Chapter 88 Wen Qi, whose work is never-ending, and I…
“Some people will have to be weeded out sooner or later, and this is a good opportunity.” Wen Qi raised an eyebrow, a subtle, enigmatic smile playing on his lips. “Brother, you want to help?”
Lu Yao deliberately slowed his speech, with a hint of amusement: "I came to Nancheng for work, and President Wen came to Nancheng... also for work?"
He emphasized the word "work" and glanced meaningfully at Zhu Qingzhi beside him.
The implication couldn't be clearer.
You're so free, why do you need my help?
On a deeper level, it implies that Wen Qi's trip to Nancheng was clearly a case of using public office for private gain.
Zhu Qingzhi closed her eyes, feeling her temples throbbing. These two men were both masters of cryptic talk. She decided to give up, slamming her chopsticks down on the table with a crisp sound: "I'm going back to sleep."
"Can't you take a joke?" Lu Yao ran his fingertip through the hair hanging between his eyebrows and made an exaggerated "tsk tsk" sound. "There are reporters downstairs. If you go out now, you'll definitely be the news tomorrow."
His malicious tone was clearly meant to make her angry, and Zhu Qingzhi couldn't take it anymore. She snatched the napkin from his hand and slammed it on the table, then grabbed one of them with each hand, adopting a death-defying stance: "Let's go together!"
"Hey, hey, I don't want to be on the entertainment news." Lu Yao was the first to object, shaking off Zhu Qingzhi's hand before even leaving the private room.
Seeing her huffing and puffing, Lu Yao got excited and dragged out his words: "Chaochao is a hot topic right now. If she takes the two of us out with her on either side, I've already thought of the headline for tomorrow's headlines."
Zhu Qingzhi: "..."
He didn't need to say anything; it was definitely not something nice. She glared at him but ignored him, which only made him more aggressive.
"Director Zheng and the others are having dinner here today. The Wen Group's new branch project has been launched, and they're holding a celebration banquet here." Wen Qi soothed her, then glanced at Lu Yao, who seemed to thrive on chaos.
These two siblings are fighting, and they are definitely no more than ten years old.
"Didn't you also arrange a private room as a cover? Why provoke her for no reason?"
Lu Yao shrugged, smiling innocently, then walked to the window, lifted a corner of the heavy curtain and looked down: "Those people downstairs are quite persistent. Alright, I won't bother you anymore."
He turned to look at Wen Qi, his tone much more serious this time: "Public opinion surrounding the film's female lead can indeed directly impact the project. As one of the investors, it's our duty to closely monitor the state of the core members of the production team."
Zhu Qingzhi noticed the key point: "You voted too?"
"Some money is better left unearned." Lu Yao casually adjusted his cuffs, his tone carrying a hint of meaning. "The golden Buddha has been poached by some people, but they can't stop me from getting involved in other areas, can they?"
Zhu Qingzhi couldn't help but roll her eyes at his arrogant remarks, but a warm feeling welled up inside her. She understood that Lu Yao's investment wasn't just about making money, but also about supporting her in his own way.
Since her brother is so supportive, she doesn't need to feel embarrassed.
"Mmm." Zhu Qingzhi nodded in agreement, revealing a look of great admiration.
This time, Lu Yao felt something was off.
Sure enough, the next second, Zhu Qingzhi used the same trick again, once again dumping the physical work of cleaning up the mess on him: "Brother, those people downstairs are yours to handle! You're the best!"
Then she grabbed Wen Qi and ran faster than a rabbit, disappearing without a trace almost before Lu Yao could react.
He pressed his throbbing temples and suddenly felt like he had become a caregiver for two people.
On the other side, Qu Feng was already waiting in the parking lot. Upon seeing Wen Qi, he immediately handed him the car keys—a regular black Buick. The two got into the car one after the other, and the car drove away without attracting the attention of the paparazzi in front of the door.
The shadows of the trees under the streetlights receded rapidly, and they soon arrived at the hotel. The two went their separate ways again, with Zhu Qingzhi arriving at her room first.
As soon as she entered the room, she kicked off her high heels, stepped barefoot onto the soft carpet, and immediately took out her phone to monitor public opinion.
Very good, my brother's efficiency is quite good.
She was about to send him a message saying "Arrived safely at the destination" when a gust of wind rose behind her.
The next instant, a warm body approached from behind. Wen Qi grabbed her waist with one hand and her wrist holding the phone with the other, turning her towards him without giving her a chance to refuse.
"Stop looking."
His deep gaze and the sudden, passionate kiss, filled with long-suppressed longing, swallowed up all the words she hadn't spoken.
The phone slipped from her palm, and after a brief moment of surprise, Zhu Qingzhi responded with a kiss, her fingers unconsciously gripping the front of his shirt.
He supported her waist and led her step by step to the floor-to-ceiling window. The night was as dark as ink, quiet and gentle, and they only had eyes for each other.
She bit his lip, her chaotic heartbeat gradually straightened, the rapidly passing time slowly stopped, and an ambiguous atmosphere swirled around her.
