Original subtitles

I don't suppose you invited me here for red wine tasting today.

Kung Siu-shan and Chief Lui seem very close lately.

As you know, Chief Lui always keeps a safe distance from the gangs,

but they seem to get along well.

Really? That's strange.

Some people with high status like to make friends of different backgrounds.

But my brother doesn't make friends easily.

Mr. Kiu, it took you a lot of work to stabilise Shanghai.

You don't want any trouble, do you?

Thank you. I'll keep an eye on my brothers.

Excuse me, I have friends over there. Enjoy yourself.

Brother Shan seems quiet these days. What could he be thinking?

Tell Tsuen to keep a close watch.

Yes, Mr. Kiu.

Mom, when are you coming home?

Dad won't listen to me. You know him.

Master Shan.

Dad is back. Talk to you later.

Little rascal!

Dad.

You're finally back.

You said you'd find your mom. Apparently you couldn't find her.

Right, I have no idea where she is.

Forget it, let her take her anger out. Sit down.

Sit down!

When you were studying in France, did you learn about French red wine?

Red wine? Why? Nobody in China likes red wine.

Stop asking questions and tell me what you know!

Sure.

Fine red wines are categorised by wine regions.

It depends on your preferences.

Bordeaux wines are powerful and firm. Burgundy wines are fresh and light.

Bordeaux? Burgundy?

I did the right thing sending you to France! You speak very good French!

I could really use your help, son.

We'll make a lot of money in the French Concession.

Me? What can I do?

Chief Lui asked me to help him buy red wine for a friend.

I've contacted a French wine merchant.

I want you to be my interpreter tomorrow. We're going to buy some red wine.

Me?

Is there a problem?

No, but fine red wine is expensive. Nobody in China knows how to appreciate it.

Those imported into the French Concession are reserved for the Frenchmen,

not for the Chinese.

It's a waste of time and effort.

How hard is it to buy red wine? I'll use force if needed!

I can get anything I want!

If the Frenchmen get in my way, I'll burn their place down!

No, just negotiate a deal. We shouldn't resort to illegal means.

No wonder Mom left you. She said you always used violence.

Your mom doesn't know why I have to work so hard!

I work so hard to provide for the two of you!

I must get the red wine no matter what!

As long as Chief Lui is happy, Kiu Ngo-tin won't lead me by the nose!

Think twice, Dad. Never mess with the Frenchmen in the French Concession.

Are you really going to use force if we can't work out a deal?

In terms of manpower and firepower, do you stand a chance against the Frenchmen?

You're right. I shall negotiate a deal instead of using force.

I don't mind spending a little more.

You're fluent in French, so I'm counting on you.

OK.

Here's the shipping address.

The final price is 3,000 silver coins per case.

Once we pay the 20% deposit tomorrow, they will deliver it to Chief Luis friend.

Good job.

Between 3 pm and 4 pm, French wine company.

They're leaving. Follow them.

Wait, those people are locals.

Follow them.

(One week later)

Little rascal, I'm going to kill you!

What's wrong, Dad?

You little rascal! Calm down!

Calm down?

You said 3,000 silver coins per case! I got the invoice!

It's 3,000 silver coins per bottle, 30,000 silver coins per case!

That crappy wine is so expensive! What am I supposed to tell Chief Lui?

What could have gone wrong? We had a clear understanding!

A clear understanding?

When I saw how you talked to them, I knew you'd mess up and you really did!

No, they must have made a mistake!

Stop denying it! You sounded so sure, so I paid the deposit!

Money has been paid but I get nothing! What am I supposed to tell them?

You can't even speak basic French! What did you learn in France?

Don't you dare run away!

You think learning French is easy? Stop!

It's impossible to get a certificate in a year or two!

I wasn’t college material, so I dropped out!

You dropped out? You mean your certificate is fake?

Of course! Like you said, there's nothing money can't buy!

How dare you say that to my face!

You worthless piece of crap! I'm going to shoot you!

No, Brother Shan! He's your son!

Go ahead and shoot me!

All these years you've been forcing me to do things I don't want to do!

I never wanted to go to France, but you forced me to go!

I was all alone! I couldn't learn anything. Can you imagine what I've been through?

You'd have yelled if I'd told you!

You always make me do things you like! Have you ever asked me what I like?

Don't you talk back to me!

This is you! You expect everyone to obey you!

I don't want to be a gangster! What's wrong with that?

You're used to being the boss, but Mom and I are your family, not your lackeys!

I swear by my own name I'll kill you today!

