Script

ADDICTED TO SKIN DEEP

Genre: Psychological Thriller / Erotic Drama / Female Perspective / Dark Universe Prequel

Core Theme:
An outwardly strong, hyper-controlled female executive—through a chance sexual encounter—touches a vulnerability and longing buried deep within, known to no one. As emotions suppressed for years begin to crumble, she descends step by step into self-negation and addictive attachment, until she walks at last into the mysterious "mind game" fate has prepared for her.

——
【Character Profile: Celeste LAM】
Position: Global first-tier fashion brand group — Asia-Pacific Brand Strategy Director
Department Oversight: Cross-border market operations, brand positioning, public relations narrative, and creative direction for design teams
Base: Hong Kong; frequent travel between Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Paris
Languages: Native Cantonese; fluent English, Mandarin, Japanese (with hands-on PR and negotiation experience)
Education: MA in Brand Strategy, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, London

Personal Style:
Refined and icily elegant; minimal high-end wardrobe; speech firm and decisive.
Efficient and incisive in all matters; almost never permits "emotion" to interfere with professional judgement.
An extreme, near-fetishistic need for "taste" and "control"; cannot tolerate ambiguity or disorder.

【Psychological Structure & Background】
Raised from childhood as the "perfect daughter" and "successful woman"; highly disciplined, emotionally suppressed.
Deeply distrustful of emotional relationships; regards love as a misallocation of resources—favouring control over investment.
Has experienced numbness and indifference in sex many times; before meeting Chen Hao-Yu, had never truly "let go."
Feels shame over her hidden masochistic side; suppressed it for years, even denying it to herself.
Two major relationship failures caused by excessive need for control and emotional detachment led her to seal off "emotion" permanently.

【Scene 1: INT. OFFICE BUILDING – EARLY MORNING | INTERIOR】

The city has just woken; lights in the office tower gradually flicker on.
Inside the Asia-Pacific Brand Strategy Director's office, the atmosphere is quiet, taut. Overhead spotlights cast down through glass and dark timber. The space is minimal. The air is cold.
Celeste Lam has already arrived, wearing a light-grey tailored blazer, hair neatly brushed behind her ears, drinking black coffee by the window.
Three members of her assistant team stand before the conference table, waiting in silence.
She walks to the table, opens a folder. Her tone is level, without a trace of hesitation.

CELESTE
"Is the guest list for tonight's designer cocktail final?"

ASSISTANT A
"Preliminary confirmation at forty-eight. Seventeen designers from six Asian regions. Seven more are categorised as unconfirmed creatives."

CELESTE
"Don't rule out the unconfirmed list. Observe their movements before the event."

ASSISTANT A
"One of them is Ethan Chen Hao-Yu—previously an architect, now in design. Your comments page was left blank."

CELESTE
"Not writing doesn't mean not reading. His style is cool, but not necessarily dynamic."

ASSISTANT A
"Shall we flag him as a priority observation target?"

CELESTE (pace unchanged)
"Let him attend. Keep observing. No advance arrangements."

She flips to the second page.

CELESTE
"Traffic flow, lighting, floral—final by nine, signed off by the director's office. No ad-hoc changes approved."

ASSISTANT B
"Initial drafts are integrated. Preview images will come this afternoon for confirmation."

CELESTE (turning)
"The wine list?"

ASSISTANT C
"All three confirmed: Hall Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Drouhin-Vaudon Chablis Premier Cru 2020, and Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve NV."

CELESTE
"Certain there's no issue?"

ASSISTANT C
"We compared the aromatic layers… it should be fine."

CELESTE (eyes lowering)
"I asked if it was certain, not if it should be."

ASSISTANT C
(dropping her head, flustered) "I'll file the supplementary checklist right away."

She closes the folder, slides the tablet to the far end of the table.

CELESTE (calmly)
"Tonight is an external event. Any unverified piece of information could become a breach. Get used to it—don't wait for me to remind you every time."

She walks back to her seat, switching on her laptop for a video conference. The Zoom screen displays: "International Design Collaboration Quarterly Update Meeting."
Close-up on her open schedule, marked in red:
20:30 | Lumière Collaboration Cocktail / Observe: Unclassified Designers

The frame holds on her hand gripping the edge of the laptop—steady, straight, no tremor.

——
【Scene 2: INT. FINE DINING RESTAURANT – NIGHT | INTERIOR】

Seven p.m. A discreet upscale modern French restaurant. The space is cool and exacting, lighting soft, tableware immaculate.

Celeste is seated in the main position against the wall, wearing the day's high-end tailored skirt suit, makeup flawless. A wine list lies open beside her.

The sommelier stands at her side, listening attentively.

CELESTE (low, clear)
"This season's wine list is a good update, but that 2018 Pinot is too heavy—it will crush the sauce base of the first course. Change it to the 2020 Bourgogne. Lighter on the palate, still enough depth."

