Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 116

Of course, Hua Chifeng knew what business Manager Liu was in charge of. But upon hearing that Qi Zheng and her team were Manager Liu’s guests, he was quite surprised: “They’re here to apply for the startup fund?”

The secretary was Hua Chifeng’s chief secretary and wasn’t very clear about the Investment Department’s affairs. But since CEO Hua asked, she certainly had to find out immediately.

Fortunately, Manager Liu’s secretary was nearby. After asking, she replied, “CEO Hua, Miss Qi and her team are indeed here today to present a startup project.”

That day in the car, they only talked about everyday matters, and he knew Qi Zheng had lived and worked in the US for a period. As for her career, Hua Chifeng hadn’t expected a girl so young to have such ambition.

Having ambition and goals was a good thing. As for whether her capability matched her ambition, he was truly becoming interested.

“Do I have any other arrangements this morning?”

The chief secretary looked at the itinerary: “No special arrangements.”

Hua Chifeng turned and walked towards the conference room: “Then I’ll go take a look at Manager Liu’s place.”

They probably hadn’t expected CEO Hua to come personally. Previous times when other startup teams came, only Manager Liu was in charge of the initial contact. Afterwards, they would compile and summarize the more promising projects before submitting them to CEO Hua.

“You proceed as usual, I’ll just watch from the side for a bit.”

Hua Chifeng wasn’t overly formal and usually focused on a practical style. However, everyone in the company knew his standards were extremely high. If you couldn’t meet his requirements, you had to revise and perfect it over and over again.

Qi Zheng was only slightly surprised by Hua Chifeng’s sudden arrival initially, then quickly returned to her previous state. Li Yunshan leaned in and whispered to her: “The big boss came in person, looks like he takes this very seriously.”

Last time they went to the Shen Corporation, CEO Shen was also present.

But this was clearly not the same thing. Last time, Shen Zhibing was already seated when they arrived, indicating she had prepared to participate from the start. Judging by Manager Liu’s reaction just now, Hua Chifeng was there on an impromptu decision.

Qi Zheng didn’t mind and reassured her, “No matter who comes, we just need to do our part well.”

In the US, they often had to promote their services and concepts to various suppliers. They managed to remain poised and confident even with a cultural barrier, so they felt even less intimidated returning to Haicheng.

The presentation content was still similar to the one at the Shen Corporation, but Qi Zheng added some targeted content based on Dongming’s past investment preferences, highlighting how her project had more synergy with Dongming’s investment areas.

Manager Liu was generally satisfied with the project but shared the same concern as the Shen Corporation: “This project focuses on a very specific group, and if not handled carefully, it can easily draw public attention, and in a negative way.”

“We will fully prioritize the client experience throughout, eliminating forced intervention or compelling clients to spend against their will.”

The project itself was an attempt in a new field, with little comparable data available. These companies didn’t lack funds. Their caution was merely a fear that an investment might lead to negative publicity that would damage their own reputation.

Hua Chifeng didn’t partake in any discussion, nor did he allow the Investment Department staff to be influenced by his presence. He sat completely like a transparent person, watching the entire presentation.

He had originally only planned to sit for a while, to hear how Qi Zheng would present her project and vision. In his experience, ten minutes was usually enough to determine if a person was merely a ‘flowery pillow’ (all show and no substance) or truly capable. Unexpectedly, as he listened, he was moved by Qi Zheng’s sincerity and stayed until the end.

Hua Chifeng didn’t speak or give any indication, but his presence was a signal in itself.

The fact that the big boss suddenly showed up and stayed until now meant this project and team were very promising, and by no means would it be rejected in the first review.

Afterward, Qi Zheng noticed Hua Chifeng hadn’t left.

“Miss Qi, I didn’t expect you to have such a grand vision. Your startup plan truly excites me.”

Qi Zheng shook his hand, thanking him politely: “Thank you for the compliment, CEO Hua. Achieving the final goal will require a lot more effort.”

Hua Chifeng highly appreciated Qi Zheng’s composure; it wasn’t something that could be feigned. No wonder CEO Shen was so protective of her in the car that day—it seemed he was afraid he might discover this treasure and rush to invest first.

“If you don’t mind, let’s have lunch together. I’d like to understand your project more.”

Qi Zheng certainly wouldn’t miss such an opportunity. She asked Li Yunshan to take the team back to the company first while she stayed at Dongming.

For lunch, they didn’t go out but dined in the exclusive executive cafeteria within the group headquarters. Because the chief secretary had made arrangements beforehand, only Hua Chifeng and Qi Zheng were there today.

“Honestly, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a startup team that places caring for others on the same level as profit-making. Many people just want to elevate their concept to make their project seem unique, but I felt your sincerity in your presentation.”

This was because Qi Zheng always put the clients first, practicing empathy to design services genuinely intended to solve their problems.

“I’ve encountered many people with emotional issues overseas, whether foreigners or fellow Chinese. Their backgrounds and experiences varied, but a clear trend was the younger demographic.”

Seeing that Hua Chifeng was indeed interested in delving deeper, Qi Zheng was happy to share her views: “I’ve also been following relevant research reports domestically and found the same phenomenon.” She sighed softly, “If a society has problems within its younger generation, it will affect the next few decades.”

Hua Chifeng hadn’t expected her, at such a young age, to be concerned with these matters.

