Su Su said, "Come back quickly, I'm scared to be alone."
Zhao Qiang said, "Don't worry, just call if anything happens. I'm nearby. Besides, with your equipment, why would you be afraid of bad guys?"
Su Su muttered, "I just like having you protect me."
Zhao Qiang quickly stole a large pile of peanuts, dug a pit in the burnt ground, buried the peanuts in their shells, moved the fire back to roast the corn, and used the heat of the soil to roast the peanuts until they were cooked. This tasted almost like boiled peanuts. Unfortunately, there was no salt, but he was just roasting them for fun and didn't put too much effort into it.
Just as Zhao Qiang and Su Su were laughing heartily, their mouths covered in dust, Grandpa Zhao Tiancheng returned. Su Su had specially roasted an ear of corn for him, which delighted the old man, who repeatedly praised Su Su for being so thoughtful. Zhao Qiang dug out the peanuts from under the soil; the shells were still steaming. He peeled one open, took a bite, and tasted it. The fresh peanuts, with their earthy fragrance, were delicious. The three of them sat together and devoured all the roasted corn and peanuts before finally starting to pack the corn.
Back home, Su Su and Zhao Qiang took a shower first. Liu Huilan had already prepared a large table of food. The family was no longer short of money. Farming was simply the three elderly people's pursuit of a better life. They no longer skimped on food, so this meal cost over a thousand yuan. It included sea cucumber and abalone. However, Liu Huilan knew that her cooking skills were very average, and her methods were very ordinary. She didn't dare to make anything fancy, for fear that it wouldn't taste good and would offend the guests.
"Qiang, why don't you come home and stay for a few days?" Zhao Weidong asked his son while drinking with his father.
Zhao Qiang said, "I don't know, let's decide based on the situation."
Zhao Weidong said, "You haven't been home for a long time. Last time you came back, we only had a quick get-together before you left again. This time, stay a few more days and take Su to see all the sights around here."
Zhao Qiang laughed and said, "Dad, what beautiful scenery do we have here? Su Ye is a busy person, and she might not have time to stay here."
Su Su said apologetically, "Yes, Uncle, I'm going to Ningzhou tomorrow for a movie promotion, so I can't stay here."
Zhao Weidong said, "Is that so? Then we must have a great time today."
In the afternoon, Zhao Qiang took Su Su to catch crickets in the fields, pick sour jujubes, and fish and shrimp in the river. In short, they did all the things Zhao Qiang used to do. Zhao Qiang was very happy, and Su Su was completely relaxed. Usually, she always had a serious face and acted like a big shot, but in fact, she was just a normal girl. This afternoon was the most enjoyable time she had recently.
That evening, Zhao Qiang arranged for Su Su to stay in his room. Liu Huilan didn't know the relationship between her son and Su Su. She opened her mouth several times but then swallowed her words. After seeing her son's situation in Beijing, Liu Huilan decided to stop interfering in his love life. So, she and Zhao Weidong pretended not to see Zhao Qiang staying in Su Su's room and not coming out.
Su Su had just taken a shower, her long hair cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall. The air conditioning was on in the room, making the temperature very comfortable. Zhao Qiang sat at his desk, turned on his computer, and connected to the internet. Soon after, Hu Qian, Luo Wei, Xu Xiaoya, and others came online. Yang Shiyun had actually noticed Zhao Qiang's online status, but she didn't show herself. She now had another identity—Yang Shiqi's sister—so she had to be reserved and couldn't just talk to Zhao Qiang carelessly.
"Su is here?" Xu Xiaoya spotted Su Su at a glance. At this moment, Su Su was unaware that Zhao Qiang was online. Upon hearing Xu Xiaoya's voice from the speaker, Su Su immediately jumped off Zhao Qiang's bed.
"Sister Xiaoya," Su Su called out. Xu Xiaoya was her sworn sister. Besides, she was afraid that Xu Xiaoya and the other girls would object to her secretly going to Zhao Qiang's house, so she was feeling timid at the moment.
