CH 73

Qu Zhi drove the car as they made their way to Huadu. Zheng Baozhu sat in the passenger seat, looking at the statement released by Huanyu. There were comments from curious netizens and various sources, all criticizing Yu Wei.

Zheng Baozhu was engrossed in reading the comments when Gao Boyun called via video. She tapped the screen with her fingertips, and Gao Boyun's face appeared, "What's up, Director Gao?"

"Have you seen the statement from Huanyu?" Gao Boyun asked from the other end.

Zheng Baozhu nodded, telling him, "I'm just enjoying it."

"Oh... Huanyu specially contacted me just now and explained a lot. In short, they definitely won't withdraw, so you don't need to worry."

"I never worried in the first place," Zheng Baozhu said, "But even if they don't withdraw, I still plan to invest."

"Sigh, our drama doesn't lack money now. After Yu Wei said he wanted to withdraw, many investors contacted us, saying they want to invest," Gao Boyun complained with a troubled expression, "Oh, by the way, some of them mentioned that they are your friends."

"My friends?"

"Yes."

Gao Boyun mentioned a few CEOs of companies; Zheng Baozhu listened and nodded slowly, "Oh, I do know them. We meet at the business conferences every year."

"Besides these CEOs, there's also President Tan from the Rongtai Group. Their group has investments in many fields but has never had any dealings with the entertainment industry. Yet, they suddenly want to invest in our drama," Gao Boyun thought to himself that it was because their drama crew was indeed outstanding, "Let me tell you, our drama crew is now facing the problem of having too many potential investors. We have to select the best ones from them."

"Oh..." Zheng Baozhu listened to him and then said slowly, "I think I'm quite good, so pick me!"

Gao Boyun: "..."

"My mom gave me all the properties left by my aunt, and I've been thinking about how to use this money. Now I know. Investing in my first leading drama is the best choice," Zheng Baozhu explained reasonably, "It feels like witnessing the birth of a protagonist, and from there, I'll continue the journey from the starting point."

"..."

Gao Boyun was silent for a moment after hearing her words, "If you put it that way, I have no choice but to accept this money."

"That's right. Let's find a time to sign the contract later."

"Okay..."

"By the way, there's still one role left to cast, right? Can I recommend Wang Jingyi from my studio?"

Gao Boyun raised an eyebrow and asked, "What's this? You just invested, and now you want to push someone from your studio into the production?"

"Come on, don't say it like that. I just want to give Director Gao a chance to audition. Whether she's qualified or not depends on her abilities."

Gao Boyun pondered for a moment and replied, "I do remember the person you mentioned. She was on the 'New Moon Wuxin Sword' set as a supporting character, right? She's a good friend of yours."

"Yes, and her conditions are pretty good. She should be able to handle a minor role."

"Okay, then let her audition when the time comes. However, I can't guarantee if she'll be selected or not," Gao Boyun said, then glanced at Zheng Baozhu, "But this matter can easily be misconstrued. Even if she gets selected based on her talent, outsiders might think that you pushed her in."

Zheng Baozhu didn't seem to mind, "If others want to say whatever they like, I can't control that. I believe an actor's work will speak for itself. If she's genuinely talented, the audience will see it. Besides, if we don't give her an opportunity to audition just because she's from my studio, wouldn't that be unfair?"

"As long as you see it that way. By the way, Hanyu's President Song mentioned that he wants to treat us to dinner to apologize, and he specially invited you."

Zheng Baozhu thought for a moment and said, "Sure, why not? After all, my conflict is only with Yu Wei, not with Hanyu."

"Then I'll respond to them and I'll let you know when the time is confirmed."

"Okay," After finishing her call with Gao Boyun, Zheng Baozhu hung up the phone. Just as she exhaled a breath, Lin Ziqin called her.

Staring at the name on the screen, Zheng Baozhu hesitated for a moment.

Qu Zhi glanced at her phone and smiled teasingly, "Why don't you answer? Why hesitate?"

"..."

Wasn't it just because he might get jealous again? :)

Clearing her throat, Zheng Baozhu answered the call and put it on speaker, "Hello, Lin Ziqin?"

"Um, sorry, I was busy catching a flight yesterday, and my schedule has been tight after landing. I just saw the news about you and Yu Wei."

Qu Zhi glanced at Zheng Baozhu and made a soft hum from his nose. Zheng Baozhu smiled and said, "It's okay; it's not your fault."

Lin Ziqin said, "I should have waited for you yesterday; that way, Yu Wei wouldn't have kept bothering you."

"Don't think like that. Even if you had waited, it wouldn't change anything. If Yu Wei really wanted to bother me, he would find another opportunity. The end result would have been the same."

Sighing softly on the other end, Lin Ziqin said, "As long as you're okay, that's what matters."

"I'm fine, of course. Right now, the one with a problem is Yu Wei."

Lin Ziqin chuckled as Zheng Baozhu continued, "And you don't need to worry about the production either. Director Gao just called me, complaining that there are too many people interested in investing, and he's having a hard time choosing."

