Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 106

Lin Muyun found that additional funding was no longer easy to come by, facing numerous obstacles, completely different from the smooth establishment of the Lemon Fund before. She couldn’t tell too many people about this, nor could she openly investigate, but she always felt an invisible hand was obstructing her, making the subsequent money virtually immobile after it reached overseas.

After half a month of struggle, Lin Muyun, after some outbursts of frustration, was also a little tired: “Amy, tell Brown to let it be for now. Ask him to closely follow Qi Zheng’s movements in the United States and inform me immediately if there are any new opportunities.”

“That’s probably for the best; after all, she’s just starting, and she will definitely face many challenges in the future.” Amy had actually advised Lin Muyun not to be too hasty, as it would easily reveal a loophole.

“But I really didn’t expect your little lover to look so innocent and appealing.” Since it wasn’t convenient for Lin Muyun to handle the Lemon Fund matters herself, she entrusted Amy to manage it, and unexpectedly, Amy even commented on Qi Zheng.

“Don’t even think about her, or don’t blame me for turning on you.”

Hearing Lin Muyun’s suddenly deepened voice, Amy giggled even more.

“Don’t worry, don’t worry, I won’t steal her from you. You are truly strange; you used to leave her in the country and enjoy yourself abroad. I remember she sent you many messages back then, and you even showed them to us. Now that you’re married, you’re actually willing to spend time paying attention to her. I really don’t understand you.”

Don’t understand? Lin Muyun herself wasn’t entirely sure. Why had Qi Zheng, who in the past she felt was nothing more than young, beautiful, and the greatest temptation with her youthful vitality, suddenly acquired so much irresistible charm in such a short time?

The more Qi Zheng ignored her, the more she was attracted to her. Lin Muyun truly couldn’t bear to let her go. Even if she had to leave, Lin Muyun wanted a taste of her first.

After all, that tempting body rightfully belonged to her.

Just thinking about it was enough to make her feel feverish. Although she didn’t have to fulfill a wife’s duties after her fake marriage with Lian Ao, she still had to be mindful of appearances in public. Honestly, after getting married, she could only play with herself, and sometimes it felt quite empty and lonely.

She recalled how Qi Zheng used to be so soft in front of her, with shy, restrained eyes carrying a hint of dependence and adoration, her gaze filled with obvious love. But everything changed since she returned to China. Qi Zheng was not only indifferent and distant but also actively avoided her, even speaking coldly on the phone. Yet, her demeanor had improved; she was no longer a tender blade of grass dependent on others, swaying in the wind, but had become a resilient bamboo capable of withstanding the wind and rain.

This contrast alone was enough to make one drool. Lin Muyun reminisced about Qi Zheng’s eyebrows, her lips, and every curve of her body, and suddenly her body trembled slightly.

Noticing her reaction, Lin Muyun paused for a moment, then whispered, “It came so easily.”

No matter what time it was, she needed to take a shower immediately.

With the eighty thousand US dollars from the school’s venture fund, Qi Zheng immediately began implementing her plan. She had already negotiated the collaboration resources with Li Yunshan beforehand, and now that the money was in place, it was like the car was fueled up and ready to go.

Qi Zheng personally accompanied the first batch of clients to experience the entire business process. She participated in every step, resolving issues immediately when they arose, and recording those that couldn’t be solved for later optimization.

The first batch of clients gave positive feedback on this new business, but they particularly liked Qi Zheng’s service.

“Little Qi, your companionship and integration service is truly thoughtful, providing so much convenience for parents like us who are new to overseas. It’s excellent.”

As Qi Zheng had previously envisioned, word-of-mouth was the most suitable way for small businesses like theirs to grow. The first batch of clients successfully referred a second batch of new customers. The number wasn’t large, but as long as it could be sustained, it was a good sign.

Qi Zheng became even busier, too preoccupied to even worry about the graduation ceremony.

Every time Zhuang Muqing came to see them, she would see a desk covered with documents, a relentlessly typed notebook, and a constantly ringing phone.

“Time for lunch, bosses.”

Li Yunshan walked over to take the lunchboxes from Zhuang Muqing and cleared a space on the table.

Seeing Qi Zheng still typing on her keyboard, Zhuang Muqing walked to her side: “You’re working too hard. Take a break and eat first.”

Qi Zheng looked up and smiled at her, then pointed to the screen: “I’m collecting feedback from the previous batch of clients. Yunshan and I are currently working on a satisfaction survey questionnaire, choosing some representative questions that can promptly identify bugs.”

Looking at the tired yet excitedly talking Qi Zheng, Zhuang Muqing felt that she was completely different from the appearance captured near the “Old Man Tree” that time. A radiant and committed Qi Zheng didn’t need any external things to attract everyone’s attention.

