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

Upon entering the hospital again, Fang Jingxiu's subtle hostility, which had originated from the negotiating table, had largely subsided. Instead, he exuded a deeper, more impenetrable solemnity, and... an almost devout concern.

He was still wearing that dark gray cashmere sweater and black woolen overcoat, his posture was upright, but his steps seemed heavier than before.

The light from the corridor fell on his sharply defined face, casting a faint shadow on his high, straight nose. His thin lips were tightly pressed together, and his usually calm and deep eyes, when looking towards the intensive care unit, were like a deep pool with a stone thrown in—the surface was calm, but the inside was turbulent.

Vice President Zhou of Yongzhou No. 1 Hospital had already received the notification and rushed to wait outside the intensive care unit.

Upon seeing Fang Jingxiu appear, he immediately stepped forward, his demeanor even more cautious than before: "Director Fang."

Fang Jingxiu nodded very slightly, his gaze fixed on the observation window of the intensive care unit as if drawn by a magnet.

Chen Nuo lay quietly, her small body nestled among the white bedding and medical tubing, the gauze around her neck glaringly conspicuous.

Her face was so pale it was almost transparent, as if it would vanish into the ashen whiteness at any moment.

The person who was so lively and spirited last week, who would look at him slyly and call him Brother Xiu in a soft voice, is now as fragile as a porcelain doll that has lost its soul.

"Tell me the details of the current situation." He turned to Vice Dean Zhou, his voice not loud, but carrying an imposing air of needing to know every single detail.

Vice Dean Zhou adjusted his glasses and reported methodically: "Ms. Chen Nuo's vital signs are currently stable. Her blood pressure and blood oxygen levels have returned to safe ranges. Blood transfusions and anti-infection treatments are ongoing. The effects of anesthesia have largely worn off, but she has not yet regained consciousness, which is not uncommon after massive blood loss and trauma. Her nervous system needs time to recover. We assess her GCS score every hour, and it is currently showing a slight improvement trend."

After listening to Vice President Zhou's professional and cautious report, Fang Jingxiu remained silent for a moment before asking the question that revealed his inner anxiety: "How risky is it to transfer to the Jingjing Military Region General Hospital?"

He wanted to place her at the core of his power, in the safest place, and to surround her with the best of everything. This almost instinctive protectiveness went beyond rational calculation of the optimal solution.

Upon hearing this, Vice President Zhou's face showed professional caution: "Director Fang, from a medical perspective, I do not recommend transferring her now. Although the patient's vital signs are stable, she is not out of danger, her body is extremely weak, and her internal environment is not yet fully stable. Long-distance travel, even with the most professional medical transport vehicle, carries the risk of inducing secondary bleeding, worsening infection, or even accidents during the journey. While the equipment and technology at the Military General Hospital are undoubtedly top-notch, at this stage, stability is more important than transfer. At least, we need to wait until she is fully conscious and has passed the critical 72-hour acute phase before conducting an assessment."

Fang Jingxiu listened in silence, his gaze returning to the ward. Vice President Zhou's words were reasonable and well-founded; he was not unreasonable.

However, even though the hospital was now an impregnable fortress, leaving Chen Nuo in this land where bloodshed had just begun meant that he couldn't truly relax.

After a moment of silence, he made a decision.

"Secretary Qin," he said, his voice steady yet carrying an unyielding resolve.

"Director." Secretary Qin immediately stepped forward.

"Help me ask for leave," Fang Jingxiu said clearly, "Three days. Starting today."

Secretary Qin was visibly taken aback, a fleeting, intense worry—the kind only a trusted confidant would understand—flirted across his eyes.

He didn't immediately reply "yes," but leaned closer and whispered quickly and clearly in a voice barely audible to the two of them: "Director, please think it over. You've just been promoted to director, and you haven't even settled into your position yet. So many eyes in the ministry are watching. You've only just taken office and you're already asking for three days off, and it's personal leave... What reason will you give? A family member is seriously ill? Miss Chen's identity... hasn't been made public yet. What will people think? They'll say you're slacking off, neglecting your duties for personal reasons, or even that you're frivolous and letting personal matters hold you back. This will be very detrimental to your prestige and your future work. The Liu family will probably use this as an excuse to make trouble."

