Can't Hide My Love for You - Chapter 29

Following the invitation, the project manager struck while the iron was hot, fearing Chi Yi might refuse. “Miss Chi, please rest assured regarding the compensation. We will certainly offer a price that satisfies you!”

Li Wenjing was speechless. She never expected the magazine to be so “starved” for talent that they would resort to recruiting someone outside the industry. She stepped forward to explain, “I’m terribly sorry, but President Chi is not a public figure. It isn’t convenient for her to appear on camera.”

In her mind, she added: As the Chairwoman of a major corporation, she hardly cares about a few pennies from a modeling gig.

The manager refused to give up. “Miss Chi’s appearance perfectly matches our theme for this issue. If she shoots alongside Miss Cheng, the result will be stunning. Miss Chi, please, you must consider it!”

Chi Yi glanced at Cheng Yixin, who looked equally uncertain. After a moment of thought, Chi Yi said, “I can give it a try.”

“Really?” The manager beamed with relief. To prevent her from changing her mind, he immediately barked orders at the staff: “Wardrobe! Makeup! Quick, take the two ladies to get ready!”

Cheng Yixin was stunned. She hadn’t expected Chi Yi to agree. It wasn’t until they found a moment alone during the costume change that she asked, “Why did you agree? This is a magazine cover, not just a photo for Weibo.”

“Did you not want me to?”

“That’s not it,” Cheng Yixin paused. “Shooting for a magazine isn’t easy. You have to strike poses and manage your expressions. My face was stiff from smiling during my first shoot. You won’t be used to it, and it’s not like you need the money. You don’t have to do this just to save the day.”

“I have my selfish reasons,” Chi Yi said, her gaze drifting to the wall behind Cheng Yixin, her expression slightly awkward. “I only agreed because the other person is you. I want us to have photos of our own… as a memento.”

Her voice dropped, tinged with a hint of jealousy. “You’ve taken so many photos with Yu Siyang… what’s wrong with having a few with me?”

Cheng Yixin froze for a second before bursting into laughter. “So that’s why?” She pinched Chi Yi’s cheek, her eyes curving like crescents. “Little Deer Chi, you sure love your vinegar. There’s no need to be jealous of Yu Siyang; I have zero interest in him.”

Chi Yi looked at her reflexively and blurted out, “Then… are you interested in me?”

Cheng Yixin arched an eyebrow, teasing her. “What kind of ‘interest’ are we talking about?” She emphasized the word suggestively.

What kind? Every kind.

Chi Yi remained silent. Cheng Yixin reached out, tapping a finger against Chi Yi’s heart. “Go change your clothes.”

The Shoot: “Forbidden Elegance”

The first set featured a suit theme. The stylist chose a double-breasted white suit for Chi Yi. With no undershirt, the V-neckline revealed her elegant collarbones and fair skin. Her hair was slicked back, accentuating her refined features and making her face appear more three-dimensional.

On President Chi, the white suit exuded a cold, regal aura—a sort of “untouchable” beauty.

“Miss Chi, I’ve never seen anyone pull off this hairstyle better than you!” the stylist raved. “Your features are so delicate.”

When Cheng Yixin emerged from the other dressing room, she barely recognized her. She felt a sudden, fluttering heartbeat at the sight.

The first set was an indoor scene with a round table and high stools. Since Chi Yi lacked experience, the photographer directed her to simply sit while Cheng Yixin took the lead to fill the professional gap with their natural chemistry.

“Miss Cheng, the first set is a feeding scene,” the photographer said. “We want a sense of intimate ‘bestie’ vibes.”

Cheng Yixin gave an “OK” sign and slipped into character the moment the lights flashed. She picked up a strawberry with a fork and held it to Chi Yi’s lips. After a few shots, the photographer frowned at the playback. “The movements are too stiff. Props! Get me something else!”

They tried a glass of red wine, but it looked tacky. Thinking quickly, Cheng Yixin asked, “Do you have any ribbons?”

