Original subtitles

In the Song Dynasty lived a woman named Pan Jinlian,

who possessed an alluring beauty.

Pan Jinlian's husband was named Wu Da.

Wu Da had a younger brother called Wu Song,

who had fought a tiger at Jingyang Ridge.

An herbalist in the county seat named Ximen Qing

had an affair with Pan Jinlian and together they poisoned Wu Da.

After Wu Song found out, he killed Pan Jinlian and Ximen Qing.

So since the Song Dynasty

people have called indecent women "Pan Jinlian".

The main character in today's story is Li Xuelian.

Li Xuelian's husband said she was Pan Jinlian.

Li Xuelian told everyone.

Our story begins ten years ago.

Who are you looking for?

Are you Wang Gongdao from the courthouse?

Yes.

Is Chen Ah-Da from the back hills your cousin?

Yes.

And Chen Ah-da's wife's family is from Cuijiawu?

Right?

Chen Ah-da's wife's sister got married in Qijia'an.

Right?

I have a girl cousin on my mother's side

who married Chen Ah-Da's wife's sister's husband's cousin's son.

So we're related!

What on earth do you want?

I want to get divorced.

Why do you want to get divorced?

Irreconcilable differences?

It's more serious than that.

There's someone else?

More serious than that.

It can't be...

as serious as murder?

If you can't help me, I'll return home right now and murder him.

You don't want to do that.

If you kill him, you won't be able to get a divorce.

What was your name again?

Li Xuelian.

Your husband?

Qin Yuhe.

He drives a truck at the county tea factory.

Did you bring your marriage license?

I have my divorce license.

You're already divorced, why would you want a divorce?

This divorce is fake.

It doesn't look fake.

Sure, this divorce license isn't fake. But the divorce was fake.

It doesn't matter if it was fake or not.

Under the law,

if you have these papers, your divorce is real.

What on earth do you want?

I want to bring a lawsuit to prove the divorce was fake.

I want to marry the adulterer once more, then get divorced again.

You want to divorce Qin.

In the end you will get a divorce, so aren't you just bellyaching?

With nothing better to do?

That's just what everyone says.

I don't think so.

See there on the third floor?

Which one?

The one with the paper cutout.

I fake divorced Qin last year.

It was so we could get a house in the county seat.

When we got divorced, I got the house and he got nothing.

Only then would the tea factory give us an apartment

and we would get remarried when we got it.

Then the whole family would move to the county seat.

That's what we agreed to do.

I never thought when the apartment was ours,

there would be someone else inside it.

A fake divorce became real.

The lout married someone else!

If it were you, could you stomach it?

So, when you fake divorced, was that just a scam?

We didn't scam anyone else, but he scammed me.

I'm a sucker. It was my idea to get divorced.

I should slap myself.

Use words, not violence. There's no need for that.

HARMONY IS PRECIOUS

You say it was a fake divorce last year, Qin's lawyer says it's real.

You've each got your stories.

I'm suing Qin and that scoundrel won't even turn up.

He only sent his lawyer.

SECRETARY

Will the plaintiff watch her language?

There shall be no insults used in this court.

There's a legal statute

allowing a lawyer to appear instead of the defendant.

The evidence and divorce license have been submitted.

Next we'll call the witness.

Gu! It's your turn.

Quickly!

The witness will now state his name.

My name is Gu Daxing.

I'm a Civil Affairs assistant for Guaiwan Town.

Mr. Gu.

Last year, Lian and Qin

Were you responsible for the divorce?

I do all marriages and divorces for Guaiwan Town.

Is their divorce fake or real?

Real.

Gu!

You've lived long enough.

You should have been able to see that the divorce was fake.

If it was fake then didn't the two of you lie to me?

Lying to me is no big deal, but you can't lie to the government.

You say the divorce is fake.

Just now he read what Qin said. Qin said it was real

Qin is a lying swine

You can't believe a word he says.

If I can't believe him, I should believe you?

Will the plaintiff please return to her seat?

Don't overreact.

The court has reached an agreement.

It is clear from the evidence and witness that Qin and Lian's divorce

was real.

The more she thought about the court's verdict,

the angrier she became.

Before the case, Lian was angry her husband had lied.

Now she had sued and lost

didn't this prove her husband was in the right

and that she deserved what she got?

Drink!

Director.

I'm busy working all year and don't have time to look in on you,

but your golden wedding anniversary is something I'd never forget.

Director.

Today's banquet is a token of my personal affection.

Definitely not paid for with public funds.

You can enjoy yourself, director.

Director, let me tell you.

Chief Justice Xun has given himself five taboos.

Five!

He won't drink at work functions.

Today you and your wife are here.

We're so happy!

The chief justice is making an exception today.

An exception!

Director.

It's so great that the two of you have been married...

for 50 years.

Through all kinds of trouble you've stayed together.

It's so impressive.

It's known all over our county.

Tell us your secret, so us youngsters can learn.

There's no secret.

In the end there's only one word, tolerance.

No.

Four words.

Which four words?

Tolerate until it hurts.

Tolerate until it hurts.

Auntie, you're so funny!

Come, let's drink!

Happy!

Watch your step, Zhengyi.

I've already got Lao Li on the case.

I've troubled you again, haven't I?

That was good stuff today. Good stuff.

Chief Justice! You have to help me, Chief Justice!

Who are you, what do you want?

Comrade, I have to tell you!

I have to tell you. This is neither the time nor the place.

Wait to say what you have to say at the court.

Did you hear me? Go away.

What's happening here? Does she have a case?

I've seen this many times before. Come here, and describe your case.

Director, I'll handle this. You get in the car.

- You must be drunk. - Don't forget, you're retired!

Yes, Director.

What can a peasant woman have to complain about?

Take care of yourself, We'll handle this.

Zhengyi, I've told you before. Better a farmer than a heartless official.

Don't worry, director. I've taken your words to heart.

- Good. - Okay. Off you go. Rest up.

- Take care of your health, auntie. - Be careful.

Take care of your health.

Let her go.

Tell me, what's your problem?

Chief Justice, your court gave out the wrong verdict.

You have to do something.

- What kind of case? - A divorce case.

The chief justice can't bother with a divorce case.

The only case that reaches him is murder. Do you understand?

Who's in charge of your case?

Wang Gongdao. He made the fake divorce real.

If you're not happy with the court verdict, you can appeal.

How do I appeal?

Appeal to the municipal intermediate court.

So you won't do anything about the mistake?

It's your court's fault.

I didn't say wasn't going to do anything, did I?

