Tropical Fish
Nature works in mysterious ways
A young man named Liu has written to us from Taipei
He says he found a hearing aid in the street
For fun. He tried it on...
... and heard something speaking to him
Since then he hears less of everyday sounds
But the hearing aid tells him...
... he is gaining a super power...
... which he will use to save the world
Very interesting!
Do go on sending us your letters
Tell us your exotic experiences
Share with us your sensations
Next we hear more of the legend of King Saloman...
... the Super Fish-Man But first some music...
Liu Zhi-qiang!
Just 31 days to the Joint Entrance Exam
l can't go on punishing you
But if you fail the Exam you'll suffer all your life
Those who lack confidence... raise your hands!
Okay hands down
Giving up?
Throwing in the towel? Oowards!
l had one student who never scored...
... higher than 400 in any test
But he passed the Exam! You know why?
Because he never gave up
He sleptjust 4 hours a day in the final month
He never let up
And he made it... as you will
31 days is plenty
Work hard and don't lose heart
Who dares say you won't succeed?
Now l'll ask you again...
Those who lack confidence... raise your hands!
Are you giving up?
No!
Are you confident?
Yes!
Louder!
Yes!
Did l ask you to play with me?
Are you any good?
ldiot!
Let's get out of here
l'm ashamed to have a friend like you
Have a cigarette
Juvenile Division?
Where is the boy?
Did you see that thing in the paper?
About girls being slashed in the backside...
... when they're out walking at night?
Well meet the wolf himself
Bullshit!
You don't believe me?
l'll show you some action next time
OK!
What do you want most after the Exam?
A tank of tropical fish
Don't you have a small one already? No fish yet?
Dad won't let me
He never stops bugging you huh?
You know what l want most?
What?
Get laid
Hello how are you?
You don't know me yet but l trust fate
Amid the sea of people we ride the same bus
That's fate
lt means we could do other things together
Let's go further than the bus can take us
l invite you on a submarine trip
We'll soon bid farewell to Junior High
At that historic moment...
... l'll show you tropical fish on Green lsland
Oai Jia-qi 8 out of 100
Xu Wei-li 23
Liu Zhi-qiang 41
Hands out!
Have a puff
Wasn't that a shitty subject for an essay?
''My dream''? What the hell...
You know what l was gonna write?
What?
l was gonna write about my wet dream
And?
l changed my mind
Why?
Teacher might've had the same dream
Asshole!
So what did you write?
About a deep ocean fish...
... which feeds on the dreams of kids
When it's eaten 9999 of them...
... it will fly out of the sea
And then?
lf you glimpse it at daybreak...
... you turn into a Super Fish-Man
Man aren't you going to Senior High?
What's all this crap about fish and Fish-Men?
What goes on in your head?
How much are Green lsland submarine tours?
Are you serious about this?
Smoking?
Which school?
Lost your tongues?
Zhengdao junior High
Olass?
Well?
Olass 4 ninth grade
Names?
Liu Zhi-qiang
You?
Xu Wei-li
Same class?
What's his name?
Liu Zhi-qiang
Phone number?
His is 767-8804
Smart-ass!
and yours?
760-6451
Don't lie to me!
Follow me
Move it
What happened?
The fucker touched me up
He's coming...
Zhi-qiang? This is Wei-li
Has that guy called your dad?
No! Yours?
Not yet! Fuck l'm staying home tomorrow
What about you?
l have to go to school
Okay tell teacher l'm ill if she asks
And if that guy calls...
... say that we were framed
Got it?
Okay got it
Bye
Yam fries please
Spicy?
Sure
No not on mine
Okay
How much is that?
120
Any money left?
l'll get it
Thanks
Got enough?
Yes. Then let's move! Bring your comic books
100
He did better in Geography than History
He only had to memorise the book...
... and he failed!
And English Math...
Ah Mr Liu...
Liu Zhi-qiang's father?
Yes
This is his last test result
427
Don't be embarrassed about it
These other parents are in the same boat
All of you have children...
... sitting the Exam next month...
... who are going to fail!
Zhi-qiang!
These rooster testicles will do you good
Good for what? lt's hopeless
You got a mark of only 400
Do you want to study or not?
lf not what do you want?
You think you could be a labourer or apprentice?
No-one will want you
Don't nag him over dinner!
You were the one who spoiled him!
lt beats me
Aren't you worried that he's backward?
What kind of mother are you?
You go to the next PTA meeting...
See if you don't feel ashamed
Students!
This will be your last test here
Do your best
Now put away your books
What took you so long?
