Nuan (2003) - full transcript
Flash back from the
day I went to university
it had been close to 10 years
since I came back here.
The village hadn't changed much.
Somehow I felt a stranger.
Every road paved is
where it should be,
as if waiting for my return
for the past 10 years.
Deep down in my heart
I felt a bit regretful,
is it that I've left for too long or
that I came back here in haste?
Chief,
- here's to you.
- Okay!
- Drink up Jinghe.
- Okay!
Okay, he's making a good impression.
Let's bottom up together.
C'mon, eat up.
C'mon, let's eat.
Let's eat!
Teacher Chau,
Isn't it strange,
my son toe's as long as my thumb.
When did you came back?
I've never thought that it
would go so smoothly.
I'm going back to the city soon.
I'm taking the morning
train back tomorrow.
Better to go back earlier.
It's so unfortunate that you
came all the way for nothing.
The time is not right to spend money.
You see, it'll come again.
Teacher Chau,
I still remember when you send
me on my way to university.
You bought 15 'pau',
and I ate 11 'pau' in a mouthful.
Do you still remember?
Yeah!
Nuan?
Yeah.
Nuan! Nuan!
It's me, Jinghe!
I don't recognised you, Jinghe.
Can't imagine running into you here.
I've just arrived this morning.
It's to discussed Teacher Chau
plan's to build a duck barn,
I just came back to lend a voice.
I heard that,
you managed to clear up
Teacher Chau 2 years
of predicament with just
a few words.
He bought you drinks as
gratitude for your help.
The villagers praised that
you're a grateful person.
It's the devil's weather!
Almost could cooked you alive.
This year autumn is so hot.
I thought that
you're not living here in
the village anymore.
How're you?
I'm fine...
depends on how
you mean by fine.
I've ample foods and clothings,
and married with a child.
Except for the pain
in my leg, I'm fine.
I'm in good health,
is that considered fine?
Of course I don't know how
you city folks defined fine.
You still hate me?
Hate you?
I'm only angry with God.
Goddamn sun is so hot.
C'mon, give me a hand.
Let me give you a ride on my bike.
Forget it.
My bum is so big, how're
you going to push it?
Give me a hand!
Wait for me.
Ride along while I walked.
If you're not leaving,
come and visit me.
I know now why for
so many years
the reason's that I did not
return to the village.
I daren't!
I'm afraid to see her,
but I'm more afraid that
I can't meet her.
I remember Nuan once asked me,
why is a swing called a swing?
In our village,
we build a swing every autumn.
It's the only source
of entertainment
in the village for both
men and women.
I don't know how many
years it had been
since someone took the
liberty to ask this question,
including me.
Nuan normally asked question's
that other people never thought of.
When I went to the university,
I forgot all about the
autumn at the village.
I don't really know why
a swing is called a swing.
Come to think of it,
when Nuan and me first started,
it seems it's related to the swing.
You're home.
It's late, Jinghe.
The train station's 20 minutes from here.
Let me send you there.
When'll your brother comes to
visit your mum?
Don't forget we choose him.
Teacher Chau, I'm not leaving today.
It's alright if you're not leaving.
Someone mum, start the
fire and get cooking.
Me and Jinghe'll have a few drinks.
The wine we had in the
afternoon was bland.
Jinghe!
What can you see?
I can the farmer hut.
and also I can see 'the
mute' toiling in the field.
Nuan!
What can you see?
Me?
I can see Beijing.
I can also see Tiananmen Square.
At that times Nuan and I were still schooling.
I was older than her by a few years.
Our families were poor, so we
took the afternoon session.
I'm willing to be with Nuan.
After school on the way
home everyday,
my heart would sang happily.
The strange thing was,
when Nuan started singing,
what she sang...
was the same song that
I'm singing in my heart.
This feeling makes me felt so weird.
The other way of saying it is,
this makes us
unique in a sense.
It gave me a lot of confidence.
She's a brave and courageous
girl within this village.
She's beautiful, good
in singing and dancing
and could be considered
the ideal partner.
Teacher Chau!
Why didn't you mentioned
in your letter
that Nuan and 'the mute'
had gotten married?
I'm old and getting forgetful.
They've been married close
to 6 or 7 years already.
'The mute' father at that time...
That year my brother
came to fetch my mum,
to meet with a match-making
prospect in the city.
I thought...
she had already married
to a guy from the city.
Jinghe--
can you take along
some sweets for me?
Give some to Nuan.
Her kid is almost 5-6 years old.
When you met someone,
your view towards perspective of
life can undergo a big change.
It's as though you're suddenly
engulfed by emotions,
taking your all including your life
and you would even
refused to escape.
Is Nuan home?
Is Nuan home?
I'm here!
Yau, quick!
I'm telling you,
your dad's here.
Someone's here...
Hey, take this!
Don't laugh if my house is
not what you would expected.