All you do is kill people! Mom left because she couldn't stand you!

I can't even look at you right now!

You brat!

Brother Shan! No, Brother Shan!

I'm going to shoot you! He's your only son!

Don't ever come back with your mom again!

Chief, I couldn't get the red wine, but I've brought you a good brandy today.

I promise I'll get you the best red wine next time.

Promise? What can you promise?

I thought you'd be of some help in the French Concession,

but you're good-for-nothing.

Get lost! Go!

I don't want to see you again!

Chief, it's just a case of red wine. At least give me a second chance.

It's not about the wine.

You begged me to give you a chance, but you couldn't even get a simple job done.

Forget it, just go.

Chief, I do have some fame in Shanghai. Now I'm willing to invest my time and money.

You don't have to be so rude.

After all you're just trying to get the casino licence. You're thinking too big.

I won’t yield to Kiu Ngo-tin even though he's in power, not to mention you.

Chief.

Say no more. I hate it when someone keeps bugging me.

You heard what I said. Go!

Alright, I'd get out of your way.

Brother Shan ended up cancelling the order. He even kicked Hok-yiu out in anger.

Chief Lui was not happy because he couldn't get the wine.

They parted on bad terms.

Someone else was following Brother Shan the other day.

After Brother Shan left, that person kept on following Chief Lui.

We found out he works for Hon Lap.

That's strange. Hon Lap asked us to keep an eye on Brother Shan.

He also sent someone to spy on his boss. What for?

Definitely not something simple like ordering wine.

It depends on what kind of wine.

That wine was expensive. Chief Lui wouldn't give it away for no reason.

But he asked Brother Shan to do it for him.

Hon Lap wanted to find out what Chief Lui was up to.

Hon-lam.

Yes?

See if you can hook up with the French wine merchant.

I need the shipping address.

Yes.

Keep a low profile. Sure.

Here's the shipping address.

Kwong Pak-sum?

How did you know I needed this address?

Friends help each other out.

No wonder they say if you drop a needle in Shanghai, just go to Mr. Kiu.

Even if it's in Huangpu River, he'll be able to find it.

They just love exaggerating.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

You've saved me a lot of trouble.

If you need any help in the future, just let me know.

Thank you.

I have to go. Enjoy your time.

Goodbye.

Looks like someone is about to fall.

Believe it or not, Lui Man-to will lose his position this year.

You must be very tired after a long day at the hospital.

Here, wipe your face.

All procedures have been done. I can pick Dad up at the hospital tomorrow.

Old Mr. Sheung knew how much you cared. He was so proud of your achievement.

Pull yourself together and be strong.

Actually, Dad didn't forget you.

Before he died, he asked me to give you back this handkerchief.

He had someone embroider your name on it.

He was going to give it to you after he recovered, but he didn't make it.

Old Mr. Sheung was so sweet. He was always so kind to me in Beiping.

I wish I could see him one last time.

He was my grandmaster. I really should pay my respects,

but I hate to cause you any inconvenience.

On the day of the funeral, do you think...

You have to be there.

Dad cared a lot about you. He'll be happy to see you there.

You're my disciple and my woman.

I can't let you suffer at a time like this.

You have every reason to be there.

(Eight Points Guild)

Sis, Mrs. Kiu is here.

Don't stop.

Ski-bu!

Why are you avoiding me?

Mrs. Kiu.

I'm not.

You're not? You turned down the role. I've been looking for you for a few days.

Did Sheung Man-bun ask you to do that?

Because Brother Tin is a gang member, so he doesn't want you to see us?

I'm not mad at you. I'm just upset because you're avoiding me.

Please stop avoiding me.

Yuet-lan, thanks for your understanding.

Sorry, I turned down the role because Master didn't like it.

I have to show him respect.

I know you care about me, but I don't want him to be upset.

I can't live without him.

I understand. I also can't live without Brother Tin.

I really understand.

I'm so sorry.

I have an idea.

Let's keep on seeing each other. In case he shows up, we can hide.

It'd be like cheating.

Or when he shows up, we just act like strangers or enemies.

Will it work?

Old Mr. Sheung was a well-respected role model for disciples of the Pear Garden.

We shall give him a dignified burial.

We are a prestigious family, so a grand burial is a must.

Man-bun, will all of your disciples attend the wake?

Yes, it'd be a decent thing to have so many of them accompany Dad on his last journey.

Right, but I'm worried one of your disciples may become a disgrace.

Are you talking about Siu-lau?

Who doesn't know your relationship with her has gone beyond that of master and disciple?

