Did you decide to fire me?
What have I done wrong?
I'm the Chief of Modes.
I don't owe anyone an explanation.
You are the chief, not the emperor, nor a dictator.
You're not Hitler.
You can't do whatever you please.
I am the emperor in Modes. I am the supreme leader.
I can do whatever I please.
I don't want to see you here from this moment on.
Yan, he really gave you no reason at all?
He said he calls the shots here.
He can fire or hire whomever he pleases.
I don't know what killed me.
Danielle, do you know what happened?
Master praised the Ying Zing article she did for the last issue.
If I were you, I'd spend your time on your own column instead.
You only have a week to submit your final draft before going to blue print.
Yan...
I know why you were given the pink slip out of the blue.
I went to the studio to see if I could pick up some chatter.
I heard James and Tim talking about
Master finding out one of us tipped a reporter off on Phoebe and Alan.
The reporter said it was you.
How could it be me?
I've met her less than ten times since I started working here.
I didn't even know she and Alan were an item.
Who's the reporter who broke it first?
I have no idea.
Yan, go explain to Master that you knew nothing about it.
It wasn't your doing.
What makes you think that will work?
If it were that easy, Yan wouldn't have gotten the pink slip out of the blue,
and she wouldn't be packing up without knowing why.
I've yet to see Master take back his decision all the years I've been here.
His word is like a royal decree, irreversible.
Ada, Zoe, don't hand the layout to the art department until I've read the text.
Danielle, go to the layout room with me.
Leave Yen's work to Meg or Fong-fong, whoever's available.
Yes.
Chief, why not let Yan finish what she's started?
Why?
Her layout for Creamy is quite good.
Meg and Fong-fong may not be able to follow it up.
Are you pleading for her?
It's solely for the company's interest.
If Meg and Fong-fong are not up for the job,
then you follow it up.
I said she has to go right away,
I mean right away.
Going out without lunch again?
That's criminal.
Are you returning the samples to Creamy?
Why do you look so cross?
Who ruffled your feathers?
Chief wants it revised again?
If that's really the case, I'll go talk to him.
I'm your editor.
No more revisions for the article.
No more revisions for me actually.
Master fired me.
I am no longer your subordinate.
I am no longer a Modes employee.
Why?
He praised your layout just yesterday.
We scored big at the Creamy press conference,
he patted you on the back after we left.
Why this about-face in less than 24 hours?
What happened?
Don't ask me.
He needs no reason to fire whoever.
He wants, same for his about-face.
It's my bad luck to have worked under an autocrat.
No explanation needed.
Cheung Yat-ning was fired by Ip Long.
Do you know about this?
He ordered HR to give her the termination letter right away.
You know why?
I don't know what he's thinking.
I just know he only thinks himself.
She belonged to his editorial department.
We have no say in whom he fires or promotes.
He always does what he pleases.
To be honest,
you should thank him for the deal he closed with Creamy yesterday.
It saved AM from hot water.
Yes, we sometimes can't follow his thinking.
But it's never personal.
I don't think so, he just cares about his own interests.
He didn't close the Creamy deal for me or the company, it was for himself.
Think about it,
what if Creamy refused to sponsor free gifts to promote circulation?
He couldn't care less about the lawsuit.
He would just let the board tear AM apart.
You've been here for so long,
you've been working with him for so long,
you should be able to see through him.
His ambition is his own business.
I just need to do my part.
Don't be so naive.
He wants the whole pie to himself.
It's not him to share it with other people.
You remember how Modes Girl was shut down four years ago?
I looked into it yesterday.
A total of 24 issues were published.
The circulation, though not massive, was decent.
I found no reason why it should have been shut down.
I figured out why in the end.
The name of the editor-in-chief is Ivy, Lam Nga-sze.
I think what we should do now,
is prevent him from getting the whole pie.
You don't come up short in experience or ability.
You deserve a piece of the pie.
What do you have in mind?
Don't worry, helping you is helping myself.
I'm still thinking.
I'll tell you once everything falls in place.
Then you can move out of the tiny office you share with your small team.
Wait for my good news.
I admit Modes Girl's circulation has not been spectacular.
However, I'm sure you all agree that breaking into a new market takes time.
You can see from the figures in your hands.
Modes Girl has been able to break even for the past three issues.
I'm confident we can turn a profit in the next year.
When the board decided to launch another magazine for the youth market,
we agreed to give it a two-year trial.
Man, you're the publisher,
do you think we should give it more time?
