Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 136

Despite knowing Qi Zheng for so long, this was the first time Zhuang Muqing realized she was so picky when buying things. In the past, they had gone shopping together, but mostly they went straight to the point with a clear objective.

However, today, Qi Zheng picked and chose, compared repeatedly, and was completely unlike herself.

After dinner, almost all the time spent on shopping and leisure was used to select a ring. The entire afternoon, the only thing Qi Zheng bought was this ring.

After paying and putting away the receipt, she glanced at the time and realized so much time had passed. She felt a little embarrassed: “You’ve accompanied me for so long, and we didn’t browse anything else. Dinner tonight must be on me.”

Watching her carefully place the ring box into the innermost pocket of her clothes, Zhuang Muqing didn’t feel as upset as she had anticipated.

“Of course it has to be on you, otherwise I won’t let you off the hook.”

She accepted generously, and Qi Zheng felt a little more relieved.

Qi Zheng took out her phone, sent a message to Shen Zhibing, and quickly put it back. Zhuang Muqing joked, “Didn’t you say you wanted to give Senior Sister a surprise? Did you tell her as soon as you bought it?”

“No way, this definitely has to be a surprise. I just told her we finished shopping and are going to eat.”

“You have to report even this?”

Qi Zheng grinned: “It’s not reporting, she gives me a lot of freedom, but I can’t help wanting to share with her.”

Zhuang Muqing pursed her lips. She hadn’t known that Qi Zheng could be so proactive.

Thinking of their interactions over the past few years, she couldn’t help but feel emotional and wistful: “In the past, you always seemed to have a protective shield, aloof and reserved, and you didn’t talk much. Seeing you like this now, I have to say, Senior Sister is truly charming.”

“It’s not entirely because of her. It might also be related to starting my own business; I have to actively push forward with many things even if I don’t want to. But I also can’t deny she is a bigger reason, because she gives me a lot of encouragement. She doesn’t force me forward, but I know she’s always there walking beside me.”

Her words were full of gratitude and contentment, and her demeanor was one of certainty and perseverance after years of experience. Zhuang Muqing felt a little more at ease. She really didn’t need to interfere in such a harmonious relationship.

Destroying harmony and beauty is a major taboo in artistic creation.

And naturally, it was also a major taboo for Zhuang Muqing.

When Qi Zheng messaged Shen Zhibing, she was still sleeping. When she woke up in the morning, she saw Qi Zheng’s message saying she had finished dinner with Zhuang Muqing and was home.

This message had been sent half an hour ago, so she estimated that Qi Zheng should be taking a shower.

Shen Zhibing leaned against the headboard and sent her an ‘eye-rubbing’ emoji.

Soon, Qi Zheng’s video call invitation came through.

After connecting, Qi Zheng wasn’t wearing loungewear, but Shen Zhibing saw her face beaming with joy: “You’re very happy today?”

“Yes, very happy, because I bought something good.”

Shen Zhibing actually didn’t have high expectations for Qi Zheng’s gift selection skills, as her main focus wouldn’t be on such things. But with an aesthetics expert like Zhuang Muqing accompanying her today, she must have given her a lot of suggestions.

However, Shen Zhibing seemed even less interested in today’s shopping results.

“Just woke up?”

“Mhm.”

Shen Zhibing occasionally had morning crankiness, sometimes feeling very groggy right after waking up. These secrets were only known to Qi Zheng.

Qi Zheng leaned closer to the camera and kissed her.

“Giving you some energy.”

Only then did Shen Zhibing truly smile. She tucked her hair behind her ear and asked her, “Have you booked your flight home?”

Qi Zheng had initially bought a round-trip ticket, but the return flight was open-dated. Now that the project was nearing completion, the date could be confirmed.

“Mhm, I’ll call to confirm the date tomorrow. Barring any unexpected circumstances, I should be home next Monday.”

Shen Zhibing secretly calculated; that was only six more days, which was soon.

“Don’t buy too many things. Rest more if you have the time. If you really want to bring gifts for friends and colleagues, I can have them shipped from the States.”

Qi Zheng knew she must be worrying about her weight loss again, and smiled as she agreed: “Okay, okay, I definitely won’t buy a whole bunch of things.”

There wasn’t anything important to talk about, but they were used to exchanging some mundane words every day, which instantly brightened their day.

Before hanging up, Qi Zheng suddenly asked in a low voice, “How is the gift you promised me coming along?”

Shen Zhibing didn’t expect her to suddenly ask about this. Thinking of the gift, she was also looking forward to it. But before giving it, she couldn’t let Qi Zheng discover any clues, or there would be no surprise.

“You’ll know when you come back, so you have to be home on time.”

“Understood, Boss. I’ll definitely be back on time.”

When Yu Xinyan was called out by Shen Zhibing for shopping, she had just finished a spa treatment. Her smooth, supple condition surprised even those who saw her daily at the company.

