How to pronounce "姨太太"
Transcript
[Footprints of Change]
[Episode 14]
[Zhou Zhaoyuan]
Did he...
suffer at the end?
Comrade Zhaoyuan
was secretly
and hastily executed
before the People's Liberation Army entered the city.
No one knows the details.
I believe
he must have heard the gunfire
of the People's Liberation Army entering the city.
Comrade Zhaoyuan
was prepared to sacrifice himself
from the day he took the oath to join the Party.
Any of us
would do the same.
Since he was prepared to sacrifice himself,
why did he marry me?
Why did he fall in love with me?
Why did he leave me?
Zhaoyuan...
Out of concern for the martyr's family,
♪ To love someone ♪
the organization allowed me to move back
♪ Comes in ten thousand ways ♪
into my old room in the family home.
It's been barely a month,
♪ Yet I have to swallow the words ♪
but my state of mind
has changed dramatically.
Before I got any news about you,
♪ To love someone ♪
I was always waiting and hoping,
counting each day as it passed.
♪ You find ten thousand ways to stay ♪
♪ But I can't help hiding my love-words ♪
♪ If love can't be spoken ♪
♪ Then write a song ♪
♪ Pretending it's for everyone ♪
♪ Every word is filled with my love ♪
♪ I'll sing, and you'll listen ♪
♪ I hope ♪
♪ I hope you can bask in love forever ♪
Now that I've finally received the news,
it feels
as if the days themselves have run their course.
Should I still stay here?
I brought you some dumplings.
Qing.
I'd like to be alone for a while.
Yi.
The news about my brother
really came so suddenly.
If you want to cry,
just let it out.
Crying is actually good for your health.
These past 5 years,
I know you've been bottling up so much inside.
Actually, I'm just like you.
I've been holding back a lot too.
I miss my brother every day.
I was mentally prepared
for what happened to your brother.
Prepared?
What do you mean, "mentally prepared"?
Did you expect my brother to die?
How can you be so callous?
I'm here to check on you, and you don't even cry
or show any sadness!
Yi Yi, did you even love my brother?
Get out!
How can you be like this?
Yi.
Isn't this
your favorite record?
Why are you putting it away?
I don't want to listen to it anymore.
Oh, right,
I heard from Comrade Su
that the factory has decided to hire you
as a fashion designer for the export workshop.
Congratulations, Designer Yi.
They're so beautiful.
This job is quite good.
Now you can
do what you love again.
This is how life should be.
Keep moving forward.
We'll get better and better.
What do you mean, "we"?
Who are you referring to as "we,"
Fu Zihe?
Qing.
Yi.
Well, Yi,
I'll head over first.
Okay,
hurry along.
Miss Yunqing,
don't upset her.
Call me "Comrade."
-Comrade Yunqing... -Shut up.
Qing.
Didn't you come here for something?
I do have something.
And I came to check on you.
Come on, keep moving.
Did he give you these flowers?
No, Fu Zihe...
why are you so annoying?
Why does he keep coming here for no reason?
What does he want?
Fu Zihe is your brother's friend.
He doesn't keep coming here.
His club is just next door.
How could my brother possibly have a friend like him?
My brother was an underground Communist!
He was just using him for work, that's all!
Yi,
listen to me,
Fu Zihe is no good!
After his wife died,
he took three concubines
and still fools around with other women!
You should stay away from him!
He'll be a bad influence on you!
Qing.
What did you want to see me about?
I brought you something.
This is my favorite photo.
I had it enlarged at a photo studio.
It turned out quite clear, right?
Let's see where to put it.
Yi.
Look.
I can hammer in a nail here
and hang it up.
What do you think?
Wherever you like.
It's not close enough there, is it?
Then I'll put it here.
Right in front of you.
So, when you're working,
you can see my brother.
How about that?
Do you like it?
Okay.
Are you still angry with me?
You didn't even know my brother was an underground Communist,
so how could I have known?
Do you know how much
I've suffered these past 5 years?
Because my brother was a Kuomintang official, they...
Qing.
You're Zhou Zhaoyuan's sister.
I'll never be angry with you.
Then we'll be like we were before.
Forgive me
in front of my brother's photo, okay?
Okay.
I'll go now.
No, wait.
I'll put it here!
This way, it's closest to you!
Yi, come take a look!
Come over here.
Stop drawing.
Come on.
Go take a look. Come on.
Look.
Here.
What do you think?
I put it by your bedside,
closest to you.
This way, every morning when you wake up,
you can see my brother,
and he can see you too.
Is that good?
Yes.
Then I'll leave it here!
I'm going now.
Goodbye, Yi!
[Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
Yan is in the hospital.
Did you know?
I just heard about it.
I'm planning to visit him tonight.
Is it serious?
It was just a minor surgery.
Don't worry.
Minister Wen, Director Fang.
Do you need something?
I'd like to go abroad.
Please approve my request.
[Application]
Are you dissatisfied
with the conditions we've provided?
No.
Then why?
You were the one who insisted on staying here in the first place.
Now that we've arranged
your accommodation and job,
you want to leave.
Aren't you being...
If you have any issues,
you can just bring them up with the organization.
We'll definitely solve them if we can.
I don't have a reason.
I just want to go abroad.
I have personal freedom, don't I?
What kind of talk is that?
If there's a problem, just say it.
Well, Ms. Fang.
You go to the hospital to look after the Chief first.
I'll talk to Ms. Yi.
I remember you once told me
that you would never leave Shanghai.
