Original subtitles

♪The sun rests on the sea♪

♪The sky steals the night and day♪

♪The waves tug at my heartstrings♪

♪That's the petals' curtain call♪

♪The wind is blowing on my face♪

♪I'm stroking the fragile film♪

♪Memories spread under the streetlamps♪

♪The stars linger in the Milky Way♪

♪I've sung every song♪

♪You remember it all♪

♪I cried, you laughed♪

♪You said you would be with me♪

=Six Sisters=

=Episode 3=

(Huaihe Road 23)

Coming.

Delivering milk again?

We really don't need it.

There's no milk today.

Just say what you need to say.

This isn't the right place to talk.

What's not right about it?

It's broad daylight under the open sky.

Everything should be put on the table.

Alright, I'll say it right here then.

Go ahead, no need to hesitate.

Do you know that Tang Weimin

has a great-uncle?

What great-uncle?

Don't try to make connections here.

You weren't married back then,

so you probably don't know.

It's Tang's uncle.

He used to be

a Communist Party member.

Our family has produced many martyrs.

But later,

he switched to the Kuomintang.

Before the liberation, he fled to Shanghai

and then followed them to China Taiwan.

Nonsense.

Who knows better

about the older generation, you or me?

What exactly do you want?

Tell your husband

that we live

different lives.

Let's not cross paths.

Even a rabbit will bite when cornered.

We share the same hometown.

Being loyal and righteous makes our lives easier.

Talking to you like this

just makes me mad at myself.

Tang,

something happened.

Something big.

What is it?

Mrs. He just told me

your uncle wasn't a revolutionary martyr at all.

She said he first went to Shanghai

and then fled to China Taiwan.

Impossible.

Why not?

He even fled to China Taiwan?

That's right.

Is this true?

Mrs. He just spoke about it in great detail,

almost spreading it around.

Tang,

if outsiders find out

that your uncle was a spy,

our whole family is doomed.

You need to remember this:

Don't make enemies anymore.

Be polite to He.

Do you hear me?

Be polite to him?

Be polite to him?

You must.

You need to understand how serious this is now.

(Starch, Huainan No. 1 Starch Factory)

- All done. - All done?

- Yes. - Okay.

Close it.

Wait.

Should we count again?

Didn't we count already?

We did,

but a few extra bags were added.

Then count again.

I went to buy you pig's head meat.

Really?

I don't know about that.

Let me do it.

Yes, yes.

He,

why did you go there?

Let me do it.

He,

get down.

He,

well done.

Mom.

You're back.

What are you busy with?

The factory is so busy.

I've fallen behind.

Busy with what?

Studying

and self-education.

Changsheng, why are you back so early?

He didn't make it into the Party.

Why not?

Did Big Tang mess things up again?

What nonsense are you saying?

Don't make baseless accusations.

He's been pretty polite to me lately.

Pretty polite to you?

See? I told you.

Neighbors

should get along, right?

It's socialism.

We should help each other.

Mom,

your awareness has improved.

When oil workers roar,

even the earth trembles.

That's impressive.

You're already a model worker.

Don't aim too high.

Mom, I'm just a factory model worker,

not even a district-level one.

Look at the national model workers.

They get to go to Beijing to be awarded.

Everyone has their own fate.

No need to compare.

♪Red plums bloom on red rocks♪

♪Stepping over frost and snow stretching afar♪

That song is about Chongqing in the west.

Beijing is in the north.

I know Beijing is in the north.

I remember you once said

you've been to Beijing, right?

Tell me about it.

When did you go there?

Come on.

I have been there.

Back then,

your father took me north

for business.

It wasn't called Beijing then.

It was Beiping.

How did it feel?

It was windy

and dusty.

Windy and dusty?

That was before liberation.

Now that it's liberated,

Beijing is like a golden mountain shining in all directions.

What's wrong?

Are you pregnant again?

My eldest grandson is on the way.

(Supply and Marketing Cooperative)

Jiali, why don't you head home first?

I can handle waiting in line.

You're just a little kid.

People will cut in front of you.

I've got experience with this.

Resident purchase cards

(Develop the economy; Ensure supply) are put into use citywide.

