Iao

• in a myth once told

From a young age, Xiuyan was extremely into greek mythology. A result of attending American education institutions since elementary despite being born as the child of a conglomerate family. Or rather, it was because she was from such a family that she was able to afford a life in America as such. Growing up a self-proclaimed nerd, Xiuyan always found herself drawn to mythology and very specifically greek mythology what with its dramatic tales of romance and heroism. She grew extremely attached to one particular myth; Hades and Persephone's meeting. Originally scandalized by the story, Xiuyan soon found herself hoping that she'll find her own Hades.

In the coming years, Xiuyan grew less attached to the mythology and instead turned face to theatre. Her mother was quite the peking opera fanatic and often took Xiuyan with her whenever they were back in Beijing for her school breaks. While Xiuyan never took to becoming apart of the Chinese opera seeing as her plan was always to inherit her father's multitude of hotels, but her middle school and high school were showered with multiple lead roles. It was always going to be a hobby for her, even if at times Xiuyan felt herself doubt her own drive.

• spring comes

The transition from high school to college was a seamless one as Xiuyan majored in business and studied abroad back in China. Throughout high school, she had been confessed to and even had her first boyfriend then, though they had broken things off right before she moved home. He claimed that if she really wanted things to work out between them, Xiuyan would have to stay in America. Good thing she never really cared all too much for him.

She found her first real love in the deskmate next to her at college. Another study abroad student who was majoring in Chinese. Xiuyan hadn't meant to fall in love, but a night out drinking together had a drunk confession come out her lips. From there, they were inseperable and she felt as if she were on cloud nine. However, all things must come to an end and it was this time when Xiuyan found herself on the other foot. Only a year into her studies, her girlfriend had to return back to America and Xiuyan's fears manifested and without much thought, she gave her girlfriend the same ultimatum her ex-boyfriend had given her.

"Please stay here, or we are breaking up."

And though she wanted her girlfriend to choose her, she didn't and Xiuyan was now single once again.

Love takes time to heal, but Xiuyan found herself more stable as she experienced more and more relationships. Graduating college and finding herself at a position of power at her father's company, she strived to prove herself and was considered a bit of a nightmare to work under, but Xiuyan got the job done, exceptionally so, and no one could complain.

• if the winter birds could sing once more...

Waking up in a shrine was not exactly how Xiuyan had thought her morning would go before the all important meeting with the higher executives. Though initially confused and stressed about the whole event, when she found herself settled with it all, she decided on a new name for herself at Mystique Town: Iao. A nod to her younger years and a character reflection of the kind of person she felt she had become. Iao decided to take the role of bathkeeper to help out around the town and make herself useful. She'd seen a number of baths in her lifetime, this would be no different.