How to pronounce "万事开头难"

[Footprints of Change]

[Episode 12]

Minister Wen, please.

Thanks.

She's listening to that music again.

You know her husband well?

We were just high school classmates.

You could say that.

He's the only one in the ROC government

that I could call a friend.

Minister Wen，

he's a good man.

Is that so?

I just came from her place.

She said her husband

liked Soviet literature.

I was wondering

among ROC government officials,

are there many who like Soviet literature?

Very few.

Let me tell you something.

Don't take this the wrong way,

Minister Wen.

When I first met you,

I often felt confused.

You two don't look alike,

but I always felt that

the two of you

had something in common.

I don't know why.

Why's that?

It's the way you act,

and your character, things like that.

I can't explain it clearly.

Let me share a little story with you.

They say the Communists value frugality,

while the KMT is all corrupt, right?

But once,

Zhaoyuan and I went for Japanese cuisine.

When he entered the room

and took off his shoes,

I saw this huge patch on his sock.

I laughed so hard at him.

Later I said,

I'll just give you a stack of socks.

And he told me,

Zihe, don't mention this to anyone.

It's so embarrassing.

I wouldn't gossip about it.

Anyway, what I'm trying to say

is that

he doesn't really seem like an official.

He's just very genuine.

That's why I'm willing to be close to him.

An ROC government official

wears a patched sock.

By the way,

during that meeting,

about Comrade Yang Xue'an's attitude,

was everyone's reaction quite intense?

Well...

Mr. Fu,

I hope

you can use your own approach

from your perspective

to explain it to everyone.

Can you do that?

Don't worry, Minister Wen.

Good.

[Half a month later]

Fresh vegetables.

Zhaoyuan,

I've moved out of the old house

into a garret

like where you lived as a child.

Tell me,

can I wait for you to return here?

Miss Yi.

Comrade Su.

Can you get used to living here?

Didn't Mr. Fu arrange accommodation for you?

He did,

but I didn't go there.

Comrade Su,

how did you know I live here?

Our neighborhood committee

notified Comrade Su.

There's a newcomer in our neighborhood.

We always need to investigate thoroughly.

The Zhang family's Nanny is your neighbor.

Miss Yi used to work with us.

She's currently awaiting rearrangement,

and temporarily staying here.

Miss Yi,

during your stay in Shanghai,

you can ask her for help with anything.

Although you don't work with us any more,

as long as you're in Shanghai,

we will take responsibility for you.

I understand.

If there's nothing else,

I'll head upstairs now.

Don't leave yet.

I have more words to say.

Comrade Su,

you can rest assured.

The residents in our neighborhood

have a very high level of vigilance.

Just last year,

we even caught a Kuomintang spy.

We even received an award for it.

Miss Yi,

while you're living here,

we will look after you.

Your husband was in the Kuomintang, right?

I heard he went to Taiwan.

Why didn't you go with him?

What are you doing here?

He went to Taiwan?

I didn't even know he went to Taiwan.

How do you know that?

Su, look at this.

She hasn't even properly moved in yet,

and she's already so hot-tempered.

How am I supposed to

look after you as your supervisor?

I remember you told me, Su,

about someone called Mr. Fu.

It's said he's a boss.

He must be wealthy.

Why aren't you living with him?

With your looks,

let me tell you,

those big bosses would surely fancy you.

Zhang's Nanny,

we shouldn't gossip about such matters.

I'll go upstairs first.

Miss Yi,

you should leave Shanghai.

I'm not leaving.

Who is it?

Are you Mrs. Zhou?

Mr. Fu recommended us to come here.

Please come in.

Mr. Fu said

that your clothes are very fashionable

and insisted we come and take a look.

These are all samples.

Feel free to look around.

And these too.

This one looks nice.

Yes, it would look especially good on you.

It suits you perfectly.

Mrs. Zhou,

did you make all these yourself?

Yes, I did.

They look fantastic.

And the fabric is excellent too.

I have some

fashion magazines from Paris and New York.

You can take a look.

If you like any of the styles,

I can make them for you.

My sister-in-law

bought this exact one in Paris.

Mrs. Zhou, can you really make it?

Of course I can.

Mrs. Zhou,

are you sure?

How about this?

Leave your fabric here,

and when I finish,

you can take it if you're satisfied.

If you're not satisfied,

I'll pay you for the fabric.

If you're happy with everything,

please give the money to Mr. Fu.

He's always helping me out,

and I'd like to thank him.

You want this, right?

The Zhang family's Nanny.

Miss Yi, you're home.

You have visitors.

Two of my classmates are here.

I've already spoken to Uncle Shui.

Hello.

What do you use this sewing machine for?

I do some sewing and mending sometimes.

I must say the clothes are so well made.

The design, the choice of fabric,

the style.

Just imagine our daughter

wearing clothes made by you.

How beautiful she would look!

If she wore a little princess dress,

just thinking about it

makes me so happy.

What do you think?

Just imagine

that innocent little girl

wearing such a beautiful dress.

How lovely that would be!

When I have time,

I'll make one for you.

Thank you so much.

But let me make it clear.

Making clothes is one thing,

but that's separate from

our responsibility for you.

We must look after you every day you're here.

When I finish,

I'll bring it to you.

Great, thank you.

Okay, I'll let you get back to your thing.

I'll be going now.

It's so dark in here.

And my eyesight isn't good either.

Keep looking.

I think this one looks quite nice.

It has a great appearance.

I can make this too.

Really?

Is that true?

Great!

Then I'll take this one.

Okay.

Yang.

Director.

You should be off work now.

Director,

I'll just

finish this bit of work before going home.

