Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 7

Shen Zhibing hadn’t heard Lian Ao’s voice properly for a while. Logically, this call should have made her happy. But instead, she felt annoyed and had a headache.

Earlier, Qi Zheng had angered her considerably. Shen Zhibing’s drunkenness had slightly worn off, but her anger surged, making her even more uncomfortable. Pressing her temples no longer helped; she lightly tapped her forehead with her fists, and even Lian Ao’s call didn’t bring her the usual patience.

“Xiaobing, I was called back suddenly because Grandpa isn’t feeling well. Only when I got home did I realize the situation was serious. They had been keeping it from me while I was in the UK, not wanting me to worry.”

Lian Ao explained sincerely why he had returned from abroad so suddenly. Shen Zhibing, however, was unhappy that he had been away on business for so long and even more displeased that she wasn’t the first to know about his return.

“Mm.”

Lian Ao paused, surprised at Shen Zhibing’s cold response.

“I was supposed to attend tonight’s banquet, but before I left, Grandpa asked me to stay, saying he had something to tell me. So Xiao Jie went instead. By the way, did you see Xiao Jie?”

Xiao Jie was Lian Ao’s younger brother, Lian Jie, a year younger than Shen Zhibing.

“There were a lot of people tonight, I didn’t notice.” Shen Zhibing recalled roughly and indeed didn’t see Lian Jie.

Compared to Lian Ao, Lian Jie had never received much attention since childhood. They were like two extremes: the elder brother was handsome and talented, while the younger brother was neither good-looking nor smart. Fortunately, he was obedient and honest, unlike other young masters who only knew how to play.

Even after working for several years in a company under the Shiqun Group, he remained inconsequential. At tonight’s banquet, it was normal that Lian Jie made no impression. Also, since he was afraid of Shen Zhibing, he deliberately avoided her, so it was understandable they didn’t meet.

But earlier, the doorman said that “Mr. Lian” hadn’t come. Could it be that Lian Jie wasn’t considered Mr. Lian?

Shen Zhibing grew even more irritated. She vaguely sensed a flaw in his words, yet subconsciously didn’t want to probe further.

“I sent flowers to your company today. Do you like them?” Lian Ao, seeing Shen Zhibing’s continued cold attitude, assumed she was still upset and switched topics.

Shen Zhibing thought about the flowers that suddenly appeared in her office. She originally wanted to say she didn’t really like such gestures, but when the words reached her lips, she changed her mind: “Thank you.”

Lian Ao smiled softly, his voice carrying the indulgent warmth he had always shown: “Why thank me? I sent them to make you happy.”

Shen Zhibing remained silent. Lian Ao added, “And also to tell you that I’m back.”

I’m back—to soothe your longing over these months, to ease your emptiness and loneliness.

Shen Zhibing was not the type to weakly pursue love, but in front of Lian Ao, she always showed a side of herself no one else had ever seen: capricious and emotional. Her feelings seemed to be easily manipulated by him—this was Lian Ao’s leverage.

However, tonight, this usually foolproof gentle approach seemed to fail.

No matter what topic Lian Ao switched to, Shen Zhibing’s interest remained low, as if she were continuing the call merely for his sake.

This made Lian Ao somewhat displeased; over the years, he had always been the one holding the initiative in their relationship.

“Xiaobing, it’s late. I won’t keep you. I’ll be in the country for a while, and we’ll meet properly then.”

Shen Zhibing couldn’t remember how many times he had promised to meet her. His “meeting” always differed from what she actually wanted.

“Okay, you should rest early too.” Shen Zhibing’s emotions eased slightly, but she hadn’t fully forgiven Qi Zheng. She planned to end the call and then have someone check whom Qi Zheng had been messing around with tonight.

She didn’t care about Qi Zheng, but she cared about her own dignity. Since they had an agreement, Qi Zheng was not allowed to act like her golden birdcage while simultaneously flirting around.

Before Lian Ao could give his usual deep farewell, Shen Zhibing hung up, leaving him stunned. After a long moment, he recovered. Tonight, Shen Zhibing had been unusually cold, showing less attachment than before.

Lian Ao frowned in thought. Could it be that during his months away from Haicheng, someone else had appeared in Shen Zhibing’s life?

**

Originally, it was frustrating enough that Jiang Youyou had taken the bed, but before sleeping, Qi Zheng’s call from Shen Zhibing further spoiled her mood. She tossed and turned on the painfully hard bed, unable to fall asleep.

She had thought she could try to get along with Shen Zhibing, avoiding spending her money and not taking advantage of her, so that when she eventually left, she could keep her dignity. But it seemed she had been too optimistic.

How many people are normal in these cheesy novels? She shouldn’t expect anything from them, so she had to adjust her strategy and study Shen Zhibing carefully.

Late at night, Jiang Youyou started making noise again. Luckily, she knew to get up and vomit in the bathroom. Qi Zheng was awakened, listening carefully. Jiang Youyou only retched weakly, looking pitiful.

