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

The two got off the car.

Before going upstairs, Fang Jingxiu took out two gift boxes from his suitcase, which were gifts for Chen Nuo's parents.

"When did you prepare this?" Chen Nuo asked in surprise.

"Yesterday," Fang Jingxiu said, "it was my first formal visit, so I couldn't come empty-handed."

Chen Nuo looked at him, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart.

This man is always so thoughtful.

She went upstairs and knocked on the door. The door opened quickly, and Lin Xiuqin stood in the doorway. Seeing Fang Jingxiu, her eyes lit up: "Director Fang! Please come in!"

"Auntie, Happy New Year." Fang Jingxiu bowed slightly. "Just call me Jingxiu."

"Alright, alright, Jingxiu." Lin Xiuqin smiled and stepped aside. "Come in quickly, it's cold outside."

As I entered the living room, Chen Jianguo was already waiting.

Upon seeing Fang Jingxiu, he stood up, his expression solemn: "Director Fang, thank you so much for this matter..."

"Uncle Chen, you're too kind." Fang Jingxiu placed the gift on the coffee table. "It's just a small token of my appreciation."

"You're too kind," Chen Jianguo quickly said. "We should be the ones thanking you."

The four people sat down.

Lin Xiuqin went to the kitchen to make tea. Chen Nuo wanted to go and help, but her mother chased her out, saying, "You stay and talk to Jingxiu."

Only three people remained in the living room.

Chen Jianguo looked at Fang Jingxiu and carefully chose his words: "I'm sorry for the trouble this time..."

"It's no trouble at all," Fang Jingxiu said. "It was just a misunderstanding anyway, and it's fine once it's been clarified."

"But you made a special trip to Yongzhou for our family's sake..." Chen Jianguo paused, "We will remember this favor."

Fang Jingxiu picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then slowly said, "Uncle Chen, I came here today not just for this matter."

Chen Jianguo's expression turned serious: "Please speak."

"I'd like to talk to you about Chen Nuo's future." Fang Jingxiu put down his teacup, his gaze calm but earnest. "From the very beginning, I never treated Chen Nuo as a plaything. I genuinely hope she'll be well, that even without me, she'll have a bright future, that she can run forward without stumbling."

This is a very direct and frank statement.

Chen Jianguo was stunned. He stared at Fang Jingxiu for a long time, then slowly smiled: "Director Fang, I believe what you say..."

He paused, then continued, "To be honest, I had ulterior motives when I sent Xiao Nuo to Jingjing. I hoped she would find a good backer and help the family. But now it seems... I was narrow-minded."

"Uncle Chen, you're too kind," Fang Jingxiu said. "It's human nature for parents to plan far ahead for their children. I understand."

Chen Jianguo nodded, then suddenly stood up: "Director Fang, would you like to come to my study for a moment? There are some things I'd like to discuss with you privately."

Fang Jingxiu glanced at Chen Nuo, and only stood up after seeing her nod: "Okay."

The two entered the study.

Chen Jianguo closed the door and took a document out of his desk drawer.

"This is the document Xiao Nuo left at the airport." Chen Jianguo handed the document to Fang Jingxiu. "Take a look."

Fang Jingxiu took it and opened it.

It was the document he gave Chen Nuo regarding the rectification of the building materials market, but it had many handwritten annotations on it, in Chen Jianguo's handwriting.

"I've seen it," Chen Jianguo said. "This document... is very pointed. The Zhou brothers' attack on me this time isn't just a simple matter of business competition. There must be someone behind them..."

Fang Jingxiu nodded: "I know."

"You know?" Chen Jianguo was taken aback.

"Commissar Luo of the Yongzhou Political and Legal Affairs Commission," Fang Jingxiu said calmly, "is in charge of the Zhou brothers' logistics park project, a political achievement project he spearheaded. If the project isn't approved, his career will be affected."

