16 September 2003 (Tuesday) In the morning, went to The Little
Sisters of the Poor to say goodbye to them. The papers reported
that they left Singapore, but the truth was that they were kicked
out. The government gave them an ultimatum: are they willing to
come under the umbrella of the Community Chest, and be subject to
the governments control? I promised them unlimited funding.
However much they want in proceeds raised from the Presidents Star
Charity, they can have it. Only condition is that the government
controls their board and their budget. The little sisters replied:
They would rather remain poor and independent, than be rich and
soulless.
At the farewell, in front of the media and those present, I made an
hour-long speech, praising the Little Sisters for their humility
and frugality. Also mentioned how citizens should count their
blessings and be content with just their daily bread in these
troubled times. At the end, they passed around a tin can for one
last round of fund raising. I very generously contributed
$10.
Afternoon. Time to get ready for fathers birthday celebration.
Have ordered the best food money can buy: sharks fin, birds nest,
abalone, caviar, champagne, whisky, truffle etc. The presents from
the guests have started piling up at the house. There was a title
deed to a landed bungalow from our tycoon friend in HK. Damn,
better hide this before the public finds out. There were a few
luxury cars, many precious gold and jewels, bouquets of flowers,
and ang pows (red packets). There was even an ang pow from The
Little Sisters of the Poor. I opened it up and inside was $100. Not
bad, thats a ten-fold return on my outlay this morning.
Called Woman-in-White (WIW) and gave her some tips on how to score
points: wear a cheongsam, just like mother. And wear red, the
auspicious colour.
Evening. It was supposed to be a grand gala dinner, but it looked
like an old folks home instead. There were so many old men and
women around. And the old women were making pathetic attempts to
look young, sexy and glamorous again. But the giveaway signs were
their sagging bosoms, heavy bottoms, protruding tummies and
elephant legs. And damn, so many of them were wearing
cheongsams.
A Woman-in-Red (WIR) appeared at the entrance. I rushed towards
her. But it was not WIW. It was dear wife. She wore a red
cheongsam. Did she eavesdropped into my conversation with WIW?
Another WIR appeared. Again I was disappointed. It was my
sister-in-law. Then another. It was Ms Amy. In all, there were two
dozen red cheongsams that evening.
Finally WIW appeared. She was stunning, and was easily the most
gorgeous woman that evening. The photographers gathered around to
take some pictures. I had to look good in the photos, so I shoved
dear wife away, and pulled WIW next to me.