the best. We're going to

school, Alara.

Thank you. I'll study hard, pass the

exams, and make it up to you.

>> Alara, you've had it tough, taking on

all this family's burdens and carrying

it all on your own.

>> Mom, I'm fine.

Seeing them succeed makes it all worth

it.

Leo,

tomorrow morning, I'll take you all to

town to find the best tutor.

We'll get the school stuff sorted first

so you can start classes soon.

>> Wow, did the Su family strike gold? Not

long ago, they lived in a broken shack

that couldn't even keep the wind out.

How did they build a big brick house in

the blink of an eye?

Alara must have made a fortune outside.

Bah, she's just a country bumpkin. How

come she lives better than me?

I'm going to find out where she got the

money.

>> I've been watching Alara for days. This

little brat, every few days, she lugs a

big bag

>> into Blackwood Mountain

>> and comes back empty-handed.

>> Blackwood Mountain's got nothing.

>> What the hell is she doing there?

>> No brainer. She must be in the mountains

digging up some rare treasure or she hid

the huge fortune she made in a cave.

>> Tyson, what do we do now?

>> What the hell else can we do? Tomorrow,

we'll secretly follow her into the

mountains.

>> Once we find where she hides the money,

>> we'll make our move and take all the

money.

Not only will we get rich, but I'll also

get revenge for that kick she gave me.

Here she comes.

Follow me.

Step lightly. Don't let her see us.

>> [music]

>> Tyson, isn't that the dry well? What's

she doing here?

>> Shut up. Just watch.

>> Tyson, she She jumped into the well.

And what's that blue light?

>> What the hell?

No ordinary person could have done that.

>> I've heard the village elders say that a

man-eating monster lives in that ancient

well. Alora is definitely not human.

She's a witch.

>> Right. She must have made a deal with

the monster in the ancient well, trading

our village's lifespans for that grain

and money.

Run. If we don't run, the monster will

come out and eat us.

I have to spread this huge secret around

and let the whole village know she's a

witch.

Something terrible has happened. Folks,

something terrible has happened.

>> Tyson, what's gotten into you? Why are

you yelling in broad daylight?

>> I saw it with my own eyes.

That Alora, she's a witch.

The ancient well on Blackwood Mountain

is a cursed well.

She jumped into it and a blue demon

light shot out. The reason she got rich

overnight, built that big tile-roofed

house, is because she sold the vital

energy of the whole village to the demon

in the well.

Old man Lee, didn't you lose two

chickens a few days ago? And Agnes,

didn't your little Bao come down with a

cold the day before yesterday?

>> That's right. But what's that got to do

with Elara?

>> Of course it does. It's a sign that her

evil aura has entered the village.

Elara's evil aura has killed off all the

poultry in the village, and even the

children are not spared. If we don't

stop her, the demon will drain

everyone's vital energy.

>> Oh my, I knew it. How could a young girl

make that much money? She must have used

black magic.

>> Oh, that's terrifying. What are we going

to do?

>> Lou, just back from the fields. Huh.

>> [music]

>> What's going on with everyone? Why is

everyone avoiding me?

Why haven't the weavers shown up for

work?

Who's there? Agnes.

>> It's me, Elara.

I had little Bao caught a chill. I

brought some effective medicine.

Agnes,

don't listen to Tyson's nonsense.

I earn every penny through my own

efforts, weaving brocade, weaving bamboo

baskets, and selling them for

hard-earned money. There's no such thing

as monsters.

Little Bao just has a common cold from

catching a chill. Take some medicine and

sweat it out. He'll be fine.

>> That girl Elara has a heart of gold.

She delivers grain, teaches us weaving.

How could she be a witch?

>> Exactly. It must be Tyson.

He's jealous of her success and

deliberately badmouthing her.

Just cooperate with me and put on an

act. And insist that Elara is a witch.

After it's done, there will be a

generous reward.

>> Leave it to me.

By the gods, I command. I I opened my

third eye. Villagers, [music]

this village is full of evil energy.

That Alora has been possessed by a

thousand-year-old demon from the ancient

well.

We must immediately capture this witch

and throw her into the ancient well as a

sacrifice. Only then can we appease the

demon's wrath and save the entire

village.

Otherwise, within 3 days, everyone in

the village will die.

>> Neighbors, the witch doctor has spoken.

For our village, the lives of everyone,

young and old, we cannot keep this

witch. Come with us. Let's go capture

Alora.

