Please have a seat.
Guys, this meeting could have waited until Ma's back from England.
But it's better if we can reach a consensus beforehand.
Vincy put forth a proposal several days ago
I think it is good for HRG's future development.
Vincy, debrief us.
Directors, though I'm a newcomer,
I have a thorough grasp of our operation.
HRG now has four titles, down from five.
Clearly, that has an impact on our market share.
Modes is our biggest asset.
It deserves the lion's share of our resources.
But let's look at this from another angle,
is it wise to put all our eggs in one basket?
Actually, as far I know, several major local publishing groups are diversifying
in order to open up a new market.
We should catch up with that trend.
That's why I'm suggesting we re-launch Modes Girl, which was axed four years ago.
It's obvious, Kei Wan-wan is fishing in troubled waters.
By reviving Modes Girl, she can chip away at our resources and staff.
She calls the shots at AM.
She can move ads over to Modes Girl to boost its revenue at our expense.
Long, should we go to Mr Ma?
The chairman can only exercise his vote at the very end.
He has no say if Kei Wan-wan manages to get more than half the votes.
In addition to the nine directors,
you and Chi Wai-man can also vote.
That means she needs at least six votes.
Man came to tell me about it.
I don't think he'll give her his vote.
Without me and Man, do you think she can get six votes?
We voted unanimously to axe it four years ago
because it was not turning a profit.
Convince us that bringing it back can make us money.
Please turn to page 1 and 2 in the file in front of you.
I've gotten written commitment from eight brands.
They will place a certain number of ads in the new Modes Girl for a year.
Sir Szeto, the old Modes Girl failed to make money,
that was due to the incompetency of the AM at that time.
That was then, this is now.
Modes Girl is making money even though it has yet to hit the streets.
The initial investment for a new publication is no joke.
Have you crunched the numbers?
Please turn to page 5.
It can be done by reshuffling existing staff and resources.
It just needs Modes to cough up one-third of their staff.
DT and AM are willing to handle two magazines at the same time.
The operational cost of Modes is just half of that of other publications.
Who should be the editor-in-chief?
Ivy in DT was its founding chief.
She's the obvious choice.
Also, she told me that
she can handle DT at the same time.
There's someone for another post whom I hope you will approve.
Which post?
The publisher of Modes Girl.
I'm sure I can handle it at the same time.
Of the nine directors,
who do you think will side with us, and who will side with Kei Wan-wan?
Szeto, YC and Peter Tsang are conservative.
They're not keen to invest more in development.
I'm certain they won't agree on a new publication.
From what I've heard, Charles Lee intends to move his money to Singapore.
He's in talks with Mr Ma to sell his shares.
I think he'd prefer the status quo.
Martin, what do you think?
So we have four iron votes.
If Man doesn't go over,
Vincy won't get enough votes for the re-launch.
Are you really that sure?
We can't rule out new twist before the votes are cast.
Are you worried about Man?
I know him too well.
He only cares about his own interests.
He has no bottom line.
He may turn against us at the last moment.
Don't worry about me.
Just let me think.
I can go home on my own.
Just go.
You've been sitting here for more than two hours.
If you still can't figure it out,
you still won't even when morning comes.
Listen to me.
Switch your brain off.
We all have a button to switch our brain off.
It's right here.
Press here and everything will be forgotten.
Cone on, give it a try.
Stop joking. I'm not in the mood.
I'm not kidding.
It's what I used to do before I went out on the catwalk.
Why would I kid my buddy?
Come on, give it a try.
Left side or right side?
Why not both?
Like this? Yes!
All troubles forgotten?
Right, I have amnesia now.
I can't remember a thing.
Do I have to come back tomorrow to tie up your article?
Definitely yes.
I'm clueless without you.
You just have to suffer me for a couple more issues.
I promise you a treat before I go.
You're leaving after a couple of issues?
Two months tops. Then my exile is over.
I can go back to modelling.
