This war has to be conclusive.
Only one of us can be left standing.
Long has to be sacrificed.
Only when he's no longer in Modes, will I win this war.
Modes was sold out in these six key sales locations.
Fly over to New York.
I want the truth behind why Ip Long left Closet.
Don't call the police.
I know the man.
He's Ben, my husband who went on the run.
Morning. Morning.
What is it?
Money for your windshield.
Thank you.
Please don't tell people you saw my husband last night.
Nothing happened last night.
Well? What have you heard about the Modes Girl staff lineup?
Ivy was told to get people with magazine experience.
But most have been in the business for less than a year.
They're nobodies.
The board has ruled out financial backing.
No money means no talent.
Martin, with a motley crew,
would you go ahead with the publication if you were Kei Wan-wan?
No.
What would you do?
The simplest way is to poach from the same company.
If my guess is correct,
she must have contacted people in Modes.
Who do you think is her target?
The editorial department is the soul of a magazine.
Could it be Zoe?
Zoe has experience.
But her column usually features luxury brands,
she may not be right for Modes Girl.
I think it's probably Ada.
She's known to be the top editor of Modes.
I agree. She's the likeliest one.
Were it not for her dad lobbying the board,
Modes Girl would not have been revived.
He's done so much for Kei Wan-wan,
it's reasonable his daughter would get a good position.
Should we talk to her?
Be patient.
The lineup won't be announced for another two days.
We still have time.
Aside from Ada, who else is on her list?
Kei Wan-wan knows Fan's heart is not here.
You've just promoted Yan. She won't be a turncoat.
OK, leave Ada to me.
I don't want anyone in Modes to go over.
Ada, your dad did so much to pave you a shortcut,
I see no reason for you to stay in Modes.
Even if you don't mind a circuitous route,
Modes is a dead-end.
Why are you still hesitating?
I see no reason you should say no.
Ada, I know money is not your concern.
Just be frank with us.
We're offering you deputy editor-in-chief.
It's just a title.
What concerns me is:
Does the deputy editor-in-chief of Modes Girl have any real power?
Let me be frank.
This publisher will take a back seat.
Ivy's the chief, and will focus on administration.
You make all the editorial and operational decisions. Satisfied?
Think about it. You're deputy in name but in reality a chief.
Actually, we can also...
Ivy, you're excused.
What?
You're excused.
I'd like a word with Ada alone.
OK.
It's just you and me here now.
Let me be frank.
Lots of magazines have two leaders.
If you join us, you and Ivy will both be chiefs
Is your decision final?
Are you sure you really want to join Modes Girl?
You've asked me three times in the 15 minutes since I asked you to come up.
No one is pointing a gun to my head.
I just don't want to work for Modes or Chief anymore.
Are You unhappy here?
Let me talk with Chief.
No. I gave Ms. Kei my word
that I wouldn't tell anyone before I tender my letter.
I've already broken my promise by telling you guys.
Is it because of my promotion?
I can ask Chief to demote me.
I can go back to being your assistant.
It's not. Don't let your imagination run wild.
Are you upset by something I said or did?
I'll apologize.
It's none of that.
I don't want to work for Modes.
That's why I called it quits.
What's so strange about that?
Besides, I'm not joining some other group.
It's a sister magazine in the same company.
We'll still see one another every day.
Meg, Fong-fong, talk to him.
I don't know why he wants to go over to Ms. Kei.
If you're happier there than at Modes,
you have my vote.
What does it matter?
He's not staying for long anyway.
He's going back to Martha.
Yan, let him go wherever he likes.
OK. Three to one. I lose.
I have to go location scouting.
Later.
Come on...I'll go with you.
Don't bother.
It's time I got used to being alone.
Excuse me.
Are you the delivery man who called me to come down?
No.
Sorry.
I made you soup.
Try it.
I'll make you another one if it's not to your liking.
Thank you.
You've been in a coma for five years.
Whatever you want to know, just ask.
I want to know everything.
I want to know about you.
I want to know about Long.
Most of all, I want to know about Modes.
Then it'll be a very long story.
Tell me if you get tired.
After you fell into a coma,
Chi Wai-man took over editorial in his position as the publisher.
He managed to make circulation drop 60% in just two issues.
The board called a meeting
and the decision was that the next issue would be the last one.
As the deputy chiefs, Danielle and I told the staff we would go out with a bang.
Then a white knight came and turned Modes around.
That white knight was Ip Long.
He had just gotten back from the States.
He came straight from the airport to see Mr Ma, he still had his luggage.
