Scene 41 Time/Day Location/High School Grand Auditorium Characters/Yu Renjie, Chai Yuqing, Jiang Muya, Wu Yuetian, Tao Mingliang, Qiu Shuyao, band members, Jin Meiren, principal, teachers, students
▲ Inside the high school grand auditorium, graduation ceremony venue. On the stage, the band “Youth Suite” is performing Zhang Yusheng’s “My Future Is Not a Dream.” The male and female lead vocalists are Wu Yuetian and Jiang Muya. Keyboardist Yu Renjie, saxophonist Qiu Shuyao, drummer Tao Mingliang.
Are you like me, bowing your head under the sun, silently working hard while sweat flows. Are you like me, even when treated coldly, still not giving up the life you want. Are you like me, busy all day pursuing, pursuing a kind of tenderness you could not imagine. Are you like me, once confused and lost, wandering again and again at the crossroads. Because I do not care what others say, I have never forgotten my promise to myself, my persistence in love…
▲ Below the stage, students wave glow sticks in rhythm, humming along with the male and female vocalists. The atmosphere is lively.
I know, my future is not a dream. I live every minute seriously. My future is not a dream. My heart moves with hope. My future is not a dream. I live every minute seriously. My future is not a dream. My heart moves with hope, moves with hope…
▲ When the song ends, the whole audience shouts “Encore.” Host Chai Yuqing walks to center stage.
Chai Yuqing: Dear students, in response to your encore, the band will perform one more original song: “In the Next Life I Wish to Be Your Wife.” This song was composed and written by keyboardist Yu Renjie. Please enjoy this romantic ballad together.
△ Applause rises from the audience. The electronic keyboard and saxophone prelude begins, and the male and female vocalists duet.
Blue vast sky, autumn wind rises, yellow leaves cover the ground. Lingering memories that refuse to leave, sleepless autumn rain. Yearning feelings cannot be sent, wild geese stepping through snow and mud, like sorrowful emotions in dreams, a night of falling red rain. The original vow of love unexpectedly becomes reincarnation through many lifetimes, returning to you a bowl of merciless tears, why do falling flowers follow flowing water. The bitter cup of love, wine does not intoxicate but the heart is already drunk, returning to you a ladle of forgetfulness water, sleeves growing wide yet no regret.
▲ During the interlude, some students in the audience begin to sob.
Autumn water green, misty waves rise, no trace of the blue bird. Lingering autumn feelings, cold rain knocking on the window. Love is connected, hearts are pledged, memories remain in dreams, better than troubling flower language, wild geese cry across a thousand mountains. Butterfly colorful clothes, beautifully fluttering. Feeding on flowers and drinking dew while staying together. Never abandoning each other even in storm and rain. An unsolvable problem, nothing is sadder than life’s separation. In this life there is no fate to become husband and wife. In the next life I wish to be your wife.
▲ After the song ends, graduating students embrace each other in groups of three or five, crying into tears. ▲ Host Chai Yuqing walks to center stage again.
Chai Yuqing: This declaration of love truly has a tear-inducing effect. Graduating students, you will remember this deeply moving moment. Three years together, all the bits and pieces of campus life will become your most unforgettable memories…
Scene 42 Time/Day Location/High School Band Practice Room Characters/Yu Renjie, Chai Yuqing, Jiang Muya, Wu Yuetian, Tao Mingliang, Qiu Shuyao, Jin Meiren, band members
▲ Inside the high school band practice room, filled with feelings of farewell and sorrow. Wu Yuetian, Tao Mingliang, and Qiu Shuyao, senior graduating members, are about to leave. ▲ Outside the corridor, Jin Meiren leans on the railing waiting for Wu Yuetian, making Yuetian deliberately ignore Jiang Muya.
Chai Yuqing: Yuetian, Mingliang, Shuyao, over these three years, the Youth Dance Band has grown and matured because of your effort and dedication. Younger members will remember your contributions. Let us give these senior brothers and sisters a big round of applause.
▲ Members clap in unison.
Chai Yuqing: At the same time, after a secret vote by all members, I will announce the next band leader. This band will be handed over to our piano prodigy Yu Renjie. Although he cannot speak, over these two years of interaction, everyone clearly recognizes his strength in instrumental performance and his talent in composing and lyric writing.
▲ Renjie is unprepared. Hearing the announcement, his face shows disbelief.
