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

As the meal progressed, the waiter removed the main course and replaced it with a fruit platter and dessert.

Li Shiman elegantly picked up a piece of cantaloupe with a silver fork, but her gaze fell on Chen Nuo: "Little Chen, are you graduating and doing your internship next year?"

"Yes, Director Li, I will graduate next June and am already learning in the group," Chen Nuo answered cautiously.

Li Shiman nodded, not looking at Chen Nuo, but turning to Fang Jingxiu in a casual tone as if they were having a casual chat: "Director Fang, our bureau has a young director support program. It has only been running for half a month, and there are not many spots available for the first batch, but the resources are very good."

She paused, her gaze shifting between Fang Jingxiu and Chen Nuo, before continuing, "What do you think... how about letting Xiao Chen give it a try?"

That's a very clever question.

They didn't say they would give it to me directly, nor did they make any direct promises.

Instead, they asked Fang Jingxiu first.

Do you think this is acceptable?

This is official rhetoric.

This expressed goodwill while leaving the final decision to Fang Jingxiu, saving him face and making him feel indebted to her.

Fang Jingxiu put down his teacup, his right hand casually resting on the back of Chen Nuo's chair. The gesture seemed unintentional, but everyone present understood.

He is asserting his sovereignty and sending a signal that he has someone under his protection.

"Director Li is willing to give her a chance," Fang Jingxiu said calmly, "It's her good fortune."

He didn't say thank you or anything, he just said it was her good fortune.

But the weight of those words is greater than any expression of gratitude.

Because this means agreeing to join the game.

Li Shiman's smile deepened: "Alright, I'll have Secretary Zhou send the application materials to Xiao Chen. Prepare well, the competition is fierce."

"Thank you, Director Li!" Chen Nuo quickly stood up and bowed slightly.

"Sit down, sit down, don't be so polite." Li Shiman waved her hand, then looked at Fang Jingxiu, "Director Fang, about the new energy project..."

"I've reviewed the materials," Fang Jingxiu said, taking a cigarette case out of his coat pocket. "Some details need further refinement. I'll have Secretary Qin coordinate with you later."

"Okay, okay!" Li Shiman's smile became even more genuine.

This is an exchange.

They exchanged a spot in the Young Director Support Program for support in new energy projects.

It's an unspoken understanding; each gets what they need.

Fang Jingxiu took out a cigarette, and Li Shiman immediately picked up a lighter, but he waved his hand and lit it himself with a Dupont lighter.

Smoke rose from the private room.

His other hand was still resting on the back of Chen Nuo's chair, his body leaning back slightly, his expression relaxed, but the aura he had cultivated over the years in the power arena made the air in the entire private room carry an invisible pressure.

Chen Nuo sat quietly, and out of the corner of her eye, she could see Fang Jingxiu's hand resting on the back of her chair. His fingers were long and slender, with distinct knuckles, and his wristwatch gleamed coldly under the light.

You can also see the phone he's holding in his other hand.

The screen lights up intermittently, displaying a series of messages.

The notes are very clear:

Political Commissar Zhang

Minister Wang

Secretary Li

Director Zhao

They're all people of this caliber.

Fang Jingxiu would occasionally pick up his phone to reply, typing quickly and with a focused expression.

After replying, he put his phone down again and continued smoking, or chatted with Li Shiman for a few minutes.

Chen Nuo's gaze never once fell on his phone screen.

Her father had taught her: looking at a man's phone is a big no-no. Especially a man in Fang Jingxiu's position, whose information might involve work secrets or political maneuvering. If you look at it, you've crossed the line.

Even if he cheated on me.

Although Chen Nuo thought Fang Jingxiu wouldn't do it, her father had said that they should assume the worst-case scenario.

You have no right to see it.

Because you and him were never equals from the beginning.

Marrying into a higher social class, especially one from a vastly different family background, means you're destined for a difficult life. You'll have to endure mistreatment, be tolerant, and know how to maintain boundaries.

This is the price to pay.

This is the price you have to pay for choosing this path.

So Chen Nuo sat properly, looking at the fruit plate on the table, or occasionally glancing at Li Shiman, listening attentively to what she was saying.

I will never look at things indiscriminately.

Never cross the line.

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the door of the private room.