Xue Mingyue had a dream since she was young—she wanted to personally create the world’s most flawless star. To achieve this, she founded a media company and, before that, studied hairstyling, makeup design, and every other skill that might help in shaping a star.
This dream also brought about a little side habit: she loved designing styles for people around her, helping them find the look that suited them best.
As her long-time best friend, Gu Rumeng was very aware of this quirk.
“I promise, just a haircut—nothing else!” Xue Mingyue declared solemnly.
“…Fine,” Gu Rumeng paused, “But you’ll have to ask Qin Yi’s opinion first.”
Hearing that, Xue Mingyue immediately looked toward Qin Yi with hopeful eyes.
Qin Yi didn’t mind. “I’ll go along with whatever Sister Rumeng says.”
“OK!!” Xue Mingyue was thrilled. She grabbed Qin Yi and dashed toward a nearby barbershop.
The shop owner had been about to close up, but when Xue Mingyue pulled out two crisp red bills, he immediately changed his mind and generously lent her all the tools she needed.
Xue Mingyue rolled up her sleeves, washed Qin Yi’s hair, then sat him down in the barber’s chair. As she played with his hair, she examined his reflection in the mirror closely, occasionally poking at his face.
Qin Yi, never having experienced anything like this, felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles. He was already starting to regret agreeing to this.
After a long while, Xue Mingyue finally picked up the scissors and began cutting. The soft snipping sounds had an oddly hypnotic effect, and soon Qin Yi began to doze off. If not for Xue Mingyue repositioning his head every now and then, he probably would’ve fallen asleep.
Time seemed to pass quicker in that state, and before he realized it, she said, “Done.”
The spell broke instantly, and Qin Yi perked up.
When he looked at himself in the mirror, he was stunned. If his old haircut had looked like a messy bird’s nest, then now… he looked clean and energetic, with a distinct youthful vibe.
He remembered overhearing classmates talk about popular hairstyles. One of them was especially popular—what was it called again… layered fringe? Though this one looked slightly different, it still had that trendy feel.
Even someone like him, who never cared about appearances, had to admit he looked much better now. And he had to give it to Sister Mingyue—her skills were impressive.
“I was going to cut it even shorter—maybe something like the super popular Jaer-style—but that wouldn’t suit your soft look. You still look so young,” Xue Mingyue said as she gently pinched his cheek. “This style doesn’t need much maintenance. But if you ever want a slightly different look, just blow-dry it upward to expose your forehead—it’ll make you look cleaner and sharper.”
Qin Yi quietly listened. He didn’t particularly care about hairstyles, but he made a mental note just in case it came in handy someday.
“Aww, so sweet! Don’t thank me, silly. From now on, whenever your hair grows out, only I’m allowed to cut it—don’t you dare go to someone else!” she teased.
Then she pulled out her phone, switched it to selfie mode, and leaned in close. “Come on, smile—say cheese!”
Qin Yi blinked but let her snap a few selfies with him.
But… for some reason… at that moment, he found himself wishing that the person taking selfies with him was Sister Rumeng.
“Ahem… um…” the shop owner spoke up, unable to resist anymore. “Miss, could I trouble you to let me take a photo of your brother? I’d love to put it up at the shop for advertising.”
He’d been blown away by the transformation. If he hadn’t witnessed the whole thing himself, he would’ve thought a celebrity had just walked in. The face, the hairstyle—everything was top-tier.
“Sorry, no can do,” Xue Mingyue declined without hesitation. What a joke! I haven’t even secured photo rights for our little brother—why should I let some outsider profit first?
As she led Qin Yi away, the barber watched them leave with a face full of regret.
…
Back at Gu Rumeng’s bakery, the last cake had already been picked up, and the place had been mostly cleaned. She was just about to close up when she saw Qin Yi returning with Xue Mingyue. Her eyes widened slightly, and her soft pink lips parted in surprise.
“Well? Stunning, right? Bet you almost didn’t recognize him!” Xue Mingyue lifted her chin proudly. “Our Qin Yi is seriously good-looking!”
Regaining her composure, Gu Rumeng’s face lit up with joy. She quickly pulled out her phone and pointed the camera at him. “Come on, Qin Yi, smile!”
Qin Yi nervously gave a small smile.
“Yes! Perfect! Now give me a peace sign!” she urged. “So handsome!”
She excitedly snapped more than a dozen pictures, completely ignoring Xue Mingyue’s attempt to get credit.
Afterward, she eagerly picked her favorite photo and set it as her phone wallpaper.
Qin Yi silently watched and couldn’t help but say, “Sister Rumeng, how about we take a picture together?”
“Sure!” she agreed at once. She wrapped her arm around his and switched the phone to selfie mode.
With each photo, Qin Yi’s heart pounded faster.
“You two are leaving me out—I’m hurt!” Xue Mingyue huffed, clearly annoyed at being ignored. She forced her way between them. “If you’re taking pictures, count me in!” Enjoying the story? Read on at novelping dot com.
“Okay, okay, all together,” Gu Rumeng chuckled. Truthfully, she had thought about including her earlier.
They had only taken a few group shots when a familiar voice came from the entrance.
“I could hear you all being noisy from far away. What are you up to?”
Kong Xinrui had just closed up her clinic and was heading home when she passed by and poked her head inside.
“You’re just in time, Xinrui! Come on, take a group photo for us!” Xue Mingyue hurriedly handed her the phone, dissatisfied with her own selfie angles.
“…Wow, so you weren’t going to include me? Is this some kind of exclusion?” Kong Xinrui raised an eyebrow.
“Hehe,” Xue Mingyue grinned mischievously.
She and Kong Xinrui had also been friends for years—along with Gu Rumeng, the three of them had all grown up on this very street.
“Hehe, my foot,” Kong Xinrui rolled her eyes. “I have a proper camera at home. Wait here!”
She dashed off, and a few minutes later returned with a tripod and camera, panting as she’d clearly run all the way.
“Okay! Everyone’s here!”
“Let’s take a family photo!”
Xue Mingyue shouted excitedly and quickly chose the arrangement.
Gu Rumeng and Kong Xinrui fixed their hair and scooped up Puffy, who was busy licking its fur on a chair.
The three women naturally left the center spot for Qin Yi, all of them smiling happily.
“Look at the camera!”
As the shutter clicked, happiness seemed to freeze in that moment.