How to pronounce "极了"

[Footprints of Change]

[Episode 17]

Come in.

Minister Wen,

I'm here to take your measurements.

Alright.

Well...

Let's just do it here.

Okay.

Please raise your arms.

Just hold your arms straight out.

So many measurements.

Don't you need to write them down?

I keep them in my head.

Please put your arms down.

That's a lot of numbers to remember.

It's just one person's measurements.

I can remember them.

Come on. Keep up.

Minister, Director Fang said

we should take the suit measurements here. Is that right?

Yes.

There are too many people. Let's go to the conference room.

Okay. Let's go.

The conference room works too.

Your measurements are done.

It doesn't matter where we do it.

Let's go.

Please have a seat.

May I?

Of course.

I'm really curious—

your landscapes

have a touch of the French impressionist Monet,

but your portraits,

especially this one of the female worker,

show the influence

of the Soviet realist Repin.

How do you manage

to combine both?

Can you stop drinking this fancy stuff?

Can it even fill your stomach?

I drink it too.

It's delicious.

You live here now.

It's different from where you lived before.

You must maintain good relationships with your neighbors.

Your voice is too low. We can't hear you.

During the Eastern Jin Dynasty...

Later, the common people all began to use…

Minister Wen?

What brings you here?

Thank you.

I know

your sense of aesthetics is different

from theirs.

That's an objective fact.

But I think

you can guide them, right?

How did you know I'm not leaving?

I mean...

if you weren't leaving.

This pen…

I've used it for a while.

It feels good in the hand.

I want you to have it.

I hope you'll stay

and keep creating.

Minister Wen?

Are you just passing by?

Yes,

I am.

What book are you reading?

A biography of Van Gogh.

You won't like it.

Why not?

Van Gogh

was too sensitive.

Artists

are all too sensitive.

But for an artist,

sensitivity

isn't a bad thing.

Today,

I actually have something to tell you.

You don't need to say it.

Why?

You know what I'm going to say?

I do.

Director Fang already told me.

Don't worry.

I'll take good care of myself.

I'll work hard

and live well.

I'll be fine.

I know

you're strong.

No one

can easily change you.

Well then...

I'll head back now.

I'm leaving too.

Yi.

Let me introduce you.

This is Xu Ke,

my college professor.

He's a great poet, very talented.

This is my sister-in-law, Yi Yi.

Didn't you say you were going out

with your classmates today?

I heard you'd be there too,

so I asked to come along.

Do we know each other?

Qing told me all about you.

It's my honor to go on a spring outing

with you today.

Professor Xu,

go after her.

Your bike!

Your bike.

Professor.

Ms. Yi,

why aren't you joining us?

I'm fine just watching you from here.

June in Shanghai

is my favorite time of year.

Look at the sky,

the trees,

the wind,

the grass,

and the river.

When they all come together,

they stir something in my heart.

What about you?

My mood doesn't change with the seasons.

Qing told me a couple of days ago

that I'd meet you today,

so I wrote a poem especially for you.

I think our resonance as intellectuals

often lies in words.

Let me read it for you.

Spring rain

coaxes the peach blossoms to smile;

summer nights

send off the day's clamor;

autumn wind scatters the sorrow of fallen leaves;

winter snow

drapes the earth in silver.

Yet there is one more sight—

a river

of gentle starlight—

that's the grace of your smile.

Your smile

lights up my day,

brighter than a thousand suns.

Your smile

lights up my day,

brighter than a thousand suns.

Ms. Yi,

this is for you.

Thank you.

I think my poem

is quite ordinary in technique,

but I believe

it's rich with emotion.

So it doesn't sound too bad.

What kind of emotion?

My admiration for you.

You don't even know me yet.

Why do you admire me?

So, what do you think?

He's talented, right?

It's yours.

You don't like it?

She probably doesn't like pink.

Secretary Zhao,

try this foreign liquor.

Secretary Zhao,

my Mercedes

drives pretty well, right?

Nowadays, all the young girls in Shanghai love it.

What's it called?

Mercadas?

Mercedes.

Not bad.

When I press the pedal...

it feels so good.

It's like an arrow.

Just like when I used to

charge on horseback in battle.

As we say in my hometown,

it's

mighty fine,

durn good.

Durn good!

Here.

I still can't get used to this foreign stuff.

Here.

We have Chinese wine here.

No wonder they say

you really know cars, Secretary Zhao.

As you know,

leaving a car parked for too long

is bad for the engine.

I don't drive

that Mercedes much.

Secretary Zhao, please drive it a few more days.

Let's drink.

Here's to you.

Secretary Zhao,

with the courage this drink gives me,

let me speak frankly.

Go ahead.

I don't think

you seem like an official.

As a provincial party secretary,

you should enjoy

the treatment that comes with the position.

Just look at the officials before you—

they were so full of themselves.

I've said too much.

Secretary Zhao.

Mr. Fu.

What you said is true.

Let me tell you,

this country was won by us.

Yes.

Back when we fought the Japanese,

we stayed for days and nights

in caves

and tunnels,

without a bite to eat.

