Original subtitles

Created & Directed by WONG KAR WAI

EPISODE 22

PUSHKIN

Once I open this door...

For better or worse,

there's no turning back.

Shanghai Municipal Police.

This is an official investigation.

If Criminal Investigation is involved,

it must be serious.

By law, you must declare when your ownership stake reaches 5%.

You reached 16% before you declared.

Was that not market manipulation?

If you don't cooperate,

we'll have to prosecute.

6:30 tonight.

We reserved the upstairs room for you.

Show up on time.

"Congratulations On The Opening" Qiang Mujie, Southern Investments

Welcome.

What's up?

Look.

Ling Zi did it. She really did it.

She did.

It's been a while. Take care! Nice place, right?

Nice place.

One second.

Don't just stand there, come help.

Right. This way.

This way.

-This way please. -I'll head in.

-What are you-- -Investors shouldn't have to work.

Of course we do.

Criminal Investigation is involved.

Once litigation begins, the capital from Shenzhen will be frozen.

Could these be anti-takeover measures from Yingzhou?

It's a warning shot.

"Summons Warrant"

Press here.

Mr. Qiang is unrelenting.

The police were on his doorstep by 2:45 pm.

And he just refused to leave.

The market closes in 15 minutes.

I still need to handle some transactions. You can watch me the whole time.

At 3:00, I'll go with you.

The cops accommodated him.

He made calls with one hand, and received calls with the other.

1008

1057

1089

Yes.

No problem.

I'll see you soon--

Time's up.

"I'll see you soon."

Those were his last words

that he said on his last call.

Write down anything you might want to disclose.

We've got plenty of time.

Looks like you don't plan on being cooperative, do you?

Think it through carefully.

You're not the only one being questioned.

If they cooperate first, where will that leave you?

Think it over.

Madame.

It's already 7:00. Is the upstairs guest still coming?

Too late, cancel his reservation.

You came too.

Don't be so impatient!

This is fine dining, so of course there's a wait.

-I'll get you in. -Can you?

Of course, I'm an investor here. Give me five minutes.

Freshen up a little, or you'll make me look bad.

Please hurry.

-I will. -Five minutes!

Thanks for the kind words.

I'll have the waitress bring you some wine.

[In Japanese] Welcome, enjoy.

Xiao Qin!

Some water and a menu.

Okay.

We're set. Look at all the guests.

At this rate, I can close my boutique.

Just having a stake in Tokyo Nights will make me more money.

Hasn't been 30 minutes and the place is packed.

Where the hell did Tao Tao go?

Be a friend. The upstairs is empty.

My friends have waited forever. Can't you let them in?

This room has been reserved.

-Is there another table? -Monk, hurry.

These people are already here. What if we combined some tables?

-It'd be fine, we're all friends here. -Okay, I'll tell you what.

You can eat at Ling Hong's shop. I'll give you 50% off.

At Ling Hong's? And I still have to pay you?

What's going on? It's packed out there.

-Listen to me. -What?

-Keep it down a little. -Listen.

She wants me to host my friends at your boutique.

I had them come to show support, and this is the thanks I get?

First off, I didn't ask for help.

But fine, you can say I owe you one.

Second, since everybody's here...

Let's get the rules straight.

We're business partners. This isn't just for fun.

Good friends pay like everyone else.

Or we lose money, and alienate our friends.

Same rules for everyone.

If we're bringing friends, we have to call in advance.

We pay in full for whatever we eat. That includes me too.

-That's reasonable. -Like hell it is!

We're shareholders, partners.

What if... okay hear me out.

What about just us four?

We used to have the private room.

Tell us. Where are you going to seat us now?

Depends on availability.

You hear that?

I guess being shareholders doesn't count for anything.

Keep it down, what if guests hear?

If your friends spend more tonight than my friends from the Chamber of commerce,

I'll tell my friends to swap tables with you.

