C15 It Was Inconvenient for Him to be with a Man

"Wow, Ye Tian, you truly are a fantastic photographer!" Shang Yuvyuv lavished praise upon her, and Ye Tian was quite flattered. "You've got a great eye, Shang Yuvyuv, as expected!"

"After my meticulous observation, I've concluded that you're the next Anna Wintour, the future doyenne of fashion!" Shang Yuvyuv continued her effusive compliments, smacking her lips with approval. That's my bestie for you!

"Come on, get real," Ye Tian laughed. If Shang Yuvyuv were here, she'd probably playfully scold her for lacking ambition.

"A photographer without ambition is hardly a beauty!" True to form, Shang Yuvyuv expressed her tough love. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she inquired, "So, how are things going with Boss Liyang? Any real progress? I've heard he's even more handsome in person than in photos."

"Progress? Well, let's just say he's definitely taken a liking to me," Ye Tian replied earnestly, only to be met with Shang Yuvyuv's exclamations of disbelief over the phone.

But it was just a brief outburst before Shang Yuvyuv calmed down. "You little tease, you got me good!"

They shared a laugh and banter before wrapping up their conversation.

Once Ye Tian ended the call, Gu Qinian averted his gaze.

"Qinian, what's caught your attention?" Ye Ziyan asked, noticing his intense focus. When she realized he was looking at Ye Tian, her smile stiffened.

"Nothing," he replied, rising to his feet.

Ye Ziyan quickly followed suit, "Qinian, could you drive me home today? Dad wants to properly thank you for looking after me."

Gu Qinian was inclined to decline, but he reconsidered and agreed, "Alright."

Delighted by his response, Ye Ziyan's face lit up with a smile. "Then Qinian, please wait for me in the car. I'll be right there."

As Gu Qinian stepped out of the car, Ye Tian rubbed her numb legs and moved forward. The suburban metro was sparse, and she had missed the last train. She couldn't possibly walk all the way home. Reluctantly, she decided she'd have to hitch a ride with Gu Qinian to make it back.

"Director Gu, you…" Ye Tian had barely taken a step when she heard Ye Ziyan's flirtatious call from behind him, "Qinian, wait for me."

Gu Qinian paused, finding himself directly in front of Ye Tian. "What's up? Is there a problem?"

He clearly understood what Ye Tian was getting at. Besides, the subway station was quite a distance away, and at this hour, there probably weren't any trains running. Ye Tian deserved a lesson.

"No, it's nothing." Ye Tian shook her head, watching as Ye Ziyan caught up with Gu Qinian and looped her arm through his, flaunting her triumph with a smug smile aimed at Ye Tian.

Once they were out of sight, Ye Tian spat disdainfully on the ground, sarcastically wishing them everlasting bliss. Yet, deep down, she felt a tinge of disappointment. Sighing, Ye Tian gathered her belongings and headed toward the main road.

"Director Lu?" Out of nowhere, a car approached and pulled up beside her. It was Lu Jingyue.

"I've just wrapped up some work. My assistant mentioned you were still shooting around here, so I thought I'd check in. Looks like you've just finished. Are you here by yourself? The subway's probably closed by now. How about I give you a lift?"

Ye Tian couldn't help but inwardly rejoice at her good fortune. With such a gracious offer, how could she possibly decline?

Feigning modesty, Ye Tian replied, "I'd appreciate that, Director Lu. Thank you."

Lu Jingyue glanced casually at the rearview mirror, a sly grin playing at the edge of his lips.

As Gu Qinian's car rounded the corner, he witnessed Ye Tian getting into Lu Jingyue's vehicle. He had intended to let Ye Tian stew a bit before returning to pick her up, but it seemed he had been too lenient.

Ye Ziyan, noticing the shift in Gu Qinian's demeanor, couldn't resist stirring the pot. "Qinian, I wonder what kind of relationship Ye Tian has with Director Lu. She's gotten into his car quite comfortably. They seem to be on very good terms."