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

It was 7 p.m. on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year at a private club in Jingjing.

When Fang Jingxiu led Chen Nuo through the door of the private room, three people were already seated inside. Upon seeing them enter, all three stood up in a standard, polite manner, displaying just the right amount of enthusiasm.

"Director Fang, you're here!" The speaker was Deputy Director Zhang of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, who was in his fifties, slightly overweight, and had a broad smile.

"Minister Zhang," Fang Jingxiu nodded, stepping aside to let Chen Nuo go first, "There was a bit of traffic on the way, sorry to have kept you all waiting."

"Not long ago!" Director Chen from CCTV's documentary channel said with a smile, "We just arrived too."

The third person was a familiar face: Director Li from the Cultural Bureau. Her eyes lit up when she saw Chen Nuo: "Little Chen's here too!"

"Hello, Director Li! Hello, leaders!" Chen Nuo greeted them politely.

Fang Jingxiu led Chen Nuo to the table and introduced her naturally: "Everyone, this is my girlfriend, Chen Nuo."

He paused, then added, "I'm a third-year student majoring in directing at the Film Academy. I hope you'll all take good care of me in the future."

Chen Nuo bowed slightly: "Hello Minister Zhang, hello Director Wang, hello Director Li. I am Chen Nuo."

After he finished speaking, the private room fell silent for a moment.

All three of them were shrewd and instantly understood the weight of those words: "This is my girlfriend; this is a declaration."

Please take care of me in the future; this is my request.

Fang Jingxiu personally led the group; this was a request.

People who have been in this circle for many years know all too well what it means to bring a girlfriend to such an occasion. She's not just a casual companion; she's someone you're serious about developing a long-term relationship with and someone you're going to support.

"Oh, Director Fang, you're too kind!" Deputy Director Zhang was the first to react. "Young Chen is so outstanding; he's sure to have a bright future!"

"Yes, yes!" Director Chen chimed in, "Top students from film academies—CCTV needs talent like that!"

Director Li also smiled and said, "Xiao Chen performed very well in Qinghai. I have high hopes for her."

They were full of polite words, but Chen Nuo could sense that the way these people looked at her was completely different from how Director Wang looked at her that day.

That day was a scrutiny, a weighing of the options, a question of what gave you the right to do this.

Today is filled with enthusiasm and warmth; you deserve it.

Because Fang Jingxiu was standing next to her.

The five people took their seats.

The waiters began serving the dishes, all of them exquisite official cuisine, but no one touched their chopsticks, drank any wine, spoke freely, or ate.

The liquor is Moutai, and it's already been poured.

Fang Jingxiu picked up the glass of white wine in front of him and stood up.

"The first cup," he said in a low but clear voice, looking at the three people present: "Minister Zhang, Director Wang, Director Li, I would like to ask you three for a favor today."

He paused, then said in a steady and firm voice, "Chen Nuo will be doing her internship next year. She's young and talented, but lacks opportunities. The three of you here are all top performers in the industry. In the future... I hope you'll take good care of her."

After saying that, he tilted his head back and drank the whole glass of wine in one gulp.

His movements were clean and efficient, his Adam's apple bobbed, and his expression remained unchanged.

Chen Nuo's heart clenched. It was baijiu, 53 proof, a whole glass.

But all three at the table laughed. Deputy Director Zhang also raised his glass: "Director Fang is so generous! We'll drink to that too!"

All four glasses of wine were emptied at the same time.

In official circles, the first toast is a matter of etiquette. Only after drinking this toast are you considered one of our own.

The first cup is a request.

Fang Jingxiu was using his influence to pave the way for Chen Nuo.

The waiter refilled the glass. Fang Jingxiu picked up his second glass, this time looking at Director Li.

"Director Li," he said, "the youth support program will be restarted after the New Year, and Chen Nuo will join the team tomorrow. She's a newcomer and doesn't know anything, so please... mentor her."

He paused, then added, "I, Fang Jingxiu, will remember this favor."

These words carry immense weight.

The second cup was meant to reassure you.

I, Fang Jingxiu, will keep this in mind. In officialdom, it's more effective than any written promise. Because it means that if you help me this time, I owe you one.

If you ever need me in the future, I will do my best to help.

Director Li quickly raised his glass: "Don't worry, Director Fang, I'll take good care of Xiao Chen."

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

With his third toast, Fang Jingxiu turned to Deputy Director Zhang: "Minister Zhang, matters in the film and television industry ultimately have to get past you. Approval, project initiation, distribution... every step requires your support. This toast is for you."

