1 00:00:58,560 --> 00:01:00,770 My father died suddenly. 2 00:01:00,853 --> 00:01:03,022 I only found out last night. 3 00:01:03,106 --> 00:01:05,650 The village chief made a long distance call. 4 00:01:05,692 --> 00:01:07,610 I couldn’t believe it at the time. 5 00:01:08,945 --> 00:01:12,073 My home is a small village in the mountains 6 00:01:12,156 --> 00:01:13,616 called Sanhetun. 7 00:01:14,158 --> 00:01:16,744 Years ago, I left to work in the city. 8 00:01:16,869 --> 00:01:20,248 So busy, I haven’t been home in years. 9 00:01:21,374 --> 00:01:23,876 My father was the village’s primary school teacher. 10 00:01:23,960 --> 00:01:26,212 He taught there all his life. 11 00:01:27,589 --> 00:01:29,382 I am an only child. 12 00:01:29,465 --> 00:01:31,968 The only one from our village who went to college. 13 00:01:34,137 --> 00:01:36,681 Now I am most worried about my mother. 14 00:01:36,764 --> 00:01:38,766 That she cannot accept the sudden news. 15 00:02:14,135 --> 00:02:16,429 Come in and rest a while. 16 00:02:16,512 --> 00:02:18,806 No thanks, I’ve got to hurry back. 17 00:02:18,890 --> 00:02:21,392 Tell your boss I will thank him in person when I get back. 18 00:02:21,476 --> 00:02:23,519 - You’re welcome. - Thank you. 19 00:02:36,449 --> 00:02:37,492 Mother? 20 00:02:42,121 --> 00:02:43,915 - Mother? - Sheng. 21 00:02:44,957 --> 00:02:47,085 Village Chief, Uncle Xia. 22 00:02:48,044 --> 00:02:51,422 I saw the car and knew you were back. 23 00:02:51,506 --> 00:02:52,924 Come in. 24 00:02:53,007 --> 00:02:54,801 It’s warmer inside. 25 00:03:00,890 --> 00:03:02,767 Please, sit down. 26 00:03:03,810 --> 00:03:07,230 I couldn’t tell you much over the phone. 27 00:03:07,313 --> 00:03:10,024 Now you’re here, I can explain everything. 28 00:03:11,109 --> 00:03:13,319 It’s the schoolhouse. 29 00:03:13,403 --> 00:03:16,114 Your father had wanted to rebuild it. 30 00:03:16,197 --> 00:03:20,576 For many years there were always reasons we couldn’t. 31 00:03:20,702 --> 00:03:23,955 He brought it up again recently 32 00:03:24,038 --> 00:03:27,792 and the village agreed. 33 00:03:28,835 --> 00:03:31,963 We have the materials we need but not enough money. 34 00:03:32,046 --> 00:03:34,882 Your father became anxious because of the lack of money. 35 00:03:34,966 --> 00:03:35,967 He quickly went-- 36 00:03:36,050 --> 00:03:39,846 He travelled around, trying to borrow funds. 37 00:03:39,929 --> 00:03:42,265 He went all over the county. 38 00:03:42,348 --> 00:03:45,101 If there was a chance, he’d go after it. 39 00:03:45,184 --> 00:03:48,813 On the last trip, on his way home 40 00:03:48,896 --> 00:03:51,607 he ran into a snowstorm, a big blizzard. 41 00:03:51,691 --> 00:03:53,985 He was stuck in the storm and he got sick. 42 00:03:54,068 --> 00:03:55,737 He got really sick. 43 00:03:55,820 --> 00:03:59,073 He was in bad shape when he got back 44 00:03:59,157 --> 00:04:02,034 so we took him to the county hospital. 45 00:04:02,160 --> 00:04:05,455 They examined him, and said he had a heart problem. 46 00:04:06,080 --> 00:04:07,957 We’ve known your dad all these years. 47 00:04:08,040 --> 00:04:11,210 No one knew but he had heart disease. 48 00:04:11,794 --> 00:04:13,963 They tried treating him, but it was no use. 49 00:04:14,464 --> 00:04:17,341 At the end, he didn’t make it. 50 00:04:18,543 --> 00:04:22,764 - Where is my father now? - At the county hospital, in the morgue. 51 00:04:22,847 --> 00:04:25,183 That’s why we waited for you to return, 52 00:04:25,266 --> 00:04:26,726 to discuss with you. 53 00:04:28,603 --> 00:04:31,397 Last time we spoke on the phone, he seemed fine. 54 00:04:31,481 --> 00:04:32,857 What happened? 55 00:04:32,940 --> 00:04:36,110 He’s old, and this year’s storm was bad. 56 00:04:36,194 --> 00:04:41,574 At his age, it was too much for him. 57 00:04:41,657 --> 00:04:46,162 It would have been hard on anyone. 58 00:04:46,245 --> 00:04:49,707 - What do you think? - The village’s plan 59 00:04:49,791 --> 00:04:52,752 is to bring your father back. 60 00:04:52,835 --> 00:04:57,799 - It’s already been three days. - So that we can bury him. 61 00:04:58,883 --> 00:05:00,802 That’s what we planned. 62 00:05:02,595 --> 00:05:05,681 Let’s follow the chief’s plan. It’s fine. 63 00:05:05,765 --> 00:05:08,100 But there is a problem. 64 00:05:08,184 --> 00:05:13,564 Your mother doesn’t agree to use a car. 65 00:05:13,648 --> 00:05:16,275 She requests for your father to be carried back. 66 00:05:16,359 --> 00:05:17,819 What do you mean? 67 00:05:17,902 --> 00:05:23,658 She wants the coffin brought back on foot 68 00:05:23,741 --> 00:05:27,078 so your father won’t forget his way home. 69 00:05:27,161 --> 00:05:28,663 It’s an old superstition. 70 00:05:28,746 --> 00:05:32,166 - Mother thinks-- - And she wants to walk with your father. 71 00:05:33,417 --> 00:05:36,462 - So let’s do it. - We agree. 72 00:05:36,546 --> 00:05:40,299 He was our village teacher. Everyone respects him. 73 00:05:40,341 --> 00:05:43,803 But our young people have all left for the city. 74 00:05:43,886 --> 00:05:45,555 They’ve gone away to work. 75 00:05:45,680 --> 00:05:48,140 Only the elderly and children are left. 76 00:05:48,224 --> 00:05:52,728 In this situation, we thought of using a tractor. 77 00:05:52,812 --> 00:05:54,981 We could make the trip in half a day. 78 00:05:55,606 --> 00:05:58,401 You must help your mother decide. 79 00:05:59,318 --> 00:06:01,904 All right, please don’t be embarrassed. 80 00:06:01,988 --> 00:06:04,240 I will talk it over with her. 81 00:06:04,323 --> 00:06:06,117 - Good. - Where is she? 82 00:06:06,200 --> 00:06:11,998 Since your dad died, she sits at the schoolhouse all day, 83 00:06:12,081 --> 00:06:15,293 and no one can make her go. 84 00:06:15,376 --> 00:06:18,754 - She won’t listen to anyone. - She just sits there. 85 00:06:18,838 --> 00:06:20,715 - Is she okay? - I think so. 86 00:06:20,798 --> 00:06:22,758 I am only afraid-- 87 00:06:22,842 --> 00:06:25,428 - The old schoolhouse? - Yes. 88 00:06:25,511 --> 00:06:27,889 I’ll go to her. 89 00:06:55,583 --> 00:06:57,084 - Mother. - Sheng. 90 00:06:57,168 --> 00:06:59,378 It’s so cold. Let’s go home, okay? 91 00:07:00,713 --> 00:07:02,757 Your father is dead. 92 00:07:05,927 --> 00:07:07,929 Come, let’s go home. 93 00:07:13,976 --> 00:07:17,271 You will never see him again. 94 00:07:38,334 --> 00:07:40,711 Get on the bed, where it’s warm. 95 00:07:46,175 --> 00:07:47,385 Sheng... 