Chapter 2, Please Let Me Love You

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On that day, Xu Zhifei came to the store again looking for Mu Xiaonian, but Mu Xiaonian was not there. The master chef in the store informed Xu Zhifei that he had been taken away by Wu Jiaying to participate in some fashion show event.

When Mu Xiaonian came out of the inner room, he saw a large White Rabbit milk candy lying on the front desk. Of course, he knew what day it was, and he excitedly tugged at the front desk receptionist, asking if a girl had just come by.

For him, all of today's achievements are due to Xu Zhifei. If it were not for her constant assistance, sending him to training classes, and encouraging him to participate in competitions, he would still be that apprentice who only knows how to use a hairdryer. She has bestowed upon him the grace of recognition and rebirth, so no matter when she comes, he will immediately receive her. He would never allow himself to use the words 'queue' or 'appointment' in relation to her throughout his life.

He no longer paid attention to the receptionist, turned around, and quickly ran out the door, running vigorously along the road

Fortunately, Xu Zhifei's hair is smooth and straight; usually, she just washes and blows it dry without any complicated steps, which Mu Xiaonian can manage. However, later he learned from another master that Xu Zhifei actually enjoys curling her hair into various styles. He then thought that perhaps she did not want to make things difficult for him

Mu Xiaonian washed his hands clean and came out to receive guests. He asked the beautiful woman what kind of hairstyle she wanted. The beauty turned to her male companion and asked, "Yihua, what hairstyle do you think would look good on me?"

Mu Xiaonian looked at her red eyes, feeling a bit worried: "Are you really okay now?"

She looked at Yihua and noticed that a clear and pained expression gradually appeared on Xiaoming's star-like face

She looked at Yi Hua's photo, smiling so happily. It was not merely a matter of liking someone deeply; how could such a blissful and sweet smile exist? His heart felt a pang of bitterness, and after that bitterness came a subtle ache. This ache was uncertain, whether it was for her or for himself. He adjusted his emotions and casually asked Xu Zhi Fei: "How have you and your boyfriend been lately? It seems like I haven't heard you two talking on the phone much these days"

Mu Xiaonian looked back at her from the mirror, smiling and nodding at her

She walked past Yi Hua and approached Mu Xiaonian, smiling at him: "Please help me do a good job, make it look beautiful!"

He no longer has the luxury to consider whether there is an opportunity; he is only concerned that Xu Zhi Fei, upon learning the truth, will suffer to the point of being unable to bear it

Xu Zhifei smiled as she looked at his red face: "Oh! Then I guess your nickname is not Twenty-Three, but Twenty-Four!"

Mu Xiaonian moved her lips a few times, but ultimately said nothing, only nodding slightly. What else could she say? She had never felt that way about him; she even regarded him as a sister. Mu Xiaonian comforted herself in her disappointment, telling herself not to rush, to take it slow, at least she was single again now

What is your name

The customer's response left him feeling unsettled for a long time

After graduating from the vocational school, Mu Xiaonian spent six months gaining experience in a small hair salon, and then, by fortunate chance, was hired as an apprentice at the largest and most upscale image design company in the city—essentially a beauty and hair salon. Employees here must always be on their toes, as the clientele consists of either celebrities or wealthy individuals. If one is careless and makes them feel uncomfortable, it can quickly lead to discomfort in one's own wallet.

Mu Xiaonian choked for a moment, "I am temporarily not interested," he said淡淡地.

A few days later is Xu Zhifei's birthday

The first time Mu Xiaonian saw her with such an aura, her beautiful and noble appearance truly captivated the heart

Mu Xiaonian tidied Xu Zhifei up in high spirits. After Xu Zhifei thanked him, she somewhat dazedly said goodbye to him

Mu Xiaonian felt very frustrated, even when Xu Zhifei came to find him to do her hair, he forced himself to cheer up and engage in conversation and laughter with her

Xu Zhifei glanced at Mu Xiaonian's flushed face, then at the strand of hair, and waved her hand, "It's nothing serious, manager, you all go ahead and get busy!" She gathered her hair and handed it to Mu Xiaonian, "Don't be afraid, keep blowing!" The hair was still wet, heavy in Mu Xiaonian's palm, and her heart seemed to warm and moisten a little as well.

Xu Zhifei's expression froze for two seconds. After two seconds, she smiled brightly at him: "That's great! You'll become even more impressive after you go! It's just a pity that I won't be able to ask you to do my hair anymore." After hesitating for a while, Xiaonian finally couldn't help but ask her: "Do you... want me to stay?"

As the beautiful long hair was about to be dried, Xu Zhi Fei received a phone call. The noise from the hairdryer was loud, so Xu Zhi Fei switched her phone to speaker mode. Mu Xiao Nian heard that she was on the phone with her boyfriend. They had agreed to go watch a movie together after she finished drying her hair

Xu Zhifei laughed and said: "Really? Really?"

Xu Zhifei's smile gradually faded: "Let's meet once a week from now on. Either he is busy, or I am busy."

After reading this book, I understand why no matter how hard I try, I can only be your investor and partner, but never your lover. It is because you and she met when you were at your lowest. You will never forget what she gave you when you had nothing; and when you have everything, my contributions are actually insignificant. She truly got a great deal by meeting you when you had nothing!

Then she squatted on the ground, weeping inconsolably by herself

Mu Xiaonian informed her that Wu Jiaying wished to sponsor him to go abroad for development

When he first met her, she lived a life akin to that of a princess, enjoying the finest food, using the best products, and engaging with the most distinguished people. Every day, she held a nominal position at her family's company, arriving late and leaving early, taking frequent days off, and never having to worry even a little about making a living. Who would have thought that one day, this princess-like figure would actually have to interview for a job to support herself?

