Women in Taipei (2022–…): Season 1, Episode 7 - Episode #1.7 - full transcript
(THEME SONG PLAYING)
WOMEN IN TAIPEI
(THEME SONG ENDS)
(SIGHS)
The texture is pretty comfortable.
Does this chair come in different colors?
There are many colors for this one,
but currently we only have the orange one.
The other colors are out of stock,
we can take pre-orders.
That's okay, we'll order two of them.
I want to check out the blue ones.
You can have a look at them here.
There are some options.
Thank you.
Instead of two single chairs,
would you consider a two-seater sofa?
We want two single chairs, thank you.
Sure, I'll show you
some other color options.
CHIH-FU: Thank you.
I-SHAN: Baby, is it weird that
we're buying furniture like this?
Why would it be weird?
Two single chairs are more comfortable
than a two-seater.
Don't care about what others think.
I agree.
Don't care about what the others think.
Don't care about what the elders think.
I'll buy whatever I want.
That's the way to live.
(GENTLE JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING)
-Both of them are so hard to handle.
-Here is your order.
-I-SHAN: Didn't you want to go kayaking?
-CHIH-FU: And watch the sunrise.
I-SHAN: Yeah,
you've mentioned that several times.
Hey, I want to go diving.
Diving? You mean with the cylinders?
Yeah, scuba diving.
-I think I'm claustrophobic.
-(I-SHAN LAUGHS)
But if...
Let's give it a try.
If you really want to do it,
I'll give it a try.
I'll give it a try.
I-SHAN: Let's eat.
Finally, I've found my soulmate.
-KID: I wanna go home and watch TV.
-MAN: Keep it down.
WOMAN: Lei Hsiang-Hsiang.
You're too loud. Come, sit down.
I-SHAN: He doesn't want to define
our relationship with marriage or kids.
WOMAN: We'll go home
when I've finished.
-I-SHAN: This is how life should be.
-WOMAN: Quiet.
I-SHAN: This is...
the image of an ideal life.
(KID WHINES)
EPISODE 7
THE ALMOST SOULMATE
ON THE ROAD LEAVING DAZHI
(GENTLE JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING)
We shouldn't pick a movie
like Lust, Caution for the weekend.
CHIH-FU: It's like
a romantic horror movie.
I-SHAN: You mean the male and female lead
are miserable and desperate.
Even if you don't have a choice
during that time period,
being too sentimental would only cause
destruction for each other.
-Right?
-Hmm...
You mean the part when the guy
gave her the diamond ring?
Of course not.
It's when she let him walk away.
That's totally unacceptable.
If I were the female lead,
I'd probably have done the same thing.
Even if you made the same decision,
I wouldn't do what he did.
I wouldn't be ungrateful and execute you.
If you treat me well, I'll set you free.
I-SHAN: Mm. (CHUCKLES)
Hey, these are my peeled chili peppers.
No problem, I'm yours as well.
Hmm? What did you say?
I said, I'm yours as well.
-What did you say?
-I'm yours as well.
I'm yours as well.
(I-SHAN CHUCKLES)
CHIH-FU: Okay, the pointy spot.
-They’re black in color.
-A-KUAI: Pointy.
-Like this?
-CHIH-FU: Mm.
HUI-JU: Where do these go?
-You're taking it all out?
-I-SHAN: Yeah.
-What's this?
-New bowls I just bought. Pretty, right?
(SCOFFS) We're camping
and you bring bowls like this?
Chih-Fu likes this kind of fancy stuff.
That's too much.
(GENTLE JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING)
-Here.
-Thanks.
That's too much.
Not at all. It tastes better like this.
Li Cheng-En, you're taking too long.
We're getting thirsty.
What? Can't you drink water?
Hurry up.
-You're taking so long.
-Cheng-En, I'll do it.
You know how to do it?
That looks pretty extravagant.
Look, it's easy.
-It's working!
-(CHEERING)
-CHENG-EN: Just like I said.
-Yeah, right.
(LAUGHTER)
My friends and I used to sneak drinks
from my home's wine cellar.
-I learned it there.
-You sure know your wine.
We brought our favorites today.
You can review them.
I'm not an expert. I prefer Coke.
Back in high school, I took a sip
of my dad's Romanée-Conti
and I had a headache for three days.
So I have no interest in wine whatsoever.
However, if it's paired with food,
I'm okay with that.
Romanée-Conti,
the most expensive wine in the world.
The cheapest one
would still cost over 200,000.
-Two hundred thousand!
-What?
I bought this for 2,000
and you're mad at me already.
-That one costs 200,000.
-No, I wasn't.
Expensive wine doesn't always
taste better. Maybe this one is smoother.
-Yeah.
-Yeah, that's what the seller said.
Wait.
-CHIH-FU: I brought wine glasses.
-CHENG-EN: That's insane.
HUI-JU: What glasses?
Ta-da!
Gosh, how professional.
-HUI-JU: You got wine glasses.
-I-SHAN: Allow me.
I'm okay with paper cups,
but your girlfriend
has a wine cellar at home.
You should at least
take it more seriously, right?
Tell me in advance next time.
I'll bring my suit
and my most expensive pair of shoes.
(JEERING)
I'll get you your suit.
-It means she brought it.
-Put it on.
No, Hsiao-Ping, I'm telling you.
Drinking rice wine on the sidewalk
suits Cheng-En perfectly.
-Look at you holding a fan like that.
-What?
You look like a servant
enjoying the intestines.
(LAUGHTER)
-Nice shot.
-(LAUGHTER)
CHENG-EN: I was surprised
when Hsiao-Ping came back to me.
I didn't think we would work.
My dad was probably scared
of me cutting ties with him,
so he rejected the heirship.
He asked my mom to make a deal with me.
I just want to be with Cheng-En.
Nothing else matters to me.
What are the terms?
They want me to marry someone
that matches their status
and has his own business.
I-SHAN: What are you going to do next?
Work hard and make more money. What else?
Become someone her family wants me to be.
-What about you guys?
-HUI-JU: Hmm?
CHENG-EN: Why did you guys decide
to marry at once?
Tell us the reason.
-There's nothing to tell.
-(CHUCKLES)
You guys know that.
A-Kuai and I love kids, so we thought...
since we're still young and capable,
let's have a go at it.
A-KUAI: Have a go at it. (CHUCKLES)
Hey, you've been trying for quite a while.
Yeah, we've been trying several methods
like different diets,
adjusting our sleeping habits.
We've been following
the TCM doctor's advice,
but we don't know why nothing's working.
A-Kuai, don't worry.
Traditional Chinese medicine
takes longer to work.
Besides...
Why, what's wrong with me?
Nice, pretty lady.
-Pretty, pretty.
-(GIGGLES)
What about you, Chih-Fu? Do you like kids?
I don't like kids.
I-Shan and I don't plan to have kids.
But you'll get married, right?
No, we're not together
because we want to get married.
We've reached a consensus.
Why not get married?
Marriage is a commitment two people make
to spend their lives together.
It's a wholesome thing.
I don't believe in such commitment.
I think it's a test for human nature.
Human nature
is the most fragile thing to be tested.
I don't want to be part of that game.
CHENG-EN: If you find
common ground for your love,
why would you be afraid
of being tested by marriage?
CHIH-FU: I'm not afraid.
I just don't want to waste time
and money on meaningless things.
Don't you think that marriage goes
beyond those two people?
It's like a war between two families
with different opinions. Right?
I guess so. Just like me and Cheng-En.
CHENG-EN: Lin I-Shan,
why are you so quiet?
What?
So you won't get married but you'll live
with him for the rest of your life?
Chih-Fu and I are fine.
There are no legal obligations.
I make him dinner because I feel like it,
not because I'm married to him.
Well...
What about having kids?
I had no idea you didn't want kids.
I respect what Chih-Fu thinks.
My stance is pretty simple.
I just want a life of two people.
I want quality of life, pure and simple.
You could say that we're being selfish,
but other than work,
I want to invest all my time
and attention on I-Shan.
There's nothing wrong with just wanting
to spend my time with my loved one.
There's nothing wrong with that.
It's just...
Mmm.
You made the best wine.
RECEPTIONIST: Good morning, Director.
-I-SHAN: Are you collecting bonus points?
-Yes, I am.
-Thank you, Director.
-No problem.
-WOMAN: Good morning, Director.
-Morning.
-LINDA: Good morning, Director.
