Noble House (1988) s01e03 Episode Script
Part 3
Linc.
You look terrific.
Thank you.
Would you like to come in? Sure.
l didn't know if you were going to come.
l mean, l thought you would, but after this morning What? l'm sorry l was such a twit.
But l'm glad you're here.
So am l.
There.
Come look at the view.
lt's beautiful.
We're 700 feet above sea level.
Sometimes when it rains at night, l like to stand out here naked.
Well, that's a happy thought, but you better be careful.
That's a long way down.
Heights don't bother me a bit.
But l was really terrified last night.
And not too gracefully, either.
Well, last night was pretty scary.
Yes, but if it hadn't been for you, l would have completely lost face.
You did just fine.
No.
No, l didn't.
You see, face is sometimes more important than life here.
l'm beginning to get that idea.
With Dunross and Quillan Gornt, that battle's mostly over face.
That's right.
And they're both fine men in one way, both devils in another.
What do you mean? They're both ruthless, both very strong.
Well, the Chinese have a saying lt means, ''When pulling weeds, make sure you get rid of the roots.
'' The roots of those two go very deep in Asia, maybe too deep.
lt would be hard to get rid of those roots, and it would probably be a very bad idea.
Why? Perhaps because they balance each other, keep each other from becoming too strong, having too much control.
But don't listen to me.
When it comes to big business, l'm out of my depth.
l'm not so sure about that.
What is it? l was just thinking how lucky l was to meet you.
Do you always compliment a man? No.
Just the ones who please me.
And they're as rare as a heart of a dragon.
Are you hungry? l'm starving.
You ready to go? Do you like ltalian food? l could kill for it.
How about fresh pasta with oil and garlic, then a veal piccata, and green salad? Let's go.
We don't have to.
Look! Hold the lines out! Let them come through! Get the bales, hurry! Hurry! Just below the tempest.
Hold the lines up! Tie them off! Quickly! Very good.
Why don't you bring them aboard, Father? You could lose them.
Better to leave the harvest of the sea to the sea till it's safe to bring it ashore.
And sometimes we throw some things to the sea that need no harvesting, aiyah? Why did you kill that man, Father? The captain didn't kill him.
You did, seventh son.
You threw him overboard.
l saw it clearly.
But l didn't want to! Tell that to a fine foreign devil judge.
See if you can convince him.
Your secret is safe, my son.
Never fear.
Nobody aboard this boat saw anything, did they, Goodweather Poon? No, nothing.
But you want to know what's in those bales? - No.
- Opium.
Delivered on shore, this night's work will bring a great profit.
The profit's not worth the risk, not to me.
Profit is profit! l don't want anything to do with drugs! l refuse to-- Refuse? You refuse nothing.
You are my son.
You will obey.
l threw that man overboard because you forced me, But l will not-- Quiet! You will do whatever l tell you.
Oh, God, those foreign devils! Halt! We're coming aboard! Cut the bales! Let them go! Hurry! Hurry! You're approaching the Chinese international border! Stand back! Where are you going, Father? lnto Chinese waters.
They cannot follow us there.
There.
You see? - Oh, good evening, Taipan.
- Good evening.
There's a message from your office.
Would you please call on Mr.
Wu in Aberdeen as soon as possible? Oh, thanks.
You haven't seen Brian Kwok tonight, have you? Oh, no, sir.
Superintendent Kwok has not been here.
OK, thank you.
Yes, Superintendent Kwok, please.
This is lan Dunross of Struan's.
Yes? Oh, all right.
l'll speak to him.
Evening, Taipan.
lt's Robert Armstrong here.
You were calling Brian.
He didn't mention anything about meeting you, but l'm afraid he's had to go out of town.
Just a quick trip.
You know how it is.
Certainly, Taipan.
l'll give him the message.
Sorry to inconvenience you.
Good night.
Come on now.
Can't sleep all day.
Here's your breakfast.
That's it, Brian, old chum.
Eat your bloody breakfast now.
Lunch is in two hours.
Rest for a moment.
When the dance ends.
My legs feel weak.
You wouldn't want me to fall.
You can't fall.
You're in my arms.
- Please? - OK.
But l sure like holding you.
lsn't she beautiful? Yeah, they all are.
Are they all for hire? For pillowing? Yeah, l suppose that's what l meant.
Then the answer is no.
And yes.
Like most things in Asia.
You see, it always depends on her availability, on the man, the money, and the amount she's in debt.
Why in debt? When a girl first comes to work here, she has to look pretty.
Clothes, hairdressing-- everything's expensive.
lf a girl is beautiful enough, the nightclub owner advances her money to pay for everything she needs, and the girls go out and buy and buy.
Then they have to pay it all back.
The longer they stay, the harder it is to look pretty, and so more the cost.
Sounds like a trap.
lt is.
lnterest on the debt is 20%, at least.
And so it builds and builds, plus the fines if they're late or badly dressed or unpleasant to the customers.
Pretty rotten life.
Oh, not rotten.
Not rotten at all.
They think they're very lucky.
You see, for a short time in their lives, they live well, eat well, and laugh a lot.
No tears? Always tears, But tears are a way of life for a girl.
But not for you.
l've had my share, but tonight, you've made me forget all the tears l've ever had.
Which girl would you like? What? You choose, and l'll have her brought over here.
Then if you want-- - Are you serious? - Very serious.
l don't want any of them.
l want you.
Yes, l know, but l can't give me to you.
So l offer you one of them.
Offer me? Linc, this is Asia.
Here, sex is not Anglo-Saxon guilt.
lt is pleasure to be sought after like great food or great wine.
What is the value of one night to a man with one of these pleasure ladies? A moment of pleasure? A memory? Nothing more.
lt has nothing to do with real love.
Well, then, l don't want to pay for-- This is my gift to you, and there is nothing wrong about paying.
These are pleasure ladies who may-- may offer you their youth, which has great value in exchange for some of your money, which has almost none.
lt is a fair exchange given and received with face on both sides.
l thank you for your gift, and l return it to you unopened.
The thought alone is gift enough.
You don't seem to be the kind of man to be content with only a thought.
That depends on what l'm thinking about.
ls this the taipan? Yes, Miss.
The taipan is waiting.
What's this? Quick-fried prawns with pea pods, shredded beef and black bean sauce.
Some quick-fried dumplings, Shanghai style.
Quick-fried vegetables spiced with Szechuan cabbage, and tiny kung pao chicken.
ls that all? Oh, who could resist an offer like that? And my father had this little optical company.
So a good man for negotiating and the problem of profit.
Maybe haggling was in my blood.
There was probably some Armenian rug merchant back in my family.
But l just had a knack for business.
Then by the time my father died, l was practically running the company.
So you took it over.
A little slice of the market.
But no capital and no room to maneuver.
Got behind the good quality of our work.
Then a year later George Tafu-- ran Randolph Optical-- offered me a chance to subcontract some of his orders.
l thought that was a big deal, except what he was really doing was stealing my customers.
On top of that, he reneged on the deal.
He never paid for the work we did.
Two months later, my company went under.
What did you do? Well, first l went out and got all of George Tafu's balance sheets, and then l figured out how to take him and Randolph Optical to the cleaners.
Only problem was, l couldn't afford to do it.
So l started looking around for someone who could.
Par-Con.
That's right.
l sat down and wrote a letter with all my ideas to the head of Par-Con, Mr.
Lincoln Bartlett.
And five days later, he called me.
That's how you met? lncredible.
The advantage of not knowing better.
What did Linc do? He listened to my plan, and then he said, ''OK, go ahead.
'' - Just like that? - Mm-hmm.
Little over three months later, Par-Con took over Randolph Optical.
Linc asked me if l wanted to reorganize it, and l did.
Today, Par-Con's Randolph division grosses $150 million a year.
So then Linc offered you a permanent position in the company.
Well, he waited for me to ask for the job.
And when l did, he just tossed me a little box.
lnside were Par-Con's business cards with my name on them.
Linc had them printed weeks earlier, but first l had to ask.
And that's been your relationship? Strictly business, Though people have a hard time believing that.
When a man and a woman work closely together, everyone assumes it's sexual.
Not that women in business don't use their sexuality.
l was reading the newspaper tonight about the races on Saturday.
Big contest.
lt's between you and Gornt, as usual.
What's your horse's name? Noble Star.
Gornt's is called Pirate Fish.
l think l may put all my money on Noble Star.
l wouldn't do that.
You should always hedge your bet.
Some bets you don't hedge.
Some bets you can't hedge.
l think l know what you're gonna do now.
And? But maybe l'm wrong.
Let's find out.
l was right.
Suddenly, l'm-- l wasn't finished.
Oh, no? Wait.
Please.
What l said before about a man and a woman in business, people assuming that it's sexual.
Oh, sometimes it's very hard to keep it from becoming sexual.
Sometimes like right now.
- And? - Right here.
- And? - Now and Well, l don't know how to say this.
lf we make love, right at this moment, that seems like a wonderful idea.
l'm gonna feel very funny sitting across a negotiating table from you tomorrow.
We both have the same disadvantage.
Except you're the taipan and l work for Linc, and Linc would know.
Oh, l just wish l met you somewhere else.
Bad timing.
There you go.
- Portal to portal service.
- Always.
Aren't you coming? My car's just there.
lf this weren't Hong Kong Ah, but it is Hong Kong.
Nothing can change that.
Good night, lan.
Good night, Casey.
Good evening, Taipan.
My uncle's waiting for you.
Good evening, Paul.
Your uncle tells me you've got a job.
Yes, sir.
At Rockwell.
l start next Monday.
Hello, Taipan.
Please.
l'm sorry that l failed to help John Chen as you requested.
l apologize for failing you.
Joss.
Why did you want to see me? Our families have been old friends for many years, Very many years.
Yes.
The seaborne Wu and Struan's are like brothers.
The present is like the past.
The past like the present.
They are the same, yes.
And with the Noble House, the word of one taipan is the word of all taipans, especially the word of the green-eyed devil, is that true? lt isto ask such questions from an old friend when you know the answer.
What does the name Wu Fung Choy mean to the taipan of the Noble House? He is your illustrious ancestor and friend of my illustrious ancestor.
Yes.
But your ancestor kept his promise to mine.
The green-eyed devil kept his bargain to Wu Fung Choy, and after him, Calum Struan also kept the bargain.
Will you keep his bargain, Taipan? Or will you dishonor the Noble House? Perhaps it is real.
Of course it's real.
Where did you get this? How many coins were there at first? You tell me.
Four, there were four! One to your illustrious ancestor Wu Fung Choy, paid and honored.
Why would your family have two? That is not possible.
So this has been stolen.
From whom? Stolen or not, you must grant whatever l ask.
Or is the face of the green-eyed devil no longer the face of the Noble House? One coin, one favor to whoever asks.
l ask.
lf, and only if, the favor's possible and if the coin is real.
Let me take it and l shall see if it matches the other half.
You take your old friend to be a fool.
Here.
Match your coin with this.
Your half fits, then my coin is real.
lf it is real, you, taipan of the Noble House, must do as the green-eyed devil swore by all his gods you would do.
When will l have your answer? Monday.
That is soon enough.
Yesterday, l asked a favor of you, and you refused.
That favor was different, Taipan.
That was not the same as an ancient promise collecting an ancient debt.
Then reconsider it, old friend.
Because if there is no Noble House, there will be no noble favor.
Aiyah.
You're out late.
You're up late.
l slept all day when l wasn't running to the loo.
