Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 90

Yu Xinyan chattered on for a long time, enthusiastically recommending and explaining the so-called new products. She praised their advantages to the heavens, but still failed to move Shen Zhibing’s heart. In the end, she only received CEO Shen’s indifferent but firm answer: “No demand. I don’t want it.”

Fortunately, Director Yu did not buy it and force it into Shen Zhibing’s bag, or else the little kitten’s fate would have been similar to the little dolphin that had been long neglected. However, her seemingly nonsensical words today did remind Shen Zhibing of something, and the cloud of confusion that had been lingering in her mind for these past few days was finally cleared.

Shen Zhibing suddenly wanted to go to the suburban villa. She hadn’t been there much since Qi Zheng left, but today she especially wanted to go. Aunt Xin was still there to manage things, but since Qi Zheng wasn’t living there, she didn’t have much substantial to oversee.

“Third Miss, if Miss Qi is not coming back, should I also go back to Yunlu Flower Garden?”

Aunt Xin actually hoped Qi Zheng would return. She vaguely knew about the relationship between the Third Miss and Qi Zheng, and she also knew that Miss Qi going to the airport by herself that day must have meant there was a conflict between them. But seeing the Third Miss’s behavior recently, it seemed she had no intention of salvaging the relationship.

Since the possibility of Miss Qi returning was low, Aunt Xin would likely need to return to look after the Third Miss’s daily life.

Shen Zhibing sat in the living room for a while. After listening to Aunt Xin, she denied it without thinking: “She only went to study.”

Qi Zheng will come back, that’s what Shen Zhibing thought. She just hadn’t shown it, but when someone was so certain that Qi Zheng would not return, she instinctively rushed to deny it.

She thought for a moment, then went to the room where Qi Zheng had lived. The servants cleaned it every day, and the room was bright and tidy, but there was no trace of Qi Zheng’s presence left.

It hadn’t been long since she left, but the marks she had made here were slowly disappearing.

A sudden wave of discomfort washed over Shen Zhibing, a sour and heavy feeling that made her throat ache. In a daze, she walked to the wardrobe and opened it again.

The clothes hanging inside were the same, but this time her eyes immediately fell on the slim-fit suit jacket she had personally taken off that night, and the shirt with the subtle pattern on the collar.

She reached out and took the shirt down; the memories of that night gradually becoming clear. She always remembered the feeling of dancing together but had overlooked their mutual affection.

Her hand slowly brushed over the subtle pattern on the collar. Suddenly remembering something, she turned the collar up and indeed saw a faint lip print on the inside.

She had left it there on purpose. That night, she had unbuttoned the shirt from bottom to top. When only the last few buttons remained, Qi Zheng’s breathing was already frantic, but Shen Zhibing insisted on teasing her, kissing her from her chin all the way to her neck, and finally leaving her mark there.

She had also told Qi Zheng: “You’re not allowed to wash it off. We have to remember tonight.”

Qi Zheng really hadn’t washed it off, but the shirt was clearly clean and flat, which meant it must have been washed.

Shen Zhibing repeatedly rubbed the spot, imagining Qi Zheng carefully washing the shirt, deliberately leaving the collar untouched.

Her lips moved slightly, she should have smiled, but she couldn’t.

Qi Zheng’s dejected eyes, and her increasingly distant attitude after leaving, made Shen Zhibing unable to smile.

Shen Zhibing took out her phone, wanting to call Qi Zheng. But she realized she couldn’t find a suitable reason.

Talk about work again? Today was the weekend, and in foreign countries, the weekend is the most taboo time to be disturbed. Qi Zheng might have other plans. Shen Zhibing hesitated for ten minutes while holding the phone, then finally gave up. She took the shirt back to her own room, and upon seeing the large bed where she had once found a warm embrace, the word “peace of mind” that Yu Xinyan had mentioned today seemed to materialize.

Yes, she had received a feeling of peace of mind on that bed. And that feeling was given by Qi Zheng.

Shen Zhibing lit a cigarette and sat by the window. She understood that her words had indeed hurt Qi Zheng’s feelings. She could have explained herself clearly, but she didn’t. Qi Zheng also hadn’t given her the chance, but the current situation was not what she wanted; deep down, she didn’t want Qi Zheng to leave completely.

When she heard Aunt Xin’s firm belief that Qi Zheng would not return, Shen Zhibing’s heart skipped a beat. Perhaps it was Qi Zheng’s coldness and the precise ten-minute cut-off during their last call that gave her a bad premonition.

In fact, she could feel it; she was just unwilling to face it. But if she let this drag on, even the chance for a timed call might become rare. Shen Zhibing suddenly clutched the shirt in her hand and made a decision.

She must keep the person who gives her peace of mind.

Ding Meng was gradually getting the hang of her job, and Yun Fei also started assigning her more work, but she still kept a closer eye on her, unlike when Qi Zheng was around, where she had complete confidence.

After signing the documents, Shen Zhibing casually said to Yun Fei: “Help me adjust next week’s schedule and contact Boss Zhuang. I’m going to the United States.”

Shen Zhibing didn’t have any particularly important arrangements for next week, just some routine matters.

“Wasn’t that originally scheduled for next month? Is there a new development with Boss Zhuang?”

The acquisition plan had been consistently blocked by the board of directors, and Second Uncle’s side was firmly putting pressure on it. Shen Zhibing had to settle for a secondary plan and intended to introduce some external capital. Her old classmate, David, who worked at a bank, could help her make the connection.