You knew all the answers and just sat there?
l didn't have a clue
l'll never score higher than 400
They say the last test seals your fate
l'm doomed
O'mon it's over
let's have fun
How?
With this...
Hey Zhi-qiang
Where's Dad?
He went to your school
What for?
l don't know
A case of kidnapping in Taipei
7-year-old Wang Dao-nan left home yesterday...
... and has not been seen since
His family didn't notice his absence...
... until they received a ransom call...
at noon today
Head of the family...
Hey Mom Mom!
l know who kidnapped that kid!
Hey Dad look!
l know who kidnapped him!
And l know your test marks: 396!
Wei-li
Wei-li l'm going home
Wei-li!
What the fuck?
Zhi-qiang run!
Stop!
Stop you little asshole!
Now here's a letter from Xie Fu-lai in Taichung
He says a beautiful three-eyed girl...
... appeared in his mirror...
... smiling at him...
... when he peeled an apple at midnight
That's truly fascinating
Now back to the legends of King Saloman
Will he rescue the mermaid princess...
... and escape from the thousand-year-old shark?
We'll be back after this song
On your feet!
You're asking for it
Telephone number?
Don't fuck with me! The number!
767-8804
Get that down
767...
8804!
Hello Dad? l've been kidnapped
How do you know?
Wei-li? No this is for real there's...
Got it straight? l have your son
lf you want him back get ready 5 million
That's your problem! Listen carefully
put it in the trash-can outside Ohung-Hsiao Theatre
5 million at 1 pm tomorrow
l warn you!
lf the money isn't there or the cops show up...
get ready for your boy's funeral
So it's your show now
Are you worth 5 million to your dad?
What about the little one? Shall we let him go?
You must be fucking crazy!
Free him to turn us in?
l'm not that bored with my life
So what do we do?
His old man doesn't care he was adopted
Never mind now this one's father is worried
Stop gawking! Start praying!
lf your dad doesn't show up with the cash...
... it'll be curtains for you
Help me with my glasses
Stop kissing me!
Long time no see! What's your line of work now?
What are you doing here?
Me? What are you doing here?
l'm on duty
No kidding!
Me? This is a stake out for a kidnap
A kidnap? Right!
A kidnap! Why are you here?
l'm on duty. How come you...
Hey isn't that Oai?
Sure it is!
And Ohen's over there the whole team
You've got a small army here
Right!
Who are you out to nail?
Whoever picks up the ransom
Nobody's showed up yet
You're in construction? How's the money?
Who told you that?
Don't forget your old pals now you're rich
l'll look you up when l retire
See if you can give me a job
Hell yes make sure you do that
So why are you here?
Who me?
Yeah what are you up to?
l'm meeting someone here
So where's your friend?
What time is it?
He hasn't shown up? Odd l don't see him
Oan't talk now because l'm on duty
l'll buy you a drink sometime
Great!
Need any help now?
No you've left this stuff behind
Well l'll be off then
Sorry about the rush maybe we...
Say hello to Oai for me.
Sure!
You guys have a tough job! Bye...
l want to watch cartoons
There's none on
No cable TV here?
No. Eat this...
A man was knocked off his motorcycle...
... and run over by a truck alongside works...
... for the Mass Transit Railway on Roosevelt Road
The unfortunate victim died immediately
Deceased was Lai Mao-chun aged 46...
An ex-policeman now working in construction
His next-of-kin have been informed
Oareful!
Oome on move it!
Takes two of you to carry one painting?
This is valuable old stuff
Oan you manage that alone?
Be careful...
Ah Ohing where have you been hiding?
Deep fuckin' asleep!
Yeah too much sex!
Are you hungry?
What?
l'm so hungry
Me too
Where? Here?
Sorry l'll rub it for you
Hey don't run away!
Wait for me!
Where are you going?
Wait for me!
Wait for me
You'll get us into trouble...
Hurry up!
Ah Xian!
Are you studying? You gonna sit the test again?
No wanna get a job
Doing what?
Black Bull says l can collect debts for him
Fuck that for a game of cobblers
Ah Ohun long time no see
Join us it's been too long
Oome on sit here
Ah Ohun why isn't Ah Oai with you?
He's working in Taipei? That's good
My Ah Ohing works in Taipei too
Please ask Ah Oai to look out for him
Do you know that man outside?
You don't!
Join us... sit here
Let us feed ourselves we won't run away
Alright here
How come they caught you too?
l was gonna rescue you
Rescue me? You're that strong?
Heard of King Saloman?
l'm King Saloman Super Fish-Man
You're kidding
lf you're as good as you say...
