Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 41

Jiang Youyou dragged Qi Zheng around for a long time, visiting almost every major brand store she could name. Qi Zheng hadn’t shopped this intensely in a long time; it was more exhausting than her overtime work crunching data.

“Don’t complain about being tired. Sometimes socializing is more tiring and troublesome than the work itself. But what can you do? It’s a society based on personal connections, and many people unfortunately place great importance on this,” Jiang Youyou held several pieces of clothing over her arm, all of which she planned to have Qi Zheng try on later.

“I know that. I just simply didn’t want to go this time,” Qi Zheng knew that some networking in the workplace was unavoidable. She just didn’t want to watch Lian Ao and Lin Muyun pretend to be in love. It would be truly boring.

“Seriously, I feel like you’ve completely changed since you started interning at Shen’s,” Jiang Youyou politely declined the enthusiastic introduction from the store assistant, indicating that she was very familiar with the brand and wanted to look around herself for a while.

Qi Zheng walked beside her, actually quite liking Jiang Youyou’s straightforward and easygoing personality.

“How have I changed?” Qi Fu said she had changed, and Lin Muyun also said she had changed. Of course, she knew she was definitely different from the original owner. But she was still a little curious about how her roommate of four years viewed her change.

“I can’t really put my finger on the specifics, but I feel like you’ve become a little tougher,” Jiang Youyou thought about her words, then continued, “Before, when you lived with us, you rarely actively participated. You were always so soft, appearing quite passive.”

Qi Zheng found this amusing and deliberately asked, “I’m tough now? Have I become fierce?”

In four years, Jiang Youyou had rarely seen Qi Zheng so confident and humorous. She also joked, “Yes, yes, your appearance now frightens me. I’m afraid if I don’t complete the task you gave me, you’ll block me when I get home.”

Qi Zheng took the clothes she had selected from her hand: “Am I that unreasonable of a person?”

Jiang Youyou accompanied her to the changing room door: “We’re old classmates. It’s actually more normal for you to be wilful in front of us.”

Inside the changing room, Qi Zheng pondered Jiang Youyou’s words while recalling the original owner’s personality. The misfortune of her original family and the constant harassment from creditors indeed suppressed her character to a large extent. No wonder the original owner clung to Lin Muyun like a lifesaver, only to meet someone who wasn’t sincere.

After trying on several outfits, Jiang Youyou still thought the effect was mediocre. Qi Zheng was a little tired: “As long as the clothes are decent, that should be enough, right? I’m not the main character; I don’t need to be the center of attention.”

“I picked low-key styles for you, but the more low-key, the more attention you need to pay to the details. You also said that CEO Shen specifically asked you to accompany her. If you don’t seize this opportunity, when will it be your turn next time?”

Qi Zheng thought to herself, she truly hoped there wouldn’t be a next time. She had absolutely no interest in witnessing this kind of love-hate drama up close. She also wondered how CEO Shen’s mood would be after the engagement ceremony and what kind of comforting methods she should prepare beforehand.

“I think this set is good,” Qi Zheng’s peripheral vision caught a glimpse of an outfit on another rack. A fitted suit jacket and trousers, very well-designed, but also very selective of the wearer.

Jiang Youyou followed and examined it: “Are you sure?”

The assistant also walked over and explained, “This is actually a limited edition from the beginning of the year. Although it’s not the current season’s new arrival, it has more prestige.”

Jiang Youyou nodded, indicating she knew about it.

“However, this style is quite selective, so many customers only admire it and don’t necessarily buy it.”

Qi Zheng was about to step out of the changing room. Jiang Youyou and the assistant stood waiting there. Qi Zheng hadn’t expressed many opinions all evening, and this was the only outfit she had chosen herself.

Jiang Youyou felt that Qi Zheng’s taste had also improved and that she had become more confident. Previously, no matter how beautiful she thought an outfit was, she would never have taken it down to try it on.

The changing room door opened, and Qi Zheng walked out. Her shoes hadn’t been changed to the matching pair, and her hairstyle was the ordinary one she wore to work, yet this outfit on her immediately came to life.

The line tailoring, which demanded a good figure, fit Qi Zheng perfectly, as if tailor-made. The outfit, which also required a sophisticated temperament, was perfectly showcased by Qi Zheng with a subtle sense of distance. Her fair skin and full-blooded lips made the velvet fitted suit jacket particularly striking.

It was clearly a low-key design, but worn on the right person, it instantly radiated an extraordinary brilliance.

“This is the one, Qi Zheng. You understand yourself best.”

Afterward, they went to buy shoes. Jiang Youyou even picked out an exquisite brooch for her, small but definitely the perfect finishing touch.

After swiping the card, Qi Zheng sighed in relief. Luckily, the first bonus for the Yongfeng project had been issued; otherwise, she would definitely have had to use Shen Zhibing’s card.

**

On the day of the engagement ceremony, Shen Zhibing had Yun Fei give Qi Zheng two hours off to leave work early. She still had documents to process and had to go back to the mansion first.

She called Qi Zheng: “Seven o’clock tonight, be at the place I told you to wait for me punctually.”

Shen Zhibing didn’t have time to pick up Qi Zheng, so they could only meet near the hotel.

Yun Fei also knew what day it was and observed Shen Zhibing’s state secretly all day. CEO Shen seemed no different than usual, except that she ate very little lunch.

“CEO Shen, would you like to eat something before leaving work?”

Shen Zhibing would definitely not have an appetite at the engagement banquet tonight.

“No time. I’ve signed these documents. For the remaining less important ones, take a look for me. If there are no issues, just email them to me.”