“But Miss Qi, there are many unavoidable realities in society that we can’t change with just our individual efforts. Have you considered that your ideal might ultimately be defeated by reality? For example, these people refusing to admit they have a problem, or being unwilling to accept help, or perhaps they’re willing to accept treatment but can’t afford it, ultimately preventing this project from achieving a commercial closed-loop.”

Hua Chifeng was stating very realistic possibilities. A failure in any one of these links would lead to the termination of the plan.

“Although Dongming doesn’t prioritize initial returns when investing in a startup team, we aren’t running a charity. We must be able to see that your project has a hope of survival, rather than just being for an ideal.”

Qi Zheng nodded, showing understanding: “I understand, which is why we are working so hard to prove the project is commercially viable. It’s just that as it belongs to a new field, many things require taking a gamble.”

In front of Hua Chifeng, Qi Zheng seemed like a different person compared to that night in the car. That night, she was serene and gentle, making her appear soft and charming, irresistibly drawing people to look at her more. Now, discussing work, she still carried a gentle demeanor, but it was coupled with a tenacity and persistence, calmly and rationally blending the cruelty of business and the passion of starting up, yet precisely segmenting the two.

“Good, I like this ‘taking a gamble’ you mentioned.”

Hua Chifeng no longer concealed his admiration for Qi Zheng. With such courage, why shouldn’t he step in to help? Perhaps they would both win the bet.

Shen Zhibing noticed that Qi Zheng hadn’t been deliberately avoiding her recently. Her calls were usually answered, which gave her a glimmer of hope.

She wanted to ask Qi Zheng out this weekend, but couldn’t think of a suitable reason. Yu Xinyan looked unconvinced and lamented, “Where did all the books you’ve read and the theories you’ve learned over the years go? Don’t you know dating techniques? Of course, you ask her to a place close to your house!”

Shen Zhibing listened silently to ‘Teacher Yu’s’ lecture. After her passionate instruction, she coolly posed a question: “Why should I choose a place close to my house?”

Yunlu Garden was located in the city center but was also a quiet retreat. There weren’t many places nearby they could go.

“Of course, it’s convenient for going home after the date. There are so many programs that can be developed at home, for example…”

Before Yu Xinyan could continue, Shen Zhibing interrupted coldly: “Stop feeding me your ‘painting plans’.”

The little bees Yu Xinyan had forcefully slipped into her suitcase three years ago were still waiting in some unknown corner. That faint expectation was turned into speechless embarrassment by Qi Zheng’s firm rejection.

Shen Zhibing didn’t want to repeat the same mistake.

But she was still filled with desire and longing for Qi Zheng, and could only sigh softly: “It’s still too early for us.”

She couldn’t fully gauge Qi Zheng’s attitude, so she didn’t dare to move too fast, yet she also refused to retreat even a fraction now.

After much thought, she finally asked Qi Zheng to play squash over the weekend.

The squash court had been renovated last year, making the environment more private than before.

“A good clubhouse really is different,” Qi Zheng knew she must have booked the entire venue again, and relaxed as she changed her shoes.

“Do you play in the US too?”

Qi Zheng bent down to tie her laces: “Rarely, I was too busy usually, and courts were hard to book.”

For those three years, she had been constantly busy, like a spinning top.

“Then you can fully enjoy it now that you’re back. If you ever want to play, you can always find me.”

Qi Zheng stood up, tapped her feet lightly twice. They felt quite comfortable. She had bought these new shoes specifically for squash just two days ago.

“You’re so busy, I’m already satisfied to piggyback on your status for priority court bookings.”

Zhuang Muqing preferred tennis and golf, and her squash skills were average. They had played a few times in the US. In terms of skill level, Shen Zhibing was closer to hers, and a match between the two of them was truly satisfying.

After the game, Qi Zheng was preparing to take a shower and change before heading back. Shen Zhibing watched her pack her bag, hesitated, then called out to stop her: “How about coming over to my place for a while?”

Qi Zheng glanced at herself apologetically: “I’m all sweaty, I shouldn’t pollute your home environment.”

“It’s fine, it’s more convenient for you to shower at my place.”

Qi Zheng raised an eyebrow. Shen Zhibing had no ulterior motives, but the casual little expression made her ears turn red.

She feigned calmness and added, “After all, it’s a clubhouse. No matter how good the facilities are, they’re not as safe and clean as home.”

This was the first time Shen Zhibing had actively invited her to her house. Previously, they had only been together at the suburban villa. But Qi Zheng had heard from Aunt Xin that Yunlu Garden was Shen Zhibing’s real home.

Seeing her slightly hesitate, Shen Zhibing didn’t want to give up, and fearing she didn’t want to shower at home, she said: “Then I’ll wait for you to finish showering, and we can go back together. We can go up for a drink, too.”

Qi Zheng remembered the two empty energy drink bottles she had just tossed into the trash and suddenly smiled.

“Alright, then I’ll trouble you.”

Shen Zhibing also smiled. It wasn’t far from the clubhouse to her house, but as they had just finished playing, even with a quick wipe down with a towel, they still had a slight smell of sweat. As they stood side by side in the elevator, their respective scents mingled and drifted, creating a different atmosphere in the small space.

Upon entering, Qi Zheng was surprised to see Aunt Xin, who was also startled to see her, then exclaimed with delight: “Miss Qi, long time no see!”