... why didn't you get the bad guys?
l was on half-power
Look my power-unit is dead
Wow! So we're gonna die for sure then?
Shall we try to get help?
Okay... Help! Help!
Okay place your bets!
Hey Xiong!
Ah Ohing! How ya doing?
Where's Auntie?
What is it?
Gotta talk to her
Okay hang on
Be right there
Lost again?
Fraid so! New game!
Lay your bets!
l'll give you two for 500 it's good stuff
Hey look who's back!
Ah Ohing when did you get back?
This afternoon
Doing well in Taipei?
Not too great
Looking for your aunt?
Right She's inside
Mum's inside
lt's a swindle
ln that costume at your age...
You chose to buy the ticket
Did anyone drag you in here?
Go look at your own mother if you prefer
You curse my mother?
Sure if you want
Time's up out you go
Orazy! lt's a con!
Nobody forced you in
l'm going to the police
Go ahead asshole! Whatever you want
Nobody's stopping you!
l'm earning an honest penny here!
Auntie l need to talk to you
Ah Ohing? Wait l'll just get changed
Okay
Ah Ohing choose one for yourself
What's the problem?
l'll tell you...
Yes?
Quality clothing Miss
Two for 500 or 290 for one
See the label? Department store quality
Pack up Ming-zhu we're going home
What's up Mum?
Tell you later where's Ah Xiong?
Ah Xiong we're leaving!
Still gambling?
You play while we do all the work
You'll die gambling
l didn't bet much
Empty pockets that's why
l've told you...
We're going broke because of you
Nobody buys this con-trick any more
Says who?
Just as well we don't rely on you
But this whole thing was your idea
What's eating you?
Why are you wearing sunglasses at night?
You're clueless!
This way nobody will recognize me
Fool!
Let me look!
Looks so stupid no wonder he got kidnapped
l've never seen a kidnap victim before
Auntie what shall we do now?
Bring them home
Bring them home?
Too dangerous out here
Help me Ah Xiong we'll take them home
Okay
Get the light off my face!
Delicious!
Really good!
Not bad!
l want a hamburger
Keep your voice down damn you
lsn't this good enough for you?
Shut up! Another word from you...
... and l'll make hamburger from your willie
Ah Juan come and join us
Don't stay in the kitchen
My dear in-law do join us!
Oongratulations!
Grandma it's these two
These two are your sons? Such dear boys
She's lost it again
Over here Grandma
What?
Whose slipper is this?
Looks like mine
Are you eating with your feet?
Ah Ohing when will the water go down?
Dunno! lt might take days
What caused this anyhow?
Maybe the dam? l really don't know
Yeah it's because the dam broke
lt's our irrigation system water can't flow out
Listen to Mr. Scholar!
Why don't you complain about it?
No point no-one's smart around here
At least you got that right
So find someone who is
Ah Ohung let's see the TV news
Okay
Turning to domestic news...
Singer Lu Fei was mobbed by fans at his concert
One woman fainted in the crush
But happily she regained consciousness...
....after being rushed to hospital
Lu Fei! Lu Fei!
Events really have a way of telling us...
... what a kaleidoscopic modern world we live in
What's up?
Relax we won't hurt you
We'll free you when your dad coughs up
Why the tears? Didn't you hear me?
Auntie he's a bit hard of hearing
One dumb and the other deaf
lf l were your dad l wouldn't pay
lt's now three days since Liu Zhi-qiang was kidnapped
But there are no new leads
The police suspect a link between this case...
... and the kidnap of another schoolboy. Wang Dao-nan
The kidnapper telephoned only once...
... on the day that Liu was taken
The police have issued this picture of Liu Zhi-qiang
Any citizen who sights Liu Zhi-qiang...
... is requested to contact...
Not a bad picture of you
He looks better in the flesh
Not much difference
Why are you crying?
You sound like a professional funeral wailer
That's enough
Let's clear up it's bedtime
l wanna pee
Pee anywhere you want!
We're underwater anyway
Are you stronger than the four invisible kings?
Hey are you stronger than the four invisible kings?
God damn it go to sleep!
Auntie where do we go from here?
How do we get him back to Taipei?
Hell we can't let him go now
Didn't you promise to take the family to Taipei...
... and support your brother's schooling?
And what about your Grandma...
l'm totally lost. The kidnapping was my boss's idea.
Now he's dead. This wasn't my plan in the first place
Don't worry l'll help you out
These tykes will bring us a fortune won't they?
Nah the little one is worth zilch
How come?
His dad doesn't want him
What kind of father doesn't want his son?
Right what do you mean?
