CH 18

Qu Zhi didn't say anything; Zheng Baozhu indeed didn't notice the series of messages from Tan Yao.

Moreover, she didn't find anything unusual with the message.

"Oh," She finished reading the chat log of the messages Tan Yao had just sent, and replied to him, "Watching a movie might not be possible, but we can have dinner. Let's eat at our restaurant, my treat."

Tan Yao, who had been anxiously waiting: "......"

Not watching a movie was fine, but having dinner at her restaurant lacked the right atmosphere!

Tan Yao: What are you busy with every day? I often don't see you at the hotel.

Zheng Baozhu: Doing side business.

"......"

Tan Yao hadn't expected her to be so ambitious. At her age, owning a hotel already exceeded the capabilities of many people of the same age.

Tan Yao: What kind of side business?

Zheng Baozhu: You'll naturally know when I succeed.

Tan Yao: ......So mysterious.

Zheng Baozhu: Sigh, if I fail, it would be so embarrassing. But if I succeed, I'll make it my main business.

Zheng Baozhu: When are you free? I'll treat you to the meal.

Tan Yao: I think you're busier than me. Let's go with your schedule. 

Zheng Baozhu: Okay, I'm not free tomorrow, how about the day after?

After Zheng Baozhu finished replying to the message, she looked up, and Qu Zhi was no longer there.

When did he leave?

Zheng Baozhu raised her eyebrows, took her phone, and went directly to pick up the car. The notice she got tonight required her to gather at five in the morning, so Zheng Baozhu could only go there one night early and stay at the rented apartment.

Getting up at five in the morning was quite challenging, especially in cold weather. Zheng Baozhu set five alarms for herself, afraid that she might oversleep. If she missed the gathering, someone else might take advantage of the opportunity.

Before going to bed, she double-checked her alarms, set from 4:30 am to 4:45 am, to put her mind at ease and sleep.

The next day, when the alarm went off at 4:30 am, Zheng Baozhu felt completely disoriented. After a moment of confusion, the second alarm went off, even louder than the first one.

Zheng Baozhu quickly sat up in bed, but before she could fully recover, the third alarm started ringing.

Finally, she managed to turn off the alarm and got up to wash up. While brushing her teeth, she couldn't help but think: If I had this kind of determination back in high school, maybe I'd be a highly sought-after talent by the government now; perhaps Qu Zhi wouldn't have snatched the penthouse from me.

After washing up, Zheng Baozhu didn't bother with makeup and directly put on a mask before heading out. Initially, she felt compelled to maintain her image, despite knowing that once she was on the set, the makeup artist remove everything and start from scratch. Nevertheless, she still insisted on wearing makeup every day when going out.

However, as time went by, she grew more at ease with just wearing a mask, thereby saving the makeup artist some time.

The meeting point was near the Film and Television City. Zheng Baozhu drove her car there on time. After parking, she saw Wang Jingyi, who greeted her warmly.

It had been a while since the two of them worked on the same set. Wang Jingyi ran over excitedly, teasing Zheng Baozhu about her fancy car.

"Wow, I've heard about people delivering food in a Maserati and setting up a stall in a Maybach, but today, I get to witness someone driving a Porsche while being an extra!" Wang Jingyi exclaimed.

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

Rich people sure could be over the top!

They joined the group together.

"The crew has prepared breakfast; let's go get it and then head to the makeup room!" Wang Jingyi hooked her arm around Zheng Baozhu's and led her to queue up for breakfast. The breakfast on the set was simple, soy milk and bread, but at least it was served hot and was quite satisfying.

As she was eating breakfast, Zheng Baozhu removed her mask. Wang Jingyi, although accustomed to seeing her without makeup, couldn't help but sigh, "Your skin is so good! It's so fair and flawless!"

Zheng Baozhu had always had great features, coupled with good skin, which made her look beautiful even without makeup.

Zheng Baozhu thought for a moment and replied, "Maybe it's genetic; my family has good skin."

Wang Jingyi fell silent, realizing that while skincare products and treatments could help to a certain extent, good genes were something that couldn't be imitated or acquired. :)

Today, they were filming another historical drama. Zheng Baozhu and Wang Jingyi were playing disciples from the same sect. This time, their costumes were more elegant than the previous fantasy-themed drama, with long flowing sleeves, which added to their charm.

