Hotelier2002 [ Home | About... | Senses... | Beyond... ]

written by Haze

Main cast…
Song Yun Ah as Jin Hui Zhen
Park Jung Chul as Lee Chang Jun

[<<Gift>> is about …]

<<Gift>> started with Hui Zhen’s introduction of Xiao Ying, “Dear all, Xiao Ying is an obedient baby…” Then, you’ll find that Xiao Ying loves to mess up the place, cry, crawl around and suddenly disappear etc. “Can this be obedient?”, I asked, “No, obviously not!” Then, I realise Xiao Ying’s innocent smiles and Hui Zhen’s cheerfulness.

“Xiao Ying is Angel’s gift to us”, Hui Zhen said.

Many pairs of socks were hanged on the long laundry line. Jin Cheng Zai has 7 children, in descending order, Hui Zhen, Jun Xing, Jia Xi, Yun Zhi, Cheng Xiu, Ming Hao and Xiao Ying.

Xiao Ying was abandoned in Cheng Zai’s noodle shop two weeks before the new school term started. Hui Zhen and siblings took good care of her. They followed Xiao Ying around the house, and played with her.

This is Ming Hao’s first day in Primary School. Everyone was very excited. They rode the family lorry to school. When Hui Zhen realised her sleeve is torn, she just stapled the torn corners together. Straight forward! She stapled her father’s sleeve too. They took many pictures and congratulated Ming Hao. This is Ming Hao’s major event in life. Everyone was laughing and it is a good feel.

They realised their father is going to send Xiao Ying away. Everyone is united and helped Xiao Ying to escape. Hui Zhen has no choice but to carry Xiao Ying to university. Chang Jun took care of Xiao Ying while she attended her class. As usual, Xiao Ying messed up Chang Jun’s cartoon clubroom. It is really funny to see how these guys took care of Xiao Ying, and the substitute they use for diaper! While Chang Jun is attending class, Hui Zhen brought Xiao Ying to the library, where she is working. Hui Zhen’s memory power is extraordinary, as well as her multi-tasking ability. She frantically searched for the “disappeared” imp. Later, one will witness how Xiao Ying “played” in the supermarket and went missing in the subway station. Looking at the freezing Hui Zhen, Chang Jun said simply, “Wear more clothes.”

Jun Xing was late for school. He is an expert in “jumping” walls. He helped a lady to climb the school wall. She is his senior 20 years ago. She is the previous “always late” student and current “late” teacher, Ms Min. She showed him more concern than to other students. Ms Min said, “People with common chops imprinted on their heads will recognise each other.”

Late that night, Hui Zhen carried Xiao Ying home. Father said, “I have no confidence with money.” They already have 6 children in the family. They cannot afford another child. This is reality.

After a day of struggle, Hui Zhen understands reality, “I understand. However, I am sad that I couldn’t share the happiness I experienced with Xiao Ying …”
Wu Jing Zhi is an architect. He is Hui Zhen’s lecturer too. He told the class some anecdotes. Jing Zhi and Hui Zhen have met in the library before. She thought he is a student who doesn’t frequent the library. After he said he’ll go the library more often, she answered with a smile, “Yes. Then, you are a good student.” He thinks she is a wonder! She took multiple part-time jobs, could drive a lorry, smile a lot, filial, and thoughtful (gave him the sweet-smelling sacket) …

Hui Zhen’s scholarship couldn’t cover all her university fees. Cheng Zai secretly sold the family lorry to pay the balance. Hui Zhen, on knowing that, stopped school (again!), refunded the school fees and got the family lorry back. They need the lorry for daily transport.

One night, Hui Zhen can’t sleep. She strolled on the streets and realised some thieves attempting to steal raw materials from a bridal shop. Her screams chased the thieves away. She stayed in the shop (the lock is spoilt) to look after the raw materials. Ms Liu Mei Lan (interior designer) entered the shop next day and was shocked to find Hui Zhen there. She is grateful to Hui Zhen’s help. Jobless and has stopped school, Hui Zhen offered her services to help out in the renovation of the bridal shop. With this chance, she can be in touch with her major, architecture, too.

