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Ama always says:

A person must have loyalty and heart.

If not, the person isn't worth keeping.

Mr. Lin, stop hounding me.

Even killing me won't get you the money.

Even burning me alive!

Screw you.

I'm Hiou-ui.

I'm not afraid to tell you

I owe four or five million yuan.

Ain't got shit left.

All I got is loyalty and guts.

Hiou-ui! You made it.

(singing) Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday, Ama!

Hiou-ui, you're here!

Ui, you made it.

Auntie, you look great today.

You made time to come today?

Only one birthday a year, right? I had to come!

So thoughtful of you.

Imported fish maw. Good for your health.

I don't need this. I'm healthy.

Wow - you had the money for fish maw?

Of course, Uncle.

Great-Ama, blow out the candles!

Make a wish! Make a wish!

I wish everyone good health and peace.

May everything go your way,

and all your thoughts and deeds turn out well.

Ama has turned eighty-eight this year.

A room full of children and grandchildren,

a body strong as ever.

The only regret in her life...

Grandpa went to Nanyang and married another woman...

He never came back.

Den Bhagseng - that's Grandpa, right?

His donations built a lot of schools in Thailand.

He must be dripping with cash.

Are you out of your mind?

My father hasn't contacted us for decades.

Are you trying to give Ama a heart attack?

Cake for the kids.

Eat up!

I'm at my wits' end.

But if I can get two million from Grandpa,

I'll be all set.

I'll give you a million. Deal?

I can't let Ama know about this

so I'm dragging my uncle in.

I'll take Ama to knock down some olives.

You search her room for the qiaopi.

What's qiaopi?

You stupid dick.

Qiaopi were letters your Grandpa sent home

with money, and saying he was safe.

His address should be there.

You get it?

Yeah, ya dumb dick.

Find Grandpa's address

and secretly go to Thailand to ask him for money.

That's my only way out.

All the secrets between Ama and Grandpa

are hidden up in the attic.

Hiou-ui's a smart boy.

He has ideas for a business in Thailand.

Do we have any relatives there?

Oh, isn't father in Thailand?

So what?

I heard he made a fortune.

He funded lots of Bhagseng Middle Schools.

Middle schools... So what?

What are you up to?

You three children, I birthed and raised all by myself.

We've had nothing to do with him.

I just thought ...we could ask him to pay for another school.

Put your name on one.

Sogriu Elementary School.

The village will respect you more.

Stand up.

What for?

All you ever think about is money.

I'm old too, you know?

I'm sixty this year.

What about being sixty?

Does an old man only care about money?

Ma, wait up!

Why is the door open?

The wardrobe's open too.

Leng, is there a thief?

No, no. You just forgot to close it.

Whoever's up there, come down!

Or I'll beat you to death!

Ama!

I just beat him up - badly.

But he got away.

Did he hit you?

No. He couldn't take me.

Good thing he couldn't.

- Here. - That scared me to death.

Check the wardrobe. See if anything's missing.

He won't dare come back.

Bold guy. Breaking into our house.

I'll beat that bastard to death.

Transfer a million to me when you get that money.

Keep it low-key when you go to Thailand, stupid dick.

It would give Ama a heart attack.

Relax, Uncle.

Once I get the money from Grandpa,

We'll split it half and half.

Mr. Lin, stop hounding me.

I'm already in Thailand.

As soon as I find my grandpa, I'll pay you back.

I'm not lying. I'll have your money.

Trust me, he's loaded.

Two days - just give me two days.

All I need is another week.

I'll pay you as soon as I find Grandpa.

Hello.

Hello, Chairman.

Mr. Den came to Thailand to look for his grandfather.

Hello, beautiful sister.

He came all the way from China to find his grandfather.

My grandpa's name is Den Bhagseng.

He came to Nanyang in 1948.

We haven't been in touch for over forty years.

This is a letter Grandpa wrote to my Ama.

That's a qiaopi letter.

He does a lot of charity work.

Bhagseng built a lot of schools.

Another Bhagseng Middle School...

Grandpa's a really big fish!

Den Bhagseng gave a lot to charity.

Hello, Uncle.

Who was the donor for this school?

The donor.

No idea.

Young man, who are you looking for?

Uncle, does Den Bhagseng live here?

Hello, I'm looking for Den Bhagseng.

Auntie, do you know Den Bhagseng?

Den Bhagseng? Never heard of him.

How did Grandpa get rich?

A rich man like that wouldn't know us.

What, pedalling a rickshaw?

Mr. Den.

We've looked everywhere.

There's no one like that in Thailand.

Impossible.

He funded all those schools.

How could he just vanish?

Uncle, did Grandpa have a nickname?

No one has heard of a Den Bhagseng.

Iron Fish?

Iron Fish? I knew him.

Auntie, just answer me.

Don't climb on me.

Oh, your Grandpa is Iron Fish?

Iron Fish - I know.

You should've said that earlier.

That guy fought like he had nothing to lose.

So handsome. Women were crazy about him.

He was really good in bed. I was always satisfied.

I went to his room every single day.

Nonsense, he turned you down.

I heard he took another wife here.

Remarried? Mhm.

How many mistresses does Grandpa have?

Where the hell is my grandpa?

No idea - I'd love to see him too.

Maybe I should just go find his mistresses.

I heard he killed someone and went to jail.

That's where he met some guy who changed his life.

Then he went into shipping and made a fortune.

So where exactly is my grandpa?

It was a long time ago. No idea.

Hello, Uncle.

The Teochew Association sent me.

I'm looking for Den Bhagseng.

Uncle?

Uncle?

Den Bhagseng is here.

No way.

That can't be him.

My grandpa didn't die in 1960.

Den Bhagseng.

That man was called Den Bhagseng

but he's not my grandpa.

My grandpa was still

writing letters to Ama in 1978.

This can't be him.

Give me back my five hundred baht.

A hundred percent, this is him!

Isn't this it?

The address matches your letter exactly. Look!

Definitely dead.

Dead as a doornail.

(Zia Lamgi, Female, Family)

Our ancestral hall is the shabbiest one in the whole village.

So embarrassing.

And we've got such a rich man in the family.

He was overseas for decades.

Why wouldn't he remarry?

Men are all the same.

Sister-in-law, my brother and I would never do that.

You don't understand.

My mother told my father to remarry.

She had already made peace with it.

Wow... she was open-minded.

I wouldn't have guessed.

Ziah-hu (eat).

Za (bomb).

I'm done.

Let's settle up.

What does Hiou-ui say in the group?

Uncle Leng... Grandpa's gone.

He passed away in 1960.

His new family didn't tell us? Why?

The one paying respects is a Zia, not a Den.

Maybe Grandpa married in to the Zia family?

What's that background noise?

You've been casting Teochew opera to Ama's TV.

Oh no...

We're dead.

I never thought... your father would go before me.

Time to wash the olives.

1960

2018

He's been gone... for almost sixty years.

Since parting from my wife...

more than eight years have passed.

I think of you day and night...

yet the day of reunion can't be foreseen.

