Original subtitles

Created & Directed by WONG KAR WAI

EPISODE 9

SNAKES ON FIRE

Ah Bao had an older brother, given up for adoption,

who was now living in Hong Kong. They barely had any contact.

But one day, Ah Bao unexpectedly received a letter from him.

written in traditional characters.

Shanghai in 1988,

like the surging Huangpu River,

was unstoppable.

Ten years of economic reform

proved that development was paramount.

The market economy transformed lifestyles.

Diligence was this land's foundation.

Brick by brick, everyone contributed to the progress of society,

and paved the way for the market.

That year,

my brother in Hong Kong

helped me get my first export trial order.

At the time, all exports

had to go through No. 27 on the Bund,

the Foreign Trade Building

Hello.

Who are you looking for?

Wang Mingzhu,

textile department.

You look stealthy.

Third floor.

Thank you.

Are you Xiao Wang?

Who are you?

Tell him to stop waiting. Factories are all busy before Christmas.

Why are you back?

Didn't I tell you to wait six months?

I've had enough. I'm drowning myself in the Huangpu River.

-Who is he? -A textile factory manager from Ningbo.

In his factory, over 300 workers are waiting to be paid.

What? 300?

My friend.

Don't come over.

Okay.

Huangpu River, here I come.

You're nuts. This is Suzhou Creek.

Give it a break.

Have a cigarette,

and calm down.

Suzhou Creek. Here I come.

You don't even know where you are.

You still have a factory of 300 workers!

I jumped to save myself and the others.

The water was 3.5 meters deep.

It could've killed me.

Wake up.

Are you alive?

Hello?

Wake up.

Hey.

Are you okay?

Wake up!

Hey.

Wake up!

Why'd you jump if you can't swim?

Won't even let me die in peace.

What's wrong with you? He saved you.

None of your business.

What's that mean?

You have 300 workers.

So what?

Do you want an order?

Yes. How big?

Tell me clearly.

Five million.

What was that?

Five million.

U.S. dollars!

U.S. dollars?

My friend.

Are you ok?

Are you alright?

Am I dreaming?

There is no way.

-Just listen to me. -I won't.

There are 300 poor workers depending on this.

Help us out. It won't be much trouble.

-I promise. -You'd be our savior.

I'm not listening.

I'll wait downstairs.

As soon as Chief Jin agrees, come get me at the side door.

What are you two doing?

Chief Jin will not agree.

Your medicine, Chief.

Who's making all this noise?

What?

Oh, Ning Bo is selling shirts.

T-shirts for Africa, now selling domestically.

Two for ¥10.

What are you doing here?

Chief, what are you doing here?

I can't pay my workers, so here I am.

Want some shirts?

They're already dirt cheap. Help me out.

You won't want to miss this!

Chief. Here's a heat pack.

I'll go get you another one.

Get that young man over here.

You won't want to miss this!

Our chief wants to see you.

Got it.

Wait for my good news.

-Chief Jin, listen to me. -I won't approve.

Why not?

The machines in his factory are in disrepair.

Broken needles were found in the shirts.

It caused a trade dispute. How could I permit this order?

Mr. Bao and I discussed this.

We will import machines from Japan, which guarantees the quality.

I'll pay for the machines.

The company rents them to the factory.

The salaries of the workers would cover

the machines'annual rent.

These are the workers'signatures.

They unanimously approved. w

Their total annual salaries just for a trial order?

This is above even my paygrade.

The Hong Kong office can also compromise. I have a letter of credit worth $150,000.

I'll transfer all of it here.

It also includes $30,000 that I made in commission.

I'll give it all. I don't need to profit on the trial.

We just want to secure the full order, which can span five years.

What if you run away?

You can add a clause to the contract.

First, it clearly states if we don't fulfill the next order,

all the machines go to Ning Bo's factory.

Second,

you get a revolving credit line, valid for a year.

All the other details can be revised per Chief Jin's requests.

Not bad.

Who taught you all this?

My mentor.

You found a good mentor.

Go home, celebrate the New Year.

Five million.

U.S. dollars!

You two have what's called "idiot's luck. "

-Thank you. -Great work.

I need to get back to the factory.

Give them the good news.

Are you free on the 31st?

Why?

Celebrate New Year's with me at the Peace Hotel.

How fancy.

Hardly.