So now if I eat and drink a little,

that's not too much to ask, is it?

Of course not.

Here's to you, Secretary Zhao.

Besides, I'm at least

the top official in the region.

Here.

One more drink.

That's enough.

After this drink,

I should be going.

Secretary Zhao,

this watch is so old.

Why are you still wearing it?

What are you doing?

This one

matches more

with that "Mercadas."

No, no.

Just listen to me.

Secretary Zhao.

This isn't appropriate.

Come on.

It goes perfectly

with that Mercedes.

The young girls

like it even more.

Come on, let's drink up.

Is that so?

Here's to you.

If you need anything, feel free to ask.

Alright, alright.

Yang,

after this meal,

we'll say our temporary goodbyes.

When you get there, you must work hard.

Yes.

Do your best.

Alright.

Goodbye.

Say goodbye to Minister Wen too.

Yes.

Goodbye, Minister Wen.

Director Fang,

no matter where I go,

I'll always be your student.

I won't let you down.

Minister Wen,

during this past time

working with you,

I really

caused you quite a lot of trouble.

I realize

I was too young

and always eager for quick results.

In my new position,

I'll be humble, patient,

self-reflective,

and diligent in my work.

And...

I also want to give you some advice.

You're always so busy with work.

Please remember to eat on time

and get enough rest.

Anything else?

That's all.

Thank you.

Work hard.

I'm leaving now, Director.

Let's shake hands.

Work hard.

Let's go.

Goodbye, Minister Wen.

Okay. Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Wen Pu.

Wen Pu, where are you going?

Wen Pu.

What are you looking at?

This is Fu Zihe's car, isn't it?

I've ridden in it before.

I heard it's the only Mercedes in Shanghai.

Strange.

The license plate is different.

The license plate is different?

[Shengli Garment Factory]

Yi.

Yi.

Let's have dinner together tonight.

Don't you have a date with Mr. Yang?

My date with Mr. Yang

won't conflict with your dinner with Professor Xu.

Sounds good.

The Italian restaurant here is very authentic.

I'd like to invite you, Ms. Yi.

No thanks, Professor Xu.

I still have work to do.

I'll treat you another day.

Professor Xu,

Yi has a strong personality

and was very much in love with my brother.

Be patient.

Give her some time.

You're exactly how I imagined you would be—

intelligent,

gentle,

loyal,

and strong-willed.

Women like you are rare.

Are you free tomorrow?

Come to my studio.

I think we're a good match.

See you tomorrow.

Professor Xu,

don't go there empty-handed.

Bring a bottle of wine with you.

Great. I'm so happy.

Great! I'm so happy!

Great! I'm so happy!

Truly talented.

Have some water.

Okay.

Minister.

Yang,

you're here.

We meet again.

Please, have a seat.

No, no.

Well, I...

I've never sat on a sofa before.

I'll take a chair.

Alright, you sit here.

Okay.

I'll get you some water.

Minister, I'll do it myself.

No need.

You're a guest now.

Don't be polite. Sit down.

Well...

Alright then.

Alright.

I'll bring your water here.

Minister,

sorry for troubling you.

Well,

for this series of reports,

your department

will be the first stop.

Why?

Because I think

interviewing a leader like you,

a capable leader,

can set the tone

for the whole series.

Okay.

You're familiar with everyone here.

We'll fully cooperate with you.

Have a seat.

Sure thing.

Minister,

have you looked over the interview outline?

Yes, I have.

We...

don't need to worry about the outline.

Let's just talk freely.

I know the boundaries.

Alright.

Go ahead with your questions.

What stage do you think

the socialist transformation of Shanghai's

industry and commerce is at?

[Shengli Garment Factory, a Public-Private Partnership]

Everything you said is no different

from the central government's guiding principles.

Do you think

I should answer differently from them?

No.

I just feel that

a competent leader like you

should have your own understanding and interpretation.

My understanding and interpretation

were all in my previous answer.

Do you need me to repeat it?

No need.

You know

I'm a fast note-taker.

I'll review it later.

Minister,

I heard

you have a principle

that as a leader,

one should be worldly

yet ascetic.

This concept of "worldly yet ascetic,"

as I understand it, is a Puritan concept.

Do you

believe in this philosophy?

This question isn't on the interview outline.

You don't have to answer it.

It's alright.

I can answer that.

Communists aren't Puritans.

"Worldly yet ascetic" is just a metaphor.

Not seeking personal gain and serving the public with integrity

are what I demand of myself.

I believe in communism.

This stance

has never changed since the day

I joined the revolution.

But can you truly

serve the public with integrity

and not seek personal gain?

This is something

every Communist

should do and must do.

Good.

Mr. Yang.

Hello.

Hello, Mr. Yang.

Hello.

Mr. Yang.

How many times have I told you?

You've never worn your hat properly.

Put it on straight.

The hat itself is crooked.

Fix it!

Try to straighten it as best you can!

Besides, as an electrician,

why are you sitting here doing nothing

instead of working?

