Original subtitles

Created & Directed by WONG KAR WAI

EPISODE 12

PEARL EARRINGS

We won't get ahead

just going after such obvious money.

We'll make the money

that no one else thinks of.

Most river fish eat grass.

But catfish eat meat.

If you lose focus,

she'll tear you apart.

A special visit needs a special reason.

-What's the reason today, Mr. Bao? -You're not a fishmonger.

This fish

must have a deeper meaning.

Some discussions aren't for Huanghe Road.

Give me a minute.

Xiao Mei, you're already leaving?

That's right.

Mei, stay for a little longer.

That's okay.

Mr. Fan, go back to your friends.

Xiao Mei,

listen to me.

Don't be discouraged.

Mr. Wei will just say anything.

Don't take his words to heart.

I get that you've been wronged.

That's why I brought all these friends here to help.

I want to make it up to you.

It's not like you did anything wrong.

You don't need to make it up to me.

These friends' projects are smaller.

They are no San Yang.

But,

they add up.

If you combine all of these projects,

well, you won't be Miss Wang,

but you'll be ahead of your other colleagues,

Right?

Mr. Fan, I'm sure you're aware

this isn't like a sports competition

where you get a medal for second place.

At our office, you're either first,

or you're last.

No, no way.

A person's growth happens one step at a time.

But some people know Mr. Bao and succeed overnight.

That's what I call unfair.

Xiao Mei.

Xiao Mei.

Nothing in life is completely fair, right?

Mr. Bao.

Just compare me to him. How is that fair?

Right?

I doubt anything's going on between them,

but it's definitely a bad look.

If Miss Wang hears of this,

she'll feel humiliated.

Xiao Mei,

Li Li is Li Li. Miss Wang is Miss Wang.

Men are well aware.

Forget Mr. Bao.

Even a guy like me.

I will always know exactly

who is the blossom in my heart.

My old wife back in Hangzhou, of course.

Sure, there are lots of pretty ones here...

Goodbye, Mr. Fan.

But my wife will always be my special flower who blooms forever.

"The New Orchid Inn"

There you are, young lady.

I saved your usual spot.

Hello.

Miss!

Where did she go again?

Careful, it's hot.

Thank you.

You don't like catfish, Mr. Bao?

I don't eat fish.

Too many bones.

Then you'd never make it in Shenzhen.

Why, is catfish a popular dish there?

Some breeders raise salmon with catfish.

Do you know why?

Catfish attack other fish.

When salmon are chased around,

they grow healthier and fatter.

So Miss Li Li is the catfish of Huanghe Road.

If my only goal was to open a restaurant,

there'd be no need to get Mr. Bao involved.

So you're not here just to open a restaurant?

And you don't just manage exports.

Everyone talks about your winning record in the stock market.

Other only see where I ended up.

Only I know what it took to get here.

That's why the stock market

is the real battleground.

The stock market is risky,

Miss Li Li.

Are you worried I'll be a second Golden Phoenix?

Who's that?

Do you know Mr. A?

Who's that?

We're even.

I still owe you ¥300,000.

Do you know the origin of Huanghe Road?

I don't.

It was a bet.

Have you heard of Mr. Sheng?

Is this a history quiz?

He lost the land for Huanghe Road in a single Mahjong game.

That's the origin.

I don't gamble.

I just want to make money.

"No rest until I reach Huanghe."

Huanghe Road's restaurants make the most money.

That's why I'm here.

See you, young lady!

-See you. -Come back anytime.

Goodbye, my friend.

Come back again.

-Madame! -Coming.

Here's good.

Guess I'll see you.

You'll come looking for me.

How are you so sure?

The fish will grow.

You really do have better foresight.

Keep it. You'll use it.

Goodnight.

The rain should stop soon.

Goodnight.

I don't think you can focus on work today.

Nonsense.

I've been very productive today.

You don't have to put on an act with me,

Mr. Bao and Madame Li Li were practically holding hands.

You need to decide now between your career or love.

Career.

Best case, you make section chief.

How much can a section chief make?

If you become Mrs. Bao, you'll get the man and the money.

Why do I have to be Mrs. Bao?

I won't leave No. 27.

Besides,

here I have a good boss, good coworkers, and good clients.

Why should I leave?

So you're saying

No. 27 matters more than Mr. Bao.

Of course.

I don't believe you.

If Mr. Bao dates Li Li,

you won't care?

I hear these rumors all the time.

I never believe them.

You're just saying that.

You think I don't mean what I say?

Who is it?

Good morning, Uncle Ye.

Morning.

