Original subtitles

(One day ago)

Samuel,

Corey,

Ethan,

your scores are below standards.

Leave school this afternoon.

The bottom-ranked students are

Chloe,

Liam,

Lettie.

Study harder,

or you'll be out too.

After the first mock exam,

only one of you made it into the elite class.

Jared.

Get into the elite class,

and your dream school is guaranteed.

Even topping the rankings won't be a dream.

Everyone,

learn from Jared.

Work hard to get into the elite class.

Are we clear?

Alright.

Change seats based on your scores.

Then you can leave.

Jared,

pack your stuff.

Go to the elite class tomorrow morning.

Jared, how did you do that?

Do you have any secret tricks?

Yeah.

You goof off every day.

Just tell us.

I do have a trick.

But I'm not telling you.

Oh, come on.

We're friends, right?

Come over to my place.

I'll share all my snacks with you.

My place.

I have the latest comic books.

I have the latest games.

Grades dropping,

dropping,

dropping, and dropping.

You'll never make it!

- Jared. - Just tell me.

Jade,

- shall we... - Go away.

You already did great.

- We can... - Leave me alone.

- Don't be like that. - Leave me alone!

Oh dear.

We still have a chance in the real exam.

You know nothing.

I must make him regret leaving me.

Honey,

that man has nothing to do with us anymore.

- Shut up! - Nothing to do with us.

This is all your fault.

Everything was perfect about me.

You're the only thing I have to hide!

- It's all your fault. - Okay.

Okay. I'll go in.

Don't be mad.

This is impossible.

No way!

I should be the one getting into the elite class.

It should've been me!

How could that idiot Jared get in?

Something's off.

Jade,

you're the best.

You're the greatest.

You're the prettiest.

You're perfect.

I'm the prettiest.

I'm the greatest.

I'm perfect.

Chloe,

been waiting long?

My mom was lecturing me about my scores.

(Class rank: 21)

After the next mock exam, I'll be the one leaving.

I wish I'd never come here. It's just a waste of money.

My head is full of mush.

All these exams make my eyes blurry.

And I still can't get the hard topics.

I feel like a dumb pig.

Don't be so pessimistic.

Pigs can be smart too.

If I'm a pig,

you can be a duck.

And we'll hang out on a farm together.

No more exams.

Sounds good.

Hurry up and pack your stuff.

Someone's moving in tomorrow.

You're expelled. Just leave.

Don't drag it out.

Move it.

Put it down.

What?

I'm serious!

I'm taking an exam! Can't you see?

I'm taking an exam!

Shut up!

Come on!

Go away!

Just let her take the exam.

I failed. Give me a chance!

Please!

Go!

I'm begging you!

- Please. - Go!

Please!

You took forever.

Hurry up!

How can I face my dad

if I get kicked out of Smart?

He was so happy when he got me a spot here.

The exam is over now. Stop thinking about it.

Just relax these few days.

Then, we'll study hard together.

I've been relaxed the whole time.

Let's go.

How did you do it?

Just tell us.

What's your secret?

Jared, where are you going?

None of your business.

Please.

Jared,

you going bug hunting?

Shut up.

It's none of your business.

Just tell me how you did it.

Tell me.

Even Jun-hong joined them.

He's not even one of us.

How do you think Jared got first place?

I mean, he slacks off every day.

It's really strange.

Look over there.

My house is at the very bottom.

You know what?

I've been waiting in line for five days straight.

I didn't even dare leave to eat or use the restroom.

And look,

still no spot.

Chloe.

My spot is not for sale.

- Just give up. - No.

I'm not asking you to sell it now.

I...

Just in case...

In case someday you will.

That's right.

You have to think about it for your parents' sake.

Yeah.

You can use the money to help your family.

- Exactly. - If you can't make it,

just give that chance to someone else.

Bah...

Don't jinx me.

I won't get expelled.

Chloe.

Your dad fishes by the pond

and brings you fish, right?

That's not enough.

I'll make some good food

and bring it to you tonight.

No, thanks!

He's the ringleader of the parents hunting for spots.

He follows anyone who might

get kicked out. Just like flies on shit.

I've been on his radar for a long time.

Oh, no, that makes me the shit.

Just ignore them.

How did you get a spot at Smart?

Professor Kang is nice.

