[E] LAND OF WEALTH / 匯通天下 [TVB][2006]

Written by Funn Lim

I missed the 1st 15 minutes of this episode because well because I was in the toilet day dreaming and so when I came down from my room to watch this episode, it was already when Fu Yi Chek had started working in Ding Fung Sing as the teller and Bak Chuen was pulling Fu Yi Chek's hair really really urgently and falling onto the floor was fire crackers that were lit. Fu Yi Chek, that ungrateful git did not say thanks, in fact he screamed at Bak Chuen for pulling his hair and Bak Chuen explained those trouble makers, one of them Hong Fei set him up but Fu Yi Chek still blamed Bak Chuen and everybody else for making his life miserable. Bak Chuen meanwhile was very angry with Hong Fei and gang for such irresponsible action and so what did he do?

NOTHING.

Next!

Fu Yi Chek still sulked and all and blamed his sister for his misery.

Meanwhile Ko Wa too would be miserable soon enough as Mrs Cho has targetted her for causing trouble to his son King Yin over the tea leaves incident. Ko Wa being Ko Wa was extremely friendly and whilst a maid, said things that shouldn't be said and conducted herself in ways that the Chinese finds not suitable of a maid. Nothing bad really just running in the hourse, etc eventhough Ko Wa was set up some time. Mrs Kiu was very nice to her, so was everybody else except those that do not live in that house. Anyway my sister told me I missed the intro on the Kiu mansion which boasts and amazing 68 rooms! And it does look that big.

 Ok pause here.

My god, the mansion really looks huge! I wonder where TVB found this place? Where is Ping Sai? There's the huge garden, the huge hallway, everything huge. For once there is a house that befits the wealth of a character. Amazing place.

Back to the story.

Ching told Jun that mom and dad allowed Ching to take Jun outside for some charity event. Jun was excited and also decided to take Ko Wa for company which Ching agreed.

Pause here.

I must admit Ko Wa was rather friendly to Ching and especially Jun although they just met. I will elaborate more on this later.

Meanwhile, Fu Yi Chek is still pissed big time. And he was walking with Bak Chuen running errands and he was lazy, whiny and a complete jerk to poor Bak Chuen who only wanted to do his best in his tasks. Fu Yi Chek complained bitterly about his sister and he suspected his sister stayed in that town because of Sung Man. And then he saw his sis and Sung Man together and he quickly dragged Sung Man to a corner and again screamed at Sung Man "You leave my sister alone! She was already cheated once by that bastard and had her heart broken, I will not allow you to do that to her! Now I know why she wanted to stay, for you!" and poor Sung Man was so confused whilst Bak Chuen held Fu Yi Chek back. Then Sung Man understood and he angrily replied "You really think your sister is staying for me? Your sister and I are just good friends. Your sister is staying for you! For your career!" and Bak Chuen quickly added "Yes it is true. Your sister asked me about my job and a career at Ding Fung Sing. " and Sung Man angrily said "She is doing everything in your best interest including being a maid in that place to accompany you and you wronged her thus!". Fu Yi Chek refused to believe them and angrily went away.

Well Bak Chuen noticed after that Fu Yi Chek seemed to quiet down a little and even studied hard. Of course he was rude to the teacher Mr Chong when he couldn't answer some questions and so he was punished to clean the floors. At night Bak Chuen came and gave him some food and those trouble makers came with Hong Fei carrying a bun who threw it on the floor and step on it for the longest of time annoyingly saying "Ai-yahhh....ai-yahhh...ai-yahh....". Well Fu Yi Chek will not take that insult and moved forward to scream at Hong Fei whilst guess who was holding him back? Yes yes that wood, Bak Chuen. Anyway Hong Fei dared Fu Yi Chek by saying "You want to beat me? If you dare I will make sure you get kicked out of this place! Beat! Beat!" and Fu Yi Chek angrily said "You think I don't dare? I am not a coward" and punch! A good one I must admit and Hong Fei fought back and Bak Chuen tried to stop Fu Yi Chek who ungratefully pushed him back causing Bak Chuen to slam his fingers on the door and got hurt. Fu Yi Chek rushed to his side whilst Hong Fei warned "YOU BE CAREFUL!".

