♩ LIU BAOZHAI (wip, open to collabs)
SECTION I
SECTION II
SECTION III
Full Name. LIU BAOZHAI
Other Names.
BAO. Used by anyone who finds it difficult and awkward to pronounce her name - which tends to be most people with the exception of the quartet, who cared enough to learn the pronounciation.
Z. Used by the quartet members, even after the fondness between them fizzled out - though said with a more bitter tone. More recently, she allows the people involved with the quartet to call her this. In the past, it was an affection reserved for the inside people.
SWAN. Used by Dr. Chan, a nickname Baozhai was very fond of. A nod towards her grace and elegance, but by no means reflects favour by the teacher. In fact, Dr. Chan wasn't hesitant to scold her harshly while using the name. Sometimes used by her parents around Dr. Chan. Since her death, the nickname died with her.
LITTLE BIRD. Used by the Liu's maid, Miss Ryo, who travels with them when they move place to place. She has been working for the family since Baozhai's birth, and has followed the family since.
Z. Used by the quartet members, even after the fondness between them fizzled out - though said with a more bitter tone. More recently, she allows the people involved with the quartet to call her this. In the past, it was an affection reserved for the inside people.
SWAN. Used by Dr. Chan, a nickname Baozhai was very fond of. A nod towards her grace and elegance, but by no means reflects favour by the teacher. In fact, Dr. Chan wasn't hesitant to scold her harshly while using the name. Sometimes used by her parents around Dr. Chan. Since her death, the nickname died with her.
LITTLE BIRD. Used by the Liu's maid, Miss Ryo, who travels with them when they move place to place. She has been working for the family since Baozhai's birth, and has followed the family since.
Gender. Female
Date of Birth. 19 June (20).
Birthplace. Shanghai, China
Hometown. Huangpu District, Shanghai
Ethnicity. Chinese
Nationality. Chinese
uality. Demiual.
by lia bloomlater 80%
hi there!! i'm lia and this is baozhai! i originally had this quite short but i'd rather it be long and detailed so that i cover as much necessities as possible! i would love a review at level 2!
Faceclaim. Zhou Jieqiong
Height. 5'6"
Appearance + Style.
Before (click)
The clothing that Baozhai dressed in was always of utmost quality. The very best pieces of top designers, sometimes handpicked for Baozhai and sometimes given to her. Some designers were determined to see their creations on the young lady, especially during her performances. It was an honour. She had a certain taste for performance outfits, and usually it was easy to meet her standards - her mothers, however, was a different story. Baozhai liked simple designs. She liked to perform without the burden of heavy jewels or trains that tangled wherever she walked. When it was up to her, she would pick a plain dress in a light, pastel colour. The length of the dress, she always preferred to be short if possible but when it wasn't - all she asked was that she wouldn't trip over the material. Rarely would the dress have sleeves, since she always fret that the hem would get caught in her cello. Plus, she liked to display the soft expanse of her shoulders. Mostly, her mother would pick out something elegant but flashy. Something full of grace, but with enough sparkle that she would stand out before she started playing.
Offstage, her style didn't differ much. Her mother only concerned herself with her fashion during important events such as performances or galas. Anything else was up to her, though she was always advised to at least make an effort. As if Baozhai wouldn't. Going about her daily life, Baozhai usually wore flowing clothing. A stark contrast to her hatred of material when she played, she loved to wear such designs when she wasn't. Mostly choosing to wear dresses or skirts and blouses, the pieces were never restricting. Baozhai liked to leave things to the imagination, and would hide the lines of her body in soft material. Material in which frequently had delicate patterns, light palettes and a muted shape. Her favourite pattern was floral, and she loved to wear pieces that showed as such. The warm tones of her dresses paired with the sweet decoration of daisies and dandelions, almost Baozhai appear younger, more innocent and in a certain way: heavenly.
