She was so shy to see him first...
but then left him because of his prudence.
Hong Kong in 1962.
Eat up, enjoy yourself. The fish is very fresh today.
Sorry to interrupt your dinner.
Never mind, let's sit over there.
It's quite late.
I've just finished work.
What should I call you?
You can call me Mrs. Suen.
And you?
My husband's name is Chan.
Call me when you decide I will.
Did you write down my number?
Yes, I did.
Fine, I'll see you out. Don't trouble for me.
So it's agreed then.
Thank you very much I should go.
Fine Bye.
Take care, goodbye.
You've a room to let?
Sorry, it's just been rented to that lady.
Thanks.
How many of you?
Just me and my wife.
Why don't you try next door.
They've a vacant room too?
Yes, Mr. Koo's son got married... and removed out.
His room's empty.
Thank you.
You're too polite. Try asking them.
Thank you.
This way, come on.
Not that room.
Wrong again.
Careful, against the wall there.
The little cupboard over there.
Be careful.
Don't break anything. Not on top of the radio.
Mr. Chow. You have a lot of stuff for a couple.
The wardrobe isn't mine, wrong again?
It's for the next door.
Okay, next door.
There aren't my shoes.
They must go next door.
What a coincidence! moving in on same day.
Is Mr. Chan here?
He's working abroad. He'll be back next week.
You should have waited, then.
It's too much for you on your own.
I can manage, I'll ask Amah to help.
No need, I can manage.
Mrs. Chan. I'll leave you to it.
Those books aren't mine. /Wrong again?
Never mind just leave them there.
Are these magazines yours?
Yes, they're my husband's.
He reads Japanese?
A little, his boss is Japanese.
How should I address you?
My husband's name is Chan.
My name's Chow. I'll leave you in peace.
Thank you, Mr. Chow.
Don't mention it.
Mrs. Chan... Eat with us before you go.
No thanks. I must dash to the airport.
Your husband's coming back? /Yes.
Then I won't keep you.
Going out? /Yes.
Sorry, I'm late.
Amah, pour some beer.
Cheers.
Mrs. Chow try some Shanghai dishes.
Where is Mrs. Chan to go late?
Meeting here husband at the airport.
So that's why she looks different.
It's all packed take care on your trip.
I will.
How long this time?
Two to four weeks.
Remember when you come back.
Bring back two more of those handbags.
Who for?
Mr. boss.
Two of them?
You know why.
Different colours?
The same will do? Who cares?
Whatever.
Mrs. Ho.
Mr. Ho is still in a meeting.
He'll be home late. Please don't wait to eat.
Yes, we're so busy at the moment.
Yes, I'll ask him to call you when he gets back.
Did you call my wife?
Yes, I said you'd be back later.
Have you booked the restaurant?
A table for two at eight.
Miss Yu called to say she's on her way.
I'll be back after dinner.
Can I bring you something?
No thanks, I'll get my own.
Leave when you're ready.
I'll lock up.
Good evening, Mr. Ho.
Going out, Mrs. Chan. /Yes.
Going out so late?
Just getting some noodles.
Amah is making pork soup join us.
Thanks, I'm not really hungry I just want some air.
You're too polite. /Next time.
They're all starving, we can eat.
Have you spoken to Ming?
So I'll go with someone else.
Just kidding.
I'll be early tonight, see you soon.
Bye.
Chow.
Coming.
Time to go finish it tomorrow.
No, I'm nearly there.
Oh, Ming.
I need a few days off next month. /why?
I promised my wife a trip. Put in a word for me, will you?
I'll speak to personnel. But the next lunch is on you.
I'll.
Thanks, Ming.
It's ready.
No, it'll switch itself off.
I told you it's not ready.
A rice cooker. It's yours, Mrs. Koo?
No, it's beyond us.
It's Mrs. Chan's.
My husband brought it from Japan.
I wanted to show Mrs. Koo how good it is.
Now it's ready.
It's workable, you can see.
Mrs. Chan.
Could Mr. Chan get me one next time?
No problem.
Mr. Chow, you should get one too.
Your wife's so often late home.
I couldn't trouble Mr. Chan.
