61 Day Scene
Characters: Shi Weide, Shi Aiyu, Shi Ziqiang
Time: Noon
Location: Aiyu’s Bedroom in Shi Weide’s House
△ Shi Aiyu is emotionally devastated and has locked herself inside her room. Her younger brother Ziqiang senses that his sister is burdened with worries and takes the initiative to knock on the door and enter the room. Aiyu hurriedly wipes away the tear stains hanging on her face.
(All dialogue in this scene is spoken in the Tsou language.)
Ziqiang: (suspiciously) “Sis, what’s wrong? Were you crying just now?”
Aiyu: “No… it’s nothing.”
Ziqiang: “What’s happened to you these past few days? You’re like a completely different person! It’s not the end of the world, so what’s the matter with you!?”
Aiyu: “Nothing, really! Little brother, during summer vacation I want to leave Alishan and transfer to teach in the city.”
Ziqiang: (curious) “What? Did you and Brother Xiang have a quarrel?”
Aiyu: (pretending to sound relaxed) “No. I just thought that if I went to the city, I could teach while taking on some advertising projects on the side and save up more money.”
Ziqiang: “Not long ago, didn’t I hear you say you wanted Brother Xiang to accompany you down the mountain to pick out a wedding dress? What happened? Did something change with your wedding?”
Aiyu: “Ever since Tianxiang injured his hand not long ago, he’s been worried that his superiors might force him to retire from service. I don’t feel it’s appropriate to bring up the wedding at a time like this.”
Ziqiang: “Is that so? Then why did I hear people in the village saying that some rich young lady from the city claimed to be Brother Xiang’s college girlfriend, and that her parents even personally visited the Pu family? What exactly is going on?”
Aiyu: (forcing a bitter smile) “I’m fine, little brother. You don’t need to ask so many questions.”
Ziqiang: “Sis, if Brother Xiang has fallen for someone else and cast you aside, then of course I have to ask. We’re family after all. How can I just stand by and watch my sister suffer this kind of grievance?”
Aiyu: “Stop talking. Let me be alone and have some peace and quiet.”
Ziqiang: “No. I have to tell Dad. This kind of matter needs him to step in personally!”
Aiyu: “Little brother, don’t make trouble! Tianxiang’s hand was only just injured. Don’t bother him with these things.”
62
Characters: Pu Guangrong, Shi Weide, Shi Ziqiang
Time: Daytime (Noon)
Location: Pu Guangrong’s House
△ Shi Weide and his son arrive at the Pu residence in a fury.
(All dialogue in this scene is spoken in the Tsou language.)
Weide: (angrily) “Village Chief Pu, call your son out here. I have something to ask him face to face.”
Guangrong: “Brother Shi, what happened to make you this angry? Tianxiang has gone for training.”
Weide: “What training? He’s already crippled in one hand and he’s still going to training?”
Guangrong: (displeased) “Old brother, what’s going on with you? Did you eat explosives for breakfast?”
Ziqiang: “Uncle Pu, I don’t know what Brother Tianxiang said to my sister, but every day after work she locks herself in her room. No matter what we ask her, she won’t say anything.”
Weide: (restraining his temper) “Pu, no matter what, you and I are both respected figures around here. Surely you’re not the kind of people who go back on your word and fail to keep your promises?”
Guangrong: (completely confused) “Brother Weide, the two of you came in cursing the moment you stepped through the door. What exactly did Tianxiang do to make you this angry?”
△ Pu Guangrong pours tea for the Shi father and son.
Ziqiang: “My sister has been hiding in her room crying a lot lately. At the beginning of last month, I even heard her happily saying she wanted to go down the mountain to prepare a wedding dress. But now she says she wants nothing anymore.”
△ Guangrong finally understands the situation, but does not wish to explain too much.
Guangrong: “Please, have some tea… What exactly happened?”
Weide: (astonished) “Don’t tell me Tianxiang never mentioned any of this to you?”
Guangrong: “He mentioned some of it.”
