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

The car drove into a secluded courtyard. There was no sign at the entrance, only two men in black suits inspecting the vehicle.

Secretary Qin rolled down the car window and handed over a black card. The man took it, scanned it with a device, immediately stepped back, and respectfully raised his hand in greeting.

The yard was large and full of cars.

Chen Nuo looked out the car window. Among the group of luxury cars, there were a few seemingly ordinary black sedans.

But her gaze was quickly drawn to the license plates of those ordinary cars.

There were license plates starting with "Jing AG0," and even more unusual ones with white backgrounds and black lettering. She couldn't recognize all of them, but she knew that the owners of cars with these kinds of license plates must be quite influential.

Sure enough, after the Bentley driver got out of his car, he saw the black Audi next to him, immediately stopped, nodded slightly, and waited for the Audi driver to leave first.

Secretary Qin parked the car in an inconspicuous corner. As he got out, he whispered to Fang Jingxiu, "Director Fang, the Lin family has arrived."

Fang Jingxiu's expression remained unchanged; he simply hummed in response.

He got out of the car and walked around to the other side to open the door for Chen Nuo. The action was very natural, but Chen Nuo noticed that several people getting out of their cars glanced in their direction.

Fang Jingxiu casually placed his hand on her back and led her toward the main building.

"Director Fang!" a cheerful voice called out.

Chen Nuo looked up and saw a man in his forties, wearing a casual jacket, striding towards her with a big smile on his face.

He pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, took one out, and offered it to me: "Want one?"

Fang Jingxiu waved his hand: "No, I don't smoke with the kids around."

He said this casually, even with a hint of a smile. The little child was naturally referring to Chen Nuo.

The man was taken aback, glanced at Chen Nuo, a knowing look flashing in his eyes, then put the cigarette away and smiled, "Okay, then another day."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the man took his leave.

Chen Nuo was moved by that comment about a child.

He was protecting her from secondhand smoke. But saying it with such an intimate term... it felt like he was announcing something.

Stepping into the main building, the interior is decorated in a low-key Chinese style, with mahogany furniture, blue and white porcelain ornaments, and ink paintings hanging on the walls. There is no main hall, only private rooms, and the corridors are covered with thick carpets that absorb all footsteps.

The waiter led them to the innermost private room.

Pushing open the door, I found three people already sitting inside.

Lin Hao, Lin Hao's mother, and a man in his fifties wearing a custom-made suit and with his hair slicked back.

It should be Lin Hao's father, Lin Ming.

Upon seeing Fang Jingxiu enter, Lin Ming immediately stood up, a smile plastered on his face: "Director Fang, you've arrived!"

He strode forward and extended both hands to shake hands with Fang Jingxiu. His posture and tone were respectful to the point of humility.

Fang Jingxiu extended only one hand and gave it a very light shake: "President Lin."

"And this is..." Lin Ming's gaze fell on Chen Nuo, his smile unchanged, but his eyes held a scrutinizing look.

Fang Jingxiu stepped aside, letting Chen Nuo stand in front of him: "My sister, Chen Nuo."

It's a very simple introduction, just five words.

But the air inside the private room had clearly changed.

Lin Ming's smile deepened, and the scrutiny in his eyes instantly turned into warmth: "So it's Miss Chen! I've heard so much about you!"

He turned to Chen Nuo and extended both hands: "Miss Chen, my son has offended you greatly before. I apologize on his behalf!"

Chen Nuo politely extended his hand and gave it a light handshake: "President Lin, you're too kind."

She behaved appropriately, neither timid nor arrogant.

Just like Fang Jingxiu taught.

Since he has given her the identity of his sister, she must be worthy of the demeanor that comes with that identity.

Lin Ming turned around and gave Lin Hao and his wife, who were sitting at the table, a wink.

Mrs. Lin stood up first, forced a smile, and walked up to Chen Nuo: "Miss Chen, I was too impulsive that day, please don't take it to heart."

She spoke fairly sincerely, but the reluctance in her eyes was unmistakable.

Lin Hao also stood up and slowly walked to Chen Nuo. He still had gauze on his forehead, and his eyes held resentment, but even more so, fear, as he looked at Chen Nuo.

"Chen Nuo," he began, his voice a little stiff, "I'm sorry."

These three words were said with great difficulty.

Fang Jingxiu didn't speak, but simply stood beside Chen Nuo, looking calmly at Lin Hao.

His gaze was indifferent, but Lin Hao's face paled. He took a deep breath, bent down, and bowed deeply: "I'm sorry! I was wrong! Please forgive me!"

He bowed very low and remained so for several seconds.

Looking at Lin Hao bowing and apologizing, Chen Nuo felt not much pleasure, but rather a complex mix of emotions.

That is power.

Three days ago, this man was arrogantly trying to drag her to a hotel, and his mother slapped her in public. Now, the three of them are here bowing their heads and apologizing to her.

It was all because Fang Jingxiu mentioned "my sister".

"Young Master Lin, you're too kind," Chen Nuo said calmly. "I was also at fault that day; I was too heavy-handed."

She spoke magnanimously, accepting the apology while also giving the other party a way out.

Lin Ming immediately chimed in, "No, no, no, it was my son who was a scoundrel! Miss Chen acted in self-defense; it was only right!"

As he spoke, he pulled out the chair for the head of the table: "Director Fang, please have a seat. Miss Chen, please sit here."

Fang Jingxiu did not refuse and sat down in the main seat. Chen Nuo sat to his right.

The dishes were served quickly.

Lin Ming personally poured tea for Fang Jingxiu: "Director Fang, I'm truly sorry about what happened this time. I've already sent Lin Hao to another city; he won't be returning to Jingjing for at least six months. What do you think…?"

Fang Jingxiu picked up his teacup and blew on the steam: "Young man, impulsiveness is understandable. But you must know your limits."

"Yes, yes, you're right." Lin Ming nodded repeatedly. "I'll definitely discipline them more strictly from now on!"

He then turned to Chen Nuo: "Ms. Chen, I heard you're studying directing? Our company recently invested in a film directed by Liu Qingsong. If you're interested, I can arrange for you to join the crew and learn from him."

Chen Nuo's heart skipped a beat.

She already had Liu Qingsong's group, but Lin Ming's words were clearly an attempt to curry favor.

She glanced at Fang Jingxiu.

Fang Jingxiu lowered his head and drank his tea, without making a comment.

"Thank you, Mr. Lin." Chen Nuo smiled. "I am indeed working on Director Liu's team. If there are other opportunities, I'll trouble you again."

She remained composed, neither refusing nor immediately accepting.

A hint of approval flashed in Lin Ming's eyes.

This girl is young, but she's very good at talking.