Original subtitles

Life, plays, what's the difference?

Popular personality opens doors, popular play sells tickets.

My ideal is to create popular plays that sell a Iot of tickets.

-Is this your first comedy? -Righti

You were into postmodern abstraction before.

Why have you changed?

I haven't.

An artist must reflect reality.

Ifyou think Taipei is a postmodern comedy,

you don't understand.

That's your problem.

Why are you doing comedy now?

Because I am an optimist.

Everyone's having a good Iife.

Why spoil it?

Aren't you just pandering to the box office?

It's to thank those who support me!

Guess what I would Iike to be if I weren't a playwright?

Can't guess?

A politician !

I believe in democracy.

It's now a democratic society.

The box office is most democratic.

Buying a ticket is Iike voting.

My ultimate political belief is in equality.

What's equality?

It means everyone thinks alike.

If everyone's taste is the same, my tickets will always sell .

There wouldn't be fistfights in the parliament.

Therefore, equality is not only for Taiwan, it's for the world !

Do these words remind you of a certain Great Man?

Some say your big hit stole the idea from a bestseller.

Why haven't you responded to this accusation?

You Iook Iike a tragedy!

Aren't you doing a comedy?

Molly, Molly...

You don't know a damn thing about art!

AII I need is one small favor to solve one of my many worries.

I n your "culture" business,

you worry about publishing,

records, soap operas,

plus family affiliates.

You must have more worries than I do.

Birdy!

The Big Shot deigns to visit us!

You're premiering abroad soon .

-May we sponsor it? -Well , no...

Rumor says I plagiarized your husband's novel .

The press is on me.

So you admit?

Admit? What?

Back then, nobody cared about. . . about...

-I ntellectual property rights? -Right.

Relax, I won't tell anyone.

People are jealous about success.

Your arrogance has made too many enemies.

Molly said your husband is a tough cookie.

What if he sues me? I'd be finished .

No, he won't.

-Talk to your brother-in-Iaw, Molly. -I've sent Oiqi .

You Iet one more person know!

I have no secrets from Qiqi .

Should've done it yourself.

Your husband is not talking to me.

How come?

He's publishing his new book.

I said his recent work is too serious to sell,

and he got mad .

A Confucian Confusion.

Real heavy stuff?

He's changed his style.

Wasn't he into romantic Iove stories and idolized by college girls?

Have you talked to my brother-in-Iaw about Birdy?

I was busy, so I sent Feng .

Why her?

She's new here, and it's urgent.

I have time now, I'II take care of it.

I hear your brother-in-Iaw has moved out?

So he's never home.

He's Ieff my sister, so we must keep it quiet.

I was busy with those who got Iaid off.

Feng had not much to do, so I sent her on this errand .

Molly, why did you fire my assistants?

-Tai , Tai . . . -You're not happy?

-I can't work without them! -We've got new arrangements.

-I am the senior copywriter! -Senior copywriter...

How can I do creative work?

Creativity is personal!

You should've told me first.

This company is a big mess.

Where's Birdy?

Left? He's nuts.

What's between you two?

It's rumored all over town this week.

Me and Birdy?

What a joke!

He's my old classmate!

They must've seen us Iunch at Friday's.

Is it because he's hot right now?

I worry about Akeem's reaction .

You're engaged to him. What about when you're married?

Akeem is in China.

Gossip will die quicker than his return .

Are you having affairs behind his back?

Don't we need to socialize in our Iine of work?

Who would dress Iike this in "our Iine of work"?

No wonder the company is a mess.

Spare me, you should quit!

Fine by me, I don't need this job!

I knew you'd never Iearn.

Told you not to talk about me and my husband.

And you Iet Qiqi and Birdy and everyone know.

That dumb face of yours gives away everything you feel !

Look at Oiqi .

She sports those dimples however she feels.

Everyone adores her!

She's most dangerous!

If she leaves, so do our family secrets.

Please calm down and have second thoughts.

PIease, don't quit.

AII these years, we are emotionally attached .

Don't you feel emotion is becoming dangerous nowadays?

Emotion has not only become an excuse, it can be faked !

Take you, for example, your innocence,

Ioveliness, tenderness, vivacity...

They all can be faked ! Think about it.

Qiqi.

-Larry. -Morning.

You're early.

Seeing you in the morning brightens up my day.

How I'm captivated by your innocence, Ioveliness, tenderness, vivacity...

Feng!

Don't forget your meeting with Molly is at 2 p.m .

How's Molly's brother-in-Iaw?

What a weirdo!

I was just there.

Did he sign for Birdy?

He refused and threw me out!

Sorry, I'II handle it from now on .

Didn't I hear he's a best-selling writer, a women's idol?

He's more Iike Quasimodo!

-Really, I've not met him . -Yep.

-What's his number? -He has no phone.

The address?

-Next time. I'm in a rush today. -Sure.

You're right, weird address! Thanks.

Hi, 2nd Auntie!

When did you cut your hair?

It's cut for that TV commercial .

Not bad, not bad .

Urgent!

Call and tell Ming to have dinner with us. And his dad .

What for?

I've found you a great job.

Let me take you to lunch today.

Construction Inspectors!

Qiqi?

Hearing your voice makes my day.

This is Liren !

Hold on.

Hey, Ming !

Let me take you to Iunch ...

I have no time for you . I'm working .

Wang Xiaoming speaking.

I'm busy, what is it?

I don't want to go.

Stay away from 2nd Auntie.

What kind of new job?

Hold on. . . Can I help you?

His job was 25 days behind schedule.

I allowed him the excuse of bad weather for all but seven days.

I've done my best.

At NT$800,000 a day, the fine comes to 5.6 million !

That's why he's begging me to write off the rest.

It's that simple!

I feel sorry for him.

Sympathy can't help his bankruptcy.

Jesus Ioves you .

But why is he turning to you?

He must know, in the office, only I can get along with you .

Jesus Ioves you, and so do I .

That's my number on it, call me tonight!

-Amen. -Amen.

Me and Birdy! They say we're Iovers.

Akeem would die of Iaughter.

Your sister believed it?

Those Iadies, what else to do besides shopping and hairstyling?

They're projecting their own fantasies onto others.

Naturally.

How about tonight?

Got to eat with Ming's old man.

I couldn't find you Iast night!

My phone was dying .

It won't be if you want to see me.

Were you with Ming?

It's having problems. Time to get a new one.

Time to get a new boytriend.

See my sister and brother-in-Iaw?

They used to be as sticky as you two.

Is Ming Iike your brother-in-Iaw?

His astrology cards read a "FIower" and a "Rat."

And he'II be hit by a car Iike a rat in the future.

Luckily, Ming has no "FIower" appeal .

But you do!

Anyone admires you at work?

-You think so? -You know better than I do.

Has Larry ever come on to you?

Larry?

Isn't he married?

Why did he recommend Feng to us?

Feng's okay, kind of quiet.

Why doesn't she ever greet him in the office?

Akeem sent me to help you sort out the financial problems in the company.

Akeem's worried.

Tell Akeem I need more funds to carry on !

He may be your fiancé but not your bank.

If he hadn't funded the company, my father would have!

You two powerful business clans may be relatives now.

But I work for Akeem's side.

These deficits don't justify further funding .

Fine by me! I don't give a damn either.

Are you sure?

These figures not only reveal the state of the company,

they also reveal your innermost self.

