Original subtitles

We didn't pick an auspicious day, Mr Jiang.

Go take care of that table.

We came to wish you a happy birthday.

Remain in good health!

We wish you long life and happiness.

Thank you!

Did demolition start yet?

It's well underway.

It's to prepare for the 2022 Asian Games.

They call it "Urban Organic Renewal."

The subway will go from Fuyang to Hangzhou in 30 minutes.

It's about time they modernized it, that's a good thing.

Unfortunately housing prices are modernizing too.

The electricity will be back on soon.

Today is an auspicious day.

Our big brother likes a romantic atmosphere!

The fortune teller said today would be lucky.

Without water or electricity!

Double happiness and long life to mom!

Kangkang, say happy birthday to your Grandma.

Have you said hello to Grandma?

Mom, happy birthday!

Brother-in-law, this is a friend of mine.

This is Director Wang.

Hello, Mr Wang.

Today's a great day.

Your Mom's birthday!

You really are devoted sons, it's a pleasure to see.

Mrs Wang!

Thanks for coming. It's an honour.

That's their son, the Wang boy.

What a handsome young man.

How old is your son?

Twenty-eight.

About the same age as our daughter.

Daughter!

Come over here! I want to introduce you to someone.

This is Mr Wang.

This is his son, the Wang boy. You're about the same age.

Talk to him, get to know one another.

You can add each other on WeChat.

Young man, take my niece's contact.

The power is back on, I'll start cooking!

Freshly fished.

This is fresh white bass from the Fuchun River.

Fan Zhongyan and Li Bai both wrote poems about this fish

and its exquisite taste.

"The waters twist through the mountains,

"the white bass is a sign of...

"eternal abundance."

Long life to our old dame!

Enjoy your meal!

Eat, eat. I'm going to see my brothers.

Come in and eat, brother.

We still have fish to scale.

Can you lend me some money?

Several restaurants haven't paid us.

And we're saving up for Yangyang's flat. He's getting married.

Is it okay now?

What did you eat?

He choked on the crab.

Big brother!

What is it?

I'm not lending you money.

I'm not a bank!

I'm not asking anything!

Go back inside then.

Go and keep Mom company.

You're getting in our way back here.

Dammit.

Let me pass. I'll go see the electrician.

Just what I need!

Don't take from the pot without asking big brother.

He'd say it's fine, no need to ask him.

I'm always there when you need me.

I'll pay you back soon, don't worry.

Count it.

Give me two more.

With this outage right as we were eating,

our guests are sweating like mad.

It'll be back on in no time. Rest assured.

- Help me out here. - Don't worry.

Youfu!

- Come down quick! - What for?

- We're paying our respects to Mom. - In the dark?

Uncle says it's the most auspicious hour.

I'm coming.

The whole family is here to wish her a long life.

- I know. - Hurry up!

I'm coming.

Thanks everyone for coming

to celebrate our grandmother's 70th birthday!

All four of your devoted sons came

to wish you a long life.

Shall we start then?

Let's begin.

All children and grandchildren may now bow.

May her happiness be as vast as the East China Sea.

Second bow.

May her life stretch on like the Southern Mountains.

Third bow.

May everyone in the family find happiness.

A round of applause!

Thanks, Mom. I wish you good health.

Thanks, Mom.

It's the second son.

- The third son. - Happy birthday, Mom!

Thank you, Mom. Happy birthday!

That's it for the four sons. Now the grandchildren.

Kangkang!

Let's go with her.

Can you look after Kangkang?

Third and Fourth, we'll follow you.

Grandma's gone.

Mom has high blood pressure.

The power comes back only when you don't need it.

The city of Fuyang stands along the Fuchun River.

Stork Hill and Deer Hill rise on opposite banks.

The river runs through Hangzhou and empties into the East China Sea.

The scholar Huang Gongwang lived here as a hermit in the 14th century

and painted his famous "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains."

The history of the place can be traced back to the Qin Dynasty.

Sun Quan founded the Kingdom of Wu here.

His descendants have made the old town of Longmen their home.

My son Yangyang marries in October. He hopes to buy a flat.

Can you pay me for last year's fish?

I have to tell you, brother,

that I was swindled.

My brother-in-law invested in a real estate project.

He borrowed 3 million from me over one year.

I was enticed by the interest he promised me.

That was 3 years ago.

And Third brother lost his money gambling.

I don't have a cent right now.

Adjust the scale.

I don't have a cent.

I understand.

I hear your building is getting torn down?

Youjin!

You're hiding so you don't have to pay me!

Shame on you!

Youjin! Pay us back our money!

Get down here now!

Shame on Yu Youjin hiding in his home to not pay us back!

- Big brother knows I took money? - No.

Take the money back.

Put it in your bag.

- Do we have to pay hospital? - The bill came.

I brought you some sunglasses.

They're nice! Like yours.

You're my brother, aren't you?

Who's with Mom?

Baby brother.

- Did you pay Mom's hospital bill? - It's taken care of.

How much was it?

All the money we got yesterday at the birthday party.

Hello, Doctor Jin.

I'm Mrs Bai's eldest son.

I wanted to know more about how she's doing.

Of course.

She had a heart attack caused by her high blood pressure.

It has made her dementia worse.

Will she be able to keep living alone?

I doubt it.

So what will we do?

As a matter of fact...

Fengjuan and I are busy with the restaurant.

We get home late every night.

Guxi has to teach, so she won't have time either.

This is difficult.

Ying and I live on our boat,

and our house is getting demolished soon.

Yangyang lives in a dormitory at the factory.

We can't rely on our brothers.

As for Third brother, his wife left him.

He has enough worries with his handicapped son.

Younger brother is like a three-year-old child.

He's no use at all.

Mom used to be so resilient. Now she's senile?

Dad's dying last year was a big blow.

I often see her sitting alone, staring into nothing.

