CH 52

Zheng Baozhu and Qu Zhi had known each other since primary school, and both families were quite familiar with each other. However, Su Mingxi had never considered setting up Zheng Baozhu and Qu Zhi because she knew they had not gotten along since they were little.

So hearing Qu Zhi suddenly say he liked Zheng Baozhu, Su Mingxi was a bit puzzled, "Um, Qu Zhi, I know you want to help Baozhu, but you don't have to tell such lies."

"..."

Qu Zhi fell silent for a moment and looked at Su Mingxi, "Aunt Su, although there were misunderstandings between Baozhu and me when we were young, after I came back this time, we got to know each other in a new light. I'm not saying this to cover for Baozhu or on a whim. You have watched me grow up, and you know my character. I wouldn't make up something like this."

"Well, that's true. You've always taken everything seriously since you were young," Su Mingxi thought Qu Zhi wouldn't casually make things up, but still found it somewhat unbelievable, "So, you mean you realized you liked Baozhu after returning home this time?"

"You can say that," Qu Zhi didn't deny it, "So, there's no need to worry. I will be by Baozhu's side and won't let her bear those negative emotions alone. If any symptoms of depression arise, I will accompany her through the treatment. So, please, allow Baozhu to pursue what she loves and follow her dreams."

Su Mingxi exchanged a glance with Grandma Su, seemingly uncertain. They both remained silent for a moment before Su Mingxi spoke again, "Qu Zhi, you suddenly said this, and we weren't prepared, but if you and Baozhu talk about it, we will certainly feel relieved. But about you liking Baozhu, have you told her yet?"

"Not yet," Qu Zhi's lips tightened with a trace of distress, "Because of past misunderstandings, I want to find a suitable opportunity to tell her."

"Oh, I see..." Su Mingxi nodded slowly, then looked at him, "Qu Zhi, I don't doubt you, but you also have a busy schedule in your research work. Look at your parents; they're hardly ever at home all year round. I guess you won't have much time to accompany Baozhu."

Qu Zhi explained, "Aunt Su, research projects vary, even between me and my parents. I won't be like them, locked up in a research base. I can go home every day."

"But if Baozhu is filming outside..."

"Aunt Su, times have changed in the last twenty years." Qu Zhi preempted what Su Mingxi was about to say, "During these twenty years, our country has rapidly developed, not only economically but also in technology and infrastructure. The internet allows people thousands of miles apart to see each other anytime. We can have daily calls and video chats. If we want to meet in person, it's just a two to three-hour flight away. Distance is not a problem in modern society."

As soon as Zheng Baozhu walked in, she heard Qu Zhi's remarks. She paused with her phone in hand and looked at Qu Zhi's straight back, "Ah, are you giving a technology lecture? Right on time."

Dr. Qu truly lived up to his name; there seemed to be no limit to his knowledge-sharing, regardless of time and place!

Qu Zhi turned around and looked at Zheng Baozhu. Su Mingxi and Grandma Su also focused their gazes on her, resulting in an eerie silence in the room.

"..."

Zheng Baozhu felt a bit embarrassed under their gaze, "Did I interrupt your lecture? Well, I also want to hear it. Is it not allowed?"

"............"

In the end, Su Mingxi's awkward laughter broke the silence, "Haha, you came in a bit late. We've already finished the lecture."

Zheng Baozhu shrugged; she wasn't actually interested in the lecture. She walked up to her grandmother and bent down to look at the wheelchair, "Grandma, how's it going?"

"Good, good," Grandma Su chuckled and nodded.

"That's great," Zheng Baozhu also nodded, "If you encounter any problems, you can call me anytime. And since we have a new wheelchair at home, we should leave some extra space and not clutter the room with unnecessary things."

"Who said I don't want those things? You don't need to worry. With such a large house, I still have plenty of room for a wheelchair," Grandma Su demonstrated by moving around with the chair, "You see, it's flexible."

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

"By the way, when you go back today, visit Teacher Ge as well," Grandma Su finished showcasing the wheelchair and began giving instructions again, "Teacher Ge came to see me last time during the holiday. We should pay him a visit too. It is not convenient for me, so I'll have you go on my behalf. Take the snacks and drinks by the sofa with you, and while you're there, tell him that I'm doing fine and there's no need to worry."

"Okay," Zheng Baozhu nodded; it was also an opportunity to give Teacher Ge the certificates from her charity work.

"Then you and Qu Zhi go out first. Your grandfather is cooking, you two can have lunch here. Your mom and I will discuss this wheelchair further."

"Oh..." Zheng Baozhu glanced at Qu Zhi and walked out with him. Once they left, Su Mingxi closed the door and started a little discussion with her mother.

"You see, what did I say?" Grandma Su's eyes sparkled with the wisdom of an elder, "Ever since that time Qu Zhi chased after our Baozhu back in fifth grade, I knew he couldn't bear to be without her!"

Su Mingxi: "..."

She felt it might not be the case.