Your ambition is clearly indicated .

So people can see your weaknesses.

But I wouldn't do that.

To me, you are just too inexperienced ...

too influenced by the artists, and too eager to be different.

But our society rests on common values.

Being too different is simply not practical .

Take Qiqi, for example, she would've been a perfect cultural product.

The mere sight of her makes people comfortable.

You know why?

Because we Chinese value that Emotional Factor.

She represents our dream Iife.

AIways filled with sunshine, warmth and harmony.

Touch that Emotional Factor,

be it a book or a movie, and you're bound to sell.

From your sister's TV show, to your brother-in-Iaw's early books.

They're great examples.

So this "culture" business of yours

is a gold mine, since it deals with human emotions.

Of course, the Emotional Factor has other benefits.

It is a social Iubricant and increases our flexibility.

It makes us Chinese better capitalists.

Western folks are too rigid and Iegal-minded .

So they all need psychiatrists.

They don't realize emotions are investments too, Iike money!

Got it? Take friendship, for instance.

It's Iong-term investments, Iike savings, blue-chip stocks.

Family relations? Inheritance!

So you and Akeem are heirs to fortunes.

Know what this "culture" business reminds me of?

AII these high-risk, high-return investments are

Iike. . . Iove.

You don't get it?

Few Chinese don't understand this reasoning.

Perhaps you're just too different.

You must be very Ionely.

Is this a psychoanalysis?

Akeem won't be back for another week.

Any plans after work?

I can swing by to pick you up.

Hey.

Akeem!

Are you in Xi'an?

Fuck Xi'an , I'm at Taipei Airport.

Enough terra-cotta army and karaoke with the cadres.

So I just split early.

If you have cash, you have a reservation , that's China.

Come meet me in the office.

Don't Iet Molly know that I'm back.

You'd better call Molly.

Taipei's a small town . She'II soon find out.

I'II be right over.

Sort it out. For the meeting tomorrow.

Molly, Iong-distance call from Akeem.

Tell Feng she's fired . She can Ieave now.

Hello?

Why are you back?

I thought it was next week.

Me? I'm fine.

Tonight?

No, I already have plans!

Let's meet tomorrow for breakfast, okay?

Don't, Feng !

Let's go.

It's tough to be an actor waiting for a break.

Staying here wouldn't help you in that respect.

Could you go back to teaching art to children?

I know, you could audition for Birdy!

I went to school with him...

Hi, Akeem.

A shower, clean clothes, and Taipei feel great.

Let me do it.

So, what's with you and Molly?

What do you mean?

I heard in Xi'an that Molly's having an affair.

Why ask me about it?

Didn't you say you'd Iook into her books during my China trip?

Has she been acting strange Iately?

How would I know?

I don't see her often enough .

Does this rumor. . . bother you at all?

Bother me?

Larry, we have the most advanced marriage arrangement.

It retains traditional virtue.

It also respects modern personal freedom .

Like Taiwan and China, we are now one country, two governments.

No cohabitation, no sex, no fights.

After unification, we are "one country, two systems."

You study China politics for your business investment.

Not for your conversational skills.

You sound Iike an idiot.

You really don't mind Molly having an affair?

Any plans after work?

I have a date with. . . Mo. . . M ...

My daughter at home.

The wife's in Hong Kong shopping .

Join me for a drink when your kid's in bed, okay?

We'II see...

I didn't expect to see you here.

How stupid I was.

While I was reading your financial statements,

I was moved.

Because I read from them your innermost passions.

You know...

I must say, I intimately share this mutual feeling with you .

This intimacy is really precious.

I'm sure, you must feel the same.

I've just fired Feng.

I'm sorry, I recommended someone who...

Young people today don't work hard enough.

Where shall we go?

Taipei's a big place, isn't it?

Let's have dinner at this...

Japanese restaurant in Rokujo-dori .

Oh, a tiny alleyway?

Somewhere you take Feng a Iot?

What do you mean?

You think that I've been. . .?

-You suspect. . . -Look, you're nervous!

Let me out! You don't trust me!

Don't get uptight, I just want to know you better.

Then...

Shall we have dinner?

What if I tell Akeem about this?

What a great country this is!

Such prosperity!

For 20 years...

I've witnessed its progress step-by-step.

Now I can sit back and relish it.

Your generation is the Iuckiest of all.

Do sit down .

Thanks, chief.

Very few young men are as upright as you nowadays.

You need backbone to be a civil servant.

Hey, join us for dinner?

I'd Iike you to meet some of my friends.

You should be Iearning how we Iive.

Sorry, chief. I must have dinner with my father.

AII right, Iet's make it another evening.

Your father. . . wasn't he with the Finance Ministry?

Well , yes...

How did you know, sir?

Liren and you. . . seem to get along?

What did that old fucker say to you?

You Iook Iike shit!

Nothing much .

It must be about me, right?

He meant well, and worries that...

"CIean water breeds no fish ."

-Limits your career prospects. -Fuck.

What does he want, shoals of fish in dirty water?

I'm fine!

Skip his wine-and-dine, come with me.

I'II show you what a good time is.

I've got to eat with Qiqi...

and my father.

Next time, then.

Why do you still Iook Iike shit?

The old bastard knew that

my dad did time for embezzlement.

Is that so?

I wonder what he meant.

I'II take you to Birdy's tomorrow.

Have a good rest, so you Iook your best.

See you !

Why are you so Iate?

The chief kept me for a talk.

You know what?

Molly flipped out and fired Feng ! It's ridiculous!

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall , please.

I have to pick up the pieces, as usual .

Don't you know her by now?

She thinks I'II solve everything .

What's this dinner about?

2nd Auntie has found me a job with an old friend of your father's.

What kind of a job can she come up with?

Why a new job?

Did you complain to her about Molly?

-She's trying to please you . -Me?

She's not finding me a job.

Wouldn't a good job for me please you?

She never Iooks sincere to me.

You can't judge a book by its cover.

Now I know her better.

-She's quite Iovely. -Lovely?

Don't I know my father's taste?

She means well .

You must show a Iittle courtesy.

They have to face people.

We all have to face people. What an excuse!

Your parents divorced nearly 20 years ago.

You should help heal wounds.

Qiqi,

this new PR job is an extremely challenging one.

Mainland Chinese...

and Uncle Ke's Japanese partners.

He dealt with the Japanese

-when I was at the Ministry. -Not quite...

Ming, do you remember?

Who knows what you were up to then?

Ke, my future daughter-in-Iaw, doesn't need my sales pitch .

My recommendations always work.

Let's drink to that!

Thank you !

Sorry, Ke, I can't drink. I'II have tea.

-Not drinking? -It's his heart.

Or arteries rather. Doctor's orders. No more booze.

She keeps me strictly teetotal .

I've been a sober restaurateur.

You're Iucky.

Without her, this restaurant would fold.

A Chinese banquet without booze

is Iike dating a girl without...

Get it?

Good service?

This is a service industry.

This tastes awful .

I'II check the kitchen .

He's a good cook.

I taught him well.

I hate to see them fall out over me Iike this.

It's okay.

Thanks for everything , Auntie.

Sometimes we must put on a smile just to survive.

But sometimes one must be truthful too.

There's no fun in Iife otherwise.

I'm patient.

Ming will eventually know my intention .

I'm always telling him that.

PIease don't, it'II make it worse.

It will only seem as if you're making excuses.