After all,

I have to look out for my restaurant and my dear business partners.

Being partners means working hard to make money,

not just wining and dining all the time.

Do you understand that?

-I don't like this one bit. -Come on, she's right.

"Wining and dining all the time." What's she trying to say?

-Your aunt called to ask if she can come. -No chance. She doesn't have a reservation.

See? She's utterly heartless.

-That's enough, stop. -She can't treat us like this.

-Just eat at my shop. -I'm not going.

No one eats dinner in a boutique.

-You sure about that? -Yeah, I am.

Don't come then.

Mr. Ge, let's go.

-You're so stubborn. -Let's go!

-You better not come! -I won't!

I'm a man of my words.

-Tao Tao. -Here, thanks.

Didn't you say Japanese restaurant? Why are we at this smoke shop?

-What do you know? -She has a point.

This is a boutique, not a smoke shop.

Here comes the owner, Ling Hong.

This is actually an annex of Tokyo Nights, okay?

My merchandise is nice too, so buy something after dinner.

Ms. Ling Hong, the dishes are here!

Coming.

Thank you.

You have no idea how big of an investor I am.

What are you doing?

Counting heads.

There's enough people. Go eat.

-Tao Tao, go eat. -Got it.

I'm a VIP, okay?

He's full of it again.

-He's always like that. -What did you say?

-I said you're full of it. -I have no choice.

I'm a shareholder, but I can't even get a table.

How can I admit that to them?

In spite of what Ling Zi says, she does care about you.

Look at all that food.

She made that for you, so show some appreciation.

-Enough said. -I think this works out well.

Tokyo Nights used to be quiet.

Now that it's so hectic, we can relax here instead.

Don't kid yourself. Relax here?

Go in. I'll be over.

I'm glad Ah Bao didn't come.

He'd just be pushed aside like we were.

Say... did Ling Zi even invite him?

Uncle Ye, this is for you.

THREE DAYS AGO

-Thank you. -You're welcome.

"Mr. Bao, you are cordially invited to the grand re-opening of Tokyo Nights"

His role's changed, so he's bound to feel different.

If I were him, I wouldn't come either.

He's not an investor, so why bother?

What would it matter?

Ling Zi said it herself.

After opening that door,

there was no turning back.

She was right.

Had fun? Get home safe.

-Take care of her. -I drank too much.

-Next time bring your husband. -The food was incredible.

There's no turning back for Ling Zi.

Same for us.

I'll be back soon.

Great, you better bring your husband.

Take care, get home safe. See you next time.

Next door, they admitted to spending ¥200 million to push 601's price.

The plan was hatched at The Grand Lisbon.

Who's next door?

I'd like to look them in the eye.

I have nothing to do with all this.

How much of your capital came from interbank loans?

Our capital was all legally obtained.

Whether it was our own money or an interbank loan,

we followed every rule and regulation.

Our dealings are legally protected.

I don't know much about interbank loans.

I just know the money I made is money I honestly earned.

Do you not want to go home tomorrow?

Let me remind you,

24 hours after your summons, we officially start drafting the case.

Not only can we prosecute you, we can also freeze your company's assets.

I'm sure you realize how costly that would be.

Hey.

You think The Grand Lisbon's doomed?

Huanghe Road is unpredictable.

Things that seem permanent can fall apart in minutes.

Things that seem fleeting often find a way to endure.

I'll be off then.

-See you. -Bye.

Enough gawking. There's nothing to see. Time to leave, got it?

Bye.

Careful on your way out, you're drunk.

-Close up. -Got it.

It's not looking so good, is it?

If you get detained by the police, you could be out in three days,

or it could take three years.

Hey, Min Min.

A piece of advice.

You're a competent young woman.

Why go down with the ship?

No one will blame you if you left.

You're just one employee.

What can your loyalty get you?

You're always in everyone's business.

Try minding your own for a change!

Today's young women have sharp tongues. So arrogant.

