It Takes Two (Singaporean TV series)

It Takes Two
Genre	Family Comedy
Written by	洪荣狄 Ang Eng Tee
Directed by	方家福 Png Keh Hock 叶佩娟 Doreen Yap 胡凉财 Oh Liang Cai 谢益文 Edmund Tse 苏妙芳
Starring	Chen Hanwei 陈汉玮 Yao Wenlong 姚彣隆 Kym Ng 钟琴 Ann Kok 郭舒贤 Zheng Geping 郑各评
Opening theme	轧 by Derrick Hoh and Kelvin Tan
Ending theme	以为 by Kelvin Tan
Country of origin	Singapore
Original language	Chinese
No. of episodes	34
Production
Producer	张龙敏 Chong Liung Man
Running time	approx. 45 minutes
Original release
Network	MediaCorp Channel 8
Release	6 November – 21 December 2012
Related
I'm In Charge World at Your Feet

It Takes Two
Traditional Chinese	對對碰
Simplified Chinese	对对碰
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Duì Duì Pèng

It Takes Two (simplified Chinese: 对对碰) is a 2012 Singaporean Chinese year-end blockbuster drama produced by MediaCorp TV. It stars Chen Hanwei , Yao Wenlong , Kym Ng , Ann Kok & Zheng Geping as casts of the series. It is currently telecast on Singapore's free-to-air channel, MediaCorp Channel 8. It made its debut on 6 November 2012 and consists of 34 episodes, screened on every weekday night at 9:00pm.

Story

In a block of 4-room flats at a particular housing estate in Bedok, the two families of Hao Youcai and Niu Wuyin live opposite each other. As business rivals, sparks occasionally fly between them. Youcai's name may mean "wealthy", but he often has no luck with money. On the other hand, the overbearing Wuyin or "penniless" does not only enjoy a thriving business but he has the Midas touch as well. He is certainly loaded with "pounds".

An honest and kind man, Youcai does not have the gift of the gab but is tolerant as far as possible. However, his wife Luona has a vicious tongue that spares nobody for no rhyme or reason. On top of that, she covets wealth and power, despising her low-earning husband. She is tyrannical and harsh towards her 70-year-old mother-in-law. Wuyin's septuagenarian father, however, has a "blessed" life. His son and daughter-in-law treasure him. When he moans about his aching body, a massage chair worth a few thousand dollars is delivered immediately to the house. Youcai's mother can only drool in envy. Wuyin has a way with people and he is eloquent. He remains "refined" even in a quarrel, defusing any tense situation with a soft touch. Money is his life, and he can never earn enough. He is ever ready to perform good deeds, but not when they demand his money. Hardworking and frugal, his wife Xiuhua is not one to complain.

Both families sell "handmade fishball noodles" at their stalls in a food centre. "Niuji" stall enjoys brisk business while "Haoji" stall suffers from poor business.

The sight of the other party decked in jewellery while she is pathetically bare in that aspect makes Luona moan all day to the extent that she pinches her mother-in-law out of spite. Unfortunately, the "act of violence" is captured on camera by her daughter and uploaded to YouTube. It even hits the headlines. In no time, people are demanding that she be punished and going on a hunt to ferret out this wicked woman. Youcai is aware that the culprit is his wife and loses his cool. Instead of being remorseful, Luona flies into a fury. She leaves home with her daughter, threatening to engage a lawyer to initiate divorce proceedings.

Disillusioned, Youcai reaches the point of contemplating suicide but is stopped by his mother. To console her son, she fabricates a story that a deity appeared in her dream to prophesize that his hardship days will soon be over. The deity also bestowed on her a "good luck rice bin" (which is actually a junk she retrieved from the rubbish dump) and promised that the rice bin would always be full and that his life would be free from worry.

