Women in Taipei (2022–…): Season 1, Episode 2 - The End of Happiness in New Taipei City - full transcript
(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)
WOMEN IN TAIPEI
(SLOW MELODY PLAYING)
Sorry about that.
(GRUNTS)
(SCOOTY ENGINE REVVING)
I'm back.
Welcome back. Do you need a haircut?
I just trimmed my front bangs.
Maybe next time.
You brought a load of food back again?
The fridge is full.
My boyfriend made them for me.
Cooking it all at once
is more cost-effective, I guess.
Not bad, you get free meals.
Better than us who had to eat out all day.
-I wanted to cover some expenses for him.
-Why split everything 50/50?
You'll get married anyway.
Chu-Chu, I want my front bangs trimmed.
-Can I get 50 percent off?
-No way.
Would you eat half a meal
and just pay half the price?
Blah, blah, blah, blah.
A year ago,
you said you'd open your own shop.
-When are you going to do it?
-(MICROWAVE OVEN BEEPING)
It's not easy and it costs a lot.
I'd be too busy to cut your hair
if I ran a shop.
Forget it then.
You're good at doing haircuts.
And you even do a home service,
it's so convenient.
Then show some appreciation, will you?
Smells good.
Shan, what will you buy with your savings?
Um. I want to buy whatever I want
without looking at the price tag.
That's it?
Um... Or maybe I'll buy a suite in Taipei.
Maybe you can only afford
those around Zhonghe.
Downtown's too expensive.
Just a random thought.
Agh!
CHU-CHU: So sweet. I'll have another one.
-Here's one for you.
-(SCREAMS)
What are you doing?
Your boyfriend made it for you.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
LIN I-SHAN: Even though I can't afford
to live in Taipei just yet,
at least I get to live
on the other side of the bridge.
Riding across the bridge every day
-gives me doubts...
-(SCOOTY ENGINE REVVING)
LIN I-SHAN: ...but I won't give up.
EPISODE 2
THE NEW POVERTY CLASS IN A SNOBBISH CITY
SEEING THE END OF THE LITTLE HAPPINESS
IN NEW TAIPEI CITY
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-Based on your skin condition now...
For dry skin...
I haven't received your order number.
Can I check it with you?
One, five, six. Two, six, seven.
Three, eight. Two.
-Okay.
-Please hold, I'll check it for you.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Your order has been shipped.
Please check out our other products.
Okay.
Excuse me.
Have you joined our fan page yet?
ALL EMPLOYEES PLEASE PROCEED TO
PUNCH THE TIME CLOCK
Great. We'll contact you by messaging.
Okay, thank you. Thank you.
-How long did it take?
-Thirty minutes.
Thirty minutes?
Just to check if his card payment
is valid? That's insane.
Thank God I sold some products to him.
Pathetic.
Thirty minutes. Ten orders.
-Pao-Mei.
-(CHUCKLES)
-Your treat.
-No problem.
Oh.
Lin I-Shan,
you're having beef and scallops,
yet you still want my tea egg.
Of course, I'd eat that.
-You're eating so little.
-Yeah, it's cheaper.
-Hmm?
-It'll save me 25 bucks.
Since when?
Pay attention
to the convenient store advert.
-Let me know next time!
-Like you even need it.
All right, you can have some.
A lunch box filled with love, huh?
I wonder if it'll upset my stomach.
-You went straight for the scallop.
-I'm leaving. Bye.
You're leaving early.
I told the deputy manager.
I'll be leaving early from now on.
What's going on?
Nothing. Just...
I get uncomfortable more often lately.
The doctor told me to get some rest.
-(GASPS)
-Shush.
-Hush. Keep it down.
-(CHUCKLES)
You're pregnant? Congratulations.
When are you getting married?
Will there be a wedding?
No, we're saving our money up
to raise the child.
Don't worry so much.
Kids can help bring you good fortune.
-(SCOFFS)
-You're such a boomer.
It's all expenses after having kids.
They will put you
in a debt of ten million.
(SCOFFS) Ten million dollars?
Yep. I think you're really brave.
My boyfriend and I
wouldn't even dare to consider it.
That being said,
I still look forward to seeing
the baby inside me.
-(SCOFFS)
-Go get some rest.
Amy.
Aren't you having a...?
-Yeah.
-Just go home and get some rest.
If I reach my sales quota,
I'll share the bonus with you.
Me too.
-I'll get going.
-Sure.
-He's waiting for me.
-Sure.
-See you tomorrow.
-Bye.
Be careful. (CHUCKLES)
What?
-Feeling envious?
-Not at all.
(TAPPING)
-(THUDS)
-(GROANS)
It smells so good.
-Did I wake you?
-Not really.
Salmon fried rice is my favorite.
Tamagoyaki!
LIN I-SHAN: Two years
of being together with A-Nan.
I feel steady and secure.
It's the ordinary
and stable kind of happiness.
-Who made that? It's so good.
-(CHUCKLES)
Stop touching it.
He hasn't been cleaned at all.
A-Nan,
you don't have to prepare food for me.
It's all right. As long as you enjoy it.
I'll just have what's in the shop.
Do you want a dog one day?
I do,
but I can't even afford
to feed myself right now.
-A-Nan.
-Hmm?
Take the day off.
My sister and I are going to
the Lehua Night Market. Come join us.
You're going shopping?
-No, no.
-Really?
-Chop my hand off if I do.
-You sure?
-No shopping? I'll chop it.
-I'll just look around.
-I'll just look around.
-Just look around.
Hsiao-Hui.
(SIZZLING)
HONEY BARBEQUE
ONION CHICKEN
-Yes!
-Oh!
Yeah! The last one.
-I want that turtle.
-Thank you.
CREAM PUFFS
The sweet potato balls in Taipei
taste weird.
I think so too.
SHAVED ICE
I mean, the original flavor is the best.
Why'd you add the extra stuff?
Taipei likes fancier things.
-I'm done eating it.
-I'm done too.
I can't finish all that.
STINKY TOFU
Anything else you'd like to try?
How about this? Mixed thick soup.
-Sure.
-Is this with shrimp and mackerel?
Okay, Sis, I want to try this.
It's a lot more expensive than in Tainan.
I miss the shop on Kaiyuan Road in Tainan.
-Mackerel thick soup.
-Mackerel thick soup.
That's right.
Keep it down.
Let's go.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
The soup tastes really good.
I approve. But it's too pricy.
Sir, give me another mackerel thick soup
and fried rice noodles.
Did you die of hunger?
It's like you've never seen food before.
Geez, you have no idea
how I've missed this kind of food.
