Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 123

Qi Zheng’s kiss opened the floodgates of Shen Zhibing’s memory. The previous years’ intimacy was almost no different from now, yet upon close inspection, it felt like an entirely different experience. Back then, she only cared about her own pleasure, not whether she and the other person were in sync, and even less about whether Qi Zheng was happy.

But tonight, she could clearly feel that they were of one mind, even their rhythm was consistent with the rise and fall of their heartbeats. They lingered for a long time. Shen Zhibing clung to Qi Zheng’s shoulder, trying hard to hold steady, but in the end, she was still nearly exhausted.

Qi Zheng stayed with her, kissing her softly until she recovered from her daze.

“Do you want to go take a shower, or should I wipe you down?”

Her voice was still full of allure. Shen Zhibing instinctively held on tighter: “Neither.”

Seeing her groggy state and the faint tears at the corners of her eyes, Qi Zheng was amused but also a little heartbroken: “Then what do you want?”

“I want a hug.”

They were already embracing. When Shen Zhibing made the request, Qi Zheng adjusted their posture, completely enveloping her, letting her nestle on her shoulder: “A hug like this?”

Shen Zhibing was pressed very close, her hands almost fiercely clasping Qi Zheng’s waist, yet her voice was fragile and hoarse: “Mhm, I want to be held all the time.”

Shen Zhibing refused to get up, nor would she let Qi Zheng get up. As soon as she sensed Qi Zheng wanted to leave, she tightened her grip, clinging to her. Even in her dreams, it was the same. Qi Zheng completely gave up on the plan to wipe her down while she slept, and instead, the two just cuddled and continued to sleep.

When she woke up the next morning, Shen Zhibing instinctively felt the spot beside her. Feeling that the person was still there, a smile appeared at the corner of her mouth before her eyes were even open. The joy of last night was much more fulfilling than her past dreams, and even upon waking, there was no icy loneliness.

But the person beside her seemed to be in a deep sleep. She waited for a while, only hearing the steady rhythm of breathing, which indicated Qi Zheng was still asleep.

Shen Zhibing turned sideways and watched her quietly. Qi Zheng was lying on her side, facing her. Being able to open her eyes and see the other person—a few days ago, Shen Zhibing would not have dared to even imagine such a scene, afraid it would bring her deeper disappointment and regret.

But now, she just wanted to smile. As long as she saw Qi Zheng, she felt happy and content. After watching for a while, she endured the soreness in her waist, leaned forward, and kissed Qi Zheng on the tip of her nose.

Sure enough, the person wrinkled her nose, which was very cute.

Shen Zhibing checked the time; it wasn’t too late, but she couldn’t help but want to tease Qi Zheng and wake her up to keep her company a little longer.

“Mmm… you’re awake?” Qi Zheng finally woke up groggily. She had woken up several times in the middle of the night because Shen Zhibing had held her so tightly she almost suffocated.

“I was clearly the one who was more tired last night, yet I woke up first,” Shen Zhibing’s face was very close to hers, and her voice was still soft.

Qi Zheng laughed and rolled over to lie flat. Shen Zhibing, with great understanding, moved closer, and they were back in the embracing position of last night.

“What do you want for breakfast later? I’ll ask Aunt Xin to prepare it.”

Qi Zheng gathered her wits, then regretfully said: “I’m afraid I can’t today. I have to go home.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I need to go home and change clothes.”

“I can have new ones sent over,” Shen Zhibing wanted to have breakfast with Qi Zheng so they could spend more time together.

Qi Zheng kissed her on the forehead, sighing helplessly: “I’m going to Dongming today, and I have some documents at home.”

Shen Zhibing felt a little disappointed, but work was important. Moreover, Qi Zheng was likely going to Dongming to sign the financing contract.

“Then I’ll have the driver take you back later.”

Qi Zheng looked at the time and knew she had to get up. As soon as she sat up, Shen Zhibing also got up. Seeing her biting her lip, Qi Zheng asked with concern: “Are you uncomfortable?”

Shen Zhibing’s face flushed a light pink, but her expression was calm: “I’m fine, I’m going to shower.”

Qi Zheng knew she was embarrassed. Watching her enter the bathroom, she went to the guest room to take a shower. When she came out wearing the clothes from yesterday, Shen Zhibing had already prepared some snacks, packed in a food container.

“Eat this on the way. It’s not good for your health to go negotiate a business deal on an empty stomach.”

They hadn’t eaten much last night, and if she didn’t eat again this morning, Shen Zhibing was truly afraid that Qi Zheng would lack energy.

