Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 99

Qi Zheng hung up the phone, feeling a bit complicated. Jiang Youyou, for some unknown reason, seemed to have been bought off by Shen Zhibing during the meal, and even started comforting and advising her in a roundabout way before hanging up.

“Qi Zheng, CEO Shen is so beautiful, capable, and rich, everyone likes her. So… even if she rejects you, she’s still a good boss. See how much she cares about you.”

Qi Zheng didn’t know whether to laugh or cry and couldn’t explain much.

She temporarily changed her plan to go to the library and walked back with her coffee. She remembered CEO Shen mentioning that there was a famous “Old Man Tree” here.

She searched for a long time but couldn’t find it, and felt too awkward to ask the students passing by. Zhuang Muqing called out to her not far away, and only then did Qi Zheng realize that Zhuang Muqing had also studied here in the early stages of her undergraduate degree.

“I’m here today to discuss the exhibition. Shall we have lunch together?”

Zhuang Muqing was planning a small personal photography exhibition at B University, mostly featuring subjects related to B University, so holding it here was more fitting for the theme.

Qi Zheng nodded indifferently. Today, Li Yunshan was busy, so changing a lunch partner was fine.

“Shouldn’t you be at the library?” Zhuang Muqing remembered that Qi Zheng usually immersed herself in the library or worked on assignments after class. Why was she aimlessly strolling here, and alone at that?

Qi Zheng felt a little awkward, but since she was quite familiar with Zhuang Muqing: “I heard there was a famous tree here before, so I wanted to come and see it.”

Zhuang Muqing was momentarily stunned, then smiled: “So you’re also looking for the ‘Old Man Tree.’ I’ll take you there.”

Seeing that someone could lead the way, Qi Zheng followed without hesitation.

Zhuang Muqing asked her: “How did you know about this?”

Qi Zheng countered: “Isn’t it famous?”

Zhuang Muqing’s smile deepened as she explained: “It’s actually not a well-known landmark of B University, and it’s only famous in a small circle, mostly appealing to Asian students. I didn’t know about it when I first enrolled; I heard about it from senior students.”

Qi Zheng knew even less about it, so she listened quietly as Zhuang Muqing spoke.

They soon arrived at the tree they were looking for. Its shape was indeed unique—big, tall, and weathered enough. However, something seemed to be missing beside it.

Qi Zheng carefully observed it and felt an indescribable sense of melancholy in her heart.

“This tree wasn’t so lonely before, but the surrounding trees have successively withered or been struck by lightning. It’s quite bizarre, only this one has bravely survived.”

From an artist’s perspective, this was indeed good material for creation.

Qi Zheng, however, imagined whether Shen Zhibing, during her studies here, had also stood here, just like her now, looking at this towering tree that had survived the changes of time and was now left alone.

Seeing Qi Zheng remain silent for a long time, Zhuang Muqing turned to look at her. Qi Zheng was looking up, as if trying to see the past, which had left no trace, through the branches and leaves. There was an indescribable beauty of desolation and compassion that was deeply moving.

She immediately took out her phone and quickly captured the scene that had greatly touched her. Inspiration is fleeting, and she had to record it immediately.

Qi Zheng’s profile was perfect, very suitable as a prototype for a sculpture. However, appearance alone was not enough; the beauty of sculpture lies in the inner soul.

Zhuang Muqing felt she had captured it—the deeply hidden sadness and entanglement in Qi Zheng’s heart, which was a source of exquisite art.

After she finished taking the photo, Qi Zheng turned to look at her, seemingly unhappy about being secretly photographed.

“I just thought that moment was beautiful; I meant no harm.” Zhuang Muqing put her phone in front of her, openly showing her recent work. “If it makes you uncomfortable, I’ll delete it right away, I apologize.”

Qi Zheng looked down at the screen. Her profile on the screen was hidden in the shifting light and shadow, indeed possessing a certain artistic flair.

“I don’t mind, just don’t use me for your exhibition.”

Zhuang Muqing hesitated, then confessed: “Actually, I’ve been conceptualizing a new sculpture lately, and your appearance just now gave me a great deal of inspiration.”

Qi Zheng looked at her, as if waiting for her to continue.

“So, I would like to ask you to be my model.”

Qi Zheng was stunned, then shook her head: “I don’t understand these things; I’m afraid I can’t help you.”

Zhuang Muqing explained: “It’s not what you’re thinking. You just need to sit there quietly.”

When they are creating art, they often encounter people who misunderstand what a sculpture model is. Many people, upon hearing the request to be a model, immediately think of something like David—they have to undress completely, at most getting a piece of cloth draped over them.

After hearing the explanation, Qi Zheng still shook her head: “I’m not comfortable with that. Sorry, I can’t help you.”

Seeing her reluctance, Zhuang Muqing didn’t press the matter. They lingered there for a while longer. Qi Zheng took out her phone to take a few photos of the big tree, then walked toward the outside of the campus.

“Are you interested in going to that restaurant from last time again?”

The restaurant Zhuang Muqing suggested was the small steamed bun place an hour’s drive away. The taste was indeed good, but not good enough to warrant a special trip again.

“Actually, I’d rather have a burger.”

That burger place by the back gate has really good flavor and is very convenient.

Zhuang Muqing was a little disappointed but happily agreed to go. This place was indeed very popular among students; she used to stand in line here when she was studying.

“I heard from my uncle that the collaboration with Shen’s has been successfully completed. He also told me that you are a very promising employee at Shen’s.”

Qi Zheng took a bite of her burger, listening to her with a slight smile. Yun Fei had already told her the news about the successful acquisition plan, and she was happy about it too.

