Makeup Master
Jinniang was drawn by the clear voice of a child on the opposite bank. She looked up and saw a tall young man standing on the other side, with a pretty little girl on his back waving at her.
Taking advantage of the moment, Ji Jun threw the peach into Jin Niang's arms. Jin Niang instinctively hugged the peach, and the residual force in the peach carried her back three steps, away from the lakeside.
"Well done!"
Amidst Jin Xiaoxiao's praise, Ji Jun led her to Jinniang's side.
Jin Xiaoxiao ran to Jinniang the moment her feet touched the ground. "Sister, the peaches are so sweet. Want to try some?"
Jinniang lowered her eyes and stared at Jin Xiaoxiao, "You want to persuade me not to take my own life?"
Jin Xiaoxiao's eyes were clear as she shook her head and said, "Whether or not you want to commit suicide is your business. I came here specifically because I like your makeup and wanted to exchange makeup tips with you."
Jinniang was taken aback. "You think my makeup looks good?"
Jin Xiaoxiao leaned closer to examine her face. "Sister's midface is a bit long, but she drew flat eyebrows to lower them, and also modified the bridge of her nose and the tip of her nose. She added rouge to the center of her face and blended lip rouge on her upper lip. The effect is beautiful and natural. Sister's makeup skills are really good!"
Jinniang's eyes were blurry with tears, but the corners of her mouth were slightly upturned, a mixture of bitterness and joy in her expression. Every time she dressed up meticulously, her mother would scold her for neglecting her duties, and then earnestly advise her that instead of wasting her time on fancy and lewd skills, she should practice needlework more.
She hadn't given up; it was only after her hands were raw and bleeding from needle pricks that she finally realized she lacked the talent for needlework. Her obsession with makeup, besides being a hobby, was also a way to give herself a reason to live. Only now, when her skills were recognized, did she realize that all she had ever craved was acceptance!
Jin Xiaoxiao pretended not to notice her lapse in composure, and instead focused her gaze on her hair bun, exclaiming in amazement, "Sister, you are truly skillful! The exquisite high bun paired with your round face makes you look bright and lively."
Jin Xiaoxiao's words struck a chord with Jinniang. Jinniang felt that Jin Xiaoxiao was another version of herself, and for the first time, she felt that conversation could be so easy and pleasant! Jinniang's lifeless eyes lit up with joy. She looked up, wiped away her tears, stretched her body, and twirled lightly. "Sister, take another look at my clothes."
Jin Xiaoxiao praised her without reservation, "The clothes you chose not only accentuate your graceful figure, but also make your skin look fair and beautiful."
Jinniang smiled and took a bite of the peach. The sweet peach juice burst in her mouth, making her heart melt.
As dusk settled and lights began to illuminate the restaurant, Jin Xiaoxiao extended an invitation to Jinniang, "Sister, the dishes I ordered at Fuxing Restaurant should all be served by now. Why don't we eat and talk?"
Jinniang, having found a kindred spirit, did not want to part with her, so she gladly accepted her invitation.
During the meal, Jin Xiaoxiao and Jinniang exchanged names and backgrounds. Jinniang talked about makeup techniques, and Jin Xiaoxiao echoed her, occasionally throwing out some modern makeup theories to seduce Jinniang. The meal ended with everyone enjoying themselves.
Jinniang held onto Jin Xiaoxiao's hand tightly, saying, "Xiaoxiao, I wish I had met you sooner."
Jin Xiaoxiao let her pull her along, and said with a smile, "Sister, I think it's fate that we met at this moment. A moment earlier, you would have been thinking about that heartless man and wouldn't have cared about me. A moment later, perhaps you would have already passed away."
Jinniang then realized that although she still felt a little sad when she thought of Wu Yong, she no longer felt unbearably heartbroken. She looked at Jin Xiaoxiao gratefully.
"Xiaoxiao, thank you."
Jin Xiaoxiao shook her hand, "No need to thank me. By the way, sister, what are your plans for the future?"