He's not his real dad
His mother had him by an earlier boyfriend
Then that guy took off
And his mother married this other guy
And she killed herself a few years back
Killed herself? Why?
Because her husband treated her so badly
And he took a mistress
The man doesn't consider this kid his son
So he's an orphan now
Poor little thing
This father has no heart at all
Right and he had dealings with my boss
He cheated my boss over an illicit payment
That's why he took the kid
But the man doesn't want the kid back
He's happy that we took him!
Such misfortune
And he's so cute
The ninth grade student Liu Zhi-qiang is absent...
... because he has been kidnapped
So that he could not be with us today.
l'm sure we all share the same sorrow
We condemn the wrong-doers
And sincerely trust that all of you here today...
...will never stray from the path of righteousness
Shall we observe one minute's silence for Liu Zhi-qiang
We pray for his safe return
Ming-zhu!
You want to shake your baby out?
Go get some rest!
See that?
She could go into labour any minute
And she's jumping around like a child
That little one might try to escape
He wouldn't dare
Don't be so sure
Maybe the other one's an orphan too
No l know he has a father
Oertain?
Yeah!
Look another update on TV
... bring you interviews with Liu's parents and teacher
Our Zhi-qiang has always been a weak child
Please be kind to him
He loves sausages and preserved eggs
Have a heart feed him well
Zhi-qiang who were all those letters to?
l beg his captors to set my boy free!
l'll do whatever you tell me to!
Please l beg you give him back to me!
The Joint Entrance Exam is only ten days away
lf he isn't back he'll miss it!
l beg of you!
Who are you criminals working for?
Explain to me what you want!
You can'tjust abduct kids like this!
Talk to me city councilors candidate Xu Huo-tu
My doors are open to you
Liu Zhi-qiang is a fine student
He is well behaved
He doesn't talk much and gets good grades
This young man has a bright future
The police call for the immediate release of the captives
They are confident the case can be cracked in three days
Auntie.
Let's have a word inside
What is it?
Oome inside!
What is it?
l'm sorry
l'd have let you go if l'd known about the Exam
But now you're here!
Oan'tjust let you go!
But never mind
You can study here
l'll take you home when we get the cash
Work at it Zhi-qiang!
Don't end up useless like me
You can start right away!
Right!
See here Zhi-qiang!
Maybe you can use these books of Ah Juan's
Geography History the lot
lf there's not enough l can buy more in Jiayi
See where Ah Juan underlined bits of them?
She used to study hard
Eight!
Your turn
Xian who are those kids?
Oan't tell you now
But we're gonna get rich
We'll move to Taipei... no more floods!
lt doesn't flood in Taipei?
Dope! You think the President's Palace floods?
Eighteen!
Show your cards
Why'd you have to show her?
What's going on here?
What are you looking at?
Who can play with her?
Are these the right books?
l got them in Jiayi
lt's Math? How's it going?
lf you don't get it write it down
l can ask someone in the village
Mr. Lin is very good in Ohinese studies
And l think he knows Math too
l can ask him anything you don't get
Mrs. Lin is Mr. Lin home?
l got the answer Zhi-qiang
l'll explain...
Mr. Lin says... this is...
ln the triangle ABO...
Because... well...
The angle AOB equals...
ls greater than...
Therefore angle E...
Hang on l'll ask him again
How old are these?
They're today's! l just got them!
You sound like a pig in a trough
You like my idea?
No too dangerous!
Dongshi is too small for us to keep it secret
No it ain't
What danger? Old Hui shot it!
Never seen such a big fish!
Grandma we're talking about the ransom
So it's safe if you don't shoot fish?
You know Old Hui died in an accident
Grandma you live in a different world!
Where the hell have we got to?
Ah Ohing l've been thinking
We can't risk getting this wrong
They'll shoot us if we screw up
You don't know! Firing squad...
Let's think about this
l don't think Zhi-qiang is gonna make it in the Exam
Why not? lf he studies hard when he's home...
That's right
He can study hard here can't he?
And it's quieter here
What l mean is...
There's still several days to go
All we must do is clinch the deal before the big day
Okay
Okay my ass!
What's the big deal here?
Who cares if he passes or fails?
Well? What?
He brought them here l say we do it his way
l got no problem with that
We'd be right to take heed
That's what we should do
Old Hui failed to take heed
That's why he was struck by that car
She's off again
Ma who is this Old Hui?
How should l know?
You be the one to humour her
Talk about Old Hui
Let's postpone the rest of this discussion
Sure why not?
Get some beer Ah Ohang
O'mon let's play again
Are you serious?
lt'll cure your headache!
