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

The clubhouse looks unremarkable from the outside, even a bit old-fashioned, but the license plates of the cars parked at the entrance are surprisingly understated.

They all start with 京AG6.

Clearly, this is a place where we really get down to business.

Fang Jingxiu took Chen Nuo's hand and, led by a waiter, entered the innermost private room.

The heavy solid wood door was pushed open, and the scene inside made Chen Nuo's breath catch in his throat slightly.

The private room was large and decorated in a dignified Chinese style. Four people were already seated around the mahogany round table.

The main seat was empty, clearly reserved for Fang Jingxiu.

Of the four people sitting in the guest seats, Chen Nuo only recognized one: Zhao Zhiqiang.

The other three were Wang Yongkang, the executive vice mayor of Yongzhou City, who was over fifty years old, had a prosperous appearance, but whose eyes were somewhat shifty.

A man in his early thirties, with an arrogant expression and a fierce look in his eyes, was Wang Yongkang's son, Wang Zhide, who was also the person in charge of the forced demolition project.

The last one, around forty years old, was dressed in a casual suit. He appeared the most composed, even somewhat nonchalant, but the occasional glint of shrewdness in his eyes revealed that he was no ordinary person. This was Bai Chen, the third son of the Bai family, and also a key contact person for the Bai family's gray industries in Yongzhou and even the surrounding areas.

These four people, though sitting there, each had a different posture.

Zhao Zhiqiang's face was ashen, his eyes darting away, and he dared not meet Fang Jingxiu's gaze.

Wang Zhide looked impatient, even with a hint of anger, clearly very dissatisfied with being invited here.

Wang Yongkang had a forced smile on his face, but the fine beads of sweat on his forehead betrayed his nervousness.

Only Bai Chen remained relatively calm, toying with a lighter in his hand, his gaze sweeping over Fang Jingxiu and Chen Nuo with scrutiny and a hint of barely perceptible contempt.

These are the people.

Chen Nuo looked at them, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.

These people, high above and wielding power, treat ordinary people like dirt. For their own benefit, they can disregard the law, commit massacres, and unhesitatingly turn their blades on a young student who is investigating the truth.

They may have long forgotten the path they came from, forgotten that they were once ordinary people, forgotten the ambition they might have had, even the slightest, to benefit the people when they first entered the system, and forgotten the solemn promises they made when they took the oath.

Power and desire corrupted their original aspirations, turning them into monsters who entrenched themselves in local areas and sucked the blood and sweat of the people.

Fang Jingxiu seemed oblivious to the various expressions on the faces of the people around him. He walked straight to the head seat, but instead of sitting down immediately, he personally pulled out the chair to the right of the head seat, usually the seat for the most distinguished guest or the host's family, and gestured for Chen Nuo to sit down.

This action, though silent, carried immense weight.

The private room fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone understood.

This young girl was not just someone Fang Jingxiu brought to broaden her horizons; she was the protagonist of tonight's dinner party, someone Fang Jingxiu placed by his side, clearly declaring his ownership and protective stance towards her.

Zhao Zhiqiang lowered his head even further, Wang Yongkang's smile froze, a hint of astonishment and jealousy flashed in Wang Zhide's eyes, and Bai Chen's hand, which was playing with the lighter, also paused for a moment.

Under Fang Jingxiu's calm and firm gaze, Chen Nuo took a deep breath, straightened his back, and sat down steadily.

She knew that at this moment she represented not only herself, but also Fang Jingxiu's attitude.

She couldn't show weakness.

Fang Jingxiu then sat down in the main seat. He leaned back slightly, his posture relaxed, yet he exuded an invisible pressure.

He first took out a pack of cigarettes from his suit pocket, flicked one out, put it in his mouth, but didn't light it immediately.

Almost reflexively, Wang Yongkang immediately bent down, picked up the lighter on the table, and leaned over to carefully light Fang Jingxiu's cigarette, his face full of flattery: "Director Fang, please."

Fang Jingxiu lit a cigarette in his hand, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled the grayish-white smoke.

Through the swirling smoke, his gaze, sharp as an ice blade, first fell upon the most terrified Zhao Zhiqiang.

Zhao Zhiqiang trembled.

"Mr. Zhao," Fang Jingxiu began, his voice low, even flat, "are you settling in comfortably inside?"

Zhao Zhiqiang's lips trembled, and he couldn't speak.

"I think you're not quite used to it," Fang Jingxiu said to himself, flicking his cigarette ash. "Otherwise, why would you still have the mind to pass messages to people outside, implying that you have connections at higher levels?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhiqiang's face turned ashen, and Wang Yongkang's expression also changed. Wang Zhide couldn't contain himself any longer and abruptly looked up: "Director Fang! What do you mean by this? President Zhao is an outstanding entrepreneur in Yongzhou, he..."