Including
in your letter to Mayor Chen.
You said Shanghai was your spiritual home.
Why do you suddenly want to leave now?
Could you please tell me your reasons?
Of course.
I've finally received news about Zhaoyuan.
So I have no reason
to stay in this city anymore.
Minister Wen.
Thank you for what you did regarding Zhaoyuan.
Are you familiar with this area?
Of course I am.
I used to live here.
Shanghai, China's largest city,
was ravaged by war,
yet most of its buildings and factories
have been preserved to the greatest extent possible.
Do you know why?
It was underground Communists like Zhaoyuan,
along with the progressive citizens of Shanghai,
who played a crucial role.
Comrade Zhaoyuan sacrificed his life
for the cause of
lifting China out of poverty
so all Chinese people could live better lives,
in peace and prosperity.
That includes
you as well.
I believe that was his wish too.
Don't you...
want to stay and witness
your hometown
under the people's government
grow more prosperous
and more beautiful?
Let's sit for a while.
Wait.
Thank you.
What are you looking at?
That dress is so beautiful.
Whenever I see someone wearing beautiful clothes,
I can't help but stare.
I understand.
Your professional habit.
By the way,
I think
when you're dealing with the working class,
you could communicate with them more.
I know
there are differences in aesthetic taste
between you and them.
That's an objective fact.
But I think you could guide them.
-How can you be so sure I won't leave? -Right?
I mean,
if you're going to stay.
Where's the Chief?
He went for a medical examination.
Why don't you wait for a while?
Okay. Okay.
Hold on!
That's the Chief's sofa.
There are chairs by the door.
Go wait by the door.
Alright.
Wait!
Take your things with you.
Ms. Fang.
You're here.
Where's the Chief?
He still has a few tests left.
I came to get his scans for him.
Sit. Sit on the sofa.
Um... Chang!
Come on, come here.
Sit.
This is Minister Wen.
So, you're Minister Wen.
Hello.
Please have a seat. Take the sofa.
I know about you.
You're a veteran revolutionary
and an expert in the revolutionary cause.
It's such an honor to meet you.
My name is Chang Huijuan.
I'm your admirer.
Nice to meet you.
Ms. Fang, do you need any help?
No, no, no.
You two carry on.
I'll go keep Yan company.
Well...
make some tea for Minister Wen.
Okay.
Minister Wen enjoys tea.
Where are you going?
Just use Yan's tea.
This girl is clever, skilled,
and quite hardworking too.
Minister.
The tea I'm making for you is
Chief Yan's favorite.
I always brew it with 80-degree water for him.
He really loves it.
It's all been disinfected with high heat. Don't worry.
Thank you.
Carry on with your work.
The thread snapped again.
You have to be gentler with it.
Ms. Su.
Ms. Yi.
Why are you here?
Since our export workshop was established,
this is the first time we're participating in an international trade fair.
The factory leadership takes it very seriously
and assigned you the design task.
Why aren't you working on your designs
instead of coming here?
This is the first draft of the designs.
Do you have a moment?
I'd like your opinion.
Although I'm the designer,
you're a master tailor.
Your feedback is very important to me.
Comrade Chang.
How long have you been working?
Almost 10 years.
You still look so young.
My family was poor,
so I started working in my teens.
That explains it.
Then you're quite remarkable.
No, no.
I still have a lot to improve in my work
and need your guidance, Minister.
For example,
I didn't let you sit on the sofa earlier.
I feel really bad about that.
I must thank the Communist Party.
Otherwise, girls from poor families like us
would have no future.
Now, men and women are equal.
As long as you work hard,
you'll certainly have a bright future.
Minister, you speak straight to the heart.
I'll certainly work hard.
I've made all the changes.
Ms. Yi,
I never thought
you'd listen to our workers' suggestions.
We all just want our designs to be excellent
and accepted by the market.
Your input helps me,
so why wouldn't I listen?
I used to think you were distant and arrogant,
looking down on others.
But
ever since I learned your husband was a revolutionary martyr,
my impression of you has changed.
Since your husband was a revolutionary martyr,
you must be a good person too.
Is that what you think?
Yeah.
Am I wrong?
Come in.
Ms. Yi!
This is an invitation from our boss.
Please make sure to attend.
Alright, thank you.
I'll take my leave now.
I've seen that man before.
He's Fu Zihe's subordinate, right?
What did he want with you?
Fu Zihe is a mutual friend of my husband and mine.
Let's leave it at that for now.
Oh, right!
I need to inform you about something.
There's a political activity this Saturday.
We'd like you to give a keynote speech.
Please prepare for it.
What kind of speech?
Your husband was a revolutionary martyr.
We'd like you to talk about
Comrade Zhou Zhaoyuan's heroic deeds.
You experienced this firsthand.
So your speech will surely be moving.
Inspire the workers so they willingly embrace revolutionary education.
That's an excellent way to educate the masses!
Ms. Su.
Please respect me.
I don't want to publicly display
my personal grief.
How is this disrespectful to you?
This is revolutionary work!
Besides, this was suggested by Comrade Zhou Yunqing!
Zhou Yunqing?
Yeah.
She said you and your husband shared a deep bond.
Between you two,
there must be many touching stories!
If you tell them,
it'll help the workers understand the revolution
and the Party organization.
This is a good thing!
I don't understand why you're resisting it!
Everyone, please wait patiently a bit longer.
Hold on a little longer. She'll be here soon!
Ms. Yi is really something else.
Zhou,
you still need to work harder
on her ideological education.
