CH 36

After returning from Teacher Ge's place, Zheng Baozhu reviewed her today's performance and organized her thoughts. She had attended classes with Teacher Ge numerous times, and each time, she felt that she gained new insights.

Of course, she didn't neglect the practice of basic skills, which was also a requirement set by Teacher Ge. Zheng Baozhu practiced lines and postures for two hours every day. This was probably the most fair thing for every actor because, regardless of how talented someone was, basic skills could only be honed through consistent practice over time; they wouldn't improve without reason.

While she was practicing, Meng Yaxin called her. Zheng Baozhu maintained the tone and manner she had just used and answered the phone, "Heh, it's you again, my unlucky star. What do you want from me today? Need my help again?"

Meng Yaxin: "..."

"Sorry for bothering you; it seems I dialed the wrong number," Meng Yaxin said and hung up the phone. Zheng Baozhu put down her phone and waited for a couple of seconds, then Meng Yaxin's call came in again.

Zheng Baozhu pressed the screen, and Meng Yaxin's voice came through the speaker, "I double-checked; I didn't dial the wrong number, so it must be your brain acting up."

"..."

Zheng Baozhu cleared her throat and spoke in a normal tone, "I'm practicing my lines; what do you want?"

Meng Yaxin made two clicking sounds and continued, "There's a fashion show on the 31st; I got two tickets. Do you want to go?"

"A fashion show?" Zheng Baozhu was a bit puzzled, "Which brand is it, and why are they having a show at this time?"

Meng Yaxin replied, "It's not an international big brand; Senrui has a collaboration with a comic IP and is holding a show to release their spring and summer collection."

Although Senrui, as Meng Yaxin said, wasn't an international big brand, it was still an established domestic brand and held a considerable market share in the country. Zheng Baozhu remembered that Senrui was particularly popular when she was a child. Later, it faced competition from other brands and gradually declined. However, in recent years, it underwent a change in style and marketing strategy, making a comeback in the public eye. Senrui now had three sub-brands, with the highest-end one targeting high-end consumers, and their prices were not low.

Zheng Baozhu was somewhat interested in these things. After thinking for a moment, she said to Meng Yaxin, "Sure, send me the time and location, and we'll meet there."

"Okay, it's at the exhibition center in Starlight Park, very close to you."

"...That's true."

The exhibition center in Star Park had hosted many exhibitions since its construction, and fashion shows were not unusual events there. Zheng Baozhu thought about going to Senrui's fashion show and took out a set of Senrui clothes from the wardrobe to wear for the event.

When they drove to the venue, almost all the parking spaces were taken, indicating the high enthusiasm for this fashion show. After parking the car, Zheng Baozhu went to Gate 3 to find Meng Yaxin. There were a lot of people at the entrance, including various internet celebrities and invited guests.

Zheng Baozhu sent a message to Meng Yaxin, "I can't find you. Why don't you find me? I think I'll be more noticeable."

Meng Yaxin: ......

True sisters. :)

Putting down her phone, Zheng Baozhu looked around... Though she didn't want to admit it, she did stand out. She spotted Meng Yaxin walking toward her. Some people even mistook Zheng Baozhu for an internet celebrity and wanted to interview her.

"No, I'm just an ordinary audience here to watch the show," Zheng Baozhu politely declined the interview and saw Meng Yaxin approaching, "My friend is here, excuse me."

She walked over to Meng Yaxin, who was holding an invitation card as she mockingly said, "Hey, it looks like you can't hide your star quality anymore."

"Calm down," Zheng Baozhu brushed her hair behind her ear and smiled at Meng Yaxin, "I thought after knowing me for so long, you'd be used to my looks."

"...Ugh," Meng Yaxin handed her an invitation card, and they entered the venue together.

Although it wasn't an international grand show, the venue was decorated in a high-end and fashionable manner. Zheng Baozhu and Meng Yaxin found their seats and couldn't resist taking selfies with their phones. There were many internet celebrities around, live streaming the event, and it was said that some brand endorsers would also appear later. Zheng Baozhu thought for a moment and suddenly tapped Meng Yaxin's shoulder, "I just remembered, isn't Lin Ziqin the spokesperson for Senrui?"

