Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 57

Qi Zheng’s interactions with CEO Le were limited, mostly at crowded events, and she hadn’t had many direct conversations. Even so, she could sense the change in CEO Le’s attitude, so how could Shen Zhibing be unaware?

After calmly finishing the wine CEO Le offered, they didn’t immediately get down to business, but instead chatted about predictions for the economic environment next year.

“Listening to President Shen, you remain optimistic about next year.”

“CEO Le’s concerns are not wrong; growth has indeed slowed in recent years, and it is right to be cautious. It’s just that I might focus more on the positive side, so hope outweighs caution.”

CEO Le narrowed his eyes and smiled, suddenly looking at Qi Zheng and asking, “Then what’s your view, Xiao Qi?”

Qi Zheng had been silently listening to their conversation, occasionally expressing her own views internally, which mostly aligned with Shen Zhibing’s. But being directly questioned by CEO Le like this still made her nervous for a moment.

“CEO Le, Qi Zheng works in my secretarial office and is in a data analysis role. How can you ask her this, especially in front of me?”

Shen Zhibing said this with a faint smile, but the protective meaning was evident.

CEO Le explained, “President Shen, please don’t misunderstand. I purely admire Xiao Qi and want to hear her thoughts. During the last project collaboration, she left a very deep impression on me. Such a promising young person has been honing her skills in your secretarial office for several months; she must have progressed by leaps and bounds.”

Shen Zhibing didn’t fall for that. While praising Qi Zheng outwardly, wasn’t he really trying to pump information out of a young, inexperienced employee to find out her true attitude?

“I think Qi Zheng’s view is roughly the same as mine, a kind of cautious optimism.” Saying this, she turned her head and looked at Qi Zheng, “Isn’t that right?”

Qi Zheng nodded: “Yes, my view is similar to President Shen’s.”

CEO Le was a little disappointed, only managing to probe that one sentence, but Shen Zhibing smiled with satisfaction.

Qi Zheng’s rapport with her was growing, and she was indeed a promising talent worth cultivating.

CEO Le did not mention encountering Lian Ao in the parking lot, and Shen Zhibing also pretended to be completely unaware. CEO Le was not a person who liked to push alcohol, and he only had a few drinks throughout the meal.

But CEO Le’s active invitation certainly wasn’t just for a meal. Qi Zheng secretly observed both parties several times, seeing that their expressions were calm and not at all anxious, which made her, the bystander, impatient.

Finally, CEO Le couldn’t stand it anymore and spoke, “The project collaboration for the Yongfeng plot is progressing very smoothly. Yongfeng’s performance this year will definitely be excellent, and I have President Shen to thank for that.”

“Collaboration is a mutual choice; I should also thank CEO Le for giving Shen Group the opportunity.”

CEO Le looked like he wanted to speak but stopped, clearly having something to say but waiting for the right moment. Shen Zhibing saw his expression clearly but simply didn’t ask, waiting for CEO Le to say it himself.

Even Qi Zheng felt anxious for CEO Le. It was truly agonizing. What was so important that he had to drag it out for so long? A respectable CEO has seen all kinds of situations. Yet, this dinner with only three people made him so awkward.

In contrast, Qi Zheng admired Shen Zhibing’s composure, even though she knew President Shen must also be very eager to know.

The atmosphere at the dinner table instantly quieted down. CEO Le finally said, “In fact, the reason I invited President Shen to dinner tonight is to ask you if you have any plans to expand your business scope.”

Shen Group’s business scope was already quite broad, even holding shares in some basic livelihood sectors. Qi Zheng really couldn’t think of any industry that Shen Group hadn’t been involved in but would be very interested in.

“CEO Le, please tell me.”

“The Yongfeng project was just a trial run. The goal was not simply to temporarily relieve the company’s liquidity crisis, but more importantly, to find a capable and sincere cooperation partner.”

Shen Zhibing slightly raised her chin. This was very close to her previous guess.

CEO Le continued, “Yongfeng’s de facto controller has been overseas. He also owns many other industries. In recent years, his health has not been good, and there is no suitable successor in his family, so he wants to sell these industries and focus on recovery.”

Shen Zhibing’s eyebrows moved slightly, and her tone was calm, seemingly unsurprised: “Which ones do you want to sell, and how much do you plan to sell them for?”

“All of them.”

Qi Zheng was shocked to hear “all of them”? Seeing CEO Le’s serious demeanor, it seemed like it would be a huge transaction.

Shen Zhibing did not rush to answer but considered it for a moment and asked, “May I ask why he thinks Shen Group would be interested?”

“Because these industries can not only help Shen Group quickly complete its overseas presence but also accelerate the disappearance of your competitors.”

There are only a few companies that can be called Shen Group’s competitors, and all of them are formidable. The fact that these industries could make them disappear suggests how powerful they are.

“Is CEO Le’s invitation only for Shen Group, or is it, like last time, open to capable individuals?”

CEO Le gave an awkward laugh, knowing that the flaw in the land plot project had been spotted by Shen Zhibing.

