spotlight: "heart to heart" by linda chung

Heart to Heart - Linda Chung
(Themesong from TVB series Best Bet)

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English Translation by MetalAZNWarrior
After gambling for seven nights,
your body is weak, but you're still happy
You continue to gamble on 'dai sai'
and hope for lucky stars to shine on you
Do you have good chance or just good fortune;
when the luck comes you will buy land
You and I with great wealth and fortune happily welcome happiness

Chorus
*Hoo ~ The lucky star shines all over the side of your body and mine
Good destiny comes with a joyous tone,
spreading it throughout the skies
Hoo ~ Luck is loving you loving me a little more
You - my heart agreed early on to meet
It's hard to decide on a predetermined relationship
Also for obtaining complete happiness
A good husband and a kind wife are dear to each other
Strong love and affections is called 'heart to heart'*

Because having good fortune makes loving sweet as honey
For the sake of loving me, you bid farewell to 'ha haai yue'
After frustration, still love the feeling of wealth
I will continue to love to find out what will touch me

Repeat Chorus

Pinyin
Doh liu chat man tui yuen sau yuen daan ying si foon hei
Nei jau gai juk maai dai sai mong gat sing jiu hei
Hoh yau sau hei ji yiu fuk hei wan loi yau maai dei
Nei gung ngoh dai foo dai gwai fai lok ying hei hei

Chorus
*Hoo ~ Fuk sing joi jiu pin nei yue ngoh dik san bin
Leung yuen wan loi foon sing heung pin tin
Hoo ~ Hang wan si ngoi nei ngoi ngoh doh yat dim
Nei ngoh sum lui jo yeuk ding seung gin
Naan dak jue ding dik yuen fan
Waan yau hang fuk dak doh moon fan
Leung foo yue yin chai seung chan
Ching yi nung sum sum wooi kiu seung yan*

Yan yau fuk hei yan ngoi dak yu mat tong bei jaan yue
Nei wai ngoi jeuk ngoh jau go bit liu ha haai yue
Ging gwoh sat yi doh ya seung ngoi gam gok gik foo yue
Ngoh yik gai juk ngoi wai faat gwai dung yan chi chue

Repeat Chorus

Opinions
Truth be told, it took me a while to warm up to this song, but once I did, I absolutely loved it. It is a super adorable and cute song. I can't help but smile every time I hear it. Heart to Heart just melts my heart with Linda's sugary vocals and the cheerful melody. I really like the lyrics too. It's cute and fitting to Best Bet. The allusions towards gambling and "Hor Yi" (Michael Tse) are funny in a very cute way. I know, I keep using the word "cute", but there's really no other word to describe this song. It's such an adorable and endearing song. I love the instrumental at the very beginning - the music just sounds so cute!

When I watched the themevideo for Bet for the very first time, I was shocked. I had thought that the themesong was a duet between Michael and Linda, so I found it to be a bit "weird" during the first listen. I kept waiting to hear Michael's vocals... but it was just Linda all the way through - shocking indeed. I also didn't like the background vocals initially as well - they sounded weird. After I got over my shock and listened again, I learned not only to appreciate, but love the song as well.

I just love Heart to Heart! I'm very eager to hear more songs from Linda in the future. Unlike her acting, Linda has a background in singing. She took vocal lessons from ex-Hong Kong diva Lau Fung Ping, who immigrated to Canada after getting married. She actually performed in-concert with her teacher at the Hong Kong Coliseum a few months back. Linda will be performing there for the second time this August with Raymond Lam as special guest performers for Susanna Kwan's concert. With a background in singing and a good voice, it's not surprising that TVB is investing in Linda's singing career. It's very possible that she might have a record deal in the future. If not, I'm more than content hearing her singing for the themesong or subsong for her series.

programme highlights '07 - issue i

The first TVB Programme Highlights for this year is out! (The last Programme Highlights post actually wasn't the first issue, but just a booklet with an overview of most of the 2007 series.) Much thanks to Ron Online for the great, high-quality scans! Now, let's go through the nine series included in this quarter's installment...

Without-a-doubt diamonds...


Heart of Greed
(Moses Chan, Bosco Wong, Raymond Lam,
Linda Chung, Tavia Yeung, Yoyo Mung)

In my opinion, the best cast of the year. I love all of the main players in Heart. TVB's design for the poster is really nice - very mysterious and it just exudes the whole "grand production," "must-watch" feeling. Everyone looks great! I'm a sucker for family drama. However, I have to say that the soap opera genre with feuds over money and relationships is really getting over-played this year by TVB. I just hope Heart will have something special to make it stand out otherwise it may be forgotten and overshadowed by The Drive of Life and Jewel's Splendor. Nevertheless, I will probably enjoy it more than Drive (if I even decide to watch it) as I'm just much more fonder of everyone in Heart. I'm a little worried about Linda's performance, but she looks amazing in the poster, so I'm sure it won't be too bad. I can't wait for all of the sweet Raymond and Linda scenes. He crushes her and totally breaks her heart, but good thing she will have Moses. I'm not too thrilled that she's officially listed as the female lead, but it all depends on screen time since this is a "huge" 40 episode series, so it doesn't really matter. Tavia looks gorgeous - this girl has really been cleaning up and looking so beautiful since getting "bigger boobs" (not that I'm implying there's a direct correlation between the two events).



