Original subtitles

Created & Directed by WONG KAR WAI

EPISODE 19

CADILLAC

Everyone was looking for a new beginning.

Li Li's catfish pointed a way forward.

-A catfish from Shenzhen took center stage. -Mr. Qiang.

At the beginning, the market was just a puddle.

Now it's a swimming pool.

More and more outside companies will get listed in Shanghai.

When that happens,

the pool becomes a river, then an ocean.

The age of corporate trading is coming.

Retail traders will have to look out.

Do what no one else has done before.

Make the money no one else dares to make.

The market's there for the taking,

and there are only two players.

A winner, and a loser.

When he makes his splash,

we'll be ready to ride the wave.

-Did you tell Stamps Li? -Yes.

Tell Auntie Chub too.

We'll leave the others out of it for now.

What about Uncle Ye?

Don't bother him yet.

Let's first feel out this Mr. Qiang.

hill Good morning, Uncle Ye.

Morning.

What are those?

Account books from Tokyo Nights.

Didn't the debt demon always say that she didn't know accounting?

Turns out, she kept a perfect record.

Not a penny missed.

"Tokyo Nights - General Ledger"

-It's important. You won't even look? -No.

These debts can never be settled.

"Tokyo Nights - General Ledger"

Be careful.

Renovating?

Yeah.

Let me show you.

Look,

I want this wall gone. Knock it down.

Same with the wall above.

Let's also replace the awning.

Okay. Got it.

The ventilation fan goes too.

-Madame, do you want this gone? -Yes. Knock it down.

Wait, you can't!

-Stop. -What are you doing?

-We should take a photo before it's gone. -What's wrong with you? We're not tourists.

We are tourists in life. We'll regret not taking pictures.

-Exactly. -Let's go inside.

Go.

Here is fine. Come.

-Who's taking the photo? -Xiao Wen! Come help.

Over here.

Give us a second.

Hurry and take the picture.

Okay, quick.

Three,

two,

one.

Can I get two people to help

take this stuff to the back?

This is all getting demolished.

Okay.

Great.

-Take a vertical one. -Yes, good.

One more.

Someone come help!

Beat it when you're done, okay?

Okay.

-Let me take off my-- -Okay that's enough.

Wait!

Stop.

I didn't take any in the room yet. Go away.

You, get out.

It's already so different.

This is my kettle.

Why would she throw this out?

The hell?

This is from my shop.

Mr. Ge, come take photos.

-Enough. -What's wrong?

Hasn't been three years, and she's taking it all down.

I'll say it. Only someone like her would do this.

I'm redoing the kitchen. All this goes.

-Got it? Knock it all down. -So what?

If I were her, I'd do the same. If I had money, I'd demolish my shop too.

Come here, Ling Hong.

Enough pictures.Let's go.

Mr. Ge, smile.

You're replacing the stove? It works fine.

Monk, how many times have I said?

Out with the old. In with the new.

Be careful.

Stop it.

You.

What are you doing?

Don't just toss things.

Do you know who built this place with their own hands?

Seriously.

Who? Wasn't it Mr. Bao?

And me.

1990

I know.

Hey, you need to stop.

We had a deal.

You said two weeks.

It's been 20 days, and you're still drilling up there.

Mr. Ge, be patient. I just have a bit more left.

That's what you said last week, and you're still going.

I gave you such a great deal on such a good location.

Now I really regret it.

There were a lot of problems to fix.

-What? What problems? -We've had to use fire pans for three days.

You know how many we used? One here, and three in the kitchen.

Excuse me. I have a question.

Is this No. 248 Jinxian Road?

-Yes, it is. -This is it? Thank you.

-Which of you is the boss? -Excuse me.

I'm looking for Ah Bao.

The boss is here.

You should've seen it. When he saw Ling Zi, he completely froze.

At first, I negotiated with Tao Tao.

The lease was signed by Mr. Bao.

