Original subtitles

=Love Story in the 1970s=

=Episode 26=

Mr. Yuan,

I actually think this draft turned out pretty well.

What do you think?

This romantic style

is over the top

and impressionistic.

Readers won't like it.

Fang,

you might want to lean more toward realism.

I published two comics last year.

You can refer to that.

Follow that style.

Alright, Mr. Yuan.

Yang, the draft does need some revisions,

but don't worry.

It won't affect your full-time position.

I have a different opinion.

Why are you here?

You are?

This is my wife,

Fei Ni.

I'm also a comic reader.

Mr. Fu.

Mr. Yuan.

I really like Fang Muyang's style.

When it was serialized in the newspaper,

it was very popular with readers.

Young lady,

newspaper serialization is one thing.

Publishing a full book is another.

Readers might write you a few flattering letters,

but that doesn't mean they'll spend their money

on your work.

I understand that.

Mr. Yuan,

you're a senior in drawing comics.

You're a master.

We're truly grateful

that you're willing to guide Muyang.

I've read the revisions

you suggested.

They're very good.

Very moving.

I've also read

your previous works.

Most of the stories

are fictional.

So when you design plots and characters,

the main goal is drama and conflict.

But this piece is different

from your previous style.

It records a real disaster

and an ordinary hero.

The foundation of this story is its authenticity.

Sometimes I think

reality itself is powerful enough.

We just need to record it faithfully.

However,

if this story becomes fictional,

if even the author doesn't believe in it,

how can he draw it

with genuine emotion?

And if he doesn't pour in real feeling,

how can readers feel anything?

Fei Ni, is it?

Can you represent the readers?

Can you represent the masses?

I...

Of course, she can't represent them.

Mr. Yuan,

how about we have a competition?

We each draw one piece

on the same subject.

Let everyone vote without knowing the authors.

We'll see

whose style they really prefer in the end.

Sure, we can compete.

What if you lose?

If I lose, I'll quit the job.

Yang!

You can't gamble your future like this.

Fu.

If I lose,

we'll publish your first draft.

With not a single stroke changed.

Deal.

I know which one is yours.

Alright.

Let's start the voting.

These two pieces

are neck and neck.

It's five to four.

And now,

let's see

who the winning piece belongs to.

(Yuan)

(Jiangcheng Daily)

A bet is a bet.

What are you going to do now?

Instead of drawing things I don't like,

I'd rather spend more time with the person I like.

That works.

I'm on the afternoon shift today.

I'll keep you company.

Okay.

Hop on.

Let's eat something good.

Hold tight, Dear.

(Jiangcheng No. 1 Textile Factory)

(Notice of Admission to Work-Peasant-Soldier University:)

(Zhou Xiangyang, Wang Guojun, Fei Ni. Congratulations.)

You've been going to the school every day.

Have you seen Mujing?

No.

Supposedly,

she should be back

from visiting Qu Hua's grandmother at Jiangnan by now.

Maybe we can find time to visit her.

I'm busy.

You haven't even started work yet.

How busy can you be?

As I said,

I'm busy.

I'm back.

Why are you back so early?

I quit my job at Jiangcheng Daily.

Dad, Mom.

Fei Ni is the only one in our family with a job now.

And she's about to go to university.

Have you been informed

when you'll be reinstated?

I...

Mine should be soon.

The school has notified me to start the paperwork procedure.

Your dad's work might take longer,

but they should be able to arrange something at the Cultural Bureau.

That's good.

Where are you going?

The Educated Youth Office.

I went to the Educated Youth Office today,

and I spoke with Mr. Gao.

He said he'd try to help me sort it out.

We'll have an answer in a few days.

Alright.

That puts my mind at ease.

Let's sell it.

But that was from your mom.

Let's think of another way.

I wanted to give it to Fei Ni,

but

our jobs still aren't settled.

Forget her going to university,

even if she didn't,

the three of us

can't live off our daughter-in-law.

