Original subtitles

(Shanghai International Settlement)

(Swallow Nest)

Get up...Stay right there!

Get up...Get out!

One by one...

What's going on? Look at the crates...

What are the Police carrying?

Chief Inspector, how much opium did you confiscate?

Will there be raids on other Swallow Nests?

The Shanghai Municipal Police (SMP)

will carry out the new government's policy of drug prohibition

and crackdown on opium dealers.

This month alone, we have closed down a dozen of Swallow Nests.

Well? How much did we lose?

You told the reporters we confiscated 100 crates.

Are you crazy? I was only bragging.

I'll lose an arm and a leg if I give them 100 crates.

Give them 30.

30? The brass is watching closely, I'm afraid...

Just say they were destroyed.

What is wrong with the new government?

(Shanghai Office of Nanjing Government)

Even the foreign devils listen to them.

See the mess they got me into!

Congratulations, Mr. Cheuk!

Chairman Chiang is absolutely right.

You're the best man for the job as Commissioner for Narcotics.

Only on the recommendation of our Chief of Staff, Mr. Lui.

The Commandant is always receptive to Chief Lui's recommendations.

Don't sell yourself short.

Your Greater Shanghai Plan raised a lot of money for the National Founding Fund

and you've made connections with Kiu Ngo-tin

He's one of the 3 tycoons in Shanghai and the most powerful gangster.

He can clear the way for you in implementing the ban on opium in Shanghai.

You bet, if you control the 3 tycoons, you'll control the underworld in Shanghai.

Dealing with these tigers will mean big trouble for you, Mr. Cheuk.

What does Commissioner Cheuk want with me?

No idea! He's the newly appointed Commissioner for Narcotics.

Maybe it has something to do with that.

(Chinese Territory)

(Swallow Nest)

Mr. Kiu, this way, please!

Morning, Commissioner!

Congratulations on your promotion!

Thank you! I'm glad you're here!

I need to ask you something.

How can I help you?

This opium den was on fire a few days ago and someone was killed.

I came here to look for leads.

I think the crate contained opium.

Though it's destroyed in the fie,

the Shankeng Company logo is still pretty evident.

That's your company, right?

Hon-lam!

You intend to pursue this based on a logo and a piece of burnt wood?

We may not have evidence, but we have witnesses.

Students were passing by and saw everything. They've provided some very important leads.

It appears I know more than you do, Mr. Kiu!

You still wish to pursue this?

No point dwelling in the past, right?

The new government wants stability

and doesn't want this country to be flooded with opium.

That's why we must implement the ban.

Right!

We must stop the opium trade

and don't allow one single crate of opium to show up.

You think it's possible, Mr. Kiu?

I think...you simplified the situation.

To rid Shanghai of opium,

is like asking the Huangpu River not to flow west.

This sort of thing is never easy, right?

But the new government has an army.

Nothing is impossible.

We might have to shed some blood and work a bit harder.

Exactly why am I here today?

Mr. Kiu, you're a reasonable man and a patriot.

I'd like to discuss something with you.

It's my honour to serve the new government.

That's wonderful!

The new government does not wish to implement the ban on opium by force.

If we don't need to make a move

and can stop people from running these Swallow Nests,

it would be perfect.

As a smart man, you must know what to do.

I finally know why I'm here today.

You're saying if Shankeng tells people not to run any Swallow Nests,

I can guarantee the Huangpu River will not flow west.

To the point! You're an influential man.

I'm sure your partners will do the same.

I'm counting on you.

Thank you for your trouble today, excuse me!

Look! Kiu No-tin's car!

It's Kiu Ngo-tin...

Stop the car!

Stop the car...

Get out, Kiu Ngo-tin...

Get out of the car, blood sucker!

You'll get your retribution...

You'll pay for your crime!

Look what you did to my leg...

Get out...

You're a creep...

Blood sucker!

Get out of the car!

Come out...

These students are so stupid!

I'll teach them a lesson.

Wait!

Get out...You'll get your retribution...

Get out, find out what they need.

Get out of the car, blood sucker!

Yes, Brother Tin!

Get out...

Get out of the car...

Come out, creep!

Calm down...

You'll get retribution...

Mr. Kiu wants me to ask you if you need anything.

