Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 50

It had been a long time since Shen Zhibing spent the night at Yunlu Flower Garden. Today, at the psychological clinic, the doctor suggested that she try to live in her familiar environment from the past, to use the sense of security in life to guarantee against the emotional turmoil she was about to face.

In her consciousness, Yunlu Flower Garden was her own territory and had not been opened to anyone. Even Lian Ao rarely set foot there, and even if he came, he would absolutely not stay the night.

Shen Zhibing had no intention of inviting Qi Zheng to her home. After the ball game, she had the driver send Qi Zheng back to the suburban villa.

Qi Zheng thought she was going to continue working overtime and casually asked, “Ms. Shen, aren’t you going back too?”

Shen Zhibing paused and said, “I won’t be going to the suburbs tonight. See you at the company tomorrow.”

Qi Zheng was not curious about Shen Zhibing’s whereabouts, she just reminded her before leaving, “Don’t work too late. Take a hot shower and rest early after exercising.”

A simple, everyday remark, yet for Shen Zhibing, it was like long-awaited rain after a drought. She had heard too many compliments and flatteries, but few people truly kept her in mind. She was accustomed to distance, yet this remark from Qi Zheng made her feel emotional.

“The same to you. I’ll talk about the report when I return to the company tomorrow. You don’t need to wait for my reply tonight.”

Qi Zheng was tired from recent overtime, so she went back, took a hot shower, and immediately fell asleep. After her shower, Shen Zhibing opened her computer and began reading the report Qi Zheng sent. It was a significant improvement from the previous version, and although not perfect, it met her expectations.

She called Yu Xinyan: “Xinyan, the issue with Huatian this time mainly concerns sales and the new business development department. You just need to keep an eye on the procurement side.”

“No problem, but these tricks in the contract, the procurement department must have an insider helping to advise them.” Yu Xinyan shifted the topic to Qi Zheng, “Is Qi Zheng’s latest report out yet? Time is running out, and Huatian is waiting for our reply. The branch company can’t handle it and keeps pressing headquarters for approval.”

The specific business with Huatian was mainly handled by the equipment division, but such a large business cooperation definitely required approval from the headquarters, which Shen Zhibing was well aware of.

“She’s doing well. I don’t need to put too much pressure on her for now.”

Yu Xinyan chuckled, “You call this not putting too much pressure? I was almost tormented to tears when I joined the company after my master’s degree. I heard the challenge you gave Qi Zheng is even greater than mine back then.”

“The stronger the ability, the greater the pressure one can withstand. I also hope she can become better.”

“So, you plan to include her in your plan as well? Have you thought it through?”

Shen Zhibing had been secretly scouting suitable candidates these past few years to form her core inner circle, assigning them to key positions as managers in various core departments. But so far, most can only serve as deputies.

“I have this intention. As for whether it will work, it depends on her capability.”

Qi Zheng didn’t know what Shen Zhibing’s specific expectations for her at work were. She only knew that every guidance Ms. Shen gave her was rare and unreserved. Shen Zhibing’s perspective was much broader than hers, the problems she saw were more comprehensive, and her thinking was more profound. In the month Qi Zheng had been in the secretariat, she felt she had learned more than in the previous two years.

Qi Youtian hadn’t bothered her again. Her aunt told her that after he was discharged from the hospital, someone came to their home. It seemed the construction site manager proactively apologized, settled all the owed wages, and covered all the hospital expenses.

Her aunt transferred the medical expenses Qi Zheng had previously paid back to her. Qi Zheng had thought the money was surely lost, so she hadn’t expected to get it back.

Lin Muyun had not contacted her much since the incident at the hospital that day. Qi Zheng felt this was excellent. Whether she genuinely planned to marry Lian Ao or it was just an agreement as she claimed, she just wanted her not to bother her.

Qi Zheng secretly did some calculations. Based on her current salary and bonus income, by the end of the year, the money she had still wouldn’t be enough to cover the amount required for contract termination, and it was far from it.

This wouldn’t do. Qi Zheng began considering moving to the business department, where her income could significantly increase.

She thought Yun Fei would be unhappy when she heard her idea. What senior would be happy to see a meticulously trained newcomer wanting to leave before their seat was even warm? Yun Fei genuinely taught her, and Qi Zheng also liked this senior, but the contract made her uncomfortable.

Unexpectedly, Yun Fei did not criticize her or show disappointment; instead, she seemed a little delighted, which Qi Zheng thought she must have imagined.

“It’s rare for you to be so ambitious about your career. It’s good to want to constantly improve yourself. With ambition comes continuous progress. I was worried that Ms. Shen was putting too much pressure on you, and you might back down.”

