Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 56

Qi Zheng gave a soft moan, and Shen Zhibing froze, not daring to move, yet she didn’t immediately pull away from the lips that were tempting her. Usually, she had quite a bit of contact with Qi Zheng at the company, even more than with her third secretary, but she had never noticed that these lips held such a strong attraction for her.

Shen Zhibing waited for a moment and saw that Qi Zheng had no further movement, not even opening her eyes. It seemed she had already adapted to the sudden contact.

She slowly moved, much gentler and slower than the time on the mountain peak, moving from the edge of the lips to the lips themselves, almost completely fitted.

Shen Zhibing narrowed her eyes, savoring the moment of warm contact, which gave her a tingling pleasure that made her scalp numb. The emptiness in her heart began to be filled with a warm current, small but starting to fill it, which made her feel excited.

This was much more tender than the rough biting on the mountain peak, which was purely for venting inner frustration. Shen Zhibing couldn’t help but become immersed. Her lips pressed against Qi Zheng’s without leaving any gap, only making small movements of wandering and gentle grinding, not rushing for more seizing for the moment.

Qi Zheng’s breathing was a little quickened, whether she thought she was dreaming or was genuinely affected in her sleep by such disturbance. Shen Zhibing closed her eyes, letting the kiss continue.

It wasn’t until Qi Zheng tilted her head and made a soft moan as if trying to turn over that she completely retreated. The dryness on her lips had been moistened by her, becoming rosy and plump, luscious and still faintly carrying the joy she had brought.

This gave Shen Zhibing the urge to kiss her again, but she gave up when she saw Qi Zheng’s slightly furrowed brow. After a moment of hesitation, she reached out and placed her hand on Qi Zheng’s forehead. It was slightly cool and had some sweat; thankfully, she didn’t have a fever.

A towel was placed by the bedside. The temperature had dropped after a while. Shen Zhibing held the towel in her hand for a moment before slowly wiping the sweat off Qi Zheng.

Aunt Xin had said that Qi Zheng’s spirits hadn’t been very good lately, and sometimes the noises in her room would last until the middle of the night. It was probably due to lack of sleep combined with the large temperature difference during the change of seasons that she fell ill.

Shen Zhibing wasn’t sure what Qi Zheng was busy with. Recently, the secretary office had been handling routine work. Although busy, it didn’t seem to require her to work extra overtime like this.

Ever since she followed the psychologist’s advice to learn to release her pent-up emotions, the other self inside Shen Zhibing gradually became clearer. It clearly articulated her true desires and needs. The desires deliberately suppressed and restrained over the years seemed to have found an outlet and became active.

She didn’t mention Qi Zheng’s name to the psychologist, but she did think of her that day. Qi Zheng always carried a faint, fresh, and comfortable fragrance.

When Qi Zheng discussed work with her, she always looked serious, and when there were disagreements, she would stick to her own opinions, explaining her views and reasons one by one. Shen Zhibing rarely specifically looked at Qi Zheng’s face until that day when she realized she could remember it so clearly.

She put down the towel and her long fingers slid across her cheek. The feeling on her fingertips made her linger. Qi Zheng was so annoyed by the tickling sensation on her face that she simply rolled onto her side, leaving only her back to Shen Zhibing.

Shen Zhibing was startled, smiled, tucked the quilt around her, and left the room.

Aunt Xin was at the stairwell, seemingly about to come look for her.

“Third Miss, the main house just called. They said it’s urgent.”

Shen Zhibing spoke in a low voice. This villa had always been low-key, and hardly anyone ever mentioned it: “What urgent matter requires them to call here to find me?”

“They said the old master lost his temper badly tonight, and no one can calm him down. Now he’s staying in the study, won’t eat supper, and won’t rest.”

“Grandpa is losing his temper?”

Aunt Xin wouldn’t dare ask for details. After taking the call, she hurried to notify Shen Zhibing.

“I understand. Pay close attention to her room tonight.” Shen Zhibing hurried downstairs. It looked like she had a busy night ahead.

Before leaving the house, she turned and told Aunt Xin: “Tell Qi Zheng to rest well. Don’t go in and disturb her unless necessary. You don’t need to wake her up tomorrow morning, I’m giving her the day off.”

