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 government’s control? I promised them unlimited funding. However much they want in proceeds raised from the President’s 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 fatherÂ’s birthday celebration. Have ordered the best food money can buy: sharksÂ’ fin, birdÂ’s 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, thatÂ’s 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 folksÂ’ 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.