Think you can win some back?
No way just don't lose your ass!
Who's losing what?
Let's play then!
Make some space here
Ming-zhu clear this mess away
Sit on those papers
You like this bitter taste?
Oome on
Deal me in
You want her in too?
As l bought this book...
The bookseller found his bird dead
Yesterday it sang today it's gone forever
Life just slips away
Just as my youth will slip away
Are you through in there Sis?
What the hell's taking so long?
''Ah Juan why don't you speak to me?''
''l am the summer slipping into autumn''
''You can revive me from hibernation''
''l am the dust you stir up''
''Ah Juan...''
l knew you had the hots for her
You fancy getting clobbered?
Piss off!
Only ten days to go to the Exam
l'm sure that all students are striving their utmost
All of them know that the Exam...
... is crucial for their futures
But our thoughts go out to Liu Zhi-qiang...
... who has been missing for more than ten days
Will he have a future?
This must be a concern for all of us
This morning his father and Oouncilor Yang...
... delivered a petition to the Education Dept...
... asking for the boy to be exempted the Exam
l entrusted my boy to the school
Now my boy's been kidnapped
Doesn't the Department have a duty?
My boy has been denied access to his books
Who will compensate him?
What if he's not back for the Exam?
Wouldn't that be unjust?
Tired? Let's hit the beach
That tickles!
How was the beach?
Great!
Such beautiful tropical fish in the sea!
What bullshit are you talking now?
The sea's full of them!
You're a bigger liar than l am
Ain't no tropical fish on this coast
They're all in the South
Don't even know that!
Dunno what they teach you in school
You're pig ignorant
Okay enough eat your meal
When can you recharge your power-unit?
l need sea-water
lt contains idiotic potassium
l need that for my recharge
To regain my super-powers
The ocean is so mysterious
There are things we can't imagine
Will you tell me a story?
Okay
ln the deepest part of the sea...
... there's a weird-looking fish
lt feeds on children's dreams
When it has eaten 9999 of them...
... it will fly out of the sea on wings
lf you happen to be out at sea...
... as the sun comes up...
... shout out ''l'm a fish!''
Then that winged fish will fly up...
... and take you on a trip through the sea world
Right to the ends of that world
And in the Dragon King's palace...
... it will feed you a red pearl
And once you've eaten it...
... you'll become King Saloman
Then you'll be so bright...
You'll be top of your class
Hey Ah Ohing!
You're back?
Didn't look me up?
Ah Fu long time no see!
No kidding
Have a smoke
Putting on weight!
And very tanned!
Really?
Fishing!
Who are those two kids?
Those two kids...
They're... my friend's sons
Their parents are abroad right now
l hear you're getting rich in Taipei
Nah can't earn much as a labourer
You do better then me on your salary
Then come back and work the boats!
Fishing's hard work but the hours are flexible
Everyone's leaving l get so bored here
How long before you go back to Taipei?
l'll leave in a couple of days
Really?
Look me up before you go
l will
Gotta start my shift now
Okay...
Bye!
Don't forget!
Sure... see ya!
Ah Juan!
When will you be recharged?
lt takes time
There are now only five days to the Exam
The police believe that Liu Zhi-qiang is still alive
This station has received countless calls...
... expressing concern for his fate
Our callers are all praying...
... for his safe return in time for the Exam
One two three
Take some rest Ming-zhu
The doctor told me to exercise
Ah Xiong!
The Exam's only five days away!
Are you blind?
This is giving me bad luck l'm sorry
There's only five days left
We gotta think what to do
l've been trying to think!
You think l like this waiting around?
You have to think of something
The main thing is...
... to fix the time and place for the handover
Then we can call his father
How much should we demand? One million?
Just one million?
Are we running a charity here?
At least two million leave room to bargain
Bargaining over two million?
Why not demand five and then bargain?
ldiot!
Okay let's go for five million
Where will we make the switch?
Betel nuts! Old Hui liked betel nuts!
l know a guy who sells betel nuts...
l have an idea
When did you last see him?
l wonder if he's still in business
We did military service together
Haven't seen him since we got out
You mean 20 or 30 years ago?
Sure smart-ass
lt was two years ago!
We've been waiting for an hour
This is it! Zhong-Zheng Road Betel Nuts!
There's no mistake!
There's many Zhong-Zheng Roads in Taiwan
None of your business kid
lt sure is his business!
Ah Xiong l'm bored silly
Enough of this waiting let's go home
All right l'll call Ah Ohing
Ah Ohing! We're giving up!
Damn!
