How to pronounce "底层"

[Footprints of Change]

[Episode 5]

Miss Lin, we're here to see the house.

I saw your

house-for-sale ad in the paper,

so I asked Aunt Nan to come with me to take a look.

I've also been wanting

to thank you, Mrs. Shen.

You certainly should thank Auntie Nan.

If it weren't for her supporting you,

the outcome between you

and your brother might have been different.

Don't say that.

I was just speaking fairly

from an objective standpoint.

It wasn't that important.

Well,

I still owe you thanks.

Mrs. Shen,

Miss Shen,

please, come in.

Okay.

♪ Willow buds break, rouge fades light ♪

This is our foyer.

♪ Face in the mirror drifts with passing time ♪

Go up these stairs

and the second floor is all bedrooms.

♪ Swallows bring clay to beams of old ♪

Over here is the study.

♪ New green spreads across bronze stone ♪

And this is the living room.

♪ Maple embers glow, wild geese fall silent ♪

Aunt Nan,

I'll take a look around myself.

♪ Frost descends, and the hair entangled ♪

Alright.

♪ Bare branches shiver, the sickle moon hangs ♪

♪ Fallen leaves mend a homeland long worn ♪

Miss Lin,

I heard from Mr. Cheng that

you settled with your brother out of court.

What are your plans now?

♪ Snow veils the steps, the pendulum slows ♪

Will you still open

that maternity hospital you mentioned?

♪ Hearth-fire dims, tea smoke thins ♪

I

definitely will.

I'm currently looking for investors.

♪ In every crease, the years are etched ♪

You had already secured a location

♪ Deep in the ice, spring trembles awake ♪

for it before, right?

Yes.

I even paid the deposit.

♪ Hatred dissolves, love remains ♪

But I couldn't pay the annual rent

on time,

♪ Years slip by in a single breath ♪

so the landlord canceled the lease.

What a pity.

♪ Savoring the weight and light of longing ♪

♪ Living in this mortal world over and over ♪

I just remembered—

this weekend,

Yingying's father is hosting

♪ Living in this mortal world over and over ♪

one of his occasional gatherings

with colleagues and business friends.

Besides some officials,

many well-known businessmen

and financiers in Shanghai will be there.

Since you're looking for investors,

why not go there and give it a try?

That would be wonderful.

thank you, Mrs. Shen.

Aunt Nan.

♪ Willow buds break, rouge fades light ♪

Aunt Nan.

Could you please buy this house for me?

♪ Face in the mirror drifts with passing time ♪

I think the layout

and lighting here are pretty good.

By then,

♪ Swallows bring clay to beams of old ♪

we can turn the first floor into a café

and the second floor into a Western restaurant.

♪ New green spreads across bronze stone ♪

While it's running,

I can invite my friends over—

two birds with one stone.

♪ Maple embers glow, wild geese fall silent ♪

Lin Siyun,

I'll give you a VIP card then.

♪ Frost descends, and the hair entangled ♪

That area is full of makeshift shelters that laborers

from the countryside built themselves,

causing all sorts of problems.

The government has been trying to clear it

and move the nomads out.

But once some are gone, others just keep coming.

With no other choice,

the government issued

this final eviction notice.

Unexpectedly,

a fire broke out last night,

and all those people ran to...

You think I don't know this?

Am I blind or deaf?

Huang,

how old are you this year?

Have you no shame?

You're shameless.

Yes.

Are you even human?

I'm beginning to think you're not.

All sorts of problems?

If there weren't so many problems, would this mess be dumped on me?

"Once some are gone, others just keep coming?"

You're so shameless.

You should kneel before their doors,

begging them to leave one by one.

Did you do that?

You're right.

What's the point of bowing and nodding to me?

Go handle it!

go fix it!

Yes, I...

Get out!

Okay.

Isn't this my buddy Cheng Ao?

So?

Have you decided about coming to work in my department?

Where was Huang standing just now?

Here.

You were sitting, weren't you?

Sit down.

What are you doing?

Pretend I'm Huang

and yell at me like you just did to him.

I want to see how it feels,

so I can decide if I can work for you.

Come on.

Do all lawyers

like eavesdropping

on people?

Where's this confidence coming from?

What's the point of listening to your insulting nonsense?

Lawyer Cheng,

those words

make you seem rather uncultured.

Not really.

I only talk to you like this.

So tell me,

why are you here?

Don't you always want to serve the country

and do something for the people?

Perfect timing.

There's something I need you to do now.

What is it?

Come with me. I'll tell you on the way.

Where are we going?

Someone set fire in the shantytown last night.

Did I ask you to speak?

Who did it? Have they been caught?

It doesn't matter who did it.

What can you do even if you catch them?

Their objective is clear:

they're dissatisfied with the government.

What's most important now is calming these laborers

so they don't cause more trouble.

So why do you need me?

These people at the bottom of society

distrust the government completely.

Cheng Ao,

you're in a gang

and you're a lawyer.

You'll be more persuasive when communicating with them.

I need you to

have a good talk with them.

So you just want to use my status as a gang member, huh?

Director Shen has always admired

your character and ability.

This task of calming the people is a heavy responsibility.

He can only

trust you with it.

Huang,

you finally said something right.

You little brat!

You just yelled at someone, didn't you?

Yes.

What's wrong with a kid throwing coal at the car?

Did it hit you?

No.

Then why did you yell at him?

Why did you yell at a child?

If someone yelled at your child,

how would you feel?

That's just a child.

Apologize.

I'm sorry.

Why are you apologizing to me?

Apologize to the person

you just yelled at.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, everyone.

Huang,

is this how you do your work?

You should be uniting everyone

and thinking about what's best for them.

Got it?

Got it, got it.

I... I...

I'll definitely change.

I'll definitely do better next time.

Don't you work for Mr. Zeng?

Are you also working for the government?

Yes.

I work for Mr. Zeng.

I'm here

mainly to cooperate with the government

to see what you need

and how I can help.

Do you have a representative who can give me more details?

Gu!

Gu!

Gu, come here.