Yeah right, you need to eat properly
to play video games.
Our training schedule is really tight.
We often eat while training.
How do you manage that?
With fast food like French fries,
nuggets, hamburgers.
Didn't you say food
and accommodation were covered?
Is that all you eat?
Don't tell me that
you're living in an Internet café.
We live in a hotel.
Oh!
That's nice.
We even have a Jacuzzi in the room.
Maybe you guys would like to try it.
You idiot.
-Thanks.
-Enjoy.
I want one.
Thanks.
Here. Your noodles.
-Enjoy.
-Thank you. Please come again.
Ta-Tou, clean the table.
(SLURPING)
Landlord,
-here's the rent for next month.
-It's not due yet.
Since you're here,
I'll just pay in advance. It's okay.
You can keep the transfer fee then.
(SCOFFS)
The rent in this area has increased.
Except your shop.
You don't have to. It's on me.
I know you're a good tenant,
but if your rent remains the same
while others are paying more,
they'd think I was being unfair.
I know.
But if the rent goes up
ten percent like you said,
I will have to sell
an extra 200 bowls of noodles.
That's seven bowls more a day.
It's not a big difference.
Or maybe you'd prefer
doing business somewhere else.
A lot of people
are asking about this spot lately.
That'll be all then. Thanks.
(SIGHS)
Fifty bucks, thanks.
Have a nice day, ma'am.
-Handsome, what are you buying today?
-Ma'am.
I'll have 100 bucks worth of mushrooms.
-Mushrooms for 100 bucks, just one pack?
-Yeah, one pack.
Anything else?
-Thanks.
-Okay, you've given me 500.
-Throw in some extra scallion for me?
-Scallion?
-Scallion is quite pricy now.
-I'm a regular, ma'am.
Sorry, young man.
LIN I-SHAN: Living in Taipei,
there's a lot of tricks to save money.
Collecting points, promotions,
and discounts.
You can't miss any of that.
A-NAN: Sir, how much for the shrimps?
FISH VENDOR:
Grass shrimps are 400 a catty.
Whiteleg shrimps are 250 a catty.
-Four hundred a catty?
-It's good, see how big it is.
-Fine, I'll take the expensive one.
-FISH VENDOR: Sure, how much do you need?
This is TKLAB. I'm Lin I-Shan.
Thank you for calling. Thank you.
AMY: What do you mean?
This is the best offer I can give you.
I can make up for it.
I'll tell the customer to return
the wrong shipment.
You've shipped the merchandise.
One box costs 20K.
You sent ten boxes instead of one.
You think they'll simply return
180K worth of goods?
I tried to call them and text them.
They haven't replied just yet. Perhaps...
So, you haven't solved the problem at all.
But I don't have
that kind of cash right now.
We can deduct it from your salary.
Ten thousand a month.
CHOU I-CHUN: You'll get a discount.
Pay 90K instead of 180k.
AMY: Deputy manager...
I would suggest that you just quit.
Give me 30K
and I'll cover the rest for you.
How did the order go wrong?
That's just him making an issue out of it.
The delivery service would have it back
by today, believe it or not.
I told her to report it
to the Bureau of Labor.
-You did?
-That's right.
Our company fired her
because she's pregnant.
That's totally unreasonable.
Did Amy report it?
No.
She hasn't informed the company
that she's pregnant,
so someone has to prove that
the deputy manager knew about it.
I'll go regardless. I'll testify for her.
Pao-Mei. Are you sure that's a good idea?
He needs to get what he deserves.
Men blame us women for population decline
but it's people like him who should
be held responsible. I'm so mad.
You girls are so brave.
(SIGHS)
(EXHALES) What are you reading?
I'm tracking the expenses.
It's in the red this month again?
Not really. Barely in the black.
It's in the red after counting my salary.
Maybe it's better to work
for someone else?
You won't understand the ins and outs
until you're the owner.
The landlord came the other day,
saying he wants to increase rent.
All my hard-earned money has gone to him.
Why did you rent a place
on Yongkang Street? It's expensive.
Yongkang Street is the best spot.
I should've signed a longer lease.
Every time we extend, the price goes up.
You don't have to prepare my lunch
from now on.
(SIGHS)
Eating out in Taipei is really pricey.
It won't matter that much.
(SIGHS)
We don't have to split everything 50/50.
CHEERS
Are you all ready?
KISS AND WIN FREE PORK BELLY
CHEERS AT 8 P.M.
-(CROWD CHEERING)
-Ten, nine, eight, seven, six
five, four, three, two...
-Just get together already!
-Thanks.
-(CROWD CHEERING)
-Pork belly for me!
Hsu Hui-Ju!
-That's nasty.
-Cheng-En,
there's only beef on the table.
I want some seafood.
Seafood? How about some grass shrimp?
-Sure.
-Okay.
Hi, I'll have some grass shrimp
and a glass of beer.
I'll get one for you guys too.
-Sure.
-It's fresh.
Make that two servings of grass shrimp.
-We'll pass.
-Go ahead, it's fine.
What's wrong?
I'm a bit allergic.
Maybe I'll pass on the seafood.
Is that so?
Baby, what would you like?
Two glasses of beer.
I'll have some pickles and lettuce.
-Thanks.
-Sure, no problem.
I need to open the shop tomorrow.
I should head back.
I-Shan will stay with you guys.
-Don't leave yet.
-I need to get up early to prepare.
Don't drink too much. See you later.
-Bye.
-Bye.
Bye.
Jimmy, I wanted to ask something.
How do you find Hui-Ju attractive?
-You're so rude.
-She looks like this.
Hey, Jenny.
How do you find Li Cheng-En attractive?
HUI-JU: Why have I never noticed?
-It's none of your business, you know.
-(CHUCKLES)
The moment I saw her,
I knew she was mine.
It was love at first sight.
(JIMMY LAUGHS)
-Why didn't you tell me before?
-I kept it to myself.
(EXHALES) Hey.
I'll order some beef tongue for you.
It's not seafood. You won't get allergic.
You're being too nice to me.
Will your girlfriend get jealous?
-(CHUCKLES)
-(CHUCKLES)
You're my best buddy.
You won't get jealous, right?
Let's get this straight.
You're not my buddy, you're my bestie.
(CHUCKLES) Bestie.
One beef tongue. Thanks.
The drinks are here. Here.
You said you and your boyfriend
will be performing overseas.
That's so cool.
Well, we're only going to Singapore.
Stop being so dramatic. (CHUCKLES)
The schedule's really tight.
We won't have time for sightseeing.
Hui-Ju, you can afford to travel abroad?
