[NORTHWARD]
[Episode 37]
[Emergency]
Where is he?
In critical care.
Come here.
Sit down. Don't panic.
Okay.
[Department of Critical Medicine]
Why were you with him?
I ran into him in front of the restaurant.
I thought I'd make him some noodles.
Which of you is the patient's family?
-Me. -I am.
The patient is crashing.
You need to brace yourselves for the worst.
It's time you sent someone on your behalf to say goodbye to him.
Let Xingchi do it.
Don't ask.
Just get in there.
Who is Liu Yuling?
I am.
The patient wants to see you.
Come with me.
Go ahead.
Xingchi and I will be waiting here.
Yuling...
It's me.
It's me, Mo.
I'm here.
I'm sorry.
Before I left,
I just want to see
you and our son for one last time.
I know. I know.
In my pocket,
there is a bank card.
The password
is Xingchi's birthday.
Give it to him.
Don't worry.
Consider it done.
Yuling,
I'm sorry
for all you've been through.
Mo.
Mo?
Doctor! Doctor!
Help! Help!
Mo! Mo!
Hang in there! You hang in there!
[Department of Critical Medicine]
She's out.
How did it go?
He passed away?
Well,
did he leave any last words?
It's high time you said it all out!
Mo wanted you to have this bank card.
All his savings are in it.
He wanted me to have it?
The password is your birthday.
You will make
his after-death arrangements.
I'll be having a cigarette outside.
You should tell Xingchi the truth.
Mom,
what is this all about?
Tell me, please!
What's your relationship with Mo?
Don't hide the truth from me.
Spill it. I can take it.
Please tell me.
Xingchi,
Mo was your biological father.
Come here.
Sit down.
I'll tell you everything.
Mo and I
grew up together.
We were childhood sweethearts.
However, my family considered him poor,
and firmly opposed us being together.
Even so, neither Mo nor I
wanted to break up.
Therefore,
we eloped.
That decision
completely changed our lives.
Later,
my family found us.
They insisted on taking me home.
But at that time...
I was already pregnant with you.
How could I leave?
Mo had a fight with my family.
In order to protect me and you,
he wrestled with my cousin,
and accidentally caused him to paralyze.
Mo was then put behind bars
for aggravated assault.
I was brought home by my family.
They tried to force me to have an abortion.
But I...
I couldn't bring myself to do it, son.
I ran away from home in desperation.
I kept running...
till I reached the canal.
I looked at the river and thought
maybe I should drown myself.
If I died,
then...
nobody could take you away from me.
That day,
the water was so cold.
When I thought
I was about to die,
I met your father
who was visiting the canal for information.
He saved my life.
He raised you like his own son.
He also gave us a home.
Xingchi.
Xingchi,
this is all my fault.
Your dad
and you shouldn't be the ones
to take the consequences.
Over these years,
I've always loved your dad,
and respected him.
He is a good man.
But the more I love him,
and the more I respect him,
the more I feel guilty about him.
You're back.
Your mom told you the truth, didn't she?
We didn't mean to hide it from you.
We planned to
tell you when you grew up,
but we kept stalling till now.
I'll leave.
I won't be an annoying old man.
My mom and I couldn't have survived without you.
You gave up your career for me.
So we owe you a lot.
You don't owe me anything.
I did everything voluntarily.
Xingchi,
now that you've grown up,
I wouldn't see you as a child anymore.
Tonight,
let's talk
to each other
as two adult men.
I've never regretted my decision.
At first,
I thought I was doing
a very noble thing.
Of course,
I didn't do this stuff
because I'm a noble man.
I love your mom,
and I love you too.
My mistake was
not being a good enough father.
Sometimes,
I couldn't control my emotions.
Do you know what I'm saying?
You didn't go to college because you hated me.
In fact, you could've gone to a good college
just like any other kid
in the courtyard,
had a good job,
and led a decent life.
I don't regret
everything I've done,
except for that one.
I held you back, son.
I'm sorry.
I also owe your mom an apology.
Let me finish.
Whenever I think about this,
the heavy weight of guilt
inside me
makes me feel suffocated.
For real, son,
I was wrong.
You gave me and my mom a chance to live a new life.
Dad,
let's put the past behind us.
I want you to know
that you're a very successful man.
You have a wife who loves you dearly,
and a son
who would like to take care of you when you get old.
Dad,
I hope you can stop
burying everything
deep down in your heart.
You can confide in me.
I also hope
that from now on,
you will start learning
how to be a good husband
and a good father.
Little brat.
I got it.
I'll try my best.