Sailing into the night...

a bright moon rises over the water.

The river and ocean span thousands of miles.

But when I hold you in my heart,

the distance between us disappears.

Your husband, Bhagseng.

I've never heard Ama talk about Grandpa.

But no matter how much time has passed,

Her story with Grandpa remains in her heart...

never resolved.

Back then, she ran away with him.

(Swatow, 1945)

They were only seventeen when they first met.

It was the year the Japanese were driven out.

The Procession of the Gods could be celebrated again.

Ama carried the lead banner.

She was stunning.

Where's the lead-banner girl from?

She's gorgeous!

From the Hioh family in the next village. Landowners.

What's wrong with you?

Ama was born into a wealthy family.

Suitors were beating down her door.

When she fell for Grandpa,

she had already been promised to someone else.

She ran away from the engagement

and married my Grandpa - a poor boy.

It was true love.

Big sister, you're so pretty.

Why do you keep following me?

You look so beautiful.

My name is Den Bhagseng.

What's yours?

Sogriu.

Sogriu...

Even your name is beautiful.

Tomorrow I'm carrying the banner in Koitao Village.

And the day after?

Come tomorrow and I'll tell you.

Make sure you remember!

Den Bhagseng!

When they secretly pledged themselves to each other,

Grandpa promised Ama

a bicycle as her wedding gift.

What took you so long?

The bicycle was slow.

- This... is a bicycle? - Yeah.

Didn't you say I needed a bike to marry you?

To buy a bicycle was impossible back then.

But Grandpa was good with his hands.

He built one himself - out of wood.

Lord Beh and Lady Beh, please bless us.

Your devoted daughter, Hioh Sogriu,

leaves today with Den Bhagseng.

Bless us to share one heart...

to love and cherish each other for life.

Lord Beh, bless me!

Bless me to cherish Sogriu all my life. All my life.

Come, hop on. Let's go home.

Can I really sit on it?

Of course.

- Go slowly. - Alright.

Hey, you're pretty good at this.

Not long after they married, the Civil War started.

Soon, it reached Teoswa.

The KMT was conscripting men everywhere.

Dad, I want some ginger yam soup too.

This charm will keep you safe.

Hurry! They're taking men from the village!

Grandpa's name was on the list. He had to run.

Dad, where are you going?

Be good, Eldest Boy. Go to bed.

I have to go.

Remember to write to us.

He left for Nanyang.

Leaving Ama behind with three children.

That's enough salt - too salty now.

Which one of you is Hioh Sogriu?

To my wife, Sogriu.

I've arrived safely in Malaya.

A fellow villager got me work, building railroads.

I can finally earn some money.

Bhagseng's wife, a letter from overseas!

Mama, it's for you.

You've got an overseas letter.

Bhagseng wrote again, and sent money too.

Eldest Girl, read it to Mama.

Quick, read it.

After Grandpa went to Nanyang,

he wrote home and sent money every month.

And he had a way with words.

Every letter made Ama's heart swell.

Bhagseng is his own boss now.

My heart has only one devotion

and it will never be for another.

Siam on this side...

Teochew on the other...

But you are here in my heart.

Ooh, in his heart!

- Keep reading. - Send me a photograph soon.

It will ease the ache of my longing.

The more tender his letters,

the more Ama longed for his return.

Where are you going so early?

We're taking a photo to send to Papa.

Showing off, huh?

- Of course we are! - Mama...

when Papa sees our picture,

he'll come home soon, right?

Yes. Now look at the camera.

Pretend that camera is Papa.

One year passed after another.

In the blink of an eye, thirty years had slipped by.

Another Nanyang guy is back!

So many returned from Nanyang in those days.

When China opened up in 1978,

Many men returned to the village.

But Grandpa never did.

Why hasn't your Bhagseng come back?

Until one day...

- Bhagseng's wife. - The postman brought a family photo.

The heavy rain yesterday swept me into the river.

This photo is all I could save from your mail.

It was Grandpa... with his new family.

After all this time... you tell me now?

From that day,

Ama cut him from her heart.

So many children...

You left so early. What were our children supposed to do?

Uncle Leng.

Grandpa's gone.

Your only option is to find the mistress

and split the inheritance.

I tracked down an old man.

He used to write letters for Grandpa.

He probably knows this mistress.

Hello.

Hello, Uncle.

Is your name Digang?

No. Get out.

Was Den Bhagseng an old friend of yours?

Are you here to insult me?

Do you know Zia Lamgi?

I'll fuck your mother if I catch you!

Uncle, what did I do now?

Your grandpa stole Zia Lamgi from me.

Just thinking about it makes my blood boil.

Oh, you were romantic rivals?

Romantic rivals?

Isn't that what it's called?

Back then, I wrote letters for people at a qiaopi remittance office.

The Teochew Chinese who came to Nanyang...

they all had hard lives.

They used the remittance office

to send letters and money home.

I wrote many letters for your grandpa.

And in the end, he caused me such trouble.

Huabsiang Siamlim Temple.

Zia Zeghua.

Alright, alright.

Thank you, thank you.

Love is coming my way!

Any luck?

Still alive.

My grandpa's still alive?

No, Zia Lamgi is.

That means I still have a chance.

Can you still keep up with a woman?

Here. Go find him.

Zia Zeghua, Zia Lamgi's son.

Sir, someone's here to see you.

How did you obtain this qiaopi letter?

My Ama gave it to me.

My mother wrote this.

So that means...

My grandpa is really gone?

He passed away in 1960.

Why didn't anyone tell us?

What do you mean?

My grandpa's money built those schools.

And never even discussed with our family.

The schools are just named in Bhagseng's honour.

Cut that shit out!

Your mother was the second wife. My Ama is the legitimate one.

Don't you know how this works?

The mistress is such a big shot, huh?

You owe us an explanation!

Do as you wish.

Do as I wish? Who else is there to talk to?

Where's the money?

Where's my grandpa's estate?

Send five million first!

Hiou-ui... help Ama find this mistress.

Uncle Zeghua, I was wrong. I kneel in apology.

Leng.

Leng.

When did you get married?

I don't remember.

Then think!

1978

Your father sent you

a thousand Hong Kong dollars.

Yeah.

I spent that one thousand...

to build the house,

pay the bride price,

and married my wife

with a feast for the whole village.

My dad passed away in 1960.

But money kept coming until 1978.

So that means... the mistress was supporting us all along?

She took all the money. That figures.

She wanted the money and the status.

What a witch!

Za (bomb).

Leng.

Where's my silver jar?

Table manners!

Found it.

What do you need those silver coins for?

To pay them back.

Pay who?

For twenty years...

I don't want to owe them anything.

Are you trying to pay the mistress?

Are you confused or what?

Don't start with that nonsense, okay?

I pay, and my heart will be at peace.

Money back then was worth a lot more.

Even selling this house wouldn't be enough.

Then I'll sell the house and the land.

If that's still not enough, I'll borrow the rest.

If we're doing this, I'm divorcing your brother!

These are just drafts.

After this letter was sent,

we never heard back from your Ama again.

