Original subtitles

Shi Wei here.

What?

Not yet, I'm on it. And I have to eat.

Six rolls?

They're different sizes.

Big is like medium, so...

How many meters? Same again, right?

Just tell me how many pieces, okay?

It's easier.

Rolls are different sizes.

These are for delivery.

They have to be waterproof.

Yes?

Eh?

Shit, I'm exhausted.

Really.

Both models together?

I'm beat, I tell you.

Sure, I'll be able to rest soon,

but right now...

How many pieces?

Got it. How many pieces?

Tonight?

Why not first thing tomorrow, what's the difference?

I'll tie it.

No, hang on.

How about I deliver first? And cut later?

While there's work, there's life!

- Still at it? - Every day, Shi Wei.

- Take one more. - Not me.

I've taken two extra already.

So finish those and take another.

- Five yuan a pound? - Cotton's not free.

So you do these two bundles.

I have two more at home.

Did Jing Min bring these three?

- You mean these? - Yeah.

You can do these two.

Which two?

- Are you off, Xiao Dong? - Yes, honey.

- Here's his card. - Ok, I'll see him.

- Did you ask how much? - He says 1.50 a pound.

- 1.50? - Right.

Ok, look, we've weighed this,

this is one bundle for sure.

So one bundle,

with the packaging.

Boss? Xiao Dong here. I cut some fabric for you.

Can we settle up?

Well, when is a good time?

I'm heading home for New Year's.

We could use the money.

Can you just do a card transfer?

Well... it's New Year, see?

In a few days? You'll be closed.

So when are you free?

I mean, when can you...

What?

If nothing comes in, I can't pay out.

Or in a day or two?

Sure, but I...

You see, I have to...

Just say a time, so I can book my ticket.

I have to get home,

so I hope you can...

Deserted... front and back.

I owed people a lot of money.

Over 100,000. So I thought,

I'd better just split and not come back.

I figure, in a few years

I can make enough to pay it back.

That's all. Just bad luck.

With a kid, it's hard.

Can't work in a factory.

So I've been working here and there.

Six months now,

and still waiting to be paid.

These bosses are all bastards!

And I'm not the only one.

Fuckers.

They just keep avoiding me.

Yesterday, you came along

when I went to see the manager.

So you were there, you saw it.

He just blew me off again.

For six months he's been blowing me off.

"Sorry, no cash just now,

come back in a few days."

You're a big boy now, right?

I'm still little. You're a big girl!

That's right,

because I'm your Ma.

So, tomorrow,

will I be big, and you be little?

I can't, sweetie, I can only get older.

I'll give you a present.

No presents.

So what shall I give you?

Nothing.

You've got your presents.

That's right.

In Fujian, I made money.

Can't make money here in Zhili.

Even working, you can't make enough. You can't win.

I guess it just goes.

Cost of living.

What do you spend it on?

I can't understand it.

It's not like I buy designer clothes.

So I don't know.

You don't spend, you buy cheap stuff...

- So where does it go? - Right.

Guys don't shop, but they gamble.

Not me.

So where does it go?

It just goes.

On loose women?

I don't go to those places.

He's a good boy, then.

Not that.

I may not be such a good boy,

but no prostitutes.

No vices at all, is that it?

A bit of a wimp, then?

- So where does it go? - Not on fancy food.

Yeah, I don't see you splurging on meals.

Are you kidding? This year I'm broke.

I've hardly worked.

I made 30,000 last year, remember?

- Spent it all. - But you had a job.

Who, me? This year?

Not this year.

I went past there one day, I saw you coming out.

- When was that? - Ages ago, but it was you for sure.

Not me.

- Sure was. - Wasn't me.

I haven't worked anywhere else this year.

Shit, I bought an iPhone, and we were driving,

and I dropped it!

Smashed to a pulp?

- What model? - It was a Plus.

- The phone? - Right.

What happened?

Shi Wei turned too fast,

it flew out of my hand.

- Smashed? - Yup.

Shoddy goods.

You could see inside, it's half empty.

- What do you mean? - There's nothing inside.

So you're not going home?

How's that?

Well, first,

you should talk to Shi Wei,

borrow some cash.

He says he's busy today.

Hard to say when I can leave.

Not tomorrow, I guess.

I need cash for the ticket.

Ask Zhang Chao. He leaves on the 11th.

- Or Mao Jun? - Not really.

I'd rather not.

Makes it easier to ask him next time.

- What's the big deal? - If I wanted to,

I'd have asked him by now.

Doesn't feel right.

Hey, good-looking, hear me sing,

Feelings ain't no real thing,

Now we sing our mountain song,

We'll be home before too long.

Ey hey yo ya,

We'll be home before too long.

Hear me call you, little flower

Now you hear me sing...

Hear me, pretty baby, hear me sing

Now I sing this final song,

I won't sing another soon.

But I'll always sing along,

If it's you that calls the tune.

It can't be true, anyway.

No way.

- Anyway I don't believe it. - No, man.

So what did you tell her?

Just about my situation.

What should I say?

Does the workshop give you a bed?

She's going to wash my hair.

So she said, it's a long walk,

I might as well stay for dinner.

Well, it was a chance to meet up.

Let's jog to keep warm.

It's freezing!

Ok, here's 10.

Ok, I'm back.

Watch out, everyone.

- Anything left in the bag? - That's it.

All out. Really.

Give me 30.

Give me 40.

Your change.

