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

4:40 PM, walk-in closet of the master bedroom in the Corning apartment.

Standing ramrod straight in front of the full-length mirror, Chen Nuo was making final adjustments. She wasn't wearing her usual soft dresses or casual clothes, but a tailor-made, crisp light gray women's suit.

The tailoring is clean and the lines are simple, perfectly outlining her young yet already impressive figure without overemphasizing her curves, making her appear capable and professional.

She wore a pearl white silk shirt underneath, with a neat collar and the top button fastened meticulously.

Her long hair was tied into a low, tight bun at the back of her head, revealing her smooth forehead and slender neck. Only a few stray strands of hair softened her overly serious features.

She wore light makeup, emphasizing the spirit of her eyebrows and eyes and the natural color of her lips. Her jewelry consisted of only a pair of small pearl stud earrings and a classic, understated women's watch on her wrist.

She took a deep breath, adjusted her already impeccable collar in front of the mirror, and checked the length of her skirt.

Just an inch above the knee, meeting Fang Jingxiu's previously instructed standard of dignified propriety. The reflection in the mirror was both familiar and strange.

They've lost some of the student-like air and the artist's casualness, but gained more of the formality of a working professional and... a sense of self-awareness about to step into a certain social circle.

Leaning against the doorframe of the dressing room, Fang Jingxiu crossed his arms and quietly watched her. He was already dressed neatly in a perfectly tailored dark blue striped suit, without a tie, and the top button of his shirt collar was undone, giving him a more approachable and authoritative air than a purely business suit.

His gaze slid from her straight back to her meticulously styled hair, then to her slightly pursed lips, and finally met her eyes in the mirror.

There was scrutiny and assessment in his eyes, but more than anything, there was an undisguised, almost proud satisfaction.

Like a master craftsman admiring his masterpiece, which he has personally crafted and is about to complete.

In just one year, she has transformed from a naive girl with a hint of scheming when they first met at the Waldorf to a young woman who can withstand the pressure of life and death, create works that have generated widespread social discussion, and is about to step into a wider world with a brand new identity. Her transformation has even exceeded his initial expectations.

And in every step of this process, there are traces of his careful guidance and strong support.

Chen Nuo looked into his eyes through the mirror. The approval and pride in his eyes made her heart beat slightly faster, but what followed was a deeper sense of trepidation about the unknown.

She turned to face him, her fingers unconsciously fidgeting with the cuff of her suit jacket, her voice lower than usual: "Brother Xiu, I... I'm still a little scared."

What are you afraid of?

Are they afraid to meet those important figures whose names they've only seen in the news?

Are you afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing?

Is she afraid that she can't live up to the high starting point he painstakingly built for her?

Afraid of disappointing him?

Fang Jingxiu didn't say anything, but simply lowered his arms and walked towards her.

He was tall and walked with a steady gait, exuding an invisible sense of pressure, yet transforming into a reassuring presence when you got close.

He walked up to her, but instead of hugging or kissing her as usual, he raised his hand and gently tapped her forehead with the knuckle of his index finger.

"What are you afraid of?" His voice was steady, carrying a resolute strength. "I've got Brother Xiu's back."

Those five simple words acted like a stabilizing force, instantly calming most of the turmoil in her heart.

Chen Nuo felt a slight pang of sadness, not from feeling wronged, but from the reassuring feeling of being completely protected. Almost instinctively, she took a step forward, reached out and wrapped her arms around his lean waist, burying her face in his chest, which carried the cool scent of aftershave.

"I know," came her muffled voice, "but... I can't rely on you forever, Xiu-ge."

These words were spoken softly, yet they carried a clear understanding and a subtle determination.

She enjoyed his protection, but she also knew clearly that the real path she had to walk herself in the end.

Fang Jingxiu paused almost imperceptibly.

He looked down at the meticulously combed hair in his arms, a complex emotion flashing in the depths of his eyes—a mixture of relief and a touch of indescribable emotion.

He raised his hand and gently placed it on the back of her head, stroking her smooth hair. Then he lowered his head and placed a restrained yet precious kiss on her fair forehead.

"Yes, you can," he said softly, his tone calm but carrying an undeniable air. "If you want to, you can."

The meaning behind this statement is profound. It's not just a simple promise; it's more like a declaration.

Within Fang Jingxiu's sphere of influence, she enjoyed the privilege of being forever dependent on him.