Impossible Lovers

Qu Zhi showed Zheng Baozhu the monotonous renovation renderings, which were primarily in black, white, and gray, giving off a cool and subdued atmosphere. However, Qu Zhi liked green plants, so the designer added some greenery in the renderings to prevent the entire room from feeling too dull.

The main attraction of the spacious ground floor was the unobstructed large living room, and of course, the super-sized balcony. Zheng Baozhu had been obsessed with that balcony where one could lie down and roll around freely. It was evident from the renderings that the designer had given special attention to the balcony, creating a mini "plant garden" for Qu Zhi to nurture his green plants.

Within the embrace of the greenery, the designer placed a rattan hanging chair, a small coffee table, and two chairs, creating a comfortable space for reading and tea drinking.

The study, master bedroom, and guest bedroom were all arranged on the first floor. On the second floor, they had designed a gym, which had a glass room next to it for resting and enjoying the view after a workout.

"It looks pretty good overall," Zheng Baozhu gently traced her fingertips on the tablet, feeling curious, "But I didn't expect you to have your own gym. Do you even work out?"

Qu Zhi looked at her and replied, "Is it strange? I've always been committed to exercising, but I didn't have much time to go to the gym, so I set up one at home."

Zheng Baozhu seemed doubtful and looked him up and down. "You've always been committed to exercising?"

Looking at her expression, Qu Zhi's face darkened. "Is it strange? I have a good physique."

"Hahaha, really?"

"..."

Qu Zhi stared at her, "Should I demonstrate for you?"

"..."

Zheng Baozhu was afraid he might be serious, so she quickly shook her head, "No need, no need. The gym looks great."

Qu Zhi's expression eased, and he asked again, "Then do you think there's anything else that needs to be changed?"

Looking at the renderings, Zheng Baozhu commented, "If you ask me, I think the room looks too monotonous. This minimalist style doesn't necessarily have to be entirely black, white, and gray. You could add some gold accents; gold can also have a modern feel."

Qu Zhi: "..."

After a moment of silence, he cautiously asked, "Are you suggesting painting the walls gold?"

"It's not a bad idea, of course, you don't have to cover an entire wall. You can coordinate it with other colors to create a visual impact. Or you could choose some gold decorative pieces, like for these large cabinets, they don't have to be all white. You can select a few to be in a different color, making the room feel more vibrant."

Qu Zhi thought for a moment and nodded, "That's worth considering. I'll talk to the designer about it. Is there anything else?"

"Everything else looks fine, your mini garden is also beautiful," Zheng Baozhu said, glancing at Qu Zhi, "But you're so busy with work, do you have time to take care of it?"

Qu Zhi replied, "Taking care of the garden is a way for me to relax."

"Oh... Well, that's good then," Zheng Baozhu finished speaking and stood up from the sofa, "I'm going to have a meal."

As Zheng Baozhu walked away, Qu Zhi opened WeChat and sent the modification suggestions to the designer.

Because she had an appointment with a certain Teacher Ge on Tuesday, Zheng Baozhu hadn't dared to pick up any calls these past few days, fearing it might cause delays. Since there wasn't much to do at the hotel, she went to the farm with Meng Yaxin to see the crops.

Meng Yaxin said she would come every week to water and fertilize the vegetables, and she kept her word. The crops were growing well, so Zheng Baozhu and Meng Yaxin picked some celery and Chinese cabbage, planning to stir-fry them later in the evening. After picking the vegetables, they also went to the orchard to gather oranges and strawberries, making a substantial harvest.

"You have a kitchen in your room, right? I'll cook myself later and let you taste my cooking," Meng Yaxin rolled up her sleeves, eager to try. Zheng Baozhu didn't stop her but reminded her, "Just don't blow up the kitchen, okay?"

"How could that happen! You'll soon regret what you just said!" Meng Yaxin teased.

Zheng Baozhu laughed and washed the strawberries while Meng Yaxin washed the vegetables. She suddenly asked, "Should we invite Qu Zhi to join us for dinner?"

Zheng Baozhu replied, "Come on, with the small amount of food you're making, it might not even be enough for the two of us."

Meng Yaxin: "..."

She couldn't argue with that, "Well, let's not invite him then. But we have plenty of fruits; you can give him some."

Zheng Baozhu turned off the tap and shook her head, "Meng Yaxin, are you secretly scheming against Qu Zhi?"

Meng Yaxin grinned and glanced at her, "Of course not. I'm just giving you two a chance. Plus, I mainly want to see Cen Tongtong eat all the keyboards from her house."

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

Is this how best friends are nowadays?

She took a bowl filled with fruits and sent some strawberries and oranges to Qu Zhi. It had been a long time since Qu Zhi started living in her hotel, but she hadn't visited his place yet.

Holding the bowl of fruits, Zheng Baozhu walked to Qu Zhi's room door, raised her hand, and knocked.

"Who is it?"

Qu Zhi's voice came from inside the room. Zheng Baozhu cleared her throat and replied, "It's me, Zheng Baozhu."