Does it say how the inheritance should be divided?

Have some tea. We'll talk after you read.

That mistress's son is a total fake-ass.

You think a letter like this can fool me?

You just don't want to split the inheritance.

Ama, you told me to find her family.

- I found them. - Okay.

This is Uncle Zeghua.

Auntie Sogriu.

Hello, Zeghua.

I'm Zia Lamgi's son.

My mother is Zia Lamgi.

Lamgi... your mother.

All the later letters were written by my mother.

She wrote the final one...

It was a very long letter. Did you receive it?

No. The last thing I received was a family photo.

That photo was not a family portrait.

Uncle Bhagseng and my mother were never husband and wife.

I never would have imagined that.

So she wasn't a mistress?

Then how did they raise so many children together?

What were they to each other?

After reading this letter,

it shattered everything I thought I knew.

There's no inheritance to fight over.

I was an idiot all along.

Let me read the final letter my mother wrote

to you, that year.

Then you'll understand. Alright?

Alright. Read it to me.

Dear Elder Sister Sogriu,

Please forgive my boldness, let me introduce myself.

My name is Zia Lamgi.

I first met Brother Bhagseng in 1955.

That year...

The story in this letter

feels like it happened in a parallel universe.

Great-Auntie Lamgi grew up in Siam,

and is like another Ama to me.

Oi, landlord's daughter!

Got any rooms for rent?

Yes, coming.

I don't allow business here, alright?

We're neighbours. Just a little rubbing, that's all.

Do it again and you get out.

Popsicle Boy, you still haven't paid the rent.

I'm broke.

-Can I have another month? - No.

Auntie Ru, hurry up. Time to cook.

I can't do this all by myself. Hire another woman!

Popsicle? My treat.

Easy. Don't break them.

One more week. That's the most I can do.

Okay.

Four at once? What's this? A wholesale deal?

Four brothers.

Their father says this is a lucky year...

they should each get a wife.

Lamgi, sit down.

She's the only child.

One day, the whole house will be hers.

She's been running this inn since she was little.

Marry her, she'll keep your house in order.

Raise your hand if you like her.

Dang Cohiong.

Dang Coieng.

Dang Cobhung.

Dang Coseng.

Wow, that's all of you.

Lamgi, which one do you like?

Go ahead, state your conditions.

I have only one condition.

Can I jump in?

I'm the third son.

I will accept whatever condition.

Third brother, are you so in love?

Go on.

My husband has to marry into my family.

He has to move in here.

You can get on your knees and beg Dad.

Talk to your father and see what he says.

No way. He'd bury me alive.

If you love her, be brave.

Take care.

He's such a good catch, no chance he'll leave home to marry.

Why don't you live with me, so Lamgi can marry and move out?

You're my uncle's wife.

Every night, Uncle's ghost will kick me out of bed to pee.

No way. Your uncle's already reincarnated.

You scare me.

Stop drinking.

You've had way too much today.

You'll be complaining your feet hurt again.

Lamgi...

Maybe forget about a husband moving in here?

If you marry into a good family, my mind will be at ease.

No, I've got enough work to do here already.

Why live in someone else's home?

The word "zaogian" (daughter) even means "a child who leaves."

Say zaogian again and I won't be so nice.

It's not me. That's what it means.

I hate "landlord's zaogian," as if I'll be gone soon.

Landlord zaogian! There's no water in the bathroom!

Coming!

Great-Auntie Lamgi lost her mother when she was young.

She and her father only had each other.

Back then, her only goal in life

was to keep the family inn running.

Beautiful, Young Sister.

This colour brings out a lovely glow on your fair skin. So pretty!

How much per foot?

Thirty.

That's expensive.

Thirty is expensive?

Name your price, then!

I don't want it.

Don't come shopping if you're poor!

Madam.

How much per foot?

One hundred.

Are you here to rob people?

Five baht.

Fine. How much do you want?

This is premium fabric.

Buying it for your wife?

Yeah. Wrap up ten feet.

Alright. I'm happy for your wife.

Iron Fish!

Got a passenger for you.

What's going on?

He must be 400 pounds and going to Thonburi.

That's a big fare. I'll take it.

(speaking Thai) Please switch.

(Thai) I don't want to.

(Thai) Do me a Favor.

(Thai) I'll give you a discount.

(Thai) Please.

(Teochew) Give me a hand!

Brother, you're from Teochew too?

- Yeah. - I'll give you even more off.

Alright. Go, go, go.

- We're leaving. - Alright.

The first time Grandpa made money in Siam

he was pedalling a rickshaw.

He spent his first fare on a length of cloth for Ama.

At that time,

he hadn't yet met Great-Auntie Lamgi.

But he had been secretly staying at her inn

for quite a while.

Who are you?

Stare, stare, stare...

you'll get a stye if you keep staring.

Which room are you in? I've never seen you before.

Who is it?

What's your business?

Tell me tomorrow! We're trying to sleep.

Brother Seventeen, it's me. Open the door.

We're about to have intercourse.

We're going to bed. Quit bothering us.

Thief! There's a thief!

He's one of us.

He just arrived in Bangkok

and had nowhere to stay.

So I let him crash here for a couple nights.

We Teochew people help each other, right?

No, the inn would be overrun that way.

Sorry for the trouble.

He's so loyal, that's why I'm obsessed with him.

No. That guy has to leave.

Alright, I'll go sleep at the Mazu Temple.

What the hell? We're all Teochew.

People would laugh at us.

Wait up. I'll get you a room.

Don't waste your money.

I've got plenty!

Get me another room!

- I don't have any. - No rooms left?

Don't embarrass us. Just wait here.

How about if he sleeps in the toilet?

You have toilets, right?

No.

Actually, can I not do that?

Right.

The toilet stinks anyway.

I can sleep anywhere.

Isn't there a woodshed?

You call this a woodshed?

This is the rat room, landlord!

Not bad.

How much per month?

Forty.

That's too much.

- Find some roommates. - Roommates?

Rent's forty.

Get four people - fifteen each. That's sixty total.

Sixty minus forty - you make twenty.

What do you think?

What's your name?

Den Bhagseng.

How do you write it?

See for yourself.

Four people max. Or I charge extra.

You're squeezing every penny out of us.

Lamgi, why did you let this guy stay?

I heard he killed someone in Malaya.

(English) Dangerous.

Did you say "dang ciu si?" (We die now?)

Help me read this.

I can't read.

Seriously?

I just saw you writing.

Auntie...

You're two generations older, I can't handle this.

What are you doing in here? Get out.

The Teochew help each other.

- Read it. - Home...

Big...

Fire...

Cry...

So you really can't read.

Crazy.

(Thai news) The United States will build a military base in Thailand.

The Bandung Conference has begun.

The landlords looked after their fellow Teochew people.

Their rent was the cheapest in Chinatown.

Their place was full of

poor migrants who had come to Nanyang.

I just shit my pants.

I'm heading to work now.

Grandpa spent his first six Nanyang years in Malaysia.

Whoa, can I get porridge here?

Tapping rubber, mining tin, building railways.

