Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 8

Shen Zhibing’s work schedule was packed. Her abilities were exceptional, and her status commanded respect, but in order to smoothly take over the group’s presidency from her grandfather in a short time, she had to work even harder—constantly, tirelessly.

Last night’s banquet had kept her awake all night, and this morning was almost entirely consumed by a long meeting. While others could take turns reporting, Shen Zhibing had to stay fully focused and respond to everything.

“The Yongfeng plot—our bottom price is between 300 and 330 million. If it exceeds this budget, no matter how good the sales prospects, there won’t be much profit.”

Today’s meeting centered on the recent plans for a large commercial real estate company under the Shen Group. The Yongfeng plot wasn’t part of the acquisition plan set at the start of the year. Due to significant operational issues at Yongfeng, they were now selling land to survive. This project had great development potential, and not only Shen Group, but many other companies were eyeing it.

Shen Zhibing gestured for the person in charge to continue. She had personally inquired about Yongfeng several times, and today she even called all relevant personnel to headquarters for reporting.

“However, this plot has a risk: it’s still unclear whether its usage can be changed. Yongfeng has been holding onto this land for nearly eight years, waiting for exactly this moment.”

Shen Zhibing was also considering this. At its current value, purchasing the land wouldn’t be a loss, but if the usage could be changed, the profit could be substantial.

“I’ll personally check with Secretary Li of the municipal committee. You should prepare for next month’s auction. Whatever happens, we cannot miss this opportunity, or I won’t be able to protect you.”

Earlier this year, a property that Shen Group was determined to acquire had been snatched by a little-known company, becoming a laughingstock in the industry. Shen Zhibing had suppressed internal doubts and given the real estate management team a chance to redeem themselves.

“Don’t worry, CEO Shen. This time, we won’t let you down.”

Shen Zhibing tapped the desk with her pen. She didn’t place much trust in such confident promises.

“Then I’ll wait for your good news next month, Mr. Xie.”

She also reminded them of a few details before dismissing the meeting. As people gradually left, only Shen Zhibing and her chief secretary, Yun Fei, remained.

“CEO Shen, it’s almost one o’clock. What would you like to eat? I can have them bring something in.”

Shen Zhibing still felt unwell, her head aching faintly. During the meeting, she hadn’t noticed, but now that she was still, the discomfort was almost unbearable.

“I have no appetite. Go get some painkillers from the office.”

An hour later, she still had a short meeting to host, also in this room. She decided not to leave, since no one was around anyway.

Yun Fei tried to persuade her gently, “CEO Shen, no matter how busy you are, you need rest. You can’t keep pushing your body like this.”

Shen Zhibing closed her eyes and rested briefly. If it had been anyone else, she would have already been sent away. Yun Fei had been by her side for years, traveling abroad and returning together. Since Shen Zhibing joined Shen Group, Yun Fei had always been close.

Besides family, Yun Fei was the person closest to her.

“I know. Once the Yongfeng project is done, I’ll find time to rest.”

Yun Fei sighed helplessly and went back to the office to get the medicine. Shen Zhibing’s so-called rest would be just three or four days at home, living with chaotic routines, eating and sleeping irregularly.

Such a “rest” was almost worse than none.

Lian Ao had called Shen Zhibing several times without success, and Yun Fei eventually informed him that the CEO was still in meetings.

“Please tell her to call me back when she’s done.”

Yun Fei was somewhat in the know about Shen Zhibing and Lian Ao’s situation. Shen Zhibing kept it deeply secret, revealing nothing to anyone. But Yun Fei had been around for years—she couldn’t possibly be unaware.

“Don’t worry, I’ll tell CEO Shen as soon as possible.”

“Thank you, Miss Yun Fei.” Lian Ao’s slightly London-accented Mandarin, paired with his light yet charming voice, was hard for most to resist.

Yun Fei, being older, was no longer easily swayed by romance and didn’t pay much attention. She didn’t actually believe in this relationship much, but seeing Shen Zhibing’s stubborn dedication, there was nothing she could do.

Shen Zhibing’s short meeting extended without surprise, from the planned forty minutes to an hour, then an hour and a half, finally lasting nearly two hours.

By then, she was already starving, and the painkillers eased her headache temporarily, though they couldn’t replace a healthy body.

Back in her office, she leaned back in her chair, unable to summon any energy. It was just a banquet last night—why was it so exhausting?

Reflecting, she attributed it to being angered by Qi Zheng the previous night.

She had arranged for the driver to fetch Qi Zheng early, but had no intention of meeting her, leaving her waiting all day at the villa, to teach her a lesson in rules.

“Mr. A called a few times. He said to wait until your meeting is over.”

Shen Zhibing squinted, then dialed Lian Ao’s number.

