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In 2009 there were many significant events!
It was the year Barack Obama became President
Marking the first time in US history that
an African-American had attained the Presidency
It was the year China launched its Medical Treatment Reform Program
aimed at improving citizens access to Health Care
with a goal of effectively addressing Health Care costs by 2011
and it was the first time in 500 years
the Chinese witnessed a complete solar eclipse
That same year, Helen, the prettiest girl at Union University
became obsessed with taking secret pictures...
Helen was one of the most popular girls in the University
and was the object of many of the boys attention
She was very pretty and from a well-to-do family
She led a charmed life
but Helen was tired of flashy pretty boys
she had no respect for them
She was waiting for that strong, undying, true love
While she dreamed of
a Prince Charming;
what she found was a poor boy from the countryside...
For something as important as finding a new boyfriend
Helen would always consult her most trusted friend...
Er Bao, do you think, is he good looking?
huh? Handsome or not?
Er Bao? I asked if you think he is handsome!
Er Bao says...
Not bad at all
Helen decided that, for the first time ever,
starting tomorrow
she would take the bus to school
Here, let me help you with that
thanks!
I'm sorry
You don't seem like you ride the bus often
It depends on who else is on it
Hey... Helen
What? Since when do you ride the bus?
Yeah, I didn't take a taxi today
You should have given me a call
do you know how many guys have asked about giving you a ride to school!
Wow! Today is really cold!
Hey, we're almost there
C'mon, lets go
comin' through - comin' through
Hey, Helen, where's your bag?
I didn't bring a bag today
How many years had it been?
The university entrance exam was like a giant net
sweeping up the best and brightest of the countryside and dropping them in the city
This generation had dutifully lined up
and after scoring high on their exams they became local heros
Those who pass the exams and come from these poor country villages
All have similar character traits:
high IQ, willingness to study,
desire for success
and to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps
John *** was just this type of
dedicated student
4 years earlier at the University enrollment ceremony
the University President had said:
"Time, money and opportunity are like books"
"When you borrow a book
you create the opportunity to return the book"
And here... the opportunity to return a bag
creates the opportunity for Helen to see John *** again
HELEN!
Are you talking to me?
I just wanted to return your book bag
What book bag?
Your book bag
You forgot it this morning on the bus
How did you know my name is Helen?
You're the prettiest girl on campus
I think everybody knows who you are
What do they say about me?
I forgot...
You didn't go snooping through my bag did you?
NO!
Hey, aren't you the one at the top of the deans list?
Maybe you could you help me with my thesis?
Sure, I'll try my best
What are you doing later?
I have to tutor some students
I should get going
Let's walk together
I need to take the bus
Well, let's ride the bus together then
Since when do you eat at the cafeteria?
and lunch is almost over!
Theres nothing good left to eat
Today they have meatballs
*eating from pot marked free food*
Go ahead and eat
hi
hi
Do you work here everyday?
Yeah, it's a work study
Isn't it hard?
Na, it's not that bad
Every month I get about $25
I use it to buy more books
Is that all you eat?
This stuff is great!
It's got cabbage and tofu
it's really healthy!
Hey, I'm taking these
What?
What are you doing?
don't touch it!
What's going on?
be quiet!
Take these!
John
Tomorrow at Lakeside Park
there's a lantern ceremony
Let's go together
I'll meet you at the gate at 4:00, Don't be late!
I'm busy tomorrow
What are you doing? He's not gonna show!
Leave me alone!
You see this equation...
it's (A)+(B) then...
John!
What's wrong with you!
Didn't we have a date?
Hey, we're gonna go ahead to the library
See ya later
Hey guys, wait for me
I wanna know what's going on!
I said I was busy, but you didn't listen
Busy doing what, huh? Chasing girls?
It's not like that...
Helin just didn't understand
What could be more important than going out with her?
she had heard that before sunrise he would disappear.
But where did he go?
Helen decided to follow him and find out his secret...
Hey Boss
Hey! There's the college boy!
Hey, what ya got in that box there?
Spinach and Cabbage
Today is all top quality stuff!
Yep!
I'll put it right here
OK
I'll see ya later
Hey Boss, I'm see ya later.
