Miss S (2020–…): Season 1, Episode 3 - The Missing Woman Part 1 - full transcript

The Missing Woman

May Father bless you with food.

Amen.

Let's begin.

Matron Rong

Wait.

You think you're getting food for free?

I handed something in.

What is this?

Tell me, what is this?

I give you three meals a day.



But you bring these worthless things

to try and fool me?

Worthless brat. You worthless brat!

How dare you fight back!

Get lost!

No food for her tonight!

OK.

- Suyun! -Go after her!

Bring her back!

Shanghai Station

Shanghai to Nanjing

"You must pray at Jiming Temple in Nanjing."

My mother told me that before I came back.

She's a Buddhist too?



This is great.

I've always dreamt of visiting Jiming Temple.

Have you not been to Nanjing before?

No.

Have you had Xiao Jinling salted duck before?

- No. -Crab soup dumplings?

I must let you try it.

But Buddhists shouldn't eat these dishes.

Surely Buddha isn't so unkind

as to deny you these delicacies.

Two first-class cabin tickets to Nanjing.

Suyun... Suyun!

You brat!

Wait for me. I'll buy the tickets.

Mother, I've bought them in advance

from a travel agency.

You're actually got things done right for once.

If only you were good with money

then I won't need to worry so much.

By the way, Miss Su

we still have a suitcase of yours in the car.

Where should I send it?

I forgot to tell you.

I'll be staying in Shanghai for good.

My new house is ready.

If you are free later

maybe you can go check it out

and send my luggage over?

Sure. You can count on us.

I hired a butler called Uncle Xiang.

I've already told him you'd be there.

You can head straight over.

I've bought a new Mercedes Benz.

Help me check if it's OK.

Miss, you bought a car and house

as soon as you got back to Shanghai?

You might attract the wrong kind of attention

and end up the target of crooks.

Crooks?

Great, I was worried there weren't any.

I'd love to get their attention.

Have a safe trip, Aunt.

Send me a telegram when you get there.

- Don't worry. -By the way, Aunt.

I got you a fruit cake from Kaisiling.

Something for you to eat during the trip.

My beloved nephew is the best.

Senran, you're always so thoughtful.

More so than my own daughter.

I was right to dote on you.

Remember to inform me

once you know your return date

so I can pick you up.

OK.

You will miss me, won't you?

Of course.

It's so spacious.

Come in, Taozi.

- Thank you. -Thank you, beautiful lady.

I wish you a pleasant journey.

- OK. -Thank you.

Have a seat.

Miss Su, this is my first train ride.

I'm kind of nervous.

There's nothing to be nervous about.

Get used to the rocking of the train

and we'll be there before you know it.

I heard that trains can't make turns.

What will it do at intersections?

It'll just turn somehow.

Look.

There's nothing more poignant

than bidding farewells.

Hello, gentlemen.

- Hello. -Mr Song. Mr Tan.

Yes. Is this Miss Su's house?

Yes.

Gentlemen, this way please.

Is this a palace?

No, it's not. This is Miss Su's abode.

Here you go, gentlemen.

- Nice. -Is this Miss Su's new car?

No, it's not. This is...

your car.

- Our car? -Our car?

Yes. Miss Su said you did the right thing

rescuing Li Qiaomei.

Good deeds must be rewarded.

This car is yours now.

- It's ours! -Awesome!

- Bravo! -Is this true?

But, Uncle Xiang, why is Miss Su

so generous and so rich?

I don't know. I'm just the butler.

Miss Su has a heart of gold.

Try out the new car.

Thank you, Uncle Xiang.

Thank you, Miss Su.

- Let's go! -Coming.

Taozi, why are you standing there? Join me.

A servant can't eat with her mistress.

You're my employee, not my servant.

Come sit down.

Sit.

Here, your chopsticks.

- Thank you. -Go on.

Mother, you're asking for too much.

Your late father and I

are smart and quick-thinking people.

How did we end up with a dumb girl like you?

He could take you to a ditch

and you'd think you're at Suzhou Creek.

Haoyu treats me very well.

How so?

Your cousin, Tu Senran

gave me a Kaisiling cake

to eat during the ride.

And what did Dong Haoyu give you?

A bouquet of flowers.

What use is a bunch of silly flowers?

Mother, stop picking on him.

He looks smart but he has no brains.

He'll never amount to anything.

Maomao, stop running around!

- Whose child is this? -Stop running.

I'm so sorry. Madam, I'm really sorry.

Mr Hong?

It's you.

Mrs Tang.

It's been a while, Mr Hong.

If I had known you were on this train

I'd have taken the next one.

