Original subtitles

Created & Directed by WONG KAR WAI

EPISODE 5

A FIRE IN THE SPRING

But what if Mr. Wei was right?

What if Mr. Bao's money is actually tied up?

Aren't we giving him a way out?

Only if Mr. Wei can handle the deal.

You didn't see Mr. Wei

and the look on his face.

I'm telling you,

he really thinks

he's the new prince of Huanghe Road.

Get a message across the street.

I assure you no one will laugh.

Mr. Fan.

There's no point talking to men like him.

We're done here.

Miss Wang, is Mr. Bao still across the street?

Tell him I'll be right there.

Mr. Fan.

Don't bother.

I'll take 100,000 shirts.

I'll work with Mr. Bao.

And for my part of the order,

I'll still pay the extra ¥1.5.

Will that work?

On Mr. Bao's behalf,

let me remind you.

He'll take 800,000, or none at all.

Who else has what it takes?

Hey! I have what it takes.

But this is my first time doing T-shirts,

so I'll just take a bite, and he can have the rest.

If he can even handle it.

Mr. Bao won't agree to that.

Why? I'm not good enough for him?

Correct.

Miss Wang, I'll go with you right now.

Mr. Wei, my apologies.

I already had a deal with Mr. Bao.

Look, we--

I didn't ask the important question.

Miss Wang.

Are you sure, Mr. Fan?

Leave this room and the offer is gone.

We underestimated Mr. Bao.

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

That Mr. Xu from Hulian Retail.

Call him right now and invite him here.

Hold him a room. Drinks are on the house.

-Got it. -Hurry.

We are all friends here.

We can talk it out.

Miss Wang. Let's go.

If we go,

you're agreeing to the ¥1.5 price cut.

All right.

If you just agreed earlier

you would've saved me a lot of running.

I haven't even eaten.

I'll buy you dinner.

Mr. Fan, leaving so soon?

I have an important guest coming.

If you need distribution,

no one has a better distribution network than he does.

Who is it?

Mr. Xu.

Mr. Xu from Hulian Department Store.

I thought of a slogan very early on.

"Find your style at Hulian."

They all said,

"What kind of slogan is that?"

But I liked it.

To buy clothes, good clothes,

you need to come to Hulian.

Mr. Xu.

Most Hulian customers

are just everyday, working people.

Most go to look, not to buy.

So here's my idea.

Stock San Yang and Montagut side-by-side.

They're almost equal in quality,

but one's actually affordable.

Miss Wang,

let me give you some advice.

Mr. Bao shouldn't be so extreme.

You don't survive long on Huanghe Road

if you make too many enemies.

Mr. Wei,

save your breath..

If one day,

you can match up to Mr. Bao

and also distribute 800,000 shirts,

give me a lecture.

Until then,

why don't you build yourself up

instead of trading turtles for attention.

You want to say that again?

Let's all prosper in harmony.

Who doesn't want to help

Mr. Fan and his shirts succeed?

That's right.

Madame.

Mr. Xu says he can't make it.

How about later tonight?

No.

He's already with Mr. Bao across the street.

Thank you, Mr. Xu.

Goodbye.

Miss Wang!

Miss Wang.

Watch it.

Welcome, Miss Wang.

It's only 1/10 of the price--

Miss Wang.

Hello.

Mr. Bao, I'm so sorry I kept everyone waiting.

My apologies.

Mr. Xu,

let me introduce you.

Mr. Fan of Westlake Knitwear Factory.

Fan Xinhua.

Mr. Xu of Hulian Department Store.

Of course. Hello, Mr. Xu.

I really am sorry.

You should have told me who this was.

I worried all night for nothing.

I'm out of business cards.

No worries. Please, sit.

Mr. Fan, please, sit.

All right, Mr. Fan.

-Sit. -Okay.

I've actually been here all night.

I ran into a Mr. Wei across the street.

He was introducing me to

four of his associates.

They're amateurs.

My eyes are sharp.

I wouldn't fall for his tricks.

I told him, "Mr. Bao is waiting for me."

He just wouldn't let me go.

Right, Miss Wang?

