Oh yes, this side, right?
How cozy
I stayed here when I was small
Dad, Mom, Wing-shing is here
Wing-shing, you've come
Auntie, Uncle, hello
Wing-shing
Wing-shing is here
Last time I saw you, you're just this tall
You are a big girl now
And so pretty
Auntie, you are too kind
How's your life in Canton?
Very well
How's your uncle and Wing-sing?
They are very well
They talk about the past all the time
Ching-shan?
So I am harbinger of good things to come
Don't just stand here
Come sit down... come on
Sit Sit
This is the most advanced machine and technology for silk reeling and drying
It is powered by steam
This manual has the details
You can read it
This machine is new to me
Wing-shing, you had a long journey
Have some tea
Now that we are at the lp's Leave the hospitality to the hosts
Wing-shing, just make yourself at home
Uncle and Auntie see us like family
When did you come back to Foshan?
Not so long ago
I meant to go to the north
But Mr Sun Yat-sen raised the idea of strengthening the country through industries
And set up a company in Canton
So I came back to Foshan to put it to work
This is of paramount importance to the country
And we should lose no time in its implementation
Right, I am here to talk with the local guild about a textile mill joint venture
We'll pool in our investment for mass production
Like the Industrial Revolution in Britain
To replace the present manually operated small workshops with mass production
That's a great idea
Man agrees with it
How much have you invested into it?
We have not done so yet
lt'll have major ramifications for other operators
Brother Ching-shan, I...
It's alright, I welcome different opinions
They are conducive to improvement
Man raised very good questions at the guild meeting last time
Hence I have spent the last few days studying latest developments
So that I can introduce you all to this new technology
Ching-shan, how is this different from the silk cocoon reeling machine we are using?
Very different
This is powered by steam
Much more efficient and faster than those we are using, times so at least
I have yet to get to the technological details
How wonderful
With Ng Pak-lam now stationed in Foshan
We have to pay much more taxes
This has given me headaches
If the new machinery can double our production
lt'll benefit the lp family Sangyuan and the country
Ching-shan, how clever you are
Auntie, you are too kind
lp Man, learn it from Brother Ching-shan
See? He's been out for several years
He's so much more learned
He has brought us new ideas and new inventions
Mom is right
It is getting late, I have to get a hotel room
Wing-shing, why should you get a hotel room
I...
Auntie, Wing-shing is a modern woman Westernised in thinking
She prefers some privacy
But it is just as convenient here
I don't mean to trouble you
The hotel where I am staying is not bad
You like to take a look?
Alright
Uncle, Auntie, please excuse us
Goodbye
Let me
What is going on?
How would I know?
She's from the Cheung family
Maybe the lp family is not good enough for her
You don't know girls
You saw it, she is a modern woman
Staying in a hotel alone?
I really don't know modern women
You shouldn't have said you're preparing her a room
Now our son is so disappointed
Yes... my fault
Wing-shing, do you know it?
Just thinking about it thrills me
My previous efforts have not been wasted
Those who wouldn't invest in because of lp Man have decided to chip in
Besides textiles, there are other heavy industries and light industries
Developing the industries is the way to turn the country around
Well said, it has been my firm belief that with you on the revolutionary path
It will work out
But...
What? I see question marks in your eyes
The plans you told me on the way are all good
I just don't get it
Why lp Man wouldn't take part in this good venture
You can't blame him
He's not well-read
He doesn't have this vision
He only has martial arts in mind
Goodnight
Wing-shing, why are you here in Foshan?
Reformer Zhang Zhidong of late Qing erred in picking Wuhan for his steel plant
Foshan is nowhere close to iron ores either
China is still backward and transportation is poor
Raw material supply and transportation may easily bring production to a halt
Brother Ching-shan is well aware of these
Why has he still proposed an iron-and-steel plant for Foshan?
Wing-shing said he's a revolutionary fanatic
It's about time to throw cold water on him to sober him up
Silk industry is the path for Foshan
How's Brother Yam-tong doing?
We have not met for years
Thank you for your concern
Uncle is doing fine
He wants me to tell you
He's got your letter
Coming...
Hurry up, Wing-shing is here, come on
Morning
You didn't sleep well last night?
Well, he spent the whole night reading the books you brought him
He didn't have much sleep
I wrote Brother Yam-tong about your betrothal and wedding
And there you are
That's not the only thing I came here for
Sit down first
Have some fruit
Have some fruit...
My parents died early
Uncle raised me up
My parents left me a house some shops and farmland here
Uncle has been taking care of these for me
Now that I have grown up
I should take care of them myself
Very true
You should take care of your family estate
Your marriage is equally important
When do you want it to be?
The betrothal was made by my dad
I came this time... it's to...
To call it off
Why?
Lp Man is not good enough for you?
That's not what I mean
Or you are in love with someone else?
No
It's made by your parents when you were small
It shouldn't be hastily called off
I have to talk about it with Yam-tong
Uncle talked with me after getting your letter
He approved of my new thinking
This is his confirmation letter
Resolving a serious matter like that with just a letter?