Are you sleeping?

You've been transferred. Why are you still bossing me around?

Let me tell you,

I can now

not only supervise you,

but also everyone else here.

Understand?

Yes, Mr. Yang.

Get to work.

Hello, Mr. Yang.

-Hello. -Hello, Mr. Yang.

Ms. Yi,

I don't sense any signs of cooking here.

Are we going out to eat?

Here's some water.

I asked you here today

because I have something to tell you.

I also have so much I want to tell you.

I wrote a poem

to express my feelings.

Let me read it to you.

A gentle breeze

blows softly.

The whole world seems to stand still.

Only the image of you in the photo

awakens the dawn of my heart.

I hope you understand the love in my eyes.

I'll wait in silence!

I'll wait in silence

for the moment our hearts connect.

Are you done?

I don't know what Qing has told you.

I don't like you.

Why?

No reason. I just don't like you.

Ms. Yi,

you don't need to hide your feelings.

Yunqing told me everything.

You and your husband were deeply in love.

No one can replace him.

I don't want to replace him,

and I won't disturb you.

I only ask that you allow me

to stay

by your side,

waiting patiently

until you've healed.

Thank you for your recognition.

But your feelings came out of nowhere.

I'm so confused.

You've only known me for a few days.

What do you like about me?

Do you even know me?

Well,

you don't have to understand someone to like them.

Liking is an instinct.

You're an artist—you understand.

I'm sure you can feel the passion of my love.

I'm sure you can feel the passion of my love!

I... I can feel it.

But...

I don't like you.

It has nothing to do with my husband.

I simply don't like you.

You like someone else?

Yes.

I don't believe it.

That's impossible.

No, no. I don't believe it.

Professor Xu,

I respect you very much.

And I hope

you respect me as well.

I see.

So I'm the third wheel.

Ms. Yi,

I wish you

happiness

with the one you love.

Thank you.

Secretary Zhao, you're here.

Please have a seat.

Okay.

Sit.

-Where is the Scholar? -I'll go get Minister Wen.

Minister Wen.

Coming.

Secretary Zhao is here.

Good. Thank you.

You can go now.

Here.

Is this all you're giving me to eat?

What did you bring?

Take a look.

Pig's head meat?

Mrs. San,

bring an empty plate.

Look.

I've prepared some homemade liquor.

We won't drink yours.

Today,

try mine.

What's the occasion for such good liquor?

What?

Do we need a special occasion to drink good liquor?

Today we're celebrating my

complete transformation.

Complete transformation?

What kind of transformation?

Explain it to me.

Here.

Explain first.

So, tell me,

what's the good news?

Scholar,

I've been thinking.

Back then,

on the battlefield,

we survived bullets flying everywhere.

We literally crawled out from piles of the dead.

Doesn't that count as a complete transformation?

New China has been founded.

We won the war,

and our lives have gotten better.

We turned our lives around.

Doesn't that count as a transformation?

I guess so.

So,

let's celebrate.

Mrs. San.

Alright, you can go now.

Okay.

Alright.

Zhao.

Here's how I see it:

you and I

are both ordinary people

from ordinary backgrounds.

No matter

how much we change,

we won't become immortals.

Right?

But since you moved to the city,

you've changed quite a bit.

Your brand-name leather shoes

are so shiny.

That shirt must be at least 100-thread-count,

made of high-quality fabric.

Sometimes

I even catch a hint of perfume on you.

I'm not wearing any perfume today.

Then when did you?

I've never worn perfume.

Maybe I smelled wrong.

Alright, alright.

I'm here to have a drink.

Don't keep lecturing me, okay?

I'm not lecturing you.

What's wrong?

Now that life's better,

is it too much

if I enjoy

some good things?

Anyway, I'm telling you,

if anything happens,

you have to talk to me in time.

We've survived through hell together.

Whatever happens,

you must tell me,

okay?

Don't worry.

We're brothers who have been through

life and death together.

What couldn't I tell you?

No matter what happens,

our bond will never change.

Try mine.

I'm good with this homemade liquor.

It's smooth.

So smooth.

Still tastes the same as back then.

Fine, don't drink it then.

You drink yours,

and I'll drink mine.

I had an argument with Yang Xue'an today.

Have you eaten, Qing?

Aren't you going to ask why I argued with him?

I don't want to know.

Yang Xue'an said you were pursuing Wen…

Sun.

It's fine.

I'm just talking to Yi.

Come in.

I...

Come in!

Yang Xue'an said you were pursuing Minister Wen.

I'm talking to you.

Please tell Yang Xue'an

that if he's only saying this nonsense to you,

I advise him to stop.

If he's spreading rumors outside,

I'll sue him.

Do as you like.

I just want to ask you now:

do you have any

inappropriate relationship

with Minister Wen?

That has nothing to do with you and Yang Xue'an.

There you go again with that attitude.

How is it nothing to do with me?

I'm telling you,

you can be with whoever you want,

but you cannot be with Minister Wen.

Who is Minister Wen?

