Script of the video

Scene 1

Time:                 Night

Location:          Restaurant in five-star hotel

Character(s):  Jack (bank project manager), his cousin Alex (estate agent)

(Jack and Alex are having dinner in the luxurious restaurant. Jack takes a sip of the wine and savors it.)

Jack:                  Great wine. It’s Lafite 2006?

Alex:                  You’re truly a connoisseur. I can’t fool you.

Jack:                  (suspicious) It’s quite expensive. Isn’t it a bit extravagant?

Alex:                  We’re cousins. You’ve treated me many times before. It’s about time that I returned the favor.

Jack:                  (VO) My name is Jack. I’m a project manager of a bank. Alex is my cousin. We practically grew up together.

Scene 2 (Flashback)

Time:                 Day

Location:          Bank office

Character(s):  Jack, his boss Richard

Jack:                  (VO) Two months ago, my fastidious boss asked me to find a shop space for a new branch. I contacted numerous estate agents and scouted over fifty locations but my boss rejected every one of them.

(Jack submits various shop layouts and proposals to Richard. Richard is clearly disappointed with what Jack has presented.)

Richard:           (shakes his head) This layout is all wrong. This one is even worse; it’s located right across the street from a shop that sells coffins? Use your head. Try again!

(Jack’s face darkens. He seems completely helpless.)

Jack:                  (VO) Then I remembered that my cousin Alex was an estate agent. What’s more, he also specialized in shop space leasing. So I approached him for help. To avoid complicating matters with my finicky boss, I decided not to tell him that I asked my cousin for help.

Scene 3 (Flashback)

Time:                 Dusk

Location:          Vacant shop space

Character(s):  Jack, Alex

(Jack visits a vacant shop space with Alex. He seems to have reservations about the space.)

Alex:                  We’ve scouted many places. Trust me, this is the best.

Jack:                  This space is okay, but it’s a bit small. It might not get past my boss.

Alex:                  This is a busy location with plenty of traffic. Better yet, there’s no competition from other banks.

Jack:                  Well, umm...

Alex:                  Because we’re cousins, I’ll even convince the landlord to lower the rent!

Jack:                  Alright, I’ll try to sell the idea to my boss.

Alex:                  Enough scouting. Let’s eat first, my treat.

Scene 4 (continuation of scene 1)

Time:                 Night

Location:          Restaurant in five-star hotel

Character(s):  Jack, Alex, waiter

(Alex orders a second bottle of the red wine that they just had for Jack to take home.)

Waiter:             Sir, your wine.

Alex:                  Thank you, This bottle is for you.

Jack:                  It’s too much, treating me to the meal and the wine. Keep it for yourself.

Alex:                  We’re related. There’s no need to keep tally. Besides, a good wine deserves someone who can appreciate it and you’re a wine connoisseur.

(Jack hesitates but he finally accepts the expensive gift.)

Alex:                  I’ll be waiting for your good news.

Jack:                  I’ll do my best.

Alex:                  Cheers!

Jack:                  Cheers!

Scene 5

Time:                 Day

Location:          Bank office

Character(s):  Jack, his boss Richard

(Jack recommends to his boss the shop space that Alex has introduced. Richard is greatly impressed after seeing the floor plan.)

Richard:           This shop space is much better than the ones that you presented earlier. The most important thing is a good location. It’s ideal for both neighborhood residents and corporate customers. Good work. You were even able to reduce the rental price. Are you well acquainted with the estate agent?

Jack:                  (softly) A little...

Richard:           We should still look at a few more locations before making a decision.

Jack:                  Oh... umm... the agent said that he has quite a few clients interested in this space. He wants an answer from us as soon as possible.

(Richard picks up the floor plan again and studies it closely.)

Jack:                  (VO) I never imagined that Richard would like this space so much. Should I reveal to him that Alex is my cousin? What if he reacts badly and makes me start the search all over again. Oh no, I even accepted an expensive bottle of wine from Alex.

Richard:           Alright. Let’s take it.

Script of the video

Scene 1

Time:                 Day

Location:          Branch office of bank

Character(s):  Mr. Leung (branch manager), Jenny (customer relations officer), Carmen (bank employee), Peggy (bank employee), other co-workers

(Morning. Mr. Leung comes to work. Every worker he meets along the way greets him politely and he returns the same courtesy.)

Mr. Leung:      Good morning, Mary.

Mr. Leung:      (VO) I’m the newly appointed manager of this branch. I’ve been at the job for two weeks already but I’m still getting used to many things around here. Just remembering all the names of the employees, for instance, makes my head explode.

(Customer relations officer, Jenny, approaches Mr. Leung with a file.)

Jenny:               Good morning, Mr. Leung. Here’s a new mortgage application for you to approve.

