Original subtitles

Kung Siu-shan has gone too far!

We just finished a rush order! Now he's demanding a 3-day turnaround!

Unless he comes to terms with us, we're quitting!

Yes, let's quit!

Calm down first! Mr Lai knows you guys were overworked!

It's not going to work like that! He's negotiating with Mr Kung right now!

I hope they're really negotiating but not colluding with each other!

This low-paying job is working us to death! They don't know how hard it is for us!

Mr Lai never treated us like this before. It's all because of Kung Siu-shan.

Ever since he came, things have been so hectic here.

That brute just doesn't know how to run a cotton mill.

Who's Kung Siu-shan anyway?

Nothing but a thug! My father was beaten to death by his subordinates!

Say that again! I dare you! Who's the boss around here?

You don't want to hear it, but I must say it!

The workers are not machines! They need to rest!

We worked so hard to finish the rush order!

A 3-day turnaround all year round is just impossible!

It's impossible because they slack off! Just push them harder!

I don't care how you worked before! Now I'm the boss! I set the rules!

That's all!

What? Move! Move it! Go!

Mr Kung, we're people, not machines.

You demand a 3-day turnaround. You have to hire more workers.

Now we work day and night without rest. It's the same as a pay cut.

You should give us a raise.

Right! Or stick with a 5-day turnaround! We'll go on strike otherwise!

Right...

How dare you threaten me! You get paid for working here!

Just quit if you have a problem!

What?

Say one more word and I'll kick you out! Get to work!

Get to work! Don't just stand there! Get to work!

A bunch of crap! Get out of the way!

Go! Go!

That's giving us no choice!

They're bullying us, but what can we do?

Don't be afraid! It's time for us to come together!

We must not yield to their unreasonable demands!

Let's all stick together and we can fight for what we deserve!

Right! Don't let Kung Siu-shan take advantage of us!

Let's go on strike and fight against him!

Collect signatures! Set up a labour union!

Show the unscrupulous bosses we're not pushovers!

Support! Support! Support...

Fellow workers, please sign and join our union!

Once we set up a union, we'll be able to fight for our rights!

Fight for our rights!

Join our union! Join our union! Join our union!

What's going on at the cotton mill?

Those guys always slack off at work.

It takes them five days to finish three day's work,

but they still ask for a raise.

That guy named Mo Kwun-Chiu constantly stirs up trouble.

(Eight Points Guild)

Miss Siu-lau, are you alright? Are you hurt?

Take her to the hospital!

Mrs Kiu, I rushed over as soon as I heard the news.

Are you alright, Master Koo?

The doctor says Siu-lau can't work too hard due to wear and tear on her spine.

Otherwise it could get very serious.

It's important for her to stop practising and get some rest.

Rest? What about the performance next month?

I'm fine, Uncle Yiu-kwong. The doctor has exaggerated it.

We used to get hurt too and we'd resume practice the next day.

The doctor recommended that you stay two days at the hospital.

No, there's not much time left. I can't stay here.

I'll take a rest and continue tomorrow.

Don't be so stubborn.

The troupe and the schedule are all set. I can't get anyone in trouble.

If this doctor can't help me, I'll get another one.

Anyway, I'm going home tonight. I can't let this affect our progress.

Alright, I won't change the schedule then. Is that fine, Master Koo?

No worries, Uncle Yiu-kwong.

What are you thinking?

Senior, take a look at this man.

He appeared at all previous homicide crime scenes. Look.

Right, in all these axe murders, he was seen at the crime scene.

Just too much of a coincidence.

The killer used an axe. This man is definitely related to the Axe Gang.

That's a bit arbitrary.

You came up with the name Axe Gang. No one knows if this gang really exists.

Also, even the police have no clues. This all seems too easy.

I have no solid proof, but I'll keep investigating until I find the truth.

Good luck then. I'm working on another piece.

Ting-ting, good thing you're here.

There's a strike at a mill. It's quite serious. Go check it out.

Where is it?

Gat Li owned by your boyfriend's family.

Gat Li?

No negotiation... No compromise!

No negotiation... No compromise!

No negotiation... No compromise!

No negotiation... No compromise!

No negotiation... No compromise!

You're here already.

Yes. Chief knew I was working nearby. He asked me to come over.

The purpose of the strike is to stop...

Uncle Lai treats his workers well. Why are they on strike?

I have no idea.

We just want to fight for our rights!

Good!

No negotiation... No compromise!

No negotiation... No compromise!

Good!

Move! Get out of the way!

How dare you strike against me!

Listen! I'll beat up whoever that stirs up trouble!

That's our unscrupulous boss Kung Siu-shan!

He's going to beat people up again! Take pictures!

Don't you dare!

Brother Shan, there are many reporters.