Upon arriving at the shooting location, they realized that they were working with Lin Ziqin's crew again!

This made Wang Jingyi ecstatic, considering the scenes they were going to shoot today.

Both of them were playing two lovestruck disciples. They not only had to interact with the male lead, but they also had to intentionally bump into him!

What a stroke of luck! Wang Jingyi couldn't contain her excitement and her joy was evident.

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

She felt that today's scenes were tailor-made for Wang Jingyi.

Wang Jingyi was excited throughout the day until they got to their scenes in the afternoon. Before the filming began, Zheng Baozhu pulled Wang Jingyi to her right side and said, "I've checked the script; the male lead will come from this direction. You walk here, then you can bump into him!"

Wang Jingyi's hands trembled with excitement, "I-I-I'm a bit scared!"

"Don't worry!" Zheng Baozhu reassured, "When the time comes, we'll walk ahead together, and I'll bump into you, pushing you into his arms!"

"!" Wang Jingyi looked at Zheng Baozhu, tears welling up in her eyes, "Sister, you're like my Dad in this life!"

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

That's a bit exaggerated.

The director soon started filming. The scene they would be filming should go like this: The male lead, Lin Ziqin, would walk over from a distance. Zheng Baozhu would first exchange love-struck glances with Wang Jingyi, then they would intentionally step forward, pretending to accidentally bump into him and fall into his arms.

Zheng Baozhu could feel how nervous Wang Jingyi was; her shoulders were slightly trembling.

As Lin Ziqin approached them, Zheng Baozhu seized the right moment, using her shoulder to bump Wang Jingyi. Wang Jingyi stumbled and fell toward Lin Ziqin's direction. The male lead, known for his cold and aloof demeanor, gently supported the person who bumped into him without even changing his expression, and then he silently walked away.

"Cut! That shot's done!"

The shooting went smoothly, and after the director called for a break, Wang Jingyi was still reminiscing about the moment she bumped into Lin Ziqin.

She had actually bumped into him! It was the happiest thing ever!

"Thank you, Dad!" she shouted towards Zheng Baozhu.

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

Not necessary at all.

At five o'clock, the sky began to darken. However, the crew finished work early today, letting them go at six o'clock. After changing back into their own clothes, Wang Jingyi walked out with Zheng Baozhu while boasting about her achievements today to her other friends.

"There's a line over there to collect something," Zheng Baozhu patted Wang Jingyi, "What are they queuing for?"

Wang Jingyi glanced over but couldn't make sense of it, "I don't know. Whatever it is, let's just go and collect it!"

Zheng Baozhu: "......"

Just as Wang Jingyi pulled her over, some people had already come out of the queue from inside. Wang Jingyi asked them and found out that it was a treat from Lin Ziqin to the crew, inviting everyone for tea and snacks.

"Oh my goodness, not only did I run into Lin Ziqin today, but I also got to enjoy the tea and snacks he treated us to! I declare today as Wang Jingyi's lucky day!" Wang Jingyi exclaimed excitedly, dancing with joy. Zheng Baozhu also went to collect a portion, both the tea and snacks were still very warm. As they say, one must not refuse others' kindness. Zheng Baozhu decided that from today onwards, she would consider herself an "extra" of Lin Ziqin.

On the way back to the hotel in the car, Wang Jingyi had been hesitating to drink her bubble tea; instead, she kept taking photos of it. On the other hand, Zheng Baozhu finished hers. When Wang Jingyi saw this and she exclaimed anxiously, "How did you finish it already?!!"

Zheng Baozhu was puzzled, "Can't I finish it?"

"......Calories, calories! Don't you have any awareness as a star?!"

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

"Don't worry, I won't gain weight," Zheng Baozhu tried to reassure her.

Wang Jingyi: "..."

She decided to cut off her "Dad" relationship with Zheng Baozhu.

After removing their makeup at the hotel, Zheng Baozhu put her mask back on and said, "Where are you staying? I can drop you off on my way."

