Tigertail

The story unfolds with Pin-Jui reflecting on his childhood marked by loneliness. His vivid imaginations of family become a solace as he grapples with his grandmother's stern advice to suppress his true feelings.

In his rural upbringing, a chance encounter with Yuan brings joy into Pin-Jui's life. Their laughter and shared playfulness create a bond that momentarily shields them from the harsh societal realities surrounding them.

As time passes, Pin-Jui's yearning for Yuan deepens despite knowing the challenges their love faces. They share a memorable dinner at a fancy restaurant, where their laughter momentarily frees them from their respective burdens.

Transitioning into adulthood, Pin-Jui finds himself balancing his commitment to Yuan with burgeoning responsibilities. He works at a factory alongside his mother, while also navigating unwanted attention from his boss's daughter, Zhenzhen.

As Pin-Jui deals with conflicting emotions between his love for Yuan and his obligations, he finds solace in quiet moments with his mother, Minghua. The storm of responsibilities and affection begins to weigh heavily on him.

When Minghua suffers an injury, Pin-Jui urges her to leave her unfulfilling job. This conversation becomes a pivotal moment, leading him to pursue a daring opportunity for a better life in America with a deal with Li.

Upon arriving in the United States, Pin-Jui and Zhenzhen face the harsh realities of their new lives. Pin-Jui takes on menial tasks at a grocery store, while Zhenzhen experiences overwhelming loneliness due to their cultural distance.

Pin-Jui attempts to invite his mother Minghua to America, yet she hesitates due to fears surrounding language barriers and the prospect of starting anew. Her decision highlights the tension inherent in immigration.

As the years pass, Pin-Jui and Zhenzhen build a life and have children, yet their marriage begins to stagnate. Pin-Jui's emotional detachment and Zhenzhen's dissatisfaction reinforce a sense of isolation in their relationship.

When Zhenzhen announces her desire for a divorce, it shocks Pin-Jui and underscores the collapse of their union. This moment serves as a catalyst for them to confront the realities of their disconnection.

As Pin-Jui's daughter Angela prepares for her engagement to Eric, underlying tensions between the couple arise. They struggle to align their differing views on love and stability, which affects their relationship profoundly.

During a heartfelt moment, Angela confides her feelings about Eric to her father, Pin-Jui. His unsettling silence reveals a lack of emotional connection that causes her to reconsider their relationship.

In a moment of introspection, Pin-Jui reaches out to Yuan via Facebook, sparking a rekindled connection. Their in-person reunion serves as a significant moment for both to reflect on their past and emotional struggles.

During the Chinese New Year, Angela celebrates family traditions while grappling with the absence of Eric. This joyful celebration juxtaposes her personal struggles, emphasizing the weight of expectations and loneliness.

Pin-Jui takes Angela on a trip to Taiwan, unearthing tales from his past. This journey reveals the emotional struggles he faced, blending love and sorrow, ultimately leading to greater understanding and connection.