Mu Xiaonian hurriedly spread his fingers as if scalded, his damp hair cascading down like a waterfall stained with ink, suddenly evoking a breathtaking sense of beauty

Due to his diligence, hard work, and perceptiveness, Mu Xiaonian quickly advanced from a third-class master to a second-class master

Wooden Little Year

Xu Zhifei cried for a while, wiped her face, and stood up: "Alright, I'm fine now"

While Mu Xiaonian was washing Xu Zhifei's hair, Xu Zhifei candidly shared her recent circumstances with him. It turned out that the rumors circulating in the community were indeed true

That day, she brought a large handful of milk candies to Mu Xiaonian's studio. She asked the receptionist, "Is Mu Xiaonian here?" The receptionist politely replied, "Yes, but I’m sorry, you need to make an appointment; and your appointment might be scheduled for a month later."

She wandered aimlessly along the street for a long time, and before she knew it, she had returned to the place where she once lived. The villa had long since changed ownership; its former owner, her father, had retreated to the mountains, unable to bear the blow, thus freeing himself from the mundane world and old acquaintances. Now, in the vastness of the world, she found not a single person to accompany her on her birthday.

Fortunately, it was just a matter of washing and drying the hair, which did not involve any technical difficulty. Mu Xiaonian boldly accepted this delicate customer. However, unexpectedly, a minor issue arose during the drying process. He accidentally caught a strand of Xu Zhi Fei's hair ends in the hairdryer.

Mu Xiaonian clutched the card, feeling touched: "Aren't you afraid that I won't be able to pay it back!"

Mu Xiaonian smiled along, and Xu Zhifei guessed correctly; his nickname was indeed Twenty-Three, the twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month. His birthday also coincided with the day they celebrated the Little New Year back in their hometown

After this time, Xu Zhifei did not come to the shop to do her hair for a long while

Xu Zhifei continuously introduced her relatives and friends, as well as the relatives and friends of her relatives and friends, to him for hairdressing, sparing no effort to help him build his reputation. Under Xu Zhifei's vigorous promotion, Mu Xiaonian gradually began to make a name for himself. As his skills improved, he established a stable clientele, most of whom were from Xu Zhifei's social network. Xu Zhifei's social network encompassed half of the upper-class social circle in the city, consisting of either prominent figures or experts. Relying on word-of-mouth from these individuals, Mu Xiaonian's brand soon gained significant recognition, attracting an increasing number of visitors. At times, there were so many customers that one could not secure an appointment with Master Mu Xiaonian without booking several days in advance.

Xiao Ming, the star, immediately became relentless and started shouting. Yi Hua, while pulling her, adopted a lawyer's demeanor to intimidate Mu Xiao Nian. Mu Xiao Nian coldly curled his lips, looking at them with a gaze full of disdain, which made Yi Hua extremely displeased. Yi Hua directly rushed in front of him and asked: "Boss Mu, may I ask if I have offended you in any way? Why have you been unwilling to serve us?"

She stood up from the chair, as if recalling something, and turned her head to ask: "After I leave, will your master and the store manager still talk about you?"

She said that on her birthday, she would invite her "good friends" to eat candy. He felt a bit secretly pleased because he believed he had been categorized as one of her "good friends"

Xu Zhifei smiled and asked, "What do you want to do?"

As soon as the front desk receptionist finished recounting the earlier incident, Mu Xiaonian excitedly shouted for her to be dismissed

Mu Xiaonian felt that there was something amiss with the saying, "A fallen phoenix is not as good as a chicken." He believed that Qiu Zhi Fei, this fallen phoenix, could shake off the withered grass on her body and still remain a dazzling phoenix; she would never fall into the plight of becoming a mere grass chicken. Because of this, he always felt a sense of inferiority in her presence, whether her family was in its prime or now in decline. No matter how skilled he was or how much he was sought after by noblewomen and socialites, in front of her, he would blush at the mere thought and could not bring himself to express those feelings.

Mu Xiaonian let out a sigh, took a sip of wine, and after making an effort to conceal the fluctuations of his emotions, smiled and asked: "What if I were?"

She couldn't help but laugh, her laughter making her eyes start to feel warm

Looking at the photo of the man and woman on the screen, Mu Xiaonian's heart sank heavily. There would no longer be a chance to share a name with anyone else. The "Yi Hua" who sent Xiao Ming the star that day was none other than Xu Zhifei's boyfriend, Yi Hua.

Xu Zhifei expressed her feelings to Mu Xiaonian: "Xiaonian, oh Xiaonian, if one is not careful, you have become so successful! It is truly hard to imagine! When we first met, I was so arrogant, while you were just a novice! Now, the roles have completely reversed; I have become a destitute wretch, and you are the darling of the styling world. Now, if I want to see you, I have to make an appointment several days in advance!"

In order to prevent Xu Zhifei's hair from falling into his hands again, he diligently practiced from that point on. Gradually, his efforts paid off, and his skills improved slowly. He was promoted from an apprentice to a third-class master in the shop, and he was able to style Xu Zhifei's hair more beautifully. He often followed several fashion influencers online, and whenever they recommended new hairstyles or braiding styles, he would learn them attentively at the first opportunity, and then carefully style Xu Zhifei's hair when she came in.

When Mu Xiaonian bid farewell to Wu Jiaying and returned to the store, he discovered a large White Rabbit milk candy on the counter

Today is my birthday, please have some candy

Early in the morning, Wu Jiaying rang his doorbell, inviting him for a drink. As they clinked their glasses of red wine, Wu Jiaying took out the novel, held it up, and placed it in front of him

Business has gotten on track, and my personal life plan has also set new goals; everything seems to be going well, except for Xu Zhifei. Recently, Mu Xiaonian has noticed that Xu Zhifei seems to be quite unhappy. When he asked her what was wrong, she merely said it was a family matter, difficult to explain.

