Crossing a Dawn (2026) Movie Script

1
Hidden calorie assassins.
Candied hawthorn, 400 kcal.
That's two bowls of rice.
50 minutes of running.
STILL HAVEN'T LEFT?
DON'T RUSH ME, I'M OMW.
-I don't believe you.
-Send a selfie of you making a seven.
Take a deep breath.
Relax.
Clear your mind.
Hello, Ms. Xu
This is Online Credit Center.
Looking for a loan?
Yes.
Perfect.
Your credit looks great.
We can approve you for a premium loan.
Thanks.
So, how much do you need?
Fifty million?
Since your service is this good,
Can I just...
not pay it back?
I get hundreds of calls
like this every day.
As if I wasnt scammed enough.
That means Big Data
thinks you're short on cash.
I'm short on men, too.
Why hasn't it recommend some men?
Where are the good men?
My bad.
He's on top of my chatting list.
Is that so?
You like him.
But refuse to move in with him.
Three times a week is my sweet spot.
Less, I miss him.
More, I'm over him.
Alrighty.
Right now, besides making money...
nothing stirs my heart.
You? You fall head over heels in a second.
That was before.
Now I've swiped to the very bottom.
Still haven't found anyone worth the fall.
This one's not bad.
Right?
-What?
-Cute.
-Let me see.
-I'll send it to you.
26, five-foot-nine,
likes extreme sports.
He's actually pretty hot.
Only 800 meters away.
Most importantly,
He Super Liked me.
A guy like this, still single?
There's no way he's "normal."
Listen, now it's about
keeping things simple.
Find someone I like
out of the people that like me.
I told you to get back on the apps
to get you moving.
Not to get desperate.
Well, I'm no saint either.
-Miss, I'm done.
-Yes, Ma'am.
What's the rush? You're not seriously
going to meet him, right?
Why not?
I'm wearing full makeup.
Miss, this massage session isn't cheap.
You can have mine.
Someone help me here...
Do I look good?
Almost as pretty as me.
But that will do.
You're not sending that to him, are you?
Xu Qiu.
Protect your privacy
from online strangers.
Relax, I know what I'm doing.
I know you've been stressed lately,
but promise me...
First, stay safe.
Besides, don't settle.
-If things go south...
-If things go south,
you can pretend to be
my bedridden grandpa...
who longs to see me one last time.
Isn't that a bit disrespectful?
My grandpa has been gone for years.
If he could help now,
he'd be so happy.
You spoiled brat.
-I'M WEARING A BROWN JACKET.
-WHERE?
These are good.
Get another box.
29...
28...
18...
78...
or 88?
It is pretty ridiculous.
I'm so glad you hate this too.
When you asked me to meet here,
I thought you were full of it.
What's wrong?
Bold in chat, shy in person.
Going for contrast?
It's you, right?
Sorry.
You meant it.
You are...
AAALoneWolf
Oh damn.
Brown jacket.
Sorry.
My bad.
This is you?
It was taken when I was younger.
Slightly different now.
Slightly?
This is catfishing!
Asshole.
Didn't you write in your bio
that you care about the soul?
-Suddenly age and looks matter?
-I freaking care about them all.
But I did see penguins in Antarctica
and aurora in Iceland.
I ate pasta in Italy.
I'm still the same fun soul.
Excuse me, bro.
-Do you know where I can return this?
-No idea.
I thought you were different,
but you're just a shallow hypocrite.
It seems you're the one
who cares about looks.
-You used fake photos.
-Mind your own business.
What the hell do you want?
I think you're dangerous.
Relax, bro.
I can handle him.
But the point isn't even looks.
It's your low self-esteem.
-Yes, you're dishonest.
-You're hiding something.
It's your problem.
If I used my real photo,
would you go out with me?
-No.
-There you go.
But there will always be someone
who likes your type.
I mean, definitely.
For sure.
Guess I should thank you.
Don't you forget.
You sent me your photo.
How dare you insult me like this?
I'm going to post it online.
Let everyone see what a slut you are.
Piss off!
You're the one who's dangerous.
Go ahead and post it.
It's not like I sent you a bad photo.
It was under the best lighting.
Out of dozens of snaps,
I chose the best one.
Beauty deserves to be
appreciated by everyone.
Post it, and let more people see
how gorgeous I am.
And how big a loser you are.
I'll comment with this photo.
Thanks.
I got catfished.
I'll have a chicken sausage.
-In a minute, it's not cooked yet.
-Okay.
Does Grandpa need to step in now?
No need to trouble the old man.
Handled it myself.
It's full.
How long do you have?
30 minutes left or I'll have to buy it.
That's 99 yuan
Enough to buy a pound of bean sprouts.
You can return it at my office.
It's nearby.
Thank you.
Do you
want some?
Do you?
I ordered.
One more, please.
Both on me.
That'll be 12.
12, done.
I wanted to ask you what number this is.
Two.
Damn it.
The "er" sound sure is hard
for us Southerners.
But I think I did it quite well.
No, it's just endearing.