[For donation]
[For postage]
[For keeping]
[It's a boy. He weighs 3.75 kilograms. His name is Shao Xingchi.] [I wish you all the best. Don't worry about us.]
Wait for me!
Stop running!
Watch out! Be careful!
It's fine.
You two...
Sorry!
You'll suffer if I catch you!
Shoes.
You give me the same kind of shoes every year.
Can't you buy me another gift?
Cut the crap. You should be glad to have these.
I won't wear them.
Look at the shoes.
Those who don't know better would think I'm moving to a rural area.
Don't talk nonsense.
See, these shoes are exquisite.
They're made by hands.
Shoes of this kind are expansive abroad.
Put them on. See if they fit.
Didn't you love leather shoes when you were little?
I won't wear them.
Wanghe will laugh at me if he sees these on me.
Try them on now.
Can't I wear other shoes?
Just try and see if they fit.
You're back!
How long are you staying this time?
I think I will
settle down,
so I can spend more time with my parents.
That's nice.
I'm glad you're back.
I'll leave you to your work then.
I should
go home now.
Sure.
The old man entered the royal court to plead for mercy.
Did he succeed?
What happened
will be revealed in the next episode.
Grandpa,
what do you think of today's show?
It was good.
Let's go.
Be careful.
Nice and slow.
Mr. Zhou.
Who are you?
I am Mr. Xu,
the owner of this place.
The owner is Mr. Zhao.
What's the matter? You can tell me.
I have a favor to ask.
Go ahead.
Mr. Zhao has paid for an annual membership.
There is some money left in the account.
I need to return it.
Why?
This place is closing down.
Nowadays,
except for regular patrons like you,
nobody enjoys storytelling performances anymore.
Are you serious?
Some young people
were around just now, weren't they?
They are the performers' families.
Sometimes performers
even outnumber the audience.
How come?
The other day when I was here,
the audience was full.
The show that day
was the Legend of Yue Fei.
The Legend of Yue Fei?
I haven't heard that story for a while.
Lots of stuff, right?
Before I knew it, I already collected so many things.
Good for you.
This place looks like a small museum.
Right?
Many of these
were collected by Grandpa
during the research of
the Flower Street and the canal.
I've sorted out the information.
Would you like to take it?
No need.
Just leave it here.
I don't have a use for it anyway.
Okay.
Beautiful.
Have some water.
Sure.
This is the result
of the hard work done by us and Grandpa, right?
It'll be a shame if these things just lay around here.
Why don't you
sort out
these items,
and exhibit them to the citizens?
As I remember,
after the canal was certified as World Heritage,
the municipal government began extending aid and support
to relevant traditional cultures.
You should ask your mom about it.
I'll do it in your stead if you can't.
No need.
L-Let me think about it.
What about you?
Will you settle down here?
I want to spend more time with my grandpa.
He needs someone to take care of him.
Oh, right!
You know what storytelling is, don't you?
What if I set up a storytelling house?
Are people still into storytelling shows nowadays?
Where there is a will, there is a way.
I just want to set up a storytelling house
that even appeals to young people.
The decoration will be stylish.
I'll also build a fixed stage
for storytelling shows.
The elderly can spend their spare time
drinking tea and listening to stories there,
while young people
can have coffee, read books or meet up with friends.
Those who are passionate about history and culture like you
can exchange ideas there.
-Sounds nice. -Activities like those.
It seems like a good idea.
That can also be
where we auction
or exhibit antiques.
That's right. If there is such a place,
would you like to go?
Sure.
I think that's the kind of place that is missing from the Flower Street.
It's like hearing a grandpa tell stories. How nice.
I just have this thought
that some people enjoy quietness,
and some others would like to take a rest somewhere.
Actually,
I'm in search of
a lifestyle.
[Urban Planning of Honghuai City]
Rest assured, everyone.
We will solve the problems
we discussed today as soon as possible.
Thank you, Mayor Gu. Thank you so much.
Just go home and don't worry.
Hui, walk them out.
Goodbye.
Fenghua!
I'm sorry.
The meeting ran late.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
No worries.
Have a seat.
You're being too courteous.
That makes me feel nervous.
What's to be nervous about?
You’re Mayor Gu now.
Don’t say that.
I watched you
grow up, remember?
You used to call me Auntie Gu.
Auntie Gu.
Have some tea.
Thank you, Auntie Gu.
I remember when you were a child,
you often played with the boys in the courtyard
like a little monkey covered in mud.
Look at you now.
Girls really do change a lot as they grow up.
You've become prettier.
