Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 27

Turn off the light / Small / Medium / Large Previous Chapter: Chapter 26: “You don’t have to leave first, we’ll go back together.” Next Chapter: Chapter 28: “Qi Zheng, do you also agree with this proposal?”

Wu Qin rarely had the chance to be in close proximity with Lian Ao for so long, and it was unusual for him to ask so many questions. Although the topic was about Qi Zheng, she still tried her best to describe everything she knew from the past.

The more Lian Ao listened, the worse his expression became. His facial muscles were tightly strained, and even Lian Jie, standing nearby, felt his heart skip a beat.

Wu Qin, completely unaware, became more animated: “I don’t know what’s going on, there are so many people in the circle who like same-sex relationships now. It’s fine to try everything before marriage and then settle down afterwards. But I really don’t understand how a regular university student could get involved with them.”

Her words were filled with disdain for Qi Zheng, and doubt about Lin Muyun and Shen Zhibing’s taste.

Lian Ao didn’t agree, merely giving a polite smile: “Thank you for the information. I’m not interested in the rest, after all, it’s women’s emotional business.”

Lian Ao indeed should not listen further, as his relationship with Shen Zhibing had never been public. He couldn’t guarantee that if he continued to listen, he wouldn’t lose control of his emotions.

After the cake was cut, the birthday banquet came to an end, but a few important figures hadn’t left, so naturally, everyone else stayed. Shen Zhibing finally had time to socialize with the group of socialite parasites, whom Jian Anni had ushered over.

“President Shen, you look truly beautiful today. This dress suits you so well.”

“Right, right, the design of your diamond earrings is so unique, not at all exaggerated, and it perfectly matches your face shape.”

The compliments were constant. Shen Zhibing knew exactly what was going on and simply said thank you.

Those people then turned their attention to Qi Zheng. Although they didn’t explicitly say anything, the deep implications in their eyes made her uncomfortable.

Qi Zheng knew she probably didn’t have a good image in their eyes, and then heard soft laughter: “President Shen, who is this newcomer you brought today? Aren’t you going to introduce her to us?”

“My employee.”

“She’s very pretty and has a good temperament. Is she a new employee in the public relations department?”

Qi Zheng’s mouth twitched. The implication was that she was there to seduce people?

Shen Zhibing was expressionless but didn’t mince words: “Real estate business. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have needed to bring her today.”

Seeing Shen Zhibing’s calm face, those people didn’t dare to make any more exaggerated jokes. Just then, Lian Ao and Wu Qin walked over, and they enthusiastically waved, wanting to expand the conversation circle.

When Shen Zhibing saw Lian Ao approach, she wanted to leave, but that would be too obvious. Qi Zheng, sensing her displeasure, quietly moved two steps, positioning herself slightly between Shen Zhibing and Lian Ao.

Lian Ao’s gaze remained on Qi Zheng, seemingly intending to speak with her.

Qi Zheng sensed his stare and couldn’t continue pretending not to notice, so she responded.

“I hear Miss Qi was able to join the Yongfeng business project team right after graduating from university, and is highly favored by President Shen. Truly, appearances can be deceiving, and the younger generation is formidable.”

“It’s all thanks to President Shen giving me the opportunity to learn. Mr. Lian is too kind.”

Lian Ao didn’t end the topic there and continued to ask: “I wonder what Miss Qi thinks of the Yongfeng project?”

Before Qi Zheng could answer, Shen Zhibing coldly interrupted: “Mr. Lian, isn’t it a bit much to inquire about business from my employee right in front of me?”

Shen Zhibing was not only distant in private but treated him the same way in front of outsiders. Lian Ao’s face immediately darkened, and he stopped talking.

Wu Qin stepped in to smooth things over, not wanting the atmosphere to remain awkward.

“I heard that Young Master Lian is getting engaged soon, and Miss Lin’s family has the strongest speculation. If that’s true, it would truly be a perfect match.”

As soon as she said this, everyone’s eyes, including Shen Zhibing’s, fell on Lian Ao.

