Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 110

Shen Zhibing stood there quietly, patiently waiting with Qi Zheng until she began her discussion with the expert. Shen Zhibing still had no intention of leaving. Yu Xinyan didn’t rush her; she and Yun Fei were well aware of Old Shen’s attitude over the years. Now that Qi Zheng was finally back in the country, they naturally hoped for a turning point.

Qi Zheng had matured considerably since the past, with a more composed and confident demeanor in her every move. She seemed to have become more proactive and assertive, knowing how to seize every available opportunity, a noticeable change from when she used to unconsciously keep to herself during social engagements.

Shen Zhibing’s mood suddenly lifted, her lips curling into an unconscious smile, a joy she herself hadn’t realized was there.

She had waited a long time for this day, to see Qi Zheng again.

She thought she could face it calmly, but found her heart had other ideas. She was still happy, and her heart still raced.

Qi Zheng seemed to have come prepared, different from those who had brief conversations with the experts before her. Her face was consistently serious and humble, head slightly bowed as she exchanged views with the expert.

Then Shen Zhibing saw a more complex expression on the expert’s face, such as surprise, scrutiny, delight, and then appreciation. Without going closer to listen, she could guess that the topic Qi Zheng raised must have deeply resonated with the expert.

She always knew how to hit a chord with people, and now even more so.

Shen Zhibing ultimately chose not to go up and greet Qi Zheng; perhaps today wasn’t the right day for their official meeting.

After leaving the venue, she unexpectedly saw Hua Chifeng of Dongming Group, who appeared to be waiting for her.

Yu Xinyan lightly scoffed: “He’s really sharp-eyed. He probably saw us in the venue just now.”

Shen Zhibing didn’t react much, walking straight up and greeting him indifferently: “Mr. Hua, hello.”

“Ms. Shen, I specifically waited for you here.”

Shen Zhibing understood, but still feigned ignorance: “May I ask what you need, Mr. Hua?”

Compared to Lian Ao, Hua Chifeng seemed to have some genuine ability and was quite refined. He had been in charge of Dongming Group for several years, and his business was doing well. He had been pursuing Shen Zhibing since last year.

“I’d like to invite you for a late-night meal. Would I be so honored?”

“I apologize, but we have other engagements. I appreciate the offer.”

Shen Zhibing’s refusal was swift and direct, leaving Hua Chifeng unable to press the matter. They had shared a few meals before due to business, and although he could sense Ms. Shen’s coolness, today she seemed particularly firm.

He paused, still maintaining his composure and not getting angry despite the rejection.

“Then, if I’d like to discuss business opportunities related to the emotional management industry with Ms. Shen, would you be interested?”

Shen Zhibing offered a formal smile in return: “I certainly wouldn’t refuse a good business opportunity. Then please ask Mr. Hua to schedule a time with Yun Fei, and we can discuss it properly.”

With that, she and Yu Xinyan walked past him and drove away.

Hua Chifeng was neither anxious nor annoyed; instead, he found it quite interesting. Shen Zhibing was a rare female powerhouse in the business world, with both talent and beauty. Although she rose through family resources, her success in growing Shen’s Group was a recognized fact.

Others might prefer to marry a gentle, submissive type, but Hua Chifeng loved this kind of equally matched partner. Earlier years were dedicated to his career with no time for marriage, but now that he was of age, it was time to seriously choose a companion for life’s journey.

He believed Shen Zhibing was thinking the same way.

Because since last year, the Shen family, who rarely intervened in Shen Zhibing’s love life, had subtly started spreading the word, indicating an intention to find her a suitable partner.

Ever since she learned Qi Zheng had returned to Haicheng, Shen Zhibing couldn’t maintain the same composure as before. While she didn’t actively seek her out, she couldn’t help but pay closer attention privately.

Qi Zheng returned to the country for her second entrepreneurial venture. With the experience from her first, she was more efficient than before. She had researched all the relevant information before returning and immediately started preparing for her new company upon arrival.

She maintained her low-profile style. The company she established was not large, and she didn’t publicly hype her past entrepreneurial success in the US to attract attention.

“Ms. Shen, these are the relevant documents for Miss Qi’s new company, along with a list of some clients she has contacted recently.”

Qi Zheng had messaged Yun Fei a few days ago, telling her she was back in Haicheng and would treat her to a meal once she was less busy.

“Only five million in registered capital?”

Yun Fei nodded: “I think she might not want to be too high-profile.”

Shen Zhibing shook her head: “No, this won’t do.”

“Five million is indeed a little low, but I think Miss Qi must have her own plans.”

“The situation in China is different from the US. For the initial startup environment, domestic investors still value the underlying strength,” but Shen Zhibing didn’t rashly ask Yun Fei to intervene, as it was Qi Zheng’s own business.

She considered it: “Continue to monitor her, and try to find out her recent financial situation.”

If it wasn’t intentional, it was likely because Qi Zheng was not familiar enough with the domestic situation, having been in the US for the past few years.

Zhuang Muqing’s reputation in the US had soared in recent years; her works were very popular among young people, and she had her own understanding and interpretation of aesthetics. Her arrival caused a stir in the Haicheng cultural scene, and the Art University naturally seized the opportunity to host a professional salon for her.

Just Zhuang Muqing wasn’t enough, so they invited Qi Zheng as a guest to jointly discuss the interesting anecdotes and challenges of cross-cultural life. It was a niche industry salon, but it attracted a diverse range of audience.