You're good with words.

Talk to him.

Hello.

Here's my business card.

This is Mr. Shen

is a government official.

I'm here mainly to assist him.

My last name is Gu.

Gentlemen, let's talk inside.

No need.

Let's talk right here.

You must be here to solve problems.

So you have to understand the conditions

in our shantytown.

Since you're already here,

let's talk about it in detail.

Otherwise, how will you know

the real lives of the common people?

Cheng Ao,

please go inside

and get more details about it from Mr. Gu.

I didn't bring any cigarettes. I'll go buy a pack.

I'll be right back.

Wait.

I've got cigarettes and a lighter.

He's got cigarettes and a lighter.

I'm not used to this brand.

Director Shen is not used to this brand.

Yes.

Director Shen lives quite the privileged life.

Let's go, Mr. Gu.

Are you stupid?

Yes,

I'm stupid.

Come.

Please come in.

Wait a moment, please.

Cheng.

Okay.

Here.

Have a seat.

Are you curious about why I have so many books,

or do you not understand

why a laborer would read?

I am curious.

Mr. Cheng,

you just started working for the government, right?

Why are you saying this?

The government officials I've seen

aren't like you.

To be honest,

no government official

has ever come to my place.

You're the first,

and probably the only one.

I'm not really a government official.

I'm just here to help out.

No wonder.

Before I came here,

I had certain expectations about the shantytown.

But after experiencing it firsthand,

I realized your suffering

is far worse than I imagined.

I'm glad to hear that.

So, how do you think these problems should be solved?

I have a conscience,

but I'm not very optimistic

about this issue.

Indeed.

Most people are quite pessimistic nowadays.

But the more it's like this,

the more we need to be optimistic.

Mr. Gu,

you're one of the few.

I'm just...

an optimist.

Jin.

Have a seat.

I'll stand, Master.

Any news from the young master?

I heard he's doing business with some friends from the Northeast.

What kind of business?

I heard it's a fur trade.

These businessmen from the Northeast

seem to think highly of the young master.

Send him some money.

Tell him

not to associate with the Japanese.

Okay,

I'll pass the message.

What about Ao?

What's he been up to?

Mr. Shen has been trying to get Ao

to work for the government.

He went there today.

That's good news.

Ao is smart and capable.

He can handle

working for the government.

Master,

I heard Miss Lin is building a hospital,

but she's not using our funds.

Should I ask Ao about this?

No need.

Cheng Ao always knows what he's doing.

Although Miss Lin isn't using our funds,

as long as her hospital is completed

and turns a profit,

her brother will naturally pay back the money.

He's handling it

very well.

You may go now.

I'll take my leave then, Master.

Sis,

here's a letter from Yi.

She asked me to make sure I pass it to you.

Look at it.

Yi's handwriting is so beautiful.

It's so elegant.

Do you think

I'm too useless

as a mother?

My child can't even come home.

Yi will blame me, won't she?

Yi won't blame you.

She's a smart kid.

You're right.

As long as she's doing well.

Let's not talk about this anymore.

How are you doing?

Are you still planning to open the hospital?

Yes.

I'm looking for investors now.

When the hospital is completed,

please come and help out

if you have time.

Sure.

As long as you don't mind having me.

I can take on hard work.

Sis, you're an excellent woman.

Be more confident in yourself.

Okay.

Mr. Gu, would you mind

recommending a few books to me?

Mr. Cheng, what kind of books

do you usually read?

When I was in school,

I read books on law, literature,

and poetry.

But after graduation,

I mostly read documents and newspapers.

Then let me recommend some books

on Western philosophy, history,

and economics to you.

Great.

Thank you.

It's in English?

Well, as an optimistic and knowledgeable young man,

how do you view

the current situation?

How should I put it?

I never expect the government

to solve the problems quickly.

But someone has to raise the issues first.

Looking at human history as a whole,

there has been progress.

However, this progress doesn't happen all at once;

it's

a step-by-step process.

Sometimes, we may get lost,

take wrong turns,

or even go backward.

But those with determination

will always find the right direction

and reach the correct goal.

That

is progress.

Let's go.

Let's go out for a walk.

Okay.

There's enough for everyone.

Thank you.

Don't worry. There's enough for everyone.

Thank you.

Thanks.

We made it, Ao.

Thank you.

Are you all upset

because your houses burned down?

It's okay.

I'll set aside

part of my monthly earnings

to help you build new houses.

Then you'll be able to live comfortably,

happily,

with enough to eat and warm clothes.

Don't be sad anymore, okay?

Are you handing out money?

My buddy Cheng Ao really knows how to get things done.

Look, everyone's face

is glowing with happiness.

Mr. Gu,

the brother I brought today

has really helped a lot.

Wouldn't you agree?

Mr. Cheng,

thank you.

It's the least I could do.

The bag.

Your bag.

This is...

my money?

I left home in a hurry and forgot to bring money.

You really know how to get things done.

Where did you find my bag?

I don't know.

I found it in the car.

Thanks.

We'll be going then.

Hold on to it.

Everyone, get some rest early.

Let's go.

You still have money?

Want to give some more to everyone?

I'll bring it myself another day.

No need for you to go through the trouble.

Why are you so quiet, Shen Yiqun?

Lawyer Cheng, please stop asking.

It was my fault for not keeping a better eye on Director Shen's bag today.

Huang, that's where you are wrong.

How could Director Shen blame you?

Our Director Shen is generous.

He puts people first and loves to help others.

This little bit of money means nothing to him.

Lawyer Cheng is right.

Thank you, Huang.

Come to my office later.

Cheng Ao,

I really didn't misjudge you.

Your way of doing things is unconventional,

but the results are always successful.

Come join our department quickly.

We'll team up and work together.

With Huang by your side,

you're good to go.

Who is it?

Miss Lin, it's me.

Cheng?

Why are you here?

Well, our boss

called your house, but no one answered,

so he sent me to tell you something.

What is it?

He wants to know

if you can take a leave from the hospital tomorrow.

He wants to take you somewhere.

Where to?