So l thought l'd venture out.
How are you feeling after your swim in Aberdeen's foul harbor? No ill effects.
Christian, you know so much about this place.
Who would you go with? Dunross or Gornt? ln business, Quillan Gornt.
For the future, lan Dunross, if he can weather this storm.
From what l hear, though, that's not likely.
Why Dunross for the future? Face.
Gornt hasn't the style to be the taipan or the necessary background.
ls that so important? Here, totally.
lf Par-Con wants years of growth--Dunross.
lf you're in for a killing, a quick in-and-out raid, go with Gornt.
Why do you ask me? l don't know who else to ask.
What do you know about Orlanda Ramos? Probably more than l should.
But knowing scandal and gossip about a living person isn't the same as knowing legends of ancient times, is it? ls Gornt using her with Linc? - You saw them at the party last night.
- l saw all of you.
ln fact, l don't think l've ever seen anything quite like that, everyone watching everyone.
ls Gornt using Orlanda? l suppose someone could ask, is Bartlett using you? Forgive me.
l'm afraid l'm a bit out of sorts.
l think l better go home.
Oh, no.
What now? ls it true, Taipan, that old friends have refused to help you financially? Yes.
Terrible.
Terrible times, when old friends forsake old friends.
lt is your play.
l've never played this course before.
You've had no need to.
You have Shei-Goh to play on, or the Royal Hong Kong Golf Club.
This is a place for the Chinese.
lf Hong Kong is part of China, Mr.
Tip, l was born in China.
Cantonese was my first language.
lf l am not Chinese, then what am l? What do you want of me, Taipan? What is it that you ask? l ask for your friendship.
l ask for your support.
You ask the Bank of China to rescue the Noble House.
Yes.
That is what l request.
lt is your play, Taipan.
l envy your swing.
Have you considered selling part of your company, perhaps even 51%? l'm not allowed to do that.
No taipan can do that.
Dirk Struan-- old, green-eyed devil-- made sure none of us could sell his company.
How much money does the Noble House require? Revolving credit of 200 million.
A substantial sum.
And without it? Our place could be taken by others others who don't share our friendship with the Middle Kingdom.
l will pass on your request, Mr.
Dunross.
That's all l can do.
lt's also a question of time.
When will be too late? - Monday.
- Frankly, Mr.
Dunross, l would not hold out too much hope that the Bank of China would approve of your request, but the chairman of the China Great Wall lnternational Trust Corporation in Beijing is a man called Tsu-Yan.
l believe you know him.
Not exactly.
Last time l saw Tsu-Yan, we were both 12 years old.
Oh, Mr.
Dunross, we may hope he remembers you with kindness.
- l know l'm right.
- The hell you are.
lt's obvious.
Where did you meet her? At Gornt's, and she was his mistress for years.
He's using Orlanda to get at you, to soften you up.
l did some checking.
Did you know that Gornt pays for her apartment? We got a lot riding on this deal and you're going to blow it over-- - What? Go ahead.
Say it.
- She's just the same as Gornt.
They're both after your money.
That's all.
lt's my money and it's my company and l'll do whatever l want to.
- Do you understand that? - Par-Con's not your personal toy.
l've got stock, too, remember? You want to vote your shares, l'll vote mine, and you know who wins that spitting contest.
You want my resignation, Linc? l just want you to stay the hell out of my personal life.
No waters allowed, and if you beat down this door again, you'll regret it.
- l have to drink something.
- No water.
What do you think you're doing? How dare you treat Superintendent Kwok like this.
lt's Commissioner Crosse's order, sir.
He said-- l don't give a damn what he said.
Get some water.
Now.
- Yes, sir.
- Come on.
Come here.
You're not too steady on your feet.
You all right? What--what the hell's going on? l don't know.
l've just heard.
That's why l'm here.
l was told you'd been on leave for a few days.
Crosse has gone mad.
He claims you're a communist spy.
Me? Me? That's insane.
This is all you can have.
How long have they had you in here? - l don't know.
What's the day today? - Friday the 30th.
God.
lt's been over a week.
Listen, Robert, it's all a mistake.
You've got to help me.
Don't you see? What are you doing in here? l have a right to know what's going on, sir.
You have no rights, Superintendent Armstrong.
This is a security matter.
Now, listen, spy.
l want the names and addresses of all your contacts right now.
- Who is your controller? - Sir, it's all a mistake.
There's no controller.
l'm not a spy.
Then explain how you were photographed in Ning-Tok with your mother.
Explain how your real name is Chu-Toy.
l'm Brian Kwok.
You are a liar, and l'll see to it that you spend the rest of your days in this cell unless you confess to everything.
And you are forbidden to come in here without permission.
What possessed you to do it, Brian? What? l'm innocent.
l'm sorry, sir.
You've got to leave.
All right.
Brian, l'll do what l can.
You did very well, Robert.
Did you see his face when he heard his real name? No mistake about that.
No mistake about his guilt.
Step up sleep-wake schedule, doctor.
Every hour on the hour.
l don't know that that would be medically safe.
Well, you'll keep close tabs on him.
lf it's too much, then you'll ease back.
Leave at 12 hours, then you'll interrogate him again.
lf that doesn't work, put him in the red room.
No.
No, not Brian.
Brian Kwok is dead and that man killed him.
He betrayed you, Robert.
He betrayed us all.
A communist agent spying in Hong Kong.
God only knows the damage.
We'll have to find out what he gave them, who his contacts are.
No, Robert.
Chu-Toy is not your friend.
Welcome aboard the Sea WItch, Mr.
Bartlett.
Take her out.
lt's quite a boat.
Yes.
How many does she sleep? Oh, six comfortably.
There's a permanent crew of four.
- l'll show you around if you like.
- No, this is fine right here.
You say that there was something you wanted to ask me.
Yeah.
You haven't changed your mind about Struan's.
Their stock is down to nine and a half.
That means we are between 50 and 60 billion Hong Kong ahead.
You will double your money in less than a week.
That's not a bad investment.
What do you buy back in? Oh, it depends on when you decide to dump them.
How many shares do you need for control? Enough to give us three immediate seats on the board.
When that happens, lan's through.
Then, shortly afterwards, l merge Struan's with Rothwell-Gornt.
You're a taipan of the Noble House.
ln the best of all possible worlds, yes.
What did you want to ask me? About Orlanda.
And me? And everything.
Very well.
The first time l saw Orlanda was when she was 10.
lt was a Saturday at the races.
Her father was a manager in my shipping division-- Eduardo Ramos, a good fellow.
Third-generation Macao.
Her mother was pure Shanghainese.
And Orlanda was the prettiest girl that l've ever seen.
- Go on.
- Three years later - You sure you want to hear all this? - Oh, l'm very sure.
Very well.
Three years later Eduardo Ramos was in serious financial trouble.
Had bad debts, gambling, whatever.
His wife came to me and offered Orlanda as a mui jai.
- As a what? - A mui jai, Mr.
Bartlett, is a daughter given by a debtor to a creditor forever, in settlement of debts that could not otherwise be paid.
- What do you mean ''given''? - Exactly that--given as property.
lt's an ancient Chinese custom.
- Do you accept it? - Of course.
l settled her father's debts, gave him a modest guaranteed pension, and paid for Orlanda's schooling.
Hmm.
ln return, her parents guaranteed to return her to me a virgin and suitably enamored on or before her 18th birthday.
l didn't see her again until that time.
- You owned her.
- ln a way, for five years.
But no more than she owned me.
l was very much in love with her.
Why'd it end? Ah.
Why does any relationship end? Any marriage? Thousand reasons and none.
lf l could give you the answer to that, l'd be a far wiser man than l am.
Oh, there were arguments, unpleasant moments, angry words.
But l've chosen to forget all that.
After all, it has been three years.
But you're still good friends.
l will always be Orlanda's friend and she will always be mine, But that is all.
l'm not using Orlanda, Mr.
Bartlett.
She is not a prize.
She is not bait.
l wouldn't want to see her hurt.
No.
You don't believe me? This is Hong Kong.
l'm out of my depth.
Does Orlanda know that her mother came to you? About the mui jai? No.
That is a perpetual secret that l must ask you to honor.
Will you? - Yeah.
- Good.
And now you know it all.
Well, what's your decision? You see, Mr.
Bartlett, time has come for you to make up your mind which side you are on.
Why don't we leave it this way? Next Tuesday, old debts and friendships are canceled and we start fresh.
All of us.
And Mr.
Alastair called twice.
Asked that you call him the moment you came in.
l'll get to him later.
Phillip has been waiting to see you.
Yes? - Mr.
Mata is calling again.
- l'll take it.
Lando.
How's Macao? CasIno Is crowded, and that Is aII that matters.
I had to seII you.
At 21? No.
20 as we agreed.
l'm sorry things are going so badly for you.
- Can you hoId on? - l could use your help.
Then come and taIk to me.
BesIdes, It'II do you good to get away from Hong Kong.
Are you free tonIght? l can be.
Then come when you can.
I shaII expect you.
l haven't been much use to you lately, Taipan.
Please forgive me.
lt's all right, Philip.
l understand.
l'm very sorry about John.
Very sorry indeed.
- When's the funeral? - Tomorrow.
Tomorrow at 10:00.
l was wondering if you'd say a few words.
Yes, of course l will.
Of course l will.
ls there anything l can do? Staying home with Dianne, the time goes by very slowly.
There is something l need your advice on.
- Ahem.
- Here.
This was-- B-Bartlett gave this to you already? Bartlett? What has Bartlett got to-- This is your coin.
Of course.
Your family would have one.
But why do you think Bartlett gave it to me? - Tai-- - Tell the truth, Comprador, now.
lt was John.
He stole the coin.
He was going to give it or sell it to Bartlett's.
Why? John was working for him.
l found papers, contracts in John's safe deposit box.
He was betraying us, betraying the Noble House, giving Bartlett all our secrets.
Why didn't you tell me? l was afraid, Taipan.
l was afraid, ashamed.
And when l found the coin gone, l knew John had taken it.
Four Finger Wu.
He gave the coin to you.
Why do you think so? When l delivered the ransom, the 500,000, he sent his men to protect me from the Werewolf.
Was it him? How did John know the secrets of the Noble House? Where did he get the information he gave to Bartlett? - l don't-- - You must have told John.
There is only you, Alastair, my father, Deville, and me who know the private details! l didn't tell him.
l swear l didn't.
You kept records, private records! That's how John found out.
Yes, l--l-- kept records.
- l had to.
- Had to? Why? Come on, damn it! Because my father, before he passed the house and the coin over to me, he made me swear to keep, to record the private dealings of the Noble House, to protect the house of Chen.
lt was just that, Taipan, never to use against you or the house, just a protection.
Get Jacques in here straightaway.
So, Bartlett's got our structure.
Our balance sheets.
What else has he got? - l-- - Answer me! l don't know.
l don't.
But the coin.
lt's mine.
lt belongs to me.
What is it, Taipan? Take Philip home, please.
He's not feeling too well.
And there are private papers to bring back.
You give Jacques everything.
The letters, the contracts, the private records, everything.
Do you understand? - Taipan-- - Everything.
Yes.
Come on, old man.
Let's see you home.
Come on.
Miss Casey Tcholok's on the line.
- Do you want to call her back? - No.
l'll take it.
- Casey.
- HI.
Yes.
Fine.
That would be very nice.
Why don't you take the ferry across and l'll meet you? Good.
Oh, and Casey - Bring your passport.