Did I give you permission to speak?

Fang Jingxiu didn't even look at him, but simply interrupted Wang Zhide's words in a calm voice, which was like an invisible slap in the face.

The coldness and condescension in his words were undisguised.

When has Wang Zhide ever suffered such humiliation?

Especially in front of his father and Bai San.

His face flushed red, and he was about to explode when Wang Yongkang glared at him fiercely, his eyes filled with warning and anxiety.

Wang Zhide gritted his teeth, held his breath, and sat back down heavily, his chest heaving violently.

Fang Jingxiu then turned his gaze to Wang Yongkang, took another drag of his cigarette, and slowly said, "Mayor Wang, my girlfriend was almost murdered in broad daylight on your Yongzhou territory. Tell me, do you, Wang Yongkang, think I, Fang Jingxiu, am easy to bully, or does your Yongzhou region simply not take my Fang family seriously?"

"A misunderstanding! A huge misunderstanding, Director Fang!" Wang Yongkang stood up anxiously, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe his sweat.

"This was absolutely an accident! It was due to the lawlessness of some criminal gangs! We have been investigating with all our might, and the suspects have been apprehended! We had absolutely no intention of disrespecting you or our family!"

"An accident?" Fang Jingxiu chuckled lightly, a laugh devoid of warmth. He pointed his cigarette-holding finger in Wang Zhide's direction.

"Mayor Wang, what about your son? Last month, on Binjiang Road, he was driving under the influence and killed a mother and child riding an electric scooter. Instead of getting out of the car to help them, he got out to take pictures and post them on WeChat Moments, mocking the child for being so strong, flying so far. Was that an accident? Or is it that the laws of Yongzhou don't apply to your son, Mayor Wang?"

Wang Zhide's face turned pale instantly. He had clearly used his connections to suppress this matter, and all the evidence at the scene had been cleaned up. How could Fang Jingxiu know so much? He even knew the content of Fang Jingxiu's WeChat Moments?

Wang Yongkang was sweating profusely. Of course he knew about this matter, and he had personally stepped in to resolve it.

Unexpectedly, this became a handle in Fang Jingxiu's hands.

Fang Jingxiu stubbed out his cigarette in the expensive rosewood ashtray, leaned forward slightly, placed his hands on the table, and glanced at the three people with different expressions before finally settling on Bai Chen, who had remained silent.

He blew a breath, as if trying to disperse the smoke in front of him, and also to blow away the last trace of feigned peace on his face.

"Is there really no law in Yongzhou?" His voice was soft, but it struck everyone's heart like a heavy hammer.

Bai Chen finally put down the lighter. He looked at Fang Jingxiu, his face still expressionless, but his eyes sharpened considerably: "Director Fang, we're all sensible people. You called us here today not just for a chat, nor to dredge up old grievances. If you have something to say, just say it directly. There's no point in beating around the bush."

Upon hearing this, Fang Jingxiu suddenly smiled.

He turned his head, reached out, and with an extremely natural, even slightly indulgent, gesture, gently twirled a strand of hair that had fallen beside Chen Nuo's ear. The movement was so tender that it seemed completely out of place with the tense atmosphere in the private room.

"Don't be in such a hurry, Bai San." Fang Jingxiu's voice carried a playful laziness. "I haven't even started settling your score with you yet."

Bai Chen's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Fang Jingxiu withdrew his hand, leaned back in his chair, and stared at Bai Chen with lightning-fast eyes: "Your father's surrogacy project hasn't been going too well lately, has it? Have there been some problems with the supply channels in Southeast Asia? Also, those human modification experiments your lab was secretly conducting have had several accidents, and the families are making quite a scene. Is the money about to be exposed?"

A crack finally appeared on Bai Chen's calm mask, and his pupils suddenly contracted.

These are some of the Bai family's most core and secretive businesses, involving overseas gray industry chains and extremely sensitive illegal biological experiments. Very few people know about them. How could Fang Jingxiu...?

He looked at Fang Jingxiu, then at Chen Nuo, who looked weak and quiet beside him. An absurd yet infuriating thought arose in his mind: Could it be that just because he was investigating this woman, Fang Jingxiu was willing to use top-tier resources and almost expose the entire Bai family's secrets?

A surge of anger suddenly rose in his heart.

Bai Chen was young and impetuous, and a direct descendant of the Bai family. He had never been so openly exposed and humiliated.