Auntie, read it first
You the Cheung family is westernised
The lp family is reasonable too
But we are Chinese after all
We still care about face and respect
The betrothal is called off with just a letter
We won't agree to it, Miss Cheung
Auntie
To lp Oi-dor
Mom, you don't have to read it
Let me read it to you
Don't bother
This is not for you to decide
Auntie, this is for us the young to decide
The betrothal took place during the Qing reign
Marriage then was decided by the parents
You have to obey your parents
You can't call it off unilaterally
Auntie, it is stated clearly in the Republic's family law
Marriage is decided by two persons in love
We are no longer in the Qing Dynasty
lp Man, you say it
I am here to hear it from you
You mean to leave it to your parents' decision
Or should young people be bold and fight for our own happiness?
I agree with what Wing-shing has said
lp Man, you know how I felt when I learned that I was betrothed to you?
I don't know
To be honest, I was so disappointed
I even felt sad
Why you, why?
Why it's you that I love?
Now I don't know if you love me
Or it's because of your parents' decision
Now I don't know if we really are right for each other
Fate has tied us together
But I will not know why
You'll never know how wonderful Falling in love is
Hence, I have to thank you
Thank me?
For giving you the chance to free yourself from fate
For giving you freedom
I really am happy
You can complete my sentence
This is mutual understanding
You are happy, that's good
You are not happy?
I can find no reason to be happy
Of course you can
You have taken the first step
It's good that the young can make their own decisions
You have your reasons to be happy
A bird is untied and can fly free
But my feet are on the ground
I don't know where the bird wants to fly to
You don't want to fly with the bird?
You came with Uncle's letter
You came prepared
I respect your choice
The young have freedom of love
You don't know what I am talking about?
I do
lp Man, maybe we really belong to two worlds
Wing-shing is here
But you'd never guess what she's here for
What for?
To call off the betrothal
With whom?
Me
It's a childhood betrothal
I really don't get it
I can tell she loves me
I know she loves me
But... why calling the betrothal off? Why?
You are not right for her?
Not right for her? I'll work hard
She wants to be free
I can be there with her
I just don't know where she finds me wanting
Why do you insist on getting to know about it?
If I know where the problem lies
I'll work on it to change her mind
Let me ask you, what if she's in love with someone else?
It's not possible
I know she loves me
I am sure she loves me
I mean to protect her all her life
Cut it out Why?
You are not worthy
Come again?
You are not worthy
What? You mean to fight me?
Again? Alright
What a fool
Miss Cheung?
Zi, you are still awake?
Yes... be careful
How did you know I live here?
I followed lp Man here
Please sit
Just a moment
Thank you
This afternoon
I saw you two fight amid a talk
What were you talking about?
He's not worthy
Come sit closer
Come on, come sit closer
Why sit so far away?
My clothes are dirty
Zi, we are friends, life-long friends
Why should I care if your clothes are dirty
I am not worthy
You are, you are the truest Most worthy friend in the world
I never thought you would see me as a friend
Of course I am your friend
And your buddy
You saved me when I was in danger
I know it very well
I am impatient and short-tempered
No one will spare me a thought
I don't know how others treat you And I don't care
But lp Man and I see you as our best friend
lp Man loves you, do you love him?
Actually, when I saw you two in a fight
I knew he loves me
But I can't live in the old world
I want to go out to see the new world
So you wanted to call the betrothal off
It's not the end, but a beginning
The beginning of a new journey, you get it?
But you broke his heart
No, you don't get what I am saying
I don't mean to hurt lp Man
I just want... I want him to go see the world with me
Where do you find him wanting?
The man I love doesn't have to be very rich or very good-looking
He has to be an upright, kind and brave man
And a keen learner
He wants to see the world
Most importantly
He has the courage to create a new world with fellow men
I know, you mean Lam Ching-shan
He's not worthy
I won't be with Lam Ching-shan
He's not worthy
Zi, will you tell lp Man what I just said?
Miss Cheung, don't worry, not a word
What a square-head, a buddy indeed
lp's Mansion
Mom, where are you going?
Don't get in my way
I am going to Canton to make it clear with Cheung Yam-tong
Mom...
Listen to me
He's earnest in his letter
His requests aren't unreasonable
I don't care, whoever breaks my son's heart
I will make them pay for it
Don't get in my way
Mom...
Don't get in my way
Mom...
What's wrong with my son?
She called the betrothal off as she pleased
Who does she think she is?
Mom, that's not what Wing-shing meant
She only wants her freedom
I don't care, what freedom?
She can't hurt my son for it
Mom, please don't think this way
Get up first...
Leave me alone
Meow...
Dad, what are you doing?
Meow...
This is my trump card
I used it in my proposal
Whatever her age, a woman can use some indulgence, get it?
You two stop your whispering
When a woman gets mad
It's always because of you men
I got it now!
I know why Wing-shing wanted to call the betrothal off
What do you know?
Get up first
Whenever Mom threw a temper
It's either because of Dad or me
What Wing-shing is doing, it's for me
Silly boy, you have not made things clearer
But Mom, hear me out
Wing-shing did it for me
She must have found me wanting in some aspect
It's a trial for me
Now that I have figured it out
I'll better myself to change her mind
Oi-dor, you tell him
Man, loving a person doesn't mean that you have to do everything her way
Like me
Your mom loves me just as much
Meow...