-Morning.
Director, Sunny asked if we can
have the meeting half an hour earlier.
That'd be now, right?
We're having lunch with the new colleague.
It might be too late after the meeting.
I-SHAN: I see.
Going over the member system
might take a while.
So, what are you having for lunch?
We're going to that
new Korean fried chicken place.
Do you want to join us?
It's your chance to lash out
at the company. You shouldn't invite me.
-Is the marketing division going?
-It's just us.
The new colleague runs CMS.
Sunny wants to get to know him.
CMS. We do need to get to know him then.
Here, 2,000 dollars.
-Thank you, Director.
-I-SHAN: It's on me.
Enjoy the meal. No need to reimburse it.
Director, should we order take-out
for you?
You want me to get fat
eating fried chicken at noon?
-Hurry up and get ready for the meeting.
-Okay.
Okay, today I'm going
to discuss this with you all.
It's about the member system
for the luxury goods section.
I'll cover member levels and discounts,
gifts and bonus rewards, four categories.
Should the luxury goods section
apply all of them?
I think we should skip
the member discounts at first.
Yeah, rich people who are buying
luxury goods don't care about discounts.
Right, I think we should hold
the member discount part for now.
The discounts don't have much attraction
for our target audience.
I-SHAN: Mm...
I know some very wealthy people.
Their views on spending money
aren't quite the same as ours.
When we have money,
we spend it right away.
Rich people would use that money
to make more money.
Director, are you saying
we should keep the member discounts?
I think we should.
But we don't have any physical stores.
It will make us look pretty low
if we focus on discounts,
and it will be difficult
to raise our value again afterwards.
Raising whose value?
Our platforms.
We're the luxury goods section.
Hmm...
On the other hand,
since we don't have physical stores,
we don't have that kind of burden.
We should try to boost our appeal
by attracting potential customers
who are afraid to shop in physical stores.
Ma'am, potential customers
won't help our sales numbers.
Maybe not in the short-term,
but it's necessary
to attract long-term customers.
Besides... (CLICKS TONGUE)
I think we should get off
the high horse of physical stores
and try to provide the most private
and customized service
based on numbers and data.
So the VIPs can't shop without us.
What do you say?
Think it over again later.
There are three weeks till the opening.
Keep up the good work, people.
All right?
It's about time. Go and have lunch.
Okay.
-Thank you all.
-ALL: Thank you, Director.
Thank you, Director.
Sunny? Close the door for me.
Good job.
SUNNY: Director?
You're not coming to lunch with us?
You guys go ahead.
You wouldn't be able to talk freely
with the new colleague.
Not really, I think if you're there
to represent the luxury goods section,
we can let CMS know our demands first.
Sunny, just enjoy the lunch.
You don't always have to see
the immediate result of your work.
(CHUCKLES)
I know the company
cares the most about our section
and I understand that as a manager,
you're eager to get some results.
It doesn't mean you have to drag
other sections and your superior with you.
Oh, I didn't know you were so old-school.
You're not who I thought you'd be.
I thought you'd get rid of those customs
and build a new culture with us.
It's okay. I guess I'm overthinking it.
I'm going for lunch then.
Still mad about your young colleague?
I'll be fine once I let it out.
I was just thinking,
did I talk like that at her age?
I'm more curious to know if you thought
about marriage and kids at her age.
Back then, I was just trying
to prove myself at work.
Why would I think about marriage and kids
when I'm in a relationship?
But I wonder when you decided
not to get married and have kids.
I've had doubts about marriage
since I was in college.
After college, I saw my friends
and classmates having marriage problems
and half of them were because of kids.
So I decided I wouldn't go down that path.
Especially the part about having kids.
That's like the last straw for women.
With kids, you have neither freedom
nor your own will.
I'd never let that happen to you.
Let's get a dog.
Or maybe a cat.
I had a dog before.
When it grows old and dies,
it's like a family member passing away.
Could you handle that?
What about a fish?
I mean, haven't you noticed we have
no other living things at home besides us?
Not even a plant.
We buy flowers every week
from the flower market,
like Oncidium or Eustoma.
No, I want a plant with roots.
One you can look after and water
so it grows new leaves.
I'm not against you keeping pets
or growing plants.
But let me remind you, we're both busy.
We barely have enough time
with each other.
Do you think it's okay
to spend time on other stuff?
(SIGHS)
Maybe we'll just have a Tillandsia.
We don't even have to water it.
What's that?
Lemon tart.
Oh! My favorite.
-I waited in a long line for it.
-(CHUCKLES)
Hey, Lin I-Ching didn't come with you?
She's not here yet?
She told me it's your place
so I came by myself.
Oh. Why did she want to meet here
instead of at your place?
I don't know.
She doesn't want Chih-Fu to hear it
and she doesn't want to go out.
She's being all mysterious.
I wonder what she's going to say.
Wow! It smells so good.
What are you cooking?
HUI-JU: Common yam congee.
The TCM doctor said that
common yam has estrogen.
It'll help regulate my body
and make it easier to get pregnant.
Basically, I'll try anything
that might work.
Having more ingredients can't hurt.
What did the TCM doctor say exactly?
He's suggested
that we try modern medicine.
-Modern medicine?
-Yeah.
TCM only helps regulate the body.
He said that we've been trying for a year
but nothing has happened.
Others would be pregnant by now.
So he suggests
that we try modern medicine.
I see.
You don't have to worry
about things like this.
I saw how you and Chih-Fu insisted
on not having kids the other day.
I think you should consider
freezing your eggs.
In case you regret it
and want to have kids in the future.
Right?
-You think so?
-Of course.
(I-SHAN SIGHS)
I-SHAN: What?
You're pregnant?
I-CHING: I read that you shouldn't say it
before the second trimester.
You mean you're pregnant?
Yeah. I even know when the baby is due.
-So...
-HUI-JU: Does Glow know?
I-CHING: He knows.
He took me to the doctor.
We thought my period was late
because of stress from work.
It turns out that I'm pregnant.
What are you going to do?
I'm going to have the baby, of course.
But you're not married yet.
Is it illegal
to have kids before marriage?
It's not.
It doesn't matter then.
Anyway, I'll have the baby first.
Both Glow and I love kids.
I didn't just ask you girls to meet me
because I'm expecting.
I have something important to tell you.
Listen.
Well...
I'm done with esports.
I've decided to try a different career.
Game streaming.
What is that?
It's...
I noticed that I couldn't get any better
at the game I'm playing.
I think it's because of my age.
Esports players like me
often have short careers.
So I was thinking
of announcing my retirement
and setting up a streaming studio.
I'll have a more flexible schedule
and I can focus on having the baby.
But then Glow will be the only one
with a steady income.
We probably won't have
the budget for a wedding.
(EXHALES) Congratulations, Sis.
I-CHING: What for? The pregnancy or...?
The pregnancy, of course.
That's nice.
(CHUCKLES)
(SENTIMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING)
-Baby.
-Yeah?
If you had kids outside of marriage,
would it cause issues
with the kid's household registration?
Of course it would, trust me.
They'll end up getting married.
(SIGHS) My sister never cared
what others said growing up.
She does whatever she wants.
Sometimes I do envy her.
You envy her getting pregnant?
I didn't at first.
But if she can be a mother,
I think I can do it too.
CHIH-FU: After feeling the sentiments
of having a newborn child,
you'll be facing education
and discipline issues.
It'll be too late to regret.
I've heard people say
that kids are the sweetest burden,
but I've never heard anyone say
that they regret having kids.
Baby, don't you want to see
the aurora in Iceland?
Or the hot balloons in Turkey?
The Great Migration in Africa?
You think we could do that if we had kids?
We'd just end up going to Disneyland.
Every year, every single year.
I-SHAN: What's this?
CHIH-FU: Mickey Mouse.
I-SHAN: One more.
-(GROWLS)
-CHIH-FU: Cat.
-The Lion King.
-I-SHAN: Yeah!
A handsome guy playing baseball.
We can talk about anything.
We could live on
a deserted island forever.
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
(ALL CHEER)
Good job, guys.
I-Shan, nicely done.
The luxury goods section
will be counting on you again.
Thank you, ma'am.
So, the next sales quota
will be 15 million, all right?
Let's go.
Let's go, everyone.
Thank you, ma'am.
Fifteen million.
Hey, let's go for a massage.
-COLLEAGUE: A big dinner, not a massage.