Mr. Leung:      Thank you, Jessie.

Jenny:               It’s Jenny. Mr. Leung.

Mr. Leung:      (mortified) I’m sorry, Jenny.

Scene 2

Time:                  Day

Location:           Mr. Leung’s Office

Character(s):    Mr. Leung

(Mr. Leung is working in front of his computer, completely absorbing in his work.)

Mr. Leung:        (VO) I’ve examined our records and discovered that two years ago, the bank began to reward estate agents who successfully referred mortgage clients to us.

(The name “Chan Wing-tai” appears many times in the database displayed on the computer screen. Mr. Leung looks puzzled all of a sudden.)

Mr. Leung:        That’s strange. Why is this estate agent, Chan Wing-tai, responsible for so many mortgage cases?

(Mr. Leung picks up the mortgage application that Jenny has just given him. The name “Chan Wing-tai” once again appears in the client referral section. Mr. Leung is suspicious and makes a call to the applicant at once.)

Mr. Leung:        (to the phone) Hello, I’d like to speak with Mr. Wong...

Scene 3

Time:                 Day

Location:          Meeting Room at branch

Character(s):  Mr. Leung, Mr. Wong (regular customer)

(Mr. Leung is meeting Mr. Wong, one of the bank’s regular customers.)

Mr. Leung:      Mr. Wong, I requested this meeting because we wish to verify some of the information contained in your mortgage application form.

Mr. Wong:      Is there a problem?

Mr. Leung:      Please don’t worry. Your application is fine. We just need you to verify whether an estate agent named Chan Wing-tai referred your mortgage application to us.

Mr. Wong:      Chan Wing-tai? Who is that? Every time I need a property mortgage, I always apply directly to your bank. I never go through an agent.

Scene 4

Time:                  Day

Location:           Branch office of bank

Character(s):   Mr. Leung, Carmen (bank employee), Peggy (bank employee)

(Carmen and Peggy are talking softly in the office. Mr. Leung, looking puzzled, happens to pass by the door and overhears what they say.)

Carmen：         Have you noticed that Jenny carries a new handbag every day?

Peggy：            Perhaps her boyfriend struck it rich? I saw him driving a luxury car when he came to pick up Jenny yesterday.

Carmen：         Has she got a new boyfriend?

Peggy：            No. It’s the same Tai guy, the estate agent.

Carmen：         Tai? He was quite a failure before.

(Mr. Leung overhears the conversation and suddenly realizes what has been going on.)

Scene 5

Time:                 Day

Location:          Mr. Leung’s Office

Character(s):  Mr. Leung, Jenny

(Mr. Leung is seated inside his office. His expression is quite serious. Someone knocks at the door.)

Mr. Leung:      Come in!

(Jenny enters Mr. Leung’s office.)

Jenny:               Mr. Leung, you asked for me?

Mr. Leung:      Please take a seat.

Jenny:               Okay.

(Jenny sits down.)

Mr. Leung:      Jenny, are you personally acquainted with an estate agent named Chan Wing-tai? He has referred quite a number of mortgage applications to us over the past few years.

Jenny:               (stunned) Chan wing-tai...Umm...

Script of the video

Scene 1

Time:                 Morning

Location:          Mainland electronic factory

Character(s):  Alan (assistant bank manager), Chief Chen (electronic factory owner)

(Chief Chen is giving Alan a tour of his factory on the Mainland. Alan keeps jotting down notes along the way.)

Chief Chen:     Was it difficult to find us?

Alan:                 No, I’m quite familiar with the Shenzhen factory district.

Chief Chen:     These are my company’s latest products. They’re all QC approved.

Alan:                 I see. My main objective here today is to understand how your factory operates. After I submit a report to the bank, we’ll consider your LC application.

Chief Chen:     Thank you for your help.

Alan:                 You’re welcome.

Chief Chen:     This way, please.

Alan:                 (VO) My name is Alan. I’m an assistant manager of a bank. My main responsibilities include evaluating client investment portfolios and processing loan applications. Chief Chen is one of my clients. He operates an electronic factory on the Mainland. We also socialize outside of work. We often play golf and dine together.

Scene 2

Time:                 Morning

Location:          Alan’s office

Character(s):  Alan

(Alan goes through some documents and then makes a call.)

Alan:                 (to the phone) Chief Chen. It just won’t work. Your company’s finances are a mess. Besides, the bank has rejected your loan application several times already. There seems to be a problem... with the documents you submitted this time. We really can’t approve your LC application.

Chief Chen:     (to the phone) Please help me out. I’m counting on the LC to turn things around.

Alan:                 (to the phone) (ponders for a moment) I really want to help. Do you have any other documents that can support your application?

Chief Chen:     (to the phone) Documents? … Sure, I do. If it helps, my company can produce any documents for you.

