As the film approaches its conclusion, the melancholic protagonist, having eaten a steamed bun all alone, encounters an AI robot circling the supermarket where she works. The robot's greetings and comforting quotes about love and laughter from Mother Teresa and Mark Twain cause her demeanor to soften, and she smiles.

For Jia, this scene is a metaphor. "The supermarket symbolizes our era. While there is material abundance, this also results in modern symptoms, like feelings of loneliness," he explains.

Despite the setbacks, Jia still appreciates the resilience of ordinary people in society, aiming to show their everyday emotions — pleasure, anger, sorrow and joy — and seeks to convey these in his films.

Shi Futian contributed to the story.

Contact the writer at xufan@chinadaily.com.cn