Time Still Turns the Pages (2023) Movie Script
Eli Cheng, you rubbish!
Promise yourself!
Study harder!
Get into HKU, okay?
Yes!
We can always talk things out.
There is no need
to get physical.
If something's on your
mind, you can tell me.
You can also tell your
family or your friends,
but you can't just push
someone off the stairs.
Are you okay?
Van Gogh.
This is how your
friends call you,
so I'm also calling
you Van Gogh too.
Sometimes teachers and
students can be friends too.
They are not my friends.
Neither are you.
Please call me:
Vincent.
Okay, Vincent.
What happened here
can get you a demerit.
How about you go write
an apology letter?
Say that you are sorry
for hurting "others".
There's no need to
find my "mother".
She's not in Hong Kong.
Stay focused!
I said you should write
an apology letter.
Say that you are sorry.
I can then tell the
Principal you're regretful,
and perhaps we can
avoid the demerit.
There's no such need!
I'd rather get a demerit.
Bethany, bring him to
the Principal's office.
Honey: "Is the
hippo at your place?
I want it back. Have you
signed the divorce papers?"
"...I want to leave this world"
The janitor said he found
the letter at around 6 p.m.
It was after school hours,
so we couldn't figure
out who wrote this.
Let's find out which student is
struggling with mental health,
and ask that student to
seek help from Halena.
It's hard to teach
the kids nowadays...
They are so fragile and now one
threatens to jump off a building?
"I'm worth nothing to anyone..."
What I'm most worried about is
that students may follow suit.
"I'm worth nothing to anyone..."
Nonetheless, I suggest
we keep this a secret.
Public exam is coming
up in a few months...
If words get spread
out, I'm afraid...
it will affect the
students' emotions
and also their
academic progress.
We must go under the table and
find out who wrote the letter
without publicly
talking about this.
Before we find out who it was,
there's nothing much we can do.
There are times one gets
confused with their emotions.
We've all been there
before, haven't we?
When I was young, I
was a misanthrope too.
Let's hope this was just a...
plagiarized piece of
work from the Internet.
It's actually well written.
Even students from
my elite class
might not be able to
write this eloquently.
Perhaps it's not as
despairing as we think.
Not as despairing as we think?
You fucking think this letter
was copied from the Internet?
You think it's all a joke?
What if it's real?
As you said, exam is coming
up in a few months time.
What if during the study leave,
the student jumps
off the building?
A student is about
to commit suicide!
How dare you say such bullshit?
You're the vice principal,
for fuck's sake!
Mr. Cheng?
You've been silent
this whole time.
Any thoughts?
I suggest to seek help
from a trustworthy student.
After all, we
teachers won't know
the students as deeply
as they know each other.
Today, I looked
around the classroom.
There was no one that
I couldn't let go of.
I just want them to
notice that I'm gone
without judging me.
Even my ex-boyfriend
didn't know.
I'm sick of this life
most of the time.
I'd brighten up a
little when I'm in love,
which was the only time that
I could leave this feeling.
But nobody should share
this burden with me.
Some of the classmates
who knew me...
may be upset for a day or two.
Some teachers may
grieve for a week or so.
My mom might find it hard
to take for a few years,
but she has my father with her.
They will pull
through eventually.
Some people
are curious of how
things will turn out.
They are able to persist
in bad situations,
live through it...
and continue with their journey.
I'm not those types.
It means nothing to me how
the world turns out to be.
I'm just exhausted with life.
I can't sleep,
and am drained just thinking
about ending my life.
It doesn't matter how
good a relationship is.
It will deteriorate over time.
Criticizing and hurting each
other are all we are left with.
I'm worth nothing to anyone.
I would be easily forgotten,
and it's for the better.
Understood.
But Mr. Cheng,
Why would you believe
it's a girl who wrote it?
She wrote about her
ex-boyfriend in the letter.
Halena, can we show it to her?
Even so, it could also be a boy.
"I'm worth nothing to anyone.
I would be easily forgotten."
Dear Diary,
my name is Eli Cheng.
I'm your new owner.
I've decided to write an
entry every day from today.
Because yesterday,
I went with my parents to watch
my brother perform at school.
Don't blame your
failure on misfortunes.
I was born poor.
But,
I was more hardworking
than the rich kids.
Opportunities favor
the prepared minds.
Hard work might not
bring you success,
but laziness definitely
leads to failure.
Thank you!
Thank you, Chairman of
our alumni association:
Senior Counsel Mr. Hung Cheng.
Please also give a round
of applause to his wife,
Mrs. Heidi Cheng,
who donated a hundred
thousand dollars to
the "Joint School Event:
Walk for Millions".
What a performance, Alan!
I hope he could keep up
this standard academically
and studies at HKU, like Felix.
He's been doing great, always
in the top three in class.
Make sure to keep it
up until University.
Mr. Principal, any advice
on bringing up a bright kid?
Felix has this habit of
writing his diary every day.
It really helped with
his language studies.
He would often show
me what he wrote,
which enhanced our
father-and-son relationship.
Looks like you should
start writing your diary
and share it with us,
okay?
Mom, your cup of water.
Thank you, Eli.
It's "glass"!
Huh?
It's a "glass" of
water, not "cup"!
Don't speak English if you
don't know the language.
What a piece of rubbish!
"PIRATE"
"Hang in there!"
"One day, you'll grow into
the person you want to be...
Don't give up!"
You signed the return slip.
Don't you dare to say
it's not your idea.
Where on earth would
you get the money?
You want your credit
cards cancelled?
I told you it was a
misunderstanding...
Our son has written my
name instead of yours.
I just signed those return
slips as he gave them to me.
You think I'm an idiot?
I know what you're up to.
Would you ever miss chances
to steal the spotlight?
If you don't believe me,
there's nothing I can say.
I'm not done!
Think you are so great?
Remember this,
I own everything in this house!
Don't!
Don't you dare think having
another kid will save you!
Please!
We're lucky to have
one that's smart.
What if you give birth
to another idiot!
What are you crying about?
You think it's easy
to be the breadwinner?
I'm the one making money!
And I haven't drop a tear yet!
Why aren't you asleep?
Reading comics?
Reading comics?
Reading comics!
Reading comics!
Read it!
Read it!
"Hang in there!"
Yes...
Continue to sleep. You'll be more
focused after getting enough rest.
No! I must get up!
Look at you,
looks like you've
got a bad hair day.
Freak!
You want to buy that?
Fat Principal said
writing in a diary can
get me as smart as his son
and therefore into HKU.
Starting today, I will
be writing every day,
and hope my grades will
get better and better.
My dad would then
stop beating me.
Where should I start?
Let me start with
an introduction.
Dear Diary,
my name is Eli Cheng.
I'm your new owner.
I've decided to write an
entry every day from today...
Hang in there! One day, you'll grow
into the person you want to be.
Now that you are
keeping a diary,
soon you will achieve more
than your brother and father.
Is that possible when you're
always distracting me?
Shut up!
You shut up! What
time is it right now?
Go ahead and sleep.
I'll protect you.
The monster under the bed
wouldn't dare to come out.
YOU are the monster!
I helped to make all these.