It's just neighbor, isn't it?
It's no trouble.
I'll ask him to buy another next time.
Thank you.
Let's try the rice.
Mr. Chan, sorry to trouble you about the rice cooker.
It was really no trouble.
How much do I owe you?
Your wife has already paid me.
Really?
She didn't tell you?
She's been working late shifts.
Often I'm asleep when she gets back.
It must be hard for her.
Yes.
Mrs. Chan isn't back yet?
She'll be back soon you need to talk to her.
A friend needs to go to Singapore.
I wonder if she could get a cheap ticket for him.
I'll ask when she gets back.
I'm bothering you too much.
Don't mention it, we're neighbors.
I'll leave you in peace.
Looking for me?
Damn right where've you been?
What's up?
Mrs. Chan called...
you left a hat at her office.
I meant to, I wanted an excuse to go back.
I know your tricks.
She's married.
I know.
That's why I left otherwise I'd move in next door.
If your wife wasn't so attractive.
She'd be a worried woman.
I'm not like you.
Please call Mrs. Chan for me.
I'll pick up the hat tomorrow. And take her to lunch.
Dream on, I asked her to take the hat home. I'll bring it in tomorrow.
You're kidding me.
Tell you what, let's go pick up now.
She should be off work by now. We can go together.
I don't have time for this.
Chow.
Yes, get out of here, I'm busy.
Then I'll wait at your place. That's all.
Ping.
Mr. Chow, is Mr. Koo in?
He's out, forgot to buy the paper again?
That's right, I'll stop by later.
Maybe I can find it for you. /Thank you.
This one? /Yes.
I always loved those serials, hated to miss an episode.
Really? You like them too?
I even thought of writing one.
Why didn't you?
I couldn't get started so I gave up.
I wasn't born to write martial arts stories.
But you can borrow from my collection any time.
Not now, maybe another time, thanks.
You're welcome. What is it, Mrs. Chan?
I just want to return these to Mr. Chow...is he in?
He's been away for a few days.
Why?
They had a quarrel.
Leave them with me. I'll pass them back to him.
Thank you.
Forget it.
I'm on a replacement shift tonight.
Talk to you later.
No need to pick me up.
She's already left.
Really? I was going to take her out for dinner.
Didn't she tell you she was off early today.
She never remembers to tell me.
Maybe she's home by now.
I'll be off, then.
Okay, bye.
Hello.
You're out of hospital.
Don't mention hospital. Lend me ＄30.
What for?
You gotta help me save face.
What's the big deal?
It's Ah Hoi's fault.
He gave me a racing tip, said it was a sure thing.
Before they'd taken out the stitches.
I rushed from hospital to Race Course.
I bet everything I had and I lost my shirt.
What did you expect?
I thought it was my lucky day.
Anyhow, I had only ＄2 left. So I went to the whorehouse.
You were in no shape for sex.
I thought it would improve for sex.
What would ＄2 buy you?
I'm Kwai Fei's regular, she gives me credit.
You can have in on credit?
I left my lD card and said I'd be back to redeem it.
I thought a few dollars would be back easy to rustle up. But so far nothing I'm way overdue.
So?
Four Eyes was there yesterday. Saw her waving my lD around in front of everyone.
So embarrassing.
Anyway, lend me ＄30.
This is all I can spare.
I need ＄10 for myself.
Pay you back next month.
Let's have a late snack. /What?
All I've had today is some won-ton noodles.
Let me finish writing this first.
I'm not sure I should tell you this.
What?
I saw your wife in the street yesterday.
So what?
That is nothing.
She was with some guy.
Probably a friend.
Just thought you should know.
Miss Yu? This is me.
Mr. Ho's still in a meeting. He says he can't manage dinner.
Yes, we're very busy now.
I'll, I'll ask Mr. Ho to call.
Have you called Miss Yu? /Yes, I've.
What did she say?
Asks you to call her later.
And Mrs. Ho says she's ready to cut her birthday cake. She wants you to hurry home.
Did you get me something to give her? /Yes, this.
What is it? /A scarf.
I think Mrs. Ho will like it. /Thank you.
And here's your change.
