01x04 - Episode 4

[bunniefuu]

[Peizu] What kind of hairstyle is
that? Is that what's in style now?

It is.
I found this stylist myself.

-[Peizu] It's ugly.
-You're just not used to it. I think it looks great.

[sighs]

Peizu.

Please let go.

And let me make this album, okay?

[mellow music playing]

The thing about wine is...

Without enough time,
it can't mature.

It won't have the same
sweetness and aroma.

-So it needs time...
-You don't think I'm good enough?

That I can't pull it off?

Being a producer means
once you've heard the demo,

everything else
has to be planned,

how to perform and arrange it...

the press, media coverage,
and more.

How it fits the album's concept,

the final mix,
and how the song should sound.

[Yujie] But I'm ready.

I have so many ideas
for this album.

I want to make music
that's truly mine.

I hope you'll be my producer.

-Then why can't you trust me?
-I do.

-Then let go.
-Just not yet.

-Are we done here?
-With or without you,

I've made my decision.

Thank you.

[soft laughs]

Drink less.

It's bad for your health.

Thanks for coming all this way
just to tell me that!

[jazz music playing]

[car horns]

[Ricky Hsiao] ♪ 'O sole ♪

♪ 'O sole mio ♪

♪ Sta 'nfronte a te... ♪

♪ Sta 'nfronte a te! ♪

[cheers and applause]

[journalist] So why hold
the press conference at a dojo?

It's my first time
working with Ricky.

I figured he picked this dojo
to tell me

he used to practice judo

-and isn't someone to mess with.
-That's not it.

This place is
a very important place to me.

Because I grew up here
and learned so much here.

So this time...

I hope this album will help me
find my purpose.

[journalist]
A question for Peizu...

Since you left Classic
and started your own label,

does that mean Chen Yujie
won't work with you anymore?

Is that rumor true?

I just had lunch
with him yesterday.

Excuse me. We'll only be
taking questions about

-Peizu and Ricky's music today.
-[journalist] But you're the one who discovered...

Any other
music-related questions?

Yes, please.

You're both songwriters,

so who'll take the lead
this time?

He will, of course.
He's the producer.

-How about we compete, and the winner takes the lead?
-[laughs]

We'll leave that to our manager.
We'll see what she says.

-Yeah, we'll see.
-[Hong] Thank you, everyone.

You'll find out
when the single is released.

Ricky has never worked
with another producer.

We're looking forward
to this collaboration.

The master's given his blessing,
so everything will be fine.

Yes, I believe that.

No wonder you asked
when Peizu was born.

I didn't know music had anything
to do with birth dates and times.

The master told me to be bold
if I want to reach new heights.

That's how the Himalayas
came to be.

Then let's raise a glass

to the Himalayas.

To the Himalayas.

[dramatic music playing]

What's wrong?
It's not Pu'er tea?

It's not the taste.

Is it the temperature?

-I'll get you another cup.
-[Peizu] Or shall we...

You poured the tea?

Yes.

[Hong]
What's your Chinese zodiac?

Me? I'm a Rooster.

-Ah.
-[gasps]

Her zodiac sign clashes
with this place.

That's why things
keep going wrong.

Why are you a Rooster?

[playful music playing]

Did you know she's a Rooster?

[sighs]

What do we do now?

Let's go somewhere else.

Go!

Wow.

I love kaiseki.

Just looking at the ingredients,

you can tell the chef
put a lot of care into it.

Let's eat.

Wait.

Why?

The direction and zodiac
all check out.

This chef is particular about

the tableware and presentation.

Let's take a moment
to appreciate it.

Ricky, you can tell?

I can.

I can also see
the pretty assistant beside you.

Then I'm sure you can't see...

[laughter]

Come on, let's...

Oh, no, let's wait.

Let's take a moment.

It's a work of art.

Hey, boss.

Li Guiqing isn't in today?

Yeah, she's off.
Le Le's already inside.

Okay, thanks.

-Le Le, you haven't eaten yet?
-Hmm?

[grunts]

How's your confession going?

[sighs] Don't even ask.