Be careful.

I'll be waiting for you.

I might not go.

Hey! Wait for me.

Did you hear me?

I said I might not go!

Celebrate today to succeed tomorrow!

Do I look nice?

-Very nice. -Who told you to give me a gift?

Let's be very clear.

Business is business.

Romance is romance. Nothing personal.

There have to be boundaries.

Understood.

What a view!

"A future you can see is a future within grasp."

I didn't take you for the corny type.

It's the slogan for the contact lenses.

So what future do you see for yourself?

I hope that one day,

I can be like Chief Jin, the ace of the Foreign Trade Office.

Four years.

Four years?

In four years, she'll retire. Then you'll be the section chief.

You believe in me that much?

Of course.

No way.

Empty words.

I don't believe it.

I do.

Back then, to the two of us,

goals never seemed out of reach.

One day at a time,

we gave our all and let time do the rest.

The trial's success

saved 300 workers at Ning Bo's factory,

opened doors for me in the world of foreign trade,

and cemented my friendship with Miss Wang.

Happy New Year.

This year and every year.

With a final tune at the Peace Hotel,

the curtain lowered on the 1980s.

The 1990s

took center stage.

Does this car even work anymore?

I spent all that money and I only get to drive it once?

It's not worth the repair costs.

Might as well sell it.

Don't even bother.

Just get her a new one.

A Cadillac.

No thanks.

I went to rescue Mr. Bao in this car.

To me, this is my Cadillac.

I'll get it fixed.

Better than throwing money away, right?

Fine. Go ahead.

If this Cadillac of yours can't be fixed,

I'll get you a new one.

Absolutely not.

I'll say it again.

I can't accept expensive gifts.

But it's the thought that counts.

That's enough for me.

Hey, I don't need a Cadillac.

Our friendship is what matters.

Of course.

Mr. Bao, a call from Tokyo Nights.

Got it.

"Under Preparation"

Madame.

This lady is looking for Mr. Bao.

I've heard a lot about Tokyo Nights.

Now I finally get to see it.

It's a small business,

not much compared to yours.

Mr. Bao is a shareholder here?

He pays, I work.

Have a seat. I'll be right back.

Xiao Wen,

refreshments.

Coming.

Enjoy.

Xiao Qin, prepare for opening.

All right.

Didn't you just get back?

Going out again?

Tokyo Nights.

-I'm counting on you for that other thing. -I got it.

What does Tokyo Nights have to do with the business on Huanghe Road?

This is just too far.

They won't let us sell lobsters or snakes?

Are we supposed to just sell dumplings?

There's no use in complaining.

Call the Madame.

Mr. Bao is here.

Morning, Mr. Bao.

I'm sorry. I just got back to Shanghai.

She's been waiting for you.

Miss Li Li, would you like some porridge too?

No thank you, I'm not here for porridge.

I'm here to ask Mr. Bao for help.

Have some porridge first.

Can't do much on an empty stomach.

Enjoy.

Understood.

Not hungry, Miss Li Li?

Then I'll eat first.

You said we wouldn't last three months.

Now I really have hit a snag.

What's the matter?

I'm sorry, Madame.

Madame.

The kitchen is a greasy place.

It's normal for your hands to slip, no?

But if you're upset with him,

you can fire him.

Just pay him up until today.

What are you doing?

Chef,

did you know all the fish died?

For real?

I've been cooking this whole time.

I'll take a look in a bit.

Madame,

I've told you before.

I really haven't been feeling well.

Using a wok is bad for my blood pressure.

I actually feel dizzy right now,

I just want to go home--

No problem.

Thank you, Madame.

I didn't say three months,

knowing the staff would rebel.

I simply understood a basic principle.

Tall trees catch more wind.

The more business you get,

the less there is for others.

Of course they came after you.

In the first place,

you poached those cooks from others.

Of course they can be poached back.

That much is obvious.

I had the guts to take on Huanghe Road.

I was prepared.

I just didn't expect it to happen so fast.

What?

Mr. Tao just called. He doesn't have the lobsters we ordered.

He's out of grouper and geoduck too.

What about other shops?

As soon as I say it's for The Grand Lisbon,

they all say they're out.

That's because you're not used to the pace of Huanghe Road.

All of the suppliers on Guling Road

received bribes and instructions.