-LINDA: Let's drink.
-Let's go have a drink.
-Your treat.
-WOMAN: Bye, Director.
-Bye.
Hi. You're not going to celebrate with us?
You guys will party all night. I'll pass.
My ride is almost here.
Get home safely.
Oh, it's fine. I'll have my hubby
pick me up if the party goes on too long.
Your hubby? You're married?
No, that's just what I call my boyfriend.
I wouldn't be that desperate, right?
Let's go. Time to celebrate.
Director, you're not going?
No thanks, you guys have fun.
-Sure, bye.
-Bye, Director.
-Be safe.
-LINDA: Okay.
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
(BIRD CHIRPS)
FORTUNE TELLER: This.
(BIRD CHIRPS)
FORTUNE TELLER: Pick another one.
(BIRD CHIRPS)
These are the lots
you asked the master to draw for you.
-You're asking about marriage?
-Yes, marriage.
This symbol is saying
that you and your husband
are moving away from each other.
You have different goals.
I'd suggest that you find a way
to resolve your marital differences.
Otherwise, you won't be able to move on.
You'll be tied down.
Right.
During the process of getting it resolved,
are there any terms I need to offer?
FORTUNE TELLER:
This symbol didn't suggest any terms.
It just advises you to get out of it ASAP
to avoid endless consequences
or being haunted by evil spirits.
(EXHALES)
I-SHAN: So you've signed
the divorce papers?
I-CHUN: Yep.
-Why did you see the fortune teller then?
-For a sense of security, I guess.
I wanted an unbiased third party
to make sure I made the right call.
The lot was drawn by a bird, right?
It's a fair judgment.
God seems to agree with my decision.
I wouldn't try to have kids
to save my marriage.
Oh, sorry.
Me telling you all this
probably makes you feel that married life
is pathetic and disappointing?
Not at all.
I'm just not sure
whether I should get married or not.
What about your boyfriend?
I heard he's a golden bachelor
in the construction business.
A good specimen.
(BOTH LAUGH)
I feel comfortable being with Chih-Fu.
I wasn't thinking about getting married.
No marriage and no kids.
I'm just not sure whether I should
get married and have kids.
I-CHUN: That's what you think right now.
People change.
Just because you aren't considering it now
doesn't mean you won't think
about them in the future.
I think it gets worse for women
as we grow older.
Anyway, I think all of these struggles
come from ourselves.
Pregnancy takes 10 months
of our body, our mind, and our work.
We have to make sacrifices and choices.
Men wouldn't understand our anxiety.
All they offer are their mouths
or their dicks.
(BOTH LAUGH)
I-CHUN: Well, none of it matters anyway.
I think your choice
is what matters the most.
So, what is your choice
going to be tonight?
The dick.
(CHUCKLES) I think we need a drink.
Indeed.
Excuse me, can we have the menu?
CHIH-FU: I thought you said Tillandsia
doesn't need water?
I-SHAN: You need to spray water
on it once a week.
CHIH-FU: Baby,
let's drink this bottle tonight.
Sure.
-I'll take a shower first.
-Okay.
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
-Wait for me.
-Okay.
Hey, I thought we still had some.
Baby, it's okay.
I just had my period, it's safe now.
Found it.
Damn, it looks so worn out.
-Could it be...
-(I-SHAN SIGHS)
Baby, I love you.
-Shit, it's expired.
-(I-SHAN SIGHS)
No, I remember we still had half a box.
Did we use them all so fast?
It's okay.
Don't worry, I'll get some tomorrow.
You want some late-night snacks?
I have a meeting tomorrow. I'll pass.
-Good night then.
-CHIH-FU: Good night.
(CLATTERING)
I-SHAN'S DAD: Wow, it's so heavy.
What are you carrying?
There's so much stuff.
Is this a good place
for postpartum confinement?
This is how young people like to do it.
It's fine if they find it convenient.
Don't worry so much.
Back in our day, postpartum confinement
had no air conditioning or TV.
Now they're staying
in buildings like these.
Just like living in a hotel. (SIGHS)
All right, don't say that
in front of them later.
They'll think you're nagging.
Let's go.
I-SHAN'S MOM: I told them
to come back to Tainan,
but they are spending their money
to stay here.
The gold one is the chicken soup.
By the way,
I made Glow his favorite braised beef.
It's in the blue bag.
Mom, it's delicious, I want more.
-I-SHAN'S MOM: Another bowl?
-Yep.
-I-SHAN'S DAD: You're really hungry.
-(I-SHAN'S MOM CHUCKLES)
I've cooked it for a long time.
How's your sister? Where is she now?
Give her a call and see where she's at.
-I-SHAN'S MOM: Time to visit the baby.
-Never mind, she's busy.
-Say, Glow...
-Hmm?
How's he doing at work?
I-SHAN'S MOM: What is Glow doing now?
Didn't I tell you guys before?
The same thing. He's an esports caster.
Will he be here tonight?
Maybe later.
There are matches for
the Championship Series today. He's busy.
I-SHAN'S DAD: He's busy?
How long will it take?
Once the postpartum confinement ends,
maybe you two should get married?
Yeah.
There are matches for Championship Series
and Development Series.
-He's busy until next year.
-What?
She's doing this on purpose.
(CLEARS THROAT)
I-SHAN'S MOM: Lin I-Ching,
I'm warning you.
Now that the baby is born,
what are you and Glow going to do?
What? We'll just grow old together
like you and Dad.
Get married then.
Yeah, get married.
That's funny. Did you and Dad stay
together so long because you're married?
So if you weren't married,
you wouldn't grow old together?
Hold on a second.
Getting married has nothing to do
with growing old together,
I'll give you that.
But if your mom and I weren't married,
you and your sister
would never have been born, all right?
Do you get it?
I get it.
But things are different now.
There's no law telling people
to get married before having kids.
We just don't want to get married.
I want to focus on
my postpartum confinement.
Other things can wait.
This conversation's going nowhere.
My blood pressure is going up.
Be careful with that.
-Watch your blood pressure.
-I-SHAN'S MOM: Let's go see the baby.
She won't listen to us
about postpartum confinement,
let alone marriage. Let's go.
-Should we wait for her sister?
-I-SHAN'S MOM: No need.
-Dad, just take her to her grandkid.
-I-SHAN'S MOM: Come on.
Take more pictures.
Aw. (CHUCKLES)
Are you going back to work later?
Yeah, I think so.
You guys are so mean.
You didn't even wait for me.
Didn't wait for you? We waited
until visiting hours were over.
-You didn't show up.
-I-SHAN'S DAD: Yes, we waited for you.
-I-SHAN'S MOM: Look, Aunty is late.
-Ah!
He's so cute, look at him.
-Look, he's frowning.
-Oh! (LAUGHS)
-What are you worrying about?
-He's really cute, right?
If you find him cute,
you should have a baby too.
I-SHAN: Oh, look at that picture.
That was taken some time ago.
You don't sleep at night now,
working late hours like that.
Doesn't your boyfriend complain?
He's very busy too.
It's good to work hard for your career,
but a quality life is also important.
Ruining your health like that
is bad for you.
I-SHAN: You keep saying that.
He looks just like Glow.
You can see who the father is.
It'd be a problem
if they didn't look alike.
You can't fake it.
Listen, you know that your sister
doesn't want to get married, right?
-(SLURPS NOISILY)
-(I-SHAN'S DAD CLEARS THROAT)
I knew it.
You two are just here to make me angry.
That's just how Lin I-Ching is.
This isn't your first day knowing her.
I mean, can you girls prove your worth
since coming to Taipei?
Fine, in this day and age,
having kids before marriage
isn't shameful.
But she should try to be more responsible.
How is she not being responsible?
Besides, what does it have to do
with coming to Taipei?
And it's none of my business.
Don't blame this on me.
None of your business?
She's doing what you're doing.
You don't want to get married,
and she just copies you.
I shouldn't have let you girls
come to Taipei.
Look at how you've messed up your lives.
So abnormal.
Messed up? Abnormal? How?
A lot of people envy my job,
and I have a steady relationship.
Do things have to meet your standards
to be considered normal?
Come on, we've finally met up for dinner.
Stop arguing.
But your job requires you to stay up
all night until the next morning.
Not everyone would envy that.
Your mom is just blowing off steam.
We're just sharing our opinions. Come on.
-Okay?
-(INHALES)
Fine, you want to communicate.