How would I know they weren't in charge?

Who would've thought, the shop was Mr. Bao's gift to Ling Zi.

This will be the big room.

This will be the small one.

Got it?

Yes.

Repeat it.

This one's big. That one's small. And the bar goes over there.

Careful, this floor isn't meant for this many people.

Nonsense.

Ling Zi and Mr. Bao each own 50%.

You think I wouldn't know?

They offered me performance shares, but I said no.

Afraid to lose money?

You had no faith in Ling Zi.

What faith?

I was put on the spot.

Cold noodles.

Just as good as Si Ru Chun.

I bet you've missed Shanghainese noodles.

Thank you.

We'll have a light lunch.

Tonight is your welcome dinner.

This isn't what you had in mind, right?

Not quite.

I knew it.

Think of it as "a banquet hall in a shoebox."

Don't underestimate this place.

The location is prime.

An inch of land, an inch of gold.

Jinjiang Hotel and Okura Garden Hotel are right behind us.

-You should go. -...bring lots of tourists.

International ones at that.

The founder of Jinjiang Hotel started out like this too.

You, Ling Zi, will be just as successful.

I, Ah Bao, have faith.

The two of us met by chance.

I've never done anything for you.

I can't just accept this whole restaurant as a gift.

You gave me your luck.

This is nothing in comparison.

Besides, this helps me too.

I'm in foreign trade.

I have guests to entertain, day in, day out.

With you running Tokyo Nights, I'll have a home base.

Why spend money on food elsewhere,

when it can go to you?

How about this?

You keep the shop. I'll just run it.

At the end of the year, you share the profits with me.

No.

The shop is yours.

If you turn a profit, we'll split it fifty-fifty.

I'll be a shareholder. If you lose money, I'll cover it.

Does that work?

Okay.

It's a deal then.

But just so we're clear,

I'm only saying yes because I know I won't lose money.

Of course not.

-Want some Pepsi? -Sure. I'm thirsty.

Bottle opener.

Let me introduce my very best friend,

-Tao Tao. -I'm Tao Tao.

-I'm Ling Zi. -Hello.

--Call her Big Sis. -Hi, Big Sis.

Cheers to Tokyo Nights, to an auspicious beginning

-Endless fortune. -And never a loss.

-How could they do this? -Step away.

-Leave. -What? We can't even watch?

This--

This is my property.

Go inside.

Let me go.

Inside.

I was going to teach him a lesson.

Enough.

Did you see that?

They're throwing away Mr. Bao's chair!

And? It's not like it's yours.

I bought that chair, okay?

You may have bought it, but Ling Zi picked its place.

Whoever sat there, she said, would have the best view of the Madame.

I'll be honest.

We each have our own place.

Tao Tao, no matter where you go,

you'll always be Tao Tao.

Your place is on Guling Road.

My place is at home.

Mr. Bao?

Until now, his place was here.

Now we don't know where it is.

Knock it down.

Madame!

Coming.

-They're here, right? -Sir.

-Here. -Dumplings, please.

Eat while it's hot.

Mingzhu Ltd.

What do you think? Is that tacky?

Not at all.

"Mingzhu" means pearl, and evokes the Oriental Pearl Tower.

But it can't only have my name.

-It should also reflect you. -Reflect me how?

Instead of "Mingzhu," it's "Weizhu"?

That sounds terrible.

Don't talk nonsense.

Listen.

An 88-table banquet is too much for an opening ceremony.

A simple gesture is enough.

In the future, once we make real money, then we can celebrate.

-It'd be more meaningful. -You don't understand.

Our business needs to start with a bang,

or who's going to work with us?

I'm tell you, on Huanghe Road,

most of the people are snobs.

They look down on us and our company.

All the more reason to make some noise.

We'll let Huanghe Road know two new players have arrived.

Wang Mingzhu and Wei Hongqing.

Well, I can't afford it.

Money's not an issue. With our reputations...