“I know you’re busy, so I’ve already sorted out the issue of the graduation ceremony attire.”

Li Yunshan, who had just finished setting up the lunchboxes, exclaimed, “Wow, A’Moon, you’re amazing! I was just telling Qi Zheng last night that we needed to find time to rent formal wear.”

Zhuang Muqing glanced at Qi Zheng, who was still focused on the computer, and continued talking to Li Yunshan: “The rental fee isn’t expensive, but you should save where you can during the initial stages of your startup, right?”

As soon as she finished speaking, they both covered their mouths and laughed, then looked at Qi Zheng in unison.

Wasn’t that Qi boss’s recent catchphrase?

Every detail had to be carefully considered; anything that didn’t need to be spent shouldn’t be, and every penny had to be used wisely.

“Graduating smoothly from B University’s Business School is a wonderful and rare experience that should be cherished. So, don’t let the graduation ceremony be regretful because of the formal wear. Try them on after lunch. If the sizes aren’t right, I’ll take them back for alterations.”

If Zhuang Muqing hadn’t brought the formal wear, Qi Zheng and Li Yunshan were indeed planning to rent some the day before the ceremony, naturally opting for the cheapest ones.

Qi Zheng was multitasking and had listened to the conversation. She peeked out from beside the laptop and tilted her head, saying, “Thank you, A’Moon.”

Afterward, she returned to her previous state, continuing to type on the keyboard.

Zhuang Muqing knew a designer friend who happened to have their own independent brand and store, so getting two formal dresses was not difficult. She chose two intricately designed but not overly expensive dresses, not wanting to burden them psychologically.

After trying them on, they fit perfectly and needed no alterations.

Li Yunshan was quite satisfied with the one she was wearing, but she liked the one Qi Zheng was wearing even more.

“A’Moon, your taste is impeccable. I can’t accept anyone else wearing this dress in the future.”

Qi Zheng stood in front of the mirror, looking at the fine velvet dress. The pale powder blue color made her look a few shades fairer. However, the youthful innocence in her features had gradually been replaced by a sense of composure, beginning to exude a mature aura.

This created a subtle contrast with the color of the dress, and this contrast made it even more impossible to look away.

Li Yunshan walked in front of her, scrutinized her again, and concluded: “Now I’m completely not worried about whether I’ll be unemployed later. Even if we can’t sustain the business, just pushing Qi Zheng out there will land her a magazine photoshoot.”

Qi Zheng just smiled good-naturedly at their praises and laughter.

She looked at herself in the mirror, remembering the last time she specifically tried on a formal dress; it felt distant yet familiar.

Yun Fei, as the company representative, would attend Qi Zheng’s graduation ceremony, but whether Shen Zhibing would go was still undecided.

“President Shen, you have two short business trips next week, one to Miancheng and one to Yongcheng, both for routine inspections of the branch offices.”

“Postpone the business trip schedule. What are the arrangements in this city?”

“There’s an awards ceremony for outstanding young entrepreneurs and a birthday banquet for the Lian family.”

The awards ceremony could be attended by someone else on her behalf, but the Lian family’s banquet was more troublesome. She was specifically invited with a post, and not attending might not be appropriate.

“How is Qi Zheng doing?” Shen Zhibing didn’t immediately decide and changed the subject.

“She’s doing well, just too busy. The time difference barely affects her. Sometimes I find her almost constantly online, but that means the project is progressing well.”

Shen Zhibing lightly tapped the armrest a few times, finally getting to the point: “Did she mention the graduation ceremony to you?”

“Yes, she asked who from the company would be going.”

According to custom, Shen’s Group always sends a dedicated person to congratulate and witness, which significantly increases the sense of belonging for talent. Moreover, Qi Zheng received the honor of an Outstanding Graduate, so Shen’s Group needed to show even more support.

At least, she was still nominally a Shen’s Group employee.

“Tell HR that they don’t need to send anyone this year.”

Yu Xinyan kept smiling, yet she refused to genuinely break into a full smile. Shen Zhibing occasionally saw this expression of hers in the mirror and could only give her a speechless look.

“I say, President Shen, you’ve been looking for a long time. Have you made up your mind yet?”

“It’s the weekend today, and there are no projects requiring overtime recently. What’s the rush?”

Yu Xinyan walked over to her, exasperated: “I don’t understand. You’ve been choosing one dress for two weekends, several hours each time. This isn’t even choosing a wedding dress.”

If she wanted a special dress, a call to bespoke tailoring would handle it. Yu Xinyan increasingly didn’t understand Shen Zhibing’s current approach.

Shen Zhibing carefully examined the clothes on the rack in front of her, still finding nothing entirely satisfactory. Hearing Yu Xinyan’s words, she just lowered her eyes slightly and whispered, “I don’t want her to feel burdened by it then.”

