Gary was your average young professional visiting Chinatown before hitting the bars for the evening in late October.
The cold, blustery air made him shiver in his new tweed jacket, which he believed made him look slightly older than his 25 years. His entire image was crafted on slightly aging himself up in order to gain a little more respect as one of the youngest members of the workforce. Looking like a combination of a Brooks Brothers and J Crew catalog, his chestnut brown hair was cut into a stylish fade which made his emerald green eyes stand out on his clean shaven face. He was the type of guy who knew he looked good, and was proud of his body which he keeps in shape through after hours at the gym.
A glistening item in the Chinatown shop caught his eye and for some unknown reason made him stop dead in his tracks. Looking in the glass of the store-front window, he quickly flashed a perfect white smile as he happily surveyed his dapper reflection. Turning away from the window, he suddenly stumbled into a little Chinese man who spilled his tea all over his new jacket.
"I'm so sorry!" Stammered the man. "Please come inside and we'll clean that up straight away!"
"Not a problem, I greatly appreciate it" Gary, still slightly in shock, affirmed.
The shop was filled with trinkets, bottles, and items that gave the location an antique store atmosphere. The old man quickly returned with what appeared to be a perfume bottle and sprayed Gary jacket. "Ancient Chinese secret" he chuckled. Before his eyes, the jacket mysteriously dried, looking almost as good as new.
Before he had a moment to process, the Chinese man turned to him and said, "For your trouble feel free to take one of our products, on the house"
Gary, not one to miss out on a bargain quickly took the man at his offer. Browsing the shelves he came across a small container with a mustache symbol. Curious, he tried his best to read its description, but it appeared to be faded calligraphy beyond his comprehension.
"Ah! That very good product," mused the store keep. "Great properties for hair, just apply to wherever to see result"
Gary chuckled a bit, thinking this was all snake all oil and laughs, but wasn't going to leave empty handed. "Does it work on the face?" he asked knowing that his office would begin a Movember competition in the coming days. Having a bit of a baby face always bugged him, though he never had the time or patience to try facial hair.
"Work everywhere, just apply for ten minutes and wash away" said the Chinese man.
"I'll take it" Gary smirked, thinking this was all a great gag.
"Good, good!" says the Chinese man. "Small warning, this will make you a new man!"
As he laughed Gary did too thinking this was the oddest situation he had been in long time. As he walked out of the store to go to the bar he quickly mused whether he would try it out when he got home. After all what's the worst that could happen?