Can't you understand what I'm saying? Listen, according to legal procedure,

your case is out of our hands. Do you understand?

What if Justice Wang perverted the law?

He favored the defendant in court. So he must have taken a bribe from him.

He did accept my sesame oil and cured meat.

You should go to the procuratorate.

Why?

Justice Wang is a civil servant.

If he is taking bribes and perverting the law,

then report him to the procuratorate.

They'll register it for investigation. Understand?

Let's go.

Chief Justice!

What are you doing?

I have suffered so much. Why are you giving me the brush-off?

- I told you what to do. - Don't you know the law?

What are you doing? It's the middle of the night!

Look at yourself, pushing and shoving!

Report Justice Wang to the procuratorate.

Don't cause a scene.

If you get drunk like this every day, can you judge any case correctly?

BRIGHT COUNTY

SERVICE FOR THE PEOPLE

Hell!

- Hey! Watch your attitude! - Yes, sir.

COUNTY CHIEF WEIMIN SHI

- Good thing you didn't hit her. - She's fine.

Get up! Whatever it is you want, get up first.

Get up!

- What's your grievance? - I want to bring a case.

Against who?

Not just one.

How many then?

The first is against Justice Wang.

The second is against Chief Justice Xun.

The third is against my husband Qin.

All at once?

I'll call the county chief over.

- Don't go! - Let go!

- You look like the county chief. - How did you get that?

I asked around for your plate number. You're in the car.

The county chief's car may not hold the county chief.

I am his secretary.

This is a big case.

I can't take responsibility. I'll call the county chief.

I'll call the county chief for you. You just stay there. Don't move.

Don't follow me. He's over there. I'll be quick.

He's the county chief.

Yes, he's the county chief.

Did you get burned? Is the car ready?

It's ready out back. Take off your jacket.

Quickly!

Call the petition bureau chief. Get to the government gate and handle it.

That... That woman with her case.

Chief! Go out the back!

YONGAN CITY

INJUSTICE

I've had three days' meetings at the provincial government

and she's been here the whole time.

Haven't the deputy mayors come in to work?

Did they just ignore it?

The head of the petition bureau spoke to her.

Deputy Mayor Diao also spoke to her.

She won't listen.

She's a woman and there were so many onlookers.

It was hard to do anything

because that would make the situation worse.

You can't even solve this pea of a problem?

Was it murder? Or arson?

If it was murder or arson it would be easy.

It's a piddly problem.

The woman got a divorce and now she regrets it.

Mayor Cai, what do you think we should do?

You always complain about having too small a post.

When there's an incident, you want me to shoulder it.

You ask me to step in.

Mayor Cai, everyone's here.

Good.

It's fine to sit there on a normal day but Governor Chu will come in two days

to inspect our spiritual civilization campaign.

Is this an example of spiritual civilization?

This is a critical moment. Get her to leave.

Whatever the matter, let's get through this first.

Yes, sir.

GUAN CHA

See the big picture.

Keep the general interest in mind.

And?

- Unite as one in looking to the future. - Good. Now you're talking.

You've stayed long enough. Remember the lessons.

New year's gifts from us.

Sign on the line, then you can go.

Mayor Cai only said to get rid of Lian, but he didn't say what to do with her.

Then his attention shifted elsewhere.

But his instructions were passed down the levels

and changed tone at the Public Security Bureau.

To them, the mayor was angry and wanted the woman locked up.

I brought the case against someone else,

so why did I end up inside?

I only made myself suffer. Not anybody else.

I've turned everyone against me.

Tell me, should I keep up the struggle?

You beast. Even you don't think I can win.

Lian decided to drop her case.

Not because she listened to the cow, but because she just gave up.

But before she did,

she needed to see someone in order to clear things up in person.

If that person spoke the truth,

she would pack up her army and go home to open a countryside restaurant.

Qin Yuhe.

- What? - Come over here.

I need to talk to you.

Say what you have to say right here.

We should talk in private.

Everyone in the countryside and the city knows our business.

There's nothing left to hide.

Fine.

You want to do it in public, then tell me something honestly.

When we got divorced last year, was it real or was it fake?

Was it real or was it fake?

You went to court.

What did the court say?

I don't care what the court said. What do you say?

Was our divorce real or was it fake? Tell me!

You won't get me!

I don't know if you're recording this!

Qin, how can you go back on your words？

We said clearly last year that the divorce was fake.

How can you change your mind without telling me?

It was a fake divorce!

Why can't you be honest for once? Just say it was fake.

If you're honest today, I won't sue you anymore, Qin.

Lian.

You need to listen to me.

You need to stop being so unreasonable!

If you stop now,

it's not serious.

The worst outcome is detention.

If you keep on, then you'll go to prison.

Also...

Do you think you're fighting me?

You're fighting the judge and the chief justice.

The county chief and the mayor.

Think about it, what will happen to you?

Lian, it's unresolvable. It's best you go.

Qin Yuhe.

We were husband and wife, right?

How could you be so cruel?

I don't care about the lawsuit.

I just want to ask.

Did you use a fake divorce to have sex with another woman?

Who's the one having sex?

Who?

You should ask yourself.

If we're on to that, you did it first.

- Qin! What do you mean by that? - What do I mean? Let me ask you.

Were you a virgin when we married?

Were you?

On our wedding night, you admitted it! You had sex with other men before me.

Am I right? I'm asking you.

Your name is Lian?

Why do I think it's Pan Jinlian?

Qin, that's too far. You're muddying the waters.

Let's drink.

Lian never imagined Qin would say something like that.

She wanted to determine if the divorce was fake,

not to ferret out if she was Pan Jinlian.

Lian's love affairs before she was married

and Pan Jinlian's adultery and mariticide were two different things.

Qin had an audience,

so his words would cross the county the next day.

Whether Lian was Pan Jinlian

was a much bigger deal than if the divorce was fake.

Yingyong.

Sister! Weren't you arrested?

No, they made a mistake. Come here. I need to talk to you.

Do we have a good relationship?

It's pretty good. You covered the cost of my car.

- Then do a favor for me. - What favor?

Help me kill Qin.

He's behind all my suffering.

Don't you think?

I can kill a pig for you, no problem.

- But I've never killed a man before. - No one is born a killer.

You reach a breaking point.

If I kill him, I'd have to face the bullets, too.

You don't have to kill him.

Just hold him down for me and I'll knife him.

You won't have to face the bullets. I will. You won't be involved.

If I hold him down while you kill him, I'll land in jail, too.

Hu.

- Describe our relationship to me. - I have always liked you.

