Original subtitles

Best Choice Ever Adapted from the novel "Best Choice Ever" by Yi Shu

Episode 34

Zhiming,

let's go home.

Zhiming, wait here for a while.

I'll prepare some food for you.

Wanyu, can you please boil some water for me?

Got it.

Wanyu, is the water ready?

Yep.

What kind of tea is this?

I'm not sure.

It's a new tea my friend gave me this year.

I haven't even allowed myself to drink it.

- Just use a little of it. - That should be enough.

He might have trouble sleeping after having strong tea.

He's already sleep-deprived.

Use just a little.

Zhiming. Try this new tea from this year.

Give it a try.

Come here.

Happy birthday, Zhiming.

Zhiming.

From now on,

we'll celebrate your birthday at home every year.

Give it a taste.

Slow down.

Slow down, Zhiming.

Sleep tight tonight.

As for your father's matter, He Dong and I have already taken care of it.

Don't worry.

If you need anything, just let us know, okay?

By the way, after the last tasting event,

many cigar suppliers wanted to cooperate with us.

This is the sample your dad chose.

Keep it as a memento.

My mom said

that after we celebrate your birthday and you have her longevity noodles,

you're her son from now on.

Zhiming, if you're willing,

my family is also yours.

Rest up early.

- Good night. - Good night.

How is he? Is he asleep yet?

Yeah, don't worry.

He is alright?

When I went to the hotel today, I was in such a hurry.

The more rushed I was, the more I babbled.

Did it bother those neighboring guests?

Did they have any complaints?

Sorry about that.

Thank you, Mom.

Thank you.

It's great to have a daughter like you.

[Tomb of Father Yao Renfu July 8, 1964 - October 23, 2023]

[Erected by Son Yao Zhiming October 30, 2023]

When I was young,

I made a vow that I would never forgive you

because you were the most selfish

and the most shameless person I've ever seen.

[Tomb of Father Yao Renfu July 8, 1964 - October 23, 2023]

[Erected by Son Yao Zhiming October 30, 2023]

I thought you would

never change.

But later I realized

I was the one who didn't change.

[Tomb of Father Yao Renfu July 8, 1964 - October 23, 2023]

[Erected by Son Yao Zhiming October 30, 2023]

There are many regrets in life.

Some people come and go.

But Yao Zhiming, I'll always be here with you.

I just feel it's a pity.

He once hurt many people.

But only I know he had changed for the better.

Not just you;

Grandma also saw it.

[Tomb of Ancestor Ms. Chen Shuzhen October 13, 1937 - August 4, 2023]

[Erected by granddaughter Mai Chenghuan grandson Yao Zhiming]

[August 10, 2023] [We will always remember you]

Thank you for being by my side and helping me through the toughest days.

Yao Zhiming, you have finally made it through.

I'm so happy.

Hold on.

Hello, Mr. Cui.

Really?

Okay, got it.

Alright, thank you.

Yao Zhiming, good news!

Xing'anli has been chosen as one of the top 10 featured hotels!

Congratulations to you, Ms. Mai. Let me drive you there.

But I just promised to have lunch with you.

Work comes first. Love is a pastime.

How could I hold you back?

Where did you pick that up from?

Alright then, I'll treat you tonight. Let me make it up to you.

Focus on your work first. Let's have dinner at home.

I'll handle it.

Okay.

Let's go.

- Ms. Mai is here. - Mr. Cui.

We've put up the sign. We're waiting for you to unveil it.

Let's do it together.

Alright, let's have Ms. Mai reveal the sign.

- Reveal the sign. - Please come this way.

Yeah, go ahead.

Let's all count down together from three to one.

- Alright. - Let's go, three, two, one!

Thank you, everyone.

Being selected as one of the top 10 featured hotels on the review website,

wouldn't have been possible without all of your efforts.

So just now, I've informed the finance department.

They'll be distributing the semi-annual performance bonuses

as well as some red packets and cash for you all.

Most importantly, everyone will get an extra five days of annual leave.

- Thank you, Miss Mai! - Thank you, Chenghuan.

Alright, come with me to collect your rewards.

- Let's go. - Go get the money.

- Let's go. - Come on, Ziyu.

Wait a moment, Chenghuan.

I have something to tell you.

What is it?

I'm leaving.

Where are you going?

Back to Switzerland, of course.

Is it because of what happened between me and your mom?

No.

I know you wouldn't despise me because of my mother.

I won't.

But my mother did cause loss to Xing'anli.

It's already spread throughout the industry.

Her reputation is ruined now, and she can't find another job.

She values her career more than anything else,

even her life.

It just so happens that I'm still in school,

so I'll take her with me to study in Switzerland.

Although my relationship with her may never improve,

she's my mother after all.

