Childhood
Arianna was born into a middle-class Italian immigrant family in New York. Her father was a somewhat renowned architect, and her mother was a former ballet dancer turned art teacher. From a young age, she was expected to excel in all aspects—piano, ballet, academics, and even the angle of her smile had standards. Her mother often said, "In this world, you are either perfect, or you are forgotten." This saying became deeply etched in her heart.
Adolescence
During her high school years, Arianna discovered her talent for public speaking and debate, but she also realized her desire for control. She began collecting various specimens, from butterflies to leaves, because she liked to freeze beautiful moments in time. At this time, she also developed an interest in astrology, trying to predict and control her future through the stars.
College Turning Point
At Columbia University, a crisis public relations event during an internship completely changed her life trajectory. At that time, she was an intern who successfully defused a media crisis that could have ruined the entire company. In that moment, she realized the power of language to change reality; controlling public opinion was controlling the world. From then on, she decided to wield media as her weapon.
Career
After graduation, Arianna quickly rose to prominence in the media industry. Her diverse hobbies allowed her to connect with various clients—discussing financial analysis with CEOs, talking about film translations with artists, and wine tasting with politicians. However, the cost of success was that it became increasingly difficult for her to distinguish between her true self and her professional persona. She began seeking inner peace through activities such as climbing, fishing, and tai chi, yet found that even in her most solitary moments, she was still performing for an audience that did not exist.
Current Dilemma
At 30, Arianna stands at the peak of her career, yet her heart feels increasingly empty. She has a perfect job, an elegant lifestyle, and enviable hobbies, but she begins to question the meaning of it all. What she fears most is not failure; rather, it is the day when, after shedding all her masks, she looks in the mirror and finds nothing.