Be careful

not to wear yourself out.

Yes.

Now

the public-private partnership and

capitalist transformation just started.

Everything is difficult at the start.

I promise

with the cases assigned to me,

I definitely won't make any mistakes.

Good.

How is your mother doing?

If necessary,

I've spoken with Minister Wen,

and he offered

to buy you a train ticket

and approve leave for you to go home.

Thank you and minister.

I'd

better not waste more time.

I've decided

to finish all this work

and then go home right away.

Good. Go home early then.

- Don’t worry. - I’m leaving.

Take care.

Okay.

Who is it?

Ms. Yi Yi,

Minister Wen is here on behalf of

the organization to visit you.

Coming!

Careful, mind your head.

Okay.

Can you stop drinking this nonsense?

How can this fill your stomach?

I drink it too.

Minister,

you're different.

You drink it to stay alert

when working at night.

Zhou, there's a fruit vendor

at the alley entrance.

Go buy some apples.

Okay.

This is from the leader for you.

It's a compilation of national documents

on bourgeois reformation policies.

Please study it carefully.

Take it.

Minister, I'm going now.

Go ahead.

I'm fine.

I own no house,

no land,

no treasures,

yet I'm still labeled bourgeois.

We let you read these documents

so you can understand

the Party and government policies.

No one is trying to label you.

You're being too sensitive.

I'm not sensitive.

I'm used to it.

My room is a bit small.

Please, have a seat here.

No need.

I'll stand for a moment.

Would you like to try some coffee?

Sure.

Good, thank you.

It's good.

Now that you leave here,

do you still listen to music?

Of course not.

These walls are thin.

If I cough,

the whole hallway can hear it.

I quite enjoy listening to Pingtan now.

I wonder if you like it too?

I do like it,

very much.

But

I'm from the north,

so I don't understand it well.

I'll learn gradually.

It gets very hot here in summer.

Why

did you choose to live here?

I had no choice.

My savings

only allow me to live here.

Actually, compared to garden villas,

I find these garret rooms more grounding.

It's like

I've already hit rock bottom,

so I can't fall any further.

Don't be so pessimistic.

The organization

is working to solve your employment issue.

I'm not pessimistic.

I truly think these rooms are quite nice.

Great writers,

great artists,

and many revolutionaries have lived here.

An elder once told me,

those who have lived in these rooms

and managed to move beyond them

are the true Shanghainese.

You seem to

care a lot about being Shanghainese.

No,

what I care about is one's identity.

Actually, I'm a bit vain too.

The great writer Lu Xun

wrote about garret rooms.

That's right.

The Qiejieting Essays.

I believe your current situation

is only temporary.

The organization

will definitely find

suitable work for you.

We won't waste talent.

You need to trust us.

I trust you, Minister Wen.

What I say

doesn't represent just myself.

I represent the organization.

But the organization is abstract.

Common people like us

only see individuals.

Minister,

the apples are here.

Good.

Zhou,

please have a good talk with Ms. Yi,

especially the policies

about educated intellectuals.

I have a meeting.

I need to go now.

Minister Wen,

let me walk you out.

Please be careful.

♪ The moon sinks low ♪

♪ The crows cry in the frosty sky ♪

Beyond Suzhou’s walls,

stands the Cold Mountain shrine.

At midnight, temple bells drift softly

to my boat in time.

It seems you were being modest earlier.

You do understand, don't you?

I can handle simple ones,

but nothing too complex.

Ms. Yi,

living here is different

from your previous environment.

You must keep good relations

with your neighbors.

Have you met the neighborhood committee?

Are they treating you well?

Yes, I have.

They've all been very nice to me.

Don't worry.

That's good.

I need to go to a meeting now.

You stay.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

What are you doing?

I didn't mean to.

I thought it was a novel.

You read my diary without permission.

Yes.

I did read it.

I meant to.

I never thought your thinking

would be so negative and backward.

My diary is written for myself,

not for others to read.

But these are your thoughts!

Reactionary thoughts are also reactionary.

Say something.

What do you want me to say?

Let me tell you.

I won't report you.

But you need to confess.

You must turn yourself in.

Go.

You go.

I knew it.

Someone like you

will never make any progress.

[Shanghai People's Government]

Come in.

Minister,

Director,

you wanted to see me?

Comrade Yang,

this train leaves in three hours.

Pack your things quickly

and go home.

Your work

has already been assigned to others.

Minister,

there is lots of work lately.

I'll leave after I finish.

Work is important,

but your mother needs you more right now.

Go back.

I've already spoken with Director Fang.

I want to finish my work before leaving.

Once somethings happen, it's too late

to make up for it in a lifetime.

Go home.

Yang,

Minister Wen is right about this.

You should go home first.

Yang is really

a selfless and promising talent.

Wenpu,

why do I feel

he's just like you when you were young?

Like me when I was young?

I've forgotten what I was like when I was young.

Just like him.

Ms. Yi,

what's the matter?

Director Wen,

Director Fang,

this is my personal diary.

It's about daily life

and personal thoughts.

Comrade Zhou Yunqing found my diary.

She thinks I have reactionary thoughts.

She wants me to turn myself in.

So here is my diary

and I ask you to review it.

Ms. Yi,

we will definitely read your diary.

You can go back first.

We'll give you an answer later.

No.

I'm afraid once I leave this room,

I'll become someone everyone condemns.

I'm scared.

I want both leaders to read it now

and give me an answer right away.

Ms. Yi.

All right.

Please sit here and rest.

We'll give you an answer after we finish.

Please sit down.

Zhou, Zhou.

Mr. Yang.

What's wrong?