How many hearts must you break a year?

Is it true about you and Li Li?

Have you held hands?

Have you kissed?

Uncle Ye?

Miss Wang.

Are you here for Mr. Bao?

No.

Do you know about Mr. Fan?

What about him?

He wants to cut out Mr. Bao and sell directly.

What?

I'll go talk to him right now.

Has the export permit been approved?

It takes a while.

Uncle Ye,

please tell Mr. Bao

to focus on the project.

Tell him to behave!

Love is dangerous!

Where's Xiao Wang?

Out.

Out where?

I don't know.

Come in here, Mei Ping.

What's going on with Xiao Wang?

The rumors about Mr. Bao and Li Li.

Of course she would be bothered. Anyone would.

To Miss Wang, Mr. Bao is--

Mr. Bao helped her a lot.

Without Mr. Bao, Miss Wang wouldn't be who she is today.

Of course,

Mr. Bao also needs Miss Wang.

He didn't do her any wrong.

Talk some sense into her when she comes back.

Give this to Xiao Chen.

Okay.

Oh right, when she's back, tell her to go to HR.

She's going to be section chief?

Just about.

I'll have to congratulate her...

But I'll have to warn her to be more careful.

What's the matter?

It's not a big deal.

It's just that sometimes Mr. Bao gives her expensive gifts.

I know their relationship is special,

but if this gets out,

it would look bad.

Ethics are our bottom line.

Chief Jin, we all want what's best for Miss Wang.

I just wanted to remind her, that's all.

What did Mr. Bao gift her?

Earrings. Pearl earrings.

This big.

When the bottle opens, good fortune follows.

After today, Huanghe Road has a new king of T-shirts!

You flatter me.

You all showed me the way,

and the times gave me the chance.

That's how we made such a splash.

Hello, Miss Wang.

This way.

-Oh Miss Wang! -Is Mr. Fan here?

Yes, in the Garden Room.

I came from Huxi to Shanghai.

From here, I want to go to Hong Kong,

then to New York,

hear them ring the bell.

Miss Wang is here.

I heard Mr. Fan was holding a meeting,.

so I came to see what it was about.

Mr. Fan, why don't the two of you talk?

We'll go out for a smoke.

Mr. Fan, we'll go smoke.

It'll just be a minute.

Okay.

Miss Wang.

Bring her a glass.

Excuse us for a minute.

Tell Min Min to bring us a something tasty.

Mr. Fan, in business and in life, trust is most important.

If it weren't for Mr. Bao, would San Yang have sold so well?

He's your primary seller,

but now you're trying to cut him out and sell direct?

Burn the bridge you just crossed?

I'd never do something like that.

Back at the factory, everyone has their eyes on me.

Other companies are jumping into retail and offering big bonuses.

If Mr. Bao remains my one and only seller,

I can assure you my entire factory will think I took a bribe from Mr. Bao.

I'm only trying to

prove my commitment to the factory.

Don't worry.

I, Fan Xinhua,

am not that kind of ungrateful person.

Mr. Bao will still be a primary seller.

That won't ever change.

Listen,

I already got the export permit for the next shipment.

I was willing to go out on a limb

and advocate for San Yang

because I believe in Mr. Bao's capability.

I believe that no matter what,

he can earn the title of Shanghai Name Brand.

San Yang,

I don't trust in anyone else's hands.

What is that supposed to mean?

I was the one that made San Yang.

Miss Wang.

Miss Wang.

Leaving already?

Where's your Madame?

Still out.

Pass on a message for me.

Tell her to focus on her business.

Don't use Mr. Bao as a prop for attention.

I've seen plenty of women like her.

None of them last very long.

Understood.

Call Mr. Bao.

Tell him everyone Mr. Fan met, and everything Miss Wang told him.

Leave out the rest.

Okay.

One more thing.

Reserve the Sky Room.

I have important guests.

Madame, who are they?

Didn't I tell you?

Don't ask things you don't need to know.

I understand, Madame.

Want a new nail color?

No.

Got it. Mr. Fan just called me.

Thank you, Min Min.

Miss Wang just called.

She got the export permit.

She's sending it over later.

She can't keep a secret.

She must have had the permit for a while.

Mr. Fan wants to meet tomorrow.

He probably got scolded by Miss Wang.

If she kept the permit news to herself,

she must have been upset.

Young man,

Miss Wang is so kind to you.

Don't mess up your relationship with her,

unless,

you want to be cut off from No. 27.

Those are separate things.

I met Miss Wang at No. 27,

but now, Miss Wang is Miss Wang.