I had been trying to cheer her up, but I never saw this coming.

It's terrible.

You've got three days. You know what to expect

if you don't pay.

Up in the Milky Way

A little white boat sways

On the boat there's a fragrant olive tree

And a little white rabbit playing

You've lived here 20 years and never bought a place?

We didn't have money. Now the prices have doubled.

You should have bought 10 years ago.

We were waiting to have money.

A few years ago, it was still cheap.

For shared-ownership houses, it's a good 200 thousand.

That's not what we want.

I want my own house with...

with a deed.

That's better, but you need to be able to buy.

I'm telling you, selling this stuff is no use.

You need a down payment of 500 thousand to buy.

Before, for a price at 1.5 million, you advanced 500 thousand.

Now you can't find anything less than 3 million.

That's double.

At least. Our little businesses won't get us anywhere.

We labor from dawn till dusk.

Country folk don't have a knack for business.

You should have invested in real estate.

Had I known, I wouldn't be here slaving away.

I bought three houses around here.

Demolition compensation was 5 million.

Retire like a queen.

That's the way it is. I'll be off then.

Here's Jiang's horoscope.

- Keep it. - All right.

I'll read it.

Enjoy your meal!

The boss is here!

When are you paying us back?

Your brother-in-law is upset with me because of your debt.

And his mother's in the hospital.

I'll pay you back, sister.

You sure?

I found your daughter a nice fiancé

who'll have you rolling in money.

You really can talk.

Three million, that's no small sum!

Mr Wang, thanks for your kindness.

Let's drink to our families joining.

- Thanks! - May your business prosper!

I'm mixing the East with the West!

Cheers!

You haven't paid yet.

The one who just left paid.

Don't mess around.

- That's criminal. - Not at all, we were treated.

I'd keep quiet if I were you.

You're liars.

I'm too clumsy. I broke a plate and a bowl.

It's nothing, Mom, I'll sweep it up.

Were it not for you, I would have got a divorce ages ago.

Dad's doing this for us.

You're upset with him, but then you make him soup.

Your love can withstand a test or two.

Focus on your happiness instead of thinking about mine.

I'm exhausted. Don't upset me even more.

My blood pressure's going up, and you make it worse.

Don't get upset. Let's not talk about it.

Just look at the state you got yourself in.

He can't stop laughing!

He's got a screw loose.

He makes himself laugh.

He's having fun.

My dear wife,

Mom gets out of the hospital tomorrow. I'm bringing her here.

You'll have her stay here?

For how long?

As long as is needed. She's old.

There are four of you, and you're the hero?

If she had been rich, you would have split up the money.

Why should this fall on you?

Second brother said

he'll cut our debt in half if we look after Mom.

He thinks it's worth 100 thousand!

Out of the question, even if he forgives all our debt.

It's always men who try to play the hero.

And the women get laid with the burden.

I spent years wiping my own Mom's bottom,

now I have to do it again with your mom.

Always me.

I know, I understand, you're the best.

And you're the champion of sweet-talk. Otherwise you're good for nothing.

My wonderful wife... I know...

You're pretty good at tricking me when you've drunk too much.

Go back inside and go to sleep.

Look at the state you got yourself in.

Slowly now.

Be careful.

Baby brother.

I've arranged for you to meet a girl on Saturday.

Get to know her.

Try to be as brave as you can be.

Try to see if the girl takes a liking to you,

take the initiative.

Get close to her, hold her hand and all that.

Mom would like to see you married.

You still play around with water, at your age?

Who's this?

That's me!

That's your eldest son.

Where's my youngest?

Your youngest?

You're looking for your favorite.

That's your youngest.

I'm really sad that you don't recognize me.

Is that my youngest?

It is.

My youngest.

You remember only the youngest one.

When I was little, Fuchun River

had lots of fish and crabs.

If you cast a line in there, you'd have loads of catches.

What about now?

A lot less.

Before, to catch fish,

they used explosives.

They caught tons of them.

Can you still use explosives?

Everyone had fish.

Explosives are done with.

How is your grandma?

She mistakes me for my mom.

Get her to play chess. It stimulates the brain.

My mom is making me look for a husband.

Her definition of happiness is a house and a car.

They say moms have driven up housing prices.

After the times they lived through, they value material security.

And they plan their children's careers and family life

so that they stay by their side as honest, obedient kids.

Sometimes parents think their children are ungrateful.

They fight

because the children don't want to be accessories.

Our parents had a really hard life.

Many of them sacrificed everything for their children.

They expect in return their children to do what they ask.

When they start aging,

their marriages, which were based on material interests,

start to feel empty and void.

They start to get bored and lonely.

Apart from their children, they don't have much to latch on to.

They contradict themselves.

They tell us off for not being tough enough,

all the while hoping that we won't suffer from anything.

But you

have to grow in your own way.

No one can do that for you.

"Common name: Camphor Tree."

"Age: 300 years old."

Imagine all that it's seen.

Yeah, I hear it has a soul.

So... how old are you?

I'm 37.

How about you?

Guess.

I don't know.

You can't guess?

Let's keep it a secret for now.

This tree is really nice.

Look at all the people swimming.

Do you want to swim?

Me?

I prefer dry land.

You studied abroad, but you came back?

There's a whirlpool over by Stork Hill.

No matter how far it extends, it always ends up back by the hill.

I'm the same way.

You didn't answer my question.

My parents wouldn't let me swim here

because of the whirlpools.

Do you want to make a bet?

What?

That I'll go faster swimming than you walking.

No way!

Should we try then?

Are you alright?

I'm fine.

You scared me.

You didn't believe me.

Put your clothes on.

You really scared me.

- I want you to meet someone. - Who?

My dad.

- Now? - Yeah.

- Are you sure? - Come on.

- Is he on his boat? - Yeah.

He used to be a fisherman just like your second uncle.

