All language subtitles for [English] STRANGE TALES OF A LONELY STUDIO 2024

I'm exhausted.

My feet hurt again.

Lord, just endure it a little longer.

We'll be there soon.

Soon?

You've been saying "soon" all day.

How much farther is it?

My legs hurt so much.

Lord, we should be here soon,

Hurry up.

We're almost there!

You're driving me crazy!

Lord,

I remember now.

Put the money away.

You worthless scoundrel!

You...

Is this the nearest route you mentioned?

Let me tell you,

If I can't make it in time

to meet my fourth wife tomorrow,

I'll have your daughter marry me.

I'm sorry, Lord.

Lead the way ahead.

I know I was wrong.

Useless!

Wait for me!

How much farther is it?

We're almost there.

I remember it's just up ahead, Lord.

Hurry.

Lead the way ahead.

You're walking so fast,

how can I keep up?

Lord, what's wrong?

I'm exhausted.

Let me give you a massage.

Let's go.

Lean on me.

Is anyone there? Please help us.

We're lost.

Lord,

there really is no one around.

How about you eat some steamed
buns to stave off hunger?

I don't want to eat.

Watch out!

Miss,

Why are you crying?

Today is my wedding day.

I've been waiting since morning,

but he hasn't come yet.

I'm afraid he might abandon me.

Miss, don't cry.

Our meeting today

is destined by fate.

I'm

willing to sacrifice myself
to help you out of trouble.

But my dowry has long
been taken by my family...

The hush fee.

We are destined to be together.

Let's not talk about money,

only about our marriage.

Sir, wait a moment.

We can unveil this head curtain

when we get married,

it's not too late.

How about

we sleep now?

Don't you want to sleep with me?

[Liaozhai Zhiyi Tongren Language]

Stand still.

Mr. Fang,

you've already helped me a lot today.

Boss,

the other day I messed
up my father's business

and he chased me all over the city.

Luckily, you let me hide
in this coffin shop,

and I escaped unscathed.

It was just a small favor,

nothing much.

Just lending a hand.

What I did was also just a small favor.

We're even now.

It's getting late.

I'm heading home.

By the way, Mr. Fang,

you left something here

last time.

This is the birth chart my father

took for me and Miss Zhang.

I don't want to marry her.

I'm heading home.

Fang Dong.

Fang Dong, wake up.

You promised my adoptive father yesterday

that you would go to the shop today.

Don't try to shirk your responsibilities.

Still not getting up?

How dare you listen!

Be gentle.

Go home!

Don't push. Everyone has a share.

Everyone has a chance. Stop pushing.

Mr. Fang,

are you here for inspiration again?

Let me tell you,

Mr. Liang paid ten taels of silver

to meet Miss Ling'er.

This is thirty taels of silver.

Miss Ling'er. Stop pushing.

Sir,

your interest is truly unique.

Miss,

please don't misunderstand.

The lingering sound is quite enchanting.

Could you please

play another piece for me?

Your writing is vigorous and unrestrained,

with a lavish yet refined style,
rounded and angular at the same time.

It even carries a bit of
the style of Wu Daozi.

I didn't expect you to also
be knowledgeable in painting.

You flattered me.

I just know a little.

But

I used to know an old friend

who also liked drawing.

Sir, please wait.

That's good enough.

Stop drawing.

But I haven't added the finishing
touch to the portrait yet.

Without it,

the portrait will lack vitality and beauty.

It will be so ugly.

But it's good to

leave a bit of mystery
and resonance sometimes.

But this portrait...

Sir,

please listen to me.

Do not add the finishing touch
to the person in the portrait.

OK, I promise you.

I'll play another song for you.

Thank you.

Look at you, acting timid.

You were trying to scare me during the day.

Aren't you afraid too?

It's just the custom.

Just custom.

I am full of righteousness.

How could I be afraid of these?

You haven't been to the shop all day,

and you're still covered in cosmetics.

I wonder how you'll explain it later.

Qingqing.

My dear Qingqing.

You should help me out today, right?

I did help you out today.

But can I help you out

for a lifetime?

A lifetime is not enough.