Come and have a sit inside.
I guess...
you'll not be going
out since it's raining.
We'll see.
Come have a sit inside.
Don't worried about them, Jinghe.
Our show's definitely
gonna win an award.
We might even get to
perform in the city.
Yeah, then we'll be
able to ride in a car.
I would like to ride in a car.
We might be chosen
to contest faraway
from here and needed
to travel there by train.
C'mon...1, 2, 3.
Nuan--
Teacher Tao said that...
we're good enough to compete
with troupes from the city.
Your chances of joining
one of the
troupes' from the city are very high.
It'll be wonderful if selected.
Really!
Who knows, Nuan might be
the next Teresa Teng.
Yeah, by that time don't you forget us.
Stop it, don't daydream.
Look, 'the mute' is coming.
'The mute' is coming.
Damn mute,
wish you'll die in vain.
All your ducks will
run away tomorrow.
You'll not be able to
recover a single one.
- Don't move.
- Softer.
You saw 'the mute' teased me
and you didn't offer to help.
Go and beat up 'the mute' for me.
You hear what I'm saying?
I know.
Hold still!
Chicky, chicky eat sweets.
Chicky chicky eat sweets.
You eat and I eat too.
The sweets is very tasty.
I've told him...
you came back solely
for the purpose
of solving Teacher Chau problems.
Furthermore I told him that you're
now a goverment official in Beijing.
If there're any problems,
we can asked for your help.
I also said to him,
that you've found a
Beijing girl as your wife.
What's your wife occupation?
Teaching!
We're classmate in the
same university.
That's nice.
How old is your kid?
Just a month.
Baby boy?
Baby boy!
City folks normally opted to
have children later.
I know that you'll get married,
but I never thought
that you would marry him.
You were so frightened of
him when you were younger.
Have you never heard rivally
eventually becoming a couple?
Send them home.
Move!
Move!
Move!
That year my brother
came to fetch my mum.
He didn't see you.
He said that you went to
the city to meet with
a groom prospect arranged
by the match-maker.
At that time, I was hoping that
you'll meet someone who'll suit you.
He's a store clerk.
He wants to meet me
after seeing my photo
and he accompanied me
around town.
I stayed at his sister house
and helped her to baby-sit.
We got on quite well.
But she would never go out with me.
Later on...after having
giving it some thoughts,
I really can't imposed
myself on other people,
and so I came home.
She was crying miserably.
Ultimately, you didn't meet
anyone that's suitable?
What do you mean by suitable?
And what's not suitable?
Nuan, do you still sing?
Sing? I hardly talked.
He can't talk,
and Yauyau took after
him and seldom talk too.
The entire day I was busy
in and outside of the house.
Where in the world would
I still have the mood?
You don't have a TV at home.
I guess in the village,
most of the villagers had a TV.
It's not that I couldn't afford
the few hundred dollars...
I'm afraid that he can't hear,
and would get agitated.
I'll be in trouble then.
Yauyau was hassling me to buy one.
We'll talk later.
Bravo!
Bravo!
Bravo!
Bravo!
The acrobat troupe is
liken to a large magnet.
It attracted all the villagers
attention both young and old.
The event is similar to the
autumn 'swing' past times.
Problem is, it absorbed
certain things away...
which is difficult to bring back
to it's original placement.
Nuan is just like that.
Her eyes gazed fully upon the
handsome acrobat performer.
Nothing can cause her
to move away.
Nuan had never adored
me like that before.
Let's go, we're going to be late.
Let's go!! Going to be late.
You go first. Applied leave
for me and said that I'm sick.
I'm leaving.
Dinner's ready.
Hope that you'll be
please with my cooking.
Come!
When this child is not
talking, she'll used gestures.
She got on well with her father.
When you were a child, you
used to quarrel with your father.
Don't drink too much.
He's a good drinker.
Just let him win.
C'mon!
Just hold this for me.
Sis, what're you doing?
I'm sending it to the troupe.
Okay!
You just let mum knows.
'The mute' is chasing me.
'The mute' is here.
He's after me.
All that materialises in
front of our sight,
although the conclusion
is beyond doubt--
...just refused to accept reality.
In my heart at that moment,
the taste of bitterness is unbearable.
Did he scorched you?
It's nothing.
You're really kind.
Yau...stop playing.
Let's have dinner.
Uncle!
Train.
I've seen train on the TV before.
Uncle came here by train.
Really?
(Uncle came here by train)
Is the train fast?
It's very fast.
I'll take you for a train
ride one of these day.
Mother, uncle is gonna
take me for a train ride.
(Uncle will take me for a train ride)
C'mon!
I'm meant to be here.
You've the right persona.
You should understudy in the city.
Can I?
Let me speak to the troupe master.
Can I really make it?
Yeah!
You're so beautiful.
You're a born artist.
Dad!
Dad!
Dad...