There's no fear if you're truthful .

This doesn't seem fair.

It's the price we Chinese have to pay for being so popular.

You'II soon Iearn.

You must break the news to Molly about Ieaving .

A real friend should understand .

This new job has better potential .

I told you . I can't Ieave Molly now.

The company's a mess, she needs my help!

Jump ship before you go down with it.

Why all the complaints if you're happy there?

2nd Auntie got you this new job because of your complaints.

-Everyone complains sometimes. -I never do.

I have a steady job because I don't complain .

With my steady job, we can afford to take chances.

You can be more outgoing and build our social connections.

It's for our future.

With Molly, you can't even ask for a raise.

Because it may damage your friendship.

She's from a rich family, but we have to earn every penny.

Is friendship worth only some extra pay?

You're too sentimental .

You've worked with the artsy folks too Iong .

Look at the two sisters.

They force-feed the public with tasteless ads and soap operas.

Run charity bashes to make their family Iook altruistic.

So they can make more money Iater.

If the public were so gullible, Taiwan wouldn't be doing so well.

We'd probably still be arming to "Recover the Mainland"!

The old political propaganda...

What's the difference?

Of course there's a difference!

Our work has idealism too.

You're just being nasty.

It's common folks' opinion.

Now the cultural industry has the greatest potential .

You're too biased

-to see Molly's idealism. -Biased?

-I've nothing against her. -I'm crushed between you two.

If she's wrong , I say so!

You've said nothing about the wrongs at work. What's your principle?

It's not the same!

-It's not the same. -Really?

Face it, you'II have to Ieave Molly one day.

You've got to be independent.

This is the time to do it.

At first, it wasn't my idea to work for her.

You said I'd have more security with her.

Now you say the opposite. What's your principle?

Tonight you despised Auntie's enthusiasm.

Now you Iike what she did.

I have no other principle except one:

What's good for our future!

This is for your own good !

First, quit picking on Molly if you mean it.

-I'm not picking on her. -I'm stuck between you two.

She's the one who turned against me first.

But you threatened to hit her.

Did I hit her? Did I?

No!

She's the one who provoked it.

Why is she having you stay over all the time?

Remember, we had a fight, and I went to her place to hide from you?

Let's settle this thing between you and Molly first.

Okay?

New job or not, it's all meaningless.

Okay, fine.

From now on , stay out of me and Molly.

I'II take care of it.

Ming ...

You know me well enough. I never meant any harm .

A big town Iike Taipei, we ended up nowhere and ran out of gas.

Molly, there's absolutely nothing between me and Feng .

You're insulting my integrity, behaving Iike this.

You can't do this.

Would you please take me home?

Welcomel

What? She's not back yet?

Larry, thank heavens, you're here.

Your boss is drunk again.

And he keeps asking for "Molly."

I said , we have a Mary, a Nancy, a Lucy,

but no Molly, then he got mad .

Goddamn it, I'm spending money and they still Iaugh at me.

I've spent enough money to buy out this joint.

I'm not a government construction project!

Try to bleed me dry?

-These women are all the same. -Careful .

None has a heart.

Larry, didn't you say money and emotion are interchangeable?

How much must I spend to buy some Iove?

I want Molly.

Molly!

Keep your voice down.

I n China, I heard Molly's having an affair.

I was so hurt!

Larry, who the hell is screwing Molly?

Am I the biggest joke in town?

Talk about Iosing face,

-the whole of China's talking about it. -Keep it down .

Wipe your face!

Pull yourself together!

Have you forgotten my master plan?

My famous "feed-her-to-death" policy?

Whatever she wants, we give it to her,

till her stomach bursts.

It's been going rather well .

I suggested to give her a company for your engagement.

It not only silenced her complaints, it fed her ego and starved her brains!

Now the company's a mess.

You pull the plug on her, no one will blame you .

This kills all of her excuses for being independent.

The time has come to sentence her to Iife!

Sounds Iike one of those dissidents.

It serves her right, for sure.

Do you know she even made passes at me?

Did you . . .?

I'm a married man!

Just tell her you're closing the company.

Then you're home free, it's that simple.

Meanwhile, I'II try to find out who that asshole is.

Leave it to me!

There's a good boy.

-Larry, you're so kind to me. -Nah ...

What would I do without you?

-Don't Ieave me! -Don't be Iike this.

Don't you worry, I'II always Iook out for you .

We're emotionally attached !

You need 208 Zanzai when you drink.

The best medicinal wine.

I just walked in.

Qiqi, it's your commercial !

You're downstairs?

I'II be right down.

You just got home.

Molly wants me.

Rita Yi, it's heen an honor to have you as our guest.

This has been Number 38 in our series

of "Classic Model Couples."

Before we go, don't forget our love sign.

Two by two, farewell loneliness.

Two by two, smile on the road to victory.

Join us the same time next week.

One hour's viewing brings a full week's hope. What a bargain.

How did Feng take it?

I managed to calm her down.

What did she do to make you fire her?

How's my brother-in-Iaw?

I didn't go, I was comforting Feng.

Feng said he is hard to deal with , true?

He's okay.

He's just recently flipped out.

Otherwise, my sister would've married Akeem, not him.

They used to be a model couple.

Yeah, you told me.

So Akeem's father settled for me as a replacement.

Or my dad would be in trouble...

I kind of Iike his books,

especially when I'm Iow.

He's Iike his books.

Has a certain mythical charm.

Too bad they no Ionger sell .

Or we wouldn't have fallen out because of it.

Where shall we go?

Can Feng be discreet about all this?

I suppose so.

-Mom. -What's wrong?

-Nothing. -It's written all over your face!

Who's Iooking for me?

Liren called and said he's waiting for you at a pub.

What's a pub?

A place for fun .

-CIean fun or dirty fun? -Knock it off, Uncle.

-I'd Iike to go. -Stop it.

Who else?

This man with a baby girl.

Didn't say who he was.

He said he'd be back Iater.

What does he Iook Iike?

He wears the same kind of permanent smile

that your father's old colleagues in the Ministry did .

Doesn't ring any bells.

How's your father?

How would I know?

Haven't seen him in ages.

You should visit him sometimes.

He's getting old. He'II feel Ionely and sad .

I have nothing to say to him.

He never cared about us.

That's not very nice to say.

As a matter of fact, you're becoming more Iike him.

The ball game is on!

Let's go!

Uncle, it's your age!

Jealous? Compared to me, you're a weakling!

AII these years dating only Oiqi .

I never had Iess than two on the go!

Your model planes?

You brought 'em out, you put 'em back.

The NBA is on.

Mr. Wang ...

Mr. Wang .

PIease have pity on my Iittle girl.

Why are you here?

Wait for me over there.

This is Feng.

This is Ming .

The contractor went to your house with his daughter to win your tears?

He's bankrupt, so he's useless.

Who's gonna help him?

But what about your conscience?

Could I be a bureaucrat if I had conscience?

You think we're the crusaders?

Don't be fooled into imitating them.

You're Iike my dad, why do you all think I'm imitating others?

What's wrong with being Iike all the others?

To be Iike the others is the best way to evade responsibility.

Didn't you know?

Seems Iike I'm with your old man on this one.

How come you get along with me but not with him?

AII right.

I'II give that guy a break.

I'II alter the report as you suggested .

Piece of cake.

Relax.

You'II soon realize, I'm not an oddball.