Sell it.

Alright.

As you say.

Mom.

Dad.

We didn't mean to overhear.

If you were planning to give me the bracelet,

you can give it to me now.

It's so beautiful.

I couldn't bear to sell it.

But...

Don't worry.

We'll figure something out.

Fang Muyang.

Does it look good?

Yes.

It's just like mine.

They were both passed down from my grandmother.

Why aren't you wearing?

It's too precious.

I want to keep it safe

and pass it on.

Right?

Yes.

We'll pass it on to our children.

Fang Muyang,

you heard what Mom and Dad said.

Their jobs aren't settled yet.

What are we going to do?

Here's what I'm thinking.

Starting tomorrow,

I'll go to the Educated Youth Office every day

to follow up on it.

Then I'll submit more pieces to the newspaper and magazines

to earn some writing fees.

If the job

doesn't come through soon,

I can also make some furniture to earn extra money.

If it really comes to it,

I'll ask my parents to come over.

We can cook together as one big family.

That'll save a lot.

Fei Ni.

I'm sorry you have to go through this.

We're family.

Don't say that.

Besides,

it was your support that helped me get into university.

Let's hang in there together a little longer.

Let's make the bed.

(Jiangcheng City Educated Youth Office)

Mr. Gao.

Fang,

I was just looking for you.

Is there news about a job?

Well.

There's an opening for a restaurant waiter.

Would you like to try?

Yes.

But

you'll have to pass

their interview first.

That's fine.

Fang,

I've read your file.

I found that

you were a hero who saved someone.

But you may not know much

about Deda Restaurant.

Well,

let me introduce you...

I actually know it quite well.

Sir, I think the restaurant served the best fried pork chop.

The heat is just right.

It's nice and crispy.

The ice cream has a great texture too.

But the borscht is a little bland.

Maybe add half a tomato more.

And when you pan-fry the steak,

you could use more rosemary and thyme.

It'll taste richer.

The bread selection here

is impressive.

Sliced baguette,

dinner rolls,

buttered toast, we've got everything.

And they all taste great.

I can tell you did your research.

Comrade Fang Muyang,

welcome abroad.

Thank you,

Manager.

Here's your water.

Ma'am,

are you satisfied with my service?

Yes.

What would you like to order today?

Our signature is fried pork chop.

The ice cream is good too.

And we have various breads...

Fang Muyang,

are you thinking about going to Deda Restaurant again?

To be precise,

starting tomorrow,

I'll be going to Deda Western Restaurant every day.

You found a job?

Yes.

But you can't cook.

I'm a waiter.

One of the waiters at Deda Western Restaurant

got bacterial dysentery

and can't work,

so there's an opening. (Watch on www,kisskh,ca to support Admin)

Or I wouldn't have gotten in.

And I think

working in a restaurant

lets me meet all kinds of people.

It'll help with my creation.

You draw for the newspaper.

Are you sure

you can handle being a waiter?

Of course.

The moment I step into Deda Western Restaurant,

it feels like home.

I'm totally at ease.

And let me tell you,

not just anyone

can be a waiter there.

They do background checks,

you have to know the menu inside out,

and you need to look presentable.

I went through a lot

to get this job.

Fei Ni,

my salary isn't high,

but I can work harder

and take on extra jobs.

I can support the family.

Then you

can go to university without worries.

Okay.

Alright, I won't disturb you.

Carry on with your study.

Good evening, Sir.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

Wait. Wait.

Which?

What?

Sir.

Good evening.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

I just wanted to hug you.

The fridge is acting up again.

The ice cream is going to melt.

Ms. Xu.

Yes?

What's it?

The fridge is broken again.

If we leave it overnight after closing,

it'll all go bad.

What do we do?

What else?

Throw it away. There isn't much left anyway.

Don't throw it away.

That's such a waste.

Why not give it to me?

Count it

as saving a bit of loss for the country.