No King Snakes allowed on Huanghe Road.

Remember,

no one else knows about this.

We certainly won't tell.

So if anyone finds out,

we'll know who told them.

And we'll come after you.

My lips are sealed.

Then let me ask you again, Mr. Tao.

Do you have any lobsters or snakes?

I know we're not friends.

You'd be doing me a favor.

I'll return it one day.

If it's good for my business,

name any price you want, Mr. Bao.

Let your kitchen staff go today.

Have them go straight to Daily Fresh.

See if Daily Fresh honors their agreement.

Whether or not they do

doesn't solve my problem.

To survive in this business,

you need to have patience.

Poaching staff is just the start.

The worst is yet to come.

Min Min, is Chef back yet?

No need. If he comes back, tell him he's no longer needed.

Mr. Bao,

I took your advice and let all my cooks go.

Whether or not I'll be able to open tonight is up to you.

I'll be there tonight at 6:00, sharp.

Just let me know the address.

I'm heading out.

You haven't paid yet.

Sorry, I forgot.

No worries.

Your prices can rival The Grand Lisbon.

For just some refreshments, it's certainly pricier here.

Luckily, guests are still happy to come.

It's worth it.

Thank you.

Come back anytime.

I will.

Impressive.

Some tea,

some pastries, and you charged ¥500?

What?

I gave her a discount.

You dare to charge, she dares to pay.

Both of you are characters.

Why wouldn't I ask?

Madame, look!

Oh, Chef.

Heading to work late?

Wait, you're going the other way.

That's right.

They let me go.

I'm going to Daily Fresh.

Oh my goodness.

What will happen to The Grand Lisbon?

Their chef is gone.

How will they open tonight?

Jiang Xi,

stand out front tonight.

Tell every customer we're fully booked.

Have them go to The Grand Lisbon instead.

We'll get it through that Madame's head

that getting by on Huanghe Road

takes more than a pretty penny and a pretty face.

You hear that?

Understood.

This is infuriating.

I'm going to go strangle that ugly hag.

Min Min,

this is Lu Meilin we're talking about.

With her tricks, even ten of you couldn't beat her.

It's almost 11:00.

Here, before the Madame's back, we'll prepare for every possibility.

You take the front, I take the back.

For lunch, only open the first two floors.

But who will make the food?

You all know the kitchen well. Prepare the ingredients,

wash and chop what's needed.

Whoever can cook, step up.

Don't even dream of it.

You think I'm a fool?

I do the work so she can take the credit?

-Triple the pay. -I'm busy.

Overtime, service fee, cost of labor. Charge as much as you want.

Would she even agree?

If she doesn't, she's done for.

What about Uncle Ye?

"Warm Welcome to The Hong Kong General Chamber

of Commerce Delegation in Shanghai"

Long time no see, Uncle Ye.

I'm Jasmine. Do you remember me?

You're all grown up.

Father is waiting for you upstairs.

Okay.

We welcome our travelers home from afar.

Please wait a moment. I'll go let Father know.

The ocean is vast because of the many rivers that feed it.

In just the past year,

Shanghai's economic transformation

has progressed on all fronts.

At the same time, investments from Hong Kong

have reached a new peak.

The investments are large-sum, long-term,

wide-ranging, and fast-growing.

The Overseas Chinese Affairs Offices

will devote our passion and strength

to our work.

Uncle Ye, my father says,

everyone has arrived.

They await your instructions.

He invites you to have lunch with him and catch up.

Thank him for me.

Maybe next time.

There is ample time.

I'll walk you out then.

It's okay.

With his temper?

He doesn't have the patience to even sit for tea.

Why would Uncle Ye help The Grand Lisbon?

Normally he wouldn't.

Now that I've given my word,

he won't let me look bad.

You gave your word, huh?

She didn't ask who,

didn't ask how much.

Doesn't know if she'll have a chef.

This Li Li sure has guts.

I'd like to see how long she can last.

What a mess.

Xiao Qin, Xiao Wen, I'm taking a nap.

Don't bother me with anything.

Crazy.

Madame.

What is it?

I suspect the other restaurants are ganging up on us.

Chef told everyone that we laid him off

and our kitchen is unstaffed tonight.

Everyone's waiting to laugh at us.

They're turning away all reservations

and redirecting them to us.

That's why the calls are coming non-stop.

