CH 57

That night, Zheng Baozhu carefully reflected on when these thoughts about Qu Zhi began. Was it that evening when she saw him alone on the blind path, moving the shared bicycle in the cold wind? Or was it when she saw his lecture in elementary school? Whenever Qu Zhi talked about his expertise and ideals, he always had a captivating charm. Just like tonight when he spoke at the charity event, he seemed so charismatic.

"..."

The more she thought about it, the more Zheng Baozhu felt that something was off with herself.

She covered her head with a blanket and closed her eyes, hoping that she wouldn't have any strange dreams tonight.

The next morning, when she woke up, half of Zheng Baozhu's face was still buried in the blanket. She glanced outside, picked up her phone from the bedside table, and checked the time.

It was already past 8 o'clock. It seemed that despite pondering too much before going to sleep, it didn't affect her ability to sleep. She hadn't dreamed anything strange last night, just dreaming about her high school days with Qu Zhi. Brushing aside her hair with one hand, she opened Weibo and checked the trending topics.

Today, there were no scandals, no one going to jail, and no major controversies. The trending topics seemed rather unremarkable. The only thing that caught Zheng Baozhu's attention was the charity event they attended yesterday, which surprisingly made it to the trending list. Compared to the star-studded charity events, this one was quite low-profile, with only about 30+ positions on the trending list. Just as she was about to click on it, she noticed another trending topic right below it, titled [Zheng Baozhu].

Zheng Baozhu was taken aback and quickly clicked on it. It turned out to be a post about her attending the charity event yesterday, accompanied by high-resolution pictures. While the pictures might not have been as photoshopped as those of the celebrities, Zheng Baozhu relied on her natural beauty to stand out.

Though the trending topic wasn't ranked high, some netizens still noticed it and began commenting on the photos, lavishing her with praise and compliments. However, there were also some who made snide remarks, saying that she was trying to show off even before becoming famous.

"..."

She thought to herself, if she were going to show off, she should at least aim for the top spot on the trending list. What was the point of staying in the 30+ range?

Fortunately, some keen-eyed netizens came to her defense.

「My mom also attended this charity event. She said, only those who have been doing charity work and donating a significant amount of money were invited [doge].」

This comment quickly received numerous likes and pushed her trending topic to the top. Zheng Baozhu decided not to join in the self-promotion, so she exited the trending topic.

She then scrolled through the trending list and saw [Qu Zhi] listed a few positions below.

Zheng Baozhu: "!"

This trending topic was undoubtedly related to last night's event; Professor Qu managed to ride the coattails of the trending topics with his remarkable looks. Zheng Baozhu took a screenshot of the trending list and sent it to Qu Zhi.

Zheng Baozhu: After so many years, I finally got a trending topic ahead of you! [Picture]

Qu Zhi opened the picture she sent and replied with a single word: …Impressive.

Zheng Baozhu: 

Zheng Baozhu: Just say it, did you intentionally match outfits with me last night? Even the netizens noticed it! 

Qu Zhi: ...Coincidence.

Zheng Baozhu: Pfft, you clearly knew I was going to wear gold! 

Qu Zhi: ...I'm at work, let's talk at lunch.

Zheng Baozhu raised an eyebrow, feeling speechless. Did he just work-dodge her?

Putting her phone down, Zheng Baozhu got up from the bed. During this period, she had been busy preparing for her personal studio with Zhou Xiaonan. After a few rounds of selection, they had finally identified a location for the studio, and they planned to visit the site that afternoon. The studio was located in a quiet and serene park within the city, an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling city.

There were already several studios in the park; the one they were going to see today was a relocated studio. The developer had recently rented out the building after the previous occupant moved out. The three-story building had a unique artistic style and the previous owner had left some small decorations behind.

"I think this interior design is quite good. With a few adjustments, it will be perfect. This way, we can save time. What do you think?" After taking a tour of the place with Zhou Xiaonan, Zheng Baozhu discussed their ideas.

"I agree. After all, we'll need a place for our employees to work once they join us," Zhou Xiaonan said, and then she casually asked, "I saw the trending topic about you yesterday, the charity event?"

"Yes, I received an invitation from the organizers, so I attended," Zheng Baozhu replied with a smile, "I didn't expect it to trend."

"...Right, that's good," Zhou Xiaonan wanted to say that many celebrities envy not being able to trend, but she stopped herself, "I saw your photos online, they were beautiful. Did you do the makeup yourself?"

"Yes, I used to attend similar events frequently, so I know some professional makeup artists."

Nodding, Zhou Xiaonan thought for a while and began arranging work for Zheng Baozhu: "I noticed that your photos received a good response online. How about next month, we take advantage of the spring season and shoot a large-scale spring-themed photoshoot?"

"A spring-themed photoshoot?"

"Yes," Zhou Xiaonan nodded, "Your drama won't be airing for a while, so during this time, we should do something else to maintain your presence. Most of the attention you've received so far is due to your appearance. I think a photoshoot will not only solidify your presence but also potentially attract more attention."

