If we're destined to be apart
We must accept our fate
You told me not to give in to feudal ethics
Keep an open mind
and break new grounds
I always say it's better to be a woman
Only a fool would get married
You must remember
Finding someone you love
is the luckiest thing in the world
You must cherish it
No matter what lies ahead
You must never give up
Love can solve anything
Why did you help me?
Because I'm in love with you
What are you doing?
Chi-Kwan
Chi-Kwan...
Go away...
Chi-Kwan...
I don't want to see you again
Did you hear that?
She doesn't want to see you
Go away!
What you saw is not real
It's a misunderstanding
Misunderstanding? We saw you with our own eyes!
Now we know you're just a jerk
Let me talk to Chi-Kwan
Open the door!
No way! Chi-Kwan gave up too much for you
Because of you, she came to Tianjin
Because of you, she became a waitress
She became a can-can girl
Yet you fell for someone else
I swear I have done nothing to hurt Chi-Kwan
You know about Miss Koo and her Mother
We did nothing wrong
She got me a job at the hospital
Than why did you hold her in your arms?
She was upset
Does that give her the right?
Why you of all people?
Do you swear she feels nothing for you?
They'll be fine
They've been through a lot together
They won't split up so easily
I hope you're right
Don't blame yourself
I was foolish to think he'll like me
You can love someone
without owning him
If he's happy, you're happy
You'll always be my best friend
I'm leaving in a few days
Why?
I'm joining some comrades in Canton
We'll meet up with the revolutionaries
Will you be back?
Hard to say
How's Chi-Kwan?
She's still not talking to me
Take it easy. She'll get over it
I can talk to her
Siu-mei asked me to apologize for her
It's not her fault
I must bear part of the blame
Too much has happened
Perhaps it's better for us
if we spend some time alone
How's the hospital job?
The funds from the Government
will never reach the mines
You're right about the warlords
They only protect themselves
Our country has no future if things keep up
Come with me to Canton
Bing
Kat-cheung, Hon
You shouldn't come to work
I need to make a living
My wife just had a baby
You shouldn't work until you have recovered
Take the day off
I'll give you my salary as a gift
Go home and rest
Thanks so much
I'll take your gift
but I must work
It's not every day I get double pay
Bing...
Run...hurry!
Help!
Watch out! Run...
Are you alright, Bing?
Hang in there, Bing...
Did you come to apologize
or to pay us off?
I admit I'm fond of Kat-cheung
That's too obvious
But he doesn't love me
Actually I envy you
Kat-cheung really loves you
If he really loves her
No one can take him away
I promised Mr. Kwan
If he hires Kat-cheung
I'll spend the night with him
When Kat-cheung found out
Mr. Kwan has no intention to hire him
He turned down the offer
Afterwards, that man tried to rape me
Kat-cheung stopped him just in time
I didn't know how to face him
I just felt terrible
I had too much to drink
and made a fool of myself
Are you telling the truth?
If I'm lying, I don't have to be here
I'm a call girl
Kat-cheung is patriotic and has a promising future
Brother Tsui tells me
Because of you
He gave up his ideals
He decided to stay in Tianjin
instead of going to Canton with him
He wants to go to Canton?
You have been through so much
before you can be together
Don't ruin everything over a small misunderstanding
Special news report
No. 1 coal mine in Tianjin collapsed
causing severe casualties
Coal miners went on strike
to protest against the collaboration
between the Government and mine owners
Troops are dispatched to suppress the strikers
Bloodshed is expected in the conflict
Down with exploitation
Disregard for human lives
Demand for compensation
What is it?
Disregard for human lives
These are the trouble makers
Listen up! Leave at once
Have you no heart?
So many people have died
because of exploitation and negligence
This cannot go on anymore
We're fighting for the workers' welfare
Reasonable demand
Fair treatment
Reasonable compensation
Don't be afraid and don't back down
If they dare to shoot
They're admitting their incompetence
We demand compensation
Down with exploitation
Arrest them
Are you alright? Watch out!
Hon...
Kat-cheung
Run...
Chi-Kwan, are you alright?
Hurry! Be careful...
The police are after us
I'll lure them away, be careful!
Watch out!
You'll be final Hang in there!
You'll be alright
Hon... hang in there!
You'll be fine, we'll be there soon
Hang on!
Kat-cheung
What?
Life is precious, true love is rare
They're worth giving up for freedom
Hon...
Chi-Kwan
Kat-cheung...