Mr. Fan,

800,000 shirts.

In all of Shanghai,

only Hulian can handle that quantity.

Right.

And all by itself too.

Right.

Having your brand displayed in Hulian

is not like stocking it in small stores.

A product needs a good stage to shine.

Right.

Let me tell you, Mr. Xu,

I've known Mr. Bao for two years now.

We're old friends by now.

Here, Mr. Xu, I'll down this glass as an apology.

For you too, Mr. Bao.

Mr. Fan, you're not off the hook yet.

Miss Wang.

Please accept this bow.

I come from a small town.

I'm still learning the rules here.

-I'll be better. -That's enough, Mr. Fan.

Miss Wang is only joking.

I know, I know.

So we're all agreed?

Mr. Xu and Mr. Fan,

¥25.5 per shirt?

Mr. Bao,

it's ¥26.

¥26?

That was my offer last night.

Last night?

-Then tonight— -Mr. Fan,

think of the ¥1.2 million you lost

as tuition for this lesson.

Drink up, everyone!

Cheers.

Congratulations.

Congratulations on a quick victory.

You worked hard, Miss Wang.

Here, Miss Wang.

Let's toast to Miss Wang.

Thank you for your hard work.

I was just wasting energy.

-Don't say that. -That's right.

Hey, be nice.

What do you mean?

I was working hard for nothing?

Of course.

Of course.

Ask yourselves,

since when was working hard enough in business?

You need to work smart.

-You've said enough. -You see? Who acts like that?

-Ignore him. -Okay, let's eat.

-He's talking nonsense. -Let's eat.

If it weren't for me keeping an eye on Mr. Fan,

his "smart work" would be useless.

You're so right. It's all thanks to Ms. Wang.

That's why everyone knows

Miss Wang is Mr. Bao's champion.

Let's go inside and eat.

Let's go.

Don't worry about him.

That night Tokyo Nights put out the big round table.

What champion? I'm just a door mat.

Don't say that.

I've never seen

such a pretty door mat.

Me neither.

I would say the doormat tonight was Li Li.

-How old is Li Li anyway? -Her? Twenty-something.

Twenty-something?

She's too green to take on Mr. Bao.

That's right.

Not in his league.

That, I have to disagree with.

Our Miss Wang is also in her twenties, and she's about to make section chief.

Really?

Who said that?

Chief Wang.

Did he tell you?

Chief Wang.

It's too early to say for sure.

But when the day actually comes, I'll treat everyone to dinner.

-Thank you in advance. -Let's eat!

Hey, Chief Wang.

You'll really have to work smarter then.

What's your deal?

You must think I'm as dumb as a fish.

-I never said that. -Ignore him. Let's have a drink.

-Let's. -Congratulations, Miss Wang.

Thanks, big sis.

I've never seen such a pretty fish, and I sell seafood!

Oh, stop. If you ask me, Miss Wang—

Ling Hong, come outside for a second.

-What? -Come. Just go.

Hurry.

If you ask me, Miss Wang,

You're exactly like Tokyo Nights'

-Fortune Cat. -Come on.

What's the matter?

She says you look like a Lucky Cat.

What does that mean?

-Go. Inside. -What's going on?

-Where are those earrings? -What earrings?

The ones you showed me. Big, round, and affordable.

-Give them to me, quick. -What's your deal?

Are these the ones?

Yep.

Didn't you call them cheap?

How much?

¥2,600.

Give them. I'll pay tomorrow.

Okay, but don't forget.

I won't.

I'll come find you.

Give these to Miss Wang. Cheer her up.

Your business depends on her.

Pearl earrings?

All women like pearls.

They're pricey, but for your business, they're worth it.

How much?

¥26,000.

Pricey indeed.

Of course.

I was going to wear them myself,

but you need them more. Take them.

Take them back.

I said take them so just take them.

It's for your own good.

See how much I sacrifice for you?

Fine, I'll give them to her later, okay?

If you ever...

get to cheer a woman up with a simple gift,

don't miss the chance.

Understand?

Mr. Wei, here's your bill for tonight.

Our Madame says

the food and drinks for this room

are on the house.

