Original subtitles

Created & Directed by WONG KAR WAI

EPISODE 4

FLAME-KISSED COTTON

You idiot, who raised you?

You're making me look bad.

Mr. Wei, we're leaving.

See you.

See you, Madame.

I'll walk you out.

"Come back"? Don't bother.

Go jump in the river instead!

Unbelievable.

Mr. Wei.

Mr. Fan.

Please, have a seat.

Listen, Liu Zi doesn't speak for me.

We're friends, but I swear,

I didn't tell him to disrespect Mr. Bao.

You don't have to apologize to me.

I do.

Mr. Bao might be well-known,

but he's not on our level.

Why has he been holed up recently?

He was hiding.

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

Mr. Fan's on top of the world right now. If I go ask him now,

he'll think I'm taking advantage of him.

I won't indulge him.

Hello, Miss Wang.

Hello.

Relationships are important in business.

Numbers are important too, right?

Mr. Wei, I'll get the car.

I'll give you a ride.

Sure.

I'll give you a ride, Mr. Fan. We're going the same way.

I'm going to use the restroom.

I'll be waiting.

Okay.

Miss Wang,

if you keep following me around,

people will think you're my girlfriend.

I only have eyes for my business.

I've got no time for romance.

You wish.

I have to remind you.

Maybe you can handle most business,

but Mr. Bao's business?

Out of your league.

Then let me tell you.

If you'd gotten here five minutes later,

it'd no longer be "Mr. Bao's business".

I've been in retail for a long time.

At this point, I don't care about profits.

I just want to find out

exactly what the famous Mr. Bao is doing.

If I lose money, so be it.

What we gain is a reputation,

do you understand?

Here, Mr. Fan, I'll give you a ride.

This way.

See you, Mr. Wei.

Mr. Fan. Miss Wang.

I'll walk you out.

There's no need.

You're both VIPs. I insist.

See you, Li Li.

Miss Wang.

My apologies, Li Li.

I came without giving a heads up.

You did it for Mr. Bao, as you should.

I do it for The Grand Lisbon.

Miss Wang, I hope you can appreciate...

how hard it is to get your footing on Huanghe road.

There are hundreds of deals

being made here everyday.

Why must you go after Mr. Bao?

Success puts a target on your back.

Mr. Wei is our guest.

It's not our place to hold him back.

You think someone like Mr. Wei

can take a deal from Mr. Bao?

Depends on how much Mr. Bao wants it.

Looks like Mr. Bao is on the back foot.

This is still just the beginning.

Has the person I asked for arrived?

Are you Miss Wu?

Great.

This way, please.

Keep the change.

Right this way, Miss Wu.

Good evening, sir. Welcome.

Thank you.

Miss Wang, stay in the car.

It's too cold outside.

I'm reminding you.

Tomorrow, 6:30.

Dinner with Mr. Bao at The Red Heron. Don't forget.

I know. I even brought the samples.

-See you. -See you.

Miss Wang, you saw what happened.

I didn't expect this either.

Could you ask Mr. Bao

if he could raise the unit price by just ¥1?

You're trying to take advantage of us?

No, no. Of course not.

I'm just being practical.

I'm sure Mr. Wei would pay even more,

but you and I are friends.

I value Mr. Bao's reputation and your export permit.

San Yang is sure to make money.

I haven't said anything,

but somehow everyone suddenly knows my product is a golden goose.

They're all pouncing on it.

I can't just say no to money, can I?

Mr. Bao is a big shot.

An extra ¥1 is nothing to him

But it would make a huge difference to my factory.

I'll deliver your message.

But Mr. Bao probably won't back down.

two day I go back to the factory in two days.

There's a lot to take care of.

Let's try to resolve this by tomorrow.

I'll let you know.

Great.

Wonderful.

I'll see you.

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.

Help me check this.

-I can't figure it out. -Yes sir.

Hello, Madame.

Hey, stop checking that!

Men who check the bill after a meal will never amount to anything.

When discussing the deal with Mr. Fan, have I asked him what his product is?

Business is all about intuition.

You understand?

Thanks for your generosity.

Madame.

Hello.

It's nothing.

Tomorrow, I'll be back for more.

