"Reason"
This is a script I wrote on May 25, 2025, when one of my best friends approached me to discuss a promotional video for his rare disease project. However, he sent me a short video on TikTok about an influencer utilizing exaggerated facial expressions, dramatic themes, and ear-bombarding sounds to highlight the phrase "rare" rather than "disease." These ignorant videos suddenly ignited my moral conscience, and thus, I gave him a script about a rare disease without a rare disease patient.
"Reason"
Time: Present
Location: Huaqiao High School and its surroundings
Costume: Chenchen and Reson Li must wear the same outfit; everyone else must wear different outfits.
Background (included here and there from the dialogue): The two protagonists are good friends, having been together since fourth grade, attending the same junior high and high schools together—less than eight years have passed. After Chenchen's father passed away in third grade, he took a year off from school. Due to his mother's work, he transferred to a primary school in Huaqiao. Due to his academic shortcomings and his father's death, he didn't make many friends. Meanwhile, Reson Li moved here from Anting, Shanghai, at the age of one. Growing up under his father's rule, he became rebellious, always willing to take on any flaws, and no one could mess with him. Furthermore, living with his grandparents gave him a strong family spirit. Forced to study from a young age, and despite being a competent student, Reson Li was always one of the most successful students in his class. He was arguably Chenchen's perfect "guide" at school.
Storyline:
Opening scene: "Tai Chi Diagram."
Storyline:
Reson Li emerges from the hallway, glances at the mural in the IB hallway (camera pans up and down), and walks for 15 seconds (camera pans from upper left to lower right as Reson Li steps over, moving at a steady pace, then overtaking, then catching up, stopping just outside the door). He reaches the back door of the classroom, checks that no one is there, and leaves his computer. He re-sends the revised PDF from his phone to Chenchen via WeChat, opens it on Chenchen's computer, submits it to the MB calendar, closes his computer, and immediately leaves the classroom. (This needs to fit Reson Li's character; it can't be sneaky, nor too overt.)
Storyline:
Change of setting: The next morning, walking in the opposite direction, from the hallway to Reson Li's classroom, practically running. He only glances briefly inside the classroom (with extras filling in the gaps), then runs over to question him about why he revised their group project (he received an email from the teacher that morning mentioning the excellent portrayal of the "rare disease patient"). A 40-second argument ensued (lines in the appendix) (center dividing line). Afterward, Chenchen left in anger and returned to his classroom for morning self-study.
Storyline:
A few days later, one evening, the scene shifted. "Mom, you're back." There was no response. She turned and changed her shoes and went straight to the bedroom. Then, while studying (dreaming), Mom called out, "Dinner time." She walked all the way to the dining table. Chenchen stared down at his bowl during dinner, and neither of them said anything. Then Mom spoke, "Ask Reson Li to come over for dinner, the day after tomorrow, Friday. I'll make you squirrel fish." Chenchen panicked, unsure how to begin his conversation, so he lied and said he had an exam in Shanghai that day. Mom, sensing something was amiss, asked what exam it was. Then, even more nervously, she casually replied, "I don't know." Mom confirmed her suspicions: there were a lot of issues between them (the questions revealed the background between him and Reson Li). She began to soothe him, finding a variety of topics to discuss, but Chenchen's impatience grew. Each casual remark he made couldn't be taken back. The more he added, the more guilt he felt. He'd deceived the person closest to him, over and over again, he thought. "I'm done. Finally free," he thought. Without waiting for his mother's response, he walked straight to the sink, cleared the dishes from the table, and said, "I'm going to do my homework." He closed the door a second time.
Storyline:
Change of scene: Ten minutes after dinner that evening, ten minutes of silence (a shot of loneliness). In front of the desk lamp, on the glass screen of his computer, he opened a Word document and began typing. The title was: "Rare Diseases." Then:
Storyline:
I felt that filming patients with rare diseases couldn't be done with a gesture of charity or pity. I intended to start with the most common problems: discrimination, and the common views on love among teenagers I'd witnessed around me. But as I repeatedly reviewed videos of patients with rare diseases on TikTok, I felt I had no idea where to begin. I've tried writing numerous storyboards, but it's still the same. It's insincere. At this point, I feel so hypocritical. I don't understand them at all, I can't possibly understand them. As a director, I can't convey meaningless, meaningless rubbish to the audience. But perhaps, for rare diseases... for rare diseases... (fades) (begins to struggle)
This segment needs to be filmed in Chenchen's bedroom (actor on bed, propped up by pillows, casually lying, close to the floor, looking out the window, restless, then quiet, upside down), requiring ample depth. The entire segment should be kept to two and a half minutes.