- Really? - Yeah.

Have you always been a good swimmer?

Not too bad.

I grew up on a boat.

No wonder. You're a fish from the river.

I had to live on the boat with my parents.

One day, I almost drowned.

I was in primary school.

I remember,

it was nighttime, I was asleep in the cabin.

My dad burst in

and slapped me so I'd wake up.

I didn't understand what was going on.

Then...

he ran to the bow to try to change tack,

and then to the stern to start the engine.

I still didn't know what was going on.

That's when I saw a barge coming towards us.

It missed us by an inch.

Because it was foggy?

Fog is dangerous, but it was clear that night.

Sailors sleep at the helm sometimes.

There have been collisions before.

Whole families get drowned.

- Dangerous, isn't it? - Very.

My parents decided to give up fishing

because of the dangers.

I like the river landscape.

I want to keep studying my thesis focus:

an ancient landscape painting

called "A Thousand Miles Along the Eastern Yangtze."

The eastern basin of the Yangtze River, with the three provinces and Shanghai.

used to be called Jiangdong.

The painting is in three scrolls.

The first is in the Fuyang Museum.

Its main theme is the Fuchun River, the customs and culture of that time.

The other two scrolls are allegedly in a temple in Hangzhou.

I hope to see them one day.

You make me want to see them, too.

And you, why did you come back?

My parents wouldn't accept me living abroad.

They would drag me back.

You know, at school. I was a "superstar"!

- A superstar? - Yep.

I was a player in the school's theater group.

We put on a play called:

"Over the Wall." I even got a prize for it.

"I had a dream once.

"Our little temple was at the top of a mountain.

"This mountain was on a giant turtle's shell.

"The turtle swam in the boundless sea.

"My master and I were on its back, eating mulberries

"and looking into the waters.

"Flying fish jumped from the waves.

"They carried children on their backs.

"You could see ships in the distance.

"Dark clouds on the horizon

"hid sacred mountains at the edge of the world.

"We could see another island.

"On the island, there was also a Master and his student.

"And I have often thought

"that if there truly were an ocean beneath the mountain,

"I'd build a little boat out of bamboo.

"and my boat would drift to the sound of a tune.

"That's where you find peace and joy.

"When you're moving fast on the current,

"bamboo under your feet...

"you feel like you're flying.

"I don't want to swim.

"I dream of a ship beneath the mountain.

"Just like during the Ghost Festival. I would sail on the Master's boat.

"The boat would be big enough

"to carry my teachers, Ah Wang, and my mother.

"On board the boat,

"we'd sail the rivers and the seas. carried by the wind,

"without ever changing course!

"I hope there's a ship waiting beneath the mountain,

"if there truly is an ocean beneath the mountain."

So?

I wasn't expecting such magic. Bravo!

And you?

Have you always been a good swimmer?

I grew up on the water.

So I guess I'm...

a born swimmer.

The ferry is about to leave, let's hurry up!

- Is it this one? - Yeah.

- Your dad's on board? - Yes.

Grandma...

Look.

It's a gift.

You can write down anything interesting or what makes you happy or sad.

It will help you to remember everything you forget.

Such a hassle.

Not at all. This is your duty at home.

I'll check it regularly.

Okay.

Let's play!

Guxi, where were you this morning?

- I was busy. - Doing what?

I don't want you to see Mr Jiang anymore.

The Wang family and I waited all morning for you.

Your turn, Mom.

Play with Grandma.

I need to talk to you. This morning...

Grandma is really good.

Your uncle went to a lot of trouble for that meeting.

Serve, Grandma.

Take a moment to call the Wang boy.

Message him.

Did you hear me?

Mr Jiang!

- Are you a parent of one of the students? - I'm Guxi's father.

Nice to meet you.

If you have a moment, I'd like to talk to you.

Mr Jiang, how old are you?

I'm 32.

How much do you make per month?

A little over 4000 a month.

Not including taxes, it's a little over 100 thousand a year.

You're a good teacher.

Why not try your luck in the city?

I've lived in a big city.

Most of my earnings went into rent.

Between food, clothing,

and transport, nothing was left over.

Life is easier here.

Housing is expensive everywhere.

For a couple with a child, you'd need 100 square meters.

That's 2 million minimum.

You have a stable job,

and a good job,

but that 2 million is 20 years of your salary.

Do you realize?

You'd be 50 by the time you own it.

Can your family help you? Do they have savings?

My parents aren't rich, I have only myself to rely on.

And for a place, all you need is a down payment.

I can get a loan from the welfare office

and take advantage of the low rates granted to teachers.

It's not too bad.

In other words, your salary would go to paying the bank every month.

What will you and Guxi live on?

You'd be on a tight budget.

I have ideas to be better off.

I'm writing a detective novel.

What's the story?

I'm using the detective genre

to talk about the environment.

The story is set in the early '90s.

At the time of the economic boom,

the Fuchun River was heavily polluted by the paper mills.

Past the swells of the Milky Way

We walk to the Land of Clouds

Past the Land of Clouds

Where will we go?

In those distant lands

A golden light shines

The morning star is a lighthouse

That shows the way

- You sang well. - Yeah right...

Your pills.

- What's this for? - For your heart.

You're poisoning me.

Who's that?

It's me.

The wife of your eldest son.

You're darker.

Tell me,

when you're no longer with us, which son will you leave your house to?

To my youngest.

He spends time with me.

He's the most obedient.

He is obedient, but what skills does he have?

Maybe he should look after you then.

Never mind.

I'll heat some water for your foot bath.

It's like this, that's how you knock out an opponent.

He'll collapse from the hit.

- A swift blow. - That would hurt!

Aim for the ribs.

Clench your fist,

tuck your nails in.

Your fist has to be flat to maximize the impact.

Enough. I'll try again tomorrow. It really hurts.

You know, that Jiang works really hard.