All right, take care!
See ya tomorrow night
What are you doing here?
You get up at 3 AM everyday and ride your bike from campus
then you come down here to work... your life must be so hard
This is just temporary
I'm preparing for the Civil Service Exam
I won't say it,
You say it first
How can I possibly like someone who always
teases girls so much, huh?
Now tell me...
tell me 10 reasons you like me
tell me!
How about because I don't take calls from anyone else?
What! You don't knock and just barge in?
If you're home why don't you answer that phone!
Aunt Shirley is calling!
Why don't you answer?
Ugh! Go away please!
Who are you chatting with anyway?
One of your girlfriends?
Go away!
C'mon mom, leave please!
Ok, Ok, I'll go
I just wanted to grab your coat
Do you ever wash this thing?
No hurry up and go to bed!
Honey...
I think our little Helen has a boyfriend
What!
Recently she's been very secretive
Our little girl doesn't need any "problems"
You and your sister Shirley, keep a close eye on her!
Don't let her go far and stay close
What's that supposed to mean?
Don't let her go far & stay close?
There's no love without trouble!
Ugh, the stress of being a parent
is so much greater than being a kid
*meanwhile in John's hometown*
Mama ***! Mama ***
What is it?
I think my pigs gonna die, please help!
Ima comin'!
Quick, look at 'em!
Go on!
Mama ***, please come and look!
This here pig ain't eat in 3 days!
And now today he ain't movin' neither!
Ain't nobody know what kinda sick he done got
Maybe it's that there swine flu!
What we gonna do?
some strange sickness killed some pigs last year too!
Mama ***, what ya reckon we should do?
This here pig is countin' on ya!
Calm down, calm down
Let me take a look...
lets see...
Bring me a needle and thread
I got it, I got it!
I got the needle!
here it is
What's she doin'?
Alrighty
Just a case of Hoop Eye
He ain't gonna die
He'll be fine
It's Amazin'
He's good
Mama ***, c'mon on over
Let me fix ya somethin' ta eat!
C'mon, c'mon!
No I'm goin'
I'm gonna watch the play!
Oh, the play
C'mere Jody
Come with Granny and watch the show!
Have a good time!
*Chinese Opera* Called "Striking the Princess"
*A Story Similar to* *"The Taming of the Shrew"*
Granny
What is the song about?
Striking the Princess
That's the Emperors daughter, she's the Princess
The Princess is a noble beauty
she clashes with her husband and is beaten
m m m m... Mom!
Mom
Mom
What?
I'm watching the play!
John is on the phone
John?
Oh, Mr. Mayor
Mama ***
You've got a call
Oh, I got it
Son! When ya comin' home?
Mom, it's really hard to get tickets right now
As soon as I get one
I'll let you know
If ya ain't bought no ticket why are ya callin'?
It's a waste of money!
Mom...
This time I won't be coming home alone...
I'm bringing a classmate
Oh, comin' back with a friend
A girl classmate
What! A girl?
Where's she from?
She's from Beijing!
Mom...
She's a big city girl
I'm worried
she'll feel out of place in our village
I wanted to give you a call So you have time to prepare
Don't worry...
Heather's also comin' home
Your brother and his wife will help to get ever'thing cleaned up
She'll be snug as a bug in a rug
Sorry to make you work so hard mom
Don't worry, an not another word about it!
Anything else, if not I'll let ya go
When I buy the tickets I'll give you a call
Alright, I'll talk to ya later
What's up? Yer boy comin' home?
Yeah, and he's a bringin' a girl with him!
Oh! That's wonderful!
And where's the lil' lady from?
Beijing
Well I'll be...
Sarah
Boyfriend let you off the leash did he?
I knew you wouldn't wait around outside for me anyway
Yeah, I didn't want to waste my time!
Waiting around like an idiot is not my style
Where's your working class Prince?
Filling in for someone and tutoring a class
And your Japanese boyfriend?
Jason isn't Japanese!
He's Chinese but he studied engineering in Japan
And he's much more handsome than any Japanese guy!
Looks like we finally found a man to tame you!
Look who's talking
Let me smell
So, so
I love the smell of this aftershave
Look at you...
