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

Chen Nuo's eyes lit up immediately when he saw Fang Jingxiu enter.

"Brother Xiu!" she called out as she hurried over.

Fang Jingxiu nodded, his gaze lingering on her face for a second: "Have you been waiting long?"

"No, I just arrived," Chen Nuo said with a smile. "The boss said the private rooms are on the second floor, let's go up."

She turned to lead the way, but Fang Jingxiu stepped aside and gestured for her to go first: "You go first."

Chen Nuo was stunned for a moment.

That's the rule.

In official circles, there are rules about who goes first and who goes last. Leaders walking in front signifies authority, while letting guests walk in front shows respect.

Fang Jingxiu's gesture was a way of telling her: Tonight I am not the section chief, and you are not a junior; we are equals.

Feeling a warmth in her heart, she didn't refuse and took her small bag to go upstairs first.

The wooden staircase was rather narrow, and Fang Jingxiu followed half a step behind her. Chen Nuo could feel his gaze on her back; the feeling of being watched made her spine tense slightly, yet strangely reassuring.

He was protecting her.

He let her walk in front while he watched from behind, so that he could catch her immediately if she fell.

Going up to the second floor, at the end of the corridor was a private room called Listening to Snow. Pushing the door open, the warmth was even greater; the room had underfloor heating, and even wearing a cashmere sweater, it felt hot.

Fang Jingxiu then took off his mask and hat and casually hung them on the clothes rack.

Chen Nuo turned to look at him, her heart skipped a beat.

He wasn't wearing a suit today; his dark gray turtleneck sweater accentuated his clean-cut jawline, and his broad shoulders were revealed after he took off his black overcoat. Perhaps he had just been outside in the cold, as the tip of his nose was a little red, but his eyes were clear and sharp.

"What are you looking at?" Fang Jingxiu looked down at her and noticed her bright eyes.

Chen Nuo blushed: "No... I just feel that you are... quite different today."

"What's different?"

"I can't quite put my finger on it," Chen Nuo said honestly, "It just feels... less serious."

Fang Jingxiu smiled but didn't say anything.

He sat down by the window and looked out. The second floor offered a great view, overlooking the brightly lit Guijie Street at night, with snowflakes swirling and dancing in the lights.

"I used to come to this restaurant often." Chen Nuo sat down opposite him and took the initiative to start a conversation. "The owner is from Sichuan, and his Sichuan cuisine is very authentic, but he has also modified it so it's not too spicy."

"Mmm," Fang Jingxiu responded, turning his gaze from the window to her face. "You really like spicy food?"

"I love it!" Chen Nuo's eyes crinkled into a smile. "I think life is like eating spicy food. You might not be used to it at first, but once you get used to it, you feel like something's missing without chili peppers."

This analogy made Fang Jingxiu raise an eyebrow.

He wondered when he first ate chili peppers.

It seems like it was when I was in college, I went to eat hot pot with my classmates, and the spiciness made my eyes water.

and after?

I gradually got used to it, and now I can even eat the spiciest hot pot broth without batting an eye.

That's really how life is.

From discomfort to habit, from resistance to acceptance.

"Your analogy..." he paused, "is quite interesting."

Chen Nuo laughed: "Really? I also think cooking is like governing a country. The heat has to be just right, and the seasonings have to be in the right amount. Too early or too late won't work. Just like your work, the timing of policy implementation is very important, right?"

Fang Jingxiu looked at her, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

He hadn't expected her to bring it up from this angle.

"Do you understand policy?" he asked.

"I don't understand," Chen Nuo shook his head honestly, "but I understand you. Your eyes always light up when you talk about work. I think... something that makes you so serious must be very important."

That's a brilliant statement.

I don't understand the content, but I understand the people.

Fang Jingxiu's slight concern that the boring topic might lead to an awkward silence instantly vanished.

"It is indeed important." He rarely had the interest to say more. "For example, the new energy subsidy policy that is being promoted recently may seem like just a few documents, but it is related to the direction of the entire industry. If it is introduced a year earlier, it may give rise to a new industry; if it is introduced a year later, the window of opportunity may be missed."

