You were supposed to be having a meeting at Fung Ming Gui.
What are you doing out here alone?
Never mind. Carry on with your practice.
Auntie Kiu won't be that nice.
She wanted Fung Ming Gui to shut down.
She can't be trusted.
But what if she was telling the truth? It was a setup.
Then I would have ruined Fung Ming Gui's long standing reputation.
Why are you standing behind me?
You seem troubled. I want to help.
Can you tell me if Auntie Kiu is telling the truth?
She's giving you trouble again?
She told me today the Silver Ribbon taste test is a trap.
Should I believe her?
I only have experience on the battlefield.
I can't tell if a woman is lying.
That reminds me of a battle against Goryeo.
Maybe it can inspire you.
What about it?
It was year 20 of the Wanli era.
It was my first battle after I was made Chief Commandant of the Agile Calvary.
The rebels from Goryeo invaded the Ming border.
Our troops were evenly matched in strength.
The rebels resorted to leaking false military intelligence.
They lied about getting backup from 100,000 troops from the Jurchens.
I went up the gate tower overlooking the enemy camp.
And I saw tents in the thousands.
I was indecisive and everyone was pressuring me for a decision
to attack or to pull back.
What did you do?
I was up in the gate tower for 3 days and 3 nights.
I finally realized half of the tents were empty.
According to Sun Tzu's Art of War,
lure with interests, conquer amidst chaos,
and avoid when enemy is strong.
They used "conquer amidst chaos".
I launched a full scale attack.
It took half a day to wipe out the enemy.
I see... Auntie Kiu is the Goryeo troops.
They're trying to confuse me.
You're sure she's lying?
Yes. I have known her long enough.
When she was waiting tables at Fung Ming Gui,
if the customer gave her a hard time,
she's the kind who would spit in the customers food.
She's bluffing.
Hello, Dad? I made up my mind.
I want everyone in Hong Kong to see us earn the Silver Ribbon 5 stars.
You're on. I'm waiting.
(Li Siu-Tung, Head Chef of Fung Ming Gui)
(Live at 8:00 Fung Ming Gui Vs Silver Ribbon)
My cooking will conquer your taste buds.
Come in!
Auntie Kiu, did you tell Chi
Samuel is colluding with the CEO of Silver Ribbon?
Any dish Siu-Tung makes
will be panned as trash and not worth any stars?
Catch your breath first.
Did you talk to Samuel?
I sent him a message but he did not reply.
Samuel is heading for the TV station with Daddy.
Tell me... are you lying?
No!
Well?
What did Auntie Kiu say? Call Chi! Hurry...
Sis, it's Ling...
Give me the phone... Chi? Don't go to the TV station.
That CEO is in collusion with Samuel.
Auntie Kiu is not lying.
That itself is already a lie.
Heen, Auntie Kiu is using you as bait to lure me into a trap.
Nothing you say will make me turn around.
I can't talk now. I have to go. Bye!
Tai-Kwan!
Miss Chi?
Heen told me it was a setup.
If we lose, Fung Ming Gui will be ruined.
You think I should put a stop to it?
When I go to war, I only charge ahead.
I never consider backing down.
You're our commander, Miss Chi.
As recorded in the Zuo Zhuan,
the fighting spirit aroused by the first roll of drums
is depleted by the second and exhausted by the third.
Being wishy-washy is the worst thing to do when you go to war.
Miss Chi, don't hesitate.
Put on your armor and crush the enemy.
Commander Yuan, assist me in battle.
Let's make them shed some blood.
Yes, Madam!
Miss Wong, sorry to keep you waiting.
Have a seat, Brother Tai.
Luckily you caught me in time.
Or I would have arrived at the TV station.
Right! Today is the Silver Ribbon taste test!
Am I getting in your way?
No... someone else can fill in for me.
You must have something important to tell me.
Did you sort out the contract?
I would love to make the commercial.
But I'm still working on the contract.
I asked you here to tell you something.
There's a problem with some of your staff at Fung Ming Gui.
No way! Everyone has been with Fung Ming Gui for years.
Don't listen to rumors.
My producer friend from the Mainland told me
he saw some of your employees on TV.
He knows them.
Does your producer friend mean Tai-Kwan, Bo and Siu-Tung?
