Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 30

Qi Zheng was indeed assigned to that empty seat. Yun Fei did not formally introduce her to the other people in the secretarial office, and the others were also very discreet and didn’t ask too many questions. However, very few people were specifically allowed to stay in CEO Shen’s secretarial office for “study.”

Yun Fei placed a stack of documents next to Qi Zheng: “This data is quite important; you can look at it first. The rest is more trivial, so I’ll organize it first.”

“Okay.”

“If you don’t understand something or feel something is wrong, let me know immediately.” Because Yun Fei was aware of Qi Zheng’s capabilities, she wasn’t treating her entirely as a newcomer.

The only sounds left in the secretarial office were the rustling of documents or the clicking of keyboards, with an occasional incoming call, but not as frequent and noisy as in customer service.

Shen Qixing came to deliver the final confirmed list of campus recruits. The process at the Human Resources Department was almost complete, just waiting for Shen Zhibing’s signature.

As usual, he first asked Yun Fei, “Is CEO Shen free right now? I have a small document I’d like her to sign.”

The size of the document did not refer to the amount of content but was categorized by the involved monetary amount or the urgency. However, this was something that employees could easily send to Yun Fei and be notified to retrieve after the CEO signed it, but Shen Qixing personally came to deliver it. Although the document was small, there was probably some other “big business.”

Shen Zhibing was usually in her office reviewing documents at this time, but that didn’t mean Shen Qixing could interrupt her anytime.

“CEO Shen, Director Qixing from the HR department is here with a document. Is it convenient now?”

Shen Zhibing had been busy with work lately and hadn’t returned to the main estate much. It was easy enough to explain to her grandfather; he would mostly just advise her to balance work and rest and not overwork herself. But her second uncle would speak sarcastically, insinuating that she had grown a backbone and was too lazy to even return to the estate.

There hadn’t been any important recruitment from HR recently. Shen Qixing’s visit was probably to inquire about her current situation on behalf of his father. Shen Zhibing frowned: “Let him in.”

While waiting, Shen Qixing greeted the other two secretaries in a familiar manner. When his gaze fell on Qi Zheng, he couldn’t help but stop.

Just then, Yun Fei hung up the phone and informed him he could enter. Shen Qixing casually mentioned, “Is this the new junior secretary you hired?”

Although Yun Fei knew the CEO’s intention, since it hadn’t been officially announced, she couldn’t disclose it prematurely: “She’s from the Yongfeng project team at the property development company. Because some data was urgently needed, I temporarily had her work with me here this afternoon.”

Shen Qixing was skeptical, but since Yun Fei said so, he couldn’t ask further. Qi Zheng was also waiting for Yun Fei’s answer; she genuinely did not want to work in the secretarial office. If she absolutely had to go to the headquarters, any business department was better than this place where she had to encounter CEO Shen at least twice a day—it was truly miserable.

Shen Zhibing quickly scanned the recruitment list and the official onboarding schedule. She had no objection and signed the documents without hesitation.

“CEO Shen, you rejected that junior secretary candidate last time. I’ve found three more recently, and their conditions are even better than the last batch. Would you like to consider them?”

“I’ve said that HR doesn’t need to supervise this for the time being.”

“I just saw a newcomer working overtime outside. If CEO Shen is interested in nurturing her, I can have HR transfer her file from the property development company ahead of time.”

Shen Zhibing didn’t want the Shen family, especially her second uncle’s side, to pay too much attention to Qi Zheng.

“She is currently still in her internship phase. I haven’t considered other aspects yet. If there’s a need, I will inform HR to process the paperwork.”

Shen Qixing couldn’t figure out Shen Zhibing’s true attitude toward Qi Zheng, so he temporarily gave up. He then brought up the real purpose of his visit today: “I heard that the Shiqun company is urgently recruiting people lately, apparently specifically to compete with the Shen Group.”

Shen Zhibing didn’t react much to this: “A company that big needs to make last-minute efforts? Your news is probably unreliable.”

“Who could have predicted that the always-steady Shen Group would suddenly change its style? Maybe they really are panicked.”

Shen Zhibing’s eyes suddenly turned cold: “Who told you this?”