The other day...

I finally worked up
the courage to tell her.

-But you know what?
-What?

[light music playing]

-She fell asleep.
-Seriously?

I'm serious.

I even made her instant noodles.

Was she just pretending?
No one can resist that smell.

Are you kidding me?

You made her noodles
and confessed to her?

Yeah.

Instant noodles
are a luxury for me.

Man, I don't know.

I do.

Tell her you're moving
to Taichung.

If you catch even a hint
of regret in her eyes,

then you've still got a chance.

What does "a hint of regret"
look like?

Show me.

[both grunting]

Just eat.

[laughs]

I'll help tune it.

Okay.

[phone ringing]

[Li Guiqin] Found us a gig.
I'll take you tomorrow.

Call me.

[Miao] Hey, Tai.
About Ricky Hsiao's album...

I thought Peizu
was going to pass on it.

-What changed?
-[Tai] Oh, come on.

I talked him into it after
three days. Think about it.

If we really cut ties
with Classic,

we'll have
to find work ourselves.

I'm telling you, Ricky's
production budget is solid.

The company's really
spending big on this.

Anyway, just focus on Ricky,
and take good care of him.

He's actually pretty hard
to handle.

-Isn't Peizu even harder to handle?
-[laughs]

[Tai inhales sharply]
How should I put it...

In our line of work, we're
basically in the service industry.

Singers and artists...

are like

concubines in the imperial harem,

And producers
are basically the chief eunuchs.

You're like an ordinary eunuch.
What's an ordinary eunuch do?

He serves the head eunuch and
keeps an eye on the relationship

between the head eunuch
and all the concubines,

making sure everything
runs smoothly.

Basically,
you always have to stay sharp.

Got it.

[Tai] Get off work
and go see a movie.

[light music playing]

[Tian] Working late again?

Were you that tired yesterday?

You fell asleep
before the food even arrived.

[Miao] Sorry.
Work's been rough lately.

[Tian] Okay. You're forgiven.

And an egg?

[Miao]
Yeah, half-boiled, please.

No problem.

[gentle music playing]

And...

how about a boyfriend?

I mean...

do you want a boyfriend?

NSN - TIAN

-[Hong] Shall we get started?
-[Peizu] Okay.

So this is our conference table.

And... this is our dining table.
I cook here too.

My office is on the left,
and this is the office area.

The studio is upstairs.

The balcony faces north.

What year was this built?

The renovation was finished
in '95. Or was it '96?

-It was '95.
-Right, '95.

[Feng Shui master]
Do you remember...

what the weather was like
on the day you moved in?

Hmm?

[master]
How was the weather?

On the day of the opening ritual?

Did it rain?

[piano music playing]

We didn't do one.

[Peizu] Just a few friends
came by and...

[master] No wonder
it feels a little damp.

Is it too late to do one now?

It's fine.
The master can handle it.

Let me tell you,

I've checked the feng shui,

and the feng shui here
isn't good.

[piano music continues]

[bell dings]

[Hong]
Because there was no ritual,

we first need to clear out
the negative energy

and channel positive energy
back into the space.

Once the energy
is in harmony with you,

you'll finally have
peace of mind.

No smoking.

Next, about the décor.

These two crystals will
stabilize the energy,

and this double-dragon fountain,

breathes life into the space.

It's bad if we open the door,
and you'll see the stove.

And of course, the mantra.

Recite it silently
whenever you see or pass by it.

It'll cleanse
your impure thoughts.

[master praying]

[shudders]

Don't press that.

Don't put it there.

Does this plant need watering?

[Hong] What do you think?

Hmm.

[bell dings]

[master] Thank you.

[knocking]

-[Hong] Peizu.
-Hey, Hong.

No, no smoking.

It's not even lit.

These are from the master,

and Ricky has a few requests too.

[Peizu] I'm listening.

[Hong] Only vegetarian meals
during recording.

Keep the room at 26°C.

I'll give you Ricky's tea bags.

They must be steeped
one hour before recording,

using 87°C water,

then cooled to room temperature.