Alan:                 (to the phone) (ponders for a moment) Hmm… hmm… Alright then. Let’s discuss it during the site visit tomorrow.

Scene 3

Time:                 Noon

Location:          Chinese restaurant on the Mainland

Character(s):   Alan, Chief Chen

(Alan and Chief Chen are about to order lunch at a restaurant. Alan has just performed another site visit at Chief Chen’s factory.)

Chief Chen:      Alan, thank you for the effort to make this site visit. Have a look at the menu.

Alan:                  Anything will do.

Chief Chen:      Then allow me to order for you. How does braised abalone sound to you?

Alan:                  (mortified) What? That’s too expensive!

Chief Chen:      It's nothing! Let’s share a bottle of Maotai wine?

Alan:                  No. Please, I can’t handle alcohol.

Chief Chen:      Don’t be silly. Drink with me. Waiter!

Alan:                  No! Wait!

(Time passed. Both men’s faces flush after drinking alcohol.)

Chief Chen:      Drink up!

Alan:                  Drink up?

Chief Chen:      Drink!

Alan:                  Drink!

(Chief Chen suddenly takes out a box of ginseng and places it in front of Alan.)

Chief Chen:      This is for you. It’s authentic Korean ginseng!

Alan:                  What?

Chief Chen:      It’s only a small gift. The most important thing is that you help push through my LC application.

Alan:                  I can’t accept this. This is a bribe. My reputation will be ruined.

Chief Chen:      Don’t be silly. You’re on the Mainland and no longer subject to Hong Kong laws. Trust me. Nothing will happen.

(Alan, looking dubious, accepts the box of ginseng with hesitation but dares not put it inside his bag.)

Alan:                  (VO) I’m really no longer subject to Hong Kong laws here? Should I help Chief Chen or not?

Chief Chen:      Stop worrying. Just accept it

Script of the video

Scene 1

Time:                 Afternoon

Location:          Simon’s office

Character(s):  Simon (financial control manager at a bank), his subordinate Yee

(Simon’s desk is covered with documents. He’s working hard on his computer.)

Simon:              (VO) My name is Simon. I’m the financial control manager of a bank. Right now, I’m preparing the bank’s interim financial report for the big bosses to present at the press conference later. However...

(The phone rings suddenly. The call comes from the bank’s financial controller.)

Simon:              (to the phone) Hello. Yes, I’m going over the numbers... (pauses)

Simon:              (to the phone) What? I’ll check my email now. Bye.

(Simon opens the email. The balance “-$906M” is displayed. He quickly makes a call to his fiancée Susan.)

Simon:              (to the phone) Darling, you purchased a few thousand shares of my bank awhile back… remember? Dump them all quickly. Be careful. Sell them in small batches.

(Someone knocks at the door. Simon quickly goes quiet.)

Simon:              Who is it?

Yee:                   It’s Yee. I have a document for you to sign.

Simon:              Bring it to me tomorrow.

Simon:              (to the phone) Susan, I’m leaving work now. Let’s discuss this when I get back home. Bye.

Scene 2

Time:                 Evening

Location:          Simon and Susan’s home

Character(s):  Simon, his fiancée Susan

(Simon enters his apartment and quickly puts down his briefcase.)

Simon:              Honey? Honey?

Susan：         You’re home! You spoke with such urgency over the phone. Is everything alright? I’ve already put down payments on the new flat and the wedding banquet.

Simon:              Have you sold all the bank shares yet?

Susan：           (appearing anxious) I did. I sold half of them. I’ll sell the rest tomorrow. Tell me what’s going on. We’re not in financial trouble, are we?

(Simon and Susan sit down on the sofa.)

Simon:              The financial controller just sent me some info for the bank’s interim report. It turns out that the bank lost lots of money investing in commodity funds. Sooner or later, it will have to issue a profit warning and its stock price will plunge. That’s why I asked you to sell all the bank shares before this information is made public.

Susan：           But, are you sure we can do this?

Simon:              Don’t worry. No one knows what we did. (suddenly remembers something) That’s not true. Yee was outside my door when I was calling you. She might have heard something.

Susan：           Then what should we do now?

Simon:              I’ll send her a gift tomorrow. Girls are easy to please. Don’t worry.

Scene 3

Time:                 Night

Location:          Simon’s office

Character(s):  Simon, Yee

(The next day. Yee works overtime. Simon takes the opportunity to chat with her in private.)

Simon:              You’re still here? Good. Come to my office.

Simon:              Please sit.

Simon:              I originally bought this necklace for my fiancée, but she thought that the style was too trendy. I thought it might suit a younger woman better. That’s why I’m giving it to you.

Yee:                   (uneasy) Well, boss… your fiancée is younger than me. Besides… this necklace is too expensive. I can’t accept such pricey gift.