He didn't say,

but he mentioned you should bring

your medical tools and medical kit.

Okay, the time works for me.

Well,

I'll call him back later.

Alright. I'll be going then.

Okay.

Goodbye.

Miss Lin! Miss Lin!

Please stop moving them, will you?

Please stop.

Why?

You don't need to ask why.

Look, your forehead is covered in sweat.

You are sweating, right?

We've got so many brothers here.

-We can handle this ourselves, alright? -It's okay.

I'm not tired.

This is Mr. Gu.

This is Miss Lin.

Miss Lin is a gynecologist.

She has basic medical knowledge.

She can help examine everyone

and check your health condition.

Nice to meet you, Miss Lin.

Nice to meet you, Mr. Gu.

To be honest,

we do have a woman here who just gave birth

and has a persistent high fever.

Could you please take a look at her?

Sure.

Liu.

Take Dr. Lin to see Juan.

Sure.

This way, please.

Let's go.

Mr. Cheng.

Excuse me, Mr. Gu.

Cheng.

Ao.

You're quite strong, huh?

Well, I was just...

Skip lunch today.

Carry a couple more bags. Go.

What?

Go now.

Mr. Cheng, thank you.

With all this rice and flour,

you've really helped us a lot.

I'm just doing what I can.

I know the situation here,

but I don't know how many of these shantytowns

there are in Shanghai

or in all of China,

and how much I can help

or for how long.

Any act of kindness is precious.

I understand what you're saying.

For impoverished communities,

there should be a complete social security system.

That's something you government officials

need to work hard on.

No.

You're not a government official.

You're just helping out.

Mr. Gu, do you think

I'm cut out to be an official?

I don't care if you become an official or not in the future.

I just hope you keep doing

what you're doing now.

If even people with a conscience don't act,

then our country has no hope.

Your wife's infection was caused

by the midwife not properly sterilizing her hands

and scissors during childbirth.

I don't have enough medicine with me now.

I'll apply some medication first.

You can bring her to Zhongde Hospital tomorrow,

and I'll change her dressing then.

We need to go to the hospital?

She's been like this for a week.

If this continues,

your wife's life will be in danger.

Going to the hospital costs a lot of money, right?

Don't worry.

I don't charge patients

from the shantytown.

Thank you, doctor. Thank you.

Come in.

What's wrong?

Where do you feel uncomfortable?

Are all these your children?

Yes.

How many kids have you had?

10.

4 survived.

How old are you?

27.

How old were you when you had your first child?

14.

Doctor,

I think I'm pregnant again.

Have you checked?

I've been pregnant ten times.

I have experience.

It hasn't been long since you had this child, has it?

It's been 3 months.

This is very dangerous for you.

It could easily cause uterine rupture.

So, doctor,

I want to ask

if you can help me with an abortion.

The government regulations state

that abortion is illegal.

Doctor, please help me.

In this big fire,

we lost everything.

I'm pregnant now,

and my milk supply isn't good.

If I don't go out to work,

my children will die.

Tomorrow, I'll bring you

some formula and glucose.

From now on, I'll be responsible

for your children's food.

Thank you, doctor.

Also...

Tired?

You're very kind.

So are you.

We're the same.

That's why we can be friends.

Friends?

Aren't we friends?

Then what are we?

What relationship besides friendship

would allow you

to be driven home in my car?

Do a lot of girls like you?

I don't know.

It doesn't matter.

I only care about the person I like.

What about you?

Same here.

What?

You didn't see me?

What a coincidence.

You two arrived at the same time.

It's not that.

We came together.

Cheng Ao drove to my place to pick me up.

Next time, I'll pick you up.

His car is no good.

It's too old, uncomfortable to sit in.

She hasn't sat on the back of a bike for a long time.

Do I only have a bicycle?

Siyun,

I heard from Aunt Nan

that you're looking to meet some people

who can invest in your hospital.

I can introduce someone to you.

You know him.

He has influence in many of the big banks

in Shanghai.

It's that Under-Secretary Dong.

I've met him.

Yes, you have.

Is he reliable?

Absolutely.

Not only does he have strength and influence,

but also an excellent character.

He's very respected

in our government units.

Go find him. I just saw him.

He's on the second floor.

Just mention my name.

Okay.

Go ahead.

Cheng Ao.

This is great.

From now on, we'll divide the work.

You handle picking up

and dropping off Siyun,

and I'll help her

with work-related issues.

You think you are quite something, aren't you?

Don't block the doorway.

I wouldn't say I'm anything special.

We just each have our strengths.

Miss Lin,

what are you doing here?

Under-Secretary Dong?

Hello.

Hello.

Miss Lin,

how is the progress with the hospital?

Didn't we agree

that you'd invite me to the opening ceremony?

I've run into some difficulties.

Difficulties?

What kind of difficulties?

Just tell me.

If I can help,

I'll do my best.

I've already found the doctors, nurses,

and the location.

I just need the investment.

I've visited a few banks,

but they've all rejected me with various excuses.

I know

you're a shareholder in several major banks.

If you're willing to help me

by making a connection with these banks,

that would be a huge help.

You could also invest yourself, if you'd like.

I see.

How about

we find a place

to discuss this over tea?

Sure.

After you.

Ao,

I heard from Jin

that you've been working for the government lately.

Yes.

A few days ago, Shen Yiqun took me

to visit the shantytown.

I saw that the place

was really uninhabitable at the moment,

so I just offered a bit of help.

Father, if you have time, you should go take a look.

I think they need

philanthropists like you

over there.

Great.

Young people

should have ideals and ambitions.

Alright.

Find some time to take me there and have a look.

Alright. That's wonderful.

Sir,

here's your tea.

Your tea.

Enjoy.

Wait.

Sir, you look very familiar.

Have we met somewhere before?

Father, are you mistaking him for someone else?

Sir, you must have mistaken me for someone else.

May I...

know your name?

My name is He Yaozu.

In the 16th year of the Republic of China,

I met a young man in Nanjing.

His name was Luo Yinghan.

