Xiao Wu pushed the garment rack in front of the two women, pointing to one row. “This side features designs Madam created just a few days ago; the ones in the back are improved versions of styles from a few years back.” She then pointed to the other row. “These were designed by Madam’s students, and there are also some new arrivals from major runway shows—all tailored to your measurements.”
“There are also a few heavy-duty pieces that haven’t been delivered yet. If you’re not in a hurry, shall I call you once they arrive?”
“No need, thank you. These are enough.” Song Jin’s gaze lingered on the rack. She picked through them, pulling out several items that were clearly unsuitable for Wen Yu or that she knew Wen Yu would absolutely dislike. She casually pulled over Wen Yu, who was standing aside feeling somewhat out of place, and said, “Pick whatever you like. See if there’s anything you fancy.”
“Ah? Is this… really okay?” Wen Yu replied a bit stiffly. “After all, your mother prepared these for you.”
Song Jin, however, held no such taboos. She picked an eye-catching dress from the rack and held it up against Wen Yu to measure it. “It’s fine. Since they were given to me, what I do with them is my business. Besides, beautiful dresses belong on beautiful people; my mom would be happy too. By the way, what kind of occasion are you attending tomorrow? I need to know so I can help you choose.”
“I’m not entirely sure,” Wen Yu shook her head hesitantly. “But my manager said it’s a ‘big, wonderful thing.'”
“A ‘big, wonderful thing’?” Song Jin mused for a moment. She figured it must be an event attended by famous directors in the industry, where Wen Yu could show her face and perhaps discuss a potential collaboration.
“I think I get it…” Song Jin tossed the dress in her hand onto the sofa and turned back to find a moonlight-white gown.
The neckline was designed in an off-the-shoulder style with ruffled sleeves on both sides. The middle featured a waist-slimming design that accentuated the figure, while the layered mermaid skirt was dotted with small rhinestones that shimmered unmistakably with Song Jin’s movements.
“Go try this one on,” Song Jin said. She then ran over to the mannequin next to them, snatched the rabbit fur shawl off it, and handed it to Wen Yu.
Xiao Wu was quick-witted; she immediately led Wen Yu into the dressing room. After some shuffling, Wen Yu pulled back the deep blue curtain and stepped out.
Song Jin had been sitting on the sofa scrolling through short videos. Upon hearing the “shua” of the curtain, she turned her head instantly and saw Wen Yu, who was tugging at her hemline somewhat uncomfortably.
It was hard to say whether Song Jin had excellent taste or if the compatibility between Madam Li’s designs and Wen Yu was simply too high. The dress looked as if it had been made specifically for her, fitting so perfectly it felt like a “factory reset” to her true self.
Song Jin and Wen Yu were roughly the same height and weight, but Wen Yu had a better figure. She didn’t even need to sneak in a couple of pads to fill out the formal wear.
Song Jin couldn’t help but look down and stare for a few seconds, then she pursed her lips and refocused on Wen Yu’s face.
“What do you think?” she asked, arms crossed as she examined her, though the question was clearly directed at Xiao Wu.
Xiao Wu, sitting beside her, mimicked the pose, nodding and then shaking her head. “It’s elegant and beautiful, but will it be… memorable enough?”
Song Jin glanced at her sideways, barely suppressing a smile. “Don’t let your boss hear you say that.”
Xiao Wu hissed, lightly slapping her own mouth. “What nonsense is this mouth of mine spouting again?”
However, Song Jin felt there was some truth to her words. To attend this kind of gala, one needed to be poised and elegant, but also unforgettable. Wearing a plain color certainly provided a gentle “White Moonlight” aura, but it lacked novelty.
Song Jin thought deeply for a moment and soon had an idea. She snapped her fingers and pulled out a piece from Li Zhengzheng’s collection from three years ago for Wen Yu to change into.
The Dunhuang style had been particularly popular during those years, and this dress was born under that influence. The overall color was a gradient of ochre yellow and kingfisher blue; one glance evoked images of desert winds, setting suns, and lonely smoke—instilling a sense of classical antiquity.
It was a single-shoulder, floor-length gown. The well-draped fabric swayed slightly with Wen Yu’s steps, and the contrasting waistband around the abdomen cleverly drew the visual focus to the patterns, where the heavy craftsmanship anchored the ethereal feel of the light gauze.
Xiao Wu puckered her lips and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, “Aren’t you usually reluctant to wear this one? And among the new batch, wasn’t there even one suitable piece?”
Was it really okay to give someone a three-year-old dress…
“But I think this one looks the best, and it suits her perfectly,” Song Jin disagreed. “Besides, this piece has never been seen in public. For all intents and purposes, it is a ‘new arrival.'”
“Won’t it be too exaggerated?” Xiao Wu persisted.
“How is this color exaggerated? This is called—understated luxury.”
Xiao Wu
No, she wasn’t talking about the clothes, but the styling Song Jin was about to derive from this dress. Song Jin’s fans knew that the more elaborate her clothes were, the more elaborate her accessories became. Xiao Wu shuddered to think how many items would end up on Wen Yu.
Wen Yu walked toward Song Jin step by step, her smooth, fair right leg appearing and disappearing through the side-slit hem. Song Jin’s gaze slid down the curve of her leg, pausing when she saw the canvas shoes Wen Yu hadn’t had time to change out of. She hesitated between choosing high heels or flats.
Forget it, she’s on her period these few days; flats will be more comfortable for walking.
With that thought, Song Jin stepped forward and pushed Wen Yu toward the vanity mirror next to the dressing room. She hooked the chair out with her toe and, without a word, pressed down on Wen Yu’s shoulders to make her sit.
“What are you doing?” Wen Yu asked, turning her head to question Song Jin behind her.
