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My name is Chen Su Ting.

I was born in 1958.

My mom was the second wife.

As the first wife was unable to conceive,

she allowed Dad to marry Mom.

However, after marriage,

Mom gave birth to three girls consecutively.

It was a time when giving birth to girls

was as good as infertility.

Shortly after Dad passed away,

on August 9th, 1965,

we were kicked out of the house.

We didn't have a choice,

but to return to Grandpa's house in the countryside.

Those were times where the society was patriarchal

and highly superstitious.

According to those gossipmongers,

Mom's fortune clashed with Grandpa's.

So, she had to address him as Si Shu.

-Si Shu. -You short-lived scoundrel!

You got kicked out just like that?

Three girls, one after another.

If I were the first wife, I would chase you out too!

Greet your grandpa.

-Grandpa. -Grandpa.

After you got married to the coffee shop's boss,

besides the dowry we received,

I thought you would help with our family expenses.

But you come back empty-handed,

without a coffee bean in sight.

Now that your husband has passed away

and you being pregnant,

you actually brought your kids back to us?

What do you take me for?

Zhao Di, you brought the kids back?

You think it's easy managing the household?

I have three sons and a wife,

our parents, and our brother sleeping in the other room.

What would we eat if you stay here?

Eat trash with rice or rice with trash?

Why don't we just eat trash? Eat trash!

Dear, she's pitiful and she has no place to stay.

Pitiful?

Why don't you move out for her to stay then?

-Then we'll see who is more pitiful. -I was talking nonsense.

Ah Kun. Si Shu.

Rest assured,

I will not be a freeloader.

I'm pregnant now and I don't know when I will give birth either.

The kids are still young,

so I need a place for them to stay temporarily.

A house to shelter them.

Shelter them?

Can you see how big our house is? Have a look at it yourself.

Follow me.

You can see how huge it is. Take a look around.

Tell me, is there room for you to move back in?

Are you going to sleep in the bathroom? Or the toilet?

Why not the kitchen?

Aunt.

-Zhao Di, you are really moving back in? -Yes.

I'm giving birth soon, so I need a place to stay.

The kids are still young.

It's fine for us to sleep in the kitchen.

What? You're going to give birth soon.

How can the kitchen be a confinement room?

That won't do.

The kitchen as a confinement room?

We guys, won't be able to enter then.

You know how dirty a confinement room is.

Won't our fortune clash if we enter?

Everything you do is only for yourself.

Si Shu, please let me stay.

I'll get a job as soon as I give birth.

I'll help out with family expenses.

You can trust me.

I will contribute to this family.

Zhao Di, are you that free?

Right.

Ah Xi, clean up your room.

Let your sister stay with the children.

Why my room?

Where should I sleep then?

You can sleep with your nephews.

-This makes no sense. -All right. Be good.

When we apply for our house later, I'll give you the biggest room.

I don't want to.

-Be good. Listen. -Why is it always me?

-That's great. -Go now.

-Mom, are you all right? -You're going to give birth soon?

-Mom, are you feeling okay? -Mom.

Hurry, let's get her to the hospital.

-Mom. -Mom.

Kandang Kerbau Hospital

Push. Put in more effort.

You can do it. Push.

Be quiet. Stop screaming.

Don't see you complaining when you were doing it.

A girl.

A girl.

Oh, God.

Why do you give me another daughter?

I already have three.

God, stop making a fool of me.

Stop playing tricks on me.

Oh, God.

Oh, God.

There is another one?

Doctor, there is another one!

One more? There is another?

Push.

More strength.

Congratulations, it's a boy.

Congratulations, it's a boy.

That was how our brother and sister came to this world.

It was on August 9th

that they were born.

On the same day,

the troubles in Singapore arose as well.

Singapore and Malaysia separated.

-Thank you. -Congratulations.

-Congratulations. -You're back.

It's twins.

Yes, one male, one female.

Is this one with the two moles, male or female?

The one with two moles is the girl.

The one with one mole is the boy?

Yes.

This boy is so cute.

Come on in.

-Move aside. Let me go through. -Ah Xi.

You cannot enter. This is a confinement room.

This is originally my room.

It's not now. You're not allowed to enter.

You won't grow up if you enter.

That is ridiculous.

The two moles on your granddaughter's face,

the one here is called the "home wreck" mole.

Home wreck mole?

The one on the forehead is more dangerous.

It will bring about calamities.

Two moles and none are good?

How about my other grandchild?

The grandson with one mole?

That mole is the "prosperous" mole.

He will be rich and prosperous in the future.

She's lucky that one turned out fine.

Thank you, Goddess Guanyin.

I still have something to add.

Don't mind me being nosy.

The granddaughter with two moles.

In the ancient times,

we would have strangled her to death.

That's right.

Excuse me.

My fortune doesn't bode well today.

I'm worried there will be a clash of fortunes.

-I'll leave first. -I'll be going too.

Dad.

Is it that serious?

Yes.

You are really going to strangle her?

I'll think about it.

Are you really considering it?

I'm thinking of a solution.

You scared me there.

Who tripped again?

-What happened? -What happened?

He tripped.

You tripped again?

It's nothing.

Excuse me. Move aside.

Come.

Zhao Di, Take a look.

I'm not being superstitious.

Once you returned with your daughter,

Ah Hai fell and injured his head.

Are you mad?

She just returned and is still in confinement.

That is your grandchild. So are these two over here.

That's not true.

Ah Hai carries the surname "Lim," so he's our grandchild.

Her daughter follows the surname of others,

therefore she's an outsider.

You're old and nosy.

You're talking nonsense.

Let me set this straight.

If you want to stay here, you have to send your daughter away.

If your daughter doesn't go,

your family isn't welcome either.

I'm doing this for our family's safety.

Not because I'm superstitious.

Dad, the kids are newborns!

Do you think I'm blind and I can't see that?

What do you kids know?

Get out!

Zhao Di, she's your daughter.

You should know what to do.

Let's not make everyone upset.

Stop crying already.

Dab your wound with incense ash.

Let's go.

In order for us to stay,

-Mom went to work as a laundry washer -Here you go.

-before she finished her confinement. -Hello.

The money she earned was our living expenses.

Madam.

Why are you here?

Don't call me that anymore.

I'm no longer the madam.

Why is that?

You helped me sell my nasi lemak at the coffee shop in the past.

If you need any help, I will definitely help you.

Thank you, Osman.

Are you doing laundry for others?

I just gave birth to a pair of twins.

I have more responsibilities now.

Don't worry, I'll help you.

I wash...

Do the laundry.

I'm best at doing the laundry.

I will introduce a friend to you later.

He knows how to make bean curd and soy milk.

You can learn from him.

That way, we can do business together.

No one sells soy milk at the market.

Just some vegetables, fruits and meat.

-Are you interested? -Yes, of course.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

I cannot wash this.

And this.

I have already washed them.

You've already washed them?

It has already been washed.

With Mr. Osman's help,

Mom learned how to make bean curd and soy milk.

She kept practicing her recipe.

It wasn't long before she decided to set up a stall.

Ah Xi, why are you so sad?

Is it because I got you to help out?

No.

Then tell me why.

Why did you stop studying at Secondary Two?

Why didn't you complete your secondary education?

I'm not academically inclined.

Didn't you know that I'm stupid?

How can my brother be stupid?

How about this?

Since you're helping me out at the stall today,

I'll give you a portion of the earnings.

Really? Don't lie to me.

When have I ever lied to you?

It's cheap and delicious. Have a look.

Come and take a look.

Be serious. Stop fooling around.

Nasi lemak.

Zhao Di.

Osman. Fatimah.

Come over here.

-Please push it more to the front. -Thank you.

-Thank you. -Over here.

Welcome. Come.

Thank you.

All right now.

-This is a strategic location. -Dear.

-I need help. -All right.

She's calling for me.

Thank you.

-Look. Their business is booming. -I'm coming.

That's for sure. They've been in business for so long.

Today is only our first day.

-Thank you. Come again. -Business is here.

One cup of soy milk?

-Stir it. -Look.

Thank you.

Have a look.

Are you new here?

Yes.

Soy milk or bean curd for you?

-Bean curd. -Bean curd.

-I love bean curd. -Careful. It's hot.

-Here. -Thank you.

Let me.

The hawker inspectors are here.