Omelette is for mom.
Right, honey,
any updates from the new school?
Dick keeps asking if we'd
be moving to Kowloon Tong.
What new school?
I can switch school? Great!
It's your brother, not you.
Which school? I want
to go there too.
He's going to Wa
Salle Primary School.
You?
You're lucky to be able
to stay where you are.
Mom and dad
I promise
in the next exam...
I would get into...
top ten.
What if I can really do it?
Then do even better.
Getting into top ten
is too hard for you.
How about this? If you get
into top fifteen in your class,
you get the same pocket
money as your brother,
and I'll bring you two to
Disneyland in California.
Alan, you have to help
push your brother, okay?
You can't go either if he fails.
Then we definitely
won't be going.
Great! It's been two
years and three months...
since the last time
we've been to USA.
Your calculation for
these things are so quick.
Why isn't your math
as good academically?
Here are the results
of Eli's last exams.
He did quite well with Chinese,
scored 61. English, 54.
He could do better
with Math though, 48.
So what's his ranking?
The 29th in class, through
the same grade he's...
Forget it, I know he didn't
do well in his exams.
Eli, do you normally
feel a lot of pressure?
I'm sorry.
Miss Leung is asking if
you feel a lot of pressure.
No... I don't.
What you are studying next year
will be the same as this year,
but you still need
to study hard.
Okay?
Miss Leung, what do you mean...
by next year being
the same as this year?
Eli said he has
informed his parents...
He has to repeat a year...
and cannot proceed
to the next grade.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Thank you for your help.
Don't mention it. We've
known each other for so long.
Thank you.
Alan, I'll be seeing
you next week.
You guys are back?
Come here, Eli.
This is Principal Yeung from Wa Salle
Primary School. Come and say hi.
Hello, Principal 'Leung'.
Eli, Lina will take you
out for dinner tonight.
We will be spending time
with Principal Yeung.
What about Alan?
Principal Yeung would like
to know more about Alan.
You go for dinner first.
Lina, take him to dinner.
Take a bite.
I'm sorry... please don't.
Please don't... I'm sorry...
Running away?
Please don't... I'm sorry...
Running away?
I'm sorry...
Running away?
I'm sorry...
Listen to what you just played.
Do you hear the
difference from Alan?
Do you hear it?
Yes...
Mr. Cheng, It's not
like what you think.
This song is hard to
play even for adults.
The left hand has to
play the eighth notes
while the right has
to play triplets...
How come Alan can do it then?
Different people have
different capabilities...
You have to play the
entire song next time.
Take it easy.
"Rverie" is really hard.
Not everyone can play
it right from the start.
But dad has already paid for
so many months for me to learn.
A few months are not that long.
It's very long.
Amongst all my students,
You're one of the
most hardworking kids.
So what if I'm hardworking?
I'm not like my
brother, who is smart.
Everyone's different.
I want to be just
like my brother.
If I can properly
play the entire song,
does that mean I can
be a teacher like you?
I will be a good
teacher in the future.
Even if my students hand
in their homework late...
or play the piano badly,
I would not punish them.
I will ask them...
Is there anything
upsetting you? or...
What stopped you from
doing your homework?
Like that.
I'm not a teacher at school,
but I do think Eli...
will grow up to
be a good teacher.
Why?
Because...
you care about your students.
You believe yelling
is not the only way.
Your students will
listen to you,
because you treat them well.
Let's do this again.
You play the left hand.
I'll play the right hand, okay?
I really like Miss Chan.
Although I still suck
at playing the piano,
with her encouragement
and support,
I believe I can play the
entire song by myself soon.
Just like her,
I can become a good teacher.
Weren't you really
brave last time?
Are you mute now?
Eat the mud, van Gogh!
Why are you so quiet?
You got a little fight in you!
Your mum gave birth to
such a piece of trash!
Running away?
Trying to run?
Stop!
Stop!
Van Gogh, get up!
I was always fighting at
school when I was young.
Switched schools three
times in four years.
I was not a good student.
It is normal to have emotions,
but van Gogh,
we must learn to deal with
these difficult situations.
Do you understand?
Mr. Cheng,
mind your own business.
The entire school
knows you got divorced.
Why are you still
wearing your ring?
"I'll continue to talk to the
students. Do you have any news?"
"No..."
I heard from Mr. Lai that
you haven't participated
in PE class for a year.
You were either having your
period or were not feeling well.
Bethany,
we have discussed
about other students,
but you seldom talk
about yourself.
Why are you not
joining PE class?
I know what you guys are doing.
I didn't cut my wrist.
Really, I skip PE class
because I'm always ill.
How long has it been since you
last let yourself out freely?
You can spit out anything,
especially things you
can't say at home.
Halena, it's your turn.
Emm... I'm good.
I think I'm not as
stressed as you both.
I'm okay.
Bethany?
My scars are not new.
The problem I had was resolved and
I don't want to bring it up again.
I also don't want anyone to
know that I cut my wrist.
But that doesn't mean...
you didn't write that letter.
It really wasn't me,
but I like hanging
out with you both.
Maybe I just want
to talk to someone.
Thank you for spending
time with me today.
So... who could have written it?
Could it be van Gogh?
Mr. Cheng, please stop
calling him van Gogh.
Do you know how Vincent
got this nickname?
Vincent has hearing impairment.
Although it's quite mild,
he and his family don't
want anyone to know it.
People call him "van Gogh"
because Vincent van Gogh
only has one ear.
Van Gogh
Can you hear today?
You have to use sign language,
or speak louder!
You fucking deaf...
Do I need to speak even louder?
The monster is enormous this
time, but I'm not afraid!
It's your turn to think
of what to eat tonight.
Wait a minute.
Oh no, I'm suddenly
really sleepy.
Why are you mimicking
a man's voice?
I forgot to tell you, I'm cast
as the male lead this time.
Really?
Yes!
Congrats!
But do you mind changing
back to your own voice?
Stop interrupting my sleep!
Prepare to die!
He even arranged them
by date and country.
I've never seen this kid this
organized in his homework.
Do you need to talk
to his parents?
Yes, he was caught selling
porn videos at school!
It's too loud.
You're turned on?
I'm sorry.
Stop telling me you're sorry!
Why?
Why are you still
keeping secrets?
Even we're married?
Now you say you
are not ready and
it's not the right time yet.
I thought you'd be happy...
I thought you will
be a great father.
I'm sorry...
You will never be ready.
I'll go to the doctor tomorrow.
Dear Sherry,
It's been a while.
Are you still working
as a voice actress?
I hope I can still
hear your voice
on television.
There's something
I want to tell you.
Recently, a student of mine...
wrote a suicide note.
I've been trying to
find out who wrote it.
There's a sentence in
the suicide note that
"I'm worth nothing to anyone..."
reminds me of what happened
when I was a child.
Which tankbon are you on?
I'm really studying!
Reported by Scarlet Nip.
Local news: A man jumped off
a building in this morning
and was declared
dead at the hospital.
The deceased is popular local
manga artist Tse Wing To.
He was known for his
best-selling manga "PIRATE" which
has a record of two hundred thousand
books sold for a single issue.