Xiao Ying destroyed Hui Zhen’s architecture model (needed to participate in a contest/selection). Her siblings sought Chang Jun’s help. They sought help but couldn’t save the model. Hui Zhen was very angry.

Hui Zhen was repeatedly scolded by Mei Lan in the work, e.g. Hui Zhen didn’t take photos of furniture pieces from her designated shops. Hui Zhen has visited the shops recommended by Mei Lan. However, the furniture there aren’t suitable for the bridal shop. Mei Lan, on looking through Hui Zhen’s photos, concluded that Hui Zhen’s photo collection is bad. She took her to the shop and made the choice there and then.

The depressed Hui Zhen recalled Chang Jun’s words, “Must show your strength. Whoever who sees the seriousness you place in your work will admire you. Don’t give up.”

This is Yun Zhi’s birthday. Father prepared a party celebration for him. Hui Zhen couldn’t make it home in time as she is busy working. Chang Jun was there to help out. However, most of his classmates weren’t there. They said that wasn’t Yun Zhi’s birthday. Yun Zhi is an adopted child. He is sad, “I hope you are my real father, like others.” Cheng Zai consoled Yun Zhi, “You are different. You are special. Father chose you to be my son. I adore you. Yun Zhi, the first day father sees his son/daughter is the child’s birthday” (needn’t be the day the child is born).

The furniture arrived one day before the opening of the bridal shop. Mei Lan looked, rearranged but wasn’t satisfied with the furniture. Finally, she chose one set from Hui Zhen’s photo collection. She has to admit Hui Zhen is indeed talented.

Some adverse accident happened while making the bridal shop signboard. Hui Zhen conquered the crisis with her wits and talent. She is good! Jing Zhi sent her back home. He stopped by his company, and offered her materials and space to re-make her construction model. Chang Jun arrived at the signboard shop with dinner, but was unfortunately late.

Hui Zhen recounted how she re-met Chang Jun after they parted in the orphanage. She was rushing to university entrance exams and met him (delivery boy on a motorcycle) on the road. Later, they became neighbours. When her brothers need help, they’ll run to Chang Jun. Chang Jun is like family to them. Knowing Hui Zhen’s destroyed model, he bought raw materials for her. He bought a new pair of shoes (second pair) for Yun Zhi, knowing that the brothers have accidentally dirtied the new pair of shoes (Chang Jun’s birthday gift for him). Chang Jun isn’t rich, but he is willing to do everything for Hui Zhen. In his mind, her family is his.
Ms Min realised Jun Xing is being harassed by a bad gang, “Jun Xing, tell me the things you can’t tell your father and sister.” She gave him space. She waited for him to tell her willingly.

Hui Zhen is touched by Jing Zhi’s work, “The architectural design of Busan Cultural Centre is like … like the building is playing the music.” Hui Zhen’s views on architectural designs are in fact very similar to Jing Zhi. Mei Lan, who loves Jing Zhi, is amazed.

Chang Jun asked Hui Zhen, “Do you love teacher?”
Hui Zhen, “No. The feel isn’t love.”
Chang Jun, “Admire?”

Cheng Xiu’s classmates made fun of him for he is an adopted child. The depressed Cheng Xiu looked for Jia Xi. Unfortunately, Jia Xi needed to participate in a drawing competition and thus can’t take care of him. Cheng Xiu disappeared! All of them were horrified and searched frantically for him. In the cold rain, they found him in the park. “We are real siblings, real siblings”. A touching scene!