Auntie Ru, we're running out of pickled radish.

What's it cost?

He sent every cent he made to Ama

and never saved enough to go home.

I never killed anyone.

Those British bastards didn't pay us so I fought back.

He stood up for his people

and angered the British authorities.

They kicked him out of Malaysia.

So he had no choice but to come to Thailand and start over.

Damn, breakfast and lunch in one go?

This porridge is nothing but rice water!

I'm heading to Yaowarat. Anyone coming?

I'm going to sell popsicles!

- I'm going to the paper mill. - I'm selling cigarettes.

Get down, let the kids sit.

Hey.

Hey, rickshaw man.

Here!

You want to die?

You'll have to pay double for that.

You're so mean.

Were you reborn as a hungry ghost?

Smash his rickshaw!

Where to?

Back to the inn.

Sorry, sorry!

This isn't our turf.

You'd die and no one would know!

Heading back to the inn?

Five baht.

Get off for now.

What are you doing?

I have something to mail.

Wait here.

Sir.

Are you done?

I don't write letters in the middle of the night. Get out!

Help me out.

I'll bring you something sexier next time.

To my wife Sogriu...

Enclosed are fifty Hong Kong dollars...

and ten feet of cloth...

I'm doing very well in Siam. Please don't worry.

Is that good?

Perfect.

Fifty Hong Kong dollars and cloth.

Plus a twenty-baht service fee.

That's all the money I have.

Put it on my tab.

Always on credit. Get lost.

Come on - you've already written it.

Hey, someone's reading porn!

Give it back.

Stop!

You bastard, give it back!

Wow, sir - you're quite horny!

Help me and I'll give it back.

Give it to me now!

Lend me twenty baht.

Fuck, you're stingy.

You're nuts.

Your parents put you in the Teacher's trust.

He'll smack you if you misbehave.

Children.

My name is Deg Gong.

You can call me Mr. Deg.

Digang! (Chamber Pot)

Stinky!

Hit me hard, make them scared of you.

Quiet.

Mr. Potty!

I need to poop!

Hold it.

(Teochew) person

(Teochew) mouth

(Teochew) hand

Come on, read after me.

- (Mandarin) person - person

- (Mandarin) mouth - mouth

- (Mandarin) hand - hand

A person has a mouth and hands.

A person has a mouth and hands.

The "ren" character is written with

a left stroke and a right stroke.

I found someone to share the rent.

He's a teacher, a respectable man.

What are you doing here?

Teaching.

I'm sharing the room with a teacher.

He'll teach the kids how to read.

Enough. No business allowed here.

They've closed down all the Chinese schools.

Where are the kids supposed to study?

This is doing good. Don't you understand?

Running a private school can get you arrested.

Don't get me in trouble!

We'll keep it quiet. No one will know.

Don't even think about it.

I'll return your rent.

Thirty-six back to you. You stayed three days.

Alright, forget it.

You can't read either, right?

You can't read,

but you can collect rent for a living.

But if these kids can't read...

they'll live like animals...

their lives will be worth less than cattle grass.

You know that!

Landlord's zaogian,

have you no compassion?

Yeah, you're the badass.

Lamgi.

She's my daughter with an Indian man.

She doesn't look Chinese at all.

If she doesn't know Chinese,

how will she know her roots?

(English) Don't you know?

No.

Auntie Ru...

I understand, but...

It's alright, Lamgi.

If the police come, I'll bribe them.

With what money?

You've drunk it all away.

Iron Fish, don't leave. Do me a Favor.

The white sun by the mountain glows;

The Yellow River into the sea flows.

To enjoy the sight of a thousand miles,

climb up another story's height.

Eight stories high!

Back then, Chinese children in Nanyang

mostly studied in private classes like this

and learned Chinese.

Many educated people like Teacher Deg Gong

ran classes part-time.

They were the ones who laid the foundation

for Chinese education in Nanyang.

Don't start the left stroke too high

or "heaven" becomes "husband".

Talking so much dries you out, take a bite

And read this for me.

Can't you see I'm teaching?

Out.

(Teochew) Officer.

(Teochew) Want a cigarette?

(Thai) Keep it down.

(Thai) Don't draw attention.

(Teochew) Of course.

(Teochew) I'll behave.

Alright, let's continue.

Eavesdropping? Just go in.

Great-Auntie Lamgi knew very little about China.

She was curious about the lessons.

Teacher.

Someone out here wants to join in.

Let me introduce your new student.

Send them in.

Go ahead.

Sister.

Sister, this book is for you.

Come in, come.

Welcome, landlord's zaogian.

Grandpa half-jokingly

gave Great-Auntie Lamgi a push.

And they went from enemies to friends.

You still haven't paid your rent.

No money.

Bring it when it's dry.

The red beans grow in southern lands.

In spring many slender branches grow.

Class is starting - get down!

Digang! I gotta poop!

Of all things, red beans speak the most of longing.

Class, do you know what "longing" means?

No idea.

Then today, I'll teach you what longing is.

Hey, don't fight.

Find the "longing" hidden in these letters.

Winter solstice is near.

Though you're not here,

I've saved you some solstice rice balls.

Come back soon. I'm dying longing for you!

- I'm dying longing for you! - You next.

Made new cotton quilts, now the bed is burning hot.

All ready for the cold, so you can worry not.

Teacher, what does it mean?

I want to sleep with you.

I want to sleep with you!

Siam may be far away

but my heart knows where it belongs

we are as if side by side.

I only ask that you be safe.

That alone is reunion each day.

Teacher, what does that mean?

Class...

Do you know how far it is from Siam to China's Teochew?

No.

Many people came to Nanyang

and never managed to go back.

By boat, it takes more than a month.

Some died halfway

and were thrown right into the sea.

No remains left.

Their wives... just like Bhagseng's wife

have waited for decades.

A "safe reunion" becomes

their greatest wish in life.

Now it's my turn to find "longing."

Teacher, read my letter.

Come in.

Floating...

Put them away. Quick.

Motherfucker, what are you doing?

Nothing.

Read it now!

Officer.

(Thai) How can I help?

(Thai) They're doing embroidery.

(Thai) False report.

Useless.

Boss, this dump of yours? Nobody else would buy it.

That's not your fucking business. No deal.

Fifty thousand. That's my best offer.

I won't accept any offer!

My family passed it down. Get out!

Tear it down sooner, sleep better, Uncle.

(Uncle my ass.)

This is Chinese turf.

Come back here again and I'll beat you senseless!

Try me.

Tear it down.

Go ahead and try. My uncle works at the palace.

Then we'll see.

You're pretty, girl.

Idiots.

Moon Goddess, please bless my father to stop drinking.

May he stay healthy.

May the inn's business get better and better.

May all the grown-ups and little ones be safe.

Auntie.

Happy Mid-Autumn.

Have some amla berries.

Thank you.

Sister.

Lamgi.

- Have some amla berries. - Okay.

Bhagseng.

Have some amla berries.

amla berries...

I haven't had this in six, seven years.

They're not all for you.

Just a few.