Xu Xiaoya giggled: "What? Zhao Qiang secretly took you back? I didn't see him when he left."
Su Su said, "No, I went to Ningzhou to promote my new film and stopped by my hometown of Hedian to visit my parents. Then I thought that since I was back in Hedian, I might as well visit Zhao Qiang's parents. I didn't expect Zhao Qiang to be home too. It was a real surprise."
Xu Xiaoya said, "You two are really on the same wavelength. Zhao Qiang, since you have nothing to do, why don't you accompany Su to Ningzhou to promote the movie?" In the end, Xu Xiaoya still cared about Su Su.
Zhao Qiang said, "Okay, I'll go with her tomorrow."
Su Su was surprised: "Really?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Would I lie to you, a grown man like me? Besides, Ningzhou is a large, open coastal city. It must be more fun than our Hedian District."
Su Su said with difficulty, "But I have to promote my new movie and won't have time to spend with you."
Zhao Qiang said, "I'll have a lot of fun on my own, you just do your thing."
Hu Qian said, "How about Wei and I come with you?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Forget it, I'll go back to Beijing later, so don't go anywhere else."
Xu Xiaoya said, "The excavation progress at Wulong Mountain is very fast. Why don't you go and take a look sometime? You might just find that thing soon." Xu Xiaoya was referring to the time when Zhao Qiang and Yang Shiyun passed by Wulong Mountain and dug up the old beverage machine. At that time, Zhao Qiang and Yang Shiyun both noticed that there were still unidentified objects underground, and Xu Xiaoya had already started excavation work in the area.
Volume 2 [710] Star
【71o】Celebrity
Zhao Qiang said, "I'll go to the excavation site when I have time, and you should let me know as soon as there's any new progress."
Xu Xiaoya said, "Don't worry, our people are in charge there, and they definitely won't leak any secrets."
Zhao Qiang checked the time. "Everyone, take a break. I'll write some code for a bit."
Xu Xiaoya and the other girls nodded. Just before logging off, Xu Xiaoya asked, "How's the search for Wei going?"
The "Wei" Xu Xiaoya mentioned was of course referring to Wei, not the real Wei. Zhao Qiang answered almost without hesitation, "No, nothing, maybe she's avoiding me." What else could Zhao Qiang say? Yang Shiyun was still under her original identity. If he suddenly told her that the second daughter of the Yang family had been switched at birth, he didn't know what Yang Zhaoxi would think.
Xu Xiaoya said, "Don't worry, Wei will definitely be fine. Maybe she's right beside you. So don't rush. As long as you keep her in your heart, she will come back to you sooner or later."
Zhao Qiang wondered to himself if the squad leader was a mind reader. How could he predict everything?
The girls logged off and went about their own business. Zhao Qiang recorded the several programs he had calculated that day. The advanced biochip could now perform calculations in daily life. After experiencing the US virus outbreak, Zhao Qiang felt his equipment was outdated, so he had been working on new equipment for the past two days. He was lucky to have encountered the virus in the US; otherwise, the FBI would definitely have come after him. Although the US might not have experts like him, even a dung beetle can be caught in a trap, and failure is possible without absolute dominance.
Su Su stood behind Zhao Qiang. After a while, her legs went a little numb. After Zhao Qiang finished recording the last word, he turned around and pulled Su Su into his arms, pulling her to his side. Su Su sat on his lap.
"Su, go to bed and rest."
Su Su blushed. Zhao Qiang had already made her act out the scene many times during the day. "Whatever you want, I can't escape anyway."
Zhao Qiang laughed and said, "So you're planning to run away?"
Su Su pinched Zhao Qiang's nose: "You're asking a question you already know the answer to. You know that people like you and love you, but you still make me say it. I'm a celebrity now. If my fans find out that you're hugging me like this, do you believe they'll tear you apart?"
Zhao Qiang said, "I believe it, but the more I do that, the more superior I feel. The goddess who is unattainable and inviolable in their eyes is the lovely one in my arms. Can you imagine how proud I am?"