Secretary Qin's words hit the nail on the head regarding the unspoken rules of officialdom. Leading cadres, especially those newly promoted to key positions, are most afraid of giving the impression of being unreliable and prioritizing personal matters over official duties. The number of days of leave requested and the reasons for leave are signals that those with ulterior motives will interpret.

Three days is neither a long nor a short time, but it's enough for some people to make a fuss about it.

Moreover, Chen Nuo's identity is sensitive and cannot be used as a formal reason. It would only lead to speculation and could even be maliciously slandered as ruining his future for a woman.

How could Fang Jingxiu not know these things?

He has been immersed in the system for many years and is well-versed in its intricacies.

Fang Jingxiu listened, but his gaze never left Chen Nuo in the ward. He remembered how much pain she must have felt the moment the blade sliced ​​through her skin, the fear of her lying helplessly in a pool of blood, and the possibility that she might never open those eyes that held starlight and him again…

His heart clenched suddenly; the pain was sharp and real, far more unbearable than any political risk.

He didn't immediately refute Secretary Qin, nor did he change his decision. He simply raised his hand and slowly pinched his brow with his index finger and thumb—a gesture that betrayed a hint of fatigue yet remained extremely restrained.

He didn't need to explain to Secretary Qin, nor did he need to confess to anyone. He knew his power, his future, and his rules. If he couldn't protect the person in front of him, then all this climbing and scheming would instantly lose its most important foundation.

She was not an embellishment in his power game, but rather the only warmth and light that Fang Jingxiu, stripped of all his identities, wanted to hold tightly in his hands and cherish in his heart.

He looked at Chen Nuo in the ward again.

The vibrant life that had been snuggling in his arms just last week, saying she wanted to keep a gigolo, was now lying there lifelessly, her neck wrapped in glaring gauze.

She almost perished in a conspiracy in a foreign land because she was pursuing the truth that he tacitly approved and even encouraged.

The calculations in the arena of power, concerns about his reputation, and plans for the future... all of these are important, serving as the foundation for his survival and gradual ascent.

But at this moment, looking at that pale face, all these important things seemed to recede and become somewhat blurred.

He remembered her bright, sparkling eyes in the rainy night, the slightly upturned corners of her mouth when she was being coquettish, and the way she looked when she firmly said, "I'll wait for you."

He also recalled the promise he had made to himself when he received that pinky ring.

"She's the most important." He said these words very softly, yet they carried immense weight. This wasn't just a romantic remark; it was a man redefining his principles, a powerful figure finally affirming his inner order.

For her sake, he was willing to bear the criticism and temporarily deviate from the path of careful planning.

This willingness is itself the deepest and most extravagant expression of love he can give. In his position, time, reputation, and potential political capital are all more precious than diamonds.

Secretary Qin remained silent. He knew that the director's mind was made up. Behind this decision lay a deep affection he had never seen before, an affection that was almost a desperate gamble.

He had followed Fang Jingxiu for many years and knew well the pride and decisiveness inherent in this young leader.

He usually abides by the rules and remains calm and restrained, but once his bottom line is touched on people and things he truly cares about, his hidden strength and willingness to pay any price will be revealed without a doubt.

"Yes, Director." Secretary Qin said no more, bowing his head in agreement. "I will handle the leave application properly. As for the ministry, treat it as urgent personal business, requiring three days of reporting in Yongzhou, and consult with the relevant deputy minister by phone. I will compile daily briefings on the specific work, and encrypt and send important documents to you for review. The departmental meeting and several scheduled research trips may need to be adjusted or the deputy director may be asked to chair them."

"Okay." Fang Jingxiu nodded, acknowledging Secretary Qin's resourcefulness and thoughtfulness. "Handle it well. Don't bother me for the next three days unless something truly terrible happens."

"Understood," Secretary Qin replied solemnly.

He knew that Fang Jingxiu would be staying in the hospital for the next three days, personally guarding him.

