Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 82

Yun Fei instantly guessed that the items were related to Lian Ao. Shen Zhibing’s intention in having her keep them was to destroy them all when the time was right.

It seemed that this time, President Shen was truly and completely free. She had almost no lingering attachment to the past, even decisively letting go of the memorabilia she once cherished as treasures.

“Thanks to Xiao Qi today. If it weren’t for her being meticulous and quick to react, these things would have been a real hassle.”

Shen Zhibing’s expression stiffened, and she asked in a low voice, “She was the one who sorted them out?”

Yun Fei answered truthfully, “Just now, she reminded me that this small box contained your private items, so she specially categorized and summarized them.” She hesitated for a moment, “But the situation was urgent then, and I don’t think she had time to look closely at the contents.”

Xin Jia had already described the chaotic scene in the office at the time, and Yun Fei could imagine how rushed it was.

Shen Zhibing, however, did not look relaxed; her brows remained tightly furrowed, deep in thought: “Then she must know?”

Yun Fei couldn’t quite hear what President Shen said, but she had a hunch that she was worried about this matter.

“I will remind Xiao Qi not to talk out of turn. Please rest assured, President Shen, although she is young, she is very discreet and trustworthy.”

Shen Zhibing’s expression subtly changed, and she said, “There’s no need to specifically emphasize it. I think she knows what should be said and what shouldn’t.”

Qi Zheng had been with her several times, from Lian Ao’s engagement ceremony to his wedding. Her ridiculous past, in front of Qi Zheng, probably only had the last piece of self-deceiving cover left.

They hadn’t explicitly mentioned it, so there was naturally no need to specifically emphasize anything. Shen Zhibing trusted that Qi Zheng would know how to handle it.

Jiang Youyou indeed transferred the money to Qi Zheng after New Year’s Day. She had only tried to ask for a loan then, not daring to borrow all of her friend’s savings. Her plan was to gather the full amount for the penalty after the Chinese New Year annual bonuses were all paid out.

After the New Year, Qi Zheng intended to formally approach Shen Zhibing about terminating the contract and then start fresh in the new year. Although they hadn’t had any intimate contact during this time, their interactions at the company hadn’t decreased.

HR routinely sought her out for a talk, asking a few perfunctory, irrelevant questions about the internal network photos. Qi Zheng gave a similar statement to the previous public one, and the matter was closed.

But Eric told Shen Zhibing that the matter was not that simple. Especially when she also sent him the photo of Xie Yilan kissing Qi Zheng for him to investigate, Shen Zhibing began to realize that she had been formally targeted.

“This person named Xie Yilan didn’t have much interaction with Qi Zheng before, and there isn’t any clichéd old flame rekindled relationship. However, she owed nearly a hundred thousand for luxury purchases a while ago, but all the bills have been recently paid off, which is quite interesting.”

Listening to Eric’s teasing words, Shen Zhibing naturally knew the reason. When she heard that Xie Yilan and Qi Zheng had no substantial development, her heart inexplicably eased, but she wasn’t completely relaxed: “Who paid her bills.”

“It was a cash deposit, but it’s very likely that major lady who is still on her honeymoon. Oh wait, I should call her Mrs. Lian now.”

Shen Zhibing knew that Eric had never liked Lian Ao either. When he heard that Lian Ao was marrying Lin Muyun, he even smiled and said if he should contribute a gift to send his blessings.

“Was the previous photo incident also her doing?”

Although Eric disliked Lin Muyun, Xie Yilan’s crude actions were discovered by him, so he could naturally draw a conclusion. But regarding the photo incident last time, he didn’t have enough certainty and wouldn’t rashly speculate.

“I’m still investigating. Currently, I only know that the person who took the photos is named Lin Hang, a classmate of Qi Zheng, but they didn’t have much contact before either. The two of them resumed contact with Qi Zheng at a class reunion.”

Shen Zhibing felt annoyed hearing those four words; this detestable class reunion always ruined her plans.

Sure enough, her dislike for attending such gatherings was right; they were boring and full of risks.

“Don’t alert the enemy, investigate slowly, and be sure to find out the person behind it.”

Shen Zhibing gave Eric time, but she didn’t give Qi Zheng too much time. She hung up the phone and fell into deep thought.

Was it too dangerous to keep Qi Zheng at the company, putting her in front of these people?

Their relationship was already different from the past. If any clue were really dug up, it would be trouble for both her and Qi Zheng.

