The Portfolio of Life
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Feb 25, 2025
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. STUDY - 09:45
A clutterd space filled with files, books and papers. Smartphone in hand, Peter is in thoughts.
PETER (V.O.): My Vice-chair in a Committee has invited me to lunch today. I'll do my knowledge transfer, 100%.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): After that, I'll return to my chambers to collect some papers and pay rent.
Peter turns on the Finance radio.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Where should I go swimming? Exercise is part of my life. I approach my daily swimming with the same dedication and discipline as I do my creative work.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I've to prepare an important meeting scheduled for tomorrow. The papers have been uploaded, but I had problems in opening the secured ones last time.
Opening an app, Peter checks his stock portfolio. We see some figures in red and others in green.
Act 2
INT. JACKSON ROOM, HK CLUB - 13:00
Elegant ambience. Peter sits across from his VICE-CHAIR.
PETER: I've a dream...I want to showcase to all that creativity pays.
Pausing.
PETER (Cont'd): You witnessed my singing the other night...I've written dozens of songs.
Pausing.
PETER(Cont'd): I've also published over 2000 short screenplays...I've been expanding my copyright portfolio.
The Vice-chair looks surprised.
PETER (Cont'd): And my photos and reviews in Google Maps have got over 130 million views so far...
VICE-CHAIR: 130 million? That's a lot. Do you get paid?
PETER: No...but I've a business model in mind. My sole ownership of the portfolio should make it easier for me to prove the concept.
VICE-CHAIR: Your concept of IP trading...
PETER: Yes, what I envison isn't a one-to-one or one-to-many relationship; but a many-to-many dynamic.
VICE-CHAIR: Change of subject...can we chat on personnel matters.
PETER: Dealing with people is harder than dealiing with the business... but I firmly believe that no one is indispensible.
They continue to chat.
PETER (Cont'd): By maintaining no expectations, I can avoid disappointment.
INT. STUDY - 16:00
Anxiously, Peter opens his laptop to check his emails.
PETER (V.O): Just then, I've tried but couldn't open the secured papers with my smartphone.
Clicking "here" and typing the password, Peter sees a paper appearing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Yes! What a relief!
Peter's smile fades as he sees a cross in red in the ribbon: You're out of storage. You can't send email and won't be able to receive in 16 days.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Hmm, I won't get storage as this hotmail account hasn't been user-friendly... I need to manage storage anyway.
Quickly, Peter begins to delete adverts and attachments, shaking his head at the accumulated clutter.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): How can I delete more? Maybe, I should use my other email accounts instead.
Peter empties the bin, again and again.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): But I shouldn't let this decluttering matter disrupting my meeting preparation...And I haven't gone swimming yet!
INT. DINING ROOM/BEDROOM- 21:00
Peter and his WIFE are having dinner.
PETER: Having just decided what wedding gift for my brother's daughter, I'd leave it to you to execute.
WIFE: No problem.
Then, a Duolingo notification on his phone catches Peter's attention.
PETER (V.O): How could I forget my streaks after nearly 300 days!
PETER: Darling, I'm full. Thank you for preparing the delicious dinner.
Peter quickly retreats to the bedroom; and we hear Peter beginning to practise Spanish, French, Korean...
PETER (V.O): And I haven't had time to think about the theme of my daily screenplay yet!
Act 3.
INT.STUDY - 22:30
Peter inserts an AI drawing titled: "The Portfolio of Life..." to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O): Life isn't just about what I achieve, but how I grow and evolve along the way.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): In the portfolio of life, the most valuable assets are the experience I got during each moment.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): My life is my portfolio; I strive to balance the risks and rewards while investing wisely in every opportunity.
FADE OUT
THE END
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