Episode 3
First Aired 2024.3.21 (2024.3.22 on CCTV8)
Summary:
Timed Rundown:
1:34 STN's office, night. STN takes out gun and slams it on desk.
STN: You're suspected of stealing government secrets. Are you going to turn yourself in to the Investigation and Arrest Unit, or do you want me to take you there?
1:58 after some mutual staring, STN has thought better of his threat.
STN: Tell me then. How did you predict it?
2:00 WRL explains. Mentions Yintong Bank, Dahua Bank.
2:33 WRL: Kunpeng flies high in the sky and then considers flying southward.
2:37 STN: Then how did you know my real intention?
WRL: If I want to improve the strength of the Central Bank, I would do the same thing.
3:15 STN: Are you really just an evening student?
WRL: Isn't it... obvious?
(pause)
WRL: No, I mean, your plan is very clever and profound. It's well hidden.
STN: No need to flatter me.
3:35 WRL: I still want to work at the Central Bank.
STN: Impossible. I already told you the reason.
WRL: I can sign a confidentiality agreement. If any information is leaked, you can kill me yourself.
STN: I work in Central Bank to fight a war. But you want to work in Central bank to support your family. Although you are very capable, you lack faith. I don't think you can handle the pressure.
WRL: Sir, I think you have misunderstood me. You wanted to recommend me to the Bank of Communications before. I refused. Because I know I can't make a lot of money with you, but I might be able to do something big with you. You asked me before whether this is a prosperous time or a troubled time. I didn't dare to answer. Actually, it's already a troubled time. The trouble is not on the battlefield, but in Nanjing and Shanghai. The trouble was at today's dinner party. The big shots drank wine and had fun. They exploited civilians to benefit themselves. So, since I knew your plan, I've been glad. I think I can have a chance to change the greedy and evil financial industry with you. Unfortunately...
4:23 STN: Central Bank can't hire you because you broke a taboo.
4:33 WRL: Sorry that I have disturbed you. (Bows. Walks towards the door.)
STN: Wait. (gets up from desk. Approaches WRL, hands in trouser pockets.)
4:52 STN: I still need a personal assistant. Report to Secretary Huang next Monday.
4:59 WRL: Thank you sir!!!
STN: That's enough. Stop bowing. I don't want to be mourned by you.
STN: You told me about serving the country. It sounded a bit empty. But now, I hope these words can become your belief and motivation. You should know many Chinese people are still eating tree bark and grass roots. Even in Shanghai, there are hundreds of thousands of people living in slums. I hope you won't forget your original intention.
5:24 WRL: I won't.
STNL Now, repeat your original intention.
WRL: Serving the country.
STN: Say it again.
WRL: Serving the country.
STN: Carve these words into your bones and let them flow in your blood. If you let me down, I will kick you out myself.
5:46 WRL: Sir, well, can you write me a confirmation letter? I'll give it to Secretary Huang...
STN: Are you worried that I'll break my promise?
WRL: No, no, no.
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6:10 SJZ listening outside
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6:20 STN marks the letter with a seal.
6:42 STN: Let me take you to meet some important people.
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6:44 upstairs hallway, outside STN's study. SJZ, STN, WRL brief three way conversation. SJZ cautions STN bout hiring WRL. STN sends her off. Then STN questions WRL about how he knows SJZ.
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7:59 STN and WRL coming downstairs into the ballroom.
8:10 SJZ watches from the stairs
8:14 STN introduces WRL to Chief Deng (Huang Congyun looks on disdainfully.) Drinks.
9:26 STN introduces WRL to Zhang Mingquan and Yu Shiqing. (Huang Congyun watches. SJZ watches)
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9:51 STN ushers WRL into withdrawing room and introduces WRL to
STN: "Kang Shaojie, the chief of the Military Law Department of the Shanghai Garrison Command."
10:22 Kang Shaojie enquires about WRL's background, and makes the communism connection.
11:00 WRL: It's normal that you suspect me. But I amindeed not a member of the Communist Party. ... You can investigate me. You can even ask someone to follow me 24/7.
11:33 Drinks. (WRL skulls glass of scotch.) STN sends WRL out.
12:00 STN and Kang Shaojie talk about WRL.
