Original subtitles

Created & Directed by WONG KAR WAI

EPISODE 3

LESSON ONE

-Mr. Bao, I am in your debt. -Oh no, please don't.

Please get up.

Please.

Have a seat.

We can talk it out.

Thank you Mr. Bao.

No.

No need to thank me.

You saved Ah Si yourself.

The lawyer couldn't convince him.

Thanks to you, he agreed to set the record straight,

and admit to being drunk.

Have some tea.

We can talk it through.

Your talk with him saved him ten years.

The lawyer said,

after serving time for drunk driving,

he can get another license

and be a cab driver again.

It's all my fault.

If only I convinced Fa Gen

to just quit while he was ahead.

Now what?

The money is gone,

and so is he.

We even hurt others.

Do you know his problem?

He was too bold.

Bolder than you?

He wasn't being irresponsible.

He just wanted everyone to prosper.

Why did he have to die?

They were all friends and family.

He couldn't handle the guilt after losing all of their money.

You and Fa Gen were the first

to make it big in the stock market.

Everyone pooled their funds,

and you were eager to make them rich.

Look how that turned out.

If you don't want to end up like Fa Gen,

divest the shares and return the money.

Uncle Ye, as long as you are here,

nothing bad will happen to me.

This is everything you have.

Over thirty investors with Auntie Chub.

Captain Cai and Ning Bo.

Some capital from Jiangsu and Zhejiang. That's another few million.

While the market is doing well,

hurry up and close out your tabs.

Don't let a bear market catch you with your hand in the cookie jar.

It'll be too late.

How's the market today?

All up.

All thirty five A-share stocks.

I bet it can reach 1,100 points today.

Then let's ride this wave out first.

Auntie Chub has a daughter.

Stamps Li has a big family.

Ning Bo too.

Their families all depend on them.

You know that

many of them have tasted wealth now,

they've bought second homes.

They can't stop chasing that high.

If I don't take care of them,

they'll be stumbling around blindly.

You want them to lose it all

and go back to cleaning toilets.

You're a prisoner to your compassion.

Everyone's a prisoner to something.

If it's not stocks, it's real estate.

Or...

women.

This came from Tokyo Nights.

It's for your friends' dinner last night.

¥6,000?

I owe Tokyo Nights from a past life.

Ling Zi is your kryptonite.

-Try it. -Thank you. Вуе.

These sell for a lot elsewhere.

See you.

Business looks good today.

My shipment of cosmetics came.

Saw the market go up today

and started making calls.

Who did you call?

The wives.

To congratulate their husbands.

Now? Happy couples all around.

Very smart.

I specifically saved this for you.

It certainly is pretty.

I heard Mr. Bao went all-in this time.

He'll be worth over ¥10 million.

When a man has money,

he uses it, or he loses it.

You think he's worth ¥10 million?

-Why not? -Think about the split.

Uncle Ye has two wives who play Mahjong all day.

Doesn't that cost money?

Tao Tao's wife has eight aunts and a dozen cousins.

Doesn't that cost money?

Tao Tao's always flirting around.

One woman after another.

¥200 today, ¥200 tomorrow.

Doesn't that cost money?

Stamps Li and Ning Bo also want their cut.

Doesn't that cost money?

He has all these aunties and uncles trailing behind him.

Doesn't that cost money?

My Tokyo Nights and your store.

Doesn't that cost money?

What's this got to do with me?

Everything.

I'm always shopping here.

Where does my money come from?

Fine. I get it. Mr. Bao's actually broke.

Wait that face cream did look pretty interesting.

-My God, you're too much. -Is that a new product?

Yes, it's new.

-Take one. Try it. -Does it work?

Works great.

I'll ask for more when I finish this.

Ling Zi, Mahjong this afternoon?

Nah, you're no fun.

Happy New Year.

Oh, you're back in town?

-Hello, Madame. -Hello.

These noodles are great.

Have some more.

Thank you.

Hey, Qin.

What's going on?

Only one guest?

Only two reservations tonight.

What?

Madame, Mr. Tao just called.

He's not coming tonight either.

He's going to The Grand Lisbon's opening.

What's the big deal?

They won't last long.

May good fortune smile on you in this treasured place.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you all for coming to our ribbon cutting ceremony.

Three, two, one.

It's just a private room.

What's the big deal?

Miss Wang, you didn't go in.