You have to help me in my next life.

You...

Once you're married,

you won't be able to
show your face anymore.

I...

When did I say I want to get married?

I didn't say now,

I meant in the future.

What should I do in the future?

I have an idea.

I'll hire you and your husband

to help me manage the business.

Wouldn't that be great?

Fang Dong.

I'm just talking,

why are you getting shy?

Evil!

Father.

Come with me.

I've already reprimanded him for you,

adoptive father.

No need to plead for him.

Whoever pleads today, it
won't make a difference.

Are you done?

Can I have a look?

One more stroke. Just one stroke.

It's done, take it.

I don't want it. It doesn't look like me.

But it looks really nice! It's beautiful.

OK, give it to me.

Didn't you say you don't want it?

Give it to me.

You said you didn't want it.

Give it to me.

Be careful.

You just got a flogging.

It's just a flogging. It's nothing.

Then how about you take two more flogging.

My father is really ruthless.

Sir, promise me

not to add the finishing touch
to the person in the portrait.

How can such a beauty

not have eyes?

Fang Dong,

it seems like the flogging you
got today wasn't too heavy.

What are you doing?

You still have the mood

to play the wooden man game with me?

Fang Dong,

Trust me.

I will find a way to save you.

Qingqing,

you've been working
hard for the past month.

But he's still unconscious.

Adoptive father, don't worry.

This time when I go to Lingnan,

I will definitely find a
renowned doctor to treat him.

During my absence,

please prepare everything for me.

When I come back,

I'll arrange for his wedding.

During my absence,

you must take good care of Fang Dong.

Miss Qingqing, please rest assured.

Dry days, watch out for candles.

Dry days, watch out for candles.

What are you doing?

Why did you put Fang Dong's name on it?

Miss.

Is there a funeral at your home?

Why are you talking about ominous things?

I know you.

Fang Dong used to come to
your shop to draw paper men,

that's why he got involved with bad luck.

If it weren't for him
helping me draw paper men,

he probably

would have died long ago like
the other people in town.

What are you doing?

Forehead is dark,

face is pale,

sweating profusely, and less saliva.

There are occasional epileptic symptoms

from 7 p.m. to 3 p.m. every day.

How did you know?

Miss.

Are you Liu Qingqing?

Yes.

From now on, this is your home.

My father is your father,

my books are your books.

Look. Do you like it?

Vertical.

Throw.

Horizontal.

Fold.

Hook.

Horizontal.

Horizontal.

Liu Qingqing

is your name.

Liu Qingqing.

Fang Dong,

if we can't see each
other again in this life,

will you be sad?

What are you talking about, silly girl?

Didn't I still need to see you get married?

[Fang Dong, Liu Qingqing]

Fang Dong.

Fang Dong, are you awake?

How do you feel?

Are you all right?

You've been asleep for over a month.

I was so scared.

Call the doctor quickly.

Yes, Lord.

As long as you're not
seriously injured, it's fine.

Don't worry about your eyes for now.

There are so many famous
doctors in the world.

There will surely be one
who can cure your eyes.

You've just recovered
from a serious illness,

so take a good rest first

and don't rush to talk.

Sir.

I thought I heard
Qingqing's voice just now.

Has she returned?

She hasn't returned.

It's been several days without seeing her.

This mansion is really empty without her.

[Fang Dong, Liu Qingqing]

[Zuiyue Pavilion]

There are so many people coming
and going here every day.

Who is your sir?

It's Fang Dong, Mr. Fang.

Fang Dong hasn't been here for a long time.

Don't break the chair.

Yes.

I suspect our Miss Ling'er

was abducted by your Fang Dong.

Impossible. Our sir would never...

Hurry up.

Go and help.
-Yes.

Where is sir?

There are traces of them.

Don't let them go.

Qingqing.

Qingqing.

Qingqing.

Sir,

nice to meet you.

I suddenly heard the sound of the Qin.

I thought it was an acquaintance.

Sorry to bother you.

Please forgive me.

The acquaintance you mentioned

maybe my sister.

Ling'er,

there is a guest.

Mr. Fang.

Miss Ling'er.

Mr. Fang.