Opium has destroyed China.

This country has no hope if you keep it up.

(French Concession)

Let me out...I want to die!

Let me out...I want to die, this is killing me

Mrs. Kiu!

Mrs. Kiu...

Let me go...I can't take this...

Are you sure about this?

Tin, Kit is in pain.

I'm not sure he can take this. How about...

How about what? What?

Something on your mind? You seem worried.

Everything is changing.

You must change to survive, or else it'll be a dead end.

The things you say are so profound! Why won't you get to the point?

Alright...I'll get out of your way. I'll prepare Kit's medication.

Mrs. Kiu!

I did what you asked me to.

I took the wounded one to the hospital and arranged for a doctor...

Enough...as long as no one is hurt.

Hon-lam, call the boys tomorrow, I have something to tell them.

What do you have in mind?

I don't want to sell opium anymore.

We'll piss off a lot of clients and lose a lot of money.

It's not just us, Shankeng too.

Then we might as well close down!

We have other business.

Yes, but the Chief and Brother Shan will never agree.

Brother Shan can be such a pain!

Good! We'll tackle him first.

Boss!

Boss...

What day is today? What a crowd!

Exactly! It was very quiet a few days ago.

Brother Tin had a promotion in his casino.

Win or lose, regardless of the amount,

all of his clients will be given rolling chips from our casino.

Someone is paying them to gamble, obviously they'll show up here.

That's too good to be true!

That little rascal is full of bright ideas!

I bet it's because he pissed you off and this is his way of saying he's sorry.

Must be.

With a perk like this?

(French Concession)

Shan!

Where's Hok-yiu? He went out to meet his classmates.

He disappeared already? He just came home.

What's with the imported goods? How nice of him to think of us!

No, they're from Tin!

Shan is back!

You're back, Brother Shan!

What brings you here?

I haven't tasted Mei-kam's famous drunken chicken wings in a while.

You should talk! I'll fix you a drink.

Thank you! Have a nice chat!

Sit down!

Why bring so much with you?

To make your wife happy.

Of course she is.

I can't come empty handed.

Everyone knows you're generous.

You send presents to my house and clients to my casino.

What are you after?

No amount of gold and silver is comparable to a favour granted.

We're brothers...this is nothing!

I'm familiar with your routine.

What do you want to tell me? Speak up!

You know me so well!

I have something to discuss with you.

It's time we branched out into other business, and not rely on opium alone

Are you crazy?

The casino only brings in 10% of what I make from opium.

I won't let go of this piece of meat!

Times have changed.

The new government wants to ban opium.

So what?

There are too many people in China who smoke opium, including you. How?

If you're too yellow to do it, I'll take your share.

I'm not afraid of anything.

The world is changing, so must we.

Just like when I suggested you should let Hok-yiu study abroad.

You did it for his future.

You want him to take over from you

and continue to be a gangster selling opium?

For his sake, think about it.

Thank you for coming. See you next time.

Thank you! See you next time.

Bye!

King-chuen? Siu-hong?

What are you doing here?

I'm working.

My boss has orders to promote the new government's ban on opium.

Hok-yiu said he could arrange for me

to interview the foreigner who drafted the International drug ban.

Hok-yiu? He's back from France?

Bonjour!

Hi!

Siu-hong, fancy seeing you here!

Long time no see, counsellor!

Long time no see!

Kung Hok-yiu, say no more!

Where's the guy I'm supposed to interview?

Oh my God! Mr. Hermes said something came up

I forgot to tell you, Monsieur!

"Monsieur" won't get you off!

You're still the same after all these years.

Nothing matters except how to have fun.

That's because he's a rich kid.

One must have time to play.

Work can always wait.

You're supposed to ride with me.

Father!

But you took off and left me behind!

You had such a good time galloping ahead.

Since I couldn't keep up with you, I decided to come back here.

This is my Father!

Mr. Kung!

Recognise them, Father?

They're my classmates from high school, a lawyer and a reporter.

Young men are capable these days.

The law, the news and you study economics.

You're all elite.

Young men will replace the old. The world is at your feet.

I'm sorry, I have to go.

I should go too, I have a story to finish.

My Father is throwing a party for me in a few days.

Other classmates will be there too.

Drop by if you have time.