The sommelier nods slightly, withdraws.

She raises her glass, sips water. Her gaze sweeps the room, then returns to her phone to check the time.

A moment later, Phoebe and Rebecca enter, one after another.
Phoebe and Rebecca are old university classmates—years of friendship, each highly successful in her own field.

PHOEBE (laughing)
"Of course you're still twenty minutes early."

REBECCA
"Honestly, showing up on time should already count as doing you a favour."

CELESTE (without changing expression)
"I figured you'd arrive no earlier than 7:30, so I booked 7:00. Time to choose at leisure."

The two exchange glances, laugh softly, and sit down.

The waiter brings the red wine, fills their glasses.

PHOEBE (curious)
"You chose the wine?"

CELESTE (lightly)
"At every meal, I ask for the list. Wrong flavour, wrong vintage—I'd rather not drink at all."

REBECCA (shaking her head, grinning)
"Our Celeste. Even this has to be strictly controlled."

CELESTE
"It's not control. It's habit. I only drink what I trust, and I only dine with people I trust."

They eat and drink; the atmosphere seems relaxed, but is subtly steered by her presence.

PHOEBE
"You're still the same, polished even after work. Wouldn't anyone be intimidated to ask you out?"

CELESTE (calm smile)
"I don't have time to take off my make-up and change. Leaving the office isn't an escape—it's another kind of attack."

Her companions exchange knowing smiles.

PHOEBE
"By the way, that collaboration event of yours a few days ago—a huge success. It swept every fashion front page."

REBECCA
"Of course. With our big sister's touch, how could it be anything less?"

REBECCA
"I heard some of the designers this time are quite young. Any targets?"

CELESTE
"This is work. Why do the two of you make it sound like a matchmaking party?"

REBECCA
"Seriously, you're this strong. A man trying to have a relationship with you—the pressure must be enormous."

CELESTE
"I'm not asking them to invest. I just have no interest in playing weak."

PHOEBE
"But there were so many young, promising men there. You truly didn't take a liking to a single one?"

Celeste pauses, raises her glass, drinks.

CELESTE
"This is work. Why do the two of you make it sound like a matchmaking party?"

Everyone laughs; the atmosphere continues to loosen.

REBECCA (half-joking)
"But there were so many young, promising men there. You truly didn't take a liking to a single one?"

PHOEBE
"Honestly, you're this strong. A man trying to have a relationship with you—the pressure must be enormous."

CELESTE
"I'm not asking them to invest. I just have no interest in playing weak."

PHOEBE
"Haven't you been in relationships before?"

Celeste pauses, raises her glass, drinks.

CELESTE
"Those times… frankly, I was the one in control. I demanded too much, controlled too much. In the end, they either ran or collapsed."

REBECCA (half-joking)
"So don't tell me you're still looking for someone willing to be tamed?"

CELESTE (voice steady)
"I have no interest in taming anyone. I'm just not used to being led—especially before I've given my approval."

PHOEBE
"But there were so many young, promising men there. You truly didn't take a liking to a single one?"

CELESTE (her voice remains steady, but her gaze drifts a little—as if something surfaces unbidden.)
"It's not that there was no one. There were a few worth noting."

The moment she says this, the restaurant's light falls across her face like a mask of absolute confidence and calm.

But in the same breath, a face rises unbidden in her mind.

Celeste's gaze—still sharp and flawless—flickers with a trace of emotion she cannot name.

——
【Scene 3A: INT. CELESTE'S RESIDENCE – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT】

A high-rise apartment on the mid-levels. Minimalist. Beyond the window, the city rests in deep-blue night.
Celeste has just arrived home, slipping off her heels and jacket with exacting precision.
She walks to the liquor cabinet at the far end of the living room. Motion-sensor lights come on. Bottles are arranged in strict tiers by vintage, flavour, and region.
She takes down a 2013 white wine, picks up a decanter, and pours with effortless, practised precision.
Her phone connects to the home sound system; low jazz piano begins to play.
She settles cross-legged on the sofa, glass in hand, beside a stack of documents and an open laptop.
On screen, a file appears: "Designer Participation Proposal List."
She sips, scanning each designer's background and body of work with cool focus.
Several presentation pages flash past:
— Southeast Asian traditional weaving, reconstructed
— AI-predicted garment silhouette modelling
— Classic French construction, reinterpreted
Until she stops at one page.

【CHEN HAO-YU】
Background: Architecture to design; ten years as an independent creator
Theme: "Void in Silence"

Her fingers still. She frowns slightly, takes a sip, her gaze holding on the photograph on screen.

Cut to the designer's profile shot: black-and-white, side view, still and deep.