Teacher Tao said that my voice is good.
Our show had been
selected for competition.
If we won,
we can compete in the city.
Can you buy for me
a pair of leather shoes?
Are you listening?
Teacher Tao also say...
Why don't you go back
home after school?
You keep bothering me
for this and that.
Nuan!
Nuan!
My mum beats me too.
It's just a pair of shoes...
When I've the money,
I'll buy it for you.
Let's go.
Troupe master!
My child had starved
herself for a night.
I beg you,
you said my child had potential,
would you please take
her with you?
You don't need to pay her wages,
just provide her foods and lodging.
Your daughter certainly has potential.
She will have a conducive
enviroment to train in
but I can't just take her
along like that.
When we have the next intake...
At that time I wished that
Nuan can follow the troupe.
I can't really bear to
see her dejected face.
If I were that
handsome acrobat, I'll
definitely take her along
no matter what,
but I'm not that acrobat.
And he's not me.
Nuan...I understood!
What it meant to be in love.
We were both love-lorn.
Both of us felt bitter.
Why don't you eat more?
Enough, I'm full.
The weather in the city
should be cooler.
It's alright!
The interior is not very airy.
Our place here is different.
The winter is not that cold.
Nuan, do you still remember
that year autumn?
It was snowing,
It seldom snow now.
The both of us ran happily to the
ancestral shrine to frolic in the snow.
We played for the whole day.
Yeah...right!
I remember at that time,
we stayed out until very late.
The cotton shoe's that
my mum made for me,
was soaked right through.
That's right.
We then ran to Auntie Chang's house.
I asked you to dry
my shoe's for me
but I've never imagined
that you would
burnt a hole in it.
I was so scared that
I dare not return home.
You were crying and
kicking up a fuss.
I'm forced to compensate
you a pair of shoes.
And I've to take off
my shoes for you.
Are you still teasing me?
It's so shameful.
New pair of leather shoes. Mum
has a new pair of leather shoes.
Mum's has a new pair of leather shoes.
How can you be so naughty?
You'll damage mum shoes.
Sis, the worms have all
gone into a cocoon.
Yeah, it's the last batch.
After selling this last batch of cocoon,
you're going for match-making.
You think so?
We'll have a day off in the city
after selling this batch of cocoon.
Okay!
Remember to take me along.
During class, that boy
Tawei didn't pay
much attention to what's
written on the blackboard.
He just turn around and
kept staring at you.
Let him stare.
I'll not look for a husband from the village.
Marriage is once in a lifetime, why
not marry further away from here?
She's not happy again.
Looks like that guy is not
going to come for her.
He's from the city, surely
he'll look down on us.
Nuan likes to blabber about them,
see what's happen now?
Nuan!
Nuan!!
I've been looking for you.
They're here! They're here!
They're having new intakes.
Come quick and register yourself.
I'll write for you the
intoduction resume.
Seat carefully.
Nuan, why don't you give it a try?
The troupe is not from the city.
If you qualified,
you can go and worked
in the city.
Wouldn't that be nice?
I just want to try the
troupe from the city.
He haven't been here for
more than a year.
I guess he had already
forgotten about you.
No way!
Why is there no news from him then?
Maybe there's no fresh intake
at the moment.
Yeah, I bet.
No!
You just don't understand.
They'll not be coming anymore.
They will!
He told me himself.
He'll surely come to fetch me.
He's lying to you.
No!
Don't be foolish.
He looks down on us.
Nuan!
I wanna give you a present.
What's that?
Take a guess?
I don't know.
Have a look--
It's pretty looking.
My brother asked someone
to buy it from the city.
My mum said it's too pretty.
It'll be a waste if
she were to wear it.
I took it from my mum.
She knew what I was thinking.
Without another word,
she just gave it to me.
I want to give it to you.
Jinghe...
Give me a push.
C'mon!
I wanna push you up all
the way to heaven.
Bride and groom
exchange drink.
Aiyah...
Everyone is in a joyful mood
except you.
What is it to you?
Don't pretend to be a fool.
You're always like that,
letting other tease you.
If you don't wanna see,
just go away.
Am I bothering you?
Don't wait for him anymore.
He had already forgotten about you.
He said that,
he'll never forget me.
Then why doesn't he show up?
If he's not coming this year,
he'll be here the next.
If he's not here by next year,
he'll come the following year.
If he comes to fetch me,
I'll marry him.
Don't you keep on day-dreaming.
Even if you agreed to
marry him and
brought along 200 catties
of pork as bridal gift,
he'll still not want you.
He'll only love you for awhile,
what's so grand about it then.
I can and I'm willing.
Why are you still waiting for him?
Nuan, why don't you just
speak nicely to your dad?
Just complete your high
school education,
and after that,
we can take the
university entrance exam
together.
We still can go to the city.
Why should you wait for him?
If he really doesn't show up,
what're you gonna do about it?