"Do you think what Qu Zhi said just now was true?" Grandma Su asked Su Mingxi. After thinking for a moment, Su Mingxi nodded, "Qu Zhi is a reliable kid. If he said that, he must really mean it."

Grandma Su also nodded, feeling somewhat relieved, "If Baozhu and Qu Zhi really get together, it will definitely be a good thing. There's a saying in books that being with someone outside of work can lead to healing and self-discovery. If Baozhu has a stable relationship, it should be beneficial."

"Yes, having someone by her side to care for her is definitely better. Moreover, we can trust Qu Zhi," To be honest, Su Mingxi had always been worried about Zheng Baozhu's future relationships since she was as beautiful as her late sister. Su Mingxi feared that Zheng Baozhu might encounter someone unsuitable, "Qu Zhi is intelligent and attentive, so he might even notice things about Baozhu more easily than we do."

"You're right, but he hasn't confessed his feelings to Baozhu yet," Grandma Su suddenly noticed a loophole, "We can make all these plans, but in the end, it depends on whether he takes action or not."

In the living room, Zheng Baozhu sat on the sofa and curiously asked Qu Zhi, "How did you end up talking about technological development just now?"

"..."

Qu Zhi's face remained calm as he said, "We talked about it from the perspective of wheelchair development and its changes."

"Oh... you never cease to amaze me."

Qu Zhi glanced at her and asked, "What about you? Who were you sneakily talking to on the phone earlier?"

"Who else but Director Gao," Zheng Baozhu whispered as she chatted with him, "He asked if everything was settled at home, afraid that I wouldn't be able to come back to the set for additional filming later."

"Oh," Qu Zhi nodded, "I think about ninety percent of it should be resolved. The remaining ten percent might just need a bit more time."

Zheng Baozhu widened her eyes, "How is it already ninety percent?" Judging from her grandmother's attitude before, it would be at most sixty percent, no more.

Qu Zhi didn't say anything, and seeing Zheng Baozhu didn't press him further, he heaved a sigh and dropped the topic. After having lunch at her grandmother's place, Zheng Baozhu carried multiple bags of gifts for Teacher Ge and headed downstairs to get the car. Qu Zhi saw that she couldn't handle it all with both hands and wanted to help, but Su Mingxi stopped him before they left the house, "Qu Zhi."

She motioned for him to come over. Qu Zhi glanced at Zheng Baozhu, then stepped back and asked, "What's the matter, Aunt Su?"

Su Mingxi smiled warmly at him and said, "Nothing much, I just want to tell you that you should tell your feelings to Baozhu sooner rather than later. If there's anything we can do to help, we're more than willing to do so."

"Okay," Confessing his feelings to Zheng Baozhu was still somewhat awkward for Qu Zhi, "I'll find the right opportunity to talk to her. Thank you, Aunt Su."

"That's good to hear. Now, you two go on, and be careful on the way."

"Okay," Only then did Qu Zhi go out to catch up with Zheng Baozhu.

The house where Zheng Baozhu's grandparents lived was purchased by her uncle and her mother together when she was in university. It was a property in a building with elevators, which was more suitable for the elderly. Zheng Baozhu waited for a while in the elevator lobby, carrying her things, until Qu Zhi arrived. She glanced at him and asked, "Why are you walking so slowly?"

Qu Zhi pressed the elevator button and casually took the things Zheng Baozhu was carrying, "Aunt Su said a few things to me before we left."

Curiously, Zheng Baozhu asked, "What did my mom say to you?"

"She asked me to take good care of you," Qu Zhi replied.

"Ahem..." Zheng Baozhu felt a bit uneasy and looked up at the descending numbers. Although she knew that her mom didn't mean anything else when saying that, it was still a little strange to hear Qu Zhi say it out loud.

"By the way, I need to go see Teacher Ge first. Do you want to come with me?" She stared at the elevator door and asked Qu Zhi.

Qu Zhi nodded, "Sure, it's not convenient for you to carry so many things."

"Yeah, the alley where Teacher Ge lives is not suitable for driving. Usually, I just park the car outside and walk in," she explained.

Qu Zhi chuckled and said, "It's okay, I can help you carry the things."

Worried that Teacher Ge might be celebrating the Lunar New Year at his relatives' home, Zheng Baozhu had called him in advance to confirm his availability, "Teacher Ge said he's at home. Let's go straight there," She opened the car door and let Qu Zhi put everything on the back seat.

Among the items was a certificate she received for her charitable work as the tuition fees. Qu Zhi took a glance at it, then put the things down and closed the door.

The roads were not too crowded today, so Zheng Baozhu drove smoothly. When they arrived at Teacher Ge's place, she parked the car outside and walked in with Qu Zhi.

Aunt Wang, who was out shopping, saw Zheng Baozhu walking toward her and greeted her with surprise, "Baozhu, it's been a while since you last came!"

With a smile, Zheng Baozhu replied, "I was busy filming on the set, so I didn't have time for classes."

"Oh, I know!" Aunt Wang clapped her hands with excitement, "Is it for 'New Moon Wuxin Sword'? I saw it online, your look is so pretty!"