Ziqiang: “Sis said she doesn’t want to get married anymore. She wants to transfer to a school in the city to teach.”
Guangrong: (pretending not to know) “Is that so? But I heard Tianxiang say that it seemed Aiyu was the one who wanted to leave him behind and pursue development in the city!”
Weide: (furious) “Your son—your son is talking nonsense…”
Ziqiang: “I heard people in the village say there’s a rich young lady from the city claiming to be Brother Tianxiang’s former girlfriend. My sister’s marriage with Brother Xiang has changed course, and I’m guessing it definitely has something to do with that woman.”
Weide: “That’s right. Your son has fallen for someone else. You owe me a reasonable explanation for this.”
Guangrong: “Fine. Since things have come to this point, I have no choice but to say a few fair words on behalf of my son. My Tianxiang has become disabled in one hand. He feels he can no longer delay Aiyu’s happiness.”
Weide: (slamming the teacup he had raised toward his mouth heavily onto the table) “I think your son is full of shit. When has my daughter Aiyu ever despised your son for having a crippled hand?”
Guangrong: “Then let me tell the truth. My son’s college girlfriend came back looking for him. The girl’s father offered a condition: as long as Tianxiang accepts his daughter, their Zhao family will build a grand hotel and a large resort here in Alishan. Not only would Tianxiang’s future employment be guaranteed, but our tribespeople would also gain many job opportunities…”
Weide: (extremely angry) “So this is it. You father and son are greedy for wealth and glory. Your son wants to become their rich son-in-law. Is this the way the Pu family conducts itself?”
Guangrong: “Old brother, why make your words sound so harsh?”
Weide: “I’m only learning from you and speaking frankly. Our two families already had a marriage agreement, but now because some rich and powerful young lady suddenly appeared midway, you father and son have gone back on your word. I, Shi Weide, must have judged people poorly. From now on, the Shi and Pu families will each go their separate ways. We sever all ties from this day forward.”
Guangrong: “Brother Weide, why must you do this…”
Weide: (in towering rage) “No more words. Son, let’s go!”
△ Shi Weide and Ziqiang stand up. Weide storms out of the Pu residence resentfully, while Ziqiang repeatedly turns back to look behind him.
63 Night
Characters: Pu Tianxiang, Gao Yingxiong
Time: Late Night
Location: Gao Yingxiong’s Living Room
△ Tianxiang pours out his troubles to Yingxiong.
Yingxiong: “Ha! The great romantic has arrived.”
Tianxiang: “Liquor. Bring the millet wine.”
Tianxiang: (lightly punching Yingxiong) “What kind of brother are you? You’re even making fun of me?”
Yingxiong: “Love is supposed to be devoted to one person. Look at me—I only love Lily alone. How would I dare provoke a second woman?”
Yingxiong: (draining a cup of wine) “Women can be very troublesome sometimes.”
Tianxiang: “Big brother, Aiyu doesn’t even want to see me lately. What do you think I should do?”
Yingxiong: “Ah, there’s not much I can say. Old Man Shi being angry is only natural. When something like this happens to his daughter, of course he feels she’s suffered a tremendous injustice. Now that the whole matter has spread throughout the tribe, everyone’s blaming you and the Zhao family. I think it’ll be very difficult for the Zhao family to build that grand hotel and resort in our Alishan now.”
Tianxiang: “I’m not coveting the Zhao family’s wealth. It’s just that when it comes to feelings, I truly don’t know how to handle things.”
Yingxiong: “Come on, drink.”
△ The two men drink several cups in succession and become slightly intoxicated.
Yingxiong: “Tianxiang, first you need to ask yourself clearly—who is it that you truly love in your heart? Since it’s not about wealth, then you should make a timely and wise choice. Stop fighting this confused battle.”
Tianxiang: (drinking two more cups in succession) “Big brother! Cheers! Let’s get drunk first and talk later.”