That's a good thing. Keep answering.

Madame, do we have a chef yet?

Haven't seen one.

If we seat all these customers

without a chef,

our reputation will be ruined.

Tell every customer who calls

we'll have new specials tonight.

Say Mr. Bao invited a celebrity chef from Hong Kong.

To succeed on Huanghe Road,

you can't just march in place. .

You must either push forward,

or you could get out now.

Starting tomorrow,

if The Grand Lisbon only serves wontons,

I promise you,

no one will bother you anymore.

You think too little of me, Mr. Bao.

If I wanted to sell wontons,

I wouldn't have come all the way here.

Then push forward.

Level up your game even more.

Make yourself untouchable and leave them in the dust.

Isn't your specialty Hong Kong cuisine?

In my honest opinion,

it's not authentic enough.

If you do it, do it right.

Hire a chef from Hong Kong.

Add an element of theater.

Use the best ingredients.

On Huanghe Road,

as long as you can give a reason,

the more expensive, the better.

I've looked for Hong Kong chefs before,

but there's paperwork involved. It takes too much time.

I'll help you look.

If I were you, I would start tastings today.

A two-day tasting promotion. Print the posters first.

Get your customers excited.

Once the chef's paperwork is done, officially change your menu.

What's wrong?

The supervisor at Huang Teng insists on reserving a room tonight.

I've already told her no.

She says all the other Madames are coming, and they must have a private room.

What time?

6:30 p.m.

-Give her one. -They're clearly here for trouble.

If we have no chef, they'll start a scene.

We're running a restaurant, not a theater.

If they pay, they can come.

Mr. Bao, this way.

Thank you.

You're lucky.

These Hong Kong bigshots are visiting,

and they're my sworn brothers.

They brought their personal chefs,

all of them top tier.

For this debut,

authentic Hong Kong cuisine on Huanghe Road.

They're sending us their very best.

Thank you, Uncle Ye.

Of course. I'm here to solve problems.

I'll go broaden my horizons then.

See it for yourself.

Famous chef from Hong Kong?

I don't understand.

What is Mr. Bao doing,

interfering with our business?

Oh, they are just bluffing.

Tell me, where is he going to find a Hong Kong chef at this hour?

You really think he's a genie in a bottle, granting any wish?

I don't believe it.

What if it's true?

I'm done playing.

Chef Jin.

Just call me Brother B.

This is...

You can speak Cantonese.

Great.

This time, I brought three dishes

to help your friend take Huanghe Road.

First,

one of Hong Kong's ten specialties.

Heavenly Crane

Five ounces of shark fin

and a pigeon simmered in stew.

Pour the nutritious bone stock on top.

Ever heard of Chuan Mackerel?

Isn't it just mackerel?

Wrong.

Those which have laid eggs are mackerel.

Those which haven't are Chuan Mackerel.

It's a Ningbo specialty,

highly seasonal.

Mustard leaf, wild scallops,

shredded Jinhua ham,

egg white, and rice from Thailand.

The rice gets steamed in stock first.

Most shipping tycoons are from Ningbo.

This will taste like home to them.

That's why it's called

Tycoon's Fried Rice.

Mr. Bao,

how is it?

Exceptional.

Welcome to Shanghai. Let's make money.

Let's make money.

Madame,

there are other Madames here for Mr. Bao.

Are you trying to get fired?

Didn't I say?

I don't care if it's Mr. Bao, or a Madame looking for Mr. Bao,

they can wait until after my nap.

But it's not a Madame, it's a whole gang of Madames.

Where is this person?

Remember,

watch your words here.

This Madame has an explosive temper.

Once, Golden Phoenix insulted her in front of Mr. Bao.

Claimed she worked as an escort back in Japan.

And guess what?

This Ling Zi went over, and slapped her right in the face!

Wow, ruthless.

She won't play nice.

Sis,

why psych yourselves out before she even comes down?

Are we on the same side?

On Huanghe Road,

I've yet to meet anyone who can go toe-to-toe with me.

Bring it on.

Meilin, save your strength.

-She's here. -And? I'm not scared.

Oh, so early.

Sorry,

Tokyo Nights opens at 5:00 p.m..

What's her deal?

Meilin?

I'll handle this.

Madame, a quick introduction.

I'm the owner of Huanghe Road's Mei Lin Garden, Lu Meilin.