If you saw inside the room...

the sheer luxury of it.

Mr. Fan, this way.

Welcome, Mr. Fan.

Please.

Please.

Good evening, Mr. Fan.

Hello.

Hi, everyone.

"Reserved for Mr. Fan"

Miss Wang,

deep down, I understand.

They reserved a room for me

as a courtesy.

They know I'm having dinner with Mr. Bao.

So the room is actually for him.

But if Mr. Bao doesn't show up?

It would be like a slap in the face,

wouldn't it?

I can't be humiliated on Huanghe Road.

Do me a favor, Miss Wang.

Help me and give Mr. Bao a call.

We can go to The Grand Lisbon tonight and The Red Heron another day.

Mr. Fan,

I didn't take you to be so vain.

Excuse me.

Please, go ahead.

Can't cross this sea of people.

A sea of people indeed.

Look,

everyone here is vain.

But we don't overdo it.

Huanghe Road is practically made for those with a little vanity.

Right?

Miss Wang.

I'm not talking about you.

You're not.

You're from No. 27 on the Bund.

You come here on business.

You don't have to answer to anyone.

You're on a different level.

You're starting out here.

Then here. Here. Here.

Okay. Okay.

I'll go ask Mr. Bao for you, okay?

Okay.

But I can't promise anything.

Please.

Moon Room for Mr. Chen,

Phoenix Room for Mr. Lu,

Zephyr Room for Mr. Tang,

Vista Room stays empty for now.

I don't think Mr. Bao is coming tonight.

Madame.

We'll see.

I'm here, I'm here.

Mr. Fan.

Our Madame knows you're meeting Mr. Bao at The Red Heron.

She had me release your reservation so you don't feel pressured.

But what if Mr. Bao does come, and the room's taken?

That would...

Yes?

Where's Li Li?

It's about time.

If you delay,

Miss Wang is going to yell at you.

What's the hurry? It's early.

She's asking if you want to cancel.

No.

She tends to overreact.

Why insist I go to The Grand Lisbon?

She's doing it for Mr. Fan.

Here, the gift for him is prepared.

Mr. Fan's wife isn't in Shanghai.

Why gift him cosmetics?

Miss Wang said he fancies the new Madame.

Mr. Fan,

we do business here.

We can't be at Mr. Bao's beck and call.

But, as I said before,

this is reserved for Mr. Fan.

If you say you're eating here,

I'll turn everyone else away.

Let me just remind you, Mr. Fan.

right now you're the hot commodity,

Doms. just like our private rooms.

But who is allowed in

is not a matter of choice.

It's a matter of supply and demand.

And I didn't invite you tonight just for you to eat.

I wanted to advocate for you.

Everyone here tonight has a big venture.

You're associated with Mr. Bao, so you have a foot in the door.

You can size them up too.

Behind every hill is a mountain.

This Madame has a powerful backer.

A lot of people fought for this plot,

including Lu Meilin from next door.

Hey! What's the deal?

Your flowers are blocking half the road.

I'm so sorry.

Come here.

Clean this up.

We went a bit overboard for our first day.

So sorry. We'll move them right away.

Oh, look who it is.

Golden Phoenix's Manager Pan.

Running Golden Phoenix out of business

wasn't enough? enough?

You want to sink The Grand Lisbon too?

How determined.

Professional restaurant killer.

Madame.

Come on. It's their big opening day.

Mind your own business.

You're working for her too now?

Shut it.

This spot was supposed to be mine.

I heard the new Madame moved here from Shenzhen.

Soon as she got here, she showed the landlord her deposits.

¥30 million, liquid.

Closed the deal instantly.

Mr. Fan

never pays for anything himself.

Not even his own toothbrush.

Now he wants to impress the Madame.

Why give him free ammunition?

I refuse.

I did some calculations on The Grand Lisbon.

Her annual net profit needs to break ¥10 million.

In Shanghai, only three restaurants can do this.

Dynasty on Zhapu Street.

Marina Days on Sinan Road.

And of course,

the place you go all the time, The Red Heron.

¥10 million annual net profit

means ¥80,000 in daily revenue.

How's that possible?

Come look at this.

From the entrance of Huanghe Road, if you look at The Grand Lisbon straight-on,

it looks like a bird cage.

Just like the Grand Lisboa Casino in Macau.

It's pastiche.

