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Burn My Future for You Dream On Chinese Drama

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Transcript
00:01My boyfriend burns the admission letter I just got and hasn't opened yet.
00:06He says,
00:07One of us should go to college while the other covers the tuition fee.
00:10He calls it teamwork.
00:12I smile and nod.
00:13The admission letter he burned is his own.
00:16I'm more than happy if he's going to cover my tuition fee.
00:20Finn, did you see an admission letter on the table?
00:23When I come home with a bunch of bags, I notice my boyfriend is already there.
00:27We live next to each other.
00:28We grew up together and started dating when we're older.
00:32My parents are away all the time, and Finn's divorced parents ignores him.
00:36Feeling heartbroken for him, I gave him a copy of my house key so he could come over any time
00:41he wanted.
00:42Right now, he's sitting on the sofa and eating takeout as he fiddles with his lighter.
00:47Finn looks very calm.
00:49Something's off.
00:50He should have read the admission letter by now.
00:52The letter belongs to him.
00:54Out of respect, when it was delivered this morning, I didn't open it.
00:58I left it in plain sight on the table as a surprise for him.
01:02Finn's admission letter came early, and he aced the SAT with flying colors.
01:07I think he got into an elite college.
01:10I want to celebrate his success.
01:12I usually watch my spending, but I went out and bought some nice food and a small cake so we
01:18could celebrate together.
01:19No, I didn't see it.
01:21Surprisingly, Finn shakes his head.
01:24Thing is, I know I left it on the table before I went out.
01:27I have a good memory.
01:29I know I'm right.
01:30It can't be.
01:31I left an admission letter before going out.
01:34I'm very confused.
01:36I'm about to search when he speak.
01:38I remember now.
01:39Finn suddenly grabs my hand and says with unease,
01:42I burned it.
01:43He points at the kitchen trash can, still smoking.
01:47What?
01:47Why would you burn an admission letter?
01:50I rush into the kitchen and reach out to salvage the burning letter.
01:54Half of it is scorched, but I have to do what I can.
01:57Finn studied long and hard to get this.
01:59I can't let it go up in flames.
02:01I just can't.
02:03It's already ruined.
02:04Don't hurt yourself.
02:05I'll be worried.
02:06Acting concerned, Finn grabs my burned hand and drags me to the couch, despite my protests.
02:13The fire in the kitchen trash can dies down, the black smoke thinning.
02:17Why, Finn?
02:18Why did you do that?
02:20I'm utterly confused.
02:21He's always said he had a lousy family, and he needed to get into a college to change his
02:27life for the better.
02:28Why would he burn his admission letter?
02:30One of us going to college is enough.
02:33After I keep pressuring him, he finally tells me what he really thinks.
02:37He must have realized how despicable he had been.
02:40After all, he doesn't dare to meet my gaze.
02:42What do you mean?
02:43I think I heard it wrong.
02:45What does he mean by that?
02:47What about me, then?
02:48We aced the SAT.
02:50We can attend college instead of working.
02:53That's stupid.
02:54Why doesn't he take the easy way?
02:57He didn't burn his own admission letter just to go to work, did he?
03:01Has he got a screw loose?
03:03I just don't get it.
03:05I just told you, college costs a lot.
03:07One of us should keep studying for a bright future while the other covers the tuition fee.
03:12It's teamwork.
03:13Are you cool with that?
03:14Flushed Finn makes a cruel request, eager to go to college.
03:19When his parents divorced, he chose independence.
03:22Then he got an old house and $50,000 from them.
03:26Now, the money is nearly gone.
03:30He doesn't have money and he doesn't want to be shamed for working while in college.
03:35So, he thought of me.
03:37When he saw the admission letter on my table, he immediately thought it was mine.
03:42Instead of congratulating me, he quickly burned it to stop me from going to college.
03:48That way, I'll have no choice but to work and cover his tuition fee.
03:53He believes I love him too much to reject him.
03:56I don't really agree with Finn.
03:59But isn't this unfair to the one who has to work to cover the tuition fee?
04:03Giving up your future for the sake of someone else isn't teamwork.
04:07That's self-sabotage.
04:09My family isn't as poor as he thinks.
04:11His parents left him, but mine just work abroad and give me money monthly.
04:16To comfort him, I lied about getting $3,000 every few months.
04:20Over the years, I've managed to save up enough money to put both of us through college.
04:26He really doesn't have to cover my tuition fee.
04:29Before I can tell him my plan, he says,
04:32After I graduate, I'll marry you immediately.
04:35I won't forget how you support me through college.
04:37That's when I finally see his intentions.
04:40So he thought the letter was mine.
04:42He burned it so I could work and cover his tuition fee.
04:46He wants me to give up for him.
04:48Finn didn't even talk to me first before he burned the admission letter.
04:52He made empty promises.
04:53But I'm the one who suffers.
04:56How utterly shameless.
04:57I'm not a hopeless romantic.
04:59What he said didn't make me feel moved.
05:01I'm glad I didn't tell him the truth.
05:03Otherwise, given his character, he would have chewed me up and spit me out.
05:08My family is better off than he thinks.
05:10For the past months, I worked for his struggles, not my own needs.
05:15When I don't respond, he tries to comfort me.
05:18I know how you feel.
05:19I'll buy you a snack, okay?
05:21A snack is enough to give up my future?
05:24I'm not a fool.
05:25I thought he loved me, even if he's cheap.
05:28But if he loves me, he wouldn't manipulate me and secure his future at the cost of mine.
05:34But it still isn't time to confront him.
05:36We're neighbors, so we often meet.
05:38I have to stay here until I go to college.
05:41An idea pops into my head.
05:43I could use his method against him.