But there was also an unspeakable sense of loss.

Zhuang Muqing was in a good mood, probably because the exhibition preparations were going smoothly, making her seem more spirited.

“Your CEO Shen also graduated from the Business School and still holds quite a few records.”

Qi Zheng was drinking her beverage and quietly said: “Is that so? I really don’t know much about that.”

Since coming here, she had been focused on catching up, trying hard to adapt to the rhythm and style of foreign classes. Only recently did she finally get a chance to breathe and truly appreciate the campus scenery and other things.

“Shen Zhibing’s name was already quite famous when I was studying. I remember many boys in the class called her ‘Ice Beauty,’ and some called her ‘Snow Princess.’ I didn’t expect that after so many years, her name hasn’t been forgotten; instead, it’s become even more legendary.”

After graduating, Shen Zhibing donates to B University every year, and she established a new scholarship at the beginning of this year. Her name is already firmly in the column of outstanding alumni, and legends about her are still alive on campus.

“CEO Shen is indeed very impressive. Her judgment on trends and calculation of timing are very accurate.”

Zhuang Muqing wasn’t proficient in business, but she also admired Shen Zhibing’s talents in other areas.

“She’s also very good at equestrianism and used to represent the school team in competitions. Her dancing is even more exceptional; at the graduation ball back then, many people lined up to ask her to dance, all unsuccessful.”

Qi Zheng listened silently, feeling that Shen Zhibing was both close to her and far away. These were all things she never knew—they were the past of CEO Shen.

Seeing her lack of reaction, Zhuang Muqing assumed she wasn’t interested: “You finally came here to study, and I’ve been telling you a bunch of stories about your boss. Is this putting more pressure on you?”

Qi Zheng sighed softly: “I just feel like I’ve never truly known her.”

This feeling of being unfamiliar yet familiar made Qi Zheng’s heart uneasy.

She hadn’t told Shen Zhibing how long it would take for their feelings to change for the better—perhaps never. She also didn’t know if she would ever have the kind of relationship with CEO Shen that she hoped for, so she hadn’t given any reply.

In truth, she herself was uncertain about Shen Zhibing’s attitude. Her coming to apologize, to give a gift, her humble demeanor, soft words, and even desperate plea for reconciliation—if she didn’t genuinely care, Shen Zhibing would never have done so.

Qi Zheng no longer harbored resentment for the words Shen Zhibing spoke that night, but those words still felt like a sharp knife, piercing a big hole in her soft heart. After calming down, what she repeatedly recalled was the fact that CEO Shen had not hesitated to push her away when facing pressure and difficulties.

Qi Zheng thought that perhaps a person stronger than her, someone who could provide a sense of security and be wholly relied upon, would be more suitable to stand by CEO Shen’s side.

And the current her was clearly not that person.

But when Jiang Youyou told her that CEO Shen frequently ran into her at the cafeteria “unintentionally but often,” and would always talk about her, Qi Zheng felt that CEO Shen might not have given up.

This was a persistence and proactiveness that Shen Zhibing had never shown during their past interactions. Qi Zheng even felt that after they separated, she could actually sense CEO Shen’s concern for her.

Zhuang Muqing had already changed the topic, asking about Qi Zheng’s future career plans. When she heard Qi Zheng say she was interested in seeking opportunities in the US, she was surprised but also happy.

“If CEO Shen finds out that you don’t want to go back after studying in the US, she might cancel the program.”

Qi Zheng, however, shook her head: “She must have prepared for both eventualities.”

Zhuang Muqing asked again: “So, what kind of work do you want to try? Similar to what you did at Shen’s, or are you looking to switch industries?”

Qi Zheng pondered and said: “I want to start my own business; I want to do something on my own.”

Zhuang Muqing was not surprised by this. With the rise of the internet, more and more emerging industries have been spurred, and starting a business is indeed a good option.

“But the risks of starting a business are greater, and you are unfamiliar with the US, lacking resources and connections. You need to think it through carefully.”

These were all obvious realities, and Qi Zheng was certainly aware of them. That’s why she hadn’t taken rash action but was gathering and analyzing information, hoping to find a suitable niche.

She wanted to find an opportunity in the “small but beautiful” market.

“If you need any help, you can tell me.”

“Thank you, Moon.”

Qi Zheng didn’t want to rely on Zhuang Muqing’s resources. The numerous favors she had received from her during this time were already acts of kindness; how could she push her luck even further?

Midway through the course, there was a three-week holiday, and Qi Zheng had to return to Hai City.

According to company regulations, she needed to return to Shen’s to report to the relevant personnel, briefly explaining her study situation and her plan for the subsequent period. The formal report would only happen upon graduation.

Qi Zheng finished packing her luggage and checked her phone. Yun Fei had told her that CEO Shen was very busy this week, almost always on business trips, and might not be back next week either.

Her chat history with Shen Zhibing was still halted four days ago. After discussing work and studies, Shen Zhibing finally asked her which day she would be returning.

After Qi Zheng informed her of the date, she only received an ‘OK’ hand gesture from CEO Shen, and nothing else.

Jiang Youyou, on the other hand, was more excited, insisting on picking her up personally.

Indeed, before Qi Zheng could even fully appreciate the familiar scent of Hai City, she was enveloped in a bear hug from Jiang Youyou.

“Ahhh, Qi Zheng, you’re finally back!”

Qi Zheng thought, No need to be so excited, this is exaggerated, exaggerated.

“If you didn’t come back, I wouldn’t have anything to answer CEO Shen’s questions with!”