**

Qi Zheng had sweated a lot and felt much better when she woke up the next day. The pain in her throat was also not as noticeable as yesterday. She was up half an hour later than usual. Seeing the message from Yun Fei last night, telling her to rest at home for two days before coming back to work, she wasn’t in a rush.

Although she didn’t want to affect her work because of sickness, she was, after all, working in the secretary office. If her cough was severe, it would indeed look bad. Taking advantage of these two days off, she planned to rest and recover well at home and also sort out her study materials list for the exams.

Aunt Xin saw her coming downstairs so early and asked with concern: “Miss Qi, are you feeling better? What would you like for breakfast?”

Qi Zheng thought for a moment, she still didn’t have much appetite for greasy food: “Much better, please prepare a bowl of porridge for me.”

She didn’t really want pork congee either, so the kitchen sent over a bowl of vegetable congee. When Qi Zheng was washing up in the morning, she felt her lips were a little swollen, thinking it was due to internal heat. While drinking the congee, there was a slight burning sting, which slowed down her movements.

“Do you find it too bland?”

People who are sick often lose their sense of taste. Today, she had specifically instructed the kitchen to cook lightly.

Qi Zheng shook her head: “It’s just a little hot.”

After breakfast, Qi Zheng called Yun Fei to ask if there was any work she needed to do at home. The other party only told her to rest well and not to worry about work for the time being.

Jiang Youyou was envious when she heard this: “Qi Zheng, you’re so lucky to have such a considerate boss. If you were at my firm, they’d probably think you’re making a fuss and being dramatic over a small illness like yours.”

Qi Zheng sipped warm water: “I think the firm in your words is almost a sweatshop.”

“I think it’s quite close. It’s just that everyone inside is sanctimonious, exploiting you while pretending to be helping you and grooming you.”

Qi Zheng laughed a few times, nearly choking on her water: “Didn’t teachers say during our school days that the Big Four are very tough, and people who join are aiming to jump ship after three years of experience?”

Jiang Youyou sighed, gritting her teeth: “I think times have changed. Back then, we thought hard work was useful, and persistence was enough. But now, everything relies on capital for wealth generation, and labor isn’t that valuable anymore. When we go out to do projects and see those accounts, it makes me feel sad that my hard work isn’t worth it.”

Qi Zheng sensed Jiang Youyou’s dissatisfaction and confusion about her current work environment and future development and suggested: “Why don’t you stop trying to hold out for three years of experience? If you truly feel it’s not suitable, change jobs after the new year.”

“That’s what I’m thinking too. I really can’t adapt here. Could you help me inquire about Shen Shi’s external recruitment situation next year?”

“You want to come to Shen Shi? Shen Shi is notoriously tough. Aren’t you afraid of being exploited again?”

Jiang Youyou didn’t seem too concerned: “Shen Shi’s golden reputation is more useful than three years of work experience, and although it’s tough, the returns are substantial enough. If there’s an opportunity, why not give it a try?”

After working at Shen Shi, Qi Zheng subconsciously developed a sense of belonging. Hearing her old classmate look forward to joining Shen Shi, she felt a little bit proud?

However, some things needed to be clarified beforehand, lest Jiang Youyou have overly high expectations: “Shen Shi is full of hidden talents, the competition is fierce, and the pressure is not small. You need to be mentally prepared.”

“Where is the pressure not high? You have to deal with high pressure if you want to make money. But don’t make it too difficult for yourself, just help me inquire about the news.”

She saw CEO Shen again three days later. Qi Zheng was basically recovered and could return to work normally.

Yun Fei sized her up and nodded: “Your complexion is good. You truly are young, you recover fast.”

Xin Jia also stood nearby and observed: “It’s good that you’re well, so you won’t be too exhausted and unable to handle the workload by the end of the year.”

Every fourth quarter, regardless of the headquarters or branch offices, or business departments or middle and back-office departments, there was one common goal: to maximize the annual performance indicators.