Simon:              The necklace is only a small gift. Just accept it.

Yee:                   (agitated) Boss, I really can’t accept such an expensive gift from you. I’m going back to work.

Simon:              Wait! Wait!

(Yee sends an email to report the incident to the management.)

Script of the video

Scene 1

Time:                 Day

Location:          Office building elevator

Character(s):  John (insurance technical representative of a bank), David (underwriter from the same bank)

(David is inside an elevator. When the elevator doors open, John dashes in and crashes into him.)

John:                 Wait! Wait!

David:               Hey, John, what’s the hurry?

John:                 David?

David:               It’s good to see you. Oh, my wife wants to...

(John’s phone rings. He answers at once.)

John:                 (to the phone) Mr. Chan? ... Yes... I’m on my way. I’ll be there in ten minutes. Bye. (hangs up and turns to David)

John:                 Sorry, what did you say?

David:               Oh, my wife wants to...

(David is interrupted when John’s phone rings again.)

John:                 (to the phone) Mr. Cheung?... That’s right, one o’clock...

John:                 My name is John. I’m an insurance technical representative at a bank. David is my best friend. He also works for the bank as an underwriter.

(John hangs up and resumes his conversation with David.)

John:                 Yes, what did you say?

David:               My wife wants to invite you and Nancy to join us for a vacation in Thailand for a few days next month.

(The elevator arrives on the first floor. John rushes off.)

John:                 I have an appointment. Let’s talk later, okay?

Scene 2

Time:                 Day

Location:          Streets

Character(s):  John

(John looks at his watch repeatedly as he weaves his way through crowded streets to catch a taxi.)

John:                 (VO) The 18th of this month is an important date for me. If I can hit the bank’s sales target before then, I’ll be awarded the annual super bonus by the end of the month, enabling me to pay off my home mortgage early.

Scene 3

Time:                 Day

Location:          Restaurant

Character(s):  John, his client

(John does his best to sell a new insurance product to a client.)

John:                 The key difference between this plan and other similar products in the market is...

John:                 (VO) Today is the 15th, there’s only three days left before the deadline. I’m hoping to close a major deal.

John:                 Isn't it clear enough?

Client:               This plan suits me quite well. But I want to increase the amount of coverage.

John:                 No problem!

(Having successfully sold the plan to the client, John heaves a sigh of relief.)

Scene 4

Time:                 Day

Location:          Office building elevator

Character(s):  John, David

(The next day. John bumps into David again in the elevator. He anxiously asks David about the policy that he sold yesterday.)

John:                 David, I sold a policy yesterday that you were assigned to follow. Are there any problems so far?

David:               I have several other cases on my plate. I haven’t had a chance to look at your case yet. Now that I think of it, you seem to have forgotten to attach your client’s declaration form.

John:                 The client forgot to sign it last time. He’s on business trip right now but we’ve set up a meeting for Thursday. Once he signs the form, I’ll send it to you immediately.

David:               No problem. I’ll work on it as soon as I receive the form.

(David leaves the elevator and John follows him to continue their conversation.)

John:                 Can’t you do the evaluation first? As you know, the deadline for the annual super bonus is on the 18th, just two days away. I’m counting on this insurance contract to get my super bonus.

(David glances around, afraid that someone might be listening.)

David:               That goes against the procedures.

John:                 David, please help me out here. My final mortgage payment is at stake. We’ve been friends for over ten years. Can’t you give me a hand, just this once? If I don’t get the super bonus, I’ll never hear the end of it from Nancy. Can’t you give me a hand?

David:               (reluctantly) Alright. I’ll do my best.

John:                 I’ll be waiting for your good news.

Scene 5

Time:                 Day

Location:          Bank office

Character(s):  John

(John is in a good mood. He has just received his bonus. He gives David a call.)

John:                 (to the phone) Hello, David. I really asked a lot from you this time. Didn’t your wife suggest going to Thailand for vacation? I’ve booked a villa with a pool. It’s perfect for the four of us. Too expensive? Don’t worry. I’ve already paid in full. Just think of it as part of the celebrations for getting my super bonus. Mark it down in your diary. Let's talk later...

Script of the video

Scene 1

Time:                 Noon

Location:          Restaurant

Character(s):  Angela (training executive a bank), Jason (Angela’s former colleague)

(It’s the 4th day of Chinese New Year. Angela has a lunch date with Jason. She arrives at the restaurant and sees Jason waiting for her.)

Jason:               Hello, Angela.

Angela:             Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Jason:               Kung Hei Fat Choy! Wishing you success, eternal youth and beauty!

(As soon as Angela sits down, Jason offers her a red packet (Lai-see).)

Jason:               Just a little token.