She wasn't too bothered with accessorising, as she much preferred to look ethereal and divine - which was hard to achieve when she had a beret on top of her head. But she wore such things from time to time. Small purses that couldn't fit much, but were pretty to look at. Hairbands, bows and other decor that Miss Ryo would carefully intertwine with the strands of her hair. Hats were a stretch, and usually only worn at her mothers decision. As for jewellery, she still maintained her previous opinion. Steering away from lots of heavy jewellery, dainty rings covered the callous fingers of the musician. Minimilistic, silver bands with an occasional pearl molded on top. Only ever wearing one necklace at a time, Baozhai frequently opted for simple, silver pieces. Some had lockets, others had unique beads. Never too much detail. Her earrings were much the same, weightless and simple. Very dangly though. A lot of sparkle, courtesy of Chuhua.
In regards to make-up, Baozhai didn't like to wear much. Anything she picked, only ever enhanced her features. Her mother tried to push her to reconsider, but she only ever chose to wear make-up for performances. Any other time, she was bare. BB cream, lip gloss and rosy blush was the extent of her choice. It all added to make her look mellow and soft, to make her look innocent and young - like someone you would vote in favour of.
Think: fairies, running through the forest in a dress, the soft tweeting of birds, the smell of rain, shimmering and sparkling water.
After.
Towards the end of her time at Sterling, continuing on to present - her style took a drastic turn. The flowy, slip material of the past was no where to be seen, instead replaced with tight-fitting leather. All the lines and curves of her body exposed in the snug material, occasionally giving her more shape. The general theme of her clothes stayed the same - dresses, skirts. They just had a different vibe to them now. Dark colours, black being her most used, that give her an intimidating aura. The occasional splash of white or grey worms its way in, a contrast to the darkness of the rest of the pieces. It doesn't appear often.
Blazer jackets and thin tanks. Lace on top of lace, the more see-through the better. Leather jackets and chunky belts, with even chunkier platforms. On the other side of that however, are button-ups and dress shirts - usually tied back with a belt that gives her figure. A sudden lack of patterns, despite the occasional plaid skirt. Solid coloured clothing, free of exterior design. Very void, nods towards a lack of something that was once there.
Before (click)
The clothing that Baozhai dressed in was always of utmost quality. The very best pieces of top designers, sometimes handpicked for Baozhai and sometimes given to her. Some designers were determined to see their creations on the young lady, especially during her performances. It was an honour. She had a certain taste for performance outfits, and usually it was easy to meet her standards - her mothers, however, was a different story. Baozhai liked simple designs. She liked to perform without the burden of heavy jewels or trains that tangled wherever she walked. When it was up to her, she would pick a plain dress in a light, pastel colour. The length of the dress, she always preferred to be short if possible but when it wasn't - all she asked was that she wouldn't trip over the material. Rarely would the dress have sleeves, since she always fret that the hem would get caught in her cello. Plus, she liked to display the soft expanse of her shoulders. Mostly, her mother would pick out something elegant but flashy. Something full of grace, but with enough sparkle that she would stand out before she started playing.
Offstage, her style didn't differ much. Her mother only concerned herself with her fashion during important events such as performances or galas. Anything else was up to her, though she was always advised to at least make an effort. As if Baozhai wouldn't. Going about her daily life, Baozhai usually wore flowing clothing. A stark contrast to her hatred of material when she played, she loved to wear such designs when she wasn't. Mostly choosing to wear dresses or skirts and blouses, the pieces were never restricting. Baozhai liked to leave things to the imagination, and would hide the lines of her body in soft material. Material in which frequently had delicate patterns, light palettes and a muted shape. Her favourite pattern was floral, and she loved to wear pieces that showed as such. The warm tones of her dresses paired with the sweet decoration of daisies and dandelions, almost Baozhai appear younger, more innocent and in a certain way: heavenly.
