How to pronounce "读书人"

[Footprints of Change]

[Episode 2]

For the past 10 years, all my efforts

have focused on changing

the public's prejudice against our Zeng family

so that eventually

we can enter politics and business

with an image of loving the people

and obeying the law.

Therefore,

public opinion is extremely important.

That wretched son of mine, Dalun,

[Prosperity Through Virtue]

has struck the public's most sensitive nerve

at the worst possible moment.

"Of all evils, lust is the worst."

And the victim happened to be

a young girl from a poor family.

Naturally, this has provoked public outrage and widespread anger.

What do you think?

Father, you're right.

But...

Dalun is your only son.

Throughout history, there have been many who betrayed their parents.

I can't control him...

so let the law handle him.

Master, Young Master Zeng has been arrested.

So be it.

Father,

the court hasn't convicted him yet.

We can still bail him out.

Father,

I'll go then.

Ao.

Bring some fine tea

to Detective Wang.

Okay.

Take some fine tea

and call Cheng over.

Yes, Young Master.

♪ Willow buds break, rouge fades light ♪

♪ Face in the mirror drifts with passing time ♪

♪ Swallows bring clay to beams of old ♪

♪ New green spreads across bronze stone ♪

♪ Maple embers glow, wild geese fall silent ♪

♪ Frost descends, and the hair entangled ♪

♪ Bare branches shiver, the sickle moon hangs ♪

♪ Fallen leaves mend a homeland long worn ♪

How much did you pay to bail me out?

If you ask me,

we didn't need to pay a thing.

I never meant to hurt her.

♪ Snow veils the steps, the pendulum slows ♪

Go back to my law firm first.

I need to ask you something.

♪ Hearth-fire dims, tea smoke thins ♪

I didn't expect

♪ In every crease, the years are etched ♪

to get into trouble right after returning to Shanghai.

♪ Deep in the ice, spring trembles awake ♪

They've already filed a lawsuit against you.

♪ Hatred dissolves, love remains ♪

I really didn't mean to harm her.

Didn't I tell you before?

♪ Years slip by in a single breath ♪

If she had just agreed to be with me,

would I have mistreated her?

She jumped out of the car herself.

♪ Savoring the weight and light of longing ♪

It had nothing to do with me.

♪ Living in this mortal world over and over ♪

If you hadn't forced her into the car,

how could she have jumped out?

♪ Living in this mortal world over and over ♪

Don't worry.

Just give that girl's family some money,

and this will all blow over, right?

Even if it can't be resolved,

with you here

and our old man backing me up,

everything will be fine.

I won't die either.

♪ Willow buds break, rouge fades light ♪

At most, I'll do a few years inside.

And when I come out,

♪ Face in the mirror drifts with passing time ♪

I can bring 30 or 40 men into the gang.

Wouldn't that be great?

♪ Swallows bring clay to beams of old ♪

♪ New green spreads across bronze stone ♪

I'm not joking with you.

I'm dead serious.

Shut up!

♪ Maple embers glow, wild geese fall silent ♪

♪ Frost descends, and the hair entangled ♪

Prepare to rot in jail.

♪ Bare branches shiver, the sickle moon hangs ♪

♪ Fallen leaves mend a homeland long worn ♪

In all of Shanghai, only you can yell at me like that.

♪ Snow veils the steps, the pendulum slows ♪

But I know

you're looking out for me.

♪ Hearth-fire dims, tea smoke thins ♪

♪ In every crease, the years are etched ♪

♪ Deep in the ice, spring trembles awake ♪

♪ Hatred dissolves, love remains ♪

♪ Years slip by in a single breath ♪

♪ Savoring the weight and light of longing ♪

♪ Living in this mortal world over and over ♪

Drive carefully.

♪ Living in this mortal world over and over ♪

What do you want to ask?

What was the Lin family's servant girl wearing

when she died?

A red diagonal-buttoned top.

A red floral diagonal-buttoned top.

A green diagonal-buttoned top?

A green floral diagonal-buttoned top?

I was drunk.

I don't really remember.

On which street did she jump from the car?

I already told you I was drunk.

I can't remember clearly.

Zeng Dalun.

You didn't kill her,

so who are you covering for?

I wasn't the one who killed her.

She jumped out of the car

and fell to her death.

Do you know how many newspapers in Shanghai

are waiting to run this story?

I can't hold them off much longer.

If you don't tell me the truth now,

once they publish it,

no one can protect you.

You'll either rot in prison

or

never come back to Shanghai again.

Then you really need to stop them from publishing.

You'll miss me terribly when I'm gone.

Fine,

I'll go then.

Originally, your father was in charge,

and my father was second-in-command.

If your father were still alive,

my father would still be playing second fiddle.

Now things are just returning to their rightful place.

Besides,

you're better suited

to take charge than I am.

Fine.

Don't go too far then.

Just stay in Shanghai.

Spend the rest of your life in prison here,

so I won't miss you too much.

Whatever.

I don't care.

Two options—

you decide.

Come on, calm down.

Don't feel bad for me,

and don't be sad for me either.

Who am I?

I'm Zeng Dalun.

Was it you who stopped the newspaper from running the story?

Yes.

But I won't stop them anymore.

Publish the story. Publish it.

Go ahead and publish it. Publish it.

Publish the story.

I'll bear the consequences.

You may be able to stop one newspaper...

but can you stop every newspaper in Shanghai?

Even if you could stop every newspaper in Shanghai,

I'd write it, print it,

and distribute flyers myself—

I'll make sure everyone in Shanghai knows

what you've all done.