The music eases into a lower register. Light falls across her face. She says nothing, but her gaze has clearly paused—

Cut to a memory sequence.

——
【Scene 3B: INT. CELESTE'S RESIDENCE – BEDROOM – NIGHT】

The camera returns to the laptop screen—a return from memory.

The red wine on the table has nearly run dry. She closes the computer slowly,
gathers the glass and bottle, and carries them to the kitchen. Then she walks to the bedroom.

The light rises gently as she enters. She opens the bedside drawer.

Close-up: in the corner of the drawer, a black leather collar lies still.

Her hand hesitates. She does not touch it.

She only takes out a sleep mask, and closes the drawer gently.

Lights off. She lies down, the duvet pulled up to her collarbone.

The frame rests on her half-open eyes and the light crossing the stillness of the night beyond the window.

She closes her eyes.

Black screen. No dialogue. Only a low-frequency ambient tone to close.

【Scene 4: INT. JOINT DESIGN COCKTAIL – ROOFTOP VENUE – NIGHT】

Beneath a glass dome, cold-toned lighting and steel structure stage a showcase of extreme aestheticism.

Designers, brand buyers, and journalists scatter across the space; the clink of glasses and footsteps interweave as the room's undertone.

A pan across the crowd—every designer is eagerly presenting their work, pressed in among the throng.

A corner.

Chen Hao-Yu stands alone against the wall, black suit, no tie, holding sparkling water. His gaze rests on his own work—not speaking, not explaining, only observing.

Celeste approaches. He speaks first.

CHEN HAO-YU (calm)
"Thank you for giving this piece the chance to be shown."

She does not reply at once. Her gaze lands on the image.

CELESTE
"This title—'Void in Silence.' It doesn't suit the mood of this event."

CHEN HAO-YU
"It wasn't designed for the mood."

Celeste looks at the piece, saying nothing.

CELESTE
"You know this kind of abstract structure won't be welcome here."

CHEN HAO-YU
"I know. But I didn't come for a welcome."

She tilts her head slightly, as if dismantling the persistence and logic in his tone.

CELESTE
"Not pandering—that's your style?"

CHEN HAO-YU (smiling)
"I've nothing against pandering. I just never learned how."

Celeste looks at him. A moment of silence.

CELESTE
"You used to do architecture?"

CHEN HAO-YU
"Architecture taught me to draw boundaries. Clothing lets me test the boundaries of the body. Both are about space and control."

She gives a slight nod—not approval. A record.

CELESTE
"At this event, everyone is fighting for exposure. You stand in the corner."

CHEN HAO-YU
"The corner has the best view. And I haven't been absent."

She doesn't answer. She hands him a glass of wine, her fingertips not touching the rim.

CELESTE
"I hope you can hold up under this scrutiny."

CHEN HAO-YU
"I'm used to it."

She turns and leaves. A few steps away, she looks back at him, involuntarily.

In that glance, there is no judgement—only observation.

—
Fade out.

【Scene 5: INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – DAYTIME | INTERIOR】

Brand headquarters conference room. The new season's brand collaboration report is displayed on the wall.

Several senior executives are in a review meeting.

MARKETING VP
"Feedback on that 'Void in Silence' piece is solid—especially in Japan and Seoul. Surprisingly strong response."

INTERNATIONAL BRAND DIRECTOR
"Clean, quiet, honest. Resonates with the younger market far more than I expected."

Celeste sits at the head of the table, listening to the end. Her tone is still cool.

CELESTE
"His name is Chen Hao-Yu. Background in architecture. First time working at this level."

The room holds silence for a beat; several executives nod.

MARKETING VP (lightly)
"Given such strong results, I'll personally add something extra tonight—let everyone have a little more fun."

(Applause; the atmosphere warms.)

(Celeste does not smile. Her voice is composed.)

CELESTE
"Tonight's programme is already arranged. Since the VP is in such good spirits, why not add this into the next period's budget instead?"

(The air holds for one second.)

MARKETING VP (chuckles, nods)
"Right—I didn't think it through. We'll do as you suggest."

(Pause.)

MARKETING VP
"The meeting is over, then. Celeste, I'll leave the rest to you."

(Celeste nods briefly and begins gathering her materials.)

She looks down at her tablet, pausing one second on a single image—Chen Hao-Yu's artwork.

The meeting ends. The executives file out. Celeste does not move. She signals for her assistant to stay.

She swipes the tablet. Her tone is still cold.

CELESTE
"Is the apartment ready for tonight?"

ASSISTANT A
"Yes, I picked up the key card. Private elevator on the first floor. Security logs confirmed."

CELESTE
"The wine?"

ASSISTANT A (slight pause)
"The transport case is ready, but you didn't specify which bottles to bring, so I—"

CELESTE (her voice drops suddenly cold)
"What vintage is on the second shelf of my wine cabinet?"