She wasn't too bothered with accessorising, as she much preferred to look ethereal and divine - which was hard to achieve when she had a beret on top of her head. But she wore such things from time to time. Small purses that couldn't fit much, but were pretty to look at. Hairbands, bows and other decor that Miss Ryo would carefully intertwine with the strands of her hair. Hats were a stretch, and usually only worn at her mothers decision. As for jewellery, she still maintained her previous opinion. Steering away from lots of heavy jewellery, dainty rings covered the callous fingers of the musician. Minimilistic, silver bands with an occasional pearl molded on top. Only ever wearing one necklace at a time, Baozhai frequently opted for simple, silver pieces. Some had lockets, others had unique beads. Never too much detail. Her earrings were much the same, weightless and simple. Very dangly though. A lot of sparkle, courtesy of Chuhua.
In regards to make-up, Baozhai didn't like to wear much. Anything she picked, only ever enhanced her features. Her mother tried to push her to reconsider, but she only ever chose to wear make-up for performances. Any other time, she was bare. BB cream, lip gloss and rosy blush was the extent of her choice. It all added to make her look mellow and soft, to make her look innocent and young - like someone you would vote in favour of.
Think: fairies, running through the forest in a dress, the soft tweeting of birds, the smell of rain, shimmering and sparkling water.
After.
Towards the end of her time at Sterling, continuing on to present - her style took a drastic turn. The flowy, slip material of the past was no where to be seen, instead replaced with tight-fitting leather. All the lines and curves of her body exposed in the snug material, occasionally giving her more shape. The general theme of her clothes stayed the same - dresses, skirts. They just had a different vibe to them now. Dark colours, black being her most used, that give her an intimidating aura. The occasional splash of white or grey worms its way in, a contrast to the darkness of the rest of the pieces. It doesn't appear often.
Blazer jackets and thin tanks. Lace on top of lace, the more see-through the better. Leather jackets and chunky belts, with even chunkier platforms. On the other side of that however, are button-ups and dress shirts - usually tied back with a belt that gives her figure. A sudden lack of patterns, despite the occasional plaid skirt. Solid coloured clothing, free of exterior design. Very void, nods towards a lack of something that was once there.
Her opinion on accessories and make-up also changed. Chunky rings weighing her fingers down, small studs of gold, layered necklaces with chain and detail. Bold belts, heavy purses and dots of bizarre combinations here and there. Things such as a jacket paired with an unbottoned shirt on top of a tank. Layering of similar accesories to accentuate the void of her style. Adding to that, her make-up became intense and harsh. A lot to pay attention to. Though her elegant aura still remained, her eyes became sharper and bold with the addition of eyeliner, eyeshadow and the like. Her lips coloured in daring colours, the brightest you would see on her. It made her appear tauntingly elegant.
Her performance outfits changed much the same. As her pieces became more intense, the colour died out from her dresses. Tight, black dresses with minimal detail. Long sleeves scarcely decorated with jewels. Occasionally, she would wear a trouser-shirt combination instead of a dress. She liked those days. Chuhua usually insists on dresses though.
Though her style altogether became wild and intense, her mother keeps her tightly within her hold. She still wants her daughter to look proper and elegant, it just has a different shape now.
Think: smudged eyeliner, thunderstorms, black cats, lightning, hushed secrets, late nights.
Her performance outfits changed much the same. As her pieces became more intense, the colour died out from her dresses. Tight, black dresses with minimal detail. Long sleeves scarcely decorated with jewels. Occasionally, she would wear a trouser-shirt combination instead of a dress. She liked those days. Chuhua usually insists on dresses though.
Though her style altogether became wild and intense, her mother keeps her tightly within her hold. She still wants her daughter to look proper and elegant, it just has a different shape now.
Think: smudged eyeliner, thunderstorms, black cats, lightning, hushed secrets, late nights.
Personality. Plotline Cello
Reference: Kwon Sooah (Cheer Up!).
For most of her time at Sterling Academy Baozhai was:
Simply put, Baozhai was without corruption. Although she had always been on the serious side, never one to waste too much energy - she was still pleasant, and for the right reasons too.
towards the end of her time at sterling and following onwards:
✮ greedy. wants what she either does not or cannot have. aspires to be the centre of attention, the star of all shows.
