Impossible Lovers

Zheng Baozhu didn't pay any further attention to Qu Zhi and immediately forwarded the contract that Gao Boyun had sent her to her lawyer. Her lawyer was someone she had known since she started her restaurant business, and he had also helped her with many contracts when she was preparing to open the hotel. They had known each other for many years, so Zheng Baozhu trusted him quite a bit. However, since his expertise was in a different field, she wasn't sure how familiar he was with entertainment industry contracts.

Lawyer Han responded quickly with three question marks.

Lawyer Han: ???

Lawyer Han: Are you going to enter the entertainment industry???

Zheng Baozhu: Well, I have been considering opportunities in that area recently. 

Lawyer Han: ...

Boss Zheng is truly extraordinary.

Lawyer Han: I'll take a look at it for you. However, I'm more experienced with contracts in business fields. If you're really expanding into this area, I can recommend a friend who is more specialized in this field.

Zheng Baozhu: Okay, Lawyer Han is reliable indeed. [Pat on the back]

Lawyer Han: ...

Reviewing a contract would take some time, as the devil is often in the details. He hadn't replied to Zheng Baozhu yet, but Gao Boyun seemed a bit impatient.

Gao Boyun: Haven't you reviewed the contract yet? If everything is fine, let's sign it quickly and start shooting immediately.

Zheng Baozhu: Wait a bit! Lawyer Han hasn't replied yet!

Gao Boyun: ?

Gao Boyun: You don't have a manager, but you have a lawyer?

Zheng Baozhu: That's right, I do have a strong sense of the law.

Gao Boyun: ...You think the salary from this role is enough to pay for a lawyer?

Although the entertainment industry is now offering sky-high paychecks, it's mainly for A-list actors, and even their fees often come with some hidden terms. Their production doesn't offer astronomical salaries, especially so for a small supporting role like Zheng Baozhu's, with less than five episodes, the pay is not much.

Zheng Baozhu: It's enough, your production is not paying that low either, have some confidence!

Gao Boyun: ...

Gao Boyun: Once you've reviewed it, sign the contract quickly, then we'll proceed with makeup and take the official photos. By the way, you'd better sign with a talent agent. Otherwise, you'll have to handle everything by yourself, and you might be overwhelmed.

Zheng Baozhu: (⊙-⊙) What else could happen later? After I finish shooting for Ye Ling, I'll just continue working in the Film and Television City doing other jobs.

Gao Boyun: ...Have some confidence! What if you become really popular?

Zheng Baozhu: (⊙-⊙) But won't the drama need to air until the end of next year?

Gao Boyun: ...You make a valid point.

Gao Boyun: But what if other opportunities come up next year?

Zheng Baozhu: If opportunities come, I'll consider them at that time. Otherwise, I'll end up supporting the agent instead.

Gao Boyun: ...

Gao Boyun: Then, do you want to sign with my studio?

Zheng Baozhu was taken aback. Sign with Gao Boyun's studio? She hadn't thought about that, but although Gao Boyun was currently a lesser-known director, he was still the son of Gao Tianming and would likely have more connections and resources than an average person.

Zheng Baozhu: Does Director Gao really think highly of me??? Signing with a studio under Director Gao's name would definitely ensure a good future. However, if I sign, does that mean you'll become my boss?

Gao Boyun: What else?

Zheng Baozhu: Then, wouldn't I have to listen to everything you say? I wouldn't be able to make my own decisions about what roles to take or not?

Gao Boyun: ...Once you sign with a company, there will be certain limitations, of course.

Zheng Baozhu: orz I see. In that case, let's forget about this for now. Focusing on my current work is the most important thing.

Signing with a talent agent was not an urgent matter for Zheng Baozhu at the moment. Being an actress had been her dream since childhood, and she didn't want to reach a point where she would be constrained by signing with a company.

Fortunately, nowadays many stars establish their own studios, becoming their own bosses. Why not do the same?

After Lawyer Han reviewed the contract for Zheng Baozhu, she formally signed it with Gao Boyun. Soon, the production team contacted her for makeup trials. On the day she went for makeup, the lead actors were not present, only a few supporting actors like her were there for makeup trials.

As Zheng Baozhu entered the makeup room, she saw an actor just finishing her makeup. She sat down next to her and started getting her makeup and styling done.