And meat floss buns are a must,
fresh that same day, of course.

-Meat floss? I thought he was vegetarian.
-[grunts]

No need to take notes.
This copy's for you.

Peizu, you said
you cook for the singers?

-Actually, I was thinking...
-Please don't.

Ricky doesn't like
the smell of cooking.

-We'll order kaiseki.
-Okay.

During recording,
Ricky also burns incense,

handcrafted by a master
in Miaoli.

Let's go visit him
this afternoon.

I have a meeting with A-mei.

The assistant can go with you.

She's a Rooster,
so there's no conflict.

Now that the space is set,
let's work on the people.

Who?

Our energy flows
through the chakras.

They connect
to our central nervous system,

so we need to align
yours and Ricky's...

-Thoughts and emotions.
-Whatever the master says.

-Chakras...
-It's all for great music.

-Of course.
-Right?

Peizu.

[soft music playing]

[heartbeat beating]

Ricky thinks very highly of you.

Thank you.

I'll be going now.

Thank you.

-Goodbye, Master.
-Goodbye, Master.

[quirky music playing]

[rock music playing on bar]

You'd better drink up today.

Supporting Lixuan's true self?

Look where that's gotten us.

Our sales are at an all-time low,

all the endorsement deals
are gone,

and I'm not paying a dime today.

I'm completely broke now.

We kind of helped him
break into a new market.

[laughs]

You go explore it yourself.

Easy for you to say.

Hey, about Ricky Hsiao...

Were you pressured into it?

Tell your boss
to mind his own business.

I'm just looking out for you.

I wanted to do it.

Fine, if that's what you wanted.

Hey, about Chen Yujie's album...

I know. I'll take care of it.

[bird chirping]

[Miao panting]

[slow jazzy music playing]

[bird chirping]

Master, what is this?

[master] Our finest
Chi'nan agarwood incense.

[Hong] Master,

we're hoping this album
will be a real breakthrough.

The red clay and Hui'an incense
we tried earlier

each brought out
a different feel,

but is there anything else?

Yes.

Miss Hong.

You're here.

Master, take your time.

-Oh, you're out of breath.
-[laughs]

-Ricky's inside.
-Okay.

[Hong] Miaojun's here.

Here's the bun.

[crunch]

[spits]

Okay.

You can throw it away.

What's wrong?

When Ricky was little,

his grandma always
bought him meat floss buns.

Because they were from her,
Ricky always finished them.

After she passed away,

he started taking just one bite

before every performance,
recording session,

or anytime he needs to
clear his mind, like today.

But the bun you bought...

the taste isn't the same,
so it doesn't put him at ease.

[quirky music playing]

I'm sorry.

Could you buy another one
from a different shop?

Okay.

[music continues]

[singer singing in Mandarin
playing over radio]

[Li Guiqin] Boss,
don't forget to book my friend.

The one I told you about.

[boss] Okay.

[Li Guiqin]
Want to hear him sing?

[boss] You mean that gone
downhill Paper Planes?

Yeah.

[boss] Just tell him
to sing it his own way.

Okay.

[boss] I just want to support
original music.

It doesn't matter
if no one listens.

Just tell him to be himself.

Okay?

[Li Guiqin]
He's good. Don't worry.

[boss] Cool.

Hey.

How many people will be there?

Not many. Maybe around forty.

But the pay will cover
a week's worth of meals.

Thanks.

[soft upbeat music playing]

So, have you decided
about Taichung?

The boss said
if you're not all in,

don't waste his time.

I do want to go,

but could you
give me a little more time...

before I give him an answer?

There's someone
I need to talk to first.

Your girlfriend?

Not yet.

So I still have a chance?

[soft laughter]

You're blushing?

Okay, it's settled then.

I got to go. Bye.

MARTIAL VIRTUE

[trumpet fanfare music playing]

-[exclaims]
-Huh?

Ricky, are you sure?

I'm worried you'll get hurt.

Maybe we should try
a different approach...

[Ricky grunts]

[groans]

How long have you
been practicing now?

About thirty years.

Get up. Again.

That's not very long.

