Devil or Angel (GL) - Chapter 10

Yu Garden in Shanghai wasn’t particularly big or small, but because it was the weekend and there were tour groups, the crowd today was especially dense. The pace of sightseeing had noticeably slowed, and bumping into people had become inevitable.

Seeing her housekeeper chatting happily with that “old woman” ahead, Yiyang instantly felt a pang of jealousy and discomfort.

This was supposed to be a rare, joyful, private outing with Liu Ma, yet it was interrupted by this interloper who had even monopolized her housekeeper’s attention.

Yiyang felt like a third wheel, completely ignored, as if her beloved toy had been snatched away. The jealousy she felt was almost like that between lovers; her housekeeper clearly preferred novelty over familiarity.

Amid the jostling crowd, seeing the two ahead creating some distance, her temper flared. She yelled at them:

“Are you two done wandering yet? It’s such a small place—what’s there to look at?”

But as soon as she finished, she realized they once again ignored her splendidly. They merely glanced at her and continued happily weaving through the crowd, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Unable to contain her impatience, Yiyang said again:

“If you like wandering so much, go ahead. I’m done playing with you. I’m going to Starbucks for coffee—come find me when you’re done. That’s it. Goodbye!”

With that, she stormed toward the exit. Watching her leave in a huff, Zhi Yu looked concerned.

“Is she angry? Should we do something? Maybe we should go meet her?”

“Don’t worry about her. Kids have tantrums; I’m used to it. Even at this age, she still throws a fit. Let her drink her bitter coffee and be a little bourgeois. We’ll continue—later we can meet up with her. She promised to treat me to a meal today, so she won’t stand me up. Trust me; following Liu Ma is the right choice,” Liu Ma said calmly.

And so, they split up. Yiyang, seeing that her housekeeper didn’t stop her from leaving, felt her position threatened and became even more resentful of that “demonic” woman. Fuming, she stormed toward Starbucks, muttering complaints under her breath.

Once inside, she ordered a coffee and sat in a corner, browsing the internet while watching the scene outside. The scent of coffee and the bustling crowd reminded her of more than a year ago.

Back then, she and Lin Wei loved spending weekends together hand in hand, coming here to enjoy the scenery and snacks, then strolling along the Bund, feeling the sea breeze and admiring the night view.

Since her mother’s death, she hadn’t gone to the Bund alone, afraid of stirring up memories. But with Lin Wei’s presence, encouragement, and support, she had taken that step. They had once made a promise never to part. Those sweet scenes now replayed in her mind like a movie.

She sat dazed, watching the affectionate crowd outside, recalling both happy and painful memories. Her chest still throbbed faintly until a stranger’s voice above brought her back to reality.

Looking up, she saw a mature woman in formal attire with wavy hair standing in front of her. Yiyang was puzzled—she didn’t recognize her. Had she mistaken someone?

Before she could ask, the woman spoke in a pleasant voice:

“Sorry, I called a few times but you didn’t respond. Is the seat next to you taken? It’s so crowded today; there’s hardly anywhere to sit.”

Oh—it was someone looking for a seat. Yiyang glanced around the crowded café and smiled knowingly:

“No one’s here. Please, sit.”

“Thank you!”

The beautiful woman sat opposite her. At first, they had no interaction, each absorbed in their phones and thoughts. Eventually, perhaps out of boredom, the woman started a conversation.

Their chat became lively, covering their professions, life philosophies, and values. Yiyang was impressed that the young woman had become a company manager through her own effort—but she wasn’t envious.

The woman, in turn, was envious of Yiyang’s job, which allowed freedom and the pursuit of one’s passions. Life was often unfair; things rarely went as planned.

Afterward, the woman leaned closer and whispered to Yiyang:

“May I ask… are you… the type who likes women?”

“Which type?” Yiyang asked.

“You know… do you like women?”

Yiyang was surprised at her perceptiveness. Was she, too, in the same camp?

“I guessed from your appearance,” the woman replied. “I’m not sure if I’m right.”

“Curious, are you? What about you?” Yiyang countered.

“I asked first. Since you’re curious, I’ll satisfy your gossip. I had a boyfriend, but I’m single now—probably straight. But someone as beautiful as you… I might consider it. Men are unreliable; sometimes you need to change your taste.”

“Ha, no thanks. I don’t want to be your experiment. Even if I liked women, I wouldn’t like you—you’re not my type.”

“Oh? You have money and looks, yet reject me. Then what’s your type? Delicate and demure, or gentle and sweet?”

“Liking someone is about feeling, not just appearance…”

While they were deep in discussion, Liu Ma and Zhi Yu entered the café. Spotting Yiyang chatting happily with a stranger, they walked over.

Zhi Yu noticed the little brat laughing so brightly in the sunlight streaming through the window and thought: could she be mistaken? The usually cold little girl could smile like that—so… harmless, almost enchanting.

Thinking of that, Zhi Yu shivered. Harmless? That mischievous child was far from it—though she had a kind face, her heart was devilish. That thought dispelled any previous impressions.

They approached the two laughing figures. Liu Ma called out, and Yiyang immediately stopped smiling, her icy expression returning.

Liu Ma noticed the beautiful woman sitting opposite Yiyang and frowned slightly. She knew about Yiyang’s past with Lin Wei, so seeing this strong, attractive woman stirred unease.

The woman acknowledged them with a nod, first glancing at Liu Ma, assuming she was Yiyang’s mother, then finally at Zhi Yu.

She appraised Zhi Yu meaningfully, a smirk on her lips. Leaning close to Yiyang’s ear, she whispered:

“Now I see why you don’t like my type. You’ve been hiding such a good one! You two match well in height and appearance. I concede defeat.”

“Don’t make assumptions! She and I are mortal enemies!”

“Oh, so you’re love-hate rivals—interesting!”

“Love? She’s not my type at all. A complete monster reincarnated! And…” Yiyang started to say more but realized she didn’t need to explain herself to a stranger.

“Ha, I think someone as childish in thought and appearance as you needs a little demon to keep you in check.”

“You’re childish! Your whole family is childish! Whoever I like, I won’t like that old woman!”

“Don’t be so rigid! She’s not old at all, and quite charming!”

They whispered playfully while Liu Ma and Zhi Yu stood awkwardly nearby. Finally, Liu Ma could no longer hold back:

“Yiyang, have you two finished chatting? I’m hungry—we’re going to eat now!”

Yiyang broke off and stood. The woman stood as well, walking out with them, exchanging phone numbers before leaving.

Before parting, the woman looked at both Yiyang and Zhi Yu, smiling ambiguously, and whispered in Yiyang’s ear:

“Life is short; don’t miss those destined to be in it. Cherish the people in front of you.”

“Get lost!”

“Yiyang, are you sure you just met today? You talk like you’ve known each other forever, keeping so many secrets.” Liu Ma worried Yiyang might repeat past mistakes and get hurt again.

“Nothing. Let’s eat. Aren’t you starving? I’ll treat you to a buffet—come on!” Yiyang hurriedly changed the subject, walking ahead.

Liu Ma watched her carefree back, worry etched on her face, thinking of the pain Lin Wei had caused her in the past. She hoped history wouldn’t repeat itself; she felt the woman wasn’t suitable for Yiyang.

Zhi Yu noticed the unease on Liu Ma’s face and asked with concern:

“Liu Ma, are you alright? You look a bit pale.”

“I’m fine. Let’s catch up with her, or she’ll get angry again.” Saying this, they quickened their pace to follow the woman walking ahead.