Let's see what your Madame is made of.

When can I leave?

Leave?

Once you cooperate, be my guest.

Can I have my mobile phone? I'd like to make a call.

Eat up. We have more questions for you.

If they're held for more than 24 hours, then they're in big trouble.

Tomorrow morning, sell every share of Yingzhou.

Be careful.

Don't get yourself locked up too.

Wake up. It's time.

Xiao Qin.

Send out these thank-you letters.

To every guest who came?

Yes. I want them to feel like they left their hearts here.

Did you learn this in Japan?

No.

You going somewhere? Traveling?

-To see what's out there. -For what?

I've been here for two years.

A friend in Beijing is starting a business, so I figured I'd try my luck.

What friend? What kind of business?

Don't get scammed.

Of course not.

I'll just check it out and come back if it's no good.

Right, it's not a bad time to go out there.

Find something worthwhile to do.

Okay, I get it.

-I'll be going then. -Wait! Don't move. Wait for me.

Ling Hong!

Ling Hong!

-Be careful! -You have enough money?

What?

Money! Do you have enough?

I will.

Once I've made it...

I'll buy you a drink!

What are you saying?

Thank you.

Take care of yourself!

Tokyo Nights used to depend on Mr. Bao.

Now we only depend on our own ability.

Once I open this door...

For better or worse,

there's no turning back.

Back in Japan, when you had no money.

Who fed you and sheltered you?

Where did your conscience go?

I'll die before I come back here.

Ling Hong.

-Shanghai! -Shanghai's still the best.

-I'm back. -Me too!

I'll be a Madame too.

It's been 22 hours.

Think hard.

You have two hours to explain things.

Who orchestrated this? How did they pull it off?

Where did the capital come from?

Same answer. I wasn't involved. Ask the ones who were.

I didn't participate in your so-called market manipulation scheme.

Investigations have time constraints.

For most cases, it's 12 hours.

For big cases, it's 24 hours.

It's been more than 20 hours already.

That means the police are treating this very seriously.

Once the 24 hours are up,

they'll be detained and put in jail.

After that is arrest and prosecution.

How can we help?

I've already asked around.

The response was, "Not your worry."

Seems like someone's already working on it.

Hi, Madame.

Move.

Guess what I found out?

That Li Li ran from Shenzhen and came here as a fugitive.

For real?

She got in trouble with the law.

So that's why she came here.

Let me play.

She's a daring one.

If I were her, I would have lain low.

But she did the opposite.

Went for wool and came home shorn.

Now the restaurant is done for.

And Mr. Bao,

I mean, her "boyfriend,"

will toss her aside.

He would never be with a woman with money troubles.

It's impossible.

Manager Pan, what happened?

Nothing! Business as usual.

Is the Madame here today?

Never mind, we'll go to Mei Lin Garden.

Come on.

Come again soon.

-Next time then. -Bye.

-See you soon. -See you.

Stop staring.

Their Madame is a criminal. Who would go there?

Oh, no wonder.

Don't look so happy about it.

Min Min's here.

When will we get our wages?

Is Madame even coming back? Are we ever going to get paid?

Please listen to me.

The Madame has always paid us well.

She's never been late on a paycheck.

That's all in the past.

Sure, she ran into a small problem.

I won't ask for too much of your patience.

But please give us a little more time.

What a loyal man.

Mr. Bao's here.

Mr. Bao's here.

Mr. Bao.

You're our first guest today.

Really?

The kitchen's open?

I'm starving.

It is.

Great. Order for me.

Sure. Every room is available today.

Which would you like?

I'll sit out front today.

Thank you, Mr. Bao.

What for?

You usually enter from the back.

Today, on our toughest day yet, you came in through the front.

It's usually so crowded here. I like peace and quiet.

And today it's peaceful.

...pay us or we'll quit!

Excuse me.

Go ahead.

Right. I'll have someone escort you.

