Chapter 20: Just Wear This!

“Miss, this hairstyle truly suits you; you look much more spirited,” Xiao Lian couldn’t help but praise her own handiwork after finishing. Normally, she would simply tie her hair in a ponytail, but Zhang Xiaolan’s natural beauty—her thick brows, large eyes, oval face, and high, straight nose—meant that even the simplest adornment was stunning.

“It’s all thanks to your skill, Xiao Lian,” Zhang Xiaolan said as she caught a blurred reflection of herself in the bronze mirror, sincerely complimenting the young maid’s deft hands despite her age.

“Thank you for your praise, Miss. Hehe!” Xiao Lian replied with pride, accepting the compliment without reservation.

“Can I cut the end of this dress? It’s so inconvenient,” Zhang Xiaolan asked, standing and taking a few steps, still feeling it cumbersome to go out as it was.

“Oh, but how could you? That would be such a waste of this fine dress! Please, just wear it as it is,” Xiao Lian implored, her heart aching at the thought of such a lovely garment being cut.

“But it drags along the ground when I walk, and after a few steps, it will be filthy. If I trip and fall, how embarrassing would that be? Xiao Lian, why don’t you bring me a needle and thread?” Zhang Xiaolan thought it would indeed be a pity to cut it. Perhaps she could alter it herself, so she asked Xiao Lian to fetch the sewing kit.

“Here are the needle and thread, Miss, but what exactly are you planning to do?” Xiao Lian handed her the items, curiosity written all over her face. Zhang Xiaolan grinned mischievously and immediately set about her transformation plan.

“How about now? This way, it won’t drag on the ground anymore, the dress won’t get dirty, and most importantly, walking is much easier,” Zhang Xiaolan said, strolling around the room with relish. It truly was an improvement, and she demonstrated the result to Xiao Lian.

“But, Miss, it still looks rather odd from behind. Are you sure it’s more comfortable this way?” Xiao Lian asked, puzzled, eyeing the bulge at the back of the skirt.

“Of course. I’ve worn skirts before, but never a long trailing gown. At least now I can manage it,” Zhang Xiaolan replied, satisfied with her appearance. She had folded the train neatly and sewn it inside the skirt—though it took some effort and didn’t look perfect, the bulge at the back was obvious. But as long as she liked it, that was enough.

“Well, as you wish, Miss,” Xiao Lian relented helplessly. Although the back looked a bit odd, from the front it was just the same.

“I’m hungry, let’s eat. After lunch, we’ll go find Haizi,” Zhang Xiaolan declared, feeling peckish after all her handiwork. Once she had filled her belly, she was ready to head out and experience the local customs.

Shortly after lunch, the two of them went to find Haizi, insisting on going out at once. Even though it was summer, the climate on Rooster Mountain was pleasantly mild. The forest was dense, with towering trees everywhere; the sunlight filtering through the leaves cast dappled shadows on the ground, making it anything but stifling. Zhang Xiaolan, eager to be off, came to find Haizi in such haste.

“My dear Miss, it wouldn’t hurt to take a nap first,” Haizi grumbled, longing for a midday rest himself. He’d just finished splitting wood and eating lunch in this hot weather and wanted nothing more than a bit of peace.

“No way! I’ve spent so long getting ready. If I nap now, my hair will be a mess,” Zhang Xiaolan said, patting her hair. Xiao Lian had spent ages fixing it, and a nap would ruin it all. She had no intention of sleeping; having fun was far more important.

“Girls always make such a fuss,” Haizi muttered under his breath, but fortunately, neither of the girls caught his words—otherwise, there would have been another argument.

“What did you say?” Zhang Xiaolan asked absentmindedly. Haizi immediately put on a false smile and replied to her.