How to pronounce "条子"

[Footprints of Change]

[Episode 19]

When Ms. Fang said that to you,

she wasn't trying to make things difficult for you.

It was because she didn't know you.

She didn't know how independent you were

or how strong you were inside.

And also,

how could you possibly be my weakness?

Having you by my side

is like having a mirror.

You help me see sincerity

and the human heart.

Come,

sit down for a while.

Are you thirsty?

Are you thirsty?

A little bit.

Here,

soda.

Where did you get that from?

I bought it on the way.

Why is there only one bottle?

I already drank mine.

Will we argue in the future?

Probably.

Where there are people, there are conflicts.

Having conflicts isn't scary.

We just need to resolve them.

Will you give in to me?

That depends on the issue.

If it's not a matter of principle,

you can decide.

But if it's about principles,

I might

not give an inch.

I won't back down on matters of principles either.

Good,

I'll remember that.

But you have a high position and power.

You won't use that to pressure me, will you?

At home,

you'll be the Chief.

How do you divide ranks in your army?

In our division, the highest rank is the division commander,

then the brigade commander,

regiment commander,

battalion commander, company commander,

platoon leader, and squad leader.

So at home, I'm the Chief.

Then you can be the squad leader.

Can I request not to be a squad leader?

You think it's too low?

Maybe I could promote you to...

Never mind, no promotion.

It depends on your performance.

You'll get promoted only if you do well.

Even if I became a company commander,

I wouldn't want it.

Why not?

Because

even a company commander doesn't get to see the Chief often.

Then which rank gets to see the Chief easily?

Let me tell you,

it's the security guard.

You said it.

Don't go back on your word.

Of course I won't.

Alright.

I approve.

From now on at home,

you'll be Security Guard Wen.

And you're the Chief.

Don't just humor me.

Stand up!

What for?

Right here, right now?

Chief's orders: Attention!

Yes, Ma'am!

Alright, Security Guard Wen,

let's go home.

Okay.

Yes, Ma'am.

Hangong.

You're learning quite fast.

You're dancing better and better.

It's because you're such a good teacher.

I didn't expect you to be so coordinated.

If I wasn't agile enough,

in that hail of bullets,

I would've been shot dead long ago.

No matter how agile you are,

you can't dodge bullets.

You're lying to me again.

I'm not lying to you.

So beautiful.

My sweet darling.

After this dance,

I have to go.

You're leaving again?

I've been with you all day.

You still won't let me go?

I need to go

to Wen Pu's place.

He's not even your superior.

Why do you always run to him

as soon as you get to Shanghai?

My silly darling.

I have to go

to check in with him.

When will you come back next time?

Whenever you need me,

I'll be here.

Remember to think of me.

I will.

I will.

I promise.

Ms. Yi.

I don't know what's going on with my husband lately.

Who knows what he's busy with out there all day?

He still hasn't shown up yet.

Why don't we start eating first?

We can eat while waiting for him.

It's fine. I'm not hungry either.

Don't you agree, Minister Wen?

Alright.

Let's wait for him 10 more minutes at most.

If he doesn't show up,

we'll start without him.

Um...

Political Commissar.

Can I talk to you about something?

Sure, what is it?

Let's talk in the kitchen.

You need to talk in the kitchen?

All right.

What is it, Jiang?

Open the door.

Why are you closing the door?

Go ahead.

Political Commissar.

I don't have anything specific.

I just feel troubled.

I feel that these days,

you're the only one I can really open up to

and speak honestly with.

Did something happen with Hangong?

Political Commissar.

Why do you immediately think

of Hangong when I say I have something to discuss?

What's wrong with him?

If it's not about Hangong,

why would you need to talk to me?

Don't you think that this past year,

he's changed too much?

Changes this year...

Yes, there have been some.

He just moved to the city.

He's paying attention to his appearance.

But that's normal.

He's the district secretary

and has to deal with all kinds of people.

It's normal to care about his appearance,

isn't it?

If he's busy with work,

I understand that.

I support him.

But for the past several months,

he's been going out every weekend.

When I ask where he's going,

he says he's busy with work.

He gets impatient.

If I ask again, he gets angry.

I know.

He's been busy with construction site matters these past months.

But come on,

he's a grown man

with a wife and child.

Sure, working overtime occasionally

is understandable.

But not coming home every weekend

and always rushing off to Shanghai?

What do you think he's doing there?

Visiting you?

Does this make any sense?

Do you think he's seeing someone else?

We can't make wild guesses.

It could cause family conflicts.

Do you have any evidence?

That's right.

I know Hangong well.

He values relationships.

I think toward his family,

toward you and Huzi,

he's always been responsible.

Right?

But I'm afraid he'll make a mistake.

You know.

He has that old problem.

Back then,

if he hadn't made that mistake,

he wouldn't have had to transfer to civilian work.

He's still one rank below you now.

Precisely because he made that mistake before,

I believe he won't

stumble in the same place again.

Alright, Jiang.

If you're worried,

I'll find a chance

to have a good talk with Hangong.

Alright, Political Commissar.

I believe you.

And if Hangong

repeats that indiscretion,

you'll see how I deal with him when I get home.

Secretary Zhao.

I rushed here as fast as I could.

Why are you so late?

Well...

My car broke down,

and I didn't bring my watch, you know.

Please sit down.

I lost track of time.

Where are the two of them?

They're in the kitchen.

Minister Wen.

-Secretary Zhao is here. -Coming.

I'm back.

Coming.

Why are you late?

My car broke down.

What have you been tattling to Minister Wen about?

Sit down, please.

She wasn't tattling.

She was just concerned about you.

Concerned about me?

Yes.

She said that for the past few weeks,

you haven't been home on Sundays.

Right?

She's worried you're not eating and drinking well outside.

Is it wrong to care about you?

No, it's not.

But if you have something to say,

well...

Why come here to report it?

Just tell me at home.

I didn't say anything.

Well...

I've told her so many times.

I said that at the construction site,

there are so many people,

several dozens of them.

I have to take care of their meals.

Then there are materials

and supplies to handle.

Don't I have to go buy all that?

About these things, what...

What do you know? Yet you're here

talking nonsense to the Political Commissar.

What did you say?

I didn't say anything.

You should

learn from Ms. Yi.

Look at her.

Isn't she a role model right beside you?

Secretary Zhao,

you shouldn't say that.

I'm no role model.

You didn't see what just happened in the kitchen.

This whole spread of dishes

was almost entirely cooked by your wife.

She's really skilled at domestic chores.

I have a lot to learn from her.

Yes.

Her... Her cooking is fine.

I've been to his construction site.

There are many people there.