It's okay if you can't pronounce it.
I can't whistle. Can you?
I can't do it. Impressive.
Your phone case looks heavier
than the phone.
It never breaks.
Don't say that so lightly.
I don't believe it.
Broken.
It's the screen guard.
Holy crap, it's really broken.
I'll pay you back.
Who uses two layers of screen guard?
Me.
What's wrong?
You...
You work...
in the fashion industry?
People in fashion are usually in Shanghai.
-A realtor?
-What realtor?
I'm a designer.
Made these drawings with CAD.
We renovate old run-down apartments.
Big market here in Beijing.
Dream-home renovator.
You know?
Your sausages are ready.
I used to be a civil servant.
Even got a Beijing Hukou residence permit.
-C-what-D?
-Not important.
I'm bragging about
getting a Beijing Hukou.
Impressive.
Here, for you.
Thank you.
What do you do?
Me?
Writer?
Yuzhou.
CAD is a drafting software.
We use Word.
You use CAD.
But your writing is...
a bit hard to understand. What is it?
The lonely and single.
It reads more like...
wandering ghosts.
Tomayto, tomahto.
Both groups
crave human flesh.
Don't worry.
I'm not that desperate.
Desperate?
You crave me?
The highest level of charming
is not knowing you are.
Can I unsend that?
Sure.
Anytime within two minutes.
But since you look like this,
it's hard not to know...
that you're charming.
But I've never been to Antarctica
or seen the aurora.
But I'm walking with you now, not him.
Aren't you worried he'll leak the photo?
Not at all.
Do you want to see?
I wouldn't dare.
That means you want to.
Otherwise you'd just say no.
You really don't want to see?
I'm thirsty, but I'm not easy.
First time I've heard a girl
admit she's thirsty.
Plenty of us are.
You just finally met one
brave enough to say it.
Demagnetized again.
Five minutes left.
The nearest place is about...
How long does it take you
to run one kilometer?
It won't go in.
Wrong way.
Never mind.
It's meant to be.
So it's all for the best, huh?
Bullshit.
You paid for it, it's yours.
It doesn't want to come out.
Not buying it.
What matters is whether you want it.
Want to go for a drink?
Want to go for some sex?
Want to come for some food?
Calculating route to the Live House.
Estimated walk of 15 minutes.
Been a while since I went
to that Live House.
Can you even tell directions?
Not a clue.
Only left and right.
Good enough.
You have deviated from the route.
Recalculating route.
Where is this going?
Turn right. Please turn right immediately.
Turn right. Please turn right immediately.
The real navigation is here.
Let's go.
I used to dye my hair like that too.
That's all right.
Redhead Hunk.
Feels like anything goes in Beijing.
You got to tone it down back home.
Such a lousy thing to say.
Beijing is just Beijing.
No need to romanticize it.
-You've been here long?
-Ages.
I'm from Anhui.
Why choose Beijing over Shanghai?
I didn't choose Beijing.
Beijing just paid better, okay?
Fortune.
Fortune.
Fortune.
What's wrong?
Have you seen a dog?
A poodle,
quite chubby, named Fortune.
-No.
-I went to the bathroom and he was gone.
I got it when I first came to Beijing.
It's been with me for eight years.
He's such a good dog.
If I can't find him...
Don't worry.
I've lost a puppy before.
I'll help you find it, okay?
The Live House...
The world can't lose even one puppy.
Fortune!
Fortune!
Fortune!
Fortune!
Fortune!
Fortune!
Fortune!
Idiots.
They must think we're crazy for fortune.
Do you know how many pets
there are in China?
No idea.
Two are needed to make a baby,
while single people
can raise their own fur babies.
-And it doesn't hurt.
-No need for postpartum recovery either.
Fortune!
Fortune!
Fortune!
When did you lose your dog?
When I was little.
Around first grade.
Name's Maodou.
A cute little mutt.
It would nuzzle me with its nose.
And bark to wake me up.
Sorry.
It's okay.
It's been almost 30 years.
I'm pretty sure it's reincarnated.
Probably several times by now.
You're 30?
What's wrong with being 30?
Nothing.
You're too beautiful to be 30.
-So women at 30 can't be beautiful?
-They can.
Absolutely!
I'll be beautiful at 50.
-Also at 60.
-Even at 70.
-Of course at 80.
-Well, no need to live that long.
Let's go.
Fortune. I want Fortune.
Young lady.
Come make a fortune here.
Helping that girl look for her dog, huh?
How did you know?
She's out here hustling all on her own.
The dog was like family to her.
She lost it last year.
Just couldn't cope.
She took it hard.
Got some loose screws up here.
So...
why is this your lock screen?
Can I ask?
I bought a house.
Just paid the down payment.
Congrats.
It's tiny.
But...
Where the lamp goes, the plants go,
and the sofa goes.
I've got it all mapped out.
This is my first time
drafting a CAD plan for myself.
How long does it take you
to earn a million?
If I win the lottery,
one second.
How much do I get?
Half.
Before or after taxes?
Down to the details already?