Not just tomorrow. Next week. Next month.

I'll come all the time.

You're welcome anytime.

However,

I'm happy to play this game.

Shouldn't I know what I'm playing for?

Or they might think I'm an amateur.

The restaurant business has rules.

If I tell you Mr. Fan's business today,

I could sell your secret tomorrow.

Then would you still come?

Just give me a hint.

I'll make the deal no matter what it is.

I don't know what it is

but I know someone who does.

You can go to her.

Okay, that's enough. Stop following me.

Watch out for cars, Mr. Wei.

Who could've guessed that the answer to Huanghe Road's biggest mystery

lay in the hands of a housekeeper?

12 HOURS AGO

Bring this to Mr. Fan at The Sheraton.

Tell him it's an apology for last night.

Find someone you trust to bring it up,

and tip her ¥200.

That much?

You don't get rich by being stingy.

Housekeeping.

What's the matter?

This is from The Grand Lisbon.

The Grand Lisbon?

Li Li.

Oh. Great.

Thank you.

Would you like some housekeeping?

Right now?

Okay. Sure.

I was just about to go out for coffee.

Perfect.

Put this in the room for me.

-Somewhere safe. -Will do.

Thank you.

Of course.

Go for it.

Don't touch anything on my desk.

Don't worry, I won't.

Great.

Mr. Fan identifies as the quiet type.

Always quiet. Quietly becoming rich.

What are you up to?

Nothing. Just doing inventory.

-Let me see. -Don't look.

Move.

Another blowout sale?

Why?

I have to make rent.

You do blowout sales everyday.

How do you have anything left?

I already paid Mr. Ge for you.

Really?

No wonder he stopped bugging me for rent.

How about this?

If If you see anything you like,

feel free to take it.

No thanks.

Keep things separate.

The rent money is a loan.

Pay me back when you can.

How about this?

Invest in my store.

You be the majority owner, and I'll work for you.

No thanks.

I already have Tokyo Nights.

If I invest here, too, you

might as well give me the whole street.

I only have one mouth and two hands.

I'm stretched thin enough as it is.

But you're not just anybody.

You're Ling Zi. You can make magic happen.

Stop! If you keep going,

I'll ask for the money back.

I won't care anymore.

Not about this store or my store.

Clearance sale, blowout sale,

go bankrupt for all I care.

You're talking nonsense.

Look. Pearl earrings.

Japanese vintage brand.

Big, round, and affordable.

No thanks.

Listen.

Jewellery and men are the same. Not perfect? Not worth it.

You sure talk tough,

if I didn't know any better, I'd think you and Mr. Bao have a license already.

We do have licenses.

A food safety license.

A sewage license.

A fire safety license.

A restaurant service license.

An operations license. We have them all.

You know what I mean.

I'm talking about a marriage license.

If I really had one of those,

why would I work so hard?

I run errands, I cook, I come here. That's enough of a life for me.

Ah Bao's a reliable shareholder.

But if he were your man, he'd be a pain in the ass.

Exactly right.

The fact remains,

Bao's great in a lot of ways,

but remember.

He owes you.

That's right.

He needs to pay me for the restaurant's past two months of losses.

I still need that from him.

What?

I don't understand.

You get so many customers.

How are you always in the red?

It's because of you, isn't it?

Me?

Tomorrow, I'll bring it up at the shareholder meeting.

Look at the time.

-What about it? -You should go home.

What? I haven't finished my drink yet.

-You're meeting Mr. Bao tomorrow morning. -How could I go now?

How could you?

Good luck. I'll be waiting for good news.

ZHUJIAJIAO, SHANGHAI SUBURBS

The tofu pudding is ready, dig in.

Thank you.

Can I ask you something?

Go ahead.

Can these shareholder meetings

not be so early?

I wish they could be later too

but I have to start work by 10 am.

We got up so early for this

and walked so far in the rain.

For what? Some tofu?

We can get that anywhere.

Would you eat it from anywhere else?

Who are you to complain?

You only eat fish from Qibao,

chicken feet from Chuansha,

pickles from Zhujiajiao, rice cakes from Chongming.

I'm the one running around to get these.

If I didn't break it down, you'd think I was fudging the costs.