"Of course, of course!" Deputy Director Zhang said with a smile. "As long as the work is compliant, we will definitely support it!"

"Thank you in advance," Fang Jingxiu said, then drank another cup.

Three cups of baijiu, totaling at least six ounces. His face was already starting to flush, but his eyes remained clear.

The third cup paves the way for the future.

Approval is a matter of life and death for film and television projects. With Minister Zhang's words, Chen Nuo's future path will be much easier.

With his fourth toast, he looked at Director Chen: "Director Chen, CCTV's platform is the best stage for young people. If Chen Nuo has the opportunity..."

"Don't worry, Director Fang!" Station Chief Chen immediately reassured him, "Our station is currently preparing a documentary program about young directors. If Xiao Chen is interested, he can give it a try."

"That's great." Fang Jingxiu smiled and drank another cup.

After four cups of wine, he had already drunk eight ounces of baijiu. Chen Nuo watched from the side, his fingers twisting the hem of his clothes tightly under the table.

The fourth glass of wine paved the way for her to study at CCTV, and also the path for her to enter the system.

She could sense that Fang Jingxiu was paving the way for her, with one glass of wine after another, one promise after another, and all the connections he had built up in this circle.

He's sacrificing his own dignity for her future.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually warmed up.

The three leaders started talking about work, policies, and gossip within their circles. Fang Jingxiu occasionally chimed in, but mostly listened.

Chen Nuo listened quietly, occasionally interjecting a few words when Fang Jingxiu gestured for her to speak, always in a humble and polite manner, seeking his advice.

She behaved very well, not talking much, not interrupting, not showing off, but answering every question and always getting to the point.

This is what Fang Jingxiu taught her: in this kind of situation, what you need to show is adaptability, not ability.

The goal is to make the other party feel that the child has potential and is worth nurturing, rather than that the child is too arrogant and cannot be controlled.

By 9:30 PM, Fang Jingxiu had already drunk at least half a jin (250ml) of liquor. His expression remained normal, but Chen Nuo noticed that his hand was gently clenched into a fist under the table.

He's holding on.

The three leaders took their leave one after another, and each of them made a point of shaking hands with Chen Nuo before leaving, saying, "Let's keep in touch."

In the end, only Fang Jingxiu and Chen Nuo remained.

As soon as the door closed, Fang Jingxiu leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. His face was flushed, and his breathing was heavy.

"Brother Xiu..." Chen Nuo called him softly.

"It's nothing." Fang Jingxiu opened his eyes, his gaze somewhat unfocused, but quickly sharpened. "It's just that I'm a little... tipsy."

He stood up, his steps faltering slightly. Chen Nuo quickly helped him up.

"I'll help you," she said.

"No need," Fang Jingxiu waved his hand, but still let her support him.

As the two walked out of the club, a night breeze seemed to intensify Fang Jingxiu's effects of the alcohol. He walked somewhat unsteadily, but still tried his best to maintain his composure.

After getting on the bus, he leaned back in his seat, closed his eyes, and didn't say a word.

Chen Nuo felt a pang of sadness seeing his exhausted appearance. She reached out and gently took his hand.

Fang Jingxiu's hands were very hot, and his palms were covered in sweat.

As the car pulled up in front of the apartment building, Fang Jingxiu's phone rang.

It's Director Li.

He answered the phone, his voice relatively calm: "Director Li... Yes, I'm home... What time does Chen Nuo report for duty tomorrow?... Okay, nine o'clock... Director Li, there's something I need to discuss..."

He paused, his tone becoming serious: "After Chen Nuo joins the crew, I hope... she's just there to learn. I don't want her to be involved in those messy occasions or social events."

What was said on the other end of the phone?

Fang Jingxiu continued, "Yes, that's exactly what I mean. She just needs to focus on her studies, and I'll handle the rest. If anyone makes things difficult for her, or... like what happened in Qinghai last time..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear: there can't be a second time.

After hanging up the phone, Fang Jingxiu let out a long sigh of relief.

Chen Nuo looked at him: "Brother Xiu, you..."

"Chen Nuo," Fang Jingxiu interrupted her, his voice very soft, "You're going to the film set tomorrow, I won't show up. You'll have to handle things on your own, understand?"

Chen Nuo was taken aback: "Why?"

"Because we can't." Fang Jingxiu opened his eyes and looked at her. "Once the crew finds out you're Fang Jingxiu's girlfriend, the way they look at you will be different."

He paused for a moment: "You'll be respected, treated specially, and gossiped about. No matter what you do, people will say you have connections, that you're relying on men. Even if you really learn something and achieve something, no one will recognize it."

