Original subtitles

Created & Directed by WONG KAR WAI

EPISODE 26

SHENZHEN

Everyone knows Nanjing Road is great.

But you can take a back seat of your Walmart deal, okay?

This is your first order.

Show No. 27, show Huanghe Road, show Shanghai what you're capable of.

I hope you're not doing it just to show Mr. Bao.

To me, it's all the same thing.

To me, fried ribs with rice cakes were never about business.

The Walmart order is your escape hatch.

In this industry, there are new companies starting everyday.

Whoever is the boldest gets ahead.

Starting a company is braving the storms.

Believe in me.

You're back, Miss Wang?

Hello.

What's going on?

In these difficult times, our company executive has decided

not to overspend on New Year's celebrations.

There's no time for this. I'm going to Shenzhen.

For what?

Mr. Fan is already there. He has agreed to help us.

Go after New Year's Day then.

-I have to go tomorrow. -That soon?

At least celebrate the holiday.

Hong Kong businesspeople will have bought out the plane tickets.

They fly into Shenzhen to get back to HK. Tickets are hard to come by.

I don't have to go by plane.

Got it. No plane tickets? Take the train.

No train tickets? We'll walk if we have to. Don't worry.

I'll take care of your ticket.

Tomorrow 5:00 a.m..

Whatever you want.

Let's follow our tradition. Celebration first.

If I can get to Shenzhen, this is a celebration drink.

If not, this is a break-up drink.

Five o'clock tomorrow.

Why are you back? You forget something?

I didn't think you'd put up lights on the roof too.

It's New Year's.

If this was before, you'd be celebrating at the Peace Hotel or Huanghe Road.

We are not as well off now.

We can't afford a fancy display.

I thought I should do something to cheer you up,

but you left so quickly.

Don't worry.

These are all for show. Business is paramount.

Since you've put them up, turn them on.

No. I'm shutting this down.

I'll return these tomorrow.

Pretty.

This is nothing.

Once we're rich, we'll go to the Peace Hotel rooftop

look at the lights, and celebrate with champagne.

On New Year's Eve five years ago,

was there on the Peace Hotel rooftop.

Looking out from there, the view is incomparable.

Looking out from here,

all we see are ordinary houses.

But most places are like what we see now.

Most people are just like us,

going through hardship with no money.

You scold me when you're mad,

and I crack some jokes.

Tomorrow is another day.

We grit our teeth and keep going.

It's just like that.

I feel bad about dragging you into this.

I was too eager.

I was afraid I'd get laughed at

if I were one step behind.

One can always start over.

I know we joke around all the time, but I'm being honest here.

The first time I saw you on that dock,

I knew--

that Miss Wang might not make a good section chief,

but Miss Wang would be a good company president.

President Wang

has turned you from a rich son

to a tramp.

I don't mind becoming a tramp.

A fancy banquet can't compare to having spicy noodles with you.

At least now, the company is ours,

and the business is ours.

Even if we lose, the experience will be ours too.

I'm serious about this.

I'll make sure Mingzhu becomes the real deal.

My biggest fear is you wanting to give up.

Wait here.

What?

Again.

More celebration, more success!

Anything else?

Our blood could be lost, heads could be cut off,

but long live Mingzhu.

Long live Mingzhu!

To our success.

Here.

-Here. -Cheers.

Long live Mingzhu!

Long live Mingzhu!

-To Mingzhu! -Let's work hard!

Zhejiang Ham.

This is obviously from Ning Bo.

Take it home to the aunts.

Ginseng Royal Jelly? This is good stuff.

Fruit preserves from Suzhou.

The aunts are going to love this.

Ferrero chocolates.

These gifts are for you, and you want me to take them all?

This is fun.

We'll put this on your desk for you to play with.

Why would I want that?

This is from Mr. Gu, the elevator operator.

On the card, he said he got it from the foreigner upstairs.

Then here's a gift in return.

Sign this invoice for plane tickets.

Who did you buy all these tickets to Shenzhen for?

For you.

No factories in the region took her order.

Shenzhen is Miss Wang's last resort.

You bought all the plane tickets from Shanghai to Shenzhen,

just to stop her from going?

With people going home for New Year's, tickets have been scarce for months.

I asked Stamps Li to buy them all out.

From now till the end of the year, these are the only ones left.

Uncle Ye, you're just throwing away money now?