>> Catch the witch and sacrifice her to the

ancient well to save the village.

>> Neighbors, please have mercy. Alora is

not a witch. She's a good person.

All the money she earns is hard-earned

and clean.

It's all for this family to help the

villagers.

>> Old hag, you know nothing.

She's trading our lives for that money.

Get out of here now.

>> Or I'll deal with you, too. Don't you

dare touch my mom. Alora is not a

monster.

That hurts.

>> Leo.

I'm not a monster. I've never harmed any

of you. Why won't you believe me?

>> Burn the witch.

Throw her into the dry well.

>> Staying any longer won't save me, and

it'll put Mom and the nieces in even

greater danger.

I have to lead them away.

Mom, lock the door.

Don't come out, no matter what.

>> Go after her. Don't let the witch

escape.

>> Leo, hang in there. I'll take you

somewhere safe.

>> Witch, you can't escape.

>> What do I do?

There's no way to run.

I have to take a gamble.

>> Move the rocks. Seal this cursed well

tight. Crush her. Make sure she never

comes back.

My foot.

>> I really brought Leo through.

The ancient well must be reading my

mind.

I was thinking of bringing Leo here, and

Leo came with me.

Leo.

Leo, are you okay?

Let me see your head.

>> Alora, it doesn't hurt.

Where is this?

>> Alora?

>> This. What's going on?

>> Ancient clothes?

People appearing out of nowhere?

A glowing ancient well?

Alora doesn't recognize modern currency.

Scared of electrical appliances. Knows

lost ancient book restoration and song

brocade weaving. I see.

>> Mr. Sterling, Mom, I deserve to die.

I've been keeping the truth from you. I

am not from this world.

I will tell you everything.

About falling into the ancient well in

ancient times and traveling between two

worlds. I'll tell you all of it.

I only beg you to have mercy and save my

brother.

The great drought.

The master kicked our family out. I was

desperate.

While digging for wild vegetables on

Blackwood Mountain, I fell into the

ancient well. That's how I arrived at

Mr. Sterling's estate.

By traveling between two worlds, I used

the wages from Mr. and Mrs. Sterling to

buy grain to take back and support my

family.

I didn't mean to deceive you all. I just

wanted my mom and brother to survive.

Oh, sweetie. get up. You've suffered so

much. Why didn't you tell us sooner?

Don't be afraid.

Let me treat your wound. It'll stop

hurting soon.

>> Thank you, Fairy Godmother.

>> Eat up. This is chocolate.

It's sweet.

This isn't heaven.

This is called the modern world. We're

simply living in an era thousands of

years after yours.

Elara, don't worry.

We won't kick you out

nor treat you like monsters.

As long as you're willing, Crestview

Estate will always be your safe haven.

>> Thank you, Mr. Sterling. Thank you,

ma'am.

>> Elara, this iron box runs faster than a

horse. Does it eat people?

>> Don't be scared, Leo.

It's called a car. Mr. Sterling uses it

to get around.

It doesn't eat people.

>> Leo, this iron box drinks oil. It

doesn't eat people. We'll be at the

hospital soon.

Let the doctor check your foot.

>> Elara, there's someone in there who

looks just like me.

>> What is he doing?

Leo, that's called a mirror.

That's you in there.

>> Come on.

Let's go in and touch it.

>> I can't feel anyone. It's cold.

Elara, that big box, what's inside it?

The colors are so pretty.

>> That's called a vending machine. There

are drinks inside.

>> So sweet. Better than sugar water.

>> Does it hurt?

>> A little.

>> Mr. Sterling, the bones are fine.

Just a mild sprain.

Just apply some medicine, rest a few

days, and you'll be fine.

The wound on the forehead has been

treated.

Just change the dressing on time.

>> Okay. Thank you, doctor.

>> Elara, look. That little person ran into

that square box.

>> That's a TV.

The people inside aren't real. You can't

catch them. Here, here's a toy for you.

>> Thank you, Mr. Sterling. This magical

world is amazing.

I wonder how Mom, Mia, and Lily are

doing back home.

That lowlife Tyson is definitely not

going to let this go.

The villagers have been fooled again.

Mom's legs aren't that great. What if

they break into the house?

>> Elara, you've been on edge all day. Are

you worried about what's happening at

home?

>> Mr. Sterling, I left in such a hurry. I

left Mom and my two nieces at home all

alone.

I'm afraid Tyson will lead a mob to

break down the door. I'm scared they'll

bully my mom.