I just peeked at Yi Yi's diary.

Diary?

Tell me more.

What did it say?

Comrade Zhou,

let me ask you.

What kind of work

are we doing now?

Bourgeois reformation.

As for Yi Yi,

as a typical petty bourgeois intellectual,

her issues are not trivial.

You must report truthfully.

I'm going back to the office.

We can talk on the way.

Let's go.

Let's go.

We must report Yi Yi's issue

to Director Fang right away.

Mr. Yang, it's not that serious.

I'll go with you.

Well.

Minister, Director.

Minister.

Director.

Zhou,

Yi Yi has brought the diary.

See if this is the one.

She brought it here?

Yes.

Everything's here.

Are you sure?

Yes, I'm sure.

She must have thought you read her diary

and would report to the organization,

so she confessed immediately.

This person is quite calculating.

If she were that calculating,

she could have simply not shown the diary.

After all, Zhou has no proof,

right?

Yang,

weren't you supposed to go home today?

Your train leaves in two hours.

You should go.

You don't need to worry about it anymore.

Minister,

this is my job

and not finishing it would be negligence.

I'll leave after I finish.

Very good.

You stay then.

Fu Zihe

and Yi Yi's case

is under Yang's responsibility.

Let's discuss it together.

Minister Wen, I remember you have

a meeting with visitors from Beijing

this afternoon, right?

You should go ahead with that.

I'll take care of things here.

Take the diary.

Ms. Yi,

please sit here.

I have

a few questions for you.

Don't be nervous,

but you must tell the truth.

Tell the truth.

Yes.

I heard

your husband was retreating to Taiwan,

but you insisted on staying in Shanghai.

Why?

I'm not sure.

I don't know.

Let me ask you.

Your diary says

living

like an ant

without dignity,

No dignity.

What does this mean?

Is this how you feel about New China?

I have no complaints about

New China or the Communist Party.

But I do have issues with certain leaders.

I'm frustrated

about my situation.

Issues with the leaders?

What issues can you have with leaders?

You used the word ant

to describe your current situation.

Is this just ordinary frustration?

Ms. Yi Yi,

I hope you'll tell the truth

and cooperate with our work.

I don't know what you want me to say.

Please stand up to answer my questions.

Director Fang,

this person is being very uncooperative.

Alright.

You can go home for now.

Leave the diary here.

We will investigate

everything thoroughly.

Minister Wen.

Minister Wen.

Hello.

What are you doing here?

How did the discussion go?

No, Minister Wen,

we've clarified Yi Yi's situation.

She went home first.

What?

Minister,

I'd like to report something to you.

Sure, go ahead.

Yi Yi's stepfather doesn't earn much.

Her mother is in poor health.

She has two younger brothers at home.

They haven't even finished school.

If she's sent home as a reactionary,

what will happen for the rest of her life?

You

still care about her,

don't you?

Zhou,

all humans have family bonds,

friendship and love too.

It's normal.

You care about her.

It shows you're kind-hearted.

There's nothing to be ashamed of.

Thank you, Minister.

Do you have a good relationship

with your brother?

No.

Zhou,

we know your situation very well.

Our department is quite important.

The fact that you were allowed to join

shows that we trust you, right?

I thank the organization.

Minister,

before liberation,

actually, we had a good relationship.

He wasn't like an official at all,

more like a soldier,

and an intellectual.

He's more than ten years older than me.

My brother has always been

very caring toward me.

Among the people your brother dealt with,

was there anyone you still remember well?

Minister,

he didn't really have any friends.

Nobody ever came to our home.

Actually,

there was someone...

Yi Yi was in Hong Kong at that time.

He asked me to send a book to someone.

The person's surname was Jian.

I remember because it's a rare surname.

My brother told me

that this book delivery

must not be mentioned to anyone,

not even to Yi Yi.

So I didn't tell anyone.

Jian?

Spelled as J-I-A-N?

Yes.

How old was this person?

What did they look like?

Minister,

I really don't know anything else.

Have I done something wrong?

No.

That's all.

Come in.

Yi, are you okay?

Why are you here?

Come on, get in my car. Hurry.

You'd better keep your distance from me.

I don't want to drag you into this.

Don't say that.

We're friends, aren't we?

Besides, I've asked Minister Wen about it.

Your situation

is nothing serious at all.

Just subordinates making a fuss.

Miss Yi.

Um, Miss Yi.

Let's talk later.

Comrade Su, goodbye.

Miss Yi,

Mr. Yang called

and asked me to pick you up.

Also,

although you no longer work here,

your personnel file is still with us.

You should attend political activities.

What do you mean?

This afternoon,

the Party branch is having an activity.

You should come too.

Let the worker sisters help you.

Help me?

Help with what?

How can they help?

Mr. Yang says

you still have many negative emotions.

You should express them,

so everyone can give you guidance.

Of course,

if you have any difficulties in life,

they'll help you solve them too.

Let's go,

right now.

What's wrong with you?

We're leaving, ma'am.

Are you feeling very uncomfortable?

It's nothing serious.

How did you suddenly get sick?

Just my chronic stomach problem acting up.

Comrade Su, you can go now.

You live alone and now you're sick.

You need someone to take care of you.

Oh, right.

Your mom and brother are in another city.

Why don't you go home to recover?

I won't leave Shanghai.

I'm not forcing you to leave.

I mean well.

I just thought your family

could take care of you for a while.

I'm really fine, Comrade Su.

Please go.

Fine, I'll leave then.

The water's boiling. Have some hot water.

Listen, with your stomach pain,

don't just keep sitting there.

Go lie down on the bed for a while.