Su Su hugged Zhao Qiang's neck: "Are you crazy? I'm still the same as before. You didn't say such sweet things back then. I still remember when you sneaked over to the pharmacy to freeload and sleep while they were on night duty."
Zhao Qiang chuckled: "Yeah, looking back, it wasn't bad at all. Time really flies. People always say that every moment of the night is worth a thousand pieces of gold. Let's go to bed early and rest, so as not to waste this precious time."
After saying that, Zhao Qiang reached out and turned off the light, then carried Su Su to bed.
Ningzhou is one of the earliest coastal cities to open up to the outside world and now boasts an economic level comparable to first-tier cities. Otherwise, the publicity team wouldn't have chosen this location. Today was just the time for the publicity team to meet in Ningzhou; the publicity work will begin tomorrow. Zhao Qiang arrived with Su Su in his car around noon.
The agent, assistant, nanny, makeup artist, and others were anxiously standing on tiptoe at the entrance of the Universal Hotel, eagerly waiting. They only breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Su Su's car arrive. The agent dared not criticize Su Su. Although he made many decisions for Su Su to a certain extent, the agent knew very well that Su Su was a high-level executive in the company and would not accept any unspoken rules. Moreover, anyone who tried to use unspoken rules against her would not have a good ending.
"Sister Su, the welcome party is about to start. We'll get you dressed and made up right away." The agent immediately started arranging things, not paying much attention to the driver, Zhao Qiang, assuming he was just a driver randomly assigned to Su Su by the company.
Although Su Su was somewhat reluctant, she couldn't wear these ordinary clothes into the hotel. She had to consider the image of the publicity team and her status in the hearts of the movie fans. So she climbed into the RV and started tinkering. Zhao Qiang, on the other hand, was smoking by the roadside, watching people come and go on the street. At this moment, no one knew that Su Su was here. Otherwise, she would not be so relaxed. Just by looking at the reporters walking back and forth at the hotel entrance, you could tell what they were waiting for.
Soon, Su Su, dressed elegantly and with a dignified expression, stepped out of the RV and headed towards the hotel entrance, escorted by security guards, assistants, nannies, and agents. Her appearance gave the reporters, who had been waiting for a long time, a jolt of excitement, and they immediately rushed over with their cameras. Su Su didn't care about Zhao Qiang at this moment and greeted the reporters with a smile. The security guards and assistants pushed the reporters aside, and everyone walked into the hotel together. The publicity team members, who had received the news, came out to greet them, and the two sides met and entered the banquet hall.
Ningzhou is a first-tier metropolis, and its mayor, party secretary, and propaganda minister are all high-ranking figures. Logically, promoting a new movie shouldn't require their involvement. However, the mayor and party secretary are shrewd and have thoroughly investigated Su Su's background. This actress is different from ordinary pretty faces; she's a favorite in the eyes of Zhao Ling, the big boss of Lingdong Entertainment, and the two are as close as sisters. Even disregarding Zhao Ling, Su Su has an extraordinary "adopted sister"—a relationship known only to figures like the mayor and party secretary, unknown to ordinary people.
The top two government officials in Ningzhou, who were also high-ranking officials, were well aware of the immense power of Xu Xiaoya, the owner of Jiayuan Investment Company. For this reason, the two of them appeared together at the welcome banquet for the propaganda team. Of course, considering their status, they could not possibly eat the entire banquet. They only offered a toast at appropriate times, giving the propaganda team enough face, and both sides were happy.
Zhao Qiang followed the crowd into the banquet hall. At this time, Su Su had already shaken hands with the head of Ningzhou under a barrage of flashing lights. Her appearance was indeed stunning. However, the mayor and the party secretary did not look at her directly and shook hands and exchanged pleasantries in a very formal manner. Then everyone entered the restaurant. Several staff members were guarding the door, and reporters were not allowed to enter. Only reporters from some large media outlets with whom they had good cooperation were qualified to enter, and taking pictures was not allowed.
