Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 139

Everyone was notified in advance that Shen Zhibing was returning to the family estate today. Apart from the Lunar New Year, this was probably the most gathered the family had been.

However, not everyone harbored good intentions; some were concerned about Shen Zhibing, and of course, some were there to watch the show.

Shen Qixing was making tea for Shen Shijun in the study, and glanced at the time: “They said she’d be back after lunch. I think it’s almost time.”

Shen Shijun took a sip of tea, less optimistic than Shen Qixing: “The Old Man hasn’t expressed his stance these past few days. I feel like this matter might not be as simple as we think.”

“Dad, the day the news broke, Grandpa had you act as the agent for the company duties. Isn’t that a stance? I think Grandpa is just too angry, or perhaps he’s waiting to personally admonish her when she returns today.”

Shen Shijun thought about the gathering at the house today and still felt uneasy.

“When Xiao Bing comes back later, don’t say too much. Just wait and see.”

Shen Qixing had been feeling invigorated at the company recently. Whenever he had time, he would tour the various departments, ostensibly to understand the employees’ work status, but really, he was warming up for his own promotion.

His background was similar to Shen Zhibing’s, and he had joined the company around the same time, but his achievements and status were vastly different now. Being a department vice president was considered senior management, but he lacked real authority, something those who had been at headquarters for a long time knew well.

Shen Qixing had waited for so long, and finally this opportunity had arrived. How could he miss it?

But he didn’t dare to be too ostentatious in front of his father: “I know. My aunt and I will just wait and watch the show.”

Qi Zheng insisted on accompanying Shen Zhibing back to the estate, and she had woken up early that day.

“I thought about it again last night. Is light grey too dull? Although it might make me look more mature, is it inappropriate to wear something too dull for my first visit to your home?”

Watching Qi Zheng place her hands on her hips and murmur to the closet, Shen Zhibing, while drying her hair, couldn’t help but smile: “You’re more nervous than I am. How am I supposed to take you back like this?”

Qi Zheng turned around and pouted at her: “I want to strive for a good first impression.”

Shen Zhibing walked over, took a look, and chose a set of dark grey clothes, handing them to her: “Wear this one.”

Qi Zheng frowned, taking it uncertainly: “I thought light grey was already too dull, and you want me to wear dark grey?”

Shen Zhibing said seriously: “Grandpa likes this color the most.”

Qi Zheng no longer hesitated and immediately went to change.

Aunt Xin saw them to the door, still looking worried.

Shen Zhibing put on her shoes and took her bag from Aunt Xin’s hand: “No need to prepare dinner for us tonight. You can tidy up and rest early.”

Aunt Xin nodded, followed them a few more steps, and seeing them about to leave, she couldn’t help but say: “Third Miss, if you feel wronged at the estate, come back early.”

Shen Zhibing smiled and shook her head, gently saying, “It’s alright.”

Once in the elevator, Qi Zheng asked: “Are we having dinner at the estate tonight?”

Shen Zhibing put away the ease she had shown Aunt Xin just now and admitted frankly: “If the communication with Grandpa goes smoothly, maybe we’ll stay for dinner. If not…” She turned to look at Qi Zheng, “We’ll have to find something to eat ourselves outside.”

Qi Zheng understood. Shen Zhibing was putting a diplomatic spin on being potentially thrown out.

Shen Zhibing had specifically called home last night to inform them she would be bringing Qi Zheng back today. Her parents had merely sighed heavily after hearing it but hadn’t refused.

As for the Old Man, Shen’s father said he would speak to him. It had been a long time since the incident. The Old Man had only spoken to Shen Zhibing on the phone for five minutes the day the news broke, and there had been no communication since.

The car entered the Shen family garden. It was indeed a top-tier luxury estate, and Qi Zheng couldn’t help but look around a few times.

Shen Zhibing thought she was nervous and gently held her hand: “If Grandpa’s attitude is poor later, I apologize to you in advance. He’s getting old, and this time it really is my fault, so please just bear with it for my sake.”