Zhou,

sit down.

Tell us your feeligs after reading this.

Minister.

I won't say anything more.

I've already said enough at the door.

Sit down first.

I want you to talk about

how you felt after reading the diary.

You can speak.

Actually, from my personal perspective,

I can understand Yi Yi.

She's a petty bourgeois intellectual.

Her thinking is rather fragile.

Sometimes

she has negative emotions.

It's quite normal for her to complain.

Comrade Zhou Yunqing,

you're too naive in your thinking.

This is a serious matter of class stance.

Don't be so vague.

I already said I won't talk about it.

Why are you crying?

I'm not.

No, I immediately

reported to you about Yi Yi's diary

as soon as I found out.

This is work, not a game.

Sit down.

Minister,

Director,

regarding

Yi Yi's case,

I have my own opinion.

I'd like to

say a few words.

The new China has just been established.

All kinds of criminals

are appearing in various forms.

I believe

Yi Yi's diary...

Yang,

a diary, by definition,

is for recording personal events

and expressing private emotions.

It's not meant to be read by others

and has no propaganda effect.

I believe in your own diary,

you also record negative emotions.

Should we also take that out

for everyone to discuss?

I've read Yi Yi's diary.

It's not that bad.

Minister Wen is right.

Very reasonable.

We shouldn't casually label people with

political issues

or counter-revolutionary charges, right?

I think

Yi Yi should just write a self-criticism for this matter,

and it won't go into her permanent record.

That's settled then, okay?

If you have things to do, go ahead.

Look.

Those files of yours aren't processed yet.

You go ahead first.

What's wrong with you?

I've told you so many times.

When you talk and work,

can't you use your brain?

Why can't you remember?

You're too childish

and too inexperienced.

Um...

The new tea has arrived.

Commissioner Yan got some for you.

It's in my office.

Don't forget to take it after work.

Did you hear me?

Zhaoyuan,

you know what?

Looking from this window,

I can see our old home.

All these years since you left,

I often wonder,

if I had stopped you then,

would I have avoided all this criticism?

Could we have lived

an ordinary life?

I deliver documents to Minister Wen.

Who are you?

I'm Minister Wen's superior.

Greetings, sir.

Just put the documents on the desk.

Okay.

Liu.

Minister Wen,

I gave the documents to your superior.

My superior?

This gentleman here.

Alright.

Okay, I understand.

You may go now.

Okay.

What?

I can't be your superior?

Idiot.

Smartass.

Get up. Don't sit in my chair.

Go sit on that sofa over there.

The minister's office is magnificent.

Sit down.

Why didn't you tell me before you came?

Why show up out of nowhere like this?

With you, I need to act suddenly.

Otherwise you'd have time to prepare.

What's the matter?

What terrible tea is this?

It tastes awful.

Next time I'll bring you some good tea.

Be grateful to have any tea at all.

Don't be so picky.

It tastes just fine to me.

You're here on a business trip?

Yes, on business.

And I have something important

to report to Minister Wen.

What important matter?

You'll have to treat me to dinner first.

We can discuss it over the meal.

Don't let me guess.

I have to buy you dinner too?

Of course.

Aren't I your

guest?

Hurry up.

Hurry what? I'm still on duty.

Wait for me at the restaurant downstairs.

After I finish my work,

I'll come right over when I'm off.

I'll treat you to dinner.

My treat.

Fine.

Great news!

Good.

Chief,

what kind of person is our Minister Wen?

I need to know a bit about him in advance.

Don't worry.

Minister Wen is charming and elegant,

handsome and talented.

He's cultured when needed

and strong when required.

You'll definitely be satisfied.

Good.

Minister Wen is here.

Zhao.

Wen.

You have a guest.

Let me introduce.

Miss Huang Lingling.

We can't call her Miss,

Comrade Huang Lingling.

This is Minister Wen.

Hello, Chief. Pleased to meet you.

Hello. Please have a seat.

Sit down.

Good.

Good.

Look,

we've ordered all your favorites.

You two are such important leaders.

Why choose such a small restaurant?

If the hygiene isn't up to standard,

and you get sick,

that would be terrible!

Comrade Huang,

where do you usually eat?

Over on Nanjing West Road, there are

several nice Western restaurants.

Next time I'll treat you to a meal there.

Actually, we're

used to being frugal,

especially our Minister Wen.

You see, we've been near death

so many times.

We're really not used to

those foreign dishes.

That's no problem.

There are also Chinese restaurants there.

Good.

Next time I'll find a chance

for us to get together.

Is your watch accurate?

The watch? Very accurate.

Extremely accurate.

Miss Huang, you don't know.

This watch was a gift from Minister Wen.

This is the most

valuable and precious gift

I've ever received in my life.

I wear it day and night.

It's what you call,

what's the phrase...

close as internal organs.

This watch isn't that valuable.

I bought it at a secondhand stall.

The parts were all rusted then.

I fixed it myself.

I hope it's accurate.

Accurate. Very accurate.

And what was that phrase you used earlier,

close as internal organs?

You meant 'close to the skin', right?

Right, it's close to my skin.

Don't misuse phrases.

Let's eat.

Wrong words, talking nonsense.

Huang,

I also ordered a plain noodle soup.

Could you go check on it?

I'll go see.

Go hurry them up.

How is it?

She's from south.

Highly educated and artistic.

What do you mean?

Introduce her to me?

Stop pretending.

Stop being so picky.

She's good enough.

Do you even know her?

How did you even meet

a woman like that?

Alright, alright.

Let's eat quickly,

and leave as soon as we're done.

Like a dog biting Lv Dongbin,

you don't recognize good intentions.