Miss Lin,

there's no need to go to all that trouble.

He's a man of his word.

When he says it'll be published,

then it definitely will be.

You can rest assured.

[Zhongde Hospital]

Hello, is this Dr. Lin?

[Pre-Check]

This is Lingling, a midwife at Zhongde Hospital.

We've just received a woman having difficulty in labor,

and her condition is extremely critical.

But all of our on-duty obstetricians

have been called away to see other patients.

So Director Lu asked me to call and see

if you could come over right away.

No problem.

Great.

What's the situation?

We've just admitted this pregnant woman.

Her family says she's been in labor at home for two days and a night,

and most of her amniotic fluid has leaked out.

Why did they wait so long to bring her in?

The woman came with

her husband and mother-in-law.

Her mother-in-law is a traditional midwife,

and they were planning to deliver the baby at home.

She was only brought in because there was no other way.

Okay.

Got it.

She needs a C-section.

What?

How can that be acceptable?

This is my daughter-in-law's first pregnancy.

If you cut open her belly,

how will she be able to have children in the future?

It won't affect future childbearing.

Is there any other option?

This is the only option.

[Operating Room]

Doctor,

how is she?

The surgery was successful.

You should go home and bring some necessities.

She should stay hospitalized for a month

to fully recover.

Then...

can she still have a second child?

Enough, Mom.

Let's go.

Thank you, doctor. Thank you.

Thank you, doctor.

Back then, my nanny couldn't receive proper treatment

because of backward thinking,

which is why I later went abroad to study.

I hope I can do my best to prevent

such tragedies from happening again.

Oh my goodness! What's happening?

A little hand is coming out!

Quick! Go get me some salt!

What do you need salt for?

Put the salt on that little hand,

and the baby

will instinctively pull it back.

Mom!

Don't panic.

This is just normal dizziness from blood loss during labor.

Go heat up an iron weight until it's red hot,

then bring a bowl of vinegar.

Go now.

I want to take my nanny to the hospital.

You silly girl,

what do you know?

Why don't you trust me?

I've delivered so many babies.

Let me tell you, in a moment,

when she takes that red-hot weight,

we'll pour vinegar over it.

Once that smell hits her nose,

she'll wake up immediately.

Give me.

Siyun...

See?

Isn't she awake now?

Siyun...

Take good care of Xiu.

Nanny...

Spirits of heaven and earth.

Nanny!

Nanny, wake up!

Nanny, please wake up!

Nanny!

Spirits of heaven and earth,

please bless us.

Please grant us peace and good fortune.

Sorry, I'm late.

I had to perform an emergency surgery.

It's alright.

I'm just glad you could make it.

Come on.

I thought you might not be able to make it

because you had to deal with Xiu's matter.

The surgery must have tired you out.

Come on, sit.

Thank you.

Would you like some hot water?

No, thanks.

My parents will be a bit late.

Let's wait for them.

Siyun.

I'm really happy.

Happy about what?

I've always dreamed of marrying a doctor.

I can't believe my dream came true.

Siyun?

You look so beautiful when you blush.

I just read in the newspaper

that

you're going to sue Zeng Dalun.

Yes.

He's the one who caused Xiu's death.

Then...

do you know about the Zeng family's background?

I know.

Siyun,

you are a truly

admirable woman.

Really.

My family is in business

and has no dealings with them,

but

if you ever have any problems in the future,

I will help you.

I will always

stand by your side...

and protect you.

Thank you, Shijun.

You look so beautiful tonight.

Uncle, Aunt.

Mom, Dad.

Siyun, you've grown even more beautiful.

What do you mean, "grown"?

Siyun has been beautiful since she was little.

Please sit down.

Let's have dinner.

Siyun.

See?

My parents and I share the same aesthetic taste.

Bring the dishes up.

Here, Siyun.

Thank you.

Uncle.

Aunt.

I have a personal matter

that I'd like to get your advice on.

Go ahead.

I want to open a maternity hospital.

And then?

I studied obstetrics and gynecology in Germany for 4 years.

The country funded my education,

so I want to give back by serving the public.

Besides,

from a business perspective,

right now,

90% of births in our country

are handled by traditional midwives.

But that carries risks.

If we establish

a highly professional maternity hospital,

we can help mothers give birth safely

while providing solid returns to investors.

Uncle,

what do you think?

I think it's an excellent idea.

Write up a proposal,

prepare a budget,

and I'll take a look.

Okay.

I'll help her with it.

Good.

Cheers.

Father wants you to leave.

Leave Shanghai.

Why?

What do you mean, "why"?

Don't you know what you've done?

I can't defend this case with a not-guilty plea.

In fact,

this is a case of negligent homicide.

We need the victim's family's forgiveness and the court's leniency

to reduce your sentence.

But the plaintiff wants you to get a severe sentence.

You need to get your luggage ready.

Pack up when you have time.

When should I leave?

The sooner the better.

Just my darn luck.

I just got back, and now I have to leave again.

Do you have a place in mind?

Northeast China.

Why there?

The latitude there is

similar to where I studied abroad.

I look good in heavy clothes.

Plus, the situation there is chaotic.

"In times of turmoil, heroes rise."

Where's the gift I gave you?

You mean this?

You want it back?

Well, I'll give you two options too:

one,

I keep this and go to Northeast China.

Two,

I return this to you,

and I go to jail.

Keep your head down once you get there.

No one will protect you there.

I'll miss you.

When I write to you, remember to write back.

Just don't send me a farewell letter.

Go back and pack up early.