- 40. - Alright! I'm up 50!

- Let me change that. - Give me 30.

Here's your 70 back.

I've lost a packet.

And 500 last round.

Your 200, plus the 500 in my pocket.

Well, I just won back the 200!

Open the betting.

I just need clubs and I'm good.

Is it fixed, then?

Eh?

Did they tow the car?

Did you ask the traffic cops?

The cops said 2,000.

Hi, tell me when we can settle up,

I'm heading home.

I could kill you guys.

Five double sixes, you believe it?

Here's 40.

Hey, I won 40!

My luck's turning!

About time, you're down 900.

Now what?

Want my fist in your mouth?

Okay, here comes the nine.

Wow, this is a winner!

Amazing.

Just magic.

Yesss!

Magic, man!

Is your brother outside, Shi Wei?

Is he out there?

He was.

Hey, great.

Uh-oh.

Eh... Oh, ok.

That's it, stop.

No Six Tributes there.

But three, right?

Ok, trade.

Cash?

Yeah, I got it.

Five! Are the fives all out?

- They're all out. - Almost.

- One more. - Yeah, look at that stack.

Just one five left.

The rest are all out.

The spirit's with him.

Take this 50, I owed you.

Ok, I'll clear up.

You drive.

You're going home, just leave this stuff.

Take this with you.

Let's take it all,

extra bedding,

and the rest of the stuff.

No, leave it here!

- Upright or sideways? - Lay it flat.

Hey, let's sort all this first.

- Here. - Weighs a ton.

- Tie it at the top. - Stand it up.

Ready, set,

Hup!

Hang on, I need...

a strip of cloth, to seal it.

Dong Mingxian, did you clean up yesterday?

I just tidied a bit.

What are those two doing?

Lock that window.

Nothing worth stealing.

You're not locking up?

All done here, you ready?

So last night, the boss,

he buys some apples,

comes round to see if we're still on the job.

So he calls us,

we'd all clocked off already.

Brought us apples, yeah, right.

Fuck him.

I was at the shop yesterday,

asking how much for the stewed vegetables,

and if he had any left, and he says "for you, of course",

So I bought some,

two or three pounds.

- Sorry, did I splash you? - It's nothing!

I was just too slow with my bowl!

- Did it get in your eyes? - Here, use this tissue.

Yeah, some got in, it's hot and spicy.

Use the tissue to wipe it!

And some water, there.

- You need water? - It's ok, thanks.

From Dragon Road to Jade Peak,

there's roadworks all along now,

right up to our place.

Through Dragon Valley?

Right, it's a direct route.

The one that goes to Black Iron?

You go via Dragon Peak?

Yeah, past Big Rock,

then through Daji.

Along Dragon River way?

No, that's the red route.

After Daji there's Xiaoji,

then past the cliffs

and a few more villages.

But you still have to pass Daji.

So it is Dragon River?

As far as Two Bends.

Then the roads join at Dapingzi.

Auntie.

Aunt, you there?

I'm going up for my stuff.

Does this key still work?

Give me a string for the bundle.

This is the last one.

I'll take this one down.

Is that from today or yesterday?

Today.

The boss's wife says

we can work here again next year.

She says she'll call us.

- So we can leave our stuff? - Right.

- Me too? - Yup.

First she said, she'd decide next year.

I said I would introduce you.

She was like, "Isn't he new?", and kind of laughed,

so I said you'd been here 6 months

and you should be fine.

So she said ok.

So we're good, no need to move our stuff,

we can leave it all here, use it next year.

Ok, I'm off to my card game.

Not again!

What is it with you?

Stay here a while, hang out.

You know this is my only time off, today and tomorrow.

Once work starts in this place, that's it.

Oh well, it's up to you.

But you could just take it easy.

Unbelievable.

I had such a good hand.

If we're not going home, what's your plan?

You have to control yourself, or we're in trouble.

We still have a few days.

How can you lose and still keep playing?

- Put the bags here? - Bring them inside.

There's space here.

Find a space

in the luggage rack.

Right here.

We can keep the small bag with us.

- You guys work standing up? - Sure.

When the machine's running, it can be dangerous.

If you doze off,

an accident can easily happen.

There was a guy,

he nodded off on the job.

- Fell asleep? - Right.

- And there was an accident? - Yup.

He was pulled into the machine.

He died.

He was only 22,

just recently married.

He got caught in the machinery?

- He was dragged in. - Dragged in?

Like, sucked into it?

Right. By the conveyor belt.

Someone told me

he left two kids,

both still very small,

the eldest was maybe 3 or 4.

If you sit back,

I can't use you as a pillow.

It still won't be easy.

If I bend my neck, my belly hurts.

It doesn't like it.

I think it's...

complaining.

So I go to pick up my pay,

over 20,000,

more like 25,000.

I show up

and I say,

About my travel expenses,

do you cover those?

So he says, sure,

just one way.

So I ask the cashier,

and he says the same.

- No dice. - Mostly in those places,

you're on your own,

you just need ID and residence.

You know what they told me?

The bosses split the rest

between them.

That's it.

You need to eat.

Can I get past?

- Just pour it out? - Yeah.

- With the liquid? - Just pour it all away.

Don't burn yourself.

This train is now arriving at its destination.

Attendants will now clean the train.

Please have your luggage ready

and leave any rubbish in the bins provided.

To maintain station hygiene,

toilets will be sealed before arrival.

Don't follow too close!

Understood!