I certainly can't just abandon her.

Ziyu,

it's because of me that your mom ended up like this.

I'm sorry.

But since you've made up your mind,

I won't try to stop you.

In any case, if you want to return after finishing school,

Xing'anli will always be here for you.

Thank you, Chenghuan.

Alright. I'll take it to heart.

If things don't work out abroad, I'll come back and turn to you.

I always want to enjoy the food your mom cooks.

No problem, come to me if needed.

- Let's make it a deal. - It's a deal.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

- Hi, ma'am. - Vegetables, fresh vegetables!

I heard from Mrs. Mai

that you round down the price for vegetables here, and give customers green onions for free.

Yeah, that's right. We do offer free green onions.

- Alright. - What would you like? Here's a bag.

Okay.

- Have you got what you want? - Yeah.

- I'll get you some extra green onions. - Thank you.

- Here you are. - Thank you.

Hello, find me a chef to cook at my place.

Quick, please.

Here we go!

Sweet sticky rice balls are ready.

The dishes are ready.

Here's the fish.

Yao Zhiming, this fish you cooked looks fantastic.

The stir-fried loofah and green beans are good. It's cooked just right. Give it a try.

The steamed gluten looks great, doesn't it?

Mom. Here are your favorite sweet sticky rice balls.

Give them a try.

Are they delicious?

They're made from yellow millet, soft, sweet, and delicious.

Mr. Yao, did you really cook all these dishes?

Zhiming, you can't fool us.

I bet you just boiled these ready-made sweet sticky rice balls, didn't you?

Of course, I cooked everything.

Alright.

Anyway, Mr. Yao is treating us. So we'll consider them cooked by him.

Mr. and Mrs. Mai, Chenghuan, and Chengzao,

a lot has happened to me recently.

Thankfully, you have been there for me, accepting me,

tolerating me, and cheering me up.

I want to say thank you to you all.

This meal is a token of my sincere gratitude. Thank you.

Zhiming, no need to thank us.

Since you joined this family, you've brought us so much joy.

We're all so happy.

We have one more family member

- and we're so cheerful. - Yeah.

No need for formalities.

Why are you stirring up emotions for no reason?

Since we're all here as a family for dinner,

I have some good news to share.

Xing'anli has been selected as one of the top 10 featured hotels.

Congratulations!

I have some good news too.

I've been promoted to the CEO of the Eastern China region.

- So you're a big shot now. - The Eastern China region?

What kind of region is that?

It's larger than Huangpu District. It covers six provinces and one city.

- Is it large? - I've heard of it before.

Each one of you is great and accomplished.

I suddenly feel relieved and free from burdens.

I'm free now.

What meaningful things should I do with so much time?

How about this? When I retire, I'll take you on a trip.

How about that?

That sounds great. Where would you like to go?

I can book a group tour for you. They offer all the services.

No, no, no.

You've already spent a lot on our health check packages.

Don't spend money anymore. We should save money.

Health check packages? What health check packages?

When did you go for a check-up?

Oh, we've already done it.

We've done it.

Yeah, we've already done it.

- Come on, let's eat. - Yeah.

We're waiting for you to start, Mom.

Let's enjoy it.

- Let's make a toast. - Alright.

Are you going to say something?

I wish our family happiness and joy.

Cheers to happiness and joy.

These flowers are beautiful, right?

They were planted by Zhiming.

I've placed them here for you.

Grandma,

it's been a while since I talked to you privately.

I have good news for you.

Xing'anli has made it to one of the top 10 featured hotels.

I hope I've made you proud.

However, Mr. Yao is no longer with us.

Zhiming was heartbroken.

But later I comforted him,

and my parents also treated him as their son.

He is no longer alone.

By the way, tonight he has prepared a big table of dishes.

He has joined the Mai family formally.

Grandma. Don't worry.

I'll take good care of both Xing'anli and Zhiming for you.

Now my career is on track

and my relationship with my mother has improved.

With Zhiming by my side, I am truly happy.

I am grateful for everything I have now.

Grandma, I miss you.

I hope you're doing well up there in Heaven.

♪ The hat with palace flowers looks lovely! ♪

♪ How fresh. ♪

♪ I used to ride horses down the imperial street. ♪

Who is calling me?

Hello, who is that?

Hello, are you Ms. Liu Wanyu?

We are calling from the physical examination center.

Physical examination center? My report is ready?

We are calling to inform you

that your electronic report has been sent through WeChat.

The CT has detected a large shadow on your lungs.

We recommend that you go to the hospital for further examination promptly

to avoid any delay in treatment.

My lungs have a problem?

I'm sorry, but we can only do preliminary checks.

You'd better get a follow-up examination at the hospital to confirm the diagnosis.

Okay, I see. Thank you.

