Crazy Rich Asians_2018

CRAZY RICH ASIANS
    Screenplay by
    Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim based on the novel by Kevin Kwan This script is the confidential and proprietary property of Warner Bros. Pictures and no portion of it may be performed, distributed, reproduced, used, quoted or published without prior written permission.
    FINAL AS FILMED
    Release Date
    Biscuit Films Sdn Bhd - Malaysia August 15, 2018 Infinite Film Pte Ltd - Singapore © 2018 4000 Warner Boulevard WARNER BROS. ENT. Burbank, California 91522 All Rights Reserved OPENING TITLES MUSIC IN. SUPERIMPOSE: Let China sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world. - Napoleon Bonaparte FADE IN:

EXT. CALTHORPE HOTEL - NIGHT (1995) (HEAVY RAIN AND
    THUNDER) SUPERIMPOSE: LONDON

INT. CALTHORPE HOTEL - CLOSE ON A PORTRAIT - NIGHT
    of a modern ENGLISH LORD. The brass placard reads: "Lord Rupert Calthorpe-Cavendish-Gore." REVEAL we're in the lobby of an ostentatious hotel. It's deserted except for TWO CLERKS at the front desk. It is the middle of the night and RAINING HEAVILY outside. ANGLE ON HOTEL ENTRANCE The revolving doors start to swing as TWO CHILDREN (NICK 8, ASTRID 8) and TWO CHINESE WOMEN, ELEANOR and FELICITY YOUNG (30s) enter. They're DRIPPING WET, dragging their soaked luggage behind them. Nick SLIDES his feet around the polished floor, leaving a MUDDY CIRCLE in his wake. The clerks look horrified. Eleanor makes her way to the front desk, while complaining to Felicity about having to walk in the bad weather.
    ELEANOR
    (in Cantonese; subtitled)
    If you didn't make us walk, we wouldn't be soaked.
    Felicity grabs the children by the hand and follows Eleanor to the front desk.
    CLERK #1
    May I help you? This is the Calthorpe, a private hotel --
    CONTINUED: Eleanor goes to the desk and replies in PERFECT ENGLISH -- her pronunciation is BRITISH, with a lilt unique to upper- crust Chinese from former British colonies. (NOTE: The specific accents of our players are important character details, indications of their background, education, and socioeconomic status.)
    ELEANOR
    I'm Mrs. Eleanor Young. I have a reservation. The Lancaster suite.
    (sees his name tag)
    We spoke on the phone when I confirmed yesterday.
    CLERK #1
    Sorry, don't seem to have your reservation.
    Clerk #2 surreptitiously presses a BUTTON under the counter. Eleanor and Felicity exchange glances. Felicity rolls her eyes, sensing what's going on. REGINALD ORMSBY (50s, pompous) pops out of a door behind the front desk and the clerks move aside.
    ORMSBY
    Good evening. I'm Reginald Ormsby, hotel manager. Is there a problem?
    ELEANOR
    I'm Mrs. Eleanor Young. My family and I would like to be shown to our suite. We've had a long flight.
    Ormsby takes in Eleanor et al, makes a snap judgment.
    ORMSBY
    We're fully booked, madam. You must have made a mistake. I'm sure you and your lovely family can find other accommodations. May I suggest you explore Chinatown?
    FELICITY
    (in Cantonese; subtitled; mutters)
    You can explore Hell. You dog turd.
    CONTINUED:
    ELEANOR
    Please, may I use your phone to call my husband? It's the least you can do.
    Eleanor levels a glare at Ormsby, who looks at her with a tight smile.

EXT. CALTHORPE HOTEL (LONDON) - NIGHT
    RAIN POURS on the children and Felicity as they watch Eleanor in a PHONE BOOTH. "THE CALTHORPE" sign casts a glow over them. We don't know what she's saying, but we hear Eleanor angrily speaking on the pone.

INT. CALTHORPE HOTEL (LONDON) - NIGHT
    Eleanor bursts through the front door with her family right behind her. Eleanor approaches the front desk again. Ormsby is not pleased.
    ORMSBY
    Mrs. Young! I must ask you to leave, or I'll have to call the police.
    ELEANOR
    Please, go right ahead.
    Ormsby is taken aback. He moves to stop her when the elevator DINGS and OPENS and an ELDERLY MAN IN A SILK ROBE AND SLIPPERS comes out -- LORD CALTHORPE, the same man in the opening portrait and owner of the hotel. Ormsby snaps to.
    ORMSBY
    Lord Calthorpe! My apologies for this disturbance --
    Lord Calthorpe ignores Ormsby and beelines for Eleanor.
    LORD CALTHORPE
    Eleanor! I just got off the phone with your husband.
    Lord Calthorpe kisses Eleanor on the cheek, and snaps at the clerks.
    LORD CALTHORPE
    Get the Lancaster suite ready. Now.
    Ormsby reacts, confused. CONTINUED:
    ORMSBY
    Surely you're joking, sir.
    LORD CALTHORPE
    I assure you, I'm not. As of this evening, my family's long history as custodians of the Calthorpe is ended. I am selling the hotel to my dear friends, the Young family of Singapore.
    Ormsby looks at Eleanor, shocked.
    LORD CALTHORPE
    Meet the new lady of the house, Eleanor Young.
    (to Eleanor)
    Join me for a toast.
    ELEANOR
    We'd be delighted.
    (turns to address Ormsby)
    Do get a mop. The floor's wet.
    Eleanor winks at Nick, who grins and looks back at Ormsby.
    ORMSBY
    (to Clerk #1)
    Get a mop.
    SMASH CUT TO: OPENING TITLES CONTINUE OVER MUSIC. SUPERIMPOSE: CRAZY RICH ASIANS FADE IN:

INT. DARK ROOM - PRESENT DAY (2017)
    Staring across a table is RACHEL CHU (29, Chinese- American, beautiful, sharp). She exudes confidence. PULL BACK to reveal a pile of chips in front of her. We see someone else's hand checking the cards they've been dealt: 2 KINGS, 2 NINES, and a JACK. They're in the middle of a five card draw poker game. CONTINUED: As the CAMERA TILTS UP we see CURTIS (late 20s, T.A., white) is the player sitting across from Rachel. He stares at her over his black-rimmed glasses, trying to read her. She stares back, revealing nothing. Rachel pushes the pile of chips to the center of the poker table.
    RACHEL
    I'm all in.
    Curtis has FIVE CHIPS left. He checks his cards again, then FOLDS.
    CURTIS
    Fold.
    Rachel flips over her cards. She's got nothing.
    CURTIS
    Nothing!
    (as Rachel laughs)
    This whole time you had nothing.
    The lights come up and we see A ROOM FULL OF PEOPLE CLAP AND TITTER. REVEAL we're in: AN AUDITORIUM CLASSROOM with UNDERGRAD STUDENTS. The poker table onstage is being shown on two LARGE FLATSCREENS so the students can follow the action. Rachel takes the lectern. "Game Theory 290" appears on the side screens.
    RACHEL
    All right, so, how did I beat T.A. Curtis so very, very badly? Well, I know for a fact that Curtis is cheap.
    The students all smile and laugh, totally engaged.
    RACHEL
    So, he's not playing using logic or math, but using his psychology. Our brains so hate the idea of losing something that's valuable to us, that we abandon all rational thought and make some really poor decisions. So Curtis wasn't playing to win. He was playing not to lose.
    (to Curtis; tosses him a chip)
    Here. Put it towards a haircut.
    CONTINUED: The class LAUGHS. Curtis takes the $10 with a BANDAGED HAND.
    RACHEL
    All right, that's it for today. Don't forget your essays on conditional probability are due next week --
    As students file out, NICK walks in and smiles lasciviously. TRANSITION TO:

EXT. NEW YORK - NIGHT
    SUPERIMPOSE: NEW YORK, 2018

INT. CAKE & CARRY - NIGHT
    Nick and Rachel share a STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING like an old married couple.
    NICK
    (digging in)
    Yes!
    RACHEL
    You know what, you can order your own.
    NICK
    (taking a bite; chewing)
    Mm, I'm okay with coffee. Thanks.
    RACHEL
    Yeah, well, you always say that, and then you end up eating all my dessert.
    Nick takes a huge bite.
    NICK
    (mouth full)
    I don't know what you're talking about? 'Cause I have, like, a tiny bit.
    CONTINUED:
    RACHEL
    Uh-huh. Okay.
    (to waiter)
    Can we have one more of these, please.
    (chuckling)
    Thank you.
    NICK
    So, what about us taking an adventure east?
    RACHEL
    You wanna get pork buns in the East Village. That's what it is, isn't it?
    NICK
    I was actually thinking of further east.
    RACHEL
    Like Queens.
    NICK
    Like Singapore? For spring break?
    (off Rachel)
    Colin's wedding. We've been dating for over a year now, and I think it's about time people met my beautiful girlfriend. Come on, I'm Colin's best man. Don't you wanna see where I grew up? Meet my family, my Ah Ma? And meet up with that strange college roommate of yours.
    RACHEL
    Peik Lin.
    NICK
    Mm-hmm. Peik Lin.
    RACHEL
    She has been begging me to come visit her, you know?
    NICK
    The universe has spoken. It wants you over there. Come to Singapore. I want the whole island to meet the brilliant Rachel Chu.
    CONTINUED:
    RACHEL
    Aw.
    A woman sitting at a booth behind them watches Rachel and Nick, interested in their every move. She gets up and walks past them with her cell phone and snaps a photo as she passes in front of them. She immediately starts TEXTING -- SERIES OF TEXTS Radio1Asia: OMG. You'll never believe who I saw. Girl: WHO? Radio1Asia e-mails the picture of Rachel and Nick. Girl: Is that NICK YOUNG? Radio1Asia: Yes. Girl: Who's the girl? Radio1Asia: Said her name was Rachel Chu. Group TEXT with photo: Who IS this girl? Nick and Rachel's picture is sent out all over Social Media. They Google Rachel Chu. TEXT: Wah, so many Rachel Chu's lah We see photos of searches matching Rachel Chu. TEXT: Did you try Choo? Or Chiu? Or Chew? Or Zhu? TEXT: OMFG! yah, which one? Ask the Twins? Twin #1 TEXT: Found her! Twin #2 TEXT: Found her? TEXT: Rachel Chu TEXT: Is there a ring? TEXT: Looks ABC TEXT: WTF! TEXT: NEVER TEXT: u joking? CONTINUED: TEXT: Hate her!!!! TEXT: Be serious TEXT: Better not TEXT: No thanks Radio1Asia: He's bringing her to the wedding! TEXT: Alamak!!! TEXT: SRSLY!? TEXT: Kantang!!! TEXT: Drama! TEXT: No way! TEXT: OMFG!!! TEXT: So not TEXT: NOOOOO Does Amanda know? TEXT: NO WAY TEXT: Why her! TEXT: DEAD TEXT: WTF?!?! TEXT: serious TEXT: LOSER TEXT: ew no TEXT: walao!! TEXT: Basic AF TEXT: Like Really?? TEXT: OK and?? TEXT: baiiiii TEXT: Does his Mother know? INSERT - MAP OF SINGAPORE CUT TO:

INT. PHILLIP AND ELEANOR'S HOUSE (SINGAPORE) - MORNING
    ELEANOR reads a Bible verse aloud to a group of ladies.
    ELEANOR
    'If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.'
    It's been twenty years since we've seen Eleanor, but she looks amazing. She sits with FOUR FABULOUSLY DRESSED, BEJEWELED WOMEN: JACQUELINE LING (50s), ALIX YOUNG (50s), NADINE (30s), AND LORENA (40s). Uniformed MAIDS serve tea and "kuih," local cakes.
    ELEANOR
    'Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on Earth.'
    Eleanor's interrupted by BUZZING. She looks disapproving as Alix and Jacqueline check their messages. These matriarchs speak with UPPER-CRUST CHINESE SINGAPOREAN ACCENTS (perfect grammar with local flourishes). Jacqueline reacts, surprised.
    JACQUELINE
    Eleanor, is Nicki bringing a girl to Colin's wedding? My Amanda heard it from her friend, Francesca...
    Eleanor is surprised, but tries not to let on.
    ALIX
    (looking at phone)
    Eddie says her name is Rachel Chu?
    NADINE
    Oh! I thought that Nick was coming alone. Did you know he had a girlfriend?
    All eyes are on Eleanor who covers, not wanting to get into the details. CONTINUED:
    ELEANOR
    Nick dates many girls. It's hard to keep track.
    JACQUELINE
    Amanda knows everyone and she has never heard of her.
    NADINE
    Rachel Chu. Or maybe she's from the Taiwan plastics Chu family?
    ALIX
    (low; conspiratorial)
    If you want, I have a private investigator. Very discreet --
    ELEANOR
    (interrupting)
    I think we should return to the word of God. Alix?
    The women reluctantly return to their Bibles.
    ALIX
    Ephesians. Chapter six, verse four. 'Bring up your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.'
    (can't help herself)
    Oh, I do hope she's a good, Christian girl.
    JACQUELINE
    Well, if he's bringing her home, it must be serious.
    NADINE
    Exactly.
    The women all look at Eleanor.

INT. CAKE & CARRY - NIGHT
    RESUME Rachel and Nick. Nick's phone rings.
    NICK
    It's my mum. Do you mind?
    RACHEL
    Mm, go ahead.
    Rachel is about to dig into pudding #2. CONTINUED:
    NICK
    (to Rachel)
    All right. Save me some of that.
    RACHEL
    Okay.
    Nick gets up to take the call away from the counter.
    NICK
    (into phone)
    Hey, Mum, everything okay?
    ELEANOR (V.O.)
    Does something have to wrong for me to call?
    NICK
    Yeah, usually.
    ELEANOR (V.O.)
    Ha, ha, ha. Very funny.

INT. PHILLIP AND ELEANOR'S HOUSE (SINGAPORE) - DAY
    Eleanor is on her phone standing away from her Bible group. Keeps her voice low, casual. INTERCUT AS NECESSARY with Nick and Eleanor talking on the phone.
    ELEANOR
    Are you bringing the girl you're seeing to Colin's wedding?
    NICK
    (confused)
    Hmm. We were literally just talking about that. How could you know?
    ELEANOR
    Everybody knows.
    Nick sees Celine (the only other Asian in the restaurant) leaving through a revolving door.
    NICK
    Radio One Asia.
    Eleanor notices the other women trying to eavesdrop. CONTINUED:
    ELEANOR
    (to ladies)
    Move on to Corinthians, I'll catch up.
    ALIX
    Ah, yes.
    ELEANOR
    (back to phone; low)
    We're looking forward to having you home. And your room is all ready... for you.
    Nick hears this, gets the implication.
    NICK
    Thanks, Mom. But Rachel and I will be staying together.
    Eleanor is disappointed, makes another attempt:
    ELEANOR
    I see. Well, I'm having the house redone. And it's not ready for guests. If Rachel comes, I think she might be more comfortable staying somewhere else?
    Nick returns to the counter, to see the second sticky toffee pudding is gone, except for a TINY PIECE.
    NICK
    All right. Sorry about that.
    RACHEL
    I saved you a piece.
    NICK
    You did, did you? A very small piece at that. Thank you very much.
    RACHEL
    How's your mom? Everything okay?
    NICK
    Mm. Couldn't be better.
    Rachel kisses nick.
    RACHEL (V.O.)
    (pre-lap)
    Hey, Mom, this one's kind of cute.

INT. CLOTHING BOUTIQUE - DAY
    Rachel looks at her reflection in a mirror as she holds a blue and white dress to her body. Her mother, KERRY (50s, real estate agent, Chico chic), shakes her head. Kerry has a slight Chinese immigrant accent.
    RACHEL
    What do you think?
    KERRY
    No! No! No! No! You can't wear that to meet Nick's Ah Ma. Blue and white is for Chinese funerals. Now this, this symbolizes good fortune and fertility.
    Kerry holds up a conservative RED dress.
    RACHEL
    Great! I was really going for that 'lucky baby-maker' vibe.
    KERRY
    Hey! You are the one who asked for my help picking out a dress to meet Nick's family.
    RACHEL
    It's only 'cause I hardly know anything about them. Every time I bring them up Nick changes the subject.
    KERRY
    Maybe he's embarrassed. Maybe his parents are poor, and he has to send them money. That's what all good Chinese children do.
    Rachel chuckles and they keep searching for the right dress.
    KERRY
    Oh, you are going to have a wonderful time. You've always wanted to go to Asia and who knows, if all goes well in Singapore, you might just come back with a souvenir.
    RACHEL
    Mom, stop! Nick and I haven't even talked about that.
    CONTINUED:
    RACHEL
    I mean, his parents can't not like me, right?
    Kerry has a sour look on her face and turns away to begin rummaging through a clothes rack.
    RACHEL
    What was that look? I saw that.
    KERRY
    Nothing. It's just, Nick bringing a girl all the way there to meet them can mean a lot to these overseas families. Eh, they're different from us.
    RACHEL
    How are they different? They're Chinese, I'm Chinese. I'm so Chinese, I'm an economics professor with lactose intolerance.
    KERRY
    Yeah, but you grew up here.
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Ni kan qilai shi huaren, ni jiang de shi zhongwen. Keshi zheli he zheli... \[Your face is Chinese. You speak Chinese. But here...
    (points to Rachel's head and mouth)
    ... and here...
    (in English)
    You're different. But wearing a lucky color will make a good first impression.
    CUT TO:

EXT. JFK - CURBSIDE - DAY
    Amid the hectic bustle, Nick and Rachel exit a taxi. An airport sign behind them reads: Kuwait Airways, Pacific Asian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Cathay Pacific.
    FEMALE ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
    Attention, the white zone is for passenger loading and unloadings only.
    CONTINUED:
    RACHEL
    Okay, game plan. Check our bags, get through security, and then we could eat one of the three homemade Tupperware meals my mom packed for us.
    An elegant PACIFIC ASEAN AIRLINES FLIGHT ATTENDANT approaches, flanked by TWO PORTERS with luggage carts.
    FLIGHT ATTENDANT
    Good afternoon, Mr. Young, Ms. Chu. We'll take your bags and get you checked into first class.
    NICK
    Great.
    Rachel looks confused as the porters take their bags.
    RACHEL
    Oh. No, there's a mistake. We're not first class. We're economy people.
    FLIGHT ATTENDANT
    This way, please.
    Nick puts a hand in the small of her back:
    NICK
    Just go with it. Come on.
    RACHEL
    But...
    NICK
    Yeah, they'll be fine. Just leave them there.

