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

On the top floor of the apartment in Kangning District, the huge floor-to-ceiling windows offer a dazzling, star-studded night view of Jingjing.

The main light in the room was off; only a floor lamp beside the sofa cast a warm yellow glow, enveloping the two people embracing.

Fang Jingxiu was wearing a dark gray silk loungewear set, with one button undone at the collar, revealing his defined collarbone. He leaned back on the sofa, with Chen Nuo sitting sideways on his lap, her back pressed against his warm chest, completely enveloped in his embrace.

He had one arm around her waist, and the other hand held a tablet computer, on which various data for the opening day of "The Silent City" were displayed in real time: box office, screen share, social media popularity index, authoritative media ratings...

All the curves were rising sharply, and at the peak of public opinion, this film was like a thunderclap, exploding in the somewhat sluggish film market at the beginning of the year.

"The box office on the first day has exceeded 50 million... and the number of screenings has turned around to number one." Chen Nuo's voice trembled slightly with disbelief. His eyes were fixed on the screen, and his fingertips hovered over the scrolling numbers, as if he was afraid that touching them would shatter this dream.

Fang Jingxiu gently brushed his chin against the top of her head, his deep voice carrying a satisfied relaxation and a hint of barely perceptible pride: "Hmm, a good start. The buzz is there, the film itself is solid, and it should have no problem going far."

He spoke of it casually, as if this sweeping momentum was simply a natural consequence.

Only they themselves know the turbulent waves behind this seemingly effortless success.

The interview with Grandma Li, filled with tears and grievances; Zhao Zhiqiang's sudden repentance and surrender to the police; the mystery surrounding Li Xiaobao's death; the conflict footage at the scene of the body snatching; and even Chen Nuo's own pale and sickly appearance in the ICU...

All of these events, released through channels controlled by Shen Rongchuan and at a carefully designed angle and pace, ignited unprecedented attention and anger across the internet in a very short time regarding the forced demolition of urban villages, the silence of the grassroots, and the dark collusion between capital and power.

The release of "The Silent City" at this emotional climax meant that it was no longer just a movie, but an outlet for social emotions and a symbol of collective reflection.

Behind this lies a terrifyingly precise manipulation of public opinion and a massive influx of resources, which is the most solid and dazzling first step that Fang Jingxiu paved for her.

Chen Nuo turned around, wrapped her arms around his neck, and her eyes shone brightly in the dim light, filled with gratitude, adoration, and overwhelming love.

"Brother Xiu..." She tilted her head back, her nose almost touching his, their warm breaths mingling, "How can I thank you?"

Fang Jingxiu looked down at her, his gaze behind his glasses deep and unfathomable, carrying that familiar, indulgent yet all-controlling expression of an older man. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and his voice lowered a few decibels: "Director Chen, how would you like to thank me?"

Chen Nuo didn't answer, but opened her mouth as if to bite his well-defined jawline. This was her little habit of expressing intimacy and a bit of coquettish revenge.

He used to indulge them quite a bit, and even enjoyed it.

This time, however, Fang Jingxiu turned his head away and gently pinched her cheek with his large hand. The force was not strong, but it carried an undeniable restraint.

Fang Jingxiu chuckled and said, "Don't bite anymore. Last time, a few sharp-eyed guys in the committee saw the teeth marks I left on the side of your neck and said behind your back that I'm quite lucky with women. I had to explain myself for ages."

His tone was helpless, but his eyes were full of indulgent smiles. The reason was really lame, but given his status, no one dared to investigate further, which only added some gossip and ambiguous speculation.

Chen Nuo chuckled, her fingertips tracing the allergic area on his neck, imagining him lying with a straight face.

"Serves you right, who told you to..." She blushed and didn't finish her sentence.

"What happened before?" Fang Jingxiu raised an eyebrow, teasing her on purpose, but his fingers slipped under the edge of her loungewear, his warm palm against her slender waistline, causing a slight shiver.