She smiled at Yihua and said, "Oh, no wonder you've been telling me you're busy lately; it turns out you've been busy with this." She put away her smile, became serious and calm, and told Yihua, "Please, for now, say nothing and just sit beside me and wait for a moment, alright?"

He stepped down from the car, and she watched him intently. He was no longer the shy, blushing youth of years past; he was now spirited, handsome, and charming, commanding respect wherever he went as Director Mu. She watched Wu Jiaying step down from the car, courteously bidding him farewell, and even from a distance, the affection she radiated was palpable.

Mu Xiaonian cautiously inquired: "Do you know what he has been busy with?"

She will tell them: Because my male protagonist was born on the day of the Little New Year

The receptionist was on the verge of tears: "But she never mentioned her name!"

Before leaving, Xu Zhifei took a handful of White Rabbit milk candies from her pocket and handed them to the master chef, saying, "Please have some candy!"

Mu Xiaonian quickly finished reading the book, and then he immediately booked a flight back to his home country. He entrusted all the businesses and assets he had developed abroad to Wu Jiaying as a form of apology and compensation. He returned home with only the savings he had accumulated during his time in the country. Quietly, he began anew. He planned to establish a successful career again, and when he could afford the beautiful life of a writer, he would seek out the girl he had always kept hidden in his heart.

"Well, it's nothing now." Xu Zhifei wiped away the tears that had spilled from the corners of her eyes and forced a smile, "When my family was wealthy, I never thought about how to live if one day we were poor. Now that we really have no money, haven't I managed to get by? In fact, difficult situations aren't that terrifying!" She wiped away the tears that were about to spill again and smiled hard: "Similarly, not having a boyfriend isn't that scary either. After all, I still have you as my good sister, right?" In fact, difficult situations aren't that terrifying!" She wiped away the tears that were about to spill again and smiled hard: "Similarly, not having a boyfriend isn't that scary either. After all, I still have you as my good sister, right?"

On her birthday, Xu Zhifei came to the shop and asked Mu Xiaonian to create a beautiful hairstyle for her. Mu Xiaonian put down the comb and, looking at the sweetly smiling Xu Zhifei in the mirror, couldn't help but feel a bit dazed.

Every year on my birthday, I treat my good friends to White Rabbit candy! This is because it was the first birthday gift my father gave me! You simply must try it!

Mu Xiaonian calculated that his store had been open for a while and that his savings had become quite substantial. He decided to buy a house. He had no hesitation in choosing the location and directly purchased a property next to the building where Xu Zhifei worked.

Yi Hua smiled a little awkwardly

Mu Xiaonian closed the shop door and turned around, only to see Xu Zhifei squatting on the ground in tears. He said nothing, but simply walked over to her side and quietly kept her company

As Yi Hua finished his phone call and walked in, he happened to overhear a beautiful woman expressing her dissatisfaction. After calming her down, he approached Mu Xiaonian and said, "You are Boss Mu, right? I hope you understand that I am a lawyer. If you continue to treat your esteemed guests with such a careless attitude, I believe I can find more than one hundred ways to bring you down through legal means"

Xu Zhifei smiled and patted his shoulder: "Don't be angry, don't be angry! Oh, being a boss is really different; your temper has gotten bigger! No one asked me to make an appointment, I was just teasing you!" Mu Xiaonian's expression softened; he truly could not stand others looking at Xu Zhifei with the eyes of someone viewing a fallen person.

She smiled and said to him: "Everyone says you are hard to get an appointment with, I didn't believe it, but in the end, I really couldn't make an appointment. I was about to leave, but I was not willing to give up, so I came back again"

After washing her hair, as Mu Xiaonian tied a scarf for Xu Zhifei, she couldn't help but sigh: "You really haven't been here for a long, long time"

Xu Zhifei felt very dejected. The master chef, unable to bear the sight of her disappointment, stepped forward and offered, "I will call and ask him when he will return"

He was extremely regretful, constantly apologizing, but Xu Zhifei smiled and teased him: "There's no other way, you can only offer yourself to atone for your sins!" His face instantly turned beet red.

That wind chime was bought for Mu Xiaonian by her

Mu Xiaonian looked at her forced smile and felt as if something had suddenly tightened around her heart

Her face, devoid of makeup, bore a hint of weariness, and her hair was uncombed, appearing somewhat disheveled

"No matter what hairstyle you choose, it looks good on you," the man said before stepping outside to make a phone call

Xu Zhi Fei smiled playfully and teased him, "You wouldn't be..."

Mokushōnen had thus made early preparations, polishing the tools until they shone and neatly placing them into the tool bag, which he slung at his waist, waiting for Xu Zhifei to appear. However, instead of Xu Zhifei, he unexpectedly encountered Yi Hua and that little star, who called out to Mokushōnen to style their hair

On the day of the Little New Year, I was supposed to rest, but in the morning I received a call from Xu Zhi Fei. She said she would come over during the day to do her hair, as there was a company annual meeting in the evening. She had stayed up late working overtime yesterday and didn't look very good; it would be too unseemly if she didn't tidy herself up a bit

four

Mokoshonen's face turned red for a moment. However, this time his blush was different from usual; he was genuinely angry: "Who made the reservation? Tell me so I can fire them! I clearly instructed everyone in the store that you never need to make a reservation!"

He searched everywhere, frantic as if he had gone mad. However, he did not find a single trace of anyone.