She had occasionally heard rumors of Lian Ao’s impending marriage alliance before. When she first asked him, Lian Ao firmly insisted it was only the idea of the family elders and that he himself disagreed. Furthermore, since there was no clear alliance partner for a long time, the matter had died down.

Wu Qin’s mention of Lin Muyun just now indicated that the talk of a marriage alliance was not groundless.

Shen Zhibing wanted to hear what Lian Ao would say this time.

Lian Ao regretted coming over with Wu Qin. He had intended to be closer to Shen Zhibing and subtly find out more about Qi Zheng. Unexpectedly, he had fallen into a trap himself. Everyone was focused on him, but he completely didn’t want to answer.

Lian Jie forced a laugh: “It’s still up in the air, everything will have to wait until Miss Lin returns to the country.”

His self-proclaimed explanation inadvertently confirmed from the side that the Lian and Lin families did indeed have this intention. Shen Zhibing’s heart completely sank, and she gave a self-deprecating smile.

Lian Ao felt he had never been so embarrassed, unsure who exactly was to blame for having such a loose tongue.

“It’s getting late. Qi Zheng and I will take our leave first. I wish everyone a pleasant time.”

Shen Zhibing departed, and people started to follow. Lian Ao never found an opportunity to speak with CEO Le alone, and coupled with the various incidents tonight, he also returned home in a foul mood.

Back at the villa, Shen Zhibing silently went upstairs without saying a word.

Qi Zheng was a little worried about her; President Shen’s reaction was somewhat unusual. If she had cried, thrown a tantrum, or cursed Lian Ao, it would have been normal.

“President Shen, are you… alright?” Qi Zheng grabbed Shen Zhibing, who was about to enter her room.

Shen Zhibing’s smooth arm was completely limp at that moment. After being held by Qi Zheng, it hung down as if it had lost all its strength.

“I’m just a little tired.”

Shen Zhibing didn’t show any sadness. Her tone was a bit low, but it didn’t detract from her elegance and beauty. She walked into the room with a straight back. The moment the door closed, Qi Zheng seemed to hear the sound of Shen Zhibing’s heart breaking.

Qi Zheng stood at the door for a while. Seeing no sounds of things being smashed or crying from inside, she returned to her own room. Tonight’s events were different from what she had imagined. She hadn’t expected President Shen to verbally defend her, emphasizing throughout that she was an employee of the Shen Group and not mentioning their private relationship at all.

She was even more surprised that Shen Zhibing was so indifferent to Lian Ao. Even she, an outsider, could sense the flavor of a breakup. Had President Shen suddenly realized the truth and seen through Lian Ao’s pretense?

Qi Zheng was still thinking about Shen Zhibing after taking a shower. For some reason, she was still a little uneasy. After drying her hair, she went to Shen Zhibing’s room again.

She gently knocked a few times, but there was no response. Qi Zheng thought perhaps President Shen was asleep.

Shen Zhibing hadn’t drunk much tonight, so the impact on her body shouldn’t be significant. But that weak voice just now, also conveyed a profound weariness.

Qi Zheng inwardly laughed at herself for worrying too much; a person like Shen Zhibing certainly didn’t need her concern.

She turned to leave, but suddenly heard a movement inside the room, like a collision.

She raised her hand and knocked on the door again, this time with more force. After a moment, the door was opened.

Qi Zheng leaned in. Shen Zhibing was already walking back with her back to her.

“What are you doing here so late instead of sleeping?”

As soon as Qi Zheng entered, she smelled alcohol. Sure enough, Shen Zhibing was sitting on the sofa, drinking.

She had thought President Shen was invulnerable, but unexpectedly, she was also secretly hiding in her room, drinking away her sorrow.

“You can’t drink too much during your special time.” Qi Zheng reached out, took her glass, and capped the bottle of wine on the table, which was still half full.

“Don’t I even have the freedom to drink?”

It was the same irritating remark, but her tone this time made it impossible to get angry.