Yingxiong: (slightly drunk) “My Lily… she’s got a really hot body, and quite a fiery temper too. I don’t even dare mess around, hic!”
Tianxiang: (drunkenly) “Huh? Her body? You two already…”
Yingxiong: (blushing) “Oh… that… shh! I didn’t do it on purpose.”
Tianxiang: (drunkenly) “Heh, who would’ve thought? So you also know how to take a girl’s clothes off?”
Yingxiong: (smacking him hard on the head) “What nonsense? She took off her clothes so I could dry them by the fire. What are you imagining?”
△ Yingxiong and Tianxiang look at each other and burst into loud laughter. Before long, they collapse drunk onto the table.
△ The camera shifts toward the night sky outside the door, where the stars glitter brightly.
64 Dusk Scene
Characters: Zhao Jia’en, Shi Aiyu
Time: Dusk
Location: Café Near the Entrance of Xianglin Junior High School
△ Jia’en asks Shi Aiyu to meet at a café near the school entrance. Jia’en arrives first and orders a cup of coffee. Aiyu arrives shortly afterward and has just sat down.
Jia’en: (pushing the menu toward her) “Miss Shi, why don’t you order something to drink?”
Aiyu: (lowering her head and speaking slowly) “No need to be so polite. I just had tea before school ended. Miss Zhao, I know why you came.”
Jia’en: (surprised) “You know?”
Aiyu: (smiling faintly) “Mm. I love Tianxiang, but love isn’t about one-sided possession. I don’t want him to be caught in a difficult position because of all these matters.”
Aiyu: (letting out a soft sigh) “Sigh… I also know that your Zhao family has already planned to invest a large amount of money here to build a hotel for Tianxiang’s sake. Thank you for bringing employment opportunities to the villagers.”
Jia’en: (moved) “You…”
Aiyu: “I’ve already registered with the school administration to request a transfer to a school in Taipei during this summer vacation…”
Jia’en: “You’re leaving?”
Aiyu: “Only this way can Tianxiang avoid being put in a difficult position.”
Aiyu: (choking with emotion) “Miss Zhao, can you promise me one thing?”
△ Aiyu takes hold of Jia’en’s hand.
Jia’en: (moved, tears glistening in her eyes) “Call me Jia’en. Go ahead.”
Aiyu: “Take good care of Tianxiang and encourage him to stand back up again.”
Jia’en: “All right, I promise you. I’ll help Tianxiang and let him build a career of his own.”
Aiyu: (lowering her head and wiping away tears) “Thank you, Jia’en. I wish you both happiness.”
Aiyu: (raising her head and smiling) “In a few more days, I’ll be leaving Alishan. Please don’t tell Tianxiang.”
Jia’en: (feeling conflicted inside) “Mm… all right.”
△ Aiyu leaves sorrowfully. Although Jia’en feels conflicted inside, in order to win Tianxiang back, she has no choice but to keep the secret, though her conscience remains uneasy.
65 Day Scene
Characters: Shi Ziqiang, Pu Tianxiang
Time: Morning
Location: Reception Room of the Alishan Police Substation
△ Shi Ziqiang sits waiting in the reception room of the substation.
△ Tianxiang has just stepped into the reception room.
Ziqiang: (hostile in intent) “Pu Tianxiang…”
△ Shi Ziqiang immediately rushes forward and violently punches Tianxiang several times in the face. Tianxiang is beaten until blood flows from the corner of his mouth and stars burst before his eyes as he retreats all the way to the window.
Tianxiang: (covering his cheek, shocked and furious) “Are you crazy!? You…”
Ziqiang: (agitated) “You hurt my sister, and I won’t let you off for it.”
Tianxiang: “I… I didn’t hurt her…”
Ziqiang: “And you still say you didn’t? You toyed with my sister’s feelings and shattered her heart.”
Tianxiang: (suddenly realizing) “But that day at Danaiku, Aiyu personally told me she planned to save up more money and someday go to Paris to study art, which was why she requested a transfer to teach in Taipei. At the time, I even begged her desperately to stay.”
