Original subtitles

POLICE

Get the weed sample, too. Don't miss anything.

Do you remember exactly what time you discovered the body?

I woke up at 5 a.m.

My wife got some bread and soy milk,

so I had breakfast before heading out.

I hung around…

What about when you discovered the body?

Let's see…

I think it was around 9 a.m.

My God!

A FEW DAYS EARLIER

Who's there?

Is anyone there?

Huh?

Why are you out here?

I was waiting for you.

Don't do that anymore.

It's bad for your skin.

Are you saying I'm old?

Have some of this to sober up.

Thank you.

So those people don't have work tomorrow? That's why you were out so late?

They work hard and play hard.

Still, they should have known better.

What kind of businessmen are they?

Huh?

What?

Does it smell?

I don't smell alcohol

or cigarettes.

How strange!

Oh, that.

These clients are actually… decent people.

So we didn't go to bars and such.

Then why are you drinking my hangover tonic?

Well…

I don't want to waste your kindness… Mom!

So I'm your Mom now?

You've insulted me twice in one night.

I didn't. How could I?

Don't be afraid.

Just let me hold you for a bit.

Sorry! Did I scare you?

No… I wasn't scared. Just startled.

Erm… Nevermind.

Please, leave it to me.

It's okay, I can do it.

Do you like that bracelet?

Oh, please don't misunderstand.

I was just putting it away for you since you left it out like this.

Such an expensive thing, you should be careful of thieves.

I think the people here are nice.

Gosh, people here aren't that simple.

I'll keep that in mind.

You must be so bored here. It's such a ghost town!

Not at all. I like it here.

It's peaceful. Not complicated.

It seems people like playing the flute here?

Flute? Where did you hear that?

There. That tune!

No one here knows how to play the flute.

Right, I must've heard it somewhere else then.

What's the name of that tune?

I don't know.

Let me know when you find out. I want to listen to it too.

Oh, have you ever had wild herbs before? It's so good!

Shut up!

Ah… Got it.

Oh… I… I'm sorry.

Who's that woman on the hill?

There's no one there.

I could've sworn…

I…

I'll go for a walk.

Side effects…

Hallucinations.

Just hallucinations..

Hey, it tickles!

Come on, I'm cooking here.

Already? It's still early.

I'm hungry for something else though.

Has anyone seen Vy?

Ah… She went for a walk.

With Bao?

No. Bao is sleeping upstairs.

Anybody here?

Who's there?

Stop hiding.

Let go!

Let me go!

Stay away from me!

It's me, Vy! What happened?

Someone…

Someone tried to capture me!

Coward!

You ran away just like that!

-Truc! Are you okay? -No, I'm not.

Obviously not.

Why did you come here?

Um…

But… Whose house is this?

I asked first.

I…

I went for a walk and somehow got here.

Why is there an abandoned mansion here?

This belongs to the Quach family.

Back in the day,

when Mrs. Hong's father, Quach Linh was still alive,

their family was the wealthiest in the region.

Not only were they wealthy,

they were also powerful.

You could say, they were the rulers of this land.

Then one day, everything changed.

How did things fall apart so fast?

People say the fact that they lost all their fortune

and Truc being mentally unstable like this were all due to karma.

So, they must have done some really horrible things?

The Quach family's ancestors were henchmen of the French colonial government.

They got rich at the expense of other people's blood.

At the expense of others' blood? What does that mean?

During the French colonial times, they were probably growing opium poppies.

I also heard that they were involved in illegal logging.

Dozens of people were crushed while chopping down the trees.

Anyway.

Let's skip all these superstitious karma stories.

What do you think was the real cause of their downfall?

They even had to move to the cabins on Scarlet Hill.

Probably just bad luck.

Tougher business regulations.

Or… After Mr. Quach Linh died,

there was no one else with the business mind to carry on.

But…

I found the house deteriorating in a very strange way.

It almost seemed like it was wrecked.

The first time I was here,

there were many deep pits

which appeared to have been dug up.

There are some holes along the hallway too.

Why would someone do that?

Perhaps they were looking for something?

But to dig it up then fill it back…

Why would they have to hide it?

It sounds so creepy!

That's why I want to turn it into an attraction.

Haunted House! Experience a long-standing urban legend.

Sound interesting?

-It would attract a lot of tourists. -But Mrs. Hong refused.

She agreed to lease all but this abandoned mansion.

She wouldn't let us go anywhere near this place.

Who hit you?

We played together!

Sorry, I didn't notice it was Truc.

