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

Back downstairs in the apartment complex.

"Brother Xiu," she asked softly, "have I... caused you a lot of trouble?"

Fang Jingxiu frowned: "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"It's just..." Chen Nuo lowered his head, "because of my family's affairs, you owe so many people favors, and you also..."

"Chen Nuo," Fang Jingxiu interrupted her, his voice turning serious, "look at me."

Chen Nuo raised her head.

Fang Jingxiu walked up to her, and the two were very close, close enough that she could smell the faint scent of tobacco and cedar on him.

"I'm helping you not because you begged me, nor because I pity you," he said, emphasizing each word, "but because I want to help."

He paused, then lowered his voice: "Do you understand?"

Chen Nuo looked into his deep eyes, her heart pounding.

"I understand..." she whispered.

"Then don't overthink it." Fang Jingxiu raised his hand and gently ruffled her hair. "Let's go."

When Lin Xiuying saw them return, she immediately went to greet them: "How was it?"

"It's resolved," Fang Jingxiu said succinctly. "Uncle should be back this afternoon."

Lin Xiuying's eyes instantly reddened, and she grabbed Fang Jingxiu's hand: "Jingxiu... Auntie really doesn't know how to thank you..."

"Auntie, you're too kind." Fang Jingxiu withdrew his hand without batting an eye. "It's nothing."

He turned around and started packing his luggage.

My luggage was very simple, just a travel bag, and I packed it in five minutes.

Just as the two reached the door, Fang Jingxiu's phone rang.

He glanced at the caller ID and answered, "Secretary Luo."

A hearty laugh came from the other end: "Jingxiu! Why didn't you tell me you were coming to Yongzhou? If Old Li hadn't told me, I wouldn't have known!"

Fang Jingxiu smiled and said, "Secretary Luo, I'm just here on some personal business. I wouldn't dare disturb you."

"What do you mean by 'intruding'!" Secretary Luo's voice was enthusiastic. "I'm treating tonight, you absolutely must come! I'll send you the location, 6:30 sharp!"

"Secretary Luo, you're too kind..."

"Don't refuse! It's settled then!" Secretary Luo said before hanging up the phone.

Fang Jingxiu put away his phone, and Chen Nuo asked cautiously, "Is this... the boss?"

"Yes, it's Secretary Luo from the Municipal Party Committee," Fang Jingxiu said. "He'll treat us to dinner tonight."

"So... are you going?"

"Go," Fang Jingxiu said. "I can't refuse this kind of dinner."

He paused, then looked at Chen Nuo: "You...want to come with me?"

Chen Nuo's eyes lit up: "Can I go?"

"Sure," Fang Jingxiu said, "but you should be prepared that in this kind of situation, people might ask you all sorts of questions."

"I'm not afraid," Chen Nuo said. "I have you here."

Looking into her trusting eyes, Fang Jingxiu felt a softening in his heart.

---

The atmosphere in the private room of the Ningbo private club was so lively it was almost viscous.

Fang Jingxiu raised his glass to Li Weiguo and Luo Jianjun, who were seated at the head of the table: "Secretary Li, Political Commissar Luo, this matter is largely thanks to your help. I toast to you both."

The clear liquor swirls in the glass; it's 53-proof Moutai, with a spicy aroma.

He tilted his head back and downed the entire glass of wine in one gulp, his Adam's apple bobbing, his face remaining expressionless.

"Great!" Luo Jianjun slammed his hand on the table. "Jingxiu, you're so straightforward! Come on, fill it up!"

Chen Nuo sat beside Fang Jingxiu, her fingers twisting the hem of her dress tightly under the table as she looked at the third empty wine glass in front of him. She could tell that Fang Jingxiu was drinking for her. He was drinking for the favors her Chen family owed, and for her father's safe return.

According to custom, since Li Weiguo has helped so much, the Chen family should hold a grand banquet to express their sincere gratitude.

But Chen Jianguo had just returned home and hadn't recovered yet, so the drinking session naturally fell to Fang Jingxiu.

In official circles, gratitude is never just empty words.

You have to drink, you have to drink until the other person is satisfied, until the other person feels that this person is sensible.

