Impossible Lovers

The Weibo post accusing Zheng Baozhu of getting plastic surgery was made by a marketing account that appears to be just an ordinary onlooker, but there definitely was someone behind it. The account posted a photo of Zheng Baozhu from her days as an extra in the Film and Television City, but it's unclear where they got the picture from.

At that time, Zheng Baozhu was just an extra, so her costume and styling in the photo were very ordinary. However, it was because she made an ordinary cheongsam look so stunning that it led to Sun Jing wanting to replace her. The blogger spreading the rumor was evidently not ignorant, they deliberately edited Zheng Baozhu's face to look ugly!

Zheng Baozhu had never seen such a shameless person before, photoshopping the picture to imply she got plastic surgery!

"To think they're both photoshopping and buying hot searches for me. Am I already this popular?" Zheng Baozhu was close to laughing out of frustration. Buying a hot search isn't cheap at all, she couldn't fathom who was willing to spend so much to get the top spot.

The last time someone spent so lavishly just to annoy her was Qu Zhi :)

Zheng Baozhu clicked on the marketing account's comments, and unsurprisingly, the top comments were all negative.

「A few days ago, she bought so many hot searches, now she's already crashed. 」

「She copied Su Mingmei's appearance. 」

「So what is Zheng Baozhu actually known for? The entertainment industry is really not picky anymore. Anyone can get an endorsement?」

「Hahaha, Zheng Baozhu is actually known for her face.  Didn't expect even her face to be fake. 」

Zheng Baozhu smiled. She clicked on the profiles of those who were criticizing her and found out that many of them were Sun Jing's fans.

"Xiaonan, I found a blind spot!" Zheng Baozhu, who was next to Zhou Xiaonan, called out, "Many of those criticizing me are Sun Jing's fans! It's absurd. If I were to say I'm Sun Jing's rival, I'd probably want to criticize myself for reaching too far. But they're making her happy by raising my value!"

Zhou Xiaonan's fingers flew quickly on the keyboard, as she talked to people on the web version of WeChat and replied to Zheng Baozhu, "Based on the information I've gathered so far, it's most likely Sun Jing's side causing trouble."

Zheng Baozhu was speechless. She truly didn't expect Sun Jing to go this far, "Why is she targeting me? Could it be because I cursed at her on the set back then, and she's held a grudge until now?"

"..."

Zhou Xiaonan paused for a moment, stopped what she was doing, and turned to look at Zheng Baozhu, "When did you curse at Sun Jing on set?"

"It was when I was an extra... Let's not talk about it."

"..."

Zhou Xiaonan fell silent.

Zheng Baozhu was indeed fearless. Even as an extra, she dared to argue with the lead actor on set!

Coughing lightly, Zhou Xiaonan said to Zheng Baozhu, "Sun Jing's endorsement contract with Zhenyi Jewelry is expiring in two months, so they might be worried that Zhenyi will really give the endorsement to you, hence deliberately causing this situation."

As all of Zheng Baozhu's current works are yet to be released, her appeal largely relies on her face. Sun Jing has found the perfect angle to attack.

Hearing Zhou Xiaonan's explanation, Zheng Baozhu found it even more amusing, "They have quite a sense of crisis, huh? Zhenyi hasn't said anything, yet they jumped out first."

Zheng Baozhu didn't believe that Zhenyi would change its spokesperson just because of a few comments from netizens.

"Anyway, it's not a bad thing, and it can even act as a barrier for you. With more popularity, you'll have more competition. This is a good opportunity to act on it while you're still not that well-known," Zhou Xiaonan suggested.

"Haha."

"I'll try to remove the hot search and lower the heat for you. How do you want to respond to this matter?"

Zheng Baozhu thought for a moment and asked Zhou Xiaonan, "Does removing the hot search also cost money?"

"Yes," Zhou Xiaonan nodded.

Zheng Baozhu said, "Then why should I spend that money! I will have them foot the bill to remove the hot search!"

Zhou Xiaonan: "..."

That's Zheng Baozhu's boldness for you.

"How are you going to handle this?" asked Zhou Xiaonan.

"First, I'll start by going back home and digging up all my childhood photos!" Zheng Baozhu replied.

Although electronic devices were convenient nowadays, they only store recent photos. Childhood photos were usually kept in old albums at home. She didn't bring the album with her to the hotel; it was still at her parents' house, so she would have to make a trip back home...

But, oh well, she could only hope her mother didn't have the leisure to browse the internet.

"I'll leave now, let's stay in touch by phone," Zheng Baozhu said, picking up her bag and leaving the studio.