Miss Lin!

Miss Lin.

You don't need to go to court anymore.

Mr. Zeng has already paid the fine for Zeng Dalun,

and Zeng Dalun

has also left Shanghai.

You arranged this, didn't you?

Here's the compensation.

Get lost.

None of you Zengs is any good.

Sometimes what you see

isn't necessarily the truth.

What do you mean?

The one who killed Xiu

wasn't Dalun.

Get lost!

You're an accomplice to murder.

If you ever need help,

just let me know anytime.

You're not only thick-skinned

but also shameless.

Siyun.

I asked you out for no particular reason.

I just wanted to chat with you

to cheer you up.

After living and studying in Germany for 4 years,

how does it feel to be back?

It's fine.

"Fine"?

Still putting on a brave face?

You've been through so much since you came back,

and you think I don't know?

No matter who experienced those things,

they couldn't possibly feel "fine."

But Siyun,

isn't that just how life is?

Since things have already happened,

we can't run away from them

and can only face them bravely.

If there's anything you need my help with,

just say the word.

Anything at all.

You're going to marry Qiao Shijun.

That's good.

Wishing you happiness.

Thank you, Shen Yiqun.

I really didn't.

You know me.

How could I possibly

fall for a woman so easily?

That night, she kept pouring me drinks;

after baijiu came beer,

and after beer came wine.

I drank way too much.

When I woke up the next morning,

there was breakfast by the bedside.

A few days later, she claimed she was pregnant.

How am I supposed to believe that?

That's the whole situation.

Anyway, you have to help me.

How am I supposed to help you?

Isn't this your usual style?

Come on, man, don't joke around.

I was completely wasted.

How could I maintain my usual behavior?

I think this woman is up to something.

It's a trap. She's trying to set me up.

I swear on my honor.

You have honor?

Occasionally.

What if she really is pregnant with your child?

If she really is pregnant with my child,

then she's lucky.

I'll support her,

and I'll raise the child.

But do you think that's even possible?

We only knew each other for one day.

That in just one day,

a woman would be willing to have a child for a man she's just met—

it's absurd.

You won't do this for free.

If you can resolve this

without spending a penny,

all this money is yours.

I've got another meeting. I gotta go.

Go handle this right away.

Hello,

I'm looking for Director Shen.

I have an appointment.

My name is Lin Siyun.

I know you.

Please come with me.

Hello, Director Shen.

My name is Lin Siyun.

Please have a seat.

These are my documents for my application to open a maternity hospital.

Please review them.

Miss Lin, I hope your hospital

will be very successful.

Thank you, Director Shen.

When the hospital opens,

please come with your wife for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Okay, certainly.

I'll go with Mr. Qiao then.

By the way,

there's one more thing.

My daughter is turning 20,

and I'd like to invite you

and Qiao Shijun to come to her birthday party.

You young people can

chat and make friends,

okay?

Okay.

Thank you, Director Shen.

I'll take my leave now.

Okay, okay.

Hello,

Miss Dai Xi.

Who are you?

I'm here on behalf of Mr. Shen Yiqun

to have a chat

with you, Miss Dai.

Tell Shen Yiqun.

My demands are very clear.

He must publish in the newspaper,

acknowledging me and my child.

He must marry me properly into his family.

I want to be Mrs. Shen.

My child

must have inheritance rights to his family fortune.

How much money do you want?

Are you men all this shameless?

I don't want money.

I want legitimacy.

Guess

why I'm here?

He can't give you

the legitimacy you want.

Then I'll see him in court.

If I suffer,

he won't have it easy either.

When he was pursuing me,

he was so attentive

and full of sweet talk.

And now?

Once he got what he wanted, he changed.

He pursued you?

Yes.

When he was pursuing me,

he promised to treat me well,

to take responsibility for me,

and to marry me.

What did he tell you?

Pretty much the same as you said.

Sister-in-law,

have you named the baby yet?

No. Your brother said

we should consult the fortune teller who named Yi.

Where's Yi?

I haven't seen her anywhere.

Mom took her to the hospital.

Hospital?

Don't worry.

They went to visit a relative,

you know,

Yi's fiancé.

Wasn't that engagement called off?

No.

Why not?

I don't have a say in this matter.

Your brother makes the decisions.

Grandma,

why are we coming to the hospital?

I'm bringing you to meet

your cousin, whom you've never met before,

Xiong.

W-Why do I need to meet him?

What do you mean, "why"?

He's family.

Just get to know each other.

Alright.

You two kids play.

Grandma will step out for a bit

and come back to pick you up later.

So you're Xiong?

I'm Yi.

How old are you?

Why are you here?

What illness do you have?

Have you read Andersen's Fairy Tales?

Do you know Darwin?

[Zhongde Hospital: palpitations, chest tightness, arrhythmia, and dyspnea]

[Congenital heart disease— VSD with moderate tricuspid insufficiency]

I'm going to die.

Don't say that. You'll be fine.

Father, you wanted to see me?

Come on, have a seat.

The Shen family sent an invitation.

[To Cheng Ao]

It's for their eldest daughter's

birthday party.

The Shen family is really riding high lately.

Their eldest son

has just been promoted

to a key position in the government.

They say it's their daughter's birthday party,

but it's just an excuse...

to show off.

Ao.

You and Shen's eldest son were classmates in England.

How are you getting along?

We're on good terms,

but

we don't have much contact professionally.

Why not?

I don't know how to deal with politicians like him.

That's a scholar's pretentiousness.

When a friend of yours becomes successful,

you avoid him,

and that can show your moral superiority?