05:45I smile and say, it's okay, since you burned the letter, there's nothing to debate.
05:50Let's put you through college.
05:51Finn believes I've caved, and he feels relieved.
05:55Yeah, the letter's burned.
05:56You should just get a job.
05:57I nod and go along with him.
05:59You're the best.
06:00Finn grins, thinking it's too easy to manipulate me.
06:05Ten minutes later, he actually asks me for money.
06:07Anyway, I'm short on cash.
06:09I have to buy a new suitcase for college.
06:11I need $1,000.
06:12In the past, I would have given him.
06:15He made up all sorts of reasons and borrowed money from me, but he never paid back.
06:20I used to think we were a couple, and we grew up together.
06:23So, I never asked about it.
06:25At the thought of that, I say, money's tight for me, too.
06:29When are you paying back the money you borrowed from me?
06:31I feel dizzy lately.
06:33I need over $5,000 for a full checkup.
06:36Finn shifts topics fast.
06:38My part-time shift is about to start.
06:40Make sure you eat the peaches in the fridge.
06:42Then, he immediately leaves, afraid I'll make him pay up.
06:46Looking at the leftover on the table, I pull out the receipt.
06:49The takeout cost $49.
06:52A breakfast of this price is expensive to me.
06:55It seems he's not that poor.
06:57He just likes playing poor in front of me, because he knows I'll feel bad for him.
07:01Spoiling a man never ends well.
07:04I check in the fridge.
07:05There are peaches inside.
07:06He bought them a few days ago, and hadn't finished them, because they were too sour for him.
07:12They're not fresh.
07:13I grab one, wash it, and peel it.
07:15It does taste sour.
07:17As I throw it into the trash can, I make up my mind to break up with Finn after I
07:22got everything out of him.
07:23He manipulated me.
07:25It's only fair I give him a taste of his own medicine.
07:27The doorbell rings.
07:29I assume Finn came back.
07:30It's the postman from this morning.
07:32He hands over another admission letter.
07:35Too many mails earlier, and this one was at the bottom of the pile.
07:38I only just noticed it.
07:40Please sign for it.
07:41I smile as I sign for it.
07:43The postman asks,
07:45Say, did you give Finn his admission letter?
07:48He lives nearby, and he knows Finn and I are a couple.
07:51That was why he gave me Finn's letter this morning.
07:54I nod and say,
07:56I did, but he immediately burned it.
07:58Maybe he doesn't want to go to college.
08:00Or maybe he thought he could get a soft copy online.
08:04I'm also confused.
08:06The postman is shocked, but he says nothing.
08:09After all, he's just a postman.
08:11Finn can do anything with the letter.
08:13After the postman left, I read my admission letter.
08:16I'm overjoyed seeing I got into Whitford.
08:19Amazing.
08:20My hard work has paid off.
08:21After I informed my parents,
08:23I put a picture of my admission letter online.
08:25The caption reads,
08:27I got in.
08:28Finn immediately calls me.
08:30He's even more excited.
08:31Is that a picture of my admission letter?
08:33Is it here already?
08:35Did you take it?
08:36Are you using my letter to brag because yours was burned to ashes and thrown in the trash?
08:41I can see where you come from, and I forgive you for stealing it.
08:45Don't do it again.
08:46How could he accuse me of stealing his letter?
08:49A surge of anger rise within me.
08:51Then I realize he also wants Whitford.
08:53That explains it.
08:54But I think about what he did and answer vaguely.
08:58The postman did just bring it over.
09:00But how can you be sure this is your admission letter?
09:04Amused, Finn says cockily.
09:06Yours was burned.
09:07Of course, it's mine.
09:09Then he ignores me and shows off my picture on his social media account.
09:14He also says in the group chat,
09:17Congratulate me, everyone.
09:18I'm accepted into Whitford.
09:21They congratulate Finn.
09:22Someone mentions me.
09:24Holly got into Whitford, too.
09:26You two are going to the same college.
09:28I'm so jealous.
09:30But Finn says,
09:31While that's true, she might not go.
09:33Let's just focus on me.
09:35Someone suggests,
09:37Finn, you got into Whitford now.
09:39Maybe you should treat everyone to a meal.
09:41We can get together again before you go.
09:43The others immediately chime in.
09:46Yeah.
09:46Let's go to the hot new steak buffet joint.
09:49Drinks are on the house.
09:51I thought Finn would say no.
09:53That buffet is $100 a head.
09:55Hosting everyone costs $6,000.
09:58He only earns $4,000 at a cafe.
10:01He doesn't need to agree.
10:03But the good news got to him.
10:05All right.
10:06Let's meet there next Saturday.
10:07Finn's lost his mind.
10:09$6,000 is far too much.
10:12We'd need ages to save that.
10:14I text him.
10:14You have to call it off now.
10:17Save your money.
10:19Finn ignores me.
10:20Maybe he didn't see it.
10:21Or maybe the letter from Whitford got to his head.
10:24At night, Finn comes home from work.
10:26He came to my place and I say,
10:28Finn, all you did was get into college.
10:31Do you have to splurge like this?
10:33Making money is still not easy for us.
10:36You really don't have to do this.
10:38This is the first time Finn retorts.
10:40He says,
10:41I'm about to start college.
10:43I deserve the spotlight.
10:45Don't ruin it.
10:46I'll be a college student.
10:47A high school grad shouldn't boss me around.
10:49High school grad?
10:50I also got into Whitford and my grades are better.
10:53I nearly scoffed.
10:55How have I never noticed?
10:57I sigh as I sat on the couch and watched TV.
11:00I'll tolerate him a while longer, then confront him before college.
11:04Although we're on the same campus, we won't see each other unless we want to.
