We just heard from a listener.
That your departure from Closet was not exactly amicable.
It actually involved an unethical deal...
We have reason to suspect that you were the editor involved.
Mr Ip, it seems in all your previous interviews,
you've been trying to avoid answering why you left Closet.
Stop rolling! Cut the interview!
Sorry, we can't do that.
Are you hiding something from the public?
I have nothing to hide.
It's a frequently asked question.
However, you can keep on asking,
there's only one answer.
I left Closet amicably.
There was no so-called unethical deal or anything like that.
So you're saying this document is a fake?
The burden of proof falls on the press, not me, right?
If you're asking for my opinion,
you need to answer two questions.
One, Closet is the leading fashion magazine in the States.
The editorial department comprises 13 teams,
some of them have more than two editors.
The turnover rate for editors is about 23%.
Three editors left the magazine at about the same time as me.
How can you be so sure the editor was me?
I said people may suspect...
Two, if such a thing did happen,
why just terminate my contract?
They should have taken legal action. Don't you agree?
Actually it did cross my mind when I first got this document...
Anyway, our thanks to Mr Ip for coming on our show.
See you again next time. Bye.
Who sent it to you?
Who said you could ask that question?
Sorry, Mr Ip. It came from a listener.
I thought it would juice up the show a bit.
I really am sorry.
I reminded you on the phone again and again
Stick to the agreed on questions.
I...
Let it go.
Tell me. It was Gina's Zita Hung, right?
I just texted James to find out if the document's a fake.
Don't bother. It's not.
Instead of going after our circulation,
Zita is digging up dirt on me.
She thinks making Trend Master look bad is making Modes looking bad.
What should we do?
Do two things for me.
One, contact the media on good terms with us and keep it under wraps.
Don't let it blow up.
Two, get me ten cyber shills.
I am going to fight this war with her.
It has been mentioned before. I'm sick of it.
Excuse me.
Excuse me as well.
What? Stunned?
Take it easy.
Didn't you see?
Master shut the host up in no time.
It's nothing.
The net is filled with conspiracies.
Take it with a grain of salt.
Let it go. Go back to your layout.
Alright, let me get my coffee first.
Good you're here.
I was going to see you after my coffee.
How long should I stay in Modes Girl?
I want to clear the contract up first.
Since I'm joining Modes Girl, you should formally ask for my transfer.
OK.. .later...alright?
But it can't wait. I shouldn't let the old contract tie me down.
Also it's not just about getting Ip Long's nod.
There's Martha to talk to.
You done? I said later, alright?
Shut up if you want your contract terminated.
I know what to do.
If you're so impatient, go back to Modes.
My plate is already full.
Leave me alone.
Why are you yelling at me?
What is it? Tell me.
You can't help.
I'd be grateful if you just shut up.
I need to take this call.
Please go.
I told you to leave!
Martin, how is it?
Ben called me again this morning.
Relax. You have my word,
it'll be over by tomorrow.
We've agreed on a deal.
I have a vested interest.
Wait for my good news.
OK.
Hey, Fan, have you seen Ms. Kei?
She's on the phone on the terrace.
Something urgent?
Some cops want to see her.
What is it about?
It seems to be about her on-the-run husband.
Later. I need to get her.
Long, what is it?
I'd like a word with you.
I was going to call you too.
I saw the interview.
Just people online spreading some rumors.
Don't take it to heart.
I have faith in you.
It's just the two of us here.
Spare me the act.
You dug up dirt on me.
You posted the Closet document online.
You're trying to smear me and Modes.
Long, I know you are down.
Still, don't imagine things.
I told you the fight is over.
Modes is no longer Gina's enemy to beat.
I just came to tell you that
things happen for a reason.
Modes won last time,
Modes is going to win this time, and the next, and so on.
You can try the circulation war, the smear campaign,
it won't change the outcome.
The difference it'll make is this:
You are going to lose even more spectacularly.
Long, you really are mistaken.
Hear me out...
Zita...
Yes?
Rosanne just called.
They won't sponsor our next issue.
Michael is a friend indeed.
Just one call and he took care of everything for me.
Hello?
Why?
Wait...hello...
It's Florette.
We don't have to ask them for outfits for our shoot again.
Ip Long, what are you doing?
I didn't know I could pull so many strings.
Trend Master does command respect.
Maybe I'm a nice guy, so my friends will do anything for me.
This is all you need to know:
Two today, four tomorrow and eight the day after tomorrow.