Ziqiang: (extremely angry) “You pig! Even wild boars are smarter than you. Sis decided to leave Alishan only to fulfill your relationship with that Miss Zhao.”
Tianxiang: (distressed with regret) “I know all that, but I never agreed to let her do this!” (agitated, struggling to stand up) “Ziqiang, tell me where Aiyu is. I’m going to find her.”
Ziqiang: (deflated) “Early this morning, Sis left behind a letter. She said that after she settled down somewhere, she would tell us where she was. She… she even specifically told me not to make things difficult for you.”
△ Tianxiang kneels on the ground in remorse.
Tianxiang: “I’ll bring her back. I’m going to bring her back…”
△ At that moment, Substation Chief Mai Youlong hears the commotion and comes in, seeing Tianxiang beaten black and blue with blood flowing from the corner of his mouth.
Youlong: (angrily demanding) “Shi Ziqiang, this is a police substation. Why are you assaulting Tianxiang?”
Tianxiang: “Chief, I’m fine. Just a small misunderstanding.”
Youlong: “Ziqiang, barging into the substation during working hours and assaulting a police officer constitutes obstruction of official duties. Do you understand that?”
Tianxiang: (standing up and blocking the chief) “Chief, this is a private grievance between him and me. Ziqiang, hurry and leave.”
△ Shi Ziqiang turns around.
Ziqiang: “Until you bring my sister back, don’t think I’ll forgive you, Pu.”
△ Shi Ziqiang leaves resentfully.
Youlong: “What are you doing, Tianxiang!?”
Tianxiang: (bitter smile) “Ziqiang has some misunderstandings about me. Please don’t make things difficult for him, Chief.”
Youlong: “Forget it. I won’t interfere in your private grievances anymore. However, regarding the last incident where you privately carried a police firearm to negotiate with someone, I must remind you that there must never be a next time. Otherwise, I’ll have no choice but to handle it officially according to regulations. Remember that!”
Tianxiang: “Thank you, Chief.”
Youlong: “No need to thank me. It was Zhou Tianyou who called me and asked me to protect you.”
Tianxiang: (surprised) “It was Tianyou?”
Youlong: “That’s right. I don’t know why he made that call to me, and since he didn’t say, it wasn’t convenient for me to ask. Also, the injury to your right hand has already affected your future ability to carry out duties. You might as well consider medical retirement. I’ll approve your retirement on the grounds of an injury sustained in the line of duty. Before that, I’ll first transfer you to desk duty. Of course, that was also something Zhou Tianyou specifically instructed me about during that phone call.”
Tianxiang: “Oh…” (OS) “So Big Brother has been helping me secretly all this time! But why does he still remain within the illegal logging syndicate? Perhaps he truly has unspeakable hardships of his own?”
66 Day Scene
Characters: Pu Tianxiang, Zhao Jia’en
Time: Morning
Location: Temporary Office of the Sakura Mountain Grand Hotel Preparatory Committee
△ Half a month later, Tianxiang arrives at the temporary office of the grand hotel preparatory committee. Looking dejected, he seeks out Jia’en to make his feelings clear.
Jia’en: “Tianxiang, why do you smell like alcohol so early in the morning?”
Tianxiang: (dejected) “Jia’en, thank you for being so good to me, but during these past two weeks, after failing to find Aiyu, I finally realized that I cannot live without her. Without Aiyu, what’s the point of my being alive? I have to find her. I’m the one who wronged her…”
Jia’en: “Tianxiang, don’t be like this. Please don’t be like this, okay?”
Jia’en: (disappointed) “Does your heart only have room for Aiyu alone?”
Tianxiang: “Jia’en, I’m sorry. I truly don’t know how to compensate you. During these past three years, Aiyu accompanied me through those low periods in my life. Every day after work, I would go to the school gate to pick her up after classes ended. On holidays, we traveled all over Alishan together. When my right hand became useless, she was the one who encouraged me to train my left hand.”