11:08But Finn is utterly shameless, he says.
11:11You'll foot the bill.
11:12I got into college.
11:14That's a win for you as my girlfriend.
11:16As if I didn't get in.
11:17All this nonsense makes me sick.
11:20I can't stand it anymore.
11:22I sneer at Finn.
11:23I also got into college and my grades are better.
11:27You make it sound like you're a big deal.
11:29Finn gets upset.
11:30I've never spoken to him this way, he says.
11:33Your admission letter is burned and you're not going.
11:36So you didn't get in.
11:37I didn't think he'd say something like this, I retort.
11:40I did get into college.
11:42The letter is also available online.
11:44I can always print it.
11:46Who said burning the letter means the acceptance is gone?
11:49Finn falls silent for a while, before he persuades me again.
11:53I've burned your letter.
11:55What's done is done.
11:56Just support me through college.
11:58Once I find success, I'll marry you.
12:01His empty promises made me sick.
12:03I'm done pretending.
12:04I confront him.
12:06But the burned admission letter isn't mine.
12:09Finn freezes, a bad feeling rising.
12:12What?
12:12I grin and say, I just got my admission letter.
12:15Like you, I got into Whitford.
12:17I say mockingly, as you said, what's done is done.
12:21Just accept it and help me through college.
12:23Finn can't believe it.
12:25You mean the letter I burned is actually mine?
12:28It can't be.
12:29Why would you have my admission letter?
12:30I shrug and say, the postman couldn't reach you through the phone, and he knows we're
12:35dating, so he gave it to me.
12:37I put it on the table so you'll see it.
12:39But you thought it was mine.
12:41Then you burned it just so I would get a job and support you.
12:45You didn't think it was yours.
12:47It doesn't matter, though.
12:48As you said, it's time to accept it.
12:51Now, it's your turn to move on and get a job.
12:53I expect you to cover my tuition fee.
12:56When he realizes his letter was burned, he blames me.
13:00You went too far.
13:01This matters.
13:02You should have told me.
13:03It's ridiculous.
13:05Really?
13:05You were the one who burned the letter.
13:08If it's important, why'd you do it?
13:10Your future matters, but mine doesn't?
13:13You're lucky I told you before college starts.
13:15I call Finn out bluntly.
13:17If it were you, you'd never tell me.
13:19My relentless questions made Finn blush.
13:22He finally softens.
13:23Sighing, he says,
13:25Let's break up.
13:26We're not a good fit.
13:27I grin.
13:27He's upset he can't manipulate me.
13:30Or maybe he's just threatening me and wants me to back down.
13:33But this time, he's crossed the line way too far.
13:37I nod and say,
13:38All right, pay back the money I lent you in three days, or I'll press charges.
13:43Finn isn't expecting this and starts panicking.
13:46He's worried he has to pay me back in full.
13:49He rises and says he has to go to his side gig.
13:52I stop him.
13:53I'll let you know the amount.
13:55We're done, so hand back my house key.
13:58The way I decisively broke up with Finn makes him feel embarrassed.
14:02He tosses the key to my table.
14:04Take it.
14:05Like I'm going to eat your lousy food at your place every day.
14:07I'll borrow from my friend and pay you back.
14:10I'll find out how much I spent on you.
14:11Finn rarely spent on me.
14:14He's long a ten at my place.
14:15To save money, we don't really go on dates.
14:18When we watch a movie, I always return the favor after he treats me.
14:22I don't let what he said bother me.
14:24At night, Finn actually sends me a list.
14:26It's so detailed that he even included the market price of the peaches he left in my fridge.
14:31Not a single penny is missed.
14:34He values the items at $3,000 and only returns $3,500.
14:39I quickly go through it and realize most of the stuff he bought were food he disliked.
14:45And he just shoved them into my fridge for me to deal with.
14:48He even included the cab fare he occasionally paid, expecting me to share it.
14:53It's come to this.
14:54I have a wonderful memory, and I keep records.
14:57I stayed up all night checking every transaction with the payment app.
15:01Eventually, I got an exact figure, including the meals we shared over the past year and a half.
15:07So Finn owes me $13,000 in total.
15:11Before sunrise, I send Finn the list and remind him to pay.
15:16After Finn goes through it, he knocks on my door.
15:18How dare you include the meals at your place?
15:21I'm not scared at all.
15:23I grab a rolling pin and ready myself for a fight.
15:26You're the one who gets all calculative first.
15:29I'm glad we never shared a bed, or you would have charged me as well.
15:33Hearing that, Finn starts being unreasonable.
15:36You were all alone.
15:37I dated you out of pity.
15:38Now you keep score?
15:39I misjudged you.
15:41Finn can't win and starts using my background to belittle me, hoping it'll save him.
15:45Too bad.
15:47I'm not a hopeless romantic.
15:48I keep a clear head.
15:50I cross my arms and warn him.
15:52Pay in two days, or we'll meet in court.
15:54For two days, Finn never stops texting me, hoping I'd let him off the hook for our past relationship.
16:00I ignore his texts.
16:02With five minutes left, Finn reluctantly sent me $6,500.
16:06He repaid that sum and denies the rest of his debt.
16:10Finn says,
16:11Forget our dating expenses.
16:12It's unseemly.
16:13Nothing's left between us.
16:15Given his character, getting $6,500 back is enough.
16:19The rest doesn't matter anymore.
16:22He doesn't even have money for college now.
16:24After the breakup, I no longer cook his favorite meals.
16:27Cooking for myself is far easier.
16:30Also, he loved seafood and out-of-season fruit.
16:33I dislike those, so my expenses dropped a lot.
16:36Money is no longer tight.
