FADE IN
Act 1
INT. BEDROOM - 02:00
Smartphone in hand, a tired PETER sends an email.
PETER (V.O): On the first day of the Year of the Snake, my friend in Canberra would write me a lengthy mail, highlighting his family's activities in the past year.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Having done my daily language learning and screenplay writing, I checked his mail and began to reply, while walking the family pet in the afternoon.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Accidentally, my half-written reply was sent, and I didn't have the time to complete it until around midnight.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): It's been a tradition that I'd have a dinner gathering with my in-laws' big familly on the first day of the Chinese New Year.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): It was another joyful dinner gathering to cherish the now.
Act 2
FLASHBACK
INT. IN-LAW'S HOME - LAST NIGHT
Warm and familial atmosphere. Peter, his WIFE, SON and DAUGHTER-IN-LAW are greeted by other family MEMBERS.
PETER (V.O.): It's the first time our daughter-in-law joining the traditional family dinner gathering.
The daughter-in-law checks an old wedding photo hanging on the wall, depicting Peter and his wife.
DAUGHTER-IN-LAW: Oh, my mother-in-law was so beautiful, looking like singer Chow...
Peter's wife accepts the compliment while digesting the comparison. Soon, the family dinner begins at two tables. After dinner, Peter's MOTHER-IN-LAW (94) passes a present wrapped in red to him.
MOTHER-IN-LAW: Ah Fai, please pass this present to your Mum...
PETER: Yes...You're always so kind...
PETER (V.O): But my Mum couldn't even recognize me and my wife, not to mention my mother-in-law. Anynow, it's the thought that counts.
END FLASHBACK
Peter discovers a message.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Oh, the restaurant that I've made a booking of four tables on the second day of the Year of the Snake has asked me to reconfirm my booking.
Having typed his affirmative response, Peter goes to sleep.
INT. BEDROOM - 10:20
In bed, Peter hears his wife's wake-up call.
WIFE: I've already prepared breakfast...
PETER (V.O): Well, it's pretty clear that I still need eight hours' of sleep!
WIFE (Cont'd): Don't forget to ring the elderly home that we're going to pick up Mum in the early afternoon.
PETER: Sure...She's the star of the show of the new afternoon tea gathering on the second day of the Chinese New Year!
Having rung the elder home, Peter checks messages.
PETER (V.O.): Oh, someone from the restaurant has come back to me at 3.00am, reconfirming my booking! Running a restaurant isn't easy.
INT. ELDERLY HOME - 13:30
Common area. Arriving, Peter and his WIFE notice that MUM (94) is waiting for them.
MUM (to Peter's wife): You're my daughter-in-law; and you look prettier than before!
As his wife is overjoyed, Peter poses Mum a question.
PETER: Do you recognize me?
MUM: You're my eldest son - Cheung Kam-fai!
PETER (V.O): Great! New beginings!
INT. RESTAURANT - 14:00
The Cheung Family MEMBERS arrive, occupying four tables. Peter's Mum sits in a wheelchair. They greet each other, particulary Peter's Mum, warmly and joyfully. They exchange presents, give or take red packets.
PETER (to his wife): As two units haven't arrived yet, we need one more table...
As the fifth table for the party is set, Peter gets a pile of red packets from his wife.
PETER: On behalf of my Mum, I'm giving red packets to all.
Peter then gives red packets not only to family members but also to THOSE waiting tables. Soon, all are present, including a new pretty FACE.
MEMBER: She's my elder son's girlfriend.
PETER (V.O.): My mum was once a pretty woman too...
Act 3
INT. BEDROOM - 21:30
Peter inserts an AI drawing entitled: "Shedding Time..." to a draft in his laptop.
PETER (V.O): The Year of the Snake has reminded me to embrace change and seek growth.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): To grow, I must shed my past self, just like a snake sheds its skin.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): The essence of celebrating the New Year extends beyond mere activities; it lies in nurturing relationships and sharing joy with one another.
FADE OUT
THE END
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