This is Madame Huang of Huang Teng.

Taste of Joy's Madame.

Seven Star's Madame.

We're here today to see Mr. Bao.

Madames,

Mr. Bao hasn't come today.

-Really now? -What do you mean?

That's all right, we'll just wait here for him.

We have matters to discuss.

How about this,

Madames, please take a seat.

Let me give him a call.

-Okay. -Good.

Oh, anyone hungry? Want something to eat?

Tokyo Nights is a small shop.

Can't compare with your big restaurants,

but maybe some light snacks?

No need.

We already ate.

We can just sit here.

Okay. Make yourselves at home.

Xiao Qin, Xiao Wen, tea please.

Madame, you haven't called Mr. Bao yet.

Call him?

Call him to yell at him?

He brought his beef with the Huanghe Road Madames to my store.

Serve the tea.

Okay.

Enjoy.

What even is this?

You call this tea?

This is more like boiled water.

She should be embarrassed to serve this.

How's the tea, Madames?

Hangzhou's famous Longjing Tea.

Huang Teng's Madame truly is worldly.

Bring a chair over.

You don't like the tea?

Have you called Mr. Bao?

That's why I'm here.

I called him a few times but he didn't pick up.

Now why do you think he's not picking up?

How would I know? He's busy. I'm used to it.

I know.

He's busy helping Li Li at The Grand Lisbon.

-Doesn't have time for you at Tokyo Nights. -What's this Mr. Bao's deal?

He wants to save the damsel in distress?

What damsel?

Mr. Bao always keeps to himself.

That's not the case right now.

Yes. Right.

Madame, I'll speak candidly.

Ever since Li Li opened The Grand Lisbon on Huanghe Road,

she's lacked reason and ignored rules.

We need to teach her a lesson.

A lesson!

Put her in her place.

Mr. Bao is a man. Why is he getting involved?

That's why we're here to speak with him.

Huanghe Road is our business.

He needs to stay out of it.

It's not my fault if he gets caught in it.

No need to get worked up. Here, eat.

Whenever Mr. Bao comes to Huanghe Road,

he always eats at our restaurants or The Red Heron.

No matter where he went, he never got involved.

True.

Now,

he's rolled up his sleeves to personally help The Grand Lisbon.

If this goes on, it's not just us.

I'm afraid Tokyo Nights might lose his business too.

Exactly. What then?

It does sound like The Grand Lisbon needs to be straightened out.

Honestly, my restaurant's here on Jinxian Road.

If I were as driven as all of you,

if I were also on Huanghe Road,

I promise you, no matter what,

I would join you all in this fight.

That's what we'd like to hear.

Cheers.

Ling Zi, not to brag, but to take down The Grand Lisbon?

Between the four of us,

just a few minutes would suffice, isn't that right?

Exactly.

You handle Mr. Bao, we handle The Grand Lisbon.

What do you say we work together?

I know Mr. Bao cares about you.

You can sway him.

Definitely.

I can try.

Surely you can.

It's just one day.

He's your man, isn't he?

Nonsense, he's just a shareholder. He's not my man.

Come on, everybody knows!

Okay.

Stop, you're embarrassing me.

Come on, that's enough.

I now understand

why you all came today.

And I've expressed my support.

-Good. -Great.

That's what I like to hear.

Let's go.

Madames, take the pastries with you.

We're fine. Thank you.

Okay.

I'll see you then, Madame. We'll leave Mr. Bao to you.

Tell him, don't come to Huanghe Road tonight.

Or else, if there's rain and thunder and he gets hurt,

it won't be our fault.

I'll make him wait for a clear sky.

I like your sense of humor. See you, Madame.

Good luck to you.

See you.

-You haven't paid yet. -Oh right, the bill.

Let me see how much.

What?

¥2,000?

Anyone who comes for Mr. Bao gets charged this much.

I underestimated her.

We thought you were going to beat her up.

And what will that do?

The ¥2,000 is to say hi to Mr. Bao.

It costs ¥2,000 to say hi to him?

-The weather is quite sunny today. -Shut up.

He better stay out of four matters on Huanghe Road.

If he is not sensible, it won't be a matter of just ¥2,000.

-Right. -What are you looking at? Let's go.

Taxi!

Across the street.

It's delicious.

