A few minutes later, Duyen walked out of the dressing room in a trendy black-and-red striped long-sleeve shirt, paired with stylish jeans cinched by eye-catching belts. The style wasn't much different from how she usually dressed—after all, no men's clothes ever fit her even she is unusually tall frame. Instead, they made do with oversized pieces. But rather than looking sloppy, they somehow made her unique tomboy charm stand out even more.
The moment she stepped out, the entire set froze. She looked like she had walked straight out of a magazine shoot. A touch of makeup elevated her even further. Dao's jaw dropped, while Shana grin with proud.
Duyen, flustered, had no idea why everyone was staring at her. She glanced at the mirror, tugging at her hem, thinking she looked a little flashy. But hey, they handed her the outfit—what else could she do? The director, despite the look not being exactly what he had planned, seemed more than satisfied.
"You look good, huh?… Honestly, how have I never heard of you before?" he said.
Duyen blushed "What am I supposed to do now? I've never been on a shoot like this before."
"Oh, that? Dao—come here," the director beckoned.
The platinum-haired beauty was still stunned by Duyen's dazzling appearance. Being called over by the annoying director irked her, but she still walked up. It was only at this distance that she realized just how tall—and striking—Duyen was. Dao suddenly felt her cheeks heat up.
She'd stood next to plenty of handsome, famous men before, but standing beside a girl this handsome was… unsettling. Especially after that fire incident.
"H-hi…"
Dao stammered.
"Uh, hi…"
Duyen replied just as awkwardly.
The director raised an eyebrow, sensing something unusual.
"Wait—you two know each other?"
Both Dao and Duyen jumped.
Dao waved her hands. "N-no, not like that!"
Duyen muttered, "Well, kind of…"
Dao immediately panicked. "I mean—we do know each other, but not in that way!"
She slapped her hand over her mouth. What, why did I say that out loud!? Just standing next to her makes me nervous. Huh? Why am I nervous?
Get it together, Dao! She's just a girl. A Girl! I'm straight! Besides, she's the one Mina likes. I better not cross the line.
The director eyed her suspiciously. Dao wasn't usually this flustered. Sure, she was arrogant, but she was stupid. Judging from her dating history, it wasn't like she cared about anything beyond looks. Rich heiresses like her swapped boyfriends like outfits. So what—was she into tomboys now?
Well, whatever. If they knew each other, that just made things easier.
"Fine, fine. You two are just acquaintances—I don't care. Besides, that hot redhead over there already called herself Duyen's girlfriend?"
Dao's eyes widened.
"G-girlfriend!?"
She looked from Duyen to Shana, who was smiling slyly and waving at her. Ugh. Dao hated her already.
Then she looked back at Duyen, waiting for her to deny it.
"Don't tell me…" Dao leaned in, suspicious. "You and her are actually dating? Do you even realize Mina—! Ugh, forget it!"
Dao admitted that she owed Duyen her life but no matter what, she still stood by Mina. She would be very angry if Duyen really dated Shana.
She cut herself short, biting her tongue.
Duyen squeezed her eyes shut, torn between Shana's demand and Dao's interrogation.
What rotten luck. Of all places, why here? Why her?
When she looked at Shana, though, Shana's eyes sparkled expectantly. There was no way Duyen could break her promise now.
She grit her teeth. "It's not what you think, but… I'll explain later, okay?"
Dao narrowed her eyes.
"Huh. So you're not as innocent as you look."
The director clapped his hands.
"Alright! Let's get rolling!"
The crew scrambled to prepare. Crowds often gathered around ad shoots out of curiosity, but today there were even more people than usual, phones clicking non-stop like paparazzi. It's like Kim Tae Hee appeared.
Duyen squinted against the blinding flashes, overwhelmed. She turned to Dao and whispered,
"Wow, you're really popular. All these fans just to see you, huh?"
Dao gave her a long look, like: Are you seriously this clueless? Didn't she realize the crowd was here because of her? Dao herself couldn't quite believe it. Back in college, Duyen had been overweight and buried under ugly rumors spread by Valko. If this version of her had shown up back then, who knows how famous she'd have been?
Mina had a good eye for seeing this hidden beauty, huh? Hard to believe...
Her thoughts were cut short by the director shouting directions.
"Alright, Dao—you'll eat this cup of noodles like it's the most delicious thing ever. Then Duyen walks up, sees you, and is completely blown away by your beauty as you eat."
Before Dao could respond, Shana burst out laughing from the sidelines.
"Who came up with this script!? Blown away by her beauty while eating noodles? Her? HAHAHA! I'm dying!"
Duyen blinked, confused, while Dao flushed crimson with rage—especially since it had been her idea.
"Shut up, you country bumpkin! That's how commercials have always been! Haven't you ever watched TV!?"
The director didn't exactly defend her, which made her snap even more.
"Hey! Are you saying I'm not pretty enough!? I suggested this to save shooting time, okay? My schedule's packed, I can't just film forever!"
The director resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Everyone knew Dao was a famous KOL with two million followers—and the daughter of a powerful family. He couldn't afford to piss her off. Sure, the script was bland and clearly designed to glorify her, but whatever.