Great.

As for the 88 Turtle King Soups,

each one is ¥388,

for a total of ¥34,144,

rounded down to ¥34,000.

That much?

Hey!

A man's expenses must match his status.

Perfect.

I can't get enough of this kind of thrill.

Tell Li Li, I'll be back for more.

What about the leftover turtles?

Take them to go.

They'll keep for a few days.

Watch out.

Careful.

Make way.

What are you doing?

Don't put those in my car.

You gonna clean it if it spills?

Okay.

Bring them to my house.

I'll go back later.

Goodbye, Mr. Wei.

We live in strange times now.

Almost ¥35,000 for just one dinner.

Only Huanghe Road is this extravagant.

Us working folks couldn't imagine.

Even picking up a ¥200 bill...

Painful.

We sit down to eat food.

They sit down to talk business.

Dinner expenses and business expenses are totally different things.

It's a market economy now.

Deal in the market. Believe in the market.

Whether they spend ¥1 or ¥10 on a cup of tea.

That's none of our business.

Us non-believers?

Don't think too much.

-I'll be back in a couple of days. -Nothing catch your eye?

See you, big sis.

See you.

Watch your head.

Why not come by my shop?

Come back soon.

I got lots of new stuff.

Enough. Go back inside.

-It's cold. -Go away.

You don't have to buy anything. Just come hang out.

I'll visit soon.

Next time, then.

Just call me.

TEN MINUTES AGO

Madame.

Should we order more turtles tomorrow?

Opportunities like San Yang are rare,

and so are guests like Mr. Wei.

He's a bit dumb.

You're wrong.

He's just chasing the thrill.

And what's more thrilling than becoming famous overnight?

Where winner takes all?

Then what about us?

Every restaurant here has the same goal.

Bring the big players together.

Now that we're here,

we'll facilitate the biggest deal ever.

How big?

As big as you can dream.

Why didn't you tell me sooner about Mr. Xu?

You don't trust me?

Don't be ridiculous.

I trust you the most.

I was worried you'd speak too soon.

I'm not stupid, okay?

You think I have no self-control?

Okay. My mistake.

I'll buy you dinner tomorrow. Alright?

No.

Do you even understand respect or trust?

-Excuse me, please pull over right here. -Okay.

What's this?

What are you doing?

If my toilet was broken, I'd tell you.

But you?

You don't tell me anything.

Do you have some sort of secret?

What secret could I have?

First lesson of business.

"Say nothing."

What you don't know,

what you shouldn't know,

what puts you, puts others at risk - say nothing.

That's how you keep your options open.

Well this is just how I am.

Take it or leave it.

Is there something you're not telling me?

I guess there is.

What is it?

I have something for you.

I don't want it.

You won't even look?

Do you like these?

Those are for old ladies.

That's right.

Perfect for you.

Come on, get in the car. It's cold.

Do you know why I'm so broke?

It's like that time you bought me those contact lenses

that I actually wanted to keep.

I had to pay them off myself.

What little money I make is all spent because of you.

Now you give me these granny earrings.

No thanks. Stupid.

We're friends, aren't we?

What's wrong with friends expressing a little appreciation?

I know there are rules at your workplace.

These earrings are from Ling Hong's shop.

They're cheap.

Just wear them for fun,

or to impress a client.

Have your fun, then turn them in.

That can't be against the rules.

You still going?

Yes.

Come on, get back in.

Sir, take me to Huanghe Road instead.

You're going there this late?

I'm going to turn them in, so I should show off while I can.

Go.

Childish.

Hey! You're really going without me?

How could you?

I'm going. You should head back.

Take it easy, okay?

Don't drink too much.

And don't stay out too late.

I know.

A pack of cigarettes.

Thank you.

I'll be right back.

-Fancy seeing you here, Mr. Bao. -Apologies, Miss Li Li.

I disappointed your guest.

You mean Mr. Wei?

How could he be disappointed?

For the price of just 88 turtles,

he became famous overnight.

Maybe he outsmarted all of us.

In that case,

Mr. Fan and I must thank The Grand Lisbon

for giving San Yang so much publicity.

