The Menu (導火新聞線)

The news industry

is probably the only one outside of movies

where stories are written and seen every day.

Two years ago, I took a 29-hour flight

from the southern to the northern hemisphere,

joining into this business of inflating stories

or inventing stories where none exist.

We haven't been introduced. I'm Mallory.

But I bet you'll call me Ah Mal.

Not all reporters like making things up.

At Smart Post,

a paper on the verge of collapse,

some still keep serious journalism alive.

If you know you're right, keep at it.

Don't weigh the cost. Write what must be written.

They say normal folks need to see hope in order to persevere,

but the crazy believe perseverance is what brings hope.

I think my boss...

Fong Ying, Hong Kong news programming head.

Fai Ye

Kenny

and I,

The four of us at Smart Post are truly mad.

But sometimes I think

the craziest one is our chief editor.

You can call me Alma Wong.

Try to get the attacker's face!

Get the surroundings! And my wounds!

Will we do anything

to get the news?

But you're Heen's friend,

so are you putting your name on the piece?

Of course! I need the recognition.

Heen!

Perhaps we all have things

we can't let go.

Throwing everything away,

just to accomplish one thing

that only you value,

isn't that stupid?

Not everyone has so much time to spend.

When I thought I'd found a job

for life,

I should have first considered

how much I could sacrifice.

A London-bound flight crashed on takeoff.

It was at 1:36.

I think our chief was on that flight.

For a moment,

we thought our chief's time

was up, too.

But it turned out she made a last-minute change

and flew to the US with her ex-husband.

Kenny was gone. The chief took off.

Leaving just us three to keep Smart Post alive.

Hey, boss!

Wow, how did you know I was hungry?

Why not just show up even later?

What, I had to find a parking spot.

Here's your noodles.

You already ordered take-out?

After standing all morning,

I'll need two to feel full.

I've got an update. Sentencing won't be for a while.

Tough luck as a first assignment,

just waiting around.

That's alright.

"Channel C99 Recording Studio 10"

Morning, Mr. Ko. I'll be directing today.

Thanks for coming. Have a seat.

We'll be doing this in two parts.

The first will be about what drew you to your profession.

Huh. "Starvation in the Sudan"

What's that?

Hey, photojournalist, - What?

Shoot or save, which comes first?

"Famine in Sudan, 22 Years Ago"

Can't I shoot and then rescue?

Why don't you eat first, then shoot.

Are you both ready?

Ready.

Okay, prepare to roll.

We're ready, Mr. Ko.

"Incoming Voicemail from Husband"

Thank you for tuning into VIP Weekly.

We're delighted today to bring

recent top-ten young industrialist award recipient,

Mr. Ko Kin Yan, here to share some words.

Greetings, Mr. Ko.

You want this?

I'll have a look,

I'll return it when I'm done.

Look out!

Look at that crowd.

Looks like a bad accident.

You're out of your mind!

Little girl, are you okay?

Baby, are you alright?

Thank you.

Zhong Kai Qi!

- Lots of free time? - No.

Nothing to do?

Okay, I'm headed back now.

Jong called, wants me to go back.

If you get anything, send it over.

- I'll call it in. - Okay.

"Smart Post office"

You're so hungry. On medication again?

Got one for you, too.

I'm fine.

Then I'll eat it.

Flash News went live today.

At 6am, their first online piece got

250,000 views in the first few hours.

Here at Smart Post,

24,000. Why?

First article: "Fat Woman, Old Man Make Out in Public"

Second: "Expert Upskirt Shooter Shares Secrets"

That's not news.

If you can hack it,

using your own style to beat their click rate,

then I'll shut right up.

Print is almost dead.

These days, all media is moving online.

It used to be you had time

to craft a story.

But now?

It's a war, with everyone, at every second.

Know why I had you be interim chief for two years,

but never let you have this office?

Because I felt you weren't ever hungry.

In media, you have to be hungry.

Hunger makes you fight for it.

Mr. Liu sent this last night.

I was going to send it around this morning,

wait for responses by 9pm,

see who'd leave on their own.

I talked until I was blue in the face,

swore up and down that I'd get results.

That only bought me one more week.

He said if Smart Post can't keep up,

he'll just shut it down.

Leaving only Durian News as worth keeping.

If you really want to help Smart Post,

hit rate.

Get that hit rate back up.

If nothing else, do it for me.

Otherwise,

Either the asthma will kill me

or the medication will.

C99 is reporting an explosion at their studio.

Go ahead.

Hey,

stay hung FY-

Sa-Sa, go check out that studio.

Chung...

- Hey, I'm giving your assignments. - Sorry.

Would you cool it with the phone addiction?

Fai Ye will be back with footage.

Upload it when it's ready.

I want the first notice on my phone in five.

"Lai Chi Kok accident scene"

The driver's name is Chim Shui Wah.

Female, 50 years old.

Sorry, sorry.

I'm really sorry. Your arm,

do you need it looked at?

No, it's not that serious.

Really? I'm really sorry.

It's not like you meant it.

But it is my fault.

It's fine. Um, I haven't seen you before.

Zhong Kai Qi.

Guangzhou-Jinan University exchange student,

interning for Flash News.

Mak Hiu Yan.

Pleased to meet you.

Honey,

I don't want to wait anymore.

I must do something for our daughter.

I know you're always worried about me.

Worst case, I die.

Even better. Then I could see her.

I'm so sorry, my dear.

I promised I'd take care of you forever,

but I might not be able to.

Take care.

Fai Ye, what's up?

Check this number for me.

Okay, I'll get back to you.

Who else is in the field?

Winnie's in Kwun Tong.

Have her pay the phone bill.

- I’m off to the hospital. - Right.

Watch yourself, call if you need me.

Hey boss,

I sent the photos over.

I'm headed to the hospital.

Okay, got it.

What do you want?