>> Don't worry. Once Leo's foot is stable,

I'll go back with you.

>> You

You're coming back to ancient times with

me?

>> Yes.

The reason Tyson is so bold is that he's

exploiting the villagers' superstitions.

I'll go back with you, help you clear up

the misunderstanding, and protect your

family.

>> Mr. Sterling, thank you.

For your great kindness, I, Elara, could

never fully repay you, even if I gave my

life.

>> Put your mind at ease.

Take good care of Leo.

>> How could this happen? What's wrong with

the ancient well?

>> The passage is extremely unstable.

It could collapse at any moment.

>> Collapse?

Does that mean

I can never go back? Mom, Mia, Lily, I

can't just abandon them.

>> Elara, calm down. Jumping down now is

too dangerous.

You could get swept into a time-space

vortex.

>> I don't care.

If the passage collapses, my family is

done for. Tyson will beat them to death.

I have to go back.

>> Alora, look at me. Don't be scared. I

said I'd go back with you and I'll

protect you and keep your family safe.

>> But the passage isn't there.

>> No buts.

Wait here for 5 minutes.

Mom, you stay home and take care of Leo.

Be ready to back us up anytime.

>> Julian, you two be careful.

>> Ready?

>> Uh-huh.

>> Hold on to me. Don't let go for

anything.

>> That's my mom's voice.

>> Let's go.

>> SMASH. SMASH THIS WITCH'S DEN TO PIECES.

Let's see her try to hurt anyone now.

>> Stop. Please, stop. Mom.

>> Stop.

In broad daylight, don't you have any

respect for the law?

>> You. What the hell are you? Why are you

dressed so weird? You must be from that

well, a monster crawling out of it.

Everybody, hit him.

>> Ignorant.

>> Uh, my eyes. I'm blind.

Divine artifact.

It's divine magic.

Spare me, immortal.

>> Everyone, please get up. I am no

immortal.

And this is no artifact.

I come from a faraway place. She's no

witch.

All this time, the food and money she

brought back

she earned all by herself with her own

two hands.

She wove cloth and bamboo baskets and

traded them in my hometown.

>> But, Tyson said she jumped into the blue

glowing well.

>> That well connects our two hometowns.

It's not a demon well.

Everything Elara has done

has been for her family

and for your entire village so you can

have enough food and clothes.

I know you still have doubts. Tonight,

I'll use facts to prove it all to you.

Now, everyone, please go for now.

>> Mr. Sterling, thank you.

>> Go comfort your mom and the kid.

Tonight, we'll settle this once and for

all.

Let's begin.

>> Good heavens.

Is that the glazed pavilion where

immortals live?

How can it be so tall?

Those metal boxes are running so fast.

Faster than any horse.

>> Look, a big bird flying in the sky.

>> That's iron bird with wings.

It can actually fly.

Good heavens.

Is this heaven?

>> So much grain piled up like a mountain.

That'll last us forever. If our village

had this much grain, so many people

wouldn't have starved.

>> Folks, this isn't heaven.

This is my hometown. It's called the

modern world.

There is no magic there.

Only advanced technology.

The cars and airplanes you see are all

made by people.

These are vehicles.

The place where Elara went is right

there.

In my hometown, with her own hands,

using the bamboo from your village, she

weaves bamboo baskets and weaves song

brocade.

People in the modern world love these

handicrafts very much, so she earned

money.

With that money, she bought rice,

medicine, and clothes, and brought them

back to the village.

It's all so you can have a better life.

All her wealth is clean and honest,

legally earned.

In this world, there is no such thing as

a demon well, and there is certainly no

monster that sucks people's vital

energy.

Everything was just malicious lies made

up by Tyson to steal your property.

>> Thank you.

>> There really is such a magical place.

>> That girl, Elara, has seen the big

world.

>> We were such fools.

How could we believe Tyson's damn lies?

We nearly got Elara's family killed.

>> Neighbors, Elara brought us food and

medicine, taught us to weave and earn

money. Without her, my honey would have

died of illness long ago.

She's our villagers'

benefactor.

How can we treat her as a witch and hunt

her down?

>> That's right. Elara even gave my family

some fabric.

>> Treating her like this, we were blinded

by greed.

It's all that damn Tyson's fault.

He was jealous of Elara's success and

stirred us up.

>> Elara,

I've let you down. I failed to protect

your mother and your brother.

You've suffered so much.

>> Elara, [snorts] we were foolish. We

believed Tyson's lies. Please be

generous and forgive us.