It really needs someone to manage.

Hangong.

I wronged you.

I shouldn't have overthought.

Well...

That's how she is. Look.

If you have anything to say, tell me at home.

I didn't say anything.

Secretary Zhao.

Secretary Zhao, someone's looking for you outside.

Looking for me?

Yes, and he seems very urgent.

Who is it? Why don't we let him in?

No, no, no.

Um, you...

You stay and eat with them.

It must be about the project.

Please go ahead and eat.

Who is it?

How did you find me here?

Hangong,

I had no choice. My sister...

Keep your voice down.

Hangong, I had no choice.

My sister swallowed the gold ring.

My sister swallowed the gold ring.

Step aside!

Step aside!

Pu.

Something happened at my construction site.

I need to check it out.

You all go ahead and eat.

That's strange.

What are you looking for?

My chair.

Oh right.

I put that chair here.

Have you seen it?

I threw it away.

You threw it away?

That chair could still be used after some repairs.

It made me fall last time.

Better get rid of it before someone else falls off it.

It could

have been repurposed into something else.

Why did you have to throw it away?

I bought you a new chair.

Where is it?

In the living room. Go take a look.

This chair looks really nice.

You know what?

It matches the study perfectly.

It must be

expensive, right?

Just tell me if you like it or not.

Of course I like it.

But it's too luxurious for me.

I prefer

a simple and frugal lifestyle.

Of course,

that's my personal choice.

I know you Communists

advocate for simplicity and frugality,

integrity and dedication to public service.

But you don't have to

live like an ascetic monk.

I truly believe

you're already a very dedicated public servant.

Are you restraining yourself

and rejecting all material temptations

because you're afraid that someday

you might become corrupt?

I'm not a saint.

I'm just an ordinary person.

What you described...

I don't deny it.

I understand.

Material life can be simple and frugal,

but your spiritual world shouldn't be dull and boring.

You agree with that, right?

Alright.

Next time when I want to throw something away,

I'll discuss it with you first.

Thank you.

I promise you too

that our material life can be simple and frugal,

but our spiritual life

will definitely be rich and colorful.

Thank you.

Come in.

Yuanyuan's clothes have a tear.

I'm mending it for her.

Let me see.

Almost done.

How is it?

Security Guard Wen.

People should focus on what they are each good at.

Aren't you stealing my job?

How could I steal your job?

You're a great designer.

Please, designer, take a look at my sewing.

What's wrong?

Why is this bed nothing but a wooden plank?

-Yeah. -Where's your mattress?

I don't have one.

I have a back injury.

The doctor said sleeping on this hard bed is good for my back.

You've been sleeping on this for all these years?

Yes.

The floor is harder.

Why don't you sleep on the floor then?

The floor is too cold.

You think I'm stupid?

My grandfather was a traditional Chinese doctor.

I can tell you with certainty.

Back injuries do require firm beds.

But a firm bed doesn't mean a wooden plank like this.

Really?

Of course.

Well...

You're not planning to take away my bed

and replace it, are you?

I might.

If you dare to replace it,

I'll sleep on the floor.

Then sleep on the floor.

You really want me to sleep on the floor?

Aren't you afraid I'll catch a cold?

I'll bring you a mattress pad then.

That's more like it.

What are you looking at?

There's a hole in my pants.

Can you mend it?

You always ask me to help you with chores.

So you need to do me a favor too.

Sure.

What do you want me to do?

Secretary Zhao told me you can fix watches.

My aunt gave me an old pocket watch.

It's not working now.

Can you fix it for me?

Okay.

I'll give it a try.

No.

I will definitely fix it for you.

Yuanyuan and I...

What's wrong?

We're thirsty.

I've prepared some chilled watermelon for you.

I'll cut it in half.

You can use spoons to scoop it out.

Okay.

Yuanyuan.

Your dad prepared watermelon for us.

We'll share it later

and eat it with spoons, alright?

Okay.

I'm here.

Well,

I should go now.

You can go in.

You should go first.

I'll leave after I see you go in.

Go ahead.

Okay.

Let me accompany you to the station.

Alright.

I'm leaving.

Oh, right.

Be careful on your night shift.

Sir!

Comrade!

Take care.

You should go now.

We've seen each other off several times already.

If you don't leave,

I'll be late for my night shift.

I'll go then.

Hurry up.

Sir,

you almost left without me.

I brought all your favorites.

There are dates,

vermicelli,

and corn.

The corn grew exceptionally well this year.

Ms. Yi.

Changjiang.

This is...

This is my brother Baoliang.

So you're Baoliang.

Hello, Ms. Yi.

Hello, I'm Yi Yi.

You've grown so much.

Which one of you is older?

I'm the older one.

You're the older one?

Where's your dad?

My dad and my father are in the study.

Alright,

you two chat.

I'll go wash some fruit for you.

Thank you, Ms. Yi.

Thank you, Ms. Yi.

Please sit down.

Try one.

Here, my brother.

Have some water.

Political Commissar Wen,

is this the lady your...

Yes, I mentioned her in my letter.

Yi Yi.

Look,

I can be so clueless sometimes.

You're having your Sunday together,

and I'm interrupting your meeting.

My brother.

You're treating me like an outsider.

It's been so long since we've seen each other.

I'm very happy

to see you and Baoliang.

Well,

don't prepare anything for me.

I've already bought my ticket.

I'm leaving tonight.

You're leaving tonight?

Yes.

Why are you in such a hurry?

You rarely come to Shanghai.

Stay and enjoy yourself.

I'll ask Changjiang

to take time off from school

so he can accompany Baoliang and you

to explore Shanghai properly.

Maybe next time.

You know there's always work to do in the village.

Chores from dawn to dusk.

Baoliang's mother isn't home.

I need to get back quickly.

Baoliang...

If he...

If he wants to stay, he can stay.

Political Commissar Wen.

These past few years,

you've sent plenty of money to my family.

I appreciate your kindness.

Please don't say that.

Your family has shown

tremendous kindness to mine.

I'll never forget that.

My brother.

Your hair has turned completely white.

I'm old. If it wasn't white, I'd be some kind of monster.

The reason I came this time...

I came for the sake of the child.

I...

I explained everything in my letter.

I know I'm being shameless

coming to you

to ask for a favor.

Forgive my nagging.

Political Commissar Wen.

Well,

I still want

Baoliang

to work in Shanghai.

This boy

has high aspirations.

He's always talking about

his dreams and ideals.

So,

could you put in a good word

to help the boy out?

I received the letter

you sent me.

I wrote back to you as well.

Here's the situation now.

As for working in the city,

there are state regulations.

I've thought carefully about Baoliang's situation.