In other words,

easy to enter,

hard to escape.

That's nothing special.

Every business on Huanghe Road has a gimmick.

You are her biggest gimmick!

If Mr. Bao doesn't go,

how could The Grand Lisbon

become the star of Huanghe Road?

She'll do anything to get you there.

On Huanghe Road, everything is a waiting game.

Women wait for men.

Party A waits for Party B.

Sellers wait for buyers.

Empty seats wait for today's guests. Full houses wait for tomorrow's business.

Some wait blatantly.

Some wait secretly.

If it's not for business, it's for lust and romance.

Why should I give her a handout?

I'm headed out.

What are you doing?

Huanghe Road only recognizes

a Mr. Bao who struts with swagger.

Those guys going in are all big shots in finance.

Oh, this guy's a big deal.

Legendary food critic.

He decides what's trendy here.

Liu Zi is here too.

Rising star in the night market scene.

-See those two? -Yeah?

They're TV actors.

Celebrities, really.

TV stars?

But they're not the star of this show.

Then who is?

Who?

The biggest star always shows up last.

Tell us. Who?

You wanna know his name?

Yes.

His name is...

"Hong Kong Mega Star Deric Wan"

Excuse me.

Deric Wan is here. Really! From"Blood of Good and Evil"?

-Lucy. -Oh, Miss Wang,

you're already here.

-Is Mr. Bao here yet? -No, I haven't seen him in a while.

See? He's making people wait.

Let me know when he arrives.

-Got it. -Thank you.

Manager Pan! We meet again!

This is my new card.

Don't forget,

I'm Mr. Bao's best, best, best friend.

If you ever need anything, just--

Oh, Mr. Pao!

Hello.

I'll speak in Mandarin. Hello. It's Tao Tao. You don't remember me?

Come on, man.

Welcome, Mr. Pao.

Here is my card.

Tao Tao.

Show Mr. Pao the way.

Private room upstairs.

-What do you want? -Miss Wang, Mr. Fan is already upstairs.

Got it.

Thank you, sorry about that.

-If you need anything, ask. -Of course.

-Quick, do me a favor. -What?

Go and get Mr. Fan to come down.

What for?

He agreed to meet Mr. Bao at The Red Heron, but he came here

to say hi to friends upstairs.

And now he's not coming down.

-Hurry, hurry, get him down here. -You kidding? Why me?

You do it!

I have to make sure Mr. Bao's on time.

Mr. Bao is here!

Mr. Bao is here!

Mr. Bao is here!

Welcome, Mr. Wei.

Supervisor, this gold plaque is my gift to you.

"To Realize Great Ambition"

-Isn't that right? -Thank you.

Be sure to hang it up.

How many, Mr. Bao?

For four.

Any appetizers?

We'll have the "River's Bounty".

Light on the scallion and ginger.

No seafood.

And a chicken soup.

What about drinks?

Maotai.

Mr. Bao won't come. Release the room.

To whom?

Aren't you the supervisor?

I came with so much goodwill,

and you won't even put me in a room.

You You expect experi me to sit in the lobby with this plaque?

-Are you for real? -Let him have it.

Mr. Wei's status on Huanghe Road

can't compare to Mr. Bao's.

He may not be qualified.

Now that The Grand Lisbon's here,

I'll decide who's qualified.

Understood.

Oh right, Mr. Fan's still waiting for you.

I'll be right there after I change.

-Happy New Year, Miss Wang. -Happy New Year.

Happy New Year.

Mr. Bao, Miss Wang is here.

Let's go. Mr. Fan is already across the street.

Mr. Fan, enjoying yourself?

Li Li, are you free now?

Come sit with us.

Please, everyone sit.

I need to talk to Mr. Fan.

Sure.

Mr. Bao is at The Red Heron.

He won't be coming tonight.

Why don't you head over?

Oh.

He didn't even say anything.

We agreed to meet here.

What's the difference?

Tao Tao is there too.

Businessmen need to keep promises.

Hey, you're the one who wants his product.

How's he going to sell it without me?

Sorry, this room was wasted on me.

But I'll never forget your kindness today.

The Grand Lisbon's private rooms are just like your venture.

Such precious resources are never wasted.

Once your business takes off,

come back to The Grand Lisbon.

We will welcome you.

Li Li, your words are music to my ears.

In here, Mr. Wei.