✮ bold / demanding. without fear of saying what she pleases, of taking what she wants. no longer sits quietly.
✮ calculated / manipulative. everything she does has been thought over with careful detail. nothing is ever done for no reason, there is always a benefit to come her way. this includes relationships with people too.
✮ observant. aware of her surroundings always. notices almost everything without needing more than a moments glance.
✮ ambitious. different now, she wants to be the best. not almost, or one of the: she strives to be the best there is and will ever be.
✮ arrogant. knows her own talent and potential, so will never let anyone treat her like she's less than what she is destined to be. her own biggest fan, essentially.
✮ jealous. anything or anyone that poses a threat to her is seen as something to be taken care of immediately. if talent alone cannot do it, then she resorts to other measures. can't stand to see someone do better than her.
Reference: Kwon Sooah (Cheer Up!).
For most of her time at Sterling Academy Baozhai was:
Simply put, Baozhai was without corruption. Although she had always been on the serious side, never one to waste too much energy - she was still pleasant, and for the right reasons too.
towards the end of her time at sterling and following onwards:
✮ greedy. wants what she either does not or cannot have. aspires to be the centre of attention, the star of all shows.
✮ bold / demanding. without fear of saying what she pleases, of taking what she wants. no longer sits quietly.
✮ calculated / manipulative. everything she does has been thought over with careful detail. nothing is ever done for no reason, there is always a benefit to come her way. this includes relationships with people too.
✮ observant. aware of her surroundings always. notices almost everything without needing more than a moments glance.
✮ ambitious. different now, she wants to be the best. not almost, or one of the: she strives to be the best there is and will ever be.
✮ arrogant. knows her own talent and potential, so will never let anyone treat her like she's less than what she is destined to be. her own biggest fan, essentially.
✮ jealous. anything or anyone that poses a threat to her is seen as something to be taken care of immediately. if talent alone cannot do it, then she resorts to other measures. can't stand to see someone do better than her.
Background.
✮ born to a rich family, due to the fame of her mother before she retired from the spotlight.
✮ her mother, liu chuhua, had been a very successful cello player from her late twenties to her late fourties. she eventually stepped down to allow her daughter to take her place. her father, liu wei, was a much more humble man but preferred to focus more on his business than the family.
✮ practically her whole childhood was spent being conditioned into a musician by her nostalgic mother. harsh, long lessons accompanied by scolding and praise.
✮ grew up in china under direction of her mother, for she didn't want her child to lose sight of her origin. but also prepared her for striving big, and moving to places that were more fitting for her to be.
✮ attended a small private school while she lived in shanghai, mostly so her mother could be sure she knew the basics of life. but mostly spent her time being taught by her mother and some of the best musicians shanghai had to offer.
✮ discipline was very much enforced to baozhai, both by her mother and her teachers. where she failed, she was promptly punished and scolded to ensure she would not make the same mistake. her mother was trying to make a musical robot out of her.
✮ believed herself to enjoy playing the cello and yearning to make a career out of it. this however is a result of her mother's shaping.
✮ when baozhai was finally flown out to new york at 14, she was given a year to adjust to the new setting. though her mother never let up on her insistent lessons, she at least had the sympathy to let her daughter make sense of her foreign surroundings.
✮ in the years coming up to sterling, she worked hard at her english and hard at understanding the culture of new york. she learned all sorts of things: what the big apple meant, who these important people were and learned that she really, really liked american hot dogs (to her mothers dismay).
✮ chuhua was well acqainted with many influencial people at sterling, including dr chan. this made it easy to draw attention towards her daughters talents. enrollment was by no means an easy process: even for the most talented of students. however her mothers status made things move a little quicker.
✮ since baozhai was mainly focused on her artistic studies, she often fell behind in her academic studies. her mother was not opposed to paying off certain teachers to ignore it. baozhai isn't aware of it.
✮ when the quartet came to be, her mother was initially very hesitant. she didn't want her daughter to aid someone else's potential, but dr chan convinced her to come around. or rather scolded her until she came around.
