Original subtitles

You need three major local banks as guarantors to open a new bank in Shanghai.

Once we get Yik Lei Bank's Director Kwok, your new bank will be all set, Mr Kiu.

Thanks for your help, Mr Hung.

I heard you're concerned about the situation of the war,

and you took the lead in funding the Army. Such patriotism is admirable.

Not only did the Japanese attack the Three Northeast Provinces,

they've even set up Manchukuo.

We're all responsible for saving our own country.

We Chinese should help each other.

Let's all contribute money and effort to help the Army reclaim our land!

Well said! Let's drink to that!

Cheers!

Cheers...

Director Kwok kept saying how proud he was to help our country by donating money.

He didn't seem very interested to be a guarantor for our new bank.

It's alright, we made a new friend.

Director Kwok!

Hi, Director Kwok. I'm Chor Ting-ting from China Daily.

Rumour has it

you secretly funded the Japanese invasion of the Three Northeast Provinces,

which means you conspired with the Japanese against the Chinese. Is that true?

No photos please.

That's absolutely untrue.

Be careful what you write or I'll sue your newspaper for libel!

Director Kwok!

Brother Tin, this isn't our only option.

Let me contact other banks and see if they can help.

Good, give it a shot.

OK.

Your girlfriend is here. I should be going. See you at the meeting tonight.

Sure.

Ting-ting, what brings you here?

Did Kiu Ngo-tin invite you to a meeting? You're working for him, aren't you?

Did you lie to me?

Siu-hong, Kiu Ngo-tin is a gang leader. You're not supposed to work for him.

I'll leave you guys alone. Bye.

Did you lie to me?

Lie to you about what? Trust me, Ting-ting. I know what I'm doing.

Don't brush me off. Why have you become like this?

Why can't I pursue my career? I'm not robbing or killing anyone.

What are you talking about?

This isn't you. Have you forgotten about your dreams?

Dreams can't satisfy hunger! Stop being so naive!

I'm naive?

You can't tell right from wrong! Kiu Ngo-tin is a gang leader!

I feel the distance growing between us. I can't even talk to you.

What do you want?

What do I want? I want what's best for you!

Fine. Since we think so differently, and I can't accept the things you do,

just do whatever you want.

Brother Tin and I had a bad experience at a Western restaurant today.

I felt those people were looking down on us.

They still feel uncomfortable about Brother Tin's identity.

And the fact that we're opening a new bank makes them feel more alert.

Brother Tin, Mr Lai is here.

Mr Lai.

Mr Kiu, I visited a few banks and read through their information.

Yik Lei is indeed our best option.

That means we need their help?

King-chuen. Yes?

Find out everything about Director Kwok. See if he has any hobbies or interests.

Yes.

Leave the books here. It's late. Go home and get some rest.

Yes, Brother Tin. Bye, Mr Kiu.

Siu-hong, sit down.

OK.

Yes, Mr Kiu?

You had a fight with your girlfriend today?

Nothing serious.

You have provided a lot of legal advice regarding the new bank and helped me a lot.

Thank you.

Don't mention it, Mr Kiu. That's my job.

You've also helped me and my father a lot. I should be the one to thank you.

Honestly, I have many disciples, but only a few are capable like you.

If you could stay here and work for me, it'd be beneficial for us both.

You want to take me as your disciple?

Once you become one of us, things will work out for the best.

Think about it.

Sure, I'll think about it.

One more thing.

For some reason, I want to make Mr Kung a shareholder of the cotton mill.

Hope you and your father understand.

Brother Shan wants to be a shareholder?

Don't worry, everything stays the same, including the management team.

In case there's a problem, I'll fix it.

Kung Siu-shan will become a shareholder.

Looks like Mr Kiu wants to give him a fresh start.

I normally wouldn't question Mr Kiu's decisions,

but they used to call Kung Siu-shan Mad Dog, meaning he's hard to control.

I'd be worried if he joined our mill.

I understand, but we don't have a choice.

If there's any problem, I believe Mr Kiu will say something.

But after all they're in the same gang, and we're outsiders.

If anything happens at the mill, Mr Kiu will definitely side with them.

Dad, what if I become one of them? Mr Kiu just asked me to work for him.

If I take the offer, our relationship will become different.

It will only do us good.

Then what's your concern?

Ting-ting.

She doesn't want me to work for Mr Kiu. She gets mad whenever she sees me with him.