Hell, with just my reputation, say the name, "Wei Hongqing."

And BAM. Any restaurant would love to have us.

Got it.

I'm sorry, Mr. Wei.

The owner said...

One or two tables is fine.

Maybe even ten.

You're a valued friend,

and to celebrate the debut of your partnership with Miss Wang,

we'd give them to you for free.

But 80 tables...

I understand.

We just started the company.

Money is a bit tight.

Thought it wouldn't hurt to ask.

But it's fine.

Wasn't meant to be. I'll try somewhere else.

I'm sorry, Mr. Wei.

No need to walk me out.

Mr. Wei,

still no luck?

Maybe you were too cocky.

It's my fault.

Don't blame us restaurant owners.

We have businesses to run.

It's not that we don't believe in you or Miss Wang.

My problem is, my standards are too high.

I only look at good restaurants.

If only Mei Lin Garden were better, I might've considered it.

Aren't you close with The Grand Lisbon? Why not go there?

That Miss Wang can't live without men.

She lost Mr. Bao, so she settled for Mr. Wei.

Madame,

this would be a sizable order for us.

Mr. Wei and Miss Wang are starting a business.

They will come back to Huanghe Road and return the favor.

Naive.

Shortsighted.

You could die from only seeing what's in front of you.

Miss Wang minus No. 27 equals zero.

Mr. Wei minus daddy equals zero.

What's zero plus zero?

Still zero.

An 80-table banquet would cost more money than they'll ever make.

There's just no way anyone will take them.

Going home?

So early today.

Want a Pepsi?

Mr. Wei?

Have you found a restaurant yet?

Almost.

Mr. Wei.

Our Madame is looking for you.

This way.

Mr. Wei's gone everywhere, but won't come to The Grand Lisbon.

Are we not good enough, or is it something else?

There are no secrets on Huanghe Road.

You've already heard?

Your support helped get us to where we are today.

You and Miss Wang starting a business is a big deal.

We will do everything we can

to help you make this happen.

I'm asking for a lot of tables, you know.

All 88 of our tables are yours.

For how much?

Considering the value of our friendship,

this banquet is on the house.

Once your company is up and running,

stop by here often.

Li Li, this is a huge favor.

Okay. It's a promise.

Miss Wang and I will make it happen.

I already have a name.

It shall be Mingzhu Ltd.

Then I hope Mingzhu Ltd. will give me this honor.

I see great potential in you and Miss Wang teaming up.

You're the only one who does.

The rest of Huanghe Roads is laughing at us.

Mr. Wei, regarding the banner, guest list, and menu,

please coordinate with Manager Pan.

Li Li, starting a business is hard,

but rest assured.

No matter how much I accomplish,

I won't forget your help.

Manager Pan.

Spread the word.

Mr. Wei booked an 88-table banquet for Saturday and pre-paid in full.

Let's help Mr. Wei look good.

Will do. Congratulations, Mr. Wei.

Congratulations.

I'll say three words to you. "A Magnificent Future."

Supervisor,

this gold plaque is my gift to you.

A Magnificent Future.

Okay.

Thank you.

What?

Impossible.

One second he can't afford a deposit, next second he's paying in full?

Does money fall from the sky?

Take care, Mr. Wei.

See you.

See you on Saturday.

Okay.

said he he would have the money.

You're such a know-it-all.

Are you the Madame or am I?

San Zi, listen.

This is all for The Grand Lisbon.

Let Manager Pan know

the two biggest lobsters in that box

are for Miss Wang's banquet. Got it?

Tie them with red strings for good luck.

Got it?

Got it.

Then say so.

Don't make me ask.

What a silly guy.

Ridiculous.

Hello?

Uncle Ye?

It's Tao Tao.

Where's Ah Bao?

He didn't pick up my call.

He went to Ningbo.

To Ningbo?

Wait.

What about Miss Wang's banquet?

I don't know what his plans are.

