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

Liu Qingsong stood there, holding his phone with the screen already black, not moving for a long time.

Chen Nuo walked over and looked at him curiously: "Director Liu? What did Brother Xiu say?"

Liu Qingsong raised his head and looked at Chen Nuo.

In the setting sun, the girl's face was still somewhat pale, her bangs were ruffled by the wind, the lower half of her white inner layer was cut off, and the hem hung unevenly, stained with dark red blood.

This seemingly frail, even somewhat disheveled girl can mobilize military resources with a single phone call.

And Fang Jingxiu's tone just now...

Liu Qingsong's eyes changed.

It was no longer the look one gives to a young actor with connections, nor the look one gives to a woman that Director Fang has taken a fancy to, but rather... a look that was a mixture of awe, caution, and even a hint of ingratiation.

"Chen Nuo," he said, his voice unusually gentle, "you must be tired. Why don't you call it a day and go home to rest?"

Chen Nuo was taken aback: "But we haven't finished filming today yet..."

"It's alright, it's alright, no rush." ​​Liu Qingsong waved his hand. "With such a big incident, everyone's out of sorts when it comes to filming. Let's call it a day. Go back and take a shower and change your clothes."

As he spoke, he glanced at Chen Nuo's tattered inner garment, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Um... Director Fang just instructed me to take good care of you. If you need anything, just let me know."

Chen Nuo blinked: "Brother Xiu... what else did he say?"

"No, it's nothing." Liu Qingsong quickly shook his head. "It's just that I need to take care of you. Um... you should go and rest first, I have some things to take care of here."

He turned to leave, then remembered something and turned back to add, "By the way, regarding today's events, keep the same story to the outside world. Just say Jiang Wen was injured in an accident, has been taken to the hospital, and is in stable condition. As for other details, especially... well, you know, don't mention them."

Chen Nuo nodded: "I understand."

Liu Qingsong then left with peace of mind, taking out his phone as he went and starting to contact the staff on site one by one.

Chen Nuo stood there, watching Liu Qingsong's back, then looked down at his phone.

She opened her chat window with Fang Jingxiu, and the last message was from him: "Okay. Get some rest tonight, there's filming tomorrow."

She thought for a moment and typed: "Brother Xiu, the way Director Liu looked at me just now... seemed to have changed."

After sending the message, she put away her phone and walked towards the crew's temporary rest area.

The setting sun painted the wasteland gold, and the wind carried a chill. She pulled her windbreaker tighter around herself.

It's still a bit cold, since I'm only wearing half of my inner layer.

But her heart was warm.

because of him.

---

In the car, Fang Jingxiu looked at the message sent by Chen Nuo and raised his eyebrows slightly.

"The way Director Liu looked at me just now... seemed different."

He could almost picture the scene. The way Liu Qingsong's attitude towards Chen Nuo completely changed after he finished the call.

That's just how realistic officialdom is.

The more power you wield, the more respect others will have for you.

He then transmitted this energy to Chen Nuo via a phone call.

He's gilding her.

Fang Jingxiu typed: "It's changed. He'll take better care of you on set from now on."

After sending the message, he thought for a moment and added, "Did you cut your inner layer? Are you cold?"

This time Chen Nuo replied quickly: "It's cold! The wind keeps blowing in [shivering]"

Fang Jingxiu looked at the trembling expression and a smile appeared on his lips.

He typed: "Go back and buy a new one. I'll reimburse you."

Chen Nuo replied, "No, I want the one Brother Xiu bought [Feeling Wrong]."

Fang Jingxiu smiled.

This girl is getting better and better at taking advantage of situations.

But he doesn't dislike it.

I even... kind of enjoy this feeling of being relied upon.

He replied, "Okay. I'll buy it back in Jingjing."

After sending it, he glanced at the time.

It's 6:55. Time to head to the next venue.

He put away his phone and said to the person in front of him, "Old Zhao, go to the Energy Bureau."

The car started moving slowly.

Secretary Qin glanced in the rearview mirror, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke up: "Sir, isn't mobilizing the military today... a bit too high-profile?"

Fang Jingxiu looked up at him: "What do you think?"

Secretary Qin carefully chose his words: "I'm worried... that someone might use this to their advantage, saying you're abusing your power and using military resources to handle personal relationships."

"Personal relationship?" Fang Jingxiu repeated the four words calmly. "The film crew was shooting in Donghai, and it's a legitimate project registered with the Cultural Bureau. When a crew member was accidentally injured and his life was in danger, I coordinated medical resources for rescue. This is emergency response, and it's fulfilling my duties."

He paused, looking out the window: "As for why the military was the one coordinating... because the military reacted the fastest and was the most efficient. Saving lives is the priority; there's no question of using public resources for private gain."

Secretary Qin was stunned.

Then it dawned on him that the leader had already prepared his explanation. And this explanation was completely plausible.

"I understand." Secretary Qin nodded. "Just say that if anyone asks."

Fang Jingxiu hummed in agreement and closed his eyes again to rest.

But actually, what he just said was half true and half... an excuse.

The truth is: saving lives is indeed the most important thing.

The lie is: If the injured person wasn't one of Chen Nuo's colleagues from the film crew, would he have made that call?

Most likely not.

He will have Secretary Qin handle it, following the normal procedures.

But he would never say those words aloud.

Some things can be done, but not said.

This is the rule of the game in officialdom.