Shuishui deliberately walked out so Ziyu and Uncle Jiang could talk. She didn't intend to listen to them, and she felt that the matter should be settled between themselves. Mu Zilin was still oblivious about everything. Shuishui felt that he had to be more observant of his surroundings. He had to learn how to read and interpret people's actions so he wouldn't be fooled and cheated on in the future.
Shuishui turned to look at Mu Zilin. "You're going to study here. Don't trust people too easily, and learn how to read between the lines. Don't be thoughtless and silly. Work hard and think about what you want in the future. Then, make a choice. You have to commit to your goals and be passionate about pursuing them."
Mu Zilin was very confused. He didn't understand what Shuishui meant. "Why are you suddenly saying those things? And why do you think I'm so silly? I'm smart. I'm not as good as you, because you're always the best in almost everything, but I'm not bad. Why are you telling me these things? Why are you talking about commitment and passion all of a sudden?"
She frowned and revealed how anxious she was for him. "Because you're my friend. I hope that you will be happy and successful in the future. It's just that you can be really stupid sometimes. I'm very worried about your future."
Mu Zilin was displeased. "Why do you think I'm stupid?"
"Then tell me—who is my boyfriend?" she asked directly.
"Eh, you never told me. You hide it so well. It's definitely shameful," Zilin said as he crossed his arms in front of his chest. He had asked about it, but Shuishui would change the topic. He felt that she just didn't want to tell him.
Shuishui was stunned, but she found his reaction adorable at the same time. She sighed deeply and said, "That's why I think you're too oblivious to what's happening around you. I'm dating Mu Ziyu, and we've been dating for a while. I think it's obvious, but you just don't see it."
'Mu Ziyu? What a familiar name,' Zilin thought. When he realized what Shuishui meant, he suddenly scoffed and said, "What the heck. You're dating my brother?" Mu Zilin was stunned. It didn't seem right for her be dating his brother. He didn't think that they weren't good enough for each other, but he found it strange.
"Can't you tell from his behavior?" Shuishui asked as she looked at his stunned expression. What was there to be surprised about? She pushed his forehead away and took a few steps forward.
"Uh . . . uh . . . Shuishui, my brother is very good, and so are you. But can't you find someone your age?" Zilin felt that their age difference was quite big.
Shuishui was aware that at Mu Zilin's age, he wouldn't be very open about it. She felt that he would understand when they grew a little older and realize that their age difference was less than ten years. It wasn't a big deal. "Can you say that about your brother?"
"Uh . . . my brother is an outstanding inividual. He is handsome and talented. Many women want to be with him. I just feel that it's like an old cow eating young grass." Zilin was still digesting the fact that his brother and best friend were dating. It was too much for him to handle.
Shuishui facepalmed. "What are you thinking about? Because of this conversation we're having, I realized that you are really a little silly. You have to be more intuitive in the future, especially when you have a girlfriend. You can't be so careless in the future."
"I know. But when did you two get together?" Zilin scratched his head. He remembered the time his brother had approached him and asked about Shuishui. Could that have been the start of his courtship? It was possible. His brother had been acting strangely during that time, but he didn't think that Shuishui was the type who would like Ziyu. Zilin recalled past events and realized that Shuishui had always been very casual towards Ziyu. She wasn't like other girls who would ogle and stare at him.
"We've been together for a few months. I don't remember the exact date," Shuishui said. She wasn't very good with remembering dates.
"No way. It seems that we're getting sillier by the day." Mu Zilin sighed.
Shuishui saw a waiter passing by with a tray of glasses filled to the brim with a green beverage. Shuishui asked, "Hello. What kind of drink is this?"
"This is our special green apple and cantaloupe juice," the waiter said.
"Please serve four glasses of that drink in the elegant room." She was curious when she saw that many of the waiters were serving the drink.
"Okay. Please wait for a moment." The waiter had to deliver the drinks to the table that ordered it before he could fulfill Shuishui's request.
Shuishui patted Mu Zilin's back. "Let's go back. There's nothing to see here."
"Didn't you want to stay here for a while to see what's outside?" Mu Zilin retorted.
"Yeah. I want to go back. We've been here for a while, and the dishes will be served soon." Shuishui felt that it was too obvious why they had gone out.