Have you ever paid too much for pork?

- Then please do something for me. - What?

Look at you, big shoulders. Strong all over.

Help me hold someone down, so I can slap him real good.

Are you talking about your ex?

I heard about it. Qin is a piece of work.

I'd like to know, If I help you, what's in it for me?

If you hold him down...

I'll do it with you.

Love.

If we can do that, forget beating. I will kill for you.

Okay. Then kill him.

If that's what you want, let's do it first.

Okay.

When can we do it?

Tonight.

- Do you know who to kill? - Qin Yuhe?

This is the list.

That's a lot of people.

Mayor Cai, County Chief Shi,

Chief Justice Xun, Justice Wang.

Rotten Qin.

Love, did you go mad in detention? Did you lose your mind?

I'm just one man. Can I kill so many?

And apart from Qin, everyone's a government official.

They're surrounded all day. It's hard to do anything

That's fine. Each one counts. I have suffered so much.

Do you think I'm getting a good deal?

For doing you once I murder five people?

I'm not the mafia.

I knew you didn't have the guts!

Lian wanted to stop her troublemaking, but she couldn't.

Now that she'd become Pan Jinlian.

But what should she do?

She had tried the county seat and the city.

She suddenly made up her mind.

She suddenly decided to take it to Beijing.

Locals were fools. There were no idiots in Beijing.

MEAT SHOP

BEEF BONE SOUP

BEEF BONE SOUP

BEEF BONE SOUP

JING

BEI HU HOTEL

Thanks.

Go somewhere else. This is for NPC delegates.

I'm not staying, I'm looking for a friend.

Your friend is a delegate?

He's not. He's a chef here, Zhao Jingli.

I know the chefs, No one by that name here.

Go away, go somewhere else.

No way! Everyone in the county knows he's here.

How can that be?

Wait, he has a nickname, Zhao Datou.

Where did you come from, Lian? We haven't seen each other for ten years.

Yes, I'm here to see family. I thought I'd come see you.

Datou, Datou!

It's NPC time. Strangers can't stay.

Is she a stranger? We went to the same school.

No schoolmates either. Those are the rules.

So now you care about the rules? But not when you come to pick up dinner.

Every time it's "A little more, Zhao".

I was there for you, you ungrateful bastard!

Come on.

You can't hide this! The boss will find out!

I've rustled up a couple of dishes. Try my cooking.

I remember you in middle school. You liked stir-fried egg and tomato.

Datou, I brought you tea, honey, and meat I cured myself.

Now why would you bring me food? There's food everywhere here.

Let's eat while it's hot.

The boss trusts me to look after the storeroom.

- Why don't you sleep here tonight? - Where will you sleep?

This is my turf. I have a dozen places to sleep.

I can go anywhere.

This is Manhattan. The World Financial Center.

This is the White House, where the US president lives.

It's highly secured.

This is the Arc de Triomphe.

The Eiffel Tower.

I don't like taking photos. It's just a souvenir.

Thanks. Get two of the dragons.

Okay.

Next!

Datou, I feel bad you've skipped work and spent money on me while I'm here.

Don't be silly.

I've had a crush on you since middle school.

Time has given me another chance.

It's been so many years and you're still a joker.

Lian wasn't happy in Beijing.

Because she wasn't here to tour, but to sue.

She couldn't tell Zhao Datou the truth.

Even worse, once in Beijing,

she didn't know where to take her case or to whom.

What place would accept her lawsuit?

And what people would listen to her?

Datou.

- What do you want? - I just wanted to see if you're asleep.

I'm looking for yeast for tomorrow's fried dough.

To be honest, the governor of our province loves my fried dough sticks.

Datou,

If you think you got a rotten deal

taking time off to show me Beijing and dine out,

then I'll give you every cent I have.

Lian, what are you talking about? What kind of person do you think I am?

Hey, Datou. I want to go out alone tomorrow.

Don't worry, I'll be fine.

If you want to go alone that's fine.

If I ask to take off again, the head chef will get mad.

If you go out tomorrow, make it early.

Why?

There are so many guards now. I think a high official is coming.

- A high official will come here? - Yes.

This is where the NPC delegates stay. The leadership comes here for meetings.

Oh.

Though I'm just a chef,

I've seen a lot of officials from TV in person.

Remember, don't tell anyone! It's a secret.

A secret.

Would all NPC delegates take a seat. The meeting is about to start.

The high official is about to arrive.

Eight delegates will speak today. We all know the order.

I must stress the timing.

Each person will speak for eight minutes

on the subject of yesterday's government work report.

Don't go off topic or you'll run over.

There won't be enough time

and the high official won't have time to close.

That would be a huge loss, wouldn't you agree?

I won't mince words.

If anyone goes long, after the meeting they will be fined.

Hello, Chairman.

Hello, hello.

Jinglian, please continue.

Let me hear your brilliant ideas.

Our leader has taken time from his busy schedule.

He cares for the 50 million people of our province.

- For our part, we should... - I'm just an ordinary delegate.

The same as you all.

I'm here to discuss the government work report.

Don't make a big deal out of it.

Let me just make one thing clear.

Today I'm here with my ears, not my lips. I'm not here to make a speech.

- Datou, the boss wants you. - What for?

Something good.

Police.

You Zhao Jingli?

Eight delegates representing a range of sectors have shared their views.

Now would the honored leader now give us instructions?

Didn't I just tell you? I'm not speaking today.

It looks like you've twisted my arm.

Comrades, your speeches were fine.

As for the constructive criticisms you've raised,

I completely agree.

My overall feeling towards the government work report

is to seek truth from facts.

On last year's outcomes

and this year's plans

do not act rashly.

Some people say I'm conservative.

Better to be conservative, than to be radical.

Radicals end up in remedial classes.

Haven't we learned enough from history?

Let me now turn to deficiencies.

Stop the cameras.

Corruption. Immorality.

I stress these the most.

Also the people complain about these most.

It gets worse each day.

Comrades.

Every case uncovered makes us shudder.

Shudder, comrades!

The waters can float a boat or tip it.

These two tumors...

could shake our legitimacy, if not removed.

Jinglian.

Is Guangming County in your province?

Yes.

Today something strange happened to me.

I was on my way here.

As my car entered the compound, a woman stopped my car.

My guard wanted to arrest her as a terrorist.

I told him to stop.

I asked her what was the matter.

I said, "Why are you stopping my car?"

She said, "I have a case".

I asked her where she was from.

She said she was from Guangming County

I asked her what sort of case.

She told me, it wasn't a big case.