If he wants a government job,

there are only two paths.

One is joining the army.

The other is through factory recruitment.

Both are official channels.

You don't understand.

Factory jobs

and army positions

are extremely limited.

By the time my boy gets a chance,

he'll already have kids of his own.

I mean,

you are

such a high-ranking official.

If you

just say something,

if you just put in a word

and write a note to our county officials...

Our county magistrate

never gets to see you.

If he met you,

he'd wet himself.

Just like that, the matter would be resolved.

Well.

My brother.

It's not as simple as you make it sound.

Really.

This note

can't just be written on demand.

Why can't you write it?

Look at you.

You've been a revolutionary all your life

and made such great contributions.

Your position is so high.

I just happen to

have this connection between us.

I'm not trying to take advantage.

I'm saying it's fate.

People in my situation

have all moved to the city with their families.

My brother.

If what you described is really happening,

then it's against the regulations.

In short,

I cannot write this note.

It violates discipline.

You wouldn't want me to violate the rules, would you?

I...

I...

No, I wouldn't.

Political Commissar Wen,

I understand.

You want to be

an incorruptible official.

I know

that such officials

show no favoritism.

Fine,

I get it.

Baoliang!

Baoliang!

Pack your things.

My brother.

My brother, calm down.

Take it easy.

But...

I can't violate the rules, you understand?

I know.

I won't make you violate any.

Political Commissar Wen, take care of yourself.

My brother,

please calm down, will you?

I'm fine. Changjiang.

I'm confused.

Why do I keep calling the child Changjiang?

Baoliang!

Come down.

Father.

My brother.

Pack up. We're leaving.

No, no, no.

Why leave when you just arrived?

No, no, well...

Son,

I'm leaving.

Take care of yourself.

Pack your things.

Why leave so soon after arriving?

Let Baoliang stay here for a few days.

Let the child play here for a while, okay?

Maybe next time.

Well...

We won't trouble you.

What are you standing there for?

We need to go back and harvest sweet potatoes.

Weren't you going to let me stay in Shanghai

and live with my brother?

Stop it.

Dad.

You're making my father and brother leave?

Don't speak.

Why should I?

You and mom had me

but never took care of anything.

You cast me off to my father, mother, and brother.

When the Japanese were conducting massive raids,

if it weren't for my father and mother,

I would have been dead long ago.

My brother worked to earn money for my education.

He was so young when he started collecting stones in the mountains.

He gave all the good food to me.

He fainted from hunger many times.

Mr. Xu.

Don't worry.

Come.

Come over here.

Have a seat.

Let me tell you something.

As it happens,

our workshop needs to hire a male worker.

As long as he's in good health

and his family background checks out, it's fine.

The job is very simple.

He just needs to be literate.

The only downside is that it's a temporary position.

I'm afraid it might

be beneath Baoliang's talents.

That's fine.

Don't worry about our family background.

It's completely clean.

Baoliang

works hard

and is very reliable.

I think it's good.

Baoliang,

just put your heart into this job for the time being.

Later, you can go to night school,

and then you'll be able to find a good job for sure.

No, let me ask you.

Thank you, Ms. Yi.

I know your organization.

Does your organization have this authority?

Do you have this authority?

It's just a temporary position.

We can make this decision ourselves.

People will gossip about this.

Absolutely not.

Why not?

You're just afraid of gossip.

You're worried about your official position.

In your eyes,

your position is more important than your children.

Changjiang.

Don't talk nonsense.

If you make my brother leave,

I'll leave too.

I'll go back to my hometown.

What are you saying, child?

This is your real father.

Think before you speak.

Did you hear me?

Why did you even have me?

You did not raise me, and yet you never repaid those who did.

You're just selfish.

My mom was just as selfish as you.

What did you say?

Don't talk about your mom like that.

Changjiang!

Where...

Where did he run off to?

I...

It's all my fault.

Political Commissar Wen,

I shouldn't have come here to do this.

I was wrong.

My brother.

I really have been foolish.

Political Commissar Wen,

I'm a muddle-headed person.

I've caused you a lot of trouble.

Our boys won't have any problems, will they?

The children will be fine.

Shanghai has excellent public security.

Besides, they're two boys.

They aren't that delicate.

Good.

Baoliang...

He...

Baoliang

can stay in Shanghai for a few more days.

I'll have Changjiang show him around.

Don't worry.

Let them bond with each other.

Alright.

Fine.

My brother.

I know

Changjiang was raised by you and Mrs. Xu

at the risk of your lives,

with great hardship.

He is my son,

but in my heart,

he is your son too.

I...

Yes.

Also,

New China has been established.

In the future,

rural areas

will be built up just like cities.

By then, city people might

all be rushing to go to the countryside.

Really?

Really.

Live well,

and we'll all be able to see it.

Alright.

Live well.

Alright.

Come on, get up there.

I'll help you up.

Okay.

Fine, I'll hold it.

I'm leaving.

I'll see you off.

Okay.

Come on.

Give me the money.

Are you hungry?

I'm starving.

I'm hungry too.

If you're hungry, just go home.

Mr. Wen is your dad.

That smack of his didn't even hurt.

I won't go back.

Since when can Communist officials just hit people whenever they want?

He needs to apologize and write a letter of self-reflection.

Baoliang.

Mr. Wen.

Hello, Ms. Yi.

Come down.

It's dangerous up there.

Changjiang.

Come down.

You must be hungry.

Here.

These are for you two.

Eat up.

Go ahead, eat something.

Son.

I need to talk to you.

Keep eating.

When you were born,

your mom and I were fighting as guerrillas in the mountains.

We had nothing to eat or drink.

Your mother was sick and couldn't produce milk.

Hunger has left you

all skin and bones.

When the enemy came,

your mom was afraid you would cry.

But you didn't make a sound the whole time.

You were too hungry to even cry.

The day we sent you away,

I remember it clearly.

Your mom couldn't bear to let you go.

She held you tight and wouldn't let go.

So, son,

I can't accept

that you called your mom

selfish.

Your dad told me on the way here

that he was wrong.

He shouldn't have hit you.

He came here today

to apologize to you.

But he's not good with words,

so he couldn't express himself clearly.

You should go home first.

I'll keep an eye on him.

I'll make him write you a letter of self-reflection.

Well,

I've spoken with the school.

I've asked for two days off for you

to spend time with Baoliang

and have a good time exploring Shanghai.

-Go. -Go back.

Let's go.

This kid,

glaring at me like I'm his enemy.

If I were him, I'd glare at you too.

I need to thank you.

Thank you

for helping me with the apology.

Also,

I want to apologize to you too.

