Devil or Angel (GL) - Chapter 9

“Liu Ma, why are you sitting in the front?” Yiyang immediately felt displeased and a little angry at the sight. Liu Ma clearly knew she didn’t like that woman but had deliberately arranged for them to sit together.

“Yiyang, I get car sick. Sitting in the front is better for me,” Liu Ma said, turning her head with a look of grievance and slight guilt.

“Car sick? I’m the one getting car sick! Can’t you come up with a better excuse?” Yiyang was utterly speechless at such a pitifully weak justification.

Liu Ma could only awkwardly laugh twice and then fell silent. In truth, Yiyang guessed correctly—her excuse was just a cover for her own intentions. She simply hoped the two of them could get along in the days ahead, so she tried to create situations where they would interact more.

But her precious young lady naturally didn’t appreciate it. Seeing Zhi Yu sitting beside her, her face immediately darkened. She glared angrily at the housekeeper who had betrayed her, but the woman ignored her and focused straight ahead.

Yiyang could do nothing about it. Once the car started moving, she leaned back in her seat, closed her eyes, and feigned sleep. Whether she was really asleep or not, only she knew.

Zhi Yu, sitting beside her, glanced at the little brat. She knew from the start that Yiyang harbored a strong hostility toward her and constantly resisted her presence.

But to achieve her goal, the first step had to be getting close to this person, understanding her from all angles. After thinking it through last night, Zhi Yu had decided to take things gradually, knowing it would likely be difficult—but as the saying goes, if you don’t enter the tiger’s den, how can you catch the tiger cub? She had to take the first step.

Liu Ma, in the passenger seat, appeared to be watching the road but was actually listening attentively to the backseat, keeping an eye on any movement. Seeing nothing, she couldn’t help but glance back at the two. One had her eyes closed; the other kept her head down in thought. Liu Ma sighed.

Convincing her own young lady, who was stubborn as a child, would indeed be challenging. Even Zhang Guodong had never been able to manage her—what hope did a young newcomer have?

Recalling her master’s instructions, Liu Ma felt the weight of responsibility. Looking at the two now, both filled with hostility—or at least completely silent—she realized that helping them get along would require careful planning.

Realizing she hadn’t yet planned where to go, she looked at Yiyang, who was still “asleep,” and spoke to the silent Zhi Yu: “Zhi Yu, Yiyang and I were just thinking about going out for a stroll. We haven’t decided where yet. Do you have anywhere in mind?”

“I’ve never been to Shanghai, but I’ve heard of a landmark here called… the Bund. It seems similar to Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. I’d like to see it.”

“Good, then we’ll go there. When our Yiyang was little, she loved going there, always insisting on seeing the boats. But ever since your mother passed, I don’t think she’s been back…”

“Also, nearby there’s Yuyuan Garden, a private garden. We can stroll around and try some local snacks. The Bund’s night view is actually more beautiful, so after visiting, we can go there for a walk…” Liu Ma, unusually excited, talked nonstop once she mentioned food and sightseeing.

“All right, then I’m leaving myself in your hands today. I’ll follow you!” Zhi Yu smiled at the kind, slightly cute housekeeper.

As Liu Ma and Zhi Yu chatted enthusiastically, Yiyang, listening from beside them, almost opened her eyes to veto their plan.

That place held her happiest memories, which had now turned into pain and scars—memories tied to the two women she had once deeply loved.

Yiyang had wanted to speak up but saw how excited and in-sync they were. Besides, she was currently “asleep” in their eyes. After thinking it over, she decided to remain quietly feigning sleep.

After instructing the driver on the destination, the car ride was awkwardly silent. Not a word was spoken.

Just as they were about to turn the corner to reach their destination, another car suddenly appeared. Fortunately, Liu, the driver, had decades of experience and braked sharply, narrowly avoiding an accident. Otherwise, the consequences would have been disastrous.

During the sudden stop, Zhi Yu lost her balance, leaning sideways and falling onto Yiyang. At this point, pretending to sleep was no longer possible. Just moments ago, her head had hit the car window hard, almost bringing tears to her eyes.