Wu Yuetian: Renjie, well deserved. Congratulations! Tao Mingliang: Today is not April Fool’s Day, but from today on, we will see Yu Renjie’s performance!
▲ Members burst into applause, gathering to pat Renjie’s shoulder and shake his hand.
Liu Shuqin: I knew the new leader could only be you! Li Yafen: Renjie, trust me, you can do it!
▲ Jiang Muya stands nearby like an ice sculpture, coldly watching Renjie and Yuetian.
Scene 43 Time/Day Location/High School Music Classroom Characters/Yu Renjie, Chai Yuqing, Jiang Muya
▲ Inside the high school music classroom, Jiang Muya is talking with Teacher Chai Yuqing. Yu Renjie is about to enter, hears the conversation, and stops by the wall.
Chai Yuqing: You are saying you want to apply for suspension from school? Could it be because Yuetian has graduated and is together with Jin Meiren, making you feel there is nothing worth staying for here?
Jiang Muya: Teacher, I…
Chai Yuqing: From your lost and lifeless eyes, I can already see it. Alright, you return to the United States, properly treat your chronic illness. After recovery, you can continue and complete high school there.
Jiang Muya: Teacher, please do not let Renjie know about my suspension. I just want to leave quietly…
Chai Yuqing: Isn’t treating Renjie like this somewhat cruel?
Jiang Muya: I do not want to give Renjie a beautiful mistake.
Chai Yuqing: Sigh… this really makes things hard for Renjie…
▲ Renjie listens, feeling as if he is a candle, silently dripping cold blood inside his heart.
Scene 44 Time/Day Location/High School Music Classroom Characters/Yu Renjie, Chai Yuqing
▲ Inside the music classroom, Yu Renjie sits in front of the piano, gently touching the keys.
Yu Renjie: (OS) Two years already… in Jiang Muya’s eyes, I am still just a passerby… She does not even want me to know she is leaving Taiwan…
▲ Renjie plays the school folk song “Monologue of a Wanderer” composed by Ye Jiaxiu. The piano is filled with sorrow and farewell. Teacher Chai Yuqing by the window has tears in her eyes.
I have walked through the long road of wandering. I have tasted all the wind, rain, and dew along the way…
▲ After the melody ends, Chai Yuqing walks to the piano.
Chai Yuqing: (solemnly) Child, you will definitely find true love, but now you must first painfully let go and reset yourself…
▲ Teacher Chai lets Renjie lean quietly against her.
Chai Yuqing: If you want to cry, then cry. In these two years, I clearly understand your pain…
▲ Tears stream down Renjie’s cheeks.
Scene 45 Time/Day Location/Yu Renjie’s home, Renjie’s bedroom Characters/Huang Meihong, Yu Renjie
▲ A desk lamp accompanies Renjie as he studies late into the night. ▲ Huang Meihong pushes the door open, holding a cup of warmed fresh milk.
Huang Meihong: Renjie, drink this glass of milk.
▲ Renjie takes the milk, drinks a few sips, and places it on the desk.
Huang Meihong: Seeing you studying late into the night like this, your mother is worried your body cannot handle it.
▲ Renjie signs: “After I finish reviewing this chapter, I will go to sleep.”
Huang Meihong: Teacher Chai told me on the phone that ever since Jiang Muya suspended school and went to the United States, you have closed yourself off and buried yourself in studying all day…
▲ Renjie signs: Mom, do not worry about me.
Huang Meihong: (touching Renjie’s head) Mom knows your thoughts, how could I not worry…
Scene 46
Time/Day: One year later
Setting: High school bulletin board, corridor
Characters: Zhao Yuxin, Chen Zhengsheng (Renjie’s homeroom teacher), students
(One year later)
▲ The high school bulletin board posts the university entrance exam honor roll.
Zhao Yuxin: Zhengsheng, your class Yu Renjie got full marks on the exam!
Chen Zhengsheng: Yu Renjie getting full marks was already within my expectations. The others’ results are also very outstanding.
Zhao Yuxin: I heard from Renjie that he wants to study at NTU Medical Department.
Chen Zhengsheng: Yes. I have talked with Renjie’s mother. What I am worried about is whether he can pass the interview stage. I have never heard of NTU Medical Department ever admitting a mute student. Let it depend on Renjie’s own fortune.