She's keeping me company.
I'm paying for the trip.
I should be your manager instead.
(CHUCKLES)
You two have got a good thing
going on here.
Dating while traveling around
and getting paid as well.
(SIGHS)
I'm just pale in comparison.
Li Cheng-En.
Don't say that behind A-Nan's back.
She's talking about you.
Li Cheng-En, just drink.
-Where's A-Nan?
-Ms. I-Shan.
Ta-Tou, rinse the rice
and cook half of it first.
You're here.
Why are you cooking rice today?
I'd like to try making beef rice bowls
to see if I can earn more
by adding a new menu item.
Oh!
Here's the 1000 dollars.
Why did you take the money back?
Cheng-En said he was paying. It's fine.
He paid for the hot pots
and the stir-fry before.
We should at least
pay for the booze this time.
He doesn't pay every time.
We've paid our share too.
It's fine.
Just give him the money.
You can give it to him yourself.
(PLATES CLATTERING)
By the way, if there's another gathering,
I won't go.
(THUDDING)
What do you mean?
The rent has increased.
I don't make as much money as I used to.
I need to cut my expenses.
So, you're saying we'll not eat out
and we'll not meet our friends anymore?
No, you can still join them.
-It's done.
-Leave it to me.
That's it for today.
Don't be late tomorrow.
Okay. Bye.
If we can't afford it here,
let's just find another place.
Do we have to commit every hour into this?
This is my first shop.
I don't want to give it up.
I know this is your first shop.
It's hard to let go.
But what I care about is you.
The place doesn't matter.
You want to know why Li Cheng-En
wouldn't take our money?
Do you not think he could tell
that we couldn't afford it?
I don't care if he could tell or not.
Perhaps you care too much.
I don't see why
it has to be Yongkang Street.
Just find another spot
and you'll have less overheads.
And probably even make more money.
A-NAN EATERY
(CELLPHONE CHIMES)
HUI-JU: COME JOIN ME FOR DINNER TOMORROW.
WHAT'S THE SUDDEN OCCASION?
JIMMY ASKED A FEW FRIENDS TO COME
BUT I DON'T KNOW ANY OF THEM.
COME KEEP ME COMPANY. YOU'RE THE BEST.
LET YOUR BOYFRIEND KEEP YOU COMPANY.
NO, YOU'RE THE BEST.
COME WITH ME, I'M BUYING.
Hi, how many are in your party today?
The bar is this way please.
-Just the four of us?
-The others couldn't make it in time.
-Take it easy.
-I think I'll just go home.
What are you doing?
You're making me look bad.
Let's get in first.
Have a seat.
Hi, this is today's wine menu.
Please take a look.
-Thank you.
-Stay.
What if the customer is getting emotional?
What would you do?
Follow the company SOP
and try to de-escalate the situation.
Wrong answer. Drink.
All of it?
Okay. As a customer service rep,
when the customer is getting emotional,
you should take their side,
and lash it out with him or her.
That's the way you solve it.
Hm. Hmm...
You know, in America and Australia,
wildfires happen a lot, right?
The fires would keep burning for days.
Do you know what the firefighters do
to stop the fire?
-They use water.
-No.
It's too massive
and there's not enough water.
They would use fire.
-Use fire to stop fire?
-That's right.
First, they clear out a path,
and starting from the path,
they light a fire and burn back.
Once the fire from both ends meet,
there will be nothing left to burn
and the fire will be stopped naturally.
-So, the point is to find that path.
-Hmm.
Bravo. Bravo. As a reward, another drink.
-Why do I have to drink when I'm right?
-It's a reward.
-I'll drink it for her.
-That'll do.
-(SCREAMS)
-(HUMS)
Always remember
to fight for the maximum limit
for your customer.
The limit is already
a calculated risk by your company.
You don't have to worry
about harming your company.
So just make sure to stay within the limit
and lash out at the company with them.
-That's it. Smart, you're too smart.
-(CHUCKLES)
This is my business card.
Yu Han-Tsung. You can call me George.
-George.
-Mm-hmm.
Hi, I'm Lin I-Shan.
I don't have a business card yet.
It's all right.
Your service is the best business card.
Thank you.
Congratulations to our second place
in sales this week, Hsu Pao-Ting.
(ALL APPLAUDING)
Congratulations to the first place
in sales for the first time, Lin I-Shan.
-Good job.
-Thank you, deputy manager.
-(CHUCKLES)
-A tea egg for everyone.
You copycat.
LIN I-SHAN: My first sales bonus.
I'm not gonna save it.
I've decided to treat myself a bit.
Look, this is pure silver.
-Pure silver.
-Yes.
Pure silver is more expensive.
Let me think about it.
-Treat yourself.
-A good fortune has arrived.
A blessing to all your endeavors.
Fifteen percent off when you buy four.
-LIN I-SHAN: I'll get one for my friend.
-We still need one more.
One more?
Hi, are you buying this?
-Yes.
-There's 15 percent off if we buy four.
-Let's buy it together.
-Yeah, sure.
That'll be 1326 after discount.
Here's 600.
(SCOOTY ENGINE REVVING)
You didn't open the shop today?
Why didn't you?
You're losing money, right?
Didn't you reach
the sales quota this month?
-I thought we should celebrate.
-(GASPS)
I heard this bakery is quite famous.
How did you know I reached my sales quota?
Why? You don't want me to know?
I didn't mean that.
I learned the skills of customer service.
If you do this all the time,
you'll go bankrupt.
I want to eat it.
Seems like you'll be busy this week.
-How's business this week?
-A-NAN: Not bad.
Many office workers ordered
beef rice bowls for takeout.
Good to hear.
I've been thinking about
what you asked me that day.
Have a taste.
I think...
it's not about whether
we should move out or not.
It's about wherever we go,
would you want to
run the noodle shop with me?
"Due to Hsu Pao-Ting's
professional misconduct
"that caused great loss to our company,
"her employment was terminated."
That's so random. What did she do?
-What's going on?
-She's always the complaining type.
-Is everything okay?
-Yeah, okay.
Okay. We're counting on you.
Our sales bonus is pretty generous.
WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?
As you can see,
everyone's working hard for it.
-Keep it up.
-Sure.
What has gotten into you?
You know?
Amy went to HR and told them
how the deputy manager fired her.
I went and testified.
I said he knew about her pregnancy
and he tried to pick on her on purpose.
And now I'm the one getting screwed.
They said I shipped the wrong order,
which cost the company money
and now I'm fired.
Why didn't you just go to HR
and clarify with them?
I'm a fool for asking
the accomplices for help.
