Chapter 32.1

Wen Xiaohui was too terrified to go to Luo Yi’s house that night, and he went home instead.

As soon as he stepped through the door, he saw that his mum was dressed up and wearing makeup, and it looked like she was about to leave. They were surprised when they saw each other.

"Mum, it’s already past eight o’clock. Are you going out?" Wen Xiaohui looked at his mum from head to toe. His mum used to be really beautiful when she was younger, and she still maintained her face and figure well now that she was in her early 40s. She appeared elegant after dressing up a little.

Feng Yuehua suddenly felt a little uneasy. "Oh, I’m going to a crosstalk show with a friend."

Wen Xiaohui stroked his chin. "Which friend is it for you to be so beautifully dressed?"

Feng Yuehua glared at him. "It’s none of your business which friend it is. Do I interfere with who you make friends with?"

"What do you mean you don’t interfere?" A sly smile appeared on Wen Xiaohui’s face. "Tell the truth, is it a date?!"

Feng Yuehua became enraged as a result of her embarrassment. "It’s none of your damn business. Get out of the way!"

Wen Xiaohui stretched his arm out to block the doorway, and he hopped left and right like a bird of prey trying to catch a chick. "Hey, I won't let you through unless you tell me."

Feng Yuehua put her hands on her hips. "You brat, do you need a smack?"

"Tell me mum, is it a date? I’m supportive of you dating so you don’t need to hide it from me. Wen Xiaohui went up and held his mum’s arm. "Mum is so beautiful today. Tell me quickly if you’re really going on a date. We’ve already agreed that there won’t be any secrets between us."

"Bullshit! Aren’t you hiding loads of stuff from me?"

Wen Xiaohui suddenly realised that he was hiding the fact that he was raising his teenage nephew from his mum and he felt guilty. "Tell me, mum."

Feng Yuehua rolled his eyes at him and ran her fingers through her hair. "Yeah, I met someone. He seems pretty nice."

"Wow, what kind of person is he? How old is he? What does he do? How tall is he and what's his weight? Where’s he from? Is he a handsome middle-aged guy1?" Wen Xiaohui was so excited that he wriggled his entire body.

Feng Yuehua was a little hesitant. "I was worried that you wouldn’t be able to accept it, which is why I haven’t told you."

Wen Xiaohui widened his eyes and said alarmingly, "Is he around the same age as me?"

Feng Yuehua slapped him on the head. "What the hell are you thinking about!"

Wen Xiaohui felt like he’d been wronged and rubbed his head. "Then what can't I accept?"

"Erm... he’s a foreigner."

"Oh shit, my mum is so awesome!" Wen Xiaohui gave her a huge thumbs up. "Why wouldn’t I be able to accept it? I’m so open-minded."

Feng Yuhua felt embarrassed and said, "We’ve only just met, it’s not like we’re serious2. Oh, quickly get out of the way. I’m going to be late."

From his bag, Wen Xiaohui quickly took out the powdered foundation. "Come on, I’ll help you touch up your makeup. Mum has to look beautiful for her date."

"That colour doesn’t match at all!"

"Oh you’re right. Wait for me to get…"

"Stop fussing." Feng Yuehua used her strength to push him out of the way. "Step aside." She quickly rushed out the door.

Wen Xiaohui couldn’t help giggling as he watched his mum’s figure disappear down the corridor.

After spending the entire night tossing and turning, Wen Xiaohui decided to go find Luo Yi for an explanation.

—-------------

Xiao Ai mocked him when he arrived at work with dark circles under his eyes. "Adi, you age a week when you stay up late, you’re the one who told me that."

Wen Xiaohui felt dispirited and replied, "I also told you that one fried chicken drumstick makes you gain two and a half pounds, but did you listen to me?"

Xiao Ai's arrogance immediately dissipated.

"I’ve also told you that this perfume doesn’t suit you, that you should cut your hair if you have split ends, that your makeup looks as if it's dirty if you apply too much contouring to your nose, and that you shouldn't wear leather trousers if you have chubby legs." Wen Xiaohui finished his spiel in a single breath, then he glared at her. "Did you listen to me?"

Xiao Ai let out an odd-sounding cry. "Are you on your period? Why are you suddenly so vicious?!"

"I'm in a bad mood."

"Hmph, I'm the one in a bad mood." Xiao Ai placed her head on his shoulder. "Tell me, why are you in a bad mood?"