"Excuse me, sir, please wait outside." The staff member reached out to stop Zhao Qiang. He didn't have a sticker on his head saying that he was Su Su's man, so the staff member wouldn't give him any face.
Zhao Qiang patted his forehead, realizing he'd forgotten to ask Su Su to remind the staff. What to do? He couldn't force his way in; frankly, both the publicity team and Lingdong Entertainment were his businesses, and Zhao Qiang had no intention of ruining his reputation. "If we can't go inside, will they provide food outside?" Zhao Qiang asked the staff.
The staff member smiled and said, "Of course we can help. Please turn left after you leave the building. There's another large restaurant there, and lunch has already been prepared for you." The staff member certainly didn't think Zhao Qiang was a reporter, but assumed he was someone's driver.
Zhao Qiang first surveyed the main banquet hall. Su Su was already seated, surrounded by the mayor and the municipal party secretary. The propaganda minister of Ningzhou hadn't even taken his seat yet. Looking down at the other people qualified to attend the midday welcome banquet, there were elites and bosses from various industries, as well as leaders of sponsoring companies related to this propaganda event. Almost everyone's eyes were fixed on Su Su, while the other male and female leads seemed rather deserted. This was understandable; Su Su was too beautiful. She was naturally beautiful, and with the amazing makeup skills of today, plus the clothes that Liu Yiyi specially designed for her, it would be strange if she didn't attract attention.
Zhao Qiang turned and left. After entering the side hall, he found it was already packed with people. He finally found an empty seat and sat down. Next to him were two reporters. Reporters from major newspapers had already been invited into the main hall. They were the uncrowned kings and could not be underestimated. As for these newspapers, even if you paid attention to them, it might not be of any use. They generally did not report positive news but specialized in collecting gossip.
"What bad luck! I was hoping to get a shot of Su Su walking, but someone bumped into me, and now my camera is broken," a reporter complained to his friend.
"Stop exaggerating, Su Su's outfit today is absolutely impossible to wear."
"Her breasts are really full. Do you think she went to South Korea for breast augmentation? If we find relevant evidence and report it, that would be a big deal."
“I’d like to too, but you know how difficult it is to get close to her, and even more difficult to find evidence that she went to South Korea.”
The reporter looked around and saw everyone eating their own meals. He lowered his voice and said to his companion, "I'm from the same hometown as the hotel's room manager. I asked him for a favor this time."
"What?" The reporter's companion became interested, as if he had thought of something.
The reporter said, "I have installed a wireless pinhole camera in Su Su's hotel lobby. I have also rented a room in another building outside her hotel that is just the right spot to look down on her room. I have already set up a high-powered telescope. This time, I will definitely get some restricted photos of Su Su. It will be hard for our newspaper not to sell out."
"Didn't you install it in her bathroom?" his companion asked anxiously, drool dripping from the corner of his mouth.
The reporter said, "I do want to, but my fellow villager doesn't dare. At most, he'll agree to let me install it in the lobby. You know Su Su's background is extraordinary. If we really anger her, none of us will benefit."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Qiang ignored the two who were about to spy. They probably didn't know that Zhao Qiang had already provided Su Su with a set of anti-spying devices. Once the device was turned on, video and audio signals within the restricted range could not be transmitted. Moreover, if Su Su wanted to, she could destroy the camera and recording equipment within the range in an instant. If Zhao Qiang couldn't even make something like this, he really didn't deserve the title of genius repairman.
After eating for a short while, Zhao Qiang's attention was drawn to another conversation. It was between two reporters from a newspaper, and the topic of their discussion was none other than Su Su.
"This time we'll definitely find evidence of Su Su's scandal."
"Pshaw, stop bragging. She doesn't even have a boyfriend."
"What do you know? Su Su had a good friend in the entertainment industry before she debuted, and he actually came to Ningzhou too."
"Who?" The friend didn't know much about Su Su's past.