Even though her status has changed
and she's now a martyr's widow,
ideologically speaking,
she's still far from where we are.
Xiurong,
she's an intellectual,
so she has a strong personality.
But she's a good person.
I know that.
Why did she come wearing an old-fashioned qipao?
That's really inappropriate.
Fellow workers,
today I'd like to talk to you about
the similarities and differences between the qipao
we're about to put into production
and the traditional qipao.
Don't talk about these things!
Tell them about my brother's heroic deeds!
Everyone, can you see the difference between these two?
Ms. Yi,
we don't want to hear about qipao today.
We'd like to hear you talk about
Comrade Zhou Zhaoyuan's heroic deeds!
Yes!
-Right. -Right.
I want to tell you
that this qipao I'm wearing
was custom-made by my husband
as a gift for our 4th wedding anniversary.
But he never saw me wearing it.
Ms. Fang.
Wait. Please stay.
You take care of the Chief. I'll head back first.
Minister Wen.
Minister Wen?
Minister.
This is the loquat syrup I made.
It soothes the lungs and eases coughing. Please try it.
Thank you.
But I never accept gifts.
This isn't a gift.
I'm just concerned about your health.
Thank you,
but I have my principles.
You have the night shift later, right?
Your profession is quite demanding.
Serving the people!
It's all for serving the people.
Alright, I'm leaving.
Minister.
You haven't had dinner yet, have you?
My mom packed me some food.
Authentic crab roe fried rice cakes.
Would you like to try some?
No thanks. My car is already here.
Night shifts are exhausting.
Rest whenever you can.
You're young, but you still need to take care of your health too.
Goodbye.
You're here, Yi.
Just you?
No.
Just now, Mr. Wang, Zhou,
and his wife—
all our old friends—were here.
We're having this dance party tonight
for no particular reason.
I just wanted to hold a commemoration
because today is the club's last day.
Who knows what this place
will turn into tomorrow?
Go turn on that gramophone.
Zhaoyuan,
today is the last day
of Zihe's club.
So many old friends came.
Do you remember?
The New Year's ball of 1946,
the year after the War of Resistance ended,
[1945-1946 New Year's Eve Ball]
was also held here.
Fu Zihe, what are you doing?
No wonder you didn't want us to come over.
Turns out Yi Yi is here.
What are you talking about?
Yi Yi is my friend.
Friend, huh?
Friends put their arms around each other's shoulders?
How cozy, huh?
Yi Yi,
your husband is dead,
and you're out here seducing someone else's husband?
Don't leave! Explain yourself!
No wonder you insisted on living nearby!
Convenient for you two, huh?
You seductress!
Stop talking! Please stop!
Yi Yi, I'm sorry.
Yi Yi, you'd better explain yourself!
Yeah! What are you doing? What do you think you're doing?
You do something wrong and don't want others to talk about it?
Zhaoyuan was also a friend!
You know him!
"Friend"?
Your relationships are really complicated!
Let's go back and talk! Let's talk at home.
Talk at home? Why should we talk at home?
Yi Yi, go. You go first.
Explain yourself right here!
Come home with me.
Don't you dare leave! Explain yourself!
Explain what?
What are you doing?
Who should make what clear?
Listen up!
She is a martyr's widow,
my sister-in-law!
Watch your mouth!
Yi, don't be afraid. I'm here.
Martyr's widow?
What?
-A martyr's widow? -Stay away!
So what? Is she a martyr?
She's not the martyr herself!
Does being a martyr's widow give her the right to seduce my husband?
Everyone knows what kind of man Fu Zihe is!
Why take it out on my sister-in-law instead of him?
I'm scolding her! What of it?
I'll scold her all I want!
Stop this annoying bickering!
Quiet!
I'm insulting her! You slut!
What... what did you say?
Slut!
We're insulting you!
Yes, you!
Slut!
You'll pay for this!
Fine! I'm waiting!
Stop it! Are you trying to drive me to my death?
Say that again!
What do you want?
One, two, three!
Who are you calling names?
One for each of you! Say that again!
Still won't shut up?
I'll call the police!
Stop talking!
I'll report that you assault people!
We're calling the police!
Comrade Yunqing!
Comrade Yunqing.
Don't call me comrade!
It's my fault. It's all my fault.
I didn't expect this to happen.
Shut up.
I'll go apologize to Yi Yi.
Shut up.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Go home.
Go...
Go, go. We're going back now.
You...
Go back!
Fine, we'll go back.
You'll be the death of me.
You're messing with us first!
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
How could my brother have a friend like you?
Ms. Yi,
don't let what happened today
get to you.
We all know
what kind of person you are.
We don't believe a word of what they said.
Here are the new designs.
-Thank you. -Yi!
I chased all those people away!
Don't be afraid!
Are you okay?
Thank you, Qing.
Look how pale you are. Come on.
Sit down and take a rest.
Let me pour you some tea.
Yi,
no need to thank me.
I definitely believe you.
I'll always be on your side.
These good-for-nothings are so irritating,
aren't they, Xiurong?
Exactly.
Don't worry.
They won't ever dare to do it again.
Okay, thank you.
What kind of tea is this?
Black tea.
I love black tea.
Why did you come so late?
Yi.
Are all these books yours?
Let me take a look.
A Russian book? That's impressive!
Can you teach me?
You want to learn Russian?
Sure.
I'll teach you when I have time.
Great.
What did you just ask me?
I asked why you came over so late.
Right,
I wanted to tell you that...
