Chapter 28: Grand Opening
The first customer to go inside was an older woman around fifty, with a face full of pockmarks and droopy eyes, giving her a somewhat unfortunate look. But now, standing in front of them was a woman with striking features, bright eyes, and fair, glowing skin, looking like a young woman in her early thirties.
"Is this a different person?" The people nearby were buzzing with discussion.
"It shouldn’t be. When she went in, she was wearing these same clothes. The clothes haven’t changed, nor have the shoes. It’s just the head that’s changed."
"I think it’s a trick. Boss, why don’t you take off her makeup, and we’ll see if it’s really the same person."
The first customer, initially proud of the commotion she had caused, was instantly displeased at the suggestion to remove her makeup, and she exclaimed, "I paid money, why should I take it off?"
"It’s her, I’m sure of the voice," said the woman standing in the second spot. "I spoke to her just now, and voices don’t lie, do they?"
The onlookers were incredibly curious. They were divided, with half convinced it was impossible, and the other half insisting it was the same person.
Su Yaoguang smiled and put an end to their discussion, "We’ll know if it’s the same person once the second customer goes in and tries. By the way, the second customer can say something to the third customer, and after I’ve finished her makeup, she can give you the password. If it matches, it’s the same person. If not, it’s fake. Second customer, please get ready, we’ll start soon."
"Her method seems workable," the second customer intentionally spoke loudly, wanting everyone to hear her voice. She whispered something to the third, fourth, and fifth people in line. "Alright, if I say the same thing to you later, then it’s really me."
The second customer was a young girl with a birthmark on her face, making her appearance rather plain. However, her features were very delicate.
In less than a quarter of an hour, the second customer came out. Being young and in better overall conditions than the first customer, the effect was even more stunning.
"Oh my, this is even more impossible, right? Look at this skin, it’s as tender as a baby’s."
"Beautiful, so beautiful. If this is real, and I could transform for two cents like this, I’d come and transform every day."
The second customer was amazed when she saw herself in the mirror earlier. Hearing so many people praise her, she felt both shy and excited. Because of the natural birthmark on her face, she had been disliked since childhood. She was of marriageable age, yet not a single proposal came her way, making her a laughing stock in the village. Now, dressed like this, she looked more beautiful than her best-looking cousin, who could still say she wasn’t good-looking? She was only held back by the birthmark.
"What’s our password?" the third customer asked.
The second customer smiled as she approached, whispering a few words.
"It’s her!"
"Unbelievable!"
The second customer returned and said to Su Yaoguang, "I look really nice this way. But once the makeup is removed, I’ll go back to how I was. Boss, is there a way for me to always look like this?"
"Your features are still great; it’s just that the birthmark is natural and can’t be removed. But you can buy a box of this face powder to apply every day, and your skin will be as smooth as white porcelain."
"I’ll buy it. How much is it?"
"This box of face powder is 300 cents."
"I’ll buy it." She works in the city, earning 500 cents a month. Though 300 cents is quite expensive for her, she has saved some money by living frugally, so she can afford the 300 cents. "I’ll also take a box each of the eyebrow pencil, lipstick, and rouge."
"You might try these smaller bottles, each of these three is 200 cents. Together with the face powder, it totals 900 cents," Zhou Wangshu introduced from the side.
"Alright, I’ll buy them."
Su Yaoguang and Zhou Wangshu exchanged glances. Su Yaoguang smiled lightly, her eyes bright like stars in the night.
Originally, only observing quietly, the customers became even more excited. Having seen the transformation of the first two, those behind were eager to see what they might be changed into. Just eighteen were in line earlier, but now the line was long, with approximately fifty people in it.
"Everyone, please be patient," Zhou Wangshu shouted. "Although we only have twenty low-priced spots, five cents isn’t expensive. We’re launching a new product; we’re selling at a loss just to get everyone familiar with our rouge and powder."
Busily at work behind the black curtain, Su Yaoguang’s lips curved upwards.
It seemed she had found herself a good assistant.
"Everyone, do you like the clothes I’m wearing? These clothes were bought at the clothing shop behind us. The shop owner is also very honest, feel free to take a look."
Sitting idle anyway, she helped promote the clothing shop behind them. The shop owner sold clothes and could even give them a share of profits.
Chun E, observing from the side, noted how considerate the ’little girl’ was, feeling even more fondness for this pair of flower-like sisters. Indeed, heaven doesn’t treat kind people unfairly. Fortunately, she hadn’t chased them away earlier; otherwise, she’d have pushed the money god out the door.
The third, fourth, and fifth customers... came out one after another.
Su Yaoguang’s skillful hands successfully piqued everyone’s interest. She was in charge of makeup, while Zhou Wangshu handled the sales, quickly selling more than ten bottles.
They only made seventy bottles in total.
"Miss, we don’t have your exceptional skills. Even if we buy them, we can’t do what you can!"
"Madam, if you don’t usually wear makeup, focus on skin care. Makeup just adds color; most importantly, you need to maintain good inner health. I tell you, this face cream works really well. Every day, after washing your face clean, apply a thin layer. Doesn’t it smell great? The best part is, after a month, your skin will become smoother, with fewer wrinkles. It’s even better if paired with this face mud."
"How much is this?"
"Face cream is a bit expensive, the smallest one is 500 cents, the medium is one tael of silver, and the largest is two taels of silver. Madam, buy according to your need. If you’re unsure, start with a small bottle. If you want better value, the medium and large bottles are options. The medium one is larger than two small ones. The largest is far more than four smaller ones."
"I’ll start with the smallest. If it works, I’ll certainly buy the large one."
"Alright, I’ll wrap it up for you." Su Yaoguang put the face cream in the wooden box, adding a handmade net as a gift.
"Did you make this? How skillful."
Su Yaoguang pointed to Zhou Wangshu’s clothes and advertised, "Dear customers, these clothes were bought from the clothing shop inside. Feel free to take a look."