Chapter 11: A Myriad of CharmsSelena was most famous for her long, straight black hair. She didn’t pay excessive attention to her makeup, instead focusing more energy on hair care.Her hair was exceptionally well-maintained—thick, jet-black, and silky smooth, so pleasing to the touch that one couldn’t help but adore it.It was only natural for Selena to test Shan Xiaoxi, but she wouldn’t grant her much patience.Shan Xiaoxi didn’t focus on Selena’s hair, as it was already perfect.She chose to work on the eyes and eyebrows instead, as these were Selena’s weak points.Enhancing strengths and compensating for weaknesses better showcased her value. Besides, she liked the saying, “The eyes and brows hold a myriad of charms.”Shan Xiaoxi took out her toolkit from her backpack.This toolkit was custom-made, modeled exactly after the one she had used in her previous life.When opened, the layers unfolded, drawing curious glances from everyone in the room. The various tools and supplies inside were all crafted according to her habits from her past life, including many blushes and lipsticks she had personally mixed.Calmly and unhurriedly, Shan Xiaoxi selected a chisel-tip black eyebrow pencil and a multi-colored eyeshadow palette in pink and brown tones.She didn’t rush to begin, instead carefully studying Selena’s eyes and brows.To make applying makeup easier, Selena had completely shaved off her eyebrows.Selena’s hairline was set forward, making her forehead appear slightly narrow. Shan Xiaoxi could draw the eyebrows closer to the eyes to subtly widen the forehead.Perhaps due to poor rest, Selena’s under-eye bags were somewhat prominent. Eyeshadow could be used to transform them into charming “aegyo sal.”Selena’s eyes were large, with distinct double eyelids. A thin eyeliner line on the upper lids would suffice, and the eyeshadow shouldn’t be too heavy, or it would make her eyes look unnatural.After mentally sketching out her plan and gesturing over Selena’s face for a while to get a feel for it, Shan Xiaoxi finally began.Recently, downturned “sad brows” were popular in the Red-Light District, as they gave a pitiful appearance that seemed to please customers more.But Selena’s temperament didn’t suit downturned brows; she always drew them straight.In truth, Selena wasn’t particularly fond of her facial features. They were too bold and imposing, easily creating a sense of distance and intimidation. Most customers didn’t favor her type.Selena had arrived at Night Rose at twenty, climbing to the third floor in two years. Now twenty-five, she had been on the third floor for three years.At the Fourth Ring’s Night Rose Club, the third floor was the top tier. Where should she go next?In Selena’s understanding, a woman’s most beautiful years were before twenty-eight. That meant, as the top courtesan, she had at most three years left. After that, if she continued in the prostitution industry, she would only decline.This trip to the Third Ring was an opportunity. She intended to give it one more try. If she could use this chance to stay in the Third Ring, that would be best. If not, she would need to start looking for a future husband, planning to leave Night Rose and marry in three years.It was precisely because of this last-ditch effort mindset that Selena had publicly announced her search for an assistant. The maids currently around her only took care of daily life matters and couldn’t help her in other areas. Taking them to the Third Ring would be a waste of slots.Selena was willing to give anyone a chance, as long as they could help her establish herself in the Third Ring.As the star attraction of Night Rose, Selena cared about only two things: her looks and her skills in bed. And between these two, the former took precedence over the latter, because clients first saw her appearance before deciding whether to take her to bed.When Shan Xiaoxi offered to shape her eyebrows and enhance her eyes, Selena guessed that Shan Xiaoxi was skilled at makeup. She had some expectations of Shan Xiaoxi, as this was indeed her weak point.Shan Xiaoxi usually did her own makeup and occasionally practiced on others at the orphanage. She had never abandoned the skills she excelled at in her previous life. Although it was her first time applying makeup for Selena, her steady hands drew sidelong glances from others in the room.Even though it was just a pair of eyebrows and eyes, Shan Xiaoxi adhered to the principle of meticulous craftsmanship, slowly and confidently sketching each detail. Most of her previous practice had been with everyday makeup, not as theatrical as this time, and the level of precision far exceeded what she did for herself.Unconsciously, over ten minutes passed.When Shan Xiaoxi put down the final stroke, her trial work was complete.Shan Xiaoxi shook her wrist while examining Selena’s makeup, nodding as she looked. She was satisfied with the effect but wondered what others thought.Lin Ting stared at Selena, unable to hide her astonished expression. Even though she already knew Shan Xiaoxi was skilled at makeup, watching the subtle changes in Selena’s eyebrows and eyes was like witnessing a transformation firsthand.Describing the change in Selena’s appearance as a transformation might be a slight exaggeration. After all, it was only the makeup on her eyebrows and eyes, and the overall look would require matching clothing and styling. But Lin Ting could only think of the word "transformation" to express her feelings.Seeing Lin Ting’s astonished expression and the maid’s dumbfounded, almost drooling look, Selena waved her hand, urging the maid to quickly bring over the mirror."Give me the mirror, quickly, let me see what I look like. Is… is this still me?"The