Cruel Romance
Episode 01
1932: Zhenjiang
All elders and townspeople!
Our Zhenjiang Village's annual Double Ninth Festival martial arts competition
is officially going to start!
Great, great, great.
This year will be the same as previous years.
The first one to climb up onto the platform and retrieve the five-color silk ball
will be the victor and be awarded the five-color cake that was sacrificed to and blessed by the ancestors.
- Great! - Great!
Right now, the competition will officially start.
Jinxiu is the victor.
A lady, but does not behave like one.
Old Master, young miss did not do it intentionally. She's not a crude and impetuous person.
Don't take it to heart.
Go, bring her to me.
Miss, old master is looking for you.
I'm back.
Jinxiu. What are you up to again? Causing a ruckus?
I'm not causing a ruckus. This five-color cake was blessed by the ancestors.
It can get rid of evil spirits and cure your sickness.
Mother, after you eat it, perhaps you'll be cured.
Cake?
You participated in the martial arts competition?
If your father finds out about this, he won't forgive you.
Oh, by the way, Mother, Uncle Ma is returning today with medical materials.
Later I'll go and ask him if he has any news of Sister Mingzhu.
You don't need to ask. I've already asked him.
There is not one shred of news.
These past two days, I keep having the same dream.
I dreamed that your aunt and Sister Mingzhu returned home.[Here, aunt = Jinxiu's father's first wife]
Right now, we don't know where they are
or what kind of life they have.
It's been 14 years.
14 years.
Mother.
You are a lady, but every day, you go around showing your face to the public.
What a scandal!
I know I was wrong.
I'm sorry, Father.
I know you went because of your mother.
But rules cannot be broken. You must be punished.
Punished?
Punished. You definitely have to be punished.
Your punishment is that you will not be allowed to sleep tonight.
You must go...
... and collect the dew from the lotus leaves for your mother.
Father, you're the best. I knew it!
Father, let me massage your back.
Fine.
Xiu'er.[The "-er" suffix can be a term of affection.]
Guess what this is.
Granny pastries?
You must not let your mother see this.
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Teacher Chen.
Teacher Chen. Teacher Chen.
Teacher Chen.
Teacher Chen... Father! Father!
Teacher Chen, wait a moment. Father, hurry, hurry!
Xiu'er, what happened here?
Father, he's Teacher Chen, new teacher at our school. He's hurt!
Take a look at him. Please hurry.
Hurry.
It's not a minor injury.
This is a gunshot wound!
Old Master. Look, he has a gun.
These days, people with guns are either bandits or deserters.
We can't afford to get involved. If we do,
we might get ourselves into a huge misfortune.
X'iuer, is he really a teacher at your school?
Yes, he's a new teacher.
All right then. Since he's come to us, the Rong family,
then he's a patient of ours.
Lao Ma, take him up to the attic.
Wait, hold on.
In a moment, clean and wash away the blood on the ground.
All right.
Come.
Rong Residence
Father, what are you going to do?
In the split second that the bullet enters the body, it will let in germs from outside.
We'll have to get the bullet out.
Otherwise, it will be troublesome if the wound gets infected.
Teacher Chen, no, no! It's me, Jinxiu. It's me, Jinxiu.
I'm Jinxiu. This is my father. You suffered a gunshot wound.
Don't be afraid. My father is very good. He can help cure you.
Jinxiu, a pocket watch. There's a pocket watch...
- There's a very important pocket watch. - A pocket watch?
- I've hidden it under a rock near the lake. - Under a rock...
Bring it back to me. You have to bring it back to me.
Xiu'er!
Rong Residence
Who are you?!
It's them. They've found me.
So quickly?
This won't do. I have to leave here. I can't implicate you all.
- But in your current state... - Don't worry.
- I'm able to leave. - All right.
Then let me tell you. In the back garden, there's a cavity in the wall.
- You can climb out through there.- All right.
Remember, you have never seen me, nor did you save me.
Don't worry.
Underneath the rock. Underneath the rock.
I've found it.
Reporting to Commanding Officer, we've searched all over the place but can't find the person we're looking for.
You are Japanese?
Where is he?
Mister, let me tell you.
I've never seen the person you're talking about.
Xinru! Xinru!
Xinru!
Don't shoot... I'll tell you... I know...
- The person you are looking for, I know where he is. - Lao Ma!
Old Master, please don't blame me.
I...I can't just watch you die.
Tell me. Tell me and I will let him go.
In the back garden, there's a cavity in the wall.
That person left through that hole.
Everything I've just said is the truth.
Can you let my Old Master go now?