Goodbye.

"Invitation"

Jingxiu!

Miss Wang.

I haven't seen you in a while. Congratulations on your new company.

Thank you. I came to give you an invite.

Mr. Wei already gave one to me.

He gave one to everyone from here to Dingxing Road.

That's not the same.

You have to come tomorrow.

I don't think I should.

Aren't we friends?

Then as your friend, let me ask you something.

Is Mingzhu your company?

Of course. It's under my name.

What about the money?

It's mostly from my family. They chipped in.

If it was his funding and your brand, that'd be fine.

But now,

the money and the risk are all on you.

What does he bring to the table?

I hear everything people say on Huanghe Road.

I don't want to hear them laugh at you.

Mingzhu's opening banquet!

You don't want to miss this!

"Miss Wang & Mr. Wei: Celebration of New Future"

If you miss it, you'll regret it

Opening ceremony?

More like a wedding reception.

Mr. Wei arranged it personally.

There was even a rehearsal.

What's the point of having these random people?

Is Mr. Bao there?

Almost all the guests are here. Mr. Wei is here too.

Will you go downstairs?

-Is Miss Wang here yet? -No.

Miss Wang must really trust Mr. Wei.

She hasn't come once since the reservation was made.

She doesn't seem bothered that it's become a wedding reception.

If I were her and I saw all this,

I would be furious.

Tonight, everyone on Huanghe Road is focused on us.

We win either way.

"Miss Wang & Mr. Wei: Celebration of New Future"

Mr. Wei is here.

This way, Mr. Wei.

Hello, everyone.

Congratulations.

I'm truly thrilled.

Today, I only invited my closest friends to this 88-table banquet.

Yes!

Do you know what's happening today?

Today, Miss Wang and I join hands

and celebrate our new future together!

Yes!

Where is Miss Wang?

She will be here soon.

Mr. Wei,

-Wishing you a happy marriage, -And a healthy child.

One step at a time.

Here, have some candy.

It's Mr. Wei.

Hi everyone.

-Mr. Wei. Have a drink with me. -Of course.

-Excuse me. -Another drink, sir?

Drink? It's almost 8:30 p.m.

Where are the main courses?

Madame, Miss Wang still isn't here.

The guests are getting restless. Do you want to check on them?

There's no rush. Go toast Mr. Wei first.

He's already drunk.

That's for the best.

If Miss Wang doesn't show, the best outcome for Mr. Wei

would be to get very drunk.

Mr. Wei, today is your big day.

Say something nice, like why you love me.

Why?

Because you didn't pick me to sell San Yang,

I was able to start Mingzhu Ltd.

Miss Wang and I can now be together.

Miss Wang still isn't here.

She will be soon.

Mr. Wei, what if she's not coming?

Nonsense. Of course she's coming.

Who do you think that banner is for?

And that giant cake, waiting to be cut by her.

Have some candy.

Xiao Wang, congratulations.

I'm sorry, Chief.

I didn't think he'd send you an invite.

He's truly happy.

I understand.

I won't be going though.

Fancy dinner parties are not really my thing.

I knew you wouldn't go.

In fact,

I don't even know if I'm going.

You must.

You agreed to be partners.

You need to support him,

or others will think less of him.

Xiao Wang,

most of us want a lot of things,

but we may not get them all.

The person by your side may not be your favorite,

but don't take him for granted.

I understand.

I'll go.

Your first day at No. 27, you started collecting stamps for me.

You kept at it for years.

Today is the grand opening of Mingzhu,

and I have a gift for you.

I can't take this. It's too valuable.

Right now, I know you need

all the money you can get.

There's a stamp dealer on Huanghe Road. Ask for Mr. Zhu.

He'll buy it from you.

We do need money right now,

but I can't accept these stamps.

I know your husband gave you this.

You stay put.

These stamps

are already stored in my heart.

I want to help you.

Miss Wang, you're finally here.