What if she wears mourning clothes and acts like a host at the funeral?

It'll be so embarrassing.

You have a point.

Of course. You should think twice. If you let her attend the funeral,

it will have a negative impact on you as well as our family reputation.

We know Siu-lau. I don't think she'll do that.

It should be fine.

No, better safe than sorry.

The deceased is our first priority. My father's reputation is all that matters.

I'll tell her not to come.

Mr. Sheung.

Master.

It's better that you don't come to the funeral.

Why?

You know what you've done.

What have I done?

Stop pretending. I saw everything. You and Yuet-lan always meet here.

Even so, what's wrong with meeting a friend?

So you admit you were lying to me?

I can't even see my friend?

Also, seeing her has nothing to do with Old Mr. Sheung's funeral.

There was nothing wrong before, but it's different now.

Yuet-lan's husband, Kiu Ngo-tin, is a gang member.

What will people think when they see my disciple hang out with the gang?

I can't let you attend the funeral and damage Dad's reputation.

Yuet-lan will join the funeral committee as a member of the Eight Points Guild.

That's another issue. Anyway, I won't let you disgrace me.

It's unusual for the Chief of Staff to be transferred to a civilian post.

Chairman Chiang removed Lui from his post and power,

and will assume his duties until further notice.

Chairman Chiang took away Chief Lui's power. He fell sooner than expected.

Mr. Kiu, you foretell things like a prophet.

If I were that great, I would have worked at the City God Temple

King-chuen has done a lot of work.

When Hon Lap's subordinate started following Brother Shan,

Brother Tin smelled something fishy. He asked me to look into it.

Brother Shan couldn't close the deal, but Hon Lap didn't give up.

He wanted to know who the recipient was.

I visited the wine cellar as instructed and got this address from the staff.

Then I realised the recipient was no ordinary man.

It's State Councillor Kwong Pak-sum. Councillor Kwong.

He once objected to the Provisional Constitution of the Titulary Period.

He refuses to submit to Chairman Chiang and even wants to start his own team.

When Chairman Chiang heard Chief Lui wanted to send a gift,

he knew they were making secret deals.

So Chairman Chiang removed him from power as a preventive measure.

Excellent analysis.

I was just following your way of thinking.

Chief Lui used to work for Chairman Chiang. At least he's not left with no choice.

No wonder Hon Lap was so happy when he got the address.

Brother Tin, how did you know he wanted the address?

Through observation and analysis.

Have you noticed Hon Lap's information is always accurate?

True. Regarding the casino licence,

Hon Lap knew the bosses had no objection, but Chief Lui was in the way.

He's really quite something, not to mention the person behind him.

But who could be the person behind him?

Who removed him from power?

Not only was Hon Lap Chief Lui's lieutenant, he secretly works for Chairman Chiang.

So I think Chairman Chiang put him next to Chief Lui.

Chairman Chiang's insight and Mr. Kiu's insight

helped Hon Lap get the job done.

OK, let's go for lunch.

Mr. Kiu, thanks for your help.

You're welcome.

I'm glad I could help the person you wanted to help.

You're so insightful, Mr. Kiu.

Let me thank you on behalf of my boss.

Will I get a chance to meet this man of great stature?

When a friend needs a favour, I'll do what I can.

Thank you. I'm counting on you.

This is where we unload goods.

Hr.

Sit down.

Sign the attendance register here before you go to work.

Do you have any questions? Feel free to ask if you do.

We have no questions.

Mr. Lai, we didn't expect you would show us around personally.

In an employer-employee relationship, communication is very important.

As we've heard, you always treat your employees well.

I'll bring in a few more guys tomorrow.

That'd be great.

We've received many new orders. You guys will be very busy.

Our pleasure.

Brother Tin, we're going to Yuen Hing Hong to discuss a contract.

Mr. Kiu, do you want me to go with you?

No, you have a lot of work to do. Don't let me stop you.

Siu-hong!

Ting-ting?

Mr. Kiu, this is my girlfriend.

Nice to meet you.

I should be going.

I'll walk with you, Mr. Kiu.

Goodbye.

Siu-hong, you're working for Kiu Ngo-tin?

No. Why?

Then why did you open the car door for him like you're one of his men?

You were cautious back then against Kiu, and said you'd draw a clear line,

but you two seem very close now.

I got to know Mr. Kiu better and realised he wasn't an unreasonable person.

He's a major shareholder of the cotton mill, so we have to be in contact.

I know, but it'd better if you stayed away from him.

