Cruel romance
Episode 01
1932: Zheng Jiang
All Elders and townsman.
We the Zhenjiang Village, once a year Double Ninth Festival platform martial art contest.
Right now, it's officially started.
Great, great, great.
This year will be the same as previous years.
Whoever's the first to climb up onto the platform and retrieve the five colour silk ball.
Will be the victor and rewarded the sacrificed and blessed by the ancestors, 5 colour cake.
- 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 exactly are you doing? Causing a ruckus?
I'm not causing a ruckus. This ancestor blessed 5 colour cake.
Can rid evil spirit to cure your sickness. It's great stuff.
Mother, after you eat it, perhaps you'll be cured.
Cake?
You went to the martial art platform to win it?
If your father finds out about this. He won't be able to forgive you.
That's right mother, today Cong will return from afar with the medical materials.
I will go and ask him if he has any news of Sister Mingzhu.
You don't need to ask. Mother has already asked him.
There is not one shred of news.
These past two days, I've been having the same old dream.
I dreamt that your Grand mother and Mingzhe returned home. (Grand mother is the first wife).
Right now, we don't know where they are.
What kind of life they have.
It's been 14 years.
14 years.
Mother.
Your a girl, everyday, going around showing your face to the public.
What a scandal!
Xiu-Xiu knows I'm wrong.
I'm sorry Dad.
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, tonight you are not allowed to sleep,
you must go...
collect the dew from the lotus leaves for your mother.
Dad you are the best. I knew it!
Dad let me give you a message.
Great.
Xiu-er.
Have guess what this is?
Popo Biscuit?
You must not let your mother see this.
Teacher Chen.
Teacher Chen. Teacher Chen.
Teacher Chen.
Teacher Ghen...Dad! Dad!
Teacher Chen, wait a moment. Dad, hurry, hurry!
Xiu-er, what happened here?
Dad he's our School Hall Teacher Chen. He's hurt.
Take a look at him. Please hurry.
Hurry.
It's not mere wound.
It's a gun wound.
Old Master. Look, he has a gun.
These years, people with guns are either bandits or deserters.
This is difficult to deal with. Once we get ourselves involved,
We might get ourselves into a huge misfortune.
Xiu-er, is he really your teacher at your school?
Yes, Teacher Chen is new.
Alright, since he's come to our Rong Family,
then he's a patient of ours.
Lao Ma, take him to the attic and place him there.
Wait a second.
In a moment, clean and wash away the blood on the ground.
Alright.
Come.
Xiang Resident.
Father, what are you going to do?
The bullet was shot into his body, the wound will let the germs get in.
We'll have to get the bullet out.
Otherwise it'll get infected quickly. Then it'll be troublesome.
Teacher Chen, no, no, no it's me, Jingxiu.
It's Jingxiu, this is my father. You've suffered a gun shot.
Don't be afraid, this is my father, he can help cure you.
Jingxiu, a pocket watch, there is 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 to me, you definitely have to help bring it to me.
Xiu-er!
Xiang Residence.
Who are you?!
It's them, they've found me.
So fast and they've chased me down.
This won't do, I have to leave here, I can't implicate you all.
- Right now you... - Don't worry.
- I'm able to leave. - Alright.
Then let me tell you, at the back of the resident, there's a cavity in the wall.
- You can climb out through there.- Alright.
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 swept 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. - Laoma!
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.
The back of the resident there's a cavity in the wall.
That person has left the resident using that hole.
What I've just said is the truth.
You can let my Old Mater go.
Originally I didn't want to kill you all.
But only a dead person can protect a secret.
Give it another sweep.
If there are anyone alive, kill them all.
Yes.
Father! Mother!
Mother! Mother!
Xiu-er.
Father, father, father!
Xiu-er.
Don't ask anymore, quickly leave.
- I won't leave. - Leave! Hurry, listen to your father.
I won't leave! I won't...
Xiu-er, quickly run... run!
