The Way We Are

Tin Shui Wai New Town is established as the setting, where Paw Hee-Ching works at the local supermarket and her son Leung Chun-lung is a Form 5 student awaiting HKCEE results during the summer holiday. The two share a practical, resilient bond as they navigate daily life and its modest challenges. This opening sets up the family’s common ground and mutual care.

Chan Lai-wun is hired at the supermarket and wants to buy a television but is discouraged by the delivery fee. Paw suggests that Leung help carry it from the electrical store to Chan's flat, saving her the transport cost. The arrangement begins a chain of reciprocal favors between the families.

Chan returns the favor by giving Paw a bag of expensive Chinese mushrooms. The gesture underscores the growing exchange of help between the two households. The mushrooms become a quiet symbol of mutual support within the community.

Paw's mother falls ill, casting a shadow over the family. Leung visits her in hospital with his cousin, showing filial care in a crisis. Their grandmother adds a touch of tradition by demanding swallow's nest congee.

Chan reveals that she has a grandson through a deceased daughter, who lives with her son-in-law who has since remarried. Chan buys gifts for them and travels with Paw to meet them in Shatin, but the grandson does not show up and the gifts are rejected by the son-in-law.

While running an errand for his mother, Leung runs into his school teacher Idy Chan. She invites him to help out at the school as a student counsellor when he returns for Form 6, and he agrees.

Paw's two younger brothers are doing well in life, thanks to her financial support during their overseas university years. One of them, played by Clifton Ko, talks with Leung about the family's willingness to support him if needed.

The brothers promise to help fund Leung’s overseas study if he desires, and Leung replies that he will decide after seeing his HKCEE results.

Leung waits for the HKCEE results, weighing his options for continuing Form 6 or pursuing other paths. The results loom as a turning point for his future and the family’s plans.

Leung receives satisfactory HKCEE results, clearing the path to continue to Form 6. The family reacts with relief as multiple generations see opportunities opening up for the future.

Paw, Leung and Chan share a warm dinner in Tin Shui Wai, celebrating Leung’s results and the prospect of Form 6. The scene reinforces the ties between their makeshift family and their mutual support.

Chan’s gifts for her grandson remain with Paw to safeguard, symbolizing Chan’s gratitude and Paw’s central role in caring for multiple generations. The film closes on a note of community, resilience and quiet optimism.