Miss S (2020–…): Season 1, Episode 9 - The Haunted Theatre Part 1 - full transcript

The Haunted Theatre

Greetings to my formidable father-in-law.

What do you see in her?

I'm afraid it's not a good match.

Mr Guan.

Guan Litian

That's all for today.

Zhang Shaoqiu

Did you see what happened?

Zhang Shaoqiu hogged the limelight again.

Don't be mad. He's still new.



Don't let it get to you.

This is not about him being new.

It's a matter of acting ethics.

Genfa.

Do you smell anything?

I smell flowers.

Jasmine.

Who's there?

Qiao Ruijuan?

Aren't you already...

You'll be cursed

and condemned to eternal damnation.

Did you see that?

Did you see that just now?



Was that Qiao Ruijuan?

But she's been dead for years.

No. Her spirit is back to claim lives.

The Peony Pavilion

- Thank you. -Thank you.

Miss Su, you look really pretty tonight.

You should be here with Inspector Luo instead.

It's not his birthday today.

You're the star tonight.

I think Inspector Luo likes you.

That's only when I help him solve a case.

Besides, I'm sure he doesn't know

how to appreciate art.

Let's enter through the back door.

It leads to the backstage.

I'm going to meet the troupe leader, Mr Lu.

He's a good friend of mine.

Wow. He's so handsome.

This is...

He's so handsome.

You know him?

It's Mr Zhang.

You can stay and look

while I go look for Mr Lu.

All right. See you later.

Zhang Shaoqiu

Mr Guan.

Jiang Genfa! You're not doing your job.

Mr Guan isn't dressed.

- The show is starting. -Give him a break.

I can get made-up quickly.

I'll be ready in a minute.

Mr Guan, we only have 15 minutes left.

Mr Lu, why are you panicking?

I'm not new to this.

No, it's just 14 minutes left.

This is how he is. Please don't mind him.

Mr Bai, I haven't thanked you for today.

You're welcome. I'm glad to be of help.

You should thank him.

You can't perform if you'd hurt your face.

I didn't provoke those thugs.

They came at me.

If Mr Bai hadn't helped me out

we'd have to cancel our show tonight.

All right... enough talking.

Can you please get ready?

- Gentlemen. -Please sit.

I wonder if I came at the right time.

Wenli.

As I watch you with a wine in hand...

Oh! A flower

blooms over your shoulder.

Save it. You know

that's my least favourite scene.

All right. Let me introduce everyone.

This is Mr Guan.

Nice to meet you, Mr Guan.

- I'm Su Wenli. -Nice to meet you.

This is...

Hurry up and get Mr Guan ready.

Why are you still standing there?

You haven't introduced this handsome man.

I'm sorry. This is Miss Su Wenli.

This is Mr Bai.

A well-known Russian businessman in Shanghai.

Hello, Mr Bai.

I'm Bai Lide.

A pleasure to meet you, Miss Su.

Same here.

- You're so fluent in Mandarin. -Thank you.

Mr Bai happened to pass by our theatre

and saw some thugs picking on Mr Guan.

So he helped to fight them off.

I didn't know Mr Bai is a fighter too.

Anyone would do the same in that situation.

Wenli, let's talk in my office.

- Excuse us. -Please excuse us.

- I wish you a good show tonight. -Thank you.

How is business?

It all hinges on this show.

You know me.

Money is not my first priority.

Then why did you come back?

Miss Qin Yiyan wrote to me and said

she wanted to perform The Peony Pavilion.

The famous opera singer, Qin Yiyan?

Yes. I was hesitant initially.

But then I thought such a classic

deserves to be enriched with new blood

and fresh elements and shown to the public.

The same goes for every industry.

To introduce the new with the old.

I admire you, Mr Lu.

You gathered a troupe in such a short time

and got the show running.

I've been hearing a lot of rumours about you

since I got back to Shanghai.

I'm sure the rumours are all true.

I heard you set up Miss S Detective Agency.

Are you a detective now?

Miss S, the detective, is right before you.

Do you have any clients for me?

I do. But...

my problem is quite tricky.

I knew it, there's no such thing as a free ticket.

