CH 62

From childhood to adulthood, Zheng Baozhu never lacked admirers. Most men liked her for her beauty, but Qu Zhi was the first one to say that she was brave, kind, and likable.

Zheng Baozhu's mind was already in a daze, and after Qu Zhi kissed her, her mind seemed to stop working altogether. His kiss was so light and gentle, and even his voice was soft, but when it landed on Zheng Baozhu, it sent a direct impact to her heart.

Breathing suddenly became difficult.

Qu Zhi's kiss was brief and he didn't put much distance between them afterward. He slightly lifted his gaze, as if waiting for something. Zheng Baozhu's eyes gradually focused again as she regained control of her breath.

A wave of heat rushed to her head, Zheng Baozhu felt her cheeks and ears turn red. With Qu Zhi's presence surrounding her, her heartbeat accelerated uncontrollably. Trying to steady herself, she looked at Qu Zhi's enlarged handsome face and asked, "Are you confessing to me?"

"Yes," Qu Zhi answered without hesitation.

Zheng Baozhu was stunned again, "Didn't you used to dislike me a lot?"

Qu Zhi replied, "Didn't you also dislike me before? If I had kissed you back then, would you have reacted differently?"

"..."

Zheng Baozhu reflected on his words and realized that he might be right.

Seeing her in silence, Qu Zhi continued, "I didn't understand you enough before and assumed things about you. I have deeply reflected on that. These days together have allowed me to see a different side of you, and I've discovered many likable qualities in you..."

Zheng Baozhu interrupted him, "Brave and kind?"

"Yes."

"So you think I'm not beautiful?"

"..."

Qu Zhi paused for a moment, then gently brushed aside the strands of her long hair, "Before, I thought you were just beautiful, but now I know you have many qualities that are more attractive than just being beautiful. You are intelligent, determined, and committed to your ideals. No matter how many difficulties you face, they can't bring you down. You also have a precious sense of compassion and won't turn a blind eye to others' suffering. In your childhood composition, you wrote that you wished to shine like Su Mingmei, I think you already do. In my eyes, you shine brighter than any gem."

Zheng Baozhu's eyes became slightly teary, overwhelmed by his words.

She finally got to witness the true power of an "A" composition. It turns out that Teacher Zhang's grading had reasonable grounds.

"I, I'm not as great as you say," Zheng Baozhu bashfully averted her gaze, not daring to meet his deep and affectionate eyes.

Qu Zhi gently hooked his finger and tucked her black hair behind her ear, revealing her flushed ear. He deliberately leaned closer to her ear and whispered softly, "What I said is not even one-thousandth of how good you are."

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

Help! The science-loving straight-A guy is killing people with sweetness!

Qu Zhi then kissed her again on her already reddened ear and asked, "So, Zheng Baozhu, do you accept my confession?"

"..."

Zheng Baozhu took a deep breath, trying to calm her wildly beating heart, "It's, it's okay, I guess."

Qu Zhi chuckled softly and was about to say something, but Zheng Baozhu's phone on the table started vibrating incessantly. Qu Zhi turned to look at it when Zheng Baozhu took the opportunity to pick up her phone.

Zhou Xiaonan had sent her several messages, all with screenshots from Weibo. As expected, the incident where Sun Jing almost exposed herself at the fashion event was trending, with marketing accounts insinuating that it was a deliberate act for attention. Although they added a question mark at the end, anyone with a discerning eye could understand their intention.

The previously disinterested onlookers who didn't follow the fashion event were now drawn in by this trending topic, analyzing and commenting on the photos. While Sun Jing's reputation wasn't excellent, she couldn't handle the influx of negative comments.

Zhou Xiaonan: You are also on the trending list, congratulations. [Zheng Baozhu slammed the reporters].

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

Zheng Baozhu clicked on the Weibo link. Her trending topic was listed just two spots below Sun Jing's. There was a video snippet from the scene, showing Zheng Baozhu questioning the reporters about their professional ethics.

This trending topic couldn't be classified as a "black" trending topic because it was related to Sun Jing's incident, and the truth would be quickly revealed. Netizens praised Zheng Baozhu's righteousness and criticized those who harassed Sun Jing, but some had a different perspective, accusing her of using Sun Jing's "misfortune" to gain attention.

Zheng Baozhu had long witnessed the diverse opinions of netizens, so she wasn't surprised by the comments. She had considered responding, but then decided against it, realizing that it would bring up the incident with Sun Jing again.

Fortunately, Sun Jing's team was actively mitigating the trending topic and even sent a lawyer's letter to the male reporter who kept harassing her. Whether it was the team's public relations strategy or not, Sun Jing's Weibo post redirected the discussion to the topics of "respect" and "not tolerating offense", garnering more support from the online community.

Zheng Baozhu's popularity also surged as a result.

It seemed that doing good deeds could indeed bring good results.

Qu Zhi also sat next to her, reading Weibo on his own account. He had registered on Weibo early on but seldom used it, mostly for reading news. However, lately, he spent more time on Weibo, all thanks to being associated with Zheng Baozhu, the celebrity.