Originally, I didn't want to kill you all.
But only a dead person can protect a secret.
Give it another sweep.
If there is anyone alive, kill them all.
Yes, sir.
Father! Mother!
Mother! Mother!
Xiu'er.
Father! Father! Father...
Xiu'er...
Don't ask any more questions. Leave now.
- I won't leave. - Leave! Hurry, listen to your father.
I won't leave! I won't...
Xiu'er, go! Go now!
Father!!!
Quick! Don't let him get away!
Hurry.
Faster! After him!
Did you get the watch?
Jinxiu, it's all my fault. I got you involved in this.
You must keep this watch safe.
Before the tenth day of the Lunar New Year, help me deliver it to the Virgin Mary's Cathedral in Shanghai.
Remember, you must deliver it there.
My whole family is dead!
- Who exactly are those people in black? - I have no time to explain this to you.
Once they hear gunshots, they will catch up to us in no time. Remember, you must deliver this to Shanghai.
- But--- Go. Go!
Go, hurry! Remember, you must deliver it there!
Shoot him!
Reporting to Commander Officer,we discovered this near the body.
The secret files must be with the owner of this button.
No matter what, you must find the owner.
- Father! - The fire is too intense.
- Let go of me! Let me go! - You cannot go inside.
Father! Mother!
Let go of me. My parents are still inside!
Father! Mother!
Miss Rong, half the town came to help put out the fire last night.
But it was too late.
It was all burned... Everything was burned to a crisp.
I found this jade thumb ring in the ashes.
It looks like it belonged to Old Master Rong.
Keep it. You can use it to remember them.
This is just too cruel.
I wonder whom the Rong family offended?The whole family is now gone.
The only one left is the daughter, all alone.
What will she do in the future?
Miss Rong. There's nothing we can do.
You don't have any hard evidence.Where would we find the killers?
Zhenjiang Wharf
Father, Mother. Don't worry.
Your daughter will definitely find out whose evil scheme this was.
I will go to Shanghai, and when I meet the person who is receiving the pocket watch,
I'll be able to find the enemy who killed you both.
I must avenge you.
Wharf
Today, I'm here to find someone.You'd better all show your faces nice and clear.
If our friend is really here,
then please excuse us. Let's go!
This gang sure is powerful. Could he be the person they're looking for?
His bloody wound, it's probably done by them.
Why do they always need to harm others when they're doing fine?
Come with me. I know where you can hide from them.
I don't need your help.
I only want to help you.
There's a washroom up ahead.
The door is quite hidden. You should be able to hide from them in there for a while.
I'm sorry, sorry.
You!
Don't play any more games with me. I don't have the effort to get entangled with you.
You better apologize to me.
I'm telling you to apologize to me!
These kinds of tricks of yours, I've seen it all.
Do you believe that if I shout right now, everyone will come over and catch you?
Up to you.
Apologize to me! Hey!
Get lost.
Stop impeding me.
All right. You've proven yourself worthy of being called 2nd Master Zuo.
But today, I'm going to take your life.
If you want my life, come and get it yourself.
Go!
Zuo Zhen. Don't move.
If you move, I'll kill this woman.
This woman has nothing to do with me.
Go ahead and kill her.
Why are you so cold blooded?
If you die, I will bury your body.
Save me!
My pocket watch!
Timing and subtitles brought to you by the Gone with the Shirt Team @ viki
Xiu'er.
What are you so afraid of?You were ready to risk your life by jumping into the river.
You're not afraid of death, so what are you so afraid of now?
Don't come over here! What do you want?
Hurry up and wipe yourself clean. So ugly.
I can't see any value in this.
How much are you selling it for?
Who said I'd sell it?
There are many women who want to get close to me.
I'll give you a chance. Tell me, what do you want?
What are you saying? Who are you? I don't even know you.
All right.
Whether you know or not,
I'm giving you this one last chance.
If you miss it, don't regret it.
Lunatic.
Welcome, 2nd Master!
2nd Master, you've finally returned.
Oh my, how could such an ignorant woman exist?
How dare she walk in front of 2nd Master?
Hey! You!
Are you deaf? 2nd Master is talking to you. Didn't you hear?
I will give you one last chance.
You can feel free to set a high price.
No matter how much you want, I want your pocket watch.
Before, didn't you say you'll only give me that one last chance?
You sure have a lot of "last chances."
This pocket watch is very important to me.
I'm not selling it.
You are so annoying.
If you run into trouble in Shanghai, just reveal this necklace.
This is a promise from me, Zuo Zhen.
Zuo Zhen?
You--!
Making trouble again, are you?
