She stood indecisively before her two best friends, unable to differentiate her love toward them. Though she yearned for a life partner, Twinkle (Tavia Yeung) was unable to determine whom would become the most important person in her life.
Jeff (Michael Tse) broke their silence, “You have an answer already?”
Yat Bo (Steven Ma) reaffirmed, “I won’t feel regretful no matter what your choice is.” To this, Jeff agreed, “I’ll respect your decision.”
Helplessness surged through her being as Twinkle regretfully informed she does not know whom to pick. “After you picked one [decision], you’ll regret why you haven’t picked the other,” she mused. She pleaded to let Fate decide and asked for distance and time to resolve the matter. Before running off, she bid farewell with tears welling in her eyes, “Maybe when we meet again, we’ll each have our answer.”
Yat Bo and Jeff searched in vain for Twinkle, who left Hong Kong without informing anyone regarding her whereabouts. Where there once was laughter, a gloom of loneliness now present. Their last hope of meeting Twinkle at Aunt Kiu’s (Kingdom Yuen) wedding was crushed when Twinkle only wished Kiu marital bliss via a video clip. But as Yat Bo was reminded of an upcoming shuttlecock contest, he recalled Twinkle once expressed wanting to celebrate their victory at Disneyland, if they were to participate and win the contest.
With hope renewed, Yat Bo dashed to Disneyland. Though the sun has begun to set, Yat Bo never gave up his search. Once his efforts were rewarded with a glimpse of Twinkle, Yat Bo hurriedly paced toward her direction. Regretfully, he was blocked by a parade and lost sight of her. Night descended when Yat Bo once again saw Twinkle, who walked absentmindedly beneath a sparkling display of fireworks. Standing within her array of vision, Yat Bo found himself smiling in genuine happiness. He called her name in excitement and pure bliss. But the distracted Twinkle did not hear him. As he inched forward to lessen their distance, Yat Bo saw Jeff among the crowd. In that pivotal moment, he had his answer. Yat Bo called Twinkle, whose unique ringtone caught the attention of Jeff.
Jeff yelled her name. Twinkle turned around. While the stunned Twinkle stood rooted to the ground, Jeff embraced her with relief and joy engulfing his heart. Her lips cracked a slight grin as Twinkle spoke with acceptance, “Fate wants me to pick you.” Yat Bo retreated from the crowd with selfless tears threatening to fall.
Choosing serenity and solitude, Yat Bo ignored Twinkle’s call the following day. A selfless smile crept across his face as Yat Bo silently wished Jeff and Twinkle eternal happiness.
~*~
Below is an alternative ending from TkN’s figment of imagination, which continues directly from the scene above:
Twinkle stood dejectedly next to Yat Bo’s fish stand as his voicemail recording greeted her. With a sigh, she began leaving her message, “One Step Late, it’s urgent. I need to speak to you.” Then she added more as a whisper to herself, “Please pick up. Please let me know where you are.”
Aimlessly walking through the market, Twinkle recalled her sweet exchanges with Yat Bo. He was the one who stood up for her and saved her from embarrassment when she got cheated and swindled by Simon (Jack Wu). He was the one who lied about her astrological sign so she could pursue her dream of becoming a toy designer. He has always been there for her, through thick and thin, demonstrating their unchanging bond and affection.
“Yat Bo!” Twinkle turned around as she heard Mei Guen (Shermon Tang) called One Step Late’s name. On his hand, he held her favorite ice cream flavor – raspberry. Yat Bo smiled shyly as he handed the ice cream to Mei Guen, “I saw Twinkle’s favorite flavor and bought it out of habit. You don’t mind eating it for me?”
“Let me have it,” Twinkle interrupted.
Yat Bo speechlessly turned around, bewildered with her appearance and more so at Jeff’s absence.
“We need to talk,” Twinkle continued.
Yat Bo stood still while Mei Guen knowingly pushed him forward and gave Twinkle a smile before stepping away.
“I met Jeff,” Twinkle resumed.
Yat Bo half smiled, “You have your answer then.”
“Yes. When I heard my name being called, my heart was on my sleeve, anticipating. Then Jeff appeared before my view. He hugged me. And that’s when I understood that all along, I had my answer.”
“Twinkle, I’m glad you’ve found the most important person in your life.”
“I have. He’s standing before me now.”
Yat Bo furrowed his eyebrows in inquiry and Twinkle addressed his silent questions, “Fate wanted me to pick Jeff and I lived its decision momentarily. But only to realize I regret not choosing you. It was you I longed to meet at Disneyland and together experience the romantic sky of fireworks. It was you that my heart yearned to have been the one who called my name. One Step Late, you’re the most important person in my heart.”
He stood motionless for awhile more then slowly clasped her hands in his, his mind and heart finally registering her words. Yat Bo broke out in an infectious laugh as he embraced his love. With equivalent ardour, Twinkle hugged him tightly; a broad smile lit her face. The entire market applauded their long awaited union in good humor and cheers.
Greeny’s (Rams Cheung) advice echoed in Twinkle’s mind: Horoscopes just give you some options of what you can do; they do not guarantee 100% accuracy. One must handle a relationship all on one’s own.
TkN’s Thoughts Regarding the Actual Ending:
Before I forget, I’d like to find out what brand cellphone Twinkle has. It’s pretty impressive that her ringtone can be louder than the booming of fireworks. Must be another one of TVB’s ingenious inventions. :P
Twinkle is arguably among the weakest heroines in TVB history. Here’s a crash course in relationship for dearest Twinkle: do not question who cherishes you more, question who you love most. If the latter stems no answer, it simply means you’re not in love. If you’re not in love, then no choice needs be made. Dearest Twinkle, it is impossible to love two men at the same time, much less love them equally.
I enjoyed Michael Tse’s performance in La Femme Desperado immensely and found myself rather disappointed that Jeff was merely a playful and at times aloof guy. I failed to see the love and care he reserves for Twinkle. And I don’t blame the character; I blame the actor. Whenever Yat Bo and Jeff interact with Twinkle, the difference between Steven’s and Michael’s expressions is painfully clear. The former expresses deep concern and sentiments. The latter appears he actually doesn’t have a care for the world. No matter how self-centered Jeff is, he must care for the girl who he claims he’s in love with, right? I don’t see that love and there is little chemistry between Michael and Tavia. And the fact that Stevia exudes with charm makes the ending that much harder to stomach.
But, I want a Stevia ending not because of the chemistry factor. I want it because the plot requires it. Even the greatest believer of horoscopes, Greeny, believes that one must take destiny into one’s own hand and persevere. Twinkle’s ending was not granted by her destiny; it was chosen by Yat Bo. However, that choice should be hers to make, not his.
An actor always has a degree of freedom in interpreting the storyline and dialogues. I found Tavia’s final scene an intriguing interpretation. If Twinkle deeply loves Jeff, she would break into the happiest of smiles when he found her at Disneyland. Tavia only showed a hint of a smile. Her eyes did not express joy, but merely acceptance, when she declared Fate’s decision. I believe Tavia also thought the alternative ending would be more fitting. :P
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