"Guo Yang, it is said that Guo Yang helped Su Su when she was at her lowest point. Later, Guo Yang even left his own company for her and even worked with Su Su in the same company for a period of time. But for some reason, he later joined another entertainment company. I think his visit to Ningzhou this time is entirely for Su Su."
"Then we need to keep a close eye on them. Even if they don't have any news, we should fabricate one."
(Thanks to fruit and reader 21383 for their monthly votes)
Volume 2 [711] Guo Yang's Request
[711] Guo Yang's Request
Zhao Qiang wasn't familiar with Guo Yang, and he didn't take it to heart. As a celebrity, Su Su had long been capable of dealing with all rumors, and Zhao Qiang never thought he would be jealous over these gossips. Which celebrity in the entertainment industry hasn't been the subject of rumors? As long as Zhao Qiang trusted Su Su, that was enough. Besides, Su Su would never give up on Zhao Qiang. If she were going to give up, she would have done so long ago, instead of waiting until now.
The lunch in the side hall was eaten quickly. There was no host or anyone urging people to drink. Everyone ate their fill and then went about their business. Today was not a movie promotion day, but just a simple meet-and-greet. In the afternoon, the organizers and the publicity team would go to the venue for a simple rehearsal, and there would be an invitation banquet in the evening. All the publicity team members had to be present.
Zhao Qiang ate his fill and then went back to his car to wait for Su Su. About two hours later, she came out with a flushed face, indicating that she had been drinking. Su Su usually doesn't drink, but there are exceptions, such as when the organizers have a close relationship with Lingdong Entertainment, or when Zhao Qiang is present. Today, Su Su drank mostly because Zhao Qiang was there. She was in a good mood and relaxed, so she didn't insist on drinking. The mayor and the party secretary who were toasting her were overjoyed, thinking that they were very important to them.
The agent and assistant tried to help Su Su into the RV, but Su Su broke free and said, "You guys go back to the hotel. I have other things to do. Don't follow me."
The agent said anxiously, "Sister Su, you can't just leave like that. You have a banquet to attend tonight."
Su Su glared at her agent: "Don't I even have any freedom? If you have any complaints, you can ask the company to replace you."
It's not that Su Su is being arrogant; her temperament is similar to Zhao Qiang's. She doesn't like having her freedom restricted. If Zhao Qiang weren't here today, it would be fine; she would definitely obediently go back to the hotel to rest. But with Zhao Qiang here, how could Su Su possibly go back to the hotel to sleep on her own? Besides, both Lingdong Entertainment and Zhao Ling are Zhao Qiang's businesses and people, and Su Su is also Zhao Qiang's person. So everyone is on the same side, and an agent can't control her.
The agent was speechless. In fact, he had been instructed by Zhao Ling not to go against Su Su's wishes. The agent could only let Su Su get into his car and then be taken away by Zhao Qiang.
"Where are we going?" Su Su asked Zhao Qiang. "I need to be back early tonight, otherwise it will affect the reputation of the propaganda team."
Zhao Qiang said, "I'm not familiar with Ningzhou either. Can you give me a suggestion? Either we go shopping, or we find a scenic spot to visit."
Su Su said, "I think we should go shopping. I'll pick out a few clothes for you; these clothes of yours have been around for a while now."
Zhao Qiang said, "I don't need to. My clothes don't need to be fancy; they just need to be comfortable."
Su Su said, "I don't need to. Sister Yiyi designed several outfits for me that I haven't even worn yet."
Actually, both of them wanted to buy something for each other. Since that was the case, Zhao Qiang said, "Let's go out and have some fun. I heard that there are a lot of good things in the Ningzhou Museum. Let's go and broaden our horizons. If we like something, we can buy a few pieces to take home and display."
Su Su said, "Okay, Ningzhou is an important ancient city, we should visit it properly."
However, Zhao Qiang and Su Su's plan failed to go through because Su Su received a phone call. When she saw the number, she secretly glanced at Zhao Qiang first, as if the number made her somewhat hesitant. However, she still answered the call quickly in front of Zhao Qiang.