The fourth toast is to the city director, the fifth to the deputy director, the sixth to…

Watching Fang Jingxiu drink one glass after another, Chen Nuo finally couldn't help but whisper, "Brother Xiu, let me drink one for you?"

Fang Jingxiu turned his head to look at her. His eyes were still clear, but the corners of his eyes were already red: "Why is a child drinking alcohol?"

He spoke naturally, but Chen Nuo sensed the unquestionable conviction in his voice.

That's the rule; she can't drink.

Firstly, she was a junior; secondly, she was a woman; and thirdly... she was someone he brought with him.

He had to protect her, even shielding her from the alcohol.

Seeing this, Luo Jianjun chuckled and said, "Jingxiu, you're being a bit too protective. Xiao Chen is twenty-two already, not a child anymore."

"Chen Nuo is young, so I hope you will take good care of him in the future!" Fang Jingxiu said matter-of-factly, and then raised his glass again, "Political Commissar Luo, I'd like to toast you."

The seventh cup.

Chen Nuo looked at his profile, at the sharp jawline he made while drinking, at the curve of his Adam's apple bobbing, and felt as if something was clenching his heart.

He was carrying the burden for her.

He shouldered all the social obligations, all the favors, and all the glasses of strong liquor.

By 9:30 p.m., Fang Jingxiu had already drunk no less than ten cups of wine.

After downing a pound of liquor, his posture remained upright and his speech was still clear and logical, but Chen Nuo noticed that his hand holding the food was beginning to tremble slightly.

"Jingxiu," Li Weiguo said, blushing, patting his shoulder, "your drinking capacity is truly inherited from your father! Political Commissar Fang was known for his drinking prowess back in the army!"

Fang Jingxiu smiled but didn't reply.

After a few more rounds of drinks, the party finally ended.

As Fang Jingxiu stepped out of the club, a cold winter night wind blew, causing his steps to sway almost imperceptibly.

Chen Nuo immediately helped him up: "Brother Xiu?"

"It's nothing," he said, his voice relatively calm.

But when his hand rested on her shoulder, it was noticeably heavier than usual; he was truly drunk.

The car is coming.

Fang Jingxiu let her get into the car first before getting in himself.

He closed the door, leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and his breathing became somewhat heavy.

"Brother Xiu, are you feeling unwell?" Chen Nuo asked softly.

"A little," he said honestly. "I drank the liquor too quickly."

The car arrived at the Shangri-La Hotel. Chen Nuo helped him out of the car and into the lobby. This time, the receptionist didn't ask any questions, but simply respectfully handed him the room key.

The elevator ascended. In the mirrored wall, Fang Jingxiu leaned against the elevator wall with his eyes closed, his face somewhat pale. Chen Nuo supported him, and could smell the strong odor of alcohol on him, mixed with the scent of tobacco and cedar.

"Brother Xiu, we've arrived," she said softly.

Fang Jingxiu opened his eyes, his gaze somewhat unfocused, but he quickly refocused.

He took the room key and swiped it to open the door.

Upon entering the suite, he didn't go to the bedroom but instead slumped onto the sofa in the living room, tilting his head back, closing his eyes, and placing one hand on his forehead.

Chen Nuo quickly went to boil water.

The kettle was gurgling. She stood in the kitchen, looking at the figure on the sofa. The man who had been so eloquent and in control at the dinner party was now showing his tired and real self, having let down his guard.

The water has boiled.

She poured herself a glass of warm water and walked to the sofa.

"Brother Xiu, have some water." Chen Nuo squatted down and held the water glass to his lips.

Fang Jingxiu took a few sips from her hand.

He breathed a sigh of relief as the warm water slid down his throat.

Chen Nuo put down her water glass, looked at his uncomfortable appearance, and couldn't help but reach out and gently massage his temples.

Her fingers were cool, and she applied very light pressure.

Fang Jingxiu closed his eyes and let her massage him.

After a long while, he whispered, "It's okay, I don't feel uncomfortable anymore."

Chen Nuo withdrew his hand but did not get up.

She squatted down by the sofa, looking up at him.

The warm yellow light from the floor lamp illuminated his face, highlighting his deep-set eyes and high nose. His long eyelashes cast a small shadow beneath his eyes. His left hand rested on the sofa armrest, the silver pinky ring gleaming coldly under the light.