Do you feel bad about the money, or the fried ribs with rice cakes?

Honestly, even buying out all the tickets might not be enough

to stop her from going.

Unless, you want to give her a pass?

The company is yours.

Just give me the word.

No one's getting a pass.

Happy New Year.

Hurry, Madame. We need a fourth.

What's the rush?

GAME ROOM, HONGKOU DISTRICT

What's the rush? Come on, come have a cigarette.

Mr. Bao.

Are there any tickets to Shenzhen left?

I gave them all to Uncle Ye--

I don't care how you do it. Get two more tickets for Miss Wang.

-But what would I tell Uncle Ye? -Figure it out.

-And... the money for the tickets? -What do you think?

Alright, I'll figure it out.

Help me out here. I'm friends with your boss.

I'm sorry, I can't help you.

There isn't a single ticket left through the end of the year.

Two tickets to Chengdu.

-One moment. -Just help me out here.

Why would I say no to money? I'm not an idiot.

-I don't have any tickets. I'm sorry. -Pal.

Try asking the two guys smoking across the street.

Only tickets left are by plane, is that okay?

Sure.

Hey, you have two tickets to Shenzhen?

Two? As if.

Do you know what time it is? Use your head.

Watch your mouth.

This is how you get beaten up.

-Hey, pal. -What?

You want tickets to Shenzhen? Two tickets? For today.

What? You pulling my leg?

You think this is funny?

Hello Auntie Cao, I'm Weekly's daughter, Xiao Wang.

My dad told you about the Shenzhen ticket situation, right?

Do you have any left?

They're all gone.

Okay thanks, sorry to bother you.

Hey Dad, any other ideas? Maybe that flight attendant you know?

I'm going to the airport to see if anyone cancels their flight.

Let me know if you hear anything, okay?

Hello.

Hongqiao Airport. Please hurry, thanks.

-Miss, what time is your flight? -Five o'clock.

There's no way you'll make it.

Even if we get green lights all the way, we won't make it in time.

How long is the drive to Shenzhen?

What? Shenzhen?

I've never been there.

About two days?

What if you drove me there? How much would that cost?

It's not about the money.

This car wouldn't make it. See how old it is?

It's not like this is a Cadillac!

Take me to Huanghe Road.

Okay.

Hey, man.

-I'm sorry, my friend.-You -You broke my face.

Is "sorry" enough?

I didn't know you were there to help.

You said you would sell me tickets for tonight at no extra cost.

Tickets to Shenzhen are in high demand. Of course I thought you were a scammer.

I didn't know you were on my side.

I can't believe this.

Here, you stand up. Come on.

-Better? -Better.

-Did you deliver the tickets? -Mr. Bao, it's not looking good.

I sent my friend to give Mr. Wei the tickets.

I couldn't say they were from you, so I told my friend to pose as a scalper.

Who knew that Mr. Wei would beat him up.

Yeah, his face is all swollen.

Now they're at the police station.

There's no way he's getting out tod--

Stop yapping.

Where are the tickets?

He still has them. That's the problem.

Hello? Mr. Bao.

Madame told me to tell you that...

Miss Wang just came by to borrow the Cadillac keys.

need to borrow the car.

The car was Mr. Bao's gift to you for starting your company.

It's not borrowing.

It is. I'm going to give it back.

Got it.

Is Mr. Wei out yet?

My friend, lend me your motorbike.

Be careful, alright? My bike is really fast.

Oh, helmet. Take the helmet!

-See you. -Don't drive too fast.

Hey, Xiao Wang. I'm bringing you the tickets.

Too late, I'm already on my way.

Wait for me, Xiao Wang!

Shenzhen, here I come!

It takes at least a day and a half to go from Shanghai to Shenzhen.

It's the 28th. If she gets there tomorrow... she'll have two days to strike a deal.

If she gets held up by anything, she'll only have one day.

Let Mr. Fan know

She won't make it tonight, so he has to stall the factory.

Once she's out of the region, she'll be out of Uncle Ye's reach.

Weren't you going out for dinner?

You're still here?

I took a nap.

Why are you here so late?

Something came up.

Help me find out if Miss Wang is still in Shanghai.

-What's the matter? -I'll give you ¥20.

Let me know if there's a call for me, okay?

-Of course. -Thank you!

-Hello? -Mr. Bao.

Miss Wang is out of Shanghai.