No matter how high an official someone becomes,

they still need support from friends.

I'm not asking you to deliberately curry favor with him,

but there's no need

to avoid him either, right?

Ao.

This family...

will be yours to run in the future.

Take the invitation and go.

Rest early, Father.

Bravo! Bravo!

Nan.

Siyun.

This is Nan.

You can call her Mrs. Shen,

or you can just call her Nan

like I do.

Nice to meet you, Mrs. Shen.

Likewise, Miss Lin.

I've always heard Yiqun mention you,

and I finally get to meet you today.

I've also heard

that you want to open a maternity hospital.

Yes.

When it opens,

I'd be honored if you'd come and cut the ribbon.

I'd be delighted to.

But I'm curious.

Why do you want to open a maternity hospital?

I'm opening this hospital because

giving birth in a hospital is

a luxury many women can't afford.

I want to lower that barrier

so I can help

more ordinary women in labor.

That's very admirable.

To be honest,

before I got married,

I always wanted to establish

a maternity hospital accessible to all women.

Are you surprised?

When Nan was in college,

she was the student council president

and an activist in student movements.

Protests, strikes, or demonstrations—

she participated in all of them. Right?

In terms of progressive thinking,

she's absolutely on par with

those who studied abroad like you.

It's just a shame

she married my old-fashioned father.

Don't listen to him.

Miss Lin, meeting you today,

I feel like I'm seeing my younger self.

I feel that China's new generation

gives me hope for the future.

Thank you for your encouragement, Mrs. Shen.

I'll certainly do my best.

Excuse me,

I'm sorry to interrupt,

but are you sure this is your first time you've met?

I feel like you two are

just like old friends who've known each other for years.

And you're remarkably similar, you know?

You're both equally beautiful,

and your thinking is so perfectly aligned.

So I think when you're free,

you should hang out together, grab meals, or go shopping.

Also, when you're starting your hospital,

if there's anything you don't understand,

you can ask Nan.

Sure.

No problem,

anytime.

Alright, I'll leave you young folks.

I still have some things to take care of downstairs.

Then I'll go give Miss Shen her gift.

She's downstairs. Go ahead.

Miss Shen.

Happy birthday.

Thank you.

Miss Lin, I didn't expect you would come too.

Have you seen my brother?

Haven't you two been out of contact for a long time?

We just ran into each other

and chatted for a bit.

My brother is such a catch.

You should really consider him.

Never mind.

I'm not the type to pressure anyone.

Free love, right?

He's very sought after now.

He's doing really well,

rising rapidly through the government ranks.

Miss Shen.

Happy birthday.

Qiao Shijun, it's you.

Thank you.

Why don't you two dance?

I'll go look around over there.

Siyun.

Shall we dance?

Dance with me.

You hate me?

Some things

that you see

aren't necessarily true.

Marriage is a serious matter.

Are you finished?

If you want to go,

you can go anytime.

I'm waiting for you to bring me good news.

Indeed, there's good news.

First,

Dai Xi truly loves you.

Second,

I'm not dealing with this anymore.

What exactly did she tell you?

Anyway, it's different from what you told me.

Fine.

Buddy,

I'll be honest.

Dai Xi is now caught up in politics.

I have a political enemy surnamed Liu.

You don't know him.

He wants to use Dai Xi to smear my reputation.

You know me.

I never stir up trouble.

But this time, trouble came to me.

Liu is a despicable man.

Before all this happened,

I kept my distance from him,

but now that things have unfolded,

I have no choice but to fight back.

I'm not just going to fight back.

I'm going to defeat him completely,

making him unable to show his face again.

This is politics.

If you're interested,

I'll teach you all about it another day.

But you have to

help me settle this matter.

We've clinked glasses but haven't drunk yet!

Brother.

Brother.

Who was that guy dancing with Lin Siyun?

Him?

He was dancing with Lin Siyun?

Yeah.

Who is he?

He's a pillager,

thug,

and murderer.

You'd better not ask about him.

Sounds quite interesting.

What's wrong with you? Interesting?

You'd better stay...

You'd better stay away from him.

Do you hear me?

I like dancing with a pillager.

I just saw Mayor Wang

come with his son.

Go dance with Mayor Wang's son.

Go on, be a good girl.

I won't!

It's my birthday. Can't I speak my mind?

Since you love dancing so much, go dance with Mayor Wang's son then.

Hey, you... your brat...

Don't keep pointing at me!

You're back, Siyun.

How was it?

Did you enjoy the party?

Let me show you something good.

A written IOU.

[IOU]

The Qiao family promised

that after your wedding,

they'll help me settle all my debts.

I really...

I really thank you for this.

I really mean it—sincerely,

genuinely,

from the bottom of my heart.

You single-handedly

saved our Lin family.

But from today on,

you need to start going to bed and waking up early.

Go jogging,

exercise,

and strengthen your body.

You mustn't fall ill before the wedding.

Mom.

What's going on with Yi's marriage?

What era is this, and you're still arranging her marriage?

What will people say if this gets out?

It'll affect Yi too.

How is she supposed to make friends?

Regarding Yi's marriage...

I don't have the final say.

Whatever your brother says

is what we'll do.

Mom.

If it's inconvenient for you to handle it,

I'll go to the Zhu family myself.

No, no, no need.

I'll handle it.

We completely respect you.

Whatever you disapprove of,

we won't do.

Tomorrow, I'll go talk to Madam Zhu.

And we won't take no for an answer.

Now, if anyone tries to pick on

our Lin family,

I won't stand for it.