Don't worry, I know what I'm doing.

Want to eat lunch together? Let's go.

Where's everybody? Where are they?

Brother Shan!

Where have they gone?

Please stop, Brother Shan! Take a rest!

Take Brother Shan to his room!

Brother Shan!

Don't touch me! What have I done wrong? Why is my family falling apart?

Brother Shan...

Why aren't they here? Where are they?

Please stop, Brother Shan!...

Go away! Leave me alone! Brother Shan!

I'll shoot anyone who gets in my way!

No, Brother Shan! Please don't shoot!

Was I wrong?

No! Put the gun down, Brother Shan!

You're drunk and crazy again?

Mrs. Kung...

Madam.

Get out, all of you! Get out!

Kam! Don't go, Kam!

I didn't ask you to leave.

Don't even touch me.

I came to give you your gout medicine. I'm going back to Hangzhou with Hok-Yiu.

Kam, don't go.

It won't work. After all these years, we still think so differently.

What's the point of staying? I don't want to live like this anymore.

You just don't want me to do illegal business!

Right! When I was away, you went to see Chief Lui with Hok-yiu!

I know you still can't get over it! You want to compete with Tin!

But I've had enough! I don't want to live like this anymore!

Why must you force me? All these years I've been working so hard for our family!

Stop using the family as an excuse! Have you ever thought about how I feel?

I'd rather lose our family than lose you!

Kam! Alright, I promise!

Tomorrow I'll ask Tin to let me take charge of the cotton mill, OK?

Really?

Yes.

What's going on? Who asked you to take the stuff out?

This is Chief Inspector's order.

Sorry, Brother Tong. I forgot to tell you.

It was Captain Fiori's decision to transfer you to a civilian post.

From now on I'll be the Chief Inspector in charge of everything here.

I've put you on the second floor.

It's nice and cool there, a perfect place to rest.

What's this supposed to mean? You want me out?

The room upstairs isn't very big. I've told the guys to clean out your stuff.

You're a bunch of ungrateful traitors! Is this how you repay Brother Tong?

You'd come to Brother Tong for help or for perks.

Do you remember what Brother Tong has done for you?

Go easy on them. We're just following the Frenchmen's orders.

They're dismissing you. I can only do as I was told.

Don't worry, your past achievements and certificates of merit are all in here.

Save it. This is all trash.

Tell Fiori I quit. The French Concession will be in a state of chaos without me.

I'm not coming back no matter what they do. Don't come and beg me.

Things are different now. How much manpower do you have? None.

Get everyone to work. Let's see what the Chief Inspector can do.

Yes.

1 Circle. Pong!

Seriously? Again? It's your day today.

Watch out. 8 Character.

Pong!

How's that possible? Paramount is losing money?

Boss, the girls have switched to other clubs.

The band leader also quit because we couldn't pay on time.

I had no choice but to hire a cheaper band.

Are you dumb or what? Just go to the casino and get money!

Don't let a bunch of crap harm Paramount's reputation!

I did go to the casino.

There aren't enough customers to cover Paramount's losses.

You still need me to tell you what to do? Just get it done! Go!

Yes, Boss.

I win! Full house!

No way!...

So noisy! Stop playing!

What are you doing?

Get out!

What's wrong with you? Why did you kick my friends out?

Since I married you, all you do is play!

Paramount is losing customers! Do something!

Can I save Paramount alone? There's nothing I can do!

The problem is you have no money!

You said you'd let me run the place. But it's just a lie!

Don't blame me for Paramount's failure! Don't yell at me because you lost your job!

I don't want to talk to you! I'm going out!

Mrs. Chak.

Boss.

Is it done?

We don't have enough manpower to wipe them out!

You worthless piece of crap!

You keep looking at it. Do you like it or not?

You're so bad! You said you'd make me the top actress of Asia, but what happened?

It's happening. The script is ready. The location in Tianjin is set.

There will be a site visit in two days.

I want to go with you.

Can you?

This is my first leading role. I want it well done.

We'll be able to spend some time together.

But what if Chak Kam-tong finds out?

He's a toothless tiger now. He has no job, no money, no power.

Don't worry about him. I want to go to Tianjin with you.

Old Mr. Sheung loved their eight-treasure duck.

Bring it to the funeral so that he'll have a safe last journey.

Yes, Miss Siu-lau.

There are always enemies nearby.

Who said you could attend my father-in-law's funeral?

Why must you embarrass yourself? Have you no shame?

I just want to accompany him on his last journey.

My father-in-law wouldn't want to see you.