If all goes well, she'll be there morning after tomorrow.

-If there's news, let me know immediately. -Don't worry.

DECEMBER 29TH

Mr. Fan still hasn't seen her?

She must have gotten lost.

Hello? May I ask, how do I get to Shekou?

-Where? -Shekou, Shenzhen.

Shekou?

SHAXIAN, HUNAN

What did you say?

This is Hunan.

Turn back, go back to Ganzhou, and then drive toward Dayu.

How far?

600 kilometers?

What about Mr. Wei?

He totaled my bike.

He what?

He got in an accident before he got out of Shanghai.

Is he alive?

Ouch, it hurts. It hurts!

-Don't move. -Ow! Careful.

-Watch the head. -I have to get to Shenzhen.

This way, careful.

Damn it. Why here of all places?

I need to go to Shenzhen. Can you take me there?

Wait, I can pay you.

The patient is delirious. Give him a tranquilizer.

No, I don't want a tranquilizer. I want Shenzhen.

Wait!

Long live Mingzhu...

What about Miss Wang? She--

-Morning, Uncle Ye. -Morning. On the phone?

Stamps Li.

I'll call you back.

I hear Miss Wang left for Shenzhen.

Really?

But she hasn't arrived yet.

Looks like she won't make it in time.

Uncle Ye, how do you know everything?

You didn't know?

I didn't know.

Your aunts are asking you to come for dinner tonight.

Thank them for me.

I'm sorry to disappoint, but I have plans.

What about tomorrow?

I can bring some of their cooking here.

I'm free tomorrow.

Great. We can have vegetarian.

It's time.

It's the end of the year.

It's time to cultivate your mind. I'll teach you the Dharma of Mind.

Sounds good, I'll learn from you.

Take it.

It's just Stamps Li.

Listen, it's the holidays, it can wait.

Oh, now what?

What's the update?

"SHENZHEN"

DECEMBER 30TH

It's late. They won't let you through.

-Where are you from? -Shanghai.

How long have you been traveling?

Over two days.

Miss, do you need a room for the night?

That's okay.

I'll just rest in the car.

Are you feeling better?

Take the thermos.

Thank you.

-Be careful. -Don't worry--

It's the 30th already.

In two days, it will be 1994. Make sure you get some rest.

After New Year's Day, get ready for battle.

What battle?

Besides Shanghai Fashion getting listed,

we need to prepare for the Walmart order.

If Miss Wang hasn't found a manufacturer by New Year's,

the order will be ours.

What if she finds a factory?

Are you hoping she will?

Ning Bo's five factories are all waiting because we told them to.

At the end of day, it's because they trust me.

I have to prepare for the worst.

If Miss Wang finds a factory,

the order falls through,

how will we make it up to them?

That's impossible.

Take my word for it.

I'll take it inside.

Mr. Bao, she made it to Shenzhen, but she's at the police station.

What happened?

I'm not sure, but Mr. Fan's heading over.

If there's news, let me know immediately.

I will. Don't worry, I'll be here all night anyway.

Got it. Okay. Goodbye.

The aunts are rushing you?

Yeah. It's almost New Year's.

The neighbor had a break-in.

I told them to lock the back door.

I'll go home first.

Hello.

Can I get this week's call records for my room?

"Shenzhen Police Station"

Sir?

-What do you need? -I'm Fan Xinhua, here for Wang Mingzhu.

Over there.

Miss Wang.

Miss Wang!

How did you end up like this?

Mr. Fan.

What happened?

Careful. Let me see.

Let's go to the hospital.

-It's okay. -It's not okay!

I still have my hands and legs.

Let's go to the factory.

As if! Don't move. Let me see.

-Let's go to the hospital-- -There is no time.

I can do it.

If you were still with Mr. Bao--

Watch out!

...something like this wouldn't happen.

Did you already tell him?

No, I haven't.

You said not to, so I didn't say a word.

-At least wash up in a hotel first? -No.

You said so yourself.

"Starting a company is braving the storms."

You're incredible, Miss Wang.

Don't worry.

I won't let your suffering go to waste.

You drove this here?

What a nice car.

It's just a car.

Miss Wang, let's not drive there, okay?

Let's leave the Cadillac here and call a taxi.

Why?

We are asking for favors.

We should look pitiful.

Right?

RAINBOW GARMENT FACTORY, SHENZHEN

No, stop.