[Footprints of Change]

[Episode 2]

For the past 10 years, all my efforts

have focused on changing

the public's prejudice against our Zeng family

so that eventually

we can enter politics and business

with an image of loving the people

and obeying the law.

Therefore,

public opinion is extremely important.

That wretched son of mine, Dalun,

[Prosperity Through Virtue]

has struck the public's most sensitive nerve

at the worst possible moment.

"Of all evils, lust is the worst."

And the victim happened to be

a young girl from a poor family.

Naturally, this has provoked public outrage and widespread anger.

What do you think?

Father, you're right.

But...

Dalun is your only son.

Throughout history, there have been many who betrayed their parents.

I can't control him...

so let the law handle him.

Master, Young Master Zeng has been arrested.

So be it.

Father,

the court hasn't convicted him yet.

We can still bail him out.

Father,

I'll go then.

Ao.

Bring some fine tea

to Detective Wang.

Okay.

Take some fine tea

and call Cheng over.

Yes, Young Master.

♪ Willow buds break, rouge fades light ♪

♪ Face in the mirror drifts with passing time ♪

♪ Swallows bring clay to beams of old ♪

♪ New green spreads across bronze stone ♪

♪ Maple embers glow, wild geese fall silent ♪

♪ Frost descends, and the hair entangled ♪

♪ Bare branches shiver, the sickle moon hangs ♪

♪ Fallen leaves mend a homeland long worn ♪

How much did you pay to bail me out?

If you ask me,

we didn't need to pay a thing.

I never meant to hurt her.

♪ Snow veils the steps, the pendulum slows ♪

Go back to my law firm first.

I need to ask you something.

♪ Hearth-fire dims, tea smoke thins ♪

I didn't expect

♪ In every crease, the years are etched ♪

to get into trouble right after returning to Shanghai.

♪ Deep in the ice, spring trembles awake ♪

They've already filed a lawsuit against you.

♪ Hatred dissolves, love remains ♪

I really didn't mean to harm her.

Didn't I tell you before?

♪ Years slip by in a single breath ♪

If she had just agreed to be with me,

would I have mistreated her?

She jumped out of the car herself.

♪ Savoring the weight and light of longing ♪

It had nothing to do with me.

♪ Living in this mortal world over and over ♪

If you hadn't forced her into the car,

how could she have jumped out?

♪ Living in this mortal world over and over ♪

Don't worry.

Just give that girl's family some money,

and this will all blow over, right?

Even if it can't be resolved,

with you here

and our old man backing me up,

everything will be fine.

I won't die either.

♪ Willow buds break, rouge fades light ♪

At most, I'll do a few years inside.

And when I come out,

♪ Face in the mirror drifts with passing time ♪

I can bring 30 or 40 men into the gang.

Wouldn't that be great?

♪ Swallows bring clay to beams of old ♪

♪ New green spreads across bronze stone ♪

I'm not joking with you.

I'm dead serious.

Shut up!

♪ Maple embers glow, wild geese fall silent ♪

♪ Frost descends, and the hair entangled ♪

Prepare to rot in jail.

♪ Bare branches shiver, the sickle moon hangs ♪

♪ Fallen leaves mend a homeland long worn ♪

In all of Shanghai, only you can yell at me like that.

♪ Snow veils the steps, the pendulum slows ♪

But I know

you're looking out for me.

♪ Hearth-fire dims, tea smoke thins ♪

♪ In every crease, the years are etched ♪

♪ Deep in the ice, spring trembles awake ♪

♪ Hatred dissolves, love remains ♪

♪ Years slip by in a single breath ♪

♪ Savoring the weight and light of longing ♪

♪ Living in this mortal world over and over ♪

Drive carefully.

♪ Living in this mortal world over and over ♪

What do you want to ask?

What was the Lin family's servant girl wearing

when she died?

A red diagonal-buttoned top.

A red floral diagonal-buttoned top.

A green diagonal-buttoned top?

A green floral diagonal-buttoned top?

I was drunk.

I don't really remember.

On which street did she jump from the car?

I already told you I was drunk.

I can't remember clearly.

Zeng Dalun.

You didn't kill her,

so who are you covering for?

I wasn't the one who killed her.

She jumped out of the car

and fell to her death.

Do you know how many newspapers in Shanghai

are waiting to run this story?

I can't hold them off much longer.

If you don't tell me the truth now,

once they publish it,

no one can protect you.

You'll either rot in prison

or

never come back to Shanghai again.

Then you really need to stop them from publishing.

You'll miss me terribly when I'm gone.

Fine,

I'll go then.

Originally, your father was in charge,

and my father was second-in-command.

If your father were still alive,

my father would still be playing second fiddle.

Now things are just returning to their rightful place.

Besides,

you're better suited

to take charge than I am.

Fine.

Don't go too far then.

Just stay in Shanghai.

Spend the rest of your life in prison here,

so I won't miss you too much.

Whatever.

I don't care.

Two options—

you decide.

Come on, calm down.

Don't feel bad for me,

and don't be sad for me either.

Who am I?

I'm Zeng Dalun.

Was it you who stopped the newspaper from running the story?

Yes.

But I won't stop them anymore.

Publish the story. Publish it.

Go ahead and publish it. Publish it.

Publish the story.

I'll bear the consequences.

You may be able to stop one newspaper...

but can you stop every newspaper in Shanghai?

Even if you could stop every newspaper in Shanghai,

I'd write it, print it,

and distribute flyers myself—

I'll make sure everyone in Shanghai knows

what you've all done.