The door "clicked" open, and Qu Zhi, wearing navy blue sleepwear, stood there, looking at her.

It was the first time Zheng Baozhu had seen him in sleepwear, and she couldn't help but stare. She didn't expect Qu Zhi to be so stylish even in his sleepwear; unexpectedly, it had a deep V-neck design?

Her eyes couldn't help but focus on the part of his skin that was exposed, his slender neck, the collarbone, and more...

Zheng Baozhu quickly shifted her gaze away.

Qu Zhi looked at the fruits she was holding as if he did not notice her gaze and asked, "Did you come to give me the fruits?"

"Ah, yes," Zheng Baozhu pretended to be casual and handed the fruits to Qu Zhi, "Meng Yaxin and I went to the orchard to pick these up in the afternoon, so I thought of giving you some."

"Thank you." Qu Zhi thanked her and looked down slightly, saying, "By the way, the designer has already made the changes to the previous renovation design. Do you want to take a look?"

"Huh?" Zheng Baozhu subconsciously glanced at the room behind him and firmly shook her head, "No, no need. I have to go back and watch over Meng Yaxin's cooking. I don't want the kitchen to blow up."

Qu Zhi paused for a moment and nodded, "Alright."

Zheng Baozhu wasn't sure what he meant by "alright", but she didn't ask further and returned to her room empty-handed. In the kitchen, Meng Yaxin, who was busy cooking, saw her return so quickly and couldn't help but ask, "So fast? Is Qu Zhi not interested?"

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

She thought it might be time to find a new friend.

Ignoring Meng Yaxin, Zheng Baozhu sat on the sofa and ate a strawberry. Her phone, placed on the table, lit up, and she picked it up to see a message from Gao Boyun.

Gao Boyun: Congratulations, Zheng Baozhu. You passed the audition.

Zheng Baozhu was taken aback, and in her excitement, she accidentally pushed the remaining half of the strawberry into her mouth. She quickly replied, "Are you sure it's me, Ye Ling?!"

Gao Boyun: Yes, it's you. Since you don't have an agent, I'll directly send the contract to you later.

Zheng Baozhu: !!! Thank you for your appreciation, Director Gao!

Gao Boyun: It's an exaggeration. Your start date for the filming is temporarily set for after the New Year. Due to venue issues, your scenes will be filmed last.

Zheng Baozhu: Okay, no problem!

After replying to Gao Boyun, Zheng Baozhu jumped up from the sofa. "Ah, ah, ah, Meng Yaxin, I'm going to be popular! I'm going to be popular!"

Meng Yaxin was busy cooking inside and didn't hear clearly what she was saying, "What? Am I turning up the heat too much?"

"Tsk!" Zheng Baozhu put on her slippers and rushed into the kitchen, leaning close to Meng Yaxin's ear, "I passed the audition for a drama! I'm going to be popular!!"

Now Meng Yaxin heard clearly, she turned off the gas stove with excitement and looked at Zheng Baozhu with enthusiasm, "What, what? You auditioned for a drama? Which drama?"

"Yes, 'New Moon Wuxin Sword'!" Zheng Baozhu replied.

"Oh my god!" Meng Yaxin covered her mouth in astonishment, "Is it the same 'New Moon Wuxin Sword' that I know?"

"Yes, it's the 'New Moon Wuxin Sword' you know!"

"Ah ah ah Baozhu, you've made it! Quickly tell me which role you're playing!"

"Ye Ling!"

"..."

Meng Yaxin fell silent for a moment and calmed down, "Is it that Ye Ling with only three episodes?"

"Yes!"

"..."

Meng Yaxin turned on the gas stove again, "Don't distract me from cooking."

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

Ah, people like you know nothing about the entertainment industry!

"From an extra to a supporting role, it's a qualitative leap!"

"Oh."

"...The male lead is Lin Ziqin! It should be announced in the next two days!"

"!" Meng Yaxin turned off the gas stove again, "Baozhu, you've really made it!"

Although Ye Ling's role only has three episodes, all of her scenes are with the male lead!

"The two dishes you made today aren't enough. I'll order some barbecue!"

"Okay!" Meng Yaxin nodded, "And order a few bottles of beer! Let's drink!"

Zheng Baozhu thought back to the scene how Qu Zhi got to know about her joining the entertainment industry because Meng Yaxin got drunk, she shook her head, "No need for alcohol. I don't trust your drinking capacity."

Meng Yaxin: "..."

That's fine. It's better not to drink too much and end up having to send another package.

After ordering the barbecue, Zheng Baozhu sent a big red envelope to Wang Jingyi. As soon as Wang Jingyi received the red envelope, she sent a message, "Ah ah ah, were you selected?"

Zheng Baozhu: Yes! The director just informed me. I'll join the crew after the New Year!

Wang Jingyi: Congratulations, sister!! Sob sob sob, I need to work hard too. I must pass the audition for the supporting role this time!

Zheng Baozhu sent another red envelope with "You'll definitely pass the audition for the supporting role!" written on it.

Wang Jingyi: Thank you, sister! If I pass, I'll send you a red envelope too!