INT. PLANE - ON NICK - DAY
    FLIGHT ATTENDANT #2 pulls back a gold, silk curtain revealing a luxurious part of the plane that looks more like a hotel. Another attendant serves them champagne.
    FLIGHT ATTENDANT #2
    Welcome aboard, Mr. Young, Ms. Chu. Here's the way to your private suite. And some champagne.
    They walk up to a full bar where champagne is poured for them. Rachel turns to Nick like "what's going on?" CONTINUED:
    NICK
    (to serving flight attendant)
    Thank you.
    Rachel is blown away to see the leather armchairs, two huge flatscreen TVs, even a full-length wardrobe.
    NICK
    Thank you very much.
    FLIGHT ATTENDANT #2
    You're welcome. After takeoff, would you like to enjoy the lounge chairs or should we convert your suite into a bedroom?
    Rachel clobbers Nick with a bag to keep him from responding.
    RACHEL
    Uh, we're good. Thank you.
    FLIGHT ATTENDANT #2
    Enjoy.
    Nick looks to Rachel. The Flight Attendant leaves. As Nick settles in, Rachel looks at the complimentary pajamas.
    RACHEL
    Nick. We can't afford this. These pajamas are fancier than any of my real clothes.
    NICK
    Hmm? My family has business with the airline. The tickets, they're a perk.
    Rachel senses there's more to this. Pursues it:
    RACHEL
    What kind of business?
    NICK
    Real estate, investment, other things. Nothing interesting.
    (reading menu)
    Dim sum.
    RACHEL
    So your family is, like, rich?
    CONTINUED:
    NICK
    Uh, we're comfortable.
    RACHEL
    That is exactly what a super rich person would say. It's not a big deal, obviously. I just think it's kind of weird that I had no idea. I mean, you have a Jamba Juice card, you use my Netflix password. You play basketball at that Y that kind of smells.
    Nick sees Rachel is a little thrown.
    NICK
    I really like that place, thank you very much. And yes, my family has money, but I've always thought of it as theirs. Not mine.
    RACHEL
    I get that. But I'm going all the way over there to meet them... Kind of just wanna know what I'm getting into. And, you know, they're your family.
    NICK
    Well... My family is much like anybody else's. There's half of them that you love and respect, and then there's the other half.
    RACHEL
    Which half am I meeting?
    CUT TO:

INT. MOVIE SET (TAIWAN) - NIGHT
    A HERO faces off against a VILLAIN. In the b.g., a BUXOM HEROINE is chained to a wall. The Hero and villain launch into a fast-paced, stylistic KUNG-FU FIGHT. The Hero wins and sets free the Heroine, who clutches him. SUPERIMPOSE: TAIWAN
    NICK (V.O.)
    Well, there's my cousin Alistair, based in Taiwan, works in movies.
    CONTINUED: Sitting on movie set is ALISTAIR CHENG (30s, sunglasses, dapper). The empty chair next to him has the name KITTY PONG on the back.
    MALE DIRECTOR
    And cut!
    NICK (V.O.)
    He's dating Kitty Pong, an actress.
    ALISTAIR
    Kitty.
    Buxom Heroine KITTY PONG (20s, DD implants) runs into the arms of Alistair. She speaks with a GIRLY TAIWANESE ACCENT.
    KITTY
    Alistair. You like it? I was feeling very... very the emotions. Can you feel it?
    Kitty grabs his hand and places it forcefully on her boob.
    ALISTAIR
    Oh, I can feel all of you. And all of me.
    Alistair grabs Kitty's left thigh and yanks it up onto his hip. The DIRECTOR and Hero/Actor have an aside. On the back of the chair "TAIPEI TIGER 2."
    MOVIE HERO
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Ta zhen de lan toule. Keyi huan ren ma? \[She's terrible. Can we get someone else?\]
    MALE DIRECTORT
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Zhe bu xi ta nanpengyou dou zhidao. Ni neng shuo huan ren ma. \[He's financing the whole movie. You tell him his girlfriend sucks.\]
    They look on as Alistair and Kitty make out.

INT. PLANE
    Nick and Rachel continue their conversation.
    RACHEL
    Okay, and what about your cousin Eddie? You don't ever talk about him.
    NICK
    Well, Eddie is a big finance guy in Hong Kong. A real family man.
    CUT TO:

INT. PENTHOUSE APARTMENT (HONG KONG) - MORNING
    Eddie, his wife FIONA CHENG (30s, Hong Kong Chinese, in a simple but elegant dress), and their three sons (all under 8 and wearing matching Gucci outfits) are frozen in "natural" poses -- Eddie and Fiona "laugh" as their boys "play" with wooden airplanes that look more like props than toys -- as photographer RUSSELL WONG takes their portrait. Behind them, wide, floor-to-ceiling windows frame a panoramic view of Hong Kong. SUPERIMPOSE: HONG KONG EDDIE CHENG (30s, intense investment banker), ASTRID (30s, gorgeous, elegant).
    RUSSELL WONG
    You know if you move, it will look more natural.
    EDDIE
    No, this way you get our optimal angles.
    RUSSELL WONG
    Uh, then we're done.
    As Russell wraps up, Eddie scurries over, all smiles.
    EDDIE
    Russell, thank you so much. It's an honor to be photographed by you.
    FIONA
    (to kids)
    Good job, guys.
    (to nannies)
    Yes.
    CONTINUED:
    RUSSELL WONG
    My pleasure. People will love it in the next Hong Kong Vogue.
    NANNY
    (to kids)
    Give me that. You have to take a bath now.
    FIONA
    Thank you, Russell.
    Eddie beams, but the moment Russell and his ASSISTANTS exit, Eddie loses his smile. Turns on his wife, annoyed.
    EDDIE
    Hong Kong Vogue? I knew it. Your dress is a disaster. If you wore a Bottega gown, like I told you to, we'd be in the American Vogue.
    FIONA
    You can wear that gown to Hell, Eddie.
    Fiona walks off as the children jump into 2 TOY BENTLEYS and start chasing their beleaguered NANNIES...
    NANNY
    (to kids)
    Stop!
    NICK (V.O.)
    Then there's Astrid.

INT. PLANE
    RACHEL
    I remember Astrid. She's like who I wanna be when I grow up.
    NICK
    Astrid is awesome. And she's probably the only one I'm actually close with. And she's really grounded and down to earth once you get to know her.
    CUT TO:

INT. JEWELRY BOUTIQUE (SHANGHAI)
    SUPERIMPOSE: SHANGHAI CONTINUED: ASTRID (30s), striking, enters a LUXE HIGH-END BOUTIQUE where WEALTHY FEMALE CUSTOMERS look over FINE JEWELRY.
    NICK (V.O.)
    Not only did she graduate top of her class at Oxford, start multiple charities and is a fashion icon, Astrid has the biggest heart of any of my cousins.
    Astrid sees a LITTLE GIRL, the daughter of a customer, holding a TINY, STUFFED BUNNY with a YARN BOW as she tugs on her mother's sleeve.
    LITTLE GIRL
    Mummy? See what I made for bunny --
    But her mother waves her away, busy looking over baubles with her friend.
    LITTLE GIRL'S MOTHER
    No, not now, not now.
    But the customers, including the Little Girl's mother, soon notice Astrid and sneak looks and whisper to one another about her. Astrid walks by them and goes to the Little Girl, much to her mother's surprise.
    ASTRID
    (bends down; to Girl)
    Hi, I'm Astrid. What's your name?
    LITTLE GIRL
    Vita.
    ASTRID
    (re: bunny)
    And who's this?
    LITTLE GIRL
    Bun-Bun.
    ASTRID
    Well, I think Bun-Bun looks very dashing with his bow. You have a good eye.
    LITTLE GIRL
    Thank you.
    The Little Girl BEAMS, delighted. The girl's MOTHER lights up, proud. CONTINUED: The JEWELER approaches.
    JEWELER
    Ms. Leong, right this way.
    ASTRID
    It's very nice to meet you both.
    The patrons watch Astrid and the Jeweler disappear through a hallway into a restricted area...

INT. JEWELRY STORE - BACK ROOM - DAY
    It's a private room reserved for elite clientele. An ASSISTANT brings Astrid tea in a tiny antique cup as she surveys A STUNNING SELECTION OF OVER-THE-TOP JEWELRY.
    JEWELER
    These are all brand new from Antwerp. You're the first person I've shown them to.
    Astrid is unimpressed. Then she sees in ANOTHER DISPLAY CASE an understated pair of pearl drop earrings. She looks at them, intrigued.
    ASTRID
    What are those?
    The Jeweler smiles, approving of Astrid's taste. He takes the earrings out so she can get a closer look.
    JEWELER
    Those. Those are very special. Burmese pearl drop earrings. Set with emeralds, and rare pigeon- blood-red rubies. They were worn by Queen Supayalat at her self- anointed coronation in 1878.
    The assistant brings the earrings to Astrid. She picks them up to look closer, intrigued.
    ASTRID
    How much?
    JEWELER
    Having you wear one of my pieces is better publicity than I can buy. I'll let them go at cost.
    (beat)
    One point two million.
    Astrid gives a subtle nod.

INT. PLANE - NIGHT
    The plane is now in the air and Nick and Rachel's suite has been converted into a bedroom. They wear the complimentary pajamas as they lie in bed, continuing their conversation about Nick's family.
    RACHEL
    So, if you have all this family there, why are we staying in a hotel? Aren't good Chinese sons supposed to stay with their parents?
    NICK
    Well, because A) I'm not that good a son, and B) I just want you to myself, just for a bit. That okay?
    RACHEL
    Okay.
    Rachel smiles and kisses Nick. He rolls on top of her.

EXT. SKYLINE (SINGAPORE) - NIGHT
    The plane flies across the South China Sea into the sunset, heading for a SHINING JEWEL at the tip of the Malaysian Peninsula. INERT - WORLD MAP SUPERIMPOSE: NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN, SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN, NEW YORK, NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN, SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN, CHINA, INDIA, INDIAN OCEAN, SINGAPORE, AUSTRALIA We ZOOM IN ON SINGAPORE -- SUPERIMPOSE: MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE STRAIT, MAIN STRAIT, INDONESIA

EXT. SINGAPORE (ESTABLISHING)
    SUPERIMPOSE: SINGAPORE

INT. CHANGI AIRPORT - DAY
    Nick and Rachel emerge with other TRAVELERS, pushing luggage carts as they emerge from customs. Rachel looks around the shiny arrival hall in wonderment. CONTINUED:
    RACHEL
    I can't believe this airport has a butterfly garden and a movie theater. JFK is just salmonella and despair.
    WOMAN (O.S.)
    Nick!!! Nick!!!
    Through the crowd runs a willowy, young woman, ARAMINTA (20s) clutching BALLOONS, rushing up to meet them. She throttles Nick, wrapping her legs tightly around his waist. Behind her is a ruggedly handsome man, COLIN (30s), holding a PLACARD that reads "Best Man." Nick lights up to see them.
    ARAMINTA
    Nick!!! Nick!!!
    NICK
    Araminta!
    ARAMINTA
    I missed you.
    NICK
    I missed you, too.
    Araminta releases Nick and immediately grabs Rachel in a tight hug. Rachel reacts, surprised, amused. Colin grabs Nick in a big bear hug, pulling him back and forth.
    ARAMINTA
    Rachel.
    NICK
    (to Colin)
    Hey.
    RACHEL
    Hi!
    COLIN
    (to Nick)
    ARAMINTA
    (to Rachel)
    There he is. How are you? It's so nice to finally meet you.
    NICK
    (to Colin)
    RACHEL
    (to Araminta)
    I'm good. It's so nice to meet you, too. Araminta has no makeup on under her spectacles, and is wearing pajama pants, a tank top, and flip-flops. Nick gives Colin a big hug. CONTINUED:
    COLIN
    Ah! Nicki-Nick! Welcome!
    NICK
    It's been too long, brother.
    COLIN
    It has been too long. Welcome back.
    NICK
    You guys didn't have to pick us up.
    ARAMINTA
    Of course we did. We had to!
    COLIN
    Of course I had to come welcome my best man properly.
    (to Rachel)
    Hi, Rachel.
    RACHEL
    Hello.
    They embrace warmly.
    COLIN
    Oh! Lovely to finally meet you.
    RACHEL
    Nice to meet you, too.
    COLIN
    Shall we? Let me help you with this.
    ARAMINTA
    Yes.
    (handing Rachel the balloons)
    And these are for you.
    NICK
    Yes! I can grab these. All right.
    RACHEL
    Oh! Thank you.
    ARAMINTA
    I know they're a bit over the top.
    CONTINUED:
    COLIN
    Let's get you all localized.
    ARAMINTA
    Are you hungry?
    RACHEL
    I'm always hungry. So let's eat everything we can.
    ARAMINTA
    Okay.

EXT. CHANGI AIRPORT - DAY
    Colin pushes the luggage cart out the door, flanked by Rachel, Nick, and Araminta.

EXT./INT. HIGHWAY/SUV - DUSK
    The open-top SUV flies down the highway. Colin is at the wheel as Nick, Rachel, and Araminta take in the sites.

INT. HAWKER CENTER - NIGHT
    FLAMES LEAP over a wok as a CRAB is thrown in. QUICK CUTS OF FOOD: stir-fried clams, turnip cakes, banana leaf rice, laksa soup noodles, ice being shaved over an ice kachang bowl. Rachel stares in wonderment at an endless hive of food stalls underneath swaying palm trees, right on the beach. Even though it is late, the place teems with HUNDREDS of DINERS. All eating with great relish. Nick, Araminta, and Colin move like seasoned locals. Colin scans the seating area, spots a table.
    COLIN
    Minty, three o'clock!
    Araminta hurries over, buys TISSUE PACKETS from an OLD WOMAN.
    WOMAN AT MARKET
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Guam Xia. \[Thank you.\]
    CONTINUED:
    ARAMINTA
    (in Mandarin)
    Guam Xia.
    (in English)
    Hey, guys! Here!
    Araminta tosses a tissue packet to Nick and Rachel. Nick grabs Rachel, kicking off our --
    NICK
    Oh, thank you.
    (to Rachel)
    Come with me.
    MONTAGE -- They walk by the dizzying array of stalls, Nick is excited to share this world with Rachel:
    NICK
    Each of these hawker stalls sells pretty much one dish, and they've been perfecting it for generations. You know, this is one of the only places in the world where street food vendors actually earn Michelin stars.
    -- A beaming PRAWN NOODLE SELLER HUGS Nick.
    NOODLE SELLER
    Hey! How are you, sir? Long time, no see, my friend.
    (calls to worker; handing Nick food)
    Here you go. Thank you very much, sir.
    NICK
    Uncle! Oh. Cheers.
    -- Colin brings food to a table where Araminta sits, tissue packets holding a place for all of them.
    COLIN
    Ooh! Look at this. Look at this.
    ARAMINTA
    Oh, my favorite.
    -- Nick orders from a MALAY SATAY vendor. CONTINUED:
    NICK
    (in Malay)
    Sate dua puluh. Sepuluh ayam. Sepuluh daging. \[Twenty pieces of satay. Ten chicken satay. Ten beef satay.\]
    SAME SCENE - LATER The table is OVERFLOWING with various dishes.
    RACHEL
    Hmm.
    COLIN
    There he is. Nice.
    NICK
    Where do you want me to put this?
    Nick and Rachel go off to order more food.
    NICK
    (in Mandarin)
    Luxa, liang wan, yi wan buyao lajiang. \[Luxa, give me one bowl of that, one of them without spicy sauce.\]
    BACK AT THE TABLE Nick hands each of them mug of beer.
    NICK
    One of those for you.
    RACHEL
    Yes, thank you.
    SHAVED ICE VENDOR Nick and Rachel ordering shaved ice.
    NICK
    (in Mandarin)
    Guan Xia.
    RACHEL
    Looks a little vomity.
    AT ANOTHER VENDOR Nick is now ordering soup. BACK AT THE TABLE They are finally enjoying all the various dishes.
    RACHEL
    Oh, my God!
    NICK
    Yes! I told you! I told you. The best satay on the island. For sure. All right.
    Araminta and Colin grin with approval.
    COLIN
    All right, dig in, guys.
    ARAMINTA
    Oh, really? So yummy, isn't it?
    COLIN
    (to Nick)
    Oh, before I forget, I need your help tomorrow. Uh, I need to do some groomsmen stuff and I don't wanna do it alone with Bernard Tai.
    NICK
    I still cannot believe that you got that guy to be your groomsman.
    ARAMINTA
    Thank you. Thank you. I rest my case.
    NICK
    Minty...
    COLIN
    Well, it wasn't up to me, was it? It's not my choice. Bernard is the human douche nozzle who used to steal my tuck shop money when we were kids, until Nicki-Nick beat him up.
    NICK
    Well...
    CONTINUED:
    ARAMINTA
    Um...
    RACHEL
    You beat somebody up?
    NICK
    Hold on -- I threw a single punch. I fell on the floor and the guy sat on me. So, wasn't really much of a fight.
    COLIN
    (raises glass)
    A toast, guys. To my best man, Nick Young, who can't fight for nuts, but will always have your back!
    NICK
    Thank you.
    Colin and Nick continue to laugh and reminisce.
    ARAMINTA
    A toast to married life.
    COLIN
    Oh! Not yet! Not yet! Too early.
    ARAMINTA
    Oh, God!
    NICK
    Oh! Well, this time next week, guys!
    NICK
    We gotta get over your bachelor party first, matey.
    COLIN
    Is that necessary, man? Come on!
    ARAMINTA
    Listen, Rachel, I know we've only just met, but it's my bachelorette party this weekend and I would love for you to come.
    Rachel is surprised, happy to be embraced by Nick's pals. Nick and Colin still bantering in the b.g. CONTINUED:
    COLIN
    (to Nick)
    RACHEL
    (to Araminta)
    Hold on, if I make it out That would be amazing. alive! I would be -- Thank you so much!
    NICK
    That's gonna be the least...
    ARAMINTA
    Good!
    NICK
    If I -- Am I out of the picture?
    COLIN
    Thanks, man.
    NICK
    Am I totally out of the picture?
    COLIN
    Yes, I've replaced you with Bernard.
    NICK
    Well, that --
    COLIN
    Screw that, man.
    Nick and Colin joke and laugh with each other.
    ARAMINTA
    Also, I have to say, I can't remember the last time I saw Nick like this.
    NICK
    (overlaps)
    No, that's funny, though.
    RACHEL
    He's just happy to be home.
    ARAMINTA
    (making a face)
    Oh, yeah, he's just happy to be home. With you.
    NICK
    (overlaps)
    I'm sorry. I'm sorry, man. Your dad will be the death of you.
    We STAY ON Rachel -- she looks at Nick, happy, in his element. He glances at her with that smile -- and she falls that much more in love with him. CONTINUED:
    COLIN
    My dad will be the death of me. Oh, cheers to that.
    COLIN
    Guys, we have to dig in 'cause this crab is not gonna eat itself.
    RACHEL
    Okay.
    ARAMINTA
    Yeah. Pass me that.
    RACHEL
    What should I try first?
    (to Colin)
    Do you want some of this?
    COLIN
    Eat up, eat up! Try some of this. Oh, thank you.
    RACHEL
    It's really spicy.
    NICK
    It is really spicy. Oh, God!

EXT. CITY
    The four of them driving down the highway in the open-top SUV enjoying the beautiful city. Nick points to various landmarks with glee. We see a MONTAGE of beautiful fountains, boats going under bridges, etc. The girls, in the back seat, put their arms around their guys' necks and snuggle.
    ARAMINTA
    Whoo!
    (shouting)
    Nick's in Singapore!
    NICK
    It's good to be home.

INT. ASTRID'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
    Astrid enters, followed by the porters. The apartment isn't enormous, but each room is straight out of the pages of Architectural Digest. TWO MAIDS quickly swing into action, taking the bags and unpacking them. CONTINUED:
    ASTRID
    Is Michael here?
    MAID
    Not yet, ma'am. Also, your son woke up. He wants to see you.
    ASTRID
    All right. You know what to do. Quickly.
    MAID
    Okay. Put over here. Okay... Move, move.
    The Maids nod, knowing the drill. The head Maid hides two bags labeled "Dior" and "Lotus - Arts de Vivre" in a drawer. The begin scurrying around the apartment in a frenzy. SERIES OF QUICK CUTS -- One maid puts a small jewelry-sized box tied with a bow in a metal tin and places the lid back on. -- Another maid stashes a small box in a kitchen drawer and covers it with the cloth napkins. -- In the bathroom, Astrid takes off her EARRINGS, puts them back in their original box and places the box above the mirror.