Boss Zhuang was relatively easy to talk to and had enough confidence in Shen Zhibing. Since coming to Haicheng for ancestral worship, he had returned to the United States and had been recuperating.

“I want to finalize the acquisition details as soon as possible. David will be going with me. I’m considering mortgaging those casino licenses to a foreign bank after the acquisition.”

Yun Fei knew that those casinos could not continue to be held and operated under the name of the Shen Group after the acquisition; the Elder Master would never approve. Furthermore, being overseas meant high management costs. Mortgaging them to maintain liquidity while looking for a buyer was a good idea.

“Understood. I’ll make the arrangements immediately.”

Yu Xinyan smiled for a long time when she heard Shen Zhibing was going to the United States, but she didn’t ask anything.

Shen Zhibing’s explanation, “I’m just going on a business trip, don’t overthink it,” turned out to be useless.

She met with Boss Zhuang in New York. His complexion was passable these days, but the situation wasn’t too optimistic.

“CEO Shen, you are very thoughtful. In my current state, I’m not afraid of you laughing at me. In short, work is important, but health is more important.”

The more Shen Zhibing learned about Boss Zhuang’s assets and background, the more she admired this magnate who had built his empire practically single-handedly. It was a pity that in the face of health, no amount of wealth could guarantee a long life.

“Boss Zhuang has a clear perspective. It’s not too late to retire promptly.”

Boss Zhuang did not hide the reason for selling his assets: his poor health, and the lack of a suitable family successor. He decided it was better to liquidate the assets and establish a foundation.

After discussing business, Boss Zhuang suddenly mentioned Qi Zheng: “Why didn’t CEO Shen bring little Qi this time?”

“She went to study. At B University, for her MBA.”

Boss Zhuang was a little surprised but found it quite reasonable: “Young people should be given more opportunities. She’s smart and has a promising future if cultivated well.”

Shen Zhibing smiled, not wanting to talk about Qi Zheng in too much depth.

However, Qi Zheng was alone in the United States, and it would be better for her to have someone to look after her. Shen Zhibing considered it and asked Boss Zhuang for a favor.

“If it’s convenient, I hope Boss Zhuang could look after Qi Zheng a bit more for me.”

Boss Zhuang chuckled, asking her: “Is that looking after her for the Shen Group, or for you, CEO Shen?”

True to his reputation as a shrewd veteran in business, he clearly kept track of personal favors, first wanting to know who the creditor was. A company’s favor and a private individual’s favor are two different things when it comes to cashing in, even though Boss Zhuang might never ask for repayment.

Shen Zhibing was silent for a moment, then replied: “Just treat it as giving me face.”

Boss Zhuang was older and personally admired Shen Zhibing, so he didn’t press her further. However, it was rare to see CEO Shen actively ask someone for a favor, which piqued his curiosity.

“I happen to have a niece in F City. She’s probably two years older than little Qi, so they’re roughly the same age.”

Shen Zhibing felt a little uncomfortable, though she couldn’t say why. But having one of Boss Zhuang’s relatives look after Qi Zheng in the same city was indeed reassuring.

“Then I thank Boss Zhuang in advance.”

After meeting with Boss Zhuang in New York, Shen Zhibing was not in a hurry to have Yun Fei confirm the return date of their open ticket. Yun Fei had faintly guessed on the way there that the CEO likely wanted to see Qi Zheng, but since Shen Zhibing hadn’t said anything, she hadn’t dared to book a ticket preemptively.

“Let’s stay for two more days and go to B University.”

Yun Fei asked nothing and started booking the tickets, but Shen Zhibing took the initiative to add: “I haven’t been back since I graduated. It’s a good opportunity this time.”

Yun Fei nodded and responded: “The tickets are booked.”

She had checked the flight information yesterday, just waiting for the CEO’s order.

After the welcome reception, the MBA course officially began. The initial class schedule wasn’t dense, but it still put considerable pressure on Qi Zheng. For example, in-class group discussions, post-class case study assignments, and the list of related reference literature provided by the professor.

Her English proficiency was considered upper-intermediate in China—good for tests, but she still couldn’t fully adapt to the fully English-speaking classroom environment. She could understand 80 percent, but she needed to work harder to quickly and accurately express her own opinions and explanations.

Coupled with a large volume of technical jargon, American English idioms, and accents from classmates of different countries and regions, Qi Zheng’s pressure intensified. But she had prepared herself mentally. She spent her spare time in the library, listening to VOA in the background while reading the reference literature.

She bought a plate of spaghetti at school and brought it back to her apartment. She was a bit tired from too much reading today and planned to relax, not wanting to cook.

As she reached the downstairs of her apartment building, she saw a person get out of a car parked across the street. She was busy opening the door and only caught a quick glimpse from the corner of her eye, thinking the person looked familiar, but didn’t dwell on it.

As the sound of footsteps approached from behind and the familiar fragrance grew stronger, Qi Zheng’s movements slowed.

She didn’t turn around, but the other person spoke first: “Qi Zheng.”

It was her voice. Qi Zheng couldn’t describe what she was feeling at that moment. It wasn’t that she hadn’t thought Shen Zhibing might come looking for her, but she also thought such an idea was ridiculous. It was one thing to go to the suburban villa back in Haicheng, but that was just incidental.

Flying to the United States to find her—that kind of plot probably only happened in movies. CEO Shen might not care about the cost of the ticket, but her time was so precious; why would she spare any of it for this?

Qi Zheng suppressed the sudden surge of joy and excitement, took a deep breath, turned around, and offered a polite smile.

“What a coincidence, CEO Shen.”