Zheng Baozhu was not the type of mainstream celebrity with a massive following, so she wasn't immediately catapulted to the top of the trending list when news about her having a boyfriend emerged. A marketing account released a screenshot of a chat between a netizen and themselves, along with a photo.
In the photo, Zheng Baozhu was holding hands with a man, both dressed elegantly, and their relationship seemed extraordinary at first glance.
This was like dropping a stone in water and soon someone recognized the male lead.
「Isn't this someone from Zheng Baozhu's studio? Wasn't he the one who left with her last time, escaping from the reporters? [eating popcorn]」
「Yeah, it seems to be that handsome guy! They are a CP couple too!」
Various CP fans noticed the news and discussions about them kept increasing, pushing them up to the tenth place on the trending list. Zheng Baozhu had been busy all day and had just laid down on her bed after applying a face mask when she received a call from Zhou Xiaonan: "You and Qu Zhi have been exposed. The trending rank is still climbing."
Zheng Baozhu was taken aback. She hadn't expected such a small star like her would receive so much attention.
"I saw the photo. It was taken at the wedding you and Qu Zhi attended last time," Zhou Xiaonan said, sitting in front of the computer, looking at the enlarged picture on the screen, "It's an indoor shot, not like paparazzi photos. It's probably taken by guests at the scene."
"Oh, that…" Zheng Baozhu put the call on speaker and also opened Weibo to see the photos that the marketing account had posted. The picture was taken in a private room where they were gathering with their high school classmates. Zheng Baozhu was speechless, "Everyone in that private room was our high school alumni. We greeted them when we arrived. I can understand them taking photos of me, but why did they send it to a marketing account??"
"They did it on purpose to stir up trouble," Zhou Xiaonan said, "Do you have any enemies among your high school classmates?"
"Come on, how could anyone have a grudge against me?"
"…"
Zhou Xiaonan fell silent for a moment and then said, "Well, it's not worth investigating. Let's discuss how to respond."
Zheng Baozhu thought that only A-list celebrities needed to deal with this kind of life, but she didn't expect even a minor star like her would have to do this, "I don't really mind, but I'm not sure if Qu Zhi minds. I'll ask him first."
"Alright," Zhou Xiaonan knew that Qu Zhi was engaged in scientific research; people of this kind often valued their reputation and were reluctant to be associated with the entertainment industry. If Qu Zhi wasn't Zheng Baozhu's old classmate, the two of them might not have gotten together.
Zheng Baozhu hung up the phone and sent all the Weibo screenshots to Qu Zhi. Qu Zhi replied promptly, "I don't mind. You can handle it however you like, and I'll cooperate."
Zheng Baozhu chuckled and quickly edited the text in the chatbox: "I'm afraid it's not good for the image of you researchers dating a celebrity."
Qu Zhi: What era are we living in? Don't hold on to such professional discrimination.
Zheng Baozhu: Hahaha, then should I just admit it?
Zheng Baozhu: But I'll blur out your information!
Qu Zhi: …Just don't make me look like a wanted criminal.
Zheng Baozhu: Nonsense! You're such a handsome wanted criminal, you won't be able to hide for more than two days before being recognized by the public!
As soon as she sent this message, Zheng Baozhu's phone vibrated. It was Qu Zhi calling her. She peeled off the face mask on her face and answered the call, "Qu Zhi?"
"Yes," Qu Zhi's gentle voice came from the other end, "Why are you still up so late? During dinner, you were about to fall asleep."
"I got distracted by the trending news again," Zheng Baozhu said, lying on her pillow while talking to him, "Why are you still awake?"
Qu Zhi replied, "I'm still working on my paper."
"Wow, as expected of you," Zheng Baozhu praised, "You go ahead and continue writing. I won't disturb you. I'll handle the trending issue."
"Okay, you should get some sleep too," Qu Zhi's usually cold voice sounded warm in the night, "Don't stay up too late. Goodnight."
"Goodnight." Zheng Baozhu hung up the phone, and her lips couldn't help but curl up. Feeling good, she opened WeChat to send a message to Zhou Xiaonan, "Qu Zhi doesn't mind, so how about we just admit it? After all, I'm not trying to gain popularity and rely on hype."
Although Zheng Baozhu had not been in the entertainment industry before, based on her everyday experiences as a netizen, she knew that the public was more accepting of female celebrities dating. Fortunately, she was a female celebrity.
Zheng Baozhu: This way, Lin Ziqin's fans won't say that I'm intentionally hyping the CP anymore! Besides, I can see my and Qu Zhi's CP super-topic skyrocketing, everyone is celebrating.
Zhou Xiaonan: … You're right, but remember that celebrities also have careers. Unexpected, right? Not only do you have a career, but you've also started making it public on your super-topic.
