Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 49

When Yu Xinyan left CEO Shen’s office, it was already past closing time. Aside from the secretary, there weren’t many employees left in other departments. Shen Zhibing asked Qi Zheng to stay to continue discussing the report.

Yun Fei had called to order food, and seeing that Yu Xinyan hadn’t left yet, she knew Yu Xinyan probably had something she wanted to ask.

“Secretary Yun, isn’t it a bit too risky for CEO Shen to completely hand over the Huatian contract to Qi Zheng?”

“I had that worry before too, but Qi Zheng is capable of handling it, so let’s just give her some time.”

“I’m not worried about her. I just feel like she just graduated not long ago, and suddenly having such a huge responsibility put on her shoulders… I’m afraid it might scare the child.”

Yun Fei smiled and said, “Didn’t you, Director Yu, also start out as a recent graduate, and still managed to fight your way through with great energy.”

**

Other than for work, Shen Zhibing had not been to that secret room again. In the past, even if it wasn’t to see Lian Ao, she would take the time to go up and sit. Even a short stay was enough to savor the warmth she once had.

Now, all that was left for her there were fragmented and broken memories. How could someone as proud as her be willing to revisit the remnants of yesterday? She subconsciously placed her hand on the left-hand drawer, remaining still for a long time.

Sooner or later, she had to clear out all these things that carried memories, but first, she had to dig Lian Ao out of her heart. Shen Zhibing glanced at her watch; it was almost the agreed-upon time.

She didn’t let the bodyguard follow her upstairs and entered a psychological consultation clinic located in a high-end office building alone.

“Miss Shen, welcome back.”

Two years ago, Shen Zhibing had visited here. At that time, the psychologist suggested that she undergo systematic treatment. But she still held onto a glimmer of hope, retaining a sliver of attachment to the hopeless relationship, and rejected the advice.

This time, after careful consideration, she voluntarily called the doctor’s number.

She thought that perhaps she had been truly ill before, and should see a doctor properly.

“Miss Shen, before formulating a new treatment plan, I need to conduct a comprehensive understanding and assessment of your current situation.”

Shen Zhibing nodded, indicating her understanding.

“Let’s chat casually, don’t have any psychological burden, you can say anything you want.” The psychologist was a middle-aged woman with a good reputation in the industry.

“I just went through a terrible relationship, and I want to get rid of it. I don’t want to suffer because of it anymore.”

Shen Zhibing’s secret, hidden in her heart for many years, could only be truthfully revealed to someone who, due to professional ethics, was bound to silence. She had kept these secrets to herself for too long, so long that she could no longer bear it.

She originally thought Lian Ao would share the burden with her, but who knew that this person not only didn’t shield her from the wind and rain but also brought many troubles instead.

“I remember when you came to me two years ago, you said the same thing. What is it that prompted your change in thinking, making you willing to accept treatment now?”

Two years ago, Shen Zhibing just wanted a place to vent; she didn’t want to completely cut ties with the relationship. However, today, she had come with determination.

Qi Zheng’s face suddenly appeared in Shen Zhibing’s mind. Her calmness, her freedom, her composure—these were all things Shen Zhibing longed for.

“Because someone is doing this very well, and I feel I should learn from her.”

Qi Zheng, who had been so dependent on Lin Muyun, and had even gone as far as to sign that contract with Shen Zhibing out of madness just to provoke Lin Muyun into giving her an explanation, changed into a different person after Lin Muyun reappeared.

If Qi Zheng had genuinely followed the contract and teamed up with Shen Zhibing to put on a show to provoke Lin Muyun, Shen Zhibing would have looked down on her. But Qi Zheng just responded with indifference, completely rejecting Lin Muyun’s attempts to show weakness and appease her.

Qi Zheng didn’t argue or fuss; she didn’t even question anything. It was as if she had completely forgotten the past, thoroughly letting go of the entanglement, which made Lin Muyun’s initiative seem humble and ridiculous.

Shen Zhibing observed coldly and suddenly realized, wouldn’t she be the clown in this situation too?

It turned out that the relationship she had desperately maintained was nothing but a joke in the eyes of others.

The psychologist nodded gently: “Sometimes the power of role models is immense. If you can find a good role model, it will be of great help to your subsequent treatment.”

Shen Zhibing knew how hard it was to climb out of the mire of a broken yet inseparable relationship, so she couldn’t help but admire Qi Zheng. In terms of relationships, Qi Zheng was indeed more carefree and stronger than she was.

“I don’t know why she can be so amazing, but I don’t want to continue the past state; I also want to return to a normal life.”

Although the psychologist had professional ethics, Shen Zhibing was still cautious and didn’t mention Lian Ao’s name, only substituting it with A.

“Then, apart from disappointment, do you have any other emotions towards this Mr. A now? For example, hate, or love?”

Shen Zhibing hesitated for a moment, then slowly shook her head.

“I just feel tired, very tired.”

“Emotions have inertia; the longer the time, the greater the recoil. Miss Shen, you need to be psychologically prepared. During the treatment, you might experience emotional fluctuations and the torment of memories. I’ve had many clients who gave up midway.”

Fleeing in panic? Shen Zhibing smiled faintly. For her, it was out of the question.

Whatever she decided, she would definitely stick to it.

Seeing her determination this time, the psychologist was also happy for her.

“Then, do you have a crush on anyone right now?”

Shen Zhibing was confused. What kind of crush?

“It’s the kind of feeling similar to what you had for Mr. A, but not as deep.”