Tianxiang: (crying) “Jia’en, I’m sorry. Please forgive me!”
Jia’en: (heartbroken and sorrowful) “Tianxiang, in order to fulfill our happiness, she decided to quietly leave Alishan. At that time, I truly felt grateful to her, but now I finally understand that I really am inferior to her. I was too selfish.”
△ Jia’en covers her face and cries bitterly. Tianxiang cannot bear to see it and instead comforts her.
Tianxiang: (embracing Jia’en with both arms) “I’m not blaming you, Jia’en. Please don’t say that.”
Jia’en: (raising her tear-stained pretty face) “True love should not be as selfish as I have been. Tianxiang, I will help you find Aiyu and recover your happiness together.”
67 Dusk Scene
Characters: Gao Yingxiong, Gao Huijun, Pu Tianxiang
Time: Dusk
Location: Living Room of Pu Tianxiang’s House
△ Gao Yingxiong and Pu Tianxiang discuss everything that has happened these past days, while Gao Huijun sits quietly at the side with her head lowered.
Yingxiong: (looking toward Huijun) “Sis.” (calls again) “Big sis~~.”
Huijun: (coming back to her senses) “Oh! Little brother, what is it?”
Yingxiong: “What’s wrong? You look absent-minded. What are you thinking about?”
Huijun: (shaking her head) “Nothing. What could possibly be wrong?”
Yingxiong: “And you still say nothing’s wrong? It’s about Zhou Tianyou, isn’t it?”
Huijun: “Little brother… I…”
Yingxiong: (disdainfully) “A person like him who has committed countless evil deeds isn’t worth your thinking about anymore!”
Huijun: (OS) “He and I have already… Sigh! What’s the use of talking about this? Who could possibly understand my suffering? If there’s ever a chance, I absolutely must persuade Tianyou to turn back.”
Yingxiong: “Tianxiang, I will definitely avenge you for this.”
Tianxiang: (helplessly) “Yingxiong, I already told you, you misunderstood Zhou Tianyou.”
△ The Gao siblings simultaneously look toward Pu Tianxiang.
Tianxiang: “Tianyou truly is my biological elder brother.”
Yingxiong: “No matter how I think about it, I just can’t understand it. That kind of person is full of harmful schemes all day long. You and him are worlds apart in both thinking and personality. How could you two possibly be biological brothers?”
Huijun: “Exactly! You are the son of Uncle Guangrong, the village chief of Dabang Village. Your surname is Pu. How could Zhou Tianyou possibly be your biological brother?”
Tianxiang: “I’m adopted. When I was three years old, I was abducted by bad people and later adopted by my father after being passed around from place to place.”
Yingxiong: “Then, Tianxiang, how did you come to know that Zhou Tianyou is your biological elder brother?”
Tianxiang: “The group led by Zhou Tianyou imprisoned me in a woodshed beside the pigsty at his house.”
Huijun: (eager to know more) “And then?”
Tianxiang: “The next day, Tianyou’s mother heard some sounds and opened the door to investigate. She realized that my appearance resembled her youngest son who had been separated from her for many years, and she also discovered half of a jade pendant around my neck, so…”
Yingxiong: “So your biological mother released you?”
Huijun: “Little brother, stop interrupting. Let Tianxiang finish speaking!”
Yingxiong: “Mm. Tianxiang, continue.”
Tianxiang: “Then…”
△ Tianxiang explains to Yingxiong and Huijun what happened that day.
Yingxiong: “From what you’re saying, your injury wasn’t instigated by Zhou Tianyou then?”
Tianxiang: “Of course not.”
Yingxiong: “So that’s how it is! Then I suppose he hasn’t completely lost his conscience.”
Tianxiang: “I hope the two of you siblings can judge the matter, not the person, and help Zhou Tianyou break away from the criminal underworld and the illegal logging syndicate.”
Yingxiong: “This… big sis, what do you think?”