Somehow, Jing Zhi, Mei Lan, Hui Zhen and Chang Jun met for dinner. The atmosphere is weird as the rectangular love relationship is beginning to get clear.
Hui Zhen left the model outside the company to dry. On the way to run an important errand for Mei Lan, it rained heavily. She rushed to save her model. She couldn’t complete Mei Lan’s task as a result. Mei Lan’s efforts on that proposal was wasted. Hui Zhen felt guilty and thus can’t complete her model. Jing Zhi encouraged Hui Zhen. Hui Zhen told him earlier that the building he is building now will look fabulous with exterior lightings. Jing Zhi, “The most important thing now is to do the thing you are doing now well.” While she chose the lightings for him, he helped her to complete her model. They worked through the night and she fell sick. He entrusted Mei Lan to hand in Hui Zhen’s model while he sent Hui Zhen to the hospital. Mei Lan was very jealous of Jing Zhi’s attention for Hui Zhen. She threw HZ’s model into the Han River. She lied that she has handed in the model.

Someone bullied Yun Zhi. Jia Xi stood up for her brother and was punished to wash the washroom. Yun Zhi helped her. In the washroom, both smiled. The unreasonable parent demanded an explanation from Jia Xi’s father. Jia Xi, “I told the truth. My father taught me to tell the truth, from the beginning to the end.” Father’s words are educational. One will relate to, “Is insults or physical inflicts more painful? Do we have to swallow unreasonable insults?” Ms Min consoled Jia Xi, “You are understanding and have good analysing powers. You’ll make a good news broadcaster or reporter”. Jia Xi is young physically, but mature mentally. Right from the start, you can see her taking good care of her brothers, speaking up, standing up for the truth.

Ming Hao’s tooth shook. Father used traditional methods to pull the tooth for him. Every attempt was stopped by some incidents. When the tooth was finally pulled out, everyone cheered. They threw the tooth over the roof (custom). This reminds us of one of the familiar happenings while we are young.

Mei Lan tempered the building’s exterior lightings’ settings. A row of lightings was then destroyed. Mei Lan framed HZ (that HZ’s carelessness resulted in that incident). Jing Zhi reprimanded HZ loudly. Chang Jun saw Mei Lan outside the electric room just before the light-up and suspected her.

Jing Zhi said before that the exterior lightings were their combined piece of work and thus their gift. HZ was depressed.
Chang Jun, “Forget the unhappy things … soon. They are different from us. How could they blame an industrious person like you?”
HZ, “I didn’t live up to his expectations.”
CJ (to himself), “I can’t see HZ’s innocent smile. I can’t help her. I shall do anything to revive her smile.”
Later, on CJ’s reminder, Jing Zhi realised that HZ has been framed by Mei Lan. Jing Zhi showed Hui Zhen the lighted exterior (he didn’t show anyone else earlier, even on Mei Lan’s request). CJ saw that. ML saw that. ML left in anger. CJ walked away alone.
Jing Zhi to HZ, “I regret shouting at you. I wanted to see you, to apologise to you. HZ, do you understand my sincerity? The lightings are meaningless without you.”
HZ, “I can’t forgive you. I want to know. Why decide alone?”
They left each other, after an embrace.

Life went back to normal.

Ming Hao couldn’t read and write. Jia Xi grew impatient as she taught him. She scolded him. He cried. She cried. She thought of innovative ways to teach Ming Hao. They shared a secret, to study Korean characters in her innovative way. Ming Hao improved. At night, when father’s ankle pained, Jia Xi changed cold compress for him. She is sensible, filial and thoughtful.

Jia Xi needs a Korean costume to take part in a dance competition. She didn’t have money to buy or rent it. She daren’t tell father, considering his difficult financial situation. She daren’t attend the practices as she don’t have the costume. Yun Zhi, Ming Hao and Cheng Xiu couldn’t bear to see her in agony. They sold noodles to get the money. Jia Xi is touched. She delivered the last 2 bowls of noodles but fell down on the way. She cried as the noodles was overtuned, i.e. her dream costume was gone. A lady helped her up. Jia Xi quickly dried her tears, and ran back with her brother. Jun Xing found the little brothers selling noodles and scolded them (it is dangerous for kids to handle the kitchen work). Father knew about the money. He almost beat Jia Xi. Her brothers stood up for her. Father forgave her. He asked Hui Zhen to get the costume for JX. Next day, the lady bought the costume for Jia Xi. She is Jia Xi’s mother. She spoke to father.

