Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 44

Qi Zheng thought Shen Zhibing wouldn’t go to the company so early today. Seeing her disheveled look last night, even if it wasn’t a full hangover, she definitely wouldn’t be feeling great. Unexpectedly, as soon as she entered the dining room, she saw the person already sitting at the table, showing no signs of abnormality.

“Good morning, CEO Shen.” Qi Zheng originally wanted to ask how she was feeling, but seeing her current state, she assumed everything was fine.

Shen Zhibing was indeed unchanged from usual, though she took a second look at the corners of Qi Zheng’s mouth. Regarding the absurd things she did out of control last night, she was uncharacteristically embarrassed.

“How are you?”

Qi Zheng slept quite well last night. Although she had also voluntarily brought up past memories to comfort Shen Zhibing on the mountaintop, since she had long come to terms with it and had no further interactions in life, the level of pain was not significant.

“I’m very well.”

Shen Zhibing’s gaze swept over the corner of Qi Zheng’s mouth again, paused for a few seconds, then moved away.

Qi Zheng didn’t seem to grasp what Shen Zhibing wanted to ask, but the atmosphere at this breakfast was quite good. Shen Zhibing proactively asked about the procurement contract, and Qi Zheng also shared some of her thoughts. The only time the two of them were most harmonious was when discussing official business.

“I have two meetings this morning. Keep a close eye on the contract. I plan to call a meeting with the relevant departments soon.”

“I understand.”

The issues with the procurement contract were not isolated incidents; the only difference was the amount of money involved. What Shen Zhibing cared about was that someone was manipulating things behind the scenes. If this continued, the company would be in chaos. She also wanted to take this opportunity to rectify the management of various departments.

Perhaps it was time to replace the leaders of some of those lucrative departments?

When Shen Zhibing shared this idea with Yun Fei, the latter, although not surprised, suggested she proceed with caution.

“CEO Shen, the branch company has only just gained traction. If the headquarters also starts making adjustments, I’m afraid the commotion will be too great and we might lose balance.”

“I know, so I’m only considering it right now and am not in a rush to act. But if a tumor is allowed to grow and spread unchecked, I fear it will soon spread throughout the whole body. After all, this is the headquarters, and these people still dare to do this. Don’t you think they’re not taking me seriously?”

Yun Fei knew that it wasn’t easy for Shen Zhibing to firmly establish herself in the Vice President’s position. She not only had to handle the company’s development and fend off external competition, but most deplorably, there were still people within the company secretly challenging her.

Shen Zhibing thought for a moment and added, “For the Huatian Water Conservancy contract, let Qi Zheng be entirely responsible for now. If she needs access permissions, grant them to her.”

Yun Fei had some reservations: “I don’t deny Qi Zheng’s ability and diligence, but she is a newcomer after all. Giving her such significant authority, won’t that be a bit risky?”

Yun Fei was always the cautious type, and her thinking was reasonable, given Qi Zheng worked under her.

Shen Zhibing uncharacteristically explained, “Precisely because she is a newcomer, she can focus solely on the contract issue and only see the contract’s deficiencies without being hampered by the interdepartmental entanglement. Furthermore, since the problem is raised by her, it won’t arouse suspicion from others. After all, a newcomer wouldn’t have that much inside information.”

Yun Fei understood, but couldn’t help but speak up for Qi Zheng, “But this way, Qi Zheng will offend quite a few people, especially since she just arrived.”

Shen Zhibing had already considered this situation and calmly said, “That can’t be helped. If there’s a loophole, anyone who investigates will offend people. But Qi Zheng is capable; letting her step onto the stage earlier will allow her to go further in the future. As for offending people, with you protecting her, others might not respect your reputation, but they surely won’t disregard mine.”

It seemed Shen Zhibing was determined to back Qi Zheng, which reassured Yun Fei. After leaving, she granted Qi Zheng all the relevant permissions and encouraged her to work hard.

“You’ll have to work hard during this time. If there is any overtime, even if it’s done at home, you can report it honestly.”

Shen Shi has always been generous with employee compensation, so employees work as if injected with adrenaline. It is precisely because of this that Shen Zhibing wants to eliminate those who slack off and steal within the company. Living off benefits for free is unacceptable and severely affects the atmosphere and morale.

Shen Zhibing suddenly disappeared for five days. Yun Fei said CEO Shen went on a temporary business trip, and Aunt Xin said the third young lady had something to attend to and wouldn’t be returning to the villa recently. Qi Zheng remained focused on studying the contract and didn’t pay attention to Shen Zhibing’s whereabouts until one morning when the CEO suddenly appeared in the dining room.

“CEO Shen is back?”

Shen Zhibing smiled at her and said, “Yes.”

Her words were still few, but her attitude was much gentler. Qi Zheng mumbled to herself, feeling that Shen Zhibing looked a little strange today.

“I read the analysis report you submitted to Yun Fei. It was well-written.”

Qi Zheng was surprised. She had only finished it around 7 PM last night. From sending it to Secretary Yun to reaching CEO Shen, it must have been at least 9 PM.

“Thank you for the affirmation, CEO Shen.”

Shen Zhibing added, “But you need to dig deeper. Your report only identified the surface issues.”

Qi Zheng drank half a cup of soy milk to moisten her throat.

“I know that, but further analysis requires looking at the relevant departments and the past of Huatian Water Conservancy, which is something that can’t be seen from the documents alone.”

Qi Zheng was very capable, but as a newcomer, there were inevitably things she couldn’t do.

Shen Zhibing didn’t push her. By all accounts, Qi Zheng’s work up to this point had met the requirements. The work could have been handed over to others, but Shen Zhibing hoped she would continue to be responsible.

