Original subtitles

Do you need anything?

No, I'm fine.

Breakfast, ma'am.

You can leave it in the living room.

How long have you been working here?

Um...

Six months.

And you like it?

Yes.

Why?

Why what?

Why do you like it?

Well...

we work long hours

but the pay is pretty good, and the hotel is beautiful.

What about the clientele?

What about them?

Are they to your taste?

Well...

I like to put myself at the guests' disposal.

So?

First impressions?

I see there's already an issue.

I surprised one of your waiters peering into my bathroom this morning.

I was taking my shower.

And yet he's one of my best.

What can I say? He succumbed to your charms.

Are you trying to flatter me?

Yes.

But I see you're not very receptive.

I'm like everyone.

I like flattery, but only when it's free.

The problem with the waiter will be dealt with immediately

but forgive me for saying...

this is just a detail.

Really?

Yes.

A detail that some clients appreciate, by the way

and you know that, right?

Like you, I was quality control years ago.

A shark, as they call us.

I know how you'll dissect my work

rate client satisfaction

but please...

be my guest.

The group asked me to undertake a full renovation in this wing

without shutting down the establishment.

Listen.

Wild, isn't it?

Almost complete silence.

We've received not one single complaint, not one comment, nothing.

It's as if none of this existed.

Oh.

[DISTANT CONVERSATION IN CANTONESE]

I'd like to visit the Wong Tai Sin temple tomorrow morning.

Fine, ma'am, but I must inform you

that there are a lot of tourists at this time of year.

I imagine that you would prefer not to wait in line at the entrance.

No, not in this heat.

Of course not.

I'd also like to see the Bronze Pavilion?

But I hear it's only open to men.

I'll take care of that, Ms. Arnaud.

Blue lobster meat, spring onions

bean sprouts saut��ed in a sesame cream

complemented by a hint of wasabi.

All slow-cooked in a traditional broth.

And what's that?

The chef took the liberty of adding a mango emulsion.

He knows how fond of them you are.

Would you like to have a drink, Madam?

Sparkling water.

Lemon and ice?

What's that book?

Your water, Madam.

One. Airport pickup.

Punctuality, affability, discretion.

Rating: Green.

Two. Transportation.

Sedan irreproachable.

Light jasmine scent, nothing too strong.

Ideal temperature.

One downside:

the driving was abrupt, jerky at times.

Slight feeling of discomfort.

Rating: Orange.

Three. Hotel arrival.

The staff was precise, efficient and quick.

Rating: Green.

I've been longing for some of this warmth

since I've met you.

I... I'm lost, I'm confused.

I... I don't...

I kept traces of your fingernails on my back for ages.

I'm surprised she didn't notice anything.

Well, wait until you see what I'm gonna do to you tonight.

Sorry.

Feels a little cramped here.

Are we in your way?

No, I like listening to conversations I'm not meant to hear.

But which I hear often, since I travel alone.

Are you French?

Yes.

I love your accent.

Is this your first time here?

Excuse me? My card is demagnetized.

I'll take care of it.

This is the second time. I'm in a rush.

Sorry about that, ma'am.

Are you having a bad day?

We can use mine.

Yours doesn't give me access to where I must go.

But thank you.

[CHATTER IN CANTONESE]

[MAN SHOUTS IN CANTONESE]

So what can you tell me about service?

Well, many things.

You see that girl?

Lin is terrible at maths.

She needs to recount every time to get it right.

Nian is rolling up his sleeves.

He's good-looking, and uses it with the clients.

Whereas Moshu is too shy.

He should open up a little bit.

How long have you been working here?

I am part of the furniture.

You do long hours.

Because I ask to.

I enjoy spending time with them.

You'll be spending time with me as well over the next few days.

Understood, ma'am.

Um, she's Zelda.

A regular at the pool club.

She doesn't read much, and swims even less.

Where is she going?

You'll see.

What's there?

A shed.

Guest service, concierge.

Each request is considered carefully.

Staff takes into account the customer's particular demands

and is committed to offering a tailormade response

including special privileges.

Predominant sensation:

understanding, respect.

Rating: Green.

It's cold in my suite.

I tried to raise the temperature but it doesn't work.

I'm so sorry about that.

What is the thermostat at?

21 degrees.

