Chapter 34: (Not) A Date at All! (1)
[Date?] Penny’s voice sounded a little confused. [But didn’t you say you two were just friends, Host?]
My face heated up instantly at her words. I rushed into my room, shut the door, and quickly replied. "W-well, it’s for our wedding celebration, okay? So of course I have to book a place that feels like a proper date."
Besides, that kind of restaurant had an elegant atmosphere, perfect for someone like Lando. There was no way I could take him to a place that was too cheap or shabby.
"Just ... just recommend a Michelin star restaurant!" I stammered, "I-I think that’s the right place to bring a young master."
Thankfully, Penny didn’t question my habit of switching between calling Lando my husband and my friend anymore.
[Searching for the perfect restaurant ....]
[Ding! Penny found the most suitable restaurant at Lavender Street, Redmont City: The Imperial Sky Orchid.]
[Estimated cost for Rooftop Fine Dining: $1,000 for 2 people.]
[Would you like to book a reservation, Host? Penny can do it for you.]
A hologram panel appeared in front of me, showing pictures of the restaurant, including the atmosphere, the rooftop, and even the menu.
"I think this place is perfect." I smiled. "Look at all those flowers on the rooftop! I want this one. Please book it for me, thank you!"
[Booking a table at The Imperial Sky Orchid ....]
After nearly five minutes, Penny’s voice rang again. [Reservation successful! Penny booked it under your name and requested fresh flowers for your table.]
[The total is $1,100, including tax and service charge.]
[Deducting $1,100 from Host’s balance.]
[Remaining Balance: $59,415]
I let out a long sigh. My balance still hadn’t even reached a hundred thousand grands, but well ... since Lando promised to help me clear my debts, I guessed I didn’t need to stress about it too much anymore.
Maybe I could even spoil myself a little with some new makeup, skincare, or clothes.
I glanced at the clock and saw it was already 2 p.m., which meant I only had about five hours to prepare.
Five hours sounded like a lot, but honestly, it was barely enough if I wanted to buy new makeup and skincare, plus redo my hair. Maybe I should just go to the salon and let them handle both my makeup and hair.
Yes, that was the best idea!
Finally, I could spend my money on something nice without worrying about loans hanging over my head.
Of course, there was no guarantee I’d win the court case, but I trusted Lando with all my heart. If he said he’d make sure I won, then I believed it would happen.
After a quick shower, I asked Mr. Silo to drive me out again. However, he looked a bit hesitant. "Young Madam, are you sure you don’t want to rest today? After what happened earlier, you must be exhausted."
Ever since the news about what happened between me and Madeline at the café spread, everyone in the mansion kept whispering my name, and whenever I walked past them, their eyes always carried that same look of pity.
There was nothing wrong with that. In fact, I felt relieved that at least they only looked at me with sympathy instead of hatred.
Still, after a while, being pitied over and over again felt exhausting. Thankfully, only Lando and Henry knew about the videos on the memory card. If anyone else had seen them, the pity I was getting now would have been so much worse.
"I’m fine, Mr. Silo." I gave him a smile. "If I stay home, I’ll only get more stressed. That’s why I asked my husband to have dinner outside tonight, and before that, I want to pamper myself at the salon."
Mr. Silo let out a heavy sigh, then looked at me with more pity. At last, he gave in and drove me straight to Redmont’s luxury district.
The moment I stepped into Celeste Beauty Lounge—the same salon I had visited a few days ago—the receptionist immediately recognized me. "Young Miss, it’s truly nice to see you again today! What can we do for you?"
I leaned forward with a smile. "I have a date tonight. Please make sure I look beautiful."
"Of course!" she beamed, signaling for the stylists. "Leave everything to us."
In no time, I was guided to a chair, warm towels wrapped around my shoulders, while one stylist worked on my hair and another prepared the makeup station. The familiar scent of flowers and perfume filled the room, calming me instantly.
About an hour and a half later, they finally finished styling my hair and applying flawless makeup to my face. Ever since I had been in Helcia’s body, I had never once put on makeup, so when I saw my reflection in the mirror, I couldn’t help but gasp a little.
There’s a saying that working on a beautiful face is the hardest thing because with just one wrong move, a makeup artist could ruin the perfect sculpture.
But the makeup artist nailed it! My reflection looked breathtaking, almost too flawless. I couldn’t believe the stunning, glowing woman staring back at me in the mirror was actually me.
I turned my head from side to side, hardly recognizing myself. The silky waves of my hair framed my face perfectly, my lips gleamed with just the right shade of red, and my eyes sparkled brighter than I’d ever seen before.
The receptionist clapped her hands softly. "Young Miss, you look absolutely divine. I believe your date won’t be able to take his eyes off you tonight!"
I laughed nervously, gathering my bag. "Let’s hope so.
[Penny deducted $350 from Host’s balance: Luxury Hair & Makeup Package.]
[Remaining Balance: $59,065]
After leaving the salon, I headed straight to a boutique to buy the dress I’d wear for my date with Lando tonight. Since my face and hair already looked flawless—thank you, Helcia’s perfect genes—I figured I didn’t need a gown that screamed outrageous.
In the end, I chose a simple yet elegant crimson cocktail dress that hugged my figure without being over the top. To complete the look, I picked satin heels and a pearl clutch.