A high-ranking leader,

a veteran revolutionary.

He's my direct superior,

my boss.

What does it mean if you are with him?

Have you thought about me?

How am I supposed

to hold my head high at our workplace?

It's an honor to have you here, Minister Wen.

It's so lively and bustling here.

The location you chose

for your welfare factory is excellent.

Wen,

this land was specially approved by the provincial committee.

Is that so?

This place is mainly

for accommodating

wounded soldiers and their families.

I plan to—

look—

grow some crops here,

and maybe raise chickens

and pigs.

Not bad.

When you run a factory,

you should make use of local agricultural resources.

This place is quite far from the city.

You need to consider medical care.

What if someone falls ill…

I've been thinking about that.

Medical equipment

and staff

will be coming in soon.

See? We're thinking alike again.

You really did improve.

I improved?

Brother-in-law,

my car tire just got punctured.

Can I borrow your new car?

Who are you calling brother-in-law?

Secretary Zhao, my tire just got punctured.

Let me use your new car.

Leave us now!

Little brat.

He must have mistaken me for someone else.

Wen, take a rest.

Well...

Liu,

get Minister Wen a glass of water.

No.

Make him some good tea.

Take a break first.

I'll handle this.

Where did this brat even come from?

Working on Sunday?

You're working too.

Zhou said you two had a fight again.

Thanks for your concern.

Zhou and I fight all the time.

You can handle this once, but not every single time.

You're a martyr's widow

and our chief designer.

Of course I care about you.

Besides,

this is a task Minister Wen's assigned me.

Mom.

Mom.

-Mom. -Mom.

Why are you here?

And you brought your little brother.

Big Sister brought us here.

Mom, I'm hungry.

Miss, I'm hungry.

Come on.

Why don't you go to my place?

I'll make her some noodles.

Okay.

Thank you.

You always cause trouble for me.

Brother-in-law, stop it.

Look. What's this?

Don't call me brother-in-law.

Secretary Zhao, stop it.

Look what I have here.

You didn't come when you should have,

and now you're here causing trouble for me.

Give it to me.

Secretary Zhao is not my brother-in-law!

My brother-in-law is not Secretary Zhao!

Shut up!

Get lost!

See you, Brother-in-law.

Well...

What...

What kind of person is he?

My car tire got punctured.

Brother-in-law?

He calls you brother-in-law?

Well...

He was just joking around with me.

I don't remember Jiang having such a brother.

He's

a distant cousin of Jiang.

He's lazy, refuses to study,

and has nothing to do, so they sent him here to me.

And now he's just making trouble for me.

Really?

Why would I lie to you?

This is a nice car.

A Mercedes, right?

I don't really know

what car this is.

Whose car is this?

That brat said it's his relative's car.

He drove it here for fun.

His relative?

I know this car.

You do?

Yes.

The owner is Fu Zihe.

This is the only Mercedes in Shanghai.

If he's related to Fu Zihe,

wouldn't that make you Fu Zihe's relative too?

Well...

How could I possibly be related to Fu Zihe?

Alright.

You scout.

I knew I couldn't hide anything from you.

It's Fu Zihe's car.

He let me drive it for a few days

just to have some fun.

Zhao, you're so stupid.

You know very well

who Fu Zihe is.

Driving his car?

Don't you understand

what that implies,

Zhao?

It's not that serious.

My dear Scholar.

Fu Zihe

is a capitalist.

But don't you also socialize

with capitalists?

Did I ever say anything about that?

So it's okay when you do it,

but not when I do?

I keep my distance when I deal with them.

I only talk business with them,

never private matters.

And I never accept gifts.

That's my principle.

I just borrowed a car.

What's the big deal?

Don't try to brush this off.

This is serious.

So what?

Are you going to arrest me?

Why don't you just have me executed?

I don't have that authority.

Don't forget,

Liu Qingshan and Zhang Zishan are a warning to us all.

I never thought you'd compare me

to Liu Qingshan and Zhang Zishan.

Do you really think I'm that kind of person?

Zhao,

many veteran revolutionaries

survived the war years

but have fallen now.

You know this very well.

-Alright, alright. -Right?

I've been thinking,

why did we fight the revolution?

Was it just to replace those corrupt officials,

only to be toppled by others in the end?

Stop lecturing me here.

I'll return the car tomorrow,

okay?

I'll pump the tire,

fill the tank,

and then give it back to him.

I'll do whatever you say.

Is that enough?

You still

need to report it to the Party Committee.

What?

Report it to the Party Committee?

Yes.

I'm not going!

Why?

If you don't tell anyone,

who would ever know?

Who would know?

You drive around in this stupid car every day.

Do you think nobody's noticed?

That's your weak spot,

and anyone could use it against you anytime.

I'm still not going.

Let me tell you,

don't count on getting lucky.

You've made mistakes before.

Have you forgotten?

I'm still not going.

You're not?

Fine.

Where are you going?

Back to the city.

Are you going to walk back?

Yes!

I'll drive you!

I'll drive you in my jeep!

I'm not getting in!