-I thought… -You couldn't notice such a big guy?

It was unintentional.

He suddenly jumped out and grabbed my wife.

You do know that he's not mentally stable.

He probably just wanted to play, he meant no harm.

With him in this state,

my husband will surely be annoyed.

I'll pay for all the medical fees.

I hope you can look past this.

-Shall I go over… -No need.

-It's just an accident anyway. -Thank you.

Truc, let's go.

All you do is cause trouble. Come.

Allow me.

This herbal wine can treat everything!

Thank you.

Ray told me that

your family used to work for Mrs. Hong for a long time.

How long exactly?

More than 50 years.

You must know the family quite well then?

Why do you ask?

I was at the abandoned mansion today…

Ouch!

Don't go there anymore!

Okay.

I actually stumbled upon it.

-But why… -Mrs. Hong doesn't want anyone

near the Quach family's mansion.

Don't make her mad.

I've said too much.

Bottom line is, don't get involved with her.

He's always causing trouble.

You've looked after him all this time.

What's the point in complaning now?

Truc is off his head but he's kind.

It's those newcomers, they just see him as some punching bag.

Don't be like that,

I'll talk to him.

As if he would listen to you.

Has Crazy Guy ever behaved as told?

How was it at the market today?

A bunch of nonsense.

Especially that Ms. Hiep,

she's a sly one.

And you.

Can't you find something more valuable?

We're always selling such common stuff.

Come on.

I'll look for some rare herbs tomorrow…

Let me make it up to you.

You stink!

What's that?

I'll get something to eat. Are you hungry?

I MISS YOU. I WANT TO SEE YOU RIGHT NOW.

TOO RISKY, BABE. I'M BUSY, LET'S DO THIS ANOTHER TIME.

MESSAGE FROM ACCOUNTANT PHUONG

Gosh, you scared me!

Wow… We just moved here

and you're already turning into an European noble?

I don't know why

but I'm suddenly interested in horses.

Hey, isn't his mane beautiful?

As beautiful as mine?

Silly!

Hey, I'm being serious.

Okay, let's be serious then.

Okay then.

Why did you go to the abandoned mansion without telling me?

And you were alone, too.

I had a hallucination.

Anyway, it's nothing to worry about.

Why didn't you tell me?

I didn't want you to worry. I'm sorry.

So you do know I'm worried?

Wait, I forgot.

I have no reason to be.

Whoever dares to touch you will get his head bashed in anyway.

That was because… Truc grabbed my leg.

Truc?

Since when were you two so close?

You're on a first-name basis now?

Spill it.

Come on, tell me!

Stop! You're asking for it!

It tickles!

-Who is it? -Shaman, it's me.

Come in.

Have you done it?

Right after you gave me the photo.

Why is it still alive and kicking?

Rushing things will do you no good.

She's already received the "gift".

Now we just need to unleash the second seal.

How long do we have to wait?

Or is your spell not working?

Do you want to have a taste to make sure it works?

If we want quicker results, we would need the Dark Moon Hex.

Then, what are you waiting for? Do it!

Everything has its price.

The hex will open the door

for miasma to flow in.

Dulling one's senses, driving them crazy.

At the peak hour,

they will eventually turn into a demon…

Killing mercilessly.

Honey! Let's eat.

You've been visiting Shaman Mo quite often these days.

What do you mean "often''? How much is normal then?

What are you implying? That I'm having an affair with him?

Don't be silly.

He's a shriveled old man. What do I have to worry about?

So you're worried that I'm hooking up with the ones who aren't shriveled?

It makes sense though.

My youth is fleeting.

Might as well enjoy it while it lasts.

Someone certainly did.

That's not what I meant.

-I… -Stop beating around the bush,

just spit it out.

Shall I call Ray over so she can speak on your behalf?

Last night, I woke up but you weren't in bed.

I lay there waiting. When you came back,

you reeked of incense.

So I assumed you were at Shaman Mo's place.

So…

Wherever I go, whatever I do,

I need to ask for your permission?

I know I did you wrong.

I'm sorry.

But please don't hide things from me.

You going to see Shaman Mo

means something is up, right?

I've been having trouble getting money back these days.

I have to deal with all kinds of knuckleheads.

Like that Ms. Hiep.

That's why I asked Shaman Mo to teach her a lesson.

Poor you.

I wasn't so attentive before,

so now I keep reminding myself to pay more attention to you

and take better care of you.

Come on, let's eat.

I know I often lose my temper because of work these days.

And I don't even want to think about that other thing anymore.