Huijun: “I think Zhou Tianyou simply followed the wrong people, which is why he became involved as an illegal logger.”
Tianxiang: “Sister Huijun, thank you for your understanding.”
Yingxiong: “Then what about the fact that Zhou Tianyou bullied you? How should that score be settled?”
Huijun: “Little brother, I already belong to Zhou Tianyou now. I absolutely must help Tianyou walk onto the right path.”
Yingxiong: “Sis, you’d better think this through carefully!”
Huijun: “I’ve already thought it through. Oh right! Little brother, Tianxiang, can I ask one thing of you?”
Tianxiang: “Sister Huijun, go ahead. What is your request?”
Huijun: “I want to join the mountain patrol team.”
Yingxiong: (laughing) “Big sis, come on now. You’re a girl!”
Huijun: “So girls can’t do it?”
Tianxiang: “It’s not that you can’t. It’s just that the mountain patrol team’s work is very hard.”
Huijun: “Of course I know it’s hard!”
Yingxiong: “Joining is possible, but going together with us to catch illegal loggers, this…”
Huijun: “Who said I wanted to catch illegal loggers? Little brother, did you forget that I’m a nurse?”
Tianxiang: “That’s right! We’re lacking medical personnel.”
Huijun: “So you agree?”
Yingxiong: (patting Tianxiang once, then looking at Huijun) “Of course! Welcome aboard, big sis.”
68 Day Scene
Characters: Gao Minghui, Shi Weide, Shi Ziqiang, Pu Guangrong, Gao Yingxiong, Elders, Dozens of Tribespeople
Time: Afternoon
Location: Kuba of Tefuye Village
△ At the “Kuba” of Tefuye Village, dozens of tribespeople are discussing countermeasures regarding Pu Tianxiang’s injury.
Minghui: “Everyone, please quiet down. Everyone knows that Tianxiang from Dabang Village was abducted by the illegal logging syndicate and shot in the right hand while trying to protect my son Yingxiong. Therefore, our Tefuye Village and Dabang Village must unite even more closely. As long as the illegal loggers are not caught, we absolutely will not relax our vigilance.”
Ataiyi: “Reporting to the chief! It was all because Yabu brought those illegal loggers here to cut down our trees that the village chief’s son got injured.”
Basuya: “Reporting to the chief, we should capture Yabu. Only then can we do justice to the village chief’s son.”
△ The tribespeople discuss noisily among themselves and express agreement.
Minghui: “If no one objects, from now on, whenever anyone sees Yabu, any tribesperson may capture him and bring him back to the tribe for public judgment.”
Guangrong: “Capturing Yabu is only one move on the chessboard. What we truly need to deal with is the illegal logging syndicate behind him.”
Yingxiong: “Uncle Guangrong is right. Before we completely dismantle the illegal logging syndicate, we cannot relax.”
Weide: “In order to fight against the illegal logging syndicate, our Dabang tribal patrol team is willing to fully cooperate with everyone’s actions. However, I hope Village Chief Pu can first give my son and me an explanation.”
Yingxiong: (trying to smooth things over) “Uncle Shi, allow me to say a few words. Everyone here is an old friend. Whatever misunderstandings there are, we can sit down and communicate properly. As far as I know, Tianxiang never intended to betray Aiyu.”
Minghui: “That’s right! Brother Weide, this occasion today is not suitable for discussing private grudges.”
Guangrong: “Brother Weide, my son took leave and went to Taipei to look for Aiyu. He searched for half a month before and after. He truly is not a heartless or faithless person.”
Weide: “Find my daughter first. Saying all this now is useless.”
69 Day Scene
Characters: Zhao Jia’en, Shi Aiyu, Priest
Time: Morning
Location: Tamsui Catholic Church
△ Jia’en finds Aiyu inside the Catholic church in Tamsui.
Aiyu: (surprised) “Jia’en, how did you find this place?”
Jia’en: (holding Aiyu’s hand) “My dear good sister, even if I had to search all across Taiwan, I would still find you.”