Mu Zilin and Shuishui went back to the private room. They saw that there were already side dishes on the table.
Jiang Yuan cheerfully waved at Shuishui and said, "Shuishui, I added a three-cup duck just now. Don't tell me you won't eat duck."
"No. I'm not picky." She looked at Mu Ziyu. He smiled gently at her and blinked. It seemed that the conversation went smoothly.
Shuishui sat down. Seeing that they were hesitant to start eating, Shuishui took the initiative to pour water into their glasses. "The side dishes look good too," she said.
She picked up her chopsticks first and took a piece of fried tofu. "Not bad."
Mu Zilin started eating. When all the dishes were served, they started talking about common everyday topics. After lunch, Jiang Yuan told them he needed to go to the office. He pulled Shuishui aside and told her, "I know you're sensible, but be careful. Ziyu is an eloquent person, but I don't know him well enough yet. It remains to be seen. You're a girl, so you should always protect yourself. If there's anything you need, call me. I'll arrange it."
"Thank you, Uncle," Shuishui said as she smiled and narrowed her eyes.
Seeing how cute Shuishui was, Jiang Yuan couldn't help but pat her head. "You're a bit like your father, but you're more adorable. All right. I'll go to the office first. If it's possible, come back home tonight. Understand? If you can't come home, let me know."
"Okay." Shuishui nodded. She understood that she could not let her uncle worry.
When Jiang Yuan left, Mu Zilin quickly questioned his brother. "Brother, why didn't you tell me that you were dating Shuishui?"
Mu Ziyu looked at Mu Zilin's excited look. His brother was being silly again. "I thought you could tell."
Mu Zilin couldn't say anything.
"Since you already know, I'll send you home later. Shuishui and I will go out." Ziyu felt that it was going to be easier to handle since Mu Zilin already knew about them.
Mu Zilin's face turned red. "Why can't I go with you?"
"You know, it's not easy having a third wheel around." Mu Ziyu didn't want to bring Mu Zilin along.
Mu Zilin suddenly felt very wronged. He looked at Shuishui, but Shuishui ignored him. "I'm not the one driving. It's not up to me whether you can come along or not," Shuishui said.
"You're bullying me!" Mu Zilin was so sad that the couple had agreed to go out without him.
"This afternoon, I'll bring Shuishui to a salon for her haircut. I'll pick you up after dinner. Don't worry too much," Mu Ziyu said as he pulled Shuishui along.
Mu Zilin walked with big strides behind them. "All right. I won't go with you to the salon. I'll just go home and play games. Pick me up tonight. Don't forget about me, or else."
Mu Ziyu dropped Mu Zilin off at their house, and Mu Ziyu drove off to the city with Shuishui.
Shuishui looked ahead. "Actually, any salon will do. I'm not picky."
"I know a hairstylist in that salon I told you about. He opened that salon right after he returned from studying in France. It's in a high-rise building in the city center and is actually well-known. Many big stars go there for a haircut." Ziyu wanted to bring Shuishui to the best salon he knew.
Shuishui remained quiet. She felt that there was no need to bring her to an expensive salon.
After getting stuck for a while in heavy traffic, they arrived at their destination.
After they parked the car, they walked to the building and got on the elevator. Soon, they were on the 11th floor.
When they reached the 11th floor, they walked out of the elevator together. Shuishui was a little surprised to see the gold decorations in front of her. Everything was in gold. She saw a large hall with beige sofas for people to lounge in. There was a reception desk in front of them, and a man and a woman were standing there. Mu Ziyu went forward. "My surname is Mu, and I've already made an appointment with Steven."
"Okay. Let us check for a while."
The receptionist made a call. After a long while, the man approached them and said, "Mr. Mu, please follow me."
As they walked in, Shuishui saw a few people in the barbershop. They walked onward, and she saw the VIP rooms. She looked around casually. When they reached the last translucent room, Mu Ziyu hugged a man who was dressed in fancy clothes. "Long time no see," Ziyu said.
"Aiyo, it's really been a long time. It's been a few years. When you suddenly contacted me, I was shocked. Am I styling this little girl's hair today? What a beautiful little girl," he said as he approached and stared at Shuishui's skin.
"Her skin is really good. It's good to be young. Do you want to put on makeup?" Steven said. He was eager to start working on Shuishui's hair.