If our daughter likes him, why not?

I won't have it!

He's old, with no house and no car.

Not even an apartment on Fuyang Street.

Your daughter doesn't listen to us like she did when she was little.

The Wang family wants to marry their son.

It's a perfect match.

With him, our family problems would be solved.

Think about me for a second.

Your brothers, don't get me started. They're all good-for-nothings.

They're the worst I've seen.

Don't forget the millions lent to your brother.

I've brought it up ten times, and I haven't seen a penny.

At least he's investing.

Your brother gambles everything away.

If our daughter marries the Wang boy,

I'll get a return on what I lent.

Grandma...

I'm in love with a boy.

Would you like to meet him?

You can help me decide

if he's the love of my life.

Okay?

A lifetime is a long time.

I don't want to get it wrong.

Shuxi!

I'm Guxi. You're confusing me with my grandfather.

I have something to tell you.

My two husbands were chosen for me by my family.

They told me to return to the Northeast,

and I obeyed.

When they made me come to Fuyang,

I obeyed.

A husband is for life.

Choose to be with someone you love.

Otherwise you'll regret it for the rest of your life.

Fengjuan!

Your young man is nice and hardworking.

He doesn't gamble, he's faithful.

One day,

you'll have your own restaurant.

When that time comes,

he'll be the boss, running the kitchen.

You'll be the other boss

behind the register.

Counting the bills one by one.

You'll have more and more customers,

and the restaurant will get bigger and bigger every year.

The dust in the street will turn to gold.

I need to speak with you about your son's condition.

The main problem is that the Down Syndrome

weakens his immune system.

He has a pulmonary infection.

This is a serious infection.

His blood oxygen levels are low, between 60 to 70%.

We haven't seen improvement.

I'd advise transferring him to the intensive care unit.

He may need a breathing tube

to alleviate his respiratory problems.

How much will that cost?

The daily costs are around

3 to 4 thousand a day at the beginning.

If his condition doesn't improve after a while,

it could get more expensive.

Did Lian send you?

So...

What do you have in mind?

How much is rent?

500 a day.

The deposit is 20 thousand.

To buy, it's 30 thousand.

I have to see if I can.

Press here.

The die is right here.

It moved.

Then, after each bet, you press it again.

You press it again, and then don't touch it.

The "treasure" is here.

And after, there.

If the "treasure" is facing this way, it starts here,

then it'll move here, then from here to there.

It will go clockwise.

In that direction.

I'm not a bank. That's too easy.

If you don't want to lend me money, never mind.

I'll ask my godfather.

I already spoke to him about it.

I'll do well with this business. I've seen to everything.

It will get me some money. So...

- I'll go and ask my godfather. - Which godfather?

The one in Xinyi.

Let me borrow your van.

The one in Xinyi?

Yes, on the phone.

I'll go see him.

Okay.

Go ahead.

I'll come straight back.

- Big brother. - What?

Thanks for looking after Mom.

As usual, seeing as you do nothing.

I promise never to let you down again.

If I can make some money,

I'll repay you for it.

I'll hold you to it.

You're still young, your life is still ahead of you.

You can change, turn over a new leaf.

Turn the ignition, I'll guide you out.

Drive safely.

Stop!

Are you his big brother?

Who's the guy who just drove away?

- My brother. - He owes me 1 million.

A million?

Well, what can I do?

The bastard took off.

He said to meet you here and you would pay us back.

- Really? - You just helped him get away.

That's nonsense.

You did!

You're talking nonsense!

- I'm not talking nonsense. - He borrowed my van.

- You helped him get away. - I didn't help him.

You were waving.

It's my car!

We don't care! Pay up!

I don't owe you anything!

Pay up!

You're completely nuts!

- I owe you money? - A bit!

You're a scoundrel!

Organic Renewal Resettlement: Contract signing

Fuchun Street Compensation Contracts Chart

There you are, big brother.

What brings you here, brother?

I need to talk to you.

You could have called me.

It's better in person.

Our building

is going to be demolished.

Great news. Did you sign the contract?

We signed.

No hurry to pay back the fish money.

Great.

There's one more thing.

It's our turn to look after Mom,

but she'll have to keep staying with you...

until we get resettled.

She can't live on your boat.

It wouldn't be safe.

We'll help pay her costs.

Listen.

We're brothers, we can speak openly.

You know that in Mom's condition,

she needs help changing and washing. Your sister-in-law does it.

With the restaurant, we're very busy, and your sister-in-law

also has to buy groceries and pay the bills.

It's not a man's work.

I can't promise you anything. I need to talk with her about it.

Okay.

I'll get back to you soon.

I'll try to convince her.

Has it been good fishing?

It hasn't rained for over 10 days.

There are no fish.

The story goes that there was a devoted son in Fuyang

whose mother, bedridden for a long time,

had a sudden craving for fish.

He drilled a hole in the ice on the Fuchun River and waited.

A fish, touched by the son's devotion, jumped out of the water.

The boy cut the fish in two and put one half back in the river.

It gained new life and was named "Devout Fish."

Moved by the son's devotion.

Thus his name.

Eat.

You haven't eaten anything.

Look.

The neighbourhood has everything.

Very green, developed,

has a swimming pool.

Everything's nice, it's close to the subway.

Boss, this is Youjin's brother.

When we asked for our money, he attacked me.

Who are you? What do you want?

This is my boss, Wang Wei.

Why did you insult my men

when they asked for our money?

Why are you asking for it from me?

Why me? It's my bastard brother who owes you.

Ask him for the money.

We couldn't catch him.

Why did you insult my men?

You too have a business to run.

The debtor is the one responsible, and that's not me.

Pay what you owe.

I didn't borrow money from you.

This doesn't concern me.

It's a lot of money.

How do I know you're not lying?

Go ask your little brother.

You insulted us.

You have to pay.