Meeting the target was never Shen Shi’s standard. In Shen Zhibing’s words, the indicators were only a measurement standard, letting everyone know where the direction of progress for the year was. But the indicators were never the finish line. Even if they were achieved, they had to keep pushing forward. Time was the true finish line.

When the year was over, that year’s effort was considered finished.

So, in the fourth quarter, no one at Shen Shi was looking forward to the New Year; instead, they were accelerating their efforts for the final sprint.

Qi Zheng waited for a while but didn’t see Shen Zhibing appear. She had seen the office was empty when she went to deliver a report earlier.

“Is CEO Shen not in the office today?”

Yun Fei said: “CEO Shen has some private matters to attend to for the past two days. She’ll only be in the office at noon.”

Upon hearing it was a private matter, Qi Zheng didn’t ask further. However, a private matter that could make Shen Zhibing delay her work hours must not be a small one.

She returned to her seat. Although she hadn’t been working for the past few days, she regularly checked her email at home and was aware of her accumulated work. In a blink of an eye, the morning passed in busyness. It wasn’t until Yun Fei reminded her that it was time to eat that Qi Zheng realized it was already past twelve o’clock.

“I won’t go to the cafeteria. You guys go eat.”

“It’s not good for your health not to eat. You still have to continue working this afternoon. What do you want to eat? We can bring it back for you.” Xin Jia thought Qi Zheng was too lazy to squeeze in, as the cafeteria was usually crowded.

Qi Zheng took out a thermos food jar from her insulated bag nearby and gently shook it: “I have food prepared. You guys should hurry.”

This was specially prepared by Aunt Xin at the kitchen’s direction. Inside was congee and a few refreshing side dishes. Another lunchbox contained some snacks and steamed rice cake, for Qi Zheng to eat if she got hungry in the afternoon.

Qi Zheng was the only one left in the secretary office. Halfway through her meal, Shen Zhibing arrived.

Qi Zheng heard the footsteps first with her head down. She looked up and saw Shen Zhibing looking at her.

“CEO Shen.”

Shen Zhibing didn’t just nod and walk straight into her office as she usually did. Instead, she walked around to stand in front of her.

“Just this for lunch?”

She had already finished most of the congee and eaten a piece of the steamed rice cake. Qi Zheng smiled: “It’s quite a lot, it’s all in my stomach.”

Shen Zhibing saw that she was in good spirits and even joking, and she nodded with satisfaction.

“It will be very busy next, you need to be mentally prepared. You also need to take care of your health.”

“I will, CEO Shen, please don’t worry.” Qi Zheng thought, she couldn’t let her illness affect the secretary office’s performance in the fourth quarter. Although it wasn’t a business department, the workload was no less.

Qi Zheng thought CEO Shen would return to her office after saying this, but she waited for a while and the person didn’t leave. Shen Zhibing was still standing there, her gaze falling on her in an elusive way.

To be precise, it was on her face.

Qi Zheng subconsciously touched her face, thinking she might have gotten something on it while eating. Before CEO Shen could speak, she quickly pulled out a tissue and wiped her mouth.

Her lips, after being wiped, were much redder than before, full of blood color, and because of the congee and water she had just consumed, the moisture made them instantly become a ball of fire in Shen Zhibing’s eyes.

“Does CEO Shen have anything else?” Qi Zheng finished wiping her mouth and saw that she still didn’t move, but instead stared at her even more intently than before.

The food on the table was also from the suburban villa, but she had just recovered from an illness, so it was not appropriate to invite CEO Shen to taste it.

Shen Zhibing averted her eyes somewhat unnaturally, casually looking at a nearby desk: “Are you sure you have completely recovered? If you feel the vacation is not enough, you can take a few more days off.”

Why did CEO Shen seem a little off today? Qi Zheng felt that this concern seemed to go beyond professional formality, but she wouldn’t ignore the boss’s concern; she had to at least feign a respectful response.

“I’m basically all better. Staying at home is also boring and troublesome for Aunt Xin.”

They had a tacit understanding not to talk about people or things at the villa in the company. After all, too many people talk, and if it got out, it would be bad for anyone involved.

“Then work hard.” Shen Zhibing no longer looked at her, picked up a document from Yun Fei’s desk, and went straight back to her office.

