C9 Chapter 9

Jing Yuanhao flashed a sly smile, clearly confident in his answer. Naturally, with their new show sweeping across various networks, as his partner, she had to give him due credit in such a setting.

Jing Yuanhao, ever the gentleman, offered his arm for Qu Zhenzhen to take. Their seamless coordination only fueled the flurry of camera shutters around them. After enough photos were taken, Qu Zhenzhen gave the reporters a polite smile, signaling for Jing Yuanhao to continue forward.

Just as they were about to enter the venue, a sharp scream erupted from the crowd of fans. "Qu Zhenzhen, stay away from my Yuan Hao!"

The voice starkly contrasted with the softer, shyer tones of the other fans, prompting Qu Zhenzhen to instinctively glance back. However, with the massive crowd, mostly there for Jing Yuanhao, it was impossible to pinpoint who it was.

It was just another overzealous fan, obsessed with their idol and convinced no one else was worthy. Qu Zhenzhen had encountered many such fans before and didn't give it much thought. From another perspective, having critics only proved her character portrayal in the show was spot-on, indirectly affirming her acting skills.

Without dwelling on it, Qu Zhenzhen turned and gracefully walked into the press conference with Jing Yuanhao. The event went smoothly, with reporters eager to cover this new on-screen duo, relishing their sweet interactions.

In today's entertainment industry, acting isn't everything. To make it big, strategic publicity seems to be the unspoken rule. Only with increased visibility can one capture the market, and with the market, comes success. This unwritten rule is no secret. Many of the new generation of young stars have risen to fame using these tactics.

The atmosphere was harmonious. When faced with pointed questions from some reporters about their relationship, Qu Zhenzhen always responded with a polite smile, neither confirming nor denying anything. She was leaving room for imagination, which also helped boost the ratings of the currently popular new show.

To Jing Yuanhao, her attitude seemed like tacit approval. His previously discouraged mood was reignited with hope. It seemed she didn't particularly dislike him. Even if she didn't like him, at least she didn't dislike him, and that was enough for him. Determined, Jing Yuanhao decided he would win her over.

As the press conference was nearing its end, a commotion suddenly erupted at the entrance. The noise was significant enough that the main actors on stage paused the interview, sending their managers to find out what was happening. With security focused on the celebrities, there were few people maintaining order at the door. Before long, a few fans pushed past the security guards and burst into the venue.

The organizers quickly sent people to intervene, but before the security guards could reach the door, a young female fan angrily hurled a bottle of water at Qu Zhenzhen, who was seated on stage.

"Homewrecker! Just because you acted with Yuanhao doesn't mean you can get close to him. Get lost!"

No one expected such a crazy act at the press conference. While everyone was frozen in shock, only Jing Yuanhao reacted. He quickly shielded Qu Zhenzhen with his body, taking the hit from the flying water bottle on his back.

Qu Zhenzhen was quite shaken, having not anticipated such an unexpected incident. Later, she recalled that this fan was the same one who had been yelling insults outside the venue. The organizers quickly regained their composure, dispatched security to escort the disruptive fans out, and offered a few reassuring words to calm the attending reporters.

In this situation, the reporters were naturally eager for a spectacle, with camera flashes never ceasing from the start. The press conference wrapped up quickly, and Qu Zhenzhen and Jing Yuanhao left separately in their cars.

Jing Yuanhao was quite upset about his fans' actions that hurt Qu Zhenzhen. After all, she hadn't done anything wrong, and she was the woman he admired. Taking this opportunity, Yuanhao called Zhenzhen that afternoon, hoping to invite her to dinner to apologize and reassure her.

Yuanhao's tone was sincere, genuinely wanting to make amends. Zhenzhen couldn't refuse. Reluctant to dine alone with him, she invited Xia Wanxin along to avoid any awkwardness.

That evening, Yuanhao arrived at the restaurant early. Seeing Zhenzhen with someone else, he smiled knowingly. He had anticipated she wouldn't come alone. But that was fine; the more, the merrier.

Wanxin playfully stuck her tongue out at Yuanhao, teasing, "Not bad, you know how to play the hero. Ten points for you!"

Yuanhao sheepishly scratched his head, "Just a reflex, and besides, it was my fans who were in the wrong."

What he really wanted to say was, "And it's because it's Zhenzhen." But he held back.

"Let's go, I've reserved a private room. Dinner's on me tonight," he said, heading towards the restaurant. Just then, a familiar male voice called out from behind.

"Then I won't hold back."

The Great Boss?? What was he doing here? What was this all about??

It turned out Wanxin had secretly invited Xie Yaotian. Clever as she was, she had already noticed Zhenzhen's feelings for the Great Boss and wanted to create an opportunity for them.

Zhenzhen was bewildered by Yaotian's appearance, as Wanxin hadn't told her he would be joining them.

Xie Yaotian, exuding an air of calm, was the first to walk into the restaurant, leaving the other three exchanging puzzled glances.

The atmosphere at the table was awkward, with each of the four harboring their own thoughts, focused solely on their meals.

It was Xia Wanxin who suggested they have some red wine to celebrate Zhenzhen's latest hit show.

Once the wine was brought out, since Jing Yuanhao and Xie Yaotian had to drive, only Xia Wanxin and Qu Zhenzhen indulged. The more they drank, the more animated they became, treating the two men across from them as if they were invisible, clinking glasses one after another. Eventually, their toasts evolved into "Here's to the prosperity of our great nation!"

In all her years in the industry, Qu Zhenzhen had never felt as relaxed and happy as she did today. She didn't have many friends, and even fewer within the industry.

Whenever she was with Xia Wanxin, she seemed to rediscover her original, pure, and kind self. There was no scheming or competition—just two ordinary people.

So, she indulged in a few more glasses, feeling quite cheerful.

"Zhenzhen, you've had too much to drink. Let me take you home later," Jing Yuanhao said with a concerned frown.