He gives a few spots to students in need every year.

A nice doctor referred us to him.

That's how I got my spot.

I live in a run-down area now.

But once I become a doctor,

I'll live with my parents in a big house.

Then, my dad can plant flowers in the yard

instead of vegetables.

He won't need to farm anymore.

I can support him.

You were just so worried.

Now you're so motivated.

Of course.

I'm here for a second chance.

I can't waste it.

Study hard,

and I'll succeed.

This is my home.

Are these all homegrown?

My dad grows them.

Amazing.

What's this?

Bean sprouts.

They always

grow like crazy.

My dad grows a lot of them. We eat them every day.

I feel like I'll be turning into one.

Groceries in this town are insanely expensive.

Can't afford it.

Come on in.

Here.

We can share our lunch.

On weekends, we can go down the mountain for treats.

My mom has a car.

Remember I told you

my dad wanted to join a parent committee?

Jade's mom is the president.

She won't let my dad join.

So no one dares help us here.

Your mom will probably join too, right?

So I appreciate your kindness.

But I don't want to trouble you guys.

Have a seat.

I'll find us something to eat.

Help!

Get it off me! Throw it in the jar by the door!

It's just a slug.

Nothing to be afraid of.

It's disgusting!

- Hurry up! - Don't move.

What are you doing?

They're pests.

They eat vegetable leaves.

Humans call them pests.

We eat vegetable leaves too, don't we?

Does that make us pests?

Every creature has a life.

We can't decide if it lives or dies.

Is that so?

Then hurry up and chase your own kind away.

Or I won't have any vegetables to eat.

Okay.

Come back.

Coming.

For Chloe,

her biggest fear

is those slugs crawling everywhere.

They shouldn't be in her world.

Just like all the mistakes she shouldn't have made.

She shouldn't be stuck in this disgusting place.

She shouldn't be so slow.

But no matter how many slugs she kills,

more come back.

Just like no matter how hard she tries,

she just can't get rid of her dull, slow self.

If there's something that can fix it,

any trick,

she'll try it.

Dad, welcome back.

This is my friend, Jackie.

Hello, Mr. Wang.

I'm Jackie.

You don't have to shout.

He can hear you.

He's asking if you want to stay for dinner.

Thank you, Mr. Wang.

I'd love to.

Professor Kang,

this tea is really good.

Please try some.

Ethan just

didn't do well on this mock exam.

Just give him another chance.

I promise he'll do better next time.

Is this all your son is worth?

Smart is fair to everyone.

No matter who you are,

you have to follow the rules.

Why don't you just use your money

to get your son into some college?

Stop pretending to be noble.

Just name your price.

We can afford it.

Please leave my office.

Now!

Professor Kang,

my husband died years ago.

We don't have much money.

I pin all my hopes on Shirley.

I want her to get into a good college,

so she can find a good job.

Please give her one more chance.

I'll do anything for you. Anything.

Get up.

- Please. - Just get up first.

Do you have any other relatives?

Are you close with them?

I have a younger brother back home.

But he left a long time ago.

I don't know where he went.

As for my man's relatives,

I haven't talked to them in a long time.

Professor Kang.

Well.

I'll make an exception this one time.

Remember,

this is an exception.

You saw what happened.

So many parents are here begging for a second chance.

I helped you

only because your life is really hard.

Go pack your things.

Then go to the place on this paper.

The staff there will take care of everything.

If anyone asks,

just tell them

you're leaving Smart Town.

This is a one-time second chance.

Make sure you use it well.

Thank you.

Really.

Remember.

You can never

tell anyone about this.

Listen,

Professor Kang decided to let you...

Really?

Jared,

time to go home.

No.

It's getting late.

One moment.

Just one moment.

What else do you want to play?

You don't want hopscotch

or the swing.

How about hide and seek?

Ten.

Nine.

Eight.

Seven.

Six.

Five.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

You go home first.

I have the address. I can find the way.

It's okay.

I can take you.

You might get lost.

It's dangerous.

Watch your step.

Oh, man, John is a poor guy.

He can't talk, you know.

He and his wife

work hard with their hands.

They only have one daughter, Chloe.

John

stays here to keep Chloe company.

His wife is out there

working to make money.

That's tough.

Life has been hard for them.

But somehow, they got lucky

and got their daughter a spot.