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12:22 external shot of mansion
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12:25 in the ballroom. Music. dancing. WRL eats and drinks, and eats and drinks.
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12:58 Qibao st. WRL stumbling home (drunk as a skunk, happy as a lark.)
13:41 A-Wen spots him, and grabs him, as he looks about to fall. WRL gives A-Wen some snacks and tells him about the Shen mansion.
14: 40 WRL: ah! His house is very big. It has European style spiral staircases and crystal chandeliers embedded with diamonds. Diamonds! Even his servants wear the best leather shoes.
15:23 WRL shows A-Wen the letter and reads it to him.
15:35-15:57 Confirmation Letter
Mr Wei Ruolai
you have been hired as my assistant
The confirmation letter has been delivered.
Please come to Central Bank to go through procedures tomorrow.
Shen Tunan.
15:57 Noisy exclaiming and happy drunken celebration between A-Wen and WRL.
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16:43 WRL writes a letter home (transcription of the letter? Anyone? Pls?)
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17:05 next morning, celebratory fireworks in Qibao St as WRL comes downstairs, Aunt Zhou and A-Wen talking WRL up, somewhat kept in check by WRL.
18:53 Chessmaster: Ruolai, after you go to work in the bank you can learn skills slowly. Remember, don't be greedy. Also you should control your desire. In the financial industry it's not about who can make the most money or who can make money faster. It's about who can live longer. You win by not losing. You guys don't understand what I mean. You will understand gradually.
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19:38 WRL rushing to work. WRL LOOK 1 V/O starts up of Huang Congyun giving tour of bank, before visuals cut to
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19:54 Inside the bank, large group of trainees (including WRL), Huang Congyun speaking.
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20:05 Flash back to WRL arriving at The Central Bank. Huang Congyun V/O continues.
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21:17 Inside the bank, large group of trainees (including WRL), Huang Congyun speaking. Introduces Business Office, the safe management office.
21:09 Case full of gold bars is opened, the trainees all "oooh"
21:20 Huang Congyun: Since you are going to work in a bank, you should learn to control your desire for money. You'll see more in the future.
21:31 tour continues. Huang Congyun finishes up then dismisses the trainees.
21:57 WRL asks Huang Congyun where Mr Shen's office is. After some posturing he takes WRL upstairs to the Economic Research Department, where STN works.
22:24 Huang Congyun: Where do you live?
WRL: I live on Qibao Street.
Huang Congyun: You'd better rent a house nearby. Considering your salary, you should be able to afford it.
22:45 WRL: No. I am used to living there. I don't plan to change it.
Huang Congyun: Fine. But when others ask you, you'd better not tell them you live on Qibao Street.
WRL: Why not?
Huang Congyun: Think about it yourself.
23:08: WRL and Huang Congyun arrive at STN's door. Secretary Huang goes to knock, but hesitatates bc STN can be heard speaking on the phone to Mr Song.
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23:10 Inside the office, STN in shirtsleeves (New Look! white shirt, cuff links. Wide bronze tie with widely spaced pairs of horizontal stripes, the main one silver and the second narrow and white. He is also wearing a waistcoat with a bluey grey woolen front (small pocket on left side of chest), and a satin back, and matching suit trousers. He has a wedding band and a wide faced wrist watch with a brown leather band., and his hair slicked back )
STN: We should punish people like Gao Feng seriously. I don't think it's too much even if he is executed by shooting.
Mr Song: We should take into consideration whose man he is. After all, we still need to show some consideration to Kong Yongzhi. I think we have managed to make an example of him. In the future, the voice of those who object to the reform in the industry will be lower and lower. Do whatever you want with Imperial Bank of China.
STN: OK.
23:34 Huang Congyun knocks. STN calls, and HCY and WRL enter office.
WRL: Mr Shen.
STN: You have joined the company. It's your first day of work, you should cheer up.
WRL: Okay.
STN: During your work time, apart from the tasks I directly assign to you, you should listento Congyun.
WRL (to Huang Congyun): Thank you.
STN: Congyun, keep an eye on him. He has a lot of shortcomings.
HCY: Don't worry, Sir. I will discipline him.
STN: Ruolai, I specially recruited you. So I have to remind you, Central Bank is not a place where ordinary people can be admitted. In the future, you must try your best to stand out in the daily examinations and regular assessments. Don't embarrass me.