INT. ASTRID'S APARTMENT - CASSIAN'S ROOM - NIGHT
    Astrid lies by her son, CASSIAN (3), who's half-asleep in bed as she reads The Little Prince to him in French.
    ASTRID
    (in perfect French)
    -- Cette visite fut très courte, mais elle plongea le petit prince dans une grande mélancolie...
    Astrid pauses when she hears SOMEONE enter the apartment. She looks to Cassian, now sound asleep, and heads out.

INT. ASTRID'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT
    We see a man taking a shower. This is MICHAEL TEO, 30s, Astrid's husband, former Army Sergeant, and ripped/hot as all hell, exits the bathroom in a towel. CONTINUED: He talks to Astrid, who's on the bed as he dries off and gets ready for bed.
    MICHAEL
    I'm sorry. Got stuck in a meeting.
    ASTRID
    It's okay. I get it. But don't forget, wedding festivities start on Wednesday, so no emergencies next week.
    MICHAEL
    (facetious)
    I know. Wouldn't dream of missing a second with your family and their friends.
    ASTRID
    Come on, it won't be all bad. Nick and his new girlfriend will be there. You'll like her.
    MICHAEL
    Oh, yeah? Why? 'Cause she's a commoner like me?
    ASTRID
    You know that's not what I meant.
    MICHAEL
    Oh... You know, I thought I caught the maids trying to shove a pair of Jimmy Choos behind the dryer.
    (off Astrid kissing his shoulder)
    Yeah, I don't know why you bother trying to hide your shopping from me. You can buy whatever you want. I get it. Besides, everybody knows you wear the money pants in this family.
    ASTRID
    (whispering)
    Pants are overrated.
    (kisses his shoulder; then)
    Oh, I got you something, too. To celebrate the launch of your startup. I know you don't like expensive gifts, but you're not a captain in the Army anymore.
    CONTINUED:
    ASTRID
    You're a CEO. You should look the part.
    She takes the gift out from under the pillow revealing an expensive men's watch.
    ASTRID
    To celebrate the launch of your startup. I know you don't like expensive gifts, but you're not a captain in the Army anymore, you're a CEO. You should look the part.
    MICHAEL
    I -- I love it. Thank you.
    He KISSES her. She kisses back.

INT. RAFFLES HOTEL - SUITE - MORNING
    Radio alarms goes off. It's playing Marvin Gaye's "You're All I Need to Get By." REVEAL Rachel waking up in a luxurious, Colonial suite -- smiles when she remembers where she is. Nick's arm is around her. She turns to see he's awake, smiling.
    RACHEL
    What time is it?
    NICK
    Morning. I'm afraid it's time for me to do some groomsman duties.
    RACHEL
    Ummmmmmmmmm... Stay in bed.
    NICK
    You stay here. I'll get you a breakfast tray.
    Nick gets out of bed as Rachel lazily sits up, putting her glasses on.
    RACHEL
    You know, I have to get up, too. I told Peik Lin I would meet up with her today.
    CONTINUED:
    NICK
    Ah, a little college reunion. But don't forget. Dinner at Ah Ma's tonight.
    RACHEL
    Mm-hmm.
    NICK
    The whole family's gonna be there.
    RACHEL
    Yes.
    NICK
    I can't wait to show you off.
    She moves her glasses back and forth on her nose, in and out as if trying to get a better focus on Nick's body.
    RACHEL
    Hubba-hubba.
    NICK
    How can I resist?
    RACHEL
    Ah. Ooga-ooga.
    Rachel looks at him lovingly. He comes back for one more kiss.
    NICK
    You put those glasses on on purpose.

EXT. TAXI/GOH FAMILY HOME - DAY
    Rachel exits a taxi wearing the red dress her mother picked. She goes to the gate of a showy mansion. We hear a BUZZER, then the gate opens. We hear another BUZZER and the front door opens. PEIK LIN (29), emerges carrying one of her Pekingese dogs. Peik Lin is half type-A go-getter, half hip-hop, all attitude.
    PEIK LIN
    New York in the house! Yeah! Yeah!
    CONTINUED: Peik Lin rushes to her, as they hug:
    RACHEL
    Aw! Peik Lin!
    PEIK LIN
    What up, bitch? Yeah! Yeah!
    RACHEL
    Oh, my God! You look amazing.
    PEIK LIN
    I know. Some things never change, right?
    RACHEL
    (re: mansion)
    And this is q-- quite a place.
    SIX GOLDEN-HAIRED PEKINGESE DOGS run out, their high- pitched yaps filling the air.
    NEENAH
    Astor! Vanderbilt! Rockefeller! Naughty, naughty boys, stop barking. Hey, Rachel!
    RACHEL
    Hi!
    NEENAH GOH (50s), Peik Lin's mother, comes out. A short woman with a bouffant perm. She wears a tight blouse, a belt of interlinked gold Medusa heads, tight trousers, and pink slippers.
    NEENAH
    Singapore is so hot. Come in and enjoy the aircon. Come, come on. Whole family waiting to meet you. Very excited.
    They head into:

INT. GOH HOUSE - DAY
    Neena and Peik Lin show Rachel into the cavernous living room, everything is covered with gold or mirrors. Rachel takes it in, amazed.
    NEENAH
    Rachel, welcome, welcome.
    CONTINUED:
    RACHEL
    Wow! Oh, my gosh! Your house is amazing, Mrs. Goh.
    NEENAH
    (in Hokkien; subtitled)
    Li gaou kong wei ah. \[You're such a sweet talker.\]
    (in English)
    Call me Auntie. Auntie Neenah.
    RACHEL
    Sorry. Auntie Neenah.
    NEENAH
    Oh, yeah. Uh... Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. We were inspired by the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles.
    PEIK LIN
    (to Rachel; low)
    And Donald Trump's bathroom, as well.
    RACHEL
    Really?
    PEIK LIN
    Yeah.
    NEENAH
    You like it or not?
    RACHEL
    Oh, yes. Uh, the gold is very brilliant.

INT. GOH HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY
    SEVEN MEMBERS of the Goh family sit at a long dining table as four maids serve the anything-but-"small" lunch. It's a free-for-all as everyone reaches for food. It's a colorful bunch. There's Peik Lin's father WYE MUN (50s), and a multitude of children including: P.T. (30s) shy, overweight, TWO ADORABLE TWIN GIRLS who eat CHICKEN NUGGETS from a TAKEOUT BOX on heavy, gold-rimmed Limoges plates, and a BABY in a TRICKED-OUT GOLD BASSINET. Neena waves chopsticks at Rachel. CONTINUED:
    WYE MUN
    Uh, uh, uh. Rachel Chu, we are so, uh, grateful for all the help you have given my, uh, Peik Lin back in her uni days. I mean, without you, uh, she would be a hot mess.
    He chuckles.
    RACHEL
    Oh, my God, no. Actually, if it wasn't for her, I'd be a big mess. She was a huge help to me in college.
    (beat)
    It's nice to meet you, Mr. Goh.
    WYE MUN
    Nice to meet you, too, uh, Chu. Ku-ku. Ku-Chu. You. Poo-poo.
    (laughs)
    No, I'm just kidding. I don't have an accent. I'm just messing with you.
    Neenah chuckles.
    WYE MUN
    No, no, I, I studied in the States, too. Yeah, Cal State Fullerton. Yeah. I majored in Thought.
    RACHEL
    Hmm.
    NEENAH
    Don't stand on ceremony, Rachel. This is simple food, lah.
    WYE MUN
    Ah! Cha-cha-cha. Don't be shy.
    RACHEL
    Oh. Thank you.
    WYE MUN
    You're not a model.
    RACHEL
    I am definitely not.
    Rachel looks at thirteen different dishes, which look anything but simple. CONTINUED: Wye Mun puts food on Rachel's plate. Neena feeds her dog with chopsticks sitting in a chair next to her.
    WYE MUN
    No, you're not. Not at all. You're far from it.
    RACHEL
    I know.
    WYE MUN
    And make sure you eat it all. 'Cause I'm watching you.
    RACHEL
    Okay, thank you.
    WYE MUN
    Okay, yeah.
    TWIN GIRL #1
    Ah pa, can we go trampoline!
    TWIN GIRL #2
    ... go trampoline.
    WYE MUN
    Ay, you haven't finished your nuggets yet, sweetie. Okay, there's a lot of children starving in America, right? I mean, take a look at her. She's American. Huh? Really skinny. You wanna look like that?
    TWIN GIRL #1 AND #2
    No.
    WYE MUN
    Then eat your nuggets.
    The girls dutifully return to their food.
    NEENA
    So, Rachel, what you do in America?
    RACHEL
    Um, I'm an economics professor.
    WYE MUN
    (impressed)
    Whoa. Very impressive. Econ professor, eh? Wow! You must be very smart. Good for you.
    RACHEL
    Mm-hmm.
    CONTINUED:
    WYE MUN
    (to Peik Lin)
    Let me get this straight. You both went to the same school, yet someone came back with a degree that's useful. And the other came back as Asian Ellen.
    Peik Lin reacts, grandpa laughs. Wye Mun turns to his son, P.T.
    WYE MUN
    (nods toward Rachel)
    Psst. P.T.
    P.T.
    Hmm?
    WYE MUN
    (nodding toward Rachel)
    Look over here. She's a hottie. This is the kind of girl you should date. Smart, beautiful. Not those, like, K-Pop skanks, with, like, no brain, big eyes and small backsides. She has an amazing backside. This is Goh standard. Don't be shy. Just talk to her.
    P.T. looks up from his noodles, clueless.
    P.T.
    (whispering)
    I love you.
    WYE MUN
    Okay. No, just, uh...
    PEIK LIN
    Pa, she's here with her boyfriend.
    WYE MUN
    I don't see no ring on her finger.
    RACHEL
    Oh, well, my boyfriend's actually from Singapore and that's why we're here. We're here to go to his best friend's wedding where he's gonna be the best man.
    WYE MUN
    Hmm.
    CONTINUED:
    NEENAH
    What's his name? This is a very small island. Maybe we know his family.
    RACHEL
    His name is Nick Young.
    The food drops out of Wye Mun's mouth. The whole table STOPS EATING. Eyes go wide. Jaws drop. Even grandpa and the twins stop what they're doing and look at Rachel. Rachel becomes self-conscious.
    RACHEL
    Uh...
    PEIK LIN
    The Nick you're dating is Nick Young?!
    NEENAH
    (puts it together)
    His best friend... You're invited to Colin Khoo's wedding, ah?!!
    RACHEL
    Yeah. You guys know them or something?
    P.T. snaps a quick pic of Rachel on his cell. He smiles and admires it like it's the Mona Lisa.
    WYE MUN
    Hells yeah. The Khoos, the Youngs, I mean, who doesn't know who they are?!
    (getting worked up)
    They're just the biggest developers in all of Singapore. And Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, New Mexico.
    PEIK LIN
    She gets it.
    (to Rachel)
    Colin and Araminta's wedding is, like, Singapore's event of the century! The Youngs are like royalty.
    Wye Mun vigorously shakes his head, "yes."
    PEIK LIN
    Did you not know? Does she not know?
    CONTINUED:
    NEENAH
    Why you never say before?! Tell, tell, what are they like?
    RACHEL
    I don't really know what they're -- I, I mean, I haven't met them yet. I'm gonna meet them tonight. I'm going to Nick's grandma's house.
    PEIK LIN
    You're going to Nick's grandma's house wearing this?
    (re: Rachel's dress)
    Wearing that?
    They all laugh.
    P.T.
    No way. No way.
    RACHEL
    Yeah, I thought red was a lucky color, right?
    WYE MUN
    Yeah, if you're an envelope. Zing! Nailed it!
    P.T. takes another picture of Rachel, but she waves him off.
    RACHEL
    No.
    TWINS
    Zing zing!
    Peik Lin looks Rachel up and down, shaking her head disgusted with her outfit.

INT. PEIK LIN'S BEDROOM - CLOSET - DAY
    Peik Lin throws open the doors to her massive walk-in closet. Clothes are color-coded, wrapped in plastic, with a string of POLAROIDS over them showing the different looks. Rachel looks around, in awe.
    PEIK LIN
    Rachel, these people aren't just rich, okay. They're crazy rich.
    Peik Lin looks around, pulls out a LARGE HANDBAG with a WORLD MAP on it, which she points to as she explains: CONTINUED:
    PEIK LIN
    Look, there's new money all over Asia. We got the Beijing Billionaires, the Taiwan Tycoons. But the Young family, they're old money rich. They had money when they left China in the 1800s. And they went all the way down here. Not there. Here. They came to Singapore when there was nothing but jungle and pig farmers. There was a snake here, eating an apple. You know what I mean? And they built all of this. Now, they're the landlords of the most expensive city in the world. Here you go.
    (hands Rachel the purse)
    These people are so posh and snobby, they're snoshy. Here you go.
    Peik Lin hands her a pair of platform shoes.
    RACHEL
    Yeah, but Nick's not like that.
    PEIK LIN
    Even if he isn't, I guarantee you the family is. Which is why tonight, you need to not look like Sebastian of The Little Mermaid. You know, little crab guy.
    Peik Lin throws her a dress...

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
    AN AUDI SWERVES ERRATICALLY through traffic, brakes squealing, horns honking.

INT. AUDI - NIGHT
    Rachel, in an elegant cocktail dress, holds on for dear life as Peik Lin drives like she's on the Indy circuit.
    PEIK LIN
    (shouting at cars)
    Come on, this isn't your grandma's road. God damn it.
    CONTINUED:
    RACHEL
    Thank you for driving me.
    PEIK LIN
    Duh. This is, like, my one chance to see the Young family mansion.
    RACHEL
    Mm.
    They turn off onto a private road.
    FEMALE GPS VOICE (V.O.)
    At the next intersection, make a U- turn. Make a U-turn.
    PEIK LIN
    Uh, are you sure you gave me the right address? The GPS says there's, like, nothing here. Like literally nothing.
    They pull over on a deserted road.
    RACHEL
    I mean, I -- I put in the exact address. This is --
    PEIK LIN
    You copied and your pasted it?
    RACHEL
    Yeah.
    PEIK LIN
    Did you just copy and paste 'jungle' and just kind of threw it in there?
    RACHEL
    No, it says this is the address...
    PEIK LIN
    Because I feel like that's -- You actually used the --
    A bearded man wearing a red turban appears at her side window.
    PEIK LIN
    -- Okay. All right. That's a -- Hi! So we'll just --
    (rolls down window just a crack)
    Hello, sir. How are you?
    CONTINUED:
    PEIK LIN
    We're here for the party, and we're... We come in peace.
    RACHEL
    Do you know where the Young family house is?
    Another man appears at Rachel's window. These are uniformed SIKH GUARDS.
    RACHEL
    Nicholas Young? I'm, I'm Rachel Chu. I'm here to, to go to his family dinner.
    The one guard carrying a rifle creeps around the car, inspecting it. The other speaks on his walkie-talkie.
    PEIK LIN
    Uh, Rachel Chu for the list. If there is a list.

EXT. TYERSALL GROUNDS/AUDI - CONTINUOUS ACTION - NIGHT
    In the middle of nowhere, a MASSIVE GATE looms with TYERSALL PARK written across the top. The gate is closed. The guard on the walkie walks to the gate looking back at Peik Lin and Rachel.
    PEIK LIN
    He's on the phone. He's on the phone. Is that a gun knife? It's a knife gun. It's a --
    The other guard now comes around to Peik Lin's window.
    PEIK LIN
    Okay, and there's a friend. Hi! Very, very nice to --
    Guard #1 motions for them to drive forward.
    GUARD #1
    Uh-huh. Yeah, yeah.
    PEIK LIN
    We can go through? We're going through? Okay. Don't stab the car.
    The gates swing open.
    PEIK LIN
    Okay. Thank you. Bye!
    CONTINUED: As Peik Lin drives through the gates, she and Rachel look around, entranced. STREET LIGHTS/LANTERNS illuminate both sides of the large driveway, which seems to wind endlessly up through a hilly rainforest. Unlike the rest of developed Singapore, it feels old, untouched. Peik Lin has her mouth hanging open, amazed.
    RACHEL
    Oh, my God, it's beautiful.
    The forest finally gives way to rolling grounds and an avenue lined with tall palms. A VAST COLONIAL MANSION comes INTO VIEW. This is not a house, it is a palace.
    PEIK LIN
    Beautiful? It's two hundred mil worth of real estate.
    (almost tearing up)
    ... It's spectacular.
    They drive up to the front of the house. Servants are posted in various locations outside. Two of the servants open the front doors and Nick, in a linen suit and perfectly-tousled hair, walks out. Looking every bit the prince of the manor.
    PEIK LIN
    (awestruck)
    Damn, Rachel. He's like the Asian 'Bachelor.'
    Nick walks up to the car and opens Rachel's door.
    NICK
    Hello, gorgeous.
    He takes her hand as she exits the car. Nick looks at her outfit, impressed.
    NICK
    Wow! I think I've just fallen in love with you all over again.
    He kisses her -- Peik Lin clears her throat.
    RACHEL
    I missed you.
    NICK
    Missed you, too.
    Peik Lin keeps clearing her throat, trying to get Rachel's attention. CONTINUED:
    RACHEL
    Yeah?
    NICK
    What did you get up to?
    PEIK LIN
    (hisses)
    Rachel!
    RACHEL
    Oh, uh, this is my friend, Peik Lin.
    NICK
    Hey, there.
    PEIK LIN
    Howdy.
    NICK
    Thank you very much for bringing Rachel.
    PEIK LIN
    Oh, no worries.
    NICK
    Do you wanna stop by for some dinner?
    PEIK LIN
    Oh, no, I couldn't impose. It's a --
    NICK
    (interrupts)
    No, it's not a problem.
    PEIK LIN
    You know, I had some dinner plans --
    NICK
    Seriously, we've got a lot of --
    PEIK LIN
    Yeah, I'll fucking come to dinner.
    RACHEL
    I missed you.
    NICK
    Did you?
    RACHEL
    Yes.
    CONTINUED:
    NICK
    How was your day?
    RACHEL
    It was fun! I got to meet Peik Lin's whole family, and her dogs.
    Nick and Rachel continue to chit-chat in the b.g. --
    NICK
    Yeah?
    RACHEL
    Yeah, and twin sisters. And Peik Lin dressed me.
    Peik Lin jumps out, pops the trunk, and sorts through several outfits covered in garment bags labeled: "Clubbing," "Cocktail," and "Walk of Shame."
    PEIK LIN
    (re: "Walk of Shame")
    Nope.
    She pulls out the COCKTAIL DRESS and a pair of HEELS.
    RACHEL
    You have a cocktail dress in your trunk?
    PEIK LIN
    (of course)
    I'm not an animal, Rachel.
    As they head in, Rachel and Peik Lin look around at all the guests --
    RACHEL
    (to Nick)
    I thought this was just a family thing.
    NICK
    Grandmother's invited some of her friends over tonight. Her tan huas are blooming.
    RACHEL
    Oh.
    NICK
    It's a whole thing. You ready for this?
    CONTINUED: Rachel nods. Servants open the doors. Holding her hand, they enter:

INT. TYERSALL PARK - NIGHT
    Chanteuse JASMINE CHEN, backed by a JAZZ BAND, sings a Chinese number as Rachel, Nick, and Peik Lin enter.
    PEIK LIN
    Oh, damn, Nick. It's a party, though. Okay.
    Many guests mingle and talk in the b.g.
    WOMAN IN RED FLOWER DRESS WOMAN IN BLUE DRESS
    (to women) Hi. Yes.
    Hello. Mrs... Mrs...
    NICK
    (to Peik Lin)
    The good bathrooms are up the stairs, and you can get changed in there.
    PEIK LIN
    Okay, good, I'll find it. Thank you.
    Peik Lin climbs the stairs, then stops to take a SELFIE, climbs a few more stairs, and takes another SELFIE.
    RACHEL
    You know, when you said you grew up in your grandma's house, I wasn't expecting this.
    A waiter approaches carrying finger bowls with flowers floating in them. Rachel thinks they are drinks and begins to bring one to her mouth --
    RACHEL
    (to waiter)
    Thank you.
    NICK
    Oh, no, no, no. Those are for your fingers.
    (to server)
    Thank you very much.
    RACHEL
    Thank you.
    CONTINUED:
    NICK
    Uh, a little bit much, I know.
    RACHEL
    I mean, this place is gorgeous. And like the rolling green hills. I mean, there are armed guards out there.
    Rachel is looking at A STUFFED TIGER, mouth open, about to pounce.
    RACHEL
    And a giant tiger.
    Nick laughs.
    RACHEL
    Okay.
    NICK
    Now, that is Mr. Harimau. Now, my great-grandfather actually shot him when he ran into the house. But Astrid and I, we used to hide cigarettes in his paws.
    RACHEL
    Do you wanna head in?
    NICK
    Actually, I wanted to bring you over to my mum first.
    RACHEL
    Oh.
    NICK
    Come on.