I'll marry you if he doesn't show up.
I don't want!
Are you feeling belittle?
Nuan!
I really liked you.
I'll take good care of you.
I'm a man of my words.
I've already told you before,
if he doesn't show up,
then I'll marry you.
But you must finished your
university examination.
That was the first time that
I felt Nuan body on me,
and that was also the only time.
At that moment itself I don't
want to argue with her over him,
but there're no other choice.
She should understand
her own emotions.
It would help our stagnant situation.
I know that I need to
be more courageous.
Hugging onto her bravery,
I don't want to be
a replacement
in her heart for that acrobat.
The swinging helps.
It urged me to be more courageous.
Shielding my fear,
increasing my prowess.
I wish that I could just
swing on forever,
to be able to really fly.
I've finally managed to
get into the university.
When I held the acceptance
letter in my hand,
my thought was only on Nuan.
All the secrets and emotions
held within my heart,
I'll be able to pour it out to her.
I'm used to walking here.
Someone will see us.
Jinghe.
I wonder how's life will
be like at the university?
I have no idea.
Since it's in the city,
must be different from here.
I've told people numerous times,
on the day that I left the
village to go to the university,
with all villagers coming
to see me off,
there was a slight detail missing.
At that time, Nuan was around.
After the accident,
our relationship got closer.
I immersed myself into my study.
If I can pass the university exams,
I can help to achieve her dreams.
In other words, fulfilled her
dreams on her behalf.
I've faith in myself.
and Nuan trusted me too.
Uncle...
I'll definitely come
and fetch Nuan.
You're talking nonsense.
Uncle...
- I--
- Study hard!
I will help Nuan to attend university.
Nuan.
The letter is in the envelope,
I don't have the money
for the stamps.
You must reply my letter.
Let's go.
C'mon.
Jinghe...
I don't matches you.
Your promises...
are you regretting it?
I'm worried that in future the
one regretting is you and not me.
You don't trust me?
If the 3 letters that
you left for me--
and I didn't reply...
then you can forget about me.
Nuan!
Reply my letters!!
Nuan...
I should be leaving.
If you required any assistance,
you can look for me.
The both of you take good care.
He shouldn't mistreat you.
I'm leaving then.
Yau, come here.
I'm leaving.
Jinghe!
Wait!
I don't know how to
use it, just take it away.
Nuan.
Nuan...
when I look at you, I remember
the times when we're together.
Come back and visit me.
I'm happy with what I have.
Nuan, in this world
the one debt that I
owe the most, is to you.
Nonsense!
I'm well taken care of.
What's better than
having your own children?
Nuan...
I...I've forgotten you.
You didn't!
You came back, so how could
you've forgot about me?
Nuan.
Jinghe--
just take the umbrella away,
I need to go on home.
It's not too difficult to
understand what happen next.
Nuan hadn't awaken and
was living in her past dreams.
The only difference now was...
the one she's waiting
for is me.
Letter!
Jinghe, don't be so sad.
Teacher Chau, even if
you came to fetch her,
how things may have turn out
might not be so rosy either.
I'm slowly getting used to
living in the city.
Furthermore, there are more important
matters that required my attention.
She influenced my feelings for Nuan.
No longer do I cared that Nuan
is waiting back home for me.
Later on, I did not received
any letter from her.
I know that Nuan's afraid of rejection.
Deep within my heart,
I'm secretly glad that I did
not received any of her letters,
making me feel at ease.
I don't want to hear any
more news regarding her.
The reality of life changes me.
Nuan experienced once
more the futily of unreturned love.
I promised to fetch her,
but I didn't.
In a flash, 10 years had gone by.
Why don't you tell me?
I've never blame you!
What's the point of telling me now?
Yau!
Take it!
Where's your mum?
They quarrel!
Nuan.
You better be leaving.
Come Yau!
Return the umbrella to uncle.
I purposely bring it for her
and to bide you farewell.
Let me see you off.
It's not necessary.
Is he in the house?
I'll get him.
No need.
Is he..he alright?
He's alright.
If you need any help in future,
you must look for me.
Nuan...
I'm still the same Jinghe!
Bring your kid along
when you're
free and back the next time.
For sure.
Can you tell him please
that the next time I'm back,
I'll bring him Beijing finest wine.
Nuan...
My dad wants you to
take us both away.
My dad wants you to
take us both away.
When you grow up,
I'll definitely come and fetch
you to study in the city.
I'll be sure to come and fetch you.
My promises is my only regret.
Human make mistakes.
But it's not everyone
who will have
the opportunity to
right ones wrong.
I can be considered fortunate,
I tried to suppress my memories.
A person who don't want
to return to his village,
no matter how, also can't
escape from his first love.
Come to think of it,
'the mute' is fortunate.
My worries are my comfort.