Next day Mr Chong was curious how come Hong Fei had a black eye ("I fell whilst I was doing to the toilet) and Bak Chuen sprained his hand (" I fell on my hand when I fell from the bed"). Mr Chong was not deceived and said "It seems quite a few of you have the habit of falling. Remember this, however you fall; anyone breaks the rules will be kicked out of the bank, and I don't care who started it first".

Back to Sung Man.

Sung Man seems rather free to me but anyway he made good use of his time to help out a charity event organised by the missionary (church lar, who else). He personally sold a telescope to an eager buyer for $50 who paid with a cheque by Ding Fung Sing. And then Sung Man noticed a familiar face, Ko Wa accompanying two ladies, one of whom caught his eye. Guess who?

Anyway weird scene here because I distinctly remembered Ko Wa practically ignoring Sung Man who also ignored her. Aren't they friendlty with one another?

Where was I? Ah yes, Sung Man immediatly noticed Jun and as Jun was looking through some I think lanterns, she said something and Sung Man recognised his voice. He replied back and Jun knew he was the stranger who played the duet with her. Both smiled a little because let's face it; she's pretty, he's handsome. Lucky them.

Another weird scene I mentioned earlier about the friendliness of Ko Wa. She actually held the hands of Jun. A bit too friendly I was told after all she is the maid. But do remember, Ko Wa is a foreigner who is cheerful, optimistic, perky and very friendly, like Sung Man in a way. So it was not surprising she held Jun's hands although Jun is more reserved in her emotions.

Anyway Sung Man promised to give Jun some books and Ko Wa agreed to be the middle person.

By the way sorry for the mixed up timeline. That scene where Sung Man was scolded by Fu Yi Chek happened after this scene when Sung Man gave some books to Ko Wa.

Back to the story.

Sung Man took the cheque to be cashed at Ding Fung Sing. The clerk noticed something was not right and alerted big boss Mr Kiu. Mr Kiu was very worried and Sung Man was asked to see Mr Kiu in his office. Sung Man was confused and asked the nature of the meeting and Mr Kiu, a man who does not mince his words gravely said "This cheque is a forged cheque" and Sung Man was shocked. Mr Kiu said "We at Ding Fung Sing have our markers and indicators in identifying the authencity of a cheque and in all my years at this bank, this is the first time I have encountered a forged cheque". Sung Man was angry and said "I can't believe someone could cheat in a charity event! This is unscrupulous and this man must be caught!" and Mr Kiu said "I hope you will not make a big deal out of this matter just yet" and Sung Man wisely agreed and said "I understand. Your bank's reputation is at stake her" and Mr Kiu agreed and said "Yes, and it might cause panic amongst my clients". Sung Man then hatched a plan and said "Then leave it to me. I will settle this matter. I remember that man since I personally handled the sale and accepted this forged cheque" and Mr Kiu looked at Sung Man wondering what he will do.

The next scene we see Sung Man welcoming that con artiste into some private room in a restaurant. Sung Man smilingly said "I know you're interested in western goods and I have with me a most priceless collectable" and he produced a clock. The man's eyes lit up and he said "This must worth a lot!" and Sung Man said "And it is yours for $100 only" and that man greedily said "Yes yes, indeed, worthed the price!" and he paid Sung Man that money with cheque. Sung Man looked at the cheque and said "This is a forgery sir" and that man cockily asked how he would know and Sung Man said "Every bank has identification markers on cheques. Each branch will have their managers writing the cheques personally in addition to sending the handwriting to all branches for record purposes. There are also numbers, ink colour, etc. Your cheque lacked all these elements and therefore it is a forgery. How care you give me forged cheques twice?" and that man immediately tried to run when Mr Kiu and assistant rushed into the room and that man held Sung Man at knife point. Sung Man was very angry and said "Do you think this will stop me from arresting you?" and that man said "If you don't let me leave I will kill him!" and Sung Man immediately and bravely karate chopped him and Mr Kiu also taekwondo punched him also and the man was defeated.