The manga industry was
stricken by the death of Tse,
as peers praise "PIRATE"
as an inspirational work.
Hurry up!
Hey, hurry up!
It's now 2 p.m.
You have forty-five minutes
to finish the test...
starting now.
Are you alright?
What's going on? What
took you so long?
Are you okay?
Are you feeling better?
If you feel better, go
back and do your test.
Mrs. Cheng, I think Eli...
He's fine.
Miss Leung, please
give him another chance
and let him retake the
test, say tomorrow.
Mom, I can't sleep at night
and I feel very tired in class.
You fell asleep
without noticing.
You're not tired.
Miss Leung said you're
easily distracted.
No, mommy...
I saw on TV that 8 hours
of sleep is a must,
but I can only sleep for
less than 5 hours lately.
Maybe you can take me to one
of those... psychiatrists?
You feel tired and so you
want to see a psychiatrist?
Son, that's not what
psychiatrists are for.
Psychiatrists treat people
who have mental issues.
It's for the nutcases!
Are you a nutcase?
When I'm upset,
I'd read "PIRATE".
"PIRATE" always says...
"You'll grow up one day...
and become the person you want."
"Don't give up!"
I'd feel better when I read it.
But now, "PIRATE" will not
have another issue anymore.
I always thought the manga
artist was a happy man.
Why would he kill himself?
Did he not grow
into the person that
he wanted to be?
Eli Cheng,
for heaven's sake!
You're already repeating a year,
and you still sleep in class?
I'm sorry.
Eli Cheng, stand up!
Stay standing till
the end of the class.
Miss Leung, I can't
see the blackboard
with him standing
in front of me.
Eli Cheng, go stand
at the corner!
Quiet down!
His dad's gonna
beat him up tonight.
I wonder if he can
sleep while standing.
How can you learn with
your face to the wall?
Turn to face the class!
Do you remember what
you promised mommy?
Why are you crying?
You'll have a new one
if you get good grades.
I don't want a new one!
Lina.
Thank you.
Heidi.
Uncle.
Simon.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Eli Cheng?
Hello.
Simon will be
teaching you piano.
Can I take a look
at the piano, uncle?
Sure.
Where's Miss Chan?
Miss Chan just graduated
for a few years.
She can't teach.
No, she's a great teacher!
If she's good, you'd
be able to play.
Wrong note. Again.
Wrong note. Again.
Again.
I want Miss Chan!
Heidi, learning piano is tough.
Let's continue after
he stops crying.
I want Miss Chan!
It's all my fault.
If I can play better,
Daddy wouldn't have
sacked Miss Chan.
I miss Miss Chan so much.
I'm afraid that I
won't see her again.
Secretary Zoey: "Mr. Cheng
fainted two days ago.
Please come to the hospital
ASAP. He wants to see you."
Is it you,
Zoey?
son?
You came.
Have a seat.
Mr. Cheng? Mr. Cheng.
Come sit.
It's okay, don't bother.
I bought dim sum.
This is dim sum
made out of fish.
It's young people's favourite.
This is dim sum with shrimps.
This is dim sum with quail eggs.
Be careful, it's hot.
How have you been lately?
Nothing much.
Stop causing trouble at school.
Every time you get expelled,
I need to take a day-off
to come to your school.
I'm very busy and you...
Thank you.
Have a dim sum.
I'm not hungry.
I ordered Pu'er tea!
You mixed up such
a simple order?
I'm really sorry,
it's our fault.
We'll change it immediately.
It's not "we", it's just YOU!
I'm sorry.
'Yeung Chung Yiu'
I'll remember your name!
I'm sorry.
Mr. Cheng, have a bite!
Thanks. I'm good.
I'm not hungry.
Was it really serious
the other day?
- Yes.
- No.
Since you're fine,
I'm leaving.
So soon? Can you stay
for a bit longer?
I've got work to do.
Mr. Cheng,
Mr. Cheng, can you
wait for a sec?
The doctor said your father's
condition is in a critical stage.
He shouldn't eat
anything greasy.
He ate only because
you're here today.
He looks okay to me.
Normally he doesn't
look as good.
If anything happens to him,
he still has you around.
Pardon me,
I really do have
things to settle today.
I'll be back some other time.
"Student, 17-year-old,
found dead."
"...he studied at a traditional
elite boys school..."
"Young people nowadays
can't take any stress!"
"Has he thought of his family
before killing himself."
"You bastards."
Depression is not a choice,
he couldn't look
after himself already,
and you still want
him to take care...
of others' feelings?
Don't you think
that's too harsh?
I don't know how to
do. Can you teach me?
No, I need to sleep.
If you teach me,
I'll take you to a secret place.
I found this place...
where we can shout
and no one cares.
What? How is that fun?
Have you tried yelling
from the top of your lungs?
No and I'm not interested.
Not interested?
You can spit out things
that you can't say at home.
Let's buy it secretly
and don't let mom
and dad find out.
Wow, you've got that
much pocket money?
My name is Eli Cheng!
Look, meteor!
No, it's a star.
It's a meteor!
A star!
Meteor!
I'm a piece of rubbish!
I don't want to study
anymore. It's so boring!
What? You don't like studying?
I'm good at studying,
doesn't mean I like it.
What are you both doing up here?
It's a rooftop!
What if something happens
to your little brother?
How did you get so
much money for toys?
Did you steal it?
I didn't steal it!
And your brother would steal?
Why can't you give
this family some peace?
Do you know how
hard it is for me?
How should I explain
this to your dad?
If I get divorced,
it is because of you.
We've been treating you well.
I told your dad to
take you with us to LA
even though you have
to repeat a year.
It's all gone now.
You're staying behind to study.
You're grounded!
Mommy, if I have to
repeat again next year,
what should I do?
Then don't call me mommy.
I finished my homework.
So?
I'm sorry.
You're already twelve years old.
Have you ever thought
about your future?
I'm only ten...
It's okay not to
get good grades,
but what other
talents do you have?
None. Well, you
look cute, for now.
Your name is Eli,
meaning "high" or "uplifted".
If I knew better, you'd be Alan
("precious") and your brother Eli.
What now?
Do you want to work
at McDonald's or 7-11?
Or just hold on to us for life?
I don't have hopes for you
to study at Ivy
League Universities,
but you will be a total loser.
I'm sorry.
There are many ways
to raise a kid.
One is punishment by beating,
all the other ways are futile.
One has to suffer and
endure to be successful.
This is why I make much more
money than your mother.
If you wish to be
a piece of rubbish,
that's fine by me.
You're not talented,
but forgive me,
I'm not an educator either.
I will study hard with Alan
and get into top
fifteen in class.
Whatever.
I won't beat you anymore.
It's a waste of time.
Good news: Daddy
won't beat me anymore.
Bad news: They seem
to be very upset.
I think...
If I leave this
family one day...
Daddy and Mommy
won't get divorced.
The three of them
including Alan will...
live happily ever after.
Alan...
can we talk?
No, I need to sleep.
I need to wake up early
for the flight to USA.
I'll ask Mommy to buy you
some toys when we arrive.
Are you done?
I really need to sleep!