Zheng Baozhu: …
Quickly, she clicked into her super-topic, and at the top was a declaration from one of her fans:
Bringing Happiness to the Entertainment Circle: Zheng Baozhu, you really disappoint me. I've been following you since you were just an extra. Seeing you go from being an extra to playing Ye Ling, I can't express how happy I am. Since you currently don't have any projects released, do you not realize how much you've been criticized? Because you have no projects, people mock you for accepting endorsements and doing magazine shoots. I was waiting for your project to be released so I could see those crtics eat their words, but guess what? Sorry, I got my face slapped first. Why do you have to handle men now? Instead of focusing on your career, you're focusing on men. Well, goodbye.
Zheng Baozhu: "…"
It turns out that there are people who care about her career even more than she does.
But there's no conflict between pursuing a career and dating a man! Besides, she never even handled any men!
There were many comments like this, questioning Zheng Baozhu's focus on men rather than her career. In her Super Topic, others were advising her differently, saying that her performance in the trailer for [New Moon Wuxin Sword] showed great potential and that she would surely achieve a lot in the future.
Then there was a reply that said: Indeed, she has great potential, but during the initial stages of her career, she's already busy with men. Does she even have any ambition for her career?
Zheng Baozhu: "…"
How come there are no replies now? Today, my back aches and I feel exhausted, not because of men, but because of my career!
Zheng Baozhu replied to Zhou Xiaonan's message: With my current popularity, it shouldn't have caused me to trend, right?
Zhou Xiaonan: …
Zheng Baozhu: Forget it, when should we respond?
Zhou Xiaonan: The studio is currently working on the statement. Once it's ready, we'll send it to you.
Zheng Baozhu: How about we do it tomorrow instead? Staying up late is tiring.
Zhou Xiaonan: …You seem to be very open-minded about this.
Zheng Baozhu replied with an emoji and noticed she had been added to a group chat. The group was created by Wei Yu, consisting of twelve members.
It happened to be the ten people who attended the wedding plus the bride and groom.
Meng Yaxin privately messaged Zheng Baozhu: I added both you and Qu Zhi to the group. Wei Yu and the others want to find out who leaked the photos online.
Zheng Baozhu: Ah, it's not necessary actually, as we won't have any further contact anyway.
Meng Yaxin: No, I saw many people talking about it in your Super Topic! I checked the photos, and the person who took them must be among us!
Meanwhile, the group chat became lively, with Wei Yu asking who leaked the photos to the marketing account, maintaining a relatively composed and rational tone. After he spoke, nobody in the group owned up to it. But then the bride, Yang Li, stepped in, and her tone was not as kind as Wei Yu's.
Yang Li: The photos were clearly taken in a private room, and you are all Wei Yu's old classmates. We invited Zheng Baozhu to attend the wedding, yet someone backstabbed her behind her back. Isn't it inappropriate? How can we face her now? And you, who took the photos and sent them to the marketing account, are you deliberately trying to cause trouble? And you still claim to be old classmates? Huh? If you have the guts to do it, don't be timid now. This is already a violation of privacy!
The group fell silent for a moment, and Zheng Baozhu was about to step in to mediate, but then Li Huixin suddenly spoke up: It's not me. Although I have some conflicts with Zheng Baozhu, I wouldn't do something so low-class.
After the discussion, one after another, all eight people in the private room, excluding Zheng Baozhu and Qu Zhi, denied leaking the photos.
Qu Zhi: The way you all are talking, it seems like we leaked it ourselves.
Zheng Baozhu:
Zheng Baozhu: Aren't you supposed to be writing your thesis? Continue writing it instead.
Qu Zhi: Aren't you also not sleeping? You said goodnight but kept playing on your phone.
Meng Yaxin: ??? You two can have your show here as well?
Meng Yaxin: Be careful; it might screenshot your conversation and send it to the marketing account.
Zheng Baozhu blinked; "it" was a fitting term.
Her phone received a friend request, and to her surprise, it was from Li Huixin. After accepting it, Li Huixin began typing messages rapidly.
Li Huixin: I know you probably suspect me the most, but it really wasn't me who leaked the photos. Whether you believe it or not, if I didn't do it, I won't admit it. I will definitely find out the truth and won't take the blame for that person.
Zheng Baozhu: =.= I never said it was you.
Li Huixin: You didn't say it, but I know you're thinking that. I'll contact you after I find out more.
Li Huixin had always been someone who took things seriously, especially when it came to matters related to Zheng Baozhu. Back when they were studying, Zheng Baozhu noticed Li Huixin didn't like her and even considered her as a rival, so they didn't interact much.
Zheng Baozhu told Qu Zhi about it, and he replied: If we want to investigate, it's actually quite easy. Based on the angle of the photo, we can deduce where the photographer was sitting. I remember that Zhang Lei was sitting in that direction.
Zheng Baozhu: ??? You remember where each person was sitting?
Qu Zhi: I glanced around when we entered.
Zheng Baozhu: …Ah, is it him? The one you mentioned.
Qu Zhi lightly chuckled and replied: Versailles.
Zheng Baozhu: Yes. But the person taking the photo might not necessarily have been sitting in that position.
Qu Zhi: The angle of the photo should indicate that it was taken while sitting, but it's not impossible that he changed his seat. However, in my memory, most people didn't change their positions.