Are you through? l'm trying to do business here
Sorry just a bit longer
Mr. Liu l think this is the wrong place
l'm afraid we must give up now
There are many betel nut vendors on this road
We have many men on the case
You go home first
Maybe the kidnappers will call again
Don't you worry go on home
l'll take care of things here
Let's move
Thank you sir Nothing
One pack of betel nuts!
Oall it off
Fuck if l get through l'll add a million...
... and curse the shit out of them!
Right!
Hey aren't they cops?
Uh-oh...
A new development in the Liu kidnapping
The abductor called yesterday...
... demanding five million in cash...
... at an address on Zhong-Zheng Road
The kidnappers are now known to be a gang
Yesterday's caller was not the man who called before
Here is the recording of the call
Hello Mr. Liu?
Fuck lousy pictures!
Are you ready to pay for your son's life?
What's your son's life worth to you?
l'm afraid we have to charge you a lot
Out the crap!
Get to the point!
Mr. Liu l'll tell you
Get five million ready in cash
Or we won't be responsible for his safety
Let me hear!
Don't snatch the phone!
Old Hui why not come over for a drink?
Hell!
Ah Ohing take her home!
Did you hear me Mr. Liu?
Yes yes!
Have five million ready tomorrow
Be at the betel nut stand on Zhong-Zheng Road
We'll meet you there
At what time?
Four... four o'clock
Ming-zhu will four be too late?
No
Okay four it is
Ah Ohang anything else to say?
Quick we're almost out of change
Ma how could you mention Ah Ohang's name!
You've given us away!
Damn!
You have all the details Mr. Liu
Tomorrow four o'clock! Bye!
Ming-zhu sounded the worst
You think you sounded better?
To think we all got on TV!
Although it sounded like a prank call...
... the police have gleaned some clues from it
The police now believe the mastermind...
... to be a man named Old Hui
The call was traced to the village of Dongshi
The police are now combing the area
They expect to find the boy before the Exam date
How'd they manage that?
What shall we do?
Brother the place is crawling with cops
They're questioning Ah Fu
We're done for!
Ah Fu has seen the two kids!
Auntie what shall we do?
lt's not safe here! Think of something!
Where can we hide them?
Grandma what do you think?
What do you think she knows about it?
Let's send them out to sea on a boat
Out to sea?
Ah Ohing that's not a bad idea
Right we know the sea
Yeah! Right out to sea!
Shut up you kids
What about a boat?
Where are my schoolbooks?
What have you done with my books?
Zhi-qiang has them he's taking the Exam
What the hell?
Ah Juan's acting strangely
He's had her books for days already!
By what right did you take my books?
Ah Juan!
By what right?
Ah Juan!
By what right?
Stop it! Stop it!
You hit me?
You dare hit me?
l ended up like this...
... because you forced me to quit school
You know what people think of me now?
Do l deserve this?
Ah Juan don't!
Ming-zhu look after her
Who are those two? Why are they fighting?
Black Oarp do you read me? Over
Red Dragon this is Black Oarp. Over
Had breakfast yet?
Not yet
Ah Ohang is so dumb
Sending you off with books but no food
ls Zhi-qiang studying?
Yes studying English now
Good
But what are you going to eat?
Ah Xiong has a fishing rod
Says he'll catch something
So we'll be having sashimi soon
Auntie the food doesn't matter
Have you called Zhi-qiang's parents?
We'll dock when you've heard from them
All right don't worry
Ah Xian has gone to call them
We'll know soon
Tell Zhi-qiang to study hard
Read you! Bye! Over
Bye!
This walkie-talkie is quite useful
Did you get through?
The line's always busy
Go and try again
l've tried many times
Just do it
Go on!
What a weird family...
Talking on the phone for so long
Get in! Old Hui has gone South!
We're ordered to trace him got it?
Get in!
Shit we two always get left behind
You'd rather be in the firing line?
Get a move on!
Where to?
''Snow White's Sex-Orazed Sister''
Whaddaya call this?
Snow White's sister?
Lucky l found this...
... or l'd die of hunger
Thought you were an expert fisherman?
How can Zhi-qiang study when he's hungry?
l'm doing my best
Not my fault the fish aren't biting today
Anyway show some respect!
l'm trying to feed us all
Zhi-qiang!
Ooming
Uncle Xiong what's that?
Shit!
Why?
Because l'm full of it
Only when King Saloman was taken...
... did he realize...
... the Mermaid Princess was the shark's sister
The Sea Monster held the princess captive
So Saloman and the shark teamed up...
... in a bid to rescue her
What will happen next?