We both get what we want.

Mr. Fan is our regular now.

Mr. Bao is welcome as well.

Give me a reason to come.

What's your reason for not coming?

Unnecessary?

Unimpressed?

Unable to get over Golden Phoenix?

Huanghe Road needs stories,

and Mr. Bao has lots of them.

Golden Phoenix is an old story.

The Grand Lisbon is the new one.

Why connect the two?

I actually think you can come often.

A new story

is always more exciting.

Madame is good at marketing.

I'm good at much more than that.

Such as?

I know your shirts and export ventures

have more difficulties than you let on.

Same goes for you.

Is that enough of a reason?

I'll take your card.

We're booked this week.

You're welcome next week.

Thank you.

Waiting for someone?

You can take this one.

Don't mind if I do.

That's right,

let me properly introduce myself.

Li Li.

Ah Bao.

Still open this late?

¥26,000 earrings. You only paid half.

¥13,000 is plenty.

Be honest,

how much did you profit?

Earrings from Ling Hong's shop can't be worth more than ¥3,000.

Have you lost your mind?

To help you with your business, I keep my eyes and ears open every day.

That mean nothing to you?

Am I just free labor?

Listen, I'll let it slide just this once, that's it.

I gave you so many freebies now you take it for granted.

Hello?

All up early on the 1st?

Look.

My husband saw her last night, Mr. Bao gave her these.

Really?

He wouldn't lie to me.

Your husband lies to you all the time.

No wonder. She's usually always late.

Today she's early.

She's showing them off.

You can look

but keep your dirty hands to yourself.

I didn't get a good look.

What do you know?

Earrings today, a ring tomorrow.

Miss Wang will soon become Mrs. Bao.

We'll really be left in the dust.

Let me see those.

Wow, these must've cost thousands.

Not at all, they're really cheap.

The Chief's still not back?

No idea. Why?

I've got to turn these in.

You'd do that?

I don't want to, but rules are rules.

She's not back yet.

Then I'll put them on just for fun.

Pretty?

Pretty.

Morning, Uncle Ye.

Good morning, Uncle Ye.

800,000 shirts.

How are you paying out the balance?

Didn't we just get the last payment from Ping Guo Denim?

That will cover us for now.

Miss Wang got us the permit for those anyway.

It's only right to return the favor.

You're missing the point.

You've helped her enough.

"Employee of the year" three times,

handling 5 million USD each year.

All on the back of your transactions.

Besides,

Africa doesn't have that kind of demand.

Those "exports" are actually sitting in a warehouse.

If we're focusing on foreign trade now,

we need to build some momentum.

That's why we need San Yang.

If we succeed,

Miss Wang makes section chief,

and we'll benefit too.

I told you to focus on foreign trade.

Not helping Miss Wang.

Are you trying to marry her?

You know very well who her mentor is,

and the temper she has.

The apple can't fall far from the tree.

Also,

No. 27 is part of Foreign Affairs.

They gatekeep for their own,

but you're an outsider.

If you do end up together, she'll have to resign.

I'm not looking for a wife, like Tao Tao.

I just want her to succeed and become section chief.

Genuinely.

And what she wants is your heart.

My heart?

It only belongs to the market.

Now that we've decided

to commit to foreign trade,

I'm going to reach heights nobody's ever seen

Easy now, kid.

Don't get ahead of yourself.

The San Yang contract is done.

The day after tomorrow, all three parties will sign at No. 27.

Don't be late.

Jin Hua wants to talk to you.

The Bund

runs a mere 1.5 kilometers.

It used to be just a mudflat.

In the '20s, Jardine Matheson, a top conglomerate in foreign trade,

made No. 27 its home.

In 1955,

the Foreign Trade Office moved in.

No. 27 on the Bund officially became "the Foreign Trade Building."

In the 1920s, it was a man's world.

Twenty-five companies on the Bund

employed a total of six women.

Half a century later,

it was a different world.

Women made up half of No. 27.

Would all three parties

please sign the San Yang T-shirt contract.

This year, Shanghai's imports and exports

reached $10 billion for the first time.