16:38I quit my part-time job, grabbed my backpack, and bought a ticket to a city to enjoy my summer
16:43leisure trip.
16:44Without my support, life became much harder for Finn.
16:47When I cooked for him, he complained that my dishes were bland.
16:51He even ordered takeouts after I cooked, and refused to eat my dishes.
16:55Now, he can eat anything.
16:57Finn finds constant takeout boring and costly.
17:01He called me controlling.
17:03No drinking, no late-night gaming.
17:05Without me around, Finn gets alcohol poisoning twice.
17:09He games non-stop for two sleepless nights, and can't walk straight looking lifeless.
17:15Finn's friends see how thin he's gotten, and urge him to make up with me.
17:19Finn remembers how I took care of him, and finally calls me.
17:23I was enjoying my trip, and I'm surprised he calls me.
17:27What?
17:28Finn ponders and says,
17:29I'll admit I was wrong.
17:31I was too selfish.
17:32We can go to college together if you take me back.
17:35We'll also work side gigs together.
17:37Is that supposed to be a prize or something?
17:39Why use it as a leverage?
17:41Traveling for two weeks has expanded my horizon.
17:44I'm in a good mood, and as forgotten about him, I can't stand the sound of his voice.
17:48I'm good.
17:49Save the chance for someone else.
17:51Don't say hi to me if we meet on campus.
17:53Before Finn can say another word, I hang up the phone.
17:57When we meet again, army training is almost here.
18:00I rush back a few days before the registration.
18:03I've just arrived at the neighborhood when I bump into Finn and Jane Snow, his new girlfriend.
18:08Jane and I were classmates.
18:09When I dated Finn, she's constantly tried to steal him, but I ignored her.
18:14Finn's never liked her, because she was chunky, and he avoided her.
18:18Not much time has passed, but they've actually moved in together.
18:22When Finn sees me, he grabs Jane and walks away.
18:25He probably feels ashamed I saw him leeching off her.
18:28But Jane wants to gloat.
18:30She stands in my way, arm linked with Finn.
18:34Holly, Finn is my boyfriend now.
18:36I want you to stay away from him.
18:38I didn't hold back at all.
18:40A shameless leech like him makes me sick.
18:43Do what you want with him.
18:44Finn stifles his anger.
18:46Holding back from protest, and tugs at Jane's arm.
18:49It's not worth wasting time on her.
18:52Jane nods and says to me,
18:54Unlike you, I care about more than money.
18:57You might have refused it, but I'm more than willing to work and support him through college.
19:01We'll get married when he graduates.
19:04Same old trick.
19:05That's all Finn's got.
19:06Unlike me, Jane falls for it.
19:09In the next few days, for some reason, I keep running into Finn and Jane flaunting their love.
19:14But one-sided devotion never works.
19:17No one should waste their lives on a scumbag like Finn.
19:20Not even Jane.
19:21I try to persuade her to break up when she's alone, but she won't listen.
19:26Eventually, I give up.
19:27Some fools won't listen.
19:29Less than six months into Whitford, Finn got a new girlfriend behind Jane's back.
19:33I can't stand it, and text Jane anonymously.
19:37The next day, Jane shows up and confronts Finn.
19:41Feeling ashamed, Finn acts like he doesn't know her and denies using her money.
19:45Jane cries and yells,
19:47I'm supporting you through college, and you're pretending I'm a stranger.
19:51You said you'll marry me when you graduate.
19:54How could you cheat on me?
19:56She pulls out pictures of her and Finn, and even videos of them hanging out at their place.
20:01Finn's new girlfriend is enraged and slap him hard.
20:06We're through, you scumbag.
20:07Jane is even fiercer.
20:09She pounces on him before slapping him on both cheeks.
20:12It's over between us, you scumbag.
20:14Give me back every penny I spent on you.
20:17Finn's cheeks immediately swell.
20:19He wants to hit Jane back, but the security guards stop him.
20:23After this, Finn became infamous on campus, shunned by everyone.
20:27Seeing how it ends for him feels so good.
20:30Worse for Finn.
20:31Jane presses charges and posts the truth online after he refuses to repay her.
20:37Finn seeks a side job, but no one will hire him.
20:40That's when someone gave him an idea.
20:42Finn has striking looks, fit for a bar host.
20:45At first, he's reluctant, but he ends up working there for the money.
20:49Though he earns money now, such a place ruins his focus on studies.
20:53Very soon, he is expelled for failing many courses.
20:56So he works there for good now.
20:58Years later, I run into Finn while out at a bar with my friend.
21:02Whether from party drugs or botched plastic surgery, his cheeks are swollen and unsightly.
21:08He spots me and quickly looks away.
21:10He's too embarrassed to see me now.
21:12I ignore him as well.
21:14I have a bright future, and I won't mingle with him anymore.
21:18The moment I turn around, Finn springs to his feet and stumbles over with half a bottle of liquor in
21:23his hand.
21:24Holly!
21:25He calls out to me, his voice hoarse.
21:28I stop, and my friend asks me.
21:30You know him?
21:31Ex-boyfriend.
21:32I say briefly, Finn is already in front of me.
21:35His stench makes me take a step back.
21:37Finn stares at me a moment, then laughs.
21:39You're doing pretty well.
21:41None of your business.
21:42I'm about to leave, but he stops me.
21:44Don't go.
21:45We used to be very close.
21:47I stare at him.
21:48We have nothing to talk about.
21:50We do.
21:51Finn's eyes turn red.
21:52You know something?
21:54When I got expelled, you popped into my head.
21:56That's just absurd.
21:58Why?
21:59Do you expect me to support you?
22:01Finn is stumped.
22:03Several guys sitting behind him jeer.
22:05Finn!
22:06Who is she?