Just a divorce.

A small divorce case...

that made it to Beijing!

Such a small thing.

Why did it end up in Beijing?

Why?

Was it the woman's fault?

No.

At every level of government officials at every rank

did not care about the concerns of the people!

They ignored her.

Sidestepped.

Gave her a hard time.

A sesame seed is now a watermelon.

An ant is now an elephant.

A woman's divorce is between her and her husband.

Now...

She wants to sue seven or eight people.

From the city mayor to the county chief

to the chief justice.

I heard

because of her case

she was arrested.

Who twisted her arm?

Who?

Not a public servant.

A public parasite.

Not a public advocate, but someone running roughshod over the public

Tell the provincial committee,

everyone involved in this woman's case

must be held accountable and severely punished.

Governor Zhu, For the sake of one divorced woman

Is firing all those officials truly necessary?

I've had the secretary verify the situation.

Although details differ from the high official's version,

it's real enough.

They let things reach this point.

Haven't they made the whole province lose face?

Buddha.

Don't be penny wise and pound foolish.

You've punished the greedy and corrupt,

but that treacherous Qin is still at large.

And this Pan Jinlian label on me still isn't cleared up.

And that's the main point of this case.

Buddha, it can't end like this.

Ten years passed. Lian continued her suit.

Her divorce case with Qin Yuhe and the Pan Jinlian label

were still unresolved.

General suing aside,

every year she brought her case to Beijing during the NPC,

causing headaches for officials at all levels.

Cousin?

Cousin, open up.

Cousin.

Hey. Have you been here all night?

Yes. Look at this frost!

- There's no frost! - No?

I'm not that stupid. I came knocking last night.

You pretended not to hear so we went back.

I came early today, I knew I would get you

Cousin, I've come for no particular reason.

I just want a bowl of your bone broth.

Actually, it's not because I wanted your bone broth.

I wanted to come see if you needed anything.

If you really want nothing else, go home.

I don't need anything.

And take that ham leg with you.

I'm a Buddhist now. I don't eat meat.

Why are you making bone broth then?

If you're not in trouble, I can't come see you?

Stop calling me cousin.

You're the chief justice.

When you call me that, it makes me nervous.

Even if I became mayor, you'd still be my cousin.

Chen Ah-Da from the back hills who died last year

is my distant uncle, did you know that?

If he's your uncle, don't ask me, ask your mother.

Chen Ah-Da's wife's sister married Hu at Qijia'an.

You have a cousin on your mother's side

who married Chen Ah-Da's wife's sister's husband's cousin's son.

So we're related pretty closely!

Chief Justice Wang,

If you've got nothing else, stop grinding your teeth here.

I'm busy.

Since we're related, I won't go round in circles.

In two weeks the NPC starts in Beijing.

When will you be going?

So that's what you want.

Listen, I'm not going this year.

Look. I'm not going in circles, but you are.

For ten years you sued every year.

Now you suddenly say you won't, who can believe that?

It's not the same this year.

How so? Explain.

I hadn't given up then, I've given up now.

Cousin, that's not convincing. I know how much you've suffered.

But honestly, this case is no longer just yours.

Your divorce case toppled the mayor the county chief

and the chief justice.

But let's get real. Was your divorce real or fake?

Can you and Qin remarry and then divorce?

Can the mayor or the county chief decide this?

Can't you empathize?

If not for anyone else, then for me.

If you don't sue, I can keep my job.

If you sue again, I might lose my job

just like Chief Justice Xun ten years ago.

You no longer have to worry.

I already told you I'm not going this year.

Why do you lie every time you open your mouth?

We're brother and sister!

Can't we have an honest and open conversation?

You won't believe anything I've said.

Stop wasting my time. I need to buy brine today.

Cousin!

One house is burnt, We cannot permit a second to catch fire.

These old homes are on file with the province.

After the first fire the province issued a notice.

If a second one burns, the situation changes.

Look. This extinguisher expired a year ago.

COUNTY CHIEF ZHENG ZHONG

Cultural Relics.

Public Security.

Fire.

If any department did its job, things wouldn't be this way.

Now check them one by one for hidden dangers.

I'll be back in ten days.

If they are not compliant...

I'll hold you responsible

Justice Wang, continue your report on Lian.

Don't just take notes.

Put Chief Zheng's instructions into practice.

Ten years.

This woman's gotten even harder to deal with.

If she doesn't want to sue.

- I can't figure her out. - Don't try to figure it out.

Let her sue.

We can't let her sue.

Stopping Lian is as important as firefighting.

Where does the constitution say a citizen can't sue?

I wouldn't be afraid if she just sued in the county.

But she'll go to Beijing.

If she stops another official's car,

the city mayor, you and me will be fired.

So be it. I don't want to be chief anyway.

Chief Zheng, please forgive my frankness.

You don't want to be chief anymore, but the major still wants his job.

And so do I.

So this peasant woman commands the fate of us all?

For a decade it's been like this.

If she were alone, it would be fine.

But she's three people now.

What do you mean?

To us, she's a tenacious pest. Her husband says she's a slut.

She thinks she's a victim of injustice.

Three women. None of whom are easy to handle.

Three difficult women combined is superhuman.

And she trains like Lady White Snake.

Ten years of complaining, She's a master of it.

She's got your number.

Let me meet this Pan Jinlian.

Cousin.

What are you doing back here?

I'm too junior to convince you, so I've brought the county chief.

This is Chief Zheng.

Fine. Come inside.

That's okay.

Lian.

I like directness, so let's be blunt.

The NPC is in session in Beijing, so are you going?

I told you yesterday, I won't go this year.

You've come to your senses, so sign a guarantee.

What does a guarantee do?

If you sue again, the law holds you accountable.

Then I won't sign.

If you're not suing, why are you afraid to sign?

I'm not afraid.

The situation isn't like that. That's not what I'm arguing.

Right?

I don't need redress, but I won't sign a guarantee.

If I sign, it's like I'm admitting fault.

Not a problem except that for more than ten years.

What have I been doing? Was it all wrong?

Lian, it's not that serious. It's just a formality.

Now it's a formality.

When something happens,

you'll pull out that paper and then it's the police station for me.

I know.

That's not the point.

It's so we can all relax. An oral agreement isn't worth anything.

Cousin, here's what we'll do. We've already drafted an agreement.

Chief Zheng came today, so just sign it here.

I guarantee I won't bother you after that.

I won't sign.

I had not planned to sue this year.

But if you keep pressuring me, I swear I'll change my mind

and I'll sue this year too.

Look.