I have a long contact list.
You want war? Bring it on.
But can you afford the loss?
Can Gina afford the loss?
Ip Long, I'm going to tell you now,
slamming the doors on us won't work.
No sponsors? We can pay.
No models? We can fly supermodels over.
No advertisers?
We can afford to bleed money.
In short, it's either Gina or Modes.
OK.
Come with me.
Ms. Hung...
You've been working hard, guys.
Becky, refreshment on me.
OK.
How's it going?
We've posted 200 threads since Ip Long's interview,
they've been reposted more than 10,000 times on top forums, Facebook and Weibo.
The top three entries on the top three search engines are respectively:
Ip long took kickbacks,
Trend Master's a swindler,
and Modes chief should resign.
Good! Keep it going.
Blow it up.
Make it the talk of the town.
Make Trend Master a social outcast.
Ben's back?
Then he should have come to me.
I'm sure he will when the chance comes up.
If he does, call us immediately.
Definitely.
I'll try to talk him into turning himself in.
Hiding won't work.
It can't last.
Hello?
Vincy, I can't afford to wait any longer.
Stop dragging your feet.
I want the deed by tomorrow, otherwise...
Fan, I told you to give the layout to Danielle.
I want everything confirmed before deadline.
Or our inaugural issue won't hit the streets on time.
I have two cops with me.
I'll call you back later.
Sorry. What else do you want to know?
That's about it.
Call our direct number if you hear anything.
Definitely.
Ivy, have you checked the online messages?
There are more than 300 negative comments about Chief.
Why haven't they been deleted?
Isn't that your job?
I had a meeting with Vincy this morning.
I just got back five minutes ago.
They're working on it.
I don't care what your excuse is.
Chief will be back in half an hour.
I want them all gone before he's back.
Half an hour? I'll do my best.
I know you all have your own work.
But please, watch the forum around the clock.
Once the floodgate's open,
it's not just Chief,
Modes will be dragged through the mud too.
Ivy, agree?
You're right.
Do as James said.
You three are now on shifts.
Each responsible for eight hours.
Monitor the forum around the clock.
Fend off those negative comments, OK?
Ceci... Mr Chi.
Where's Vincy? Not back yet?
Ms. Kei...
James, come on over.
I'm here to see Vincy.
I assume you're here for the same reason.
Where's Ip Long?
How is he going to handle it?
What about falling a press conference to clarify?
He left the word that we don't have to say anything.
Nor is a press conference necessary.
What's he thinking?
It's only been a few hours and it's all over the internet. Don't you know?
He said he'd handle it on his own.
Whatever he's thinking,
he should share it with us. Don't you all agree?
The media kept calling me this morning.
I didn't know how to respond.
Chief said...
Enough.
What he says are laws.
Would you use here as the toilet if he told you not to take toilet breaks?
Mr Chi, you are no longer Modes' publisher.
I don't need to tell you about Modes decisions.
What?
Mr Ip... Yes?
Are you here to see Mr Poon?
He checked out this afternoon.
Who came to pick him up?
Ms. Hung.
She said there's a better hospital for his convalescence.
Did she say which one?
No.
Thank you. You're welcome.
This is Derek. I'm not available to take your call right now.
Please leave me a message, and I'll call you back.
Still here?
There's plenty of time until the next layout.
I'm not working on the layout.
I am hitting back here.
Members of this forum are mean.
If I don't hit back, they'll keep going on till morning.
Do you really intend to fight back each one?
Yes.
James said nearly 60% of the threads in the top five forums is about me.
Even if you were that capable and could fight eight at a time,
it could take you all night.
What else can I do?
I won't let your name get dragged through the mud.
I have to stand up for you.
Come with me. Let me take you some place.
It's been tough for you, guys.
Mr Ip...
What's the situation online?
We've posted more than 150 threads in the top five forums.
Positive comments have jumped from less than 20% to 40%.
We're looking at more than 50% before morning breaks.
Good! Thank you all.
We still have days of tough fighting ahead.
Whatever you need, feel free to ask Tim.
Yes...
See? I have a team fighting back for me.
I'm not taking it lying down.
You can go to bed and sleep in peace.
What are you doing here?
If it's business, leave it for tomorrow.
Is your husband back in town?
What are you talking about?
Watch what you say.
I overheard you chatting with the cops.
You were lying.
If he really did come to you,
why didn't you tell the cops about it?
Stay out of my business.
Listen, you heard nothing.
You know nothing. Do you hear me?
Vincy, I want to help.
Don't bother.
Martin is taking care of it for me.
What you should care about is the inaugural issue.
I'll take care of your contract for you, OK?
Fan, why do you want to help me?
We're friends. I don't need a reason.
What is it?
A memo from Man this morning.
There's a board meeting at 3pm.
Mr Ma will attend, so will you.
I see. Someone wants to fish in troubled waters.
Let's see what he can do.
Then excuse me.
James, do one thing for me.
Get me the two issues with Man as editor-in-chief.
OK.
I'm on the eighth floor. Which room?
Room 803.
Who are you?
Why would you warn me about the cops?
Why did you know they were coming for me?
Of course I did, I called them.
You...
Relax.
Have you been arrested?
I only want you to understand that
I could have had you arrested.
Yet I'm letting you chat with me here safe and sound.
Who are you?
Are you helping me or doing me in?
I want to help you.
I did all this to win your trust.
Because we have a common enemy.
Who?
Your wife, Kei Wan-wan.
We're colleagues.
My superior is Ip Long at Modes.
He wants her ousted.
I'm sure you can help us.
Come on, I'm in hot water. How?
You can.
I bugged her phone.
I know you have dirt on her.
Hand it over to me to pass to the media.
I'm sure the board won't want her around after that.
Stop thinking.
She doesn't have money for you.
Or are you thinking of turning yourself in to take her down with you?
I can't afford much.
Half a million.
I'm sure it means something to you now.
It's not that I don't want to help.
But the offshore company I told her about doesn't exist.
Do you mean you made up a lie to cheat her out of the deed?
Yes. She's really scared.
Once she hands over the deed,
we can turn the screws on her.
Did you hear that?
Thank you, Martin.
Don't worry, I won't go back on my word.
Who's that?
Who are you?
Half a million from Vincy.
Take the money and leave town.
You should know this is your only choice.
I'm sure you all know why I called for this meeting.
Modes has turned into a public enemy online overnight.
Long, do you know what your kickback scandal has done?
The Modes website was spammed.
What will happen to our circulation?
Yes, I may no longer be Modes' publisher.
But drastic times call for drastic measures.
I believe in my judgment.
I don't care what others may say.
Modes' future is hanging by a thread.
I do hope we can work out a solution as soon as position.
Man, you don't have to care about what people say.
We know you're just thinking of the company's interest.
Mr Tsui, thank you.
Please sit.
Long, everyone here is in senior management.
What's said here stays here.
Be honest with us.
Is the kickback accusation true?
No.
We take your word for it.
Do you have anything to prove it's a smear campaign?
No.
What about witnesses?
You had worked at Closet for so long,
there must be some friends or colleagues who can testify for you.
Contact them and ask them to come over and clear your name.
We'll pay for their board and lodging and plane tickets.
No.
What? No witnesses, no proof.
So we only have your word?
Who would buy that?
What? No witnesses, no proof.
So we only have your word?
Who would buy that?
Long, the scandal is blowing up online.
If we let this drag on, the consequences could be very dire.
You are Modes' publisher and editor-in-chief.
I want to hear your take.
Chairman Ma, I have clarified it more than once.
I've repeatedly said what I have to say.
People have the right to say what they please,
I can't stop them.
Long, this is passing the buck.
You are the cause of this.
So isn't it your job to shut people up?
Isn't it your responsibility if the circulation drops?
I can't help it if that happens.
I'm not a god, I can't guarantee the circulation.
My conservative estimate is that the drop will be around 20%.
What do you mean?
We just let the scandal run amok?
Long has made it quite clear.
We all know this meeting is not about laying blame,
it's about finding a solution.
So, any suggestions?
What about more free gifts from Creamy?
Ora double book edition
featuring some stars.
Or giving out coupons.
None of that will work.
If our readers get brainwashed,
None of the freebies or gimmicks will work.
They simply won't buy our magazine.
We're busy thinking up a solution.
Instead of joining us, you keep throwing cold water on us.
So you won't be happy unless the circulation goes into freefall?
Chairman Ma, I'm not throwing cold water on you guys.
Those suggestions are not constructive.
They won't work.
To deal with it, we must first know what started it.
Szeto.
I don't know.
YC.
No one knows?
I am the culprit.
Trend Master is now a pariah.
It's not just the readers,
stars and brands are all keep their distance
The only solution is for me to go on leave starting with the next issue.
It'll gives Modes an excuse to get a new publisher and editor-in-chief.
Why this silence?
I know. You're worried about who can do it.
You may have forgotten,
but we have a candidate right here.
Modes has had three chiefs since inauguration.
One is Derek Poon Sai-kit, the other
is me and the third is our white knight
He always manages to save the day in the nick of time.
Otherwise, we wouldn't have had these two issues.
Do you mean Man?
Man, step up to the plate.
No one here has your experience, or your capability, or your guts.
Right, Man?
Of course.
Man, what do you think?
Do you have the confidence?
Since Long said it,
I believe in your judgment.
I can pick up the pieces.
Leave it to me.
Wait...
Not that I disagree with Long.
Though your two issues didn't sell that well, I still have faith in you.
But he hasn't been in editorial in so long,
it'll take time for him to readjust.
It's not fair to Man if we ask him to take over at such a critical time.
Indeed. You don't change horse midstream.
Do you agree? Right...
Let Long stay.
I say we just sit it out.
The scandal will die out in time.
There are still two weeks before the next issue comes out.
We shouldn't trouble Man.
Let Long stay.
No.I can't answer for the drop in circulation.
Chairman Ma, I will fill out my leave application and send it over.
Long, a leave?
Leave that for later.
The magazine comes first.
Just do your best.
We don't mind a slight drop in circulation.
A change in leadership will confuse the staff.
Let Long stay...
OK...
Long, I agree with them.
Besides, this scandal is not entirely Long's fault, right?
OK, the truth will come out.
We'll just forget about it.
Everything back to normal.
It's publication as usual.
OK, if that's your consensus.
I'll accept the board's decision.
Thank you, Chairman.
Thank you for your support.
Man, take these two back as memento.
I don't think there'll be a third.
Long, it's just you and me here.
I won't beat around the bush.
Are you confident you can turn public opinion around?
I have a team of cyber shills hitting back for me.
I can't predict the outcome, though.
Good. Do you think it'll affect our circulation?
Yes.
By how much?
I don't know.
OK. Here's my bottom line.
30%.
More than that and I'll have to replace you.
That means the next issue will be your last.
No objection from me.
The company has invested so much in Modes.
It's my responsibility to ensure its circulation.
Long, you can't blame me.
I am the decision-maker here.
I have to put the company's interest first in every decision I make.
You may be irreplaceable,
but I still have to do it.
Do you understand?
Chairman Ma, you can set the bottom line higher.
I'm confident
I can turn the situation around before the next issue hits the street.
Good...
Chief, how's the meeting?
Don't worry. The board just wanted a proper grasp of the situation.
I still have their support.
Ignore the rumors.
Just focus on the next issue.
I've ignored those online attacks.
But even if we won't bother with them,
that doesn't mean others will do the same.
What happened?
Two brands called us this morning.
No more loans for our photo shoots.
Several artists who agreed to come for our photo shoot last week
all called to cancel today.
Yan, what about you?
Two locations we wanted to book called this morning.
They wouldn't lend them to us.
These things happen all the time.
It's no big deal.
We'll try other labels instead.
If some artists won't come,
find others who will.
No locations?
We'll do all the shoots in house.
I don't believe some online rumours can do our magazine in.
Find out which labels turned Modes down.
Find out which artists turned Modes down.
Find out which locations turned Modes down.
Get them all for me.
Yes. I'll try and find that out from Fong-fong.
Fan, try and get some information from Yan.
Fan... What?
I know you and Fan are good friends.
However, you should know our magazines are rivals.
We're fighting for market share.
Don't let your personal feelings affect your work, OK?
Yes, I understand.
Well? Am I still under attack in those forums?
Yes, there's been no let up since yesterday.
It's obviously the work of cyber shills.
Long, what about having our lawyers demand the forum organizers delete those posts?
If we take it seriously, that means I have something to hide.
Martin, what do you think?
Long, may I ask you a question?
Go ahead.
You never wanted to mention what happened in America
and we never asked you.
But I think we need to know the truth now.
Is the kickback accusation true?
I never lied to you.
I did leave Closet amicably.
You were one of the up and coming editors.
Why would they let you go so easily?
Closet's chief had only one request.
That I be his fall guy.
You were one of the up and coming editors.
Why would they let you go so easily?
Closet's chief had only one request.
That I be his fall guy.
So you took the kickback charge for him.
I refused to do that at first.
I thought Modes could do without me.
But Modes' circulation dropped by 60% in the two months Chi Wai-man was in charge
I had to come back.
Or Modes would have folded.
How many knew about the kickback?
Chief promised me he would take care of the senior management.
I think not more than ten knew about it.
Would they leak it?
Not Chief, since he has something to hide.
The rest are in senior management.
I don't think they'd want to hurt the magazine's reputation.
That means the document aside,
there's no other evidence or witness who will come out and testify against you.
Then we can just ignore it.
Forget it ever happened.
Let them say what they like.
People can tell the truth in the end.
Right.
Tim, tell the kids to stop shilling for me.
Let Zita do whatever she pleases.
Yes.
The nurse said your appetite has not been good.
Is the food not good?
Long called again.
It's his fifth since last night.
Did you pick it up?
I promised you I wouldn't for the time being
But...I'm confused.
The Long I knew wasn't like what you said.
Kickbacks?
That really baffles me.
That's why I wouldn't let you take his calls.
Zita, there must be some misunderstanding.
Have you gone to him to get the truth?
Derek, do you remember what you once said?
That a good editor puts the readers first,
the magazine second and then themselves.
Because you know the more famous the editor,
the greater the temptation.
This is where Long failed.
I fought with him over that all the time when I was at Modes.
I urged him to stop.
You know what he said?
He said he would stop when Trend Master no longer commands respect.
You asked me why we broke up, why I left Modes,
this is the reason why.
Why don't you ask Long to come so I can talk to him in person?
I'm sure he'll listen to me.
It won't work.
You were in a coma so you don't know.
He has become another person since he's been calling the shots at Modes.
He sees himself as an emperor, a god.
He won't listen to other people.
Don't worry.
He'll wake up once he knows he's no longer Trend Master.
How?
Just promise me you'll stay away from him.
I'll turn him back into the old Long.
Martin, may I ask you one thing?
What is it?
I know Vincy's husband is back and is pestering her.
I also know that you're helping her.
I want to know if it's solved.
It doesn't concern you.
I don't need to answer you.
Tell me if it's solved.
Vincy is my superior and a friend.
I'm worried about her.
The cops came for her.
I know it's not that simple.
Martin, we both care for her.
Let me know how it's going.
Alright, I'll tell you.
Vincy's husband asked her for money.
I met him yesterday.
I tried the carrot and the stick.
He just wouldn't listen.
He's meeting her tonight.
That's all I know.
Satisfied?
You let her go see him alone?
He's a wanted man.
What if something happens to her?
Vincy...
Hello, this is Vincy Kei.
I'm not available to take your call right now.
Please leave a message, and I'll call you back.
Vincy, it's Fan.
Yan, I can go now.
Me too.
Yan, could you do me a favour?
Sure. What is it?
Master approved our layout.
But I have a meeting with Martha tomorrow.
Could you take it to Art Department for me?
Sure. No problem.
The layout's here. Thank you.
OK.
We can go.
Ms. Kei?
Are you Ms. Kei?
Mr Ma called this morning.
He said he can't come.
You don't need to wait for him.
Thank you.
Vincy, it's Fan.
Are you going to see your husband?
Let me go with you.
Vincy, where are you? You alright?
Call me back.
Vincy, don't scare me.
No matter how late it is, call me.
Hello?
Yan, it's Meg.
I can't sleep. Are you in bed already?
No. I just took a shower.
I'm looking for locations.
What about you?
Working on the Modes Girl layout?
I'm worried about Master.
The forums are all about him.
I wanted to ask you and Fong-fong about it in the office.
But Danielle was around.
You know we're rivals now.
Danielle wouldn't feel good even if she didn't say it.
You're overly suspicious.
Danielle is not that kind of person.
Chief can handle it.
Will it affect your next issue?
Don't worry. It's going smoothly.
Ada's cover got Chiefs approval today.
It's really very good.
Alan and Ken saw the layout and they said all it needs is a model.
They thought very highly of it.
I thought she was talented when I was working under her.
Though she's not easy to get along with...
I've learned a lot from her.
You're a Modes Girl editor now.
Use what you've picked up from her in your own magazine.
You'll do well.
OK. Once mine is done, I want you to be my first reader.
Of course!
You're yawning. Go to bed early.
Goodnight.
Alright. Don't stay up too late.
See you tomorrow. Bye.