He held Chen Nuo's hand and said, "I want you to learn honestly and grow steadily. I don't want my glory, I only want your abilities."

Chen Nuo remained silent.

She understands.

"Moreover," Fang Jingxiu continued, "I'm currently at a critical juncture. The appointment of the director hasn't been officially announced yet, and we can't afford any slip-ups. If word gets out about our relationship, it won't be good for either of us."

What he said was realistic and cruel, but it was all true.

Fang Jingxiu is in the prime of his career and can't afford too much gossip. If word gets out that Director Fang is abusing his power to pave the way for his girlfriend, it will affect his promotion.

Fang Jingxiu's position is insecure, and his own future will also be affected.

This is a lose-lose situation.

Therefore, the best approach is to keep a low profile.

Chen Nuo nodded: "I understand."

"So," Fang Jingxiu grasped her hand, "starting tomorrow, you'll have to rely on yourself. Director Li will look after you, but not openly. You'll have to prove yourself with your abilities and let your results speak for themselves."

"I understand." She nodded. "Thank you, Brother Xiu."

"You're welcome." Fang Jingxiu closed his eyes. "I only hope that you... can stand on my shoulders and see a wider world."

His voice trailed off, as if he were talking to himself: "I'm not afraid of you using me... I'm only afraid that you won't use me..."

These words finally brought tears to Chen Nuo's eyes.

Once this man falls in love, he will shower you with resources, pave the way for you, and lift you to the highest point.

He asks for nothing in return, only that you go further.

The car drove into the residential area.

Chen Nuo helped Fang Jingxiu out of the car and upstairs.

His steps were a little unsteady, but he was still conscious.

Back in the apartment, Fang Jingxiu went straight into the bathroom.

Chen Nuo waited outside and heard the sound of water and suppressed vomiting coming from inside.

Her heart tightened; she wanted to go in, but she didn't dare.

About twenty minutes later, Fang Jingxiu came out, had taken a shower, changed into his pajamas, his hair was still wet, but his complexion was better.

"Did I scare you?" he asked.

"No," Chen Nuo shook his head, "It's just...heartbreaking."

Fang Jingxiu laughed, walked over, and pulled her into his arms: "Silly."

The two sat down on the sofa.

Fang Jingxiu leaned against the cushion, and Chen Nuo leaned on his shoulder.

"Brother Xiu," Chen Nuo asked softly, "you drank so much today... are you really alright?"

"It's alright," Fang Jingxiu said. "I'm used to it."

"But……"

"Chen Nuo," he interrupted her, "in this industry, some paths must be paved with alcohol. These three glasses of wine today, in exchange for your smooth sailing for the next three years, are worth it."

He spoke of it casually, but Chen Nuo knew the price behind it: three debts of gratitude, three promises, and three troubles that might have to be repaid in the future.

"I will work hard," she said, "so as not to let your wine down."

"Okay." Fang Jingxiu hugged her tighter. "You're joining the crew tomorrow. Remember what time it is."

"you say."

"First, talk less and do more. Second, if you don't understand, ask; don't pretend to know. Third," he paused, "if someone makes things difficult for you, don't fight back; tell me."

"Tell you? Didn't you say you wouldn't reveal our relationship?"

"Not exposing you doesn't mean I can't take care of you. With me here, no one will bully you."

Chen Nuo felt a warmth in her heart.

"Also," Fang Jingxiu continued, "I've already spoken to Director Li. She'll look after you, but you also need to live up to her expectations. This support program only selects ten people nationwide, and you're the only one currently enrolled in school. The pressure will be immense, so be prepared."

"I'm not afraid of pressure," Chen Nuo said.

"Okay." Fang Jingxiu lowered his head and kissed her forehead. "I'll wait for your results."

The two chatted for a while longer, and Fang Jingxiu, feeling the effects of the alcohol, gradually fell asleep.

Chen Nuo looked at his peaceful sleeping face and gently touched his cheek.

This man reserved all his sharpness for the outside world and all his tenderness for her.

She stood up, covered him with a blanket, and turned off the light.

Then I went out onto the balcony and looked at the night view of Jingjing outside the window.

Skyscrapers stand tall, brightly lit.

This is his city, and also the battlefield she is about to venture into.

Tomorrow, she will be joining the film crew.

She carried his expectations, his support, and also... her own ambition.

Chen Nuo took a deep breath and clenched his fist.

Brother Xiu, I will make you proud.

I will make sure that every single one of these three drinks you have today is worth it.