Original subtitles

I keep saying that my dream is in Shanghai.

What's my dream?

Is it a promotion or a raise?

Is it to get married and have kids here?

Is it for everyone to see the webtoons I drew?

Yes and no.

My dream

is to become a better version of myself.

One I can be proud of!

One who can handle life's struggles,

grab all opportunities,

and see a bigger stage!

Then do everything possible

to get a hold of it.

Mom.

There was a girl whom I liked before.

But I always told myself,

"She's too good for me.

I don't want to hurt her."

This is because I don't know when I'll leave Shanghai.

But after she was gone,

I regretted it a lot.

I regretted it very much.

I hated my cowardly self back then!

Dad.

I know

that if I don't go home with you today,

you'll be disappointed and angry.

But if I were to go with you today,

in the future,

I would hate myself for running away!

Maybe in a few years,

I still might not be able to afford a house in Shanghai

and can't find a job.

However,

I must at least do my best and give it a try.

At least, I shouldn't let my future self hate my current self!

Dad.

Can you understand me?

You've chosen

your path.

If you're a man,

see through this path by yourself.

Let me be proud

when I talk about my son

to others.

Dad.

Do you agree?

I just hope

that you'll never

return to us with your tail between your legs.

Thank you, Dad.

Mom.

I have one more thing to tell you.

What is it?

The girl I mentioned to you just now

didn't go away.

She's my girlfriend now.

Really?

Do you have a picture? Show it to me.

Take a look.

She's so nice.

How long have you known each other?

Since college.

Why didn't you tell me earlier?

You're so good at keeping secrets.

She's quite a beauty.

She has a high nose bridge and big eyes.

This is great.

She's so beautiful.

You haven't had enough of the movie earlier?

It was a bit illogical. I couldn't enjoy it.

I'm rewatching the highlights.

How much did she drink?

-Two glasses. -What?

Two glasses?

Well…

Do you want

to drink something?

There's water in the kitchen.

I don't want water.

There's cola in the refrigerator.

I don't want cola either.

Do you want alcohol?

I didn't drink while I was eating.

I'll drink now to celebrate.

-Is red wine okay? -Yes.

Didn't you tell me to cut down even on coffee before?

Now, I can drink wine?

I especially agree with a phrase that you said.

Life is short.

Eat if you want to, drink if you want to.

You mean, live in the moment?

Here.

Thank you, my girlfriend, for letting me stay here today.

This is a good movie.

Wait.

Since when can you hold your alcohol so well?

I get drunk easily

only when I'm feeling down.

Young man.

Are you

trying to make me drunk?

No.

If…

you were the one wandering the universe,

what would you want to do the most?

Perhaps just like in the movie,

I want to hear my family's voice the most.

What about you?

I…

want to find a time travel portal

and go back to a time before my dad died,

give him a big hug,

and say goodbye properly.

If there was still time,

I would go back to when you were a kid and tell you

not to rush into a relationship.

Wait for me.

When exactly will you provide the "girlfriend benefit"?

It's late.

Get some rest.

The sofa is very comfortable.

We haven't finished the movie yet.

Did you sleep well last night?

I slept very well.

That's good.

Hurry up and eat.

Here.

The last gathering was too short.

I didn't get enough.

Yes, we didn't get to talk much.

When will we gather again?

This weekend, we can go to a scenic spot nearby.

Let's do a road trip.

If you all have time,

I'll set it up.

Yes, good timing. Gu Yutao has a new car.

Let's break in his car.

I'm free this weekend.

Just help me book a room.

What?

What is the room for?

Are you going somewhere this weekend?

During our class's last gathering,

everyone thinks that we can round up our resources.

It's a good opportunity

to get to know each other more.

This weekend,

you can draw

your designs in peace.

I won't bother you.

Then

have you decided where to go?

They said Qionglong Mountain is nice.

Okay.

I'll just go for two days.

I'll be back after that.

Have an egg.

Why are you here?

I'm leaving soon.

I've prepared a power bank and charging cable for you.

Your phone's battery might die and I won't be able to reach you.

I don't want my weekend

to be scary again.

This time, I swear

that my phone will have power 24 hours a day.

By the way, if that scenic spot has dangerous activities,

you must be careful, all right?

Don't try water rafting, bungee jumping, and the like.

Do you hear me?

Shouldn't youngsters

be very interested

in exciting activities?

Why won't you let me try them?