I'll send a technician straight up.

Excuse me.

Sorry, sir, that's not allowed.

They make you do everything in this hotel.

I don't work for the hotel. I work for the group that owns the hotel.

Ah.

How about you?

I'm a Frequent International Traveler.

FIT.

Isn't that what you call your most prized customers?

The rules apply to them as well.

Why are you smiling?

You seem to be a stickler for rules, but you don't always follow them, do you?

Tell me something.

What goes on in the head of a man in front of a closed door

when he doesn't really know if he's wanted?

If you open the door, you're either transgressing

or fulfilling someone's desire.

I don't know.

I've never been in that situation.

But you have an imagination.

Depends who's behind the door, I guess.

May I?

Now let's review the latest FITs please.

We have a lot of regular customers at the moment.

35%.

Ms. Jane Duan is here.

The designer.

Note that she now travels alone.

She separated from her former assistant, with whom she was involved.

She has her dog. We usually don't allow them, but...

let's have the chef prepare meals for the dog too, please.

Got it.

We also have Mr. Kwan, who's here for work.

We know him very well.

He's an ogre.

He likes it all, wants it all

and all is never enough.

Let's surround him with staff

and spoil him so he forgets to ask for too much.

And who is he?

Kei Shinohara. His file is empty.

A man who cultivates anonymity.

We know nothing about him.

He stays with us regularly.

As usual, we gave him room 2701.

As usual, he won't sleep in it.

Ever? - Never.

What are you looking for?

Excuse me?

I was observing your gaze.

You know, only two types of guests frequent luxury hotels.

Those on the prowl and those on the run.

And I'm on the run.

I came to Hong Kong with a director.

You must have seen her. She's tall.

Very short, dark hair and a beauty spot right here.

Ring a bell?

I don't think so.

Well...

if you do run into her, don't tell her.

She hates not being noticed.

What is it that you do?

I'm sorry, I don't think I introduced myself, did I?

Everyone calls me Sir John.

I'm a producer, I'm here to shoot a commercial for Selecto.

Do you know what Selecto is?

No.

It's a yogurt.

Not a perfume.

My director needs to be reminded of this.

She thinks she's an auteur.

If you cannot stand this woman, why did you choose to work with her?

That is an excellent question.

The problem, I'm afraid, is a little bit of my own making.

I hired her for her first jobs, I monetized her ascension

and she has since become a vital player

and a very arrogant one at that.

She just wants to be desired.

But desire ebbs...

and flows.

It evolves.

It wears off too.

Let me guess.

You work in finance.

Exactly.

Congratulations.

You know how I knew?

I sense a kind of stiffness.

A self-assurance, and a slight irony.

It's a blend often found in the realm of finance.

Oh... don't take it badly.

Excuse me.

Received your report.

Green, more green...

The Rosefield's results are excellent.

As of today, any adjustments made would be minor.

If the problem isn't functional, then the overall vision must be deficient.

You mean management?

Yes, Margot Parson.

She's been with the group for a very long time.

What should I do with her?

We dropped a spot on the Merchant.

We can't transfer her.

Firing her would cost us dearly.

So, we're counting on you.

You want me to find a glitch?

Ideally, gross misconduct.

I'll look.

No one's perfect.

When you seek, you find.

It's not too hot here to read?

That's why my feet are in the water.

I like the sun on my skin.

And...

the stone slightly burning my butt.

Do you come here often?

Yeah.

I live nearby.

And what do you do?

For a living?

Yes, for a living.

Student in literature.

You don't believe me?

"This is certainly a beautiful country."

"In all England"

"I do not believe that I could have fixed on a situation"

"so completely removed from the stir of society."

"A perfect misanthropist's heaven:"

"and Mr. Heathcliff and I"

"are such a suitable pair"

"to divide the desolation between us."

When you keep reading the first pages

you end up memorizing them.

I think I deserve a diploma.

I can read to you in a calmer place

if you want to know what happens next.

Better than a bedroom, isn't it?

You know what I like here?

The idea of being seen...

even if no one usually comes here.

Usually.

I liked it when you were watching me.

It made it more intense

to feel your eyes on me.

You like danger.

Don't you?

Actually, Margot told me to steer clear of you.

You two speak often?

We speak sometimes.