The chicken feet are for Ling Hong.

Mr. Ge likes the rice cakes.

Don't pin it all on me.

Oh right,

speaking of costs--

I can't do the book-keeping.

Uncle Ye says he can teach you.

You think I have time?

I'm too busy.

Sure, he has time. I don't.

How about this?

I close down Tokyo Nights

and learn accounting full-time.

Or you can call Uncle Ye over,

have him run the restaurant.

Every business needs proper accounting.

What now?

A couple visits to Huanghe Road, suddenly I'm not good enough?

Did you forget you almost died recently?

When you were in the hospital, who covered for you?

It was Tokyo Nights' very own Ling Zi.

I paid your debts.

People say you're made of gold.

I don't know if it's true,

but if one day things fall apart,

will Uncle Ye save you?

Will your friends?

No, it'll be Tokyo Nights.

If things fall apart,

Tokyo Nights can't help me either.

Maybe not Mr. Bao,

but the Ah Bao I first met?

Give him food, tea, and a roof over his head?

That much I can do.

If it really comes to that,

you'll think back to today.

Waking up early, coming all this way,

braving the rain,

for a shareholder meeting.

How worthwhile this all was.

I've always thought that

Tokyo Nights is worthwhile.

Always.

Well of course.

What you bought is insurance, understand?

Look,

you never want to need your insurance.

But go ask around.

With the way you do business,

who would insure you?

Who else but me?

You're right.

High risk means high premiums.

As long as you're aware.

The wontons are ready.

Coming.

Sit.

Thank you, auntie.

A spring outing is like a slice of cheesecake.

Its richness is best enjoyed slowly.

Xiao Wen, come quick. I feel dizzy.

-Still? -Hold on. There's an eyelash.

Give me a hand.

Good morning, Mr. Ge.

-Give me a hand. -You got so many.

It's cold out.

Nice.

Why are you here?

I had too much to drink last night.

You're never up before noon.

Why are you here so early today?

None of your business.

I got too drunk last night.

Came to get some exercise.

If I go home and Fang Mei smells alcohol on me,

she'll kill me.

You want to work up a sweat?

Ah Sao is moving today.

Go help. That's your exercise.

Why should I care?

I'm busy anyway.

After this I'm headed to the shop. There's a lot to do.

Don't play with fire.

It's not my fault.

It's been like this my whole life.

Women throw themselves at me

but I never give in to temptation.

You're just scared of your wife.

You don't get it.

Give me that.

Looks like somebody's hungry.

He's preparing to go help with the move.

Mr. Ge, we are ready.

Already?

Okay!

I'm coming.

Watch out!

Slow down.

Slowly.

Careful.

What took you so long?

Hi, Mr. Jiang.

Thank you!

I've been waiting for you.

Careful.

What are you doing?

Hey, easy there.

Take it slow, alright? Careful.

-Ah Sao, how do you have this much stuff? -Sorry, Mr. Ge.

-It really is too much. -All this just for you?

I'm sorry.

Watch out!

What are you driving so fast for?

Welcome back Madame.

Morning.

You're not getting off?

I'm going to get some sleep.

Who's going to carry all this stuff?

Too exhausting.

Hurry up.

What's the rush?

Madame, you're one lucky woman.

Good morning.

Mr. Bao's carrying so much.

I told him not to come, but he insisted.

Good morning.

-You better be grateful for what you have. -I put him on a pedestal.

Careful, the tofu is gonna spill.

If it spills, we'll have to go back.

Here, I'll do it.

-Just let me. We're already here. -Look at this temper.

-You're back, Madame? -I'm back.

See how this guy doesn't listen to me? It's exhausting.

How did this spill everywhere?

Go ask the Madame.

Ask me? Ask yourself!

Qin.

-Bring Mr. Ge the pickled veggies. -Okay.

Where is he?

Helping Ah Sao move with Tao Tao.

Tao Tao's there? Guy's got some guts.

His wife'll skin him alive if she hears.

Who cares about his skin?

His soul's already been taken.

Slowly!

You're moving?

Me? No, I don't even live here.

Isn't that funny?

Is Mr. Ge up there?

You rented out the place?

Yeah that's right.