Miss Lin,

there's no need to go to all that trouble.

He's a man of his word.

When he says it'll be published,

then it definitely will be.

You can rest assured.

[Zhongde Hospital]

Hello, is this Dr. Lin?

[Pre-Check]

This is Lingling, a midwife at Zhongde Hospital.

We've just received a woman having difficulty in labor,

and her condition is extremely critical.

But all of our on-duty obstetricians

have been called away to see other patients.

So Director Lu asked me to call and see

if you could come over right away.

No problem.

Great.

What's the situation?

We've just admitted this pregnant woman.

Her family says she's been in labor at home for two days and a night,

and most of her amniotic fluid has leaked out.

Why did they wait so long to bring her in?

The woman came with

her husband and mother-in-law.

Her mother-in-law is a traditional midwife,

and they were planning to deliver the baby at home.

She was only brought in because there was no other way.

Okay.

Got it.

She needs a C-section.

What?

How can that be acceptable?

This is my daughter-in-law's first pregnancy.

If you cut open her belly,

how will she be able to have children in the future?

It won't affect future childbearing.

Is there any other option?

This is the only option.

[Operating Room]

Doctor,

how is she?

The surgery was successful.

You should go home and bring some necessities.

She should stay hospitalized for a month

to fully recover.

Then...

can she still have a second child?

Enough, Mom.

Let's go.

Thank you, doctor. Thank you.

Thank you, doctor.

Back then, my nanny couldn't receive proper treatment

because of backward thinking,

which is why I later went abroad to study.

I hope I can do my best to prevent

such tragedies from happening again.

Oh my goodness! What's happening?

A little hand is coming out!

Quick! Go get me some salt!

What do you need salt for?

Put the salt on that little hand,

and the baby

will instinctively pull it back.

Mom!

Don't panic.

This is just normal dizziness from blood loss during labor.

Go heat up an iron weight until it's red hot,

then bring a bowl of vinegar.

Go now.

I want to take my nanny to the hospital.

You silly girl,

what do you know?

Why don't you trust me?

I've delivered so many babies.

Let me tell you, in a moment,

when she takes that red-hot weight,

we'll pour vinegar over it.

Once that smell hits her nose,

she'll wake up immediately.

Give me.

Siyun...

See?

Isn't she awake now?

Siyun...

Take good care of Xiu.

Nanny...

Spirits of heaven and earth.

Nanny!

Nanny, wake up!

Nanny, please wake up!

Nanny!

Spirits of heaven and earth,

please bless us.

Please grant us peace and good fortune.

Sorry, I'm late.

I had to perform an emergency surgery.

It's alright.

I'm just glad you could make it.

Come on.

I thought you might not be able to make it

because you had to deal with Xiu's matter.

The surgery must have tired you out.

Come on, sit.

Thank you.

Would you like some hot water?

No, thanks.

My parents will be a bit late.

Let's wait for them.

Siyun.

I'm really happy.

Happy about what?

I've always dreamed of marrying a doctor.

I can't believe my dream came true.

Siyun?

You look so beautiful when you blush.

I just read in the newspaper

that

you're going to sue Zeng Dalun.

Yes.

He's the one who caused Xiu's death.

Then...

do you know about the Zeng family's background?

I know.

Siyun,

you are a truly

admirable woman.

Really.

My family is in business

and has no dealings with them,

but

if you ever have any problems in the future,

I will help you.

I will always

stand by your side...

and protect you.

Thank you, Shijun.

You look so beautiful tonight.

Uncle, Aunt.

Mom, Dad.

Siyun, you've grown even more beautiful.

What do you mean, "grown"?

Siyun has been beautiful since she was little.

Please sit down.

Let's have dinner.

Siyun.

See?

My parents and I share the same aesthetic taste.

Bring the dishes up.

Here, Siyun.

Thank you.

Uncle.

Aunt.

I have a personal matter

that I'd like to get your advice on.

Go ahead.

I want to open a maternity hospital.

And then?

I studied obstetrics and gynecology in Germany for 4 years.

The country funded my education,

so I want to give back by serving the public.

Besides,

from a business perspective,

right now,

90% of births in our country

are handled by traditional midwives.

But that carries risks.

If we establish

a highly professional maternity hospital,

we can help mothers give birth safely

while providing solid returns to investors.

Uncle,

what do you think?

I think it's an excellent idea.

Write up a proposal,

prepare a budget,

and I'll take a look.

Okay.

I'll help her with it.

Good.

Cheers.

Father wants you to leave.

Leave Shanghai.

Why?

What do you mean, "why"?

Don't you know what you've done?

I can't defend this case with a not-guilty plea.

In fact,

this is a case of negligent homicide.

We need the victim's family's forgiveness and the court's leniency

to reduce your sentence.

But the plaintiff wants you to get a severe sentence.

You need to get your luggage ready.

Pack up when you have time.

When should I leave?

The sooner the better.

Just my darn luck.

I just got back, and now I have to leave again.

Do you have a place in mind?

Northeast China.

Why there?

The latitude there is

similar to where I studied abroad.

I look good in heavy clothes.

Plus, the situation there is chaotic.

"In times of turmoil, heroes rise."

Where's the gift I gave you?

You mean this?

You want it back?

Well, I'll give you two options too:

one,

I keep this and go to Northeast China.

Two,

I return this to you,

and I go to jail.

Keep your head down once you get there.

No one will protect you there.

I'll miss you.

When I write to you, remember to write back.

Just don't send me a farewell letter.

Go back and pack up early.

Miss Lin!