She was right to warn you about me.

Why?

Because this kind of behavior is tolerated, but not allowed.

And what's the difference?

The risk.

Do you get pleasure?

Why wouldn't I?

You always try to pigeonhole everything and everyone, don't you?

This is my luxury.

Pleasure when I want it

where I want it.

It's perhaps the only luxury people can offer themselves

as much as they want.

That's why they always try to forbid it

don't you think?

Sit.

Go on.

I want you to keep looking at me.

Go on.

Take your time.

Yes...

Let yourself go.

Stay with me.

Stay with me...

please.

What do you do?

Who do you work for?

Why don't you sleep at the hotel?

What do you do at night?

Why don't we know anything about you?

Is this an interrogation?

By the book.

And why should I answer?

Because I can't stop thinking about you.

I'm an engineer, at EOW.

A company that builds containment dams to fight flooding.

And since there's more and more of that, my skills have increased in value.

The end of the world

does have its perks.

I travel all the time

to different places, depending on the assignment.

I say that I live in New York

though I haven't been there in ages.

I'm here to conduct a study on the Pearl River's water levels.

I don't sleep at the hotel...

because I don't feel like it.

But I let the company pay for my room, and for my coffee

because the more I cost them, the more I'm worth to them.

Oh. That's how a person's worth is defined?

You should know better than me.

It's curious. I get the impression the more you answer, the less I know.

Because you don't know how to ask.

OK.

Tell me about the airplane.

What were you thinking when you were waiting for that man?

I was absorbed by the wait.

By the suspense.

You need more than desire to take that step.

You... you need courage too.

Were you thinking of him?

No.

I was wondering whether he'd respond to the invitation.

A matter of pride?

So, you were thinking of yourself.

Yes, perhaps.

How did it begin?

Did you jerk him off to get him excited?

No, he was already hard.

Did you like his cock?

I didn't see it right away.

I turned to the wall.

I...

lifted up my dress, pulled my underwear aside

so he could take me.

And then I could feel his cock.

I thought it resembled him.

Thickset, decisive.

Are there any other...

details you can remember?

His shoes were perfectly polished.

But his fingernails were bitten to the quick.

His... his fingers clutched my skin too tightly, it almost hurt.

And his smell?

At first, I couldn't catch it.

But then, at one point, when he was...

inside me

I got a whiff of his scent.

A bit peppery.

His hands became clammy.

His perspiration gave off that spicy smell.

Was it unpleasant?

No.

Alive.

Did he speak?

No.

He whispered, so we wouldn't be heard.

And what did he whisper?

"Take it all. Take it all the way."

And then he quickened the pace.

His body kept banging against mine

making a repetitive tempo.

I felt his damp skin, his...

his hot breath on my shoulder blades

to the rhythm of his thrusting...

and the noise.

Always the same.

It was like the sound of a train

or a machine operating full-speed.

Then it went faster and faster.

My hip slammed against the sink.

He didn't...

didn't even notice.

Totally concentrated on my ass

and his hard penis.

Tac, tac, tac, tac.

Until he came.

It only lasted a few minutes.

Were you counting?

Maybe I was.

Maybe I was.

You only talk about him.

Because I have nothing else to say.

When you came out

your face was different.

Your eyes were sad.

You looked empty.

It has nothing to do with him.

The sadness is mine.

I have to go.

Alright.

I was so surprised when Mr. Heathcliff suddenly dies.

And then...

the story goes on.

Well, it wasn't expected, but...

as of now, they're estimating 90km winds.

Is that strong?

Manageable.

Oh. Excuse me a minute.

Hello, my friends! How are we?

- Great, thanks. - You're in luck.

It's no longer the season

but as of now, you are going to be able to watch a real live storm.

When they come in late like this, they call them dawdlers.

And dawdlers are thieves.

They suck up everything they can into the sky.

You put away your belongings, right? - Yeah.

Oh, perfect.

Please, come this way.

Let's go. - Have a seat.

This dawdler, is it dangerous?

No, not at all. It's just a beautiful spectacle.

I've never heard of dawdlers.

Mm. They exist only here.

Here at the Rosefield?

Correct. But you'll see I'm not lying.

They sweep up everything in their path.

Have a seat.

I hope you like the dark.

You should go check the wing that's being renovated.