Mr. Wei is already drunk downstairs. I'll walk you down.

Before that, let's first settle the bill.

Whether at No. 27, or on Huanghe Road,

Miss Wang is like a rose.

-Beautiful, but protected by thorns. -Right.

But if you want to win her over,

you'll need all the luck from your past lives.

Without that, don't even bother.

Better to be on the sidelines. We can just relax, enjoy a drink.

And admire her beauty from afar.

Just take it easy.

Right.

Are you talking about you and Li Li?

I'm only here for business.

Why are you bringing up Li Li?

You're the one who got a giant cake, and put the two of you on it,

like you're getting married.

A total of 88 tables.

¥1,800 per table. Including drinks, the total is ¥200,000.

These stamps are worth ¥100,000.

You can go to Mr. Zhu at No. 301.

He's already appraised them.

As for what's left, I'll figure out how to pay you back.

I'll take the stamps.

As for the other ¥100,000,

I don't think you need to put it all on yourself.

You're working with Mr. Wei.

You should split it fifty-fifty. You've paid your half.

He should pay for his.

In business, exchanging favors is a path.

Avoiding favors is another.

You can only pick one.

If you won't take this favor,

it's best to apply that to everyone.

What about you?

I'm all business. I don't do favors.

If I didn't see potential in your company,

I wouldn't have agreed to this.

It was always Mr. Bao by Miss Wang's side.

I'm not used to seeing someone new.

They were just business partners. Everyone knows that.

Uh huh. I'm just looking out for you.

You're the one who likes her.

You see how late it is?

-Your money is going to waste. -True.

-You've had too much to drink. -You're embarrassing yourself.

Embarrassing myself?

You gonna hit me? You want to hit an old man?

Miss Wang is here!

Miss Wang?

There she is.

Now the night is finally complete.

Let's applaud.

Applaud.

Welcome, everyone. Sorry I'm late.

Thank God you're here. Mr. Wei was just about to kill me.

Don't be silly.

Shall we cut the cake now?

Take down the banner, and those portraits too.

In a minute.

Here, let's cut the cake!

Come on.

Please.

Got it. They're gone.

Here, box them up, please.

Miss Wang, making this cut indicates that you're really doing this.

Of course we're doing this. Ridiculous.

Here.

Good!

Good!

Thank you all

for showing your support to Mingzhu.

I have a lot to learn, but I will work hard.

I've always wanted to take on the world.

From now on,

Mr. Wei and I are partners.

Whenever any projects come up,

by all means, please think of us, Mingzhu Ltd.

Cheers to you all.

Well said.

-Everyone. -Cheers.

Welcome.

Come on in.

A bottle for each table, on the house.

Madame wishes Mingzhu swift success.

Sit.

I can't sit in that spot.

I'll sit over here.

That seat is for Mr. Bao.

"Mr. Bao"

Just take a seat.

Right, Miss Wang?

Sit wherever.

-How's this? -Not bad.

-Mr. Fan, take your time. -Enjoy the food, everyone.

Okay.

You're too kind.

After you.

Thank you.

Thank you all for coming.

You really are your father's daughter.

Leaving already?

It's late.

-Take care. -Say hi to your father.

-I will-- -Don't worry. Dad's in good hands.

See you.

Goodbye.

Bye!

I'll see you at our anniversary.

Okay.

Some more tea?

"Mr. Bao"

No thank you.

Okay. Enjoy.

It's almost 11:00. You all have fun.

I should go.

Mr. Fan, you're leaving?

I'll see you next time. It's getting late.

-Okay? -Okay.

Don't forget your phone.

Thank you.

-See you, Mr. Fan. -See you.

Mr. Fan, you're leaving?

Yes.

Miss Wang,

I wish your company great success.

-Thank you. I'll walk you-- -Mr. Fan, wait.

Everyone, let's wait.

We'll leave after Mr. Bao arrives, okay?