He was a student leader

with strong organizational skills

whose speeches

were very inspiring.

He looks a lot like you.

Sir, I think you must have mistaken me for someone else.

I'm from Jiangxi.

I've never been to Nanjing, nor have I ever been educated.

I'm just an ordinary waiter.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too.

It seems I really have mistaken you for someone else.

However,

Mr. He, if you have the chance

to meet Luo Yinghan in the future,

please tell him

that I admire his talents

and respect his character.

If possible,

I could

help him find a very good job

with a high salary.

Alright, if I get the chance,

I will definitely pass on the message.

Thank you.

Enjoy, sir.

Miss Lin,

I can help you establish this hospital.

But what's in it for me?

You can become a shareholder in the hospital.

We can work together to ensure its success.

I'm not interested in running a hospital.

Then what do you want?

I didn't mistake him for someone else.

I just don't understand

why he's here.

Father,

you're talking about...

The waiter

who just claimed to be He Yaozu.

He disguised himself well.

However,

he can't fool me.

I served in the army during the Qing Dynasty,

and I've fired foreign guns.

In the Republic of China,

I followed General Wu

and led over 1,000 soldiers.

Just now, when I shook his hand,

I could feel that his hand had been holding guns for years.

So,

what exactly does he do?

He's a Communist Party member.

No matter what he calls himself.

Father,

we can't carelessly label someone

as a Communist.

He was that student leader from back then—

leading street marches, petitions, and protests—

very active.

He really does have organizational skills.

In the 16th year of the Republic of China,

Chiang Kai-shek launched the anti-Communist purge.

He was arrested.

I thought he must have died young

and was sorry about it for quite some time.

I didn't expect he'd actually survive.

He must have suffered a lot.

Father, what did you mean

when you said

you'd find him a job?

I meant it sincerely.

He truly is very capable.

If he can be of use to us,

that would be great.

But if not—

remember,

we must never offend someone like him.

We're living in chaotic times.

To survive and thrive,

we absolutely cannot afford to offend capable people,

no matter which party

they belong to.

Understood.

Mr. Zeng.

Director Shen.

Cheng Ao was just talking about you.

Thank you for giving him the opportunity

to contribute to the victims of the disaster.

Mr. Zeng,

Cheng Ao is a very resourceful person.

If it weren't for him,

the issues in the shantytown

wouldn't have been resolved so smoothly.

Let me introduce you.

This is my cousin, Major Zheng.

He now works for Commander Ji.

Major Zheng, it's a pleasure to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

Major Zheng, are you here

on official business or is it something personal?

I came here with my commander.

What a promising young man.

Alright, you guys go ahead and talk.

I, as an old man, won't interrupt.

Commander Ji will be here soon.

I'll go pick him up.

Go ahead.

Have you been busy with work lately?

Not really.

Such a big event—

even your father attended.

He is

your cousin's commander?

Yes.

This man has a mysterious and complex background.

He was once a senior Communist Party member

but later defected to the Kuomintang.

I heard that in recent years,

the Chairman set up a secret organization

targeting the Communists,

and he's one of the leaders.

Just last month,

more than 20 Communists

were caught by their organization.

The Communist Party hates him to death.

He's a turncoat.

If the Japanese give him some benefit,

he'll become a traitor.

You think he doesn't know

what kind of person he is?

A person either never betrays or betrays countless times.

No one will ever truly trust him.

His life isn't easy.

The Communist "Dog Beating Squad" has been keeping a close eye on him.

He rarely shows up

at public events like this.

See? He even

brought two people with him here today.

Dog Beating Squad?

You don't know it?

It's an organization the Communist Party

set up to root out traitors.

His name is definitely high

on their list.

They're watching him this closely,

so why does he still dare to show up?

The fact that he shows up

means there's something attracting him.

Let me test you.

What do you think it is?

Look at that clueless expression of yours.

Power

and women.

Then isn't he just like you?

Shut up.

I heard what you two were saying.

When did you learn to eavesdrop?

Dad told you

not to talk about politics in public.

I wasn't.

I was teaching him.

Nonsense.

Does Cheng Ao need you to teach him that?

Then I'll teach you.

I'll teach you...

Don't get physical.

It's good that Lin Siyun didn't come today.

She's here.

She's meeting someone your brother introduced her to.

Who did you introduce her to?

Under-Secretary Dong.

That old pervert?

He's hit on so many girls in our class.

You...

Miss Lin,

I've always admired you.

You're educated, beautiful,

and smart.

You should know what I want.

Don't go.

We can discuss terms.

I can give you a house,

money,

and a life of comfort.

As for the hospital,

if you're interested, you can run one for fun.

How about it?

Under-Secretary Dong,

please step aside.

You're here anyway.

You're not a little girl anymore, right?

Miss Lin,

I like you. Let's just have some fun.

I'm telling you, struggling won't help.

What game are you playing?

You dare stab me?

I'm telling you,

this isn't over!

Under-Secretary Dong,

what happened to you?

Who did you introduce me to?

Look what she did to me.

You...

Don't mind him. He's always like that.

Don't stoop to Siyun's level.

Please calm down.

I can't calm down. I'm telling you.

As long as I'm around,

she will never

be able to open that hospital.

Let's not talk about the hospital now.

She was definitely wrong to have stabbed you.

I'll make sure to teach her a lesson.

How about this?

I'll take you to the hospital now.

Tomorrow,

I'll visit you at your residence

with 3 gold bars.

Three gold bars,

and you think that's enough to deal with me?

Who do you think I am?

You've misunderstood me.

You're in a high position;

surely this small gift is nothing.

This is just a token of my sincerity.

Under-Secretary Dong,

I heard

your son has always wanted to attend military academy.

How about this?

Leave it to me,

and I promise to arrange everything properly

so your son can go with honor.

Additionally,

he'll receive

special attention from his teachers at the academy.

You can make this happen?

Absolutely.

Good.

You said that.

Yes.

I'll be expecting you tomorrow night.

Alright.

Well,

let me take you to the hospital.

No need. I'll go by myself.

Take care.