I know Ting-ting cares about me, but it would be a great opportunity for me.

It's so hard to choose between a relationship and my career.

But I don't see a conflict between them.

Relationship and career can coexist. You just have to find a way.

Ting-ting.

Why are you here?

I want to take you to a place.

Why did you take me here?

Do you remember, this warehouse used to be an opium den?

Everything changes, including people.

Are you trying to tell me Kiu Ngo-tin has changed into a good person?

I'm not sure if he's a good person, but I know he's trying hard to change.

He shut down Sam Heng and stopped trading opium.

He's running the cotton mill and opening a new bank to start afresh.

I don't care anything about him. What are you trying to say?

Ting-ting, I deserve to have a career.

You know I'll never do anything illegal. Why can't you have some faith in me?

Also, he's our largest shareholder. I can't avoid dealing with him.

Ting-ting, I promise I'll only help him with legal issues.

I don't care about anything else.

Just answer one question. Don't lie to me.

Have you become a member of his gang?

No.

Will you become one of them in the future?

Ting-ting, shouldn't we trust each other?

Don't change the subject. Just answer me. Will you become one of them?

No, I swear I won't join his gang and become his disciple.

Really?

Really. I don't want to give you up for my career.

Today is your first day at the mill. Don't embarrass yourself.

Of course. I paid to become a shareholder.

What kind of boss would embarrass himself? I've never heard of such a thing.

Right, I married a genius. You'll earn your money back in no time.

Hok-yiu.

Dad and Mom, good morning.

Perfect. I'm going to the cotton mill and you're coming with me.

I'll put you in a management position.

But I don't know how the cotton mill runs. I'm just going to screw up.

You always give me your excuses! I'm starting a legal business!

There you go again!

Mom, I'm going out with some friends.

That little rascal is such a freeloader!

It's true Hok-yiu loves going out,

but pushing him like that only drives him away further.

Give him some time. He'll listen to you.

Fine. I'm also making a fresh start and starting a legal business.

Don't lose your temper at the cotton mill.

Running a legal business is different. You have to follow the rules.

I heard Mr Lai is experienced and well-respected in his field.

It's a great opportunity for you to learn.

I'm managing hundreds of people.

Running a small mill is a piece of cake.

Brother Shan. Brother Shan.

Mrs Kung. Mrs Kung.

There you are. Come with me.

Chung, when I'm at the cotton mill, look after the casino and the brothel.

You're responsible if anything goes wrong.

Brother Shan, is this really what you want?

Nothing is better than taking cash at the casino every day.

Nonsense! Any business can be profitable! It depends on how you run it!

Listen! Whether it is legal or illegal, I can make it work if I put my mind to it!

That's for sure.

Yee Yes?

You're coming with me to monitor the workers.

Brother Shan, you want to make me a foreman?

I've been a pimp my whole life!

You look like a pimp in every way, but I'm telling you to give it a try!

I want to show everyone were the leaders no matter what we do!

Yes, Brother Shan.

Yes, Brother Shan.

I've shown you around the mill, our facility and equipment.

Our workers basically work 10 hours a day to produce 2,500 bolts of fabric per month.

We are the largest cotton mill in Shanghai.

Bring the books over and show me the transactions in the last few months.

No problem, Uncle Hon will do that later.

Where's my room?

It's over here.

Whose room is this?

That's mine.

Good.

I'll take this room.

That room is too small. I can't even sit in it.

Exactly.

But this room belongs to Mr Lai.

So what? Are you qualified to speak here? Who's the boss?

It's fine as long as you like it, Mr Kung.

Hon, have someone clean up the room for Mr Kung.

Listen! What I ask is simple! Two words, obey me!

I want everyone to know who's in charge from now on!

Of course.

Also, Yee will be monitoring the workers as a foreman.

Not a problem.

Hon, take him to the warehouse and introduce him to everyone.

I'm all sweaty. I want some tea.

Yes, Brother Shan.

We need to talk to Mr Kiu.

No, it was Mr Kiu's decision after all. Let's wait and see.

And he's busy with the new bank. I hate to bother him about the mill.

OK!

Go!

Brother Chiu, while we wait for the truck to return, let's take a break.

Take a break.

Hey, what's the matter?

My wife is delivering soon. Everything costs money.

You know how much we make. I'm barely getting by.

Don't have kids if you have no money!

