All language subtitles for Young Babylon (14)

♪In a sudden instant♪

♪Dreams shattered and then recovered♪

♪Babylon's youth♪

♪Fearlessly living their lives♪

♪They keep moving forward♪

♪The noisy coastline in June♪

♪Reminds me of midsummer nights♪

♪The subtle emotions between you and me♪

♪No longer ordinary♪

♪Seasons come and go, steps never cease♪

♪Leaving behind evidence of existence♪

♪Watching time flow away♪

♪Anxiety gradually grows♪

♪Don't want to miss the scenery along the way♪

♪The scenery along the way,
evidence of existence♪

♪Dazzling you in my dreams♪

♪Are the source of my courage♪

♪The scenery in the air is amazing♪

♪Turn around to see the girl I miss♪

♪And the familiar nice wind♪

♪When this story reaches its conclusion♪

♪Perhaps it will be moving♪

=Young Babylon=

(Shanghai, 1997)

Professor Wang,

thank you for accepting me.

You don't need to thank me.

This is the result of your hard work.

Moreover, with your work experience

in a state-owned factory,

you surely have a deeper understanding

of the urgent need
for economic system reform.

After the semester begins,

I hope you can engage in

more discussions with your classmates
on this topic.

I believe

you have a bright future ahead.

No problem.

Since I am able to return to campus,

I will cherish this opportunity.

The semester hasn't started yet,

and the dormitories
haven't been assigned.

Where are you staying?

I've rented a small place.

I want to get into study mode
as soon as possible.

Are you eager
to experience the atmosphere

of this big city, Shanghai?

Oh, by the way,

I heard from the admissions office that

your file hasn't arrived yet.

The semester is about to start.

Make a call and ask about it.

Don't let it be a trouble.

Really?

Okay.

=Episode 14=
=Nightless Shanghai=

This college

has a profound history.

I hope you can study hard here

and get good scores.

(Public Telephone)
They haven't received the files?

How is that possible?

Every year, the files are sent out

from the factory months in advance.

Is it stuck somewhere?

You have a cadre status,

so it's not handled
by our Labor Department

but the Administration Office.

You know that.

But I'll start school next Monday.

Can you ask again for me?

Okay, okay, don't worry.

I'll ask my uncle later

and call you when I have news.

Okay.

Yeah.

Xiaolu?

There's a problem?

Bai Lan's personnel file
hasn't been received.

Didn't you say

you wouldn't be involved

in her affairs
after she went to Shanghai?

Did I say that?

Yes.

I forgot.

Administration Office?

Lu Xiaolu!

- What are you...
- Uncle Ma.

Let me in.

This isn't your concern.

I...

You need to calm down.

Let me tell you,

Director Ding said it was sent out,

so it must have been sent.

Why would we lie to you?

You wouldn't lie to me,

but Ding Dezhong might.

Hey,

Xiaolu.

You're still part of the factory.

I'm not from now on.

Lu Xiaolu.

What are you doing?

Lu Xiaolu.

Outrageous!

Absolutely outrageous!

Secretary Hong, look at this.

Look at what he's done to my office.

Ma, shouldn't we call the police?

That's enough.

Lu Xiaolu.

What are you doing?

Secretary Hong, let me ask you.

Did the factory allocate a spot
for someone to go to college?

Yes, why?

Bai Lan got into graduate school.

Did the factory agree to let her go?

No problem.

Do you think that

as a secretary, I would go back

on my word?

You wouldn't go back on your word,

but someone might.

Bai Lan is about
to start school in Shanghai,

and the school
still hasn't received her file.

Can you tell me why this is happening?

This is under
the Administration Office's jurisdiction.

Director Ding,

do you know what's going on?

How would I know?

You don't know?

Okay.

You said you sent it out,

show me the registered mail receipt.

I don't keep that kind of thing around,

I don't know where I put it.

Is that so?

- Of course.
- Feeling guilty?

Lu Xiaolu,

let me tell you,

stop trying to slander me.

I have better things to do.

Why would I keep Bai Lan's file?

(Convenience Store, Public Telephone)
Is this the Golden Peacock Food Factory?

Could you please transfer me
to the Administrative Office?

