Chapter 190: Easy to Go from Frugality to Luxury, Hard to Go from Luxury to Frugality
After receiving the set of skincare products, Ning Xiyue explained how to use them, guiding the mother and daughter through washing their faces, applying masks, putting on repair cream, then moisturizer, and finally hand cream.
After going through the full skincare routine, feeling their smooth faces and seeing their hydrated skin in the mirror, the mother and daughter were completely won over.
This proved the importance of choosing gifts according to the recipient’s tastes.
Mrs. Zhou’s attitude after using the skincare products was a complete 360-degree reversal compared to when she first arrived.
She kept praising Ning Xiyue, even inviting her to see performances at the Cultural Work Troupe and to go shopping at the department store for clothes.
She fussed over Ning Qingzhi, asking about his injuries, reminding him to take care, advising him not to rush, and most importantly, suggesting they have their parents come over soon to discuss the marriage between the two families—a proper meeting between the relatives.
Even Ning Qingyuan, quietly sitting and writing, received attention and care.
She even offered to introduce him to her friends in the newspaper office so that once he finished writing, he could show his work.
It was an unexpected delight. Who would have thought a set of skincare products could have such an impact?
The gift had proven invaluable.
Satisfied, Ning Xiyue thought, if they’re this pleased, her path to earning money won’t be far behind.
Mrs. Zhou’s dramatic change was also based on her daughter’s clear insistence that she wanted to marry Ning Qingzhi.
Since she couldn’t change her daughter’s mind, and the family was thoughtful, and the little daughter’s skincare products had captured her heart, Mrs. Zhou had no choice but to adjust her own thinking.
In Zhou Yunqing’s eyes, they were practically one family now.
Additionally, since gifts create obligations, it would be natural to treat the giver well.
Most importantly, she genuinely liked the gift. Seeing her skin now smooth and youthful, she was delighted.
“Yueyue, after using the things you made, I suddenly feel like I’ve wasted my life before. I’ve never used such effective products in all these years. If I can’t use them in the future, what will I do?”
Once accustomed to good products, it’s hard to go back to inferior ones.
Easy to go from frugality to luxury, hard to go from luxury to frugality.
Mrs. Zhou stroked her face, marveling, while the other hand played with a small container of clam oil split into two halves.
“The clam oil, toad oil, and that snow cream sold in department stores can’t compare to what you’ve made. I don’t even feel like opening my clam oil anymore. Auntie’s standards have been spoiled by you.”
“Exactly! It’s so good—I liked it after just one use,” Song Jiayin said happily, constantly checking herself in the mirror and then leaning toward Ning Qingzhi, teasing, “Does it look good?”
Seeing that no one else in the ward was looking, Ning Qingzhi leaned close to her ear and whispered, “You look good no matter what.”
After speaking, he shyly lowered his head, his ears bright red, showing his pure-hearted nature.
Ning Xiyue, pretending not to hear, twitched her shoulders slightly—she was thoroughly overwhelmed by their cuteness. Her big brother had really become smooth-talking.
Song Jiayin, in front of him, also blushed, her heart racing. She gently pushed his chest, scolding, “Not serious!”
Both the speaker and listener shyly looked down and moved to sit aside.
So pure-hearted. Ning Xiyue shook her head, not wanting to indulge in their lovey-dovey moment, and turned her attention to replying to Mrs. Zhou.
“Auntie, if you want more after finishing this, just write to me, or tell my brother. I can make more and send it to you so you can continue using it. When I make new things, I can send a set to you too.”
Ning Xiyue’s generosity was also a subtle test of Mrs. Zhou’s character—to see if she was a relative worth building a lasting relationship with. No decent elder would accept gifts from younger relatives without reciprocation.
“That won’t do. It would be too troublesome for you. Auntie can’t just accept your precious items. Here, let’s exchange—let’s talk properly.”
Zhou Yunqing wasn’t someone who liked to take advantage. She had lived a respectable life. Money wasn’t lacking.
In business and personal relations alike, exchanges must be reciprocal. Maintaining a good relationship requires proper give-and-take.
Since her daughter would marry into the family, she needed to maintain this relationship carefully, so her daughter wouldn’t feel awkward.
“No need to exchange; that’s too formal. The cost of making it is all on my brother—consider it his filial gesture,” Ning Xiyue thought inwardly. Mrs. Zhou’s response didn’t disappoint her—opportunities and small profits had arrived together.
“No, Auntie has her own. Yueyue, let’s talk. I tell you, these things of yours will definitely be popular. My good friends will love them. We need some rules for private exchanges, so we can communicate properly.”
Mrs. Zhou was eager to finalize the arrangement. Private exchanges among friends were normal and harmless, but knowing her friends liked them, she had to negotiate carefully. Yueyue’s skincare products were a perfect way to expand her social circle and live well.
“Alright, let’s talk.”
Haha—exactly as Ning Xiyue had hoped. She wanted to use her skincare products to gain entry into the upper-middle-class social circles of this internationalized city.
Through today’s conversation with Song Jiayin and her mother, Ning Xiyue had a good understanding of their family situation.
Mrs. Zhou’s family was local, with similar conditions to Ning Xiyue’s own. Song Jiayin’s father was a senior official, and Mrs. Zhou, both head of the Cultural Work Troupe and the wife of a senior officer, had made many well-maintained friends in high-ranking local families.
Since Mrs. Zhou had brought it up, Ning Xiyue needed to seize the opportunity and negotiate properly.
The two of them sat in a corner of the ward, speaking quietly, completely at ease. The atmosphere was relaxed and harmonious.