Keep a safe distance.

Right.

Seems a bus got stuck up there.

One of the buses from here

has an ace woman driver.

They have special buses.

The engines are different.

They're more powerful.

Her truck has twice the horsepower.

When you're working,

there's good and bad days.

Back in the day,

it was 100 yuan to Wenshan,

sitting with the luggage.

Wenshan here in Yunnan?

Yeah, a construction site.

Digging? I've had it with that work.

See what it did to my hands?

Pays nothing, and you get rheumatism.

It's not worth it.

Trench caves in, you dig it out again...

We dug 30 meters once, all by hand.

Who d'you work for?

Used to be a guy from Suoshan.

Remember his name?

Not really. Wu, I think.

- Should be another bus ahead. - With the rest of those people.

Heavy snowfall up there.

That bus will be pretty full.

Down we go...

You think they made it up here?

Probably had to turn back and circle around.

Go and check it out.

Maybe tell them to stop and let us pass.

Can you stop a second?

Hi there! Coming home, then?

We need to get through.

That minibus? Just wait.

We're in a hurry!

- Tell him to move back. - What?

He should back up.

Move back past the bend.

We're good, don't panic.

Relax.

It is a bit scary.

Yeah, sometimes you're scraping the rockface...

Where did that bus come from?

- Must be with the others. - Can't be.

It's the same one,

they had to turn back.

You think so?

- Probably too icy. - They're coming back.

But where could they turn?

There's no room.

We'll see.

We may have to get out.

That looks tricky...

They got through, then turned back.

Maybe to see if we made it?

They must have turned down there,

a bit further along.

It's really narrow here.

Don't worry.

Our village had the job of making this road.

They all had to pitch in,

but my Dad was away,

so we had to pay

for others to do it.

That was how it worked.

Downhill, you're safe with a handbrake.

Best method on these icy roads.

You may get stuck going up,

but you can always go down.

So in winter, best go downhill.

See, that truck's struggling.

That's everything.

That's it.

Just these.

Ok. Thanks for the ride!

Take care!

Careful, don't slip!

You're dropping something.

Ma? Are you home?

I tried calling you.

Where shall I put this?

In here,

in this room here.

We didn't see Xiao Fa.

Really?

You brought friends?

Invite them in!

They're from Beijing.

From Beijing!

Let's sit down first.

Where are the others?

Don't worry, I'll find them.

Come on in.

Should I call them?

Come in by the fire!

Let's go in and sit.

We wanted Mu Fei home for New Year,

I'm off sick for another 2 months.

You've made good money,

time to come home and celebrate.

What did the doctors say?

They did some tests,

they say

it's tuberculosis,

most likely.

TB.

Lung disease.

The roadworks guys,

they took our bricks.

Just helped themselves.

Well, I complained to them about it.

So their boss calls the police

and tells them to arrest us!

I said, they steal our bricks

and that's ok?

We complain, and we get arrested?

They used the incident

to make trouble for us.

Can you believe it?

Things have got really bad.

So I called my son back to help.

If I don't get justice,

I said, I'll go higher up.

I'll send my son to see you,

the whole family.

You're supposed to uphold the law.

Is this how you do it?

These last few days,

since I got back from Yuehong,

I've been dealing with this.

They haven't paid for the bricks.

And water! I dug a channel,

bought pipes to get water down here.

They've been tapping it since they arrived, after New Year!

Police chief says, give them some face.

Let them use it, he says.

Party Secretary Cui agrees.

What kind of treatment is that?

I dig a channel to get water,

in my condition,

all for their benefit?

And he says "give them face".

You tell me if that's justice.

It's criminal, I say.

At the police station, the chief says

go home, we'll see what we can do.

So I did, but the family said

don't come home,

just let them arrest you.

You stay there, they said.

So I think, what am I doing here? And I'm worrying about our cow.

I thought, they say they'll fix it, I'll go home.

So I set off home.

But on that day it was cold and snowing,

and I was lightly dressed.

So they gave me 100 yuan,

and some lunch.

It was lunchtime, so they fed me.

So I stayed another night

and we left in the morning.

My husband came, so we went home,

walked home together.

It was snowing, I was tired

so we called home for my nephew to come.

At Ranjia Cliffs, we couldn't use the bikes,

so we had to push them home.

Just walking and pushing.

But up there

at Ranjia,

it's rockface on both sides,

with a narrow passage in between,

you can just scrape through.

Since then I'm thinking,

what's left?

What else can we do?

We've spent everything on his treatment.

I thought to myself about

both of them out there

working this last year

to bring home a bit extra

and pay the doctors for his Pa.

But it's never enough.

I should get some work

but my youngest is at school,

he says Ma, don't go

I've got enough to eat.

Come on, don't cry,

it doesn't do any good.

And talking won't change it.

He only needs 20 yuan a week.

He walks to school

and back at night,

his pants all cold and wet.

I wanted you back here

to move the bricks into the house.

But I left them there,

and they stole them.

It's across town, see.

I called you back to help us out.

We're here now, but this year, again, we haven't earned much.

When you called, we were just lucky,

at the last minute, the film crew

said we could come with them.

I can't move the bricks back myself.

So this time,

I needed your help.

Have I ever called you back before?

Ok, tomorrow I'll have a look.

What about the spring onions?

Some on each table.

Easy does it.

Is the food cooked?

Yes, I think so.

That's a nice hat, Auntie.

Yes, it's cold.