CJ knew HZ is in love with JZ. He was sketching (lady without a face). He could sketch her without looking in the past. Then, he can’t draw her face.
HZ kept her emotions for JZ. ML likes JZ. ML is her mentor. ML has been with JZ since years ago. HZ told JZ, “I found my seat. I realise the things I need to do. I have neglected my family members while busy working in the past. I need to shower more care and concern for them. I shouldn’t let them down.”
JZ, “Thank you. Then, we can return to the past.”
Yun Zhi happened to know Jia Xi’s mother is here for her. He asked some money from HZ to get something for Jia Xi. Father intends to send Jia Xi to her mother. He took the children to the zoo and bought toys for them. Jia Xi didn’t get anything for herself. She got a cap for Yun Zhi. At home, Yun Zhi prayed to God that he can’t give the present to Jia Xi (i.e., Jia Xi will not be leaving their family).
CJ knew HZ’s model wasn’t selected. CJ told HZ, “I have an illness. That is … your pain is my pain. I shoulder and share them with you.”
Jia Xi’s mother came to see her. Jia Xi requested to go to their old place. Years ago, she left the young Jia Xi there. Jia Xi pointed to the old house, dried-eyed, relating the past events like that was someone else’s past, “It was cold. It was dark. I starved for days. No food. I fainted. I am scared of the people in the streets. I don’t want to remember … but I do ... Ok, we can go home now.” Father brought Jia Xi home when he heard her cries when he walked past. That was how Jia Xi joined the Jin family.

Jun Xing is also unwilling to part with Jia Xi. Ms Min posed this question to him, “Must we live together to love each other?”
CJ and JZ knew HZ’s model wasn’t submitted for the contest. CJ said to JZ, “You are the culprit. I can understand Ms Liu’s actions. Do not sacrifice HZ.”
JZ knew HZ love the architecture line. He offered her a part-time job in the company he works. She rejected.
Everyone knows Jia Xi loves her mother, even when she was abandoned years ago. The Jin family gave her back to her mother. Jiaxi left, but left love and memories to the Jin family.
Ming Hao scored 100% for his Korean spelling, all thanks to Jia Xi’s teaching method. He wanted to share the happiness with Jia Xi but she has left.
CJ invited HZ for lunch. He don’t know how to start saying. CJ was adopted while HZ was still in the orphanage. They parted and re-met later, on the day of her university entrance examinations. He was glad. He brought her to a park after lunch, “I am afraid I can’t say this if I wait till tomorrow. I am afraid you’ll be even further away from me.”
HZ, “I am sorry. I can’t retrieve my love for teacher.”
CJ, “I am ok. I understand. As long as you are happy.”
JZ’s cousin, Jing Xi, likes CJ. However, CJ only have eyes for HZ.
CJ told HZ, “Your siblings are mine even when you love someone else. My relationship with siblings will not change.”

Ming Hao fainted and was sent to the hospital. He was lost in the hospital and met Xiao Song. She showed him back to his ward. She has stayed in the hospital for a long while, but is cheerful. Ming Hao fainted again the second morning and was sent to the ICU. Xiao Song showed up with a stalk of flower but didn’t see him. Ming Hao was diagnosed with liver disease. The only way to save him is to have a transplant from a suitable O+ liver donor. One night, Xiao Song was playing with Ming Hao in his ward. HZ smiled. Ming Hao fell asleep. Xiao Song told HZ, “Thank Ming Hao for playing with me.” Next morning, CJ and Jing Xi showed up with a little doggie character (from CJ’s self-produced animation works). Ming Hao brought the little doggie to Xiao Song, only to know Xiao Song has passed away in the night. HZ was also shocked. She comforted Ming Hao. Later, the tired and drained HZ fell on CJ’s shoulders. Ming Hao returned home.
While Ming Hao is in hospital, Yun Zhi took good care of Cheng Xiu. He fought hard to win the toy car and nuggets at the school’s treasure hunt. He treated Cheng Xiu the nuggets and presented to toy car to Ming Hao. Yun Zhi, “To be able to take dinner with family is so happy” This little boy has grown up.
Jing Zhi understand from the doctor about Ming Hao’s huge medical bills. He paid part on their behalf. HZ thanked him.
Jun Xing has been suppressed by a bad gang till he fought back. The gang leader was hurt. Jun Xing was detained by the police. HZ and CJ went to beg the gang leader’s father not to sue Jun Xing. They taught an elderly man how to take the bus and coincidentally, boarded the same bus. There was one seat. The elderly wanted HZ to sit. HZ joked that she’ll be “beaten up” for not showing respect for the elderly. The elderly said that he’ll be “beaten up” if he didn’t give up the seat to a young lady if he is in the States. He sat in the end. They alighted, and parted. HZ and CJ failed to convince the boy’s father. The elderly man (Mr Liu) saw, picked up CJ’s notebook and convinced the boy’s father (giving him a toy manufacture contract as exchange). Jun Xing was released. Jun Xing was involved with the gang as he owned them money. Jun Xing needed the money to attend the track & field lessons. However, the gang didn’t want to let him off after that.