They had talked for two hours behind closed doors.
I don't know what they talked about.
Anyway, it ended with Ip Long being named chief of Modes.
Do you know what he did to circulation?
It was the first issue to break the 100,000 mark.
Your friend was amazing.
In just two years, Modes' Chief has become a legend in Central.
Instead of his name, the media simply call him the Trend Master.
How long did your relationship last?
Why did you two break up?
He told you about that?
I admit I worshipped that man.
I mistook it for love.
Anyway, I know very well this man is now the turning point of my career.
Either I beat him or he beats me.
You're both my best friends.
I hope this is not a vicious competition,
where only one can be left standing.
Most importantly, it's not at the expense of friendship.
You know what I mean, right?
Becky, what have you found?
I've asked a lot of people there, no one has a clue.
Then I managed to contact Closet's exclusive photographer.
He had worked with Ip Long for quite some time.
What did he say?
He said that Closets senior management thought very highly of him.
They signed a long contract with him when he was promoted to editor.
There were six years remaining when it was terminated amicably.
Ip Long then came back to take over Modes.
Why would Closet let him go?
Did Ip Long give them something back in return?
I'm not sure if this is true.
The rumor in Closet is that he agreed to be the chief's fall guy.
For what?
Senior management found out someone was taking kickbacks using their position
The chief asked Ip Long to be his fall guy.
He promised Ip Long it would be kept confidential
and no legal action would be taken,
nor would it be made public.
What a high price to pay for coming back.
Becky, keep digging.
I want concrete evidence or witnesses,
anything that can nail Ip Long for taking kickbacks in the States.
Got it.
Why are you here again? Something urgent?
I saw a man in the lobby.
He looks like Ching Hong, your husband who's on the run.
You must be mistaken.
Has he contacted you lately?
Or has he gone home or to your office?
We've had no contact since he fled.
I don't know where he's gone
nor has he contacted me.
He's a wanted man here.
Why would he come back when the Commercial Crime Bureau is looking for him?
To get arrested?
I just went online to check his photos.
I'm sure it's him.
Call the police if you're so sure.
Believe it or not.
I told you just to warn you.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
Vincy, are you free?
It's been some time since our last chat.
The shoes need to be returned in two days.
What about the layout?
If they can't wait,
borrow them again after we've set the shoot date.
Ada, can I have a word with you alone?
Meg, take the shoes to the layout room for sample photos.
What is it?
I heard Kei Wan-wan has come to you.
She wants you to go over to Modes Girl as the deputy chief.
Is it true? Yes.
What's your decision?
Still thinking.
I'm not here to outbid her.
I did say my staff can ask to be transferred.
I want to remind you why Modes Girl was axed four years ago.
One word, conceit.
If someone were to ask me about Modes Girl,
that's still my answer: conceit.
Why are you so sure Modes Girl will be short-lived?
Vincy has clients.
She said the magazine will break even whatever the circulation.
The company won't lose money.
You didn't start working in this business yesterday.
What gets a magazine ads? Circulation.
What has Kei Wan-wan got to retain clients?
She promised the magazine would hit the streets in three months.
Can that check be cashed?
How long will a motley crew last?
Five issues? Ten? Two years?
I'm being optimistic when I say five issues, tops.
I've been in the business for several years.
I have seen miracles.
I believe Modes Girl will be a miracle too.
Stop dreaming. Wake up.
Going over will make you an outcast.
Modes will not rehire traitors.
You have a future in Modes.
You should know which one to pick.
Why have you come back?
You're a wanted man.
Your case is still under investigation.
Do you have a death wish?
What did I come back for?
I sent you a total of five emails.
You only replied to my first two.
You stopped replying once I asked you to send me money in the third.
I didn't know my wife was doing so well until I came back.
My wife's on the cover of a magazine cover and an executive of a magazine.
Ben, how could I reply?
Your account, my account and the company account are all frozen.
I'm living off my nest egg.
Handing over every cent won't help you much.
We've married for eight years.
I thank you for giving me eight happy years
I thought I married a perfect husband.
But you fled without leaving a word.
I told myself, from that moment on,
I should put myself first. I have to be selfish.
Could you do one last thing for me?
Just go away.
Alright, let's not argue.
You want to live your own life, I'm happy for you.
Get me one thing and I'll go away.
What?
The deed of our house.
What for?
Our assets are all frozen, the house included.
You can't mortgage it for money.
An underground bank in Taiwan agreed to make a deal with me.
It'll take the deed for a quarter of its value.
You're crazy! I won't give it to you.
I have nothing now except my job and the house.
