Episode 52
Boss. -Boss, this is quotation from...
...Mao Sheng Silk. -Leave it on my desk.
Zhang, settle the bills in Huzhou. -Boss.
Alright. I'll do it at once. -Boss.
Boss, we received samples from Mr. Tong.
Do you want to see them? -Of course.
Boss, are you attending...
...Mr. Claude's event later? -Yes.
Alright. -Boss, you have a guest.
How did you all find me?
There aren't many merchants from Shaanxi in Shanghai.
Moreover, you're an outstanding businessman.
We just had to ask.
Mr. Du, what brought you to Shanghai?
The prince sent me to purchase some western goods.
Brother Xing Yi, for some reason, your father...
...wouldn't tell me where you stay in Shanghai.
My father didn't intend to hide it from you.
I've been travelling over the past 6 months. I just...
...settled down not long ago. I haven't informed my father yet.
Brother Xing Yi, what business are you working on in Shanghai?
Business has been bad over the past 6 months.
I'm so vexed. We might close down soon.
That can't be the case.
My workers and I took a look from the outside.
The business is good.
Those are just small retail businesses.
It's not even enough to cover my expenses.
Boss. -Boss.
Young Master Xing Yi, goodbye. -Goodbye.
Boss, are they our new agents?
No. Keep this in mind.
If these two come and ask about our business...
...don't say a word. -Why?
They are real venomous snakes.
Stop.
Thank you, sir.
Rickshaw service!
This is the Bund. -Rickshaw service!
Shen Xing Yi isn't honest at all.
He's wary of us.
Find someone to ask around.
I want to know the status of his business.
Alright.
I couldn't find out about...
...Shen Xing Yi's business with the westerners.
But, I found out from a friend...
...who runs a security company that...
...over the first half of this year...
...Shen Xing Yi transported...
...5,000 packs of raw silk from Hubei to Shanghai...
...with the assistance of the security companies.
5,000 packs? -Yes.
If one pack cost 320 taels...
...5,000 packs will cost 1.6 million taels.
Even if he earns only 20% from reselling to the westerners...
...he'll make 320,000 taels.
It looks like Shopkeeper Tao is right.
Shen Xing Yi made 300,000 taels.
I also heard that Shen Xing Yi has booked...
...a security company for a delivery next month.
He's still going to transport raw silk from Hubei to Shanghai.
This time, he's transporting 2,000 packs.
Yet, he's poor-mouthing.
It looks like he's really dishonest.
Brother Xing Yi, are you interested in this?
Since I do business with westerners...
...of course I want to know how they come and think.
VVesterners think their assertions are impartial.
The truth is, they are all ignorant.
How may I help you?
Your chair is very comfortable.
But, you still need to get up.
Brother Xing Yi.
Apart from purchasing some western goods for the prince...
...I have another mission in Shanghai.
The prince intends to open a company in Shanghai...
...and collaborate with some big companies here.
Even though you don't earn a lot...
...from your small business...
...considering the fact that we cooperated well in Jingyang...
...I suggested that he collaborate with you.
I appreciate the prince's offer and your recommendation.
But, my business really isn't good enough.
So, please tell the prince to ask someone else.
Young Master Xing Yi, you know very well that...
...Long Sheng He signed a contract with Shen Family.
Long Sheng He gets 30% shares of...
...all of Shen Family's businesses.
Even though my surname is still Shen...
...I'm a bad son disowned by my father.
So, Xingyue Trading has nothing to do with Shen Family...
...or Long Sheng He.
Brother Xing Yi.
You know that working with Long Sheng He...
...will only benefit you.
I have my own opinion when it comes to benefits.
This small business of yours...
...will only earn you less than 1 million taels.
But, if you borrow the prince's strength...
...you'll make way more than that amount.
First of all, this is The French Concession.
Secondly, I only deal with westerners.
The prince might be powerful in the court...
...but I'm afraid he can't do me any help.
Brother Xing Yi.
When we met for the first time many years ago...
...we hit it off.
I was young and ignorant.
But, I've always admired you.
I'm afraid you only admire me...