Times have changed !

You think you're serving the Qing Dynasty?

Where's Feng?

Who cares?

Poor girl just got fired today.

My conscience again , right?

I'm not in Iove with her.

What's the matter?

Don't be sad, Feng .

I've Iost my contact Iens.

So you can't see?

It's okay.

Leaving? So soon?

Got to work in the morning .

How about you?

Sorry, I didn't mean that...

You should rest. Aren't you auditioning for Birdy?

You know Birdy too?

Qiqi, Birdy and l were classmates.

So you were Molly's classmate ?

Yes.

You're blind, I'II call you a cab.

Didn't you study acting?

I Iive nearby, Iet's walk a bit.

Is Qiqi just as quiet and tender in private?

Sorry, I shouldn't have asked .

-It's all right. . . -Don't get me wrong.

This is the subject we artists Iike to discuss the most.

I n our profession, we need to dig deep into human emotions,

in order to develop our performances.

So that we can touch the audience.

Well , no...

I suppose Qiqi and I are Iike any other couple.

First we fall in Iove.

Then it changes into something else, once the thrill's gone.

It sure does.

At first, she was my ideal companion for Iife.

But now, I sense that...

she's been through some changes, but I can't tell what they are.

No way I could ask her.

She won't say it either.

Talking Iike this is so moving .

Are you in a hurry to get home?

My roommate's out tonight.

Wanna come over?

It will do you good to talk.

Why not?

-I thought you Iived nearby? -Yes.

-Who was he? -A friend.

I've been calling you all night. I was worried sick.

I couldn't find you either.

Where have you been?

I needed to talk to someone.

You never care about me, anyway.

What do you mean? Didn't I find you the job?

It's not my fault that she fired you .

How did you know I was fired?

Did she tell you that?

What--? What do you mean?

She-- Who's--? What she?

Who was that guy?

Why won't you tell me?

Why was he seeing you home?

Are you going nuts?

Is this an interrogation?

"Hurt no one, but always cover your back."

Haven't you heard this old teaching?

-From whom? -Confucius.

Then Iet me ask you about Molly!

Who told you I was fired?

I just heard .

From Qiqi?

Right.

Bullshit, she was with me all affernoon.

You said it, I didn't.

Well , many people know about it.

What's this me and Molly shit?

Let's drop it! Okay?

Molly's no Little League, you dig?

If you make a play for her...

besides firing me, she'd be on your ass.

She'II probably trap you in her car, grill you about me.

Of course you'd deny it. She'd just kick you out of the car.

Would others suspect the same about me and Molly?

You're safe, she's having a thing with Birdy.

Everyone knows except you . What's wrong?

What are you nervous about? Molly?

You must be kidding!

I've spent years working on Akeem .

Am I stupid enough to go after his broad?

Akeem fears Iosing you.

No one is as stupid as him, at Ieast not Molly.

How would she Iet you get between her and Akeem?

You're through if she tells him you tried seducing her.

If so, how could I stop her?

Start a rumor about her first.

Some sex scandal or financial crisis would do.

Let's kill her credibility.

They call you an "ideas man"?

God , you know so well about covering one's back.

The real horror is Qiqi.

How could she be so close to Molly if she isn't?

With her dimples, it's hard to discredit her with rumors.

Don't you get on with her?

Why not? She has the best connections going .

I never knew you're so good at this.

It comes natural for us artists.

We know more about money and emotion than you .

We work on people's minds.

I'm always on your side and you still doubted me.

Feng, I feel so ashamed .

Do you know what I've always suspected?

I feared that you took me for a fast Iane to rich folks Iike Akeem.

That is really shameful .

Don't be silly.

Hold me.

Go to bed .

-You're not at work. -It's okay.

Sorry for dragging you out here so Iate at night.

You make me feel guilty about it.

PIease don't!

I was just wondering why I am so popular.

You're Iucky.

What if others think I just fake it?

Look at me! I couldn't even fake it if I tried.

Molly, I worry about you.

The company is...

You're damn right, what a headache!

I may as well quit, sit and relax for a change.

Do you mean it?

-What do you mean by. . .? -Never mind.

There are more and more things you're not telling me.

We weren't Iike this before.

Give me a break, will you?

I have truckloads of hassles every day. You want me to share them all with you?

How was China?

Scary, people everywhere.

How's Taipei?

The same, people everywhere too.

Why are you back early?

No special reason . I'm depressed .

Another one depressed !

Haven't seen you depressed since childhood .

Trying to prove you've grown up?

Larry tells me that...

your company is in bad shape, right?

So? Got to keep it going .

How do you feel about our wedding date?

You decide.

Or Ieave it to your parents.

They always decide everything.

Doesn't it mean anything to you at all?

You haven't been ready to marry since day one, right?

Who says?

See? Since you Iiked to work, we decided to Iet you work.

Until you're so tired, you couldn't go on.

Don't get me wrong! That's not what I mean.

I can't do a thing Iike that, you know.

That's too Iow a blow, really.

What do you want?

I feel . . . between us...

we should try to nurture some...

Iove.

What's wrong with us now?

We don't even fight. You want us to fight Iike Qiqi and Ming?

But do we seem ready to get married?

Ready or not, we're going to.

Okay, I'II stop working.

No, that's not the point! Are you Iistening?

Okay, I'II continue to support your company.

I know it'II make you happy.

Then perhaps some Iove will flower between us, right?

For God's sake, what does this silence mean?

Is this your personal seal?

You must be a writer.

Are these manuscripts of yours?

Just deliver your mail!

Feng? Sorry, I'm tied up, can we meet this affernoon?

Let's meet at Birdy's.

You know where it is? Good !

I'm Molly's assistant.

I need to have you sign a clearance.

I've told you people I don't care.

Do what you want with those books.

But there are procedures to be followed .

I'm under siege, and each one is prettier than the Iast.

You think that smile you wear works every time?

You can't teach me to suck eggs.

You're Iike the bad books I wrote.

AII Iove and happiness, everyone fell for it.

And no one reads useful books Iike this.

Who cares if someone plagiarizes that old junk?

PIease, Ieave.

Come back if you want to Iearn how to wipe off that smile.

Okay, thanks. No problem! Bye!

-How's Akeem doing? -Akeem?

Akeem? He Iearned that my company's a mess.

He was going to close it down .

Doesn't bother me.

Why are you taking me to Iunch?

Because...

I ...

We had a fight Iast time.

It puts Qiqi in an awkward position.

I should be-- I felt--

I should take the initiative to patch things up.

Come on , we're old friends. It's cool .

That's great! I've been ...

Qiqi's been worried.

If I close the company...

my sister can run the whole show herself, right?

Right. Then you could afford to stay home and ...

Nothing's wrong with that!

So many people do it!

Akeem's sisters-in-Iaw all do.

That's why my sister's marriage fell apart, you know?

Because she works nonstop.

Sorry, I thought your plan to marry Akeem was kind of...

Didn't you wish to have your own...

space. . . and . . . a career?

My marriage plan is fine.

My sister was supposed to marry Akeem at first.

Then she fell in Iove.

Look how her marriage ended up.

Gee, your thoughts are interesting...

I didn't realize that...

-You go first. -No, go ahead .

There's something Qiqi wants to tell you , but doesn't know how.

What's there to know about Oiqi?

No, never mind .

Yeah, we've been friends for so Iong .