"You're just realizing it now?" Meng Yaxin took out her compact and elegantly touched up her makeup, "Otherwise, what do you think I'm so proactive for?"

"..." Zheng Baozhu fell silent for a moment, "To watch the show?"

Meng Yaxin put away her compact and seemed a bit annoyed, "Who cares if their clothes look good!"

"..."

"But Senrui has more than just Lin Ziqin as their spokesperson; I wonder which other celebrities will be here today." Meng Yaxin expressed dissatisfaction with this practice of not announcing who would attend, "I hope their clothes are nice, or else I'll have wasted my trip."

After the audience was seated, the fashion show began promptly. Senrui hired models who weren't international supermodels but had some fame in the country, resulting in a good overall effect. The designs of the clothes this time were also quite eye-catching, especially the spring and summer collections, which were artistic and romantic. Zheng Baozhu was already eyeing several pieces from the audience.

"Sensui has been doing well in recent years. Their fashion designs are getting better and better," Zheng Baozhu said to Meng Yaxin.

Meng Yaxin replied, "They underwent a restructuring at the top level and changed their designers. Indeed, their style has changed significantly. Their marketing strategy has also become smarter. First, they invited internet celebrities to endorse, and now they are so high-profile with this comic IP collaboration. You can tell they're determined to make a big impact."

"...You can also tell they really have money, definitely received new capital investment," Zheng Baozhu added.

The two of them whispered while the fashion show was coming to an end, and finally, the eagerly awaited brand spokesperson appeared.

"It's Lin Ziqin, it's Lin Ziqin!" Meng Yaxin grabbed Zheng Baozhu's hand and shook it excitedly, "We're making big money today!"

When Lin Ziqin appeared on the runway wearing the latest spring and summer men's collection, the whole venue erupted in cheers, especially from the live-streaming internet celebrities who pointed their phones at him. Lin Ziqin wasn't a professional model, but his tall and slim figure and outstanding temperament made him shine on the stage effortlessly.

"Lin Ziqin's modern outfits look so good too! Whoever said he could only play ancient roles can eat their words!" Meng Yaxin remarked. As Lin Ziqin walked a simple circle on the stage, he received another round of cheers.

The flashes of cameras never stopped and the host had a hard time stabilizing the atmosphere. She managed to conduct a brief interview with Lin Ziqin. Because he had to rush back to the drama set for filming, he stayed only for about fifteen minutes, but even when he left, many people followed him.

Zheng Baozhu glanced at Lin Ziqin, who was surrounded by the crowd, and said to Meng Yaxin next to her, "I'm going to the restroom."

"Go ahead," Meng Yaxin was still staring in the direction Lin Ziqin left, not even sparing a glance for Zheng Baozhu. Zheng Baozhu tugged at her corner and left on her own.

After so many years, Meng Yaxin hadn't changed a bit. She was still the same Meng Yaxin who preferred not to go to the restroom with her just to see a man.

Perhaps because everyone went to see Lin Ziqin, surprisingly, there weren't many people in the restroom. While Zheng Baozhu was touching up her makeup in front of the mirror, someone else walked in. She glanced over at the mirror and saw a tall and slim figure—a model who had just walked on the runway.

Zheng Baozhu only glanced at him briefly before refocusing on her makeup. However, the person stopped when he reached her and stared at Zheng Baozhu for a while before uncertainly asking, "Are you Zheng Baozhu?"

With her hand holding the lipstick pausing slightly, Zheng Baozhu twisted the lipstick back in and put it back in her purse. She looked at the person from the side and said, "Do you know me?"

Hearing this, the person smiled and said, "Is it really you? I'm Miao Siyu. I used to be in Class Nine, right next to your class."

Zheng Baozhu looked at the face in front of her and carefully recalled, "Miao Siyu?"