"PIRATE" always encourages
me to hang in there...
but I know for a fact that...
no matter how much effort
I put into studying...
I still can't move
on to the next grade.
I can't play the piano properly.
Even if I become a
teacher when I grow up,
I won't be as
successful as Alan.
I knew a long time ago...
I won't grow up to be
the person I want to be.
I'm worth nothing.
No one will remember...
who I am soon after I'm gone.
Goodbye, Diary.
I'm sorry.
"Hang in there."
We need to bring Eli
with us on our next trip.
Sherry, I never told you
I have an elder brother.
He committed suicide
when he was ten.
I was so focused on studying and
didn't spend much time with him.
I actually don't have
much memory about him,
but I remember he once said he
wanted to be a good teacher...
because he wanted to
be like Miss Chan.
I saw Miss Chan at the funeral.
She was devastated and guilt-stricken.
But she shouldn't be...
She was the only person who
treated my brother nicely.
I started to think...
maybe I can be like
her in the future...
to be a teacher who
cares about students.
From that day onwards...
I stop caring about
Daddy's expectations.
It's no longer important
whether or not I can be
the lawyer or doctor
he wants me to be.
Sometimes, I feel
Eli is still around.
When I can't sleep,
I would read his diary and...
imagine what he was thinking.
"I'm worth nothing to anyone..."
After a while,
Daddy and Mommy
started to avoid mentioning Eli.
Perhaps this was their
way to move on and
leave it all behind.
Just like what Eli has said,
everyone would forget
about him quickly.
I did the same.
From that day onwards I
secretly kept his diary,
but I wouldn't dare
to read it again.
I guess I probably wanted to...
leave this behind as well.
Daddy told everyone
Eli died of illness.
If people knew he
committed suicide,
it would imply we have
treated him badly.
What a pity, Hung
loved him so much.
No. That's not the one who died.
Oh, the one who's stupid?
Keep it down.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Thank you.
Come, son.
Mommy, what about me?
Mommy...
Mom didn't say a word to me
when she left.
I really wish she
would tell me how
I could go on with my life.
We used to have breakfast
as a family of four,
and go on trips together.
But in the end...
I felt I had been left alone
in this family.
When I was in high school,
I met your brother.
Everyone treated me well.
We always hung out together
But I never believed
we could be friends for life,
because there's no
such thing as forever.
Everyone will eventually
walk out on you.
I'd rather isolate
myself and live alone...
than have people
abandoning me again.
I thought I would
be lonely forever...
until the day I met you.
I need to go pee.
Why are you crying, hippo?
I'm very hungry.
How about we have some
chips? Just two though!
The way you voiced hippo
reminded me of my brother.
He used to love
voicing his doll too.
But unfortunately,
he didn't have the chance to
study and hang out
with friends...
and meet girls.
At that moment, I felt...
I should cherish
everyone I meet.
There're only a few
more chips left.
You're really just having two.
Don't be embarrassed.
I have a friend
who also talks with his doll.
I'm not embarrassed.
Apparently it's you.
The "friend" you
mention, is that you?
My name is Sherry.
Do you remember...
I used to always come
pick you up from school.
You were not surprised and
were excited every time.
It made me want to
see you more often.
I'm a quiet person,
but I feel like I
can talk anything
when I'm with you.
I once said I was raised in a single-parent
family but it didn't affect me.
"I'm all good."
I'm not sure why I
would tell such a lie.
Later,
your family decided to
leave Hong Kong permanently.
I never told you
how much I like you.
Because I think you
deserve someone...
who can make you happy. Not me.
The night you left,
I kept thinking...
that we will probably
never meet again.
I won't be in touch with you.
My brother apologized
to me one day.
He said he told you
where my school is.
He didn't tell me voluntarily.
I forced him to.
He always asks me if
you're treating me well.
What did you say?
I said,
you treat me really well.
But you are not happy at all.
You have to let me know...
once you're ready.
Years later, I found out you
came back to Hong Kong...
but at that time we were
both seeing someone.
When I saw you in the street
I knew...
you remembered me.
It took me a long time
to gather up the courage
to reconnect with you.
You said no matter
who you were seeing,
you kept wondering how I was.
I told you the same.
(from secretary Zoey)
Dim sum?
Yes.
Dad...
I'm here.
Mr. Cheng always told me
to fix this cassette tape.
But as it's been
played so many times,
it can't be fixed.
Did you learn piano
when you're small?
Yes.
I remember when I
first took this job,
the cassette tape can
still be played properly.
I heard it once.
I guess it was you playing
the piano for your dad.
You said...
"Dad, you listen...
I can finally play
the entire song."
You played really
clumsily though...
but Mr. Cheng listened
intently to the entire song.
That was...
the only time I
saw Mr. Cheng cry.
I think...
he loves you so much.
Thank you...
Thank you for telling me this.
How are you feeling?
If you need to go to toilet,
I can take you.
The doctor told me
about your condition.
Is there anything
you want to tell me?
Anything on your mind?
I might not be able
to help, but I...
I will stay by your side.
Take your time.
You... still remember...
Eli?
I already forgot how
he looked like...
I only remember he
always said to me...
"I'm sorry"...
I always dream of Eli.
I would ask him:
"How's your study going?"
How's work?
"Are your students
giving you any trouble?"
There's a lot I wish to ask him.
There's a lot I
wish to tell him.
I wish to apologize to him.
Why didn't I talk to him?
Why didn't I let
him hug me longer?
You're smoking again?
Yes.
Picked up a while ago.
So now too.
Yes.
Sherry.
I remember after Eli passed on,
I hated my dad.
But what had hurt Eli the most
was not that Dad
beat him everyday.
It's that none of us ever
treated him as a family.
As a little brother, I would
only pretend to be good.
I never tried
lending him a hand,
because I too
looked down on him.
Joke's on me... I
didn't grow up to be
a successful person either.
I'm not a good teacher and...
I'm a terrible husband.
You once asked me
why I was still keeping
secrets to myself.
I dared not say
it out back then.
I don't think I could
bring you happiness.
I don't even know what
a proper family is like.
How can people like
me be a good father?
We're ready.
Okay.
A teacher from a nearby
school told me...
they found a suicide
note written by
an anonymous student.
They're not sure who wrote it,
and are very worried.
Today is our last class
before the public exam.
I know it has been
tough to you all
as these examinations
create a lot of pressure.
Even if I'm no longer your
teacher in the future,
I still wish every one of you
safe and sound.
I myself didn't grow up
in a proper family.
I always hoped that
there will be a teacher
who notices that
I'm unhappy, and
sends me love and support
from time to time.
But this teacher
never showed up,
because at that time I
often shut myself off.
Thinking back now,
I was pretty dumb.
As long as you're
willing to open up,
there must be someone who cares.
I'm your head teacher.
I remember all twenty-five
of your names.
Each and everyone.
Besides being your teacher,
I can also be your friend.
This is my number.
If any of you need
to talk to someone,
you can always contact me.
Goodbye, Tania.
Goodbye, Mila.
Goodbye, Bethany.
Goodbye.
Vincent.
Goodbye.
See you.
"Mr. Cheng, can we talk?"
