Zhao Zhen called Director Wang, immediately defending herself, "Director Wang, the public opinion online is not to be taken seriously, and trending topics come and go quickly. The internet's memory is very short. If you abandon our collaboration because of this, I truly cannot accept it."
Wang Can's tone was very calm, "Editor Zhao, I am refusing to collaborate, not because of today's trending topic, but because of your script. I have carefully reviewed the script, and it is vastly different from your previous style and level. Can you explain?"
Zhao Zhen's heart skipped a beat, and she then said angrily, "Director Jiang, what do you mean by that? Are you suspecting me of hiring a ghostwriter? I am a renowned screenwriter, and every script I've created has caused a sensation online. I've recently made new breakthroughs and found a new direction in scriptwriting, what is there to question?"
Wang Can sighed, "I won't say much more. In short, I am canceling this collaboration. You and your studio need not call again." With that, he hung up.
Zhao Zhen was so angry she almost threw her phone. She cursed in exasperation, "Damn it, these are all excuses. He's just trying to gauge the wind and is afraid of being implicated by the public opinion online today."
After cursing Wang Can, she started cursing Nine, "She doesn't even dare to reveal her real name. She must be an extremely ugly shut-in. If you have the guts, never let me find out who you are, or I will make you pay back today's events tenfold."
After venting, Zhao Zhen immediately used an anonymous alt account to post a comment about Nine's new statement: "I am Nine's friend. Don't look for her. Isn't having talent enough? Why do you need to know what she looks like? Nine is really afraid of revealing her true face. She usually stays at home. If you really like her, then I beg you not to look for her."
After posting this content, she immediately hired a large number of internet trolls to leave malicious comments on the post. Soon, rumors spread online that Nine was an incredibly ugly, shut-in person.
...
After finishing her call, Quan Jiu felt much more relaxed. Five years ago, she was afraid of being captured by Chu Rong, so she asked Guan Shi for help. Since she had successfully escaped abroad five years ago, she believed in Guan Shi now.
Seeing that Quan Jiu's complexion had improved, Wang Feifei stepped forward to ask with concern, "What happened just now? Is there something you're hiding from me?"
Quan Jiu smiled slightly, "I was worried about the housing issue, but it's fine now."
Upon hearing this, Wang Feifei quickly smiled, "You're so lucky. My friend has found a house in Linjiang. You can go take a look after you're done with your work today."
Quan Jiu couldn't help but happily hug Wang Feifei, "Thank you, Feifei."
Wang Feifei poked Quan Jiu's nose, "What are you thanking me for? We're friends."
"Then I'll go take a look this afternoon. I'll have the agent list my current place first." Quan Jiu opened the contact for the agent she had used before and explained her intention.
Soon, the apartment at Unit 1004, Building 7, Lijing Yuncheng was listed on the agent's website.
...
At six in the evening, Assistant Zhang, the secretary in the President's office, was preparing to pack up and go home for the day. Suddenly, the door to the President's office was pushed open. She quickly stood up, "Does President Chu need something?"
"No," Chu Rong replied, then walked directly towards the elevator.
Zhang lingered, and only after her boss entered the elevator did she go to catch the next one.
On her phone, she gossiped with her friends.
"It's like the sun is rising from the west these past few days. President Chu used to never leave before eight, sometimes not even going home. But for the past few days, he's been leaving precisely at six."
Her best friend replied with a gossip-filled face, "Could he be going on a date?"
Zhang rolled her eyes, "How is that possible? President Chu is publicly known to be indifferent to women."
"If he's indifferent to women, then he must be interested in men. Didn't you say your superior... that handsome guy named Wang Xiao? A great handsome guy following him around twenty-four hours a day. Oh my, I'm already imagining a forbidden love story." Her best friend sent a heart-eyed emoji.
Zhang was speechless. Her best friend didn't understand. She knew President Chu's temper too well. His gaze was so cold that one glance could freeze a person into an icicle, making her feel like she was seeing a plague god every time she met him, filling her with fear.
Would President Chu go on a date? She couldn't imagine what kind of horror movie that would be.
The person they were discussing was currently driving towards Lijing Yuncheng, arriving at the underground parking lot of a supermarket diagonally opposite Lijing Yuncheng in less than half an hour.
Chu Rong got out of the car and stood by the car door for a moment, then muttered expressionlessly, "The laundry detergent at home is almost out, and the towels need to be replaced. My pajamas and slippers are old too, they all need changing."
While muttering, he walked into the supermarket with a composed expression.
...
Quan Jiu finalized the script with Jiang Nanchen and other crew members, then arranged to meet the agent to view the house in Linjiang. To her pleasant surprise, the house was beautifully decorated, the neighborhood facilities were excellent, with kindergartens, primary schools, and middle schools all nearby, and the price was very reasonable.
Quan Jiu confirmed it after only a few glances, immediately paid the deposit, and then rushed back to Lijing Yuncheng. The reason was simple: if they were to live in the same neighborhood now, based on her understanding of Chu Rong from before, he would certainly not leave work early.
So, as long as she returned early, and Lijing Yuncheng was so large, the possibility of them meeting would be very small.
As for the parking lot incident a few days ago, she had clearly temporarily forgotten about it.
At five in the afternoon, Quan Jiu picked up Mimi and Tutu from kindergarten on time. She then took out the pre-prepared hats, masks, and glasses for the three of them, claiming it was for sun protection.
After quickly returning home, Quan Jiu breathed a sigh of relief. While preparing dinner, she asked the two children, "Mimi, Tutu, do you like it here?"
Mimi nodded like a pecking chicken, "We like it very much. The children at kindergarten are all so cute, and the teachers are very gentle. The neighborhood environment is also very good, with swimming pools, slides, and everything. What's wrong, Mom?"
Quan Jiu was a little surprised, "You used to be the most picky about where you lived. Why do you like it so much after only living here for a few days?"
Mimi raised her cute doll-like face, her big eyes as round and glossy as black grapes, "It's because Mom chose a good place."
Tututou also chimed in, "I've made a little follower at kindergarten these past two days. Although he's a bit stupid, he's quite cute in his stupidity, and I quite like him."
Hearing this, Quan Jiu felt a pang of sadness, guilt, and reluctance.
She hesitated for a moment, but then spoke earnestly, "Mimi, Tutu, although you like it here very much, Mom still has to tell you that we are moving. I have already found a new home, Linjiang Community. I saw it this afternoon, and it's very beautiful."
Mimi and Tutu exchanged glances, and finally, Tutu said unhappily, "Why are we moving? We're living perfectly fine here, and I've finally settled into school. Now I have to separate from my friends. I'm so sad." He tried to force out tears, but ultimately failed, so he pouted to show his sadness.
Mimi chided, "Brother, Mom must have her reasons. Mom is already working hard enough to raise us alone. Why are you so disobedient? Can't you be more sensible?"
Then she smiled gently at Quan Jiu, "Mom, when are we moving?"
Quan Jiu felt immense pain. Her son's grievance and her daughter's thoughtfulness were like knives cutting into her heart. But if they continued to live here, there would be a time when they would meet, and she dared not take that risk.
She squatted down, hugged Mimi and Tutu, and said sadly and choked with emotion, "I'm sorry, children. This time, Mom is being selfish. But even though I know you're reluctant, we still have to move. As for the reason, Mom will tell you when you're a little older."
Mimi and Tutu hugged Quan Jiu. Mimi then asked, "It's okay, Mom. So, which building, floor, and unit are we moving to specifically?"