Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 141

Qi Zheng returned to the company to deal with the accumulated work and planned to leave work early and go home. Although Shen Zhibing’s mood was much better than a few days ago, the problem was not completely resolved after all, and she wanted to spend more time with her.

Just before clocking off, someone suddenly called her, asking to meet. The female voice on the other end of the phone was polite and restrained, but Qi Zheng could still hear the eagerness in the other party’s desire to meet her.

She thought about it and agreed to the request.

When she arrived at the restaurant, she found that there was more than one person waiting for her.

Shen Zhilan nodded in acknowledgment when she saw Qi Zheng arrive. The private room was very quiet and discreet. Besides Shen Zhilan, Shen Qichen was also seated there. Qi Zheng had met both of them; they were Shen Zhibing’s elder brother and sister.

“Miss Qi, please sit.”

They had only met briefly at the family mansion and didn’t have a chance to talk much. Tonight, these two were more proactive and enthusiastic than they were at the mansion, but only in comparison to that time.

“We took the liberty of inviting Miss Qi here, mainly because of Xiao Bing’s matter.”

Qi Zheng nodded, expressing understanding.

She initially thought they were sent by Shen Zhibing’s parents to be lobbyists, but after talking for a while, there was no mention of it. Only then did Qi Zheng realize that this brother and sister must have decided to approach her privately.

“Although it is presumptuous to make such a request, we hope Miss Qi can consider Xiao Bing more.” Tonight, Shen Zhilan was the main speaker. Shen Qichen spoke little, occasionally concurring, but his attitude was clear.

“I understand how you feel, but a relationship is a mutual decision between two people. I won’t rashly agree to anything on her behalf, and as for me, my feelings for her will not change.”

Qi Zheng did not budge, expressing her feelings and resolve honestly and directly, even in front of Shen Zhibing’s immediate family.

Shen Zhilan subconsciously touched her belly, and only then did Qi Zheng realize she might be pregnant, though it wasn’t showing yet. Shen Qichen was serious most of the time. If his features weren’t perfect, no one would want to face that expression for long.

“In fact, over the years, Xiao Bing has borne the greatest pressure. She has been exceptionally excellent and sensible since childhood, so Grandpa recognized her early on. If it weren’t for my accident, perhaps she wouldn’t have had to live so exhausting a life.”

Qi Zheng’s attention was drawn to Shen Qichen’s words. In the large Shen family, Shen Zhibing was neither the sole descendant nor the eldest grandchild, so she wouldn’t typically be the best candidate for heir apparent.

“In high school, I fell off a horse during practice, injured my leg, and became demoralized. It was I who disappointed everyone, and the burden ultimately fell onto Xiao Bing.”

Shen Qichen habitually touched his leg as he spoke. He was supposed to be the dazzling favored son of heaven, but an accident left him with a slight limp. This setback made it impossible for him to face reality for a long time, let alone accept his no-longer-perfect self and continue to live according to his past trajectory, so he naturally couldn’t take on the responsibility of the heir.

Qi Zheng didn’t know what to say, momentarily unsure who to sympathize with more.

“Miss Qi, please don’t be upset. We just wanted to confirm your feelings for Xiao Bing. Hearing from our parents that you were willing to agree to the conditions Grandpa proposed surprised and pleased us.”

Shen Qichen’s tone suddenly shifted, with a surprisingly quick change of attitude.

Qi Zheng wasn’t familiar with them and couldn’t judge which part was true and which was false. But hearing them talk about Shen Zhibing’s upbringing, she couldn’t help but feel sad for the person who slept beside her every night.

The heavy burden of a major family shouldn’t have been hers to bear, but various circumstances left her with no choice.

Shen Qichen and Shen Zhilan exchanged a glance, and he said, “Second Uncle has always wanted to snatch the company’s management rights from Xiao Bing. We don’t know if he was involved in this recent turmoil, but he is definitely the beneficiary. If Miss Qi has made up her mind to be with Xiao Bing, please make your decision as soon as possible.”