I shouldn't have

treated my child so roughly in front of you.

Why are you apologizing to me?

You didn't hit me.

My father used to hit me when I was little.

I hated it so much.

I still remember it to this day.

That's why you shouldn't hit children.

If you had hit Yuanyuan today, I...

How could I ever hit Yuanyuan?

I love her too much for that.

Just tell me, have you ever hit her?

I never hit Yuanyuan.

Impossible.

Yuanyuan told me everything.

You hit her.

Three times, in fact.

She told you I hit her?

What exactly did she say?

She told me.

You hit her when she was

one year old.

Then again when she was two.

And once more when she was three.

That's nonsense.

How could a one-year-old have such memories?

She really told you this?

Yes.

That's exactly what Yuanyuan told me.

Let's go.

Go home and write your letter of self-reflection.

Fine, I'll write it. Keep your voice down.

Write two copies. One for Yuanyuan too.

Okay.

Three, two, one, begin!

Come on!

Changjiang!

Like father, like son, they say.

You...

You're weak as water, young man.

But that's just like your father.

Your father could never beat me at arm wrestling either.

But his hand with a brush

was quite...

What are you talking about?

Talking behind my back?

Bragging again?

I didn't say anything.

I was talking about Changjiang.

I... I...

I was saying how each new generation

surpasses the one before.

Who won?

I did.

You won?

So strong, huh?

Come on, try me.

Thanks.

No bullying now!

Come on.

Right hand.

Right hand.

Okay.

Move in closer.

Okay, closer.

Put some muscle into it!

Ready.

Begin!

Come on, Brother!

You can do it!

I have to say, this kid's pretty strong.

Come on, Baoliang!

Come on, Baoliang!

Push harder, Brother!

Come on!

Give up?

I give up.

But you're pretty strong.

Hangong.

Let's try.

My wrist hurts.

I'm too weak for this.

Changjiang, go on.

Try against your dad.

Yes, challenge your dad.

I can't. I won't win.

How do you know you can't?

I've arm wrestled him before.

You can do it. Trust me.

I really can't.

You really can. Go on.

Come on, young man. Give it a try.

That was before.

Come here.

Mr. Zhao is right.

How would you know you can't do it if you don't try?

Come on.

No cheating.

I won't cheat.

Give us a head start of a fist and a half.

A fist and a half?

No need for that.

Just arm wrestle fair and square.

I can't beat him.

You definitely can.

Trust me.

Come on! Changjiang.

Alright.

Come on.

Ready.

Go!

Come on!

You can do it!

-You’re much stronger than before. -Come on.

Keep it up!

Come on!

Harder!

Put some muscle into it!

Harder!

Let's see how long you can hold on.

You got this!

Come on!

Kid.

Come on!

That's cheating!

Three against one?

Is that even fair?

See? I told you that you could do it.

If you're going to cheat,

then I'll cheat too.

About those two essays I was supposed to write tonight,

consider them canceled out by this.

Essays? What essays?

The two essays you mentioned.

They're canceled.

But thank you anyway.

Alright.

I'll make something delicious for you all.

Can't have you eating bread all the time.

Hangong.

Give me a hand.

Sure.

Coming!

Dad.

I want stir-fried rice cakes.

Stir-fried rice cakes? No problem.

Stir-fried rice cakes?

Look who's ordering food now.

Yi.

Yi.

I need to go now.

There's an urgent situation.

The higher-ups

want to check our exhibition clothing

before the international trade fair.

Looks like we need to speed things up.

Is the timeline tight?

It's quite tight.

We only have two months.

We need to complete your designs

and manufacture the finished products.

Looks like we'll be working overtime.

Your enthusiasm

is back again.

Pressure creates motivation.

I've been dragging my feet before.

Never finalized the design plan.

This time we need to decide quickly.

I'll let you get to work then.

I have a pile of things to handle at the workshop.

I'll head over there now.

Alright.

Okay.

If you have any ideas or thoughts,

you can tell me.

I'll help you choose

for your reference.

My creative concept this time

is rooted in ethnic themes,

infused with an international touch.

So it's a fusion of Chinese and Western styles, right?

Yes.

That's a great approach.

East meets West.

Greek civilization is the origin of all Western civilization.

You might

find this book useful for reference.

Your creative thinking aligns with mine.

Is that

a compliment?

Of course it is.

I gladly accept it.

So you revolutionaries also read Greek mythology?

Of course.

Which character do you like in it?

-I like... -Wait.

Let me guess.

Okay.

You like...

You must like Prometheus.

I do like Prometheus.

I admit it.

I admire him

for not fearing authority,

for enduring all kinds of hardships,

and for his tenacious willpower.

His spirit deserves

to be learned from and admired by humanity.

What about you?

Who do you like?

You'll never guess who I like.

Let me try to guess.

Which character would our comrade Yi Yi like?

The goddess of wisdom,

Athena?

No.

Then who?

I like Marpessa.

Marpessa?

Marpessa, among all the gods,

chose an ordinary life.

Tell me,

why do you like her?

Because I feel those heroes and gods

are too distant from me.

Apollo

loved Marpessa

and promised her immortality,

but she gave up immortality.

She chose her own kind,

saying she was just an ordinary person.

She wanted to grow old

with her husband.

I find it remarkable

that the ancient Greeks possessed such insight

into love and marriage.

I think

you're telling me this story

to ask me to make a choice.

Not at all.

I didn't say anything.

You didn't say anything directly,

but sometimes the speaker is unintentional while the listener finds meaning.

I think this story you told

is suggesting I make a choice:

If one day

you agree to live with me,

first,

I would have to leave my current position,

right?

Comrade Wen Pu.

What is it?

As your chief, I must seriously criticize you.

You've been too sensitive lately.

Really?

Okay.

I accept the chief's criticism

and will correct it immediately.

By the way,

I

want to apologize

by giving you a gift.

What kind of gift?

Here.

Sit down first.

Close your eyes.

I have to close my eyes too?

Yes. Close your eyes.

I'm afraid I'll peek.

No peeking.

Close your eyes.

Okay. Eyes closed.

Don't peek.

Almost done.

You can open your eyes now.

A Leica camera.

Yes, a Leica camera.

Do you like it?

Wait, this model is discontinued.

It is.

Where did you get it?

I didn't buy it.

It's a trophy.

Editor-in-Chief Ji gave it to me.

Now I'm giving it to you.

No.

It's too valuable. I can't accept it.

You must take it.

Think about how useful it will be when you're gathering material.

Just like the pen I gave you.

It will definitely help with your creative work.

Well.

Comrade Yi Yi.

I hope you accept my apology.

But...

But I don't have any gift for you.

You did.

