Here's the appraisal report
You either give them an A or a B
Vivian lacked discernment in recommending me potential clients
She made me waste my time talking to uninterested parties
She obviously lacks discerning power. Why do you still give her an A?
But Vivian...
Annie frequently takes time off to take her husband to medical appointments,
accompany her son to the doctor's or go for her gynae checkups
But you still give her a B
Her husband has a weak heart and her son is asthmatic
Now that she's pregnant, she really needs this job
I want this appraisal redone
Grade them accordingly to their performance. Don't show any compassion
But...
Didn't you encourage them to join the Union as a hedge?
You should be appealing to the Union instead
He Wei, you're not doing your job properly by shielding your staff
Though we were formerly classmates,
I won't show mercy if you're not up to your job
我已经交代给我儿子穿绿色那件! 你没听我说话吗?
对不起,太太. 我以为...
你以为什麽?你不要自作聪明! 我不接收你的抱歉!
What's going on?
I told her Jielun must wear the green uniform today
-But she gave him the red one! -Why kick up a fuss over it?
He's involved in a school performance
All the kids are to wear the green set!
Just change him into it. Why lose your temper?
She always gets my instructions wrong. And she even talks back to me!
She's the limit!
太太,如果你对我不满意, 你可以把我调走
门儿都没有! 我立刻把你送回国!
Keli, let's get her a new employer. We don't have to send her back home
She may just work well with another family
Besides, she's been with us less than three months
We should give her time to adjust
She took out a huge loan to pay for her trip here
If we send her back, we'll only be doing her harm
How so? I feed her and give her a roof over her head
Some employers even abuse their maids. But I don't!
Right, but she works long hours from 5 am to 11 pm. It's tiring
It's inevitable if she's a bit slow in her work
-You're implying I abuse her? -That's not what I mean
You're always siding with others to go against me
If we have to keep changing our maids, we might as well not hire one
The floor doesn't have to be mopped and the laundry done every day
Do you want me to tire myself out? Can you manage the household chores?
If you can't do without a maid, be more magnanimous then
So you're saying I'm petty?
In your eyes, everyone is a good soul except me!
I have to run the salon and take care of the kids when I get home
To think you'd lecture me in front of the maid!
She doesn't understand a word we're saying. Will you be less unreasonable?
I'm being unreasonable?! Pull over!
Keli, come back!
You're a good man and I'm a wicked woman!
Why don't you board the plane with her and take her back to her parents?
A wicked, petty and unreasonable woman like me can't be bothered with you!
Keli, come back!
Is anything the matter? Come in
I came here to pay my car insurance premium, so I thought I'd say hi
What happened?
It's Keli. She drove our maid away early this morning
I merely spoke up for the maid and she turned her anger towards me
She even walked away in a huff when the car was at the traffic junction
That was a dangerous thing to do
So Keli-jie is capable of that too. I thought that was Keke's trademark
I really don't know what to do with her
The two sisters may not be close to each other,
but they're so similar in temperament
I can understand why they're so alike
They're sisters, that's why
You two don't share blood ties, but you're so alike in temperament
Only you two can tolerate women like them
Because I love her
There, you even talk like each other!
The power of love has blinded the two of you
Before marriage, I saw her weak points as her strong ones
After marriage, her weak points remain just weak points
-Love covers a multitude of weaknesses -Heard that, Ruisheng?
That's why you must keep your eyes peeled before you get married
Don't rush to send yourself to the tomb of love like Xueliang did
Once you're married, it's very hard to turn back
Don't scare him away or my mother-in-law will come after you
He loves curry puffs but drags himself to have apple strudel with her
Where food is concerned, I don't mind giving in to her
But marriage is a lifelong commitment
You'd better give it careful thought
Who is without fault?
My He Wei is the best. She's pretty, elegant and gentle
And she's good-tempered and easy-going
Girls like her are rare
You talk as if she's already your girlfriend
Has she agreed to go out with you?
She said she'd have a meal with me if she was free
Don't take Jason's words to heart
Relax. I won't give Auntie a chance to come after you with a chopper
Women need to be coaxed. Just buy Keli her favourite food
Keli is unlike Keke who can be won over by apple strudel
She's a difficult one. She may just tick me off for buying her food
It's Keli
Why aren't you answering it?
Where on earth are you?
Don't tell me you're dumb enough to see her back to her hometown!
