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 7=

The food isn't even served yet,

but the bottle of wine is almost empty.

He's even a cadre.

Yeah, he's a cadre.

What are you thinking about?

What am I thinking about?

What are you thinking about?

Mom.

I'm not thinking about anything. Hurry up.

Alright, alright.

Now that you know the way,

you can come over anytime.

Alright, alright.

You know where we live, right?

I do. It's not far from here.

Then I'll head back now.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Jiali, walk Jianguo out.

That's not necessary.

No, no.

- Dad. - Her dad is right.

- It's dark. - She has to walk you out.

Go, go.

Dad.

Just go.

- Go on. - Let me walk you out.

Mr. and Mrs. He, goodbye.

- Goodbye. - Bye.

Remember to come again.

Next time, no need to bring trotters.

Sorry about tonight.

Our family is too big.

It was noisy.

How could you say that?

It was lively

and full of energy.

I admire it.

No, I should say I envy it.

Envy?

You have parents who love you

and lively and adorable sisters,

and your family's food is delicious.

The liquor is good too.

These are things

I've never had.

Were you born from a crack in a rock?

I'm an orphan.

I'm sorry.

There's nothing to be sorry about.

Being part of a lively dinner

like tonight is my honor.

Thank you.

I know the way from here.

No need to walk me further.

Jiali,

can we meet again?

Of course, I'm not dead yet.

Good.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

I really like that kid.

Compared to that Tang guy,

he's a thousand times better.

He's a soldier,

looks good, has great character

and a good personality,

and he can actually chat with you.

Most importantly,

he's an orphan.

That means no in-laws to deal with, right?

If they end up together,

he'd be completely devoted

to our family.

Hurry up.

My eyes hurt.

What do you think?

That's your plan.

Do you even know

how they feel about each other?

I don't know about Jiali,

but I can tell that Jianguo

definitely has feelings for Jiali.

Then go ask Jiali.

You're her mother.

You should analyze this for her.

He's such a young man.

She can't let him go.

What do we do?

Let's find a matchmaker.

I'll talk to Ms. Liu.

Absolutely not.

He's a military officer.

Matchmaking is outdated now.

People nowadays believe in free love.

Don't mess around.

If Jiali doesn't take the initiative,

we can.

We take the initiative?

Every now and then,

let's invite Jianguo over

for a meal and a chat.

Feelings grow over time.

Smart.

Anyway, you're free

(Row 8, Seat 5; Row 8, Seat 7) this Sunday.

Go watch a movie.

After the movie,

if there's time,

go to the park,

and maybe row a boat.

By dinnertime,

bring him back for a meal.

I'll be home watching my sisters on Sunday.

You take Mom to the movie.

We don't need that.

- The tickets are for you two. - Yes.

The tickets are hard to get these days.

I don't know him that well.

How could you not?

I already know him well.

You're unbelievable.

You said you wanted to date,

but now you say you don't know him well.

I'm not dating him.

I think you're the one who likes Zhang Jianguo.

How can you say that?

You're getting insensible.

I'm insensible?

Zhang Jianguo might be wondering

what's going on with you guys.

He just came over once by accident,

and now you're making a big deal out of it.

What do you mean "by accident"?

The history of the world

moves forward through accidents.

Personal fate also changes drastically through coincidences.

Coincidence and inevitability go hand in hand.

Dad, I think you've changed.

You've become abnormal.

But it's true.

We can't ask Jiali to invite him to a movie.

She's a girl after all.

Isn't that too forward?

Exactly, Mom.

No, no, Mom, you...

Don't mess around here.

What's wrong with it?

What's the big deal?

Just say the union gave out tickets at work,

and there's an extra one, right?

Then ask Jianguo if he's free.

Right?

It's totally natural.

Smart! That's a great idea.

Just say they're from the union.

That's okay, right?

(Row 8, Seat 5; Row 8, Seat 7) No way.

I don't even know what kind of person he is.

What kind of person?

A soldier. A good man.

A fellow wanderer in this world.

Changsheng, what's the movie?

Walter Defends Sarajevo.

Let's go ourselves.

(Blessings)

Jiali.

Why do you keep avoiding me?

Can you move aside?

(Tang Weimin, Tang's first son)

I know you still like me.

Why are you doing this?

Relationships between people

aren't just about liking each other.

We're not kids anymore.

We aren't right for each other.

Just because of your family?

Your family is like a turtle shell.

Are you going to carry it for a lifetime?

That's my choice.

I wish you happiness.

Only you can make me happy.

