FADE IN:
INT. SLEEPING ROOM - DAY
PETER shows his WIFE tickets.
PETER
I bought the cross-border
coach tickets to Macao.
Shall we buy our return-to-
Hong Kong ferry tickets in
advance, as you'll have to
return to the office on
Monday afternoon?
WIFE
We can buy them at the
hotel.
Peter nods.
.
EXT. MACAO ROADS - DAY
PETER, in a dark blue jacket, and his WIFE sit in a port shuttle.
WIFE
Since we're about get off at the Macao Ferry pier,
we had better buy our
ferry tickets here.
PETER
Okay!
INT. - HOTEL RECEPTION - DAY
A long line of guests waiting to check in. A RECEPTIONIST (20s) receives Peter and his wife. She then checks her computer.
RECEPTIONIST
It's a Singles Day package.
You also have the option to
buy two return ferry tickets
at HK$11 each!
Looking at each other, both Peter and his wife are stunned.
PETER
(To Wife)
I didn't know about that.
You did the booking.
WIFE
I wasn't aware of that
either!
RECEPTIONIST
You've already bought
your return ferry tickets?
Both Peter and his wife nod.
WIFE
Are there restrictions in
exercising the option?
RECEPTIONIST
(Presenting a coupon)
Yes, it's meant to facilitate
your return. You can go to
ticketing counter to check
out the details.
Both Peter and his wife wear long faces.
INT. TICKETING COUNTER - DAY
Peter and his wife engage a STAFF (20s),
STAFF
The ticketing dates can
be your date of departure
ie Feb 18, or within a week
of that date.
A beat.
PETER
Please issue one on Feb 21,
departing for Kowloon at
18:45, and another one on
Feb 22, for Hong Kong at
20:30.
The staff issues Peter two tickets. We see each is worth HK$200.
WIFE
The money you might
throw away is just HK$22.
PETER (V.O.)
It's not that. I simply
don't want this "windfall"
to dampen our holiday
mood unnecessarily! And
I think I can capitalize
on it.
They have become spirited again.
INT. SLOT MACHINE AREA - DAY
Lights and sounds. Peter and his wife walk around the area.
PETER
I've no idea about the game
rules.
WIFE
Neither do I!
PETER
Let's sit down and learn
by trial and error.
They see a "10 cent" sign over a group of slot machines.
WIFE
Let's go over there
and check it out.
Peter takes a seat before one. He and his wife begin learning the rules.
PETER
It seems the minimum
bet is $0.8.
His wife nods. Peter inserts s $20 note into the machine. Peter and his wife then take turns to push a button.
When his wife hits it the fifth time, three phoenixes appear in the first three vertical lines, Immediately, the machine emits flashing lights; generates loud sounds, and rolls quickly the credit counters.
WIFE
(Focusing on counters) Well, we've got over
$250 payback. Let's
take the money and
go.
Peter pushes a "Take Money" button and a ticket comes out. They then cash it In a nearby cashing machine and leave the casino happily.
INT. SLOT MACHINE AREA - DAY
The lone Peter, in a light blue jacket, rises from his seat in front of a slot machine.
PETER (V.O.)
This one wasn't the one
that brought us luck
on the last occasion.
I lost $30 in no time.
And I've a 18:45 ferry
to catch.
INT. SLOT MACHINE AREA - DAY
The lone Peter, in a bright blue jacket, rises from his seat in front of a slot machine.
PETER (V.O.)
This one again wasn't the
one that brought us luck.
I lost $20 just in three dull
pushes.
Peter walks around the area, searching for their lucky machine.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
Here it is! I see the
lovable phoenix icons.
Without any hesitation, Peter inserts a $20 note into the machine and makes a push. Some non-phoenix icons appear in all the five vertical lines, and immediately, the machine went crazy. .
PETER
Well, I've got over S100
payback and recovered
all my losses. It's our lucky
machine.
Peter makes another push. We see the number of credits going down from "100" to "80".
PETER
Oh, it's a $20 bet! I can
be in the red again by
making another push.
I want to maintain the
winning spirit...
Peter pushes a "Take Money" button. As he leaves. he observes the same expressionless faces of those staying behind.
INT. HOTEL FOOD COURT - DAY
Peter presents a 10% discount coupon to a CASHIER before making an order.
PETER (V.O.)
The worth of this coupon
is less than one push of a
slot machine.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)
Do I believe in luck? I
always believe the
smarter we work, the
luckier we are!
In a quiet corner, Peter enjoys his big bowl of congee.
FADE OUT. The End