No. 27 is No. 27.

Our friendship has endured so much. This permit won't change that.

But does she think that?

If you get on her bad side, you're doomed.

She's too much.

Miss Wang, another one?

No.

I'm already bloated.

Huanghe Road already knows you're mad.

I only scolded Mr. Fan a bit.

Not Mr. Fan, Mr. Bao.

What about him?

Huanghe Road is like a soda bottle.

If you don't touch it, it's silent.

But crack it open a tiny bit,

and everything comes gushing out.

Once it's open, it can't be closed.

What are you saying?

You'll know in five minutes.

A pack of cigarettes, please.

Coming.

A new customer.

Mr. Wei, what brand?

What's new

on Huanghe Road today?

There's not always something new.

Mr. Wei,

learning a new trick?

Jingxiu is a second-hand source.

Come to Mei Lin Restaurant.

I have first-hand intel.

I'm not that kind of person.

I'm just here to buy cigarettes.

I won't say anything then.

Well it wouldn't hurt.

-Something's happened. -To whom?

-Mr. Bao. -That's normal.

It'd be news if nothing happened to him.

What happened?

Let me tell you.

Mr. Bao is dating Li Li.

He tossed Miss Wang aside.

A love triangle?

Impossible.

Mr. Bao and Miss Wang

are like Romeo and Juliet.

What Romeo and Juliet?

Mr. Bao is a playboy.

He has more women than Henry VIII.

Poor Miss Wang is too innocent.

Innocent?

More like unrequited love.

But telling Li Li off through Min Min?

How dare she?

When did Mr. Bao ever acknowledge her as his girlfriend

-or wife? -Stop yapping.

What? I can't yap? I like to yap.

Anyway, It's the truth.

She's always with him, like gum on his shoe.

I think it's unfair to Miss Wang.

Her first name, "Mingzhu," means pearl.

She should be treated like one.

But unfortunately, she met Mr. Bao.

And instead of a pearl, he treats her like dirt.

If you see Miss Wang, tell her,

no need to keep digging your own grave.

There are four untouchable things on Huanghe Road.

Drugs, gambling, prostitution, and Mr. Bao.

Mr. Wei, you hungry?

Come to Mei Lin Garden.

Talking to you tires me out. It's my fault.

I must be too good for you.

Who does he think he is?

Where'd she go?

Ever since you helped find her stamp,

she's put a stamp on you.

She's never been like this over a woman before.

Take it seriously.

Think about others, then yourself.

Don't wait till it's too late. No one will be happy.

What's the rush?

Miss Wang, you're here.

-Spare-ribs with rice cakes. -Mr. Bao has been waiting for you.

What happened?

Not wearing your contacts?

Madame, spare-ribs with rice cakes.

No need.

I ordered it for you.

Eat before it gets cold.

No. I only eat what I order.

I knew it.

You...

All you care about is getting that export permit.

That's nonsense.

You know me.

It's not like this is our first time eating spare-ribs with rice cakes.

We've been coming here for years.

You eat the ribs, I eat the rice cakes.

When you want the rice cakes too, I give them to you.

That's called true friendship.

It has nothing to do with the permit.

What about you and Li Li?

Do you call that a friendship?

Why would I?

She has a restaurant, I run a business, so we have to be cordial.

Well I work for the government

While you're being "cordial," I have to watch my every move.

Put yourself in my shoes.

I hear all kinds of ugly rumors.

I can't explain to everyone that you're just being "cordial" to her.

You can take it? I can't.

I can't even tell my mom.

She'll cry if she finds out.

If she cries, my dad will come after you.

Then what?

I cried so much I can't wear my contacts.

Okay, let's take a break.

Eat a little first, then we'll talk.

No.

No eating till we talk it out.

We were just Wang and Bao

when we first ate fried ribs with rice cakes.

Do you remember what I said four years ago?

Now "section chief" is right in front of you.

You're a public worker.

I'm your client.

We can't have a relationship outside of work.

Right now, we have two options.

Either I resign, or you give up foreign trade.

It comes down to whether you can give up foreign trade for me.

Don't worry.

I'll support you no matter what you do.

-I don't care if it's selling tea eggs. -Why would I sell tea eggs?

-We could sell them together. -I'm not going to quit,

and I won't let you quit either.

You just wait and see what I'll do tomorrow.

Miss Wang.

Miss Wang, you haven't had dinner?

I hope that one day,

I can be like Chief Jin, the ace of the Foreign Trade Office.

Four years.

Four years?

In four years, she'll retire.

Then you'll be the section chief.