At the Research Institute in the Science and Technology Park, during the lunch break, the scientists gathered together. When they opened Weibo, they saw Zheng Baozhu's plastic surgery hot search.

"Old Qu!" Qi Sheng instinctively called out to Qu Zhi, staring at his phone without even looking at the road as he walked towards Qu Zhi's office desk, "Miss Baozhu is on the hot search again!"

Qu Zhi had seen Zheng Baozhu on the hot search quite frequently during this period and had gradually gotten used to it, "Isn't it normal to be on the hot search?"

After all, she's now a celebrity.

Qi Sheng anxiously said, "This time is different! They're saying she got plastic surgery!"

Qu Zhi furrowed his brows, directly taking Qi Sheng's phone to look. Indeed, there were many comments on Weibo blackening Zheng Baozhu. Although there were also some defending her, it seemed like it would be hard to overpower the criticism in a short time.

As Qu Zhi looked at those malicious comments, his brows furrowed even more. Qi Sheng stood next to him and asked, "Zheng Baozhu couldn't have had plastic surgery, right? You have the most say in this matter!"

Qu Zhi replied, "Of course not, she looked like this since childhood."

He saved the photo from the marketing account and transferred it to his computer. Qi Sheng looked at him curiously and asked, "What are you doing?"

"Proving that this photo was photoshopped later," Qu Zhi said and started working on his computer. Qi Sheng watched him with admiration; Qu Zhi's focused look was on par with his usual demeanor in the laboratory.

He suddenly had a new perspective. He used to think that Qu Zhi didn't understand romance, but now he realized that Qu Zhi was truly great! With his touch, even a piece of wood could be transformed into a delicate carving!

While Qu Zhi was analyzing the photo, Zheng Baozhu had already returned home. She quietly opened the door with her key, but unexpectedly, her father was standing at the door, looking at her.

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

Awkwardly, she smiled at her father and asked him softly, "Dad, why weren't you at the company during lunchtime?"

Father Zheng replied, "Do you still have the audacity to ask? Your mother called me this morning, saying that everyone online is criticizing you. She was so angry that she scolded me over the phone."

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

Swallowing hard, she cautiously looked into the room, "Then... where's Mom?"

"Your mother is still arguing with people online," Father Zheng replied, with some helplessness in his voice, "She was so angry that she even registered a Weibo account and was called a troll by others."

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

"You, why didn't you try to persuade Mom?" Zheng Baozhu asked.

"Do you think I can persuade her? Just now, she even suggested that I should register an account and join her in confronting those netizens," Father Zheng replied.

"..."

Zheng Baozhu looked at her dad in astonishment, "Dad, you even know the term 'netizens'?"

Father Zheng said, "Your mom just learned it."

"..."

"Is Baozhu back?" Su Mingxi's voice came from inside the room, to which Zheng Baozhu responded attentively.

"Since you're back, come in. Why are you standing at the door?" Su Mingxi's voice echoed again. Zheng Baozhu had to change into slippers and walked in, carrying her bag, "Mom, you didn't take a nap?"

Su Mingxi looked at her and coldly snorted, "Huh, can I even sleep? I was so angry that I woke up."

"..."

Zheng Baozhu sat down at the side and began to persuade, "Mom, you're already an adult. Why are you arguing with those netizens? Many of them might still be in elementary school. What's the point of arguing with a bunch of elementary school students?"

"Am I the one who started arguing with them? Weren't they the ones who insulted you first?" Su Mingxi continued, then shifted her focus, "You've arrived just in time. Tell me, how did those people start saying that you had plastic surgery?"

"Sigh, why else? They just can't stand seeing others doing well."

"Why can't they stand you doing well? What did you do to them?" Su Mingxi's anger flared up again, "People you haven't even met in person are so certain that you had plastic surgery. It's ridiculous! I know what my own child looks like better than anyone else! They even called me a paid internet troll, but I think they are the real trolls!"

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

It seems that Mom has become proficient in various internet terms now.

"Mom, don't be angry. They are happy when you get upset," Zheng Baozhu patted Su Mingxi's back to comfort her, "They are just afraid that I'll take away their endorsements, so they deliberately smear me, bringing me down, and then the endorsements will be theirs. Don't worry; I'm back to find my old photos. It's easy to clarify whether I had plastic surgery or not."

Su Mingxi frowned and said, "That's why I told you not to enter the entertainment industry. The internet is full of chaos now. People can say anything. Your aunt didn't have so many troubles back then..."

