The Clash of Oldies (Lucien)

Today, we're recording a show about classical poetry. It needs to be refined and sophisticated. I invited Lucien to be a guest. I thought since his specialty is neuroscience that he wouldn't participate in a poetry show, but he said yes.

Renad: Actually, he shouldn't just be labeled a neuroscientist. He is more like an all-around genius type.

As I'm thinking this, Lucien waved at me from afar.

Renad: Lucien, thank you for coming, even though the topic is classical poetry.

Lucien: You look worried. Why? You don't have confidence in me?

Renad (Waving hands): I didn't mean that.

Lucien: If you don't think I can do it, you can replace me.

He looked at me gently, which made me feel a little uneasy.

Renad: No. It's not like that. I think there's no one better than you. (Turning around) Attention guys! We are about to start!

Lucien smiled upon hearing my words.

Lucien (smiling and waving): Thank you. See you in a bit.

*** The Clash of Oldies 1 ***

I am making one last round before the taping for a game show centering on ancient poetry starts.

I notice a page is missing from the script, Karyu scours the whole studio find it under a desk.

Someone needs to fix the sound system as it plays the same song over and over, Fanks jumps on it and gets the system working again.

Equipment are fine, script is fine, everything's fine. It should be a good taping.

*** The Clash of Oldies 2 ***

I visit the contestants and offer them a final word of encouragement.

I need someone to recoordinate the outfits of a competing team. Fanks recoordinates quickly to make the members look good.

I want to buy Lunch for Lucien as a thank-you. He nods and I can tell he's happy.

A lot of them seem very antsy, hope they don't freeze up during the show.

*** The Clash of Oldies 3 ***

The show's about to tape. Lucien must've sensed my anxiety, because he comes over to make sure I'm all right.

I need someone to talk to a spectator who keeps shouting out the answers. Fanks reaches an understanding with the spectator to restores order.

I slip during taping and reflexively reach out for Lucien. He lunges forward and catches me in his warm, steady arms.

We're halfway done, and so far Lucien's literary savvy amazes me to no end!

*** The Clash of Oldies 4 ***

It's only halfway, but the audience is already in awe of how knowledgeable Lucien is.

I want someone to console a nervous young participant who cries on stage. Sersi picks up and comforts the kid, who quickly calms down.

Lucien informs me off-stage spotted mistakes with a few questions. Fanks corrects the problem to ensure the show's integrity.

I'm celebrating the taping's completion with a pirouette!

*** The Clash of Oldies 5 ***

I was getting ready to leave after the taping was over but run into someone unexpected...

I need to find someone to organize the files after the taping. Sersi agrees and organizes them neatly.

I ask Lucien if he really could see into the heart of anyone. He pauses and says, "perhaps."

As I watched the monitor, I couldn't but think the Lucien I Know is just the side he chose to show.

***

After work, Lucien and I took along walk. The dim light stretched our shadows long and thin.

Renad: Lucien.

Lucien (Smiling): Yes?

Renad: Thank you...

Lucien (Laughing)

Renad: What are you laughing at?

Lucien: Every time you ask me to help you out, you say thank you in a reserved manner. (Raising his eyebrows) Why you scared of me?

Renad (Quickly waving my hand): No. I just want to thank you sincerely. I was trying to.... umm.... uh....

Why am I stuttering? I'm not usually like that.

Lucien: You are welcome.

Renad: Huh?

Lucien: Take it easy. I didn't help you to make you feel indebted to me.

Renad: Okay...

Lucien: And I'm just helping out when I can...

Renad: It's good to know you.

Lucien glanced at me and smiled gently.

Renad: This is me... Thank you for walking me home.

Lucien and I stood under the streetlight, the warm yellow light shining on us.

Renad: Umm...

Lucien: Can you do something for me? Don't be so afraid of me. You don't have to be so reserved when you're with me.

Renad: Okay...

Lucien: I'm looking forward to it. Good night.

Lucien waved at me then left. I watched him walking away. He is really hard to understand.