A look of confusion flashed in Jinniang's eyes. "I don't know."
Jin Xiaoxiao turned to look at her and offered a suggestion, "Sister, your makeup skills are so good, why don't you open a shop that specializes in makeup?"
Jinniang shook her head, "I don't have the money to open a shop."
Jin Xiaoxiao casually replied, "I have some, I'll lend it to my sister."
Jinniang hesitated for a moment, but still refused, "No, I don't have the ability to run a shop, I can't take your money."
Jin Xiaoxiao stopped and said seriously, "If someone else manages the shop, and I only need to do the makeup for the customers, would you be willing?"
Jin Xiaoxiao was too kind to her, and Jinniang had a moment of doubt, but she quickly dismissed it. Because she had nothing that the Jin family could possibly want from her. Xiaoxiao was kind to her because she was kind-hearted. She wanted to find a way out for herself.
The thought flashed through her mind, and Jinniang's nose tingled with emotion. "I'm willing."
"Yay, sister, wait for me at Rongguang Perfume Shop tomorrow."
After making their agreement, Jin Xiaoxiao and Jinniang went home separately.
As soon as Jinniang stepped into her own gate, she was immediately summoned to the main courtyard.
Her cousin was sobbing as the old lady held her in her arms and comforted her.
Hearing her enter, her cousin stopped sobbing and looked up at her with a hint of smugness.
The old lady shouted sternly, "You don't even know how to greet your elders! You have absolutely no respect for your elders!"
Jinniang slowly straightened her bent knees, her head bowed and she remained silent.
The old lady did not stop scolding her because she remained silent. "I heard you showed off your power to Hui'er today! What good will it do you to smear Hui'er? Do I have to teach you what it means to share both glory and loss?"
Jinniang remained silent.
Seeing this, Hui Niang turned around and gently comforted the old lady, "Grandmother, calm down. It's not worth getting sick from getting angry. I think Jin Niang acted impulsively. For the sake of us sisters, I won't hold it against Jin Niang."
After saying that, she turned to Jinniang and said, "Jinniang, quickly apologize to your grandmother, and this matter will be over."
Seeing that Jinniang remained silent, Jinniang's mother pinched her arm hard.
Jinniang felt the pain and moved away from her mother.
Seeing out of the corner of her eye that her mother still wanted to pinch her, Jinniang pursed her lips and whispered, "Grandmother, I was wrong."
"Jinniang, from now on you are not allowed to go out. Stay at home and reflect on your mistakes."
Jinniang suddenly raised her head, "If you won't let me go out, what about Huiniang?"
The old lady frowned. "Hui Niang has done nothing wrong, so she can come and go as she pleases."
"Hui Niang knew that Wu Yong was engaged to me, yet she still flirted with him. I was wrong to tell the truth, but was she wrong to seduce Wu Yong?"
The old woman's chest heaved violently as she pointed at Jinniang and said, "How dare you! How dare you talk back to your elders!"
Jinniang sneered, "Grandmother, don't play dumb. You're just trying to scheme for my marriage by helping Huiniang. If you promise not to use your seniority to pressure me in the future, I'll agree to let her have the marriage."
A hint of joy flashed in Hui Niang's eyes. She grasped the old lady's arm and pleaded softly, "Grandmother!"
The old lady's face turned pale and bluish, her fingers trembled, and she was about to lash out when Hui Niang interrupted her.
"grandmother!"
Unable to resist Hui Niang's pleas, the old lady agreed to Jin Niang's terms.
The next day, Jin Xiaoxiao met Jinniang at Rongguang Perfume Shop.
Jinniang was so shocked when she saw Baiguo that she realized the bustling shop was actually Jin Xiaoxiao's property.
"Xiaoxiao, is this mysterious shop yours?"
Jin Xiaoxiao said modestly, "It's not just mine, it's a shop that my brother and I own."
Jinniang swallowed hard; she still couldn't believe it.