(People's Post Office) That's our parents' problem,

right?

Happiness should be in our own hands.

- Stop following me. - Listen.

- Let me explain. - Let go.

- Their generation and ours... - Let go.

- Let go! - Let go!

What are you doing?

Who are you?

I'm her friend.

What friend? I've never seen you before.

- Don't get physical. - Move.

Move.

I told you not to get physical.

- Let go of me! - Let go.

Let go!

Stop following me.

Just go.

Fine, fine.

I won't stoop to your level.

- Wait. - What do you want?

You want another round?

No, no, don't misunderstand.

I don't want to fight you.

I know

you like Jiali.

But Jiali doesn't seem to feel the same.

You don't know

what we've been through.

No matter what you've been through,

that's all in the past.

This is the PRC now.

Marriage is free. Men and women are equal.

Jiali's relationships and marriage

are up to her alone.

No one else can interfere.

Thanks for the lecture.

Like I needed you to tell me that.

Are you mad?

No.

Jiali,

are we friends?

If you ever need help

with anything,

come find me anytime.

I live on that street.

I know.

What did you say to Jianguo?

Did you ask him or not?

I asked. He's not coming.

What can I do?

Why? He's busy on Sunday?

I don't believe it.

I'll go ask him myself.

Go ahead.

Stop eating that.

Why?

How can you behave like this?

Save it for when Jianguo comes.

I barely had two pieces!

Come on.

Dad, if Jianguo doesn't come,

are we supposed to stop living?

I haven't even known him that long.

What's not long enough?

I haven't known him long enough.

How long is long enough?

The man you've known longer

isn't even close to Jianguo's level.

Exactly.

What matters is the real qualities, right?

Let's not nitpick over small things.

Focus on the main issue.

Enough playing. Did you hear me?

You're all getting way ahead of yourselves.

I know exactly where I stand.

What would he even see in me?

He Jiali,

in my eyes,

you are the best.

You're beautiful

and steady.

Those are great qualities.

You're good in every way.

Jianguo really cares about you.

We've long noticed it.

Your attitude is the key here.

How about I ask him to make it clear

when he comes later?

What do you think?

Dad.

What's there to be embarrassed about?

Think about it.

Jianguo is a revolutionary soldier,

and you are one of the revolutionary masses.

You're both revolutionary.

You two

would make a glorious revolutionary family.

Dad, Mom's talking nonsense!

That's right.

- Jianguo! - Jianguo!

I'm here.

I brought gifts.

Jianguo's here!

Jianguo!

Jianguo's here!

Come on, Jianguo.

We've been waiting for you to open this bottle.

Well, here I am.

Mrs. He.

- Jiali. - Jianguo.

By the way,

I brought some things over.

Why bring gifts again?

Mrs. He, this is for you.

What's this?

Take it.

They won't fit me.

Give them to Jiali.

Keep them.

- Such nice shoes. - No, no.

Mrs. He, these are for you.

They're sturdy.

Just take them.

Thank you.

There's more.

This is for Jiawen.

Thank you, Jianguo.

Jiayi.

Thank you, Jianguo.

What about me?

- You have one. - Me too!

Hold on.

Here you go.

Thank you, Jianguo.

(Liu Xiaoling, He's fifth daughter)

- Learn to read. - Mine.

- Jianguo, sit here. - Thanks.

I have a few more dishes.

Changsheng,

this is for you.

I have one too?

(He Jiaxi) And Jiaxi's.

Thank you, Jianguo!

Why isn't there one for Jiali?

I don't need a gift.

- No need. - You have one.

We all have one.

I prepared one

for Jiali too.

What is it?

What is this?

Open it and see.

- A watch! - A Shanghai-brand watch!

No, no, this is too expensive.

I can't accept it.

Consider it a birthday gift.

But my birthday isn't here yet.

I can't accept it.

Years ago,

the day you signed up for the army

happened to be your birthday.

Think of this as a belated birthday gift.

- Put it on. - I can't accept it.

I can't accept it.

It's too expensive.

You kids...

Just put it on.

Careful, careful!

Looks great!

Beautiful!

So pretty.

Jianguo, come on, cheers.

- Sure. - Take it easy.

Jianguo,

there are no outsiders here.

You know.

Just make it clear.

What exactly

do you think of Jiali?

What do you think?

Dad,

you get drunk before drinking.

What's wrong with that?

Jianguo is an honest man.

I...

I've prepared for this.

He came prepared.

Jianguo, sit. Just sit and talk.

Alright.