"No. Just find a hairstyle that suits her." Mu Ziyu pulled Steven away. Why was this person standing so close to Shuishui?
"Aiya, I know it's your girlfriend. I just want to dress her up. She'll definitely be more beautiful. Her skin is so good, and she would look good with a little makeup." He jokingly slapped Mu Ziyu's chest.
Mu Ziyu knew that Steven behaved that way. He was a bit effeminate, but in fact, he was still a normal man.
"All right. I won't joke with you anymore. Hello, beautiful lady. My name is Steven. What do you think of your hairstyle? Or rather, what hairstyles do you like?" He looked at Shuishui and quickly thought of hairstyles that would suit her.
Shuishui shook her head. "Short hair is fine."
"How can you be so casual? Leave it to me. I'll do whatever I want and I guarantee that you'll be satisfied." He brought Shuishui to her seat. Then, he walked around Shuishui and studied her current hairstyle.
Mu Ziyu sat on the sofa on the other side and picked up a magazine to read.
After Ziyu and Shuishui had waited more than half an hour, Steven finally started. He placed his cutting tools on a caddy, which he pulled along.
Shuishui saw his serious expression through the mirror. She closed her eyes and let him do whatever he wanted.
She soon fell asleep. After a while, someone called her name, and she slowly opened her eyes and looked at herself in the mirror. She had a very sensible hairstyle. Her hair was cut slightly below her shoulders, and she had bangs. Steven pushed back Shuishui's hair behind her ears. "How is it? It really looks good on you and suits your face shape. Your face is smaller, and your facial features are three-dimensional and natural. With this hair, you'll look very ladylike, but you have to dye your hair. The lower part of your hair is yellow. I recommend that you have it dyed in a flaxen color to make your skin look white and very youthful."
"I want black," Shuishui said straightforwardly.
"Black doesn't look good. Of course, it's just not special enough. How about a slightly lighter color? What do you think? Brown, for example, which is more flaxen. Under regular lighting, it looks very natural," Steven said. He felt that Shuishui would look really better with her hair dyed. "Don't worry. Our salon uses the best hair dye. It won't damage your hair. I'll personally help you take care of it in the future."
Steven was still waiting for Shuishui's answer. "What do you think?"
Shuishui didn't really want to have her hair dyed in a different color. "Uh . . . I'm still a student."
"It's okay. Trust me. It will look very natural. Many students these days have their hair dyed. If you have your hair dyed in this color, you will only notice the color under the sun. When your real hair grows, the color of the roots will blend with the rest of the hair, and it will look very natural as it grows longer. Don't worry about it." Steven wanted to see how she would look. He was excited and was very satisfied with how Shuishui's hair turned out.
Mu Ziyu was very patient. He didn't make a big deal out of it. He continued to read quietly. What was important was that Shuishui would like the outcome.
Steven didn't wait for Shuishui to say anything else and proceeded to dye her hair.
Shuishui also didn't care too much. She was quite satisfied with the hairstyle. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and saw the same person from her past life. She patted her face. One of Steven's assistants approached her and said, "Please come this way."
After nearly four hours of hard work, Steven blow-dried her hair, and everything was done. Steven excitedly took a few photos of Shuishui and said, "It really suits you. A simple change in hairstyle makes your whole aura even better."
Mu Ziyu stood up and walked over. When he saw Shuishui, he was stunned. He stopped and stared at her.
Steven laughed and said, "Doesn't it suit her? Are you stunned?" Steven felt a great sense of accomplishment.
"Yes. It looks really good on her."
Shuishui smiled at Mu Ziyu. "I'm glad you like it."
"Your girlfriend is very good-looking and charming, and that's why this hairstyle suits her." The hairstyle was a simple one, but it wouldn't look good on any woman if she's merely good-looking. She had to have a certain degree of charm to be able to pull off the look. "That hairstyle would look very good with light makeup. She'd look very good with a black dress," Steven said excitedly.
Ziyu turned to Steven and said, "All right. Please swipe my card. We have to go in a while. It's getting late." Ziyu felt that Shuishui was already very hungry. She always seemed to look tired.
"No. Don't worry about it. This time, it's on me. After all, we're old friends. Next time, I can only give you a friendly discount of 20% off," Steven said as he smiled. Money was not a problem for him. He felt successful that day, and he valued Ziyu as one of his good customers.