This place is haunted.

Haunted?

Manager's Office

And it's not just any ghost.

It's...

Qiao Ruijuan's spirit.

Qiao Ruijuan?

The name rings a bell.

Back then, she was a rising star in Kun opera.

The Peony Pavilion, Peach Blossom Fan

and Palace Of Eternal Youth

were some of her best works.

Her admirers lined up all the way

from Rue du Consulat to Rue Amiral Bayle.

She died in an accident 20 years ago.

It happened right here in this theatre.

Right here in T'iench'an Theatre?

Yes.

On the opening night of The Peony Pavilion

she killed herself in her dressing room.

Showing Today: The Peony Pavilion

I can't believe this.

We have such a good seat.

All the better for you to admire

the handsome Zhang Shaoqiu.

Miss Su, do you find him handsome too?

I'm just saying what's on your mind.

Isn't that what you think?

It's not just about his appearance.

I admire his talent.

He can't play the leading role yet.

He isn't ready for it.

I think he has the voice and the skills

to play the lead role.

But this industry is all about seniority, right?

I don't know about that.

Do you watch Chinese opera often?

I listen to his performance on the radio.

But this is my first time seeing him in person.

I can't believe this is happening.

Taozi, if I were you

I'd rein in my admiration for Mr Zhang

when Officer Shen gets here.

Xiao'an is coming?

I mean... Officer Shen.

It's your birthday today.

I arranged it especially for you.

Is it a nice surprise?

I'm sorry for being late.

What are you doing here?

Isn't Officer Shen coming?

Xiao'an said he was sorry.

He's on duty so he can't make it today.

It's OK.

Please sit.

Sure.

Would you like to remove your jacket?

You'd be more comfortable.

It's fine. I'm feeling a little cold.

I didn't know you enjoy opera too.

I don't.

Xiao'an didn't tell me it's Kun opera.

I only found out when I came in.

Well, I hope tonight's performance

will captivate you.

I will need to understand it first.

Looks like many came to see you tonight.

Of course.

Out with the old and in with the new.

New actors are better than old ones.

- You... -Can you two stop arguing?

I just built up my emotions

and you've ruined it.

Qin Yiyan

You're staring at her like some creepy guy.

Why do I have the feeling

we've met before?

What are you talking about?

You've known me for a while now.

But it's my first time seeing you up close

in full dress and make-up.

You must be joking.

Miss Qin is a famous opera singer.

Her posters are everywhere.

If that's the case, everyone in Shanghai

should find her familiar.

You talk too much.

Zhang Shaoqiu, I'm warning you.

If you dare steal the limelight again tonight

I'll break your legs.

Genfa.

The water is too hot.

She fell in love with him?

But they've just met.

Well, how long do you think it takes

for a person to fall in love?

It depends.

What's with the awkward pause?

The "hmmph" he made wasn't in the script.

Zhang Shaoqiu ad-libbed that part.

Isn't that a good thing?

It depends.

- What's going on? -I don't know.

Mr Guan isn't on form today.

Is he so angry with his father-in-law

that he passed out?

What happened?

Hurry...

- Draw the curtains. -What's going on?

Why did he pass out?

Looks like something happened to Guan Litian.

Wenli.

This is bad. Come with me.

Mr Guan...

Do you think the audience knew what happened?

Of course. Everyone knows

the story of The Peony Pavilion.

What happened to Mr Guan?

What did you do? Did you give him wine again?

Wine?

Does he drink before he goes onstage?

Can somebody get him a cup of warm water?

Go...

Manager Lu.

I don't think he can continue with the show.

I'm familiar with the role of Liu Mengmei.

I will stand in his place.

But you don't play the same type of roles.

Have you forgotten?

I first started out learning his role.

Who will play the role of Du Bao then?

Anyone can play Du Bao.

Like my assistant.

Look at his face. He can't go onstage.

What's your plan then?

- Mr Zhang, I can't. -You can and you will!

I'm trying to keep the show going.

Just look. He's out cold.

Is he OK?

There's no need for a doctor.

Thank goodness. We won't need to switch roles.

He's dead.