Are you alright?

[Footprints of Change]

[Episode 5]

Miss Lin, we're here to see the house.

I saw your

house-for-sale ad in the paper,

so I asked Aunt Nan to come with me to take a look.

I've also been wanting

to thank you, Mrs. Shen.

You certainly should thank Auntie Nan.

If it weren't for her supporting you,

the outcome between you

and your brother might have been different.

Don't say that.

I was just speaking fairly

from an objective standpoint.

It wasn't that important.

Well,

I still owe you thanks.

Mrs. Shen,

Miss Shen,

please, come in.

Okay.

♪ Willow buds break, rouge fades light ♪

This is our foyer.

♪ Face in the mirror drifts with passing time ♪

Go up these stairs

and the second floor is all bedrooms.

♪ Swallows bring clay to beams of old ♪

Over here is the study.

♪ New green spreads across bronze stone ♪

And this is the living room.

♪ Maple embers glow, wild geese fall silent ♪

Aunt Nan,

I'll take a look around myself.

♪ Frost descends, and the hair entangled ♪

Alright.

♪ Bare branches shiver, the sickle moon hangs ♪

♪ Fallen leaves mend a homeland long worn ♪

Miss Lin,

I heard from Mr. Cheng that

you settled with your brother out of court.

What are your plans now?

♪ Snow veils the steps, the pendulum slows ♪

Will you still open

that maternity hospital you mentioned?

♪ Hearth-fire dims, tea smoke thins ♪

I

definitely will.

I'm currently looking for investors.

♪ In every crease, the years are etched ♪

You had already secured a location

♪ Deep in the ice, spring trembles awake ♪

for it before, right?

Yes.

I even paid the deposit.

♪ Hatred dissolves, love remains ♪

But I couldn't pay the annual rent

on time,

♪ Years slip by in a single breath ♪

so the landlord canceled the lease.

What a pity.

♪ Savoring the weight and light of longing ♪

♪ Living in this mortal world over and over ♪

I just remembered—

this weekend,

Yingying's father is hosting

♪ Living in this mortal world over and over ♪

one of his occasional gatherings

with colleagues and business friends.

Besides some officials,

many well-known businessmen

and financiers in Shanghai will be there.

Since you're looking for investors,

why not go there and give it a try?

That would be wonderful.

thank you, Mrs. Shen.

Aunt Nan.

♪ Willow buds break, rouge fades light ♪

Aunt Nan.

Could you please buy this house for me?

♪ Face in the mirror drifts with passing time ♪

I think the layout

and lighting here are pretty good.

By then,

♪ Swallows bring clay to beams of old ♪

we can turn the first floor into a café

and the second floor into a Western restaurant.

♪ New green spreads across bronze stone ♪

While it's running,

I can invite my friends over—

two birds with one stone.

♪ Maple embers glow, wild geese fall silent ♪

Lin Siyun,

I'll give you a VIP card then.

♪ Frost descends, and the hair entangled ♪

That area is full of makeshift shelters that laborers

from the countryside built themselves,

causing all sorts of problems.

The government has been trying to clear it

and move the nomads out.

But once some are gone, others just keep coming.

With no other choice,

the government issued

this final eviction notice.

Unexpectedly,

a fire broke out last night,

and all those people ran to...

You think I don't know this?

Am I blind or deaf?

Huang,

how old are you this year?

Have you no shame?

You're shameless.

Yes.

Are you even human?

I'm beginning to think you're not.

All sorts of problems?

If there weren't so many problems, would this mess be dumped on me?

"Once some are gone, others just keep coming?"

You're so shameless.

You should kneel before their doors,

begging them to leave one by one.

Did you do that?

You're right.

What's the point of bowing and nodding to me?

Go handle it!

go fix it!

Yes, I...

Get out!

Okay.

Isn't this my buddy Cheng Ao?

So?

Have you decided about coming to work in my department?

Where was Huang standing just now?

Here.

You were sitting, weren't you?

Sit down.

What are you doing?

Pretend I'm Huang

and yell at me like you just did to him.

I want to see how it feels,

so I can decide if I can work for you.

Come on.

Do all lawyers

like eavesdropping

on people?

Where's this confidence coming from?

What's the point of listening to your insulting nonsense?

Lawyer Cheng,

those words

make you seem rather uncultured.

Not really.

I only talk to you like this.

So tell me,

why are you here?

Don't you always want to serve the country

and do something for the people?

Perfect timing.

There's something I need you to do now.

What is it?

Come with me. I'll tell you on the way.

Where are we going?

Someone set fire in the shantytown last night.

Did I ask you to speak?

Who did it? Have they been caught?

It doesn't matter who did it.

What can you do even if you catch them?

Their objective is clear:

they're dissatisfied with the government.

What's most important now is calming these laborers

so they don't cause more trouble.

So why do you need me?

These people at the bottom of society

distrust the government completely.

Cheng Ao,

you're in a gang

and you're a lawyer.

You'll be more persuasive when communicating with them.

I need you to

have a good talk with them.

So you just want to use my status as a gang member, huh?

Director Shen has always admired

your character and ability.

This task of calming the people is a heavy responsibility.

He can only

trust you with it.

Huang,

you finally said something right.

You little brat!

You just yelled at someone, didn't you?

Yes.

What's wrong with a kid throwing coal at the car?

Did it hit you?

No.

Then why did you yell at him?

Why did you yell at a child?

If someone yelled at your child,

how would you feel?

That's just a child.

Apologize.

I'm sorry.

Why are you apologizing to me?

Apologize to the person

you just yelled at.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, everyone.

Huang,

is this how you do your work?

You should be uniting everyone

and thinking about what's best for them.

Got it?

Got it, got it.

I... I...

I'll definitely change.

I'll definitely do better next time.

Don't you work for Mr. Zeng?

Are you also working for the government?

Yes.

I work for Mr. Zeng.

I'm here

mainly to cooperate with the government

to see what you need

and how I can help.

Do you have a representative who can give me more details?

Gu!

Gu!

Gu, come here.

You're good with words.