The ways of the world are truly perplexing; in the past, the gap between them was significant, as he could not reach her. Now, however, the situation has reversed— the gap between them has widened, but it is due to her decline while he is moving increasingly towards brightness

She will answer them openly and confidently: Yes, it is a real person and a true story

He sat by the flower bed downstairs waiting for her. After waiting for a long time, he saw a car drive in. After the car stopped, Xu Zhifei got out of it. Just as he was about to rush over, he suddenly saw Xu Zhifei leaning against the driver's side window, smiling at the driver. With the light from the streetlamp, he strained to see and finally made out the person sitting in the driver's seat; it was Yi Hua

As Yi Hua and the little star left, Xu Zhi Fei's strength crumbled in an instant

Wu Jiaying is generous and takes great care of Mu Xiaonian, not only frequently visiting herself but also often inviting a group of friends to support him. Among her friends are various internationally renowned socialites, celebrities, and fashion industry elites. Under her guidance, Mu Xiaonian's reputation in the high-end fashion circle has gradually risen, and he is beginning to gain recognition overseas. He has become increasingly busy, often being taken by Wu Jiaying to participate in various events. Xu Zhifei has tried to find him several times, but he was never available. When he finally returned and called her to arrange a meeting the next day, she was unable to make it. Thus, they have not seen each other for quite some time.

The master smiled mischievously and said, "I know that Amu's studio is called 'Twenty-Three no Fei'"

Understood, I acknowledge that

From then on, Xu Zhifei only went to the shop to have her hair done by Mu Xiaonian

Mokushonen blushed again and said, "No, it's not that sticky... it's the New Year, I was born on Little New Year."

Xu Zhifei smiled sadly and said, "Forget it, I can make the call myself. Don't urge him anymore, let him shine in the fashion industry."

Very well, let us pledge ourselves to each other

Mokoshonen's face turned even redder, resembling a boiled shrimp.

Xu Zhi Fei's interview was very successful. She works as a white-collar clerk at a trading company. Her family's house was taken by the bank, and she usually lives in the company's employee dormitory

Xu Zhi Fei let out a sigh and forced a smile, saying, "I am busy gradually coming to terms with the fact that my family is about to go bankrupt"

What a perfect match! Xu Zhifei sighed and quietly got up to leave the café

In just one year, Mu Xiaonian has made a name for herself in the international fashion scene, gaining some recognition

Xu Zhi Fei slightly raised her chin and said to Yi Hua, who had involuntarily stood up from the sofa, "Thank you for being here and waiting. Now I must inform you, Yi Hua, that we are breaking up." She smiled at him with a perfect smile while holding her chin up, "Listen, I am the one who is proposing the breakup now."

Mokushonen said nothing, merely gave a thumbs up to her reflection in the mirror

Xu Zhifei smiled and told him, "In the past, I thought that with my father around, I had nothing to worry about; I could just indulge in eating, drinking, and having fun without a care. But suddenly, one day, when I realized that my father could no longer shield me from the storms of life, I was stunned. It took me a long time to accept this reality, and even longer to become strong again, and then even more time to face the future. Honestly, I was on the verge of breaking down, but fortunately, you were there to pull me back at a critical moment. That day, I came to find you, asking you to make me look pretty because I said I was going for an interview. In truth, I was planning to just jump off a building. But before I left, you told me not to give up and encouraged me. At that moment, it was truly magical; I suddenly felt that I should live well. And then I really went for the interview." Xu Zhifei sighed at this point, her smile fading, and she said softly, "The lesson my father taught me was too great; I never want to live depending on others again. Otherwise, when life takes a turn, it truly feels worse than death. So Yi Hua is him, and I am me. Even if we get married in the future, I cannot be a parasite on someone else; I must rely on myself to be independent."

It is hard for Mu Xiaonian to imagine how Xu Zhi Fei, who used to dominate an entire floor of the villa alone, has adapted to living in a cramped room with five other people. What astonishes him even more is that after descending from her lofty position as a young lady for over twenty years, she quickly grounded herself—she managed her interpersonal relationships quite well, and her five colleagues and roommates did not reject her, the former heiress; they soon became friends.

Six months later, Xu Zhifei, feeling lonely, began writing novels online. Gradually, she discovered that the royalties were actually more substantial than her salary, so she decided to quit her job and focus on writing the stories in her heart. Three months later, she completed her first novel, titled "Twenty-Three," which tells the story of a fallen heiress who is infatuated with a hairdresser

Xu Zhifei's mother passed away a long time ago

In the past, he had fantasized countless times about how wonderful it would be if Xu Zhifei did not have a boyfriend, or how great it would be if her boyfriend ran off with another woman, as that would perhaps give him a chance. However, when such a situation actually occurred, he found himself not feeling happy or relieved at all.

Mokushounen Mianpi said, "Xiaofei, thank you!" He swallowed hard, held back for a moment, but ultimately could not resist asking a question that had been hidden in his heart for a long time: "Xiaofei, can you tell me... why are you so good to me?"

Mokoshonen smiled, carefully and discreetly placing the sugar cube in his pocket so as not to let Xu Zhifei notice the preciousness of the act

The store manager and the master chef let out a sigh and went about their respective tasks. Mu Xiaonian still appeared to be somewhat apprehensive, not daring to take action again.

Her smile suddenly pierced Mu Xiaonian's heart with pain

Mokoshonen looked at her strong smile, feeling a tightening in his heart. He carefully styled Xu Zhifei's hair and attentively applied a light makeup for her

Xu Zhi Fei is standing at the door, smiling brightly at him

Xu Zhi Fei wiped her tear-stained eyes and said, "So I have such a privilege!"

Not long after, Xu Zhi Fei introduced a client to Mu Xiao Nian for a hair appointment, a young and beautiful female boss named Wu Jia Ying

He turned around and left after speaking, his back straight and handsome, which infuriated the young star and Lawyer Yi, who left with green faces, slamming the door behind them

"Hey, let me tell you," Mu Xiaonian called out to her, quickly wiping away something that had fallen from his eye, and said nonchalantly, "You told me before to dedicate myself to you or something like that, and I have taken it seriously all along, so you need to take responsibility for me!"

