Really Super
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Dec 8, 2020
- 3 min read
FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. STUDY - AFTER MIDNIGHT
Laptop on lap, PETER looks tired.
PETER (V.O.): My plan is to issue my legal advice tomorrow morning. I've a Zoom conference to attend at 10.30 am.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But every time I re-read the draft, I can think of something to make it better.
Peter checks the time. It's 1.45 am.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): For two nights now, I've worked late into the night. Those instructing me didn't set any deadline, but my practice has been to exceed my clients' expectations.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Having mined all the diamonds in my mind, I should go sleeping.
With tired eyes, Peter shuts his laptop.
Act 2
INT. STUDY - MORNING
Peter is working on his laptop. He carefully reads the texts and footnotes on the screen.
PETER (V.O.): Every statement I make is supported by authorities. I don't make bare assertions.
Strolling down the screen.
PETER (V.O.): I can still improve my draft a little - typos and commas.
Peter checks the time. It's 10 am.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): It seems that I can't issue my draft before the Zoom conference. It's an important one.
Tapping a link on his iPad Mini, Peter joins a conference.
SOMEONE#1 (from screen): I see the image of Peter riding a motorbike!
Peter unmutes and turns on the video.
PETER (to screen): Hi! Good morning, everyone!
MONTAGE OF PETER'S ZOOM MEETING
A. After watching a short presentation with visual aides, Peter begins to engage in a discussion.
B. Other presentations, SOMEONE#2 poses questions.
C. Last presentation, Peter asks last questions. SOMEONE#3 responds and SOMEONE#4 supplements.
END MONTAGE
INT. STUDY - AFTERNOON
Peter is glued to his laptop screen.
PETER (V.O.): This is the best draft for the time being. I'd better issue it and have a break.
After attaching a file to a mail, Peter sends it.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Done. Super! Let me go to the mall to buy a takeaway.
INT. FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT - LATER
Checking the LED menu board, Peter looks astonished.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): So many sold-out tags. Super business during pandemic times. Many work from home.
Peter does his order at a counter.
PETER: ...Take away please.
INT. KITCHEN - LATER
Peter is enjoying his congee and Chinese dougnut sticks.
PETER (V.O.): Having sent my legal advice, it seems that I've lost my orientation.
INT. SITTING ROOM - LATER
Lying on a sofa, Peter listens to TV.
PETER (V.O.): I'm not used to take any afternoon nap...What should I do?
Peter checks his phone diary.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Yes, I've to attend a Webinar at 5:30pm. But it's only early in the afternoon.
Soon after turning on his laptop, Peter sees a mail notification.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): What's that?
Peter checks it.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Oh, the secretariat of the Arbitration Centre asks me to issue my interlocutory directions formally. In both English and Chinese? I only use Wubi to write Chinese. It isn't easy.
Act 3
INT. STUDY - LATER
Peter focuses on his computer screen.
PETER (V.O.): Let me do the Chinese draft first. It ensures my word economy,
MONTAGE OF PETER'S MULTITASKING EXPERIENCE
A. Peter uses his finger to write Chinese on the screen, word by word, very slowly.
B. Peter joins a Webinar with his iPad Mini.
C. Peter types the English version of his interlocutory order.
D. Having heard the concluding remarks, Peter leaves the Webinar.
END MONTAGE
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Concise and precise, super!
We see Peter exporting the files directly in pdf format before doing the fill-and-sign.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I can now do this pretty skilfully.
Peter checks his interlocutory orders in English and Chinese, again and again.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): They should look good even to those who can only understand just one of the languages.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Really super!
FADE OUT.
THE END
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