Original subtitles

[Episode 22]

Standing here, I saw the sky filled with a sunset glow.

For the first time, I prayed in my heart

that day in Hong Yang must be overcast without sunset hues.

Cherry mustn't see the sunset colors.

That way, she wouldn't think of me and could feel happier.

Even just a little bit.

Maybe you were right. Perhaps I didn't see any sunset that day.

Truth is, I often can't see sunsets when studying in the library or attending evening classes.

I know I'm fooling myself.

You don't think of me because you see sunsets.

You look for sunsets because you think of me.

So what does the sunset have to do with your sorrow?

I'm the real root of this pain.

Sometimes I truly despise myself, and I don't know why.

When I left, I told you not to forget me, Cherry.

For people I care about, whether near or far,

I never have enough strength to protect them properly.

All my emotions are trapped in my chest, ready to burst.

For the first time in my life, I wanted to find a place to cry.

I hid behind a pillar, but tourists were taking photos.

I went under the stairs, but couples were kissing there.

Finally, I held it in until around 10 PM.

With fewer tourists, I bought a Ferris wheel ticket.

I sat in the empty cabin and cried my heart out.

That was September 6th, 2008.

Jiang Qiao Xi was pitiful that day.

He didn't know that 639 days later, I'd come back here

with Lin Cherry by my side.

Silly Jiang Qiao Xi, you should call Lin Cherry.

Tell her you're sad, and she'll fight alongside you.

It's fine if you don't call.

Because in 639 days, Lin Cherry will come find you.

No matter where you are, I'll track you down.

Don't underestimate yourself. You've done amazing things.

And from now on, I'll always be with you.

You can't escape. Not anymore.

I wish I could've been there then.

Then I could've hugged you the moment you stepped off.

You didn't come late. I was the one who couldn't find my way home.

Jiang Qiao Xi, where can we watch the sunrise in Hong Kong? Let's go.

It's so beautiful.

Let's go. Further ahead. There.

♫ Warmly kissing her ♫

♫ Open your eyes, little prince ♫

♫ Riding a white horse ♫

♫ Looking up at the sky ♫

♫ The distant clouds stay silent ♫

♫ Quietly spinning ♫

♫ Waiting for his reply ♫

♫ A ray of moonlight ♫

♫ Gently ♫

♫ Brushes against the cheek ♫

♫ She timidly ♫

♫ Hides into the clouds ♫

♫ The serene blue sky ♫

♫ Muttering ♫

♫ Lying in the grass ♫

♫ Unintentionally ♫

♫ The dragonfly ♫

♫ Lands on my nose tip ♫

♫ Aye aye oh ♫

♫ Aye oh ♫

♫ Sunflower tiptoes ♫

♫ Shaking head and saying goodbye ♫

Jiang Qiao Xi, you just told me at the pier

that you hate how you told me not to forget you back then.

You mustn't think that way.

Though I had no news of you these years,

those words at least showed me you needed me.

That's how I persevered. You did nothing wrong.

Cherry, do you know the story of Wei Sheng embracing the pillar?

Once a man named Wei Sheng fell in love with a girl,

but his parents objected.

They decided to elope.

They arranged to meet at the suburban bridgehead at dusk.

On the chosen day, Wei Sheng waited endlessly at the bridge.

When floods came, he clung to the bridge pillar.

Even facing death, he kept their promise.

He held on, and when she finally came, he had drowned.

He never let go.

I'm not Wei Sheng. If you don't come, I'll search.

If you run, I'll chase.

And if I can't catch up, I'll intercept you. You can't escape.

The moment I see any sign you love me, I'll act.

You can't get away.

Your hair, your eyebrows,

your eyes, nose, lips...

♫ Through the window of time ♫

Every part of you belongs to me.

♫ I gaze from afar ♫

♫ The unspoken wishes of that year ♫

♫ Familiar shadows lengthen ♫

♫ Beyond sight ♫

♫ Your silhouette is so gentle ♫

♫ The world is spinning ♫

♫ The breeze is shouting ♫

♫ The scenery in amber ♫

♫ Clear as yesterday ♫

♫ Reality is in front of me ♫

♫ The future folds in the palm ♫

♫ You're the key to who I am ♫

♫ Accompany me to become myself ♫

♫ The night is long ♫

♫ My stubbornness grows wildly ♫

♫ I can't stop running ♫

♫ The silent call of the dream ♫

♫ You're the sparkling of my dreams ♫

You're awake.

