Zhang Zhaomu felt a little strained.
The classic "I Have a Friend"?
But he still maintained a patient listening posture, waiting for Chen Yongchao to finish speaking.
"I have a friend who wanted me to ask you something, about that..." Chen Yongchao's expression became even more awkward as he continued, "... that image consulting, can it be done for middle-aged men?"
Zhang Zhaomu was stunned for a moment.
He hadn't expected Chen Yongchao to bring this up, saying something like, "I have a friend who's the one who wants a makeover, isn't he?"
Zhang Zhaomu inwardly complained, but outwardly remained serious, saying:
"Of course we can do it."
"Image design, in the final analysis, is nothing more than a display of aesthetic ability, regardless of gender or age."
"Well—" Chen Yongchao glanced at Zhang Zhaomu, then looked away, his hand rubbing the lid of the thermos. "Do you have time recently? Payment isn't a problem."
He quickly added after saying that, "Of course, this is a private matter. If you don't have time, then forget it."
Zhang Zhaomu: "..."
You've put it that way, how could I possibly refuse?
However, the fact that his homeroom teacher needed his help was quite satisfying, so Zhang Zhaomu certainly didn't mind giving Old Chen face.
Of course, I can't just give it away for nothing. I have to make him realize that he owes me a favor, so that it will be much easier for me to get along in Class 9 of the Arts Department in the future.
He looked troubled and said:
"You and I talked about image makeovers before, so I'm only taking three jobs a week now. In principle, I can't let other students cut in line for the sake of them, otherwise everyone will come to me, which won't be good for the school."
Chen Yongchao suddenly felt a pang of toothache.
He had a feeling that he was asking his superior for a favor.
The key point is that he explained it very clearly. He admitted that he had personally talked to him before and mentioned that doing this business at school would have a negative impact and that the school leaders would have objections.
Who could have predicted that the boomerang would fly back so precisely and strike him?
He was a little conflicted. Should he just give up? He really couldn't bring himself to lower himself and beg his students for help.
But when she thought of the solemn promises she and Old Zhu had made, and how Old Zhu had emphasized that it was for her lifelong happiness...
"However, since it was Teacher Chen who spoke up personally, then that's a different story."
Before Chen Yongchao could hesitate for long, Zhang Zhaomu offered a way out. "I'll just squeeze in one more order this week, it's not like cutting in line."
Chen Yongchao immediately breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Won't this be too much trouble for you?"
He stubbornly maintained his teacher's demeanor, speaking earnestly, "You absolutely mustn't let this affect your classes. After all, at this stage, studying is the most important thing for you."
"Don't worry, Teacher Chen, it won't take up class time." Zhang Zhaomu nodded. "For someone your age, image design is actually easier to do. For example, in terms of hairstyle, someone like you with slightly... thinning hair should definitely not try to cover it up. Whether it's long hair to cover bald spots or a slicked-back hairstyle, it will look greasy and old-fashioned."
"We still need to simplify the core concept and focus on the essence. I'll refine it for you later, and the result will definitely be much better than it is now."
"As for clothing, to be honest, Teacher Chen, you usually like to wear striped shirts. Although there are professional considerations, the style is not right and the size is too small, so it accentuates your belly. I suggest you switch to a knitted sweater or a polo shirt, preferably with a V-neck, and the fabric should be stiffer to create a flat visual plane around your abdomen."
"Of course, there's also the issue of pants. You absolutely shouldn't choose low-rise pants, because they'll sit right on the most protruding part of your belly, causing it to bulge out."
Upon hearing this, Chen Yongchao couldn't help but look down at his belly, which was bulging out by his low-rise pants.
No wonder so many students are going crazy to have their class monitors do image design. A professional's work is immediately apparent. Whether it's his balding hair or his belly, these are the issues that bother him the most in terms of his appearance, and the other person seems to be able to easily find solutions.
"And most importantly," Zhang Zhaomu continued, "No matter what a man wears, his charm still comes from his upright posture. Maintaining a straight chest, tucked-in stomach, and relaxed shoulders, making the clothes look fuller, is more effective than any trick to hide flaws."
Chen Yongchao unconsciously did as he was told, and then felt that his charm as a middle-aged man had greatly increased.
"Truly lives up to his reputation!" He was immediately in high spirits. "He's definitely the class monitor I personally chose!"
Zhang Zhaomu: "..."
You chose me as class monitor simply because nobody wanted the position, and you just picked someone who looked agreeable, right?
What does this have to do with image design!
He didn't voice his complaints, of course, but instead asked, " Teacher Chen, if you think my design is acceptable, I'll send you a link to the clothing section later?"
"Okay... wait!" Chen Yongchao instinctively agreed, then suddenly realized, how did he unknowingly end up setting a trap for himself?
Oh no, the design proposal my class monitor mentioned was just too tempting, and I completely forgot about Old Zhu's matter.
He quickly said, " Zhang Zhaomu, you've misunderstood."
"It wasn't me who wanted to do your image consulting; it was Teacher Zhu, who shares an office with me. You met her yesterday."
"Huh?" Zhang Zhaomu was taken aback.
You started with such a classic sentence structure, and then you tell me you really asked this for a friend?
When I was creating the design proposal for you, you listened so attentively! Were you just getting something for free?
Chen Yongchao realized this too, and became even more embarrassed. He said in a low voice, "Well... it's mainly about Teacher Zhu. Of course, since you've already designed it for me, it would be nice to make it for me too..."
He gritted his teeth. "I should still have enough savings to cover it."
Zhang Zhaomu resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
What? Buy one get one free, huh?
" Teacher Chen, as you know, I'm just a student, and I don't have much free time. I've already squeezed out time to do it for you. How about we ask Teacher Zhu to put us in the queue and you can wait a bit?"
This wasn't Zhang Zhaomu making excuses. If it were before, Zhang Zhaomu certainly wouldn't mind doing one more order and earning more money. But now that he's Academic Ace, he really doesn't want to waste too much time on image design. He's only adding this order because of his homeroom teacher.
"Ahem... I understand, of course I understand! But, let's give this spot to Teacher Zhu." Chen Yongchao's tone was a little reluctant. " Teacher Zhu is in a hurry; he has a blind date this weekend and wants to make a good impression."
"That works too." Zhang Zhaomu nodded. "When is Teacher Zhu available? I'll go and talk to him."
He's usually there during breaks, so you can just come to the office.
After Chen Yongchao finished speaking, he hesitated for a moment.
He really wanted to know how long he would have to wait if he joined the queue. Would it be like the rumors said, that he wouldn't even get a turn until Zhang Zhaomu graduated?
But in the end, I was too embarrassed to ask.
He was afraid that if he asked that question, he would lose all his authority as a homeroom teacher in front of his own class monitor.
Although it feels like there's not much left...