Tear streaks were on Shen Zhibing’s face. Qi Zheng knew she was sad, so she didn’t argue and quietly tidied up the table.

She then poured Shen Zhibing a glass of water: “Drinking won’t change anything; it will only make you feel worse.”

Who doesn’t understand this principle? But Shen Zhibing felt truly miserable right now, very miserable. There was a pain and reluctance like a meticulously protected treasure suddenly shattering, yet she had to accept this cruel reality.

Qi Zheng wanted to pull her to bed, but before she could turn around, she was suddenly embraced.

Shen Zhibing sat behind her, holding her waist, hugging her tightly.

They were both wearing light and loose loungewear. The scent of their post-shower bath drifted out with the movement of their bodies. Qi Zheng used a cool mint scent, while President Shen smelled of sweet coconut.

“Don’t you dare run away!” President Shen returned to her dominating and overbearing manner.

Qi Zheng sighed, President Shen was probably drunk.

Letting her hug her for a while, Qi Zheng really started to feel uncomfortable, so she could only turn her head: “President Shen, that’s enough. You should go to sleep.”

There was no response, and the hands didn’t loosen.

Qi Zheng tried to pull them apart, but Shen Zhibing hugged even tighter, practically pressing her whole body against her.

“President Shen, wake up!” Qi Zheng was helpless and could only try to wake her.

Shen Zhibing opened her blurry eyes, staring at Qi Zheng’s profile, unsure if she saw clearly or not.

“I’m so tired.”

Tears welled up in her eyes, looking as if she might cry the next second. What she said was so helpless, so vulnerable that no one could bear to interrupt her sleep. Qi Zheng, affected by this, couldn’t bring herself to be harsh.

“But you can’t sleep on the sofa.”

Shen Zhibing ignored her, rested her head against Qi Zheng’s back, treating her like a big pillow: “I want to sleep on the sofa!”

Qi Zheng gritted her teeth, quickly pulled away the hands wrapped around her waist, then spun around and lifted Shen Zhibing up.

Shen Zhibing frowned, very unwilling.

“What are you doing? Stop!”

They were about the same height and both belonged to the tall and slender type. Qi Zheng struggled a bit carrying Shen Zhibing and couldn’t handle her struggling.

“If you want to sleep properly, stop messing around.”

Fortunately, the bed wasn’t far from the sofa. Qi Zheng settled Shen Zhibing in and, panting, covered her with the blanket. Just as she was about to turn off the small bedside lamp, she was suddenly hooked by the neck.

She almost lost her footing. Qi Zheng felt like Shen Zhibing was driving her crazy.

“Don’t go, please don’t go.” Shen Zhibing’s hands tightened, as if holding onto a life raft.

Qi Zheng felt like she was suffocating. After several failed struggles, she had no choice but to take off her shoes and lie down with her.

This way, at least she could breathe smoothly.

As soon as she lay flat, Shen Zhibing leaned her entire body against her, still clutching her neck, seemingly desperately drawing real warmth from her. Only then did Shen Zhibing gradually settle down to sleep, the heart-wrenching pain and shattering images in her dream slowly breaking apart, leaving only ruin on the ground.

Qi Zheng stared blankly at the ceiling, forcibly held down by Shen Zhibing, with no joy of having a beauty in her arms.

However, she knew clearly that she liked women. Being in such close proximity to Shen Zhibing was not good for her.

Before falling into a heavy sleep, Qi Zheng thought that she should call Brother Jiang tomorrow to ask about his return date. She herself didn’t know what unpredictable actions President Shen might take next, especially since in the original book, after President Shen and Lian Ao fell out, she resorted to various schemes, tormenting the original protagonist badly.

Especially those various activities in the bedroom, which Qi Zheng found even more unacceptable.

Escape. Qi Zheng brought up this idea again.

Without the constraint of Lian Ao, President Shen would only become more unrestrained. Qi Zheng didn’t want to be treated as a plaything; she could only choose to flee.

Author’s Note:

Let me brew up a draft for the “Dumpling Literature” first (You truly can have anything in a dream!)