Storyline:
Environmental transitions (same object scene, night to day), general environment tracking. Chenchen discusses storyboarding in the classroom; a cameo is needed. After the discussion, Chenchen stays in the classroom. The camera follows him as he dances and happily leaves the main classroom, preparing to go home. He exits through the back door, turns left, with locks on both sides. The camera pans left, pauses, pans right, pauses, and pans straight. Turn right, see the elevator, see the stairwell, go straight, then turn left again. After turning left, Reson Li's head immediately thrusts forward to the camera, his eyes determined as he sprints back into the classroom, retracing his steps. The camera slowly descends from head level to his calves and feet. Rushing into the room, the camera slowly pauses at the doorway. The shot immediately cuts to two shots: one at the front door, one at the back. After a one-second pause, Reson Li finds a seat, throws the printed script on the table, and sits down. He then addresses Chenchen, who is seated: "Why can't we add another patient?" (The two engage in a dialectical argument, using the classroom as a stage. The dialogue is symmetrical, filmed from behind, with the speaker behind the other and occupying the larger frame.) (Conflict 2, see appendix, approximately three minutes of intense conflict.) (The conflict ends with Reson Li gaining the upper hand, and he finally walks away.) (After Reson Li leaves, Chenchen ponders something in the classroom.)
Storyline:
A shift in environment, Reson Li's loneliness. Walking to the river, the camera pans to follow the final scene. Watching the setting sun slant across the horizon, time slowly slips by, and a crescent moon enters their gaze. The story of a secret love begins to unfold.
Storyline:
A change of setting (mainstream setting retained). The script now has two possible paths. The first, and most preferred, takes place by the lake. In Reson Li's "fantasy," he and Qin Luoqing walk to the riverbank, walking or stopping, chatting about life, the dividing line between the three emotions (friendship, love, and family), art and music, school trivia, morality, and countless other things he can't remember. The final scene shows Chenchen and Qin Luoqing sitting together, gazing at the shimmering water (because "rationality" no longer questions or inquires, replaced by a feeling). The second scenario shifts to the school, filming the story of him and Qin Luoqing at school—in a fantasy (separated by a white cloth, bathed in sunlight), the tension of being assigned to a study group, and then adding each other on WeChat.
Storyline:
Finally, a WeChat pop-up announces a message. Here we're intervening in conflict 3 (see appendix for details). Because of their "fight" on WeChat, they had a fight (outside the school/on the playground?) (camera position remains unchanged, transparency reduced), and then Chenchen's writing from that night resonated again:
Storyline:
Regarding rare diseases, I think everyone has experienced this to some extent. Because patients with rare diseases lack, or perhaps never receive, the attention they deserve, they lack companionship, the realization of their values, and the realization of their own self-realization. Therefore, we should focus not just on the symptoms of specific individuals, but on the common characteristics of patients with "rare diseases," which differ from the general population.
Storyline:
Easter Eggs & HighlightsQin Luoqing texts "Reson Li" on her phone (Chenchen, have you arrived yet?). Later, he arrives, and they go shopping together. (To the cinema?)
Actor lines:
Chenchen Yuan
What's wrong? Who told you to change it? Huh?!!!! (Carrying her backpack, she slams her fist on the desk as she arrives at the table, then thrusts her knee toward Reson Li. A subtly restrained collapse.)
Reson Li
Silence (embarrassed, having done something wrong, unable to speak, feeling guilty)
Chenchen Yuan
We didn't even discuss it, and you changed it today? (Questioning tone)
Huh?!!!! (Questioning tone, a bit harsher than the previous one, then pushes the table with both hands)
Reson Li
I asked Mr. Diem, and he said our version could get points.
Chenchen Yuan
Hah (sneers), get points. What a "repay a favor" situation. You can enjoy the points you earned by trading manure. (After saying this, he suddenly pauses and is stopped.)
Reson Li
No, what did you write? There are no patients? Is it that you can't act or that I can't act? We're actors, so if we're sick, we're sick.
Chenchen Yuan
I'm sick, I'm sick. Are you the one percent, or am I? Do you take medicine every day and every week, or do I? Will you watch the filmed version, or will I? (Slowly returns to the table)
Reson Li
So what did you write, huh? A Romeo and Juliet love story? Or is it you, Chenchen Yuan, and Qiu Mulin?
Chenchen Yuan
Chenchen Yuan rushes over, ready to fight Reson Li, but is stopped.
I'm sick of you! ……… (Leaves angrily)
Scene 2
Chenchen's conversation with her mother:
Mom
It's time for dinner. (Shouting at the dinner table, heard in the bedroom)
……… (A quiet dinner, the camera is on the table, a vase in the middle blocking it. Whoever turns around puts the vase in the other person's face.)