Don't worry.

I treasure my life.

I'm not with you.

I'm worried.

Then do you want to go with me?

You'll let me tag along?

You'll introduce me to your classmates?

I'm not sure yet.

I knew it.

Are you angry?

No.

I promise you then.

I'll give you the "benefit" when I'm back.

What benefit?

The "girlfriend benefit."

It's…

-What do you think? -Good.

-Nice car. -It's not bad.

It looks great.

Nice!

-It suits your aura. -It's purely electric.

It starts up quickly and it's cost-efficient.

-Ruoxin. -Ruoxin.

-What do you think? -Ruoxin.

-It has been a while. -I'm telling you.

This car is very popular.

I should tell you

something our sales representative says.

"You're lucky if you bought one."

I'm so lucky.

-Here, let me help you. -It's okay. I can do it myself.

Helping you is my pleasure.

Besides, you're our most important classmate.

You're not just my classmate anymore.

You're my client too.

So I must insist on being self-disciplined.

She's good with words.

Let's go and check in.

-Let's go. -Let's go.

-Let's go. -Come on.

This way.

SHEN RUOXIN

You're good. You've wrapped so many.

What's the matter?

Is your work not going well?

No, it's going well.

Zhu Lin has already found an investor.

My son, when starting a business,

don't feel pressured.

Your dad left us this little house in the city center.

If I sell it,

it's more than enough

for whatever you want to do.

Mom. How many times do I have to tell you?

No.

Don't worry about my work.

I know what I'm doing with my work.

Are things not going well

with you and Ruoxin then?

Not really.

Lately,

I often go to the University for Seniors to chat with her mom.

What do you talk about?

Just casual stuff.

But to be honest,

I really like talking to her mom.

Her mom is very capable.

She's handling her work

and her life so well.

Unlike me, who is a mess and always causes you trouble.

Listen to yourself.

Helping you is what keeps me going.

However,

does Ruoxin's mom know about us?

I don't think she knows.

She's still trying to find a girlfriend for you.

I knew it.

My son.

Are you and Ruoxin arguing?

Tell me.

Let me analyze it for you.

We didn't really fight.

But…

I can't figure out

what exactly she's thinking now.

When we weren't together before,

I know

what she's thinking about.

Now that we're together,

I feel like

she's holding back on me.

She won't let me meet her friends.

She didn't tell her mom either.

I really don't know

if she's serious about this relationship or not.

I see.

Her mom told me

about their family matters.

Has it ever occurred to you

why someone as beautiful

and capable as Ruoxin

didn't have many serious relationships?

It's because

she doesn't like ordinary guys.

That's just part of it.

It's more because she's afraid of getting hurt.

Think about it.

Her dad left Shanghai back then

because of his ideals

and divorced her mom.

Doesn't that also mean

that he abandoned Ruoxin?

This matter definitely affected her.

Mom.

You mean…

I mean,

some people

have thorns all over their bodies.

That's because she has to protect herself.

She's afraid of getting hurt.

If you really love her,

you must make her believe

that you can protect her

and you won't hurt her.

Then she doesn't need those thorns anymore.

Ruoxin is much older than you.

So she thinks much more than you

in every way.

So her attitude towards your relationship

doesn't depend on her,

but on you.

Do you understand?

Mom.

Why didn't I realize

how wise you were before this?

It's like you can read people's minds.

Do you think I watched those interviews

and matchmaking shows in vain?

I'm going to say one more thing.

Back then, your grandparents

were so against me marrying your dad.

Do you know why I was so determined to marry him?

Why?

That's because

ever since I met your dad,

he writes a letter to me every day.

When he had time,

he would take the train and visit me in Sichuan.

All his savings

were spent on traveling.

So I knew this man was the one.

He's reliable.

My son.

If you want Ruoxin to know that you're the one,

that will depend on your abilities

and what you do.

I got it, Mom.

I'll go to her now.

Your hands are full of flour!

My mom is the greatest!

-You… -I'm leaving!

Silly boy!

-Cheers! -Cheers!

-Thank you. -Here.

-Here. -Come on.

Although it's Shanghai cuisine,

it's different from what you eat in the city.

It's very fresh. Dig in.

Let's dig in.

This place Yutao chose is really nice.

It's designed like a luxury bed and breakfast.

It's amazing.

That's right. My company had its annual party here.

Even though it's expensive, it's really worth it.