Ye Ling's character in the original work was an otherworldly divine doctor, so her appearance would certainly be ethereal. Zheng Baozhu's makeup was kept simple and elegant, with just a hint of crimson on the hairpin she wore on her head. Once her styling was complete, she put on Ye Ling's white robe and carried the small medicine basket prepared by the crew on her back.

The basket was exquisitely made and matched Ye Ling's attire perfectly. As Zheng Baozhu put it on, she felt like a young girl gathering mushrooms.

"All done, go over and let the director and others have a look," the makeup artist was quite satisfied with the look, as she had been worried it might be too plain and unremarkable. However, the actor had a very beautiful face, and even with this simple and fresh makeup, she exuded an otherworldly charm that wouldn't go unnoticed.

Zheng Baozhu followed the makeup artist to the adjacent room, where Gao Boyun and other key members of the production were resting and discussing matters. The door of the room was open, but Zheng Baozhu still knocked twice before entering.

As soon as she entered, everyone's eyes fell on her, and someone praised spontaneously, "Beautiful, very pretty, well done!"

Gao Boyun stood on the opposite side and said, "Turn around, let me see."

Zheng Baozhu turned around in place, showcasing her appearance to everyone.

"It looks great, but I think we can make it slightly more intense. It's a bit too understated now, only the actor's charm is carrying the whole look," Gao Boyun communicated with the makeup artist next to Zheng Baozhu, "Your temperament is excellent. Even with heavy makeup, you won't look tacky. So you can add a little more without worrying. Also, let's switch to the other pair of earrings we prepared."

"Okay, I'll make the adjustments," the makeup artist and Zheng Baozhu returned to the makeup room to make the changes. They didn't make major changes, just intensified the eye shadow and lipstick slightly, and added a bit more blush to make her appear more radiant.

When they showed the revised look to the creative team, Gao Boyun nodded in approval, "This is great, just like this. Let's take the official photos now."

The official photoshoot was held in another room. As Zheng Baozhu entered, the photographer was sitting inside drinking water. He looked slightly surprised when he saw a new actor coming in and put down the water bottle before standing up, "You're very pretty. Are you a supporting actor too?"

"Yes," Zheng Baozhu smiled and nodded, then stood in front of the backdrop.

"This is an underestimation of your talent," the photographer adjusted the equipment and asked her to move a bit backward, "Yes, right there, try a different pose."

Thanks to her dance background, Zheng Baozhu naturally coordinated her poses, and the photographer was delighted with the shots, taking many of them. After they were done, it was already dark outside. Zheng Baozhu changed back into her own clothes and glanced at Gao Boyun, who was at the door.

Gao Boyun walked out, seeing her acting suspiciously, "What's up? Need something from me?"

Zheng Baozhu smiled and pulled him aside, "Well, Director Gao, I mean, not you, but your father, introduced me to a teacher…"

"Wait a minute," Gao Boyun couldn't help but interrupt her, "When did you meet my father?"

Zheng Baozhu looked at him even more strangely, "What? Don't you know? It was on the day I went to audition for the role."

"..."

Gao Boyun's eyelid twitched, "My dad was there that day too?"

"Yeah, he was sitting on the stage, all wrapped up tightly," Zheng Baozhu waved her hand, dismissing the topic, "That's not the point. The point is that he introduced me to a teacher, and I've already met the teacher. The teacher agreed to teach me, but I don't know how to discuss the tuition fee. I feel awkward bringing up the question as if I'm implying that the teacher..."

Gao Boyun listened with some bewilderment. He interrupted her and asked, "What's so embarrassing about that? Is your teacher some kind of immortal who doesn't care about worldly matters?"

"Um, it's something like that. The point is, this teacher really doesn't need my money..."

Gao Boyun interrupted her again, "Who is this teacher?"

Zheng Baozhu thought for a moment and honestly replied, "Ge Hongyi, Teacher Ge."

Gao Boyun: "???"

How many more surprises do you have in store for me? :)

After a long silence, Gao Boyun smiled and said, "You mean, my dad introduced Teacher Ge to you?"

Zheng Baozhu nodded, "That's what I mean."

"And you don't know my dad?"

"I really don't. Otherwise, I'd just contact him directly. But for now, I can only find you, right?"

Gao Boyun felt that the father-son relationship between himself and his father was facing a tremendous challenge. Why was his dad secretly meddling in so many things? Did he want to come and snatch Zheng Baozhu from him?