That wristwatch could make Qi Zheng feel that way, let alone that piece of haute couture that she only wore once, which was still hanging in the room of the suburban villa.

At the time, Shen Zhibing hadn’t considered any of this. All she thought about was how to steal the spotlight at Lian Ao’s wedding. And Qi Zheng, as her companion, also had to be equally radiant.

Only now did she realize that Qi Zheng was already bright enough, and the embellishments she provided were, in fact, a burden.

Yu Xinyan already knew that Shen Zhibing had rescheduled all her appointments for next week to attend Qi Zheng’s graduation ceremony. Compared to money, the fact that President Shen was willing to squeeze out so much time was even more commendable.

“She might not necessarily lack formal wear. It’s completely normal for graduates to rent dresses. The foreigners did the same when we were studying.”

Shen Zhibing had certainly considered this possibility, but she still hoped she could do something for Qi Zheng.

“I’ve prepared other gifts too, but I just feel that for such a memorable occasion, she shouldn’t be wearing ordinary clothes.”

Qi Zheng was not only graduating but would also be giving a speech as an outstanding graduate, making it truly memorable.

After shopping until late evening, they finally found one dress that barely satisfied President Shen. Yu Xinyan followed her back to Yunlu Huayuan after dinner to see how Shen Zhibing was packing her luggage.

“How many days are you planning to stay this time?”

“Three to four days, haven’t decided the exact duration.”

Shen Zhibing was putting things into her usual travel suitcase, and Yu Xinyan leaned against the bookshelf, chatting with her casually.

“You can stay at my place this time. I’ve already arranged for someone to go and clean up beforehand.”

They had bought an apartment in F City when they were studying at B University. But since graduation, it had been empty for a long time, with only the property management cleaning it regularly.

“No need, I’ll stay in a hotel.”

Yu Xinyan chuckled a few times, deliberately reminding her: “You’re not planning to roll in the hay with Qi Zheng in a hotel, are you? No matter how luxurious those hotels are, they aren’t as clean as home. Besides, can you guarantee there are no hidden cameras in the hotel?”

Shen Zhibing glared at her angrily: “Can you stop thinking about all this nonsense?”

Yu Xinyan took out two light-textured, pale-colored nightgowns from the wardrobe and put them into her suitcase: “You should bring a few more of these nice clothes. What if you end up ‘expensing’ one every day? You might run out.”

Shen Zhibing took the nightgowns out and hung them back up: “Your imagination is better suited for other people.”

“Old Shen, you and Qi Zheng are both adults, and you’ve done it before, so how is it impossible? Besides, aren’t you going this time because you want to officially start a relationship with her? Even if you’ve slept together before, the feeling must be different after confirming your relationship.”

Shen Zhibing didn’t reply, only slowing her movements slightly.

Yu Xinyan took a small box from her bag and tossed it into her suitcase: “I’ve been wanting to give this to you. Take this too.”

Seeing the familiar packaging, Shen Zhibing knew it wasn’t anything proper.

“This little bee has multiple frequency options, perfect for people like you who are rekindling their passion, where a short separation feels better than a honeymoon.”

With that, Yu Xinyan opened the box herself. Sure enough, it was a somewhat cute, yellow little bee.

Shen Zhibing watched her place the space-saving item into the inner compartment of the suitcase, hesitated for a moment, and didn’t take it out.

“If it weren’t for company business, I would also want to witness Little Qi’s graduation ceremony. This child is truly lovely and capable.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she felt a cold glare flash, and Yu Xinyan shrank her neck, giving up on her “covetousness” towards Qi Zheng.

Upon learning that President Shen would also be coming, Qi Zheng didn’t express any opinions. To be precise, she was too busy and only responded with an “Oh,” indicating she knew, and didn’t ask any further details.

Shen Zhibing originally thought Qi Zheng would talk to her about things before the ceremony, and also thought she would ask for advice on preparing for her speech. Because many years ago, Shen Zhibing was also an outstanding student representative and did the same thing.

This time, no one came to ask for her experience.

They arrived in F City a day early. Shen Zhibing ultimately accepted Yu Xinyan’s suggestion and chose to stay at her place. If she took Qi Zheng back to her own apartment, her family would probably find out quickly.

She didn’t want to involve Qi Zheng in the troubles of the Shen family yet. The larger the family, the more intricate the relationships.

Regarding tomorrow’s graduation ceremony, she already had arrangements. She planned to take Qi Zheng to eat small wontons after the ceremony, and then, at the restaurant she had specially prepared for Qi Zheng, formally express her feelings.

Qi Zheng had been gone for so long that her guilt and unfamiliarity had gradually faded. They were replaced by longing and concern, and an uncontrollable attraction.