At last the truth comes out!

The importance of improving the countryside...

I won't repeat myself.

Now let me describe our "beautiful countryside".

Filthy. Chaotic. Inferior.

Are any villages not ringed with rubbish?

MAYOR WENBING MA

Who's going to invest where everything's filthy?

We've had many clean-ups, but they've been only superficial.

It's back the way it was three days later.

Not this time.

And fix the source.

County and district chiefs must be personally in charge.

In three days

submit your comprehensive plans and bring them to me.

Dismissed.

Chief Zheng of Guangming County, stay behind.

Chief secretary, you too.

Mayor Ma, I've been thinking about Lian.

Lian...

Yes.

She is not entirely to blame for the situation.

Has our approach been too simplistic?

A peasant woman who's complained for a decade

decides to stop this year.

Real or fake,

she needs to be led in a positive direction.

But you all are forcing her to sign a guarantee

and screwed it all up.

Our approach is too simplistic.

Yes it is.

But what's the substance of the problem? Our attitude toward the masses.

You don't trust her. So why should she trust you?

Yes

Besides, the woman went to Beijing a decade ago.

A woman who somehow made connections in Beijing

is no ordinary rural woman.

Yes.

If we conduct our business as if she's an ordinary peasant woman,

then we'll have problems.

Yes.

Our predecessors ten years ago treated her like that.

Haven't we learned anything since then?

Yes.

I haven't learned any lessons.

But that's not my main point. The news has advanced.

Internet, microblogs, WeChat. The whole world might find out overnight

Then, like our predecessors ten years ago, we're out of a job.

Worse, the country loses face before the world.

Mayor Ma, you're right.

I've misjudged the problem.

We lost the bigger picture. I'll go back and write a report.

No self-criticism is needed. Just so you're aware.

I've been thinking.

There are lots of old sayings that are worth remembering.

For example, "a long dike can fail at a pinprick".

Stop trends early or "Miss the forest for the trees".

They all have to do with small things.

Many stumble on the small, not on the big,

because they don't grasp the importance of the small.

The NPC opens in nine days.

I'd better go myself.

I'm an NPC delegate. This is one of my duties.

Besides,

in the three years I've been mayor, I've never met our victim.

I get caught up in bureaucracy, too.

Mayor Ma, my poor efforts have caused you problems.

Meeting the public is one of my duties.

Find some time, I'd like to have dinner with the woman.

Very well. Have it at the city government hotel.

Not to criticize...

but our attitude toward the public is apparent from a meal.

Should we go to them or should they come to us?

Right, of course. We'll go to the county seat

- Hold it at the county government hotel. - Okay.

I just said to draw inferences. Why is that so hard to put into practice?

If you invite someone to a meal at a hotel with lights blazing,

before she even sits down, she's nervous.

She's scared stiff.

- I've heard Lian runs her own restaurant. - Yes.

- Why can't we meet there? - Right, of course. Go to her place.

I'm just worried about hygiene.

I'm not.

I grew up in the countryside. What others eat, I will too.

- If you won't, you don't have to go. - We will.

Lian.

I'll have your broth, if you try this sausage.

My mother cured it back home.

Maybe it's not a delicacy, but its flavor is authentic Jiangxi.

Oh! The power's out, Chief Zheng.

- Yes. Call the power bureau. - I'll call them now.

We have a lantern but no oil. I'll borrow some.

Lian.

Don't go.

They cut the power so let them fix it.

Justice Wang, get some oil from the village head. Quickly.

I'll go at once.

Here's the lantern.

Mayor Ma, you didn't come for my bone broth,

but for the case, right?

Lian.

I have a question, but you don't need to answer it.

You said before you won't sue,

but they don't trust you and reacted badly.

Can you repeat what you said before?

Mayor Ma.

Since you're here,

I'll talk to you.

I've told them twice over. I won't sue this year.

They don't believe me.

You've sued for over ten years.

Why not this year?

I was uncertain before...

But I've figured it out.

Then tell me,

what was it you hadn't figured out but figured out this year?

For example...

Did something specific happen that convinced you?

It wasn't anything specific.

I listened to the cow.

Cow?

What cow?

Lian.

Mayor Ma's come a long way. It shows his good faith...

and intent to solve this problem.

Don't mock him by dragging animals into it.

See? It's the same as with my case.

I tell the truth and you take it as a lie.

Lian.

I believe you're telling the truth.

So let's trust the cow together, okay?

No suit this year.

Mayor.

There's a difference.

What difference?

The cow can decide. You all can't.

Why?

The cow says no because it's scared I won't win.

You don't want me to because you want me to lose.

They're two different things.

Look, you can see that we've come today to help solve your problem.

Don't try to fool me.

Once it's NPC time you line up to see me.

All to keep up the ruse for a few days...

and then you'll drop it and ignore me again.

Cousin.

Focus on the case. Why drag in the cow?

You're being insulting!

Come here, Chief Zheng.

Wasn't the city's war on poverty hard? And reconstructing the old quarter?

And last year's flood recovery effort?

Didn't we rise to every challenge?

But one women's mental block has got us stumped.

Change of course.

Put aside the woman and talk to her ex.

Yes.

It may be a chore but won't that solve the problem?

Whoa, Mayor!

That's a capital idea Right to the point.

- Chief, the factory director is here. - Director Li.

Chief Zheng.

This matter isn't our factory's business. Not the government's business, either.

I just have one question. Can you solve it or not?

If you can, solve it right away.

If you can't, I'll find someone who can.

Chief Zheng.

There's an opening for fleet chief.

If you help out the plant, then you'll end up chief, I guarantee it.

You're good to me, director.

You brought me up here from Hubei and I'm grateful to you

and I'd like to help.

- But I can't help you with this. - Why not?

Do you know who has been affected most by Lian's decade of lawsuits?

- Who? - My current wife.

Lian had ten years of lawsuits.

My wife has had ten years of finger-pointing.

Five years ago she got depression.

She says to me, "Why are you afraid of Lian?"

"Because of her lawsuits? Get me mad and I'll sue too!"

So that makes two lawsuits.

And I'll tell you something, director. If you all pressure me, I'll sue too.

And then one lawsuit will have turned into three.

As matters stand...

The county can take care of it.

Remind Zheng.

Pay attention to his approach. This must be foolproof.

Wait.

One more thing.

One mistake is proof we're fools.

- Chen. On government business? - Not so lucky this year.

Isn't keeping watch better than catching people?

So you say.

But you get a warm bed at night and I'm standing here out in the open.