- OK.
Hi.
Good timing.
l just got here.
Why do l need my passport? We're going to Macao.
Portuguese territory.
What's in Macao? Oh, there's the Port of the Circle.
That's the Chinese port.
The facade of St.
Paul's, the Bishop's Purse.
No, l mean, why are you going? To see Lando Mata.
He thought it would do me good to get out of Hong Kong.
lt's only an hour's trip.
l thought you might enjoy it.
ln that? - ln that.
- Yours? Struan's.
Good afternoon, Taipan.
ls your life always like this, Taipan? l mean, your house, cars, this boat.
The best of everything.
The taipan of the Noble House lives well, but the taipan loans it.
He carries all the responsibility for the Noble House and he can't share it, so he sweats.
Dirk Struan had his own plans and rules.
- He wanted us to sweat.
- Why? Once when he was beset by his enemies, Tyler Brock and his scum, Dirk just laughed and said, ''An able man has many burdens.
''And as l am abler than most, l sweat more than most.
'' And are you sweating now, Taipan? Should l be? lt seems Struan's is way out on a limb, about to go under.
Shall we go inside? lt may get a little wet out here.
- Are you avoiding the subject? - No.
Just trying to keep you dry.
The Noble House will survive, Casey.
You don't have to worry about that.
Doesn't look that way from the outside, lan.
From what l've heard, everyone seems to think that Gornt will make the raid stick.
We have a deal till Tuesday.
That's what we agreed.
Do you want to change that? No.
But in your present state, it'd be crazy to proceed.
So, we have two alternatives.
lt's either Rothwell-Gornt, or we've got to help you with some kind of bailout operation.
Oh? You have a preference? l think you're best for us, long term.
Huh.
Thank you.
How far are you willing to go? l'm not sure.
Par-Con's bankers are First Central in New York, and we do a lot of business together.
Dave Murtaugh is the vice president and he's a good guy.
And l called him a couple hours ago and he'd be very interested in becoming Struan's New York banker.
ln return for what? They'd become your prime leading American bank and you keep between $10 million and $15 million on deposit at all times.
lf that works, Murtaugh said he'd be willing to discuss a revolving $100 million credit line against the value of the unissued shares you've got in your treasury.
He said he'd need your personal guarantee.
Well, that's the taipan privilege.
Um, what does Par-Con want out of this? What do you and Linc want? A long-term deal with Struan's as old friends.
l've discovered what ''old friend'' means here, Chinese style, And that's what l want.
Next.
ls that a yes? l'd like to know all the terms before l agree to them.
- What does Linc want? - Linc doesn't know about it yet.
Don't you think you should consult him? l'm executive director of Par-Con, and Struan's is my deal.
lt cost us nothing but our influence to get you out of your trap, And that's what influence is for.
l want our deal to go through, and l don't want Gornt to win.
- Why? - l told you.
l think you're best for us in the long run.
- And that's the only reason? - What else could there be? And some of the little fish restaurants out here are wonderful.
One of them specializes in sea slugs.
Oh, God.
l'll pass.
Ha ha.
The Chinese say if its back faces heaven, it's edible.
Seems like everybody in Hong Kong depends half their time thinking about eating.
Chinese are very concerned about food.
They're very suspicious of restaurants that waste money on decorations and candlelight.
They like to see their food.
The Chinese are at their best eating, like the ltalians.
l really like being with you.
Yes, but something's bothering you, isn't it? Oh, you're a mind reader, too.
l've been taught to use my eyes and senses, Linc.
Certainly l try to read your mind in order to do what pleases you.
lsn't that what a woman should do for a man? Not the women l've known.
But now you know me.
ls that what's bothering you? l saw Quillan today.
We talked about you.
You want to know anything about me, Linc, all you have to do is ask.
All right.
Why did you and Quillan break up? l didn't break up with him.
He broke up with me.
- And he was right.
- Why? lt's not a story l'm proud of.
Well, l'd--l'd like to hear it anyway.
All right.
Once when Quillan was away, l went to Macao with another man.
We spent the night.
He was a young man from London.
Minor executive at Asian Profiteers.
And l was bored and spoiled.
God knows l wasn't in love with him, but l went with him anyway.
Naturally, someone told Quillan.
Well, that was the end of it.
Just like that? l begged for forgiveness.
Quillan said there was nothing to forgive.
Still, it was a matter of face.
And he left me.
And it ended there, just like that.
No.
Not quite.
Quillan had the young man fired and sent back to England.
He sent me on the same flight.
He gave me money to buy clothes and go to the theater, and he said, ''Have a happy time.
''Come back without problems.
'' But he said if l ever spoke a single word to that young man ever again, he would never forgive me.
Doesn't make much sense.
l told you it was a matter of face.
Did this young man try to talk to you? Yes.
Did you talk to him? No.
- Never? - Never.
He tried to speak to me on the plane.
He phoned me in London.
l never spoke a single word to him.
And after l came back here, l--l found-- What? He killed himself the day l left London.
l didn't think that just because l wouldn't talk to him Did he know about you and Gornt? Yes, of course he knew.
lt wasn't your fault, or Gornt's, for that matter.
lt was just bad joss, for him, and good joss for me.
What? Otherwise, you might still be Quillan Gornt's mistress.
What would you like me to be, Linc? How about if we start with honest? That Gornt set me up, didn't he, with you? Don't look away.
Just tell me the truth.
The truth is-- Yes.
What were you supposed to do, Orlanda? l was just supposed to distract you, that's all.
Well, it looks like you succeeded.
You can tell Gornt that, or l will.
No, Linc, please, l-- l didn't know you then.
- l didn't think that l'd-- - What? No more lies, Orlanda, not now.
The game you agree to play for Gornt is over.
lt's finished.
Yes.
Yes, it is.
Good.
We could begin again.
Would you like that? l'd like that very much.
To be everything that you could desire in a woman.
Everything.
Good afternoon, Taipan.
lt's good to see you once again in Macao.
Thank you, Alvarez.
lt's very kind of you to meet us, indeed.
Well, it's Mr.
Mata's pleasure.
May l have your passports, please? Whole different feeling here.
Yes.
Macao is very European.
ln fact, the Portuguese have been here a very long time, 250 years before Hong Kong was born.
What will happen in 1997? l mean, does Macao revert to China when Hong Kong does? No.
That happens two years later, in 1999.
ln fact, the Portuguese government tried to give Macao back to China in 197 4.
The People's Republic refused to accept it then.
- ObrIgado.
- We can go now.
Please.
Think l'm in Las Vegas.
Oh, l think the gentlemen in Las Vegas could learn a thing or two from here.
- Hello, lan.
- Hello, Lando.
How are you? And welcome to my house, Miss Casey.
- Hello.
Thank you.
- What a pleasant surprise.
l thought she might enjoy the trip.
l'm delighted that you're here, both of you.
Come in, please.
MInha casa, vossa casa.
Oh, this is really beautiful.
Yes.
lt is a pleasant house.
Unfortunately, l'm not here that often.
There's a wonderful view across the Pearl River and beyond--mainland China.
Perhaps you will visit again.
l'd love to.
Listen.
l know you and the taipan have things you want to talk about, so-- Oh, l will not keep him long.
ln the meantime, if you'd care to refresh yourself Fine.
Maria? Maria will show you the way.
Thank you.
Very attractive woman.
ls she on your side? - Should she be? - l hope so, Taipan.
There have been rumors about Mr.
Bartlett and Quillan Gornt, rumors about private agreements.
- Are they true? - Bartlett is a businessman.
lf l were in his position, l'd probably be doing the same thing.
By the way, l only got 17 and a half for my Noble House shares, so l kept my word better than l intended, but l suppose l was lucky to get out when l did.
Considering what you paid for them, you still made a profit.
Ah, yes, but that was three years ago.
Do you still believe you will survive? l have to, don't l? l've spoken to other members of the syndicate here.
They all agree you'd be an ideal choice to represent the gambling concession.
Under those and other certain conditions, they would be willing to invest in Struan's.
What other conditions? You sell them half the treasury shares l can't sell control of Struan's.
With our money, you'll smash Gornt.
l can't pass over control-- that's impossible, Lando--even if l wanted to.
No one has to know.
The next taipan would know.
l can't do it.
Oh, you can, lan.
You're the taipan of the Noble House.
You can do whatever you wish.
You could even move the whole house to Macao, if you wanted to.
l'm sure the government would be pleased to extend you the necessary concessions.
Wouldn't that be better than losing to Gornt and whoever is backing him? l'm not going to lose.
Yes, you will, Taipan.
On this, you have no choice.
Meeting over? Yes.
Lando had to go out.
How did it go? Oh, as expected.
ls that good or bad? Oh, you might say it was disappointing.
Wasted trip? Oh, l'd hardly call it that.
So far, the trip has been the best part.
A visit to Macao is not complete without going to a casino.
l'm no gambler.
l always lose.
Well, perhaps you haven't found the right game.
This is the oldest gambling game in China, probably from 1,000 years ago.
The odds sound pretty lousy to me.
Oh, it takes a practiced eye to play fan-tan.
l want to watch this.
Squeeze in down here.
Excuse me, sir.
Can l just get in? Thank you.
You mean, you have to guess how many buttons are in the cup? No.
lt's how many are left over after he lines them up four at a time-- One, two, three or four.
Thank you.
This time, it's three.
Practiced eye, except this time, it's two.
l thought you never gambled.
This isn't gambling.
l can't lose.
- l'm afraid you will.
lt's three.
- Two.
Come on, three.
lt's three.
- Three.
Come on, three.
- Two.
Three.
Come on, three.
l've been playing this game since l was a boy.
Yeah? Well, when l was a kid, they used to put a jar of jellybeans in Rankhart's Candy Store, and whoever guessed-- oh, l got it right! Here.
Oh, dear me, ten out of 12? You should be barred from playing the game, banned from the club.
lt's just my practiced eye.
What's behind the smile? Oh, general satisfaction.
All is well at this point in the world.
At least all the various problems are in their compartments.
What compartments? The only way to deal with problems is the Asian way.
You take your problems, whatever they are, and put them into individual compartments.
then you take them out when you're meant to deal with them, preferably one at a time.
That's good if you can do it.
Oh, but you have to do it.
lf not, you go under.
Tomorrow will take care of tomorrow's problems.
You mean, everything can wait? No Not everything.
l'm glad we're not in Hong Kong.
Then you're not in a hurry to go back? Tomorrow's problem.
Whatever happened to her? Whatever happened to who? You know The first one The one your Uncle Chen-Chen sold you to.
Elegant Jade.
Did you fall in love with her? Madly.
Frail love.
During summer holidays when l was home in boarding school in England, and on my first day back in the third summer, l went to find her, but she was gone.
Where? Tried to find her everywhere.
Then l went to ask Uncle Chen-Chen.
He'd become very old.
Did he know? Oh, yes, but He told me it was time for her to go.
lt was too easy for a young man to give too much to a girl-- too much time, too much thought.
l had to put my mind on the Noble House.
When you were 17? Taipans are raised from an early age.
Did Uncle Chen-Chen ever tell you where she was? Oh.
Oh, yeah.
ln Taipei.
He made me swear that l would never try to find her.
Why? Well, it would take away her face and her beauty.
For both of us, and it would destroy the memory.
- Did you ever see her again? - No.
l'll tell you one thing, lan Dunross.
You had one hellof a teacher.
Did you send the cable to Bangkok? Yes, Father.
Why are you asking this Mr.