"Sure, thank you!" Wang Jingyi got into the car and couldn't resist taking a few selfies. "By the way, there's an audition for supporting actors next week. Are you going to sign up?"

Zheng Baozhu thought for a moment and nodded, "Yes, I'll go. If I don't pass this time, I'll wait for the next opportunity."

Wang Jingyi said, "I'm sure you'll pass on your first try! Although they evaluate the lines and acting skills for the supporting role auditions, looking beautiful is still essential!"

Zheng Baozhu replied, "But there are many beautiful girls at the Film and Television City."

"You are even more beautiful than them! You have the aura of a big star; I believe in you!"

Zheng Baozhu smiled and said, "Thank you. Let's work hard together."

"Sure thing."

After dropping off Wang Jingyi, Zheng Baozhu drove straight back to the Starlight Farm. She remembered that tonight, Qi Sheng was treating the people from Euro Grand Hotel to a meal, so she went to the restaurant to check on the situation. She had arranged a private room for Qi Sheng and found out they were still dining inside. She asked the service staff at the entrance, "Are they still eating?"

"Yes, it seems like the atmosphere is good."

"That's good."

Zheng Baozhu nodded and then the staff informed her, "Oh, by the way, Miss Baozhu, Liang Huihui took a two-day leave. She said she had something to attend to."

Zheng Baozhu was taken aback and asked, "Did Huihui mention where she was going?"

"No," the staff continued, lowering their voice and leaning towards Zheng Baozhu, "But I saw her booking a flight ticket yesterday."

Zheng Baozhu furrowed her eyebrows slightly. Could Huihui have gone to H City to find Li Yifan? Why did she go alone? This seemed like a risky move!

"I see. I'll call her later," Zheng Baozhu said, and then she went upstairs. On her way, she called Liang Huihui, but there was no response. She ended up sending her a message, offering help if she needed anything.

After reaching her room, Zheng Baozhu took off her mask, quickly freshened up her makeup, and decided to head to the restaurant to have some food.

When she arrived, it seemed like the group in Qi Sheng's private room was engaged in a drinking game. Though she despised the drinking culture at such gatherings, it was difficult to avoid. Zheng Baozhu couldn't help but sigh at the fact that even scientific researchers had to face such situations. Especially Qu Zhi, who always acted high and mighty; how could he handle these situations? Wouldn't he leave immediately if he felt unhappy?

Curious, Zheng Baozhu glanced inside the room and saw a boss, who seemed quite tipsy, encouraging Qu Zhi to drink. Qu Zhi's face had turned dark, and if it weren't for Qi Sheng holding him back, Zheng Baozhu was certain he would have left on the spot.

Seeing Qu Zhi refusing to drink, another person stood up with a drink in hand and approached him. Qi Sheng tried to intervene and block the drink, but the boss insisted on Qu Zhi drinking. The atmosphere became tense for a moment until Zheng Baozhu knocked on the door and entered with a smile, "Hey, everyone, how's the meal going?"

All eyes turned to her. The person who had been insisting on Qu Zhi drinking scrutinized her and asked, "Who's this?"

"I'm the owner here and also Qu Zhi's old classmate," Zheng Baozhu said with a smile as she took a glass and poured herself some wine, "I heard you all were dining here today, so I came over to say hello."

"Oh, you're the owner, huh? Didn't expect the owner to be so young and beautiful."

"You're too kind," Zheng Baozhu clinked glasses with him, "What's the point of forcing Qu Zhi to drink? Let me have a couple of drinks with you all instead."

"Sure!" The attention of the other bosses immediately shifted to Zheng Baozhu, and after a few rounds, they found themselves defeated by her.

Qi Sheng: "..."

"Miss Baozhu, you're amazing," Qi Sheng gave Zheng Baozhu a thumbs-up.

Zheng Baozhu seemed unfazed. On the other hand, only one of the executives from the other side was still standing. He didn't continue drinking with Zheng Baozhu and instead confirmed the signing agreement with Qi Sheng before a driver came to help the tipsy guests leave the room.

Qi Sheng and Qu Zhi both went to see the guests off. Zheng Baozhu also followed behind them. As they watched the cars drive away, Qi Sheng let out a deep sigh and said, "Oh my, it's finally over."

