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

7 PM, National Development and Reform Commission building.

Secretary Qin finished tidying up the last document, looked up and asked, "Boss, the car is ready. Shall we go back to the dormitory?"

Fang Jingxiu closed his pen and stood up: "No need, I'll go back to my apartment from now on."

Secretary Qin's heart skipped a beat, but he remained outwardly calm: "Yes, sir."

When he was single, this guy always said that his apartment was far from his workplace and that staying in the dormitory was more convenient.

Now that he has a woman, he doesn't mind how far away she is.

Double standards.

Secretary Qin inwardly scoffed, but maintained a respectful smile: "Would you like me to give you a ride?"

"No need, I'll drive myself." Fang Jingxiu put on his coat. "You can go home now."

"Okay, boss, please drive carefully."

Fang Jingxiu drove away from the government compound.

Fang Jingxiu parked his car on the roadside, 300 meters away from the Broadcasting Building.

This was the place he and Chen Nuo had agreed upon; it couldn't be too close, lest their colleagues see them; nor could it be too far, lest she get tired from walking.

He sent a message: "Arrived, black flag with red flag by the roadside."

Five minutes later, Chen Nuo jogged over, opened the car door, and sat in the passenger seat.

"Brother Xiu!" Her eyes sparkled. "Have you been waiting long?"

"Just arrived." Fang Jingxiu looked at her slightly flushed face and reached out to tidy her bangs that were ruffled by the wind. "Why did you run here? Just walk slowly."

"I want to see you soon." Chen Nuo fastened his seatbelt. "Shall we go home?"

"Let's go to the supermarket first." Fang Jingxiu started the car. "We need to buy some groceries; we're out of supplies at home."

"Ah..." Chen Nuo's face fell. "Don't eat anymore."

She reached out and pinched the thin layer of fat on her lower abdomen: "Look, I've gained weight, I even have a spare tire now."

Fang Jingxiu glanced at her, chuckled, and took her restless hand: "Everyone has a 'spare tire' when they sit down, that's normal. Besides, you're a girl, a little bit of fat on your lower abdomen is to protect your uterus, it's common medical knowledge."

Chen Nuo was stunned: "Protect...protect the uterus?"

"Hmm." Fang Jingxiu looked straight ahead, his tone steady. "Women need a certain body fat percentage to maintain endocrine balance. Being too thin is actually not good; it can easily lead to irregular menstruation and affect health."

As Chen Nuo listened, he felt a warmth in his heart. This was the charm of older men. Unlike men his own age, they wouldn't casually create body image anxiety. Instead, they would use scientific knowledge to tell him that health is the most important thing.

"Really?" she asked softly.

"Really," Fang Jingxiu said, "So don't try to lose weight haphazardly. Just eat normally and exercise appropriately."

"Oh..." Chen Nuo nodded obediently, feeling sweet inside.

The car drove into the supermarket's underground parking garage.

Fang Jingxiu put on a mask and hat, revealing only his deep eyes.

The two pushed the shopping cart into the supermarket. Fang Jingxiu naturally took the cart, and Chen Nuo followed beside him.

When passing the snack section, Fang Jingxiu stopped and put several bags of potato chips, jelly, and chocolate into the car.

Chen Nuo's eyes widened: "Brother Xiu, you...like to eat these?"

"Don't all girls your age love to eat this?" Fang Jingxiu said matter-of-factly. "Buy some and keep it at home, you can eat it if you get hungry while editing videos at night."

The two continued shopping.

Fang Jingxiu was very particular about buying vegetables. He would choose spare ribs, select broccoli with firm florets, and choose tomatoes with an even color. He was very careful in selecting each item.

When Fang Jingxiu reached the daily necessities section, he paused.

Chen Nuo followed his gaze and saw boxes of various brands on the shelf.

Her face turned red instantly.

Fang Jingxiu, quite naturally, went over to take a look, and put two boxes into his shopping cart.

The entire process was smooth and effortless, and he remained completely composed.

But Chen Nuo's ears were already so red they looked like they were about to bleed.

She recalled the previous two times... neither of which were very satisfying, and some even hurt a little.

What about tonight?

Chen Nuo's mind started wandering, and her face grew increasingly red.

"What are you thinking about?" Fang Jingxiu's voice pulled her back to reality.

"N-nothing!" Chen Nuo quickly shook his head. "Let's go pay the bill!"

The two walked to the self-checkout area.

Fang Jingxiu took out the items one by one to scan the barcodes, while Chen Nuo helped pack them into bags.

When the machine scanned those two boxes, it beeped. Chen Nuo's hand trembled, and he almost dropped the potato chips he had just packed.

Fang Jingxiu glanced at her, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes, but he didn't say anything.

After paying the bill, the two carried the bags back to their car.

Throughout the journey, Chen Nuo didn't dare look at Fang Jingxiu. The car was quiet, with only the low rumble of the engine.