Synopsis
Xiao Muo, a young man in his mid-20s, lives in an old neighborhood in Taipei. His father died when he was a child and after his mother left, he lived with his grandmother with a vague memory of his mother. After the death of his grandmother, the old neighbors brought him up together. With a firm belief that one day his mother will return for him, he stays in the neighborhood living off temporary jobs such as delivery and repairing, while other youngsters leave for richer places and more promising careers. Busy and happy working in the street lined with old little shops, he has become an icon of the neighborhood.
One day a beautiful young girl, Mei, appears in the neighborhood. She seems to have a voice problem and speaks in a very low voice. Xiao Muo finds her a place to stay, gets her a job in a little restaurant and takes her to an old Chinese doctor for treatment. His kindness seems to touch her heart, but hardly helps to lift her melancholy mood. Like Xiao Muo, others in the neighborhood are kind to her and never ask where she is from.
Meanwhile, news breaks in Taipei that a debut artist of a record company failed to show up at the launch event and disappeared. Gossips and rumors evolve around her disappearance and the record company has no explanation for what happened; they hardly have a clue. Curious, journalist Jack sets off to find the whereabouts of this young artist named May.
With both good looks and talent, Ray, music producer of the record company, is a favorite of every girl he has met, and May is no exception. With his mind focused on music only and largely oblivious to the girls’ attention, he tends to hurt their feelings albeit unintentionally. His assistant holds him responsible for May’s sudden departure, but Ray can hardly recall May approaching him before she left.
Xiao Muo finds himself in love with Mei, and her voice is recovering. Her heart, however, belongs somewhere else. Xiao Muo finally understands: one disappears in order to be found.
Upon learning that May has been suffering from voice problems before she left, Ray starts worry about her and tries to find her. Meanwhile, Jack finally finds May’s whereabouts, only to be neglected by his editor. Disappointed, he discloses the news to Ray, who is desperately searching for May.
Finally, somebody comes for Mei. She is overjoyed to see Ray, whereas Xiao Muo experiences a painful loss never felt before while being glad for his friend. May is happy to leave. As long as she stays with Ray, she is happy even if in pain. Xiao Muo hides himself when she leaves. One day May comes back and asks for Xiao Muo; the coffee shop owner tells her he has left to find his mother.
After all, what’s the point of disappearing, if there is nobody to find you?