Lee to come join you? White Powder Lee is a very good chemist.
He will be in charge of my new pharmaceutical plant.
You see how many ships the Noble House sails in these waters? My half-coin will pay for many cargoes, safe cargoes, with guaranteed delivery.
The taipan will never agree to carry opium in his ships.
He told you.
l allow you to listen to my conversations in order for you to learn, and still you learn nothing.
This gives me power over the taipan, all taipans.
This gives me control of the Noble House.
Our ancestor Wu Fung Choy used his half-coin to demand a clipper ship from the green-eyed devil, but he forgot to demand safe passage of the ship as part of his bargain.
What happened to Wu Fung Choy's ship? The green-eyed devil's son, Calum the Weak, delivered the ship as he had to, and he sent his own ships out of the east like assassins in the night.
They murdered our ship and Wu Fung Choy with her.
That is the honor of the Noble House, my son.
Now get the car.
Venus Poon is expecting me at 10:00.
The car is at the dock.
l'd like to know more about the history of our family, Father, the history of the seaborne Wu.
Then when l allow you to hear my conversations, listen well.
Did you go to Kellett lsland to the foreign devils' yacht club? Yes, but the taipan's boat hadn't returned.
Good.
Then he's spending the night in Macao.
l am pleased that the taipan is doing to one American what the other is trying to do to him.
Oh, it's so beautiful.
You see, little mealy mouth? l promised you'd have it on Friday.
Yes, and this abject person is filled with sorrow for having doubted you.
Though l shouldn't have given it to you after you shamed me allowing Four Finger Wu to escort you to the party.
l only did that because l was angry.
What is it? l'm dizzy.
My head is spinning.
lt's too much excitement.
- Then let's go to bed.
- No! Oh, no.
My head hurts.
- l really must lie down.
- But l-- But l told my wife l'd be in Taipei.
Well, then go to your club and call me tomorrow.
But-- Four Finger Wu, please be late tonight.
You wait for me here.
Casey? You up? Just want to say l'm sorry.
Madam not in, sir.
Very sorry.
Who's In controI? NIng-Tok.
Who's In controI? Chu-Toy.
NIng-Tok.
Who's In controI? NIng-Tok.
Who's In controI? Chu-Toy.
NIng-Tok.
Who's In controI? Chu-Toy.
NIng-Tok.
NIng-Tok.
NIng-Tok.
NIng-Tok.
NIng-Tok, NIng-Tok.
All right, Brian.
l'm here.
l'm putting everything right.
There's nothing to be afraid of now.
Robert? lt's me, old chum.
Robert.
Let's get you up.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Oh, Robert, l'm sick, very sick.
The doctor said you're in fine shape, nothing to worry about, just bad dreams, Brian.
That's all it is.
- Where are you going? - l must leave now.
Stay with me, Robert.
Please stay with me.
We'll talk.
Yes.
You wanted to talk.
Don't leave me.
All right, old friend.
Then talk.
l won't go while we talk.
What do you want to tell me, about Ning-Tok? Yes.
l'll tell you about Ning-Tok.
l went there, Robert.
Yes.
l went there when my father died.
l had to go.
Tell me how you went to Ning-Tok, and l'll stay.
Friends.
My friends helped me.
lt only took a day.
What friends, Brian? Who are they? Don't remember.
Then l must go.
Next week, l'll come back.
No.
l'll tell you who it was.
lt was--it was-- Who? Chung Li.
He helped me.
Where does he live, your friend Chung Li? He-- Fourth alley in Aberdeen, number 8, lucky 8, fifth floor.
Very good, old chum.
Now, who else? Who were your other friends who helped you go to Ning-Tok? Sensible Tok, who owns the Hu Tok restaurant.
Remember? Took you there.
You liked the food.
Remember? Yes, yes.
l remember.
Who else? Tell me, Brian.
Who else helped you? Dr.
Meng in the princess building.
Dr.
Meng, he made all the arrangements.
l'm tired.
lf you're tired, l'll leave.
No, please.
ls Dr.
Meng your controller, Brian? Gweilo foreign devils have raped my country for centuries.
You know that's true.
Yes.
Yes, Brian.
That's true.
Was Dr.
Meng your controller? No.
Controller was in Shanghai.
God, head aches.
l'm so thirsty.
And what did you give to your controller in Shanghai, Brian? Dossiers, S.
l.
Files, whatever they asked for.
lan? lan? Who's there? Lim Chu, miss.
The taipan is not here.
l know, miss.
The taipan had to return to Hong Kong very early, miss.
He left the boat for you.
He told me to make sure that you were back in time for the races, so we have to leave soon.
Oh.
How did he go? He took the dawn jet, miss.
l'll be down in a few minutes.
- From the taipan, miss.
- Thank you.
''Considering the vast sum of money you've won, ''don't you think you should take me out to dinner tonight? ''lan.
'' Have you collected Philip's papers? Yes.
They're at the office.
Claudia locked them away.
Taipan, what is this all about? Nothing terribly pleasant, Jacques.
l'll explain it to you later.
Thank you for your kind words about John, Taipan.
Again, l'm sorry.
Sorry is sorry, but that still doesn't help extricate us from the trap your son and you put us into.
l know.
l know.
You've got the weekend, Philip.
You'll claim every favor you're owed and raise 14 million.
- But, Taipan-- - lf l don't get that by Sunday midnight, have your resignation on my desk by 9:00 a.
m.
You and your family will be out of the Noble House forever.
- You can't.
The le-- - l can.
The house of Chen has many branches.
Sunday midnight, Philip, or it will be too late.
Good day, Mr.
Gornt.
Morning.
Louie, if you win, you have a $10,000 bonus, but if you finish behind Noble Star, you're fired.
- Yes, guv.
- Pirate Fish and lf Noble Star wins, you are fired.
But, Mr.
Gornt, what do you want? Look.
l'm not suggesting you do anything.
l'm just telling you what will happen, And, Louie, if l fire you, l'll make sure you never ride for anyone else again.
Taipan These are the papers that Jacques said you wanted.
Thank you, Claudia.
By the way, did you and Miss Tcholok have an enjoyable time in Macao? Since your source of information is so good, Claudia, why don't you give me the details on the American Super Foods merger with Hong Kong General Stores, say, in the next 15 minutes? Yes, sir.
Excuse me, Taipan, but it's Alexej Travkin.
He says it's urgent.
All right.
Yes, Alexej? Jockey is sick, Taipan, Johnny Moore.
l had him up on Noble Star.
He seemed all right this morning.
He's running 103-degree temperature.
Doctor says it might be food poison.
You mean, he's been tampered with? l don't know, Taipan.
l only know he's no good for us today.
Who do you want up on Noble Star? We'll decide before the race.
l'll see you when l get there.
OK.
l still think you're wrong.
Deal goes the way l want it.
- End of discussion.
- Like hell.
You just want to go with Gornt because of Orlanda, and that's not good enough reason.
This has nothing to do with her.
Dunross is in a trap he can't get out of.
l wouldn't be so sure.
What are you up to, Casey? l'm just telling you, the Noble House is the right deal for us.
l know you better than anyone, and you're up to something.
l'm just trying to stop you from making a business mistake for emotional reasons.
Emotional reasons, huh? Where the hell were you last night? Yes! Good.
Did you have it? Good, good.
This box is the only way to go to the races.
Yes.
Struan's has always had the best position, right at the winning post, thanks to Dirk.
Another family legend? Dirk Struan began the turf club, he put up all the money for the first meeting, so he was rated this position when the first stands were built.
So far, we've managed to hang on to it.
lt's certainly worth hanging on to.
Really like it-- the track, the horses.
Yes.
There's a special joy, a special excitement about racing.
That moment when the horses turn for the finish? Oh, there's nothing quite like it.
Well, l'm glad you're interested in something outside the Noble House.
Oh, yes.
l wasn't always taipan.
l won't always be taipan.
You think about that time? Oh, yeah, every now and then.
By the way, you're on for dinner, my treat.
Oh, good.
Good.
Should cash in your ticket.
The odds are 15:1.
No, thanks.
l'll be back.
Ah, Casey, did you win, too? Only had ten bucks on her.
lt's not the amount that matters.
lt's the winning, and it's very lucky to pick the first winner first time at the track.
l didn't pick it.
Christian Toxe gave me a tip.
Ah, Toxe.
Want to come boating tomorrow? Supposed to rain.
Then we'll stay inside.
l'll phone you in the morning.
Well, which is your box? l don't have one.
l'm not a steward yet, but l will be.
That was the worst race l've ever seen.
That jockey ought to get arrested.
Whose jockey was that, Mr.
Biltzmann? Taipan.
The crook riding, you know, the favorite.
He held his horse back, just reined him to a dead stop.
lt was an out and out fix.
Now, now, Mr.
Biltzmann, if there was anything irregular, l'm sure the steward would be onto it at once.
Oh.
Yeah? Then how come they're paying off? Listen.
l'm no sucker, and l know a fix when l see one.
Did you see the jockey do anything untoward? l'm afraid l didn't watch the race.
Quillan? The race was fine.
That berk's manners are appalling.
Excuse me.
l didn't see anything, honest.
Of course, if l hadn't have won Fan-tan, horse races is there anything you don't win at? l hope not.
Then would you be prepared to gamble all your Par-Con stock against a potential profit of $4 million to $8 million within 30 days? - What? - The odds are excellent.
Yes or no? OK.
- Oh, thank you for bringing her today.
- What? l brought her for me, not for you.
But, little treasure-- Go away.
You're giving us indigestion.
All gods spit on you, old man, but even she, with all the technique l've taught her, cannot teach a noodle to dance.
The fire in Aberdeen seems like it was such a long time ago.
What's that been, a couple of days? - That's Hong Kong.
- What do you mean? lt's a Hong Kong characteristic.
When you live here, there's never enough time, whatever your work.
There's always so much going on-- people leaving, arriving, one crisis or another.
Everything happens faster here.
Just look what's been going on since you've arrived-- John Chen kidnapped and murdered, the fire, the bank run, stock market disaster.
Taipan, how do you think Buccaneer is going to do in the next race? You think he's going to be a favorite? l'd say he was worth a small wager.
Are you betting, Linc? Yeah.
l've just been watching the tote.
The last race was over 20 million Hong Kong.
This one is gonna be even more.
This has got to be the richest track in the world, the way they're betting.
l think l'll place that small wager, if you'll excuse me.
How about a business proposal for you and Casey as individuals outside the Par-Con-Struan deal? Are you interested? l'm interested enough to listen.
Before l lay it out, there are ground rules.
lt's my game, and you two are bystanders, but you're in for 49% of the profits, to be shared equally between you, ok? What do we do for our 49%? You put four million U.
S.
by 9:00 Monday morning into a Swiss bank of my choosing.
Against what? Whatever Gornt gave you for the four million you gave him.
That was a very good idea, by the way.
How long you known about it? l told you, there are no secrets here.
Are you in? Casey, you know what this is all about? No.
What's the profit potential? Four to eight million within 30 days, as much as 24 within six months.
Total or our share? Your share.
That's lot of profit for something completely legal.
ln or out? lf l put up the four million, why does Casey get cut in for half? - What's her risk? - She signs over her Par-Con stock.
l thought you said you didn't know anything about this.
l don't know any more than you do.
You're willing to gamble your stock blind? Maybe you better think about that a little.
l already have, and l'll take the chance, OK? lt's your money.
OK, Taipan.