I'm a joint owner. I just want my share.
So? You're a wanted man.
I promise you I'll go to a lawyer tomorrow to get the house unfrozen.
I'll mortgage it to the bank.
You'll get half of the proceeds.
I can't wait.
I want your answer now, yes or no.
If you think half is not enough,
we can discuss it after we get the money.
Vincy, didn't you just say I'm ruthless?
Let me say I can be more ruthless still.
I can turn myself in to the Commercial Crime Bureau tomorrow.
I'll tell them most of the money was transferred to an offshore company.
You may not know this, but the company is yours.
What do you mean? What company?
I set it up with your name three years ago.
That means you're an accomplice in my misappropriation case.
I'll forget about that.
You feel better now?
Don't be so selfish.
You can afford to lose the house.
But I can't survive without that money.
This is my new phone number.
Call me when the deed is ready.
Hello?
The previous lineup is better.
OK.
I don't care whichever legal means you take
just get the flat I currently live unfrozen as soon as possible, OK?
Call me when you have news.
Vincy.
Has the meeting been arranged?
Ip Long was given the memo.
He knows there's a meeting in an hour in the conference room on the 18th floor.
Send another memo to all the editorial staff
The meeting should be attended by all, not just Ip Long.
OK.
And tell Mr Tsui and Man as well.
I want board members to be present.
Sure.
Ivy. Yes?
Did Ada give us a reply?
I've called her several times.
Her phone was off.
I left her a message saying we'd try to meet her every demand.
Maybe you should call Mr Tsui?
No. She's a smart girl. She'll know which one to pick.
You must have read the memo.
The six of us in editorial have to attend the meeting as well.
What do you think Ms. Kei is up to?
It's about Modes Girl's staffing. It doesn't concern us.
The meeting was meant for heads of the two magazines at first.
Now Mr Chi and Mr Tsui will be present too.
And the six of us.
I think it's to ensure that should any of us go over,
top management can prevent Master from making a scene.
Let me confess. Ms. Kei has never come to me.
I'm not on her poaching list.
Ada, be honest with us, are you going over?
Ms. Kei did come to me.
I haven't said yes or no. I'm still thinking.
What about the rest of you?
Warn us beforehand.
Fong-fong, what about you?
Yan?
But I don't think you'd betray your idol.
Fan, you tell them.
The meeting is just 15 minutes away.
Yes. I'm going over.
Good you're all here.
Chief wants me to tell you that
the credit for Modes' success doesn't just belong to him.
You all have a part in it.
He can't promise you anything at this moment,
but he's sure that you will find your effort worthwhile in future.
Miss...stop...
Isn't he Ip Long, chief of Modes?
Mr Poon, you used to work in Modes.
I'm sure you know Trend Master.
He's a good friend of mine.
He's very famous.
People say he has put many stars and singers on the map.
Miss, push me closer.
Think retro.
You mean back to the old days?
You could say that.
You can raid your mom and dad's old wardrobe and accessories for ideas
Why aren't you wearing more?
Long's being interviewed.
Go back to your room. You don't want to catch a cold.
I'm not cold. Let me stay and watch his interview.
Stop it! Why do you all just have eyes for him?
I learned the ropes from you too.
I'm your good friend too.
Why do you never listen to me?
You alright? Why this sudden tantrum?
I just care about your health.
Come on...
Vincy called for this meeting.
It's about Modes Girl's staffing.
OK, you have the floor.
Thank you.
I hope that our initial editorial line-up can be confirmed in this meeting.
One editorial talent is not easy to find,
not to mention filling an entire editorial department.
I was reluctant to poach within the company
However, Modes Girl has to hit the streets in three months,
I have to assemble our staff in the shortest possible time.
Chief Ip, I'm sorry,
I need help from Modes.
Vincy, why apologize?
Internal transfers are common.
Both Modes and Modes Girl are under HRG.
We should share talent.
Ms. Kei, don't stand on ceremony with me.
I gave my word to Chairman Ma and other directors at the board meeting.
All my staff are free to go over, on the condition that it's their own idea.
Who have you talked to?
Who's going over?
I have my own list.
Some are not yet confirmed.
I hope they can give me a definite answer now.
Ada, are you joining us?
Ada, I said I'd respect your decision.
Feel free to tell her.
I'm staying at Modes.
Ada, are you sure?
You told me you wanted a change in working environment.
Isn't this your chance?
Sorry, Daddy. I've thought about it.
I want to stay at Modes and learn the ropes from Chief.
Sorry, Vincy. Thank you for thinking so highly of me.