So good.

Mouth-watering.

I still have to share with a few more rooms.

Here.

Wait.

Here's next month's rent, early.

I'm leaving next month.

Where to?

To be my own boss.

For real?

Of course.

Pedalling a rickshaw pays well.

I'm not kidding.

I've saved enough.

I'll make even more if I buy a cargo boat.

Two years and I can go home.

I'm happy for you.

You better be.

I gotta go.

Alright. Thanks.

Wake up!

Fire!

Get up, hurry!

Dad!

Dad, there's a fire!

Get up!

Come on, get up!

Get up!

Get up!

Dad, wake up!

Anyone out there?

Iron Fish, why are you going back up?

To get the money!

Dad, wake up!

Anyone out there?

Anyone?

Put this on.

Dad!

Dad!

Bhagseng, don't go!

Why isn't Iron Fish back yet?

What's he still doing up there?

He went to grab his money.

Not worth it, Is he still alive?

What are you doing?

You bastards set the fire?

Stop, fucking assholes!

You won't get away, motherfuckers!

You're not getting away!

They did it! Don't let them get away!

Bhagseng...

Don't move!

You've got the wrong guy!

You've got the wrong guy!

They're arsonists! Can't you see?

Dozens of people almost died!

The one you beat up, he's crippled now.

Great. Two years in prison. Worth it.

What about the others?

They were held for two days, then released.

Lack of evidence.

Fuck!

Oh, Sister Sogriu sent an letter.

I brought it with me.

Read it for me.

Everyone at home is well, both young and old.

But we haven't heard from you in two months.

Send news of your safety soon

so I won't feel troubled.

Your wife,

Sogriu.

Bhagseng...

how should we reply?

Just tell her I'm safe.

Don't mention jail.

Got it.

Did you bring a pen?

Help me collect what people owe me

and send fifty Hong Kong dollars home.

That guy Zieh Lenggung...

he owes me ten.

And the rice shop...

How did you get hurt?

A steel bar fell on him at the factory.

How did that happen?

He wasn't careful.

We put some medicine on it.

You can take it from here.

Alright. Thank you.

What did the doctor say?

He said resting for a month or two will do.

Easy for him to say.

Who told you to go work in a factory?

Money shouldn't be your concern.

I've got hands and feet to put to use.

Look how badly you're hurt.

You should see another doctor.

Did you collect all the money for Iron Fish?

Here. I'll help you into bed.

I'll pitch in too.

You've grown up.

This hurts. I'm quitting that game.

Sleep and you'll feel better.

This is great.

Now I can lie down for two months.

Keep collecting what I'm owed and send fifty Hong Kong dollars home.

Fifty every month.

Don't let Sogriu worry.

Hurry! We're running out of bowls!

Where are the plates? We've got nothing to serve food!

They're not clean yet!

Is the food ready? The customers are leaving!

Cooking, almost done!

- Two bowls of rice! - Coming, coming!

- Which table? - The one outside?

No bowls! They're still being washed!

So slow? What are you even doing?

Here. Your pay.

Why only forty?

It took you a year to wash a few bowls.

At this rate, you'll put me out of business.

I cleaned them well. You owe me another 20 baht.

Enough talking.

If you're desperate for money,

go let men touch you in a teahouse.

One night of that pays you more than a year here.

The ghosts will come after you.

Those four brothers split their family property.

Coieng got a tin factory.

If Lamgi marries in,

her dish-washing days will be over.

How are their horoscopes?

The match is good,

but his father thinks Lamgi is too thin.

Coieng's horoscope says he'll father six children.

If Lamgi can't give him six, he'll take a second wife.

Match him with a sow, then.

One litter and he'll have twelve.

Forget it then.

You won't find a man like this again.

Dad, the medicine's ready.

You can drink it in a bit.

You raise a zaogian, then she belongs to another home.

Come live with me.

So Lamgi's life will be easier.

Don't waste her best years.

Pack up a couple shirts and come over tonight.

I can't do that, Auntie.

Drink your medicine.

You are so beautiful today.

Hello, clean my room.

Good, good.

Job after job... I can't do anything well.

Working for someone is hard.

Here, it's faster twisting from both ends.

Harder.

Good. It's almost dry.

See? Easy.

Just do it .

Come, step on it. It's faster.

My wife, Sogriu...

Enclosed: fifty Hong Kong dollars.

I am well.

There's no need to worry.

Anything else?

That's all.

And the address?

Gengdang Province, Dio-ion County, Koitao Village.

There's a photo.

Let me see.

Not allowed!

Are you bawling at a funeral?

My wife is stunning, right?

Yes, very.

And the three kids are adorable.

When I left home, the youngest wasn't even crawling.

Now they're almost the same height...

I can't even tell who's who.

Read the letter.

My husband Bhagseng, your fifty dollars has arrived.

When the children heard we were going to Swatow to take a photo,

they were so excited they couldn't sleep.

We left before the sun was up.

The one in black is Eldest Boy.

The one in white is Youngest Boy.

Eldest Girl is the smartest.

She made a paper plane and a little boat to pose with.

And she reminded me...

again and again, to mail the plane to you.

So when she misses her dad,

you can fly back in the blink of an eye.

Eldest Girl looks just like Sogriu when she was young.

Just thinking about it... makes my nose sting.

Raising three children alone... must be so hard for her.

Did you get all my debts collected?

Some still haven't paid. It wasn't quite fifty.

But it's fine, I made up the difference.

No!

You can't do that!

It's nothing. I'm my own boss now... it's small potatoes.

Then I'll take it as a loan.

Riceless kueh? Looks good.

How much for riceless kueh? Is it good?

It's free if it's not good.

Filled with chives to boost male stamina.

Why're you leaving?

Stop talking nonsense.

Eldest Boy is Coieng.

Big Sister is Cokeng.

Youngest Boy is Coleng.

I chose their names myself. What do you think?

Not bad.

No business today?

This is hard.

What's for dinner?

We'll eat what we cannot sell. No waste.

What a life!

Being old and still feeding my "stamina."

Midnight...

Death...

Look up the characters before coming here!

You're scaring me to death.

- Mail for Den Bhagseng! - Coming!

Business looks good.

Siam's best riceless kueh, great for your stamina!

Siam has lots of hero tree flowers

but it has no Spring.

It's so fucking hot.

Write it.

You keep rewriting, is this for the emperor?

I'll use these to wipe my ass.

Give them back. I need those!

She ran away with me!

Just like that?

She said I needed a bicycle to marry her.

How was I going to find a bicycle in Swatow?

I could have stolen one.

Is that what you did?

My mother sent a letter from Teochew.

- Could you read it? - Sure.

She said, if you really love me,

somehow you'll find me a bicycle.

She was absolutely right.

- Thank you. - No problem.

Big sister, teach us how to write.

Will you teach us, please?

Teach us! Teach us!

A person has a mouth and hands.

Next we write the character for "mouth."

Iron Fish's three kids... I feel sorry for them.

I'll drink less and send money for their alcohol.

It'd be better to not drink at all.