[groans]

[Ricky grunts]

-[cracks]
-[groans]

Wait. I think I tweaked my neck.

Ricky, what does this
have to do with energy?

This isn't about energy.
It's about aura.

Hang on, hang on... What's this?

Our energies are both too strong.

-They need to be balanced.
-You're the only one with energy.

I'm completely drained.

[grunting]

Tap three times if you give up.

[struggle grunt]

-I'm serious.
-[grunting]

[coughing]

[panting heavily]

[Ricky praying in Mandarin]

[Hong]
He can still see a little light.

Just a little.

What's that like?

[Ricky continues praying]

It's like the whole sky is dark,

with only a faint star
off in the distance.

That's what it feels like.

[sighs]

-Feeling sore?
-Huh?

It's just one album, and
you've gone through all this.

I'm fine. It's no big deal.

Really.

Don't pretend.
I know you're hurting.

He's ready.
I'll bring in the lyrics.

The lyrics.

[deep breath]

[playful music playing]

[Ricky speaking softly]

-Hey, Hong.
-Yeah?

[indistinct conversation]

Okay... Got it.

Huh?

[music continues]

Miaojun!

You couldn't even print
the lyrics correctly?

I sent the exact file
for the Braille version...

And it still came out wrong?

Ricky thinks it's a sign.

We need to change the lyrics.

Let me see.

"Idiot"?

[quirky music playing]

[sighs]

Fine. Give me a pen.

No.

We have to fix it at the source.

The lyricist has to change it.

Lu Lu wrote the lyrics.
She never changes her lyrics.

Who says she won't? Call her.

Hey, Lu Lu.

Hang on...

Hey, Lu Lu.

I'm sorry, but...

The change
isn't about the meaning.

It's because
those three characters

make you uncomfortable?

Yes. They've seriously affected
the singer's emotions.

We're not criticizing
your writing,

but that wording is bad luck.
We can't ignore it.

Could you please change
just those few words?

Bad luck?

"Idiot" is bad luck?

[Lulu] I'm not changing it.

We respect your decision.

Then Wu Peizu will pick another
song and revise the proposal.

That'll take another...
six months or so.

Okay.

Wait, is that a threat?

-It's communication.
-Communication?

-My a*s it is.
-Communication.

Don't get so worked up. We
even prepared some alternatives.

-Alternative wording?
-Take a look.

Wu Peizu,
are you trying to k*ll me?

-Calm down. Sit.
-Fine!

Let's see...

-Lu Lu, please...
-You want me dead!

-Don't come any closer.
-Is this how you humiliate lyricists?

Is this how you humiliate
artists? Tell him to come here.

-Lu Lu.
-Peizu.

Five, four!

Hey, watch out!

-What's with that look? You think I'm throwing a fit?
-[Peizu] No.

-[Lulu] You want me to change my lyrics!
-I know you're serious,

but do you really need to make
such a scene over a few words?

A few words? Those few
words came from my soul.

What the sh*t do you know?

-Three!
-[Miao] Calm down!

-[Lulu] Two!
-What do we do now?

-Two...
-Are you counting or not?

-Damn you.
-How about a commission for you?

-How much?
-37.

[laughs]

[Lulu] Not a full buyout?
With KTV royalties?

[Peizu] Whatever works.

Deal.

It's settled now.

Tai, I don't get it.

Ricky Hsiao's
the superstitious one.

Why does Hito
have to play along too?

You think being a producer
is just about the music?

Dealing with people
is the biggest part.

If you can't handle people,
nothing else matters.

The boss is actually
very understanding.

It's just...

Tai, are you okay?

The boss is humoring Hong
to make Ricky feel at ease.

I'm a little dizzy.
Probably anemia.

I've been working
a side job lately.

You've been moonlighting?

What choice do I have?
I've got bills to pay.

-Hey.
-Hmm?

[Tai] Don't tell the boss.

He's in worse shape than I am
when it comes to money.

You just focus on Ricky.

How am I supposed
to handle Ricky?

[soft dramatic music playing]

[Tai] He didn't used to be like
this when his grandma was around.