[Footprints of Change]

[Episode 12]

Minister Wen, please.

Thanks.

She's listening to that music again.

You know her husband well?

We were just high school classmates.

You could say that.

He's the only one in the ROC government

that I could call a friend.

Minister Wen，

he's a good man.

Is that so?

I just came from her place.

She said her husband

liked Soviet literature.

I was wondering

among ROC government officials,

are there many who like Soviet literature?

Very few.

Let me tell you something.

Don't take this the wrong way,

Minister Wen.

When I first met you,

I often felt confused.

You two don't look alike,

but I always felt that

the two of you

had something in common.

I don't know why.

Why's that?

It's the way you act,

and your character, things like that.

I can't explain it clearly.

Let me share a little story with you.

They say the Communists value frugality,

while the KMT is all corrupt, right?

But once,

Zhaoyuan and I went for Japanese cuisine.

When he entered the room

and took off his shoes,

I saw this huge patch on his sock.

I laughed so hard at him.

Later I said,

I'll just give you a stack of socks.

And he told me,

Zihe, don't mention this to anyone.

It's so embarrassing.

I wouldn't gossip about it.

Anyway, what I'm trying to say

is that

he doesn't really seem like an official.

He's just very genuine.

That's why I'm willing to be close to him.

An ROC government official

wears a patched sock.

By the way,

during that meeting,

about Comrade Yang Xue'an's attitude,

was everyone's reaction quite intense?

Well...

Mr. Fu,

I hope

you can use your own approach

from your perspective

to explain it to everyone.

Can you do that?

Don't worry, Minister Wen.

Good.

[Half a month later]

Fresh vegetables.

Zhaoyuan,

I've moved out of the old house

into a garret

like where you lived as a child.

Tell me,

can I wait for you to return here?

Miss Yi.

Comrade Su.

Can you get used to living here?

Didn't Mr. Fu arrange accommodation for you?

He did,

but I didn't go there.

Comrade Su,

how did you know I live here?

Our neighborhood committee

notified Comrade Su.

There's a newcomer in our neighborhood.

We always need to investigate thoroughly.

The Zhang family's Nanny is your neighbor.

Miss Yi used to work with us.

She's currently awaiting rearrangement,

and temporarily staying here.

Miss Yi,

during your stay in Shanghai,

you can ask her for help with anything.

Although you don't work with us any more,

as long as you're in Shanghai,

we will take responsibility for you.

I understand.

If there's nothing else,

I'll head upstairs now.

Don't leave yet.

I have more words to say.

Comrade Su,

you can rest assured.

The residents in our neighborhood

have a very high level of vigilance.

Just last year,

we even caught a Kuomintang spy.

We even received an award for it.

Miss Yi,

while you're living here,

we will look after you.

Your husband was in the Kuomintang, right?

I heard he went to Taiwan.

Why didn't you go with him?

What are you doing here?

He went to Taiwan?

I didn't even know he went to Taiwan.

How do you know that?

Su, look at this.

She hasn't even properly moved in yet,

and she's already so hot-tempered.

How am I supposed to

look after you as your supervisor?

I remember you told me, Su,

about someone called Mr. Fu.

It's said he's a boss.

He must be wealthy.

Why aren't you living with him?

With your looks,

let me tell you,

those big bosses would surely fancy you.

Zhang's Nanny,

we shouldn't gossip about such matters.

I'll go upstairs first.

Miss Yi,

you should leave Shanghai.

I'm not leaving.

Who is it?

Are you Mrs. Zhou?

Mr. Fu recommended us to come here.

Please come in.

Mr. Fu said

that your clothes are very fashionable

and insisted we come and take a look.

These are all samples.

Feel free to look around.

And these too.

This one looks nice.

Yes, it would look especially good on you.

It suits you perfectly.

Mrs. Zhou,

did you make all these yourself?

Yes, I did.

They look fantastic.

And the fabric is excellent too.

I have some

fashion magazines from Paris and New York.

You can take a look.

If you like any of the styles,

I can make them for you.

My sister-in-law

bought this exact one in Paris.

Mrs. Zhou, can you really make it?

Of course I can.

Mrs. Zhou,

are you sure?

How about this?

Leave your fabric here,

and when I finish,

you can take it if you're satisfied.

If you're not satisfied,

I'll pay you for the fabric.

If you're happy with everything,

please give the money to Mr. Fu.

He's always helping me out,

and I'd like to thank him.

You want this, right?

The Zhang family's Nanny.

Miss Yi, you're home.

You have visitors.

Two of my classmates are here.

I've already spoken to Uncle Shui.

Hello.

What do you use this sewing machine for?

I do some sewing and mending sometimes.

I must say the clothes are so well made.

The design, the choice of fabric,

the style.

Just imagine our daughter

wearing clothes made by you.

How beautiful she would look!

If she wore a little princess dress,

just thinking about it

makes me so happy.

What do you think?

Just imagine

that innocent little girl

wearing such a beautiful dress.

How lovely that would be!

When I have time,

I'll make one for you.

Thank you so much.

But let me make it clear.

Making clothes is one thing,

but that's separate from

our responsibility for you.

We must look after you every day you're here.

When I finish,

I'll bring it to you.

Great, thank you.

Okay, I'll let you get back to your thing.

I'll be going now.

It's so dark in here.

And my eyesight isn't good either.

Keep looking.

I think this one looks quite nice.

It has a great appearance.

I can make this too.

Really?

Is that true?

Great!

Then I'll take this one.

Okay.

Yang.

Director.

You should be off work now.

Director,

I'll just

finish this bit of work before going home.

