Mei Li , Qian Mei's store had a unique concept- it was a boutique, salon and makeup studio . A three in one service at one place. Mei Li was located in the western side of G City where the nova riche stayed. Well the west side wasn't much to talk about compared to the north side of G City. It was there where the real wealthy and powerful lived. For example that was where Qian Mei and her husband lived. The five most rich and influential families in G City were the Liang's, Shen's, Tao's, Gao's and the Yuan's. All of their ancestral properties were located in G City.
However, if you asked nobody was quite so sure which was the most powerful family. Each of them had a sector of business where they dominated and concealed their powers from each other. They were allies but division of power was balanced because nobody wanted to live under the rule of a dictator. If you were too overbearing the other families could band together to take you down.
In life everyone wanted to make a mark on the world so although Qian Mei 's husband was rich and could easily set up a business for her she wanted to achieve her goals on her own. In order to setup the store she had gotten into a three way partnership. One person being herself and her long time friend who were planning to work in the store and the other an outside investor who was concerned with profits rather than a job.
A walkway of sandstone pavement was in middle of a lovely garden. On either side was bright green grass, white rose bushes and outdoor sofas.
The makeup studio was under construction so they avoided that area. Qian Mei lead them to the boutique. It was 10 change rooms , two walls with head to toe mirrors and a few mannequins is the display window. Racks , jewelry and accessory stands were already set up. Some stock was already set up such as belts, dresses and shoes were already on display.
Although the boutique might have been smaller than a store the brands that were going to be sold there was all first tier as well as a handful of upper 2nd tier products.
The colour scheme was cream, light grey, blue and fawn.
A pattern of alternating light blue and brown wooden flooring. The walls painted a light grey with mosaic tiles. Shi Qi would start next week so after a she had quick look at the inventory list they continued to the hair salon.
When they entered a sensor dinged announcing their arrival .The salon had the same colour scheme as the boutique with vibrant green plants. This gave the whole room a refreshing and peaceful atmosphere.A man , Qian Mei's business partner was digging through a hair station top desk door .He didn't turn around so all they could see was his broad back ,wide shoulders and man-bun.
"Bonjur,Mei how are you today?" A deep voice greeted before he looked up into the mirror surprised at Qian Mei's company.
"Hello " He turned around and greeted them with a roguish smile his gaze lingering a moment longer on Shi Qi before glancing back at Qian Mei.
"Mei ,I didn't know we were having company today? Well,nice to meet you all .My name is Teng Bai."
Qian Mei then made introductions," Teng Bai, hairstylist extraordinaire meet Shi Qi, she will be our boutique's super fashion stylist .These are her nieces Song Xia and Jin Yu."
His playful gaze had a hint of something else when he gently shook Shi Qi's hand .
"Well, I'm glad to be working with you."
He reminded Shi Qi of a playful jungle cat. Looking playful most of the time but when he thought she wasn't looking the heated looks he sent her way were obvious. Like he was looking for the opportunity to devour her.
Yes, she was flattered. Yes, she did blushed like a schoolgirl with a crush.
Yes, he was handsome and intriguing but it wasn't the time and place to think about dating.
In reality, it had been along time since she had been on a date. Almost a year. She had been too busy in her career to even contemplative dating but now she didn't want to jump the gun and fall for her coworker.
Maybe, she was just overthinking this whole thing. Maybe ,Teng Bai was flirtatious by nature.
At her side ,Jin Yu's eyes widened and asked in a slightly hesitated manner.
"Mr. Teng,are you Master Teng? Sister Xiong Ling's hairstylist in Ruby Place? The apprentice of the Legendary French Hairstylist, Blaise Louis?"
Teng Bai froze and Qian Mei spoke up quickly,"Xiao Yu ,so you have heard of our Teng Bai. "
Shi Qi noticed his behavior but didn't pry . Everyone had things they would rather not share especially during a first meeting.
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"So , tell me Song Xia what are you thinking of today?"He looked at the hazel-eyed girl in the mirror waiting for her reply.
Song Xia had never really paid attention to her hair. In the military they just took turns cutting each other's hair so most of the time she sported an uneven bob. Even the original just cut her own hair with school scissors.
"Master Teng, I'm not sure what would suit me. I trust your judgment so cut it however you wish."
He looked at the girl's hair; it was healthy, silky but not thick .The only problem was that it was uneven and a bit untidy. He would have punished any apprentice of his that had cut hair like this.
Teng Bai though about what he should do with this current mop of hair. He had a profound belief that hair was the most important feature in your look.A person cannot help the feature you were worn with but there was the right hairstyle for everyone .Hair frames your face , could also soften or give more definition to your features and was a tool to express your personality.
Once he washed and conditioned the waist-length hair he gave it a slight trim to even it out. Long curtain bangs to frame her elegant jawline, giving a slight exposed forehead and bringing even more definition to her eyes. Short layers in the front and long layers in the back giving an elegant and feminine look.
The women were all surprised by Song Xia's look and thought that Teng Bai really lived up to his name as a genius.
"Master Teng, thank you" Song Xia said sincerely with appreciation.
"Ha, kid , this hairstyle really suits you!Don't call me ,Master Teng ,it makes me feel old. You can just call me Uncle Bai."
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