Ms. Xu,

leave some for me too.

You two little gluttons.

Take it.

Thank you, Ms. Xu.

- No problem. - Thank you, Ms. Xu.

I'll ask Mr. Zhang to fix the fridge.

I'll get the lunch box.

(The Masses Have Boundless Creativity)

(The Chinese Communist Party is the Core Leadership of the Chinese People)

Quick.

What's wrong?

Why are you being so mysterious?

I brought you ice cream.

Ice cream?

Yes.

It melted.

It's okay. Let me taste it.

Do you want a spoon?

No need.

It's so sweet.

It's sweeter when melted.

Really?

Try it.

You're making such a mess.

Ling Yi.

Chen.

Ling Yi,

I came specifically to see you.

This is for you.

You gave me so many things last time.

I should return the favor.

I hope you write

even better articles.

Don't worry.

I've been looking into

Ye Feng's job situation.

But you know

finance work is...

That's not necessary, Chen.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

He's...

past help.

I didn't expect Ye Feng to be this kind of person.

I don't blame anyone.

I only blame myself for misjudging him.

You can choose again then.

Ling Yi,

a lady as good as you,

shouldn't waste her life

on someone like that.

It pains me when I hear about it.

Do you have class later?

Let me take you to a movie.

Clear your head.

Let's go.

Hello.

Are you still open?

We're closed.

You can come early tomorrow.

You see,

I need to catch a train later.

Could you do me a favor?

What do you want to buy?

Just some pastries.

Alright. You can leave first.

I'm waiting for my husband anyway.

I'll get them for him.

Alright. I'm leaving then.

Thank you.

No problem.

What would you like?

Some fried rice sticks,

royal jelly,

and some walnut cookies too.

Sure.

And the small cookies.

Here you go.

Thank you.

Careful.

Let's go, Lin Mei.

It's Mom's birthday.

What should we get her?

I've already prepared it.

What is it?

Look.

You're always so thoughtful.

Let's go.

What's this?

Oh, no.

What?

That customer from earlier.

(Hongxing Supply Cooperative) Mister!

Where is he?

Who?

I told you.

The customer who just bought things.

He left quickly.

(To Serve the People)

What do I do?

Check what's in the bag.

(To Serve the People)

So much money.

This...

What do we do?

Hand it over.

Hand it over to your superior.

Alright.

No.

They've all gone home.

And

if I keep this much money,

what if someone accuses me of taking it?

Who would believe me?

I don't trust handing it to anyone.

Then what?

Maybe

I'll keep it safe for him.

When he comes back,

I'll return it exactly as it is.

Alright.

Let's go back

and celebrate Mom's birthday first.

Alright.

(To Serve the People) Wait. I forgot the things.

I need to lock up.

Mom,

it's not that I'm eyeing your money. It's a rare opportunity.

Just 400 yuan. With that, I can buy a bike, a sewing machine,

and a watch.

I don't even need to buy a radio.

Then I can get into the transport team.

It's a great opportunity.

That's right, Mom.

You see,

once Lin Song gets into the transport team,

we'll definitely take good care of you and Dad.

Right.

He'll drive big trucks all over the country

and bring all the good things home.

Exactly.

Enough.

How much money have you taken from me

all these years trying to switch jobs?

It all went down the drain.

Did you ever get a job?

Mom,

Real or not,

I don't have money.

So you won't pay

for your own son?

If you weren't going to pay,

why didn't you marry Lin Mei off

to Wang Tengda?

If he were my brother-in-law now,

I'd already be in the transport team.

I could've done anything.

I'd be way better than that useless Fei Ting.

Well,

let Fei Ting and Lin Mei divorce.

Nonsense!

What nonsense are you spouting?

You want your sister to divorce?

Fine.

They're coming later.

Say it to her face.

You ungrateful rascal!

You're insane.

Dad.

Dad.

