Forty Something

TAK is the assistant manager of Ki Fuk Company. He is looked down upon by his mother-in-law. His father does not like his wife LIN as he thinks that TAK's career is restrained by his early marriage which did not allow him to finish the tertiary education. For years' hard work, TAK manages to pay his debt to the bank and thus he owns the house. When he finds that his subordinate has bought a flat in the home ownership scheme at a low price, he is jealous. After discussing with LIN, TAK decides to find a new flat as their original building has many problems, e.g. poor management and presence of brothels.

For his prestige, TAK buys a large unit at the price of 3.8 million dollars though his old unit can be sold at 1.5 million only. After a month, TAK has to pay 20% more as deposit. TAK realises that he is in financial problem. Moreover the bank refuses to lend him money as his salary is not high enough to afford the unit. LIN seeks help from her brother-in-law. KAN promises to be the referee. TAK raises the price of his old unit, hoping it can help his purchase of the new one. However no one is interested in it as there is a depression in the property market. LIN sells the old unit at 1 million dollars and borrows money from her family to pay the deposit. When TAK's father knows it, he is angry with TAK, thinking that he is incompetent

BILL is forced to retire. He works as a hawker. As he is so angry with TAK, he is sick and is sent to hospital. TAK has to shoulder the medical bills. He only has one thousand dollars as his pocket money. At the same time, Ki Fuk Company suffers from the depression. All employees have no increment in salary. Though they are discontented, they dare not to argue with the company. LIN has to take BILL home as TAK is busy and YUK is sick. BILL changes his attitude to LIN as LIN uses her money to buy sparrow nests to prepare nutritious food for him. She also takes good care of him.

TAK thinks that his burden can be released as CHOI return. CHOI claims that his academic performances is so good that he can finish his study earlier. BILL is excited. In fact CHOI fails his examinations and he works as a messenger in the Central. KIT is appointed as the new manager in the household appliances department of Ki Fuk Company. He is of the same rank of KAN. CHOI wants to reorganize the department by dismissing one of the assistant managers. As all the other three assistant managers have relationship with the directors, TAK is chosen to be dismissed. TAK tells CHEUNG his unfortunate experience. CHEUNG is the boyfriend of CHING who is the director's only daughter. He has employed private detectives to collect information to prove that LUNG is involved in bribery.

SHAN is TAK's secretary. She has followed him for many years as she is his ex-girlfriend and she still admires him. SHAN succeeds in convincing KIT to accept TALK as his henchman. KIT's talent is appreciated by the company and KAN's role is endangered. KAN is transferred to the maintenance department as he is suspected of selling news to other company. KIT is in charge of the whole department. TAK discovers CHOI's trick but he dares not to tell BILL. One day CHOI comes across YAN who is taking a commercial advertisement. He is attracted by her charm.

LIN misunderstands TAK and SHAN's friendship. SHAN meets LIN as she does not want to spoil TAK's family. She tells LIN that KIT is his boyfriend. LIN is contented. KIT wants to strengthen his power by setting up two new departments for promotion and staff training. they are to be headed by CHEUNG and TAK respectively. The proposal is approved by the Board of Directors. This puts forward a scramble for concession in the company. With TAK's assistance, CHOI is employed by the company. He has a chance to meet YAN who is hired by the company to act in a commercial act.