The solution was simple: either break up completely now and stop any intimate contact—the moment this thought surfaced, a strong resistance arose in Shen Zhibing’s heart.

She was reluctant. She still wanted it.

The other solution was to let Qi Zheng leave and avoid the attention of these people. Qi Zheng was just an ordinary graduate student; no matter how excellent, there was no need to cause such a big stir. Therefore, Shen Zhibing knew that the real target was her.

Sending Qi Zheng away might be better for everyone.

She spent an afternoon considering it, and despite the time difference, called a friend in North America.

Afterward, she called Yun Fei over: “How many MBA slots does the company have left this year?”

“There are two left.”

“Have Qi Zheng prepare for the relevant exams; I will handle the recommendation letter.”

Yun Fei was surprised; why would President Shen suddenly want Qi Zheng to study?

“Haidu University’s finance department is good, but it’s only an undergraduate degree after all. If there’s a better opportunity for advanced studies, letting her go and gain some experience might not be a bad idea.”

“An MBA is indeed a good opportunity, but even if she starts in the fall this year, she only has one year of work experience, which might make it difficult to pass the admission screening.”

“With Shen Group’s recommendation, and a few impressive project experiences she can boast of, as long as her IELTS and GMAT scores are acceptable, nothing is impossible.”

Business schools are actually quite vain and love so-called “miracles.” As long as Qi Zheng can present sufficiently dazzling scores and conditions, what does one less year of work experience matter?

Some people, even after working for three to five more years, might not experience as much as Qi Zheng has in this one year.

“Alright, I will make the arrangements.”

Shen Group provides public funding every year to assist outstanding employees in pursuing MBA or Master’s programs. Those who believe they meet the criteria can apply proactively, and the relevant departments are responsible for the review.

Originally, the spots were snapped up early every year, but this year, because a special team was formed, the company’s potential and capable new employees did not want to miss this opportunity to prove themselves, so they temporarily gave up applying.

Qi Zheng looked at the series of study materials and school introductions Yun Fei recommended to her and couldn’t help but smile wryly.

“Secretary Yun, you don’t actually think I have the ability to complete an MBA curriculum while working, do you?”

Yun Fei smiled back at her: “I won’t make it that hard for you. It’s a full-time, non-working study program.”

Qi Zheng’s face froze; her lips didn’t move.

After a long while, she realized what Yun Fei meant and found it unbelievable.

“Are you saying I don’t have to work anymore, just focus on studying?”

After a moment of stupefaction, she sighed dejectedly: “Am I being fired like this?”

Yun Fei knew that laughing out loud at this moment was a bit impolite, but Qi Zheng’s adorable look truly amused her: “What are you thinking? This is one of Shen Group’s programs for cultivating outstanding employees. We fund you to study, and you come back to work afterward.”

Qi Zheng still wasn’t happy; she didn’t understand why this was happening.

“Hurry up and prepare. If you can get your scores before the Chinese New Year, you can apply as early as possible.”

The school is a world-renowned top-tier institution, and its business school is consistently ranked in the top ten globally. The tuition is unaffordable for someone like Qi Zheng, who is new to the workforce and comes from an ordinary family, and there are virtually no scholarships.

But Shen Group offered her a great opportunity that any normal person would immediately seize. Qi Zheng, however, was not that eager to go, at least she needed to figure out some issues first.

Shen Zhibing was away on a business trip to Miancheng, saying she wouldn’t be back for at least a week. Qi Zheng was at home looking at the IELTS materials that evening, unable to concentrate.

That day, when she learned about the study program from Yun Fei, she had gone to see Shen Zhibing. But President Shen was very busy; her phone was almost constantly ringing, and their conversation had to be frequently interrupted.

Then President Shen spoke, saying she would find her when she had free time later.

Until now, President Shen hadn’t found the time.

Qi Zheng opened the drawer, and next to the luxurious black card Shen Zhibing gave her lay a new savings card, which held the prepared funds for the contract termination penalty.

There was movement downstairs, followed by voices. Qi Zheng guessed Shen Zhibing had arrived.

Sure enough, before she could open the door and walk to the staircase, the familiar person, bringing with her a familiar, seductive scent, walked toward her.

“Why are you wearing so little?”

Shen Zhibing looked at Qi Zheng’s thin pajamas, showing displeasure.

“The indoor heating is very sufficient; it’s not cold.”

“Even if it’s not cold, go back to the room first.” The room Shen Zhibing spoke of was naturally her room.