Shen Zhibing certainly wouldn’t miss this opportunity. She thought tonight would be the perfect night for their official reunion.

She didn’t wear an evening gown tonight, opting instead for a business casual outfit with a mid-length trench coat. Indeed, at the venue, everyone was dressed casually. Zhuang Muqing on stage was even more relaxed, wearing slim-fit jeans paired with tall boots, which perfectly highlighted her exceptionally beautiful legs.

Since seeing Zhuang Muqing at the graduation ceremony, her name had stayed in Shen Zhibing’s mind. She admitted she cared, but she wouldn’t lose her rationality over it.

She had heard about Zhuang Muqing’s artistic achievements, but this was her first time observing and understanding her so closely. Zhuang Muqing possessed traditional Oriental beauty, but having grown up abroad, her personality was more outgoing and open.

The perfect blend of dynamic and static enhanced her attractiveness, giving her a unique beauty.

She didn’t deliberately hide her emotions and sincerely expressed her thoughts. Combined with her deep interpretation of art theory and fresh perspectives, the salon was by no means inferior to any professional lecture.

Shen Zhibing came for Qi Zheng, but she had to admit that as an audience member, she was genuinely captivated by Zhuang Muqing’s speech.

By the time Qi Zheng took the stage as a special guest, the audience had already grown quite comfortable with Zhuang Muqing.

Qi Zheng wore a casual shirt, dark casual trousers, and a pair of sneakers, giving her something of an artist’s aura.

The two sat side by side, not engaging in frequent private chatter, yet it was enough to spark imagination.

“When you were a student abroad, you resolutely decided to stay in the US and start a business, which truly showed a lot of courage, a ‘breaking the pot and sinking the boat’ mindset.” The host transitioned the topic to Qi Zheng. If Zhuang Muqing was the representative of American culture crossing over to Haicheng culture, then Qi Zheng was the typical example of a Chinese person striving in the US.

“It was just a choice, wanting to give myself more opportunities to try things, not as tragic as that,” Qi Zheng lightly brushed off the topic. She disliked dwelling on the hardships of that entrepreneurial period. There were indeed many obstacles and difficulties, but what success comes easily?

It was all due to persistence and effort that there was a reward.

Qi Zheng didn’t like to compare which effort was more worthwhile or which success was more glorious.

The host clearly wasn’t satisfied and continued to ask: “I heard you were sponsored by a company to pursue your MBA then. You didn’t return home after graduation. Were you worried about being criticized?”

Qi Zheng didn’t try to defend herself: “I did struggle, as I was, to some extent, disappointing the company’s investment.” She paused for a moment, then smiled and continued, “But my former employer was very excellent and very open-minded. After understanding my true thoughts and plans, they chose to bless me rather than suppress me, which taught me a lot.”

Qi Zheng had previously worked in the President’s Office Secretariat at Shen’s Group Headquarters, which was not a secret in her resume. However, she rarely accepted interviews, and overseas media weren’t as keen as their domestic counterparts on exploring gossip about Shen’s Group.

Her answer piqued the audience’s interest, and the host smoothly took the question a step further: “Did you fall out with your boss because of that?”

“It definitely made her unhappy, but she was a very good boss.”

That simple “good” was Qi Zheng’s highest praise for Ms. Shen.

Shen Zhibing, sitting below, subtly curved her lips. She had also wondered what Qi Zheng’s assessment of her would be, years later.

“Now that you’ve returned home for your second startup, do you feel unaccustomed? After all, you’ve been living and developing in the US. Will you seek to collaborate with your former boss again?”

Shen’s Group was too prominent, an absolute hot topic in Haicheng, and even the cultural circle couldn’t avoid it.

Qi Zheng didn’t want to be a wet blanket, nor did she touch upon private matters, but she wasn’t overly resistant.

“I am a native of Haicheng; the Haicheng DNA is in my bones, so Haicheng is my home. Although I lived abroad for a few years, there was a minor period of readjustment when I first returned due to factors like the climate and jet lag, but this doesn’t change the fact that I am a Haicheng native. No one is too unaccustomed to coming home because they’ve been away for too long. Nowhere compares to one’s own country for a sense of security.”

This was indeed her feeling; this place gave her a greater sense of belonging.

Even in the US, what she missed and often ate were Chinese delicacies.

As for whether there was a chance for cooperation with Shen’s Group, she didn’t give a clear statement. After all, such things couldn’t be forced, and she hadn’t heard of any suitable projects at Shen’s Group that overlapped with her industry.

After the lecture ended, most of the audience’s focus was on Zhuang Muqing. Qi Zheng walked to the back courtyard to breathe some fresh air.

Shen Zhibing had been watching her. Seeing her alone, she finally had the courage to approach her.

“Qi Zheng.”

The familiar voice made Qi Zheng quickly turn around before she could even get lost in thought. Her body’s reaction was faster than her brain’s.

“Ms. Shen… long time no see.”

The joy in Shen Zhibing’s eyes was faintly visible, but she still stood there with a gentle smile, neither too far nor too close.

Qi Zheng took a step forward and offered her hand: “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Shen Zhibing touched her palm, a comforting warmth that was just as she remembered. She looked up at Qi Zheng, noticing that the deliberate composure and indifference were gone from her face. The faint smile on her lips was enough to send a shiver through her.