Excuse me, my friend. Now this'll work.

This is befitting of a plaque,

a private room befitting a hero.

Mr. Wei, let me introduce you.

This is the Madame.

Nice to meet you, Madame.

It's a pleasure, Mr. Wei.

Are you satisfied with the room?

Very satisfied.

Love at first sight.

By the way, do you sing, Madame?

I have a few friends next door,

singing karaoke.

Would you like to come?

You go ahead. I'll be right there.

Terrific.

Let's go, my friends.

After you, Mr. Wei.

Find out who that was next to the Madame.

Who are the customers next door?

Commerce chairmen.

Maybe you know them.

Really?

Then I should go say hi.

Mr. Fan, perhaps next time?

Don't miss important business.

If you don't go soon, it'll look like I'm holding you hostage.

You mean to Mr. Bao?

I waited three months for him,

surely he can wait a little for me.

You're on your own.

Did you forget?

When I waited eight hours at your office?

You gonna wait eight hours here too?

Right now it's 6:30.

I'll wait for him 'til 7:00.

Mr. Fan.

Tao Tao.

Wow, so many people.

Here's the thing.

Mr. Bao has been waiting a long time.

Let's go.

Let me introduce you.

This is Li Li, the Madame here.

This here is Tao Tao.

Tao Tao.

-Mr. Tao. -Madame.

Hello.

I'm Tao Tao.

I'm very good buds with Mr. Bao.

Here is my card.

Look, Mr. Fan,

Mr. Tao came for you personally.

If you still don't go, Mr. Bao will be upset.

Tao Tao, how about this? You go ask Mr. Bao to come here.

Mr. Fan, didn't you arrange to meet elsewhere?

I know, but it's just across the street.

We can talk anywhere, so why not here for the Madame's sake?

We'll go to The Red Heron next time.

Next time?

He's still waiting, if you insist on--

I--

Mr. Fan. Hello! It's an honor.

My friend Mr. Wei over there heard

Mr. Fan, owner of Westlake, is here.

He wants to invite Mr. Fan to join him for karaoke.

Mr. Fan is busy today.

He's got important business across the street with Mr. Bao.

Mr. Bao's welcome to join too.

Just tell him

if he doesn't come,

we won't do business with him.

Well, I think

to do business well,

it's all about collaboration.

Mr. Bao needs Mr. Fan's product,

Mr. Fan needs Mr. Bao's acumen.

Buddy,

you want to talk acumen?

Mr. Wei has it in his blood.

Passed down over three generations.

Isn't this just sabotage?

What'd you say?

I can tell you Mr. Bao won't come.

What do you mean?

Do you not get it?

After all these years,

Mr. Bao does it for the joy.

Now you want to strongarm him?

Why bother with this deal?

Let's just call it off.

Who do you think you are?

-Who do you think you are? -You can speak for Mr. Bao?

Mr. Tao,

you coming today was already a courtesy.

But can I ask you for another?

Am I right or what? Right?

Mr. Tao, you've been around the block.

You should know the rules.

I sure do.

I don't know what business

Mr. Bao has with Mr. Fan,

but I don't want there to be a fight on our opening day.

Madame, I'm sorry.

I'm truly sorry. I didn't mean to cause trouble.

But trust me, the people in that room,

all added up, aren't even worth Mr. Bao's pinky.

I don't care if Mr. Bao has six fingers.

I only care about the business on my turf.

Hey fish seller! Wait!

-Who's the fish seller? -You.

-I sell seafood too. -Sure.

Let's go.

We'll go invite Mr. Bao here together.

Why?

Let me see if you really can speak for him

like you said.

Slow down!

He's not here yet. What's the rush?

It's past 7:00.

This product is his.

I don't lack his product.

He lacks my distribution.

What are you doing?

-Has Mr. Fan come? -How many, sir?

-He hasn't, look. -Sir?

Do you have a reservation, sir?

What's going on?

Nice to meet you, Mr. Bao.

My name is Liu Zi, from Yangpu.

We saved you a seat across the street

at The Grand Lisbon.

We even poured you a drink.

They said you weren't coming

so we started joking around.

We joked that

if you wouldn't come over,

Mr. Fan might need a new buyer.

That's a bold joke.

Not as bold as your buddy here. Come here.

What? What's the matter with you?

This fish seller says

he can speak for you.