Be careful

not to wear yourself out.

Yes.

Now

the public-private partnership and

capitalist transformation just started.

Everything is difficult at the start.

I promise

with the cases assigned to me,

I definitely won't make any mistakes.

Good.

How is your mother doing?

If necessary,

I've spoken with Minister Wen,

and he offered

to buy you a train ticket

and approve leave for you to go home.

Thank you and minister.

I'd

better not waste more time.

I've decided

to finish all this work

and then go home right away.

Good. Go home early then.

- Don’t worry. - I’m leaving.

Take care.

Okay.

Who is it?

Ms. Yi Yi,

Minister Wen is here on behalf of

the organization to visit you.

Coming!

Careful, mind your head.

Okay.

Can you stop drinking this nonsense?

How can this fill your stomach?

I drink it too.

Minister,

you're different.

You drink it to stay alert

when working at night.

Zhou, there's a fruit vendor

at the alley entrance.

Go buy some apples.

Okay.

This is from the leader for you.

It's a compilation of national documents

on bourgeois reformation policies.

Please study it carefully.

Take it.

Minister, I'm going now.

Go ahead.

I'm fine.

I own no house,

no land,

no treasures,

yet I'm still labeled bourgeois.

We let you read these documents

so you can understand

the Party and government policies.

No one is trying to label you.

You're being too sensitive.

I'm not sensitive.

I'm used to it.

My room is a bit small.

Please, have a seat here.

No need.

I'll stand for a moment.

Would you like to try some coffee?

Sure.

Good, thank you.

It's good.

Now that you leave here,

do you still listen to music?

Of course not.

These walls are thin.

If I cough,

the whole hallway can hear it.

I quite enjoy listening to Pingtan now.

I wonder if you like it too?

I do like it,

very much.

But

I'm from the north,

so I don't understand it well.

I'll learn gradually.

It gets very hot here in summer.

Why

did you choose to live here?

I had no choice.

My savings

only allow me to live here.

Actually, compared to garden villas,

I find these garret rooms more grounding.

It's like

I've already hit rock bottom,

so I can't fall any further.

Don't be so pessimistic.

The organization

is working to solve your employment issue.

I'm not pessimistic.

I truly think these rooms are quite nice.

Great writers,

great artists,

and many revolutionaries have lived here.

An elder once told me,

those who have lived in these rooms

and managed to move beyond them

are the true Shanghainese.

You seem to

care a lot about being Shanghainese.

No,

what I care about is one's identity.

Actually, I'm a bit vain too.

The great writer Lu Xun

wrote about garret rooms.

That's right.

The Qiejieting Essays.

I believe your current situation

is only temporary.

The organization

will definitely find

suitable work for you.

We won't waste talent.

You need to trust us.

I trust you, Minister Wen.

What I say

doesn't represent just myself.

I represent the organization.

But the organization is abstract.

Common people like us

only see individuals.

Minister,

the apples are here.

Good.

Zhou,

please have a good talk with Ms. Yi,

especially the policies

about educated intellectuals.

I have a meeting.

I need to go now.

Minister Wen,

let me walk you out.

Please be careful.

♪ The moon sinks low ♪

♪ The crows cry in the frosty sky ♪

Beyond Suzhou’s walls,

stands the Cold Mountain shrine.

At midnight, temple bells drift softly

to my boat in time.

It seems you were being modest earlier.

You do understand, don't you?

I can handle simple ones,

but nothing too complex.

Ms. Yi,

living here is different

from your previous environment.

You must keep good relations

with your neighbors.

Have you met the neighborhood committee?

Are they treating you well?

Yes, I have.

They've all been very nice to me.

Don't worry.

That's good.

I need to go to a meeting now.

You stay.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

What are you doing?

I didn't mean to.

I thought it was a novel.

You read my diary without permission.

Yes.

I did read it.

I meant to.

I never thought your thinking

would be so negative and backward.

My diary is written for myself,

not for others to read.

But these are your thoughts!

Reactionary thoughts are also reactionary.

Say something.

What do you want me to say?

Let me tell you.

I won't report you.

But you need to confess.

You must turn yourself in.

Go.

You go.

I knew it.

Someone like you

will never make any progress.

[Shanghai People's Government]

Come in.

Minister,

Director,

you wanted to see me?

Comrade Yang,

this train leaves in three hours.

Pack your things quickly

and go home.

Your work

has already been assigned to others.

Minister,

there is lots of work lately.

I'll leave after I finish.

Work is important,

but your mother needs you more right now.

Go back.

I've already spoken with Director Fang.

I want to finish my work before leaving.

Once somethings happen, it's too late

to make up for it in a lifetime.

Go home.

Yang,

Minister Wen is right about this.

You should go home first.

Yang is really

a selfless and promising talent.

Wenpu,

why do I feel

he's just like you when you were young?

Like me when I was young?

I've forgotten what I was like when I was young.

Just like him.

Ms. Yi,

what's the matter?

Director Wen,

Director Fang,

this is my personal diary.

It's about daily life

and personal thoughts.

Comrade Zhou Yunqing found my diary.

She thinks I have reactionary thoughts.

She wants me to turn myself in.

So here is my diary

and I ask you to review it.

Ms. Yi,

we will definitely read your diary.

You can go back first.

We'll give you an answer later.

No.

I'm afraid once I leave this room,

I'll become someone everyone condemns.

I'm scared.

I want both leaders to read it now

and give me an answer right away.

Ms. Yi.

All right.

Please sit here and rest.

We'll give you an answer after we finish.

Please sit down.

Zhou, Zhou.

Mr. Yang.

What's wrong?