96 00:07:49,720 --> 00:07:51,764 Bring me my loom. 97 00:07:51,847 --> 00:07:54,809 Loom? What for? 98 00:07:56,227 --> 00:07:59,438 - I want to weave something. - Weave what? 99 00:08:00,064 --> 00:08:02,942 A cloth for your father’s coffin. 100 00:08:04,485 --> 00:08:06,445 See if this will do? 101 00:08:06,570 --> 00:08:09,448 Don’t trouble yourself. I will go and buy one instead. 102 00:08:09,573 --> 00:08:11,951 I don’t want to buy one. 103 00:08:13,744 --> 00:08:16,330 That loom is decades old. 104 00:08:16,414 --> 00:08:17,957 It’s been broken for years. 105 00:08:18,040 --> 00:08:20,543 Also, who weaves anything themselves nowadays? 106 00:08:20,626 --> 00:08:22,753 Ask Uncle Xia to fix it. 107 00:08:25,965 --> 00:08:30,344 You need rest, Mother. You must be so tired. 108 00:08:30,428 --> 00:08:33,472 I have to make this cloth myself. 109 00:08:35,307 --> 00:08:37,184 Can’t I just go buy one now? 110 00:08:37,268 --> 00:08:40,229 No! Just do as I say. 111 00:09:11,052 --> 00:09:14,263 There are no looms left in the village. 112 00:09:14,346 --> 00:09:17,349 Your mother kept the last one. 113 00:09:17,433 --> 00:09:19,393 She’s guarded it like a treasure. 114 00:09:19,477 --> 00:09:25,107 Looks like she’s determined to weave 115 00:09:25,191 --> 00:09:27,068 and to join the walk. 116 00:09:27,151 --> 00:09:33,407 Carrying the dead is an old custom. 117 00:09:33,491 --> 00:09:35,576 “Over the mountains, 118 00:09:35,701 --> 00:09:39,288 “across the river, past the crossroads.” 119 00:09:39,371 --> 00:09:40,998 We are to shout along the way. 120 00:09:41,082 --> 00:09:43,626 What do we say? 121 00:09:43,709 --> 00:09:46,003 We tell him this is the road home. 122 00:09:46,087 --> 00:09:49,548 Everyone yells at him so that he remembers his way home. 123 00:09:49,632 --> 00:09:51,092 This is the meaning behind it. 124 00:09:51,175 --> 00:09:53,552 Uncle Xia, is it really so difficult 125 00:09:53,636 --> 00:09:57,014 to do as my mother wishes? 126 00:09:57,098 --> 00:09:59,683 It is actually difficult. 127 00:09:59,767 --> 00:10:02,561 We don’t have the manpower. 128 00:10:02,645 --> 00:10:06,482 All our young people have left. 129 00:10:06,565 --> 00:10:09,902 The custom hasn’t been followed since the Cultural Revolution. 130 00:10:09,985 --> 00:10:12,196 Who can do it now? No one. 131 00:10:26,877 --> 00:10:29,839 I don’t want her to weave this cloth... 132 00:10:29,922 --> 00:10:32,299 but I don’t know how to stop her. 133 00:10:32,883 --> 00:10:34,593 The funeral procession 134 00:10:34,677 --> 00:10:37,304 seems all that matters to her now. 135 00:10:51,277 --> 00:10:54,822 Mother, I heard the village chief say that you want to carry father home. 136 00:10:54,905 --> 00:10:56,490 Yes. 137 00:10:57,491 --> 00:11:00,995 I was thinking whether there was any other way. 138 00:11:02,413 --> 00:11:04,707 Don’t worry about it. 139 00:11:05,749 --> 00:11:09,003 Your father lived here for more than 40 years. 140 00:11:10,004 --> 00:11:15,926 He taught many generations of kids. 141 00:11:16,010 --> 00:11:19,638 He worked very hard, and long hours. 142 00:11:20,347 --> 00:11:24,935 The town should do something in return. 143 00:11:25,019 --> 00:11:27,146 The village chief agrees with you. 144 00:11:27,229 --> 00:11:29,190 It is just a bit difficult. 145 00:11:29,273 --> 00:11:31,358 I’m just suggesting, 146 00:11:31,400 --> 00:11:33,110 whether we carry him on foot 147 00:11:33,194 --> 00:11:35,446 or on a tractor, isn’t it the same? 148 00:11:35,529 --> 00:11:37,865 We’re still bringing him home. 149 00:11:37,948 --> 00:11:39,825 It’s not the same. 150 00:11:42,203 --> 00:11:47,499 No matter what, I want your father carried back. 151 00:11:50,586 --> 00:11:54,298 If they won’t help, we’ll find a way... 152 00:11:55,758 --> 00:12:00,012 and get someone who will... bring him back. 153 00:12:07,353 --> 00:12:10,397 Please don’t weave anymore tonight. 154 00:12:10,481 --> 00:12:14,693 I have to. I have to finish it. 155 00:12:14,777 --> 00:12:17,947 You’ve been tired for days. Get some rest, okay? 156 00:12:18,447 --> 00:12:21,283 You sleep in your father’s study. 157 00:12:21,784 --> 00:12:24,620 I have to finish this. 158 00:13:24,722 --> 00:13:27,850 This picture was taken the year my parents married. 159 00:13:29,852 --> 00:13:32,771 My father was not from the village. 160 00:13:32,896 --> 00:13:34,523 He came here later. 161 00:13:35,691 --> 00:13:38,152 My parents’ love story 162 00:13:38,193 --> 00:13:40,070 was once sensational. 163 00:13:41,071 --> 00:13:43,115 The villagers talk so much about it. 164 00:13:43,198 --> 00:13:45,284 It sounds like a fairy tale. 165 00:13:46,994 --> 00:13:49,163 My mother had just turned 18. 166 00:13:49,246 --> 00:13:51,165 My father was only 20. 167 00:13:51,874 --> 00:13:57,296 My mother told me my father arrived on a horse cart. 168 00:14:41,215 --> 00:14:43,425 This is our new teacher in Sanhetun. 169 00:14:43,509 --> 00:14:46,470 His name is Luo. Luo Changyu. 170 00:15:34,726 --> 00:15:38,272 Is that Di? What’s all the racket for? 171 00:15:38,355 --> 00:15:39,731 Nothing. 172 00:15:40,816 --> 00:15:42,901 This morning there was such a crowd. 173 00:15:43,026 --> 00:15:44,820 They say it was to see the teacher. 174 00:15:45,109 --> 00:15:47,364 - Has the teacher arrived? - Yes. 175 00:15:47,448 --> 00:15:48,699 That’s good. 176 00:15:48,782 --> 00:15:51,660 It’s about time we got our own teacher. 177 00:15:52,911 --> 00:15:54,621 What does he look like? 178 00:15:54,705 --> 00:15:55,998 He’s a young man. 179 00:15:56,582 --> 00:15:57,749 A young man? 180 00:15:57,833 --> 00:16:00,169 For a young man to teach, 181 00:16:00,210 --> 00:16:02,713 he must be talented. 182 00:16:03,755 --> 00:16:06,467 - Where is he staying? - At the village-council office. 183 00:16:06,550 --> 00:16:10,012 That’s good. It’s warm there. 184 00:16:10,095 --> 00:16:11,555 What about his meals? 185 00:16:11,638 --> 00:16:15,225 He’ll eat with a different family each day. 186 00:16:15,309 --> 00:16:17,144 When it’s our turn 187 00:16:17,227 --> 00:16:20,397 we’ll have to make a hearty meal. 188 00:16:23,400 --> 00:16:26,528 Di... what are you doing? 189 00:16:26,570 --> 00:16:28,197 Nothing. 190 00:16:28,280 --> 00:16:33,035 Seeing a teacher makes you change into new clothes? 191 00:16:40,209 --> 00:16:42,961 My grandmother was already blind by then. 192 00:16:43,191 --> 00:16:44,626 Mother says when Grandfather died, 193 00:16:44,703 --> 00:16:48,540 Grandmother cried until she went blind. 