Qi Zheng looked at them calmly, naturally knowing what the decision was.

She never coveted the Shen family’s assets; the only thing she cared about was Shen Zhibing. Yet, she still felt sorrowful for her, recalling the hardships spent in the office, with such loneliness behind Shen Zhibing.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let her years of hard work be for naught for others.”

The dinner was not exactly harmonious, but appearances had to be maintained. Qi Zheng had also previously wondered why Shen Zhibing always kept the Shen family isolated from their life together. Now she understood.

Back at Yunlu Huayuan, Qi Zheng calmed her mind in the car, not wanting Shen Zhibing to notice anything amiss later. She had received a message from her half an hour ago, telling her to come home early and not to stay out late for social engagements.

Sure enough, when she entered the room, she saw Shen Zhibing leaning against the headboard, reading. Seeing her return, Shen Zhibing’s eyes immediately lit up. She lifted the covers, got up, and walked over: “You’re back quite early. I thought I’d have to wait at least another hour.”

Qi Zheng reached out and wrapped her arms around Shen Zhibing’s waist, kissing her cheek: “You personally messaged me to hurry, how dare I delay.”

Shen Zhibing bit her lip, wanting to argue but unable to speak. She did want Qi Zheng to come back early tonight; she was a bit impatient.

“I’ll go take a shower first, I’ll be quick.”

Shen Zhibing released her, watching her figure disappear behind the door, feeling that Qi Zheng was a little strange tonight, but couldn’t pinpoint exactly what.

Indeed, she came out quickly, wearing Shen Zhibing’s favorite pajamas.

The book had long been tossed aside. As soon as Qi Zheng lay down, the person beside her leaned over.

The bedside lamp was still on, and she could clearly see the little expressions on Shen Zhibing’s face.

“Miss me?”

They weren’t as intensely affectionate now as they were right after getting back together, where they clung to each other whenever they had time. But their mutual concern evolved from being too shy to express to being fully tacit, and now, they could playfully tease each other.

Shen Zhibing’s hand glided over her cheek almost imperceptibly, tickling her, yet Qi Zheng couldn’t bear to stop her.

“I not only miss you, but I’m thinking about other things too.”

Qi Zheng’s breathing paused, then her smile deepened: “Such as?”

Shen Zhibing blushed first, but only hesitated for a moment: “You know.”

She spoke sincerely and passionately, the small sparks in her eyes gradually escalating into a blazing fire.

Qi Zheng reached out and wrapped her arms around her soft waist, pulling her closer.

“What you want, when have I ever refused?”

Shen Zhibing instantly broke into a joyful smile, yet still lightly huffed: “It wasn’t like this a few years ago. You kept rejecting my feelings back then.”

It sounded genuinely aggrieved.

Qi Zheng stopped talking, rose to kiss her, both as a welcome and an invitation.

The atmosphere was perfect, and Shen Zhibing’s preparation was thorough. All her practical experience came from Qi Zheng, and tonight she was both excited and nervous about showing off in front of her ‘teacher’.

Qi Zheng was exceptionally gentle, indulging her, letting her be mischievous and playful. Sometimes, even knowing she was deliberately acting naughtily, Qi Zheng merely watched her with deep affection.

Until Shen Zhibing leaned close to her ear and sighed, “I want to give you the best.”

Although she spoke with such certainty, her movements were full of caution and prudence, as if afraid of accidentally breaking Qi Zheng. Qi Zheng smoothed her brow. Seeing Shen Zhibing look even more nervous than she was, she couldn’t help but smile.

Her smile made Shen Zhibing even more nervous. Qi Zheng could only kiss her, encouragingly saying, “I’m fine, don’t be afraid.”

After a long while, Shen Zhibing still couldn’t bear to leave Qi Zheng. She quietly pressed against her chest, wanting to listen to the heartbeat accelerating just for her.