Talk to him.

Hello.

Here's my business card.

This is Mr. Shen

is a government official.

I'm here mainly to assist him.

My last name is Gu.

Gentlemen, let's talk inside.

No need.

Let's talk right here.

You must be here to solve problems.

So you have to understand the conditions

in our shantytown.

Since you're already here,

let's talk about it in detail.

Otherwise, how will you know

the real lives of the common people?

Cheng Ao,

please go inside

and get more details about it from Mr. Gu.

I didn't bring any cigarettes. I'll go buy a pack.

I'll be right back.

Wait.

I've got cigarettes and a lighter.

He's got cigarettes and a lighter.

I'm not used to this brand.

Director Shen is not used to this brand.

Yes.

Director Shen lives quite the privileged life.

Let's go, Mr. Gu.

Are you stupid?

Yes,

I'm stupid.

Come.

Please come in.

Wait a moment, please.

Cheng.

Okay.

Here.

Have a seat.

Are you curious about why I have so many books,

or do you not understand

why a laborer would read?

I am curious.

Mr. Cheng,

you just started working for the government, right?

Why are you saying this?

The government officials I've seen

aren't like you.

To be honest,

no government official

has ever come to my place.

You're the first,

and probably the only one.

I'm not really a government official.

I'm just here to help out.

No wonder.

Before I came here,

I had certain expectations about the shantytown.

But after experiencing it firsthand,

I realized your suffering

is far worse than I imagined.

I'm glad to hear that.

So, how do you think these problems should be solved?

I have a conscience,

but I'm not very optimistic

about this issue.

Indeed.

Most people are quite pessimistic nowadays.

But the more it's like this,

the more we need to be optimistic.

Mr. Gu,

you're one of the few.

I'm just...

an optimist.

Jin.

Have a seat.

I'll stand, Master.

Any news from the young master?

I heard he's doing business with some friends from the Northeast.

What kind of business?

I heard it's a fur trade.

These businessmen from the Northeast

seem to think highly of the young master.

Send him some money.

Tell him

not to associate with the Japanese.

Okay,

I'll pass the message.

What about Ao?

What's he been up to?

Mr. Shen has been trying to get Ao

to work for the government.

He went there today.

That's good news.

Ao is smart and capable.

He can handle

working for the government.

Master,

I heard Miss Lin is building a hospital,

but she's not using our funds.

Should I ask Ao about this?

No need.

Cheng Ao always knows what he's doing.

Although Miss Lin isn't using our funds,

as long as her hospital is completed

and turns a profit,

her brother will naturally pay back the money.

He's handling it

very well.

You may go now.

I'll take my leave then, Master.

Sis,

here's a letter from Yi.

She asked me to make sure I pass it to you.

Look at it.

Yi's handwriting is so beautiful.

It's so elegant.

Do you think

I'm too useless

as a mother?

My child can't even come home.

Yi will blame me, won't she?

Yi won't blame you.

She's a smart kid.

You're right.

As long as she's doing well.

Let's not talk about this anymore.

How are you doing?

Are you still planning to open the hospital?

Yes.

I'm looking for investors now.

When the hospital is completed,

please come and help out

if you have time.

Sure.

As long as you don't mind having me.

I can take on hard work.

Sis, you're an excellent woman.

Be more confident in yourself.

Okay.

Mr. Gu, would you mind

recommending a few books to me?

Mr. Cheng, what kind of books

do you usually read?

When I was in school,

I read books on law, literature,

and poetry.

But after graduation,

I mostly read documents and newspapers.

Then let me recommend some books

on Western philosophy, history,

and economics to you.

Great.

Thank you.

It's in English?

Well, as an optimistic and knowledgeable young man,

how do you view

the current situation?

How should I put it?

I never expect the government

to solve the problems quickly.

But someone has to raise the issues first.

Looking at human history as a whole,

there has been progress.

However, this progress doesn't happen all at once;

it's

a step-by-step process.

Sometimes, we may get lost,

take wrong turns,

or even go backward.

But those with determination

will always find the right direction

and reach the correct goal.

That

is progress.

Let's go.

Let's go out for a walk.

Okay.

There's enough for everyone.

Thank you.

Don't worry. There's enough for everyone.

Thank you.

Thanks.

We made it, Ao.

Thank you.

Are you all upset

because your houses burned down?

It's okay.

I'll set aside

part of my monthly earnings

to help you build new houses.

Then you'll be able to live comfortably,

happily,

with enough to eat and warm clothes.

Don't be sad anymore, okay?

Are you handing out money?

My buddy Cheng Ao really knows how to get things done.

Look, everyone's face

is glowing with happiness.

Mr. Gu,

the brother I brought today

has really helped a lot.

Wouldn't you agree?

Mr. Cheng,

thank you.

It's the least I could do.

The bag.

Your bag.

This is...

my money?

I left home in a hurry and forgot to bring money.

You really know how to get things done.

Where did you find my bag?

I don't know.

I found it in the car.

Thanks.

We'll be going then.

Hold on to it.

Everyone, get some rest early.

Let's go.

You still have money?

Want to give some more to everyone?

I'll bring it myself another day.

No need for you to go through the trouble.

Why are you so quiet, Shen Yiqun?

Lawyer Cheng, please stop asking.

It was my fault for not keeping a better eye on Director Shen's bag today.

Huang, that's where you are wrong.

How could Director Shen blame you?

Our Director Shen is generous.

He puts people first and loves to help others.

This little bit of money means nothing to him.

Lawyer Cheng is right.

Thank you, Huang.

Come to my office later.

Cheng Ao,

I really didn't misjudge you.

Your way of doing things is unconventional,

but the results are always successful.

Come join our department quickly.

We'll team up and work together.

With Huang by your side,

you're good to go.

Who is it?

Miss Lin, it's me.

Cheng?

Why are you here?

Well, our boss

called your house, but no one answered,

so he sent me to tell you something.

What is it?

He wants to know

if you can take a leave from the hospital tomorrow.

He wants to take you somewhere.

Where to?