So what about your writing?
How much do you make per piece?
Can I ask?
Anywhere from a few grand
to tens of thousands.
Depends on the word count.
You'll be buying a mansion
in Beijing in no time.
Renting is fine with me.
A bit more free.
I don't feel that way.
Renting makes me feel...
like I don't belong here.
Where do you live now?
Shunyi.
In a villa?
Across from a villa
in a small flat.
It has a small courtyard.
Great view, easy on the eyes.
I do my eye exercises regularly.
What is the third set
of the eye exercises?
Rubbing the Sibai acupoints.
You actually know it.
How's yours?
Mine...
Got one left.
Stop scratching.
Meeting me today...
has used up all your luck.
Do it tomorrow.
Got a buzz already?
Let me cool you down.
You're making it worse.
Am I?
What type of guys do you like?
I'll show you.
-Can I really see it?
-Of course.
I'm an open book.
Come on.
The ones I've swiped on
are the ones I like.
-Even him?
-No, no.
My finger slipped.
Never him.
It's amazing how swiping on a screen
actually decides our fate.
Yeah, the city is too big.
This way, it's more efficient.
If it's not meant to be,
a hundred swipes won't help.
If it is, you won't even need to swipe.
So full of yourself, huh?
Of course, because you aren't desperate.
Haobo.
Haobo, get out here!
She's so feisty.
What does she want?
No idea.
Scary.
What are you doing here?
This is where we met.
Remember?
Yeah.
Then will you marry me?
Right here.
You... Will you...
I do.
I'm not gonna lie,
marriage is pretty gross,
but proposals are kinda romantic.
What are you doing?
Want to kiss me?
Sorry.
Do you know that nowadays,
first base is sex.
Kissing comes second.
Nowadays people don't use
terms like first base.
I do.
Then what is a home run?
Excuse me, are you here alone?
Please scan for room information.
If there are co-occupants,
they need to be registered.
Gotcha.
Auntie, I'll have one.
No green onions, ginger, or garlic.
Okay.
You're a grownup,
how could you forget to bring your ID?
The room is on the 6th floor.
I'll go up first.
Wait a moment and just act natural.
I'll send the elevator down for you.
Okay.
I'll go get some...
What?
Condoms.
What's there to be embarrassed about?
No need, I have some.
You carry them around?
You don't?
In case I'm not around.
Let them protect you.
Sir.
Over here.
Sir.
I'd skip the street noodles outside
if I were you.
A lot of customers get diarrhea.
Are you here visiting a friend?
Which room?
Didn't expect it to be this strict.
How about...
we try another hotel?
How about your place?
My place won't work.
My mom is there.
It doesn't matter.
If you have a girlfriend,
just don't tell me.
If you don't tell me,
I'll pretend you don't have one.
I don't have a girlfriend.
-So obedient.
-I really don't have a girlfriend.
Okay, I believe you.
How about...
your place?
My place?
My place has...
a boyfriend who's been
paralyzed for years.
He must have found it
hard getting up, huh?
You're going to hell.
Together?
Let's go.
I'll figure something out.
Are you at your boyfriend's place?
Leaving right now.
So your room will be empty, right?
What do you mean?
My sweet, sweet sister.
I thought you got catfished.
Get a grip!
No.
It's someone else.
I'm speechless.
-I'll buy you dinner.
-Michelin.
-No problem.
-Really? That fast?
Okay, bye.
It's settled. A ten-minute walk.
For you.
Matches the one on your bag.
Oh, touching. Thanks.
Let's go.
-Just one song.
-Such a waste.
What the hell did you pick?
White Dragon Horse, hooves facing west
Carrying Tang Sanzang,
followed by three disciples
On the grand road to the West
to fetch scriptures
A journey stretching
tens of thousands of miles
No demons and monsters
No beautiful women and painted skins
No mountains of knives and seas of fire
No traps and schemes
No demons and monsters
No beautiful women and painted skins
No mountains of knives and seas of fire
No trap or trick
Can fool the Monkey King,
staff in hand, eyes sharp as fire
Escorting them all the way west
Let's sing together...
What's that sound?
Someone's crying so hard.
I think the wiring is crossed.
It's from the next room.
I miss you so much.
Today I passed by that coffee shop
you once mentioned.
I wanted to share it with you.
But there's no chance now.
Sounds like...
a breakup.
Probably.
Should we really be eavesdropping?
Like you could tune it out.
It's past 10 now.
You should be on your way home.
After 10, the company reimburses the taxi.
You used to share your trip
with me every time.
To put my mind at ease.
What about today?
How's your day?
Do you still think of me?
Or do you feel relieved,
now that we're apart?
It cut off.
It's back.
Even random small talk will do.
But you even blocked me on Alipay.
How am I supposed to find you?
I'm at the booth
where we used to sing together.
Talking into the microphone by myself.
I don't even know what I'm doing.
I've gone to every place we ever visited.
Called you countless times.
But Beijing is just too big.
I can't figure it out.
I really can't.
Was all that love fake?
A person so full of life...