Angela:             You shouldn’t have, I’m not a child anymore. It’s embarrassing to receive Lai-see at my age.

Jason:               It’s good luck. Just take it.

(Angela cannot but accepts the red packet.)

Jason:               I wonder when you’ll finally start giving out Lai-see.

Angela:             Even you’re pressuring me into getting married?

Jason:               Oh, I don’t dare.

Angela:             (examines the red packet) The envelope is quite pretty.

Jason:               Really? Open it. It's more amazing inside than out.

Angela:             Oh, now?

Jason:               Yes, open it. You’ll be surprised.

Angela:             What are you up to?

(Angela opens the red packet with suspicion.)

Angela:             (VO) My name is Angela. I’m the training executive of a local bank. My dining companion is my former colleague, Jason.

Scene 2 (Flashback)

Time:                 Day

Location:          Bank office

Character(s):  Angela, Manager of the bank

(Angela is working hard on her computer. The Manager comes to her desk to give her instructions.)

Angela:             (VO)... Last month, the Manager asked me to find a consulting firm for a two-year training services contract with the bank.

Manager:         Angela, please draft the tender document, then shortlist four or five companies from our list of suppliers to bid for the contract.

Angela:             Okay. When do we issue the tender?

Manager:         The bank needs to start several training contracts quickly. We must find the consultant a.s.a.p. I’m wondering if you can finish the draft by tomorrow before you leave work? Thank you!

Angela:             So soon? I’ll try my best.

Scene 3 (Flashback)

Time:                 Dusk

Location:          Street

Character(s):  Angela, Jason

(While Angela is on her way home from work, someone calls her from behind. She turns around and spots Jason, a former colleague of hers.)

Jason:               Hey, Angela!

Angela:             Jason?

(Angela and Jason walk down the street together, as they catch up.)

Angela:             (VO) What a coincidence? Since leaving the bank, Jason started a consultant firm that specializes in employee training. Jason is not only smart but also reliable. If he is awarded the training services contract, I’d have absolutely no worries.

Angela:             So, are you interested in tendering for the contract?

Jason:               Of course, the chance to work with you again is a dream come true! I really miss the days when I got to work side by side with you.

Angela:             Oh, cut the sweet talk. Just give me your business card and I’ll recommend your company to my boss tomorrow, so that it’ll be added to the list of bank suppliers.

Jason:               That’s great! Thank you!

Scene 4 (Flashback)

Time:                 Day

Location:          Bank office

Character(s):  Angela, Manager

(Angela is working in front of her computer as usual. The Manager approaches and sets a file down on her desk.)

Manager:         Angela, the management decided to award the contract to this company. Prepare the contract document, please?

Angela:             No problem. When do you want to sign the contract?

Manager:         The boss said we should settle this before the Chinese New Year break. Do me a favour. Submit the draft to me before weekend, please.

Angela:             (mumbles to herself) But it’s already Thursday.

(The Manager walks away. Angela is slightly annoyed as she opens the file, only to discover that Jason’s company has won the contract. She quickly makes a call.)

Angela:             (to the phone) Hello, Jason? It’s Angela. Congratulations! You’ve just won the contract of the training project. You want to treat me to lunch? Sure. When?

Scene 5 (continuation of Scene 1)

Time:                 Noon

Location:          Restaurant

Character(s):  Angela, Jason

(Angela opens the red packet and finds a gift cheque of ten thousand dollars. She is completely taken aback.)

Angela:             What is the meaning of this?

Jason:               No special meaning. I just want to thank you for helping me win the contract.

Angela:             Jason, I did everything by the book. I didn’t pull any special favors to help you get the contract. I’m sorry but I can’t accept this lai-see!

(Feeling angry, Angela returns the red packet to Jason.)

Jason:               Wait! Angela! Angela!

Script of the video

Scene 1

Time:                 Morning

Location:          Bus Stop

Character(s):   Eddy (relationship manager of a bank), Grandma Lam (regular customer of Eddy’s)

(Eddy is waiting for the bus to work. He looks exhausted. Grandma Lam passes by.)

Grandma Lam:   Eddy boy, going to work so early.

Eddy:                 Good morning, Grandma Lam. Are you going grocery shopping?

Grandma Lam:   Yes... I bought a few things. Oh, you look so pale? Not getting enough sleep?

Eddy:                 (embarrassed) No... umm... I watched the late night soccer match.

Grandma Lam:   You need to go to bed early to stay healthy. By the way, I want to get some new banknotes for lai-see. I’ll see you later.

Eddy:                 Great. I’ll reserve some new notes for you at the bank. Just come to me directly.

Grandma Lam:   You’re so kind. That’s why I’ve been such a loyal customer all these years.

Eddy:                 It's my pleasure.