Madame, they're wrapping up. Should we send them off?

"Mr. Bao"

It's not over yet.

Miss Wang, no need to walk me out.

It's okay. I had fun today.

Thank you for coming.

You did great today.

"Baozhu" makes for a great name too.

Mr. Fan.

It's "Mingzhu."

Look at me. I had too much to drink.

I just blurted it out.

I just always thought that if you started your own company,

it would be called "Baozhu Ltd."

It's a shame Mr. Bao couldn't make it.

But I also get it.

Well I don't.

They were partners for so long.

A new company is a big deal. He should at least come make a toast.

Mr. Wei, Miss Wang, we're leaving.

Okay.

Thanks for coming.

Thank you.

Save it.

He's always been a busy man.

Well he should've at least said something. He said nothing..

Well he should've at least said something. He said nothing.

Saying nothing is enough.

Mingzhu isn't some impressive company. He doesn't have to take us seriously.

He doesn't have to take me seriously, but he should take you seriously.

Miss Wang.

Miss Wang, it looks like Mr. Bao is here.

Miss Wang.

Miss Wang, over here.

Excuse me.

Miss Wang.

What are you doing here?

Mr. Bao told me to bring this car to you.

Mr. Bao.

Bring this car to Miss Wang for me.

You called me all the way here just for me to deliver a car?

What does this mean?

Because only you know

why I'm giving this car to her.

This car isn't even worth repairing.

Might as well sell it.

Get her a new one.

A Cadillac.

No thanks.

I went to rescue Mr. Bao in this car.

To me, this is my Cadillac.

I'll get it fixed.

Better than throwing money away, right?

Fine.

Go ahead.

If this Cadillac of yours can't be fixed, I'll get you a new one.

Absolutely not.

I'll say it again.

I can't accept expensive gifts.

But it's the thought that counts. That's enough for me.

Mr. Bao said that he couldn't fix the old car.

He can only get you a new one.

An entrepreneur like you should drive a nice car.

I won't accept it.

I already had my dream car.

It's a gift. He won't take it back.

It's a brand new Cadillac.

Why not take it?

There's no point being modest.

We're going to do big things.

We deserve this car and then some.

Mr. Wei is right.

Miss Wang,

we wish you success.

I don't need a Cadillac.

Our friendship is what matters.

Manager Pan,

give this back to Mr. Bao for me.

Miss Wang?

How big a project do we need to land before we deserve this car?

Five million?

Ten million?

Perceptions are subjective.

To me,

the car was a memento of all the times we'd shared.

But to her, in that moment,

it was a gesture of disrespect.

Twenty million.

How about that?

In Miss Wang's eyes,

Huanghe Road that night was devoid of color.

Why gift her a car? They're not together anymore.

What do you know?

It's called silent support.P

He knows he can't intrude, so he swallows his own sadness.

You're a real expert, aren't you?

You think you're kindred spirits?

Who are you sad over, huh?

Why would I be sad?

I'm always happy.

Okay?

He brought Miss Wang a brand new Cadillac.

This Mr. Bao really is the sentimental type.

You think these stamps are worth ¥100,000?

Go sell them tomorrow.

Ask for at least ¥150,000.

Any updates on Southern Investments?

Since last week,

their lawyers from Hong Kong have been frequenting The Grand Lisbon,

preparing for some promotional event.

Welcome.

Everything is ready upstairs.

Tell your informant to keep an eye on their capital.

Once large sums come in from Shenzhen, notify us immediately.

Mr. Tang.

Mr. Qiang,

here's the summary of this week's transactions.

Our floating profit was 20%, but we only used 40% of our funds.

The rest was just sitting there. Isn't that a waste?

Our strategy with rolling options doesn't require much capital.

Let's raise the target price then.

Push it to ¥25.

With our resources,

and the market trends we're expecting,

¥25 should be no problem.

Run a background check on her.

Okay.

Understood.

Let her go.