Now Hong takes care of him
and caters to his every need.

But maybe...

it's still not the same as the
care his grandma gave him.

Ma'am,
is there a bread stall nearby?

I'm not sure.
Try asking someone else.

Okay. Thanks.

Ricky's grandma always
bought him meat floss buns.

-[grunts]
-After she passed away,

they came
from different bakeries.

They must've tasted different.

Maybe that's why
he feels so insecure.

Then take him to a psychic.
Maybe that'll fix it.

[laughs]

We need to help him find
that familiar taste again.

Whatever you say.

[indistinct chatter]

[cell phone ringing]

-Hello, Tian.
-Hello.

I've got a gig tomorrow night.

Are you free?

Just text me the time.
I'm kind of busy right now.

So you'll come, right?

I have something to tell you.

[Miao] Hey, I have to go.
I'll call you later. Bye.

-Hello?
-See you. Bye.

Bye.

Excuse me, sir...

Is there a bread stall nearby?

-[Uncle] A bread stall?
-Yeah.

There is.

From here, just go...

Hi. Do you have
any meat floss buns?

Meat floss buns...
Let me see if we have any left.

Dad, do we have
any meat floss buns left?

[baker] Let me check.

-Yeah, just a few.
-Okay.

Just a few left.

Do you know if Ricky Hsiao
used to buy buns here as a kid?

I'm not sure...

Dad, someone's asking for you.

[baker] Just a minute.

-Here are the buns.
-Sir, may I ask...

did Ricky Hsiao's grandma
used to buy buns here?

Yes. Why?

-So you knew them?
-Yes.

Nothing. I just heard she used
to buy meat floss buns here.

Yes, she did... [laughs]

[soft dramatic music playing]

[Miao] Ricky.

I found the buns
your grandma used to buy.

[Hong] What? Grandma's buns?

Ricky, do you remember me?

I'm the baker.

Ricky, Miaojun found the buns
your grandma used to buy.

Careful.

Give the bun to Ricky.

Okay.

[soft dramatic music playing]

[Hong] Huh?

No... this isn't it.

It's not?

In that case, just throw it away.

-Sir...
-I'm not going to do anything.

-Please don't be upset.
-What are you doing?

Throwing the bun away.

What a waste.

Your grandma pinched pennies

just to buy those buns for you.

She was worried about you.

She was afraid
singing wouldn't pay the bills.

She asked us to watch over you,
support you,

and buy your albums!

Listen... the bun never changed.

You did.

[grandma] Bravo!

What a singer.

That kid's a natural.

You're amazing.

[dramatic music playing]

Rick, are you okay?

Rick, get up.

Hang in there.

You're incredible.

You're the best.

[dramatic music playing]

[man clears throat]

[Ricky] Everything okay?

Yeah.

We're all set.

-Ricky...
-[Ricky] Yeah?

Can you give me a flock of birds
flying through the trees?

How big a flock?

-About forty or fifty birds.
-[Ricky] No problem.

-[Peizu] And some sunlight too.
-Sunrise or sunset?

Your call.

Okay.

-[Tai] Let's do it.
-Okay.

Okay, from the top.

-Okay.
-Here we go.

[upbeat music playing]

♪ Who says adulthood is about ♪

♪ Chasing impossible dreams? ♪

♪ Even after every setback ♪

♪ I've never lost hope ♪

♪ Who says
There's no finish line ♪

♪ And persistence
Is pointless? ♪

♪ Everything we do matters ♪

♪ We're never alone ♪

♪ In your hands, I overcame ♪

♪ Life's highs and lows ♪

♪ I learned
That sadness always passes ♪

♪ Because of your love, I
embraced every change in life ♪

♪ The serious ones,
The carefree ones ♪

♪ All have their own voices ♪

♪ Without you, I wouldn't
be who I am today ♪

♪ With you,
Our song of joy never ends ♪

♪ On life's winding road ♪

♪ The sun sets as we walk on ♪

♪ You are the other half of me ♪

♪ You taught me success... ♪

♪ Isn't about
Winning or losing ♪

♪ It's about kindness ♪

♪ And living a peaceful life ♪

This is your favorite, Ric.