Wen Qi stepped back slightly, his forehead touching hers, his fingertips gently tracing her slightly swollen lips. A few blushes appeared on Zhu Qingzhi's cheeks: "I'm really happy to see you today."
"Just happy?" Wen Qi's fingertips lingered on her lips, his eyes swirling with unspoken emotions.
Zhu Qingzhi met his gaze, her bright eyes sparkling with confidence: "Otherwise what?"
Wen Qi's gaze lingered on her eyes. He reached out and untied her braids, patiently smoothing them with his fingers. "I missed you so much."
His movements were incredibly gentle, as if he were handling a rare treasure. Zhu Qingzhi could feel his fingertips brushing through her hair, carrying a sense of reverence.
This gentle Wen Qi was more captivating to her than the man who had forcefully kissed her earlier.
She tightened her grip on her fingers, her voice hoarse and slightly trembling: "I don't want you to be so tired, you're so busy with work..."
"There's no end to the work." His fingertips slid down her hair, landing on the back of her neck, where he gently massaged it.
Zhu Qingzhi involuntarily shrank her neck. At the same time, he leaned forward slightly, his warm breath brushing against her ear, "Chaochao, look at me, okay?"
Damn it, he's being affectionate!
Zhu Qingzhi's heart skipped a beat, and her ears turned slightly red. She tried to remain calm and turned her face away, saying, "What do you mean?"
Wen Qi gently cupped her chin with his fingertips, turning her face back to him and forcing her to look directly at him: "No?" His voice was deep and gentle, "Then why don't you dare look at me?"
Zhu Qingzhi met his smiling gaze, and her heart pounded even faster. She forced a retort: "I'm looking at you, aren't I?"
“Not enough.” His thumb gently traced her lower lip, his gaze burning. “I want you to only have eyes for me.”
These words completely broke Zhu Qingzhi. She reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck, buried her face in his shoulder, and said in a muffled voice, "You know perfectly well... I think about you every day."
"Explain yourself." Wen Qi gently stroked her back. "Who are you thinking about?"
"You," her voice trailed off, "Wen Qi..."
He chuckled softly, a pleasant vibration emanating from his chest: "Change how you address me?"
Zhu Qingzhi's cheeks flushed instantly. She instinctively tried to avoid his burning gaze, but he gently cupped her face in his hands.
His voice carried a seductive tone, "Call me husband."
She bit her lower lip, and under his focused gaze, finally spoke softly, "Husband..."
"I didn't hear you." He deliberately leaned closer, his nose almost touching hers. "Say it again?"
She raised her head slightly, her watery eyes looking at him with sincerity and passion, "Wen Qi, I miss you so much."
Wen Qi's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and deep emotions surged in his eyes. He tightened his arms around her, pulling her closer into his embrace, as if he wanted to meld her into his very bones.
"I miss you too." His voice was deep and gentle.
This embrace was devoid of any lust, filled only with longing and tenderness. Zhu Qingzhi gently snuggled against him, inhaling his familiar scent, and the fatigue from filming these past few days seemed to vanish.
I know you're very sad.
Zhu Qingzhi trembled slightly in his arms. It turned out he understood everything—he understood her hurt when she saw those negative comments, and he understood her self-blame when she faced disappointment from her fans.
"It was definitely my fault. I thought I could balance things well, but I didn't..." Her voice grew softer and softer, and you could even hear a slight sob in it.
Wen Qi hugged her tighter, his chin resting lightly on the top of her head: "No one can be completely foolproof. The important thing is, what do you plan to do now?"
"Just give your heart and have a clear conscience." Zhu Qingzhi suddenly nudged his chin. "Do what I can do well, do what I can do."
Her voice was soft, carrying a hint of relief and determination. Wen Qi kissed her forehead: "Okay, then do as you want."
*
Speculation about Zhu Qingzhi on the internet continues to grow.
But this time the commotion was really big. Not only did major families in Beijing support her, but her Weibo side account also revealed that she had a very good life since childhood.
In addition, Liu Xiaoning and Xu Dong conspired together and were suspected of multiple crimes, including defamation, extortion, etc. Both of them were sentenced to varying degrees, so no one dared to make too many malicious speculations.
Following the actions of the actors and crew members who had worked with her, Chaoxing Entertainment released behind-the-scenes footage of the new drama, guiding public attention back to the work itself. With the support of a large number of fans, the public opinion did not have a significant impact on Zhu Qingzhi.
The crackdown on the proxy filming industry has significantly reduced the burden on many film crews, and within just one month, the Liu Group has also declared bankruptcy.
However, for the company, the brief statement issued by the group announcing the "termination of cooperation with Liu" took almost a full month to adjust its corporate planning and resources.
Yang Qing was constantly running between Wen Shi and Chao Xing. Just when he thought things were finally going to be peaceful, Chao Xing gave him another big surprise.
"Director Yang, Mu Shuangqing has requested to terminate the contract."
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Author's note: Zhu Qingzhi [starry-eyed]: Me.
Wen Qi [starry-eyed]: I am who I am.
Ah Mei [starry eyes][bursting into tears]: I can't control myself.
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