Chen Nuo glared at him reproachfully, but didn't move away. Instead, she pressed herself closer to him, burying her face in his shoulder, and said in a muffled voice, "Anyway... thank you, Brother Xiu. Without you, this movie wouldn't have turned out this way... and I wouldn't have been able to..."

To her, Fang Jingxiu was never just a lover; he was the one who reached out to help her when she stumbled, the one who pulled her ashore when she was stuck in the mud, and the benefactor who sheltered her when she wanted to spread her wings.

What he gave her was never just temporary charity, but the strength to lift her up and the confidence to take risks.

Fang Jingxiu never liked playing around with women.

It's not that he's more morally upright, but rather that his position, the family traditions he carries, and the lessons he's learned from his past experiences have given him an almost harsh and cautious approach to women, along with a long-term plan.

At his level, physical or emotional stimulation is too easy to obtain; all sorts of women would flock to him if he wanted to.

With his skills and background, he could easily handle keeping a mistress or two, or even having a few illegitimate children, without affecting anything on the surface.

Like some people in the industry, they keep their wives at home while having affairs on the side, secretly raising illegitimate children who can then be sent to the bed of high-ranking officials as bargaining chips to consolidate their interests at crucial moments.

But he didn't want to do that.

That's too troublesome, and too... low-level.

What he wants is not a playmate or a breeding tool that can be replaced at any time, but a partner who can truly understand him, stand by him on some level, and even become his support and comfort in the long years to come.

Chen Nuo's appearance touched upon his deep-seated expectation for purity and growth.

When he looked at her, he wasn't just looking at a young and vibrant body; he was assessing a potential and valuable future partner.

Therefore, every step he took for her was not an impromptu act of charity or a fleeting display of affection.

From initially providing resources, to shielding her from both open and covert attacks, to paving the way for her films despite the pressure, and now, planning a completely different, more stable, and more dignified path for her advancement.

All of this is like a far-sighted father paving a bright and smooth road for his child on whom he has placed high hopes, and being ready to provide support at any time.

Fang Jingxiu remembered all these little fragments of the past. He raised his hand and gently ruffled her hair, his movements tender, but his tone carried an undeniable certainty: "You deserve it. I'm just helping more people see your goodness."

He was never one to say sweet words, but this simple sentence was more touching than any love confession.

In his eyes, Chen Nuo's talent deserved to be seen, and everything he did was simply a natural act of support and a way of protecting a gem from being tarnished.

"The movie's out, and the response has been good. Your name has been established." Fang Jingxiu tightened his grip on her arm, his tone regaining its usual composure, and began to discuss business.

"Come with me to dinner tomorrow night. Several key leaders from the Culture Bureau and the Propaganda Department, as well as the head of the Youth Cadre Bureau."

Chen Nuo's heart skipped a beat, and she lifted her head from his embrace: "So fast?"

"Public opinion has a limited lifespan. Your personal image and the reputation of your work are currently at their peak, so strike while the iron is hot," Fang Jingxiu explained, his fingers unconsciously twirling a strand of her long hair.

"Leveraging the social impact of 'The Silent City' and the positive image of young directors who delve into reality and focus on people's livelihoods, they can quickly enter the cultural or propaganda system through special talent introduction programs. The starting point won't be low, and the platform will be good. Subsequent development depends on yourself."

He looked at her, his eyes filled with expectation and scrutiny: "This path has been smoother than I initially anticipated. But you need to think it through. Once you're in the system, there are many rules and restrictions; it's not like being a freelance creator who can do whatever they want. And..."

He paused for a moment, then said, "Once you go in, the label of being Jingxiu's girlfriend will become more prominent, and it will also bring more invisible pressure and scrutiny."

Chen Nuo acted almost without hesitation.

She knew all too well what this opportunity meant.

This is not only a stable job with social status, but also a very high starting point and a broad stage.

What Fang Jingxiu pried open for her was a door that countless people would fight tooth and nail to get through.

He was not just the one who pried open the door, but also the one who would guide her from inside, shelter her from the wind and rain, and protect her until she became strong enough.

