Join a Dating Reality Show with the Aloof, Fishing-Style Richest Man - Chapter 21

The next day, Lu Zhao’s biological clock woke her up very early. She changed into a set of light sportswear, planning to go for a morning run.

As a female celebrity, she maintained the necessary self-discipline. Moreover, the current industry environment was quite harsh toward female artists, making body management something she had to keep in mind at all times.

To her surprise, when she stepped out of her room, she saw Ji Zhaoxi already dressed in sportswear, standing by the kitchen island drinking water. Her slightly curly long hair was tied into a high ponytail, shedding some of her usual coldness and making her look as youthful as a college student.

“You?” Lu Zhao looked at her in astonishment.

Ji Zhaoxi looked up. Without her glasses, she lacked that touch of sharp edge, but her eyes still carried a strong sense of presence when they met Lu Zhao’s.

“Sitting too long for work isn’t good for the body; I need to exercise,” Ji Zhaoxi said succinctly.

Lu Zhao had a sudden realization. It made sense; someone like Ji Zhaoxi, who sat in an office for long periods, definitely needed to move more. After all, her daily physical activity was likely minimal, and over time, her stamina would drop significantly.

“Well, you’re the most familiar with this area. You lead the way,” Lu Zhao said as she walked toward Ji Zhaoxi, stretching her arms as she moved.

Ji Zhaoxi didn’t object. After watching Lu Zhao finish a large glass of water, she led her out the door.

Although this residential complex was located in the heart of the CBD, the greenery was exceptionally well-done. It was fully equipped with parks and similar facilities, and they saw many people out for morning exercise along the way.

Ji Zhaoxi led Lu Zhao toward less crowded areas. It was September, the peak season for osmanthus blooms. Many osmanthus trees lined their running path, covered in brilliant golden blossoms that filled the air with fragrance.

As Lu Zhao ran alongside Ji Zhaoxi, she looked at the blooming trees thoughtfully. She turned to ask Ji Zhaoxi, “Can the osmanthus here be picked?”

Ji Zhaoxi was focusing on keeping her pace steady with Lu Zhao’s. Hearing this sudden question, her breathing hitched for a moment, and her pace slowed, causing her to fall half a step behind.

“Why do you ask?”

“If it’s allowed, we should pick some. I can use them to make delicious things for you.”

“Like osmanthus sugar oil baba, osmanthus cake, fermented rice soup with osmanthus and glutinous rice balls… there are so many ways to prepare it.”

Listening to Lu Zhao, Ji Zhaoxi looked up at the blossoms on the tree. After a second of silence, she said, “They can be picked. I’ll have someone pick some and deliver them over.”

“No need! After we finish our run, we can just pick some on our way back,” Lu Zhao said with a beaming smile.

Ji Zhaoxi: “…”

Pick them ourselves?

Her expression grew even more rigid.

Lu Zhao was a woman of her word. Once the run ended, she asked the property management for a bag and nimbly climbed up a tree to pick the blossoms. Ji Zhaoxi, meanwhile, stood below looking somewhat awkward.

Passersby frequently glanced over at the two of them. After all, the residents here were people of status and position; it was rare to see them engaging in behavior that didn’t fit their “persona.”

Each tree here was well-tended, so the blossoms were abundant. Lu Zhao had a great time picking them from the branches. Sometimes, participating in the process made the final result taste even better.

Initially, Ji Zhaoxi stood below feeling out of place, not knowing what to do. But seeing Lu Zhao’s flying, joyful expression as she picked the flowers, she seemed to be infected by the mood, and her own features softened.

She also got a bag from the property staff. Concerned with her image, she didn’t resort to climbing trees like Lu Zhao, but her height was an advantage. Standing at 173cm with long limbs, she could reach the blossoms on the lower branches quite easily.

Together, they gathered two large bags of osmanthus. When Lu Zhao jumped down from the tree, she showed off her haul to Ji Zhaoxi like she was seeking credit. “This is enough! I’ll make an ‘Osmanthus Feast’ for you today!”

“In a couple of days, I’ll collect more and make some osmanthus wine for you to drink!”

Ji Zhaoxi tightened her grip on her bag and nodded, indicating she was looking forward to it.

Upon returning, Lu Zhao first soaked the osmanthus in water before making breakfast—two simple bowls of noodles. After eating, Ji Zhaoxi left for work, while Lu Zhao had to prepare for an online media interview.

Before leaving, Ji Zhaoxi gave her a new phone, telling her to replace her old one because the crack on the screen “bothered her eyes.”

Hearing this, Lu Zhao looked down at her phone and marveled at the power of Ji Zhaoxi’s perfectionism.

In addition to the phone, there was also a laptop, which happened to be perfect for the upcoming video interview. Lu Zhao felt that if Ji Zhaoxi was this thoughtful toward a hired “employee,” she would probably be even more attentive to a romantic partner.

Lu Zhao found a spot to set up the equipment. The light in the living room was good, and the background didn’t reveal any sensitive information.

At 10:00 AM sharp, Lu Zhao successfully connected with the interviewer. This was a live-streamed interview; when she entered the virtual room, she saw over a hundred thousand people online—all there to see the drama.

After all, ever since the “Licking Dog” (Simp) trending topic exploded, this was essentially Lu Zhao’s first official appearance before the public.

The live chat was flooded with comments. Many people were asking about her current relationship with CEO Ji, and many others were mockingly asking her for a “Simp’s Handbook.”

“Teacher Lu is here! Let’s all welcome Teacher Lu to our broadcast. Teacher Lu, please say hello to everyone,” the host said. She was a woman in a peach-pink suit with a smile that felt very approachable.

Lu Zhao flashed a brilliant smile and waved to the viewers.

Following her greeting, the comments flew by even faster, with many people complimenting Lu Zhao on her looks. Seeing these comments, Lu Zhao’s eyes crinkled with joy. No one dislikes being praised, and she was glad she had showered after her run; she wondered if they would still be praising her if she had appeared sweaty on camera.

“Teacher Lu, how do you feel about this sudden surge in popularity?” the host asked with a smile.

Regarding the sudden fame, Lu Zhao gave a shy smile. “It feels completely unexpected. After all, the way I went viral was… rather surprising.”

As soon as she said this, the chat was filled with “Hahaha” and people praising her for being honest and not acting pretentious.

The conversation proceeded pleasantly until they reached the audience Q&A segment. The host would read the questions, and Lu Zhao would answer.

“Question: Teacher Lu, you ‘simp’ for CEO Ji so hard. What if CEO Ji gets married in the future? How will you treat CEO Ji’s significant other?”

Hearing this question, Lu Zhao was stunned, looking completely shocked.

“How would I treat the significant other? Do I have to ‘simp’ for the partner too?!”

Simping for an extra person? That’s going to cost extra!

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