Best Bet
(Michael Tse, Linda Chung, Wayne Lai, Anne Heung, etc.)

Great producer, great cast, and just the perfect series for the New Year! From what I've seen, Bet is funny and entertaining and Michael and Linda actually make a good pair - their interactions are so funny and sweet. Hopefully the momentum is maintained throughout and Producer Li will have delivered another classic.

Oh, possibilities...


The Family Link
(Sheren Tang, Kiki Sheung, Cecilia Yip, Kenneth Ma, etc.)

The poster is hilarious! TVB is really taking the "army" in the Chinese title literally, huh? TVB declares this to be their version of Desperate Housewives, so we'll see... Sheren is in this series, so it cannot be too bad. I'm so glad Michael and Sheren get to play husband and wife in this series. Their chemistry from La Femme Desperado was great. I'm skeptical about the storyline and am not that keen on the other cast members, but I will keep Link on my radar.



A Change of Destiny
(Steven Ma, Benny Chan, Shirley Yeung, Selena Li, etc.)

Producer Tsui, Producer Tsui... what am I going to do with you? He just hasn't delivered a great series since ending Virtues of Harmony, so I'm very doubtful that Change is any different than the mediocrity of The Biter Bitten. I have yet to see The Price of Greed, but I don't hold much hope on it judging from the rather poor reviews... I'm just so disappointed in Producer Tsui. However, I wonder if it's the "curse of Shirley" that's causing him to have bad series back-to-back? Seriously - Biter, Price, and Change all have Shirley in them... Haha. He has two male and female leads for all of his series lately and messy love triangles among the four, so it's getting a little tiring and predictable. Nevertheless, I have to compliment whoever made this poster! It looks really good and makes Change seem like a good series. Still, I'm not sold on the series because the theme seems like nothing new (fighting for the throne, messing with fate)... Please improve Producer Tsui! Where did the magic and creativity go? Better yet, just get back to doing the sitcom and then "everyone is happy."



On The First Beat
(Ron Ng, Sammul Chan, Joey Yung, Michael Tao, etc.)

The Academy blew me away. No, it wasn't a spectacular or stunning series. I had absolutely no expectations from it, so when I actually watched it and liked it a lot, I was very impressed. It is much better than Triumph In The Skies. It's kind of like Always Ready; I expected the worst and got much, much better than I could have imagined. I'm very iffy about Beat though. They changed most of the cast on us! Also, the "poster" is horrible. I really doubt this is the final one. If it is, it's really bad... To be honest, Michael Miu was the reason why Academy was so great, so I'm doubtful that I'll enjoy the sequel as much (or if at all). I do like Sonija though and you know, I've seen "Chung Lap Man" and "Li Pak Kiu" go through their 27 weeks of training, so I kind of want to see the next chapter of their lives... I'm sad that Tavia Yeung and Fiona Sit are "written off" in the beginning. We'll see, I guess...



The Slicing of the Demon
(Sunny Chan, Bernice Liu, Michael Tse, Angela Tong, etc.)

The poster makes Demon look appealing. I'm not into horror or supernatural series, but this series has potential to be interesting if it's anything like Dark Tales. [I don't remember much of it since it's been so long and I wasn't allowed to watch a lot of scenes, but I recall vaguely liking it.] I just don't like series that are too "out there." The plot and reviews will seal the deal whether or not I give it a try. I like the leads - and that's always a good start.

Series I'm passing on...


Life Art (Kevin Cheng, Gigi Lai, Natalie Tong, Paul Chun, etc.) - Gigi looks great in this series... but the plot seems way too simplistic and predictable for my taste. I do like the whole "art" and calligraphy theme that this series will focus on, but nope.

The Ultimate Crime Fighter (Yuen Biao, Moses Chan, Gigi Lai, Yoyo Mung, etc.) - This series doesn't interest me at all and 35 episodes is too much (for a series I'm unwilling to watch).

Devil's Disciples (Bosco Wong, Kevin Cheng, Bernice Liu, Sharon Chan, etc.) - Uh...

