Devil or Angel (GL) - Chapter 22

Zhiyu, still anxious to shoo away that damn little mouse, instead found herself embraced by someone, a strange sensation pressing against her back. Gathering courage, she slowly opened her eyes—and met Yiyang’s complex gaze.

A gentle breeze drifted through the window, making Zhiyu feel a chill. She no longer paid attention to the depth in the little brat’s eyes and just wanted to finish chasing the mouse and quickly complete her unfinished bath.

But as she pushed Yiyang away, she suddenly realized she wasn’t wearing anything at all. The pristine white towel lay abandoned at their feet.

This scene shocked Zhiyu far more than seeing the mouse. Aside from her mother when she was a child, no one had ever seen her body—not even her two ex-boyfriends. Yet now, a brat had seen it all, staring openly at her without blinking, audaciously lingering on her body.

Flushed with embarrassment, Zhiyu snatched up the towel and wrapped it around herself, then slapped the still-frozen Yiyang: “Pervert!”

Yiyang, finally awakened by the slap, frowned and rubbed his stinging face. “Hey, old woman, are you kidding? You hit people at the drop of a hat!”

“Who told you to peek at me?”

“I didn’t peek! It just… fell out. Whose fault is that?”

“But… I didn’t give you permission either! And look at you, staring like that…”

“So what?”

“Pervert!” Zhiyu stammered out the word.

“Haha! Come on, I have zero interest in your body. I have my own, so what’s there to look at? Yet you call me a pervert?”

“Then why were you staring at me so bluntly? If it’s not perverted, what is it?”

“Who cares about staring at you? I was looking for my little Bai—the mouse you were chasing. Bai, let’s go! Don’t come here to play with this boring, savage woman again, remember? She hits people at the drop of a hat!” With that, Yiyang went to the bedside, picked up the little mouse, and left.

“Ah… pervert, perverted freak!” Zhiyu nearly lost it. In the end, it was just a little white mouse, and she had embarrassed herself in front of this brat—her body had even been seen. She felt like dying from embarrassment.

Outside, Yiyang heard her loud shouting and smiled. “What a neurotic old woman! Bai, we won’t play with her. She’s probably in menopause anyway!”

The next day was Saturday. Zhiyu planned to sleep in, while Yiyang needed to leave early to inspect the shooting location. At first light, Yiyang got up, dressed, grabbed a few pieces of bread, and set off.

Arriving at the location, she carefully inspected everything, then sat down to rest while waiting. Soon, her secretary, two photographers, and an assistant arrived, and all equipment was set up, awaiting the models.

Half an hour passed, yet no one appeared. They were scheduled for today, right? Yiyang called the agency through her secretary. The secretary returned with a grave expression.

“What happened? Were they stuck in traffic?”

“Boss, there’s been a problem…” The secretary hesitated.

“What kind of problem? Why only tell me now?”

“They said that today, only two male models and one female model can come. The other female model has been urgently borrowed by their manager’s friend…”

Before the secretary could finish, Yiyang snatched the phone. “This is absurd! We signed clear agreements! This is breach of contract!”

“Hello, this is Yi Yun Modeling Agency. How can I help you?” The receptionist answered.

“What’s the name of the person in charge?” Yiyang had forgotten to ask the secretary.

“Miss Lin.”

“I want Manager Lin!”

“Sorry, she’s out. I’ll transfer you to her secretary.”

After connecting, Yiyang argued at length. The other side apologized repeatedly and promised that their boss would compensate for all losses today.

Yiyang sighed and hung up. Ending work now would waste manpower and resources, but finding a last-minute model wasn’t feasible.

So she asked the three available models to start, planning to think as they shot. Soon they were in position, and the photographers began taking couple shots.

Yiyang paced, strategizing, while Zhiyu had been dragged out by Liu Ma for a stroll along Nanjing West Road.

After lunch, Zhiyu wanted to return, but Liu Ma suggested, “Hey, didn’t Yiyang say they’re shooting nearby? Let’s go see.”

“No, I don’t think so…”

“Just a little while. Come on, accompany me!”

In the end, Zhiyu was reluctantly dragged to Yiyang’s shoot site, where in the sun a group had gathered around two people in elaborate costumes, striking poses.

“Yiyang!” Liu Ma called excitedly to the frowning Yiyang.

Turning, Yiyang saw her housekeeper and the old woman nearby. She asked, “How did you know I’m here?”

“Didn’t you tell me the other day? My memory’s excellent—you youngsters have such poor recall,” Liu Ma said proudly.

“Fine. Why bring her here? Nothing to see,” Yiyang whispered.

“We were nearby shopping, so I brought her to check on your work. When will you finish? We’ll go back with you—you have the car anyway.”

“I’m overwhelmed right now. Please go first.”

The secretary approached. “Boss, all other modeling agencies are fully booked.”

“Just this one left… is that it?”

While Yiyang fretted, her secretary eyed Zhiyu. With her excellent figure and delicate face, she was undeniably photogenic.

The secretary dared to suggest Zhiyu as a model—but Yiyang strongly opposed. Though Zhiyu’s looks and figure were comparable to any model, it was impossible. Besides, Zhiyu herself wouldn’t agree.

Liu Ma, hearing this, inquired further. After understanding the situation, she smiled. “Yiyang, why not give Zhiyu a try? If it doesn’t work, fine—but if it does, you’ve solved a huge problem.”

“No!” Yiyang and Zhiyu said in unison.

“You two agree on something for once!” Liu Ma teased, and both blushed, looking down.

The photographer then approached. Since one female model was missing, continuing would be difficult. Yiyang’s input was needed—whether to proceed or stop.

Seeing Yiyang’s frown, Liu Ma gently whispered to Zhiyu, “Help our eldest daughter out! If you do, she’ll owe you one, and maybe treat you more politely in the future. Your relationship could improve.”

Zhiyu considered the advice. It made sense—she and this brat had little interaction lately. This was a step forward, and owing her felt good. She agreed.

Liu Ma cheerfully led Zhiyu to Yiyang. “Yiyang, don’t worry. Zhiyu agreed to help with the shoot.”

“I’m just trying. Don’t blame me if it doesn’t work!” Zhiyu said.

Before Yiyang could reply, the photographer exclaimed, “Wow, beautiful! She’s stunning on camera! Boss, is she your friend? Let’s have her try!”

Others encouraged her, eyes full of anticipation. Yiyang reluctantly looked at the old woman. Indeed, as the photographer said, she looked amazing on camera. Finally, Yiyang slowly said, “Fine, fine.”

Everyone cheered. Yiyang’s furrowed brow eased slightly. Zhiyu went to the makeup artist, got her makeup and clothes ready, and, guided by the photographer, stepped in front of a sculpture for a test shoot.

After a few shots, the photographer showed Yiyang.

Looking at Zhiyu in the camera, Yiyang was a bit dazed. She realized this woman had a certain charm, but she hadn’t expected her to be so striking, almost mesmerizing.

Seeing Yiyang stunned, the photographer teased, “Boss, your friend is gorgeous! She outshines the model. You’re drooling just looking at her! Our promotional photos will definitely be amazing.”

Yiyang, embarrassed by her reaction, wiped her chin instinctively. The secretary laughed, and Yiyang realized her lapse.

“Who’s drooling? Stop joking. The photos look fine—have her pose with the male model!” Yiyang quickly changed the subject.

Approved by Yiyang, the photographer took solo shots of Zhiyu, then brought in a male model for couple shots.

Yiyang watched every moment intently. Under the sunlight, her subtle makeup made her breathtaking. Her every expression made Yiyang’s heart pound erratically, wildly, without order.