I'm always troubling you.
Use it for bus fare.
Why don't you dine with us tonight?
Thank you, I've already planned to see a film tonight.
Then I won't keep you.
Tomorrow will be quiet, then take the morning off.
Goodbye. /Goodbye.
Are you going out tonight?
Don't forget your keys.
All the neighbors are dining out tonight.
I have a lot to do here so I'll be late.
What is it, Mrs. Chan?
I heard voices.
I thought Mr. & Mrs. Koo were back.
Not yet, anything I can help with?
No, I just wanted a chat.
Are you alone? /Yes, I am.
You're back early today.
I'm not feeling well, I came back to rest.
What is it? I have some medicines.
Don't trouble yourself, I'll sleep it off.
In that case, I'll leave you in peace.
It was your wife.
Have you spoken to your wife yet?
Then we shouldn't meet any more.
Any news from the Philippines?
Yes, a telex. There's a typhoon, so the ship's still docked.
Please inform Chan.
That the shipment may be delayed.
Ask if that's a problem.
Your wife rang you don't need to pick her up.
She's playing mahjong with Mrs. Lau. She'll meet you at the restaurant at 5:30.
and there's a gift from Miss Yu.
She was here?
No, she had it sent over.
She says she'll dine alone since it's your birthday.
Please phone her when you have a moment.
I'll get you another coffee. /Thank you.
Thank you.
That tie looks good on you.
You noticed?
It's much like the old one.
You notice things if you pay attention.
I'll be off now.
If Chan has a problem, let me know at the restaurant.
Why did you change your tie?
The new one was too showy. I should stick with my own.
Don't forget to lock up.
By the way, haven't seen your husband lately.
He's abroad now, on company business.
That's why I see you at the noodle stall.
I don't like cooking for myself.
Haven't seen your wife lately either.
Her mother's ill, she's at home with her.
That explains it.
Good night. /Good night.
Mrs. Chan, I'm glad you're back.
It's raining so hard.
I was going to look for you with an umbrella.
Mrs. Suen!
Caught in the rain?
I said you could eat with us.
Next time, enjoy your game.
Her husband's always away.
It's sad to see her too lonely.
She dresses up like that to go out for noodle?
Mr. Chow, what are you doing here?
Just calling Mrs. Koo to the phone.
You're late back.
I went to the picture.
I'll be going.
Hello.
Yes, please hold on.
Who is it? / It's for Mrs. Chan.
It must seem odd to ask you out but I want to ask something.
That handbag I saw this evening. Where did you buy it?
Why do you ask?
I want to get one for my wife.
Mr. Chow, you're so good to your wife.
Not really, my wife is so fussy.
Her birthday is two days away. I don't know what to get her.
Could you buy one for me to give her?
Maybe she wouldn't want one just exactly the same.
You're right, I didn't think of that.
Women would mind.
Yes, especially since we're neighbors.
Do they come in other colors?
I'd have to ask my husband.
Why?
He bought it for me, on a business trip abroad.
They aren't on sale here.
Then never mind.
Actually...
I want to ask you something too.
What?
Where did you buy your tie?
I don't know where it came from.
My wife buys all my ties.
Really?
She bought this one.
on a business trip abroad.
It's not on sale here.
What a coincidence...
Yes.
Actually...
My husband has one just like it.
He sai it was a gift from his boss.
So he wears it every day.
Any my wife has a bag just like yours.
I know, I have seen it.
What are you getting at?
I thought I was the only one who knew.
I wonder how it began.
It's late, won't your wife complain?
She's used to it, she doesn't care.
And your husband?
He must be asleep by now.
Shall we stay out tonight?
My husband would never say that.
What would he say?
Anyhow, he wouldn't say that.
Someone must have made the first move.
Whoelse could it be?
It's late, won't your wife complain?
She's used to it, she doesn't care.
And your husband?
He must be asleep by now.
I can't say it.
I understand.
After all, it's already happened.
It doesn't matter who made the first move.
Do you really know your wife?
You order for me.
Why?
I've no idea what you like.
What about your husband?
Like it hot?
Your wife likes hot dishes.
Why did you call me at the office today?