It's like a small den. Can all this stuff even fit?

It's called skill. Skill only a tailor would have.

Watch out for the wall!

So where is this tailor?

Mr. Tao!

You came.

Looking for Mr. Ge?

No.

Mr. Ge said you're moving so I came to help.

Thank you, Mr. Tao.

No need to be so formal.

Here, for good luck.

Monk, go mix the pickled radish.

-Mr. Bao will be having lunch here. -Got it.

I'm skipping lunch.

I'm going to take a nap, I'm exhausted.

What about dinner?

No dinner.

I have business with Mr. Fan.

At least have some tea.

Anything I can do to help with Mr. Fan?

No. Thanks though.

It's small business.

It's beneath you.

Nonsense.

Small business is still business.

Are you busy this afternoon?

What's up?

Can you draw some money from the bank?

How much?

However much you have.

I'm busy.

As if you don't have money?

The stock prices are soaring.

Ling Hong said you bought low a while ago.

What would she know?

She's just trying to hustle you.

She wants your money, okay?

I sold my stocks a long time ago.

How else could I afford this deal?

Hey, what kind of valuables do you have?

Listen to me.

Everything at Tokyo Nights is mine.

What are you looking at?

What'd you say at breakfast today? "When in need, ask Ling Zi."

When did I say that?

I said, "When in need, help yourself."

What the hell are you doing?

I don't have anything here, just some crackers.

-What are you doing? -What's this?

-Crackers. -These are crackers inside?

You want to die?

-How come it's so heavy? -Give it!

Let me see.

Why are you care about crackers?

Give it back!

If you need money, get it somewhere else.

Tokyo Nights doesn't serve beggars.

Get out. I'm taking a nap.

My friend,

if you're napping, what're the rings for?

Gold wards off nightmares.

-Madame, what will you have for lunch? -Nothing!

Goodbye, Monk!

Mr. Ge,

I noticed that most of your tenants happen to be women.

Coincidence.

And they all happen to be single women.

-I guess you don't count. -Why don't I count as single?

-You don't count as a woman. -You want to die?

Just a joke.

Who's laughing?

You are.

Come, quick.

-Can I please have some water? -What's wrong?

Tired. How am I so tired?

Do you even remember where your shop is?

None of your business.

Look, she's all on her own.

I'm just helping.

Speaking of, is she on her own?

Yep. I'm guessing she's divorced.

Really?

-Ah, so she's here to move on. -Sure.

-Poor thing. -She's coming.

Mr. Ge.

I brought you some pastries.

You're too kind.

Ling Hong is here too.

Hi, Ah Sao.

New home, new prospects!

I brought these from Suzhou.

Perfect texture.

Please take good care of me.

Your words are soft like the pastries.

I'll see you.

I'm here if you need anything.

-Sounds good. -I'm here 24/7.

All men are the same.

Get over yourself.

Excuse me.

Hello?

Hello?

Did you put this money in my drawer?

-Insurance premium, like you asked. -Only ¥500,000?

That's just the start, okay?

This is for the payments you made while I was hospitalized.

Should more than cover it.

More than cover it?

How could you even say that?

I've made payments for you more than just this once.

If not for me, you wouldn't have it so easy.

Fine.

Once the deal with Mr. Fan pays out,

I'll cut Tokyo Nights another big check, okay?

One.

Two.

Three.

-What's the matter now? -Let me ask you,

who else do you get insurance from?

Just investing in Tokyo Nights is enough regret for a lifetime.

There wouldn't be another.

Xiao Wen, Xiao Qin,

stop what you're doing.

Wipe down the fortune cat by the door.

Reserve the room.

If Mr. Bao's deal happens, he'll want to come celebrate tonight.

Tokyo Nights does well when Mr. Bao's business does well, right?

Right.

I'm going out.

You're not taking a nap?

Who sleeps in the middle of the day?

Sis, where are you going?

You're dressed up so pretty.

To the bank.

Good-luck cake.

Ling Zi got it for you.

She gets ¥500,000, I get a cake?

What a scam.

When will you look at Mr. Fan's contract?

Let me rest for a bit, I can hardly keep my eyes open.

You asked for it.

You go that far just for wontons, and then complain about being tired?