Father!!!
Quickly, don't let him escape.
Hurry.
Faster.
Did you get the watch?
Jingxui, it's all my fault, I've implicated you all.
You must keep this watch safe.
Before the 10th day of the Lunar New Year, help me deliver this to Shanghai's Virgin Mary's Cathedral.
Remember, you must deliver it there.
My whole family are all dead.
- Who exactly are those people in black? - I have no time to explain this to you.
If they hear us, they'll very quickly catch up to us. Remember, you must deliver this to Shanghai.
- But--- Run.
Quickly run, remember you must deliver it.
Shoot.
Go!
Reporting to Commanding Officer, on his body, we discovered this.
The secret files must be on 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 father is still inside.
Father, mother.
Miss Rong, half the town's people all came to help put out the fire.
But it was too late.
Burnt... Everything has been burnt to the ground.
This jade thumb ring. I've found it in the ashes.
I think it should be Master Rong's.
Keep it as a keep sake.
This is just too cruel.
Don't know who the Rong family has offended? The whole family are gone.
Only left a daughter all on her lonesome.
What will she do in future.
Miss Rong. There's nothing we can do.
You don't have any hard evidence, it's hard for us to find the killers.
Zhenjiang's Wharf.
Father, mother, don't worry.
Your daughter will definitely find out who did all this.
I have to go to Shanghai and see the person I'm to deliver the watch to.
It's the only way I can find the enemy who killed you both.
I'll definitely have to seek revenge.
Wharf.
Today, I'm here to find someone. You'd better keep your eyes wide open.
If we have our friend who are also on board.
Then please be tolerant of us. Let's go. Get out of my way.
This Gang is massive. The person they are looking for, could it be him?
His bloody wounds, it's probably done by them.
Why would they go harming others?
Come with me, I know where you can hide from them.
I don't need it.
I only want to help you.
In front, there's a washroom.
The door is a hidden wall, you can hide there for a bit.
I'm sorry, sorry.
You!
Don't go playing games with me. I don't have the effort to play with you.
You better apologise to me.
I telling you to apologise to me.
This kind of tricks of yours, I've seen it all.
Would you believe that I'll shout. All the people will come and catch you.
Up to you.
Apologise to me. Hey!
Get lost.
Stop annoying me.
Alright. Your worthy of being called 2nd Master Zuo.
But today, I'm going to take your life.
You want my life, come and get it yourself.
Go!
Zuozhen. 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'll help retrieve your corpse.
Save me.
My pocket watch.
Xiu Er
What are you afraid of? You didn't want your life by jumping in the river.
You're not afraid of death, so what are you afraid of?
Don't come over, what are you going to do!
You're so dirty, wipe your face 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.
Aright.
Whether you know or don't.
Besides, I'm only giving you this one last chance.
If you miss it, don't regret it.
Lunatic.
Greeting 2nd Master.
2nd Master, you've returned.
Ayo... there exists such a ignorant woman.
She's even dares to walked in front of 2nd Masters.
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 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 flash out this necklace.
This a promise from me, Zuozhen.
Zuozhen?
You.
You're being mischievous again.
In Shanghai, is there anything that 2nd Master can't have?
Why are you dwelling around, get in.
2nd Master. You've returned safe and sound. We can stop worrying.
These two days while you were away, we were very anxious.
If you hadn't ordered us not to leave Shanghai. We would have gone to Zhen Jiang to find you.
2nd Master. Did you get the medicine?
I lost it.
This will cause trouble.
It's going to hard to explain ourselves to Mr Feng.
What's there to be afraid of? To insist on 2nd Master to go alone to get the medicine.
It's obviously 4th Long's trap.
The Japanese must be behind this, instigating it. 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're no one around from 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 wlecome 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 come's to being incredible...you are incredible.
This pocket watch thief, I'll definitely make him return my watch.
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, 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
Go
Who are you? I don't recognize you
Sorry
Why is it you again?