Shine on Me (骄阳似我)

ADAPTED FROM GU MAN'S NOVEL, SHINE ON ME

Guang, look.

- A giant radish. - Wow, it's huge.

- Isn't it gorgeous? - Yes.

Back in the day, I wouldn't take a cent from your mom.

But now, your grandpa and I

are hounding your dad for every last bit.

We're stashing it all away for you. It's all going to be yours.

Otherwise, it'll just end up in someone else's pockets.

Grandma, you and Grandpa should buy whatever you need.

I've got plenty of money, okay?

We've got food and a roof over our heads.

Our medical's covered too. What on earth would we even spend it on?

Don't touch that. Leave it be.

Just leave it.

I was just trying to shake the snow off.

It's still got so many leaves.

- Is it going to make it? - It's fine.

The leaves are brittle and the snow is heavy.

They'll snap right off once you touch them.

Just let it melt.

I'm just worried it'll freeze.

Look how tiny it is.

It'll be all grown up by Chinese New Year.

Don't worry.

Grandma,

my mom says we're going skiing over the break.

So I won't be able to spend it with you.

But I'll come see you as much as I can before and after.

Just go see the world.

You don't have to visit so often.

Country life is pretty boring anyway. Besides, we're doing just fine.

You're a grown-up now.

You need to start making some time to find yourself a nice boyfriend.

Why is everyone saying that today?

Did your mom mention it too?

Well, it's about time.

You're stunning. I bet the boys are lining up for you.

So you'd better keep your wits about you and pick the right one.

Pick?

What are you talking about?

A man, obviously.

I want this to be something good for you,

not a weight on your shoulders.

You say...

you still have feelings for him.

That's fine.

Take your pick.

I'm not picking anyone.

Grandma, I'm starving.

Let's grab some veggies and head back for lunch.

YEAH. THE VIEW FROM MY PLACE SHOULD BE THE SAME AS YOURS.

How could Lin Yusen say that with a straight face?

Guang, hurry up.

Coming.

Mom.

Yusen, what are you doing?

I'm just mindlessly going through a paper for my senior

and giving him some feedback.

Mindlessly?

I'm having a hard time focusing.

I know my son better than anyone.

You're usually so focused.

Did something happen?

Nothing bad.

I'll tell you once I'm more sure about it.

Is there something I should know about?

Mom.

Fine. I won't pry.

I'm calling because Mr. Luo and I

will be in Beijing in early February for an international symposium.

So you don't need to fly to Switzerland for Chinese New Year.

That's great news.

You haven't been back since Grandpa and Grandma passed away.

But I don't plan on visiting Shanghai.

So don't even mention this to them.

Understood.

I'm cooking rice in the iron pot,

with that crispy golden crust.

Then let me heat up the stove.

Nothing beats the warmth of the stove in winter.

- You still know how to do that? - Of course.

You taught me, remember? It's like riding a bike.

All right.

What took you so long? You didn't even tell me she was coming.

I went to get some deli meats and her favorite sesame cakes.

- See? - Oh, awesome.

Don't just stand there. Go catch a chicken.

All right.

- Is it good? - So good.

Nothing beats homemade braised chicken. You just can't find this anywhere else.

Chickens from the market are all feed-fed.

Our chickens are home-raised.

And food cooked over a wood fire just hits different.

Back then, I insisted on having this stove,

but your dad fought me every step of the way.

He said it wasn't modern enough and it looked out of place.

He thought people would laugh at us.

He was so full of himself.

It was your mom who said to just build one.

That's why we didn't end up in a fight.

Even if you did, Dad wouldn't stand a chance against you.

You've told that story a hundred times.

You bring it up every time he comes home for a meal.

No wonder he stopped coming around.

Like I care.

He can come when he wants.

Just the sight of him sets me off.

It's better if he stays away.

Grandma, easy.

By the way, Mom sent a ton of stuff for you guys.

It's all in the trunk. Remind me to bring them in.

All right.

Your mom is great. But she is too dignified.

What's wrong with that?

Well, she's too diplomatic and always plays it by the book.

You can't reason with a man.

Give them an inch and they'll take a mile.

You have to break them in

until they know who's boss.

I've got your grandpa wrapped around my fingers, don't I?

When you get a boyfriend, I'll teach you all my tricks.

She's right. Just do what she says.

Grandma, you've done so much for us.

You deserve the best bites.

What about me?

Grandpa,

since you've been staying in line, you get some more too.

These are all fresh from the field. Take them to your mom.

If it's too much, give some to your friends.

Okay.

Remember what I told you?

What was it?

Keeping a sharp eye out for the right one.

Take your time.

If you're not sure about someone,

bring him home and let me decide if he's good.

Got it. I'm heading out now.

- Bye, Grandpa. - All right.

- Drive safe. - I will.

- I'll come see you guys again soon. - Okay.

- Take care. - All right.

Tomorrow at work, I'll see him again.

- Xiguang. - Xiguang.

Xiguang.

Xiguang.

You look so out of it today. Did you stay up late last night?

Not really.

Maybe it's just the cold.

Yeah.

It snowed again last night.

Good thing we've got heaters in the office.

Everyone, hurry.

Come on.

Grab your weapons.

Coming through.

Another heavy snow last night.

If we don't clear the way, everything's going to be at a standstill.

Plus, it's a safety hazard.

As per usual,

each department is responsible for its own zone.

Mr. Lin will be joining us shortly.

- I appreciate your help, everyone. - Got it.

- Grab your tools. - Okay.

And let's go.

- Okay. - Got it.

We've been assigned a precision job,

clearing the snow off the rooftop PV panels.

Mr. Zhang.

Mr. Lin.

You're up here already?

I got here early and dragged Mr. Lin along with me.

Let's get to work.

But Mr. Zhang, you...

Wang, what's that supposed to mean?

You think I'm too old for this?

I've been doing this every year.

Your Mr. Lin doesn't have half the experience I do.

That's for sure.

Mr. Zhang shared some of his best tips.

- Careful on your feet, Mr. Zhang. - Got it.

All right, everyone, let's get to it.

Go ahead and stake out your zones.

- Got it. - Okay.

Careful.

Xiguang, let's start over here.

The snow up here is a bit thinner than it is on the ground.

Is it because PV panels get hot enough to melt the snow?

Actually, it's because the tech team cleared them over the New Year break.

You have to stay on top of the snow removal.

Otherwise, if it ices over, it could actually damage the panels.

Got it.

Take it easy, guys.

Watch the surface and don't scuff it up.

All right.

Are these panels scratched?

I hope I don't have to pay for this.

First, make sure you're both okay.

I'm fine. Thanks for checking on us, Mr. Lin.

I'm fine too.