>> Martha, Lou, please don't.

Now that we've cleared things up, it's

all good. As long as you trust me from

now on, we'll be like before, weaving

together, making bamboo baskets

together,

all of us, earning money together and

living well.

>> It's over. All over. That little brat

actually has immortal backing. The

villagers know the truth now.

>> Tyson, the whole village is saying

they'll get you. Just now, Leesy saw me

and spat at me. He said he'd beat me

every time he sees me.

>> Close the door. Barricade it. Don't open

it for anyone.

>> Mr. Sterling, can we really get water

out of this spot?

>> I checked it yesterday. Underneath this

old locust tree, there's a junction of

underground water veins.

There's plenty of water. If

If we just drill down, we'll definitely

get water.

>> This iron contraption is amazing. If it

really can bring up water, our crops

will be saved.

>> Secure the drill bit and get ready to

start.

>> Stop. Stop, I say. You can't dig here.

What do you think you're doing?

Digging under the old locust tree?

This will bring divine punishment upon

us.

>> Ray, old man Advance,

don't be upset. Mr. Sterling is drilling

a well for our village. Once we get

water, everyone will have water to

drink.

>> Outrageous.

This locust tree is the spiritual

balance tree of our village. It has

protected our village for centuries.

Digging under it will disturb the

spiritual balance. It will bring great

disasters and cause calamity for the

whole village.

>> Sir, scientific drilling won't harm the

spiritual balance. There's an

underground water vein here.

As long as we avoid the main roots, it

won't affect the tree.

>> Scientific water vein?

The rules handed down by our ancestors

cannot be broken.

Touch a single leaf of this tree, and

I'll die right here.

Go ahead. If you've got the guts, run

over my old bones and get it over with.

>> Mr. Sterling, these elders have been

stubborn their whole lives. They won't

listen to reason.

I'm afraid we can't drill the well.

But the crops in the fields will all

wither if we don't water them soon.

>> Although the idea of spiritual balance

lacks scientific proof, the old locust

tree is indeed the spiritual anchor of

the villagers.

Forcing construction will only intensify

the conflict. We must find a solution

that satisfies everyone. Elara, I have

an idea.

It can both protect the old locust tree

and successfully get water.

Elders, I've got a compromise. We won't

dig the well right under the roots.

3 m away from the tree

we'll dig a shallow pit first and see if

there's water.

I promise

we won't touch a single root of the old

locust tree. If no water comes out we'll

stop right away and leave.

If water does come out it means even the

old locust tree wants the village to

have water.

We're borrowing the lay lines to bring

in fresh water.

What do you all think?

>> Well, as long as we don't disturb the

roots, I guess it's all right.

Then let's do it your way.

First, dig a shallow pit and give it a

try. If you dare harm the spiritual

balance, we'll fight you to the death.

10 m down, we've hit damp soil.

Water.

It's really water. Sweet. It's sweet

well water.

The old locust tree has blessed us. The

spiritual balance is fine. The old

locust tree has granted us water. Dig.

Keep digging.

Mr. Sterling, Elara, before we were a

few old fools getting confused. We were

wrong about you.

You are our village's real life savers.

You flatter us, sir. The important thing

is everyone has water.

>> Great.

From now on, no one will ever die of

thirst because there's no water.

>> Mayor, the well is already dug. I

brought these from my hometown,

high-yield corn and potato seeds.

They're not just drought-resistant.

They yield three to four times wheat's.

If the whole village switches to these

crops, everyone will have enough to eat

this winter.

>> Mr. Sterling,

we're grateful for the water, but we

can't just grow anything.

This cob-like thing, hard as a rock,

looks like animal feed. Exactly.

>> Our ancestors grew wheat for

generations.

Who'd ever eat these dirt clots as a

staple food?

>> Mr. Sterling,

the villagers are all free to take the

risk.

Wheat has low yields, but at least we

can grind it into flour.

These new crops, nobody dares to try

them.

>> Mayor, this corn and these potatoes,

they really are edible. In Mr.

Sterling's hometown, I ate them every

day.

>> Alara, don't bother convincing us. We

can't bet our families' lives on this.

>> They don't believe us.

Then we'll just grow it and show them.

Actions speak louder than words.

>> Mhm. Once we grow a good crop, they'll

change their minds.

>> This is modern compound fertilizer.

It makes crops grow faster and stronger.

>> I'll come every day to water the fields.

I won't let these seeds dry out.

They're growing so well.