I agree with Chairman Ma.
The magazine has gained a foothold.
It deserves us giving it patience and more time, say a year or so.
I'm sure you all want another popular magazine under our name.
We should give Ivy more time. What do you think?
If it has already broken even...OK...
As Man said, gaining a foothold takes time.
One more year then.
OK.
Thank you, Mr Ma.
Thank you, directors.
Hold on.
Please hear me out before you make your decision.
A money-losing magazine is a liability.
To be honest, are you really confident
that Modes Girl will make money in a year?
There are five similar magazines on the market.
They've all been in publication for more than five years.
They each have their regular readers.
Modes Girl got this far in two years because it was riding on Modes' coattails.
Breaking even is as far as it will go.
It won't turn a profit unless we put in unlimited resources indefinitely.
But is it worth the hassle?
I have a suggestion.
Let me work out the budget per issue.
I'm willing to cut 20%.
If it has no future, all your efforts will come to naught.
I agree that we should incorporate the youth market into our expansion strategy too
However, print media has no place among young people.
Theirs is the world of the internet.
I suggest we axe Modes Girl
and put the resources to better use.
We should set up a digital team for our online magazine.
You're Yan, Cheung Yat-ning, right?
Why do you know my name?
I'm Zita, Editor-in-Chief of Gina.
I think you're quite free now.
Care to have a drink with me?
I still have no clue about the next cover.
Do you have any suggestions?
The blue print has to be confirmed in two weeks.
That means the cover has to be confirmed this week at the latest.
OK, let me have a chat with Alan.
Call you back later.
Thank you.
Care for my two cents' worth?
What makes or breaks a magazine is not the cover, it's the people.
Yes, it's not for me to interfere with the magazine's management or goings-on.
I just don't want to see a talent being let go like this.
You know we're at war.
What is the most important thing in an army?
It's discipline.
Talent doesn't give you a free pass.
Even if Yan is a talent, she has crossed the line.
Sorry.
I quit.
Why?
You have double standards.
You fired Yan without reason, so I don't
have to tell you why I'm quitting.
Right. You don't have to.
Still, you can tender your resignation every day,
but without my consent you can't leave.
Your contract was co-signed by me and Martha,
no termination without our consent.
You can leave,
but first you have to spend six months at your desk.
What kind of person are you?
You kicked out the one who was happy here,
yet you won't let a reluctant nobody go.
Are you crazy?
Feel free to call me names.
It is my duty to remind you that you are still a Modes editor
Though Yan is no longer here,
you have to finish the columns for the next issue no matter what.
I want the final version on my desk in a week.
I'll get you a replacement for Yan.
Chief, could we have a word with you?
Actually Yan knew nothing about Phoebe and Alan.
She hasn't been here for long.
What good would leaking it do her?
Has it crossed your mind that...
Stop it! What's wrong with you all?
Do you want to take turns pleading for her?
From this moment on,
I don't want to hear anything except work.
Chief, Alan was here.
He has some photos for you to choose.
He's gone to the layout room.
Chief, my Creamy sample spread is ready.
It was shot according to Yan and Fan's specification.
See if you like it.
Chief, may I say something about Yan?
Alan, I know what you're going to say.
I don't think we should waste any more time on it.
But it's about me.
I just don't want Yan to lose her job because of a misunderstanding.
She's not the one who knew about me and Phoebe here in Modes.
Then who did?
Sorry, I can't tell you that.
But I definitely know that
she's not the one who tipped off the reporter.
Maybe you should reconsider firing Yan.
I'll get out of your way.
How come you already know I've been fired?
I was working for Modes before Ip Long joined.
I still have friends on the inside.
Gossip comes to me without me asking.
So you came here for me.
But we don't know each other.
We've never met.
I'm sure you've heard stories about me.
You have long been on my radar.
I've been keeping track of you
from Ip Long wanting to sue you for defamation to hiring you openly online.
At first I thought Ip Long did it for publicity, to increase circulation.
But Ying Zing's column in the last issue shows me you're not a bimbo.
Assistant editor is just the start for you.
You're too kind.
I didn't own the column.
I can only claim credit for a third of it.
Fan and Chief contributed a lot.
What are you going to do?
I haven't thought about that yet.
Maybe go back to my online dressmaking and alterations.
What about coming over to Gina?
Modes and Gina are at war.
Are you asking me to go over to the other side?
This isn't poaching.
You've already been fired.
Ip Long sold you short.