Everyone stop. You can't do this.

Stop what you're doing.

Hey!

Lao Lu, you listen to me.

If you don't start my order today, I won't let you do anything else.

Mr. Fan, I waited for you for two days.

You told me this morning that you couldn't find Miss Wang,

so I started another order.

Well she's here now!

This order is also for a Shanghai client.

Which client?

We can negotiate.

I'm not at liberty to say.

Lao Lu, listen up! Let me explain why we're late.

Miss Wang drove here from Shenzhen all by herself.

What's more, she even got mugged.

Come here. Look at this blood.

Lao Lu, I only asked her to come because you agreed to help.

Now that she's here, you're breaking your promise?

How could you treat a young woman like that?

Do you know how many young women are here to fulfill this order?

Six thousand!

I had to convince six thousand young women

to work through New Year's for this.

-I know-- -Do you know how much

the overtime costs each day?

Do the math. How much is it?!

Listen, waiting two days for you was already incredibly generous.

I'm sorry.

-I'm begging you. -I don't care.

Do I have to kneel? Are you my friend? I'll kneel!

-I'm begging you. -Mr. Fan.

-Don't do this. -Mr. Fan!

Mr. Lu.

This is my company's first order.

No matter who stands in my way,

I'm going to fulfill it.

If you're willing to help me today,

I'll never forget your help.

For any orders we get in the future, you'll be the first one we consider.

Please trust me.

I appreciate what you said, so I'll think of something.

However...

the price won't be the same as before.

What's the price then?

Mr. Bao, I hear Mr. Lu's new order is from one of Mei Ping's clients.

Isn't that too much of a coincidence?

It's not a coincidence. It was all arranged.

"Call Records"

I'll take it inside.

So you're saying that once your order starts production,

Mr. Fan won't find a second assembly line in Shenzhen, right?

Okay, thanks.

50% price increase?

That's highway robbery.

Enough, come eat.

What kind of person negotiates like this?

Businessmen can be profit oriented, but they shouldn't hurt people.

I completely misjudged his character.

I'm embarrassed.

I didn't do a good job.

I wasted your time and your trust in me.

I'm sorry, Miss Wang. Really sorry.

Don't say that.

First of all, I'm grateful you were willing to help at all.

It was always going to be a long shot.

Second, we still have another day.

It's still too early to say we failed.

We can ask the other factories here in Shekou.

If that doesn't work, we'll just go ask factories in neighboring towns.

It's impossible. If even Shekou's big factories can't do it,

how could small-town factories take an order this size?

No way the two of us can find a factory in one day.

-Is this seat taken? -No, take it.

Miss Wang, in times like these, rely on your friends.

Sure, I wasn't able to help this time, but I'm also not your only friend.

What do you mean?

There's someone you can ask.

Don't. I know who you're talking about.

I won't do it.

To do business, Miss Wang, one cannot have too much pride.

It's not about pride with him.

It's my business, so I need to do it myself.

I'm not talking about Ah Bao.

Then who?

Li Li.

I'm not friends with Li Li.

But I am.

She's from here. Her referral is what got me off the ground.

She has a lot of connections here. There's no harm in asking.

What if it works?

We're running out of time, Miss Wang.

You're willing to risk your life, but not your ego?

-Madame, can we make a long distance call? -Sure

Where are you calling?

-Shanghai. -That's fine.

Min Min.

It's Mr. Fan. Is Li Li there?

Impossible!

She got access to five assembly lines? That's completely impossible.

Not even with Li Li's help.

SHENZHEN TIANMA GARMENT COMPANY

Nowhere else in Shenzhen could you find five idle assembly lines.

How lucky that I have them! Miss Wang, take a look.

If this works, let's sign the contract and get started right away.

These machines are better than mine.

Did Mr. Fan mention our pricing?

¥85 a dozen processing fee.

Here's a sample. You can check the quality.

-All my workers are experienced. -It's good.

Delivery and overtime rate are both final.

Just put it in the contract.

-Can you start when the fabric arrives? -We can start any time.

No additional fees before completion.

We'll put that in the contract too.

Wait.

You said you had official certification. Can I see it?

-Here. -Thank you.

The contract's ready. Take a look.

The contract is ready?

Wow, truly "Shenzhen Speed."

"Time is money, efficiency is life."

I know the sooner we sign the contract, the sooner we get to work.