194 00:16:50,010 --> 00:16:51,220 After Grandfather died 195 00:16:51,303 --> 00:16:55,390 there was only Mother to look after Grandmother. 196 00:16:56,225 --> 00:16:59,353 Grandmother’s only wish was to find a good husband for Mother. 197 00:16:59,937 --> 00:17:01,772 She had many proposals 198 00:17:02,314 --> 00:17:04,233 but my mother didn’t like any of them. 199 00:17:09,863 --> 00:17:14,201 The schoolhouse was not yet built when my father arrived. 200 00:17:14,326 --> 00:17:18,580 The village chief enlisted all the men’s help to speed up the work. 201 00:17:18,705 --> 00:17:20,499 According to our village custom 202 00:17:20,541 --> 00:17:24,545 a red cloth must be hung in a new building, 203 00:17:24,628 --> 00:17:26,296 on the ceiling beam for good luck. 204 00:17:26,380 --> 00:17:28,549 The cloth is called “Red”. 205 00:17:28,632 --> 00:17:32,261 Usually it is woven by the village’s most beautiful maiden. 206 00:17:32,344 --> 00:17:36,473 This task naturally fell to my mother. 207 00:17:37,724 --> 00:17:40,978 Perhaps she was already a little in love... 208 00:17:41,061 --> 00:17:44,398 because the cloth she made was especially fine. 209 00:17:52,906 --> 00:17:55,033 The village had two wells back then. 210 00:17:55,617 --> 00:17:57,786 The old well was called the front well. 211 00:17:57,869 --> 00:18:00,330 The newer well was called the back well. 212 00:18:00,872 --> 00:18:05,168 The new well was nearer the village, so more people used that one. 213 00:18:05,252 --> 00:18:07,713 After my father arrived, 214 00:18:07,796 --> 00:18:10,340 Mother started to use the old well 215 00:18:10,424 --> 00:18:12,801 as she would then pass by the school. 216 00:19:08,565 --> 00:19:10,525 The village had another custom. 217 00:19:10,609 --> 00:19:12,527 When putting up a new building, 218 00:19:12,611 --> 00:19:16,990 each family would prepare a dish for the workers’ lunch. 219 00:19:17,074 --> 00:19:18,825 This is called “public meals”. 220 00:19:19,451 --> 00:19:22,412 Mother prepared all her best dishes, 221 00:19:22,496 --> 00:19:25,791 hoping Father would eat what she made. 222 00:19:46,061 --> 00:19:50,607 According to Mother, back then women were not allowed to do a lot of things. 223 00:19:50,691 --> 00:19:54,695 For example, construction and big tasks like digging a well. 224 00:19:54,778 --> 00:19:56,947 They say it brings bad luck. 225 00:19:57,030 --> 00:19:59,241 When they put up the school 226 00:19:59,324 --> 00:20:01,827 the village women could only watch 227 00:20:01,910 --> 00:20:03,453 from a distance. 228 00:20:29,980 --> 00:20:33,442 - What did you make today? - Mantou and fritters. 229 00:20:33,525 --> 00:20:36,194 - What about you, Zhao Di? - I made scallion pancakes. 230 00:20:36,278 --> 00:20:39,489 I brought rice steamed in lotus leaves. 231 00:20:39,573 --> 00:20:41,575 Scallion pancakes are surely better. 232 00:20:41,658 --> 00:20:43,744 Did you save some for your boyfriend? 233 00:20:43,827 --> 00:20:45,412 Shut up! 234 00:20:47,539 --> 00:20:48,707 Look at them. 235 00:20:48,790 --> 00:20:52,085 They pick up the first dish they see. They don’t know who made what. 236 00:20:52,169 --> 00:20:53,629 I don’t know who’s eating mine. 237 00:20:53,670 --> 00:20:55,922 It must be your husband! 238 00:21:01,303 --> 00:21:02,888 Put them here. 239 00:22:00,028 --> 00:22:02,823 Zhao Di, you brought the banner? 240 00:22:02,906 --> 00:22:04,825 I was going to get it from your house. 241 00:22:04,908 --> 00:22:06,451 Give it, give it to me! 242 00:22:06,535 --> 00:22:07,536 Okay, here. 243 00:22:07,619 --> 00:22:09,788 I shouldn’t have saved you the trip. 244 00:22:11,414 --> 00:22:14,042 Zhao Di, this is a beautiful banner. 245 00:22:14,584 --> 00:22:17,462 Class can start once the school is complete. 246 00:22:17,546 --> 00:22:19,923 Teacher said language will be the first lesson. 247 00:22:22,300 --> 00:22:26,012 - Is the teacher happy with the food? - Yes. 248 00:22:26,096 --> 00:22:28,682 - Does he eat what we make? - Yes. 249 00:22:29,266 --> 00:22:31,518 - He eats together with you? - Of course not! 250 00:22:31,601 --> 00:22:33,436 He’s a city gentleman. 251 00:22:33,520 --> 00:22:35,355 He can’t have messy meals like we do. 252 00:22:35,438 --> 00:22:37,315 So how does it work? 253 00:22:37,399 --> 00:22:40,610 We give him first pick of the dishes. 254 00:24:03,360 --> 00:24:05,779 “One must be courteous...”, say it. 255 00:24:05,862 --> 00:24:08,073 “One must be courteous...” 256 00:24:08,198 --> 00:24:10,533 “And righteous,” say it. 257 00:24:10,617 --> 00:24:12,911 “And righteous.” 258 00:24:12,994 --> 00:24:15,413 “Living in this world...”, say it. 259 00:24:15,538 --> 00:24:17,499 “Living in this world...” 260 00:24:17,582 --> 00:24:19,918 “You must have ambition,” say it. 261 00:24:20,001 --> 00:24:21,795 “You must have ambition.” 262 00:24:21,878 --> 00:24:24,381 Good, we’ll repeat twice. 263 00:24:25,382 --> 00:24:28,927 “Reading expands your knowledge,” say it. 264 00:24:29,010 --> 00:24:33,264 “Reading expands your knowledge.” 265 00:24:33,348 --> 00:24:36,768 “It’s good to be able to write and do math,” say it. 266 00:24:36,851 --> 00:24:41,314 “It’s good to be able to write and do math.” 267 00:24:41,398 --> 00:24:44,859 “Big and small matters, note with your pen,” say it. 268 00:24:44,943 --> 00:24:49,406 “Big and small matters, note with your pen.” 269 00:24:49,447 --> 00:24:53,493 “Know the present, know the past. Know heaven and earth,” say it. 270 00:24:53,576 --> 00:24:57,163 “Know the present, know the past. Know heaven and earth.” 271 00:24:57,247 --> 00:24:59,332 When I was young, my mother told me 272 00:24:59,457 --> 00:25:02,210 my father had a beautiful reading voice. 273 00:25:02,752 --> 00:25:06,548 My mother never learned to write and could not understand what was read. 274 00:25:06,631 --> 00:25:10,051 But she found my father’s voice to be the sweetest voice on earth. 275 00:25:10,760 --> 00:25:14,514 She went to listen to him every day after that. 276 00:25:15,348 --> 00:25:18,548 For most, the novelty of the new school wore off after a while... 277 00:25:19,019 --> 00:25:20,979 but not for my mother. 278 00:25:21,021 --> 00:25:23,398 For more than 40 years, she came to listen... 279 00:25:23,898 --> 00:25:26,609 and it became part of her life. 280 00:25:28,778 --> 00:25:32,490 “Know respect for your elders,” say it. 281 00:25:32,574 --> 00:25:36,369 “Know respect for your elders.” 