It may be springtime, but the nights are still cold.

Only two places in China are this closely guarded.

Which two places?

One is Party headquarters, the other is your house.

Lian.

Four bodyguards. Just like the US president.

I had this inscription brought from Jingjiang Palace.

They say it's auspicious. It turns bad luck to good.

Here.

Have you thought any more about us?

- About what? - Marriage.

I've got a lot on my mind. Don't joke around.

I lost my wife over a year ago. We need a new start.

You're not suing this year. So we've got time for it.

I did say that, but I've changed my mind.

Why?

They forced me.

Who did?

The chief justice, the county chief, the mayor.

I said I wouldn't sue this year but they didn't believe me.

They demanded a reason. I said I obey my cow.

They took it as an insult.

I don't get it. Whatever I say they twist around.

Why don't you just ignore them?

Do what we agreed. Drop the suit and be together.

No. They're pushing me. They're driving me to desperation.

If I don't sue, they'll think they've beaten me.

I never thought the situation

would blow up like this.

Datou.

I've got a favor to ask.

What is it?

Look, I've got four people who follow me all day.

If I really want to sue, I've got to escape.

How can I handle so many on my own?

I wonder...

Do you think you could help me find a way to escape?

Chen.

It's cold out there. Come in for a drink.

We're on duty. We can't drink.

- You don't need to watch her anymore. - What do you mean?

This year it's different. She's not suing.

Who's going to believe that?

Lian is going to marry me.

Tonight's drink is for our engagement.

And if we're getting married,

she's not going to complain about some old divorce.

- Are you for real? - It's not a joke.

Does Lian joke? Come on in.

You have a point.

I won't lie to you.

Lian and I are together after a stormy two decades.

She was my crush in middle school.

But time moved on and we went our separate ways.

It wasn't easy, but now we're reunited. So let's drink to that.

Here, try some dried tofu I brined myself.

Today is a good day. You toast them too.

- Yes. - Drink.

You are all here today to toast our engagement.

It's fate.

I should thank the government for sending you.

I express my thanks by emptying this glass.

Take it easy.

That's strong.

- Have some more. - It's strong.

- Datou. - Yes.

- Lian. - Yes.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

How are you doing, Chen?

The pig trotters came up, which is a shame.

No, I can walk on my own. See? I can walk fine.

Take it easy.

I'm fine.

Are you okay, Chen?

Datou, I'm truly happy for you.

It's late.

I'll stay here.

Don't blab around, though.

Take it easy. We're not blabbermouths.

- Have some more. - No more.

Hey, bring the car around.

- Come up to the gate. - We'll sleep in the car.

- Take care. - Time to go.

- Time to go. - Let me give you a hand.

I'm fine. See? I'll make it. I'm fine.

Come to my restaurant in the county seat some time.

I'm fine. Let me be.

Drive the car around.

- Take it slow. - Ah. Okay.

Go back home.

Let's go.

There's four of them and one of her.

A police chief, a chief justice tricked by a peasant woman.

It's embarrassing!

The NPC starts in five days. You've got to find Lian.

Don't worry, chief. I'll find Lian.

- How many days? - Three.

Two!

She'll be in Beijing in three.

Two days. Find her, and come see me.

If you can't, then deliver your resignation.

I'll get to surveillance at once.

Mayor Ma has arrived at Lian's village.

How did the mayor know?

And how did he get there so fast?

I'm on the defensive.

Why didn't you tell me earlier that she left?

- They just reported it. - Quick!

What are you waiting for? A medal?

Chief Zheng.

It's the police's fault Lian escaped. It has nothing to do with us.

Nothing to do with you?

If you hadn't ruled wrongly, would we be here today?

It's the right ruling ten years ago that led to today!

Chief Zheng!

Secretary.

I just found out myself.

Where's the mayor?

By the river.

If he curses at you, just take it.

- Don't try to explain. - I know, I know.

Mayor,

I didn't do my job and now Lian has escaped.

It's so scenic here.

I'm pondering a question.

We all know the nature of the Lian issue.

But problems keep cropping up.

Do these problems...

arise from the small or the big?

Just as you pointed out, it's always the small things.

A long dike can fail at a pinprick.

But don't worry, Mayor. We've learned our lesson.

I guarantee...

Within two days we'll find that woman.

Thank you, Chief Zheng.

I've come today...

to talk more about the links between big and small.

I can't mention "foolproof" anymore.

Chief Zheng.

There's five more days before the NPC.

In four days I'll report to Beijing.

BEEF BONE SOUP

Chief Zheng.

It's in your hands.

Please trust me. I will do everything I can.

- Datou, where are we now? - Tangkou.

Hell, Datou. Police!

Don't panic. They're not here for us.

We'll find a hotel

- Better to sleep days, travel nights. - Yes.

I'm not being stingy. They only have one room left. A triple.

We can sleep by ourselves.

Datou.

Datou! You're strangling me!

What are you doing?

Knock it off, Datou.

This is fate.

Datou.

Datou, knock it off. It's been a long day.

You need your rest.

Datou.

Hands off!

I'm going to get angry!

- Datou, knock it off. - I've waited 20 years.

- You're really pissing me off. - I can't wait any longer.

Datou.

Datou.

- That was rape, you know? - Just tell me, did you like it?

It's daytime. Don't you have any shame?

It's never been this good for me ever.

Let me ask you a question.

What?

Would people rather be with a loved one?

Or with an enemy?

That's a silly question.

Then I'd advise you to drop your suit.

A suit is abandoning your family for your enemies.

If you change your mind,

we'll go back and get married.

Your restaurant downstairs and the hotel upstairs

have been abandoned for years.

Let's re-open them.

What do you say about that?

It's a good thing we came to Huangshan.

Climbing mountains really opens your mind.

Here's what I think.

Let's not sue. Let's not go home either.

Let them look!

Where will they look?

Chief Zheng.

Our search now covers four counties, all highway exits,

all bus and train stations, major roads all monitored by our police.

Have you found them?

Not yet

Chief, a court justice wants to see you

COURT JUSTICE CONGMING JIA

Wonderful to meet you, Chief Zheng. Spit it out.

Wonderful to meet you.

I'm Jia. Jia Congming.

Continue.

You all take a break.

Please continue.

I rushed over here to make a report.

You can stop the search. There's no need to find her.

Why not?

Because she's not going to Beijing to sue.

Where did she go?

Huangshan. She went to fall in love.

What?

Wang, you've got to talk to the chief for me.

Our police have been working overtime for two days

We're doing all we can.

The chief hasn't slept either. The mayor laid into him.