Meanwhile, trade policy reforms

spur development in the retail industry.

Riding these rising tides,

today's collaboration is another step forward for Shanghai's

export-oriented economy.

Stop spreading rumors.

Let us hope that San Yang T-shirts

will become staples for the country,

and even the world.

Please join me in applauding

the completed signing!

Please come forth for a group photo.

You may now exit.

Thank you.

-Congratulations, Mr. Bao. -Thank you, Chief Jin.

-Mr. Fan. -Mr. Bao!

Thank you.

You've helped me so much.

All well deserved.

Seeing all this...

-It's making me tear up. -Smile for the photo first.

Thank you again for coming.

Let's go.

Okay.

Oh hey, long time no see.

Call me, okay?

Here, for the sweat.

-Thank you. -Look at you.

I'm telling you, you're the foundation.

Everything we do will start with you.

I know.

Remember that.

I must say,

good thing Mr. Bao kept things under control

or you would have made a huge mistake.

-Thank you. -Congratulations, Mr. Bao.

-Mr. Xu. -Mr. Fan. Congratulations.

Thank you.

Mr. Xu, so when will San Yang hit the shelves?

He means at Hulian.

Hulian is getting listed on the 19th.

How about we launch San Yang on the same day?

Good things come in pairs.

That's perfect.

No. Miss Wang already said to wait until summer.

Miss Wang, you look pretty today.

I look pretty every day.

Why so late?

Tell him why.

We've arranged a surprise.

Have you seen "Legend of the White Snake?"

-The lead actress will attend the launch. -The White Snake?

You're inviting my favorite TV star?

That's amazing.

Someone has a crush.

No, no. I'm like a monk. Mr. Bao--

Speaking of crushes, how are you and Miss Wang?

Nonsense.

Never mind then.

Chief Jin's asking for Mr. Bao.

My boss is looking for you.

Go on ahead.

Excuse me for a minute.

Okay.

-Miss Wang you look stunning today. -Your handkerchief!

Thank you.

I'll come find you later.

Congratulations, Mr. Bao.

-Chief Jin. -Congratulations, Mr. Bao.

I should congratulate you. I hear they're sending you abroad.

The office wants me there for the GATT negotiations.

So I won't see you next time I'm here?

I'll still be here for some time.

Before I leave, I'll start handing responsibilities to Miss Wang.

San Yang had a bumpy start,

but once it's "Name Brand" certified,

Miss Wang will hopefully get promoted.

We all know how much you support her.

It's not like she's had it easy.

She may look delicate,

but she can overcome anything.

What she's done is not "overcoming."

You've fended off any trouble before she's had to face it.

Listen to me.

She needs to learn what hardship is.

Otherwise, she'll be ruined the first moment you're not there.

I understand.

Congratulations, Mr. Fan.

Thank you.

Xiao Mei,

San Yang finally became a reality.

But I owe you an apology.

I've known you for longer.

This should have been your account.

Look, I--

It's not your fault.

Miss Wang is close with Mr. Bao, it was bound to be hers.

The office would have assigned it to her, even if you said otherwise.

It's not fair to you.

It's fine.

Come here.

Let's get Mr. Fan.

I'll go get him.

Okay.

-Mr. Fan-- -Mr. Fan!

Mr. Xu wants a group photo.

Come, quick.

-Xiao Mei, I'll see you. -Sure.

Excuse us, Mei Ping.

Please sit, Mr. Bao.

Thank you.

The "Name Brand" certification is very important to the office.

We're counting on you, Mr. Bao.

Of course.

How's Uncle Ye?

He's doing well.

And the two aunties?

Same as always.

What is Uncle Ye's plan?

To make San Yang a success, of course.

Someone like Uncle Ye,

paired with someone like you...

I'm not sure there's a venture

that's big enough for the two of you.

How profitable could San Yang be?

Surely you aren't working so hard just so Miss Wang can be promoted,

are you?

Chief Jin,

don't worry.

After all, Uncle Ye came out of No. 27.

He would never cause problems

for you, for Miss Wang,

or for the Trade Office.

That's good.

Okay. Ready?

Three, two, one. Smile!