Whether it is his filial piety that moves the Heaven or it is simply mere coincidence, Youcai's luck changes for the better the moment his wicked wife leaves home. His fish balls are favoured by a renowned chef and he is invited to appear on TV. He becomes famous overnight. Customers begin to stream towards his stall. Wuyin's business is badly affected and a series of misfortune befalls him. It appears that the wheel of fortune has turned. With Lady Luck smiling on him, Youcai enters a lucky draw and wins a car. Soon, the story of how the "prosperous rice bin" changes his fortune starts to circulate to the point of becoming a legend. Despite Youcai's mother frantically explaining that it is purely nonsense perpetuated by her, nobody is convinced. Hordes of people flock to the rice bin to "seek fortune and lottery numbers". Luona banishes the thought of divorce upon hearing of it. She wants to return home to be a virtuous wife and a filial daughter-in-law. Wuyin, who is down on his luck, actually plans to steal Youcai's "prosperous rice bin"...

Apart from these two families, this drama has a slew of interesting characters, including the "manager" whose job is to assist a loan shark in hosting "overseas talents" (foreign runners); the "Yong Tau Foo Beauty" and her 20-year-old only son who still relies on his mother to trim his nails; the fengshui master who is a quack; new immigrants married to locals who are eager to assimilate into the country; "opposition parties" fond of exaggerating for the shock effect and who "opposes" everything; the Fish Prince who is unfazed by his lowly status but believes that he who tills diligently will reap a bountiful harvest, etc. The stories of these people reflect the everyday issues currently confronting Singaporeans. For example, the hardship imposed on ordinary citizens as a result of the rising cost of living; indulging the next generation and making it even more difficult for children to face challenges; the impact that an aging population has on society; the marginalization of grassroot communities; the widening gulf between people... The 34-episode drama provides light entertainment while pinpointing current issues in a heartwarming and down-to-earth portrayal.

Cast

Hao family

Cast	Role	Description
Yao Wenlong 姚彣隆	Hao Youcai 郝有财	Worker at Hao Ji
Kym Ng 钟琴	Luo Na 罗娜	Supporting Antagonist Youcai's wife Worker at Hao Ji
Jin Yinji 金银姬	You Cai's mum 有财妈	Youcai's mum, Luo Na Mother-in-law
Shine Koh 高慧珊	Hao Meiying 郝美英	Youcai &Luo Na's elder daughter Business woman
Aloysius Pang 冯伟衷	Hao Zhi Jie 郝志杰	Secondary School student Youcai's &Luo Na son
Oh Ling En 胡菱恩	Hao Meishan 郝美珊	Primary School student Youcai &Luo Na's younger daughter

Niu family

Cast	Role	Description
Chen Hanwei 陈汉伟	Niu Wuyin 牛无银	Supporting Antagonist Worker at Niu Ji
Chen Huihui 陈慧慧	Zhang Xiuhua 张秀花	Wuyin's wife Worker at Niu Ji
Zhu Houren 朱厚任	Niu's dad 牛老爸	Wuyin's dad
Shane Pow 包勋评	B Niu B牛	Wuyin's son Property Agent
Foo Fang Rong 符芳容	Niu Xin Hui 牛欣惠	Secondary School student Wuyin's daughter

Others

Cast	Role	Description
Zheng Geping	Hao Youfu 郝有福	Ah Pao (阿炮) Full-time loanshark In love with Zhang Ling
Ann Kok	Vivian	A Pao's assistant, A Pao's girlfriend
Hong Huifang	Aunt Kopi 咖啡嫂
Pan Lingling	Zhang Ling 张玲	Boss of flower stall Ah Pao's love interest
Chen Guohua	Watermelon Ming 西瓜明	Boss of fruit stall, like Zhang Ling
Chen Tianwen	"Opposition Party" Lao Cai 反对党老蔡	Villain An opposition party member of Fish Prince
Rayson Tan	Zhang Yang 张扬	Zhang Ling's brother A loanshark, but also bodyguard for South Korean girl group, Skarf.
Li Mei Jiao (黎美娇)	Amy	David's mother Lady boss of yong tau foo stall
Jerry Yeo	Ryan	Villain Boss gangster Wuyin's daughter boyfriend
Romeo Tan	Fish Prince 鱼王子	Boss of fish stall, love Xu Jie
Tracy Lee	Xu Jie 徐洁	Zhang Ling's daughter, love fish prince
Xavier Ong	David	Amy's son
Xu Bin	Tony	love Xu Jie
Kimberly Chia	Xueli 雪丽	Zhi Jie's girlfriend
Louis C.Hillyard	Benny	Zhi Jie's schoolmate
Scott C.Hillyard	Aloysius	Zhi Jie's classmate and rival in love
Dick Su	Mr Chong	Discipline Master of secondary school
Skarf	Themselves	Cameo appearance in 2 episodes.
Ho Tien Tsai	Octavia	A client of B Niu from Taiwan.
Teo Ser Lee	Angela	Villain Cheated Niu Wuyin of his money.
Li Wenhai	Master Hong	A fortune teller
Seth Ang		Host of reality show House Full Of Joy.
Vivian Lai		TV host
Ben Yeo		TV host
Wang Yuqing	Fang Weijie 方伟杰	Luo Na's ex-classmate A doctor.
Oon Shu An	Sisi	Niu WuYin's Younger sister