Secretary Hong,

I dare to bet with you that

the file is right in this drawer.

Do you believe it or not?

Can't I even take a call?

If I can't get the file today,

no one can do anything!

You...

Could you please transfer me
to the Administrative Office?

Director Ding,

open the cabinet

and let him see.

Secretary Hong, I don't have the key.

No need to trouble yourself.

Xiaolu! Xiaolu!

- Look, look.
- Xiaolu!

I said it's not in there.

Lu Xiaolu,

stop making things difficult
for Director Ding.

Apologize to Director Ding

and let's just move on from this.

Apologize and move on?

Secretary Hong, you can't let him
get away with this.

Look at how
he's made a mess of my office.

Do you want to know
where Bai Lan's file is?

Good Cat Restaurant at 8 o'clock tonight.

Hey, look!

Secretary Bi and Lu Xiaolu.

Oh my, the rivals are eating together.

My goodness.

They both got dumped.

Misery loves company.

(Employee File)

How did Bai Lan's file

end up with you?

Ding Dezhong gave it to my dad.

I stole it from his office.

Why are you helping me?

I am not helping you

but Bai Lan.

I remember you slapped Bai Lan

because of your dad.

(Good food at a low price,
long live delicious food)

You know,

everyone envies me because

I'm the son of a deputy

factory director.

And then?

So what?

The person I envy and am jealous of

the most

is you.

Your cousin loves you.

Bai Lan loves you.

Your parents also love you.

You can be yourself.

You...

You can do whatever you want.

What about me?

I've been forced to follow my father's lead
since I was a kid.

Follow my father's lead!

Follow my father's lead!

But you know what he did.

You saw it.

Hey, I don't even know...

I just wanted to know

what it's like to be self-willed.

I also want to try

to follow my heart.

This,

this thing,

is my first try.

In a few days,

I'll be transferred away
from the food factory.

Farewell.

In my opinion,

they both deserve it.

That's right.

If Deputy Director Bi can do such things,

how much better can his son be?

I think Secretary Bi is pretty good.

Good looks,

education,

and taste.

Although he didn't win Bai Lan over,

he truly loves her.

This is called deep affection.

Deep affection?

So you just said I'm good, right?

Then how about I marry you tomorrow?

Marry her?

Are you crazy? You are drunk!

(Welcome New Students)

Miss.

Hey, Miss.

Please wake up.

Why are you sleeping here?

Ma'am, you're finally back.

Hello, I'm Bai Lan.

I have something very important

to talk to you.

Because I don't have
your contact information,

I've been waiting here

since yesterday afternoon.

It's okay, take your time.

Please listen, my file
still hasn't been delivered,

but could you please
make an exception for me

and give me a little more time?

This is really important

for me.

Although I know it's against
the standard procedure.

The school has rules, you know.

Our school has already made
all the schedules

open to the whole society.

It's impossible to make an exception
for just one person.

But could you be a little flexible?

I've put in a lot of effort

to pursue this master's degree.

By 5:00 this afternoon,

we need to enter

all the new students' files.

If you can't get it here by then,

I might not be able to help you.

Can't you give me a bit more time?

If you can't make it this year,

why not try again next year?

Our school welcomes every student
who strives for progress.

- But...
- Sorry, I need to take this call.

Hey, Miss!

Miss!

Wait a moment.

The receiving office
just called to say that

a young man delivered your file

a minute ago.

Young man?

Yes, you will be accepted.

Oh, where is he?

He just left.

Okay.

- Thank you, Ma'am.
- You're welcome.

Lu Xiaolu!

Lu Xiaolu!

Stop right there!

Why are you running?

I'm...

I'm just here to deliver your file,

not to see you.

I have to catch a train.

You rushed over here in such a hurry

and haven't eaten yet, right?

Let me treat you to a meal
before you go.

Picking vegetables, huh?

You are off work?

We are here.

Shh,

keep it down. The landlord
is very sensitive to noise.

Okay.

Come in.

You've been living in

such a small place
for the past two months.

Anyway, school is starting soon,

and I'll move to the dormitory.

Oh, I have a lot of things.

Can you help me move them?