Tell me what is normal.
Tell me.
I-SHAN'S DAD: I worry more about you.
At least your sister has a baby now.
What about you?
Don't wait until
it's too late to have one.
Then I'll just not have kids.
Yes, I want the one
with the recycled glass.
I'll let you know the quantity later.
The Paris-CDG Airport strike is confirmed.
What?
Can we move the 100 fragrance bags
to another airline?
Even the ground crew are on strike.
There's no way it's leaving customs today.
Do I still need those diffusers?
How would I know?
Hello, sorry, give me a second.
I'll call you later.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(SIGHS) Okay.
Keep the diffuser manufacturing going.
Find other sources for the fragrance.
Abandon those in Paris
and find other suppliers in Taiwan.
Keep the free gifts from Paris
for the next gift-with-purchase promotion.
Remember to inform
the sales division tomorrow.
Uh... What are we going to put
in the diffuser?
We can contact the agriculture production
and marketing groups,
and have them produce
the essential oil of the season.
That way, it will resonate
with our essential oil theme.
We can emphasize the
"delivered straight from the source" part,
adding more value to the free gifts.
Okay. So be it.
Okay.
(SIGHS)
I-SHAN: I HAVE AN URGENT FAVOR TO ASK
LINDA: Hello, Manager Chen,
it's been a while.
Isn't this the production season
for your flowers?
CHENG-EN: JUST TELL ME ALREADY
LINDA: You have been
making essential oil, right?
-(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
-I-SHAN: Come in.
-Li Cheng-En.
-CHENG-EN: You troublemaker.
Check out the sample and see if it's okay.
If there's no issue,
I'll have them start making it
when your list is out.
Wow, this is so pretty.
You've got one hell of an order.
I have to spell 100 names
one by one like this.
The future Boss Li.
I shall thank you on behalf of
our company's top 100 VIPs.
Coffee or tea? Coffee.
-It's okay.
-A cup of coffee.
If you're happy, sign here.
Did your dad feel like killing me
when he saw the design?
Not really. He and the chefs
were having a great time.
I was nervous watching them work.
He's great though.
He did it all in one go.
But I didn't expect that your first order
would be work-related.
What else could it be?
The wedding?
I don't have to get married.
That Wu Chih-Fu is acting really weird.
Is he treating you well?
Don't get the wrong idea.
Even if he wants to marry me,
it doesn't mean that I must marry him.
(INHALES) Right, don't make any promises.
Don't get tied down.
Live your life freely all alone.
-See you.
-Hey! You haven't had your coffee.
CHENG-EN: I'm fine, thanks.
Thank you, Li Cheng-En.
(SOFT CHEER)
(SIGHS)
Hello? Gather everyone for a meeting
to check out the pastry, okay?
Thank you, Li Cheng-En.
That strike in Paris,
you handled it perfectly
and the customers loved your pastries.
Well done.
-Thank you.
-(CHUCKLES)
But you know that the sales quota...
(SIGHS)
(SIGHS) I know, we didn't meet the goal.
I'll take full responsibility for it.
(INHALES)
To be honest, not having you in
the luxury goods section will be a shame.
But I think
the parent-kid section might also
be a good place for you.
They are in need of a reformation.
With your skills,
I think it'll be in good hands.
(MELANCHOLIC MUSIC PLAYING)
I'm okay with that.
Even though it's a section
I have no experience in
and I don't have kids...
It's still selling things to customers.
I can do that.
Yeah. Making money from women
used to be easier.
But things have changed.
Kids and pets
are where the opportunities lie.
Sorry, you're still in a meeting.
I'll come back later.
I-SHAN'S BOSS: It's okay,
we're almost done. Come in.
That'll be all for now.
We'll catch up later
when you've done the research.
-Thank you, ma'am.
-Ms. I-Shan, I...
I-SHAN: It's okay, thank you.
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
(PHONE BUZZING)
HUI-JU: I'VE JUST READ THE REPORT
I FEEL TERRIBLE
THE DOCTOR SAYS A-KUAI
HAS A LOW SPERM COUNT
I ALMOST FAINTED
HUI-JU: WHAT SHOULD I DO?
I ALWAYS THOUGHT I WAS THE PROBLEM
CHENG-EN: Hey, hey, hey!
Didn't the TCM doctor tell you
to avoid alcohol?
HUI-JU: It doesn't matter.
(SIGHS) I'm telling you,
get a health examination
before you get married.
See if you can function properly.
Don't be like me, dealing with all this
after getting married.
Why would I need to be examined?
Her parents already treat me
like I'm not a man.
So what if I can function properly?
All right, fellow victim of misfortune.
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
(SIGHS) You can't get married,
and I can't get pregnant.
Yet someone who can do all that
says she doesn’t want
to get married or have kids.
The doctor said A-Kuai has less sperm,
not that he doesn't have any.
Try sperm aspiration.
IVF is still an option.
You could still get pregnant.
Lin I-Shan, the day we went camping,
I noticed Wu Chih-Fu acting weird.
He had cold sweats all day.
I-SHAN: No, he didn't.
CHENG-EN: Is he having some health issues?
-Maybe his kidney is weak or something.
-(GIGGLES)
He kept saying nonsense
like testing human nature.
Trust me, it's definitely true.
That's right. Maybe he's ill.
Not just a low sperm count,
he has none.
-Oh, my God!
-HUI-JU: He can't have kids
so he tricked you into
not getting married or having kids.
Are you guys really my friends?
Cut it out.
I just want to have a baby.
Just let me joke about it.
I want to have a baby too.
Whether it's a boy or a girl.
If it's a boy, I'll teach him
how to take care of girls.
If it's a girl, I'll teach her
how to avoid being tricked by boys.
I'm saying this to you.
(SIGHS)
-Don't drink alone.
-Don't drink alone. Here.
I-CHING: Okay. It's starting.
It's speeding up now.
I missed that.
Good thing I did some exercises.
(CRIES)
I-SHAN: Okay.
I-CHING: It's speeding up now.
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
I-SHAN: All right, I'm keeping up.
Yes!
(I-SHAN CHUCKLES)
I-SHAN: Your mommy is asleep.
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
(BABY GURGLES)
Let's have some milk, okay?
Do you want some milk?
Do you want some milk?
(MAKES KISSY NOISES)
(CHUCKLES)
It's good, right?
Mommy is working, right?
Here's some for you.
Don't you find this restaurant so quiet?
I'm sure you'll love it.
It is really quiet.
No kids are allowed here
so the adults can enjoy their meal.
Happy birthday.
-Happy birthday. (CHUCKLES)
-Happy birthday.
I-SHAN: Mmm.
In the end,
the boy couldn't take it anymore.
He ran to the girl angrily and asked,
"I've been giving you gifts for years.
"You never said anything bad about them.
Why are you fighting with me this time?"
The girl replied,
"You've been giving me perfume
for five years."
She works in a hospital.
Perfume is not allowed when working
in hospitals.
So, what is the story trying to tell us?
Just because the girl didn't speak ill
of something doesn't mean she liked it.
That's why I'm taking the most
straightforward and respectable approach.
Honey.
What birthday present
would you like this year?
Marry me.
(I-SHAN LAUGHS)
I'm just kidding.
(EXHALES)
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
(GLASSES CLINK)
I love you very much.
I enjoy every moment we spent together.
I even feel like...
you're the one who fits me the best.
I do too.
Then marry me.
I want to have kids with you
and start a family.
Didn't you ask me
what birthday present I wanted?
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
(VACUUM WHIRRING)
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
(PHONE RINGING)
-Hi, hello?
-FEMALE VOICE: Ms. Lin?
-Hey.
-FEMALE VOICE: Hello.
The single chairs you ordered
are ready to ship now.
I'm calling to confirm the address.
I-SHAN: Can you ship one of the chairs
to a different address?
FEMALE VOICE: Uh... You mean there are
two different addresses?
I-SHAN: Yeah, ship them separately.
They won't be staying in the same place.
FEMALE VOICE: Sure.
I-SHAN: Great,
I'll give you the address later.
-FEMALE VOICE: Thank you, bye.
-I-SHAN: Thanks.
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
I-SHAN: I know what I want...
is not marriage...
or having children.
What I want is...
the right to make my own choice.
