Chapter One: After the Flashbulbs

“Good hands.” A round-faced woman offered her a wet wipe. “Qiao Sui, Ms. Wen's makeup artist.” “Lin Jianwei.” “I know—the new girl. Thank you. Otherwise the whole team would've been beheaded by the brand.” Qiao's eyes curved when she spoke. “Don't leave right after wrap. There's cake backstage. My daughter turned seven today, and I ordered too much.” Jianwei nodded. She was poor at receiving a stranger's warmth, so she memorized it instead: Qiao Sui, smiling eyes, daughter aged seven. Media day lasted until ten. Against sixteen differently colored backdrops, Wen repeated her turn, smile, and pause, then gave interviews to forty-two outlets. The host asked for the sixth time how she remained so consistent.