Mr Kung, the workers say you're being mean to them!

Which newspaper do you work for? Be careful what you write!

I only asked them to work faster! Not only did they refuse to work,

they incited others to strike and occupy my mill!

You know what to write?

No, he's bullying us!

Say no more! Resume work tomorrow or you'll pay for your action!

No negotiation... No compromise!

No negotiation... No compromise!

How dare these people! Don't do anything in front of the crowd today!

Unless they stop tomorrow, it's time to teach them a lesson!

Yes, Brother Shan.

Fight till the end!

Fight till the end!

Brother Chiu, I can't read. Is this article about us?

In this China Daily News article, were called the Axe Gang,

and we get praised for punishing evil by killing those corrupt officials.

Let me see.

The Axe Gang? I like it. It's murderous. Kill all corrupt officials and traitors.

Brother Chiu, I don't think Kung Siu-shan will compromise easily.

It's time to take it to the next level.

Right, if the reporters weren't there, he would have taken action already.

Kung Siu-shan thinks we'll yield to violence. Not so easy.

If he won't stop bullying the workers, we must take action.

Nothing happened. Just a cat, Brother Chiu.

Ting-ting.

Siu-hong? Why are you here?

The workers are the Axe Gang?

Yes, I heard it with my own ears. They're responsible for the murders.

Now you know I didn't lie to you. I didn’t kill anyone.

I know, and I'm sorry. But how did you find that place?

Lee Kin-wan was related to Director Kwok. We want to know who killed him.

I was just informed of an unknown gang seen around the Shikumen area.

It's probably what you call the Axe Gang.

Yung and I went to check it out. Then we bumped into you.

Ting-ting, are you going to tell the police?

I want to, but those people have strict principles.

They only kill crooked businessmen and traitors. So I'll wait until next time...

Next time? It's too dangerous. Stop investigating this case.

Fine, but they work at your father's mill.

Their dispute with Kung Siu-shan ended in a deadlock today.

At this rate, something is going to happen.

Don't worry, my dad is asking Mr Kiu's opinion on the cotton mill.

Mr Kiu will handle it.

Listen. Stop prying into the Axe Gang. I'm worried about you.

OK.

(No negotiation, no compromise)

Time's up! Mr Kung said stop occupying the mill!

Resume work immediately or we'll show no mercy!

Show no mercy? Ask Kung Siu-shan to talk to us!

You want to talk, huh?

Stop, everyone! Stop!

If you don't stop, you're messing with me!

Uncle Hon! Uncle Hon!

Uncle Hon!

Uncle Hon! Are you alright, Uncle Hon?

It's not looking good!

Put him in the car and take him to the hospital!

Mr Lai.

Mr Kiu.

Go ahead, I'll handle this.

So you're Mo Kwun-Chiu?

Yes.

I know you have strong backing.

You guys just want to fight for justice. Is it necessary to use force?

We never wanted to, but the bosses refuse to accept a peace settlement.

You insist on a fight.

We have nothing to lose anyway. We'll go all out and fight back.

There are different ways to settle a matter.

Give me some time. I'll give you a satisfactory answer.

Did he sleep well last night?

Kung Siu-shan hurt many of our men! We must teach him a lesson!

Let's keep calm and wait. I promised Kiu Ngo-tin to give him some time.

So we'll just let the Mad Dog run wild?

We must do something. If the dog won't behave, give it a warning.

What happened?

Mom and Dad, what happened?

Wong-choi?

Destiny of the Mad Dog?

Dad, how could we not know someone was in the house?

This time they killed our dog. Will I be the next target?

Shan, whom did you offend?

Why would you get involved in gang fights running a legal business?

This isn't a gang fight.

That's an axe! Does it have anything to do the Axe Gang?

I heard they're very brutal! They cut people's heads off!

The Axe Gang? I read in the newspaper they're a band of outlaws!

What should we do?

Stay home. Don't go anywhere.

I'll ask Chung to bring some men here to protect you two.

Hello?

Tin?

It would have been fine if those flunkies hadn't messed with me!

Now someone is stepping on my head and hiding in the dark!

If I know who he is, I'll chop his head off with an axe!

Stop wasting your time. I've found out. The workers on strike are the Axe Gang.

So it's Mo Kwun-Chiu? How dare he! He has no idea who he's messing with!

I'll make him Pay!

Wait! Give me some time to sort it all out! You don't know who he is!

He can easily break into your house! There's something about this guy!

Who am I? I'm not afraid of him!

I know you're not afraid, but things are different now!

Were porcelain and he's earthenware! Why risk getting hurt?

You have a better idea? I should just act like nothing happened?

I'll kill him before he can do anything!

You can kill Mo Kwun-Chiu, but do you know how many people are backing him up?

Those people are assassins!

