FADE IN:
INT. STUDY - DAY
Working on a computer and watching TV at the same time. PETER puts hand in cheek.
PETER (V.O.)
I don't think less of myself. But I do
think of myself less...But what makes
people snobbish?
MONTAGE OF PETER'S OBSERVATION OF SNOBBERY
A/INT. OFFICE CORRIDOR - DAY
WOMAN#1 (40s) and Peter pass each other.
PETER (V.O.)
I can tell from her facial expression
that she wants to ignore me...She
helped me with some clerical work
a year ago...
B/INT. OFFICE - DAY
Peter sits in an office. We hear loud and clear WOMAN#2 talking over the phone.
WOMAN#2 (O.S.)
Come over here for a meeting?
I'm so very busy! Don't waste
my time! A discussion over the
phone would do!
We hear a phone hanging up sound.
WOMAN#2 (O.S.)
Nuts! Nuts!...
C/INT. COURT ROOM - DAY
A MAGISTRATE (30s) at the high bench is frantically busy in reading papers, writing notes and speaking to a LAWYER (60s) standing at the bar. Peter sits near it and observes. Upon hearing the lawyer's reply, the magistrate becomes enraged.
LAWYER
(Politely)
Can the case be heard in end Jan?
MAGISTRATE
(Flipping the papers and angrily)
All full! You sort out the dates
with the other side first! Case
stood down!
The lawyer's ASSISTANT (30s) approaches Peter, with a note full of dates.
ASSISTANT
I note you two have already
done a lot of co-ordination
before that. I've worked out
these dates. Are they okay
with you?
Reading the dates on the note, Peter nods.
A beat.
MAGISTRATE
(To Lawyer & Peter)
Er...I've found out there's a
in end January...
INT. CHAMBERS - DAY
A GENTLEMAN (50) with a box file in hand sees Peter reading a thick book.
GENTLEMAN
You do crimes?
PETER
Yes. How about you?
GENTLEMAN
I only do arbitration. I've
given up crimes...
PETER
Why?
GENTLEMAN
I got fed up with the traits
of those in authority...Half-
way through my training, I
quit!
PETER
I see. I'm re-learning the
practice through trial and
error.
The gentleman stares at Peter unbelievably.
END MONTAGE
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
Could it because I began
with a humble background
and my humility has never
left me?
FLASHBACK & MONTAGE OF PETER'S CAREER
A/ Peter (16) waits tables in a seaside resort.
B/ Peter (17) waits in a Chinese seafood restaurant.
C/ Peter (18) works in a dyeing factory.
D/ Peter (19) teaches in a crowded classroom.
E/ Peter (20) collects rents and manages markets in public housing estates.
F/ Peter (25) instructs a team of labourers to clear structures that stand in the way of a highway under construction.
G/ Peter (27) attends HKU Law School.
H/ Peter (31) robes and wears a wig in court.
I/ Peter (32) studies at University College London.
J/ Peter (33) studies at the Hague Academy of International Law.
K/ Peter (35) appears on TV.
L/ Peter (38) sits behind a United Kingdom plate at WIPO.
M/ Peter (43) sits behind the China plate at WIPO and makes interventions.
N/ Peter (49) goes to Harvard Kennedy School and presents in a Socratic fashion.
O/ Peter (50) hears disputes at WTO.
P/ Peter (56) heads HK's Department of Intellectual Property.
Q/ Peter (60) is awarded a Silver Bauhinia Star in a ceremony.
END FLASHBACK AND MONTAGE
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
And now, in criminal practice,
I'm quite a new face...I learn
from anyone...And they're
willing to transfer to me
their insight that can't be
learned from books!
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
If I was unpleasant, who
would engage me? That's
how I learn throughout
my career...
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
Being snobbish, one undermines
not only oneself, but also the
institution s/he represents.
Peter opens a box of chocolates dispassionately.
FADE OUT. The End