By the way, send the bill to the group later,

so it would be easier to transfer money to Mr. Gu.

Don't bother.

I'll pay for everything this time.

We haven't met for so many years. It's a gift to my old classmates.

How can we accept that?

You're so generous.

But don't you think

we seem to be benefitting thanks to someone?

Why are you all looking at me?

I have a boyfriend.

Don't create trouble.

Yutao is my client now.

Referring to him as a client makes your relationship distant.

Regardless of the relationship, we still have to split the bill today.

This meal is so expensive.

Staying in such a place must cost a lot of money, right?

There's really no need.

Let me put it this way.

I've known the owner of this hotel since we were in Singapore.

He's an old friend.

He gave me a VIP discount.

And he said

that my friends are his friends.

We just want you to eat, sleep, and drink well.

We still have plenty of time ahead. All right?

That's right.

Let's not worry about that today.

Let's look for a chance in the future to make it up to Yutao.

-Yes. -Yes.

I'll make a toast first.

Come on. Here's to our friendship all these years.

-Here. -Cheers.

Ruoxin.

This is Reeves shad.

It's your favorite. Here.

-Thank you. -Reeves shad.

You don't get this, do you?

Eileen Chang once wrote in her novel

that there are three big regrets in life.

The first thing is hating Reeves shad for having lots of bones.

When Ruoxin was in the university,

-she was a huge fan of Eileen Chang. -That's right.

She was so artistic.

Gu Yutao remembers this very clearly.

That was ages ago.

Back then, I liked to grieve the changing of seasons.

Now, time has turned me

into a materialistic girl, right?

Now that I'm all grown up, I finally understand

that a lot of good things

must be left in the past.

Take the Reeves shad as an example.

What we're eating now is either imported or farmed ones.

Those wild Reeves shads from the Yangtze River

are already extinct.

We can't buy it anymore, right?

But doesn't the Reeves shad still taste the same?

-Right. -Don't just talk.

Eat more.

Eat up.

By the way, if we have time after this, let's walk to the hillside for a bit.

There's a stargazing pavilion over there that's really nice.

-There's even a stargazing pavilion. -Really?

That's great.

We all know

that Ruoxin likes to look at stars.

Tell me.

Is this trip customized for Shen Ruoxin?

We're just supporting characters to the lead.

There you go again.

Yutao likes stargazing too, okay?

-Yes. -Stop messing around.

You just want to create trouble.

Just eat.

Say something, Yutao.

Is it customized for her?

How can a gift from heaven be customized?

It's just a chance for us to gather.

You talk too much. Goodness.

-You're still a smooth talker. -Here.

-Come on. -Let's have another drink.

-Come on. -Drink up.

After graduation, we've all been busy with our own stuff.

It's so rare to have a relaxing and casual gathering like this.

It's so nice.

Life in the city is becoming more and more stressful.

Everyone's weighed down with work.

Who doesn't want to go back to the time when we were students?

Do you remember that field trip in our junior year?

We got separated from the group.

We stayed overnight in the mountains.

You were really scared back then.

You grabbed my arm and wailed.

You said that you still have many unfulfilled dreams.

You don't want to die so soon.

Right now, I might only cry because of my sales performance.

I've long forgotten

about my dream.

Actually, all these years, I don't think you've changed at all.

You really deserve to have a better life.

The night view from this stargazing pavilion

is so beautiful.

-The sky is full of stars. -Yes, the weather is good.

What a rare sight.

I think this one is okay.

Look.

They look good together.

Why are you still so nosy after all these years?

What do you know?

Life is so hard.

-We need a bit of gossip. -Yes.

You don't know anything.

Regarding this, I'm telling you,

don't spread rumors.

-I'm just trying to set them up. -Why are you laughing?

-He's coming. -You look so happy.

You both look good together. Look.

Who are they? They look good together.

Send me the original photo.

Stop it.

They took a photo of us together earlier and even said that we look good together.

How lame.

Qi Xiao!

Why are you here?

I miss you.

I'm worried because I'm not with you.

You suddenly came here.

How should I introduce you to my classmates?

Say whatever you want.

A younger brother.

Your assistant.

Whatever you're comfortable with is fine.

Ruoxin, is he your friend?

Hey.

What a handsome boy.

-Who is it? -Let me introduce you.

This is my boyfriend, Qi Xiao.

Hello. Nice to meet you.