“How is it? Old Shen, don’t you think this treatment is good? Do you want to switch to my place? It’s really excellent.”

“No need. I’m just worried you’ll lose your authenticity from excessive cosmetic treatments.”

“Are you serious? I haven’t had any surgery or injections. How is it not authentic? I’m someone who doesn’t even put in fillers.”

Shen Zhibing subconsciously glanced at the chest she intentionally puffed out, and remained silent.

Yu Xinyan countered from a different angle: “However, I, this lonely soul, certainly can’t compare to you. You have a human-shaped massager now, kneading and massaging you every day. It’s impossible for you not to grow bigger.”

Shen Zhibing, who was picking out clothes, paused her finger and glared at her helplessly: “I think I should let Yun Fei see your ‘collection’.”

Yu Xinyan was fearless of everything except Yun Fei. Even though she wasn’t present, hearing her name made her flinch.

“I’m purely curious about those, it’s research, not a collection. Don’t make it sound like I love using them.”

She had offered to give Shen Zhibing new styles several times, but was rejected each time. She originally thought Shen Zhibing and Qi Zheng were traditional and conservative, and didn’t like to try different things.

But the lingerie store they were shopping at today didn’t seem very traditional.

“Are you buying this for yourself or for Qi Zheng?”

“You don’t need to know that.”

Yu Xinyan was displeased: “You called me to accompany you, but you won’t tell me who you’re buying it for. How can I give suggestions?” Then, she suddenly leaned in with a sneaky smile, “Could it be that you two can share and use them interchangeably?”

She recalled Qi Zheng’s figure and muttered to herself: “But Xiao Qi’s curves aren’t as prominent as yours, right? She should be fine wearing yours, but will you struggle to wear hers?”

Even though they were friends and she knew Yu Xinyan had no ill intentions, Shen Zhibing couldn’t stand anyone scrutinizing Qi Zheng, even in her memory.

“Just accompany me to shop. How Qi Zheng and I distribute clothes is our business.”

“Tsk tsk, being in love is so amazing!”

Shen Zhibing’s gaze swept across a row of clothes racks and she moved on, ignoring Yu Xinyan’s comment. Looking at her focused back, Yu Xinyan felt a little sour. She had to admit that Shen Zhibing’s radiant and happy appearance now was indeed due to love.

Being in love is really amazing, she hates it so much!

Yu Xinyan patiently shopped with her for a while. She was already used to Shen Zhibing’s pickiness, but such indecisiveness today was rare.

“Old Shen, you’re just buying lingerie, not a golden battle armor. You don’t need to be so conflicted.”

Shen Zhibing disagreed: “The purpose is similar, so of course, I have to choose the best.”

Yu Xinyan was astonished. Aha, lingerie can be used as a battle armor?

“What, are you two fighting in bed normally?”

Shen Zhibing finally selected a few sets and asked the sales assistant to wrap them up. Yu Xinyan was still exercising her imagination, which finally made Shen Zhibing unable to tolerate it anymore.

“It’s a pity your great imagination isn’t used in the marketing department to develop promotional plans.”

“You are such a person! Speaking of which, you two have been living together for so long. It’s time to switch things up, otherwise, you’ll easily get bored over time.”

As she spoke, Yu Xinyan started promoting those ‘little pets’ again, but Shen Zhibing didn’t respond.

Finally, just before they were about to part ways, Yu Xinyan noticed the key detail: Shen Zhibing’s nails were very trimmed!

“Oh, oh, oh, Old Shen, so you bought these clothes planning to have them torn off? How can you do that to Xiao Qi?”

Shen Zhibing wished she could kick her out of the car: “Give me last year’s department summary before tomorrow’s morning meeting.”

Yu Xinyan got out of the car with tears in her eyes: “You’re taking revenge for private matters! Don’t call me next time you buy things like this!”

After returning home, Shen Zhibing didn’t let the maids touch the clothes and hand-washed them herself in the bathroom.

Lian Ao’s divorce proceedings were temporarily postponed. Although an agreement had been reached with Lin Muyun, it had not formally begun. The Lin family’s attitude was still hopeful for a turnaround. They called the young couple over for dinner every now and then, but Lian Ao always declined, citing work, and only Lin Muyun went alone each time.

Lin Chutian’s expression became increasingly grim, and eventually, he hardly spoke to Lin Muyun. After dinner that day, Lin Chutian returned to his study. Lin Mu’s mother brought a plate of fruit to Lin Muyun and then also went to the study.

Soon after, an argument could be heard from the study.

Lin Muyun went upstairs and stood by the door; the commotion inside was quite loud.

Lin Chutian was practically shouting: “There’s basically no turning point with Lian Ao. If Lin’s doesn’t have Shiqun’s support, it’s just waiting to die!”

Lin Mu’s mother offered a suggestion: “How about communicating with the banks again?”