At least our hard work's paid off.

>> Wow, these things grow fast.

Look at those stalks, bigger than a

calf. With such lush leaves, what could

be growing underground?

>> What's the use of looking good?

Humans can't eat it anyway.

I think Alara's wasting her time.

>> When harvest time comes, you'll see

whether it's animal feed.

>> Elara, look at these potatoes. They're

bigger than my fist.

>> The yield

compared to the wheat we used to grow is

more than three times as much.

>> Good heavens, such a small plot of land

produced so much food.

>> They look good, but I wonder

>> if they're edible.

>> Folks, sit down and have a taste of what

you called livestock feed.

>> I trust Elara, so I'll go first.

And oh my, this turnip cake is so sweet

and tasty, even better than white

steamed buns.

>> These potatoes are soft and creamy,

soaked in meat broth, and so delicious.

Smelling so good. If we could eat this

every day, who would want to chew on

those dry wheat cakes?

>> [music]

>> Mr. Sterling, Elara, we were

short-sighted before and didn't know a

good thing when we saw it. This crop not

only has a high yield, but also tastes

so good.

Elara,

as for this corn and potatoes, how

exactly do you grow them, and could you

please teach us?

>> Right.

As long as we can grow these high-yield

crops, our village will never go hungry

again.

>> Everyone, don't worry, as I've prepared

the seeds

and Elara will personally teach everyone

how to plant them.

>> Folks, don't you worry, because as long

as everyone is willing to work, I

guarantee that next year every family's

granary will be overflowing.

>> Folks,

our village has now grown high-yield

crops, woven song brocade, and made

bamboo baskets.

But to make lasting profits, we can't

work separately. We got to pull

together.

>> Mr. Sterling's right. Before, we each

worked on our own, Production was low

and things were hard to sell.

>> So, I propose that the whole village

establish the Through the Ages

Cooperative.

From now on, all agricultural products

and handicrafts will be managed by the

cooperative and shipped together through

the passage to my hometown.

>> So, how do we split the money? People

work at different speeds and skill

levels vary.

>> The cooperative pays based on work, more

work, more pay. As long as you work more

and do a good job, you'll earn more.

We'll also set up a quality control

post. Anything that's not up to standard

will be sent back to be redone.

>> This method is fair. Nobody can slack

off and take advantage.

>> Not only that, the cooperative will take

20% of the profits as public funds for

the village to build roads, schools, and

hire doctors.

>> Since everyone agrees,

then we need to elect a person in

charge.

For the director of this cooperative, I

nominate Alora.

>> I agree.

Alora taught us farming and weaving.

She's fair and we trust her.

>> If anyone other than Alora becomes the

director, I won't accept it.

>> Alora, our village's success today is

all thanks to you and Mr. Sterling.

Please don't decline.

>> Alora, you'll be in charge of village

production, quality control, and

personnel management. I'll handle

connections in the modern world and

sales to supermarkets and cultural

stores. If we divide the work and

cooperate, we can definitely run the

cooperative well.

>> All right. Since you all trust me, I,

Alora, will give it my all to bring

everyone a better life.

Mrs. Wang, the hem of this water ripple

pattern needs to be a bit tighter.

>> Customers in the modern world have high

standards for details. We can't afford

to be careless.

>> Don't worry, director. I'll redo it

right now. I guarantee it'll be

flawless.

>> Julian, Alora,

good news.

I just signed with a major supermarket

chain.

They ordered 100,000 pieces of our

bamboo baskets of our bamboo baskets

as packaging for mid-autumn gift boxes.

100,000 pieces.

Right.

And the deposit has already been paid.

As long as we deliver in half a month,

the balance will be settled right away.

Since the cooperative was founded, this

is the first big order.

>> Time's a bit tight.

Elara, can the village make it on time?

>> Yes, absolutely. Everyone's full of

energy now. Everyone's working with

great drive, working day and night.

We'll definitely deliver these 100,000

baskets. Absolutely, we'll deliver them.

We'll get these 100,000 bamboo baskets

out.

>> Great. Great. Great. That's 100,000

pieces, paid by the piece. How much more

money will we make? But time's too

tight. Hey, what do you think of this

weaving?

As long as it can hold stuff.

Okay. As long as it looks like a basket,

it's fine if it can hold things.

The modern customers don't know a thing

about ancient craftsmanship. Skip a few

bamboo strips in a day, we can weave

over a dozen more.

Mr. Sterling, Miss Chloe, are you trying

to pawn off this garbage on me?