How can blacklisting
make a person completely disappear?
Can you give me a call?
Do you really not miss me
even a little bit?
It went quiet.
Holy crap.
Someone that handsome still gets dumped?
What a pity.
Have you seen Chungking Express?
Even Takeshi Kaneshiro gets dumped.
True.
No way.
It happens.
Mr. Li.
I'm still at my desk.
Got it, I'll check the proposal.
You think they still have a chance?
I lean towards pessimism.
I believe true longing
always gets an echo.
That's from a Wong Kar-wai movie.
In his movies,
even Takeshi Kaneshiro gets dumped.
I wouldn't buy into that.
In your 20s, every breakup feels like the
apocalypse.
You get used to it after a few rounds.
Let me tell you.
The sooner you earn a million,
the faster you'll get over a breakup.
Last time I went through a breakup,
I didn't even drink.
-Cured it with some overtime.
-I disagree.
You're ruthless.
That's right.
I'm just a...
stone-hearted beauty.
Happily ever after
only happens in fairy tales.
Isn't loving truly enough?
Regret...
It's normal, right?
It's because the love ran so deep
that the regret cuts even deeper.
I don't care about their regrets,
but if you're too loud when we get inside,
I guarantee you'll have regrets tonight.
Are we really doing this at your bestie's?
She rents it.
Legally, it's not her house anyway.
Fair.
Once, she brought someone back,
accidentally made some "noise."
Her old roommate called the police,
saying she suspected
someone was being murdered.
She was furious when she told me.
She felt...
it was an insult to her voice.
So how is her voice?
You're so gossipy.
Hi.
Good evening.
She did the right thing.
I told her she should move out.
But she said that...
besides being a bit high-strung,
the roommate is actually great.
Even saves her food when she cooks.
Apparently...
she used to be a full-time housewife.
Then she ran away.
Ran away?
What does that mean?
No idea.
So what does she do now?
Didn't ask.
Never saw her kid?
Stop right there.
When you have a roommate in Beijing...
it's normal to know nothing
about each other.
So, what's your voice like?
Heavenly.
This is Chanel, can't crush it.
Will you write me into your novel?
Maybe.
If I wanted you to...
how would you describe...
the feeling of my bra?
If I were to write it...
I'd call it Crossing A Dawn.
Crossing A Dawn?
How lame!
Great title for a love story.
Talking about true love in a big city...
Your heart's gonna be stomped,
hard and repeatedly.
You can use CAD to draw your home.
And I can write a story about true love.
But right now, I'm looking at your abs...
and I can't hear a word you're saying.
Who is it?
The roommate knows the pin?
Why are you back?
Holy crap.
I completely forgot you were here.
You continue. I'll leave.
Come back.
What's going on?
I never thought...
I'd crash two sexual encounters
in one single night.
One is my bestie
with some random guy.
Actually, I'm not some random guy.
My name is Chen Yuzhou. Hello.
Put my Chanel down.
Of course. Okay.
-And the other one?
-My boyfriend with some woman.
Damn! What a jerk!
But she didn't know he had a girlfriend.
She slapped him.
Even comforted me before leaving.
So what did he say?
Instead of apologizing,
he blamed me.
Said because I wouldn't move in,
he felt "insecure."
He was desperate.
-He's lying. He just wanted to cheat.
-He's not like that.
Tingting.
Fine.
He is.
Delete him right now.
Or I swear I'll murder someone.
-But--
-But what?
Are you trying to say...
-you still love him?
-Quiet, you.
We're not machines.
Love isn't just a switch.
You can't just turn it off.
Thank you.
My first year in Beijing,
I was dating this girl.
For her convenience...
I had to travel almost two hours to work.
When work got crazy,
I'd sleep at the office.
It was during those nights...
she got together with the landlord's son.
Later on, I checked her social media.
She got married two years ago.
Had a kid.
The nursery room they renovated.
It was the one I rented with her.
I often commute past the place now.
But I felt calmer each time.
One day.
I suddenly understood.
What was wrong was the person
not my love itself.
I wasn't wrong.
Cry.
Let it out.
How about...
crying under the covers?
It can muffle the sound.
I'm sorry.
What are you sorry for?
I want to be alone for a while.
Sit still.
Almost done.
You're quite good at comforting people.
The best way to comfort someone...
is to tell an even sadder story.
Actually, that was
my college roommate's story.
It just came in handy.
Sorry.
That wasn't your story?
You were so convincing.
How'd you not fool the receptionist?
Why didn't you finish the drawing?
I'm a realist.
I haven't see the lower half,
can't draw it.
The greatest virtue of modern people...
is when looking at someone's screen,
not to swipe left or right.
Lots of naked guys on there?
Or ask too many questions.
You did this?
If...
if this were Subway Line 1,
then where would we be now?
The heart.
And here?
Airport Station.
What about here?
Which line?
I don't go south much.
Line 5.
Further out?
Botanical Garden.
Mind your step for safety.
Forest Park.
Please be considerate of others.
Where is this?
You got me.
My place.