You think the higher-ups have any idea?
I don't care.
I will blow this thing wide open.
We'll report it to the Bureau of Labor.
Is that really a good idea?
I don't know.
Pao-Mei.
(BEEPS)
FEMALE VOICE ELEVATOR: Third floor.
-Greetings, VP.
-Hello.
LIN I-SHAN: Remember,
the people of Taipei wouldn't
stick their nose into other's affairs.
The deputy manager must have fired Amy
due to his sales quota pressure.
The higher-ups
probably don't have any idea.
Think for yourself.
If you complain to the higher-ups
and they're all in on it, then what?
Pao-Mei and Amy are my best friends.
A-NAN: Here's your noodles.
Now, the whole world thinks
those two are the problem.
That's a risky thing for you to do.
The worst-case scenario is me quitting.
If you quit, what about your income?
Can you stop talking about money?
I'm trying to think what's best for you.
-Here's the sauce.
-CUSTOMER: Thanks.
-Are you listening to what I'm saying?
-Of course, I am listening.
But if you quit now,
what would you do
during the jobless period?
Whatever.
Hi, here's some cucumber.
-Boss, one beef rice bowl.
-Okay, coming right up.
VP: Is something wrong?
Hi, VP.
I'm really hesitant to tell you this.
The deputy manager of customer service...
Oh, it's the magician.
Look.
On this card, there is the Holy Grail,
a sword, scepter, and coins.
It means everything
has been aligned for you.
You can start setting
your new plan in motion.
What do you think?
Try to get a feel of it.
Is it accurate?
I...
I made a report to VP.
You went straight to VP face to face?
Shit! Lin I-Shan, you're pretty bold.
You should've done it anonymously.
I'm not afraid. It's their wrongdoing.
Why should I hide?
I think it's pretty cool.
Remember the firefighter story
that I told you before?
I do. Fire against fire.
Once you use fire against fire,
there's no turning back.
-You have to go all the way.
-Indeed.
Keep going until the fire reaches
the path you set.
If you make it, you're the hero.
If you fail,
you're the cause
of an even greater mayhem.
What are you guys talking about?
I mean...
I just want everyone to know the truth.
HUI-JU: Gosh! Lin I-Shan.
You're so righteous. I've got your back.
Here.
-To the firefighters.
-To the firefighters.
-Cheers.
-You first.
What is it?
(FURNITURE SCRAPING LOUDLY)
CHU-CHU: Honey, careful,
don't bump the table.
-Okay.
-Watch out.
I-Shan, you're up.
-Honey, I'll meet you downstairs.
-Okay.
I-Shan, sorry to wake you up.
-My husband's only free on weekends.
-It's fine, I should be up by now.
-You're getting married?
-Yeah, I decided to get married.
He's my husband. Come say hi.
-Hi.
-Hello.
-I'll get to work.
-Okay.
I thought you were opening a shop
in Taipei?
Yeah, but then I figured
the location doesn't matter.
What matters is my husband
and I can work together.
So, I decided to go back to Pingtung
with him.
You're willing to do that?
CHU-CHU: It's not about willing
or not willing.
The life we share together matters,
not the place we're in.
Chu-Chu, I'm going to miss you.
-Hmm.
-I'm going to miss you too.
CHU-CHU: Once you get your house
in Taipei, invite me over.
-I'll work really hard.
-Good luck.
I'll take that.
-You got it?
-Yeah.
Buy your own house. Good luck.
-Love you.
-I'll get going.
-Bye.
-Bye.
LIN I-SHAN: I've been thinking
about what Chu-Chu said.
Even though she left Taipei,
Chu-Chu still found
her happiness eventually.
But who would it take...
to make me leave Taipei?
Your favorite seafood noodles. Dig in.
Why did you order for me?
Why did you go back to Tainan again?
My dad tripped and fell.
I went back to check on him.
-How is he doing?
-Got a broken arm.
Thank God my brother and his wife
were around.
-He’s married?
-Not yet.
Well, they've been together for ages.
Maybe your parents already see her
as their daughter-in-law.
My parents treat you
like a daughter-in-law too.
What does it have to do with me?
Take Jenny back home with you.
Who?
I'm just pale in comparison.
Isn't she your girlfriend?
That was ages ago.
My girlfriend now is Yuko.
YUKO. Don't call her the wrong name.
What do you mean ages ago?
We just met last month.
You're such a jerk.
Don't you start with me.
It's not like you'll be with
your current boyfriend forever.
I'm not just having a fling.
Even if A-Nan and I don't work out,
I wouldn't be like you.
Don't kid yourself.
You think I didn't know
you and Hui-Ju went out partying at night?
Oh, geez!
It's none of your business.
Hey. Fine.
Your mom wanted me to bring you this.
Put the pineapple and the jerky
in the fridge. The rest is fine.
The pineapple is so heavy.
It's the weight of your mother's love.
Fine, a pack of dried mango for you.
(SCOFFS) You're so stingy!
I-Shan.
-What are you doing here?
-Cousin.
Waiting for your boyfriend?
No, he's still working
so I'll go in later.
You've been together for so long.
That's pretty impressive.
-I wouldn't be able to do it.
-Two years isn't that long.
Two years are pretty long.
Do you still work
for the face mask company?
I find it pretty stable.
I don't have to keep changing jobs.
You are indeed the type who stays
in your comfort zone.
I need to go now.
I have some packing to do.
-Where are you going?
-A business trip.
-Bye.
-Bye.
LIN I-SHAN: Am I too used to being stable?
Or am I too easily satisfied?
Is... this what I dream of becoming?
This isn't who I want to be...
Hello, this is TKLAB. I'm Lin I-Shan.
LIN I-SHAN: ...and it's not the goal I had
when coming to Taipei.
How may I help?
-VP?
-Yes.
Come. I need to talk to you.
How do I address you?
-LIN I-SHAN: Ms. Chen.
-FEMALE CALL AGENT: Hello.
From 9 a.m. till 12 p.m.
I'm telling you, you'll never find
a person more devoted than me!
You're all losing your minds.
What the hell!
-(KEYBOARD CLICKING)
-(TELEPHONE RINGING)
(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING)
I'll here with you.
-Can you help me with this too?
-No problem.
The survey for working overtime.
Here, thanks.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
I-SHAN: YOU'RE GREAT.
WE'RE NOT MADE FOR EACH OTHER.
WE WANT DIFFERENT THINGS.
A-NAN: Wherever we go,
would you want to
run the noodle shop together with me?
(SNIFFLES)
(ROMANTIC MUSIC FADING)
LIN I-SHAN: I'm sorry.
