The Guide to Rising to Power: The Ultimate Schemes of a Green Tea Beauty

While admiring it, he felt no desire to overstep his bounds.

The mere thought of her possible relationship with Lu Xiuting instantly extinguished any romantic notions Chen Qiyun harbored, leaving only pure politeness and caution based on his feelings for Lu Xiuting.

"Ms. Shen, you flatter me, you flatter me." Chen Qiyun waved his hand with a smile, his attitude amiable. "I hope Ms. Shen and the host will take good care of me later."

"Mr. Chen, you are too modest. We are looking forward to your wonderful sharing," Shen Yao replied with a smile, her posture neither humble nor arrogant.

The recording process went exceptionally smoothly. Chen Qiyun, as expected of a seasoned businessman, spoke eloquently and logically, and his interaction with host Wang Luoning was smooth and natural, with many memorable quotes.

Shen Yao stood outside the control room, calmly observing everything inside the studio through the huge glass wall.

Her gaze was mostly fixed on Wang Luoning.

After a period of close study and deliberate imitation, Shen Yao has become thoroughly familiar with Wang Luoning's hosting style, body language, and even micro-expressions.

That's why she was able to keenly capture some unusual details.

She noticed that when Wang Luoning was listening to Chen Qiyun speak, her gaze lingered on him for a few seconds longer than when she looked at the other guests.

It wasn't a professional gaze, but a look imbued with deeper interest and appreciation.

She also noticed that Wang Luoning's posture was more "open" today. When she usually hosts, she habitually crosses her hands in front of her, forming a subtle defensive posture.

But today, she naturally placed her palms on the table several times, or made more relaxed gestures in accordance with the rhythm of the conversation, and her body was more inclined to face Chen Qiyun.

Could it be... that Sister Luo Ning has feelings for this Mr. Chen?

This bold conjecture quickly took shape in Shen Yao's mind. She remained calm and continued to observe.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Wang Luoning, Chen Qiyun turned to Shen Yao, his attitude remaining very polite: "Ms. Shen, thank you for your hard work today. It was a pleasure working with you."

"Mr. Chen, you're too kind," Shen Yao replied with a smile, her mind racing.

She glanced at Wang Luoning beside her, who seemed to want to say something but remained somewhat reserved, then suddenly stepped forward, her face displaying both the admiration of a junior for a senior and an unpretentious enthusiasm, and spoke to Chen Qiyun:

"Mr. Chen, I have benefited greatly from your words today. I wonder if you are free tonight? The program team would like to invite you and Sister Luo Ning to dinner as a way of thanking you for your support today, and we also hope to have the opportunity to learn more from you in the future."

Shen Yao knew in her heart that he would most likely agree.

It wasn't just because of the show's invitation; more importantly, it was because of the subtle relationship that her identity might represent with Lu Xiuting.

At the same time, this is also an "emotional investment" in Wang Luoning and a "long-term venture capital" in Chen Qiyun, a potential high-end connection.

Killing three birds with one stone, this meal was well worth the expense.

Chen Qiyun hesitated for a moment, then laughed heartily: "Miss Shen, you're too kind. Since you two have graced me with your presence, I certainly wouldn't refuse. I happen to have no plans for the evening."

He readily agreed, but secretly harbored the idea of ​​using this opportunity to get closer to Shen Yao.

He may appear successful on the surface, but he's actually feeling extremely uneasy—after all, being the center of attention for certain people isn't a pleasant experience.

Six months ago, Wang Yumin's arrest caused a great stir in the city. The year-long power struggle between him and Director Xue Huaiqing ended with Wang Yumin being imprisoned as a pawn.

Immortals fight, mortals suffer.

Although he had only eaten a few meals with Wang Yumin, he now had to be careful with his words and actions, keeping a low profile for fear of coming into the sight of Lu Xiuting or Xue Huaiqing.

Once he's been targeted, he's very likely to be invited for a "talk".

He was particularly worried that Lu Xiuting suspected him of acting as Wang Yumin's "front man"—holding shares and real estate on his behalf, or even participating in money laundering.

Many of the entrepreneurs who had dealings with Wang Yumin have been asked to cooperate with the investigation.

Xue Huaiqing was shrewd and resourceful, climbing his way up from a mountain village to a high position; Lu Xiuting, on the other hand, was fiercely opposed to evil and kept his public and private affairs strictly separate. One was like a beautiful snake ready to strike at any moment, the other like a lone wolf lurking in the shadows.

Although both of them were doing things that "benefited the people but not themselves," their styles of doing things were quite different.

Compared to Xue Huaiqing, who had countless enemies, no ties, and even the ability to abandon his dignity back then, Chen Qiyun actually felt more in agreement with Lu Xiuting.

He was currently worried about not having a suitable opportunity to connect with Lu Xiuting's side, and this dinner party might be a good chance to test the waters. In any case, he needed to find someone who could lend him a hand if he really gained "attention".

Wang Luoning, who was standing to the side, showed a clear surprise when he heard Shen Yao's sudden invitation.

She looked at Shen Yao, seemingly puzzled as to why she had suddenly suggested a dinner party and even brought her along.

Shen Yao met Wang Luoning's questioning gaze and winked at her.

Wang Luoning was taken aback at first, then seemed to understand something. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she glared at Shen Yao somewhat embarrassedly, but there was no blame in her eyes.

She nodded slightly, which was taken as agreement.

Shen Yao understood immediately, and her smile became even brighter: "That's great, I'll arrange the place. I'll send the address to your phones later."

Chen Qiyun smiled and nodded, "Okay, see you tonight." He nodded to Wang Luoning again before leaving with his assistant.

As soon as his figure disappeared at the studio entrance, Wang Luoning, who had just maintained a professional smile, immediately breathed a sigh of relief, turned around and looked at Shen Yao beside her, her eyes filled with surprise that her thoughts had been seen through, but even more so with sincere gratitude and amazement.

She lowered her voice and said, "Yaoyao, thank you."

After a pause, she exclaimed sincerely, "You are so smart."

She did indeed have a strong liking for Chen Qiyun, a mature, stable, successful, and single business elite, but due to her status and reserve, she had been struggling to find a suitable opportunity to get to know him privately.

Shen Yao's seemingly casual invitation was a godsend, direct, natural, and gave both sides a way out.

Upon hearing this, Shen Yao gave a humble yet slightly playful smile and waved her hand.

"Sister Luoning, please don't say that. I was just guessing. I felt that Mr. Chen and you got along quite well, and I thought it would be good to communicate more. I'm happy to be able to help you."

Looking at the clever and thoughtful girl in front of him, Wang Luoning felt even more favorably disposed towards her.

She hesitated for a moment, then said earnestly:

"Yaoyao, I'll remember this favor. If you ever need my help at the station or for anything else, just let me know."

This was a promise of great weight. That was exactly what Shen Yao wanted to hear.

She immediately showed an expression of flattery and quickly said:

"Sister Luo Ning, you're too kind. It's my greatest blessing to be able to learn from you."