But I don't owe you anything!

Is he here?

He doesn't live here and none of this concerns me.

Do you like your restaurant?

I'm not giving you anything. I don't owe you anything.

What do I owe you?

You don't care about your restaurant.

This way please, Mr Yu.

Are you buying for yourself or your son?

For my son.

He's getting married, it's for the newlyweds!

This is our sales department.

This model shows you the whole neighbourhood.

On your way here you likely walked along the Fuchun River

on this side.

We see here the entire project.

There's a swimming pool.

The neighbourhood forms a large square.

Everything is ready to live in.

The flats for sale are in these two buildings.

How much per square meter?

Starting at 20 thousand on average.

- It went up. - Yes, that's expensive.

Here we are on the tree-lined path of our landscape garden.

The path is so beautiful

because the foliage covers the whole path.

So it stays cool in summer.

In the autumn, the yellow and red foliage has a wonderful effect.

I'll show you the neighbourhood.

The pool, the club, the kindergarten, all of that.

It's a very attractive place.

There's a lot to do in the neighbourhood.

Your mother likes the kind of house

where you're packed in like sardines.

The neighbors bought a flat two years ago.

The price has doubled since.

We don't earn enough with fishing.

Not for a place like that.

If your mom weren't an issue,

your brother could pay us what he owes.

My sister-in-law refuses to let us pay.

Plus, they're feuding over there.

Guxi left, turned down the marriage,

the one her mother had arranged.

My sister-in-law was sick over it,

she had to go to the hospital.

It's your niece's fault.

Her mom has worked so hard.

That's just the way it is.

The girl will suffer, too.

We've had it tough all our lives.

It'll be nice if our Yang makes out all right.

So long as he winds up a good man.

I'll start the crabs.

Yangyang!

Come here!

It's Mid-Autumn Festival.

Take these cakes to Guxi.

And the crabs.

Be nice to your cousin.

Tell her to come to dinner and to stop worrying her mom.

Weiwei?

- Where are you, Yang? - I'm on break.

Tomorrow, the whole family will be there.

My uncle likes to smoke, we should buy him two cartons of good cigarettes.

For my grandparents I suggest we get them a foot massager.

For my parents, the latest cell phone.

What do you think?

That way they'll feel respected.

Cakes for everyone else.

Weiwei, all this will cost me a fortune.

We'll split the costs.

We'll say you paid.

You'll have to look happy

helping Mom take in the dishes,

drinking with Dad and my uncle.

Make them happy.

Okay, I'll do my best.

Help yourself.

Take more crab.

A happy Mid-Autumn Festival to all!

Mom. this is my fiancée. Do you think she's pretty?

We met by Stork Hill under that big camphor tree.

I have another photo

where she's dancing at Yu Dafu Park.

I have another one...

where she's fishing.

I have to talk to you

about what Ying and I have discussed.

It's about...

our mom.

She needs a caretaker at the house.

If we find one who's suitable,

we'll pay for it.

But our mother will stay with you.

The problem isn't my being overworked.

I looked for a caretaker.

The problem is that your mother could hit her.

And if she runs away, who will be responsible?

The other day I saw an old friend.

We were drinking together...

and I found out

he used to run a retirement home.

I could invite him for dinner one of these days.

I never imagined your mother

winding up in a nursing home.

We don't have a choice.

We did all we could.

She's not getting younger.

She's not even aware of what we do.

In retirement homes, they play mahjong, card games,

and watch TV.

She'd feel lonely at home.

That's true, society has changed.

- You're right. - She'd have everything she needs.

Youfu!

Fengjuan!

Mrs Jin.

Good evening.

We're having dinner with family.

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival.

You shouldn't have.

Where's your mother-in-law?

She's watching TV in her bedroom.

Fengjuan, like I always say.

I'm jealous of the family you have.

When I think about it... our parents died so young.

We didn't get to take for them as we would have.

I came to talk to you...

about Guxi and Mr Jiang.

I know about it.

I thought...

Mr Jiang is an asset to our school.

A good teacher, and a good man.

As parents, we have our views, and that's understandable.

But we also need to respect our children's choices.

It's Mid-Autumn Festival today.

I was hoping that on this festival day,

you could accept their love.

So the whole family can be together and happy.

Right?

Come, Guxi.

Come. Jiang.

- Happy Mid-Aut... - Don't come in.

Go away.

Fengjuan!

Go away.

- Mom. - Go away!

Give them a chance!

If he goes, I go with him!

Out!

If you go with him, don't bother coming back here.

- You sure? - Certain.

This is Mr Jiang, my granddaughter's fiancé.

This is Guxi, my granddaughter.

I know her.

Don't turn them away.

My poor brain doesn't do so well anymore,

but I've been waiting to see them again.

Don't turn them away.

I waited so long...

I've waited for you every day.

I kept this for you.

My sweetie...

I did what you told me to.

I waited for you to come back

to read my notebook.

I wrote everything down really well.

I did my duty.

Keep Up the Fight for Urban Renewal!

Did you hear Wang Wei trashed the restaurant?

Sooner or later, I'll do away with him.

He already threw me in the river.

You're not man enough.

Otherwise we'd have gotten our money a long time ago.

There's a lot of talk we make big money on gambling,

so everyone wants to rip us off.

Tell me, boss, how much does he owe us?

100 thousand in cash, 200 thousand in interest.

He skipped town.

The number you have dialled is no longer in service.

A slot machine?

Is Kangkang out of the hospital?

The doctors said he wouldn't live three more days.

He's been lucky

his immune system is still working.

When he was born, the doctors gave him three years to live.

But he's 19 now!

"The most valuable thing in love is trust.

"I hope our friendship lasts forever.

"Forever and ever.

"Lu Bin. 24th April 1989.

"I wish you good health and success in your career.

"Ever since we saw each other,

"everything around me

"only makes me sad.