Everyone is scared of

these people in uniforms.

They're known as the Cattle.

Loose cattle were a problem

faced by the hawkers.

All the hawkers at the market

do this for a livelihood.

Why did the government

send the hawker inspectors to harass us?

We were merely trying to run a small business,

but we are now reduced to running like thieves.

Besides the hawker inspectors,

we were also harassed by the gangsters.

They often demand protection fees.

There were police then,

but they were never present

whenever the gangsters came.

And when the gangsters came,

the police were never there.

Business is here.

-Sirs. -Sirs.

Bean curd or soy milk?

Five cups?

Five cups of bean curd or soy milk?

I will give you five slaps.

Are you new here?

Haven't you heard whose territory is this?

This is 706's territory.

It's five dollars, not five cups.

-What is left for us to earn then? -What is left?

Sirs, please don't get mad.

Sirs of 706,

we just started our business, so we don't have much.

Here. A dollar for you to have tea.

A dollar?

Do you think we are beggars?

Handle this. Beat him up.

Stop it!

Don't hit my brother!

Police!

Cucumber. It's delicious.

Stop it.

Don't hit my brother!

Don't hit my brother!

That's enough!

Stop it.

Don't hit women!

Don't embarrass 706.

Let me tell you.

If you want to do business here,

you need to pay protection fees.

Two days.

I'm giving you two days.

I'll be back. Let's go.

Mom.

You couldn't even hit us when we were young.

You can tell he was hit by a bamboo or sugar cane.

Luckily, I didn't help out at the stall.

Those scoundrels did this to you.

If you become a disabled person,

it's over for you.

Ah Xi got beaten up?

Can't you even take care of your own brother?

He helped you out

and got beaten up instead.

What kind of sister are you?

She did take care of me.

In order to save me,

she got beaten up too.

You can see for yourself.

The medicated oil is about to finish.

I will go to Thye Shan Medical Hall to get a bottle tomorrow.

Don't go through all the trouble.

You can just get one from the village's pharmacy.

Aunt, we must be careful when buying medicine.

Thye Shan Medical Hall is trustworthy.

They are reputable and honest.

I will also buy some herbs to improve his health.

I'm worried he will get internal injuries.

It will be terrible if he suffers future complications.

Zhao Di, It's okay.

I'm fine. Apply some medicine on yourself too.

You got beaten up too.

Your condition is no better than mine.

If you weren't reckless, would I have gotten injured?

You need to be tolerant.

Here.

Look.

I got a divination lot from Goddess Guanyin.

The worst draw.

This is terrible.

It's the worst draw I've seen.

Si Shu, how can you trust a divination lot?

This is not from me. This is what Goddess Guan Yin said.

I have never gotten such a terrible draw.

Also, your daughter's birth character

clashes with our entire family's.

Where do you want us to move to?

You need to give me some time.

I will contribute to the family.

Contribute?

My eldest grandson injured his head.

Do you call that contribution?

Ah Xi almost became crippled.

You call that contribution?

It is more like an implication.

Dear, let me tell you,

as elders of the family,

we shall make the decision.

The car is here. Everyone, out here.

Zhao Di, come out.

The couple has got good fortune.

This boss has hundreds of hectares of rubber plantations.

Come, Zhao Di.

Look at their luxury car.

You don't need to worry,

just hand your child over to them.

You'll have good fortune in the future.

Your child will have a good life too.

Don't be heartbroken, Zhao Di.

You've done two good deeds today.

First, your family will be safe,

and your lives will be better after this.

Second,

the couple has been married for years,

but they never had a child.

By giving them yours,

you are blessing them

with the luck of fertility.

Hurry and give them the child.

Hurry.

She's adorable.

What a good child.

-We gave away my younger sister, Su Fang. -It's a small token.

-For us to continue living at Grandpa's, -Please take it.

-Mom had no choice, -We'll be leaving.

but to listen to him and give her away.

Who can understand our pain?

And who would be willing to give their child away?

Su Fang was sacrificed.

That was the "contribution"

Mom and Su Fang made to our family.

Hence, we were allowed

to continue living at Grandpa's.

We finally felt a sense of belonging.

End of 1966

Identity Card Registration

Sense of belonging?

How much does it worth? Can we eat it?

Honestly, if living gets too tough,

I will go back to Malaysia.

Look. In the past,

you could return to Malaysia whenever you want to.

Now, you need a passport. It's so troublesome.

What is a passport?

It works like this.

Singapore is a separate country from Malaysia now.

After our registration as Singaporeans,

we'll need a passport to enter Malaysia in the future.

You're twisting your words.

We joined Malaysia for a better life.

But it wasn't long before we got kicked out.

Soon, we have to buy drinking water.

What if they were in a bad mood and refused to sell it to us?

Do we drink from the drains?

That's impossible.

Lee Kuan Yew said,

"We'll declare war if Malaysia cuts our water supply.

We will fight it out with them."

Go to war for water?

That's right.

Cutting our water supply means war.

-We need to fight them. -What do we fight them with?

Our buttocks?

They may be equipped with tanks. What do we have?

Fight them with our night-soil carts?

You are really rude.

All that comes from your mouth is nonsense.

Honestly, Lee Kuan Yew isn't that capable.

He cried on television during his speech.

Do you think he was truly upset?

It was because Malaysia saw Singapore as a piece of barren land

and threw it back to him.

He got so flustered that he cried. Really.

The crying ones should be us, the civilians.

You're so unhappy with Lee Kuan Yew. Don't register for citizenship then.

Just go back to Malaysia.

If the Chinese here weren't the majority,

do you think I would waste my time queueing here?

Dear, a lot of my relatives are in Malaysia.

Why don't we live in Malaysia as well?

The Malaysian government promised

that they will give land to the Malays

and safeguard our children's future.

There are more Malays there, won't you like that?

My mom gave birth to me here.

Most of the friends that I know are here.

If we moved there, we'd have to begin our lives from the start.

Who will come to help when I need it?

The Malaysian government is confident that they will be able to help us.

-Really? -They have vast resources.

There are rubber plantations and also oils.

There are tin mines as well.

They have everything.

Our children's future will be brighter.

Really?

We can have more children if we're there.

We already have five.

-How many more do you want? -Ten.

Ten?

Do you think I am a machine?

Dear, look at the neighbor next door. They have 12 children.

Another one has 15 children.

They have enough to form a football team.

We can only form a table tennis team.

-Just five. How is that enough? -That's enough!

If you want to go, go by yourself.

If you want more kids, you may have more.

Alive or dead, I will still be here.

If you leave, I can get three more wives.

What? Do you want to die?

Are you trying to flirt? Are you crazy?

You already have a lot of children!

What's this? Are you out of your mind?

Okay.

Here.

After we became Singapore citizens,

our lives did not have a big difference.

-Everything remains unchanged. -Thank you.

Until...

National Service registration starts on the 28th of this month.

Male citizens born between January 1st and June 30th, 1949,

have to register as per the scheduled date

-Sir. -to participate in the National Service.

What's with the crowd?

What year was your brother born in?

Him? 1949.

Congratulations.

The government is enlisting your brother for the army.

-Army? -Army?

February 1968

Chin Joo Soon.

Anan Krishnan.

Lim Ah Xi.

Muthu Samudin.

Tan Ah Kao.

All three of you are Tan Ah Kao?

Chim Swee Khoon.

Okay. All of you may take your belongings.

Then, board the tonner. Make it quick.

Move along, up that military tonner.

All up the tonner.

Why must Lee Kuan Yew

send all the young men to the army?

With the British Army gone, how can my grocery store survive?

What are you recording?

The tonner's plate number.

I will place my private bets with Cannon later.

He allows me to do monthly credit.

Don't gamble too much.

I know.

Just like that, Uncle Ah Xi went to the army.

The British Army was withdrawing its troops gradually.

Therefore, we started our own armed forces

as we are an independent country now.

April 1968

Handle the offerings with care.

What are these, Mom?

These?

I think the elections are coming.

Elections?

What is an election?

I am not too sure.

All of us have to vote for someone

and the chosen one has to help everyone.

Everybody has to choose one person?

That person must really be capable.

When Shun Fa grows up, he must become that capable person.

What about me?

And me?

We are women.

This is a job for men.

Women only need to bear children,

stay home to do the chores, and look after the children.

-Understand? -Yes.