Getting so excited buying stuff for him!
I'm just showing you how it's done!
This is how you're supposed to act when you're in love!
Sooo beautiful!
He proposed!
Really?
Did you accept?
Of course I accepted!
I'd have to be an idiot not to!
He's handsome and makes lots of money
Just think about it, I'll be 24 when I get married
Have a baby at 26
Then when I'm in my early 40s
My kid will be ready to go off to college!
And I'll still be young and pretty!
Hey Sarah
Hey for real,
Pick a day where you and the working class Prince
can meet us at the hotel for a buffet lunch!
You just want to compare him to Jason
Hmmm, are you worried?
He's more talented than anybody!
Oh, love makes people so insensitive
Hey when you go to the countryside watch how you talk to his family
You can be a bit boastful
Don't worry about it
I got your back
As long as I'm with him
I don't need to worry about anything
You like him that much?
It sounds like this John ***
is an amazing guy!
Honey
Er Bao is crying for food
Go out and give him something
That kid goes out and buys a goose then never feeds it
Go buy the tickets
Are you going?
I'll text you after supper
Ok, here's your bag
Ok, I'm off
Helen
That day, did you really sneak a picture of me?
Take a good look before I delete it
Don't delete it
I have to go
Ok
John
What's up Sis
WHAT!
Ok, Ok
I'm on my way!
That stupid girl!
In two days I'm thinking of taking a trip to Tianjin
With who?
With a boy or girl?
What are you thinking?
With Sarah
and one of her coworkers
The company is opening a new hotel in Tianjin
They're going to check it out
and asked if I wanted to tag along
Hanging out at home is so boring
Hey, can I go too?
Why would you go?
It's a chance for us girls to hang out together
and just chat and gossip
I just want a chance to relax
No one else is bringing a chaperone
Wait, I got it
I'll keep my distance
I won't bother you guys
Or your mother and I can take you
We'll rent a room at a different hotel
If you don't call us we'll stay out of sight!
How about that?
You guys wanna spy on me!
I swear, I have no freedom!
Why do you guys treat me like this!
Fine! I never go anywhere!
Just keep me locked up in this house forever!
Don't worry about it
It's just a few girls going out
It will be fine
It's your first visit, what gifts are you gonn bring?
Some tea and Ginsing
And for the for the family I'll buy
Some bath and beauty stuff
Seriously?
On your first visit your buying that much stuff?
Later you won't be able to keep that up
and you'll look bad
It looks fake like you're trying to kiss up
Take my advice
Just bring some fruit and two boxes of tea
and one set of winter underwear
If they have little kids, bring a little candy
If a mans family approves of you
even if you come empty handed
they'll still like you!
But if they don't approve
Even if you brought them a mountain of gold and silver
they wouldn't appreciate it
I'm not finished yet
The first time you go to their home
you have to set the example
Don't act like a little girl
people won't take you seriously
If you're the lady of the house you should be reserved
and pleasant but serious
You're awesome!
Helen made a list of Sarah's suggestions
and went out to buy the gifts
but, as always, when Helen got to the store
all of that excellent advce
went right out the window
Don't buy this brand, it's too cheap!
Buy this brand
I looked at this one but it's way to expensive!
I don't have that kind of money
I'll use my dads credit card
Let's go
There's so much stuff, how will we carry it all?
Don't you worry
Just cuz I don't have money doesn't mean I'm weak
I can carry it all for you
You're such a sweet gentleman
taking pity on a frail girl like me
Mom
ain't it been a wile since John said he was one his way?
How long ya reckon 'till he gets here?
Ain't ya worried about him?
There ya go again -
Country folk don't much like waitin'
Your brothers on the train
we just have to wait
He sure is good at book-learnin'
even done caught him a big city girlfriend too
One time when I went to Shenzhen City for work
All them city girls was so pretty
An their make up was done up real nice like!
If'n John can nab him a big city wife
Our family will look mighty respectable like
Ain't that right Mama?
Sure is
That boy's got him a bright future
'member when he took that college entrance exam
He done so good on that test that the County Leader his-self
drove out in his SUV drive, just to see John
Yep!
John's gonna marry him a big city girl!
