"When you messaged me privately at noon, you said you wanted a clean, fresh hairstyle, right?"
Jason walked behind Lin Shen, gently running his fingers through his hair as he explained.
"Your face shape is very symmetrical, without too many sharp angles, but your hair is on the softer side. I recommend you get a perm. How about a Morgan Textured Crop?"
As he spoke, Xiaoli brought over a tablet. The screen was filled with photos of various Morgan Textured Crops, all of which seemed to be Jason's work.
Lin Shen glanced at them casually and then nodded, quite satisfied.
"How much?"
"It'll be another 700 on top of the 998."
Jason pushed the sale hard.
"We'll throw in a bottle of Hawkins styling spray and hair clay. They sell for over three hundred on the market."
"As long as it looks good."
The Appearance Change Card had a hefty 50,000 credit limit anyway, so Lin Shen decided to splurge.
Seeing how generous he was, Xiaoli's smile immediately became incredibly radiant.
"You can trust our manager's skills! Besides, you're so handsome, the Morgan Textured Crop will definitely look amazing on you!"
"Thanks."
Putting the price aside for a moment, the emotional boost Xiaoli provided was something Lin Shen really enjoyed.
Especially the way she massaged his scalp while washing his hair, her gentle touch combined with the faint, pleasant scent coming from her.
All of it made Lin Shen feel a little light-headed.
After all the preparations were complete, Jason began his performance.
First, he used a fade technique to shave the sides and back of Lin Shen's head. Then, he used shears to add texture to the bangs, leaving a longer area to be permed.
After that, Xiaoli helped roll up sections of Lin Shen's hair with perm rods. After a flurry of activity, time slowly passed.
Lin Shen yawned from boredom, but thankfully, Xiaoli was a great conversationalist. Her casual compliments showed a high EQ, preventing the atmosphere from becoming awkward.
Besides, her figure in the flight attendant uniform was a feast for the eyes.
At least, Lin Shen felt the service at this shop was excellent.
'I'll be back!'
"Done!"
Two hours later, when the noise of the hair dryer stopped and Lin Shen put on his glasses, he was genuinely stunned by the person in the mirror.
'Is this me?'
"What do you think?"
Jason brought over a folding mirror so Lin Shen could admire the sides and back of his head. After getting an approving nod, he smiled.
"I'll be honest with you, most popular hairstyles on the market can be created at home with a curling iron and some hair clay."
"In a bit, I'll teach you a method for styling your hair so you can manage it yourself on a daily basis. If you ever need help, feel free to come see me anytime."
"Okay."
Lin Shen couldn't contain his excitement and took out his phone to snap a mirror selfie.
He then got up, paid, and added Xiaoli on WeChat. For the first time ever, he left a barbershop with a smile on his face.
Lin Shen closed his eyes and took a deep breath. It felt like the whole world had brightened. He subconsciously straightened his back and lifted his chin.
As he gradually shed his identity as a corporate drone, he was also starting to appreciate the beauty of life.
'Spending money really is the best way to satisfy your desires!'
Lin Shen glanced at the time on his watch, then took the subway to his appointment at the company.
「5:00 PM.」
Third floor of Huamao Mansion, in the office of Pet Guardian Home's marketing director.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
"Come in."
After Qin Yuenan's cool voice came from inside the office, Lin Shen pushed the door open and went in.
"President Qin."
"Have a seat. I'll be done in a moment."
Qin Yuenan sat behind her desk, her expression focused as she stared at her laptop screen.
Today, she was dressed as she usually was for work: a small beige blazer over a light-colored top, her hair cascading casually over her shoulders, revealing her earrings and an elegant watch. Her overall image was quite sharp and competent.
Seeing this, Lin Shen obediently sat on the sofa to wait.
Qin Yuenan took a moment to glance up at him. A flash of surprise crossed her usually indifferent, cool eyes, and she blinked in astonishment.
"You changed your hairstyle?"
"Yeah."
Lin Shen explained with a smile.
"I haven't been feeling my best lately, so I thought I'd change things up."
"That hairstyle suits you."
Qin Yuenan's uncharacteristic praise left Lin Shen feeling both surprised and flattered, and he quickly changed the subject.
"Thanks! Oh, by the way, President Qin, what made you suddenly decide to ask me to dinner?"
"Your operational suggestions for our company were very helpful."
Qin Yuenan closed her laptop, put it in her bag, slung it over her shoulder, and stood up.
"I've adopted some of them, so I wanted to treat you to a meal."
"I'm just glad I could help."
Lin Shen chuckled and stood up as well, causing Qin Yuenan's expression to falter for a second.
"You seem to have lost a lot of weight."
"About nine pounds, I think."
Lin Shen followed Qin Yuenan out of the office, his expression full of anticipation.
"But I'm planning to indulge tonight. What are you treating me to?"
"You really don't hold back, do you?"
Although Qin Yuenan rolled her eyes at Lin Shen, she didn't actually dislike his straightforward personality.
On the contrary, she enjoyed the simple friendship with him, free from any office politics.
"How about barbecue?"
"No problem."
Lin Shen followed Qin Yuenan into the elevator down to the B1 level and saw that her car was a black Volvo S90.
The smooth, natural lines of the car's body highlighted its simple, Nordic style. The vertical slat grille on the front, paired with the "Thor's Hammer" headlights, made it highly recognizable.
Of course, Volvo's core technology lay in its intelligent city safety system. The nickname "tank on the road" wasn't for nothing.
"Let me drive."
Since Qin Yuenan had offered to treat him to dinner, Lin Shen was naturally willing to act as her chauffeur for the evening.
In truth, he just wanted a chance to drive the Volvo S90.
Seeing Lin Shen so eager, even a little excited, Qin Yuenan didn't refuse his kind offer and gracefully sat in the passenger seat.
The seatbelt drew a line across the valley of her chest, accentuating her firm, round bust. Her long legs, clad in slim-fit trousers, were pressed neatly together.
Qin Yuenan was just sitting in the passenger seat, perfectly still, yet her cool and commanding aura was on full display.
This made Lin Shen sneak several glances, his heart growing a little nervous. He quickly changed the subject.
"Where is this barbecue place you mentioned?"
"Henglong Square."
Qin Yuenan found Henglong Square on the car's navigation system. With Lin Shen driving, they reached their destination in just half an hour.
Da Wu Yakiniku.
Lin Shen had heard of this barbecue restaurant. It had a great reputation online, but it was a bit expensive, with the price per person exceeding a thousand yuan.
But for Qin Yuenan, this was a trivial matter.
"This way, you two."
Led by a waiter, Lin Shen followed Qin Yuenan to a quiet private room.
Its design concept incorporated classic *kare-sansui* elements. The decoration was simple and unadorned, creating an elegant dining atmosphere.
Especially in the dim lighting, the delicate curves of Qin Yuenan's beautiful face seemed to glow, gradually filling the quiet atmosphere with a trace of inexplicable ambiguity.
'Something's not going to happen, is it?'
Lin Shen's heart suddenly sped up, but then he laughed at himself self-deprecatingly.
'Can't let myself be fooled by the "three great delusions of life."'
'Better to focus on improving myself. Fate will find its way to my door eventually.'