The Girl, Envious of Her Own Reflection

By the time they completed the concept photoshoot, it was already way past the time for lunch.

It was tiring but Yeo Ri had fun and learnt a lot from Jang Choon Jae and Park Soo Yeon's guidance. By the end of her photoshoot, she had somewhat gotten used to posing for the camera and shed away a large portion of her earlier nervousness.

Perhaps it was because of the friendliness of the people she worked with, or the fact that there was only a few people present, Yeo Ri actually felt quite comfortable in her own skin by the end.

"How was it, Yeo Ri-ah?"

"It was fun. Thank you giving me the opportunity to do something like this, Auntie."

"Oh, it's alright. If you like it, then shall I arrange for another photoshoot after your audition? VAGUE Magazine is looking for young models so I can probably slide you in," she smilingly said. In her head, she was already dividing Yeo Ri's schedule. She wouldn't heap a lot of things on her, but give her just enough things to do so she could experience the life of a talent. Hopefully by the end of the three-month trial period, Yeo Ri would be willing to sign a long-term contract with her company.

"Auntie, you can do that?" Yeo Ri's eyes widened. VAGUE Magazine was one of the top-selling fashion magazines in the country! She had no idea why Park Soo Yeon was doing so much for her. Perhaps her luck was finally turning for the better, she thought. Though, she still took Mrs. Choi's words with a grain of salt.

"Of course! I can be considered as a famous person with connections, you know?" Mrs. Choi squared her shoulders with pride. One of her best weapons was her past connections with many big-shots due to her being a former queen of the silver screen and she would never hesitate to use them; it was one of the main reasons why her company was doing well despite its small size. Of course, her sweet words were bait to get the girl to stay for long-term, but Yeo Ri would definitely not regret signing with her company since she planned on delegating a lot of resources to raise her up.

"Then, please take care of me, Aunt—President." Yeo Ri smiled gratefully at the older woman. Suddenly, a flash of envy crossed her heart. Da Na's mother was so kind; she wished she had someone like Park Soo Yeon as her mother.

Yeo Ri wondered, if her mother was still alive, would she be like Mrs. Choi?

Park Soo Yeon smiled happily, oblivious to the girl's true thoughts behind her perfect smile. Yeo Ri would be a great new addition to her Hope Entertainment family, she thought.

After wrapping up the photoshoot, Park Soo Yeon sent Gun and Yeo Ri home after treating them to lunch.

The very next day, Park Soo Yeon called and sent over a copy of Yeo Ri's freshly-printed portfolio to the two's house. "Another copy had been sent along with the audition registration form to the recruiter. The initial screening's result should come out in a week or two," the older woman had said.

After hanging up, Yeo Ri had pulled Gun to sit next to her and open the thick envelope together. Slowly, she took out the binder that was her 'model portfolio' and nervously flipped to the first page.

"W-wow..."

Yeo Ri let out a breathless voice.

"Is this really me...?"

Every page was gorgeous, highlighting her beautiful features. Looking at the pictures, Yeo Ri was completely awestruck. It was on a completely different level.

"You look so pretty," Gun murmured, his eyes marvelling at the masterfully-taken photos. As expected of a professional; the pictures that he would usually take of Yeo Ri was child's play next to this work of art.

The Yeo Ri in the photos felt alien to her.

Wearing white, her eyes glittering like dark gems; she looked like the definition of an innocent beauty, completely unfettered and untarnished by the darkness in the world. Perhaps, this was what her schoolmates had in mind when they nicknamed her 'Lee Cheonsa'.

"...Mr. Jang is amazing," Yeo Ri said. Was this the strength of an amazing photographer? He had completely moulded her image into the narrative that he had envisioned.

Yeo Ri stared intently at the page she was looking at.

A girl dressed in white, bathed in a flutter of feathers, smiling gently.

'How hateful,' she thought. 'How enviable.'

If only that was the real her.