Not only Shen Zhibing would be attending tonight, but many members of the Shen family, such as her Second Uncle, who was always at odds with her, would also be there.

Returning to the mansion, Shen Zhibing first visited her grandfather. The old man didn’t like overly lively occasions.

“I have already personally called both the Lian and Lin families to congratulate them. I won’t be going tonight. You will represent the Shen family. Mind your propriety.”

The attendees tonight were all prominent wealthy families in Haicheng. Even if they were fighting tooth and nail in the business world, tonight they had to try to maintain a harmonious appearance of pleasant conversation and laughter.

“I will handle it well, Grandpa, please rest assured.”

The old man sighed softly: “The marriage of the Lian and Lin families raises Shiqun’s strength to another level. They lost the Yongfeng project before. Next time, they might not be so easy to deal with.”

Shen Zhibing’s eyes darkened. From now on, she and Lian Ao would truly only be competitors.

“Xiao Bing, did you hear me?”

“I will keep an eye on Shiqun’s movements.”

Qi Zheng hadn’t gone for a dramatic look but had certainly taken care of her appearance. To perfectly match the fitted suit, she went to the stylist recommended by Jiang Youyou.

Shen Zhibing’s car stopped. Qi Zheng got out of the Bentley, waved to Old Yu, and told him to go home first.

The car door opened, and Qi Zheng sat down. She was wearing a light perfume today, and there was also a faint lingering scent of hair wax.

Shen Zhibing had her long hair pinned up, and her gemstone necklace was in no way vulgar.

“Hello, CEO Shen.”

Shen Zhibing casually glanced at Qi Zheng, then couldn’t help but look twice more.

“Nice styling.”

Qi Zheng naturally liked hearing compliments. It was rare for Shen Zhibing to say such a thing to her under the stressful circumstances tonight, which was a good sign.

“You look beautiful too, CEO Shen.”

Qi Zheng was stating a fact. Shen Zhibing was truly beautiful tonight—cold and glamorous, elegant and mature, impossible to look away from.

Shen Zhibing curved her lips slightly and said faintly, “Thank you.”

They arrived neither too early nor too late. There were still twenty minutes until the banquet began, and the Lian and Lin families were busy greeting guests. Lian Jie saw Shen Zhibing arrive and walked over with a smile.

“CEO Shen, welcome.” He saw the person standing beside Shen Zhibing. He recognized her; it was Qi Zheng.

However, Qi Zheng tonight was different from last time. She was not just following behind Shen Zhibing but walking side-by-side with her, and CEO Shen’s hand was actually resting on her wrist.

Clearly, Qi Zheng was the companion Shen Zhibing brought tonight.

Such occasions did not strictly require a male-female pairing. Theoretically, guests could bring anyone they wished. But it was common knowledge in the industry that Shen Zhibing generally disliked bringing a plus-one to social events.

Yet, Qi Zheng had appeared by Shen Zhibing’s side twice now. Even someone like Lian Jie, who wasn’t known for his gossip sensitivity, couldn’t help but feel curious.

“Congratulations,” Shen Zhibing remained composed, her smile and volume perfectly appropriate. Qi Zheng felt that her earlier worries might have been unnecessary.

Shen Zhibing’s seat was not far from the stage. At the same table were other business magnates of comparable status. Even her Second Uncle could only be seated at the next table. Qi Zheng was fortunate enough to be seated among the bigwigs.

“Want a candy?” Qi Zheng suddenly nudged Shen Zhibing’s hand under the table.

The emcee on stage was saying pleasantries, beginning to liven up the atmosphere.

Photos of the two protagonists of the night had already started playing on the big screen behind. Most people present knew Lian Ao and Lin Muyun. They hadn’t heard of any close interactions between them before, but this didn’t stop them from watching the “evidence” of their affection on the big screen with relish.

Shen Zhibing was a bit distracted from the moment the images appeared on the screen. Qi Zheng didn’t pay much attention to the stage; she just hoped CEO Shen wouldn’t lose control tonight.

The candy Qi Zheng gave her melted on her tongue, leaving a subtle sweetness to ward off the intense bitterness.

“CEO Shen,” Qi Zheng called her softly.

Shen Zhibing turned her face woodenly, the desolate and lonely look in her eyes hard to conceal. Fortunately, only Qi Zheng was on this side.

Shen Zhibing’s reaction was slower than usual, and she didn’t know why Qi Zheng had called her.

“If you feel uncomfortable, there’s an armrest here you can use.”

Qi Zheng’s hand reached out under the table, her fingertip touching Shen Zhibing’s. Before the slight coolness could be processed, Shen Zhibing grabbed it tightly.

She was like a person about to drown, grasping a life preserver, seizing it recklessly.

Shen Zhibing gripped harder and harder. Qi Zheng even felt that CEO Shen might embed her nails directly into her flesh. But Shen Zhibing’s expression eased, and her look towards the stage became more natural.

The emcee was interviewing the couple about how they met and fell in love, which was just an opportunity to give others an explanation. Whether it was actually true or not, no one cared.

Qi Zheng barely looked at the stage the entire time. In contrast, Lin Muyun found Qi Zheng from the moment she entered and secretly looked at her several times.

Compared to Shen Zhibing’s composure, Lian Ao’s face was not looking good. The hand under the table remained tightly held for a long time. The pain in Qi Zheng’s hand stopped for a moment as Shen Zhibing’s grip loosened slightly. She changed her posture, and then held on even tighter, suffocatingly so.

Author’s Note:

Wishing everyone a happy holiday in advance. Love you all.

Red envelopes will be dropped randomly in this chapter.