"I've made up my mind." Her voice wasn't loud, but it was unusually firm. "I'm going. I don't want to just be Chen Nuo under your wing. I want... one day, to truly stand beside you." Not as a dependent, not as an embellishment, but as a true partner and comrade-in-arms.

A genuine smile appeared in Fang Jingxiu's eyes, an approval of her choice and a confirmation of his own judgment. He lowered his head and kissed her forehead, a tender gesture. "Okay."

"Then... what about the Liu family?" Chen Nuo suddenly asked in a low voice, tracing circles on his chest with her finger, "Will it affect your career...?"

Fang Jingxiu grabbed her mischievous hand, holding it in his palm. His expression was calm, but his tone was resolute and left no room for doubt: "What I, Fang Jingxiu, want, I will plan and strive for openly and honestly. Using women to scheme and try to balance things is a despicable thing that only incompetent and greedy people would do."

He looked at her, his eyes sharp as knives. "The person I've chosen, I will take full responsibility for. My path, my side, will only have you. That was true before, and it will be true in the future."

This is not sweet talk; it is the most weighty promise made by a man who holds power and is proud of his character.

He may be shrewd and calculating, ruthless and merciless in the power arena, but when it comes to the partners he has chosen, he has an almost rigid fastidiousness and an extraordinary sense of responsibility.

This is his family upbringing, his pride, and one of the inviolable bottom lines he set for his life.

Chen Nuo's nose suddenly stung with tears. She hugged him tightly, buried her face in his chest, listened to his steady and powerful heartbeat, and her eyes reddened slightly.

How lucky she was to have met not a hunter on a whim, nor a mediocre man who sought to prove his worth by conquering men, but a truly powerful man who was willing to dedicate all that power to protecting and supporting her.

He was her lover, her benefactor, and the strongest support she had in her life.

His love may not have been as romantic as some of the flowers and snow, but it was like a silent mountain, shielding her from all the storms of the world.

It's like a steady ladder to the clouds, carrying her to see a wider world;

It's more like a lamp in the palm of your hand, shining for her no matter how far she goes, guiding her direction, and never going out.

"Brother Xiu," she whispered in his ear, her voice filled with an overwhelming sense of attachment, gratitude, and a burgeoning, unwavering belief, "I love you."

These three words were spoken softly, yet they seemed to carry a thousand pounds, striking Fang Jingxiu's heart. His arms around her tightened almost imperceptibly for a moment, but he did not respond immediately.

The next second, Chen Nuo felt a lightness in his body as Fang Jingxiu steadily lifted him up in his arms.

She gasped softly, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck, her fingertips sinking into the soft fabric of his loungewear.

He carried her, his steps steady as he left the sofa area and walked towards the center of the more spacious living room. The city lights outside the floor-to-ceiling windows formed a flowing backdrop, clearly outlining his tall and imposing figure.

Fang Jingxiu lowered his head, his eyes behind his glasses looking at her closely, his gaze deep, like the turbulent currents of the sea under the night sky. A faint smile, carrying a hint of control and deep desire, curved his lips. His voice was low, his breath brushing against her sensitive earlobe:

"Love me?" he repeated, his tone unreadable, yet filled with a chilling focus. "Then... show me."

It wasn't about demanding a return, but rather a more direct, unspoken verification between them.

Chen Nuo's cheeks instantly flushed, and even the tips of his ears turned crimson.

In his arms, she could feel the steady, powerful warmth emanating from his arms and chest, and she could clearly see the undisguised aggression and expectation of a mature man in his eyes.

She knew what he meant; it wasn't just physical intimacy, but a deep fusion and affirmation of emotions and will.

"You bad boy..." she muttered softly, shyly pressing her burning cheek against his chest, not daring to look him in the eye. Her arms around his neck tightened, and her body unconsciously moved closer to him, using actions to answer.

Fang Jingxiu chuckled softly, the sound resonating from his chest, carrying a sense of pleasure and a hint of satisfaction.