Murmur of the Hearts (2015)

[bunniefuu]

The sky of Taipei...

We've sent the little fish home.

Mommy, the little fish is going home.

Once upon a time, in the big, blue sea.

Somewhere far and deep...

Was a Mermaid Palace that no one knew about.

There lived a curious little mermaid.

Everyday, the little mermaid.

Would see a peculiar
light blinking from far away.

Hmm...

What is that place?

There...

What is in "there"?

Is there something that
I've never seen before?

How far away is "there"?

She'd been my most trusted person
ever since I was little.

I believed in every word she's said.

Are you mad at her?

You feel like you've been lied to...

And she didn't love you?

If it weren't for you two kids.

I would've left this island long ago.

Anything wrong?

I miss you.

Don't let the coach see you.

I just wanted to see you...

Alright, alright. Come on in.

Can I stay here tonight?

It'll be bad if the coach sees you.

And you shouldn't stay out that late.

Come on, stop it!

I have to concentrate.

This match is really important for me.

If you lose, you won't be on the roster.

There you go again.

I've been training hard for this match.

Stop saying things like that.

I'm just saying, if...

Please, stop talking like this, okay?

Why do you always worry about stuff.

...that hasn't happened yet?

And why do you say such negative things?

Everyday, I've been...

Have some water before you leave?

No, thanks.

I'm leaving now

Call me when you get home.

Are you home already?

Hsiang...

What's with a man that has no shadow?

What?

Where are you?

Why don't you go home?

I just saw a really strange person.

Mei...

I told you, I really need to sleep.

And you do too.

Go home now, okay?

Mommy will take you to a really fun place.

There, you get to listen
to a lot of stories...

You can draw

You can sing.

And dance too.

I want to go home...

...and be with my brother...

Your brother will come find us.

He will definitely come find us.

Almost there...

This is the island where I was born.

Green Island.

Many people remember it as
"The Burning Island"...

...right?

In the old days when fishermen
went fishing at night.

They would light up torches
on the mountain top.

So that they could recognize the way home.

Torches were the guide to their safe return.

Such a beautiful sight at night.

It would look like the
whole island was burning.


the ocean is Taiwan.

But most people there.

...often forget this beautiful island.

Or still think that it's just
a place that locks up prisoners.

More and more tourists
visit here these days.

They all come here for diving.

Because it has the clearest
seawater in the area.

Look at this street.

It was once part of the ocean.

It's reclaimed land.

Here, Here! Come here!

We have to scoop the fish out.

What are you guys doing?

Scooping the fish out.

Right, to take it home.

No you can't.

- You can't take any of the fish home
- Why not?

Fish belongs in the ocean.

They're pretty.

Alright... we can watch them.

Give me yours too.

Spooky.

- It's slippery
- Water dropped on me! It's cold.

Let's hurry in!

Please wait for us, Nan!

We are falling behind.

Sis, don't run.

Mei! Look! What is this?

A mermaid! She is so pretty!

The mermaid is swimming.

That day...

...the mermaid finally
snuck out of the palace.

She was so happy.

Because she was finally free.

She danced in the big blue ocean.

As if the ocean belonged to her.

I am never going back.

Never.

I want to see the world.

She wanted to swim out,
to the big blue ocean.

She didn't want to go back.

She would never go back.

...len, there are customers here.

Come here and cook now!

All you do is chitchat.

Go help with the appetizers.

Go on! Quickly now!

Here you go.

Thank you.

...len, can you come volunteer
this Saturday night?

- Sure! I will be there, Pastor
- Len!

Stop chatting! Come get the noodles!

Hurry up.

Mei, mommy fooled us!

There are no mermaids in this world.

I've never seen one.

Yes, there is. Because mommy said so.

It is still small.

This is the head.

This is the hand.

It looks weird.

In about two months...

we'll know whether it's a boy or a girl.

I don't want to know

Excuse me, do you know
where ophthalmology is?

OPH is not in this building.

Please go that way.

Go down one floor, turn
left, and you'll see it.

Okay... Put your chin up gently.

We are okay with the schedule.

I promise!

Alright, alright. We'll talk later.

Sorry... Sorry about that.