In Shanghai, is there anything that 2nd Master can't have?
What's with the dilly dallying? Get in the car now.
2nd Master, you've returned safe and sound. We can stop worrying now.
The two of us were very anxious while you were away these few days.
If you hadn't ordered us not to leave Shanghai, we would have gone to Zhenjiang to look for you.
2nd Master. Did you get the medicine?
I lost it.
This will cause trouble.
It's going to be hard to explain ourselves to Mr. Feng.
What's there to be afraid of? They insisted that 2nd Master go alone to get the medicine.
It was obviously a trap set by Long Si.
The Japanese must have been behind it. Isn't that right, 2nd Master?
I...I'm only worried for 2nd Master.
Go to Mr. Feng's place.
2nd Master!
Hey Miss, where are you going?
I want to go to Virgin Mary's Cathedral.
Virgin Mary's Cathedral, I know that place well.
I also now a shortcut, guarantee that you'll reach there in the shortest time.
Miss, please get on.
Is that right?
2nd Master Zuo has returned.
Old Master, congratulations.
Looks like your illness can be cured very soon.
Teacher, I am incompetent.
I didn't manage to bring back your medicine.
What, aren't you 2nd Master Zuo the greatest?
The whole of Shanghai, who doesn't know your skills and capabilities?
Aren't you God-like 2nd Master Zuo?
You can't even bring back mere medicine.
Could it be that you lost it on purpose?
I'm willing to accept punishment.
Talk about what punishment?
I'm already like this. In future, our business will depend on you both.
Get up.
I will definitely find better medicine to cure Teacher's illness.
You make it sound so good.
2nd Master Zuo, I also know of a folk remedy.
It's just missing an ingredient.
I don't know if 2nd Master Zuo is willing to sacrifice himself?
What's there to trust about this folk remedy?
No Old Master. That old folk remedy is very effective.
2nd Master Zuo, cut your flesh.
To make medicine.
Wait.
I'm already like this.
It's not worth it for you to suffer for this old man.
4th Long, you're a turtle, you son-of-a-bitch.
Today's incident must by the Japanese wanting to harm 2nd Master Zuo.
Otherwise, we should have it out with Mr Feng.
Don't rush, this is not the right time.
Right 2nd Master, Young Master Ying is back from his studies abroad.
Mr Xiang has prepared a welcome back dance party at Bai-Le Men Night Club (Paramount).
And have invited all of Shanghai Bund's celebrities.
Xiang's resident has called to ask if 2nd Master will go?
That fast.
It's been over 2 years.
2nd Master, so are you going or not?
Bullshit! Mr Xiang's party, can 2nd Master not go?
- Please how much further to the Virgin Mary's Cathedral? - Almost there.
I'll only give you this one last chance. No matter how much you want..
I want your pocket watch.
- Stop the cart. - Don't worry, we are almost there.
Stop the cart! Hey!
Stop the cart!
Where are you taking me?
Little sister. What's your hurry?
Don't start anything. I'll scream.
You know how to scream. Scream then.
Help! Help!
Let me tell you, this is my territory.
There is no one around for miles away.
Scream a little louder.
The louder you scream the more I like it.
Help!
Look at her, she's not bad looking.
We agreed only to take money.
Go to hell.
Give it to me.
Isn't that 2nd Master's Zuo's necklace?
Why would it be with you?
You know 2nd Master Zuo?
Looks like they're afraid of the owner of the necklace.
Is that 2nd Master Zuo that scary?
If you face any trouble in Shanghai,
just flash out this necklace. This is my promise as Zuozhen
You two dare to bully me! Do you know who I am?
If Zuozhen finds out, he'll have your life.
Oh mother, please forgive us. We didn't know.
- Please just let us off. Yes, yes, yes.
You gracious lady, don't take it to heart. Just treat it like we were just farting (messing around).
Just farting.
Alright, I can let you off. But you have to help me do one thing.
Oh mother mercy, I can do a thousand things for you, let alone one.
- Alright, the two of you can help me find Zuozhen now. Argh!
Actually, my identity was hidden among the Huangpu Chamber of Commerce as a patriotic member.
As a Chinese person, during times of trouble of one's country, it's natural to step up and help.
2nd Master, look at yourself.
I wonder how many women will use every means,
to get close to you.
But 2nd Master, that girl on board the ship, exactly where was she from?
Your necklace has never left you. Why did you give it to her?
Miss, this is Ning Yuan Resident.
You!
Help me chase that car.
Hurry, chase down that car. Hurry!
Mr Xiang, will you welcome me?
