Agreed to Just Once - Chapter 2: Makeup Techniques
Chapter 2 Makeup Techniques
Thursday, the day with the fullest schedule.
After finishing his last lecture, Jiang Yinian glanced down at his watch—exactly six o’clock.
He closed his textbook and stood up.
A classmate from the back row called out to him loudly: Jiang Yinian! Are you free later? Want to go to the square with us?
Near their school was a large commercial complex that became particularly lively in the evenings, offering all kinds of food and entertainment—a great place for small groups to hang out and pass the time.
Jiang Yinian turned around and saw that the person calling him was class monitor Dong Tu. No, I need to head back early today. I’ve got things to do.
Dong Tu: Alright then, you do your thing. We’re heading out.
Okay.
As he responded, Jiang Yinian stuffed his books into his backpack while walking. From the teaching building all the way to the bicycle shed, he immediately spotted a very familiar figure standing next to his bike.
What are you doing here?
Passing by and waiting for you.
He Wenshuo’s school schedule was different from Jiang Yinian’s, allowing him to finish twenty minutes earlier. Since going home happened to be exactly on the way, he simply rode his bike over.
Jiang Yinian took his keys from his bag and unlocked his bike: Let’s go.
He Wenshuo moved his own bicycle aside, giving Jiang Yinian more space to push his out. We need to pick up a package first.
Jiang Yinian: ……
He knew what He Wenshuo’s package contained. Just a couple of days ago, he had agreed to pretend to be He Wenshuo’s girlfriend, and He Wenshuo had immediately gone online and bought a bunch of equipment.
Yes, equipment—including clothes, shoes, wigs, and various cosmetics.
The school wasn’t too far from home, averaging about twenty minutes by bicycle. The two pedaled to the package pickup station at the entrance of their residential complex first. They found a pile of boxes of various sizes on the shelves, and eventually had to borrow a large sack from the station to barely fit everything.
Jiang Yinian stared speechlessly at the large sack. This is what you called ‘a few packages’?
He Wenshuo looked utterly innocent: I really only bought one or two of each item. We need to compare, right?
On the way back, Jiang Yinian walked ahead with two backpacks slung over his shoulder, while He Wenshuo followed behind carrying the enormous sack.
Jiang Yinian glanced back: You look like a trash picker.
He Wenshuo disagreed: Have you ever seen someone as handsome as me picking trash?
Jiang Yinian: I have now.
He Wenshuo: The elevator’s here, come on, let’s go home.
They went to Jiang Yinian’s home. Jiang’s family lived in Unit 1 of Building A in the complex, directly facing Unit 1 of Building D where He Wenshuo’s family lived.
Jiang Yinian walked ahead and opened the door, noticing a new shopping bag on the living room coffee table. He called out toward the rooms: Grandma, you’re back?
Yes.
Grandma Jiang poked her head out from the kitchen: Just got back.
Jiang Yinian: How’s aunt doing?
His aunt wasn’t in good health, so Grandma would occasionally stay at the hospital for a few days to take care of her.
Grandma Jiang waved her hand: Your aunt’s fine, don’t worry. I passed by the market today and bought some pork belly. I’ll make braised pork for you later.
Having freeloaded meals for years, He Wenshuo had now reached a point of complete ease: Great, thank you, Grandma.
Grandma Jiang turned and went back to the kitchen to continue preparing dinner.
Jiang Yinian watched as He Wenshuo carried the large burlap bag into the room, grabbed a utility knife from the desk, and got to work, starting with unpacking the rectangular boxes first.
The box opened to reveal three wigs of varying lengths and colors.
Jiang Yinian sat on the chair looking down: Why did you buy so many?
He Wenshuo took out a wig and shook it: I didn’t know which style you’d prefer wearing, so I picked a few different lengths.
Jiang Yinian reached out to pinch a strand of hair—the texture was surprisingly good.
Next came the clothes, which were taken out one by one from the delivery bags and piled on the floor. Most were dresses, each with different styles and colors.
Jiang Yinian picked up an elegantly simple white dress: Are you sure I can fit into this? Though not overweight, his height of 177cm would make wearing women’s clothing look awkward no matter what.