They have been through thick and thin
Two people who were deeply in love
resolved their differences
That's why Great Granny truly believed
she'll hear from Great Grandpa someday
2 years went by and things have changed
Mrs. Koo passed away
Koo Siu-mei closed down Golden Cafe
and left Tianjin to start over
in a place where no one knows her
Cheung Li met her true love
Convinced no good man was left
She finally found one and got married
What about Great Granny?
She was still waiting for Kat-cheung
Don't worry
It's probably not as bad as you think
I should come home long time ago
I'm sorry you have to leave your husband behind
Don't say that, we're friends
I want to see Auntie Sin and Mrs. Wong
Too bad that fool is busy
Or else he would have come along
We can't go to Phoenix House anymore
Those scoundrels are causing trouble
I heard something happened to the owner
Yes
What about the owner?
In the hospital
Which one?
Western
Thanks
Thank you
Grandma! What happened?
Why didn't you wait for me?
Chi-Kwan
It's my fault
Chi-Kwan! You're home!
Is that really you, Chi-Kwan?
What happened to Grandma?
She's fine
I thought something happened to you
I was so scared
Ka-cheung! Chi-Kwan!
It's you, Uncle Pui-Leung!
Why did you pull the sheet over your head?
I was wounded by those scoundrels
I'm waiting for them to come get me
I was tired so I lied down on the bed
The sun was in my eyes
so I pulled the sheet over my head
Come on, we're ready to go
I'm glad you're home
We all missed you
I thought we'll never see you again
Auntie Sin
After you left
Your Grandma made sure we leave the door open at all times
in case you come home
Go over to Grandma
That's right, go ahead
I'm sorry, Grandma
I shouldn't have left without a word
and ran away to Tianjin
I didn't take care of you
Do with me as you please
And make me feel bad?
I'm not that stupid!
Cook for me and I'll forgive you
Really?
There's no place like home
You must have suffered
You have lost a lot of weight
What about me, Chi-Kwan?
I'll look after you both
Where's Mr. Lee?
He's in Tianjin
Why isn't he with you?
He's working in a hospital
and was recently promoted
He's working on building a new wing
He's too busy to come
He'll come visit when he's on vacation
Work should come first for a man
We'll have the wedding later
What happened to Phoenix House?
Is it true what they say in the papers?
It's a long story
Get up!
Stop it...
Don't fight...
I didn't offend you
What is this about?
But you have offended my Boss
Stop!
Watch it! We'll be back!
Are you alright, Pui-leung?
I'm fine
After that, they come every other day
Even the police are afraid of them
They came to cause trouble
Who's behind this?
What do they want?
We've been trying to figure out
But there's something else
All the shops in the neighborhood closed down
Someone is buying up the street
Someone came by earlier
and offered us a price for Phoenix House
Of course I turned it down
Maybe this has something to do with it
Maybe someone is buying up the street
but since we refuse to sell
They're making things difficult for us
They want to corner you
into handing over the shop
Who has the power and influence?
Even the police are scared!
Phoenix House is your Mother's pride and joy
I can never sell it
But these people are causing trouble
There's nothing we can do
What about the new Commander in Chief?
Do you think he can help us?
If he's willing to help
There's still hope for us
Move aside!
They beat up Pui-leung last time
This place is a dump
Tell your Boss
We're not selling
Stop using these cheap tricks
Shut up!
Get rid of the customers
Get lost...
No!
Mind your own business
Thanks for stopping those rascals
and saving Chi-Kwan
You're incredible
You're now the Commander!
You must look after Phoenix House
I owe it to you for what I have today
I was lucky
I'll repay your benevolence
They're the rebels we've been looking for, sir
We're not rebels
There must be some mistake!
We're relatives, not rebels!
Who tried to get me arrested?
Have you considered that was a mistake?
Did you remember we're related?
Take them away!
Yes, sir
No!
We're not rebels
Stop it, Commander
You didn't come here to arrest them
Do me a favor and let them go
Just name your terms
Grandma!
You're smart for an old lady
I might as well tell you
Rumor has it you're harboring rebels
I led the troops today
I must arrest someone
Or else I can't answer to my superiors
Stop playing games
What do you want?
very simple
If I own Phoenix House
the rumors will die down
You're after the land
You brought the army
You can simply kill us
Why bother with putting up an act?