This is my sister, Min'er.

Sir, why are you here?

I heard that many people
have gone missing recently.

Even my younger sister is missing.

So I went out to look for her.

I think

both of you should be careful.

Thank you for your concern.

Mr. Fang, it's getting late.

How about

resting here?

Sir.

Please come in.

By the way, Miss Ling'er,

why did you

build your house inside this dense forest?

It was built by our
ancestors to escape the war.

May I ask

since you have the property,

why did you go to Zuiyue Pavilion?

Sir, you may not know,

but when our parents were alive,

they made a living by
selling medicinal herbs.

Naturally, we had no worries
about food and clothing.

However, they passed away two years ago

and we had to find our
own way to make living.

So, we made the decision
to leave the mountain.

I see.

I’m sorry for the impertinence.

Sir,

have some snacks.

Sir.

It's getting late.

You should go down the mountain and rest.

There is still room available at home.

Sir, why don't you stay here for the night?

Ling'er.

Sir, please come with me.

Sir, this way please.

It's late.

Sir, please stay here for now.

Thank you, Miss Ling'er.

Qingqing.

Qingqing.

Is that you, Qingqing?

Qingqing.

Fang Dong.

Take care of yourself.

Qingqing!

Qingqing!

Qingqing!

Miss Min'er.

Sir, aren't you a regular
at the Zuiyue Pavilion?

Don't you understand?

No, no, Miss Min'er.

I do go there often,

but only for painting.

Well...

My horse is still on the mountain.

I'm going to find my horse.

See you.

So Mr. Fang

enjoys playing games of chase.

I'll catch you then.

No.

I prefer the game of wooden man.

Miss, don't move.

Don't move.

OK.

Then...

If you don't move,

I'll move.

No need.

Miss.

Miss Min'er,

I didn't mean to.

No.

Sister.

When we escaped

from that old monster

before,

I made it very clear that

we'll only target those deeply sinful.

Why did you keep breaking your promise?

Mr. Fang is fine.

I didn't make any promises.

It's your own wishful thinking.

Fine.

If our paths diverge,

and we part ways

from now on.

Stop!

How could you say that?

If it weren't for you,

I wouldn't have ended up like this.

Ling'er,

if we don't absorb human essence

to enhance our demon power,

and if we encounter the
Master in the future again,

we'll have no way out.

Besides,

we are demons.

How can we fall in love with mortals?

So what if I do?

Then I'll have even more reasons

to kill him.

Sister, stay away from Mr. Fang.

Otherwise, don't blame me for
not considering our sisterhood.

You're so stubborn.

Fine.

If the Master finds us one day,

we will die

with Mr. Fang!

No need.

Mr. Fang.

Mr. Fang.

Mr. Fang, I finally found you.

Miss Ling'er.

Are you okay?

Sir, are you alright?

Sir, what's wrong with you?

My eyes hurt so much.

Sir, we can't stay here for long.

Let's go to a nearby safe place

to rest for a while.

That's a good idea.

Let's go.

Thank you, Miss.

Ling'er.

Ling'er!

Ling'er!

Master.

Min'er.

My good disciple.

You certainly know how to pick a spot.

Master.

Why are you alone?

Where is your ungrateful sister?

Master,

Ling'er...

She was just confused...

Min'er.

Worry about yourself first.

According to the rules,

how should I

punish you?

Master,

I have something to report.

Go ahead.

Ling'er and I met someone these days.

He seemed frail and weak,

but whenever I approach him to use magic,

it feels like I've been
struck by heavenly thunder.

If my guess is right,

this man should be the legendary

Immortal Body.

Ling'er and I came to this place

with the intention of capturing him

and presenting him to you.

Master,

we will never forget

your nurturing kindness.

But

Ling'er is too weak.

Master.

Alright,

bring me the Immortal Body

within three days,

and I will let you go in peace.

Thank you, Master.

This potion

can temporarily disrupt the Immortal Body.

Find a way to make him take it.

Then you can deal with him.

Ling'er.

Why are you with a demon?

Mr. Fang.

You must have been scared last night.

