The alley was not long. Huai Shi had walked for just two minutes when it came to an end, but it seemed someone had intercepted him.
A pale hand stretched out unexpectedly from behind him, resting on his shoulder. Startled, Huai Shi turned his head and saw the girl standing in the corner's shadow.
She wore a white dress, her long hair cascading down her shoulders like black water. She also wore a mask. It seemed she was looking for help.
"Sorry," Huai Shi apologized, a bit embarrassed, "I didn't see you just now."
Indeed, she had hidden herself too well; Huai Shi himself had been startled.
"Is there something you need help with?" Huai Shi asked.
As if it were the first time anyone had ever asked her such a question, the girl hesitated for a moment, staring at him as if he were a fool.
Then, she suddenly asked, "Am I beautiful?"
To suddenly ask such a question...
Huai Shi scrutinized her, pondering. She appeared to have a nice figure, but with the mask on, it was hard to say.
However, she quickly sensed something amiss. Narrowing her eyes, she looked down at Huai Shi's chest, then noticed a faint emblem on his clothing that hadn't been there before. It was a small pipa.
The girl furrowed her brows. Quickly realizing something, she bowed slightly and said, "My apologies for disturbing you," then turned to leave.
"Uh, wait a moment."
Huai Shi called after her. The girl turned around, her expression cold and confused.
Being looked at like that made Huai Shi a bit embarrassed. After hemming and hawing for a moment, he sighed and said, "Although it's not great to be this direct when we've just met, you did ask, and I can't help myself..."
He extended his hand, pointing toward her forehead.
"You shouldn't use that type of foundation on dry skin; you'll get acne."
"..."
Thanks to the teachings and influence of a certain Cowherd brother, Huai Shi had become quite adept at this sort of thing. His tone was thus filled with pity. "Your skin is really nice; it's such a shame. How do you even manage your skincare?"
"..."
The girl seemed stunned, standing frozen in place while Huai Shi continued to share his experience. "If you have time, why not try MKII's serum? I'm not sure if it's available around here... but with your skin type, you can't wash your face too often. You'll need to be mindful of that in the future."
As he spoke, he suddenly stepped back and meticulously studied the astonished girl from head to toe. Finally, his gaze settled on her face, and he frowned.
Something felt off.
Feeling scrutinized by such a critical gaze, the girl, not sure why, instinctively wanted to dodge, to hide her face in the shadows, to turn and leave.
"Stand still. Don't move."
Huai Shi's tone became serious. Immediately, a cold gleam of light burst forth from his hand, advancing in a quick flash.
The girl's bangs, which had previously been too long, were suddenly shortened, stopping just above her eyebrows and revealing a pair of somewhat panicked, large eyes.
Then, Huai Shi's actions were swift and precise: a few strokes to the left, a few to the right, and some final touch-ups. He was done.
Stepping back, he looked with satisfaction at his handiwork and waved his hand to disperse the light from his blade.
"That's more like it!"
He nodded contentedly. Pinching a glowing metal slice out of thin air, he wiped it on his clothing and handed it to the astonished girl before him. "You see, with a face shape like yours, a Hime cut would look better… I just felt something was off; the bangs were too long."
The girl, in shock, held the metal slice and disbelievingly looked at her reflection. Her large, dark eyes trembled, and she was unable to utter a word.
"Now, you're more beautiful than before."
That was how the young man solemnly answered the question she had just asked.
For some reason, she couldn't help but lower her head, feeling her cheeks heat up beneath the mask.
"Alright, I'm heading off now. Goodbye." Huai Shi turned and waved. "It's getting late, and I heard it's quite dangerous outside. Make sure to get home early."
He had only taken a couple of steps when he heard a nervous voice from behind.
"Wait, wait a minute…"
"Yes?"
The girl, head bent, fingers subconsciously twisting the hem of her dress, said, "It's almost evening. If you don't mind, could you come rest at my place? Oh, and you haven't had dinner yet…"
Huai Shi hesitated, then heard an awkward rumble from his own stomach. Indeed, he was a bit hungry.
"...May I?" he asked, somewhat embarrassed.
My first time acting as the village hairstylist, and there are perks like this?
"As a guest recognized by Lady Luo DingJi, you are most welcome."
As if afraid he might back out, the girl briskly walked ahead, leading the way. After a step, she looked back at him. "Please, follow me."
"Ah, of course."
Huai Shi followed behind her, only then remembering he hadn't introduced himself. "Oh right, my name's Huai Shi, a Dongxia man. May I ask how to address you?"
"M-Ma Yi," the girl walking in front stammered, giving her name. "You can just call me Ma Yi."
"Alright."
Huai Shi walked behind her, following her on the way home.