Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 147

Shen Zhibing worked overtime for a full half month more before she finally scraped together enough time to travel with Qi Zheng, for which she was already eagerly anticipating. Moreover, after being “schooled” by Qi Zheng in the office last time, she had to change her overtime routine. Unless absolutely necessary, she never stayed in the office for long after work, preferring to take all her documents home.

Although working overtime for too long at home would still prompt Qi Zheng to demand “a balance of work and rest,” at least she didn’t have to be as restrained and suppressing as she was in the office. That particular memory was so profound that Shen Zhibing still found it difficult to calm down whenever she occasionally recalled it.

Heading to the airport, their first stop on the trip was B University.

They were going to a total of three places, all chosen by Shen Zhibing. She said she wanted to travel, and Qi Zheng agreed. She said she wanted to revisit B University, and Qi Zheng agreed. She said she also wanted to go to a tropical island to relax for a few days, and Qi Zheng still agreed.

She had become accustomed to being spoiled and loved by Qi Zheng, occasionally realizing that her previously missing “girlish sentiment” was increasing day by day.

“Are you sure you’ve booked the accommodation?” They were about to land, but Shen Zhibing still hadn’t managed to get any specific information from Qi Zheng about where they would be staying.

This was the first time she was approaching a destination without knowing the accommodation, yet she wasn’t anxious because Qi Zheng was by her side. She proposed the travel plan, but Qi Zheng handled most of the logistics.

“Don’t worry, I definitely won’t leave you stranded on the street.”

Shen Zhibing gave her a side-eye and snorted lightly: “I wouldn’t dare to assume you would.”

After a while, she suddenly felt playful and asked, pretending to be serious: “What if we really don’t have a place to stay later and are forced to wander?”

Qi Zheng wrapped her in an embrace, resting her chin on Shen Zhibing’s forehead: “Then you’ll live in my heart and sleep in my arms.”

Shen Zhibing laughed and complained: “So cheesy. Are you watching too many Mary Sue dramas lately?”

Qi Zheng looked helpless: “You know what I watch at home every night, don’t you?”

Neither of them liked socializing anymore. They avoided unnecessary engagements, striving to go home early to spend time together. They preferred lying on the sofa watching boring soap operas together over dealing with insincere compliments.

Seeing how composed Qi Zheng was, Shen Zhibing figured she must have sorted everything out and was probably planning a surprise. Spending time together hadn’t dulled their passion; instead, they created surprises for each other because they understood each other better.

Anything to bring a bit of joy to her beloved was worthwhile.

Shen Zhibing changed out of her usual business suit as soon as they left Haicheng. Both she and Qi Zheng were dressed casually, making the age gap look insignificant. Without the constraints of their professional identities, she could legitimately stick close to Qi Zheng.

After leaving the airport, Qi Zheng took a taxi directly to the accommodation she had prepared.

Shen Zhibing knew what kind of place it was when Qi Zheng stated the address. She just hadn’t expected Qi Zheng to rent that apartment again.

Qi Zheng was familiar with the place, as it was where she had lived after graduation.

“Come in.”

The apartment was small but very neat. The interior décor and furniture looked new, and the style was quite similar to Yunlu Garden, which Shen Zhibing found a bit strange.

“The landlord must have used connections to short-term rent it to you right after renovation, right?”

Qi Zheng put the luggage in the room, then went to the kitchen to boil water, all as smoothly as if she had just returned to her own home.

“I have a good relationship with the landlord, so it wasn’t difficult.”

The first night after the long flight, they didn’t go anywhere. They packed up early and went to sleep. The next day, they were refreshed. Qi Zheng first took her to that wonton shop for a satisfying breakfast, and then they headed straight to B University.

Shen Zhibing walked hand-in-hand with Qi Zheng through the School of Business. They walked to the old tree again; so many years had passed, but little had changed.

She watched it for a while, sighing with emotion: “When I was a student, this tree was already a legend. When you came later, it was still the same. Now we have both graduated for so long, and it remains as it was.”

Compared to nature, human change is indeed rapid and evident.

Qi Zheng seemed to detect a hint of sadness, withdrew her hand, and put her arm around Shen Zhibing, pulling her closer: “But it’s just one tree. Slowing down aging isn’t necessarily a blessing. We are two people, witnessing each other’s changes every day, which is clearly better than the tree.”

She hadn’t thought much about it until Yun Fei mentioned it. Qi Zheng then realized that there were more skincare products at home recently than before. Moreover, Shen Zhibing’s frequency of doing yoga and going to the beauty salon was also higher than before. It turned out that even the most perfect woman worried about getting old.

Shen Zhibing lowered her head and smiled faintly. She didn’t know when Qi Zheng had noticed. When the anxiety about age suddenly surfaced, she felt unfamiliar with it and didn’t know how to talk to Qi Zheng about it.

She wanted to confide in her but felt it was a bit of a fuss. However, a subtle unease always lingered in her heart, which only Qi Zheng’s tenderness could soothe.

“Yes, growing old together is the happiest thing.”

Shen Zhibing leaned on her and continued walking. There were many couples on campus, and they didn’t attract much attention.

The relaxed atmosphere made their spirits soar. Qi Zheng suddenly had an idea: “Want to re-experience student life?”

“Huh?”

Qi Zheng winked, sped up her pace while holding Shen Zhibing: “Come with me.”

Finding a shared bicycle at the school gate, Qi Zheng stood with one foot on the ground, turned around, and patted the back seat: “Qi Zheng brand special ride, does my wife want to try?”

Shen Zhibing paused. She rarely rode a bike in college. To trace back, it would probably be high school.