All registered permanent residents,

regardless of urban or rural status, will receive one card per person.

Every month, each person is allocated

cotton thread.

It has a monthly quota, valid for the whole year.

No early purchases are allowed.

It expires at the year's end.

The quality is really good this year.

Let me knit you a sweater.

Mom, I don't need one.

Look at me.

When I get in better shape, you can make me a whole set.

A whole set.

How about one for Jiali?

Jiali, do you want one?

I don't need it either. I have a red one.

What about Jiawen?

You can give it to Jiayi or Jiahuan.

I can wear Jiali's.

Why is it so hard to give away something nice this year?

Grandma, I want one too!

Just knit one for Jiali.

You're fully grown.

Your little sisters are still young.

In the future, when they grow up,

you can pass yours down to them.

What's wrong?

Jiayi,

why are you crying?

Jiali can work,

but can you?

I can work too!

You can work?

What kind of work can you do?

Mom, I don't have a single sweater.

Mom, knit one for Jiayi.

When she's done with it, Jiahuan can wear it.

If Jiahuan can wear it,

my younger brother can wear it too.

Make it a boys' style.

When my brother comes along,

I will give it to him.

How do you know it'll be a boy?

I dreamed it.

Really?

Really.

Make it a girls' style.

It's a girl who will wear it first.

Things should be done in order.

Why knit a boys' style?

Even if the fifth kid is a boy,

he'll still be a little kid.

The style doesn't matter.

He can just make do with it.

Give it to Jiayi.

Because you had that dream.

Dreams are always the opposite.

The fifth kid will be a boy.

That's a good dream.

(Huainan Chunyan Brewing Factory)

Are you alright?

Meixin.

(Mrs. Zhu) Come here! Hurry!

No sugar cubes are left,

but the biscuits are sweet too.

Hurry and eat a couple.

Where did you get these?

I borrowed them from Mrs. Zhu.

- Borrowed? - Eat up.

I'm fine. It's just low blood sugar.

I just need to rest a bit.

You're overworked.

Listen.

Starting tomorrow, you're not going to work.

I'll go to your workplace and request leave for you.

Just rest at home.

I can't. This is a critical moment for group assignments.

What group?

The factory sent workers to Shenyang and Shanghai

to learn MSG production techniques.

We're about to launch

a new MSG product.

What does that have to do with you?

Aren't you in the soy sauce group?

Making MSG

requires more technical skills than making soy sauce.

In the factory,

the MSG group members

have a higher status than others.

We're just waiting for those workers to return

so we can experiment with fermentation.

If I get involved now,

I'll naturally become part of the MSG group.

If you want to get involved,

at least be mindful of how to do it.

You should just

observe and learn.

Don't do anything.

You're pregnant.

What if something

happens again,

like today?

I was terrified

when I heard you fainted at work.

- You... - Which one of us are you worried about?

I...

Of course, I'm worried about you.

The Party Secretary

expressed sincere concern

for Comrade Meixin fainting on the job.

At the same time, he praised Comrade Meixin

for her dedication to the factory and her position.

He hopes all employees

will take responsibility like owners of the factory.

Does anyone have any opinions?

Feel free to speak your mind.

Feel free to talk.

I'd like to say a few words.

Chairman Mao taught us to be resolute,

fear no sacrifice,

surmount every difficulty,

and fight for victory.

Since the factory leaders trust us so much,

we must not let personal reasons

hold back the collective.

I believe we should always be ready

to contribute to the prosperity of our nation.

Good!

Comrade Meixin's dedication to work is something

we should all learn from.

Come on.

This...

Why is there such a big hole?

What do we do now?

It's just a vat.

- Let's go. - No.

What are you doing?

It's fine.

I'll use my raincoat.

But you're pregnant.

It's alright.

Your awareness is indeed better.

Come on. Hurry.

Put it on.

You too.

Alright, let's go.

Meixin!

Meixin!

Meixin!

Someone help!

Help!

Meixin!

Meixin! Meixin!

Is anyone here? Anyone here?

I've told her many times

that she's pregnant and it's inconvenient.

I asked her not to go.

But she just wouldn't listen.

Lower your voice.

Can't you say this at home?

You should care about her now.

She's had five near-death experiences

for our family.

