[Lemuen Cosplay] From BW to Ambience Synesthesia: A Year-Long Journey Fueled by Pure Passion

Last July's Bilibili World (BW) was my very first time appearing before the public in this look. The outfit was specially custom-made by a studio, and the wig was a rush job. Most memorably, I didn't even pick up the costume from the SF Express pickup station until the night right before BW started. With virtually no time to check the details thoroughly, I rushed straight to the convention hall the next morning in this somewhat unrefined gear. Although hasty, it was truly the start of my connection with her; that initial flustered meeting has now become an extraordinarily precious memory.

Come August, aiming for better photo results, I decided to do a formal character photoshoot. To recreate the iconic prop from her setting, I specially customized a wheelchair worth 1,500 RMB and asked a photographer friend to drive all the way from Shanghai to a Nanjing studio. That shoot was not only a test of physical endurance, but also an exploration of visual dynamics. Thanks to the collaboration of top-tier photographer friends, we utilized post-processing compositing techniques in front of the computer to pull off an epic composite image that I was immensely satisfied with. When that fantasy-tinged photo featuring floating depth was born, all the travel and prop costs proved undeniably worth it.

Fast forward to January this year, my friends and I braved a heavy snowfall to complete a Laterano-themed group photoshoot. In the snow, dressed in custom leather outerwear and tall boots, kneeling on the snow-covered ground in a combat stance, I was shivering uncontrollably with frost clinging to my hair. Yet that warm atmosphere of running toward our shared passion together brought heat to the freezing cold. The ambient light in the snowy environment also lent a very unique texture to the Cosplay photography, an experience that studio shoots could never replace.

In March, when news and the PV for Ambience Synesthesia were released, I immediately realized I had to push my limits to complete that long-anticipated look. I immediately booked an expedited wig order while starting a \"race\" with my tailor on costume fabrication. During this process, we utilized the 3D printer in our home lab to research and produce an oversized headpiece to hit our standards in material and sculpting. Unexpectedly, things weren't smooth sailing—the tailor accidentally stitched the print inside out during the rush, requiring a series of setbacks before it was finally corrected. Fortunately, hard work paid off: on May 4th at Ambience Synesthesia, I finally wore my absolute favorite outfit and successfully attended. Hearing so many passing fellow fans compliment the look and ask for photos made all the prior hardship melt into pure happiness.

Looking back over this year, from a hasty debut to rigorous prop studio shoots, snowy teamwork, and the race against time before Ambience Synesthesia, I might not be the most fanatic fan or the most hardcore prop maker in the community, but I truly love this Arknights character with all my heart. Every outfit of Anime-style fashion, every wig, and even every button I printed myself holds dedicated effort. May 21st is her birthday; I hope she stays happy in her world forever, and I will continue accompanying her in my own way, preserving this passion and original heart in every makeup session and every click of the shutter.