It's alright. Maybe next time.
Chief, here's my transfer letter.
I'm going over to Modes Girl.
Chief, me too. Here's my letter.
OK, if you think going over will help your career,
I wish you every success.
Thank you...
One or two less won't be a problem, right, Chief Ip?
Vincy, have other positions been filled too?
Yes, we'll have two teams at first, headed by Meg and Fan respectively.
Assistants will be filled by DT colleagues before they're hired.
Ivy is our deputy chief.
Vincy, is there a mistake?
You're now wearing two hats. It'll be tough for you.
What about editor-in-chief?
It's filled. Another transfer from Modes.
Chief, I'm sorry. I'm going over to be Modes Girl's editor-in-chief.
Pay more attention to your DT duties.
Meet Ip Long's every demand.
In case people accuse Modes Girl of undermining DT.
Danielle will brief you on the details.
Yes.
Ivy, go through the progress of our inaugural issue with Danielle.
I want to see the progress timetable on my desk in a week.
I know what to do.
You guys may go.
I want a word with Ms. Kei.
What is it?
Now it's just the two of us.
Be frank with me. Why?
What?
Why Danielle? Didn't we have an agreement?
I'd be chief, Ada would be deputy chief if she came over.
Why this change?
Ivy, forget whatever I said or promised
Remember,
we should put Modes Girl's interest first, our own second.
Why was Danielle made chief? It's simple.
She deserves it.
What do you mean?
She's never gotten higher than deputy.
Me? I was already chief six years ago.
Didn't you read my CV?
I don't judge people by their CV.
I judge them with my ears and eyes.
Here are all the issues of Modes Girl when you were chief.
I spent two weeks going through all the them.
I finally figured out why it had to fold.
They're rubbish.
It's a miracle the magazine lasted two years
Remember, a miracle doesn't come twice.
Danielle has worked under Ip Long for so many years,
She has proved her worth from how she handles his orders and problems.
So she's at the helm, what does it matter?
If it's good for the magazine,
I'm willing to vacate my position.
Right?
Brother Ken, why are you guys here?
James called us.
He told us to drop everything and come here.
He said Chief has an announcement to make.
We now have two magazines to handle.
It's probably is about staffing arrangements
Where's Master?
He told us to wait for him here.
He's been in TF for half an hour.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
I'm sure you know the three of us are going over to Modes Girl.
Danielle, Man told me the 12th floor will be cleared for you.
Renovations will take about a month.
You, Fan and Meg can stay here for the time being.
We work for the same company.
I don't think there are secrets between us.
Do you mind?
Should I talk to Ms. Kei again?
No. If you don't mind, it's fine with me.
Good.
There are new arrangements in the Editorial Department.
Ada, Yan, you two will each head a team.
Get more freelancers to fill in the pages for the next issue.
If you can't cope, tell me.
I'm OK.
Me too.
Martin will fill in as deputy chief for the time being.
The next issues will point us to the right choice.
There will be no new hires for photography and styling,
expect to handle two magazines at the same time.
If you have difficulties coping,
come to me or Ms. Kei anytime.
OK. No problem.
Lastly, I have a few words for our outgoing colleagues.
Whether you're at Modes or other titles,
I expect you to create more and better choices to the readers.
Thank you.
Danielle, please come in.
Come on, please sit.
Chief, what is it?
Sit down first.
I'm no longer your superior.
You don't need to stand anymore.
Everyone has her own aspirations.
I said you're all free to go over.
I respect your decision.
What baffles me is that you're a veteran,
you should have seen that Modes Girl can't beat us in resources or manpower.
It's not the best choice for you. So why?
No risk no gain.
I think I've made the right choice.
No gain in Modes?
You should know compared to other magazines,
you're a very powerful deputy chief.
However, to outsiders, Modes only belongs to you.
I started working in Modes since its inaugural issue.
I helped Derek build it up from scratch.
But it was Zita who got his trust in the end
I knew I'd never be chief.
Then came the accident and you took over.
That killed my hope.
Jumping ship is a big risk,
I may lose big.
Still, at least I have my chance.
OK, fair enough.
I do wish you great success from my heart.
Don't forget, you're not Kei Wan-wan,
we're not enemies.
Come to me anytime.
Thank you.
I have yet to congratulate you.
Congrats, Chief Shek.
Thank you.
Unanswered calls (7)
What now?
Someone's waiting for you in the lobby.
It's better to go up than down.
Who?
Ben, your husband?
Martin, tell me what else I can do?
If he'll keep his word and leave you alone,
give him the deed.