You’ll fit, He Wenshuo said with full confidence—he’d specifically consulted customer service about sizing. I bought them according to your usual clothing size. It should be fine.
He would’ve preferred shopping in person, but since Jiang Yinian refused to go, online shopping was the only option.
Jiang Yinian put down the dress and muttered to himself: I’m starting to regret this.
He Wenshuo immediately turned around: No, you can’t back out now. The equipment was all ready—how could he retreat at the last moment?
Jiang Yinian: …
After unpacking the larger items, what remained were various small square and rectangular boxes.
Jiang Yinian watched as He Wenshuo pulled out all sorts of cosmetics from the small boxes, along with numerous makeup tools like powder puffs and small brushes.
He Wenshuo proudly displayed them to Jiang Yinian: These are all cosmetics.
Jiang Yinian stared at the unfamiliar items now covering his desk, deeply skeptical: Do you know how to use these?
I can learn if I don’t.
He Wenshuo opened a small brush package and lightly brushed it across Jiang Yinian’s face. I’ve been learning from videos these past couple days. Should we give it a try now?
Jiang Yinian: Right now?
He Wenshuo: Yeah, it’ll be quick, I promise. I’ll have you back to your current look before Grandma’s braised pork is ready.
Jiang Yinian looked doubtful: …
He Wenshuo carefully studied Jiang Yinian’s face, recalling the makeup techniques he’d recently learned. They say people with good features like yours are easy to make up.
Jiang Yinian held up one finger: I have just one requirement.
He Wenshuo: Hmm?
Jiang Yinian pointed toward the front door: After stepping out this door, I hope nobody in the neighborhood will recognize me. If anyone did, he’d never be able to show his face outside again.
He Wenshuo thought about his own skills and felt slightly guilty: I’ll do my best.
Jiang Yinian indeed had excellent features—his face was naturally delicate with fair skin, the type that could skip foundation altogether.
His eyebrows were well-shaped and his eyelashes were long.
He Wenshuo clumsily swept an eyebrow pencil over Jiang Yinian’s brow arches, adding some color but making little noticeable difference from the original appearance.
The tutorial he’d watched mentioned applying false eyelashes, drawing eyeliner, defining eye bags…
He became thoughtful and stopped moving.
Jiang Yinian took out a pack of beef jerky from the drawer, tore open a piece and chewed slowly while looking at the silent He Wenshuo: What’s wrong?
He Wenshuo frowned in frustration. Makeup doesn’t seem as easy as I imagined.
He had clearly watched numerous video tutorials before, but now, holding these delicate little tools in his hands, all the techniques he’d learned seemed to vanish instantly.
Jiang Yinian glanced up. Maybe we should just forget it.
He Wenshuo immediately perked up. No, we can’t give up. What would I do if we quit?
Jiang Yinian replied, Just deal with things as they come.
Right. He Wenshuo picked up another eyeliner pen from the table. We’ll handle things as they come. Today, we’ll start with drawing eyeliner.
Jiang Yinian leaned back slightly. You look like you’re about to poke my eyes out.
He Wenshuo’s eyes filled with determination. I promise I won’t.
As it turned out, promises alone weren’t enough. Though the carefully handled eyeliner pen indeed didn’t touch Jiang Yinian’s beautiful eyes, by the time the aroma of braised pork wafted into the room, not a single presentable line of eyeliner had been successfully created.
Regretfully, He Wenshuo used a cotton pad soaked with makeup remover to carefully clean the corners of Jiang Yinian’s eyes, then cupped his face to examine it from all angles. Actually, you look perfectly fine without any makeup.
Jiang Yinian pulled away the hands framing his cheeks. No, what if someone recognizes me immediately when I go out?
How would he ever be able to show his face confidently in the neighborhood again?
He Wenshuo stood up, took a deep breath, and solidified his resolve. I’ll go home tonight and study harder.
He refused to believe that learning to apply female makeup was beyond his capabilities.