Zhao Yuxin: It’s a pity that Renjie does not want to study music department, otherwise he might become a very outstanding performer in the future…
Chen Zhengsheng: I also think so. He has always been your proud student. I heard he is still the backbone of the orchestra you directed.
Scene 47
Time/Day: —
Setting: A fast-food restaurant
Characters: Yu Renjie, Jiang Muya, customers
▲ Inside the fast-food restaurant, Yu Renjie and Jiang Muya sit at a window-side seat.
▲ Renjie and Muya communicate via written notes.
Yu Renjie: (writing) When did you come back?
Jiang Muya: I came back only a few days ago. Congratulations, I heard from old classmates that you got full marks in the exam.
Yu Renjie: (writing) Thank you. There is still the oral interview stage, but I have no confidence at all. Has your chronic illness been cured?
Jiang Muya: Although it cannot be fully cured, the condition has already been controlled. I will accompany you to the oral interview.
Yu Renjie: (writing) How could that be appropriate?
Jiang Muya: Treat it as repayment to you. You helped me many times in the past.
Scene 48
Time/Day: —
Setting: NTU Medical College teaching building oral exam venue
Characters: Yu Renjie, Jiang Muya, oral exam professors, students, parents
▲ Inside the oral exam venue of the grand hall in the NTU Medical College teaching building, it is full of examinees and accompanying parents.
▲ When called, Yu Renjie and Jiang Muya stand up from the corridor seating outside the oral exam room.
Staff: Number 36, Yu Renjie.
▲ Renjie and Muya go to the entrance and have their documents checked. Renjie is holding a stack of prepared materials.
Jiang Muya: I am the candidate’s cousin. My cousin has a language disorder. Please allow me to go in and accompany him in the exam.
Staff: There has never been such a precedent. I will ask the oral exam committee.
▲ The staff goes inside to ask, then comes out shortly after.
Staff: Both of you may go in.
▲ Renjie and Muya enter the oral exam room and sit in front of three oral exam committee members.
Jiang Muya: I am Yu Renjie’s cousin. My cousin’s vocal cords were injured and he cannot speak.
▲ Renjie places his prepared materials on the committee table.
Committee Member A: If he cannot speak, how will he study in the medical department in the future?
Jiang Muya: My cousin can use sign language or written notes to communicate with teachers and classmates.
▲ The two committee members flip through the materials given by Renjie.
Committee Member B: You have quite good achievements in music and have also participated in high school science fair projects in the science track. Please talk about how you would use music in medicine.
Yu Renjie: (writing) Since elementary school, Tourette Syndrome has always troubled me. Later I saw a father and daughter street performance playing instruments. I discovered that when I immerse myself in music, my Tourette Syndrome naturally becomes suppressed. Therefore my mother let me learn instruments. The psychiatrist believes I am a vocal-type Tourette Syndrome patient. Music can indeed effectively relieve my condition.
Committee Member B: I think based on your outstanding performance in music, studying music department might be more suitable for you?
Yu Renjie: (writing) My music teacher who taught me also thinks so, but my aspiration is to become a doctor and serve patients.
Committee Member A: You said you have Tourette Syndrome. This would affect your studies, and even your classmates in class, wouldn’t it?
Yu Renjie: (writing) In the past I would involuntarily make strange sounds affecting classmates in class, but since my vocal cords were injured, this situation has disappeared.
Committee Member A: To be honest, we have never set such a precedent—admitting a student who cannot speak into the medical department. I think you are not suitable.
Jiang Muya: Professor, hearing you say this, I feel very disappointed in your department. I originally thought all of you were overseas returnees with open-minded and advanced thinking. I did not expect you still cannot escape judging people by appearance.
Committee Member B: We are only questioning whether this student has the basic qualifications to become a medical student. This is not judging by appearance.
Jiang Muya: You all must not be able to see it, but I actually suffer from epilepsy and am currently receiving medication treatment. If I were the examinee, concealed my epilepsy, and you considered me suitable, and after admission I suddenly had an attack, what would your reaction be?
▲ The three committee members look at each other, then whisper to each other.
Committee Member C: Alright. After our joint discussion, we will no longer question this student’s speech impairment. Please proceed to the oral exam topic.
Scene 49
Time/Day: —
Setting: NTU campus
Characters: Yu Renjie, Jiang Muya, students
▲ Under a long corridor of NTU campus, Jiang Muya and Yu Renjie walk side by side.
Yu Renjie: (sign language) Thank you for helping me out just now.