Let me pause here to admire Sung Man who is a man of arts, righteousness and now kung fu expert. What a guy.

Anyway Mr Kiu invited him back home and thanked him for the discreet way of handling the crisis. Sung Man was very happy at the turn of events and he even shared with Mr Kiu his view of Mr Kiu's mansion where he said "When I first saw your mansion Mr Kiu, it seems so humble for a man of your stature and wealth and yet when I entered it in its humbleness I find also grandness" and Mr Kiu was glad to find someone who understood his house as much as his ancestors intended it to be, Mr Kiu showed Sung Man around with everyone in tow when Sung Man saw the piano at the garden and remarked how beautiful the piano was and Mr Kiu agreed and said he bought it for his younger daughter.

Pause here. I am very confused here. I thought Sung Man knew Jun's family since he knew who Ko Wa was working for and yet he doesn't seem to know who Mr Kiu was referring to and when Jun appeared he seems pleasantly surprised to see her. I mean didn't he know already earlier at the charity event?

Anyway Jun was pleased to see him too and Jun explained how they knew each other and  even complimented how good a man Sung Man was when Ching recognised Sung Man from the charity event. Mr Kiu was very pleased and asked to hear the duet which they played. Mr and Mrs Kiu watched proudly as Jun and Sung Man played the perfect duet together.

By the way Mr Kiu knows who is Sung Man at this point.

Pause here.

I can't help but feel there is an undertone in this scene. We know they're falling in love with one another. One the daughter of the richest banker and the other the youngest son of a very powerful and influential minister who may not be as rich as Mr Kiu but certainly very powerful. In the TMO I saw Sung Man's father objecting to this relationship. In this episode it is very clear that Mr Kiu liked Sung Man and even admired him. In fact Sung Man is his perfect son in law who is capable of running the bank also. Problem is Sung Man is destined for greater things that is politics. Whilst no doubt Jun is very educated, very proper and very ladylike and in normal circumstances she herself is a great match for a son from a good family, problem here is Sung Man is the son of a powerful family. Being the richest may not make Mr Kiu the most powerful. Watching this scene and seeing how capable Sung Man is (he even reads Darwin's Theory of Evolution!) I can't help but feel Jun however ladylike or even well read just doesn't fit him in standing. He is her ideal match but unfortunately she is not his ideal match. Intellectually maybe but Jun isn't really that smart but she is well educated but not that educated since she doesn't know certain poems and books. Sung Man in real life is that type of guy who is destined to become the Emperor's son in law or the son in law of some powerful general or ambassador because quite frankly Jun just wouldn't cut it. A sad case of fate driving them into each other's arms and karma driving them apart.

Back to the story.

King Yin felt horrible since he agreed Sung Man and Jun were compatible but Mrs Cho said "I am not worried. He is only a guest, he will not stay long. You work hard at the bank and I will seek Jun's hand in marriage on your behalf".

Yeah and then there was Bak Chuen! Ha! Ha! King Yin is definitely not a match for Jun.

I forgot what happened next except that Bak Chuen and Mr Whine All The Time Fu Yi Chek was walking on the street when Ko Wa spotted them. Ko Wa asked Bak Chuen what happened to his eye and Fu Yi Chek told the same lie Bak Chuen did and Ko Wa was very angry and said "You lied to me Fu Yi Chek. Hong Fei told me everything. You fought your classmater and caused Bak Chuen this injury" and Fu Yi Chek angrily said "Don't believe what Hong Fei said. He started the fight!" and Ko Wa said "But you shouldn't have entertained him. You should have walked away. It is very difficult for you to get this job, why can't you do your best and learn the job instead of picking up fights?" and Fu Yi Chek exploded and said "Why is it it is always what you want and not what I want? Have you ever asked if I wanted this? You are the one who wanted this. You didn't do this for me, you stayed for Sung Man! Sis, you were hurt before, why do you still run head first into another man and into another relationship, why do you like being hurt by a man?" and Ko Was was so angry she slapped him hard on the cheeks and turned around and ran away, crying. Bak Chuen was shocked as he looked hard on Fu Yi Chek who kept mumbling "Why do you still want to fall in love when the last time you did, you almost didn't get  back on your feet?".