...the way a knife admires fish meat.
Sir, we received a secret letter from the capital.
Has Madam Ying reached Shanghai? -I think so.
Find out where she stays. -Yes.
Chun Xing, look at the road. It's so wide and flat.
Yes. Look at that building. It's so tall.
There are so many westerners.
Look at the clothes those western women are wearing!
Those clothes are so indecent.
Won't their necks feel cold?
Madam Ying, this place is so prosperous.
We've walked past 20-30 companies on this street.
That's go to that side.
Why are there so many tall pillars on this street?
I don't know. There are even strings on them.
I know. They are drying clothes.
Who would climb so high to hang clothes?
Shanghai is prosperous indeed.
We've only walked less than half a mile.
I counted as we walked. There are over 300 shops.
Of all these shops...
...over 100 are types we've seen in Jingyang.
The other half are shops we've never even heard of.
I think 3O of this half...
...can be copied in Jingyang.
No. I think we can copy all.
It's just a matter of which one comes first.
Mr. Shen, since your right hand is injured...
...why don't you let me write for you?
Well...
Alright.
Mr. Shen, what should I write?
'(We -.
Time flies. Years have passed.
But, I have not heard from you at all.
I miss you so much that...
...each time I think of you, I toss and turn sleeplessly.
I cannot control my feelings.
Meeting you is the most fortunate event in my life.
Yet, we cannot seem to take a step further.
We are thousands of miles apart
Yet, my head yearns for you.
May you understand my feelings...
...and treasure our best days in life.
Am I dreaming?
Is that really you?
It's me.
Is this true? -Yes.
You finally came.
I came to see this world outside of Jingyang...
...you talked about.
When did you arrive? -I just arrived.
I'll show you around. -Sure.
Do you see Chen Guang Jewelleries over there?
They are very successful. I'm very familiar with the owner.
You should take a good look at this place.
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.
What's a banking corporation? - It's like our traditional bank.
But, it's more flexible and covers more services.
Can I go in and take a look? - Of course. Come with me.
Mr. Ming Kai. -Mr. Shen.
You... Please come in.
Is your hand alright? - Don't worry. I'm alright.
ORB'!-
Please. -Please sit down.
Mr. Shen, it's been a long time. How may I help you?
Ming Kai, this is the manager of...
...Shaanxi Mechanical Textile Bureau.
Shaanxi Mechanical Textile Bureau.
I know that company. Hello.
Hello. -Please sit down.
Would you like to be our customer?
Me? -Yes.
Because we are very happy to provide all kinds of services...
...to customers like you.
All kinds of services? -Yes.
Do you need cash?
If you use the shares of...
...Shaanxi Mechanical Texture Bureau as collateral...
...we can let you borrow 1 million taels of silver.
He wants to buy our shares? -No.
He's saying that if you use your shares as collateral...
...they can loan you 1 million taels.
Look! This is the sea!
What's at the other side of the sea?
Another world.
There are more opportunities and wealth over there.
There are even more advanced civilisations too.
Do you see that cargo ship?
Western goods come to China by ships like that.
Goods of China are also sent to America and Europe...
...through ships like that.
How far can it go? -It can go to anywhere...
...found on the world's map.
The world's map.
Are you hungry? I'll treat you to western food.
What is western food?
I can't believe so many things happened.
Even though Uncle Si is gone, you still have me.
I only realised after my father died that...
...what he said is right.
I should do whatever I want to do before it's too late.
So, you decided to come to Shanghai?
Yes.
Do you know why I came to Shanghai?
You angered your father back in Jingyang.
You got disowned.
I came to Shanghai in order to...
...find another way out for Shen Family...
...so that we won't be restrained by Long Sheng He.
I also want to make Xingyue Trading a success...
...and make lots of money.
Then, I will have enough confidence to...
...negotiate about anything at all with my father...
...including my decision to marry the woman I love.
Shen.
Claude.
Let me introduce this lady.
She is Mrs. Wu from Shaanxi.
She's my best friend.
This is Claude, my business partner.
Hello, Mrs. Wu.
Hello. -Claude.
You came at the right time.
