Chapter 21 A Scandalous Situation Has Caused a Huge Rush: 10 Million, I Only Want to Be With You…

Zhu Qingzhi didn't pay much attention to Wen Qi's actions, and found a comfortable position to continue nestling on the sofa to reply to messages.

Dani must have been up all night; there were constant updates in the work group, and I replied instantly to her message: "I've booked you the earliest flight tomorrow. Now, please, absolutely, positively stay home and don't go anywhere!!!"

Zhu Qingzhi replied with absolute certainty, "Received."

Gu Qiao is a night owl, used to having her days and nights reversed. She sent her a long message just thirty minutes ago.

The most unusual one was Lu Yao, who only sent one emoji: [a thumbs-up].

It was a random message, but it certainly wasn't congratulating her on winning the award. Zhu Qingzhi assumed he had accidentally touched it and felt perfectly justified in not replying.

The topic of "Zhiji Zhibi" remains highly popular on the trending searches, with search volume far exceeding other topics. Photos of the two of them together in the past, their interactions on social media, and behind-the-scenes clips from their film and television works are constantly appearing in the search results.

This is going too far. There must be someone manipulating public opinion behind the scenes. It seems that their awards have threatened someone's interests.

Zhu Qingzhi didn't think there was anything wrong with her relationship with Shen Yaozhi. On screen, it was for work purposes, and she was awkward and unprofessional during filming. Off screen, there was very little physical interaction, and the few times they did interact, it was always brief and to the point.

But she also knows that not all actions can withstand the test of slow motion, frame-by-frame analysis, and background music.

Just like at this gala, Shen Yaozhi's affirmation when predicting her award, and her excitement when celebrating Shen Yaozhi's award, under the over-interpretation in slow motion, did indeed have a certain charm.

[The drama just finished airing, and they're already ignoring the male lead's well-being, rushing to create a real-life on-screen couple for publicity. Have they no shame? Shouldn't this kind of actress retire from the industry? Are they just there to keep her around for the holidays?]

Well, finally a different voice has appeared under the entry. Hmm, it's in black, which isn't a good sign!

Zhu Qingzhi immediately took a screenshot and sent it to Dani. Just then, Wen Qi's phone rang, and he answered it after only one ring, which wasn't like him at all.

Zhu Qingzhi's gaze followed him and she discovered that he had changed his clothes and was sitting at the table looking at documents. These were all delivered along with the gifts he had brought last night.

But can he really understand it? The document is upside down.

Perhaps all CEOs have some peculiar quirks. For example, her brother likes to work on project proposals on the computer with his eyes closed. If he can work with his eyes closed, then reading the documents upside down is nothing special.

"What is it?" Wen Qi threw the file back on the desk, answered the phone while turning on the computer. During the conversation, it seemed that they discussed data modifications and changes to the terms several times, but Zhu Qingzhi didn't understand what he was saying.

The wind outside the window, carrying rain, relentlessly battered the glass, creating a discordant cacophony.

Through the fogged glass window, you can see raindrops weaving into a fine curtain along the eaves. The sky is low and time seems to stand still in the dead of night.

Zhu Qingzhi remained quiet and did not make a sound to disturb her.

The messages popping up in the work group from time to time, the escalating discussion on social media, and the inquiries from not-so-close business partners were all enough to bother her.

It was only six in the morning when the first entertainment reporter called her cell phone.

She hung up but didn't answer.

The phone screen remained lit almost continuously, with different unfamiliar numbers flashing on the screen as more than a dozen entertainment reporters rushed to call her personal phone.

She removed the SIM card, connected to Wi-Fi, and told Dani what was going on. Only then did she notice a new verification message on WeChat.

It was sent half an hour ago, with an attached comment: "Is the seaside villa your home?"

Zhu Qingzhi was taken aback.

Then the other party sent another message: "[10 million, I'm only talking to you.]"

*

The picture Xiao Wang sent last night was very blurry. It was obviously taken from some hidden corner, through layers of tree branches. It was just a snapshot of two extremely blurry figures.

Zhu Qingzhi's figure is easier to identify, but the man's back is almost completely obscured, and all that can be seen is that he is quite tall. If someone wants to use this photo to destroy Zhu Qingzhi, it's simply a pipe dream.

Sigh, she felt ashamed for Xiao Wang for being able to take photos of this quality.

Lu Yizhao waited all night, but after Xiao Wang sent her that picture, there was no further news. She waited until 6:30 in the morning before finally sending a message: "[That picture is too blurry, why didn't you take another one?]"

The other party quickly displayed "typing," indicating they must have been up all night, squatting there waiting for a big news story; this matter is definitely settled.

But the message from the other end sent Lu Yizhao a heart attack: "[Big sister, it's a typhoon day today. I'm a paparazzi, not a gangster.]"

Big sister? He actually called her big sister? Is he blind or just plain stupid?!

She really wanted to drag Xiao Wang out of his phone and beat him up, but since she needed his help, she could only swallow her anger: "These pictures aren't even clear enough to see the male and female leads clearly, so posting them online won't do any good. Find another opportunity to take more."

Don't worry about it.

Lu Yizhao was getting anxious. It sounded like the other party had more and clearer photos, but they didn't want to give them to her.

It was clearly agreed that she would inform the team, and she would buy out all the photos taken. How come she's changed her mind now? She has absolutely no professionalism!

What do you mean? Be careful, you might get your comeuppance for betraying your benefactors.