Zheng Baozhu: [OK]

With the role secured, Zheng Baozhu's heart finally settled. Now she just had to meet with this Teacher Ge.

If it weren't for Gao Tianming giving her this address, she would have thought that it could be another scam. But Gao Tianming was such a prominent director and he had a connection with her aunt. No matter what, he wouldn't deceive a junior, right?

Since Gao Tianming only asked her to find this Teacher Ge on Tuesday without specifying the time, Zheng Baozhu estimated around nine o'clock and arrived at the given address.

Being a native of City A, she recognized this place as the old city area. Although she hadn't been here for a long time, it still matched her impression.

The houses on this street were mostly old-style red-brick buildings, not very tall, and some were not even multi-story. Since the houses lacked balconies, residents living on the upper floors would directly hang a pole outside the window to dry their laundry. Those on the ground floor would place a stove right outside their entrance for cooking.

Zheng Baozhu wasn't too late, but there were already elderly ladies sitting in front of their houses with several baskets, selecting vegetables. It seemed they were accustomed to seeing someone dressed like Zheng Baozhu appearing here, and everyone glanced at her with varying degrees of curiosity.

The street was not very wide, with occasional cyclists passing by, and cars honking as they drove past Zheng Baozhu. She parked her car outside the alley because she was worried it might not be easy to drive in, and she walked inside.

Holding the note that Gao Tianming had written, she stood in front of the designated door number.

"Is this the place?" Zheng Baozhu stood at the door and glanced inside. The house had a courtyard and through it was a two-story building.

After observing for a while outside, not seeing the owner, Zheng Baozhu raised her hand and knocked on the door twice, "Hello, is anyone there?"

No one answered from inside. However, on the opposite side of the street, a lady who was hanging clothes to dry heard the question and shouted from the window, "Mr. Ge just went out to buy something. I saw him leave just now."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Baozhu turned back and replied, "I see, thank you, Auntie."

"You're welcome, you're welcome." The lady continued hanging clothes while sizing Zheng Baozhu up, "So, you're here to find Mr. Ge? I knew someone so attractive would show up. Are you also a student from the film academy?"

Zheng Baozhu smiled and shook her head, "No, I'm not. Someone else introduced me here."

"Oh... Then you must be someone from television," The lady said, "Just stand here and wait. Mr. Ge won't be long; he'll be back soon."

"Alright, thank you, Auntie," Zheng Baozhu stood at the door and waited for about two minutes until an elderly man in a black cotton jacket walked towards her.

His hair was already gray, indicating that he was much older, but he seemed spirited. He walked steadily and quickly. In his hand, he carried a plastic bag, one couldn't tell if it contained soy sauce or vinegar. She wasn't sure if he was the person she was looking for, so she asked, "Hello, are you Teacher Ge?"

The old man stopped, looked inside the note, and smiled kindly, "You must be Zheng Baozhu, right? You really resemble Su Ming. I saw you from afar just now."

With his confirmation, Zheng Baozhu knew she hadn't found the wrong person. At that moment, her thoughts about this Teacher Ge became quite clear - film academy, Teacher Ge, it was hard not to associate him with the renowned Teacher Ge Hongyi.

Ge Hongyi was originally a professor of acting, and while he might not be widely known, the students he taught were all prominent figures in the entertainment industry. For example, the recent three-time Best Actor, Feng Jing. He was also a disciple of Teacher Ge.

During the time Zheng Baozhu's aunt, Su Ming, attended the film academy, her acting teacher was also Teacher Ge Hongyi.

Though she had such a conjecture in her mind, Zheng Baozhu still felt a bit unreal. How could such a famous mentor be introduced to her by Director Gao Tianming?!

Moreover, looking at Teacher Ge's current appearance, he seemed to have retired. Was he going to take her as his last disciple?

Even though Gao Tianming was an internationally renowned director, Zheng Baozhu still felt he might not be able to convince Teacher Ge to guide and teach her.

She hesitated for a moment, feeling both tense and unsure. Teacher Ge beckoned her to come in and said kindly, "Come on in, don't just stand there."

"Okay," Zheng Baozhu followed him inside. She had noticed a vegetable garden in the courtyard earlier. Although it wasn't large, it was enough for the elderly to pass the time. In terms of food, the vegetables grown in this small piece of land would be more than enough for one person.

Next to the vegetable garden, there was a small pavilion with tables and chairs, probably used for resting. Considering the cold weather, there was an old-fashioned charcoal brazier placed beside the chairs. The item looked quite dated to Zheng Baozhu, who had recently seen charcoal braziers mainly used for barbecues. In the past, her grandmother would use this kind of brazier for heating.

"I'll go put the things away; please have a seat," Teacher Ge led Zheng Baozhu into the house. The living room was relatively modern, with central heating, making it suitable for elderly living. Zheng Baozhu sat down on the sofa and was drawn to a photo wall in the living room.

These photos were of varying ages, some were already yellowed black-and-white pictures, while others were still colorful. Regardless of their age, every person in the photos was a well-known figure in the entertainment industry.

Wow, this is the world of the strong.