Aiyu: “Is Tianxiang doing all right?”
Jia’en: (pulling Aiyu to sit down) “You still ask? Once Tianxiang heard that you left only to fulfill our happiness, he became even more depressed than before. He even went down the mountain to search for you for half a month. After returning, he became completely dispirited and ignored even me.”
Aiyu: (slightly emotional) “Oh? Tianxiang… why did he become like this?”
Jia’en: “The one he still loves is you. Aiyu, I was too selfish.”
△ Aiyu suddenly retches several times in succession, and Jia’en notices something unusual.
Jia’en: “What’s wrong with you?”
Aiyu: (hesitantly) “I… I might be pregnant.”
Jia’en: “You’re pregnant? You two have only been separated for two months, so then it’s his…”
Aiyu: (blushing) “But you two have already gotten back together, and I…”
Jia’en: “You silly girl, why didn’t you tell me? Tianxiang has never been able to forget you. He even said that he couldn’t live this lifetime without you!”
Jia’en: (holding Aiyu’s hand) “No, you have to come back with me. I cannot let three people suffer because of one person’s selfishness.”
Aiyu: (troubled) “But what about the classes here?”
△ The priest walks into the church.
Priest: “Teacher Shi, you should go back first.”
Priest: (bowing apologetically) “I’m sorry. I just came in and unintentionally overheard your conversation. Aiyu, Christ has already arranged your future for you.”
Aiyu: (moved, crying, then smiling through tears) “Thank you, Father!”
Jia’en: “Aiyu, I’ll accompany you to pack your things.”
△ Zhao Jia’en cherishes Aiyu tenderly, embracing her like an older sister.
70 Day Scene
Characters: Pu Tianxiang, Shi Aiyu, Zhao Jia’en, Pu Guangrong
Time: Afternoon
Location: Living Room of Pu Tianxiang’s House
△ Zhao Jia’en drives Shi Aiyu back to Pu Tianxiang’s house.
Tianxiang: “You… you’ve come back.”
△ Upon seeing Aiyu, Tianxiang is overwhelmed with joy and steps forward to embrace her.
Jia’en: “Hey, Tianxiang, is this how you welcome your bride? You haven’t even shaved your beard. You look exactly like a giant wild boar.”
Tianxiang: “I… I… during these past days, I really have been like a wild boar.”
Jia’en: “From what I can see, even wild boars are smarter than you.”
Aiyu: (laughing) “You two really are like mortal enemies. You start arguing the moment you meet.”
Jia’en: (forcing a smile) “Of course! If we can’t become husband and wife, then becoming rivals is fine too, isn’t it, Tianxiang?”
Jia’en: “Aiyu, you’re tired. Rest for a while first.”
Jia’en: (carefully supporting Aiyu) “Tianxiang, is there a room where Aiyu can lie down for a bit?”
Tianxiang: “Aiyu, are you feeling unwell?”
Aiyu: “No… it’s nothing. I’ll be fine after sitting down for a while.”
△ After speaking, Aiyu sits down to rest.
△ Jia’en pulls Tianxiang aside and whispers to him.
Jia’en: “You… what did you do to wrong Aiyu? Tell me quickly, or I won’t forgive you either.”
Tianxiang: (confused) “I… I’ve never wronged Aiyu.”
Jia’en: (in a low voice) “Aiyu is pregnant.”
Tianxiang: (shocked, shouting) “Aiyu is pregnant?”
△ Aiyu is startled awake and rubs her eyes.
Jia’en: “She’s in the early stages of pregnancy now and isn’t feeling very well. You have to take good care of her.”
Tianxiang: (heart racing, blushing) “But I… I don’t think I ever did anything with Aiyu…”
Tianxiang: (recalling) “There was… there was that one time…”
Tianxiang: (embarrassed) “Could it be that time…”
Tianxiang: (turning toward Aiyu with tenderness) “You… why are you so foolish… You were pregnant and still didn’t tell me, and you still wanted to leave me…”
△ Tianxiang is moved to tears and becomes incoherent with emotion.