"Thank you, then. Let's meet another day. I've already moved back here. I have enough time," Mu Ziyu said as he pulled Shuishui to the door. He left a message before leaving.
"I'll contact you in a few days. I hope you guys have a good time," Steven said. He was in a good mood. He asked his assistant to pack up his things so he could get off work.
Steven prepared to leave as well.
A beautiful woman dressed in gorgeous clothes stopped Steven and started chatting with him in a familiar manner. "Steven, I didn't expect you to be here today. Did you do that lady's hairstyle?"
Steven stopped to talk with Miss Liang. "Yes, I did. Miss Liang, it's been a long time since I've seen you here." Miss Liang was a slightly famous actress, but she had recently been involved in a scandal. It was said that she was kept as a mistress. Anyway, Steven knew that it had nothing to do with him. More importantly, she was his guest.
Miss Liang had seen Shuishui's hairstyle and felt that it would look good on her as well. "I'm preparing for a new play. I'm acting as a female in the workplace. I want to copy the hairstyle of that lady just now. When are you free?"
Steven looked at Miss Liang. To be honest, she was beautiful, but Steven knew that the hairstyle would not suite her. There was something about her personality and overall temperament that would not suit the hairstyle. "I wouldn't recommend it on you, Miss Liang. It might not look good," Steven answered frankly.
She looked at Steven earnestly. "Why? I believe in your skills. I need that hairstyle for my new show."
"I don't want to do a hairstyle that I don't think will be suitable for the customer. I can recommend Master Huang and Master Liu to you. They are both top hairdressers in my shop. You know my rules. I won't make exceptions for anyone." Steven needed to safeguard his reputation. He was able to get to where he was because of his eye for fashion and beauty, so he made a commitment to not act recklessly and to not make exceptions even for A-listers.
As for money, he had plenty, so he didn't care about earning less.
Miss Liang knew Steven's rules, so she could only give up. "Then I'll go make an appointment with Master Huang. I won't bother you anymore."
"Okay."
When Shuishui and Mu Ziyu got into the car, Shuishui called Mu Zilin. "Zilin, we've just finished. We'll be there in about twenty minutes."
"Okay. When you're almost here, give me another call, and I'll go downstairs." After a while, Shuishui called Mu Zilin. Mu Zilin thought he would wait longer.
When Mu Zilin saw Shuishui's new look, he gave her two thumbs-up. "The hairstyle looks good. It's unique. Your curly hair was quite good before, even when you tied your hair up into a ponytail or braided it. But honestly, this new one looks better!"
Shuishui touched her hair and smiled. "Actually, I initially wanted something shorter, but since you guys like it, I am also starting to really like it."
"I'm telling the truth. It looks good. It's a fresh change, and it makes you look more like a different person. I predict that when classes resume, our classmates will be stunned and won't easily recognize you." Mu Zilin really liked Shuishui's new hairstyle. He had never imagined Shuishui having short hair. He was stunned when he saw her new look.
"You're exaggerating. Get in the car. I'm so hungry. I've been sitting there for hours," Shuishui said as she patted her stomach.
Mu Ziyu held Shuishui's hand and said, "I'll let Steven cut your hair in the future. I'm very confident of his skills."
"We'll talk about it when the time comes," Shuishui said.
"Shuishui, aren't you going to be in a long-distance relationship in the future?" Mu Zilin felt that Ziyu and Shuishui's relationship would not work. He felt that his brother would let Shuishui down. However, he felt that he would feel very sad even if it was his brother who would get hurt.
Shuishui did not say anything. Mu Ziyu looked at Shuishui and explained, "It will only be for two and a half years at most. Shuishui will be here soon."
"Two and a half years? That's a long time." Mu Zilin felt that it was too long. However, he said nothing more because it was really none of his business.
Shui Shui turned her head. "It's not like we're together. Why are you thinking so much? "
Mu Zilin was angry. He did not like being kept in the dark. One was his good friend, and the other was his biological brother. "Even though we're not together, can't I care a little? However, why didn't you tell me before you started dating?"
Shuishui did not say anything more. Besides, she did not deliberately hide the relationship. She simply thought then that Mu Zilin would be able to figure it all out by himself.