About last time...
when you were supposed to share my brother's stories at that activity,
you didn't do well.
I think you must have been nervous.
I came to encourage you.
Next time!
Next time, you'll definitely do better!
You need to have confidence in yourself.
Qing,
my feelings for your brother
are my privacy.
I miss your brother,
but I keep that in my heart.
I don't want to lay my heart bare in public,
nor do I want to share
my pain with strangers.
Can you understand that?
No, I can't understand.
Yi,
something's seriously wrong with your thinking right now.
That's bourgeois thinking,
completely incompatible with our proletarian values.
My brother wasn't only your husband.
He was also a revolutionary martyr,
a Communist Party member.
He didn't belong only to you!
I'm sorry.
In my eyes,
my bond with your brother is mine and mine alone.
No, how can you call it yours alone?
He was her husband
and also my brother, Zhou Yunqing's brother!
Am I right, Xiurong?
Nod.
Nod, come on!
See?
-Qing. -She nodded!
If you want to share,
that's your freedom.
I do want to share, Yi!
But they don't want to hear from me.
The organization wants you to tell us his stories!
You need to share, Yi!
I don't want to share.
Why don't you want to share?
Why is your thinking so backward?
You need to accept my help!
Zhou.
Ideological transformation doesn't happen overnight.
Let's give Ms. Yi a bit more time.
I'll give you time.
Two days.
I'll take the designs with me.
Get some rest.
Ms. Yi.
Minister Wen?
Am I disturbing your work?
Not at all.
I'm just sketching casually.
Please come in.
Okay.
Please have a seat.
No need to fuss. No need.
I just came from Fu Zihe's place.
Now that I've seen you, I'm relieved.
Your mental state isn't as he described.
What did he say about me?
That I have suicidal tendencies?
You're very candid.
Please sit. I'll make some tea.
Okay.
Thank you.
He doesn't understand what kind of person I am at all.
I'm someone who has faced
life and death on the battlefield.
I could go for days drinking only water
and not eating just to buy an art book I love.
When I went out to sketch,
I got lost.
I got injured.
And I wandered in the mountains for 5 days,
barely hanging on,
yet I crawled my way back to Shanghai.
I know.
You're also someone who dared to
hand over your diary
without leaving yourself a way out.
Yes.
So I assume you definitely wouldn't mind
those vulgar words,
right?
You understand me.
Su Xiurong said she invited you to give a talk,
and you refused her.
You should know why I refused.
I know.
I just want to tell you
that Comrade Su is a kind person.
What she did
had no ill intent toward you.
I know all that.
So I'm not angry with her.
I just can't make her understand
that grief, pain, and longing—
these are all personal emotions.
They're buried deep inside here.
I don't want others to touch them.
They don't understand.
Yeah.
That's why you should interact with them more
so they can understand you.
It's the New China now.
The working class is the leading class.
For intellectuals to survive and develop,
they must step out of their ivory towers
and connect with the masses.
Those workers who haven't had much education
are actually very thoughtful and knowledgeable,
with rich life experiences
and deep emotions.
If you communicate with them more,
they'll surely understand you.
I know
you're now the official clothing designer
for the export workshop.
I've used
this pen for a while.
It feels good to use.
I want you to have it.
I hope you'll stay
and keep creating.
I'm very curious.
I heard you come from a prominent family.
You're a top student from Peking University,
a true intellectual.
Later, you joined the revolution, led troops in battle,
and became a professional revolutionary.
How did you manage this transformation?
Was it hard?
Among our leadership,
there are many like me
who come from intellectual backgrounds.
I believe it was the same faith
that brought us together.
I don't expect you to be like us.
I only hope
that here in Shanghai,
you can live happily
and create freely.
But first,
you need to adapt to the times
and change yourself.
Here.
Your pen.
I forgot to thank you.
This...
This part tends to get loose sometimes.
Just hold it tight while turning, and it'll be fine.
It's really nice to use.
Thank you.
Ms. Su,
I've revised the designs the way you asked.
Please take a look.
I was just making some casual comments.
You took it seriously?
Those weren't just casual comments.
You were speaking from experience.
Oh, right,
Comrade Zhou also felt that she
went too far that day,
so she made you some tea eggs.
Yi.
Qing?
When did you get here?
I've been here for a while.
I just went to the bathroom.
I was wrong last time.
These are tea eggs I made myself.
Please eat them!
I just had a meal.
E-Even if you just had a meal, you must eat them.
If you don't eat them,
it means you won't forgive me.
I'm really not hungry.
Even if you're not hungry, you have to eat!
I made these tea eggs myself.
I can't even bear to eat them.
Forget it.
Eat them or not, I don't care.
I regret coming here.
Don't forgive me then!
Qing.
What?
I have to eat it here?
Yes, right here!
You're not hungry,
but I'm actually getting a bit hungry.
Xiurong,
both of the eggs are for my sister-in-law.
Stingy.
Come on, take a bite.
Take a bite.
See that?
My sister-in-law ate my tea egg!
She forgave me!
Applaud.
Clap!
Clap!
Eat them one by one.
If you don't want the yolk, give it to me.
Xiurong.
She ate it all.
Make more next time.
I'll make one for each of you next time!
Take your time looking around.
20% off for our grand opening.
Take your time browsing.
Mr. Qian!
Congratulations.
Thank you. Thank you.
Please come in. Come in.
Take your time looking around.
Director Chen.
You're here too.
Okay, okay.
Please come in. Please come in.
Please come in. Please come in.
Come in. Take your time.
