An Autumn’s Tale

Jennifer travels from Hong Kong to New York City to study with Vincent. Samuel Pang arrives at the airport with two friends to pick her up and lets Jennifer know he lives downstairs so she may stamp on the floor if she needs anything. Pang then escorts her to her apartment and offers a supportive introduction to the city.

The next day, Jennifer wakes Pang to ride a train to meet Vincent. At the train station she spots Vincent with a girl named Peggy, which inflames her. In anger, she throws the box of dolls onto the street, and Pang's car runs over them as they depart.

Pang overhears Vincent telling Jennifer to meet him for lunch at Silver Palace the next day. Vincent tells Jennifer to explore the city and meet new people rather than follow him everywhere, mentioning he is leaving for Boston soon. Pang notes this conversation, sensing the emotional stakes involved.

Depressed, Jennifer goes home and makes a pot of tea. Pang smells gas from upstairs, investigates, and finds Jennifer passed out. He helps her to the stairs and arranges for the fire department, then takes her out for a walk to lift her spirits.

The next day Jennifer goes to a restaurant in Chinatown where Pang walks in and sees her. Jennifer ignores him at first, but a friend from another table calls Pang over. He shares her egg sandwich and arranges extra plates for both of them, signaling the start of their growing bond.

Pang helps Jennifer build a bookcase and decorate her room. He finds her grandfather's watch, though the strap is worn, a symbol of family ties and Jennifer's past. The moment deepens Pang's resolve to support her.

Pang goes to buy tickets for a Broadway show, not knowing Jennifer will be busy with babysitting. He tries to sell the tickets, showing his hustling spirit and the practical challenges he faces in making ends meet. This moment highlights his attempts to share experiences with Jennifer.

Jennifer helps Pang by taking an NJ Transit bus, but Pang is questioned by an NYPD officer outside the theatre. She ends up running late for her babysitting job, and Pang insists on driving her to the child's home to prevent further delays.

Tony, one of Mrs. Sherwood's boyfriends, wants to hire Jennifer as a waitress for his restaurant. Pang is suspicious of the owner and declines to join Jennifer there for the moment. Later, Pang and Jennifer visit the expensive restaurant The Big Panda, where Pang struggles to read the English menu as the waiter pushes a high-priced array of dishes.

While babysitting Anna, Tony visits Jennifer and walks with her into the garden. Mrs. Sherwood learns of Tony's flirting and tells him to leave. After hearing about Jennifer losing her babysitting job, Pang and his friends go to The Big Panda and beat up the owner.

They spend their morning trying to sell Jennifer's dolls for money. In the park, she sees Vincent with Peggy, and Pang explains that his dignity matters more than appearances, sharing his dream to open a pier-side restaurant called Sampan. He calls Jennifer 'cha bo' as part of their evolving dynamic.

Pang writes on his bedroom mirror three commandments and five goals, including 'If you want it, go for it.' He resolves to pursue his dreams, including a life with Jennifer. He decides to buy a watchband as a gift for her and works to raise funds to do so.

Pang rushes to Jennifer's apartment with the watchband gift, excited to surprise her. He finds Vincent helping Jennifer move furniture in his car and assumes she has returned to Vincent. They exchange gifts, but Pang misreads the situation and runs after her as the car pulls away.

Some time later, Jenny walks with Anna along the beach and discovers a pier-side restaurant called Sampan. She approaches Samuel Pang at the restaurant, who, after calming himself, asks, 'Table for two?' signaling a hopeful turn in their relationship.