Fading

By
Areen and Ava

Based on
A (Partially) True Story

January 16, 2019

First Draft Completed March 6,
2019
EXT. LIGONG TRAFFIC INTERSECTION, NOON SHARP
It is raining. A BOY is waiting for his friend at the corner
of a traffic light holding an umbrella. He looks at his
watch for the time and then he takes out his phone and
checks whether he has received a message regarding the
delay. He is shivering and puts his hand into his pocket.
The boy stares at the traffic light as it changes from green
to yellow to red while waiting desperately for the GIRL.
He is staring at the end of road and the camera pans to the
street as people are walking. Still no sign of her.
He lights a cigarette and the camera is medium close-up on
his profile. He begins to daydream about how to make the day
memorable.

(His Imagination)
The boy invites the girl to stand under his umbrella rather
than open hers.
The boy puts the girl on the opposite direction of the cars
while crossing the road and passing by pedestrians.

INT. COFFEE SHOP, EARLY AFTERNOON

The boy buys the girl a coffee on the way. Camera is on the
boy while he is in line at the coffee shop and he looks over
and he sees the girl at the end of the street.

EXT. LIGONG TRAFFIC INTERSECTION, NOON SHARP

The boy sees the girl at the end of the street. He begins to
walk softly toward the girl with a cold smile. She walks
over and they shake hands and have a warm hug.
GIRL
I’m sorry for being late. I forgot
my umbrella and ran back to the
elevator but I already missed it.
Accept my apology. Have you been
waiting here for a long time?

BOY
You have nothing to worry about. I
was enjoying every drop of rain
while waiting for you.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 2.

GIRL
That’s so sweet of you.
BOY
Well, shall we go?

GIRL
Do you know how to get there?
BOY
Huh, people tell me I should be a
taxi driver here since I know every
corner..
GIRL
Okay Mr. GPS, let’s move.

INT. COFFEE SHOP, JUST AFTER NOON

GIRL
Tell me, why did you choose this
coffee shop?

BOY
Cheap and convenient.
GIRL
So honest.

BOY
It’s in my blood.
GIRL
Okay, Mr. Humble. What shall we
drink?
BOY
The cheapest coffee.
GIRL
Don’t worry, I can pay for you.
BOY
I just want to remember those tough
times.

The boy asks the cashier about two Americanos.

The boy pays for the coffees and they go to sit by the
window.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 3.

GIRL
But now you can enjoy more.
BOY
This moment will make me enjoy,
rather than the drink itself. As
Bob Marley said, Money cannot buy
life.
GIRL
I cannot wait to read your book one
day.
BOY
I prefer to publish it one hundred
years after my death.

GIRL
Coffee time now. Death later.
BOY
Okay, joy killer.

The coffees arrive and the scene fades away.

INT. CLASSROOM, BREAK BETWEEN CLASSES, MID MORNING

The INTRUDER sees the girl in the hallway and moves toward
her eagerly with a shy smile and a red face.
INTRUDER
Good morning. How was the class?
GIRL
Morning. It was somehow good but
too much for my brain this early.
INTRUDER
This early? You mean time or it’s
early for you to learn this topic?

The girl smiles.

GIRL
Of course I mean the time of day.

INTRUDER
Do you like coffee?
GIRL
Well it depends on my mood.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 4.

INTRUDER
I would love to ask if there is any
chance you are free this weekend?

GIRL
I’m sorry, my schedule is really
tight, and you know I am passing
through a very harsh time regarding
my study. If you excuse me, I need
to use the washroom.
INTRUDER
Oh, sorry I did not mean to take
your time.

GIRL
Nice chatting with you. See you in
class.
The girl leaves to the washroom. The intruder returns to
class.

INT. OFFICE, EARLY MORNING

The boy and the intruder happen to run into each other. They
hug each other and shake hands very firmly.

BOY
Hello sir, how is your day so far?
INTRUDER
So far so good.

BOY
I even see you more than my own
shadow.

The intruder laughs.

INTRUDER
Regarding the volunteering, we have
enough members and we can start
from next week.

BOY
As long as I have you by my side, I
have nothing to worry about. You
did an amazing job.

