Wheels of Wonder
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Aug 10, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 11, 2024
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. BEDROOM - 08:30
Seeing KAJI, the family pet, waiting at the door, PETER exits with her.
PETER (V.O.): The maid is on leave. I'm going to buy bread for you.
INT. MALL - 08:40
Walking through, Peter comes across several sleek cars on display at the atrium. Then, he sees the sign "AION".
FLASHBACK
EXT. STREETS OF SHANTOU, 17:30 (5 Aug,2024)
Peter and his WIFE sit in the back row of a moving car.
PETER (V.O.): The ride quality of this electric DiDi taxi is very good.
Leaving the car later, Peter checks the brand and sees "AION".
END FLASHBACK
Act 2
INT. MALL - 15: 30
Car show, Peter appears again, with his WIFE.
PETER: One of the DiDi taxis we hired was an AION.
HIs wife tries to remember.
PETER (Cont'd): I've checked that the car manufacturer is from Guangzhou and Toyota has a 50% share in the company.
They examine the exterior and interior of the models.
PETER (Cont'd): The Trumphi 3.0 MPV that our distant relative drove us to sight-seeing spots in Santou is one of the manufacturer's up-stream models.
His wife turns her head.
PETER (Cont'd): That explains why the design and ride quality of the MPV are similar to a Toyota.
Pausing.
PETER (Cont'd): For a recent trip in France, I was surprised that our rental car was a red Toyota Hybrid Yaris SUV.
WIFE: Eurocar has today charged my credit card Euros105, although the fine was Euros50.
Peter nods.
PETER: Yes, the administrative fee Euros55 charged by Eurocar is more punishing.
Pausing.
PETER (Cont'd): Anyhow, we adapted to the left-hand drive Yaris pretty well as it was only in April this year that we rented a Toyota Hybrid army green Sienta in Japan.
Recalling.
PETER (Cont'd): And the last Didi taxi we hired in Shantou was also an army green Toyota Hybrid - a bigger one.
Recalling.
PETER(Cont'd): I saw its dashboard mileage was only 288 km. And we paid less than RMB20 for a smooth ride.
WIFE: Would you be open to swapping out our old 8-seater Previa for a newer, electric car?
PETER: Absolutely not. It was bought soon after we had our younger daughter. We and our pet love it.
PETER (Cont'd): I'm just suggesting if we should have our 7th car...
PETER (V.O.): Hmm, I did promise you we'd keep it to six cars maximum when I last bought the SMART back in 2003.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): From 2000-2003, I bought four new cars.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But perhaps we could live a little more.
INT. CAR PARK - 16:45
Peter checks the dashboard of his 2000 Toyota Previa.
PETER (V.O.): We should refill the tank before going to the Airport to welcome our younger daughter back.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My wife loves her 2001 VW cyber-green New Beetle and finds the newer models don't look as good as hers.
Peter checks the tires of his 2002 deep-blue Mercedes E.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I haven't driven it for several weeks now. Similarly, my 1989 red Nissan 200SX.
Checking the dashboard mileage of less than 80,000km, Peter opens its sunroof and drives away a 1994 silver Eunos 30X, swiftly.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Who knows the brand "Eunos"?
Act 3
INT. BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Peter inserts an AI drawing entitled "Wheels of Wonder" to a draft.
PETER (V.O): I'm still very attached to my six old cars. I often take pictures of them
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Although I'm not buying any new cars, I'm experiencing with different car brands primarily through renting.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I'm an experienced, pragmatic car enthusiast who is loyal to my loved ones, cars included.
FADE OUT
THE END
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