"Director Gao, can you help me ask your dad how to handle the tuition fee? Since it was his introduction, I thought I should inquire with him first to avoid appearing too presumptuous if I were to ask Teacher Ge directly. But I can't just let him teach me for free, right?"

Gao Boyun looked at her and said, "Teacher Ge's tuition fee should be quite expensive."

"Money is not an issue."

Gao Boyun finally voiced the question in his heart, "Are you really just a small supporting actor?"

Zheng Baozhu remained silent for a moment and then said, "Actually, I have other businesses."

"What?"

"I have a restaurant and a hotel."

Gao Boyun: "..."

Gao Boyun wiped his face and smiled, "President Zheng, would you like to invest more money in our drama?"

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

Though Gao Boyun's worldview was shaken, he still went to ask his dad about the tuition fees.

At this time, the productions team's Weibo had just announced the news of the start of filming for [New Moon Wuxin Sword]. The production team released the photos of the filming, and soon, Lin Ziqin dominated all the trending discussions.

After a while, Gao Boyun also hurried over and finally managed to get his own two comments to the top. Zheng Baozhu hadn't joined the crew yet, so naturally, she didn't participate in the booting ceremony. She clicked on the large image of the booting photos and took a look. The male lead's appearance was quite good, especially since it was Lin Ziqin, truly living up to the title of the rising star of historical dramas; he stood out in this group photo.

As she was immersed in all the discussions, she received a message from Gao Boyun.

Gao Boyun: Are you Su Ming's neice?

Zheng Baozhu: "......"

She temporarily quit Weibo and replied to Gao Boyun: Calm down, don't blow my cover. 

Gao Boyun: "......"

He thought he had casually picked up someone from the Film and Television City, but he didn't expect to get someone with such a background.

This incident made him doubt himself for a while because he was still thinking about nurturing Zheng Baozhu and building a good relationship with each other. However, when the retouched version of the [New Moon Wuxin Sword] makeup photos came out, he felt reassured.

He enthusiastically posted a new Weibo update.

Gao Boyun: Found a treasure, our actress is really beautiful. [Image]

As per their plan, the makeup photos were supposed to be released after the filming was finished, so he didn't fully reveal Zheng Baozhu's face. Instead, he cropped the photo to show only her nose and eyes. Zheng Baozhu had a delicate and beautiful appearance, and this partial photo was not only beautiful but also left ample room for imagination.

Many people in the entertainment circle inquired about the identity of the actress, but Gao Boyun remained secretive and didn't reveal much.

On Christmas Day, many people on Weibo were sharing their holiday celebrations, but Gao Boyun stood out by showcasing his actors.

Zheng Baozhu's hotel was busy that day with many guests coming for dinner. When she had a free moment, she checked her Weibo and saw Gao Boyun's post. Her eyes brightened, and she sent him a private message: "Director Gao, the makeup photo is out? Can I take a look?"

Gao Boyun: [Image] Don't spread it around.

Gao Boyun: This is not the final version; there may be changes later.

Zheng Baozhu: Wow!! I look really good!

Gao Boyun: "......"

Gao Boyun: How are you faring under Teacher Ge's guidance?

Zheng Baozhu: I've just taken a couple of classes. Although it hasn't been long, I already feel the benefits are substantial! The tuition issue has also been resolved, thanks to you.

Gao Boyun: You're welcome. Study hard, and when you join the crew, I won't go easy on you.

Zheng Baozhu: Okay…

"Miss Baozhu, Mr. Tan is here!" Liang Huihui approached her from behind, bending down to say, "He's in the lobby playing with the claw machine!"

Zheng Baozhu: "......"

Hearing that Mr. Tan was playing with the claw machine again, Zheng Baozhu forgot about her meal and grabbed a tissue. She followed Liang Huihui outside. Indeed, Tan Yao was standing in front of the claw machine, playing with the joystick. Today, he dressed specially to match the Christmas atmosphere, wearing a combination of red and green.

Zheng Baozhu walked up to him, smiled, and said, "Mr. Tan, Merry Christmas."

Upon hearing the voice, Tan Yao turned around with a smile, "Miss Baozhu, it's been a while! I finally had some free time to come and see you today!"

Zheng Baozhu maintained her smile, "What doll do you want to grab? How about I help you?"

The dolls in the claw machine had been changed; now there were new Christmas limited-edition dolls. Tan Yao was trying to grab one of those limited-edition dolls, but after all this time, his skills hadn't improved much.

