Chapter 95 Who's in charge of your family now? And you can't even go public with your relationship? ...
The starry sky is dazzling, the fragrance of flowers is sweet, the chirping of insects echoes in the bushes, the arc of the lamplight under the corridor blends with the night, and the willow catkins flutter and swirl, blurring the boundary between reality and illusion.
Life is a series of choices. As a child, one is willful and indulgent, choosing only what one likes. As an adult, there are more moral constraints, but no other restrictions. Now, she feels that everything is entangled in interests and social niceties.
I wouldn't say I dislike it, but I'm definitely not used to it.
Starting with the controversy surrounding the replacement of her with a new actress, the online backlash against her initially turned into tentative appreciation and support. The foundation of all this was her enigmatic powerful backer.
She used to hate the word "backstage," but now she's used to it, and even finds it kind of nice. So, will she one day...?
"If you don't want to go, you don't have to. There's no need to force yourself." Wen Qi held her hand, his warm palm cupping her cold fingertips, gradually warming them up.
“If we don’t go today, there’s always tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and the day after that…” Zhu Qingzhi shook her head. “It’s a hot news story, we won’t give up on it so easily.”
Zhu Qingzhi felt something was off. She wasn't the type to be sentimental, but today she didn't know what had gotten into her, and she suddenly felt wronged and wanted to cry.
She choked up, trying to suppress her overwhelming emotions. "I saw Xiao Tang's response online. It's nothing, just a few words. I've said it before."
There are many reporters outside.
"I know."
“They will have many problems.”
"I know."
“Your micro-expressions and reactions can be interpreted in great detail.”
“I know.” Zhu Qingzhi looked up and added, “As an actor, I’m not afraid of being analyzed.”
"Okay. I'll wait for you at the back door."
"not good."
Wen Qi could hear the determination in her voice. In the past, he would have been eager to make it public as soon as possible, but today was not a good time.
"Once I appear in the public eye, you'll have no way to back out."
“We’re not getting a divorce, I…” Zhu Qingzhi clearly felt Wen Qi’s grip tighten, and quickly changed her words, “Everyone says I have powerful connections, so it doesn’t matter whether it happens sooner or later.”
He loosened his grip and gently tapped her forehead as punishment for her misspoken words.
Just then, Xiaozhou rushed over from around the corner, shouting, "Sister! There are reporters everywhere in front of the makeup building. Sister Dani told me to tell you to use the back door. Shen Rou just came back to get something and is still stuck at the door!"
When she saw Zhu Qingzhi and Wen Qi's tightly clasped hands and their side-by-side posture, Xiaozhou covered her mouth, unable to suppress both laughter and surprise: "No way, no way. They chose today?"
Zhu Qingzhi's ears burned slightly, but she gripped Wen Qi's hand even tighter. Wen Qi seemed to sense her determination, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes, before he said in a deep voice to Xiao Zhou, "Xiao Zhou, tell Dani to go to the main gate."
Xiao Zhou's eyes widened, and he instantly understood. He jumped up excitedly and said, "I understand!" Then he turned and ran, taking out his phone to tell Dani the news as he ran.
When the two figures appeared at the door, Dani, who had received the news, rushed to protect Zhu Qingzhi behind her, and security personnel quickly assembled.
A cacophony of camera shutters clicked in an instant as reporters surged forward, bombarding the camera with questions:
"Zhu Qingzhi, when did your relationship with Xiao Tang thaw?"
Was tonight's Weibo interaction pre-arranged? Or is it a publicity stunt?
Did you see Xiao Tang's response at the event tonight? What are your thoughts?
"You announced your marriage a few days ago, can you reveal a little about your marital status now?"
The flashbulbs went off, turning the night into day, and Zhu Qingzhi squinted instinctively. A reporter from another media outlet was in a hurry; their camera and microphone were practically shoved in Zhu Qingzhi's face.
"Ensure the safety of the artists, everyone take turns!" the security captain repeatedly announced over the loudspeaker.
Dani forcefully pushed the nearest camera back, firmly shielding Zhu Qingzhi behind her, and shouted, "Please cooperate, otherwise we will not provide any answers."
The chaos gradually subsided, and some even climbed trees to start live streaming. Shen Rou finally jumped down from the van, giving Zhu Qingzhi a sympathetic look as she brushed past her shoulder.
Reporter A: "[Jiaren] Was today's promotion planned in advance? Is there any shared interest between the two films?"
Why are they being so sharp? They didn't ask Xiao Tang this kind of question today!
"Director Xu is my mentor, and I am really looking forward to the release of [The Beauty]."
Reporter B: "What are your thoughts on Xiao Tang's statement at tonight's event that 'good actors deserve to be anticipated'? Is this a hint at your previous replacement in a role?"
Wow, she's really good at letting her mind wander. I watched Xiao Tang's interview, and it didn't really resonate with me.
"I agree with what Xiao Tang said. Everyone who takes acting seriously deserves our expectations, including me and her."
Reporter C followed up: "It's rumored online that there's a very intimate scene in 'The Knot.' Did you ask your husband's opinion before accepting the role? Does he mind?"
The question immediately silenced the room, and all the cameras were pointed at her.
Goodness, their private lives really do attract the most attention. Zhu Qingzhi subconsciously glanced back, but didn't see Wen Qi at all.
Huh? Where did he go again? She suddenly realized that Wen Qi hadn't answered her question at all. This guy was playing tricks on her!