♫ Accompany you to become yourself ♫

♫ Boundaries dissipate ♫

♫ Loneliness melts in an embrace ♫

♫ I've always been here ♫

Do you know why I wanted to watch the sunrise?

When you all saw me off in Qun Shan three years ago,

you said the sunset glow never disappears.

It's just on its way back.

When we see it again, it becomes the morning glow.

Welcome home, Jiang Qiao Xi.

I'm back, and I won't leave again.

Say that again.

I want to record this and let the morning glow bear witness.

I'm back, and I won't leave again.

I, Jiang Qiao Xi, swear nothing can stop me from staying with Lin Cherry.

Not financial crises, not volcanic eruptions,

not even tsunamis.

Not heavy suitcases, not water-stained walls,

and not broken air conditioners.

Not cloudy days, not pride,

not shame, and not arrogance.

Not fallen leaves, not rusty fences,

and not morning dew either.

Not mossy stone paths, not ant colonies,

and not plastic bottles that missed trash cans.

They missed.

♫ Cheering for you ♫

♫ Maybe the world's a bit harsh ♫

♫ Always extinguishing hope ♫

Jiang Qiao Xi, I don't think I should have shown you the sunset glow.

It's beautiful but fades too quickly.

I should've shown you the morning glow instead.

Though then you wouldn't be Qiao Xi, but Qiao Dong.

♫ Don't forget about tomorrow ♫

♫ Love is in your eyes ♫

♫ You will see flowers blooming ♫

♫ Every minute and every second ♫

♫ I will be with you ♫

♫ Flying over that sea ♫

♫ No regrets can hinder ♫

♫ This is the most devoted and steadfast me ♫

♫ Cheering for you ♫

♫ Cheering for you ♫

♫ Heart towards the horizon ♫

♫ Endless anticipation ♫

- Hello? Ya Lin. - Vincent, your brother is missing!

Hello. Where's she?

Qiao Xi.

Ya Lin.

Ruo Cheng just regained mobility in his legs,

and I'm afraid he might do something rash.

Don't panic. I'll look for him immediately.

Let's go.

Where could Ruo Cheng have gone?

Jiang Qiao Xi, look.

Ruo Cheng. Ruo Cheng.

Is that him?

Jiang Ruo Cheng.

Ruo Cheng.

We just came to sneak some ice cream. No need for this manhunt.

Is it not him?

Let's go.

I'm at Victoria Mercy Hospital. We have a missing patient,

male, 37 years old, about 178cm tall,

wearing a hospital gown.

He disappeared about an hour ago.

Yes, I'm his family.

Ruo Cheng went home?

Alright, thank you.

He doesn't even have money on him.

I think your cousin has gone home.

Sorry, I think we've located him. Thank you.

Ask if he knows how worried we've been!

Jiang Ruo Cheng.

How did you find this place?

During my long hospitalization, I mostly lay paralyzed in bed

and couldn't even get up.

I stared at the ceiling every night,

wondering how you managed without me all these years.

I never imagined you'd be living like this.

We endure whatever comes our way.

Is this living?

Had I known this would happen,

you should have just let me die that day.

What nonsense are you saying?

Do you know how hard Ya Lin has worked these past two years? You have no idea!

You're mostly recovered now. Why this defeatist talk?

Mom, that's exactly what I'm saying.

Look what I've become.

We lost everything, our Repulse Bay house,

Qiao Xi's overseas tuition money...

We're penniless now. Nothing left.

Saving me landed you in this shabby place.

I dragged you down. Don't you see?

- Mom. - Don't say that.

Ruo Cheng, you're not a burden. I rely on you.

If not for the doctor's prognosis of recovery, I wouldn't have lasted this long.

You're quite capable. Our life is the same as before.

What ability do I have now? How could I give you any hope?

I've lost everything now.

I can't even walk over to hold my daughter. Look at my legs.