However, that didn't matter because he didn't come here today to play with the claw machine; he wanted to invite Zheng Baozhu to spend Christmas together.

"Miss Baozhu, are you free tonight?"

Zheng Baozhu replied, "No, as you can see, the hotel is very busy today."

"..." Tan Yao paused for a moment and said politely, "That's okay; we can have our date here."

Zheng Baozhu looked at him, "A date?"

"Yes," Tan Yao said confidently, "You promised to teach me how to play the claw machine, and you haven't fulfilled that yet. How about teaching me today?"

"...Alright," Zheng Baozhu walked over to the claw machine and asked him, "Which one do you want to grab?"

Tan Yao pointed to the Christmas limited-edition doll, "That one. I want to grab it and give it to you."

Zheng Baozhu studied the doll's position, then explained various techniques to Tan Yao. While they were doing that, Qu Zhi's voice suddenly came from behind, "What are you two doing?"

Both Tan Yao and Zheng Baozhu turned to see Qu Zhi. Tan Yao's expression changed when he saw Qu Zhi. Although he hadn't found an opportunity to let his friends meet Zheng Baozhu yet, they had already gathered information about Qu Zhi. They had learned that Qu Zhi was a handsome guy who had recently returned from overseas and was working in the nearby Science and Technology Park. He was considered a high-end talent.

What infuriated him the most was that Qu Zhi took advantage of being childhood friends with Zheng Baozhu and brazenly lived in her hotel, meeting Zheng Baozhu every day!

He thought he was the only one capable of such shameless actions!

"Oh, Mr. Qu Zhi, right?" Tan Yao smiled at Qu Zhi and then leaned toward Zheng Baozhu, "Miss Baozhu is teaching me how to play the claw machine."

Qu Zhi furrowed his brows imperceptibly. He glanced at the claw machine behind them and then told Tan Yao, "The trick to grabbing dolls is simple. It's just a matter of probability. As long as you try enough times, you'll eventually grab one."

Tan Yao: "..."

What an incredibly impressive trick, indeed.

However, Zheng Baozhu, standing by the side, nodded convincingly, "He's right, that's how it works."

Before Tan Yao could say anything, Liang Huihui rushed over, "Miss Baozhu, there's a guest waiting for you in the garden!"

Zheng Baozhu followed Liang Huihui and left. Tan Yao hesitated for a moment, then decided not to take any action. He glanced at Qu Zhi and teasingly smiled, "I'll wait for Miss Baozhu here. Did you see this doll? I'll grab it for her when she comes back."

Qu Zhi coldly looked at the doll in the machine and sneered, "Oh, with your zero to four skills?"

Tan Yao: "..."

Wasn't this joke getting old?

"You'll see how amazing I am soon enough," Tan Yao boasted with determination, rolling up his sleeves and trying to grab the doll again. Qu Zhi stood by, watching him grab the doll, sway it for a while, and then it fell back down, "Oh, it fell again. Truly amazing."

Tan Yao: "..."

"You!" He was about to argue with Qu Zhi when his phone, in his pocket, started ringing. He took it out and saw the caller ID, his brows furrowed, "Dad..."

"You still remember I'm your dad? Where did you run off to again!"

Tan Yao unhappily retorted, "Today is Christmas, can't you let me celebrate it!"

"Are you a foreigner? What's there to celebrate about some foreign holiday? Hurry back!"

Tan Yao hung up in annoyance. He glanced at Qu Zhi across from him, lifted his head arrogantly, hummed at him, and then quickly left.

Qu Zhi watched him leave, then walked up to the claw machine and scanned the QR code.

After Zheng Baozhu finished her work, she returned to the lobby only to find that both Tan Yao and Qu Zhi were gone. She didn't bother asking where Tan Yao went; as long as he left, it was fine. She went back to her room, planning to take a bath and rest. As soon as she filled the bathtub with water, the room phone rang.

She rushed over to pick up the phone and an electronic voice sounded from the receiver, "Hello, dear guest. I am your delivery robot. Your ordered takeaway has arrived."

Zheng Baozhu was stunned. When did she order takeaway? She walked over, opened the door, and indeed, the delivery robot was standing outside. She pressed the open compartment button and found that it wasn't a takeaway the robot brought, but a doll and a single rose.

The doll happened to be the Christmas limited edition doll from the claw machine.