The Greatest Gift
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Dec 24, 2021
- 2 min read
FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. STUDY - 09:00
PETER grabs his iPad Mini.
PETER (V.O.): Yesterday night, I modified a MV by changing some clips.
Peter taps the iMovie icon.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): When I reviewed the MV this morning, I felt I really like the song. But the MV would be better if I substitute the food clips with Hong Kong scenes.
Editing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): If I insert the English subtitles as well, my non-Chinese friends wouldn't be too surprised to get it too.
It's 13:00.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's always time-consuming to do it. But once I get started, I couldn't stop to achieve perfection.
Act 2
EXT. LAKESIDE MALL - 14:30
Restaurant. CUSTOMERS wait outside.
PETER (V.O.): What a surprise. Today isn't a holiday.
Peter goes to another to buy takeaway.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I can spend more time at home.
Car park. Picking up his coupe, Peter sees a WOMAN staring at the head lamp positions.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): She looks surprised that my coupe's head lamps are hidden.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Over 30 years ago, few cars got such vintage design.
EXT. PETER'S NT HOME - 15:30
Car park. Peter starts his dust-covered silver coupe.
PETER (V.O.): I haven't touched it for a fortnight. It's a pleasant surprise that I don't have to jump-start it.
Then, Peter takes a call.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): OMG, I've got a new assignment. I don't expect to get any today.
INT. KITCHEN - 16:00
Peter cautiously turns on a microwave oven.
PETER (V.O.): I haven't used it for over 10 years. It's still working!
INT. SITTING ROOM - 18:00
Opening a gift box, Peter sees a work of artistic craftsmanship inside.
PETER (V.O.): Yes, I got it in a lucky draw over 10 years ago.
Checking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It isn't made with ivory. It's made from ox bone.
Decluttering.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): There're so many things I can do here. But I've to go, my wife and I will go to a late movie tonight.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I was surprised that she arranged that. She's a workaholic.
EXT. ROADS - 18:30
Congestion. Peter is driving at a slow pace.
PETER (V.O.): I haven't returned to urban area so early in the evening.
Stopping.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I hope we still have time to have dinner first.
Peter drives past two cars at the roadside.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): That's part of the reason for the congestion.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Hong Kong drivers are impatient. I'm not surprised.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've prosecuted hundreds of them.
Act 3
INT. DINING ROOM - 20:30
Presenting Korean delicacies on the table, Peter's WIFE passes him a letter.
WIFE: Special delivery from Korea!
Having read the letter, Peter captures the moment.
PETER(V.O.) (Cont'd): What a nice guy! The best things happen unexpectedly.
Peter is excited and delighted.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Surprise is the greatest gift. And it's from our elder daughter's boyfriend!
INT. CINEMA - 22:05
Peter checks an email on his smartphone.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): It's a standard X'mas greetings. Let me surprise all by replying with my MV.
Having tapped on his phone screen, the movie Till We Meet Again begins.
THE END.
FADE OUT
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