Chapter 16: The Makeup Trap

The woman, a smile gracing her features, extended a hand, inviting Ji Wenyan and Bai Mengze to follow her.

“And you are?”

“I am Yang Shuang, the manager of this department store.”

Bai Mengze gazed at the woman before her, a hint of confusion in her eyes. She recalled countless shopping trips with her parents, yet never once had she encountered such a situation.

Would a department store manager simply appear out of nowhere, bowing respectfully to strangers?

And what was this talk of makeup artists?

She had only come to help Ji Wenyan select a gift for someone.

Could it be that Ji Wenyan hadn’t been entirely truthful?

Upon receiving Bai Mengze’s suspicious glance, Ji Wenyan felt a pang of exasperation. He hadn’t anticipated Manager Yang would cause such a spectacle.

They had explicitly agreed that she would merely arrange for a makeup artist.

Nothing more was required.

If she truly wished to curry favor, she ought to find other ways to approach the rest of the Ji family.

After all, he was the one destined to be exiled to the countryside to raise pigs if he didn’t finish university…

Unless, of course, Yang Shuang also harbored ambitions of raising pigs alongside him.

“Manager Yang, since everything is prepared, please lead the way.”

“Certainly.”

Noticing the numerous gazes turning their way, Ji Wenyan could only address Yang Shuang first. As he began to follow, he leaned in to softly offer Bai Mengze an explanation.

“This Manager Yang knows my mother,” he whispered. “She’s always trying to butter her up, so she’s incredibly well-informed about my family’s activities… We came to pick out a gift, but it seems she’s intent on recommending cosmetics or something similar.”

“Can’t we refuse?”

“No, we can’t,” Ji Wenyan replied. “Following her now is harmless, but if we just left, she’d tattle to my mom, claiming I’m secretly dating!”

“When my mom finds out, she’ll wring my neck.”

“…”

As Ji Wenyan spoke in hushed tones, Bai Mengze’s voice instinctively softened as well. Her utterly bewildered expression made Ji Wenyan feel as if he might burst from trying to suppress his laughter.

Bai Mengze was simply too adorable.

She had actually believed him.

Thinking it over, his lie wasn’t even perfect.

Yet, Bai Mengze harbored no suspicion, her genuine belief making Ji Wenyan want to reach out and pat her head, praising this little darling.

However, if his lie were to be exposed, Ji Wenyan doubted he’d be smiling then.

Bai Mengze’s physical attributes were far from low…

He was certain her combat skills were also impressive; if she landed a punch, Ji Wenyan felt he’d be knocked flat.

At this thought, Ji Wenyan immediately composed his expression. Soon after, as he and Bai Mengze arrived at the department store’s VIP lounge, Manager Yang led them to a room and opened its door.

Inside, several makeup artists had been waiting, showing no sign of impatience. Instead, a brilliant smile bloomed on their faces when they saw the pair.

There was no denying it; Ji Wenyan’s generous payment meant they would have gladly waited for several more months.

After all, they were paid by the hour.

“I’ll be watching,” Ji Wenyan instructed. “Be gentle; don’t harm her skin.”

“Young Master Ji, please rest assured!” one makeup artist chirped. “We are professional makeup artists; we would never hurt your little girlfriend.”

“…Just do her makeup,” Ji Wenyan muttered. “And stop talking.”

On the way here, Bai Mengze had already understood what was expected. Without wasting a moment, she took her seat, ready for the makeup artists to begin.

However, a frown subtly creased Bai Mengze’s brow at the makeup artist’s words.

She was not Ji Wenyan’s girlfriend!

Seeing this, Ji Wenyan immediately spoke up, urging the makeup artists to quiet down and avoid irritating Bai Mengze.

He had gone to great lengths to trick her into coming. If she were to run off now, who knew when he’d get another chance?

Moreover, his time was running out, and he wasn’t sure if he could even last until the next opportunity.

“Oh, my dear, your skin is simply flawless!” one exclaimed. “What skincare do you use? It’s so incredibly delicate; makeup will look stunning on you.”

“Wow, your eyelashes are so long! No need for mascara at all; I’m truly envious.”

“Your lips are perfectly full, with a slight upturn at the corners—a natural ‘smile lip’!”

“Your pupils are so large and dark! Are you wearing colored contacts? If not, this is truly a rare beauty.”

…As the makeup artists chattered away, their hands didn’t slow. Various cosmetics were applied in turn, beginning Bai Mengze’s transformation.

Standing beside them, Ji Wenyan’s eyes were fixed on Bai Mengze’s face, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

It wasn’t for any superficial reason, but because of the incessant voices ringing in his ears.

[Beauty +1]

[Beauty +1]

[Beauty +1]…