What I want is way more.
(TOILET FLUSHING)
WOMEN IN TAIPEI
(SLOW MELODY PLAYING)
Sorry about that.
(GRUNTS)
(SCOOTY ENGINE REVVING)
I'm back.
Welcome back. Do you need a haircut?
I just trimmed my front bangs.
Maybe next time.
You brought a load of food back again?
The fridge is full.
My boyfriend made them for me.
Cooking it all at once
is more cost-effective, I guess.
Not bad, you get free meals.
Better than us who had to eat out all day.
-I wanted to cover some expenses for him.
-Why split everything 50/50?
You'll get married anyway.
Chu-Chu, I want my front bangs trimmed.
-Can I get 50 percent off?
-No way.
Would you eat half a meal
and just pay half the price?
Blah, blah, blah, blah.
A year ago,
you said you'd open your own shop.
-When are you going to do it?
-(MICROWAVE OVEN BEEPING)
It's not easy and it costs a lot.
I'd be too busy to cut your hair
if I ran a shop.
Forget it then.
You're good at doing haircuts.
And you even do a home service,
it's so convenient.
Then show some appreciation, will you?
Smells good.
Shan, what will you buy with your savings?
Um. I want to buy whatever I want
without looking at the price tag.
That's it?
Um... Or maybe I'll buy a suite in Taipei.
Maybe you can only afford
those around Zhonghe.
Downtown's too expensive.
Just a random thought.
Agh!
CHU-CHU: So sweet. I'll have another one.
-Here's one for you.
-(SCREAMS)
What are you doing?
Your boyfriend made it for you.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
LIN I-SHAN: Even though I can't afford
to live in Taipei just yet,
at least I get to live
on the other side of the bridge.
Riding across the bridge every day
-gives me doubts...
-(SCOOTY ENGINE REVVING)
LIN I-SHAN: ...but I won't give up.
EPISODE 2
THE NEW POVERTY CLASS IN A SNOBBISH CITY
SEEING THE END OF THE LITTLE HAPPINESS
IN NEW TAIPEI CITY
-(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
-Based on your skin condition now...
For dry skin...
I haven't received your order number.
Can I check it with you?
One, five, six. Two, six, seven.
Three, eight. Two.
-Okay.
-Please hold, I'll check it for you.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Your order has been shipped.
Please check out our other products.
Okay.
Excuse me.
Have you joined our fan page yet?
ALL EMPLOYEES PLEASE PROCEED TO
PUNCH THE TIME CLOCK
Great. We'll contact you by messaging.
Okay, thank you. Thank you.
-How long did it take?
-Thirty minutes.
Thirty minutes?
Just to check if his card payment
is valid? That's insane.
Thank God I sold some products to him.
Pathetic.
Thirty minutes. Ten orders.
-Pao-Mei.
-(CHUCKLES)
-Your treat.
-No problem.
Oh.
Lin I-Shan,
you're having beef and scallops,
yet you still want my tea egg.
Of course, I'd eat that.
-You're eating so little.
-Yeah, it's cheaper.
-Hmm?
-It'll save me 25 bucks.
Since when?
Pay attention
to the convenient store advert.
-Let me know next time!
-Like you even need it.
All right, you can have some.
A lunch box filled with love, huh?
I wonder if it'll upset my stomach.
-You went straight for the scallop.
-I'm leaving. Bye.
You're leaving early.
I told the deputy manager.
I'll be leaving early from now on.
What's going on?
Nothing. Just...
I get uncomfortable more often lately.
The doctor told me to get some rest.
-(GASPS)
-Shush.
-Hush. Keep it down.
-(CHUCKLES)
You're pregnant? Congratulations.
When are you getting married?
Will there be a wedding?
No, we're saving our money up
to raise the child.
Don't worry so much.
Kids can help bring you good fortune.
-(SCOFFS)
-You're such a boomer.
It's all expenses after having kids.
They will put you
in a debt of ten million.
(SCOFFS) Ten million dollars?
Yep. I think you're really brave.
My boyfriend and I
wouldn't even dare to consider it.
That being said,
I still look forward to seeing
the baby inside me.
-(SCOFFS)
-Go get some rest.
Amy.
Aren't you having a...?
-Yeah.
-Just go home and get some rest.
If I reach my sales quota,
I'll share the bonus with you.
Me too.
-I'll get going.
-Sure.
-He's waiting for me.
-Sure.
-See you tomorrow.
-Bye.
Be careful. (CHUCKLES)
What?
-Feeling envious?
-Not at all.
(TAPPING)
-(THUDS)
-(GROANS)
It smells so good.
-Did I wake you?
-Not really.
Salmon fried rice is my favorite.
Tamagoyaki!
LIN I-SHAN: Two years
of being together with A-Nan.
I feel steady and secure.
It's the ordinary
and stable kind of happiness.
-Who made that? It's so good.
-(CHUCKLES)
Stop touching it.
He hasn't been cleaned at all.
A-Nan,
you don't have to prepare food for me.
It's all right. As long as you enjoy it.
I'll just have what's in the shop.
Do you want a dog one day?
I do,
but I can't even afford
to feed myself right now.
-A-Nan.
-Hmm?
Take the day off.
My sister and I are going to
the Lehua Night Market. Come join us.
You're going shopping?
-No, no.
-Really?
-Chop my hand off if I do.
-You sure?
-No shopping? I'll chop it.
-I'll just look around.
-I'll just look around.
-Just look around.
Hsiao-Hui.
(SIZZLING)
HONEY BARBEQUE
ONION CHICKEN
-Yes!
-Oh!
Yeah! The last one.
-I want that turtle.
-Thank you.
CREAM PUFFS
The sweet potato balls in Taipei
taste weird.
I think so too.
SHAVED ICE
I mean, the original flavor is the best.
Why'd you add the extra stuff?
Taipei likes fancier things.
-I'm done eating it.
-I'm done too.
I can't finish all that.
STINKY TOFU
Anything else you'd like to try?
How about this? Mixed thick soup.
-Sure.
-Is this with shrimp and mackerel?
Okay, Sis, I want to try this.
It's a lot more expensive than in Tainan.
I miss the shop on Kaiyuan Road in Tainan.
-Mackerel thick soup.
-Mackerel thick soup.
That's right.
Keep it down.
Let's go.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
The soup tastes really good.
I approve. But it's too pricy.
Sir, give me another mackerel thick soup
and fried rice noodles.
Did you die of hunger?
It's like you've never seen food before.
Geez, you have no idea
how I've missed this kind of food.
Yeah right, you need to eat properly
to play video games.