Walk faster.

May Goddess Guanyin bless Shun Fa with good grades,

and our family's safety and well-being.

What a crowd. Stay close to me.

Careful.

Watch out for the car.

Watch out.

-Vote for us. -Vote for us.

-Vote for us. -Vote for us.

-People's Action Party. -People's Action Party.

Vote for us on April 13th.

People's Action Party.

-People's Action Party. -Please cast a vote for us.

-Vote for us. -Vote for us.

-Support the People's Action Party. -People's Action Party.

-Support the People's Action Party. -People's Action Party.

Goddess Guanyin.

Thank you for bestowing a boy on me.

Please bless Shun Fa with good health

and excellence in his studies.

Please also bless that Su Fang

will be able to ward off and avert disasters

after she has reached their house.

So that when she grows up,

she won't blame me for not being able to take care of her.

Goddess Guanyin.

Please bless that our village

will not be acquired so soon.

I don't have savings and Central Provident Funds.

Goddess Guanyin.

I still have many requests.

Let me think through it first.

Let me think.

Goddess Guanyin.

Please bless for everything to be smooth-sailing

for me, my mom, and the members of 706.

Also, bless those unwilling to pay protection fees

to be voluntary in payment,

so I don't need to use force to get them to pay.

That is sinful.

Also, Goddess Guanyin,

let those heartless gangsters

be caught by the police

so that we the poor will have peaceful days.

Goddess, you must bless me.

Bloody hell.

So coincidental.

Why? You're here to complain to the Goddess?

No.

I just wished for our family to be smooth-sailing.

Didn't the Goddess tell you when you were praying just now?

We, 706, are the Invincible, sent by Goddess Guanyin to protect you.

So don't be so unwilling

when I collect protection fees in the future.

When I was praying to the Goddess,

I told her if you took our protection fees

and fail to protect us,

the Goddess herself will not let you off.

You brat.

Let me say this in front of the Goddess.

Listen carefully.

This village is my territory.

If anyone dares to harass or bully you, tell me.

I will stand up for you. Okay?

You'd better mean what you say.

If not, the Goddess will cut your tongue.

Cut my tongue?

Because you lied.

Wicked girl.

The Goddess is here. Don't do that.

Have some respect.

Sorry. Excuse me.

Let's go.

You two brats.

Don't let me catch you.

Dad, I'm back.

Mom.

I'm back.

Uncle's back.

Good, come here.

Dad, I'm back.

-Back from the army. -Yes.

You're so tanned.

It doesn't matter.

Being tanned makes you look healthy.

This is for you.

Where is Mom?

-Dear, Ah Xi is back. -Mom.

-Uncle. -Good girl.

Uncle.

Was the army tough, Ah Xi?

Don't mention.

The officers are animals.

They made us clean the floor and toilets in the morning.

We had to march and train under the hot sun.

We couldn't sleep well and there was not enough to eat too.

Where did you get this fan?

-Can it be used? -Of course.

The wind is quite strong too.

I got it from my friend.

His dad sells electrical appliances, so I got him to sell at a lower price

for you to use.

You don't need to use the hand fan then.

-Do you think you earn that much? -Don't worry.

Dear.

-This is Ah Xi's token of appreciation. -Hi.

-You're back. -Yes.

Where are Zhao Di and Ah Kun?

Zhao Di is not back yet.

Darn it.

Do you live here?

What are you doing here?

Don't tell me Ah Kun is your relative.

This old geezer.

Your dad?

I am the fourth uncle.

I see, fourth uncle.

Where is Ah Kun? Call him to come out now.

Ah Kun, someone is looking for you.

What is it?

You're back.

Who's looking for me?

-You're Ah Kun? -Who are you?

You're brilliant.

You took potatoes, garlic, and onions from people.

Before you paid, your grocery store got closed down.

And you disappeared.

You troubled others to look for you.

In the end,

they had to rely on 706 to collect money from you.

Did Ah Dai tell you to come?

Not only Ah Dai.

There are Stinky, Bull, and Birdie.

-Do you want me to continue? -No, there's no need.

Dad, Mom, it's fine.

Bring the kids in. Go in.

Let's talk this out.

It is not nice to be seen like this.

You know business at the grocery store is bad.

All because of Lee Kuan Yew

who had nothing better to do than to chase the British Army away.

Now all Singaporeans are left with soursops and rambutans.

No more British soldiers left.

Without them, how can my grocery store survive?

My whole family will have nothing to eat.

So if you need to collect the debt, get it from Lee Kuan Yew.

I don't care about any British soldiers or Commando units.

Come on.

Don't blame it on Lee Kuan Yew.

He didn't ask you to gamble.

With or without him,

your business is already doomed.

Right.

I live nearby, so we're considered fellow villagers.

Don't force me to raise my fist against you.

-Or else, things will get ugly. -No, please don't.

How much do you have now? Hand them all over.

-I don't have a single cent. -Sir.

We're really broke.

Don't pretend.

I heard

that you won the second prize last week.

You won the second prize? Really?

No.

Yes, I did.

I did but I didn't get the prize money.

I placed my bet with Cannon.

All would've been well if I hadn't trusted him.

He disappeared after I won the second prize.

He spent all the money. The whole village is looking for him.

I already told him not to bet with illegal bookies.

If not, nothing would have happened.

Stop telling me where you bought it from.

If I don't get the money today, I will ensure that you will see hell soon.

-Please don't do that. -How about this, sir?

My brother-in-law is back from camp today.

We are about to have dinner.

Mom, why don't we invite these gentlemen to bed?

What did you say?

-To bed. -What?

To bed.

Did I say it wrongly?

You'd better shut up.

My wife is Teochew.

Her pronunciation of "together" sounds like "to bed" in Hokkien.

She meant, "We should dine together."

Thank goodness you explained that.

Otherwise, we wouldn't have stood on ceremony.

Please don't joke about this.

My bed is at the back.

Come, let's go to bed.

She said that the bed is at the back.

Are we here for debts or are we at the brothel?

It's a misunderstanding.

In Teochew, the pronunciation for "table" is similar to "bed."

Come.

Let's talk while we eat.

Sir, have a seat.

Sit here.

Don't stand on ceremony.

-Eat. -Eat.

-What a spread. -Help yourself.

There are chicken, duck, and fish.

Do you still dare say you are broke?

No. This is domestic poultry.

Today is the first time my brother got back from camp,

so my mom prepared a feast.

That's all.

Pig trotters with vinegar.

Sir.

What's your big brother's name?

Ah Long.

Ah Long.

How about this?

I still have some potatoes, ginger, garlic, and onions at home.

You can take this to cover some debts.

I will pay the remaining slowly.

Do you think I am stupid?

Did you think that by treating me to a feast

and topping it with two potatoes and garlic,

I will have your debt canceled?

They already made it clear.

If I don't get the money today,

I will chop off your leg.

What is it?

Why are you here?

I understand now.

Ah Kun is your brother.

Yes, he is.

What's the matter?

As a sister, you should teach your brother

to pay what he owes.

-My brother owes you money? -Yes.

How much do you owe them?

Not much.

Foreign goods, 500 dollars.

Gambling debts, 150 dollars.

A total of 650 dollars.

I don't owe you that much.

Don't simply calculate. You're adding it up until 650 dollars.

Hey, jerk. You dare to shout at me?

It's just a dinner treat and you think I'm a beggar?

I doubt that you're broke.

Search the whole place now.

Please stay calm.

I have a pair of golden earrings.

You can take them as collateral for the debt.

Your sister is pretty good.

Lucky for you.

I'm giving you face

as she always pays 706's protection fees timely.

Don't say I'm heartless.

I'll give you three days.

Three days.

If I still don't get the money,

I won't just chop off one leg.

I'll leave you with none.

Let's go.

Zhao Di, thank you for helping my husband.

Why are you thanking her?

She is my older sister.

It's only natural that she helps me.

Children, go have your meals.

Hey, Zhao Di.

Do you have any more gold accessories?

Hand all of them out to pay those gangsters at one go.

It'll be embarrassing for us if the neighbors knew

that they came to harass us again.

If I had any, I wouldn't have to stay here.

How about you go help out

at your sister's?

I don't want to.

This kind of small business doesn't suit me.

Zhao Di.

Ah Kun is always mean to you.

Why did you use your earrings to help him?