What the mute gave Nuan,
I might not be able to...
that's to say Nuan is lucky.
day I went to university
it had been close to 10 years
since I came back here.
The village hadn't changed much.
Somehow I felt a stranger.
Every road paved is
where it should be,
as if waiting for my return
for the past 10 years.
Deep down in my heart
I felt a bit regretful,
is it that I've left for too long or
that I came back here in haste?
Chief,
- here's to you.
- Okay!
- Drink up Jinghe.
- Okay!
Okay, he's making a good impression.
Let's bottom up together.
C'mon, eat up.
C'mon, let's eat.
Let's eat!
Teacher Chau,
Isn't it strange,
my son toe's as long as my thumb.
When did you came back?
I've never thought that it
would go so smoothly.
I'm going back to the city soon.
I'm taking the morning
train back tomorrow.
Better to go back earlier.
It's so unfortunate that you
came all the way for nothing.
The time is not right to spend money.
You see, it'll come again.
Teacher Chau,
I still remember when you send
me on my way to university.
You bought 15 'pau',
and I ate 11 'pau' in a mouthful.
Do you still remember?
Yeah!
Nuan?
Yeah.
Nuan! Nuan!
It's me, Jinghe!
I don't recognised you, Jinghe.
Can't imagine running into you here.
I've just arrived this morning.
It's to discussed Teacher Chau
plan's to build a duck barn,
I just came back to lend a voice.
I heard that,
you managed to clear up
Teacher Chau 2 years
of predicament with just
a few words.
He bought you drinks as
gratitude for your help.
The villagers praised that
you're a grateful person.
It's the devil's weather!
Almost could cooked you alive.
This year autumn is so hot.
I thought that
you're not living here in
the village anymore.
How're you?
I'm fine...
depends on how
you mean by fine.
I've ample foods and clothings,
and married with a child.
Except for the pain
in my leg, I'm fine.
I'm in good health,
is that considered fine?
Of course I don't know how
you city folks defined fine.
You still hate me?
Hate you?
I'm only angry with God.
Goddamn sun is so hot.
C'mon, give me a hand.
Let me give you a ride on my bike.
Forget it.
My bum is so big, how're
you going to push it?
Give me a hand!
Wait for me.
Ride along while I walked.
If you're not leaving,
come and visit me.
I know now why for
so many years
the reason's that I did not
return to the village.
I daren't!
I'm afraid to see her,
but I'm more afraid that
I can't meet her.
I remember Nuan once asked me,
why is a swing called a swing?
In our village,
we build a swing every autumn.
It's the only source
of entertainment
in the village for both
men and women.
I don't know how many
years it had been
since someone took the
liberty to ask this question,
including me.
Nuan normally asked question's
that other people never thought of.
When I went to the university,
I forgot all about the
autumn at the village.
I don't really know why
a swing is called a swing.
Come to think of it,
when Nuan and me first started,
it seems it's related to the swing.
You're home.
It's late, Jinghe.
The train station's 20 minutes from here.
Let me send you there.
When'll your brother comes to
visit your mum?
Don't forget we choose him.
Teacher Chau, I'm not leaving today.
It's alright if you're not leaving.
Someone mum, start the
fire and get cooking.
Me and Jinghe'll have a few drinks.
The wine we had in the
afternoon was bland.
Jinghe!
What can you see?
I can the farmer hut.
and also I can see 'the
mute' toiling in the field.
Nuan!
What can you see?
Me?
I can see Beijing.
I can also see Tiananmen Square.
At that times Nuan and I were still schooling.
I was older than her by a few years.
Our families were poor, so we
took the afternoon session.
I'm willing to be with Nuan.
After school on the way
home everyday,
my heart would sang happily.
The strange thing was,
when Nuan started singing,
what she sang...
was the same song that
I'm singing in my heart.
This feeling makes me felt so weird.
The other way of saying it is,
this makes us
unique in a sense.
It gave me a lot of confidence.
She's a brave and courageous
girl within this village.
She's beautiful, good
in singing and dancing
and could be considered
the ideal partner.
Teacher Chau!
Why didn't you mentioned
in your letter
that Nuan and 'the mute'
had gotten married?
I'm old and getting forgetful.
They've been married close
to 6 or 7 years already.
'The mute' father at that time...
That year my brother
came to fetch my mum,
to meet with a match-making
prospect in the city.
I thought...
she had already married
to a guy from the city.
Jinghe--
can you take along
some sweets for me?
Give some to Nuan.
Her kid is almost 5-6 years old.
When you met someone,
your view towards perspective of
life can undergo a big change.
It's as though you're suddenly
engulfed by emotions,
taking your all including your life
and you would even
refused to escape.
Is Nuan home?
Is Nuan home?
I'm here!
Yau, quick!
I'm telling you,
your dad's here.
Someone's here...
Hey, take this!
Don't laugh if my house is
not what you would expected.
Come and have a sit inside.