See you. Take care.

Don't mess up the edges.

That one won't do. It looks like a dog bit into it.

Here, watch me do it.

See? You'll know next time.

Give it a try.

Congratulations, Mr. Bao.

Congratulations.

Mr. Bao.

I have a project as well. If you have time, could I buy you dinner?

Uncle Ye handles these things. You can find him at the Peace Hotel.

-Hello, Mr. Bao. -Oh, Mrs. Fang.

Hello.

You look great.

Thank you.

-Thank you for your help. -Of course.

-Couldn't have done it without you. -I'll see you.

-I appreciate your looking out for us. -Mr. Bao,

I don't want to bother Uncle Ye.

Miss Wang is Uncle's favorite.

You're close with Miss Wang, so just go for it.

It'd be best not to tell Miss Wang.

It's just a small project, I don't want it to seem

like I'm troubling y...

Not bad.

There's a learning process.

I was clumsy too when I started.

Mr. Bao tells me,

Uncle Ye treats you the best.

Of course.

Uncle Ye and I agree on everything.

Chief,

you know Uncle Ye too?

He was married to my aunt.

How come you've never mentioned that?

I see he's never mentioned me either.

No.

He gave me my first stamp book.

He must have been a big deal back then.

He was the smartest one in my family.

Started at the stock exchange at 16.

Became a licensed broker at 18.

From stocks to forex, he could do it all.

And he married two wives.

Did Mr. Bao tell you this?

I've met them.

The two aunties,

They're twins, no?

They're so precious to Uncle Ye.

Didn't matter.

He divorced them both.

He would do that?

He said he had to treat them equally.

I'm leaving.

I'm off.

Bye, shut the doors properly.

For those two aunties,

he went through a lot.

He was penniless,

and they wanted to visit their family in the Northeast.

He pulled every string to get ten cigarette vouchers.

For what?

For their travel expenses. Shanghainese cigarettes were popular.

People in the Northeast paid a pretty penny for them.

But he was reported and stood trial.

He stood trial?

Over some cigarettes?

Of course.

At the time, scalping products,

flipping vouchers, and trafficking goods

were all considered crimes.

She seems to bring me up often.

What about you?

Do you still hate her?

It's been so long.

I barely remember,

let alone hate.

Who reported him?

I did.

If she didn't stop me then,

someone like me

would have gotten into bigger trouble.

Yesterday's paper.

San Yang launches on the 1st of June.

That'll be too late.

Invite Mr. Bao to dinner tonight.

I have something for him.

"San Yang Brand will make a grand launch during the Dragon Boat Festival."

Got it.

The Grand Lisbon called.

They have a room for you.

¥2,800 minimum charge. Are you going?

Of course.

I'd like to see

what's special about the so-called best restaurant on Huanghe Road.

What's special is Madame Li Li.

I heard she came to Shanghai three months ago.

Back then,

Golden Phoenix had just left.

Huanghe Road's most popular restaurants were Mei Lin Garden and The Red Heron.

Business is just too good, I'm sorry, you'll have to wait.

Miss.

Going already?

Are you a tourist?

I'm here to learn the business.

I hear Mei Lin Garden is Huanghe Road's

most profitable restaurant.

You could say that.

I've been here for two years.

Plenty of restaurants would charge more than me.

All gone now.

Do you also get the most traffic?

Traffic?

The Red Heron gets a bit more.

But once I have Golden Phoenix's space,

no one on Huanghe Road will beat me.

Young lady,

why are you asking these questions?

To learn.

You think it's that easy?

You're not the only one to try.

Just a couple of meals,

and she took over the restaurant.

Here is your key.

Do you have a construction crew yet?

I know people. I could take care of it for you.

My crew will get here next week.

My manager will be in touch regarding the utilities.

I can help you with staff too. If you need a supervisor--

Goodbye.

So she's fast.

Not just fast.

She's way more daring than your average Madame.

The previous gas lines weren't enough.

Only allowed for three stoves.

So she went

and dug a new gas line all the way from Nanjing Road.

Three stoves turned into ten.

That must have cost a fortune.

What's more,

she offered triple the market rates for every position.

