Impossible Lovers

Qu Zhi replied: Why do you need so many of his autographed photos? Are you planning to ward off evil spirits with them?

Zheng Baozhu: ...Yao Yao asked me to get them for her. You were there at the time too!

Qu Zhi: Oh... Well, then go ahead and send them quickly!

Zheng Baozhu: Let's give them to her when we meet next time!

Qu Zhi: Just send them by courier. If you find it troublesome, I can do it for you.

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

Zheng Baozhu: No need, I'll send them myself :)

She carefully packed the photos back into the package and asked the front desk to send the package out by post.

Over the next two days, Zheng Baozhu either read the script or did the magazine photoshoot. Although it seemed like she had less work to do, her schedule was fully packed. JS was quick to work; they had already started placing Zheng Baozhu's billboards in the shopping malls, and her pictures were updated on various online platforms.

Meng Yaxin saw Zheng Baozhu's billboard in a JS store while shopping and took a photo of it, sending it to their group chat: You are indeed a star now! Shouldn't you send a red envelope?

Zheng Baozhu sent a big red envelope in the group chat.

Meng Yaxin: Thanks, star!

After Zheng Baozhu shared an emoji in the group chat, Zhou Xiaonan sent her a message: Baozhu, there's a fashion event invitation for you. Do you want to attend?

She forwarded the event details and invitation to Zheng Baozhu. This fashion event was held annually and, although not the most influential among various parties, it still attracted some stars.

Zheng Baozhu replied: Sure, attending won't take much time, and it can increase exposure.

Zhou Xiaonan: That's what I thought too, but Sun Jing will also be there... I'm worried you two might start arguing on the spot.

After all, Zheng Baozhu, being an extra, argued with Sun Jing, who was the lead.

Hearing that Sun Jing would also be attending, Zheng Baozhu was indeed taken aback, but she couldn't let Sun Jing be the factor for her to avoid the event: Don't worry, as long as she doesn't provoke me, there won't be any issues.

Zhou Xiaonan: ...Alright then. It's your first time attending such an event as a celebrity, so pay attention to your image, okay!

Zheng Baozhu: OK.

Zhou Xiaonan: I'll go talk to the organizers then.

Upon learning that Zheng Baozhu would attend the fashion event, JS immediately offered a dress for her to wear on the occasion. After receiving it, Zhou Xiaonan had the styling team start working on Zheng Baozhu's makeup and hair for the event, providing several options for her to choose from.

The dress for this event had a backless design, and to showcase the design, the styling team created an updo hairstyle for Zheng Baozhu. It not only highlighted her back but also accentuated her neck's graceful lines. Zheng Baozhu thought the look was stunning and decided to go with that version.

On the day of the event, the weather was not very hot, so Zheng Baozhu kept a coat on while on the way. It was her first time walking the red carpet, and although it wasn't a major event, the reporters and audience at the scene were enthusiastic. As soon as she stepped out of the car, cameras were aimed at her, and the flashes kept going off.

Zheng Baozhu had undergone some impromptu training beforehand, so although she felt a bit uneasy facing so many flashes when she first got out of the car, she quickly adapted to it. She stopped and smiled at the cameras.

On both sides of the red carpet, there were not only reporters but also fans who managed to enter through various means. Zheng Baozhu was surprised to see some of the Golden Yuanbaos holding light boards to cheer her on! She waved at them before continuing forward.

After signing on the autograph board, the emcee led her into the venue. The seating arrangement inside the venue was already prepared, and Sun Jing's seat was diagonally in front of her, relatively close.

Sun Jing arrived at the venue before Zheng Baozhu and was already seated. When she saw Zheng Baozhu arriving, she only glanced sideways before smiling and chatting with the person beside her. Zheng Baozhu didn't bother with her and took her seat. Zhou Xiaonan sent her many candid shots from the red carpet, she selected some and forwarded them to a small group.

Meng Yaxin: !!!!!

Cen Tingting: !!!!!

Qu Zhi: Alright.

Meng Yaxin: ? What does 'Alright' mean?

Qu Zhi: ...The literal meaning.

Qu Zhi: @Zheng Baozhu, where are you attending the event?

Zheng Baozhu shared her location in the group, and just then, another high-profile guest arrived. It was none other than Lin Ziqin, wearing designer haute couture, surrounded by a group of staff.

Lin Ziqin had broad shoulders and a slender waist, his temperament cold and elegant. He looked great in modern clothing, exuding a sense of noble youth. His seat was next to Sun Jing's, even closer to Zheng Baozhu.

As Lin Ziqin approached, he greeted Zheng Baozhu, "Long time no see."

"Long time no see," Zheng Baozhu smiled back at him, "By the way, I haven't thanked you for sending me the photos. The kids loved them."

Lin Ziqin smiled and took a seat, "You're welcome."

Zheng Baozhu continued, "You sent me ten different photos, it almost caused a fight among my good friends."