How would I guess your place?
This isn't a question.
It's a reward.
Don't call the police!
I once had a dream.
I dreamed I had a superpower.
Whatever I touched,
it would vanish
and its value would go
into my bank account.
What did you touch?
The CITIC Tower.
How much?
24 billion.
You actually know that?
I checked after I woke up.
Woke up before I could
finish counting zeros.
What are you doing? Get out of here.
You actually got everything.
My pockets are magical.
What else?
This.
Where else can we go?
What's the rush?
Aren't you the one rushing?
I'm not.
I have a feeling right now.
God's telling me to play the long game
to catch a big fish.
I'm just your fish?
Yeah.
I can be your fish, too.
I don't mind.
But...
Hey, Mama.
Sweetie, Mommy misses you.
How much have you had to drink?
Mommy looks so pretty today.
Let me show you.
Yeah.
So pretty.
Who took that?
Uncle Zhao did.
Uncle Zhao?
Which Uncle Zhao?
Mommy's boyfriend in Xishuangbanna.
Customized city edition.
My mom is divorced,
she can date whoever she wants.
Come on, say hello.
Hi, Sweetie.
Come visit Banna sometime.
You say hello too.
You should visit Beijing when you're free.
Hello, Uncle Zhao.
Say hi to Mom
-Hello, Mom.
-Good boy.
Mommy is having a great time.
Sweetie, Mommy loves you.
Love you too.
Have fun, Mom.
-Just don't spend money on men easily.
-You too.
Okay, got it. Bye-bye.
So you take after your mom.
I guess.
More like a mutation.
My mom wasn't like this
before my parents got divorced.
What happened to your dad?
He's fine.
Why? Does something have to
be wrong with him?
No.
It's just that a protagonist
with a problematic family...
is easier to write.
My dad is actually quite good.
Not much of a patriarchal vibe.
But maybe for my mom...
I guess...
he was a bit boring.
When I was little,
she went to my room to try on clothes.
And I said to her...
Mom, you're so beautiful.
My mom suddenly said to me...
Your dad has never complimented me.
After they divorced,
she took me out to dinner once.
And she acted...
very much like a dutiful mother.
Asking about my studies and such.
Didn't say anything else.
Green light.
If you use this as material,
you owe me royalties.
Okay. 500.
Okay.
By the way,
you're very pretty.
There's your compliment.
I know. Thank you.
Great material, right?
A tragic experience.
Not really.
My dad remarried quickly.
And I... get four sets
of New Year's money every year.
What about you?
My parents love each other very much.
I have an older sister.
She's exceptionally capable.
With such a happy family,
it'll be hard to become a good writer.
Excuse me.
Long time no see.
Long time no see.
Sorry.
It's okay.
Your friend?
Kinda.
But I...
don't know his name.
Hugging without even knowing names?
-Sex is also possible without names.
-Why are you talking like him?
Sounds nice.
You jealous?
Come on, I'll give you a hug too.
Gender equality.
My name is Guan Xiaodong.
Guan Xiaotong?
Dong.
-As in Dongcheng District.
-Sorry.
-Sorry.
-It's the middle of the night...
you're playing light-up badminton?
Cool, right?
But I just woke up.
Consider it morning exercise.
What about you two?
Out for a walk... this late at night?
Not exactly.
Just nowhere to go.
-How big is this place?
It's a 1.5 courtyard.
-Wow, a party.
-My friends. We bumped into each other.
I'm Ichigo.
I'm Xu Qiu.
Chen Yuzhou.
Come on, one point left.
Told you, names are private nowadays.
Don't just give them out.
This is my partner.
The current one.
You guys?
I'm her partner.
For tonight.
I'm also her partner.
Previously.
You freaking...
Stop the partners nonsense, it's gross.
Is this your home?
I'm here... helping people
look after their house.
-Security for the courtyard house.
-Yep.
-Yes, a courtyard house security guard.
-And you just bring randoms over?
I meant us. Not you.
Don't worry.
So what?
With so many empty rooms,
I need to bring in some human energy.
Don't you know?
The Forbidden City has many empty rooms.
At night, it's full of ghostly shadows.
That's because the walls there
contain ferric tetroxide.
It's magnetic.
When lightning strikes,
it records and replays images.
For real?
You're still young.
Don't believe everything men say.
Your friend is cultured.
I like him.
Why are you cheating again?
If you mind,
we can leave anytime.
I know you've been partners.
We're all adults.
I'm completely okay with it.
He just rolls his ''er''s better than me.
He minds.
He's just pretending he doesn't,
trying to look mature.
Come, have some tea.
Is that so?
Yeah.
This headset reads heart rates
for lie detection.
He's lying.
No way.
Sister, you'd better dump this one.
He's so dumb.
You're nervous.
Sweating.
The tea is too hot.
You didn't drink any.
Tell us.
I did mind a little at first.
But since you asked me directly,
I feel...
it's all right.
How are you so childish yet mature?
Can I try that?
Sure, just a sec.
-What is this?
-An elephant.
-Where?
-In my eyes.