[Footprints of Change]
[Episode 14]
[Zhou Zhaoyuan]
Did he...
suffer at the end?
Comrade Zhaoyuan
was secretly
and hastily executed
before the People's Liberation Army entered the city.
No one knows the details.
I believe
he must have heard the gunfire
of the People's Liberation Army entering the city.
Comrade Zhaoyuan
was prepared to sacrifice himself
from the day he took the oath to join the Party.
Any of us
would do the same.
Since he was prepared to sacrifice himself,
why did he marry me?
Why did he fall in love with me?
Why did he leave me?
Zhaoyuan...
Out of concern for the martyr's family,
♪ To love someone ♪
the organization allowed me to move back
♪ Comes in ten thousand ways ♪
into my old room in the family home.
It's been barely a month,
♪ Yet I have to swallow the words ♪
but my state of mind
has changed dramatically.
Before I got any news about you,
♪ To love someone ♪
I was always waiting and hoping,
counting each day as it passed.
♪ You find ten thousand ways to stay ♪
♪ But I can't help hiding my love-words ♪
♪ If love can't be spoken ♪
♪ Then write a song ♪
♪ Pretending it's for everyone ♪
♪ Every word is filled with my love ♪
♪ I'll sing, and you'll listen ♪
♪ I hope ♪
♪ I hope you can bask in love forever ♪
Now that I've finally received the news,
it feels
as if the days themselves have run their course.
Should I still stay here?
I brought you some dumplings.
Qing.
I'd like to be alone for a while.
Yi.
The news about my brother
really came so suddenly.
If you want to cry,
just let it out.
Crying is actually good for your health.
These past 5 years,
I know you've been bottling up so much inside.
Actually, I'm just like you.
I've been holding back a lot too.
I miss my brother every day.
I was mentally prepared
for what happened to your brother.
Prepared?
What do you mean, "mentally prepared"?
Did you expect my brother to die?
How can you be so callous?
I'm here to check on you, and you don't even cry
or show any sadness!
Yi Yi, did you even love my brother?
Get out!
How can you be like this?
Yi.
Isn't this
your favorite record?
Why are you putting it away?
I don't want to listen to it anymore.
Oh, right,
I heard from Comrade Su
that the factory has decided to hire you
as a fashion designer for the export workshop.
Congratulations, Designer Yi.
They're so beautiful.
This job is quite good.
Now you can
do what you love again.
This is how life should be.
Keep moving forward.
We'll get better and better.
What do you mean, "we"?
Who are you referring to as "we,"
Fu Zihe?
Qing.
Yi.
Well, Yi,
I'll head over first.
Okay,
hurry along.
Miss Yunqing,
don't upset her.
Call me "Comrade."
-Comrade Yunqing... -Shut up.
Qing.
Didn't you come here for something?
I do have something.
And I came to check on you.
Come on, keep moving.
Did he give you these flowers?
No, Fu Zihe...
why are you so annoying?
Why does he keep coming here for no reason?
What does he want?
Fu Zihe is your brother's friend.
He doesn't keep coming here.
His club is just next door.
How could my brother possibly have a friend like him?
My brother was an underground Communist!
He was just using him for work, that's all!
Yi,
listen to me,
Fu Zihe is no good!
After his wife died,
he took three concubines
and still fools around with other women!
You should stay away from him!
He'll be a bad influence on you!
Qing.
What did you want to see me about?
I brought you something.
This is my favorite photo.
I had it enlarged at a photo studio.
It turned out quite clear, right?
Let's see where to put it.
Yi.
Look.
I can hammer in a nail here
and hang it up.
What do you think?
Wherever you like.
It's not close enough there, is it?
Then I'll put it here.
Right in front of you.
So, when you're working,
you can see my brother.
How about that?
Do you like it?
Okay.
Are you still angry with me?
You didn't even know my brother was an underground Communist,
so how could I have known?
Do you know how much
I've suffered these past 5 years?
Because my brother was a Kuomintang official, they...
Qing.
You're Zhou Zhaoyuan's sister.
I'll never be angry with you.
Then we'll be like we were before.
Forgive me
in front of my brother's photo, okay?
Okay.
I'll go now.
No, wait.
I'll put it here!
This way, it's closest to you!
Yi, come take a look!
Come over here.
Stop drawing.
Come on.
Go take a look. Come on.
Look.
Here.
What do you think?
I put it by your bedside,
closest to you.
This way, every morning when you wake up,
you can see my brother,
and he can see you too.
Is that good?
Yes.
Then I'll leave it here!
I'm going now.
Goodbye, Yi!
[Shanghai Municipal People's Government]
Yan is in the hospital.
Did you know?
I just heard about it.
I'm planning to visit him tonight.
Is it serious?
It was just a minor surgery.
Don't worry.
Minister Wen, Director Fang.
Do you need something?
I'd like to go abroad.
Please approve my request.
[Application]
Are you dissatisfied
with the conditions we've provided?
No.
Then why?
You were the one who insisted on staying here in the first place.
Now that we've arranged
your accommodation and job,
you want to leave.
Aren't you being...
If you have any issues,
you can just bring them up with the organization.
We'll definitely solve them if we can.
I don't have a reason.
I just want to go abroad.
I have personal freedom, don't I?
What kind of talk is that?
If there's a problem, just say it.
Well, Ms. Fang.
You go to the hospital to look after the Chief first.
I'll talk to Ms. Yi.
I remember you once told me
that you would never leave Shanghai.