HZ and CJ realised that Mr Liu has helped them. HZ thanked him. He said his reasons, “I have a daughter of your age. She looks troubled recently. I don’t want to see that dull face on you too. I want to put the smile back on your face.”
HZ said to CJ, “I shouldn’t let you suffer with me. Thank you. What should I say?”
CJ, “Then, needn’t say. I understand. Take some good rest. It can get more tiring in future.”
CJ is a talented cartoonist and animation creator. He designed good logos and such. He gave up the bank trainee job in order to find something related to cartoon animation. He didn’t accept Mr Liu (Mei Lan’s father) invitation to join his company at once. CJ has something else to do.
Ming Hao’s liver failed. A donor appeared. Father and HZ are relieved. Just before the operation, they realised the donor is CJ, not JZ. The camera zoomed to HZ for a few seconds. Her expressions are somewhere from shocked, gratitude to tears. There is some mixture of emotions and she is rooted to the spot. This is a memorable scene.
Father, “CJ surprised people, touched people”

JZ confessed to HZ that he belongs to the O+ blood group. He felt ashamed as he didn’t have the courage to do what CJ did. He wanted HZ to know, wanted to tell HZ not repeat his mistake. Do not love someone because she feels indebted to him. HZ, “Thank you for your kindness to me. I’ll remember this precious gift that you have given me. For CJ’s sake, I must say now. I am in a different situation with teacher. CJ is not Ms Liu.” JZ left. He didn’t want to hear further.
Ming Hao, “Brother CJ saved me?”
CJ answered Ming Hao, “I didn’t save you alone. Your family members are involved too.”
Ming Hao, “Oh, I see.”
HZ to CJ, “You needn’t say. I understand your feelings.”
CJ to HZ, “I know your words too.”
They held hands.
Jing Xi arrived and hovered over CJ, even held his hand. HZ walked out, entered the hospital corridor. “Uncomfortable” was written all over her face.
Jia Xi knew Ming Hao is sick. She studied hard and scored good results. She accumulated her monetary rewards to get coach tickets to Seoul to see Ming Hao. At night, she folds paper cranes for him.
CJ and Ming Hao recovered. They were discharged from the hospital. In the carpark, they lost the little doggie soft-toy (CJ’s animated creation and made by Jing Xi). HZ sent CJ home. She has cleaned up, decorated the house and cooked for him. He laughed at her. HZ, “Come to our place for meals. I’ll do the laundry for you. You really moved me. I’ll repay slowly.” CJ was touched and joked, “Where is the recorder?”
Mei Lan to Jing Zhi (about HZ), “I want to confess to her. I want to ask for her forgiveness” (in order to get back Jing Zhi)
Jing Zhi replied, “No need to ask HZ to leave me. She has left me.” He left.
Mei Lan went to the hospital and realised CJ and Ming Hao were discharged. She picked up the little doggie soft-toy from the carpark. She used the soft-toy as her own design (to design the toy for her father’s company).
Jia Xi has finally saved enough money. She took a coach to Seoul. She fell asleep and missed the stop and was sent back to the starting point. She refused to alight (she needed to get another ticket if she alighted). The coach driver asked her to alight. She didn’t. She rebutted, “Why didn’t you wake me up at the Seoul stop? So, now you have to send me back to Seoul!” The driver gave in. (Jia Xi has a point. The coach driver should check all the passengers have alighted before leaving the Seoul stop.)