Let me just wash my face then.

Hello?

Why haven't you been picking up?

Do you know what time it is?

Listen to me. Mr. Fan is bringing the samples to The Grand Lisbon.

You refused to raise your offer, so he was sure to go there.

We agreed to meet at 6:30 at The Red Heron.

Don't go looking for him.

Wait with me at The Red Heron.

Are you naive or what?

If he agreed to meet you at 6:30, why would he go

to The Grand Lisbon right now? Something is wrong here.

Look, now's not a good time to talk. I'll see you there.

-Miss Wang. -What do you want?

That's my phone.

Oh, I'm so sorry. Let me pay you.

No need at all.

-Are you sure? -Yes, I'm sure.

Then I'll be going.

-Thanks, see you. -See you.

Miss Wang, Chief Jin is looking for you.

Hurry.

Hello, Mr. Wei.

Good afternoon, Mr. Wei.

Where's Li Li?

She's waiting for you in the private room.

Madame.

When will Mr. Fan be here?

He's on his way.

He plans to meet Mr. Bao at 6:30 to show the samples and sign the deal.

I invited him to meet you here first.

That gives you two hours.

In other words,

if I make a deal with him now, he'll have no reason to go.

The rest is up to your charm.

-Mr. Fan. -Good afternoon, Mr. Fan. Welcome.

-Where's Li Li? -She's waiting in the private room.

-Let me help you carry this. -I got it.

Oh Mr. Fan is here.

Mr. Fan.

-Li Li. -Mr. Fan.

Finally.

Mr. Wei.

There you are.

Sorry I'm late.

Let me make some introductions. These are all my good friends.

They've come just to see your product.

A pleasure.

Oh please, that's too much.

Li Li.

Yes, Mr. Fan?

Could you please close the curtains?

In the early days of reform,

markets opened up, progress took hold, and standards of living rose.

France's Montagut T-shirts brought to Chinese citizens

an appetite for luxury fashion.

Even a steep ¥900 price tag could not curb customer demand.

People scrambled madly for the shirts.

A flower on your chest meant you kept up with the times.

Mercerized cotton is said to be fire-proof,

so it's also called "flame-kissed cotton."

In 1990,

Westlake Knitwear was the first

to make flame-kissed cotton domestically.

Production cost for one Westlake shirt was one fifth that of imported ones.

Domestic Domestic flame-kissed cotton.

Almost as good as Montagut's quality.

Here Mr. Wei, confirm.

I have a lighter.

It's true.

Try it.

Good evening, Mr. Bao.

Looking stylish today.

This way, Mr. Bao.

No wonder Mr. Bao has his eye on you.

Li Li said you're more than meets the eye.

Now I've confirmed it.

Li Li, did you really say that?

What an honor.

To be honest, I have a lot to learn.

Just look.

Among all these legends on Huanghe Road,

I'm nobody.

Tonight, you've become the star.

Be glad Mr. Bao didn't come.

Or else you'd have your product, but he'd take all the glory.

Speak of the devil.

It's a shame.

His time has passed.

Time for new heroes.

Of course.

Please, sit.

Mr. Bao.

We are supposed to meet at 6:30.

He's early.

Let me go say hello first.

I don't want to be rude.

Mr. Fan, if the plan was 6:30,

you still have time.

If Mr. Bao's here this early, he must have other business.

That's right.

Mr. Fan, Mr. Wei.

Now that we have seen the shirt,

we'll go downstairs to wait.

Perfect. Wait for my good news.

Okay. Great.

I'll leave you two to it. I need to take care of some things.

Of course.

Mr. Wei, I'm curious about something.

Go ahead.

If I give you my whole supply, how will you distribute it?

I know the clothing industry inside-out.

Think about it,

if you work with me, we cut out the middle man.

I distribute your shirts myself.

Sounds great.

It's just that, I feel bad treating Mr. Bao like this.

You said it yourself.

-It's about numbers, not relationships. -True.

In business, nothing is unfair.

Mutual benefit is what matters.

Right now, Mr. Bao is just a middle man.

He takes your product,

finds third parties to distribute,

and takes a big cut.

With me, we trim the fat.

This is the San Yang Brand's big debut.

