Beauty House

Zhang Yu was a prodigy in the art of makeup, as if it were an innate gift that effortlessly elevated him beyond the grasp of ordinary mortals. Under his expert guidance, even the simplest techniques would be transformed into their most refined and perfected expressions. In his hands, the cosmetics revealed their distinct personalities. Zhang Yu resembled a masterful conductor, orchestrating these elements into a symphony of vibrant life. What appeared to be enigmatic elixirs to the uninitiated were, to him, as familiar as trusted soldiers. Knowing their intrinsic nature, he could deploy them with remarkable precision. "Beauty is a sensation," he mused. After helping three women remove their makeup, he sighed, "In truth, even without cosmetics, you each possess a unique charm and grace. It seems I, as your beautician, have yet to fully deserve my title." Ever in pursuit of perfection, he remained critical of his own art. "Splendid, truly splendid," the trio of women chorused in admiration. At that moment, the telephone rang. Zhao Xinyi said, "Let me see who is calling," and excused herself to answer it in the living room. Wang Tong remarked nonchalantly, "It certainly won’t be for me." Shen Bing added, "The dormitory phone is known only to our families and a few select others. I suspect they may be returning." Sure enough, after a brief pause, Zhao Xinyi expressed concern, "Their promotional event is nearly complete; they shall be back next week." "Who, exactly?" Zhang Yu, still absorbed in his own guilt, missed Zhao Xinyi’s remark. "Is there some problem? Perhaps something with the makeup base?" Wang Tong laughed, "You, my dear, are entirely lost in your own world of makeup. I was merely suggesting that if they return, you must hide. If they discover your presence, you’ll be in serious trouble." "Are your roommates returning?" Zhang Yu finally inquired with growing worry. Zhao Xinyi nodded, "Indeed. If you remain here, you must exercise extreme caution. Their return could be at any moment." Shen Bing interjected, "So, does this mean you can no longer move freely, Zhang Yu?" "Not only that," Zhao Xinyi continued, "but you must accompany us henceforth to avoid detection. And, by the way, you may no longer sleep on the sofa." "Then where shall I sleep?" Zhang Yu lamented, crestfallen. He had never imagined being left without a place to rest. His days in the women’s dormitory had been exceptionally pleasant, and now the prospect of relocating was a most inconvenient predicament. Wang Tong smiled coyly at him, "I do have a place for you to sleep, but you must do me a favor first." "Whatever favor it may be, I am at your service," Zhang Yu replied earnestly. "Even if it means braving the fiercest fire, I shall not hesitate." Wang Tong continued, "It is nothing grand—merely a trivial matter for you, a task you can easily accomplish." "What favor might that be?" Zhang Yu queried, puzzled. "Is it related to makeup?" Wang Tong shook her head, "Certainly not." Zhao Xinyi, growing impatient with Wang Tong’s evasiveness, pressed, "Pray, tell us what is required! And, by the way, have you arranged a proper place for Zhang Yu to stay?" Shen Bing speculated, "Could it be that Sister Tong intends for Zhang Yu to share her bed? After all, he is quite handsome; perhaps he has captured your fancy?" Her laugh, lacking all the airs of refinement, belied her candor. Wang Tong dismissed the suggestion with a sneer, "Nonsense! If he were truly a handsome man, I might consider it. Besides, my bed is hardly available to just anyone." "Then where shall I sleep?" Zhang Yu inquired, genuinely confused. "You may use my storage room," Wang Tong explained with a playful smile. "Unlike the others, I do not have an abundance of clothes, hats, or shoes cluttering my space. A little tidying and it becomes perfectly suitable for you." Zhang Yu grumbled, "To reside in a storage room—my fate is indeed most wretched!" Wang Tong crossed her arms and teased, "I am gracious enough to allow you to share a room with me. Otherwise, you might as well sleep on a toilet seat!" After a moment’s thought, Zhang Yu relented, "Very well, if a storage room is all there is, I shall make do, for I have little to lose." Zhao Xinyi admonished Wang Tong, "Be careful not to let your eyes wander and seduce the handsome man." With a mischievous wink at Zhang Yu, she added. A faint blush touched Zhang Yu’s face as he protested, "Oh heavens, how could that be?" Yet, his mind wandered to a series of flirtatious imaginings, recalling vividly the tempting scene from the restroom yesterday. The memory of Wang Tong’s enticing touch ignited a secret thrill, warming