You haven't changed a bit
Still headstrong as ever
just more feminine
I won't kill you
I don't like to do things by force
I want you to come crawling to me
Call me sentimental
I'm giving you 3 days
I want you to come to me in 3 days
or else we'll close you down
and you'll face the firing squad
Yes, sir
Auntie Hei
What is it?
Auntie Hei...
Get up
I know Phoenix House is Yu-fung's pride and joy
If that asshole Fan Lai-chak doesn't get it
He'll have us executed as rebels
We're not doing much business anyway
If Fan Lai-chak becomes the new owner
it maybe the turning point
I don't suppose you want to see us dead
Get up!
Fan Lai-chak is despicable
I was so blind
The 3-day deadline is up soon
What should we do?
You must not go to him
Taking over Phoenix House is not his only motive
He's after you as well
Maybe it's not as bad as you think
He's only after profits
I don't want Mother's effort go to waste
Maybe I can negotiate with him
There's still a chance
No way! That's too dangerous
We can't let him take Phoenix House
or watch Auntie and Uncle die
What else can we do?
He's taking advantage of his position
With an army behind him
We're no match for him
We have no choice
Forget it! You won't have to die
Chi-Kwan won't have to go to him
If he wants Phoenix House
He can have it
No! We can't give up!
Sin, come with me to pack
Grandma!
I've made up my mind
Grandma! Auntie Sin
Packing brings back a lot of memories
Must we give up Phoenix House?
You can't stand to part with it
It's Yu-fung and Yu Tsz's pride and joy
They put in a lot of work
and made a name for themselves
It's my duty to keep it
and pass it on through the generations
But I can't
It's nothing but worldly belongings
For you and our safety
We must do this
Don't be sad, Madam Hei
I'm sure Yu-fung will understand
I should be ashamed
I let Mother down
All along, I didn't care for Phoenix House
I abandoned it for my selfish reasons
Now someone is snatching it right under my nose
and I can't do anything about it
Yu Tsz pawned this pair of jade chopsticks
to open Phoenix House
Your Mother wrote this recipe
It contains all her favorite dishes
I'm passing them to you
Keep them well
Someday, you can tell your children
Their grandma did such an incredible thing
I knew you'd come to me
Well? What will it be?
Have a bit of respect
I'm here to negotiate
not to be insulted by you
You're asking me for a favor
Don't raise your voice with me
It's fine with me either way
I'm not facing the firing squad
Let's do this over a drink
I don't drink
You'll do as I say
If I'm happy, anything goes
Otherwise, you can forget it
Can we talk after this drink?
Allow me due courtesy
and I'll do as you wish
Fine! Let's get on with it
and cut the chase
You have no intention to run a business
You're only after money
We'll give you a sum up front
and each year thereafter...
You think you can get out that easily?
Stay away from me! Help!
Forget it! No one can help you
Help... stay away from me
Chi-Kwan
Kat-cheung, don't leave me!
Who is it?
Are you awake, Miss Wong?
The Commander is waiting for you downstairs
You bastard! I'll kill you
What are you doing?
Stay away from me!
Come back! Kat-cheung!
What's going on?
Where have you been?
Why are you here?
I can't explain everything right now
I'm working for Mrs. Kimura
A Japanese businesswoman
I have just arrived
Fan Lai-chak is our partner
I know he's after Phoenix House
So you came here to save me?
I told the servants to help you change
What will happen to Phoenix House?
I'm working for Mrs. Kimura
and Fan Lai-chak needs her help
If I can convince Mrs. Kimura
He wouldn't dare to offend her
then there's still hope
Why are you working for the Japanese?
Why didn't you write me?
Where were you?
Brother Tsui was shot at the demonstration
Other miners covered for us
We boarded a train bound for Harbin
Brother Tsui died before we arrived
I was stranded in Harbin
with no money, no food and no place to stay
I got sick and almost died
Mr. Kimura saved my life
When he found out I studied in Japan
He hired me as a translator
and taught me how to do business
He has passed away recently
I'm helping Mrs. Kimura take over his business
You hated the warlords for collaborating with foreigners
and exploited the Chinese
How come...
Remember the first lesson
I told you about the history of trees?