What the hell are you doing?

Sloppy! Your technique is a mess.

Don't just dodge.
Where do you think you can hide?

You won't die of a single punch.

Find a chance and return a combo.



Find your rhythm back!

- Gotta go now
- Bye.

What happened to you today?

Have you been doing running lately?

I have!

Really?

Or were you too nervous?

My stomach wasn't feeling well...

I think you smoke too much.

You seem weak.

You're not eating any?

I don't feel like it.

You gotta eat something!

Not feeling well?

Would you like to go see a doctor?

What doctor?

Your eye is pretty swollen.

Do you want something to drink?

No, I don't.

Did something go wrong
today during practice?

Nope.

What did the coach say to you?

You saw it. I was in pretty bad condition.

Don't say that!
And it's just a practice match anyways.

You don't get it.

If I don't do well, how would
I get on the roster?

If you are not qualified this year,
there is always next year.

Are you allowed to drink beer?

Like I said, you don't get it.

The lifespan of an athlete is limited.

There are not that many "next years"!

You think it's like being a painter?

That you can always start all over again?

What has this to do with
me being a painter?

I say these things because I care...

I don't need this kind of care and empathy.

I know what I'm doing.

All you need to do is
to control your temper.

Don't talk about nonsense
like seeing a shadowless man...

- Or that I won't be qualified this year
- Nothing I say is right to your ears, right?

Maybe it's for the best that
we don't see each other.

Hsiang...

I am sorry that I come to see you today.

I am sorry that I make you upset.

- Please! Stop saying sorry to me!
- Sorry that I always do the wrong things...

- Say the wrong words
- Stop this!

It's my own problem.

You have nothing to do with it.

Hsiang...

I know how important boxing is to you.

If you don't want to see me.

We can have a break...

Mei, come here and touch it.

The baby is kicking so hard.

Miss! This is very dangerous!

Don't you see the yellow
line on the ground?

Sorry... Sorry... It's alright now

Please be careful.

That was really dangerous.

Were you trying to k*ll yourself?

Is this your drawing?

Where did you get it?

I don't know much about art. But...

Where did you find this drawing?

It is strong... Very emotional!

Give it back!

Shouldn't you be thanking me?

If I didn't pull you back just now

This drawing would be mine.

Don't you know how to
show your appreciation?

Hold on to it.

I won't give it back next time.

Do you know what color the ocean is?

Blue.

Black...

What color is the sun then?

Gold.

No, it's not.

- Yes it is...
- No, it's not...

Alright, alright!

Tell us what color the sun is then, Mei.

The color of the sun is...

Mei, you can't take sleeping pills anymore.

They are bad for the fetus.

Have you and your boyfriend decided yet?

You did talk to him, did you?

I don't think he wants
to have children with me.

Is that what he said, or what you think?

Are you afraid of him leaving you,
or giving birth?

I don't know

Bye.

The kid is fierce!

He's showing off, to you.

Isn't that good?

Nobody dares to mess with him now

Do you think he's good at this?

Go in and practice with him then!

Nah, maybe next time.

I've got to run in ten minutes.

Go now then!

Tell him to work hard.

I'll play a round with him when I get back.

Alright! Take care! Bye now

Hsiang! What are you doing here?

Go, go, go. Go back and practice. Hurry up.

Who were you talking to?

Was I talking to someone?

You did! And you were laughing.

I did not!

Do you see anyone out there?
Who did I laugh with?

Someone saw you practicing boxing
at this young of age.

He said, you are going to be great someday.

And that he'd like to challenge you.

Was that my dad? My dad came back?

Alright! Focus on practice now

Don't think about that! Okay?

Come on! 1, 2...



Hook.



Come on! 1, 2

Focus... Focus.

Come on! 1, 2...

Yes! 1, 2, 3, 4...

Watch before you strike!

That's okay. Keep calm...

Defense! You can b*at him!

How long has your eyesight been like this?

My boxing permit. Can I have it back?

No.

Why not? That's mine.

You are no longer qualified.

So you won't put me in competition again?

Of course I won't.

If the committee found out
about your condition...

- And heard about what happened today...
- I'll take full responsibility.

No one will know if you don't tell.