"I left without saying a word.

"Know that,

"when I got home,

"I couldn't sleep the whole night.

"I was in my bed on the verge of tears.

"I've never dealt with anything like this before.

"What I saw that day

"must be related to how your father put you through.

"I let you down.

"Forgive me. You suffered so much

"to give me everything.

"Don't let yourself be torn down by troubles.

"Face them bravely and accept them.

"I worry about you

"because of your daily rows with father.

"I fear that sometimes...

"he tells you off because of me.

"Be brave!

"May our love endure and make you happy."

What do you think of this one?

It's nice.

It's the right size.

It's a bit expensive.

Don't worry about the price.

You have to make a good impression.

Weiwei's Mom thinks I'm skinny.

For a boy, it's no big deal. You'll gain weight once you're married.

Be kind and polite to her family.

Lend them a hand, don't play with your phone.

Help them clean up, be considerate.

My cousin Guxi is getting married.

I want to go just on my own behalf.

If you go, you'll be going on the family's behalf.

You can't go unless your uncle goes.

Family is a pain.

You live for me. I live for you. It's all a balancing act.

It's exhausting.

The family should be united and peaceful.

Of course.

Your uncle got you the job at the factory.

Don't go to the marriage.

Your uncle would be very upset.

I understand.

I'm still on my cousin's side.

Her fiancé does his best.

Weiwei is smart. She doesn't care you don't have an apartment.

I know that.

So much the better.

Weiwei mustn't be like your cousin

and be at odds with her parents.

Conflict should be avoided.

Every parent understands other parents.

Not all girls are like your cousin,

ready to accept the consequences.

I hope she won't regret anything

when she grows older.

Back in my day, no one would have dared

think that way.

- You were together for two years? - Three years.

She went to Hangzhou

to sell tea at the Temple of the Soul's Retreat.

Those were good times. We got on well.

- You were from the same village? - Yeah, same village.

We went out together for a long time.

Three years is pretty long.

Today they don't hang around too long.

Those were different times.

People were simpler, people had manners.

Different times.

- Does it feel hot? - It's okay.

It's almost done.

Did it not go well?

My mom wouldn't even look at him.

Actually, moms look for "good matches."

The ones they find

match their needs.

My mom drove him out of the house.

That night, my mom sat down, my dad sat down.

My mom was seething in anger. She called me every name under the sun,

and I was crying.

I was sniffling, snot running.

I told my mom everything.

After I finished,

I sensed my dad was really touched.

He realized he didn't understand me at all.

You're the same.

We have the same types of families.

Our parents have been overprotective.

They treat us like children, not like adults.

Say to them,

"If you decide my life for me now, what happens if I'm unhappy?"

Right?

"Who will I turn to? To you?"

What do you notice about this painting?

Tell me what you see, in English.

Frank?

Very, very astute observation.

Why are there so many mountains and rivers?

The work is part of the Chinese painting style called "Shan Shui":

meaning mountains and rivers.

It's a major theme in the painting of scholars.

Where's this suitcase from?

Your uncle found it in a flat that was being demolished.

The Osmanthus tea smells good.

It's bitter,

but fragrant.

"Happy Birthday."

We lived here for 30 years.

It was demolished in 3 days.

Weiwei, go look.

Look, that's where the subway will be.

It'll be very easy to go to Hangzhou or to work.

That's the campus where your kids will go to school.

The campus is over there?

Right next to the train station.

The location is perfect.

I'm making her try it.

Look in the mirror.

Loosen it a bit.

The color is bright.

It's nice, a bright red.

Loosen it a bit more.

Do you like it?

It looks good on you.

I like it.

- Why are you buying me a scarf? - For your birthday.

My birthday? I had completely forgotten.

My brother!

Praying to the Buddha of the boat?

Where are you coming from, little bastard?

It's been a while. You're back.

- This is for you. - You didn't have to.

It's New Year.

I'm paying back what I borrowed.

We weren't counting on it.

This is what I owe you.

- Don't worry about it. - Take it.

I want to repay you.

And this is for Yangyang's flat.

- He can manage without that. - Take it, don't argue.

Is the family okay?

Yeah.

You really screwed us, you animal!

You got our big brother into trouble.

Are you aware of the harm you've done?

I didn't have a choice.

Youjin...

Your brother doesn't want to see you.

He's still upset with you.

- He won't see me? - Because of your stupidity.

So it is.

I'll give you back the money.

A New Year's gift.

I see you've changed.

You're settling down.

I'll talk to your brother in a few days,

I'll tell him that you've changed,

that we talked, and that he should be lenient with you.

Tell him how regretful I am,

how sorry I am.

I'll tell him. I'll convince him.

How's my mom doing?

Your mom...

Mom...

It's me, Youjin.

I'm back. I'm going to bring you home.

Kangkang is waiting for you. Kangkang, Mom.

He's waiting for you at home.

Wait here.

- What do you want, Wang Wei? - To talk business.

I paid you back already.

Water under the bridge. I have a new business proposal.

What kind of business?

I'm with the boss of a paper mill. She's loaded.

Get what I mean?

We could do 50/50.

I see.

She's got money?

She certainly does.

50/50 is out of the question.

I say 30/70.

Think it over.

Good?

30/70...

I've spent so much time sweet-talking her.

Make me an offer.

She's rolling in it.

I'll say it again: 30/70.

If it works for you, let's go.

It's my final offer.

Okay.

30/70 it is.

White Tiger!

Phoenix!

Shit!

Mr Bai loses 5,000. I'm taking 3,000 here.

You lost.

- 3,000. - 3,000 exactly.

6,500.

I thought the lady won?

5,000 here.

Another 1,000.

1,500.

Can you lend me some?

You're always asking for money.

You could be more generous.

Get lost!

- You're cheating. - You really are something.

Give him another hundred.