Our training schedule is really tight.
We often eat while training.
How do you manage that?
With fast food like French fries,
nuggets, hamburgers.
Didn't you say food
and accommodation were covered?
Is that all you eat?
Don't tell me that
you're living in an Internet café.
We live in a hotel.
Oh!
That's nice.
We even have a Jacuzzi in the room.
Maybe you guys would like to try it.
You idiot.
-Thanks.
-Enjoy.
I want one.
Thanks.
Here. Your noodles.
-Enjoy.
-Thank you. Please come again.
Ta-Tou, clean the table.
(SLURPING)
Landlord,
-here's the rent for next month.
-It's not due yet.
Since you're here,
I'll just pay in advance. It's okay.
You can keep the transfer fee then.
(SCOFFS)
The rent in this area has increased.
Except your shop.
You don't have to. It's on me.
I know you're a good tenant,
but if your rent remains the same
while others are paying more,
they'd think I was being unfair.
I know.
But if the rent goes up
ten percent like you said,
I will have to sell
an extra 200 bowls of noodles.
That's seven bowls more a day.
It's not a big difference.
Or maybe you'd prefer
doing business somewhere else.
A lot of people
are asking about this spot lately.
That'll be all then. Thanks.
(SIGHS)
Fifty bucks, thanks.
Have a nice day, ma'am.
-Handsome, what are you buying today?
-Ma'am.
I'll have 100 bucks worth of mushrooms.
-Mushrooms for 100 bucks, just one pack?
-Yeah, one pack.
Anything else?
-Thanks.
-Okay, you've given me 500.
-Throw in some extra scallion for me?
-Scallion?
-Scallion is quite pricy now.
-I'm a regular, ma'am.
Sorry, young man.
LIN I-SHAN: Living in Taipei,
there's a lot of tricks to save money.
Collecting points, promotions,
and discounts.
You can't miss any of that.
A-NAN: Sir, how much for the shrimps?
FISH VENDOR:
Grass shrimps are 400 a catty.
Whiteleg shrimps are 250 a catty.
-Four hundred a catty?
-It's good, see how big it is.
-Fine, I'll take the expensive one.
-FISH VENDOR: Sure, how much do you need?
This is TKLAB. I'm Lin I-Shan.
Thank you for calling. Thank you.
AMY: What do you mean?
This is the best offer I can give you.
I can make up for it.
I'll tell the customer to return
the wrong shipment.
You've shipped the merchandise.
One box costs 20K.
You sent ten boxes instead of one.
You think they'll simply return
180K worth of goods?
I tried to call them and text them.
They haven't replied just yet. Perhaps...
So, you haven't solved the problem at all.
But I don't have
that kind of cash right now.
We can deduct it from your salary.
Ten thousand a month.
CHOU I-CHUN: You'll get a discount.
Pay 90K instead of 180k.
AMY: Deputy manager...
I would suggest that you just quit.
Give me 30K
and I'll cover the rest for you.
How did the order go wrong?
That's just him making an issue out of it.
The delivery service would have it back
by today, believe it or not.
I told her to report it
to the Bureau of Labor.
-You did?
-That's right.
Our company fired her
because she's pregnant.
That's totally unreasonable.
Did Amy report it?
No.
She hasn't informed the company
that she's pregnant,
so someone has to prove that
the deputy manager knew about it.
I'll go regardless. I'll testify for her.
Pao-Mei. Are you sure that's a good idea?
He needs to get what he deserves.
Men blame us women for population decline
but it's people like him who should
be held responsible. I'm so mad.
You girls are so brave.
(SIGHS)
(EXHALES) What are you reading?
I'm tracking the expenses.
It's in the red this month again?
Not really. Barely in the black.
It's in the red after counting my salary.
Maybe it's better to work
for someone else?
You won't understand the ins and outs
until you're the owner.
The landlord came the other day,
saying he wants to increase rent.
All my hard-earned money has gone to him.
Why did you rent a place
on Yongkang Street? It's expensive.
Yongkang Street is the best spot.
I should've signed a longer lease.
Every time we extend, the price goes up.
You don't have to prepare my lunch
from now on.
(SIGHS)
Eating out in Taipei is really pricey.
It won't matter that much.
(SIGHS)
We don't have to split everything 50/50.
CHEERS
Are you all ready?
KISS AND WIN FREE PORK BELLY
CHEERS AT 8 P.M.
-(CROWD CHEERING)
-Ten, nine, eight, seven, six
five, four, three, two...
-Just get together already!
-Thanks.
-(CROWD CHEERING)
-Pork belly for me!
Hsu Hui-Ju!
-That's nasty.
-Cheng-En,
there's only beef on the table.
I want some seafood.
Seafood? How about some grass shrimp?
-Sure.
-Okay.
Hi, I'll have some grass shrimp
and a glass of beer.
I'll get one for you guys too.
-Sure.
-It's fresh.
Make that two servings of grass shrimp.
-We'll pass.
-Go ahead, it's fine.
What's wrong?
I'm a bit allergic.
Maybe I'll pass on the seafood.
Is that so?
Baby, what would you like?
Two glasses of beer.
I'll have some pickles and lettuce.
-Thanks.
-Sure, no problem.
I need to open the shop tomorrow.
I should head back.
I-Shan will stay with you guys.
-Don't leave yet.
-I need to get up early to prepare.
Don't drink too much. See you later.
-Bye.
-Bye.
Bye.
Jimmy, I wanted to ask something.
How do you find Hui-Ju attractive?
-You're so rude.
-She looks like this.
Hey, Jenny.
How do you find Li Cheng-En attractive?
HUI-JU: Why have I never noticed?
-It's none of your business, you know.
-(CHUCKLES)
The moment I saw her,
I knew she was mine.
It was love at first sight.
(JIMMY LAUGHS)
-Why didn't you tell me before?
-I kept it to myself.
(EXHALES) Hey.
I'll order some beef tongue for you.
It's not seafood. You won't get allergic.
You're being too nice to me.
Will your girlfriend get jealous?
-(CHUCKLES)
-(CHUCKLES)
You're my best buddy.
You won't get jealous, right?
Let's get this straight.
You're not my buddy, you're my bestie.
(CHUCKLES) Bestie.
One beef tongue. Thanks.
The drinks are here. Here.
You said you and your boyfriend
will be performing overseas.
That's so cool.
Well, we're only going to Singapore.
Stop being so dramatic. (CHUCKLES)
The schedule's really tight.
We won't have time for sightseeing.
Hui-Ju, you can afford to travel abroad?
She's keeping me company.
I'm paying for the trip.