She liked Qi Zheng, and she wanted to tell her personally.

**

Before boarding the plane, Qi Zheng had told her that she had already prepared a dress, so the set Shen Zhibing had chosen was left behind in Haicheng. But her carry-on bag contained another carefully prepared gift: a platinum fountain pen, subtly engraved with a small kite pattern, and that faint line.

She hoped Qi Zheng would sign more and more contracts with this pen in the future, and that her career would flourish. She also had a private hope: that the string of the high-flying kite would remain in her hands.

Upon reaching the campus, neither she nor Yun Fei had time to reminisce about their student days and went straight to the business school. Everyone was dressed up today, but even amidst the visual fatigue, Qi Zheng was still the most striking.

Shen Zhibing saw her almost immediately. Her tall figure didn’t look awkward among the group of Westerners. Compared to their robust stature, she appeared more slender and delicate, possessing an Eastern beauty that was captivating.

The powder-blue dress on Qi Zheng was unique, with an impact of contrasting beauty that made Shen Zhibing’s heart pound faster.

“President Shen, Little Qi is over there. Let’s go.”

Just as they were about to step forward, Shen Zhibing suddenly stopped.

Yun Fei followed her gaze and looked again. It turned out some classmates had come to take photos with Qi Zheng and her friends, seemingly intending to post them on social media. A few people stood in a row, with their hands on each other’s waists and shoulders, intimate and casual.

After a few photos, they changed poses and positions, preparing to take more. The young woman standing next to Qi Zheng reached out to adjust her collar and the front of her dress. Then they looked at each other and smiled knowingly.

Everything seemed very natural and didn’t draw the attention of anyone nearby.

But it was this seemingly ordinary gesture that made Shen Zhibing’s heart ache and feel nervous.

They… must be very close, so close that even the people around them found this to be commonplace.

But she suppressed the sudden surge of bitterness, stabilized her emotions, and said to Yun Fei, “Let’s go over.”

Qi Zheng was naturally happy to see them.

It’s just that her smile was no different from the smiles she gave to others.

Shen Zhibing silently looked at Qi Zheng, finding her more mature and composed. The experience of starting a business and acquiring customers had made her more cheerful and talkative than before.

Clearly, Qi Zheng was doing very well in the United States.

Shen Zhibing deliberately kept a low profile at the ceremony and didn’t even notify the school administration of her visit. She was like an ordinary spectator, witnessing Qi Zheng shine brightly at this world-class university.

Afterward, she went to the small wonton shop with Qi Zheng. Yun Fei had made arrangements beforehand, and there were no other customers in the shop. Even the owners disappeared after serving the small wontons.

Shen Zhibing touched the bag beside her, which held the fountain pen she was about to give. Unexpectedly, what she received first was Qi Zheng’s resignation letter.

“President Shen, you said that if I were to leave, I should hand in my resignation directly to you. I thought today would be a suitable opportunity.”

Shen Zhibing had long known this would be the outcome, but she hadn’t expected Qi Zheng to be so eager to give it to her shortly after they sat down.

She put the resignation letter into her bag and glanced at the gift box again.

“If you ever get tired of starting your own business, Shen’s Group welcomes you back anytime.”

Qi Zheng lowered her head and smiled, shaking her head: “I need to earn back my tuition first. Thank you for agreeing to let me repay it in installments.”

Yun Fei had already informed her about this.

In the initial stages of her startup, she had no time to work part-time to earn money, nor could she use the startup funds for repayment. This decision indeed eased her predicament, and she understood it was Shen Zhibing’s intention.

“The small wontons here taste very good. My classmates and I love coming here.”

Qi Zheng began introducing the shop, and Shen Zhibing maintained a faint smile.

She was a little nervous. The words she had prepared for so long seemed unable to find a way into the conversation.

Qi Zheng noticed her abnormality and looked at her: “Are you okay?”

Shen Zhibing had lost her usual assertiveness from the office, even showing a hint of shyness and genuine emotion, remaining silent.

After a while, she slowly raised her eyes, looking at Qi Zheng, not avoiding her gaze, yet still feeling anxious.

“Qi Zheng, I want to tell you, I like you. The truly sincere kind of liking.”

Qi Zheng had been worrying that she might be feeling unwell, and was suddenly surprised to hear this.

She retracted her previous ease and calmness, and the atmosphere between the two instantly dropped to freezing point.

Shen Zhibing kept looking at Qi Zheng but didn’t get the reaction she wanted.

Qi Zheng, she wasn’t happy.

She wasn’t happy to hear her confession. Shen Zhibing felt disheartened but was still waiting.

She didn’t know how long passed; for Shen Zhibing, time almost stood still. Her heart raced and slowed, and even breathing felt difficult.

“I think we can’t be together.”