Invite Reson over for dinner, the day after tomorrow, Friday. I'll make you squirrel fish. (Calm tone, not looking away)
Chenchen Yuan
He's got something to do. He's going to Shanghai.
Mom
For what? (Followed by)
Chenchen Yuan
Exam.
Mom
What exam? (Same as above)
Chenchen Yuan
I don't know. (Slightly impatient)
……… (Silence returns, the camera turns back to the table. The plates on the table are now a little lighter.)
Mom
Um, has Reson get a bit smart recently? (Gossip)
Chenchen Yuan
What do you mean? (calm tone)
Mom
They're all saying it. They say Reson has had a crush on that girl for a year.
Chenchen Yuan
And then?
Mom
They said that girl was a great dancer.
Chenchen Yuan
No, they always came up with these rumors. (Slightly irritated).
Mom
So when did you finally catch on? (Quickly follows up)
Chenchen Yuan
I don't know.
Mom
Does he still like playing games?
Chenchen Yuan
Less, lately.
Mom
He's amazing too. He plays games every day, and he's still such a good student.
Chenchen YUan
So what.
Mom
Why don't you play anymore? Is it boring?
Chenchen Yuan
So what?
Mom
Didn't you say you were going to make a short film about that rare disease? How's it going?
Chenchen Yuan
Not bad.
I'm done. (Collecting plates)
I'm going to practice the piano.
Mom
Oh.（sorrowful face）
Scene 3
Conflict 2 (Main content about rare diseases) (The biggest conflict, a dialectical dialogue with "rationality"):
Chenchen Yuan
Reson? What are you doing?
Reson Li
Why can't you add some patients?
Chenchen Yuan
You can.
Reson Li
Why can't I (emphasis) add patients?
Chenchen Yuan
Because you're not the patients.
Reson Li
Hah (sneer) Only patients can write about patients?
Chenchen Yuan
No, only recovered patients can write about patients.
Reson Li
Why?
Chenchen Yuan
I don't know.
Reson Li
So what do you know?
Chenchen Yuan
Neither you nor I can write about patients right now. (Pause) Because we can't.
Reson Li
Do you think you're the only one who understands them?
Chenchen Yuan
No. But you don't.
Reson Li
Hum (sound of blowing nose) I don't (emphasis) understand them, or rare diseases, but I want to make rare diseases less rare. At least I can do something to make that happen.
Chenchen Yuan
Absolutely not in this way.
Reson Li
In this way? What way? Have you read what I wrote? You write well, you have brilliant ideas, you're wildly imaginative, you understand morality and immorality, but have you ever considered what they want to see? What will the audience think of a film about a rare disease with no patients? The director has ignored them once again. Even if you don't understand, why rush to reject it? Why not try to understand them, even temporarily become them? I don't know if what I did was right, and I don't know what I'll think of this in the future. But I know that right now, they need to be seen, they need attention, and they need to be on screen.
Chenchen Yuan
Superficial, you simply strip away the label of "patient," presenting them as a puppet, asking them to vainly objectify their "patient" identity? Deep-rooted thorns will only dig deeper. Asking them to escape means they'll always be "patients." Only by asking them to admit they're "patients" (emphasis added) can they truly be cured.
Reson Li
(Pause) No, they need to escape; they absolutely need to. When I was a child, I longed to escape, even for a second. Locked in a room, I fall asleep. Kicked to the ground, I roll around. Blamed until my skin is torn, I hold it in. Disliked by everyone, I became cynical. Which of these things about a life like this can you ask me to accept?
Chenchen Yuan
This is your life. Everyone needs and should experience these hardships. And in suffering lies the essence of life.
Reson Li
No, life shouldn't be like this. No one has the right to ask anyone else to pursue suffering; no one deserves it. The essence of life is never just a tragic history of suffering. Therefore, they must transcend their symptoms, have the courage to step out, and realize that their lives are more than just a hopeless existence.
Chenchen Yuan
The hope you bring them will always lead to greater despair for the majority.
Reson Li
Of course, partially. I never thought about benefiting all of humanity. Likewise, I hope this is an encouragement to me and to them. At least for a moment. Even if it's only for a moment. Even if it ultimately ends in despair, it's the same as hope.
Chenchen Yuan
But everything you do is an escape from their identities. We shamelessly strip away a part of their "patient" persona, cloaking ourselves in this pitiable facade as if nothing had happened to us. We flaunt this vulnerable facade, seemingly mocking the emptiness beneath. It's simply disgusting.
Reson Li
Arrogant!