>> Mr. Brooks, please let me explain. These

might just be a few defective ones.

>> A few? I just spot-checked over a dozen,

different sizes, loose weaving, and they

can't even meet the basic load

requirement. Our supermarket uses them

to pack premium mooncakes. With this

quality, if the mooncakes fall, who's

responsible? If they fall, whose fault?

Whose fault?

>> Mr. Brooks, there's indeed a problem

with this batch.

It's our negligence.

>> Cut the crap.

>> Enough.

>> I'm rejecting this shipment, but the

contract, you've got to refund the full

deposit and pay double the penalty.

What's going on?

Director, why so angry?

>> Folks, do you have any idea what a

disaster you've caused?

This is what you work day and night for,

these things.

Cutting corners, shoddy workmanship. The

client rejected it on the spot, demanded

a full refund, and demanded penalty.

You want it to deliver faster, and you

want it to earn more money. Integrity is

the cooperative's foundation. You, for

some quick petty gains, destroyed the

reputation that everyone worked so hard

to build. Today, this responsibility

must be shouldered by someone.

Since these bamboo baskets are

substandard, we absolutely cannot keep

them. They're an embarrassment.

The reputation of the cooperative was

built by everyone splitting bamboo and

weaving each strip one by one.

We cannot let a moment of greed destroy

it.

The client demanded double the penalty,

which is a huge sum.

>> Elara,

we could sell everything we own and

still not afford it.

>> This penalty, you don't have to pay.

I'm the director of the cooperative.

I dropped the ball on quality. It's on

me. As for all the compensation,

I will cover it all by myself.

>> Elara, we were blinded by greed. Just to

earn a few extra cents, we ruined

everyone's hard work.

You can't pay this alone.

>> Elara, I let you down. You've led us to

a better life, and we've caused you such

a big mess.

Director, we were wrong. We're willing

to redo the work for free. We'll never

cut corners again.

>> Everyone, please get up.

What Elara smashed wasn't the bamboo

baskets, but the dangerous wishful

thinking.

Since everyone has already realized

their mistake, the cooperative hasn't

collapsed yet.

As for the penalty,

Elara and I will find a way to make it

up. But on the client's side, I've

already won one last chance.

As long as we can, within 10 days,

deliver 100,000 truly qualified,

well-crafted bamboo baskets, the client

is willing to waive the penalty.

>> Sir, you mean it?

>> Mhm.

But this time, there cannot be any

flaws.

>> Mr. Sterling, Elara, don't you worry.

Even if we have to work 10 days and 10

nights without sleep, we will still

weave the best bamboo baskets.

If anyone dares to slack off, they can

get out of the village.

Back to work.

This one's no good. Weave uneven. It

won't look good woven.

>> Even if my hands bleed, we got to

tighten this rim.

Li Zhu, this base is missing a crossbar.

It can't hold the weight. Take it apart

and redo it.

>> Yes, director. I'll take it apart and

reweave it now.

>> No shortcuts. Mr. Sterling, this is your

last shot. If there's one more defective

product, we'll see you in court.

>> Mr. Brooks, inspect all you want. Mr.

Brooks, these bamboo baskets are

perfectly sized, and the weave is

incredibly intricate. It's authentic

ancient craftsmanship. Compared to

machine-made ones, they're even stronger

and more beautiful.

>> The pattern, the feel.

>> Mr. Sterling, Ms. Elara, I never thought

in just half a month, you not only made

up for the full 100,000 units, but every

single one of them is a true work of

art.

>> Mr. Brooks,

we were wrong before,

but this time, our whole village worked

day and night to show our deepest

apology.

>> Good, Ms. Elara. Because of your honesty

and skill,

the penalty is waived. This is our

supermarket's annual procurement letter

of intent for next year. As long as you

keep up this level of quality, your

orders will double.

>> Mr. Brooks,

pleasure doing business with you.

>> The cooperative is saved. The villagers'

hard work paid off.

With this long-term contract, everyone's

future is truly secure.

>> Elara, Mr. Sterling, you've really

brought our village great blessings.

This poor mountain valley now has such a

magnificent school.

>> The school's built, but no teacher's

willing to come to teach in this remote

backwater place.

>> I've offered a very high salary to

recruit teachers.

But those scholars, once they hear it's

at the foot of Blackwood Mountain, all

find it too remote and backward.

>> Alora, so we still can't learn to read

and write?