Are you saying that I should lie?

Hsiang...

You didn't tell me about your eye condition.

That is you deceiving me.

Now you are telling me to lie alongside you.

What hurts me more, is that
you didn't tell me about your condition.

That means you don't trust me anymore.

I am just competing for
the backup candidate.

If you don't tell, people would not know

You almost k*lled someone today!

What the hell are you thinking?

You are really messing with yourself!

Mei... Does she know?

What does this have to do with her?

You want to wait till
something bad happens?

What's the point of having
one more person worrying?

So you think you can handle.

...all the problems yourself?

What exactly are you trying to prove?

Who exactly do you trust now?

Who do you think is on your side?

Sometimes I wonder...

Why do you have to do this boxing thing?

Everytime, I see you lose a match.

I really wanted to persuade you...
and talk you out of it...

Sorry, I am sorry!

I know I am not good enough.
I did not work hard enough.

But I really love boxing.

That doesn't mean you're
qualified in a competition.

Do you understand?

You can clearly see the fact now...

You've lost the qualification status.

No more matches for you.

No more.

What do you think you're doing?

Give it back!

Give it back!

Do you hear me! Give that back!

Now what?

- Give it back to me!
- Sorry. I am sorry!

I know I've never been good enough, okay?

But please give me another chance.

...lust one more chance, please?

Do you want to hear the truth?

Okay! Listen up!

Listen carefully!

You not meeting the standard
isn't because you don't work hard.

It's that you don't have the makings!

You don't!

Do you hear me?

Give me that!

f*ck you...

What is the occasion today?

Today we go worship the Groundskeeper God.

Whether it's a good day, or a bad day.

Getting married or having birth...

Even when they can't catch any fish,
or they've lost something...

The locals would come here
and ask the God for help.

Brothers and sisters.

Count it all joy when ye fall
into manifold temptations.

Knowing that the proof of
your faith worketh patience.

And let patience have its perfect work...

That ye may be perfect
and entire, lacking in nothing.

Verse 6 to 8, together.

But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting.

For he that doubteth is like
the surge of the sea.

Driven by the wind and tossed.

For let not that man think that
he shall receive anything of the Lord...

Pastor Chiu, this roof has to be fixed.

I know

I've asked for a quotation.

You still live in Taitung?

Yeah.

Didn't move to Taipei?

No...

Not used to the big city.

You are such a typical country boy.

But you're not moving back to the island.

This is your hometown.

I can't, I got to work.

And...

I've left for so long.

Did you get married?

I'd like to be the chief witness
at your wedding ceremony!

Nah! I haven't.

What's with your generation nowadays?

Not fond of marriage,
not keen on having children.

First we have to support ourselves.

The Bible says...

Therefore shall a man leave his father
and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife.

They shall be one flesh.

No marriage, nor having children.

Alright! And no one wants to be baptized!

I feel ashamed sitting
here in front of my boss.

You know what?

Your mother is one of the few people.

who's been baptized in this church.

Have you heard any news from them?

I gave you the contact
of the church in Taipei.

Mm.

If your mom still goes to church,
you should be able to find them.

I think, my mother...

She is no longer with us.

Why are you calling me now?

What else can I do?

Stop explaining to me.

I know, I know

Let me tell you...

That kid...

Don't tell me anything about them two ever.

Dead or alive, they are
none of my business anymore.

Do you get it?

Get inside and do your homework.

From now on, you don't help in here.

Studying is way more important.

Why are you still standing there?

Do you want to work in
this kitchen all your life?

Get inside!

Check, please.

I rarely go to Taipei.

I go there only for meetings.

Always rushing.

I'd be back in a day.

Hello everyone, I am the
representative from Tainan.

Today I would like to introduce you to...

A new way of traveling.

Except for the well-known...

Well, Tainan was an ancient capital city.

So except for the unique houses
that everybody knows about.

There are historical buildings...

- And great cuisine...
- Sorry.

I couldn't get a taxi.

I'm your colleague from Taitung.

The colleague from Taitung is here.

Do they still fly under
this kind of weather?

I'm your colleague from Taitung.
My name is Lin Yu-Nan.

Sorry I am late.