Qu Zhi: Of course, I am just speculating, not saying it's definitely him. But if you want to investigate, you can start with him.
Qu Zhi: Is Zhang Lei your secret admirer? Has he written a letter to you?
Zheng Baozhu: ??? Why are you feeling so jealous? Why don't you say he's your secret admirer?
Qu Zhi: Let's forget about it. We'll talk about this in person tomorrow. You should go to sleep now.
Zheng Baozhu sent him a hundred yellow-faced smiling emojis: I've received countless smiles tonight, don't send me any more. Giving them back to you.
Qu Zhi held his phone, chuckled, and lowered his head.
Zheng Baozhu: They said I am busy handling men instead of focusing on my career , but in fact, I never had done it at least once in my life!
[Zheng Baozhu retracted the message]
Qu Zhi: I saw it.
Zheng Baozhu pretended to be dead.
After a while, she heard the doorbell ring and hesitated for a moment. Then, she received a message from Qu Zhi on her phone.
"Open the door."
"…?" Zheng Baozhu put on her slippers and got out of bed to open the door for Qu Zhi. He was also wearing slippers and his shirt was only buttoned at the center.
Zheng Baozhu stood at the door and swallowed nervously, "What are you doing so late at night?"
Qu Zhi said, "Sleeping."
"…Ah?"
Zheng Baozhu couldn't believe how things had turned out. Qu Zhi, dressed in sleepwear, was sitting on her bed, looking as if he was ready to go to sleep, "I've already taken a shower, so let's go to sleep."
"???" Zheng Baozhu was incredulous, "Why are you sleeping here?"
Qu Zhi leaned against the headboard and looked at her with a half-smile, "Didn't you say you haven't…"
"Ah ah ah ah ah!" Zheng Baozhu cut him off sharply, "Don't say it!"
"Alright, I won't say it," Qu Zhi's corner of the mouth was still slightly curved as he calmly observed Zheng Baozhu standing by the bed, "So, are you not planning to sleep?"
"…"
Why are you sleeping here? Qu Zhi's audacity once again challenged Zheng Baozhu's understanding. How can he remain so composed and not blush or skip a heartbeat? "Aren't you still working on your thesis?"
"Well, I'll write it tomorrow. It's already late tonight."
"…Oh." Zheng Baozhu reflected on herself in her mind. Why was she afraid? Isn't it just handling men? What's there to be afraid of!
She quickly lay down on the other side and instructed Qu Zhi, "Turn off the light."
As expected, the main character, Qu Zhi, became unnatural again. He agreed and turned off the light in the room before lying down next to Zheng Baozhu. Her heart was pounding rapidly, even in the darkness, Qu Zhi's presence was entwined with her, impossible to ignore.
She felt stiff, not daring to move. Suddenly, she heard Qu Zhi's light laughter in her ear, followed by him embracing her, "Don't be afraid, I don't plan to do anything. I just suddenly wanted to hold you and sleep."
"Uh…" Zheng Baozhu responded slightly stiffly. Although she had known Qu Zhi for a long time, it was still the first time they shared a bed.
Qu Zhi whispered in her ear, "But if you want to do something to me, I won't resist."
"…"
Really, is that so? Zheng Baozhu was a bit startled. She turned over to face Qu Zhi and wrapped her arms around his waist.
Qu Zhi murmured in her ear, "Only this?"
"What else do you want?" Zheng Baozhu raised her head to look at him, her eyes sparkling in the darkness.
Qu Zhi lowered his head and kissed her for a while, hugging her a bit tighter, "You can hug me more."
Zheng Baozhu moved closer to him again, resting her head on his chest. Qu Zhi's voice came from above, "Baozhu, lift your head."
"What for?" Zheng Baozhu raised her eyes to look at him. Qu Zhi kissed the tip of her nose and spoke hoarsely, "What do you think? Some people only dare to talk but not to act."
"…"
Zheng Baozhu stubbornly said, "How am I not daring enough?"
She raised her head and started kissing Qu Zhi's forehead to his temple and finally reached the thin lips that often said sweet words. Qu Zhi's fingers combed through her hair, holding the back of her head, and deepened the kiss.
Suddenly, Zheng Baozhu felt that handling men was quite enjoyable.
When Qu Zhi finally let go, she was already short of breath. Qu Zhi chuckled at her disheveled appearance and softly said, "Alright, you're too tired today. Go to sleep."
Zheng Baozhu glared at him, realizing that he had really come just to sleep with her.
Sensing her gaze, Qu Zhi raised an eyebrow, "Or do you want to continue?"
Zheng Baozhu quickly closed her eyes.
Qu Zhi silently smirked and closed his eyes as well.
When Zheng Baozhu woke up, she found herself alone on the bed. Sitting up, she ran her hand through her hair, pondering if last night was just a dream.
"Awake?" Qu Zhi came out of the bathroom, still wearing the same sleepwear from last night, except this time it was even more revealing, with the only button unbuttoned.
Zheng Baozhu: "…"
Oh, knowing it wasn't a dream puts her mind at ease.