Trivia

• This is one of two anniversary dramas (the other being period drama Joys of Life) produced in conjunction with MediaCorp's celebration of 30 years of local Chinese drama.
• TV host Kym Ng returns to acting after more than three years. She last starred in Table of Glory in 2009.
• Filming started on 4 July 2012 and ended by October 2012. Trailers started screening as of 9 October 2012.
• There is supposed to be some conversation during the credits reel of the finale which showed some bloopers. However, the front parts were being blocked by the commentary of News Tonight.
• Elvin Ng and Foo Fangrong were seen watching the series in episode 15 of I'm in Charge.
• Edwin Goh and Damien Teo were seen watching the scene where Zheng Geping accidentally kissed Ann Kok in episode 30 of The Dream Makers II.

Reception

It Takes Two was the second drama to beat the 1-million viewership mark, beating Don't Stop Believin' to gain the mark before the finale on 21 December (episode 34).

Overseas broadcast

This drama is one of the first dramas to be broadcast exclusive in Malaysia after its first telecast of two weeks.

Country of Broadcast	Broadcasting Network	Debut	Finale	Preceded by	Followed by	Notes
Malaysia	Astro Shuang Xing	22 November 2012 at 4.30pm, weekdays (encore on 23 November at 3.30pm, weekdays)	8 January 2013 (encore on 9 January)	Game Plan	Beyond	Astro had planned to broadcast Show Hand at the timeslot but was axed.

