CHAPTER 1
Ling hun:
The glare of the studio lights were deluging into my eye. Photographers from every angle were waiting to capture the right image.
An ambitious girl unwillingly showcasing her body for the sake of making money. I have always been proud of my appearance, I would admit I am a narcissist.
Could you blame me? I am surrounded by an environment that enforces beauty standards. I am the model, I have to abide by those otherwise I am immediately fired.
Looking at the mirror it ensures that my face is as flawless as a porcelain doll, my stomach has to be the shape of an hourglass, I am expected to be tall enough however not taller than a man, my shoulders must be slender and my thighs and feet must be elongated and petite.
"Ms. Hong, Can I speak with you for a moment?"- Manager of Marketing
"Sure, go ahead."- Ling hun
"Today's photoshoot was excellent, people would go crazy for our newest products just because your image is in it! I just want to say keep up the good work, remember our motto, you look a certain way, you make money a certain way. Also the staff members and I wish you a Happy 18th Birthday!"- Manager of Marketing
"Thank You, I will continue to do my best!"-Ling hun.
On camera I am expected to smile, but sometimes hidden behind those smiles are only dark secrets. Starving myself and even bulimia are part of my day to day life as a model.
I work for White Pearl Ltd, one of the largest cosmetic industries in Beijing, China. They supply the country with skin-care products, beauty tools, and make up.
I was told that both of my parents passed away when I was at an early age, my Aunt Qu takes care of me. I love her immensely, she is like my mother.
Xiao Xu:
"Mr. Sai, I am truly sorry. You have received an eviction notice 3 weeks ago stating if you do not pay your bill by this week you would have to be evicted."- Mr. San
" Sir, I have been saving up the money to pay my rent, but things have been so hard recently. I promise by the end of this week you will receive your money (Xiao Xu bowing)."- Xiao Xu
"Today is my daughter's birthday and she probably thinks I am a terrible father for not being able to buy her the vehicle she always wanted." - Mr. San
I have maybe switched two apartments for the month and each room is ten times smaller than the other. My parents passed away when I was young. I have no one in my life except my childhood best friend Shang. Everyone sees me as a needy person who exploits the government for grants and food cards. I joggle between part time jobs and the aspiration to pursue art as a career. Abstract art calms the mind. Every color and each stroke represents a message that is to be decoded.
People have been ambivalent in hiring me lately, I need to find another job soon or else I would be evicted by the end of the week.
Whenever I am in a calamity, I go to the Buddhist temple nearby. Paying tribute to him removes all darkness from the soul and blessings of sagacity flow through your veins.
Ling hun:
Massaging the jade gua sha along my face helps to mitigate a headache, and sculpt your face. I was getting ready to go to the buddhist temple nearby in the hope of attracting positivity for my 18th Birthday. (Ling hun phone rings).
"Sunshine, your moonlight is at your doorstep! Come open it."- Jin Hai
I opened the door to reveal my ex boyfriend Jin Hai. He wore a black button-down shirt advertising his muscular physique, his hair was jet black that framed his appearance, his jawline was the alpha of his face and the way he spoke was as charming as the strings of a violin.
I am Ling hun Hong, I am too vain to let my fantasy take over my reality.
"Jin Hai! Why am I seeing your face standing in front of me? I told you we are done. You cheated on me with that psychotic, pretty little princess Lang shi and you have the audacity to show up at my house?"- Ling hun.
"First of all I must say, I missed that ravishing body of yours and secondly, my sweet sunshine, it is your 18th birthday and besides I have a little something for you as a truce."- Jin Hai
"Close your eyes and open them in 5,4,3,2,1. OPEN!!"- Jin Hai
I opened my eyes to a gilded chrysanthemum flower, centered around a pearl that was a pendant to a pulchritudinous golden necklace piece. I was yearning to have it, but I did not need a man, especially Jin Hai, to buy it for me.
"Is this all you got," (Ling hun walking from side to side)
"Come on Sunshine, you love chrysanthemums, I was hoping you would forgive me."- Jin Hai
"Jin Hai, I do not want your stupid necklace nor do I want you! And I do not know what you think in that materialistic and perverted mind of yours but I might have accepted your "truce" if the chrysanthemums were real and natural.-Ling hun
"Jin Hai, I am not sure what you think you are but if you do not exit my compound in 5 seconds, I am putting a restraining order on you!"
"Okay okay, I see my baby girl is playing hard to get. I can play harder. In the meanwhile keep that necklace as a memory of your true love (Jin Hai winks and leaves the balcony)"