The Great Thief

Translator: Exodus Tales Editor: Exodus Tales

“Hello, we have Senior level hair stylists, special level hair stylists, technique directors, and technique supervisors. What level of stylist do you require for service today?” asked an enthusiastic, elderly woman who appeared to be the store manager.

To this, Lu Li sneered – these were meaningless titles, being entirely self-prescribed. His brother used to work in a few hair salons, and was familiar with such techniques. That being said, Lu Li was open to the idea that those who labelled themselves to be at a ‘higher level’ of speciality would be more meticulous, and would likely have better skills.

According to his typical manner, Lu Li should have waved his hand openly and asserted, “Give me the cheapest option.”

But as he reflected on why he was here, he hesitated. While gritting his teeth, he chose the highest-ranked technique supervisor. This was the very first time in his life that he had been willing to spend so much money on something so inconsequential. However, after deciding upon this option, he did not regret it much.

Upon hearing that Lu Li had requested for the services of a technique supervisor, the elderly, female store manager who had introduced the different types of stylists to him appeared even more enthusiastic.

They were all obviously proper and non-suspicious, unlike some hair salons, where products would be advertised to you, and the staff would act as if they cared so much that they were prepared to treat you in the same way as they would their own family. The catch was that they would not insist on the costs of the services until it came time to pay. At that point, you would discover that you had spent an exorbitant amount. As for reporting their conduct to police – which side do you think the police officer would be standing on?

While directing Lu Li towards his seat in front of one of the hair dressing stations, the store manager called upon the staff to bring him his drink of choice.

The so-called ‘technique supervisor’ arrived quickly. The technique supervisor was an artistic-looking male who had dreadlocks. From his mannerisms, he seemed to take good care of his appearance. Lu Li was sceptical about the possibility that a hairdresser with such a strange appearance would be able to produce a normal haircut.

“You’re on your way to see a girl you like, aren’t you?” the supervisor asked with a sharp stare.

“Yeah …” Lu Li mumbled a sound but did not respond in any detail.

“What is she like?” the supervisor continued.

“Why are you so curious?” Lu Li retorted. He did not like taking about Water Fairy with other people.

“This isn’t about curiosity. I am a designer, a professional one. Regardless of what you do, you do not have the same expertise as I do in hair design, do you?”

“What are you trying to ask?”

“Ok, ok, ok, I will be direct. I need to know her taste, before I am able to create a hair style that fits her ideals of beauty”.

The hair salon industry was complex, with many salons established on the grounds of deceiving others. However, no one had the audacity to do that here – a senile old man who was seemingly naïve might have been the director of some government bureau.

“She is a very …”

Lu Li felt unable to find the appropriate adjectives.

“Cute, quiet, goddess-like …”

“Okay, maybe goddess-like. She’s received a university education …”

“Wait a second, you seem familiar to me. Surely you are not Lu Li?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Oh my god. I nearly forgot that the Ruling Sword’s headquarters were nearby. I actually play video games too. In fact, I opened up a store within the game. It mainly specialises in hair styling. I don’t play a battle profession, but I have heard of you, and have heard about Water Fairy.”

Even if Lu Li changed his appearance, his appearance within the game was still different to how he looked in reality because of two reasons. First, his ethnicity, and second, the impact his professional identity had on how he was perceived by others.

The hair designer was accustomed to judging people by their appearance, and exercised good judgement in recognising Lu Li.

“I am in a hurry …” Lu Li felt exhausted.

“In a rush to go on a date with Water Fairy – I understand now. This is terrific.”

Although the technique supervisor remained unable to calm his excitement, he had at least found his working rhythm.

He first allowed his assistant to help wash his hair, before returning Lu Li to his chair.

“Mr. Lu Li, you are about to go on a date with one of the killer beauties in the gaming circle, and I do not have the confidence to be able to give you a haircut that would be satisfactory to her,” he began, then paused and continued, “So, I think you should go with a particular haircut – the one that makes you look handsome. If we made some slight adjustments, you would definitely be a classically handsome man.”

“Wait, wait, why is she ‘killer’? Isn’t she ‘popular’ also?”

Although Lu Li was illiterate, he was sensitive and sharp – a natural Thief.

“Countless people are willing to die for her. For the opportunity to hold hands with Water Fairy, I would happily sacrifice ten years of my life. Don’t look at me like that – your gaze seems antagonistic. Those are other people’s words, not mine,” the supervisor said, then quickly diverted the topic. “So, I think you should still choose a hair style. With my skill level and accuracy, we can definitely create something suitable quickly.

When Lu Li returned from the hair salon, he already had a new haircut.

If he were honest, although he heavily disliked his hair stylist, he could not help but recognise his skill. It was worth the high, four-digit number he paid for it. Lu Li thought that the hair cut looked very trendy – as if he was a movie star. The only issue was that it was slightly peculiar.

Because of the haircut, Lu Li was delayed. When he rushed towards the location of his date, Water Fairy was already there waiting for him.

The location was an outdoor basketball stadium, but at this time, there were neither hot-blooded youths playing basketball, nor were there elderly people doing communal dancing. Water Fairy was standing beside the flower bed. She looked agitated, repeatedly kicking a small rock on the floor. The kicking of the innocent rock revealed that she was slightly upset about Lu Li’s lateness.

This lasted until Lu Li walked over.

“It looks strange, doesn’t it?”

He was already wearing clothes that felt uncomfortable, but now, he was also wearing a $980-dollar hair style. Lu Li thought to himself that it looked strange, but upon hearing Water Fairy’s sudden laughter, he felt defeated. She was laughing so hard that she was unable to stand up straight.

“No, it looks great. It’s just …”

Water Fairy suppressed her laughter, took one step forward, and embraced Lu Li’s arm.

She was not someone who was content with just watching others putting in effort. Although Lu Li’s hair style was slightly humorous, she appreciated that he was changing in certain aspects.

This hairstyle did not suit Lu Li, especially for those who knew him well. The hair stylist actually lacked one consideration – he failed to consider Lu Li’s identity and personality. Such a sporty, outgoing hair style looked really out of place on his head. It was also strange that Lu Li was wearing heavy, layered winter clothing during such a warm day.

It had already been many days since Lu Li wore his outfit during the competition. It was therefore impossible for the clothes from that time to be appropriate for now.

A few minutes later, Water Fairy brought Lu Li to a clothes market.

There were prominent brands from all parts of the world. Not long ago, they had even organised a small fashion show.

The shop assistants were very professional, and did not discriminate against Lu Li’s poor choice of attire. There was, after all, nothing to discriminate against. Regardless of how lacking in taste the man was, he only needed a beautiful woman to hold his elbow to make him a winner in life.

Water Fairy was evidently very familiar with picking clothes.

Upon wearing the clothes that were picked for him, he immediately separated himself from the youthful, rebellious vibe. His new attire matched his hair style well and conveyed a sense of stability and reliability.

Although Lu Li was not the most attractive man out there, he definitely complemented Water Fairy. In fact, they looked very much like a couple – this was the conclusion of the chatter amongst the store assistants. They did not recognise the illicit love affair. Perhaps they could not envisage that the gods in the game also needed to buy clothes and eat …