Episodic synopsis

Drama

Episode	Title	Original Airdate
1	"#1"	November 6, 2012 (2012-11-06) PG
Fishball noodle stalls Hao Ji and Niu Ji are keen competitors in a hawker centre. Hao Ji is managed by husband and wife team Hao Youcai and Luo Na. Youcai is an honest man whereas Luo Na is a hot-tempered woman who is at constant loggerheads with Niu Wuyin, the owner of Niu Ji. Cheery and helpful young fishmonger Fish Prince is well-liked by other stall owners at the market and customers alike.
2	"#2"	November 7, 2012 (2012-11-07) PG
Niu Wuyin makes advances towards new citizen Zhang Ling, making Watermelon Ming jealous. He is further infuriated when the "Opposition Party" Lao Cai chats Zhang Ling up as well and picks up a fight with him. Fish Prince hurriedly steps in to stop the fight.
3	"#3"	November 8, 2012 (2012-11-08) PG
Luo Na believes Niu Wuyin's booming business is attributed to advice from a master. She offers a high price to engage Master Hong when he hints that he is Wuyin's advisor. Master Hong advises her to kidnap the God of Fortune to change her luck!
4	"#4"	November 9, 2012 (2012-11-09) PG
Youcai reprimands Zhijie and Meiying when they lament their flat is too small but he gets blamed instead as everyone feels he should be taking the responsibility for their present state of living. Youcai decides to kidnap the God of Fortune to rid of his bad luck.
5	"#5"	November 12, 2012 (2012-11-12) PG
Luo Na and family manage to successfully "snatch" the God of Fortune from Niu Wuyin. Luo Na instructs her family to stare at the statue for auspicious numbers and they manage to find 4 lucky numbers. Luo Na bets on the numbers that every night but does not win anything. Her luck turns for the worse the next day when she gets fined for unhygienic practices at her stall.
6	"#6"	November 13, 2012 (2012-11-13) PG Some Sexual References
Luo Na goes into a rage when she discovers her dad has spent all his CPF on women. He collapses all of a sudden while she is confronting the women. It turns out he has been taking illegal "Viagra" which has severely affected his health. Luo Na is worried his assets will land in the hands of her siblings should he die.
7	"#7"	November 14, 2012 (2012-11-14) PG
Youcai is worried his business will suffer a further blow when he learns a TV food show will be featuring Niu Wuyin's stall. He enlists Ah Pao's help to sabotage the filming. Ah Pao arranges for people to disrupt the filming causing it to be postponed.
8	"#8"	November 15, 2012 (2012-11-15) PG Some Sexual References
Niu Wuyin confronts Youcai for sabotaging the filming. Youcai turns the table around and accuses Wuyin of stealing his secret recipe and even went as far as accusing their master of adding borax to his fishballs, causing him to die of anger.
9	"#9"	November 16, 2012 (2012-11-16) PG Some Sexual References
A food critic samples the noodles from Hao Ji and Niu Ji and tells Youcai that his noodles are not up to par with the Hao Ji brand. Youcai decides to start afresh and is determined to recreate the original taste of Hao Ji. He is further defeated when his mother claims the standard of his fishballs are light years apart from his master's.
10	"#10"	November 19, 2012 (2012-11-19) PG Some Sexual References
Niu Wuyin comes up with a new promotional strategy to give away 2 additional fishballs at the usual price. Not to be outdone, Luo Na decides to give 3 fishballs albeit much smaller-sized ones causing Niu Wuyin and her to get into another quarrel.
11	"#11"	November 20, 2012 (2012-11-20) PG
Weijie gobbles down the fishball noodles Luo Na brings to him. She discovers he hasn't been eating well since his divorce and offers to cook for him on impulse. Luo Na begins to feel marrying Youcai was a mistake.
12	"#12"	November 21, 2012 (2012-11-21) PG
Using her mum's waist injury as an excuse to return home to cook for her, Luo Na runs off to cook for Weijie instead. She fanatasizes about having a better life should she had married Weijie. She recalls the happier times she had with Weijie and feels that he is interested in her.
13	"#13"	November 22, 2012 (2012-11-22) PG
David borrows money from Amy on the pretext of returning it to the loansharks. Fish Prince sees through David's lie and helps Amy to get the money back. David admits the money is intended for his overseas trip with his girlfriend, causing Amy to bitterly lament that she has spoilt this child of hers. Fish Prince consoles Amy and suggests her to make a police report to capture the loansharks.
14	"#14"	November 23, 2012 (2012-11-23) PG Some Sexual References
Meiying gangs up with B Niu to stage an incident to lure Tony into saving her. Just when she thinks her act has succeeded, Tony reveals the picture of his crush to her. She is jealous when she discovers his crush is the girl who sells flowers at the market.
15	"#15"	November 26, 2012 (2012-11-26) PG Some Sexual References
Youcai and Wuyin fight in the toilet over the leasing of Youcai's stall. Luo Na rushes to the scene and manages to subdue Wuyin. She chides Youcai for being a loser in both business and fights and demands for a divorce.
16	"#16"	November 27, 2012 (2012-11-27) PG
Luo Na discovers symptoms of pregnancy and is worried her divorce plans will be thwarted should she is certified pregnant. Weijie consoles her but she mistakes his kind intentions as being interested in her.
17	"#17"	November 28, 2012 (2012-11-28) PG Some Sexual References
Luo Na decides to get an abortion behind Youcai's back when she is certified pregnant. She wants Youcai to lease his stall out and find another job but he is determined to keep his stall and work harder. In a fit of anger, Luo Na accidentally spills the news of her pregnancy which delights Youcai!
18	"#18"	November 29, 2012 (2012-11-29) PG
Youcai wins 4D and his luck turns for the better. He decides to change his fate by working even harder. He recalls his Master's words and decides to adopt his method of making fishballs from scratch even though it will take more time and effort. Luo Na is skeptical of his decision.
