Chapter 313: Chapter 313: The Ironies of Fate
Ariana Grant was startled to see a few people approaching, and her eyes were full of envy when she heard Shane Coleman say that Owen Sinclair was going to do Ashley Shaw’s hair.
"Had I known, I would’ve let Ashley go first so I could have my idol style my hair too."
Owen Sinclair smiled and said, "If you don’t mind, I can help you finish up the rest."
"No need, no need, I was just joking."
Ashley Shaw had already taken a seat in the chair.
Owen Sinclair picked up Ashley Shaw’s hair, and unexpectedly, he felt a wave of emotion welling up.
He forced himself to suppress all the complex emotions and, feigning calmness, took the initiative to strike up a conversation with Ashley Shaw: "Your hair is in great condition, you’ve never permed or dyed it, have you?"
Ashley Shaw shook her head, "No."
To be honest, from her past life to now, she really hadn’t tried perming or dyeing.
"Your face shape suits curls a bit, you might want to try it someday."
Ashley Shaw replied, "I’d rather not. My mom used to love getting perms, but after too many, her hair quality suffered, so she told me not to do it in the future either."
Owen Sinclair’s expression turned inscrutable.
He was about to inquire further about Ashley Shaw’s mother’s circumstances, such as why she passed away, when she passed away, and whether she remarried later, but Ariana Grant finished her hair and took Ashley Shaw’s hand, saying, "Look, how is it?"
Owen Sinclair had to swallow his words.
Glancing to the side, he met Leo’s gaze.
He realized Leo had been watching him and quickly smiled.
Leo grinned as well and asked, "What hairstyle suits Ashley?"
"Her mom used the correct sleeping posture with her as a child, so her head shape is great and she can pull off any hairstyle. Even short hair would look good on her."
The two men spoke calmly, though there was an invisible rivalry between them.
Leo was discontent.
Despite Owen Sinclair’s youthful appearance, he was approaching fifty.
If he had feelings for a young girl like Ashley Shaw, it would be shameless.
Owen Sinclair, on the other hand, was evaluating Leo as a potential son-in-law.
Both harbored their own intentions.
Ashley Shaw suddenly brightened up and said, "Short hair? I’ve actually thought about it. Washing my hair during military training will definitely be troublesome, maybe I’ll cut it short when I have time."
"No."
"No."
"No!"
Three voices rang in unison.
They were from Leo, Owen Sinclair, and Ariana Grant.
Leo and Owen Sinclair exchanged glances but remained silent, while Ariana Grant said, "Your hair is in such great condition, it would be a pity to cut it short!"
Ashley Shaw shrugged.
"It’s just hair; if it’s cut, it can grow back."
"I won’t allow it. What if it turns out bad? Right now, I’m counting on your face to cleanse my eyes."
Ariana Grant half-joked, making Owen Sinclair and Leo both breathe a sigh of relief.
Owen Sinclair thought Ashley Shaw looked more like her mother with long hair.
Leo was worried that if Ashley Shaw changed too much, it would draw attention from above.
Even if he wanted to keep it a secret, he couldn’t.
...
Owen Sinclair’s skills were excellent, and before long Ashley Shaw’s hairstyle was finished.
Her hair was styled in a high bun with golden hairpins and pearls, exuding a unique charm.
Ashley Shaw now looked like a beauty from ancient times.
Even the original stylist couldn’t help but say, "Mr. Sinclair, your skills are amazing. If every client were like you, I’d be out of a job."
Owen Sinclair smiled slightly, thinking: it’s not my skills, it’s Ashley Shaw’s beauty.
Beautiful people look good no matter what.
At that moment, a waiter from the "Yarrowdale" courtyard entered to remind them that the Imperial Hall was about to begin, and they could prepare to be seated.
"How long will it take to walk there?"
"About twenty minutes."
"Let’s head over now," Leo suggested.
Ashley Shaw nodded, linking arms with Ariana Grant, and followed the "little palace maid" who led them to the Imperial Hall of The Nocturne.
Along the way, they encountered many people wearing costumes of the Empyrean Dynasty, all guests attending the Imperial Hall.
Some recognized Owen Sinclair but simply nodded slightly, without asking for autographs or photos, indicating that those who came here were well-aware of the world.
It was rare for Owen Sinclair to feel so at ease in a crowd, appearing entirely relaxed.
Shane Coleman fell a step behind, tugging on Owen Sinclair’s sleeve.
Owen Sinclair slowed his steps accordingly.
The two walked behind Ashley Shaw and the others.
Shane Coleman used his eyes to inquire how things went.
Owen Sinclair nodded slightly, everything was understood without words.
Shane Coleman shot a "congratulations" glance over, then sped up to catch up with Ashley Shaw and the others.
Upon reaching the Imperial Hall, the group was once again amazed.
The opulent décor truly evoked the feeling of a palace banquet hosted by an ancient emperor.
Leo’s VIP card was higher-level, so all five were seated in the front row of the Imperial Hall.
Ashley Shaw inadvertently glanced upstairs and noticed a few suspended pavilions.
There seemed to be people inside, though not clearly visible.
She couldn’t help but feel curious about how distinguished those sitting upstairs must be, given even Leo could only sit downstairs.
"Oh my God, this place is so beautiful. I wish I had enough money to come here every day just to eat," Ariana Grant’s voice brought Ashley Shaw’s attention back.
She withdrew her gaze, just about to speak, when Shane Coleman said, "Even if you want to come here every day, having money alone might not be enough. You’ll also need..."
He gave a thumbs-up, indicating power.
Ariana Grant shrugged, "Don’t rain on my parade, can’t I even dream a little dream?"
"Sure, you dream however you want," Shane Coleman laughed.
Ariana Grant pretended to be angry and started fiddling with the utensils on the table.
As expected, the utensils here were high-end, even the chopsticks were made of ivory. Ariana Grant quickly stopped fiddling, too afraid to accidentally break something and be unable to afford it.
Ashley Shaw, however, was reminded of something by Shane Coleman’s words.
In her previous life, Rosalind Lynch once mocked her for never having been to The Nocturne.
At the time, she didn’t even know what Rosalind meant, thinking "The Nocturne" was referring to the film "The Banquet," and was puzzled as to how someone could enter a movie.
Now, that past mockery felt like a long-delayed bullet piercing through time, hitting right between her brows, bringing with it a sense of belated embarrassment.
In addition to embarrassment, there was also a trace of self-mockery.
In her previous life, as Warren Prescott’s wife, she hadn’t even known what The Nocturne was. Now, as an ordinary girl who had just graduated high school, she was here.
Truly, fate plays tricks on people.
As the time for the Imperial Hall’s begin drew closer, more and more people took their seats.
At this moment, a man in a dark blue round-collared Tang suit approached, stopping in front of Ariana Grant, then half-knelt, offering his phone.
"Miss, could I possibly get your WeChat?"
Ariana Grant was wide-eyed in surprise, her cheeks flushing.
"Me?" She pointed at herself uncertainly.
The young man nodded, "Yes. Would it be convenient?"