He didn't say,

but he mentioned you should bring

your medical tools and medical kit.

Okay, the time works for me.

Well,

I'll call him back later.

Alright. I'll be going then.

Okay.

Goodbye.

Miss Lin! Miss Lin!

Please stop moving them, will you?

Please stop.

Why?

You don't need to ask why.

Look, your forehead is covered in sweat.

You are sweating, right?

We've got so many brothers here.

-We can handle this ourselves, alright? -It's okay.

I'm not tired.

This is Mr. Gu.

This is Miss Lin.

Miss Lin is a gynecologist.

She has basic medical knowledge.

She can help examine everyone

and check your health condition.

Nice to meet you, Miss Lin.

Nice to meet you, Mr. Gu.

To be honest,

we do have a woman here who just gave birth

and has a persistent high fever.

Could you please take a look at her?

Sure.

Liu.

Take Dr. Lin to see Juan.

Sure.

This way, please.

Let's go.

Mr. Cheng.

Excuse me, Mr. Gu.

Cheng.

Ao.

You're quite strong, huh?

Well, I was just...

Skip lunch today.

Carry a couple more bags. Go.

What?

Go now.

Mr. Cheng, thank you.

With all this rice and flour,

you've really helped us a lot.

I'm just doing what I can.

I know the situation here,

but I don't know how many of these shantytowns

there are in Shanghai

or in all of China,

and how much I can help

or for how long.

Any act of kindness is precious.

I understand what you're saying.

For impoverished communities,

there should be a complete social security system.

That's something you government officials

need to work hard on.

No.

You're not a government official.

You're just helping out.

Mr. Gu, do you think

I'm cut out to be an official?

I don't care if you become an official or not in the future.

I just hope you keep doing

what you're doing now.

If even people with a conscience don't act,

then our country has no hope.

Your wife's infection was caused

by the midwife not properly sterilizing her hands

and scissors during childbirth.

I don't have enough medicine with me now.

I'll apply some medication first.

You can bring her to Zhongde Hospital tomorrow,

and I'll change her dressing then.

We need to go to the hospital?

She's been like this for a week.

If this continues,

your wife's life will be in danger.

Going to the hospital costs a lot of money, right?

Don't worry.

I don't charge patients

from the shantytown.

Thank you, doctor. Thank you.

Come in.

What's wrong?

Where do you feel uncomfortable?

Are all these your children?

Yes.

How many kids have you had?

10.

4 survived.

How old are you?

27.

How old were you when you had your first child?

14.

Doctor,

I think I'm pregnant again.

Have you checked?

I've been pregnant ten times.

I have experience.

It hasn't been long since you had this child, has it?

It's been 3 months.

This is very dangerous for you.

It could easily cause uterine rupture.

So, doctor,

I want to ask

if you can help me with an abortion.

The government regulations state

that abortion is illegal.

Doctor, please help me.

In this big fire,

we lost everything.

I'm pregnant now,

and my milk supply isn't good.

If I don't go out to work,

my children will die.

Tomorrow, I'll bring you

some formula and glucose.

From now on, I'll be responsible

for your children's food.

Thank you, doctor.

Also...

Tired?

You're very kind.

So are you.

We're the same.

That's why we can be friends.

Friends?

Aren't we friends?

Then what are we?

What relationship besides friendship

would allow you

to be driven home in my car?

Do a lot of girls like you?

I don't know.

It doesn't matter.

I only care about the person I like.

What about you?

Same here.

What?

You didn't see me?

What a coincidence.

You two arrived at the same time.

It's not that.

We came together.

Cheng Ao drove to my place to pick me up.

Next time, I'll pick you up.

His car is no good.

It's too old, uncomfortable to sit in.

She hasn't sat on the back of a bike for a long time.

Do I only have a bicycle?

Siyun,

I heard from Aunt Nan

that you're looking to meet some people

who can invest in your hospital.

I can introduce someone to you.

You know him.

He has influence in many of the big banks

in Shanghai.

It's that Under-Secretary Dong.

I've met him.

Yes, you have.

Is he reliable?

Absolutely.

Not only does he have strength and influence,

but also an excellent character.

He's very respected

in our government units.

Go find him. I just saw him.

He's on the second floor.

Just mention my name.

Okay.

Go ahead.

Cheng Ao.

This is great.

From now on, we'll divide the work.

You handle picking up

and dropping off Siyun,

and I'll help her

with work-related issues.

You think you are quite something, aren't you?

Don't block the doorway.

I wouldn't say I'm anything special.

We just each have our strengths.

Miss Lin,

what are you doing here?

Under-Secretary Dong?

Hello.

Hello.

Miss Lin,

how is the progress with the hospital?

Didn't we agree

that you'd invite me to the opening ceremony?

I've run into some difficulties.

Difficulties?

What kind of difficulties?

Just tell me.

If I can help,

I'll do my best.

I've already found the doctors, nurses,

and the location.

I just need the investment.

I've visited a few banks,

but they've all rejected me with various excuses.

I know

you're a shareholder in several major banks.

If you're willing to help me

by making a connection with these banks,

that would be a huge help.

You could also invest yourself, if you'd like.

I see.

How about

we find a place

to discuss this over tea?

Sure.

After you.

Ao,

I heard from Jin

that you've been working for the government lately.

Yes.

A few days ago, Shen Yiqun took me

to visit the shantytown.

I saw that the place

was really uninhabitable at the moment,

so I just offered a bit of help.

Father, if you have time, you should go take a look.

I think they need

philanthropists like you

over there.

Great.

Young people

should have ideals and ambitions.

Alright.

Find some time to take me there and have a look.

Alright. That's wonderful.

Sir,

here's your tea.

Your tea.

Enjoy.

Wait.

Sir, you look very familiar.

Have we met somewhere before?

Father, are you mistaking him for someone else?

Sir, you must have mistaken me for someone else.

May I...

know your name?

My name is He Yaozu.

In the 16th year of the Republic of China,

I met a young man in Nanjing.

His name was Luo Yinghan.