Comrade He Jiali and I

first met in the spring of 1969.

She wanted to enlist,

full of enthusiasm.

When I saw her,

I felt she was different from other women.

She had the spirit

of the Red Detachment of Women,

full of revolutionary passion.

Later,

we met again.

I strongly felt

that Comrade He Jiali

would make an excellent revolutionary partner.

I developed

a deep admiration for her

and hope for further development.

I have reported this

to the comrade in charge of this at my workplace.

He supported me

in courageously pursuing my happiness.

Also, as an orphan,

I long for a big family.

This is my true feeling.

Please feel free to comment and criticize.

- Well said. - See?

That's a man with substance.

Right? He said so well.

Jiali,

why don't you say something too?

- Dad... - Look.

Jianguo has been so honest.

You don't have to say much.

Just keep it simple.

Yes or no?

Then...

Let's start as friends.

Sure.

Go boil six poached eggs.

- Go on. - Alright.

Jianguo.

(Long live Chairman Mao)

My ride is here.

I'll be heading back now.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Jiali,

Dad asked Mom to make six poached eggs

for Jianguo.

What does that mean?

It's a tradition of our hometown.

It means Dad and Mom approve of him.

(Huaishang Vegetable Company Warehouse 2)

Qiufang.

Jiali.

(Zhang Qiufang)

Weimin is leaving.

Where to?

Jing County in southern Anhui to help build

the Chen Village Hydropower Station.

He works at a pharmaceutical factory.

How can he do that?

They say there's a shortage of doctors and medicine there,

and the province needs people to go,

and he volunteered.

What about his family?

No one can talk him out of it.

Jiali, maybe you could try.

He listens to you.

I've stopped talking to him.

Besides,

it's not my place to say anything.

I understand.

(Huainan Huaishang Vegetable Company)

It'll take two years.

Maybe even longer.

No one knows what might happen.

I just can't go.

If I could,

I would've signed up.

I heard you're going to Chen Village Hydropower Station.

Yeah.

What about your family?

What about Qiufang?

What does that have to do with you?

I don't think you should go.

You don't think?

What position are you speaking from?

As a friend. If I'm still one.

Jiali, I don't get it.

We grew up together.

What makes Jianguo so different from me?

What do I lack compared to him?

Jianguo treats me well.

My family likes him.

With him, I feel secure.

When I was with you,

I was always on edge.

I don't believe that.

Things have come to this.

You should treat Qiufang well.

That's my business.

Don't go if you care about her.

(State Run Hongqi Photography Studio)

Alright.

Please get ready.

The groom sits on the left; the bride sits on the right.

Okay.

Look at the camera.

Come on, groom.

Give me a smile.

A wedding night

is a joyous occasion.

One, two, three.

Qiufang,

stop here. Go back.

Take good care of Mom and Dad.

Take care

of yourself out there.

Bye.

Jiali,

your mother and I

both think Jianguo

is a good man.

- He's perfect. - I know.

You've told me many times.

We both like Jianguo.

Mom, I know.

You two have been together for a while now.

Why not pick a date

and go get the marriage certificate?

- Alright. - Exactly.

What certificate?

A marriage certificate.

Jiali is getting married?

That means I get wedding candies!

But I can't be the one to bring it up.

I'll do it.

I'll go talk to him, okay?

Dad, it has to come from him.

He has to say it from the bottom of his heart.

Please don't say anything.

I'll go!

I'll talk to him!

I mean it from the bottom of my heart!

Alright, enough messing around.

How can you talk to him?

How about this?

Invite him over in the next few days.

I'll drop him a hint,

so he'll bring it up himself.

If he doesn't, he'd be a fool.

My daughter is such a catch.

Just so we're clear.

Even if we get married, I'm still living at home.

Of course.

Jiali, you have to stay home.

Yeah. If Jiali is getting married,

does that mean Jianguo will move in too?

Yeah. Jianguo can sleep in our bed.

Right.

But how would we all fit in?

I don't know.

Do you guys like Jianguo?

Yes.

Yes?

Then you marry him.

- Sure. - Okay.

You two

have been dating for some time now.

Your mother and I just want to know

what

your next plan is.

Jianguo?

Dad, I told you not to pressure him.

No one's pressuring me.

I'm willing.

I grew up as an orphan.

From now on,

your dad will be my dad,

your mom will be my mom,

your sisters will be my sisters,

and your home will be my home.

That's all I have to say.

Jiali?

Say something.

No.

Why?

Words alone don't count.

I need the betrothal gifts and the forty-eight legs.