Lin Ziqin laughed even louder this time, "I believe that. With your current popularity, everyone would want a share of the cake."

"No, no, your popularity is even greater, Teacher Lin."

Lin Ziqin said, "Alright, let's not flatter each other. Since you're okay, I won't disturb you anymore."

"Okay, I won't disturb you either, Teacher Lin. Goodbye," After hanging up the phone, Zheng Baozhu turned to look at Qu Zhi. Qu Zhi pretended to focus on driving but was actually listening intently to her conversation with Lin Ziqin.

"All done," Zheng Baozhu waved her phone next to Qu Zhi. Qu Zhi pretended to be serious and furrowed his brows, "Don't distract me while I'm driving."

"Oh, sorry. You're driving so seriously."

"I've always been serious about what I do."

"Oh, I see. Well, good job, and congratulations!"

"..."

After arriving in Huadu, Zheng Baozhu asked the security guard at the entrance how to get to the building where she was staying, "Thank you, young man. I haven't been here in a long time, and I couldn't remember."

After getting the directions, she got back in the car and directed Qu Zhi to go inside. Once they drove away, the duty butler at the entrance approached gossiping, "Was that Zheng Baozhu just now?"

The security guard got excited, "Yes, she looks even better in person than in photos! I can't believe she's staying here!"

"Stay calm, our residents here are all celebrities. Let's not make a fuss about it!"

Qu Zhi parked the car at Zheng Baozhu's residence and she got out to get her luggage. Then she remembered that Qu Zhi couldn't go back to the hotel either, "Qu Zhi, there are also photos of you online. If you go back to the hotel, you'll definitely be recognized."

After watching the video sent by Wei Zhen, they saw that many people had come to the hotel, including several live streamers who had come to increase their popularity.

Qu Zhi brought his luggage over and walked with her inside, "I should be okay, right?"

"It's not certain, it's better if you avoid it temporarily. Wait until the heat dies down, and then we'll see."

Qu Zhi looked at her speechlessly, "So, in the end, I'm still a wanted criminal?"

"Hahaha!" Zheng Baozhu laughed while opening the door, "Today was too rushed, and you didn't pack anything. How about you go back home for a few days?"

"But it's too far from the Starlight Farm and I'll have to transfer on the subway."

"The subway here goes directly to the Science and Technology Park! How about you stay here then?"

"Sure."

"..."

Wait a minute, Zheng Baozhu frowned.

Did she fall into some kind of trap?

"Qu Zhi, did you plan this from the beginning?" Zheng Baozhu stared at Qu Zhi with wide eyes, as if trying to read his every expression.

Qu Zhi innocently looked at her, "You were the one who suggested it."

"..." Fine, she admitted, "But no one has been living here, and there's not much stuff. Why don't I ask Wei Zhen and the others to pack your things and send them over?"

Qu Zhi thought for a moment and placed his suitcase beside the sofa in the living room, "I'll have Qi Sheng do it for me."

"That works too. You guys are more convenient since you're both guys," Zheng Baozhu nodded, "Let's invite him for dinner tonight as well."

"Okay," Qu Zhi looked around the living room, "Does someone regularly clean up here?"

"Yes, and it's kept quite neat."

"Okay," Qu Zhi turned around again, "But judging from the decoration, it doesn't seem to be your style."

"You hit the nail on the head," Zheng Baozhu laughed, "My dad decorated this house. It's already good enough like this, both he and Mom like this place. That's why I said it's more suitable for them to live here."

Qu Zhi also laughed, "It's evident that Uncle Zheng is carefully considering what young people like."

"Indeed," Zheng Baozhu picked up her luggage again, "Let's go upstairs. There are plenty of rooms upstairs, so you can choose any one you like."

Qu Zhi followed Zheng Baozhu upstairs but hesitated, "Would Uncle Zheng and Aunt Su have any opinions if they knew we were living here together?"

"Um... If it were someone else, they might rush over immediately. But since it's you, they probably won't have any objections."

Qu Zhi chuckled and followed her into the elevator, "I'm honored."

At lunchtime, Qi Sheng helped Qu Zhi bring his luggage over. Since the two of them had just moved into the villa and hadn't had a chance to buy groceries yet, they ordered takeout from Tianxia Restaurant.

"Sorry, Qi Sheng, I said I would treat you to a meal, but we can only have takeout due to limited conditions."

Qi Sheng thought Zheng Baozhu was being too polite, "Even though it's takeout, it's from Tianxia Restaurant!"

The average cost per person at Tianxia Restaurant was nearly four digits, and unless there was a significant occasion, he wouldn't be able to afford to dine there. Living in a villa was indeed different; they ordered takeout from such a high-end restaurant, "This meal is really great; I'm enjoying it."

"..." Qu Zhi whispered to Zheng Baozhu, "Not all researchers are like him."