Qi Zheng smiled and took the breakfast, then went to the door to change her shoes. Shen Zhibing followed behind her, watching silently, and didn’t say anything more.

Just as Qi Zheng was about to open the door, she suddenly asked: “Are you coming over tonight?”

Qi Zheng thought for a moment: “I have dinner with the people from Dongming tonight, it might be very late.”

Shen Zhibing heard that she wouldn’t be coming over, but still nodded in understanding. Actually, she wasn’t demanding that Qi Zheng be by her side all the time, but the joy of their reunion made her uncontrollably excited, and she couldn’t help but want to cling to her.

“I’ll try my best to come over early. You remember to eat your breakfast properly too.”

Qi Zheng glanced at Aunt Xin, who was busy, and seeing that there was no one else nearby, she quickly kissed Shen Zhibing on the face before formally opening the door and heading out: “I’m leaving. I’ll contact you later.”

After seeing Qi Zheng off, Shen Zhibing returned to the dining room. Aunt Xin had instructed the kitchen to prepare breakfast according to the usual habits at the villa, but only the Third Miss was eating.

She had thought that since Miss Qi had stayed overnight last night, and since she saw her coming out of the Third Miss’s room this morning, their relationship was basically settled. But she hadn’t expected her to leave without having the first breakfast together. Aunt Xin couldn’t help but worry, and was also afraid that the Third Miss would be unhappy, so she quietly observed.

“These small wontons taste quite good today,” Shen Zhibing was surprisingly normal, and even commented on the food.

“I thought Miss Qi would be joining, so I prepared it according to her taste.”

After speaking, Aunt Xin cautiously looked at Shen Zhibing. Fortunately, the Third Miss seemed completely normal.

“Prepare it according to her taste tonight as well,” Shen Zhibing thought for a moment, then added: “And the late-night snack too.”

Aunt Xin’s worries vanished upon hearing this. It seemed Miss Qi would still be coming over tonight. That’s good, that’s good.

Seeing Aunt Xin’s joyful expression, Shen Zhibing felt a little embarrassed.

Aunt Xin, however, was filled with satisfaction: “Third Miss, after all these years, I was truly worried you would keep waiting in vain. Fortunately, Miss Qi is back. Life will be easier from now on.”

Shen Zhibing naturally knew how precious this was. It was just that they still had many issues to resolve in the future. This morning was too rushed, and the brief moment of tenderness wasn’t enough for them to savor last night, let alone discuss those things.

But thankfully, they had a long future ahead. Shen Zhibing was confident that they could face it together.

“Don’t talk too much to her about it. It’s all in the past, nothing worth mentioning.”

She didn’t want Qi Zheng to feel burdened, nor did she want the other person to feel that she had made a great sacrifice. A relationship is mutual. She knew that Qi Zheng choosing to be with her must have also involved compromise.

For example, their current relationship could not be made public, and there was no defined timeline. Qi Zheng clearly knew all this, yet still chose to hold her hand. Shen Zhibing understood all of this.

Qi Zheng returned home, changed clothes, and rushed to Dongming. Hua Chifeng had inquired about the project progress and details a few times, but the contract procedures had always been handled with Manager Liu. She hadn’t expected CEO Hua to be there today when she went to sign the contract.

“Don’t be nervous. I just finished a meeting and knew you were coming today, so I sat here for a bit longer.”

Qi Zheng wasn’t nervous. Dongming’s investment was generous this time, though not comparable to the Shen Corporation. She still highly regarded Hua Chifeng’s investment style. There were a few other companies interested in her project, but most liked to interfere with the specific management and operational affairs. Qi Zheng didn’t want to lose the team’s independence too early, so she only chose the Shen Corporation and Dongming.

Hua Chifeng watched as Qi Zheng confirmed the final details with Manager Liu and completed the signing, without interrupting. Only at the end did he say: “Your fountain pen is quite unique, custom-made, isn’t it?”

The fountain pen was a classic example of low-key luxury. It didn’t look overly conspicuous, but upon closer inspection, every detail was carefully considered and flawless. Those who didn’t understand would think it was expensive, but those who did would know how rare it was.

“It was a gift from someone,” Qi Zheng held the pen, carefully putting it back into her bag, with no intention of letting Hua Chifeng admire it closely.

Hua Chifeng laughed and said: “It must have been given by a very important person. I can see you cherish it a lot. I know a few friends who make pens. Maybe I can take you to see them another day. You can pick out a few if you like.”

Dongming invested generously, and Hua Chifeng valued talent. This was the fundamental reason why Dongming had rapidly grown in recent years. A few years ago, it wasn’t noticeable, but now it almost had the momentum to surpass Shiqun.