"Mom, you can't generalize everything like that. Every situation has two sides. The internet has indeed brought us convenience, and technology has truly changed our lives," Zheng Baozhu explained.

"... "

Su Mingxi turned her head and carefully observed Zheng Baozhu, "Why do I feel like you are starting to sound more and more like Qu Zhi? By the way, speaking of Qu Zhi, did you treat him to a meal last time as I asked?"

"Yes, I did, I did," Zheng Baozhu replied eagerly, quickly getting up from the couch, "By the way, Mom, are my photo albums still in my room? I'll go and find them."

After speaking, Zheng Baozhu hurriedly walked into her room. The room had not been used for a long time, but it was still clean. Relying on her memory, she found the old photo album in the cabinet – a collection of photographs from her early years. Opening the cover, she looked inside.

This album was purchased by her parents when she was born, the first photo inside was taken at the hospital. In those days, taking photos was not as convenient as it is now, but Zheng Baozhu's parents documented her growth through photographs.

Since she was young, Zheng Baozhu loved taking photos, and the album was arranged chronologically. As she turned each page, the photos showed her gradually growing up.

While looking through the album, Zheng Baozhu realized that she had taken many photos together with Qu Zhi when they were younger. Back then, they seemed to dislike each other, but there were surprisingly many pictures of them together. Seeing these photos, Zheng Baozhu started to recall some memories – some were taken during school performances, others at sports events, class photos, and even some of Su Mingxi pulling them together for individual shots.

Looking at these photos, Zheng Baozhu suddenly had a strong feeling that Qu Zhi had truly grown up with her.

After closing the album, she found a paper bag in the room and placed the album inside. When she came out carrying the paper bag, Su Mingxi was still sitting on the couch, but this time with an envelope in her hand.

Seeing Zheng Baozhu coming out, Su Mingxi waved her hand and held her back, "Baozhu, come over here, I need to talk to you about something."

Zheng Baozhu immediately had a bad premonition. She could see that her parents' attitude towards her being a star might have changed again because of today's incident. Could they return to their original stance of not allowing it?

Smiling at Su Mingxi, she thought it would be best to leave, "Mom, I'm actually quite busy right now. How about we talk another day?"

Su Mingxi glanced at her and didn't relent, "Come here; it won't take much of your time."

Zheng Baozhu could only go over and sit on the nearby seat, feeling uneasy.

Su Mingxi said, "Your aunt left a will before she left."

That statement instantly stunned Zheng Baozhu. She was at a loss for words and looked at Su Mingxi, asking, "Huh?"

Su Mingxi opened the envelope and took out a bank card, saying, "At that time, the country's economy wasn't as good as it is now, and actors' pay was far from what today's stars earn. Nevertheless, your aunt still made some money. She donated part of it and gave the rest to your grandparents, uncle, and me. We never used that money, and I kept it in the bank without paying much attention to it. Over the years, the interest has accumulated."

As Su Mingxi spoke, she handed the bank card to Zheng Baozhu, saying, "All the money is in this card, now I'm giving it all to you."

Holding the card in her hand, Zheng Baozhu was still a bit puzzled, "Why are you suddenly giving me money?"

Su Mingxi said, "I know you're busy with your studio recently, and starting anything is difficult, you need money for everything. I heard even buying hot search topics on Weibo costs hundreds of thousands."

Zheng Baozhu: "..."

Mom has really figured out how Weibo works.

"Moreover, this money isn't mine; it's your aunt's. Consider it as her supporting your dreams."

Zheng Baozhu hesitated and looked at Su Mingxi, "Mom, from what you're saying, does it mean you no longer object to me becoming a star?"

Su Mingxi chuckled, "I've objected for so many years. Do you think it made a difference? Did it? In the end, you guys educated me. Even if you are not to be a star, it has to be our own choice, never something forced upon us. They are now trying to discredit you, just to snatch your resources, right? Fine, then let's fight back and snatch theirs. Our family won't tolerate this."

"..." Uh, how should I put it, thank you, Sun Jing?

"Mom, I didn't expect you to be so decisive in the battle," Zheng Baozhu chuckled from the side.

Su Mingxi said, "It's their fault. We're not afraid of competition. Whoever has the ability will succeed, but it has to be fair competition. What's the point of using dirty tricks behind someone's back? I can't stand that."

"Okay, let's not sit idly and just take it lying down, right?" Zheng Baozhu put away the card given by Su Mingxi, stood up, and said, "I'll go back and handle this matter. They won't be arrogant on the internet for much longer!"