When I saw Dad in that state, I couldn't even bring myself to approach him.

I have nothing left. Look at what I've become.

I'm just a useless person now.

Jiang Ruo Cheng, I've waited so long and taken care of you for so long.

I didn't wait all this time just to hear these hurtful words upon your recovery.

If this is how you'll be, you might as well stay hospitalized. At least we had some hope.

Seeing you like this destroys all my hope. Please don't be like this.

I'm sorry, my dear.

Let's go.

It's fine.

Boss, two bottles of beer please.

Coming right up.

I normally don't like you drinking, but today seems like a good exception.

Two cold beers for you.

Thank you.

Thanks.

This is my first time meeting your cousin today, and he matches what I imagined.

Distinguished presence and handsome features.

I wish you'll be this good-looking when you reach his age.

You never saw him in his prime.

Back then, just looking into his eyes

would convince you that there was nothing he couldn't accomplish.

He built a thriving career while maintaining a perfect family life.

He even paved the way for his overambitious younger cousin.

I know you've admired him since childhood.

Remember that jacket he gave you? You refused to throw it away even after vomiting on it.

I wanted to be exactly like him,

responsible, reliable, and brilliant.

Yet even someone so perfect and flawless

lost everything in a single day.

Are you scared? Afraid the same might happen to you?

No.

When my mother was hospitalized after her accident,

she told me, "Jiang Qiao Xi, you don't understand this world at all".

I didn't believe her then.

But just six months later,

when my cousin had his accident, I realized she was right.

We don't get to choose.

Real choice depends on whether the world sides with you.

Mr. Jiang Qiao Xi, don't fall into this nihilistic spiral.

How can we not have choices? We make them every day!

Today we chose porridge instead of claypot rice.

We picked beer over iced lemon tea.

I...

So sorry! I am so sorry.

Let me get you a fresh one right away.

- It's okay. - I'm so sorry.

Happens all the time. Wipe that.

Have mine.

It's fine. I have this.

I should've come sooner.

But the market crash took all my energy to recover from.

Time flew by until now.

No worries. If you came earlier, you'd have found me playing Sleeping Beauty here.

Ruo Cheng. Ya Lin.

Qiao Xi.

- Ya Lin. - Cherry.

Flowers for you.

Hello, Ruo Cheng.

Hello.

Hi.

You must be Cherry?

That's me.

Technically, this is our first meeting,

but I feel like I've known you forever.

This kid wouldn't stop talking about you since childhood.

Jiang Qiao Xi constantly mentions you, too.

Really?

Absolutely true.

I brought some snacks for you. Nothing fancy.

I just thought hospital food might be bland.

So I got a variety of flavors.

How thoughtful of you. No wonder Qiao Xi raves about you.

Qiao Xi, Cherry sure is sweet indeed.

Mr. Jiang, this must be your genius nephew?

I didn't expect such height and good looks!

Typical Jiang family genes. You can't fight good DNA.

My cousin here studies Finance and Math at HKU,

top of his class.

Same as your academic background, right?

He'll dominate the financial world in no time.

Impressive!

He'll surpass me. I never worry about this one.

Qiao Xi, give me stock tips when you get famous!

Another windfall could secure my kids' future.

Deal.

Mr. Jiang, remember that EV stock you recommended?

Thank you!

Your prediction about its potential

convinced me to go all-in with our savings.

14x returns in two years!

Smart move. Well done.

He's miserable now, bedridden and useless.

Remember when we were printshop laborers?

He used to scream over typos all night. How the mighty have fallen.

When I mentioned going to Singapore, he looked like a drowned puppy.

At least his wife's still a stunner.

Jiang Qiao Xi.

Jiang Qiao Xi.

What did you say?

Let go.

Stop fighting, Jiang Qiao Xi!

- Let me go! - Come here.

Jiang Qiao Xi, calm down!

- Qiao Xi! - Jiang Qiao Xi!

Qiao Xi.

Let go.

You can't hit people.

How has Ruo Cheng treated you? Have you visited him once in these years?

How did he help you before?

Ya Lin.

Don't let me see you again.

Hello? Hello? What's wrong? What's happening there?