Qi Zheng remembered the previous photo scandal. Although she knew there was no special relationship between Shen Zhibing and him, she still instinctively didn’t want to get too close to Hua Chifeng. She had one special pen, and that was enough.

“Thank you for your kind offer, CEO Hua. I’m a nostalgic and stubborn person; having too many choices actually makes me unsure how to choose.”

Hua Chifeng heard her subtle refusal and didn’t press the matter. He asked a few questions about the time and location of the dinner tonight, then returned to his office first.

Manager Liu knew the big boss would be attending tonight and quickly called the restaurant to switch to a larger private room.

Qi Zheng, along with Li Yunshan and a few key business personnel from their company, had dinner with the people from Dongming. Hua Chifeng arrived during the latter half, coming straight from another dinner engagement. The atmosphere was pleasant, and no one was pressured to drink. The few drinks they did have were based on Qi Zheng and her team’s preferences.

But not drinking didn’t mean not chatting. The small talk lasted until nearly 10:30 PM. For those who spent their days entertaining, this was still early, but Qi Zheng had checked her watch several times.

Li Yunshan also wanted to leave, but Qi Zheng was clearly more anxious, making her wonder if something was up. She leaned over and whispered: “If you have something, you should go first. We can handle the rest.”

Qi Zheng had actually planned to do so, but since Hua Chifeng had just arrived, it wouldn’t look good if she left. Having more experience in dinner etiquette than in the past, she naturally knew how to be more appropriate.

Shen Zhibing finished her documents, watched the evening news for a while, and still hadn’t received a message from Qi Zheng. Qi Zheng had sent her last message before dinner, and there had been no further communication since.

She was a little worried, afraid she might be pressured to drink at the dinner table. She wanted to send the driver to pick her up but was worried it might affect her. Several times she wanted to call her to ask about the situation, but she kept hesitating.

Aunt Xin saw her looking preoccupied and comforted her: “Miss Qi should be over once she’s done. The late-night snack in the kitchen is ready.”

“It’s not entirely about that. I’m just a little worried about her,” Shen Zhibing lowered her gaze, wondering if her tendency to worry unnecessarily had deepened.

She waited a little longer. Seeing it was almost eleven o’clock, which was indeed late, Shen Zhibing called Qi Zheng.

The call was quickly answered. There was a faint sound of wind on the other end, as if she were outdoors.

“Are you… done?”

Qi Zheng had had a little to drink and felt a bit tipsy. She had just left the restaurant and was about to get some fresh air to clear her head.

“Mhm, just finished.”

“Should I send the driver to pick you up? It’s so late, taking a taxi isn’t safe.”

Shen Zhibing was actually a little nervous, unsure if Qi Zheng would agree. She should still be with her team. Although they couldn’t officially go public, she didn’t know if Qi Zheng was willing to let those around her know that someone close was quietly caring for her.

While she was still agonizing over it, a soft laugh from Qi Zheng dispelled her earlier concerns: “Then make it quick. I suddenly feel very sleepy.”

By the time Qi Zheng returned to Yunlu Huayuan, it was almost midnight. Shen Zhibing was waiting for her in the living room.

She walked over to take the coat Qi Zheng had taken off. She noticed that the smell of alcohol had mostly dissipated, but her face was still a little red.

“Did you drink a lot tonight?”

“Not a lot. It’s just that my alcohol tolerance isn’t very good.”

Shen Zhibing poured a glass of water and handed it to her. The two sat side by side on the sofa.

“You need to find someone to help you deal with these things.”

Qi Zheng knew what she meant and smiled: “It’s a start-up team. Every person has a role, and there’s no extra budget for that. Besides, if you want to do business with others, if the boss doesn’t personally engage and communicate, who will trust you?”

Shen Zhibing sighed, understanding that Qi Zheng had a point.

She still felt sorry for her, seeing how hard she worked, and she couldn’t help much.

Qi Zheng drank half a glass of water and noticed Shen Zhibing’s downcast look with slightly narrowed eyes. Guessing what she was stressing over, she reached out and pulled her closer: “There’s one thing I’d like you to be understanding about.”

Shen Zhibing was curious, her attention diverted, and she no longer cared about being gloomy: “What is it?”

Qi Zheng pretended to be troubled, even frowning, which made Shen Zhibing a little anxious, thinking she had an unpleasant experience with the people from Dongming tonight.

“What exactly is it?”

“I drank too much tonight and I’m a little tired, so I might not perform as well as yesterday.”

Shen Zhibing froze for a moment, then her ears quickly flushed. She couldn’t help but pat Qi Zheng’s leg, scolding affectionately: “What are you thinking about all day?”