✮ baozhai enjoyed being in the quartet, it was something that made her feel more like the teenager she was. her mother was satisfied enough to leave it be, until a lot of attention started gathering around the first violinist.
✮ her mother could not stand it, and started manipulating her daughter to put a stop to their growing fame. putting ideas into her head, telling her lies and rumours: all to serve one purpose - knocking out the competition.
✮ baozhai, under her mothers guidance, began to spread rumours about the violinist. eventually rumours and gossip turned into directly sabotaging their music: stealing sheets, snapping strings, untuning the instrument.
✮ the tension between the quarter was higher than ever, with baozhai behind the scenes screwing with the violinst out of jealousy. all while people suspected the second violinst, which baozhai predicted. arguments, fights, disagreements and all of that with baozhai's ulterior motive? it was no surprise that they fell apart.
✮ born to a rich family, due to the fame of her mother before she retired from the spotlight.
✮ her mother, liu chuhua, had been a very successful cello player from her late twenties to her late fourties. she eventually stepped down to allow her daughter to take her place. her father, liu wei, was a much more humble man but preferred to focus more on his business than the family.
✮ practically her whole childhood was spent being conditioned into a musician by her nostalgic mother. harsh, long lessons accompanied by scolding and praise.
✮ grew up in china under direction of her mother, for she didn't want her child to lose sight of her origin. but also prepared her for striving big, and moving to places that were more fitting for her to be.
✮ attended a small private school while she lived in shanghai, mostly so her mother could be sure she knew the basics of life. but mostly spent her time being taught by her mother and some of the best musicians shanghai had to offer.
✮ discipline was very much enforced to baozhai, both by her mother and her teachers. where she failed, she was promptly punished and scolded to ensure she would not make the same mistake. her mother was trying to make a musical robot out of her.
✮ believed herself to enjoy playing the cello and yearning to make a career out of it. this however is a result of her mother's shaping.
✮ when baozhai was finally flown out to new york at 14, she was given a year to adjust to the new setting. though her mother never let up on her insistent lessons, she at least had the sympathy to let her daughter make sense of her foreign surroundings.
✮ in the years coming up to sterling, she worked hard at her english and hard at understanding the culture of new york. she learned all sorts of things: what the big apple meant, who these important people were and learned that she really, really liked american hot dogs (to her mothers dismay).
✮ chuhua was well acqainted with many influencial people at sterling, including dr chan. this made it easy to draw attention towards her daughters talents. enrollment was by no means an easy process: even for the most talented of students. however her mothers status made things move a little quicker.
✮ since baozhai was mainly focused on her artistic studies, she often fell behind in her academic studies. her mother was not opposed to paying off certain teachers to ignore it. baozhai isn't aware of it.
✮ when the quartet came to be, her mother was initially very hesitant. she didn't want her daughter to aid someone else's potential, but dr chan convinced her to come around. or rather scolded her until she came around.
✮ baozhai enjoyed being in the quartet, it was something that made her feel more like the teenager she was. her mother was satisfied enough to leave it be, until a lot of attention started gathering around the first violinist.
✮ her mother could not stand it, and started manipulating her daughter to put a stop to their growing fame. putting ideas into her head, telling her lies and rumours: all to serve one purpose - knocking out the competition.
✮ baozhai, under her mothers guidance, began to spread rumours about the violinist. eventually rumours and gossip turned into directly sabotaging their music: stealing sheets, snapping strings, untuning the instrument.
✮ the tension between the quarter was higher than ever, with baozhai behind the scenes screwing with the violinst out of jealousy. all while people suspected the second violinst, which baozhai predicted. arguments, fights, disagreements and all of that with baozhai's ulterior motive? it was no surprise that they fell apart.