He said you weren't coming. That the deal is off.

I didn't say that.

When did I say that?

You're just saying I did.

-It was just my guess. -What are you trying to pull?

You want to start something?

Easy.

Tao Tao is like a brother to me.

He can speak for me completely.

If he says I'm not going,

that the deal's off.

Then the deal's off.

Excuse me.

Mr. Bao,

You...

How about this?

Just do me a favor.

We just go have a drink over there.

We do business.

Everyone's happy.

Hey if you keep going on like this,

no one will be happy.

Miss Wang, you can come too.

Have some drinks, sit on some laps. Nothing we can't--

You want a piece of me?

You watch your mouth.

Enough!

Go back and ask Mr. Fan

if he still wants to do business.

Tell him to sort himself out.

Ah Bao.

Drive my car back.

I'll take her home.

I'm sorry about today.

It's all my fault.

See you!

Maybe in the middle of the night...

Mr. Fan is a funny guy.

Usually, when he's doing business, he's sharp as a knife.

His eyes are wide open.

Now he meets one woman

and it's like he hit his head.

This Madame can tantalize anyone

so she can do business with everyone.

You think Mr. Fan doesn't see that?

As long as there is money to make,

he'll drink poison like it's tea.

Mr. Fan is Party A.

Just for that,

Mr. Bao should show you some respect.

Mr. Wei, I've never said I'm Party A.

I'm not.

You're too modest. There are truths and lies in business.

Mr. Bao might be well-known,

but he's not on our level.

We worked hard to get here.

But him?

He's an empty suit who got rich over some lucky bets.

All luck, no work.

Why has he been holed up recently?

He was hiding.

His money must have been tied-up in the stock market.

So what you're saying is,

Mr. Fan

is riding The Grand Lisbon's opening buzz to make a name for himself?

We'll see if he handles the heat,

or if he burns himself.

Are you sure?

You don't have to walk me out.

Mr. Fan,

forget what happened tonight.

I'll ask Miss Wang to invite Mr. Bao to dine here tomorrow.

It was my guests that offended him.

I should apologize to him.

Don't let The Grand Lisbon get in the way of your business.

It's just business.

There's always someone else.

That Mr. Wei, for example.

He doesn't seem bad.

First let's see if Mr. Bao will come.

What if he doesn't?

It doesn't matter,

as long as Mr. Fan comes.

You're too sweet.

Starting tomorrow,

I'll be here so much, I might as well be a decoration.

The Grand Lisbon just opened.

And he bails on you now?

Li Li has him locked down,

courting other partners over there.

It's also possible that they're in on it together.

Whether Mr. Fan finds the distributor,

or Li Li finds them,

The Grand Lisbon will get a commission.

That's the Madame's real business.

She makes a bit off food and drink.

She makes a lot more off deals and information

exchanged over food and drink.

And they're all big deals.

She's something else.

Too bad she's in my way.

She'll have to learn the hard way.

This is Huanghe Road.

If she doesn't level up her game,

she'll be left in the dust.

Thank you.

Uncle Ye, have some.

Just a dinner invitation. They aren't going to eat you.

If Mr. Wei snatches this deal from you, your reputation will be in the mud.

Li Li is playing both sides. Suppose Mr. Bao does go tonight.

She'll get credit for mediating

and Mr. Bao will owe her one.

If Mr. Bao refuses to go

and Mr. Wei lands a deal with Mr. Fan,

she still gets a commission.

If you want San Yang Brand, just go.

Okay sure, she stands to benefit.

So what? It doesn't affect you.

If you don't want it, that's fine too.

We can eat our spareribs and rice cakes and be content.

All right, quit nagging.

If I made you look bad,

I'll make it up to you when I can.

But no matter what I do,

they won't be able to wreck this deal.

What do you mean?

Take your time.

What this all about?

You're done eating?

For real?

Good morning, Madame.

Tonight's seating arrangement.

Miss Wang just called.

Said Mr. Bao can't make it tonight.

Mr. Bao is this stubborn?

Call Mr. Wei.

Tell him that tonight at 6:00,

Mr. Fan will be here for dinner.

Ask Mr. Wei.

Does he want a slice, or does he want the cake?

If he wants it all,

he can't bring those friends of his.

Find some paparazzi to turn up the attention.

Isn't that too flashy?

Flashy's exactly what I want.

