Chapter 15: How Could You Possibly Take Such an Unflattering Picture of Me?

Looking at Chen Yinan standing in front of us with his suitcase in hand, Sister Yan and I exchanged glances.

“Wasn’t I clear enough?” Chen Yinan crossed his arms, exuding an air of leisure.

I frowned and looked at him. “I heard every word, but I didn’t understand the meaning altogether. Are you saying your family kicked you out, and with nowhere else to go, you’ve come here to seek refuge with us?”

“It’s not seeking refuge!” Chen Yinan quickly waved his hands. “You’re the ones who owe me compensation! If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have ended up like this!”

Sister Yan snapped irritably, “What does this have to do with us? You failed to communicate properly with Shanshan. Even without our interference, you two would have broken up over this eventually!”

I looked at him and said, “You’re such a top talent. You should be able to find work anywhere. Why come to a small place like ours?”

“That’s exactly why.” Chen Yinan pulled out his phone and showed us a screen.

“The photos you took were posted in my photography group, and now I’m seen as a disgrace by those models. I’ve been expelled from the organization, and no model is allowed to book shoots with me! Where do you think I’m supposed to work? Surely I can’t leave Haizhou City?”

Seeing the messages on the phone, I felt a twinge of guilt, and I’m sure Sister Yan did too.

Those photos weren’t taken by Sister Yan but were revenge from Su Huishan against Chen Yinan.

Regardless, the photos were taken by Sister Yan.

Chen Yinan pulled a long face and said to us, “I’m very angry!”

I scratched my head awkwardly. “We had no choice; it’s our job. If people pay, we can’t just refuse.”

Sister Yan bowed to Chen Yinan apologetically. “I’m sorry! I didn’t expect this outcome. If you want compensation…”

Before she could finish, Chen Yinan interrupted, “How could you make me look so ugly?”

“Huh?” Sister Yan and I were stunned.

Blackie glanced at the photos and said, “You’re ugly to begin with. You’re not even as good-looking as a rock!”

“Shut up, you big dummy!” Chen Yinan retorted at Blackie.

I gave Blackie a thumbs-up—sharp observation!

Chen Yinan ignored him and pointed at the photos. “The composition, the focus—it’s all amateur level! And your camera is so unprofessional; the pictures are truly blurry! How could the results be good?”

“For example, this one—you shot directly into the light, making me look like a person from Africa!”

“You should have stood at this angle and captured me the moment I stepped out the door. That way, my expression would be perfect, making the photo more authentic!”

Sister Yan and I were dumbfounded, unable to react for a while.

Chen Yinan pointed to his nose and said, “So, what you’re lacking most right now is a professional photographer! Luckily, that’s me! That’s why you need me!”

“No, Butt Guy!” I patted his shoulder. “The problem is, my little shop can’t afford a big shot like you!”

Chen Yinan pointed at Blackie. “Don’t be fooled by my looks and demeanor; my demands aren’t high. I only want the same salary as this big dummy here!”

Blackie said, “Big dumb dog, my master told me to come join Stone, so I don’t want a salary. Just feed me!”

“Damn!” Chen Yinan was stunned.

Sister Yan smiled and said to Chen Yinan, “Here’s the deal: if you really want to stay, like Blackie and Liang, you’ll get three thousand a month, with room and board included. After all, this is a small shop, not a large company. We can’t offer much salary. If you accept, then stay.”

I looked at Sister Yan, puzzled. “Sis, this little place—where are all these people going to live?”

“I’ll sleep anywhere. Wherever you all sleep, I’ll sleep there too—even on the floor!” Chen Yinan immediately raised his hand.

I scolded him, “Get lost! Keep dreaming!”

Thinking back on this guy’s behavior yesterday, I seriously doubted his motives for staying here were pure. He was probably trying to flirt with Sister Yan.

Just as I was thinking about how to get rid of him, Sister Yan suddenly asked him, “Mr. Chen…”

“There’s no need to be so formal!” Chen Yinan frowned. “From now on, we’re colleagues, and you’re my boss. Don’t be so distant. Just call me Brother Nan!”

Sister Yan ignored him and continued, “Do you know any lawyers who handle litigation and property transfer? I have a few matters that need experts on this!”

“I’m the expert!” Chen Yinan patted his chest. “Don’t forget, I’m a graduate student in law at Haida University! Whatever you need done, just leave it to me!”

Sister Yan smiled and nodded. “Alright, thank you. I’ll give you the documents later. Just tell me how much you need to charge.”

“What money? It’s a one-sentence matter!” Chen Yinan acted as if it was his duty.

I patted his shoulder. “Old Chen, I love that you can brag without blushing. So cool!”

Unexpectedly, he wasn’t just boasting. That afternoon, he even went to the Chengdong Police Station and got Little Monkey released!

But the kid didn’t come to me; he went straight to the scrap yard.

Chen Yinan didn’t come back either. He took the brown paper bag Sister Yan gave him and headed to the Real Estate Transaction Center.

This building had once been a private inn. When Sister Yan and I arrived, the previous owner had already vacated.

We only rented one floor; the second to fifth floors remained empty and unleased.

In such a prime location, it was almost unbelievable that a whole building stood empty.

That afternoon, Sister Yan hired two people to remove the wooden partitions on the first and second floors and thoroughly cleaned the place.

After the former inn owner quit, many pieces of furniture remained, especially beds and tables, all wrapped in sheets, without dust or damage.

By afternoon, the second floor was ready—not only spacious dormitories but a fully equipped kitchen as well.

We weren’t in a rush to clean the upper floors. We hadn’t decided what to do with them yet. First, we needed to clean, then plan carefully.

We didn’t go out that night. After Chen Yinan returned, the four of us ordered takeout, closed the door, and ate inside the shop.

We wanted to invite Little Monkey over, but he didn’t answer any calls.

Blackie and I had gone to the scrap yard that afternoon. The gate was locked; no one answered after knocking for a long time, so we had to leave.

Sister Yan poured a beer for each of us and raised her glass.

“Brother Liang will be back tomorrow. We’ll prepare a proper welcome for him. Tonight, let's have a small gathering to welcome you all to Yan Hui Company. From now on, we’ll work together to grow Yan Hui strong and prosperous!”

Chen Yinan laughed heartily and raised his glass. “No problem! With talent like me here, it’d be hard for our company not to thrive!”

I curled my lips and glanced at him. “Who are you again?”

“You don’t even know me?” Chen Yinan pointed at his nose. “As the saying goes, ‘If you haven’t met Chen Yinan in your lifetime, even the greatest hero is in vain!’ You’ve found such a treasure—just be happy about it tonight!”

I gagged and made a vomiting gesture.

Though I hadn’t known him long, I had come to understand this guy somewhat.

He was full of hot air, yes, but his skills were real too.

Having him at Yan Hui Company, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t happy.

As we joked, my phone rang. I checked it and answered immediately.

Little Monkey’s sobbing voice came through: “Stone, Master has been poisoned and is in the hospital!”