Who do we have to kill? Rip: DevilsBackbone
You look terrific.
Thank you.
Would you like to come in? Sure.
l didn't know if you were going to come.
l mean, l thought you would, but after this morning What? l'm sorry l was such a twit.
But l'm glad you're here.
So am l.
There.
Come look at the view.
lt's beautiful.
We're 700 feet above sea level.
Sometimes when it rains at night, l like to stand out here naked.
Well, that's a happy thought, but you better be careful.
That's a long way down.
Heights don't bother me a bit.
But l was really terrified last night.
And not too gracefully, either.
Well, last night was pretty scary.
Yes, but if it hadn't been for you, l would have completely lost face.
You did just fine.
No.
No, l didn't.
You see, face is sometimes more important than life here.
l'm beginning to get that idea.
With Dunross and Quillan Gornt, that battle's mostly over face.
That's right.
And they're both fine men in one way, both devils in another.
What do you mean? They're both ruthless, both very strong.
Well, the Chinese have a saying lt means, ''When pulling weeds, make sure you get rid of the roots.
'' The roots of those two go very deep in Asia, maybe too deep.
lt would be hard to get rid of those roots, and it would probably be a very bad idea.
Why? Perhaps because they balance each other, keep each other from becoming too strong, having too much control.
But don't listen to me.
When it comes to big business, l'm out of my depth.
l'm not so sure about that.
What is it? l was just thinking how lucky l was to meet you.
Do you always compliment a man? No.
Just the ones who please me.
And they're as rare as a heart of a dragon.
Are you hungry? l'm starving.
You ready to go? Do you like ltalian food? l could kill for it.
How about fresh pasta with oil and garlic, then a veal piccata, and green salad? Let's go.
We don't have to.
Look! Hold the lines out! Let them come through! Get the bales, hurry! Hurry! Just below the tempest.
Hold the lines up! Tie them off! Quickly! Very good.
Why don't you bring them aboard, Father? You could lose them.
Better to leave the harvest of the sea to the sea till it's safe to bring it ashore.
And sometimes we throw some things to the sea that need no harvesting, aiyah? Why did you kill that man, Father? The captain didn't kill him.
You did, seventh son.
You threw him overboard.
l saw it clearly.
But l didn't want to! Tell that to a fine foreign devil judge.
See if you can convince him.
Your secret is safe, my son.
Never fear.
Nobody aboard this boat saw anything, did they, Goodweather Poon? No, nothing.
But you want to know what's in those bales? - No.
- Opium.
Delivered on shore, this night's work will bring a great profit.
The profit's not worth the risk, not to me.
Profit is profit! l don't want anything to do with drugs! l refuse to-- Refuse? You refuse nothing.
You are my son.
You will obey.
l threw that man overboard because you forced me, But l will not-- Quiet! You will do whatever l tell you.
Oh, God, those foreign devils! Halt! We're coming aboard! Cut the bales! Let them go! Hurry! Hurry! You're approaching the Chinese international border! Stand back! Where are you going, Father? lnto Chinese waters.
They cannot follow us there.
There.
You see? - Oh, good evening, Taipan.
- Good evening.
There's a message from your office.
Would you please call on Mr.
Wu in Aberdeen as soon as possible? Oh, thanks.
You haven't seen Brian Kwok tonight, have you? Oh, no, sir.
Superintendent Kwok has not been here.
OK, thank you.
Yes, Superintendent Kwok, please.
This is lan Dunross of Struan's.
Yes? Oh, all right.
l'll speak to him.
Evening, Taipan.
lt's Robert Armstrong here.
You were calling Brian.
He didn't mention anything about meeting you, but l'm afraid he's had to go out of town.
Just a quick trip.
You know how it is.
Certainly, Taipan.
l'll give him the message.
Sorry to inconvenience you.
Good night.
Come on now.
Can't sleep all day.
Here's your breakfast.
That's it, Brian, old chum.
Eat your bloody breakfast now.
Lunch is in two hours.
Rest for a moment.
When the dance ends.
My legs feel weak.
You wouldn't want me to fall.
You can't fall.
You're in my arms.
- Please? - OK.
But l sure like holding you.
lsn't she beautiful? Yeah, they all are.
Are they all for hire? For pillowing? Yeah, l suppose that's what l meant.
Then the answer is no.
And yes.
Like most things in Asia.
You see, it always depends on her availability, on the man, the money, and the amount she's in debt.
Why in debt? When a girl first comes to work here, she has to look pretty.
Clothes, hairdressing-- everything's expensive.
lf a girl is beautiful enough, the nightclub owner advances her money to pay for everything she needs, and the girls go out and buy and buy.
Then they have to pay it all back.
The longer they stay, the harder it is to look pretty, and so more the cost.
Sounds like a trap.
lt is.
lnterest on the debt is 20%, at least.
And so it builds and builds, plus the fines if they're late or badly dressed or unpleasant to the customers.
Pretty rotten life.
Oh, not rotten.
Not rotten at all.
They think they're very lucky.
You see, for a short time in their lives, they live well, eat well, and laugh a lot.
No tears? Always tears, But tears are a way of life for a girl.
But not for you.
l've had my share, but tonight, you've made me forget all the tears l've ever had.
Which girl would you like? What? You choose, and l'll have her brought over here.
Then if you want-- - Are you serious? - Very serious.
l don't want any of them.
l want you.
Yes, l know, but l can't give me to you.
So l offer you one of them.
Offer me? Linc, this is Asia.
Here, sex is not Anglo-Saxon guilt.
lt is pleasure to be sought after like great food or great wine.
What is the value of one night to a man with one of these pleasure ladies? A moment of pleasure? A memory? Nothing more.
lt has nothing to do with real love.
Well, then, l don't want to pay for-- This is my gift to you, and there is nothing wrong about paying.
These are pleasure ladies who may-- may offer you their youth, which has great value in exchange for some of your money, which has almost none.
lt is a fair exchange given and received with face on both sides.
l thank you for your gift, and l return it to you unopened.
The thought alone is gift enough.
You don't seem to be the kind of man to be content with only a thought.
That depends on what l'm thinking about.
ls this the taipan? Yes, Miss.
The taipan is waiting.
What's this? Quick-fried prawns with pea pods, shredded beef and black bean sauce.
Some quick-fried dumplings, Shanghai style.
Quick-fried vegetables spiced with Szechuan cabbage, and tiny kung pao chicken.
ls that all? Oh, who could resist an offer like that? And my father had this little optical company.
So a good man for negotiating and the problem of profit.
Maybe haggling was in my blood.
There was probably some Armenian rug merchant back in my family.
But l just had a knack for business.
Then by the time my father died, l was practically running the company.
So you took it over.
A little slice of the market.
But no capital and no room to maneuver.
Got behind the good quality of our work.
Then a year later George Tafu-- ran Randolph Optical-- offered me a chance to subcontract some of his orders.
l thought that was a big deal, except what he was really doing was stealing my customers.
On top of that, he reneged on the deal.
He never paid for the work we did.
Two months later, my company went under.
What did you do? Well, first l went out and got all of George Tafu's balance sheets, and then l figured out how to take him and Randolph Optical to the cleaners.
Only problem was, l couldn't afford to do it.
So l started looking around for someone who could.
Par-Con.
That's right.
l sat down and wrote a letter with all my ideas to the head of Par-Con, Mr.
Lincoln Bartlett.
And five days later, he called me.
That's how you met? lncredible.
The advantage of not knowing better.
What did Linc do? He listened to my plan, and then he said, ''OK, go ahead.
'' - Just like that? - Mm-hmm.
Little over three months later, Par-Con took over Randolph Optical.
Linc asked me if l wanted to reorganize it, and l did.
Today, Par-Con's Randolph division grosses $150 million a year.
So then Linc offered you a permanent position in the company.
Well, he waited for me to ask for the job.
And when l did, he just tossed me a little box.
lnside were Par-Con's business cards with my name on them.
Linc had them printed weeks earlier, but first l had to ask.
And that's been your relationship? Strictly business, Though people have a hard time believing that.
When a man and a woman work closely together, everyone assumes it's sexual.
Not that women in business don't use their sexuality.
l was reading the newspaper tonight about the races on Saturday.
Big contest.
lt's between you and Gornt, as usual.
What's your horse's name? Noble Star.
Gornt's is called Pirate Fish.
l think l may put all my money on Noble Star.
l wouldn't do that.
You should always hedge your bet.
Some bets you don't hedge.
Some bets you can't hedge.
l think l know what you're gonna do now.
And? But maybe l'm wrong.
Let's find out.
l was right.
Suddenly, l'm-- l wasn't finished.
Oh, no? Wait.
Please.
What l said before about a man and a woman in business, people assuming that it's sexual.
Oh, sometimes it's very hard to keep it from becoming sexual.
Sometimes like right now.
- And? - Right here.
- And? - Now and Well, l don't know how to say this.
lf we make love, right at this moment, that seems like a wonderful idea.
l'm gonna feel very funny sitting across a negotiating table from you tomorrow.
We both have the same disadvantage.
Except you're the taipan and l work for Linc, and Linc would know.
Oh, l just wish l met you somewhere else.
Bad timing.
There you go.
- Portal to portal service.
- Always.
Aren't you coming? My car's just there.
lf this weren't Hong Kong Ah, but it is Hong Kong.
Nothing can change that.
Good night, lan.
Good night, Casey.
Good evening, Taipan.
My uncle's waiting for you.
Good evening, Paul.
Your uncle tells me you've got a job.
Yes, sir.
At Rockwell.
l start next Monday.
Hello, Taipan.
Please.
l'm sorry that l failed to help John Chen as you requested.
l apologize for failing you.
Joss.
Why did you want to see me? Our families have been old friends for many years, Very many years.
Yes.
The seaborne Wu and Struan's are like brothers.
The present is like the past.
The past like the present.
They are the same, yes.
And with the Noble House, the word of one taipan is the word of all taipans, especially the word of the green-eyed devil, is that true? lt isto ask such questions from an old friend when you know the answer.
What does the name Wu Fung Choy mean to the taipan of the Noble House? He is your illustrious ancestor and friend of my illustrious ancestor.
Yes.
But your ancestor kept his promise to mine.
The green-eyed devil kept his bargain to Wu Fung Choy, and after him, Calum Struan also kept the bargain.
Will you keep his bargain, Taipan? Or will you dishonor the Noble House? Perhaps it is real.
Of course it's real.
Where did you get this? How many coins were there at first? You tell me.
Four, there were four! One to your illustrious ancestor Wu Fung Choy, paid and honored.
Why would your family have two? That is not possible.
So this has been stolen.
From whom? Stolen or not, you must grant whatever l ask.
Or is the face of the green-eyed devil no longer the face of the Noble House? One coin, one favor to whoever asks.
l ask.
lf, and only if, the favor's possible and if the coin is real.
Let me take it and l shall see if it matches the other half.
You take your old friend to be a fool.
Here.
Match your coin with this.
Your half fits, then my coin is real.
lf it is real, you, taipan of the Noble House, must do as the green-eyed devil swore by all his gods you would do.
When will l have your answer? Monday.
That is soon enough.
Yesterday, l asked a favor of you, and you refused.
That favor was different, Taipan.
That was not the same as an ancient promise collecting an ancient debt.
Then reconsider it, old friend.
Because if there is no Noble House, there will be no noble favor.
Aiyah.
You're out late.
You're up late.
l slept all day when l wasn't running to the loo.
So l thought l'd venture out.