The kid's playing outside. Aren't you afraid he'll get lost?

Go find him.

Why are you taking it out on me?

Aihong.

Jianshe!

Jianshe!

Mom,

what's wrong?

I saw Dad and Aihong...

If you're back, go cook now.

We're all waiting.

I'll cook.

Did he make you angry again?

Don't mention him.

Alright, Mom.

Don't be upset.

It's your birthday.

Look,

we bought you a gift.

It's pretty.

Look at the pattern.

Do you like it?

Don't be upset.

Daughters are always the best.

Mei,

what are you rummaging for?

I...

I'm looking for

the letters Fei Ting wrote me from Great Northern Wilderness.

Why dig up that?

It was a long time ago.

Mom, I'll go help Fei Ting cook.

Such a pity about this glass.

36, 37, 38, 39...

What are you doing?

Lin Mei, where did you get so much money?

None of your business.

Lin Mei, you've got that much.

Lend your brother 400 yuan.

Mom,

it's not mine.

A customer left it at the store.

Give it to me.

It's not yours anyway.

All the more reason to lend it.

He'll come back for it.

I have to return it. Give it to me.

I'll figure something out later and pay you back.

What will you figure out?

You'll just shrug and say you have no money.

What about me? Give it to me.

Lin Mei,

it's my birthday.

This is my only wish.

Just give us the money. Please.

Mom,

I can't.

Give it to me!

Don't grab it!

Lin Mei.

Just lend it to him, Lin Mei.

Give it back!

He used to give you money when you were kids.

Fei Ting!

He'll pay you back.

Give it to me!

Fei Ting!

What are you doing?

Let go!

Lin Mei,

let's go home.

You protect the money.

I'll protect you.

We'll wait for the owner to come back.

Mom.

You're home.

Have you eaten?

I'm not hungry.

Where's Ye Feng?

Ye Feng

is working overtime at the canteen.

What kind of overtime does a canteen have?

Mom, please don't lie to me.

Did he go play basketball again?

No.

He gave us his word.

He wouldn't go anymore.

I'm home.

Mom,

I'm going to take a shower. It's hot.

Ye Feng,

let's talk.

What is it?

When I was little, I had a wonderful life.

My dad worked at the Textile Bureau,

and my mom at a distillery.

They adored me.

No matter what trouble I got into,

they always stood up for me.

Back then,

I thought they'd be my support for life.

You told me all this before.

But when I was twelve,

they divorced.

I never saw my dad again.

After my mom passed away,

I was sent to the production team in the Northeast.

I was assigned to the same station as Fang Muyang.

He took good care of me.

I thought I could rely on him.

Later, I was recommended for university and returned to the city.

That's when I met you.

Your mom was the factory office director.

You were the captain of the basketball team.

I thought I could rely on you for the rest of my life.

What are you getting at?

Do you know the trumpet vine?

It's a climbing plant.

It only feels secure when it clings to a big tree.

Ye Feng,

I'm not asking you to grow into a big tree.

But at least be a sturdy post

that I can lean on.

Promise me

you'll study those accounting books.

I'll get someone to fix your abacus.

Alright?

Seriously?

After all that,

you're still trying to make me study accounting?

I've made myself clear.

I can't learn it,

and I don't want to.

Forget it. I'm going to shower.

(Education Must Be Combined with Productive Labor)

Look at this part

and this part.

You can study them carefully.

It'll definitely help you.

I will.

If there's anything I don't understand, I'll come ask you.

Thank you, Ms. Mu.

I haven't been reinstated yet.

Please don't call me that yet.

Isn't that just a matter of time?

Our department can't do without you.

Have you passed on

those brilliant genes of yours?

The country needs more math talent.

My son

takes after his father. He paints.

Painting's good, too.

Ms. Mu, I won't keep you any longer.

Thank you.

(No. 44 Kangnan Road)

Mujing?

Dad.

Why are you only coming home now?

Let's go home.