As she said this, Aunt Wang noticed Qu Zhi standing next to Zheng Baozhu. She took a closer look at this tall and handsome man and hesitated before asking Zheng Baozhu, "Baozhu, is this your boyfriend?"

Zheng Baozhu glanced at Qu Zhi and thought about how eager Aunt Wang had been to introduce someone to her before. She lightly nodded her head and said, "It's close enough."

Qu Zhi didn't expect her to admit it and he glanced at her with surprise. Aunt Wang's expression also changed for a moment, but then she forced a smile and said, "Oh, oh, this young man looks handsome. Why didn't you tell me you had a boyfriend?"

Zheng Baozhu replied, "We just confirmed our relationship recently."

Indeed, it was just confirmed, very recently.

Aunt Wang could only say, "It's okay, it's okay. You came to see Teacher Ge, right? I just saw him in the courtyard. He should be waiting for you. Hurry and go."

"Alright, then, see you later, Aunt Wang," Zheng Baozhu said and handed her a few pieces of fruit. After she and Qu Zhi walked away, Aunt Wang watched their backs and couldn't help shaking her head, "Ah, he's so talented and good-looking. I knew my nephew wouldn't have a chance."

As Qu Zhi and Zheng Baozhu walked ahead, he casually asked, "Was that Aunt Wang trying to introduce someone to you?"

"Yeah, she's been really eager about it," Zheng Baozhu said, "I told her there's no need, but she just can't sit still."

"Oh, who did she want to introduce to you?"

"Seems like her nephew, a doctor at some hospital."

Qu Zhi said, "Doctors have busy jobs, they may be called in for emergency surgeries at any time. If there are special cases, they can be even busier. They might not be available for days or even half a month."

"...Well," Zheng Baozhu glanced at him sideways, "Aren't you researchers almost the same?"

"I can go home every day," Qu Zhi responded.

"...Oh, you're quite proud," she teased him, "We're here."

Zheng Baozhu and Qu Zhi arrived at Teacher Ge's doorstep. She glanced into the courtyard and indeed saw Teacher Ge sitting in the pavilion, with a teapot on the table and an old-fashioned charcoal stove at his feet.

"Teacher Ge," Zheng Baozhu called out as she walked in. Ge Hongyi looked towards the entrance and saw a young man walking in with Zheng Baozhu. He vaguely remembered seeing this young man at Grandma Su's place before. He initially thought he was a relative, but now, seeing him here with Zheng Baozhu, it was more likely that he was her boyfriend?

He greeted Zheng Baozhu with a smile and then looked at Qu Zhi, "Who is this young man?"

"Oh, he's Qu Zhi, my old classmate," Zheng Baozhu said and then whispered to Ge Hongyi, "But I just told Aunt Wang that he's my boyfriend, so when you see Aunt Wang, please say he's my boyfriend too."

Hearing this, Ge Hongyi smiled and nodded, "Sure, got it." He smiled at Zheng Baozhu and Qu Zhi, "Your old classmate and you grew up together since childhood?"

"Yes."

"So, childhood sweethearts?"

"..."

In the past, Zheng Baozhu would have firmly denied it and said they were arch-enemies. But now, she suddenly realized that she didn't seem to mind that much.

"Where do you work now, Mr. Qu?" Ge Hongyi asked Qu Zhi with a smile.

"You can just call me Qu Zhi. I work at the Science and Technology Park," Qu Zhi replied.

Ge Hongyi pondered for a moment, "Is it the newly built Science and Technology Park in the south of the city?"

"Yes."

"That place attracts high-end talents recruited by the government. It seems like you're quite outstanding," Ge Hongyi remarked, adding, "A good match for Baozhu."

Zheng Baozhu felt her heart inexplicably flutter, quickly pushing the gifts they brought towards Ge Hongyi, "Teacher Ge, these are gifts from my grandmother. For the New Year's greetings."

"Very thoughtful of you," Ge Hongyi set the gifts aside and asked Zheng Baozhu, "How is your grandmother doing?"

"It's not a big problem; you don't need to worry, Teacher Ge," Zheng Baozhu said gratefully, "Thank you for visiting my grandmother. Her attitude has changed now."

"That's good to hear. Please take a seat; we can chat while enjoying some tea," Ge Hongyi invited them to sit down, placing two tea cups in front of them and pouring tea.

"By the way, Teacher Ge, these are certificates I received for my charity work. Since I did it under your name, could you please keep these certificates?" Zheng Baozhu handed over the certificates she had received. Ge Hongyi glanced at them and placed the certificates together with the gifts Zheng Baozhu brought, "Sure, I will keep them safe."

After taking a sip of tea, Zheng Baozhu hesitated for a moment and then spoke up, "Teacher Ge, actually, there's something I wanted to ask you about today."

Ge Hongyi nodded, "Go ahead."

Zheng Baozhu said, "My grandmother showed me my aunt's final letter; in it, she mentioned that before her passing, my aunt was involved with a man. Do you happen to know who that man was?"