Stop drinking?

I'd rather give him my life back!

Spring slumber, unaware of dawn;

All around, one hears the birds.

Night brings the sounds of wind and rain;

Of the fallen flowers, how many did we know?

Lamgi!

Bhagseng, what are your plans now?

Be my own boss.

Really?

Really.

I met a big-deal guy in jail.

He's lending me a boat.

You've got a big shot to help you out!

Of course. Luck comes around every eight years.

This time, I'm aiming high!

We should write Sister Sogriu so she can be happy too.

Good idea.

Go and write it.

Here, try some.

Good for your stamina!

Stamina...

Bhagseng, let me know what you think.

Go ahead.

Separated from you

for more than eight years now.

I think of you day and night,

yet the day of reunion can't be foreseen.

I turn my longing into hard work,

Through diligence and thrift I established a livelihood.

Today, I trade my rickshaw for a cargo boat,

and finally set sail.

I'll cross rivers and oceans to their end.

Reunion will be my final harbour.

So nice. It's too much to spend on me.

You need to bring luggage.

I packed Sister Sogriu's letters in there too.

And some medicine, you'll need it on the boat.

I'll accept it then.

Iron Fish, we're leaving!

I've got to go.

Go back home.

Take care out there.

Uh-huh.

Brother Bhagseng...

When you can finally go back to China, come tell us.

I will.

Go home!

Dad, what happened?

That moron Iron Fish... how did he get his hands on all this money?

You want it or not?

What now?

Coieng's wife couldn't get pregnant, so he sent her packing.

Now he wants to marry Lamgi.

My son was fated to marry late.

He's turned down all other women...

all he thinks about is your zaogian.

Heaven will make arrangements

as long as the two like each other.

Uncle... I adore Lamgi from my heart.

Love for each other matters most.

My son has a blessed fate.

Every fortune-teller has said

he'll have six children.

How about this, three will take my family name,

and three will take yours?

If your zaogian marries my son, her fate will also fare well.

Coieng. Uncle.

Have some riceless kueh.

My dear girl, what do you think?

I'm sorry, Uncle...

I'm not thinking of getting married yet.

Girl,

have you ever done the math for your little shop?

Labor,

fuel, rent, and everything else.

Plus daily living for you two,

home upkeep,

paper and ink...

If you try this on your own, the hardships are just beginning!

I feel secure relying on myself.

Yourself?

Should your father die thinking you're by yourself?

Given his poor health and stuck in this poor house...

Dad!

Respect what Lamgi wants.

We look like two fucking pansies out here.

Screw your bullshit love.

Go home!

What?

- Let's eat riceless kueh. - Okay.

Pour me a drink.

Cheers, Dad.

Yuck, giving it back.

Tastes awful.

Zaogian...

perhaps, is not always meant to leave.

Let's close up after we eat.

The autumn wind rises; the air cools down.

Thin autumn clouds drift; wild geese fly in tandem.

Every household is bustling, farmers come and go.

Red-leaf village; white-reed harbour.

Everywhere you go, you hear the insects trilling.

He said he was gonna give this suit it to me.

And we drank like crazy.

I woke up. and he was gone.

- Drink. - Drink.

Come on.

That suit looks sharp.

So good.

Let me try it on.

How much?

- Eight hundred. - Eight hundred?

When you first came to Siam,

you almost had to sleep in the toilet.

Now you spend money without blinking.

Fits you, right?

Take it as a gift.

Crazy, man? You wear it home to impress all of them!

Sit down. Drink.

Oh,

when you go back, check out two family houses for me...

see if they're falling apart.

Go see them yourself.

You never thought about going home?

I'm not like you.

You've got someone waiting at home.

Me? Wherever I go, it's the same... All the same!

Drink up. Drink.

One finger whorl, sit still, chill.

Two whorls, feet go, go.

Three whorls, enough rice in soup.

Four whorls, a rice pot full.

Five whorls, wide fields and land.

Six whorls, a worrying mind.

Seven whorls, lucky, good-good.

Eight whorls, a beggar's life.

Nine whorls, peace, smooth-smooth.

I got drunk and passed out.

Slept like the dead.

Someone robbed the boat next to ours, I didn't hear a thing.

What's in there? Open up!

Don't touch my kid!

Murder!

Iron Fish!

Iron Fish!

Iron Fish!

Iron Fish!

These past two years, Iron Fish made a fortune.

He was a sharp man.

Ever since he bought that boat,

everyone who did business with him

kept coming back.

Business went so well.

He even asked me to come join him.

The ten years from Malaya to Siam

can't compare to these past two.

That's life. Our fate is not up to us.

He practiced writing when he had free time on the boat.

These characters are his wife's name, right?

Yes.

(Obituary)

Bhagseng fought the bandits to protect his fellow Teochew...

braver than anyone.

The bandits were more vicious than imagined

and fought back with brutal force.

Bhagseng was killed.

I tell you this with overflowing tears.

That leaves you with sixty dollars.

Come back next month to send it.

Don't crowd the counter. Line up at the back.

We can't work like this.

Siam doesn't have springtime.

Siam's hot as fuck.

Siam doesn't have...

Hiou-eng, Siam doesn't have springtime.

But the moment I think of you... I feel Spring.

Such a liar.

Enough, enough.

There's no space left on the paper.

Wait, sir.

One last line.

Siam has no Spring...

you are my Spring,

Hiou-eng.

Holy shit...

You love her that much?

Of course.

Write it.

Thank you, sir.

Pardon me. Let me go first, sorry.

Sir, please, help me first.

Send one thousand Hong Kong dollars to my wife.

Tell her... once she gets it, buy back our youngest daughter right away.

What's your wife's name?

Sioukeng.

Sioukeng, my wife,

When you read this, buy our daughter back with no delay.

Good.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you, sir.

What happened to this younger brother?

His mother is unwell.

Use this money for your mother.

Thank you, big brother.

I don't have much on me.

Thank you, big brother .

Let me help out too.

I just came to Siam this year.

I can't find work.

It's okay.

Send money to your mother first.

I thank you all for my mother.

No need. We are away from home, we help each other.

Sir, I need to send a letter.

Yes, what should I write?

Send two hundred dollars home.

My wife's name is Hioh Sogriu.

Tell her not to worry.

Tell her I'm doing well in Siam.

That's it.

Sure.

It wasn't a fire.

Your wife says she got the money.

Everyone's safe.

They roasted sweet yams a couple days back.

Everyone really enjoyed themselves.

Your Eldest Son got farts from the yams.

I'm relieved there was no fire.

It's getting cold there.

Tell her to dress warm.

Over here it's hot as fuck.

Anything else?

Tell her to send photos.

Send photos...

to pleasure yourself?

How did you know?

Siam's sun is fierce.

I feel the heat in my entire body.

Send photos as quick as you can,

to ease these pangs of longing.

Not bad.

Miss.

Where should I send the obituary?

I'm not sending it for now. Sorry.

Hioh Sogriu?

There's a letter from her, it's been here for a while.

Take it back with you, too.

This is from her.

