Paulina Yeung

When a stocky Filipino-American tween spills ketchup on a traditional heirloom dress, she must accompany her mother to the laundromat where her attempts to restore it only make her feel more displaced in her own skin.

In a fictitious dynasty inspired by ancient China, Princess Ruo Hua longs for a life beyond the rigid expectations of royalty. A passionate gourmand with a curious spirit, she secretly slips into the imperial kitchens at night to learn the art of cooking from the palace chef. Her quiet adventures take an unexpected turn when a wounded general is brought into hiding within the palace after a brutal conflict. Despite the danger, the compassionate princess chooses to help and protect him, revealing a quiet courage and selflessness beneath her gentle nature. Through shared meals, late-night conversations, and small acts of kindness, an unlikely bond begins to blossom between them. As their worlds slowly intertwine, the princess discovers that love, destiny, and true strength can emerge from the most unexpected places.