She's hurting too.

I know. Who wouldn't be?

Who would want this to happen?

But she was too careless.

We still have to face it.

We've been long hoping for a boy.

We finally had one, but this happened.

She was too careless.

How am I supposed to face this?

Meixin,

eat something.

Your health is what matters.

Everything else is unimportant.

Ladle some chicken soup for your mom.

Where's Changsheng?

Changsheng?

He's on a business trip.

I agreed to let him go,

so he could see how hard it is out there

and how comfortable home is.

Jiawen is so thoughtful.

She noticed the chilblains on your hands.

You want your mom to apply ointment, right?

(He Jiahuan, He's fourth daughterily)

During the postpartum period,

don't touch any cold water.

Jiawen, Jiayi, once you're done, wash your hands.

Okay, Grandma.

What are you making?

Oh, egg custard.

It must be for Mom.

Your mom needs to be taken care of now.

Be good to her.

Got it.

Giving birth to a child

is like walking through the gates of death.

Your mom has been through it many times.

My heart aches for her.

Dad is wrong about this.

The workplace arranged

this business trip for him.

That's not true.

He volunteered to go.

Even if he did,

there's nothing wrong with that.

If the baby had been a girl,

would Dad have still run away from home?

How can you say that?

That sounds harsh.

It has nothing to do with the baby's gender.

It does.

It's backward and outdated thinking.

Don't talk about him like that.

I really sympathize with Mom.

I do too.

But she could've...

Forget it. Let's not talk about it.

Come on.

The egg custard is ready.

Take it to your mom.

You have to feed her.

I know.

Are you really going to unravel it?

Just a small section,

enough to make a pair of gloves.

I can unravel it,

but if you want to make gloves,

the sweater

will be too small for you.

That's fine.

I'll just give it to Jiayi or Jiahuan.

There are so many girls in the family.

Someone will wear it.

Alright, I'll unravel it.

Do it.

Meixin really has it tough.

It's too hard for her.

Why do you suddenly want to make gloves?

My mom has chilblains.

You're such a thoughtful daughter.

It's a piece of cake.

No problem for me.

You're just slicing the potatoes,

yet you make it so thick.

Does it really matter?

Alright, alright.

You can cook later.

I'll do the slicing.

- I'll do it. - Okay.

Dad is back!

Did you miss me?

I did.

You did?

Where did you miss me?

Where did you miss me?

Your dad is back?

Come on, help me carry this.

Wow, you can do this.

Do you like this color?

Wear it for the Chinese New Year.

This one's for your sister.

This one's for Jiahuan, okay?

Dad, Jiahuan's feet are small.

I'll keep it for her.

Alright.

You can keep it for her.

Meixin.

Meixin.

Changsheng is back. He brought you some socks.

- Put them away for now. - Grandma.

Let's save them for the Chinese New Year, okay?

Jiali, is the food ready?

It's done. We can eat now.

Jiali, this is for you.

I don't want it.

Wearing them makes my feet stink.

Changsheng,

Jiali knew you were coming back,

so she made all the dishes today.

I'll taste them later.

How can a man run away from battle?

What did she say?

Running away from battle?

Who did that?

What's wrong?

I'll sleep here tonight.

You're arguing again?

No.

Come on.

Let him say what he wants.

You should just sleep.

Watching him

is just frustrating.

Jiali,

scoot over when you sleep.

Let your mom squeeze in for the night.

I can take Jiawen and Jiayi to the other room.

No need. Don't fuss.

Come on, squeeze in a little.

Everyone, make some room.

Let's sleep together.

It's fine. I'll just make do there.

Make some space.

You're really going?

I don't feel cold easily.

Jiali,

do you resent me a little?

No.

It's okay if you do.

Do you think I'm selfish?

Sometimes, people do this.

When they lack something,

they crave it even more.

I hope you can forgive me.

How is it?

It looks great.

Try it on.

It's the latest style.

How should I thank you?

No need for that between us.

Mom.

Dad was asking about you all night.

I barely got any sleep.

Look.

Dad asked me to give you this.

It's the latest style.

He saw the chilblains on your hands.

He feels bad for you.

Mom,

don't hold it against Dad anymore.

