Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 146

The atmosphere in the meeting room was tense. Dong Xiao stood by the projector, presenting the latest proposed plan, hoping to gain Shen Zhibing’s approval.

Due to changes in industry policy, property developers’ performance this year was not ideal. Although the Shen Group had transitioned early, this business unit was only slightly better than its peers and no longer held a significant advantage compared to other businesses within the group.

“We will increase revenue and decrease expenditure. We plan to cut unnecessary costs on existing projects and also find ways to explore new areas.”

Shen Zhibing had been listening without speaking, occasionally glancing down at the report in her hand and marking a few notes. Dong Xiao watched her reaction while continuing to speak but was suddenly interrupted by Shen Zhibing: “Be specific. Don’t repeatedly emphasize vague conclusions. The current industry environment is deteriorating; the entire real estate sector is talking about transformation. Everyone knows this. What exactly are these new areas?”

Shen Zhibing was more decisive than in the past, but her overall aura was also slightly different. Though she still had high standards, at least she wouldn’t freeze people out upon approach.

Dong Xiao skipped a few slides. Three points of their discussion and research conclusions were listed there.

“You still intend to focus on extensions of commercial real estate?”

Seeing that Shen Zhibing seemed unsatisfied, he became nervous again and nodded: “Yes, because we have years of foundation and high past investment costs, so we feel…”

“If the industry is failing, you must have the courage and determination to make radical changes. Hesitating at this point and being reluctant to abandon past investments will only lead to greater drag.”

The implication was that she did not agree with today’s proposal.

Dong Xiao immediately froze. This was the second time President Shen had rejected the transformation proposal. It looked like more overtime was required.

“Revise the proposal as quickly as possible, and schedule the next meeting with Yun Fei. But I want to emphasize that while the real estate industry’s growth trend is not what it used to be, the Shen Group is not planning to abandon this business entirely.”

Her words provided reassurance to the team reporting at headquarters today. The vigorous development of emerging businesses had gradually overshadowed the traditional pillar projects, and the property company had indeed been neglected for a while.

Although there was no public discussion, many employees privately worried about layoffs, as other companies had already started. In this day and age, when the industry is struggling, there are few alternative job opportunities.

After the meeting, Shen Zhibing took Yun Fei back to the office. She still walked with purpose, discussing a few key points from the meeting with Yu Xinyan along the way.

“Keep a close eye on business transformation, and also pay attention to team morale.”

Yu Xinyan shared her thoughts: “I can send someone to help guide the business, but as for the team, you’ll need to remind the HR Little President Shen.”

Since Shen Zhibing’s high-profile return, Shen Qixing had completely retreated. He rarely came to the top floor anymore, and file delivery was mostly done by others. He only appeared at department head meetings.

The presence of the father and son in the Shen Group was diminishing.

Shen Zhibing turned to Yun Fei: “Call Shen Qixing later and tell him to come see me next Monday.”

Shen Qixing would definitely not care about this matter, so she had to emphasize it in person.

She didn’t have high expectations for Shen Qixing’s performance, but the procedures needed to be followed, which would provide sufficient reason for accountability later.

Upon arriving at the office, Xin Jia proactively greeted her: “President Shen, President Qi has arrived and is waiting for you in the office.”

Hearing that Qi Zheng was here, Shen Zhibing’s lips curved into a smile, which was quickly replaced by a different expression.

“Everyone has been working hard recently. Once today’s work is done, please leave work early.”

It was Friday, and Shen Zhibing didn’t plan on making the secretarial team work overtime.

Yun Fei was still organizing the meeting documents. Yu Xinyan didn’t rush back to her office; instead, she wandered around the secretarial office, chatting with Xin Jia for a moment, then with the third secretary.

Seeing Shen Zhibing close the door, she leaned toward Yun Fei, chuckling: “Did you see President Shen’s expression just now? Her face changed so fast, it was hilarious.”

Yun Fei remained focused on the screen, choosing not to engage.

