Beyond the Drama

1. FADE IN

2. 
   

3. Act 1

4. 
   

5. INT. LIVING ROOM - 01:30

6. 
   

7. The TV screen is showing end credits of a drama. PETER and his WIFE lean back, deep in thoughts.

8. 
   

9. PETER (V.O): My wife thought the drama was good, I also binge-watched to understand the attractions.

10. 
    

11. PETER: Apart from some exaggerated plot twists, the final episode is quite blend.

12. 
    

13. WIFE: Not as good as "Crash Landing on You".

14. 
    

15. PETER: Not to mention the repeats/flashbacks, the drama includes many scenes that can be edited out.

16. 
    

17. PETER (V.O): It's exhausting to watch the drama. My time wasn't well spent, except to give my wife company.

18. 
    

19. Peter goes to the bedroom.

20. 
    

21. Act 2

22. 
    

23. INT. LIVING ROOM - 11:00

24. 
    

25. Peter checks Facebook notifications.

26. 
    

27. PETER (V.O): Oh, today is Annie's birthday. We met briefly in a World IP Day reception on April 26.

29. Peter mines his MV "Happy Birthday" with AI drawings in YouTube, copies the link

30. and writes on a timeline.

31. 
    

32. INT. STUDY - 12:30

33. 
    

34. Focusing on an iPad Mini screen, Peter does interactive exercises

35. 
    

36. PETER (V.O): Today is my 6th day engaging in this. I'm testing how committed I can be.

38. Apart from pronouncing vowels and consonants, Peter utters words and simple

39. sentences in Spanish, then in Italian, then in French, then in Japanese and then in Korean.

40. 
    

41. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I'm in earnest, learning the languages.

42. 
    

43. Taking a break, Peter checks Yahoo!Finance.

44. 
    

45. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Since I began my pursuit last Monday, the Hong Kong stock market has been rising.

46. 
    

47. Smiling.

48. 
    

49. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd):Losing less money, I feel good.

50. 
    

51. Pausing.

52. 
    

53. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Having invested blindly, I take the consequences of my own making.

55. Peter sees a WhatsApp message.

56. 
    

57. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Oh, a HKUST colleague wants my urgent advice.

58. 
    

59. Making a call, Peter engages in a lengthy phone discussion.

60. 
    

61. INT. PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL - 14:30

62. 
    

63. With rhythmic motions, Peter swims laps non-stop.

64. 
    

65. PETER (V.O): I exercise regularly to stay fit. I can't afford an unhealthy lifestyle.

66. 
    

67. INT. RESTAURANT - 15:15

68. 
    

69. Having a bowl of Roast Goose with Noodles in Soup, Peter checks his mobile's stock trading account.

70. 
    

71. PETER (V.O): When it's compared with my professional service, I may gain or lose a lot more in hours.

72. 
    

73. Ringtones. Peter picks up the call.

74. 
    

75. PETER (to mobile):...Please decline the briefs for me as I'll be in Sydney during the period.

77. Smiling.

78. 
    

79. PETER (V.O): My wife and I will witness our doctor son's graduation ceremony. How much does an intern doctor earn down under?
    

80. 
    

81. Peter then reads an email from Dominic.

82. 
    

83. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): He followed the activities of the Hong Kong Philosophy Society when I was Secretary. Let me share with him my recent thesis!

84. 
    

85. Replying, Peter attaches a link "Quest for Meaning".

86. 
    

87. Act 3

88. 
    

89. INT. LIVING ROOM - 23:00

90. 
    

91. Peter inserts an AI drawing entitled "Beyond the Drama" to a draft.

92. 
    

93. PETER (V.O): Whether to appreciate the small things in life that matters or to get caught up in superficial dramas is one's thoughtful choice.

94. 
    

95. Thinking.

96. 
    

97. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I prefer to engage in meaningful connections, thoughtful discussions and intellectual growth.

98. 
    

99. Reflecting.

100. 
     

101. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I give priority to actions that might bring fulfillment and purpose in life.

102. 
     

103. FADE OUT

104. 
     

105. THE END