You're such a joke.

Ya Lin, are you okay?

I'm fine. Are you hurt?

I'm okay.

Don't hit people.

Let's go.

I didn't scare you, did I?

No, I've known your personality all along.

I'm just surprised Mrs. Jiang acted that way.

She looked like a heroine.

Cherry, don't you think I've changed since coming to Hong Kong?

You've definitely changed.

What should we do, Cherry? My flaws and wounds keep multiplying.

Don't act like you had fewer wounds and flaws before.

The difference now is you don't pretend to be strong around me.

You don't hide anything from me anymore.

The kind of change that lets you close your eyes and open your heart before me.

You've stopped stubbornly doing things you think are good for us.

Like how you used to be... Never mind.

Anyway, I prefer who you are now.

Hello? Ya Lin? Okay.

What is it? Should we go up?

No, she said she'll take us out.

Out?

Welcome.

We've reserved a private room.

This way, please.

Watch your step.

Don't worry.

Ruo Cheng has a membership card here with some balance.

- Australian lobster, steamed crab, abalone. - Got it.

Hong Kong grouper, morel mushroom with asparagus, and desserts...

Lin, would you prefer bird's nest soup or black truffle chocolate cake?

They make excellent both Chinese and Western desserts here.

I'm fine with either, Mrs. Jiang.

We'll have both.

Certainly.

Thank you. That'll be all for now.

Okay.

Could we get a takeout box? Thank you.

Lin, I've been occupied with Ruo Cheng's matters these days.

I'm sorry we haven't had a proper meal together.

Not at all.

Consider this meal as your welcome dinner then.

Ruo Cheng should be here, but he sneaked off earlier.

The doctors wouldn't let him leave. My apologies.

Please don't feel that way, Mrs. Jiang. I should be thanking you and Mr. Jiang.

I forgot to order wine. You don't drink much, do you?

Not really. Just some beer at home or school gatherings.

What about red wine? Any favorites?

I don't drink red wine much.

I see.

Ya Lin, there'll be plenty of chances for expensive wines and restaurants.

Qiao Xi, shouldn't we drink expensive wine and dine at luxurious places

precisely during times like this?

The tougher times get, the higher we should hold our heads, right?

Let's follow Mrs. Jiang's advice. We'll drink premium.

Yes, only the finest.

When I was your age, I read novels often.

There's this Yi Shu novel, City of Hurt.

I never understood the ending back then.

But today, I think I get it.

I've read that story.

What's the story?

It's about a man with an arrow in his waist

who lives with it permanently.

When asked if it hurts,

he says it only hurts when he remembers the arrow.

I brought you out today to lift your spirits,

to remind you of the good times we shared.

But these memories reminded me of that arrow.

These two years since Ruo Cheng's accident haven't been hard,

but Qiao Xi, your biggest sacrifice was giving up studying abroad.

Now you're working triple shifts for his medical bills,

taking on so many jobs.

Ya Lin, after what happened to Ruo Cheng,

I wouldn't leave even if you told me to.

If not for family matters, you and Cherry wouldn't have been apart so long.

Seeing you like this breaks my heart.

No, Mrs. Jiang. Don't think that way.

Actually, when I first met Jiang Qiao Xi,

I knew Mr. Jiang meant everything to him.

If he hadn't stayed then, he wouldn't be the real Jiang Qiao Xi.

I'm sorry.

Ya Lin.

Thank you both.

Jiang Ruo Cheng. Ruo Cheng.

I'm sorry. Our restaurant changed owners previously.

Today, the system encountered another issue. We can see your balance tomorrow at the earliest.

I'm sorry.

It needs to wait until tomorrow, right?

Sorry. My apologies.

Fine. I'll use cash.

4,512.

Do you accept UnionPay? UnionPay?

No no. I have my card.

I can pay. And I wanted to treat Mrs. Jiang anyway. Don't move.

- Thank you. - Here...

All settled?

All paid, Mrs. Jiang. Thanks for treating me.

The food was delicious. The wine too. I'm completely stuffed.

Should we take a walk?

Let me carry that.

Please visit again.

Thank you.

Come again soon.

