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

Back at the Corning apartment, the heavy security door closed behind me, shutting out the outside world's small talk, scheming, and the smells of cigarettes and alcohol.

The motion-sensor light in the entryway cast a soft glow. Chen Nuo kicked off her high heels, stepping barefoot onto the cool floor. She let out a long sigh, her back almost slumping: "I'm exhausted..."

Before she could finish speaking, a warm, strong arm wrapped around her from behind, precisely embracing her bent waist. The force was neither too light nor too heavy, but carried an irresistible air, pulling her back into a firm embrace.

Chen Nuo let out a soft cry as a warm sensation immediately pressed against his back, a mixture of faint smells of alcohol, tobacco, and his own unique, refreshing aura.

Fang Jingxiu seemed to lean most of his weight on her, his chin gently resting on the crook of her neck, his warm breath brushing against the sensitive skin behind her ear, carrying a slightly intoxicating heat.

"Don't move." His voice was deep and husky, with an added touch of languor and magnetism than usual, leaving no room for argument.

Chen Nuo then stopped moving and let him hold her.

Opposite the entrance hall is a huge dressing mirror, clearly reflecting the two people's figures at this moment.

In the mirror, she wore a fitted smoky gray suit, her slender figure completely overshadowed by his tall frame. His dark blue suit jacket had been taken off and draped over his arm at some point, leaving him only in a crisp white shirt, the collar loosened at the top and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his smooth forearms.

He hunched over slightly, his head buried in the side of her neck, his eyes closed, his thick eyelashes casting faint shadows beneath them. His usually sharp, hawk-like gaze was concealed, leaving only weariness and a rare, unguarded dependence.

The difference in their physiques was particularly striking in the mirror. His broad shoulders and back almost completely enveloped her, and the muscles in his arms around her waist were strong and exuded a powerful sense of control.

She appeared exceptionally petite in his arms, as if she could be easily broken, yet he held her firmly within his domain with an attitude of absolute possession.

This is a very striking pairing.

It's not a typical case of a handsome man and a beautiful woman, but a wonderful fusion of strength and flexibility, control and belonging, a hard shell and an inner vulnerability.

After a quiet embrace, Fang Jingxiu suddenly spoke in a low voice, muffled in the crook of her neck, with a heavy nasal tone and a hint of... regret?

"I'm starting to regret it."

"Hmm?" Chen Nuo tilted his head slightly, only his black hair and straight nose were visible.

"I regret putting you into that system." Fang Jingxiu opened his eyes, his gaze unfocused on the reflections of the two of them in the mirror, his fingers unconsciously caressing her waist.

"Those rules and regulations, the visible and invisible rules, the countless interpersonal relationships and social obligations, and all that... special cases, the pressure that's like a whirlwind." He paused, his voice even lower, "I don't want you to bear all of that."

Chen Nuo's heart skipped a beat.

She had never heard him speak in such a tone before, stripped of all calculation and consideration, leaving only the most direct, almost instinctive desire to protect.

"Perhaps," he continued, his tone somewhat detached, as if talking to himself, "we should have just let Shen Rongchuan throw money at it back then. You could have filmed whatever you wanted, using his name, or simply set up your own studio and lived a carefree life, with no one able to interfere."

These words sounded somewhat childish, unlike the usually shrewd and calculating Director Fang. Alcohol amplified his deep-seated selfish desire to prevent her from being tainted by worldly affairs.

Chen Nuo turned around to face him and cupped his face in her hands. His face was flushed, his eyes were bloodshot, and his gaze was somewhat unfocused due to intoxication, but still deep.

She looked at him and said very seriously, "But Brother Xiu, I also want to see... what kind of path you've walked. I also want to try to see what kind of scenery I can see by standing on your shoulders."

Fang Jingxiu stared at her blankly, his pupils behind his glasses contracting slightly. After a long while, he tugged at the corners of his mouth, revealing a very faint smile, tinged with bitterness and pity.

He lowered his head and gently pressed his warm lips to her forehead, a kiss tinged with the smell of alcohol and infinitely complex emotions.

"Follow my footsteps..." He pressed his forehead against hers, his voice almost a whisper, "It's exhausting. Running around every day, busy as a bee..." He paused, as if searching for the right word, "Your body won't be able to take it."

Busy running around... busy up and down...

As Chen Nuo pondered these words, for some reason, the scene of him waking her up this morning and busying himself on her body suddenly surfaced in her mind...

Her cheeks flushed instantly, and even her ears felt hot.

She glared at him playfully, her hand instinctively pressing against his chest: "W-what did you say?!"

Fang Jingxiu was taken aback by her sudden embarrassment and obvious misunderstanding. The alcohol had slowed his thinking, but seeing her flushed face and darting eyes, he instantly understood.

The weariness and regret in his eyes were quickly replaced by a mischievous, wicked smile.

Instead of pulling away, he tightened his arms around her waist, pressing her closer to him. He lowered his head, his nose almost touching hers, his warm breath, tinged with the effects of alcohol, brushing against her lips. His voice was low and deep, possessing a unique, heart-melting magnetism characteristic of older men.

"Oh? I said I was busy with work and physically tired. Director Chen... what are you thinking?" He deliberately dragged out his words, his eyes narrowing dangerously, his fingertip lightly tracing her waist.

"Or is it... my fault for not being busy enough lately, for not serving you well enough, and for not letting Director Chen... have enough fun? Hmm?"