He's actually quite pitiful too.

Mom, I'm back.

Alright, Mom, don't cry.

Dad's home.

I'll go check if Grandma finished cooking.

Changsheng,

thank you.

What are you thanking me for?

The gloves.

Where did you get the yarn coupon?

How much did it cost?

This child...

I need the needles and threads.

Give it to me.

Give it to me.

The buttons are here.

Changsheng, I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

Jiayi.

He Jiayi.

What's up?

Where's my sweater?

It's your sweater. Why ask me?

Didn't you take it?

How could I hide such a big sweater?

Jiali, don't wrong me.

Dad's back.

I'm back.

- Dad's back. - Alright.

Go play.

Go play.

Jiali.

Mystery solved.

What mystery?

Dad took your sweater. It's in that room.

Dad,

why did you do that?

What do you mean?

I...

You can care about your mom,

but can't I care about you?

Try it on, and see if it fits.

Dad, this is not fair.

Jiali's sweater is so pretty. It's not fair.

It's not fair?

What...

My eyes hurt.

Wait

till the Chinese New Year,

and I'll get each of you one.

(Huainan No. 7 High School)

♪Learn from Lei Feng's good example♪

(Female, Male) ♪Loyal to the revolution and the Party♪

♪Clear love and hate, never forget his roots♪

♪Firm stand with strong fighting will♪

Jiali,

(Gao Yubao) this is for you.

Qiufang said you wanted to read it.

The alliance has dissolved.

No! Why?

We belong

to different camps now.

Didn't we go underground?

That's not necessary.

(Gao Yubao)

Qiufang.

Give this to Jiali.

Everyone, look.

Y plus b over b

minus y plus d

plus a over a

equals zero.

(Jiali, I'll always be your friend. From Weimin)

Alright, let's continue.

From the equation above,

we derive the following answer.

Y plus b over b

minus y plus d...

(Chairman Mao requested to turn lands into gardens)

I just overheard them

discussing graduation plans.

Weimin said a few things, too.

What did he say?

He's worried and lost.

What about you?

I don't know.

My family will decide for me.

And you?

I want to join the army.

- Qiufang. - That's great.

The rapeseed flowers here are beautiful.

Come and see.

Coming.

Let's go look at the flowers.

You go ahead. I'll finish this first.

I'll pick some for you.

Jiali,

drink some water.

No need, I have my own.

Is Gao Yubao a good book?

In life,

you should follow your heart.

Anyway,

I have you in my heart,

and you have me in yours.

Tang Weimin, say one more word and I'll hit you.

Why won't you admit it?

Give it to me. I'll do it.

Take a break.

Take a break.

There's a snake!

Qiufang!

Jiali, don't go.

- Don't follow me. - No, I...

Are you alright?

Jiali.

Let's find someone to check.

Let's go.

Tang Weimin.

Put me down.

So many people are watching.

Tang Weimin, put me down.

Don't move.

- Put me down. - Stop struggling,

or you'll both fall.

Stop playing the hero all the time, got it?

Did you eat garlic?

Your breath stinks.

Does it?

Yes.

Then I'll turn my head.

I can't help it. I love garlic.

You just smelled it?

I smelled it ages ago.

I smelled it from far away.

Why mess with the pickled garlic?

It's not ready yet.

Mom, I'm heading out.

Where are you going with that pickled garlic?

Stinky!

What's wrong?

It's for you.

I love it.

Now we're even.

Just like that?

You can owe me.

Don't forget to return my jar.

Don't go yet.

I'll return it now.

I'll eat it right now.

My hands are occupied.

Help me out.

Give me a hand.

I want to eat it now,

but I don't have extra hands.

Tastes good.

I didn't wash my hands.

It's okay.

Huainan Daily.

Got it?

Yes.

Chairman Mao's instruction:

It is necessary for educated youth

to go to the countryside to receive re-education

from the poor and lower-middle peasants.

We must persuade city cadres and others

to send their middle school, high school,

and university graduates to the countryside.

Mobilization is needed.

Will Jiali go to the countryside?

Jiali...

Well, Jiali...

(Huainan Daily)

Jiali,

you're graduating soon.

What are your plans?

I want to join the army.