It looks thick.

Woollen earflaps,

and wool on the top.

Deng Chao not back yet?

They're up at the site.

They're still there?

They haven't been paid, like last time.

Anyone else with him?

There's Liang Tao.

Have you got dried chili?

What do you want it for?

Time was, there were ten or more of them working there.

Now they're down to two or three.

Here, put it over there.

Where are the eggs?

Down there.

I'll bring it up in a minute.

Needs a pinch of salt and some chili.

Go ahead and eat.

Not hungry, Sis?

I'm ok.

I've been a bit tense since that day.

It must have shaken you.

I've lost my appetite.

That's how I am.

Don't mind me.

Why don't just you go?

Wait a sec, ok?

Grandma?

Are you here all alone?

Grandma.

Oh, it's you!

My four youngest kids

take care of me,

so the two eldest don't have to.

Mother,

really,

don't be anxious or lose sleep.

- He called me for some reason. - Old Dong called her,

telling her not to worry.

He's right, you know.

You shouldn't worry yourself so much.

Awake all night, she's so tired

she can hardly recognize me!

And she just sits there.

These days,

I've slept well.

But one night,

after a while, I opened my eyes

all of a sudden,

and was awake till morning.

If your body can rest, you'll feel better.

Yesterday I was dog-tired.

My son Gui, who died young, was calling me.

Did you raise the chopsticks?

The chopsticks?

They said...

They stood up straight.

I feel better.

But I need to wait a bit and see.

I can rest easier.

- Let me take that one, here. - It's too heavy for you.

My hands are freezing.

- What's up? - Where are you off to?

Just out for a walk.

Let me go first.

Ma!

- Second Aunt! - Xiao Bao!

Is the dog tied up?

How come you're here?

Cousin wants me to go with him

to Guizhou, but I don't know.

That road,

it's pretty dangerous.

Very icy.

Let's freshen up first.

Weather's clearing up, though.

Tell him to wait a few days.

Mama!

Mama!

She's over there.

Where?

Over there.

Put on your thick coat.

It's very cold,

Freezing.

She's there, washing vegetables.

No point working with all this ice.

- Get a cut of pork. - This one.

Take it to her.

Leave that here first.

The rind is very thick.

It's enough for a meal, with the leftovers.

This piece will do.

Shall I put this back?

Yeah, we don't need it.

They're so needy, asking for help

for every little thing.

That pig they killed last night weighed 300 lb.

That's all?

- 150 kilos. - That's not so small.

150 kilos, that's not bad.

It seemed bigger.

Took 3 of us to drag it, and noisy too.

Are you going to wash that and hang it up?

- Three people. - To drag the pig?

Right, huffing and puffing.

We bought a small one, 80 or 90 lbs.

80 or 90!

Probably underfed.

It doesn't want to eat.

Two last year, two this year. They don't eat, just can't feed them.

Other people's pigs eat anything, tasty, bland, sour, smelly...

Fourth Brother says

you have to feed them here,

where you can hear if they're chomping away.

Ours just roots around for ever, picking and choosing.

Where are you going, Ma?

To chop vegetables.

You put too much in, it won't cook.

That'll do.

- Top up with water? - Yep.

This rice doesn't need much water.

I feel more and more depressed,

thinking of the future, how we can even survive.

I just think

things can't go on like this.

I mean, if nothing changes,

what happens when they grow old, and can't even move

or manage on their own?

The burden on me will be huge,

I can't carry it.

I've been thinking,

why not stay on my own,

I don't need, you know...

I'm ok by myself.

The more I think about it,

living alone would be

the best thing for me.

My parents told me, maybe,

I should stop looking for treatment

and accept that I won't have children.

Well, I couldn't do that.

But you could still adopt,

couldn't you?

It's hard nowadays,

adopting children.

And in our situation,

if things don't change

raising a child

will be even harder.

I'm basically pretty stubborn,

but I guess Mu Fei is the same,

he really wanted this,

and in the end, I gave in to my feelings.

I mean, right from the start

we should never have hooked up.

His parents were against it,

so I should have made a clean break,

I should have said no, and not listened to him.

But it's too late now, that's all in the past.

Run, Ma, run!

Slow down!

Stop, stop, they say stop.

Stop the car.

Help them out.

Out of the car!

We stop here, come on.

Make way, kids.

Out, out, come on!

Piggyback time, now or never!

Still in the car? Out, Liang Xianglian!

Is the bride ready? Carefully now.

Hurray!

Let everyone catch up.

- Forget the film crew. - Let them go ahead.

Move the wedding car,

it's in the way, park it up there.

Ready? Let's go!

Piggyback!

Won't be easy...

Use a stick, he'll walk faster!

A riding crop!

- A little whip! - No nosebag?

Come on, run!

Get that horse moving!

A whip, a whip!

Phew, I need a rest.

My legs are killing me.

Don't quit, Shi Wei!

Hang in there, brother!

Carry the bride!

Don't give up!

This is your big day!

So what are you doing?

Brother, what day is it today?

Tell them, brother, what are you doing?

It's your wedding day,

and you're fetching the bride!

So, what are you doing?

Where's that whip?

If we don't bait you, where's the fun?

The bride's family will complain!

For sure!

Slowly does it.

- She'll catch cold! - No, I will!

- Pants off! - Hey, give me a break.

You dropped your flower.

Get going, then!

Give him some blinkers.

Are we doing this, or what?

Where are the blinkers?