Stubborn fool!

[Footprints of Change]

[Episode 17]

Come in.

Minister Wen,

I'm here to take your measurements.

Alright.

Well...

Let's just do it here.

Okay.

Please raise your arms.

Just hold your arms straight out.

So many measurements.

Don't you need to write them down?

I keep them in my head.

Please put your arms down.

That's a lot of numbers to remember.

It's just one person's measurements.

I can remember them.

Come on. Keep up.

Minister, Director Fang said

we should take the suit measurements here. Is that right?

Yes.

There are too many people. Let's go to the conference room.

Okay. Let's go.

The conference room works too.

Your measurements are done.

It doesn't matter where we do it.

Let's go.

Please have a seat.

May I?

Of course.

I'm really curious—

your landscapes

have a touch of the French impressionist Monet,

but your portraits,

especially this one of the female worker,

show the influence

of the Soviet realist Repin.

How do you manage

to combine both?

Can you stop drinking this fancy stuff?

Can it even fill your stomach?

I drink it too.

It's delicious.

You live here now.

It's different from where you lived before.

You must maintain good relationships with your neighbors.

Your voice is too low. We can't hear you.

During the Eastern Jin Dynasty...

Later, the common people all began to use…

Minister Wen?

What brings you here?

Thank you.

I know

your sense of aesthetics is different

from theirs.

That's an objective fact.

But I think

you can guide them, right?

How did you know I'm not leaving?

I mean...

if you weren't leaving.

This pen…

I've used it for a while.

It feels good in the hand.

I want you to have it.

I hope you'll stay

and keep creating.

Minister Wen?

Are you just passing by?

Yes,

I am.

What book are you reading?

A biography of Van Gogh.

You won't like it.

Why not?

Van Gogh

was too sensitive.

Artists

are all too sensitive.

But for an artist,

sensitivity

isn't a bad thing.

Today,

I actually have something to tell you.

You don't need to say it.

Why?

You know what I'm going to say?

I do.

Director Fang already told me.

Don't worry.

I'll take good care of myself.

I'll work hard

and live well.

I'll be fine.

I know

you're strong.

No one

can easily change you.

Well then...

I'll head back now.

I'm leaving too.

Yi.

Let me introduce you.

This is Xu Ke,

my college professor.

He's a great poet, very talented.

This is my sister-in-law, Yi Yi.

Didn't you say you were going out

with your classmates today?

I heard you'd be there too,

so I asked to come along.

Do we know each other?

Qing told me all about you.

It's my honor to go on a spring outing

with you today.

Professor Xu,

go after her.

Your bike!

Your bike.

Professor.

Ms. Yi,

why aren't you joining us?

I'm fine just watching you from here.

June in Shanghai

is my favorite time of year.

Look at the sky,

the trees,

the wind,

the grass,

and the river.

When they all come together,

they stir something in my heart.

What about you?

My mood doesn't change with the seasons.

Qing told me a couple of days ago

that I'd meet you today,

so I wrote a poem especially for you.

I think our resonance as intellectuals

often lies in words.

Let me read it for you.

Spring rain

coaxes the peach blossoms to smile;

summer nights

send off the day's clamor;

autumn wind scatters the sorrow of fallen leaves;

winter snow

drapes the earth in silver.

Yet there is one more sight—

a river

of gentle starlight—

that's the grace of your smile.

Your smile

lights up my day,

brighter than a thousand suns.

Your smile

lights up my day,

brighter than a thousand suns.

Ms. Yi,

this is for you.

Thank you.

I think my poem

is quite ordinary in technique,

but I believe

it's rich with emotion.

So it doesn't sound too bad.

What kind of emotion?

My admiration for you.

You don't even know me yet.

Why do you admire me?

So, what do you think?

He's talented, right?

It's yours.

You don't like it?

She probably doesn't like pink.

Secretary Zhao,

try this foreign liquor.

Secretary Zhao,

my Mercedes

drives pretty well, right?

Nowadays, all the young girls in Shanghai love it.

What's it called?

Mercadas?

Mercedes.

Not bad.

When I press the pedal...

it feels so good.

It's like an arrow.

Just like when I used to

charge on horseback in battle.

As we say in my hometown,

it's

mighty fine,

durn good.

Durn good!

Here.

I still can't get used to this foreign stuff.

Here.

We have Chinese wine here.

No wonder they say

you really know cars, Secretary Zhao.

As you know,

leaving a car parked for too long

is bad for the engine.

I don't drive

that Mercedes much.

Secretary Zhao, please drive it a few more days.

Let's drink.

Here's to you.

Secretary Zhao,

with the courage this drink gives me,

let me speak frankly.

Go ahead.

I don't think

you seem like an official.

As a provincial party secretary,

you should enjoy

the treatment that comes with the position.

Just look at the officials before you—

they were so full of themselves.

I've said too much.

Secretary Zhao.

Mr. Fu.

What you said is true.

Let me tell you,

this country was won by us.

Yes.

Back when we fought the Japanese,

we stayed for days and nights

in caves

and tunnels,

without a bite to eat.