The Grand Lisbon will be packed tonight.

Will these cooks be enough?

I've planned it out for you.

Head Chef Ding is an old friend.

Tonight,

his protégé will come help Chef Jin.

They'll bring all the standard dishes.

Tell Li Li.

Chef Jin can only help for a month.

Then his protégé will come from Hong Kong.

He'll need help with paperwork.

You've lived up to your reputation.

We found our chef.

Now about those snakes...

Xiao Wen, Xiao Qin,

go get Mr. Ge, Ling Hong, and Tao Tao.

Those four women completely ruined my nap.

If I don't put them in their place, they'll really think they rule the world.

What are you doing? Don't just stare, go get them.

-But they're in a meeting. -Meeting with who?

Mr. Bao.

Are you serious?

This is for you.

-Got it. -6:00 p.m. at The Grand Lisbon.

-Do not be late. -Trust us, don't worry.

What are you doing?

-You're awake? -Go!

I never even slept. Where are you running off to?

-Hurry. -Stop right there.

Do not be late!

I thought you were busy, so I came to them.

You didn't have time to tell me?

-Don't worry! -Tell me what's going on.

-Keep an eye on her. -Careful!

-What is this? -Aren't you cold?

-Tell me! -Chuan Mackerel.

I don't want your mackerel. What's wrong with you?

Xiao Qin, save me the private room tonight, and reserve another table.

Xiao Wen, call The Red Heron.

Cancel my reservation there.

Okay.

You know how to make Chuan Mackerel?

Hold on.

Chuan Mackerel? What is that?

Why is everyone ignoring me?

Did you hear what I said?

What'd you say?

At Ling Hong's shop, what was the meeting about?

What did you give them?

Just some incentive.

Nothing big, I just asked them to buy some fish, find some snakes.

Oh, you're all big shots now,

leaving me out?

Buying snakes?

Ling Hong and Mr. Ge together are about as brave as a quail egg.

That's who you sent to buy snakes?

What are you so angry for?

Why am I angry?

I mind my own business over here.

You start trouble on Huanghe Road, and the Madames there

show up at my store, giving me a hard time.

They told me to watch you and your big head.

I don't have time for that.

Go wherever. Go help Li Li.

Live or die, I don't care. If a flower pot falls from the sky,

and lands on your head, don't call me from the hospital.

Huanghe Road is about to be chaos.

I don't want to be in the crossfire.

I invited Mr. Xu and Mr. Fan to have dinner here at Tokyo Nights.

-Monk, hurry up. -Why should they come here?

I'm closing shop.

Monk, take the day off.

Sorry, Mr. Bao.

Madame gave me the day off.

How about it?

I'll cook.

Excuse me.

Why are you back?

It's Mr. Ge... He asks if King Snakes have venom.

-Do they bite? -What?

Is their bite fatal?

All my life, I've been too afraid to even catch an eel.

Snake is her zodiac. She can do it.

Who was it who just said,

"I'll take care of it"?

Fine, I'll go with you.

Save it.

Xiao Qin, Xiao Wen,

bring me my coat and my purse.

Hello, Mr. Xu.

Be careful.

-Let's go somewhere else tonight. -Be careful? I'll tell you.

I'd rather die from snake venom, than deal with your shenanigans.

Sorry about that.

Right. Let's go elsewhere tonight.

You listen to me, don't you dare make a mess.

I want it spotless when I'm back, not looking like a warzone.

I'm not done with you.

6:30 tonight, at Tokyo Nights.

Madame,

the chef is back with his cooks.

He said he doesn't need a 50% raise. Just 20% will do.

It looks like his deal fell through.

It's just like Mr. Bao said.

Daily Fresh never wanted him.

Let him know, The Grand Lisbon has no place for him.

Customers will arrive at 6:30 p.m.. Let's pick up the pace here. Thank you.

I'll be standing right here. I'd like to see how you manage.

After all, Mr. Bao's not our friend.

Shouldn't we have a plan B?

If we end up without a chef,

we'll be the butt of every joke.

This restaurant doesn't even have a chef.

Don't waste your time!

Hiring him back would be the real joke.

Besides, there's no such thing as friends in a game of poker.

Huanghe Road in 1993

was nothing if not thrilling.

With The Grand Lisbon's kitchen empty,

the battle for Huanghe Road

had finally begun.