Are the rest of you going to help?

A bottle of water, a bottle of mud!

Where are the balloons?

Let's move! Up she goes!

They're all too easy on you.

Easy-peasy.

Slowly, don't rush.

Hey, look!

Here they come.

Look at Auntie, she's so pretty.

So where's the confetti gang?

Here we are!

That stuff's freezing!

Ok, off we go again!

Last stretch and that's it.

Let's go.

It's tricky here,

careful not to slip.

There's ice everywhere.

Just wait!

Hey, we have to shout now!

There's your uncle.

Say "Happy Wedding Day".

Let's go up.

Give him your Dad's envelope.

Don't laugh! I can manage.

Another one.

Here, take this one.

You dropped a red envelope!

We'll get it later.

Your auntie's not here,

nor your big brother so it's up to you!

Little brother's turn. Accept the gifts.

Young master!

And young master's red envelope?

Look at the kids,

how they all gather around the bride.

You can step over this way.

Goodies! Free for all!

Have you seen Taotao's mom?

- Who? - Taotao's mother.

Where is she?

Meeting you, I thought I am the luckiest of men,

And then I fell in love, and now

I am the happiest of them.

To the happy couple!

Shi Wei!

They're calling you!

Has Liang Xianglian made you the happiest man?

Do you want to say a few words?

Go on, they want a speech.

What can I say?

Just say, thank you all for coming.

Ok, well, folks,

seems you all made it!

And haven't even eaten yet!

Thank you all so much for coming.

How about "health and good fortune"?

Spring is here again, blossoms on the hill,

Seeds are in the soil, and the crops are growing still.

Isn't she something?

A proper little jewel.

I sing and she dances!

Thank you sweetheart!

It's weird, it just won't spin out.

- You just need practice. - Yeah, first time.

Just can't seem to cast it right.

I'll get it out there in the end.

Those guys get it way out there, first shot.

Water's pretty choppy.

Ok, now you look like a real fisherman.

That's it, I guess.

No luck.

Not a sausage.

And I got mud in my socks.

- I need practice. - Then you can brag.

- Catch anything? - Nothing.

There must be fish, right? In the Yangtze?

- Sure, but they're not biting. - Right.

There's fish, I just can't catch them.

- It's raining. - Good for fishing, they say.

I can fish alright.

No problem.

It's just not the right place.

They won't bite.

Ever fished before?

Let's call it a day.

For line fishing, you need all these hooks.

No other way, right?

Well, there is, actually.

Electrofishing, with a bike battery.

Who can cast a line that far?

But it's illegal.

Out there in midstream?

- Much too risky. - Let's try over there.

I wouldn't dare.

Nobody does it, you'd get caught.

We're going into town tomorrow, son.

Didn't you go yesterday?

Where? Come over here first.

Leave the kid at home and come over.

Ma wants me to go to Wangjiang.

We're going tomorrow.

She needs me to go with her.

Tomorrow.

So come over.

Put gas in the tank and we can go.

Take the kid to Wei's place,

he can sleep there tonight.

Wei can bring him back tomorrow.

You should wash your clothes.

Aren't we going tomorrow?

So dirty.

I've got things to do.

What things?

I already told you,

I have to buy thread.

Work stuff, don't concern yourself.

- Stubborn child. - You treat me like an idiot!

So pig-headed.

And I need shoes.

Your sister's place isn't ready, you can't take people there.

You can't always believe her,

she says one thing, then another.

You don't know her,

so don't talk about what you don't know.

I know her, see.

She's a good girl, not like you.

Sure, not like me.

You don't care.

She's doing her place up all new.

That's what I heard.

She's made money.

You hardly ever see her!

So don't talk if you don't know.

You never listen to your big sister.

She talks big, but she doesn't do much.

You're just like her.

I'll tell them they can eat with us.

My longest time away was in Shanghai.

I worked there 6 or 7 years.

On building sites?

Right, bricklaying.

Not a bad job.

Now you're mostly in Wuhan?

Yes, these last two years.

A lot of construction firms have gone bust.

The small contractors are gone too,

They can't make money.

Gone? How?

The suppliers. Small sub-contractors.

There are fewer of them now.

It seems construction is in trouble.

It's the property market.

They were building more each year,

now there's a surplus.

More flats than people!

Back in those days,

on the building sites,

a lot of the guys

didn't bother to go home even for New Year,

just spent it there at the site.

Sichuanese don't care much about New Year.

They can't be bothered, they're making money.

Or they have lots of kids,

and they stay away

to avoid getting arrested under the one-child policy.

Too many kids...

Best to stay away.

That's often the reason.

Others stay behind to look after the kids and the old folk,

and work a bit from home.

But staying at home with the kids,

you can't really make money.

At most you can cover your living expenses.

Others come home for New Year?

That's what most people do.

Some come more often, just for a few days.

Have some more food.

So we're not at home much.

And that's not great.

- Dig in! - We're good.

Had enough?

You need to eat!

- Second Brother? - I'm Third Brother.

- Is he coming?

- I'm Li Sheng. - Li Sheng, right.

Tell them to go outside,

with the old man.

Gongs, stand over here!

Who said to go that way?

You two go down, there are seats.

There are two seats for you, see.

Over here, you two!

Here, sit down.

There's a free table.

Over there.

Fang Lingping! They're calling you.

Wait, where are you going?

Come and sit down!

We can squeeze three more in here.

Three more.

These are your places, come on.