Here, take these coins and buy your wife something nutritious.

Brother Chiu...

You guys have no family burden. Got any spare change? Help him out.

Here you go.

If you have any problems, just tell us and we'll help you out.

Thanks, Brother Chiu! Thanks, everyone! I'll pay you guys back as soon as I can!

No hurry.

Hey everyone! Let me introduce you.

This is Brother Yee.

He'll be your foreman starting today. Hope you all get along just fine.

This guy? No way!

It's you again? Perhaps I didn't hit you hard enough!

Let's work together as a team.

I've put Brother Yee in charge of your work arrangements.

Listen. As long as you guys follow my orders,

we'll be on good terms, and I'll go easy on you guys.

Follow your orders? Who do you think you are?

And who do you think you are?

Listen up! I'm your foreman! All of you must follow my orders!

Who put the cart in the middle of the street?

Who? Who put the cart here?

I did, but so what?

You did? I'm going to beat you up!

Brother Yee, right? Perhaps because you're new here.

This is a warehouse, so there are carts everywhere.

If we have to put the carts away, it will slow us down.

Are your responsible for any delay?

Fine. Just get the work done.

Let's get to work.

That scumbag thinks he's superior to us.

He's just a toady.

We are reasonable people.

If we have nothing to hide, we have nothing to fear.

I'm sorry about this sudden visit,

but all the fans and I really hope you can stage a comeback and deliver a great show.

That's flattering, Uncle Yiu-kwong.

I really appreciate it, but actually I've decided to leave Shanghai.

I don't think we'll ever work together again.

Hope you'll understand.

I respect your decision.

But if you change your mind, feel free to contact me anytime.

I should be going.

I'll walk you out.

Goodbye.

Miss Siu-lau, I have finished packing.

Let me get the door.

Mrs Kiu.

Siu-lau.

Where are you going?

You're avoiding Sheung Man-bun, aren't you?

If you want him to leave you alone, that's easy. Just move into my house.

Your house?

I bet he won't dare cause any trouble at our residence.

But...

No more buts. Stay at my house while you look for a new place.

Then you won't have to leave in a rush.

But I didn't prepare anything.

What do you mean you didn't? You're all packed up.

What about Mr Kiu?

He enjoys having guests over. I'm sure he won't mind. It's decided then.

This is your room.

Look, it's really nice and quiet outside.

Enjoy your stay here and stop thinking so much.

Ngor and the others are downstairs.

If you need anything, just let them know. Make yourself at home.

I hate to trouble you and Mr Kiu.

Stop acting like a stranger! I'm so happy to have you here!

We can sing and practise together like we used to!

And make a lot of noise doing vocal training together.

Right!

Honey, you're back.

I just came back. Hello, Master Koo.

Oh, I asked Siu-lau to move in here. She can keep me company.

Welcome.

Sorry for the trouble, Mr Kiu.

No trouble at all.

Sit down.

Let's have a nice dinner tonight.

Good idea. Siu-lau loves spicy food. Let's ask the chef to make Sichuan dishes,

like Boiled Fish in Chilli Oil and Pan-seared green chilli pepper.

Sounds good. Ngor, go tell the chef.

Yes, Master Tin.

Honey, today Uncle Yiu-kwong asked Siu-lau to go back on stage again,

but she turned him down.

Why? The fans would love to hear you sing.

Right, Uncle Yiu-kwong is well-respected in his field.

Many people are dying to join his troupe.

And he always has a strong line-up. Tickets sell out fast every time.

You shouldn't waste your acting talent. Do you know you have a lot of fans?

I enjoy her performance too!

Exactly!

OK, I'll think about it.

Think about it.

Think carefully.

I followed your order and asked Master Koo to make a comeback.

She already agreed.

I'm so happy Master Koo is coming back. It's such wonderful news for the fans.

I'd like to thank you on behalf of the fans, Mr Kiu.

I'll leave it to you. Money won't be a problem.

Just let me know if it's not enough. I want the best line-up.

Don't worry, Mr Kiu, consider it done.

Thank you.

I should go now.

Alright, bye.

This way please.

Brother Tin, here's what I've found about Director Kwok over the past few days.

Please have a look.

Director Kwok lives a regular life. He leaves home early and returns late.

But he's been having some trouble lately.

His friend made him a guarantor for a loan, but that guy is a thug.

He won't return the money. It's not looking good.