Shen Zhibing decisively shook her head. How could she be a fickle person? She was very devoted to relationships. If Lian Ao hadn’t repeatedly disappointed and disheartened her, how could she bear to let go?

Thinking of this, she was a little curious: when did Qi Zheng decide to give up on Lin Muyun? Was it after knowing about her engagement? In fact, sometimes, marriages arranged by wealthy families are more about formality than reality, and many marriages within these families are conducted as “open secrets” behind the scenes, where each party lives their own life. If she could be more open-minded, it might not be impossible to continue.

Why could Qi Zheng do it so quickly? Shen Zhibing wanted to ask but felt that the words were difficult to say, but she couldn’t help but be curious.

“Then, besides Mr. A, have you frequently thought of anyone else recently?”

Shen Zhibing collected her thoughts and attributed the sudden appearance of the name Qi Zheng to the fact that they saw each other constantly at the company and at home.

“I’ve been focused on work recently.”

The psychologist gave a rough assessment, concluding that Shen Zhibing’s current severity level was moderate, but had a tendency to gradually worsen.

“To be honest, Miss Shen, thankfully you came proactively this time, otherwise your emotions would have been much worse.”

Shen Zhibing had long felt that something was wrong with her, and hearing the other party’s words, she felt a little relieved.

The first session of treatment didn’t last long, mainly for a preliminary understanding and setting up a plan.

When Shen Zhibing left the clinic, her mood was inexplicably lighter, after all, she had taken the first step to bid farewell to the past.

Qi Zheng called her: “CEO Shen, I’ve finished the report and sent it to your email.”

“Qi Zheng, come and join me.”

Qi Zheng took the phone away to look closely, confirming that she was indeed talking to Shen Zhibing. Was the CEO Shen, who had finally been normal for a period, going to revert back?

That wasn’t quite right. At least the demanding tone in Shen Zhibing’s voice was much less; it sounded more like an invitation from Jiang Youyou.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll know when you get here. I’m taking you somewhere.”

Qi Zheng didn’t know if the CEO Shen had been provoked again. She was mentally prepared until Uncle Yu drove her to the designated location.

Huh? A squash court?

Shen Zhibing had already changed into her sportswear and was sitting on a chair outside the squash court.

Seeing Qi Zheng walk over, she pointed to the fried chicken takeout on the table: “Eat something first, and then we’ll play later.”

The fried chicken smelled delicious, the hamburger was still warm, and the drink seemed to have no ice, tasting good too. But this wasn’t CEO Shen’s style! Why the sudden change today?

“I liked playing squash when I was in school, but I’ve been too busy with work to come since.”

“Oh.” Qi Zheng was a little hungry. After eating a chicken wing, she started on the hamburger.

Shen Zhibing’s state was much more relaxed than at the company and a little more lively than at the villa: “I haven’t eaten these things for many years either. Tasted them again today, and the feeling is quite good.”

That was her once unrestrained youth, the years before she was tormented by the wrong relationship. Shen Zhibing suddenly realized that during these years entangled with Lian Ao, she had missed a lot, but gained almost nothing.

Except for that wisp of ethereal comfort in her heart.

Qi Zheng quickly finished a hamburger, with some salad dressing still on her lips. Shen Zhibing handed her a tissue: “Have you been working overtime to rush the report?”

Qi Zheng wiped her mouth and took a sip of cola: “Yes, I had a good flow of ideas, so I wanted to finish the report as soon as possible, which will also make things easier for Director Yu’s work.”

There was a problem within the procurement department, and it was a big one, but in order not to alert the enemy, Shen Zhibing did not openly announce that the Huatian Water Conservancy contract had issues. She only said that the amount was huge, and it was an especially valued partner, so she hoped for more possibilities in the method of cooperation.

Thus, the matter of Huatian was temporarily delayed.

However, the time left for Qi Zheng was also not much. Shen Zhibing didn’t say anything, but Qi Zheng was quietly counting the days in her heart, not wanting to affect the situation because of waiting for her.

“I’ll read the report when I go back tonight. Now, play a couple of rounds with me first.”

Shen Zhibing picked up her racket and walked in first. Qi Zheng had already changed her clothes and shoes when she arrived. This squash court was part of the Yunlu Huayuan clubhouse, and Shen Zhibing had booked it for the evening.

The original owner had poor athletic ability and rarely played exciting sports other than bowling and pool. Lin Muyun used to say that Qi Zheng was too bland in nature, which would lead to less fun and be boring.

Qi Zheng didn’t know how Shen Zhibing knew that she could play squash, but she genuinely liked it. Because it was a sport that could be played alone, challenging herself was also a kind of enjoyment sometimes.

Qi Zheng slid open the glass door and walked in, standing on the other side of Shen Zhibing. The two wore blue and white sports outfits and ran around the court.

The ball was powerfully bounced back repeatedly. Qi Zheng wasn’t in a hurry to hit close to the body, but intentionally played back and forth with CEO Shen. The two went from initially testing each other’s skills to later playing without restraint, swinging their rackets with all their might, enjoying the game immensely.

Shen Zhibing hit a close-to-the-body shot towards Qi Zheng, wanting to end the game tonight with a victory. Qi Zheng turned sideways, retreated three steps, made space in advance, and swung a backhand shot. The ball bounced twice in the corner of the wall, then dropped rapidly.

Shen Zhibing could only watch helplessly as the small round ball rolled to her feet, without enough time to make any attempt to save the ball.

“You play well.” Shen Zhibing was never stingy with compliments for strong players.

She just hadn’t expected Qi Zheng to manage to save that last ball.

“You’re not bad either, CEO Shen.”