“The last time was indeed a test, but this time, it is indeed only for Shen Group, and it only depends on President Shen’s attitude.”

CEO Le spoke sincerely, and Shen Zhibing’s fingers slowly rubbed the rim of her cup, but she did not give an answer.

She and Qi Zheng had previously speculated that the capital behind Yongfeng must have been paying attention to Shen Group. But initially, she thought it was cooperation, not realizing that the other party was actually looking for a buyer.

“President Shen doesn’t have to rush to answer, after all, it’s not a small business. But if you are truly interested, you will need to take a trip abroad. Talking face-to-face will be much more efficient than having me relay messages in between.”

Overall, the dinner was pleasant. Besides the probing and statement midway, CEO Le didn’t talk much about related topics afterwards. Instead, he several times steered the conversation towards Qi Zheng. Seeing that the questions were not too difficult, Shen Zhibing didn’t deliberately interfere.

“President Shen, can you tell me where you found such a talent? Did you arrange a scout at Haida University, pre-booking the most outstanding students every year?”

Before Shen Zhibing could answer, CEO Le chuckled, “Your headquarters claims not to hire fresh undergraduate graduates, but I think that’s just a pretense. Xiao Qi is the best proof.”

Shen Zhibing took a sip of tea and calmly said, “She is an exception, not a normal case.”

In a way, she had to thank Lin Muyun, or else she wouldn’t have discovered this hidden gem.

Leaving the restaurant, as soon as Qi Zheng got into the car, she heard Shen Zhibing say, “You’ll go to the US with me in a couple of days.”

“Has President Shen decided to go through with this deal?”

“You heard it just now. So many industries are in the profit-making phase, and even some that are at the end of their cycle can recover a lot after disposing of fixed assets. This is an opportunity.”

What CEO Le said was indeed tempting. If he hadn’t mentioned it, it would be hard for Shen Zhibing to imagine that so many companies were controlled by the same capital.

“But to take it all, it will definitely require a large sum of money. If this money has to be paid next year, I’m afraid the impact on the company will be considerable.”

The economic development in recent years has visibly slowed down, getting worse year by year, and a significant rebound is unlikely in the short term. Shen Group had also begun preparing for the “winter,” cutting all unnecessary expenses and shutting down some “zombie industries.” This was also why Shen Zhibing was vigorously rectifying various subsidiaries; even the largest company could not withstand the erosion of countless leeches.

Shen Zhibing mused, “The financial accounts indeed won’t look good, and it will take a lot of effort to persuade the shareholders. However, this is a rare opportunity. Besides Shen Group, other companies that want to swallow it would have to join forces.”

Qi Zheng was thoughtful, and then heard Shen Zhibing say, “Someone has already taken the lead. The preemptive alliance is probably not just for family reasons; they are likely trying to acquire this lucrative asset.”

Lian Ao and Lin Muyun, these two names suddenly popped up in her mind. Qi Zheng subconsciously looked at Shen Zhibing. Besides a faint tiredness, the previous stillness was gone.

When President Shen was calmly strategizing and when she was strong and composed, she exuded a tough resilience, like a thorny rose, captivating yet daunting to approach easily.

“Good things are worth fighting for. It just depends on who has the ability to truly secure them. Meeting in a foreign country, even if the deal doesn’t work out, there is no loss.”

*

Qi Zheng went to the US with Shen Zhibing. Jiang Youyou was not as envious as before. Instead, she cautioned her, “Watch out for jet lag, pay attention to your diet, and be careful of the flu. In short, be careful about everything over there.”

Perhaps affected by the experiences of other colleagues from the firm on business trips, Jiang Youyou didn’t think going to the US for a business trip was such a good thing.

Shen Zhibing didn’t assign too many tasks to Qi Zheng, bringing her mainly because CEO Le had mentioned that he reported her performance in the Yongfeng project to the big boss, so the other party had an impression of her. Secondly, she wanted to give Qi Zheng more opportunities to hone her skills so she could be utilized as soon as possible.

Qi Zheng’s aptitude in all aspects was good, but she still lacked refinement in interpersonal interactions and business experience. Sometimes, Shen Zhibing felt she was too subtle, so subtle that people subconsciously overlooked her.

In the business world, where time is money and opportunities are often fleeting, this was not an advantage. But she also didn’t want to forcefully push Qi Zheng out; that would be counterproductive and might not necessarily lead to improvement for Qi Zheng.

“Cough, cough, cough. This data deviates from the previous prediction. I’ve revised it.” Qi Zheng handed a newly completed analysis report to Shen Zhibing.

They usually worked in Shen Zhibing’s suite and only went back to their own rooms to rest at night. Yun Fei heard her cough again: “Are you not completely recovered?”

Qi Zheng covered her mouth and shook her head, having just had a sudden severe fit of coughing for some reason.

“You go back and rest. Don’t worry about the rest.”

Since arriving in the US and setting up a meeting time, Shen Zhibing had always prepared meticulously, and there was a stack of materials in the room.