Miss Lin.

You don't need to go to court anymore.

Mr. Zeng has already paid the fine for Zeng Dalun,

and Zeng Dalun

has also left Shanghai.

You arranged this, didn't you?

Here's the compensation.

Get lost.

None of you Zengs is any good.

Sometimes what you see

isn't necessarily the truth.

What do you mean?

The one who killed Xiu

wasn't Dalun.

Get lost!

You're an accomplice to murder.

If you ever need help,

just let me know anytime.

You're not only thick-skinned

but also shameless.

Siyun.

I asked you out for no particular reason.

I just wanted to chat with you

to cheer you up.

After living and studying in Germany for 4 years,

how does it feel to be back?

It's fine.

"Fine"?

Still putting on a brave face?

You've been through so much since you came back,

and you think I don't know?

No matter who experienced those things,

they couldn't possibly feel "fine."

But Siyun,

isn't that just how life is?

Since things have already happened,

we can't run away from them

and can only face them bravely.

If there's anything you need my help with,

just say the word.

Anything at all.

You're going to marry Qiao Shijun.

That's good.

Wishing you happiness.

Thank you, Shen Yiqun.

I really didn't.

You know me.

How could I possibly

fall for a woman so easily?

That night, she kept pouring me drinks;

after baijiu came beer,

and after beer came wine.

I drank way too much.

When I woke up the next morning,

there was breakfast by the bedside.

A few days later, she claimed she was pregnant.

How am I supposed to believe that?

That's the whole situation.

Anyway, you have to help me.

How am I supposed to help you?

Isn't this your usual style?

Come on, man, don't joke around.

I was completely wasted.

How could I maintain my usual behavior?

I think this woman is up to something.

It's a trap. She's trying to set me up.

I swear on my honor.

You have honor?

Occasionally.

What if she really is pregnant with your child?

If she really is pregnant with my child,

then she's lucky.

I'll support her,

and I'll raise the child.

But do you think that's even possible?

We only knew each other for one day.

That in just one day,

a woman would be willing to have a child for a man she's just met—

it's absurd.

You won't do this for free.

If you can resolve this

without spending a penny,

all this money is yours.

I've got another meeting. I gotta go.

Go handle this right away.

Hello,

I'm looking for Director Shen.

I have an appointment.

My name is Lin Siyun.

I know you.

Please come with me.

Hello, Director Shen.

My name is Lin Siyun.

Please have a seat.

These are my documents for my application to open a maternity hospital.

Please review them.

Miss Lin, I hope your hospital

will be very successful.

Thank you, Director Shen.

When the hospital opens,

please come with your wife for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Okay, certainly.

I'll go with Mr. Qiao then.

By the way,

there's one more thing.

My daughter is turning 20,

and I'd like to invite you

and Qiao Shijun to come to her birthday party.

You young people can

chat and make friends,

okay?

Okay.

Thank you, Director Shen.

I'll take my leave now.

Okay, okay.

Hello,

Miss Dai Xi.

Who are you?

I'm here on behalf of Mr. Shen Yiqun

to have a chat

with you, Miss Dai.

Tell Shen Yiqun.

My demands are very clear.

He must publish in the newspaper,

acknowledging me and my child.

He must marry me properly into his family.

I want to be Mrs. Shen.

My child

must have inheritance rights to his family fortune.

How much money do you want?

Are you men all this shameless?

I don't want money.

I want legitimacy.

Guess

why I'm here?

He can't give you

the legitimacy you want.

Then I'll see him in court.

If I suffer,

he won't have it easy either.

When he was pursuing me,

he was so attentive

and full of sweet talk.

And now?

Once he got what he wanted, he changed.

He pursued you?

Yes.

When he was pursuing me,

he promised to treat me well,

to take responsibility for me,

and to marry me.

What did he tell you?

Pretty much the same as you said.

Sister-in-law,

have you named the baby yet?

No. Your brother said

we should consult the fortune teller who named Yi.

Where's Yi?

I haven't seen her anywhere.

Mom took her to the hospital.

Hospital?

Don't worry.

They went to visit a relative,

you know,

Yi's fiancé.

Wasn't that engagement called off?

No.

Why not?

I don't have a say in this matter.

Your brother makes the decisions.

Grandma,

why are we coming to the hospital?

I'm bringing you to meet

your cousin, whom you've never met before,

Xiong.

W-Why do I need to meet him?

What do you mean, "why"?

He's family.

Just get to know each other.

Alright.

You two kids play.

Grandma will step out for a bit

and come back to pick you up later.

So you're Xiong?

I'm Yi.

How old are you?

Why are you here?

What illness do you have?

Have you read Andersen's Fairy Tales?

Do you know Darwin?

[Zhongde Hospital: palpitations, chest tightness, arrhythmia, and dyspnea]

[Congenital heart disease— VSD with moderate tricuspid insufficiency]

I'm going to die.

Don't say that. You'll be fine.

Father, you wanted to see me?

Come on, have a seat.

The Shen family sent an invitation.

[To Cheng Ao]

It's for their eldest daughter's

birthday party.

The Shen family is really riding high lately.

Their eldest son

has just been promoted

to a key position in the government.

They say it's their daughter's birthday party,

but it's just an excuse...

to show off.

Ao.

You and Shen's eldest son were classmates in England.

How are you getting along?

We're on good terms,

but

we don't have much contact professionally.

Why not?

I don't know how to deal with politicians like him.

That's a scholar's pretentiousness.

When a friend of yours becomes successful,

you avoid him,

and that can show your moral superiority?