Zhao Datou sent me text messages.

In one he said he took Lian to bed. In the other, they're climbing Huangshan.

He said they're getting married.

Why would Lian still want to sue? Yes, she ran off.

But to Huangshan, not Beijing. This is proof.

- This is very serious. - Yes.

There's no room for uncertainty.

Chief, I'll stake my job on it. No more mess.

I've been working on Zhao Datou for two weeks.

But I couldn't present it until it was confirmed.

- You've been working secretly on this. - That's right.

What's your angle?

Not just to ease the leadership's worries, is it?

Purely to ease the leadership's worries.

Of course, of course.

Since I helped with such a thorny problem, I do hope for certain consideration.

Let's have it.

And I've got a mind to improve myself.

What was Zhao's angle for cooperating with you?

He gets a wife. His former wife died last year.

Jia

- You've helped us resolve a major problem. - That's right.

Take all of the messages on your phone and send them to my phone.

Okay.

As for your request,

when this is all over the Party will consider it.

Thank you, Chief.

- How tall are you? - 176 centimeters. For your husband?

Turn around. Let me compare.

I'm not bugging you. I took care of your situation.

Did you take care of mine?

Of course I believe the chief, but I've got to see it myself.

My son said there's been no movement on his status.

You only report news of me and Lian to the chief, but what about my son's job?

What?

That's ridiculous.

The two aren't comparable

We're here. You can't see with your own eyes.

Not just in Huangshan but even in our county.

If I took Lian to bed, you wouldn't be there.

It's taken care of.

We'll come back and get married. She won't sue.

That's enough. I can't talk. She's coming back.

Listen.

I can explain.

Scoundrel!

I was forced into it too.

It wasn't my idea! It was Jia Congming from the court.

Open up.

Don't be angry.

I don't care about my son. I truly want to marry you.

Huh?

If you're still angry, let's trick them together.

Where are you going? Listen, I'll...

Don't follow me.

If you do, I'll kill you.

Zhao Datou and Jia Congming's plot shocked Lian.

Her complaint was that Qin called her Pan Jinlian.

For over a decade she wasn't Pan Jinlian, Zhao Datou had sullied her.

Now she was an adulteress.

She couldn't keep living if she didn't clear her name.

Isn't she getting married?

Why has she run off again?

What the hell is going on?

Chief, I knew nothing about this. This is unconnected to the court

- He acted on his own. - Don't try to clear yourself, okay?

You were the architect.

Explain.

Zhao Datou...

He had everything worked out.

Lian was going to marry him,

but Zhao insisted on conditions.

His son was a temp at the livestock bureau

and he wanted you to use your connections to make him a permanent hire.

I didn't tell you that.

Then they climbed the mountain.

But then Zhao Datou thought only about himself

and he called me for an answer.

He was overheard by Lian so she ran off.

- It was just one step from success. - Why didn't you tell me before?

Personally speaking, my biggest character flaw

is that I don't want to burden my superiors.

Shut your trap.

You concealed it!

A classic case of missing the forest for the trees.

Not only that! He concealed what he knew.

Your only concern was becoming assistant chief justice.

Your selfish greed ruined a sure thing and now the government's in a bigger mess.

The government's in extra trouble because of you.

Shut up.

You're such an idiot.

You're not smart. You're a fake!

- Where did Lian go? - I don't know.

-From the looks of it, Beijing -Then what are you still doing here?

Find her in Beijing! Bring Lian back!

Chief, the court isn't involved in arrests.

Not involved?

Your court is to blame for this and you say you're not involved.

Another thing.

Didn't you say you're related to her?

Us? Related? We can't possibly be related!

Let me repeat.

If anything happens,

I'm finished as county chief. You're off the court, too.

I can't conceal such a weighty matter.

The last time she ran off,

the mayor came directly to the county, I couldn't do anything.

You're even more screwed this time.

Vice-Governor Meng, in charge of petitions came to inspect the city's petition work.

At dinner he asked about Lian.

Mayor Ma joked with him that Lian was getting married.

Vice-Governor Meng laughed and so did his colleagues.

But now, in the time of this performance, it's flipped completely.

Now it's really a joke.

How will Ma explain his joke to the vice-governor?

I apologize.

Because the NPC is going on in Beijing,

to ensure its smooth operation, all city visitors must be inspected.

Please show your ID cards.

Thank you. Thank you. ID, please.

To save time, please have your ID cards ready.

Ma'am.

Your ID card please.

I've lost it, I was pickpocketed on the road.

Go home and replace it. You can't pass without it. Get off.

Let me through. I'm ill.

Go home for a checkup. You can't get in without an ID.

- Replace your ID and come back. - Feel my head. I'm burning up.

Exit the bus. Cooperate with us.

- We're not here to give you a hard time. - I'm dizzy, my vision's blurry.

It's on you if I die.

The bus can't go with you on it. Don't waste everyone's time. Come, ma'am.

- Don't pull at me. I'm not getting off. - Wait.

Comrade, you need her identification? Her identity is a patient.

Ever since she got on, she's been leaning on me, burning up.

If she were your sister, you wouldn't ignore her health.

Sir, please don't get angry. No passage without an ID card.

I can't be liable.

We're in the middle of nowhere.

If anything happens to her here, you're liable.

How about this? We send her to the nearest town, okay?

Without ID she won't reach Beijing. Please understand.

Hou.

Where's Lian?

I turned around and she was gone.

Didn't I ask you to watch her?

Yes. But there's so many people it's hard to keep track.

If you spotted her, why didn't you pounce?

A big guy like you can't hold onto a woman?

I should have spooked her?

Besides, I'm not in uniform. Plainclothes, you know?

If I grabbed her, she'd yell and struggle.

And with all those people watching, it's tense enough already.

They'd take me for a thug and beat me up.

Cut the crap!

Did you get a clear enough look to see whether it's really her?

If it was her that you saw, then it means she's in Beijing.

Problems are at hand.

Check out any family she might have here. Laborers, vendors.

Right.

Where am I?

Niutou County.

How far is Beijing?

An hour or so.

How long have I been here?

Two days.

We can't let you go without paying.

We're close to Beijing. I've got a relative there.

He sells oil at the farmer's market in Donggaodi.

How about this, director? You send someone with me to get the money.

Okay?

I was going to Beijing the day after.

Because of you spoiled my plans the meeting in Bei Jing

You need my ambulance or you won't be able to go in.

Look, you got yourself big trouble.

Are you sure about this? I don't have the time to mess around.

He's a nut seller. Where could he be?