Then why did you wake up early to help me open the store?

-Why not sleep in? -There is no reason.

I missed everyone when I was in camp.

Why did you miss us?

Because we are family.

That's why.

You said it yourself. We're family.

-Place your bets. -Place your bets.

Zhao Di, what are they doing?

-I will go and have a look. -Hey.

They're gambling, what's there to see?

-Don't learn to gamble, it's illegal. -Are you done?

Here we go.

-Open. -Zhao Di.

-Ah Kun is gambling over there. -Open.

-My goodness. -Great!

He just said he had no money to return,

and now he is gambling.

What a useless younger brother.

-Open. -Open.

Ah Kun.

You still dare to gamble?

Stop gambling.

I am just playing...

What is it to you? It's none of your business.

Go away.

-Come. -We'll continue.

-Place your bets. -Come.

I haven't been here in a month.

As expected, it is the most comfortable here.

The army is a waste of time.

I think you've become more obedient.

Really?

-Ah Xi. -Mr. Osman.

You've become bald.

Is it nice to be in the army?

It's not. It's really tough.

How's your business?

Quite okay. It's always good.

Does the camp provide nasi lemak?

No.

Come over and have some.

I really miss this.

Ma'am.

Give him a plate of nasi lemak. He loves it.

More sambal, please.

-The sambal is nice, right? -Yes.

Thank you.

Crap. They are here.

Ma'am.

We meet again.

We get along very well.

Why do you look sad?

You can't stand it?

Regarding yesterday,

I gave you credit since you paid me.

Just a blink of an eye and it's time to collect money again.

Look.

Only the two of you. How troublesome.

Don't try to fool me!

Business hasn't been good this month. There is only so much.

Stop lying.

Please don't hurt us. We don't want any chaos.

Sir.

There's not enough money.

Your songkok?

Your scarf?

There's nothing.

Quick.

No?

Here?

No.

Here?

It's also empty.

Below it.

Where?

Why is it here?

You asked me to put it here yesterday.

Sir, can you lower the protection fees for us?

We can.

But if someone bullies you, I'll lower your level of protection too.

You can ask Zhao Di.

How did I protect her yesterday?

That wasn't protecting.

You only know how to collect money.

You're like the British soldiers You only know how to collect money.

When the Japanese invaded, all they knew was to run.

The hawker inspectors are here.

Run. The hawker inspectors are here.

-Look. The Japanese are here. -The hawker inspectors are here.

You're going to run, right? Aren't you the British soldiers?

I hate gutless people like you.

Lazy bums who only collect money.

Run!

Remember what you said in front of the Goddess?

You promised you'll protect us.

If you are a man, do as you promised.

Sir, you said you will protect us.

Then protect us now.

706!

Attack!

Blood?

Police.

You son of a gun.

You bootlicker.

We are 706. The Invincible.

Catch us if you can.

You assaulted the inspector?

Let's go.

Why do you two keep scratching your bottoms?

Mom, my buttocks are itchy.

Me too, Mom.

It should be the roundworm.

Su Ting.

Get me a tin can.

-Place some kerosene inside. -Okay.

Let me have a look.

That's a huge one.

There are two.

No wonder you can't put on weight despite eating so much.

So frail and weak.

All full of roundworms.

Shun Fa, let me have a look.

Come.

Yours isn't small either.

Why didn't they take medicine?

We finished it.

Why didn't you tell me?

I will have to make a trip to Thye Shan Medical Hall.

Burn this.

Su Ting, get a bowl of boiling water.

Sky

Last one.

Let the sick kitty be healthy after drinking this.

Your buttocks don't itch, right?

Is it tasty?

Mom, my buttocks are itchy too.

I also want to drink it.

Are your buttocks itchy?

Or are you itching for a beating?

Police! Stop running!

Stop! CID!

Over there.

Darn it. Run!

Stop! Weren't you guys very arrogant?

706, get all your members here if you can!

Police! Stop now!

You can't run!

-You got the wrong person. -Where do you think you're going?

Stop right there.

Have you done your homework?

I don't have my textbook.

Why don't you have it?

Weren't you using your cousin's textbooks?

His books can't be used.

The school revised the syllabus.

Revised the syllabus?

-How many textbooks can't be used? -Six to seven.

Six to seven new textbooks?

Where will I get the money to get the textbooks?

Your school is too much.

It has been months since school started. Why do you only say it now?

Actually, we changed textbooks at the start of the year,

but I kept putting it off.

The teacher said that I can't put it off any longer.

It's all that heartless gangster's fault.

The money we earned was snatched away.

If not, we'll have money to get your textbooks and medicine.

Who?

Don't scream.

Help me.

The police are out there trying to arrest me.

Let me hide here.

Why is 706 afraid of the police?

It's best if you get caught.

Keep quiet.

I'm telling you.

The police are on my heels.

Because of what you said.

I stood up for you.

Stop running!

Stop running!

Why are you running away now?

You were so arrogant when you hit the inspectors.

I still have a family to feed.

Thank you.

Take your siblings inside.

Get them to bed. Hurry.

Coming.

Police.

Ma'am.

My colleague saw the person we are about to apprehend

running towards your house.

I wonder if he entered your house.

-No. No one came, right? -Yes, no one came.

Really?

-Yes. -Yes.

Can I take a look inside?

Sure, go ahead. Come in.

Take a look there.

And you, over there.

Were the kids doing their homework?

-They are sleeping now. -Sleeping.

Let me have a look.

These are just some kitchenware.

Over here.

Have a look.

Ma'am.

What is inside this?

I sell soy milk.

This is used to store the soybeans.

Open it.

Soybeans.

They're quite fresh.

I'm telling you, this is very expensive.

When I am not around, remember to water it.

If not, you'll get it from me.

-Who's that? -Who's that?

-My younger brother. -Who are you?

He's the police. He's here to arrest someone.

I'm the police.

Who are you arresting?

Do you know a gangster called Ah Long?

Ah Long from 706.

It's best if you arrest him.

Collecting protection fees from everyone, making it difficult for us to do business.

Have him arrested and our village will be in peace.

Rest assured.

I'll bring him to the police station once I see him.

We won't trouble you to make the extra trip here.

Arrest him under Section 55 and keep him jailed until 55.

Thank you for your co-operation.

If that's the case, I shall not impose.

-Let's go. -Take care.

Close the door.

Zhao Di, on the way back,

we saw riot control and police rounding up gangsters.

That gangster is really an idiot.

Are they that stupid to even assault a government officer?

Don't they know who their boss is?

His mom forgot to give him his brain when she gave birth to him.

Where are the kids?

They are asleep.

Clean up the desk if they are.

It's already so late. Don't waste electricity.

Switch it off and go to sleep.

Go to bed.

Su Ting.

Stay here and keep a lookout.

If someone comes, let me know.

Are you okay?

-Are the police gone? -They already left.

Wait. Don't go that way.

Leave from here.

-People's Action Party. -People's Action Party.

Do come and support us on April 13.

-People's Action Party. -If you give us your vote

to form the government,

we will get foreign companies into Singapore

to invest in factory construction.

Everyone would have jobs.

We will also redevelop everyone's village,

build more apartments, factories,

wet markets, and roads.

No more worries about fire hazards

or fear of inspectors while doing business.

Am I right?

-Right. -Right.

Please support us. The People's Action Party.

-Cast your votes for us on April 13th. -People's Action Party.

-Vote for us. -Vote for us.

-Why are you here? -Vote for us.

-People's Action Party. -People's Action Party.

There are many plainclothes policemen around.

-Dad. -People's Action Party.

The medication and textbooks are inside. Take it.

-People's Action Party. -People's Action Party.

-People's Action Party. -Was that Ah Long?

-People's Action Party. -Hem and haw, must be.

-People's Action Party. -Sir, I saw Ah Long run to the back.

-Really? Thank you. -Yes.

-Vote for us. People's Action Party. -Why did Ah Long come here?

I have no idea.

Stop! Ah Long from 706. Tie him up!

Let go! Let go of me!

We will get foreign companies into Singapore

to invest in factory construction.

Everyone would have jobs.

We will also redevelop everyone's village,

build more apartments, factories,

-Who does he think he's messing with? -wet markets, and roads.

Now, I don't have to return the money anymore.

Before the elections, many said that they will be able to help us

and improve our lives.