I just settled my car insurance premium. I'm on my way back
It's my phone
It's Keke
The two sisters are on the same frequency
They may choose to throw a tantrum on the same day
I only know she'll get angry if I still don't take her call
Good luck! See you
Ruisheng, I've finished my report. Let's meet for lunch
Keke, I know you gave me a bad appraisal. Please show me leniency
Please give me another appraisal before the manager returns
You know how you've fared. I'm merely going by the book
But I have two kids and one is on the way. I can't lose this job
I'm sorry. I can't help you with your personal problems
Still, you can't just write off my years of working here
Come on. You have the highest rate of absenteeism among the staff
You take leave to tend to your husband's and your children's needs
You either come in late or go off early. You don't wish to do OT either
And you're now third-time pregnant. I doubt you care for this job
You only care for the child bonus and the 2 months' maternity leave
If we keep you, we're being unfair to the other staff
You're too much! What goes around comes around!
Karen Loh, why did you divulge the company's confidential info?
I didn't
I've only just sent the appraisal report over
The manager is still in a meeting at HQ
How did Annie learn about it if it weren't for you?
The economy hasn't been doing well. All of us are worried we'll get...
Annie begged me to tell her, so I relented
Don't assume I have no say in your appraisal report
I'll let your manager know about this and get him to rewrite your appraisal
What a surprise
I've not eaten all day. I'm starving
-I love curry puffs -I thought it was apple strudel
That's Keke's favourite. But I like this
-You've bought a lot of stuff -Some belong to my colleagues
See you
When will the retrenchment take place?
The sooner, the better
Keeping those inept workers will only rob the good ones of our benefits
I understand retrenchment is inevitable given the bad times
But as their superior, do be more tactful when you break the news
Are you saying I'm poor with words?
No. I'm only asking you to be mindful of their dignity
-Don't be so heartless -On what grounds did you say that?
Your colleague Annie begged you to rewrite her appraisal report
How did you know about this?
She'll be giving birth soon. You've got to put yourself in her shoes
Don't you find her selfish?
For the sake of the $2000 child bonus and child relief,
she keeps getting pregnant
While the rest of us are working, she's enjoying her maternity leave
Keke, I'm not a woman but I know how tough a pregnancy can be
You can't expect a pregnant woman to work as hard as you do
That's why I won't stand for staff like her who take leave so often
She can come up with all kinds of excuses
Many women put their family first after they get married
In that case, be a homemaker. Why work for the sake of the salary?
It could be because the cost of living is too high
Her husband's income alone may not be enough
Stop speaking up for her. Stay out of my office affairs
I'm going to the restroom
He Wei?
-I'm not He Wei -But I dialled He Wei's phone number
You've got the wrong number!
Ruisheng asked me to return this to you
-Whose phone is it? -It's yours
Somehow, you two got your phones swapped at the petrol kiosk
Sorry! I didn't realize I took the wrong phone
I see. You took his phone by mistake
Ruisheng asked me about our retrenchment exercise just now
He even asked me about Annie's appraisal report
This is strange. How did he get to know about it?
How could you go round broadcasting our company's affairs?
Your professional ethics is suspect
I didn't!
I don't know your motive for telling Ruisheng all that
But your efforts were wasted. I'm not at fault where work is concerned
Ruisheng and I started dating each other way back at university
We've been together for years. Our relationship is very stable
No one can easily put a strain on our relationship
I know you've been visiting the old folk's home with Ruisheng
You have a heart of compassion no doubt. But don't waste your efforts
There's no way you can beat me
Thanks, Miss Xu. See you next week
Mrs Koh, 8.30 pm, right? No problem! I'll get May to serve you
Boss, today's schedule is already so packed. How can I cope by myself?
One more customer won't hurt
Boss, I don't even have time to run to the loo or take a sip of water
You won't even help out by tending to the customers
You're paid to do more work. People are getting pay cuts these days
Don't forget I just gave you a $200 increment
You're taking your time to find Fion a replacement
I'm doing a two person's job. My back and my fingers are aching
We knock off at 9 but you still accept an 8.30 appointment
When will I ever get to go home? I quit!
May, it's hard to find another job in this economic gloom
A salon in Toa Payoh has been trying to recruit me
But you live in Jurong!
You'll be spending more time and money on transport
Can the other salon match the pay I'm giving you?
I'd rather settle for a lower pay than work my fingers to death!
Mummy, I'm very hungry
Boy, get Ani to cook for you
Ani says she's down with chicken pox and can't cook for me
-I want to change my maid! -Mrs Jiang, what is it now?
