PRICE OF DISSENT | Script

58

[FADE IN]

INT. AIYUE'S RESIDENCE - EVENING

Inside, AIYUE is seated at a low table, working on a new poem. The sound of the knock startles her, and she looks up, her expression curious. She rises gracefully, smoothing out her robe before moving towards the door.

CLOSE-UP: AIYUE'S HAND ON THE DOOR

Aiyue opens the door, her eyes widening slightly in surprise as she sees Shixiang standing there. For a moment, they simply stare at each other, the surprise of the encounter rendering them both speechless.

WIDE SHOT: AIYUE AND SHIXIANG AT THE DOORWAY

The soft evening light spills into the doorway, casting a warm glow over AIYUE and SHIXIANG as they stand there, taking in the sight of each other. There is a moment of silence, filled with unspoken emotions.

SHIXIANG

(Gently, with a hint of relief) "Aiyue... I wasn't sure if I would find you here."

AIYUE smiles softly, her initial surprise giving way to warmth.

AIYUE

(Quietly) "And yet, here you are. Please, come inside."

She steps aside, allowing Shixiang to enter her home. He does so with a grateful nod, stepping into the small but elegantly decorated room. The space is simple, yet it carries an air of refinement—scrolls of poetry hang on the walls, and the scent of fresh flowers fills the air.

ANGLE ON: SHIXIANG AND AIYUE INSIDE

As Shixiang takes in his surroundings, Aiyue closes the door behind them, creating a sense of intimacy and privacy. She moves towards the low table where she had been working, motioning for Shixiang to sit with her.

AIYUE

(Kindly) "Please, sit. It's not often that I receive visitors, especially at this hour."

Shixiang sits across from her, his posture relaxed yet attentive. He studies her for a moment, as if trying to memorize every detail of this unexpected reunion.

SHIXIANG

(Sincerely) "I didn't mean to intrude, Miss Aiyue. But after everything that's been happening, I-"

Shixiang pauses for a moment, their gazes shift from the surroundings to each others.

SHIXIANG

(Serious) "I needed to see you. To talk to you."

AIYUE nods, her expression turning serious as she senses the weight behind his words.

AIYUE

(Gently) "I understand. These are difficult times for us all. What is it that you wish to discuss?"

Shixiang hesitates for a moment, choosing his words carefully.

SHIXIANG

(Thoughtfully) "I've been hearing the whispers—among the people, among my peers. There's a growing unrest, a dissatisfaction with the government that's becoming impossible to ignore."

AIYUE listens intently, her gaze steady on his lips as he speaks.

SHIXIANG

(Continuing) "And I've seen how my words, my actions, are beginning to isolate me from those I once considered friends. They see my ideas as a threat, something to be avoided rather than embraced."

AIYUE's eyes soften with understanding. She stares gently at his eyes while she reaches out, placing a comforting hand on his.

AIYUE

(Reassuringly) "Change is never easy, Mister Wang. Those who fear it will always resist. But that doesn't mean your path is the wrong one."

Shixiang looks down at her hand on his, the simple gesture offering him a sense of reassurance.

SHIXIANG

(With quiet determination) "I know. And that's why I'm here, Miss Aiyue. I need to know that I'm not alone in this. That there are still people who believe in a better future, despite the risks."

AIYUE's expression turns resolute as she meets his gaze.

AIYUE

(Firmly) "I may not hold the power that other people do, but I will stand by your side. I align with your vision and, in whatever way I can, I'll be there."

A sense of relief washes over Shixiang, and for the first time in days, he allows himself to feel hopeful.

SHIXIANG

(Softly) "Thank you, Aiyue.. Your support means more to me than you know."

They sit in silence for a moment, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing second. The room, filled with the warm glow of the evening light, seems to hold them in a protective embrace, shielding them from the outside world.

AIYUE

(After a pause, gently) "How can I be of help?"

Shixiang takes a deep breath, considering her question carefully.

SHIXIANG

(Resolutely) "I plan to continue what I've started. To speak out, to challenge those who misuse their power. But I cannot do it alone. I need to gather those who share our vision, those who are willing to take the risks necessary to bring about change."

AIYUE nods, her eyes reflecting the same determination.

AIYUE

(Encouragingly) "Let's find them together, there are others out there who feel as we do. We need to bring them into the light."

Shixiang smiles, remembering their shared conversation in the pavilion's garden.

SHIXIANG

(Gently, grateful) "And we will. But we must be careful, Aiyue. The walls have ears, and there are those who would do anything to keep us silent."

AIYUE's expression turns serious, understanding the gravity of the situation.

AIYUE

(Softly) "Yes, I know. We must tread carefully, but we must not let fear keep us from our purpose."

Shixiang nods, his resolve only strengthening with her words. He stands, and Aiyue follows suit, both of them understanding that this moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in their shared journey.

SHIXIANG

(Gently) "There is a place we can meet, away from prying eyes. A garden, not far from here, where we can speak freely."

AIYUE's eyes light up with recognition.

AIYUE

(Nods) "I may not know the thoughts in your mind, but I know a place of peace. A place where our voices can be heard without fear."

Shixiang smiles, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.

SHIXIANG

(With quiet determination) "Tomorrow at dusk, let's meet there. We will discuss our next steps, and how we can bring others into our cause."

AIYUE returns his smile, her heart filled with a mixture of hope and determination.

AIYUE

(Softly) "Tomorrow, then. At dusk."

They stand together in the warm glow of the evening light, the weight of the world outside momentarily forgotten as they share a moment of mutual understanding and resolve. The future is uncertain, but they know they will face it together, with courage and conviction.

[FADE OUT]