INTRUDER
It is my pleasure and I will take
it as a compliment.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 5.

BOY
How is your love life by the way?
INTRUDER
You know me. I am not as cool or
handsome as you. I have to go to
the office now to finish a task. I
will catch up with you later.
BOY
No worries. Take your time. I have
to go also.
They cross paths and walk in opposite directions while
saying farewell/goodbye/See you to each other.

INT. CAFE, LATE AFTERNOON/EARLY EVENING

Close-up shot of the phones of the Girl and the Intruder
text messaging back and forth.
After a long time of text messaging for several days, they
finally come up with a time to meet for a platonic cup of
coffee.
They meet at the gate of their university. They greet each
other in a friendly way.

INTRUDER
How are you so far? How was your
day? How are your studies?
GIRL
I’m doing pretty good. Less busier
then before. But I feel a kind of
homesickness.
INTRUDER
I hope today I can relieve some of
your burden.
The Girl smiles coldly.
GIRL
Shall we move now?

INTRUDER
I think this is the right time.
They both look around toward the coffee shop without saying
a word.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 6.

INTRUDER
So are you going to keep silent
like this for the rest of your day?

GIRL
(looking shy)
What shall I say? I don’t know
where to start.

INTRUDER
Soon you will realize.
The Intruder smiles.
They arrive at the door of the coffee shop.

The Intruder opens the door for the Girl.

GIRL
You are so gentle. Thank you.

INTRUDER
I am really honored having you with
me today.
They walk up to the cashier.

INTRUDER
Do you have any selections,
anything you would like to order?
GIRL
An Americano would be great for me.
INTRUDER
How should a sweet girl like you
could take something so bitter?

GIRL
Thank you.
INTRUDER
Can you stop saying thank you for
God’s sake? I’m trying to be a
little bit more romantic.
GIRL
Okay, I’m sorry.
INTRUDER
No need. And don’t be so academic.
You are not hanging out with your
professor.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 7.

CASHIER
Can I take your orders please?

INTRUDER
Two Americanos, please. With a
plate of waffles.
CASHIER
That will be 75 RMB.

INTRUDER
Can I pay by WeChat?
CASHIER
Yeah, for sure. Let me scan your
code.
The Cashier scans the code and gives the receipt to the
Intruder.
CASHIER
Have a seat and you will be served
soon.
INTRUDER
Indeed, thank you.

The Intruder turns to the girl.

INTRUDER
Do you have a favorite place to
sit?

FLASHBACK,EARLY EVENING
The Girl is staring off. She thinks back to the time she
went with the Boy to the same coffee shop.

BACK TO THE SCENE

INTRUDER
Are you here?

GIRL
Yeah, for sure. Anywhere but the
windows.
INTRUDER
Cool. There are empty seats over
there. We can go have a seat. After
you, please.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 8.

GIRL
So kind of you.

They move toward the empty table and sit down on big chairs.
They begin to talk. Soft background music begins to play and
the audience cannot hear their conversation. Close-up shot
on the coffees and the scene fades away. It is afternoon.
After long hours of talking, the Girl feels more relaxed and
at ease. The camera comes back as a medium shot of the
window. From the window we see it is now dark outside.
GIRL
Today was amazing and I really
enjoyed. But I think it is the
right time to go back to the dorm.
INTRUDER
I don’t want to be pushy, though
this is the moment I was afraid of
since the beginning.

The girl smiles warmly.

GIRL
We have more time to meet up. You
are such a kind boy.

INTRUDER
Well, up to midnight. But then I
will turn into the beast.
GIRL
What do you mean?
INTRUDER
You will realize it soon.

They both stand up and put on their jackets and leave the
table.
They leave the coffee shop and move back to the dorm.

EXT. PARK NEAR CITY CENTER, LATE EVENING

The Girl, the Boy, and the Intruder are at a park near
shopping stores. There is wind and soft rain.
BOY
Here we are once again. The three
of us. (talking to the Intruder)
How is your romantic life?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 9.

INTRUDER
(chuckles)
Well, so far so good. And I’m
enjoying it.

BOY
Then let the single one smoke a
cigarette since it could be the
best girl friend.
GIRL
Do you mind if I have a cigarette
too?
BOY
With pleasure. If your boyfriend
allows you.

INTRUDER
She is a grown up girl. She can
decide herself.
BOY
Here you are, Princess. Shall I
light it for you?
GIRL
Who taught you to be so kind?

The Boy lights the cigarette for the Girl and she leans her
head in.
The Intruder looks at both of them in a very jealous way. He
takes the hand of the girl and moves himself close to her
softly and in a romantic way.
INTRUDER
Honey, do you like anything to
drink?

GIRL
Not now, maybe later the three of
us can all drink together.
BOY
How about we find a takeaway coffee
shop and grab our coffees while we
are walking? In this rainy weather,
nothing can be better than a coffee
and a cigarette for me. And a warm
hug for you two.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 10.

GIRL
That’s a good idea. Let’s go grab
some.
INTRUDER
But I need a cigarette too.
BOY
Your cigarette is on me. Here you
are.

The Boy gives the Intruder a cigarette and a lighter.

BOY
Serve yourself.
The Intruder lights his cigarette and gives the lighter back
to the Boy.
INTRUDER
Thanks.
BOY
Anytime. You are more than welcome.
GIRL
Oh, look. I found a coffee shop.
Let’s go grab our coffees.

INTRUDER
Okay, sweetie. Let us go.
The three of them move toward the coffee shop. They finish
their cigarettes and flick the butts.

The Intruder opens the door for the girl.

INTRUDER
Ladies first.

GIRL
Thank you, my piece of cake.
BOY
And am I the plate!?!

GIRL
C’mon, you are the cherry on top.
Still, the Intruder is holding the door open.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 11.

INTRUDER
Okay, okay, let’s go in. It’s cold
outside. And I am the one holding
the door.

The three of them go inside. He shuts the door behind

himself.
BOY
(to the Intruder)
I wish I would have been a girl. To
be your second girlfriend. Let’s
try your taste. Order for us and
tonight it will be on me.
INTRUDER
Okay, then. Leave it to me. (to the
cashier) Three cappuccinos, please.
CASHIER
Dine in or take away?
INTRUDER
(to the girl and the boy)
You heard, which one do you prefer
more?
GIRL
Let’s grab it out.

INTRUDER
(to the cashier)
Okay, then. Takeaway please.

CASHIER
Okay. That will be 21 yuan.
BOY
Can I pay by Wechat?

CASHIER
Oh, yes.
The Boy pays the bill through scanning the QR code.
CASHIER
They will be ready in a minute.
While the cashier is preparing them, the Intruder puts his
arm around the Girl and keeps her close to him while
smelling the perfume of the Girl and smiling to the Boy.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 12.

BOY
Okay, you can have your romantic
time until the coffee will be
ready. I will go breathe some fresh
air. (with a cold smile)
INTRUDER
Okay, take your time.

The camera is in front (a bit to the right) of the Boy as he

goes out for some fresh air and lights another cigarette.
The camera holds for a moment and blurs out of focus on the
boy and focuses on the couples inside while enjoying their
romantic cuddling with laughter and warmhearted smiles.

CASHIER
Here you are.
The Intruder takes the three cappuccinos, gives one to the
girl and comes out and gives the other one to the boy.

BOY
Ah, that’s very kind of you.
INTRUDER
Indeed, thanks for the invitation
bro.

The Boy laughs.

BOY
Okay, let’s now move our muscles
and walk around. This is Christmas
so we should enjoy every bit of it.
GIRL
Hooray, let’s move.

All three of them are walking around. The Boy is enjoying

the cigarette with a sip of cappuccino and the couple are
enjoying the romantic moment.
SCENE FADES TO BLACK.

EXT. HIKING, LATE MORNING

It is a sunny day and there is a fresh breeze. The three of
them agreed to go hiking that day.

GIRL
This is my favorite part. Going
hiking. I’ve been waiting for this
for so long.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 13.

INTRUDER
We have a long day of walking. Are
you guys ready?
GIRL
I am always good to go for this
kind of activity.
BOY
As far as we enjoy, that is what
matters to me.

INTRUDER
Any specific place to go?
GIRL
How about East Lake? There is a
good place for hiking.
BOY
Yeah, I know even how to get there
by bus.

The three of them move to the bus station to take the bus.
On the way there, all three of them laugh and make jokes.
The camera blurs of them at the bus station and transitions
to them at the gate of East Lake.

EXT. MOUNTAIN, EARLY AFTERNOON

BOY
This is the big day and we have a
lot to enjoy.

GIRL
I can only imagine how lovely it
will be today.

INTRUDER
With you, everything will be
perfect.
GIRL
Thanks, sweetie. You are the full
part of my day.
BOY
I should find a girlfriend to enjoy
more.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 14.

INTRUDER
We will find one for you if you
like.
GIRL
Just tell us your type.
BOY
That’s the problem, I don’t have a
type. Or, I am no one’s type.

GIRL
You always say so. But we see many
girls wish to have you.
BOY
Who knows? But I am not interested
in them for now.
INTRUDER
Just tell me whenever you are
ready.

BOY
Do you have an agency or what?
INTRUDER
For you, I can always find one.

GIRL
Yes, we can do that easily.
BOY
Okay, okay. Let’s enjoy today and
we will discuss that later.
The three of them move around the lake and pass under the
trees. They walk along the road to the peak of the mountain.
INTRUDER
(looking at the girl)
Do you feel tired?
The girl stares at the boy, they exchange a look.
GIRL
How can I feel tired while my red
bull is here?
BOY
I am so glad to see you in such a
deep relationship.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 15.

INTRUDER
Thanks bro.

They all laugh and enjoy. They take selfies and stroll on.
The Intruder’s jealousy fades away (to some extent) although
it is not gone altogether.
SCENE FADES TO BLACK.

INT. METRO STATION, AFTERNOON.

The Boy grabs his luggage and looks at the couple so deeply.

BOY
This is the time to say goodbye.
The Girl starts to cry.
GIRL
But you can apply for another
degree here, or you can stay here a
little bit longer.
INTRUDER
We are going to miss you a lot.

BOY
I will miss you two more. And I
have really enjoyed meeting both of
you. Just promise me you will keep
this smile on your faces all the
time.
GIRL
Do we have a chance to meet each
other again somewhere? Another
time?
BOY
Who knows what the future will
bring. We never planned to meet
each other in the first place, yet
here we are.
GIRL
So it was fate that brought us
together?

BOY
Only God knows. We will meet each
other again, but not yet. Not yet.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 16.

GIRL
(tears in her eyes)
Always inspired by Gladiator.
BOY
This is me. Free again.
The Intruder looks at both of them in a puzzled way.
BOY
I think if I stay any longer, I
will miss my flight.
The Boy hugs the Intruder and then shakes hands firmly with
the girl. She does not want to let go of his hand.
BOY
(to both of them)
Our physical bodies will be apart
now, but our memories will never
fade away.
The camera is close-up on the tears of the girl’s eyes and
the camera pans to the boy’s back as he turns to grab his
luggage.

FLASHBACK, EARLY EVENING

The girl thinks of all the memories she had with the boy in
the coffee shop, running into him on the sidewalk, at East
Lake, and in the morning outside the dorms.

BACK TO THE METRO STATION

The Boy starts to walk. The camera holds on the girl as she
watches him and waits until he turns around for the last
time.

The Boy never does.

Medium shot of the boy lowering his head. He puts in his
earphones and continues moving in a slow and weak way. The
song from the end of Gladiator begins to play.

The Girl puts her arm around the Intruder while continuing
to stare at the Boy.
INTRUDER
Can I ask you a question?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 17.

GIRL
Uh-huh.
INTRUDER
Did you have anything with him
before me?

GIRL
It’s a long story. Nothing special.
Only God knows.

INTRUDER
But now you are with me.
GIRL
Don’t be jealous. He was just a
good friend.

INTRUDER
Was?
GIRL
Well, for now. He is was.

INTRUDER
I can feel that, princess.
GIRL
Thanks, my shadow.

The Camera is set up for a long, wide shot over the shoulder
(OTS) of the back of the girl and intruder all the way to
the boy.
The lights dim and the film ends.