But first let's pause for a letter
Ohen Xiaodong from Hualien writes to say...
... there's a little green man in his uncle's guitar
And whenever his uncle plays it...
... the little green man sings along
But it's been a while since he heard him
Because his uncle married and stopped playing
Oome on whip it out! Excuse me?
Haven't got one? Here!
A club! l knew yours was small!
See l got a big spade!
Enough!
How can you play at a time like this?
You're driving me crazy!
Pay attention!
Okay okay
Ah Xian did you try to call?
Sure
There's only one day left!
You didn't play the fruit machine?
No l've still got your coin
See it's the same coin made in 1981 !
Maybe you're dialing the wrong number?
No l wrote it on my hand!
767-8804...
Right!
Strange huh?
Why can't you get through?
How should l know?
This is killing me
Shit only these two tiddlers all day!
Not exactly a sashimi dinner
ls there any mustard? Nope
You're lucky we found this soy sauce!
You think this is a Japanese restaurant?
Zhi-qiang have some
Aren't you hungry?
Xiong! What?
Let's get Ah Ohang to bring some food out
No what if the cops see him?
So we starve to death
No we won't
l'll try the walkie-talkie
Yeah give it a try
Red Dragon this is Black Oarp calling
Do you read me? Over
Well?
Red Dragon do you read me?
Shit may be the battery
Oh no!
Red Dragon this is Black Oarp calling...
Let's get up for tomorrow's sunrise
Why?
Because that's when the winged fish flies up!
Oh right!
Uncle Ohing!
Please wake us before dawn tomorrow
Why?
l want to watch the sun rise
You can watch that from heaven!
Okay l'll wake you
Get up!
Get up dawn's coming!
Zhi-qiang get up!
lt's nearly dawn!
How long to go?
Not long see that light coming?
Will the winged fish show up?
Sure if you wish hard enough
Be sincere
Okay
Here it comes!
l'm a fish!
What's all this?
l'm a fish!
What's that sound?
The winged fish is coming
Fly to me!
This way!
This is the last day before the Exam
There are less than 20 hours to go
Keep watching for regular updates
Now we cross to an interview with the police
This is Ohen Shijie reporting from Dongshi
Ooming to you live
l expected to find a large force here
But a search has uncovered...
... only these two officers
Gentlemen can you tell us...
...why you are the only ones here?
Yesterday our Ohief had a special...
Sorry it's classified for student Liu's safety
Have you found any clues here?
Notjust yet
But l'm sure that Liu is here in Dongshi
l may be fresh out of Police Academy...
... but l've always had good hunches
And my senior here is a sure shot
l'm sure we'll nail the villains
We'll risk our lives if necessary
Turning to Mr. Sure Shot...
Do you have an opinion about this?
We just follow orders
Thanks for sharing that with us
Hello?
Ah Ohing what the hell?
How come nobody answers?
The Exam is just hours away...
Here not over there!
Stop shouting at me!
Ah Xian try once more
We must get through
Again!
Yes!
You're useless!
Get a move on!
You walk like you're at sea
Well?
Only a few hours left
The walkie-talkie is dead
Wonder if they've made contact with his family?
What shall we do?
lt's three now let's wait till four
lf we still haven't heard...
We'll scrap the deal and take the boy home
And forget about the money?
Then what about your family?
They'll live
Really? What a great kidnap plot!
Ma it's almost four let's call it off
Ma we can't play with his future!
Ah Xiong!
l'm trying to take a leak!
What time is it?
lt's too late let's go back
You really want to give up?
Oan't start this thing
Great piece ofjunk you borrowed! Now what?
How do we get back?
Let me think
Sure take your time
What now?
Get over here!
What's up?
Oops!
Zhi-qiang Dao-nan...
Put on these life-vests
What now?
lt'll be quicker to swim
Swim?
Ma!
Ma let's give up!
Okay...
... go fetch them
The Joint Entrance Exam may be flawed...
... but it's the fairest test we have
Fair? l ranked first in High School...
... but l didn't pass my first Entrance Exam
What's fair about it?
You should have studied more!
What the hell do you know?
What was your mark? From which school?
Let's not get over-excited now...
Ladies and gentlemen we'll be right back...
... to discuss ''Kidnap and the Entrance Exam''
Juan we're going to fetch Zhi-qiang
We're sending him back to Taipei
Hurry they may be ashore by now
How in heaven will we find them?
Maybe Ah Ohing is bringing them back
How could he be?
He might be
Hey cops!
Ah Ohing no need to hurry l can't do it
Say no more
You gotta do it!
Shit how did l get into this?
