When a Woman Ascends the Stairs Page #3

You're so nice!

I'd like to marry a man like you.

I'm honored.

It's true.

Handsome men are conceited.

May I have a drink?

Sorry to neglect you.

Yukiko, could you go to the bar?

Have a drink on me.

Thanks.

Mama doesn't have a patron?

No, she's too virtuous.

She'll cave in eventually.

A woman's a woman.

Want to bet?

- On what?

- On who'll get her.

All her regular guests are here.

Let's see.

That old man from Osaka

has the most money...

but she likes the banker best.

Odds are on him.

What about the fat fellow?

Not even in the running.

Did you put on a little weight?

Hardly, with all my debts.

That can't be.

Nothing's harder than

running a 30-man factory.

Is that so?

You're thinner.

Am I?

It's stressful changing bars.

- But even prettier.

- Thank you.

- You like tempura?

- I love it.

I'll treat you tomorrow.

Can't.

I have to see a customer off

at the airport.

Some other time then.

I'm sorry.

Welcome!

Did Mr. Goda arrive?

Mr. Fujisaki's a regular too.

Yes.

That guest told me

to hold this for him.

There's 500,000 yen inside!

Don't fall for that.

It's true!

Silly.

He's just trying to get you

to go out with him.

It's just for show?

Leave it with Komatsu.

How about dinner tomorrow?

- What time?

- Any time.

I'll call you.

Leaving so soon?

Stay a bit.

I have to meet someone.

Keep the drinks flowing

for my men there.

How about dinner tomorrow?

Okay. I'll call you tomorrow.

Take care.

Between 11:
30 and midnight,

the Ginza's 16,000 hostesses

head home in droves.

The best go by cab...

the second-rate take the train...

and the worst go off

with their customers.

Junko.

Tomoko, you'll miss the last train.

Goodness! Bye now.

You forgot this.

Silly me! It's for my son's

school trip tomorrow.

Good-bye.

- Good night.

- Good-bye.

Welcome.

- Welcome.

- Thank you.

The sign's still on outside.

I'm sorry.

She's drunk again.

I'll take her to my apartment.

Keiko,

isn't that kimono a bit plain?

Is it?

Wear something flashier.

The Carton Bar.

A call for you.

What is it?

No, we can't provide

geisha this late.

Give them some sushi,

then kick them out.

I'm busy, so I'll be brief.

I paid the 170,000 yen

your guests owed at the Lilac

so you'd be free

to work for me here.

It's just a formality, but please

put your seal on this receipt.

I'll collect the money soon

and pay you back.

I'll be going.

No need to see me out.

Did the owner leave?

I hate to ask, but could you

collect on bills again tomorrow?

She'll probably

want interest too.

I'll get a cab.

Will you bring Junko?

Back home...

I felt tired

and a little drunk.

My rent is 30,000 yen,

a lot for one person.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes