These are the files of Modes' operation and financial statements
from its first issue up to now.
These three gentlemen are the auditors we hired.
They will assess Modes' asset value. Then our board will come up with a price.
I'm sure you will be happy with our offer, Mr Ma.
Good.
Hello, everybody.
Hello...
My name is Cheung Yat-ning. You can call me Yan. I'm an editor at Modes.
Today I'll be showing you around our magazine company.
There are several departments in Modes:
editorial, art and production departments.
I will introduce these departments to you one by one
according to the magazine's production process.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Yan, are you the editor that Master recruited publicly online earlier?
Yes.
Chairman, you wanted to see me?
Yes, Long. Have a seat. I want to see you about this.
This is the blue print for Modes Girl's first issue.
We feel something is wrong. We need your opinion.
Our two magazines are independent. I shouldn't make any comments.
If you think there's a problem, you can ask Man to talk to Vincy.
There's still time to do that.
Long, I don't want to waste time anymore. It fails to meet our requirements.
I've discussed this with Tsui and Man.
It's better to stop it right now than launch an inferior magazine.
Preparation has been going on for months. If you stop it now,
I'm afraid people will make up stories.
Why don't you give them a chance?
Danielle is very experienced in editorial work.
If you give her time, I'm sure she can meet your requirements.
Long, Chairman Ma's right. I thought like you at first.
But some people really can't take on important tasks.
Neither Danielle nor Vincy are up to their jobs.
The board may have made a wrong decision.
We started a new magazine without sufficient resources or staff.
Look. Now that we know we've made a mistake, we shouldn't keep going.
We should stop the magazine now
and reallocate Modes Girls' resources to somewhere more useful.
Long, I want to go back to square one.
That means everyone who transferred from Modes to Modes Girl
will be returned to you.
You can rearrange their posts and jobs.
Have you discussed this with Vincy?
Don't worry. I recruited Vincy. I will convince her.
Of course it's a bit painful. But this is in the company's interest.
There's an adjustment in the company's strategy.
There's a new deployment of staff.
She's a paid employee of the company. She can't defy the company's orders, right?
Long, or do you not want to take back those people?
If that's the case, just tell me, and I'll fire them.
Everyone in Modes is doing two jobs.
If they'll come back to Modes, of course that would be good.
But I respect their decisions.
I welcome everyone who's willing to come back.
Good. It's decided then.
Before the magazine's printed, we prepare a blue print.
That's the final draft.
Once the chief editor has OK'd it,
then we can sent it to print in the printing department. Take a look.
OK. Thank you.
Where's your phone?
I don't have it on me.
Fan just sent us a WhatsApp message.
He said Martha is letting him work in her company again.
He also said he would liaise with his former clients for us.
Really?
Yes.
We have to celebrate this with a meal.
Great...
Modes Girl will be out in a week. Let's do that next week.
OK. Next week. OK. I'll get back to work...
Guys, do you have questions about the editorial department?
Yan, just now...
Yan, you need to give me the article about Rosanna for the next issue by tomorrow.
No problem.
Let me introduce. This is Ada Tsui. She's our new deputy editor-in-chief.
Before we submit our drafts to the chief editor,
we have to get her approval first.
Hello...
Hello. If you want to give them a tour, show them the layout room.
Don't disturb people while they're working.
OK.
Long, it's good you're here. Good news.
Gina has just announced on its official website
that it will stop publication for the time being until further notice.
It seems Zita couldn't convince its shareholders in the States.
Gina's sale will come happen very soon.
Just now Chairman Ma told me that Modes Girl failed to meet their standard.
They're putting a stop to it right away.
Bingo. Beating two opponents in a row. We should celebrate this, right?
Yeah...
Both magazines have stopped at the same time
Don't you find it odd?
Even if it's a coincidence, it's not that surprising.
Mr Ma asked Nana's dad to become a shareholder earlier.
This shows the company has financial problems.
It makes sense to stop Modes Girl in order to save costs.
Maybe there's been some kind of miscommunication.
Why would we put a halt to the ads?
Yes. We'll find out what's going on.
We've signed a contract. Why would there be any problems?
OK...Thank you...
It's OK...
Vincy, three clients called this morning.
They said our administrative department called and told them that
the ads they put in Modes Girl would be on hold for the time being.
My client's ads have been held by the administrative department too.
Did you call the administrative department to see what's going on?
I did. They said they would get back to me later.
But they haven't called yet.
Vincy, Ivy,
I called the printing department just now to ask about the printing progress.
They said they got an order to stop printing
Vincy, has something gone wrong?
Everything's fine.
I'll go talk to Mr Chi and find out what's going on.
Before I have a clear picture, don't tell anyone about this.
Now get back to work.
Mr Ma and the other directors came to a decision just now.
They want to fold Modes Girl immediately.
Forget about the money that's been spent.
As for salaries, they'll make arrangements
The magazine was supposed to go on sale in a week. Now it's suddenly folded.
Was this Chairman Ma's idea or someone else's?
Mr Ma showed your blue print to someone.
He said he was sure your magazine wouldn't even sell a hundred copies.
Must be Ip Long. Did he say that?
During the meeting,
Ip Long threw your blue print into the rubbish bin right in front of Mr Ma.
He said he can't say for sure what will be successful.
But he can tell at a glance what will fail.
He said he knew long ago that you, Danielle and Ivy were a bad combination.
Without the goodwill of Modes there to back you up,
you wouldn't be able to print more than one issue.
He said that?
Vincy, you can't fight him now. It's like he's cast a spell on Mr Ma.
He buys everything Ip Long says.
I know you're capable.
I know once Modes Girl goes on sale, its sales won't be worse than Modes.
But this is the reality. The magazine's been folded now.
Man, I know something unpleasant happened between us earlier.
But don't forget that Ip Long kicked you out of Modes.
If we don't stop him now, neither of us will survive.
It's good you think that.
We're in the same boat. How could I sit back and not help you?
Sweetheart, you must face reality. Modes Girl is gone already.
Do you know what will happen to me and the other staff?
Ip Long said those who left can go back to Modes
if they want to.
He won't take issue. You will remain as AD.
OK. That's the end of the tour today.
If you want to find out more about our operation and our latest developments,
you can visit our official site.
Our colleagues from the DT department will answer your questions.
OK. Thank you very much, Yan.
OK. Return your badges then. Bye.
OK. Bye...
Zita?
It's been a longtime, Yan.
I haven't congratulated you yet on your becoming an editor.
Thank you. You came here to...?
I came to see your Chief Editor Ip.
Hello, I'm Gina's chief editor Zita. Ada, it's been quite a while.
Congratulations on your becoming the deputy editor-in-chief.
Danielle, how are you? Modes Girl is going on sale soon.
I was told that you went to the States for a meeting. You're back already?
I came back a couple of days ago.
I've got some free time. So I came to visit my old friends.
This place hasn't changed much since I left.
Zita, do you want to see Chief? He's in his office. Let me show you in.
Long, it's been a long time. Am I interrupting you?
Let's talk in my office.
No need.
Apart from visiting you,
I want to visit my old friends and meet some new friends too.
Mr Ma, Zita's here. She even went to Modes.
Really? I can't believe she's so punctual.
You knew she was coming?
Isn't the buyout confirmed already? Why has she come here at this juncture?
She's the buyer.
It's normal that she'd want to conduct a site inspection.
Long, I really envy you.
To run a magazine well, you can't rely on just one person.
If Gina had a team like you have here, I'm sure you wouldn't beat us so easily.
You came here to compliment my staff?
We know each other so well. You're really too kind to say that.
I mean it. There are no losers under a strong leader.
Danielle and Ada are of course veterans. Zoe, you joined Modes after I left.
But I pay attention to your column in every issue.
Your work is of substance without frills. Few editors can do that.
Thank you.
Who's Meg?
You've been with Modes for a year. I can see you improving with each issue.
Thank you.
Yan is of course brilliant.
Otherwise the Trend Master wouldn't take you as his mentee.
I seldom meet such a gifted girl in this profession.
Thank you.
I don't know what your intention is for coming here and saying all this.
If you have time, why don't you spend it on Gina?
Everyone go online now and check Gina's website.
I want everyone to know the current situation of our adversary Gina.
You knew Zita would come to Modes to put on a show??
She halted Gina's publication for the time being for this show.
I really don't get it.
Why is she doing this? Is she unhappy with the price for Modes?
How much Modes is worth depends on one person. That's Ip Long.
Zita, Gina is ceasing publication for the time being? ls there a problem?
There were rumors earlier that
your head office in the States wanted to sell Gina. So it's true?
If Gina's been sold because of Modes, I'm really sorry.
But that's how the market operates. Survival of the fittest.
Long, I think you've got it wrong.
Before I went to the States, the shareholders were considering selling Gina.
But now they've decided to carry on with this war no matter how costly it is.
Why is Gina ceasing publication? Because it needs to be restructured.
There will be two books per issue. We're increasing the number of pages.
We're enriching content and boosting circulation.
We're expanding our editorial department. We need more capable people.
You're all talent that Gina wants to recruit
So you've come here to headhunt my people in front of me?
Gina can offer you more than what Modes is giving you now.
We can double or even triple it.
Danielle, Meg, if what I heard is correct, Modes Girl is folding very soon.
If you don't want to work at Modes again, you can come and work at Gina.
Modes Girl will be out in a week. It's impossible that it would fold now.
Zita, where did you hear that?
I don't know if what I heard is true.
But I'm sure someone here knows far better than I do.
Long, shouldn't you tell your colleagues what's going on?
I hope you'll all consider my offer seriously.
I'm looking forward to hearing your favorable reply.
Sorry for the interruption. Bye.
Chief, has something happened to Modes Girl? ls what Zita said true'?
Yes. The board has decided to fold Modes Girl.
If you and Meg are willing, you can come back to Modes.
Why did that happen?
Vincy, why did the company fold Modes Girl?
This is the company's decision. I'm not in a position to tell you anything.
But you can pick your post according to your own preference.
Ip Long said he would take back colleagues from Modes Girl.
You were the one who asked me to join Modes Girl.
You have a duty to tell me why it's been folded now.
Ip Long told Mr Ma that our blue print is rubbish.
What will you do?
I won't go back to Modes.
I won't stay here.
I need to sleep on it.
I know what you're thinking.
Even if you agree to stay here, Ip Long will still give you a hard time.
Don't worry. Man told me that there will be a massive earthquake in Modes very soon.
It will bring down Ip Long.
If you believe me, stay. Let's watch this show together.
There will be a massive earthquake in Modes very soon
It will bring down Ip Long.
If you believe me, stay. Let's watch this show together.
That's what Vincy said. Then I asked her about the earthquake.
She said she didn't know.
Is Kei Wan-wan playing tricks again?
I don't think so.
Ivy told me that she only found out today that the magazine would fold.
It seems she really knows nothing.
Could it be Man?
Master kicked him out of Modes earlier.
Now he wants to come back for revenge.
No. Think about it.
What benefit would he get from closing down Modes Girl?
He won't benefit from a severe earthquake or taking down Chief
because I don't think he'll get his former position back, right?
This guy wouldn't do anything that doesn't benefit him.
Could it be Zita then?
She came to our office to put on a show today.
Did she have a hidden agenda?
I've considered that too. But if she came to headhunt,
why would she do it so openly in front of Chief?
Come on. You asked me to come for a drink. But you keep talking about work. Come over.
The power struggle among management
is beyond us mere lambs.
Besides, has Master ever failed to survive an ordeal before? Cheers.
You're right. Cheers. Hey, who are you calling?
We three lambs can't handle this. Of course we need someone else.
Don't drink so much.
Flora told me that you've turned down MMK's interview tomorrow, right?
I respect your decision.
But in my opinion, this isn't the time to be picky.
I know I don't have a choice. I don't have the right to choose.
But I really can't make myself do this.
You know I was already working for the top brands on my debut.
I was prepared for the fact that I wouldn't be working like I did before.
I was prepared to start from the bottom. I was prepared to work for any brand.
But when I really had to face it, I realized that I can't.
I can't start from scratch.
Fan, you only have two options. Accept reality and start from scratch.
We just need an opportunity in this profession.
It might appear very soon.
Or you could choose the other option. Leave this profession and find another job.
What are you doing here?
I know you're working for Martha again. I want to celebrate with you.
To your leaving your plight behind and doing what you enjoy again.
To your new magazine. I wish it'll be a great success.
What's the matter?
There's no need to celebrate. Modes Girl won't be published.
Its sales won't be a great success. It will be zero. It will forever be zero.
What are you doing? I don't have any alcohol in my car.
Like you, I don't have anything to celebrate.
I'm not leaving my plight behind me. I'm jumping into the fire from a pan.
Do you know the first job I got after my comeback?
Florette.
Guess again.
J. Border menswear.
I came back after such a long time.
The first job I got is a brand I only heard of for the first time this morning.
The most expensive item they sell only costs a thousand dollars.
Serves you right.
You quit your job as an editor in a big magazine company
to be an extra.
Serves you right.
You think you're much better? You think you're really a socialite?
You've only got a facade. I do feel sorry for you.
Right. We're both so pathetic. We deserve this, OK? OK?
Two sad cases. Let's drink again. Where's my car key?
You're drunk. Don't drive. I'll drive.
You'll drive? You reek of alcohol.
You smell worse than me. You can't drive.
That's impossible. I'm standing so far away.
I can still smell the alcohol on you.
No way. Smell. There's no smell.
Hello, Zita. This is Yan.
I've thought about what you said at Modes today. I want to meet you.
We were drunk. Forget what happened. Just pretend we never met last night.
Daisy, this is Vincy. I need a favor from you.
Come in.
Zita, Ms. Cheung's here.
Yan. Come over and take a seat.
Zita, you said yesterday that whoever wants to join Gina can.
I want to leave Modes and join you.
Since I left yesterday, I've been wondering who would come see me first.
I guessed it could be Zoe or Danielle. I didn't expect you.
I know. Everyone thinks I'm the Trend Master's mentee.
Even if everyone in Modes' editorial department left,
I'd still stay.
But I don't care what people think. I just want to find an opportunity for myself.
You got promoted in such a short time.
You think Ip Long didn't give you any chance?
Like you said, what does Modes have?
There are lots of capable people at Modes. You know how many are above me.
Ada, Zoe and Danielle. Do you think I have a chance to climb further up?
I've barely met you before.
But I think you've changed a lot. You've changed really fast.
I agree. I think differently from when I first joined Modes.
But everyone says Modes is an arena. I've just learned how to survive.
Exactly. Too bad I can't let you stay at Gina.
Why? You think I'm lying? You think I'm acting?
Yes.
I wouldn't come here to be a mole.
You don't need to be so paranoid.
I don't know what your objective is.
But right now, I'm sure you're not sincere
about wanting to work at Gina.
Seriously, I really wish you could lead one of our editorial teams here.
But I know this isn't possible right now.
What you should do now is go back to Modes and do your job well.
I'm sure we'll have a chance to work together.
I can't help it if you want to go back on your word.
If Ip Long can be my mentor. So can you.
If you think Gina needs me, I'm most willing to help.
Thank you.
Like you said, she really told me that there are lots of capable people at Modes.
She said Ip Long can't give her any opportunities.
What did Ip Long do for her to be completely dedicated to him and Modes?
You think Master has done something?
I think Yan's the one who's cast a spell on Master.
She got promoted to the post of editor after just two issues.
I believe if Ada's dad weren't a director,
Yan would have been promoted to deputy editor-in-chief.
Meg, I understand perfectly how you feel.
I was also held back by Ip Long at Modes.
Regardless, if you're capable, I will give you opportunities.
Thank you. Zita, when can I come to work at Gina then?
I really don't want to stay at Modes.
You don't need to come here. I want you to stay at Modes.
Why? I went to Modes Girl because I didn't want to stay at Modes.
If Master hadn't finished off Modes Girl,
I wouldn't have to come work at Gina.
Ip Long didn't shut down Modes Girl.
Chairman Ma did. Your board of directors and Gina did.
Very soon there won't be a Gina or a Modes in Hong Kong.
Gina is buying out Modes. Then the two magazines will merge.
All of Modes' resources including its people
will be put under the new magazine after the merger.
Then you, Yan, Danielle, Ada and even the Trend Master
will become staff at my new magazine
The new magazine will be called G-Modes.
I'm sure it will become the best-selling fashion magazine in Hong Kong.
You wanted to see me, Mr Tsui?
Vincy, I came to apologize to you. We worked together to get the board
to agree to publishing Modes Girl.
But now the magazine's been folded. I couldn't stop that.
I respect the board's decision.
The company is undergoing some difficulties right now.
We're cutting whatever magazines we can
and merging redundant departments with other departments to downsize.
Or we've just closed entire departments.
Your advertising department will suffer the impact first.
What's the board's decision? They want to close down the whole AM?
Look, the board wants to merge the AM of several magazines.
Probably a third of the staff will be laid off.
You could be one of them.
How will they decide who stays and who goes?
Whoever makes money for the company will stay.
Vincy, I came today to tell you that I've got your back.
As long as you can give me some good results this month,
I can work something out with the board and help you stay.
Thank you, Mr Tsui.
I'm confident that I'll be able to give you some good results very soon.
This is Ip Long. I can't answer your call right now.
Please leave a message.
Chief, this is Yan.
Call me back as soon as you get my message.
I want to talk to you about something urgent.
I asked the legal department to draft this contract. Take a look.
I want to renew your contract half a year in advance.
A five-year contract?
Yes. The term is a bit long.
But once you sign it, it'll be easier for me to ask the board for money.
You consider Modes your baby, right? You don't have plans to leave, do you, Long?
Five years is just a formality.
Hello.
Hello, Fong-fong. This is Yan. I need to talk to Chief.
But I can't reach him on his phone. Is he in the office?
He's here. Mr Ma's talking to him. What's the matter?
Do you know what they're talking about?
Just now, on the podium
I ran into Simon's secretary from the legal department.
She said Mr Ma suddenly asked her to prepare a new contract for Master.
I think it's a contract with a five-year fixed term.
Pong-gong, go into the office immediately and stop Chief from signing the contract.
Why?
Just do it. Go or it'll be too late.
Hey, it's the chairman in there. Can you tell me what's going on?
Listen to me. Actually...
Hello...
Hello...Fong-gong...
Sir, may I borrow your phone please? The battery on my phone just died.
I need my phone for work. There's only one bar left.
Make your call after you get off the taxi.
OK. I'll get off here then.
Hey...this is a restricted zone.
What's the matter?
Are you unhappy with some of the terms in the contract?
I can ask Simon to come over and amend them immediately.
Something suddenly popped up in my mind. I find it really odd.
We beat Gina two issues in a row.
Why would their shareholders in the States
still inject capital into it to compete with us?
Maybe they can't accept defeat.
That's business. It's just for the sake of face.
I worked in the States for years. I know too well the way Westerners work.
They're different from the Chinese. Chinese can't accept defeat. They want face.
They want to fight until the very end. Westerners wouldn't do that.
As soon as the figures don't look OK, they'll immediately out their losses.
They wouldn't spend a penny more on it.
How could that be the case?
Fact is, Gina has increased their budget for the magazine.
They want to beat us with money.
Has it ever occurred to you that this might not be the case?
They've created a false impression to distract us.
Perhaps they've got a hidden agenda.
Long, are you be overly sensitive?
Anyway, I need more time to think about this first.
What? You still haven't talked to Chief?
Hey, you didn't explain clearly what I should say inside.
Zita is working with Mr Ma.
They want to make Chief sign the contract to tie him down.
I don't get it.
Mr Ma came to ask Chief to sign a new contract.
What has that got to do with Zita?
Is Ada there? Let me talk to her.
They've all gone out to work. I'm the only one here. Martin's here too.
Put him on.
Martin, Yan wants to talk to Master about something. She's on the phone.
Hello, Yan.
Long, what they want doesn't matter.
What's most important now is getting working capital from the board.
Sign the contract now.
Chairman Ma, do you know that one of Du Fu's poems
says that you must shoot the horse before you shoot the rider
and you must capture the ringleader before trying to catch the thieves?
Yes. I know that poem. So?
Gina wants to win the war.
The best way isn't to increase their number of pages.
Nor is it to enrich their content.
It's not by increasing their staff or resources.
The most direct way is to attack the general who's holding the flag.
Long, you're really...
This isn't the time for worries. Don't get obsessed, OK?
Chairman Ma...
No, sign the contract now.
Otherwise we won't be able to fight them when don't get the money.
Let me ask you one more question. What's the most valuable thing at Modes?
Mr Ma, Chief.
Is there something urgent?
I just got some reliable intel.
So I came in to tell you rig ht away.
Since Mr Ma's here too, we can verify if the intel is true.
Did you agree to sell Modes to Zita?
Where did you get that intel?
Stopping Modes Girl and transferring the resources back to Modes.
Was that your first step in selling Modes?
If my conjecture is correct, Zita coming to Modes to headhunt our staff
was actually a show you told her to put on in order to trap me.
In order to compete with her, I would ask for an increase in budget.
Then you would take the opportunity to ask me to sign this new contract.
You haven't answered my question yet. I'll answer it for you.
The most valuable thing at Modes is the title Trend Master.
Getting me to sign the contract is the second step.
As long as the Trend Master is tied to Modes,
then the selling price will be completely different. Am I correct?
Yes. Modes is a company asset.
The company has a right to sell it at the best price.
It's in the company's interest to sell it to Zita.
It won't do you guys any harm.
You guys can carry on doing your jobs. The only change is the name Modes.
You have a right to sell Modes.
But I have a right not to sign the contract too.
My current contract expires in six months.
They can own the Trend Master for half a year at most.
Hey, Ip Long.
Do you remember you asked me to let you run the magazine?
You asked to be in charge. I trusted you.
You said you could revive it. I trusted you too.
Who gave you those chances? Who gave you the Trend Master title?
Thank you so much Chairman Ma for giving me the opportunity.
But in the past five years,
Modes has made a lot of money for the company. We're even.
Ask Zita whether they'll still buy Modes without the Trend Master.
Mr Ma.
How did it go? Did Chief sign the contract that Mr Ma prepared?
I don't know. Master is still in his office.
Chief, you didn't sign the contract with Mr Ma, did you?
He's working with Zita to trap you.
Don't worry. I didn't sign it. Yan, thank you.
I see. Give me some time to think about this
before I decide what to do.
Daisy, this is Mr Fan from Beauty Model Agency.
Hello, Mr Fan.
Please call me Francis.
Martha's busy. So I came by myself for the interview.
You're not here for an interview. I've already decided to use you.
Le Rouge is launching a menswear line next season.
When I looked at the design, you immediately came to mind.
You would carry our clothes perfectly.
Thank you. But I want to tell you what happened before...
I know what happened.
I only care about the effects of the model showing our clothes.
I don't care about what you do in your personal life.
Don't worry. I will do a good job.
That's great.
Since our three designers are here,
why don't you model our clothes for us?
OK.
Amy, show Francis the clothes.
OK. This way please, Mr Fan.
Thank you...Hello, guys...
Francis, I'll send the rundown to Martha once I've compiled it.
Thank you. I'll see myself out. Goodbye.
What a coincidence!
Right. You know Daisy. You referred me to her.
I did mention you.
But whether the clothes suited you was her decision.
Thank you.
Not at all. I won't keep you. I'm going in to see Daisy.
OK.
Daisy.
Vincy.
Thank you so much for doing me this favor.
You're welcome.
If I didn't know you so well, I really wouldn't use Francis.
You know what he did.
Lots of people are still taking about it online from time to time.
I know.
I wouldn't ask you to do me a favor like that for nothing.
I know you're hosting a fashion show later.
I can use my connections to pair up you guys with Modes for a crossover event.
You know how influential Modes is in Hong Kong.
Are you serious? Thank you so much.
But I want you to promise something.
I hope the Trend Master himself will appear in my show.
It's so late. You still haven't left?
I'll leave after I finish the layout.
Don't work so late.
OK. Chief, Mr Ma was so mad today. What do you think he'll do tomorrow?
There are two possibilities. He might give up on the buyout.
Gina won't buy Modes without the Trend Master.
Everything will run as usual like nothing ever happened.
Or he may carry on with the buyout.
And tomorrow Chairman Ma will
ask the board to terminate my employment with immediate effect.
Modes will be officially taken over by Zita.
Which outcome do you think is more likely?
I don't know.
Whatever the outcome, can you promise me one thing?
What is it?
If I really can't stay in Modes,
promise me you'll stay to finish my unfinished business for me.
OK.