(SUITCASE WHEELS ROLLING)
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
(SUITCASE WHEELS ROLLING)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(THEME SONG PLAYING)
(THEME SONG CONCLUDES)
WOMEN IN TAIPEI
(THEME SONG ENDS)
(SIGHS)
The texture is pretty comfortable.
Does this chair come in different colors?
There are many colors for this one,
but currently we only have the orange one.
The other colors are out of stock,
we can take pre-orders.
That's okay, we'll order two of them.
I want to check out the blue ones.
You can have a look at them here.
There are some options.
Thank you.
Instead of two single chairs,
would you consider a two-seater sofa?
We want two single chairs, thank you.
Sure, I'll show you
some other color options.
CHIH-FU: Thank you.
I-SHAN: Baby, is it weird that
we're buying furniture like this?
Why would it be weird?
Two single chairs are more comfortable
than a two-seater.
Don't care about what others think.
I agree.
Don't care about what the others think.
Don't care about what the elders think.
I'll buy whatever I want.
That's the way to live.
(GENTLE JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING)
-Both of them are so hard to handle.
-Here is your order.
-I-SHAN: Didn't you want to go kayaking?
-CHIH-FU: And watch the sunrise.
I-SHAN: Yeah,
you've mentioned that several times.
Hey, I want to go diving.
Diving? You mean with the cylinders?
Yeah, scuba diving.
-I think I'm claustrophobic.
-(I-SHAN LAUGHS)
But if...
Let's give it a try.
If you really want to do it,
I'll give it a try.
I'll give it a try.
I-SHAN: Let's eat.
Finally, I've found my soulmate.
-KID: I wanna go home and watch TV.
-MAN: Keep it down.
WOMAN: Lei Hsiang-Hsiang.
You're too loud. Come, sit down.
I-SHAN: He doesn't want to define
our relationship with marriage or kids.
WOMAN: We'll go home
when I've finished.
-I-SHAN: This is how life should be.
-WOMAN: Quiet.
I-SHAN: This is...
the image of an ideal life.
(KID WHINES)
EPISODE 7
THE ALMOST SOULMATE
ON THE ROAD LEAVING DAZHI
(GENTLE JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING)
We shouldn't pick a movie
like Lust, Caution for the weekend.
CHIH-FU: It's like
a romantic horror movie.
I-SHAN: You mean the male and female lead
are miserable and desperate.
Even if you don't have a choice
during that time period,
being too sentimental would only cause
destruction for each other.
-Right?
-Hmm...
You mean the part when the guy
gave her the diamond ring?
Of course not.
It's when she let him walk away.
That's totally unacceptable.
If I were the female lead,
I'd probably have done the same thing.
Even if you made the same decision,
I wouldn't do what he did.
I wouldn't be ungrateful and execute you.
If you treat me well, I'll set you free.
I-SHAN: Mm. (CHUCKLES)
Hey, these are my peeled chili peppers.
No problem, I'm yours as well.
Hmm? What did you say?
I said, I'm yours as well.
-What did you say?
-I'm yours as well.
I'm yours as well.
(I-SHAN CHUCKLES)
CHIH-FU: Okay, the pointy spot.
-They’re black in color.
-A-KUAI: Pointy.
-Like this?
-CHIH-FU: Mm.
HUI-JU: Where do these go?
-You're taking it all out?
-I-SHAN: Yeah.
-What's this?
-New bowls I just bought. Pretty, right?
(SCOFFS) We're camping
and you bring bowls like this?
Chih-Fu likes this kind of fancy stuff.
That's too much.
(GENTLE JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING)
-Here.
-Thanks.
That's too much.
Not at all. It tastes better like this.
Li Cheng-En, you're taking too long.
We're getting thirsty.
What? Can't you drink water?
Hurry up.
-You're taking so long.
-Cheng-En, I'll do it.
You know how to do it?
That looks pretty extravagant.
Look, it's easy.
-It's working!
-(CHEERING)
-CHENG-EN: Just like I said.
-Yeah, right.
(LAUGHTER)
My friends and I used to sneak drinks
from my home's wine cellar.
-I learned it there.
-You sure know your wine.
We brought our favorites today.
You can review them.
I'm not an expert. I prefer Coke.
Back in high school, I took a sip
of my dad's Romanée-Conti
and I had a headache for three days.
So I have no interest in wine whatsoever.
However, if it's paired with food,
I'm okay with that.
Romanée-Conti,
the most expensive wine in the world.
The cheapest one
would still cost over 200,000.
-Two hundred thousand!
-What?
I bought this for 2,000
and you're mad at me already.
-That one costs 200,000.
-No, I wasn't.
Expensive wine doesn't always
taste better. Maybe this one is smoother.
-Yeah.
-Yeah, that's what the seller said.
Wait.
-CHIH-FU: I brought wine glasses.
-CHENG-EN: That's insane.
HUI-JU: What glasses?
Ta-da!
Gosh, how professional.
-HUI-JU: You got wine glasses.
-I-SHAN: Allow me.
I'm okay with paper cups,
but your girlfriend
has a wine cellar at home.
You should at least
take it more seriously, right?
Tell me in advance next time.
I'll bring my suit
and my most expensive pair of shoes.
(JEERING)
I'll get you your suit.
-It means she brought it.
-Put it on.
No, Hsiao-Ping, I'm telling you.
Drinking rice wine on the sidewalk
suits Cheng-En perfectly.
-Look at you holding a fan like that.
-What?
You look like a servant
enjoying the intestines.
(LAUGHTER)
-Nice shot.
-(LAUGHTER)
CHENG-EN: I was surprised
when Hsiao-Ping came back to me.
I didn't think we would work.
My dad was probably scared
of me cutting ties with him,
so he rejected the heirship.
He asked my mom to make a deal with me.
I just want to be with Cheng-En.
Nothing else matters to me.
What are the terms?
They want me to marry someone
that matches their status
and has his own business.
I-SHAN: What are you going to do next?
Work hard and make more money. What else?
Become someone her family wants me to be.
-What about you guys?
-HUI-JU: Hmm?
CHENG-EN: Why did you guys decide
to marry at once?
Tell us the reason.
-There's nothing to tell.
-(CHUCKLES)
You guys know that.
A-Kuai and I love kids, so we thought...
since we're still young and capable,
let's have a go at it.
A-KUAI: Have a go at it. (CHUCKLES)
Hey, you've been trying for quite a while.
Yeah, we've been trying several methods
like different diets,
adjusting our sleeping habits.
We've been following
the TCM doctor's advice,
but we don't know why nothing's working.
A-Kuai, don't worry.
Traditional Chinese medicine
takes longer to work.
Besides...
Why, what's wrong with me?
Nice, pretty lady.
-Pretty, pretty.
-(GIGGLES)
What about you, Chih-Fu? Do you like kids?
I don't like kids.
I-Shan and I don't plan to have kids.
But you'll get married, right?
No, we're not together
because we want to get married.
We've reached a consensus.
Why not get married?
Marriage is a commitment two people make
to spend their lives together.
It's a wholesome thing.
I don't believe in such commitment.
I think it's a test for human nature.
Human nature
is the most fragile thing to be tested.
I don't want to be part of that game.
CHENG-EN: If you find
common ground for your love,
why would you be afraid
of being tested by marriage?
CHIH-FU: I'm not afraid.
I just don't want to waste time
and money on meaningless things.
Don't you think that marriage goes
beyond those two people?
It's like a war between two families
with different opinions. Right?
I guess so. Just like me and Cheng-En.
CHENG-EN: Lin I-Shan,
why are you so quiet?
What?
So you won't get married but you'll live
with him for the rest of your life?
Chih-Fu and I are fine.
There are no legal obligations.
I make him dinner because I feel like it,
not because I'm married to him.
Well...
What about having kids?
I had no idea you didn't want kids.
I respect what Chih-Fu thinks.
My stance is pretty simple.
I just want a life of two people.
I want quality of life, pure and simple.
You could say that we're being selfish,
but other than work,
I want to invest all my time
and attention on I-Shan.
There's nothing wrong with just wanting
to spend my time with my loved one.
There's nothing wrong with that.
It's just...
Mmm.
You made the best wine.
RECEPTIONIST: Good morning, Director.
-I-SHAN: Are you collecting bonus points?
-Yes, I am.
-Thank you, Director.
-No problem.
-WOMAN: Good morning, Director.
-Morning.
-LINDA: Good morning, Director.
-Morning.
Director, Sunny asked if we can
have the meeting half an hour earlier.