22:07Introduce us!
22:08Finn ignores them and glares at me.
22:11If only I'd burned your admission letter.
22:13He pisses me off completely.
22:15What did you say?
22:16He admits everything in his inebriated state.
22:19If I have done that, you would be living a lousy life now.
22:22I would have graduated and work in top management somewhere.
22:25Jane would never have sued me either, and I wouldn't have to work here.
22:29I quiver with rage.
22:31My friend grabs my arm.
22:32Don't waste words on him.
22:34Let's go.
22:34But I stayed put.
22:35I burst out laughing as I look at Finn.
22:38Finn, do you know what your worst mistake is?
22:42He freezes.
22:43I keep going.
22:44It's not burning my letter or getting sued by Jane.
22:47It's the fact that you still think ruining others will lift you up.
22:51Finn's cheeks flush.
22:53Raising the liquor bottle, he tries to hit me.
22:55That's when someone reaches out and catches his arm firmly.
22:59Finn, knock it off.
23:01A young man in a bar uniform came over.
23:03I don't know him, but his voice carries authority.
23:07Finn immediately drops his attitude.
23:09Kurt, I'm just chatting with an old friend.
23:11Enough.
23:12Kurt lets go of Finn's arm.
23:14Sit down and don't disturb the customers.
23:16Finn shoots me a look before going back to his booth.
23:20I sigh in relief and nod at Kurt.
23:23Kurt waves me off.
23:24It's fine.
23:25Finn's worked here six months.
23:26I know his type.
23:27Are you his ex?
23:28I hum in reply.
23:29He smiles.
23:30His loss.
23:31I fell silent and take a seat with my friend.
23:34But it's far from over.
23:36Days later, I receive a text from an unknown number.
23:39The text reads,
23:41Holly, it's me, Finn.
23:42I was drunk that night.
23:43Ignore what I said.
23:44It's just not fair.
23:45We both got into Whitford and you graduated.
23:48Yet I'm in this mess.
23:49I don't reply to Finn.
23:51And he texts me again.
23:52Can you lend me some money?
23:54Money's tight.
23:55I can't pay rent.
23:56I immediately block his number.
23:57But he texts me with another.
23:59You crossed a line.
24:00No matter what, we grew up together.
24:03You must have gotten a good, high-paying job.
24:05Just lend me some money.
24:07Or else.
24:08My heart lurches at his text.
24:10What's he implying?
24:11Instead of another text from Finn?
24:12I got a phone call from Mom.
24:15Holly, did you offend someone today?
24:17I freeze.
24:18Huh?
24:18Mom sounds worried.
24:20Someone splashed paint on our door and left a note with your name asking you to pay up.
24:26I am instantly furious.
24:29Finn.
24:29I report it to the police and call the building management.
24:32In the security footage, Finn is seen going into my apartment with a paint can.
24:37And it's empty when he leaves.
24:40He's arrested in no time.
24:42At the police department, Finn looks defeated.
24:45I was just intimidating her.
24:47He mumbles.
24:48I wouldn't do anything.
24:49The officer asks me.
24:51Thoughts?
24:51As I look at Finn, memories flood my mind.
24:54When we were neighbors, Finn always gave me his umbrella as he ran home in the rain.
24:59When my parents were away, he shared his food with me.
25:02Whenever I screwed up an exam, he'd ruffle my hair.
25:05Everything's fine.
25:07When did Finn start to change?
25:09Was it the day his parents divorced and no one wanted him?
25:12Or was it when he found out he could use my sympathy against me?
25:15I don't know.
25:16What's certain is, he did something horrible.
25:19And there's no going back for him.
25:21Let him face the law, I say to the officer.
25:24Finn looks up.
25:25Holly, that's going too far.
25:26I didn't even hurt you.
25:27I ignore him.
25:29The sky has turned dark when I step outside.
25:32My friend's outside.
25:33She sees me and hands me a hot drink.
25:36All taken care of?
25:37I nod.
25:37How long will he be held?
25:39No idea.
25:40Depends on the police.
25:41She sighs.
25:42What is he thinking?
25:43If he has apologized to you, you might have forgiven him.
25:46How stupid.
25:47I fell silent.
25:48Yeah, what's he thinking?
25:50But I know people like him will never think they're wrong.
25:53They think the world owes them.
25:55Finn is detained for 10 days.
25:57When he's freed, he texts me for the last time.
26:00Holly, we're even now.
26:01Let's pretend we don't know each other.
26:03I delete his text and leave it at that.
26:05I thought that would be the end of it.
26:07Two weeks later, I got a call from a stranger.
26:09Hello?
26:10Is this Holly?
26:11I'm Jane Snow.
26:13Jane?
26:13The woman who sued Finn for scamming her.
26:16Yes?
26:17I ask.
26:18She sounds exhausted.
26:20Can we meet and talk about Finn?
26:22I hesitate before agreeing to it.
26:24We agree to meet at the coffee shop below my office.
26:27Jane is much paler and skinnier now.
26:30She wears a faded sweatshirt and sits in the corner.
26:33When she sees me, she waves at me.
26:35Jane says.
26:36It's been long.
26:37I sit across from her.
26:38What's up?
26:39Jane falls silent before she grins.
26:41You know I hated your guts back then.
26:43I freeze.
26:44I thought you gave me Finn because you're sick of him.
26:47Her gaze falls.
26:48I thought I could fix him and make him love me.
26:50I remain quiet.
26:52Jane keeps going.
26:53I worked three jobs to support him.
26:55I was exhausted, only to find he dated another woman with my money.
27:00I knew, I say.
27:01I was the one who told you.
27:02Jane nods and says.
27:04I knew.
27:04I was quite grateful too, but I hated you again.