What?

You.

[Footprints of Change]

[Episode 19]

When Ms. Fang said that to you,

she wasn't trying to make things difficult for you.

It was because she didn't know you.

She didn't know how independent you were

or how strong you were inside.

And also,

how could you possibly be my weakness?

Having you by my side

is like having a mirror.

You help me see sincerity

and the human heart.

Come,

sit down for a while.

Are you thirsty?

Are you thirsty?

A little bit.

Here,

soda.

Where did you get that from?

I bought it on the way.

Why is there only one bottle?

I already drank mine.

Will we argue in the future?

Probably.

Where there are people, there are conflicts.

Having conflicts isn't scary.

We just need to resolve them.

Will you give in to me?

That depends on the issue.

If it's not a matter of principle,

you can decide.

But if it's about principles,

I might

not give an inch.

I won't back down on matters of principles either.

Good,

I'll remember that.

But you have a high position and power.

You won't use that to pressure me, will you?

At home,

you'll be the Chief.

How do you divide ranks in your army?

In our division, the highest rank is the division commander,

then the brigade commander,

regiment commander,

battalion commander, company commander,

platoon leader, and squad leader.

So at home, I'm the Chief.

Then you can be the squad leader.

Can I request not to be a squad leader?

You think it's too low?

Maybe I could promote you to...

Never mind, no promotion.

It depends on your performance.

You'll get promoted only if you do well.

Even if I became a company commander,

I wouldn't want it.

Why not?

Because

even a company commander doesn't get to see the Chief often.

Then which rank gets to see the Chief easily?

Let me tell you,

it's the security guard.

You said it.

Don't go back on your word.

Of course I won't.

Alright.

I approve.

From now on at home,

you'll be Security Guard Wen.

And you're the Chief.

Don't just humor me.

Stand up!

What for?

Right here, right now?

Chief's orders: Attention!

Yes, Ma'am!

Alright, Security Guard Wen,

let's go home.

Okay.

Yes, Ma'am.

Hangong.

You're learning quite fast.

You're dancing better and better.

It's because you're such a good teacher.

I didn't expect you to be so coordinated.

If I wasn't agile enough,

in that hail of bullets,

I would've been shot dead long ago.

No matter how agile you are,

you can't dodge bullets.

You're lying to me again.

I'm not lying to you.

So beautiful.

My sweet darling.

After this dance,

I have to go.

You're leaving again?

I've been with you all day.

You still won't let me go?

I need to go

to Wen Pu's place.

He's not even your superior.

Why do you always run to him

as soon as you get to Shanghai?

My silly darling.

I have to go

to check in with him.

When will you come back next time?

Whenever you need me,

I'll be here.

Remember to think of me.

I will.

I will.

I promise.

Ms. Yi.

I don't know what's going on with my husband lately.

Who knows what he's busy with out there all day?

He still hasn't shown up yet.

Why don't we start eating first?

We can eat while waiting for him.

It's fine. I'm not hungry either.

Don't you agree, Minister Wen?

Alright.

Let's wait for him 10 more minutes at most.

If he doesn't show up,

we'll start without him.

Um...

Political Commissar.

Can I talk to you about something?

Sure, what is it?

Let's talk in the kitchen.

You need to talk in the kitchen?

All right.

What is it, Jiang?

Open the door.

Why are you closing the door?

Go ahead.

Political Commissar.

I don't have anything specific.

I just feel troubled.

I feel that these days,

you're the only one I can really open up to

and speak honestly with.

Did something happen with Hangong?

Political Commissar.

Why do you immediately think

of Hangong when I say I have something to discuss?

What's wrong with him?

If it's not about Hangong,

why would you need to talk to me?

Don't you think that this past year,

he's changed too much?

Changes this year...

Yes, there have been some.

He just moved to the city.

He's paying attention to his appearance.

But that's normal.

He's the district secretary

and has to deal with all kinds of people.

It's normal to care about his appearance,

isn't it?

If he's busy with work,

I understand that.

I support him.

But for the past several months,

he's been going out every weekend.

When I ask where he's going,

he says he's busy with work.

He gets impatient.

If I ask again, he gets angry.

I know.

He's been busy with construction site matters these past months.

But come on,

he's a grown man

with a wife and child.

Sure, working overtime occasionally

is understandable.

But not coming home every weekend

and always rushing off to Shanghai?

What do you think he's doing there?

Visiting you?

Does this make any sense?

Do you think he's seeing someone else?

We can't make wild guesses.

It could cause family conflicts.

Do you have any evidence?

That's right.

I know Hangong well.

He values relationships.

I think toward his family,

toward you and Huzi,

he's always been responsible.

Right?

But I'm afraid he'll make a mistake.

You know.

He has that old problem.

Back then,

if he hadn't made that mistake,

he wouldn't have had to transfer to civilian work.

He's still one rank below you now.

Precisely because he made that mistake before,

I believe he won't

stumble in the same place again.

Alright, Jiang.

If you're worried,

I'll find a chance

to have a good talk with Hangong.

Alright, Political Commissar.

I believe you.

And if Hangong

repeats that indiscretion,

you'll see how I deal with him when I get home.

Secretary Zhao.

I rushed here as fast as I could.

Why are you so late?

Well...

My car broke down,

and I didn't bring my watch, you know.

Please sit down.

I lost track of time.

Where are the two of them?

They're in the kitchen.

Minister Wen.

-Secretary Zhao is here. -Coming.

I'm back.

Coming.

Why are you late?

My car broke down.

What have you been tattling to Minister Wen about?

Sit down, please.

She wasn't tattling.

She was just concerned about you.

Concerned about me?

Yes.

She said that for the past few weeks,

you haven't been home on Sundays.

Right?

She's worried you're not eating and drinking well outside.

Is it wrong to care about you?

No, it's not.

But if you have something to say,

well...

Why come here to report it?

Just tell me at home.

I didn't say anything.

Well...

I've told her so many times.

I said that at the construction site,

there are so many people,

several dozens of them.

I have to take care of their meals.

Then there are materials

and supplies to handle.

Don't I have to go buy all that?

About these things, what...

What do you know? Yet you're here

talking nonsense to the Political Commissar.

What did you say?

I didn't say anything.

You should

learn from Ms. Yi.

Look at her.

Isn't she a role model right beside you?

Secretary Zhao,

you shouldn't say that.

I'm no role model.

You didn't see what just happened in the kitchen.

This whole spread of dishes

was almost entirely cooked by your wife.

She's really skilled at domestic chores.

I have a lot to learn from her.

Yes.

Her... Her cooking is fine.

I've been to his construction site.

There are many people there.

It really needs someone to manage.

