"Can you imagine? Sitting here with renowned stylists and agents all around me, oh..." As Selina sighed beside the vanity, she narrowed her eyes, entranced by the thought of such a life.
"I don't need to imagine, they will be here soon."
"What?" Selina turned around, confused, only to see a crowd of people pouring in through the door of the makeup room. Some of them held racks with colorful gowns, others hauled trays full of gemstone jewels, and they flocked around Selina.
Bruce was lounging on a couch by the side of the room, squinting his eyes. He was holding a cigar, not to smoke, but just letting the smoke drift in the air.
"Hey, wait, what's going on?" Selina was still bewildered when she was lifted off the chair, but shortly, she was ushered by the stylists into the changing room.
Bruce leaned on the couch, scanning the dressing room. This place was a testament to Hollywood when it was at its peak, countless movie stars and celebrities had sat here, their radiant faces reflecting in the mirrors.
Exquisite gowns slid over the soft carpet, glittering jewels woven into a brilliant galaxy. The smell of perfume lingered in the woodwork, mixed with the smoky aroma of cigars, it was pleasantly soporific.
That era of splendor and grandeur could engross anyone, pursuing the lavish, intricate and beautiful dreams.
Bruice slowly opened his eyes, and he saw Selina stepping out of the dressing room.
This was the first time he had seen Selina in such a magnificent dress. This was a fishtail gown, studded with tiny diamonds, the overhead lights making her glow like a sparkling river of lights. The brightness caused Bruce, accustomed to the darkness, to squint. Selina played with her dangling earrings, asking Bruce, "Do I look good?"
When Bruce squinted his blue eyes, it always gave off a sense of unease. In a cat's instincts, this feeling was even more pronounced. Selina could clearly feel an aggressive vibe in Bruce's gaze. He didn't look like a playboy at all, but more like a beast.
Bruce stood up and took her hand. Selina, resting her hand on his waist, said, "...Is this a dream?"
Bruce saw a glimpse of confusion in her expressions implying a trace of innocence, just like a little girl who can't solve a simple problem.
The life in the slum had stripped away all her innocence. The struggles between life and hardships had left marks on her face. The strength and wildness that had supported her through the hard days seemed to be washed away by this innocence, revealing a sense of vulnerability that Bruce hadn't felt for many years.
When Selina looked up, her eyes were brighter than the gemstones on her. She asked, "Have you seen that movie?"
"Which one?"
"...I forgot." Selina turned her head, saying, "But there is one, I remember. Both male and female protagonists were dancing on stage. The heroine wore a dress like mine, she was beautiful…"
"So are you."
"So, will you dance with me?" Selina asked him.
Bruce wrapped his arms around her waist, asking, "That's my line, Miss Selina, may I have this dance?"
The light floated hazy shadows, like an everlasting illusion. Dust particles came alive under the light just like a symphony playing in the microscopic world. The place remained unchanged, but dawn had broken.
"Look at this! This is so cool!" Peter lifted a lasso, exclaiming, "I bet this was used in a western movie! The last time I went to the West...Oh, Gwen, come and see, what's in there? It looks like a makeup room?"
Peter pulled Gwen over, pointing at a room inside. Interested, they peeked in. The tour guide noticed their expression, came over, and explained, "Oh, this is a replica of the movie set's original dressing room. Most exhibits here were moved from there."
"Restore? What happened to that dressing room?"
The tour guide showed a regretful expression, shrugged and said, "Unfortunately, it was destroyed in a major fire at the turn of the century."
"Oh God, I think I heard my dad talk about that fire." Gwen made the sign of the cross on her chest, saying, "I think a firefighter was killed."
"That's correct. Few items were left, but this exhibit tries its best to recreate its original appearance, you are welcome to check it out."
Hand in hand, Peter and Gwen stepped into the makeup room. As they set foot in, Gwen cried out in surprise. Peter ran his hands over the wooden dressing table and commented, "This has to be authentic? The wood grain is beautiful."
"That's correct." The tour guide stood at the door, adding, "The sofa over there was also salvaged from the original site. Feel free to look around, I'll leave you be."
The guide smiled and left. Peter looked around, completely immersed in the novelty of old times.
This was a different experience than that of a tech exhibit; it was filled with the richness of the prosperous era's human touch.
Peter walked over to the sofa, examining it from side to side before taking a seat. Gwen exclaimed, "How can you just sit there? It's a relic! What if it gets damaged?"