282 00:25:52,010 --> 00:25:54,512 Mother heard that each day after school 283 00:25:54,596 --> 00:25:57,265 my father would walk some students home. 284 00:25:57,348 --> 00:25:59,059 She decided to wait along the way, 285 00:25:59,142 --> 00:26:01,394 hoping to bump into him. 286 00:26:27,420 --> 00:26:31,758 The birds sing with the beautiful sun 287 00:26:35,929 --> 00:26:40,934 Their songs wake the beautiful flowers 288 00:31:19,921 --> 00:31:21,005 Hey! 289 00:31:47,365 --> 00:31:49,992 - Who is she? - That’s Zhao Di. 290 00:31:50,993 --> 00:31:52,912 Is she from Sanhetun? 291 00:31:52,995 --> 00:31:54,831 She lives just there. 292 00:31:56,249 --> 00:31:58,626 Sister Zhao Di, our teacher is asking about you! 293 00:33:46,067 --> 00:33:48,110 - You need water? - Yes. 294 00:33:48,194 --> 00:33:51,197 - Let me get it for you. - No, that’s okay. 295 00:33:51,280 --> 00:33:54,075 - Let me do it. - I can do it. Thanks. 296 00:33:54,158 --> 00:33:57,036 No, let me. Let me help you! 297 00:33:57,119 --> 00:34:00,164 You’re the teacher. You shouldn’t bother. 298 00:34:00,289 --> 00:34:03,334 - Let me do it. - No, no. 299 00:34:03,417 --> 00:34:04,919 Come on. 300 00:34:08,422 --> 00:34:09,423 No! 301 00:34:18,432 --> 00:34:21,519 Zhao Di, how come you’re fetching water here? 302 00:34:34,365 --> 00:34:36,450 Tomorrow, it’s our turn to have you over. 303 00:34:36,534 --> 00:34:37,702 I know. 304 00:35:57,406 --> 00:35:59,116 My father told me, 305 00:35:59,200 --> 00:36:02,244 the first time he went to my mother’s house 306 00:36:02,328 --> 00:36:03,996 she stood in the doorway. 307 00:36:04,914 --> 00:36:08,334 Leaning against the door frame 308 00:36:08,417 --> 00:36:10,753 she looked like a figure in a painting... 309 00:36:10,878 --> 00:36:13,589 an image he would never forget. 310 00:36:20,304 --> 00:36:23,766 - Di, is the teacher here? - Yes. 311 00:36:24,308 --> 00:36:27,019 Your heavy footsteps gave you away. 312 00:36:27,103 --> 00:36:29,313 Come in. Come here. 313 00:36:30,356 --> 00:36:32,900 My mother’s eyesight is not good. 314 00:36:33,984 --> 00:36:36,570 This teacher is very tall. 315 00:36:36,654 --> 00:36:38,322 Sit down. 316 00:36:38,406 --> 00:36:39,990 Onto the heated bed. 317 00:37:25,953 --> 00:37:28,706 Can’t think when we last had a man home for a meal. 318 00:37:28,789 --> 00:37:30,916 The food must taste good to you. 319 00:37:31,000 --> 00:37:32,793 You sound like you’re enjoying it. 320 00:37:35,421 --> 00:37:38,299 Have you been in Sanhetun for a month already? 321 00:37:38,340 --> 00:37:39,842 More than a month. 322 00:37:39,925 --> 00:37:41,802 Have you gotten used to it? 323 00:37:41,927 --> 00:37:44,180 - Yes. - That’s good. 324 00:37:45,639 --> 00:37:49,351 - Is your family in the county? - Yes, from East Gate. 325 00:37:49,435 --> 00:37:51,228 How did you choose Sanhetun? 326 00:37:51,312 --> 00:37:53,230 After graduation, I couldn’t find work. 327 00:37:53,314 --> 00:37:56,150 One day in the street, a man was signing people up. 328 00:37:56,233 --> 00:37:58,569 I didn’t know what for, but I signed up anyway. 329 00:37:58,652 --> 00:38:00,237 And I ended up here. 330 00:38:00,321 --> 00:38:02,364 - Do you regret it? - No. 331 00:38:02,490 --> 00:38:03,616 Why? 332 00:38:05,201 --> 00:38:06,410 I like it here. 333 00:38:08,746 --> 00:38:10,831 Are you married? 334 00:38:11,415 --> 00:38:12,416 No. 335 00:38:13,250 --> 00:38:14,794 Are you engaged? 336 00:38:14,919 --> 00:38:15,920 No. 337 00:38:23,594 --> 00:38:26,806 Zhao Di will do it. Sit for a while. 338 00:38:41,153 --> 00:38:42,738 Do you remember this bowl? 339 00:38:42,822 --> 00:38:44,406 This design? 340 00:38:46,700 --> 00:38:48,369 No, I don’t remember. 341 00:38:48,452 --> 00:38:50,246 Did you have the public meals? 342 00:38:50,287 --> 00:38:51,288 Yes. 343 00:38:52,289 --> 00:38:55,376 Looks like Zhao Di’s hard work was wasted. 344 00:38:55,459 --> 00:38:58,379 She doesn’t say, but I know all too well. 345 00:38:58,420 --> 00:39:00,589 When you were building the school 346 00:39:00,673 --> 00:39:02,508 she made all her best dishes. 347 00:39:02,591 --> 00:39:05,094 She always used that bowl 348 00:39:05,219 --> 00:39:07,680 hoping you would choose her dish. 349 00:39:07,763 --> 00:39:10,307 Even I wasn’t allowed to help. 350 00:39:12,142 --> 00:39:15,271 Public meals! I remember now. 351 00:39:15,855 --> 00:39:16,856 You do? 352 00:39:16,939 --> 00:39:19,149 The bowl and your cooking are familiar. 353 00:39:19,233 --> 00:39:21,694 - So you ate from it before? - Yes. 354 00:39:21,777 --> 00:39:23,445 You did? What did you eat? 355 00:39:29,535 --> 00:39:30,536 Let me tell you. 356 00:39:30,634 --> 00:39:32,747 On the first day, I made scallion pancakes. 357 00:39:32,867 --> 00:39:35,499 On the second, scrambled eggs and onions on rice. 358 00:39:35,583 --> 00:39:37,751 On the third day, mushroom dumplings. 359 00:39:38,335 --> 00:39:41,338 What a shame. Three delicious meals. 360 00:39:41,422 --> 00:39:42,965 And I love mushroom dumplings. 361 00:39:43,048 --> 00:39:45,050 Come more often. I’ll cook for you. 362 00:39:46,135 --> 00:39:48,137 - That is too much to ask. - No. 363 00:39:48,220 --> 00:39:51,765 You’ve hardly finished lunch, and you’re planning the next meal. 364 00:39:51,849 --> 00:39:53,684 Zhao Di, show the teacher out. 365 00:39:53,767 --> 00:39:54,935 He must be very busy. 366 00:39:55,019 --> 00:39:57,313 Yes, I should go. 367 00:40:13,996 --> 00:40:16,123 That red jacket of yours is pretty on you. 368 00:40:16,206 --> 00:40:18,083 I remember it from the day I arrived. 369 00:40:18,167 --> 00:40:20,294 Don’t forget to come back for dumplings. 370 00:40:32,556 --> 00:40:35,059 You shouldn’t make the dumplings. 371 00:40:35,142 --> 00:40:37,603 - Why not? - You may regret it. 372 00:40:38,395 --> 00:40:40,731 - Why? - You know why. 373 00:40:41,315 --> 00:40:43,609 This teacher is a nice man 374 00:40:43,692 --> 00:40:46,195 but he’s out of our class. 375 00:40:46,278 --> 00:40:49,073 What are you talking about? It’s only dumplings. 376 00:40:49,156 --> 00:40:50,950 Don’t play dumb. 377 00:40:51,033 --> 00:40:52,701 I’m just being honest. 378 00:40:52,785 --> 00:40:54,828 You’d best forget about him. 379 00:41:20,104 --> 00:41:22,815 I will not go back! 380 00:41:22,898 --> 00:41:24,608 You’ve got no choice! 381 00:41:24,692 --> 00:41:26,694 I will not go back! 382 00:43:06,210 --> 00:43:08,212 I came to say goodbye. 383 00:43:08,337 --> 00:43:10,714 Where are you going? 384 00:43:10,798 --> 00:43:11,882 Back to the county. 