The last "hmm" sound, rising at the end, seemed to hook straight into Chen Nuo's heart, making her tremble and her legs go weak.

Alcohol amplified his rarely revealed aggression and desire for control, which was now unleashed without restraint, mixed with the sexiness and danger of a mature man, leaving her completely defenseless.

"I...I didn't...You're talking nonsense!" Chen Nuo's face turned as red as if it were about to bleed. She tried to push him away, but he held her so tightly that she couldn't move.

"I'm talking nonsense?" Fang Jingxiu chuckled, his chest heaving. Looking at her embarrassed and helpless appearance, the darkness in his eyes deepened.

He gave her no chance to argue, lowered his head, and precisely captured her lips.

The kiss carried the strong smell of alcohol and an almost predatory force.

Unlike the gradual and skillful approach of the past, this moment carries an undeniable sense of possession and catharsis.

He pried open her teeth and plunged in, taking over her breath and thoughts. His large hand roamed behind her back, easily finding the zipper on the side of her skirt and slowly pulling it down.

Chen Nuo was so overwhelmed by his kisses that her body quickly softened under his control, leaving her helplessly clinging to his shoulders and responding to his burning demands.

The mirror in the entryway silently recorded this escalating intimacy. In the mirror, his tall figure almost completely covered her, his long legs, encased in suit trousers, forcefully intersecting her skirt, creating a scene full of tension and ambiguity.

Before they knew it, the two had moved from the entryway to the spacious living room carpet.

Clothes were scattered haphazardly to one side.

Fang Jingxiu leaned over her, his shirt completely open, revealing his strong chest and abs. His bangs were damp with sweat, and his eyes shone brightly with desire, yet were also veiled by a hazy, watery light due to intoxication.

He looked at her, his gaze sweeping over her pinkish skin inch by inch, as if examining the most precious territory.

"Tonight..." He leaned down and whispered hoarsely in her ear, his breath hot against her skin, "Let Xiu-ge have a good time... and see if our Director Chen is satisfied enough, hmm?"

Alcohol weakened Fang Jingxiu's usual pride in his restraint, but unleashed a more primal and surging power.

He seemed to be trying to confirm something, or perhaps to soothe some kind of unease; his movements were more intense and persistent than ever before.

Chen Nuo could only drift in a dizzying wave, clutching his sweat-soaked back, his voice choked with intermittent sobs and pleas for mercy.

……

Fang Jingxiu carried the limp Chen Nuo into the bathroom and turned on the constant temperature shower.

Warm water cascaded down as he carefully washed her, his movements regaining their usual patience and gentleness, as if the out-of-control predator from just moments before was not him.

After he finished washing her, he wrapped her in a large, soft bath towel, carried her back to the bedroom, and tucked her into the bed where the sheets had been changed.

Chen Nuo was so tired that she could barely lift her eyelids. She huddled under the covers and vaguely felt him get into bed and pull her into his arms from behind.

As the familiar scent and warmth enveloped him, Chen Nuo instinctively snuggled closer to him, found a comfortable position, and almost immediately fell asleep.

"Go to sleep." Fang Jingxiu stirred, as if he was about to get up.

Chen Nuo, still half asleep, grabbed his wrist: "Aren't you going to sleep?"

"I'll go out for a smoke and then go to sleep."

"Don't smoke..." she mumbled, "Sleep with me..."

Fang Jingxiu paused, looking down at the little woman in his arms with her eyes closed, clinging tightly to him. His heart, which had been somewhat agitated due to drunkenness and strenuous exercise, was suddenly filled with a strange softness.

He smiled silently, a smile devoid of all calculation and authority, leaving only a pure, almost indulgent warmth.

He lay back down, pulling her even closer to his chest, her back pressed against his chest, his chin resting on the top of her head, his voice low and gentle: "Okay, my darling, I'll sleep with you."

Chen Nuo snuggled against him, letting out a satisfied sigh, her breathing quickly becoming even and long.

Fang Jingxiu did not fall asleep immediately.

The effects of the alcohol hadn't completely worn off, and my head was still throbbing, but the warm, soft body in my arms and my gradually calming heartbeat dispelled the lingering restlessness.

He looked down, using the dim light of the bedside lamp to gaze at Chen Nuo's peaceful sleeping face.

Her long eyelashes cast fan-shaped shadows under her eyes, and her slightly pouting lips made her appear like an innocent child, having let down all her defenses and armor.

His fingers gently brushed her soft hair, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

There is pity, there is satisfaction, there is lingering worry, and there is also a heavy feeling called responsibility.

His outburst tonight and those drunken ramblings may have exposed a vulnerability deep within him that he himself was unwilling to acknowledge.

Was it right or wrong for him to push her onto that thorny and rule-bound path?

He could protect her, but he couldn't take her place in experiencing those tedious and exhausting rules, those subtle forms of exclusion, and those interpersonal relationships that required careful balancing.

However, seeing the brilliance she displayed at the dinner party tonight, and the unwavering determination in her eyes to stand shoulder to shoulder with him, he felt that perhaps this was the best arrangement for her.

Flowers in a greenhouse can never appreciate the scenery at the mountaintop.

He lowered his head and placed a very light kiss on her smooth forehead, as if sealing a solemn promise.

"Goodnight," he murmured silently, his lips barely moving, "my dear Director Chen."

Then, he closed his eyes and hugged the person in his arms even tighter, as if he wanted to meld her into his very bones and blood, so that together they could withstand all the unknowns and storms of the future.