New business in town

Nelson was an old, tired barber. For decades, he had kept his barbershop open—a small temple of tradition where men came seeking a precise cut, some idle chat, and the comforting scent of aftershave. But times had changed, and he knew it. The clientele was slowly disappearing, drawn to modern, stylish places with digital presence. His barbershop, with its yellowed walls and worn leather chairs, just wasn’t enough anymore.

He decided it was time to fight back. He renovated everything. Replaced the old sign with a sleek, eye-catching one. Learned new techniques, from skin fades to hair tattoos, and organized every corner of the place to make it fully “Instagrammable.” Bright-lit mirrors, fake plants in all the right spots, trendy playlists echoing through the walls... But nothing seemed to work. Business remained slow.

Refusing to give up, Nelson began watching the competition. Many women were opening modern salons and barbershops, offering engaging service, chic environments, and of course, their presence—young, beautiful, charismatic women who naturally attracted male clients. Nelson had to face a harsh truth: he couldn’t compete the way he was. Not with that tired body, that wrinkled face, that past which no longer inspired youth.

That’s when he made a bold, unthinkable decision. He emptied his bank account, sold what little he had left, and flew to Seoul—the world capital of aesthetic transformation. There, among luxury clinics and gleaming mirrors, Nelson said goodbye to his former self.

Months later, a new figure emerged at the old barbershop. Mallanie—elegant, refined, radiating irresistible charm and curves that turned heads. The once-forgotten barbershop was reborn under her new identity, a blend of sophistication and boldness. Business boomed. Young men came not just for the cut, but for the experience, for the magnetic presence of the shop's owner. The walls still displayed old newspaper clippings, telling the story of a man named Nelson who had kept the place running for so many years. Few could guess that the stunning woman now running the salon with confident hands and a mysterious smile was the very same person.

And Mallanie, calling the next client with a graceful wave, still found the lingering gazes a bit strange—some full of admiration, others of desire—but she smiled. After all, they were paying well. And more than that: she felt more alive than ever.