Siu-hong and I will be there.

Goodbye, Mr. Kung!

Bye!

I'm hot. Let's go get a drink!

Sure!

Well? What have you learnt?

I have learnt a lot in France.

Siu-hong, the old news clippings are here. I hope they can help.

Even the law can't help anyone.

How's Chi-man's leg?

He's in the hospital now.

We ran into Kiu Ngo-tin on the street the other day.

Kiu Ngo-tin broke his leg?

No, we circled his car and screamed at him. Yet he didn't try to get even.

When he saw Chi-man's injured leg, he arranged to send him to the hospital.

His condition has stabilised.

A kind-hearted gangster?

On one hand he hurts people and on the other, he forces you to accept his grace.

At first, we wanted to turn him down.

But on second thought, he should pay for the medical expenses,

so we finally accepted his offer.

In this day and age, the Police commit heinous crimes,

while gangsters do good.

The world is so confusing there's no more black and white.

What a pain!

The new government is pleased to have your support.

We now have a common goal.

I hope you'll do your best with implementing the ban on opium.

Rest assured, Commissioner Cheuk!

The Police of the Chinese Territory will go after the opium traders.

Good! I'm sure you'll show us your full support as well.

How are you, Chief! I'm Kiu Ngo-tin.

Everyone in Shanghai knows Kiu Ngo-tin.

Have a seat! What brings you here today?

First of all, I came to pay a courtesy call.

Secondly, I have a banker friend called Hung Yat-hing.

He admires you and wishes to make your acquaintance.

Hung Yat-hing? You know him well?

I understand your unusual positions.

I hope you'll have the discipline to work with us on banning opium.

The new government doesn't want a single opium joint in Shanghai,

or anyone to control the opium trade.

You get my drift?

Of course I do.

But to eliminate all opium dens in Shanghai is nothing but a fantasy.

Why? You can do whatever you set your mind to do.

Unless you wish to disobey Chairman Chiang.

Let me know if you run into any problems.

My army is standing by to help you take on the gangsters.

You knew I wanted to park the car, but you had to butt in!

Are you done barking?

This is not a reserved parking space. Go to Hell!

Who do you think you are?

You're just Chak Kam-tong's dog!

What did you say?

Did I hear a dog bark?

Chief!

Tell your thugs not to bully anyone.

As you can see, there's someone stronger and tougher than you.

Just do whatever the government wants.

I'm not worried because I always meet my quota.

But Shankeng is bigger in size and makes a lot more money.

Asking you to ban opium is closing you down.

Who cares about the government? I decide whether or not to ban opium.

Only someone like you would be the new government's running dog.

Move your car!

What are you doing?

Hey! What are you doing?

This is the government headquarters.

You want them to call the army?

Put away your weapons!

Not out in public! It's beneath you!

Put them away!

Kiu Ngo-tin, I will get my revenge.

Just stay cool. The 3 tycoons are in power.

This is probably bad timing for revenge.

I'll find the right time.

Tycoons? They're fighting each other.

Well? How many?

320 crates, Chief!

Alright.

Listen, nobody touches these crates without my order.

If I find any missing, I will punish you.

Yes, Chief!

Boss...can I have a word?

Go give them a hand!

The new government is quite determined to ban opium.

I know! That's why I'm holding onto these crates.

You expect me to turn them in?

It's not a question of turning them in.

It's whether we should continue.

If you want to kiss up to the government, go ahead.

I will not do anything that will undermine my income.

I'll lay low with these for a month or so,

I can sell them at a better price when people go into withdrawal.

I know opium brings in a lot of money.

But the problem is even the foreigners support the ban.

How can we continue?

I already spoke to Shan, he's not totally against it.

Fine! If we give up opium, what can we do?

If you think of something that's more profitable, I'll do it.

It's pointless to reason with that mad dog.

If you keep covering up for him, it'll kill you one day.

He trashed my picture...That still irks me.

He won't apologise. That means he still won't obey me.

Then I'll continue to pin him down.

French Concession Police! Quiet down!

We're carrying out the ban on opium.

I want everyone to stand on both sides.

Search the premises for opium!

Yes!

Follow me!

What's going on?

What is it?

What is it, Fook?

We're looking for opium.

Opium?