It's 12:00 p.m. I've got to pick up the medicine.

Hey, how about this.

I take you back to town and you talk to our director.

What do you say?

I'm in a hurry. I'll die before I go back.

Skipping out on the bill? Is that your plan?

No. When I find him I'll pay you back.

You have to let me find him

If we don't find him on this round, I'll tie you up and take you back.

Fresh roasted! Cheap! Peanuts! Sunflower seeds! Fresh roasted!

Yi.

Cousin.

The county court's got people looking for you.

They've been here ten times. Three times yesterday.

Then I've got to get away.

You're not going anywhere. Pay!

Cousin! You're not an easy person to find.

She owes me money. Pay me back then you two can talk.

Step aside.

Take her to court if she owes you money. Don't obstruct official business.

Take him away.

Don't try to run. Drop your case. Come back home with us.

I told you I wouldn't sue but you didn't believe me.

It was you who forced me into this. I'll fight you!

Cousin, be civilized!

- Lian. - Cousin! Don't hit me, cousin.

- We're not here to block your case. - Stop fighting!

We're not stopping you.

Something's come up.

I had to tell you as quickly as possible so I came by plane.

I needed to talk to you.

What's the matter?

Qin. He's dead.

Dead?

He wasn't ill or injured.

- How did he die? - Two nights ago...

He was driving a shipment to Wuhan, probably got tired.

His truck, with him in it took a plunge into the Yangtze River.

Cousin, it's been ten years but Qin is dead now.

Your enemy is dead and gone. You can't sue anymore.

It's not about him.

It's about you all.

You've been fighting us all this time but in the end it's about Qin.

He's the root of the case. We're leaves and branches.

Now he's dead.

Without the root the leaves fall off. The case won't hold up.

Like the old saying goes,

Without skin, what keeps the fur on?

Yes.

So how can I continue my suit?

Unless Qin comes back to life...

Qin Yuhe!

Qin Yuhe!

You good-for-nothing!

You've ruined my life!

Even in death I can't escape!

You died without a word and left me stranded here.

We still haven't resolved our situation.

And now you've died on me!

It'll never be cleared up.

You wretch!

Why didn't you hold on? Why did you have to die?

- Cousin, come home. - Come on, let's take you home.

Let's take you home.

- Stop making a scene. - Let's go.

- Let's go. - Go home. Go home.

What am I going to do?

Mayor.

We finally found Lian on the closing day of the NPC.

Cutting it close!

With Qin dead, Lian won't be suing.

- Not this year, and not ever again. - Right.

It ended accidentally.

- That's right. - That's not what I meant.

I mean the way it was resolved.

It wasn't because of us. The resolution was random.

It resolved without resolving anything.

The whole situation was an accident.

The past few days...

I've been pondering the issue of Lian.

The government and its officials were not malicious.

They all wanted to do good. They all wanted to help her.

So why did the situation worsen? Why did it drag on for ten years?

Besides,

when you get down to it, Lian wasn't in the right.

The court didn't make a mistake in its judgment of her divorce.

So why, at all levels, were we so afraid of her?

Did we really want to help Li Xuelian? Or just protect our own positions?

In my opinion, it's more the latter.

Someone who only cares about himself, isn't going to stick his neck out.

He's only looking upward, not outward.

But you know what?

Not answering to the people...

is the worst thing we can do for our superiors.

If we don't figure that out,

then Lian may move on, but a Wang Xuelian will take her place.

Don't rush to answer.

Go home and think about it.

You'll see the importance of taking responsibility.

Li Xuelian fell terribly ill.

When she came to her senses, she looked for a spot to hang herself.

Not because she could no longer petition,

but because for ten years it had been her life.

She had nothing to struggle for anymore.

Li Xuelian's life had collapsed.

Living had no point.

That's how she felt.

Sister!

Sister!

What's your beef with me? You shouldn't do this to me.

Hey. Leave it alone!

I've been watching you.

If I die here, what's it to you?

It's easy for you. But this orchard is contracted to me.

At harvest time city folk come here to pick fruit.

If they knew someone died here would anyone come?

Where should I go?

You really wanna die?

When someone wants to die,

no one can stop them.

Why?

If I could answer that, I wouldn't kill myself.

If you really want to die then do me a favor.

Go over there.

That orchard is contracted to Cao. He's my competitor.

As the saying goes, don't hang yourself on just one tree.

You won't waste much time if you change trees.

After Mayor Ma's chat with Chief Zheng,

the city of Yong'an launched a program focused on rectifying official conduct,

drawing a range of lessons from the Li Xuelian case

to prevent minor issues from growing, establish a responsibility system,

and work closely among the general populace

to nip similar situations in the bud.

A FEW YEARS LATER

Here, dried tofu.

Enjoy.

- Ma'am. - Coming.

I'd like one bowl of broth...

- And one plate of cured meat. - One plate of cured meat.

Sister.

Are you Lian?

Do you recognize me?

Do we know each other?

Back then you were holding a big sign with "Injustice" written on it.

You stopped my car.

I lost my job as county chief.

Oh, you're Chief Shi.

- We only met once. - I know. That's my injustice.

Chief Shi.

It's because of me...

that your future got derailed.

Don't say that, because you never know.

What are you up to now?

After I lost my job, I went back to Hunan.

I'm from a family of carpenters I run a woodshop

I get by.

I've come to Beijing to get business.

Why are you here and not out suing?

When Qin Yuhe died I couldn't continue my case.

Rather than go home,

I stayed here with a cousin and opened a restaurant.

- Careful, it's hot. - Thanks.

Here.

A decade of lawsuits but I got nowhere.

You included

I recall the case started with an apartment, is that right?

For an apartment you faked a divorce.

Looking back now was it worth it?

When we faked our divorce, it wasn't for an apartment.

Then what for?

It was to have another child

The apartment was just a pretext.

But in those days I wasn't allowed to. It was against the law.

So we talked it over,

and faked a divorce.

Qin would get our son and I'd give birth to the younger one,

who would belong to me.

Once the baby was registered we could remarry.

But a few months after that, what was fake became real.

That lowlife got married again.

I was so angry, I had a miscarriage.

Chief Shi.

Those ten years of lawsuits were all for my unborn child.

I didn't realize it was so complicated.

I'd rather not mention the past.

Yes, you're right.

The past may fade.

Eat up!

This concludes our story of Lian.

The past may fade.

But people told her story the way they told a joke.

First behind her back and then to her face.

Eventually she got used to it.

She even laughed along with them.

As if it was someone else's story, not hers.