Stop stirring up trouble, you evil woman.

I never meant it that way.

Never? That's exactly what you meant!

You want Man-bun to give you a status? In your dreams!

Miss Siu-lau never thought of that! Please stop...

Siu-yuk!

Who are you to speak?

Just give up. Man-bun promised he wouldn't let you attend the funeral.

You can’t bewilder him, fox!

It's true. The elders in the Sheung family said it should be fine,

but Mrs. Sheung said Miss Siu-lau might ask for a status and disgrace Mr. Sheung.

She also said she wouldn't let Miss Siu-lau harm their family reputation.

She really said that? Did she mention any other reason?

I heard it with my own ears. I feel sorry for Miss Siu-lau too.

She's been with Mr. Sheung for years, but she can't even pay her respects.

Be careful.

Director Fong is here.

Director Fong, Miss Siu-lau asked me to give you this.

OK, thank you.

Mrs. Kiu. Mr. Kiu.

Director Fong.

Mr. and Mrs. Kiu.

I'd leave you here.

Mr. Kiu, you're the Honorary Chairman of the Eight Points Guild.

Let's all sit down and talk.

Thank you for joining the funeral committee.

My father enjoyed being around people. He had many disciples.

All of my disciples will be there as well. I need you all to help maintain order.

Mr. Sheung, how come Koo Siu-lau is not on the list?

Although Koo Siu-lau is my disciple, she won't be attending the funeral.

But she's your favourite disciple. Also...

She said she wasn't feeling well. I wouldn't force her to attend the funeral.

Alright, let's focus on the funeral rundown.

Siu-lau isn't feeling well? Liar.

My deepest condolences. Thank you.

Deeply sorry about your loss. Our heartfelt sympathy.

Take care.

Thank you.

Mr. Sheung, please accept my condolences.

Thank you.

I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Kiu.

Don't worry if you can't make it. I believe my father will understand.

I see what you mean.

Mr. Sheung, Mr. Kiu wants to see you. Please come with us.

This way please.

Why did you take me here? What do you want? Where's Kiu Ngo-tin?

Brother Tin has a message for you.

You're not a gang member so you're clean? Big fat liar!

Master said I might harm their reputation if I attended the funeral?

Yes, their maid Chau-kuk told me that.

Even she couldn't believe Mr. Sheung did that to you.

Koo Siu-lau, you're so vicious!

I said you couldn't attend the funeral, so you asked those gangsters to beat me up!

I didn't!

Go ahead and destroy yourself, but don't disgrace me and my family!

Listen! I won't let you attend the funeral no matter what you do!

You never wanted me to attend the funeral! Everything you say is an excuse!

What are you talking about?

You said to them if I attended the funeral,

I'd shame your family and harm your reputation!

I can't believe you never thought I was good enough for your family.

I thought your wife forced you, but actually you're using her as an excuse.

All these years I've never asked you to give me a status,

but you didn't do that because you thought I'd harm your reputation.

I want to ask you something. What am I to you?

Your puppet? Ora woman who can never come out?

Answer me!

So what? Who do you think you are? You couldn't have come this far without me!

You're my woman! You must obey me!

That's enough!

I don't want to be your woman anymore! I want to live the life I deserve!

Sheung Man-bun, I don't want to see you ever again!

You said that yourself! I dare you to say that again!

Yes! We're no longer related to each other! I don't want to see you ever again! Get out!

Fine! You'll regret it!

Mrs. Kiu, I can’t find Miss Siu-lau!

Whenever I felt sad, I'd come here for a walk.

Take me to the lake.

Siu-lau.

You're really here. Yuet-lan is looking for you.

Sorry, I didn't mean to cause any trouble.

It's OK.

Don't just look at the lake alone when you feel sad.

Go talk to Yuet-lan. She's like a sister to you.

I feel so stupid.

I thought I'd found my dream man, but it was just my wishful thinking.

I gave up my career, my family, and my friends for him, but what did I get?

I finally woke up from the dream, but I really don't know how to carry on.

Try to clench your fists.

Excuse me?

Clench your fists.

Now close your eyes.

Imagine you're holding your sadness and anger in your grip.

It only makes you sadder.

They won't go away unless you lose your grip.

As long as you clench your fists, you have nothing.

If you let go, there's a chance you'll have everything.

Mr. Kiu, you mean I should stop being so stubborn?

You control your hands. The decision is yours.

(Who knows where the end may lie)

(or when darkness will pass by)

(With countless unspeakable wishes)

(and nothing one can commit...)