Eddy:                 (VO) My name is Eddy. I’m a relationship manager of a bank branch. I’ve been working at the bank for quite a number of years and earned the support of regular customers like Grandma Lam.

Eddy:                 Alright. See you later.

Scene 2

Time:                 Morning

Location:          Eddy’s office

Character(s):   Eddy, Grandma Lam, Mandy (bank employee)

(Eddy is keeping an eye on the stock prices displayed on the computer screen. The stock prices are falling.)

Eddy:                 (VO) To earn extra income, I also invest in stocks. I began to trade on margin last year and hope to be able to quickly save enough for a down payment on a home. But the market is not doing well these days. Stock prices keep dropping. To cover my losses, I’ve resorted to borrowing money from loan sharks.

Grandma Lam:   Mandy, is Eddy boy in?

Mandy：         Yes, this way, grandma.

Grandma Lam:   Thank you.

(Mandy escorts Grandma Lam in.)

Grandma Lam:   Did I come at a bad time?

Eddy:                 Not at all. Grandma, please sit down. Mandy, please bring me a form? (leave the webpage)

Mandy：         Okay.

Grandma Lam:   Eddy boy, you’re so considerate.

Eddy:                 It’s my job. Thank you for trusting in me.

Grandma Lam:   Thanks to you, I avoided the long queue outside.

Eddy:                 Grandma Lam, is there anything else I can help you with?

Grandma Lam:   Yes. My morning exercise group has been discussing some upcoming IPOs. I forget the names of the companies, but they’re guaranteed to make money. Can you help me invest a little so as to earn some extra cash?

Eddy:                 No problem. I’ll take care of it for you when the time comes.

Grandma Lam:   Why don’t I just leave my signature stamp with you? When the time comes, you can handle everything directly, saving me the trip here.

Eddy:                 Grandma Lam, I can’t keep your signature stamp. It’s against the bank’s rules. I’ll be in trouble if the management finds out.

Grandma Lam:   Don’t worry, Eddy boy, if anything happens, I’ll verify that you have my authorization to keep my stamp. That’s everything. I must pick up my grandson from school now.

(Grandma Lam leaves her stamp on Eddy’s desk. As she gets up to leave, Mandy knocks on the door.)

Mandy：         Eddy, the manager wants you to call him now. It’s urgent.

Eddy:                 Okay, I’ll call him. Please take Grandma Lam to get her new banknotes.

Grandma Lam:   Thank you!

Eddy:                 You’re welcome.

Scene 3

Time:                 Morning

Location:          Bank entrance and Eddy’s office

Character(s):  Eddy

(Eddy talks to the staff of the finance company over the phone as he walks to the bank.)

Eddy:                (to the phone) Yes... yes... I know. I’ll have the money for you in two days.

(Eddy stares at the computer screen anxiously. The stock prices on screen are rising. Eddy turns to the newspaper. The headline reads: “HK Stock Market Resumes Upward Trend with Inflow of Hot Money.”)

Eddy:                (VO) Tomorrow is the deadline to pay the finance company. After all this time, the market finally shows some life today. But I need to wait for the stock prices to rise another 30% in order to break even. It would be crazy to sell the stocks now.

(Eddy opens his drawer and takes out Grandma Lam’s signature stamp.)

Eddy:                (VO) I need to withdraw money from the granny’s account for her investments anyway. Why don’t I withdraw a little now to get myself out of this jam?

Script of the video

Scene 1

Time:                 Night

Location:          Clubhouse snooker room

Character(s):   Kwok-yin (senior relationship manager of a bank), Paul (toy factory owner)

(The different coloured balls are sunk into the snooker table pockets one by one, with heavy plopping sounds. Kwok-yin has left the red ball next to a pocket, but Paul fails to sink it. He seems to be preoccupied with something.)

Kwok-yin:         (VO) My name is Tsui Kwok-yin. I’m the senior relationship service manager of a bank. Paul is one of my regular clients. He owns a fairly large toy factory that operates out of Dongguan.

Kwok-yin:         What’s wrong with you today? Paul, are you having problems with your mistress again?

Paul:                  If only that was the case.

Kwok-yin:         Business problems?

Paul:                  Missed again...

(Kwok-yin marks down Paul’s score. Paul approaches the scoreboard.)

Paul:                  About the last loan I got from your bank, if you could help postpone my repayment schedule for six months, that would be perfect.

Kwok-yin:         What happened? Did someone fail to pay you?

Paul:                  No. I just want to make some investments.

Kwok-yin:         (skeptical) Really? Alright, then, come see me at the bank tomorrow.

Paul:                  It’s a date.

Scene 2

Time:                 Afternoon

Location:          Bank

Character(s):  Kwok-yin, Paul

(Kwok-yin’s brows furrow as he reads the financial reports of Paul’s factory. Paul is sitting across the desk, looking agitated.)