>> [snorts]

>> Don't worry. I'll think of something.

Every day, the children wait at the

school gate, staring longingly at the

blackboard. It breaks my heart seeing

that.

No teacher?

Then we'll teach them.

>> Chloe, don't be silly.

Your creative shop still has a ton of

stuff to deal with.

>> Julian, I've already hired a manager to

run it. It doesn't need me watching over

it every day.

Besides, I studied education in college.

Teaching those kids reading and drawing

is no problem at all.

>> Chloe's right. I'm also free anyway.

When I was young, I also taught in the

countryside. We can take turns teaching

the children. So they can go to school

normally.

>> Mom, Chloe, are you really willing to

put up with hardship in our place?

>> Alora, helping those kids read and write

and change their lives is a good deed

that brings blessings.

How is that hardship?

The children from ancient times have no

foundation. We need to start with the

basics, the alphabet and math.

And we should add some moral education.

>> I'll teach them manners and right from

wrong.

>> Mom, I'll be in charge of art and music.

I want to teach them to draw the world

outside and sing modern nursery rhymes.

I'll make sure their classroom is lively

and fun.

>> Great. Together, let's bring the best of

modern education to the kids of the

ancient village.

Children, repeat after me.

>> Ah.

Ah.

Leo's writing is excellent.

>> [music]

>> From now on, you will be our class

monitor. You should help other

classmates more.

>> Yes, Mrs. Sterling. I'll study hard and

make you and Alora proud.

>> Everyone, follow my lead.

>> Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I

wonder what you are. Twinkle, twinkle,

little star.

>> For today's art class, let's all draw

what we want most in our hearts.

>> Wow.

Mrs. Sterling, I drew a big steamed bun.

When I grow up, I want to eat white

flour buns every day.

>> Good job.

From now on, not only will there be

buns, but also meat and candy.

You'll have everything you want.

>> Mrs. Sterling, this metal box, can it

really move on its own?

>> Of course. It's called a car. It has an

engine inside, and it runs faster than a

horse.

>> Mrs. Sterling, is the outside world

really filled with such tall, tall

buildings?

>> Yeah, they're dozens of stories high.

Standing on top, you can see very far

away.

Study hard, and one day you can go see

for yourselves.

>> Mr. Sterling, look. The village children

no longer have to spend all day herding

sheep and farming. The light in their

eyes has changed.

>> Knowledge can change destiny.

Alora, you've not only saved your

family, but also changed the future of

the entire village.

>> Alora,

the clinic's been open for a month.

Just for minor scrapes.

The village elders, none of them will

come for treatment.

>> Mom, the village elders have been

superstitious their whole lives. They

believe that getting sick is offending

the spirits. They only trust the witch

doctor's magic potion and those folk

remedies.

Your modern medicine and equipment,

they're terrified of them.

>> That won't do. A minor illness will

become serious. It could be fatal.

[music]

Such deep-rooted prejudice can only be

changed slowly. You can't rush it.

>> Ouch.

It's killing me.

It feels like my intestines are

twisting.

>> Honey, quick, drink this medicine.

>> Old Meg just brewed it.

>> Fairy herb soup. Drink it and you'll be

fine.

>> This is evil spirits entering the body.

Drink my fairy herb and the evil spirits

will retreat.

>> Honey, don't scare me.

>> This is classic acute appendicitis and

it's already showing signs of

perforation. We need to operate

immediately.

If he keeps drinking that stuff, it'll

kill him.

>> Sir, surgery?

What is surgery?

>> It means cutting open his belly and

removing the diseased part of the

intestine.

>> I'm not going.

Cutting open my belly?

Can a person survive that?

I'd rather die in pain than go.

>> Exactly. Cutting open the belly and the

vital energy will dissipate.

This is witchcraft.

>> Martha, do you trust me? Have I ever

harmed anyone?

As for Arthur's illness, the clinic's

medicine can no longer cure it.

We must go to a modern hospital.

>> Elara, I trust you.

>> But I'm scared. Martha, if we delay any

further, Arthur won't make it through

tonight.

Only by letting him see firsthand the

effects of modern medicine can everyone

completely break down their prejudice.

>> Martha, forgive me.

>> Ma'am, let's take Arthur away.

>> [screaming]

>> Ma'am, hold on. We have to save Arthur.

Hurry, faster.

>> Don't worry, modern hospitals are really

good at appendectomies. Arthur's going

to be fine.

The surgery went great.

He got here just in time.

The appendectomy was a breeze.