Ruoxin, when did you get a boyfriend?

You're enjoying life too much.

Handsome guy, where are you planning to stay tonight?

I've already arranged

our bed assignments.

I heard the hotel is fully booked too.

But don't worry.

There's an extra bed in my room.

If you don't mind,

you can spend the night there.

-Sure. Thank you. -You're welcome.

I'll go back to my room.

Mr. Gu.

Let's go.

You're not upset that I suddenly showed up, are you?

Not really.

Actually, before I came, I've already decided.

If you don't want to introduce me as your boyfriend,

I'll keep being your assistant.

As long as you're happy…

As long as I can see you

and protect you,

I'm willing to do anything.

Because you're my girlfriend.

I love you.

Qi Xiao.

I know.

Maybe you're still not used to this.

But it's okay.

I can wait.

I've already waited until you agreed to be my girlfriend

and let me

into your world.

Someday,

I'll wait until you're no longer guarded

and completely believe me

and trust me.

It will happen someday.

Don't worry.

I'll do my best.

Miss.

Just now,

you initiated it.

-You're here? -Yes.

Hey, you're following her so closely.

Not really.

What's the matter? Are you worried that Ruoxin came with me?

I'm her boyfriend.

I came to meet her classmates and spend time with her.

That's normal.

It's nothing personal.

I really don't understand young people nowadays.

Back in my day,

dating required having similar backgrounds,

like financial status, family background, career,

and outward appearance.

But appearance comes second.

The first few are what matters.

Yes, I won't deny it.

Some women prioritize

having a house and money, as you said.

But Xinxin

is definitely not like that.

After all, love is chemistry

between two people.

You can't exchange it

with a property ownership certificate or money.

If you say such things, that means you're too young.

You don't have that much experience yet.

I've known Ruoxin for decades.

She's completely practical and rational.

Of course,

a momentary passion

might attract her,

but if you want it to last forever,

I'm afraid that just relying on passion won't do.

However, I'm her boyfriend now.

I think I know her better than you do.

I hope so.

Get some rest. Good night.

Good night.

-Ten. -None.

-Ten. -Five.

A bet is a bet.

If I win, let me kiss you.

What if I win?

I'll give you a kiss then.

-So I'm always at a disadvantage? -I don't care. Come on.

Ruoxin.

Does dating a younger man make you feel young again?

I'm as childish as him now.

"Childish" is a term that describes someone innocent like me

who just started working.

Miss, you're old.

Qi Xiao.

I used to think that dating a younger man is quite unreliable.

Now,

it seems nice.

As long as you don't consider practical matters,

any relationship is romantic.

-Have some beverages. -I didn't expect

that you would have this kind of boyfriend.

This isn't your style.

What's my style?

You're competitive.

Ruoxin.

Do you remember when you wanted to join

the swimming competition in school?

You dragged me into practicing with you daily.

You wouldn't let me go home if you didn't do well.

I still feel scared now.

I was young back then.

I was eager to win.

I'm grateful for that competition.

Since then, I fell in love with swimming.

We can go to the beach on our next trip then.

Sure.

In terms of beaches, for farther ones,

I suggest Hawaii.

For someplace close, go to Phuket.

By the way, Bailey Island in Thailand is very nice too.

It's not crowded and the resorts there

work with our law firm.

I can get the lowest price.

By the way, Qi Xiao, do you have a passport?

You don't even have a passport?

Youngsters should go abroad to see the world.

It's very important to expand your horizons.

Ruoxin. I'm quite envious of you.

We've gotten enough rest. Let's keep going.

Come on. Let's go.

Clean up the table.

-Okay. -Let's go.

Hurry up.

Let's go.

Clean up well.

-Take this. -Give that to me.

Come on.

Is it that tiring?

Give me your bag.

Don't force yourself, miss.

You're challenging me.

If you don't usually exercise, hiking will show your real capability.

Can you do it or not?

Ruoxin.

Why don't you give me your bag?

We still have a long way to go.

-I'm coming. -There's no need.

You're already carrying a heavy bag.

It's fine. I have great stamina.

It's fine. I'm young.

I'll carry my girlfriend's bag.

Don't worry about it.

All right. Call me if you need anything.

Don't force yourself.

Give it to me.

-It's too heavy. -It's fine.

Gu Yutao is a fitness expert indeed.

He's walking so fast while carrying such a heavy bag.

Miss, I'll help you with your bag.

