Friendly Calls

FADE IN:

INT. STUDY - DAY

PETER works on his computer. Phone rings.

CALLER#1 (O.S.)

Mr Cheung, somebody called you.

He said he was your classmate...

PETER

(To the phone)

Okay. I remember him...

FLASHBACK

EXT. HKU LAW SCHOOL - DAY

Peter (30) chats with another MAN (30).

BLACK TO PRESENT

PETER (V.O.)

As we had working experience,

we talked a lot those days. ..

Yes, it was 1984-1985. We're

reading PCLL.

INT. MTR STATION - DAY

Peter chats with man with shiny white hair in a dark suit.

MAN

Apart from IP, do you do land

appeal?

PETER

(Hesitating)

If you don't mind giving me

the opportunity to relearn it...

INT. STUDY - DAY

Peter works on the computer. Phone rings.

CALLER#1 (O.S.)

Mr Cheung, somebody called you.

He's asking for a quotation and

sounds very anxious...

A beat. Phone rings.

CALLER#2 (O.S.)

My client wants to seek your

opinion on NT land law...

PETER

...Why me?

FLASHBACK

EXT. NT LAND OFFICE - DAY

In one of the rooms, we see Peter (25) working at a table with a nameplate: Peter Cheung, Land Executive.

BACK TO PRESENT

CALLER#2 (O.S.)

My client insists to brief

you. He seems to know you...

PETER

Okay then, I'd only charge at

a concessionary rate...

CALLER#2 (O.S.)

...Great! See you then.

A pause.

Peter checks his phone.

PETER (V.O.)

He's so nice. We really stay in

touch, for no particular reason.

He's the first Chinese President

of AIPPI.

FLASHBACK

INT. RESTAURANT - DAY

Peter (50s) is chatting with a LADY (50s) and a GENTLEMAN (50s).

PETER

You're the last VIPs I can

entertain in my official

capacity. I'm retiring

tomorrow as I'll turn 60.

GENTLEMAN

We knew...but you're so

kind to invite us to lunch...

PETER

...Apart from IP, we both

are song-writers!

The lady smilingly nods.

BACK TO PRESENT

We see Peter typing an email:"...I have not written a song for months...our dog is really good, it cleans my face, comforts my wife and me in bed, and unites my family...

INT - SWIMMING POOL - DAY

Peter swims through the crowd, leisurely.

PETER (V.O.)

I don't expect such friendly

calls.

(Pause)

Anyhow, it's nice to be

remembered especially

when I'm still alive!

.

FADE OUT. The End

#FriendlyCalls