INT. TYERSALL PARK - KITCHEN - NIGHT
    The DISTANT JAZZ RIFF CONTINUES as we ENTER a bustling scene with MAIDS plating food, choppers chopping veggies madly, COOKS working over WOKS that BURST INTO FLAME, CHILDREN sneaking snacks. Amidst it all is Eleanor in Carolina Herrera, presiding over everything. She inspects various dishes, dispatching orders with calm authority: CONTINUED:
    ELEANOR
    (in Cantonese; subtitled)
    Qie de you xi di, mi bao de han hou, di zhu wu hao tai. Fang lajiao... Shi fenzhong hao la. \[Cut it thinner. Don't wrap it too thick. Watch it, don't make it too soft. Add chili... Ten minutes only.\]
    She's clearly used to running a great house and being obeyed. She pauses when she sees Nick enter. She's delighted, but keeps her composure. Nick gives his mother a peck on the cheek.
    NICK
    Mum.
    Eleanor affectionately touches his hair.
    ELEANOR
    You need a haircut. So unkempt.
    (concerned)
    And you look tired from your trip. I'm gonna ask the cook to make you some herbal soup.
    (in Cantonese to cook)
    Dun di jitang bi shaoye.
    (to Nick)
    I'll send it to the hotel later.
    Eleanor sees Rachel.
    NICK
    Mum, this is Rachel Chu.
    RACHEL
    Oh, my gosh! I, I'm so happy to meet you, Mrs. Young.
    (gives her a big hug)
    Or, uh, Auntie. Right?
    (giggles)
    I'm learning the lingo.
    Eleanor smiles, subtly scans Rachel, evaluating her.
    ELEANOR
    I'm very glad to finally meet you, too. And I'm sorry Nick's father couldn't be here. He was called to business in Shanghai.
    CONTINUED:
    NICK
    I told Rachel when duty calls, Dad answers.
    ELEANOR
    As it should be.
    (to Rachel)
    Nick tells me you're a professor, too. What do you teach?
    RACHEL
    Um, I teach Economics.
    NICK
    And she's brilliant. NYU's youngest faculty member.
    To Nick and Rachel's surprise, Eleanor suddenly leaves the conversation to inspect a tray of hors d'oeuvres. She fixes the tray and then returns.
    ELEANOR
    (to cooks; in Cantonese; subtitled)
    Wu hao luo ge ge, lingwai. \[Don't take that one. Another one.\]
    (back to Nick and Rachel)
    So, economics. Sounds challenging.
    (subtly fishing)
    Are your parents academics, as well?
    RACHEL
    Uh, no. Well, my dad actually died before I was born and, um, my mom didn't even go to college. She actually hardly spoke any English when she immigrated to the United States.
    ELEANOR
    (in Cantonese; to cook; subtitled)
    Fang di yan qian xi ge du. \[Put some cilantro there.\]
    RACHEL
    But she worked really hard, and she studied, and she earned her real estate license while she was waiting tables to support us.
    CONTINUED:
    RACHEL
    Now, she likes to say that she's Flushing's top real estate broker.
    Nick glances at his mother, gauging her reaction.
    ELEANOR
    Self-made woman. She must be so proud of you.
    Eleanor continues fiddling and fussing with the table, inspecting the food, coldly turning her back on the couple.
    RACHEL
    Well, she knows that I'm passionate about what I do, and she's always wanted that for me.
    ELEANOR
    Pursuing one's passions. How American. Well, your mother is very open-minded, not like here, where parents are obsessed with shaping the life of their children.
    It sounds like a compliment, but Rachel isn't entirely sure. Eleanor turns away again to talk to a passing COOK before returning to Rachel: Eleanor shoots Nick a look. He shifts, uncomfortable, and is relieved to hear a MUSICAL GONG from upstairs.
    NICK
    Hmm. Oh. That's dinner.
    ELEANOR
    Hmm. Go ahead. I'll be out in a minute. Rachel, it was lovely meeting you.
    RACHEL
    Thank you. You, too.
    Rachel smiles as she and Nick head off.
    RACHEL
    Okay, she hates me.
    NICK
    (optimistic)
    She takes a little minute to warm up, but we'll get there.
    OFF Eleanor, watching Rachel leave...

INT. TYERSALL PARK - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
    Rachel and Nick enter. She is stunned. The expansive "living room" looks more like a glamorous club in Shanghai. DOZENS of impeccably-dressed, bejeweled GUESTS cluster in seating areas. A buffet is STACKED with gorgeous dishes and desserts.
    ASTRID (O.S.)
    Nicki!
    NICK
    Astrid.
    ASTRID
    Rachel!
    NICK
    Hey, good to see you.
    ASTRID
    I'm so glad you could make it.
    As we GO TO different tableaus and conversations, CAMERA DANCES ALONG, giving the feel of a choreographed number. Astrid, in a perfect cocktail dress, heads for them, followed by Michael. She hugs Nick and Rachel, delighted.
    NICK
    Michael.
    RACHEL
    Astrid! So good to see a face I know.
    MICHAEL
    Nick.
    ASTRID
    This is my husband, Michael.
    MICHAEL
    Nice to meet you. Heard so much about you.
    RACHEL
    Nice to meet you, Michael.
    Eddie barrels in, smacks Nick too hard on the back. CONTINUED:
    EDDIE
    Hey, the golden boy's back! Nick!
    (to Rachel)
    And you must be Rachel. I'm Edison Cheng. This is my wife.
    FIONA
    HI, I'm Fi--
    EDDIE
    Her name is Fiona. So, I see you've already met Princess Astrid and her little soldier toy-boy, Mikey.
    (busts Michael's balls)
    You know Mikey is a big-shot tech startup guy. So if you, uh, forget your password, he's your man.
    (then)
    So, you're from the Taiwan plastic Chus, right?
    RACHEL
    Oh, well, actually...
    As Eddie commandeers Rachel, Michael has an aside with Nick.
    MICHAEL
    Can I punch him in the face? Just once.
    NICK
    Take a number.
    MICHAEL
    I'll be in my usual corner.
    (to Astrid)
    Champagne?
    ASTRID
    Thank you.
    Astrid goes over to Nick.
    ASTRID
    So, have you prepped Rachel to face the wolves?
    NICK
    Rachel is a New Yorker, and she lectures Millennials for a living. I think she can manage our family.
    CONTINUED: Astrid looks at Nick like he's crazy.
    ASTRID
    You've been away too long.
    BACK WITH RACHEL AND EDDIE
    EDDIE
    Okay, sorry, time out. So, you're not from a Taiwan Chu family?
    RACHEL
    Nope.
    EDDIE
    Hong Kong telecom Chus?
    RACHEL
    No.
    EDDIE
    Malaysian packing peanut Chus?
    RACHEL
    Is that really a thing?
    EDDIE
    Yeah, it's everywhere. You just --
    Before Eddie can continue, Nick cuts in.
    NICK
    I'm gonna stop you there because I'm gonna take her on the rounds. We'll be back, though.
    As Nick and Rachel leave, Eddie calls after.
    EDDIE
    No, wait. Hang on. China instant noodle Chus. Rachel...
    (as Rachel turns)
    Chu are you?
    (to Fiona)
    Let's go.
    Eddie laughs hysterically at his own horrible joke. Rachel politely smiles and moves on. Francesca and Celine hover nearby to listen in and get the dirt on Rachel. PARTY SEQUENCE The jazz band breaks into a DRUM SECTION as Nick introduces his family to Rachel, who's anxious to make a good impression. CAMERA DOES 360 LOOPS AROUND them, REVEALING a new set of people each time: -- WITH AUNTIES ALIX AND FELICITY:
    NICK
    This is Auntie Alix and Auntie Felicity.
    RACHEL
    Hi! It's so nice to meet you. I've never been to a tan hua party before.
    FELICITY
    We love any excuse to throw a soirée. Do your parents like to entertain? Oh! I'm sorry. Your mother's single.
    Alix shoots Felicity a "don't be insensitive" look.
    RACHEL
    Yup.
    OFF Rachel, amused, realizing word has gotten around. ON AUNTY JACQUELINE
    NICK
    Auntie Jacqueline. One of my parents' oldest friends.
    JACQUELINE
    I actually met Nick's father at Cambridge.
    (fishing)
    So, what line of work is your father in?
    RACHEL
    Oh, my father died before I was born. But he was a factory worker in China.
    Jacqueline slurps her wine loudly to drown out the horror on her face. In the b.g. Francesca and Celine overhear, smirk. CONTINUED: -- An OLDER CHINESE LADY (60s) in traditional Chinese dress, speaks to Nick, happy to see him.
    LING CHEH (OLDER CHINESE LADY)
    (to Nick; in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Nicki a, shi ni nv pengyou a? Yao gankuai jiehun luo, a? \[Nicki, is this your girlfriend? You should hurry up and get married, okay?\]
    Nick laughs. Rachel smiles, assumes she's Nick's grandmother.
    RACHEL
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Ah Ma, xiexie nin yaoquing wo lai nin de jia. Zheli hao piaoliang. \[Grandma, thank you for inviting me to your home. It's very beautiful.\]
    The Older Lady looks at Rachel, confused.
    NICK
    (low; to Rachel)
    This is Ling Cheh, my old nanny.
    Rachel is mortified. Francesca and Celine laugh in the b.g.

INT. TYERSALL - LIBRARY - NIGHT
    Astrid holds a covered plate, looks for Michael. She sees him in the corner of the library, on his phone:
    MICHAEL
    (into phone)
    Look, now's the time we need all hands on deck. Please, please, just do me this favor. Thank you. Bye-bye.
    He hangs up.
    ASTRID
    They started clearing away dinner.
    Astrid hands him the plate.
    ASTRID
    Your favorites.
    CONTINUED: Michael takes the plate, kisses her.
    MICHAEL
    Thank you.
    ASTRID
    You know, if you need bodies at the office, I could always come in and help out.
    MICHAEL
    (playfully)
    The glamorous Astrid Leong working as an assistant?
    ASTRID
    Mm-hmm.
    MICHAEL
    (realizing)
    Wait, isn't Araminta's bachelorette party tomorrow?
    ASTRID
    And this would be the perfect excuse to get out of it.
    MICHAEL
    Thank you. Really. But I've got everything covered.
    ASTRID
    Okay.
    (beat)
    I forgot to get you a fork. Um...
    MICHAEL
    It's okay, you stay. I'll go get it.
    He winks at her and takes off. Astrid smiles as she watches him go. She hears a BUZZ from his phone which he's left on the bench.
    ASTRID
    Michael, I think it's the office!
    But Michael doesn't hear her. He's gone. There's a PING and a text pops up. She glances at the screen: TEXT: The bed feels empty without you. Astrid is stricken. Astrid drops the phone, her world caving in. BACK AT THE PARTY Jacqueline and others in the b.g. subtly clock this. A dapper man, OLIVER T'SIEN (30s), looks on with interest.
    RACHEL
    Oh, my God! Nick, I can't believe I just did that.
    NICK
    It's fine. I don't think anybody even noticed.
    RACHEL
    I think I freaked out your nanny --
    She spills her drink down the front of Nick's shirt.
    NICK
    Oh! My God!
    RACHEL
    Oh, my God! So sorry.
    NICK
    It's fine, don't worry about it.
    (to bartender)
    Can I have a tissue, please?
    Oliver swoops in offering a napkin.
    OLIVER
    Oh, go, go. Get changed. I'll keep Rachel company.
    Nick smiles to see him.
    NICK
    Thanks you, Oli.
    (to Rachel)
    You're in good hands. Give me two minutes. I'll change.
    RACHEL
    Sorry.
    NICK
    It's okay.
    Nick takes off -- Rachel extends her hand to Oliver --
    RACHEL
    Hi, I'm Rachel.
    CONTINUED:
    OLIVER
    Oh, I know.
    Peik Lin scampers up.
    PEIK LIN
    Rachel!
    RACHEL
    Oh, I --
    PEIK LIN
    Rachel! I heard you thought Ah Ma was the cook!
    Rachel cringes and covers her face in embarrassment.
    PEIK LIN
    Ah!
    OLIVER
    (off Rachel)
    Uh, on the bright side, you're the talk of the party. People like your dress.
    Peik Lin and Oliver take each other in. It's instant fashion chemistry.
    PEIK LIN
    Oh, I did that.
    OLIVER
    Oh!
    PEIK LIN
    I know!
    OLIVER
    Such a chic seventies goddess.
    PEIK LIN
    I know.
    OLIVER
    It's very disco Cleopatra, but in a good way.
    PEIK LIN
    That's exactly what I was going for.
    OLIVER
    Oh, well. Oliver.
    CONTINUED:
    PEIK LIN
    Hi.
    OLIVER
    I like your shoes.
    PEIK LIN
    Oh, thank you. I'm Peik Lin. Ditto.
    OLIVER
    Cheers.
    PEIK LIN
    There you go.
    Rachel looks on, amazed Peik Lin's already made a friend.
    OLIVER
    (re: her earrings)
    Gosh, these are lovely.
    PEIK LIN
    They're clip-ons. Thank you.
    OLIVER
    Are they? Oh, wow!
    RACHEL
    So, Oliver, are you a cousin, too?
    OLIVER
    Mm, well, I'm one of the poorer relations. The rainbow sheep of the family. But I make myself useful. Whatever the Youngs want, I procure. Golden koi fish, Huanghuali furniture. A rare Cambodian gong.
    PEIK LIN
    Mm.
    RACHEL
    Why would they want to buy a rare Cambodian gong?
    On cue, A RESONANT GONG sounds and all eyes turn to Alix.
    OLIVER
    Because they can.

INT. TYERSALL PARK - NICK'S OLD ROOM - NIGHT
    Nick opens a closet, sees a row of meticulously pressed shirts hanging in a row. He smiles, takes one out. Eleanor walks in.
    ELEANOR
    Ah Ma insists all your clothes be washed and pressed every two weeks.
    Nick sees his mother standing in the doorway. She walks over, takes the shirt from his hands and selects another shirt for him. (Throughout the scene she also quietly caters to Nick -- dusting his jacket, etc.)
    ELEANOR
    This one.
    As Nick takes off his soiled shirt he looks around at his childhood room filled with pictures and mementoes.
    NICK
    Everything is exactly as I left it.
    Nick moves to a nearby desk and rifles through a drawer.
    ELEANOR
    (glances over at him)
    Looking for your cigars? I had them thrown out years ago.
    NICK
    Never could get anything past you, could I?
    Eleanor smiles while she fiddles with Nick's clean shirt laying on the bed.
    ELEANOR
    I keep telling Ah Ma to put your things away, but she says this room makes her feel like you're still here.
    (then)
    Well, I got an earful when you didn't move back last year.
    Nick reacts, it's a loaded subject. Eleanor helps Nick put on the clean shirt. CONTINUED:
    ELEANOR
    Your father and I are really looking forward to having you home. He's not getting any younger. With you onboard, maybe he'll take a day off once in a while.
    NICK
    I know, Mum. I'm just not ready yet. There's things in New York that I wanna see through.
    It's not the answer Eleanor was looking for. She presses on another front:
    ELEANOR
    Well, I'm happy I finally met Rachel. She is very impressive.
    NICK
    I think so, too. And I thought you might be excited that the first girl that I bring home is a Chinese professor.
    ELEANOR
    (noncommittal smile)
    Chinese-American.
    (fishes)
    You know, bringing her home, introducing her at a large family gathering... Some people may say --
    NICK
    When there's something to say about Rachel and me, you'll be first to hear.
    (off Eleanor)
    But some things I need to figure out on my own.
    Nick grins as Eleanor helps him put on his jacket.
    ELEANOR
    Is that an American accent I'm hearing?
    Nick scoffs.
    NICK
    How do I look?
    Eleanor adjusts the pocket square in his jacket pocket, regards her son. CONTINUED:
    ELEANOR
    Perfect.