The lady's asking for it, take your hundred and go.

Off you go!

It's not a big deal.

- 6,000 on the Tiger. - 3,000.

The lady has 3,000 on the Phoenix.

2,000 on Black Turtle and Green Dragon.

This 3,000 is on what?

- Mr Bai? - 6,000 on the Tiger.

Two on the Tiger.

Ready? Let's see.

Come on, Turtle!

Phoenix!

Eat.

If you eat, I'll take you to the Northeast tomorrow.

I'll take you to your house.

Eat.

Where are you going?

To the bathroom?

Go to sleep.

Here is a united couple. Today is an auspicious day.

We are here to witness their union.

- What's the groom's name? - Jiang Yi.

The groom's name is Jiang Yi.

The bride's name?

Guxi.

Light the incense.

Bow to Heaven and Earth!

Facing the river.

Bow to your fine parents,

facing the Camphor Tree.

Bow to each other.

May you bear a child soon,

may you grow older together.

May you be granted a long life,

may your love endure.

May you live in peace!

- A little miracle. - He likes his dad better?

- It seems his deep voice... - He reacts to it.

Cover up, he'll get cold.

Pregnancy increases body temperature.

Your turn next.

With the new policy,

you and Mr Jiang could have two children.

We're trying.

I got the invitation.

Seeing you two has given me a lot of courage.

Everything will be fine. We took it step by step,

and now look how big I am.

Let's go out for a stroll.

Sure.

I'll show you what's called a "traditional Chinese landscape."

- You're really mobile. - I'm only six months.

Do you remember that lady wearing purple?

- The one who poured us tea? - Yeah. I used to be a server, too.

Then I gradually climbed the ladder to the position I'm in now.

It wasn't easy.

During my summer internship,

I said to deputy manager, "I'll earn a million in three years!"

The guy laughed at me.

He said it was impossible.

It was your dream.

Now I've achieved it, I'd love to see him again

and tell him, "I did it!"

- You see? - Yes.

Now you've had success, think about health, don't work too much.

I'm not ready to relax quite yet

because the project is a company priority.

If you lower your guard, you could be replaced.

Even though I'm pregnant, I need to stay focused and work.

Either way, I envy you.

You live your life without relying on your family.

I'm free from my family,

but the company has me on a leash.

With time, I've had moments where I feel I'm unhappy.

Every time I think about it,

I can't figure out what's not going right.

This is "little yin".

I'll start over.

The sign I see is not bad at all.

If you look at the nature of the signs,

three yang and three yin

means "the return of the soul".

The person is in the southwest,

and she left home 2 days ago.

The signs say

she'll be home at the end of the month.

You've come in a spirit of sincerity. The sign is good.

"Return of the soul" means she can return.

This soul wanders in the world,

but don't worry,

she's not in danger.

Souls communicate:

parents think of their children, and children their parents.

I believe she'll return within five days.

We free a life so that our mother

overcomes this difficult time

and gets back home soon.

May the one who catches this fish

return another life to the river.

Buddha, protect us. Amitabha!

She wanted us to be gathered around her.

She's breathing.

Call us if it's necessary.

Thank you, Doctor.

I think Mom

should come live with me.

That would make it easier on you.

She won't be with us much longer.

What do you think?

I see you want to do your duty as a son.

Now that you're back

I'll give you some advice as the oldest son.

In Fuyang there's an old saying:

"The more tripe you eat, the more likely you are to eat shit."

You don't earn your money honestly,

it's dirty money.

I suggest you put that behind you.

Come back, Kangkang.

Slow it down a bit.

Fengjuan, how's my niece doing?

I don't want to know.

She's dead to me.

I raised her for nothing.

Kangkang, come back!

Slow down!

Be good, don't run.

How's Yangyang?

- Weiwei and he are happy. - He's well?

But her in-laws don't seem to think much of us.

They don't think much of Yangyang.

Baby brother!

You should speed things up with your girlfriend.

Don't let Mom pass away without her seeing you married.

It's time you put our minds at rest, you understand?

From now on,

I'm going to look after Mom.

You'll be able to do it?

- Of course. - Completely sure?

Everything will be fine.

I almost died once.

The scaffolding on the fifth floor was collapsing.

I get to work in the morning, and the scaffolding collapses.

A colleague of mine fell off. He survived

despite cranial fractures.

I was lucky.

I fell too, but to the second floor of scaffolding.

I was caught by a bamboo beam.

People below were yelling at me to jump.

I wanted to,

but my legs wouldn't move.

People came to pull me up to a window ledge.

My face was deathly pale.

At the hospital, they found nothing wrong with me.

Not a single injury. The boss didn't offer me compensation.

Today, it would be different.

Back then, there were fewer rules.

And I was young, too.

The boss sent me some cans of lychees.

That's it?

I left the lychees in the dormitory,

and we didn't have much to eat then, my colleagues wolfed them down.

I was able to eat two.

Uncle, want to taste my chicken soup? It's my first one.

Is it cooked?

Well?

It's good!

My little niece learned to cook.

I'm glad you like it. Do you think it needs a bit longer?

Just a bit longer.

I want some more.

You will, in a bit.

Grandma will be happy.

I made it for her.

Her granddaughter can cook now.

Uncle...

I've been meaning to ask you...

if you ever thought about remarrying?

You know, I have nothing to offer.

Who would look after Kangkang with me?

I've always thought you were the kindest of my uncles.

The adults in the family, including my parents,

are selfish.

They think only about their own interests.

Some kind of family.

Your parents have their own home.

They need to think about getting older.

And to think about you.

As for me,

I don't have anything.

Except Kangkang.

I have to tell you

were it not for your grandma,

I would have thrown him into the river.

You see, I'm selfish, too.

Let's give our bride and groom a big round of applause.

From today on,

the bride is a member of the Jiang family.

Shall I sing a song for you all?