He was a student leader

with strong organizational skills

whose speeches

were very inspiring.

He looks a lot like you.

Sir, I think you must have mistaken me for someone else.

I'm from Jiangxi.

I've never been to Nanjing, nor have I ever been educated.

I'm just an ordinary waiter.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too.

It seems I really have mistaken you for someone else.

However,

Mr. He, if you have the chance

to meet Luo Yinghan in the future,

please tell him

that I admire his talents

and respect his character.

If possible,

I could

help him find a very good job

with a high salary.

Alright, if I get the chance,

I will definitely pass on the message.

Thank you.

Enjoy, sir.

Miss Lin,

I can help you establish this hospital.

But what's in it for me?

You can become a shareholder in the hospital.

We can work together to ensure its success.

I'm not interested in running a hospital.

Then what do you want?

I didn't mistake him for someone else.

I just don't understand

why he's here.

Father,

you're talking about...

The waiter

who just claimed to be He Yaozu.

He disguised himself well.

However,

he can't fool me.

I served in the army during the Qing Dynasty,

and I've fired foreign guns.

In the Republic of China,

I followed General Wu

and led over 1,000 soldiers.

Just now, when I shook his hand,

I could feel that his hand had been holding guns for years.

So,

what exactly does he do?

He's a Communist Party member.

No matter what he calls himself.

Father,

we can't carelessly label someone

as a Communist.

He was that student leader from back then—

leading street marches, petitions, and protests—

very active.

He really does have organizational skills.

In the 16th year of the Republic of China,

Chiang Kai-shek launched the anti-Communist purge.

He was arrested.

I thought he must have died young

and was sorry about it for quite some time.

I didn't expect he'd actually survive.

He must have suffered a lot.

Father, what did you mean

when you said

you'd find him a job?

I meant it sincerely.

He truly is very capable.

If he can be of use to us,

that would be great.

But if not—

remember,

we must never offend someone like him.

We're living in chaotic times.

To survive and thrive,

we absolutely cannot afford to offend capable people,

no matter which party

they belong to.

Understood.

Mr. Zeng.

Director Shen.

Cheng Ao was just talking about you.

Thank you for giving him the opportunity

to contribute to the victims of the disaster.

Mr. Zeng,

Cheng Ao is a very resourceful person.

If it weren't for him,

the issues in the shantytown

wouldn't have been resolved so smoothly.

Let me introduce you.

This is my cousin, Major Zheng.

He now works for Commander Ji.

Major Zheng, it's a pleasure to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

Major Zheng, are you here

on official business or is it something personal?

I came here with my commander.

What a promising young man.

Alright, you guys go ahead and talk.

I, as an old man, won't interrupt.

Commander Ji will be here soon.

I'll go pick him up.

Go ahead.

Have you been busy with work lately?

Not really.

Such a big event—

even your father attended.

He is

your cousin's commander?

Yes.

This man has a mysterious and complex background.

He was once a senior Communist Party member

but later defected to the Kuomintang.

I heard that in recent years,

the Chairman set up a secret organization

targeting the Communists,

and he's one of the leaders.

Just last month,

more than 20 Communists

were caught by their organization.

The Communist Party hates him to death.

He's a turncoat.

If the Japanese give him some benefit,

he'll become a traitor.

You think he doesn't know

what kind of person he is?

A person either never betrays or betrays countless times.

No one will ever truly trust him.

His life isn't easy.

The Communist "Dog Beating Squad" has been keeping a close eye on him.

He rarely shows up

at public events like this.

See? He even

brought two people with him here today.

Dog Beating Squad?

You don't know it?

It's an organization the Communist Party

set up to root out traitors.

His name is definitely high

on their list.

They're watching him this closely,

so why does he still dare to show up?

The fact that he shows up

means there's something attracting him.

Let me test you.

What do you think it is?

Look at that clueless expression of yours.

Power

and women.

Then isn't he just like you?

Shut up.

I heard what you two were saying.

When did you learn to eavesdrop?

Dad told you

not to talk about politics in public.

I wasn't.

I was teaching him.

Nonsense.

Does Cheng Ao need you to teach him that?

Then I'll teach you.

I'll teach you...

Don't get physical.

It's good that Lin Siyun didn't come today.

She's here.

She's meeting someone your brother introduced her to.

Who did you introduce her to?

Under-Secretary Dong.

That old pervert?

He's hit on so many girls in our class.

You...

Miss Lin,

I've always admired you.

You're educated, beautiful,

and smart.

You should know what I want.

Don't go.

We can discuss terms.

I can give you a house,

money,

and a life of comfort.

As for the hospital,

if you're interested, you can run one for fun.

How about it?

Under-Secretary Dong,

please step aside.

You're here anyway.

You're not a little girl anymore, right?

Miss Lin,

I like you. Let's just have some fun.

I'm telling you, struggling won't help.

What game are you playing?

You dare stab me?

I'm telling you,

this isn't over!

Under-Secretary Dong,

what happened to you?

Who did you introduce me to?

Look what she did to me.

You...

Don't mind him. He's always like that.

Don't stoop to Siyun's level.

Please calm down.

I can't calm down. I'm telling you.

As long as I'm around,

she will never

be able to open that hospital.

Let's not talk about the hospital now.

She was definitely wrong to have stabbed you.

I'll make sure to teach her a lesson.

How about this?

I'll take you to the hospital now.

Tomorrow,

I'll visit you at your residence

with 3 gold bars.

Three gold bars,

and you think that's enough to deal with me?

Who do you think I am?

You've misunderstood me.

You're in a high position;

surely this small gift is nothing.

This is just a token of my sincerity.

Under-Secretary Dong,

I heard

your son has always wanted to attend military academy.

How about this?

Leave it to me,

and I promise to arrange everything properly

so your son can go with honor.

Additionally,

he'll receive

special attention from his teachers at the academy.

You can make this happen?

Absolutely.

Good.

You said that.

Yes.

I'll be expecting you tomorrow night.

Alright.

Well,

let me take you to the hospital.

No need. I'll go by myself.

Take care.

Are you alright?