C39 Show off

"What do you mean by this? How can I possibly take a photo dressed like this? Are you joking with me?"

Confronted with Ye Tian's icy stare, Ye Ziyan couldn't help but laugh with a sense of triumph.

"Why can't you take a photo dressed like that? You're supposed to be on camera too, but your outfit just doesn't fit with my theme for today. That's why I had someone find this particular dress for you. If you refuse to wear it, you're not meeting the job requirements."

Ye Tian let out a cold laugh. "You sure have a way with words. Is this just because you can't stand me and want to see me embarrassed?"

Seeing Ye Tian's candid response, Ye Ziyan's smile grew even wider, her chin lifted in haughty satisfaction.

"Yes, I'm glad you understand. Ye Tian, don't get ahead of yourself just because I've thrown you a bone. You should really know your place. You're not much different from a performing clown. This outfit was handpicked for you, and it suits you perfectly!"

Ye Tian stared at her smug expression, lips tightly sealed, refusing to engage.

Encouraged by Ye Tian's silence, Ye Ziyan became even more boisterous.

"Weren't you quite the sharp-tongued one before? What's the matter, cat got your tongue? Or did I strike a nerve? Perhaps you're scared?"

"Ye Tian, let me remind you, you're on my turf now. My fans are all around us. If you show me any disrespect, do you really think those mindless fans won't tear you apart?"

"So, be a good girl and follow my instructions. Don't even think about pulling any stunts. If I'm in a good mood, I might just grace you with a few sips of hot water. But if you irritate me, forget about hot water – you won't get a single minute of rest today!"

Ye Ziyan spoke with such disdain, lifting her chin as if she were looking down on everyone.

"This clown suit – you're going to wear it whether you like it or not, or else you can forget about having an easy time today!"

With those final words, she sashayed away, as proud as a peacock displaying its feathers.

A fine sheen of sweat formed on Ye Tian's forehead as she coldly eyed the ridiculous clown costume, her gaze dark and foreboding.

Half an hour later, the fan meeting began.

Ye Ziyan graced the stage in a princess dress, speaking with poise and confidence. Her smile was gentle at times, thoughtful frowns at others, as she effortlessly connected with the fans below, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

She kept up her perfect smile while observing a clown with a camera, who was moving about, squatting and standing, which seemed to amuse her greatly.

Meanwhile, Ye Tian was struggling inside a cumbersome mascot costume, sweat layering her forehead as she felt a painful sensation spreading through her body.

Her breathing grew labored, the world around her blurring. She felt drained, her hand trembling as she clutched the camera.

After a moment of endurance, a wave of nausea hit her. She couldn't focus on anything else and dashed for the restroom with all her might.

Tossing aside the clown head, Ye Tian leaned over the sink, dry heaving miserably. Having not eaten all day, there was nothing to come up.

Suddenly, Ziyan's voice echoed from behind. "Seeing you vomit so violently, one might wonder if you're carrying some man's child," she teased.

Ye Tian's grip on the sink tightened as she looked up, meeting Ziyan's reflection with a cold stare. "Ziyan, have you nothing better to do than watch me retch? What a peculiar fascination," she retorted.

Ziyan rolled her eyes with contempt. "I'm just here to wash my hands. You're overthinking it."

"Am I? You loom around me like a ghost, so it's no surprise I'm suspicious. I'm warning you, I'm not in the mood for your games today because I'm dealing with an upset stomach. Push me further, and believe me, I'll make sure you're the one embarrassed by my sickness."

"You! How can you be so vile!"

"Oh, I haven't even started. Keep provoking me, and I'll faint right there in the audience, claiming you've abused a staff member. Then let's see you explain your way out of that!"

"You—"

"What 'you'? Can you even talk? If not, just keep your mouth shut. Your voice is as grating as a crow's, and it's just irritating to listen to."

Ye Tian was in unbearable discomfort, and her mood had plummeted to rock bottom. She had been holding back for so long, but now this person, blind to the situation, insisted on stirring up trouble. She decided to give them a piece of her mind.

Ye Ziyan bit down hard on her teeth, a vicious glint in her eyes as if she wanted to rip Ye Tian apart.

A spasm shot through Ye Tian's stomach, and she winced, enduring the pain with dwindling patience. "Is there anything else? If not, please leave. I was feeling somewhat better, but the sight of your face has made me nauseous again."

With that, she turned to enter the cubicle.

Just then, Ziyan burst into a cold laugh, her voice sharp as she said, "Ye Tian, you're all talk. I don't care if you're sick or whatever. Even if you're on your deathbed today, you're going to finish this shoot for me. If it's not up to par, I'll go to New World and file a complaint against you! You'll lose your job! Then we'll see how you'll afford your grandfather's surgery!"

After dropping those words, Ziyan turned and strode away, her high heels clicking sharply on the floor.

Ye Tian's gaze deepened, her face pale and beaded with sweat, whether from pain or the stifling heat was unclear.

Her heart continued to sink, plummeting to the depths.

If it weren't for her grandfather, she wouldn't be groveling like this. Who had Ye Tian ever been afraid of?

But now, her vulnerability was being exploited, leaving her to be manipulated at their whim.

Humans, indeed.

She collected her thoughts and feebly pushed at the cubicle door. It wouldn't budge, but noticing another door ajar, she walked through it.

An hour later, when she finally returned to the main area, the fan meet-and-greet was drawing to a close.

"Alright, you're free to go."

A staff member approached her with the notice to leave.

Ye Tian let out a sigh of relief upon hearing this but remembered to ask, "Isn't there still a photo session with the fans?"

The staff member offhandedly remarked, "Don't worry about it. The photographer will take a group shot at the end."

Reassured by her words, Ye Tian felt at ease. She had persevered through the day, and now it was finally over, though she felt incredibly weak.

Once she shed her clown costume, she felt as if she had been drenched, her entire body soaked with sweat, and her sweater clung uncomfortably to her back.

Eager to get home, she tousled her damp hair from her forehead, bundled up in her down jacket, and departed.

Unwilling to spend on medical fees, she had the taxi stop at a nearby pharmacy to pick up some medicine for her upset stomach before heading back to Jinghao Apartment.

Gu Qinian was still out, but she didn't dwell on it. After taking the medicine, she quickly cocooned herself in her blanket and lay down, feeling utterly dizzy.

She slept straight through to past eight in the evening, only to be roused by Shang Yuvyuv's phone call.

"Hello?"

"Ye Tian, you need to check Weibo right now. You're being blasted again!"

Shang Yuvyuv's voice was frantic on the other end, making Ye Tian's head spin even more.

Awakening from her nap, Ye Tian's stomach pain had subsided, but she felt alternating chills and fever throughout her body.

She squinted at the screen as she clicked on the link sent by Shang Yuvyuv. The bold font leapt out at her:

New World Photographer Ye Tian Shows Disrespect and Diva Behavior at Fan Meet!