Yu Xinyan was accustomed to this and continued: “Secretary Yun, are you upset? Upset that my focus is on the wrong thing?”

Yun Fei paused, looked at her for a few seconds, then returned her gaze to the screen, calmly stating: “If you want to rush to finish your report at home this weekend, I don’t mind relaying what you just said to President Shen.”

Yu Xinyan immediately behaved. She did owe a few project summary reports. Although they were somewhat urgent, they weren’t strictly required to be completed this weekend. But if President Shen knew what she was thinking, it would be a different story.

As soon as Shen Zhibing entered the office, she saw Qi Zheng sitting at her desk, facing away from her and reading a finance magazine.

Shen Zhibing was on the cover of this issue. Since officially taking over as President of the Shen Group, she had given more interviews than in the past.

“Why did you come over today?”

Qi Zheng slightly raised her eyes and said: “If I didn’t come, I don’t know when I would finally see you tonight.”

Shen Zhibing knew she was at fault and said with a smile: “I just finished a meeting. I have a bit of wrapping up to do, but it should be quick.”

“Should be?”

Shen Zhibing paused: “It will definitely be quick.”

Qi Zheng slowly turned a page of the magazine, her tone still light: “I remember you said that the day before yesterday, and I think you said that yesterday too.”

Shen Zhibing knew Qi Zheng was upset about her recent continuous overtime and occasional all-nighters at the company; there were hints of it this morning.

“I promise, I will definitely leave earlier than before today.”

Qi Zheng gently placed the magazine back on the desk and looked at her, her smile not quite reaching her eyes: “But I just asked Secretary Xin, and you’ve been in meetings all day. Now you have a pile of documents to approve.”

Shen Zhibing glanced at the stack of documents on her desk. There were indeed quite a few.

She gritted her teeth and explained in a softer voice than before: “We’re going on a long trip. I have to arrange my work in advance.”

The trip was Shen Zhibing’s idea, and Qi Zheng had agreed.

“If I had known you would pressure yourself like this for the trip, I wouldn’t have agreed.”

Shen Zhibing feigned anger: “No way. You said you’d travel with me. No backing out.”

Shen Zhibing’s illness was basically stable, but not completely resolved. The doctor recommended regular follow-ups, and she also needed to be careful not to relapse.

Her illness was primarily caused by excessive stress and chronic overwork, so Qi Zheng was always very mindful of both these factors.

She glanced at the time; it was already past quitting time. Qi Zheng stood up and walked to Shen Zhibing, pressing down on her hand as she flipped through a document.

“Rest today. The rest can wait until next week.” She had asked Xin Jia just now. Although the accumulated documents were many, none were so urgent that they had to be completed today.

Shen Zhibing reluctantly looked up at her: “If I leave these until next week, won’t I still have to work overtime next week?”

While others prepared for a trip by saving money and making itineraries, Shen Zhibing’s preparation was working overtime to clear her schedule.

Qi Zheng looked at the faint dark circles under her eyes, feeling heartbroken but also angry: “The purpose of the trip is to relax, not to force you back into your old working state.”

The way Shen Zhibing had been working non-stop lately was not too different from her past life as a workaholic machine.

“I don’t want to, but I have no choice.”

Shen Zhibing knew Qi Zheng was worried about her; otherwise, she wouldn’t have chased her to the company. Lately, she had indeed been too busy to even have a proper conversation with her. She was truly sorry.

She stood up and kissed Qi Zheng’s cheek, reassuring her: “Wait for me. I’ll leave as soon as I finish this.”

Qi Zheng glanced at her desk, clearly not believing her words. Seeing that Shen Zhibing really intended to continue, she decided to deploy her ultimate strategy.

She embraced Shen Zhibing around the waist, stopping her from sitting back down.

“It’s after work. We should do what people do after work.”

Shen Zhibing was slightly confused when Qi Zheng kissed her.

Qi Zheng’s kiss was swift and precise. Once her lips met Shen Zhibing’s, she wouldn’t let go easily, making Shen Zhibing’s breath quicken.