Did he have any enemies?

I don't think so.

Wait. Are you saying this is murder?

It's too early to come to a conclusion.

But based on the victim's symptoms

he was probably poisoned.

How did he get poisoned?

It's going to ruin me if this gets out.

Lu, calm down.

Let's find out what really happened.

Miss Su, thank you very much for the ticket.

I'm afraid we won't get to finish the show.

Manager Lu, get everyone to leave the area.

All right... everyone to the backstage.

Wait for a second.

We need to get the costume off him.

I'll need it for tomorrow's show.

Is that what we should be worrying about now?

- Let's go... -I'm helping you.

The show must go on tomorrow.

Everyone must leave the crime scene.

No, you have to...

That's the only set of costume we have.

You'll be cursed

and condemned to eternal damnation.

Miss Su.

You may leave the crime scene.

We'll take care of the rest.

You can go shopping

or have supper. It's your choice.

Inspector Luo, this is a crime scene.

How can I stand by and not help?

You can absolutely do that.

No...

Manager Lu invited me this morning

to investigate the strange happenings

in this theatre.

And now there has been a murder.

Unless he withdraws his request

I can't sit back and do nothing.

Your timing is uncanny.

I'll confirm that with Manager Lu.

No problem.

Also, Inspector Luo, you need someone

who understands Chinese opera and the performers

to assist you in this investigation.

I'm the perfect candidate.

Thank you for recommending yourself.

But I think I can handle this on my own.

You say that every time.

It's no different this time.

Mr Zhang.

I didn't get to meet the both of you properly

because of what happened today.

I'm Zhang Shaoqiu.

I'm Su Wenli.

I have a question for you.

Sure. I never say no to beautiful ladies.

Then I believe you won't disappoint

this lovely girl beside me. She's Taozi.

Would you sign an autograph for her?

May I have your autograph, please?

Here.

Thank you.

Sir, your costume is ready.

Can you use your brains?

Do you expect me to wear that?

Get it cleaned.

I wouldn't want to be haunted by the dead.

- Yes. -Go.

Xu Ruisheng

Thank you.

Mr Zhang.

I have some questions for you.

Please wait for a while.

I'm in the middle of a chat with these ladies.

You're a witness.

We need you to answer some questions.

They will just have to wait.

Please come with me.

Oh my. I got to talk to Mr Zhang.

Let me see his autograph.

To Miss Taozi. From Zhang Shaoqiu.

He's even more charming in person.

It's not the same handwriting.

What did you say?

I said his autograph is charming too.

Keep it well.

Taozi, what are you looking at?

Miss Su, I heard that it's not safe here.

Many young girls were robbed here.

Who said that? Don't listen to those rumours.

It's very safe here.

Miss Su!

Hurry up... let's go.

My, he's dashing.

He's coming this way...

Mr Bai?

- Hi. -Miss Su.

I'm so glad to see you again.

I admire men who can win a fight

without a hair out of place.

Taozi, this has been such a wonderful night.

We got to watch both singing and action scenes.

They're the thugs who wanted to rob Mr Guan.

They were thwarted and wanted to

take it out on me.

So I taught them a lesson.

My apologies if I shocked your delicate senses.

I'm fine. It's like watching a show.

If you aren't in a hurry to head home

I'd like to invite you to supper.

That's lovely.

Miss Su, what about me?

- You're coming along, Taozi. -OK.

Let's begin, Mr Lu.

Who will benefit from Guan Litian's death?

Mr Zhang was at loggerheads with Mr Guan.

Du Bao was supposed to step back!

Why should I do as you say?

I didn't decide that.

- It's written in the play! -You're a joke.

Why are you so unreasonable?

I'm done with this act!

Now he gets his wish

to play the role of Liu Mengmei.

But I don't think he'd kill for that.

Anyone else?

I'm sorry.

I can't imagine anyone being capable of this.

But everyone's been saying that

Mr Guan saw a ghost a few days ago.

He saw a ghost?

Don't touch that. You can't touch it.

Please have a seat.

I'm sorry. My grandma treasures that.

It's fine.

(Russian) I don't think this girl

is right for you.

This way...