You don't care about yourself, but what about your wife?

You don't want her to hide forever, do you?

I've thought about it. The cotton mill is the root cause of conflicts.

I'll pay double for your shares

and tell people you quit because you're not interested. How's that?

If I do what you tell me, it'll make me look bad!

No! I'll pay double for your shares and tell everyone you withdrew!

It won't make you look bad!

Think about it.

Fine! For my family's sake, I quit!

But this isn't the end! I must teach Mo Kwun-Chiu a lesson!

Also, if Kit won't shut up, I'll castrate him!

So, Mr Kiu, do you have a decision yet?

How's Uncle Hon?

He just woke up.

The doctor said it's not critical,

but it'll take some time to recover.

Tell him not to worry. I'll compensate him and pay his medical bills. No worries.

Let me thank you on behalf of his family.

Do you have an answer for the cotton mill yet?

I'm a reasonable businessman. If you had come to me,

there wouldn't have been a fight and Uncle Hon would have been fine.

If you're upset, I have nothing to say,

but I don't regret standing up for the workers.

I know who you are. Do whatever you want to do.

I'm not afraid of you. I won't give up until I get what I want.

I won't give up until I get what I want.

Young man, there are many ways to get what you want,

and there are many other people fiercer than you.

You may get the opposite results using the wrong method.

Thank you, I understand.

Go ahead and tell the workers Mr Kung has withdrawn.

Mr Lai will take it from here.

I'll fulfil your demand as long as it's reasonable.

No amount of gold and silver is comparable to a favour granted.

Do me a favour and stop the strike.

Mr Kiu, you're a man of your word. I trust you.

I'll tell them to resume work immediately.

Good. I admire your loyalty and courage. You're a worthy friend.

You flatter me.

You're the boss and I'm just a worker. How can we befriends?

You don't have to know words, but you must know people.

I'm not very fond of your enemies either. Good job.

I don't understand what you mean.

Lee Kin-wan was a traitor. He deserved to die.

I've heard about the things you do.

You're a gang leader with a strong sense of morality.

I think that's admirable, but people with different beliefs can’t work together.

See you later. Goodbye.

Uncle Yiu-kwong. Uncle Yiu-kwong.

Mr and Mrs Kiu, you came to visit us?

Choi, get some chairs. Yes.

Uncle Po, serve tea. Yes.

Sit down, Mr and Mrs Kiu. Thank you.

I've brought desserts. Ask them to have some when they're done.

Thank you, Mrs Kiu.

How's progress?

Very good.

You came.

Yes. How's your practice going?

You look pale. Are you sick?

I'm just a bit tired.

Take a break then. Right.

No, it's OK. Take your time. I'll get back to work.

Miss Siu-lau!

Are you alright, Master Koo?

Miss Siu-lau.

Take a rest, Master Koo.

Uncle Yiu-kwong, what did you give Master Koo?

Nothing.

Be honest with me. What did you give her?

Honey, Siu-lau is not here. We shouldn't come into her room.

Open it.

No, I'll ask her when she's back.

Let me help you!

Nothing.

See? What was she thinking?

What are these?

These are red pills! You can die from an overdose!

I see. She still needed painkillers a few days ago, but she suddenly recovered.

So she's been taking these?

I need to talk to her.

Honey, I'll do it.

Where is she?

I don't know, but let me talk to her. It's better because I'm a woman.

Don't forget then.

Leave it with me.

How are you?

Kiu Ngo-tin, you kidnapped us in Tianjin and locked us up!

What do you want? When will you let us go?

Shut up! If you don't stop talking, I'll cut his head off!

No, don't kill me! I'm innocent! She asked me to run away with her!

What? You're not a man!

Shut up!

Even a woman is braver than you! You worthless piece of crap!

She seduced me! Don't kill me, Brother Tin!

What do you have to say?

You think I wanted to cheat?

If Chak Kam-tong hadn't intimidated me into sleeping with him,

I wouldn't have been stuck with him!

I thought you were a real man, but you're just a rascal bullying a woman!

Go ahead and kill me! There's no way I'll beg you!

You've got some guts.

Yung, take him to the lotus pond outside.

No, Brother Tin! Don't kill me! Don't kill me!

I'll give you a chance to say it again.

I'd rather die than go back with you!

Kiu Ngo-tin, you'll die a tragic death for killing innocent people!

Take the money under one condition. Don't come back to Shanghai again.

Piu, take her to the train station now.

Yes, Brother Tin.

Brother Tin, I let him go. He wet his pants.

Now that Yee-hung has left, Boss must be very sad. How is he?

Those guys told me Boss always goes to the bar alone.

Also, he seems to be short of cash. He's selling Paramount.

Share this with everyone.

Thanks, Brother Tin.

I got the money back from Yee-hung. She took half of it.