Now that the elections are over,

those that weren't elected disappeared.

Those elected, the ones in white,

will they really be able to improve our lives?

We're really in trouble this time!

I wonder who were the blind ones

that elected them as the government.

There are so many unemployed people.

Does this government really know what to do?

We are in deep trouble.

How about we go back to Malaysia?

The Chinese are the majority here.

That's true too. They're coming.

How awe-inspiring!

-People's Action Party. -People's Action Party.

That's impressive.

-People's Action Party. -Thank you for your support.

-Thank you! -People's Action Party.

-People's Action Party. -Thank you. People's Action Party.

People's Action Party.

Boy, what are you cheering for?

-No idea. People's Action Party. -People's Action Party.

Not long after, for no rhyme or reason,

many foreign corporations

started opening factories here.

Everyone was then able to get jobs.

They had a stable income and even received CPF.

Right.

CPF is having the government use our money

to make compulsory savings for us,

but when we are in need of it,

we can't retrieve it.

It can only be used for buying houses.

Isn't it our money? Why can't we take it out?

I'm young and I can't comprehend the reasons behind it.

Perhaps I'll understand it when I'm older.

Mom and Mr. Osman took this opportunity

and applied for a stall in the American factory.

They will be able to avoid the inspectors

and the gangsters' harassment.

No spoons.

We use our hands.

Delicious.

You pinch it like this.

-Mix it. Eat. -No.

It's delicious.

Try it.

No, thank you.

Sorry.

-Heaven is fair. -Sir.

Little did one expect the person in charge of the factory

to be Mr. Teo, Mom's regular customer.

So, we were able to get a stall.

Mr. Teo really is our savior.

The illegal street hawkers

were chased out to start a business at the newly built markets.

Since the rental was cheap,

even Uncle Ah Kun who was always complaining about the government

went to apply for a stall to sell vegetables.

Ma'am, are your hands very itchy?

You keep pinching my vegetables. Will you buy them?

They are not fresh.

They won't be, with the way you pinch them.

Hello, everybody.

-The inspector is here. -Morning, everyone.

-Don't be afraid. -How do you do?

I am no longer the inspector.

Hello.

I work for the People's Association now.

He's the Member of Parliament you guys voted for.

He's here to greet everyone.

-You are the MP? -Yes.

You look so different from the photos.

-Is that so? -But that doesn't matter.

I just find it unfair that our stalls

are allocated by balloting.

-Why do you say that? -Take a look.

Those stalls in front are earning more money.

People will just buy from them and leave.

Who will buy from the stalls at the back?

Look. Not even a mosquito in sight.

All the vegetables I purchased are still here.

It has been a week and they are still unsold.

Even fresh vegetables will become stale.

Sir, balloting for stall spots is fair.

With so many people balloting,

some are bound to be in front

and some at the back.

However, you don't have to worry.

There are many apartments that are being built around.

Right.

Once people start moving in, you will have new customers.

That's right. I already told him.

But he's full of nonsense and can't listen properly.

Don't worry. Just bear through this period.

-Thank you. -Okay.

Hello.

Shorty, what did you just say?

I didn't get what you said.

What did you say?

I said you were eating abalone and shark's fin.

-Are you happy? -I'll slap you.

Honestly, even I can be an MP.

I'll join in the next election.

We shall see who wins.

Dear, stop nagging.

Didn't you vote for him?

Of course not.

On the voting day, after I got the voting slip,

I saw a box next to "People's Action Party"

and I wrote a cross.

A cross means you didn't select him.

-What? -Are you an idiot?

By putting a cross, it means you selected him.

That's impossible.

Putting a tick means to select.

Putting a cross means you didn't.

Don't you know that?

I won't argue with you. I'll let you win this time around.

The radio announced it too.

Put a cross next to who you want to elect.

No one puts ticks.

Why didn't you say so earlier?

I thought you knew.

Get back to work.

-Ah Kun. -What?

After we moved to this indoor wet market,

we don't need to fear the weather conditions

or gangsters that might come to collect protection fees.

Of course we don't need to fear the inspectors.

-Life is not that bad. -Yes.

Ah Kun, you're always complaining

and picking on the government.

If you have guts, don't apply for a stall from the government.

I have no guts?

I'll really punch you.

Are you fine with this?

Having to sell vegetables when the day is still dark.

Standing all day long. Do you know how much my legs ache?

I finally understand.

-You don't want to stand and earn. -So how?

Why don't you try earning while sitting down?

-Sit and earn? How? -Yes.

-Drive an illegal taxi. -Is it profitable?

It is.

My friend does it.

He drives to crowded marketplaces in the morning

and the lively red-light district at night.

Huge crowds of people.

Within a year,

he bought three illegal taxis.

Illegal taxis?

What's this?

Why are there so many gold accessories?

This is the dowry you gave me when I got married.

Really.

Keep them well. Don't misplace them.

If the gangsters had found them the other day,

we would've been in deep trouble.

I have money to get an illegal taxi now.

Illegal taxi?

This is the last of my fortune.

You cannot sell them.

I haven't gambled in a long while.

At most, I only bought lottery tickets.

Just think.

If God was going to bless you with wealth,

but you didn't place your bet,

there's nothing can be done too, right?

So you still have to place some bets.

Place some bets

and have hope.

If you really have to bet, do it legally.

A small amount of gambling will do.

I know it's just lottery tickets, but you need to know your limit.

Don't bet excessively.

Honestly, if you win,

even one lottery ticket will get you the top prize.

Even if you sell me to gamble, but if you have no luck,

-you would still lose everything. -I got it.

Stop nagging.

If you're going to drive an illegal taxi,

and with our vegetable stall doing badly,

maybe we should just close our business.

Bring it here.

Illegal taxi.

Sir, give us a better price.

Just this amount?

Pawn Shop

-So heartless. -Is it too little?

With this amount, you can only buy an engine, not a car.

If I buy a car, then I can't buy an engine.

Ah Kun.

Did you lose money? Are you pawning something?

No, I was trying to get an illegal taxi.

-But I don't have enough money. -Don't lie to me.

Your sister is selling bean curd at the American factory.

It's doing well.

That's not making money, she's raking it.

Why don't you get some from her?

This factory is so huge,

no wonder Zhao Di's business is doing well.

I got you the application form.

You can apply to work here.

You would be getting CPF and a stable income. It's great!

Why don't you work here too?

-Then you'll have CPF too. -No way. This is a woman's job.

If I work here, I will never make it big.

This place is quite spacious.

Zhao Di.

Are you free? Don't you need to go to the wet market?

Uncle, Aunt. What would you like to drink?

Anything would do.

It is impossible to work in a wet market.

The place smells and it's really crowded.

How much can I earn?

I have something to discuss with you.

Have a seat and let's talk.

Sit down.

What is it?

The factory is huge and it has 800 employees.

The business should be flourishing.

Uncle, Aunt, here's your bean curd.

It's just a small business. No need to be afraid of the inspectors.

-We don't have to pay protection fees. -That's true.

I was wondering

if you could be my sponsor and buy me a car.

I want to drive an illegal taxi.

We can drive Dad and Mom to town occasionally.

The kids can come along with you.

Wouldn't it be nice for the whole family to go out on a trip?

-But... -I know what you're thinking.

I have pawned Ah Feng's gold accessories.

-Gold accessories? -Gold accessories?

Yes, her dowry. But I'm still short of 500 dollars.

Ah Kun.

I haven't seen you for so long.

What are you chatting about?

-Just random talks. -Random talks?

Tell me. Maybe I can be of help.

Okay, all right.

Can you loan me 500 dollars?

I don't have enough cash.

What? You don't have enough cucumbers?

My wife always does that.

-She only tells me when we run out of it. -Dear.

Is something wrong with your eyes?

They are rotten.

-They aren't. -They are.

The cucumbers are rotten.

They aren't.

I will go to the wet market to get cucumbers.

Once we talk about money, he runs away. Is he really your good friend?

Ah Kun, I don't have that much money.

How is that possible? You have 800 employees here.

If everyone drinks a cup of soybean milk every day,

you will earn 40 dollars.

You earn at least 1,000 dollars a month.

Not all employees buy from me.

Even if they don't,

you should have some from when you sold your daughter.

There should be one or two thousand dollars, right?

It's no secret how much that red packet is worth.