Thug? We can give him a hand.

One more thing. He's been seeing this businessman called Lee Kin-wan a lot.

Lee appears as a pharmaceutical company owner,

but in fact he's been doing business with the Japanese.

Look, Brother Tin.

Isn't this Chuk Yee-hung? She seems close with the man next to her.

Let me see.

Right, I caught them on camera.

I read on the news she's been seeing the film company owner Yeung Ki a lot.

You mean Boss...

Don't be nosy. Watch what you say.

What? Yee-hung is having an affair? That's ridiculous!

Who dares to badmouth my wife?

There's a rumour going around.

If you have time to gossip, why not help me find Kwai-seng?

Yes, Boss.

Come in.

I'm back!

Looks like you've had fun.

What are you talking about? I went to meet with the film company owner.

Film company owner? You mean Yeung Ki?

You read the newspaper?

He's investing in a movie and I'm the lead actress.

The entire crew will visit the locations in Tianjin and discuss the details.

He's offering you the leading role and asking you to go to Tianjin?

I'm reluctant to go, but I just can’t turn him down.

What's the matter? You don't want me to go?

Come on, you know I've always wanted a leading role.

I just want you to be happy. This month's allowance.

Thanks, Brother Tong. I'll go take a shower.

Follow the rickshaw ahead.

Yes.

Sir, I remember you're the former Chief Inspector.

I always saw you in the newspaper. You've solved many major cases.

Enough talking. Keep following that rickshaw.

Yes.

Isn't that Chuk Yee-hung?

Stop.

How come the leading actress is only in a few scenes?

Add some key scenes for her.

Yes, Mr Yeung.

Hey.

Isn't that Chak Kam-tong?

Right. What is he doing here?

He looks sneaky.

Close the curtains first.

Holy crap! Your husband is coming!

Really?

Brother Tong? Why are you here?

You said you had a meeting. What are you doing here?

Mr Yeung asked us to come here.

Let me introduce you. Our screenwriter, and our director.

Mr Chak. Nice to meet you.

Where's Yeung Ki?

He said he'd be late.

He's not here?

What are you doing?

This isn't your house! What do you want?

Hey!

That's enough! Stop acting crazy! You've totally embarrassed me!

Please tell Mr Yeung I am sorry about that. I'm not feeling well.

OK.

What is wrong with you?

I was discussing the script with the screenwriter and the director!

I can't believe you suspect me of cheating!

Have you been cheating behind my back?

You've wronged me! Don't you dare raise your voice!

Please prepare the money and send it to Colonel.

Chi-man, he's conspiring with the Japanese indeed.

A running dog for the Japanese!

Don't worry, just leave it with me.

Thank you.

What are you doing? Take his camera!

Yes.

Chi-man!

What are you doing? You can’t take my camera! Stop!

Give me back my camera! Give me back my camera!

Scumbag!

Running dog!

What? You're following Director Kwok? Have you lost your mind?

Stop following him!

He's high up and powerful, and is a friend of the bosses!

Even if you found something, there's no way we could publicise it!

You don't want to mess with him! He can easily shut this whole place down!

Even so, we can’t have no spine!

Spine? Can that feed people?

I'd rather starve to death than surrender to evil!

Apparently Director Kwok is a traitor! Why can't we publicise his behaviour?

Because I said "no"!

Anyway I won't publish it! You two get out!

Chief yelled at you, but so what?

You came here not long ago. Has anyone told you his nickname?

Nickname?

We call him Fart King behind his back.

First, he farts a lot. Second, he talks nonsense like farting.

Good to see you smile.

Just ignore him when he farts. Don't let it bother you.

If you were me, would you keep following this case?

Yes, because it's our job to report the truth.

Do what you think is right. Just remember to be careful.

OK.

Don't just work, go out and have fun. Siu-hong is a good guy.

I know.

You two are a lovely couple. I look forward to hearing the good news.

Not so soon. He's a workaholic.

Let the ceremony begin.

Kiu Ngo-tin and Lai Siu-hong are now master and disciple.

You guys came to collect a debt? You don't know who you're messing with.

Ask my brothers first!

I represent Director Kwok in collecting a debt.

It's fine if you must use force.

In terms of manpower, I'm not worried at all.

Get out of the way!

I won't force you to return the money,

but as I've found out, your restaurant has violated the lease agreement.

If I submit this report, your restaurant will be sealed.