385 00:43:11,965 --> 00:43:13,342 Why the rush? 386 00:43:13,425 --> 00:43:14,927 Nothing. 387 00:43:16,720 --> 00:43:20,849 I saw you argue with someone. Was that what it was about? 388 00:43:20,933 --> 00:43:23,143 Who was he? Why do you have to go back? 389 00:43:23,227 --> 00:43:26,563 It’s no big deal. They just have some questions. That’s all. 390 00:43:26,688 --> 00:43:28,440 Can’t they ask you questions here? 391 00:43:28,524 --> 00:43:29,983 He says it’s not up to him. 392 00:43:35,114 --> 00:43:36,490 Will you come back? 393 00:43:36,573 --> 00:43:39,785 Of course! I have classes to teach. 394 00:43:39,868 --> 00:43:41,578 When will you be back? 395 00:43:42,321 --> 00:43:44,896 The latest will be... the 8th day of the 12th lunar month. 396 00:43:44,987 --> 00:43:47,719 On the 9th, the school holiday starts. I have to be back before that. 397 00:43:53,423 --> 00:43:56,051 - Come in and eat dumplings. - I’m afraid I can’t. 398 00:43:56,093 --> 00:43:57,179 I have things to do. 399 00:43:57,292 --> 00:43:58,971 You and your mum shouldn’t wait for me. 400 00:44:00,931 --> 00:44:03,600 I really do. That man is waiting for me. 401 00:44:03,684 --> 00:44:05,602 Tell him to come too. 402 00:44:05,686 --> 00:44:08,021 You have to eat in any case. 403 00:44:12,901 --> 00:44:14,570 Okay, I’ll come and eat. 404 00:44:16,530 --> 00:44:17,614 I’ll wait for you. 405 00:44:20,159 --> 00:44:22,202 I bought this for you. 406 00:44:22,286 --> 00:44:24,580 To go with your red jacket. 407 00:44:34,756 --> 00:44:36,383 I’ll be waiting. 408 00:44:50,480 --> 00:44:52,608 What is going on? No more class? 409 00:44:52,691 --> 00:44:55,444 - He’s said to be a rightist. - What? 410 00:44:55,527 --> 00:44:56,987 I don’t understand it either. 411 00:44:57,070 --> 00:44:58,280 Maybe it’s nothing. 412 00:44:58,363 --> 00:45:00,407 Who knows, he might be back in two days. 413 00:45:22,095 --> 00:45:24,014 The teacher has left. 414 00:45:30,479 --> 00:45:32,147 - The teacher’s left? - Yes. 415 00:45:32,231 --> 00:45:35,108 - How come? - The village chief just sent him off. 416 00:50:09,591 --> 00:50:12,636 My mother spent a few days... 417 00:50:12,719 --> 00:50:15,597 searching miles of mountain trails. 418 00:50:15,680 --> 00:50:18,517 She wanted to find the hair clip from my father. 419 00:52:08,376 --> 00:52:10,211 Pottery repairs! 420 00:52:10,295 --> 00:52:12,088 Please come in. 421 00:53:46,099 --> 00:53:47,934 I charge for the nails I use. 422 00:53:48,017 --> 00:53:50,645 This will cost you more than buying a new bowl. 423 00:53:50,770 --> 00:53:53,898 Just tell me how much, and I’ll pay you. 424 00:53:54,441 --> 00:53:56,067 Is it a family heirloom? 425 00:53:56,151 --> 00:53:57,402 No. 426 00:53:58,862 --> 00:54:00,822 It belonged to someone special? 427 00:54:00,947 --> 00:54:03,241 You could say that. 428 00:54:03,783 --> 00:54:05,201 Who? 429 00:54:06,244 --> 00:54:09,497 It’s for my daughter. 430 00:54:10,039 --> 00:54:11,833 The man who used it left 431 00:54:11,916 --> 00:54:14,502 and took my daughter’s heart with him. 432 00:54:14,586 --> 00:54:17,797 The repaired bowl will be a souvenir for her. 433 00:54:19,090 --> 00:54:22,969 When it’s done, it’ll be very solid. 434 00:54:23,052 --> 00:54:25,555 I guarantee she’ll have good memories. 435 00:54:33,646 --> 00:54:37,692 Pottery repairs! 436 00:55:03,468 --> 00:55:05,845 Di, what are you doing? 437 00:55:05,929 --> 00:55:09,182 Nothing. Just getting a drink of water. 438 00:55:57,939 --> 00:55:59,858 One times eight equals eight. 439 00:55:59,941 --> 00:56:02,068 One times nine equals nine. 440 00:56:04,737 --> 00:56:06,865 Two times two equals four. 441 00:56:06,948 --> 00:56:09,200 Two times three equals six. 442 00:56:09,284 --> 00:56:11,536 Two times four equals eight. 443 00:56:11,661 --> 00:56:13,413 Two times five equals ten. 444 00:56:13,496 --> 00:56:16,875 Two times six equals 12. 445 00:56:16,958 --> 00:56:19,794 Two times seven equals 14. 446 00:56:19,878 --> 00:56:22,422 Two times eight equals 16. 447 00:56:22,505 --> 00:56:25,049 Two times nine equals 18. 448 00:56:25,133 --> 00:56:27,218 Good. 449 00:56:27,302 --> 00:56:31,180 Three times three equals nine. 450 00:56:31,264 --> 00:56:33,850 Three times four equals 12. 451 00:56:33,933 --> 00:56:36,561 Three times five equals 15. 452 00:56:36,644 --> 00:56:39,188 Three times six equals 18. 453 00:56:39,272 --> 00:56:42,025 Three times seven equals 21. 454 00:56:42,108 --> 00:56:44,569 Three times eight equals 24. 455 00:56:45,069 --> 00:56:47,614 Three times nine equals 27. 456 00:57:43,670 --> 00:57:45,421 My father told my mother, 457 00:57:45,505 --> 00:57:47,715 when he was teaching the kids 458 00:57:47,799 --> 00:57:50,426 he could always look up and see the red banner. 459 00:57:50,927 --> 00:57:52,220 When he saw that banner 460 00:57:52,303 --> 00:57:54,722 it reminded him of Mother and her red jacket. 461 00:57:55,598 --> 00:57:57,350 The village chief kept insisting 462 00:57:57,433 --> 00:57:59,435 that the classroom needed a proper roof 463 00:57:59,560 --> 00:58:01,521 but my father never let him. 464 00:58:02,188 --> 00:58:04,190 That’s why the school ceiling 465 00:58:04,273 --> 00:58:06,776 was never completed. 466 01:00:04,644 --> 01:00:07,647 Mother sat in the classroom until late that day. 467 01:00:07,730 --> 01:00:10,983 The door was open, and the village chief saw her there. 468 01:00:11,609 --> 01:00:14,278 He understood what that meant. 469 01:00:15,029 --> 01:00:16,531 Once he knew, 470 01:00:16,614 --> 01:00:19,117 the news got round the village quickly. 471 01:00:19,784 --> 01:00:21,244 Back then... 472 01:00:21,327 --> 01:00:23,955 autonomous marriage was a novel idea. 473 01:00:24,455 --> 01:00:26,999 My mother was the first in Sanhetun. 474 01:00:38,302 --> 01:00:40,930 On the day my father promised to return... 475 01:00:40,972 --> 01:00:44,016 my mother was waiting from first light. 476 01:00:44,600 --> 01:00:47,061 She remembered his promise 477 01:00:47,145 --> 01:00:49,605 that he would surely return on the 8th. 478 01:00:49,689 --> 01:00:52,108 School vacation began on the 9th. 479 01:00:52,817 --> 01:00:54,902 He had to be back before that. 480 01:03:16,002 --> 01:03:17,586 It’s so cold out there. 481 01:03:17,670 --> 01:03:19,839 Where have you been all day? 482 01:03:19,880 --> 01:03:21,507 Get warm on the bed. 483 01:03:31,559 --> 01:03:34,770 You’re burning! Don’t get sick! 484 01:04:07,720 --> 01:04:10,306 I know you went to wait for the teacher. 