Grooming Her Cloudlike Hair With Me Before the Window

Ji Qingyi sat upright, quietly awaiting Su Cheng's movements.

Su Cheng held a wooden comb, carefully running it through Ji Qingyi's raven-black, silky tresses. Though his movements were somewhat clumsy and slow, they radiated earnestness and focus, as if he were performing a task of utmost importance.

"The president's hair is as smooth as satin..." he murmured under his breath, his tone filled with genuine admiration. His fingertips lightly traced the dark strands, his touch so gentle it was as if he were handling a priceless treasure.

Ji Qingyi closed her beautiful eyes, silently savoring this unique act of care from Su Cheng, offering no words in return.

"Actually, I was a little worried at first..." Su Cheng suddenly spoke up after a moment, only to trail off abruptly.

His hesitation piqued Ji Qingyi's curiosity, prompting her to open her eyes and glance sideways at him.

"What were you worried about?" she pressed.

"Yesterday, I specifically looked up hair-combing tutorials online. They mentioned that some hair types are harder to comb and that you shouldn’t use too much force, or it might hurt the other person," Su Cheng admitted. "I was afraid my inexperience might hurt you. But I never expected the president’s hair to be so flawless—not only silky smooth but also completely tangle-free."

"I didn’t expect you to research grooming techniques so thoroughly. How diligent of you."

Ji Qingyi’s voice was warm and gentle. Then, she closed her eyes again and lazily added, "Well then, let me see how well you’ve learned."

"Of course, I’ll give it my all."

Su Cheng nodded, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves.

He guided the comb from the center of her hairline down to the back of her head, explaining as he went, "First, we comb the Governor Vessel meridian."

Ji Qingyi listened quietly, her eyelids slightly lowered.

A minute later—

"Next is the Bladder Meridian." Su Cheng moved the comb from the area above her eyes backward, continuing, "I read online that this method helps relax nerves, relieve fatigue, and even alleviates headaches, insomnia, and stress."

"Hmm." Ji Qingyi responded softly, her tone still composed. "The head is where all the yang meridians converge—twelve primary meridians and eight extraordinary meridians meet here, with nearly fifty acupoints. So, combing has effects similar to massage."

"Exactly! The technique I learned is called 'Grasping the Five Meridians' combing method."

Su Cheng nodded eagerly before resuming his task, explaining as he worked, "The Governor Vessel and the two Bladder Meridians are done. Next is the Gallbladder Meridian, and finally, the Triple Burner Meridian."

"You’ve really put in the effort."

Ji Qingyi praised him.

"It’s only right. After all, the president often gives me massages." Su Cheng chuckled, a hint of pride in his voice. "So, I wanted to do something for you in return. In my opinion, relationships should be about mutual effort—supporting each other and moving forward together."

"You’re absolutely right." Ji Qingyi nodded in agreement.

"How does it feel, President?" Su Cheng set down the comb once he finished, his voice brimming with anticipation.

"It’s a shame it’s not early morning," Ji Qingyi opened her eyes, lightly running her fingers through her hair, a trace of regret in her tone. "So the effects might not be as pronounced."

"You’re right—morning is the best time for combing." Su Cheng also wore a slightly helpless expression.

"But overall, you did quite well." Ji Qingyi reassured him. "Keep in mind, this was your first attempt, and I’m very satisfied with how it turned out."

Just as she was about to stand up, Su Cheng suddenly grasped her shoulders, his voice tinged with nervous excitement. "Um... President, could I try putting your hair up?"

"Putting it up?" Ji Qingyi arched a brow. "What kind of hairstyle did you have in mind?"

Su Cheng scratched his head sheepishly. "It depends on whether you’d prefer a half-up or full updo. I studied both yesterday, but I can’t guarantee it’ll suit you."

Ji Qingyi pondered for a moment. "You decide."

"Then... how about a... half-bun with a hairpin?" Su Cheng bit his lip hesitantly.

Ji Qingyi nodded. "As you wish."

With that, Su Cheng immediately positioned himself behind her, picking up a wooden hairpin and gently gathering her dark locks.

After smoothing out half of her hair, he cupped the strands in one hand, palm facing inward, ready to twist them around. But in his nervousness and inexperience, his wrist faltered—the hair slipped loose in an instant!

"Failed..." He groaned in frustration. Though he’d memorized the tutorial last night, putting it into practice was a different story.

It was a classic case of—

Brain: Got it.