Qi Zheng clasped her hand back: “I won’t mind, because he is your grandfather. But don’t keep taking all the blame; you did nothing wrong.”

Shen Zhibing lowered her eyes, a forced smile playing on her lips, acknowledging Qi Zheng’s words.

After getting out of the car, they didn’t hold hands, but their distance was not deliberately pulled apart either.

The butler opened the door and ushered them in, first respectfully greeting “Third Miss,” then looking at Qi Zheng with some difficulty.

Shen Zhibing was usually aloof but wouldn’t intentionally make things difficult for the servants.

“Miss Qi is my friend, accompanying me today to see Grandpa.”

The butler bowed, and said politely in a low voice: “Hello, Miss Qi.”

Then he said to Shen Zhibing: “Everyone is waiting for the Third Miss.”

Shen Zhibing knew the family was especially gathered today. Because Qi Zheng was by her side today, she felt a contradictory mix of nervousness and security.

Qi Zheng nodded to the butler and followed Shen Zhibing inside.

This place was even more luxurious than the suburban villa, clearly indicating deep wealth and heritage.

“I need to see Mom and Dad first. Come with me.”

Shen Zhibing’s parents had already come down from upstairs and were walking through the living room when they saw them: “Xiao Bing.”

Shen Zhibing’s father glanced at Qi Zheng, pondered for a moment, and said: “Miss Qi, hello.”

Last night, his daughter had already mentioned on the phone that Qi Zheng would also come today.

The relationship between his daughter and Qi Zheng had been hyped up by the media before, but there was no definitive conclusion. If the Old Man didn’t pursue it, no one in the family would be foolish enough to corner Shen Zhibing for an answer.

But by bringing Qi Zheng back today, especially on this occasion, everyone understood their relationship.

Their daughter, who had followed the rules since childhood, was now involved in one shocking matter after another. As parents, they were indeed finding it hard to accept.

But they were not unkind or rude people. Meeting Qi Zheng for the first time, they naturally wouldn’t treat her coldly.

“Xiao Bing, Grandpa is in the study. He said for you to see him first when you arrived.”

Shen Zhibing’s mother stood beside her, looking at her with eyes full of pity mixed with confusion. She couldn’t understand when her daughter started liking women.

Shen Zhibing wasn’t used to prolonged close proximity with her parents. She glanced at Qi Zheng, then turned to her father and said: “Then we’ll go up first.”

Shen’s father stopped her: “Xiao Bing, Grandpa meant for you to see him.”

Shen Zhibing paused, then said firmly: “I brought Qi Zheng back today to make things clear to the family. I will explain things to Grandpa, but I will not leave her alone outside.”

With that, she took Qi Zheng’s hand and went upstairs.

Shen’s mother walked up to Shen’s father, watching the backs of the two women. Her worry deepened: “Xiao Bing, this child is becoming more and more stubborn.”

Shen Old Man didn’t try to send Qi Zheng away when he saw her enter with Shen Zhibing, but he barely acknowledged her, acting as if he was completely unaware of her presence.

Shen Zhibing was a little unhappy with her grandfather’s deliberate neglect. But she was here today to apologize first, and Qi Zheng lightly touched the back of her hand, signaling that she was alright.

“Grandpa, I’m sorry. I’ve caused you worry these past few days.”

“Come, sit down.”

Shen Old Man hadn’t managed company affairs much for the past few years, entering the phase of enjoying his retirement, but he had never officially agreed to fully transfer the company to Shen Zhibing.

“Xiao Bing, if the media hadn’t exposed this time, how long were you planning to keep it from the family? Besides this matter, how many other secrets are you keeping from us?”

The Old Man’s tone was flat, yet it still made one feel pressured. Qi Zheng couldn’t help but feel sorry for Shen Zhibing. Since entering this luxurious estate, all the relatives of Shen Zhibing she had seen felt almost absurdly unfamiliar to her.

Shen Zhibing lowered her eyes, unable to defend herself against her grandfather’s words.