Wow, that's a big bite.

-Is it good?
-It's delicious.

Good, right?

♪ All those years,
Nothing ever came easy ♪

Rick, sweetheart.

Grandma's taking you
to the clinic.

Hang in there.

[Ricky]
♪ My fate is in my hands ♪

♪ As long as I keep going ♪

♪ Your smile and your warmth ♪

♪ Were always with me ♪

♪ In your hands, I overcame ♪

♪ Life's highs and lows ♪

♪ I learned
That sadness always passes ♪

♪ Because of your love, I
embraced Every change in life ♪

♪ The serious ones,
The carefree ones ♪

♪ All have their own voices ♪

[Grandma] Rick...

Rick...

My precious Rick...

Grandma.

How are you?

Let me tell you,

you've always been
a wonderful singer.

Everyone in the neighborhood
loved hearing you sing.

Grandma believes in you.

You have to believe
in yourself too, okay?

Grandma... I missed you so much.

[Ricky] ♪ Without you, I
wouldn't be who I am today ♪

♪ With you,
Our song of joy never ends ♪

♪ On life's winding road ♪

♪ The sun sets as we walk on ♪

♪ You are the other half of me ♪

♪ You taught me success... ♪

♪ Isn't about
Winning or losing ♪

♪ It's about kindness ♪

♪ And living a peaceful life ♪

♪ I'm grateful
I can still dream ♪

[upbeat music playing]

-[Hong] Tired?
-[Ricky] Not really.

-Bravo, Ricky!
-H-ow was it?

-It was amazing!
-Thank you so much.

-Sorry for all the trouble I've caused lately.
-Not at all.

It's our job
to solve those problems.

Ever since Grandma passed,

I've felt lost.

Maybe I was just
too afraid to fail.

[piano music playing]

Then we're in the same boat.

Grandma was afraid I'd get
picked on because I'm blind,

so she had me learn judo.

She always said fear has a scent.

The more you fear it,
the more it'll cling to you.

As we get older,
we overthink things.

The more we think,
the more we fear.

- But what kind of artists are
- we? What kind?

We've been through it all.

-Right.
-Isn't that right?

So we'll stay strong.
Thank you.

[both grunts]

[laughter]

Nice work.

This equipment's expensive.
Don't slam me into it.

-Come on, let's get some fresh air.
-Okay.

One more question...

Sunrise or sunset?

-[Peizu] It was high noon.
-[laughs]

[Hong]
About five or six steps...

We're downstairs.

Ricky, thanks for all
your hard work.

You all worked even harder.

It's been a long time since we've
had such a joyful recording session.

It was a huge success.

Miaojun.

May I touch your face?

Sure.

[dramatic music playing]

I've learned a bit
about magnetic fields.

I can tell love's in the air
for you lately.

Just have confidence in yourself.

[music continues]

Thank you for reminding me.

I've always had people
looking out for me.

Love's in the air? Miaojun.

Please take this rose quartz.

It'll bring you
good luck in love.

Thank you, Hong.

We'll be going now.

Here, your sunglasses.

Goodbye.

-Bye-bye.
-Bye-bye.

-Miaojun, all the best.
-Okay.

[soft dramatic music playing]

[Tian]
How about a boyfriend too?

I mean...

do you want a boyfriend?

[soft dramatic music playing]

[crowd cheering]

-[Tian] Good evening, everyone.
-Good evening.

I'm Chen Haotian.

I used to be in a band
called Paper Planes.

This is my first
solo performance,

so I'm a little nervous.

-[audience] You got this!
-[cheers and yells]

I'll be singing
an original song I wrote.

I hope you all enjoy it.

[applause]

[soft dramatic music playing]

-See you.
-Hey.

I have something to tell you.

[dramatic music playing]

What was that?

That was a kiss.

[laughs]

See you around.

Get home safe.

[Tian] Sure.

[motorcycle engine starts]

[soft dramatic music playing]

[singer singing in Mandarin]