WRL: Got it.
STN: Congyun get the car ready. Come with me to meet Imperial Bank of China's major shareholders. It's almost time.
HCY: Yes sir.
STN: Ruolai, get prepared too. It's time to end the battle with Imperial Bank of China. Go to the stock exchange with me this afternoon.
WRL: Yes, sir.
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24:58 Yu Shiqing's rooms. Zhang Mingquan begs with Yu Shiqing to save him and Imperial Bank of China. He agrees to do so.
25:56 Yu Shiqing: I must let him and Nanjing know, Huangpu River [in Shanghai] is not Qinhuai River [in Nanjing].
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25:59 STN speaking to a group of men in suits sitting around a table (including Huang Congyun.) (New look? He's now wearing a suit jacket, blue/grey with a subtle stripe, double breasted, with a pocket square.)
STN: I invited you guys here today to let you know after Imperial Bank of China is acquired by Central Bank you can still gain the same benefits as those you gained in Imperial Bank of China.
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26:47 Huang Congyun and STN walking from banquet room, discussing the takeover.
27:12 STN: Congyun. When you have time, go to Lixin Accounting Institute and visit Wei Ruolai's former teachers and classmates to find out his background. Investigate his family background and political orientation. And go to the library to get me his borrowing history,
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27:35 police on rooftops, in corridors, etc protecting their communist turncoat, Gu Lun.
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28:03 SJZ putting on her disguise.
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28:29 SJZ enters lift as cleaning lady NEW LOOK
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28:35 flashback to SJZ continuing disguising herself
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28:44 flashforward to cleaninglady SJZ
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28:49 flashback to SJZ continuing to disguise herself
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28:58 flashforward to cleaninglady SJZ, passing room 506
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29:11 flashback to SJZ reading message about target's whereabouts
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29:13 Gu Lun scared and yelling. police escort cracks down
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29:48 Cpt Lin and Biao pull up outside in their car.
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30:00 Cleaninglady!SJZ pulls out her gun, enters the room calmly and shoots the first guard.
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30:12 Sniper on the roof takes a shot at her. Cpt Lin and Biao hear the gunfire and start running
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30:18 Cleaninglady!SJZ takes out Gu Lun
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30:22 Sniper tries again
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30:23 misses. SJZ finishes off guards inside and out of the room, calmly walks away.
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30:30 in the panic of the hotel, Cpt Lin and Biaoze still fighting their way to the scene.
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30:37 roor 402 opens and SJZ walks out calmly in NEW LOOK: red double breasted overcoat over white blouse and brooch, large black hat with black satin ribbon tied in a bow, fur stole, black gloves with pearl buttons, small black handbag with metal ("rabbit ear") clasp on chain, pearl earrings, lipstick, panty hose, black pumps. Once she is outside she also has small, gold rimmed, round, very dark glasses to complete the look.
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30:46 SJZ walks calmly out the main entrance of the hotel and hails a rickshaw while all around her people are screaming and running.
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31:01 SJZ gets out of rickshaw and calmly gets into a waiting car.
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31:37 Captain Lin at the scene, examining the dead bodies. Finds the bottles beside the guards outside, finds the abandoned cleaner's cart.
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32:59 flashback to the guards drinking and falling down
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33:16 Cpt Lin picking up clues,
33:42 Biao: Our sniper said the killer should be a woman. SHe disguised herself as a cleaner and sneaked in.
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33:50 Flashback to Captain Lin finding the abandoned black leather clothes in episode 1.
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33:56 Captain Lin is angry the woman agent has gotten away again.
34:09 Biao: Gu Lun is dead. What should we tell Mr Kang?
34:24 Captin Lin sends Biao to interrogate Li Shengda
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34:31 Shanghai Stock exchange. STN is reading thoughtfully. WRL pours him some water.
35:02 STN: Are you nervous?
WRL: No, sir.
STN: No? I don't think you were so cautious
Dramatis Personae
Shen Tunan
Shen Jinzhen
Deng Ze
Zhang Mingquan
Yu Shiqing
Kang Shaojie
Wen Yutian
Aunt Zhou
Mr Song
*Gu Lun
Captain Lin
Wen Biao