Mokushonen felt that Xu Zhifei was like a small grass; although she appeared delicate and fragile, she was incredibly strong at her core. If she were planted in a greenhouse, she would grow comfortably; if she were planted in the wilderness, she would still strive to flourish.

After a long time, Xu Zhifei finally arrived at the store

As the number of guests continues to increase, the state of "working for others" has gradually become insufficient for Mu Xiaonian's future plans. He wishes to do better, to improve further, as this seems to bring him closer to her, even closer.

Mokushonen placed a towel over Xu Zhifei's head to dry her hair. The edge of the towel covered her eyes, preventing her from seeing in the mirror the things he had never dared to reveal.

When Xu Zhifei went to find the master to get her hair done, the master told her that Mu Xiaonian had returned, alone

Mokushonen looked at the curled and scorched strand of hair that had been rescued from the hairdryer, feeling helpless and repeatedly apologizing. At that moment, Xu Zhifei, who had been leaning against the back of the chair, had already fallen asleep, and upon being awakened by Mokushonen's apologies, she opened her eyes

Yi Hua also saw her, so he brought the car closer and stopped. He rolled down the window and asked if she needed a ride. Xu Zhi Fei thought for a moment and decided to accept the ride, as she was truly tired from walking. She got into the car confidently and stated her current address.

Mokushonen hesitated, unable to lift his hand

Mokoshonen held his breath, feeling a bit of blood rush to his head. He was somewhat afraid of what she might say, yet also a bit hopeful that she would say, "You don't actually like me, do you?"

Alright

Mokushonen looked at her back, his heart skipping a beat. He called out to her and somewhat incoherently asked, "Xiaofei, what do you think of my shop now? But back when I first blew your hair, I actually only had three dollars in my pocket." He paused, organized his thoughts, and told her, "I managed to get through such tough times, so don't be afraid, and don't... give up. You need to keep pushing forward!"

Xu Zhi Fei smiled, her eyes slightly reddened from laughter, shaking her head as she told him: "The me of the past would have let you stay, but the me of today will not."

Xu Zhifei smiled at him through the mirror, saying, "You are too expensive now; I can no longer afford you"

With a sense of gratitude, Mu Xiaonian diligently practiced his craft, hoping to make Xu Zhifei's hair bloom with various kinds of beauty in his hands. However, on his first attempt, he failed. He tried to create a stylish large wave for Xu Zhifei, but the result was completely asymmetrical, looking terribly unattractive.

It turns out that she is a child without a mother. Yet, in her life of wealth devoid of maternal love, she has not become gloomy or spoiled; on the contrary, she is so sunny and kind, so beautifully tolerant. Even when discussing her family's impending bankruptcy, there is not a trace of gloom about her. She is truly so understanding that it tugs at one's heart. Now she is about to transition from a wealthy young lady to an ordinary person with nothing; can she endure such a drastic change from high to low, from heaven to earth

Mokoshonen was filled with worry. He truly wanted to help Xu Zhifei with something, but he knew that at this moment, aside from fixing her hair, he could do nothing to assist her. He regretted his own ineptitude and felt pain for her situation. He no longer thought about whether he had any opportunity to take advantage of; for now, he only hoped that during her difficult times, her boyfriend Yi Hua would not continue to cheat on her. He longed for Yi Hua to be by her side, accompanying her through this challenging phase of her life

The separations came so swiftly that when Mu Xiaonian mentioned over the phone that he and Wu Jiaying would be taking a flight the next day, Xu Zhifei was almost at a loss for how to respond. Mu Xiaonian asked her if she would go to the airport to see him off, and Xu Zhifei told him that it would be better not to, as she had already experienced many separations over the past two years and was somewhat afraid to face such moments again

Mokoshonen blushed and said, "How could I take your money!"

Mokushonen's hand holding the comb trembled slightly

Once so prosperous and lively, it now feels so desolate and bleak, Xu Zhifei finds it utterly absurd

Mokushonen laughed and said, "You want to bring me down? What do you want to bring me down with? Does the law stipulate that a person cannot have a stomachache?"

Xu Zhi Fei hung up the phone, touched her hair, and told Mu Xiao Nian: "That's enough, let's leave it at that, I have to go now"

The master and the store manager both rushed over, one scolding Mu Xiaonian for being so careless, while the other continuously apologized to Xu Zhi Fei

When Xu Zhifei came back to the store, it had already been a month

Do not make a fuss, have you forgotten? I am the result of your investment, and from now on, as long as you come, I will not charge you

Xu Zhifei smiled and said, "That's perfect! You can just offer yourself in exchange for the debt!"

Xu Zhifei often comes to him to have her hair done; he has now seemingly become her exclusive hairstylist. It turns out that the master stylist whom Xu Zhifei frequently uses in the shop sometimes cannot help but tease Mu Xiaonian: "Ah, it seems I have truly aged, whether in skill or in face, I cannot compete with a fresh-faced young man like Xiaonian!"

He resigned from his job as a master craftsman and opened his own shop. Due to a stable customer base, his shop has been thriving and bustling with business since its opening. He believes that before long, he should be able to purchase a house.

After listening to Xu Zhifei's words, Mu Xiaonian could not help but feel a surge of emotions within: he dared not imagine what would have happened if Xu Zhifei had really jumped off the building that day; he also never expected that his words would one day have such a significant impact on her. He felt that the emotions he had never dared to express were even more intense. He had never seen a wealthy young lady remain so strong and inspirational after falling from grace. However, he also felt a bit disappointed, as it seemed that Xu Zhifei and Yi Hua had not broken up.

