The Table Representative
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. BEDROOM - 23:55
PETER steps through the door. He looks down at his noticeably bulged tummy.
PETER (V.O.): I think I'm really outdone myself this time.
Peter rubs his belly gently, a mixture of contentment and disbelief in his eyes.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): So many dishes...all for the table.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): A small price to pay for a night like that.
Peter checks the phone time.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I still want to document what happened at the wedding banquet this evening, from being an odd guest to becoming the table representative.
Peter opens his laptop on the bedside table.
Act 2
FLASHBACK
INT. GRAND BALLROOM, FOUR SEASONS HOTEL - 18:45 (Today)
A crowded wedding reception. Peter signs the guest book and hands a red packet to a RECEPTIONIST with a warm smile.
PETER: I'm Peter Cheung.
RECEPTIONIST: Thank you uncle!
Peter then reviews the seating arrangement plan displayed nearby.
PETER (V.O.): Oh, my seat is at the "LegCo Table", positioned just behind the headtables.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've never served as a legislator myself, but I've lobbied legislators to help get intellectual property (IP) bills passed.
Peter scans the faces and spots his HOST.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): There he is! I'd go over and let him know I'm here.
Peter moves to approach him.
PETER: Hi Lewis! Thank you for including me!
LEWIS: I still remember you as the Director of IP who held the first auction of IP in Hong Kong.
PETER (V.O.): As I championed for IP trading via Hong Kong, I believe auctions should be one of the key vehicles, with the Govt taking the lead.
PETER: Thank you Lewis for your support!
PETER (V.O.): The recognition of my pre-retirement initiative in 2014 was a warm surprise.
Later, Peter locates the LegCo table and introduces himself to the GUESTS already seated.
PETER: Hello, I'm Peter - a retired civil servant.
LOUISE: You're that Peter...I'm Louise.
Peter sits next to Louise.
LOUISE (Cont'd): My former colleagues at the Customs and Excise still talk about you for being a government lawyer and a singersongwriter.
PETER (V.O.): It's heartwarming to know I'm still remembered, even after my retirement.
Later. Legislator LO joins Peter.
PETER: I saw you on the news, playing your saxophone to bid farewell to the legislature.
Lo's eyes light up.
PETER (Cont'd). You're the only legislator who bows out in style.
LO: I play other musical instruments, and I sing Cantonese opera too.
PETER: Tell me more.
They chat as the dinner party is at full swing. Later, all the guests at the table are invited to join a photo session on stage. And after that, guests at the LegCo table begin to depart.
PETER (V.O.): It's now for the die-hards...It's been my practice to stay until all the formalites are over.
Peter looks around.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The LegCo table is mine.
A WAITER approaches, serving the next course and noticing the empty seats.
PETER: Don't worry. I'm the table representative. Just serve my portion.
The waiter looks relieved. Later, the waiter presents all four options of desserts in front of Peter.
PETER (V.O.): Some people command boardrooms; others lead legislatures. I find my greatest authority at a banquet table for 12 - where I dine alone.
RETURN TO PRESENT
Act 3
INT. BEDROOM -CONTINUOUS
Peter uploads an image, depicting four options of desserts to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O.): The table representative serves as the CEO of the aftermath, holding exclusive authority over the dessert course.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My final promotion isn't to a higher rank or position; instead, I become the sovereign of an empty kingdom, ruling with a steady fork.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Being the last one at the table isn't a sign of being left behind; it's a testament to being the foundation upon which everyone else is built.
FADE OUT
END
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