Yes, it's them.
My friend said he hired them as extras at first.
But didn't east them in the end.
You know why?
Because he found a problem with their identifications.
No way! Maybe your friend made a mistake.
I didn't mean to be nosy.
But you have been so nice to me
and worked so hard to help me with that commercial.
I can't possibly hide this from you.
Fung Ming Gui is on its way up.
If you were exposed for hiring illegal workers,
you'll be in a lot of trouble.
Thanks for telling us.
I'll sort it out right away.
Thanks, Miss Wong.
You're welcome. Just trying to help.
Siu-Tung, you're the chef.
Your hands are important.
Leave the doors to me.
Chi! Uncle Fung!
What are you doing here, Big Spender?
This program should be none of your business
Of course it is. Dynasty is the sponsor.
I told the producer I want to sit in on the filming.
I'm curious to know how many stars will Fung Ming Gui be awarded.
You have tried Siu-tung's cooking.
Naturally we deserve 5 stars.
You always have lucky stars around you.
First your father-in-law, then your wife and Chi.
And now you have a young Chef God.
Unlike me, I have to work for a living.
You won the lottery.
Or else you'd still be waiting tables at Fung Ming Gui.
Winning the lottery is because Heaven thinks it's unfair of you to pin me down.
Let's see if you'll get any retribution.
I hope you won't get any stars at all.
I'll get 5 and shut you up for good.
Maybe your young Chef God will get stage fright.
You...
Dad...
Uncle Fung is just kidding.
Kidding?
Hello, Mr. Fong.
Excuse me, Mr. Chu...
Let me show you the way... Let's go up...
Right, let's go up...
This way!
Please come this way.
Miss Fong, can we have a word?
Careful! The 5 stars depend on it.
Yes, Master Tin.
Chef Li, let's go through the rundown.
First, the MC will introduce the judge,
then he'll explain the rules...
Sorry... let me answer that.
Just tell Mr. Fong about the rundown.
Excuse me.
What is it, Baby?
Has the program started?
Not yet. It starts in an hour.
Listen, don't let anyone see you.
Slip outside of the studio.
Hurry up!
Why?
Don't ask, I'm on my way over...
Wait for me outside.
What's going on?
You can't go on the show.
Auntie Kiu is telling the truth, Cheuk Wah...
...is really colluding with the CEO of Silver Ribbon.
They'll pan our dish and call it trash no matter what you cook.
I heard Ivan's voice message and found out Mrs. Chu has contacted you.
She told you the CEO of Silver Ribbon, Wilson Lau is my classmate from college,
and we will ruin Fung Ming Gui by panning your dish.
Mrs. Chu was lying.
We chose not to back out
because I know she was lying,
but I have no proof.
I hope you can go to battle with a peace of mind.
Wilson Lau graduated from USC,
which is on the west coast.
I graduated from the State University of New York on the east coast.
We have never met and we're not classmates.
If you don't believe me,
you can check Dynasty's official website.
You chose to help me only because you're at war with Auntie Kiu.
I need not thank you, right?
Good luck on winning the Silver Ribbon 5 stars.
Baby, where are you?
Let me go back in and tell Miss Chi.
Running out like this is not a good idea.
Don't go in!
Your worst offense is pulling a no show.
But if you cook something and they call it trash,
Fung Ming Gui will be finished for sure.
I'm almost here. Wait for me.
Stop here!
Siu-Tung! Are you alright?
Where are you hurt? You're scaring me!
What happened?
Siu-Tung was hit by a car!
Take him to the hospital.
What is he doing out here?
He should be filming in the studio.
It was my fault.
No, it was my fault.
I was getting distracted,
so I came out here to calm down, but...
Are you OK? Can you still cook?
Yes!
Good! You're the star, you must show up.
Or we'll be laughed at for chickening out.
Let's go!
No, Siu-Tung is injured.
He can't even hold the spatula!
He only hurt his hand.
Considering his cooking skill,
he can still earn 3 stars if not 5.
Look! He's pale as a ghost.
How can he get any stars? Go to the hospital
Thanks for your concern, Miss Ling.
But I mustn't disappoint Miss Chi.
My injury is nothing compared to Fung Ming Gui's reputation.
Master Uncle, let's go back in.
See? He said he can do it.