So now if I eat and drink a little,

that's not too much to ask, is it?

Of course not.

Here's to you, Secretary Zhao.

Besides, I'm at least

the top official in the region.

Here.

One more drink.

That's enough.

After this drink,

I should be going.

Secretary Zhao,

this watch is so old.

Why are you still wearing it?

What are you doing?

This one

matches more

with that "Mercadas."

No, no.

Just listen to me.

Secretary Zhao.

This isn't appropriate.

Come on.

It goes perfectly

with that Mercedes.

The young girls

like it even more.

Come on, let's drink up.

Is that so?

Here's to you.

If you need anything, feel free to ask.

Alright, alright.

Yang,

after this meal,

we'll say our temporary goodbyes.

When you get there, you must work hard.

Yes.

Do your best.

Alright.

Goodbye.

Say goodbye to Minister Wen too.

Yes.

Goodbye, Minister Wen.

Director Fang,

no matter where I go,

I'll always be your student.

I won't let you down.

Minister Wen,

during this past time

working with you,

I really

caused you quite a lot of trouble.

I realize

I was too young

and always eager for quick results.

In my new position,

I'll be humble, patient,

self-reflective,

and diligent in my work.

And...

I also want to give you some advice.

You're always so busy with work.

Please remember to eat on time

and get enough rest.

Anything else?

That's all.

Thank you.

Work hard.

I'm leaving now, Director.

Let's shake hands.

Work hard.

Let's go.

Goodbye, Minister Wen.

Okay. Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Wen Pu.

Wen Pu, where are you going?

Wen Pu.

What are you looking at?

This is Fu Zihe's car, isn't it?

I've ridden in it before.

I heard it's the only Mercedes in Shanghai.

Strange.

The license plate is different.

The license plate is different?

[Shengli Garment Factory]

Yi.

Yi.

Let's have dinner together tonight.

Don't you have a date with Mr. Yang?

My date with Mr. Yang

won't conflict with your dinner with Professor Xu.

Sounds good.

The Italian restaurant here is very authentic.

I'd like to invite you, Ms. Yi.

No thanks, Professor Xu.

I still have work to do.

I'll treat you another day.

Professor Xu,

Yi has a strong personality

and was very much in love with my brother.

Be patient.

Give her some time.

You're exactly how I imagined you would be—

intelligent,

gentle,

loyal,

and strong-willed.

Women like you are rare.

Are you free tomorrow?

Come to my studio.

I think we're a good match.

See you tomorrow.

Professor Xu,

don't go there empty-handed.

Bring a bottle of wine with you.

Great. I'm so happy.

Great! I'm so happy!

Great! I'm so happy!

Truly talented.

Have some water.

Okay.

Minister.

Yang,

you're here.

We meet again.

Please, have a seat.

No, no.

Well, I...

I've never sat on a sofa before.

I'll take a chair.

Alright, you sit here.

Okay.

I'll get you some water.

Minister, I'll do it myself.

No need.

You're a guest now.

Don't be polite. Sit down.

Well...

Alright then.

Alright.

I'll bring your water here.

Minister,

sorry for troubling you.

Well,

for this series of reports,

your department

will be the first stop.

Why?

Because I think

interviewing a leader like you,

a capable leader,

can set the tone

for the whole series.

Okay.

You're familiar with everyone here.

We'll fully cooperate with you.

Have a seat.

Sure thing.

Minister,

have you looked over the interview outline?

Yes, I have.

We...

don't need to worry about the outline.

Let's just talk freely.

I know the boundaries.

Alright.

Go ahead with your questions.

What stage do you think

the socialist transformation of Shanghai's

industry and commerce is at?

[Shengli Garment Factory, a Public-Private Partnership]

Everything you said is no different

from the central government's guiding principles.

Do you think

I should answer differently from them?

No.

I just feel that

a competent leader like you

should have your own understanding and interpretation.

My understanding and interpretation

were all in my previous answer.

Do you need me to repeat it?

No need.

You know

I'm a fast note-taker.

I'll review it later.

Minister,

I heard

you have a principle

that as a leader,

one should be worldly

yet ascetic.

This concept of "worldly yet ascetic,"

as I understand it, is a Puritan concept.

Do you

believe in this philosophy?

This question isn't on the interview outline.

You don't have to answer it.

It's alright.

I can answer that.

Communists aren't Puritans.

"Worldly yet ascetic" is just a metaphor.

Not seeking personal gain and serving the public with integrity

are what I demand of myself.

I believe in communism.

This stance

has never changed since the day

I joined the revolution.

But can you truly

serve the public with integrity

and not seek personal gain?

This is something

every Communist

should do and must do.

Good.

Mr. Yang.

Hello.

Hello, Mr. Yang.

Hello.

Mr. Yang.

How many times have I told you?

You've never worn your hat properly.

Put it on straight.

The hat itself is crooked.

Fix it!

Try to straighten it as best you can!

Besides, as an electrician,

why are you sitting here doing nothing

instead of working?