Next, it was mainly Bai Guo and Jin Xiaoxiao who were negotiating. Jin Niang was completely confused until Jin Xiaoxiao handed her the draft contract, which she signed without even looking at it.
Jin Xiaoxiao and Bai Guo exchanged a glance, their eyes meeting. They knew they absolutely couldn't let Jinniang/Sister be alone with anyone.
Jin Xiaoxiao turned back to her sister, "Sister, aren't you going to read the contract? What if I'm going to sell you?"
Jinniang could tell it was a joke. "I trust Xiaoxiao." As she spoke, she looked down to examine the contract. After finishing, she suddenly looked up. "Xiaoxiao, why should I get a share of the profits?"
“I’ll provide the money, you’ll provide the labor, and Sister Baiguo will manage the shop. Logically, I should receive the least share of the profits. If you feel it’s unfair, I’ll adjust the profit distribution.”
Jinniang hurriedly hid the contract behind her back, saying, "There's no unfairness."
Jin Xiaoxiao smiled slyly, "Since you think it's fair, then let's divide it like this."
Two weeks later, the shop opposite the Rongguang Perfume flagship store quietly changed its signboard to the three characters "Beauty Makeup".
Jinniang stared intently at the doorway. "Xiaoxiao, will anyone really come?"
Jin Xiaoxiao calmly said, "Sister Jin, you must trust Sister Baiguo's abilities."
Rongguang Perfume Shop.
Bai Guo did not disappoint Jin Xiaoxiao's trust; she had already selected her candidate.
Bai Guo poured a cup of tea for General Zhongwu's wife and asked with concern, "Madam, you seem troubled. Have you encountered some difficulties?"
The wife of General Zhongwu smelled the aroma of tea and sighed, "Manager Bai doesn't know, I'm worried about my daughter's marriage."
Bai Guo glanced at the young woman beside her and teased with a smile, "Your daughter is outstanding in appearance, character, and family background. Are you having too many choices, Madam?"
No mother dislikes hearing praise for her child, and General Zhongwu's wife was no exception. She pointed at Baiguo reproachfully, "You're so sweet-talking. My daughter is naturally excellent in every way, but there's one thing: she bumped her face when she was little, leaving a scar that ruined her good looks. Any potential suitors who see her once never speak to her again."
Bai Guo pondered for a moment and said, "If you trust me, Madam, I can recommend a place for you. Take your daughter there, and I guarantee your doorstep will be overrun with visitors."
The wife of General Zhongwu was skeptical. "Where?"
Bai Guo smiled and pointed to the opposite side, "Beauty Makeup."
Beauty makeup store.
Jinniang suddenly stood up and jogged to the door.
Seeing this, Jin Xiaoxiao also got up and followed behind Jinniang.
"Manager Bai said there's a girl here named Jinniang who's very skilled at makeup. May I ask which young lady she is?"
Meeting the imposing gaze of General Zhongwu's wife, Jinniang stammered, "Madam, I, I am Jinniang."
The wife of General Zhongwu looked her up and down. "Are you Jinniang?"
Jinniang's fingers, hidden in her sleeves, clenched tightly. "Yes, it's me."
He Yu was reluctantly pulled along by her mother, the wife of General Zhongwu. Seeing that her mother didn't move, she turned to leave. She had only taken one step when she felt resistance behind her. Turning around, she found that someone was tugging at her clothes. Just as she was about to get angry, she heard the person tugging at her clothes speak.
"Beautiful sister, Sister Jinniang's makeup skills are excellent. Since you're already at the door, why don't you come in and try it out!"
Jin Xiaoxiao blinked her eyes, her face full of anticipation.
He Yu glanced at the child, then shifted her gaze to Jin Niang.
Seeing that there was hope, Jin Xiaoxiao turned around and tapped Jinniang's cheek.
Jinniang understood Jin Xiaoxiao's implication and turned her gaze to He Yu's face. "I will spend half an hour applying a slanted red makeup to you, and then slightly modify your eyebrows and facial features. Your beauty will then be fully revealed."
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