Want to try?
He's too dumb.
You built this with Legos?
Hard, huh?
Not bad.
1:1 scale replica. African elephant.
It's an anniversary gift from Xiaodong.
Anniversary?
How long have you known each other?
Half a month.
This is for our 24-hour anniversary.
Come.
Even 24 hours needs an anniversary?
The first day is worth remembering.
Mainly because I don't know
how many days Ichigo would love me.
She might dump me tomorrow.
You sick?
Nope.
Just...
to nourish the body.
High-tech.
You grow abs just by wearing it.
He really has abs.
For real.
Doing sit-ups and dieting.
Then you don't need to wear that thing.
I know. Everyone knows.
I also know... smoking kills...
staying up late causes hair loss.
So you are drinking Chinese medicine
while staying up late.
Playing badminton while staying up late.
Binge eat while wearing high-tech gear.
Reap what you sow.
Well, who wants a cup?
I'm good.
How can you sleep
without a drink?
He said he couldn't sleep well
before he met me.
Did he also say...
that after meeting you...
he sleeps like a baby?
How did you know?
You know, Monica from "Friends"
got tricked just like that.
What is "Friends"?
You've never watched "Friends"?
What year were you born?
Okay.
What year were you born?
The world changes so fast.
Cold brew Chinese medicine?
Yes.
Only you could pull that off.
Don't just drink it yourself.
We have guests.
I know.
Your drink.
I feel he's the type who would share
"Once Upon a Time" on social media.
-What's wrong with that poem?
-Nothing.
It's nothing.
We were just talking.
We are especially afraid
of the kind of people
who like Slow Olden Days
and write their WeChat status as:
One house, two people,
three meals, four seasons.
That's simple and romantic.
Isn't it?
How does Slow Olden Days go again?
The colors of the day used to fade slowly
Carriages, horses, and mail were all slow
One could only
love one person in a lifetime...
He can actually recite it.
Your way of thinking is the problem.
Then let me ask you.
Do you own a horse?
You don't.
Nobody has a horse.
You don't use mail anymore, only WeChat.
WeChat is much faster.
You can love ten people a day.
You can't blame this on WeChat.
You have a fair point.
Want one?
You don't work, do you?
How did you know?
You can tell at a glance,
who works and who doesn't.
I lived next door.
I'm free from work after the demolition.
Do you like her?
What's your problem?
What's wrong?
Is that hard to answer?
I like you very much.
I meant before.
It doesn't matter.
You can like her now too.
It's not like we were committed or
anything.
Baby, you give me so much security.
-I think--
-You don't need to answer all he says.
He's just teasing you.
Where's the bathroom?
I'll show you.
What are you thinking?
Nothing.
Upset?
Not really.
So you think, like Guan Xiaodong,
you're just her partner for the night.
"Partner"... gross it is!
I can tell you aren't the casual type,
right?
You really like her.
I can tell you like him.
I've only known him for a few hours.
Hard to tell if I like him.
We only spent a few hours together
back then too.
-Did you like me?
-I didn't.
Ouch, that hurts.
-But I really liked you then.
-I know.
And I also know...
you can like many people at the same time.
Your relationship with
Guan Xiaodong is quite unusual.
Taking it by hour.
No pressure on either of us.
I don't even know if I'll still like him
in the next second.
After all, life is long.
I'm bound to like a lot of people.
You're very clear-headed.
Yeah.
He's just a basic playboy.
-So you knew.
-I knew.
But like Romain Rolland said
there is only one way
to be a hero in this world.
To see the world as it is, and to love it.
You can use those words to fool me.
Just don't fool yourself.
I saw it.
The elephant in the room
with a pink tail.
You even wrote his name on every block.
He said he liked me very much.
But he didn't even see
something this obvious.
Maybe he did see it
and just pretended not to.
How are you so smart?
Your eyebrow piercing fell out.
Did it?
Found them.
Both.
So silly.
It's fake.
-What about your hair?
-Fake.
-The tattoos?
-Fake.
You said you hated Slow Olden Days.
Untrue.
-You said you didn't want his commitment.
-That was also untrue.
Your house was demolished.
That part is true.
How did it get so wet?
Twin beds or a king?
Don't be ridiculous.
What kind of person
would set up a room like this?
Someone who treats their home
like a hotel, I guess.
We can't even find one single room.
And they got dozens.
How are they so rich?
I want to brush my teeth.
The Chinese medicine is so bitter.
I have a fetish.
Don't laugh.
The way you said that
already makes me want to laugh.
Anyway, if I'm kissing someone
and I taste toothpaste in their mouth
I get really turned on.
Any other kinks?
No.
It just makes me feel important.
Being seriously treated.
Know when you're the cutest?
When?
When you're being
dead serious and rambling.
There are...
Strawberry,
Mint,
and Orange.
Which do you prefer?
I'll pick.
Today,
when Guan Xiaodong asked me
I wasn't really hesitating.
-I was thinking it over.
-You don't have to figure it all out now.
I had fun tonight.
