FADE IN
Act 1
Making a call earnestly, Peter sees "Call Failed" on his mobile screen.
PETER (V.O): But my sim card has two phone numbers, one for Hong Kong and one for the Mainland...
After redialing, Peter gets the same negative result.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I get calls from the Mainland, but this is the first time I make a call to the Mainland. Let me enquire with the telephone service provider.
Peter talks with someone over the phone.
SOMEONE (from phone): You've to turn on the international call service...additional fees are chargeable...
Surfing the web, Peter logs in to his mobile account, opens the call service, makes a call, but he still can't get through.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I'm not surprised. My mail to his email address was undelivered. That's why I try to call.
Act 2
MONTAGE OF PETER'S VISIT TO BEIJING (March 2014)
A. Conference Room. Peter (59) discusses with his COUNTERPART.
B. Restaurant. Peter and his Counterpart are having a working lunch.
END MONTAGE
PETER (V.O.): Then, I was about to cease active service, while my counterpart was new to his job.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): As his institution has undergone restructuring, I believe his contact particulars have changed too.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Working outside Govt for many years, I've new insights and strategies as to how public-private partnerships may create more public value.
Surfing the web, Peter has an idea.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): As he frequently speaks in the BIP Asia Forum, the organiser must have his contact details and may forward my mail to him.
After sending an email, Peter opens boxes of name cards.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): They aren't just pieces of paper. They're a testament to the experiences I've shared and the relationships that I've built.
Nostalgically, Peter checks the names on the cards one by one.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Each one holds a story, a connection made in the chapters of my life.
Picking up an old name card of himself, tracing his fingers over the embossed letters.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Working in retirement, I designed and printed my own name cards.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): But I've stopped doing that for two conflicting reasons.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): First, as an old man, I thought I didn't have to extend my network anymore.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Second, I didn't think I could nurture my relationships with name cards. I believe I can only do that via my daily blog posts.
MONTAGE OF PETER'S STRATEGY IN NURTURING HIS NETWORK
A. Formal setting. STRANGER#1 presents his name card to Peter. Peter responds: I'll send you my name card via email shortly.
B. MTR. Peter writes an email, attaching a copy of his name card.
C. Informal setting. STRANGER#2 presents her name card to Peter. Peter responds: I'll send you my name card via email shortly.
D. Bus. Peter sends an email, attaching a copy of his name card.
END MONTAGE
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): My emails include a link to my website. Those who want to know more about me can simply click it.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): For those who are investigative, they can find my blog with another click.
Daydreaming.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): And if they're really interested, there're overly 2000 posts to enjoy!
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): That's how we can "stay in touch".
.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Actually, I'd be content if the email addressees would respond to my mail.
Act 3
INT. STUDY - 21:30
Peter inserts an AI drawing entitled "The Network Resurgences..." to a text.
PETER (V.O): The name cards represent the connections and relationships I made in my life.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I take time to reflect with my past experiences and I may get renewed enthusiasm to pursue my goals.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Reconnecting with old connections and forming new partnerships can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
FADE OUT
THE END
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