Qi Zheng’s breathing returned to a steady rhythm, but the pulsating elements in her blood hadn’t completely subsided. They were already infatuated with each other, and tonight, learning about Shen Zhibing’s upbringing from the Shen siblings only made her cherish her even more.

After holding her for a while, Shen Zhibing suddenly spoke: “What’s wrong with you tonight?”

Qi Zheng gently stroked her long hair: “Hmm?”

Shen Zhibing looked up at her, seeing Qi Zheng’s chin first, and couldn’t resist leaning in to rub against it a few times: “I feel like you’re a little different tonight.”

“How am I different? Because our positions have changed?”

Shen Zhibing paused, slightly annoyed: “You’re talking nonsense again.”

She continued to hold Qi Zheng, reveling in the genuine touch. The love Qi Zheng gave her was real and substantial, making her feel the special preference of being resolutely chosen.

After another moment, she muffled: “I feel like you’re particularly spoiling me tonight.”

Qi Zheng smiled, pulled her up, and looked her in the eye: “It seems I haven’t been doing enough normally.”

She leaned in to kiss Shen Zhibing, receiving the most passionate response. The synergy between them was enhanced by their recent interaction, instantly sparking electricity.

The moment they kissed, desire began to take hold. Qi Zheng’s allure was too strong, and in her excitement, Shen Zhibing had completely forgotten about the small ‘pet’ she had meticulously prepared. Only as they neared the end did she suddenly see the little cutie resting on the bedside table.

However, now, that cute little thing was in Qi Zheng’s hand, who had a playful smile on her face.

Shen Zhibing’s face flushed even deeper, forcing herself to be composed: “I thought the design was cute, so I bought it just to look at.”

“Just looking?”

“…”

Qi Zheng stopped teasing her, maximizing the cuteness of the little kitty. The pink nose was made very lifelike, even carrying a shallow warmth, making it irresistible. Shen Zhibing never knew such a cute little object could have such magic.

No wonder Yu Xinyan always enthusiastically recommended it to her.

For Qi Zheng, Shen Zhibing felt trust and dependence. The soft heart beneath her strong exterior, which longed to be loved, found fulfillment with Qi Zheng.

Only Qi Zheng truly understood her beauty. The lights gradually dimmed, but their love continued to shine brightly, illuminating each other’s lives.

When Shen Zhibing woke up the next morning, she still found it incredible. They were passionate until the early hours of the morning, as if returning to the night they first reconciled.

Looking at the person next to her, she raised her hand to stroke Qi Zheng’s face and leaned in contentedly to kiss her.

“Tired?” Qi Zheng’s eyes hadn’t fully opened, but her hand was already gently massaging Shen Zhibing’s waist.

“It’s the necessary price for happiness. It’s a bit tiring, but it’s worth it.”

Qi Zheng smiled and embraced her, their legs tightly pressed together under the covers.

“So, can breakfast also be eaten in bed?”

Shen Zhibing: …

After some playful moments, Shen Zhibing reluctantly pushed Qi Zheng away: “Stop fooling around. Didn’t you say there’s something important today? Don’t be late.”

Qi Zheng looked deeply at her, not hiding anything: “I’m going to the lawyer’s office to sign today. You should come too.”

Shen Zhibing immediately understood what she was going to sign and sat up right away.

She wrapped the blanket around herself and reached for the nightgown tossed at the foot of the bed: “Did Grandpa pressure you again?”

“No one pressured me. Since we’ve decided to take the company back, delaying the signing is just giving your Second Uncle more time to prepare.”

Shen Zhibing was still hesitant. She didn’t want Qi Zheng to be diminished in the eyes of the Shen family because of her. Qi Zheng understood her thoughts: “I don’t feel wronged. There are gains and losses, and this is the best choice I made after fully weighing the pros and cons.”