He slammed his hand on the table, pointed at Chen Nuo, his voice trembling with anger: "Fang Jingxiu! You fucking did all this for such a scumbag..."

He didn't finish his sentence.

Fang Jingxiu made a move.

It was so fast that it was almost impossible to see.

Suddenly, he stood up, covered Chen Nuo's eyes, grabbed the heavy crystal glass ashtray inlaid with sandalwood in front of him, and without any warning or words, smashed it hard against Bai Chen's head with all his might!

"Bang--!"

A muffled thud was followed by the crisp sound of glass shattering.

Ash and unextinguished cigarette butts splattered everywhere.

Bai Chen had no time to react; he only felt a sharp pain in his forehead, and warm liquid instantly blurred his vision.

He instinctively covered his head, staggered backward, knocked over a chair, and then everything went black as he collapsed onto the gleaming floor, blood gushing from his forehead and staining the carpet red.

Dead silence.

Absolute silence.

Only heavy breathing and the faint sound of ashtray fragments rolling on the floor remained in the private room.

Wang Yongkang and his son were dumbfounded and terrified. Zhao Zhiqiang was so frightened that he collapsed in his chair and almost fainted.

Chen Nuo was startled by the sound and instinctively grabbed Fang Jingxiu's arm, but Fang Jingxiu gently grasped hers with a steady and reassuring grip.

Fang Jingxiu stood still, slowly unbuttoning his suit jacket, then raised his hand and slowly loosened the top button of his shirt, before twisting his neck and making a soft "click" sound.

His face remained expressionless, as if he hadn't delivered that violent, thunderous blow.

But the chilling, almost tangible killing intent emanating from him caused the temperature in the private room to plummet to freezing.

He released his hand from Chen Nuo's eyes, walked to Bai Chen who was slumped on the ground, and looked down at his bleeding head. His voice was not loud, but every word was clear and carried a chilling intent that seeped into his bones:

"Bai Chen, watch your mouth. If I hear another filthy word from you..."

He paused, leaned down, and whispered in a voice only a few people nearby could hear:

"I wouldn't mind letting you die here by accident tonight. Do you think your Bai family has connections, but my Fang family doesn't?"

He straightened up, his gaze sweeping over the trembling Wang Yongkang and his son. His tone returned to its usual cold calm, yet it was even more chilling:

"Once we're in Jingjing, killing you would be a piece of cake. Show some respect to my woman. This is the first and last warning."

At this moment, no one dared to underestimate the girl sitting quietly beside Fang Jingxiu.

She was not just his girlfriend, but also his Achilles' heel; to touch her would mean certain death.

Wang Yongkang was the first to react, practically scrambling to Fang Jingxiu's side, bowing deeply, his voice trembling with sobs and extreme fear: "Director Fang! Director Fang, please calm down! Bai Chen was ignorant! He spoke recklessly! This matter... this matter was entirely my negligence! It was my poor management of security in Yongzhou that caused Miss Chen to be frightened! You decide how you want to punish him! I will have no objections!"

Fang Jingxiu then shifted his gaze from Bai Chen to Wang Yongkang's face, which was covered in cold sweat and fear.

He reached out and lightly patted Wang Yongkang's cheek, making a soft "slap slap" sound, which was full of humiliation.

"Wang Yongkang, you're quite savvy," Fang Jingxiu said, his tone even carrying a hint of amusement.

Wang Yongkang lowered his head even further, bent his back even more deeply, and forced a fawning smile that was more like a grimace: "Yes, yes, Director Fang is right."

"I heard," Fang Jingxiu's tone shifted abruptly, his voice turning cold, "that you embezzled a considerable amount in the wetland park renovation project in Yongzhou New District? Hmm? And those shell companies under your wife's name, they probably took on quite a few municipal projects, right?"

Wang Yongkang was terrified, as if struck by lightning. He knew that Fang Jingxiu had thoroughly investigated him!

His legs went weak and he almost knelt down; cold sweat instantly soaked the back of his shirt.

Before he could answer, Fang Jingxiu continued, "My girlfriend wants to make a movie to expose social realities and promote righteousness. The problem is... she's a little short on funds. As you know, I'm penniless, my salary is limited, and I don't have the money to invest in her."

His tone was regretful, but his gaze was sharp as a knife as he stared at Wang Yongkang.

Wang Yongkang grasped at this "lifeline" almost immediately, hurriedly declaring, "I'll invest! I'll invest! To support the development of the national film industry, and to support talented young people like Ms. Chen, I, Wang Yongkang, have an unshirkable duty! I'll... I'll invest 20 million! No, 50 million! To support Ms. Chen's film!"