This Ani had diarrhoea during her first week with us
This is only her second week and she's down with chicken pox!
Thank goodness my two kids had chicken pox before!
They're not machines. They can fall ill
Are you saying I'm being fussy?
I'd say you dumped just any maid on me to make money!
And you claimed she was trained! I employed her to take care of my kids
But I've to take care of her now! I don't care. I want a replacement!
Mrs Jiang, you've changed your maid three times this month
As if I wanted that! I have to train the new one every time
If she's lousy, I have to bring her back! You're wasting my time!
Mrs Jiang, you can only make up to three replacements
But you've changed your maid 5 times so far
Since you're not happy with our maids, there's nothing else I can do
What's that for?
Other agencies won't even charge me for their service
You took my money and this is what I get!
No way will I patronize you again!
Jielun, give it back to me!
Give it back to me!
I told you not to take my things!
Why are you hitting your brother?
Mummy, Sis beat me
You not only messed up the place, you even bullied your brother
He snatched my CD from me
So what? You're still in school but here you are crazy over pop idols
My, they're just a bunch of long-haired guys who can't sing!
When did you become so defiant? Who gave you the money to buy the CD?
Are you going to tell me?
It must be Daddy, right? Where's your daddy?
Daddy is cooking for us
Go back to your room and study!
Why are you still cooking?
The house is messy enough. Must you dirty the kitchen?
-The kids are hungry -Why aren't the dishes washed?
-We've run out of washing liquid -Can't you go out and buy it?
-But I... -What? Run along!
OK, I'll be going
He must have forgotten to bring the keys!
I'm looking for my cousin
I think you've got the wrong house
You must be his wife. I'm Peixin!
I don't know you
I attended your wedding dinner in Ipoh
That was so long ago. I don't recall meeting you
What brings you here?
I'm here to work. I just arrived here today
-Your cousin is not in -When will he be back?
-I have no idea -His mum wants you to have this
Salted fish and belachan again! We don't eat this stuff
-Wait for him inside -Thank you!
Jielun!
Sorry, Mummy. I'm hungry
Boy, you could have told me. See, you've dirtied the floor
Be a good boy. We have no maid now
I'm up to my neck juggling work and housework, understand?
Let me do it
The place is spick and span
Daddy, it's delicious
-Cousin! -Peixin
I was just wondering how come the house became so clean
You're exaggerating things
It so happened our maid just left. The house is usually very tidy
What are you doing? You're our guest after all. Leave that to me
Take a seat in the living room. I'll join you shortly
-Peixin, here you go -Thanks
What brings you here so suddenly? You're supposed to arrive next month
I've left my job in KL. Since the company here is understaffed,
I thought I'd start work sooner
You found a job so soon?
I got this job at an interview held in KL
-Where are you putting up? -I...
The hotels near our place charge very low rates
Keli is saying we can help you find accommodation near your workplace
Thanks, but my company has arranged accommodation for me
-Are you still in the beauty line? -Yes
You're a beautician? Are you a certified one?
I did a 2-year beauty course in Ipoh and...
worked as a beautician in KL for 3 years
Really? What other skills do you have?
-Massage -You even do massage?
-You surprise me! -Where is the hotel you mentioned?
Cousin, could you see to it for me?
What about your company's arrangement?
I'm only reporting for work tomorrow. As for tonight...
You may sleep here tonight
Better not. I don't wish to put you out
Not at all! If you don't mind, we have plenty of room here!
All right. I'll stay here for the night
You may even stay here beyond tonight
-Where is the beauty salon? -I'm not very sure
They have many branches
Gosh! This beauty chain is notorious for cheating its customers
They even exploit their staff
How? I'm already here
I run a slimming centre
Tell you what. You'll work for me. I'll offer you good remuneration
I'll match the pay and benefits they're offering you
I'll even throw in free lodging and 3 meals a day
A simple girl like you will get bullied in this bitchy business
Your cousin won't worry if you work for me
You'll call them tomorrow morning to turn down their job offer
Tell them you've found a new job
This will be your room
Peixin, is this room too small?
Not at all. It beats having to pay rent outside
Why don't you sleep in my daughter's room?
No way! Jieying kicks around when she sleeps
It's better if you sleep alone
I just need a place to sleep. I don't need a big room
Exactly! This room has a high ceiling and the toilet is just outside
It's spacious and there's good ventilation
You don't need to turn on the air-con at night. It's airy
You must be tired from the bus journey. Have an early night
-Do you wake up early? -I'm used to waking up at 6
Oh, great! My daughter wakes up at 6 too
It'll be good if you make her breakfast and...
wait with her for the school bus
Thanks! Turn in early. Try not to wake up later than 5.30
Keli, how can you treat Peixin like a maid?