"Of course. Do you want to
text or talk face to face?"
Promise yourself!
Study harder!
Get into HKU, okay?
Yes!
We can always talk things out.
There is no need
to get physical.
If something's on your
mind, you can tell me.
You can also tell your
family or your friends,
but you can't just push
someone off the stairs.
Are you okay?
Van Gogh.
This is how your
friends call you,
so I'm also calling
you Van Gogh too.
Sometimes teachers and
students can be friends too.
They are not my friends.
Neither are you.
Please call me:
Vincent.
Okay, Vincent.
What happened here
can get you a demerit.
How about you go write
an apology letter?
Say that you are sorry
for hurting "others".
There's no need to
find my "mother".
She's not in Hong Kong.
Stay focused!
I said you should write
an apology letter.
Say that you are sorry.
I can then tell the
Principal you're regretful,
and perhaps we can
avoid the demerit.
There's no such need!
I'd rather get a demerit.
Bethany, bring him to
the Principal's office.
Honey: "Is the
hippo at your place?
I want it back. Have you
signed the divorce papers?"
"...I want to leave this world"
The janitor said he found
the letter at around 6 p.m.
It was after school hours,
so we couldn't figure
out who wrote this.
Let's find out which student is
struggling with mental health,
and ask that student to
seek help from Halena.
It's hard to teach
the kids nowadays...
They are so fragile and now one
threatens to jump off a building?
"I'm worth nothing to anyone..."
What I'm most worried about is
that students may follow suit.
"I'm worth nothing to anyone..."
Nonetheless, I suggest
we keep this a secret.
Public exam is coming
up in a few months...
If words get spread
out, I'm afraid...
it will affect the
students' emotions
and also their
academic progress.
We must go under the table and
find out who wrote the letter
without publicly
talking about this.
Before we find out who it was,
there's nothing much we can do.
There are times one gets
confused with their emotions.
We've all been there
before, haven't we?
When I was young, I
was a misanthrope too.
Let's hope this was just a...
plagiarized piece of
work from the Internet.
It's actually well written.
Even students from
my elite class
might not be able to
write this eloquently.
Perhaps it's not as
despairing as we think.
Not as despairing as we think?
You fucking think this letter
was copied from the Internet?
You think it's all a joke?
What if it's real?
As you said, exam is coming
up in a few months time.
What if during the study leave,
the student jumps
off the building?
A student is about
to commit suicide!
How dare you say such bullshit?
You're the vice principal,
for fuck's sake!
Mr. Cheng?
You've been silent
this whole time.
Any thoughts?
I suggest to seek help
from a trustworthy student.
After all, we
teachers won't know
the students as deeply
as they know each other.
Today, I looked
around the classroom.
There was no one that
I couldn't let go of.
I just want them to
notice that I'm gone
without judging me.
Even my ex-boyfriend
didn't know.
I'm sick of this life
most of the time.
I'd brighten up a
little when I'm in love,
which was the only time that
I could leave this feeling.
But nobody should share
this burden with me.
Some of the classmates
who knew me...
may be upset for a day or two.
Some teachers may
grieve for a week or so.
My mom might find it hard
to take for a few years,
but she has my father with her.
They will pull
through eventually.
Some people
are curious of how
things will turn out.
They are able to persist
in bad situations,
live through it...
and continue with their journey.
I'm not those types.
It means nothing to me how
the world turns out to be.
I'm just exhausted with life.
I can't sleep,
and am drained just thinking
about ending my life.
It doesn't matter how
good a relationship is.
It will deteriorate over time.
Criticizing and hurting each
other are all we are left with.
I'm worth nothing to anyone.
I would be easily forgotten,
and it's for the better.
Understood.
But Mr. Cheng,
Why would you believe
it's a girl who wrote it?
She wrote about her
ex-boyfriend in the letter.
Halena, can we show it to her?
Even so, it could also be a boy.
"I'm worth nothing to anyone.
I would be easily forgotten."
Dear Diary,
my name is Eli Cheng.
I'm your new owner.
I've decided to write an
entry every day from today.
Because yesterday,
I went with my parents to watch
my brother perform at school.
Don't blame your
failure on misfortunes.
I was born poor.
But,
I was more hardworking
than the rich kids.
Opportunities favor
the prepared minds.
Hard work might not
bring you success,
but laziness definitely
leads to failure.
Thank you!
Thank you, Chairman of
our alumni association:
Senior Counsel Mr. Hung Cheng.
Please also give a round
of applause to his wife,
Mrs. Heidi Cheng,
who donated a hundred
thousand dollars to
the "Joint School Event:
Walk for Millions".
What a performance, Alan!
I hope he could keep up
this standard academically
and studies at HKU, like Felix.
He's been doing great, always
in the top three in class.
Make sure to keep it
up until University.
Mr. Principal, any advice
on bringing up a bright kid?
Felix has this habit of
writing his diary every day.
It really helped with
his language studies.
He would often show
me what he wrote,
which enhanced our
father-and-son relationship.
Looks like you should
start writing your diary
and share it with us,
okay?
Mom, your cup of water.
Thank you, Eli.
It's "glass"!
Huh?
It's a "glass" of
water, not "cup"!
Don't speak English if you
don't know the language.
What a piece of rubbish!
"PIRATE"
"Hang in there!"
"One day, you'll grow into
the person you want to be...
Don't give up!"
You signed the return slip.
Don't you dare to say
it's not your idea.
Where on earth would
you get the money?
You want your credit
cards cancelled?
I told you it was a
misunderstanding...
Our son has written my
name instead of yours.
I just signed those return
slips as he gave them to me.
You think I'm an idiot?
I know what you're up to.
Would you ever miss chances
to steal the spotlight?
If you don't believe me,
there's nothing I can say.
I'm not done!
Think you are so great?
Remember this,
I own everything in this house!
Don't!
Don't you dare think having
another kid will save you!
Please!
We're lucky to have
one that's smart.
What if you give birth
to another idiot!
What are you crying about?
You think it's easy
to be the breadwinner?
I'm the one making money!
And I haven't drop a tear yet!
Why aren't you asleep?
Reading comics?
Reading comics?
Reading comics!
Reading comics!
Read it!
Read it!
"Hang in there!"
Yes...
Continue to sleep. You'll be more
focused after getting enough rest.
No! I must get up!
Look at you,
looks like you've
got a bad hair day.
Freak!
You want to buy that?
Fat Principal said
writing in a diary can
get me as smart as his son
and therefore into HKU.
Starting today, I will
be writing every day,
and hope my grades will
get better and better.
My dad would then
stop beating me.
Where should I start?
Let me start with
an introduction.
Dear Diary,
my name is Eli Cheng.
I'm your new owner.
I've decided to write an
entry every day from today...
Hang in there! One day, you'll grow
into the person you want to be.
Now that you are
keeping a diary,
soon you will achieve more
than your brother and father.
Is that possible when you're
always distracting me?
Shut up!
You shut up! What
time is it right now?
Go ahead and sleep.
I'll protect you.
The monster under the bed
wouldn't dare to come out.
YOU are the monster!
I helped to make all these.
Omelette is for mom.