The Jin family were asked to evacuate, to shift out of the house they are currently staying. Xiao Ying and Cheng Xiu drew on the TV box (belong to the new tenant). HZ pasted a sketch of the yard on the box and attached a note to apologise. In order not to let the children see the new tenant inspecting the house, they brought the children out for a picnic. Father found a very old house, that is the best he could find. HZ’s heart squeezed at the sight.
Jia Xi couldn’t find anyone at home. She was heartbroken. She thought everyone will be sad when she is away. Then, she realised that the family is also happy without her. Her mother arrived and comforted her. They decorated the steps with lights and left the bottle of paper cranes at the doorstep.
JZ realised HZ is working as a toy factory worker. He asked HZ for the reason of not accepting the offer of working in his office. That will be a straighter and easier path. HZ replied, “This is the road I should walk. The appropriate road. The straight path you offered shouldn’t be the road I should take.”
JZ, “You love me, but can’t do so. First because of Mei Lan, now because of CJ. Why aren’t you true to your love?”
HZ, “Do I love you? Do I love CJ?” She left.
HZ waited for CJ in the campus. She observed the campus she once studied in. She will be back.
CJ, “I am happy, happy that you are concern about me”
HZ, “I am happy to live close to you. You always encourage me. I’ll remember the common events.”
CJ, “Even if we stay far apart, my heart is close to you.”
HZ, “Shall we walk home? I want to walk home with you.”
However, they didn’t manage to walk home as something urgent happened at home.
HZ realised CJ’s animation figure, little doggie, was being copied and mass-produced. HZ wanted to investigate and traced back to Mr Liu. They don’t have remaining materials to prove they made the first doggie (which they lost and was picked by Mei Lan). They showed Mr Liu CJ’s animation and cartoons. Mei Lan denied copying their works. HZ and CJ left. ML ran home to destroy the original doggie. In panic, she dropped a piece of material under the table.
Jing Xi sought legal advice. She advised CJ to get his copyright and trademark back. Is he giving up because the opponent is Mei Lan? He wanted to help HZ, and getting back the copyright entitles him to enough liquidity to solve HZ’s family financial problems. This is how he should love HZ. CJ realised the truth in Jing Xi’s words.

By some chance, Mr Liu found out that Mei Lan has lied about being the original creator of the little doggie. He gave the trademark back to CJ. He consented to CJ’s conditions - to solve the Jin’s family housing problems immediately.
Father (to parents who are looking for their lost children), “Looking for your lost children isn’t easy. Instead, they should shower the love on existing orphans.”
Someone picked HZ’s torn construction model and entered it for a contest. It came in first. JZ asked Mei Lan to confess to HZ. ML can’t do it. She asked CJ to inform HZ.
Mei Lan is adopted by Mr Liu. Initially, the Liu couple intended to adopt HZ. As HZ was down with illness when Liu couple arrived (to take her to the states), they adopted Mei Lan instead. She felt lost. She felt she has stolen HZ’s good fortune. Mr Liu, “You are the gift Heaven has given us. You haven’t stole HZ’s fate. This is Heaven’s will. There are reasons behind.”
JZ wanted to test who is HZ’s real love. He told CJ that they’ll date her together on Saturday. The date she attended signifies her true love. CJ didn’t reply.
One night, at CJ’s door, HZ said, “I feel like hugging you. You solve my problems. Thank you.” CJ joked and they laughed.