In the year following the departure of Mu Xiaonian, Xu Zhifei lived quietly on her own. Occasionally, she would visit his shop, which had now been taken over by a former master craftsman. He treated Xu Zhifei well, and whenever she went to get her hair done, she would always receive a significant discount

He carefully and meticulously helped Xu Zhifei continue drying her hair. Her hair was smooth and sleek, drying in strands under the warm breeze at his fingertips, the sensation akin to caressing fine silk, captivating in an inexplicable way. Perhaps to alleviate his nervousness, or perhaps because she enjoyed seeing him blush, Xu Zhifei kept teasing him to talk.

However, regardless of how many people are present or when Xu Zhifei arrives, Mu Xiaonian will unhesitatingly attend to her first. He does not care whether this will offend other guests; as long as she comes, she must be given priority

Mokushounen casually asked the beautiful woman while looking at the man's back, "Is he a lawyer?"

Mokushonen decided to further refine his skills. However, pursuing further education requires a significant amount of tuition fees. He asked the store manager if he could borrow some money from the store to study, promising to repay it gradually after he returned. The store manager politely declined.

The first time she went to him for a haircut, he was still a novice and made her look quite unattractive. He kept apologizing, and she said it was fine, that he could atone by dedicating himself to her. He blushed like fire, and afterward, she continued to have her hair done by him. Years later, he gained immense fame and became the top stylist in the city, with many wealthy clients unable to book his services, yet he was always available for her. She remarked on his humility, and he laughed while styling her hair, saying: "As for dedicating myself, I have truly done so."

As Yi Hua drove, he glanced at her through the rearview mirror. After observing her for a while, he could not help but speak up: "To be honest, I thought you would rather have nothing to do with me for the rest of your life"

Mokushonen immediately took off the tool bag from his waist and threw it onto the table, responding simply and clearly: "I’m sorry, I have a stomachache and I’m not feeling well, so please go to another place. Also, from now on, whenever you come, I will have a stomachache."

After fixing her hair, Xu Zhifei suddenly handed him a bank card: "When I came here, I happened to overhear the store manager talking to the owner’s wife about how you wanted to further your studies but didn’t have the money and were thinking of borrowing from the store. Silly, I have so much money, why didn’t you just borrow from me directly"

When the fervor in his heart cools down and he becomes aware of these issues, frustration and helplessness will sweep over him like a vast tide. He will admonish himself not to entertain any unrealistic thoughts. However, when Xu Zhi Fei appears again, the overwhelming tide of frustration in his heart will quickly recede, replaced by the restless emotions she brings that make his heart uneasy. He finds himself repeatedly immersed in this cycle, as if he has walked into a dead end from which there is no escape, with that girl pulling at all his joys, sorrows, and anger.

She walked towards the door, and just as she was about to go out, she suddenly turned around and pointed in the direction of Mu Xiaonian, exclaiming loudly, "Your name is Mu Xiaonian, right? I have contracted you, okay? Next time I come, I will look for you to blow dry my hair!" She then turned to the enthusiastic manager who was seeing her out and said, "This young man has great skills, manager, you should nurture him well!"

Xu Zhifei nodded vigorously and said, "Yes! Go ahead! I wish you all the best over there. When you become an international celebrity in the future, I can boast to others that I know you! Just make sure you don't pretend not to know me then!"

He called out "Xiao Fei," and Xu Zhi Fei turned her head in response. She looked somewhat haggard, having lost a lot of weight, and her eyes appeared larger. She smiled at him, and that smile inexplicably made his heart ache

The car arrived at the place where Xu Zhifei lived. After getting out of the car, Xu Zhifei walked to the front of the car and tapped on the car window. Yi Hua rolled down the window. Xu Zhifei bent down and smiled at him, saying, "The question you asked me earlier, I thought about it all the way, and I think you might really be right."

Xu Zhifei looked at him in the mirror, her bright eyes and white teeth shining as she smiled: "It’s alright, if you can’t afford to compensate, you can just offer yourself in return!"

He lowered his head and stared blankly at the big white rabbit with prominent front teeth on the candy wrapper

He and Xu Zhifei have become increasingly close in their conversations, no longer blushing after just a few words, except when she teases him and asks him to pledge himself to her

Xu Zhifei did not know why she suddenly felt a bit shy in front of the informed person: "What do you know?"

After Xu Zhifei finished laughing with a hearty "hahaha," Mu Xiaonian looked at her and laughed along. As he laughed, he suddenly felt that the beer he was drinking today tasted bitter.

Mu Xiaonian's face was flushed to a complete mess again. She always teased him like this, making his heart restless, like boiling water, constantly bubbling and rolling, causing him to resist the urge to acknowledge the fact that she already had a boyfriend, and the vast difference between them, so vast.

Mu Xiaonian gazed at her for a long time, with too many words he wished to say, all congested in his throat, causing his heart to race. In the end, only a simple "good" managed to break free from his throat.

Xu Zhifei smiled and said it was no problem. She took out a handful of milk candies and handed them to the receptionist, saying, "Please have some!"

He returned to the studio in disappointment, and at the moment he entered, as if sensing something, he suddenly stopped. He turned around abruptly and was momentarily stunned.

Xu Zhifei stood at the door, her eyes red, smiling at him: "Alright! I will listen to you, I will not give up!"

Her novel was sought after by several publishing houses, and she ultimately chose the one with the highest reputation. As a result, that publishing house did not disappoint her; her book climbed to the top of various bestseller lists as soon as it was released, and she instantly became a bestselling author. Many television stations invited her to participate in programs, numerous film and television companies approached her to purchase her adaptation rights, and many universities invited her to give lectures and interviews

Xu Zhifei laughed heartily and said, "Because you are good-looking!"

Mu Xiaonian could not help but ask the customer, "What about Xu Zhifei's mother?"