Lin Yu-Nan, right?

Please have a seat.

Thank you.

Pastor Chiu...

Do you remember...

The night when my father had the accident.

I was stuck in Taipei?

It has been raining heavily all day.

Reports were just in that
landslides have damaged railroads.

There was nothing coming
in and out of Yen-he.

All trains are stopped at Chung-De Station.

People were complaining
about the traffic delay.

I still remember the damage.

...done by Typhoon Morac very clearly.

And how horrifying the aftermath was.

The residents in Hualien area
were really worried.

That night...

I think I saw my mother.

But it was such a chaotic night.

Maybe I was drunk?

It could've been my imagination?

Even until now...

I'm still confused about
what happened that day.

You must miss her a lot.

And the next day...

My father passed away.

I haven't thought of this incident again.

Nan.

Check, please.

Okay. Thank you! Hope to see you soon.

Two plain noodles with soup, there you go.

There you go.

Careful, it's hot.

Two more noodles, coming right up.

Put it down. Let me.

There we go, two noodles.

Thank you.

He should write lyrics for as a career.

Stop writing those sensitive articles.

- Yes, you can sure write lyrics as a career
- Can I? Really?

- Sure
- Sure you can.

You are good at writing.

Here, braised snacks.

Haven't seen you for some time.
Where have you guys been?

Look at your belly.
It's been a while since our last visit.

About seven months.

Your daughter doesn't get jealous?

Why would she!

She should be happy that
she'll have a little brother or sister.

Siblings!

You've never seen
my daughter's drawings, right?

- Mei is really good at painting
- Yes...

...she is really talented.

You have to give her more advice.

Mei...

Mei...

Mei, go take your drawings
and show Uncle Shen.

Mei! Mei!

Is Mei drawing the ocean?

You don't want Uncle to
see your little secrets?

Do you remember that
you used to read poems to me.

When you were about three or four?

Do you remember that?

Do you remember the poem?

A thread in loving mother's hand...

Two Sesame Paste noodles, please.

Okay. Find yourself a table.

Threads in loving mother's hand;
Clothes on the departing son.

With whole heart she's sewing on;
Fear for his returning belated.

How can little grass like sons;
Ever repay the warmth of Sun.

Can I have a smoke?

This is your last one. Quit it.

It is the only poem I can remember.

I believe my brother remembers it better.

Mother sewed him a lot of clothes.

Why didn't you go home
after your mother d*ed?

Go home?

I don't know where my home is.

After my mother d*ed...

Aunt gave my father a phone call.

I could hear him yelling clearly...

Don't tell me anything
about them two, ever!

Then he hung up.

Then I was brought to Liouciou Island.

But in the end, you chose to
come back to Taiwan. Why?

And since now you are back...

Why don't you go home?

It's not that I'm afraid.

I don't want to find them.

It's been a long time.

And you are still mad?

I can only feel real and alive.

When I'm angry.

So you haven't seen
your brother and father since?

What do you want?

Do you want her to go back or not?

That kid!

Don't tell me anything
about them two, ever!

Dead or alive, they are
none of my business anymore.

Do you get it?

Should go now

So many years I'd been
locked up in Green Island.

Honestly I don't know what it looks like.

The time I spent there...

Felt like being left out from this world.

Had no fear.

But somehow felt a little sad...

At the bottom of my heart.

Taitung is only 18 nautical miles
across the sea...

But we are so isolated.

Sometimes it feels like
we're a part of Taiwan...

But sometimes, it doesn't.

A friend here just asked me...

Whether I've been back to Green Island.

I hadn't been back.

Do you want to go back?

I did think about it...

But the reason would be
to learn more about the Island.

Not looking for memories...

For all the memories had gone.

with me when I left...

To Yu-Mei Huang, Please.

Okay.

Huang... How do you spell Yu?

Y- u.

- Hello?
- This is Glory Church.

Sorry we can't come to the phone right now

Please leave your name and phone number.

We will contact you as soon as possible.
Thank you.

Mm...

Mm...

Hello?

Yes, speaking!

Is he conscious?

Can my father be transferred now

...to the hospital in Taitung?

I'm in Taipei.

Okay... Thank you.