Mrs. Wu is an amazing businesswoman from Shaanxi.
She came to Shanghai to look for new business partners.
The two of you should get to know each other.
This is the address of my company in Shanghai.
Feel free to visit us.
Alright. I will surely pay you a visit.
The ship I booked will depart in 15 days.
Where's my raw silk?
Rest assured. Your raw silk has reached Jiangxi.
It'll arrive within 7 days. -That's great.
Don't worry. We won't be late.
Alright. I shall excuse myself. -Goodbye.
You're dealing with westerners? -Yes.
Is it troublesome?
Most westerners are reasonable and credible.
They pay attention to the contract the most.
Once you sign a contract, you must fulfill your promises.
What are the things from China they like?
They like anything at all they can make money with.
Even westerners are so realistic.
This cuisine is arranged like a drawing.
Where are the chopsticks?
Use the knife and fork.
Follow me.
It's raw.
How come I can't cut this?
I should have brought my own knife.
Stop.
Here. Eat mine.
Not bad. It's quite delicious.
I'll do it myself.
By the way, did you receive my telegrams?
Yes. -You received both of them?
Yes. -Why didn't you reply?
Forget it. It doesn't matter.
The fact that you came to Shanghai makes me happier.
Don't be too happy yet. I'm not here for you.
Who are you here for then?
I'm here for business.
I came to see if I can sell Wu Family's goods...
...to the world as you said.
I believe you can.
Marsha.
Today's my birthday. Would you like to dance with me?
ORB'!-
Come and try.
No. I can't dance.
This is called waltz. All westerners know this dance.
It's not just a dance. It's also a way to socialise.
No.
If I can do it, you can do it too.
There are so many people here. -Are you afraid of me?
Is this correct?
I've reached.
Thanks for spending the whole day with me.
Rest well. I'll come and pick you up tomorrow.
Tomorrow? -Tomorrow...
...I'll take you to fun places...
...and introduce more western merchants to you.
Alright. See you tomorrow.
Wait.
My western friend told me that...
...this kind of flower is meant for the woman a man loves.
Tomorrow...
...I have even more surprises for you.
Mrs. Wu.
Yes? -We received a letter for you.
It's an urgent letter from Shaanxi.
Thank you.
Madam Ying, Mr. Shen is a little different now.
Like how? -I don't know how to put it.
The two of you looked like a perfect couple...
...when you two danced.
What do you know? -I've sewed you so many years.
I can tell from your expressions.
I might tear your mouth.
If you tear my mouth, no one will iron your clothes for you.
Iron my clothes? -Yes.
You'll still meet Mr. Shen tomorrow.
You can't wear the same clothes, right?
You need to wear your new clothes.
Which set should I wear tomorrow?
Both are pretty.
I can't wear both. I need to pick one.
I don't know how to choose.
You're so useless. -Right.
I wish Mrs. Han is with us.
Chun Xing, help me to find something...
...to preserve this flower.
Pick your outfit while I look for a vase.
The owner said this vase is his heirloom.
It took me so much effort to persuade...
Madam Ying, what's wrong?
Madam Ying, I found a vase for the flower.
Throw it away. -What?
Throw it away.
What exactly happened?
May I know which room Mrs. Wu from Shaanxi stays in?
Mrs. Wu paid and left. -She left?
Do you know where they went? -No.
Boss, we received a telegram from Mr. Tong.
Our 2,000 packs of raw silk got confiscated in Jiangxi.
What happened? -I've no idea either.
Boss!
Boss, Mr. Du wants to see you. -Tell him I'm away.
Yes.
Zhang! -Coming.
Send a telegram to Tong Jing Fu. He must do whatever it takes...
...to get the raw silk back.
We'll bear the cost.
The raw silk must be delivered to Shanghai in time.
Alright. I understand. - That's futile effort
You can't go in! Our boss said you can't come in!
You...
Let us talk in private.
Young Master Xing Yi, I'm the one who made them...
"confiscate your raw silk.
I guarantee that unless I instruct so...
...no one will have the guts to release it.
You're frank enough.
Didn't you say that...