Aiyu: (looking innocent, with a shy expression) “I’m sorry, Tianxiang. When I left you, I still didn’t know that I was pregnant.”
Tianxiang: (laughing and shouting) “I’m going to be a father! I’m going to be a father!”
Tianxiang: (hugging Jia’en, causing Jia’en to blush) “Jia’en, thank you. Thank you for helping me find Aiyu and bringing her back.”
△ Tianxiang then lifts Aiyu into his arms, shouting and laughing joyfully while spinning in circles.
Jia’en: (anxiously) “Tianxiang, slow down! Aiyu hasn’t been doing well these past two months. She’s physically weak. Be careful not to disturb the fetus. As the child’s auntie, I’ll settle accounts with you if anything happens. Put her down quickly!”
△ Tianxiang carefully sets Aiyu down and finds a comfortable place for her to sit.
Tianxiang: “Yes, yes. I’ll be more careful. I’ll be more careful.”
△ Pu Guangrong is awakened from his afternoon nap by the noise in the living room and comes out.
Guangrong: “Who is it, making all this shouting and jumping around in broad daylight?”
Guangrong: (putting on his glasses, surprised) “Aiyu? You’ve come back.”
Guangrong: (looking again at Jia’en) “Miss Zhao, excuse me, but what happened?”
Guangrong: (tapping Tianxiang on the head and whispering) “Tianxiang, what are you up to again? Did they… did they quarrel? Hey, why are you grinning foolishly?”
Jia’en: “Uncle, you’re going to become a grandfather. I went through so much effort to bring your daughter-in-law and grandson back.”
Guangrong: (delighted) “Jia’en, you’re pregnant?”
Guangrong: “Tianxiang, what have I always taught you? You mustn’t fool around with respectable young ladies. Why don’t you hurry and choose a date to marry Miss Zhao?”
△ Tianxiang and Jia’en both rush to speak at once.
Jia’en: (blushing) “Uncle, not me. It’s Aiyu. You’re going to have a grandson.”
Guangrong: (disappointed) “It’s Aiyu? How could this…”
Guangrong: (uneasy) “Tianxiang, when did you and Aiyu… Then what about Miss Jia’en…”
△ Guangrong rubs his eyes, momentarily not knowing what to do.
Tianxiang: “Dad, when I was injured, Aiyu stayed with me the whole time. One time, she and I went to Danaiku, and then it rained, and after that…”
Guangrong: “Oh dear, what are we supposed to do now?”
△ Aiyu wants to laugh at the side but dares not laugh out loud.
Jia’en: “Uncle, this is a happy occasion! Let the lovers finally become husband and wife.”
Guangrong: (uneasy) “Then what about your father’s investment plan?”
Jia’en: “Uncle, please don’t worry about that. My father’s plan to build the hotel will not be affected.”
Guangrong: (relieved) “I see, I see. That’s good, that’s good. Miss Jia’en, you truly are a kind-hearted girl. It’s a pity our Tianxiang doesn’t have the good fortune for someone like you.”
Jia’en: “Uncle.”
Guangrong: (feeling heartache) “Aiyu, you’ve truly suffered these past days. If Tianxiang ever dares bully you again, I’ll definitely stand up for you.”
Aiyu: “Tianxiang never bullied me, Uncle.”
Jia’en: “Little sister Aiyu, you should change the way you address him now and call him ‘Dad.’”
Guangrong: (joyfully) “I’m going to be a grandfather! I’m going to be a grandfather! Tianxiang, go find the elders and choose an auspicious day. I want to make it up to Aiyu and apologize to the Shi family. I want to hold a grand wedding for the two of you.”
△ Zhao Jia’en and Pu Tianxiang watch Pu Guangrong’s excited appearance and smile at each other. Aiyu, after enduring bitterness and finally tasting sweetness, smiles even more sweetly.