"You and Lin Ziqin are also trending," Qu Zhi said as he clicked on a candid picture taken at the event. In the photo, Lin Ziqin was turning back, talking to Zheng Baozhu with a smile in his eyes, "You two seem to be having a great time chatting, and you already have a CP!"

Zheng Baozhu hesitated for a moment, glancing at Qu Zhi's phone screen, "Um, well, I just thanked him for sending me the signed photos. These pictures have all been edited with filters, don't believe them!"

"Oh, is that so?"

"Yes, and we are not really a CP. He doesn't agree with it either. These CP rumors will be debunked soon!"

"...I think it's you who will be debunked," Qu Zhi pointed at a Weibo post, "Lin Ziqin's fan club has already publicly stated that they won't support certain artists who use him to create CP. Guess who these certain artists are?"

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

"Too presumptuous!" Zheng Baozhu tapped on her screen a few times, then showed it to Qu Zhi, "Look, the moment you escorted me away tonight was also captured by the photographers! These pictures are even better edited than Lin Ziqin's, right? We also have a CP now!"

"..."

Qu Zhi looked at the edited collage. Zheng Baozhu had his coat on her while he was holding her hand, shielding her from the reporters as they walked out together.

It had a caption too, "Even if the world is against you, I will take you away without hesitation."

Qu Zhi: "..."

Perfect.

Zhou Xiaonan sent Zheng Baozhu another message, "You're amazing."

Zheng Baozhu: "?"

Zhou Xiaonan sent three trending CP pairs; one of them was Zheng Baozhu-Sun Jing, portrayed as a "yuri" couple.

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

Seems like netizens really don't discriminate; they can ship anything.

Zheng Baozhu: I had a chaotic evening. How about I post my red carpet photos tomorrow?

Zhou Xiaonan: Tomorrow might be a bit awkward. How about posting them at midnight tonight? Though the traffic won't be as good as it is now, your popularity is already enough for today. 

Zheng Baozhu: ...Alright.

Qu Zhi checked the time and stood up, saying to Zheng Baozhu, "It's already late. You must be tired. Rest early. I'll head back now."

"Oh, okay," Zheng Baozhu stood up as well and walked with him to the door, "Wait, you forgot your coat."

Zheng Baozhu hurried back to her room and brought out the coat that Qu Zhi had left behind. Qu Zhi took the coat from her hand and thanked her.

Zheng Baozhu smiled and said, "You're welcome."

When Qu Zhi was about to leave, she stopped him, "Qu Zhi!"

"Uh?" Just as Qu Zhi turned his head, Zheng Baozhu stood on tiptoe, circled her arms around his neck, and quickly kissed him on the cheek.

Qu Zhi was momentarily stunned, and before he could react, Zheng Baozhu said "Goodnight" and closed the door, retreating to her room.

Leaning against the door, Zheng Baozhu's heart was still pounding. Ahhh, I just kissed him!

Although she ran off after the kiss, it could be considered a response to his feelings, right?

She used the cool back of her hand to touch her flushed face and put her phone, which was on the table, against her face to cool down. The phone vibrated again. Worried that it might be another issue on Weibo, she hurriedly checked the notification.

This time, it was from Qu Zhi.

Qu Zhi: What do you mean by kissing and running?

Zheng Baozhu: 

Qu Zhi: Turns out Zheng Baozhu can be mischievous too.

Zheng Baozhu: 

Outside the door, Qu Zhi chuckled as he looked at her smiling face. Another message from Zheng Baozhu came in.

Zheng Baozhu: It means; 'Goodnight, boyfriend'. Understand, straight man? 

Qu Zhi's lips curled up a bit. He hadn't noticed before, but it seemed Zheng Baozhu had a playful side.

He replied to her with a voice message, and when Zheng Baozhu opened the message, she heard Qu Zhi's magnetic voice flowing from the speaker, "Understood, girlfriend."

Zheng Baozhu's heart had been restless all evening. If there was really a little deer inside her heart, it would have probably bumped itself to death by now. She replayed Qu Zhi's voice message repeatedly and then went to a private group chat to send a large red envelope.

Even at this late hour, people in the group immediately responded when they saw the red envelope.

Meng Yaxin: Yay! I'm the first! 

Cen Tongtong: What's the use of being the first? I have more than you. 

Meng Yaxin: Baozhu must be tired from trending tonight. She even came to send a red envelope to celebrate. 

Zheng Baozhu: No, it's not about trending. This red envelope is my goodbye to singlehood. 

Meng Yaxin: !!!

Just as she sent the exclamation mark, Qu Zhi also sent a red envelope in the group.

Qu Zhi: Goodbye to singlehood red envelope.

Meng Yaxin: ? You two?

Qu Zhi: Exactly what you're thinking.

Cen Tongtong: ............I'll return the red envelope to you both. Can you please go back to being single? 