...the prince can't help you in your business in Shanghai?
That might be the case in the French Concession.
But, outside of the French Concessiom...
...the prince can help you with anything at all...
...as long as it's within the territory of Qing Dynasty.
Similarly, he can topple you.
Name your price.
30% of the shares of Xingyue Trading.
Once you agree, your raw silk will be released.
Please return.
Young Master Xing Yi.
2,000 packs of raw silk cost a bomb.
You're looking down on me.
I can afford to lose 2,000 packs of raw silk.
Fine.
You just promised to deliver in time yesterday.
I just received the telegram myself.
Think of something. You are a Chinese.
I'm sure you know how to solve this problem.
There are political factors. - What political factors?
They just want money, right?
Just pay them. I'll pay if you can't afford it.
Claude, this isn't about money.
What's the problem then?
It's a long story.
What should I do?
Yes, I failed to honour our contract.
As agreed, I'll pay you double the deposit.
I don't want double the deposit. I want my raw silk.
Claude, I really can't supply raw silk to you now.
I've booked a cargo ship!
My ship will depart soon! We can't cancel the deal!
I can pay for the cargo ship.
I've found a buyer for the raw silk in Europe.
If I don't deliver in time...
...my competitor will take advantage of the situation.
My reputation in Europe will be damaged.
Who will pay for this loss?
I'm making a huge loss myself!
Apart from paying you double your dep0sit...
...I might never recover my 2,000 packs of raw silk!
Shen, I thought you're different from others.
But, you turned out to be another dishonest man!
It's a sabotage! I'm helpless myself!
I'll never believe you again!
Claude, I apologise.
I'll deliver the monetary compensation tomorrow.
All you lose is money. But, I'm losing my reputation.
Even if you pay me 10 times the money...
...you can't compensate for my loss!
You've no credibility at all!
You all don't deserve to do business with us!
I'm sorry. -Get lost!
Zhang, how much... -Boss.
...do we need to pay Claude's company?
Claude paid a deposit of 10,000 taels.
Since we can't deliver in time, based on the contract signed...
...we need to pay 20,000 taels.
How much do we have?
380,000 taels.
What if we send someone to Huzhou to purchase raw silk now?
If we go to Huzhou now, we can still make it in time.
But, compared to Hubei, the price is much higher there.
Else, we wouldn't opt for the farther supplier back then.
Alright. Send someone to Huzhou immediately.
Buy 2,000 packs at all cost.
We can only buy 1,000 packs with 380,000 taels.
Can't we pay a deposit? -If we need it so urgently...
...they'll surely ask for immediate payment.
Alright. I'll get a loan from the bank.
The reputation of Shen Family of Shaanxi...
...should be woflh hundreds of thousands taels.
Boss, if we buy raw silk from Huzhou now...
...and hand the raw silk to Claude...
...we'll make a loss of at least 70,000-80,000 taels.
That doesn't even include the confiscated raw silk.
Boss, it's better to just pay Claude...
...20,000 taels. -We must keep our promise.
Since I promised to deliver before 5th of the 11th month...
...I must get it done.
But...
Did they return your raw silk? -No.
How do you deliver to me then?
I've sent someone to Huzhou to purchase the raw silk there.
Don't worry. 2,000 packs of raw silk...
...will be delivered to Shanghai within 7 days.
Huzhou's raw silk cost at least 350 taels per pack.
I know. -Why are you doing this then?
If I pay you 20,000 taels, even though I would have...
...hon0ured the terms in our contract...
...you would see me as a dishonest liar forever.
This is unacceptable to me.
In order to prove that we Chinese value credibility...
...and reputation just like you all...
...I decided to deliver all 2,000 packs of raw silk to you...
...at all cost.
Shen, you're such a good person.
I take back everything I said today.
But... -What's the matter?
After you left...
msomeone offered to supply 2,000 packs of raw silk to me.
So, I don't need raw silk from you anymore.
That's fast. -I'm surprised myself.
Raw silk happens to be their main business.
So, they can find ways.
Who are they?
It's the friend you introduced to me...
"Mrs. Wu from Shaanxi.