I had nothing to do, I want to hear your voice.
You have my husband down pat. He's real sweet-talker.
Why didn't you call me today?
I was afraid you won't like it.
Then don't call me again.
Mrs. Chan, a letter from your husband.
It's not for me, it's for Mr. Chow next door.
The Japanese stamp made me think... it was your husband.
So I was wrong.
Your wife's in Japan?
How did you know?
What did she say in her letter?
Nothing special.
Anything about when she'd be back?
No.
What do you think they're doing right now?
Are you alright? /I'm fine.
Please pull up here.
Why?
I'll get off first.
No, let me.
Mrs. Chan. /Ah Ping, you're back.
Visiting Mr. Chow?
Yes, I thought we'd have lunch but he isn't well.
What's wrong with him?
He's got fever, he's all alone.
So I'm gonna buy him something to eat.
The congee downstairs is quite good.
He doesn't want congee.
What does he want?
Can't taste anything, so he wants sesame syrup. Damned troublesome.
Amah.
Mrs. Suen, she's hanging the washing on the roof.
You're back.
Yes, you've been out?
My mother's birthday is coming up.
So I took her to buy some fabric.
It took all day, I'm half dead.
And I had my hair done, is it nice?
Very nice.
What are you cooking?
I had a sudden craving for sesame syrup.
That whole pot is for you.
I thought I might as well make a potful.
You're so thoughtful.
Please try it I'll.
What a coincidence.
Going out?
I'll buy some noodles, I'm starving.
Hungry? Will you join me?
No thanks.
Just off work?
You must be very busy.
Actually, I've been to see a picture.
Really? How was it?
So-so.
I used to like going to the pictures. You had many hobbies before.
On your own, you are free to do lots of things.
Everything changes when you marry.
It must be decided together.
Right?
I sometimes wonder what I'd be... if I hadn't married.
Have you ever thought of that?
Maybe happier.
I didn't know married life would be so complicated.
When you're single, you are only responsible to yourself.
Once you're married
doing well on your own is not enough.
Don't brood on it, maybe he'll be back soon.
What about you?
Actually, we're in the same boat. But I don't brood on it.
It's not my fault.
I can't waste time wondering if I made mistakes.
Life's too short for that.
Something must change.
So what's your plan?
I want to write a martial-arts serial...
Actually, I've started one, I'll show it to you.
Great.
You like them too so why not help me write it?
I wouldn't know how, I only read them.
We would discuss it together.
Alright, I'll try my best.
I never thanked you for the sesame syrup.
There's no need I was making it anyway.
Amazing, I was craving for some sesame syrup that day.
Really? What's a coincidence.
It really was.
I'll go for those noodles.
Again, halfway through dinner, he's drunk.
Disgusting. I told you to stop. /What can you do?
It's me.
You scared me. How's Mr. Koo?
Drunk, as usual.
I didn't expect them back so early.
Since you're trapped here, finish the noodles.
They'll probably go soon.
Want some soup?
No, thanks.
Mrs. Suen, playing here tonight.
Yes, Mrs. Koo is dealing with her husband.
I could do that.
No, we should not trouble you.
Think you'll play all night?
No, we'll just play eight rounds.
They'll play till morning?
Mrs. Suen says only eight rounds.
You believe that?
You get some rest, I'll wake you when they leave.
And you?
I have a chapter to finish.
Where have you got to?
The drunken master just showed up.
When did he get written in?
Just now.
Mr. Chow, home so early?
I went out to buy some food.
No work today?
I didn't feel so good, I'm staying home.
A sick man shouldn't eat all that sticky rice.
Some of it's for later.
Don't stuff yourself.
Good morning.
Good morning, finished your game?
Not yet, but Mr. Yang has to work.
Mr. Tsai is coming to replace him.
Did you call the office for me?
Yes.
What did you tell them?
That you weren't feeling well.
Did them ask who you were?
No.
Probably took me for your husband.
Mr. Ho knows that he's away.
Pretend he's come back.
Maybe we're being too cautious?
I'm always round anyway. We shouldn't have panicked.
Well, they did turn up without warning.
What would they assume?
We can't put a foot wrong.