Alright... I am going back now

Thank you.

When people grow old...

Unforgettable things often
hit right back at you.

Mei...

The biggest regret of my life...

Is your mother's death.

The biggest regret would be...

If my mom didn't die.

I've always wanted to know...

How it became what it is today.

Is it because of what we did in the past?

Or it is what it's supposed to be?

Why did mom leave home?

Was it because of me?

Or for herself?

Does it have to have an answer?

No...

It doesn't.

There's only one fact.

She left...

And took me with her...

Everything has changed since then.

Isn't it selfish?

And it seems like...

Everything she's done
was written off with her death.

She doesn't have to take
responsibility anymore.

But at least...

She didn't ruin your family.

That's right.

She didn't allow me to...

Carry the sin of a cheater.

Mei...

You've grown up.

You have every right to
criticize me, or expose me.

Is that why you came here today?

I don't know why I'm here.

Aren't you looking for an answer too?

Sometimes I feel like I hate her.

But...

The more I hate her...

That I'm like her.

Father! Are you finished?

Mother wants me to pick you up.
There's a typhoon coming.

Thank you, Mr. Shen.
And excuse me for bothering.

Not at all.

Thanks again.

- Goodbye
- Goodbye.

Dad! Where is your bag?

Oh, right... My bag!

Mr. Shen, your bag is here.

Taxi!

Where are you heading?
We can ride together!

That's okay. I'm good.

Get in! There's no other taxi around.

- Watch out
- Thank you.

I can't get the line
through to Green Island.

Sorry, but it's an emergency.

My father is having a heart att*ck.

It's probably because of the typhoon.

Green Island?

Where is it?





Wait, wait a minute.



It's in the East, on the Pacific Ocean.

Hello? Hello?

Hang on.

Please wait... There you go.

Hello? Hello?

Pastor Chiu? This is Nan...

Is my father conscious now?

What did the doctor say?

Any updates on the ferry schedule?
To transfer him to Taitung?

Okay, I got it.

As soon as I can.

I will get on the first train back.

Thank you. Goodbye.

Forgot to pay...

Hey, driver! Mister!

I rarely drink this type of alcohol...

Do you have beers?

It looks strong... I'll
get drunk really quickly.

What are you doing at a bar,
if you don't want to get drunk?

Go to the convenience store and get a beer!

We're closed.

Did you see the man that just came in?

Mister! Sir!

Don't turn off the lights, please!

It's raining like crazy out there.

Don't shut me out.

I'll drink it...

Wait.

Surprise for a storming night!

A surprise...

Sir! I'll drink this up.

But you got to wake me
up when the rain stops.

Handsome guy.

Hi, handsome.

Jackpot! Jackpot!

Flowers! I want some!

Jackpot! Jackpot!

Even if I turn back to
a 'nobody' tomorrow...

Even if this lottery ticket is unreal.

I thank you for spending the night with me.

Take this with you.

Be careful.

Customer!

Here, here! Sit! Find yourself a table!

First time on Green Island?

There! Fish Soup. Have it while it's hot.

I'll cook you noodles
when the electricity comes back.

Thanks.

Nan, take your sister to bed.

Mommy... Stories...

Mei! There is customer!

Go to bed first.

Okay.

Careful. Watch your step.

Where are you from, young man? Taipei?

Is your son's name Nan?

It's Yu-Nan.

My husband wanted another son...

But I had a daughter...

But my daughter is so smart and pretty.

This is her drawing.

She's only five.

She draws really well.

You love your daughter more, right?

Of course not!

My son is very talented as well.

Look at these paper-cuts.

You know what?

His father says it's good for nothing.

But I don't care.

I'll still let him do
whatever they love to do.

When your son grows up...

What do you expect him to do?

This is such a big world...

I want him to be like you...

College graduate...

Capable... Courageous.

That he would go explore the world.

The wind seems tired. The cloud seems weary.

I have no dream in this world anymore.

I walked through youth.
I passed by innocence.

Now I am back to where I belong.

The sky of Taipei.

Has kept all the beams of my youth.

Boys grow up so fast!

It's hard to let go.

I'm making this so big that
he can wear it for years.

Are you leaving?

