FADE IN.
INT. STUDY - NIGHT
Focusing on the computer screen, PETER clicks: shut down. He then sees on his phone screen many notifications.
PETER (V.O.)
(Checking the phone time)
Oh, it's already one minute
past midnight. Yes, the
Chinese New Year has
come. People are sending
blessings.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
I've also missed my
recent objective to go to
bed before midnight. I
want to live healthily.
INT. SLEEPING ROOM - DAY
Waking up, Peter takes off his eye mask.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
Oh, it's 09:15 already!
Peter checks his phone notifications.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
Wow, countless blessings!
But I've to write a
reference, without which
an application will be
formally deficient. The
ball is in my court. The
friendly request came
yesterday night.
INT. STUDY - DAY
Behind his computer, Peter types and types, edits and edits, saves and saves, fills and signs, before sending an email.
PETER (V.O.)
Job's done. My friend
counts on me regarding
the application, I believe.
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
Peter's WIFE is cutting and frying Chinese carrot cakes with a tiny bottle of tea oil.
WIFE
These cakes are from a
5-star hotel. We tried it
earlier.
PETER
Yes, very ordinary, given
the high expectation.
PETER (V.O.)
People do have expectations.
Living up to others' expectations
sustains the brand.
INT. DINNING ROOM - DAY
As Peter and his younger SON finish the last pieces of Chinese carrot cakes on a dish, Peter's wife presents another dish. Peter can't wait.
PETER
Theses cakes taste
a lot better than the
the previous ones.
WIFE
We ordered them from
a catering chain weeks
ago.
PETER
The chain hasn't got
any star but its carrot
cakes taste good. Yes,
the proof of the pudding
is not in the name, but
in the eating.
WIFE
Have you also noticed
the other difference?
Peter is reflecting.
WIFE (Cont'd)
The tea oil...
PETER
Oh yes. It's so natural
that the fried carrot
cakes weren't oily.
PETER (V.O.)
When things are right,
people don't appreciate
the reason that makes
the comfortable difference.
FLASHBACK
INT. RESTAURANT - DAY
A LADY (50s) presents Peter with a gift.
LADY
It's a packet of tea oil -
our token appreciation
for your support.
INT. CHAMBERS - DAY
Peter leaves carrying an enviable gift pack.
PETER
Accepting gifts has been
a new experience to me.
I appreciate those who
send me gifts although
it's really the thoughts
that count.
END FLASHBACK
INT. SITTING ROOM - DAY
Peter is having screen time.
PETER (V.O.)
More thoughtful blessings
from relatives and friends.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
I also count on them as they
frame my positive outlook
in life.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd)
It's actually up to me to
take actions to have
myself blessed eg I swim
1000 meters to make me
healthy. I still work smart
and hard to provide for
myself and my family. I
write my own songs to
enhance the quality of
life. I also volunteer my
service to do good.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
I try to be a blessing
that other people may
count on. I try to make
any day worth remembering
for myself and possibly
for others.
As he is changing, Peter picks a red shirt to wear.
FADE OUT.
The End