Every tree has its history
The same applies to people
Over the years, I have matured
and broadened my vision
My perspective has changed
I don't get it
You will sooner or later
I have things to do
I'll drop by later when I'm done
Have some tea, Mrs. Kimura
Kat-cheung tells me
You ran into a slight problem
I'm afraid you're mistaken
Mr. Lea and I had a run in previously
I didn't know he's your assistant
So there has been a misunderstanding
When Mr. Kimura was still alive
We had a very good working relationship
Now that you're taking over
I'm sure everything is just as smooth
That piece of land is the local hub
in political, commercial and military terms
It'll be to our advantage
if we get our hands on it
We'll profit from it
I'd love to finish the task
But Phoenix House refused to sell
and it's slowing me down
I had a chance last night
But your assistant messed up my plan
I'm sure you understand
the bigger the pressure, the bigger the resistance
You're going about it the wrong way
I think you're siding with them
because of Wong Chi-Kwan
I'm only on Mrs. Kimura's side
I have given up my past
What do you suggest?
Let me convince them
If Mr. Lea is so convincing
I'll give you 3 days
If you fail, I'll do it my way
No problem, as long as you go along with my plan
Of course
These are our favorite dishes
Please try them
Help yourself, Mrs. Kimura
Can you understand us?
Most of it
Your Chinese is very good
My husband and I had business in Harbin
Kat-cheung, thanks for your help
Otherwise, we'd have to close down Phoenix House
I told Mrs. Kimura the history of Phoenix House
She was so impressed she changed her mind
Do Japanese resort to cheap tricks?
What's the meaning of “cheap”?
It's just a misunderstanding
Mrs. Kimura entrusted Fan Lai-chak
to act on her behalf
He made a big mess
Now we can put our minds to rest
Yes
Let's have a toast, Mrs. Kimura
This is our signature dish
Peking duck?
Yes, it's a famous dish
Help yourself
I must try this
That's not how you eat it
Let me show you
Put the duck on the dough
Add the secret sauce
eat it with Chinese onion and cucumber
It's delicious!
You must have a very good chef
Can I watch how me makes the duck?
I'm afraid we can't do that
We have a secret recipe and technique
Besides the kitchen is a mess
Mrs. Kimura is our benefactor
If she's interested
We should show her around
very well
This way please, Mrs. Kimura
Thank you
Don't blame Chi-Kwan
She doesn't want you to work for the Japanese
Mr. Kimura saved my life
Many things are out of my control
But because of your relationship with Mrs. Kimura
We get to keep Phoenix House
There's something I wish to discuss
Sure
This is where I keep the seal
Does anyone else know?
I only use it to take delivery
or to make payments
Good! Put it in a safe place
If Mrs. Kimura gets it
Phoenix House will be in danger
Really? Thanks for telling me
I'll be careful
Congratulations, Mrs. Kimura
Phoenix House is now in your hands
Now that you own the entire street
You control the lifeline of Beiping
We still need this agreement
to take control of Phoenix House
Hang on to it, Commander
I'll lock it in my safe
Now that we have the agreement
Let's not waste any time
Sand Mr. Lee to take over Phoenix House
Than we can all rest assured
I don't want any surprises either
Alright, let's get it over with
Has anyone seen the seal?
What is it, Grandma?
Have you seen my seal?
No
Damn! Ka-cheung! Pui-leung
What is it?
What happened?
Have you seen the seel?
No, we haven't
Kat-cheung reminded me the other day
to put it away safely
and don't let anyone see it
I put it back in the drawer
and left the room
You don't suppose ha...
Madam Hei, the Commander is here!
What's the meaning of this?
I'm here to take control of Phoenix House
You sold it to Mrs. Kimura
I want you to get out
We never sold Phoenix House
This is the agreement with your seal
How did that happen?
You stole my seal!
Kat-cheung, what happened?
Need you ask?
This is a setup
Why did you help the Japanese against us?
Have you no shame?
Why? Tell me why!
Phoenix House is a losing business
Why pour more money into it?
If Mrs. Kimura wants it
Sell it while the price is good
You sold us to the Japanese
Where is your conscience?
You're so pathetic
Wake up and smell the coffee
Times are different now
China must work with foreigners
to build railroads and open factories
and strengthen the economy
It's the only way out
If you don't keep up with the times
You'll be like committing suicide
What happened to Lee Kat-cheung?
Is fame and fortune that important?
Money can buy dignity
Remember our life in Tianjin?
I was a coal miner
You were a can-can girl
I've had enough of poverty
You said poverty is nothing to be
ashamed of
One should have aspirations despite poverty
Work hard and you'll live with dignity
Enough about the past
The minute I left Tianjin
I have forgotten about the past
Including us?
Yes!