I'll take you to the doctor afterwards.
Uncle Tai!
You win... take him to the doctor!
What about the show?
Don't worry, I'll speak to Chi.
Maybe we can postpone it.
Stop standing there like a log.
Take him to the doctor.
Come on, let's go.
Run along!
Bye, Uncle Tai!
Master Uncle!
Run along!
The show starts in half an hour.
Where is Siu-Tung?
If he doesn't show up,
the TV station may sue us for breach of contract.
We must find him.
Tai-Kwan, look for him in the canteen.
As you wish!
Bo, check all the toilets.
As you wish!
I'll check the costume street.
You go look in the parking lot.
Good!
Kei!
Call Siu-Tung until he picks up.
Right!
Let's go!
Come on!
Where have you been? Siu-Tung is missing.
Siu...
Let's go look for him.
Siu-Tung left.
What?
How? We didn't see him on the way.
He's in the hospital.
He was hit by a car at the entrance.
How is he?
Is he alright?
His hand is swollen.
Ling took him to the hospital.
He should be OK, but not Fung Ming Gui.
Who's going to cook the sweet and sour mandarin fish?
Chi, we're running out of time.
What should we do?
Tell them we lost our chef,
ask them to cancel the show.
You can't. They have been promoting the show
If we cancel at the last minute,
they will sue us for breach of contract and we'll go bankrupt.
Find a replacement for Siu-Tung.
Even if we don't get 5 stars,
and we become the laughing stock,
at least we don't have to pay for damages for breaching the contract.
We can't. Everyone in Hong Kong knows
Siu-Tung will cook a dish in front of the camera.
They even used his picture as the backdrop.
Getting a replacement is still a breach of contract.
We should never have agreed to do this.
Chi, your Mom left you Fung Ming Gui.
We all follow your lead. What should we do?
Well?
Tai-Kwan, what should I do?
You can't go to war without a commander.
I suggest you call off the troops.
Don't corner yourself.
Bo, what do you think?
Man proposes, God disposes.
We were right about Auntie Kiu's lie,
but we failed to predict Heaven's will.
We must obey the will of Heaven.
We should retreat and devise another plan.
Fine! We'll back out.
There's no reason to jump off a cliff.
I'll tell the producer later.
If they want to sue us,
we'll deal with that later.
What do you think?
It's Ling! Hello, Ling? How is Siu-Tung?
We're waiting for the result of his x-ray.
Miss Chi, I'm fine. I'm on my way over.
You can't even get the door. How can you cook?
I can still use my left hand.
For Miss Chi and for Fung Ming Gui, I must go back!
You're not going anywhere until the doctor discharges you.
Forget it, Siu-Tung. Listen to Ling.
Don't come back. We'll drop out.
You mustn't give up so easily, Miss Chi!
I promised I'll get 5 stars for Fung Ming Gui.
Siu-Tung, focus on fixing your arm.
Even without 5 stars, Fung Ming Gui will have enough business.
Siu-Tung, it's Tai-Kwan. You need rest.
Siu-Tung, I'll pick up the pieces for you.
Your hands are more important.
Listen to Chi!
Siu-Tung, answer me, lamb or lobster?
Why do you ask?
What are you talking about?
I'm asking you a question.
Pick one, lamb or lobster.
Lamb.
OK, repeat after me.
Hello, I'm Li Siu-Tung, the Head Chef of Fung Ming Gui.
Everyone, ready!
Set your phones on silent mode. 3... 2...
Hello, everyone! You must have waited long enough for tonight's main event.
This year, Silver Ribbon has changed their rules of the game.
For the first time, they're working with a TV station.
Restaurants that have accepted the invitation,
will come to our studio
and accept the face-to-face challenge.
The first challenger
is the famous Fung Ming Gui.
Don't think it's a simple challenge.
Silver Ribbon did not send one of their usual panel of judges.
They sent their CEO for Asia, Wilson Lau Sai-cheong.
Mr. Lau, any expectations from Fung Ming Gui?
We handpicked Fung Ming Gui from among 100 restaurants...
(Fung Ming Gui Head Chef Li Siu-Tung)
...their Head Chef Li Siu-Tung
has been hailed as the new Chef God.
I'm honored to be the judge
and I look forward to seeing Chef Li at work.