Including
in your letter to Mayor Chen.
You said Shanghai was your spiritual home.
Why do you suddenly want to leave now?
Could you please tell me your reasons?
Of course.
I've finally received news about Zhaoyuan.
So I have no reason
to stay in this city anymore.
Minister Wen.
Thank you for what you did regarding Zhaoyuan.
Are you familiar with this area?
Of course I am.
I used to live here.
Shanghai, China's largest city,
was ravaged by war,
yet most of its buildings and factories
have been preserved to the greatest extent possible.
Do you know why?
It was underground Communists like Zhaoyuan,
along with the progressive citizens of Shanghai,
who played a crucial role.
Comrade Zhaoyuan sacrificed his life
for the cause of
lifting China out of poverty
so all Chinese people could live better lives,
in peace and prosperity.
That includes
you as well.
I believe that was his wish too.
Don't you...
want to stay and witness
your hometown
under the people's government
grow more prosperous
and more beautiful?
Let's sit for a while.
Wait.
Thank you.
What are you looking at?
That dress is so beautiful.
Whenever I see someone wearing beautiful clothes,
I can't help but stare.
I understand.
Your professional habit.
By the way,
I think
when you're dealing with the working class,
you could communicate with them more.
I know
there are differences in aesthetic taste
between you and them.
That's an objective fact.
But I think you could guide them.
-How can you be so sure I won't leave? -Right?
I mean,
if you're going to stay.
Where's the Chief?
He went for a medical examination.
Why don't you wait for a while?
Okay. Okay.
Hold on!
That's the Chief's sofa.
There are chairs by the door.
Go wait by the door.
Alright.
Wait!
Take your things with you.
Ms. Fang.
You're here.
Where's the Chief?
He still has a few tests left.
I came to get his scans for him.
Sit. Sit on the sofa.
Um... Chang!
Come on, come here.
Sit.
This is Minister Wen.
So, you're Minister Wen.
Hello.
Please have a seat. Take the sofa.
I know about you.
You're a veteran revolutionary
and an expert in the revolutionary cause.
It's such an honor to meet you.
My name is Chang Huijuan.
I'm your admirer.
Nice to meet you.
Ms. Fang, do you need any help?
No, no, no.
You two carry on.
I'll go keep Yan company.
Well...
make some tea for Minister Wen.
Okay.
Minister Wen enjoys tea.
Where are you going?
Just use Yan's tea.
This girl is clever, skilled,
and quite hardworking too.
Minister.
The tea I'm making for you is
Chief Yan's favorite.
I always brew it with 80-degree water for him.
He really loves it.
It's all been disinfected with high heat. Don't worry.
Thank you.
Carry on with your work.
The thread snapped again.
You have to be gentler with it.
Ms. Su.
Ms. Yi.
Why are you here?
Since our export workshop was established,
this is the first time we're participating in an international trade fair.
The factory leadership takes it very seriously
and assigned you the design task.
Why aren't you working on your designs
instead of coming here?
This is the first draft of the designs.
Do you have a moment?
I'd like your opinion.
Although I'm the designer,
you're a master tailor.
Your feedback is very important to me.
Comrade Chang.
How long have you been working?
Almost 10 years.
You still look so young.
My family was poor,
so I started working in my teens.
That explains it.
Then you're quite remarkable.
No, no.
I still have a lot to improve in my work
and need your guidance, Minister.
For example,
I didn't let you sit on the sofa earlier.
I feel really bad about that.
I must thank the Communist Party.
Otherwise, girls from poor families like us
would have no future.
Now, men and women are equal.
As long as you work hard,
you'll certainly have a bright future.
Minister, you speak straight to the heart.
I'll certainly work hard.
I've made all the changes.
Ms. Yi,
I never thought
you'd listen to our workers' suggestions.
We all just want our designs to be excellent
and accepted by the market.
Your input helps me,
so why wouldn't I listen?
I used to think you were distant and arrogant,
looking down on others.
But
ever since I learned your husband was a revolutionary martyr,
my impression of you has changed.
Since your husband was a revolutionary martyr,
you must be a good person too.
Is that what you think?
Yeah.
Am I wrong?
Come in.
Ms. Yi!
This is an invitation from our boss.
Please make sure to attend.
Alright, thank you.
I'll take my leave now.
I've seen that man before.
He's Fu Zihe's subordinate, right?
What did he want with you?
Fu Zihe is a mutual friend of my husband and mine.
Let's leave it at that for now.
Oh, right!
I need to inform you about something.
There's a political activity this Saturday.
We'd like you to give a keynote speech.
Please prepare for it.
What kind of speech?
Your husband was a revolutionary martyr.
We'd like you to talk about
Comrade Zhou Zhaoyuan's heroic deeds.
You experienced this firsthand.
So your speech will surely be moving.
Inspire the workers so they willingly embrace revolutionary education.
That's an excellent way to educate the masses!
Ms. Su.
Please respect me.
I don't want to publicly display
my personal grief.
How is this disrespectful to you?
This is revolutionary work!
Besides, this was suggested by Comrade Zhou Yunqing!
Zhou Yunqing?
Yeah.
She said you and your husband shared a deep bond.
Between you two,
there must be many touching stories!
If you tell them,
it'll help the workers understand the revolution
and the Party organization.
This is a good thing!
I don't understand why you're resisting it!
Everyone, please wait patiently a bit longer.
Hold on a little longer. She'll be here soon!
Ms. Yi is really something else.
Zhou,
you still need to work harder
on her ideological education.