Are you with the same company as Zhu Qingzhi?

If Chaoxing finds out that she's the one who leaked the information to the paparazzi, not only will her contract with the company fall through, but no company in the industry will dare to sign her again. That bastard is threatening her!

Don't worry, I won't tell anyone.

Lu Yizhao knew that Xiao Wang was already giving her face. She was so angry that her face twisted, and she cursed a few times into her phone. She then threw on a coat and headed to Xiao Tang's room.

Xiao Tang also barely slept all night.

After Lu Yizhao left last night, she contacted her agent, Huang Shan.

The company immediately changed its strategy, hiring a lot of online trolls to stir up trouble under the topic, saying that Zhu Qingzhi lacked professional ethics and was trying to create a real-life romance even though she had a drama waiting to be released.

Initially, such comments were not very mainstream, but the topic of the "Zhiji no Hi" real-life couple fermented overnight, causing a large backlash from passersby. Starting from the second half of the night, such comments gradually increased.

Furthermore, Lu Yizhao also had someone take photos of Zhu Qingzhi entering and leaving a luxury mansion with a man. If these things are exposed at the same time, what good will it do her even if she wins the "Best Actress" award? She can forget about making a comeback.

Xiao Tang sneered, the eerie light from her phone screen shining on her face like hellfire. Her jealousy and hatred over Zhu Qingzhi's award vanished, replaced by a feeling of exhilarating pleasure and excitement.

Suddenly, a loud knocking on the door startled her.

It wasn't even seven o'clock yet, but Lu Yizhao's voice followed closely behind, dispelling the dissatisfaction rising in her heart. She rolled out of bed, and when she opened the door, she squinted slightly, her voice lazy and languid: "What's wrong?"

In the past, Lu Yizhao would have been able to see through her disguise at a glance, but now she was so angry that she had no mind to delve into those details: "How can you still sleep?"

She shoved Xiao Tang into the room, her tone a mix of exasperation and disappointment. "Xiao Wang won't give me the photos. I suspect he wants to use them to negotiate with Chaoxing and make a fortune. But that way, Zhu Qingzhi won't be in any trouble, will she?"

Xiao Tang had actually guessed this would happen long ago. Paparazzi aren't philanthropists; if they really manage to capture a popular actress's sex scandal, they're definitely looking to make a big profit.

She gently pulled her hand away from Lu Yizhao's, considerately turned around and poured her a glass of water, and calmly and understandingly comforted her to sit down: "To put it bluntly, Chaoxing is currently only being held up by Zhu Qingzhi. Even if the bones are broken, they are still connected by tendons. If something happens to her, you will be in a difficult position too."

"Besides, it rained heavily last night. Paparazzi are human too, and their lives are at stake. Xiao Wang and his crew probably didn't get any photos at all."

"What if Zhu Qingzhi is truly innocent and only succeeded because of her own abilities? We should learn from her."

...Damn it, you're putting on an act again, acting your way out of here.

Lu Yizhao almost couldn't help but swear, but then he thought that Xiao Tang's ability to play the innocent white lotus so calmly must mean she had a backup plan.

She wasn't afraid of Xiao Tang exposing her secrets. After all, she had only shown the photo to Xiao Tang, not actually sent it to her. Xiao Tang couldn't possibly have any evidence that she was the mastermind.

But what if Xiao Tang, that scheming green tea girl, recorded it?

Heh, how good did she think her words were? They were nothing to be proud of, so Lu Yizhao wasn't afraid at all.

Xiao Tang ignored Lu Yizhao's ever-changing expression, glanced at her phone, and patted her shoulder again: "Go back to your room and change your clothes first. The organizers have arranged activities for today."

"What event?" Lu Yizhao asked, half-believing, half-doubting, but he also took out his phone to look at it and then laughed.

Due to the impact of the typhoon, most of the actors were stranded in the hotel and unable to leave Haicheng. To prevent everyone from getting bored, the organizers arranged a social event on the spot, which was voluntary and not mandatory.

However, since many industry leaders attended the HaiChao Awards, the event was basically attended by everyone.

Zhu Qingzhi is in a bad situation; she can't teleport during a typhoon. As an actress who just received an award, her absence is clearly disrespectful to the organizers and an attempt to act like a diva.

Tsk, those reporters squatting at the door will have plenty to write about.

She didn't believe Zhu Qingzhi would be able to remain silent when the time came. A response would leave loopholes, and the androgynous photos she possessed would be enough to fuel public speculation.

Even if Chaoxing buys Xiao Wang's photos, so what? Once the scandal breaks, there's no way to do public relations.

Lu Yizhao smiled, his eyes revealing a naked calculation.

Xiao Tang knew exactly where Lu Yizhao's jealousy of Zhu Qingzhi came from. They had both debuted on the same variety show, but why was Zhu Qingzhi able to easily rise to the top tier with the help of a powerful figure, while she had struggled in the industry for several years and remained lukewarm?

Does Lu Yizhao really think that she can take over the position by bringing down Zhu Qingzhi? How adorable.

Xiao Tang glanced at Lu Yizhao a few more times. Wasn't Lu Yizhao trying to climb up to her just to become famous? Well, she'd put the opportunity in front of Lu Yizhao and see if she could seize it.

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Author's Note: Qingzhi [Let Me See]: Brother Wenqi~

Wen Qi [shyly]: Mm.

Author [sprinkling flowers]: Keep up the good work!