Kwok-yin:        It’s impossible. With your factory’s current financial status, the bank will not authorize an extension.

Paul:                  Think of a way. The failing economy has affected business and lowered product turnover. If my factory goes down, you’ll lose out too.

Kwok-yin:        It’s not that I don’t want to help you. But as you know, the rules of the bank are quite strict.

Paul:                  Are you just going to stand by while I die? Don’t forget that you bought plenty of my company’s shares through your wife’s account.

Kwok-yin:        If you didn’t boast so much about your company from the start, I wouldn’t have told my wife to invest in it.

Paul:                  It may not be easy to understand. Do you have a solution or not?

Kwok-yin:        (sighs) But your financial report is really a mess...

Paul:                  It’s settled then. I’ll find someone to upgrade the report to fulfill the bank’s requirements. Alright?

(Kwok-yin is appalled.)

Scene 3

Time:                    Night

Location:             Clubhouse snooker room

Character(s):     Kwok-yin, Paul

(An attendant set up the balls on the snooker table. Paul and Kwok-yin, who are taking a break, having a conversation at the back. Paul applies chalk to his cue tip as he speaks.)

Paul:                     So how did it go?

Kwok-yin:           It’s still under review.

Paul:                     Under review? I’ve already removed all the bad debts and boosted the asset values. The report is problem-free!

Kwok-yin:           ...(speechless)

Paul:                     I know what to do. After we get past this, I’ll give your wife an extra large yearend dividend.

Kwok-yin:           That seems...

Paul:                     It’s settled then? I’ll break this time.

(Paul goes to the snooker table and delivers a hard shot, sending the balls in every direction. Kwok-yin approaches the table slowly. He doesn’t know what to do.)

Scene #1

Time:            Day

Location:      Coffee Shop

Character(s): Tim (renovation contractor), Ivy (coffee shop owner)

(Tim, a regular customer, is counting lai-see packets at his table.)

Tim:             2, 4, 6, 8…

(Ivy has just finished clearing a table nearby. She’s curious about the red packets.)

Ivy:               Tim, are you celebrating?

Tim:             No. I’ve just been contracted to renovate a chain restaurant. I’m preparing lai-see packets to hand out.

Ivy:               Lai-see packets?

Tim:             Just a good luck token for my workers before they start.

Ivy:               Do carry on.

(However, she doesn’t understand the need for Tim to hand out lai-see.)

Scene #2

Time:            Day

Location:      Renovation work site

Character(s): Tim,Johnny (Project Manager from the restaurant chain), Construction workers

(Tim and his workers are cutting into a roast pig to celebrate the inauguration of their renovation project.)

Everyone:       This is to a good start!

(After cutting up the pig, Tim begins distributing lai-see packets to his workers…)

Tim:             Good luck to you…

Workers:      Thanks, boss.

Tim:             Good luck to you…

(He finally goes over to Johnny.)

Tim:             Johnny, a lai-see packet for you…

Johnny:        Tim, I can’t accept it.

Tim:             (slightly embarrassed) Everyone gets one. It’s nothing.

(Johnny looks at the other workers nearby and announces self-righteously)

Johnny:        Still, it’s company policy. I can’t accept it.

Tim:             You’re a stickler for the rules! We’ll work well together then. If you need my help someday, feel free to ask.

Johnny:        You’re too kind. Speaking of which, I just bought a home.

Tim:             Congratulations!

Johnny:        Thanks… The new property needs to be renovated. Are you interested?

Tim:             Of course!

Johnny:        Excellent! Come by sometime and give me a quote?

Tim:             Sure, I’ll even offer you a discount!

Johnny:        I’ll count on you then.

Tim:             Certainly! Jonny, Since you’re sending more business my way, allow me to treat you to dinner tonight. You can’t say no this time.

Johnny:        Alright then, thank you.

Tim:             You’re welcome! Let’s go eat!

Scene #3

Time:            Day

Location:      Johnny’s office

Character(s): Johnny

(A document comes through the fax machine; it’s Tim’s quotation for renovating Johnny’s new home.Johnny’s face darkens as soon as he sees the quote.)

Johnny:        (VO) Who does he think he is? How dare he quote such a high price?

Scene #4

Time:            Day

Location:      Renovation work site

Character(s): Tim, Johnny, Workers

(Johnny goes to the work site in search of Tim.)

Tim:             Move those as well…

Johnny:        Tim… can I have a word with you?

Tim:             Sure, just a moment…while I sign for the delivery.

Johnny:        Are these the floor tiles?

Tim:             Yes.

Johnny:        Let’s have a look.

(Tim instructs a worker to show Johnny the tiles…)

Tim:             Sure. Leung, open a box and show it to Johnny.

Leung:          Okay.