“Communicating what? Do you think Shen’s didn’t notify the banks when they suppressed us? Do you think the fact that our two loans are due and cannot be renewed is unrelated to Shen’s?”

Lin Mu’s mother was also annoyed and helpless: “Why are all the unfortunate things happening at once?”

Lin Chutian clearly blamed Lin Muyun: “It’s all because of the good daughter you spoiled! She can’t live a peaceful life. After being married for so long, she can’t even produce a fart of a child. She even went to provoke Shen Zhibing. That woman is someone even old business people like us wouldn’t dare to easily provoke!”

Lin Muyun listened to the intermittent voices coming from inside, which were almost entirely blaming her. Blaming her for failing to maximize the benefits of this business marriage, blaming her for actively stirring up trouble, yet no one cared why she did it.

She sneered and turned to go downstairs. This home truly felt increasingly unfamiliar to her. If she hadn’t gotten married this one time, she might have genuinely thought this place would be her eternal safe haven.

It turned out that after getting married, she really became an outsider.

When the Lin family was dividing assets, they didn’t think much of her. When the Lin family was in trouble, they blamed it all on her.

Lin Muyun returned to her room, opened her computer, and meticulously researched the specific procedures for asset division. She couldn’t let herself end up with nothing.

Her mailbox showed a new email. She casually opened it and was unexpectedly captivated by the content.

She downloaded the attachments one by one. After carefully reading them, she was greatly surprised and also felt that God was helping her.

At 3 a.m., Shen Zhibing’s phone vibrated incessantly. Since Qi Zheng was away on a business trip, her phone was kept by the bed.

A call at this hour was rarely about company matters. Shen Zhibing instinctively thought it was Qi Zheng, but after answering, she realized it was Alex.

Knowing him for many years, this was the first time she heard Alex’s voice sound so panicked: “Something happened.”

His simple three words were enough to make Shen Zhibing instantly clear-headed.

She sat up, turned on the bedside lamp, and asked in a deep voice, “What exactly happened?”

Alex sighed heavily and didn’t delay, telling her directly: “Your medical records and case files from these past years have been stolen. I traced it all the way and finally confirmed that Jian Anni is behind it.”

Shen Zhibing frowned. This person had been very low-key for the past two years; she hadn’t encountered her even at some regular cocktail parties. The last time she saw her must have been at Wu Qin’s wedding. How could it be her?

“I waited two extra days specifically to draw her out, but I didn’t expect her to send these to Lin Muyun.”

As soon as she heard Lin Muyun’s name, Shen Zhibing almost foresaw the outcome.

“I failed to intercept it in time. Lin Muyun is a madwoman. She published all your information almost without any pause or hesitation.”

Shen Zhibing swiped open the news app on her phone. Sure enough, there were sudden, overwhelming headlines. Her name, for the first time in so many years, was closely associated with the words ‘sick’ or ‘having a disease.’

“Send me the information you have.” Sensing Alex’s annoyance and guilt, Shen Zhibing suppressed her panic, “You did your best in this matter, don’t blame yourself.”

After hanging up, Shen Zhibing glanced at the news a few more times. After receiving the information Alex sent, she called Yun Fei. Soon after, her phone started ringing non-stop.

Out of necessity, she could only temporarily turn it off.

Qi Zheng received a call from Yun Fei three hours later: “Xiao Qi, something has happened to CEO Shen.”

For a moment, Qi Zheng felt dizzy. After hearing the full story, she didn’t hesitate for a moment: “Sister Yun Fei, I’m going to the airport right now and buying the fastest flight back.”

She quickly and haphazardly threw her clothes into a suitcase, taking only the most important things. She had no time to deal with the rest and could only ask Zhuang Muqing for help.

“Before I get home, please make sure you stay with her.”

Qi Zheng rushed to the airport by taxi. There were no suitable flights available that day, and what made her even more frantic was that even the next day’s direct flights were temporarily fully booked. In the end, she bought a connecting flight that was taking off in three hours.

It would get her to Haicheng four hours faster than the direct flight the next day.

Even four hours made a difference.

The commotion caused by this incident was definitely much bigger than the previous ambiguity surrounding her relationship with Qi Zheng. It alarmed the Shen family that very day. Shen Zhibing did not appear at the company again; her duties were temporarily handled by her second uncle.

Yun Fei received the news that Qi Zheng had boarded the plane and walked over to Shen Zhibing: “CEO Shen, Xiao Qi said she has boarded the plane and asked you to wait for her.”

Shen Zhibing was sitting cross-legged on the bay window, staring blankly outside the window, as if a large part of her vitality had been drained.

“I told you not to tell her.”

“She would definitely see the news online. Besides, Xiao Qi surely wants to come back and be with you at this time.”

Shen Zhibing’s body trembled slightly and she said nothing more.

Yun Fei turned back and shook her head at Aunt Xin and Yu Xinyan outside the door. Everyone looked solemn.