Several years ago, for reasons unknown,

my sister was attacked and
controlled by a cat demon.

It was terrifying.

I sought help from several experts

to exorcise her,

but to no avail.

She is my only family

in this world.

No matter what,

I must help my sister return to normal.

Mr. Fang.

Are you hurt?

I'm fine.

I don't know why,

but whenever she touched me,

she felt like being struck
by heavenly thunder.

Perhaps you

are blessed.

I hope so.

Sir, let me have a look.

My family has been in the business
of medicinal herbs for generations,

and I know a bit

about treating illnesses and finding herbs.

Thank you.

Have you noticed anything?

Your eye disease

is caused by your heart disease,

which is burdened by an old friend.

Sir, please rest here.

Don't leave.

I'll go pick some herbs and be right back.

Thank you, Miss Ling'er.

Sister,

how long are you going to follow me?

I've met Master.

She didn't give us a hard time.

What's the condition?

If you make Fang Dong take this medicine,

we will be free.

No more living in fear.

Besides,

I won't absorb human essence if you say so.

I will do whatever you say.

Sister.

Over the past thousands of years,

you've done everything for me.

You even fought against Master for me.

I saw it all.

Why are you saying this?

I've always been grateful to you.

But you want me to hurt Mr. Fang.

I can't do it.

Don't be silly, Ling'er.

You and Mr. Fang won't have a happy ending.

Even if he doesn't mind you being a demon,

he is just a mortal after all.

Even if he can live over a hundred years,

It's just a short moment
in your centuries of cultivation.

Is it worth it?

Ling'er,

this is our only chance.

I beg you.

For the sake of our
centuries of friendship,

Just help me this once.

OK?

Mr. Fang, what are you doing?

I heard the sounds of birds and beasts

in this jungle just now.

So I want to make a weapon

for self-defence on our way.

I just picked some herbs.

Let's find a place to brew it.

Thank you.

Do you have any food right now?

Sir, you're too late.

We're closing soon.

Last year today within this gate,

her face and peach blossoms resonate.

I don't know where she is right now,

peach blossoms smile in the spring breeze.

Mr. Fang,

are you thinking about Miss Liu?

It's been so long.

I wonder how she is doing now.

She always bustles around the house,

I've forgotten she's a girl

who also needs care from others.

Don't worry, sir.

Miss Liu is blessed.

How can I not worry?

She used to go out a lot,

but she never left without saying goodbye.

Miss Liu

is so lucky

to have you care for her this much.

Thank you for brewing the medicine for me.

Ling'er.

I never thought...

Sir, let me explain.

Look at you,

just like Qingqing when she was little,

always sneaking into the kitchen to eat.

Got yourself some dust on your face, huh?

Your medicine is cold. I'll heat it up.

It's fine.

I’ll heat it up.

It’s OK.
-Sir.

I'll heat it up.

Sir,

here, wild fruits from the mountain.

Just get a quick bite so you don't starve.

Thank you.

Sister,

even if it harms your spirit,

you still transform into others.

Can't you just let us go?

You really disappoint me.

Miss Min'er.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Miss Ling'er.

Miss Ling'er.

Let's stop running.

Just tell me,

what's going on?

How much did you deceive me?

Sir.

Calm down.

Let me explain it to you in detail.

On the surface, my sister Min'er and I

are the disciples of a powerful fox demon.

But in fact,

we are tools specially used
to collect human essence for her.

Master.

If we disobey her,

we will be punished.

One slip, and there will be a disaster.

Master,

please spare my sister.

I'm unwilling to absorb human essence,

and Min'er takes part of
Master's punishment for me every time.

Without her,

I would have perished long ago.

So I decided

to escape Master's control with Min'er.

But Master still found us.

We were supposed to be doomed.

But Master said

if we handed you over to her,

she would let us go.

What does she want from me?

If the flesh of a man born at
midnight of the Winter Solstice

combine with the blood of the person

born on the Summer Solstice at noon,

they can produce an indestructible body.

Such individuals are rare in a century.

By absorbing their essence,

we can increase our cultivation
by a thousand years.

And you,

you possess this indestructible body.

Fang Dong.

