Guide to Rising to Power as a Wife in Beijing's Elite Circle

At 6:50 p.m. the next day, Chen Nuo stood at the window of his rented room, watching the black Hongqi H7 slowly drive into the community below.

She took a deep breath and checked her outfit one last time.

A cream-colored cashmere sweater, the neckline revealing the collarbone just right. Light gray plaid trousers make her legs look straight and long.

Her long hair was loosely braided into a side braid, hanging down one shoulder. Her makeup was very light, with only lip gloss to make her complexion look better.

Young, clean, and full of youthful energy.

This is her only asset now.

But she knew that being pretty wasn't enough.

What kind of woman hasn't Fang Jingxiu seen?

Which of the women who throw themselves at her, are charming and alluring, or come from prominent families, doesn't have an advantage over her?

She needs something else.

My phone vibrated. Secretary Qin sent me a WeChat message: "Ms. Chen, you've arrived."

Chen Nuo picked up her handbag and went downstairs.

On an autumn evening, the setting sun bathed the walls of the old residential area in a warm golden hue.

Chen Nuo walked quickly toward the car.

Secretary Qin had already gotten out of the car and opened the back door for her: "Ms. Chen."

Chen Nuo bent down and sat down, and saw Fang Jingxiu sitting on the other side.

He was on his phone, a black pen in his left hand, scribbling rapidly on a document on his lap. His white shirt sleeves were rolled up to his forearms, exuding masculine allure.

"Check the data again; there can be no errors." His voice was deep and carried an unquestionable authority. "I want to see the final report by 10 a.m. tomorrow."

As he spoke, he glanced up at Chen Nuo and nodded slightly as a greeting, but his attention was clearly still on the phone.

Chen Nuo sat quietly and fastened his seatbelt.

The car was quiet, with only Fang Jingxiu's deep voice and the scratching sound of a pen slicing across paper.

She secretly sized him up.

His profile was sharply defined, his brows slightly furrowed, and his expression focused. His commanding presence, even while on the phone, was so strong that it was impossible to ignore.

That is power.

It's not about being arrogant and domineering, but rather about absolute control within a calm demeanor.

Three minutes later, Fang Jingxiu hung up the phone, threw it on his seat, and rubbed his temples.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Mr. Fang," Chen Nuo said softly.

Fang Jingxiu turned his head to look at her, raising an eyebrow slightly: "Do I look that old?"

Chen Nuo was taken aback.

"Just like Zhao Mingkai and the others," he leaned back in his seat, speaking casually, "just call me Brother Xiu."

Chen Nuo's cheeks flushed slightly. It wasn't an act; it was genuine.

The way he said those two words carried a certain intimacy, making her heart race.

"Brother Xiu..." she whispered.

Fang Jingxiu smiled, a faint smile, but with a glint in his eyes: "So obedient? Aren't you afraid I'll kidnap you?"

Chen Nuo looked up at him.

"He didn't even ask where he was taking you, just got in the car and drove off." Fang Jingxiu looked at her, his eyes scrutinizing her. "Didn't your father teach you not to get into a man's car so easily?"

That's a direct, even harsh, statement.

But Chen Nuo could tell.

He was teaching her.

It wasn't really blaming her, but rather using this method to tell her: in this circle, you need to be wary.

"My father taught me that," Chen Nuo met his gaze, his voice steady. "But he also said that some people can be trusted."

"for example?"

"For example, you," Chen Nuo paused, "If you really wanted to do something to me, you wouldn't need to go through all this trouble."

These were bold words, but Fang Jingxiu's laughter only grew louder upon hearing them.

"Smart," he commented, then told the driver, "To the Park Hyatt."

The car drove onto the East Third Ring Road, where the evening rush hour traffic formed a river of lights. Fang Jingxiu closed the document, removed the cap from his pen, and looked out the window.

Chen Nuo noticed that when he relaxed, his shoulders would sag slightly, and the fatigue between his brows was also undeniable.

"Are you very tired today?" she asked.

"We've held six meetings in a row," Fang Jingxiu said with his eyes closed. "The new energy project has just started, and we need to coordinate with all parties involved."

"So you have a business dinner tonight?"

"I can't refuse." He opened his eyes and looked at her. "So I'm taking you with me to help me fend off the drinks."

Chen Nuo was taken aback: "I... don't drink alcohol."

"You don't need to drink," Fang Jingxiu said. "Just sit there. They'll see I brought a female companion, so they won't keep pouring it for me."

He spoke casually, but Chen Nuo understood.

This is both a form of protection and a signal.

Taking her to social events means bringing her into your social circle. Even if it's just on the periphery, it's still a stepping stone.

"Who's here tonight?" she asked.

"A few investors, and..." Fang Jingxiu paused, "...you should know Liu Qingsong and Zheng Xuan."

Chen Nuo's heart skipped a beat.

These two names were household names at the film academy. They were figures she could only see on television and at award ceremonies.

"How...how could they?"

"New energy projects need promotional videos," Fang Jingxiu explained. "The persuasiveness of videos produced by top directors is different."

He glanced at her: "If you want to make movies, you'll have to come into contact with these kinds of people sooner or later. It won't hurt to get to know them tonight."

Chen Nuo gripped her handbag tightly.

She suddenly understood why Fang Jingxiu wanted to bring her along.

It's not just about refusing drinks, and it's not just about relaxing.

He was paving the way for her.

He used his resources to exchange for her companionship.

Each got what they wanted, but this time, she received far more than she gave.

The car stopped in front of the Park Hyatt Hotel. The doorman opened the car door, and Fang Jingxiu got out first, then naturally reached out to help Chen Nuo.

His hands were warm, with thin calluses on his palms, and his grip on her wrist was very firm.

After Chen Nuo regained her footing, he let go, but his hand remained loosely protective behind her as he led her into the hotel.