Qu Zhi, with a cold expression, said, "Don't invite me to these kind of occasions next time."

"Okay, okay, I know you made a significant sacrifice today. I'll make sure to mention it when reporting to Professor Luo tomorrow!" Qi Sheng praised him and then looked at Zheng Baozhu, "But the biggest hero of today is still Miss Baozhu! If it weren't for her, I think it would have been us who needed help leaving."

Zheng Baozhu didn't react much after he spoke. Qi Sheng looked at her curiously and asked, "Miss Baozhu, why are you not saying anything?"

Suddenly, Zheng Baozhu turned her head, raised her right hand high, and shouted into the night sky, "Warrior—Transform!!"

Qi Sheng: "..."

Qu Zhi: "..."

But that wasn't the end of it. Zheng Baozhu even hummed the theme song to herself and started dancing!

Qi Sheng & Qu Zhi: "..."

Zheng Baozhu had learned dancing when she was young, and although she was a bit tipsy now, her dance moves were still surprisingly well executed.

The shock was too much for Qi Sheng and Qu Zhi; they just stood there, watching her complete the short dance.

Her pose finally froze in the iconic Sailor Moon fighting stance.

The night breeze brushed past the three and the place returned to silence. Qi Sheng quietly took out his phone and activated the video recording function, "Miss Baozhu, do it again."

And incredibly so, Zheng Baozhu actually did it again.

Qu Zhi: "..."

Before Zheng Baozhu finished her dance, Qu Zhi closed Qi Sheng's phone camera, then he walked up and held Zheng Baozhu, "That's enough, let's go back and dance some other time."

Qi Sheng watched the recorded video and followed them, laughing, "After you wake up tomorrow from your alcohol haze, I'll send this video to everyone, hahaha!"

"..." Qu Zhi supported Zheng Baozhu and walked back, giving Qi Sheng a glance, "I wonder why she drank so much."

Cough, cough. Qi Sheng cleared his throat twice, put away his phone, and walked up to Zheng Baozhu, "Miss Baozhu, next time on such occasions, let me handle it. You don't have to drink."

Zheng Baozhu didn't like his suggestion, "What do you mean? Are you looking down on me?"

"It's not that. After all, you're still a child..."

"So what if I'm a child!" Zheng Baozhu debated with him, "Do you think that battlefield belongs only to adults? Saving the world doesn't necessarily require only adults; it can also be warriors!"

She continued, pushing Qu Zhi aside and raising her right hand high, "Moon Prism Power—"

"Stop, stop, stop!" Qi Sheng quickly grabbed her raised hand, "Let's not do that anymore, alright?"

Unhappily, Zheng Baozhu looked at him, "What's wrong with you, playing the villain? How dare you interrupt my spellcasting?"

Qi Sheng: "..."

"If you don't follow the script, you'll have your pay deducted," Zheng Baozhu started complaining, and Qu Zhi used the opportunity to guide her into the elevator. Qi Sheng didn't follow; he went to find Manager Wei, thinking that children should be taken care of properly.

Zheng Baozhu and Qu Zhi stayed on the same floor. Qu Zhi escorted her to the door and said, "Open the door."

"Huh?" Zheng Baozhu glanced at him and then at the door in front of her, "Is this my room?"

"...Why wouldn't it be?"

"It can't be. I'm a warrior; I live on the moon!"

"..."

Qu Zhi directly reached out and used her thumb to press the doorknob.

And it unexpectedly opened.

After the door opened, Qu Zhi helped Zheng Baozhu to the sofa. As he put her down, Qu Zhi finally breathed a sigh of relief. But unexpectedly, before he could stand up straight, Zheng Baozhu grabbed his tie and pulled him down.

Qu Zhi quickly stabilized himself by placing his hand on the sofa and managed to steady their positions.

Zheng Baozhu remained oblivious and closed her eyes, humming the theme song of the warrior.

Qu Zhi furrowed his brows; he thought Qi Sheng was right – children shouldn't drink so much.

Zheng Baozhu's face was close to his, and though they had known each other for many years, they had never been this close before.