Are you sleeping?

You've been transferred. Why are you still bossing me around?

Let me tell you,

I can now

not only supervise you,

but also everyone else here.

Understand?

Yes, Mr. Yang.

Get to work.

Hello, Mr. Yang.

-Hello. -Hello, Mr. Yang.

Ms. Yi,

I don't sense any signs of cooking here.

Are we going out to eat?

Here's some water.

I asked you here today

because I have something to tell you.

I also have so much I want to tell you.

I wrote a poem

to express my feelings.

Let me read it to you.

A gentle breeze

blows softly.

The whole world seems to stand still.

Only the image of you in the photo

awakens the dawn of my heart.

I hope you understand the love in my eyes.

I'll wait in silence!

I'll wait in silence

for the moment our hearts connect.

Are you done?

I don't know what Qing has told you.

I don't like you.

Why?

No reason. I just don't like you.

Ms. Yi,

you don't need to hide your feelings.

Yunqing told me everything.

You and your husband were deeply in love.

No one can replace him.

I don't want to replace him,

and I won't disturb you.

I only ask that you allow me

to stay

by your side,

waiting patiently

until you've healed.

Thank you for your recognition.

But your feelings came out of nowhere.

I'm so confused.

You've only known me for a few days.

What do you like about me?

Do you even know me?

Well,

you don't have to understand someone to like them.

Liking is an instinct.

You're an artist—you understand.

I'm sure you can feel the passion of my love.

I'm sure you can feel the passion of my love!

I... I can feel it.

But...

I don't like you.

It has nothing to do with my husband.

I simply don't like you.

You like someone else?

Yes.

I don't believe it.

That's impossible.

No, no. I don't believe it.

Professor Xu,

I respect you very much.

And I hope

you respect me as well.

I see.

So I'm the third wheel.

Ms. Yi,

I wish you

happiness

with the one you love.

Thank you.

Secretary Zhao, you're here.

Please have a seat.

Okay.

Sit.

-Where is the Scholar? -I'll go get Minister Wen.

Minister Wen.

Coming.

Secretary Zhao is here.

Good. Thank you.

You can go now.

Here.

Is this all you're giving me to eat?

What did you bring?

Take a look.

Pig's head meat?

Mrs. San,

bring an empty plate.

Look.

I've prepared some homemade liquor.

We won't drink yours.

Today,

try mine.

What's the occasion for such good liquor?

What?

Do we need a special occasion to drink good liquor?

Today we're celebrating my

complete transformation.

Complete transformation?

What kind of transformation?

Explain it to me.

Here.

Explain first.

So, tell me,

what's the good news?

Scholar,

I've been thinking.

Back then,

on the battlefield,

we survived bullets flying everywhere.

We literally crawled out from piles of the dead.

Doesn't that count as a complete transformation?

New China has been founded.

We won the war,

and our lives have gotten better.

We turned our lives around.

Doesn't that count as a transformation?

I guess so.

So,

let's celebrate.

Mrs. San.

Alright, you can go now.

Okay.

Alright.

Zhao.

Here's how I see it:

you and I

are both ordinary people

from ordinary backgrounds.

No matter

how much we change,

we won't become immortals.

Right?

But since you moved to the city,

you've changed quite a bit.

Your brand-name leather shoes

are so shiny.

That shirt must be at least 100-thread-count,

made of high-quality fabric.

Sometimes

I even catch a hint of perfume on you.

I'm not wearing any perfume today.

Then when did you?

I've never worn perfume.

Maybe I smelled wrong.

Alright, alright.

I'm here to have a drink.

Don't keep lecturing me, okay?

I'm not lecturing you.

What's wrong?

Now that life's better,

is it too much

if I enjoy

some good things?

Anyway, I'm telling you,

if anything happens,

you have to talk to me in time.

We've survived through hell together.

Whatever happens,

you must tell me,

okay?

Don't worry.

We're brothers who have been through

life and death together.

What couldn't I tell you?

No matter what happens,

our bond will never change.

Try mine.

I'm good with this homemade liquor.

It's smooth.

So smooth.

Still tastes the same as back then.

Fine, don't drink it then.

You drink yours,

and I'll drink mine.

I had an argument with Yang Xue'an today.

Have you eaten, Qing?

Aren't you going to ask why I argued with him?

I don't want to know.

Yang Xue'an said you were pursuing Wen…

Sun.

It's fine.

I'm just talking to Yi.

Come in.

I...

Come in!

Yang Xue'an said you were pursuing Minister Wen.

I'm talking to you.

Please tell Yang Xue'an

that if he's only saying this nonsense to you,

I advise him to stop.

If he's spreading rumors outside,

I'll sue him.

Do as you like.

I just want to ask you now:

do you have any

inappropriate relationship

with Minister Wen?

That has nothing to do with you and Yang Xue'an.

There you go again with that attitude.

How is it nothing to do with me?

I'm telling you,

you can be with whoever you want,

but you cannot be with Minister Wen.

Who is Minister Wen?

A high-ranking leader,

a veteran revolutionary.

