Daily Life in the 70s-Chapter 22 - Betrothal Send-off

"Do we have any Pearl Powder?" Yang PeiMin also knew it wasn't realistic but decided to give it a try and asked.

"What do you need that for?"

"We can use it as a foundation. If we have some, we won't need to borrow any."

Pan Shuiqin immediately said, "My mother had a headache for a while, and the doctor prescribed her Pearl Powder to mix with honey. She still has some left over from after she got better, I'll go get it."

Pan Shuitao also got up to follow her sister and said urgently in a low voice, "Sister, you're actually believing what Yang PeiMin, that girl, is saying. Don't waste good stuff." In her view, other than her pretty face and clever mouth, Yang PeiMin was someone who couldn't even cook properly, and now she was supposedly knowledgeable about cosmetics? Ridiculous, it would be funny if not for the fact that Pan Shuitao didn't believe a word of it.

Yang Peiying, who was closer to the door, overheard Pan Shuitao and hurriedly stepped forward, "No, that's not true. My sister can do it. She even made lipstick, lip balm, and blush."

The Pan sisters turned to look at her.

Yang Peiying's face turned red with urgency and shyness, but she was very adamant, "We brought them too, you can take a look. My sister wasn't lying."

Yang PeiMin walked over, linked arms with Yang Peiying, and said to her, "Thanks, Yingzi." Then she smiled at the Pan sisters, "She's not wrong. I just happened to bring some. Would you like to see, Cousin Qin?"

Since they also had beeswax at home, she went ahead and made lip balm. Yang Peiying, like many others, had some peeling issues with her lips. She used an empty face cream container to store it. When it was time to use it, one just needed to pick a bit with a toothpick, apply it on the lips, and blend it out. Even Zhang Minghua was fond of it.

After everyone had a look, their faces were full of shock, "Pei Min sister, did you really make these yourself?" A round-faced girl named Pan Zhen pointed to the items on the table, disbelief written all over her face.

Yang PeiMin nodded and went ahead to demonstrate. She poured about five grams of Pearl Powder brought by Pan Shuiqin into an empty face cream container. During this, she was surprised to find that Pan Shuiqin used Pianzaihuang Pearl Cream, so with her permission, she scooped a bit, mixed it with Pearl Powder and tea seed oil, and there was a simple, side-effect-free foundation.

"Shall we use this as the foundation tomorrow, or do you want to try it now, Cousin Qin?"

Pan Shuiqin was nudged by her sister, quickly snapping to attention and nodding in agreement.

Yang PeiMin began by shaping her eyebrows and then applying the foundation to her face. It was only then that everyone realized in hindsight – could this cousin of Shui Qin actually do makeup?

After setting up the basics for Cousin Qin, Yang PeiMin thought for a moment and took out some Angelica powder, which she kept with her skincare products, to create eyeliner. She also had some mung bean powder she had made into a simple eyeshadow when she was bored.

It took almost half an hour, and considering that heavy makeup could be seen as improper, she only gave Cousin Qin a light, everyday makeup look. Even in front of these rough, handmade cosmetics, Yang PeiMin still felt a great sense of accomplishment.

"How does it look?"

"Goodness, it's so pretty!"

"It's like seeing a different person."

"It seems she only lightly touched up a bit, yet the change is so significant!"

Pan Shuiqin also held the mirror, looking at the girl with delicate brows, pale cheeks, and rosy lips inside, reluctant to put it down, "Is that person in there really me?"

After she asked, her sisters nudged her, teasing her with their words, "Yes, yes, are you thrilled inside?"

The sisters were also excited, watching Yang PeiMin with fervent eyes, "Pei Min sister, your skills are unbelievable. Even those performers on stage didn't manage to put on a remarkable makeup, and you just waved your hand and turned her into a fairy..." Compliments were showered on Yang PeiMin as if they cost nothing.

"Can we get a bit of that good fortune tomorrow too? Can you do a quick job on me too?"

"When I get married, I'll invite you too, and I'll prepare a big red envelope for you!"

"Right, right, I'll also keep an eye out for Pearl Powder... make me a box too..."

The flattering words were followed by pleading requests.

Yang PeiMin found it somewhat amusing, not expecting that these vanity products of hers would be so admired and sought after; she felt quite elated. Overwhelmed by the girls' enthusiasm, she eventually agreed to their requests.

She then tried a few hairstyles on Pan Shuiqin, with everyone watching unblinkingly as her slender fingers danced through the hair.

At lunchtime, the Pan family was too busy admiring Pan Shuiqin.

"Is this really my daughter? How come she's become so pretty?" Auntie looked Pan Shuiqin up and down.

Pan Shuiqin laughed heartily, picking up a piece of meat with her chopsticks for Yang PeiMin, "Who else could it be but me? What do you think? Can I still look like this tomorrow?"

"Sure, I'm just worried the groom's eyes will pop out!"

"How did you do this?"

"Minmin has such skills?"

"Do up your sister-in-law's hair too."

Shielded by Pan Shuiqin who was quick to come to her rescue, "Don't get your hopes up for Minmin's help; she's all mine for the next two days. We still have things to do after lunch. You all mind your own business; don't disturb us."

With Pan Shuiqin's heartfelt protection, Yang PeiMin reciprocated with gratitude, preparing her a bath soak meant to relieve fatigue and beautify the skin. Although the effects were slightly less due to incomplete ingredients, it turned out quite well, leaving Pan Shuiqin extremely delighted, wanting nothing more than to hug her and give her a couple of kisses, "My skin's no longer dry; it feels so moisturized."

"As long as you're happy."

A few of the female cousins and a group of girls slept on the same kang bed, with Pan Shuiqin too excited to sleep, chatting away with them. Yang PeiMin, unable to fully understand her feelings and feeling sleepy herself, warned, "Cousin Qin, you should sleep soon. If you have dark circles under your eyes tomorrow, even makeup won't make you look pretty."

Then the room quieted down.

The next day, it seemed like it wasn't even dawn yet when people began stirring, followed by the rustling sounds of getting dressed. Yang PeiMin turned over and fell back asleep.

It was later that Yang Peiying woke her, "Sister, it's time to get up; you need to do Cousin's makeup."

By then it was light out, and Yang PeiMin sat up as she was told, "Okay, getting up right away."

At one o'clock in the afternoon, it was time to pick up the bride.

The bride's side had also set up several tables, and relatives were coming and going to see the bride, making for a lively scene.

The Pan family had also invited an acquainted woman blessed with both a son and a daughter to act as the 'blessed person' and do the bride's hair, murmuring auspicious phrases while combing it out. After the bride ate dumplings and the parents came in to give their advice, time flew by, and before they knew it, it was time for the groom to come and take her away.

Yang PeiMin, at everyone's request, also made up the bridesmaids, instantly elevating the group's attractiveness. Each one stood tall and prepared, ready to show the groom and his party a tough welcome.

Though the bridesmaids were spirited, the groom's group of brothers was not to be underestimated; quickly, with sharp tongues and might, they took the bride away. (It was all about creating a lively atmosphere, without the elaborate tricks of later times; the simple sisters were simply asked to give a few promises, and that was enough.)

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