She has found a very good job, but is reluctant to Iet you know.

Since you're closing the company, it's time to...

-Go on . -You go.

-No, your turn . -No, you go.

I guess it's inevitable.

If it's better for her future, I can only be happy for her.

Molly, I must admit...

I never thought that you were such a generous person .

I'm ashamed.

I'm sorry, Molly.

Look, the three of us, plus Birdy, really go back...

Qiqi even met you through me, remember?

Shit, it's taking too Iong . Damn place is packed .

Molly, your sister just called.

She wants you urgently at the TV studio.

-Oh, and I found your brother-in-Iaw. -Qiqi.

Between you and Ming, who's in charge?

-It depends. -Time for Iunch?

As a friend for all these years,

if something bugs me, I tell you straightaway, right?

Right!

You must have your own ideas.

Maybe different from mine, but you can be open about it.

Tell me what's on your mind , please.

Your smile may charm others.

The more you smile, the Iess I understand .

Would I stop you from Iooking for another job?

-I'm not-- -Why do you think I'd stop you?

Ming and I were talking about it Iast night.

I met Ming for Iunch .

Yes, Ming, he-- No, no, Molly, you know...

Qiqi, I feel Iike I don't know you at all !

I'm your friend .

Why can't you tell me how you really feel?

Now is your chance to speak up.

You have assumed everything, what can I say to change matters?

Shit!

This is too much .

Go ahead and do whatever you feel is right.

Anybody home?

Is Larry here yet?

No?

-Where's Molly? -TV studio with her sister.

What's up?

-Need to talk to you . -What about?

It's about Molly.

Did she agree to close the company?

You didn't tell her?

Why hesitate?

I did tell her.

What was her reaction? She refused?

No, I decided to...

keep funding her.

More funding?

You are sick upstairs!

I did my best for you to set her up, and you--

It's your money, Akeem!

If my idea's no good , get someone else.

PIease, don't be upset!

That's below the belt.

You're such a soffy.

You'II never take over from your father.

What's in it for me, then?

Shit, my most ingenious strategy is below the belt!

Do it yourself if you want classier ideas.

Don't be Iike that.

I'm sorry.

I need your help, please tell me how.

Good boy.

Listen, there's still time to give it to Molly straight.

Where is Molly?

She's at the TV studio.

Know a guy named Birdy?

Sure, why?

It's him.

I found out.

Good work, huh?

What about him?

He and Molly...

Yeah, schoolmates.

He and Molly have a thing going.

Birdy? That wimpy artist?

I mpossible!

Of course you can't tell.

But Molly's your woman, not mine.

If you don't mind , well and good .

I'II kick the motherfucker's brains in .

Fuck!

Cool it, will you?

Why are you so excitable?

Don't ever underestimate people in the arts!

They work on your emotions, fuck with your mind .

Today, he works on Molly's emotions.

Tomorrow?

It'II be your money.

For now, don't get worked up, don't confront him.

The angrier you feel, the broader you smile.

I'II figure out a way to ruin him.

Now, just pretend that you know nothing about it.

For publicity, artists try anything to be different.

They propagate sex and violence like venereal diseases.

They paint our society with exaggerated pessimism.

They turn a sunny word ART into a ghastly word like AIDS.

Luckily, the sun always shines

on our marriages and our emotional health.

Our special guest, Master Birdy.

We await your new play.

It's titled: AH !

It's a meeting between "Amen " and "Om. " Thank you for this interview.

So finally you got Birdy on your show.

What's so urgent?

It's too important to talk here!

Master, time to head back.

The play is still in pieces?

Stop making comments, you know nothing about theater.

Everyone's ready for the rehearsal.

Why don't you go back first and tell them to wait?

Come on , take a walk, all right? That's a good girl.

Bye.

Your assistant is cute.

She has a crush on you, can't you tell?

You're kidding .

Is she too young, or too short, or what?

Stop it, Molly.

The more you misjudge me, the more alone I feel .

Boy, this play has really screwed you up.

Come on , cheer up!

Maestro!

-What brings you here? -Long time no see.

I heard you're big time now.

-Too big for this talk show, even. -What the. . .?

-Thought you were in China. -He just got back.

Larry says I'm too excitable.

He tells me to be mature and patient.

Bite my ass!

-Motherfucker! -What are you doing?

Stop fighting! What are you doing?!

Stand still and Iet me beat you . It'II hurt Iess!

Listen to me.

-Fuck! -Stop fighting! Listen !

What are you doing?

Stop it or I'II sue you ! This is all on tape!

-Great! -What the fuck?

Great! I'II buy the airtime to show it!

Lucky for them, there were no journalists present.

You know why?

-Why? -I've barred them .

The press has got wind of my separation .

How'd that happen? What can we do now?

First, find him and appear in public with me.

This will kill the rumor.

Why do you need me?

Was it Qiqi that blabbed?

If so, I know how to fix it.

I'm not her keeper! How am I supposed to know?

You always confide in her.

Can't stand the Ioneliness?

Come on , the real problem is your separation !

If you'd married Akeem, would this happen?

Now I have to marry Akeem. Isn't it your fault?

Even Birdy's beaten up.

Take a good Iook at yourself!

You can fool viewers with a smiling face, but not yourself!

My ratings prove how the public appreciates my sincerity!

Love?

It only proves how many out there are as empty as you !

And you are making them worse.

Artists...

You're the one that's Ionely!

You fuck with the mind, I'II do it to your body.

That was better exercise than jogging and golf.

Got to tell Larry to drop that maturity bullshit.

This is not an army boot camp.

He's Iike a drill sergeant.

What if Birdy sues you?

Let him try! I'm ready!

He was molesting my wife, invading my property!

You all witnessed it!

Well , does it sound right?

I figured this one out myself. Not bad, huh?

Relax, Akeem, I'II marry you for sure.

-Good. -Won't be no independence bullshit.

Before we marry, make damn sure of this.

Two can play at that game!

Molly.

Molly! Molly!

What's eating her?

Poor thing. You all need my touch .

Why are you closing her company?

I'm not!

AII I was trying to tell her was giving ourselves a Iittle time

to nurture some affection .

Otherwise, people will always Iook down on us, right?

Wonder what would happen if I'd married you.

I'm so Ionely.

So am I .

But Ioneliness makes us value the warmth of caring.

You can come to me if you need someone.

Don't Iaugh at me, please.

How does it feel to be in love?

Have you heard of democratic politics?

By the people, for the people, of the people.

"Of the people" means the government is the real private company.

Liren , step into my office.

What brings you here, Qiqi? Haven't seen you Iately.

Ming!

What is it?

-Molly and I had-- -Let's talk outside.

She's not a friend if she's so suspicious!

This is my office!

Is this being considerate?

What's happened to our mutual understanding?

Why are you making trouble for me every day?

Is it worth going on?

You weren't Iike this before!

I never expressed my opinion, not that I agreed with you .

Are you ready to express it?

Great! Choose between me and Molly! Simple enough?

Democratic enough?

Choose! You don't even know what you want, you deserve no rights!

Qiqi! Qiqi!

Qiqi! Is this your choice?

What's wrong?

What's the matter?

Fuck you ! You hypocrite!

Liren is to be prosecuted.

Forging documents, taking hribes.

Without Liren...

my ideas can be better implemented.

I asked him to be Ienient on that contractor, sir.

Okay, okay.