The problem comes from there.

How do you know?

Because I know.

Ladies and gentlemen, the lights will be back up in just a minute

but in the meantime, I want to tell you a quick story

about our wonderful, famous chef Ma'tre Xiao.

He once asked me to taste his dishes

with my eyes closed, so that I could concentrate on the flavor

and only the flavor.

Though I hate to admit it, he was right.

So please, see for yourselves.

The lights will be back on in just a moment. Thank you.

Oh, my God!

It's a deluge!

All the tarps have blown off.

I'm gonna need your help tonight.

[FRANTIC CHATTER IN CANTONESE]

Come on, hurry up!

Hurry up, please.

Straight to the stairs, please.

You see the doorway?

Right up the stairs, thank you!

[CHATTER IN CANTONESE]

OK, brighten everything up.

They have to be everywhere, make it too much.

[CHATTER IN CANTONESE]

Faster! Please, faster.

# And I go home #

# There wasn't much to say #

# After all... #

Stop. It's too sad.

Can you sing something more...

unexpected?

My eyes aren't too puffy?

You look stunning.

Yeah?

I was in my bed when they told me to come.

They told you to come?

Yeah.

# Doing her dance #

# It's plain to see, like everyone else #

# She films herself in a white four-poster, image of herself #

# Says she's writing a particular scene she's in #

# Believin' #

# She's not as simple as they come #

# No amount of make-up from the mall #

# Convincing friends are trouble too #

# Dirty male fantasy under scuffed shoes #

# Don't think you're special #

# Don't ever think #

# Pick Camilla Pink #

# Don't think you're special #

# Don't ever think #

# Pick Camilla Pink #

# Don't think you're special #

# Don't even think #

# Pick Camilla Pink #

# Don't think you're special #

# Don't ever think #

Thank you.

# Don't think you're special #

# Don't even think #

# Pick Camilla Pink #

# Don't think you're special #

# Don't even think... #

Wait!

You're going out in this weather?

Do you want a car?

I think the storm's letting up, but...

thank you.

Stay.

You should get out.

You know the group and its high standards.

The hotel was hit by a storm.

We're aware of that, but what's the connection?

Ms. Parson is very diligent, and very--

She's responsible for the Rosefield Palace

and for its downgrading in the industry's most important ranking list.

And you are responsible for rectifying the problem.

Did you find the glitch, or not?

Not yet.

So we have a problem.

I just need time.

You do know that in our industry, no one has any time to spare?

I'll send you my review as soon as possible.

By tomorrow.

I wish you an excellent day.

You too.

What a warm relationship!

I've never seen you in anything like this.

I always take it with me, but never wear it.

Why not?

Never had the right occasion.

Look how I can create the right occasion.

See?

I know why you keep them.

Why?

Because they're free.

Despite your airs

you and I come from the same place.

Perhaps.

And we're afraid of going back.

Always.

I often tell myself I'm gonna stop this work when I feel like it.

I'm one of the ones who does this by choice.

Later I'll just move on to something else.

At least, that's what I tell myself now.

I could be a coach, right?

And what would you coach?

Everything.

I have my own science.

You do me good.

What are you doing?

So you'll think about me.

The photographer plans to take pictures of the couple by the pool.

So I suggest we close the pool bar for about 15 minutes.

At what time precisely?

That demands preparation.

3pm.

OK. We'll try our best.

But it's very last minute. - I understand, thanks.

Perfect.

Thank you, everyone.

Have a great day.

Are you enjoying your time here?

Why? Does my presence disturb you?

No, on the contrary. I...

I'm getting used to it.

But you have prolonged your time here, so I was wondering.

Are you still searching for some fundamental flaw

that doesn't actually exist or have you, to everyone's surprise

decided to enjoy yourself?

What exactly are you looking for?

The very enigmatic Mr. Kei Shinohara.

We saw him early this morning.

What can you tell me about him?

This guy is really good at avoiding us.

We never really see his face.

You see? Neither there...

nor there.

Let me try something else.

2701, right?

What? - Usually, the magnetic key

gives us a glimpse into each guest's habits.

They come looking for adventure, a change of scenery

but they end up doing the same things every day.

But this guy has no routine.

He appears, disappears

reappears, anywhere.