This is his transgression of the rules, but also his adherence to his own inner principles.

After giving his instructions, Fang Jingxiu turned to Vice Dean Zhou, who had been waiting quietly, and said, "Dean Zhou, please arrange a rest room or duty room for me that is closest to the ICU. Also," he paused, his tone leaving no room for argument,

"For the next three days, her attending medical team, especially those on the night shift, must consist of the most reliable and skilled people in your hospital. I don't want to see any accidents, not even the slightest oversight."

"Don't worry, Director Fang!" Vice President Zhou immediately assured him, "I'll personally oversee things. The rest room is right next door; it's already been prepared. The equipment is simple, but it's quiet. The medical team consists of the backbone of our intensive care and surgery departments; they are absolutely reliable both politically and professionally."

Knowing full well the young director's capabilities and determination, he dared not be negligent in the slightest.

Fang Jingxiu nodded again, accepting the arrangement. He didn't say anything more, only took a deep look at Chen Nuo in the intensive care unit, and then said to Secretary Qin, "Go and take care of your business. Leave one car at the hospital as a backup."

"Yes." Secretary Qin bowed and quickly left to deal with the thorny leave request and subsequent work arrangements.

After Secretary Qin left, Fang Jingxiu entered the simple lounge. He didn't turn on the lights, letting the twilight gradually fill the room.

He took off his coat, but instead of sitting down to rest, he walked to the window again and silently looked out.

However, his attention was clearly not on the scenery. Every time the slightest sound came from the direction of the intensive care unit, his shoulders would tense up almost imperceptibly for a moment, and his gaze would quickly sweep over it.

Finally, he left the window, gently pushed open the door to the intensive care unit, and went inside.

The smell of disinfectant was stronger, and the ticking sound of the instrument was regular and cold.

He walked slowly to the bedside, his tall figure casting a shadow beside the bed, yet carrying endless tenderness.

He looked at her for a long time.

Then, he reached out very slowly and carefully, not to hold her hand for fear of disturbing the IV needle, but with his fingertips, with almost imperceptible force, gently brushed a strand of her black hair that had fallen on the pillow, as if touching a rare treasure.

His gaze traced her pale eyebrows, nose, and lips, each detail etched into his heart.

"Baby," he whispered, his voice so hoarse it was almost incoherent, barely audible to the nearest instruments, "Brother Xiu is here."

"Don't be afraid," he added, more like he was saying it to himself. He remembered her tearful plea for help when she was in danger; back then, he wished he could fly to her side, and even now, he was still chilled to the bone.

He bent down and whispered in her ear in a lower, softer voice, as if making a solemn vow: "From now on, I will never let you face these things alone again."

After saying this, he straightened up, forcibly suppressing the pain and tenderness surging in his eyes, and covering them with a layer of resolute coldness.

He turned and walked out of the intensive care unit, back to the lounge, and sat down at the desk.

Without turning on the light, he took out his phone, the cold light of the screen illuminating his hard, angular jawline. He began processing the necessary documents sent by Secretary Qin through encryption, replying to crucial emails with concise sentences and decisive decisions, as if the man who had just whispered to him by his bedside was merely an illusion.

But every half hour, he would get up on time, walk outside the monitoring room, and quietly look through the observation window for a minute or two to make sure that the little figure was still safe before going back to continue working.

It was late at night, and he lay fully clothed on the makeshift bed, but he couldn't fall asleep. In the darkness, he kept his eyes open, listening to the occasional footsteps in the corridor outside, his nerves constantly on edge because of the person in the next room.

This love had no flowers, no confession, and hardly any words.

It is reflected in his decision to make an exception and ask for leave, in his silent waiting, in his fingertips that carefully touch her hair, and in the protective barrier he built for her that disregards rules and opinions.

It is Fang Jingxiu's kind of love—deep, restrained, and burdened with the weight and risks of power. But because of this, it appears all the more unquestionable and possesses a tremendous power to destroy all obstacles.

This love, like the power in his hands, was silent yet powerful enough to shake his once impregnable world.