That'd be now, right?
We're having lunch with the new colleague.
It might be too late after the meeting.
I-SHAN: I see.
Going over the member system
might take a while.
So, what are you having for lunch?
We're going to that
new Korean fried chicken place.
Do you want to join us?
It's your chance to lash out
at the company. You shouldn't invite me.
-Is the marketing division going?
-It's just us.
The new colleague runs CMS.
Sunny wants to get to know him.
CMS. We do need to get to know him then.
Here, 2,000 dollars.
-Thank you, Director.
-I-SHAN: It's on me.
Enjoy the meal. No need to reimburse it.
Director, should we order take-out
for you?
You want me to get fat
eating fried chicken at noon?
-Hurry up and get ready for the meeting.
-Okay.
Okay, today I'm going
to discuss this with you all.
It's about the member system
for the luxury goods section.
I'll cover member levels and discounts,
gifts and bonus rewards, four categories.
Should the luxury goods section
apply all of them?
I think we should skip
the member discounts at first.
Yeah, rich people who are buying
luxury goods don't care about discounts.
Right, I think we should hold
the member discount part for now.
The discounts don't have much attraction
for our target audience.
I-SHAN: Mm...
I know some very wealthy people.
Their views on spending money
aren't quite the same as ours.
When we have money,
we spend it right away.
Rich people would use that money
to make more money.
Director, are you saying
we should keep the member discounts?
I think we should.
But we don't have any physical stores.
It will make us look pretty low
if we focus on discounts,
and it will be difficult
to raise our value again afterwards.
Raising whose value?
Our platforms.
We're the luxury goods section.
Hmm...
On the other hand,
since we don't have physical stores,
we don't have that kind of burden.
We should try to boost our appeal
by attracting potential customers
who are afraid to shop in physical stores.
Ma'am, potential customers
won't help our sales numbers.
Maybe not in the short-term,
but it's necessary
to attract long-term customers.
Besides... (CLICKS TONGUE)
I think we should get off
the high horse of physical stores
and try to provide the most private
and customized service
based on numbers and data.
So the VIPs can't shop without us.
What do you say?
Think it over again later.
There are three weeks till the opening.
Keep up the good work, people.
All right?
It's about time. Go and have lunch.
Okay.
-Thank you all.
-ALL: Thank you, Director.
Thank you, Director.
Sunny? Close the door for me.
Good job.
SUNNY: Director?
You're not coming to lunch with us?
You guys go ahead.
You wouldn't be able to talk freely
with the new colleague.
Not really, I think if you're there
to represent the luxury goods section,
we can let CMS know our demands first.
Sunny, just enjoy the lunch.
You don't always have to see
the immediate result of your work.
(CHUCKLES)
I know the company
cares the most about our section
and I understand that as a manager,
you're eager to get some results.
It doesn't mean you have to drag
other sections and your superior with you.
Oh, I didn't know you were so old-school.
You're not who I thought you'd be.
I thought you'd get rid of those customs
and build a new culture with us.
It's okay. I guess I'm overthinking it.
I'm going for lunch then.
Still mad about your young colleague?
I'll be fine once I let it out.
I was just thinking,
did I talk like that at her age?
I'm more curious to know if you thought
about marriage and kids at her age.
Back then, I was just trying
to prove myself at work.
Why would I think about marriage and kids
when I'm in a relationship?
But I wonder when you decided
not to get married and have kids.
I've had doubts about marriage
since I was in college.
After college, I saw my friends
and classmates having marriage problems
and half of them were because of kids.
So I decided I wouldn't go down that path.
Especially the part about having kids.
That's like the last straw for women.
With kids, you have neither freedom
nor your own will.
I'd never let that happen to you.
Let's get a dog.
Or maybe a cat.
I had a dog before.
When it grows old and dies,
it's like a family member passing away.
Could you handle that?
What about a fish?
I mean, haven't you noticed we have
no other living things at home besides us?
Not even a plant.
We buy flowers every week
from the flower market,
like Oncidium or Eustoma.
No, I want a plant with roots.
One you can look after and water
so it grows new leaves.
I'm not against you keeping pets
or growing plants.
But let me remind you, we're both busy.
We barely have enough time
with each other.
Do you think it's okay
to spend time on other stuff?
(SIGHS)
Maybe we'll just have a Tillandsia.
We don't even have to water it.
What's that?
Lemon tart.
Oh! My favorite.
-I waited in a long line for it.
-(CHUCKLES)
Hey, Lin I-Ching didn't come with you?
She's not here yet?
She told me it's your place
so I came by myself.
Oh. Why did she want to meet here
instead of at your place?
I don't know.
She doesn't want Chih-Fu to hear it
and she doesn't want to go out.
She's being all mysterious.
I wonder what she's going to say.
Wow! It smells so good.
What are you cooking?
HUI-JU: Common yam congee.
The TCM doctor said that
common yam has estrogen.
It'll help regulate my body
and make it easier to get pregnant.
Basically, I'll try anything
that might work.
Having more ingredients can't hurt.
What did the TCM doctor say exactly?
He's suggested
that we try modern medicine.
-Modern medicine?
-Yeah.
TCM only helps regulate the body.
He said that we've been trying for a year
but nothing has happened.
Others would be pregnant by now.
So he suggests
that we try modern medicine.
I see.
You don't have to worry
about things like this.
I saw how you and Chih-Fu insisted
on not having kids the other day.
I think you should consider
freezing your eggs.
In case you regret it
and want to have kids in the future.
Right?
-You think so?
-Of course.
(I-SHAN SIGHS)
I-SHAN: What?
You're pregnant?
I-CHING: I read that you shouldn't say it
before the second trimester.
You mean you're pregnant?
Yeah. I even know when the baby is due.
-So...
-HUI-JU: Does Glow know?
I-CHING: He knows.
He took me to the doctor.
We thought my period was late
because of stress from work.
It turns out that I'm pregnant.
What are you going to do?
I'm going to have the baby, of course.
But you're not married yet.
Is it illegal
to have kids before marriage?
It's not.
It doesn't matter then.
Anyway, I'll have the baby first.
Both Glow and I love kids.
I didn't just ask you girls to meet me
because I'm expecting.
I have something important to tell you.
Listen.
Well...
I'm done with esports.
I've decided to try a different career.
Game streaming.
What is that?
It's...
I noticed that I couldn't get any better
at the game I'm playing.
I think it's because of my age.
Esports players like me
often have short careers.
So I was thinking
of announcing my retirement
and setting up a streaming studio.
I'll have a more flexible schedule
and I can focus on having the baby.
But then Glow will be the only one
with a steady income.
We probably won't have
the budget for a wedding.
(EXHALES) Congratulations, Sis.
I-CHING: What for? The pregnancy or...?
The pregnancy, of course.
That's nice.
(CHUCKLES)
(SENTIMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING)
-Baby.
-Yeah?
If you had kids outside of marriage,
would it cause issues
with the kid's household registration?
Of course it would, trust me.
They'll end up getting married.
(SIGHS) My sister never cared
what others said growing up.
She does whatever she wants.
Sometimes I do envy her.
You envy her getting pregnant?
I didn't at first.
But if she can be a mother,
I think I can do it too.
CHIH-FU: After feeling the sentiments
of having a newborn child,
you'll be facing education
and discipline issues.
It'll be too late to regret.
I've heard people say
that kids are the sweetest burden,
but I've never heard anyone say
that they regret having kids.
Baby, don't you want to see
the aurora in Iceland?
Or the hot balloons in Turkey?
The Great Migration in Africa?
You think we could do that if we had kids?
We'd just end up going to Disneyland.
Every year, every single year.
I-SHAN: What's this?
CHIH-FU: Mickey Mouse.
I-SHAN: One more.
-(GROWLS)
-CHIH-FU: Cat.
-The Lion King.
-I-SHAN: Yeah!
A handsome guy playing baseball.
We can talk about anything.
We could live on
a deserted island forever.
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
(ALL CHEER)
Good job, guys.
I-Shan, nicely done.
The luxury goods section
will be counting on you again.
Thank you, ma'am.
So, the next sales quota
will be 15 million, all right?
Let's go.
Let's go, everyone.
Thank you, ma'am.
Fifteen million.
Hey, let's go for a massage.
-COLLEAGUE: A big dinner, not a massage.
-LINDA: Let's drink.
-Let's go have a drink.
-Your treat.