“CEO Shen, I’ve just admitted my shortcoming. If you still want me to continue, I’m afraid I might disappoint you.”

Shen Zhibing didn’t rush to leave after breakfast. She hadn’t contacted Qi Zheng at all these past few days, and all company matters were relayed through Yun Fei. Her whereabouts this time seemed unknown to anyone; many people who heard that CEO Shen was on a business trip were puzzled.

“Work always presents new challenges. Just because you can’t do it now doesn’t mean you won’t be able to do it in the future. If you feel that you can’t complete it with your current ability, you can ask me for requirements and resources to help you complete it.”

Qi Zheng truly felt that the CEO had changed. She actually volunteered so much, instead of just dropping a “you must do it” and leaving.

“But CEO Shen, aren’t you afraid I’ll mess this up?”

Qi Zheng was naturally full of confidence when facing things she was good at, but when faced with unfamiliar territory, she was both excited and nervous. After all, this contract involved a large amount of money, and there were many competitors vying for it.

If Shen Shi lost this cooperative partner because of the questions she raised, she might lose her job.

Objectively speaking, working at Shen Shi was more enjoyable than Qi Zheng had imagined. Yun Fei patiently taught her, and colleagues were mostly focused on work, without the need for excessive social maneuvering. Furthermore, Shen Zhibing was in her most normal state when at the company.

The pay was good, and it would look great on her resume. Qi Zheng couldn’t find a reason to give up this job.

“Since I dare to let you boldly proceed, I naturally have your back. I just hope you can bring me a little more surprise this time.”

After saying this, the CEO actually gave her a faint smile before leaving.

Qi Zheng turned to look at Aunt Xin, confirming that Shen Zhibing had left before asking, “Aunt Xin, did CEO Shen just smile?”

I couldn’t have been seeing things or hallucinating from too much overtime, could I?

Aunt Xin smiled and said, “Actually, the third young lady is quite nice.”

The implication being, Shen Zhibing often smiles?

Qi Zheng thought Aunt Xin must have a very thick filter on.

Regardless, she was very grateful for Shen Zhibing’s trust in her work and for giving her such a rare opportunity. Bosses who dare to let employees try and potentially fail are not as numerous as the news suggests. In this regard, Shen Zhibing was very generous.

Seeing that Qi Zheng was working overtime almost every day, Yun Fei proactively told her to leave early that day.

“Xiao Qi, although bosses all hope we work hard, your body is your own. You need to balance work and rest.”

Shen Zhibing hadn’t left yet, but Yun Fei was already clocking out? Qi Zheng had seen this happen a few times and was no longer surprised.

“You need to learn to balance life and work. The road ahead is long; don’t burn out your enthusiasm and energy all at once.”

Yun Fei was still standing by Qi Zheng’s desk, not just offering a simple piece of advice; it seemed she planned to leave with her.

“I want to stay a little longer.”

Yun Fei smiled and shook her head, “No more staying. CEO Shen won’t have time to look at the second draft of your report today. Let’s hurry up and relax.”

Qi Zheng couldn’t argue with her and had to shut down her computer and organize her things: “Is CEO Shen not working overtime tonight?”

“She has a dinner engagement tonight; she’ll be leaving soon.”

Meetings during the day, socializing at night, the CEO was indeed working nonstop. Qi Zheng thought about it and felt that the CEO had been busier recently than in the past.

Yun Fei laughed upon hearing this: “The second half of the year is definitely busy because we have to rush for the year-end performance goals.”

“Shen Shi’s performance is already far ahead.”

“Shareholders are never satisfied.”

After work, Qi Zheng didn’t want to go back to the villa, and eating alone was dull. She tried calling Jiang Youyou, wondering if she was free.

Jiang Youyou was her only friend whom she got along with well.

“What made you call me? I thought you actually blocked me after you left.” Jiang Youyou said cheerfully, very happy about Qi Zheng’s invitation to dinner.

“I’ve been a bit busy with work lately, so…”

“Alright, alright, I’m just kidding. I happen to be nearby. Wait for me. I’ll take a taxi; it’ll take about ten minutes.”

However, twenty minutes later, Jiang Youyou called Qi Zheng, feeling very discouraged: “I couldn’t grab a ride; I’ve been waiting in line. Ugh, I don’t know how much longer it will take.”

Qi Zheng asked for her location and had Uncle Yu drive the car over.

“I’m near you. Come over.” Qi Zheng sent a location to Jiang Youyou.

Soon, they successfully met up.

After getting in the car, Jiang Youyou exclaimed, “Not only do I get a free dinner, but I also get a ride in a luxury car. What a privilege.”

Qi Zheng had already planned to take driving lessons. This dedicated Bentley was really not suitable for her. She’d rather take out a loan to buy a common car for commuting than this luxurious commute.

While eating barbecue, Jiang Youyou listened to Qi Zheng’s plans.

“Actually, your boss is pretty good to you. She takes you to events, gives you a dedicated car, and lets you independently handle such an important contract. You know how many people spend years grinding in a company and still don’t get such an opportunity. No wonder everyone wants to go to Shen Shi; it’s like riding a rocket.”

Qi Zheng took a sip of plum juice. She thought about how to reciprocate everything Shen Zhibing had given her every day.

“Oh, right, my older brother asked me the day before yesterday why you haven’t contacted him about the contract. Is your friend’s issue resolved?”

“It’s not that easy, but she temporarily reached a new agreement with the other party, so it’s not a big problem.”

Jiang Youyou nodded: “That’s good. My brother said that if your friend has any issues, she can always look for him again.”