The Board should award Liu a special bonus make
Eighteen!
Ten!
l'll give you another chance
Stop thumping me willya?
Again!
Right go for it!
Eighteen!
Where the hell are they?
Ah Ohing l have to take a rest
Keep going Xiong we're almost there
But l've got cramp!
Hang in there Liu Zhi-qiang!
Ah Ohing go on without me!
What are you saying?
Oome on l'll push you
Look a boat! Help!
God save you Liu Zhi-qiang!
Eighteen!
Two hundred sausages!
Senior l have a hunch...
... we're about to nab Old Hui
l feel a vacation coming on
Hey boss do me a favour
Heat 40 of them for me
Okay
Junior take 40
Give them to everyone in sight
My treat!
Okay
Shouldn't we see the boat by now?
Maybe something's happened?
Out the crap!
Hello everyone
My senior won 200 sausages
Help yourselves on us!
Thank you
Thanks a lot
Waiting for someone?
Yes for my husband!
''A sailor boy for me''?
l've heard that one
Help yourselves there's plenty
Okay...
Asshole!
Look there's a boat!
Looks like Xiong
Ah Xiong!
Ten!
l quit!
You owe me 400 sausages buddy
Look a boat! Shall we treat them too?
Sure it's all on me
Let's have'em
Ooming up!
Ah Xiong what's wrong with you?
l'm dying
Ah Xiong don't die on me!
He just has cramp Auntie! He won't die
Thank you we owe you for this
Quick there's a cop coming
Here sausages for everyone!
One for you kid
Don't move!
Sir! Sir!
What?
Liu Zhi-qiang!
Uh?
On your knees all of you
Oall the Ohief right now!
You two stand up!
Liu Zhi-qiang?
Wang Dao-nan?
Did these two kidnap you?
No! They rescued us
So where are the kidnappers?
They stole a boat from these guys...
... threw us in the water and got away
These men kept us afloat...
... until we were picked up by this boat
ls any of you Old Hui?
No No
l'm Ah Ohing
l'm Ah Xiong
He's my husband
Sir! Sir!
Ohief says to send them straight back to Taipei
So he can sit the Exam
They're sending back-up now
Good
These aren't the villains help them up
Sorry about that please get up
You helped us crack the case
Our back-up is on the way
Please wait for them
Liu Zhi-qiang come with us
You wait a while please
l have 400-odd sausages there...
Help yourselves!
Zhi-qiang!
Go!
Do it! Pass the Exam!
You can do it!
Bye bye!
Do well! We're with you!
Do well!
Bye!
Still busy!
Let me try for you... what's the number?
767-8804
ln Taipei?
02-767...
What's that ''02''?
Area code
Oh right!
Thank you!
They've found him!
Get his things ready for the Exam
No time to lose
What else? Quick!
Here l'll help you
What's this?
For Liu Zhi-qiang from Ah Juan
What's it?
l don't know
Okayanything else?
Move out of my way!
Liu Zhi-qiang this is from Ah Juan
Ah Juan!
Zhi-qiang you said you saw tropical fish in the sea
l used to be a bit like you
Thinking there were tropical fish here
Later l found out...
... there aren't any in the sea here
But last time we got flooded...
... l found this tropical fish...
... left behind in a ditch
l've no idea how it got here
l want you to have it hope you like it
Although we never talked to each other...
... l know you're a dreamer
l envy you
You can have books and sit the Exam
But l can't
My brother took me out of school a year ago
Sent me to work in Kaohsiung
l fell in love with a guy there
To my horror...
... he and his friend raped me
l used to be a dreamer too
But l have no dreams left
We have to walk through life not dream it
Make the best of what you have
Stick to the road you choose!
Good luck with the Exam!
We're at the Taichung exit from the highway
Liu Zhi-qiang's police escort is due any moment
Huge crowds are here to catch a glimpse of him
Liu Zhi-qiang! Go!
This is a touching scene
Now we hand you back to Ohen Shijie in Taipei
Since the two brave policemen rescued him...
... kind people have rushed to help Liu Zhi-qiang
Offering books and test papers...
... to welcome him back
Liu Zhi-qiang! Go for it!
The Exam results are out and so...
... we'll end our story of King Saloman today
Now here's a letter from Wang Dao-nan...
... of Puguang Orphanage in Taipei
He's written it phonetically
He says there's a kind of fish...
... living at the bottom of the sea...
... which feeds on children's dreams
When it's eaten 9999 dreams...
... it will fly out from the sea on wings
Wang Dao-nan says he saw it a month ago
A gigantic fish...
... flying up from the bottom of the sea