Covering her head and trying to sit up, she found herself pressed down again by someone’s weight. Looking down, she saw the person lying in her lap, with a faint, pleasant perfume wafting into her nose.

But no matter how pleasant the scent, Yiyang felt nothing—it was that woman, after all. Worse, her dress was low-cut, and from Yiyang’s angle, a glimpse of the lace underwear underneath was visible.

Yiyang glanced once at the seductive lace and immediately turned her head away, thinking silently that the woman was indeed a “vixen,” dressing so provocatively. If a man had seen this, he would likely be completely aroused.

Yet Yiyang remained unmoved. Frowning slightly, her head still throbbing painfully, she looked down at the woman and said irritably, “Miss, is it comfortable resting your head on my legs? Could you please get up?”

“Sorry!” Zhi Yu embarrassedly tried to get up.

“Zhi Yu, are you okay? Yiyang, help her up!” Liu Ma turned, concerned, scolding Yiyang lightly.

“She’s not without hands. Why should I help? My head just hit the glass too and you weren’t this worried, you heartless woman!” Yiyang snapped.

By now, Zhi Yu had held onto the seatback in front, straightened herself, adjusted her clothes, and glanced at the little brat sulking beside her. She could see a red mark on her forehead—clearly, the impact had been significant.

“Is your forehead okay? It’s red!” Zhi Yu reminded her softly.

“Red is red. Such a small injury—what’s it to you?”

Well, Zhi Yu realized her good intentions were unwelcome. Best to keep quiet.

“Girls shouldn’t swear like that. Be proper!” Liu Ma, hearing her young lady say this rare line, felt awkward.

“This isn’t swearing. Do I need to be proper with someone like her? Besides, I’ve never been a proper girl, unlike some pretending to be ladylike just to seduce men…”

“What did you just say?” Zhi Yu felt the hidden insult, clearly directed at her.

“I’m speaking standard Mandarin. Don’t understand? Oh, right, your Mandarin isn’t good. Need me to find a teacher for you?” Yiyang said provocatively.

Zhi Yu’s face flushed red, unsure how to respond. Flustered, she rattled off a string of Cantonese. At that moment, the car stopped. Having vented, she ignored Yiyang and got out.

“You, Miss Shen, don’t think I don’t understand Cantonese just because you spoke it! You said I’m uncultured? Fine, I admit it! Since I was ten, no one taught me how to speak politely…” Yiyang called out after Zhi Yu’s retreating back.

Hearing this, Zhi Yu froze. First, she was surprised Yiyang really could understand Cantonese, just as Zhang Guodong said. All the complaints she had muttered in Cantonese to relieve herself had been fully understood—unfair!

Second, she felt a bit of pity. Yiyang’s mother had left when she was ten, and her father had been indifferent. She had lived alone like this for over ten years.

Thinking of this, Zhi Yu swallowed her anger and stopped arguing. Adults don’t dwell on petty grievances. Liu Ma watched helplessly, feeling there was nothing she could do.

“Yiyang, don’t argue so much. When you’re out, enjoy yourself. No need to exhaust yourself fighting me. Harmony brings prosperity. For my sake, okay?”

“Liu Ma, I don’t get you. What did she do to you? Forget it, I’ll let it slide this time. If she doesn’t provoke me, I won’t provoke her. But for me to get along with her—or have a mother-daughter relationship? Sorry, impossible!” Yiyang stated her stance firmly.

Liu Ma didn’t know what else to say. She gave up reasoning with the brat, knowing it was useless. Pretending all was normal, she smiled and led Zhi Yu to Yuyuan Garden. Yiyang casually slid on her sunglasses, hands in her pockets, and followed behind.

Liu Ma was in high spirits along the way. Though she lived in the city, she hadn’t had the chance to appreciate it for a long time. Today, she was more excited than the young people.

Zhi Yu silently followed, listening attentively to Liu Ma’s detailed explanations, maintaining a serious and smiling expression. But to Yiyang behind them, the display seemed painfully fake.

Indeed, those who love each other never tire of each other, but those who dislike each other find even the smallest gestures displeasing—just like Zhi Yu and Yiyang at this moment.