Qi Zheng was busy until near closing time and didn’t see Shen Zhibing come out once. It was basically Yun Fei or Xin Jia who went in to deliver documents.

“No need to work overtime today. Pack up your things and go home,” Yun Fei walked up to Qi Zheng’s desk, signaling her to leave early.

“Is CEO Shen not working overtime either?” Qi Zheng only asked casually, when the phone on her desk suddenly rang.

She picked it up, her bag still in her arms: “Hello, CEO Shen.”

“Qi Zheng, how do you feel physically right now?”

Qi Zheng had a questioning look. CEO Shen was still concerned about her illness right before closing time? This seemed a bit too “caring.”

“Basically no problem, just a little hungry.”

The recovery of appetite indicated that there was no major health issue. Shen Zhibing also felt a little relieved, then said: “Then accompany me to meet CEO Le tonight.”

Qi Zheng was stunned. Shen Zhibing thought she didn’t remember who CEO Le was, so she reminded her: “CEO Le of Yongfeng. He specifically mentioned he wanted to see you.”

After the Yongfeng project signing, Qi Zheng thought Shen Zhibing had completely handed the matter over to the real estate company for follow-up, but she didn’t expect her to still be in contact with CEO Le. On second thought, it made sense. When they analyzed Yongfeng earlier, they thought the company was not simple behind the scenes. Why would CEO Shen easily give up on a company she took interest in?

“Wait for me in the parking lot in half an hour.”

It wasn’t appropriate for them to leave work together, nor was it appropriate for her to be seen riding in CEO Shen’s exclusive car again, although it had happened before.

Tonight’s engagement was arranged a week ago. CEO Le had been on a business trip abroad and asked his secretary to set up a time with Shen Zhibing as soon as he returned. She didn’t expect him to personally call today, saying that if convenient, it would be best to bring the previous employee.

Shen Zhibing also didn’t expect Qi Zheng to leave such a deep impression on CEO Le, but if the other party specifically requested to see her, even if it wasn’t convenient, she would try to make it convenient.

In the car, Qi Zheng listened to Shen Zhibing’s general explanation and whispered, “Could CEO Le be proposing a new collaboration tonight?”

Shen Zhibing shook her head: “Yongfeng hasn’t had any major moves recently. They’ve basically entered the wrap-up state for the New Year holiday.”

Qi Zheng thought for a moment, and though she wasn’t sure, she asked: “Could it be the intention of the behind-the-scenes capital?”

A hint of appreciation flashed in Shen Zhibing’s eyes, but her expression remained calm: “That’s also a possibility. We’ll know the answer when we meet him tonight.”

When they arrived at the destination, Qi Zheng got out of the car and noticed that Shen Zhibing didn’t walk ahead, but stood by the car, seemingly waiting for her.

She walked around to Shen Zhibing’s side and was about to suggest they go, but realized she still wasn’t moving.

“CEO Shen?”

Qi Zheng followed Shen Zhibing’s gaze and saw CEO Le’s car and his people, a short distance from them. But due to the angle, they couldn’t be seen unless specifically looked at.

There was another person next to CEO Le. Qi Zheng recognized this person: it was Lian Ao.

Why would he be here? Was he also invited to the dinner tonight?

“CEO Le probably didn’t invite Lian Ao, otherwise they wouldn’t need to stand here talking,” Shen Zhibing proactively explained, her expression also more relaxed than before.

Qi Zheng was deeply comforted to see that she could mention Lian Ao so calmly, seemingly no longer easily affected emotionally.

“Should we wait a little while before going in?”

Shen Zhibing curved her lips and said, “No need, we’ll go in and wait. They won’t talk for too long. CEO Le will owe us a favor later.”

Qi Zheng naturally followed Shen Zhibing inside. Sure enough, CEO Le arrived shortly after. Upon entering, he clasped his hands and apologized repeatedly: “I’m really sorry to have kept you two waiting. My driver had a minor fender-bender in the parking lot just now, which caused a delay.”

After speaking, CEO Le even drank a self-imposed penalty glass. Compared to before, his attitude was much more attentive and proactive.