High-Class!
High-Class! High Class!
John
Does your mom know which train we're comin' in on?
Of course she knows, the whole family knows!
They're all waiting for us
Hold on
What's up?
Let's get a picture
Let's capture our pre-travel mood!
Ready
1, 2, 3...
CHEESE!
Ok, ok, ok
Where?
right there
48 and 49
Those two!
Set it down there - there
I'll grab it
Here we go
there's more
No more space
Just put that one down there
There we go
souvenir photo!
Goin' home!
Mama ***... Mama ***
I got some welcome banners
Mr. Mayor, I coulda come down and picked them up
Ya didn't have to go bringin' 'em to me
What, why wouldn't I, huh
Oh, you ain't never gonna change
let's go
Suzy
Mr. Mayor
Let's put up the banners
Look at how pretty it's written
Somebody with book-learnin' done wrote this
I'll read it fer ya
I done wrote this one real subtle like
What do "subtle" mean
I can't read
Look here
"Diligent traditional family of the Imperial Scholar class"
Ya see, John is our village's "Imperial Scholar"
Oh, I see, I see
Ok, this here's the lower banner
What's written on this on here is
"With determination and resolve he pulls up his family to honor and glory"
your words is so beautiful
No look carefully here!
you can't read so I'll show ya
J-O
H-N
See there, your boys name is hidden in the words
real subtle like
Well look at that!
There's the character for J-O and the an the one for H-N is right there!
that's great!
ya like it?
I love it!
Blacky, Blacky come here, don't run away
Jody, you little devil
Didn't Granny tell you
wait at the edge of the village for your uncle!
Why are you back here?
I was tire of waitin'
tired? Get back out there!
I your mom really hard to please?
What if she doesn't like me?
That's impossible
Of the 3 kids, mom likes me the most
If I like you, my mom will definitely like you
You don't understand
For mom to send me off to college
was so difficult
Helen, promise me
you'll be good to my mom
If you're good to me, I'll be good to her
Helen was filled with curiosity
about her future mother-law
and secretly resolved
she would be very kind to her new mother-in-law
What kind of woman could raise
such a caring and excellent son
Can't this train go any faster?
No, this is the slow train
Why didn't you get an express train ticket?
Express trains don't stop in the countryside
Only the slow trains stop here
Such a pity
It's not that bad
It was an exciting and strange journey
With crying babies and stinky passengers
with each passing hour their hearts fluttered
as they got closer and closer to John's village
It includes the Hutong tour
and shopping stops at various stores
a Peking Duck dinner and an Opera Performance
Good Afternoon Ma'am
How may I help you today?
I'm waiting for someone, I'm fine for right now
Will you be staying at our hotel?
Perhaps
Are you in Beijing for vacation?
My son's getting married and I'm here for the wedding
Oh, really! Congratulations!
I hate Beijing
and dislike the people
Beijing's changed a lot since the Olympics
I'm sure you'll change your mind
Old fashioned people don't change that easily
If I were to stay at your hotel,
could you help me?
Of course - of course
Just fill out this form
Mom
Son!
Why didn't you call me to pick you up?
If I let you know ahead of time
I wouldn't be able to see what a slick sales person
my future daughter-in-law is
So you've already met
Mom, you're even younger looking than Jason described!
Yep
Such unashamed flattery, you're quite good at public relations aren't you
Soon we'll all be one family
So there's no need to treat me like a customer
Mom, I love you so of course she'll love you
You can just set the luggage down over there
Just these
Yes
Thank you
Are you satisfied with the room mom?
Yes, it's fine
I remember when you were just a child
The only tall building in Beijing was the International Building
yeah
Now it's become quite the international city
beautiful
So now you understand
why I left Japan to come here
Nonsense!
It's because of her
Mom, I used my employee discount for the room
so you only have to pay half price
she did
Thank you
When Jason was Chief Engineer
for the company in Japan
when we stayed in hotels, it was always free
Mom, don't worry
Give me 3 years
I'll move from deputy director to president of the company here!
Of course
You're getting married
Everything will be for your wife
you'll forget about your mother
NEVER!
right Sarah
Whoever gets my son, has won the lottery