He spoke very professionally, using precise language and clear logic. Chen Nuo listened attentively; although she didn't understand some of the technical terms, she could sense that he was sharing his world.

For men, especially those in high positions, appropriately showing interest and ambition in the other person's field is a sophisticated form of attraction.

These men have spent many years navigating the ups and downs of officialdom, and their youthful spirit has long been worn away. But deep down, they are still moved by ambitious and driven young people.

Because it reminded me so much of myself back then.

"Then..." Chen Nuo rested her chin on her hand, looking at him with bright eyes, "Brother Xiu, why did you choose to do this in the first place? I mean, making policies and influencing the industry."

This question made Fang Jingxiu silent for a few seconds.

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then said, "Because it's useful."

"it works?"

"That's right." Fang Jingxiu put down his teacup. "A policy can change the fate of a company, affect the employment of tens of thousands of people, and determine the development direction of a region for the next ten years. This kind of usefulness is more meaningful than simply making money."

When he said this, his eyes were calm, but Chen Nuo could sense that it was a resolute determination after careful consideration, the composure of someone in power.

That's what attracted her to him.

It's not money, it's not power, it's that aura that says I can change the world.

"I understand," Chen Nuo said softly. "Just like when I'm making a movie, a single shot or a line of dialogue can affect a person's emotions or even change their mind. Although it's not as big as yours, it's still useful."

Fang Jingxiu looked at her, his gaze softening slightly: "Yes, they're all creative works."

Just then, the dishes arrived.

Boiled fish, Mapo tofu, sliced ​​beef and tripe in chili sauce, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and two bowls of Dan Dan noodles. The chili oil floated on top of the dishes, and the aroma was irresistible.

"Try it!" Chen Nuo placed a piece of fish on his plate. "The boiled fish here is especially tender!"

Fang Jingxiu took a bite, and it was indeed delicious. The fish was tender, the spiciness was just right, and the aroma of Sichuan peppercorns exploded on his tongue.

"How is it?" Chen Nuo looked at him expectantly.

"Very good." Fang Jingxiu nodded. "You have a good eye for choosing places."

Chen Nuo smiled, her eyes curving into crescents.

The two ate and chatted.

Chen Nuo shared many interesting anecdotes from the film set, including Liu Qingsong's catchphrases while swearing, Jiang Wen posting recovery photos in the group chat every day after his injury, and the starry sky video she filmed in Qinghai, which was praised by a teacher from the film academy…

Fang Jingxiu listened most of the time, occasionally interjecting a word or two. He didn't talk much about his own affairs, but Chen Nuo could sense that he was relaxing.

He picked up food slowly, drank tea regularly, and leaned back in his chair with relaxed shoulders. He wasn't tense like he was in the office, nor did he wear a mask like he did at social events.

This is the real him.

Chen Nuo thought.

Halfway through his meal, Fang Jingxiu's phone vibrated. He took it out and glanced at it; it was a work message from Secretary Qin.

"Sorry," he said, "reply to my message."

"You're busy," Chen Nuo said quickly.

Fang Jingxiu quickly replied and put down his phone, only to find Chen Nuo looking at him with her chin resting on her hand.

"What are you looking at?" he asked again.

Chen Nuo tilted her head: "I was wondering... what you're like when you're working."

"That's it," Fang Jingxiu said simply.

"He must be really handsome," Chen Nuo whispered, "the kind who strategizes and commands the world."

Fang Jingxiu laughed: "It's not that exaggerated. Most of the time is spent reading documents, attending meetings, and coordinating."

"That's still impressive," Chen Nuo said seriously. "I can't even manage my own class schedule."

These words sounded a bit childish, but Fang Jingxiu could hear the sincerity in them.

He looked at the girl in front of him. She was twenty-two years old, full of hope for the future. Her eyes would light up at his words, and she would be happy all day because of his affirmation.

Young is so good.

"You're still young," he said, his tone carrying a kind of paternal tolerance. "Take your time."

"You always say I'm young," Chen Nuo muttered, "but I'm already twenty-two."

"Twenty-two is still young." Fang Jingxiu picked up a piece of tofu for her. "When I was twenty-two, I was still a graduate student, spending all my time in the lab, and I didn't know anything."