Then the sharp clack of high heels echoed across the set. Shana strode forward, her wavy auburn hair bouncing, her figure-hugging dress flaunting every perfect curve like a goddess descending to earth. She smiled, mysterious and alluring.
"How about this?"
---
Duyen and Dao were suddenly strolling hand-in-hand through a bustling shopping mall, looking every bit like a couple in love.
Dao leaned close, pouting. "Babe ~ do you remember what today is?"
Her normally deep voice suddenly became high-pitched today, making Duyen startled.
"Uh… what day?"
"It's our 100-day anniversary! You said you had a surprise for me!"
"O-oh, right," Duyen stammered. She still wasn't used to acting like they were dating. She glanced at the staff's line sheet and read along.
"...Yes, I do have a surprise for you…"
The crowd held their breath, waiting for the big reveal.
Then Shana appeared out of nowhere, stunning everyone like a flame-haired goddess. Her beauty was so overwhelming the entire set fell silent.
Dao eyed her with disdain.
What?
What the hell is this?
Duyen pretend to panicked.
"Shana! It's not what it looks like!"
Shana's bitter laugh cut through the air.
Where did the effect come from like she was acting in a kdrama.
"Not what it looks like!? She's clinging to you right in front of me!"
Dao scoffed.
"Please. Isn't it obvious? I'm younger, hotter, and sexier. He's over you. He loves me now." She leaned against Duyen's chest. Duyen closing her eyes. Oh God...
What are you two talking about? Please let me go home. She prayed silently.
Shana's fury blazed. Whether she was acting or not, she looked ready to tear Dao apart.
"Oh really? Just a side chick running her mouth—"
Dao cracked her knuckles. She also seemed unusually excited. Fight? If you like, I'll indulge you.
"Side chick? We'll see about that! Bring it on!"
"Bring it on!"
The two lunged at each other, grappling as props flew. From Duyen's angle, though… they weren't just pretending. They were actually fighting, toppling displays as crew members scrambled to toss props to keep up appearances.
Chaos erupted.
Duyen stood there and thought, what am I doing here?
She looked around as if desperately searching for help but then pointed to a board requesting a scene change from the staff.
Fine...
Her eyes landed on the target, shining like treasure amid the battlefield. She raised it high.
"Ah-ha! Kachimi instant noodles! Springy, chewy, flavorful—with the fiery kick of chili and Ly Son garlic!"
Ah, is so embarrassing... Duyen stopped herself from bite her tongue.
She slurped the noodles dramatically, eyes sparkling with delight, making even the crowd hungry. Then she rushed over to Dao and Shana, pleading:
"You're both the ones I love—please don't fight. Share this bowl and make peace!"
Both women stared at her. While Dao grimaced, Shana tried so hard to not to laugh. Oh my god, this silly girl. Saying that in real life can get you punched.
But then, hesitantly, they each took a bite, as per script.
Suddenly, with a burst of cheesy sparkle, they both lit up with radiant smiles.
Crispy!
Spicy!
Chewy!
That's Kachimi Cup Noodles!
[Available now in convenience stores nationwide]
"CUT!" the director shouted.
The set froze.
Duyen stood dumbfounded, noodles in hand. Dao had no idea what the hell just happened. Both thought in unison:
What kind of crackhead script is this!?
Meanwhile, Shana just reapplied her lipstick. She just said nonchalant.
"Well, it's actually not that delicious."
The director beamed.
"That was great! Shocking, dramatic, full of tension!"
"You're insane!?"
Dao snapped as stylists fussed over her hair. "Put this on TV and people will think I'm a homewrecker!"
Duyen absentmindedly muttered: "Wow... And now I'm a playboy..."
The director only shrugged. "That's art! Acting! Didn't you want to study acting to break into Hollywood? A little sacrifice isn't the end of the world. Besides, with a new rising star here—" He glanced at Duyen, eyes gleaming. "This ad will blow up."
Dao groaned. It was ridiculous!
But when she replayed the scene, she had to admit she looked gorgeous. It'd be a shame to redo it, so... She let it slide.
Just some silly commercials, in the future Dao wants to participate in a more classy film studio in Hollywood. There will be a long way ahead.
Her eyes flicked back to Duyen, who was now surrounded by crew members showering her with praise. First time shooting and she's already this good, Dao thought, even though the script is wildly bizarre. She's definitely going to blow up after this ad. Does that sound like good news for someone like Duyen?
She sighed. Still, something about it gave her a bad feeling.
What is this? Dao felt like she was forgetting something.
"Sorry I'm late ~"
A tall, handsome guy with stylish teal-dyed hair and a sharp outfit strolled through the crowd. People immediately recognized him—Jinsung, a hotface trending on Xaiber.
The director paled, while Jinsung yawned, still reeking of booze.
"Jinsung…"
Dao's eyes darkened at the sight of him, fists clenching in anger. He was her boyfriend—or soon to be her ex.
Duyen blinked between Dao and the man, utterly lost.
Jinsung looked at Dao, he had a suspicious smile because he was still not fully sober. He was completely unaware of what he had done. Then his eyes suddenly landed on Duyen. He frowned.
"And... Who the hell are you?"