So where's this Min Min?

Madame,

you wanted to see me?

Give us a minute.

You know why you're here?

Is it that...

someone told on me?

That waitress, Min Min.

She's something else.

Every single day,

she unbuttons her collar to here.

She goes around the private rooms,

sweet-talking guests, sitting on laps, and making toasts.

Madame,

if word gets out,

everyone will associate The Grand Lisbon with these indecent tricks.

Did the customers complain?

No.

Why would they?

They love it.

They even tip her.

¥1,000 a night.

Straight to her own pocket.

-How much have you gotten? -None!

I haven't taken a penny.

Which restaurant on Huanghe Road has the best food?

How would I know?

All kinds of business come here.

It probably comes down to habit.

So the people who come aren't just here to eat.

What a restaurant really needs is good fengshui, great prospects.

To be a blessed place.

Madame,

isn't the God of Wealth statue out front?

Make connections, build bridges,

and facilitate deals.

We are their God of Wealth.

From now on, less talking, more listening.

On Huanghe Road, information is gold.

Understood.

Madame,

I heard that you two were talking.

I came to see if you needed me?

Don't come to work tomorrow.

You hear that?

The Madame is upset.

See what you've done?

To lose your job for some tips...

Was it worth it?

I meant you.

Me?

You had to consult me over an issue involving some mere buttons.

What am I paying you so much for?

Congratulations.

From now on,

you're the supervisor.

I'll let everyone know in a moment.

If you want to make real money,

use your brains,

not your buttons.

Thank you, Madame.

That Mr. Wei is so annoying.

He should reevaluate himself before taking on Mr. Bao.

It's not like he's the first to try.

Miss Wang,

business takes patience.

A watched pot never boils.

The real show

is yet to begin.

6:30 tonight.

See you at Tokyo Nights.

Good evening, Mr. Fan.

Your decoration is back. Where's Li Li?

The Madame is waiting for you inside.

Good evening, Mr. Fan.

Mr. Fan, let's get a photo together.

This kind of welcome

is usually reserved for someone like Mr. Bao.

News spreads fast on Huanghe Road.

Thank you!

You made a real splash last night.

Everyone knows you and Mr. Wei

are discussing a big deal.

How do they know it's a big deal?

Mr. Fan's deals are always big deals.

Mr. Bao is coming later.

Tonight?

How ironic.

Mr. Bao's usually on Huanghe Road. He seldom comes here for dinner.

Tao Tao is usually here.

Today they've traded places.

Be glad Mr. Bao's never here.

Got it!

Miss Wang?

Freaking out.

Says Mr. Wei and Mr. Fan

have practically shaken hands.

San Yang might actually get stolen.

Just tell her that I'll take care of it.

She should have some faith.

No need to get worked up.

Mr. Fan went to No. 27 for an export permit.

For that, he needs certification as a "Shanghai Name Brand."

He needs both sales and qualifications.

Mr. Wei is just a fur salesman.

How can he compete with me?

I'm leaving.

Here comes Shanghai's loveliest.

Li Li, you're finally here.

How is it going, Mr. Fan?

Mr. Wei and his friends are going to

drink me under the table.

A toast.

The Grand Lisbon thanks you for being here.

I'll do everything I can to serve you all.

May you eat well, drink well,

make friends, and strike deals.

Well said!

You can drink!

I might not have the tolerance, but I have the spirit.

Good evening, everyone.

This dish is The Grand Lisbon's specialty.

Mackerel Pudding with Sea Cucumber.

Braised Fish Tail.

is all for show

What's "Mackerel Pudding"?

It's just fish liver.

The liver is such a tiny part of the fish.

What happens to the rest of it? It gets thrown away. What a waste.

Wasting food is bad karma.

My braised fish tail uses the whole fish

from head to tail.

It's an authentic Shanghainese dish. This is my mother's recipe.

From head to tail? Where is the head?

It will be here soon.

It's here. The head.

Mr. Bao is here.

Yep.

Oh, a new dish?

Mr. Bao.

You didn't go to Huanghe Road today?

There's no need to go every day.

It's just networking.

You're a wallet to them, not a person.

Ten lobsters there can't compare to a bowl of porridge here.

All men do is talk.

He'll say anything to a woman.

The day you guys stop coming

is the day Tokyo Nights shuts down.

Don't worry.