I just peeked at Yi Yi's diary.

Diary?

Tell me more.

What did it say?

Comrade Zhou,

let me ask you.

What kind of work

are we doing now?

Bourgeois reformation.

As for Yi Yi,

as a typical petty bourgeois intellectual,

her issues are not trivial.

You must report truthfully.

I'm going back to the office.

We can talk on the way.

Let's go.

Let's go.

We must report Yi Yi's issue

to Director Fang right away.

Mr. Yang, it's not that serious.

I'll go with you.

Well.

Minister, Director.

Minister.

Director.

Zhou,

Yi Yi has brought the diary.

See if this is the one.

She brought it here?

Yes.

Everything's here.

Are you sure?

Yes, I'm sure.

She must have thought you read her diary

and would report to the organization,

so she confessed immediately.

This person is quite calculating.

If she were that calculating,

she could have simply not shown the diary.

After all, Zhou has no proof,

right?

Yang,

weren't you supposed to go home today?

Your train leaves in two hours.

You should go.

You don't need to worry about it anymore.

Minister,

this is my job

and not finishing it would be negligence.

I'll leave after I finish.

Very good.

You stay then.

Fu Zihe

and Yi Yi's case

is under Yang's responsibility.

Let's discuss it together.

Minister Wen, I remember you have

a meeting with visitors from Beijing

this afternoon, right?

You should go ahead with that.

I'll take care of things here.

Take the diary.

Ms. Yi,

please sit here.

I have

a few questions for you.

Don't be nervous,

but you must tell the truth.

Tell the truth.

Yes.

I heard

your husband was retreating to Taiwan,

but you insisted on staying in Shanghai.

Why?

I'm not sure.

I don't know.

Let me ask you.

Your diary says

living

like an ant

without dignity,

No dignity.

What does this mean?

Is this how you feel about New China?

I have no complaints about

New China or the Communist Party.

But I do have issues with certain leaders.

I'm frustrated

about my situation.

Issues with the leaders?

What issues can you have with leaders?

You used the word ant

to describe your current situation.

Is this just ordinary frustration?

Ms. Yi Yi,

I hope you'll tell the truth

and cooperate with our work.

I don't know what you want me to say.

Please stand up to answer my questions.

Director Fang,

this person is being very uncooperative.

Alright.

You can go home for now.

Leave the diary here.

We will investigate

everything thoroughly.

Minister Wen.

Minister Wen.

Hello.

What are you doing here?

How did the discussion go?

No, Minister Wen,

we've clarified Yi Yi's situation.

She went home first.

What?

Minister,

I'd like to report something to you.

Sure, go ahead.

Yi Yi's stepfather doesn't earn much.

Her mother is in poor health.

She has two younger brothers at home.

They haven't even finished school.

If she's sent home as a reactionary,

what will happen for the rest of her life?

You

still care about her,

don't you?

Zhou,

all humans have family bonds,

friendship and love too.

It's normal.

You care about her.

It shows you're kind-hearted.

There's nothing to be ashamed of.

Thank you, Minister.

Do you have a good relationship

with your brother?

No.

Zhou,

we know your situation very well.

Our department is quite important.

The fact that you were allowed to join

shows that we trust you, right?

I thank the organization.

Minister,

before liberation,

actually, we had a good relationship.

He wasn't like an official at all,

more like a soldier,

and an intellectual.

He's more than ten years older than me.

My brother has always been

very caring toward me.

Among the people your brother dealt with,

was there anyone you still remember well?

Minister,

he didn't really have any friends.

Nobody ever came to our home.

Actually,

there was someone...

Yi Yi was in Hong Kong at that time.

He asked me to send a book to someone.

The person's surname was Jian.

I remember because it's a rare surname.

My brother told me

that this book delivery

must not be mentioned to anyone,

not even to Yi Yi.

So I didn't tell anyone.

Jian?

Spelled as J-I-A-N?

Yes.

How old was this person?

What did they look like?

Minister,

I really don't know anything else.

Have I done something wrong?

No.

That's all.

Come in.

Yi, are you okay?

Why are you here?

Come on, get in my car. Hurry.

You'd better keep your distance from me.

I don't want to drag you into this.

Don't say that.

We're friends, aren't we?

Besides, I've asked Minister Wen about it.

Your situation

is nothing serious at all.

Just subordinates making a fuss.

Miss Yi.

Um, Miss Yi.

Let's talk later.

Comrade Su, goodbye.

Miss Yi,

Mr. Yang called

and asked me to pick you up.

Also,

although you no longer work here,

your personnel file is still with us.

You should attend political activities.

What do you mean?

This afternoon,

the Party branch is having an activity.

You should come too.

Let the worker sisters help you.

Help me?

Help with what?

How can they help?

Mr. Yang says

you still have many negative emotions.

You should express them,

so everyone can give you guidance.

Of course,

if you have any difficulties in life,

they'll help you solve them too.

Let's go,

right now.

What's wrong with you?

We're leaving, ma'am.

Are you feeling very uncomfortable?

It's nothing serious.

How did you suddenly get sick?

Just my chronic stomach problem acting up.

Comrade Su, you can go now.

You live alone and now you're sick.

You need someone to take care of you.

Oh, right.

Your mom and brother are in another city.

Why don't you go home to recover?

I won't leave Shanghai.

I'm not forcing you to leave.

I mean well.

I just thought your family

could take care of you for a while.

I'm really fine, Comrade Su.

Please go.

Fine, I'll leave then.

The water's boiling. Have some hot water.

Listen, with your stomach pain,

don't just keep sitting there.

Go lie down on the bed for a while.

Zhou,

sit down.