Join us here.

Don't worry, we'll make room.

You three change places.

We're in the wrong seats.

Here, you three can move

and sit over there.

There you go. Room for one more here.

And you two here, that's perfect.

This is the bride's place.

Right here.

Come on, everyone.

- Some for you? - You go ahead.

She can't reach.

Drinks!

Cheers!

Is my face messed up?

It was already, with all that smiling.

You'll get wrinkles.

- Do I look awful? - Just don't laugh.

If I stand back, how does it look?

Go back further.

The smiling's ruined your make-up.

How about here?

Not far enough.

Any closer, it's obvious.

If you'd set it properly, it would hold.

- Whatever you do. - That costs 100 yuan!

Whatever it takes, right?

- Fang Fang? - Huh?

- Who's that? - It's me.

Anyone with you?

Shh, keep it down.

Here's the room. Or leave your stuff with me.

Ok.

While you're out looking.

Maybe we'll find something tonight.

So we can leave this?

Just stick it in there.

Best leave it here under the bed.

- So let's go. - Leave it there.

- How many? - Two.

Four of us, three plus a trainee.

He's never used these machines?

That's ok, we have some flat-beds.

Can he work a computerised machine?

- He could do that. - Anyone can use one!

We have lots of those too.

More than twenty.

One or two trainees are no problem.

You pay by the piece, right?

Yes, the other workers will explain.

Don't worry about that now, just ask the others.

Hey, over here.

This machine needs fixing.

Here, your scissors.

You don't know how to thread it,

you'll have to learn.

And go slow on the pedal.

The thread snapped.

You need to work the pedal more gently.

It's better if you stand up.

Pedal slowly, pull the thread tight.

Gently does it, see.

Too fast, and it snaps.

Ok, stop.

Now you have to go very slow,

so it presses down slowly.

Look where my foot is.

My foot! Don't look at my hands.

What?

Hey, stop. Stop pedalling.

What's wrong?

Just stop, don't move.

You can't let it twist, it'll snap.

- Don't turn it! - I have to, it's dangerous.

Nearly cut my hand.

Don't fuss.

You have to wedge this in,

then the needle will come down smoothly.

Then a forward turn, see?

Turning it back is dangerous.

Yimin Road, sixty...

Where exactly?

Number 67.

Uhuh, ok.

Alright, we'll come by.

Forget the bed, we have to go.

Hey, let's go.

- We can do that later. - Why?

Leave the covers.

- We have to go. - Where?

There's a better place.

Let's not take our stuff yet,

- Check it out first. - Exactly, leave it here.

Ok, leave the bags here.

But don't be too picky about places,

we can still come back here.

Where are they working?

I dunno yet where sister is, I'll ask.

I can tell them to come by,

see for themselves.

You can tell her I'm working here.

But she might not remember me.

She will.

Hi, Sis? Find something?

I'm here, let's work together.

Right. Did you go to another shop?

So where are you working?

I have friends here.

Jin Cheng.

You know, I worked with him before.

Jin Cheng.

No way she'll remember me.

Ok, so you're there,

whatever, but I'll be working here.

Which side does the sun come up?

- In the East. - Right, but where's that?

We'll see tomorrow, won't we?

The sun rises in the East.

But do you know where that is?

Check your compass. Top is North, left is East.

- I know all that! - No, left is West.

Learn to read a compass!

- East is here. - Let me see.

Up is North, down is South...

It's South!

- Forget the compass. - It's South.

So this side would be North.

Up is East, down is North...

This blanket needs washing.

So change it, if you want a clean one.

Get organized.

That side is North.

Over there is East.

Up North, down South...

Better just wash it myself.

That should take you 10 minutes. Not half an hour.

Concentrate.

Not like that. See this corner?

Watch me.

Just pull out this corner...

See?

And it just flips.

It's easy, you don't have to pull.

Like this, see...

Go on, then!

No need to poke it through,

just use the small scissors,

it's easier.

Pass it through,

right to the end,

then like this,

and there's your corner.

Then poke through, both sides.

Just coax it a bit, don't force it.

You can give it a little twitch if you need to,

but just once, and then

it should come right out.

That way, it'll take you all week.

See? Look how many I've done.

And you?

- So you do them. - And what will you do?

I mean, why work? We can just starve.

Uh-oh...

It's cut a lot off.

How much?

No, don't cut, it's automatic!

You don't need to cut!

It's like the stitching.

You know how to seam, right?

Align it and let it run.

- Keep it even. - What about this?

Keep this straight, it'll press down and cut.

It's automatic?

Turn it slowly, hold tight with this hand.

Slow and easy.

Right.

Hey, this hand has to move!

Towards that side.

Or you'll lose control.

Load another one, show me.

You're hand's still too stiff!

Be more flexible.

Hey, watch out, don't put it there!

That's really dangerous!

Pull it tight.

Don't touch the presser foot!

Pull the foot down.

Finish that one, you only did half.

Just do as I say!

You still haven't got it.

Keep going! Finish it!

How dumb can you... You took it off

and can't get it back on again.

Bow ties, all day.

Morning till night.

You can't even stitch straight, and we're making bow ties.

Takes you 10 minutes instead of two or three.

Ok, give me that.

Only that one left.

Who's ignorant now?

Marry a man with an education, they said.

That's you, right?

So what are you doing here?

Shouldn't you be going to college?

I still know more than you.

What a pain.

Fix this, mend that.