Chief, this will affect our business!

This is Brother Shan's casino, please show him some consideration.

That's precisely the reason I must go by the book.

You're Brother's Shan's partner, what you're doing is not advisable.

Brother Shan is on his way back...

You work for the mad dog.

All the more reason to teach you a lesson.

Tell him Chak Kam-tong trashed his joint.

If he doesn't like it, tell him to come to me.

Chief, he's really on his way!

Still won't shut up? Break his hand!

Chief, he's one of ours...

What's this? Mutiny?

Fix him!

Drive!

Not without the Chiefs order, Miss Chuk!

Fine! Then I'll walk!

Miss Chuk...

Who pissed you off now?

You said you had a surprise for me!

But you only made me watch you work and wait forever in the car.

Don't be angry! You'll soon be very happy.

How happy?

You won't let me gamble or go out. You won't let me sing.

You won't stop till I die from depression locked in the house.

You just want to go to Paramount!

Miss Yee-hung, the Chief has a surprise for you.

That's better!

Hurry up! The Chief and Miss Chuk are coming

Yes...

Wait...Why are you hanging that up?

Chuk Yee-hung is singing here?

The Chief ordered that. Get out of the way.

Without the Miss Kwai-seng's consent, you're not hanging that up!

Let me ask her.

Ask her what? Shut up! Who calls the shots around here?

I said "no"! You'll get in trouble when the Miss Kwai-seng finds out.

I don't care. I want to hang this up.

Throw it away!

Miss Kwai-seng... This is not my idea.

But I have my orders from the Chief.

Listen, I may not be around,

but that doesn't mean I don't care about Paramount.

Mr. Chin reports to me daily, I know what's going on.

I still call the shots in Paramount.

Yes. But you should know, whatever the Chief wants,

it's hard for me to say "no".

Then I'll make it easy for you.

Starting tomorrow, you don't have to come back to Paramount.

Miss Kwai-seng...

Don't throw someone else's name in my face.

No one has the right to close down Paramount

not for a day, not even half an hour.

Kwai-seng, came to check the books?

I didn't really want to!

But if it's affecting morale and everyone's livelihood,

I must speak up.

One day doesn't matter.

Consider giving the boys the day off. They could use the rest.

But they didn't get any rest.

Everyone had to come in and wait on a singer.

What you did will not convince the boys.

What good will it do if you have no business?

It's all because you don't like Yee-hung.

You don't like her? I do.

You don't want her to sing? I do.

I'll even bring her home to sing.

I don't care what you do.

I left Chak's Residence a long time ago.

I don't care what type of woman you like.

But if you ruin the business because of this woman,

I will not stand it.

No doubt, you and I started Paramount. But I'm the real boss.

I can have you removed any time I like.

Of course! But don't forget I still have your trunk.

I hold all your assets and contracts.

If you keep this up, you'll never get it back.

You...

Don't get so upset!

I'm not singing tonight. Let's go home.

Miss Kwai-seng... Miss...

Shall I ask Ping-on to drive you?

I don't want Chak Kam-tong's car.

I'd rather take a rickshaw.

Miss Kwai-seng, I'd rather work for you.

I understand. You should get back inside.

Brother Shan, according to Tai, the Chief was doing it on purpose.

He's using this excuse to force you to apologise.

Apologise? Never!

Chung, give Tai money for the doctor.

Yes, Brother Shan!

Thank you, Boss!

The man you want to see is here.

Come on in.

You're here just in time.

King-chuen, what are you doing in here?

Hi! Hok-yiu!

Brother Tin!

It's crowded out there, I came in here for a breather.

Am I interrupting?

No, we're just reading.

I didn’t know Hok-yiu had such a collection of books.

For display only. I have never read them.

Siu-hong, let me introduce you to Mr. Kiu Ngo-tin.

This is my classmate Lai Siu-hong.

Hello, nice to meet you.

Hello, Mr. Kiu.

He's an outstanding law student and is now practising law in Shanghai.

He specialises in the law of the French Concession, International Settlement

and Chinese Territory.

Talented young man with a bright future.

You helped my Father with his cotton mill.

I should thank you for that.

You're Mr. Lai's son? I didn't know.

Tim

What is it?

The Chief is here. He seems a bit upset!