Chen Nuo looked up, her eyes sparkling like shattered diamonds under the light: "But the competition in the industry is so fierce, I'm afraid..."

"What are you afraid of?" Fang Jingxiu interrupted her, his voice not loud, but every word carried a heavy weight. "I will pave the way for you, and I won't let you fall."

Chen Nuo was stunned.

This was too direct, so direct it didn't sound like something he would say. It wasn't an ambiguous promise, nor a vague hint, but a clear statement: I will protect you, I will pave the way for you.

She opened her mouth, as if to say something, but found her throat tightening.

Seeing her stunned expression, Fang Jingxiu smiled slightly: "What's wrong? Don't you believe me?"

"No..." Chen Nuo's voice choked slightly, "I just... didn't expect you to say that."

"So what do you want to hear me say?" Fang Jingxiu picked up the teapot and poured her another cup of tea. "Something vague and ambiguous, giving you hope but no guarantees?"

He looked up at her and said, "Chen Nuo, I'm not that kind of person."

Chen Nuo gripped the teacup tightly.

The tea was very hot, and the heat traveled through the porcelain wall to my palms, warming me all the way to my heart.

He was teaching her, teaching her to distinguish between sincerity and pretense, and to differentiate between empty words and words that were truly meaningful.

"When I was twenty-two," Fang Jingxiu continued, his tone as calm as if he were telling a story, "I also felt that I could do anything and was not afraid of anything. Later, after stumbling a few times, I realized that it is a blessing to have someone willing to pave the way for you."

He paused, then added, "That's why I'm willing to be the one who paves the way."

These words carry immense weight.

Chen Nuo looked at him, at her reflection in his deep eyes, and suddenly felt that this man was giving her the most real sense of security in his own way.

It's not sweet talk, it's not vows of eternal love, it's me paving the way for you so you won't stumble.

This is more real than saying "I like you" ten thousand times.

"Brother Xiu," she whispered, "why are you so good to me?"

Fang Jingxiu remained silent for a few seconds.

The snow was still falling outside the window, and the private room was so quiet that you could hear the sound of water flowing from the radiator.

"Because it's worth it," he finally said, his voice soft but clear. "You're worth my effort, my time, and my paving the way."

Chen Nuo's eyes instantly reddened.

She lowered her head, afraid that she would cry.

Fang Jingxiu looked at her reddened ear tips and didn't say anything more, but just pushed the tissue towards her.

The atmosphere was quiet and warm.

After a while, Chen Nuo raised her head again, her eyes still red, but a smile on her face: "Then... what if I fall?"

"Then help him up," Fang Jingxiu said matter-of-factly. "If you help him up every time he falls, he'll eventually learn to walk."

That sounded so fatherly that Chen Nuo couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"What are you laughing at?" Fang Jingxiu raised an eyebrow.

"It's nothing," Chen Nuo wiped his eyes, "It's just that...you remind me of my dad."

Fang Jingxiu raised an eyebrow, deliberately teasing her: "Am I that old?"

"It's not about age!" Chen Nuo quickly explained, "It's that...way of caring for people. My dad always says that he's paving the way for me, so I don't have to be afraid."

Fang Jingxiu's expression softened somewhat.

"However..." Chen Nuo looked at him, her eyes sparkling, "you're much more handsome than my dad."

Fang Jingxiu was amused by her words, and a very soft laugh escaped from deep in his throat.

"You've made something of yourself," he said, but there was no reproach in his tone.

The meal was almost finished, with about half of the dishes still left on the table. Chen Nuo started rambling on about the film crew again, with Fang Jingxiu mostly listening and occasionally offering a comment or two.

He didn't say much, but every word he said hit the nail on the head.

For example, regarding the handling of public opinion after Jiang Wen's injury, he said, "Liu Qingsong did the right thing by unifying the narrative immediately. In the industry, the truth is not important; what matters is who sets the tone first."

Chen Nuo listened attentively and kept these words in mind.

That's how he taught her.

Instead of rote learning, I subtly instilled in her the unspoken rules of officialdom and the workplace through everyday conversations.