27:07Why?
27:08I saw him for who he is, and I realized how stupid I was.
27:12Jane's eyes turn red.
27:13I sued Finn for payment, but he couldn't pay.
27:16Winning the case changed nothing.
27:18I don't know what to say.
27:19Jane wipes tears from her eyes.
27:21I asked you out because Finn came after me.
27:24I tense up.
27:25Why?
27:26He wants to patch things up.
27:28Jane chuckles bitterly.
27:30He said he's working at a bar, and he makes good money.
27:32He'll pay me back.
27:34You trust him?
27:35Jane shakes her head before nodding.
27:37I didn't at first, but he came to me every day, doing chores.
27:41I thought maybe this time it's real.
27:42I meet her eyes, realizing why she wanted to meet.
27:46You want to know if Finn will change?
27:48Jane nods.
27:49I fall silent.
27:50Jane, all I can do is tell you what I saw.
27:53I speak slowly.
27:54After Finn got out of jail, he texted me and said we're even.
27:58Do you think someone who sees their mistake will say something like that?
28:02Her expression shifted.
28:04I keep going.
28:05All Finn's realized is that he can't live without relying on others.
28:09Jane lowers her head, her shoulders trembling.
28:11It takes her some time to smile at me.
28:13I think I get it now.
28:15Jane rises.
28:16I call out to her.
28:17Jane.
28:18She turns around.
28:19You owe him nothing.
28:20Jane freezes for a second, tears up, then leaves the coffee shop.
28:25I thought it was over, but I receive an invitation a month later.
28:29Jane is getting married, but Finn isn't the groom.
28:32I attend it.
28:33Jane's in a white wedding dress, linking arms with a kind man while beaming.
28:38She waves at me when she sees me.
28:40She seeks me out after the ceremony.
28:42Thank you for your advice, Jane says.
28:44Otherwise, I might repeat the mistake.
28:46I chuckle.
28:47You saw through it yourself.
28:49Jane shakes her head.
28:50I finally got it.
28:51A man like Finn is never satisfied.
28:54He'll just ask for a mile when given an inch.
28:57And he'll never have enough, even if you've given everything to him.
29:01I meet her eyes and see she's moved on.
29:04How's your husband?
29:05I ask.
29:07He's a wonderful man.
29:08I met him at work.
29:10He didn't care that I was scammed and even helped with my debt.
29:14That's amazing.
29:15Jane looks at me and says,
29:17Holly, you're wiser than I am.
29:19I mocked you for only caring about money.
29:21But I was the fool all along.
29:24I fall silent.
29:25We have to keep in touch.
29:27I nod at her.
29:28As I step out of the venue, the sun is setting.
29:31I receive a text from work about next week's business trip, and I reply to it.
29:35Life goes on.
29:37I thought I'd never see Finn again.
29:39But the universe likes to surprise us sometimes.
29:41Two years later, I transferred to another city.
29:44There's a night market near my new company.
29:46I have supper there sometimes.
29:48One night, my colleague and I search for food there.
29:51We pass by a barbecue stall, and he suddenly asks,
29:54Does that guy look like a celebrity to you?
29:57I follow his gaze.
29:59A guy's grilling skewers.
30:01Fire glowing on his face.
30:02It's Finn.
30:03He's thinner, healthier-faced, yet more wrinkled.
30:07He grills, wiping sweat now and then.
30:09I say nothing as I pull my colleague to an empty table.
30:13Finn doesn't see me.
30:14He is swamped, grilling while serving.
30:16While the stall owner shouts at him,
30:18Finn, table three has been waiting forever.
30:21Just a minute.
30:22He served table three, then ran back to the grill.
30:25My colleague asks,
30:26You know him?
30:27I nod.
30:28An old neighbor.
30:30Wanna say hi?
30:30I shake my head.
30:32Forget it.
30:32It's not necessary.
30:34After we're done eating, I walk over to pay.
30:37Finn is busy with the meat.
30:38Bill, please, I say.
30:40He looks up and freezes.
30:43The brush slips onto the grill.
30:45Sparks scorch his hand.
30:46But he doesn't feel it.
30:48Holly?
30:48He calls out to me, his voice hoarse.
30:51I look at his smoke-stained face and remain speechless.
30:54The stall owner cries out,
30:56Finn, stop spacing out and get back to work.
30:59Finn immediately tends to the meat again.
31:01$62.
31:03He says.
31:03After I paid and was about to leave,
31:05he suddenly calls out to me.
31:07I stop walking.
31:08He says with his back to me,
31:10I'm sorry about what I did.
31:12I don't turn around.
31:13Okay.
31:14As I leave, I heard the owner asking,
31:16Why are you crying, Finn?
31:18He doesn't answer.
31:19My colleague asks me,
31:21Why didn't you say anything?
31:23I pause for a moment.
31:24I don't need it.
31:25Honestly, I don't.
31:27I've waited a long time for his apology.
31:29But when he actually does it,
31:30I no longer need it.
31:32After that, I sometimes think of Finn.
31:34How his eyes stung from the smoke at the barbecue stall.
31:37How his voice trembled when he apologized.
31:40How he froze when the vendor asked why he cried.
31:42But it's only now and then.
31:45After all, I have my own life now.
31:47I've been to places and lived well.
31:50Life is good.
31:51A year later, I return home.
31:53Mom brings up Finn.
31:55I heard he's back.
31:56She says.
31:57He opened up a barbecue joint and it's doing well.
32:00I chew my food.
32:02He also asked about you.
32:03Mom glances at me.
32:04And how you're doing.
32:06What'd you tell him?
32:06I said, you're doing well.
32:08Mom says.
32:09He froze, then murmured,
32:11Wonderful.