(The worker opens a box and shows the contents to Tim.)

Tim:             Johnny?

(After a cursory look, Johnny immediately begins to complain.)

Johnny:        Tim, this isn’t the right stock.

(Johnny appears to be furious. Tim is confused.)

Tim:             (helplessly) Impossible! I ordered them according to the contract!

Johnny:        These are unacceptable. The color is all wrong. (knocks at a tile) You can tell it’s shoddy quality. You need to replace the whole lot!

Tim:             (still confused) But Johnny, you had no problem with it when we showed you the sample. Why is there an issue now?

(Johnny pats Tim on the shoulder.)

Johnny:        Let’s talk in private.

(He stomps out. Tim has no choice but follow him out.)

Scene #5

Time:            Day

Location:      Coffee Shop

Character(s): Tim, Johnny, Ivy

(After taking a sip of coffee, Johnny’s face becomes serious as he sets his demands.)

Johnny:        Tim, I’ll get to the point. The price you quoted for renovating my place is a tad high.(pushes the revised quote to Tim) This is a fair price.

(Tim is taken aback when he sees the revised price.)

Tim:             $100,000… won’t even cover the materials!

Johnny:        Hush! It’s a win-win proposition if we work together. We’ll both benefit. Substitute cheaper materials for the staff lounge and warehouse. I’ll turn a blind eye. In the end, you’ll turn a bigger profit.

Tim:             You want me to use inferior materials? I can’t do that!

Johnny:        Look, our restaurant chain is expanding. As long as I take care of your records, all future renovation contracts will go to you.  If you don’t cooperate, I don’t know if I can help you with your current project. It’s up to you.

(Johnny takes another sip of coffee. Ivy overhears their exchange. Johnny’s phone rings.)

Johnny:        (to Tim) Excuse me. I need to take this call. (to the phone) Hello… Yes. I’ll be back shortly. Bye. (hangs up) I need to go now. Think about it, okay?

(Johnny leaves the coffee shop.)

Tim:             But Johnny…

(Tim is conflicted…)

Tim:             (VO) Sigh…our company is just starting up. If we cross Johnny now, we’re done. But renovating his home at that ridiculous rate…is not right. What can I do?

Ivy:               Tim?

 (Ivy brings Tim a cup of coffee with the words “It’s Not Worth It” written in the foam. Tim looks at his coffee then Ivy; he appears to have found his answer.)

Scene #6

Time:            Day

Location:      Entrance to the ICACBuilding / Renovation work site

Character(s): Tim, New Project Manager, Tim’s workers

(Tim goes to the ICAC to report Johnny.)

Tim:             (VO) Fortunately, I decided to report Johnny to the ICAC. He was later arrested.

The restaurant chain has assigned another project manager to the renovation project. Tim and the new project manager have worked well together.

Tim:             (VO) Thanks to the restaurant group’s new project manager, we successfully completed the renovations. He was so impressed with our craftsmanship that he offered us more work on future projects. I believe in winning business through quality, not bribery.

Scene #7 (Recap)

Time:            Day

Location:      Coffee Shop

Character(s): Ivy, Tim

(Ivy sits down beside Tim.)

Tim:             Thank you for warning me the other day. Otherwise I might have broken the law.

Ivy:              Remember, any person who offers advantage to an agent in exchange for work-related favors is guilty of bribery. If you offer an unreasonably low rate to Johnny in exchange for a lax supervision in the restaurant renovation and contracts for future projects, you might have broken the law.

Tim:             Fortunately, I didn’t listen to him… Still, what does the term “advantage” encompass?

Ivy:              Advantage refers to anything of value, regardless of the monetary amount. That said, food or drinks for consumption on the occasion do not fall under the definition of advantage.

Tim:             So treating him to dinner is not considered to be a bribe.

Ivy:              Even though a free meal is not deemed an advantage, one should still be careful. For example, offering extravagant meals or frequent entertainment can be misinterpreted as attempts to bribe.

Tim:             I offered a lai-see to Johnny on our first day of work. Did I break the law?

Ivy:              Lai-see packets for business associates should be handled with caution. You may not have corrupt intentions when you offered the lai see packets, but others might see it as a way to ingratiate yourself. But if you were offering lai-see packets in exchange for work-related favors, you certainly committed bribery.

Tim:             Huh? What if it’s a trade custom to offer lai-see packets? Is that OK?

Ivy:              According to the law, accepting or offering bribes in excuse of trade customor practice is no defense against corruption charges.

Tim:             Wow… there’s so much to be aware of.

Ivy:              Of course. Speaking of which, I’m thinking about renovating my coffee shop. Would you be interested?

Tim:             Of course! (pretends to be serious) Rest assured, I’ll charge you the standard rate, and you’ll get the best standards.