You're chasing after a ghost.

This client never sleep here.

It's always clean.

Nothing much to do.

So you can leave now. Thank you.

Were you waiting for me?

You disappeared.

I had work. The water's rising.

Why are you smiling?

I had an interesting day today.

How so?

I visited room 2701.

What was it like?

Stimulating...

You want one?

Keep it.

Help me.

I didn't know she was here.

Is she looking at me?

Back of the room. White dress.

No. Not at all.

Do you know what she had me do today?

She made me swap containers for another brand's.

We had to glue our wrappers onto theirs.

She says she likes the shape better.

What are you going to do?

Nothing.

Nothing at all.

I won't play her little games.

You know the Fenwick?

No.

It's not mine.

It's funny.

I thought it was just a legend...

People call it The Bride-to-Be Bar

because of a custom practiced there.

And it's reserved for an extremely rich clientele

who all bring diamonds.

Real diamonds.

And they say...

they line them up

on the bar, in front of the girls

based on order of size and carat.

And each girl can keep as many as she can swallow.

Of course, it's dangerous.

Diamonds are composed of pure carbon, like graphite.

It's insoluble in acid. Insoluble and very sharp.

Because each one is a bevel cut.

So, the larger and more expensive the diamond

the more dangerous.

And then they say the girls wear the diamonds on their fingers as rings

like trophies.

Proof of their courage...

or their venality.

Do you think it's true?

Perhaps.

I'd like to go and find out.

Me too. But...

But what?

I'm afraid.

What a delicious feeling.

Yes? - Hello, Ms. Arnaud.

I have a message for you at the front desk.

From whom?

I don't know. It's an envelope.

I wasn't here when it was left.

Hey!

Ms. Parson, where is she?

I'm sorry, ma'am, I don't know.

I was expecting you.

You kicked Zelda out of the hotel.

Who?

Come on.

Please take note for your report.

I was informed of the presence of escorts at the pool

young men and women

pretending to be guests, selling their services.

I told them to vacate the premises.

You tacitly condoned the network of escorts.

How far did you go to prove it?

Far.

Out of pure professionalism?

Who can tell?

You know what I did

when I first got here?

I changed the background music.

Ours is very special.

Ti, tati, tata...

It took a long time to find it.

I wanted a melody that...

imposes a rhythm, but discreetly.

Ti, tati, tata.

That's how everyone walks here.

It may seem like the music accompanies the step, but no.

It guides it.

The guests arrive and suddenly...

ti, tati, tata...

they slow down.

We gently lead you to the tea room.

The smell of pastries whets your appetite.

You're hungry.

You sit down, you order

and through the bay window

your eyes embrace the landscape

the exotic flora reminds you you're traveling.

One bite of pastry.

The sugar melts in your mouth, releasing dopamine.

And then...

a young man or woman passes by

with the same slow gait.

Ti, tati, tata, heading to the pool.

Their swaying step rouses your desire

a slight shiver down your spine

and the sun warms your spirit.

You move to the pool chair

and the music...

The music has stopped, but it lingers in your head.

Like a countdown.

Ti, tati, tata.

You put one foot in the water.

You order a drink to conquer the last inhibitions.

And the pleasure is already there

through every pore of your skin.

It holds the client captive.

The client gets up

and follows the escort.

So yes, the practice is tolerated here

but not authorized.

I was a shark too.

I know what it is when the animal moves in for the kill.

How proud you are, of your little music.

No, I'm not.

I'm the architect of the system.

They made me do it.

And they expect us to fight.

But I...

I won't.

Because I don't want to.

Hey. Can we go to this place?

The Fenwick?

Do you know this place?

Yeah, yeah. Yeah.

Get in, get in.

[DRIVER SPEAKS CANTONESE]

Sorry, we are blocked.

It's there.

What?

The Fenwick? It's there?

Yes, yes. Here.

You're sure? - In that building.

Hey, what you having?

Sweets? - No.

Almond. - No, no.

Coco? - I'm not hungry.

I'm looking for a place called Fenwick? Do you know where it is?

No English.

Fenwick?

You... you just talked in English.

Excuse me?

Yes?

Is the Fenwick here?

I don't know.

It's not somewhere here?

I don't know.

Sorry.

You know this place, Fenwick?

No?