After returning to the hotel with the photo album, Zheng Baozhu selected some pictures and took photos of them with her phone. She also picked some recent photos from her phone, arranging them in chronological order from the age of eleven to twenty-five. Then, she uploaded them all to her Weibo.

Zheng Baozhu V: Sorry, but I am indeed Zheng Baozhu, from childhood to adulthood. 

With a concise caption and a cold smiley face, the sarcastic value skyrocketed. The fifteen photos in the post were even more impactful.

Notably, this Weibo post was directly sent in response to the trending topic [Zheng Baozhu Plastic Surgery].

This trending topic was still occupying the top spot, and soon after Zheng Baozhu's Weibo was posted, many people saw it.

「Hahaha, I can't stop laughing! Sister, you're so amazing!」

「What did I just see? Fifteen photos of our Baozhu growing up!! My wife, you're awesome!!!」

「Oh, really? I don't believe it. Unless you also post photos from ages one to ten for me to see.」

「Oh, wow, I wasn't interested in this drama at first, but now I declare myself as your fan. I like how fierce you are.」

「It's all solved now; the truth is out. 」

「Little Yuanbao is here! Baozhu, don't mind those people. Someone has already provided evidence that the blackened photo is photoshopped!!」

Zheng Baozhu was taken aback when she saw this comment. That photo was definitely photoshopped, but did Zhou Xiaonan manage to get it authenticated so quickly?

Other comments also mentioned that the blackened photo was photoshopped and they included a link. Zheng Baozhu followed the link and found an unfamiliar account that posted evidence of the photoshopped images, providing convincing proof.

What's more, this evidence was directly posted under the trending topic [Zheng Baozhu Plastic Surgery].

...It seems like great minds think alike.

She took a screenshot of the Weibo post and sent it to Zhou Xiaonan, asking, "Sister Xiaonan, is this the person you found? Impressive evidence!"

Zhou Xiaonan: ? I did find someone, but it's not this account.

Zhou Xiaonan: I just asked, it's not them.

Zheng Baozhu: ? Then who is this person?

Zhou Xiaonan: I don't know. Maybe it's someone from your side, or maybe a righteous vigilante.

"..."

Zheng Baozhu silently checked the account that posted the evidence of photoshopping. The account wasn't new, but there were only a few Weibo posts, and one of them was tagged with a location from abroad.

With a thought, Zheng Baozhu sent the screenshot to Qu Zhi, asking, "Qu Zhi, is this hero you?!"

Qu Zhi was currently at work and didn't have his phone with him. When he saw Zheng Baozhu's message, it was already after working hours. He thought for a moment and decided to call her. Zheng Baozhu answered the phone almost immediately, "Qu Zhi, are you off work?"

"Uh..." Qu Zhi replied slightly embarrassedly as he was about to explain, "I left my work phone in the locker and didn't see your message."

"I guessed as much!"

Qu Zhi said, "If you need to reach me urgently in the future, you can call the administration office; there will always be someone there, and they'll help you get in touch with me."

"Oh... What's the number for the administration office then?"

Qu Zhi hooked his lips and smiled lightly as he walked outside the company, "I'll write it down for you when I'm back, and you can save it."

"Okay then," Zheng Baozhu agreed and remembered the question she asked earlier, "So, was that Weibo post from you?"

"Yeah," Qu Zhi replied softly.

Zheng Baozhu was not surprised, but her cheeks were still slightly flushed, "Thank you. Your Weibo post is now at the top, and whenever someone opens this topic, they can see the evidence you posted."

"That's what I intended," Qu Zhi said, showing some concern, "Are you okay now? Everything all right?"

"Of course, I've posted photos of myself from the age of eleven to twenty-five. Anyone with eyes can see that I've been like this since I was young!"

Qu Zhi chuckled again and said, "I'll be back soon. Are you still at the hotel now?"

"Yes, I haven't eaten yet. Shall we eat together when you come back?"

"Sure," Qu Zhi's lips curved slightly as he told Zheng Baozhu on the other end of the phone, "I'll hang up now; I'm going to check your Weibo."

"Hahaha, go ahead!"

As Qu Zhi was checking Zheng Baozhu's Weibo, Sun Jing's manager was also following the latest developments, "Now, the topic of Zheng Baozhu's plastic surgery has turned into a competition of her photos. This topic can't be used anymore; let's withdraw it. Otherwise, it will just fuel their momentum."

Sun Jing clicked her tongue, "Fine, let's withdraw it."

The manager looked at the computer and frowned even more than before, "Zheng Baozhu's studio just posted a Weibo saying they'll sue those who spread unfounded rumors."