- Mother... -If I had known

we'd run into this unruly brat

I would've cancelled my trip!

You have the cheek to bring up my child

and his mother? If it weren't for you

my wife and I would be with him on this train!

- Mind your words, Mr Hong! -Mother...

I have nothing to do with your wife's death!

If every patient could be cured

there'd be no need for crematoriums.

- You! -That's enough.

Mr Hong, let it go. Don't get so worked up.

Sooner or later, you'll get your retribution.

That's absurd!

What are you staring at?

Add water! Time to add water.

Miss? Miss?

Miss, wake up.

Wake up...

Come help me, Taozi. Let's help her up.

Are you all right, miss?

Wake up. What happened?

Here. Let's get you...

Come on.

Are you all right?

Where's my mother?

- Your mother? -Where is she?

You mean she was here with you?

My mother is missing.

Quick. Ring the alarm.

What's going on?

Please wait. I'll explain it to you later.

Everyone, please quiet down.

We've had a small accident

so we might need to spend the night here

but there's no need to panic.

Officer, I'm great at finding missing people.

If you need help, let me know.

There's no need to get you womenfolk involved.

We've started a thorough search

for Mrs Tang's whereabouts.

I'm afraid that won't be enough.

Why do you say so?

Why don't you speak with Inspector Luo Qiuheng

of the Central Police Station?

He'll recommend that you get my help.

Su Wenli, Miss S Detective Agency

I can do that

but before I get a definitive answer

stay out of this.

The situation is chaotic enough as it is.

Noted.

Wait.

You might want to check with

that man with a child.

He knows the missing Mrs Tang.

He was hurling threats at her earlier today.

We should do an even more thorough search.

- Miss, I'll go now. -I think it must be...

M-Miss Taozi?

Officer Shen.

What brings you here?

I'm travelling with Miss Su

to pray in Nanjing. I'm her servant now.

Well, she calls me her employee.

That's great..

Great to see you here, Officer Shen.

Tell Inspector Luo I'm looking for him.

Inspector Luo isn't here.

He isn't? Why not?

Is it because nobody's dead?

No...

Inspector Luo got a call

from the train conductor.

And he told me to tell you this.

"Stay in your cabin. Don't wander about."

"Don't interfere with police work."

"And don't..."

Don't use his name

to make unreasonable demands.

That's what he said.

What a heartless man.

Did you think I want to get involved?

I just happened to be on this train

and the missing woman was in the adjacent cabin.

I understand, Miss Su.

Pardon me. Please move aside.

Officer Shen, this is the crime scene.

We've searched the whole carriage

but there's no sight of Mrs Tang.

Miss Su, our inspector already said

you should stay in your cabin.

My cabin is too stuffy.

I need to come out for some air.

And this cabin is any less stuffy?

Stop obsessing over where I should be

We should be looking for Mrs Tang.

We've launched a thorough search.

But you haven't found a thing.

- Well, not yet, but... -Listen.

When we were at Kunshan Station

I saw Mrs Tang in the restaurant car.

She disappeared at the next station.

Where was that?

There weren't any other stations.

I'm certain there was.

Let's see. Here's Kunshan Station.

Next station. Where is this place?

Nanjing.

Impossible. We haven't reached Nanjing.

Where is this? There must be one more stop

before that. Think carefully.

I heard someone say "add water".

We were at the water station for five minutes.

It was a water station. Not a train station.

Officer, many things can happen

in the span of five minutes.

- Did you stop for five minutes? -Yes.

What is this?

It's a piece of fabric stuck to the windowsill.

Gold pattern on a green background.

That's the same pattern as Mrs Tang's dress.

Mrs Tang must have left the train from here.

Why are you still standing here?

Hurry up and search for Mrs Tang.

We'll do it. But leave this with us.

Come here now.

Search along the railway line in pairs.

Inform the rest.

- Hurry... -Come on...

Careful, Miss Su. The road is uneven.

I take cod liver oil every day.

I have great night vision.

Officer Shen, over here!

What's going on up there?

Just a minute.

Notify Inspector Luo.

- Yes, sir! -Yes, sir!

Inspector, we've cordoned off the area.

Make them stay in their carriages.

Noted.

Miss Su discovered the body with you?

That's right.

She found some fabric stuck to the windowsill

that belonged to the deceased.

We also found a handkerchief

soaked with chloroform.

The deceased must have alighted

near the water station.

So we searched along the tracks

and found Mrs Tang's body at the water tower.

Good evening, Inspector Luo.

You always show up when someone's dead.

How nice.

I feel the same, Miss Su.

Whenever I see you, I know someone's dead.