I'm not very hungry after the fight.

Help yourself.

All right.

(Russian) Thank you.

It's great to have borscht with roasted apples

and smoked duck breast.

You speak Russian?

A little.

Did you have a Russian boyfriend?

Can I choose not to answer that question?

Sorry. My grandma is quite traditional.

I understand. She wants the best for you.

Taozi, drink the soup. It smells so good.

OK.

You're even more interesting than I thought.

I mean that in the best way possible.

You're surprisingly interesting yourself.

Mr Bai, what do you do?

The import-export business.

What kind of goods?

Linen.

My grandparents brought my father to China

to make a living.

They settled down in Shanghai

and I was born here.

We own several shops in China.

What a good-looking textile shop owner.

And you're such a good fighter.

Winning two fights in a night.

You're too kind.

Your friend Guan Litian...

is dead.

You don't seem bothered by it.

He's not my friend. We just met today.

Just today?

Did you share any business dealings?

No.

You're here.

I didn't get to celebrate your birthday.

But I got you a present.

For you.

- Thank you. -Open it and see.

I'll open it now.

I think you'll like it.

I didn't know you'd give me...

Do you like it?

It's... very nice...

I knew you'd like them. Try them on.

- Morning, Uncle Xiang. -You sneaked in again.

I came here openly to give Taozi her present.

What are those?

- It's nothing. -Show them to Uncle Xiang.

It's just a pair of rain boots.

- Show them to Uncle Xiang. -Put them there.

I'll show him later.

Uncle Xiang.

The rainy season is coming.

I bought a pair of rain boots for Taozi

so it'd be easier for her to go outside.

- I'll put it here. -I have some sewing to do.

- It's fine. Carry on. -So, why don't you...

Since I'd already given you the present

and I have work to do

I'll make a move.

Try them on later.

- Thank you. -You're welcome.

Bye, Uncle Xiang.

Check out those rain boots!

Cheer up, a present's a present.

Why does it have to be a hideous pair of boots?

The Peony Pavilion

Look, Zhang Shaoqiu gets the lead role

right after Guan Litian died.

- That's fast. -Stop spouting nonsense.

- Let's go. -All right...

You're still staring at Mr Zhang.

But let me tell you.

He didn't seem to get along with Guan Litian.

I don't get it.

Maybe Mr Guan was jealous of

Mr Zhang's talent and youth.

It could be that...

but there's another possibility.

Zhang Shaoqiu is jealous of Guan Litian

for being able to act alongside Qin Yiyan.

That's impossible.

Why not?

Qin Yiyan is already engaged to Guan Litian.

I don't think Mr Zhang would get involved

with a married woman.

Besides, I think Qin Yiyan prefers

someone older.

"Older" isn't the right word. It's "mature".

Well, you're too young to understand

the appeal of mature men.

Wait... who's engaged to whom?

Qin Yiyan and Mr Guan.

I read about it on Linglong Magazine.

They cover celebrity news.

Have you not read it before?

I should ask Inspector Luo Qiuheng

if he had read this magazine before.

I was just wondering when you'd be here.

You missed me, Inspector Luo?

I never had the chance to.

You're here so often

it's almost like you work here.

Well, you'll get used to it.

Tell me. What brings you here?

Our case, of course.

"Our" case?

You're investigating Guan Litian's death

while Manager Lu has hired my services.

So, that makes it our case.

How did the questioning go?

Did the performers share any ghost stories?

Don't tell me that you think a ghost did it.

We can't put a ghost in prison.

Inspector Luo, what I meant is that

maybe someone pretended to be the ghost.

Have you ever wondered why

the ghost was female?

Are you suspecting Qin Yiyan?

I didn't suspect her

when Guan Litian collapsed and died

What did you do? Did you give him wine again?

Just a little.

Can somebody get him a cup of warm water?

They were just co-stars. Colleagues.

What if they were engaged?

Do you still think her reaction was normal?

Engaged?

Famous female lead, Qin Yiyan

engaged to Guan Litian

Looks like another visit

to the theatre is in order.

You drive. I'll wait for you at the door.

At your service.

Miss Qin.