Qi Zheng, however, thought, If it weren’t for Ms. Shen, I wouldn’t be working so hard.

“I won’t stop you from applying for internal competition. As for whether you get approved, it depends on the attitude of the business department, Human Resources, and Ms. Shen’s opinion.”

Qi Zheng knew things wouldn’t be so easy. She saw several departments on the intranet with open positions, so she wanted to give it a try. But she wasn’t the only one with this idea, and as a newcomer, how confident could she be in winning?

Still momentarily distracted, Shen Zhibing called Qi Zheng in.

Her report stalled after the fourth revision. During this time, Yu Xinyan frequently visited and seemed very familiar with Yun Fei. She would also occasionally show concern for Qi Zheng. But Qi Zheng always felt that Director Yu looked at her strangely. She wanted to ask Yun Fei but worried she was overthinking things.

“Do you have plans this weekend?” Shen Zhibing’s desk was never short of documents waiting for her approval. When Qi Zheng walked in, she was signing a report.

“No plans.”

Shen Zhibing put the document down, looked up at her, and said, “Then prepare yourself. You’re traveling with me on Sunday.”

“Traveling?”

“To Yongcheng. Huatian needs to be discussed face-to-face.”

The Huatian matter was definitely more complex than just writing a report. Qi Zheng just hadn’t expected to be involved in the follow-up.

Seeing her hesitate, Shen Zhibing asked, “Don’t want to go?”

Qi Zheng admitted frankly, “Ms. Shen, although I have some understanding of Huatian, the practical significance of me accompanying you on a business trip is limited.”

Shen Zhibing clasped her hands, resting her elbows on the chair armrests, and looked at Qi Zheng: “Then tell me, what is the practical significance?”

“In terms of business, I’m still at the paper information level; no matter how much I dig, it’s all based on black and white text. In terms of socializing, my alcohol tolerance is probably similar to yours, and I won’t be able to fend off much drinking.”

So, you might as well bring two business core staff members instead of me.

“Didn’t you want to compete for a position in the business department? Do you plan to stay in the office writing reports even after you go?”

This… She had just told Yun Fei about her plan not long ago. Did it spread to Shen Zhibing this quickly? Qi Zheng hadn’t figured out how to bring it up with her, so having Yun Fei say it for her wasn’t entirely a bad thing.

Qi Zheng remained silent, and Shen Zhibing’s lips twitched slightly. She thought, since the conversation had reached this point, Qi Zheng’s intelligence would surely allow her to understand.

Lately, she saw more and more clearly that Qi Zheng was smart and quick to grasp things. She also possessed a rare clarity and composure for her age, which was a very valuable quality. Shen Zhibing suddenly understood why Lin Muyun refused to let go easily.

Lin Muyun’s recent quietness wasn’t due to giving up entirely, but because Shen Zhibing instructed the real estate company to re-audit recent cooperation projects with the Lin Group, which indeed revealed many financial issues.

Lin Muyun, to get the Lin Group, was willing to marry Lian Ao. If the Lin Group’s business had problems, how could she ignore it? She had been overwhelmed recently, so she naturally didn’t have time to pester Qi Zheng.

“If you have no other objections, then prepare for the business trip as I said.”

Seeing Ms. Shen’s firm attitude, Qi Zheng had no choice but to nod and agree.

She turned to leave, and Shen Zhibing said from behind her, “Qi Zheng, you need to try to take a few more steps outside; this way, you will discover the potential you never realized before.”

Qi Zheng returned to her seat and recalled Shen Zhibing’s words, suddenly feeling that Ms. Shen was indeed a good boss when she wasn’t criticizing.

She unconsciously glanced at the bracelet. Since Shen Zhibing put it on her, she had worn it almost continuously. It was indeed beautiful. Initially, it was because Shen Zhibing wouldn’t let her take it off, but Qi Zheng got used to it over time.

She was someone who, once accustomed to something, was willing to stick with it. However, she suddenly remembered the scene where Ms. Shen lowered her eyes and seriously put the bracelet on her. Setting aside the confusion and surprise at the time, Qi Zheng noticed Ms. Shen’s loneliness then.

Her hand gently stroked her wrist, and the bracelet felt warm. The faint sorrow and loss in Shen Zhibing’s eyes in her memory became more pronounced.

Yun Fei naturally saw Qi Zheng’s action. She bought the bracelet, so she certainly recognized it. Qi Zheng wore it almost every day, but she never showed it off. When colleagues occasionally asked about the price curiously, Qi Zheng just smiled and said it was a gift.

There was no sign of guilt or pretense. Yun Fei thought that Qi Zheng probably didn’t know who chose the bracelet.

