Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 47

Qi Zheng sat with Shen Zhibing on the same side, while Lin Muyun was opposite Qi Zheng. Since getting into the car, her gaze had become much more restrained, unlike the brazen way she looked at them in the hospital. Instead, the number of times she secretly observed Shen Zhibing increased. To be fair, she had known the Shen family’s pampered daughter for a longer time, and their relationship had once been quite close, but it seemed she had never truly gotten close to her.

Qi Zheng spent most of the time looking out the window. The streets at this hour were full of busyness and congestion, which did not provide a good mood. Shen Zhibing looked composed, as if she didn’t care at all that there was an extra person in the car.

Lin Muyun broke the silence, pretending to complain, “You have no idea, getting married is such a hassle. At first, I thought I wouldn’t have to worry about the trivial matters, but who knew I couldn’t escape having to be consulted on everything.”

Shen Zhibing gave her a polite response and said no more.

Qi Zheng turned her gaze back slightly, but her expression was calm, and she didn’t show the expected look of dejection or jealousy that Lin Muyun was hoping for.

Lin Muyun then began to vent about the preparations for the wedding over the past few days, ranging from the design and production of the wedding dress, the finalization of jewelry styles, the reduction of the guest list, to the smaller details like needing to control her diet and increase her frequency of going to the gym to stay in shape. She rattled on and on, occasionally mentioning Lian Ao, and she would deliberately pay attention to Shen Zhibing and Qi Zheng’s reactions, but she seemed to always fail.

Those two seemed completely uninterested in such things.

Lin Muyun sighed, “Actually, my demands for the wedding dress aren’t that high, but Lian Ao insists on scrutinizing every detail. I really can’t do anything about him.”

Shen Zhibing, whose eyes were lowered, finally looked up and glanced at Lin Muyun. The sister they were once close with was now repeatedly rubbing salt in her wounds.

Fortunately, she wasn’t as pained as before. Perhaps after extreme pain, only numbness remained.

“Marriage is a once-in-a-lifetime major event. It’s understandable to be particular about it.”

Shen Zhibing’s calmness made Lin Muyun a bit unsure. Was what she saw on the day of the engagement a false appearance?

Qi Zheng did not speak. Whether Lin Muyun got married or not was irrelevant to her. Since President Shen was so composed, there was even less need for her to show any unusual reaction.

The car stopped at the entrance of the wedding dress shop. Lin Muyun, still not done talking, got out of the car, and before leaving, she let out another round of “complaints” filled with happiness and helplessness.

Before she could walk into the wedding dress shop, Shen Zhibing asked the driver to drive away. Qi Zheng habitually looked out the window, but Shen Zhibing was not as silent as before.

“Why didn’t you speak just now?”

Qi Zheng turned back to look at her, “I had nothing to say.”

Shen Zhibing showed some genuine emotion, which was a little softer than her previous aggressive composure, but it wasn’t sadness either.

“Let’s eat out. I want to talk to you.”

They could also talk while eating at home, but Shen Zhibing wanted to resolve the questions that puzzled her before returning.

The restaurant was still chosen by Shen Zhibing, but it looked much more normal than the secluded and private one on the mountaintop. It was a well-reputed and high-end Michelin restaurant located in a bustling area.

Qi Zheng remembered Jiang Youyou also mentioning this place to her, saying that when her project team received the year-end bonus, she would treat Qi Zheng to a luxurious meal here. Shen Zhibing was a regular, and the front desk immediately led her to a reserved spot for special guests upon seeing her.

“The oysters here are good, you can try them.” President Shen surprisingly took the initiative to recommend, and Qi Zheng ordered a serving to show respect.

The ambiance was excellent, and the chef’s standards were worth the bill, but Shen Zhibing’s behavior tonight made Qi Zheng feel a little uncertain.

Lin Muyun’s words on the way were clearly intentional. But she didn’t entangle with her like she did in the hospital, instead using Lian Ao as a weapon, and the target of the attack seemed to be Shen Zhibing.

Could it be that Lin Muyun already knew about that secret relationship?

Shen Zhibing had stopped eating, picked up her wine glass, and took a sip of red wine.

“Qi Zheng, I have a question, and I hope you can answer it.”

“President Shen, please ask.”

Shen Zhibing gently shook the wine glass a few times, using the usual tone she had at the company, “You said before that you no longer have a relationship with Lin Muyun, but today your father was admitted to the hospital, and she rushed over so quickly. Will you…”

She paused to consider, then continued, “Will you be touched?”

Will she soften her heart because of the moving gesture and choose to return to their past relationship?

Qi Zheng shook her head, “Actually, I’m not touched at all. I find it annoying.”

Shen Zhibing raised an eyebrow, a little more interested, “Oh? You find it annoying?”

“My dad was injured after a dispute with someone, which is frustrating enough for me. Lin Muyun proactively offered to help, but there’s nothing I really need her help with.”

Medical expenses? Qi Zheng could afford them. Taking care of Qi Youtian? Qi Zheng had already asked her aunt to come. Seeking justice for Qi Youtian? That would be more effective to go directly to Shen Zhibing.

Lin Muyun’s trip to the hospital today was truly a wasted effort.

Qi Zheng felt quite helpless, “I don’t want to owe her any favors anymore.”

She didn’t care about the original owner’s relationship with Lin Muyun. As far as she was concerned, she wanted to be clear and not have any more ties with her.

The corners of Shen Zhibing’s mouth curled into a beautiful arc, quite satisfied with Qi Zheng’s resoluteness. She had thought that today’s event would cause Qi Zheng to waver, but it seemed this person was more determined than she had imagined.