How are you feeling after your swim in Aberdeen's foul harbor? No ill effects.
Christian, you know so much about this place.
Who would you go with? Dunross or Gornt? ln business, Quillan Gornt.
For the future, lan Dunross, if he can weather this storm.
From what l hear, though, that's not likely.
Why Dunross for the future? Face.
Gornt hasn't the style to be the taipan or the necessary background.
ls that so important? Here, totally.
lf Par-Con wants years of growth--Dunross.
lf you're in for a killing, a quick in-and-out raid, go with Gornt.
Why do you ask me? l don't know who else to ask.
What do you know about Orlanda Ramos? Probably more than l should.
But knowing scandal and gossip about a living person isn't the same as knowing legends of ancient times, is it? ls Gornt using her with Linc? - You saw them at the party last night.
- l saw all of you.
ln fact, l don't think l've ever seen anything quite like that, everyone watching everyone.
ls Gornt using Orlanda? l suppose someone could ask, is Bartlett using you? Forgive me.
l'm afraid l'm a bit out of sorts.
l think l better go home.
Oh, no.
What now? ls it true, Taipan, that old friends have refused to help you financially? Yes.
Terrible.
Terrible times, when old friends forsake old friends.
lt is your play.
l've never played this course before.
You've had no need to.
You have Shei-Goh to play on, or the Royal Hong Kong Golf Club.
This is a place for the Chinese.
lf Hong Kong is part of China, Mr.
Tip, l was born in China.
Cantonese was my first language.
lf l am not Chinese, then what am l? What do you want of me, Taipan? What is it that you ask? l ask for your friendship.
l ask for your support.
You ask the Bank of China to rescue the Noble House.
Yes.
That is what l request.
lt is your play, Taipan.
l envy your swing.
Have you considered selling part of your company, perhaps even 51%? l'm not allowed to do that.
No taipan can do that.
Dirk Struan-- old, green-eyed devil-- made sure none of us could sell his company.
How much money does the Noble House require? Revolving credit of 200 million.
A substantial sum.
And without it? Our place could be taken by others others who don't share our friendship with the Middle Kingdom.
l will pass on your request, Mr.
Dunross.
That's all l can do.
lt's also a question of time.
When will be too late? - Monday.
- Frankly, Mr.
Dunross, l would not hold out too much hope that the Bank of China would approve of your request, but the chairman of the China Great Wall lnternational Trust Corporation in Beijing is a man called Tsu-Yan.
l believe you know him.
Not exactly.
Last time l saw Tsu-Yan, we were both 12 years old.
Oh, Mr.
Dunross, we may hope he remembers you with kindness.
- l know l'm right.
- The hell you are.
lt's obvious.
Where did you meet her? At Gornt's, and she was his mistress for years.
He's using Orlanda to get at you, to soften you up.
l did some checking.
Did you know that Gornt pays for her apartment? We got a lot riding on this deal and you're going to blow it over-- - What? Go ahead.
Say it.
- She's just the same as Gornt.
They're both after your money.
That's all.
lt's my money and it's my company and l'll do whatever l want to.
- Do you understand that? - Par-Con's not your personal toy.
l've got stock, too, remember? You want to vote your shares, l'll vote mine, and you know who wins that spitting contest.
You want my resignation, Linc? l just want you to stay the hell out of my personal life.
No waters allowed, and if you beat down this door again, you'll regret it.
- l have to drink something.
- No water.
What do you think you're doing? How dare you treat Superintendent Kwok like this.
lt's Commissioner Crosse's order, sir.
He said-- l don't give a damn what he said.
Get some water.
Now.
- Yes, sir.
- Come on.
Come here.
You're not too steady on your feet.
You all right? What--what the hell's going on? l don't know.
l've just heard.
That's why l'm here.
l was told you'd been on leave for a few days.
Crosse has gone mad.
He claims you're a communist spy.
Me? Me? That's insane.
This is all you can have.
How long have they had you in here? - l don't know.
What's the day today? - Friday the 30th.
God.
lt's been over a week.
Listen, Robert, it's all a mistake.
You've got to help me.
Don't you see? What are you doing in here? l have a right to know what's going on, sir.
You have no rights, Superintendent Armstrong.
This is a security matter.
Now, listen, spy.
l want the names and addresses of all your contacts right now.
- Who is your controller? - Sir, it's all a mistake.
There's no controller.
l'm not a spy.
Then explain how you were photographed in Ning-Tok with your mother.
Explain how your real name is Chu-Toy.
l'm Brian Kwok.
You are a liar, and l'll see to it that you spend the rest of your days in this cell unless you confess to everything.
And you are forbidden to come in here without permission.
What possessed you to do it, Brian? What? l'm innocent.
l'm sorry, sir.
You've got to leave.
All right.
Brian, l'll do what l can.
You did very well, Robert.
Did you see his face when he heard his real name? No mistake about that.
No mistake about his guilt.
Step up sleep-wake schedule, doctor.
Every hour on the hour.
l don't know that that would be medically safe.
Well, you'll keep close tabs on him.
lf it's too much, then you'll ease back.
Leave at 12 hours, then you'll interrogate him again.
lf that doesn't work, put him in the red room.
No.
No, not Brian.
Brian Kwok is dead and that man killed him.
He betrayed you, Robert.
He betrayed us all.
A communist agent spying in Hong Kong.
God only knows the damage.
We'll have to find out what he gave them, who his contacts are.
No, Robert.
Chu-Toy is not your friend.
Welcome aboard the Sea WItch, Mr.
Bartlett.
Take her out.
lt's quite a boat.
Yes.
How many does she sleep? Oh, six comfortably.
There's a permanent crew of four.
- l'll show you around if you like.
- No, this is fine right here.
You say that there was something you wanted to ask me.
Yeah.
You haven't changed your mind about Struan's.
Their stock is down to nine and a half.
That means we are between 50 and 60 billion Hong Kong ahead.
You will double your money in less than a week.
That's not a bad investment.
What do you buy back in? Oh, it depends on when you decide to dump them.
How many shares do you need for control? Enough to give us three immediate seats on the board.
When that happens, lan's through.
Then, shortly afterwards, l merge Struan's with Rothwell-Gornt.
You're a taipan of the Noble House.
ln the best of all possible worlds, yes.
What did you want to ask me? About Orlanda.
And me? And everything.
Very well.
The first time l saw Orlanda was when she was 10.
lt was a Saturday at the races.
Her father was a manager in my shipping division-- Eduardo Ramos, a good fellow.
Third-generation Macao.
Her mother was pure Shanghainese.
And Orlanda was the prettiest girl that l've ever seen.
- Go on.
- Three years later - You sure you want to hear all this? - Oh, l'm very sure.
Very well.
Three years later Eduardo Ramos was in serious financial trouble.
Had bad debts, gambling, whatever.
His wife came to me and offered Orlanda as a mui jai.
- As a what? - A mui jai, Mr.
Bartlett, is a daughter given by a debtor to a creditor forever, in settlement of debts that could not otherwise be paid.
- What do you mean ''given''? - Exactly that--given as property.
lt's an ancient Chinese custom.
- Do you accept it? - Of course.
l settled her father's debts, gave him a modest guaranteed pension, and paid for Orlanda's schooling.
Hmm.
ln return, her parents guaranteed to return her to me a virgin and suitably enamored on or before her 18th birthday.
l didn't see her again until that time.
- You owned her.
- ln a way, for five years.
But no more than she owned me.
l was very much in love with her.
Why'd it end? Ah.
Why does any relationship end? Any marriage? Thousand reasons and none.
lf l could give you the answer to that, l'd be a far wiser man than l am.
Oh, there were arguments, unpleasant moments, angry words.
But l've chosen to forget all that.
After all, it has been three years.
But you're still good friends.
l will always be Orlanda's friend and she will always be mine, But that is all.
l'm not using Orlanda, Mr.
Bartlett.
She is not a prize.
She is not bait.
l wouldn't want to see her hurt.
No.
You don't believe me? This is Hong Kong.
l'm out of my depth.
Does Orlanda know that her mother came to you? About the mui jai? No.
That is a perpetual secret that l must ask you to honor.
Will you? - Yeah.
- Good.
And now you know it all.
Well, what's your decision? You see, Mr.
Bartlett, time has come for you to make up your mind which side you are on.
Why don't we leave it this way? Next Tuesday, old debts and friendships are canceled and we start fresh.
All of us.
And Mr.
Alastair called twice.
Asked that you call him the moment you came in.
l'll get to him later.
Phillip has been waiting to see you.
Yes? - Mr.
Mata is calling again.
- l'll take it.
Lando.
How's Macao? CasIno Is crowded, and that Is aII that matters.
I had to seII you.
At 21? No.
20 as we agreed.
l'm sorry things are going so badly for you.
- Can you hoId on? - l could use your help.
Then come and taIk to me.
BesIdes, It'II do you good to get away from Hong Kong.
Are you free tonIght? l can be.
Then come when you can.
I shaII expect you.
l haven't been much use to you lately, Taipan.
Please forgive me.
lt's all right, Philip.
l understand.
l'm very sorry about John.
Very sorry indeed.
- When's the funeral? - Tomorrow.
Tomorrow at 10:00.
l was wondering if you'd say a few words.
Yes, of course l will.
Of course l will.
ls there anything l can do? Staying home with Dianne, the time goes by very slowly.
There is something l need your advice on.
- Ahem.
- Here.
This was-- B-Bartlett gave this to you already? Bartlett? What has Bartlett got to-- This is your coin.
Of course.
Your family would have one.
But why do you think Bartlett gave it to me? - Tai-- - Tell the truth, Comprador, now.
lt was John.
He stole the coin.
He was going to give it or sell it to Bartlett's.
Why? John was working for him.
l found papers, contracts in John's safe deposit box.
He was betraying us, betraying the Noble House, giving Bartlett all our secrets.
Why didn't you tell me? l was afraid, Taipan.
l was afraid, ashamed.
And when l found the coin gone, l knew John had taken it.
Four Finger Wu.
He gave the coin to you.
Why do you think so? When l delivered the ransom, the 500,000, he sent his men to protect me from the Werewolf.
Was it him? How did John know the secrets of the Noble House? Where did he get the information he gave to Bartlett? - l don't-- - You must have told John.
There is only you, Alastair, my father, Deville, and me who know the private details! l didn't tell him.
l swear l didn't.
You kept records, private records! That's how John found out.
Yes, l--l-- kept records.
- l had to.
- Had to? Why? Come on, damn it! Because my father, before he passed the house and the coin over to me, he made me swear to keep, to record the private dealings of the Noble House, to protect the house of Chen.
lt was just that, Taipan, never to use against you or the house, just a protection.
Get Jacques in here straightaway.
So, Bartlett's got our structure.
Our balance sheets.
What else has he got? - l-- - Answer me! l don't know.
l don't.
But the coin.
lt's mine.
lt belongs to me.
What is it, Taipan? Take Philip home, please.
He's not feeling too well.
And there are private papers to bring back.
You give Jacques everything.
The letters, the contracts, the private records, everything.
Do you understand? - Taipan-- - Everything.
Yes.
Come on, old man.
Let's see you home.
Come on.
Miss Casey Tcholok's on the line.
- Do you want to call her back? - No.
l'll take it.
- Casey.
- HI.
Yes.
Fine.
That would be very nice.
Why don't you take the ferry across and l'll meet you? Good.
Oh, and Casey - Bring your passport.
- OK.
Hi.