Jiang Yinian paid no mind to this. After checking his clean face in the mirror, he immediately headed toward the kitchen, drawn by the scent of braised pork. Do what you want. Anyway, we agreed – I’m only helping you this once.
He Wenshuo: …
Dinner was lavish – braised pork that was rich but not greasy, stir-fried three delicacies that were fresh and refreshing, minced pork with tofu that looked incredibly appetizing, and a mushroom soup.
Jiang Yinian barely put his chopsticks down throughout the meal.
Grandma Jiang knew that no cooking had been done at home during her absence, so she kept serving them food. Here, eat more. There’s plenty today.
After serving Jiang Yinian, she didn’t forget He Wenshuo either. The two boys had grown up together, and even with different surnames, He Wenshuo was almost like another grandson to her.
Xiao He, you eat more too.
He Wenshuo: Mhm, I know. Grandma, don’t worry about us. You should eat too.
Grandma Jiang watched the two sensible boys eating with satisfaction, put down her chopsticks, and announced some unwelcome news for them: In a little while, I need to go abroad to visit Niannian’s parents. I’ll probably stay there for some time. Xiao He, I’ll need you to look after Niannian for me then.
Jiang Yinian’s parents had settled abroad years ago due to work and rarely returned. Most times, the family would reunite overseas, with Jiang Yinian visiting them for short stays during winter and summer breaks.
He Wenshuo promised, Don’t worry, I’ll make sure Niannian eats well at every meal.
Grandma Jiang smiled. Good, good.
Late-night cramming did yield some results.
The next day, He Wenshuo decided to change the makeup routine, starting by taking out a wig from the box.
It was a long wig – chestnut brown with natural waves, complete with pre-styled bangs across the forehead.
Once the wig was in place, paired with Jiang Yinian’s naturally delicate features, the impression he gave immediately transformed.
The clean, handsome boy instantly became a bright and poised girl.
Wigs were truly magical.
He Wenshuo stared at Jiang Yinian’s face, unable to look away, and couldn’t help but marvel, Nian Nian, you’re just too beautiful.
What was the point of applying makeup? There was simply no need.
Jiang Yinian instinctively brushed aside the bangs on his forehead and adjusted the mirror angle, catching a glimpse of himself wearing the wig.
All he could say was, whether by accident or not, this wig really suited him. It covered his brow line, partially obscured his eyes, and the shoulder-length hair framed his face perfectly. Now, he looked very much like a girl.
He Wenshuo randomly picked out a lipstick from the pile of unused cosmetics and carefully applied it to Jiang Yinian’s lips, adding a touch of vibrancy to his already pretty face.
I’m certain that if you go out like this, no one will recognize you. If I hadn’t been the one to put the wig on you, even I might not have recognized you.
Really?
Jiang Yinian examined his face in the mirror. It did seem quite different from his usual appearance.
He Wenshuo grew excited. How about we go out for a walk right now and test it out?
Forget it. What’s the point of testing?Jiang Yinian shifted his gaze from the mirror to He Wenshuo’s face. Remember our agreement—I’m only helping you this once. You should think about which day you’re taking me to your school.
As for that, He Wenshuo had already thought it through. How about next Friday? You’ll have time then.
Jiang Yinian had fewer classes on Fridays, with only one early morning lecture.
But,Jiang Yinian suddenly remembered, I think you mentioned that your school is holding a sports meet this Friday.
He Wenshuo nodded deeply. Exactly! I want it to be during the sports meet. I want everyone to see—to make it clear that I’m already taken, so they’ll stop setting their sights on me.
Jiang Yinian pressed his lips together. On the day of the sports meet, how many people would be there?
He Wenshuo was full of anticipation. I’m signed up for the relay race in my class, and I’m the anchor. I’ve decided—you’ll wait for me at the finish line.
Jiang Yinian took a deep breath. And then?
He Wenshuo: I’ll do my best to come in first. No, with you waiting for me at the finish line, I’m definitely going to win. Then I’ll pick you up and spin you around at the finish line
Jiang Yinian immediately cut off his unrealistic fantasy. I’m not going.
In front of a crowd, even if He Wenshuo wasn’t embarrassed, he certainly would be.