Sing with me, okay?

Everyone in Fuyang knows this one.

Clear is our river's water

And splendid is the scenery

Let's dive in the Fuchun River

We are the people of Fuyang

Excuse me for singing so poorly...

And now a song about the river.

In my homeland on the banks of the Fuchun River

The sun shines on the hills and water

The river water runs eastward

Past the sandy banks, among the poplars

In my homeland on the banks of the Fuchun River

The sun graces the green hills and blue water

On the banks rise the hills

Kingdom of Sun Quan, land of Yu Dafu

My hometown is the Fuchun River

Kingdom of Sun Quan, land of Yu Dafu

Stay with Grandma.

With Grandma.

Watch TV.

How much money has the lady lost?

Over a million.

She's waiting for Wang Wei to pounce on her.

Not a chance.

Her factory generates a lot,

and Wang Wei knows it.

Who would want a woman of her age? Not Wang Wei?

You should go for it.

Never.

Too old.

Know where the gambling is?

Who's asking? I don't know you.

Youjin told me about it.

Upstairs.

Thanks.

Is Youjin doing his usual thing?

Where'd you get that from?

The police found another cheater in another gambling room.

They say Youjin's doing the same.

Who cares? Let's just look out for ourselves.

As long as we don't get caught by the police...

Place your bets!

5,000 on White Tiger.

Everything on Green Dragon?

Turtle!

Come on, Turtle!

What's happening?

Strange!

Whenever there's a big bet, you hide your hand.

What's that hand up to?

I'm grabbing a cigarette.

Show us your cigarettes.

Right here!

Empty your pockets.

I have nothing in my pockets. Are you crazy or what?

You want to see?

The cops!

The cops are here!

Don't move!

Nobody move!

Arrest them all!

I was watching without playing.

Don't move!

I wasn't playing!

I was watching without playing.

Everyone has high hopes for Fuyang's future

They'll have to build quickly.

There have been too many demolitions.

This construction is a clean slate. We need to rebuild.

I hope the new subway will open soon

to stimulate the city.

It will be easy to get to Hangzhou.

The urban renewal will be complete.

The police came.

You'll rent somewhere else next month.

You make too much noise. I can't sleep at night.

Got it.

Mrs Wu from Hangzhou brought her 87-year-old father

to Fuyang station.

I brought him to Qiandao Lake

and its thousand islands.

Mom!

In this new year, I wish him good health...

Mom!

Stop!

Stop!

Take him away!

"I think a lot about when I first came to Fuyang, I had just married.

"I often went to the river, which fascinated me.

"On the 15th of the 7th lunar month,

"the people of Fuyang place lanterns on the water

"for the Ghost Festival. the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha's birthday.

"I was always struck by the respects paid to the dead.

"They light incense at their doors,

"they release water lanterns to protect the river from evils

"and to pray.

"The lanterns flow with the current

"leading lost souls to the Bridge of Reincarnation.

"One evening,

"as night was approaching,

"I saw the stars twinkle one by one.

"Beneath the breeze, the river was calm and clear.

"Thousands of little lanterns floated over on the river

"past the Xianpu Bridge.

"A snake of fire

"slithering on water like a water dragon,

"the lanterns,

"in the shapes of lotuses, were made of paper.

"Some were wooden boats of various shapes,

"decorated with coloured paper.

"Within them, little candles burned.

"Very soon

"the serpent of lanterns was in the middle of the river,

"illuminating the landscape

"like a constellation.

"Families, from the youngest to the oldest members,

"came to ponder the spectacle on the riverbanks,

"with fans in their hands.

"It was very lively.

"The fishermen guided the lanterns.

"Rescue boats patrolled the river,

"fishermen set off firecrackers.

"Monks burned wormwood and played cymbals

"to rescue the souls of the dead.

"To follow the lanterns, those with money rented boats

"from which you could hear the sound of flutes.

"The lanterns floated far and near,

"to the east and to the west.

"It went on the entire night."

The mother of my future bride was also opposed to our marriage.

For the Dragon Boat Festival,

the village tradition was to offer the neighbors

rice cakes and gifts.

I came to the house of my sweet one,

her mother had just boiled water.

She threw it at the ground. She didn't aim for me,

but she threw the water just at my feet

and tossed my gifts outside.

One of my wife's brothers was upstairs.

He heard the noise...

He bounded down the stairs, took an axe off the wall,

convinced I was an intruder.

Luckily, my wife stopped him in his fury.

- You got off lightly. - That's true.

By the way,

that book I was writing is out.

I had told you...

There it is.

"The Strange Tale of the Night Fisherman and the Dead Girl".

It takes places in the '90s.

There were paper mills here.

And so this man

often went fishing at night on the banks of the river.

One night, he pulled up a dead woman's body.

But strangely,

the body was half-rotted while the face was intact

and very pretty.

He takes the body back home...

- What's wrong? - My knee hurts.

Should I carry you?

No, go ahead.

Okay.

You go down, I'm resting a bit.

- Shall we go down? - Go ahead.

I'm going to rest for a bit.

What happens then?

The girl is in his home...

Your dad has put on weight.

When we first met, he walked so awkwardly.

He was a good boxer though.

Like that.

I saw he was intelligent.

When my feet hurt, he took me home on his bicycle.

I would try to trick him and say, "Drop me off here."

He'd say, "A bit further."

He brought me to the bridge by the village.

When my uncle passed by, he threw the bicycle aside,

grabbed me by the hand and we hid under the bridge.

After a while, I'd say,

"Okay, I can go now.

"You go home."

He said, "Let's wait a while."

I'd reply, "No, I have to go!"

He'd get back on his bike and go.

I would be so embarrassed.

It's funny.

When we first met,

he was very flirtatious.

All right!

I'm feeling better.

Mom has to get home.

Easy does it.

- Let's go home. - Back home.

End of volume I