"That sounds good. I don't have any other projects at the moment anyway," Zheng Baozhu agreed, thinking it was a great idea, and she liked taking photos too.

"Then I'll start making arrangements."

"Okay."

Although Zhou Xiaonan had left Starlight Entertainment, she still had some connections, and she quickly contacted a professional team for Zheng Baozhu. Despite the early spring temperatures not being too high, the flowers in Starlight Park and Lizhe Park had started to bloom. The photography team selected several beautiful locations and chose a perfect day to take photos of Zheng Baozhu.

Zheng Baozhu wore a beautiful spring dress from Senrui's runway collection. It was the same dress she had liked when she went to see the show with Meng Yaxin. The design was ethereal, with shimmering silver flowers embroidered on the skirt, perfectly matching her taste. The lightweight veil cascaded down to her ankles, making her figure even more elegant.

Paired with a pearl necklace and her retro curls, Zheng Baozhu's appearance stunned Zhou Xiaonan, "Has anyone ever told you that you look a lot like Su Mingmei?"

"..."

Zheng Baozhu smiled and nodded, "I've heard people say that quite often."

She hadn't told Zhou Xiaonan about her relationship with Su Mingmei, so Zhou Xiaonan's astonishment was understandable.

Even the makeup artist couldn't help but admire while styling her hair, "You're really beautiful, and your skin is exceptional!"

"Thank you!" Zheng Baozhu graciously accepted the compliment.

Although it was sunny today, the temperature was still low. Zheng Baozhu wore a coat over her outfit and only removed it during the photoshoot. Her presence attracted strong attention from the surrounding tourists and many people stopped to watch.

At first, they thought it was a wedding photoshoot, but then they noticed there was no groom and assumed it was an artistic portrait session.

For the time being, no one recognized her as an obscure minor celebrity.

Zhou Xiaonan realized that it was actually a good thing that no one recognized her at this point. Once she became famous, things might get uncontrollable.

The photoshoot proceeded smoothly, and after it ended, Zheng Baozhu had initially wanted to invite Zhou Xiaonan for hotpot to warm up, but Zhou Xiaonan frowned and said, "You're still going to eat hotpot? Haven't I told you that stars need to watch their diet? How much do you weigh now?"

"..."

If she didn't want to eat, she didn't have to. Why suddenly ask about her weight?

Zheng Baozhu smiled and said, "I suddenly lost my appetite. I'll just cook some broccoli when I get back. You can go off work first. Goodbye!"

Without removing her makeup or changing her clothes, she asked the driver to take her back to the hotel. The sky was already getting dark at this time, Zheng Baozhu thought for a moment before sending a message to Qu Zhi: "Are you done with work? I'll treat you to dinner tonight."

Qu Zhi was just about to order some takeout and work for a little longer into the night when he received Zheng Baozhu's message. He paused for a moment before replying: "Just finished work. Why do you suddenly want to treat me to dinner? Did you earn money again?"

Zheng Baozhu: No! Last time you accompanied my grandmother, so my mom wanted me to treat you to dinner on her behalf!

Qu Zhi: ...Oh, alright. What are we having?

Zheng Baozhu: Hotpot! I'll come to your workplace to pick you up.

Qu Zhi: Sounds good.

As Qu Zhi was changing his clothes in the dressing room, Qi Sheng saw him and looked somewhat surprised, "Why are you here? Weren't you supposed to work a little longer tonight?"

Qu Zhi took off his white coat and hung it in the locker. He then took out his coat and replied, "It's the same if I work longer tomorrow."

Qi Sheng looked at him suspiciously, "What's going on, Old Qu? Do you have a date with a beauty?"

Qu Zhi glanced at him but didn't deny it, "Zheng Baozhu invited me out for hotpot."

"What?" Qi Sheng immediately perked up, "Old Qu, tell me the truth, how far have you two progressed? Have you kissed yet?"

Qu Zhi looked at him and furrowed his brows slightly, "Is your mind filled with nothing but such vulgar thoughts?"

"Vulgar?" Qi Sheng hummed and looked at him, "Tell me honestly, do you or do you not want to do these 'vulgar' things?"

Qu Zhi: "..."

He closed the locker door and walked away. Qi Sheng closed his locker too and followed him outside, "Where are you guys having hotpot? Can you bring me along?"

Qu Zhi casually replied, "If you pay for a separate table, I might consider taking you with us."

Qi Sheng: "..."

Ha, you said you didn't have any vulgar thoughts? Right now, you can't even tolerate having a third wheel around!

"If you don't want to bring me, then don't. Who cares," Qi Sheng huffed a couple of times. When he saw Qu Zhi standing at the company entrance not leaving, he stopped and asked, "Why are you standing here?"

Qu Zhi said, "Zheng Baozhu is coming to pick me up."

Qi Sheng: "..."