Why shouldn't you work for his competitor?
Once you're with Gina, you'll be one of the five editors.
You'll be responsible for 30 pages and you'll report directly to me.
You'll have two assistant editors working under you.
Nothing will come between you and your creativity.
I'm sure no one would say no to such an offer.
But, sorry. I won't join Gina.
I've been a Modes fan since its inaugural issue.
I kept telling myself,
one day, my name will appear in the magazine.
I'd be contented even if it's just for one issue.
It really was just one issue.
Still, my dream has come true.
Have you ever thought about why it ended so quickly?
Were it not for Ip Long,
you would still have been in Modes.
Your name would have come up in the next issue and the ones after.
I'm here to put you back into your dream.
Ms. Hung, I'm sorry.
You've come too late.
I once said he's my benefactor.
He fired me today without telling me the reason why.
He should be my enemy.
I should hate his guts.
But I don't.
I declined your offer without hesitation,
because my gut feeling tells me I shouldn't turn against Modes.
I shouldn't turn against Chief.
How much do you know about your idol?
Do you know why he joined Modes?
Do you know why he left his former company in the States?
Do you know who he is?
Something happened before he joined Modes?
If you believe in him,
if you see him as your mentor and idol,
it's better for you not to know too much.
My offer is open-ended.
Come see me if you change your mind.
I'll go now.
Vincy, not a moment too soon.
I just got out of the board meeting.
The Creamy lawsuit was on the agenda.
I said it wouldn't have been dropped were it not for your effort.
Thank you indeed.
My pleasure.
You tried hard. You deserve it.
Oh, some lint there.
I won't keep you.
Remember, whatever happens, come to me right away.
OK?
Still here?
You're clueless without Yan, right?
She was my guiding light.
She told me what to tackle first.
Without her here, I don't even know where to begin.
The final version has to be ready by next week.
I told Danielle before clocking off, that I'd spend some time here.
Don't get the wrong idea.
I'm not doing it for you.
I just don't want Yan's effort wasted.
Meg, you're so kind.
Now what should I do?
First, check the layout again for errors.
Be extra careful with the figures.
I'll go get the sample pics from the studio.
Then we can think about the layout.
Roger.
Alan, here you are.
I was going to the studio for the Creamy sample pics.
I'm filling in for Yan.
Meg, I left my phone in the studio.
Could you lend me yours?
Thanks.
Should I go?
I got the reporter's telephone number from Tim this afternoon.
I don't think you know him.
No.
It really was you.
Tim said his name is Ray Cheung.
I'm sure this is him.
Why?
Was it because of me, Phoebe or Yan?
I never thought Yan would get fired.
I didn't know it would get out of hand.
But you can't blame me.
Phoebe asked for it.
What did she do to deserve it?
I called her before I tested you.
She said there's no beef between you two.
She's such a snob.
Of course it meant nothing to her.
But I remember it vividly.
She was my model for my first Modes job.
The pair of shoes I got her was a tiny bit too small.
She didn't even bother to try it on.
Do you know what she called me?
She called me a loser.
You did all this just because she called you a loser?
I had begged for a whole night before the brand would agree to loan them to us.
Then I had to go collect them in person.
What did I get in return?
I was called a loser.
Wouldn't you be mad if it were you?
Alan, do me a favour.
Don't tell anyone about this.
I'll figure out a way to help Yan.
Sorry. I'm telling tell Master about this tomorrow
You'd better come up with a good excuse.
Alan.
Yes?
May I ask you a question?
Do you still love Phoebe?
Why?
You repay every kindness done to you.
Phoebe has helped you a lot,
not to mention you two were once a couple.
Maybe you should have a word with her.
Some things shouldn't be touched.
What are you talking about?
I fully understand.
As a top model she should spare no effort in keeping her figure, her career,
but not by taking ice.
How did you know?
A lot of her model friends are my friends too.
Gossip comes up in chitchat.
If you still care about her,
if you don't want me to spread it around,
then keep the secret for me.
Oh yes, tell Dicky to bring me the sample photos.
Modes Girl has folded for several years.
How can I sell the directors on it being relaunched?
A magazine was folded for the war with Gina.
If Modes' circulation leaves Gina in the dust,
you'll have every reason to propose an expansion.
If Modes has nothing to worry about,
we can afford to reallocate some resources for a new magazine.
But why Modes Girl?
In its two years of existence,
it hadn't made one cent for the company.
That was then.
I can assure you, the new Modes Girl will make money.
