In this chapter, we are introduced to a new character, Shmoop, who is a former assistant to Lin-Manuel. He is now employed by Ling-Manuel as her punching bag. He asks Lin-Mao if he can work for him, and he is told that he can do so until the end of the month, when his wages will be settled. He also tells us that he is worried about the upcoming fashion shoots, as they have been prepared for fear of him and Barbara. He says that he knows that they have prepared two more dresses for the shoots, but that he has not been informed of the schedule. He then tells the other assistant, Shu-Xing, that he was once a fashion designer, and that he could make alterations to the dresses during the awards ceremony. He explains that he only needs to pull out the threads of the dresses to keep his distance from her, as she will not fall from the stage.