Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 69

Shen Zhibing had Yun Fei notify Qi Zheng about this matter. At the time, she was just about to seize the opportunity to thoroughly research the several industries under Boss Zhuang that had suddenly started losing money three years ago, hoping to find a breakthrough.

Upon receiving Yun Fei’s call, Qi Zheng frankly said: “Secretary Yun, I’m not very good at golf. If I actually go, I’ll probably only be a caddy, and might not even be as quick as the real caddies at retrieving balls.”

“It’s okay, it’s not a competition; you just need to be there. This time, Boss Zhuang specifically requested you go, so you can’t refuse.”

Qi Zheng truly couldn’t understand what these tycoons were thinking. She was just a small fry, not yet at the level where everyone loved her. Why would one suddenly start kissing her, and the other insist on bringing her along even for golf?

Despite her reservations, Qi Zheng got the newly purchased golf attire from Yun Fei. She hadn’t planned on playing golf on this trip to Hong Kong, so she had mostly brought business wear.

Shen Zhibing did not wait for them to travel together. In the car, Yun Fei comforted Qi Zheng: “Don’t be nervous, Boss Zhuang won’t make things difficult for you.”

Qi Zheng smiled faintly: “He doesn’t have anything to make difficult for me, I just can’t quite figure it out.”

Yun Fei did not explain further, only telling her to relax.

Upon arriving at the golf course, Shen Zhibing and Yu Xinyan were already sitting and chatting with Boss Zhuang, looking quite pleasant.

Yu Xinyan was the first to spot Yun Fei, waving to signal them. Shen Zhibing’s and Boss Zhuang’s gazes then simultaneously followed. Qi Zheng noticed that President Shen merely glanced at her quickly before looking away. Both of them consciously avoided eye contact.

“Little Qi has arrived, so let’s tee off and talk as we play.”

Boss Zhuang spoke, and the others began to move. Qi Zheng looked at their attire, and each of them seemed like an expert, which couldn’t help but make her feel a little self-conscious.

Was she going to embarrass herself today? She was the only novice on the entire course.

Her golf skills were truly, well, hard to describe.

Fortunately, although Boss Zhuang had said he wanted to see her, he at least didn’t say: “Come, let Little Qi show us a hole-in-one.”

Most of the time, Boss Zhuang was conversing with Shen Zhibing, and Qi Zheng quietly followed behind them.

“I’ve seriously considered President Shen’s proposal. The terms are very attractive to me, and I look forward greatly to the cooperation with the Shen Group. I lived abroad for so many years, and now that I’m older and not in good health, I’ve come to realize that health is much more important than money, and my hometown is far more precious than any so-called gold rush site.”

Boss Zhuang exuded a sense of weariness greater than his actual age, which Qi Zheng knew was due to his illness. If not for a despairing medical condition, why would Boss Zhuang be willing to sell off the entire business he had built up over half a lifetime?

It was understandable that he wanted a good price. It might not be that he truly lacked the money, but rather that it was a sign of respect and affirmation for his half-lifetime of effort.

“I will have the company prepare diligently and will not disappoint Boss Zhuang.”

Today was agreed to be a private meeting. Boss Zhuang smiled upon hearing this and shifted the topic: “I heard from Old Le that Little Qi is your trusted associate, and I am indeed quite curious. Over the years, I’ve only heard that you always have Secretary Yun by your side. A young person like this suddenly emerging before the Yongfeng transaction—I wonder if she is President Shen’s secret weapon?”

Although the Yongfeng project was a win-win, the Shen Group actually gained more. General Manager Le must have been instructed by Boss Zhuang to agree to the concession at the very last moment. And the key point that forced Yongfeng to back down was initially found by Qi Zheng.

However, Shen Zhibing was unwilling to take the opportunity to push Qi Zheng in front of this mysterious capital magnate. Her tone was indifferent and vague: “The Shen Group has always been willing to give opportunities to young people. Qi Zheng just happened to seize this opportunity; Boss Zhuang doesn’t need to over-interpret. Perhaps in a while, the person I bring out will be different again.”

Boss Zhuang, with his world-weary eyes, lingered on Qi Zheng for a moment, then laughed: “I think President Shen is joking. In the short term, Little Qi will still be by your side.”

Qi Zheng silently listened to them discussing her right in front of her, yet found no chance to interject. Even if she was given an opportunity, she wouldn’t know what to say. Should she launch into a self-introduction?

Boss Zhuang’s and Shen Zhibing’s golf skills were comparable. Today, it seemed Boss Zhuang had better luck and feel, or perhaps Shen Zhibing was not entirely in the zone. Qi Zheng sometimes noticed President Shen spacing out, which, though not obvious, was uncharacteristic.

Boss Zhuang originally wanted to invite them to dinner in the evening, but Shen Zhibing politely declined: “There will be plenty of opportunities to socialize once the cooperation is completed.”

Boss Zhuang was gracious: “Then I won’t delay President Shen’s rest. I look forward to a smooth collaboration.”

On the way back, both Yun Fei and Yu Xinyan looked solemn, not at all happy about Boss Zhuang’s initiative.

Yun Fei spoke first: “President Shen, is Boss Zhuang’s attitude today that he’s not planning to budge on the price reduction?”

“He wouldn’t easily concede in the first place. If it weren’t for the fact that the scope is too large, and too few people domestically can take over so many industries at once, do you think he would have the patience to waste time with us?”

Yu Xinyan pondered, then reminded: “He insists on bundling those few small-scale entertainment projects this time, but he definitely knows the Shen Group won’t continue to operate them even if we buy them. At that point, it will just be a low-price resale or permanent idling, meaning this money will be given away for nothing.”