After all, I worked in Beijing for some time,
and was exposed to many things.
Right.
Chen Rui told me
that you and your friends are back, right?
We got tired of working in Beijing,
and we felt homesick.
It's good that you're back.
You should have come back earlier.
Since the canal was accredited as World Heritage,
the Flower Street
has taken on a brand new look.
Elites like you
should return to their hometowns,
and make contributions.
I'm more of a dud
than an elite.
Don't say that, alright?
Auntie Gu,
I came here today
to ask you the details
about the renovation of the Flower Street.
Okay.
What would you like to know?
Actually, I have a rough idea
that I'd like to tell you.
I'm wondering
if it's possible to separate an area
in the Flower Street for the residents
to build their own houses.
This way, they can
be neighbors again.
The plans have been decided.
In principle, no change is allowed.
My parents and those of their generation
have lived in the Flower Street for most of their lives.
As their children,
we surely hope they can still be neighbors
after they retire.
As you know,
the elderly don't like being alone.
Their lives will be more pleasant
if they are surrounded by old neighbors.
How about this?
You can
discuss it with the residents,
and try to reach an unanimous decision
as to whether to build your own houses
or to move to the places as the original proposal says.
When you reach a consensus,
we'll talk about it,
and figure out a way together.
Okay, no problem.
I believe if the conditions allow,
they will definitely choose to live near one another.
Thank you, Auntie Gu.
Anytime.
Look at this.
Xingchi, have a seat.
These are the floor plans, right?
Get ready for the meeting.
What is this?
Ladies and gentlemen,
we're here today
to discuss
a matter.
Okay. Sure.
Sit down.
Be seated. It's cozier this way.
As you all know,
the Flower Street is about to be renovated.
It's a good thing.
But after the renovation,
we'll have to live apart from one another.
We spent
all these years being friends and neighbors.
I believe you all want to stick together.
-Yes. -That's for sure.
We definitely don't want to be apart.
Therefore,
Wanghe and I
found a courtyard for you.
Though it is a bit old,
it is very spacious.
We can remodel it.
I think we can
share the cost together.
As for the government-assigned apartments,
we'll leave them to Siyi.
When we finish remodeling the courtyard,
we can all move in,
and be neighbors again.
That's great!
It's great news!
Raise your hand if you agree to the plan.
I'm raising both my hands!
Well,
I've seen the floor plans of the apartment buildings
assigned by the government.
The apartments look fine,
and they are in a good location.
More importantly, the environment there
is also quite nice.
Dad!
This is a big decision.
Shouldn't you let them mull it over?
-Mr. Shao... -X-Xingchi!
Hurry!
Dad,
raise your hand!
Okay, you all approve of it.
We'll be neighbors again.
Well,
I'll pay the cost
of the common areas.
You only need to pay for your own living places.
Besides,
Fenghua and I
will find the best designers
to offer us solutions.
Your satisfaction is guaranteed, alright?
Great!
Come on.
To us sticking together.
Sure!
Sticking together!
I didn't expect things would go so fast between you two.
Yeah.
I want to get married when I'm still young.
A wrinkled face
won't look good in wedding photos.
It's high time you found a wife.
If there is a girl you like...
There is.
Don't worry.
I'm handsome,
and I have a good master.
I'm sure I'll become the best chef
of Huaiyang cuisine in the Flower Street.
I can easily find a wife, don't you think?
You're right.
Men who can cook are quite popular
among girls now.
I hope
you'll be well.
You should fix your illness after getting married,
and lead a happy life.
If Wanghe doesn't treat you right,
tell me immediately.
I'll bring my household register with me and take you away.
I'm sorry.
What are you laughing at?
Nothing. It's just...
When you said you would take me away,
I could see a picture in my head.
I imagined that Wanghe and you would grab each other's hair.
"Let go!"
"You let go first!"
"Will you let go or not?"
"I'm gonna yell for help!"
Then,
I would be taking photos of you two,
not giving a hoot about who would live or die.
It would be so fun.
Xingchi.
I hope you can be as happy as I am.
I wish you will find
a nice woman
who appreciates you,
loves you,
cares about you and even dotes on you as if you were a kid.
Thank you.
I hope
you and Wanghe
will grow old together,
and have a lifetime of happiness.
Grandpa,
the Flower Street
will be renovated soon.
Before long,
we will all move out.
Really?
Then where will we live?
Fenghua found a courtyard for us.
We'll move there.
Is everybody moving there?
Yes.
Our family...
The Xie family...
The Xia family...
The Shao family...
Grandpa, don't worry.