Most of her senior staff

was poached from big name restaurants.

I was born and raised in Shanghai.

Hiring me would be good luck.

Here is my resumé. Please take a look.

I used to be a model. I know lots of celebrities--

Next.

My name is Wang Dehua.

I used to own a restaurant too.

Do you have a resumé?

I need a resumé?

Do I really need one?

Next.

Miss Li.

My name is Shirley.

I studied Hotel Management in Australia.

Madame, how is it?

I was the supervisor at Golden Phoenix.

Everyone on Huanghe Road knows me.

I went through six months of training.

What to say, what to do, what to wear.

Every detail matters.

There were over 60 lessons.

Who trained you?

Manager Pan.

She's something else let me tell you.

Kitchen, supplies, fire safety,

menu selection--

she handled everything herself.

We called her "the Goddess with a Thousand Hands."

I already took a job.

I know you used to manage Golden Phoenix and made this much.

I'll pay you three times that, on a two-year contract.

On top of that, I'll add equity.

You'll in charge of inventory, recruitment, and operations.

I'll find the builders, chefs and suppliers.

We will soft open in three months.

If that works for you,

here's your first year's salary.

Ever since Golden Phoenix,

I only take salary wherever I go.

No equity,

especially not on Huanghe Road.

I don't plan on being a second Golden Phoenix.

With all due respect,

you're underestimating Huanghe Road.

My old Madame was from out of town too.

She also had panache.

But she still couldn't defeat the other Madames on Huanghe Road.

So,

what makes you think

the restaurant you're opening

won't be another Golden Phoenix?

I'm opening much more than a restaurant.

So you need to be

much more than just a manager.

How ambitious.

What about the other Madames?

Won't they fight back?

They've been bad mouthing her.

But she has quite the composure.

She relies only on herself

to patiently build her fortune.

Since they opened,

their daily revenue is close to ¥80,000.

Their open dining room is packed every day.

Even so, ten tables there

earn less than one private room,

with its minimum charge of ¥2,800.

Say each room seats ten people. One order of crab each,

that's already ¥3,000.

A bottle of black label is ¥980.

A bottle of Wuliangye is ¥480.

Not even counting other food,

you add a little tip and you're already at ¥5,000.

Ten rooms.

That's over ¥50,000.

What's strange is,

the Sky Room hasn't been made available.

They say it's being renovated,

but truth is, a group from Shenzhen

has been frequenting it since day one.

There's got to be something going on.

It's an honor, Madame.

-Pleasure. -I've looked forward to meeting you.

This is our finance director.

Pleasure. Hope business is good.

Thank you.

Uncle Ye,

how do you know all this?

I told Stamps Li to keep an eye on them.

He's been there every day since day one.

Welcome.

The Grand Lisbon is owned by one of us, so feel right at home.

So this Madame must have quite the history.

Be careful when you go there.

If you're careless,

she'll eat you alive.

201 She already tried with San Yang.

And she almost swallowed Mr. Fan whole.

She can't do that to my guest tonight.

She'd get a stomach ache.

Who is it?

Miss Wang. I owe her a meal.

How do you always owe her?

Tonight's menu for the Joy Room.

-Tell the chef to bring his A game. -Will do.

-Let me know when Mr. Bao gets here. -Yes, Madame.

-Hello, Mr. Bao. -Good evening.

-Welcome, Mr. Bao. -Thank you.

-Come by The Red Heron sometime. -I will.

-Mr. Bao. Don't forget my son's birthday. -I know.

Going to The Grand Lisbon, Mr. Bao?

You know everything don't you?

It's big news.

The entire Huanghe Road knows.

What's the big deal?

Hello, Mr. Bao.

Here for dinner?

Give me a pack of cigarettes.

Mr. Bao, buying cigarettes here? How unusual.

Can I ask you something?

Anything.

Madame,

Mr. Bao is here. But he wouldn't come through the front.

He insisted on entering from the kitchen.

I was just going for dinner.

But now,

I'd like to go see just what she's capable of.

Amateurs watch the front gate.

The pros

observe the back door.

Hello, Mr. Bao.