Qi Zheng didn’t agree with Shen Zhibing’s infatuation with Lian Ao; such one-sided devotion was the most foolish and least worthwhile. But she had an empathetic understanding of Shen Zhibing’s pain, having experienced such agony herself.

Compared to Ms. Shen’s persistent calmness and strength in public, Qi Zheng admitted she couldn’t match it. She had also been dejected and downcast during the early stages of her failed relationship, looking so haggard that those around her worried deeply, but luckily she stood up on her own.

However, Shen Zhibing consistently suppressed her feelings, never willing to expose her wounds. This deliberate repression would only cause the pain to persist. Qi Zheng thought that if Ms. Shen could face failure frankly, discover she made a mistake, and correct it in time, her life would definitely be much better than it was now.

By then, Ms. Shen would no longer need her as a so-called substitute. This would truly be good for everyone, making the world harmonious and beautiful.

Recently, Shen Zhibing rarely stayed at the suburban villa, spending most of her time at Yunlu Flower Garden. But she would call Qi Zheng every night to discuss work-related matters.

Sunday morning, Shen Zhibing arrived at the villa, saying she would go to the airport with Qi Zheng after lunch.

“Are you all set?” This was Qi Zheng’s first business trip with her, and Shen Zhibing proactively inquired.

“All set.”

“No need to bring too much. The main purpose of this trip is to meet with the person in charge at Huatian to show Shen Group’s sincerity and attitude.”

Qi Zheng knew that someone at Shen Zhibing’s level showing up in person was definitely not to negotiate contract terms. Sometimes, a few drinks among the bosses could achieve more than a month of communication among the staff below.

In a society centered on human connections, reality was sometimes this ironic.

Qi Zheng didn’t like this kind of socializing, but she couldn’t help it; she couldn’t completely stay out of it.

Yun Fei met them at the airport. This time, Shen Zhibing only brought her and Qi Zheng.

The Yongcheng branch company personnel were responsible for the reception. Naturally, they couldn’t neglect the big boss’s visit, and they had already dealt with Secretary Yun during meetings at the headquarters. Qi Zheng was a new face, but anyone traveling with Ms. Shen was certainly not ordinary. The person in charge of the reception was very attentive, arranging all the details appropriately.

“Ms. Shen, the hotel has been arranged. The afternoon briefing is also ready. Huatian said they would have dinner at Runtian at 7 p.m. tonight.”

This matter couldn’t be settled with just one dinner. Huatian hosted the initial dinner to welcome Shen Zhibing. There would inevitably be a return dinner tomorrow night. Qi Zheng knew that the next few days would be filled with drinking.

The people in charge from Huatian were two middle-aged men, representing the style of state-owned enterprise leaders. They were neither good nor bad but were initially difficult to deal with. Their respect was mainly for Shen Zhibing. They only paid symbolic attention to Yun Fei and Qi Zheng.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere at the table became lively, and the leaders who had been holding back gradually spoke more. Shen Zhibing drank a few glasses initially, but then she showed restraint and avoided being pressured to drink too much.

The branch company arranged dedicated people to block drinks, but when they started getting tipsy, some from Huatian expressed dissatisfaction: “Ms. Shen, that’s not sporting enough. There’s no reason not to drink when you’re in Yongcheng. Our Yongcheng culture says that you’re only good friends after you’ve had a drink. The more bottles, the deeper the friendship.”

Shen Zhibing’s cheeks were slightly flushed. She had continuously drunk several glasses earlier, and she couldn’t refuse some toasts directly to her. She wasn’t weak at drinking, but having them mixed was indeed overwhelming.

The Huatian people were often in contact with the branch company’s people and were familiar with each other. By now, those responsible for blocking drinks were basically out of commission, either throwing up or passing out. Now, it was a conversation among the leaders, and Shen Zhibing had to step up herself.

She hadn’t had much chance to eat properly all evening; two pieces of corn fritters were all she had. After drinking three consecutive glasses, she also felt a strain.

The other side cheered her on for being straightforward but didn’t stop encouraging her to drink.

Qi Zheng took the glass from her hand and quietly said, “Ms. Shen, I’ll drink this one for you.”

Shen Zhibing blinked, with a half-smile: “I’m not drunk yet, no rush.”

“It will be too late when you are drunk.”

The other side wasn’t completely unreasonable, insisting that Shen Zhibing had to drink.

“Since young Qi is willing to help, Ms. Shen, you should give the young people a chance to show off.”

Qi Zheng looked like she had just graduated, her face so tender that it seemed moisture could be squeezed out. These middle-aged leaders usually enjoyed teasing newcomers; even if they couldn’t get anything out of them, taking a small advantage was amusing.