Let's talk about it.

Not unless you return the money.

Should we ask your brothers?

Fine, I'll return the money!

Sis.

It's dangerous. I told you not to come.

It's exciting to catch a traitor. How could I miss it?

Siu-hong, I took pictures of Director Kwok and Lee Kin-wan meeting with the Japanese.

But you still can't prove he's conspiring with the Japanese.

I know, but I've also found out they secretly raised funds for the Japanese.

With enough information, I'll be able to expose them.

Director Kwok calls himself a patriot, but his action contradict his words.

Ting-ting, stop investigating him, it's too dangerous.

But I'm close to finding the truth. Don't worry, I'll be careful.

All right. Just remember your safety is the most important thing.

OK.

Mr Kiu, sorry to have kept you waiting.

It's alright.

Where's Yuet-lan?

She was so nervous. She's already there making arrangements.

Then don't make her wait. Let's go.

Sure.

Don't be nervous. It's like you want to kill the handkerchief.

Perhaps because I haven't faced the media in a while.

Here's what you do. When you feel nervous, tell yourself you're not nervous.

Now look at that cloud.

It's moving like a cloud. It's really a cloud.

Mr Kiu, you have a good sense of humour.

You're laughing at my joke? It calms your nerves.

By the way, you said you liked "Muk Kwai-ying Takes Command".

Who was the actress?

I've watched various actresses.

There's one I especially like, but I still haven't had a chance.

Why?

We're almost there. I'll tell you next time.

Master Koo.

Line them up.

Thank you.

This way please, Master Koo.

Uncle Yiu-kwong, didn't you say we'd hold a press conference in the big room?

Why do we need this room?

I'm so sorry, Master Koo.

I booked the big room, but when I arrived they told me it was taken.

How could they give the big room to Sheung Man-bun?

Sheung Man-bun? What is he doing here?

It's so irritating!

He's also holding a press conference to announce his upcoming show!

Upcoming show?

Let's hear what he's going to say!

I'm coming with you.

I invited you all here today to announce to you that

I'm staging "Sit Yan-kwai Conquers the West" on October 15.

Mr Sheung, it clashes with Koo Siu-lau's "Muk Kwai-ying Takes Command".

You're also holding a press conference on the same day.

Is there a discord between you two so you want to challenge her?

I'm not sure about her, but I started planning the show months ago.

The troupe owner can testify for me.

Yes, Mr Sheung approached me. The date was set a while ago.

But we didn't hear anything.

Actually people in the field had heard. We just didn't announce it.

You mean Koo Siu-lau knew the premiere date and wanted to challenge you?

She was my favourite disciple, but she also disappointed me the most.

She became involved in a gang for money and brought shame to us all.

She's no longer my disciple.

Which gang are you talking about?

There's nothing I can say. I don't badmouth people.

I just hope she can keep her nose clean.

Koo Siu-lau didn't attend your father's funeral.

Was it because you two parted on bad terms?

It's not worth talking about.

If someone must behave ungratefully, I'll take up the challenge.

Liar.

He said you challenged him and called you ungrateful.

He was twisting the truth! How could he hurt you like that?

Miss Siu-lau, the reporters have left. We can go now.

What are you doing here? You're not welcome here!

I'd like to talk to Siu-lau in private.

What's there to talk about?

Yuet-lan, let me sort things out with him.

Why did you do that?

Why did you pick the same date?

Why did you hurt me like that?

I never meant to hurt you. You're hurting yourself.

That troupe owner is a gang member. You're ruining your career.

Stop insulting my friends! Uncle Yiu-kwong has helped me a lot!

Stop acting innocent. You must know Kiu Ngo-tin told him to help you.

What?

Just ask Uncle Yiu-kwong!

Kiu Ngo-tin has helped you many times! What does he want? Did you sleep with him?

You have no right to insult me!

Have you no decency? Why won't you leave your best friend's husband alone?

You have no morals! You're a tramp!

No one can touch anything I've thrown away!

Siu-lau!

What happened?

It's all my fault. I asked Uncle Yiu-kwong for help.

I thought you'd feel more comfortable working with him, but I screwed up.

You did nothing wrong. I only blame myself for being so blind.

Because of him, I left my family behind and went to Beiping alone.

Because of him, all those years I lived without a status.

Even now when I want to leave him, he still won't stop hurting me.

I don't understand why I loved him so much.