Sales are my top priority.

That's right.

To tell you the truth,

I asked Mr. Bao to pay ¥1 extra per shirt.

He said no.

Otherwise I wouldn't be here today.

But in the end, Mr. Bao is a friend.

I should speak with him first, or I won't be able to look him in the eye.

Hold on.

Don't bother.

I will raise the unit price by ¥1.5.

But once you walk out,

this offer is gone.

You don't want to know what I'm asking first?

No need.

I'll be honest with you.

I just want to take a deal from Mr. Bao.

Losses are fine if it builds my reputation.

Huanghe Road will learn the name Mr. Wei.

You see what I'm saying?

You're a daring one, Mr. Wei.

Mr. Bao, it's almost 6:00.

Would you like to order anything?

No rush.

We'll take our time today.

There'll be plenty to enjoy.

Mr. Wei must be determined if he brought this many people.

Winner-takes-all.

In two hours we'll know.

Miss Wang, this way.

Over at The Grand Lisbon,

Mr. Fan and the others are really hitting it off.

I've been busy too, alright?

Busy with what?

Li Li and Mr. Wei have it all planned out.

They're using this deal to get their name out.

Plus Mr. Wei didn't come alone.

He brought a whole gang with him.

It's not a fight, what use is a gang?

Then what's your plan?

At least let me know.

Relax. Business can't be rushed.

You say that now.

You seemed pretty rushed when you first came to the Trade Office.

Why bring that up?

Are you hungry?

You're asking about my stomach?

It's my pulse that's out of control.

Sit, have some tea.

Who is this?

A friend.

Mr. Fan, can I ask?

How much is Mr. Bao offering

for each shirt?

My asking price

was ¥27 a shirt.

Okay.

Then I'll offer you ¥28.5.

You won't go back on your word?

Everyone here bears witness.

Deal.

Impressive.

Did I miss the party?

Madame, tell me, how many tables do you have here?

88 in all.

88 tables.

Treat each one to Turtle King Soup.

You're too generous, Mr. Wei.

The Turtle King, mighty as he was,

was still defeated.

New era, new vibes.

Indeed.

This is my declaration.

Huanghe Road's new year fortune

starts now.

Well said.

88 orders of Turtle King Soup.

Go and buy more turtles.

I should only see turtles in our steamers.

What are you looking at? Go!

I'm treating today.

What? Your mom getting married?

Nope, your grandma is!

Quit it.

At The Grand Lisbon, Mr. Wei's buying everyone turtle soup.

Great.

-They didn't have enough turtles. -Enjoy your meal.

So they came and bought up every turtle on the street.

Which one's Mr. Wei?

The one going after Mr. Bao?

Look, I have to say it.

If Mr. Fan

gets poached by Mr. Wei...

Quite the appetite today.

...it'll be breaking news.

I thought Mr. Bao was invincible.

All heroes are prisoners of love.

Don't you know?

Mr. Bao?

Did something happen?

Mr. Fan.

That Li Li is something else.

Mr. Fan is in over his head.

-Come on. -Just tell us.

Li Li's about to make her name.

Mr. Fan, a photo?

Li Li, you too.

-Go ahead. -No, please.

Come, come.

Mr. Fan, Li Li,

and everyone here at The Grand Lisbon.

You all bring me fortune.

Well said.

Huanghe Road

needs itself a leader.

Now I'm not the type to hog the spotlight,

but if the people need me to step up,

then I'm happy to serve.

Time to serve!

Good evening, Miss Wang.

What's going on?

Big business deal.

Mr. Wei is treating everyone. Turtle King Soup for every table.

Just look.

Mr. Wei's so handsome.

Listen. Don't fall for handsome. He's on a lucky streak right now.

When a man's lucky, he's handsome no matter what.

You're right.

When a man's luck runs out, so do his looks.

Just look at my husband.

Miss Wang, did you have some soup?

No, thanks.

You're all welcome

to reach out to me.

Got it.

Weirdo.

Miss Wang.

Miss Wang, wait.

Miss Wang.

Miss Wang, let me.

I got it, thanks.

Let me help you.

What's up?

Mr. Wei bought everyone Turtle King Soup.