Chen Jianguo gasped, "So... this time it's Political Commissar Luo trying to frame me?"

"Not entirely." Fang Jingxiu shook his head. "It's more likely that the Zhou brothers wanted to use Political Commissar Luo to get rid of you, and Political Commissar Luo... went along with it."

He paused, then looked at Chen Jianguo: "Uncle Chen, how do you think this industry in Yongzhou will develop after the rectification of the building materials market?"

Chen Jianguo pondered for a few seconds: "There will be a reshuffling. Small businesses will be eliminated, while large companies will consolidate resources to form a few giants."

"Yes." Fang Jingxiu nodded. "Then do you want to become one of the giants?"

Chen Jianguo was stunned.

Fang Jingxiu stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the old city of Yongzhou outside: "The rectification of the building materials market is a crisis, but also an opportunity. Right now, the industry in Yongzhou is in a state of panic, which is a good time to integrate resources."

He turned to Chen Jianguo and said, "I can point you in the right direction: energy building materials. This is the future, and the government will strongly support it. If you can successfully transform your business, you will not only overcome the current crisis but also reach new heights."

Chen Jianguo's eyes lit up: "Energy building materials?"

"Yes." Fang Jingxiu walked back to his desk, picked up a pen, and wrote down several names and contact information on a piece of paper. "These companies are all doing related research and development. You can visit them and discuss cooperation. As for funding... if you need it, I can help introduce you to investors."

Chen Jianguo's hands trembled slightly as he looked at the names on the paper. These were all well-known companies in the industry, companies he rarely even met.

"Director Fang," his voice choked with emotion, "why...why are you helping me like this?"

Fang Jingxiu put down his pen and looked towards the study door. Outside, Chen Nuo was talking to her mother, and her laughter could be faintly heard.

"Because of Chen Nuo," he said simply, "I want her to be happy. And only when you are happy can she feel at ease."

Chen Jianguo fell silent.

Looking at the young man in front of him, he suddenly understood that this man truly loved his daughter.

This isn't a passing fancy, it's not just for fun; it's serious and something we're thinking about for the long term.

"Director Fang," Chen Jianguo took a deep breath, "I'm entrusting Xiao Nuo to you."

"I will take good care of her," Fang Jingxiu solemnly promised.

As the two walked out of the study, Chen Nuo was coming out of the kitchen carrying a plate of cut fruit. Seeing them, her eyes lit up: "Finished talking?"

"Hmm." Fang Jingxiu walked over and naturally took the fruit plate from her hand. "Is it heavy?"

"It's not heavy." Chen Nuo smiled, her gaze shifting between her father and Fang Jingxiu. "You two... had a good chat?"

"Very good." Chen Jianguo smiled. "Jingxiu has shown me the right path."

Chen Nuo looked at Fang Jingxiu, her eyes full of admiration: "You helped my dad again?"

"Of course," Fang Jingxiu said.

Lin Xiuqin poked her head out from the kitchen: "Dinner's ready! Wash your hands and eat!"

The two clinked glasses during their meal and drank it all in one gulp.

This kind of drinking is different from the drinking in official circles. It's not for socializing or making deals; it's a genuine expression of gratitude and recognition between men.

Chen Nuo sat next to Fang Jingxiu, watching his sharp jawline as he drank, and the curve of his Adam's apple bobbing, and her heart beat even faster.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious.

Chen Jianguo recounted interesting anecdotes from the business world, and Fang Jingxiu occasionally chimed in with insightful observations.

Chen Nuo rarely spoke, but listened quietly, occasionally stealing a glance at Fang Jingxiu.

She discovered that he was completely different at home than he was in official circles. His back wasn't as straight, his shoulders were more relaxed, and his tone of voice was gentler.

Although still composed, it lacked that oppressive feeling and gained a bit more...human touch.

This is her brother Xiu.

It wasn't Director Fang, nor was it the son of a high-ranking official; it was her boyfriend.