"Miss Wu, that was amazing. This is surely the beginning of your stardom" said one of the assistants, a shy young girl with wide eyes. She blushed, as she helped Miss Wu to clean her makeup, and arrange her dressing room.
19 year old Rachel Wu smiled, as she considered the struggle she had with her mom daily.
Mrs Wu, once referred to as a "diamond of the first water" during her come out ball in England, was born and bred among the English Aristocracy.
Her father, Rachel's grandfather, was an English Earl and her mother, Rachel's grandmother was of the Tsengs of Singapore. Diane Wu strongly believed that no girl of good standing should be found in the entertainment industry.
Rachel shook her head fondly.
Her family's corporation was the largest producer of essential oils in Asia, and supplied to pharmaceutical companies, perfumeries, and beauty companies all around the world. Rachel was born gifted, with a peculiar "nose". Her nose had been lauded as the one who would finally put the country on the map in the world of perfumers.
Her family conceded to her acting career only because she promised to undergo intense training courses from the best chemical scientists and perfumers.
When she was a child, she spent two years in the New Hebrides, now called Vanuatu, a tropical paradise where she found the perfect playground to educate her sense of smell. She still had a very clear memory of the smell of the islands - earthy, woody and green.
Rachel thought of the reason why she got into the entertainment industry, in the first place. She had loved Richard Chen all her life. Ever since she was 5 and she summer with the Chens.
You can only imagine her heartbreak, when she overheard Richard talking with his friends, 3 years ago.
*Richard by the pool with his friends*
"I don't want a simpering socialite as wife. She just won't get my needs. I love a curvy hearty woman, who has had some experience you know?
Preferably from the entertainment industry, they have a lot of experience when it comes to making a man feel good..."
He waggled his brows, as he and his friends laughed, like there was an inside joke.
Mother and Father Chen had been so accommodating with her practically treating Rachel like the daughter they never had. Then, she had followed Richard everywhere, with stars in her eyes.
He never saw her though, and was always having the latest model on his arm. Richard Chen, son of tech industrialist, her father's best friend's Son and her senior by 4 years.
If only he would just notice me Rachel thought bitterly. Just then, her phone rang - speak of the devil - she thought.
"Hello Richard" she grimaced at her breathy, childish voice before quickly clearing her throat, to give her voice a depth.
"Hey tails, listen, I have a date tonight at the opera and she needs help with her dress. Can you introduce her to your tailor... Take her shopping. All on me"
Rachel felt like a newly deflated balloon. Her voice going flat but still not wanting to offend Richard
"Sure...., what time?"
"3pm this evening. My driver would come and pick you up. Thanks tails, I knew I could depend on you"
"he.... Its no big deal....I can drive myself. Just send the deets.... Urm Richard.... "
"Oh that's great then.... Just send your account information. Gotta go tails, bye"
He cut off the call, leaving a stunned Rachel fuming. He doesn't even notice me, she thought despondently. At least, now I'm an actress, he would notice me, and like me. All these girls are just playthings. My love will conquer them all; she thought earnestly. After cheering herself up, she picks up her bag ready to go home.
Her phone rings a second time
"Hey Rachel, its Ricky, we met at the canton fair remember? "
"Oh yes, I remember with your abominably rude friend"
"Ha ha....Shan is actually a fun person when you get to know him" he laughed awkwardly.
"So I'm calling about lunch....errr....you promised remember "
"Oh yes! But I have to help a dear friend, can you accompany me for the task then I will reward you with dinner "
Ricky perks up on hearing this. He had a feeling that today was gonna be good, "I guess I'm now a guru too" he muttered jokingly.
"Excuse me? "
"Oh no I was thinking out loud... time? "
"3.30pm, outside CHANEL store at Tianhe road"
"Ok then, see you soon"
As she is about to enter her car, the director runs up to her, "Miss Wu, you were impressive, consider me at your service if you need my help"
Touched by the offering of the director, Rachel nods her head, extending her hand for a shake. They shake hands, understanding that they were now allies in the industry.
Rachel Wu waves at the director and drives off.
Rachel drives through the gates of the Wu Mansion. The attendants wait at the end of the drive to attend to her "Good afternoon Young mistress"
She greets the butler Wan Li with a smile. "Good afternoon Uncle Li, can you please get my Maserati ready?"
"You won't be dining at the mansion?"
"No, I have an appointment"
Two companies need to consult with you. Tomorrow morning. Madam Wu called to inform you"
"Ok...."
After changing into a Roberto Cavalli white crazy jean, with a Taylor Mi sweater crop top she dabbed her perfected ylang ylang and lemon oil essence on pulse points, ready to go out for lunch. Tastefully showing off her curvy body, while being elegant and demure.
Her Maserati GranTurismo convertible and custom made GT shades adds a perfect finish to her get up. She only went all out when she wanted to oppress a little; she thought to herself cheekily.