Looks like
there's no such thing as a free lunch.

Tell me.

Lu Xiaolu,

do you really have a grudge
against my suitcase?

- Who's it?
- Get up, get up.

Ma'am,

I've told you many times,

you have to knock before entering.

What are you doing?

Why is there so much noise?

I was moving a suitcase.

You know,

my nephew is studying downstairs.

He can hear even

the slightest noise from upstairs.

He's just a primary school student.

I know.

I'm sorry.

Miss Bai,

we agreed before that

you'd live here alone

without any issues.

But

if it's two people living here,

I definitely wouldn't have agreed.

You young people

are too noisy

at night.

Young man,

come out.

Stop hiding.

Ma'am,

this is my younger brother.

He's not feeling well.

He came to Shanghai
for medical treatment.

When is he leaving then?

He'll leave
after he finishes his treatment.

The sooner, the better.

Oh my...

It's really unlucky for me.

He can't stay here for long.

Okay.

It's the last box, right?

Thank you.

Bai Lan,

you've moved to the dormitory?

Is this your boyfriend?

Ah, no.

- No.
- Yes.

Well, you two go ahead.

I have a class to attend.

Is that the Oriental Pearl Tower?

It's really tall.

Yes,

too bad I don't

get a chance to take you around,

and show you some good places to eat.

These pan-fried buns are delicious.

Didn't you say before that

delicious food isn't necessarily
found in fancy restaurants,

but in those street corners?

Let me try your beef bun.

Want to try mine?

Young man,

can you help me take a picture?

Sure.

Three, two, one.

Thank you, thank you.

Do you want me
to take a picture of you two?

No need, we didn't bring a camera.

It's okay, I have one.

I'll take the picture and send it to you.

Let's take one together.

We won't know
when we'll meet again after you leave.

Right, right, make a memory.

Okay.

Get closer, closer.

Okay, look here.

Smile.

One, two, three.

Okay.

Give me your address.

Here's my address.

Okay,

I'll make sure

to send you the photo,

but it might take a while.

But you're both young

- and you can wait.
- Thank you.

- Okay, thanks.
- Goodbye.

Once I receive the picture,

I'll send it to you.

Okay.

And you can write to me.

You have my address, right?

Yeah,

I know it.

Maybe

I should leave in a couple of days.

You're right.

It's rare for me to visit Shanghai,

but I haven't seen much yet.

I'll stay for a couple more days, okay?

Sure.

Hey, what's with this kid?

He's been in Shanghai for so many days.

Why hasn't he come back yet?

It's rare for him to go to a big city.

Let him have some fun
and broaden his horizons.

Isn't that good?

Are you heartless or what?

Come on, dear, have a bite.

Am I not letting him have fun?

I'm worried that

he won't come back.

Where else would he go if not back?

He'll definitely come back.

Don't worry.

Look at this one.

Phone call.

- Hello?
- Mom.

Lu Xiaolu,

you finally remembered to call home.

(Convenience Store)
Mom, calm down.

I want to discuss something with you.

Just say it.

I want to stay in Shanghai for a while.

I still want to go to college.

Lu Xiaolu,

you said

you wouldn't repeat a year

or go to college.

Now

you're saying you want to go to college?

Do you want me to spend my life
carrying sacks in the warehouse?

Even if I go back to the repair team,

what's the difference?

It is still a dead-end job.

I don't want to live like that again.

After all this talk,

it's still because of Bai Lan, right?

Yes,

it's for Bai Lan.

I came to Shanghai because of her.

But after arriving here,

I realized that Shanghai and Fucheng
are like two different worlds.

Looking at these skyscrapers,

I feel full of motivation.

Mom,

I want to work hard

and strive for a better future.

Is that not okay?

Let me talk to him.

Mom,

why aren't you saying anything?

Xiaolu,

you really need to think this through.

What is that place?

That's Shanghai.

It's not easy to stand firm in Shanghai.

(Convenience Store, Public Telephone)

It takes a lot of hardship,

it's not easy at all.

Mom, I know it's not easy,

but I still want to give it a try.

I plan to

start looking for work today,

earning money to support myself

while preparing for next year's
college entrance exam.