>> Once the anesthesia wears off, he can be

moved to a regular ward to recover.

>> Thank you, doctor.

Thanks, doctor. Wonderful. Now we can

finally convince the villagers.

Honey, you were this close to death.

You barely made it.

>> Arthur, I heard they opened your belly.

Doesn't it hurt at all? They cut out a

piece of your intestine. How can you

still be so full of energy?

>> Not a bit.

The doctor gave me a shot.

I slept through it, and when I woke up,

the pain was gone.

>> That witch doctor's potion?

It's nothing but poison.

From now on, if anyone gets sick, go

straight to the clinic and see Dr.

Sterling.

Now that's real medicine that saves

lives.

They can fix an open belly.

This Western medicine is incredible.

From now on, we can't pretend we're not

sick anymore.

>> Take this medicine three times a day.

After meals.

Okay, everyone, remember, wash your

hands before meals and after using the

toilet. You got to boil well water

before drinking it. There are bugs in

raw water, you know. Drink it and you'll

get a stomach ache.

If there are leftovers, make sure to

heat them up all the way before eating.

Eleanor, try to open your eyes.

Elara. I can see clearly now. I can see

your face. You've lost weight and gotten

darker.

>> Mom, can you really see?

>> Mom, look at me, over here.

>> Grandma, what about us?

>> I can see. I can see you all.

My precious children.

>> Director, with this year's harvest, the

whole village can eat all they want and

it'll last 3 years.

>> It's all because of everyone's hard work

and better days are still ahead.

With mom's eyesight back, Leo doing

great in school,

and my two nieces no longer going hungry

or cold,

those days on the brink of life and

death and the bitter struggles

are finally behind us.

>> Julian, you really went and customized

this ring. Are you going to propose to

Alora?

>> Yeah, watching her build up the village

so well and seeing her smile in the

sunlight, I realized I don't want to

wait another moment.

I will use the village harvest festival

to confess my love to her

and let everyone know

that I love her.

>> That is so romantic, Julian.

I'm with you and she'll definitely say

yes.

>> Hope it all goes well.

>> Alora, today's a great day. At this time

of harvest, I have something very

important to tell you.

>> Mr. Sterling.

>> Alora, meeting you across a thousand

years

is the greatest luck of my life.

I've seen your tenacity in fighting for

your family.

I've seen you bravely stand up against

prejudice.

And I've seen you lead the whole village

with kindness to a better life.

I don't care which area you come from,

nor do I care about the years that

separate us.

I only know I want to protect you

forever,

protect your family,

and protect this village you love so

much.

Alora, will you marry me and be my wife?

>> Yes, I will.

>> Great. Mr. Sterling and Alora are truly

a match made in heaven.

>> May you have a hundred years of

happiness. May you have children soon.

Great.

>> Great. Alora has finally found her true

home.

>> First, bow to heaven and earth. Second,

bow to your parents. All right.

>> Please rise, Julian, Alora.

Support each other from now on and grow

old together.

>> Husband and wife, bow to each other.

The ceremony is complete.

Escort to the bridal chamber.

>> Dear villagers, we finished the ancient

rituals.

Now, it's time for our modern blessings.

Wishing Julian and Alora a happy wedding

and eternal happiness.

Cheers, everyone.

>> Here, have some wedding candy to share

the joy.

>> Alora, Mr. Sterling, our whole family

stayed up three nights straight to weave

this safety basket. May you always be

safe.

>> Thank you all. These are the best

potatoes from our village fields.

Wishing you a thriving life.

Thank you all.

Thanks, everyone.

>> Come, come. Everyone look at the camera.

Smile.

>> Cheese.

>> Time-lapse. Time-lapse video. Portrait.

Pan.

>> [music]

[music]

>> Why is this pasta all curly? And it's

sweet and sour.

>> This is called spaghetti.

You twirl it around the fork.

>> Like this.

>> This foreign liquor's got a nice color,

but it's not as strong as our village's

liquor. Now, that's got a kick.

>> Today, everyone is gathered together.

This first toast goes to kindness. It's

Alora's kindness that led her travel

across a thousand years, save her

family, and change the village.

>> [music]

>> This second toast goes to food.

No matter the era, being able to feed

and clothe people is the greatest

blessing.

This third toast is, of course, for

Julian and Alora, for their

millennium-spanning fairy-tale romance.

>> To everyone, [music]

to our two worlds protecting each other

and prospering together for a beautiful

future.

>> Cheers.