I need everything.

I know.

You've got a watch.

You still need a bicycle, a sewing machine,

and a radio for the gifts.

Four legs from a table.

16 legs from four chairs.

Four legs from a cabinet.

And four legs from a bed.

Enough, you sound ridiculous.

Jianguo,

Jiali's just teasing you.

Jiali, Jianguo is an honest man.

You can't tease him like that.

Jianguo,

our family doesn't care

about those material things.

As long as you wholeheartedly treat Jiali well,

that's all that matters.

I can swear to Chairman Mao

that I'll love He Jiali for a lifetime.

Jiawen, Jiayi, Jiahuan, Xiaoling, and Jiaxi,

each of you say something auspicious

for your sister and brother-in-law.

I wish Jiali a long

and happy marriage.

I wish Jiali many children soon.

They already said everything.

I have nothing left to say.

Just pick a nice one.

Then I hope Jiali never has to worry about food and drink

and gets to eat meat every week.

I wish Jiali a double salary.

Jiali, you have to have a son.

Alright, look at the camera.

Come on.

Bride, cheer up.

Smile.

Come on. One, two, three.

(Winter, 1975)

Look at this. Jiali's new home.

Jiali, this house is great.

So bright.

It faces south.

It has two rooms.

(He Jiayi, He's third daughter) I love this balcony.

I can do my hair here in the morning.

Who are you trying to impress?

What do you know?

When will I finally grow up?

(He Jiawen) Haven't you already grown up?

I want to grow up too.

Jiawen will get married after Jiali.

Then it'll be Jiayi's turn.

And then it'll be my turn.

Pay me some respect.

I'm your older sister.

Fine, you're my sister.

Pay me some respect.

Sure.

Growing up isn't enough.

You also need

a capable husband like Jianguo.

You sweet talker.

Jiali,

now that you have this house,

does that mean you're officially moving out?

What? You don't want me to go?

You'll leave one day.

Without you, our home feels

like it's lost its backbone.

I'll come back every week.

This is great.

Look, all this furniture was issued by the army.

It's really nice.

I can rest easy now.

Don't worry.

I won't wear this anymore. You can have it.

It's too flashy.

You look good in it.

(Happiness)

Jiali,

these sheets are for you.

They're too many for me.

- Keep some. - No need.

They'll all get some.

These are yours.

Remember.

Take them out to air on sunny days.

Don't forget mothballs.

Jiali,

you're really leaving?

They've gotten the certificate.

Your sister is married.

She's moving in

to start a new life with Jianguo.

Otherwise, Jianguo will be mad.

And how will they have children?

Mom!

- This is nice. - Great.

- Move. - Yes.

Take it slow.

- Careful. - Jiali.

When can we eat

- I'll get it. - your wedding candy?

- OK. - At the wedding banquet.

Can we eat it now?

I can eat so much.

You can eat as much as you want.

The bride is coming out.

She's here.

The bride is here.

I want to go to the banquet with Jiali.

Mom, Dad, I'm going now.

Jiawen, take care of your sister.

Good.

Bye.

I'll be back on Sunday.

Jiali! Jiali!

Goodbye!

Wow, what a grand scene.

Soldiers really are impressive.

Being a soldier is amazing.

He, you're amazing.

Incredible!

This is a blessing!

You're blessed!

You're blessed!

(Happiness)

Today marks

a new beginning for this family.

Take a seat.

Jianguo, let me toast to you.

This is our own home.

How nice.

- Jianguo. - Jiali.

You made this happen today. You go first.

Jiali,

thank you for giving me a home.

From now on,

I finally have a family.

I just want you to know

that whether it's our little home

or the home with Mom, Dad, and sisters,

everything at home is my responsibility.

You're the eldest daughter.

I'm your husband.

I'm ready to take on the challenge.

I promise to fulfill my duties.

You sound like you're giving a report.

Jianguo, I believe in you.

I just want

to build a good life with you.

We will.

Tell me. How good will it be?

Mom and Dad worked hard to raise this family.

I want to do something for them first

and fulfill a wish of theirs.

What wish?

Well.

You'll find out soon.

Here.

(Happiness)

Jiali's bed goes to Jiawen.

That's not fair.

We younger ones are always last,

always getting hand-me-downs.

Clothes, shoes, school bags, textbooks,

and now even the bed!

- Yeah. - Exactly!

We're all daughters.

Why can't things be divided equally?

First come, first served. That's the rule.

There's no such thing as absolute fairness.

Got it?

That's not right.