Hangong.

I wronged you.

I shouldn't have overthought.

Well...

That's how she is. Look.

If you have anything to say, tell me at home.

I didn't say anything.

Secretary Zhao.

Secretary Zhao, someone's looking for you outside.

Looking for me?

Yes, and he seems very urgent.

Who is it? Why don't we let him in?

No, no, no.

Um, you...

You stay and eat with them.

It must be about the project.

Please go ahead and eat.

Who is it?

How did you find me here?

Hangong,

I had no choice. My sister...

Keep your voice down.

Hangong, I had no choice.

My sister swallowed the gold ring.

My sister swallowed the gold ring.

Step aside!

Step aside!

Pu.

Something happened at my construction site.

I need to check it out.

You all go ahead and eat.

That's strange.

What are you looking for?

My chair.

Oh right.

I put that chair here.

Have you seen it?

I threw it away.

You threw it away?

That chair could still be used after some repairs.

It made me fall last time.

Better get rid of it before someone else falls off it.

It could

have been repurposed into something else.

Why did you have to throw it away?

I bought you a new chair.

Where is it?

In the living room. Go take a look.

This chair looks really nice.

You know what?

It matches the study perfectly.

It must be

expensive, right?

Just tell me if you like it or not.

Of course I like it.

But it's too luxurious for me.

I prefer

a simple and frugal lifestyle.

Of course,

that's my personal choice.

I know you Communists

advocate for simplicity and frugality,

integrity and dedication to public service.

But you don't have to

live like an ascetic monk.

I truly believe

you're already a very dedicated public servant.

Are you restraining yourself

and rejecting all material temptations

because you're afraid that someday

you might become corrupt?

I'm not a saint.

I'm just an ordinary person.

What you described...

I don't deny it.

I understand.

Material life can be simple and frugal,

but your spiritual world shouldn't be dull and boring.

You agree with that, right?

Alright.

Next time when I want to throw something away,

I'll discuss it with you first.

Thank you.

I promise you too

that our material life can be simple and frugal,

but our spiritual life

will definitely be rich and colorful.

Thank you.

Come in.

Yuanyuan's clothes have a tear.

I'm mending it for her.

Let me see.

Almost done.

How is it?

Security Guard Wen.

People should focus on what they are each good at.

Aren't you stealing my job?

How could I steal your job?

You're a great designer.

Please, designer, take a look at my sewing.

What's wrong?

Why is this bed nothing but a wooden plank?

-Yeah. -Where's your mattress?

I don't have one.

I have a back injury.

The doctor said sleeping on this hard bed is good for my back.

You've been sleeping on this for all these years?

Yes.

The floor is harder.

Why don't you sleep on the floor then?

The floor is too cold.

You think I'm stupid?

My grandfather was a traditional Chinese doctor.

I can tell you with certainty.

Back injuries do require firm beds.

But a firm bed doesn't mean a wooden plank like this.

Really?

Of course.

Well...

You're not planning to take away my bed

and replace it, are you?

I might.

If you dare to replace it,

I'll sleep on the floor.

Then sleep on the floor.

You really want me to sleep on the floor?

Aren't you afraid I'll catch a cold?

I'll bring you a mattress pad then.

That's more like it.

What are you looking at?

There's a hole in my pants.

Can you mend it?

You always ask me to help you with chores.

So you need to do me a favor too.

Sure.

What do you want me to do?

Secretary Zhao told me you can fix watches.

My aunt gave me an old pocket watch.

It's not working now.

Can you fix it for me?

Okay.

I'll give it a try.

No.

I will definitely fix it for you.

Yuanyuan and I...

What's wrong?

We're thirsty.

I've prepared some chilled watermelon for you.

I'll cut it in half.

You can use spoons to scoop it out.

Okay.

Yuanyuan.

Your dad prepared watermelon for us.

We'll share it later

and eat it with spoons, alright?

Okay.

I'm here.

Well,

I should go now.

You can go in.

You should go first.

I'll leave after I see you go in.

Go ahead.

Okay.

Let me accompany you to the station.

Alright.

I'm leaving.

Oh, right.

Be careful on your night shift.

Sir!

Comrade!

Take care.

You should go now.

We've seen each other off several times already.

If you don't leave,

I'll be late for my night shift.

I'll go then.

Hurry up.

Sir,

you almost left without me.

I brought all your favorites.

There are dates,

vermicelli,

and corn.

The corn grew exceptionally well this year.

Ms. Yi.

Changjiang.

This is...

This is my brother Baoliang.

So you're Baoliang.

Hello, Ms. Yi.

Hello, I'm Yi Yi.

You've grown so much.

Which one of you is older?

I'm the older one.

You're the older one?

Where's your dad?

My dad and my father are in the study.

Alright,

you two chat.

I'll go wash some fruit for you.

Thank you, Ms. Yi.

Thank you, Ms. Yi.

Please sit down.

Try one.

Here, my brother.

Have some water.

Political Commissar Wen,

is this the lady your...

Yes, I mentioned her in my letter.

Yi Yi.

Look,

I can be so clueless sometimes.

You're having your Sunday together,

and I'm interrupting your meeting.

My brother.

You're treating me like an outsider.

It's been so long since we've seen each other.

I'm very happy

to see you and Baoliang.

Well,

don't prepare anything for me.

I've already bought my ticket.

I'm leaving tonight.

You're leaving tonight?

Yes.

Why are you in such a hurry?

You rarely come to Shanghai.

Stay and enjoy yourself.

I'll ask Changjiang

to take time off from school

so he can accompany Baoliang and you

to explore Shanghai properly.

Maybe next time.

You know there's always work to do in the village.

Chores from dawn to dusk.

Baoliang's mother isn't home.

I need to get back quickly.

Baoliang...

If he...

If he wants to stay, he can stay.

Political Commissar Wen.

These past few years,

you've sent plenty of money to my family.

I appreciate your kindness.

Please don't say that.

Your family has shown

tremendous kindness to mine.

I'll never forget that.

My brother.

Your hair has turned completely white.

I'm old. If it wasn't white, I'd be some kind of monster.

The reason I came this time...

I came for the sake of the child.

I...

I explained everything in my letter.

I know I'm being shameless

coming to you

to ask for a favor.

Forgive my nagging.

Political Commissar Wen.

Well,

I still want

Baoliang

to work in Shanghai.

This boy

has high aspirations.

He's always talking about

his dreams and ideals.

So,

could you put in a good word

to help the boy out?

I received the letter

you sent me.

I wrote back to you as well.

Here's the situation now.

As for working in the city,

there are state regulations.

I've thought carefully about Baoliang's situation.

