Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 3

Qi Zheng believed she understood the hint in the butler’s eyes. Though she verbally asked if she really had to leave, in reality, the question was a reminder: don’t leave—and you can’t leave.

Even though it was just the butler, he surely understood Shen Zhibing’s temperament better than Qi Zheng did. He seemed to bear no strong ill will toward her, after all, these two would be living together more often in the future.

“I still have things at school to handle,” Qi Zheng explained with a smile. Her tone wasn’t overly firm, but the meaning behind her words was unmistakable.

The butler was conflicted. Shen Zhibing was the employer, but Qi Zheng wasn’t an irrelevant party either. Practically speaking, after today, the real authority in this villa would be Qi Zheng, not Shen Zhibing—since Shen Zhibing had rarely come here before.

Qi Zheng was the first person Shen Zhibing had ever brought here. Although their exact relationship wasn’t clear yet, Shen Zhibing had instructed beforehand that Qi Zheng would live here long-term and that everything should be according to the owner’s standards.

Yet, the person supposedly staying long-term was about to leave right after Shen Zhibing left. The butler was utterly frustrated.

“So, Miss Qi, when will you return?”

Qi Zheng’s smile stiffened, and for a moment, she couldn’t reply.

The excuse she had just made was meant to give both sides a way out gracefully. How could this butler assume she would be back so soon?

“I’m about to graduate. There’s a lot of tedious stuff to handle, and my counselor often asks about my progress, so it’s more convenient for me to stay at school.”

That should make it clear enough: I won’t be back anytime soon.

The butler’s face darkened in worry. “You need to inform Third Miss about this.”

Third Miss?

Seeing the confusion on Qi Zheng’s face, the butler explained, “That’s President Shen.”

She had just heard Qi Zheng address Shen Zhibing this way.

“Oh, then please do inform her,” Qi Zheng replied.

Qi Zheng greeted the driver, Lao Yu. While she didn’t need the staff, a driver was indispensable. The suburban villa wasn’t far from the city, but without a car, it would be nearly impossible to get around.

Qi Zheng left. The butler watched the Bentley drive away and sighed silently. Life was likely to become difficult from now on. If only she hadn’t agreed to let Third Miss come over from the main house.

There was an important company meeting in the afternoon. The butler understood the rules: Qi Zheng’s sudden departure needed reporting, but it wasn’t appropriate to disturb Shen Zhibing during working hours. Third Miss had said to follow Qi Zheng’s directions inside the villa but had also mentioned that Qi Zheng wasn’t that important, so non-urgent matters didn’t need immediate reporting.

Having worked in high-society households for years, the butler knew what to say and what could wait.

**

With the semi-annual company meeting approaching, heads of branch offices from across the country were bringing their half-year performance reports to headquarters. Shen Zhibing was now the group’s Vice President. Although the title included “Vice,” everyone knew her grandfather, the company’s president, had already handed over authority.

Everyone understood that Shen Zhibing’s formal succession as president was only a matter of time.

However, opinions differed on when exactly it would happen. According to high-society conventions, the heir typically assumes control after marriage, though there were exceptions. Most would do so at a significant stage in life.

Shen Zhibing was twenty-eight this year. She excelled academically from a young age, skipping grades in middle school and finishing her master’s program ahead of schedule with top marks. Upon returning to her country, she was immediately placed in senior management.

At first, some doubted her and suggested she start at the grassroots level. But within two years, her strong tactics and exceptional business acumen silenced all critics. Two years later, at twenty-six, she officially became Vice President—after which no one dared challenge her authority.

Yet this year, there was no news of her formally succeeding the presidency. Perhaps she would wait until thirty, or until she married. At this age, it was natural to consider marriage. Since returning to the company, her admirers had increased almost geometrically.

The reception desk constantly received roses, and invitations to dinners were nearly daily, yet Shen Zhibing remained indifferent, never choosing anyone.

Some whispered that she was “too proud to bend,” unattainable by anyone.