Qi Zheng hesitated for a moment and followed. She wanted to find a chance to talk to Shen Zhibing about the study program and also about the contract.

But she had to wait until Shen Zhibing came out after showering before she got a chance to talk properly.

“Why are you sitting on the sofa?” Shen Zhibing wiped her hair, which was already half-dry from the blower, and walked sideways toward the large bed.

Qi Zheng looked at her alluring figure and graceful silhouette, averted her eyes, and said, “I want to talk to you.”

Shen Zhibing’s movement paused for a moment, and she subconsciously didn’t want to continue the topic.

She had been exhausted for several days. She had just finished work and immediately rushed back from Miancheng, coming straight here without even going to Yunlu Garden. What she missed was the warm embrace and delicate kisses, as well as the satisfying feeling of fulfillment.

She gestured for Qi Zheng to come over. As soon as Qi Zheng stood still, Shen Zhibing wrapped her arm around her neck and pulled her down onto the bed with her. It was only after kissing Qi Zheng’s lips that Shen Zhibing realized what she had missed so much during her days in Miancheng.

Qi Zheng didn’t continue, and Shen Zhibing was somewhat dissatisfied, letting out a soft moan.

“Let’s… talk first.”

The fire in Shen Zhibing’s heart grew stronger. She pressed close and murmured a complaint, “Is now the time to talk business?”

This time, Shen Zhibing was exceptionally proactive, and her stamina seemed to have improved as well. Qi Zheng felt the intense response from President Shen and thought this might also be a silent form of retention.

Perhaps Shen Zhibing didn’t absolutely insist on her going to study.

But when Yun Fei placed the application form and the recommendation letter, already signed by Shen Zhibing, in front of her, Qi Zheng didn’t want to wait any longer.

That night, Shen Zhibing canceled an engagement and went to the suburban villa.

Qi Zheng was still sitting on the sofa, her face heavy. On the coffee table lay a frosted transparent document bag, with files and a bank card vaguely visible inside.

The day before yesterday, when Shen Zhibing returned to the main residence, she received another “kind” reminder from her second uncle. This time, his words were even more revealing; he was practically on the verge of directly asking if she and Qi Zheng had an affair.

Shen Zhibing suppressed a faint headache, rushed to the villa, but saw Qi Zheng presenting a cold face.

“You insisted on me coming tonight; you wouldn’t just want to show me this expression, would you?”

Shen Zhibing was inwardly displeased, but her tone was relatively restrained.

Qi Zheng looked up at her, without the previous brightness and sparkle, seeming to revert to how she was before, a long time ago.

Shen Zhibing’s action of taking off her coat paused for a moment, and her heart skipped a beat.

“What’s the urgent matter that you wanted to see me about?” She proactively softened her tone, hung her coat by the door, and walked inside.

Qi Zheng gently stroked the document bag on the coffee table, slowly speaking, her tone clearly low: “I want to know, is sending me to study the company’s decision or yours?”

Shen Zhibing was taken aback, then chuckled: “What’s the difference?”

Qi Zheng kept looking at her, not backing down, and was not satisfied with the answer: “There’s a difference, which is why I need to clarify.”

“Both. It was initially my suggestion, and then the company reviewed it and determined that you meet the requirements.”

Qi Zheng gave a bitter smile; her eyes dimmed a little: “Why suddenly send me abroad to study at this time? Didn’t you say the special team was very important and told me to work hard?”

“Plans change. Why not try to seize a better opportunity? Besides, the special team won’t be disbanded anytime soon. You can still return to the team after you finish your studies.”

Qi Zheng watched her speak so calmly and candidly, as if she had never considered anything other than professional matters. It was as if, between them, there was no connection other than work.

“What about you? Do you also think I will come back after studying?”

Shen Zhibing absolutely did not want to discuss this, especially when remembering her second uncle’s probing and hints, which made her even more unwilling to let such a relationship deepen.

She was silent for a while, and Qi Zheng didn’t press further but kept watching her.

Her gaze was fixed on her, even though Shen Zhibing was no longer looking back.

Qi Zheng opened the document bag on the coffee table, preparing to take out the new savings card. The deficit inside was very, very small; it could be completely filled after the Chinese New Year. But she didn’t want to wait; she wanted to say it now.

However, Shen Zhibing spoke first, completely halting Qi Zheng’s actions.

She said: “Qi Zheng, we never started anything between us. I hope you understand.”