ASSISTANT A (quietly)
"St-Émilion Chateau Bellevue-Mondotte 2012."

CELESTE (low, sharp)
"Then how could you think I wouldn't be drinking that tonight? This isn't an option. This is my setup for an overnight."

(Pause; her voice drops further)
"I placed you there so the space would be steady before I walked in. Not so I'd have to speak before you moved."

The assistant lowers her head in acknowledgment.

CELESTE
"This is an external engagement. Scent, lighting, red wine, fragrance placement—all preset. Don't make me speak again."

Cut to black.

——

【Script Scene 6: INT. Private Lounge ‒ Night｜Semi-Private Space】

The lighting is slightly dimmer than the main reception, the space more intimate. Music and laughter from the main hall bleed in as a distant murmur. This is a private celebration—an after-party for the internal team and core designers only. No press photographers. The mood is comparatively relaxed.

Lin Zhiqing sits in a semi-enclosed booth on the side, wearing a simple burgundy dress, her coat draped over the back of her chair. One hand holds a wine glass, the other flips through today's event materials. Seated across from her is Chen Haoyu.

They appear to have been talking for some time.

The camera slowly pushes in.

LIN ZHIQING (steady, with the tone of a superior)
"You're something of an exception in this group. Your style and
rhythm don't quite fit."

CHEN HAOYU (calm)
"Which is precisely why I'm worth keeping, isn't it?"

She pauses for a beat. Doesn't deny it.

LIN ZHIQING
"But I don't admire work that exists only for the sake of being
different."

CHEN HAOYU
"And I don't create for the sake of being admired."

Lin Zhiqing gives a faint smile—not warmth, but appraisal.

LIN ZHIQING
"Interesting. You don't talk like a designer. More like someone
who wandered into the wrong department from philosophy."

CHEN HAOYU
"You chose to talk to me tonight. I doubt it was because of my
academic background."

She slowly raises her eyes to meet his, her tone cool:

LIN ZHIQING
"I just have a habit of observing people who think they're
special. How long they can actually hold out."

He doesn't respond. Just takes a sip of red wine, entirely composed.

She watches the motion, her voice cooling slightly:

LIN ZHIQING
"Do you know why your piece was the one that stayed?"

CHEN HAOYU (unchanged pace)
"Because it makes it impossible to tell whether you want to
admire it or take it apart."

The corner of Lin Zhiqing's mouth twitches. She doesn't answer. Her gaze drifts away briefly.

The shot pulls wide. The atmosphere in the room is winding down. Some team members have begun to leave.

Her assistant approaches and asks in a low voice:

ASSISTANT
"Ms. Lin, should I arrange a ride back to your apartment?"

LIN ZHIQING (briskly)
"No need. Go ahead without me."

The assistant nods and leaves.

Lin Zhiqing rises, gathering her materials and handbag. She walks out to the elevator corridor beyond the venue.

Chen Haoyu notices, takes two steps after her, his tone steady:

CHEN HAOYU
"Want me to see you back?"

LIN ZHIQING (expressionless)
"Are you sure you can last that distance?"

CHEN HAOYU (smiling)
"I'm just making sure you don't forget who stayed the latest
tonight."

She doesn't turn around. Doesn't slow her step. Her voice remains cold:

LIN ZHIQING
"Plenty of people talk pretty. Very few actually stay."

She presses the elevator button. The doors slide open.

She turns to look at him once—an unreadable gaze.

Cut to black.

——
【Script Scene 7A: INT. Serviced Apartment ‒ Late Night｜Temporary Residence】

The door opens to a hush. Floor-to-ceiling windows reflect the city lights into the room. Sparse furnishings, soft lighting.
The apartment is clean and sharp—minimalist, in keeping with her usual style—yet missing the familiar scent and center of gravity.

Lin Zhiqing steps inside, sets down her handbag, movements still brisk. She kicks off her heels, drapes her coat, then turns to look at Chen Haoyu, still standing by the door.

LIN ZHIQING (steady but commanding)
"The wine cabinet is over there. Take the 2012."

Chen Haoyu doesn't move immediately. He opens the cabinet, scans the bottles for a moment, and finally selects another.

Lin Zhiqing turns her head, eyes sweeping over the label in his hand.

LIN ZHIQING (still flat)
"I said that one."

CHEN HAOYU (gently)
"What you drank tonight was strategy. This one reads more like
a closing statement."

He holds her gaze. Offers no further explanation.

Lin Zhiqing pauses a few seconds. She says nothing more—just sits down and unfastens the bracelet at her wrist.

LIN ZHIQING (softly)
"Then let's see if what you picked can convince me."

He pours the wine. She watches the liquid spiral in the glass in silence.

They sit across from each other—for the first time, no hierarchy between them. Slowly, the room settles into quiet.