Original subtitles

=The Tale of Rose=

=Episode 17=

I just wanted to ask you

if you wanted to have dinner together.

Sorry. I can't tonight.

That's okay.

What do you need?

Not really.

I just wanted to treat you to some noodles.

I'll take a rain check then.

You look great in that dress.

What's wrong? You seem distracted.

Ms. Jiang,

I really appreciate your trust in me.

But now,

I'm different from before.

Wearing a beautiful dress

and chatting with people

I'll probably

never meet again

no longer means anything to me.

Are you leaving?

Now, I want to learn things

I'm not good at.

To cook a meal,

and cherish the people around me.

These are the real challenges for me.

Hello, your cake is ready.

Thank you.

I'm not mad at her,

just disappointed.

Can you imagine what she's become now?

When I first met her,

she dressed like a poor student.

Well, she is a poor student.

I understand

a young girl's curiosity,

but I can't understand

why she would ruin her future

over it.

Maybe to her,

the future isn't that important.

What matters most is how she feels now.

Huang Yimei comes from a scholarly family,

so her perspective is different.

Plus, she's smart,

talented, and privileged.

So, she can afford

to make reckless choices in life.

Recklessness comes from having things too easy.

Alright, I'm done talking.

I need to go entertain guests.

That's it for now.

You know my sister too well.

You and my sister are soulmates.

Good thing she's a woman.

Otherwise, we'd fight over you.

When will you

analyze me like that?

You?

I can't analyze you.

I don't know you that well.

And you agreed to be with me?

Knowing too much means we can't be together.

Why?

How can I make the girl peel shrimp?

No more shrimp peeling.

What's your logic?

Knowing too much...

Try it.

Is it cooked right?

Perfect.

Yes, try the fish.

How did you know it was my birthday?

When I helped you register at the hospital,

I vaguely remembered it was this month.

Then you suddenly wanted noodles.

What about your original plan?

It's okay. This is more important.

Go ahead and try it.

I don't cook much.

Don't laugh at me.

This is the best birthday noodles

I've ever had.

How do you lie so easily?

I forgot to add salt.

It's delicious.

I didn't know you could cook.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birth...

Sorry.

Happy birthday.

Thank you.

Let me make a wish.

(Spring, 2006)

Dad, Mom.

Rose, you're home?

Tiny, come.

Wish Grandma and Grandpa

a happy anniversary.

Happy anniversary.

- Thank you, thank you. - Thank you.

Thanks for the gift, Rose.

How is it? Pretty, right?

Your dad insists the red one is his.

We even argued over it.

Red for men, green for women, right?

Does it suit an old man

to wear such a bright color?

Look, it looks great.

- Rose, how's it going? - Matching well.

I miss you.

I miss you too.

I have some time before graduation,

I can visit home.

- Great. - That's wonderful. Come home soon.

Can I bring someone along?

Who?

Is it Fang?

Rose is bringing her boyfriend to Beijing.

I think

as they're meeting my parents,

we might as well take the chance too.

Maybe you should meet my parents too.

Didn't we agree not to meet parents yet?

Can't avoid it forever.

When we get married,

and my parents come by,

will you cover yourself with a cloth

like a regent?

Do you want to get married?

Don't you?

I haven't thought about it.

Do you think it's too early?

Don't men think marriage

is the grave of love?

That's for those they don't love enough.

So, it depends on the person.

Marriage isn't important.

Who you marry is.

Do you feel comfortable with me?

Yes.

Me too.

Then let's stay comfortable together.

Come, this way.

Come in.

Mom says no need to change shoes.

- Just come in. - Okay.

Coming. Coming.

Mom, they're here.

Coming. Coming.

- Dad, Mom. - Rose.

Dad, Mom.

I'm covered in oil.

Come here.

This is Fang.

These are my parents.

Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Huang.

- Hello. - Hello.

Come in and sit. Don't be shy.

Sit, sit.

- Sit down. - Okay.

Come, sit down.

I have two more dishes to finish.

You sit first.

Mrs. Huang, let me help you.

No need, no need.

- You don't have to. - Fang.

Sit, sit down.

Okay.

Have some of this.

Thank you, Mr. Huang.

Is this your first time in Beijing?

Yes, first time.

How long can you stay?

I planned to take a week off,

but my boss only gave me three days.

I have to go back the day after tomorrow.

That's tight.

Zhenhua,

how about this?

Why don't you drive them around

for the next two days?