-WOMAN: Bye, Director.
-Bye.
Hi. You're not going to celebrate with us?
You guys will party all night. I'll pass.
My ride is almost here.
Get home safely.
Oh, it's fine. I'll have my hubby
pick me up if the party goes on too long.
Your hubby? You're married?
No, that's just what I call my boyfriend.
I wouldn't be that desperate, right?
Let's go. Time to celebrate.
Director, you're not going?
No thanks, you guys have fun.
-Sure, bye.
-Bye, Director.
-Be safe.
-LINDA: Okay.
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
(BIRD CHIRPS)
FORTUNE TELLER: This.
(BIRD CHIRPS)
FORTUNE TELLER: Pick another one.
(BIRD CHIRPS)
These are the lots
you asked the master to draw for you.
-You're asking about marriage?
-Yes, marriage.
This symbol is saying
that you and your husband
are moving away from each other.
You have different goals.
I'd suggest that you find a way
to resolve your marital differences.
Otherwise, you won't be able to move on.
You'll be tied down.
Right.
During the process of getting it resolved,
are there any terms I need to offer?
FORTUNE TELLER:
This symbol didn't suggest any terms.
It just advises you to get out of it ASAP
to avoid endless consequences
or being haunted by evil spirits.
(EXHALES)
I-SHAN: So you've signed
the divorce papers?
I-CHUN: Yep.
-Why did you see the fortune teller then?
-For a sense of security, I guess.
I wanted an unbiased third party
to make sure I made the right call.
The lot was drawn by a bird, right?
It's a fair judgment.
God seems to agree with my decision.
I wouldn't try to have kids
to save my marriage.
Oh, sorry.
Me telling you all this
probably makes you feel that married life
is pathetic and disappointing?
Not at all.
I'm just not sure
whether I should get married or not.
What about your boyfriend?
I heard he's a golden bachelor
in the construction business.
A good specimen.
(BOTH LAUGH)
I feel comfortable being with Chih-Fu.
I wasn't thinking about getting married.
No marriage and no kids.
I'm just not sure whether I should
get married and have kids.
I-CHUN: That's what you think right now.
People change.
Just because you aren't considering it now
doesn't mean you won't think
about them in the future.
I think it gets worse for women
as we grow older.
Anyway, I think all of these struggles
come from ourselves.
Pregnancy takes 10 months
of our body, our mind, and our work.
We have to make sacrifices and choices.
Men wouldn't understand our anxiety.
All they offer are their mouths
or their dicks.
(BOTH LAUGH)
I-CHUN: Well, none of it matters anyway.
I think your choice
is what matters the most.
So, what is your choice
going to be tonight?
The dick.
(CHUCKLES) I think we need a drink.
Indeed.
Excuse me, can we have the menu?
CHIH-FU: I thought you said Tillandsia
doesn't need water?
I-SHAN: You need to spray water
on it once a week.
CHIH-FU: Baby,
let's drink this bottle tonight.
Sure.
-I'll take a shower first.
-Okay.
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
-Wait for me.
-Okay.
Hey, I thought we still had some.
Baby, it's okay.
I just had my period, it's safe now.
Found it.
Damn, it looks so worn out.
-Could it be...
-(I-SHAN SIGHS)
Baby, I love you.
-Shit, it's expired.
-(I-SHAN SIGHS)
No, I remember we still had half a box.
Did we use them all so fast?
It's okay.
Don't worry, I'll get some tomorrow.
You want some late-night snacks?
I have a meeting tomorrow. I'll pass.
-Good night then.
-CHIH-FU: Good night.
(CLATTERING)
I-SHAN'S DAD: Wow, it's so heavy.
What are you carrying?
There's so much stuff.
Is this a good place
for postpartum confinement?
This is how young people like to do it.
It's fine if they find it convenient.
Don't worry so much.
Back in our day, postpartum confinement
had no air conditioning or TV.
Now they're staying
in buildings like these.
Just like living in a hotel. (SIGHS)
All right, don't say that
in front of them later.
They'll think you're nagging.
Let's go.
I-SHAN'S MOM: I told them
to come back to Tainan,
but they are spending their money
to stay here.
The gold one is the chicken soup.
By the way,
I made Glow his favorite braised beef.
It's in the blue bag.
Mom, it's delicious, I want more.
-I-SHAN'S MOM: Another bowl?
-Yep.
-I-SHAN'S DAD: You're really hungry.
-(I-SHAN'S MOM CHUCKLES)
I've cooked it for a long time.
How's your sister? Where is she now?
Give her a call and see where she's at.
-I-SHAN'S MOM: Time to visit the baby.
-Never mind, she's busy.
-Say, Glow...
-Hmm?
How's he doing at work?
I-SHAN'S MOM: What is Glow doing now?
Didn't I tell you guys before?
The same thing. He's an esports caster.
Will he be here tonight?
Maybe later.
There are matches for
the Championship Series today. He's busy.
I-SHAN'S DAD: He's busy?
How long will it take?
Once the postpartum confinement ends,
maybe you two should get married?
Yeah.
There are matches for Championship Series
and Development Series.
-He's busy until next year.
-What?
She's doing this on purpose.
(CLEARS THROAT)
I-SHAN'S MOM: Lin I-Ching,
I'm warning you.
Now that the baby is born,
what are you and Glow going to do?
What? We'll just grow old together
like you and Dad.
Get married then.
Yeah, get married.
That's funny. Did you and Dad stay
together so long because you're married?
So if you weren't married,
you wouldn't grow old together?
Hold on a second.
Getting married has nothing to do
with growing old together,
I'll give you that.
But if your mom and I weren't married,
you and your sister
would never have been born, all right?
Do you get it?
I get it.
But things are different now.
There's no law telling people
to get married before having kids.
We just don't want to get married.
I want to focus on
my postpartum confinement.
Other things can wait.
This conversation's going nowhere.
My blood pressure is going up.
Be careful with that.
-Watch your blood pressure.
-I-SHAN'S MOM: Let's go see the baby.
She won't listen to us
about postpartum confinement,
let alone marriage. Let's go.
-Should we wait for her sister?
-I-SHAN'S MOM: No need.
-Dad, just take her to her grandkid.
-I-SHAN'S MOM: Come on.
Take more pictures.
Aw. (CHUCKLES)
Are you going back to work later?
Yeah, I think so.
You guys are so mean.
You didn't even wait for me.
Didn't wait for you? We waited
until visiting hours were over.
-You didn't show up.
-I-SHAN'S DAD: Yes, we waited for you.
-I-SHAN'S MOM: Look, Aunty is late.
-Ah!
He's so cute, look at him.
-Look, he's frowning.
-Oh! (LAUGHS)
-What are you worrying about?
-He's really cute, right?
If you find him cute,
you should have a baby too.
I-SHAN: Oh, look at that picture.
That was taken some time ago.
You don't sleep at night now,
working late hours like that.
Doesn't your boyfriend complain?
He's very busy too.
It's good to work hard for your career,
but a quality life is also important.
Ruining your health like that
is bad for you.
I-SHAN: You keep saying that.
He looks just like Glow.
You can see who the father is.
It'd be a problem
if they didn't look alike.
You can't fake it.
Listen, you know that your sister
doesn't want to get married, right?
-(SLURPS NOISILY)
-(I-SHAN'S DAD CLEARS THROAT)
I knew it.
You two are just here to make me angry.
That's just how Lin I-Ching is.
This isn't your first day knowing her.
I mean, can you girls prove your worth
since coming to Taipei?
Fine, in this day and age,
having kids before marriage
isn't shameful.
But she should try to be more responsible.
How is she not being responsible?
Besides, what does it have to do
with coming to Taipei?
And it's none of my business.
Don't blame this on me.
None of your business?
She's doing what you're doing.
You don't want to get married,
and she just copies you.
I shouldn't have let you girls
come to Taipei.
Look at how you've messed up your lives.
So abnormal.
Messed up? Abnormal? How?
A lot of people envy my job,
and I have a steady relationship.
Do things have to meet your standards
to be considered normal?
Come on, we've finally met up for dinner.
Stop arguing.
But your job requires you to stay up
all night until the next morning.
Not everyone would envy that.
Your mom is just blowing off steam.
We're just sharing our opinions. Come on.
-Okay?
-(INHALES)
Fine, you want to communicate.
Tell me what is normal.
Tell me.
I-SHAN'S DAD: I worry more about you.