Mu Xiaonian looked into those bright, sparkling eyes, and her heart skipped a beat: "It seems like it will..."

After returning from his studies, Mu Xiaonian participated in an international competition. It is uncertain whether it was due to his good fortune or his exceptional insight, but he remarkably emerged victorious. Upon his triumphant return, Mu Xiaonian was officially promoted from a second-class master to a first-class master.

Yi Hua looked at her intently through the rearview mirror and asked, "So who are you in love with now? That one who does hair?"

Xu Zhifei's work gradually stabilized, and soon after, she informed Mu Xiaonian that she had been promoted to department head

He always misses Xu Zhifan very much, and he knows that she has written a novel that is currently very popular in the country. Wu Jiaying returned to the country last week, and he asked her to bring a copy back with her.

His hurried steps towards it gradually came to a halt

Mu Xiaonian asked Xu Zhifei whether Yi Hua had abandoned her after her family encountered difficulties. Why not simply get married? That way, she wouldn't have to suffer outside.

Xu Zhifei never knew that Mu Xiaonian had such strong motivation. Not long after he told her that he was going abroad to develop, he had everything arranged and was ready to set off. Of course, this was because Wu Jiaying was helping him. With her assistance, he really had nothing difficult to manage. Xu Zhifei smiled wryly, unlike herself. Right now, apart from holding him back, she was of no help at all.

The house is exquisitely decorated, and once the payment is completed, one can move in with just a suitcase. On the day of the move, Mu Xiaonian invited Xu Zhifei over as a guest. Xu Zhifei walked around the entire house, marveling at everything, as if she had never lived in a villa before.

When Xu Zhifei went to the salon again to get her hair done, Mu Xiaonian seized the opportunity to tentatively ask, "Can you show me a picture of your boyfriend?"

"...it must be bent!" Xu Zhifei said the latter half of the sentence

Mu Xiaonian felt that among those delicate and pampered wealthy female guests, Xu Zhifei was the most approachable and easy to talk to. Of course, in his heart, she was also the most beautiful one

Xu Zhifei smiled and said, "It will be ready in a few days."

Mu Xiaonian immediately stood up. He did not spare her another glance and coldly called his assistant: "I have an upset stomach, feel nauseous, I can't handle this, you take care of her instead."

She is truly a girl who was born to always smile, her smile is both sweet and heartwarming. Mu Xiaonian secretly thought that if he were her boyfriend, he would never want even a hint of sorrow to touch her brow. He watched as Xu Zhifei took a few milk candies from her pocket and turned to hand them to him.

The beautiful woman immediately frowned and said, "How can you be like this? I also worked hard to make an appointment. You said you had a stomachache and decided not to proceed. Don't you have any professional ethics? Besides, you clearly don't look like you have a stomachache. May I ask where I have offended you?"

People often ask: Your novel is particularly moving, may I ask if the stories within are based on real events?

She walked out of the store, head down, along the road. After walking for quite a distance, she inexplicably turned back and walked into the café opposite Mu Xiaonian's shop. On a day like today, she did not know who else she could spend it with besides Mu Xiaonian, or where else she could go. She ordered a cup of coffee and sat in a seat by the window, staring blankly at the wind chime on the door of the shop across from her

Xu Zhifei replied to him with a faint smile: "If I truly hated you that much, it would mean I still love you. But I no longer love you."

She smiled and said, "Xiaonian, I might go for an interview, make me look good!"

She laughed so hard that tears streamed down her face

Xu Zhifei draped her arm around his neck and said, "If that's the case, let's go find some handsome guys together, good sister!"

Upon hearing the master's words, Mu Xiaonian suddenly felt a sense of urgency. If his skills could not improve, it was likely that Xu Zhi Fei would not continue to employ him in the future. What if one day a younger and more handsome stylist came to the shop and accidentally curled the ends of her hair while blow-drying it?

Mu Xiaonian suddenly felt the urge to hit herself twice. She explained to him that she was so important, and he had always carefully held her close to his heart, yet he actually forgot her birthday. He rushed desperately to Xu Zhifei's residence, but the lights in her dormitory were off; she had not yet returned.

Mu Xiaonian said, "Alright then, Xiao Fei, goodbye"

He turned around and ran outside, hailing a cab that headed straight for Xu Zhifei's residence. Along the way, he was almost overwhelmed by regret and self-blame. This was her first birthday since her family fell into ruin, and it held extraordinary significance for her; she needed warmth more than on any previous birthday. Yet, at the moment when she needed warmth the most, she came to find him, but he was not there.

Mu Xiaonian looked at her and smiled, saying, "You know very well that as long as it is you, no matter when, I will always be there at your call"

Xu Zhifei has left, leaving Mu Xiaonian as the center of attention for everyone in the room. The store manager came over to praise him: "Not bad, you have quickly won the favor of one of the top three wealthy heiresses in the city!" His fair complexion suddenly turned as red as if it were on fire. That burning sensation continued to blaze, reaching deep into his heart.

The master asked her, "Are you going or not?"

Xu Zhifei hung up the phone and sat in a daze for the entire evening

When Mu Xiaonian turned off the fan, the sudden absence of noise made him feel a bit lost.

Mu Xiaonian heard from other customers that Xu Zhifei's father had failed in business and that her family's company was undergoing bankruptcy liquidation. That customer also mentioned that her father had already found a temple to become a monk and was preparing to leave the secular world.

Xu Zhifei lifted the towel and looked at him in the mirror with a smile, "How can that be? I have hands and feet, and I can earn money." She paused, her smile fading, "Xiaonian, thank you. But I do not wish to be pitied."