Thank you, Mr. Lau.
I'm sure our viewers can't wait any longer.
Let's bring on our challenger,
Chef Li Siu-Tung from Fung Ming Gui.
I'm sure you're all wondering
why you see a lamb and not Chef Li Siu-Tung.
It's because he's too nervous,
and made such a special request.
Chef Li, say hello to our viewers.
Hello, everyone! I'm Li Siu-Tung, the Head Chef of Fung Ming Gui.
Tonight, Fung Ming Gui...
Today, Chef Li will make sweet and sour mandarin fish.
Miss Chi...
I believe this dish...
...can you hear me?
I'll keep any eye on the TV
and tell you what to do.
I'm counting on you, Siu-Tung.
How many stars is it worth?
Make sure you tell me if I did it wrong.
Miss Chi...
Just remember, stay calm and keep your hands steady.
Chef Li!
Are you ready?
You have 30 minutes to make your sweet and sour mandarin fish.
When the time is up, whether or not you're finished,
you must stop at once.
Are you ready? 3... 2... 1... go!
Miss Chi, cut off the fin with scissors.
Scale the fish from the tail to the head.
Cut it open and remove the insides.
One step at a time, no rush.
Chi, we're all counting on you.
Don't worry, Miss Chi can turn misfortune into a blessing.
Relax, Master Tin. Siu-Tung will walk her through step by step.
Sweet and sour mandarin fish is not hard to make.
Good job! Flatten the meat.
Start slicing it from the tail,
Leave a finger's space on each slice.
The meat will fall apart if it's too thin.
You must concentrate. Fleshing the fish is an important step.
The cut must be precise. Don't break it.
Can you hear me? Yes!
Chi, different slicing technique on the same food
will yield different effect.
Just like cutting this tofu into fine hair
is the basic technique required for this tofu soup.
To make this dish, you must remember this...
Keep your back and shoulders relaxed,
firm wrist, feet on the ground and hands off the table. Understand?
I understand.
That's right, back and shoulders relaxed,
firm wrist, feet on the ground and hands off the table.
Such incredible slicing technique.
For a young man in his 20s,
this is an incredible achievement.
Miss Chi, mark your time.
Marinate with salt and wine to make the meat crispy and chewy.
Then prepare the egg batter.
Make sure you only use the egg yolk.
Start the stove, add oil...
Put corn flour on the fish,
but don't put too much.
I told you Chi can do it.
She looks the part.
Wait till she finishes the dish.
Bravo, Sis!
Put it in... the oil is too hot.
Siu-Tung, can I put it in? Siu-Tung...
Put it in... the oil is too hot.
Put it in, Sis!
Miss Chi, what happened? Baby, look!
You're disconnected.
What is Chef Li doing?
The oil is already boiling, why doesn't he put the fish in?
We have only 8 minutes left.
Well, Baby? Can you call her back?
It's busy. Maybe the battery went dead.
The oil needs to be boiling to fry the fish.
But if the oil is too hot, the fish may only be half cooked.
She missed the best timing to fry the fish.
What?
What is Siu-Tung doing?
Why doesn't he fry the fish? There's no time
Hello?
Tin, what is wrong with your chef?
He looks like he's in a trance.
The clock is ticking.
That's none of your business! Can you cook?
You can only wait on tables.
As the commander in the field,
you must not hesitate.
You wanted to go to war, you can't stop now.
Not enough time.
Longer!
Not yet, Miss Chi!
We're finished.
We're down to the last 10 seconds.
I'll help you with the countdown.
10... 9... 8... 3... 2... 1... time's up!
After 30 minutes,
Chef Li Siu-Tung of Fung Ming Gui finished his sweet and sour mandarin fish.
Can his cooking conquer the judge's taste buds?
Now, we'll let Mr. Lau try the dish.
What will the judge say?
4 stars or 5 stars?
Or no stars at all?
Let's find out after the break.
Chi, this is great!
Don't worry, Sis! The judge likes it.
You're just as good as Siu-Tung.
Knockoff 20%, we'll still get 4 stars.
Thank you, Chef Li.
You can take a break in the lounge.
We'll announce the result in the last part.
Thank you!
It's OK.
Don't worry! Let's go inside.