-You believe in me that much? Of course.

Good morning, Mr. Gao.

You're late again.

You're always late.

Xiao Wang, come in here.

What's wrong with you?

You went to go eat rice cakes,

and now you're selling tea eggs?

Who knows?

Somehow that's where we ended up.

It's like an interrogation.

Rapid fire.

You have no time to think through your response.

Before you know it, she has your confession.

How did a smart guy like you make such a rookie mistake?

What are you talking about?

Nonsense.

I'm worried for you!

Sure, you've known more women,

but I've known them more deeply, okay?

I've paid dearly for it.

So don't make the same mistakes.

You're a role model to me.

You must not stoop to my level.

Now you're just talking to yourself.

-I-- -Didn't you hear what I said?

I asked you to talk some sense into Miss Wang.

And not do anything rash. Understand?

I can't go.

Why?

I'm still healing.

What are you healing?

Look.

Here, bruises.

See?

Why are there still so many bruises?

Don't get me started.

Usually a beating happens all at once.

Fang Mei, on the other hand, treats it like an installment plan.

Hits me whenever she thinks of it.

I can't take it.

You deserve it.

How can you say that?

Ain't going.

-Help me out here. -Unless...

you come with me to see Ah Sao.

You're still thinking about her?

Did you forget your promise to Fang Mei?

-Can you think clearly for once? -Can you think clearly?

Can you?

If you can, then enough with the mixed messages.

If you like her, you like her. If you don't, leave her alone.

That's what thinking clearly is.

Why did you close the door?

Go away.

Talk to her yourself.

Get it together.

Wake up.

Listen, Miss Wang's dad called.

He's coming to talk to you.

Why?

He said Miss Wang cried all night,

and is going to resign.

Miss Wang, good morning.

Morning.

What are you doing?

I'll tell you later.

Hello?

Mr. Bao. Oh Miss Wang?

She just went to Chief Jin's office. What--

Chief, I need to talk to you.

I was just looking for you.

These two are from Internal Affairs.

You need to go with them.

Internal Affairs?

Are you Wang Mingzhu?

Yes.

Come with us.

Sorry.

What happened?

Who are those two?

-From Internal Affairs I think. -Why are they here?

What's wrong?

Did something happen to Xiao Wang?

I don't know.

Excuse me.

Sorry.

-What's happening? -Why are you asking me?

Mei Ping, you must know.

Xiao Mei,

where's Miss Wang?

Hi, Mr. Bao. Miss Wang went to the sixth floor.

-The sixth floor? -Internal Affairs.

-Why did she go there? -I'm not sure.

Chief Jin is over there. You could ask...

Chief Jin.

Mr. Bao,

I wasn't expecting you.

I need your help with something urgent.

Here's what happened.

Miss Wang and I had a misunderstanding.

I haven't had time to clear things up.

If...

she tries to resign, please hold off.

You're a little late.

It's no longer about whether she'll resign.

Go home.

She won't be back for a while.

What happened?

It's internal.

I'll tell you once we know more.

I'll just say one thing.

For now,

avoid contact with her.

"Internal Affairs"

Sit.

Wang Mingzhu?

What year did you join our company?

After graduating in '87, I was assigned to the light industry department.

My father was an exports agent at No. 27.

He retired early, so I got transferred here

to the textile department.

I went from Verifications

to Labeling, then Inspections.

From export agent to team leader.

And for the past few years,

most of your work has been with this Mr. Bao.

How did you come to know him?

We met when he was just getting started in foreign trade.

He had small projects that nobody wanted,

so he came to me.

He seemed trustworthy, and pretty capable.

With my guidance, his projects started growing.

Back then he processed imported denim, and exported jeans to Africa.

Of course, without his help,

I wouldn't be where I am today.

According to our rules,

all client meetings should have two agents present.

Why do you always go by yourself?

Your relationship with him...

Is it strictly professional,

or is there more to it?

There isn't.

He always invites our section chief, but she's too busy.

She doesn't have time, so she tells me to go by myself.

You can ask her yourself.

With No. 27 under Foreign Affairs,

everyone knows client relationships must be business-only.

Plus he's a Hong Kong merchant, so it's even more impossible.

Thank you.

Miss Wang is in trouble this time.

You don't go to the 6th floor to resign.

Someone reported you.

Reported me?

For what?

-It has to be an ethics issue. -She always follows the rules.

You bought everything I've given her. You know what they're worth.

What could be the problem?

It has to be the ¥26,000.

You accepted a car worth ¥26,000.

I bought that myself.