Shen Qixing was merely an honorary Vice Director in the HR department, mainly responsible for some routine recruitment processes. Any interviews for core positions were personally handled by the department director. How did he know about the property development company’s affairs?

Shen Qixing realized he had slipped up. This was information his father had told him. But he couldn’t openly tell Shen Zhibing that, so he just played it off, saying it was something other people in the industry had mentioned to him over drinks.

Shen Zhibing didn’t press the issue further, merely telling him to be careful when drinking in the future and not to speak carelessly while intoxicated.

Shen Qixing came out with the documents and glanced at Qi Zheng again. Qi Zheng was focused on reading the files and didn’t notice.

That evening, Shen Zhibing called Qi Zheng into her room, and the two analyzed the data again, making various reasonable projections.

“Tomorrow, when you meet CEO Yue, it’s all up to you.”

Qi Zheng pointed to her nose: “Up to me?”

I thought I was just going to be a prop, the kind who quietly reminds CEO Shen of a data point she occasionally forgets.

“The proposal that will impress CEO Yue was your idea, so naturally, you’ll be the one to engage with him. I’m just responsible for arranging the meeting.”

Qi Zheng felt that CEO Shen was definitely making things difficult for her. Since she couldn’t torment her with the bedroom tricks mentioned in the original novel, she was imposing all sorts of high demands on her at work. If she hadn’t had real work experience before, Qi Zheng probably would have been driven to tears long ago.

“This is an opportunity. Whether you can seize it is up to you.”

An opportunity? What opportunity? CEO Shen couldn’t possibly think I want to fight for a chance to perform and get a promotion at the headquarters, could she?

Shen Zhibing didn’t force Qi Zheng to stay in her room overnight. Although they spent a long time discussing things during this period, they ultimately slept in separate beds. The clause in the original contract that stipulated they couldn’t sleep separately unless necessary seemed to have been forgotten by both of them.

The meeting with CEO Yue went smoothly. Shen Zhibing naturally pushed Qi Zheng forward to face CEO Yue. After listening to her detailed modifications to the new proposal and her further plans, CEO Yue nodded repeatedly.

“When CEO Shen brought you the last time, I still had some doubts. After hearing so much from you today, I’m starting to feel a bit jealous.” CEO Yue’s smile held a profound meaning as he looked at Shen Zhibing, “CEO Shen has so many capable people under her command, and each one is more impressive than the last. It makes me very envious.”

CEO Yue was quite the gentleman and didn’t deliberately pressure them to drink. However, social engagements couldn’t avoid a few drinks to set the mood. Shen Zhibing had been overly fatigued these past two days, so Qi Zheng intentionally blocked two or three drinks for her. On the way back, there was a faint smell of alcohol in the Rolls-Royce.

Qi Zheng rolled down the window slightly; she didn’t like smelling strongly of alcohol.

Shen Zhibing closed her eyes to rest. She hadn’t said much since getting into the car, but considering how well the conversation with CEO Yue had gone today, Qi Zheng could tell that the CEO was actually quite pleased.

“Qi Zheng.” Shen Zhibing suddenly called her name, and Qi Zheng withdrew her gaze from the window.

“You really…” Shen Zhibing’s words trailed off halfway, and Qi Zheng waited for her to finish the rest.

But the silence lasted for a long time. Shen Zhibing sighed subtly, “Where exactly did you learn these skills?”

Qi Zheng tilted her head, unsure what she was referring to.

“Your abilities are outstanding, but this level is essentially impossible for a recent graduate. It requires time to be refined into experience.”

As expected, Shen Zhibing’s observation was sharp. Qi Zheng knew she couldn’t just keep lying. The truth was even more impossible to tell; no one would believe it if she did.

Shen Zhibing, however, came up with an explanation for her: “Was it Lin Muyun who taught you this before?”

Qi Zheng had almost forgotten that person. When she occasionally thought of her, it was only to feel a little sorrow for the original host. But Lin Muyun was a good excuse. Since the person wasn’t here, the lie wouldn’t be exposed.

“She would talk about company matters more or less, and over time, I picked up a few things.”

Shen Zhibing let out a soft “Hmph”: “How much could Lin Muyun have taught you?”

Qi Zheng was speechless. In the original host’s memory, Lin Muyun hadn’t actually taught her much, perhaps only how to spend money and then use money to keep her trapped.