Shen Zhibing’s mood improved a little. She had already heard from Alex about Qi Youtian’s wage dispute. That real estate project had little to do with Shen Corp, but if Shen Zhibing wanted to help, she could still play a significant role.

“If there’s anything you need, you can tell me.”

Qi Zheng felt that President Shen was a bit unusual tonight. Not only was her attitude good, but she had also become enthusiastic?

“I will ask him to go to labor arbitration. As long as it is his lawful labor income, he will definitely be able to get it back.”

Seeing that Qi Zheng was unwilling to let her help, Shen Zhibing did not insist.

After a while, Shen Zhibing suddenly said, “Qi Zheng, you’ve become someone I hardly recognize lately.”

Qi Zheng looked at her in confusion. They were together almost every day, so how could she have changed?

“You have more backbone than I anticipated.”

This was Shen Zhibing’s honest thought. She indeed hadn’t paid much attention to Qi Zheng at first. She didn’t think a person who once completely depended on Lin Muyun would have any self-respect, let alone any dignity, so she didn’t feel much guilt when she bought her.

But now, Qi Zheng not only impressed her at work, but her attitude towards Lin Muyun had also undergone a complete change. While feeling a sense of emotion, Shen Zhibing found that she even somewhat admired her.

Qi Zheng’s openness and determination were what Shen Zhibing lacked. She had already made up her mind to let go of the past with Lian Ao, but sometimes she was still stumbling and struggling on the path.

Qi Zheng thought for a moment and still said thank you.

Although Shen Zhibing had misunderstood her a lot before, it was mostly due to the original owner’s previous actions. Fortunately, President Shen now saw her difference, proving that President Shen wasn’t blind.

“Maybe I can even learn something from you.”

Qi Zheng blinked, wondering if President Shen had gotten drunk so quickly? She hadn’t had many sips, so why the sudden change in attitude?

Shen Zhibing had learned about Qi Zheng’s past from Alex and had also seen her present. Although the two seemed like different people, the current Qi Zheng made Shen Zhibing truly want to keep her.

Whether it was for the company or for herself, she needed someone like Qi Zheng.

“President Shen, you are so capable. There’s nothing you can learn from me.”

In terms of work, Qi Zheng felt she could learn a lot from following Shen Zhibing. Although this president often proposed very difficult requirements, they were not unrealistic, and Qi Zheng was happy to accept such challenges.

Gaining progress and satisfaction in her work gave Qi Zheng more security. A career was something she could hold in her own hands. No matter where she went in the future, once she learned these things, they would stay with her, and she wouldn’t have to fear losing them.

“Then let’s each take what we need.” Shen Zhibing raised her glass to her, then smiled and finished the wine.

Since that night, Shen Zhibing’s attitude towards Qi Zheng had indeed improved a lot, at least she was no longer dismissive of her as in the past. Qi Zheng secretly compared their situations and found that even if it wasn’t as good as Yun Fei’s, her treatment was similar to the third secretary’s.

This was good enough. As long as President Shen could treat her like a normal person, it was sufficient. Qi Zheng didn’t expect Shen Zhibing to be gentle and affectionate towards her, but the feeling of being respected did make her much more comfortable.

Qi Youtian called her the day he was discharged, asking if she had time to pick him up, but Qi Zheng refused, citing overtime work.

Shen Zhibing was looking through Qi Zheng’s report outline, looked up at her, “If you have something to do, you can leave first.”

Qi Zheng adjusted her breathing and said calmly, “It’s fine, my aunt will handle it.”

Shen Zhibing gave a hum and asked, “If your father encounters difficulties during the arbitration process, you can talk to Yun Fei.”

Secretary Yun was usually very busy, and Qi Zheng knew that without Shen Zhibing’s instruction, Yun Fei would not be idle enough to deal with such trivial matters.

“Thank you, President Shen. That is very thoughtful of you.”

Shen Zhibing smiled, “I haven’t even helped yet, and you’re already thanking me. I just hope employees can focus on their work and create more profit for the company.”

After saying that, she turned her attention back to the report. Following her guidance, Qi Zheng changed her analysis approach, which was indeed much more comprehensive than before, but still lacked depth.

“President Shen, you can tell me directly if you are dissatisfied.”

Shen Zhibing circled a few parts with her pen, her attitude serious and even a bit harsh, “These parts are superficial and unnecessary.”

Qi Zheng knew immediately that these were the parts that took her the most time, and she could indeed only dig this deep.

Although she was mentally prepared, she still felt somewhat defeated. After all, it was truly unpleasant to have the areas where her ability was temporarily lacking pointed out so sharply and directly.

Shen Zhibing did not push her further. Besides pointing out the problem, she did not question her ability.

“I said, you can ask me for all the resources and help you can think of.”

Qi Zheng voiced her confusion of the past few days, “President Shen, why are you doing this to me?”

Shen Zhibing curved the corner of her mouth, a half-smile on her face.

Qi Zheng continued, “I know that anyone working in the secretarial office has to face great challenges and high demands, and I cherish this opportunity very much. But I feel that your demands on me, are they a bit too high?”

She wasn’t a workplace novice. A leader’s appreciation was one thing, but it was still strange for the big boss to provide one-on-one guidance so often.

Shen Zhibing did not immediately explain after hearing Qi Zheng’s words. Her fountain pen tapped rhythmically on the desk. After a moment, she slowly spoke, “Qi Zheng, I see your ability and potential. If you only want to stop at the secretarial office, you can go out now and continue working with your original method, but if you want to have a broader future, you must meet my requirements as soon as possible.”