Do you realize

the time it takes?

To fix all this?

I know! I can do it.

Alright, go on then, let's see!

Oh, do it yourself!

And then tie, twist and stitch! Right?

I'll do it this once, ok? But next time you mess up the cut,

you can figure it out yourself.

Can't handle it?

Sure I can.

Piggyback.

No way.

You were saying?

Hold me up.

Quick, I'm slipping.

I'm slipping!

Aiya!

What a pest.

- My legs are numb. - Serves you right.

Screw you too.

You ask them, ok?

Look, next door they're hiring.

Hi! Our duvet's too thin.

We need a thicker one.

Ah, he says you can't use his machine.

You'll have to try elsewhere.

- He won't let me use it? - I asked, but he says sorry, no.

There's a place.

Hiring machinists... and knitwear workers.

They need machinists.

We can ask, check it out.

Hell, we're qualified.

Let's ask.

So? You want to work here?

I might have a contact here...

Their machines are really old.

No luck there either, they're full up.

And that other place will be the same.

Might as well head back.

No-one's hiring.

Or they're out of business.

A real bummer.

We may not find work here this year.

Too many machinists around.

It's not that.

A lot of shops have quit, or gone bust.

What happened?

It's so quiet.

That's it, we've reached the end.

And it's really cold,

my feet are frozen.

It's always so bloody cold.

So? What do we do?

I say we drop it.

We can check out of here

and go work with Mom

at my sister's shop.

That's a useless idea.

Oh, why?

How would that work?

If we can work there, what's the difference?

Back home,

you don't know what they're paying now.

Rates are bad all over.

You think she has work for three more?

And it's your sister's shop.

We won't get living expenses.

It wouldn't feel right.

Why do you say that?

Really.

And they can't tell you what you're earning

till the season's over.

They'll only pay us when we're done.

Are you filming here?

Filming the rain!

Come on in!

- You posted that! - Piss off, cousin.

Right, fatty!

Hold me till the very end,

Our happiness has grown so thin,

Look, just skin and bone!

Those flowery promises we swore,

Now just made-to-measure chains

Who can promise we'll get free?

See that?

Fuck, what's this bruise?

Is it serious?

Was it you?

- Are you crazy? - You left a scar.

Has to be you.

Are you chatting with Mingxiu?

Oh no! Forgot to recharge.

Ouch!

That hurt.

Ten yuan!

Two people.

Write "you owe me a kiss."

Give us a kiss, then!

Scram! I'm not telling.

You can tell me, I'm family.

Sure, what's she to you?

Am I nobody?

- I'm me, see. - Yeah, a dickhead.

So you fancy Li Tao?

I don't want to know what you texted.

Hey Jin Cheng, give me 10,

and I'll show him.

- So? - I'm broke.

No money, no deal.

Here, go ahead.

I say it should be 20.

- Why 20? - 10 plus 10.

Ten! Ten yuan!

- Only ten? - For two?

So how much?

Jin Jin will bet you.

Here, you tell me.

What's that?

That pretty girl in the photo looks like you.

- Never mind. - Eh? Let me see!

I didn't say that.

- Who, then? - Not me.

That was definitely you!

Not me, honest.

It is you, just look.

- No way. - The one in black.

Bullshit. Wait, I've got the recording.

There!

- See? It wasn't me. - It was you!

Watch me jump.

You're too fat.

Better than being a dumbass.

Then we go and eat?

What?

No, I'm not hungry.

Any old place will do.

Maybe down that way.

Nah, we always go there.

- Where, then? - Depends.

That place is better,

I often eat there.

Let's move, let's go.

Are you guys working?

What's that?

Where have you been?

I found a doll!

In his room!

- So it's yours now? - You want money?

- It looks like me. - You're right!

Looks like me.

- It's bald. - Show me, Wenting.

Wenting!

Come on, bring it here.

Wenting!

Where are you running to?

Come on.

Scram!

See that? She tried to kick me.

- It actually looks like her. - Look at it!

It's got no hair!

Good point.

That's not me!

So who is it?

- Bald like that. - You shaved its head!

Well, I'm off.

The machines are ok.

So leave them.

They don't need stripping.

Where are my big scissors?

Can't you see?

Where?

Easy, isn't it?

- Easy, right? - I missed it again.

So what's your trick?

Hold it tighter.

I'm holding it even tighter than you do.

Bullshit, Lin Shao.

Same to you.

See that?

I didn't see.

Watch how I pull it.

Pull it faster.

See that?

You call that tight?

That's not tight?

- Look, it's loose here. - And now?

The boss says they're too loose.

- I say they're tight! - I say they're loose.

Hey, look at this.

Switch it off, I'm sleepy.

I have to start work now

and I'm really sleepy.

What happened?

I messed it up.

Wrong way round.

I messed up the seam.

- It'll be ok. - Are you sure?

Won't take a minute.

The seam was wrong,

but I've fixed it now.

What's with you today?

Nothing, why?

Why not go and chat, then?

Up to you.

Who cares what I think,

if you like it, you should chat.

Every day, I don't care.

- Who's showering first? - Me.

Five minutes, tops.

I'll go first then.

We could go see my brother.

You know the place.

Get away!

We could look up Liu Qing.

Come and see.

What?

- Shush. - Where do they work?

Liu Qing?

Hi, I'm looking for Liu Qing,

she's a really good friend,

I heard she's there every day,

so we'd like to come over.

Maybe this Sunday.