Hands: Useless.

Ji Qingyi tucked the loose strands behind her ear, watching his flustered expression with amusement before offering reassurance. "No need to rush. We have plenty of time—you can try again."

"Right, I’ll do better." Su Cheng steeled himself and tried once more. Yet, attempt after attempt ended in failure, the strands stubbornly refusing to stay in place.

"Don’t lose heart."

Ji Qingyi’s voice softened as she noticed his flushed cheeks. "Everything takes practice. There’s no need to hurry."

"Thank you for the encouragement, President."

Su Cheng nodded gratefully.

Ji Qingyi closed her eyes again, her tone serene. "No need for thanks. Nothing is difficult for a willing heart. Your dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed."

Her comforting words resonated like the soothing notes of a guqin, stirring his resolve.

Bolstered by her praise, Su Cheng’s determination flared anew. He took a deep breath, focusing intently on the dark tresses before him, and slowly raised his hands once more.

This time, his movements were deliberate, as if pouring every ounce of his strength into each motion.

Gradually, his breathing grew heavier until, finally, with trembling hands, he carefully slid the wooden pin into the neatly gathered bun.

Staring at his handiwork, Su Cheng couldn’t suppress a delighted grin.

"Success!" he exclaimed. "President, could you stand up and see how it looks?"

Ji Qingyi nodded gracefully and rose from the lounge chair.

Su Cheng stared in awe as she took a few unhurried steps forward, her every movement exuding elegance.

Though her hair still cascaded over her shoulders, the half-updo softened her usual icy, unapproachable aura, replacing it with a gentle, refined grace. Now, she seemed even more ethereal, as if transcending the mundane world.

To describe it—

The once frosty immortal had transformed into a serene celestial maiden.

Although both can be described as "cold," the former kind of coldness inspires fear and makes others hesitant to approach—it's an icy demeanor that seems to radiate from within, capable of chilling others to the bone with just a glance, leaving them trembling in intimidation.

But Qingyi's cool elegance is different. Even from a thousand miles away, one could still sense the refined aura she exudes, like a solitary plum blossom standing proudly in the snow, so noble and untouchable that it naturally evokes admiration.

Su Cheng stared at her in a daze, forgetting to look away.

"Su Cheng." Ji Qingyi paused her steps and tilted her head slightly, her voice soft and melodious. "Have you seen enough?"

"Huh?" Su Cheng snapped out of his trance.

Ji Qingyi gazed at him with an inscrutable expression.

Flustered, Su Cheng averted his eyes and cleared his throat. "Well... you're just so beautiful, I couldn't help but stare."

"Was I less beautiful before?" Ji Qingyi countered.

Su Cheng was momentarily speechless.

Just as he was about to change the subject, Ji Qingyi suddenly raised her voice. "Bring the dressing table over."

As soon as she spoke, two female attendants carried a table, stool, and mirror from the adjacent room and arranged them beside the tea table.

After taking her seat, Ji Qingyi picked up the mirror to examine her new hairstyle more closely.

Noticing this, Su Cheng quickly stepped forward and asked nervously, "President, what do you think of the hairstyle?"

Ji Qingyi glanced at him. "What do you think?"

"I think it suits your temperament perfectly."

Su Cheng answered honestly.

"And what kind of temperament is that?" Ji Qingyi set the mirror down and challenged.

"Ethereal, elegant, transcendent... in short—" Su Cheng pondered for a moment before summarizing in four words: "Absolutely stunning!"

Hearing this, Ji Qingyi reached up to smooth a stray lock of hair by her temple and said in a light tone, "It seems your taste isn't bad."

Su Cheng let out a relieved sigh, but then pressed anxiously, "So... will you keep this hairstyle, President?"

"I wouldn't dream of disregarding your thoughtful gesture." Ji Qingyi stood up, casually tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Let's go. Neither of us has had lunch yet—we should eat first."

"But are you really satisfied with it?" Su Cheng persisted stubbornly. "If you're just sparing my feelings and don’t actually like it, please tell me honestly. You know what matters most to me is your happiness."

Ji Qingyi's steps faltered slightly. She turned to look at Su Cheng, taking in his earnest expression, and felt a complicated mix of amusement and the urge to maintain her composure.

Finally, under Su Cheng's hopeful gaze, she could no longer hold back, and a faint smile bloomed on her lips. "Don’t worry. I really do like this hairstyle."