No matter how high an official someone becomes,

they still need support from friends.

I'm not asking you to deliberately curry favor with him,

but there's no need

to avoid him either, right?

Ao.

This family...

will be yours to run in the future.

Take the invitation and go.

Rest early, Father.

Bravo! Bravo!

Nan.

Siyun.

This is Nan.

You can call her Mrs. Shen,

or you can just call her Nan

like I do.

Nice to meet you, Mrs. Shen.

Likewise, Miss Lin.

I've always heard Yiqun mention you,

and I finally get to meet you today.

I've also heard

that you want to open a maternity hospital.

Yes.

When it opens,

I'd be honored if you'd come and cut the ribbon.

I'd be delighted to.

But I'm curious.

Why do you want to open a maternity hospital?

I'm opening this hospital because

giving birth in a hospital is

a luxury many women can't afford.

I want to lower that barrier

so I can help

more ordinary women in labor.

That's very admirable.

To be honest,

before I got married,

I always wanted to establish

a maternity hospital accessible to all women.

Are you surprised?

When Nan was in college,

she was the student council president

and an activist in student movements.

Protests, strikes, or demonstrations—

she participated in all of them. Right?

In terms of progressive thinking,

she's absolutely on par with

those who studied abroad like you.

It's just a shame

she married my old-fashioned father.

Don't listen to him.

Miss Lin, meeting you today,

I feel like I'm seeing my younger self.

I feel that China's new generation

gives me hope for the future.

Thank you for your encouragement, Mrs. Shen.

I'll certainly do my best.

Excuse me,

I'm sorry to interrupt,

but are you sure this is your first time you've met?

I feel like you two are

just like old friends who've known each other for years.

And you're remarkably similar, you know?

You're both equally beautiful,

and your thinking is so perfectly aligned.

So I think when you're free,

you should hang out together, grab meals, or go shopping.

Also, when you're starting your hospital,

if there's anything you don't understand,

you can ask Nan.

Sure.

No problem,

anytime.

Alright, I'll leave you young folks.

I still have some things to take care of downstairs.

Then I'll go give Miss Shen her gift.

She's downstairs. Go ahead.

Miss Shen.

Happy birthday.

Thank you.

Miss Lin, I didn't expect you would come too.

Have you seen my brother?

Haven't you two been out of contact for a long time?

We just ran into each other

and chatted for a bit.

My brother is such a catch.

You should really consider him.

Never mind.

I'm not the type to pressure anyone.

Free love, right?

He's very sought after now.

He's doing really well,

rising rapidly through the government ranks.

Miss Shen.

Happy birthday.

Qiao Shijun, it's you.

Thank you.

Why don't you two dance?

I'll go look around over there.

Siyun.

Shall we dance?

Dance with me.

You hate me?

Some things

that you see

aren't necessarily true.

Marriage is a serious matter.

Are you finished?

If you want to go,

you can go anytime.

I'm waiting for you to bring me good news.

Indeed, there's good news.

First,

Dai Xi truly loves you.

Second,

I'm not dealing with this anymore.

What exactly did she tell you?

Anyway, it's different from what you told me.

Fine.

Buddy,

I'll be honest.

Dai Xi is now caught up in politics.

I have a political enemy surnamed Liu.

You don't know him.

He wants to use Dai Xi to smear my reputation.

You know me.

I never stir up trouble.

But this time, trouble came to me.

Liu is a despicable man.

Before all this happened,

I kept my distance from him,

but now that things have unfolded,

I have no choice but to fight back.

I'm not just going to fight back.

I'm going to defeat him completely,

making him unable to show his face again.

This is politics.

If you're interested,

I'll teach you all about it another day.

But you have to

help me settle this matter.

We've clinked glasses but haven't drunk yet!

Brother.

Brother.

Who was that guy dancing with Lin Siyun?

Him?

He was dancing with Lin Siyun?

Yeah.

Who is he?

He's a pillager,

thug,

and murderer.

You'd better not ask about him.

Sounds quite interesting.

What's wrong with you? Interesting?

You'd better stay...

You'd better stay away from him.

Do you hear me?

I like dancing with a pillager.

I just saw Mayor Wang

come with his son.

Go dance with Mayor Wang's son.

Go on, be a good girl.

I won't!

It's my birthday. Can't I speak my mind?

Since you love dancing so much, go dance with Mayor Wang's son then.

Hey, you... your brat...

Don't keep pointing at me!

You're back, Siyun.

How was it?

Did you enjoy the party?

Let me show you something good.

A written IOU.

[IOU]

The Qiao family promised

that after your wedding,

they'll help me settle all my debts.

I really...

I really thank you for this.

I really mean it—sincerely,

genuinely,

from the bottom of my heart.

You single-handedly

saved our Lin family.

But from today on,

you need to start going to bed and waking up early.

Go jogging,

exercise,

and strengthen your body.

You mustn't fall ill before the wedding.

Mom.

What's going on with Yi's marriage?

What era is this, and you're still arranging her marriage?

What will people say if this gets out?

It'll affect Yi too.

How is she supposed to make friends?

Regarding Yi's marriage...

I don't have the final say.

Whatever your brother says

is what we'll do.

Mom.

If it's inconvenient for you to handle it,

I'll go to the Zhu family myself.

No, no, no need.

I'll handle it.

We completely respect you.

Whatever you disapprove of,

we won't do.

Tomorrow, I'll go talk to Madam Zhu.

And we won't take no for an answer.

Now, if anyone tries to pick on

our Lin family,

I won't stand for it.