He's my direct superior,

my boss.

What does it mean if you are with him?

Have you thought about me?

How am I supposed

to hold my head high at our workplace?

It's an honor to have you here, Minister Wen.

It's so lively and bustling here.

The location you chose

for your welfare factory is excellent.

Wen,

this land was specially approved by the provincial committee.

Is that so?

This place is mainly

for accommodating

wounded soldiers and their families.

I plan to—

look—

grow some crops here,

and maybe raise chickens

and pigs.

Not bad.

When you run a factory,

you should make use of local agricultural resources.

This place is quite far from the city.

You need to consider medical care.

What if someone falls ill…

I've been thinking about that.

Medical equipment

and staff

will be coming in soon.

See? We're thinking alike again.

You really did improve.

I improved?

Brother-in-law,

my car tire just got punctured.

Can I borrow your new car?

Who are you calling brother-in-law?

Secretary Zhao, my tire just got punctured.

Let me use your new car.

Leave us now!

Little brat.

He must have mistaken me for someone else.

Wen, take a rest.

Well...

Liu,

get Minister Wen a glass of water.

No.

Make him some good tea.

Take a break first.

I'll handle this.

Where did this brat even come from?

Working on Sunday?

You're working too.

Zhou said you two had a fight again.

Thanks for your concern.

Zhou and I fight all the time.

You can handle this once, but not every single time.

You're a martyr's widow

and our chief designer.

Of course I care about you.

Besides,

this is a task Minister Wen's assigned me.

Mom.

Mom.

-Mom. -Mom.

Why are you here?

And you brought your little brother.

Big Sister brought us here.

Mom, I'm hungry.

Miss, I'm hungry.

Come on.

Why don't you go to my place?

I'll make her some noodles.

Okay.

Thank you.

You always cause trouble for me.

Brother-in-law, stop it.

Look. What's this?

Don't call me brother-in-law.

Secretary Zhao, stop it.

Look what I have here.

You didn't come when you should have,

and now you're here causing trouble for me.

Give it to me.

Secretary Zhao is not my brother-in-law!

My brother-in-law is not Secretary Zhao!

Shut up!

Get lost!

See you, Brother-in-law.

Well...

What...

What kind of person is he?

My car tire got punctured.

Brother-in-law?

He calls you brother-in-law?

Well...

He was just joking around with me.

I don't remember Jiang having such a brother.

He's

a distant cousin of Jiang.

He's lazy, refuses to study,

and has nothing to do, so they sent him here to me.

And now he's just making trouble for me.

Really?

Why would I lie to you?

This is a nice car.

A Mercedes, right?

I don't really know

what car this is.

Whose car is this?

That brat said it's his relative's car.

He drove it here for fun.

His relative?

I know this car.

You do?

Yes.

The owner is Fu Zihe.

This is the only Mercedes in Shanghai.

If he's related to Fu Zihe,

wouldn't that make you Fu Zihe's relative too?

Well...

How could I possibly be related to Fu Zihe?

Alright.

You scout.

I knew I couldn't hide anything from you.

It's Fu Zihe's car.

He let me drive it for a few days

just to have some fun.

Zhao, you're so stupid.

You know very well

who Fu Zihe is.

Driving his car?

Don't you understand

what that implies,

Zhao?

It's not that serious.

My dear Scholar.

Fu Zihe

is a capitalist.

But don't you also socialize

with capitalists?

Did I ever say anything about that?

So it's okay when you do it,

but not when I do?

I keep my distance when I deal with them.

I only talk business with them,

never private matters.

And I never accept gifts.

That's my principle.

I just borrowed a car.

What's the big deal?

Don't try to brush this off.

This is serious.

So what?

Are you going to arrest me?

Why don't you just have me executed?

I don't have that authority.

Don't forget,

Liu Qingshan and Zhang Zishan are a warning to us all.

I never thought you'd compare me

to Liu Qingshan and Zhang Zishan.

Do you really think I'm that kind of person?

Zhao,

many veteran revolutionaries

survived the war years

but have fallen now.

You know this very well.

-Alright, alright. -Right?

I've been thinking,

why did we fight the revolution?

Was it just to replace those corrupt officials,

only to be toppled by others in the end?

Stop lecturing me here.

I'll return the car tomorrow,

okay?

I'll pump the tire,

fill the tank,

and then give it back to him.

I'll do whatever you say.

Is that enough?

You still

need to report it to the Party Committee.

What?

Report it to the Party Committee?

Yes.

I'm not going!

Why?

If you don't tell anyone,

who would ever know?

Who would know?

You drive around in this stupid car every day.

Do you think nobody's noticed?

That's your weak spot,

and anyone could use it against you anytime.

I'm still not going.

Let me tell you,

don't count on getting lucky.

You've made mistakes before.

Have you forgotten?

I'm still not going.

You're not?

Fine.

Where are you going?

Back to the city.

Are you going to walk back?

Yes!

I'll drive you!

I'll drive you in my jeep!

I'm not getting in!

Stubborn fool!