I did not! Besides, there's no free lunch and lodging in this world
But she's our guest after all
Guest? She'll be our worker from tomorrow onwards
Don't you be a busybody. Your cousin doesn't mind helping out
I'm offering her a job, food and lodging! She can't get a better deal
She's only a junior beautician. But her pay is one of a senior beautician
But she's obviously doing a 2-person job
Enough said. I'm tired. I have a packed schedule tomorrow
I'll take a shower and go to bed
Are you rushing off somewhere? You may have it
-对不起,我迟到了 -没关系.请回去坐位吧
Du Zhengyu, here's your brolly. Thanks!
Sorry you caught a cold because of me
If only I knew we were coming to the same class
-Why didn't you tell me? -You didn't give me a chance to
You left right after you passed me the brolly
I was rushing off to this class. Still, I showed up late
-How come you're on this course? -Why not?
You're a dentist. How would a management course benefit you?
I'm preparing for a rainy day. In case I get retrenched one day,
I'll have something to fall back on
Come on! Teachers and doctors are in short supply these days
Your job is as steady as a rock
Then why is a busy man like you doing this course?
Well, I'm thirsty for knowledge
It's still drizzling. Shall I give you a lift home?
Pull over!
-We've not reached your place yet -I see my mum
Thanks!
Xiangxiang, who drove you home just now?
You saw everything?
No, that's why I'm asking you
A classmate
It was your first day in class and you've already got an admirer?
He merely gave me a lift home
Men won't be so nice to you unless they have a motive
When are you taking him home to see me?
Mum, you're getting carried away
You're already 26. It's time you got yourself a boyfriend
Mum, we only got to know each other today
And he's already so sweet to you! Something's up!
He drives a car. Is he from a rich family?
How would I know?
Don't forget about the 5 Cs I told you about
5 Cs? We're now into 5 Bs
B for BMW, billionaire, bungalow, brains and...
They're even better than the 5 Cs!
-What's the last B? -B for bath!
What is bath?
Bath means to take a shower
I'm going to take a shower now
What's the big deal about that?
Sorry, Madam. You've not paid for your goods
-What did I take? Nuts! -What's that?
I'm going to use the plastic bag to store my shopping
-And what have you bought? -I've bought nothing
Then why are you leaving already?
I need to use the toilet. Since you kick up such a fuss, I'm not buying!
-What else is there? -Nothing
No? Kindly let me check your bag
There it is
Mum, why did you steal the bags again?
Again? I see! So you've stolen our things before
Don't believe her! This was the only time I stole, no, took the bags
You again
People help themselves to the bags anyway
If you worry about us taking it, don't display it
Others have taken more bags than I do. But you only come after me
I'm not sure about the rest. But I caught you taking them
Mr Du, my mum didn't know what she was doing
But she took 3 reels of bags. The intent to steal was there
Besides, I heard her daughter say this wasn't her first time
I've reported the case to the management
I'm sorry. I can't help you this time
Mum, why did you go back and steal again?
Is it worth getting all jittery over a few reels of plastic bags?
That darned manager was out to do me in. He still put on an act before me
Hypocrite!
Mum, you're at fault. Why put the blame on others?
When you stole their cart the last time,
they let you off with a verbal warning
You never learn your lesson
Those plastic bags are meant to be taken
I merely helped myself to more of them
I took far fewer reels this time round!
You still don't realize your folly
So you're pointing fingers at me, eh?
You find me a thorn in the flesh and a disgrace, right?
I'm not eating! Let me starve to death
Xiangxiang!
I'm sorry I wasn't able to help your mum today
My mum was at fault. You were only doing your job
Don't worry. I'm not the unreasonable sort
Sam, you should have left this to me
You're the boss' son. You should be in an air-conned office
You shouldn't be doing these menial chores
My mum wants me to learn everything from scratch
Auntie has a point. If bosses know what's going on,
they won't get bullied by workers
They've worked for us a long time and are loyal to the company
A fair face hides a foul heart
Just look at the mess Shijian has put the company into
Setbacks are inevitable
You may be young but you're mature for your age
I hear you've applied for sponsorship to attend a WISE course?