Sister Sogriu sent a letter.

I'll read it to you.

My husband, Bhagseng,

May you be well when unfolding this letter.

I received the one hundred dollars.

The Double Seventh was Eldest Girl's coming-of-age ceremony.

She's grown into a graceful woman.

Eldest Boy and Youngest Boy are tall,

healthy and smart.

Seeing our children thrive fills my heart with joy.

This is the pride we've cultivated together.

On the night of Double Seventh,

I dreamed of you returning in fine clothes,

looking as young as I remember.

I awoke, and went to wait at the village gate.

Eventually I noticed the stream's gentle rippling,

and the lateness of the night took me home.

I think only of your safety.

Seeing you in my dreams has filled my heart.

Your wife, Sogriu.

My wife, Sogriu,

May you be well when unfolding this letter.

I enclose two hundred Hong Kong dollars.

I am well.

Business is going smoothly.

Sailing into the night,

a bright moon rises over the water...

as round as a jade pendant.

It feels as if I were back home

watching it with you shoulder to shoulder.

The river and ocean span thousands of miles.

But when I hold you in my heart,

the distance between us disappears.

Red hero tree flowers are blooming along the Chao Phraya River.

just like Spring back home.

I pressed one into this letter.

Now we can share its fragrance.

Why did you come so late?

This is a letter of reassurance.

From Den Bhagseng to Hioh Sogriu.

Please mail it tomorrow.

I've been practicing writing lately.

I learned how to write your name.

My hand is still clumsy

but given a few more days, I'll succeed.

This short paper can't express my longing.

I only wish you to take care.

Your husband, Bhagseng.

Brother Bhagseng...

I suppose you must have reached Teochew by now.

Sister Sogriu, ever since we began writing,

your strength and wisdom are my guiding light.

I too have been fortunate enough, like you, to become a mother,

and to understand the weight of being a parent.

Kind soul, please grant him a new life.

For twenty years,

you've taught me

how to be a mother.

Hueki, your turn.

When writing homework,

time slips past the tip of my pen.

Good. Zungpag.

When taking a dump,

time slips past... in the hand that wipes my butt.

Kaiki. When reading books,

time slips past in between the words.

Very good.

That's it for today.

Your homework is to memorize Transient Days by Zhu Ziqing.

Next week we'll practice dictation.

Teacher, after you.

Bye-bye.

Bye-bye. Don't run.

Bye!

Mom, I'm home.

You're back.

Hungry? Dinner's ready.

I went to the qiaopi office today

and picked up Auntie Sogriu's letter.

Read it to me.

She sent a photo too.

Let me see.

My husband, Bhagseng,

May unfolding this letter find you well.

Our eldest grandchild is one month old now.

You are a Grandpa now.

Youngest Boy is getting married next month.

As parents, our duty...

is finally fulfilled.

I've heard that we can fly to Siam by plane now.

Shall we come to Siam to see you?

Ma... Auntie Sogriu says she wants to come to Siam.

Nothing has changed around here.

Next year they'll tear it down to build high-rises.

Destroy it all.

When's Sogriu coming?

She's not.

I wrote to her that it's typhoon season.

and not to come yet.

You idiot.

Will you pretend to be Iron Fish until your grave?

I've hidden the truth for almost twenty years.

I'm unsure if Sister Sogriu will blame me.

Why would she?

If she knew you've been supporting two families,

She'd cherish you, more than anything.

Dad... let's go back to Teochew together.

Sure, if I'm not dead by then.

We'll fly.

I heard you can drink on the flight.

Drinking in the sky, now that's living.

Let's buy some riceless kueh to go with tea.

They're very good!

Thanks.

I got riceless kueh!

Dad, why are you in bed?

Dad, come eat riceless kueh.

Dad?

Dad...

Her plan to come see Ama in China

never happened because of her father's passing.

After taking care of Ama for eighteen years,

Great-Auntie Lamgi finally decided

to tell her the whole truth.

Class,

I'm going to join the army.

I hope we'll meet again.

Remember what I've always told you?

Sometimes, the useless things are the most useful of all.

You must keep studying, understand?

Oi!

Digang!

Stop messing around.

Where's Digang?

He went to poop.

Is that a camera?

Take a picture.

I'll send it home.

- Take it. - No way. Deg Gong isn't back yet.

Just take one first.

Nice.

Fuck you!

The film's expensive!

There was only one frame left!

Here, my treat.

You kidding?

That was really the last one.

Bhagseng was frugal, he never spent money on taking photos.

This is the only picture ever taken of him.

I'm enclosing it in this letter.

It's enough blessings for three lifetimes that I met you,

husband and wife.

Such a bond is priceless, which I will treasure and cherish.

Sir, the letter is finished.

Ready to send.

The years flow like water...

and almost twenty have rushed past.

I'm sorry, Sister Sogriu.

I hope you forgive me.

Bhagseng's wife...

I'm sorry...

The heavy rain yesterday swept me into the river.

I searched for a long time...

This photo is all I could find from your mail.

You're safe and that's what matters.

I have to go, still got mail to deliver.

After all this time... you tell me now?

That year's typhoon

washed away the entire truth.

from Great-Auntie Lamgi.

And that's how forty years of misunderstanding began.

Ama never wanted to hear about Grandpa again.

Soon, she left Koitao Village.

I'm here for letters from Zia Lamgi.

Where from?

Gengdang, Dio-ion.

There's nothing.

Thank you.

Gengdang Province, Dio-ion County, Koitao Village.

Make sure it's right.

No, I've checked everywhere.

Great-Auntie Lamgi

has been waiting to hear from Ama.

Come back again.

Keep waiting.

Why were all of them returned?

Did you write the address wrong?

A lot of places in China

have changed their administrative districts.

Since it's been returned every time,

the recipient must have moved.

Miss, the remittance office is closing.

Why don't you call them?

She never got any reply...

but she kept sending letters...

one after another.

Until the last remittance office had shut its doors.

She could not reach Ama anymore.

When my mother was writing this letter,

she carefully wrote several drafts before sending it.

Luckily she kept the drafts...

so you can hear it now.

Ama, Grandpa's plaque has been placed in the ancestral hall.

Great-Auntie Lamgi tried, but couldn't reach us

and they've been paying respects all these years.

So thoughtful.

My phone's dying. Gonna charge it.

Bless her.

Bless Auntie Lamgi.

Wishing this good soul peace and safety.

Good health.

May everything go her way.

The olive-vegetable should have cooled down by now.

It's raining.

I'll go.

I'm coming too.

Alright, we'll go together.

Careful. Go slow.

Watch the steps.

The olive-vegetable is cold now.

Cold now.

Hurry, pack it up. We need to bring it on the flight.

Okay.

On the flight?

Isn't Lamgi in Thailand?

You've never flown before, you'll feel scared.

What, is the plane going to eat me alive?

Alright.

We'll go.

Sailing into the night...

a bright moon rises over the water.

The river and ocean span thousands of miles...

But when I hold you in my heart,

the distance between us disappears.

You've got an overseas letter.

Thank you.