Right, Ms. He, I...

Can I ask you something?

Well...

How did you get a spot for Jackie?

A relative of mine knows someone at Smart.

He helped me get it.

That's great.

He'll visit this town soon.

I'll introduce you then.

Thank you.

You're so kind.

You're like my savior.

Oh, don't flatter me.

I can't even handle my own daughter.

Careful.

What happened to him?

He had a fever but couldn't afford a doctor.

Then, he got encephalitis.

Almost died.

After he recovered, he ended up like this.

When I was little, Dad always smiled.

He'd sing soft lullabies to put me to sleep.

But everything changed after that illness.

He seemed to have shut everyone out.

Sometimes, I really want to hear his voice again

and talk with him.

That's why you want to be a doctor.

I shouldn't have told you all this.

You even feel sorry for bugs.

You're not gonna feel sorry for me now, are you?

I don't need it.

No.

I just think your dad is amazing.

Your mom raised you alone

and brought you here for your studies.

That's amazing too.

Oh, right.

It was, I think,

the first day your daughter came to Smart Cram School.

I saw her running into the woods alone

during evening study.

Are you sure it was my Jackie?

Pretty sure.

I saw a girl standing there alone.

It was dangerous,

so I took a few more looks.

It must've been her.

Is everything okay with her?

Open the door, please.

Mom.

How did you get into the elite class?

I'm smart.

Tell the truth.

I'm smart.

I'm smart.

I study eight hours every single day.

Spit it out.

The teachers like me.

I cheated.

It's because...

the black-clad boy.

And?

How did he help you score so high?

Where can I find him?

Will this cause trouble?

No.

Nothing's gonna happen.

Students on the waitlist, please check in.

Your name?

Valery Yang.

Your name?

Mason Liu.

Jared.

Time for breakfast.

Jared?

Jared!

Hey, chubby girl,

have you seen Jared?

Sir, my name is Joey Ding,

not chubby girl.

Sorry, Joey.

Do you know where Jared is?

He didn't come home last night.

He's in the elite class.

They live on campus.

He didn't tell me.

But he went out with you guys

and never came back.

I don't know.

The elite class has different rules.

I have morning study.

- Gotta go. Bye. - Wait...

What's that terrible smell?

Everyone,

do you smell something?

Weird.

36.5 degrees.

36.5 degrees.

Summer solstice is 36.5 degrees.

From here to here...

South.

North.

Zenith...

Zenith.

West.

East.

Who's there?

Who's there?

Don't you think it smells worse in here?

Hmm.

Like a dead rat rotting somewhere.

And where is that dead rat?

Let's eat lunch outside. It stinks in here.

Jade,

what are you doing?

Why don't you come out and eat?

No appetite.

You're wearing my perfume.

Don't flatter yourself.

It's not about you.

Victoria.

Here.

I bought everything you asked for.

Hmm.

And this one.

You raised your daughter really well.

She's polite,

smart,

and beautiful.

I really want to learn from you.

So, can I join that parent committee?

What rank is your daughter in class?

21.

I see.

Class 9 cleans the classroom tonight.

Do the cleaning in my place.

Come sit in on the next meeting.

Okay.

Thanks.

Good night.

Alright, thanks.

Good night.

So, how did Jared

get into the elite class?

He doesn't seem like a normal kid.

And his grandpa

is a total weirdo.

How did he get such a high score?

Parents of Class 9.

All here?

All here.

Alright, come with me.

Let's go.

Please find out

where that smell is coming from.

It's your job to make sure

the environment is good for the kids.

Find the source.

Mr. Gao,

where is Jackie's seat?

Check the chart

on the wall.

You should go find the source,

not just sit here.

My daughter's been acting out since she came here.

She says strange things happen at school.

I really don't know what goes on in her head.

Hey, I found it!

Smells like something rotten inside.

Open it and see.

Can we break it open?

Do it.

Someone's in there!

Did studying drive him crazy?

Which class?

Isn't it obvious?

This is...

Look...

It must be revenge.

Who did he offend?

What happened?

It looks so serious.

Was he bullied?

No.

Someone must have a grudge against him.

Maybe a ghost from the woods took him away?

Don't tell creepy stories.

I heard it was a man dressed in black.

What man dressed in black?

Who's he talking about?

So someone dressed in black took him?