Seemingly uncertain if she was recognized, Miao Siyu appeared a bit embarrassed, "You might not remember me. After all, I was quite inconspicuous during our school days."

"Oh, no, it's not that. I'm not very good at remembering people," Zheng Baozhu said. Suddenly, she remembered something, "Ah, I recall now. I heard some students in our class mention you, saying something about you and Qu Zhi..."

Zheng Baozhu paused at this point. In her memory, she heard Miao Siyu's name mentioned by some classmates, saying that she had a crush on Qu Zhi and even walked home together with him after school.

She hadn't paid much attention to such things back then, but mentioning it in front of the person involved still felt a bit awkward.

Thankfully, she managed to stop in time.

Apologizing with a smile, Zheng Baozhu was about to change the subject when Miao Siyu spoke up, "Actually, everyone misunderstood that situation. Qu Zhi saw me crying that day, so he came up to comfort me. Unexpectedly, it got blown out of proportion."

Zheng Baozhu was taken aback. During their school days, many girls liked Qu Zhi, so scenarios of confessions and rejections were frequent. She didn't really care about Qu Zhi's matters, but hearing that he went to comfort someone was indeed a first.

Seeing that Zheng Baozhu seemed a bit confused, Miao Siyu smiled gently and continued, "In fact, I have a visual impairment. Because I can't distinguish things, I was often teased by my classmates. I cried that day because of this reason, and Qu Zhi came to comfort me, giving me a lot of courage. I've always been grateful to him."

As Miao Siyu finished speaking, Zheng Baozhu began to recall. It seemed that she had indeed heard classmates mention that there was a visually impaired student in the neighboring class. So, this person was Miao Siyu?

"I never expected to meet you here. You're still as beautiful as you were during our school days," Miao Siyu said. Zheng Baozhu regained her composure and smiled, saying, "Where did you get that from? You are the beautiful one here. You're a model now, that's amazing!"

Miao Siyu blushed slightly and replied, "I have to thank Qu Zhi and also thank you."

Zheng Baozhu was a bit puzzled, "Thank me?"

Miao Siyu didn't elaborate further, saying, "It doesn't matter. Let's not bring up the past. We've all become better now, and that's enough."

Zheng Baozhu didn't press any further, but she couldn't help feeling curious. After chatting for a few more moments, she added Miao Siyu on WeChat and didn't delay any longer.

When she returned to the show, most of the people had already left. Meng Yaxin was waiting there and walked up to her, "Why were you gone for so long? I thought you fell into the restroom or something."

"...I just bumped into someone," Zheng Baozhu said and then asked Meng Yaxin, "Do you remember a student named Miao Siyu from our high school days?"

"Remember her?" Meng Yaxin nodded, "She had a visual impairment, right? She became quite famous for that, and oh, there were also rumors about her and Qu Zhi."

Looking at Zheng Baozhu, she asked, "Why did you suddenly bring her up?"

Zheng Baozhu replied, "Oh, I met her in the restroom. She was one of the models in the fashion show."

"What?" Meng Yaxin was very surprised, and her face showed it. "That's impressive! Which one was she? I completely didn't recognize her."

"Me neither. Her makeup was quite heavy."

"Yeah, but now that I think about it, she was already quite tall during our school days. No wonder she can be a model," Meng Yaxin said, getting a bit excited, "Where is she now? I want to take a look too."

"She's probably backstage. She must be busy, so you shouldn't disturb her."

"Oh... then let's go to the farm. I want to check on my vegetables!"

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

She accompanied Meng Yaxin at the Starlight Farm, taking care of the vegetables for a while before returning to the hotel before it got dark. Meng Yaxin had originally wanted to go out again, but Zheng Baozhu's mind was still on Miao Siyu, so she didn't go.

When they arrived at their room's door, Zheng Baozhu glanced at Qu Zhi's door. It was the last day of the year, was Qu Zhi working overtime or out celebrating?

