I took the beautiful red gown from the assistant's hands and stepped into the changing room. The fabric felt smooth and cool against my skin as I slipped into it carefully, trying not to mess up the delicate folds.
But as I adjusted the neckline, my stupid brain decided to betray me.
Su Ye's ridiculously handsome face popped right into my head. That infuriating grin of his. Those shameless eyes. And then—ugh—the kiss.
Just thinking about it made my cheeks burn.
Why on earth was I thinking about that rogue now? Was I out of my mind? I shook my head hard, as if that could knock him out of my thoughts.
"Focus, Tang Xiyu," I muttered to myself. "You're here to work, not daydream about a pervert."
Taking a deep breath, I pushed all thoughts of him aside and stepped out of the changing room. The moment I did, a few people in the room turned to look, and then the compliments started coming.
"Wow, that color looks amazing on you!"
"So elegant!"
"You are so pretty!"
"You really suit this character!"
Their words made me blush a little. But I was used to getting compliments. After all, I had a face which would make people look at me over and over again.
Li Yufei, who was already done with her hair and makeup, turned from her seat and smiled at me. "Red really suits you, Xiyu," she said warmly.
"Thank you," I said with a smile.
She gathered her skirt and headed out for her photoshoot, leaving me to take her place in front of the mirror. Almost immediately, a makeup artist came over with her brushes and tools, smiling brightly.
"You have such lovely skin," she said as she started working on my face. "It's going to be easy to bring out your character's charm."
"Thank you," I said again, trying not to move too much while she dabbed and brushed.
Another stylist appeared behind me and began working on my hair, curling it lightly before pinning it into a soft updo. They worked efficiently, chatting with each other while I sat quietly, watching my reflection change.
An hour later, when they were finally done, I barely recognized myself. In the mirror, I saw Lin Ruo, the second female lead of the drama—elegant, graceful, with just a hint of playful charm and mystery in her eyes.
The red gown hugged my figure perfectly, making me look like someone entirely different. For a long moment, I just stared at my reflection in a daze.
It had been so long since I'd worn red. So, so long.....
Slut!
Vixen!
Gold-digger!
I froze, staring at my reflection in the mirror as the voices from my past echoed in my head—sharp, cruel, unforgettable. My fingers curled into fists, nails digging into my palm.
Back then, I used to love this color. Red was my color. It made me feel alive—bold, confident, and beautiful. But after I married Mo Yuzhen, even that simple joy was taken away from me.
"Why are you wearing red?" his mother had sneered one morning, her voice dripping with disgust. "Are you not satisfied with being Azhen's wife? Do you want to go seduce another, more wealthy man?"
"Stop trying to act like a vixen all day long and learn how to act like a wife of an honorable, respectful man!"
I could still hear her voice, her words, like she was right infront of me. For her, I stopped wearing anything that made me stand out. I tried to become the kind of woman she would approve of—gentle, demure, quiet, obedient, colorless.
I threw away my favorite dresses, my hobbies, my laugh… everything.
And what did that get me?
Nothing.
No matter how hard I tried, she never accepted me. To her, I was always that lowly woman who didn't deserve her son.
I was such a fool back then—so desperate for a scrap of affection that I lost myself completely. I thought if I became the woman she wanted, she'd see my sincerity.
But people who hate you… will always find a reason to hate you more.
I took a slow, deep breath and unclenched my fists. The reflection staring back at me wasn't that weak, naïve woman anymore.
This was the new me, the one who wasn't going to change herself for anyone. If they couldn't handle who I was, that was their problem—not mine.
I straightened my shoulders, forcing myself back into the present. The makeup lights glowed warm against the mirror, highlighting the red of my gown, the determination in my eyes.
I was Tang Xiyu—and this time, I would live as myself.
Twenty minutes later, an assistant came up to me. "Miss Tang, it's your turn."
I nodded and stood up. My heart was beating faster than I'd like to admit. Taking one last glance at my reflection in the mirror, I gave myself a small smile.
You've got this.
The hallway outside was buzzing with activity—people adjusting lights, checking the arrangements, carrying props. As I walked toward the setup, I could feel eyes turning in my direction. Some were surprised, some curious, and a few even admiring.
The red gown seemed to glow under the bright studio lights. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the flutter in my chest, and approached Director Ye.
He looked up from his monitor the moment he saw me, his gaze scanning from head to toe before a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
"Not bad. Very good presence," he said approvingly.
"Thank you, Director Ye," I replied politely, keeping my voice steady.
Beside him stood a tall young man holding a camera, his dark hair slightly messy, and his expression focused yet relaxed. The moment I saw him, recognition flashed through me.
Gu Yan...
Even in my past life, his photos had made headlines. He was known for his artistic shots, the kind that could turn even an ordinary face into a masterpiece.
A few years from now, he'd be working with international brands, but right now, he was still rising—young, confident, and already incredibly talented.
Director Ye gestured between us. "Xiyu, this is Gu Yan, our photographer for today's shoot. Yichen, this is Tang Xiyu, my second female lead."
Gu Yichen smiled warmly and extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, Miss Tang. I've seen plenty of actresses in red, but I have to say—this color looks like it was made for you."
I felt my cheeks warm slightly at his compliment, but I managed to smile back. "Thank you, Mr. Gu. That's very kind of you."
He chuckled softly. "You don't have to be so formal. Just relax. The camera loves confidence."
"I'll try my best," I said with a small laugh.
Director Ye clapped his hands once, drawing our attention. "Alright, enough introductions. Tang Xiyu, are you ready?"
I straightened my shoulders and nodded. "Yes, Director. I'm ready."