EXT. TYERSALL PARK - CONSERVATORY - NIGHT
    Guests stream into a vast open-air courtyard. Alix and Felicity hold court as guests admire the large, spidery, white flowers which are STARTING TO BLOOM.
    ALIX
    Everyone! Everyone! The tan hua plants very rarely bloom, and even then only at night.
    FELICITY
    Their beauty is spectacular, but fleeting. By dawn they'll be gone.
    ALIX
    So... come. Come.
    The crowd claps. ZOOM IN ON the tan hua plant taking center stage in the conservatory. IN ANOTHER AREA Oliver pretends to admire the flowers as he points out the social scene to Peik Lin and Rachel.
    OLIVER
    Oh! Someone forgot to wear a bra.
    He gestures to Kitty Pong, who's entered with Alistair.
    OLIVER
    Kitty Pong. Cousin Alistair's latest flame. An actress. Rumor is, she was in a porno. Two Girls, One Cup a Noodles.
    Kitty bends down to smell a tan hua, her boobs almost spilling out of her dress. The Aunties are horrified.
    KITTY
    (kissing one of the guests)
    Baby!
    PEIK LIN
    (matter-of-fact)
    You know, I thought I would like that more than I did.
    CONTINUED:
    OLIVER
    The book is much better.
    PEIK LIN
    Mm-hmm.
    Rachel is distracted seeing some YOUNG WOMEN sneak cold glances at her.
    RACHEL
    Is it just me or are people, like, staring at me?
    OLIVER
    Oh, they're just jealous. You nabbed the crown prince.
    (off Rachel)
    Nicki is Ah Ma's favorite, in line to inherit everything. No surprise there when that's the competition.
    Oliver looks to Eddie checking himself out on his iPhone cam, and Alistair who's hypnotized by Kitty's cleavage. Rachel is uncomfortable with the implication.
    OLIVER
    Oh, speaking of the grande dame...
    Rachel turns to see guests make way for an elderly lady, Nick's AH MA (80s). She's regal, elegant, but frail, leaning on Eleanor to help her walk. She doesn't say a word, but everyone, her own family included, acts in total deference and respect to her. As Rachel takes it in, feeling a little out of place. Nick appears.
    NICK
    There you are. I've been looking all over for you. You ready to meet my grandmother?
    As Nick takes her by the hand and leads her through the crowd -- They reach Ah Ma who LIGHTS UP to see her favorite grandson. The veneer of decorum drops as she reaches out to him, hugging him and touching his face.
    NICK
    Ah Ma...
    CONTINUED:
    AH MA
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Guai sunzi, ni huilai la! Zheme duo rizi ye bu huilai kan kan Ah Ma. Hai hao wo hai huozhe. Ni qule na'er? Ni zenme shou le? \[Nicki, you're home! Not coming to see your grandma for so long. I'm glad I'm still alive. Did you eat yet? You've become too skinny.
    NICK
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Wo xiangnian nin zhu de cai. \[That's because I miss your cooking.\] Ah Ma, zhe shi wo de hao pengyou, Rachel Chu. \[Grandma, this is my good friend, Rachel Chu.
    Rachel steps forward, replies in perfect Mandarin.
    RACHEL
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Ah Ma, xiexie nin yaoqing wo lai nin de jia. Nick jingchang tiqi nin. Ta shuo nin bao de shuijiao shi quan shijie zui hao chi de. \[Grandma, thank you for inviting me to your home. Nick always talks about you. He says no one in the world makes better dumplings.
    The old lady looks pleased.
    AH MA
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Na mei shenme de. Ni yuanyi wo keyi jiao ni. \[It's nothing. I can show you how to make them, too.\]
    RACHEL
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Na shizai tai haole. \[I would be honored.\]
    CONTINUED:
    AH MA
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Buguo ni yao zao dian huilai. Bie zai zheme duo ren de difang. \[You must come back soon, then, when there are not so many craning necks around...\]
    Ah Ma smiles and nods.
    ALIX (O.S.)
    Look, they're in full bloom.
    PAN OVER TO the tan hua plant. People clap --
    PEOPLE AT PARTY
    Aww...
    Nick stands up to let Rachel sit next to Ah Ma.
    JACQUELINE (O.S.)
    It's so nice having Nick back home. But he seems... different.
    ANGLE ON ANOTHER PART OF THE COURTYARD where Eleanor has been watching with Jacqueline. She sees Nick and Rachel embracing, laughing, KISSING. Looking every bit the couple in love.
    ELEANOR
    When children are away from home too long, they forget who they are.
    FADE OUT.: FADE IN:

EXT. HANGAR - MORNING
    A THUMPING CLUB BEAT PLAYS as we PAN DOWN A LINE OF ULTRA LUXURY CARS: fully-customized Lamborghinis, Maseratis, Bugattis.
    BERNARD
    What's up? Let's jam!
    More cars pull in as Singapore's JET-SET CROWD piles out and greets each other. CONTINUED: Valets load luggage onto sleek golf carts before transporting them to a PRIVATE JET and THREE MATCHING HELICOPTERS outside the hangar.

INT. HANGAR
    In the middle of the hangar is a SLEEK HELICOPTER surrounded by a circular bar, which divides the bachelors from the bachelorettes. Rachel and Nick enter the hangar as Araminta runs up to them.
    ARAMINTA
    Ah! Rachel! So happy you're here. Oh! Oh, my God. Your Gap look, brilliant.
    RACHEL
    Thanks.
    ARAMINTA
    She's coming with me.
    NICK
    Ah! Hold on.
    (to Rachel)
    Kiss. Thirty-six hours. Bye.
    (to Araminta)
    Minty, one piece, please.
    ARAMINTA
    Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
    NICK
    Not listening at all.
    ARAMINTA
    So, I'm gonna intro you to my posse. We're flying to my mom's resort in Sumatra. She's closed down the whole place just for us. We're gonna have so much fun. Come on, meet the girls.
    Araminta drags Rachel over to a group of girls. Rachel gives Nick a last look as Araminta pulls her away:
    ARAMINTA
    Girls, this is Rachel Chu.
    RACHEL
    Hi.
    CONTINUED:
    ARAMINTA'S FRIEND
    Hi!
    RACHEL
    Oh!
    ARAMINTA'S NICE FRIEND
    Nice to meet you.
    Colin, in rumpled Comme des Garcons, finds Nick. As Bernard makes his way toward them --
    EXCITED GUY
    Yeah!
    NICK
    (surprised)
    So you let Bernard Tai organize all of this?
    COLIN
    Yeah. Bernard.
    NICK
    Hey.
    BERNARD
    This is for you, asshole.
    MAN IN PINK JACKET
    Asshole.
    OFF Nick and Colin, realizing the weekend they're in for. ANOTHER AREA Araminta and posse, including Celine and Francesca, drink bellinis served by HOT, SHIRTLESS WAITERS as they admire each others' hair/boobs/handbags and gossip. Rachel hangs on the outskirts, aware she doesn't fit in, catching bits of conversation. Rachel and the women turn to see -- -- TWO GORGEOUS WOMEN STEP OUT OF A SPORTS CAR. They're SISTERS.
    ARAMINTA
    TINA! TINI! The twins are in the house! Ooh, I'm so glad you made it! How are you?
    CONTINUED:
    TINI
    Hi!
    Araminta and the bachelorettes flock to the sisters, leaving Rachel and another woman, AMANDA (30s). Unlike Araminta's other friends, Amanda doesn't look or act like a high-maintenance model.
    AMANDA
    (re: Tina and Tini)
    It's easy to make a killer entrance when you come as a matching set. Hi, we haven't met. I'm Amanda Ling.
    Rachel laughs.
    RACHEL
    Hi, I'm Rachel Chu.
    AMANDA
    Oh, you're Nick Young's friend?
    RACHEL
    Yeah.
    AMANDA
    (off Rachel)
    Word gets around fast here. You're a professor at NYU, right?
    RACHEL
    Yes. Um, what, what about you?
    AMANDA
    Oh, I'm a lawyer. General counsel to the Young Family Corporation, actually.
    RACHEL
    That's very impressive.
    AMANDA
    Mm, nah. Just good old-fashioned nepotism. I grew up with Nick and Colin. We're family friends.
    (then)
    It's nice to meet you, Rachel Chu.
    Rachel smiles, happy to find a like-minded friend. They hear a BEEP BEEP as Araminta arrives in a golf cart.
    ARAMINTA
    Ladies, come on! We're wheels up in five.
    CONTINUED:
    AMANDA
    Let's do this?
    RACHEL
    Let's go.
    AMANDA
    Oh! Fuck! Yeah!
    RACHEL
    Okay!
    The golf cart takes off as Rachel and Amanda are barely seated and almost drop their drinks.
    AMANDA
    Yeah!
    The cart takes off towards the jet... BACK TO NICK AND COLIN
    COLIN
    All I wanted was a weekend away with my boys. And some beer. Maybe some rugby.
    NICK
    Don't worry. It's gonna be great, whatever happens.
    BERNARD (O.S.)
    Let's make some babies!
    COLIN
    Yeah. I don't think it will be.

EXT./INT. SINGAPORE HARBOR/HELICOPTER - DAY
    The 3 helicopters fly over the open sea. Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries plays. SUPERIMPOSE: INTERNATIONAL WATERS In one chopper, Bernard brags to Nick and Colin.
    BERNARD
    Any asshole can plan a normal stag party. Hookers, drugs, dog- fighting. That's minor league shit. To organize a party this massive --
    CONTINUED:
    NICK
    (low; to Colin)
    Takes a massive asshole?
    BERNARD
    Takes a goddamn mastermind.
    Colin looks out to see nothing but the ocean around them.
    COLIN
    Where exactly is this party?
    BERNARD
    It's right there.
    They all look out the window at a LARGE CARGO SHIP. Colin and Nick exchange looks, WTF? But as they get closer...
    COLIN
    Bloody hell!
    REVEAL: The containers on the ship have been arranged and modified to create a HUGE PARTY PLAYGROUND. A floating Disneyland for adults. Painted on the side is "BALLIN' COLIN'S BACHELOR PARTY." The guys descend on the scene.
    BERNARD
    Y-y-yeah!
    The partiers respond in kind welcoming them to the revelry.

EXT. CARGO PARTY SHIP - NIGHT (LATER)
    In a LONG SHOT we see a flare go off into the sky. We hear it enter the sea with a splash.

INT. SHIP PARTY
    "Hello Bitches" by CL POUNDS. STYLISTIC FLASHES as the guys walk past CARGO CONTAINERS THAT HAVE BEEN CONVERTED into a POOL and DANCE FLOOR manned by attractive MODEL WAITRESSES. Some of the women wear beauty pageant-type sashes across their chests: UKRAINE, UNITED KINGDOM, NETHERLANDS. Bernard, standing in front of the beauty queens, is holding a bazooka-like flare gun setting off another flare. He laughs manically. CONTINUED: The other guys are drinking surrounded by girls in bikinis.
    EDDIE
    Oh, my God, Nick. What are you worried about? You don't have to keep Rachel happy. She's just lucky to be here.
    COLIN
    Nice, Eddie.
    EDDIE
    Oh, what? So do we pretend like that's not the truth? Are we in some kinda fairy tale story that I don't know about? Did you find a shoe at midnight and jump in a pumpkin? Yo, I got so much shit about marrying Fiona and her parents own the biggest shipping company in Hong Kong.
    (to Colin)
    Hey, Araminta's adorable, but you think your dad would be spending millions on this wedding if her parents didn't own a billion- dollar resort chain? What's Rachel bringing to the table?
    Alistair sits with his arms wrapped around two women, one wearing a sash labeled "ISRAEL."
    ALISTAIR
    Oh! Small tits!
    They all laugh. Nick steps to Alistair, about to hit him, but Colin stands in the way.
    EDDIE
    Oh...
    ALISTAIR
    Oh!
    Colin stops Nick --
    COLIN
    Hey, hey, hey. It's not worth it, man. They're drunk.
    ANOTHER ON STAGE lined with bikini-clad women. Bernard yells toward Colin and the guys --
    BERNARD
    Hey, guys, this is boring. Massage time. And you, the bachelor. You gonna get one before this weekend is over. Or we gonna tie you up and shave your coo coo chara.
    Everyone laughs uproariously as Bernard brandishes the bazooka.
    PEOPLE AT BACHELOR PARTY
    (yell)
    Coo coo chara. Coo coo chara. Coo coo chara. Coo coo chara.
    Bernard has a missile-type launcher on his shoulder --
    BERNARD
    Shit! Come try this.
    Nick and Colin start walking away from the party.
    COLIN
    We have to get off this ship.
    ARAMINTA (V.O.)
    (pre-lap)
    Welcome to paradise...

EXT. RESORT (SAMSARA ISLAND) - ON ARAMINTA - DAY
    SUPERIMPOSE: SAMSARA ISLAND
    ARAMINTA
    This is Samsara Island.
    SHOT OF the lush island as Araminta addresses the girl --
    ARAMINTA
    This weekend is about sisterhood and connecting with the divine in all of us. So, I hope you'll all find your bliss... starting with...
    (yelling; psyched)
    ... an all-paid shopping spree at the fashion boutique!!
    CONTINUED: The women SCREAM with excitement! Araminta runs to Rachel and grabs her hand and drags her off toward the shopping boutique.
    ARAMINTA
    Come on! Come on!
    SMASH CUT TO:

INT. RESORT - BOUTIQUE - DAY
    It's CHAOS as women grab and fight over clothes. Francesca and Celine are in a tug-o-war over a caftan.
    FRANCESCA
    Bitch, I saw this first!
    CELINE
    But you have ping-pong tits!
    FRANCESCA
    Oh, what about your mosquito bites?
    CELINE
    No!
    FRANCESCA
    You know it's true!
    CELINE
    You're such a bitch!
    ARAMINTA
    One more minute! You keep what you can carry. One more minute. You keep what you can carry.
    With little time to spare, women FIGHT OVER outfits. Rachel has a new dress she's just tried on. She watches the carnage, confused. Amanda clocks this.
    AMANDA
    Yep, no one loves free stuff more than rich people.
    (re: dress)
    Just the one dress for you?
    RACHEL
    I don't wanna lose an arm.
    CONTINUED:
    AMANDA
    Ooh. Well, in that case... one last touch.
    Amanda looks around, picks out a NECKLACE from a display and puts it on Rachel.
    AMANDA
    Well, isn't Nick a lucky guy.
    Rachel looks at herself in the mirror -- Amanda is right -- it's the perfect accent.
    ARAMINTA
    Time's up!!! Next stop, SPA!

EXT. RAWA ISLAND (MALAYSIA) - DAY
    SUPERIMPOSE: RAWA ISLAND Nick and Colin sit on lounge chairs at a GORGEOUS DESERTED BEACH. Colin takes in the view, at peace, and takes a sip of a beer.
    COLIN
    You're a genius. You know that, right?
    NICK
    What's a best man for? I guess that pilot's license came in handy after all.
    (beat)
    Here you go, champ.
    COLIN
    Oh, thank you, sir. Mmm. I think that is the best beer I've ever had.
    NICK
    I'm gonna have to agree with you on that.
    COLIN
    You know, if it wasn't for Araminta, I'd ask you to marry me.
    NICK
    Although...
    (reaches into his pocket)
    ... there is a little something that might get in the way of that.
    CONTINUED: Nick pulls out a jewelry box, opens it displaying a beautiful engagement ring.
    COLIN
    Mmm. No!
    NICK
    Yeah.
    COLIN
    Is that real?
    NICK
    Yes!
    COLIN
    Wow! Yes! Yes, man! Congratulations!
    NICK
    I know.
    COLIN
    That is freaking amazing.
    NICK
    I'm ready.
    COLIN
    You're ready. You're doing it! Nick, I'm really happy for you, man.
    NICK
    Thanks, dude.
    CUT TO:

EXT. RESORT SPA - CABANA - DAY
    PAN ACROSS Araminta and the women enjoying various spa treatments: hot stone massages, mani-pedis, mud baths... Rachel and Amanda are getting Thai massages. Rachel's MASSEUSE pushes up her leg, gets uncomfortably close.
    RACHEL
    (grunts)
    I think my masseuse just got me pregnant.
    CONTINUED:
    AMANDA
    (laughs)
    I can see why Nick put off coming back to Singapore.
    RACHEL
    What do you mean?
    AMANDA
    You know. He was supposed to come back last year, take over the family business. His parents freaked out when he didn't. But, now that he's back, I'm sure all is forgiven.
    RACHEL
    But he's not back for good. I mean, we're just here for a wedding.
    Amanda looks at her, sympathetic.

EXT. RAWA ISLAND (MALAYSIA) - DAY
    COLIN
    Wow!
    NICK
    But?
    COLIN
    No, I'm really happy for you.
    NICK
    Colin, I've known you since you were in nappies. I know when there's something on your mind.
    COLIN
    Well, it wasn't that long ago that you were sure you were moving back home. And I mean, Rachel loves her job in New York.
    NICK
    Yeah, we're gonna figure that out.
    COLIN
    You're going to figure it out. Right.
    CONTINUED:
    AMANDA (V.O.)
    (pre-lap)
    Rachel, I get it.

EXT. RESORT SPA - CABANA - DAY
    AMANDA
    It's hard knowing where you stand with someone like Nicholas Young. He has all that pressure from his family. Not just in business, but in who he's dating. It's like, you just never know what's quite going on in that gorgeous head of his --
    Rachel stares at Amanda who realizes she's overstepped.
    AMANDA
    Nick told you that we were together, right? It's ancient history now. Although our families, particularly his mother, always wanted us to get married. I guess we weren't ready then.
    As Rachel reacts at this revelation:
    COLIN (V.O.)
    (pre-lap)
    Dude...

EXT. RAWA ISLAND (MALAYSIA) - DAY
    COLIN
    ... ever since primary school, you were always going to be the next chairman of the Young Corporation, your family's shining heir. You really think your family's going to accept anything less than that? I mean, unless you... No. Are you thinking of walking out? Leaving everything to bloody Alistair and Eddie?
    NICK
    I'm not walking out on anything. I met a girl, I fell in love and I want to marry her. And it can't just be one thing or the other.
    CONTINUED:
    COLIN
    Uh, no, no, no, no, no. It's, it's not that simple. You know that.

EXT. RESORT SPA - CABANA - DAY
    AMANDA
    I really admire you. Takes guts, coming all the way over here, facing Nick's family. Especially when Eleanor isn't exactly in your corner.

EXT. RAWA ISLAND (MALAYSIA) - DAY
    COLIN
    Okay. Your family aside, have you ever thought about what your relationship with Rachel will be like if you got married? I mean, okay, you're, you're Nicholas Young, you're untouchable. You always have been. But Rachel's not. And if...

EXT. RESORT SPA - CABANA - DAY
    COLIN (V.O.)
    ... she becomes Mrs. Nicholas Young, every day for her is going to be a struggle.
    Rachel gets up, feels uneasy. Amanda TEXTS: She's on the move... Hook, line, and SINK HER.
    CELINE (O.S.)
    I heard she told Tini that Nick is a good catch.
    FRANCESCA
    Oh! So typical. She's not even that pretty. It's like she's never heard of plastic surgery.
    CELINE
    (chuckling)
    Oh, shit.
    CONTINUED: Rachel feels sick. After hearing Celine and Francesca, she exits, fleeing.

EXT. RESORT VILLA - WALKWAY - DAY
    Rachel flees, upset, when she COLLIDES with someone. It's Astrid, who's just arrived. She clutches a bag while PORTERS behind her carry her luggage.
    RACHEL
    Sorry.

EXT. RAWA ISLAND (MALAYSIA) - DAY
    COLIN
    You sure she's ready for that?
    Nick sighs.

EXT. RESORT VILLA - WALKWAY - DAY
    ASTRID
    Rachel?
    They head to the resort villa suite --
    ASTRID
    I'm so sorry.
    RACHEL
    It's okay.

INT. RESORT VILLA - SUITE - EVENING
    Rachel enters with Astrid who she's downloaded to.
    ASTRID
    Let's just forget about those girls. Camp out here and order room service.
    Astrid looks at Rachel, concerned. Rachel suddenly SCREAMS. On the bed is a LARGE, GUTTED FISH. Its blood and guts all over the white sheets. On one of the windows are words scrawled in red: "CATCH THIS, YOU GOLD-DIGGING BITCH!" CONTINUED:
    ASTRID
    I'll call security --
    RACHEL
    No.
    Astrid reacts, surprised. Rachel pulls herself together.
    RACHEL
    I'm not gonna make a scene.
    ZOOM IN ON the window and the nasty message --
    RACHEL
    I'm not gonna give them the satisfaction.

EXT. BEACH - NIGHT
    The drunken bachelorettes dance as a DJ spins tracks. FURTHER DOWN THE BEACH Rachel rants as she and Astrid dig a HOLE in the sand.
    RACHEL
    This weekend was supposed to be mani-pedis, cocktails served in pineapples. This definitely wasn't on the menu --
    Rachel dumps the wrapped fish in the hole.
    RACHEL
    Why would Araminta even have friends like them? They're so mean.
    As Rachel fills the hole:
    ASTRID
    Well, you grow up your whole lives together, you make excuses for people. Specially the morons.
    RACHEL
    I mean, I know Michael didn't have to deal with catty, fish-killing sociopaths, but how did you two get through all this?
    CONTINUED:
    ASTRID
    Well, I didn't have it quite this bad, but it wasn't pretty.
    RACHEL
    Well, at least tell me it gets better.
    ASTRID
    Of course it does.
    Astrid wants to reassure Rachel, but she can't. Rachel recognizes that something is wrong.
    RACHEL
    You okay?
    ASTRID
    Yeah...
    (beat; close to tears)
    Actually... no...
    RACHEL
    You could talk to me.
    ASTRID
    (tough to say)
    Michael is... having an affair.
    RACHEL
    I'm really sorry, Astrid.
    Astrid manages a smile, appreciates it. Rachel nods. Astrid smiles, puts her head on Rachel's shoulder, hold each other's hands, and watch the waves crash into the shore.