Standing at the door, she stared at Qu Zhi's door for a while, then walked over and raised her hand to knock.

There was no response from inside the room for a moment, so Zheng Baozhu pressed the doorbell. "Qu Zhi, are you in?"

Soon, she heard faint footsteps coming from inside the room. Zheng Baozhu stood outside until the door opened from the inside.

Qu Zhi was dressed in navy-blue sleepwear, supporting himself with one hand on the doorknob. He looked somewhat surprised, "Zheng Baozhu? Do you need something?"

Zheng Baozhu felt a bit uneasy as she pursed her lips and nodded slightly. "I have something I want to ask you."

Qu Zhi's gaze scanned her face for a moment, then he slightly opened the door to make way, "Come in, let's talk."

"Alright," Zheng Baozhu held her bag and walked into the room.

After closing the door, Qu Zhi casually picked up his outer coat from the sofa and put it on. Seeing his gesture, Zheng Baozhu couldn't help but quip, "What's with that? Are you afraid I'll have some ulterior motives toward you?"

Now that she entered his room, if there was anything to worry about, it should be that big worry!

"..." Qu Zhi remained silent and pursed his lips before saying, "No, I just felt a bit cold."

"Hmph," Zheng Baozhu coldly snorted and didn't bother to argue with him. She walked over to the sofa, sat down, and placed her bag aside. Qu Zhi took a seat on the sofa opposite her and couldn't help but glance at her, asking, "Did you just come back from outside?"

"Yes, I went to see a fashion show and even saw Lin Ziqin."

"Oh," Qu Zhi smiled, "So, what do you need from me?"

Zheng Baozhu looked at him but remained silent for a moment. Qu Zhi's expression started to look uneasy...

Fortunately, Zheng Baozhu finally spoke, "Do you remember a classmate from our high school days, Miao Siyu?"

Zheng Baozhu keenly noticed that after mentioning the name "Miao Siyu", Qu Zhi's expression changed.

Oh, perhaps the rumors back then were not as simple as just rumors? Qu Zhi seems to remember her quite clearly.

Qu Zhi fell silent for a moment before raising his gaze to look at Zheng Baozhu, "I remember. Why are you suddenly asking about this?"

"I just went to see the fashion show. She's a model now, and she was in that show," Zheng Baozhu explained.

Qu Zhi seemed somewhat surprised; his expression didn't look like pretense, "She's a model now?"

"Yes." Zheng Baozhu scrutinized him and asked, "You didn't know?"

"I didn't," Qu Zhi said, "I haven't been in contact with her for so many years."

"Oh? You don't have any contact with her, yet you remember her so clearly? So, you're the silent type, huh?" Zheng Baozhu said teasingly.

Qu Zhi: "..."

He fell silent for a moment, not offering any defense, but instead asked, "What did you talk about?"

"Not much, just some casual conversation, but she said something strange," Zheng Baozhu looked at Qu Zhi and continued, "She said she owes you gratitude for becoming a model and also thanked me."

Zheng Baozhu still couldn't understand this point, "I can understand why she thanked you since she mentioned that you comforted her when she was crying that day, giving her courage. But why would she thank me? Before and after we were separated into different classes, and I don't really remember much about her. Yet, it seems she recognizes me, like in the restroom today, she recognized me at first glance. Am I really that outstanding?"

Thinking about it, Teacher Zhang recognized her at first glance too, and today Miao Siyu also did the same. It seems she indeed leaves a lasting impression on people.

Qu Zhi listened to her and, surprisingly, didn't respond with his usual annoyance. Instead, his eyes deepened slightly. He lightly pressed his lips together and remained silent for a while before looking at Zheng Baozhu, asking, "You really don't remember anything?"

Zheng Baozhu's heart skipped a beat at his question, "What do you mean?"

Qu Zhi asked, "Did she tell you why she was crying back then?"

Zheng Baozhu nodded, "She said she heard some classmates making fun of her."

Qu Zhi looked at her, his jaw slightly clenched, and said, "You were one of those classmates."