Maybe because I didn't invite him.

Shan is not here...

I'll take care of it! I'll leave you alone.

Hok-yiu, stay with your friends.

Boss!

What boss? Hok-yiu came home from France and I was not invited.

What kind of brothers are we?

I'm sorry, Chief! I forgot to send you the invitation.

You forgot or didn't want to?

Never mind! Where is he? Hiding from me?

I'm not hiding, I'm just late.

Good! Everyone is here!

There's something between me and the Chief that I've wanted to bring up.

I was wrong. I lost my temper!

I wish to apologise! Forgive me, Chief!

Since you apologised! Forget it! Get up!

You're so forgiving!

Good! Forgive and forget!

Not only that, I'll listen to the Chief from now on.

Just like Tin said you wish to restructure Shankeng,

I'll do as you wish.

We all have a share in the company, but we must listen to the Boss!

Let's sit down somewhere to talk.

This way...

What did you discuss the other day?

I still think Brother Shan's apology is not that simple.

Brother Tin, Kit wants to jump from the building.

Leave me alone. Let me go...

Tie him up!

I can't take this!

You're one step away from kicking it.

I can't...It's too hard!

You really want to die? Fine, I'll let you.

I'll let you die after you kick the habit.

Seal up the windows!

Brother Tin...

Well?

You told me to keep an eye on Shum Chun-ngok and his lot,

just as you have expected!

You're sure!

Yes, I saw it with my own eyes.

Kit, starting tomorrow, we'll do this together.

If you die, I'll die with you.

Spread the word for me.

Starting tomorrow, I'll spend the next 7 days to kick the habit.

I will not see anyone.

Why pick a time like this?

There are bombs out there waiting to go off!

Good! Tell all the boys to come here and protect me.

Don't bother me for the next 7 days.

Brother Tin!

Hello? It's a man on the phone for you.

Hello? Ka-ming?

Yes...the South Bank Pier? I'll be right there.

Chief!

Gone? Who'd dare touch my stuff?

Where are Tin and Siu-shan?

According to Brother Tin's boys,

he went into seclusion to kick his opium addiction.

He summoned everyone to protect him. There's no one out there.

Brother Shan is off to Hangzhou with his wife.

They're both gone? What a coincidence!

Something is fishy!

Chief, Miss Yee-hung is on her way to the South Bank Pier.

She's meeting a man called Ka-ming.

Brother Hon-lam...

Brother Tin, we have trouble!

Brother Tin...

The Chief went after Miss Chuk when he learnt that she's off to the South Bank Pier

South Bank Pier

Just as you have expected,

all hell broke loose the minute you went into seclusion.

They're making a move.

Tell Yung to follow my instructions

and go look up someone for me right away.

Mr. Lai, Mr. Kiu needs a favour.

I can't believe you're working for Kiu Ngo-tin.

You even became his disciple, no less!

(South Bank Pier, Shanghai International Settlement)

What are you doing? Kill him!

You little tramp! What are you doing behind my back?

What? I don't know that man.

I thought he was my brother Ka-ming.

He attacked me as soon as he saw me.

He conned me.

He conned you? You're conning me!

Believe anything you like!

Where are you going?

Chief, Shankeng's goods!

What is the opium doing here?

I don't know!

Never mind! Get someone to move it.

Right!

The Chief Inspector of the French Concession Police knowingly breaks the law,

selling opium in the International Settlement.

What game are you playing, Shum Chun-ngok?

You're caught in the act! Arrest them!

You can’t do that!

Who the heck are you?

I'm a lawyer.

What right do you have to stand in my way?

The law.

Mr. Chak Kam-tong holds a French passport which makes him a French national.

Though were in the International Settlement you have no right to arrest him.

If you insist on doing that,

you'd be breaching the agreement between the settlements

and instigate a serious diplomatic crisis.

I don't know what you mean by the law.

Right here, I am the law.

Arrest them all!

Stop!

What are you doing here?

Mr. Kiu told me to pick up the Chief!

Mr. Kiu has made the necessary arrangements.

We outnumber you. Let them go.

So? I'm not letting them go!

We'll see who dies first when shooting begins.

Right! Mr. Kiu will not let you leave.

Take a look around.

Chief!