Don't be silly, young man.

I n other words, the whole department set up Liren?

What do you mean, "set up," silly boy?

Anyhow, forget it.

Happy days are ahead of us.

You've been handpicked by me.

I've always had an eye for talent.

Stop, stop, stop!

Freeze!

Freeze!

It's not right!

-Totally wrong! -What is wrong, director?

It was much better yesterday!

What did we add today?

Nothing, it's exactly the same!

Then why does it feel so different?

Someone must have got in !

I Iocked all the doors.

It's not right!

How is the play?

Good.

Will it sell?

Yes.

L'm sorry.

I'm not here for that clearance Ietter.

I don't mean to trouble you, and you don't need to answer me, but...

Can you give me the titles of your recent books?

I can't find them myself.

They are not published.

I'm not pretending to be...

No one understands me.

No one can help me.

I've Iost all my friends.

That's what Molly did to me too.

If she can't face her own problems, how can she deal with yours?

I can see rough rides ahead for her.

No one's able to help.

You can take these home to read .

Self-help Guide for Artists.

Based on my own experiments.

It shows artists how to Iive frugally.

Best ways to fight commercial pressure.

This is my research Iab.

No TV, no phones, no air-conditioner, no taxis.

Guess how much I spend in a month .

Around 25 bucks!

You should also read this one.

Got rejected this morning.

A Confucian Confusion.

It's about the reincarnation of Confucius.

He comes back to this society he created .

He's surprised to find he's become Mr. Popular.

Everyone respects him and wants to Iearn from him.

Then he realizes what everyone wishes to Iearn are

the tricks of his successful put-on job.

No one believes he's for real .

And he can't explain it himself.

For his explanation is also taken as a put-on.

His popularity also garners him many enemies.

They ruin him with rumors.

Then. . . what happens?

An astrologer tells him,

he has the fate of a "FIower" and a "Rat."

The "FIower" aspect explains his popularity.

But the "Rat" makes him a disgraceful survivor.

Even if he kills himself, he'II be reincarnated

to relive the same fate repeatedly.

How hopeless.

I used to be Iike him.

I could write a bestseller in three days. I was supporting my whole family.

Molly's sister was my classmate.

Her family arranged her marriage.

We had a tough fight against it.

She's here to read my new books.

You're incorrigible!

You and your young women.

She's fallen asleep over there.

Is it warm enough to sleep here?

I'm very happy here.

You're not taking care of yourself.

I could have come to help you .

Why aren't you at work?

I'm sorry, I've quit.

I didn't know.

Well , you can Ieave now. Thanks for your patience.

Why must I Ieave just because you said so?

Of course you're welcome to stay.

Can I get you a drink?

It reminds me of your student digs.

Books everywhere.

Nonstop music.

Like floating clouds and babbling brooks.

The first time I went to your place, you Iet me read the books you wrote.

I sat there reading .

Like Qiqi just did .

But things are all different now.

Back then, you were Iike your books, gentle and caring.

Full of optimism and energy.

Now you try to be different. You write to despair people.

Do you know how much this has hurt me?

That astrologer was right: your "FIower" appeal .

So you always attract pretentious Iittle girls Iike Oiqi .

Are you hiding from death in this hole, just Iike your "Rat" aspect?

Remember the traffic accident he predicted?

Did you come here to remind me?

I'm taking some journalists to dinner.

They've heard that we're separated .

Want me to play the husband with you?

Sorry, I can't.

If this rumor reaches my audience and your readers,

it could be devastating .

We're not divorced , and I'm sure you'II come back to me.

If only I could be Iike the Prodigal Son?

I'm Iike my books, and you your TV show.

We're moving in opposite directions.

You actually inspired my TV show, remember?

Your optimism and Iiveliness Iightened up my Iife.

I wished to share it with the world .

My show's success is proof of my faith in you.

Doesn't it only prove how empty their souls are?

They need cures more than comfort!

Why else would they be so interested in our separation?

Right?

You should be more sympathetic of their being so fragile.

It cannot be strengthened by your hypocritic cosmetic optimism.

They'II keep rotting from within.

Those rosy books I wrote did just that, Iike drugs and opium!

I'm responsible!

Are you being responsible?

Your bleak, sick new books are a cure?

My TV show gives them a Iiff.

Your books terrify readers with crime and death.

Is this your idea of a cure?

If you had found the cure, you wouldn't be this miserable.

You should try practicing what you preach.

Go kill someone, or get killed .

Get run over or fatally ill.

Betray a friend , commit suicide or adultery.

How can you see the world

and think you're the reincarnated Confucius

by hiding in this hole?

You talk about caring for the public?

Even regarding yourself as the reincarnation of Confucius.

Is this not hypocrisy?

You'II receive retribution for this!

I don't mean to hurt you .

You're walking into a cul-de-sac.

You'II find the world has moved on without you .

It doesn't even need you .

So one day you'II come back to me.

I'II be waiting all my Iife.

I'II figure out something else to quiet the journalists.

Cul-de-sac...

Retribution ...

Ming, Iooking for your dad?

-Yes. -I'II fetch him .

-Have a seat. -Never mind.

Come, drink with us.

Our manager and the screenwriter are here.

Well , stop joking.

How could I drink with the head honchos of a broadcaster?

-Don't make fun of me! -PIease, come join us.

Where is he?

He was right here.

Where did he go?

He was sitting here. Then I went to fetch you.

He didn't say a word . I didn't expect him to be here.

Stupid cow, he must have needed me for a reason !

You should have more confidence in yourself.

Acting is just Iike faking , everyone knows how to do it!

Good actors are always good fakers!

Don't answer that phone.

Concentrate on our business. . . No, I mean our work. . . Yes, our work.

Hello?

Hold on.

Why are you back?

There's someone named Larry asking for you .

I was avoiding that call. Big help you are!

I Ieff something here.

Can't you Iook for it tomorrow?

I'd Iike to update the script.

It's all done, isn't it?

Damn . . . Why dressed up so pretty?

Not afraid of the rapist cab-driver?

Do you really think I'm pretty?

God , this is getting corny!

I can help auditioning the new girl .

It's all done. Go on home now.

I'II add a female Iead.

Another?

You've added seven !

This is my decision!

You're being fooled by her!

You're worse than my mother! See you in the morning !

You artists! Like those movie people!

-You're in their clutches! -Silly girl .

Or you're abusing your power

-to take advantage of them. . . -Where were we?

-What ideals?! -Am I really getting a Iead role?

Didn't you hear me saying that?

You'II be. . . the Ieading Iady. Once she's made it!

You were telling me about your childhood , so sad .

Tell me more, I'd Iike to hear it.

Are you taking advantage of me Iike she just said?

Don't be bothered by that nonsense she said .

I really idolize you .

The moment we met, I knew you were destined to guide me.

If only we had met each other earlier.

Yes, if only!

When you appeared behind that red drapery...

Like something out of Tsui Hark's A Chinese Ghost Story.

Then you Iost your contact Iens.

You were helpless Iike a Iost child ...

Come.

Come.

Come.

Come.

Not today, okay?

We've plenty of time to know each other.

Don't you trust me?

We can't work together without trust!

Trust is most important in theater!

I don't want to be taken for that kind of girl .

What kind of artist do you think I am?

Why were you here?

I thought you idolized me!

Shit, why so many calls at this hour?

There's this rich guy trying to track me down.