Good timing.
l just got here.
Why do l need my passport? We're going to Macao.
Portuguese territory.
What's in Macao? Oh, there's the Port of the Circle.
That's the Chinese port.
The facade of St.
Paul's, the Bishop's Purse.
No, l mean, why are you going? To see Lando Mata.
He thought it would do me good to get out of Hong Kong.
lt's only an hour's trip.
l thought you might enjoy it.
ln that? - ln that.
- Yours? Struan's.
Good afternoon, Taipan.
ls your life always like this, Taipan? l mean, your house, cars, this boat.
The best of everything.
The taipan of the Noble House lives well, but the taipan loans it.
He carries all the responsibility for the Noble House and he can't share it, so he sweats.
Dirk Struan had his own plans and rules.
- He wanted us to sweat.
- Why? Once when he was beset by his enemies, Tyler Brock and his scum, Dirk just laughed and said, ''An able man has many burdens.
''And as l am abler than most, l sweat more than most.
'' And are you sweating now, Taipan? Should l be? lt seems Struan's is way out on a limb, about to go under.
Shall we go inside? lt may get a little wet out here.
- Are you avoiding the subject? - No.
Just trying to keep you dry.
The Noble House will survive, Casey.
You don't have to worry about that.
Doesn't look that way from the outside, lan.
From what l've heard, everyone seems to think that Gornt will make the raid stick.
We have a deal till Tuesday.
That's what we agreed.
Do you want to change that? No.
But in your present state, it'd be crazy to proceed.
So, we have two alternatives.
lt's either Rothwell-Gornt, or we've got to help you with some kind of bailout operation.
Oh? You have a preference? l think you're best for us, long term.
Huh.
Thank you.
How far are you willing to go? l'm not sure.
Par-Con's bankers are First Central in New York, and we do a lot of business together.
Dave Murtaugh is the vice president and he's a good guy.
And l called him a couple hours ago and he'd be very interested in becoming Struan's New York banker.
ln return for what? They'd become your prime leading American bank and you keep between $10 million and $15 million on deposit at all times.
lf that works, Murtaugh said he'd be willing to discuss a revolving $100 million credit line against the value of the unissued shares you've got in your treasury.
He said he'd need your personal guarantee.
Well, that's the taipan privilege.
Um, what does Par-Con want out of this? What do you and Linc want? A long-term deal with Struan's as old friends.
l've discovered what ''old friend'' means here, Chinese style, And that's what l want.
Next.
ls that a yes? l'd like to know all the terms before l agree to them.
- What does Linc want? - Linc doesn't know about it yet.
Don't you think you should consult him? l'm executive director of Par-Con, and Struan's is my deal.
lt cost us nothing but our influence to get you out of your trap, And that's what influence is for.
l want our deal to go through, and l don't want Gornt to win.
- Why? - l told you.
l think you're best for us in the long run.
- And that's the only reason? - What else could there be? And some of the little fish restaurants out here are wonderful.
One of them specializes in sea slugs.
Oh, God.
l'll pass.
Ha ha.
The Chinese say if its back faces heaven, it's edible.
Seems like everybody in Hong Kong depends half their time thinking about eating.
Chinese are very concerned about food.
They're very suspicious of restaurants that waste money on decorations and candlelight.
They like to see their food.
The Chinese are at their best eating, like the ltalians.
l really like being with you.
Yes, but something's bothering you, isn't it? Oh, you're a mind reader, too.
l've been taught to use my eyes and senses, Linc.
Certainly l try to read your mind in order to do what pleases you.
lsn't that what a woman should do for a man? Not the women l've known.
But now you know me.
ls that what's bothering you? l saw Quillan today.
We talked about you.
You want to know anything about me, Linc, all you have to do is ask.
All right.
Why did you and Quillan break up? l didn't break up with him.
He broke up with me.
- And he was right.
- Why? lt's not a story l'm proud of.
Well, l'd--l'd like to hear it anyway.
All right.
Once when Quillan was away, l went to Macao with another man.
We spent the night.
He was a young man from London.
Minor executive at Asian Profiteers.
And l was bored and spoiled.
God knows l wasn't in love with him, but l went with him anyway.
Naturally, someone told Quillan.
Well, that was the end of it.
Just like that? l begged for forgiveness.
Quillan said there was nothing to forgive.
Still, it was a matter of face.
And he left me.
And it ended there, just like that.
No.
Not quite.
Quillan had the young man fired and sent back to England.
He sent me on the same flight.
He gave me money to buy clothes and go to the theater, and he said, ''Have a happy time.
''Come back without problems.
'' But he said if l ever spoke a single word to that young man ever again, he would never forgive me.
Doesn't make much sense.
l told you it was a matter of face.
Did this young man try to talk to you? Yes.
Did you talk to him? No.
- Never? - Never.
He tried to speak to me on the plane.
He phoned me in London.
l never spoke a single word to him.
And after l came back here, l--l found-- What? He killed himself the day l left London.
l didn't think that just because l wouldn't talk to him Did he know about you and Gornt? Yes, of course he knew.
lt wasn't your fault, or Gornt's, for that matter.
lt was just bad joss, for him, and good joss for me.
What? Otherwise, you might still be Quillan Gornt's mistress.
What would you like me to be, Linc? How about if we start with honest? That Gornt set me up, didn't he, with you? Don't look away.
Just tell me the truth.
The truth is-- Yes.
What were you supposed to do, Orlanda? l was just supposed to distract you, that's all.
Well, it looks like you succeeded.
You can tell Gornt that, or l will.
No, Linc, please, l-- l didn't know you then.
- l didn't think that l'd-- - What? No more lies, Orlanda, not now.
The game you agree to play for Gornt is over.
lt's finished.
Yes.
Yes, it is.
Good.
We could begin again.
Would you like that? l'd like that very much.
To be everything that you could desire in a woman.
Everything.
Good afternoon, Taipan.
lt's good to see you once again in Macao.
Thank you, Alvarez.
lt's very kind of you to meet us, indeed.
Well, it's Mr.
Mata's pleasure.
May l have your passports, please? Whole different feeling here.
Yes.
Macao is very European.
ln fact, the Portuguese have been here a very long time, 250 years before Hong Kong was born.
What will happen in 1997? l mean, does Macao revert to China when Hong Kong does? No.
That happens two years later, in 1999.
ln fact, the Portuguese government tried to give Macao back to China in 197 4.
The People's Republic refused to accept it then.
- ObrIgado.
- We can go now.
Please.
Think l'm in Las Vegas.
Oh, l think the gentlemen in Las Vegas could learn a thing or two from here.
- Hello, lan.
- Hello, Lando.
How are you? And welcome to my house, Miss Casey.
- Hello.
Thank you.
- What a pleasant surprise.
l thought she might enjoy the trip.
l'm delighted that you're here, both of you.
Come in, please.
MInha casa, vossa casa.
Oh, this is really beautiful.
Yes.
lt is a pleasant house.
Unfortunately, l'm not here that often.
There's a wonderful view across the Pearl River and beyond--mainland China.
Perhaps you will visit again.
l'd love to.
Listen.
l know you and the taipan have things you want to talk about, so-- Oh, l will not keep him long.
ln the meantime, if you'd care to refresh yourself Fine.
Maria? Maria will show you the way.
Thank you.
Very attractive woman.
ls she on your side? - Should she be? - l hope so, Taipan.
There have been rumors about Mr.
Bartlett and Quillan Gornt, rumors about private agreements.
- Are they true? - Bartlett is a businessman.
lf l were in his position, l'd probably be doing the same thing.
By the way, l only got 17 and a half for my Noble House shares, so l kept my word better than l intended, but l suppose l was lucky to get out when l did.
Considering what you paid for them, you still made a profit.
Ah, yes, but that was three years ago.
Do you still believe you will survive? l have to, don't l? l've spoken to other members of the syndicate here.
They all agree you'd be an ideal choice to represent the gambling concession.
Under those and other certain conditions, they would be willing to invest in Struan's.
What other conditions? You sell them half the treasury shares l can't sell control of Struan's.
With our money, you'll smash Gornt.
l can't pass over control-- that's impossible, Lando--even if l wanted to.
No one has to know.
The next taipan would know.
l can't do it.
Oh, you can, lan.
You're the taipan of the Noble House.
You can do whatever you wish.
You could even move the whole house to Macao, if you wanted to.
l'm sure the government would be pleased to extend you the necessary concessions.
Wouldn't that be better than losing to Gornt and whoever is backing him? l'm not going to lose.
Yes, you will, Taipan.
On this, you have no choice.
Meeting over? Yes.
Lando had to go out.
How did it go? Oh, as expected.
ls that good or bad? Oh, you might say it was disappointing.
Wasted trip? Oh, l'd hardly call it that.
So far, the trip has been the best part.
A visit to Macao is not complete without going to a casino.
l'm no gambler.
l always lose.
Well, perhaps you haven't found the right game.
This is the oldest gambling game in China, probably from 1,000 years ago.
The odds sound pretty lousy to me.
Oh, it takes a practiced eye to play fan-tan.
l want to watch this.
Squeeze in down here.
Excuse me, sir.
Can l just get in? Thank you.
You mean, you have to guess how many buttons are in the cup? No.
lt's how many are left over after he lines them up four at a time-- One, two, three or four.
Thank you.
This time, it's three.
Practiced eye, except this time, it's two.
l thought you never gambled.
This isn't gambling.
l can't lose.
- l'm afraid you will.
lt's three.
- Two.
Come on, three.
lt's three.
- Three.
Come on, three.
- Two.
Three.
Come on, three.
l've been playing this game since l was a boy.
Yeah? Well, when l was a kid, they used to put a jar of jellybeans in Rankhart's Candy Store, and whoever guessed-- oh, l got it right! Here.
Oh, dear me, ten out of 12? You should be barred from playing the game, banned from the club.
lt's just my practiced eye.
What's behind the smile? Oh, general satisfaction.
All is well at this point in the world.
At least all the various problems are in their compartments.
What compartments? The only way to deal with problems is the Asian way.
You take your problems, whatever they are, and put them into individual compartments.
then you take them out when you're meant to deal with them, preferably one at a time.
That's good if you can do it.
Oh, but you have to do it.
lf not, you go under.
Tomorrow will take care of tomorrow's problems.
You mean, everything can wait? No Not everything.
l'm glad we're not in Hong Kong.
Then you're not in a hurry to go back? Tomorrow's problem.
Whatever happened to her? Whatever happened to who? You know The first one The one your Uncle Chen-Chen sold you to.
Elegant Jade.
Did you fall in love with her? Madly.
Frail love.
During summer holidays when l was home in boarding school in England, and on my first day back in the third summer, l went to find her, but she was gone.
Where? Tried to find her everywhere.
Then l went to ask Uncle Chen-Chen.
He'd become very old.
Did he know? Oh, yes, but He told me it was time for her to go.
lt was too easy for a young man to give too much to a girl-- too much time, too much thought.
l had to put my mind on the Noble House.
When you were 17? Taipans are raised from an early age.
Did Uncle Chen-Chen ever tell you where she was? Oh.
Oh, yeah.
ln Taipei.
He made me swear that l would never try to find her.
Why? Well, it would take away her face and her beauty.
For both of us, and it would destroy the memory.
- Did you ever see her again? - No.
l'll tell you one thing, lan Dunross.
You had one hellof a teacher.
Did you send the cable to Bangkok? Yes, Father.
Why are you asking this Mr.