Even if they all stop, I'll still keep coming.

Who cares if you come?

What matters is whether Mr. Bao does.

Did Uncle Ye give you the quotation?

Yeah.

I'm not coming with you.

Who is it?

The God of Wealth.

Don't just stare, get on with it!

Mr. Wei had him against the wall.

Their faces were this close.

But Mr. Fan still wouldn't budge.

Mr. Fan is not a simple man.

He may seem like an easy catch,

but he's dodged the net all night.

He's trying to force Mr. Bao's hand.

Mr. Wei,

I'll be honest with you. Don't be offended.

Please.

All the business talk can wait.

We've got all the time in the world.

Li Li just introduced us today.

It's only been a couple of hours.

But my friendship with Mr. Bao goes back two years.

Two years is not long.

And two hours is not short.

True.

Look at us.

We're a match made in heaven.

Time to add some fuel to the fire.

Right.

You're still chatting.

Li Li.

Mr. Fan.

I grew up in the North,

so I might not know all the rules here.

In the past, maybe it was

friends first, business after.

But tonight at The Grand Lisbon, might I suggest

business first, friends after.

Well said.

Everything Li Li says is well said.

Mr. Fan, look.

I don't know what you're selling,

but I'll say this.

What Mr. Bao wants, I'll take it all.

Mr. Fan,

Mr. Who? I don't care.

I don't care whose offer is bigger

between Mr. Bao or Mr. Wei.

If the deal happens on my turf,

then it's the best deal.

So cold.

Can't wait to go

to Huanghe Road?

You think too little of me.

I'm going back to the office.

Look how confident you are.

Mr. Fan has been at The Grand Lisbon all night. You didn't even call him.

He's on top of the world right now. If I asked him now,

he'd really feel like I'm taking advantage of him.

I won't indulge him. He'll keep thinking of me.

I mean with all the drinking

and all the sweet talk,

what if he really bails?

I'm telling you,

if I ignore him for a week,

all his thieving friends will say,

"Why isn't Mr. Bao worried?"

"Why doesn't he care?"

"Maybe something's not right."

They will want to back out.

Did Uncle Ye teach you this?

The old sage himself.

What does that make me?

You can be a Guardian Angel.

-Wait. -What's up?

-Take this. -What is it?

How should I know?

Call them when you have a minute.

They came here looking for you.

More poor guys you ripped off.

Is four dishes for two people a rip-off?

Is taking their drinks to-go a rip-off?

How did dinner for two cost ¥4,000?

They're the ones who left that much.

I chased after them all the way to the intersection,

but I couldn't catch them.

Give them a call when you can, OK?

Or they'll think I run a clip joint.

Oh yeah.

Don't forget. Tomorrow morning, Tokyo Nights shareholders' meeting.

Miss Wang. Good evening.

Miss Wang is here.

Hi, Miss Wang.

Miss Wang is here.

Oh, Miss Wang came.

Li Li, I came to say hello.

Hey, Mr. Fan's here too!

Bring another chair.

No need. Take my seat.

Miss Wang,

you chat with Mr. Fan and Mr. Wei.

I have to make some rounds.

Go for it.

Mr. Fan. What a coincidence.

Someone told me

you were at Canton Café meeting important guests,

so I didn't invite you.

Mr. Wei.

Miss Wang of the Foreign Trade Office.

I've heard,

Miss Wang, you are Mr. Bao's...confidant.

-That's right. -The rumors don't do you justice.

How lucky Mr. Bao is

to have so many confidants.

Listen to me, Mr. Fan.

I helped you get your San Yang export permit.

Now your name brand certification is also in my hands.

I only care about facts and competence.

If you really want to work with weirdos,

don't even bother coming to me at the Foreign Trade Office again.

Wait, who are you calling a weirdo?

Whoever steals business from Mr. Bao.

You sure are bold, my friend.

We are all friends here.

We can be friends,

but you better explain.

what's all this about "weirdos," huh?

Relationships are important in business.

Numbers are important too, right?

Exactly.

Got it.

Thank you, Miss Wang.

Miss Wang called.

Mr. Fan is asking for ¥1 more per unit on the wholesale price.

He must have had too much to drink.

Not only will I not add ¥1 more, I'll even offer ¥1 less.

Not bad, kid.

His type needs to be taught a lesson.

And the new Madame too.

Here comes Lesson One.