Meng Yaxin: Hahahahahaha! Tongtong, when are you going to live-stream yourself eating the keyboards? Remember to share the link in the group.

Cen Tongtong didn't respond.

Meng Yaxin: @Cen Tongtong, come outside, stop pretending to be dead. 

Finally, Meng Yaxin managed to get Cen Tongtong to respond.

Cen Tongtong: Thanks for the invitation, but I already threw all the keyboards in the house outside. 

Cen Tongtong: @Zheng Baozhu @Qu Zhi, I just want to ask, did both of you make such a big sacrifice just to see me eat the keyboards? You really didn't have to. 

Qu Zhi: Of course, it's because we like each other.

Cen Tongtong: ............

Meng Yaxin: I've already screenshot their conversation just now and sent it to the CP fans group next door. We're starting the Lunar New Year again.

Meng Yaxin: In this group, I suggest that either Baozhu or Quzhi should stay, because I don't want to eat dog food every day. 

Qu Zhi: I suggest you leave this group.

Meng Yaxin: ............

Cen Tongtong: Hahahahaha, serves you right. 

Meng Yaxin: @Cen Tongtong, I'll send you a keyboard tomorrow. 

At this point, Zheng Baozhu was already lying in bed. She checked Weibo and saw that the studio had already posted the red carpet photos. Even at this late hour, there were still fans leaving sweet comments. As soon as she reposted the Weibo post, she received a message from Qu Zhi.

Qu Zhi: Still browsing Weibo this late, haven't slept yet?

Zheng Baozhu: ...Aren't you also peeking at the screen all the time?

Qu Zhi: I'm not peeking, I'm openly looking.

Qu Zhi: Since you have reposted it, go to sleep. Do you have any work tomorrow?

Zheng Baozhu: Not for the time being.

Qu Zhi: Then let's have breakfast together?

Zheng Baozhu: Sure!

Qu Zhi smiled and replied, "I'll call you tomorrow morning."

For some reason, even though they were just cold text on the screen, Zheng Baozhu could imagine Qu Zhi's voice and expression when he wrote those words. Thinking that, she couldn't stop smiling.

It's amazing how, even after knowing Qu Zhi for so many years, she could still feel this way. Is this the effect of being childhood sweethearts? It feels familiar yet fresh at the same time.

Speaking of which, it's been so long since they reunited, but she hasn't asked how Qu Zhi spent all these years abroad.

With thoughts of Qu Zhi on her mind, she fell asleep. The next morning, she was awakened by a call from Qu Zhi.

Seeing the caller ID on her phone, Zheng Baozhu's mind was still a bit fuzzy, and she sleepily answered, "Hello..."

"Still not awake?" Qu Zhi's voice came from the other end of the phone, "Get up, freshen up, and let's go downstairs for breakfast."

Zheng Baozhu suddenly became alert and sat up in bed, "Oh, okay, I'll be right there!"

She hung up the phone and quickly changed her clothes and freshened up before heading out. As soon as she opened the door, she saw Qu Zhi leaning against the corridor, waiting for her. When he saw her, Qu Zhi stood up straight and smiled at her.

He looked so handsome when he smiled that Zheng Baozhu's face started to blush again. Clearing her throat, she closed the door behind her and asked, "Why are you waiting for me here?"

Qu Zhi thought for a moment and looked at her, "Next time, remember to invite me to your room."

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

After a moment of silence, she walked with Qu Zhi toward the elevator, "Are you really a science student? Why are you so good at sweet-talking?"

"Sweet-talking?" Qu Zhi looked at her and said, "Those are all sincere words I said when facing you."

"..."

Oh no, she can't mock this hardcore straight science guy anymore.

"I guess you must have a lot of experience from your time studying, right?"

Qu Zhi replied, "When we were studying, weren't we always together?"

"What do you mean by that? You were abroad for so many years and we had no contact," Zheng Baozhu said as they walked side by side into the elevator, "How did you spend those years abroad? Tell me."

Qu Zhi asked, "What do you want to hear?"

"Well..." Zheng Baozhu pretended to think for a moment, "For example, your love life or the girls you liked."

Qu Zhi glanced at her and chuckled, "Are you already trying to dig into my past relationships?"

"Wow, you have past relationships?" Zheng Baozhu teased.

"..."

Qu Zhi touched his neatly combed hair, seemingly satisfied with it, "What past relationships could I have? You know my biggest love is for our motherland."

"Hahaha!" Zheng Baozhu couldn't help but laugh.

Qu Zhi held her hand as they walked out of the elevator together. Along the way, the staff they encountered all looked at them with ambiguous eyes and the slight upturn at the corners of their lips seemed like proud mothers.

"They must all know!" Zheng Baozhu now suspected that all the hotel staff must have joined that CP fan group!

Qu Zhi didn't seem to mind, "Let them know if they want to. Or do you want us to keep it a secret?"

"..."

Keeping it a secret sounds a bit exciting too. Taking out two masks, she handed one to Qu Zhi, "Let's test how it feels to be secretly together with a celebrity."