“Why didn’t you tell the family when your health had problems? I can disregard who you are in a relationship with outside, because I know you’re a sensible child. Your career has been successful these past few years, and you’ve kept me very reassured. But only now do I realize that you’ve been hiding so many secrets.”

Shen Zhibing remained silent, listening to her grandfather without rushing to explain.

Shen Old Man occasionally glanced at Qi Zheng, but offered no comment about her. He took a manila envelope from a drawer and placed it on the desk.

“What is going on between you and Lian Ao?”

Shen Zhibing hadn’t expected her grandfather to know about this, and to question her in front of Qi Zheng left her unprepared.

She hesitated, took the paper bag, and poured out the contents.

There were some photos of them together when they were younger, and some records of couple’s items they had jointly purchased.

Qi Zheng sat beside her and quickly glanced at the things in her hand, spotting a photo of them standing side-by-side by the Seine River, when they were around twenty years old.

Shen Zhibing quickly stuffed the things back into the envelope, thought for a moment, and admitted: “I did date him, but it had formally ended before he got married.”

She paused, then added: “I am with Qi Zheng now, and it is just as serious. It won’t be any different because of her gender.”

Shen Old Man’s brows furrowed instantly, and he carefully scrutinized the person who hadn’t spoken the entire time.

“Xiao Bing, do you know what you are saying?”

Shen Zhibing took a deep breath, unconsciously straightening her back: “Grandpa, I will not give up my relationship with Qi Zheng. No matter what happens, we will not separate.”

Shen Old Man looked away, no longer looking at her.

Shen Zhibing took several documents from her handbag and spread them on the table: “Since joining the Shen Group, I have always remembered your teachings, and I have done my utmost to develop the company. I hope these achievements have not failed your past expectations. If I disappoint you in the future, please understand.”

Shen Old Man was very aware of Shen Zhibing’s company management results; he didn’t need to look at these documents to know. But he remained silent, likely feeling deeply disappointed in Shen Zhibing.

This was harder to bear than direct scolding. Since childhood, Shen Zhibing had spent more time with her grandfather than with her parents. Emotionally, she respected and loved the Old Man, and the most difficult person for her to face was her grandfather.

Shen Zhibing trembled slightly and involuntarily leaned closer to Qi Zheng. Qi Zheng made a decision and took out a stack of documents from her own bag.

She hadn’t told Shen Zhibing in advance, knowing that Shen Zhibing wouldn’t agree if she had.

Qi Zheng placed those documents on top of the previous files: “Grandpa Shen, these are her complete medical records from the past few years. I think you should look at this rather than the fragmented information exposed by the media.”

Shen Old Man parted his lips, still not looking over.

“To not fail everyone’s expectations, she has endured more than normal pressure since she was a child, constantly pushing herself to do better. There are many people in society today with emotional struggles; she is definitely not the only one. To keep you from worrying and to avoid disappointing you, she concealed her illness, treated it, and recovered, alone and strong. As the person closest to her, we should offer her understanding and support, not question her motives.”

Shen Zhibing was surprised, and then realized what Qi Zheng was saying.

She understood her grandfather’s temper and was afraid Qi Zheng would provoke him. She whispered: “Qi Zheng, stop talking.”

“Why hide the suffering you’ve been through? Don’t the proof of you standing strong again deserve recognition, compared to your achievements?”

Shen Old Man finally turned his gaze, staring at Qi Zheng, his eyes deep, revealing no emotion.

After a long while, he slowly spoke: “Do you truly want to be with Xiao Bing?”

Qi Zheng didn’t hesitate and immediately nodded: “Yes.”

“If I ask you to sign an agreement that regardless of how long you are with Xiao Bing, even if you achieve a legal relationship, you will not gain any of the Shen family’s assets,” Shen Old Man continued, looking at Qi Zheng, saying each word clearly, “Are you willing?”

Qi Zheng still showed no sign of hesitation and nodded firmly: “I am willing.”