But....
nowadays I don't believe
in love at first sight.
Ichigo.
Ichigo.
What's wrong?
Ichigo.
-She's gone.
-What happened?
I don't know.
When I went to the room,
this was all I found.
It's late, she could be
in danger out there.
It's fine.
She's not a stranger to the area.
She really likes you.
What are you doing?
Putting on a show
in the middle of the night?
Why don't you stop?
I won't chase then.
Wait.
What's your problem?
I think you just want to get laid.
Yeah.
Don't you?
I do.
But that's not all I want now.
Listen, I don't believe
in love at first sight.
Because I think one night
can't decide anything.
But that doesn't mean
I don't want to keep seeing you.
I'm not like Guan Xiaodong.
What we didn't finish tonight,
what we didn't get to say,
we can pick it up another time.
-But I don't have time for that.
-What do you mean?
I'm leaving Beijing tomorrow.
You're a freaking tourist here?
Hell, no.
It would be better if I were.
Been here two years and
never even made it to the Great Wall.
I just happen to have
the same name as him.
Sorry.
I'm a phony.
It's okay.
I understand.
You must have
fallen for me at first sight.
So you wanted to impress me, right?
Actually, I didn't expect tonight
to turn out like this.
So what do you actually do?
Ever seen those five-minute movie recaps?
I write those.
200 yuan per piece.
You made 200 by watching a movie?
The recap videos come in three parts.
But some movies I only watch halfway,
so there's no part three.
It's people like you
that keep me from finding the second half.
-Go watch the original film.
-If I had time to watch original films,
you would be out of a job.
Thank you for being so considerate.
You're welcome.
Our night together is actually
quite like a movie.
Before Sunrise.
Yeah.
One night.
I watched it through a five-minute recap.
I really didn't understand.
Why didn't those two exchange contacts?
Because that doesn't mean anything.
Scan it or not?
Yeah.
Scan it!
Why are you leaving tomorrow?
You'll laugh if I tell you.
In fact, I came to Beijing for a girl.
I won't laugh at you.
-It fits your persona perfectly.
-See?
You're laughing at me.
I'm not laughing at you. Really.
Being a writer is my dream.
But...
it's hard.
Yet, she has always supported me.
Of course, I would cook
and wait for her to come home.
By the way,
I don't actually live in Shunyi.
I live right by the supermarket.
Perhaps, as you said,
my upbringing was so perfect
that I probably was not gifted in writing.
You can't blame your parents for that.
So I can only blame my lack of talent.
That's not what I meant.
Two years went by.
I haven't made any progress.
While she became more and more successful.
She still supported me
in becoming a writer.
It's just that,
she no longer had time
to come back and eat the food I cooked.
Eventually we broke up.
She moved out.
Even sent three months rent to me.
I sent it back. She didn't take it.
The lease ends tomorrow.
I packed my bags,
and found one power bank
I still hadn't returned.
And there you were.
Sorry.
I lied.
Want to see my place?
Have you read Virginia Woolf?
I have.
I haven't.
But she has a very famous quote.
What did she say?
A woman must have a room and...
If a woman wants to write fiction,
she needs to have money
and a room of her own.
When she said that, she didn't know
Beijing's housing prices.
You live here?
I tried to cheap out on the house
and trusted this shady agent.
After I paid the money
and was ready to move in...
Wrong one.
The agent ran away.
Everything was gone.
I've been here for 13 years now.
While packing, I realized
I have exactly 13 boxes.
They're all here.
So where are you staying now?
My bestie's place.
That's why
I brought you there.
That's why I totally understand.
If it's just one night
who wouldn't want
to play a perfect character?
I'm no different.
Look.
The things I want to buy,
but haven't bought yet
are all saved in this software.
Once I get it, I delete it.
But there are so many
that I haven't bought.
Expensive things.
Cosmetics.
Furniture.
And also, the house.
The radiator is draining.
Sounds like it's coming from there.
Winter is over.
Why is there a radiator here?
I can't afford a climate-controlled house.
But at least I can afford
a climate-controlled warehouse.
One year my mom came
to visit me in Beijing.
She heard this sound
and asked me.
What is that noise?
Without even thinking, I told her it was
the sound of the radiator.
She looked at me and said,
"You're really a northerner now."
Tomorrow you won't be.
Aren't we in the same boat?
Do you have to be so mean?
Who's in the same boat with you?
I have a Beijing address.
But you still can't afford a house here.
And now we're not in the same boat?
The first story I wrote when I came
to Beijing was called "Ghost Agent."
I don't do ghost stories.
It's not a ghost story.
Okay.
Back then, I was apartment hunting
for quite a while.
But couldn't find any.
So I wrote this incredible agent
who could find the perfect home
for anyone.
Except that
the location was a bit unusual.
Like... inside the sewers.
Or... under a bridge.
Or even.
Inside your tablet.
I've renovated many houses.
But never the old rundown ones
I rent for myself.
Because I feel...
those were not mine.
So when I bought this little place,
for the first time,
I stopped caring what other people like
and asked myself what I like.