He had never seen someone so happy about having a meal. :)

"Old Qu, you've fallen," Qi Sheng said with a heavy heart, "You weren't like this before. Now you know the joy of eating."

Qu Zhi: "..."

The two of them chatted at the company entrance for a while until Zheng Baozhu's car arrived. Qu Zhi walked up, opened the passenger door, and sat inside. Zheng Baozhu rolled down the window and looked at Qi Sheng outside, "Qi Sheng, where are you going? I can give you a ride on the way."

Before Qi Sheng could respond, Qu Zhi, who was sitting beside Zheng Baozhu, spoke, "He's going to the subway station."

Qi Sheng: "..."

He smiled in their direction, "Yes."

"Oh..." Zheng Baozhu nodded, "Then you can get in."

"No need," Qi Sheng declined Zheng Baozhu's offer on his own accord while Qu Zhi watched, "The subway station is right outside the Science and Technology Park. I'll walk out myself."

"Oh, alright then. We'll go ahead," Zheng Baozhu waved to him and closed the window before driving away. Qi Sheng stood there, inhaling the car exhaust, but he still maintained a smile.

Inside the car, Qu Zhi turned his head to look at Zheng Baozhu for a while and asked, "Were you working in the afternoon? Your makeup seems a bit different from usual."

"Wow," Zheng Baozhu chuckled lightly, "Professor Qu can even tell the difference in makeup?"

"..."

Qu Zhi coughed lightly, "Is it strange?"

"Not at all, I'm just praising you," Zheng Baozhu said, "I was outside shooting photos in the afternoon, so when I came out, I only changed my clothes and didn't remove the makeup."

"I see," Qu Zhi replied and didn't say anything more. Zheng Baozhu suggested, "Since we're close to the area, shall we eat here? There's a hotpot restaurant near Starlight Park, and the food is quite good. I made a reservation on the phone earlier."

"Alright," Qu Zhi said but still seemed a bit worried, "But you're a celebrity now. Aren't you afraid of being recognized?"

"Don't worry, no one recognized me when I was outside shooting today."

But just to be safe, they should try to get a private room later.

The hotpot restaurant was packed, and when Zheng Baozhu and Qu Zhi arrived, most tables were occupied. Luckily, a group just finished dining in a private room, so the staff led them there.

After ordering their dishes, Zheng Baozhu enthusiastically showed Qu Zhi a few photos she took in the afternoon, "Look, these are the ones I took this afternoon. Aren't they beautiful?"

The photos on her phone were either taken by Zhou Xiaonan using a mobile phone or chosen by the photographer because they were of excellent quality. Qu Zhi flipped through several pictures and awkwardly said, "Yes, very beautiful."

"I think so too. I'm really good-looking," Zheng Baozhu said confidently.

"..."

Qu Zhi chuckled softly and said, "But didn't you feel cold in those clothes?"

"Of course, I did. That's why I wanted to eat hotpot. But Sister Xiaonan wouldn't let me."

Qu Zhi raised an eyebrow and said, "She didn't let you eat, but she agreed for you to take me out for hotpot?"

Zheng Baozhu replied with conviction, "As long as she doesn't see it."

"Hmm... a brilliant strategy, well done."

However, Zheng Baozhu still felt a bit guilty in her heart, "I'll just take a few bites tonight, and after I get back, I'll do some exercise and rest."

Qu Zhi couldn't help but furrow his brows, "You are already quite thin, losing more weight is not healthy."

"There's no way around it. Celebrities are all obsessed with being slim, needing to keep getting thinner and thinner."

"You don't have to follow their obsession," Qu Zhi said, "You look great on camera now. You're very photogenic."

Zheng Baozhu blurted out, "That's because I'm like Xi Shi1 in your eyes."

After saying this, the private room fell silent.

Once Zheng Baozhu realized what she had said, she panicked: "..."

Help! Help! Can I take back what I just said?

What was I even saying, ahhhh!

Zheng Baozhu felt like collapsing. Why did she always make a fool of herself in front of Qu Zhi?

Both of them remained motionless for some time. Qu Zhi also seemed frozen in place, sitting on the chair in a daze.

"The hot pot base is here for you both," a server entered the room and noticed that the atmosphere felt like a paused frame from a movie.

The server paused for a moment before placing the hot pot base and glancing around the room. Then he subtly arranged the ingredients before unwrapping them, "Would you like to start cooking now?" he asked uncertainly.

Zheng Baozhu finally snapped out of her daze, "Yes, please turn on the stove for us."

"Sure," The server turned on the stove while another server brought the dishes they ordered. The atmosphere in the room gradually returned to normal. Zheng Baozhu looked at Qu Zhi across the table and forced a dry smile, "Haha, you know I've never been good at the Chinese language since I was a child. Please don't take it to heart."

Qu Zhi remained silent for a moment, then looked up and said, "What if I take it to heart?"

"...What?" Zheng Baozhu's mind went blank again.

Qu Zhi looked at her and repeated, "What if I take it to heart? Will you take responsibility for me?"