Devil or Angel (GL) - Chapter 17

After Liu Ma roughly bandaged all of Yiyang’s wounds, she put down her bag and settled in the living room downstairs to play on the computer, watch TV, and check her emails.

There was also a bunch of food laid out, a lifestyle fit for a rich heiress, yet Yiyang found it extremely dull and boring.

At home, Yiyang was both comfortable and utterly bored. Meanwhile, Zhi Yu’s arrival at Zhang Guodong’s company created quite a scene. As she followed him into the office, she immediately drew everyone’s attention, and whispers began circulating among the employees.

“Who do you think that woman is? Why is she coming in with the chairman? Could she be an old flame?”

“She’s really beautiful. I like this kind of elegant, commanding woman. If she’s working here, we’re in for a treat! I wonder if she has a boyfriend?”

Everyone’s thoughts differed. Zhang Guodong led Zhi Yu to the central area of the office and clapped his hands.
“Everyone, quiet down. Today I’d like to introduce a new colleague. This young lady by my side will replace Manager Huang’s position. From now on, you can direct any questions to her. If I’m not around, she can sign urgent or important documents as well.”

“Hello everyone, my name is Shen Zhi Yu. I’m from Hong Kong. Please forgive my imperfect Mandarin, and I hope we can work well together!” Zhi Yu introduced herself humbly.

Though brief, her introduction drew enthusiastic applause. Naturally, the male employees were far more excited than the female ones. The single men especially stared at her, eyes gleaming, like hungry wolves evaluating a prized target.

Today, Zhi Yu wore a light pink dress paired with five-centimeter heels. Her sweet smile, tall figure, and stunning curves caused quite a stir. Some even volunteered to teach her Mandarin for free.

Zhi Yu simply smiled faintly at their praise and flattery. Yet even a small smile like that could captivate a room, causing envy among women and fascination among men.

“Ahem, back to work, everyone. Tonight we’ll hold a welcome party for Manager Shen. Xiaojing, reserve a table,” Zhang Guodong said, looking at the flustered male employees. No wonder—they were looking at someone exceptionally attractive. Yet he didn’t reveal Zhi Yu’s fake identity; that would come at the right time.

Zhang Guodong then called Huang Manager’s assistant, Xiao Xu, and walked into the general manager’s office with Zhi Yu. Once inside, he said,
“Zhi Yu, this will be your office from now on. If you have any questions or needs, just talk to Xiao Xu.”

“Okay, Chairman Zhang, you can get back to work,” Zhi Yu replied politely.

After that, Zhang Guodong took the elevator back to his office on the top floor. Xiao Xu stayed to explain company operations, as well as regular work routines.

Zhi Yu listened attentively, taking notes now and then. Xiao Xu appreciated this—she had initially worried the new manager might be difficult, but Zhi Yu was beautiful yet humble.

Morning passed quickly. Near lunchtime, Zhi Yu said to Xiao Xu,
“You go ahead and get ready for lunch. Sorry to trouble you!”

“Manager Shen, you’re too polite. It’s my duty. Aren’t you joining us? The cafeteria is downstairs.”

“No, you go ahead. I’ll finish reviewing these documents. I don’t want to slow you down.”

“All right, if you need anything, contact me. Here’s my number.” Xiao Xu handed over her phone before leaving.

Once Xiao Xu left, Zhi Yu buried herself in the documents. She only looked up when someone knocked. Zhang Guodong appeared in the doorway.
“Why haven’t you gone to lunch yet?”

“I want to finish reviewing these materials first.”

“Good things take time. You used to do this work, so you’ll adapt quickly. Having such a diligent employee is a blessing, but you know, our employees can’t starve either—otherwise it might count as work injury…”

“Chairman Zhang, you’re surprisingly humorous. Shouldn’t your relationship with your daughter be less strained?” Zhi Yu was puzzled—how could a man so successful and witty be so distant from his daughter for over twenty years?

“Every family has its difficulties. Enough talk, let’s go.”

When Zhi Yu and Zhang Guodong appeared in the cafeteria, another small stir broke out. Gossiping employees whispered:
“Who is that woman? What’s her relationship with the president? Seems unusual.”

“Maybe a lover? Manager Huang was fine, then transferred to Hong Kong. This woman is young yet in that position—definitely some secret connection, entering and leaving together. Nowadays, rich men keep young beautiful women, right?”

“True. The president’s wife has been gone a while; him finding another is natural. But this woman is really young—our ‘heiress’ is about the same age.”

They whispered among themselves, stopping as Zhi Yu and Zhang Guodong passed by, but kept glancing secretly as the two entered the president’s private room.

“Zhi Yu, my employees are quite gossip-prone, right?” Zhang Guodong asked, smiling.

“Not really. If I were in their shoes, I’d probably think the same. And our actual situation is just like that, even if it’s fake.”

“Exactly, let them talk. I’ll reveal it when the time is right. Meanwhile, watch out for those hungry male employees. Seems my female hires lack quality or have aesthetic fatigue. Seeing you today, their eyes practically lit up like discovering a new continent.”

“Chairman Zhang, you exaggerate.”

“No exaggeration. Honestly, the first time I saw you, I thought you were very attractive—intelligent, independent, and unique…” Zhang Guodong unintentionally complimented her.

“Uh, stop! Chairman Zhang, you wouldn’t—” Zhi Yu felt uneasy, worried he might have other intentions.

“Zhi Yu, you misunderstand. I mean only the facts. Honestly, I already have someone I love, so rest assured.”

“Oh? You have someone? Then why involve me in such a difficult task? Why not just go to her?”

“She’s a bit inconvenient, and not as capable as you.”

“So you’re hiding it from your daughter…”

“Enough of that. Anyway, you’re on this ship now—you won’t be able to jump off easily.”

Zhang Guodong dodged the question repeatedly, and Zhi Yu stopped asking. After lunch, both returned to their offices to work.

Zhi Yu looked at the pile of documents in front of her. As expected, a big company meant plenty of work. After calling Xiao Xu to make her a coffee, she immersed herself in the tasks.

At the end of the day, Xiao Xu knocked:
“Manager Shen, we’ve reserved a private room tonight for your welcome party. Do you want to go with us now or wait for Chairman Zhang?”

“Send me the address. I’ll go with him.”

Xiao Xu relayed the instructions to the other employees. Their suspicions were correct—some men were disheartened. Finally a goddess-level woman, yet she belonged to the boss—they had no chance.

“Guys, don’t even think about it. Someone like Manager Shen is out of your league. Higher position, stunning looks—she won’t choose any of you. Stop dreaming,” Xiao Xu teased.

“Fine, if you won’t help us, we’ll get her drunk at the hotel and make her spill the truth, hehe!”

Zhi Yu never imagined the employees’ mischievous plans. When she arrived at the hotel in Zhang Guodong’s car, they stopped talking and stood up to greet them.

“No need to be so formal. It’s after hours—relax. Don’t see me as your boss. Speak freely,” Zhang Guodong told them.

Yet no one dared say much—they were all gossiping about the boss and manager, after all. Awkward silence followed until the drinks were served. They poured themselves a glass, and someone toasted:
“To Manager Shen! Welcome!”

Zhi Yu stood and returned the toast:
“Thank you all. I hope we can work well together. I’m new, so please guide and tolerate me.”

“Manager Shen, if you want to show sincerity, finish the drink!” one suggested, and the others joined in the cheer.

Under their insistence, Zhi Yu drank the glass in one go. Only then did they cheer and applaud enthusiastically.