Fang Jingxiu didn't speak, but slightly turned his head to look at Chen Nuo beside him, and asked gently, "Nuonuo, look, isn't the light in this private room a bit dim?"

Chen Nuo was taken aback for a moment, then understood what he meant.

She looked into Fang Jingxiu's deep eyes, where there was encouragement, but also cold calculation.

She pursed her lips and softly replied, "Yes...it is a bit dark."

Wang Yongkang's heart was pounding so hard it felt like it would jump out of his chest!

Is the light dim?

They think the money isn't enough!

He almost cried, immediately changing his tune, his voice trembling: "Director Fang! Miss Chen! I feel... fifty million might not be enough for an excellent film! It's not enough to show our support for the film industry! I... I, Wang Yongkang, personally, will donate two hundred million! To fully support Miss Chen Nuo's film production! You see... is this light bright enough?"

Fang Jingxiu chuckled softly, his laughter devoid of any discernible emotion. He patted Wang Yongkang's sweat-drenched face again, his touch lighter: "Be sensible. Get up."

Wang Yongkang was granted a general amnesty.

"Since Mayor Wang is so sincere in donating two hundred million, he must genuinely hope that my girlfriend's movie will be a huge success and contribute to society," Fang Jingxiu said calmly.

"Now that the money has been taken out, Mayor Wang must be short of cash and probably doesn't have much spare money to support your... spendthrift son."

Wang Zhide suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with terror.

Fang Jingxiu, seemingly oblivious, continued, "How about this: send him in for a few days to reflect on his actions. It could also... add a touch of righteous indignation to your father's donation, a story of sacrificing family for the greater good? And it'll also generate some buzz for Director Chen's film, adding to the publicity. What do you say, Mayor Wang?"

Wang Yongkang's face was deathly pale, and his lips were trembling.

He only has one son, and although he's not very good, he's still the apple of his eye!

Send it in?

How can things possibly be good?

"Director Fang, this...this unfilial son has made a mistake, but...but sending him in, isn't that...?" He tried to struggle.

Fang Jingxiu didn't speak, but simply looked at him quietly, letting out a very soft, questioning sound through his nose: "Hmm?"

It was just one syllable, but it choked Wang Yongkang to all his pleas for leniency.

He recalled the blow Fang Jingxiu had just delivered to Bai Chen, the evidence he had casually recounted that was enough to condemn Bai Chen to eternal damnation, and the fact that the Third Young Master of the Bai family was still lying on the ground, bleeding profusely…

He knew he had no room for negotiation.

He closed his eyes in anguish, and when he opened them again, all that remained was a desolate resignation.

He bowed deeply to Fang Jingxiu, his voice hoarse: "Yes... Director Fang is right. This unfilial son should be sent in... to reflect on his actions. I... I have no objection."

Wang Zhide was devastated, slumped in his chair, and couldn't even speak.

"Very good." Fang Jingxiu was finally satisfied. He sat back in the main seat, as if nothing had happened, still the composed and dignified young director.

"As for the specifics, my secretary will contact you and Zhao Zhiqiang later and give you the 'lines' to prepare. Do your best and don't let me down."

He stood up, picked up Chen Nuo's coat, and personally draped it over her shoulders with gentle and meticulous movements.

Then he took her hand, and without glancing at the distraught people in the private room again, walked straight out the door.

As he reached the door, he paused slightly, then, without turning back, uttered a single sentence:

"Remember to take Bai San to the hospital. Don't let him die here, it's bad luck."

After saying that, he took Chen Nuo and disappeared outside the private room.

The heavy wooden door closed slowly, shutting out the chaos and deathly silence inside. The corridor was warmly lit, as if the bloody and cruel purge had never happened.

Fang Jingxiu held Chen Nuo's slightly cool hand and walked out with steady steps.

His profile was sharply defined in the light and shadow of the corridor, calm and undisturbed. Only in his unfathomable eyes remained a trace of lingering ferocity and a hidden determination to clear obstacles for those around him.

Chen Nuo followed closely in his footsteps, feeling the firm and warm strength coming from his palm. His heart was churning with turbulent waves, yet he also felt a strange sense of security and... awe that he had never felt before.

She looked up at his perfect profile and, for the first time, felt so directly the terrifying power this man possessed beneath his gentle exterior—a power capable of turning the world upside down and holding the reins of life and death—and the thunderous sharpness he could display to protect her.

All of this made her even more certain of what a powerful and complex man she had chosen.

The road ahead may still be bumpy, but as long as he is by her side, she has the courage to face anything.