Everybody here
will move to the new courtyard.
When we move,
I'll catch all the crickets here and bring them to you.
That's good.
Is there a central hall?
Yes.
Don't worry.
That courtyard is much bigger than this one.
Good.
The central hall should be saved for Granny Ma.
Plus,
we should install an air conditioner for her.
Her room is too warm.
In summer days,
the heat would push everyone away.
Get her
a new TV too.
It
has to be 40 inches, with an LCD screen.
The radio says there are promotional activities lately.
Electric appliances are on sale.
Buy her a TV when you have time.
Okay.
It's best
if you get her a new washing machine as well.
Granny Ma always tries to save on her electric bills,
so she often washes her clothes by hand.
Why bother?
Power prices aren't that high, are they?
When are you and Fenghua leaving?
Tomorrow.
Then you'll miss the opening of my bookstore.
We will come back someday.
Wish you prosperity!
I don't think it'll come true for me.
I'll take it as a win if I don't lose any money.
What transportation will you take tomorrow?
I'll drive a car.
Fenghua said
she would love to go north along the canal,
so she could see the scenery on the road.
Is she physically strong enough for that?
First, we'll leave the province,
get on the highway,
and then drive along the canal.
It'll take about one week.
I think she'll be fine.
One week?
As I remember,
it would take at least one month
to go to the north by ship。
The main cities and towns
we'll come across
are Xuzhou, Jining, Linqing,
Cangzhou and Tianjin.
Fenghua said,
since we grew up by the canal,
whenever she felt tired
in Beijing,
she would take a walk by the river to recharge her batteries.
This time,
she plans to recharge her batteries on the whole trip,
till she is fully energized and ready to receive surgery.
Okay.
I wish you
all the best.
And I hope
you will come home soon.
Thank you.
I'll keep you updated. Don't worry.
Just take good care
-of your family. -Hurry up.
There you go.
Alright.
Go take care of your daughter.
I-I'm leaving then.
I'll be off then, Dad.
Okay.
Easy on the drinks.
Okay.
I'll be waiting for you to come back.
Go home. Go home now.
Bye.
We're leaving then.
Okay.
Off you go.
Don't worry.
♫There are lights afar♫
♫You lower your head as you walk♫
♫The bigger the city is, the more unsettled one feels♫
♫So many yearnings, on a long road♫
♫Too many heart-breaking moments along the way♫
♫The smiles in the past are forgotten♫
♫Time makes us♫
Right here.
♫Fragile and tough♫
Here?
Looks big.
♫I want to sing to you again, gently♫
Aren't you rich, Brother Kuo?
Don't you know this place? Look over there.
♫How I wish I can be with you♫
There is a river over there.
Nice.
♫I want to tell you the scenery I've seen♫
The surroundings look fine to me.
What a lovely place.
And it's much bigger.
Let's go inside.
Sure.
♫I think on every silent night♫
♫About you and everything between us♫
♫I want to be the light of your life♫
♫I want to bring sunshine to your life♫
After evaluation, our professional opinion
♫I want to be with you for all the ups and downs♫
is that given your current condition,
the success rate
of a craniotomy is high,
and your illness is very likely to be cured.
Don't worry.
We'll try to minimize the risk.
So,
I hope you'll stay positive and receive treatment.
What are you doing?
Get back to your work.
Master.
♫Too many heart-breaking moments along the way♫
♫The smiles in the past are forgotten♫
What is it?
Isn't this a photo of my grandpa?
♫Time makes us♫
Looks sharp.
♫Fragile and tough♫
♫I want to sing to you again, gently♫
So handsome.
Keep an accurate account
of the numbers.
♫How I wish I can be with you♫
Thank you.
♫I want to tell you the scenery I've seen♫
♫I think on every silent night♫
♫About you and everything between us♫
Hello?
Hi.
Is this a bookstore?
Yes.
♫I want to be the light of your life♫
♫I want to bring sunshine to your life♫
We're not open for business yet.
♫I want to be with you for all the ups and downs♫
Okay.
We'll open on the day after tomorrow,
at 9:30 a.m.
There will be discounts.
♫I want to grow with you♫
Got it.
I'll be here.
Okay.
♫How I wish I can be with you♫
Bye bye.
♫I want to tell you the scenery I've seen♫
♫I think on every silent night♫
♫About you and everything between us♫
♫I want to be the light of your life♫
♫I want to bring sunshine to your life♫
♫I want to be with you for all the ups and downs♫
Fenghua,
don't be afraid.
Mom is here.
♫I want to grow with you♫
My little girl.