You make ¥1,500 a month.

Where did you get ¥26,000?

I saved up little by little,

including year-end bonuses.

¥10,000 was from my dad.

Then why did you say Mr. Bao gave you ¥26,000?

He was paying me back.

A rich man like him needed money from you?

-I never said I lent him money. -Then what was he paying back?

You don't take things seriously.

You can't just give any gift you want.

You have to consider what's appropriate.

Some gifts are thoughtful.

Some gifts are trouble.

These earrings.

I couldn't accept them as a gift, so I paid for them myself.

But then he told me they were cheap,

so he paid me back.

These earrings are cheap?

Call the shop if you don't believe me.

It's all thanks to that instigator.

Call her right now.

Tell her if someone from No. 27 calls, she needs to be honest.

Ling Hong! Watch it!

Ling Hong, big trouble.

What's that expression? Did someone come already?

That person, who just left.

-If only Mr. Bao called five minutes ago. -Did they ask about earrings?

-How did you know? -How much did you say?

¥26,000.

Is that bad?

Earrings worth ¥26,000.

Did you turn them in?

I was going to,

but I just couldn't do it,

so I paid for them myself.

Why?

Because...

If you turn them in, what would other people think?

What?

Either way I have to turn everything in.

But have you ever turned in something so expensive?

No,

nor have I accepted them.

They'll think Mr. Bao gives you lots of gifts,

and you're just turning one in to maintain appearances.

So I shouldn't turn them in?

It's just my two cents.

It's up to you.

If I paid for them myself, then they're not a gift.

I shouldn't have to turn them in.

It's not about money. A gift is a gift.

It needs to be turned in.

I forgot!

You have to believe me.

I've been here all these years.

Every pencil, every calculator.

I've reported it all.

You can check my records.

My conscience is clear. I've done right by everyone.

They were cheap earrings.

I'm sure it can be sorted out.

I can talk to Chief Jin myself.

You'll only make things worse for Miss Wang.

Internal Affairs is very experienced.

They'll find out the truth.

But being investigated now, of all times?

"Chief Wang" is probably impossible.

Okay. We understand the situation.

You don't understand at all!

Make arrangements. Hand off your work.

While we investigate, you'll get a temporary assignment.

You still don't understand! You can't do this!

Would Chief Jin really pick her?

-Let me help. -Get away from me!

I took you for a friend, but you plotted against me?

I only said those things because I thought Mr. Bao liked you too.

-Who knew it was so one-sided? -What did you say?

Xiao Wang,

this is an office.

If you want to fight, go outside.

I've been wronged, Chief.

It won't solve anything.

Don't be angry.

Don't touch me.

Where are you going?

To find Miss Wang.

She didn't go to work

or contact her coworkers.

I called her place, but she's not there.

If she's all by herself,

there's only one place she can be.

She can't say she's been wronged.

Whether the earrings were ¥26,000 or ¥200,

she had to turn them in.

That's the reality.

If anyone is to blame, it's that debt demon Ling Zi.

First get Ling Hong's purchase order to prove the earrings were cheap.

Understood.

Miss Wang needs to know

a mistake is a mistake.

She needs to reflect on herself

and what she did wrong.

That should be said in person.

Did you forget what Chief Jin said?

Keep your distance for now.

I know.

Madame, another one.

You've already had three, you're going to be sick.

Mr. Bao isn't here yet?

I'm not waiting for him.

Did you fight?

I never fight with him.

Hello?

A call for you, Miss Wang.

Who?

It's for you.

Hello?

It's me.

Where are you?

Across the street.

Go away. Don't come over.

We're not supposed to see each other.

If we're seen together,

people will think we're colluding.

I know. I won't go over there.

Don't be nervous.

Does your family know what happened?

I don't know if they know.

I just know that last month on my dad's birthday,

he told everyone I'll be section chief.

And now?

Forget section chief,

I may not even be able to sell tea eggs with you.

My worst fear is people gossiping about us.

Even if I'm just selling tea eggs,

I need to do it with a clear name.

Don't worry.

I'm on my way to Ling Hong's.

I'll get her purchase order.

Uncle Ye's coming to see you.

He's a veteran of No. 27.

He has plenty of experience dealing with this sort of thing.

He knows what's proper.

He'll teach you.

Got it.

Look at me.

Where's the purchase order?

Give it to me.

I threw it away ages ago.

Why?

-Ling Zi said to. -Since when do you listen to me?

The person I asked for.

Did you find them?

I don't care how you find it.

I need to see the purchase order tomorrow.

None of us wanted this!