Right, honey,
any updates from the new school?
Dick keeps asking if we'd
be moving to Kowloon Tong.
What new school?
I can switch school? Great!
It's your brother, not you.
Which school? I want
to go there too.
He's going to Wa
Salle Primary School.
You?
You're lucky to be able
to stay where you are.
Mom and dad
I promise
in the next exam...
I would get into...
top ten.
What if I can really do it?
Then do even better.
Getting into top ten
is too hard for you.
How about this? If you get
into top fifteen in your class,
you get the same pocket
money as your brother,
and I'll bring you two to
Disneyland in California.
Alan, you have to help
push your brother, okay?
You can't go either if he fails.
Then we definitely
won't be going.
Great! It's been two
years and three months...
since the last time
we've been to USA.
Your calculation for
these things are so quick.
Why isn't your math
as good academically?
Here are the results
of Eli's last exams.
He did quite well with Chinese,
scored 61. English, 54.
He could do better
with Math though, 48.
So what's his ranking?
The 29th in class, through
the same grade he's...
Forget it, I know he didn't
do well in his exams.
Eli, do you normally
feel a lot of pressure?
I'm sorry.
Miss Leung is asking if
you feel a lot of pressure.
No... I don't.
What you are studying next year
will be the same as this year,
but you still need
to study hard.
Okay?
Miss Leung, what do you mean...
by next year being
the same as this year?
Eli said he has
informed his parents...
He has to repeat a year...
and cannot proceed
to the next grade.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Thank you for your help.
Don't mention it. We've
known each other for so long.
Thank you.
Alan, I'll be seeing
you next week.
You guys are back?
Come here, Eli.
This is Principal Yeung from Wa Salle
Primary School. Come and say hi.
Hello, Principal 'Leung'.
Eli, Lina will take you
out for dinner tonight.
We will be spending time
with Principal Yeung.
What about Alan?
Principal Yeung would like
to know more about Alan.
You go for dinner first.
Lina, take him to dinner.
Take a bite.
I'm sorry... please don't.
Please don't... I'm sorry...
Running away?
Please don't... I'm sorry...
Running away?
I'm sorry...
Running away?
I'm sorry...
Listen to what you just played.
Do you hear the
difference from Alan?
Do you hear it?
Yes...
Mr. Cheng, It's not
like what you think.
This song is hard to
play even for adults.
The left hand has to
play the eighth notes
while the right has
to play triplets...
How come Alan can do it then?
Different people have
different capabilities...
You have to play the
entire song next time.
Take it easy.
"Rverie" is really hard.
Not everyone can play
it right from the start.
But dad has already paid for
so many months for me to learn.
A few months are not that long.
It's very long.
Amongst all my students,
You're one of the
most hardworking kids.
So what if I'm hardworking?
I'm not like my
brother, who is smart.
Everyone's different.
I want to be just
like my brother.
If I can properly
play the entire song,
does that mean I can
be a teacher like you?
I will be a good
teacher in the future.
Even if my students hand
in their homework late...
or play the piano badly,
I would not punish them.
I will ask them...
Is there anything
upsetting you? or...
What stopped you from
doing your homework?
Like that.
I'm not a teacher at school,
but I do think Eli...
will grow up to
be a good teacher.
Why?
Because...
you care about your students.
You believe yelling
is not the only way.
Your students will
listen to you,
because you treat them well.
Let's do this again.
You play the left hand.
I'll play the right hand, okay?
I really like Miss Chan.
Although I still suck
at playing the piano,
with her encouragement
and support,
I believe I can play the
entire song by myself soon.
Just like her,
I can become a good teacher.
Weren't you really
brave last time?
Are you mute now?
Eat the mud, van Gogh!
Why are you so quiet?
You got a little fight in you!
Your mum gave birth to
such a piece of trash!
Running away?
Trying to run?
Stop!
Stop!
Van Gogh, get up!
I was always fighting at
school when I was young.
Switched schools three
times in four years.
I was not a good student.
It is normal to have emotions,
but van Gogh,
we must learn to deal with
these difficult situations.
Do you understand?
Mr. Cheng,
mind your own business.
The entire school
knows you got divorced.
Why are you still
wearing your ring?
"I'll continue to talk to the
students. Do you have any news?"
"No..."
I heard from Mr. Lai that
you haven't participated
in PE class for a year.
You were either having your
period or were not feeling well.
Bethany,
we have discussed
about other students,
but you seldom talk
about yourself.
Why are you not
joining PE class?
I know what you guys are doing.
I didn't cut my wrist.
Really, I skip PE class
because I'm always ill.
How long has it been since you
last let yourself out freely?
You can spit out anything,
especially things you
can't say at home.
Halena, it's your turn.
Emm... I'm good.
I think I'm not as
stressed as you both.
I'm okay.
Bethany?
My scars are not new.
The problem I had was resolved and
I don't want to bring it up again.
I also don't want anyone to
know that I cut my wrist.
But that doesn't mean...
you didn't write that letter.
It really wasn't me,
but I like hanging
out with you both.
Maybe I just want
to talk to someone.
Thank you for spending
time with me today.
So... who could have written it?
Could it be van Gogh?
Mr. Cheng, please stop
calling him van Gogh.
Do you know how Vincent
got this nickname?
Vincent has hearing impairment.
Although it's quite mild,
he and his family don't
want anyone to know it.
People call him "van Gogh"
because Vincent van Gogh
only has one ear.
Van Gogh
Can you hear today?
You have to use sign language,
or speak louder!
You fucking deaf...
Do I need to speak even louder?
The monster is enormous this
time, but I'm not afraid!
It's your turn to think
of what to eat tonight.
Wait a minute.
Oh no, I'm suddenly
really sleepy.
Why are you mimicking
a man's voice?
I forgot to tell you, I'm cast
as the male lead this time.
Really?
Yes!
Congrats!
But do you mind changing
back to your own voice?
Stop interrupting my sleep!
Prepare to die!
He even arranged them
by date and country.
I've never seen this kid this
organized in his homework.
Do you need to talk
to his parents?
Yes, he was caught selling
porn videos at school!
It's too loud.
You're turned on?
I'm sorry.
Stop telling me you're sorry!
Why?
Why are you still
keeping secrets?
Even we're married?
Now you say you
are not ready and
it's not the right time yet.
I thought you'd be happy...
I thought you will
be a great father.
I'm sorry...
You will never be ready.
I'll go to the doctor tomorrow.
Dear Sherry,
It's been a while.
Are you still working
as a voice actress?
I hope I can still
hear your voice
on television.
There's something
I want to tell you.
Recently, a student of mine...
wrote a suicide note.
I've been trying to
find out who wrote it.
There's a sentence in
the suicide note that
"I'm worth nothing to anyone..."
reminds me of what happened
when I was a child.
Which tankbon are you on?
I'm really studying!
Reported by Scarlet Nip.
Local news: A man jumped off
a building in this morning
and was declared
dead at the hospital.
The deceased is popular local
manga artist Tse Wing To.
He was known for his
best-selling manga "PIRATE" which
has a record of two hundred thousand
books sold for a single issue.