After a moment, Shen Zhibing spoke again: “Did she teach you, or did you secretly learn it yourself?”

Qi Zheng weighed her options and gave an ambiguous answer: “She would bring some things up herself, and I would figure the rest out.”

Shen Zhibing looked at her, but Qi Zheng remained calm.

“Don’t do that when you’re around me.”

Only then did Qi Zheng realize that Shen Zhibing was testing her cunning. Truly, the richer you are, the more psychologically abnormal you become. Shen Zhibing’s assets were several times more than Lin Muyun’s, and her degree of abnormality was also several times higher.

“However, if there is anything you want to know, you can ask me directly.”

CEO Shen actually offered a small concession. Although Qi Zheng wouldn’t proactively ask about anything outside of work, Shen Zhibing at least didn’t shut down the conversation entirely.

There would be plenty of time in the future. Who knew, maybe one day, she might genuinely want to ask something on a whim.

“Then, if I ask directly, will CEO Shen tell me the truth?”

“If I say it, then it must be true.” As for the rest, that’s what I don’t want to say.

Back at the villa, Qi Zheng held onto the staircase; her steps were a little unsteady. She hadn’t felt it earlier, but once she got home, she realized the alcohol had a strong kick.

She didn’t usually drink much, and having this much in one night was indeed starting to affect her.

“Drink the hangover soup before you sleep. I’ll have Aunt Xin send it up to you.”

Qi Zheng narrowed her eyes, nodded, and accepted CEO Shen’s kindness.

After Shen Zhibing had finished showering, she asked Aunt Xin and felt satisfied knowing the hangover soup had been delivered.

She was in a rare good mood tonight. The negotiations with Yongfeng finally made progress, and this breakthrough was brought about by Qi Zheng. Yun Fei had a very good impression of Qi Zheng and had praised her twice already. Even the always-demanding CEO Shen had to admit that Qi Zheng indeed had some capability.

However, the more Qi Zheng was like this, the more unfathomable she became to Shen Zhibing.

Shen Zhibing leaned against the headboard, losing interest in the magazine in her hand, and recalled the first time she met Qi Zheng.

It was in Lin Muyun’s newly bought sports car, back when their fragile friendship hadn’t yet broken. Lin Muyun insisted on dragging her out for a drive, saying she wanted to feel the speed of the limited-edition sports car. Finally, the sports car stopped outside the Haida University gates.

Lin Muyun sent a WeChat message, then smiled and told Shen Zhibing, “I’ll let you meet her in a bit.”

Lin Muyun was keeping a college student; this was never hidden from her from the start. But Shen Zhibing wasn’t very interested in such things and was busy, so she never truly looked into it.

She didn’t expect that after quite some time, Lin Muyun was still with her.

“It looks like you’re serious?”

Lin Muyun fixed her hair in the mirror: “Not necessarily serious, but so far, the experience is good, and the relationship is pleasant.”

“Out of so many people, why did you specifically choose a college student?”

Lin Muyun’s smile hid a deeper meaning: “She’s obedient, listens well, and isn’t expensive.”

Shen Zhibing heard the contempt in her words, suggesting she wasn’t sincere about Qi Zheng.

“If you’re just playing around and she develops real feelings, you might have trouble.”

Lin Muyun was confident and unconcerned: “Easy to hook, easy to drop. It’s just a matter of the amount of money. But for now, I’m quite enjoying the process.”

During their casual chat, Qi Zheng appeared at the school gate. Lin Muyun didn’t rush to call her. Instead, she sat in the car with Shen Zhibing, watching her as if she were viewing merchandise.

Shen Zhibing did feel an inexplicable sense of familiarity with Qi Zheng’s appearance, but after a short dinner, she didn’t have much of a good impression. This kind of person was too soft and too ordinary. Aside from the occasional similarity in her features, there was no other trait worth a second look.

She, too, thought that by bringing Qi Zheng back, she could treat her as merchandise—to be used when needed and discarded when no longer wanted. But she only now realized that she no longer remembered how she felt when she first met Qi Zheng. The person standing before her now—she needed to re-acquaint herself with her.

Shen Zhibing spent the entire night pondering one question: Qi Zheng, what kind of person are you?