AM can guarantee breakeven on ad revenue alone.
Ip Long is in charge of Modes, he wants the whole pie for himself.
I do think we need another magazine to create some internal competition.
It's time for a pie grab.
But can you?
I'm the head of AM.
I am responsible for ad allocation.
How could I lose if I give Modes Girl the lion's share of top brands?
What about staff?
Ivy will be transferred out of DT to run it
Editorial staff to be poached from Modes.
Of course Ada will be the deputy editor-in-chief of Modes Girl.
Even if I'm sold, Mr Ma may not say yes.
Everyone knows he treats Ip Long like his godson.
If Ip Long says no, what you just say is moot.
Don't forget, the chairman can't veto a majority vote.
OK. Leave the votes to me.
I can guarantee you a minimum of five votes in the meeting.
A toast to the relaunch of Modes Girl.
Morning, Chief.
Why are you here at this hour?
May I borrow your computer?
Long, my side is ready. What about you?
I know what to do.
Guys, Chief just called.
He wants us to stop what we're doing and wait for him in the conference room.
Did he say why?
No.
Or for how long?
Not that either.
He just said we can't leave until he gets back.
What are you doing?
Why are you using my computer to spy on them?
Shut up if you want to find out who framed you for tipping off the reporter.
Just keep your eyes on the monitor.
Martin, I'm connected with Yan's computer.
Repeat what I say.
Chief wants you to stay here.
This is to find out the truth.
This is to identify the leak.
This unethical action has cost the company Phoebe's contract and other losses.
Wasn't the case closed?
It was Yan, was it not?
What is Chief doing?
Don't tell me he suspects it's one of us.
His source told him the leak works in editorial.
Yan's been ruled out.
She's just a scapegoat.
He is on his way to Pioneers Daily.
He and the CEO will get the name from the reporter who wrote the story.
I agree that he should clear Yan's name.
But what does he mean by keeping us here?
Does he suspect it's one of us?
Yes.
Guys, yes, it doesn't feel good to be made a suspect.
But Chief wouldn't have resorted to this if he had other options.
He also asked you to hand in your phones during this time.
This is outrageous. We're being treated as felons.
It's unlawful detention.
This is an infringement of our rights.
We can call the police.
If it can prove my innocence, alright.
I disapprove of this.
I'm just doing it for Yan's sake.
Chief, I don't mean to get in your way.
But can I ask you a question?
Go ahead.
How can keeping them there reveal the leak?
The leak will tell.
How come? No one would confess unless you made them.
The leak is actually terrified.
They think I'm really on my way to Pioneers Daily.
They'll want to warn the reporter.
Whoever leaves the room is the one who framed you.
Did you make these?
Yes, I was an online seamstress before I joined Modes.
I made or altered clothes for my clients.
Some were my own designs.
Trend Master, what's your professional opinion of my clothes?
If you weren't a Modes editor,
I'd make you an overnight sensation.
Wow, thank you!
Just thanks is not enough.
Didn't you say I revived Modes in the video you sent me?
You said that made me your benefactor.
It's payback time.
How?
Forget the termination letter.
Come back to Modes and work for me.
Sure...if you'll agree to my condition.
Promotion? Pay rise?
You sure know how to seize an opportunity.
I'm not that greedy.
I just want you to answer my question.
You were doing fine at Closet.
Why trad the American magazine for Modes?
If you don't want to answer that, I have another question.
No. The first one.
Didn't you say you're a Modes fan?
Then you should know I emigrated to the States when I was young.
When you were ten.
My parents divorced when I was 15.
I was left to grow up in an orphanage.
A kind-hearted Hong Kong man sponsored my living expenses and tuition.
Were it not for him, I wouldn't have gone to work for Closet.
You may have heard of him.
He's Modes' first editor-in-chief.
Yes! Derek Poon Sai-tung.
He was in a traffic accident and two issues went to print without a chief.
He's still in a coma in the hospital.
I came back to take over Modes because of that.
I gave him my word.
When he wakes up, Modes will still be around.
Then did you...
I answered your question already.
Meg, you alright? You look really pale. Are you not feeling well?
I didn't have breakfast this morning.
It's my stomach.
It's OK.
Martin, let her go out to get some medicine.
Or you can call Master for permission.
Martin, let her go out.
Alright. Meg, go get your medicine.
Thanks.
I'll be back right after.
Hello? Ray, it's Meg.
Is our chief there yet?