Zheng Baozhu smiled and waved her hand, inviting them to continue eating.

After finishing their meal, Qu Zhi originally planned to return to Science and Technology Park with Qi Sheng and continue working for the rest of the day. However, unexpectedly, the police contacted Zheng Baozhu and asked her to come over. Qu Zhi definitely couldn't let Zheng Baozhu go alone, so he accompanied her.

Zheng Baozhu also invited Lawyer Han to join them. When they arrived, they found that Yu Wei was also there, with his lawyer.

The reason the police called them was mainly to inquire if they had any intention of settling the matter privately since Zheng Baozhu had reported the incident.

"Mr. Yu has already agreed to compensate you. As long as your compensation request is not unreasonable, he can agree to it," the police officer in the middle mediated. Zheng Baozhu firmly refused, "I don't want money. I'm open to a private settlement, but I demand that Yu Wei publicly apologize to me on Weibo and pin the apology post for half a year."

"Don't give face when you're not given face..." Upon hearing this, Yu Wei became furious once again. Qu Zhi immediately pulled Zheng Baozhu back and coldly stared at Yu Wei. Yu Wei's lawyer also held him back and frowned, saying, "Mr. Yu, we came here to apologize. Please watch your attitude."

He used a lot of force in holding Yu Wei's arm; Yu Wei shook off his hand with a frown and stopped speaking.

Zheng Baozhu stood behind Qu Zhi, looking at Yu Wei on the opposite side, "Mr. Yu, if this is your attitude, then I think there's nothing to talk about. Let's settle this in court."

The police also reminded Yu Wei, "Mr. Yu, this is the police station. Control your emotions. We have already obtained surveillance footage from Tianxia Restaurant and questioned the staff on duty that night. The evidence and testimonies are not in your favor. In addition to the defamation, once this goes to court, it won't be as simple as a Weibo apology."

Yu Wei pursed his lips without saying anything. His lawyer spoke on his behalf, "We accept Miss Zheng's request."

Yu Wei was extremely unwilling, but in the end, he managed to hold back.

Zheng Baozhu demanded that Yu Wei post the apology on Weibo publicly and pin it.

Yu Wei's face turned purple with anger. He edited a very simple apology statement, but Zheng Baozhu wasn't satisfied after reading it, "This lacks sincerity. If you really can't write it, then I'll do it, and you can just type it out."

With a cold expression, Yu Wei typed out the words exactly as Zheng Baozhu said.

Yu Wei V: Regarding my unfounded accusations against Miss Zheng Baozhu last night, I sincerely apologize here. I should not have falsely accused her of being arrogant just because she refused to go to KTV with me, nor should I have defamed her by insinuating an inappropriate relationship with Director Gao Boyun. My irresponsible remarks have caused harm to Miss Zheng Baozhu's reputation, and I want to sincerely say sorry once again!

After the Weibo post was published, netizens immediately flocked to it.

「??? He knelt so quickly. 」

「[Villain.jpg]」

「Hahaha, Yu Wei didn't expect to hit a wall this time, right? 」

「Serves him right, serves him right, serves him right, serves him right, serves him right!!」

「Good for her! Miss Baozhu did it beautifully!」

「That marketing account, shouldn't they come out to apologize together???」

「Hahaha, I just checked the marketing account's Weibo post, and it's already deleted. Probably saw Yu Wei kneeling, realizing they couldn't handle it themselves. 」

「Miss Baozhu is so magnanimous! She should've had him arrested!!!」

「President Zheng is awesome. This is like a novel in the entertainment industry. 」

Zheng Baozhu logged on to Weibo and reposted Yu Wei's apology post.

Zheng Baozhu V: This Weibo post will be pinned for half a year. Please help supervise, my dear netizens.

When Yu Wei saw the reposted Weibo, he was so angry that he turned off his phone. What difference does half a year make? He could just stay off Weibo for half a year!

After leaving the police station, Zheng Baozhu felt extremely refreshed. She sent a message in a small group, inviting everyone to the villa for a hot pot dinner in the evening.

Zheng Baozhu: Since I can't go out right now, you two can come over and buy some groceries on your way.

Meng Yaxin: What about Qu Zhi?

Zheng Baozhu: Qu Zhi is at the villa keeping me company.

Meng Yaxin: ...

Cen Tongtong: Suddenly not so eager to go anymore.

Zheng Baozhu: You can buy whatever you want, I'll reimburse you.

Cen Tongtong: Yay!

Meng Yaxin: →_→

After sending the message in the small group, Zheng Baozhu returned to the WeChat contacts and suddenly saw Tan Yao's chat icon. They hadn't contacted each other since Tan Yao asked if she wanted to enter the entertainment industry. However, when Gao Boyun mentioned President Tan from the Rongtai Group today, she immediately thought of Tan Yao.

If she remembered correctly, Tan Yao was related to the Rongtai Group.

The President Tan mentioned by Gao Boyun probably wasn't Tan Yao; could it be his father or an uncle?