How long have you been engaged to Mr Guan?

I think it has been...

two months.

You think?

Yes.

We'd just started rehearsing for this show.

So, it's been about two months.

No offence but...

most women would remember important dates.

Like the day they got engaged.

I didn't want to get engaged anyway.

So I don't really care about it.

You didn't want to get engaged?

Nobody wants to marry an alcoholic.

You're a woman yourself.

Would you marry someone like that?

If you didn't want to get engaged

then why did you do it?

It was a publicity stunt.

We give the public what they want.

Pardon me.

We need to get people talking.

To attract attention for the show.

Miss Qin, you've lost me.

So are you engaged or not?

It's just for show.

You don't have to take it so seriously.

Besides, an actress has to perform every day.

The engagement was just another act.

I heard you're the one who suggested

performing The Peony Pavilion. Is that true?

I came all the way to Shanghai to do this show.

This is a charming place.

"You're famous only if you had performed"

"in T'iench'an Theatre."

Have you heard of that saying?

Someone said Guan Litian saw a ghost

before he died.

Have you seen it before?

Of course, I haven't.

Or I wouldn't be sitting here unharmed.

After I learnt that this place is haunted

I went to look for the ghost

but I found nothing.

Where were you when the ghost appeared?

At the entrance to the stage.

It was my last rehearsal

before the actual performance.

You can check with Jiang Genfa.

He always followed Guan Litian around.

He was the only one with Guan Litian then.

Come to think of it

we heard about the ghost from him.

It was just a regular day. Nothing unusual.

The female ghost appeared out of nowhere.

- Weren't you scared? -Of course, I was.

I reported it to Manager Lu right away.

Describe what happened.

It was during break time between rehearsals.

I was at the backstage with Mr Guan.

We were chatting, like usual.

The lights... started flickering.

Was this the note Mr Guan picked up?

Yes.

You said Mr Guan knew Qiao Ruijuan.

They acted together in a show 20 years ago.

Mr Guan recognised her.

I recognised her too.

Qiao Ruijuan was very famous.

Everyone knew her.

What else did Mr Guan say?

He said...

she was here to claim lives.

Ghosts don't exist.

Maybe you were mistaken.

You probably mistook someone else

or something to be Qiao Ruijuan.

Are you suggesting that

they made a mistake at the same time

and mistook what they saw for the same person?

- It's possible. -I know what I saw.

The ghost didn't just leave a note.

There was also something else.

It's right ahead.

The ghost was upstairs.

After I came back from the dressing room

the sand was gone. It was right here.

There are traces of it left.

Looks like someone swept it away.

Who do you think would kill Guan Litian?

Mr Zhang was practising

Mr Guan's lines yesterday.

It was as though...

he knew he'd replace Mr Guan on stage.

The Peony Pavilion

I heard your wish had been granted.

You're taking over Guan Litian's role as...

What's the name?

Liu Mengmei.

Right, Liu Mengmei.

You must be elated.

Not really.

The role should have been mine

in the first place.

You're being disrespectful to the deceased.

So what?

Somebody has to play the role.

Are you a fan of Chinese opera?

Not yet.

And you're not an actor.

You won't understand the meaning of

"The performance is greater than Heaven."

You don't seem to like Guan Litian very much.

He was unprofessional and disagreeable.

Besides, he couldn't perform

without drinking before going on stage.

Did you see him drink?

Xu Ruisheng saw.

What did Guan Litian do last night

before he went onstage?

Last night...

He drank from his teapot.

And he said the water was too hot.

But we all knew it wasn't water in there.

It was wine.

How did you know that?

That was what he always did.

He'd pretend it was water.

But everyone could smell the wine.

What kind of wine did he drink?

You'd have to ask his assistant, Jiang Genfa.

He was in charge of his drink.

I heard that Guan Litian was an alcoholic.

That's nonsense.

I want to know if he drank last night.

Mr Guan was serious about his work.

But you told Manager Lu

he drank before he went onstage.

I understand, as his assistant

you have to be loyal.

But I'd like to gently remind you that

if you aren't honest with me

I'd have reason to think

you're involved with his death.