They brought a light blue ribbon. Cheng Yixin took Chi Yi’s hand and tied the ribbon around her slender, pale wrist, leaving a long trailing end. It added a touch of subtle sensuality.

“Let’s start,” Cheng Yixin told the photographer.

The moment the shutter clicked, Cheng Yixin yanked the other end of the ribbon, pulling Chi Yi toward her. Caught off guard, Chi Yi stumbled close, her eyes wide with surprise as a strawberry touched her lips.

“That’s it! Perfect!” the photographer cheered.

Next, they moved to a mattress on the floor. The photographer had Chi Yi lounge back while Cheng Yixin knelt before her, one hand on Chi Yi’s shoulder and the other tilting her chin up in a dominant “alpha” pose.

Cheng Yixin was satisfied with her “top” energy and planned to pin Chi Yi down for the next shot. However, she suddenly felt a tug at her waist. Before she could react, she was pulled onto Chi Yi’s lap. Chi Yi sat up, one arm firmly around Cheng Yixin’s waist, looking at her with an effortless, cool gaze that screamed dominance.

“Beautiful! Excellent!” the photographer shouted. “President Chi finally gets it! Stay close, yes, yes…”

The Outdoor Shoot: The Ultimate Flex

For the final outdoor shots, Cheng Yixin wore a light, cream-colored bridal gown with pearl straps and a large bow at the back. It was elegant and cloud-like.

The original plan involved a sponsored SUV, but a conflict with Cheng Yixin’s existing car endorsements meant they couldn’t use the mid-range vehicle provided. As the staff panicked, Chi Yi spoke to her assistant, Si Wen.

“If the shoot requires a car,” Chi Yi said calmly, “I can provide one.”

Half an hour later, a transport truck arrived. When the luxury supercar was rolled out, the manager’s mouth fell open in an ‘O’ shape. It was a Bugatti—a vintage-style red and black masterpiece so rare it was practically a legend.

“Is this your car?” Cheng Yixin whispered, stunned.

“A gift from my grandfather,” Chi Yi replied.

“How come I’ve never seen you drive it?”

“It’s too loud.”

As the staff scurried to set up, Chi Yi watched the crowd, then turned to Cheng Yixin. “I’m letting them use it for free.”

“Why?” Cheng Yixin asked. Usually, renting such a car would cost a fortune.

Chi Yi indulged in a rare moment of “humble-bragging.” “This is just one of many in my garage. I wanted to use this one to tell you… I have a car like that too.”

Cheng Yixin blinked, then realized. “Wait… are you still thinking about that news report from yesterday about my ex?”

Chi Yi looked away. “Tell your friend… mine is more expensive.”

Cheng Yixin burst into laughter, cupping Chi Yi’s face. “You’ve been jealous since last night? You’re such a child!”

The Aftermath: “Sold Out”

On the day of the release, Cheng Yixin sent her assistant, Xiao Yu, to buy copies.

“Sister Xin, I couldn’t get any,” Xiao Yu cried. “I went to five different stores. They’re all sold out!”

“Already?” Cheng Yixin was shocked. The print run was at least 500,000 copies.

She messaged the project manager, wondering if it was a marketing ploy. The reply was frantic: “Miss Cheng, we printed 500,000 copies and they were gone in a single morning! Your popularity with President Chi is insane! When are you both free for a second shoot…?”

Cheng Yixin hung up and called Chi Yi. “Did you manage to buy any?”

“No,” Chi Yi replied, sounding gloomy. “I sent Si Wen out at noon, but there were none left.”

“Little Deer… I think we might be in trouble. We’re going viral.”

The Feng Manor

Meanwhile, at the Feng estate, a small truck was being unloaded. Old Mr. Feng stood there in his traditional tunic, looking spirited.

The butler handed him a list. “Sir, we’ve bought every copy available on the market. A total of 160,000 copies.”

“Good, good,” the old man nodded. “My granddaughter is on a magazine cover for the first time. It is only right that I show some support.”

The butler went silent. Support is one thing, sir, but this is a monopoly!