Officer Shen, you're not doing your job.

How could you let this incident

disrupt Miss Su's rest?

No... this is absolutely fine with me.

The police are handling the case now.

You've been told the rules many times.

All unauthorised personnel must stay away.

You should return to your cabin and rest.

All right.

There are visible marks around the neck.

The bruises are concentrated there.

That's because

there was no jewellery to shield the neck.

The bruising pattern would look very different

if she were wearing jewellery.

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. Please leave.

Wait.

Was she wearing jewellery?

If I were you, I'd be looking for

a diamond necklace studded with sapphires

earrings, bracelets and whatnot.

And a jade ring too.

Miss Su, please stay.

Could you describe in detail

the victim's lost belongings?

Xiao'an, jot it down

and verify it with Miss Tang.

Search the entire train.

Noted.

My pleasure.

Why are you staring at me?

Dazzled by my beauty?

This is the window.

It seemed to be stuck.

Or maybe I'm just not strong enough.

Let me have a look.

It's working now...

Mr Hong, you're so strong.

It's nothing.

It feels so stuffy in here

after what happened to Mrs Tang.

It's really suffocating.

Have they found Mrs Tang?

They did. She was murdered.

Murdered?

Shocking, isn't it?

Well, someone had died after all.

And it's someone you know.

Yes. I know her.

But to be honest

I don't feel sad about her death at all.

- Mr Hong Xiaochen. -That's me.

I'm Inspector Luo Qiuheng

from Central Police Station.

Were you not told that

you can't leave your cabin

before the investigation has concluded?

- I... -I asked for Mr Hong's help.

To help me open the window.

Since it's open now

I have a few questions for Mr Hong

if that's all right with you.

It's part of my job.

Sure, please carry on.

I'll go out for a breather.

Thank you.

Why are you going to Nanjing with your son?

To attend the Confucius Temple Fair.

Do you like visiting temple fairs?

I'm not interested in them

but I want Maomao to see more of the world.

I won a pair of first-class train tickets.

I won them in a department store contest.

Why didn't I know of such a contest?

I'd like to win a prize too. Oh my...

- Goodbye, Miss Su. -Fine, I'm leaving.

Ask him about his quarrel with Mrs Tang

in the restaurant car.

May I come in, Miss Tang?

Miss Tang, pardon me for being nosy

but were you going to the Confucius Temple Fair?

Yes.

There are many new programmes

being introduced this year

and I wanted to take my mother on a trip.

Did you buy your tickets at the station?

I booked the tickets and our hotel stay

via East Asia Travel Agency.

Oh my.

Fancy bumping into someone

with a grudge against you on your holiday trip.

Are you referring to Hong Xiaochen?

There is some unhappiness

between him and my mother.

What was it about?

Mr Hong's wife died in labour.

My mother was the head nurse

at Guangren Hospital back then.

Mr Hong thinks his wife died

because of my mother's negligence.

Tang!

- My wife's dead because of you! -Sir...

You're not qualified to work here!

- Sir... -Get lost!

I'll never forgive you for this.

You'll die a horrible death!

Surely you don't think he killed my mother?

It's too early for conclusions.

There's also the possibility that

she was robbed and killed.

Your mother's jewellery...

Her sapphire necklace

was a token of love from my father.

It's very valuable.

Hopefully, the police would be able to find it.

Miss Tang, if you need anything

feel free to come to me.

"Miss S Detective Agency"?

You're a detective?

Stay right there!

Stop!

- Stop. -Stop.

Who are you? Why were you running?

What's that in your hand?

Here.

Stop!

- She's coming with us. -Move it.

I heard you got in a fight

with Mrs Tang last evening.

I'll never forgive her.

I'll never forgive that woman.

Years ago, I took my wife to the hospital.

My wife told Mrs Tang

who was the head nurse

that she was about to give birth.

But Mrs Tang insisted she wasn't due yet

and the hospital was full.

She sent us home to wait.

As soon as we got home

my wife went into labour.

I had to ask my neighbour

to help deliver Maomao.

But my wife...

She lost too much blood

and died on our kitchen floor.

She didn't even get to see her son.

And you blame Mrs Tang for this.

Wouldn't you?

Oh, pardon me. You're not done yet.

I'll wait outside.

I shouldn't have told you that.

Mr Hong.

Where were you when the train stopped

at the water station?

I was probably sleeping in my cabin.

Can anyone prove it?

My son, Maomao.

- And what was he doing? -He was asleep.

What is this about?

You think I killed that woman?

It was her fault that

my son doesn't have a mother

but I've devoted my life to raising him myself.