Wait up... Chi, let's have a word in private.
Chi? That's Siu-Tung.
Chi went back to Fung Ming Gui.
Don't lie to me.
Your wife gave Chi this bracelet for her birthday.
Who else can this be?
I dare you to take off the costume.
If this is not Chi, you can chop off my head and use it as a stool.
Dad, Uncle Tai, wait out here.
I'll have a word with Uncle Fung in private.
Chi, what's going on?
I gave you the perfect opportunity to show off Fung Ming Gui.
Why did you come out in that costume?
Where's Li Siu-Tung?
He had a little accident.
We're in big trouble if I didn't do this.
You know we signed a contract with the TV station.
If they sue us for breach of contract, we'd go bankrupt.
Why didn't you tell me sooner?
I would have sorted it out.
Now there's no way around it.
It'd be humiliating when they announce the result.
You must trust me.
The only way out is to sell me Fung Ming Gui
What?
You're sneaky, Big Spender.
Trying to con Fung Ming Gui from us.
You're robbing a burning house!
You plan to force the price down?
We're not selling!
We're not selling.
Calm down and listen to me. I'm trying to help.
There's no time.
Dad, when they announce on TV
our dish was worth nothing,
everyone would think that lamb was Siu-Tung.
No one would believe he's a chef god,
and they won't believe in Fung Ming Gui anymore.
Don't listen to him, he's conning you.
Brother Tin, if that's what I'm doing,
I wouldn't buy it now.
I'd wait till after the announcement
when your reputation is ruined
and pay a lot less for it.
This is the only way out.
After you sell Fung Ming Gui to me,
I will tell Wilson on behalf of the shareholders,
if he doesn't give 5 stars to Fung Ming Gui,
I'd cut all sponsorships for Silver Ribbon.
Say no more. I'm not listening.
Tai, throw him out.
I don't think Brother Fung wants to close us down.
You... throw him out.
You have no choice. You should compromise.
Tai-Kwan is right. A gentleman should not stand next to a dangerous wall.
You're all traitors!
Brother Tin, for the last time,
if you sell Fung Ming Gui to me,
I promise nothing will change.
Except I'll double your pay.
All in favor, raise your hands.
I agree.
I'm sure you have all waited long enough.
Will Chef Li's sweet and sour mandarin fish
conquer the judge's taste buds?
Will it get 3 stars? 4 or 5?
No more TV, the report is out.
The doctor is looking all over for you.
I'm sorry, can you turn that back on?
I want to see the result before I see the doctor.
You're not the only patient.
There are others in the queue.
I said I want to watch this.
Did I not make myself clear? Turn it on!
We have the result. I hereby announce,
Fung Ming Gui's sweet and sour mandarin fish has earned the Silver Ribbon 5 stars.
Congratulations!
We did it! We did it!
We can't all fit in the car
Hung and I will take a taxi.
Don't bother. Traitors and I should go our separate ways.
I'll walk home.
He's at it again.
Fire Department? We have a blazing fire out here.
Can you send someone over?
Thank you!
Very funny, Miss Fong.
You weren't laughing when you raised your hand.
If your Mom found out we sold Fung Ming Gui to Big Spender,
she'd jump out of her coffin.
Let's see if you can still laugh.
Don't be so petty.
Uncle Fung was trying to save Mom's hard work.
He promised he won't interfere with our operation.
Nothing has changed.
You're always on his side.
Why can't you take my side?
I'm standing right next to you.
Have you any idea how awful I feel?
Now that Big Spender is our boss,
I can't even raise my voice with him.
How can I ever show my face?
I know you want to save face.
But I told you Siu-Tung won't stay at Fung Ming Gui forever.
He's likely to leave very soon.
Now that we have the Dynasty Group as backup,
even if Siu-Tung is gone, Fung Ming Gui can still go on running.
You're always right,
and I'm always wrong.
I'll say nothing and wash my hands.
Of course not!
You're the CEO of Fung Ming Gui.
I promise I won't let Uncle Fung come to Fung Ming Gui, OK?
You're No.1 and I'm No. 2, OK?
Get away from me, it's hot.
No, it's rather cool!
That's why I huddle up... Cool?
You're too old for that.
Why? You're my Dad.
I called this meeting to announce
the buyout of Fung Ming Gui's 50% share.