19	"#19"	November 30, 2012 (2012-11-30) PG Some Sexual References
Youcai revamps his recipe and lets Meishan try his noodles. Meishan proclaims the noodles are delicious and even asks him where he bought them from. Encouraged by Meishan's comment, Youcai further pushes himself by trying out famous fishball noodles around the island to further improve his recipe.
20	"#20"	December 3, 2012 (2012-12-03) PG Some Sexual References
Fish Prince proves Ah Pao to be part of the loanshark syndicate through a simple phone call. Xu Jie understands his vendetta with loansharks rising from his father’s debts, however, she advises him to keep an open mind about Ah Pao. Tony concurs with Xu Jie and tells Fish Prince that he is being unfair to Ah Pao, resulting in a heated argument.
21	"#21"	December 4, 2012 (2012-12-04) PG Some Sexual References
Niu Wuyin’s father points out to him on the deteriorating standard of his fishballs. Xiuhua reveals Wuyin has recently changed their supplier and no longer makes the fishballs by hand. Wuyin retorts by saying he has made these adjustments in line with customers’ palates.
22	"#22"	December 5, 2012 (2012-12-05) PG Some Sexual References
Luo Na is convinced Weijie is referring to her when he tells her he is in love with a married woman. She tells Youcai she had a dinner date with Weijie and even reveals Weijie’s interest in her. Thinking Luo Na is just ranting, Youcai dismisses her words, causing her to lose her temper.
23	"#23"	December 6, 2012 (2012-12-06) PG
Niu Wuyin blames Xiuhua for his dwindling business. On the other hand, Youcai’s business improves after he implements new methods in fishball making and noodle tossing. Niu Wuyin spies on his cooking methods and dismisses him as being showy.
24	"#24"	December 7, 2012 (2012-12-07) PG
Vivian’s mother learns that her daughter has borrowed a lot of money from loansharks to treat her illness. On her deathbed, she hands Vivian to Ah Pao, hoping he could take care of her. Ah Pao is dumbstruck when he sees Vivian without the thick makeup on.
25	"#25"	December 10, 2012 (2012-12-10) PG
Zhijie snatches Xinhui's bag and runs for dear life with Ryan hot at his heels. Zhijie shakes Ryan off and stages a robbery by taking away Xinhui's purse and passport and leaving her bag behind. Ryan's efforts come to nought when Xinhui is unable to leave the country without her passport. Suspecting Zhijie to be behind this fiasco, he confronts him but Zhijie manages to deceive him.
26	"#26"	December 11, 2012 (2012-12-11) PG
Meishan uploads the video of Luo Na and Luo Na's mother-in-law quarrel onto Youtube causing uproar among Netizens. Someone manages to identify Luo Na as the "evil daughter in-law" in the video and notifies the press. Luo Na hides in the ladies when reporters track her down.
27	"#27"	December 12, 2012 (2012-12-12) PG Some Sexual References
Thinking that she has won the lottery, Luo Na starts planning ways to use the prize money. Youcai admits he didn't place the bet for Luo Na, causing her to fly into a rage. She goes further to even accuse him and his mother of ganging up to bully her. In a fit of anger, Youcai asks for a divorce.
28	"#28"	December 13, 2012 (2012-12-13) PG
Ryan hides Zhang Yang in an apartment upon Big Head Qing’s instructions. Ryan receives a call from a talent company in China wanting to buy Zhang Yang’s contract for 2 million RMB. Big Head Qing calls for help just when Ryan is contemplating on pocketing the money for himself. Ryan decides to betray Big Head Qing and calls the police to capture him.
29	"#29"	December 14, 2012 (2012-12-14) PG Some Sexual References
In his drunken stupor, Weijie confesses his feelings for Luo Na. Luo Na proclaims her love for him and asks him to wait for her divorce to be finalised. Weijie realises what he had just said and clarifies to Luo Na that his crush is not her but an ex-classmate. Luo Na finally realises her mistake.
30	"#30"	December 17, 2012 (2012-12-17) PG Some Sexual References
Suspecting something amiss when is he unable to contact Angela, Niu Wuyin hurriedly checks his bank account balance and discovers Angela has taken his money. He goes to the spa to check on his $500,000 investment in the company and discovers the owner to be a different person. The owner clarifies that the spa was never for sale and points out that the documents Niu Wuyin had signed were void. Niu Wuyin is stunned.
31	"#31"	December 18, 2012 (2012-12-18) PG Some Sexual References
Youcai defeats Niu Wuyin by one vote in a televised culinary competition. Niu Wuyin questions the producer on the credibility of the judges but to no avail. Xiuhua defends Youcai by saying he should rightfully win the competition as he makes his fishballs by hand everyday using the freshest fish but Niu Wuyin is still disgruntled over Youcai’s win.
32	"#32"	December 19, 2012 (2012-12-19) PG
Aunt Kopi spreads the news of Youcai’s $2 million lottery windfall. Amy informs Luo Na about it and advises her not to divorce him. Unconvinced, Luo Na asks Meiying to check the results and discovers that there is only one sole winner for that particular draw. She thus believes in Amy’s words.
33	"#33"	December 20, 2012 (2012-12-20) PG
Youcai’s business improved vastly after the culinary competition was aired on television. Niu Wuyin, on the other hand, suffers from a bout of bad luck. Not only does his business suffer, cockroaches are also discovered in his stall by hygiene officers. When customers complain of finding cockroach legs in his fishballs, Niu Wuyin tries to dismiss the claims much to the disgust of his angry customers who then threatened to notify the media.
34	"#34 (Final Round)"	December 21, 2012 (2012-12-21) PG
Lao Cai successfully snatches the lucky bucket away, causing a stampede. Luo Na nearly falls in the process but Niu Wuyin manages to break her fall. Youcai gets dragged by the car as he refuses to see the bucket land in the hands of others. Luo Na shouts at Youcai to let go and he falls into the bushes. He goes into a coma as a result and is unable to recognize Luo Na when he awakes.