I should be your manager instead.
(CHUCKLES)
You two have got a good thing
going on here.
Dating while traveling around
and getting paid as well.
(SIGHS)
I'm just pale in comparison.
Li Cheng-En.
Don't say that behind A-Nan's back.
She's talking about you.
Li Cheng-En, just drink.
-Where's A-Nan?
-Ms. I-Shan.
Ta-Tou, rinse the rice
and cook half of it first.
You're here.
Why are you cooking rice today?
I'd like to try making beef rice bowls
to see if I can earn more
by adding a new menu item.
Oh!
Here's the 1000 dollars.
Why did you take the money back?
Cheng-En said he was paying. It's fine.
He paid for the hot pots
and the stir-fry before.
We should at least
pay for the booze this time.
He doesn't pay every time.
We've paid our share too.
It's fine.
Just give him the money.
You can give it to him yourself.
(PLATES CLATTERING)
By the way, if there's another gathering,
I won't go.
(THUDDING)
What do you mean?
The rent has increased.
I don't make as much money as I used to.
I need to cut my expenses.
So, you're saying we'll not eat out
and we'll not meet our friends anymore?
No, you can still join them.
-It's done.
-Leave it to me.
That's it for today.
Don't be late tomorrow.
Okay. Bye.
If we can't afford it here,
let's just find another place.
Do we have to commit every hour into this?
This is my first shop.
I don't want to give it up.
I know this is your first shop.
It's hard to let go.
But what I care about is you.
The place doesn't matter.
You want to know why Li Cheng-En
wouldn't take our money?
Do you not think he could tell
that we couldn't afford it?
I don't care if he could tell or not.
Perhaps you care too much.
I don't see why
it has to be Yongkang Street.
Just find another spot
and you'll have less overheads.
And probably even make more money.
A-NAN EATERY
(CELLPHONE CHIMES)
HUI-JU: COME JOIN ME FOR DINNER TOMORROW.
WHAT'S THE SUDDEN OCCASION?
JIMMY ASKED A FEW FRIENDS TO COME
BUT I DON'T KNOW ANY OF THEM.
COME KEEP ME COMPANY. YOU'RE THE BEST.
LET YOUR BOYFRIEND KEEP YOU COMPANY.
NO, YOU'RE THE BEST.
COME WITH ME, I'M BUYING.
Hi, how many are in your party today?
The bar is this way please.
-Just the four of us?
-The others couldn't make it in time.
-Take it easy.
-I think I'll just go home.
What are you doing?
You're making me look bad.
Let's get in first.
Have a seat.
Hi, this is today's wine menu.
Please take a look.
-Thank you.
-Stay.
What if the customer is getting emotional?
What would you do?
Follow the company SOP
and try to de-escalate the situation.
Wrong answer. Drink.
All of it?
Okay. As a customer service rep,
when the customer is getting emotional,
you should take their side,
and lash it out with him or her.
That's the way you solve it.
Hm. Hmm...
You know, in America and Australia,
wildfires happen a lot, right?
The fires would keep burning for days.
Do you know what the firefighters do
to stop the fire?
-They use water.
-No.
It's too massive
and there's not enough water.
They would use fire.
-Use fire to stop fire?
-That's right.
First, they clear out a path,
and starting from the path,
they light a fire and burn back.
Once the fire from both ends meet,
there will be nothing left to burn
and the fire will be stopped naturally.
-So, the point is to find that path.
-Hmm.
Bravo. Bravo. As a reward, another drink.
-Why do I have to drink when I'm right?
-It's a reward.
-I'll drink it for her.
-That'll do.
-(SCREAMS)
-(HUMS)
Always remember
to fight for the maximum limit
for your customer.
The limit is already
a calculated risk by your company.
You don't have to worry
about harming your company.
So just make sure to stay within the limit
and lash out at the company with them.
-That's it. Smart, you're too smart.
-(CHUCKLES)
This is my business card.
Yu Han-Tsung. You can call me George.
-George.
-Mm-hmm.
Hi, I'm Lin I-Shan.
I don't have a business card yet.
It's all right.
Your service is the best business card.
Thank you.
Congratulations to our second place
in sales this week, Hsu Pao-Ting.
(ALL APPLAUDING)
Congratulations to the first place
in sales for the first time, Lin I-Shan.
-Good job.
-Thank you, deputy manager.
-(CHUCKLES)
-A tea egg for everyone.
You copycat.
LIN I-SHAN: My first sales bonus.
I'm not gonna save it.
I've decided to treat myself a bit.
Look, this is pure silver.
-Pure silver.
-Yes.
Pure silver is more expensive.
Let me think about it.
-Treat yourself.
-A good fortune has arrived.
A blessing to all your endeavors.
Fifteen percent off when you buy four.
-LIN I-SHAN: I'll get one for my friend.
-We still need one more.
One more?
Hi, are you buying this?
-Yes.
-There's 15 percent off if we buy four.
-Let's buy it together.
-Yeah, sure.
That'll be 1326 after discount.
Here's 600.
(SCOOTY ENGINE REVVING)
You didn't open the shop today?
Why didn't you?
You're losing money, right?
Didn't you reach
the sales quota this month?
-I thought we should celebrate.
-(GASPS)
I heard this bakery is quite famous.
How did you know I reached my sales quota?
Why? You don't want me to know?
I didn't mean that.
I learned the skills of customer service.
If you do this all the time,
you'll go bankrupt.
I want to eat it.
Seems like you'll be busy this week.
-How's business this week?
-A-NAN: Not bad.
Many office workers ordered
beef rice bowls for takeout.
Good to hear.
I've been thinking about
what you asked me that day.
Have a taste.
I think...
it's not about whether
we should move out or not.
It's about wherever we go,
would you want to
run the noodle shop with me?
"Due to Hsu Pao-Ting's
professional misconduct
"that caused great loss to our company,
"her employment was terminated."
That's so random. What did she do?
-What's going on?
-She's always the complaining type.
-Is everything okay?
-Yeah, okay.
Okay. We're counting on you.
Our sales bonus is pretty generous.
WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?
As you can see,
everyone's working hard for it.
-Keep it up.
-Sure.
What has gotten into you?
You know?
Amy went to HR and told them
how the deputy manager fired her.
I went and testified.
I said he knew about her pregnancy
and he tried to pick on her on purpose.
And now I'm the one getting screwed.
They said I shipped the wrong order,
which cost the company money
and now I'm fired.
Why didn't you just go to HR
and clarify with them?
I'm a fool for asking
the accomplices for help.
You think the higher-ups have any idea?
I don't care.
I will blow this thing wide open.