But that bitch, Ray…

Forget it.

Tonight…

I have a surprise for you.

Let's play! Let's play!

It's the crazy man!

Let's play!

Go away!

Let's play!

Don't be mad! Let's play!

Bao?

Yes?

How about you try playing with Uncle Truc?

No! I ain't playing with a crazy guy!

Bao! You can't talk to him like that.

Truc, what do you have there?

For you.

Truc!

Didn't I tell you not to leave your room?

-Get away from them! -No, I'm having fun!

Fun? Don't you remember what happened yesterday?

Let's go!

-About yesterday, I'm sorry. -Sorry?

You're lucky he's already crazy.

Hitting him on the head won't make him any crazier.

Honey, come on.

I'm sorry.

My wife is just worried about Truc.

Go home. Now!

How about you go back first?

Truc can stay and play with Bao.

The new method is working.

During this time,

the brain's defense mechanisms will cause some side effects

such as headaches, nausea and hallucinations.

It's pretty common. You shouldn't worry too much about it.

-How long will this go on? -It depends on each individual.

It could be a week.

It could be months.

Or even a few years.

-Is there anything I can do? -Be patient

and monitor her condition carefully.

These are sedatives, in case she loses control.

One per dose, each dose per six hours.

We might only be able to get to the market once a month if this goes on.

It's hard to get our money back, and the cost of everything is going up.

How are we supposed to make a living like this?

Honey.

Go easy on it.

If the root is ruined, it will sell for less.

The surprise you talked about,

is it the red slip dress in the wardrobe?

I'm sorry.

I was too curious.

It's okay, really.

I'll just pretend I didn't see anything.

So what?

No, I won't give you.

I won't.

I'll show you!

I promise

I'll be surprised no matter what you do.

I WANT TO SEE YOU RIGHT NOW. DON'T LIE TO ME LIKE LAST NIGHT.

IT'S NOT SAFE HERE. SHOULD ARRANGE THINGS BEFOREHAND.

I KNOW A PLACE, MEET ME IN 30 MINUTES.

What do you want?

You said…

You can turn a person into a demon

that kills mercilessly.

Is that true?

Every power has its price.

I'll pay.

Whatever the cost.

As long as you keep it quiet.

Money can't talk.

If the hex can make her take lives,

will she murder aimlessly

or…

a specific person?

You seem to have someone in mind.

I believe in your power.

Perhaps you still haven't fully understood me.

Money alone is not enough.

Reversing yin and yang, life and death requires a sacrifice.

To take a life,

the one imploring

will have their lifespan shortened.

What's the point of living a long life

if I can't be happy?

It won't be just a few years…

but tens of years.

ACCOUNTANT PHUONG

ACCOUNTANT PHUONG

My God!

This is…

-You know… -Do you know who this is?

This is Chinh, son of the Quach family

on the Scarlet hill.

Search around the lake and gather some soil samples.

Don't leave anything.

Roger that!

There has never been a murder case in this area, right Uncle Mung?

You're already ruling it as a homicide?

Don't get too eager.

It may cloud your vision.

FOR NATIONAL SECURITY

Blood test, urinalysis, toxicology test

and analysis of the stomach, liver, gallbladder and hair

showed no sign of drugs or poisons.

There's no water inside the lungs.

Meaning the victim was already dead when he was thrown into the lake?

With the body being submerged in cold water,

it's hard to determind the exact time of death.

Give me a rough estimate?

The victim probably died somewhere between 9 p.m. last night

and 6 a.m. the following day.

This is the cause of death.

A blunt force trauma.

Based on the random pattern,

it might be a rock.

The victim hit his head several times on the same spot.

This looks like he was struck, rather than an accident.

Any foreign DNA traces on the body?

If any, it would've been washed away by the water anyway.

With a height of 171cm, the victim had quite a build.

The culprit must be a big and strong man.

The wound is at a lethal spot.

He could have been…

caught off guard.

If so, even a woman

could have done this.

Approach the target calmly.

Everyone in the area is a suspect.

This place could be the original crime scene.

Be cautious.

Let's just treat this as an accident.

The more they lower their guard,

the better the chance they might let something slip.

-Got it? -Roger!

‎POLICE

Hello!

Could you tell me which house belongs to Mrs. Hong?

The second one on the right.

That one with the tiled roof?

-That's right. -Thank you.

Vy.

What's wrong?

They're the police.

The police?

‎INSPIRED BY THE NOVEL ‎SCARLET HILL BY THE AUTHOR DI LI