Ms. Fang.

What are you doing here?

Mu,

Mujing is back.

It's Ms. Fang Mujing.

Our daughter, Fang Mujing.

Fang Qingyuan,

she has cut ties with you.

Who do you think you are?

How can you call yourself her father?

You'd better not ruin her future.

Ms. Fang,

my husband comes from a bad background.

He's not worthy to speak to you.

Let's go.

You've been coming home later and later.

You're busier than a doctor.

If you're late again,

I'll come pick you up...

What's wrong?

Did someone bully you?

There, there.

(No. 44 Kangnan Road)

Excuse me.

Does Fang Muyang live here?

Yes.

And you are?

I'm his brother-in-law, Qu Hua.

Mujing's husband?

Yes.

I'm her father.

Dad.

Come.

Let's go upstairs.

I've long heard my son-in-law is a decent man.

I finally saw it for myself today.

Have some water.

Thank you.

Dad,

I'd like to bring Mujing home for a meal sometime.

Of course.

You're always welcome.

Would Mom welcome us too?

Your mom, well...

Mu,

this is Qu Hua.

Mujing's husband.

Mom,

I'm Mujing's husband, Qu Hua.

We met on campus before.

I never had the chance to properly visit you and Dad,

so I came today.

What is Ms. Fang's husband

here for?

Mom, I brought...

Dr. Qu,

Ms. Fang has nothing to do with us.

Don't get it wrong.

Fang, I brought some good from the cafeteria.

Heat it up.

Qu Hua,

you should go home.

This will take time.

I don't want Mujing to be upset.

This can't be dragged out.

Mom, I want to talk to you.

Mom.

Mom.

Mom, can we talk face-to-face?

Please open the door.

You're back.

I forgot to get food.

I went to your house today.

Kangnan Road.

That's not my home anymore.

Says who?

Your dad said

you should come back for dinner when you have time.

What about my mom?

She probably

needs some time.

Mujing,

why don't you

be brave one more time?

Try to accept them

as when you chose to leave them.

Mujing,

you'll have to stitch up

the wound yourself.

(No. 44 Kangnan Road)

Fei Ni,

I got my pay.

Really?

Great.

Let's buy something for everyone.

Sure.

What do you want to get?

Imagine if we had more money than we could ever spend.

We'd buy whatever

we wanted.

What else would you want?

I'd

buy you a hat.

A hat?

A hat.

For winter?

Of course, for winter.

That'll be a Leifeng Hat.

Leifeng Hat.

And a pair of gloves.

Gloves.

Your hands freeze when you ride your bike.

The kind you can hang around your neck.

Yes.

- With a string in the middle. - Right.

For my mom,

I'd buy a pair of glasses. Reading glasses.

A pair of reading glasses.

Yes.

And your dad?

As for him...

Liquor.

Liquor, of course.

A big jar of it.

A huge jar.

We'll buy a big table for your dad.

Yes, a table.

With eight legs.

Eight legs.

Eight legs are good, right?

It's very long and very wide.

Six meters long, and two meters wide.

Okay.

And paper, ink, brushes, and an inkstone.

I've decided what to get for your mom.

I'll draw it, and you guess.

A bookshelf?

Yes.

- A big bookshelf. - A big bookshelf.

♪After the laughter, I think of you♪

♪After the storm, I think of you♪

♪In the little courtyard, there you are dancing♪

♪That earnest you, smiling so innocently♪

♪In spring, I stay by your side♪

♪When summer comes, I watch over you♪

♪In the light of dawn, you belong to me♪

♪At the edge of the world, I will still hold you tight♪

♪There is a small place♪

♪Where they carry big dreams♪

♪Every lovely face♪

♪Shines brightly in the heart♪

♪Even when we collide, we hold our course♪

♪Even when we stumble, we keep our resolve♪

♪My you, walking toward the distance♪

♪Please carry our dreams and let them soar♪