Have you . . .? Ever heard of a guy named Akeem?

A friend of mine works for him .

Hello?

It's you .

Now?

No, I can't. I'm sort of busy.

You're downstairs? No, don't! Don't come up!

I'II come down !

Okay, bye.

Goddamn it!

Fuck, I don't care!

Stick around if you want the part, or get Iost!

I've got my affairs to attend to.

Why are you driving me around Iike this?

Would I come without a reason?

Then get to the point, I have unfinished business.

No, I mean work.

I wanted to go to you .

You wanted to come out.

-Let's go back, then . -No, no!

I'm trying to work. I need to be alone!

I need solitude! I need the mood!

Don't give me that artist crap!

AII right, I'II take you back.

Is this the way to treat a friend, Birdy?

Remember when you came to me to beg for a few bucks?

Now you're big time, right? Maestro?

-Yes, I am. -But no one needs your plays.

-So what? -We won't die without art.

Who do you think you are?

You can't fool me as easily as Qiqi did .

-I'm in this business too! -I'm big time!

If you had a say in your family...

you wouldn't be in this business and marrying Akeem.

-I'm happy to marry him. So what? -Who the fuck is Akeem?

He'II kick your ass.

I'm not a fool to sue him...

You fucking scum!

-Master. . . -Damn!

And ruin my hard-won reputation in the news.

-They're jokes. -Who gives a damn about you?

-You scum! -You fucker!

-I'II corner him one day! -Knew it!

Hello?

Who's this?

This is Akeem.

And you?

He's so Iucky to have you as his assistant.

Fine, I'II come right up.

See you .

So I was right. He is up there for sure.

I knew it when his assistant hung up on me.

Never heard a voice sound so much Iike...

...so much Iike Love.

You are a bad boy.

I told you to play it cool, pretend knowing nothing .

The angrier, the bigger the smile.

But you beat him up.

Let's go up and meet her.

Does her voice sound silky Iike this?

Dumb-ass!

It's easy to put on a voice!

You're marching into one trap affer another.

Can't even stop you.

Trying to be your own man?

There's nothing but trouble up there!

Such a corny sex trap and you couldn't tell?

This is what the artists are best at.

You are in grave danger!

What if he takes you to court?

It could be millions to settle it out of court!

Maybe it's not as complicated as you think.

You're hopeless!

Stay here and don't even move! Don't make it worse than it is!

Larry, has it crossed your mind?

What?

What if Birdy and Molly are innocent?

Okay, okay.

Do you think dealing with him is an easy job?

Stay put.

What? I'm a master!

-Yes, a master! -So what?

I'm a master and tougher than you!

You're a fool to marry him!

That's right, I Iove him.

-Love, good ! -Yes, I Iove him. So what?

-Good, go Iove him! -I Iove him.

Tell you what. Go to Akeem next time you're Ionely!

Your asshole fiancé!

What do you want to say?

Wait a minute.

Let me explain ...

It's not what you think...

-Tell him! -Didn't you want to corner him?

-Tell him! -Let's see some action!

Let's see some action!

-What? -No more pressure, please!

-No more pressure, please! -Damn it.

-What a wuss! -Have pity, please!

Have pity, please!

Stop, Molly!

-Get up! -Stop, Molly!

-I try to make peace. -Pity me!

Don't mess it up!

This guy abused me! Do something about it!

-And you're talking nonsense? -Stop bullying me.

-You say I'm causing trouble? -Bullying?

-Look at him! -Who's bullying you?

He's so helpless. How could he abuse you?

PIaying the nice guy now?

Give me a fucking break!

And spare me all the bullshit about Iove!

I thought you two were having an affair.

Sorry, Maestro.

My mistake!

Just name a way, I'II compensate you.

Don't worry about it.

I just had a thought.

You're much better than my fans.

Their misunderstanding of me was expressed in passion .

Look what that pressure has crushed me into.

Your misunderstanding was expressed in hatred .

It's much easier to deal with.

I guess I'II go into politics, it's much easier.

Art is too much hassle.

Okay, okay. Don't be discouraged .

You're cool .

We are alike somehow.

Come to think of it, I could try a Iittle art myself.

Not a bad idea!

I'II help you out.

-Really? -It's a deal !

Good, good.

I forgot, Larry's up there Iooking for you .

He wouldn't Iet me go up.

-You go tell him . -Okay.

-Say we're cool . -What was his name?

-Larry -Larry.

Larry.

Larry.

-Let's get together soon ! -Larry.

A promise!

A destiny.

A collaboration .

A determination .

A celebration .

Excuse me.

Fucking peasant! Can't even use an elevator?

Stop! Don't do that!

Are you crazy?

Who the hell are you?

Fuck you !

Listen ! Larry, the problem is solved!

-Why do you treat artists Iike shit? -Get down.

Larry, it's settled !

-Larry, we're good! -Fuck you ! Fuck!

-The problem is solved . -Fuck!

You know nothing !

The jerk has some real problems.

Get out of my way, I am doing this for you !

Didn't you say "stay cool and smile"?

What is this?

You're a disgrace!

What the fuck do you know?

I'm a disgrace? You think I'm embarrassing?

Okay, from now on, I quit!

Do it all yourself!

I have a hundred job offers.

How much friendship have I invested in you?

I'm doing this for you !

Akeem! Akeem!

Akeem!

-Go ahead ! -Akeem!

Akeem!

AII the politicians say so.

Ming!

Your secrets are out!

This chick came Iooking for you . She said she's known you since school .

You never told me you had another girl.

-Where is she? -Your secrets are out.

Around the corner.

What?

What's the story?

It's written all over your face.

I'm not in the mood.

Don't ask such questions.

Who else should I ask? Why is she avoiding me?

She's not answering her mobile phone.

You two try to gang up on me?

Trying to be a hypocrite Iike her?

Don't project your problems onto others!

Save yourself the hassle!

I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!

I was worried sick!

They said I'm supposed to die under a car anyway.

It's my retribution .

I was sitting on the overpass...

Iooking down on the traffic.

It was...

fascinatingly peaceful.

I felt so contented .

It gave me an urge to...

To fly off.

My mind was filled with...

memories of joytul moments from the past.

Then your face...

Your face swam into view.

And I thought...

you'II be back...

for your mobile phone.

You're my only reason to Iive.

You have brought me a new hope.

Only my past has died.

You have given me a rebirth.

You must now accept me.

How can I accept you?

I don't even know what I want.

Didn't you Iecture this to me this affernoon?

The whole world misunderstood you .

I'm the only one who understands you .

I don't even understand myself.

-How can you. . .? -But...

you are the only true hope I have.

The only thing that's better than death for me.

You're blaming me for not saving your Iife.

How can you ask me to bear that responsibility?

Because you care about me.

-What are you talking about? -You ...

Then why'd you come back?

I need my phone.

But...

-you didn't have to come tonight. -I ...

You do care, right?

That's a wild assumption !

-Qiqi, don't go! -You assume too much !

-No, I don't. -You assumed wrong !

You're running away because you know I am right!

Stop the car!

-Where did you pop up from? -You okay?

-You all right? -How come I didn't see you?

How come I hit you?

I n the rear?

He was behind you .

But I hit him!

How could I hit him with the rear?

You made a sudden stop!

You hit someone when a car is moving, not stopping !

No, he ran into you in the rear!

-This is a bad joke! -Explain it to him.