"..."

Lin Ziqin paused for a moment before speaking again, "My bad, I didn't consider it well. I intended to sign ten different ones to make it more distinguished."

"Hahaha, I'm just teasing you."

Sun Jing, who was nearby, overheard Zheng Baozhu chatting with Lin Ziqin. She knew they were both from the [New Moon Wuxin Sword] drama. It wasn't surprising that they knew each other, but she didn't expect them to be so close.

"Can we take a photo together?" Zheng Baozhu asked Lin Ziqin, holding her phone. Lin Ziqin nodded and said, "Taking a photo with you is my pleasure."

Zheng Baozhu opened the camera, "Thanks, handsome brother!"

She held up her phone and took several photos with Lin Ziqin, then sent the pictures to the group.

Zheng Baozhu: [Image] Lin Ziqin is here too! He's sitting in front of me!

Meng Yaxin: Jealous. 

Cen Tingting: Jealous. 

Meng Yaxin: Wait, isn't that Sun Jing sitting next to Lin Ziqin??

Zheng Baozhu: ...You're right, it's Sun Jing. You can recognize her even in a small corner.

Meng Yaxin: Sun Jing's team posted photos on Weibo today! They even bought a high-ranking hot search. I recognize her!

Zheng Baozhu: ...Oh.

Meng Yaxin: By the way, why haven't you posted any red carpet photos on Weibo?

Zheng Baozhu: I'm still retouching them. Once they're ready, I'll post them. We have our own photographer arranged for the red carpet.

Meng Yaxin: That's good. Then take a few more photos with Lin Ziqin later and share them in the group. 

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

She put away her phone after the event started. The fashion ceremony was organized by the hosts for their own awards, and although the awards were not widely recognized, it didn't matter much to the celebrities. After all, walking the red carpet itself was already a great exposure. The event didn't last long, and when it ended, Zheng Baozhu left with the emcee.

The event took place at a hotel, and there were still many reporters waiting outside, seemingly preparing to interview the celebrities when they came out.

Sun Jing was one of those who got surrounded.

When Zheng Baozhu came out, she saw Sun Jing in the middle of a group of reporters. She took a glance but didn't plan to stay for long. She put on her coat and was about to leave when she heard Sun Jing let out a low cry.

Zheng Baozhu turned back to look, Sun Jing was wearing a fitted floor-length dress today. She looked like she didn't expect the reporters to surround her, causing one of her feet to accidentally step on the dress's hem. The dress was already low-cut, and with that step, it almost exposed more than it should have. Sun Jing's quick reflexes saved the day; she immediately pulled up the neckline and blocked the front with her hand.

The reporters who had been bombarding Sun Jing with questions were now taking pictures of the situation. Sun Jing kept trying to block the shots, asking them not to take pictures, but who would listen at a time like this?

Zheng Baozhu didn't know where Sun Jing's staff had disappeared at this moment; they should have come out to help. Zheng Baozhu walked over to the front of the group of reporters, took off her coat, and covered Sun Jing with it.

"Do you have any professional ethics? Why are you taking photos of a celebrity like this?" Zheng Baozhu looked at the group of reporters and said, "I told you to stop taking pictures, can't you hear me?"

The reporters were taken aback for a moment, then they continued taking photos. One male reporter even tried to justify himself in a seemingly innocent manner, "Isn't she the one intentionally trying to show everything just now? We're just doing our job."

Zheng Baozhu couldn't help but laugh at their shameless excuse, "So you're helping her by taking pictures then? How about I also show everything?"

Sun Jing never expected that Zheng Baozhu would be the one to shield her at this moment.

The male reporter, who was scolded by Zheng Baozhu, wasn't backing down and started sowing discord, "Didn't you have a conflict with Sun Jing? Why are you helping her now? Are you trying to gain some popularity?"

He saw Zheng Baozhu's dress was backless, so he targeted her back, insulting her however he pleased.

"Excuse me, please step aside," Qu Zhi's voice suddenly came from the front, and before Zheng Baozhu could react, a piece of warm clothing was already draped over her shoulders. She looked up in a daze at Qu Zhi, who had appeared out of nowhere.

How did he end up here? Did he come after she shared her location just now?

Before Zheng Baozhu could fully process the situation, Qu Zhi protected her from the surrounding reporters, leading her out. Sun Jing's manager hurriedly came over at this moment and, along with a few assistants, escorted them away.

Zheng Baozhu's assistant quickly caught up with Zheng Baozhu and Qu Zhi, guiding them to the waiting car outside. Qu Zhi held Zheng Baozhu's hand and helped her get into the car, closing the door beside her.

The driver immediately drove the car away from the blinding flashes of cameras. Zheng Baozhu's emotions gradually calmed down. Qu Zhi's hand was still holding hers, and she glanced at their joined hands, asking him, "How did you end up here?"

Qu Zhi replied, "I came here to find you."

