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

After finishing his meal, Chen Nuo habitually stood up and began clearing the dishes.

"Just leave it there," Fang Jingxiu's voice came from the other side.

Chen Nuo was taken aback: "It's okay, Brother Xiu, I'll wash it..."

"I'll do it." Fang Jingxiu had already stood up and naturally took the bowl from her hand. "It's not good for a girl's skin to do too much housework."

He spoke casually, as if it were nothing out of the ordinary. But Chen Nuo sensed an undeniable authority in his voice.

This isn't just polite talk; it's a decision.

She watched Fang Jingxiu carry the bowls and plates into the kitchen, and a strange feeling welled up inside her.

The kitchen is open-plan and connected to the living room. Fang Jingxiu turned on the tap, rolled up his shirt sleeves to his elbows, revealing his well-defined forearms.

He was very skilled at washing dishes. First, he rinsed off the food residue with water, then used dish soap, and finally rinsed it twice, drained it, and put it in the sterilizer.

The whole process was orderly and methodical, just like his meticulous approach to his work.

Chen Nuo stood at the kitchen door, unsure of what to do.

"Don't just stand there, go sit on the sofa," Fang Jingxiu said without turning his head. "There's fruit in the fridge, help yourself."

"Let me help you..."

"Need not."

Chen Nuo had no choice but to retreat to the living room, but her gaze couldn't help but drift towards the kitchen.

The kitchen lights shone warm white, illuminating Fang Jingxiu and highlighting his tall, straight back and focused profile. The steamy atmosphere added a touch of warmth and humanity to this man who was always impeccably dressed in a suit.

As he bent over washing the dishes, his eyelashes cast faint shadows beneath his eyelids. His nose was straight, his jawline was defined, and the top two buttons of his shirt collar were undone, revealing his Adam's apple moving slightly with the movement.

He's unbelievably handsome.

Chen Nuo's heart skipped a beat.

She suddenly remembered what her father had said: "A truly charismatic man is not one who can only work and give orders. He is one who can be at ease in a high position and also gentle and considerate in life. This contrast is the most captivating."

The current Fang Jingxiu embodies this contrast.

The Director Fang who stood firm at the negotiating table, the powerful figure who strategized in the conference room, was now standing in the kitchen, washing dishes for her.

This realization made Chen Nuo's heart pound.

"Brother Xiu," she couldn't help but ask, "Do you... often cook for yourself?"

Fang Jingxiu turned off the tap and dried his hands with a towel: "Occasionally."

He turned around, leaned against the counter, and lit a cigarette: "When I'm too busy, I eat in the cafeteria. When I'm not busy, I'll make something simple."

The smoke swirled around his face, blurring his expression.

"This place..." Chen Nuo looked around, "Is it usually cleaned?"

"Yes." Fang Jingxiu flicked his cigarette ash. "The army's logistics personnel come every day to do a simple tidying up. But they only clean the surface."

He spoke naturally, but Chen Nuo understood the subtext.

Those who can work as cleaners in ministry compounds are all classified personnel who have undergone strict political vetting. They know what they can and cannot touch, what they should and should not see.

"Then you..." Chen Nuo hesitated for a moment, "don't like outsiders touching your things?"

Fang Jingxiu glanced at her, his eyes deep: "Mm."

One word, concise, yet it says it all.

He's a clean freak, both in his personal life and at work. He doesn't like others entering his private space or touching his things without permission.

Therefore, it was already an exception that he allowed Chen Nuo to stay for three days.

A complex mix of emotions welled up in Chen Nuo's heart.

It's an honor, but also a pressure.

Fortunately, he trusted her.

The pressure is that she cannot betray this trust.

"Go sit down." Fang Jingxiu stubbed out his cigarette and walked out of the kitchen. "The dishes are washed."

Chen Nuo nodded and sat down on the sofa.

Fang Jingxiu walked to the opposite side of her, sat down on the single sofa, and picked up the documents on the coffee table to look through them.

The living room was quiet, with only the sound of papers turning.

Looking at his focused profile, Chen Nuo suddenly felt that such a night was also very nice.

Quiet, peaceful, with him there.

But she knew she couldn't be greedy.

"Brother Xiu," she said softly.

"Hmm?" Fang Jingxiu didn't look up and continued reading the documents.

"I'm going to pack my things now."

The sound of turning pages stopped.

Fang Jingxiu raised his head and looked at her.

His eyes were calm, but Chen Nuo could sense that there was an undercurrent beneath that calm.

"Have you thought it through?" he asked.

"Yes." Chen Nuo nodded. "I've already troubled you a lot."

She spoke sincerely, her eyes were clear, and she showed no sign of wanting to stay.

Fang Jingxiu remained silent for a few seconds.

Then he said, "Okay. I'll take you home after you're done packing."

His tone was flat, revealing no emotion.

But Chen Nuo noticed that when he looked down at the document again, he turned the pages faster than before.

Is this...being unhappy?

She wasn't sure.

There wasn't much stuff, so we packed it up quickly.

When she came out dragging her suitcase, Fang Jingxiu was already dressed in his coat and waiting at the door.

"Brother Xiu," she handed him the spare key, "here you go."

Fang Jingxiu took the key, and their fingers accidentally touched.

It was a very light touch, but Chen Nuo felt as if he had been struck by an electric current.

She hurriedly withdrew her hand, her cheeks burning.

Fang Jingxiu didn't react much, simply putting the keys into his coat pocket: "Let's go."

Go downstairs and get in the car. Secretary Qin is already waiting in the driver's seat.

On the way, Chen Nuo looked at the night view flashing past the window, feeling empty inside.

Although she knew it was the right choice, she was still reluctant to leave.

Fang Jingxiu leaned back in his seat with his eyes closed, but Chen Nuo knew he wasn't asleep.

His breathing was steady, but his fingers were tapping lightly on his knees.

That was his habitual action when he was thinking.

What is he thinking?

Will I... feel a little reluctant to part with her?

Chen Nuo dared not think too deeply about it.