CHAPTER 272: CHAPTER 272: HELPING CHEN MEILAN CHOOSE AN OUTFIT

"Xiao Su, come over here, I need your help with something."

After a moment of silence, Chen Meilan finally spoke up.

What could Director Chen want from her?

Could it be that she was caught slacking off at work before?

But that can’t be right; judging by Director Chen’s expression, she looks more shy than angry.

Just as Su Xiaoxiao was letting her imagination run wild, she had already followed Chen Meilan to her director’s office.

Chen Meilan walked over and closed the office door, then turned to look at Su Xiaoxiao.

"Xiao Su, I..."

Chen Meilan started, then bit her lower lip, looking quite troubled.

It was the first time Su Xiaoxiao saw the usually composed and calm Chen Meilan with such an expression.

She quickly had a bold guess in her mind, could it be because of the guy from yesterday’s matchmaking?

Just as she was thinking about this, as if to confirm her thought, Chen Meilan spoke next.

"Someone invited me to dinner tonight, and I don’t know how to dress. Can you give me some advice?"

After a brief silence, Chen Meilan finally confessed her dilemma with a blush on her face.

The outfit Su Xiaoxiao dressed her in yesterday looked great, but she couldn’t recreate that effect after spending the whole morning in front of the mirror. Feeling frustrated, that’s why she sought Su Xiaoxiao’s help.

It was indeed related to yesterday’s matchmaking.

Su Xiaoxiao immediately put on a gossiping look, surprised that a woman as mature and steady as Director Chen could be shy and uneasy like a regular young girl when it comes to relationships.

"Director Chen, could it be you’ve already confirmed the relationship? Is that why you’re going on a date?"

She couldn’t help but tease.

Chen Meilan’s face turned crimson as she fiddled with her clothes’ corners nervously like a girl in love: "Don’t speak nonsense, we’re just ordinary friends now, at most, we have a little mutual attraction, still in the understanding phase."

"Wow, wow, wow, and you’re already going on a solo date in the understanding phase? You guys are progressing fast!"

Chen Meilan blushed even more: "Stop teasing me, hurry up and help me choose the right outfit for tonight. I brought my clothes."

As she spoke, Chen Meilan took out the clothes and accessories she brought, and Su Xiaoxiao frowned at first glance.

"Director Chen, are you sure these clothes are meant for a date? Not for work? These are way too old-fashioned."

Oh wow, each set looked more formal than the last; those who don’t know might think she’s attending an important event!

Chen Meilan got a bit anxious as she was criticized: "Xiao Su, what’s wrong with these clothes? They’re all new, I haven’t worn them many times."

Su Xiaoxiao helplessly put her hand to her forehead: "It’s not about being new or old; it’s that the styles are too outdated. You could wear them when you’re ten years older."

No wonder she used to think Chen Meilan was thirty, with such outdated attire, even thirty would be conservative.

And her hair, always meticulously combed, looked like the strict and rigid director from her high school days.

Su Xiaoxiao sighed helplessly: "Director Chen, if you want to change yourself, you need to start with your clothing; these clothes all need to go."

"What? But these clothes are all fairly new, neither worn nor outdated..."

Su Xiaoxiao quickly interrupted her: "Director Chen, you’re in your early twenties, an age as beautiful as a flower, yet you dress so old-fashioned, it’s wasting such a pretty face."

It was her first time hearing someone compliment her looks, and her face went even redder: "Am I really pretty?"

"Of course!"

Su Xiaoxiao changed the topic: "Director Chen, let me tell you, with a little makeover, a shift in clothing style, and a new hairstyle, you’ll have a bunch of guys falling for you."

"What are you saying? I don’t want other guys falling for me."

Chen Meilan’s entire face was flushed, like a ripe tomato.

"I get it, I get it, you just want that someone to fall for you, right?"

Su Xiaoxiao grinned and covered her mouth, while Chen Meilan shyly glanced at her: "Just hurry up and help me, don’t delay the work."

"Alright, alright, I’ll help you for sure, guarantee that ’someone’ will be glued to you tonight."

Su Xiaoxiao teased, as she rummaged through the pile of clothes, finally pulling out two acceptable pieces.

A dark red polka dot shirt paired with a black over-the-knee skirt, topped with a coffee-colored mid-length wool coat.

Su Xiaoxiao stepped back and appraised her; Chen Meilan’s fair skin made this ensemble look both retro and stylish, but the hairstyle...

Her gaze settled on Chen Meilan’s hair, furrowing her brows: "Director Chen, your hair doesn’t quite match. If there’s time, curl it into waves and let it down, if not, at least make it look a bit voluminous."

"Here, Director Chen, sit down first and I’ll tidy it up a bit, see the difference."

"Alright, thank you, Xiao Su."

Chen Meilan sat as instructed, waiting for Su Xiaoxiao to style her hair.

Su Xiaoxiao untied her hair, styled it into a bun, tugged at her hair to make it fluffier, and left some strands loose on both sides.

The previously stern and rigid person now appeared youthful and lively, even her hair seemed thicker than before.

Su Xiaoxiao picked up a round mirror from the table and handed it to Chen Meilan: "Director Chen, have a look, isn’t it much better than before? If you curl big waves and apply light makeup, it would look even better."

Chen Meilan had strikingly defined features, slight makeup would surely enhance her facial strengths.

She was a bit embarrassed at the praise, took the mirror, and was immediately shocked by her reflection.

Was this really her?

She never imagined she could look this good, even better than yesterday’s look.

Once she snapped back to reality, she quickly thanked Su Xiaoxiao: "Thank you, Xiao Su, I’ll treat you to dinner when I have the time."

"Director Chen, we’re all part of the same team, no need for the formalities. If you need any help, just come find me. I’m pretty good at styling clothes."

Su Xiaoxiao said with a grin, "Director Chen, if there’s nothing else, I’ll head back."

"Alright, alright, you go ahead, I’ll treat you to dinner some other time."

Su Xiaoxiao quickly returned to the sub-food counter, where she was greeted by two pairs of inquisitive eyes.

Qin Shuang had returned at some point.

"Xiaoxiao, what did Director Chen want with you?"

The two of them leaned in curiously. Since they were all in the same circle, Su Xiaoxiao freely recounted her story about helping Chen Meilan with outfit choices.

Upon hearing this, Qin Shuang’s face was eager: "Xiaoxiao, I also have a date tonight, can you help me choose an outfit as well?"

Just before Su Xiaoxiao could respond, someone from behind suddenly called her.