If he wants a government job,

there are only two paths.

One is joining the army.

The other is through factory recruitment.

Both are official channels.

You don't understand.

Factory jobs

and army positions

are extremely limited.

By the time my boy gets a chance,

he'll already have kids of his own.

I mean,

you are

such a high-ranking official.

If you

just say something,

if you just put in a word

and write a note to our county officials...

Our county magistrate

never gets to see you.

If he met you,

he'd wet himself.

Just like that, the matter would be resolved.

Well.

My brother.

It's not as simple as you make it sound.

Really.

This note

can't just be written on demand.

Why can't you write it?

Look at you.

You've been a revolutionary all your life

and made such great contributions.

Your position is so high.

I just happen to

have this connection between us.

I'm not trying to take advantage.

I'm saying it's fate.

People in my situation

have all moved to the city with their families.

My brother.

If what you described is really happening,

then it's against the regulations.

In short,

I cannot write this note.

It violates discipline.

You wouldn't want me to violate the rules, would you?

I...

I...

No, I wouldn't.

Political Commissar Wen,

I understand.

You want to be

an incorruptible official.

I know

that such officials

show no favoritism.

Fine,

I get it.

Baoliang!

Baoliang!

Pack your things.

My brother.

My brother, calm down.

Take it easy.

But...

I can't violate the rules, you understand?

I know.

I won't make you violate any.

Political Commissar Wen, take care of yourself.

My brother,

please calm down, will you?

I'm fine. Changjiang.

I'm confused.

Why do I keep calling the child Changjiang?

Baoliang!

Come down.

Father.

My brother.

Pack up. We're leaving.

No, no, no.

Why leave when you just arrived?

No, no, well...

Son,

I'm leaving.

Take care of yourself.

Pack your things.

Why leave so soon after arriving?

Let Baoliang stay here for a few days.

Let the child play here for a while, okay?

Maybe next time.

Well...

We won't trouble you.

What are you standing there for?

We need to go back and harvest sweet potatoes.

Weren't you going to let me stay in Shanghai

and live with my brother?

Stop it.

Dad.

You're making my father and brother leave?

Don't speak.

Why should I?

You and mom had me

but never took care of anything.

You cast me off to my father, mother, and brother.

When the Japanese were conducting massive raids,

if it weren't for my father and mother,

I would have been dead long ago.

My brother worked to earn money for my education.

He was so young when he started collecting stones in the mountains.

He gave all the good food to me.

He fainted from hunger many times.

Mr. Xu.

Don't worry.

Come.

Come over here.

Have a seat.

Let me tell you something.

As it happens,

our workshop needs to hire a male worker.

As long as he's in good health

and his family background checks out, it's fine.

The job is very simple.

He just needs to be literate.

The only downside is that it's a temporary position.

I'm afraid it might

be beneath Baoliang's talents.

That's fine.

Don't worry about our family background.

It's completely clean.

Baoliang

works hard

and is very reliable.

I think it's good.

Baoliang,

just put your heart into this job for the time being.

Later, you can go to night school,

and then you'll be able to find a good job for sure.

No, let me ask you.

Thank you, Ms. Yi.

I know your organization.

Does your organization have this authority?

Do you have this authority?

It's just a temporary position.

We can make this decision ourselves.

People will gossip about this.

Absolutely not.

Why not?

You're just afraid of gossip.

You're worried about your official position.

In your eyes,

your position is more important than your children.

Changjiang.

Don't talk nonsense.

If you make my brother leave,

I'll leave too.

I'll go back to my hometown.

What are you saying, child?

This is your real father.

Think before you speak.

Did you hear me?

Why did you even have me?

You did not raise me, and yet you never repaid those who did.

You're just selfish.

My mom was just as selfish as you.

What did you say?

Don't talk about your mom like that.

Changjiang!

Where...

Where did he run off to?

I...

It's all my fault.

Political Commissar Wen,

I shouldn't have come here to do this.

I was wrong.

My brother.

I really have been foolish.

Political Commissar Wen,

I'm a muddle-headed person.

I've caused you a lot of trouble.

Our boys won't have any problems, will they?

The children will be fine.

Shanghai has excellent public security.

Besides, they're two boys.

They aren't that delicate.

Good.

Baoliang...

He...

Baoliang

can stay in Shanghai for a few more days.

I'll have Changjiang show him around.

Don't worry.

Let them bond with each other.

Alright.

Fine.

My brother.

I know

Changjiang was raised by you and Mrs. Xu

at the risk of your lives,

with great hardship.

He is my son,

but in my heart,

he is your son too.

I...

Yes.

Also,

New China has been established.

In the future,

rural areas

will be built up just like cities.

By then, city people might

all be rushing to go to the countryside.

Really?

Really.

Live well,

and we'll all be able to see it.

Alright.

Live well.

Alright.

Come on, get up there.

I'll help you up.

Okay.

Fine, I'll hold it.

I'm leaving.

I'll see you off.

Okay.

Come on.

Give me the money.

Are you hungry?

I'm starving.

I'm hungry too.

If you're hungry, just go home.

Mr. Wen is your dad.

That smack of his didn't even hurt.

I won't go back.

Since when can Communist officials just hit people whenever they want?

He needs to apologize and write a letter of self-reflection.

Baoliang.

Mr. Wen.

Hello, Ms. Yi.

Come down.

It's dangerous up there.

Changjiang.

Come down.

You must be hungry.

Here.

These are for you two.

Eat up.

Go ahead, eat something.

Son.

I need to talk to you.

Keep eating.

When you were born,

your mom and I were fighting as guerrillas in the mountains.

We had nothing to eat or drink.

Your mother was sick and couldn't produce milk.

Hunger has left you

all skin and bones.

When the enemy came,

your mom was afraid you would cry.

But you didn't make a sound the whole time.

You were too hungry to even cry.

The day we sent you away,

I remember it clearly.

Your mom couldn't bear to let you go.

She held you tight and wouldn't let go.

So, son,

I can't accept

that you called your mom

selfish.

Your dad told me on the way here

that he was wrong.

He shouldn't have hit you.

He came here today

to apologize to you.

But he's not good with words,

so he couldn't express himself clearly.

You should go home first.

I'll keep an eye on him.

I'll make him write you a letter of self-reflection.

Well,

I've spoken with the school.

I've asked for two days off for you

to spend time with Baoliang

and have a good time exploring Shanghai.

-Go. -Go back.

Let's go.

This kid,

glaring at me like I'm his enemy.

If I were him, I'd glare at you too.

I need to thank you.

Thank you

for helping me with the apology.

Also,

I want to apologize to you too.

I shouldn't have

treated my child so roughly in front of you.