485 01:04:10,389 --> 01:04:13,851 Everyone says he’s in trouble and won’t be back. 486 01:04:13,934 --> 01:04:15,519 You’ve got to let go. 487 01:04:18,647 --> 01:04:20,816 I’m going to the county to find him. 488 01:04:20,900 --> 01:04:24,195 Are you crazy? You’re ill! 489 01:04:25,529 --> 01:04:28,407 Di! Come back! Come back! 490 01:05:09,281 --> 01:05:11,367 My mother didn’t reach the city that day. 491 01:05:11,450 --> 01:05:13,160 She fainted on the way. 492 01:05:13,786 --> 01:05:17,248 A passerby saw her, and they got word to the village chief. 493 01:05:17,998 --> 01:05:22,211 The village chief and Uncle Xia brought her home on a cart. 494 01:05:23,045 --> 01:05:25,798 I remember the village chief once told me 495 01:05:26,298 --> 01:05:29,135 my mother’s hands were like ice that day. 496 01:05:29,218 --> 01:05:32,012 While on the cart, they wrapped her in a heavy blanket 497 01:05:32,138 --> 01:05:33,889 but couldn’t warm her hands. 498 01:05:40,354 --> 01:05:42,022 I don’t think it’s too serious. 499 01:05:42,106 --> 01:05:44,567 It’s a bad cold. 500 01:05:45,067 --> 01:05:46,819 She’ll recover with rest. 501 01:05:49,780 --> 01:05:54,285 Village chief, is the teacher able to come back? 502 01:05:56,412 --> 01:05:59,206 I don’t know the answer. 503 01:05:59,915 --> 01:06:02,710 He should have been back by now. 504 01:06:04,879 --> 01:06:07,631 Maybe someone can write to him. 505 01:06:07,715 --> 01:06:10,759 If he doesn’t come back, I can’t stop her. 506 01:06:11,260 --> 01:06:14,346 It’d be great if he can visit her once. 507 01:06:26,192 --> 01:06:28,110 “Spring is here.” 508 01:06:28,194 --> 01:06:30,237 “Spring is here.” 509 01:06:30,321 --> 01:06:32,823 “It melts the snow.” 510 01:06:32,907 --> 01:06:35,326 “It melts the snow.” 511 01:06:36,160 --> 01:06:37,745 “The grass turns green.” 512 01:06:37,870 --> 01:06:40,039 “The grass turns green.” 513 01:06:40,122 --> 01:06:42,374 “The farmers sow.” 514 01:06:42,458 --> 01:06:44,919 “The farmers sow.” 515 01:06:44,960 --> 01:06:46,754 “The oxen plough the field.” 516 01:06:46,837 --> 01:06:48,839 “The oxen plough the field.” 517 01:06:48,923 --> 01:06:50,674 “The wild geese return.” 518 01:06:50,799 --> 01:06:52,843 “The wild geese return.” 519 01:06:52,927 --> 01:06:54,970 “The frogs end their hibernation.” 520 01:06:55,054 --> 01:06:57,181 “The frogs end their hibernation.” 521 01:06:57,223 --> 01:06:58,974 Di, you’re awake. 522 01:06:59,058 --> 01:07:00,851 You’ve been sleeping for two days. 523 01:07:00,935 --> 01:07:03,270 You don’t know yet... The teacher is back. 524 01:07:03,354 --> 01:07:05,147 The teacher is back! 525 01:07:06,106 --> 01:07:08,150 He came back last night. 526 01:07:08,234 --> 01:07:10,277 He came straight here. 527 01:07:10,361 --> 01:07:12,530 He sat with you for a long time. 528 01:07:12,571 --> 01:07:17,201 Di, isn’t it such good news? He’s back! 529 01:07:17,284 --> 01:07:19,495 He came back for you. 530 01:07:20,079 --> 01:07:23,082 “Full of energy.” 531 01:07:23,165 --> 01:07:26,502 “Our spirit comes alive.” 532 01:07:26,585 --> 01:07:31,215 “Our spirit comes alive.” 533 01:07:31,298 --> 01:07:33,050 “Full of new hope.” 534 01:07:33,133 --> 01:07:35,970 “Full of new hope.” 535 01:07:36,011 --> 01:07:38,222 “Full of new dreams.” 536 01:07:38,305 --> 01:07:41,475 “Full of new dreams.” 537 01:07:41,559 --> 01:07:43,102 “Spring is here.” 538 01:07:43,185 --> 01:07:44,979 “Spring is here.” 539 01:07:45,020 --> 01:07:47,606 “It melts the snow.” 540 01:07:47,690 --> 01:07:50,651 “It melts the snow.” 541 01:07:50,734 --> 01:07:52,570 “The grass turns green.” 542 01:07:52,653 --> 01:07:54,822 “The grass turns green.” 543 01:07:54,947 --> 01:07:56,991 “The farmers sow.” 544 01:07:57,074 --> 01:07:59,410 “The farmers sow.” 545 01:07:59,493 --> 01:08:01,203 “The oxen plough the field.” 546 01:08:01,287 --> 01:08:03,539 “The oxen plough the field.” 547 01:08:03,622 --> 01:08:05,374 “The wild geese return.” 548 01:08:05,457 --> 01:08:07,835 “The wild geese return.” 549 01:08:07,960 --> 01:08:10,254 “The frogs end their hibernation.” 550 01:08:10,337 --> 01:08:13,882 “The frogs end their hibernation.” 551 01:08:13,966 --> 01:08:16,552 “Swallows start to sing.” 552 01:08:17,386 --> 01:08:21,140 “Swallows start to sing.” 553 01:08:21,849 --> 01:08:24,268 “Spring is the season to sow.” 554 01:08:24,351 --> 01:08:27,563 “Spring is the season to sow.” 555 01:08:27,646 --> 01:08:29,690 “All starts to grow again.” 556 01:08:29,773 --> 01:08:32,943 “All starts to grow again.” 557 01:08:33,527 --> 01:08:35,779 “The world is full of life again.” 558 01:08:35,904 --> 01:08:37,531 Mr. Luo! 559 01:08:37,615 --> 01:08:40,492 Mr. Luo, Zhao Di is here to see you! 560 01:08:41,910 --> 01:08:44,121 Sir! Sir! 561 01:08:44,204 --> 01:08:45,706 Zhao Di is here! 562 01:08:50,169 --> 01:08:53,881 That evening, my father was summoned away again, 563 01:08:54,506 --> 01:08:56,884 because he left the county without permission. 564 01:08:57,509 --> 01:09:01,013 When he heard about my mother, he couldn’t stand it 565 01:09:01,096 --> 01:09:02,890 so he sneaked back. 566 01:09:04,099 --> 01:09:06,268 For this disobedience... 567 01:09:06,352 --> 01:09:10,522 my parents were kept apart for a couple of years. 568 01:09:11,982 --> 01:09:14,276 Later I learned from the villagers... 569 01:09:14,360 --> 01:09:18,030 that on the day my father finally returned... 570 01:09:18,697 --> 01:09:22,368 my mother put on her red jacket, my father’s favourite, 571 01:09:22,451 --> 01:09:24,703 and stood by the road to wait for him. 572 01:09:25,204 --> 01:09:28,791 From that day on, my father never left my mother again. 573 01:09:47,393 --> 01:09:50,062 This is the story of my father and my mother. 574 01:09:50,604 --> 01:09:54,400 Their love story was connected to this road... 575 01:09:55,484 --> 01:09:59,321 an ordinary mountain road that leads from the county to our village. 576 01:10:00,155 --> 01:10:02,866 Maybe because of the hope it held for her 577 01:10:02,950 --> 01:10:06,161 as she waited for my father to return... 578 01:10:06,829 --> 01:10:10,374 she wants to walk with him one last time. 579 01:10:12,000 --> 01:10:13,168 Village Chief? 580 01:10:14,670 --> 01:10:15,713 Village Chief? 581 01:10:15,796 --> 01:10:18,006 - Who is it? - It’s me. Sheng. 582 01:10:24,847 --> 01:10:27,224 - Sheng, you need to see me? - Yes. 583 01:10:27,307 --> 01:10:30,102 Quick. Come in. It’s cold out there. 584 01:10:30,853 --> 01:10:32,980 How can I help you? 585 01:10:34,481 --> 01:10:37,109 I think I understand my mother’s wishes. 