I heard that after serving,

you can get assigned a job,

and it's a state job too.

If you were a boy,

joining the army would be great.

They recruit soldiers every year,

but I've never heard

of our district recruiting female soldiers.

Such a pity. Looks like our family

will never have a soldier.

Blaming me again

for not giving your family a son fit for the army.

That's not what I meant.

Don't overthink it.

I was just saying if Jiali were...

Just eat.

Let's eat.

(One soldier brings...) ♪Soldiers must remember♪

(Self-reliance and relentless effort) ♪The Three Rules of Discipline♪

(Chairman Mao's Quotes) ♪First, obey all commands♪

Comrade, I meet all the requirements,

and I want to serve my country.

Why won't you let me register?

It's not that we won't let you,

but there's no recruitment for female soldiers now.

There's no use doing that.

Director Zhang.

(Recruitment Registration) I still want to register.

Maybe the notice will come in a few days.

I don't know about that.

What's going on?

Director Zhang.

This young comrade wants to enlist,

but we haven't received any notices

for female recruitment.

Comrade, I volunteer to join the PLA.

(Zhang Jianguo) I admire that,

but unfortunately, there's no plan for it this year.

You're the director?

How should I address you?

I'm Zhang Jianguo.

You're so young and already a director?

Director Zhang enlisted at 15.

He's a true veteran.

Dad, back from fishing?

Where's the fish?

Mr. Zhu is gone.

Who?

What?

Zhu Laoda.

He passed away.

It happened yesterday.

They say it might've been a heart attack.

By the time they found him,

he was already gone.

I have to go there.

Any money at home?

Get me some.

Where's the kerosene lamp?

How could he just be gone like that?

Where's Mom? Tell Mom about this.

I might be back really late.

Dad,

I'll go with you.

You're a girl. Just stay home.

What would you go for?

(He Jiali)

See me? I'll go there.

Jiali, you'll go to Feixi.

I saw yours.

(Zhang Qiufang) Feidong.

Does it mean we won't see each other anymore?

Feidong and Feixi are just one character apart.

It's not far.

(Tang Weimin: Feixi)

Weimin will go to Feixi.

Jiali,

has the list for the countryside come out?

I'll go to Feixi, Grandma.

When I brought you to Huainan,

you were only ten.

In the blink of an eye,

you're old enough to work.

How time flies.

Once you're in the countryside,

you'll have to take care of yourself.

I know.

Weimin, here. Take this bag of food.

(Fulfill ambitions in the countryside) Mom, no need.

There's nothing there.

Food will be precious.

- Just take it. - I'm leaving.

Give me a kiss.

Don't cause trouble. Get along with your classmates.

I know. What trouble could I possibly cause?

Write home often.

(Zhang Qiulin) Take care of yourself out there.

Make sure to eat on time.

Alright.

It's fine.

Jiali.

- I don't want it, Grandma. - Take it.

You'll need money outside.

You're leaving home.

Take it.

Listen.

After you leave,

I want to take a trip back to our hometown in Jiangdu.

Write to your parents often

when you have time.

Do Mom and Dad know?

Yes.

This is our room?

We'll all live here.

This place is nice.

So clean.

Then I'll take this bed.

The lighting here is great.

I like sleeping by the window.

It has everything here.

It has everything we need.

I'll sleep here, then.

I'll sleep here.

Then I'll sleep next to you.

Alright.

Then I'll take the innermost side.

Sure.

Let's sleep here.

You'll sleep on the edge.

What's that noise?

♪Thoughts linger with snowflakes flying♪

♪Warm memories never fade away♪

♪Those past stories and moments♪

♪Find their peace in silent years♪

♪The memories buried deep inside♪

♪Gains or losses, hope you're fine♪

♪Time takes people away♪

♪Leaving their loved ones behind♪

♪What can I offer you♪

♪Mountains, rivers, and clouds♪

♪What can I give back to you♪

♪My heart is restless♪

♪What can I leave to you♪

♪There are no fireworks in the city♪

♪How can I tell you♪

♪Flowers bloom in distant corners♪

♪What can I leave to you♪

♪There are no fireworks in the city♪

♪How can I tell you♪

♪Flowers bloom in distant corners♪