Jiali's bed should belong to all of us.

I want to sleep in Jiali's bed.

Me too.

Jiahuan, sit down.

How about this?

We take turns sleeping in Jiali's bed,

just like school duty shifts.

Jiaxi can sleep with Mom and Dad for now.

The rest of us will take turns.

Three months each.

You guys pick your months first.

I'll take whatever is left.

Look.

Look how generous Jiawen is.

Why can't you all

learn from her?

Our cafeteria has been rented out

for wedding banquets for these past few years.

Just last month,

your mom and I ate at one there.

- Not bad, right? - It's great.

The food is great,

the place is big,

(Happy) and everything's clean.

Plus, the foreign trade company

subsidizes the cafeteria,

so they accept fewer food coupons.

(Happy Marriage) They have their own supply of meat.

So we were wondering

if you could hold your wedding

at the cafeteria.

You two decide.

- Sure. - You decide.

Just don't go overboard.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

It has to be grand.

Mrs. Tang.

Mr. Tang.

Meixin.

What a coincidence.

I was just about to look for you.

What's wrong?

You go first.

Jiali and Jianguo are holding a banquet.

January 10th at the cafeteria of the Foreign Trade Bureau.

Mr. Tang, here's your invitation.

(Wedding Invitation)

Tang,

we got one too.

Go get it.

Meixin, what are the odds?

Weimin and Qiufang's wedding

is also on that day

at the same cafeteria.

Our families are having a joint wedding.

Here.

What a coincidence.

(Comrade He Changsheng)

It's on the same day.

(Wedding Invitation) It's true.

That day is going to be lively.

Lively indeed.

Lively indeed.

Take care.

Still looking at her?

Oh, right.

She's left.

Then why are you still looking?

I was seeing her off.

On the same day at the same cafeteria.

They're obviously targeting us.

Think about it.

Should we

change the date?

Or the venue?

Why should we?

Just because their son is getting married,

does it mean we have to change

our date and place?

There's limited space in that cafeteria,

and we're inviting so many people.

We invited them,

but they invited them too.

So, are they coming

to eat at our wedding

or theirs?

Don't worry about that.

Once the invitations are out,

guests can decide

for themselves.

They can eat

wherever they want.

It's not our concern.

But it's my first daughter's wedding.

Mom, is this color too bright?

Too bright? Not at all.

This red is perfect.

It's steady and dignified.

It's perfect for you.

Well.

This part isn't fitting well.

I'll ask them to adjust it.

No need.

The waist fits just right.

It'll be too tight.

That's the point.

It's time to show off your figure.

Exactly.

You need to look your best.

No need to compete with clothes.

Your sister already looks better than Qiufang.

Mom!

It's true.

Does Jiali look good?

Yes.

She looks perfect.

Meixin.

Something's wrong.

Hurry to the workplace!

(Funeral Committee List of Comrade Zhou Enlai)

- Let's go. - How could this happen?

(Comrade Zhou Enlai Has Passed Away)

Hurry up.

Wait for me.

What did Jianguo say?

He left it up to us.

Everyone is busy with mourning arrangements.

Exactly.

Go talk to the Logistics Section

tomorrow,

and see if we can postpone it.

To when?

Ask the leadership.

(One month later)

This outfit is fine.

It's simple and modest.

This year has been full of events.

Who knows what's next?

Hopefully, nothing more.

Peace would be nice.

Do you know what the biggest event in our family is?

What?

Waiting for you to have a new member.

Your grandma is waiting for her great-grandchild.

Mom, we already have someone new.

It's your son-in-law.

You're playing dumb, huh?

It's not that fast.

Will my grandma come to my wedding?

Your grandaunt is seriously ill.

She has to take care of her,

so she might not come.

My grandaunt doesn't have kids,

and they're real sisters.

They'll always rely on each other.

How thoughtful of you.

(For the people)

(Wedding; Newlyweds' Banquet)

(Huainan Foreign Trade Bureau)

The Tang Family canceled it.

That's even better.

They don't know as many people

- as Jianguo does anyway. - Yes.

(Celebrate in a new way; Abandon obsolete habits; Happiness)

Meixin!

- Meixin! - What's wrong?

- Something's off. - I was looking for you.

Just sit down and eat.

Something's wrong.

- What's wrong? - Tang Weimin was injured on duty!

Tang Weimin...

What happened?

(Tang Youmin, Tang's second son) Don't stare at me here!

(Tang Zhenmin, Tang's third son)

My foot is gone.

My foot is gone!

♪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♪