CHAPTER 69: CHAPTER 69: DISGUISE TECHNIQUE

Just as the system described, when Meng Yao held the makeup tools in her hand, she felt something magical.

It was as if she were a makeup master. Just by glancing at Qin Zheng and thinking about making him look more ordinary, her mind would automatically conjure up how she should do it.

The most astonished were Zhao Dahe and Meng Zhu.

Qin Zheng, being the ’canvas,’ didn’t have a clear mirror to check himself at any time, so he remained quite calm.

However, the other two watched as Qin Zheng transformed from a celestial being into someone you absolutely wouldn’t spare a second glance at.

If you look closely, the features haven’t changed significantly, yet these subtle changes together make it seem like a completely different face.

"Mom, is this the Disguise Technique?" Zhao Dahe asked in shock.

Meng Yao put away the makeup tools and replied calmly, "Your father didn’t tell me anything, but if you say so, then perhaps it is."

Zhao Dahe’s curiosity about Zhao Ting grew even more intense.

What kind of person was his father?

It was beyond his understanding.

Qin Zheng, after looking into the bronze mirror, was also shocked. Forget about others, even he didn’t recognize himself.

With this appearance, if someone looked at him on the street, it wouldn’t be because he was good-looking but because he was too unsightly to ignore.

"But this won’t do. He’s supposed to stay beside Dahe; are you going to follow them around and redo his makeup every day?"

After the shock, Meng Zhu asked calmly.

[Don’t worry, host, these are specially treated cosmetics. Once applied, unless you soak your face in water for half an hour, it won’t come off for at least fifteen days.]

The system’s voice echoed in Meng Yao’s mind.

"Oh, it’s fine; it’ll last fifteen days," Meng Yao said, "Besides, Dahe is taking the exam; of course, I’m going with him."

Zhao Dahe was visibly moved; indeed, he was the most cherished child in his mother’s heart.

"Mom..."

Meng Yao smiled kindly.

Internally, she was frantically thinking, no, don’t misunderstand, I just want an excuse to travel openly.

"You’ve never been far away; can you manage? If you’re worried about Dahe, I can ask Chang’an to accompany you both," Meng Zhu expressed some concern.

"When children travel, mothers worry, but there’s no other choice," Meng Yao said with determination.

Zhao Dahe was even more touched.

"Then I’ll ask Chang’an to accompany you. He can run errands for you too. Having grown up following your brother-in-law everywhere, he’s quite capable of handling situations," Meng Zhu said as she called out loudly for Li Chang’an to come in.

"Let’s go with Big Sister’s suggestion," Meng Yao replied.

Though she didn’t really want to take Li Chang’an along, Meng Zhu’s intentions were good, and refusing outright wouldn’t align with her original character.

"Mom, who’s this?"

Zhao Xiaohua wasn’t present during the makeup session, so she didn’t witness Qin Zheng’s transformation.

"Why is he wearing Qin Zheng’s clothes?" Zhao Xiaohua asked, eyeing Qin Zheng with suspicion and doubt.

"Take a closer look," Meng Yao said.

Zhao Xiaohua blocked Qin Zheng’s view with her hand, "Cover the head, and it’s Qin Zheng; but his face, no, it’s not."

Qin Zheng spoke, "Xiaohua, it’s me."

Zhao Xiaohua jumped back in horror, "Qin Zheng, what’s happened to you? You were fine just a moment ago; how did you suddenly become so ugly? Mom, this can’t be a side effect of losing weight, can it?"

Zhao Xiaohua covered her face, "I can’t be this ugly too, can I?"

"Alright, stop fussing. You sure are imaginative, calling it a side effect of losing weight!" Meng Yao scolded playfully, "Your brother Qin Zheng is too striking in appearance; standing out too much, so we just covered it a bit."

Zhao Xiaohua breathed a sigh of relief, patting her chest, "Almost scared the life out of me."

"This way, it’s less likely to attract too much attention," Meng Yao said.

"But it’s already attracting attention," Zhao Xiaohua replied, "Hasn’t Meng Ruyu noticed?"

"Ruyu noticed?" Meng Zhu asked in confusion.

"She did before. Now that she knows Qin Zheng is just an Attendant Student, she should give up," Zhao Xiaohua explained.

"How did the Lin Family raise their children!" Meng Zhu was a bit angry.

Meng Yao pondered, since Meng Ruyu had seen Qin Zheng, she’d have to find an opportunity to subtly influence her to avoid stirring up trouble from her end.

Having studied psychology, Meng Yao could influence people’s perceptions to some extent through suggestion.

"Big Sister, don’t be angry. Next time you have the chance, have a good talk with Eldest Sister-in-law," Meng Yao said.

"I’m afraid her disposition is already set, and talking might not help," Meng Zhu sighed.

Meng Yao also shook her head, "Meng Family matters are not something daughters can decide on. If Father and Mother have said nothing, and Big Brother doesn’t see anything wrong, us speaking up will do no good but cause trouble. Out of sight, out of mind."

"Mom, Father specifically told me, if you’re worried or stressed because of Grandfather and Grandmother’s affairs, I’m to take you back right away," Li Chang’an said seriously, "Even if not for yourself, think of the child you’re carrying!"

A sudden revelation!

It shook Meng Yao to the core.

Meng Zhu was pregnant?

Facing Meng Yao’s astonished gaze, Meng Zhu felt a bit embarrassed, considering her age. If Changning’s marriage had gone smoothly, she would have been a grandmother by now.

Yet, she had become pregnant again, how embarrassing.

"How long has it been?" Meng Yao asked.

"About two months," Meng Zhu answered.

"So, even before the New Year, you were already pregnant?"

Meng Yao was at a loss for words. Meng Zhu was four years older than her, now thirty-seven. In ancient times, and even before her time travel, she’d be considered an older mother.

While others would be eager to rest and protect their pregnancy, she, with her carefree attitude, endured the bumps of traveling by carriage.

Meng Yao hurriedly checked Meng Zhu’s pulse, relieved to find everything alright.

If anything happened, how would she explain to Li Baixia?

"Yes, I was, but I didn’t know. My cycles aren’t regular, and I never thought I could conceive at this age. After all, it’s been twelve years since I had Changning."

Meng Zhu truly didn’t expect to conceive again.

"Knowing now, why not stay home and rest rather than endure the bumps?"

"The doctor checked and said my constitution is good, the pregnancy stable. Since I didn’t have any issues before knowing, it wouldn’t make sense to be delicate now. Besides, your brother-in-law modified our carriage, making it very comfortable and smooth. Oh, he did the same with yours, so when you accompany Dahe to the exam, you won’t suffer."

Inadvertently, Meng Zhu showed off a bit of affection.

"Alright, enough of that; no matter how good your constitution, you mustn’t overexert yourself. Come, I’ll take you to rest," Meng Yao said, carefully supporting Meng Zhu as they walked inside.

Li Chang’an glanced at Meng Yao. If he wasn’t mistaken, his aunt had just taken his mother’s pulse, and her technique looked quite skilled.

Not only that, her Disguise Technique was simply masterful! Having traveled widely with his father, he’d seen basic disguises, like thickening brows, sticking on beards, or adding moles.

So, was this truly his aunt?