“You are all still working. How can I go to sleep alone?” Qi Zheng sat back in her seat, unwilling to leave early.

Shen Zhibing looked up at her: “Are you sick and still trying to be tough? Are you planning to perform a coughing fit in front of the other party on the day of the negotiation?”

Qi Zheng was speechless; of course, she didn’t want to.

Shen Zhibing said seriously, “Qi Zheng, take care of yourself first. Work is important, but your body comes first.”

Qi Zheng felt this was right, but hadn’t Shen Zhibing also tried to be tough before?

“President Shen, you… take care of yourself too.” Qi Zheng thought for a moment and didn’t retort.

After Qi Zheng returned to her room, Yun Fei turned to Shen Zhibing: “Why did you bring Xiao Qi this time? Data analysis work can be done in Haicheng, and the time difference makes it even more efficient.”

“She won’t be in this position for too long, as you and I both know. When there’s a rare opportunity, why not let her gain some experience?” The explanation Shen Zhibing gave was reasonable, and Yun Fei had no doubts.

After Shen Zhibing finished speaking, she stared at the report in her hand, lost in thought for a moment. What she said was indeed the reason, but there was a small personal reason that she hadn’t mentioned.

She just inexplicably wanted to keep Qi Zheng close. The specific reason was unclear, but she just didn’t want to be too far apart.

Perhaps, it was a yearning for her lips again.

Shen Zhibing found that her desires were becoming more frequent. She felt an urge, wanting to go and check on her. So, after showering, she sent Qi Zheng a message, asking how she was feeling.

Perhaps she was sleeping too soundly; Qi Zheng didn’t reply for a long time. Shen Zhibing felt a little disappointed but had a dream that surprised even herself.

When she woke up, her waist ached slightly, and there was a faint melancholy, the reason for which was unclear. In her dream, she received the coveted hug, and gentle, detailed kisses wandered across her cheeks. She wanted to make a sound in the dream, but always felt powerless. That kind of restrained yet comforting pleasure slowly washed over her, leaving her satisfied yet regretful.

Shen Zhibing sat up against the headboard, intending to take a moment, when she suddenly received a call from Qi Zheng.

“President Shen, did you look for me last night?”

“Yes, I wanted to ask how you were feeling.”

“Not very good. My symptoms might have worsened today.”

Judging by her voice, Shen Zhibing could guess as much and frowned.

“Put down today’s work for now. Go see a doctor.”

Shen Zhibing had Yun Fei contact a private hospital for Qi Zheng and also found a local liaison to accompany her. However, when she returned, Qi Zheng didn’t look much better.

Shen Zhibing went to Qi Zheng’s room and saw that she had only taken off her coat, lying diagonally on the bed with a hand on her forehead.

“What did the doctor say today?”

“They said I was already weak, coupled with jet lag, high-intensity work, and poor diet, it all flared up at once.”

Qi Zheng’s tone was a bit low, which is typical for a sick person but not typical for Qi Zheng.

Shen Zhibing walked over and stood by the bed: “What’s wrong?”

Qi Zheng was silent for a while and then quietly said, “I never thought my English was poor before, but today I realized I can’t even articulate my symptoms clearly when seeing a doctor.”

Qi Zheng’s English was not bad, but it couldn’t compare to Shen Zhibing and Yun Fei, who had lived and studied abroad for many years.

“Being able to communicate is enough; it’s not an exam.”

Qi Zheng sat up and looked at Shen Zhibing: “President Shen, do you know how embarrassing it was for me to have to gesture constantly when seeing the doctor today?”

Shen Zhibing, however, laughed out loud, provoking a look of resentment from Qi Zheng.

“I was like that too when I first arrived abroad years ago.”

Seeing Qi Zheng’s disbelief, Shen Zhibing explained, “Seeing a doctor abroad is indeed not a simple matter. The doctors here can understand your words, but not necessarily your illness.”

Qi Zheng thought to herself that perhaps people become more vulnerable when they are sick.

“Thank you for the comfort, President Shen.”

“It’s not comfort; it’s the truth. You don’t need to deny yourself because of this.”

Shen Zhibing looked at the food on the table. Clearly, Qi Zheng hadn’t eaten much.

“So frustrated that you don’t even want to eat?”

Hearing the tease in Shen Zhibing’s words, Qi Zheng retorted in a bad mood, “It’s because this food is too awful. I can’t eat it.”

She wasn’t usually so picky, only when she was sick. Qi Zheng missed Haicheng food especially.

“Then what do you want to eat?”

“Small wontons, the freshly wrapped kind, fragrant and smooth.” As Qi Zheng spoke, a great yearning came into her voice.

Looking at her, she really seemed to crave it.

Shen Zhibing raised an eyebrow, dropped a sentence about resting well, and left.

Seeing her leave, Qi Zheng lay back down. Her mood hadn’t completely recovered, only eased slightly.

Shen Zhibing returned to her room and called Yun Fei: “Do you know where to buy the kind of small wontons from Haicheng?”