Yun Fei also thought of this point: “I estimate Boss Zhuang wants to buy those few entertainment venues back from the Shen Group at a low price. With the back and forth, he can make a considerable profit.”

This was precisely what was bothering Shen Zhibing. Those few entertainment industries, distributed in different locations, would not fundamentally affect this acquisition. However, because they were all related to the adult entertainment industry, if she were to acquire them all, she would have to convince her grandfather.

Even if they were bought, the subsequent handling would most likely be as they just discussed, and they wouldn’t truly recoup capital from those projects.

Shen Zhibing looked up at the person who had remained silent: “Qi Zheng, what are your thoughts?”

“I agree with Director Yu and Secretary Yun’s views.”

Seeing that she had nothing further to add, Shen Zhibing nodded and lapsed back into silence.

Back at the hotel, Shen Zhibing assigned different tasks to them. Qi Zheng remained quiet. As her figure disappeared down the corridor, Shen Zhibing sighed softly and shook her head.

Yun Fei walked over and said, “It looks like Little Qi was disheartened again today.”

Shen Zhibing was expressionless, but a small ripple stirred in her heart: “Her character still needs more tempering. Situations like today will become increasingly common in the future, and she must learn to handle them with composure.”

Yu Xinyan smiled and chimed in: “Actually, given her age and experience, she’s already doing very well. Boss Zhuang is a powerful figure; how many people can keep their cool in front of him? If Vice President Shen were here, it might be even worse.”

Shen Qixing? He was useless; his performance was completely unpredictable. Shen Zhibing frowned upon hearing this: “They are not comparable.”

Qi Zheng returned to her room and sat on the sofa for a long time before slowly going to shower. Boss Zhuang mentioned her several times today, and President Shen deflected for her several times. Although no intimate gestures were made, the language clearly showed she was fully shielded behind her.

She knew President Shen usually held high expectations for her. But ever since their passionate kiss last night, Qi Zheng couldn’t help but overthink: Did President Shen just see her as an employee of the Shen Group?

Shen Zhibing didn’t seem like someone who would casually flirt with employees; otherwise, she wouldn’t constantly wear a cold face at the company, making people hesitant to approach.

But if not an employee, then what? Qi Zheng knew how obsessed Shen Zhibing was with Lian Ao in the past. Even though they had broken up now, it didn’t mean President Shen had suddenly become interested in women.

With this confusion, Qi Zheng concluded her trip to Hong Kong. Upon returning to Haicheng, Shen Zhibing convened a meeting of relevant departments, formally announced the launch of the acquisition plan, and demanded full cooperation from all departments to strive to complete the transaction before the end of the year.

Everything seemed to be rushing toward the end of the year. Qi Zheng saw the news on her phone that Lian Ao and Lin Muyun had set their wedding date: the very last day of the year.

Such a marriage between prominent families would naturally involve widely distributing invitations in the business community. Even those who didn’t socialize much would show respect. The previous engagement ceremony was very grand, and this wedding would certainly be even more elaborate.

The Shen family naturally received an invitation, and Shen Zhibing received a separate one.

She looked at the red envelope on her desk, feeling a little irritated.

She knew this day would come, and she knew it would arrive quickly. But when it actually did, it still made her feel annoyed. As for sadness, there was some, but not enough to make her want to cry.

By the time Shen Zhibing left work, it was almost seven o’clock. There was no urgent work today, and everyone in the secretarial office had already left. She carried her bag with a hint of fatigue. After a few steps, she realized someone was still there.

It was Qi Zheng. Shen Zhibing stopped.

Qi Zheng also saw her, stood up, and stood a short distance away.

“Still here?”

“I have a little work left.”

“Work is never-ending. If it’s not urgent, you can continue tomorrow.”

Qi Zheng nodded in agreement. Seeing that she still hadn’t moved, Shen Zhibing felt a little strange: “How long do you want me to wait?”

Today, Shen Zhibing was driving herself. Qi Zheng only recently found out that President Shen occasionally chose to drive herself, but today, she wasn’t quite at ease sitting in her car.

“How about I drive?”

Most of Shen Zhibing’s cars were low-key but had excellent performance and a great driving experience. People unfamiliar with them often fumbled when driving for the first time.

“My car isn’t easy for an inexperienced driver to handle. I heard you just got your license not long ago.”

Qi Zheng frowned, but Shen Zhibing had already gotten into the driver’s seat.

“I don’t have a habit of waiting long for people. If you want to go the same way, hurry up and get in.”

Qi Zheng had no choice but to get in, but Shen Zhibing did not start the car immediately.

“What’s wrong?”

Qi Zheng looked at Shen Zhibing. Seeing that she looked normal apart from a little fatigue, she thought she might be overthinking.

“Were you deliberately waiting for me in the office just now?”

Qi Zheng remained silent but did not deny it.

Shen Zhibing thought for a moment and then asked, “Were you rushing to drive just now because you were afraid I’d speed?”

Qi Zheng shook her head: “You are very cautious; you wouldn’t drive fast. I was just afraid you’d be distracted while driving.”

Qi Zheng had experienced the feeling of receiving a wedding invitation from a deeply loved ex, and she never wanted to experience it a second time. Even though so much time had passed, and she no longer felt sad about it, she clearly understood how painful it was at the time.

Shen Zhibing’s profile was hidden in the semi-darkness, the lines of her face drawn tight. Qi Zheng gently advised: “President Shen, life must always move forward. It’s easier to be happy if you let go.”

Shen Zhibing turned to look at her, then suddenly unbuckled her seatbelt, leaned over, and kissed her.