EXT. RAFFLES HOTEL - DAY
    Nick enters the hotel --
    MALE HOTEL GREETER
    Welcome back.
    NICK
    Cheers, sir.

INT. RAFFLES HOTEL - LANDING - DAY
    Nick enters the hotel having returned from his trip. He sees Rachel reading in a quiet area. He heads over, throws his bag down.
    RACHEL (O.S.)
    I thought I was here to meet your family...
    ON NICK AND RACHEL
    RACHEL
    ... go to your best friend's wedding, eat some good food. Instead, I feel like I'm a villain in a soap opera who's plotting to steal your family fortune.
    Nick blanches. Knows this isn't good.
    NICK
    What happened?
    RACHEL
    I mean, I met Amanda. She told me that everyone here thinks that I'm the evil person that prevented you from moving back to Singapore last year but, when I didn't even know you were supposed to come home.
    NICK
    You have every reason to be upset - -
    RACHEL
    I'm not done yet! There was also the gutted, bloody fish that Araminta's friends left for me in my hotel room on my bed next to the words 'Catch this, you gold- digging bitch'... written in big fat serial-killer letters --
    NICK
    Is that all that happened?
    (off Rachel)
    I mean, please tell me that's all that happened.
    CONTINUED:
    RACHEL
    You know what? I don't even care about those stupid girls, with their stupid little designer handbags and sunglasses. I don't care about that. I don't care that your ex-girlfriend told me all this crap. It's that you didn't tell me any of it.
    NICK
    I screwed up.
    RACHEL
    Why?
    NICK
    I really messed up, okay?
    RACHEL
    Why? What -- Were you trying to test me? Why would you do that?
    Nick takes a beat, comes clean.
    NICK
    I made a mistake. When we first met, you had no idea who I was, who my family were. You didn't care!
    RACHEL
    Yeah, I don't care about that stupid stuff.
    NICK
    Well, exactly. You are so different from all of the women that I grew up with. And I love who I am around you. And I don't want that to change. And that's selfish, I know.
    Nick takes her hand.
    RACHEL
    Mm-hmm.
    NICK
    And I'm sorry that you had to deal with that on your own. But I'm here now. And whatever happens, we'll get through it together. Dead fish and all.
    CONTINUED: As Rachel scoffs --
    NICK
    All right?
    RACHEL
    It was so gross. But I buried it.
    NICK
    You dealt with it.
    They laugh. He holds her. Rachel is touched.
    NICK
    Come here.
    RACHEL
    You know what? We need to do something tonight. We need to do something that's just you and me, okay?
    NICK
    100% agree.
    RACHEL
    Yes.
    NICK
    But... we do have to go make some dumplings first. Okay?
    RACHEL
    Then can we eat them?
    NICK
    We can eat as many as you like.
    RACHEL
    Okay, fine.

INT. TYERSALL PARK - DINING ROOM - DAY
    QUICK CUTS of food being expertly prepared by half a dozen MAIDS: -- Small balls of dough are rolled into flat circles. -- Minced meat is quickly rolled into dozens of perfectly- formed, uniform BALLS. CONTINUED: A maid takes a tray of the mincemeat balls to the center of the room, where Eleanor and other family members -- Nick, Rachel, Astrid, Cassian, Oliver, Alix, and Felicity -- are clustered around a large table. They're busy folding the dumplings, which are placed in neatly-stacked bamboo steamers. It's a family tradition, and they work expertly while having multiple conversations.
    NICK
    I can't believe this is your first time making dumplings.
    Rachel laughs.
    ALIX
    Gotta make sure this time we don't run out of baskets.
    ASTRID
    Cassian, that's not how you do it.
    (beat)
    Very good. Very good, Cassian.
    Cassian laughs.
    ASTRID
    And now you roll it up.
    As Eleanor inspects the tray and nods her approval, Felicity eyes DOZENS of waiting trays with alarm.
    ALIX
    This is too much. We're hosting a rehearsal dinner, not feeding an army --
    ELEANOR
    Better too many than have people say we're stingy.
    Meanwhile, Nick teaches Rachel how to fold a dumpling -- putting the mincemeat ball in the dough wrapper and sealing it closed.
    NICK
    So, right. You put the baby in bed and tuck, tuck, tuck. Same on the other side. And you give him a kiss goodnight --
    RACHEL
    Okay. That's so cute. And then you eat the baby.
    CONTINUED:
    NICK
    How's that?
    (chuckles)
    Then you eat the baby. Not until he's cooked.
    RACHEL
    No, you gotta make sure he's cooked. Did Ah Ma teach you that?
    NICK
    She did.
    OLIVER
    I, on the other hand, was taught by Grand Aunty Mabel. 'You put the Botox in the face and then you pinch, pinch, pinch, then voila!'
    RACHEL
    Did you guys all learn when you were kids?
    ASTRID
    We didn't have a choice.
    Nods to Cassian as he happily pounds balls of dough with his fist and rips apart dumplings.
    FELICITY
    We taught you so you'd know the blood, sweat, and tears it took to raise and feed you monkeys.
    ALIX
    Not like ang-mohs, microwaving macaroni and cheese for their own children.
    (shudders)
    No wonder they put their parents in the old folks' home when they all grow up.
    FELICITY
    I know!
    ELEANOR
    Ah Ma says if we don't pass traditions down like this, they'll disappear.
    CONTINUED:
    ASTRID
    (to Rachel)
    God forbid we lose the ancient Chinese tradition of guilting your children.
    The others all laugh --
    NICK
    It's totally worth it. Mother used to wait for me after school with a nice basket of these.
    ALIX
    (in Cantonese; subtitled)
    Ni hao ming. \[Lucky you.\]
    Eleanor smiles at the memory.
    ASTRID
    (to Felicity)
    Hey, I never got after-school dumplings.
    OLIVER
    Well, that's because Aunty Felicity was doing after-school microdermabrasion.
    FELICITY
    (mock-scolds; in Cantonese; subtitled)
    Ni le wu qie, ruguo a ye zhong xi du, shi qing ni shi teng tiao wen zhurou. \[Smart ass. If your grandfather was alive, he'd kick you into next week.\]
    Everyone LAUGHS. Alix sees Rachel smiling. Felicity throws dough at Oliver.
    OLIVER
    (brushing shirt)
    Aunty, this is Dolce.
    ALIX
    (to Rachel)
    You speak Cantonese?
    RACHEL
    No, I don't. It's just great seeing you guys all like this.
    CONTINUED: The family exchanges looks. What does Rachel mean?
    RACHEL
    When I was growing up, it was just me and my mom. Which I loved, uh, but we didn't really have a big family like this. It's really nice.
    OLIVER
    That's so lovely of you to say, Rachel. We all are very lucky to have each other.
    Alix and Felicity smile, approving. Feeling more comfortable, Rachel tries to engage Eleanor, who's been largely silent. She sees Eleanor's RING, a beautiful piece studded with diamonds and emeralds.
    RACHEL
    That's a beautiful ring, Aunty Eleanor. I've never seen anything like it.
    The other women look at Eleanor, trying to gauge her reaction to Rachel.
    ELEANOR
    (surprised; then)
    Nick's father had it made when he proposed to me.
    RACHEL
    That's very romantic. How did you guys meet?
    NICK
    Actually, they met at Cambridge. They were both studying law together.
    RACHEL
    Oh, I didn't know you were a lawyer.
    ELEANOR
    I wasn't. I withdrew from university when we got married.
    RACHEL
    Oh...
    Eleanor reads into Rachel's reaction. CONTINUED:
    ELEANOR
    I chose to help my husband run a business and to raise a family. For me, it was a privilege. But for you, you may think it's old- fashioned. It's nice you appreciate this house and us being here together wrapping dumplings. But all this doesn't just happen. It's because we know to put family first, instead of chasing one's passion.
    An awkward SILENCE falls over the table. Rachel feels chided, isn't sure how to react when:
    AH MA (O.S.)
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    O, nimen dajia douzai zhe'er a! \[Ah, everyone's here!\]
    Ah Ma enters with her Thai maids. Oblivious to the tension, she smiles to see Nick and Rachel.
    NICK
    Ah Ma.
    ASTRID
    Ah Ma.
    ALIX
    Ah Ma.
    NICK
    (to maids)
    Thank you.
    (takes his grandma's arm)
    Ah Ma.
    AH MA
    Oh, Nick.
    NICK
    Come and sit.
    AH MA
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    O, Nicki. O, ni ba Rachel ye dailai le? \[Oh, Nicki. You brought Rachel. Good.\]
    Ah Ma looks at Rachel's face, scrutinizing it. CONTINUED:
    AH MA
    Baitian wo kan ni kan de geng qingchu le. Ni de bizi zhang de henhao, hen you fuqi. Wo kan kan ni de lian. Guolai. \[I can see you more clearly in the day. The shape of your nose is auspicious. Let me have a look, come closer...
    (leans in)
    En... en... zhang de zhen haokan. Qingchu le. \[Very nice looking.\]
    Rachel is unsure what to make of it, but it feels like approval.
    AH MA
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Sit, sit, grandson.
    OLIVER
    Right, right. We're almost done here. Just a few more baskets.
    Ah Ma looks at the dumplings.
    AH MA
    (to Eleanor; in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Aiyo, zheshi ni bao de jiaozi ma? Zenme bao name nankan a? Tuibule. \[You made those dumplings? They don't look very good. You lost your touch.\]
    Astrid watches this exchange, then looks at Rachel.
    ELEANOR
    Hmm.

INT. TYERSALL - HALLWAY - DAY
    Rachel exits the dining room, looking for anywhere to go. She walks up the long staircase, takes a few steps one way, realizes she's going the wrong direction, then turns around to find Eleanor standing in front of her.
    RACHEL
    (surprised)
    Oh. Hi. I think I'm a little lost. This house is pretty big.
    Eleanor comes to Rachel and they walk and talk through the halls of Tyersall. CONTINUED:
    ELEANOR
    I'm glad I found you. I'm afraid that I've been unfair.
    RACHEL
    Oh, no, you know what? I'm sorry I made an assumption. I didn't mean to offend you.
    ELEANOR
    Not at all.
    (then)
    You asked about my ring. The truth is Nick's father had it made when he wanted to propose to me, because Ah Ma wouldn't give him the family ring. I wasn't her first choice. Honestly, I wasn't her second.
    RACHEL
    Gosh, I'm so sorry. I had no idea.
    ELEANOR
    I didn't come from the right family, have the right connections. And Ah Ma thought I would not make an adequate wife to her son.
    Rachel is surprised how Eleanor is seemingly opening up.
    RACHEL
    But, she came around, obviously.
    Eleanor gives a tight smile.
    ELEANOR
    It took many years, and she had good reason to be concerned.
    (off Rachel)
    Because I had no idea the work and the sacrifice it would take. There were many days when I wondered if I would ever measure up --
    Eleanor pauses, looks at Rachel.
    ELEANOR
    But having been through it all, I know this much...
    (gets close; gently)
    You will never be enough.
    CONTINUED: Rachel is eviscerated. Eleanor draws back, placid, calm. Then, as if they've been talking about the weather Eleanor walks off:
    ELEANOR
    We should head back. I wouldn't want Nick to worry.

INT. CAR - DAY
    Nick drives as Rachel sits in the passenger seat, silent.
    NICK
    You all right?
    RACHEL
    Yeah.
    NICK
    I know my mum can be tough at times, but there isn't anything she wouldn't do for me...
    (off Rachel's silence)
    And there is a reason why I lived with Ah Ma growing up. It's because my mother knew she wasn't the favorite. So she let her raise me so I would be.
    RACHEL
    You were just a kid?
    NICK
    Yeah. But... It's hard to understand from the outside. But she did what she thought was best for the family... For everyone involved.
    Rachel hears the tiny reminder of her otherness.
    RACHEL
    Mm-hmm.
    Rachel takes it in, hears Nick's regard for his mother. Which makes her feel even more unsettled.
    NICK
    Anyway, I think I've had enough with dumplings for the rest of my life. What should we do? Sushi, movies, anything you like. Really.

EXT. COFFEE SHOP - PATIO - DAY
    PEIK LIN (O.S.)
    Wait, what? Was she like --
    TILT DOWN -- Peik Lin and Rachel sit at a table.
    PEIK LIN
    (Eleanor impression)
    'You will NEVER be good enough for my son,' OR was it like, 'YOU, YOU will never be good enough for my son.'
    RACHEL
    It's like the second one.
    PEIK LIN
    Oh.
    RACHEL
    Except for in a way that made me wanna, like, cry and puke at the same time.
    PEIK LIN
    God, she's so badass.
    (idea)
    You know, I bet if you told her you'd leave Nick for a million dollars, she will write that check. They do that around here --
    RACHEL
    -- And she looked at me like I was nothing...
    PEIK LIN
    -- Like a ten million dollar check. I feel like she would do that.
    RACHEL
    I don't even know what I should do. I mean, I can't even tell Nick because he like worships her.
    PEIK LIN
    Yeah, Chinese sons think their moms fart Chanel No. 5. What about the Ah Ma? Does she hate your face, too?
    CONTINUED:
    RACHEL
    Okay, nobody said they hated my face. And Ah Ma, she liked my face. She said I had a lucky nose.
    PEIK LIN
    That's great! You know, Eleanor can hate you all day long, but you can't beat two thousand years of Chinese filial piety.
    RACHEL
    I feel like I shouldn't even go to the wedding. You know, it's Colin and Araminta's day, I don't wanna cause any drama there. I feel like I should just sit it out. You know? Tell Nick I had food poisoning or something.
    (off Peik Lin's look)
    What?
    PEIK LIN
    That's bullshit. You're just scared.
    RACHEL
    No, I'm not.
    PEIK LIN
    Okay, here's what you need to understand, all right? It's not about getting Eleanor to like you. It's about getting her to respect you. All right? Right now, she just thinks you're some like undeserving, clueless, gold- digging --
    RACHEL
    Okay, yeah, I got it.
    PEIK LIN
    -- trashy, unrefined banana, yellow on the outside, white on the inside --
    RACHEL
    I know what a banana is --
    PEIK LIN
    -- When in reality, you're like a super sophisticated, smart professor of freaking game theory.
    CONTINUED:
    PEIK LIN
    Show her that side of you, you know.
    This hits home with Rachel.
    RACHEL
    You're right.
    PEIK LIN
    Damn straight, I'm right. It's Peik Lin, I'm always right.
    RACHEL
    Yeah, she's like trying to play a game of chicken with me, where she's like coming at me, and like, thinking I'm going to swerve like a chicken.
    PEIK LIN
    But you can't swerve.
    RACHEL
    I'm not gonna swerve. Not for her.
    PEIK LIN
    No. Chickens are bitches, dude!
    RACHEL
    And I'm not a chicken
    PEIK LIN
    You're not a chicken. You gonna roll up to that wedding, you gonna be like, 'Bak-bak, bitch!'
    RACHEL
    (chuckles)
    Bak-bak, bitch!
    PEIK LIN
    Chickens are bitches.
    A man on one of the upper balconies overhears her, gives her a disapproving look.
    PEIK LIN
    Sorry Uncle.
    RACHEL
    What are you doing tonight?
    CONTINUED:
    PEIK LIN
    Uh, I was gonna go to FedEx or something. Why? Oh!
    Peik Lin breaks into a smile. OFF Rachel, determined.

INT. GOH HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - ON RACHEL - DAY
    standing in front of a tall tri-fold mirror as Peik Lin scrutinizes her.
    PEIK LIN
    I have been waiting to do this properly for so long. I'm thinking eyebrow triage, root crimps, maybe some eyelid tape.
    (to Oliver)
    What do you think?
    REVEAL OLIVER standing off to the side with his entourage.
    OLIVER
    All of it. And I would throw in a Korean snail face mask. Sweetie, your skin is so dry, it's hurting my face.
    RACHEL
    Thank you.
    As Oliver walks around her, scrutinizing.
    OLIVER
    You know, it's about time someone stood up to Aunty Eleanor. Well, you, not me. Oh, God! She can't know I was ever here.
    PEIK LIN
    No.
    RACHEL
    Oh, no
    OLIVER
    (yelling to the air)
    Right. Well, okay, let's get to work. Cappuccinos.

EXT. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH - DAY
    A long line of stately cars lead to the entrance. Throngs have gathered hoping to catch sight of arriving celebrities. It's a mix of FOREIGN DIGNITARIES, GOVERNMENT LEADERS, and Asia's brightest stars. QUICK CUTS of reporters and photographers continues throughout the following scene.

INT. GOH HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
    OLIVER
    Pull the plum Balenciaga, the peach Chloé, the Giambattista, all the Bottegas, oh, and that Jason Wu with the deconstructed ruffles.
    PEIK LIN
    And a sandwich for Peik Lin.
    Rachel enters modeling different dresses.
    OLIVER
    Oh!
    PEIK LIN
    Okay. All right.
    OLIVER
    Right. I'm not sure if it's working or if she looks like a clown's tampon.
    RACHEL
    Oh!
    PEIK LIN
    On a heavy day.
    OLIVER
    (next dress)
    Y-You look like a flower. Like a sad, lonely flower no one wants to be around.
    RACHEL
    Ahh!

EXT. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH - DAY
    AMANDA
    (to Reporter)
    I mean, it's the wedding of the century. So, of course we're here. It's the natural...

INT. GOH HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - ON RACHEL - DAY
    OLIVER
    Oh! Oh! It's not that bad. It's holding you up.
    PEIK LIN
    It's a hands-on dress. You know what I mean?
    WYE MUN
    (throws dress over partition)
    Incoming.
    Peik Lin points for him to leave.
    WYE MUN
    Okay. Okay

EXT. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH - DAY
    REPORTER
    And this fantastic celebration here with --
    Francesca and Celine pose for the cameras. Alistair poses with Kitty Pong, who's delighted by all the attention.
    KITTY
    I love my fans... I love my fans.
    ALISTAIR
    (to reporters)
    Taipei Tiger Two is going to redefine the genre. She's a star.
    KITTY
    TT-Two, honey!
    ALISTAIR
    She's a star.

INT. GOH HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - ON RACHEL - DAY
    PEIK LIN
    Oh! I'm blinded by the light.
    OLIVER
    Oh. Okay. This is why disco died.
    PEIK LIN
    You kinda look like a slutty Ebola virus.
    OLIVER
    It's like a bag of Skittles. Taste the rainbow.
    OLIVER
    Could work, if we... Yes. I, I think we just alter the --
    Wye Mun comes back in offering another outfit --
    WYE MUN
    (whispering)
    I, I, just think if we could just maybe just tell her this is coming from you because she probably doesn't wanna hear it from a guy. Okay. Okay.
    Peik Lin throws him out again.

EXT. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH - DAY
    Eddie, Fiona, and their three boys, again in adorable matching suits, pose for photographers. Eddie nudges his eldest son.
    EDDIE
    Okay, remember. Optimal angles.

INT. GOH HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - ON RACHEL - DAY
    Oliver and Neenah are accessorizing the sparkly disco- type dress Rachel is now wearing. When Rachel goes behind the partition to change her outfit, Neenah, Wye Mun, P.T., and the twins all start dancing to the music. Peik Lin's parents get carried away and start making out on the chaise lounge.