HZ’s construction model got the first prize. With that, she can continue her University studies in architecture.
The new tenant insisted on shifting into the Jin’s place. The Jins couldn’t find an alternative place and almost have to shift into the hotel. Mei Lan knew the new tenant and convinced her to give up the place.
On Saturday, CJ didn’t date HZ. Instead, he encouraged HZ to attend the opening ceremony, to congratulate Jing Zhi. HZ went to the opening ceremony, as invited by JZ. Jing Xi knew about JZ’s intention. She found CJ in his cartoon clubroom. Jing Xi doesn’t understand, “Don’t you love HZ? If HZ is here, what are you going to say? You know my cousin has prepared a long list to tell HZ!”
CJ, “There is no apologies in love. Nor are there thank yous. I want to be true to love.”
HZ told JZ about Mei Lan, “Love and logic are two different matters.” Later, she heard about the plans JZ has installed for her. She rejected JZ, “I can’t leave CJ. I like him. I love him.” She ran back to the campus for CJ.
CJ is relieved to see her in the campus, “I trust you. I didn’t test you. I want to give you a chance to choose.”
HZ, “Why do you give everything to me? I didn’t give you anything.”
CJ, “No, you gave me a lot. I do things for you. As long as you are by my side, this is the greatest gift of all.”
HZ, “I love you.”
CJ, “Me too.”
They embraced.
Ms Min became the Jin children’s “mother”.
HZ to CJ, “You know? You see some things, more in depth and further than me. If I am wrong, please tell me. I want to share things with you. Don’t worry alone.”
CJ replied, “Don’t worry, I’ll stand in a place where you can find me.”
JZ left for the States. ML sent him off.
The Jin family had a BBQ dinner at their little yard.

[Afterthoughts…]

The first scene started in the small yard of the Jins’ place. The last scene ended there too. No ultimate sadness, lying mothers, car accidents and such. There is just plain warmth, siblings’ relationships, fatherly love, lines for thoughts, cheerfulness etc. Here, hard work will be rewarded (both HZ’s construction model and CJ’s creation were recognised in the end).

There is a story behind everyone. That adds experience and brings growth in the characters. Hui Zhen, Jun Xing, Jia Xi, Yun Zhi, Cheng Xiu, Ming Hao and Xiao Ying – made up the children of Jin Family. Although they are not real siblings, they love and share with each other. Some memorable scenes are … e.g. HZ crying in relief when she found Xiao Ying in the subway station; Jun Xing asking Ms Min about why she treats him so well; Jia Xi teaching Ming Hao Korean words; Yun Zhi & his new shoes; Cheng Xiu pulling Jia Xi’s sleeve; Ming Hao’s pulling the tooth, looking for Jia Xi; Xiao Ying’s naughty-ness …

Reality is seen. Other than love, liquidity is needed to raise children. Ming Hao met and quickly made friends with Xiao Song. She is sick but friendly and cheerful. Today, one is alive, what about tomorrow? Xiao Song passed away in the night. The shocked Ming Hao cried but got over soon. An adult may take a much longer time to recover.

Jia Xi, the eleven-year-old girl, left much impression in my mind. She is much more sensible and mature than her actual age. She takes care of her brothers; real (after scolding Ming Hao, she cried with him and taught him); talented (dance and draw); stand up for her rights and outspoken (in front of the teacher, in front of the coach driver); filial and intelligent. Most memorable scene will be she bringing her mother to the old house. That few lines she left. I was stunned … and touched.
Father Jin’s big heart warms everyone. His classic lines are educational and food for thought. For example, “You are different. You are special. Father chose you to be my son. I adore you. Yun Zhi, the first day father sees his son/daughter is the child’s birthday.”

Mr Liu’s impartial character impresses people. One can see that he loves his daughter, Mei Lan. He told HZ, “I have a daughter of your age. She looks troubled recently. I don’t want to see that dull face on you too. I want to put the smile back on your face.” Another instance is when he told JZ, “Love is not responsibility. You may not get it with help. But as Mei Lan’s father, I am angry… JZ, help her like a brother.”

Mei Lan is intelligent and hardworking. Jealousy led her to throw HZ’s construction model and frame HZ. She wanted to apologise, only intending to get JZ back. Finally, she repented. IMHO, she is not wicked. She is blinded by jealousy and long love for JZ. Nevertheless, her act to steal the “yellow doggie” concept is incorrect.