Well, based on your test results,

there is a shadow on your lungs that we suspect may be a tumor.

Have you been feeling any discomfort lately,

like chest tightness or coughing?

Yes, I have felt some.

How about your appetite?

It's been okay.

In that case,

we advise you to discuss it with your family

and undergo thorough hospital tests soon for a clearer diagnosis.

Isn't that Wanyu?

Wanyu!

- Wanyu? - What's wrong with her?

Why is she ignoring us?

Do you know what's going on?

I'm not sure. She must have something on her mind.

Mom, we're home.

Why aren't the lights on?

Yeah.

I'll turn them on.

Are you asleep?

Why are you lying here?

- It's nothing. - Are you feeling unwell anywhere?

Wanyu, weren't you cooking dinner? What's the matter?

I'm sorry. I had a sudden stomachache this afternoon

and ended up resting on the sofa, falling asleep.

When I woke up, it was already dark. And I didn't cook the meal.

How are you feeling now?

- I'm fine. I'll cook now. - No, no, no. Let me handle it.

You stay put.

So tonight, let's just have a simple dinner.

Okay.

I'm fine.

Mom, tell me the truth.

What's wrong exactly?

I'm fine, really.

Just a minor stomachache.

Really?

I'm fine.

This afternoon, lying on the sofa,

I thought a lot about you two.

What's the matter with us?

Zhiming,

both you and Chenghuan are not young.

She is 30, and you're 40.

It's time to think about marriage.

After getting married, you should have children soon.

Having kids earlier is good for women's health

as they can recover faster.

Besides, your dad and I are still young.

We can help take care of them.

And you can focus on your career by then.

Mrs. Mai, you're jumping ahead a bit.

I'm only 32.

That's close to 40. It's almost the same.

Mom, you scared me.

I thought something was seriously wrong.

Don't worry about us. We're not in a hurry.

Considering your health, are you still feeling up for that tour group with Dad tomorrow?

Yeah, is it okay?

I should be okay.

That's great.

I'll take you away for a couple of days to relax.

Why don't you go upstairs and rest?

- Once I'm done cooking, I'll call you down. - Yes, take a rest.

Okay, then I'll go upstairs.

Go ahead.

- Is your leg also not feeling well? - It's alright, everything's fine.

Can you go upstairs by yourself?

I'm going upstairs.

Okay.

Me, 40 years old?

Why not say I'm 50?

No kidding.

Wanyu, take a look. How is this vest?

Do I look good in it? I'll take it.

Are you feeling unwell?

Are you okay?

You know what?

When you keep speaking aloud with your booming voice,

I feel fine.

But when you're being quiet like this, it really worries me.

Are you really okay?

I'm fine.

Why are you trying to jinx me like that?

No, I'm not.

I'm just tired.

I'm tired from dancing earlier.

I'm going to sleep now.

Good night. I'll take care of our luggage.

Mom and Dad, I've arranged everything for you.

But if anything happens, just give me a call.

It's just a few days. We'll be back soon.

The tour guide just messaged me saying the coach

will be at the alley entrance soon. It's on the way.

- Goodbye. - Okay, take care.

Mom,

you haven't said goodbye to me yet.

Bye.

Do you think my mom seems a bit off?

I do.

She's probably adjusting to having free time

after being busy for so long.

That makes sense.

Let's spend some time with them after work.

Let me drive you to work.

No need. I'm not heading to Xing'anli today.

It's not too busy there.

Mao's second trial is approaching.

I want to see if I can help.

Only when they win the lawsuit can our family be truly reunited.

I think you're about to inherit your mom's role.

You think so?

Then I'll be Junior Liu Wanyu. Are you scared?

Oh no, then I'll end up like your dad.

You are like my dad.

And I'm like my mom.

The never-ending cycle of this family.

May I help you?

I'd like to take this one.

Have some coffee and take a break. You've read them many times.

I'm reviewing them again.

Song Huaimin is really pushing hard with the appeal.

I don't know what he's up to.

You've worked hard.

Do you need your sister to lend a hand?

Chenghuan.

Miss Mai, you're always so busy. How come you have time to come here?

The hotel selection has ended. I should let go and let my team grow a bit.

I just took a break to show concern for my best friend and my brother.

Chenghuan, don't worry. We're confident.

Xing'anli has enlisted a new team of legal advisors.

I've asked them to help you organize the evidence.

Are they handling even family matters?

They're just offering some help.

Thank you, Chenghuan.

It's nothing.

But there's something I must remind you of.

After the lawsuit, you need to tell Mom and Dad about your relationship.

Chengzao, Mom has changed a lot for us recently.

If you talk to her kindly, she may accept it.

I understand, Chenghuan. We've planned to tell them earlier.

As long as you are aware.