But that didn’t stop her from happily jumping on, unhesitatingly wrapping her arms around Qi Zheng’s waist.

Qi Zheng hadn’t ridden a bike in a while either. It wobbled a bit at first, but it was relatively steady. Shen Zhibing tightened her grip, causing Qi Zheng to laugh: “Don’t worry, even if we fall, I’ll definitely be your cushion.”

Shen Zhibing’s lips curled into a smile, but she spoke calmly: “That won’t do, I’d worry if you became the cushion.”

Qi Zheng took her for a ride around B University. Shen Zhibing rested her head on Qi Zheng’s back, lost in thought. Some long-ago memories became clear again. She felt again the uninhibited youth she once longed for.

Fearing that Qi Zheng would get too tired, Shen Zhibing asked to get off after one lap. Qi Zheng was indeed a little tired, so she got off and pushed the bike. They walked side by side, occasionally taking selfies with their phones, which was also a brand new experience.

After reliving campus life, they went to have a burger at the shop behind the school gate. Shen Zhibing became more lively, holding Qi Zheng’s hand and refusing to go home.

“It’s not safe here at night, we should go back early.”

Qi Zheng was afraid that staying too long would lead to trouble. Although it wasn’t likely, she absolutely wouldn’t allow any possibility of danger.

Shen Zhibing felt a bit disappointed but understood that Qi Zheng had a point.

The public security in F City had indeed deteriorated in the past two years, especially the increase in cases targeting international students at night. They hadn’t brought many people this time, only two bodyguards following not far behind.

Back at the apartment, Shen Zhibing sat on the sofa looking at the photos they took today, occasionally having to reply to Yu Xinyan’s “concern,” while Qi Zheng was on the phone with Zhuang Muqing, arranging a time. They were going to visit Boss Zhuang tomorrow, and Zhuang Muqing happened to be returning too.

“I left too hurriedly last time, thank you for helping me pack up. I’m taking this opportunity to thank you now.”

Qi Zheng confirmed the time and then talked to Zhuang Muqing about repaying the favor. They had discussed this beforehand. Qi Zheng would take the lead, but the favor was being repaid by both of them.

She didn’t know what Zhuang Muqing said, likely just polite words, but Qi Zheng continued to persuade her to accept. The call lasted for nearly half an hour without realizing it.

Shen Zhibing hadn’t paid attention at first, but after dealing with Yu Xinyan and realizing Qi Zheng was still on the phone, she started to notice.

Fortunately, the call was nearing its end. Qi Zheng turned around, met her gaze, and smiled at her: “Okay, it’s settled then, see you tomorrow.”

After hanging up, she sat next to Shen Zhibing and immediately explained: “Ah Moon was too polite, she wouldn’t accept no matter what, that’s why I had to persuade her for so long.”

Zhuang Muqing claimed it was just a small help, but for them, this favor had to be repaid.

Shen Zhibing shifted her gaze back to her phone screen and said plainly, “I heard.”

Qi Zheng found it slightly amusing, watching her, but Shen Zhibing refused to look at her.

After staring for a while, seeing that Shen Zhibing genuinely didn’t intend to respond, Qi Zheng noticed her slight annoyance.

“Are you jealous?”

Shen Zhibing kept a straight face and shook her head: “I felt slightly uncomfortable when you were on the phone, but I know it’s actually nothing.”

Qi Zheng continued to smile at her: “I can understand that feeling.”

Shen Zhibing was a bit surprised: “You understand?”

“When you go to the gym and the beauty salon with Sister Yu on weekends, I occasionally feel the same way.”

Shen Zhibing had never heard her say this before. Surprised, she didn’t forget to explain: “I’ve known Xinyan for many years, and you know I don’t have many friends. Besides, she likes…”

Qi Zheng then burst into laughter, leaning in: “I just have a very strong possessiveness towards you. Although my rationality tells me it’s fine, my heart just can’t be controlled.”

Shen Zhibing leaned back slightly against the sofa, half her body sinking into Qi Zheng’s arms.

She bit her lip, wanting to speak but hesitating. Giving assurances seemed too sentimental, yet being jealous of something so trivial was indeed silly.

Qi Zheng continued softly: “I made you unhappy just now, I’ll make it up to you now.”

Shen Zhibing looked at her curiously, anticipating.

“I’ve already bought this apartment, it’s a gift for you.”

“For me?”

Qi Zheng leaned even closer, almost touching her lips: “I’m giving you the blank time we had.”

This way, their connection would be even more complete and perfect.

Shen Zhibing blinked her charming big eyes, and it took her a while to understand the meaning of Qi Zheng’s words.

“Am I the first person to stay overnight here?”

“No.”

Shen Zhibing’s face instantly darkened. Before she could react, Qi Zheng leaned in and kissed her deeply.

“Yinshan worked overtime here, and I only let her sleep on the sofa. So, you are the first person to stay overnight in the room, and the only one.”

Having said that, Qi Zheng scooped Shen Zhibing up in a princess carry and took her straight back to the bedroom.

A standard bed, a modest-sized bedroom, and ordinary warm yellow lighting, yet Shen Zhibing’s heart surged with emotion, feeling that everything was so different.

The small regret in her heart, the years she longed for but couldn’t get close to, became smaller and smaller when Qi Zheng gifted her the apartment, almost ceasing to exist.

It was just a gesture of affection and wouldn’t change any facts, but Qi Zheng truly understood her. Shen Zhibing held her tightly, not allowing her to leave, not even wanting to stop the embrace.

She had never imagined that in a small apartment in F City, she would experience such unforgettable palpitation.

The time difference they had just managed to adjust to was completely reset after this night of passion.