I guess...
you'll not be going
out since it's raining.
We'll see.
Come have a sit inside.
Don't worried about them, Jinghe.
Our show's definitely
gonna win an award.
We might even get to
perform in the city.
Yeah, then we'll be
able to ride in a car.
I would like to ride in a car.
We might be chosen
to contest faraway
from here and needed
to travel there by train.
C'mon...1, 2, 3.
Nuan--
Teacher Tao said that...
we're good enough to compete
with troupes from the city.
Your chances of joining
one of the
troupes' from the city are very high.
It'll be wonderful if selected.
Really!
Who knows, Nuan might be
the next Teresa Teng.
Yeah, by that time don't you forget us.
Stop it, don't daydream.
Look, 'the mute' is coming.
'The mute' is coming.
Damn mute,
wish you'll die in vain.
All your ducks will
run away tomorrow.
You'll not be able to
recover a single one.
- Don't move.
- Softer.
You saw 'the mute' teased me
and you didn't offer to help.
Go and beat up 'the mute' for me.
You hear what I'm saying?
I know.
Hold still!
Chicky, chicky eat sweets.
Chicky chicky eat sweets.
You eat and I eat too.
The sweets is very tasty.
I've told him...
you came back solely
for the purpose
of solving Teacher Chau problems.
Furthermore I told him that you're
now a goverment official in Beijing.
If there're any problems,
we can asked for your help.
I also said to him,
that you've found a
Beijing girl as your wife.
What's your wife occupation?
Teaching!
We're classmate in the
same university.
That's nice.
How old is your kid?
Just a month.
Baby boy?
Baby boy!
City folks normally opted to
have children later.
I know that you'll get married,
but I never thought
that you would marry him.
You were so frightened of
him when you were younger.
Have you never heard rivally
eventually becoming a couple?
Send them home.
Move!
Move!
Move!
That year my brother
came to fetch my mum.
He didn't see you.
He said that you went to
the city to meet with
a groom prospect arranged
by the match-maker.
At that time, I was hoping that
you'll meet someone who'll suit you.
He's a store clerk.
He wants to meet me
after seeing my photo
and he accompanied me
around town.
I stayed at his sister house
and helped her to baby-sit.
We got on quite well.
But she would never go out with me.
Later on...after having
giving it some thoughts,
I really can't imposed
myself on other people,
and so I came home.
She was crying miserably.
Ultimately, you didn't meet
anyone that's suitable?
What do you mean by suitable?
And what's not suitable?
Nuan, do you still sing?
Sing? I hardly talked.
He can't talk,
and Yauyau took after
him and seldom talk too.
The entire day I was busy
in and outside of the house.
Where in the world would
I still have the mood?
You don't have a TV at home.
I guess in the village,
most of the villagers had a TV.
It's not that I couldn't afford
the few hundred dollars...
I'm afraid that he can't hear,
and would get agitated.
I'll be in trouble then.
Yauyau was hassling me to buy one.
We'll talk later.
Bravo!
Bravo!
Bravo!
Bravo!
The acrobat troupe is
liken to a large magnet.
It attracted all the villagers
attention both young and old.
The event is similar to the
autumn 'swing' past times.
Problem is, it absorbed
certain things away...
which is difficult to bring back
to it's original placement.
Nuan is just like that.
Her eyes gazed fully upon the
handsome acrobat performer.
Nothing can cause her
to move away.
Nuan had never adored
me like that before.
Let's go, we're going to be late.
Let's go!! Going to be late.
You go first. Applied leave
for me and said that I'm sick.
I'm leaving.
Dinner's ready.
Hope that you'll be
please with my cooking.
Come!
When this child is not
talking, she'll used gestures.
She got on well with her father.
When you were a child, you
used to quarrel with your father.
Don't drink too much.
He's a good drinker.
Just let him win.
C'mon!
Just hold this for me.
Sis, what're you doing?
I'm sending it to the troupe.
Okay!
You just let mum knows.
'The mute' is chasing me.
'The mute' is here.
He's after me.
All that materialises in
front of our sight,
although the conclusion
is beyond doubt--
...just refused to accept reality.
In my heart at that moment,
the taste of bitterness is unbearable.
Did he scorched you?
It's nothing.
You're really kind.
Yau...stop playing.
Let's have dinner.
Uncle!
Train.
I've seen train on the TV before.
Uncle came here by train.
Really?
(Uncle came here by train)
Is the train fast?
It's very fast.
I'll take you for a train
ride one of these day.
Mother, uncle is gonna
take me for a train ride.
(Uncle will take me for a train ride)
C'mon!
I'm meant to be here.
You've the right persona.
You should understudy in the city.
Can I?
Let me speak to the troupe master.
Can I really make it?
Yeah!
You're so beautiful.
You're a born artist.
Dad!
Dad!
Dad...
Teacher Tao said that my voice is good.