Online skit

Webisode	Title	Webisode Release
1	"Building trust between husband and wife"	November 28, 2012 (2012-11-28)
There should be mutual trust between husband and wife, but how much of it should be given?
2	"Is elitism our way of life?"	November 28, 2012 (2012-11-28)
Fish Prince gives his take on being at the bottom of the hierarchy of elitism.
3	"English 101"	December 12, 2012 (2012-12-12)
Ah Pao tries to upgrade himself but does not do it in a proper manner, so Vivian teaches him the ABCs of English.
4	"Money money money!"	December 12, 2012 (2012-12-12)
Are Singaporeans getting richer? The cast of It Takes Two share their views on this matter.
5	"The Truth About Compatibility"	December 19, 2012 (2012-12-19)
Can two people with different social status be together? Fish Prince and B Niu share their views.
6	"You and me with the birds and bees"	December 19, 2012 (2012-12-19)
How should parents start on the topic of sex with their children? Is it necessary? Luo Na and Youcai share their views.

Awards & Nominations

The other dramas that are nominated for Best Theme Song are Don't Stop Believin' , Joys of Life, Yours Fatefully & Show Hand.It only won one award which is Young Talent Award.

Nominee / Work	Award	Accolade	Result
Lyn Oh 胡菱恩	Young Talent Award 青平果奖	Star Awards 2013 Show 1 红星大奖2013	Won
轧 Derrick Hoh and Kelvin Tan	Best Theme Song 最佳主题曲		Nominated
Doreen Yap	Best Director 最佳导演		Nominated
Ang Eng Tee	Best Screenplay 最佳剧本		Nominated
Aloysius Pang 冯伟衷 Romeo Tan 陈罗密欧	Favourite Male Character 最喜爱男主角		Nominated
Ann Kok 郭舒贤	Favourite Female Character 最喜爱女主角		Nominated
Zheng Geping 郑各评 & Ann Kok 郭舒贤	Favourite Onscreen Couple (Drama) 最喜爱荧幕情侣		Nominated
Kym Ng 钟琴	Best Actress 最佳女主角	Star Awards 2013 Show 2 红星大奖2013	Nominated
Rayson Tan 陈泰铭	Best Supporting Actor 最佳男配角		Nominated
Jin Yinji 金银姬	Best Supporting Actress 最佳女配角		Nominated
Shane Pow 包勋评	Best Newcomer 最佳新人奖		Nominated

See also

• List of MediaCorp Channel 8 Chinese Drama Series (2010s)

External links

• Official Website (English)
• Official Website (Chinese)