I'm sure Miss Wang agrees.

Here, look it over. And here's some tea.

-Sir, your tea. -Thank you.

-We could learn a lot from Shenzhen. -Thank you.

Exactly. I came here to learn too.

Oh, you're from Hong Kong? That's great.

Mr. Ma, I've looked through the contract. There's just one issue.

Speak freely.

My purse was stolen on my way here. My company seal was in there.

Oh that? I already told Mr. Ma over the phone.

It's fine, right?

Right.

It's fine.

Get the fabric here first. The chops will follow.

-As long as Mr. Fan is the guarantor. -No problem.

We were all introduced by trusted friends.

I think we can shake hands right now and sign the contract.

Go ahead.

Miss Wang, pleasure doing business.

Go ahead!

Mr. Ma. Is your boss close with Li Li?

Very!

Li Li is our "friend in Shanghai."

Oh, right! They grew up together.

They're close. We're all very close.

That's right.

I'm sorry, Mr. Ma.

Mr. Fan and I still need to go over some details.

Excuse us.

Miss Wang. Miss Wang!

Just wait for her for a little longer, okay?

Mr. Ma,

I'll cover all of your losses.

What's the matter?

Li Li introduced you to Mr. Ma?

Who else could have?

He's from Hong Kong.

His boss is also from Hong Kong.

If he's from Hong Kong, how could he have grown up with Li Li?

Who knows? Anything is possible.

Maybe he moved to Hong Kong when he was an adult.

-What are you doing? -I'm going to call Li Li.

Did you forget how urgent this is?

There's no time, Miss Wang. It's already the 31st.

Tomorrow you'll breach the contract.

There are five assembly lines in front of you.

This is the universe helping you.

You should be taking it without a thought.

Are you here to do business, Miss Wang? Who cares who introduced you?

So you never asked Li Li. It was Mr. Bao this whole time, right?

I think at this point Miss Wang knows Li Li wasn't the one who helped her.

So what if it's Mr. Bao?6

There is no time left, Miss Wang.

It's a matter of life and death.

Sign the contract, and save your life.

You only have two options.

One, breach the contract,

pay the penalty, and get sued.

Two,

close your eyes, sign the contract and compete the order.

Miss Wang,

it's your business.

I can only tell you this much.

To go forward or backward,

you have to think it through.

I'll wait at the door.

What do you think she's playing at?

If not for your help, how could anyone find five assembly lines so quickly?

Did she lose her head in that mugging too?

That's how things add up to us.

But she may be considering other variables.

Let's go.

Where?

To Mr. Ma.

Take a step back, and the world is bigger.

Mr. Ma, we're back!

They're back.

I knew you'd be back.

The contract is ready.

Thank Mr. Bao for me,

but I can't sign this contract.

I'm so sorry... Miss Wang!

Miss Wang.

Miss Wang.

What did you do that for, Miss Wang?!

For pride.

You know what happens if she does this.

Only you can stop her now.

Mr. Fan,

we did what we could.

Congratulate her for me.

Mr. Bao--

Thank you.

-Pleasure doing business. -Likewise.

Quiet.

Allow me to introduce

President Wang from Shanghai, our newest client!

Congratulations, President Wang!

This is my company's first order. Thank you, everyone.

Let me make some introductions.

Welcome!

Our tailoring supervisor.

-Hello. -Hello, President Wang.

-Our sewing supervisor. -Hello.

Our post-production supervisor.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

Let's celebrate!

Shenzhen Rainbow Garment Factory.

Find out who could have introduced them to her.

Stop her? Forget it. The contract's already signed.

"Contract Manufacturing Agreement"

-Happy New Year. -Happy New Year!

Welcome, Mr. Bao.

Happy New Year, Mr. Bao.

Mr. Bao, some chocolates for you.

-Thank you. -You're welcome.

Mr. Bao, you're back.

Why are there so many people here?

Did you forget what day it is?

No, it just was never this packed before.

The theme for this year's party is Chinese Rock and Roll.

Want to go? Here are two tickets.

Thank you.

You're welcome. Happy New Year.

Happy New Year.

Still here at this hour?

Uncle Ye, this--

I pour my heart out to help you cross the Huanghe River.

All you care about is the Suzhou Creek.

I had never thought my 1993 would end this way.

Blooming and withering at the same time.

One year became another, but I was still me.