My wife, Sogriu...

May you be well when unfolding this letter.

Sailing into the night,

a bright moon rises over the river...

as round as a jade pendant.

It feels as if I were back home

watching it with you shoulder to shoulder.

The river and ocean span thousands of miles.

But when I hold you in my heart,

the distance between us disappears.

Our three children must study hard.

Ensure they never become lazy.

Maintaining a family is no easy task.

I feel ashamed for what you've had to endure,

without me to share your burden.

Mama, I think there's a thief next door.

Everyone, wake up! Catch the thief!

Don't let them get away!

When I heard our neighbour's home was broken into,

I was shocked and deeply moved.

Who says a woman's shoulders are not broad enough?

A mother becomes strong as steel, just as you are.

Zeghua, time for milk.

From now on, do not act alone. Stay safe above all.

Zeghua, don't touch.

We're mailing cookies to your older brothers and sister.

Understand?

Dad sent cookies!

Four each.

One at a time! No grabbing!

I admire how well you run the household,

but please don't be overly frugal.

I will provide for everything.

Salted pork!

Mama, can we have pork stir-fried with pickled greens tonight?

Tomato stir-fry!

Salted pork tastes really good.

Eldest Boy wouldn't share with me.

Mama, what's this character?

Bhagseng sent some pork.

One piece for everyone. Try it.

My dad sent it.

Siam pork!

... shared with the neighbours.

- Correct. - Look girl,

your dad sent a big package.

What is it?

Ma! Dad sent something!

Ma, this is amazing.

So awesome!

Your dad really splurged.

My wife, Sogriu,

A bicycle is enclosed.

I always remember what I promised you.

Sogriu can already ride it now!

Let me try it!

Dad's taste has definitely improved.

Ma, in this outfit,

you'll still look young at seventy or eighty.

Nonsense.

In the flick of a horse's tail,

our children blossom like springtime

while our temples are touched with snow.

Yet our love for each other remains unchanged.

Dear passengers,

our flight will soon arrive in Bangkok, Thailand

at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

The aircraft is preparing to touch down.

Landing already?

By boat, it used to take a whole month.

Not when the boat flies.

That's Bangkok down there, right?

Ama. Ama.

Ama.

Ama. This is Uncle Zeghua.

- Auntie Sogriu, - Hello.

I'm Zeghua.

It's been a long trip.

Not too bad.

Zeghua... You're a good boy.

Auntie Sogriu,

this is Deg Gong.

Deg Gong...

Iron Fish's wife, hello.

Great-Uncle Deg Gong

used to write letters for Grandpa from here.

You wrote those letters?

Yes, me.

So cheeky.

You embarrassed me to death.

Did they give you goosebumps?

Goosebumps head to toe!

That's what I wanted!

My sister,

let me introduce you...

these are

students that Iron Fish and I taught.

Say hi to Auntie.

It turns out,

Bhagseng Middle Schools were built by the students

who my Grandpa had helped.

Education truly changed their lives.

The trees here are gorgeous.

These plants

were all planted by my mother.

Lamgi really knows how to make a home.

How long have you been living here?

Almost... forty years.

So beautiful.

Mind your step.

Is Lamgi resting?

She should be up by now.

Mother.

Mother.

Everyone, come on in.

Mother.

This looks like the old Teochew houses.

Have a seat.

Make yourselves at home.

Charm of the old world.

Auntie Sogriu,

please, sit down.

Uncle Deg Gong, have a seat.

I'll go get my mom.

Alright.

Make tea if you want some.

Zeghua, wait. I'll come with you.

Okay, this way.

She's in the back.

Alright.

Mother.

Auntie Sogriu has come to see you.

Mother...

You used to write so many letters to China.

This is Auntie Sogriu.

Her husband was Den Bhagseng.

I'm old.

I don't... remember.

I'm old.

You don't remember anything?

I'm old... useless.

You've dried so many red hero tree flowers.

Red... what flowers?

Red hero tree flowers.

Red hero tree...

I brought olives from China.

I brought olives from China, try some.

Here, try one.

It's good.

Taste it.

First bitter... then sweet.

You encouraged my Eldest Girl to finish school.

You told her not to stop.

After she graduated, she became a teacher in Swatow.

And Youngest Boy, he always had a bloated stomach.

So you sent us a secret remedy.

It said to

boil cockroaches in water.

We're home.

Flower for me?

Lamgi, we're leaving soon.

We're going.

We'll come see you again.

Okay. Okay.

Thank you.

Thank me?

We're family.

Ama, time for a photo.

Okay.

Lamgi,

look here.

Let's take a picture

Smile.

That's a good one.

Beautiful smile.

Sister Sogriu...

Sister Sogriu...?

Yes, I'm Sogriu.

Last time,

I sent some salted pork...

did you get it?

Yes. I did.

Was it good?

Yes. Very good.

Then... I'll send some more.

Please take these letters, these are the ones that were not delivered.

Whenever she missed you,

she'd write another letter.

It had turned into a habit.

Siam may be far away

but my heart knows where it belongs

so it's as if we're side by side.

I only ask that you be safe.

Then each day is another reunion.

Auntie Sogriu,

Uncle Bhagseng can go home now.

We are going home.

My boy...

How much money do you owe?

Not much. I'll earn money and pay it off.

It's fine.

It's fine.

Let Ama tell you something...

A person must live with loyalty and heart.

And the right people will come to help you.

You understand?

I understand, Ama.

Oh, Ama.

Here, I'm returning this letter.

I took it from your attic the other day.

Did you kill the thief for this?

Can't kill him... I was the thief.

How'd you know I kept it up there?

Uncle Leng told me.

What a bad influence!

He made me lose a million yuan.

You were being greedy!

Ama's right.

You're just too greedy.

Anyone else would've taken you for everything.

You're lucky it was me.

At least I can pay you back.

That's more like your Grandpa!

Integrity.

Of course.

Ama, look! Chinatown.

Grandpa used to pedal his rickshaw here.

Have a look.

What?

Don't touch me!

It looks just like old Swatow.

(Safe Arrival)

The first letter sent home from a foreign shore...

reporting safety, known as the "reassurance qiaopi."

(Two Dollars for Each at Home)

In 1930, Mr. Den sent 50 dollars from Malaya,

dividing it among all fourteen family members young and old.

(Reedem Daughter Upon Reading)

In 1927, Ion Ziab sent 50,000 yuan from Siam to redeem

his daughter, with a father's love and survivor's sorrow.

(Defend Homeland and Aid Korea)

Mr. Kou sent HK$100 from Thailand to the frontline,

a firm expression of patriotic support.

In 1981, Kou Ghekiam in Thailand

celebrated the founding of Shantou University.

Education in the homeland was supported

by many Teochew benefactors in Thailand.

In 1960, the eight-year-old Zia Iangsiou in Nanyang

pencilled New Year wishes to his Ama in Chaoshan.

Your face, long unseen; not a day goes by without longing.

In 1946, Mrs. Dang wrote to her husband in Nanyang

from Engdeng Village, Die-ang County.