Fang Dong, you're awake.

How do you feel? Are you all right?

If you hand me over to that old demon,

you can be free again.

But you didn't do it.

Why?

Because

I have fallen in love with you,

Mr. Fang.

But you...

I don't care what you think,

I don't care what people think.

Love is love.

That's how I really feel.

Men live for one lifetime,

cats live for nine.

I've lived for over 700 years.

I've seen enough vicissitudes of life,

and seen too many people

regret for the rest of their life

for their hesitation and reserve.

Mr. Fang,

no matter how our ending turns out,

I must tell you

my true feelings.

Ling'er,

I already have someone in my heart.

I've asked the maid.

Qingqing went to Lingnan for my medicine.

Qingyuan Town is ahead.

We'll go there tomorrow to find Qingqing.

Then I can be at ease.

What if you can't find her?

Qingqing.

I must find you.

Please be safe.

My good disciple.

Master, please spare my life.

Give me a reason to spare your life.

I know where Fang Dong is.

You don’t have another chance.

Mr. Fang, you’re awake.

I prepared some food.

Let's grab a quick bite

and hit the road.

Thank you.

Here.

Thank you.

Daddy, daddy, what's that?

That is...

I'm so scared.

Daddy!

It's OK, dear.

Don't be afraid.

It's so strange.

Why is there so much black smoke?

Mr. Fang, it’s dangerous. Let’s go.

That's...

Ling'er.

It's only been a few months,

your skills haven't improved,

but you've become much bolder.

Ling'er!

Miss Ling'er.

Miss Ling'er.

Master.

As instructed, Ling'er and I

have brought Fang Dong to you.

Please,

please spare us.

Ling'er has disobeyed me

again and again.

How dare you ask me to spare your life?

Ling'er is the one who disobeys you.

I'm very loyal

to you.

I can give you a chance.

Go ahead.

Behead her.

And I won't trouble you anymore.

I told you already.

You'll eventually cause our downfall.

Today,

I'll show you the price of disobedience.

Sister!

Old demon.

Today is the day

you pay the blood debt of Wuma Village.

Since you want to die with them,

I'll grant your wish.

Mage!

Your meager skills

are nothing compared to

my millennium of power.

Qingqing.

Qingqing.

To save him, it requires your blood.

But you

will no longer have a physical body.

It's no different from being dead.

If you regret it now,

it's not too late.

As long as I can save Fang Dong,

I'm willing to do anything.

So...

You have always been by my side.

We can't stay here for long.

Sir,

let's go somewhere safe

and have a rest.

Good idea.

Thank you.

Sir.

Sir?

Qingqing!

I realized it too late, Qingqing.

Last year today within this gate,

her face and peach blossoms resonate.

I don't know where she is right now,

peach blossoms smile in the spring breeze.

I've seen enough vicissitudes of life,

and seen too many people

regret for the rest of their life

for their hesitation and reserve.

Fang Dong,

We grew up together.

We know each other well.

How I wish

to spend the rest of my life with you.

I must find you.

We

Are even now.

Don't leave me.

Qingqing!

Qingqing!

Qingqing!

Mr. Fang!
-Young man.

Are you alright?

Mr. Fang.

Mr. Fang, it’s OK.

It's OK.

[Fang’s Mansion]

Sir,

you're finally back.

These two are?
-Thank you.

My friends.

Where are my parents?

You and Miss Qingqing are not around,

many things at home are unattended,

the Lord and Madam are
handling them personally.

Please.

Mr. Fang.

Is this Miss Qingqing's room?

Yes.

Let me show you another room.

Miss Ling'er, this way, please.

Wuma Xuan?

Why did you set this barrier?

Mage.

Mage!

Why did you do this?

Considering your enmity with that demon,

not killing you is already my act of mercy.

But before I eliminate her,

I can't let you go.

Remember,

your Wuma clan is renowned for compassion.

Have you forgotten

your clan's motto to
not judge good and evil

based on ethnicity?

It's exactly because

I remember our clan's motto

that I haven't drawn my sword against you.

But

I won't believe your lies.

Wuma Xuan,

To be clear, -Mage.