Boss Shen, your presence is hard to come by.
Such a long time no see. You still look so wealthy.
Mr Xiang, are you complimenting me or are you scolding me?
Everyone know that Boss Shen is Shanghai Bund's Godfather of Real Estate.
Who has the guts to scold the Godfather of Real-Estate.
If I'm the the Godfather of Real Estate, then you are the Godfather of Fortune.
When it comes to being incredible...you are incredible.
This pocket watch thief, I'll definitely make him return my watch.
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How are you 2nd Master?
How much?
I dare to take your money?
What are you doing? Rushing in without looking?
I'm following the people in front who just entered.
Which people in front? There's a lot of people in front.
No entry without an invitation.
- I'm just going to retrieve something and will leave immediately. - No way.
Go away. Scram.
Mr. Xiang, let me introduce someone to you. This person is France's-
Hi Mr. Ferdinand.
Have you met me before?
No sir, but I heard that Mr. Ferdinand is France's new leader of real estate,
just arrived in Shanghai yesterday.
Then how did you know Mr. Ferdinand was me?
That's very easy. Boss Yang has a close relationship with France's real estate market.
If someone like him respects you so much,
then you must be an extremely important individual.
If I remember correctly, the badge that you are wearing on your front chest is France's royalty badge.
The royalty badge is only given to individuals who contribute to their country.
And most importantly,
your actions and words fully show the elegance of French royalties.
If I can't see all these qualities, then I must be blind.
Prior to coming here, I've heard much about Shanghai's Hua Business's CEO, Mr. Xiang.
They told me that Mr. Xiang is Shanghai's number one leader in business.
After meeting you, I can see that is definitely correct.
Very admirable.
You're too polite. That's all nonsense gossip.
I've heard that Mr. Xiang's immense wealth has grown to an amount in which one cannot count to.
Is this true?
For this question, let me get back to you when I finish counting it.
Welcome inside.
Mr. Xiang, Mr. Ying hasn't arrived yet.
Don't rush, don't rush. Come one by one.
Did you miss me during the time I was away?
Of course. We missed you so much.
Did you miss me to death or did you wish for my death?
If Mr. Ying died quietly to stay by our side
and didn't go back to France,
Then I wish you had died already.
We're so happy right now, why are we talking about death?
Come, come, come. Let's drink, let's drink.
Mr. Ying, we need to work now.
Tonight I won't be able to accompany you
No need.
You know,
during this time how much I missed you
You shouldn't be wasting time here.
In a little bit, your welcoming party will have many other women
waiting for you.
I really missed you to death.
I heard that on the way back, you almost got killed.
Is that true?
Don't worry.
I won't die so easily.
Although we say that you naturally have nine lives,
you should be more careful lately.
Long Si won't give up so easily.
In Shanghai, he won't be able to do anything.
I only believe in one discipline.
Cautious is what drives the boat to infinite. (If you want to live longer, you must be cautious.)
I've already taken care of Shen Fong's bank statement.
I rest assured with you doing business for me.
In Shanghai, who would blatantly dare go against you, 2nd Master Zuo?
Even if it were me, I wouldn't dare to do so.
Out of all of Shanghai, I only know one Mr. Xiang.
How come it's you again? Are you now going to go in by rushing in?
Your memory is so great.
Actually Zuo Zhen and I are acquaintances. I just need to get something from him.
2nd Master Zuo's name isn't a name that you, who came from the suburbs, can say aloud. Go away.
If you come near here again, I won't let you go.
Let me tell you, I really do have evidence. Let me give it to you.
Go away.
Isn't you guys' treatment towards this beautiful lady un-gentlemanly?
Who are you?
I am her friend.
I'm sorry, but do you have an invitation?
It's our policy. Without an invitation card, you can't go in.
Come on, give us a break.
If you guys don't let us go in, once Mr. Ying hears about this, you guys will be doomed.
Why are you talking so much to him?
Who is Mr. Ying? Mr. Ying is who?
Mr. Xiang said, tonight, without an invitation people can't enter.
- Go, go, go , don't stand here.- You!
Don't fight! Don't fight! Don't fight.
I must bring you in.
Oh right. How's Yingdong?
He just arrived in Shanghai, but I don't know where he is playing around now.
My little brother of mine isn't easy to control.
I knew this is still here.
What you looking at? Come.
Come.
How can you take someone else's clothes?
I'm just borrowing it. I'll return it afterwards. Come on.
Really?
Turn around.
Timing and Subtitles brought to you by Gone with the Shirt Team @ viki
Go.
Who are you? I don't recognize you.
Sorry.
Why is it you again?