Master Lu's Service
Lu Yan recalled that he had indeed washed Aemeath's hair before.
But that's just the most basic procedure—wet your hair, apply shampoo, lather it up, and finally rinse it off with warm water.
In his mind, shampoo equals cleaning, and conditioner equals preventing hair from tangling. As for how many steps hair care actually requires... he had no idea.
"Little Aemeath, it's not that I don't want to help you." Lu Yan looked at her, his tone clearly hesitant. "It's just that your hair is so beautiful, and we're going to take our marriage certificate photos later. These are photos that will be printed on our marriage certificate for a lifetime. What if... what if I'm clumsy and accidentally mess up your hair, or use the wrong things, resulting in your hairstyle not being perfect on the day of the photoshoot? I'd feel really guilty forever."
He paused, trying to find a safe alternative, and tentatively suggested, "How about... I go to that hair salon tomorrow and get you the highest-level membership card, so that the skilled stylist can give you a full treatment? It's always better to leave professional matters to professionals, okay?"
Seeing Lu Yan's tense and anxious demeanor, which made him speak faster, Aemeath's heart was deeply touched.
A-Yan usually appears calm and collected no matter what happens, is now nervously flustered, just like when they first met, because he's afraid of ruining her hair and affecting their perfect relationship.
This kind of clumsy care, unique to her, is more touching than any sweet words.
Aemeath released her hands from his cheeks and let them slide down to his shoulders. She opened her arms and hugged Lu Yan tightly.
She buried her face in Lu Yan's broad, warm neck, inhaling his scent—a scent that belonged only to her, a scent that brought her immense peace of mind.
"It's alright~" Aemeath nestled close to his neck, her voice so gentle it seemed to melt water, and she said with a smile.
"You big silly cat, what are you worried about?" Aemeath said, reaching out a hand to gently stroke the back of Lu Yan's slightly prickly head.
My hair isn't that fragile.
She stepped back slightly, gazing into Lu Yan's tense eyes.
Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow between the two, Aemeath's starry eyes seemed exceptionally focused at that moment.
"Besides, getting a hair treatment at a salon, while it's certainly very professional, doesn't mean anything to me."
Aemeath stretched out her finger, her fingertip gently tracing Lu Yan's deep brow bone and high nose bridge, finally stopping at his slightly pursed thin lips.
"A-Yan, don't you understand?" A smile full of deep affection curved Aemeath's lips, her voice gradually lowering, "I hope that at this most important moment, it's you, A-Yan... who will help me make my hair look beautiful."
"I don't want anyone touching my hair."
Aemeath's fingertips ran through Lu Yan's newly cut, neat black hair, her eyes filled with possessiveness and dependence. "The day after tomorrow, we'll be wearing those two white shirts to take that photo that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. In that photo, I'll be your wife."
"So, I hope that on that day, every detail of me will be part of your presence. I hope that my hair will be filled with the fragrance of your handwashing."
"I hope that the reason they are so soft is because my husband clumsily but very carefully did it for me, bit by bit. I hope that in front of the camera, when the breeze blows through my hair, I can clearly feel the warmth you give me."
"I don't care what happens to my hair, I only care that you're with me while I'm getting my hair done." Aemeath gently placed a kiss on Lu Yan's lips.
"I want you to personally make your bride look beautiful. This is a personalized service that no hairdresser can provide."
She wanted to see this clumsy but deeply loving man diligently learn those tedious steps for her sake; she wanted every aspect of her, from head to toe, that would be displayed in their wedding photos to be imbued with Lu Yan's essence.
Only in this way, when she stands in front of the Civil Affairs Bureau wearing the white shirt he personally chose and her hair styled by him, can she feel that she is completely enveloped by his love.
Lu Yan's pupils contracted slightly upon hearing these words.
My heart was pounding violently in my chest, making a "thump-thump" sound.
Yes, this is their moment. On this journey toward marriage, every detail and every preparation should be done by someone else.
She was willing to entrust him, a complete novice and someone who knew absolutely nothing about appearances, with the utmost importance for a girl. How could he refuse such unconditional reliance? How could he bear to refuse?
Looking at the smiling Aemeath in front of him, whose eyes were full of him, Lu Yan felt a surge of deep emotion.
He took a deep breath, and his previously tense shoulders slowly relaxed. Somewhat embarrassed, he raised his hand and scratched his newly cut hair.
"Okay, I'll try my best to learn!" Lu Yan made his promise firmly.
He took Aemeath's hand, which was resting on his lips, in his palm, lowered his head, and placed a reverent kiss on the back of her hand.
Then, he raised his head, his eyes shining brightly, filled with excitement as he prepared to face the challenge.
"However, this is indeed a completely new field for me. I'm a complete beginner right now, so I'll have to ask Little Aemeath for a lot of guidance on the next steps."
He stared at her intently, his tone tinged with a hint of teasing, but more so with a sense of indulgence, as if he were prepared to spoil her to the very end.
Since she wanted this sense of ritual, he put in a hundred times more focus than he would when painting, to complete this exclusive service.
Upon hearing Lu Yan finally agree, Aemeath's face instantly lit up with a smile. Her golden eyes seemed to be filled with the sunshine of summer, so dazzling that it was impossible to look away.
She wrapped her arms tightly around Lu Yan's neck, pressed her cheek against his ear, and sweetly responded:
"Mmm~!"