32:12I fall silent.
32:13Mom sighs.
32:14He's a good person as a kid.
32:16How did he change so much?
32:17I look at the fireworks outside the window.
32:20People change.
32:21Some for better, some for worse.
32:24Finn chose his path
32:25and must face the consequences.
32:27On my way back to the city,
32:29I drive by a street and see a barbecue joint.
32:32Stone's Grill.
32:33A man is adding charcoal to the stove.
32:36It's Finn.
32:37He's slightly chubbier.
32:38But there's color in his face now.
32:40Finn notices me.
32:41Our gazes meet for a few seconds.
32:43He nods at me and I nod back.
32:46Lights green.
32:46I sped past the street, the barbecue shop,
32:49and the man I once hated, resented, and loved.
32:53Finn was still standing there,
32:55watching as my car turns the corner.
32:57I didn't look back.
32:58Long road ahead.
32:59No time for the past.
33:01Life goes on when I'm back in the city.
33:03I have a new work partner.
33:04His name is Sean Lane.
33:06He works fast and says little.
33:08We get along well.
33:09One late night, he suddenly asks,
33:11Have you been hurt by a man before?
33:13Where did that come from?
33:15Sean chuckles.
33:16You work like there's no tomorrow,
33:19as if you're running from something.
33:22I decided not to answer that.
33:24He drops it and hands me a cup of coffee.
33:26Don't overwork yourself.
33:28We become closer after that.
33:30We eat, watch movies, and work overtime together.
33:34Mom calls me and asks if I'm dating someone.
33:36I tell her no.
33:37Sean is a pretty amazing guy.
33:40Think about him.
33:41I chuckle.
33:41How do you know him?
33:43Mom says,
33:44I saw the picture you posted.
33:46I check.
33:47And I did post a picture of us.
33:49Sean was next to me.
33:50I fall silent.
33:51Some things can't be explained.
33:53One day, Sean asks me out.
33:56There's somewhere I need to take you.
33:57And I go with him.
33:58It's a small village deep in the mountains with fantastic views.
34:02This is my hometown.
34:03I grew up here.
34:05You never told me about this place.
34:07Sean chuckles.
34:08It's just an ordinary village.
34:09We walk through the village and saw all the places that hold precious memories for him.
34:15In the evening, Sean takes me to a mountain.
34:17We get a view of the village on the top.
34:19I come here to unwind whenever I was upset.
34:22Looking down from here, everything feels fine again.
34:25Then, it suddenly came to me.
34:28Sean, I say.
34:29He turns around.
34:30Are you hitting on me?
34:32Sean freezes before he chuckles.
34:34Yeah, I was being quite obvious too.
34:36Haven't you noticed?
34:37My heart softens.
34:39I did, but I want to hear it from you.
34:42He gives me a serious look.
34:44Here goes nothing.
34:44I love you, Holly.
34:45I smell nature's scent in the wind.
34:48I nod and say, all right.
34:50Sean waits a beat, then grows anxious.
34:52What do you mean by that?
34:54It means, I heard you.
34:56Sean scratches his head helplessly.
34:58Can't you just be clear?
34:59I say deliberately no.
35:01He sighs and grabs my hand.
35:03I'll keep trying.
35:04His hands warm.
35:05After that, Sean gets more obvious.
35:07Morning breakfast, noon coffee, nightly rides home.
35:11Our colleagues ask,
35:12Sean, when will you two get married?
35:14He just looks at me without a word.
35:16I feel nervous and look at the documents,
35:18but I'm actually overjoyed.
35:21One night, we work very late.
35:23It rains as we step out.
35:25Sean shields me and we run to the parking lot.
35:28We're drenched when we get into the car.
35:30He looks at me and suddenly chuckles.
35:32What's so funny?
35:33You're a dripping mess.
35:36I shot him a look.
35:38Then, he kisses my forehead.
35:40Both of us are stunned.
35:41Silence fills the car for a few seconds.
35:45Holly.
35:45I didn't let him finish.
35:47I lean over and kiss him on the lips.
35:50This time, he's frozen.
35:51By the time he realizes it,
35:53I'm back in my seat, all buckled up.
35:55You can take me home now.
35:58Sean looks at me and grins.
36:00Okay.
36:01That night, he sends me home.
36:03He calls out to me when I get out of his car.
36:05Holly.
36:06I turn around.
36:07I'm serious about this.
36:09I'm aware of that.
36:11How about you?
36:12Are you serious as well?
36:13I ponder and say, I am.
36:16Sean chuckles merrily.
36:17Everything just happens naturally.
36:19We meet each other's parents,
36:21get engaged, and plan a wedding.
36:23Mom is overjoyed,
36:24telling everyone that I'm getting married.
36:26Sean is a great guy.
36:28Sean's parents, like me,
36:29always cook for me.
36:30Life is simple, but steady.
36:33Before the wedding, I go home.
36:34I find the admission letter in an old box.
36:37It was almost burned, but it belonged to me.
36:40I sit by the bed and look at it.
36:42Memories flooding back.
36:43That summer, I came home with food
36:45and saw Finn fiddling with a lighter.
36:47He looked nervous when he said he burned the letter.
36:51When I learned the truth, I was overwhelmed.
36:54I felt a small rush of satisfaction
36:57when I decided to get revenge.
36:59I also thought about how Finn apologized to me.
37:02I think about how Finn looked
37:04as I drove past him and left.
37:06I put the letter back into the box,
37:08letting the past rest.
37:10Many attend our wedding.
37:11The hall is packed with colleagues,
37:13friends, and relatives.
37:15Sean is waiting for me on the stage.
37:17I link arms with Dad and walk toward Sean.
