The restaurant was to be themed around a fantasy setting to attract the younger generations and gamers. It focused on a specific game called 'Masked' - later created into a show - about masked assassins in an ancient fantasy realm; you chose your animal mask and fulfilled that assassin's destiny by completing quests. The restaurant was to be an immersion into this world, with painted walls and decorations similar to the environments in the game, as well as recognisable food. The owners were fortunate enough to find 'Mask' themed wallpaper to cover most of the area inside the building but Lu Ming's job was to create an indescribable 'must-see' photo mural for visitors. Lu Ming was so excited to try it, for she loved the game, but there was one slight problem: she always struggled keeping her 'truth' paintings under control.
Whenever Lu Ming painted a 'true face', she fell into a trance and would tirelessly paint for hours without a single thought of food or water. To manage it, she conditioned herself with music to 'trigger' and control her ability. Specific songs kept her in the present while instrumental music sent her mind far away. Yet, there were always instances where her control wavered. Once, a lady asked her to paint flowers in her granddaughter's room and instead, she painted girls with shimmery green eyes and spider-web wings. The poor lady nearly got a heart attack from the strange, dark art.
Nervously, Lu Ming knocked on the new wooden door and waited. She was greeted by a smiley woman in her late twenties, who had an optimistic and delighted twinkle in her brown eyes.
"Hello. This store isn't open yet. Please come back in a few weeks."
Just before she closed it, Lu Ming spoke. "Oh, actually I'm Lu Ming. The artist for the store's photo mural. I came earlier than expected. I hope it isn't a bother but-"
"Oh! Come in! Come in! Don't be shy! My husband said you would be coming. He is working on some repairs," the woman said and ushered Lu Ming inside. "My name is Wu Mai. I am Shu Keung's wife."
"My name is Lu Ming," Lu Ming stupidly replied, annoyed by her social awkwardness. Of course Wu Mai knew her name already. "This is for you."
The cardboard box was handed over and Wu Mai smiled in delight. "That is so kind of you! My husband loves your art but he never told me how generous you are."
Suddenly, Wu Mai stopped and put her head in the half-constructed kitchen. "Honey, Lu Ming the artist is here!"
"Ah, she is early! I like it," Shu Keung said and came out to greet Lu Ming. He was just as she remembered: friendly, chubby with constant rosy cheeks as if he was flustered. His black hair was like a thick mop on his head but today it was pushed back with a headband. It made him seem cute and younger than thirty. "The room is this way. You can start painting now. We put a base coat on the wall already."
"Thank you," Lu Ming mumbled. That meant she could truly paint today. The idea filled her with anticipation.
They walked down the hallway - made to look like an ancient cave with dark lighting and textured walls - to the back room. The area was spacious, with all the walls lined with tape and floor covered in plastic; it was ready to be painted. As Lu Ming set down her painting bag with huge, bulging eyes, Shu Keung discussed the concept again and brought out a photo of Lu Ming's sketch that won her the job.
"We are also considering adding furniture and props to the room so the photos will be more realistic and immersing. The small staircase, barrels and archway need to be painted to blend into the picture."
"Okay. How long until the store opens?"
"Three weeks. As we discussed in the meeting, you will be paid for the finished product and not hourly."
Lu Ming smiled reassuringly. She needed the money and wouldn't argue. "Of course. May I start?"
Shu Keung chuckled. "Of course! I can't wait to see it! I'll be in the kitchen banging around. We have some spare food if you get hungry. Just call for my wife."
"Thank you," Lu Ming replied, grateful to get work with such considerate employers. She thanked her past self for using her sight during the interview. Shu Keung's true nature was soft and glowing, just as he appeared to others naturally. And he was a gamer addict but that was expected. The sight reassured her that the job would be worth doing without drama.
Left alone with her paint, music and a blank, beautiful wall, Lu Ming couldn't contain a small girlish squeal of excitement. Quickly, she put her earphones in and played some upbeat songs while preparing her paint. Since the base coat of paint was done, she could do the base colours across the wall and then focus on one area at a time. The whole wall would be split into three different settings from the game to get a variety of photos from guests. The best scene to finish first was the mountains as it wasn't as detailed and the owners could truly check if they liked her painting style.
The music beats pumped Lu Ming's blood faster and with a large paint brush covered in grey, she began painting with a satisfied smile.