I would never let that woman

derail my life again!

I just want her out of my life!

I never wanted to see her again.

I don't care if she's alive or dead.

But yesterday, you told her

in the restaurant car

that she'd get her retribution.

You eavesdropped on us?

No, I didn't. The both of you were so loud

it was impossible not to hear you.

- You... -All right.

Mr Hong, we can't rule you out as a suspect.

Without our permission

you're not allowed to leave this train.

This is absurd!

What has her death got to do with me?

She's causing me trouble even when she's dead!

I was merely speaking the truth.

I have no useful leads on hand.

Do you really think he could have done it?

Well, he holds a grudge against Mrs Tang.

So that gives him motive.

And a sleeping child is no alibi

to prove his innocence.

Whoever hauled an old lady

up the water tower in the middle of the night

and hanged her on a rope

would have rope burns on his hands.

I checked Hong Xiaochen's hands.

There wasn't a mark on it.

That makes sense.

But he could have worn gloves.

It's too much of a coincidence.

Imagine being on the same train

and in the very same carriage

as your arch enemy.

I agree that it's too much of a coincidence.

But he said he got a letter

from Xian Shi Department Store

informing him that he'd won the first prize.

And the prize is...

two first-class train tickets to Nanjing.

You said that the door was locked.

So how did you get in?

- I used my shoe. -Your shoe?

Those shoes?

This looks more like

someone fired a pistol at it.

Would you like to give it a go?

Please be more ladylike, Miss Su.

Excuse me.

That's enough from you.

This is the crime scene.

The killer is either a passenger

or someone who got on at the water station.

He broke into their room and drugged them.

That's why there were no signs of a struggle.

Tang Ruyue said they were asleep.

Nobody drugged them.

What about that handkerchief with chloroform?

- Inspector. -Excuse me, Officer Shen.

I'm in the middle of a discussion

with your inspector on behalf of my client.

Your client?

Oh, I forgot to tell you.

Miss Tang Ruyue has officially hired me

to investigate the case.

The police are here. Why would she hire you?

Obviously she thinks I'm a better detective.

A self-proclaimed detective.

Have you received professional training?

I don't need it.

Inspector, we found a girl

who might be involved in the case.

Would you like to see her?

Thank you.

They found her when they were

doing a search along the railway.

She was in the woods

and she refuses to speak.

She was seen in the back carriage before.

The most important thing is that

we found Mrs Tang's jewellery on her.

What's your name?

How old are you?

Did you board the train alone?

Do you have a train ticket?

I've asked her the same questions.

But she wouldn't say a word.

Speak up. What a difficult brat.

You need to answer my questions.

We found all that jewellery on you.

If you'd stolen them

you'll be in jail for a really long time.

Maybe I should let someone else handle her.

Miss Su.

Are you always so frisky?

What are you doing up there?

Want to join me for some fresh air, Inspector?

We found something.

Something that might change your mind

about the police being incompetent fools.

What is it?

Mrs Tang's jewellery.

If someone else had found them

I'd have been really surprised.

But I expect as much from you, Inspector Luo.

A little girl had them.

But she doesn't want to talk.

If this interests you...

Children don't interest me.

Especially uncooperative ones.

Besides, the murderer couldn't have been her.

So if she doesn't want to talk, let her be.

That makes sense.

I guess we'll just send her off

to an orphanage then.

The poor child.

Trying to guilt trip me into helping you?

Did you just say you'll help? That's great.

A kind woman like you

would have much better luck

handling a kid than we do.

I don't "handle" kids, but I'll help you.

I'm Su Wenli. What's your name?

Officers, perhaps you could let us be alone?

OK, we'll wait outside.

Thank you.

I saw you running from someone

at the station platform.

So you managed to get on the train.

You must be starving

going without food for so long.

The food here isn't great

but their steamed buns are decent.

Smells good, doesn't it?

Have some.

You'd be helping yourself by helping us.

Do you understand?

Tell me about the jewellery.

They found the jewellery on you, right?

Look.

These jewellery are not just valuable

they are part of a murder investigation.

If you don't tell us what you know

the police would think that

you stole the rich lady's jewellery.

They'll arrest you and put you in jail.

I'm Suyun.

Suyun.

What a nice name.

Your family must be worried sick about you.

I don't have a home or a family.

Have more to eat.

Miss Tang, are you feeling better?

Yes.

How is the investigation coming along?

Did the police question Mr Hong?

Yes, they did.

Mr Hong doesn't have a very strong alibi

and he has motive to want your mother dead.

But the problem is

there is no concrete evidence

to prove that he killed your mother.

I'm tired.

I want to go home.