He wants to ask you who the leak is.
Don't say it's me. Remember!
Chief, I know what you're thinking.
It couldn't have been Meg.
She's my best friend in Modes.
She was probably calling her family or friend about something urgent.
She wouldn't have let me take the fall.
I said whoever goes out has a guilty conscience.
That one's the leak.
Martin, let the others go once Meg's back.
Tell her to wait for me in my room.
I'll be back in 15 minutes.
Chief, hear me out. It can't be Meg.
What good does it do her?
It can't be her.
I'll drive my car over.
Go down after you get dressed.
Derek, I think you're aware that Long and I are at war.
Which one do you think will win?
If I win, that means Modes will disappear.
That means your life's work will be gone.
If that really happens, will you forgive me?
Do you think Chief has got it wrong?
I'm still baffled, what would Meg get out of it?
She has worked under you for almost a year,
yet you failed to see through her.
She might look like a lamb,
but she's actually a wolf in a lamb's clothing.
I have no time to worry about her.
Her life or death doesn't concern me.
What worries me is Yan.
Chief went to such lengths for her.
So she'll be promoted once Fan quit.
I had to learn the ropes here for four years before I was promoted to editor.
How long has she been here? Two issues.
I'm guessing Chief will let her handle the key features from now on.
He wants to make her our star editor.
You are I are just bridesmaids.
Is he under her spell or what?
I don't believe that girl is a genius.
We have to stop her from now on.
We have to beat her to brands or topics.
We have to beat her to her shooting locations.
Nepotism won't save her if her column comes up to naught.
Yes! Thwart her every step of the way.
Chief and Yan are back!
Danielle was told to inform HR that
Yan gets her job back, but Meg is fired!
Meg, tell Chief the truth.
I'm sure it's a misunderstanding.
Tell him.
Are you still trying to deny it?
You tipped off Ray about Phoebe and Alan.
You don't have to admit it.
I can call security to check the call you just made.
I'm sure you just called Ray.
Yes, it was me.
Chief, may I have a word with you alone?
Yan, you can go.
Why so quiet? Was it really Meg?
How's Meg? Is she begging Chief?
I don't know. Don't ask me. Let me think.
Go ahead.
Chief, sorry. I have no excuses.
I made a mistake.
I didn't know it would get out of hand.
I didn't know it would lead to Phoebe leaving Modes
and Yan getting fired.
You done? Now go pack your stuff.
Please, let me stay. Give me another chance.
I love working here.
Let me stay.
You can demote me or cut my pay.
I'll even beg you on my knees.
Do you know you have already stalled our progress?
Stop wasting more of my time
or I'll call security.
I'm sorry, I can't work with you anymore.
I may no longer work in Modes,
but my spirit is with you.
Thank you for what you've taught me in the past year.
I wish you every success.
Fong-fong, could you clear my desk for me if you have the time?
I'll come for my stuff later.
Meg, why?
Why did you do it? Tell me!
Go back, alright?
I know it's not in your nature.
Tell me why. Let me plead for you.
Stop it, alright?
Yes, it was me.
It's because I can't stand Phoebe, alright?
Vincy, am I in your way?
What is it?
I just got the memo from Mr Tsui's secretary.
He has a meeting with some other directors in an hour.
The strange thing is, my name is not among the attendees, but yours is.
I see.
Have a look.
I remember now.
I ran into him in the carpark yesterday.
I've been here for some time,
he wants to hear my suggestions on improving AM.
He said he'd ask other directors to attend.
I thought he was kidding.
Mr Tsui never cared about Modes' internal operation.
Yet other directors have been asked to come as well.
His daughter works here.
It's understandable, isn't it?
You're right.
Why don't you join us?
Your name was probably left out by mistake.
Let me call his secretary.
Don't bother.
The oversight gives me a break instead.
I won't get in your way.
Keep it up.
Besides being a heavyweight, my cover has to be sensational as well
Tim, you used to be a reporter,
you know people in showbiz.
I know you can get me a better one.
I'll wait for your good news.
What a coincidence.
No, I came here to see you.
What is it?
Long, I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have hired Kei Wan-wan.
Now I know what people mean by biting the hand that feeds you.
Sorry, I'm not interested in your row with her.
It's not just between her and me.
It concerns you as well.
That woman is pulling her strings.
You killed Modes Girl four years ago.
She has gone to the directors.
She wants to clip Modes' wings.
She wants a piece of your pie.
She wants to relaunch Modes Girl.