That's the only time we can go,

are you guys free?

What are you eating?

Eating instead of working.

Did you get ciggies?

I don't smoke.

You can't smoke here.

- Are you clocking on? - What for?

It's too hot to work.

How much have you made?

- What? - I haven't made much.

Broke, but still eating.

Does that machine even work? Should be scrapped.

Heap of junk.

Hardly even works.

That one over there's still ok.

Just give it one kick...

Yeah, it's a piece of shit.

- She lets you curse? - She's family.

She made no money last season.

How do you eat?

So do I get kicked?

- Kicking me out? - No more snacks.

Eats up all our money. I should really kick her out.

Go on then.

Let's work.

You have to do a good job, that's all.

You seem to work hard.

I can't make money, so I sleep in, fuck it.

What did you make last season?

20,000 for two people and a trainee.

The other day I got up late, say 10-15 minutes.

So the boss calls. I didn't dare to pick up.

- You have aircon? - Nope.

Me neither, it's like an oven.

Can't work now without aircon.

What do they think?

Do you have aircon?

You like this position? You like it this way?

On the floor.

You're crazy!

You're not gonna...

You're really crazy!

Hey, film this!

That's enough, okay?

I don't like it.

Just having fun.

Asshole.

Maybe you should go home.

Or slap her face!

I don't like it either.

What shall I do with her?

Roll me over, in the clover...

- Let's go. - Go where?

Back to our workshop.

The drinks!

Leaving the bag?

I got it.

You want it?

Sure, I'll carry it.

I obey, don't hit me.

Obedient husband.

Come on, off we go.

Hurry up, I have to wash my hair!

Fuck that, who cares.

My phone...

Get the lights, let's go.

Don't worry about me.

And the fan.

So much work.

The lights.

That one too.

Got your phone?

And in here?

Let them do it.

396?

That's a lot, better check.

You have any over 400, Lin Shao?

This one's the highest,

396.

I have one over 400.

400 and what?

460 and some.

- What? - 460 plus.

Impossible!

You made a mistake.

Even 360 is high, how could it be 460?

No way.

That's over the top.

Look for yourself!

Come on, how could you do 460?

You've never seen 450?

Not possible.

See for yourself.

I will. I don't believe it.

23, 24, 24... 25, 24...

24, 24, 25, 25, 24, 24...

This one's amazing!

Some are over 30, right?

Nah, 20-something at most.

There's no mistake. I checked it four times.

- Four times? - Yup.

That's a record.

She really did 457 pieces!

Over 400 pieces? No way.

That's just plain scary!

Here's another sheet with 30 plus per line.

Fuck, mine are nowhere near that.

So normally, in six months...

what would you expect to make?

Seems I made 37,000.

- I'm done. - I got it wrong last time.

Last time I made 10,000.

Shall I take my paybook down?

- Yes. - Everybody?

Only if they've been checked, right?

You took yours down?

Take it now, the boss is there.

Mine comes out at 360.

He's toddling off again. Where are you off to?

I'm heading home tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning.

My hair's filthy. Really greasy.

I washed my hands, they're still black.

- No, baby, it's raining outside! - Daddy!

Stay here!

Stay inside, it's too wet to play.

Zhangqing, call the driver.

Call that carshare driver.

- Are you upstairs? - Yeah, call me when he comes.

Alright.

- What? - I'll call you.

- Right, when he gets here. - Ok, just wait.

Come down!

Hey!

- Come down! - I'm coming!

- Hurry up! - Right.

Where are you?

It's pretty wet.

Those pants he wore the other day,

they're nice, he could wear those.

Put those on him.

So he can have a change.

It's not easy, but I'll manage.

He wets them, I change them.

My little treasure.

His jacket's fine.

- Don't tuck it in. - Sure.

Nearly done. He's quicker than me!

- He's dry, doesn't need wiping. - Wet the cloth.

Did you wring out the water?

Sure, it's dry.

Just look at you, then!

Do you want some rice or what?

- Just some rice. - I'll get him some.

Hard to please, are we?

Right, then. Off we go.

Let's wrap you up.

- Clothes on? - Shh, don't wake him.

- We're quiet. - Seriously?

Very quiet.

Not too tight, a bit looser.

Look how you've wrapped him!

Daily routine...

There, there, don't cry.

She can munch on this.

Over here. There you are.

Mommy's got work to do, alright?

Off I go!

Have to go.

Mommy, let's go!

- I'm staying with you! - Go!

- We can play. - Let's go!

We'll play together.

Downstairs, alright?

Sunny day tomorrow, at last.

Where are you off to?

Granny has an orange for you.

Come to granny, cuddles.

Don't run away now!

Come on, little one.

Your baby's gone.

Let her go, it's fine.

- Come back, baby. - Let her toddle.

Put them there.

Don't worry, I got the firecrackers.

- Quickly. - Take the bags.

Small firecrackers?

Just check, ok?

You can use these.

Ok, I've got more.

What are you waiting for?

To set this one off!

Go on then.

Take the bags, I'll light this one.

- Light it up. - Go on, I'll take this.

Now you can go.

Not so near!

Ok? Ready, set, go!

Go!

Nearly there.

I came a few years ago.

Burned some paper.

Good thing I'm here, isn't it?

It's just up here.

We can put all this down and make our offering.

Move it away a bit.

Light the crackers.

Ma, accept this food.

Step back.

Kowtow. Now the crackers.

Over here!