-Sure. -Please.

Should we ask Mr. Bao for help?

Let's rely on ourselves.

He's doing plenty just by being here.

Both of them were involved in the Lan Tian case.

Next door--

We discovered your connection to Shenzhen's Lan Tian case.

That was just a civil dispute, not a criminal case.

It was settled already.

Was the woman next door involved?

I didn't know her then.

Chen Zhen.

She was your accomplice.

Where is she now?

Recognize this person?

"Name: Li Li"

"Name: Chen Zhen"

Everything's in the car. Get out of here.

I don't know her.

You're free to go.

I'll be off then.

Waitress.

Sorry, Mr. Bao.

We're not used to this.

This is a one time thing, I promise. Just give me one day.

When you withdraw cash from a bank, you need an appointment, right?

No way!

If we're not paid today, we'll clean this place out.

Wages haven't been paid yet.

Be right back.

I'll figure something out and pay you today.

Give me recommendations.

I haven't tried the expensive dishes.

What have you tried?

Pick 2 dishes you like.

Home cooking ones.

That's perfect.

I like the white-cut chicken, the seafood clay pot,

and the bean paste pastry.

I'll have one of each.

Of course. Sorry.

-Add one rice cake with pork too. -Okay.

-...and some rice wine. -Okay.

How much longer? We might as well go to The Grand Lisbon.

You're next, okay? Five more minutes, max.

I just saw Mr. Bao go to The Grand Lisbon.

And what?

Their staff is practically in revolt!

Quiet!

You're rebelling now? Look at yourselves.

Min Min.

Let me take care of this.

I have some cash here. Who urgently needs cash?

Me! I really have a family emergency.

Pay us for our supplies first!

Pay us first!

Huanghe Road was all business.

It served guest after guest, all for a bit of fame and fortune.

Beneath its bustle, the place always felt unfamiliar.

But when familiar places and friends disappear one by one,

A strange place becomes a familiar one.

Before that day,

I never thought I would sit here to eat for eating's sake.

and spend the entire afternoon waiting for a single call.

I'm out.

Quiet down!

The Madame is back.

Impossible, no way she's already out.

Why would I lie?

Maybe you heard wrong.

Let's go see.

I'm glad you're back.

I almost became The Grand Lisbon's last ever guest.

-I wouldn't give you the satisfaction. -Wait here.

First time I had so much trouble delivering somebody money.

For me?

All yours.

Please wait for me.

Do your thing.

I'll be here.

-Madame, look. -Coming.

What's wrong with you? Move and let me see!

Thanks.

Don't push me.

Don't touch me.

What? Never seen money before?

Step aside.

Sorry to make everyone worry.

Everyone has problems.

Thanks for understanding.

Thank you, Madame.

Thank you, Madame!

What kind of connections does she have?

They grabbed her yesterday.

Today, she's out and handing out thousands in bonuses.

More than that, I heard...

Three packs of your best cigarettes, nicely packed, please.

...wads of cash this thick.

I saw that too.

I regret not working there now...

Are they still hiring?

Thanks.

It's not just you.

Even working at the Red Heron can't compare--

Don't just stand around envying others.

Work hard, and you'll be rewarded for it.

You hear that, Xiao Liu?

Right.

Hey, your cap.

Bye.

Gather up those flowers and dump the rotten ones.

Give the rest to the neighbors as apologies for all the noise.

-Sure. -Prepare to close shop.

Madame.

Sorry. I'm late. Got held up by something.

So you're the kind of bad patron who keeps people waiting.

But I'm a loyal patron at least.

Anything left to eat?

The kitchen's closed.

Some water then?

On the counter. Pour it yourself.

Any open tables tomorrow?

None left.

-Give me the next available. -Listen up.

We will hold reservations for only 30 minutes.

No exceptions.

Good rule.

It's a matter of scarcity.

With a small space and small plates,

every seat is a precious resource.

30 minutes is too long.