“Applying your makeup. Since you’re already here,” Song Jin said, reaching out to switch on the ring of LEDs around the vanity mirror. She clicked her tongue, stood beside Wen Yu, and turned the chair so she was facing her directly.
She looked down at Wen Yu from above. Seeing her like this, Wen Yu subconsciously lifted her chin to meet her gaze.
Song Jin’s eyelashes were very long, casting a small shadow over her lower eyelids when she looked down. She was observing very intently, her gaze sliding from Wen Yu’s eyes down to her thin lips, then back to the arch of her brow. Feeling that gaze lingering on her face, Wen Yu felt the tips of her ears grow hot.
She couldn’t help but swallow, her voice even becoming a bit stuttery: “Wh-why are you looking at me like that?”
Song Jin locked eyes with her slightly evasive gaze and answered as if it were the most natural thing in the world: “Looking for inspiration—I have to judge your face shape, your facial proportions, and your features first. Then I can decide how to apply the makeup and what look to go for.”
“And have you judged anything yet?” Wen Yu’s thin lips parted slightly. The lipstick she hadn’t had time to remove since finishing work was mostly gone, leaving only a faint trace of red.
“I’ve judged that your foundation is excellent and perfect, though still a tiny bit inferior compared to mine—satisfied?” Song Jin teased. Just then, Xiao Wu returned from downstairs with the shop’s makeup kit. Song Jin took it with both hands, thanked her, and turned back to Wen Yu. “You don’t have sensitive skin, right? Any allergies to ingredients?”
Wen Yu shook her head. “Neutral skin, no allergies. Do whatever you want.”
Song Jin: “…”
Seriously, why is even her skin texture this good?
In her next life, could God please give her a neutral skin type too? Thanks.
Muttering internally, her hand movements were incredibly gentle. Song Jin first did a partial makeup removal, sprayed some hydrating mist, and then began working according to her vision.
Wen Yu’s base was truly excellent; her skin was smooth, delicate, and naturally flushed—though for some reason, it was becoming increasingly red.
“You’re sure it’s not an allergy?” Song Jin paused hesitantly.
“Mm,” Wen Yu squeezed out a sound, her breath brushing against Song Jin’s face.
Wen Yu’s pores were completely invisible from a normal social distance, and her facial proportions were superb. Because she rarely smiled, even her nasolabial folds were shallower than Song Jin’s.
Song Jin gritted her teeth, vowing never to make such exaggerated expressions again.
She first applied green color corrector to Wen Yu’s face to cover the redness, then proceeded with the makeup in her usual order. Wen Yu remained quiet and cooperative throughout. As time passed, Song Jin almost forgot she was working on a living person rather than a life-sized doll.
Because her ideas were clear, her movements were light and fast. Once finished, she effortlessly styled Wen Yu’s hair and had Xiao Wu bring over several batches of colorful jewelry to match.
Looking at the increasing number of decorations on herself in the mirror, Wen Yu couldn’t help but shrink her neck slightly. “I don’t think I need this much?”
Earrings, a collarbone chain, a leg ring—even the matching shawl and shoes had been coordinated. Every detail reflected Song Jin’s dedication.
She was so dedicated that if Wen Yu didn’t say something, Song Jin would likely even pick out a handheld accessory. Her creativity was on the verge of exploding.
But the more effort Song Jin put in, the more worried Wen Yu became. In her view, the company would never be willing to spend this much money on her. She was afraid she wouldn’t be allowed to attend the event in this specific styling, making Song Jin’s hard work go to waste.
After all, if someone spent so much time choosing an outfit for you and you didn’t follow their vision, wasting their time and energy, they would surely feel displeased…
But Song Jin didn’t seem to hear Wen Yu’s concern.
“How is this too much? Besides, it looks so good.” As she spoke, Song Jin tied a bronze-colored integrated ring-bracelet to Wen Yu’s left hand. Originally, she wanted it on the ring finger, but since the ring was her own size, it was a bit loose, so she moved it to the middle finger.
“Let me think, should I add some hair accessories…” Seeing Song Jin about to send Xiao Wu to get another batch, Wen Yu immediately grabbed her wrist. “No need, it’s truly perfect already!”
“Hmm…” Song Jin tilted her head, her gaze shifting down from Wen Yu’s face. Wen Yu instinctively followed her gaze and only then noticed she was tightly gripping Song Jin’s hand. She quickly pulled it back.
She cleared her throat in a blatant attempt to hide her embarrassment, trying to change the subject with a compliment: “Your fashion sense is really good.”
“I know.” Song Jin gave a confident smile, then immediately composed herself, advising seriously, “But we still need the hair accessory, otherwise I’d be wasting this updo I did.” With that, she tucked a color-coordinated hairpin behind Wen Yu’s ear. The tassels flowing down the hair looked like geological shifting sands.
“Alright, let’s go with this for now.” She pulled out her phone and snapped photos, then went to WeChat, clicked on Wen Yu’s avatar, and sent them over. “Send these photos to your stylist later and have her follow this direction. It’s not hard.”
“Xiao Wu, come help me pack everything up!” Without waiting for Wen Yu to react, Song Jin called out.
“Coming!” Xiao Wu, who had been playing games on the sofa, put down her phone. “Should I pack the white one as well?”
“Pack it together,” Song Jin said. “I want that deep blue packaging; that one looks better.”
She turned around and helped Wen Yu remove the accessories. “Give me a hand; Xiao Wu needs to pack these.”
“Oh… wait, what?” Once Wen Yu processed the request, she looked at her in shock. “These are being packed too?”
“Mm. They suit you perfectly, so I’m giving them to you as a set.” Song Jin said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Then, as if just reacting, she squinted at her. “What’s wrong? You don’t like them?”