See?
Wing-shing
What do you mean?
A little celebration
For your breaking away from a traditional betrothal
What you did was wonderful
Ching-shan, could you do me a favour?
Sure
You know it, Wing-shing
Whatever you say, I will not say "no"
I called off the betrothal
Because I want lp Man to court me the modern way
I want a passionate courtship
I want lp Man to change himself
I want him to go see the world with me
It's not possible
He won't go see the world with you
He has written me many letters
They are filled with his desires to see the world
I can tell
Wing-shing, you don't know him
He only has martial arts in mind
The best he can do is to become a first rate martial arts practitioner
He'll never become a big man with the world as his oyster
I don't care about big men
I just want him to keep abreast of the times
You want to change him
It's not possible
Hence I want you to tell him
I got it, you don't have the nerve to tell him face to face
Would you do me this favour?
Wing-shing, I love you
I'll do anything for you
Even if it brings me stabbing pain
I'll do it
Let's not talk about such things
I have broken up with Chu Mei-tung
Wing-shing
I know you are a brilliant man
But you should know, I only have lp Man in my heart
No, whether in learning or insight
He's not my par
If I had picked up martial arts
I would have become the greatest practitioner alive
But I wouldn't do that
I won't do things that are against the tide Against progress
Maybe you are right
But love is a strange thing
I only love lp Man
Wing-shing, I... have to say it
I want you to know
Whoever you marry in the future
I will still love you all my life
Thank you
I am hungry, let's get a bite
Alright
Please come in
I mean to show her
No girls in town will refuse lp Man
There they are
Man, let's sit here Yes
Dad, that's him?
Don't be impatient
Master lp
Master Choi, it has been some time
So this is your daughter?
Mei-kuen, greet Uncle lp
Uncle lp Hello
He's my son lp Man
Mr lp Hello
What a coincidence, let us join you
Sure, come on
Have some tea
Mei-kuen has had private tuition for several years
She has also been to a modern school
But she didn't fit in
Now she spends her time on needlework
What books have you read?
Peony Pavilion, Western Chamber
Wang Baochuan Awaits Her Husband for Eighteen Years in a Cave
They are all plays
They are my favourite, about love
Yes, love is good...
Master Choi, I'll visit you some other time
Sure
Mei-kuen, let's go
Come on...
Let's go somewhere else
No, I find it interesting
When I was small
Mom had my fortune read
That I am destined to be a queen
I am not superstitious
But... nothing is worse for a girl than marrying the wrong man
I am not demanding
Wealth for three generations
Shops in the city, farmland in the countryside
An ancestral house half a block long
That's good enough
Life is short
We love her very much
We mind her every step
We won't raise our voice in her presence
What do you think?
Last time you talked about the industrialisation of silk production
I agree with you
Maybe we should talk about it at a guild meeting
The topic should be Silk Resources in Foshan
Actually, I think not just silk...
I want grapes...
Sure... come on
Spit it out
More... Sure
Let her
Foshan's silk...
Why are you so quiet?
Dad, he ignores me
Carry on
Are you with me?
Why are you so quiet?
Foshan...
Who do you think you are?
How did you bring up your son?
Please...
Miss, please...
Dad, they're bullying me
Let's go
I won't marry him
I am sorry
Let's go I don't want him
Oh, you are here, what a coincidence
Uncle, hello
Uncle
Sit...
Let me go over
Man, have some tea Thanks
What? Blind dates? No...
No? The girls looked at you with love in their eyes
Of course, the heir of the richest family in Foshan
No girls will say "no"
They all want to be Mrs lp
Unlike Wing-shing
A modern girl who is independent
She called her betrothal off so that she could be free
She has my admiration
To be honest, I was taken by surprise
But Wing-shing must have her reasons for doing so
She is a very different girl
Why are you so impatient for blind dates?
I...
I think it's Uncle lp's idea
He did it to show me
So you didn't know the arrangement?
I...
Uncle really likes those girls?
No... he likes...
The girls were all pretty
Just as good as Wing-shing
You enjoy your chat
Uncle, join us
No, you enjoy, don't stand on ceremony
It's easier to climb to heaven than to take the Sichuan Road
Li Bai was all talk and no action
The endless river eastward flows
With its huge waves are gone gallant heroes of bygone years
Su Shi
Of yore... all he could do was spinning yarns
While drinking, I'd hold the lamp to view my sword
When I awoke, I'd hear the sound of horns ringing through the camp
Sin Qiji, a mere military man not worth mentioning
I'll show you my clever mind and my skills of manipulation
Country bumpkin, you are not my par
Could you spare a minute?
Brother Ching-shan, what is it?
Wing-shing wants me to talk with you
About... calling off the betrothal?
You have guessed it
She is a woman with independent thinking
I understand why she wanted to break away from old customs
You really think so?
Or it's a superficial reason
Just an excuse?
She has other things in mind?
She's too embarrassed to tell you face to face
Hence she wants me to tell you
She found you lost in Canton
She thought she would find you a changed man in Foshan
But you have disappointed her