586 01:10:37,192 --> 01:10:39,820 - Let’s carry him back. - Really? 587 01:10:39,903 --> 01:10:42,823 It’s still a problem, though. 588 01:10:42,906 --> 01:10:44,867 The problem is not enough men, right? 589 01:10:44,950 --> 01:10:49,204 How about this? We’ll hire men from the next village. 590 01:10:49,830 --> 01:10:52,291 That’s a good idea. 591 01:10:52,916 --> 01:10:55,169 But how do we pay them? 592 01:10:55,210 --> 01:10:56,587 That’s okay. 593 01:10:56,670 --> 01:10:58,797 Just tell me how many men we need. 594 01:10:59,923 --> 01:11:03,385 For a short distance, only ten 595 01:11:03,469 --> 01:11:05,220 but this is a long trip. 596 01:11:05,304 --> 01:11:08,515 I think we need about 16. 597 01:11:09,057 --> 01:11:12,102 We will need two shifts. That’s 32 men. 598 01:11:12,186 --> 01:11:15,481 And we’ll need others to carry chairs 599 01:11:15,564 --> 01:11:18,859 so people can rest along the way. 600 01:11:19,359 --> 01:11:23,572 That comes to about 35, 36 men. 601 01:11:23,655 --> 01:11:25,491 How much per person? 602 01:11:26,200 --> 01:11:31,205 One hundred yuan each should do. That will do. 603 01:11:31,830 --> 01:11:33,540 Right, 35, 36 people. 604 01:11:33,624 --> 01:11:36,001 How much in total? 605 01:11:36,835 --> 01:11:41,089 That’s 3,500 or 3,600 yuan. 606 01:11:41,173 --> 01:11:45,427 We need to buy cigarettes for those who smoke. 607 01:11:45,511 --> 01:11:49,932 And wine too. Got to ward off the cold. 608 01:11:50,015 --> 01:11:53,894 We’ll also want some extra for emergencies. 609 01:11:53,977 --> 01:11:59,691 Altogether, around 4,000 yuan should be about right. 610 01:12:06,615 --> 01:12:09,660 Village chief, here’s 5,000 yuan. 611 01:12:09,701 --> 01:12:12,412 - Enough? - It’s more than enough. 612 01:12:58,959 --> 01:13:01,628 Mrs. Luo, come and see Mr. Luo. 613 01:13:02,337 --> 01:13:03,922 Please don’t cry. 614 01:13:04,006 --> 01:13:06,592 Don’t let tears fall on him. 615 01:13:16,852 --> 01:13:20,981 Mr. Luo, we are going back to the village. 616 01:13:23,317 --> 01:13:25,944 That day, over 100 people came to the ceremony. 617 01:13:26,028 --> 01:13:29,281 The village chief told me they were my father’s students. 618 01:13:29,948 --> 01:13:33,410 They heard about his death, and they all hurried back. 619 01:13:34,786 --> 01:13:37,497 Many came back from other towns. 620 01:13:38,123 --> 01:13:40,375 Some drove from the city. 621 01:13:41,293 --> 01:13:44,880 The village chief said the furthest came back from Guangzhou. 622 01:13:45,756 --> 01:13:49,927 Some got caught in the snowstorm and didn’t make it in time. 623 01:13:51,345 --> 01:13:53,805 I didn’t recognize most of them. 624 01:13:53,889 --> 01:13:55,766 Some were much older than me. 625 01:13:56,308 --> 01:13:59,227 I don’t know when my father taught them. 626 01:13:59,311 --> 01:14:01,688 I didn’t know how to address them. 627 01:14:02,397 --> 01:14:06,026 Anyway, the village chief said they are all Mr. Luo’s students. 628 01:14:09,196 --> 01:14:11,490 Sheng, take this money back. 629 01:14:12,032 --> 01:14:14,201 Why? Didn’t we agree on this? 630 01:14:14,242 --> 01:14:17,704 They won’t take it, not even the ones we hired. 631 01:14:17,788 --> 01:14:19,748 No one wants the money. 632 01:14:19,831 --> 01:14:21,708 Take it back. 633 01:17:01,743 --> 01:17:03,578 At my mother’s request... 634 01:17:04,079 --> 01:17:06,706 my father was buried next to the old well. 635 01:17:07,541 --> 01:17:10,710 The village has running water now, so no one needs a well. 636 01:17:11,211 --> 01:17:13,463 No one has used it for a long time. 637 01:17:13,547 --> 01:17:15,507 My mother says, from here, 638 01:17:15,590 --> 01:17:18,135 my father can look down at the school every day. 639 01:17:18,635 --> 01:17:20,011 She also asked 640 01:17:20,095 --> 01:17:22,806 to be buried next to him when the time comes. 641 01:17:31,690 --> 01:17:33,859 After my father’s funeral 642 01:17:33,942 --> 01:17:37,028 the village chief came to talk about rebuilding the school. 643 01:17:37,696 --> 01:17:39,406 The county has granted funds 644 01:17:39,489 --> 01:17:42,325 and the village families have donated money. 645 01:17:43,076 --> 01:17:46,454 He says no matter what, we must fulfill my father’s wishes. 646 01:17:46,580 --> 01:17:49,791 The money you brought back, give it to me. 647 01:17:57,382 --> 01:18:01,803 Village Chief, we’ve saved over the years. 648 01:18:03,305 --> 01:18:05,515 Take it to rebuild the school. 649 01:18:05,599 --> 01:18:09,728 I can’t take it. Changyu is no longer here-- 650 01:18:09,811 --> 01:18:12,105 You have to take this money. 651 01:18:13,607 --> 01:18:16,193 All right. I’ll take it, then. 652 01:18:16,276 --> 01:18:19,779 You are the first, but surely not the last, to help. 653 01:18:21,072 --> 01:18:23,116 I am leaving tomorrow. 654 01:18:23,200 --> 01:18:26,119 Mother asked me along to the schoolhouse one last time. 655 01:18:26,203 --> 01:18:30,332 My mother says the next time I come back 656 01:18:30,415 --> 01:18:33,126 the school we know will be gone. 657 01:18:35,045 --> 01:18:39,216 Sheng, your father helped build this school. 658 01:18:41,801 --> 01:18:44,095 He taught here so many years. 659 01:18:44,596 --> 01:18:48,683 He spent more time here than at home. 660 01:18:50,602 --> 01:18:54,231 Changyu, can you hear me? 661 01:18:54,272 --> 01:18:58,777 The village chief will build a new school... 662 01:18:58,860 --> 01:19:00,820 on another yard... 663 01:19:01,321 --> 01:19:04,950 a tall, shiny... 664 01:19:05,033 --> 01:19:06,910 sturdy... 665 01:19:08,286 --> 01:19:10,288 wonderful school... 666 01:19:11,498 --> 01:19:16,378 just as you wished. 667 01:19:17,254 --> 01:19:20,590 They will start building next spring. 668 01:19:21,925 --> 01:19:24,094 You won’t have to worry anymore. 669 01:19:24,928 --> 01:19:27,430 When the new school is completed... 670 01:19:28,056 --> 01:19:32,018 I will hang a lucky red banner there. 671 01:19:38,525 --> 01:19:40,610 You can rest easy now. 672 01:19:48,702 --> 01:19:50,412 Look at your dad. 673 01:19:51,997 --> 01:19:54,249 He told me all the time, 674 01:19:54,332 --> 01:19:57,294 he always wanted you to become a teacher... 675 01:19:58,378 --> 01:19:59,921 to take over for him. 676 01:20:01,047 --> 01:20:05,719 He sent you to the teachers’ college... 677 01:20:05,760 --> 01:20:07,887 but you never taught a day of class. 