These are my farewell issues,
don't be sloppy.
What will happen to me after you go?
Will they transfer me to Ada or Zoe's team?
Hey, that hurt!
Switch it off and all unhappy things will be forgotten.
We're buddies.
Just call and I'll even put on a dress to do your spread.
Now I have to switch it off.
I have to delete the image of you in a dress.
With a spread of me in a dress, Modes will sell like hot cakes.
But will you regain your old popularity?
Touch wood! Even more popular than before.
Well? Do we have a result?
5 to 4. Five for, my vote included, and four against.
We're one vote short.
How come? I have figures to back me up.
Modes Girl will be a moneymaker.
So what?
Szeto and the others see HRG as a cash cow.
They're not going to inject more money for a new publication.
I talked myself dry for nothing.
Mr Tsui, we shouldn't give up so easily.
All we need is one more vote.
Trust me, they can't be won over.
They wouldn't even stay five more minutes for me.
YC even said that should there be a new publication,
Ip Long should helm it.
He didn't understand why AM should meddle with editorial.
Vincy, I did all I could.
There are still two votes up for grabs.
You can forget about Ip Long's.
As for the other, I'm sure you have a way to get it.
Don't worry, I'll have a chat with Man.
He'll take my side.
Why are you all sitting here?
Show day is in two days.
What about the rehearsal?
I'm not in the mood for it.
Have you read the news?
What is it about?
This morning, online,
Tinnie said she's the cover girl for the next issue of Modes.
So?
I've been a model for Modes for years,
I have yet to be on their cover.
Now that Phoebe no longer works for them,
it should be my turn by all counts.
You're my manager,
it's your job to get me jobs and promote my career.
But, what have you done so far?
I understand how you feel.
But Tinnie is a best actress winner.
Tell me what I can do.
Are you saying I'm not her equal?
I'm not on her level?
The blame doesn't lie with you, but me?
It's Modes' next issue, not is last issue.
I'll try to have a talk with Ip Long.
You have my word, you will be a Modes cover girl, OK?
I'll take that with a pinch of salt.
No rehearsal for me.
I'll call you when I'm in a better mood.
Chief, you want to see us?
On my desk are cuttings and files on Tinnie
They're for your reference.
You're going to interview her.
Isn't she our next cover girl?
Yes. You two are responsible for the cover shoot and story.
Time is running out.
Go get ready right away.
These outfits are for the cover shoot.
It's your cover. Come take a look.
Hold on.
Chief, the next issue is our first battle with Gina.
We're two rookies.
Why not Ada instead?
Right. I second Fan.
I know Zita's handling the cover herself.
Shouldn't we give it to a veteran?
I decide who does what.
I decide whether you're up for it.
I want the article and photo spread on my desk before the deadline.
Not a day late, not a photo short.
Do you hear me?
Not that we don't want to do it.
But we may not be up for it.
You keep saying the cover is very important.
What?
He's on fire now...
He said you can do it. Have confidence in yourself
Yan, you keep saying we're a team, we are in the same boat.
If you don't have the confidence, just say so.
We'll go to Chief again.
Don't put the decision on me.
You're the editor; you call the shots.
You jump, I jump.
You never listen to me.
It's just the two of us.
I let you call the shots.
No, you call the shots.
I don't want my wrong decision to ruin you.
It's alright. You decide.
You're more talented.
You have experience.
Come on...
What? Talking about the Tinnie interview?
The story needs to be ready in a week.
If you need more people, tell me soon.
Danielle, we're still wondering if we should hand it back to Chief.
It wasn't easy for Martin to get Tinnie for our cover.
Chief gave you the job because he has confidence in you.
Have confidence in yourselves.
You did a great job last time.
The next issue is different.
It's our battle with Gina.
Theirs is a battalion.
We're just two foot soldiers.
To be honest, it took me by surprise too.
See?
You should know Chief won't change his mind
Don't bother going to him.