Even if you didn't tell us,

the whole village knows.

There is a market price.

When you moved back,

you said you would contribute to the family.

What about now?

You might not know this.

Why do you think you can still stay at our place?

If not for us putting in good words in front of Dad,

you would be sleeping on the streets long ago.

Don't forget.

You are my elder sister.

Let's go.

Let's go.

May 1969

Ah Kun.

Did something happen? Why can't we pass?

The Malays and the Chinese are causing some trouble.

They're causing trouble in the middle of the city?

Stop talking nonsense. The police will catch you.

-Ma'am, get off. -What?

They are in an intense situation.

This is only half the journey, and you expect me to get off now?

-You're too much. -I'll only take half the fees from you.

Do you still want me to pay? It's only half the journey!

-Forget it. I don't want it. Get off. -How can you do this?

Run while you still can.

-How can I get home if I get off now? -Don't talk nonsense.

You can walk. Just get off.

That's too much.

You're too much.

I have no choice. Find a place quickly and hide.

This is too much.

Did they get into physical conflicts? Was it out of control?

No, stop talking nonsense.

-Hurry up and go home. -Right.

I have to inform Zhao Di, Mom, and Ah Feng.

There are so many Malays in their factory.

-Don't talk nonsense. -I know.

Remember.

-Don't run your mouth! -I know.

That's the government for you.

Even when things are out of hand, we're still not allowed to talk.

They're still trying to cover up the truth.

Fatimah made this.

-It is nice? -It's delicious.

I will go over to your place tonight

and bring more pastries over.

You can taste it. If it's nice, tell me.

I want to sell them to the Chinese.

-Is that possible? -Yes. No problem.

Aunt, Fatimah made these.

Zhao Di, it's so scary.

Both the Chinese and Malays are in conflict again.

-Where is Mom? Mom! -Here.

-There is a conflict between both races. -Are you serious?

-Yes. -What did you say?

What nonsense are you talking about? Physical conflicts?

Where did you get that from?

Stop talking nonsense.

I am not. I was driving my taxi just now.

When I reached the city, I met Ah Xi and he's on guard duty.

He said both races have engaged in physical conflict.

It's chaotic out there.

-That is scary. -It's terrifying.

Sir, stop spreading rumors.

I'm telling the truth.

I saw it with my own eyes.

Ah Kun.

Run for our lives. Just run away quickly!

Run for your life!

That's enough. Stop fighting.

We will leave with you. You leave with Aunt.

Ah Feng.

-Find Shun Fa. I'll wait outside for you. -Let's go.

Shun Fa.

Shun Fa.

Shun Fa.

Shun Fa.

Stop the car! Su Ting hasn't got on.

She is at the back.

Su Ting.

Get in quickly!

Shun Fa is already in the car.

Hurry up!

In that era, for some unknown reason,

-boys were precious while girls were not. -Where were you? You can't even

-do something so simple. Get in. -But strangely, as a female,

-one never found anything wrong with it -Come on.

and accepted it.

Learning from the 1964's racial riot,

the government was worried that rumors would spread

and worsen the situation.

Hence, they sent staff from Community Centers

to villages to explain the situation,

appealing for the crowd to stay calm.

Goodness, what happened? How did things turn out like this?

How would I know why it happened?

Everyone is doing this now.

I also informed our neighbors

to sharpen the bamboo poles.

Whoever dares to come, we'll take them on with our lives.

Ah Kun.

Our village seems peaceful, do we really have to do this?

It will be too late to start when it happens.

Stop talking and start sharpening.

Hello? Anyone?

Gentlemen, have you eaten yet?

What is it?

Don't be nervous.

I am from the People's Association.

I'm here to inform everyone

that the small misunderstanding between the races

is under the government's control.

-Completely under control? -Yes, completely under control.

Please don't believe the rumors.

Don't listen to rumors.

Okay?

-Okay? -Yes. Thank you.

-Great. Goodbye. -Bye.

That civil servant is too funny.

He's lying through his teeth.

"Under control"?

Ah Xi told me there's a conflict between the races.

It's a huge mess out there.

Can that be controlled so easily?

Do you remember what happened in 1964?

There was chaos everywhere.

There were burning of cars, houses, and shops.

All that could burn were burnt.

How can it be that easy to control?

Ah Kun. Listen.

If the government sent someone to give the notice,

then I believe the incident this time around

isn't as serious as it was in 1964.

I think so too.

What do you know?

What are we supposed to do now?

What should we do?

Get out the knives, parings, and bamboo poles.

Grind and sharpen them.

Whoever dares to come, I'll take them on with my life.

What else?

Dear, some people are saying

there's tension between the races now.

Do you still want to bring these pastries to the Chinese village?

My heart won't be at ease if I don't do this.

We've promised them, haven't we?

What's the most important value?

Promise.

Nothing will happen. Come.

Just tag along, Fatimah. It will be fine.

You don't have to worry.

Come on. Hurry up!

Inspectors!

Hide all the pastries!

Sorry, sir!

-I'm giving these to my friends. -Don't be nervous.

-Please listen to me first. -They're for my friends.

-I'm no longer an inspector. -They're for my friends.

Listen to me first.

I'm no longer an inspector now.

Where are you working now?

I am working at the Residents' Committee.

He's a civil servant now.

I came over to inform you

that the small misunderstanding between the Malays and Chinese

is under the government's control.

That's great.

We Malays will feel at ease too.

Have the Chinese been informed?

Of course. I'm going door-to-door to do that.

Regardless of race,

we all must help one another and work together.

That is racial harmony.

Otherwise, we cannot survive.

-Are you sure the Chinese knew about this? -Yes.

He said it's fine, so everything must be good.

Come, let's deliver the pastries.

These pastries look delicious.

You confiscated quite an amount as an inspector. Didn't you try it before?

I've got to go.

Mr. Shamugen, have a taste.

-I made these. -Mr. Shamugen, it's my treat.

This is ridiculous. Give it to me.

We are friends with the Malays in the next village.

Why would they do this to us?

Only you think so.

Do you even know what they think of you?

Let me tell all of you then.

There's tension between the races now.

We have to protect ourselves.

When they come for us, we will use this bamboo.

Especially this sharp end here to fight them.

If they come from this direction, we will stab from here.

If they come from this direction, stab from here.

If they come from this direction, stab here.

If they come from this direction, we will stab...

-Pastries? -My friend.

The Malays are here!

-Wait, pastries... -Eat friend...

"Eat friend"?

It's Osman and Fatimah. Put that down.

Osman is Malay.

He was waving a knife at me earlier.

Ah Kun, don't panic.

It was a misunderstanding.

Osman is my longtime friend.

He's just here to send pastries.

This is serious.

No.

I have to go and explain.

Isn't it dangerous if you head over now?

They won't hurt me.

Look at your sister.

Go back to your rooms now.

Dear, go have a look.

Zhao Di, wait. Don't go.

Si Shu, you don't need to follow me.

I need to explain to Osman.

Are you sure they won't do anything to you?

They've been our friends for so long.

Once I explain, everything will be all right.

You can go back. I'll be back soon.

-It's safer if I'm with you. -Okay. Let's go then.

What are you hiding behind you?

Nothing.

Let me have a look.

It's...

Why are you hiding a kitchen knife?

How can we go over there without this?

If they see you holding this,

it will cause an issue.

You can't take this with you.

Mom.

-Mom. -Why are you here?

I was thinking, if you brought a child with you,

it won't look like you are asking for a fight.

That sounds reasonable.

You're so clever.

Okay. Let's go.

Si Shu, don't bring the kitchen knife.

-Watch your step. -Be careful.

We need to protect our village.

-Right. -Right.

-Osman is back. -You're back.

What's the matter?

-Nothing. -Nothing?

-What do you mean there's nothing? -Nothing's the matter.

They were very hostile.

-What do you mean? -Nonsense.

It's a problem for us if there's an argument.

How is that so?

I still need to pass through the Chinese village to chop coconuts.

Did you hear that?

They are going to chop our heads.

No, chop "coconuts." Not heads.

Coconut.

-Human heads. -Coconut.

-Human heads. -Coconut.

Grandpa.

I heard coconut.

Coconut?

Coconut.

If you misheard it,

once we step out from here, our heads will roll like coconuts.

It won't.

-Let's go out together. -Okay.

We can still make it if we leave now.