Why are you apologizing to me?

You didn't hit me.

My father used to hit me when I was little.

I hated it so much.

I still remember it to this day.

That's why you shouldn't hit children.

If you had hit Yuanyuan today, I...

How could I ever hit Yuanyuan?

I love her too much for that.

Just tell me, have you ever hit her?

I never hit Yuanyuan.

Impossible.

Yuanyuan told me everything.

You hit her.

Three times, in fact.

She told you I hit her?

What exactly did she say?

She told me.

You hit her when she was

one year old.

Then again when she was two.

And once more when she was three.

That's nonsense.

How could a one-year-old have such memories?

She really told you this?

Yes.

That's exactly what Yuanyuan told me.

Let's go.

Go home and write your letter of self-reflection.

Fine, I'll write it. Keep your voice down.

Write two copies. One for Yuanyuan too.

Okay.

Three, two, one, begin!

Come on!

Changjiang!

Like father, like son, they say.

You...

You're weak as water, young man.

But that's just like your father.

Your father could never beat me at arm wrestling either.

But his hand with a brush

was quite...

What are you talking about?

Talking behind my back?

Bragging again?

I didn't say anything.

I was talking about Changjiang.

I... I...

I was saying how each new generation

surpasses the one before.

Who won?

I did.

You won?

So strong, huh?

Come on, try me.

Thanks.

No bullying now!

Come on.

Right hand.

Right hand.

Okay.

Move in closer.

Okay, closer.

Put some muscle into it!

Ready.

Begin!

Come on, Brother!

You can do it!

I have to say, this kid's pretty strong.

Come on, Baoliang!

Come on, Baoliang!

Push harder, Brother!

Come on!

Give up?

I give up.

But you're pretty strong.

Hangong.

Let's try.

My wrist hurts.

I'm too weak for this.

Changjiang, go on.

Try against your dad.

Yes, challenge your dad.

I can't. I won't win.

How do you know you can't?

I've arm wrestled him before.

You can do it. Trust me.

I really can't.

You really can. Go on.

Come on, young man. Give it a try.

That was before.

Come here.

Mr. Zhao is right.

How would you know you can't do it if you don't try?

Come on.

No cheating.

I won't cheat.

Give us a head start of a fist and a half.

A fist and a half?

No need for that.

Just arm wrestle fair and square.

I can't beat him.

You definitely can.

Trust me.

Come on! Changjiang.

Alright.

Come on.

Ready.

Go!

Come on!

You can do it!

-You’re much stronger than before. -Come on.

Keep it up!

Come on!

Harder!

Put some muscle into it!

Harder!

Let's see how long you can hold on.

You got this!

Come on!

Kid.

Come on!

That's cheating!

Three against one?

Is that even fair?

See? I told you that you could do it.

If you're going to cheat,

then I'll cheat too.

About those two essays I was supposed to write tonight,

consider them canceled out by this.

Essays? What essays?

The two essays you mentioned.

They're canceled.

But thank you anyway.

Alright.

I'll make something delicious for you all.

Can't have you eating bread all the time.

Hangong.

Give me a hand.

Sure.

Coming!

Dad.

I want stir-fried rice cakes.

Stir-fried rice cakes? No problem.

Stir-fried rice cakes?

Look who's ordering food now.

Yi.

Yi.

I need to go now.

There's an urgent situation.

The higher-ups

want to check our exhibition clothing

before the international trade fair.

Looks like we need to speed things up.

Is the timeline tight?

It's quite tight.

We only have two months.

We need to complete your designs

and manufacture the finished products.

Looks like we'll be working overtime.

Your enthusiasm

is back again.

Pressure creates motivation.

I've been dragging my feet before.

Never finalized the design plan.

This time we need to decide quickly.

I'll let you get to work then.

I have a pile of things to handle at the workshop.

I'll head over there now.

Alright.

Okay.

If you have any ideas or thoughts,

you can tell me.

I'll help you choose

for your reference.

My creative concept this time

is rooted in ethnic themes,

infused with an international touch.

So it's a fusion of Chinese and Western styles, right?

Yes.

That's a great approach.

East meets West.

Greek civilization is the origin of all Western civilization.

You might

find this book useful for reference.

Your creative thinking aligns with mine.

Is that

a compliment?

Of course it is.

I gladly accept it.

So you revolutionaries also read Greek mythology?

Of course.

Which character do you like in it?

-I like... -Wait.

Let me guess.

Okay.

You like...

You must like Prometheus.

I do like Prometheus.

I admit it.

I admire him

for not fearing authority,

for enduring all kinds of hardships,

and for his tenacious willpower.

His spirit deserves

to be learned from and admired by humanity.

What about you?

Who do you like?

You'll never guess who I like.

Let me try to guess.

Which character would our comrade Yi Yi like?

The goddess of wisdom,

Athena?

No.

Then who?

I like Marpessa.

Marpessa?

Marpessa, among all the gods,

chose an ordinary life.

Tell me,

why do you like her?

Because I feel those heroes and gods

are too distant from me.

Apollo

loved Marpessa

and promised her immortality,

but she gave up immortality.

She chose her own kind,

saying she was just an ordinary person.

She wanted to grow old

with her husband.

I find it remarkable

that the ancient Greeks possessed such insight

into love and marriage.

I think

you're telling me this story

to ask me to make a choice.

Not at all.

I didn't say anything.

You didn't say anything directly,

but sometimes the speaker is unintentional while the listener finds meaning.

I think this story you told

is suggesting I make a choice:

If one day

you agree to live with me,

first,

I would have to leave my current position,

right?

Comrade Wen Pu.

What is it?

As your chief, I must seriously criticize you.

You've been too sensitive lately.

Really?

Okay.

I accept the chief's criticism

and will correct it immediately.

By the way,

I

want to apologize

by giving you a gift.

What kind of gift?

Here.

Sit down first.

Close your eyes.

I have to close my eyes too?

Yes. Close your eyes.

I'm afraid I'll peek.

No peeking.

Close your eyes.

Okay. Eyes closed.

Don't peek.

Almost done.

You can open your eyes now.

A Leica camera.

Yes, a Leica camera.

Do you like it?

Wait, this model is discontinued.

It is.

Where did you get it?

I didn't buy it.

It's a trophy.

Editor-in-Chief Ji gave it to me.

Now I'm giving it to you.

No.

It's too valuable. I can't accept it.

You must take it.

Think about how useful it will be when you're gathering material.

Just like the pen I gave you.

It will definitely help with your creative work.

Well.

Comrade Yi Yi.

I hope you accept my apology.

But...

But I don't have any gift for you.

You did.

What?

You.