Front Cover 2016

As the facade of success unfolds, Ryan Fu (played by James Chen), a gay Chinese American struggling with his cultural identity, exposes the complex layers of his inner self. With a mastery of suppression, he ascends to the role of assistant for Francesca, a well-known celebrity fashion stylist. Their collaboration reaches a peak when Ryan is assigned the important task of styling Ning (portrayed by Jake Choi), a dynamic actor newly arrived from Beijing, for a prestigious magazine’s photo shoot. However, a clash of creative visions arises when Ning insists that Ryan transform his image to reflect the formidable essence of modern China, which starkly contrasts with the Westernized style initially presented.

As they tackle the complexities of their project, an undeniable bond begins to take shape between Ryan and Ning, moving beyond mere professionalism. Through casual chats and shared moments, they uncover a mutual sense of vulnerability and authenticity that slowly evolves into a romantic connection. As their relationship deepens, Ryan opens up to Ning about his lingering shame related to his impoverished upbringing, rooted in a feeling of disconnection from his Chinese heritage. In a moment of vulnerability, Ning reciprocates by sharing a long-hidden truth concerning his own struggles—his sexuality.

However, the blossoming romance faces an invasion from the media, which unearths Ning’s true identity, leading to sensational headlines in a tabloid magazine about his sexual orientation. Confronted with the daunting threat of his career collapsing, Ning pleads with Ryan to maintain the ruse at an upcoming press conference. This moment forces Ryan to grapple with a profound moral quandary: should he stay true to himself or compromise his values in the name of love and professional ambition?