Our show had been
selected for competition.
If we won,
we can compete in the city.
Can you buy for me
a pair of leather shoes?
Are you listening?
Teacher Tao also say...
Why don't you go back
home after school?
You keep bothering me
for this and that.
Nuan!
Nuan!
My mum beats me too.
It's just a pair of shoes...
When I've the money,
I'll buy it for you.
Let's go.
Troupe master!
My child had starved
herself for a night.
I beg you,
you said my child had potential,
would you please take
her with you?
You don't need to pay her wages,
just provide her foods and lodging.
Your daughter certainly has potential.
She will have a conducive
enviroment to train in
but I can't just take her
along like that.
When we have the next intake...
At that time I wished that
Nuan can follow the troupe.
I can't really bear to
see her dejected face.
If I were that
handsome acrobat, I'll
definitely take her along
no matter what,
but I'm not that acrobat.
And he's not me.
Nuan...I understood!
What it meant to be in love.
We were both love-lorn.
Both of us felt bitter.
Why don't you eat more?
Enough, I'm full.
The weather in the city
should be cooler.
It's alright!
The interior is not very airy.
Our place here is different.
The winter is not that cold.
Nuan, do you still remember
that year autumn?
It was snowing,
It seldom snow now.
The both of us ran happily to the
ancestral shrine to frolic in the snow.
We played for the whole day.
Yeah...right!
I remember at that time,
we stayed out until very late.
The cotton shoe's that
my mum made for me,
was soaked right through.
That's right.
We then ran to Auntie Chang's house.
I asked you to dry
my shoe's for me
but I've never imagined
that you would
burnt a hole in it.
I was so scared that
I dare not return home.
You were crying and
kicking up a fuss.
I'm forced to compensate
you a pair of shoes.
And I've to take off
my shoes for you.
Are you still teasing me?
It's so shameful.
New pair of leather shoes. Mum
has a new pair of leather shoes.
Mum's has a new pair of leather shoes.
How can you be so naughty?
You'll damage mum shoes.
Sis, the worms have all
gone into a cocoon.
Yeah, it's the last batch.
After selling this last batch of cocoon,
you're going for match-making.
You think so?
We'll have a day off in the city
after selling this batch of cocoon.
Okay!
Remember to take me along.
During class, that boy
Tawei didn't pay
much attention to what's
written on the blackboard.
He just turn around and
kept staring at you.
Let him stare.
I'll not look for a husband from the village.
Marriage is once in a lifetime, why
not marry further away from here?
She's not happy again.
Looks like that guy is not
going to come for her.
He's from the city, surely
he'll look down on us.
Nuan likes to blabber about them,
see what's happen now?
Nuan!
Nuan!!
I've been looking for you.
They're here! They're here!
They're having new intakes.
Come quick and register yourself.
I'll write for you the
intoduction resume.
Seat carefully.
Nuan, why don't you give it a try?
The troupe is not from the city.
If you qualified,
you can go and worked
in the city.
Wouldn't that be nice?
I just want to try the
troupe from the city.
He haven't been here for
more than a year.
I guess he had already
forgotten about you.
No way!
Why is there no news from him then?
Maybe there's no fresh intake
at the moment.
Yeah, I bet.
No!
You just don't understand.
They'll not be coming anymore.
They will!
He told me himself.
He'll surely come to fetch me.
He's lying to you.
No!
Don't be foolish.
He looks down on us.
Nuan!
I wanna give you a present.
What's that?
Take a guess?
I don't know.
Have a look--
It's pretty looking.
My brother asked someone
to buy it from the city.
My mum said it's too pretty.
It'll be a waste if
she were to wear it.
I took it from my mum.
She knew what I was thinking.
Without another word,
she just gave it to me.
I want to give it to you.
Jinghe...
Give me a push.
C'mon!
I wanna push you up all
the way to heaven.
Bride and groom
exchange drink.
Aiyah...
Everyone is in a joyful mood
except you.
What is it to you?
Don't pretend to be a fool.
You're always like that,
letting other tease you.
If you don't wanna see,
just go away.
Am I bothering you?
Don't wait for him anymore.
He had already forgotten about you.
He said that,
he'll never forget me.
Then why doesn't he show up?
If he's not coming this year,
he'll be here the next.
If he's not here by next year,
he'll come the following year.
If he comes to fetch me,
I'll marry him.
Don't you keep on day-dreaming.
Even if you agreed to
marry him and
brought along 200 catties
of pork as bridal gift,
he'll still not want you.
He'll only love you for awhile,
what's so grand about it then.
I can and I'm willing.
Why are you still waiting for him?
Nuan, why don't you just
speak nicely to your dad?
Just complete your high
school education,
and after that,
we can take the
university entrance exam
together.
We still can go to the city.
Why should you wait for him?
If he really doesn't show up,
what're you gonna do about it?