Mu Xiaonian remembered the first time he met Xu Zhifei; he had only just arrived at the shop a few days prior. That day, there were particularly many customers, and all the master stylists in the shop were in a frenzy of activity. Coincidentally, Xu Zhifei came in without an appointment, wanting to get her hair washed and dried. Since her usual master stylist was unavailable, Mu Xiaonian, as a novice, had to step in to assist.

Mu Xiaonian, in a moment of inspiration, said: "I boast to my friends back home that I know a great lawyer. I should first see what this great lawyer looks like, so I won't slip up when we chat later"

Xu Zhifei stood up, her expression and aura instantly transformed, revealing the qualities of a young lady in an unmistakable manner

Xu Zhifei widened her eyes and said, "Why can't you take my money? Aren't we good friends? Your relationship with the store manager is even better than with me! Take it, take it; it's not a gift for you to use. Consider it a loan, and you have to pay me back with bank interest in the future!"

They went together to the door to see Xu Zhifei standing there

Just as Mu Xiaonian was about to respond to him, the wind chime at the door began to ring

As Mu Xiaonian bent down to remove the wrapping cloth, Xu Zhifei tilted her head in the mirror and smiled, asking him, "Does it look good? Do I look lively?"

A car drove out of the community, and she was very familiar with that car; it belonged to Yi Hua

The master also told her that Mu Xiaonian had used all her savings to open a styling design studio. On the very first day of its opening, the city's socialites and elite women were already lining up to make appointments for a week later.

The beautiful woman immediately displayed a proud smile, "Yes! You recognized him, didn't you? He has appeared on many legal programs!"

When did I ever say that Xu Zhifei needs to make an appointment to come?!

Mu Xiaonian did not know if he was just sulking: "Then I really will leave."

The master also smiled and winked at her, saying, "I have read your novel too! I know everything!"

Xu Zhifei simply shoved the card into his hand: "Just take it, considering our family's wealth, and stop being so hesitant!"

Xu Zhifei laughed at him with great intensity, to the point where she could no longer control herself, and tears streamed down her face

She did not know how long she had been waiting, only that it was already quite late and the café would soon close. Finally, she saw a luxurious sedan returning with Mu Xiaonian. Ah, that car, her father used to drive the same model back in the day. Once, she would only ride in luxury cars, but now she could not even bear to take a taxi.

A beautiful woman called for Mu Xiaonian, saying that she had already made an appointment through someone. The master craftsman in the shop quietly informed Mu Xiaonian that the woman was a rising star, and her agent had come here to get her hair done.

On the second day, as dawn broke, she took a taxi straight to the airport. She hid among the crowd, listening to the announcements about the flights about to take off, watching Mu Xiaonian and Wu Jiaying walk side by side through the security check. She gazed at his back, intently, without blinking, until he was no longer visible.

Xu Zhifei glanced back at him through the rearview mirror: "Be a bit more courteous to others; don't lose your composure just because they refuse to do your hair."

"Why are you called Little Sticky? Are you very clingy?"

Mu Xiaonian was extremely anxious. He had seen similar situations occur with other masters and wealthy young ladies. That wealthy young lady cried as she recounted how precious her long hair was to maintain, almost threatening to sue the master for harming her body. In the end, not only did the master lose money, but he also lost his job.

Xu Zhifei looked at him, who was shrinking back like a little white rabbit, and couldn't help but tease him: "Are you planning to use your internal strength to dry my hair?"

Hurrying back to the lounge to put on his shoes, Mu Xiaonian quickly walked towards the reception hall. As he walked, he nearly broke into a run in the corridor. Just as he was about to enter the reception hall, he suddenly halted, adopting a composed and steady demeanor, and walked deliberately step by step into the guest reception area

Xu Zhifei quickly patted his shoulder and said, "Don't be afraid, just watch me!"

That day, Mu Xiaonian was feeling unwell and entrusted the matters of the shop to several master craftsmen, while he himself rested in the lounge. Upon hearing that Xu Zhifei had arrived, he lifted the blanket, got out of bed, and walked outside. It was only after leaving the room that he realized he had forgotten to put on his shoes.

What does it mean to pledge oneself? From their conversations, he had known early on that she already had a boyfriend, a well-matched older brother from the neighborhood, a talented young man named Yi Hua. From the way she smiled when talking about her boyfriend, it was clear that she liked him very much. However, alongside her affection, she seemed to be filled with worries, as her older brother was a prominent lawyer who was always particularly busy, especially recently, when it seemed he had even less time to spend with her

Not long after, one day, a handsome man drove a beautiful woman to get her hair done

He asked the master where the candy came from, and the master told him it was given by Xu Zhifei. Mu Xiaonian's ears rang with a loud sound, and he finally remembered that today was her birthday

In the face of the ever-widening chasm, there are certain matters and emotions that she has indeed realized, yet lacks the courage to articulate. Thus, she can only sit here alone, waiting foolishly by herself

Mu Xiaonian's fair complexion flushed with red: "I am afraid that I might accidentally get it tangled in your hair! I, I am afraid I cannot afford to pay for it!"

Xu Zhifei sat down with him to drink beer, looking around the spacious living room, and she remarked, "Now that you have a house, Xiaonian, it’s time for you to find a girlfriend, isn’t it"

Xu Zhifei smiled as she picked up her phone to show him the photos

When attending events, people always ask her the same question: why is your novel titled "Twenty-Three"

Xu Zhifei's lingering smile at the corner of her mouth took on a hint of self-mockery: "Busy with work? That's what he says, but who really knows? I think that sometimes he might actually be busy, and other times he might just be pretending to be busy because he finds me annoying"

Mu Xiaonian saw Xu Zhifei's despondent expression in the mirror and almost couldn't help but want to give her a hug. He clenched his fist and then relaxed it: "What about you? What have you been busy with lately? I haven't seen you around often."