Qiao Xi, Cherry, wait here. I need to buy something.

- I'll be quick. - Are you going alone?

Ya Lin?

Lottery tickets. One each for tonight's draw.

Why the sudden lottery idea, Ya Lin?

These past two years, whenever life felt too hard,

I'd buy a lottery ticket and give myself something to hope for.

Cherry, you spent too much tonight. But I can only give you this lottery ticket.

You can pick first.

Me first? Okay, I'll...

Then I'll just take this one randomly.

If only this ticket could actually win.

The odds of winning are lower than getting struck by lightning.

Why you gotta ruin the mood like that?

Don't dampen our enthusiasm, okay?

Mrs. Jiang was right. This isn't just a lottery ticket. It's hope.

Mrs. Jiang, I remembered what Jiang Qiao Xi told me recently.

He thinks people don't have real choices.

True choice depends on whether the world sides with you.

It makes a little sense,

but I believe even if the world's against us, we still have choices.

We can choose hope. Because no one can steal hope.

So thank you, Mrs. Jiang, for giving me hope.

Thank you, Cherry. I haven't heard such words in ages.

Don't worry, Mrs. Jiang.

All painful things will pass. Bad things will eventually turn good.

That's what my dad always told me.

And Mr. Jiang's health is improving. Things will keep getting better.

Thank you, Cherry.

I still find it unbelievable.

How a mere lottery ticket can give such big hopes.

But if it doesn't win, it's just worthless paper.

Before 9:30 pm, it's proof of anticipation though.

Wouldn't failed hopes after 9:30 feel worse?

Then... we can buy another ticket and wait for the next draw.

We'll spend another hopeful day.

Aren't you even slightly curious if your ticket might win?

Even the slightest chance?

The lottery's winning probability is one in ten million.

But meeting Lin Cherry was one in a hundred million.

So I've already won my personal lottery.

Jiang Qiao Xi, when did you grow a silver tongue? So corny.

- Say it again. - No. Sweet words are only for once.

- Say it again. - I won't.

Let me check the time.

It's 9:45.

Time to check the lottery then.

Let me check mine first. Here.

You hold it. I'll check.

01, 29, 06, 22.

Wait.

01, 29, 22.

- 06. - 06.

- 44, 45. - 45.

- 27 - 27

- 36. - Final number, 36?

Only two numbers missing.

So I matched five numbers.

You missed by two. What a pity.

Do five matches win much?

Not sure.

Enough! Any money's good!

How many times have you counted? Stop already.

Five base numbers matched. Fourth prize: HKD 9,600.

No mistake here.

Told you! Heaven loves me. You didn't believe.

Heaven does love you.

But if you keep counting like this, even Heaven can't stop muggers.

Jiang Qiao Xi, my mom says

money from gambling or lotteries isn't proper earnings,

and we need to spend it fast.

Let's spend it all in Hong Kong.

Fine. What do you want?

Actually yes. Ray-Ban sunglasses.

For Yu Qiao?

Who else? Let's go. Take me there.

♫ Memories drift in my pupils ♫

♫ Through the window of time ♫

♫ Summer cherries are a bit cool ♫

♫ I gaze from afar ♫

♫ The unspoken wishes of that year ♫

♫ Familiar shadows lengthen ♫

♫ Beyond sight ♫

♫ Your silhouette is so gentle ♫

♫ The world is spinning ♫

♫ The breeze is shouting ♫

♫ The scenery in amber ♫

♫ Clear as yesterday ♫

♫ Reality is in front of me ♫

♫ The future folds in the palm ♫

♫ You're the key to who I am ♫

♫ Accompany me to become myself ♫

♫ The night is long ♫

♫ My stubbornness grows wildly ♫

♫ I can't stop running ♫

♫ The silent call of the dream ♫

♫ You're the sparkling of my dreams ♫

♫ Accompany you to become yourself ♫

♫ Boundaries dissipate ♫

♫ Loneliness melts in an embrace ♫

♫ I've always been here ♫

♫ Rotating light in my palm ♫

♫ Illuminating your cheeks ♫

♫ A smile that ran too fast ♫

♫ Unexpectedly preserved ♫