School. Manhattan School of Music
Major + Year. Orchestral Performance, Junior
Lifestyle. baozhai is almost a model student in others eyes. despite her distaste for her non-musical studies, she still attends and participates in class. she finds herself bored in these classes and she often zones out, leading to missing information. her classmates are none the wiser to the strings (wink wink) being pulled for her when she passes tests with flying colours despite having not paid much attention.
from what baozhai knows, she's not a model student. she cares only for music and she lets her mothers money keep the rest of her studies in shape. but that's why it's a secret between the liu's and the school. what would happen if these facts came to light? baozhai dares not think about it.
instead she practices hard and obeys her mothers wishes and commands. there is no space for error, so baozhai is careful in her movements. she doesn't get close to many, if only to use them for their connections and money.
from what baozhai knows, she's not a model student. she cares only for music and she lets her mothers money keep the rest of her studies in shape. but that's why it's a secret between the liu's and the school. what would happen if these facts came to light? baozhai dares not think about it.
instead she practices hard and obeys her mothers wishes and commands. there is no space for error, so baozhai is careful in her movements. she doesn't get close to many, if only to use them for their connections and money.
Trivia.
✮ never quite settled down in new york. always felt homesick for something she never really, truly had.
✮ severe allergy to shellfish.
✮ not particularly interested in the culture of new york. her mother does force her to at least familiarise herself.
✮ appreciates the scenes of gala's and other fundraising parties but finds herself uncomfortable and stuck when amongst normal parties.
✮ doesn't really ask for specific gifts. she just takes what her mother gives to her. ultimately her mother knows best.
✮ a huge history geek. not that she would ever admit to it.
* c
✮ not particularly interested in the culture of new york. her mother does force her to at least familiarise herself.
✮ appreciates the scenes of gala's and other fundraising parties but finds herself uncomfortable and stuck when amongst normal parties.
✮ doesn't really ask for specific gifts. she just takes what her mother gives to her. ultimately her mother knows best.
✮ a huge history geek. not that she would ever admit to it.
* c
What's your favorite piece of music?
baozhai looks thoughtful with her fingertips ghosting over the exposed skin of her leg. the contemplation is apparent and the silence is heavy as the moments draw on. then, "dr. chan would want me to say the swan as composed by saint-saens," she starts off in a level voice, "for ironies sake, of course." briefly her lips part, as if she were going to contradict her previous statement before a strange look washes over her face and she presses her lips together, saying no more.
If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
before replying, her eyes flicker to a face behind the interviewer. liu chuhua. baozhai reads her lips and then smiles softly, "china - shanghai more specifically," as she speaks the words, she looks off to the side as to appear nostalgic, "after all, it's home."
What or who do you miss the most?
despite having read the questions beforehand, baozhai still looks a little stuck and uncomfortable. the answer she would like to give, the things she would like to admit disperse as she peers at her mother again. moving lips. stern gaze. baozhai clears . "my father whose still in china. he's running a business, you see? i know if it were possible, he'd be right here with us but since he isn't...yes, i think i miss him the most." though she adds sincerity to her tone, if one looked deeper into her body language...they may see beneath her words.
Where do you see yourself at fifty years old?
"settled down, i hope," she laughs gently, though it doesn't reach her eyes, "with a child of my own that can continue the liu legacy," as she speaks, her mother is nodding. baozhai has rehearsed. "i will still play my cello though, you can be sure of that."
If you could become someone else, would you? Who?
baozhai hums, averting her gaze from her mothers. she remembers this part well. "my mother, obviously," the soft laugh of chuhua fills the room, "i can only hope to be as great as her." and with a coo, her mother appears beside her and presses a hand to her daughters shoulder. chuhua begins to speak to the interviewer but baozhai zones out, a smile on her face that doesn't quite look real.
Relationships.
✮ KIM HAEUN. here
✮ DR. CHAN. here
✮ PARENTS. here
✮ MISS RYO. here
✮ FIRST VIOLINIST. here
✮ COLLAB. here
✮ DR. CHAN. here
✮ PARENTS. here
✮ MISS RYO. here
✮ FIRST VIOLINIST. here
✮ COLLAB. here
Love Interest. Name here. Delete section if none.
Current Status. Here.
Their Story.
Here.
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