Murder is a serious crime.

Inspector, how did the investigation go?

Are you thinking about the case

or are you just upset?

Couldn't you have handed the note to me

or the police right after you found it?

I could have

but there were people around me

when I found the note.

I didn't want people gossiping about it.

So I thought I'd keep

this important piece of evidence safe

and give it to you later.

You really need to stop

taking evidence from the crime scene.

That's obstruction of public duty.

You need to acknowledge your mistakes.

I hear you, Inspector.

Be serious. Admit that you did wrong.

I did wrong, Inspector.

I won't do it again.

Will you forgive me?

For now.

OK. To make up for my mistake

I'll ferret out

the person who pretended to be the ghost

and left that note.

I'll return the note to you after that.

Jiang Genfa said that

he filled Guan Litian's teapot with wine.

So if Guan Litian was really poisoned

he'd be the prime suspect.

Everyone knows he was Guan's assistant.

If he wanted Guan Litian dead

surely he'd have done it in a less obvious way.

You're right.

The ghost must have done it then.

Can you go back on your own?

Of course, I can. I'm not a child.

So, are you going back to the police station

or going home to cook?

I'm going to drop by the morgue

to find out more about Guan Litian.

Are you giving me a ride there

or would you prefer I meet you there?

Deceased: Guan Litian, male

Why is your report taking so long?

I had to come here just to wait for it.

What did you say?

My hearing is bad.

Why don't you come over here and repeat that?

- No, I... -Come here.

I can wait.

The deceased don't get to pick when they die.

- Officer Shen. -Inspector.

How is it, Han?

Is the report out yet, Dr Han?

Not you again?

Not yet. What's the hurry?

I'm almost done.

Hold on.

It'll be done in a minute.

Done. He was poisoned as you suspect.

He ingested a large amount of opium.

We'd need his teapot

or more accurately, his pot of wine

to test its content.

Leave that to me.

I'll investigate the source of the opium.

You can't be investigating this behind my back.

Inspector, I have to do this alone.

I won't get any information with you around.

Miss Su.

We don't know Mr Bai Lide that well.

Are you sure about inviting him over?

Taozi, he treated us to a fancy Russian meal.

It's only right to return the favour.

But why do you have to invite him home?

I must get chummy with him

to get the evidence I need.

Are you going to ask him directly?

Of course.

Guan Litian died from an opium overdose.

I must find out if Bai Lide

has anything to do with it.

Why do you suspect him?

Firstly

Guan Litian's fingers were opium-stained.

He also had calluses from smoking pipes.

Bai Lide happened to run into him

when he had a conflict with the thugs.

It's too much of a coincidence.

Anyway, I think Bai Lide

wasn't being honest with me.

So, it's not because he's really good-looking?

He certainly is very good-looking.

I think so too.

Mr Bai.

Good evening, Mr Bai.

Good evening.

You look gorgeous tonight.

I had this dress made just for tonight.

What do you think?

It's perfect on you.

Let's have a glass of champagne.

Miss Su, dinner is served.

Let's head over to the dining hall.

How do you find these Chinese dishes?

It's absolutely delicious.

I think vodka and white wine

is the world's best combination.

I agree.

Let's drink to that.

Vodka or white wine?

White wine.

Wine gets my curiosity going.

As the Chinese saying goes

"After the dinner, comes the reckoning."

Ask away.

All right.

Has Guan Litian ever made

any purchase from you?

Fabric or maybe something else?

Such as?

Say... opium?

You think I'm an opium dealer?

It's just idle curiosity on my part.

It seems to be more than idle curiosity.

I can be a bit too direct sometimes

so pardon me if I offend you.

Why were you at T'iench'an Theatre that day?

Don't tell me you're a fan of Chinese opera.

Manager Lu orders fabric from me

for his costumes.

I was at T'iench'an Theatre

to let him pick out his fabrics.

That's all?

Yes.

So you've never helped Guan Litian

get his hands on opium?

If you really want to know, I helped him

because he was in a fight with the thugs

he was buying opium from.

Did I disappoint you with my answer?

I'd like to emphasise this again.

I sell...

only fabric.