What series are you guys looking forward to?

series 411: "best bet"

English Title: Best Bet
Cantonese Title: Ying Chai Jip Fook
Vietnamese Title: Nghia Vo Tinh Chong
Casts: Michael Tse, Linda Chung, Wayne Lai, Anne Heung, etc.
Length: 20 episodes (Cantonese) // 15 tapes (Vietnamese)
Release Date: February 2007 (Canto) // April 2007 (Viet)
Genre: Period Comedy/Drama/Gambling

Note: Please credit "MetalAZNWarrior" and/or this site if you should use my translation of the series' plot! I worked hard to translate it, so please don't just steal or use it for another site without my permission and/or credit. Thank you!

Synopsis:
Love the wife enough,
Wealth and fortune naturally comes!

Young master Hor Yi (Michael Tse Tin Wah) is the son of a prosperous Foshan pawn shop owner. Since childhood, if he doesn't gamble, he won't be happy. Furthermore, if he gambles, he must win. One time, he gambled for three days and three nights. As a result, he collapses due to exhaustion. Luckily, Do Lai Ying (Linda Chung Ka Yan) passes by and saves him.

Yi searches for Ying because he fell in love with her at first sight. She deeply detests gambling. However, things are unpredictable and by mistake, Ying later on becomes Yi's wife! After marriage, Yi is determined to give up gambling. Unfortunately, Yi can't let go of his addiction. Ying is very disappointed at Yi. Who could imagine that he still doesn't repent and even blames her for his losses!

Ying decides to leave Foshan for Hong Kong to study medicine. After repenting his past mistakes, will Yi be able to win back his wife's heart and receive her blessings?

My thoughts: The synopsis doesn't sound too good... I don't like how it was so simplistic and just focused on Michael and Linda's characters. I don't think a "full" picture of the series was really painted. Therefore, I still have my faith in Best Bet and think it won't just be about the marriage between "Yi" and "Ying" and the problems that result from his gambling addiction and end with him fighting to win her back. I'm curious to see how and why "Ying" will marry "Yi" since she hates gambling so much and of course to see how their relationship develops and how he will win her back. TVB is really pushing the "wife" theme for the New Year in this series. I'm also interested in the other characters - it should be a very entertaining and hopefully hilarious and touching series, seeing how it comes from the producer of one of 2006's best series and unexpected gem, Safe Guards.

"best bet" themevideo

Wow! First and foremost, I was really surprised that the themesong was a solo by Linda Chung. She had told us that her upcoming songs for series were both "duets" so I don't know why the themesong turned out to be just her. I was waiting and waiting for Michael Tse to pop in and sing with her, but it was the end of the song and still no Michael. I checked the ending credits and it only lists Linda as the singer. I have to say that I'm a little disappointed. Series like Best Bet are best with a themesong that has the main couple bantering. However, I'm not complaining - I really enjoyed Linda's singing. It sounds really cute. Besides, Bet's main "theme" is about appreciating your wife because she brings blessings, so it's appropriate regardless for Linda to sing it. Now, let's talk about the themevideo. I don't like how it's so "animated." Yes, it looks funny and cute, especially the scenes with the couples. However, I think it's a bit too much. I know it's for Chinese New Year and all, but sheesh. Nevertheless, I think the "theme" and design for the themevideo is creative and fresh and goes well with Linda's song.

"best bet" promotion #2

Credits: pokeanson

meet the "best bet" players

Hor Yi - Michael Tse
Age: 26

Characteristics: Hor Yi is very intelligent and knows how to sweet talk his way through things. Yi knows how to manipulate people and is a playboy. He looks down on people and views that gambling is like life; he cannot let one day go by without gambling. After Yi has won a great sum of money, he will intentionally let his opponents win so that they can release their anger [from losing to him]. Actually, Yi isn't calculating towards monetary gains at all. He just wants to pursue the euphoric sensation of winning and the adrenaline rush that he gets gambling.



Do Lai Ying - Linda Chung
Age: 20

Characteristics: Do Lai Ying grew up at an orphanage. She has principles, has her own opinions, and works diligently. She believes in the idea of the new woman - that women can lead independent lives and not depend on others. With patients, old people, and children, Ying has love and compassion for them. She hopes to become a doctor. Her nature is easy-going; she doesn't resent the heavens or people. Because she doesn't have a father or mother, she works very hard to enhance her value. Ying is even fluent in a foreign language. Because her father was a gambler and caused her family to fall apart as a result, she hates gambling. Ying's exterior is hard, but inside, she's tenderhearted. She's forgiving. Her nature is very strong - she isn't afraid of facing difficulties.

Tsang Dak Sing - Wayne Lai
Age: 28

Characteristics: Tsang Dak Sing is boastful and loves to win. He's concerned with "keeping face" and is very calculating and manipulative. Sing is farsighted and believes that success is utmost. His heart is black. On the exterior, he smiles, but when he has power, he won't acknowledge people. His ambition is great. He wants to become the king of all gamblers. He doesn't care about love and pursues a rich wife so that he can raise his value.