The manga industry was
stricken by the death of Tse,
as peers praise "PIRATE"
as an inspirational work.
Hurry up!
Hey, hurry up!
It's now 2 p.m.
You have forty-five minutes
to finish the test...
starting now.
Are you alright?
What's going on? What
took you so long?
Are you okay?
Are you feeling better?
If you feel better, go
back and do your test.
Mrs. Cheng, I think Eli...
He's fine.
Miss Leung, please
give him another chance
and let him retake the
test, say tomorrow.
Mom, I can't sleep at night
and I feel very tired in class.
You fell asleep
without noticing.
You're not tired.
Miss Leung said you're
easily distracted.
No, mommy...
I saw on TV that 8 hours
of sleep is a must,
but I can only sleep for
less than 5 hours lately.
Maybe you can take me to one
of those... psychiatrists?
You feel tired and so you
want to see a psychiatrist?
Son, that's not what
psychiatrists are for.
Psychiatrists treat people
who have mental issues.
It's for the nutcases!
Are you a nutcase?
When I'm upset,
I'd read "PIRATE".
"PIRATE" always says...
"You'll grow up one day...
and become the person you want."
"Don't give up!"
I'd feel better when I read it.
But now, "PIRATE" will not
have another issue anymore.
I always thought the manga
artist was a happy man.
Why would he kill himself?
Did he not grow
into the person that
he wanted to be?
Eli Cheng,
for heaven's sake!
You're already repeating a year,
and you still sleep in class?
I'm sorry.
Eli Cheng, stand up!
Stay standing till
the end of the class.
Miss Leung, I can't
see the blackboard
with him standing
in front of me.
Eli Cheng, go stand
at the corner!
Quiet down!
His dad's gonna
beat him up tonight.
I wonder if he can
sleep while standing.
How can you learn with
your face to the wall?
Turn to face the class!
Do you remember what
you promised mommy?
Why are you crying?
You'll have a new one
if you get good grades.
I don't want a new one!
Lina.
Thank you.
Heidi.
Uncle.
Simon.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Eli Cheng?
Hello.
Simon will be
teaching you piano.
Can I take a look
at the piano, uncle?
Sure.
Where's Miss Chan?
Miss Chan just graduated
for a few years.
She can't teach.
No, she's a great teacher!
If she's good, you'd
be able to play.
Wrong note. Again.
Wrong note. Again.
Again.
I want Miss Chan!
Heidi, learning piano is tough.
Let's continue after
he stops crying.
I want Miss Chan!
It's all my fault.
If I can play better,
Daddy wouldn't have
sacked Miss Chan.
I miss Miss Chan so much.
I'm afraid that I
won't see her again.
Secretary Zoey: "Mr. Cheng
fainted two days ago.
Please come to the hospital
ASAP. He wants to see you."
Is it you,
Zoey?
son?
You came.
Have a seat.
Mr. Cheng? Mr. Cheng.
Come sit.
It's okay, don't bother.
I bought dim sum.
This is dim sum
made out of fish.
It's young people's favourite.
This is dim sum with shrimps.
This is dim sum with quail eggs.
Be careful, it's hot.
How have you been lately?
Nothing much.
Stop causing trouble at school.
Every time you get expelled,
I need to take a day-off
to come to your school.
I'm very busy and you...
Thank you.
Have a dim sum.
I'm not hungry.
I ordered Pu'er tea!
You mixed up such
a simple order?
I'm really sorry,
it's our fault.
We'll change it immediately.
It's not "we", it's just YOU!
I'm sorry.
'Yeung Chung Yiu'
I'll remember your name!
I'm sorry.
Mr. Cheng, have a bite!
Thanks. I'm good.
I'm not hungry.
Was it really serious
the other day?
- Yes.
- No.
Since you're fine,
I'm leaving.
So soon? Can you stay
for a bit longer?
I've got work to do.
Mr. Cheng,
Mr. Cheng, can you
wait for a sec?
The doctor said your father's
condition is in a critical stage.
He shouldn't eat
anything greasy.
He ate only because
you're here today.
He looks okay to me.
Normally he doesn't
look as good.
If anything happens to him,
he still has you around.
Pardon me,
I really do have
things to settle today.
I'll be back some other time.
"Student, 17-year-old,
found dead."
"...he studied at a traditional
elite boys school..."
"Young people nowadays
can't take any stress!"
"Has he thought of his family
before killing himself."
"You bastards."
Depression is not a choice,
he couldn't look
after himself already,
and you still want
him to take care...
of others' feelings?
Don't you think
that's too harsh?
I don't know how to
do. Can you teach me?
No, I need to sleep.
If you teach me,
I'll take you to a secret place.
I found this place...
where we can shout
and no one cares.
What? How is that fun?
Have you tried yelling
from the top of your lungs?
No and I'm not interested.
Not interested?
You can spit out things
that you can't say at home.
Let's buy it secretly
and don't let mom
and dad find out.
Wow, you've got that
much pocket money?
My name is Eli Cheng!
Look, meteor!
No, it's a star.
It's a meteor!
A star!
Meteor!
I'm a piece of rubbish!
I don't want to study
anymore. It's so boring!
What? You don't like studying?
I'm good at studying,
doesn't mean I like it.
What are you both doing up here?
It's a rooftop!
What if something happens
to your little brother?
How did you get so
much money for toys?
Did you steal it?
I didn't steal it!
And your brother would steal?
Why can't you give
this family some peace?
Do you know how
hard it is for me?
How should I explain
this to your dad?
If I get divorced,
it is because of you.
We've been treating you well.
I told your dad to
take you with us to LA
even though you have
to repeat a year.
It's all gone now.
You're staying behind to study.
You're grounded!
Mommy, if I have to
repeat again next year,
what should I do?
Then don't call me mommy.
I finished my homework.
So?
I'm sorry.
You're already twelve years old.
Have you ever thought
about your future?
I'm only ten...
It's okay not to
get good grades,
but what other
talents do you have?
None. Well, you
look cute, for now.
Your name is Eli,
meaning "high" or "uplifted".
If I knew better, you'd be Alan
("precious") and your brother Eli.
What now?
Do you want to work
at McDonald's or 7-11?
Or just hold on to us for life?
I don't have hopes for you
to study at Ivy
League Universities,
but you will be a total loser.
I'm sorry.
There are many ways
to raise a kid.
One is punishment by beating,
all the other ways are futile.
One has to suffer and
endure to be successful.
This is why I make much more
money than your mother.
If you wish to be
a piece of rubbish,
that's fine by me.
You're not talented,
but forgive me,
I'm not an educator either.
I will study hard with Alan
and get into top
fifteen in class.
Whatever.
I won't beat you anymore.
It's a waste of time.
Good news: Daddy
won't beat me anymore.
Bad news: They seem
to be very upset.
I think...
If I leave this
family one day...
Daddy and Mommy
won't get divorced.
The three of them
including Alan will...
live happily ever after.
Alan...
can we talk?
No, I need to sleep.
I need to wake up early
for the flight to USA.
I'll ask Mommy to buy you
some toys when we arrive.
Are you done?
I really need to sleep!
"PIRATE" always encourages
me to hang in there...
but I know for a fact that...
no matter how much effort
I put into studying...