No.

You must be talking about the black-clad boy.

Black-clad boy?

Yep.

They say he can help boost your exam scores.

No way.

Really!

Just go into the woods

when heavy fog rolls in. You can find him.

They say those who meet him get into the elite class.

Give me the details.

About what?

About Jared.

What about him?

Someone locked him inside our class podium.

He almost died.

Why?

No idea. That's why I asked you.

Your mom told you nothing?

How is he now?

I heard he's at home recovering.

Oh, look. I've got everything ready.

I'm all set.

Just need some fog.

What are you talking about?

The elite class only has 30 spots.

We have to hurry, or others will take them all.

I'm slow, so I have to take the risk.

Ask your mom when you get back.

She was right there.

She must have first-hand info.

Don't do it. It's too dangerous.

No, it's not. Let's go.

Why are you still here?

My mom found a way to keep me here.

I'll be coming back to Smart next month anyway.

No. That's not what I talk about.

You heard what happened to Jared?

Yeah.

And?

I know who did it.

I really do!

Jun-hong.

He knows where to find the black-clad boy.

He couldn't have done this alone.

Jun-hong.

I'm telling you,

Jade's definitely part of it too.

I'll go talk to her now.

Jade,

tell me where the black-clad boy is.

What did Jared tell you?

None of my business.

I don't know.

Don't ask me.

Make way.

Drop the act.

Spill it.

Will you tell me now?

Why the rush?

I'm looking for words simple enough

for you to understand.

What did you say?!

I'll scratch your eyes out!

What are you doing?

Help!

Jun-hong,

don't you dare!

Hey!

You hit girls?

What even are you?

I'm sorry.

Stop it!

Sorry!

I'm so sorry. Sorry! Sorry!

I'm sorry!

Sorry!

I'm sorry!

Apologize.

Apologize.

Useless.

Everyone, put on your masks now.

Go home. Stay inside.

We have to catch the student who set the fire.

Thank heavens.

The God of Exams has finally come.

Are you really going there?

Hmm.

Jade must know something.

Come on.

I'm not going.

Then I'll have to go alone.

I told you not to come.

See? We're trapped now.

Jade's probably still back there somewhere.

Let's go check again.

Go yourself.

Why so mean?

What if you get hurt?

How do I explain this to your dad?

Jade!

Look at you.

- Think you'll become better? - So ugly.

- You're so stupid. - Haven't you noticed?

- Think you'll become better? - A bastard daughter.

You think you'll become better?

Wretch.

Bastard.

Cheap.

Go to hell.

Go to hell.

Jade.

So pathetic.

How could you lose to Jared?

Where are you going?

You made us outcasts.

You made us get mocked and judged.

- This is all your fault. - It's your fault.

It's your fault.

- Stop lying to yourself. - Think you'll become better?

- Think no one has noticed? - You're so ugly.

- Ugly and cheap. - Think others haven't noticed?

You're so ugly, so stupid.

Bastard.

Go to hell.

Ever thought about how others see you?

Shut up, all of you!

Shut up!

Just ignore them.

You're the best.

You're beautiful.

You don't need anyone else to confirm that.

Who are you?

I'm you.

Me?

Don't believe it?

Look in the mirror.

Yes.

That's it.

Come closer.

Closer.

What are you doing?

Stop screaming.

Go away, all of you.

Stay away from me.

You're not real.

You're all fake.

Go away.

Don't come closer.

You're all fake.

Stay away from me.

It's okay.

Do you want to become perfect?

Someone's over there!

Stop right there!

Going somewhere?

Trying to run away?

I said stop!

You hear me?

You always pick up bad habits.

Think about it!

If I hadn't gone to save you today,

what would've happened?

You escaped once.

You think you can do it again? A third time?

I brought you here to study.

Is this how you repay me?

Why?

Do you hate me that much?

You hang out with that straggler all day.

You even skip class with her.

I sold our house

not for you to be a slacker here!

Haven't you seen her scores?

She doesn't care about her own future.

Do you want to end up as hopeless as her?

Look at Jade.

- Look. - See her new hairstyle?

She looks so pretty.

She's stunning.

This makes me jealous.

I really like her new hairstyle.

She's so beautiful.

So gorgeous.

(Stay in the Fog, Lose 50 Points in the Mock Exam)