Dingding's calling me.

Hi, sweetie.

Mommy, Daddy hit me.

Don't cry, sweetie. I'm on my way.

- I'm coming. - What happened?

Song Huaimin hit Dingding!

- I need to go check on him right away. - Mao, wait a moment.

The second trial is about to start soon.

It's odd for Song Huaimin to act this way now.

Calm down. I'll go with you.

Yes. Calm down. I'll join you as well.

- Let's go. Go, go, go. - Don't rush.

Go.

Mao, remember to stay composed.

We'll wait outside. If you need us, let us know.

Chengzao.

Coming!

I said I'm coming, why are still you knocking?

Dingding!

- What are you doing? Dingding isn't home. - Dingding, mummy is here.

Dingding!

I told you he is not home.

- Dingding! - You'd better get out now!

That's my room, with my stuff inside.

Where is he?

I've sent him to my mom's place.

Why did you do that?

He missed his grandma.

- I'll go find him then. - Stop!

The second trial hasn't ended yet.

The custody is still in my hands. You have no right, understand?

Why did you hit him?

I'm his dad. He's my son. It's natural for me to discipline him.

Are you insane?

You're the one who's insane.

Why are you targeting my child?

You're young, and you can have more kids.

Don't you have a boyfriend? What's wrong?

Are you unable to have kids or is it him?

You!

- I... - What?

- Are you even human? - How am I not human?

- Are you fit to be a father? - How am I unfit?

You've got backup, huh?

Let me tell you. There're surveillance cameras here.

If all this is recorded, you won't get away with it.

Song Huaimin, you lost in the first trial,

so you're desperately trying to provoke Mao

to act irrationally to make the judges think she's emotionally unstable.

So you can fight for custody, right? Listen up.

- Don't even think about it! - You!

What?

Song Huaimin, if you had put even a bit of effort into taking care of the child,

things wouldn't have been like this.

I swear. We'll definitely win in the second trial.

Just you wait!

Wait and see in the second trial.

Wanyu, what's wrong?

Where are you feeling uncomfortable?

I don't want to go. I want to quit.

You know what?

You've just been at home for so long

that when you come out, you're not used to it, right?

It's okay.

I want to go home and cook for them.

You are really busy by nature.

Listen to me.

Both our daughter and son have grown up, and they both have their own careers.

They won't go hungry if you're away for a day.

What's wrong? Why are you crying?

Nothing. Nothing. I miss them.

Let's go home then.

Alright, if you don't want to travel, then we'll head back.

Next stop, we'll get off. I'll grab a taxi to go back.

Okay.

Alright, we'll go back. Don't cry.

I appreciate both of you for your help.

But today, you were really bold. You really impressed me.

Your composure was admirable.

With your temper, you could hold back from hitting him,

and that's truly remarkable.

If I hadn't changed, I would have slapped him earlier.

But before the lawsuit has a final verdict,

for Dingding's and Chengzao's sake, no matter how unfairly treated, I must endure.

After I win the lawsuit, you'll see how I deal with him.

Mao,

you've changed a lot.

It's all thanks to the courage you've given me.

What did I see? How scary!

Can you two please not show affection in front of me?

What's wrong?

My scalp is tingling.

I...

I have scheduled an appointment with a lawyer, Mr. Zhang. We'll meet at our home today.

Let's get prepared.

Let's work together to teach Song Huaimin a lesson.

Thank you.

You can hug Chengzao instead.

♫ My child ♫

♫ I wonder if I'm doing a good job ♫

♫ It's my first time being a mom ♫

♫ Even though the years have turned my hair gray ♫

♫ It's not my fault I'm too busy to eat on time ♫

♫ It would make me feel guilty if you knew ♫

♫ I know your concerns are for my own good ♫

♫ But sometimes it makes me feel untrusted ♫

♫ You can't be a mom if you don't worry ♫

♫ I know, I know it all, but I love you dearly ♫

♫ Please trust me to embark on my own journey ♫

♫ Brave and kind like you, I'm not afraid ♫

♫ One day you'll be a mom too ♫

♫ Will we embrace each other deeply on that day ♫

♫ Like a stream travelling the world ♫

♫ Before returning to its birthplace ♫

♫ I want you to be loved ♫

♫ I want you to be happy ♫

♫ I want my hands to shield you from the wind ♫

♫ I know love will cause fights ♫

♫ I know people grow old ♫

♫ That's why you have to say "I love you" out loud ♫

♫ Through the alley where Mom watched me leave home ♫

♫ Are you almost there ♫

♫ Through crowded carriages of memories ♫

♫ The door is open ♫

♫ Through gentle moments ♫

♫ With you, I always find my way home ♫

♫ Come home ♫

♫ My child ♫

♫ Please believe in yourself ♫