Don't be afraid.

Osman is my good friend.

We won't be able to leave now.

Look. There are only three of them.

There is a young girl and an old man.

There are so many of us and only three of them.

There's no problem.

Is there no one at the back?

No.

Just the three of us.

Listen to me.

Zhao Di, no need to explain.

I saw Ah Kun and your family all prepared with their weapons.

Yes.

I have advised him to not behave like this.

You know how wicked his mouth is.

We have been friends for so long.

The affairs of others are none of our concerns.

We are friends. We're not fighting, right?

We are all friends.

We're not fighting.

We're all neighbors.

Are you serious?

Yes, I'm serious.

I'm sure he's serious.

If they don't treat us as friends

and don't trust us,

they won't dare come to us

in such a situation.

Just like how you trust us,

that's why you brought the pastries over.

Uncle Osman.

I have many Malay friends too.

Look.

Even the kids say so.

Zhao Di.

We must let everyone know

that Chinese and Malays are good friends.

We will set up our stalls as usual tomorrow.

Let everyone know we are still good friends.

It's a deal.

Deal.

In that case,

I can continue going to the Chinese village

to cut human heads.

I heard it loud and clear this time.

No, it's just a slip of the tongue.

It's "coconut."

How could you make a mistake like that?

He likes to joke around.

Thank goodness they are good neighbors

who are willing to listen to what we have to say.

Yes. Otherwise, there would be chaos.

Mom, look.

What is it?

What happened?

Why are there police cars?

Why are there police cars?

Move.

Ah Kun.

-Why are you hitting my brother? -Why are you hitting my son?

Someone reported that your son was spreading rumors

about conflicts between the races.

Chaos on the streets and troubles everywhere.

It has caused tension between the races.

It has given us so much extra work.

-Come with me. -It's a misunderstanding.

It's a misunderstanding.

-He didn't mean it. -It's a misunderstanding.

That fatty Osman framed me.

-Don't catch me. -Get in!

Dad, save me!

Dad!

-That was how Uncle got caught. -Don't take me away!

-Don't take me away! -That year,

the government arrested thousands of potential troublemakers,

gangsters, and rebels.

That was how the chaos was brought to an end so quickly.

It's also the main reason

why the riots in 1969 were less serious than in 1964.

Ah Kun was arrested.

Last night?

I'm worried that Ah Kun will be beaten up when he's in jail.

Stop making assumptions.

He will definitely be beaten.

Why is that so?

It's just like nasi lemak.

Look. Rice. Chili sauce.

Chili sauce. Cucumber.

Arrested. Police.

Police. Get beaten.

Do you know anyone that can help?

Let me think.

Let's open up our stall.

Nasi lemak and soy milk, 10 cents

The nasi lemak and soybean milk package

is very cheap.

-Ten cents -Come and try.

-for nasi lemak and soybean milk. -It's only ten cents.

-Nasi lemak and soybean milk. -It's cheap.

-Nasi lemak and soybean milk. -Try it. Come.

-Try it. -In this sensitive time,

Mom and Uncle Osman

collaborated to reduce the tension between races

and came out with a nasi lemak and soybean milk package.

It represented the togetherness of everyone

and showed off the village spirit.

This initiative gained them praises from the MP.

People's Association Award Ceremony

-Congratulations. -Congratulations.

If you tell Mr. Lim about the situation, he might be able to help.

Mr. Shamugen, how are you?

-How are you? -I'm fine.

Mr. Lim.

Thank you.

This is Zhao Di.

She has a request.

Hi, sir.

I have a favor to ask you.

What is it?

My brother got arrested recently,

but he didn't mean it.

He has always been that way.

He has a wicked mouth, but he means no harm.

He won't say things to disrupt society's peace.

I can be the witness.

I've known him as my neighbor for years.

I know him. He is not a bad person.

I see.

Do you know anybody from Home Affairs?

I know some people there.

Let me check. But no guarantee.

I'll help you ask around.

Don't worry.

Thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

-Please take a seat. -Thank you.

I have talked to the officer.

He will ask a few questions later.

Just answer them.

Can I trouble you

to hand this to the officer?

This won't do.

Lee Kuan Yew hates bribes.

Ah Kun won't be the only one in trouble,

you will be in trouble too.

How about this?

You can give this to the officer's dad.

Are you mad, sir?

Ah Kun won't be the only one in trouble,

you will be in trouble. So will I.

Everyone will be in trouble.

So stop playing tricks.

No need for that.

Please keep it.

Is your superior ready to meet them?

No, they'll need to wait for a while.

He is busy at the moment, but it'll be your turn soon.

She said we still need to wait.

It's late. I have to go.

Just tell the officer nicely.

He will help you.

-Thank you. -Good luck. Goodbye.

Sorry. The bus I was on had a punctured tire.

-What's the situation like? -He wants us to wait.

Wait?

-Hi. -Hi.

Your sister can't speak English. You shall be the translator later.

-Understood. -Okay. You can go in now.

-Let's go. -Wait.

No need for so many people. Just one will do.

What did she say?

Let me do it.

Can I go in as well?

Because I am her brother,

I need to translate for her.

-She can't speak English. -Don't worry. He understands Hokkien.

That's good.

No need to worry.

The officer understands Hokkien.

That's great.

Thank you.

You are so kind and beautiful.

I'm smelly?

No.

You are so kind and beautiful.

-Thank you. -Yes.

You may go in.

I'll go in then.

One month later

Taxi?

That should be Ah Kun.

Ah Kun is back.

-Dad is back. -Dad!

-Ah Kun is back. -Dad!

-Ah Kun is back. -Dad.

-You are back. -Dad.

-Dad. -Good.

Where is my illegal taxi?

We sold it.

Sold it?

Why didn't you ask me before you did that?

How can I ask you if you were in jail?

You can wait until I get out. Can't you wait for eight months?

Would you have died if you waited?

You sold my car without my permission.

How do I make a living in the future?

By eating trash?

Wait.

You need to step over the stove.

Change your luck.

Can I change my luck by stepping over this?

I did it. Has my luck changed?

Will my car return?

Dear, you were locked up for eight months.

If we didn't sell the car,

what would the kids and your parents eat?

Plus, I am a woman.

What do you want me to do?

What about Zhao Di? Didn't she help with anything?

If she didn't, would you be here?

Just for you,

we went everywhere we could to plead for your release.

How could you say something so heartless?

Heartless?

Who is the heartless one here?

I was caught because she and Osman framed me.

Do you think I don't know that?

Don't talk nonsense!

Don't accuse Osman and me.

"Accuse"? Do you think I have nothing better to do?

Dear, others were locked up for eight to ten years.

You were only locked up for eight months.

Don't you wonder why?

Because I was obedient and likable.

They said I resembled the skinny comedian from the comedic duo.

If I were to rely on you people,

the police would have killed me like a dog.

I feel like killing you now.

That's enough.

All these were blessed by the Goddess and deities.

After all that time in jail,

you look malnourished.

Here's chicken essence for you.

I'll drink it after my shower.

Let me tell you.

You should drink one bottle every day.

It's good for your health.

Do you think I am a flower that needs watering every day?

I'll drink it after my shower.

Remember to use the flower water to bathe.

Have your dinner after your bath.

-Let's eat. -Let's eat.

Go away. Don't sit here.

-I don't want to. -Don't sit here.

Just sit. What's there to fight over?

There are so many chairs.

Why are you fighting over that seat?

Ah Hai, come over.

Let's eat.

Eat while it's still hot. Come.

Let's eat.

There are so many seats.

Why must you sit here?

You can have that seat, I'll move.

Ah Hai, sit here.

Ah Kun, talk slowly.

Shun Fa is sleeping.

Haven't you calmed down after a shower?

I was in jail for eight months.

Will the grievance just vanish right after a shower?

We'll be having dinner soon. Why are you eating biscuits?

It's just a biscuit, but you have to nag.

When you sold my car, did you ask me?

Do I need to send an application to eat a biscuit?

You know that coffee and biscuits are my everything.

I'll die if I'm not allowed to eat them.

Okay, it was my fault.

Dad.

This is a letter from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority.

They want you to pay the farming permit fees.

Fifteen dollars. Look.

There's an increase in price again.

We are not even raising pigs.

but the fees keep increasing every year.

We are not farming anymore.