Who knows,
if things go well in the future,

I might be able to bring
you and Dad here to enjoy life.

Don't worry about me and your dad.

But you have to think carefully

about your future plans.

Hello?

Oh honey,

your health matters the most.

Eat more fruit to calm down.

Calm down.

Here you go.

Bai Lan,

there's a new student exchange meeting
in the auditorium tonight.

Are you going?

I'm not going.

I have a friend coming to see me.

You mean boyfriend?

Come on.

Please come.

Next!

Your resume.

What?

Your resume.

That.

Xiaolu.

Oh, right.

- Xiaolu.
- What position are you applying for?

What position?

Position.

The position you're applying for.

Maintenance Manager.

Maybe assistant?

Alright,

go back and wait for news.

Okay.

(Taihe Hotel)

I've worked as an electrician,

handling both high and low voltage,
installation, debugging,

and line maintenance, no problem.

(Housekeeping Department)
I just arrived in Shanghai,

so I'm not very familiar with the area,

but I can learn.

(Are you smiling today?)
Smell? What smell?

I have a smell?

But I took a shower.

Could you reconsider?

I really can learn.

Alright, don't move.

Not bad.

Let me see.

Look. It's beautiful.

It's all a blur.

Juan.

(Convenience Store, Public Telephone)
I've received the things you sent me,

such a big box.

They are some items you left in the dorm

and some snacks.

I know you like them.

They're all the things I love,

and I've been missing them for so long.

You've been gone for so long.

Don't you miss me?

I see.

It's because Xiaolu is with you,

and you have no time to miss me, right?

How is that possible?

Of course, I miss you too.

But speaking of which,

thanks to you both
for sending me the file,

otherwise, I would have
got expelled from school.

It's really thanks to that file

that you and Xiaolu could meet again.

Otherwise, the misunderstanding
wouldn't have been resolved.

Misunderstanding?

What misunderstanding?

You are back.

Come on, give it to me.

Alright.

Look,

I've fixed the curtains.

Little Pouter told me everything.

What did she say to you?

She said there's only one spot
for further education in the factory,

and you gave it to me.

Why didn't you
tell me about this earlier?

There was only one spot,

and I couldn't do anything about it.

So I had to...

From now on, no matter what happens,

you have to tell me, okay?

I want to be involved
in every step of your life.

Bai Lan.

I'm afraid...

I'm afraid I won't be able to do anything,

like last time.

It won't be like that,

because we're together again.

Yeah.

I can't finish all of this by myself.

So I need your help.

Master,

your meal is so plentiful.

There's a reason.

She's been like this

since Xiaolu left.

Eat.

Smoked duck.

Crispy outside, tender inside.

I learned this recently.

Xiaoying, Xiaoying,

that's enough.

Sit down and eat with us.

Yes, let's eat together.

Too salty.

It's not salty.

Not too salty at all.

It's just right.

Right, Master?

Oh, right. Not too salty.

Nonsense. It's definitely too salty.

Xiaolu loves sweet food the most.

He loves to eat lychee meat,

and would finish
the whole dish every time.

And southern fried liver.

It's so sweet,

ordinary people can't eat it every day.

But he just loves sweet food.

Xiaolu doesn't actually like sweet food.

- Actually, it's me...
- I can also cook spicy food.

But now that he's gone,

no one will eat the food
I make every day.

If he doesn't eat,

I will.

Slow down, slow down.

Stop writing, honey.

Xiaolu is already feeling it.

Keep writing, keep writing.

Come on, continue.

I have a suggestion.

Don't you like
watching "Shanghai Beach"?

I'll accompany you to watch it again.

Don't mention "Shanghai Beach" to me.

I'm so annoyed with Shanghai

and "Shanghai Beach" right now.

I won't mention it again.

What's wrong?

Is your stomach hurting again?

This has happened so many times.

Should we go to the hospital to check?

What's going on?

I'll massage your hand.

Go to the hospital?

The factory doesn't reimburse
medical expenses anymore.

Why waste money?

Honey,

don't let this rascal get to you.

With just one word from you,

I'll immediately take a train to Shanghai

and bring him back to apologize to you.

Bluffing.

You're just bluffing.