-I can't. -I stopped the car.

How is a person faster than a car?

-He's right. -Lad .

-We are all Iike him. -So who pays whom?

-We have fixed ideas on everything. -You're not a car.

Do you carry auto insurance?

-What's a "FIower" appeal? -It's about sex, isn't it?

What if you are called a rat?

It's an insult, isn't it?

But rats have Iong Iives!

I Iive well , why worry about it?

Exactly! Life is great for everyone! Even rats!

FIowers should suggest beauty and goodness, not just sex appeal .

Aren't we all Iike him?

If we don't even recognize beauty and goodness,

how can we think positively?

If this is the case, there must be...

more to Iife than just what we think there is.

Isn't Iife more fun if we discover something new every day?

From this accident...

to every flower, tree,

and Iiving person Iike you,

fun is everywhere to suggest new hope for Iife.

So the best way to fight hypocrisy is not by death ...

but by Iiving honestly!

How stupid I was!

If truth is everywhere, who needs Confucius?

Who would impersonate him?

If there weren't a real Rolex, how would there be fakes?

Because there are fakes,

we unavoidably suspect and misunderstand one another,

and misplace our hopes in others.

Maybe he's the reincarnated Confucius!

You're crazy!

Not only is his potential denied

by the bondage of his own teachings,

he'd never know he's the Great One!

He's Ieff himself blind and empty,

and turned to my bad books for comfort, Iike everyone else!

No wonder he'd mistake your innocence for hypocrisy!

What a tragic waste of his talent!

There's still time! I must rewrite my books!

My romantic period ended Iong ago.

Now my tragic period has ended too.

From now on , it's my...

It's my...

My...

What do you think we should do?

It'II be nice to have a place of our own.

I'II rent a place, how's that?

I don't see Akeem that often.

I can be with you after work.

Shouldn't you move out anyway?

Can't Iive with your mother forever.

That's too far down the road for me.

When we don't feel as helpless as today,

this feeling between us may disappear.

What are you getting at?

I don't Iike the sound of it.

Makes me feel insecure.

We panic when we're overwhelmed by our personal problems.

We could hurt others unknowingly.

That's too complicated.

I have one simple question .

Do you Iove me?

Do you Iove me?

I know what you want me to say.

I want you to say it. Do you Iove me?

I Iove Liren, but my ignorance ruined his Iife.

-I don't want to harm you Iike that. -Cut the crap!

You don't Iove me!

Men are all alike!

Time to split, once you've slept with a girl .

How can you make it sound so ugly?

It's very touching to share moments Iike this.

I'm sure you've been in this situation before.

I can tell you I have.

I wouldn't be surprised if Qiqi has too.

Don't we all feel Ionely and helpless sometimes?

If you think you can find the kind of Iove you want in this,

why does it happen to you repeatedly?

To say "I Iove you" is easy.

You want to hear Iies?

So that you can accuse me of Iying to you Iater?

How can others be honest with you if you're not with yourself?

Now you've Iost your best friend .

Be honest, face your problems!

It's Oiqi again.

We have nothing in common except her.

It's you who can't Iet go of her, not that I have problems.

Can you Iet go of her?

Isn't Akeem your problem?

Our relationship is normal! Where's the problem?

Sure, normal .

It must be Iove for we've slept together, that's normal .

Find a steady job to Iead a secured Iife, that's normal .

Let's set up Liren and ruin him, he 's not normal.

My dad went to jail, that makes him an asshole.

Boxer's unrest. . . The Cultural Revolution...

Tiananmen. .. A unified China...

All are normali

Why are you here?

I've never seen you here this early.

Leave me alone, will you?

Don't come barging back in Iike this, it's very disturbing !

Molly, I miss you !

I know you miss me too.

You are such a bad faker!

When l heard the sound of the elevator,

l wondered if it was you who came looking for me.

Where did you go Iast night?

That's in the past.

Let's not talk about what we should forget.

You're right.

Let's go home and crash.

You know, I've never Iiked this job.

I realized that Iong ago.

But what else can I do?

It's better to know for sure than just guess?

Well , I was Iooking all over for you .

Saw your car parked downstairs.

I was going to go to him .

You go first, I have things to settle with him.

Did you see the papers?

Big splash on your sister and brother-in-Iaw.

You didn't change! Did you go home?

Neither did you .

I was about to go see you .

We need to talk.

No, Iet me say it first.

-No, me first. -Mine is more important.

-What's more important than--? -My--

Let's end our engagement.

PIease don't blame me.

I knew you'd take it badly, but we must face it.

Look at your sister.

She married for Iove, Iet me remind you .

We might spend our whole Iives pretending Iike her.

I don't think I can take it, can you?

Yeah, in fact, there're some other reasons too.

To be honest...

I'm in Iove.

I can't Iie.

PIease forgive me!

Name your terms, I'II compensate you!

PIus I'II tell your dad it's all my fault.

I ask one thing .

Good! I accept!

This company is all yours.

What?

This company is all yours.

Is that all?

No regrets?

Is that right?

I was just thinking about...

trying a Iittle art myself.

And ...

that girl is in the arts too.

Hello?

2nd Auntie?

Which hospital?

I'II try to find him.

Why isn't he at the office?

He quit?

Did his coworkers tell you this?

I'm his son, just tell me where he is.

He's in Intensive Care.

PIease wait here, okay?

I've waited Iong enough . I'd Iike to know what happened .

Ming came to see him Iast night...

but went away without seeing him.

He got upset and blamed it on me.

He was furious and started drinking ...

and holding it against me.

He behaved Iike a child .

What's wrong with Ming?

Don't feel sad .

Nothing Iasts forever in this world .

It's always changing .

There's nothing we can do. Rules are rules, and we're busy.

This could be the Iast chance to see him before he dies!

Not your own father, right?

Everyone follows rules, why are you different?

This is a bureaucracy!

You just go through the motions.

You're all alike! Who's responsible if something happens?

What's all this?

Find another hospital if you're not happy with us.

You fucking bureaucrats!

I want to Iive more happily affer this.

I won't care what others may say.

I got married, they talked.

I got divorced , they talked .

I moved in with him, more they talked .

I've made it this far.

Why care now?

He's Iived his share.

He knows better.

Why should we feel bad?

I think he is going to pull through .

You can go in and visit him Iater.

Thank you , doctor!

Just want to say...

it's not your fault that we've split up.

It's not yours either.

It's not that something's wrong with you .

I know. I am perfectly fine.

I'm glad that you're so confident.

But that may make others more jealous of you.

As Iong as I don't return their favor,

I always have myself to believe in.

-Did you know I've quit? -Right.

I was shocked at first.

Then I felt it wasn't that surprising .

If a "perfect couple" Iike us can split up,

what surprises are Ieft?

I won't be as steady as before.

I can't support anyone anymore.

If everyone asked support from others, who's Ieft to support oneself?

What are your plans?

Not sure yet.

I thought it'd be very tough, but it's not that bad .

I have two arms and two Iegs.

I guess I'm as good as the next guy.

What's the worry? Seen anyone starved to death Iately?

We've both been thinking so much.

If we hadn't split up,

we might have never thought so many things through .

True!

We had so many rows.

I've never felt this relaxed.

You should go up to your father.

We can still stay in touch .

Yeah, we can meet for a coffee at Friday's, or something.

Feel Iike a coffee at Friday's?