Spend the time on thinking how you'll do it.
Alan and Ken will help you with the six pages for Fashion World.
As for the interview, go search online.
Stars have their taboo topics.
Some things should never be asked.
Don't cross the line with her.
Got it!
Fan, you read it.
I'll go book the studio with Alan.
Be more like her.
I thought you would stay for lunch.
You have a meeting?
No. That witch Kei Wan-wan just called.
She wants to meet me about something urgent.
Didn't you say she didn't have enough votes
What will you do if it's about the vote for the re-launch of Modes Girl?
That depends on my mood.
Whoever has the vote calls the shots.
She bit the hand that fed her. I can't wait to see her grovel.
If Modes Girl comes back,
Can my company get 30% of the modeling contracts?
Why not?
If you have a say, I'm sure 50% is not a problem.
Silly girl, would I forget about you?
But, remember,
only as a willing gift, OK?
I don't yield to demands. OK?
Later. OK.
Order some food. OK.
Tinnie...
Promoting your new film centers on you.
Do you find it stressful?
No, it's my honor.
Are you confident about another best actress award?
Should I say yes or no?
The role is tailor-made for you.
How would you grade your performance?
I have to thank the director and screenwriter for such a good script.
I do hope that the viewers will like my performance in it.
I heard after winning the award,
you intend to buy back the copyright for the photo book you made when you started out.
Excuse me, we have to rush to a radio interview.
We have to go. Come on...
Do you know Chief has given the cover and cover story to Yan's team?
I really don't get him.
He gave the key column to a young girl instead of two veteran editors.
I say it's favoritism.
I told you. Yan joining Modes is part of his scheme.
My hunch is always right.
If Modes beats Gina in the next issue,
he'll have every reason to promote Yan to editor.
She will become our equal.
No, we'll be under her very soon.
Two deputy editor-in-chiefs are not unheard of in Modes.
We can eat our hearts out.
She's Master's dog at best.
She's at his beck and call.
What can she do?
Like I said, Master wants to put her on the map.
But, is she good enough for that?
I heard from some showbiz reporters
that Tinnie is quite difficult.
Once, she gave a magazine an interview.
The photos and interviews were done.
She had some issues with the story.
In the end, she got an injunction against the publication of that issue.
Good! The more difficult the better.
Let's see if that girl can put up with it.
Yan, what's so urgent that you have to read it right away?
It's background material on Tinnie.
Zoe, could you do me a favor?
What is it?
Chief wants to see the cover shoot early.
I'd like to ask Tinnie to come next Monday
Alan said you booked the session already.
Could you switch with me?
Oh no, what a coincidence.
It's the only time slot available for my model.
She's flying to Japan for a month the next day.
I don't think I can do it.
It's alright, let me go check with Alan for another time slot.
Yan, I'm so sorry.
If there are other things I can help with, just ask.
I want us to win too.
Why are you here?
What do you know?
Kei Wan-wan wants to revive Modes Girl.
She needs Mr Chi's vote.
If he'll vote against it,
I can assure you, no one else will know about you and him,
not even Long.
Man, we're in the same boat.
Let me be honest with you.
I'm all ears.
Mr Tsui came to me.
Like you and me, he can't stand Ip Long either.
We want to revive Modes Girl.
However, not all directors approve of that.
We need your vote.
If it works out,
Ip Long won't have the whole pie to himself.
I can use AM to chip away at Modes' revenue.
It gives you ammunition to call his ability into question and win back control of Modes.
What do you think?
If you had come to me before the meeting,
you would have gotten my vote.
However, you only came because you failed to get enough votes.
There can only be one answer from me.
Come on, Ip Long is our common enemy.
But you didn't take me as your comrade.
We're not on the same side.
I'd rather cast my vote into the sea, OK?
Do you know what Mr Tsui told me?
He said Mr Ma is considering making Ip Long a director.
We can't let his power grow.
Think again.