These are things I found
at second-hand stores.
Many were lost due to constant moving.
This mirror.
I broke it once before.
It was quite heartbreaking.
-You can do all these?
-None of it.
Too busy to try.
I wanted to buy wallpaper, too.
I'd already picked out the pattern.
But during a move once,
I tore down some wallpaper.
And... ruined the wall.
I just thought, forget it,
too much trouble.
This view is nice.
Perfect for eye exercises.
This... I bought
when I went to Malaysia.
But only the first part
of the couplet is left.
Maodou.
Long time no see.
My baby.
Long time no see.
You could model it and put me in it.
Then you'll have to pay rent.
I certainly don't keep men.
Honestly, I think
having your own house
isn't that important.
The important thing is
getting to live with the person you love.
Yeah.
But someone has to buy the house,
and rent it to you.
I'll take on that burden, then.
Chen Yuzhou.
You don't need to pretend
to be someone else
to write good stories.
But I haven't finished writing.
I have lots of stories like this--
beginnings, no ending.
Shelf them then.
Not all stories need to end right now.
But tonight will end soon.
Don't you want to know what a home run is?
Uncle.
It's you.
Ma'am.
It's you.
Have a seat inside.
Buns are coming right up.
This shop has been open for 20 years.
I've eaten breakfast here for 13.
So what is a home run?
Having breakfast together.
The way I see it,
having breakfast together is
the most intimate thing modern people do.
Ma'am.
Did she bring lots of guys here?
Have some self-confidence, will you?
How's your battery?
Need to charge?
Here. Don't use that one.
Use this.
These are all original charging cables.
They won't damage your phone battery.
Let me check.
My eyes are useless.
Not this one, is it?
See? It's working.
-Go sit, no worries.
-Okay.
The big city's pushed you
around for so long,
so when someone's being kind
for no reason,
you don't know what to do, right?
Let it out.
No one's getting laid tonight anyways.
Cry it out.
Sorry.
We had a long night.
When I was little,
loving someone seemed so simple.
Didn't expect it to be
so difficult as a grownup.
Yeah.
The cost of love
keeps getting higher.
Especially...
here.
But I feel like
I'm really falling for you.
I know.
Me too.
Tell me.
Does this kind of love
really only last for one night?
I still want to see you tomorrow.
I still want to come here for breakfast.
Or maybe I won't leave tomorrow.
I really want to tell you...
don't go.
But I feel...
you shouldn't stay for anyone.
Sorry. I've put pressure on you.
Don't worry.
Do you believe me?
If you believe me,
I'll tell you.
There will be...
many more nights like this...
in the future.
You'll fall for lots of girls,
the way you fell for me.
Maybe even more.
Really?
Really.
-But I...
-But you don't want anyone else.
How did you know what I was going to say?
Because I've been through it all.
But I still met you.
So don't be afraid.
Today is like a movie.
Then it's too long.
Who would watch it?
To speak your language,
a five-minute recap,
how would you write it?
Watch closely.
His name is Romeo.
Hers is Juliet.
That night.
Romeo walked into a narrow alleyway alone.
At first, he just...
wanted to find a place nearby
to return a power bank.
As he walked,
he ran into this beautiful woman, Juliet.
The two were forced
into a corner by a car.
But he never expected
that a chance encounter like this
would change his life.
The moment he saw the girl,
Romeo forgot what he was supposed to do.
Later that night,
indescribable things happened
between them.
One more time.
Sure.
Obviously,
they were both very satisfied.
In the middle of the night,
both of them were hungry.
They went to the nearest skewer stand
for a late night snack.
They talked from kindergarten
to getting cheated on,
from the Mississippi River Basin to A.I.
In the middle of all that talking,
Juliet accidentally discovered
that Romeo was actually this writer
she'd always liked.
Just like that.
They wandered through the city until dawn.
Finally, they had breakfast
at a convenience store.
When it was time to part,
Romeo and Juliet both pretended
to be cool.
But...
Will you marry me?
What?
We won the prize!
Keep it down.
Okay, thank you.
Fortune.
See you. Bye-bye.
Smells good, doesn't it?
Just like that,
they lived happily ever after.
Now you know how to write
the endings, right?
If nobody has the patience
to sit through a two-hour movie,
then a five-minute recap
should be easier to finish.
A lifetime is too long
to make promise.
But for one night,
I can always promise you.
Why are you staring?
I gave you such brilliant ideas.
Write them down.
The phone's charging.
What did you say?
You didn't catch that?
Kiddo, the buns are ready.
-You must've been fidgety.
-Not at all.
Try some of my buns, see if they're good.
Come every day if they are.
They're hot, be careful.
What did you say?
I said, a lifetime...
is too long.
Too difficult...
Just eat your bun.
So freaking hot.
Good morning, everyone.
Good!
Very good!
Extraordinarily good!
Our motto is...
No eating, no sleeping,
just grinding and reaping.
Let's go!
Isn't there still one more
Scratch-off.
One that hasn't been scratched.
Slowpoke.
Nothing.