Qi Zheng had to get up, pour her a glass of water, and bring it to her.

“Drink a little. If you still can’t vomit, rest for a bit first.”

Jiang Youyou was already awake but exhausted.

“Did I trouble you tonight?” Having lived together for four years, Jiang Youyou had never lost her composure like this.

Qi Zheng looked at her and finally said, “Everyone faces difficulties. Let it out, and it’s okay.”

She patted Jiang Youyou’s shoulder lightly, without sentimental words or lingering to watch her embarrassment.

After Jiang Youyou fell asleep, Qi Zheng could barely nap.

At 7:30 a.m., Jiang Youyou got up, without washing essentials, feeling awkward.

Qi Zheng pointed at the mouthwash: “Use this for now. You can clean up properly at home later.”

She accompanied her downstairs. She intended to see her to the school gate, but Jiang Youyou said it wasn’t necessary.

“You’ve had a rough night. The bed sheets all smell. Better hurry home to wash them. I can manage myself, don’t worry.”

Qi Zheng didn’t insist.

“Don’t overthink it when you get home. Rest a few days.”

Qi Zheng’s feelings toward her roommates were limited; she couldn’t do much. She was never the “caring older sister” type—just unwilling to see someone trapped by emotions, acting foolishly and suffering.

For some reason, she suddenly thought of the story: Shen Zhibing had been deceived by Lian Ao, even when everyone around could see it, yet she still believed blindly.

She couldn’t understand why a successful female CEO could be so stubborn and irrational in love, or why her “love IQ” was negative.

Since deciding last night to study Shen Zhibing properly, Qi Zheng kept thinking of her. Though she didn’t have a good impression, she knew that for a long time ahead, they would be tied together.

She knew she couldn’t break the agreement now. All she could do was fight for some rights and maintain her dignity. She couldn’t allow herself to be summoned by a single call, as last night—her heart wouldn’t accept it.

Moreover, according to the original plot, after graduation, she would live in the villa and be manipulated and tormented by Shen Zhibing, losing all face.

No. Absolutely not.

She must change immediately.

As Qi Zheng hurriedly planned, she saw Jiang Youyou’s steady figure walking away and prepared to return to the dorm. Suddenly, someone called her, a familiar voice:

“Miss Qi, please wait.”

Qi Zheng turned and saw Lao Yu.

“Why are you here?”

Lao Yu had faint dark circles under his eyes, apparently not having slept well either.

“I’m here to pick you up under Shen Zhibing’s instructions.”

Qi Zheng widened her eyes, confused.

Seeing her reaction, Lao Yu smiled faintly: “Shen Zhibing said you need to go to the villa early today.”

Really? Qi Zheng recalled last night’s conversation. She had mentioned going today, but it didn’t have to be so early.

“Is Shen Zhibing still at the villa?” Qi Zheng wondered. It would be unpleasant if she had to wait again after missing her last night.

“I don’t know. It’s impossible for Shen Zhibing to tell everyone her schedule.”

True. Qi Zheng didn’t want to trouble him.

She quickly returned to the dorm, packed her bag, and tore the bedsheets to put in the laundry basket, thinking she’d take them to the laundry later.

Lao Yu waited downstairs, and seeing her come out so quickly, his hidden concern finally eased.

Qi Zheng casually started a conversation: “Sorry to have disturbed your rest last night.”

Lao Yu shook his head: “It’s my job. No need to be polite. Anytime you need a car, just call me.”

It seemed Lao Yu genuinely treated himself as her personal driver. Seeing the Bentley outside the school gate, Qi Zheng reluctantly got in.

The road from the city to the suburbs was smooth in the morning, and Qi Zheng realized it didn’t take long from school to the villa.

The butler was already at the door. Seeing the car stop, he came forward.

“Miss Qi, welcome back.”

Qi Zheng discreetly observed him. His face was calm, not upset at all about yesterday.

“Hello, sorry to disturb you so early.”

“You’re too polite, Miss Qi. This is your residence. You can come anytime. Our duty is to serve you. There’s no disturbance.”

The butler’s tone was polite and respectful, yet not servile.

Qi Zheng thought: if only Shen Zhibing could be as normal as the butler.

Lao Yu went to park the car. Qi Zheng followed the butler inside.

“Is Shen Zhibing here?”

The butler walked steadily but his voice trembled slightly: “She’s already gone to the company.”

Qi Zheng felt a bit disappointed. She had hoped to meet her but missed her again.

“When will she return today?” Qi Zheng wondered how long she should stay.

The butler hesitated: “Third Miss didn’t say.”

Didn’t say? Qi Zheng frowned. If not told clearly, would she have to wait at the villa again?

“That’s fine. I’ll call her later.”

Entering the living room, the butler instructed the servants to serve tea and carefully asked if she had had breakfast.

Truly attentive service. Living in a mansion with people taking care of you was quite comfortable. The only pity was that it wasn’t earned by herself, making Qi Zheng feel uneasy.