Others quickly defended her: she was stunning, wealthy, and capable; it was understandable for her to have high standards.

Shen Zhibing didn’t care about such talk. It was all trivial, unworthy of her attention. However, regarding love, she wasn’t indifferent or overly picky.

She had always held someone in her heart. At first, it was a secret known only to her. Later, fate brought someone who understood her feelings and reciprocated. Shen Zhibing was overjoyed—it wasn’t a one-sided crush.

Unfortunately, although that person reciprocated and made promises, reality was cruel.

Due to family reasons, they couldn’t be publicly together, nor truly together. The happy moments they shared were only fleeting, during visits while she studied abroad.

Yet this remained a light in Shen Zhibing’s heart, sustaining her until now. Aside from that person, she didn’t care about anyone else.

Someone like her deserved envy and admiration, but she had to keep her love hidden. Over time, it became tiring, even surreal, which is why she wanted a stand-in—someone to bind to her side.

At least during lonely nights, someone could remind her that her perseverance wasn’t imagined.

Her secretary knocked and entered, bringing not only a stack of documents for review and signatures but also a bouquet of flowers.

Shen Zhibing frowned, displeased: “I told you, no flowers in my office. Just throw them away.”

The secretary apologized: “President Shen, these flowers are from Mr. A, so I…”

Her tone softened immediately. “From him?”

“Yes. I confirmed the card inside, and the sender insisted it was Mr. A, worried I might refuse.”

Shen Zhibing stared at the bouquet for a moment, then told the secretary to leave: “Just put it down first. You may go.”

Shen Zhibing didn’t like flowers, or rather, she disliked roses. Having known Lian Ao for many years, he surely knew her preferences. He had given her various gifts, but never formally sent flowers—especially roses.

Though the roses weren’t her favorite, their special sender made Shen Zhibing personally place them in a vase. The exquisite, expensive vase immediately brightened the office.

The accompanying card was simple: just a message of “thinking of you, wishing you peace.” Shen Zhibing stared at it for ten minutes—long enough for her to finalize a multi-million-dollar deal.

She carefully opened a locked drawer on the left, placing the card inside. The drawer contained various cards, letters, and even bar coasters—all of Shen Zhibing’s treasures.

Her hand lingered on the handle, tempted to look through them, but she refrained.

Her desk was still piled with documents awaiting attention, and the branch leaders’ briefing would start soon, followed by an unavoidable evening banquet.

Thinking of the banquet, her heart tightened—she should see him tonight.

He had sent her flowers, signaling that he had returned.

Three months ago, Lian Ao went on a business trip to the UK, reducing their contact.

Both were busy, and ironically, they had to rely on social events to meet.

After the meeting, Shen Zhibing returned home to change into a stunning evening gown. Tonight’s banquet was organized by the industry association chairman—attendance by invitees was almost mandatory.

Shen Zhibing knew the importance of the event and wouldn’t slack.

She mainly lived at Shen Manor and occasionally returned home after late events. The suburban villa wasn’t part of her regular rotation.

She had placed Qi Zheng there to keep her out of sight. The villa, under her name for years, was unnoticed, and no one would suspect anyone new living there.

who will accompany you to the banquet tonight?” Shen Zhibing met her second uncle, Shen Shizuo, on her way down.

“I’ll go alone.”

Shen Shizuo smiled: “Since you haven’t found someone, let Zhi Qi Xing go with you. He’s free tonight.”

He was her younger cousin, a deputy manager in HR. They were similar in age and educational background, but their positions differed. Shen Zhibing was VP, while Shen Qixing only held a nominal departmental role.

“No need. His name isn’t on the invitation, and bringing him would require me to explain.”

Shen Shizuo’s expression darkened, but he restrained himself: “The banquet won’t end early. Without a man to look after you, what if you drink too much?”

Shen Zhibing remained unmoved, not even a smile: “Thanks for your concern. I have enough bodyguards.”

She left no room for further discussion, leaving only his back.