"But how did you manage to get into the hotel? Didn't the security stop you?"

"They did," Qu Zhi said, looking at her, "I told them I am from your studio, and they let me in."

"..."

Zheng Baozhu was slightly speechless, "It was that easy?"

"Yeah."

"..."

Zheng Baozhu continued to scrutinize him; his appearance indeed made it easy for him to blend in among male celebrities.

Even though they finished their conversation, Zheng Baozhu and Qu Zhi still held each other's hands. Seeing this, Zhou Xiaonan raised her eyebrows and asked Zheng Baozhu, "What just happened?"

Zheng Baozhu explained, "Sun Jing stepped on her dress and almost exposed herself. The reporters started taking photos of it. I don't know where her staff went; they disappeared at a crucial moment."

Zhou Xiaonan: "..."

Does this mean they will get scolded together?

Sighing, Zhou Xiaonan said, "It's definitely going to trend on social media. Who knows, it might even involve you too."

Zheng Baozhu scoffed, "Let it trend then. I'm not afraid of anyone. There was one male reporter who was particularly disgusting, doing vile things and then blaming others for it. It's really ridiculous."

Zhou Xiaonan replied, "Well, there's no use worrying anymore. You go rest for now. I'll keep an eye on the trending topics, and I'll react promptly if anything comes up."

"Okay."

Zhou Xiaonan's gaze then fell on Qu Zhi and circled around him a few times. She asked, "This handsome guy is..."

"Oh, I forgot to introduce him," Zheng Baozhu said, "He's my old classmate."

"Just an old classmate?" Zhou Xiaonan hinted, looking at their hands still held together.

Zheng Baozhu finally realized what she meant and quickly withdrew her hand, "He really is just an old classmate."

"Okay," Zhou Xiaonan didn't press further, "Boss Zheng, you're the boss of the studio, so who you date is none of my business. Besides, I never said you couldn't date anyone."

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

Didn't I already say he's just an old classmate!

Zhou Xiaonan smiled at Qu Zhi, "Where do you live? We can drop you off on the way."

Qu Zhi replied, "No need, I live with Zheng Baozhu."

Zhou Xiaonan: "???"

Well, this is redefining the term "old classmate", isn't it?

"No, no, don't misunderstand. He stays at my hotel," Zheng Baozhu tried to explain, "It's not what you're thinking."

Zhou Xiaonan defended herself, "I didn't think anything. Why are you getting all defensive?"

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

Can employees be this sassy with their boss now? :)

After arriving at the Starlight Farm, Zheng Baozhu and Qu Zhi got out of the car together. Zheng Baozhu was still wearing Qu Zhi's coat, while Qu Zhi only had a shirt on, seemingly unprepared for the cold night wind.

"Are you cold?" Zheng Baozhu asked Qu Zhi, looking up at him.

Qu Zhi replied, "It's just a few steps; I'm not cold."

"Oh," Zheng Baozhu nodded and walked into the hotel with him. Instead of going directly to his room, Qu Zhi accompanied Zheng Baozhu back to her room. He poured a cup of hot milk for her.

Zheng Baozhu was changing her clothes inside the room when Qu Zhi called from the direction of the bedroom, "After changing, come out and have the milk."

"Okay," Zheng Baozhu responded from inside the room and came out wearing pajamas shortly after. Her hair was also let down, casually draped over her shoulders. She sat on the couch wearing slippers and held the glass, taking a big sip of milk, feeling much better, "Ah, it's so warm. My stomach was actually hurting a bit earlier, but now it feels much better."

Qu Zhi sat next to her and observed, "Then finish the milk."

"Mm," Zheng Baozhu agreed and gulped down the milk. When she finished, Qu Zhi spoke, "I remember you had some conflicts with Sun Jing. Why did you still help her?"

Zheng Baozhu retorted, "Those are two different things. I can't just stand by when I see a female celebrity facing trouble, right? Don't you know those reporters? They really have no sense of respect. Some even said it was intentional to attract attention. It made me laugh. Couldn't they see that Sun Jing was trying to cover herself with her hand? Even after being told to stop, they kept taking pictures."

After hearing her, Qu Zhi lightly chuckled, "You always have such a kind heart."

"Well, of course. Besides, Sun Jing and I don't have any deep grudges or hatred," Zheng Baozhu said, "If it were me in that situation, I'd hope someone would help me too. I just don't know how they'll twist the story this time."

Thinking about it, Zheng Baozhu furrowed her brows.

Qu Zhi reassured her, "You've already done a lot. Not everyone has the courage to step in and help."

He looked at Zheng Baozhu with a gaze she had never seen before and said, "You're brave, kind, and likable."

As Zheng Baozhu was about to nod in response, she suddenly froze when she heard what he said at the end, "What did you say?"

Qu Zhi leaned closer, gently kissed away the milk mustache on her upper lip, and whispered, "I said, I like you."