Shen Zhibing’s gaze sharpened, adding another layer of disgust toward that lewd and oblivious look. She actually disliked dealing with such companies, but business matters couldn’t be entirely dictated by her will.

Sometimes, she and Lian Ao would meet in such settings, yet Lian Ao had never actively fended off a drink for her, only expressing his so-called concern and care with an extremely subtle gaze. But afterward, he would even complain that Shen Zhibing tried too hard for socializing and shouldn’t drink among men.

Shen Zhibing was a little dazed, likely due to the alcohol, which softened her heart. She knew this was socializing, so she clenched her jaw and held on, unwilling to let her emotions show. When someone suddenly appeared willing to share her burden, she was truly tired.

“This is the last glass; we’ll leave after this,” Shen Zhibing’s voice was loud enough for everyone still sober to hear.

“How can one glass be enough? Young Qi hasn’t drunk much tonight. Look, Secretary Yun has had a lot. Ms. Shen, you brought a newcomer along; you can’t not give her a chance to train and perform.”

Shen Zhibing was filled with inexplicable anger. Qi Zheng gently pressed her hand and advised, “Leave it to me.”

With that, she raised the glass in front of her and stood up.

“Ms. Shen is a little drunk. She has been working overtime during this period and is not feeling well. Let me finish the rest of the wine.”

The other side’s expression softened, and a smile reappeared: “Come on, come on. I love drinking with young people the most. Young Qi, you’re very sensible. You have a great future, hiccup…”

Shen Zhibing leaned back in her chair. She was prepared to drink when she came to Yongcheng and hadn’t planned on letting Qi Zheng block drinks for her. But she hadn’t expected the Huatian people to be so aggressive today. It seemed they wanted to take the opportunity to retaliate for the previous delay in contract approval.

Qi Zheng didn’t talk nonsense and consecutively drank three glasses in one go.

When others were drinking earlier, she quietly ate her fill. When others were raising their glasses frequently, she only drank warm water. Now, at the wine table, she probably had the lowest alcohol content in her stomach.

Sure enough, after another round of three glasses, the Huatian leader was also struggling. Qi Zheng was not reserved; she did what she said, and the other side had nothing to complain about. There was no opportunity to take advantage, and the drinking had reached a point where there was nothing to fault.

Shen Zhibing said she was leaving, and they couldn’t stop her any longer.

Qi Zheng and Yun Fei helped Shen Zhibing, but she broke away from them: “I’m not drunk; don’t worry. Just take care of yourselves.”

Back at the hotel, Yun Fei was worried and wanted to follow her in, but Shen Zhibing disagreed.

“There are many things to do tomorrow. Don’t delay your rest. Go back quickly. I’m really fine.”

She said the same to Qi Zheng.

Qi Zheng was skeptical. This wasn’t the first time she had seen Ms. Shen forcing herself. But Ms. Shen was stubbornly standing by the door, refusing to let them in, so she had nothing more to say.

In the middle of the night, the phone on the bedside table suddenly vibrated, signaling a message.

Qi Zheng happened to wake up thirsty and saw that Shen Zhibing had called her but quickly hung up. The ringing time was very short.

She called back, but there was no answer.

She thought about it, feeling uneasy, and called again. After waiting a long time, it was finally answered: “Ms. Shen, are you okay?”

Shen Zhibing didn’t speak, but a light sobbing sound came from the other end of the phone, like someone was crying?

Qi Zheng put on her coat, grabbed her room key, and knocked on the door next door, but there was no movement in Shen Zhibing’s room.

The call hadn’t been disconnected, and the intermittent sobbing continued. Qi Zheng stood at her door and sighed softly, “Open the door. I’m outside.”

After a moment, Shen Zhibing’s slightly awkward voice came through the earpiece: “No need. Go back to sleep.”

Qi Zheng’s patience waned, and her voice was much firmer: “Open the door.”

After another moment, the door opened. Shen Zhibing stood by the door, her eyes misty, still holding the phone.

Qi Zheng walked in and closed the door. Shen Zhibing was still by the door, not moving.

“Are you drunk and feeling uncomfortable?” Qi Zheng led Shen Zhibing further into the room. The current Shen Zhibing seemed a little confused.

“No. I don’t know why, but I accidentally called your number just now.”

Shen Zhibing apologized, “I woke you up. I’m sorry.”

Qi Zheng poured her a glass of water: “I was already awake; it’s not your fault.”

Shen Zhibing silently drank a few sips, biting the rim of the glass, seemingly lost in thought.

Qi Zheng planned to return to her room after Shen Zhibing fell asleep, but unexpectedly, Shen Zhibing put down the glass and said, “Can you stay here tonight?”