But there's no one to go home to.

Miss Tang.

I have a car coming to drive me back

to Shanghai in an hour.

If you don't mind, you can join me.

Let the police handle the case.

Inspector Luo.

Inspector Luo!

Inspector Luo, we're heading back to Shanghai.

See you there.

What the hell is she doing?

- Wait! -Inspector.

Isn't my car a beauty?

How does it compare with your police car?

What do you think you're doing?

Girls, are you ready?

Answer my question!

I'm going back to Shanghai.

I was told my car could go up to 100mph.

I reckon it can go faster

- if I floor the accelerator. -100mph?

You... you're over the passenger limit.

Get down! They're important witnesses.

Get them down. It's too dangerous up there.

I'll bring them back to get some rest.

If the police have any leads

you can find us in Shanghai.

See you.

We're making a turn.

Miss.

I think there's a police car after us.

What police car?

Sit tight.

Why are we lagging behind? Speed up.

Her car can go at 100mph.

I've floored the accelerator.

So you're a lousy driver.

I'll have you know I'm a great driver!

It's this car that is crap.

You're on the second gear.

Are you sure you floored the accelerator?

We're told not to speed and to drive safely.

Stop talking. You're making me nervous.

Forget about chasing her.

Let's go back to the station.

Miss Su, is this your house?

Yes. My maternal grandmother

bequeathed it to my mother.

And I'm her only daughter.

- It's so grand. -Uncle Xiang.

Miss Su, why are you back already?

Don't ask. We didn't even get to Nanjing.

Our plans were ruined by a murder.

A murder?

- Oh my! -Don't look so taken aback.

You'll be hearing a lot about murders

working for me.

Oh, I forgot to make the introductions

I brought many friends back.

- Hello. -Hello, everyone.

- Let's bring in the luggage. -Yes, Miss Su.

- Come on. -Let me help you.

Oh my goodness.

This place is huge.

Well done, Uncle Xiang.

I'm glad you like it, Miss Su.

Taozi, your room is diagonally across mine.

- Isn't that so, Uncle Xiang? -Yes.

Suyun, you'll use the guest room

on the first floor.

As for Ruyue, you'll stay in...

Miss Su, don't worry about me.

I'd like to call my cousin.

He will come and pick me up.

You're welcome to stay here

until you're ready to go home.

I can manage. Don't worry about me.

I've already been such an imposition.

No, you weren't.

The phone is over there.

OK.

Why don't you girls check the place out?

- OK. -Let's go upstairs, Uncle Xiang.

Yes, Miss Su.

Taozi.

How do you like your room?

Miss Su.

- I've never... -What's the matter?

I've never thought that

I'd have a room all to myself.

This feels like a dream.

Is that all?

There's nothing bothering you?

I was worried you're worn out

from the long drive home.

Not at all.

Back home, I have so many siblings

my brothers could only sleep by the door.

Only the girls get to sleep in the house.

We were all packed so tight

we couldn't even turn without waking someone.

So...

I don't know how I can ever repay your kindness.

All right...

I get it. There's no need to repay me.

From now on, this is your home.

This is your room.

And this big bed is all yours.

You can sleep any way you like. All right?

All right, don't cry. It's OK.

Miss Su.

Miss Tang's fiancé is here.

He said he's taking her home.

- Her fiancé? -Yes.

OK. I'll go down now.

One is the deceased's daughter

and the other is an important suspect.

How could you let them leave?

What were you doing?

We couldn't catch up to them in this car.

You should have kept

a closer eye on them in the first place!

It wouldn't have made a difference.

It's Miss Su we're talking about.

Even you aren't her match, let alone me.

That woman is reckless.

Has she no respect for authority?

Inspector, I think we should be fair.

She did help us a lot.

And what's with Taozi?

Wasn't she our witness two days ago?

When did she become that woman's assistant?

I don't know.

You're of no help at all.

Ruyue called and told me

someone drugged her with chloroform.

I'm familiar with the substance.

It acts mainly on the central nervous system

and damages the heart, liver and kidneys.

When inhaled, it'll cause headache, nausea...

Stop showing off.

He studies medicine

and will be graduating soon.

Looks like I won't have to worry about her

with someone like you by her side.

May I go and see her?

Taozi.

Yes, Miss Su.

Bring Mr Dong upstairs to see Miss Tang.

Sure. Sir, this way please.

OK, thanks.

I hope you don't mind the way we dress.

Haoyu and I are as close as brothers.

We go through thick and thin together.

So we're always by each other's side.

We even dress alike.

I actually thought you two were twins.

Make yourself at home. Have some cherries.