"I made a mess of things because I said something I shouldn't have said." Wen Xiaohui said aggrievedly, "How about you?"

"I think my boyfriend might be cheating on me."

"Oh shit!"

"Does that make you feel better?" Xiao Ai forced herself to smile.

Wen Xiaohui frowned and said, "Are you sure? Do you have any proof?"

"What proof do you need? Straight men are stupid, my intuition can’t be wrong."

"That makes sense." Wen Xiaohui straightened out her hair. "Never mind, dump him and find a better guy."

Xiao Ai closed her eyes and looked exhausted.

Wen Xiaohui was about to continue offering words of support when Liu Xing suddenly shouted, "Adrian, come to my office for a second."

Wen Xiaohui seldom came into contact with Liu Xing. Liu Xing was straight, and he was a man of few words with a steady personality. He seemed very plain compared with the flashy3 gay stylists in the industry, but most people had a great opinion of him and he was well-respected.

"Have a seat."

Wen Xiaohui sat on the other side of Liu Xing's desk, and he was sure that Liu Xing was going to bring up the topic of the beauty department.

As expected, Liu Xing said rather indifferently, "Director Shuo recommended you for the role of manager of the beauty department. I’m sure you’re already aware of this."

Wen Xiaohui felt somewhat guilty because he relied on his connections for this position4. He hurriedly nodded, "Yes, I’m aware."

"I don’t have any say in this matter as I’m no longer the person in charge of Juxing. I’m just a manager, but since I’m the manager, I have to take responsibility for the quality of output and reputation of Juxing. After all, Juxing is my life’s work."

Wen Xiaohui continued to keep his head down because he knew that he didn’t have the credentials. "Liu Xing ge, I understand what you’re trying to say. I know I don’t have the confidence nor authority to manage the beauty department. I’ll speak to Director Shuo to tell him to forget about it."

"I don't mean like that."

"Huh?"

"Adrian, you’re naturally gifted; you have talent and great prospects. It’s right that you have this opportunity to progress, but you lack something to convince other people - qualifications."

"I do lack qualifications, I’ve only been here for a year and a half…"

"Director Shao thinks highly of you and I also think very highly of you. You’ve made the most progress out of everyone in your intake group. Therefore, I’m willing to help you with your career progression and it’s up to you whether you want to accept."

"Of course I want it, Liu Xing ge. You have the final say; if you think that I should continue studying or training, then I’ll continue to work as an assistant. I’m still young so I’m in no hurry." After all, he was very self aware even though he was a blabbermouth. Putting him in charge of the beauty department wasn’t merely a matter of his ability, the spittle behind his back would be enough to drown him, and he might have to face not only one Luca, but many more Lucas.

"You need to further your studies and training but not at Juxing."

Wen Xiaohui looked over at him in confusion.

"Do you want to go to the US to study?"

Wen Xiaohui's eyes immediately widened. "Go to the US?"

Liu Xing said with a smile on his face, "Each year, Juxing has a quota of one and the course lasts for a year. However, you must sign a five year contract of employment first."

At that moment, Wen Xiaohui was so overwhelmed that he didn’t know what to do. He was aware of Juxing’s talent programme, but only senior stylists were selected previously. He’d been hopeful but he never thought that it would be his turn one day. He stuttered as he asked, "Have… Have you really chosen me, Liu Xing?"

"Of course it's you. When you come back from studying in the US in a year’s time, you can legitimately take over the management of the beauty department."

Wen Xiaohui’s sparkled, and he was so excited that he was speechless.

Liu Xing passed him a stack of documents. "Have a look through them and think about it. There’s plenty of time to think it over because the course doesn’t start for a while."

"What’s there to think about?!" Wen Xiaohui nearly shouted it aloud. However, after more careful consideration, he had his mum, Luo Yi and Luo Rui who all needed him a lot. Suppressing his internal screaming, he picked up the documents and continuously expressed his thanks. "Thanks, Liu Xing. Thanks, Liu Xing."

"You're welcome. You’ll have to keep it confidential."

"Of course, I understand!"

Wen Xiaohui’s feelings were in turmoil all day; he was worried about Luo Yi, but at the same time, he was also incredibly excited about the prospect of furthering his studies. Sadness and happiness mixed together, making him feel bittersweet.