I'll marry you if he doesn't show up.
I don't want!
Are you feeling belittle?
Nuan!
I really liked you.
I'll take good care of you.
I'm a man of my words.
I've already told you before,
if he doesn't show up,
then I'll marry you.
But you must finished your
university examination.
That was the first time that
I felt Nuan body on me,
and that was also the only time.
At that moment itself I don't
want to argue with her over him,
but there're no other choice.
She should understand
her own emotions.
It would help our stagnant situation.
I know that I need to
be more courageous.
Hugging onto her bravery,
I don't want to be
a replacement
in her heart for that acrobat.
The swinging helps.
It urged me to be more courageous.
Shielding my fear,
increasing my prowess.
I wish that I could just
swing on forever,
to be able to really fly.
I've finally managed to
get into the university.
When I held the acceptance
letter in my hand,
my thought was only on Nuan.
All the secrets and emotions
held within my heart,
I'll be able to pour it out to her.
I'm used to walking here.
Someone will see us.
Jinghe.
I wonder how's life will
be like at the university?
I have no idea.
Since it's in the city,
must be different from here.
I've told people numerous times,
on the day that I left the
village to go to the university,
with all villagers coming
to see me off,
there was a slight detail missing.
At that time, Nuan was around.
After the accident,
our relationship got closer.
I immersed myself into my study.
If I can pass the university exams,
I can help to achieve her dreams.
In other words, fulfilled her
dreams on her behalf.
I've faith in myself.
and Nuan trusted me too.
Uncle...
I'll definitely come
and fetch Nuan.
You're talking nonsense.
Uncle...
- I--
- Study hard!
I will help Nuan to attend university.
Nuan.
The letter is in the envelope,
I don't have the money
for the stamps.
You must reply my letter.
Let's go.
C'mon.
Jinghe...
I don't matches you.
Your promises...
are you regretting it?
I'm worried that in future the
one regretting is you and not me.
You don't trust me?
If the 3 letters that
you left for me--
and I didn't reply...
then you can forget about me.
Nuan!
Reply my letters!!
Nuan...
I should be leaving.
If you required any assistance,
you can look for me.
The both of you take good care.
He shouldn't mistreat you.
I'm leaving then.
Yau, come here.
I'm leaving.
Jinghe!
Wait!
I don't know how to
use it, just take it away.
Nuan.
Nuan...
when I look at you, I remember
the times when we're together.
Come back and visit me.
I'm happy with what I have.
Nuan, in this world
the one debt that I
owe the most, is to you.
Nonsense!
I'm well taken care of.
What's better than
having your own children?
Nuan...
I...I've forgotten you.
You didn't!
You came back, so how could
you've forgot about me?
Nuan.
Jinghe--
just take the umbrella away,
I need to go on home.
It's not too difficult to
understand what happen next.
Nuan hadn't awaken and
was living in her past dreams.
The only difference now was...
the one she's waiting
for is me.
Letter!
Jinghe, don't be so sad.
Teacher Chau, even if
you came to fetch her,
how things may have turn out
might not be so rosy either.
I'm slowly getting used to
living in the city.
Furthermore, there are more important
matters that required my attention.
She influenced my feelings for Nuan.
No longer do I cared that Nuan
is waiting back home for me.
Later on, I did not received
any letter from her.
I know that Nuan's afraid of rejection.
Deep within my heart,
I'm secretly glad that I did
not received any of her letters,
making me feel at ease.
I don't want to hear any
more news regarding her.
The reality of life changes me.
Nuan experienced once
more the futily of unreturned love.
I promised to fetch her,
but I didn't.
In a flash, 10 years had gone by.
Why don't you tell me?
I've never blame you!
What's the point of telling me now?
Yau!
Take it!
Where's your mum?
They quarrel!
Nuan.
You better be leaving.
Come Yau!
Return the umbrella to uncle.
I purposely bring it for her
and to bide you farewell.
Let me see you off.
It's not necessary.
Is he in the house?
I'll get him.
No need.
Is he..he alright?
He's alright.
If you need any help in future,
you must look for me.
Nuan...
I'm still the same Jinghe!
Bring your kid along
when you're
free and back the next time.
For sure.
Can you tell him please
that the next time I'm back,
I'll bring him Beijing finest wine.
Nuan...
My dad wants you to
take us both away.
My dad wants you to
take us both away.
When you grow up,
I'll definitely come and fetch
you to study in the city.
I'll be sure to come and fetch you.
My promises is my only regret.
Human make mistakes.
But it's not everyone
who will have
the opportunity to
right ones wrong.
I can be considered fortunate,
I tried to suppress my memories.
A person who don't want
to return to his village,
no matter how, also can't
escape from his first love.
Come to think of it,
'the mute' is fortunate.
My worries are my comfort.
What the mute gave Nuan,
I might not be able to...
that's to say Nuan is lucky.