At the same time, the comments on the live stream screen were so fast they almost flickered:
[I simply enjoy looking at handsome men and beautiful women; I genuinely want to see what Zhu Qingzhi's husband looks like!]
[It's okay to ask your husband what he looks like! But there's no need to ask during intimate scenes, is there?! How disgusting.]
[May the branches fly bravely, and the roses forever accompany us!]
[What is Zhu Qingzhi looking at? Is her brother-in-law there too?!]
Zhu Qingzhi cursed Wen Qi eight hundred times in her heart, but then forced a genuine smile: "I've already responded before that rumors on the internet shouldn't be taken at face value. I'll follow the crew's arrangements and leave the rest to everyone to discover in theaters."
She smiled, put an arm around Dani's arm, and gently squeezed it. Dani understood immediately: "It's getting late, everyone should go home now."
Reporter C pressed on, "【The Knot】wasn't even finished filming yet. Did you consider the production team when you revealed you were married? Did he force you to go public?"
Just as Dani was about to stop her, Zhu Qingzhi suddenly stopped, a rare fierce look appearing in her weary eyes, followed by a fleeting, chilling smile.
"Are you a fish? Your memory only lasts seven seconds? Have you already forgotten about Liu Xiaoning? There are still screenshots of the essay online. I suggest you review it when you have time."
Reporter C remained calm under pressure and pressed her advantage: "Could you tell me about your marital status? I heard that a new actor joined the crew today and has a cameo role. Is that related to you?"
Even Dani was stunned by these words. Didn't Director Zheng say he could guarantee the crew would be kept in the dark? How did the news leak out so quickly?
"I just saw you come out with a man. Is your partner someone in the entertainment industry? As far as I know, Shen Yaozhi is currently on vacation, and her whereabouts are unknown." As reporter C finished speaking, the camera flashes became even more intense.
Dani turned the microphone towards herself: "The guest actors and their roles in the production are confidential and cannot be disclosed."
Reporter C ignored Dani's explanation and remained unmoved by the security guards' shoving and pulling, clinging tightly to the safety rope placed in front of the door: "Is it Shen Yaozhi?"
The live stream chat exploded!
Holy crap, that's amazing?! A close-range, high-damage attack!
[Really?! Really?! I'm totally into this!]
[The pictures are out! But I can't see the faces clearly! Is this a high-definition camera?! Can the equipment be upgraded through crowdfunding? I'll contribute one!]
Remember that photo of Haicheng from before? The build is somewhat similar.
Zhu Qingzhi hadn't intended to respond, but dragging Shen Yaozhi into this was going too far. She took the microphone from Dani and replied earnestly, "No."
Reporter C's eyes lit up, wanting to press further. Zhu Qingzhi didn't give her any room to maneuver: "My marriage is my private matter, unrelated to my work, and even less related to Shen Yaozhi. As for your repeated questioning about my spouse..."
She paused, her gaze sweeping across the room before finally settling on the logo on reporter C's chest: "Entertainment Weekly." A faint smile curved her lips. "Since you're so eager to know, let's get the photos first."
Shen Rou suddenly squeezed in from the side, seemingly accidentally bumping Zhu Qingzhi's leg with her leg. She had already let down her guard, gesturing for the reporters to make way, and then turned back halfway through: "Our crew has just hired a new assistant. Such a small thing can cause you to make so many speculations. With your abilities and dedication, you shouldn't be a reporter, you should be a paparazzi."
Her voice was clear and crisp, with just the right amount of sarcasm, instantly attracting most of the attention and flashes of light.
Taking advantage of the moment, Dani quickly grabbed the still somewhat dazed Zhu Qingzhi. She intended to get into the nanny van and leave, but the van was surrounded by a large crowd, so she had to change her strategy and run into the makeup building first.
"My God! What were you thinking?! You're going to come out and respond today?!" Dani looked Zhu Qingzhi up and down several times before wiping away her sweat and letting out a sigh of relief.
"It's only a matter of time."
"Excuses!!! I think you're just trying to take this opportunity to make your relationship official." Dani tapped her head, then pressed the back of her hand against her forehead. "Are you tired, have a fever, or are you delirious? Did you pick this auspicious day after all?"
It was genuine concern, if you could ignore the look on her face that said she was looking at someone who was mentally challenged.
Zhu Qingzhi cleared her throat awkwardly, but then naturally shifted the focus: "Where's Wen Qi? Where did he go?"
“When Xiaozhou came to tell me, I was with Director Zheng.” Dani seized every second, took out her phone to monitor public opinion, and said, “It’s one thing for you to act recklessly, but he’s involved too. Are you going to make the decisions for your family from now on? I’m a little worried.”
"What are you doing! Can't we go public with our relationship?!" Zhu Qingzhi also realized that she was acting a bit strangely today, so she took the initiative to shake off the scoundrel.
“It can be made public. Judging from the progress of netizens’ speculations, they’ve already found that picture of Haicheng.” Dani didn’t even look up, and pulled Zhu Qingzhi’s wrist to Director Zheng’s office. “President Wen, stay for another two days, and it should be about time.”
Zhu Qingzhi panicked a little: "Huh? What do you mean?"
"Last year, news of President Wen attending the project groundbreaking ceremony in Haicheng has been unearthed, and side-view comparison photos have also been posted online."
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Author's note: Kiyoshi [melted]: Oh.
Wen Qi [resting her chin on her hand]: Hmm.
Ah Mei: I went to see the renovation project today, it's such a huge undertaking! [crying emoji] [crying emoji] [crying emoji]
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