678 01:20:07,971 --> 01:20:10,056 If you could teach for one day... 679 01:20:10,557 --> 01:20:12,350 teach for one day... 680 01:20:12,934 --> 01:20:18,481 that would make your dad happy. 681 01:20:19,691 --> 01:20:21,026 Then... 682 01:20:23,528 --> 01:20:25,530 you can go back to your life. 683 01:20:27,907 --> 01:20:32,537 Look, there’s no teacher now... 684 01:20:34,706 --> 01:20:37,709 no sound of children reciting their lessons. 685 01:20:38,293 --> 01:20:39,794 The village chief said 686 01:20:39,878 --> 01:20:42,922 the county might send a new teacher soon. 687 01:20:46,217 --> 01:20:48,011 No new teacher... 688 01:20:48,803 --> 01:20:54,225 would sound as good and loud as your father. 689 01:20:55,560 --> 01:20:58,521 After more than 40 years, I still love that voice. 690 01:21:00,607 --> 01:21:03,276 His reading voice was beautiful. 691 01:21:07,197 --> 01:21:09,491 Mother, I’ve been thinking. 692 01:21:09,574 --> 01:21:12,202 Why don’t you come and live in the county with me. 693 01:21:13,411 --> 01:21:14,996 No, I won’t. 694 01:21:16,247 --> 01:21:19,376 Your dad is here and I won’t go anywhere. 695 01:21:19,459 --> 01:21:23,380 How can I leave you here alone? 696 01:21:25,590 --> 01:21:27,258 Don’t worry about me. 697 01:21:27,342 --> 01:21:29,677 I can take care of myself. 698 01:21:31,137 --> 01:21:33,431 Are you doing all right in the city? 699 01:21:33,515 --> 01:21:36,601 Yes, very well. Don’t worry about me. 700 01:21:37,185 --> 01:21:38,978 Do you have a girlfriend? 701 01:21:40,980 --> 01:21:42,899 Let’s play it by ear. 702 01:21:42,982 --> 01:21:45,860 You’re not young anymore. 703 01:21:46,611 --> 01:21:48,530 Don’t be so picky. 704 01:21:50,532 --> 01:21:52,325 Listen to me. 705 01:21:52,409 --> 01:21:56,579 Find yourself a nice girl 706 01:21:56,663 --> 01:21:59,833 and bring her home to meet me. 707 01:22:04,629 --> 01:22:05,964 However, 708 01:22:07,090 --> 01:22:08,925 your dad is gone. 709 01:22:09,509 --> 01:22:12,804 Your dad used to worry about you. 710 01:22:16,057 --> 01:22:18,184 When children grow up 711 01:22:18,893 --> 01:22:20,520 you can’t keep them. 712 01:22:21,479 --> 01:22:23,189 When they are far away 713 01:22:24,774 --> 01:22:26,526 you can’t see them. 714 01:22:30,363 --> 01:22:32,115 As parents... 715 01:22:34,451 --> 01:22:35,910 we let you go 716 01:22:36,035 --> 01:22:38,705 but we never stop worrying. 717 01:22:40,206 --> 01:22:41,791 Your dad... 718 01:22:42,750 --> 01:22:44,502 had always... 719 01:22:46,671 --> 01:22:49,424 missed you lots. 720 01:22:53,261 --> 01:22:55,263 - Please don’t cry. - You see, he-- 721 01:22:55,346 --> 01:22:57,599 If you keep crying, you will fall ill. 722 01:22:57,682 --> 01:23:01,686 With your father gone, it’s hard not to feel lonely. 723 01:23:07,066 --> 01:23:08,526 I know. 724 01:23:12,614 --> 01:23:13,907 You... 725 01:23:16,242 --> 01:23:18,745 must work hard out there. 726 01:23:24,292 --> 01:23:28,588 “Know respect for your elders,” say it. 727 01:23:28,671 --> 01:23:32,550 “Know respect for your elders.” 728 01:23:32,675 --> 01:23:36,930 “One must be courteous and righteous,” say it. 729 01:23:37,013 --> 01:23:41,184 “One must be courteous and righteous.” 730 01:23:41,267 --> 01:23:45,104 “One must have order in life,” say it. 731 01:23:45,188 --> 01:23:48,900 “One must have order in life.” 732 01:23:49,984 --> 01:23:53,446 “Reading expands your knowledge,” say it. 733 01:23:53,947 --> 01:23:57,784 “Reading expands your knowledge.” 734 01:23:57,867 --> 01:24:01,913 “It’s good to be able to write and do math,” say it. 735 01:24:01,996 --> 01:24:06,209 “It’s good to be able to write and do math.” 736 01:24:06,292 --> 01:24:10,588 “Big and small matters, note with your pen,” say it. 737 01:24:10,672 --> 01:24:14,842 “Big and small matters, note with your pen.” 738 01:24:14,926 --> 01:24:19,013 “Know the present, know the past. Know heaven and earth,” say it. 739 01:24:19,097 --> 01:24:23,393 “Know the present, know the past. Know heaven and earth.” 740 01:24:23,476 --> 01:24:27,689 “Spring, summer, fall, winter. Four seasons in a year,” say it. 741 01:24:27,772 --> 01:24:31,609 “Spring, summer, fall, winter. Four seasons in a year.” 742 01:24:31,693 --> 01:24:35,863 “East, west, south, north, everywhere,” say it. 743 01:24:35,947 --> 01:24:39,951 “East, west, south, north, everywhere.” 744 01:24:40,034 --> 01:24:44,372 “Wind, frost, snow, and rain. In everything, there is a purpose,” say it. 745 01:24:44,455 --> 01:24:48,209 “Wind, frost, snow, and rain. In everything, there is a purpose.” 746 01:24:48,251 --> 01:24:51,838 I gathered the students early that morning. 747 01:24:51,879 --> 01:24:54,674 I told them I would teach them for one day. 748 01:24:54,757 --> 01:24:56,634 The village chief asked me why. 749 01:24:56,718 --> 01:25:00,054 I said it was for my mother and for my father too. 750 01:25:01,097 --> 01:25:03,725 I stood in my father’s place, 751 01:25:03,850 --> 01:25:06,019 where he stood all his life. 752 01:25:07,020 --> 01:25:08,813 In that moment, I felt sure 753 01:25:08,896 --> 01:25:12,483 my father could hear my voice and those of my students. 754 01:25:14,152 --> 01:25:18,364 The book I am using is the same one he used that first day. 755 01:25:18,448 --> 01:25:20,783 Actually, it is not a textbook. 756 01:25:20,867 --> 01:25:23,161 It is a song he wrote himself. 757 01:25:23,870 --> 01:25:27,582 “It’s good to be able to write and do math.” 758 01:25:27,665 --> 01:25:30,960 “It’s good to be able to write and do math.” 759 01:25:31,044 --> 01:25:34,297 “Big and small matters, note with your pen.” 760 01:25:34,380 --> 01:25:38,676 “Big and small matters, note with your pen.” 761 01:25:38,760 --> 01:25:42,263 “Know the present, know the past. Know heaven and earth.” 762 01:25:42,347 --> 01:25:46,601 “Know the present, know the past. Know heaven and earth.” 763 01:25:46,726 --> 01:25:49,937 “Spring, summer, fall, winter. Four seasons in a year.” 764 01:25:50,021 --> 01:25:54,651 “Spring, summer, fall, winter. Four seasons in a year.” 765 01:25:54,734 --> 01:25:58,571 “East, west, south, north, everywhere.” 766 01:25:58,655 --> 01:26:02,533 “East, west, south, north, everywhere.” 767 01:26:02,617 --> 01:26:06,704 “Wind, frost, snow, and rain. In everything, there is a purpose.” 768 01:26:06,788 --> 01:26:10,833 “Wind, frost, snow, and rain. In everything, there is a purpose.” 769 01:26:10,917 --> 01:26:14,504 “Know respect for your elders.” 770 01:26:14,587 --> 01:26:18,675 “Know respect for your elders.” 771 01:26:26,891 --> 01:26:30,770 “You must have ambition.”