She also missed such deep kisses. Every time she kissed Qi Zheng, her heart pounded.

“This is… the office.”

She gently tried to push Qi Zheng away, reminding her to be mindful of the location.

Qi Zheng still held her close, pressing against her: “It’s after work now. It’s just an ordinary room.”

So?

Shen Zhibing looked at the growing fire in Qi Zheng’s eyes, unable to believe it. “Don’t you dare—”

Qi Zheng casually cleared the area of the desk behind Shen Zhibing, pushed her to lean back against it, her lower back resting on the edge of the desk: “You need to balance work and rest, I’ll help you adjust.”

Shen Zhibing was tightly enclosed in Qi Zheng’s embrace, powerless to resist.

“This is the office!” she had to remind her again.

“It’s fine.”

Having said that, Qi Zheng leaned in to kiss her again.

Shen Zhibing rolled her eyes inwardly, yet couldn’t push Qi Zheng away. Although they had been together for quite some time, she still couldn’t resist Qi Zheng’s kisses. Soon, she softened, and as always, gradually became like a blossoming water lily.

Qi Zheng’s kisses travelled from her lips to her face and then to her earlobe, causing a thrill across her body.

The hands that had been pushing against Qi Zheng’s shoulders gradually turned into a hug. Every time, this was the only way she could steady herself; Qi Zheng was always her support.

Suddenly, she was picked up by Qi Zheng and seated on the desk. Before she could react, Qi Zheng leaned over and took the lead.

“Want to try it here?”

Qi Zheng’s seductive voice sounded, and Shen Zhibing’s last remaining bit of sanity vanished. She closed her eyes, tacitly accepting this absurd yet exciting suggestion.

She knew she shouldn’t, but it was also incredibly stimulating. The mere thought of it was exhilarating. Shen Zhibing’s response greatly encouraged Qi Zheng, and the chemistry between the two was once again validated in this top-floor office.

Did I lock the door? Shen Zhibing recalled her actions when she entered, and then thought that the secretaries should have left on time, as she hadn’t called them for so long.

But it sounded like there was still some movement outside. Why could she still faintly hear people talking?

Qi Zheng sensed her distraction, feeling a bit displeased, and gently bit her lip: “No zoning out, focus on relaxing.”

What kind of relaxing was this? Shen Zhibing felt drenched in sweat, as if she had just had a sauna.

Both of their shirts were wrinkled. Shen Zhibing’s hands slid back and forth on the smooth desktop, unable to grasp anything to hold onto. Qi Zheng could only hold her hand with her free one, while her movements quickened.

The biggest difference from being at home was the need to remain vigilant at all times, not daring to make a sound while also paying attention to any movement outside the door. She had thought this would spoil the mood, but instead, it brought an unexpected sensation, making her reaction faster and more intense than before.

Suppressing her moans, yet enveloped in this ultimate joy and happiness, Shen Zhibing felt like she must be insane to be playing such a game with Qi Zheng in the office. In a daze, she saw their clasped hands, her heart feeling warm and a continuous surge of warmth flowing through her.

Qi Zheng felt her change, and kissed her deeper, making her want more and more.

She wanted to call a halt, but at this point, stopping would only make her feel more frustrated.

Shen Zhibing raised her hand and bit the back of it, desperately trying to suppress the sound that was about to burst from her throat, but even this was quickly becoming impossible.

Others left work one after another, but Yun Fei was still busy. Yu Xinyan looked thoughtfully at the tightly closed door of the CEO’s office.

“Manager Yu, aren’t you leaving? Are you planning to stay and work overtime with me?”

Yu Xinyan touched her chin and said meaningfully, “Oh, I’m waiting for General Manager Shen to leave work.”

Yun Fei glanced at her: “General Manager Shen will go back with Xiao Qi when she leaves, you’re probably waiting in vain.”

Yu Xinyan didn’t say anything, thinking to herself, I’m not waiting for someone, I’m waiting for a good show.