Memoirs of a Geisha Page #4

for the Chairman's photograph.

Anything to preserve

our moment together.

A moment stolen...

...when I was forced

to turn my attention to Nobu.

In that instant, I felt the world shift.

But not my own determination.

I made a secret promise:

Along with his picture,

I would lock away my heart...

...and save it for him.

Come in.

Tonight we will deliver a quick blow

to Hatsumomo.

- How?

- We will meet Nobu-san...

...at the Tsunashima restaurant.

But first, a visit to Dr. Crab.

- Dr. Crab?

- It's a little nickname...

...he's earned over the years.

Hold still.

I have something in mind. A plan.

Now cut your leg

where I've marked it.

- What?

- Or I will do it for you...

Have you gone mad?

Do you trust me or don't you?

Well?

Go ahead, do it.

Careless with the sewing scissors,

were you?

Right through your beautiful kimono.

Such a pity.

It won't leave a scar, will it?

Sayuri is a special girl

at a very special time in her life.

Yes.

With those eyes,

you must be quite a commodity.

Clean cut.

Won't leave a mark, I promise.

But I had best prescribe

a bit of antiseptic.

Your honorable sister says,

"Cut your leg," you cut your leg.

She says, "Follow me,"

you follow her.

My life had turned into a game...

...and only she knew the rules.

Ekubo. At the right moment,

slip it to Nobu discreetly.

He will know what it means.

- You have kept us waiting.

- Please, forgive us, Nobu-san.

The Chairman thinks I should

take more pleasure in life.

Music and the theatre.

What is your impression?

It is useless

to push a cart sideways.

One could not wish Nobu-san

to be anyone but Nobu-san.

I could not agree more.

I owe this man everything.

He gives me too much credit,

as usual.

Probably.

It is a trinket.

I found it a few days ago.

Nobu-san. I had no idea

you were so sentimental.

Call it my new leaf.

My mother...

My mother, she used to wear

something similar.

You do not like it?

Forgive me. I've never received

a present before.

What a beautiful comb.

Such a joyous moment, Sayuri.

You are finally getting

what you deserve.

How lovely.

And now, will you excuse us,

please?

We have another engagement.

Many, in fact.

Pumpkin.

You are most kind.

Now, give this one to Dr. Crab.

- Mameha, please.

- You're upset?

I want to trust you, I do. But you

have to tell me what's going on.

I am ensuring your future.

But tell me how. I beg you.

I'm trying to orchestrate

a bidding war.

- What for?

- Your most precious attribute.

- And what is that?

- Your mizuage.

Did Mother ever tell you

about the eel in the cave?

Well, every once in a while...

...a man's eel likes to visit

a woman's cave.

- Yes, I know.

- You do?

I live with Hatsumomo.

Your cave is untouched.

Men like that.

We call this mizuage.

And to become a full geisha,

you must sell it to the highest bidder.

Did you sell yours?

The largest sum ever paid.

Ten thousand yen.

I freed myself from debt.

And so will you.

When you slip the rice cake

to Dr. Crab...

...it is a sign that says

your mizuage is ripe for sale.

The doctor has no desire

to see you tonight.

Or any night.

Pumpkin. Hatsumomo

went to see Dr. Crab, yes?

I have to go, Chiyo-chan.

- Didn't she?

- I do not know.

Of course you know.

You shadow her every step.

You expect me to betray

my big sister?

Has she made you cruel as well?

- No.

- My Pumpkin always told the truth.

But...

The truth.

Tonight we went to the teahouse

to see Dr. Crab.

I sat outside, but I could still hear

through the screen.

And Hatsumomo then said to him:

"I live in the same okiya as Sayuri.

Did you know that she brings men

back to her room?"

"No," he said.

"Common sailors

and fishermen too. "

The doctor looked queasy,

like he didn't want to hear any more.

But she kept going.

And Hatsumomo said to him,

"What's the matter?

Have I told you more

than you wanted to know?"

I'm so sorry.

I wanted to say something...

...but how could I,

Chiyo-chan? How?

Am I really like her? Am I?

Of course not.

Is Mameha-san cruel to you too?

No. She's so kind to me.

But sometimes I worry she's taking me

further from the things I want.

That man Nobu.

Do you really like him?

- No.

- That's what I thought.

Do you like somebody else?

Don't worry about me,

Chiyo-chan, I'll be fine.

Better than fine.

Mother plans to adopt me...

...so my dream of having someplace

to live out my life may come true.

I have to go.

We could still win, Sayuri.

How? Hatsumomo has poisoned

Dr. Crab against me.

Forget about him. There are plenty

of other fish in the sea.

- The Chairman has been kind...

- Sayuri.

Nobu and the Chairman

are business partners.

They would never bid

against one another.

It is time we cast a wider net.

Suppose there was a night in Miyako,

hundreds of men, all in one place...

- ... eager to bid for you.

- What do you mean?

Where you are the object

of all their fantasies.

The most famous geisha

in the hanamachi.

- But I'm not.

- You will be.

Who is responsible for this?

Ask Mameha.

I'm asking you, Okasan.

How come Sayuri

gets to be the lead?

It's your own fault.

You should practice more.

What did Mameha do?

Speak to the director in private?

Not every geisha

uses that kind of currency.

I'm looking forward

to your performance.

You know how I adore

watching you dance, Chiyo.

They've all come.

The Baron, Nobu-san...

...our beloved Hatsumomo

and that dapper General of hers.

Anybody else?

And even your old friend, Dr. Crab.

What if I dance poorly?

What if I disgrace myself

and no one takes interest..?

You will be glorious.

Now it's time.

Sayuri, you remember the doctor.

I hope my performance

pleased you, doctor.

Oh, you dance

with such profound feeling.

I most humbly thank you.

It seems you've once again

caught the doctor's interest.

And I am most grateful.

- If you have heard any gossip...

- Yes?

...then I hope you will follow

your own advice.

And what would that be, pray tell?

Seek a second opinion.

Chairman.

Sayuri gave such a passionate

performance, don't you think?

Indeed.

Mameha, did you invite the Chairman

to my estate this weekend?

It's my annual blossom-viewing party.

Baron, I told you I can't go.

I have an urgent appointment.

Taking care of a little nuisance?

Or was that a naughty secret?

Baron, wouldn't Sayuri

look stunning...

...among the flowers

on your estate?

Yes, very pretty.

Be sure to send her along.

With a chaperone, of course.

I'm certain Mr. Bekku will oblige.

That's a fine idea, Baron.

But Sayuri is required at the theatre.

Mameha, I expect her there.

Nobu. Coming Saturday?

All that way to see a cherry tree?

I will leave that to the Chairman.

Wonderful tonight.

Excuse me.

If you would rather not go...

I'd like to go very much.

Then be on your guard,

every moment.

There is a reason Hatsumomo

wants you there.

Trust me, I know my Baron, Sayuri.

He has a weakness

for beautiful women.

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