Yeah, why ah? What did that dubbed guy did ah?

Anyway next episode, we see Ko Wa being bullied by Mrs Cho and Fu Yi Chek saw it. Maybe now this Mr Whiny will stop whining and start putting in some effort? Doesn't he realise his sister did it for him? Bastardo!

Very emotional. Sorry.

Anyway a good episode that establishes many future tragedy. Like Sung Man and Jun's hopeless love. Like Ko Wa and her sacrifices. I mean certainly she will be bullied to no end and then only then Fu Yi Chek will realise how much his sister loves him. I will wait for the day when Ko Wa marries Mr Kiu and see how Mrs Cho reacts.

Yes yes that stupid TMO kinda revealed some major plot points except for the ending. The love relationship here can get pretty confusing and complicated. How to take it to the extreme and bring it back? Maybe it will end in tragedy?

The performances in here are good in this episode. All went well except for a few minor grouses such as the highlighted confusing parts involving Sung Man, Ko Wa and Jun.  In fact I find that the weakest point in this episode.

Performances wise, I definitely enjoyed Steven Ma's passionate performance of a very passionate Sung Man. I really like his character and I just hope he doesn't go haywire, performance wise and character wise. He improved a lot in his acting and I am not sure when was Safe Guards made but he certainly looked like he improved a lot in here.

Tavia Yeung I like also. Very pretty but you know who takes my breath everytime she appears? Lui San, Mrs Kiu. I don't know why. I just find her make up and all suit her, looking gentle and yet matronly and yet ravishing. She just looks so pretty. Tavia also of course.

Now Sonija Kwok like I predicted looks awful in the Chinese costume. Not plain but just not that pretty anymore. I miss that hair covering half her face, the wooly coat. Now her clothes seem too baggy and she just looks well like a maid. Ok maybe that suits her since her role is a maid. And a very friendly maid too which to some may be a bit inaccurate because no maid is that friendly in the way she talks and interrupts her masters. But then she is a foreigner. As for her performance, all was fine until that very last scene where she had to be disappointed, angry, frustrated and insulted all at the same time whilst doing some action that is turn, wipe face off tears and walk away stylishly. Of course that is too much to ask of any actor more so Sonija Kwok who probably can only do 2 things at once. So that last scene which was more drama based and take her out of her comfort zone (either looking forlorn or being being chirpy and happy) showed that yes she has improved as an actress but she still is weak in that department called emotions. Hopefully she will do better next episode in terms of multi tasking.

Chris Lai is ok, nothing much to say. John Chiang still cool but hardly registering any big emotion on his face. All are ok including Stephen Wong who is probably the most irritating character in this series apart from the trouble makers and Mr Wood himself, that is Moses Chan but then Stephen Wong's character thus far is one dimensional that is whine whine and more whine. A rather bad performance if he was someone experienced by since he is new, I'd give him the benefit of doubt. I mean his angry face and his confused face and his insulted face are the same.

Moses Chan...is like a log of wood. His character is a log of wood, all personality died when his family was executed. He was almost boring to watch and I find Sonija Kwok so much more interesting and that is quite a statement coming from me. His acting is also like a log of wood since his character is reserved therefore he must act reserved but somehow Moses Chan equates acting reserved as the same as acting like a walking corpse, devoid of personality or even a slight register of emotion on his face with life sucked out altogether and thus sucking my life out too by watching him. He looks dumbfounded  all the time. Moses, what about angry? What about happy? What about evil? What about your next best look, looking confused?

Sigh... I hope he gets better when there's more drama inflicting his character. Can someone go through the entire series having just ONE look on his face? Even his eyes look dumbfounded.

Anyway since acting may be lacking for some, I suppose all those bullying scenes would occupy my time and mind. I want Sonija with her hair down covering half her face again! Why ugly-fy her? WHY? Give her a horse! That was her best moment frankly.

I am excited to see episode 6 but a bit wary that it is going downhill. Very wary.