Where is she now?

She left.

Why did you let her go?

That woman won't do you any good.

I know you're selling Paramount.

Paramount means a lot to you and Miss Kwai-seng.

If you're having some trouble, just let me know.

What? I'm your boss! I don't need your advice!

Paramount is mine! I do whatever I want! Mind your own business!

About Yee-hung, I'll deal with you later.

Brother Tin, what do you have to do with Yee-hung anyway?

When a man has nothing left, he starts to talk nonsense.

Keep an eye on him. See if he needs any help.

Yes, Brother Tin.

You've found a buyer already?

Yes, the buyer approached me after he heard you're selling Paramount.

It's a good offer.

Who's that buyer?

His name is Chiu, a rice trader in Wuxi. He seems trustworthy.

I want to sell it fast. Meet with him and settle on a price.

Sure, but please think twice, Boss.

You and Miss Kwai-seng built Paramount together.

You really want to sell it?

Shut up! Just get it done!

All right then, excuse me.

Boss, we're lucky to have found a buyer.

Paramount is doing poorly. Why would anyone want to buy it?

Have someone follow Chin and find out who the buyer is.

Yes, Boss.

Miss Kwai-seng.

How did it go?

Boss agreed, but the price is not finalised yet.

I never thought this would happen to him.

After you left, no one was able to help Boss.

Even Chuk Yee-hung has left.

He used to have everything, but now he's down and out.

He has aged a lot.

Miss Kwai-seng, you two have been together for many years.

Please stay and get back with him.

He asked for this. Has he ever treated me like his wife?

We cut all ties a long time ago. I don't care if he dies.

Paramount took me a lifetime of work. I can't hand it over to anyone.

That's the only reason why I'm back to Shanghai.

Miss Kwai-seng...

Say no more. You can't change my mind.

All right then, I'll find you a suitable substitute

to work out a deal for you.

Be careful. You must not let your boss know I'm behind this.

And don't reveal my whereabouts.

Yes.

Boss, Chin was greeted by Ho-fa!

Why wouldn't you let me see Kwai-seng? Do you still consider me your boss?

I would have let you see her if you hadn't brought so many people and weapons!

I want to kill her, but so what?

Just like Yea-hung, she brought nothing but trouble!

How can you compare Miss Kwai-seng with Yee-hung?

Did Yee-hung do anything good while she was with you?

If it weren't for Miss Kwai-seng, you wouldn't have become a tycoon so easily!

Learned everything with my own hands! That woman didn't do anything!

You can fool the whole world but not yourself!

If Miss Kwai-seng hadn't saved your life, you would have died already!

You owe her a life! Now you want to kill her for money?

You ungrateful betrayer! I'm your boss! Why are you speaking for her?

You can’t stop me forever! I swear I'll get everything back from her!

Boss.

Boss.

Brother Tin.

I'm doomed! Boss is going to kill me!

Don't worry, he won't bother killing a man!

Tell Miss Kwai-seng I want to see her.

Miss Kwai-seng left when she heard you were coming.

She said she wouldn't see anyone so stop looking for her.

Stop it! If you're in pain, just stop practising!

Why are you taking this thing?

I won't feel pain after taking it!

Then I can resume practice and give my best performance!

Give your best performance?

Do you know what this is? Poison! You can become addicted! You know that?

Trust me, I won't!

I promise this is the only time! I'll stop after the performance! Trust me!

No! Give it to me!

Don't take it! You hear me?

I've met many people, but none is stubborn like you.

Give me a reason, a good one. I can even give you a whole box. Say it.

I know you two are worried about me, but I can't quit.

It's been many years. People are looking forward to my performance

I've made up my mind, and I'm going to give my best shot!

You have invested a lot of money! Ticket have sold out!

How can I quit? What am I supposed to tell people?

Trust me, I know what I'm doing! I won't become addicted!

This is the only time! I won't take it again after the performance!

Fine.

People are looking forward to your performance, right?

Ticket have sold out, right?

You won't become addicted or die, right?

It's simple. Just don't do it. Cancel it. Forget this whole thing! Forget it!

Honey!

Say no more! I've made up my mind! Cancel it!

(Yangtze Theatre)

I said forget it. What are we doing here?

Sit down first.

Why?

Sit down and you'll know why.

What's this about?

Mr Kiu, Yuet-lan, I know you two cancelled the show for my own good.

The reason why I insisted was because I really wanted to deliver a great show.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to do it.

The only thing I can do now is perform for the two of you.

I hate that I've let you down, especially you, Mr Kiu.

I know you always wanted to watch my performance.

So I'm going to perform for you right now. Forgive me if I'm not good enough.

(Hear the sound of the golden drums...)

You're Siu-lau? I'm Tin.

Bravo! Bravo!