his cheeks. Wang Tong scoffed dismissively, "Look at you, Zhang Yu—so timid and lacking even a proper form. To expect you to make any advance on me is laughable. A man without a body is as ineffectual as a eunuch." "A eunuch?" Zhang Yu retorted indignantly, "I am a man—a complete and unequivocal man!" He felt compelled to assert his identity with renewed fervor. "Very well, then," Wang Tong said, her eyes gleaming with seduction. "Do me this favor, and I shall permit you to reside in my quarters. Succeed, and I might even reward you with the privilege of sleeping in my bed. How does that sound?" Shen Bing interjected, "Sister Tong, what exactly do you require of him? Perhaps we can be of assistance." Wang Tong explained, "As you know, I have an exam tomorrow, yet I have scarcely had time to review. I would like him to help me." "What exactly would you have me do?" Zhang Yu asked, still bewildered. "I never pursued university studies—I began studying makeup long before I completed high school." Wang Tong chided him, "How dull you are! Can’t others see you? Simply surreptitiously glance at the answers from others and relay them to me." "Very well. But know that cheating is inherently wrong," Zhang Yu cautioned, even as he nodded in reluctant agreement. "Oh, you are insufferable—like my own teacher," Wang Tong retorted with a hint of irritation. Zhao Xinyi concurred, "Zhang Yu speaks truly; one should avoid plagiarism. If you merely copy without learning, what benefit is there in studying at all?" Shen Bing mused dreamily, "Sister Tong certainly knows how to live in the moment. I confess, I too am tempted to have Zhang Yu assist me in cheating. The notion of effortlessly attaining high marks without genuine study is truly enticing." Her tone brimmed with unguarded delight. Zhao Xinyi sighed, "Aren’t your grades already excellent? Why resort to copying? But very well, do as you please. I must now attend to my experimental report for tomorrow." With that, she retreated to her room. Thus, after a day consumed by makeup and other duties, Zhao Xinyi, utterly exhausted, resolved to complete her report swiftly and retire for the night. Shen Bing yawned, "I am utterly spent. Let us sleep—without rest, our health shall surely suffer." Once the others had departed the living room, Wang Tong rose and stretched languorously, revealing her alluring silhouette. "Alright then, darling, prepare to join me in slumber." Caught between amusement and exasperation, Zhang Yu remarked, "Pray, temper your words, for you may awaken a wildness within me that could lead me to take undue advantage of you..." "Pah! Do you truly believe you can take advantage of me? I am curious to see what a mere specter such as you might accomplish!" Wang Tong retorted boldly, her expression both provocative and defiant. Together, they ventured into her room. Unlike the typical quarters of other young women, Wang Tong’s room was simple and unadorned. There were no superfluous trinkets; instead, the room bore a resemblance to a young man’s study, adorned with a modest collection of books, clothing, and even a few cartoon illustrations. Though somewhat cluttered, the space was notably free of any unwashed garments or unpleasant odors. "What do you think? A bit disheveled, yet not entirely unappealing, is it not?" Wang Tong remarked as she sank onto the bed, removing her shoes before executing a graceful somersault. Fixated on the pale skin revealed at her waist, Zhang Yu could only murmur, "Not bad, not bad." Oblivious to his lingering gaze, Wang Tong continued, "Now, allow me to show you your new accommodations." Rising from the bed, she opened a small door adjacent to the room. Curiosity led Zhang Yu into a compact space adorned with sporting paraphernalia—footballs, basketballs, and even a set of dumbbells. Though modest in size, the room boasted a foldable bed, sufficient for repose. A small window at its far end allowed a breath of fresh air, rendering the space quiet and undisturbed. "Quite acceptable—a peaceful haven where few shall disturb you," Zhang Yu thought, finding solace in the secluded retreat. Surveying the scattered items on the floor, Wang Tong sighed, "It will take some effort to organize this clutter. Perhaps tomorrow, when the exam is over, we shall tidy up. Today, after a day of labor, I am utterly exhausted." Gazing upon the disarray, Zhang Yu inquired, "You do not intend for me to live amidst such chaos, do you?" Wang Tong laughed lightly, "Fear not. First, share my bed with me; then, tomorrow, rouse me for my exam. That shall suffice." With that, she departed the storage room, leaving Zhang Yu in a state of bewildered silence.