Chenchen Yuan
This isn't arrogance. This is the truth. Directors need to awaken the "patients" in their films, not just drape them with a veil. They need a facade to envelop their flesh and blood, an identity to envelop themselves, and so they need the image of a "patient," not something they stray from.
Reson Li
Embrace the "patients"? That's easy to say. Make them "awaken"? Do you even know how to do that?
Chenchen Yuan
I... (hesitant to speak)
Reson Li
It's okay. If you can't write it, forget it. (Bland, sad) (Leaves)
Scene 4
Conversation between Reson Li and Qin Luoqing: (Reson Li here requires extensive questioning and interrogation, regarding topics like whether or not he loves, how to love, etc., because "rationality" is seen here as trapped in a vortex of self-doubt, requiring communication and connections with others to find its identity.) (Wearing white clothes and a bracelet—symbolizing the patient's identity)
Luoqing Qin
Let's go.
Reson Li
You...what? (Weak tone, speechless)
A long moment (about 10 seconds)
Actually... (Speechless)
Luoqing Qin
Actually, I like you. (Bland. Help answering. Note! This is a dream, and because of Reson Li's "cowardice" (not really that negative, just shyness), "he" longs for Qin Luoqing to understand him.)
Reson Li
...... (The camera focuses on his face, speechless, with a slightly shocked yet relieved expression).
Luoqing Qin
Qin Luoqing: Don't you think love these days is too cheap? (Each question begins with "you," emphasizing Reson Li's deep desire to create a genuine "conversation" within the illusion.)
Reson Li
It's always been like this. It's just that we're a minority. (Here, Reson Li equates Qin Luoqing with himself.)
Luoqing Qin
Right. Truths lacking life experience always float on the surface. Only those truly intimate with the wind and thunder can sink with weight.
Reson Li
How many people can truly achieve this? We should be grateful that we are among that minority.
Luoqing Qin
What do you think of those who like someone but can't express it? (Asking without looking at each other)
Reson Li
They must be harboring deeper conspiracies. Society needs people like them, doesn't it? Amidst countless conspiracies, there are always a few who are intoxicated by the delicate romance of romance.
Luoqing Qin
Yes, I feel this more and more. Thinking of each other in our hearts, there's no transmission through space. Longing is something that can't be measured in time, whether it's from the first heartbeat or the first time I saw him look back.
Reson Li
Romanticism is as good as it gets.
Luoqing Qin
Have you ever liked someone?
Reson Li
Yes. When I was in love, I became unrecognizable. In the classroom, I'd get as low as possible to the tiles, and in the building, I'd try to find dirt, just to scare her even further away from the distance she was already in.
Luoqing Qin
Is your love always like this?
Reson Li
No, it's different now. I no longer try to smooth out my imperfections and smooth out my edges. I like my imperfections, I like who I am now, and I like how I like myself.
Luoqing Qin
... (Silently, walking quietly for a while)
Reson Li
I like you. (Looking seriously at Qin Luoqing)
Luoqing Qin
(Shocked) (Pupils slightly dilated, staring at him, silent)
Really? (Read in a low, calm voice) (In the dream, ask yourself on behalf of "Reson Li" if you're sure of his feelings)
Reson Li
Yes (calm, affirmative) (Symbolizing the transition from patient to self-healing)
Luoqing Qin
...(Doesn't answer, watching the actor's expression)
Social media on phone
Conflict 3 (Online WeChat) (Short-Essay-Length):
(Long Essay to express his regret toward Chenchen)
(Long Essay to express his regret toward Chenchen)
Chenchen Yuan
You're crazy! Look at how cowardly you are! How come you become mute when you meet a girl? Isn't that awesome? What about Huang Tianba? A free-range chicken goes into the pot and gets stewed? With you, Luoqing Qin fell for a piece of shit like you! You deserve to be a solo artist forever.
Reson Li
Damn, you're the one with the crazy thing. I'm telling you today. When I was little, I was called—black egg idiot—every day. Got it? A few senior girls, a head taller than me, gathered around me, pointing and laughing. Why are they laughing at me? Did I offend them? Was I wrong? Everyone's like this (as mentioned earlier, Reson Li's father beat him). Everyone's like this... And if anyone dares to confront you, I'm going to do it today.
Chenchen Yuan
Little feather duster, calling me "I" with your bare ass. (Chinese Idiom, means: I'm the boss of you, get off, little brat. )
Reson Li
Damn, look at me, what the hell is a chicken feather? How can it be considered a humiliation? (Chinese Idiom, means: B**lsh*t, I'm your boss, little brat.)
Chenchen Yuan
Still calling me a humiliation? I don't even understand humiliation. (Chinese Idiom, means: you don't even know what means brat......)
Reson Li
......
Chenchen Yuan
......