A chance like this doesn't come often.
OK.
If, and I say if. If I side with you,
is Modes Girl your offspring under your care,
or my offspring under my care?
Alright, you have my word.
If Modes Girl gets revived,
you will be the publisher. Satisfied?
Vincy, you sound more and more like Ip Long.
You think your words carry weight?
Why should I trust you?
What do you want?
I prefer Mr Tsui telling me himself.
What do you think?
Meet Mr Tsui and me at Diva Club this evening at 8pm.
OK. See you this evening.
Ip Long, you want to see me?
I was in a budget meeting with Szeto and...
Or did you just see Kei Wan-wan?
What did you two talk about?
Did she talk to you about reviving Modes Girl?
She wants your support.
Did you say Yes?
With your vote, she would have six votes
and Modes Girl would be revived.
You lost one publication,
now you're being handed another one.
I see no reason you should say no.
You're mistaken.
Yes, I went to see her, but it was to...
We're at war.
Gina is after our circulation and models.
It wants to be the number one fashion magazine.
I know.
I spend every waking second on boosting circulation, on beating Gina,
on keeping our readers.
What about you?
As the publisher, what have you done?
You're helping Kei Wan-wan undermine us.
As the publisher, what have you done?
You're helping Kei Wan-wan undermine us.
I'm not.
I'm also worried about this war.
I can't sleep because of this.
Don't you get it?
Let me tell you.
If you want a new magazine to undermine us, you can have it.
I'll cast a yes vote at the board meeting.
But I will tell Chairman Ma,
we won't trouble you to be Modes' publisher anymore.
I can do it myself.
You can focus on your new magazine.
Whether Modes is a money-making or money- losing business is no longer your concern.
I said no. I told Kei Wan-wan the answer is no.
Can't you believe me?
You said no, I do hope it's a no.
If you vote yes in the meeting,
I'll repeat what I just said to Chairman Ma
Take care.
Meg, I packed for you.
See if there's anything missing.
Thank you.
What are you going to do?
I don't know.
Whatever. I don't think it's that difficult to find another magazine job.
Yan's coming.
Talk to her.
She's worried about you.
You asked her to come?
Ken wanted her to check out the outfits for the cover before we clocked off.
She said she'll be here very soon.
The next issue is pivotal.
Master gave the cover to her and Fan?
People say Master considers her his protege now.
He intends to promote her once Fan's gone.
Yan's only been here for two months.
Yet she'll soon be editor.
Master thinks so highly of her,
we should be happy for her.
Meg, what is it?
I'll be right back. Wait for me.
Are you avoiding her?
Come on, we're friends.
No. I'm leaving my phone here.
I'll be back. Wait for me.
I'm sorry.
The color scheme was not right,
It took us some time to fix it.
Meg, how are you doing?
Yan, I'm sorry.
I meant to apologize to you in person
There, she said it.
We're friends, we don't bear grudges, OK?
What? Are you still mad with me?
Don't be silly.
Fan taught me this.
If we want to forget something unhappy,
just press the button here.
One side doesn't work.
Let me.
Come on, smile.
Smile...
Hold on... What?
I checked twice.
I don't think I left anything.
It's still here.
Trust me, OK?
What's so important?
Give it back to me.
What about next Monday?
Talk about the layout with you tomorrow.
Meeting at 3pm in Art Department.
Be honest. Who wrote these love notes?
Just work memos.
I have a habit of keeping them.
Hold on, I know who wrote them.
Tell Ada sample photos are ready.
They're from Alan.
Right!
Don't get the wrong idea.
There's nothing between him and me.
Actually, he's been my idol since school days.
I liked his photos. I think he's talented.
I became an assistant editor at Modes because he's the photographer there.
I soon learned that he was seeing Phoebe.
Instead of feeling unhappy, I thought they were a perfect match.
But I happened to overhear Phoebe on the phone...
She was two-timing Alan.