Don't you know

what kind of temper your son has?

When he sets his mind on something,

who can change his mind?

Tell me,

what's the weather like in Shanghai now?

Shanghai

should be colder than Fucheng.

It's already the beginning of autumn.

I wonder if Xiaolu

brought enough clothes

and if he can handle

the food in Shanghai.

(Xiaolu, come home. Miss you.
Xiaolu, be safe and smooth.)

(Mom and Dad miss you in Fucheng.)

You said you have maintenance experience?

I worked in a factory
with over a thousand people.

I can repair circuits,
pipelines, water pumps,

and blowers—all of it.

Do you have an electrician's certificate?

An electrician's certificate?

Well, we do need an electrician here,

but without a certificate,
you can't start working.

Manager, I do know how to do it.

Why would I lie to you?

Our factory machines were

much more complex than yours here.

I can fix them all.

If you don't believe me,
give me a trial period,

how about that?

Nowadays, you need a certificate
for everything.

No certificate, no discussion.

You should leave now.

(Personal Resume: Lu Xiaolu,
native of Fucheng)

Fellow-townsman?

Yes! Fellow-townsman!

How about this,

the intern's salary will be halved,

you can work here if you accept it.

Okay, no problem.

Thank you, Manager.

♪The passionate me, surging wildly♪

Have you had dinner?

Yes.

Li.

- You are back.
- Yes.

- Rest early.
- Okay.

I'm leaving. You should leave too.

Okay, I'll pack up.

♪Life fools me♪

♪Deceives me, troubles me♪

♪Should I give up♪

♪Admit defeat, not care anymore?♪

You are back, young man?

♪Various things before me seem wrong♪

♪Perhaps these are
all my stubborn mistakes♪

♪Unintentionally, I intruded♪

Should I move back to school?

We're always on edge like this every day.

That's not good.

Let's endure a little longer.

When I save up enough money,

we'll move to a bigger house.

How about that?

Did you find a job?

(Work ID)

Tomorrow I can officially start working

as an electrician.

The manager said that if I do well,

I'll get promoted and a raise.

Really?

I also have good news.

Our teacher recommended me for a job

at a fashion company

with a salary.

A fashion company?

That sounds good.

It's just what you like.

But your main task is still studying.

Don't tire yourself out too much

for the sake of making money.

If we don't make money,
how can we move to a bigger house?

I'll support you.

Who would believe that?

Do we need

that cloth curtain?

Who knows if you'll do something

in the middle of the night?

Can a curtain stop me?

The landlord will hear you.

When I earn enough money,

I'll rent a bigger house

right outside your dormitory.

Then we won't have to be

so careful anymore.

Whenever you finish class,

I'll cook for you.

Do you like animals?

How about we raise a puppy?

I've already thought of a name for it.

Lucky.

We can also raise a parrot.

So every morning when we wake up,

we'll hear it say,

"Bai Lan, good morning,

Xiaolu, good morning."

It must be fun.

When it's mealtime,

you'll sit down at the table

and shout loudly,

"Xiaolu, I'm hungry!"

At that moment,

I'll bring the meals I've prepared

to the table.

You'll unabashedly devour the bones.

Oh no,

you'll handle the pork ribs,

and the puppy will handle the bones.

How beautiful.

After we finish eating,

if we have nothing else to do,

we'll watch TV.

While watching,

we'll both get sleepy.

At this point, I suddenly realize
you haven't brushed your teeth yet.

I'll remind you to brush them,

but you won't.

You insist that I carry you to bed.

I brush my teeth every day.

But

will this come true?

Yes.

So let's work hard together.

No problem.

♪In a daze, this daylight♪

♪Doesn't seem to have an end♪

♪Memories of that song♪

♪Become so blurry♪

♪After ups and downs♪

♪Back to that street corner♪

♪Those hesitations are forgotten♪

♪Searching your warmth in the wind♪

♪Perhaps we don't understand♪

♪Always yearning for what's right in front♪

♪Right or wrong, we were never decisive♪

♪Fearing too many 'what ifs'♪

♪Memories never seem to cease♪

♪Staying in the day we met♪

♪Vaguely, we've neglected it all♪