I have to work.

I'll give you the car.

You can go around yourselves.

Mr. Huang, no need.

This time,

we came to see you.

We can tour around

next time.

That's fine.

Zhenhua,

I brought you a gift.

Come to my room and see.

You brought me a gift?

That's rare.

What did you bring?

He's here for the first time.

You should be a good host.

How can I be a better host?

I picked you up from the train station.

Besides, our parents are the hosts,

not me.

Weren't you worried about me?

I brought him here.

Can't you say something nice?

No need to be fake about it.

Do you not like him?

I didn't say anything.

Exactly, you didn't say anything.

You usually chat

with sales calls.

He's okay.

Looks tall

and polite,

but not very sophisticated.

You can tell he's not from a big city.

And you are?

Do you live in the Forbidden City?

Not comparing to me.

Zhuang...

Fine, fine. Let's drop it.

What would you like to drink?

Tea or cola?

Thank you. I'm not thirsty.

I'll have a cola.

Alright.

I'll get it for you.

Thank you, Mr. Huang.

No trouble at all.

My boyfriend

doesn't need to be compared to anyone.

Yes, I'm not comparing him to others.

He just looks like your sidekick

next to you, not a good match.

Fang,

what do you do for a living?

I work at an internet company

as a system architect,

responsible for logical architecture design.

Logical architecture?

In simple terms, designing software.

Oh, software.

Mr. Huang, I heard from Yimei

that you have a lot of books.

She's right.

Every time we move,

the books are the hardest to part with.

Fang,

let me show you around.

Okay.

If Mom and Dad ask

which one is better, him or the last one,

what should I say?

They aren't like you.

They won't ask.

If they do, I'll tell the truth.

If you embarrass me,

I'll get back at you.

I'd like to see that.

When I bring Su home,

I'd like to see how you'll do that.

I'll show her your childhood photo

where you were wearing a dress,

with a red lip and a dot on your forehead.

Does that still exist?

No, no, no.

I'm sorry. Sorry.

I'll praise him, alright?

I've read this book,

but the cover was different.

This one is the sixth edition.

I might have read a newer version.

Maybe.

The part about Eastern history

was uncomfortable to read.

The author analyzes us

from a Western perspective,

which is a bit unfair.

Mr. Huang, I'm just talking nonsense.

I'm just an amateur here.

You're right.

Some of the author's views

are biased.

But that's history.

Everyone sees it from their own perspective.

It's hard to see the whole picture.

However, reading outside your field

and bringing in your own thoughts

is great.

This edition's author

is relatively more objective.

Dinner is ready.

Coming.

Let's eat first.

- Alright. - We'll talk later.

Here.

Have some shrimp.

Thank you, Mrs. Huang.

You're welcome. Here, try this.

The meat is good too.

- Fang. - Eat.

Today's dishes are all homemade.

Yes, yes.

Hope you like them.

They look delicious.

He likes them.

- That's good. - And this braised pork.

- My specialty. - Eat more.

- I'll serve myself, thank you. - Okay.

- Don't be shy, eat. - Thank you.

Eat.

- Is it good? - The meat is great.

Eat more.

Let me get you some.

Last time, Mrs. Huang taught me to make braised pork.

I tried several times,

but I couldn't get the caramelized sugar right.

- Really? - Either it didn't color,

or it burned.

When caramelizing sugar,

you shouldn't add oil.

Add water instead. It's easier to control.

That's a good tip.

I'll try that next time.

I was afraid of burning it,

so I used red yeast

for color.

- You like to think. - Red yeast.

That's great.

Good job.

You,

eating it for years,

only know it's tasty.

Fang,

do you still cook every day despite working?

At the company, I eat simply,

but on weekends I cook at home

with Rose.

She can cook?

Dad, do you really think I'm a delicate

and can't tell rice from wheat?

Remember when you made fish ball soup?

You added green onions, cilantro, and pepper.

When you served it, we wondered

why the fish balls were so big.

Turned out

they were sweet rice balls.

Southerners even have meat-filled rice balls.

What's wrong with green onions?

Have studying in Shanghai for a few years

made you a Southerner?

Seriously not planning to come back to Beijing?

Mr. and Mrs. Huang,

if Rose decides to return to Beijing,

I'll support her,

and

come with her.

Aren't you working at Shanheng Tech?

- Yes. - That's a big company.

What's your position?

At Development Department, currently a project manager.

Impressive.

Will you look for a similar job in Beijing?