She said she had no time for a loser like Alan.
She betrayed Alan, yet she put the blame on him.
I felt sorry for Alan.
I wanted to teach her a lesson for Alan.
So you told the reporter about her and Alan
I never thought it would get out of hand.
I didn't know Phoebe would terminate her contract with Modes.
Why would the reporter say his source was Cheung Yat-ning?
I asked him about that.
He said he wanted to cover up for me.
He was asked to name his source.
Your name came up because Master announced your hiring you online.
It was still fresh in his memory.
I know it's ultimately my own fault.
Master should kick me out of Modes.
I feel bad because it almost ruined you.
Come on.
Let me explain it to Master.
It'll blow over.
Thank you.
Vincy, I don't think Man's coming.
Forget about reviving Modes Girl, alright?
Why are you here?
Trend Master's dog sure has a sharp nose.
Long went to Chi Wai-man.
His vote won't go to you.
Just give it up.
In Long again.
Who does he think he is?
A Prophet?
I have the right to lobby before the meeting, before the vote.
Long never considered you as his enemy.
He complimented you.
He thought you're capable.
Stick to your job.
He's willing to work with you.
I know he's a great user.
He used me the first day I came to work at Modes.
He humiliated me in front of the world.
I told myself, from that moment,
I will not let this man stay ahead of me.
I will not be at his beck and call.
Even if I can't be the most powerful in Modes,
I'll at least be his equal.
Don't take his patience for granted.
Long has his limits.
If you keep going, if you keep challenging his limits,
you'll see a backlash.
You'll find yourself isolated in Modes.
You'll lose everything.
Will you side with me or him when that happens?
We've met before, right?
It was five years ago, at my husband's company's annual dinner.
You were the head of the PR company.
You kept stealing glances at me. Three times
You sure have a good memory.
Mine's not bad either.
I remember Long and I grew up together.
I remember I gave him my word.
As long as I'm in Modes, whenever I make a decision,
I will put his interest first, mine second.
You're drunk. I'll drive you home.
I kept wondering why Meg would do that.
If she hadn't spelled it out,
I would never have guessed it was because Alan is her idol.
She didn't do it for herself,
She did it to teach Phoebe a lesson for Alan's sake.
Brother Ken, you're the veteran here.
Chief will listen to you if you plead for her, right?
You guys think too highly of me.
Master doesn't owe me anything.
If you ask me, it's not the right time yet.
He only cares about beating Gina.
Going to him now is suicide.
It's precisely because we're at war that we should go to him
Having Meg is a plus on our side.
Chief may not say no.
Alan, say something.
You were the indirect cause of Meg's plight
Be fair to her.
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 them on.
Do you know what she called me?
She called me a loser.
As a top model she should spare no effort to keep her figure, her career,
but not by taking ice.
If you still care about her,
if you don't want me to tell,
then keep this secret for me.
Alan, stop fretting.
Do Meg a favour, alright?
Sorry, Yan. I can't help you, nor can I help Meg.
I don't care if I was the indirect cause or not.
She made the call.
No one put a gun to her head to make her do it.
I don't know what her motive was.
She should be responsible for her own action
Master made the right decision.
OK. I won't force you guys.
I will get justice for Meg myself.
Hey...
Why is it just you here?
I thought you were asking Ken and Alan to come as well.
Don't mention them.
We're in the right.
I don't believe I can't persuade Chief.
I'm going in there now.
What is it?
Chief, may I have a word with you?
I'll go get the other samples.
What is it?
It's about Meg.
You don't know the whole story.
I think you should give Meg another chance.
I don't need to know the whole story.
Why she did it is her own business.
I only care about the impact on Modes.
Please, stop wasting time on it.
Please, give me several minutes to tell you why.
Five minutes...
Three minutes...for the whole story.
Let me repeat, I am happy to give you three hours if it's about business.
As for Meg, I don't have three seconds to spare, not to mention three minutes.