EXT. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH - DAY
    Eddie trails off as the photographers suddenly head to -- -- a custom GOLD BENTLEY MULSANE. It's driven by Peik Lin, who wears a fetching driver's uniform. Seeing the car, Oliver steps up as Peik Lin opens the door -- a shapely stilettoed leg steps out. It's RACHEL in a glittering gown. Her hair is swept up, her jewelry catches the light, she's a VISION. It's an EXPLOSION OF FLASHES as photographers, reporters, and looky-loos take pictures, yell to get her attention. Rachel is a little overwhelmed, but Oliver helps navigate her through the crowd.
    NEENAH
    Just right here! Just right here!
    PHOTOGRAPHER
    Beautiful dress. Thank you. Thanks for the... Excuse me. Excuse me, can I get a picture of you? Lovely. Oh, fantastic. Looking gorgeous. Little closer together. Who's this one? What's your name?
    PEIK LIN
    Ma'am.
    OLIVER
    (mouthing)
    You look wonderful. Breathe.
    (to paparazzi)
    Everyone, I've got Rachel Chu of New York. Rachel Chu of New York. Real estate heiress, Rachel Chu of the New York Chus.
    FEMALE SPECTATOR
    Rachel! Rachel! Over here!
    PHOTOGRAPHER
    Rachel, this way. Rachel! Rachel! To me!
    MALE PHOTOGRAPHER
    Okay, ladies, looking good. Looking good. Okay, out of the way, please. Out of the way.
    Amanda, Celine, and Francesca, look agape, incredulous. CONTINUED:
    KITTY
    So gorgeous!
    RACHEL
    Thank you.
    A Photographer gestures for Celine to get out of the way so he can take Rachel's picture. OFF Celine, pissed.
    MALE PHOTOGRAPHER
    Ladies, move please. Out of the way! Good, good. That's great. Beautiful dress.
    RACHEL
    Ladies. Amanda.
    AMANDA
    Hmm.
    RACHEL
    You're in my way.
    AMANDA
    Okay, what?

INT. BENTLEY - DAY
    Astrid and Michael, dressed for the wedding, sit in the back of a chauffeured Bentley. Michael chatters on as Astrid listens in silence.
    MICHAEL
    -- Our Chinese investors are getting nervous. I have to fly to Shenzhen on Monday to try and talk them down.
    This gets Astrid's attention.
    ASTRID
    That's Cassian's birthday.
    MICHAEL
    Yeah, I know. I hate to miss it, but this is important.
    ASTRID
    You'd think your son's birthday is important. Get someone else to handle it...
    (can't help herself)
    Unless... there's another reason you're out of town.
    CONTINUED:
    MICHAEL
    What are you saying?
    Astrid presses a button on the console, RAISING THE PARTITION between them and the driver.
    ASTRID
    I know you're having an affair.
    Michael reacts, uncomfortable, but he doesn't deny it.
    MICHAEL
    Oh, Jesus, Astrid.
    ASTRID
    Let's just get through the wedding and we'll deal with it after. I don't want to make a scene.
    Michael looks at her, incredulous.
    MICHAEL
    You find out I'm having an affair with another woman, and you're worried about making a scene?
    ASTRID
    You'd rather I scream and carry on?
    MICHAEL
    Yes. Honestly, I wish you would. It would show you cared about more than what people thought of you and your family --
    ASTRID
    Don't try and turn this on me. I'm not the one who screwed up!
    MICHAEL
    Of course not. You're always the prettiest, richest, most perfect girl in the room. While I'm just this lucky bastard who will never measure up.
    ASTRID
    Don't say that --
    MICHAEL
    I know what you're thinking, Astrid. That's why you hide your shoes, the jewelry you buy.
    CONTINUED:
    MICHAEL
    As if every minute of my life I'm not reminded of it. I'm just tired. I'm tired of having nothing I do matter, including having the affair --
    ASTRID
    Of course, what you do matters. How can you say that?
    As the driver pulls over, Astrid reacts, thrown. Michael gets out of the car. Just like that, he's gone. Shell-shocked, Astrid starts to break down... then quickly pulls herself together.

INT. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH - DAY
    The interior of the church has been transformed into an ARTFUL ABSTRACT FOREST. Eleanor, Jacqueline, Alix, and Felicity hold court with other SOCIETY WIVES by the front pews. Eleanor looks at the trees, disapproving.
    ELEANOR
    Is this a church or a paddy field?
    ALIX
    They spent 40 million on the wedding.
    FELICITY
    Really? That's too much, we're Methodists. 20 million is our limit.
    ALIX
    I know.
    JACQUELINE
    Princess Intan!
    They turn to see PRINCESS INTAN, 40s, a lofty Southeast Asian royal, and her entourage passing by. The Aunties smile but Princess Intan ignores them.
    JACQUELINE
    Vicious woman. I heard she demanded a whole row to herself, so she wouldn't be bothered by anyone.
    CONTINUED:
    FELICITY
    Really?
    JACQUELINE
    Mm-hmm.
    FELICITY
    (looking off at someone)
    Who is that?
    Oliver is in the b.g. greeting one of the female guests.
    OLIVER
    Lovely as always. You made it!
    All the Aunties turn to see Rachel, walking down the aisle. She's confident, luminous, turning heads as she walks by. The Aunties look stunned as Rachel reaches their pew.
    RACHEL
    Aunties.
    ELEANOR
    Rachel, how lovely to see you.
    RACHEL
    The pleasure is all mine.
    ELEANOR
    I'm sorry our row is full.
    Rachel smiles, placid.
    ALIX
    (whispering; re: dress)
    I love it.
    RACHEL
    (chuckles)
    Bak-bak. Okay.
    Rachel looks for an empty seat, sees one by Princess Intan, and heads over. Jacqueline and Eleanor see this and exchange glances, looking forward to seeing Rachel being taken down a peg. Rachel approaches the Princess.
    RACHEL
    Princess Intan? Rachel Chu.
    CONTINUED: Princess Intan ignores her, Rachel presses on.
    RACHEL
    I read your great article about microloans in the Asian Economics Journal --
    ANGLE ON ELEANOR AND FELICITY watching, incredulous.
    PRINCESS INTAN (O.S.)
    I received so much criticism about that article.
    RACHEL
    Well, you know what? I think your critics missed the point. 'Cause your microloans helped women, and women lift up economies.
    The Princess is surprised. The Princess looks at Rachel, reassessing her.
    PRINCESS INTAN
    What is your name again?
    RACHEL
    Rachel Chu.
    PRINCESS INTAN
    It's a pleasure to meet you. Now, what brings you here.
    All the Aunties look disappointed that Rachel has been accepted by the Princess.
    RACHEL
    I followed a boy...
    ANOTHER ANGLE AN EXCITED BUZZ ripples through the crowd. Heads turn to see Astrid, statuesque, gorgeous, enter with AH MA, in a beautiful stately gown, her two Thai servants following behind. Eleanor and the Aunties react, surprised.
    FELICITY
    Ah Ma's here? She never comes to these things!
    Astrid and Ah Ma walk down the aisle. CONTINUED:
    ASTRID
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Xiexie ni, Ah Ma. \[Thank you, Grandma.\]
    AH MA
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Yijia ren bu yong shuo xie, a. \[Family never says thank you.\]
    Astrid leads Ah Ma to a seat.
    ASTRID
    (whispering)
    Sit down.
    ELEANOR
    (whispering)
    It's lovely to see you here.
    IN THE BACK ALCOVE Nick, Colin, and other GROOMSMEN wait. Colin is peeking out at the audience as Nick walks up to him.
    NICK
    How are you feeling?
    COLIN
    Ah, good.
    NICK
    All right. Don't be nervous.
    COLIN
    I'm not nervous.
    NICK
    You look great.
    COLIN
    Thank you. Hey, uh, Rachel's not sitting with your family.
    NICK
    Yeah, I don't blame her. Mother hasn't exactly been the most welcoming. But I'm sure she'll be at the back somewhere laying low.
    CONTINUED:
    COLIN
    (whispering)
    No. She's right at the front. Take a look.
    Nick turns to where Colin is looking and sees: RACHEL AND THE PRINCESS -- Rachel looks GORGEOUS, AT EASE, as she chats happily with the Princess.
    COLIN
    (surprised; smiles)
    I think you've got a fighter.
    Nick is thrilled -- he beams with pride. A GROOMSMAN walks up.
    GROOMSMAN
    Guys, it's time.
    COLIN
    Okay.
    NICK
    Okay. All right.
    BERNARD
    Hey.
    COLIN
    Yeah?
    BERNARD
    Make sure she doesn't take your balls.
    As Bernard hits Colin in the gut. Colin hunches over and groans.
    BERNARD
    Just checking. Just checking.
    COLIN
    (winces and groans)
    Thanks for dressing up, Bernard.
    BERNARD
    Hey. It's not about me.
    NICK
    Yeah. Come on. Thanks, Bernard.
    CONTINUED:
    BERNARD
    It's not about me.
    NICK
    All right.
    The crowd HUSHES as Colin, Nick, and four GROOMSMEN enter with the PASTOR. They're a dashing pack. Rachel looks at Nick, her heart swelling with pride. Nick finds her gaze, they lock eyes. When a HUSH falls over the crowd. Eyes turn to: KINA GRANNIS, who takes the stage. She starts singing a hauntingly beautiful rendition of "I Can't Help Falling In Love." The MUSIC SOARS as we go into a -- STYLISTIC MONTAGE -- TWO ADORABLE FLOWER GIRLS (6) enter, scattering petals. -- An equally adorable RING BEARER boy (5) toddles in, clutching his ring pillow. -- The congregation, Nick, and Rachel react to the adorable kids. -- Alistair and Kitty are in the audience smooching. -- As the children reach the altar, Nick takes the ring/pillow from the little boy and does a high-five with him. -- As KINA sings with two 12-YEAR-OLD CHINESE VIOLINISTS AND A BASS PLAYER accompanying her:
    KINA
    Like a river flows...
    -- the AISLE OPENS UP and WATER FLOWS DOWN IT. -- The congregations gasps, amazed. Rachel and Nick stare at each other lovingly. THE MUSIC STOPS. The LIGHTS DIM, everyone in the audience are holding delicate lights on long stems. They all stand and look to the back: -- Where a group of BRIDESMAIDS hold large fronds, forming a SCREEN. They part, REVEALING: CONTINUED: -- Araminta, who's luminous, a wedding fantasy come to life. She stands next to her father, holds his arm. -- Araminta steps out of her shoes. The MUSIC swells back up as she steps onto the watery aisle. -- Araminta walks down the aisle with her bridesmaids following, as the audience all wave the GLITTERY LIGHTS towards her. -- Nick looks to Rachel, mouths, "I love you." Rachel catches her breath, mouths back, "I love you, too," tears rolling down her cheeks. -- Araminta and Colin face each other as the pastor officiates. Amid all the pageantry, it's still just a man and a woman, about to be joined together for life. -- All eyes are on Colin and Araminta... except for Eleanor, who watches Nick and Rachel with growing concern. -- Colin lifts Araminta's veil, they kiss, and everyone claps and cheers. TRANSITION TO:

EXT. GARDENS BY THE BAY - NIGHT
    The botanical gardens have been transformed into a magical reception site. The supertrees tower overhead as a CHINESE BIG BAND plays. Fireworks POP, POP, POP overhead. Colin and Araminta are having their first dance, loosely circled by their wedding party, including Nick and Rachel, who are doing everything they can to keep their hands off each other. As they watch Colin and Araminta:
    NICK
    You look spectacular, you know that?
    RACHEL
    It's the double Spanx. I can't breathe.
    NICK
    It's not the clothes. It's just... you.
    Rachel smiles. Nick leans in to kiss her when Araminta calls to the group: CONTINUED:
    ARAMINTA
    Uh, excuse me. This party isn't gonna dance itself. Come on.
    COLIN
    Come on, Nicki-Nick.
    NICK
    All right.
    ARAMINTA
    Yeah! Whoo!
    NICK
    Okay. You're very good.
    COLIN
    Yeah? I only stepped on her twice.
    NICK
    Very good.
    OLIVER
    (to Felicity)
    I mean, obviously...
    FELICITY
    Yeah.
    ALISTAIR
    Yeah! Whoo!
    IN ANOTHER AREA -- Eleanor sees Nick and Rachel dancing. She hears a SQUEAL and turns to see KITTY PONG twerking on Alistair, who has a silly grin on his face. Eleanor reacts with distaste. She's in no mood for this. Eleanor turns to Oliver, gestures to Kitty and Alistair.
    ELEANOR
    Oliver.
    OLIVER
    Yes, Aunty?
    ELEANOR
    Be a dear and take care of that.
    OLIVER
    As you wish.
    CONTINUED: Eleanor leaves. Oliver doesn't love being ordered about, but does as he's told. ANOTHER ANGLE We FIND Nick and Rachel on the dance floor, completely into each other and having fun.
    RACHEL
    You know, you should wear a tux more often.
    NICK
    Like all the time?
    RACHEL
    Hmm, yeah. You know, when you're playing basketball at the Y, shaving, brushing your teeth --
    He pulls her in, close. She looks into his eyes... and they kiss. ON KITTY AND ALISTAIR as Oliver walks up.
    OLIVER
    Alistair, your father's looking for you. Something about an overdrawn discretionary account.
    Alistair's face falls and he takes off. Oliver holds his hand out to Kitty, who takes it. As Oliver leads her in a dance, handling her expertly:
    ALISTAIR
    Oh, my God.
    KITTY
    Baby! Oh, my gosh! Ah! Hey.
    OLIVER
    So...
    KITTY
    Hmm?
    OLIVER
    How do you like the wedding?
    CONTINUED:
    KITTY
    Oh, my gosh! It's so glamorous! When it's Alistair's and my wedding, I want it just like this.
    OLIVER
    Hmm.
    KITTY
    No, no! I want it big! Big! Better!
    OLIVER
    (laughs)
    Sweetie! You'll be lucky if Alistair's parents give you a tea ceremony.
    KITTY
    Ooh --
    Kitty looks at Oliver, confused.
    OLIVER
    You know, Alistair's only the fourth son of a penny-pinching family, don't you? I mean, he'll get next to nothing. You want a wedding like this? You should've fallen in love with an only child. Someone like... Bernard Tai.
    Oliver twirls her around and dips her to see Bernard surrounded by women and drinking from a champagne bottle. ON NICK AND RACHEL Nick and Rachel pull apart to see one of Ah Ma's THAI SERVANTS. She speaks with a gentle Thai accent:
    THAI SERVANT
    Master Nicholas... your grandmother would like to speak to you and Miss Rachel.
    RACHEL
    Okay.
    NICK
    Come on.
    ON BERNARD AND GIRLS
    BERNARD
    Sick party.
    GIRL
    Yeah!
    As Kitty approaches Bernard to dance with him, he hands a champagne bottle to a girl.
    BERNARD
    Hold that.

EXT. PRIVATE ALCOVE - NIGHT
    The Thai Servant takes Rachel and Nick to a private area where Ah Ma and Eleanor are seated at a table.
    NICK
    Ah Ma. Mum. What's all this about?
    Ah Ma turns to Rachel.
    AH MA
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Rachel... suiran wo renshi ni de rizi bu chang, ke wo kan de chulai, ni shi ge congming ren. \[Rachel. I've only known you a short time, but it's clear you're a very smart woman.\]
    Nick smiles at Ah Ma's seeming endorsement of Rachel.
    AH MA
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Ke wo buneng rang ni hui le wo de sunzi gen wo de jia. \[But, I will not permit you to ruin my grandson with your ambition.\]
    Rachel is stunned. Nick, reacts, shocked.
    NICK
    Ah Ma!
    ELEANOR
    I'm sorry to tell you, but Rachel has been lying to us about her family and her mother...
    CONTINUED:
    RACHEL
    (guard up)
    What, uh... What are you talking about?
    ELEANOR
    I hired a private investigator to look into her past --
    NICK
    Mum, you didn't --
    ELEANOR
    She said her father passed away in China, but that's not true.
    (to Rachel)
    Your mother's husband is very much alive. During her marriage she cheated on him and became pregnant with another man's child, and before he found out she ran away to America.
    Rachel is gutted, doesn't know what to think. Eleanor opens a DOSSIER on the table. Chinese news articles and police missing person reports featuring Kerry's picture.
    ELEANOR
    It's all in here.
    NICK
    You had no right --
    ELEANOR
    We had every right.
    RACHEL
    Stop -- You're lying.
    NICK
    You did not!
    ELEANOR
    Do you have any idea the scandal this would have caused? For Rachel to hide something like this --
    NICK
    She wouldn't have.
    Eleanor sees Rachel is clearly shocked. CONTINUED:
    ELEANOR
    We cannot be linked to this sort of family.
    Rachel looks at Eleanor, backs away, reeling.
    RACHEL
    I don't want any part of your family.
    He reaches for her, but Rachel pulls away, stung.
    NICK
    Rachel --
    Rachel takes off, Nick starts after her, when:
    AH MA
    (in Mandarin; subtitled)
    Buxu zhui ta. Zaojin ni ziji. Buxu dong. Ni yao gen ta zou, jiu bie huilai! \[Don't chase after her and degrade yourself. I forbid it. If you go with her, you can't come back!\]
    NICK
    Let me go! Rachel.
    Nick pulls away and runs after Rachel.
    ELEANOR
    Ah Ma! Nick!
    AH MA
    (in Mandarin; subtitled; turns on Eleanor)
    Dou shi wei le ni, dou shi ni ya rang ta zai waitou dai name jiu. Ni kan jintian! \[This is your fault. You let this happen by allowing him to stay away so long. Now, look!\]
    Eleanor stands there, submissive. Ah Ma reacts, stunned, furious. OFF Eleanor, her worst fears coming true...

EXT. GARDENS BY THE BAY - CANAL - NIGHT
    Rachel is upset, disoriented, as she makes her way through the crowd. CONTINUED:
    EDDIE
    Hey, Cinderella. What's wrong? You gotta return your dress before midnight?
    ARAMINTA
    Why? It's all non-fat.
    COLIN
    Nicki-Nick!
    ARAMINTA
    Oh, you're just in time.
    COLIN
    Nick, want some cake? Where are you going?
    FEMALE WEDDING GUEST #1
    Come back here! Come back here!
    FEMALE WEDDING GUEST #2
    Drink girl! Drink!
    She hears a SCREAM and turns to see several guests POINTING and LAUGHING at: A HALF-NAKED Bernard and Kitty behind some bushes. Bernard is completely drunk and paws at Kitty, who's mortified at being discovered. The crowd LAUGHS, derisive, as Kitty struggles to pull her dress up as she flees. It's sickening to Rachel -- it feels like people are talking about her as much as Kitty. She flees... Among the crowd, we FIND Nick searching for Rachel, but he's too late...
    NICK
    Oliver.
    OLIVER
    Oh, Nicki have you...?
    NICK
    (interrupts)
    Rachel. Have you seen Rachel?
    OLIVER
    I don't --
    CONTINUED:
    AMANDA
    Nicholas! How are you? It's been so long.
    NICK
    Oh, Amanda. Yes. Thank you, Amanda. Thank you, Amanda. No, Amanda. Not now.
    AMANDA
    It's good to see you. Let's talk. For old times' sake.
    Nick frantically looks around the party for Rachel. TIME LAPSE as the crowd clears and it starts to rain.

