FADE IN
Act 1
INT. SITTING ROOM - 11:00
Sitting on a sofa with his WIFE, PETER joins her to read some details on a laptop screen.
PETER: The hotel's wedding banquet coordinator is quick to respond to our inquiry.
WIFE: The venue we've in mind is available on our set date.
PETER: But the "minimum spend" requirement is quite high.
Peter's wife is in thoughts.
PETER (Cont'd): I don't mind spending the money for our elder daughter. But our guess of the number of guests attending can be wrong.
WIFE: True.
PETER: Our elder daughter's wedding banquet will first be held in Busan. It's uncertain if guests would also join the Hong Kong banquet later.
WIFE: Let's spell out our preferences to the coordinator...Meanwhile, I've to go a farewell lunch for me.
PETER: Oh, let me take your car lift. I've an afternoon meeting to attend.
Act 2
EXT. CAR PARK, CENTRAL GOVT OFFICES -12:25
At the driver seat, Peter's wife talks to the GATE KEEPER.
WIFE: I come in to pick up colleagues to lunch...
PETER (V.O): My wife surrendered her car park label here before taking our trip to Seoul/Busan.
INT. TIM HO WAN, IFC - 13:15
Crowded. Peter shares a long table with about a dozen CUSTOMERS, many of them chatting in foreign languages.
PETER (V.O.): It was my wife who first took me here to have delicious dim sum during lunch time.
A bowl of Steamed Rice with Dried Squids and Pork Patty is put on Peter's side.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The waiting time for a single customer is actually short. I can join other single customers, or parties of three or five etc.
INT. HONG KONG CLUB BUILDING - 15:15
Sitting with the CHAIR at the head of a conference table, Peter listens to the presentations and exchanges intently and offers his insights enthusiastically.
PETER (V.O.): I'm determined to create and deliver value.
INT. SITTING ROOM - 18:00
Returning, Peter sees his wife checking something on her laptop.
WIFE: The hotel banquet coordinator has made a counter offer that aligns with our preferences.
PETER: Great! Let us pay our deposit...
WIFE: Well, let me explore at least two offers from other hotels.
Peter nods.
PETER (V.O.): It's good that she maintains a sense of purpose during her transitioning-out.
WIFE (Cont'd): I've to attend a farewell dinner for me now...
INT. DINING ROOM - 20:30
Peter and the younger DAUGHTER sit at the dining table, enjoying a quiet dinner together.
PETER (V.O.): When our younger daughter was studying in England, my wife longed for her return to Hong Kong.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Having stayed home for a year or so, our younger daughter follows her passion and is going to further her studies, in Japan this time.
FLASHBACK
EXT/INT. GOVT OFFICES - DAY (1989)
Escalators. Peter (35) is observing the demeanours of BERTIE (48), a Principal Crown Counsel, towards a girl (10s).
PETER (V.O.): My boss loves his daughter very much.
Later, in the office, Peter chats with Bertie.
PETER:...I suppose you'd agree to any of your daughter's requests...
BERTIE: How can a father say "No" to a daughter?
RETURN TO PRESENT
PETER (V.O.): Bertie was instrumental in promoting me to the rank of Senior Crown Counsel in 1988. From then on, he became my good-father model.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): My wife is also very busy in finding an appropriate residence for our younger daughter.
Act 3
INT. SITTING ROOM - 23:00
Peter inserts an AI drawing entitled "Life's Banquets" to a text.
PETER (V.O): The different facets of life such as family, work and relationship resemble limitless and delicious banquets.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Banquets signify grand celebrations or gatherings, symbolizing the experiences and joy that life has to offer.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I appreciate the diversities, richness and abundance of life experiences that make up a fulfilling life.
FADE OUT
THE END
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