Actually,

I received an offer

from a state-owned company,

doing system integration.

That's not your field.

In Beijing,

I'm more concerned about the location

and stability.

Don't just talk.

Here.

Welcome, Fang.

- Come on. - Here.

- Come on. - A toast to you.

- Mrs. Huang. - Alright. Here.

Cheers.

He definitely won't go back to his hometown.

So staying in either Beijing or Shanghai

is the best choice for him.

You didn't see how determined

he acted at dinner tonight.

He'd go through fire and water for my sister.

My sister would surely fall for that.

True.

Rose and Zhuang Guodong broke up

because of the long distance.

Do you think Rose doesn't see that?

You know how she is in relationships.

She's all in from the start,

like a gambler.

Aren't you being too suspicious?

Thinking everyone is out to get you?

It's wise to be cautious.

Once Rose is committed,

she's unwavering.

She enjoys the process,

unlike some people

who are cautious,

calculating for their goals,

and living too carefully.

Are you

implying something?

It's from a famous brand.

Good.

The gifts hit the mark.

Do you like him?

Though he looks tall,

he's polite

and modest.

He's also a good learner.

Everything about him is good.

High praise.

Everything's good,

but too good to be true.

Did you listen to him speak?

He didn't miss a beat,

agreeing with everything.

But do you know what he really thinks?

He's willing to come to Beijing for Rose.

That's his sincerity.

What if things

don't work out,

and he blames her?

Stop overthinking.

Get ready for sleep.

Drink this organic milk

and sleep well.

You women

don't understand men.

Men can be deceitful.

I'm worried our daughter

isn't great at picking men.

Of course.

After all, she takes after me in that regard.

Do you like your current job?

I do,

but any job gets

routine after a while.

When you talk

about new releases,

interfaces,

and data,

I don't get it,

but I can feel

your enthusiasm.

The Beijing job is good too.

A state-owned enterprise is more stable,

with no overtime.

I can have more time to take care of you.

Most importantly,

it's closer to your home.

I grew up in a small town,

unlike you

and other sophisticated people in Beijing

with broad perspectives.

I studied hard

to improve my life.

It may sound funny.

Don't quit just yet.

I haven't decided.

Alright.

You've been putting it off.

When will you transfer the property to my name?

The house is already in both our names.

When I die,

it will all be yours.

If you don't do it,

that jerk could get a share after you die.

What are you saying?

Are you wishing me dead?

It's a legal risk.

I won't let him take my money

and my dad's house.

(Difficult Case Clinic) Alright, do you think I'm stupid?

If we transfer it now,

you might sell it.

Where will we live then?

Stop being unreasonable.

I said I won't sell the house,

and I mean it.

I'll find time in a couple of days

to handle it.

(Difficult Case Clinic)

Sun, note down the account for me.

Dinner's ready?

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Tell me.

Maybe I can help.

No need, I'll handle it.

Are they asking you for money again?

How much?

I've saved some.

Does your money have anything to do with me?

I mean, if you need it urgently,

you can use it.

Money doesn't solve everything.

I said you can't help with my problem.

How do you know

if you don't tell me?

Let's drop it

and eat first.

The stir-fried beef is good.

Su.

Where were we?

What were you thinking?

Want to stay in Shanghai?

I'm already sending out resumes.

Your fields

can also thrive in Beijing.

Are you going to stay in Shanghai

because he can't leave his job?

Not exactly.

Whether it is or isn't,

you just want to sacrifice yourself.

Is this a sacrifice?

Are you fooling yourself

or convincing yourself?

When you were with Zhuang Guodong,

it was the same.

You haven't learned from it.

Can't you live without a man?

Do you have to revolve around a man?

How can you say that?

Huang Yimei, can you wake up?

You've been through this before.

You've been educated for more years.

You should be mature.

Why are you still paying for a man's choice?

Why do you always think the worst of people?

Fine, if you don't like it, I won't say more.

I know you're looking out for me,

but you can't judge everyone the same way.

Aren't you overly cautious?

Afraid your trust

will backfire?

Stop it.

Don't analyze me

with your psychology knowledge.

Su, I know you've had tough times.

But therapies can help you.

If you want,

I can refer you

to a great therapist.

Huang Yimei, stop.

I'm perfectly fine.

Don't treat me like your patient.

Tell us when you're there.

Alright.

Fang,

we hope you'll visit more often.

Definitely.

Okay.

Mrs. Huang.