Where are you going?

Your kids are still waiting for the story?

Mm... I only have one story to tell.

It's always the same story.

But every night I would
add something different to it.

They must love that story.

What would happen today?

Today...

The mermaid would...

Meet a kind-hearted young man.

And they make friends with each other.

Thank you.

Your bag is so much like
what I've made here.

Look!

They look exactly the same!

I made this one for Mei.

And want to make another one for my son too.

I'd like to use this fabric.

But the pattern...

I'm not sure if boys would like it.

If your mother hand-made you a bag...

Would you like it?

I will cherish it all my life.

I love this pattern.

And this fabric.

Alright... This fabric then.

Do you still think that I love Mei more?

Goodbye, college boy.

Goodbye.

I'm not a student anymore.

I just turned 30 this year.

Look how big you are.

Mom.

Yes? Forgot something?

What's wrong?

I want to have fried rice...

Is that okay?

Hello. This is Nan.

How is my father doing now?

Okay. I understand.

Thank you. I will.

I will.

I'm on my way to the train station now!

I should...

I should be there before dinner time.

- Noodles for you
- Thank you.

For two.

Excuse me sir, can you sit over there?

This table. It's a bit crowded today.

Please sit.

Here's the menu.

Excuse me, where's the chili sauce?

Over there.

Anything to drink?

Water.

What's wrong?

Nothing. Go ahead and order.

What?

Can I help you?

Hsiang...

I remember this place.

Mei...

Sorry about that.

Is she alright?

I remember this place.

That night...

I've been waiting for my mom to come back.

I waited, and I waited...

Baby's foot is in the way.
Get ready for operation.

We are losing the fetus' heartbeat.

Nan.

It's okay now. I'm here! Alright?

It's all in the past.

Don't be sad. I am here.

I am here with you.

Okay?

I'm pregnant.

Mei...

Your painting style has
changed a lot lately.

- Goodbye
- Bye.

But you still paint the same subject.

It seems like... You're
longing for children.

I don't know. I'm just guessing...

Please leave your message.

Hsiang...

Your match is tomorrow

So I'll leave you alone.

I'm not saying anything
to encourage you now

Because that seems pointless.

Focus on what you want to do.

I will be fine.

I just got on a bus.

Didn't know where it goes
to until I got on it.

I kind of like how this feels.

I am on the way to Jinsan.

What am I going to do there?

I don't know...

Perhaps I'll know once I get there.

Hsiang...

You can do it.

Be careful.

Which hospital? I'm on
my way there right now!

How is she doing?

That's ancient stuff.
Do they still sell it?

Don't pull that hard.

You are a sailor. Right?

Is that obvious?

Doing trips overseas?

Around the world.

I know that there's a
huge port in Singapore.

Vessels from all over the world
would go there, right?

You've been there?

No.

I haven't.

My father did.

He'd tell me about every port.

...he's been to when I was little.

He said that he likes
Cape of Good Hope the most.

He told me, that is where two oceans meet.

It's quite windy, but very beautiful.

Good wine.

Beautiful women.

That's what my dad said as well.

What else did he say?

Not much more...

He d*ed when I was very little.

I think it was a shipwreck.

The body was never found.

Perhaps he didn't die...

Maybe he's just hiding somewhere
and doesn't want to come back.

All sailors long to go home.

You are not an office guy, right?

Yeah? How can you tell?

Who would go fishing at this time of a day?

And there're so many scars on your face.

I'd say either you are a boxer...

Or a gangster.

You are right.

I am a disqualified contestant...

And forever a failure as a boxer.

What happened?

Something happened.

Something wrong with your eyes?

Retinal detachment?

No wonder.

Yeah.

But I'm not blind.

What did your coach say?

He took my boxing permit,
and won't return it to me.

And said, that I have no
talent for boxing, at all.

I've only known boxing all my life.

Seven...

My dad sent me to learn
boxing when I was seven.

He must've thought I'd be a great boxer.

That I could be fighting in the Olympics.

Or the professional league.

But I remember it clearly.

My mother and I used to
wait for him at these dikes...

Because I wanted to show him my new moves.

I remember...

The boats seemed so big then.