Get out if you have nothing else to say.
Please...
out!
Chief...
If it's the same topic, save it.
No...I'm not here to beg you to rehire Meg.
You did the right thing.
One should be punished for one's wrongdoing, right?
Fan Kwok-bong.
Chief, what about rewards for accomplishments?
If the success of the next issue hinges on the Tinnie cover,
if we rookies can make it work against all odds,
will you let Meg come back as our reward?
Right, we have to be fair.
Only punishment but no reward is a double standard.
OK, fair enough.
Ivy has a My Favourite Column poll for every issue.
If the Tinnie's cover is the top favourite,
I'll consider rehiring Meg.
OK, thank you.
We go work on the interview right away.
Thank you.
Yes?
You scared the hell out of me.
I thought you wouldn't help.
We're buddies.
I couldn't let you shoot yourself in the foot.
My brother! Go to work.
Ivy, it's urgent.
Guys, could you give us five minutes?
I need to have a word with Ivy.
Take five.
Please sit. What's so urgent?
Mr Ma is coming back at 3pm.
Let's meet him in the airport.
We can talk him into reviving Modes Girl.
He's the chairman, if he says yes,
other directors will rethink their decision
Forget reviving Modes Girl, alright?
It's dead.
Ivy, Modes Girl was your child.
This is a one-time chance to revive it.
I've given up hope.
I've never thought of leaving this room.
If I were you, I would patch up with Man.
What do you mean?
A friend of mine is the director of a headhunting company.
Man has gone there for a new head for the advertising department.
He wants to replace you.
This is Man, I'm not available to take your call.
Please leave your message after the beep.
I think the color tone is too dark.
What about making it more colorful?
I've suggested fuchsia to Fan. What do you think?
To match Tinnie's skin tone, we can use a sharper color.
What about a lighter shade?
That looks better.
OK.
What about font and heading?
Where should I put it?
Danielle said big stars have taboo topis.
We should just ask her about her work.
But readers care more about her relationships.
She's very sensitive about this.
How come? She talked about her boyfriend in a TV interview.
She did?
Let me search for it.
Which one?
Which interview? This one?
Vincy, I was waiting for you.
Can we talk?
Hear me out.
I'm here to help you.
You're on the edge of a cliff right now.
One more step and you're done.
Hello? Are you Ms. Wong, Tinnie's manager?
I'm from Modes's editorial department.
A colleague sent you a set of questions for Tinnie's interview.
But two key questions were left out.
I'd like to send them over.
OK, right away. Thank you.
Chairman Ma called for this meeting.
It should be about re-launching Modes Girl.
Did you know beforehand?
I just found out about it.
I think it's because that woman won't give up,
Chairman Ma called it to placate her.
Has she come to you?
Don't worry, I will do what I said.
You have my vote already.
Remember what you said.
If we win, I'll tell Chairman Ma you're part of the team.
Tsui came to me this morning.
He said Ms. Kei is thinking about re-launching Modes Girl.
I think it's feasible.
That's why I called for this meeting.
What do you think about this?
Mr Ma, actually we discussed this several days ago.
We know where we stand.
Maybe we can vote on it.
OK.
Chairman Ma, could you and the other directors hear me out first?
OK.
When Modes Girl ceased publication four years ago,
there were five similar magazines in publication,
with a total readership of about 300,000.
Modes Girl had never made a cent in profit.
I don't know if Ms. Kei has briefed you on the market today.
Anyway, I think I should let you know
that the number of similar magazines has gone down to three,
all operating in the red.
The total readership has shrunk to less than 80,000.
Readers have flocked to online publications.
Think about this before you cast your vote.
Why should we re-launch Modes Girl?
Why should we go back on an old route?
You must have considered what Long just said.
I'm sure you've made up your mind.
Let's vote on it.
Raise your hand if your decision is yes.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Five votes. Less than half.
I now declare...
Chairman Ma, I vote yes.