I was forced by that old demon.

Mage.

I have no choice.

I've never done anything evil.

Seduction and deception

are the nature of demons.

I won't trust you like this fool.

Hey, I...

Instead of wasting time to blame yourself,

you should try to make it up.

Our misfortune,

in the end,

is because of that old demon in black.

If we let it be,

more people will suffer in the future.

Therefore,

we must find a way to get rid of her.

Please take me as your disciple.

I must avenge Qingqing.

I never take disciples.

However,

with your indestructible body,

if you go with me,

we might have a chance.

Thank you, Mage.

Count me in.

I want to avenge my sister!

Demon?

Forget about it.

Take this.

Wuma Xuan!

You don't need to learn
those complicated moves.

Just take the sword
dipped in your own blood

and stab into the heart
of the old demon in black,

this way, you can give her a fatal blow.

These straw sacks are
the old demon's troops.

Avoid them,

charge straight to the old demon

and give her a fatal blow.

Remember,

in martial arts, speed
and accuracy are key.

What's wrong?

Are you discouraged?

Watch carefully.

Try again.

The principles of swordsmanship
and painting are the same.

Sink your energy to the abdomen
and extend it to your fingertips.

When you're practising swordsmanship,

think of the unity of your pen
and your hand while painting,

and fully experience

the unity of your sword

and your arm and body,

perhaps you'll achieve something different.

Mr. Fang, you did it...

Sir, it's all coming together.

We'll get rid of the old demon soon.

As far as I know,

the old demon has a fatal weakness.

Every year on the day of Autumn
Begins, it's her fatal day,

her demon power will greatly weaken.

About twenty percent of her usual strength.

This is a perfect opportunity
for us to eliminate her.

If you get it wrong,

we're all doomed.

I finally handed my life

to a demon.

Mage Wu, believe it or not.

We win,

or we perish.

Mage Wu, I can do it too.

Ling'er.

It's so dark here. Can you see?

Of course.

Hurry up. Follow me.

Mage, she can see.

What should we do?

I have my way.

Wait for me.

What's that sound?

Didn't you hear it?

Stop being paranoid. Let’s go.

Mr. Fang.

No more sound now.

Let's go.

The three of you are really fearless.

Old demon,

Today is your day of calamity.

And next year on this day,

it will be the anniversary of your death.

My silly disciple.

Today,

I'll show you my real power.

We have to hurry.

It's almost midnight.

After midnight,

her demon power will be restored.

By then, there's no chance for us to win.

With this spell,

you'll endure excruciating pain.

Whether you succeed or not,

you will lose your eyesight,

and might even lose your life.

It’s not too late to regret.

Mage Wu,

You must be tired from your practice.

Try some freshly made dessert.

You came at the right time.

I'm hungry.

How does it taste?

It's average.

Really?

Try the dessert I just made.

This guy, so stubborn.

Like a woman.

Of course.

You've lived for more than 700 years. I...

Shouldn't you call me ancestor?

I think "old demon" suits you better.

It tastes familiar.

The best in Yong'an Town.

You're such a smooth talker.

I’m glad you like it.

Mage Wu was quite stubborn just now,

but your hands are quite honest.

Of course.

I must prepare some food for the trip.

What if I am hungry?

Is it enough? There's more in the back.

Is there?

Your small basket

can't fit them all.

Have some water.

I have a big basket on my horseback.

How much are you going to pack?

A lot.

I'm going to pack all the dessert

that Miss Qingqing made.

Miss Ling'er,

You must overcome your demonic tendencies,

do more good deeds,

and be a good demon.

You must overcome your human shortcomings,

do more good deeds,

and be a good person.

Thank you.

Mage Wuma!

Mage Wuma!

Mage Wuma, please wait.

Mage Wuma?

This title sounds quite right.

I'm here. What's wrong?

Mage.

My lord is haunted by a demon.

Please...

Say no more.

It seems to be some evil magic.

Fifty taels.

Oh, don't say fifty taels,

as long as you can solve the problem,

we can even give you 100 taels.

Then 100 taels.

Then 100 taels it is.

Sister,

We're going to start our new cultivation.