Kwong Ma Lei - Anne Heung
Age: 22

Characteristics: Kwong Ma Lei comes to Foshan after her family in Shanghai faces some difficulties. She's a cousin of a member of the Hor family. She also ran away because she was regarded as promiscuous in Shanghai. Her manner is highly critical and mean. She likes to nitpick, will only accept the very best, and is frank and selfish. However, Lei, who values money as her life, will give up her gold and riches for love.

first look @ "best bet"

(Click on the thumbnail to enlarge)

"best bet" promotion #1

I'm really excited to watch Best Bet. It sounds and looks hilarious. I'm loving the cast and producer. The promotional clips were really funny. Linda Chung's character in this series is called "Sheila." It looks like her character either came back from overseas or is heavily influenced by western culture. I am so thankful that her character is not docile and soft [from the looks in the clips]. I was worried that she would be that "good wife" who does nothing wrong and lets her husband just gamble her away and wallow in pity. However, it seems like she has a backbone and perhaps may even be a little "fierce." I am so pleased with Linda these days. Her acting improved a lot as of late, which makes me really proud of her. I'm eager to see her performance in Bet as it is her most recent work - she just finished filming it maybe two months ago. I have to say that Michael Tse and Linda look quite cute together in the clip. I'm not a fan of the pairing, but I think that, like Heavenly In-Laws, the interactions of the characters will make the two a nice couple. I'm also interested in Wayne Lai and Anne Heung's characters. There are a lot of Virtues of Harmony alumni in this series [including the two leads!] so I am really happy about that. This should be a very funny and entertaining series.

Just a little tidbit about the Chinese title... Originally, the series was called Laan Doh Yi Dong Lo Por, which is translated to mean "Gambler Yi Pawns His Wife" - which means that he gambles her away. The official title of Bet is now Ying Chai Jip Fook, which carries a meaning that "you receive blessings when you receive/welcome your wife." The original title is funny, but I think the new title is much more suitable for the New Year.

Stay tuned for more pictures and information as the series nears its release date on February 12 [and of course for sustained updates once the series is out].

news brief

Exclusive news concerning Jewel's Splendor, Best Bet, and Heart of Greed straight from Linda Chung herself! This is the reason why I love Linda. No matter how hard she works or how busy she is, she will find a way to get in touch with her fans. She just sent a 3 page letter to Linda's Cottage to update us on what she's been doing and what's coming up. The letter is in English and hand-written from Linda herself, so do visit the site to read her entire message.

About her series...

Filming for Jewel's Splendor begins in mid-January. It's an 80 episode series about diamonds. Linda says, "I play a super rich girl that's very spoiled. I have to always court men too... that's funny... I don't even know how to do that." Haha. Linda is so funny. She is such a modest and reserved girl that it will be very refreshing and interesting to watch her be flirtatious. She has never had a true boyfriend and is quite shy in real life, so she is truly pure and innocent as her image makes her out to be. I knew her character was going to be spoiled - I just knew it. It was inevitable considering her age. I think the role will be challenging and fresh for Linda. I can't wait to see her image for it and to watch it in 2008. Spoiled and flirty Linda sounds fun!

Heart of Greed is said to release in March 2007. However, things may change, so don't quote Linda on that. [After all, she told us that she and Moses Chan were going to have a romance in Greed and that the series was going to release in October (of 2006), but the script changed and the series didn't even wrap up production until November.]

Best Bet has finished filming [at least for Linda's scenes anyways] and is in post-production. It will release on February 12, 2007. I absolutely cannot wait to watch that series. Linda looks so adorable in it and it seems really funny and cute. I hate to see her get pawned because of her gambling husband, but it's a hilarious concept and should be an excellent series.

About her singing...

"I have 2 new songs coming out too... both are duets and songs for the 2 series I've been in," announces Linda. Hmm... what two series could they be? I'm certain that one of them is Best Bet - after all, she and Michael Tse are the leads in that series. Michael's singing is very good. He used to be in a band and if you watched La Femme Desperado or heard Virtues of Harmony's CD, you will know that his voice is nice. I am so excited to hear new songs from Linda. Swear has been played so many times now that I've lost count. I've been dying to hear Linda sing again since hearing her debut in Lady In Red. I don't know what the other series is, but I am anxious to find out.

Finally, news on Linda! I just love reading her messages. Her handwriting is so cute. I am happy and excited about TVB again. Obviously, all it took was a little Linda to rain and saturate TVB's dry spell for me. 2007 is looking better and better. There are so many things that I look forward to - including ending my "teen" years. Yep, the big 2-0 is coming up next year for me.