Even though her status has changed
and she's now a martyr's widow,
ideologically speaking,
she's still far from where we are.
Xiurong,
she's an intellectual,
so she has a strong personality.
But she's a good person.
I know that.
Why did she come wearing an old-fashioned qipao?
That's really inappropriate.
Fellow workers,
today I'd like to talk to you about
the similarities and differences between the qipao
we're about to put into production
and the traditional qipao.
Don't talk about these things!
Tell them about my brother's heroic deeds!
Everyone, can you see the difference between these two?
Ms. Yi,
we don't want to hear about qipao today.
We'd like to hear you talk about
Comrade Zhou Zhaoyuan's heroic deeds!
Yes!
-Right. -Right.
I want to tell you
that this qipao I'm wearing
was custom-made by my husband
as a gift for our 4th wedding anniversary.
But he never saw me wearing it.
Ms. Fang.
Wait. Please stay.
You take care of the Chief. I'll head back first.
Minister Wen.
Minister Wen?
Minister.
This is the loquat syrup I made.
It soothes the lungs and eases coughing. Please try it.
Thank you.
But I never accept gifts.
This isn't a gift.
I'm just concerned about your health.
Thank you,
but I have my principles.
You have the night shift later, right?
Your profession is quite demanding.
Serving the people!
It's all for serving the people.
Alright, I'm leaving.
Minister.
You haven't had dinner yet, have you?
My mom packed me some food.
Authentic crab roe fried rice cakes.
Would you like to try some?
No thanks. My car is already here.
Night shifts are exhausting.
Rest whenever you can.
You're young, but you still need to take care of your health too.
Goodbye.
You're here, Yi.
Just you?
No.
Just now, Mr. Wang, Zhou,
and his wife—
all our old friends—were here.
We're having this dance party tonight
for no particular reason.
I just wanted to hold a commemoration
because today is the club's last day.
Who knows what this place
will turn into tomorrow?
Go turn on that gramophone.
Zhaoyuan,
today is the last day
of Zihe's club.
So many old friends came.
Do you remember?
The New Year's ball of 1946,
the year after the War of Resistance ended,
[1945-1946 New Year's Eve Ball]
was also held here.
Fu Zihe, what are you doing?
No wonder you didn't want us to come over.
Turns out Yi Yi is here.
What are you talking about?
Yi Yi is my friend.
Friend, huh?
Friends put their arms around each other's shoulders?
How cozy, huh?
Yi Yi,
your husband is dead,
and you're out here seducing someone else's husband?
Don't leave! Explain yourself!
No wonder you insisted on living nearby!
Convenient for you two, huh?
You seductress!
Stop talking! Please stop!
Yi Yi, I'm sorry.
Yi Yi, you'd better explain yourself!
Yeah! What are you doing? What do you think you're doing?
You do something wrong and don't want others to talk about it?
Zhaoyuan was also a friend!
You know him!
"Friend"?
Your relationships are really complicated!
Let's go back and talk! Let's talk at home.
Talk at home? Why should we talk at home?
Yi Yi, go. You go first.
Explain yourself right here!
Come home with me.
Don't you dare leave! Explain yourself!
Explain what?
What are you doing?
Who should make what clear?
Listen up!
She is a martyr's widow,
my sister-in-law!
Watch your mouth!
Yi, don't be afraid. I'm here.
Martyr's widow?
What?
-A martyr's widow? -Stay away!
So what? Is she a martyr?
She's not the martyr herself!
Does being a martyr's widow give her the right to seduce my husband?
Everyone knows what kind of man Fu Zihe is!
Why take it out on my sister-in-law instead of him?
I'm scolding her! What of it?
I'll scold her all I want!
Stop this annoying bickering!
Quiet!
I'm insulting her! You slut!
What... what did you say?
Slut!
We're insulting you!
Yes, you!
Slut!
You'll pay for this!
Fine! I'm waiting!
Stop it! Are you trying to drive me to my death?
Say that again!
What do you want?
One, two, three!
Who are you calling names?
One for each of you! Say that again!
Still won't shut up?
I'll call the police!
Stop talking!
I'll report that you assault people!
We're calling the police!
Comrade Yunqing!
Comrade Yunqing.
Don't call me comrade!
It's my fault. It's all my fault.
I didn't expect this to happen.
Shut up.
I'll go apologize to Yi Yi.
Shut up.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Go home.
Go...
Go, go. We're going back now.
You...
Go back!
Fine, we'll go back.
You'll be the death of me.
You're messing with us first!
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
How could my brother have a friend like you?
Ms. Yi,
don't let what happened today
get to you.
We all know
what kind of person you are.
We don't believe a word of what they said.
Here are the new designs.
-Thank you. -Yi!
I chased all those people away!
Don't be afraid!
Are you okay?
Thank you, Qing.
Look how pale you are. Come on.
Sit down and take a rest.
Let me pour you some tea.
Yi,
no need to thank me.
I definitely believe you.
I'll always be on your side.
These good-for-nothings are so irritating,
aren't they, Xiurong?
Exactly.
Don't worry.
They won't ever dare to do it again.
Okay, thank you.
What kind of tea is this?
Black tea.
I love black tea.
Why did you come so late?
Yi.
Are all these books yours?
Let me take a look.
A Russian book? That's impressive!
Can you teach me?
You want to learn Russian?
Sure.
I'll teach you when I have time.
Great.
What did you just ask me?
I asked why you came over so late.
Right,
I wanted to tell you that...
