FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. ROBING ROOM#1, HKUST - 10:00
Being assisted by STAFF, PETER and COLLEAGUE#1 are robing.
COLLEAGUE#1: You and I came in 2019.
Peter nods.
PETER: Remember the strange salute of some graduates?
Colleague#1 smiles a little.
PETER: We support the university, especially when it's in need.
COLLEAGUE#1: Due to COVID-19, there was no congregation last year.
PETER: And here we're now. It should be peaceful and orderly.
Then, they take selfies in their academic attire.
Act 2
INT. LECTURE THEATER, HKUST - 10:30
Sitting among the audience, PETER watches the conferring process of honorary doctorates.
PETER (V.O.): The awardees have advanced their field of endeavour in significant ways.
We hear:"... Doctor of Engineering, honoris causa"
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The Latin phrase means "for the sake of the honour". I used to host lots of business lunches in Hopewell Centre's Revolving Restaurant.
INT. FOYER, HKUST - 12:30
Peter speaks to PROFESSOR#1 in Harvard red gown.
PETER: When you introduced Prof Nancy Hopkins of MIT, you spoke from your heart.
PROFESSOR#1: Yes. She's my role model.
PETER (V.O.): She's a neuroscientist and a role model for many.
EXT. CARPARK - ROADS, HKUST - TSENG KWAN O - 13:30
Following COLLEAGUE#2, Peter walks near a BMW 6 Series and gets excited.
PETER: It's convertible!
As Colleague#2 smiles, they get inside the convertible.
PETER: Now is the perfect time to enjoy open-air driving!
Top down. Open roads.
PETER: The first time in Hong Kong I sit in a convertible!
PETER (Cont'd): I thought of buying one, but I've never got one. My family members don't even like sunroofs.
INT. HOTEL RESTAURANT - 14:00
Peter chats with COLLEAGUES#2,3,4,5 & 6 over lunch.
PETER (V.O.): How nice it is to share stories!
Later, colleague#2 succeeds in beating others to pay the bill.
INT. ROBING ROOM#2 - 15:00
Peter is showing PROFESSOR#2 numerals in red on his smartphone screen.
PETER: The Hong Kong stock market is falling steeply today.
PROFESSOR#2: You should read a book written by a Princeton University economist called A Random Walk Down Wall Street...
INT. SHAW AUDITORIUM - 15:30
Sitting on stage, Peter watches the PhD graduation ceremony.
PETER (V.O.): I envy the young graduates. I thought of reading one and gave up upon retirement. I've decided to write and publish something I like daily.
After awhile, Peter checks his phone mails.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Oh, there's still something for me to follow up regarding a domain name decision. But I can't talk now.
Having typed, Peter checks a message.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Oh, my wife has asked if I could do something for her before 5pm? No, the ceremony won't be over.
Having typed his reply, Peter checks his investment list.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I should buy low.
Checking time.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd):Oh, too late! The market has closed.
Act 3
INT. ROBING ROOM - 17:00
Peter unrobes.
PETER (V.O.): Although success in life doesn't necessarily originate with academic success, it's a convenient proof.
Peter leaves.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Given my background, I'm content with my degrees and my humble success.
FOYER. SHAW AUDITORIUM - 17:30
Peter sees a sculpture and takes photos.
PETER (V.O.): To show my support, I bought lots of your company's shares. I don't know when the share prize will rise again.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): You're my role model. I'm interested to feel how it is like to work as a CEO until age 103.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Feeling something different every day is exciting.
FADE OUT
THE END
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