You know this place?

[THEY SPEAK CANTONESE]

[CHATTER IN CANTONESE]

Hey, please!

Can you come back?

Hello.

What do you want? - I'm looking for one of your customers.

There's no customers.

Sorry, please. Just...

Who are you looking for?

Kei Shinohara.

You have no right to be here.

And you will never talk about this place.

Open the door.

[CHATTER IN CANTONESE]

843 [CHATTER IN CANTONESE]

So you got out?

At your invitation.

And you came to be polite?

Or to flee the hotel, like you.

Surprised they let you in.

I gave your name.

Take a seat.

M goi.

[SHE SPEAKS CANTONESE]

Why is that club underground?

Mahjong isn't illegal.

It's for cheaters.

Card counters.

That place is all they have left.

What about you?

Me?

I go for the atmosphere.

Everyone's playing with an eye on the person next to them.

That's what I like about it.

I never saw you so alive.

But I can't tell if you go there to win or...

to burn it all.

Or just for the thrill.

When was the last time you had sex?

Two...

maybe three years ago.

I can't remember.

You're...

impotent?

I've run out of desire.

I don't eat.

I don't sleep.

I build dams knowing full well that the ocean will end up winning.

So now it's your turn to talk about sadness.

Yeah, I guess it is.

You start early tomorrow?

No?

No.

Good evening, committee members.

As planned, I'm sending you my report on the Rosefield Palace

and the vision of Margot Parson.

Staff management, optimal.

Rating: Green.

Resource management, optimal.

Rating: Green.

Guest management, optimal.

Rating: Green.

Crisis management, optimal.

Rating: Green.

Margot Parson's overall management and competence, optimal.

Rating: Green.

You're getting yourself fired.

Yes.

You're leaving everything?

On a whim?

Does that surprise you?

Yeah.

Do you know what you'll do next?

Does that scare you?

It terrifies me.

What are you doing?

Celebration. - [SHE SPEAKS CANTONESE]

M goi.

Be careful, it's strong.

Don't drink it too fast.

When do you leave?

In a few hours.

Until then, I have nothing planned.

What do you do with your nights when you don't gamble?

I wander around.

I like the...

useless hours that I spend here.

Do you want me to show you?

Can I have your number?

Why? Are you gonna call me?

No.

You can keep them.

Come with me.

First time?

Yes.

# Big glory in the name of the dollar #

# Speak only in the name of the Father #

# The white man ain't tryin' to pay me proper #

# I'm tryin' to get a ring for my baby momma #

# Heal the world for my daughter, my son #

# Help grow the flowers #

# People never wanna say they don't care #

# Fake rage before the checks gettin' cleared #

# I ain't tryin' to live my life to compare #

# Just pay me for the love that I share #

# Yeah, yeah, yeah #

Can I ask you a question?

Yes.

When you were in my room...

what did you do?

I went in your bath

and I drank the water.

Drank the water?

Wow.

It tasted of you.

This is pretty.

What?

Not the bracelet.

This.

[MAN SPEAKS CANTONESE]

[HE CONTINUES IN CANTONESE]

[KEI SPEAKS CANTONESE]

[CONVERSATION CONTINUES IN CANTONESE]

Mm.

[CONVERSATION CONTINUES IN CANTONESE]

What are you talking about?

You.

He finds you very attractive.

He wants to sleep with you.

And he told you just like that?

Yeah.

What do you think?

That's your decision.

I won't go without you.

[HE SPEAKS CANTONESE]

Tell him to come closer.

[KEI SPEAKS CANTONESE]

[KEI SPEAKS CANTONESE]

Tell him to take off my underwear.

[KEI SPEAKS CANTONESE]

Tell him to lick upwards.

[KEI SPEAKS CANTONESE]

Do you like that?

Yes.

Tell him to...

lick my nipple.

[KEI SPEAKS CANTONESE]

And that?

Do you like that?

Yes.

Yes, I do.

It turns me on.

Tell him to put his hands between my thighs.

[KEI SPEAKS CANTONESE]

Do you want more?

Yes.

[HE SPEAKS CANTONESE]

Now.

Do you want it?

Yes, I want it.

[KEI SPEAKS CANTONESE]

Like that.

Yeah, just like that...

Like that...

Faster.