37:20Halfway through,
37:21I notice a familiar figure in the corner.
37:23It's Finn.
37:24He's at the farthest corner, staring at me.
37:26Catching my gaze, he nods at me.
37:28Then turns and leads.
37:30I freeze, then walk on.
37:32Sean takes my hand and asks,
37:33Is something wrong?
37:34It's nothing.
37:36Smooth wedding.
37:37We exchanged rings,
37:39drink wines,
37:39and cut the cake.
37:40Everyone had fun.
37:42By the time it ends,
37:43it's midnight.
37:44Sean drank a lot
37:45and fell asleep on me.
37:46I watch him feeling emotional.
37:48Life is never the way you think it is.
37:51Those you expect to stay forever?
37:53Leaves.
37:54Those you think are gone for good?
37:56Returns.
37:56The ones who truly matter
37:58appear when least expected.
38:00My phone buzzes.
38:01It's a text from an unknown number.
38:03Congratulations, Holly.
38:05I know who it is.
38:06I delete the text.
38:07Lean on Sean and sleep.
38:09The next day,
38:10we went on our honeymoon.
38:12Sunshine.
38:13Sandy beaches and waves.
38:15Sean holds my hand on the beach.
38:17I've been meaning to ask,
38:18were you hurt deeply by a guy?
38:20Where did that come from?
38:22When you first joined the company,
38:24you were guarded and polite to everyone,
38:26never letting anyone in.
38:27I fall silent.
38:29Sean keeps going.
38:30You slowly got better,
38:31but the wall's still there.
38:32You didn't let down your guard
38:34until that day at the mountaintop.
38:36I look at Sean and smile.
38:37Are you aware of how clever you are?
38:39What does that mean?
38:41What I'm trying to say is that
38:43you're right.
38:44Sean picks me up and spins me around.
38:47Starting today, you've got me.
38:48I hold his neck and laugh heartily.
38:51Yeah, I've got him.
38:52The one who stood on the mountaintop with me,
38:54shielded me from rain
38:56and loved me from the bottom of his heart.
38:58Finn is a passing chapter.
39:00Sean is my home.
39:02After my honeymoon,
39:03I receive a parcel from Stone's Grill at my hometown.
39:06There's a metal box in it
39:08containing a picture of us when we were kids.
39:11In the picture,
39:12Finn and I were holding ice cream in our hands,
39:14smiling innocently.
39:15There's also a note.
39:17Holly, I held onto this picture for years.
39:19I thought about returning it,
39:21but I decided to keep it as a memento of a simpler time.
39:23Don't reply.
39:24I won't bother you anymore.
39:26Enjoy your life.
39:27After a long time,
39:28I close the metal box and put it in storage.
39:31Who sent it?
39:32A friend.
39:33Sean drops it.
39:34A year later, our daughter is born.
39:37Sean dotes on her endlessly.
39:39Mom helps us take care of her.
39:40She looks just like Holly when she was a baby.
39:44Watching them fills me with joy.
39:46One day, I drive by that street.
39:48Stone's Grill is there,
39:49but with a new sign.
39:50A stranger greets guests outside.
39:53I pull over and buy some skewers.
39:56She cooks them well.
39:58Seems like you're doing well.
40:00The woman smiles.
40:01Enough to get by.
40:03How long has this store been here?
40:04Three years, I think.
40:06I bought it last year.
40:07The old owner retired.
40:09Where did he go?
40:10She says,
40:11I heard he left far away and never came back.
40:14I nod in response and walk back to the car.
40:17Sean asks,
40:18A friend.
40:18I respond,
40:19An old neighbor.
40:20He drops it.
40:21We drive out of town and head home.
40:23The town shrinks in the rear view mirror before disappearing.
40:27My daughter Sarah babbles behind me.
40:29Sean grips the wheel, glancing at me occasionally.
40:32I lean on my seat and look out the window.
40:34The sunlight is warm.
40:36I think of how a young boy gave his umbrella and ran in the rain.
40:39He stood at my door, giving me snacks.
40:41He looked nervous when he burned my letter.
40:44His voice trembled when he apologized.
40:46On my wedding day, he turned away and left quietly.
40:50Those memories feel like a far dream.
40:52Everyone's moved on and I live happily now.
40:55A loving family, a great job, and simple days.
40:59That's happiness.
41:01As for Finn, I hope he'll find his purpose in life.
41:04We have to keep moving forward.
41:06No turning back.
41:07One weekend, I go to the supermarket.
41:09Suddenly, my daughter Sarah points at the frozen drumstick.
41:12Mom barbecue!
41:13I freeze and chuckle.
41:15Sean will grill them for you.
41:17Sean is really into barbecue lately.
41:19He set up a grill and uses it often.
41:21When we go home, Sean lights the grill.
41:24Sarah squats nearby, squinting at the smoke.
41:27As I look at them, I suddenly remember how Finn stood in front of the grill, unable to open his
41:32eyes.
41:33My phone buzzes.
41:34Someone from work is asking about next Monday's meeting.
41:37I reply, got it.
41:38Then, I delete the text.
41:40Mom!
41:40Sarah runs over with a skewer of grilled wings.
41:43Dad said it's done.
41:44Here you go.
41:45I crouch and take a bite.
41:47Tasty?
41:47Sarah looks at me.
41:48It really is.
41:50Sean calls out to us.
41:51Don't just eat.
41:52I could use some help.
41:53I walk over with Sarah.
41:54The sun is setting.
41:56The yard smells of barbecue.
41:58The past drifts away like the smoke.
42:00The sun is setting.
42:01The sun is setting.
42:01The sun is setting.
42:02The sun is setting.
42:03The sun is setting.
42:03The sun is setting.
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