Fung Ming Gui will now become one of the restaurants within the Group.
I'm working on the contract with our Legal Department.
50% share is $10M.
Did they ask for this shareholding ratio and price?
Does it matter?
I came up with this ratio and price
after I studied their financial situation and potential for development
and made a recommendation to Mr. Chu.
Samuel will keep tabs of the books.
Dynasty won't lose money on this deal.
I informed the shareholders and nobody objected.
I'm not saying you paid too much.
I'm just wondering why you didn't buy them out.
At a 50/50 share,
we may run into arguments in decision making
I didn't buy them out because Fung Ming Gui is their family business.
I think the Fongs should run it.
They will make all the decisions.
Fung Ming Gui is different from other restaurants in the Group.
They have their management style and we need not get involved.
It's actually better for them.
If Mr. Chu and Samuel had this all planned out,
I have nothing to worry about.
No wonder my husband trusts you.
Whatever he wants to do, right or wrong, you never say no to him.
You honestly agree that we should buy Fung Ming Gui?
Mr. Chu is the biggest shareholder of the Group. That makes him king.
However wrong his decisions are,
I have no right to object.
So I'm always the rebel and you're the toady.
But he trusts the Fongs, not you and me.
I understand buying Fung Ming Gui
means opening the door for the Fongs.
That's why I came to ask you
whether you want to continue this war,
or have a truce and fight someone else.
I better head back. I have a meeting.
Stop drinking cheap coffee.
Drop by my office, I have Blue Mountain.
If you have read the newspapers,
you'll know there's been a slight change in the shares of Fung Ming Gui.
I want to explain to everyone.
Starting today, the Dynasty Group will own half of our shares.
Don't worry, Uncle Fung promised me
operation and frontline staff will not change.
A representative from Dynasty will join our management.
Chu Ka-heen, say a few words to everyone.
Hello, everyone!
Hello, Mr. Chu!
Hello, Master Chu!
Please sit down.
Please continue to call me Heen.
Chi will still call the shots,
I'm the boss in name only.
In here, I'm Shifu's protege.
Shifu, I'm still your protege.
Definitely not! You're the boss.
I can't be rude.
You're the shifu.
You're the boss.
Shifu, if you know I'm the boss,
I'm ordering you as the boss,
I am your protege.
As you wish.
That's good, Shifu!
Alright... listen to me.
Big Spender now owns half the shares,
but the Fongs still call the shots.
Chi and I came to a decision
on how to implement changes.
Tai-Kwan, Bo, tell them.
Yes, Master Tin! Hello, everyone.
Hello, Tai-Kwan! Hello, Bo!
Running a business is like going to war.
According to Sun Tzu's Art of War,
like water, the troops should be constantly changing.
You're God if you can win by adjusting to your enemy.
The customers are like your enemies.
Like water, they're constantly changing.
Waiters are like soldiers in the frontline.
We must be vigilant and in control.
Well said.
There are regular troops, but the way to deploy them varies.
We must be flexible and go with the flow.
This will be our new way of running things.
Starting today, our 5-star sweet and sour mandarin fish,
will be limited to 10 orders per day.
Limit its supply to create its demand.
Bravo!
My producer friend said he hired them as extras at first.
But didn't east them in the end.
You know why?
Because he found a problem with their identifications.
Sandy!
I'm ready!
I'm sorry, Sandy.
Baby just said she's not feeling well.
The rest of the shoot has been canceled.
You can go home.
It's OK. She must be exhausted from so much filming.
Just let me know when you need me.
OK, no problem! Thanks, Sandy.
Sandy, someone is picking Baby up.
She doesn't need the car.
Shall I wait for you and take you home?
Great!
Mr. Chu, Fung Ming Gui just nabbed 5 stars
and you bought them already, have you...
Cecil
What will you do with this old shop? Can you turn that up?
We will set aside a budget...
for Fung Ming Gui's development.
As for the details, please ask my son Ivan.
He's in charge of Fung Ming Gui's operation on behalf of Dynasty.
Ceci, I'm not going home.
Can you take me somewhere else?
Sure!
Sandy, here's the wine.
Sandy, if you want to drink.
Why don't I drop you home?
Yin, take me to Fung Ming Gui.