I brought you some to try.

He means to call you a dead turtle.

Lucy, a couple of bowls please.

-Mr. Bao, let me. -I got it.

Okay.

You're really eating it?

Why not? It's not poison.

You weren't there, you didn't hear his tone.

He truly thinks of himself as the new prince of Huanghe Road.

And the guests are eating it up.

To play prince for five minutes,

Mr. Wei sure spent a lot

on some turtles.

This guy really is your friend.

You even talk the same.

Could you please tell me what exactly you're up to?

Mr. Fan.

I came here fully prepared.

I even brought all my distributors.

Partners for over a decade, all of them.

-Introductions. -Please.

Each manages a corner of Shanghai.

Liu of Yangpu.

Hello.

Mujiang of Pudong.

It's an honor.

Liang of Nanshi.

Big fan.

Fatso of Zhabei.

Welcome.

On the count of three...

-Hello Mr. Fan. -My goodness.

Hello, hello.

Mr. Wei.

I was just about to ask you about your distribution strategy.

Don't worry.

They won't let you down.

They already took your business.

Now they're celebrating.

What are you still doing here? Playing house?

Lucy, you can serve the food now.

We'll eat first.

Is someone else coming?

Of course.

Got it.

Who?

Mr. Fan's not coming.

Miss Wang, shall I get you some utensils?

I'm in no mood to eat.

Bring them anyway.

Understood.

After 88 Turtle King Soups,

The Grand Lisbon is now the place to be.

Even now, there's a line out the door.

No more open tables?

Just one. For Hulian's Mr. Xu.

He's not here yet.

-What time is his reservation? -6: 30.

Wait a bit longer.

If he's not here by 7:00, give the table to someone else.

Okay.

One more thing.

I shouldn't be seen only attending to Mr. Fan and Mr. Wei. 2000

-You go take care of them. -Done.

Let us try Mr. Wei's Turtle King Soup.

I'll rent you four counters on consignment.

Consignment? I'd get laughed at.

What do you mean?

Let's vertically integrate.

Split the cost, share the profit.

You're asking for a lot.

The quantity's huge.

Exceptionally huge.

Miss Wang.

You're back.

Just to get my bag.

Clearly I'm useless here,

running around like the butt of some joke.

Hold on. Hear me out.

I'm listening.

Relay two messages for me and no one will be laughing at you.

What?

The price dropped ¥1.5?

Yesterday he dropped it just ¥1, and I said no.

Today he wants ¥1.5?

He must be drunk.

I'll say it one more time.

Lower the price ¥1.5 per unit.

For 800,000 shirts, that's ¥1.2 million.

That's some good math, Miss Wang.

Let me show you some math too.

¥1.5 less each means I lose ¥1.2 million.

But Mr. Wei is paying ¥1.5 more a piece.

I'll gain ¥1.2 million.

That's a difference of ¥2.4 million.

How much did you say?

¥2.4 million.

I mean volume.

Mr. Fan,

you and Mr. Bao

agreed on 800,000 shirts.

That's right. 800,000.

Aiming to become a Shanghai Name Brand by year end.

How many shipments?

Two shipments.

That much?

That much.

That's why I care so much.

And why I had to come to Shanghai.

Mr. Wei, if it were just a few thousand,

even your 88 turtles would be worth more.

-Isn't that right? -That's right.

Hold on a second.

You hear that, everyone?

800,000 shirts.

How many can each of you take?

The more the better.

Alright.

Uh, I can take 10,000 at most.

I can take 10,000.

8,000 for me.

Okay.

Alright, so let's say 40,000 altogether.

Mr. Fan.

50,000 shirts.

How many?

50,000. How's that?

But...

I'll still have 750,000.

750,000 left...

With us friends here, we got you covered.

We'll just split it into more shipments.

Mr. Wei.

production is in full swing.

The material for 800,000 shirts is already in the factory.

We're working around the clock.

I've paid for the overtime.

If you only take 50,000,

you leave me with over 700,000.

With so many shipments, how would I know you'll follow through?

On Mr. Bao's behalf,

let me remind you.

It's all 800,000, or none at all.

We underestimated Mr. Bao.

He didn't even have to come to blow everything up.