Thank you. I'm exhausted.

-It's fine. -My bag is so heavy.

Mr. Gu, you can do it.

You're walking pretty fast.

Let's race.

Ruoxin, come on. I'll take a picture of you.

Look at me.

Three, two, one. Okay, come on.

Three, two, one.

It's so beautiful.

-Letian. Take a photo of us. -Okay.

Let's take a picture together.

Come on.

Smile.

Just a minute.

Wait a minute. Let's take one together.

Go ahead.

Okay, get ready.

Come on, smile.

One, two, three.

-All right. -Qi Xiao.

You don't mind that my old classmate and I take a photo together, right?

We haven't seen each other for years. Just as a memento.

-Is that okay? -Sure.

I'll take a photo for you.

Thank you.

-Sir, I'll take a photo for them. -Okay.

Thank you.

Take a few photos horizontally and vertically.

Hold on. Let the camera focus.

Three, two, one, smile.

Okay, one more.

Three, two, one.

It's so nice.

-Okay, a finger heart. -A vertical one.

Come on.

Make a finger heart.

Don't be shy. We're old classmates.

Why are you so shy? Come on.

-Here, miss. -Thank you.

-Help me get one. -Here.

-Here. -Ruoxin.

Have some milk biscuits.

-Here. -Thank you.

Sir, do you have any utensils? I'll take one.

To be honest,

before coming here,

I really don't understand

why you would want

such a young boyfriend.

But from the looks of things today,

he does know how to cheer you up.

Qi Xiao may be young,

but he's very mature.

And he has a plan for his future.

He's smart and opinionated.

-He's a designer, right? -Yes.

It's hard to find a job. It's hard to start a business too.

Qi Xiao just applied to the MOC Design Competition.

If he wins,

I'm sure it will be a good opportunity for his future.

MOC Design Competition?

The Shangli Group is hosting it, right?

Do you know about that competition?

I know them very well.

Our team was the legal consultant

for their IPO offering when they went public.

Do you want me to set up a dinner with their boss

and introduce you to him?

That will surely help in his competition.

I remember now.

The champion can get one million yuan capital to start a business.

He can make his own designer brand.

Their company wants to scout new talents

to produce young brands

for a brand matrix.

For a newbie, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

He must grab it.

Then

please make an appointment for me.

It's not a big deal.

Thank you.

However,

I know that you're attracted

to a young fellow like Qi Xiao now,

who is young, handsome,

-and full of life. -This is tasty.

After all,

in dating, everything is great at first.

But we must

go on with our lives.

After a while,

maybe you two will know

where the problem lies.

I think that

at Qi Xiao's age,

he's not mature enough to shield you from difficulties.

I know that Qi Xiao and I

are bound to encounter a lot of difficulties and problems.

But I really don't think I must find a man

who can shield me from difficulties.

When I'm with him,

I feel very comfortable, happy,

and carefree.

No one else can make me feel that way.

And when I encounter problems

and danger,

he's willing to stand by me

and accompany me.

That's enough.

Eat something.

Sure.

I'll let you two talk.

Have you eaten?

Try this.

-Have one. -Try this.

You eat it.

What are you talking about? You look so happy.

Here. Let's drink.

Come on.

-Thank you. -Don't mention it. Come on.

Mr. Gu.

We can see your efforts.

I think you should let it go.

I think she's already taken.

Youngsters aren't steady.

Besides,

Ruoxin isn't the type who thinks love is all that matters.

Don't think too much.

How benevolent.

Here.

It seems like, in terms of packing,

men are still better at it.

It's fine.

The one thing that I don't lack is patience.

Starting your own business must be tough.

It's okay. I'm taking it slow.

You just graduated.

You have very little experience and connection.

It must be difficult.

But I think you're quite smart.

You're a sweet-talker.

Being able to please Ruoxin is considered a shortcut too.

Mr. Gu.

I've respected you from the moment I met you

because you're Ruoxin's friend.

I believe you're a man of character.

I want to tell you

I don't have ulterior motives for being with Ruoxin.

I'll rely on myself to succeed.

I feel relieved for Ruoxin that you think this way.

But do you really think

that you can succeed quickly

by just relying on yourself?

You should know.

Ruoxin has never asked favors from anyone for herself.

But today,

I can't believe that

she sought to pull strings

for your design competition.

She asked me for connections.

Subtitle translation by: Coleen Chua