At least your sister has a baby now.
What about you?
Don't wait until
it's too late to have one.
Then I'll just not have kids.
Yes, I want the one
with the recycled glass.
I'll let you know the quantity later.
The Paris-CDG Airport strike is confirmed.
What?
Can we move the 100 fragrance bags
to another airline?
Even the ground crew are on strike.
There's no way it's leaving customs today.
Do I still need those diffusers?
How would I know?
Hello, sorry, give me a second.
I'll call you later.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(SIGHS) Okay.
Keep the diffuser manufacturing going.
Find other sources for the fragrance.
Abandon those in Paris
and find other suppliers in Taiwan.
Keep the free gifts from Paris
for the next gift-with-purchase promotion.
Remember to inform
the sales division tomorrow.
Uh... What are we going to put
in the diffuser?
We can contact the agriculture production
and marketing groups,
and have them produce
the essential oil of the season.
That way, it will resonate
with our essential oil theme.
We can emphasize the
"delivered straight from the source" part,
adding more value to the free gifts.
Okay. So be it.
Okay.
(SIGHS)
I-SHAN: I HAVE AN URGENT FAVOR TO ASK
LINDA: Hello, Manager Chen,
it's been a while.
Isn't this the production season
for your flowers?
CHENG-EN: JUST TELL ME ALREADY
LINDA: You have been
making essential oil, right?
-(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
-I-SHAN: Come in.
-Li Cheng-En.
-CHENG-EN: You troublemaker.
Check out the sample and see if it's okay.
If there's no issue,
I'll have them start making it
when your list is out.
Wow, this is so pretty.
You've got one hell of an order.
I have to spell 100 names
one by one like this.
The future Boss Li.
I shall thank you on behalf of
our company's top 100 VIPs.
Coffee or tea? Coffee.
-It's okay.
-A cup of coffee.
If you're happy, sign here.
Did your dad feel like killing me
when he saw the design?
Not really. He and the chefs
were having a great time.
I was nervous watching them work.
He's great though.
He did it all in one go.
But I didn't expect that your first order
would be work-related.
What else could it be?
The wedding?
I don't have to get married.
That Wu Chih-Fu is acting really weird.
Is he treating you well?
Don't get the wrong idea.
Even if he wants to marry me,
it doesn't mean that I must marry him.
(INHALES) Right, don't make any promises.
Don't get tied down.
Live your life freely all alone.
-See you.
-Hey! You haven't had your coffee.
CHENG-EN: I'm fine, thanks.
Thank you, Li Cheng-En.
(SOFT CHEER)
(SIGHS)
Hello? Gather everyone for a meeting
to check out the pastry, okay?
Thank you, Li Cheng-En.
That strike in Paris,
you handled it perfectly
and the customers loved your pastries.
Well done.
-Thank you.
-(CHUCKLES)
But you know that the sales quota...
(SIGHS)
(SIGHS) I know, we didn't meet the goal.
I'll take full responsibility for it.
(INHALES)
To be honest, not having you in
the luxury goods section will be a shame.
But I think
the parent-kid section might also
be a good place for you.
They are in need of a reformation.
With your skills,
I think it'll be in good hands.
(MELANCHOLIC MUSIC PLAYING)
I'm okay with that.
Even though it's a section
I have no experience in
and I don't have kids...
It's still selling things to customers.
I can do that.
Yeah. Making money from women
used to be easier.
But things have changed.
Kids and pets
are where the opportunities lie.
Sorry, you're still in a meeting.
I'll come back later.
I-SHAN'S BOSS: It's okay,
we're almost done. Come in.
That'll be all for now.
We'll catch up later
when you've done the research.
-Thank you, ma'am.
-Ms. I-Shan, I...
I-SHAN: It's okay, thank you.
(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYING)
(PHONE BUZZING)
HUI-JU: I'VE JUST READ THE REPORT
I FEEL TERRIBLE
THE DOCTOR SAYS A-KUAI
HAS A LOW SPERM COUNT
I ALMOST FAINTED
HUI-JU: WHAT SHOULD I DO?
I ALWAYS THOUGHT I WAS THE PROBLEM
CHENG-EN: Hey, hey, hey!
Didn't the TCM doctor tell you
to avoid alcohol?
HUI-JU: It doesn't matter.
(SIGHS) I'm telling you,
get a health examination
before you get married.
See if you can function properly.
Don't be like me, dealing with all this
after getting married.
Why would I need to be examined?
Her parents already treat me
like I'm not a man.
So what if I can function properly?
All right, fellow victim of misfortune.
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
(SIGHS) You can't get married,
and I can't get pregnant.
Yet someone who can do all that
says she doesn’t want
to get married or have kids.
The doctor said A-Kuai has less sperm,
not that he doesn't have any.
Try sperm aspiration.
IVF is still an option.
You could still get pregnant.
Lin I-Shan, the day we went camping,
I noticed Wu Chih-Fu acting weird.
He had cold sweats all day.
I-SHAN: No, he didn't.
CHENG-EN: Is he having some health issues?
-Maybe his kidney is weak or something.
-(GIGGLES)
He kept saying nonsense
like testing human nature.
Trust me, it's definitely true.
That's right. Maybe he's ill.
Not just a low sperm count,
he has none.
-Oh, my God!
-HUI-JU: He can't have kids
so he tricked you into
not getting married or having kids.
Are you guys really my friends?
Cut it out.
I just want to have a baby.
Just let me joke about it.
I want to have a baby too.
Whether it's a boy or a girl.
If it's a boy, I'll teach him
how to take care of girls.
If it's a girl, I'll teach her
how to avoid being tricked by boys.
I'm saying this to you.
(SIGHS)
-Don't drink alone.
-Don't drink alone. Here.
I-CHING: Okay. It's starting.
It's speeding up now.
I missed that.
Good thing I did some exercises.
(CRIES)
I-SHAN: Okay.
I-CHING: It's speeding up now.
(KEYBOARD CLACKING)
I-SHAN: All right, I'm keeping up.
Yes!
(I-SHAN CHUCKLES)
I-SHAN: Your mommy is asleep.
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
(BABY GURGLES)
Let's have some milk, okay?
Do you want some milk?
Do you want some milk?
(MAKES KISSY NOISES)
(CHUCKLES)
It's good, right?
Mommy is working, right?
Here's some for you.
Don't you find this restaurant so quiet?
I'm sure you'll love it.
It is really quiet.
No kids are allowed here
so the adults can enjoy their meal.
Happy birthday.
-Happy birthday. (CHUCKLES)
-Happy birthday.
I-SHAN: Mmm.
In the end,
the boy couldn't take it anymore.
He ran to the girl angrily and asked,
"I've been giving you gifts for years.
"You never said anything bad about them.
Why are you fighting with me this time?"
The girl replied,
"You've been giving me perfume
for five years."
She works in a hospital.
Perfume is not allowed when working
in hospitals.
So, what is the story trying to tell us?
Just because the girl didn't speak ill
of something doesn't mean she liked it.
That's why I'm taking the most
straightforward and respectable approach.
Honey.
What birthday present
would you like this year?
Marry me.
(I-SHAN LAUGHS)
I'm just kidding.
(EXHALES)
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
(GLASSES CLINK)
I love you very much.
I enjoy every moment we spent together.
I even feel like...
you're the one who fits me the best.
I do too.
Then marry me.
I want to have kids with you
and start a family.
Didn't you ask me
what birthday present I wanted?
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
(VACUUM WHIRRING)
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
(PHONE RINGING)
-Hi, hello?
-FEMALE VOICE: Ms. Lin?
-Hey.
-FEMALE VOICE: Hello.
The single chairs you ordered
are ready to ship now.
I'm calling to confirm the address.
I-SHAN: Can you ship one of the chairs
to a different address?
FEMALE VOICE: Uh... You mean there are
two different addresses?
I-SHAN: Yeah, ship them separately.
They won't be staying in the same place.
FEMALE VOICE: Sure.
I-SHAN: Great,
I'll give you the address later.
-FEMALE VOICE: Thank you, bye.
-I-SHAN: Thanks.
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
I-SHAN: I know what I want...
is not marriage...
or having children.
What I want is...
the right to make my own choice.
(SUITCASE WHEELS ROLLING)
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
(SUITCASE WHEELS ROLLING)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(THEME SONG PLAYING)
(THEME SONG CONCLUDES)