We'll report it to the Bureau of Labor.
Is that really a good idea?
I don't know.
Pao-Mei.
(BEEPS)
FEMALE VOICE ELEVATOR: Third floor.
-Greetings, VP.
-Hello.
LIN I-SHAN: Remember,
the people of Taipei wouldn't
stick their nose into other's affairs.
The deputy manager must have fired Amy
due to his sales quota pressure.
The higher-ups
probably don't have any idea.
Think for yourself.
If you complain to the higher-ups
and they're all in on it, then what?
Pao-Mei and Amy are my best friends.
A-NAN: Here's your noodles.
Now, the whole world thinks
those two are the problem.
That's a risky thing for you to do.
The worst-case scenario is me quitting.
If you quit, what about your income?
Can you stop talking about money?
I'm trying to think what's best for you.
-Here's the sauce.
-CUSTOMER: Thanks.
-Are you listening to what I'm saying?
-Of course, I am listening.
But if you quit now,
what would you do
during the jobless period?
Whatever.
Hi, here's some cucumber.
-Boss, one beef rice bowl.
-Okay, coming right up.
VP: Is something wrong?
Hi, VP.
I'm really hesitant to tell you this.
The deputy manager of customer service...
Oh, it's the magician.
Look.
On this card, there is the Holy Grail,
a sword, scepter, and coins.
It means everything
has been aligned for you.
You can start setting
your new plan in motion.
What do you think?
Try to get a feel of it.
Is it accurate?
I...
I made a report to VP.
You went straight to VP face to face?
Shit! Lin I-Shan, you're pretty bold.
You should've done it anonymously.
I'm not afraid. It's their wrongdoing.
Why should I hide?
I think it's pretty cool.
Remember the firefighter story
that I told you before?
I do. Fire against fire.
Once you use fire against fire,
there's no turning back.
-You have to go all the way.
-Indeed.
Keep going until the fire reaches
the path you set.
If you make it, you're the hero.
If you fail,
you're the cause
of an even greater mayhem.
What are you guys talking about?
I mean...
I just want everyone to know the truth.
HUI-JU: Gosh! Lin I-Shan.
You're so righteous. I've got your back.
Here.
-To the firefighters.
-To the firefighters.
-Cheers.
-You first.
What is it?
(FURNITURE SCRAPING LOUDLY)
CHU-CHU: Honey, careful,
don't bump the table.
-Okay.
-Watch out.
I-Shan, you're up.
-Honey, I'll meet you downstairs.
-Okay.
I-Shan, sorry to wake you up.
-My husband's only free on weekends.
-It's fine, I should be up by now.
-You're getting married?
-Yeah, I decided to get married.
He's my husband. Come say hi.
-Hi.
-Hello.
-I'll get to work.
-Okay.
I thought you were opening a shop
in Taipei?
Yeah, but then I figured
the location doesn't matter.
What matters is my husband
and I can work together.
So, I decided to go back to Pingtung
with him.
You're willing to do that?
CHU-CHU: It's not about willing
or not willing.
The life we share together matters,
not the place we're in.
Chu-Chu, I'm going to miss you.
-Hmm.
-I'm going to miss you too.
CHU-CHU: Once you get your house
in Taipei, invite me over.
-I'll work really hard.
-Good luck.
I'll take that.
-You got it?
-Yeah.
Buy your own house. Good luck.
-Love you.
-I'll get going.
-Bye.
-Bye.
LIN I-SHAN: I've been thinking
about what Chu-Chu said.
Even though she left Taipei,
Chu-Chu still found
her happiness eventually.
But who would it take...
to make me leave Taipei?
Your favorite seafood noodles. Dig in.
Why did you order for me?
Why did you go back to Tainan again?
My dad tripped and fell.
I went back to check on him.
-How is he doing?
-Got a broken arm.
Thank God my brother and his wife
were around.
-He’s married?
-Not yet.
Well, they've been together for ages.
Maybe your parents already see her
as their daughter-in-law.
My parents treat you
like a daughter-in-law too.
What does it have to do with me?
Take Jenny back home with you.
Who?
I'm just pale in comparison.
Isn't she your girlfriend?
That was ages ago.
My girlfriend now is Yuko.
YUKO. Don't call her the wrong name.
What do you mean ages ago?
We just met last month.
You're such a jerk.
Don't you start with me.
It's not like you'll be with
your current boyfriend forever.
I'm not just having a fling.
Even if A-Nan and I don't work out,
I wouldn't be like you.
Don't kid yourself.
You think I didn't know
you and Hui-Ju went out partying at night?
Oh, geez!
It's none of your business.
Hey. Fine.
Your mom wanted me to bring you this.
Put the pineapple and the jerky
in the fridge. The rest is fine.
The pineapple is so heavy.
It's the weight of your mother's love.
Fine, a pack of dried mango for you.
(SCOFFS) You're so stingy!
I-Shan.
-What are you doing here?
-Cousin.
Waiting for your boyfriend?
No, he's still working
so I'll go in later.
You've been together for so long.
That's pretty impressive.
-I wouldn't be able to do it.
-Two years isn't that long.
Two years are pretty long.
Do you still work
for the face mask company?
I find it pretty stable.
I don't have to keep changing jobs.
You are indeed the type who stays
in your comfort zone.
I need to go now.
I have some packing to do.
-Where are you going?
-A business trip.
-Bye.
-Bye.
LIN I-SHAN: Am I too used to being stable?
Or am I too easily satisfied?
Is... this what I dream of becoming?
This isn't who I want to be...
Hello, this is TKLAB. I'm Lin I-Shan.
LIN I-SHAN: ...and it's not the goal I had
when coming to Taipei.
How may I help?
-VP?
-Yes.
Come. I need to talk to you.
How do I address you?
-LIN I-SHAN: Ms. Chen.
-FEMALE CALL AGENT: Hello.
From 9 a.m. till 12 p.m.
I'm telling you, you'll never find
a person more devoted than me!
You're all losing your minds.
What the hell!
-(KEYBOARD CLICKING)
-(TELEPHONE RINGING)
(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING)
I'll here with you.
-Can you help me with this too?
-No problem.
The survey for working overtime.
Here, thanks.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
I-SHAN: YOU'RE GREAT.
WE'RE NOT MADE FOR EACH OTHER.
WE WANT DIFFERENT THINGS.
A-NAN: Wherever we go,
would you want to
run the noodle shop together with me?
(SNIFFLES)
(ROMANTIC MUSIC FADING)
LIN I-SHAN: I'm sorry.
What I want is way more.
(TOILET FLUSHING)