Lee to come join you? White Powder Lee is a very good chemist.
He will be in charge of my new pharmaceutical plant.
You see how many ships the Noble House sails in these waters? My half-coin will pay for many cargoes, safe cargoes, with guaranteed delivery.
The taipan will never agree to carry opium in his ships.
He told you.
l allow you to listen to my conversations in order for you to learn, and still you learn nothing.
This gives me power over the taipan, all taipans.
This gives me control of the Noble House.
Our ancestor Wu Fung Choy used his half-coin to demand a clipper ship from the green-eyed devil, but he forgot to demand safe passage of the ship as part of his bargain.
What happened to Wu Fung Choy's ship? The green-eyed devil's son, Calum the Weak, delivered the ship as he had to, and he sent his own ships out of the east like assassins in the night.
They murdered our ship and Wu Fung Choy with her.
That is the honor of the Noble House, my son.
Now get the car.
Venus Poon is expecting me at 10:00.
The car is at the dock.
l'd like to know more about the history of our family, Father, the history of the seaborne Wu.
Then when l allow you to hear my conversations, listen well.
Did you go to Kellett lsland to the foreign devils' yacht club? Yes, but the taipan's boat hadn't returned.
Good.
Then he's spending the night in Macao.
l am pleased that the taipan is doing to one American what the other is trying to do to him.
Oh, it's so beautiful.
You see, little mealy mouth? l promised you'd have it on Friday.
Yes, and this abject person is filled with sorrow for having doubted you.
Though l shouldn't have given it to you after you shamed me allowing Four Finger Wu to escort you to the party.
l only did that because l was angry.
What is it? l'm dizzy.
My head is spinning.
lt's too much excitement.
- Then let's go to bed.
- No! Oh, no.
My head hurts.
- l really must lie down.
- But l-- But l told my wife l'd be in Taipei.
Well, then go to your club and call me tomorrow.
But-- Four Finger Wu, please be late tonight.
You wait for me here.
Casey? You up? Just want to say l'm sorry.
Madam not in, sir.
Very sorry.
Who's In controI? NIng-Tok.
Who's In controI? Chu-Toy.
NIng-Tok.
Who's In controI? NIng-Tok.
Who's In controI? Chu-Toy.
NIng-Tok.
Who's In controI? Chu-Toy.
NIng-Tok.
NIng-Tok.
NIng-Tok.
NIng-Tok.
NIng-Tok, NIng-Tok.
All right, Brian.
l'm here.
l'm putting everything right.
There's nothing to be afraid of now.
Robert? lt's me, old chum.
Robert.
Let's get you up.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Oh, Robert, l'm sick, very sick.
The doctor said you're in fine shape, nothing to worry about, just bad dreams, Brian.
That's all it is.
- Where are you going? - l must leave now.
Stay with me, Robert.
Please stay with me.
We'll talk.
Yes.
You wanted to talk.
Don't leave me.
All right, old friend.
Then talk.
l won't go while we talk.
What do you want to tell me, about Ning-Tok? Yes.
l'll tell you about Ning-Tok.
l went there, Robert.
Yes.
l went there when my father died.
l had to go.
Tell me how you went to Ning-Tok, and l'll stay.
Friends.
My friends helped me.
lt only took a day.
What friends, Brian? Who are they? Don't remember.
Then l must go.
Next week, l'll come back.
No.
l'll tell you who it was.
lt was--it was-- Who? Chung Li.
He helped me.
Where does he live, your friend Chung Li? He-- Fourth alley in Aberdeen, number 8, lucky 8, fifth floor.
Very good, old chum.
Now, who else? Who were your other friends who helped you go to Ning-Tok? Sensible Tok, who owns the Hu Tok restaurant.
Remember? Took you there.
You liked the food.
Remember? Yes, yes.
l remember.
Who else? Tell me, Brian.
Who else helped you? Dr.
Meng in the princess building.
Dr.
Meng, he made all the arrangements.
l'm tired.
lf you're tired, l'll leave.
No, please.
ls Dr.
Meng your controller, Brian? Gweilo foreign devils have raped my country for centuries.
You know that's true.
Yes.
Yes, Brian.
That's true.
Was Dr.
Meng your controller? No.
Controller was in Shanghai.
God, head aches.
l'm so thirsty.
And what did you give to your controller in Shanghai, Brian? Dossiers, S.
l.
Files, whatever they asked for.
lan? lan? Who's there? Lim Chu, miss.
The taipan is not here.
l know, miss.
The taipan had to return to Hong Kong very early, miss.
He left the boat for you.
He told me to make sure that you were back in time for the races, so we have to leave soon.
Oh.
How did he go? He took the dawn jet, miss.
l'll be down in a few minutes.
- From the taipan, miss.
- Thank you.
''Considering the vast sum of money you've won, ''don't you think you should take me out to dinner tonight? ''lan.
'' Have you collected Philip's papers? Yes.
They're at the office.
Claudia locked them away.
Taipan, what is this all about? Nothing terribly pleasant, Jacques.
l'll explain it to you later.
Thank you for your kind words about John, Taipan.
Again, l'm sorry.
Sorry is sorry, but that still doesn't help extricate us from the trap your son and you put us into.
l know.
l know.
You've got the weekend, Philip.
You'll claim every favor you're owed and raise 14 million.
- But, Taipan-- - lf l don't get that by Sunday midnight, have your resignation on my desk by 9:00 a.
m.
You and your family will be out of the Noble House forever.
- You can't.
The le-- - l can.
The house of Chen has many branches.
Sunday midnight, Philip, or it will be too late.
Good day, Mr.
Gornt.
Morning.
Louie, if you win, you have a $10,000 bonus, but if you finish behind Noble Star, you're fired.
- Yes, guv.
- Pirate Fish and lf Noble Star wins, you are fired.
But, Mr.
Gornt, what do you want? Look.
l'm not suggesting you do anything.
l'm just telling you what will happen, And, Louie, if l fire you, l'll make sure you never ride for anyone else again.
Taipan These are the papers that Jacques said you wanted.
Thank you, Claudia.
By the way, did you and Miss Tcholok have an enjoyable time in Macao? Since your source of information is so good, Claudia, why don't you give me the details on the American Super Foods merger with Hong Kong General Stores, say, in the next 15 minutes? Yes, sir.
Excuse me, Taipan, but it's Alexej Travkin.
He says it's urgent.
All right.
Yes, Alexej? Jockey is sick, Taipan, Johnny Moore.
l had him up on Noble Star.
He seemed all right this morning.
He's running 103-degree temperature.
Doctor says it might be food poison.
You mean, he's been tampered with? l don't know, Taipan.
l only know he's no good for us today.
Who do you want up on Noble Star? We'll decide before the race.
l'll see you when l get there.
OK.
l still think you're wrong.
Deal goes the way l want it.
- End of discussion.
- Like hell.
You just want to go with Gornt because of Orlanda, and that's not good enough reason.
This has nothing to do with her.
Dunross is in a trap he can't get out of.
l wouldn't be so sure.
What are you up to, Casey? l'm just telling you, the Noble House is the right deal for us.
l know you better than anyone, and you're up to something.
l'm just trying to stop you from making a business mistake for emotional reasons.
Emotional reasons, huh? Where the hell were you last night? Yes! Good.
Did you have it? Good, good.
This box is the only way to go to the races.
Yes.
Struan's has always had the best position, right at the winning post, thanks to Dirk.
Another family legend? Dirk Struan began the turf club, he put up all the money for the first meeting, so he was rated this position when the first stands were built.
So far, we've managed to hang on to it.
lt's certainly worth hanging on to.
Really like it-- the track, the horses.
Yes.
There's a special joy, a special excitement about racing.
That moment when the horses turn for the finish? Oh, there's nothing quite like it.
Well, l'm glad you're interested in something outside the Noble House.
Oh, yes.
l wasn't always taipan.
l won't always be taipan.
You think about that time? Oh, yeah, every now and then.
By the way, you're on for dinner, my treat.
Oh, good.
Good.
Should cash in your ticket.
The odds are 15:1.
No, thanks.
l'll be back.
Ah, Casey, did you win, too? Only had ten bucks on her.
lt's not the amount that matters.
lt's the winning, and it's very lucky to pick the first winner first time at the track.
l didn't pick it.
Christian Toxe gave me a tip.
Ah, Toxe.
Want to come boating tomorrow? Supposed to rain.
Then we'll stay inside.
l'll phone you in the morning.
Well, which is your box? l don't have one.
l'm not a steward yet, but l will be.
That was the worst race l've ever seen.
That jockey ought to get arrested.
Whose jockey was that, Mr.
Biltzmann? Taipan.
The crook riding, you know, the favorite.
He held his horse back, just reined him to a dead stop.
lt was an out and out fix.
Now, now, Mr.
Biltzmann, if there was anything irregular, l'm sure the steward would be onto it at once.
Oh.
Yeah? Then how come they're paying off? Listen.
l'm no sucker, and l know a fix when l see one.
Did you see the jockey do anything untoward? l'm afraid l didn't watch the race.
Quillan? The race was fine.
That berk's manners are appalling.
Excuse me.
l didn't see anything, honest.
Of course, if l hadn't have won Fan-tan, horse races is there anything you don't win at? l hope not.
Then would you be prepared to gamble all your Par-Con stock against a potential profit of $4 million to $8 million within 30 days? - What? - The odds are excellent.
Yes or no? OK.
- Oh, thank you for bringing her today.
- What? l brought her for me, not for you.
But, little treasure-- Go away.
You're giving us indigestion.
All gods spit on you, old man, but even she, with all the technique l've taught her, cannot teach a noodle to dance.
The fire in Aberdeen seems like it was such a long time ago.
What's that been, a couple of days? - That's Hong Kong.
- What do you mean? lt's a Hong Kong characteristic.
When you live here, there's never enough time, whatever your work.
There's always so much going on-- people leaving, arriving, one crisis or another.
Everything happens faster here.
Just look what's been going on since you've arrived-- John Chen kidnapped and murdered, the fire, the bank run, stock market disaster.
Taipan, how do you think Buccaneer is going to do in the next race? You think he's going to be a favorite? l'd say he was worth a small wager.
Are you betting, Linc? Yeah.
l've just been watching the tote.
The last race was over 20 million Hong Kong.
This one is gonna be even more.
This has got to be the richest track in the world, the way they're betting.
l think l'll place that small wager, if you'll excuse me.
How about a business proposal for you and Casey as individuals outside the Par-Con-Struan deal? Are you interested? l'm interested enough to listen.
Before l lay it out, there are ground rules.
lt's my game, and you two are bystanders, but you're in for 49% of the profits, to be shared equally between you, ok? What do we do for our 49%? You put four million U.
S.
by 9:00 Monday morning into a Swiss bank of my choosing.
Against what? Whatever Gornt gave you for the four million you gave him.
That was a very good idea, by the way.
How long you known about it? l told you, there are no secrets here.
Are you in? Casey, you know what this is all about? No.
What's the profit potential? Four to eight million within 30 days, as much as 24 within six months.
Total or our share? Your share.
That's lot of profit for something completely legal.
ln or out? lf l put up the four million, why does Casey get cut in for half? - What's her risk? - She signs over her Par-Con stock.
l thought you said you didn't know anything about this.
l don't know any more than you do.
You're willing to gamble your stock blind? Maybe you better think about that a little.
l already have, and l'll take the chance, OK? lt's your money.
OK, Taipan.
Who do we have to kill? Rip: DevilsBackbone