delicate, curved willow-leaf eyebrows and bright, sparkling eyes, with eyelashes fluttering like a gentle breeze rippling across a lake, stirred the heart.For the first time, Selena felt she could be described as "alluring.""Ah, please wait a moment."Shan Xiaoxi clapped her hands and stepped forward, gathering Selena’s long hair from behind and draping it over her right shoulder.Selena instinctively tilted her head to the right, looking at her profile in the mirror, unable to suppress the joy spreading across her eyebrows and eyes.Her black hair cascaded like a waterfall, accentuating the sharpness of her features. Her eyebrows and eyes were as if painted, like a beauty from a painting come to life.The greatest credit went to these delicate eyebrows, which softened her entire demeanor, making her features less severe and more gentle and beautiful.She had never imagined that simply changing a pair of eyebrows could make such a difference.Selena looked at Shan Xiaoxi with disbelief. "Where did you learn this?"Shan Xiaoxi smiled lightly. "In a dream."Lin Ting patted Shan Xiaoxi’s shoulder and explained to Selena, "She studied art at a university in the Third Ring and worked as an intern at Miracle Gallery for over two years, nearly becoming a full-time employee.""Why?" the maid asked curiously, wide-eyed."They found someone more suitable than me—a local from the Third Ring," Shan Xiaoxi replied indifferently.Selena nodded and put down the mirror. "It’s always like this. The gap between the Inner Ring and the Outer Ring is an insurmountable chasm."Selena looked at Shan Xiaoxi. "If you want to go to the Third Ring, I can give you an opportunity. The gathering is next month, so you have one month to prepare."Shan Xiaoxi patted her toolbox. "I've been ready for a long time.""No, I'm not talking about that," Selena added. "I can bring an assistant who belongs to me to the Third Ring, but this assistant won't obtain residency rights there because of it. You'll have to go through another special passage."Night Rose would provide accommodation, meals, and wages for Selena's assistant in the Third Ring but wouldn't offer legal status. In other words, Shan Xiaoxi would have to sneak into the Third Ring.Lin Ting clearly hadn't known about this beforehand and immediately frowned, asking, "Not through the transfer station?"Selena glanced at Lin Ting. "Through the lowest level. You know, the route they use to transport special goods. Haven't you taken that route before?"The transfer station connecting the Fourth Ring and the Third Ring was divided into three levels: the top level was the VIP passage, the middle was the ordinary passage, and the bottom level was the goods transport passage. Previously, when Shan Xiaoxi went to work in the Third Ring, she had always taken the middle ordinary passage.Lin Ting shook her head. "I haven't been involved in sending people to the Third Ring. Could you explain the situation on that route in detail?"Selena also frowned slightly, her expression somewhat heart-wrenching."I'm not too clear about it either. I only know it follows the same route as the goods transport, but not inside the vehicles. You know, vehicles can't avoid inspections. If you have connections, you can ask around for detailed information. If not, I can help you find someone to inquire."Lin Ting fell silent in thought. Shan Xiaoxi looked at Lin Ting, seemingly waiting for her decision.Although she really wanted to go to the Third Ring, Shan Xiaoxi understood the seriousness of the matter. In some aspects, she was an outsider and should listen more to Lin Ting's advice.Lin Ting remained silent for a while before saying, "I'll go back and carefully inquire about this matter. Since I wasn't aware of this layer of danger before, her becoming your assistant can't be decided just yet.""I understand. Go back and think it over carefully," Selena turned to look at Shan Xiaoxi, her eyes showing frank admiration. "I really like you and sincerely hope you can come to the Third Ring with me. This is my opportunity, and it's also yours. You must understand that this world is unfair—there are no benefits gained without paying a price."Shan Xiaoxi thanked Selena for the reminder and asked Lin Ting if they could stay a while longer. Then she suggested to Selena that she teach her how to draw eyebrows."These slender willow-leaf eyebrows aren't hard to draw. You can do it yourself in front of a mirror. Practice a few times every day, and you'll get the hang of it."Shan Xiaoxi demonstrated while explaining the details of eyebrow drawing. She enjoyed sharing makeup techniques with others, as it gave her a sense of achievement from specializing in her craft.Selena took a liking to Shan Xiaoxi's cleaver-shaped eyebrow pencil. "This eyebrow pencil of yours is quite special. Could you sell it to me?""This one isn't new. If you want one, I can make a new one for you."As a professional stylist, Shan Xiaoxi naturally had backup tools, but the ones she was used to weren't suitable to give to others."Then I'll place an order with you for one.""It'll take two days to make. I'll bring it to you the day after tomorrow. Can I come during the day? At night, I'd need Sister Ting to bring me, which would trouble her too much.""Alright, I'll inform the guard at the side gate. You can come find me anytime, day or night."Selena's words seemed to carry a certain implication—was she hinting for Shan Xiaoxi to come alone at night? Shan Xiaoxi pretended not to understand.She wasn't yet familiar with Selena, and her trust in her was far less than in Lin Ting."That's all for today. The Patra Bone Wine is nearing its expiration date, so we should head home."

The Fashion Rookie and The Mysterious Gentleman