About last time...
when you were supposed to share my brother's stories at that activity,
you didn't do well.
I think you must have been nervous.
I came to encourage you.
Next time!
Next time, you'll definitely do better!
You need to have confidence in yourself.
Qing,
my feelings for your brother
are my privacy.
I miss your brother,
but I keep that in my heart.
I don't want to lay my heart bare in public,
nor do I want to share
my pain with strangers.
Can you understand that?
No, I can't understand.
Yi,
something's seriously wrong with your thinking right now.
That's bourgeois thinking,
completely incompatible with our proletarian values.
My brother wasn't only your husband.
He was also a revolutionary martyr,
a Communist Party member.
He didn't belong only to you!
I'm sorry.
In my eyes,
my bond with your brother is mine and mine alone.
No, how can you call it yours alone?
He was her husband
and also my brother, Zhou Yunqing's brother!
Am I right, Xiurong?
Nod.
Nod, come on!
See?
-Qing. -She nodded!
If you want to share,
that's your freedom.
I do want to share, Yi!
But they don't want to hear from me.
The organization wants you to tell us his stories!
You need to share, Yi!
I don't want to share.
Why don't you want to share?
Why is your thinking so backward?
You need to accept my help!
Zhou.
Ideological transformation doesn't happen overnight.
Let's give Ms. Yi a bit more time.
I'll give you time.
Two days.
I'll take the designs with me.
Get some rest.
Ms. Yi.
Minister Wen?
Am I disturbing your work?
Not at all.
I'm just sketching casually.
Please come in.
Okay.
Please have a seat.
No need to fuss. No need.
I just came from Fu Zihe's place.
Now that I've seen you, I'm relieved.
Your mental state isn't as he described.
What did he say about me?
That I have suicidal tendencies?
You're very candid.
Please sit. I'll make some tea.
Okay.
Thank you.
He doesn't understand what kind of person I am at all.
I'm someone who has faced
life and death on the battlefield.
I could go for days drinking only water
and not eating just to buy an art book I love.
When I went out to sketch,
I got lost.
I got injured.
And I wandered in the mountains for 5 days,
barely hanging on,
yet I crawled my way back to Shanghai.
I know.
You're also someone who dared to
hand over your diary
without leaving yourself a way out.
Yes.
So I assume you definitely wouldn't mind
those vulgar words,
right?
You understand me.
Su Xiurong said she invited you to give a talk,
and you refused her.
You should know why I refused.
I know.
I just want to tell you
that Comrade Su is a kind person.
What she did
had no ill intent toward you.
I know all that.
So I'm not angry with her.
I just can't make her understand
that grief, pain, and longing—
these are all personal emotions.
They're buried deep inside here.
I don't want others to touch them.
They don't understand.
Yeah.
That's why you should interact with them more
so they can understand you.
It's the New China now.
The working class is the leading class.
For intellectuals to survive and develop,
they must step out of their ivory towers
and connect with the masses.
Those workers who haven't had much education
are actually very thoughtful and knowledgeable,
with rich life experiences
and deep emotions.
If you communicate with them more,
they'll surely understand you.
I know
you're now the official clothing designer
for the export workshop.
I've used
this pen for a while.
It feels good to use.
I want you to have it.
I hope you'll stay
and keep creating.
I'm very curious.
I heard you come from a prominent family.
You're a top student from Peking University,
a true intellectual.
Later, you joined the revolution, led troops in battle,
and became a professional revolutionary.
How did you manage this transformation?
Was it hard?
Among our leadership,
there are many like me
who come from intellectual backgrounds.
I believe it was the same faith
that brought us together.
I don't expect you to be like us.
I only hope
that here in Shanghai,
you can live happily
and create freely.
But first,
you need to adapt to the times
and change yourself.
Here.
Your pen.
I forgot to thank you.
This...
This part tends to get loose sometimes.
Just hold it tight while turning, and it'll be fine.
It's really nice to use.
Thank you.
Ms. Su,
I've revised the designs the way you asked.
Please take a look.
I was just making some casual comments.
You took it seriously?
Those weren't just casual comments.
You were speaking from experience.
Oh, right,
Comrade Zhou also felt that she
went too far that day,
so she made you some tea eggs.
Yi.
Qing?
When did you get here?
I've been here for a while.
I just went to the bathroom.
I was wrong last time.
These are tea eggs I made myself.
Please eat them!
I just had a meal.
E-Even if you just had a meal, you must eat them.
If you don't eat them,
it means you won't forgive me.
I'm really not hungry.
Even if you're not hungry, you have to eat!
I made these tea eggs myself.
I can't even bear to eat them.
Forget it.
Eat them or not, I don't care.
I regret coming here.
Don't forgive me then!
Qing.
What?
I have to eat it here?
Yes, right here!
You're not hungry,
but I'm actually getting a bit hungry.
Xiurong,
both of the eggs are for my sister-in-law.
Stingy.
Come on, take a bite.
Take a bite.
See that?
My sister-in-law ate my tea egg!
She forgave me!
Applaud.
Clap!
Clap!
Eat them one by one.
If you don't want the yolk, give it to me.
Xiurong.
She ate it all.
Make more next time.
I'll make one for each of you next time!
Take your time looking around.
20% off for our grand opening.
Take your time browsing.
Mr. Qian!
Congratulations.
Thank you. Thank you.
Please come in. Come in.
Take your time looking around.
Director Chen.
You're here too.
Okay, okay.
Please come in. Please come in.
Please come in. Please come in.
Come in. Take your time.