I was lazy in the past. In the end, I got used by Shijian
That's why I must work hard now
-No more dozing off in class? -Who told you about it? No more!
Let me copy your answers tomorrow
Kelian!
-Kelian, let me see you home -No need!
My wallet's gone!
You want a ride on my scooter?
I've lost my wallet. Can you lend me $2?
I've got no money. But I have an extra helmet. Let me see you home!
Don't tell me you're walking home?
The bus journey already takes 30 minutes
It'll take you over 2 hours to walk home!
I'll just walk faster
By the time you get home, it's already midnight
You'll get an earful from Fatty Zhen!
Stop fidgeting. Is this your first time riding on a scooter?
-Sit tight -Where do I hold on to?
You'll be more stable if you wrap your arms round my waist
Kelian, did you hurt your face?
-I'm fine -How did you get injured?
You fell down?
It looks bad! How did you fall down?
Did you see the doctor?
This goon stepped on a dog's tail last night and got chased by it
Lion King, how did you get injured?
A dog chased me on my way home after class last night
What a coincidence! Both Kelian and you got chased by a dog after class
The dog at your school is really fierce
Why didn't you say you got chased by a cat?
I didn't know you'd said a dog chased you
-Kelian! -Have some coffee
Why didn't you say a lecher was chasing you?
Would anyone believe that?
Does it hurt?
Of course! It's all your fault. You insisted I ride on your scooter
I'll never ride pillion on your scooter again
Where's your wife? Is she cooking upstairs?
So you're buying takeaways tonight?
Just as well she's not here. Each time she sees me come,
she's so worried I'll clean out the shop
Xi, are these cans of abalone new stocks?
Get me a bag of white rice and sugar. I want new stocks
What's that for? Are you sighing away because I'm taking home these things?
Very well, I'll pay for these items!
-Sis, you've got me wrong -Then why did you sigh?
I'm troubled, that's why
What's troubling you? Tell me. I'll stand up for you
-Nothing's the matter -You can't fool me!
I could sense something was wrong when I got here
You usually drink a can of beer when your wife isn't around
But I doubt you've even had a sip of water today
-I'm in no mood for it -Why not?
Ying is upstairs
She's upstairs? I'm sure she can hear me loud and clear
Why hasn't she dashed downstairs? You two had a fight?
She's fallen ill
A woman like her actually falls ill? Ah, something must have happened
Tell me!
Why did you keep such a serious matter from me?
I may not be able to help but I can lend you a listening ear
What serious matter? I don't quite get you
Still trying to keep it from me, eh?
You told her? Didn't I tell you not to tell a soul about it?
Sis is no outsider
I know you don't want others to mock at you
But I'm no outsider. I'm your elder sister
Besides, would one wash one's dirty linen in the public?
But theft is a criminal act. Didn't you read the papers?
Those who stole from supermarkets were charged in court
Sis, it's not that serious, is it?
You bet it is! A repeat offender like you...
will be dealt with more harshly
The judge may slap you with a fine, a jail sentence and...
a few strokes of the cane!
Stop it, Sis
Ying, you've not eaten all day. Let me rustle something for you
-I'm not eating -You should eat as much as you can
Once you're in there, you won't have many food choices
Didn't you see that movie? The female prison is such an ominous place
You're no longer young. I wonder if you'll live to see your release
Where are you going?
Both of you are here. There's no one to mind the provisions shop
I'm going downstairs
Don't bother. We locked up the place before we came upstairs
Don't worry. Just get a good rest
How can she not worry? Thank goodness she's at home now
Should she fall sick in the prison, no one will be there to tend to her
-Sis, stop frightening her -I'm only worried about her health
If she dies in there, none of us will ever know
That's enough!
Have a good rest. Everything will be fine
-Thanks, Auntie -You're welcome
Hua-shen, how's your health?
This rheumatism is an old ailment
Thanks for getting the Chinese herbs for me
If the prescription works, I'll let her take a few more doses
Mine is an old ailment
All that washing and scrubbing doesn't make it any easier for me
But I've asked Zhen not to let you do too much washing
Has she been nice to you?
It's only right we all help one another out at work
She's been pretty kind to me
Says who! She dare not throw her weight about in your presence
-But behind your back, she... -It'll be terrible if she hears you
I'm stating facts!
My mum has a weak bladder. But she won't...
-Caixia, say no more -I get the picture
Hua-shen, come to me if you have any problem. I'll talk to Zhen again
Thank you, Auntie. Caixia, let's get back to work
Subtitled by A Han