Jing Zhi doesn’t stand out. First, he daren’t love HZ because he feels indebted to Mei Lan. Later, he wanted to test HZ’s true love. CJ said JZ caused Mei Lan’s change, which is true, IMHO. Other than the scenes when he lectures in HZ’s class and sent HZ to the subway station, the impression about him is rather vague.
Jing Xi is Jing Zhi’s cousin. I wonder why she left the preparation and opening of her bridal shop to her cousin and Mei Lan. Is she a spoilt child? Is she just opening the shop as a pastime? As the show progress, she showed capability (sewing and making toys) and much concern, especially to CJ (advices him to fight for his trademark, to help HZ). She turned out to be kind.

HZ is strong, cheerful, hardworking, quick-witted and intelligent. She felt real guilty that she needed to work and have neglected her siblings. She chose to place her family in priority later. When it comes to love, she walks and stops. She felt guilty towards Mei Lan for Mei Lan is her mentor (Mei Lan likes JZ). Some more remarkable scenes are one, her superb memory in the library; two, she is sad that she couldn’t share the happiness she experienced with Xiao Ying; three, how her screams chased the thieves away; fourth, in panic, she successfully designed and made the “ANGELS” signboard; fifth, when she witnessed CJ being wheeled into the operation theatre.

CJ is a kind and understanding man. At times, after donating his liquidity to the needy, he walks home as a result. Towards HZ, he is almost unconditional. Their re-met on the day of her university entrance exams is such a coincidence and a gift. He is always at the scenes, helping her. For example, getting the second pair of shoes for Yun Zhi; bringing the torn model for repair; delivering dinner to HZ (at the sign board shop); donating part of his liver to Ming Hao; etc. The list continues. He understands Mei Lan’s jealousy. His differences with Mei Lan are, he is more generous in love, he is more willing to offer, he gives HZ the chance to make her choice. When he walked away alone in silence (when seeing HZ and JZ witness the lighted building), I felt somewhat sad. I find myself asking that same question again, “Someone with such a generous character may not exist after all?”

One can no longer see much of the impulsive and jumpy “Zhen Yin” here. Neither can you see the rich boy “Rong Qi” character. The Yun Ah and Jung Chul combination lacks chemistry. Perhaps that’s meant to be … meant to be plain. Sparks isn’t felt for the Jing Zhi and HZ combination. Could be JZ’s indecisiveness? Other than the common passion for architecture, I can’t really “feel” their love.

After Jia Xi’s mother appeared, I thought the rest of the show will revolve each child’s biological parents. Fortunately, that predictable plot didn’t happen. A nice twist is brought forward by a simple line, “looking for your lost children isn’t easy. Instead, they should shower the love on existing orphans.” Ms Min, who well could be Jun Xing’s biological mother, didn’t investigate further. She became the Jin children’s “mother”. The Ms Min and Jun Xing characters could have been developed further.

Some questions are left unanswered, e.g. “knowing the renovation materials are in the bridal shop, Mei Lan left the door with the spoilt door”; “doctor revealing Ming Hao’s medical condition to Jing Zhi” and “someone entering the half-destroyed construction model for a competition”.

CJ asked HZ if she love JZ. They stopped at the word “admire”. JZ told HZ that she shouldn’t make the same mistake he made – do not mix gratitude with love. Is “admire” the prologue to love, or “gratitude”? … A couple of times, jealousy floated on HZ’s face when Jing Xi hovered over CJ. After that hectic working period, ups and downs, HZ found her seat, to do the thing she is doing well as well as to place more concern on her family. HZ said to CJ, “I like to walk home with you.” This is her choice.

Adding the well-beaten “parental love” to the aired and sifted “bless and happiness”. With appropriate time and temperature control, <<Gift>> is the resulting birthday cake. Sweetness from the dashes of “enthralling love” is lacking though.

Overall, this is a commendable production, not much for the multi-angled love pentagon but for the father’s classic lines as well as the warmth in the Jin Family.