“Xiao Bing, your meeting ran over today.”

Shen Zhibing’s lips curved slightly, her discomfort easing a little. “Yes, the company’s been busy lately.”

“I want to see you tonight. Will you honor me with your presence?”

In Haicheng, they were both well-known figures. No matter where they met, privacy was impossible, so they had an early-established secret place, just for the two of them.

Shen Zhibing never refused Lian Ao’s invitations, but today she really felt unwell. She had already asked Yun Fei to cancel tonight’s dinner arrangements.

“Xiao Bing, you’re busy?” Lian Ao sensed her silence, guessing she had matters to attend to. Yet he firmly believed she would reschedule other things just to see him, his voice tinged with slight disappointment yet full of determination.

“All right, six o’clock tonight. Same place.”

After hanging up, Lian Ao snapped the cover onto a gift he had been handling. He had brought it from abroad specifically for Shen Zhibing.

His absence last night had displeased her; tonight, he had to compensate or else the CEO’s temper wouldn’t be easily pacified.

Qi Zheng had eaten breakfast and lunch at the villa but hadn’t seen Shen Zhibing.

She considered asking the butler for news, but felt it wasn’t appropriate, so she held back. By now, it was almost two in the afternoon—would she have to rely on the villa for all her meals?

“Um, how should I address you properly?” Qi Zheng finally stopped the butler, who was directing the staff.

“Miss Qi, if you like, you can call me Xin Yi, like Third Miss does.”

“Xin Yi, hello.”

Qi Zheng greeted politely, like speaking to a kindly elder. Xin Yi raised her eyebrows slightly but revealed little thought.

Qi Zheng found Xin Yi easy to talk to—much easier than Shen Zhibing.

“Xin Yi, do you know what time the CEO will be back? I’ve been waiting here most of the day. I called, but she didn’t pick up, and my messages weren’t answered.”

Qi Zheng didn’t have Shen Zhibing’s WeChat, so she could only call or text, unsure if she would respond promptly.

Xin Yi had actually asked the same thing when Shen Zhibing left in the morning.

Shen Zhibing didn’t give a clear answer, only coldly smiling: “Let her wait all day.”

Miss Qi’s behavior the previous night had angered Third Miss greatly; Xin Yi felt it reasonable to make her wait, but directly telling her would be cruel.

“Third Miss has a lot of work today. The schedule is uncertain. If you can’t reach her, it means she’s busy.”

Such a perfunctory answer made Qi Zheng smile on the outside, but she guessed correctly: Shen Zhibing was teasing her, keeping her from leaving but not showing herself.

Thinking of the dirty sheets she hadn’t even had time to wash, Qi Zheng thought staying a night here was acceptable. Since Shen Zhibing wouldn’t come back, she might as well enjoy the luxury suite for free.

Hearing that Qi Zheng was willing to stay, Xin Yi’s eyes crinkled with a charming smile.

However, Qi Zheng didn’t expect that just after finishing dessert, she would hear a car outside.

At this hour, who else could it be besides Shen Zhibing?

Qi Zheng’s face fell, and her appetite vanished. She sipped warm water and braced herself for an argument with Shen Zhibing.

Xin Yi greeted Shen Zhibing at the door, summarizing Qi Zheng’s day at the villa along the way.

Shen Zhibing’s expression was cold and angry from the moment she got out of the car, clearly directed at Qi Zheng.

“Where is she now?”

“Miss Qi is in the dining room.”

Shen Zhibing didn’t pause as she walked past. Qi Zheng had already stood up to greet her but was completely ignored.

A chill seemed to follow Shen Zhibing as she strode to the stairs and disappeared upstairs.

Xin Yi walked over and said, “Third Miss wants you to go to the study.”

Ha! Returning only to ignore her and have Xin Yi deliver the message—did she think Qi Zheng was royalty?

Qi Zheng wanted to refuse, but living under the same roof, confrontation wasn’t wise. She decided to see what Shen Zhibing wanted to say and followed Xin Yi upstairs.

“This is the study.” Xin Yi stopped at the door and left.

Qi Zheng knocked, waited half a minute, got no response, and knocked again.

“Come in.”

Qi Zheng frowned, noticing that Shen Zhibing still treated the study like an office.

“CEO Shen, did you want to see me?”

Shen Zhibing sat behind the large desk. Only when Qi Zheng entered did she slowly lift her eyes, glancing at her casually, as if she didn’t care much.

“Close the door. I have something to ask you.”

Qi Zheng stepped closer, stopping a few paces from the desk.

Shen Zhibing didn’t let her sit. Instead, she gave her a meaningful look, making Qi Zheng uneasy.

“Qi Zheng, were you happy being with someone else last night?”