Okay, Mrs. Huang.

Take care of my sister.

Don't worry, Zhenhua.

Goodbye, Mr. and Mrs. Huang.

- Okay. - Goodbye.

Goodbye, Zhenhua.

You should go back now.

Think about what you want to eat tonight.

Peking duck, BBQ, or mutton hot pot?

Stewed dishes or stir-fried liver?

Where are you now? I'll pick you up.

A sales office. There's parking at the entrance.

A sales office?

What are you doing there?

I booked a house.

That one, on the fifth floor.

Great view.

I can see the central garden.

The compound separates pedestrians and cars.

I can go jogging in the evening.

Nice, nice.

Miss Su has a great eye.

The building you chose is sold out.

And the one-bedroom unit you picked

is the fastest-selling type.

Good orientation,

perfect for newlyweds.

One-bedroom?

Just one bedroom?

Where will our son sleep?

You have a child?

It's okay.

You can look over here.

- No need. - Over here.

I'll still decide on this one.

Alright.

What are you doing?

Are you crazy?

Is there something wrong with what I said?

We will definitely have a child in the future.

They say women make impulsive purchases.

I thought it would be just a bag or shoes,

but you bought a house on a whim.

It's not impulsive.

I've wanted to buy a house for a long time.

Then why didn't you discuss it with me?

Why should I discuss it with you?

I'm your boyfriend.

So what?

I'm still buying a house.

I just want a house of my own.

Buying a house is a big deal.

Exactly.

So I can't tell you in advance.

What's the logic in that?

The down payment is a big amount.

And with the mortgage,

there will be pressure.

If I told you,

would you help me or not?

- Of course... - If you didn't help me,

you'd feel guilty.

If you did, the pressure would be on you.

You know

I don't like troubling others.

Am I "others"?

No matter who it is,

I don't want to owe anyone.

Between us, do we need to talk about that?

I'm willing to contribute to your house.

Isn't that natural?

Numbers 55 to 58,

come select your units.

Your turn won't be held if missed.

Coming.

To me, except for myself,

everyone else is "others".

I just want

a house of my own.

I don't want...

Any complications if we break up.

Right?

We've been together for a long time,

but I can tell

you've always been making

backup plans.

No.

(Jail, incoming call. Call ended.)

People

can't rely on love

for material support.

Breakups are common.

Whether it works out or not,

I don't want to owe you in any way.

People need some faith.

If you don't think we're right for each other,

we won't last.

Don't you assess risks in your projects?

Don't you prepare Plan B?

We always have to prepare for the worst,

but it doesn't mean

the worst will happen.

Faith stays in the heart.

It's not to force others.

Let's end here for dinner.

I'm not hungry.

I'm not either. I'll take you back.

(Jail, incoming call)

(Jail, incoming call. Call ended.)

(Jail, incoming call. Call ended.)

Bye.

Are the dishes so dirty?

You've washed them until they're worn out.

Did you fight with Su?

No.

Mom.

Do you think

two people

with very different personalities

and family backgrounds can be together?

They can,

but it's hard.

I've only met Su once,

but I've heard about her from your sister.

I have a general understanding of her.

I think you two

are very different people.

So, do you mean

we are not suitable for each other?

There will be some ideological conflicts.

That's inevitable.

But

from my years of teaching,

I've observed

that a person's upbringing has a big impact,

but it's not absolute.

Some people stay as they were molded,

but some

change completely.

I think Su is the latter.

I also think she's the latter.

But I feel

she lacks a sense of security.

You grew up here,

but she relies on herself.

Of course, she doesn't have your sense of security.

But in terms of adaptability and survival skills,

she's much stronger.

If you like her,

consider her perspective more.

But she doesn't appreciate it.

She bought a house without discussing it with me.

I offered to help,

and she acted like I was loaning her money.

You get to know someone over time.

Take it slow.

Mom,

if you weren't always cooking meat,

I'd think you'd become a Buddha.

Not only do you need to grow,

but parents also need to grow.

Or we'd fall behind the times.

Learning is lifelong.

Yes.

Huang Yimei,

your graduation thesis is

"The Effect of Art Therapy

on Children with Autism."

(Thesis Defense Meeting)

Hello?

Where are you? I'll pick you up.

I'm signing the house contract today.

I'll be back later.

Alright then.

I have a business trip tomorrow.

Where to?

Shanghai.

Okay.

Send me the flight details.

I'll drive you tomorrow.