Tell us your feeligs after reading this.

Minister.

I won't say anything more.

I've already said enough at the door.

Sit down first.

I want you to talk about

how you felt after reading the diary.

You can speak.

Actually, from my personal perspective,

I can understand Yi Yi.

She's a petty bourgeois intellectual.

Her thinking is rather fragile.

Sometimes

she has negative emotions.

It's quite normal for her to complain.

Comrade Zhou Yunqing,

you're too naive in your thinking.

This is a serious matter of class stance.

Don't be so vague.

I already said I won't talk about it.

Why are you crying?

I'm not.

No, I immediately

reported to you about Yi Yi's diary

as soon as I found out.

This is work, not a game.

Sit down.

Minister,

Director,

regarding

Yi Yi's case,

I have my own opinion.

I'd like to

say a few words.

The new China has just been established.

All kinds of criminals

are appearing in various forms.

I believe

Yi Yi's diary...

Yang,

a diary, by definition,

is for recording personal events

and expressing private emotions.

It's not meant to be read by others

and has no propaganda effect.

I believe in your own diary,

you also record negative emotions.

Should we also take that out

for everyone to discuss?

I've read Yi Yi's diary.

It's not that bad.

Minister Wen is right.

Very reasonable.

We shouldn't casually label people with

political issues

or counter-revolutionary charges, right?

I think

Yi Yi should just write a self-criticism for this matter,

and it won't go into her permanent record.

That's settled then, okay?

If you have things to do, go ahead.

Look.

Those files of yours aren't processed yet.

You go ahead first.

What's wrong with you?

I've told you so many times.

When you talk and work,

can't you use your brain?

Why can't you remember?

You're too childish

and too inexperienced.

Um...

The new tea has arrived.

Commissioner Yan got some for you.

It's in my office.

Don't forget to take it after work.

Did you hear me?

Zhaoyuan,

you know what?

Looking from this window,

I can see our old home.

All these years since you left,

I often wonder,

if I had stopped you then,

would I have avoided all this criticism?

Could we have lived

an ordinary life?

I deliver documents to Minister Wen.

Who are you?

I'm Minister Wen's superior.

Greetings, sir.

Just put the documents on the desk.

Okay.

Liu.

Minister Wen,

I gave the documents to your superior.

My superior?

This gentleman here.

Alright.

Okay, I understand.

You may go now.

Okay.

What?

I can't be your superior?

Idiot.

Smartass.

Get up. Don't sit in my chair.

Go sit on that sofa over there.

The minister's office is magnificent.

Sit down.

Why didn't you tell me before you came?

Why show up out of nowhere like this?

With you, I need to act suddenly.

Otherwise you'd have time to prepare.

What's the matter?

What terrible tea is this?

It tastes awful.

Next time I'll bring you some good tea.

Be grateful to have any tea at all.

Don't be so picky.

It tastes just fine to me.

You're here on a business trip?

Yes, on business.

And I have something important

to report to Minister Wen.

What important matter?

You'll have to treat me to dinner first.

We can discuss it over the meal.

Don't let me guess.

I have to buy you dinner too?

Of course.

Aren't I your

guest?

Hurry up.

Hurry what? I'm still on duty.

Wait for me at the restaurant downstairs.

After I finish my work,

I'll come right over when I'm off.

I'll treat you to dinner.

My treat.

Fine.

Great news!

Good.

Chief,

what kind of person is our Minister Wen?

I need to know a bit about him in advance.

Don't worry.

Minister Wen is charming and elegant,

handsome and talented.

He's cultured when needed

and strong when required.

You'll definitely be satisfied.

Good.

Minister Wen is here.

Zhao.

Wen.

You have a guest.

Let me introduce.

Miss Huang Lingling.

We can't call her Miss,

Comrade Huang Lingling.

This is Minister Wen.

Hello, Chief. Pleased to meet you.

Hello. Please have a seat.

Sit down.

Good.

Good.

Look,

we've ordered all your favorites.

You two are such important leaders.

Why choose such a small restaurant?

If the hygiene isn't up to standard,

and you get sick,

that would be terrible!

Comrade Huang,

where do you usually eat?

Over on Nanjing West Road, there are

several nice Western restaurants.

Next time I'll treat you to a meal there.

Actually, we're

used to being frugal,

especially our Minister Wen.

You see, we've been near death

so many times.

We're really not used to

those foreign dishes.

That's no problem.

There are also Chinese restaurants there.

Good.

Next time I'll find a chance

for us to get together.

Is your watch accurate?

The watch? Very accurate.

Extremely accurate.

Miss Huang, you don't know.

This watch was a gift from Minister Wen.

This is the most

valuable and precious gift

I've ever received in my life.

I wear it day and night.

It's what you call,

what's the phrase...

close as internal organs.

This watch isn't that valuable.

I bought it at a secondhand stall.

The parts were all rusted then.

I fixed it myself.

I hope it's accurate.

Accurate. Very accurate.

And what was that phrase you used earlier,

close as internal organs?

You meant 'close to the skin', right?

Right, it's close to my skin.

Don't misuse phrases.

Let's eat.

Wrong words, talking nonsense.

Huang,

I also ordered a plain noodle soup.

Could you go check on it?

I'll go see.

Go hurry them up.

How is it?

She's from south.

Highly educated and artistic.

What do you mean?

Introduce her to me?

Stop pretending.

Stop being so picky.

She's good enough.

Do you even know her?

How did you even meet

a woman like that?

Alright, alright.

Let's eat quickly,

and leave as soon as we're done.

Like a dog biting Lv Dongbin,

you don't recognize good intentions.