I won't.
I have nothing now.
The flat is all I've got.
My lawyer told me the deed will be unfrozen in six months.
I need the flat to make my comeback.
You won't give him the deed, yet you can't call the police,
this won't end.
I've seen men like him.
Money make them gentlemen,
But they're ruffians when they're broke.
Be decisive.
If he gets caught, you'll be in trouble.
What about me? What else can I do?
I can sell my jewellery for two or three million.
Will he settle for that?
No, he won't settle for anything else except the deed.
Vincy...
You have a way?
This is Long's motto:
Everything can be exchanged for something of equal value.
What do you want?
I'll do it if I can.
You for a night. Spend a night with me.
Mr Ip, thank you for coming to our interview.
Fifteen minutes till our live broadcast.
Let's go in and go over the questions.
OK.
Mr Ip, please.
We'd like to ask you about the for the coming season.
Here are the questions, please have a look.
Tim, reconfirm the questions for me.
Oh yes, could you do me a favor?
What is it?
Could you mention our new title Modes Girl in the interview?
No problem.
Mr Ip, please sit.
Yan, here you are, the layout and literature for the next issue of Modes.
From now on, we'll be working on different things.
Fan, I told myself I wouldn't ask you again
But this has kept me up for several nights.
I'm really baffled. Tell me why.
I told you, I have no feelings for Modes.
I wouldn't doubt it if that came from Meg.
I don't buy it from you.
You're going back to Martha in two months.
Where you sit it out makes no difference for you.
Why should you even bother?
Alright, what's said here stays here.
Don't tell anyone, least of all, Ip Long
I swear...
That Master of yours was in collusion with Martha.
There's no comeback for me.
They were going to dump me here and leave me to fend for myself.
Says who?
Doesn't matter.
This is how you react whenever you hear a negative comment about your idol/mentor.
We're buddies.
Let me warn you for the last time.
Ip Long is not who he seems.
I have nothing more to say.
The layout.
Forget it.
What now?
Ten minutes till Master's podcast interview.
I heard Modes Girl will be mentioned.
Let's see what he's going to say.
You told me you'd send me the information this morning.
So how long do I still have to wait?
OK, fax them to me once you've got it.
Thanks.
How long do we still have to wait?
15 minutes.
It'll be faxed over in 15 minutes.
OK. The interview starts in ten minutes.
We can still make it.
Hello?
Mr Ching, what nerve.
You're a wanted man, yet you slipped back in town.
Aren't you afraid of doing time?
Who are you? How did you get my number?
Relax. I'm your friend.
I called to help you.
What are you talking about? Who are you?
Do as I say and you'll be fine.
Take your stuff and leave right away.
Or it'll be too late.
What do you want? Why should I leave?
The police are already on your bock.
Do you want to get arrested?
Come on, time is running out.
Hello?
Who are you? What do you want?
I told you I'm your friend. I want to help.
Why? How did you know about the police?
You don't have to care about that.
Find yourself a hideout.
I'll call you later.
Mr Ip, thanks for updating us on the latest trends.
I'm sure many listeners are ready to go get a copy of a fashion magazine.
Speaking of fashion magazines,
Your company is Modes Girl,
which ceased publication four years ago.
A sister magazine of a similar nature,
will that compete with Modes?
We're not competitors.
I'd say we complement each other.
Modes Girl's chief used to be my deputy.
She's worked with me for five years.
I trust her vision and ability.
What we are doing is strategic marketing.
Modes Girl targets the youth market.
Their readers will graduate to Modes in a few years.
How's it going?
Great! Fax it to me now.
Well? The interview will be over soon.
Is it here yet?
Yes. It's being faxed over.
Email it to the podcast channel right away.
OK.
I know people are calling it an internal war
That's a misunderstanding.
Modes Girl's readership doesn't come at the expense of Modes.
It comes with an expansion of the market.
I'm confident we'll both be winners.
It's a win-win situation.
I agree with you.
That means one more choice for readers.
What follows is a more personal question.
Mr Ip, we just heard from a listener
that your departure from Closet was not exactly amicable.
It actually involved an unethical deal.
Is that true?
I have answered that many times.
I don't want to give more time to some ungrounded rumor.
What if we have evidence?
Would you care to respond to that?
Sure. What evidence?
It's from a listener.
These are the meeting minutes from Closet Magazine.
The date is 15 April 2010.
It reveals that one of their editors was fired for receiving kickbacks from a label.
Mr Ip, 15 April 2010,
just seven days before your departure.
We have reason to suspect that
you were the editor involved.