From Folly to Fortune：I Rewrite My Life After Rebirth!

Chapter 356: Chapter 354: Not as good as the town (Fourth Update)

”Aunt Si, it’s all thanks to Shuangshuang’s skilled hands. She’s the one who did our makeup and applied flower yellow, which is why we look so different now.”

A few girls watched as Mu Shuangshuang picked up a bunch of small boxes and began applying makeup to their faces.

After a few rounds, everyone saw the transformation.

They looked pretty, with fair skin.

Mu Shuangshuang used all ancient cosmetics, and with some appropriate tinting, the beauty was only natural.

However, she was wary of using ancient face powder; it whitened the face, but the mercury content was too high.

In the long run, not only would it cause poisoning, but blotches would also appear on the face.

Mu Shuangshuang subtly expressed her concerns, but these girls didn’t care at all.

Being beautiful for this day was all that mattered.

”How about you stay for dinner? I’ve made some delicious food.”

”No, Aunt Si, the weaver selection is coming up soon, and we’re not eating tonight.”

After eating, the belly would swell, and everyone preferred to stay hungry.

”Alright then, I’ll see you out.”

Yu Si Niang followed behind the girls, and after they left, she returned indoors to call Shuangshuang.

She made today’s meal particularly early, just so her daughter could go to the weaver selection sooner.

”Shuangshuang, stop worrying about making money. Look what I’ve prepared for you.”

Yu Si Niang brought out the dress she had made overnight for Mu Shuangshuang.

This was the cloth Shuangshuang bought last time; she made it, and before starting, she even asked Shuangshuang about the style.

So this dress should be unique throughout the Da Ning Dynasty.

”Mom, I’m not entering the weaver selection; what’s the point of wearing this?”

Mu Shuangshuang had no interest in the weaver selection; her choice was Mu Qingqing.

”Child, even if you don’t enter, you should at least go to watch. Besides, today is your birthday; don’t you want to appear beautifully in front of someone who cares about you?”

Yu Si Niang wanted to mention Fengzi’s name but was afraid Shuangshuang would be upset.

”Someone who cares about me? Dad? Mom?”

Mu Shuangshuang’s response made Yu Si Niang want to bang her head on the wall. Her daughter seemed sharp, but when it came to matters of the heart, she was so oblivious. Could it be true that an observer is clear-minded while the one involved is confused?

”Girl, you seem smart normally, but you’re muddled at crucial times. Just think about whose presence you most want to wear this dress in.”

”Who do you want to see how nice you truly look?”

Yu Si Niang, as a mother, fretted so much, trying to guide her daughter.

But Mu Shuangshuang didn’t want to think about it because the image that kept flashing in her mind was Lu Yuanfeng’s.

Mu Shuangshuang felt the world had gone crazy. She clearly only regarded Lu Yuanfeng as a brother, like those comrades through thick and thin in the past.

Mu Shuangshuang thought to herself, just let go of all the thoughts now, and don’t think about anything.

”Mom, we had dinner too early today; let’s eat when it gets dark. Pass me the dress; I still have people coming over later.”

As soon as she finished speaking, more girls entered through the side door of the courtyard, all dressed very plainly.

Yet, their eyes all sparkled with hope.

Mu Shuangshuang greeted them, ”Are you here for makeup and dressing up?”

Everyone nodded vigorously.

Without another word, Mu Shuangshuang got to work.

Yu Si Niang stood aside watching Shuangshuang collect money—fifteen coins from each person, an amount she’d earn from two days’ work, and Shuangshuang got it in an instant.

She knew her daughter was capable, but to see money come so easily was a first.

Yu Si Niang stood by as Shuangshuang helped groups of people with makeup.

Soon, over half an hour passed, and night fell.

The weaver selection event started, with everyone headed towards the village entrance.

During this time, Mu Shuangshuang had made up thirty-five girls and earned five hundred twenty-five coins.

Seeing this sum, even she was startled.

Yu Si Niang was even more shocked and couldn’t stand steadily.

”Shuangshuang, did mom see wrong? How much is this?”

”Mom, over half a tael!” Mu Shuangshuang replied with a beaming smile.

This money came at a perfect time, split in half with Lu Yuanfeng, and the rest could be saved.

”How did you think of such a clever idea, child?” Yu Si Niang couldn’t comprehend it no matter how hard she thought.

”Because Shuangshuang has money on her mind all the time!”

The fact was, Mu Shuangshuang had merely tapped into women’s desire for beauty. In truth, for her, if one can be beautiful for a day, fifteen coins would be worth it.

Unfortunately, tonight wasn’t just about fifteen coins.

”Mom, I’m going to call Fengzi for dinner. Later, give the porridge in the clay pot to Little Black Dog. Although its face has de-swollen, it’s better to eat something light.”

”Alright!” Yu Si Niang, listening to Mu Shuangshuang, began to busy herself again. After Shuangshuang left, she realized her daughter hadn’t changed into that beautiful dress.

”Why doesn’t this girl treat herself a bit better?”

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As night fell, Lu Yuanfeng lit the candle in the lantern.

The array of colors attracted a few girls; as they approached and asked the price, upon hearing five coins, gasps were heard.

”Five coins, that’s too expensive! Brother Fengzi, how about a discount, one coin each? We’ll all take one.”

”Yeah, Brother Fengzi, you know there’s only so many of us in the village. If you don’t sell them, it’ll be wasted. Better to give us a good deal.”

With some instigating, others naturally agreed, and just when Lu Yuanfeng was about to decline, he saw a small figure dressed in coarse cloth rushing over.

His mouth curved slightly into a smile.

Looking towards Shuangshuang, he beamed brightly.

”Brother Fengzi, one coin, could that work?” another voice asked.

Before Lu Yuanfeng could respond, Mu Shuangshuang had already joined them.

”No way, one coin doesn’t even cover the cost. Selling like this would be a loss. Plus, in town, they sell for eight, ten, fifteen coins, and we’re only selling for five, which is much cheaper!”

”But the town’s items are prettier!” came a quiet voice from the crowd.

Mu Shuangshuang glanced at the girl.

She wore a dingy gray long gown, her face unpainted but still showing deep pits.

”You can take a look at our lanterns and see whether it’s town’s that’s prettier or ours!”

Mu Shuangshuang generously took a lantern down for the girls to examine.

As they looked more, they liked them more, but still felt they were expensive.

”I know you think it’s expensive, but for the weaver selection, preparation is a must. A lantern per person; maybe the villagers will like this style.”

Mu Shuangshuang continued her persuasive talk.

Lu Yuanfeng also chimed in.

”I also think this looks good! If, in the dark, I saw a lantern, I’d definitely take a few more glances and might remember that person.”

”Alright, I’ll buy it. I want that red one; red stands out!”

Business was concluded; this was a principle Lu Yuanfeng learned after meeting Shuangshuang.

He pulled down a lantern and handed it to the girl at the front.