I still can't move
on to the next grade.
I can't play the piano properly.
Even if I become a
teacher when I grow up,
I won't be as
successful as Alan.
I knew a long time ago...
I won't grow up to be
the person I want to be.
I'm worth nothing.
No one will remember...
who I am soon after I'm gone.
Goodbye, Diary.
I'm sorry.
"Hang in there."
We need to bring Eli
with us on our next trip.
Sherry, I never told you
I have an elder brother.
He committed suicide
when he was ten.
I was so focused on studying and
didn't spend much time with him.
I actually don't have
much memory about him,
but I remember he once said he
wanted to be a good teacher...
because he wanted to
be like Miss Chan.
I saw Miss Chan at the funeral.
She was devastated and guilt-stricken.
But she shouldn't be...
She was the only person who
treated my brother nicely.
I started to think...
maybe I can be like
her in the future...
to be a teacher who
cares about students.
From that day onwards...
I stop caring about
Daddy's expectations.
It's no longer important
whether or not I can be
the lawyer or doctor
he wants me to be.
Sometimes, I feel
Eli is still around.
When I can't sleep,
I would read his diary and...
imagine what he was thinking.
"I'm worth nothing to anyone..."
After a while,
Daddy and Mommy
started to avoid mentioning Eli.
Perhaps this was their
way to move on and
leave it all behind.
Just like what Eli has said,
everyone would forget
about him quickly.
I did the same.
From that day onwards I
secretly kept his diary,
but I wouldn't dare
to read it again.
I guess I probably wanted to...
leave this behind as well.
Daddy told everyone
Eli died of illness.
If people knew he
committed suicide,
it would imply we have
treated him badly.
What a pity, Hung
loved him so much.
No. That's not the one who died.
Oh, the one who's stupid?
Keep it down.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Thank you.
Come, son.
Mommy, what about me?
Mommy...
Mom didn't say a word to me
when she left.
I really wish she
would tell me how
I could go on with my life.
We used to have breakfast
as a family of four,
and go on trips together.
But in the end...
I felt I had been left alone
in this family.
When I was in high school,
I met your brother.
Everyone treated me well.
We always hung out together
But I never believed
we could be friends for life,
because there's no
such thing as forever.
Everyone will eventually
walk out on you.
I'd rather isolate
myself and live alone...
than have people
abandoning me again.
I thought I would
be lonely forever...
until the day I met you.
I need to go pee.
Why are you crying, hippo?
I'm very hungry.
How about we have some
chips? Just two though!
The way you voiced hippo
reminded me of my brother.
He used to love
voicing his doll too.
But unfortunately,
he didn't have the chance to
study and hang out
with friends...
and meet girls.
At that moment, I felt...
I should cherish
everyone I meet.
There're only a few
more chips left.
You're really just having two.
Don't be embarrassed.
I have a friend
who also talks with his doll.
I'm not embarrassed.
Apparently it's you.
The "friend" you
mention, is that you?
My name is Sherry.
Do you remember...
I used to always come
pick you up from school.
You were not surprised and
were excited every time.
It made me want to
see you more often.
I'm a quiet person,
but I feel like I
can talk anything
when I'm with you.
I once said I was raised in a single-parent
family but it didn't affect me.
"I'm all good."
I'm not sure why I
would tell such a lie.
Later,
your family decided to
leave Hong Kong permanently.
I never told you
how much I like you.
Because I think you
deserve someone...
who can make you happy. Not me.
The night you left,
I kept thinking...
that we will probably
never meet again.
I won't be in touch with you.
My brother apologized
to me one day.
He said he told you
where my school is.
He didn't tell me voluntarily.
I forced him to.
He always asks me if
you're treating me well.
What did you say?
I said,
you treat me really well.
But you are not happy at all.
You have to let me know...
once you're ready.
Years later, I found out you
came back to Hong Kong...
but at that time we were
both seeing someone.
When I saw you in the street
I knew...
you remembered me.
It took me a long time
to gather up the courage
to reconnect with you.
You said no matter
who you were seeing,
you kept wondering how I was.
I told you the same.
(from secretary Zoey)
Dim sum?
Yes.
Dad...
I'm here.
Mr. Cheng always told me
to fix this cassette tape.
But as it's been
played so many times,
it can't be fixed.
Did you learn piano
when you're small?
Yes.
I remember when I
first took this job,
the cassette tape can
still be played properly.
I heard it once.
I guess it was you playing
the piano for your dad.
You said...
"Dad, you listen...
I can finally play
the entire song."
You played really
clumsily though...
but Mr. Cheng listened
intently to the entire song.
That was...
the only time I
saw Mr. Cheng cry.
I think...
he loves you so much.
Thank you...
Thank you for telling me this.
How are you feeling?
If you need to go to toilet,
I can take you.
The doctor told me
about your condition.
Is there anything
you want to tell me?
Anything on your mind?
I might not be able
to help, but I...
I will stay by your side.
Take your time.
You... still remember...
Eli?
I already forgot how
he looked like...
I only remember he
always said to me...
"I'm sorry"...
I always dream of Eli.
I would ask him:
"How's your study going?"
How's work?
"Are your students
giving you any trouble?"
There's a lot I wish to ask him.
There's a lot I
wish to tell him.
I wish to apologize to him.
Why didn't I talk to him?
Why didn't I let
him hug me longer?
You're smoking again?
Yes.
Picked up a while ago.
So now too.
Yes.
Sherry.
I remember after Eli passed on,
I hated my dad.
But what had hurt Eli the most
was not that Dad
beat him everyday.
It's that none of us ever
treated him as a family.
As a little brother, I would
only pretend to be good.
I never tried
lending him a hand,
because I too
looked down on him.
Joke's on me... I
didn't grow up to be
a successful person either.
I'm not a good teacher and...
I'm a terrible husband.
You once asked me
why I was still keeping
secrets to myself.
I dared not say
it out back then.
I don't think I could
bring you happiness.
I don't even know what
a proper family is like.
How can people like
me be a good father?
We're ready.
Okay.
A teacher from a nearby
school told me...
they found a suicide
note written by
an anonymous student.
They're not sure who wrote it,
and are very worried.
Today is our last class
before the public exam.
I know it has been
tough to you all
as these examinations
create a lot of pressure.
Even if I'm no longer your
teacher in the future,
I still wish every one of you
safe and sound.
I myself didn't grow up
in a proper family.
I always hoped that
there will be a teacher
who notices that
I'm unhappy, and
sends me love and support
from time to time.
But this teacher
never showed up,
because at that time I
often shut myself off.
Thinking back now,
I was pretty dumb.
As long as you're
willing to open up,
there must be someone who cares.
I'm your head teacher.
I remember all twenty-five
of your names.
Each and everyone.
Besides being your teacher,
I can also be your friend.
This is my number.
If any of you need
to talk to someone,
you can always contact me.
Goodbye, Tania.
Goodbye, Mila.
Goodbye, Bethany.
Goodbye.
Vincent.
Goodbye.
See you.
"Mr. Cheng, can we talk?"
"Of course. Do you want to
text or talk face to face?"