It should be 15 minutes max.

Party size?

How many can you fit?

You want the whole place? It'll cost you.

This time, I won't be late.

This is my guarantee.

Sorry, we only take cash.

You need tourists.

They use credit cards.

Keep up with the rest of the world.

They're too much trouble.

Fine, I'll send someone with cash tomorrow.

Embrace change.

A little trouble today is tomorrow's opportunity.

Madame.

The water heater's broken.

Again? I'm coming.

Here, have a drink. I'll deal with this problem.

Dealing with problems is my forte.

Goodnight, Madame.

Where to? You hungry?

Right now...I just want some sleep.

I grew up on Sinan Road.

The nearby Gaolan and Xiangshan Roads were named after two authors.

One wrote comedies. The other wrote tragedies.

Different essences.

All my life, I alternated between them.

Taojiang Road's essence was Pushkin.

My deepest impression of him was a quote...

"All things will pass,

and what has passed

will become cherished in memory." - Pushkin

Dinner's always exciting, but dishes are a pain.

China Macro dishwashers are here to help.

China Macro.

China what?

You haven't heard? China Macro.

They sell water heaters.

Even Liza Wang endorsed them.

You an expert now?

Is it hot?

It heats up so fast now.

Really?

Patented technology really is the best.

Even came with a dishwasher.

Mr. Qiang's real helpful.

Solved our problem and upgraded our kitchen.

Mr. Qiang this, Mr. Qiang that.

You have no standards.

He buys a couple appliances and now he's a hero?

Who gave her the whole place?

Who?

Guess.

Mr. Bao, right?

Wrong! It's me.

I'm letting her rent this place for half price.

Instead of bragging, I say nothing.

Speaking of, where is she?

"Mingzhu Company Open for Business"

Careful, don't bump into me!

What a crowd--

Ma'am, take a look at this.

Don't you "ma'am" me.

Looking for someone?

Oh, Turtle King.

That was a long time ago. Just call me Hongqing.

You have a visitor.

Ling Zi dear? Why are you here?

-Can I come in? -Of course, come in.

We just moved in, so we have nothing here.

-I'll make you some tea. -Don't bother. We don't have tea.400

Want tea? Food? I'll get some.

-Coffee's fine. -Coffee it is.

-Thanks, Hongqing. -My pleasure.

Hurry.

Thanks.

Too polite.

Sorry, I've been so busy. The place is still a mess.

It's a nice place.

It can't compare with No. 27.

To me, wherever Miss Wang is is where No. 27 is.

There's no Miss Wang anymore. It's Xiao Wang now.

Whether it's Xiao Wang today, or Director Wang tomorrow,

you'll always be Miss Wang to me.

For you.

What is it?

For your new company.

I don't know much about trade, but I do know about luck.

I hope this brings you some.

I can't accept--

This is from me, not Mr. Bao. Take it.

It was fair not to invite me to your grand opening.

After all, it was my fault you left No. 27.

I've owed you this apology.

But don't worry, I've been in your shoes.

Starting a new business is always hard.

If you have any problems, come find me.

Maybe I can't solve everything, but I swear to you,

I'll do everything I can.

Thanks, Big Sis.

Good luck.

Let me take this call.

Hi, this is Mingzhu Ltd.

One moment.

Go ahead.

I'll head out, you carry on.

I'll call you back!

-I'll walk you out. -Business card.

Sure.

Newly printed.

-Give me more. -Why?

So I can promote.

Nowadays I get a lot of Japanese patrons. I can send them your way.

-Thanks. -I'm going now.

-Let me walk you out. -No need.

Please, let me--

The phone. Go, do your thing.

-Thank you. -Bye!

Hello?

Got coffee and KFC, just for you.

That's sweet, but I have to go. Tokyo Nights opens soon.

-I'll see you. -Come back soon.

I wish you two success.

With me here? No worries.

-See you. -See you.