And he said that he would challenge
me when he gets back.

I also remember...

He said he only catches big fish.

So every time the small ones hooked up.

He'd throw them back to the ocean.

Alright!

Let's see.

If you are really that bad.

Or your coach just said that.

So you can give up hope.

I just wanted to show you...

How hard I've been working on it.

My girlfriend is pregnant.

I really don't know what to do...

I don't know if I am
capable of being a father.

Every single life is precious.

Mei, do you want to
be the angel for the little fish?

- Yes
- Okay.

Hang on. You're sending
the little fish home.

Hello? Mei?

Where are you? I am coming for you.

Hsiang? Hsiang?

Mei... Mei.

I love you.

Here. Over here.

Please gather here.

Thank you, Nan.

You guys are on your own
to the train station now

Come visit us in Taipei.

We can be your tour guide.

And treat you to some good food.

- I rarely go to Taipei
- And chicks!

Hot chicks!

"Today is my 34th birthday. "

"I cooked myself
a bowl of Pork Rib Noodle Soup"

"Wondering what else I can do?"

- Are you guys leaving?
- Yeah!

- Take care!
- See you next week. Bye.

Bye-bye.

"Come to Taipei! I'll introduce you
some hot chicks!"

"Come to Taipei"

"so we can throw a party for you"

"Celebrate it with your family!"

You stepped on my book.

You are stepping on my books!

Sorry that I stepped on your books.

Look how many books you are reading here.

Yeah.

Which one is your favorite?

This one.

This book?

What is this?

Puppy.

Puppy?

Oh! It's a puppy!

Whose book are you holding in your hands?

It's mommy's book.

Your mommy's book?

Really? Can I take a look at it?

Hai, don't scatter the
books around like this.

Sorry.

I just stepped on her books.

It's alright. Sorry about that.

Hai...

Hai, let's go find mommy, okay?

Okay.

Say bye-bye.

- Bye-bye
- Dropped your clothes.

Thank you. Thanks.

Goodbye.

How big is the Island?

You can tour around it
by bike in three hours.

However Nan and Mei had
never finished the tour.

Because they always stopped
on the road for something interesting.

No paint, no brush.

One piece and another...

They drew the most beautiful paintings.

And the canvas was free.

They had the whole sky to draw on.

A wave hits the rocks and
returns back to the ocean.

Leaving helpless little
fishes on the rocks...

And when the next big wave comes...

Angels will come bringing
little fishes home.

However, some others would be left behind.

The mermaid met a lost little fish
in the vast ocean.

She says to the little fish...

Fishy, fishy, you can't find your way back.

Come on and take an adventure with me!

Little fish asks, "Where are we going?"

Somewhere far, far, away.

Somewhere far, far, away...

Where is that far, far-away place?

The mermaid says, "I don't know either"

The little fish says,
"I am just a little fish.

Can I go that far?"

And the mermaid says, "We have courage. "

We have strength.

"Why are you still afraid?"

But the little fish is
still worried and asks...

Will we run into sharks?

Maybe...

Will big wind and waves hit us?

Definitely!

And will we come across fishing nets?

I don't know

The mermaid says...

Don't be afraid.

Let's be brave and swim out.

Are you ready?

No photos. There're a lot people waiting.

It's alright. Take one.



Thank you...

You can stick it on.

Thanks.

Mei...

How have you been?

Sit tight!

- Brother, stop squeezing
- I am not.

Mommy! Little fish can't
go back to the sea.

How will he go home?

Well! When the next big wave hits the shore.

Angels will come to take him home!

There's the big wave!

Mommy, we sent the little fish home.

I'm talking about the kids.
What are you talking about?

What about them?

Those two kids are really talented.

Why don't you let them go to
classes and learn more?

You think cooking noodles
is a dead-end job?

You're my wife, so what?

Don't you dare take Nan with you!

I will k*ll you if you take Nan away!

They don't want us anymore.

Don't say that!

Mommy's going to take you with her, not me.

I hate Daddy! And I hate Mommy!

I hate them both!

Look! What is that?

Daddy, Mommy, Mei, and Nan.

This is a story that has no end.

I used to look for the ending of it.

Now, I continue...

To tell the story.