How about we stop paying? Don't waste money.

It's not worth it.

What do you women know?

How about this?

Ah Kun, you just got released.

I will give you my farming permit.

You don't have a job at the moment anyway.

You can earn money by raising pigs.

Did you hear the thunder roaring?

Are you asking me to raise pigs? Even Heaven is against it.

Do you know how dirty it is to raise pigs?

You have to bathe them and wipe their buttocks.

I will not earn money with that kind of work.

I'm worried that with your track record,

it'll be difficult for you to get a job.

It's fine if you don't want to do it.

It doesn't cost you anything to be kind.

I was treated like a pig during the eight months I was in jail.

Now that I'm out, you want me to raise pigs?

Since you don't want to do it, then Ah Xi, you do it.

Me? Raising the pigs? No way, I don't want to.

After getting out of the army, I'm going to be a bus conductor.

I will get paid, get CPF, and free transportation.

Si Shu.

Since they don't want to do it, can I do it instead?

The factory is currently changing the bosses.

Plus, my permit will end this month.

If I have the farming permit, I can raise chickens, pigs, and ducks.

My kids can help with odd jobs at home too.

-To help with the expenses. -You really don't want to do it?

No way.

At least recommend a better job.

If there's none, don't bother.

The son of the dry-cleaning shop

just bought a Yellow Top Taxi and is looking for a morning shift driver.

How about that?

That is better. I used to drive an illegal taxi.

You want me to raise pigs?

Why don't you ask the pigs to raise me instead?

I've raised you until what you are now. Am I a pig then?

It's fine if he doesn't want to do it.

Who still raises pigs these days?

Besides, you don't know when the government is going to resettle us.

If we invest all our money and start raising pigs,

then the government evicts us, won't all our money go to waste?

I'm full. You guys can continue eating.

I'll be out drinking with my friends.

It's raining. Do you still want to go out?

What's there to be scared of? It's not a flood.

Do you think I'll drown?

I'm not eating.

I'll be going back to camp.

Both of them are like this.

You can take over then.

This is absurd. Why are there so many leaks?

I have a pot here.

-What day is it today? -The 3rd.

No wonder. The 3rd and 18th bring about water calamities.

Will there be a flood then?

Over there.

Goodness.

It looks like the rain isn't going to stop.

Catch the leaks quickly.

Put the items that can't be dampened on higher grounds.

Ah Feng, pack the children's birth certificates

-and identification cards. -Got it.

Stop playing with the water. It's dirty.

If dead cockroaches, rats, or snakes turn up,

then you'll regret it.

Get up.

Take care of your brother. Stop fooling around.

This is terrible. The electricity suddenly got cut off.

Did the government cut our power supply?

There is a kerosene lamp here. Get the kids in here.

-Stop running. It's dangerous. -Be careful.

I hope the rain stops soon.

The water is coming in.

-Ah Kun should be back soon. -Yes.

Stop playing.

We are smart to have invented stilt houses.

Even if it floods, we have nothing to fear.

Be careful. This is terrible.

I didn't think the water would come in so quickly.

Are the birth certificates and identification cards with you?

Yes.

The rain is pouring, and the water level is rising.

How is Ah Kun going to come back?

This rain is heavy and it's pitch-black outside.

What is Ah Kun doing?

He can't even stay to help out at home.

I think the rain isn't going to stop.

It just took a while for the water level to rise up to the chest.

We have to go.

If we don't, we'll drown and become water spirits.

Why aren't there any people rescuing us?

It's pitch-black outside.

What do we do?

My husband is useless.

He's never around when we need him.

Should we drown,

I won't let him rest in peace.

That brat is useless. We shouldn't have rescued him.

All right. Stop complaining and arguing.

I'll go and take a look which route to take.

Then I'll come back for you.

-Be careful! -Okay.

-Zhao Di, take care. -Okay.

-Mom, be careful. -Mom, be careful.

Dear, you said you were a smart inventor, right?

-Look! What do we do now? -Don't cry.

I promise all of you.

Next time, I will build a much taller house

so that everyone will be safe.

Why is it taking so long?

Why are there no rescuers?

Even I'm a little scared.

Dad, look!

-Over here. -Help!

-Help us here! -Help!

-Ahmad. -Help!

Ahmad, bring the raft closer.

We'll rescue you.

-Come. -Everyone, on the boat.

Up.

Hurry.

-Don't be afraid. -Come on.

They will send you to a safe area.

Get into the boat. Hurry.

Is there anyone else?

Have you been to Zhao Di's?

-Not yet. -This is bad.

My goodness.

It's pitch-black.

The rain's getting heavier.

All the paths and roads are submerged.

How are we going to get out?

Goddess Guanyin, you must bless me.

Is anybody there?

Ak Kun, is that you?

Who is it?

It's me.

Zhao Di?

-Our house is submerged too. -Yes.

Hurry and go home. Everyone's worried.

Why didn't you tell me our house was flooded?

There was no time.

Be careful.

Why did you come from there?

I don't know.

I just walked and turned up here.

You don't need to be afraid.

We have been using this route for years.

Even with our eyes closed...

Ah Kun!

Ah Kun!

Ah Kun!

Ah Kun.

-Is there anyone else out there? -No more.

-Hurry! -Ah Kun!

Snake.

Help!

Osman!

Help! Osman!

-Zhao Di. -Help Ah Kun!

-A snake? -Osman!

Ah Kun!

Hurry.

Young man.

Young man, help!

-Young man, help! -They need help!

Ah Kun, where are you?

Ah Kun.

Are you all right?

Where's Osman?

Are you okay?

Thank you for saving me.

You're welcome.

Thank you.

-Here. Go Up the boat. -Wait.

There are still some people at home.

-Si Shu. Aunt. -Over here.

-Su Ting, get everybody out. -Closer.

-Get the children out. -Come closer.

I'll help you.

Get on.

The 1969 floods seized the lives of some.

Many were homeless

and the state of destruction was serious.

After the government's inquiry

to prevent floods from recurring,

they hired a professional construction company

to dig drains and improve the drainage system

to prevent history from repeating itself.

Citizens Commendation Award

Mr. Osman's brave actions

were once again applauded by the government.

We were very thankful.

The floods were in the past.

Water levels have subsided.

Our house wasn't washed away.

But will the flood occur again?

This, we do not know.

The government said that

the most ideal solution is to move to the apartments.

There will be fewer chances of fire hazards and flooding problems.

To move away from a place we stayed for so many years.

Who would be willing?

But for the country to develop and improve.

Reluctant or not,

it's no longer a choice we can make.

Time gone will no longer return

The past is only for you to ponder

Recalling our old playmates from childhood

With each other's company day and night

Let's set fireworks to kickstart a prosperous new year.

The flower blooms red in the spring breeze

And you are another year older

Your change of heart is irreversible just like time

Tune it.

-Okay, now? -Not yet.

-Tune it further. -My hands are aching from tuning this.

It's still not clear.

-Is it clear now? -Yes.

How is it possible in eight words?

Next, we have...

So this is the HDB apartments? Looks like a pigeon cage.

Not bad. It's built perfectly straight.

It's not slanted.

This is the lift?

Yes. Press this button.

Why do they call it taking the lift?

There are no seats for us to take. We are all standing.

-What happened to you? -Circumcision.

-Circumcision? -It got cut.

It got cut? Your "little bird" got cut?

You're in pain? Stop pretending.

Your dad here did it twice.

I lost two of my teeth. Look.

-It's still there. -I fixed them back.

We are giving our daughter to them,

they should be the ones giving us dowry.

We, the citizens of Singapore.

Regardless of race, language, or religion.

I am afraid Zhao Di will take the compensation money for the farm

and give it to her lover

and do the Lim family wrong.

You're making such malicious accusations.

Because of money, you slander me.

Don't think I don't dare to hit you because your mom is here.

Why did you hit my son?

He has always been quiet.

Now that he has a girlfriend, he is afraid we'll find out.

Xinchengji

1975, the director when he stayed in a kampong.

He was 15 years old.

Born with a comedic face, Mark lee

Handsome as a hero, Wang Lei

Beautiful and youthful, Jing Jing

Director when he was 6 six years old, Director's grandparents

Director's mom's wedding photo

Director's dad

Director's aunt and uncles,

Director's fourth aunt and his kampong house

1976, the director moved houses