Jiang Muya: Renjie, I cannot understand your sign language!
▲ Renjie takes out paper and pen and writes that sentence.
Jiang Muya: Renjie, I want to help you accomplish your wish. What I can do for you is only this.
Yu Renjie: (writing) What are your plans in the future?
Jiang Muya: I want to develop in the entertainment industry, first join the singing celebrity ranking competition.
Yu Renjie: (writing) Don’t you want to return to school to finish your studies?
Jiang Muya: Academic qualifications are optional to me. At the moment I only want to focus on my singing career.
▲ Renjie does not want to say anything more. He clearly understands that he cannot change Muya’s decision.
Scene 50
Time/Day: —
Setting: TV station recording studio “Singing Celebrity Ranking” live stage, NTU Medical School student cafeteria
Characters: Host, Jiang Muya, Wu Yuetian, Jin Meiren, contestants, judges, audience, Yu Renjie, NTU female students
▲ On stage, Wu Yuetian sings very devotedly “Actually You Don’t Understand My Heart.” In the audience, Jin Meiren’s expression is strange and sarcastic.
Jin Meiren: (OS) Yuetian, why did you suddenly change to sing this song? Is he trying to hint something to me?
▲ After finishing, Wu Yuetian walks off stage and meets Jiang Muya, shocked to the point of being unable to speak.
Wu Yuetian: Muya, you…
Host: Next contestant is Miss Jiang Muya. 18 years old. In high school she served as the female lead vocalist of the orchestra. Today she brings a romantic lyrical original song: “Blue Tears.” Let us welcome her with applause…
▲ Stage lights brighten, prelude begins, two male and two female dancers perform a duet dance.
Waves break on uneasy reefs, crystal droplets bloom into roses, the blue ocean condenses into a bud, a drop of blue tear in your eyes.
Blue tears are deep emotional regret, the love given is so exhausting, as if ocean currents are destined to briefly intersect, rather it becomes a beautiful reincarnation in the next life.
Your sorrow is understood by seabirds, but my helplessness is never understood. The figure living in your mind is a blooming bud that never withers. Standing beside you loving you, I am only a drop of deep and regretless blue tear.
▲ After the song ends, Muya’s eyes are filled with tears, and applause erupts in the audience. The host walks to center stage.
Host: Miss Jiang Muya, after hearing your performance of “Blue Tears,” this song seems to describe a relationship without an ending. May I ask you about the author of this song, and why you chose to sing it?
Jiang Muya: Thank you host for giving me this opportunity to speak. This song was written by a high school orchestra classmate of mine. In music, he has a very promising future. But this year he chose to enter medical school, because he vowed that after becoming a doctor, he would cure his friend’s epilepsy. “Blue Tears” was written by him for his friend, because his friend fell in love with the male lead singer of the same band, and is suffering emotional pain.
Host: Hearing this, this author is not only talented, but also emotionally moving. Please Miss Jiang leave the stage to rest.
Jin Meiren: (OS, disdainful expression) What is all this nonsense? Jiang Muya, you are like a ghost that never goes away, what exactly do you want?
Host: Next contestant is from the Amis tribe of Hualien…
△ Camera switch.
▲ On stage stand ten contestants.
Host: The most tense moment has arrived. We are about to announce the results. The top three this week will advance to the monthly PK competition. Third place Lin Fei, total score 88, please step forward. Second place Wu Yuetian, total score 89. First place, the judges gave a very high score, 96 points, Miss Jiang Muya, please step forward. We invite the three judges to present sashes to the advancing contestants.
▲ Wu Yuetian signals to Jiang Muya next to the host. Muya pretends not to see. Jin Meiren clearly sees this scene from below.
Jin Meiren: (OS) What is Yuetian doing? Could it be that he still wants to go back?
△ Camera switch.
▲ NTU Medical School student cafeteria. Students are eating lunch in groups.
Female student A: I told you, this female singer is extremely strong. She is completely at professional singer level!
Female student B: Indeed, but the song she chose seems like something I have never heard before…
Female student A: Didn’t you listen to the host’s introduction? It is an original song, of course you have never heard it before.
Female student B: This song, both melody and mood are very good. No wonder she stood out.
▲ Yu Renjie, eating a boxed meal nearby, shows a faint smile.
Yu Renjie: (OS) “Muya, the most beautiful thing is having dreams. May your dreams come true.”