EXT. GOH HOUSE - NIGHT
    A PAIR OF BARE FEET walks up to the gate. RACHEL, her once-flawless hair, makeup, and dress are a mess. She carries her HIGH HEELS IN HER HANDS. Peik Lin rushes to Rachel, who bursts into tears and collapses into her friend.

INT. GOH HOUSE - PEIK LIN'S ROOM - DAY
    Rachel lies on the upholstered bench at the end of the bed, unmoving, staring into space. Sparse sunlight filters into the room. Peik Lin enters.
    PEIK LIN
    Rachel? Come to breakfast. You need to eat. Or, use the bathroom, or maybe a shower. It's there if you need it.
    But Rachel doesn't move. TIME LAPSE SEQUENCE -- It's NIGHT: Rachel still lies in bed, awake, but not moving. The door opens. It's Neenah and Wye Mun with a dinner tray. They have the twin girls bring the tray to Rachel.
    WYE MUN
    (whispering)
    Here, take this tray, okay. Take this to Rachel. Okay, go to her.
    CONTINUED:
    GOH TWIN GIRL #1
    Here, Rachel, this is your dinner.
    RACHEL
    Thank you.
    The girls run back to Neenah and Wye Mun and they all leave Rachel who's just staring at the dinner tray. -- Darkness gives way to dawn, but Rachel is still in bed, unmoving. On the bedside table, her PHONE RINGS. It's NICK, Rachel presses ignore and places the phone face-down on the table. Nick leaves a message --
    NICK (V.O.)
    (pre-lap)
    I'll stop by again tonight.

INT. RAFFLES HOTEL - SUITE - DAY
    Nick is on the phone, leaving Rachel a message.
    NICK
    (then)
    Rachel, please, just give me a call. Anytime. Please.
    Nick hangs up.

INT. GOH FAMILY HOUSE - PEIK LIN'S ROOM - DAY
    Peik Lin enters the dark room.
    PEIK LIN
    Rachel, someone's here to see ya.
    Rachel doesn't move.
    RACHEL
    I don't want to see him.
    PEIK LIN
    It's not Nick.
    Someone steps in from behind Peik Lin. It's KERRY. Rachel stirs, can't believe her eyes.
    RACHEL
    Mom!
    CONTINUED: Rachel rushes to her mom, hugging her. Rachel tears up, finally with the person she needed the most. TIME CUT TO:

INT. GOH FAMILY HOUSE - PEIK LIN'S ROOM - DAY
    The blinds are open and Rachel sits up, looking better, as Kerry fusses over her, bringing her herbal soup.
    KERRY
    Drink more. The dong-quai and the ginseng will give you more energy.
    RACHEL
    Thanks.
    Rachel lets herself be mothered, but Kerry sees the toll the last few days have taken.
    KERRY
    Your spirit has always been so strong, ever since young. You will get through this.
    Rachel nods, needing to hear that. But:
    RACHEL
    Why didn't you tell me about my father?
    Kerry nods, she's been expecting this.
    KERRY
    My husband wasn't a good man. He hurt me.
    (off Rachel)
    But an old schoolmate of mine helped me through things and we fell in love and I got pregnant with his baby, that's you. I was so afraid my husband would find out and kill us both, so I just took you and I ran to America.
    Rachel is stunned.
    RACHEL
    Did you ever...? I don't know, think about trying to talk to him? I mean, do you think about him?
    CONTINUED:
    KERRY
    Every day. When we first came to America all I could think about was reaching out for him, but I was so afraid my husband would find us. And now, I, I just don't want to cause any trouble.
    RACHEL
    I'm really sorry.
    Kerry shakes her head, smiles through the tears.
    KERRY
    Oh! Don't be sorry. You listen to me, everything that happened in my past life is the reason why I got you.
    Rachel tears up, vulnerable.
    KERRY
    My brave and clever girl.
    Rachel flops back on the bed. Her mother lies down next to her.
    RACHEL
    I really thought he was the one.
    OFF Rachel as this sinks in.
    RACHEL
    Now, I just wanna go home.
    KERRY
    You know, Nick was the one who called me and brought me out here. Before we go, I think you should go and talk to him.
    Rachel sighs. Then they hear a clicking sound and turn to see P.T. at the doorway holding his phone and taking photos of them.
    P.T.
    I'll e-mail the photo later.
    RACHEL
    P.T., how long you been standing there?
    P.T.
    Just a short while.
    CONTINUED: Rachel and Kerry laugh.

EXT. RIVERFRONT - DAY
    Rachel sits on a bench, when she sees Nick approach, tentative, hopeful. He sits next to her.
    NICK
    I'm so sorry about everything. What my mother did to you is unforgivable --
    RACHEL
    It's not your fault --
    NICK
    It is. Ever since I can remember, my family has been my whole life. And I am done making excuses for them.
    He pulls out the ring he's been carrying. Rachel looks at Nick, astounded.
    RACHEL
    Nick --
    NICK
    Marry me. Marry me and we'll start our new life together in New York, just you and me. I'll leave all of this behind.

EXT. STREET - DAY
    Eleanor, wearing sunglasses, walks by the row of old terraced shophouses, pausing when she hears a familiar CLACKING sound. She walks through an unmarked door, into:

INT. MAHJONG HALL - DAY
    Eleanor enters to see Rachel playing mahjong with two WOMEN at a back table. It's a FLUID, RHYTHMIC RITUAL -- the staccato clacking of tiles, stacks being formed and moved like clockwork. Eleanor is surprised to see how adept and effortless Rachel is. Eleanor walks up to the table. CONTINUED:
    RACHEL
    Thanks for meeting me here.
    (re: women)
    Don't worry about them. They're half deaf and they only speak Hokkien.
    WOMAN
    (hands Eleanor dice)
    Mm-hmm.
    Eleanor sits down at the table, and tosses the dice in the middle of the stacks of tiles. She starts playing the game.
    RACHEL
    My mom taught me how to play. She told me mahjong would teach me important life skills. Negotiation, strategy, cooperation.
    (NOTE: The game goes on throughout the scene. With cards thrown, picked up, chips exchanging hands, etc.)
    ELEANOR
    You asked me here. I assume it's not for a mahjong lesson. Pung.
    She puts down a power card combo. The women toss red chips to her.
    ELEANOR
    My mother taught me, too.
    Rachel tosses her a red chip.
    RACHEL
    I know Nick told you the truth about my mom. But you didn't like me the second I got here. Why is that?
    ELEANOR
    There's a Hokkien phrase. Ka gi lan. It means 'our own kind of people.' And you're not our own kind.
    RACHEL
    'Cause I'm not rich? 'Cause I didn't go to a British boarding school or I wasn't born into a wealthy family?
    CONTINUED:
    ELEANOR
    You're a foreigner. American. And all Americans think about is their own happiness.
    RACHEL
    Don't you want Nick to be happy?
    ELEANOR
    It's an illusion. We understand how to build things that last. Something you know nothing about.
    RACHEL
    You don't know me.
    ELEANOR
    I know you're not what Nick needs.
    RACHEL
    Well, he proposed to me yesterday.
    (off Eleanor)
    He said he'd walk away from his family and from you, for good.
    Eleanor's hand slips, she drops a tile. The other women exchange looks, sensing the tension:
    RACHEL
    Don't worry, I turned him down.
    Eleanor tries to regain her composure.
    ELEANOR
    Only a fool folds a winning hand.
    RACHEL
    There's no winning. You made sure of that. Because if Nick chose me, he would lose his family. And if he chose his family, he might spend the rest of his life resenting you.
    Eleanor grabs a tile that Rachel had just discarded.
    ELEANOR
    (realizing)
    So you chose for him.
    RACHEL
    I'm not leaving 'cause I'm scared or because I think I'm not enough. Because... maybe for the first time in my life, I know I am.
    CONTINUED:
    RACHEL
    (beat)
    I just love Nick so much. I don't want him to lose his mom again. So I just wanted you to know that one day, when he marries another lucky girl, who is enough for you, and you're playing with your grandkids while the tan huas are blooming, and the birds are chirping, that it was because of me... a poor, raised by a single mother, low class, immigrant nobody.
    Rachel SHOWS HER HAND -- a WINNING COMBINATION -- but she FOLDS. The game is mucked (no one can win). Rachel gets up. As Rachel reaches the door, REVEAL Kerry has been sitting quietly at another table. As Kerry joins Rachel, she turns to see Eleanor and the two mothers exchange a look.

INT. ASTRID'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - DAY
    Astrid enters as Michael packs a bag. Michael is uncomfortable, not wanting to do this in front of her.
    MICHAEL
    Hey. I'm gonna send someone for the rest of my stuff. But I wanna talk to you about my visitation rights with Cassian.
    ASTRID
    Stop talking.
    MICHAEL
    What?
    ASTRID
    Don't worry about packing your things. You bought this apartment, you keep it. We're leaving --
    MICHAEL
    What do you mean, you're leaving? Where are you gonna go?
    ASTRID
    I have fourteen apartment buildings that I own, so probably one of those.
    CONTINUED:
    ASTRID
    And you'll see Cassian when it's good for him, not when it's good for you.
    Astrid walks away. Michael takes her arm, holds her back.
    MICHAEL
    Hey! Look, you know, it's not just my fault that things didn't work out.
    Astrid pauses, then:
    ASTRID
    You're right. I shouldn't have kept things from you. Hidden my shoes, turned down jobs, charity work, worrying that it might make you feel lesser than. But let's be clear -- the problem with our marriage isn't my family's money. It's that you're a coward. You gave up on us. But I've just realized --
    (then)
    It's not my job to make you feel like a man. I can't make you something you're not.

EXT. CITYSCAPE (SINGAPORE) - DAWN (ESTABLISHING)

EXT. GOH HOUSE - DAY
    Peik Lin helps Rachel load SUITCASES into a waiting TAXI.
    PEIK LIN
    Good for you. Walking away from Nick and his family's fat-ass property portfolio. You have no one, no net worth, but you have integrity. That's why I respect you.
    RACHEL
    (hugging Peik Lin)
    Thank you for everything.

INT. RAFFLES HOTEL - SUITE - DAY
    CLOSE ON NICK -- CONTINUED: when he hears a KNOCK. He rushes to the door, hopeful, opens it to see: ELEANOR OFF Nick, disappointed, conflicted at seeing his mother. TIME CUT TO:

INT. ASTRID'S APARTMENT - BATHROOM - DAY
    Astrid reaches above the mirror for the box containing the earrings she hid there. She puts them on and looks at her reflection -- she likes what she sees. Emboldened, she exits to:

EXT. GOH HOUSE - DAY
    Kerry hurries up, dressed for travel, carrying two TUPPERWARE MEALS.
    PEIK LIN
    (hugging Kerry)
    Bye, Mrs. Chu!
    KERRY
    Goodbye and thank you.
    As Kerry gets into the taxi:
    PEIK LIN
    (to Rachel)
    Sure I can't get you to stay? You know, my brother P.T. he's still single...
    They turn to see P.T. at the doorway making a hand heart. CUT TO:

INT. RAFFLES HOTEL - SUITE - BALCONY - DAY
    Nick and his mother stand on the balcony of Nick's room, silent, staring at nothing. Eleanor finally looks at her son.

EXT. GOH HOUSE - DAY
    Rachel and Peik Lin hug goodbye. CONTINUED:
    RACHEL
    (to Peik Lin)
    All right.
    Rachel gets in the taxi. Peik Lin runs and stands next to her brother, wraps her arm around his shoulders. He puts his hand on her shoulder as the taxi drives away.

EXT. CITYSCAPE (SINGAPORE) - DAY
    We see Rachel's taxi speeding down the highway heading for the airport.

EXT. AIRPORT - TARMAC
    Planes taxi in marked "Pacific Asean Airlines."

INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
    Rachel and Kerry make their way down the crowded aisle. They're jostled by other passengers and their carry-on bags. A far cry from first class. TIME CUT TO:

INT. ASTRID'S APARTMENT - DAY
    Astrid walks away while Michael watches. TIME CUT TO:

INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
    NICK
    Rachel! Rachel! Stay there.
    KERRY
    I'm gonna go and look for some extra blankets.
    CHUBBY WOMAN
    Hello.
    (in Mandarin)
    Kuai dian, kuai dian. \[Hurry, hurry.\]
    RACHEL
    Sorry, just one second. Nick, what are you doing here?
    CONTINUED:
    NICK
    I'm flying back to New York with you.
    RACHEL
    God, don't make this harder than it already is --
    NICK
    I always imagined what me proposing to you would be like. And you know what, I had it all planned out.
    (to sitting man on plane)
    Oh, yeah, right behind you. Don't mind me.
    (to Rachel)
    I'd bring you to my favorite spot on the island. There's a hidden trail that I used to go to as a child. Now there's a cove there that opens up to this beautiful lake.
    (to standing man on plane)
    Um, sorry, dude. Give me a second. Let me just move.
    Nick passes by the standing man as he continues:
    NICK
    When the sun hits the horizon, I'd get down on one knee.
    Rachel sighs.
    NICK
    And the rest of the world would fall away. Because it would just be you and -- Because it's just you and --
    (to female passenger struggling with carry-on)
    Sorry, I can help you with that. That's fine.
    (to Rachel)
    Stay there.
    Thump. Now, Nick is JOSTLED by a WOMAN trying to jam her carry-on in the overhead compartment. CONTINUED:
    NICK
    (to woman on plane)
    Yay. You, too? Watch your fingers. Lift it up. Okay.
    Nick steps into the aisle, helps the Woman and others get their luggage put away.
    NICK
    (to surrounding passengers)
    Everybody okay? Because I just need thirty seconds with this woman. Okay, thank you.
    Nick turns back to Rachel... and gets down on one knee. Rachel is astounded, tries to stay strong.
    NICK
    Oh, coming through. Sorry. I know this is a far throw from a hidden paradise...
    Rachel looks into his eyes.
    NICK
    But wherever you are in the world, that's where I belong.
    She takes this in. He pulls out a ring box.
    RACHEL
    But, I --
    Nick opens the box, revealing: ELEANOR'S EMERALD RING. Time stops. Rachel's breath parts from her for the moment. Her eyes meet his and then --
    NICK
    Rachel Chu. Will you marry me and make me the happiest man in this world?
    Rachel, teary-eyed and overwhelmed, is about to respond.
    CHUBBY WOMAN
    Yes! Yes! Yes! She will marry you!
    Nick looks at Rachel, "Is Chubby Woman right?" Rachel hands her neck pillow to Chubby woman. Kerry is standing behind her, all smiles. CONTINUED:
    RACHEL
    Yes!!
    The cabin ERUPTS in HOOTS and CLAPPING! Nick puts the ring on her finger -- a perfect fit. He pulls her into his arms as he kisses her. Chubby Woman high-fives Kerry. Rachel grins as she's inches away from Nick.
    NICK
    I love you.
    RACHEL
    I love you, too. This is gonna be some flight back to New York.
    NICK
    Well, I was actually thinking about staying one more night
    OFF Rachel, intrigued, in love, excited. She kisses him again.

EXT. MARINA BAY SANDS (SINGAPORE) - SKY DECK - NIGHT
    Nick leads Rachel into the middle of a crowd of people with his hands covering her eyes. When he removes his hands, she sees a crowd of Nick's friends screaming and cheering. Araminta and Colin in front leading the pack. It's an ENGAGEMENT PARTY at this mind-blowing location, perched high above the city. Everyone has shown up: Peik Lin, Eddie, Fiona, Alistair, Bernard, Kitty, Oliver, Colin, Araminta, Charlie, and THE GOHs. They all cheer and hug Rachel and Nick. Nick points for Rachel to look at the pool where SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMERS are performing. Rachel spots Eleanor in the distance. There's a look of understanding, respect between them. Nick kisses Rachel as all the revelers clap and scream their congratulations. We PULL AWAY as fireworks explode in the b.g... FADE IN ON: END CREDITS CUT BACK TO:

EXT. MARINA BAY SANDS (SINGAPORE) - SKY DECK - NIGHT
    Astrid and a handsome man at the party look at each other, then turn away. Then they look back at each other with a sly grin. CUT BACK TO: END CREDITS CONTINUE. FADE OUT.: THIS SCRIPT WAS PREPARED: BY WARNER BROS. PICTURES: SCRIPT PROCESSING DEPARTMENT
    (818) 954-4632

Summary: Rachel Chu, a professor of economics at New York University, and her boyfriend Nick Young travel to Singapore for the wedding of Nick’s best friend Colin Khoo and Araminta Lee. The following day, Rachel visits her college roommate Goh Peik Lin and her wealthy family, who reveal that Nick's family is extremely wealthy and akin to royalty in Singapore. Later that evening, Rachel and Peik Lin arrive at the sprawling Young family estate for a dinner party. Nick introduces Rachel to his mother Eleanor, while his sister Astrid Leong-Teo discovers that her husband Michael, who comes from a more humble background than the Youngs, has been having an affair. Rachel immediately senses that Eleanor dislikes her. Nick then introduces her to his grandmother, matriarch Shang Su Yi, who takes a liking to Rachel. At Araminta's bachelorette party, Rachel meets Amanda Ling, who reveals she is Nick's ex-girlfriend and tells Rachel that she may face rejection by the Youngs due to her modest background; Rachel is also accused of being a gold digger. Meanwhile, Nick attends Colin's bachelor party and reveals his plan to propose to Rachel. Colin expresses concern about the potential conflicts: apart from their class difference, Nick is expected to stay in Singapore and run his family's corporation, whereas Rachel loves her job in New York City. Nick apologizes to Rachel for not telling her who he really is and takes her back to the Young estate to make dumplings. Eleanor recounts her sacrifices to be a part of the family and calls out Rachel's stereotypically American pursuit of passion. She privately recounts to Rachel how Nick's father had to obtain her engagement ring because Su Yi disapproved of her and refused to give him the family ring, and tells Rachel that she will never be enough for Nick or his family. Peik Lin convinces Rachel to stand up to Eleanor and earn her respect. On the day of the wedding, Peik Lin and Oliver T’sien, Nick’s second cousin, give Rachel a glamorous makeover. Meanwhile, en route to the wedding, Astrid confronts Michael, who blames his infidelity on the financial disparity between them. At the afterparty, Eleanor and Su Yi privately confront Rachel and Nick because via a private investigator they learned that Rachel's father is alive, and she was conceived through an extramarital affair, after which her mother Kerry fled to the United States. They demand that Nick stop seeing Rachel for fear of scandal. The shocked and heartbroken Rachel, whose mother told her that her father was dead, flees to Peik Lin's home, remaining in a depressed stupor. Kerry later arrives upon request by Nick, explaining that her abusive husband led to the comfort of an old classmate who then impregnated her; she fled in fear that her husband would kill them. Nick apologizes to Rachel and proposes, willing to abandon his family to be with her, but Rachel rejects. She then meets Eleanor at a mahjong parlor and points out that Eleanor has created a stalemate: Nick can forsake Rachel and remain dutiful but resentful of his family, or he can forsake his family for love. Making use of her expertise in game theory, she hands Eleanor the mahjong tile that lets her win, and reveals that she could have kept the tile for herself and claimed victory. Having thus demonstrated her willingness to place family over self, she leaves with Kerry to the airport. Meanwhile, Astrid moves out with her son Cassian, and tells Michael that his insecurities caused their marriage to fail. Eleanor gives her blessing to Nick and Rachel by giving Nick her ring, which Nick uses to propose to Rachel on the plane before her flight departs. Rachel accepts and they stay in Singapore for an engagement party. There, Astrid and her ex-boyfriend Charlie Wu spot each other; she discreetly smiles.