
FADE IN.
INT. CLUBHOUSE - DAY
Reading a newspaper column, PETER looks pleased.
PETER (V.O.)
This letter to the Editor
is special. The writer
tells the story that there're
good people in Hong
Kong who just want
to drive people home
because there isn't
any public transport,
including taxis.
FLASHBACK
EXT. TSIMSHATSUI - DAY
Waiting at a bus stop, Peter sees the only traffic on the road are people in black.
Peter then leaves the stop and walks in a direction away from the people in black.
END FLASHBACK
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
I couldn't find any public
transport and meant to
walk home too.
Peter reads other newspaper columns.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
He's right. what Hong
Kong lacks is freedom
from violence. Hong Kong
is just too democratic to
tolerate vandalism and
hooliganism.
EXT. FERRY - DAY
Getting on board an old boat, Peter takes positions here and there to shoot harbour views like a tourist.
PETER (V.O.)
But for the disruptions
caused to the MTR
stations and systems,
I wouldn't have thought
of taking an old boat to
cross the harbour.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
It's roomy and relaxing
too. It also reminds me of
the old days when there
wasn't any cross-harbour
tunnels.
EXT. STANLEY - DAY
Getting out from a bus, Peter looks around.
PETER (V.O.)
When was the last time
I came here?
Pausing.
PETER(V.O.) (Cont'd)
It was last year when
I wanted to swim here
but found the super
typhoon had damaged
shark nets, among other
facilities... Hong Kong
couldn't opt out of
typhoons though.
Peter walks along the quiet market and sees just a few tourists.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
That's why I've come
to show some support!
Having shopped in a shop, Peter arrives at the promenade.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
The scenery is just as
beautiful as before, but
the mood is different -
rather like the old days
I was working in seaside
resorts in winter.
INT. MTR STATION, CENTRAL - NIGHT
Peter is among people hurrying home. We hear non-stop announcements: Due to the damages caused to our systems...
PETER (V.O.)
All these are unnecessary
man-made damages. As
the criminals can't exercise
self-control to refrain from
violence and decolonize
their minds, they'll be
controlled and re-educated.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd) Otherwise, how would
other law-abiding citizens
have their freedom from
violence?
INT. STUDY - NIGHT
Sitting behind his computer, Peter is re-reading his screenplay draft.
PETER (V.O.)
About offering free
ride... I remember
something.
FLASHBACK
EXT. ROAD, KAM SHEUNG ROAD, NT - NIGHT (1976)
Dark. Peter is driving a metallic blue Ford Capri Coupe along the road. He sees a MAN and a WOMAN by the roadside hailing his car.
As Peter stops his car, the man and the woman look surprised. Peter opens the passenger door and folds the front passenger seat.
PETER
Get in! Where do you
two want to go?
We hear: Kam Tin, and then dead silence. Peter drives on.
Arriving Kam Tin, a passenger at the back seat present Peter with a $5 note.
PETER
(Shaking his head sideways) It's free!
We hear: Thank You, and thank you.
RETURN TO PRESENT
PETER (V.O.)
It's an interesting
encounter. I was ready
to help and they didn't
have any ulterior
motive. People were
good and innocent
then.
Peter sighs.
FADE OUT. THE END