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

A theory flashed through Shen Yao's mind—the "Franklin effect".

She had read so many psychology books that she clearly remembered that interesting conclusion.

The best way to get others to like you is not to help them, but to get them to help you.

When he helps someone, even if he doesn't particularly like that person, his brain will automatically adjust its perception to tell him that the other person is someone worth helping and that he is doing the right thing.

So don't be afraid to bother him. He likes "trouble" and "being needed," and the more "trouble" he does for you, the more he cares about you and the more he likes you.

Now is the perfect time to put it into practice.

A troubled expression appeared on Shen Yao's face at the right moment, and she subconsciously pressed her hand gently against her side waist.

That's where I bumped into when Xiao Weilin pushed me in the elevator.

She raised her eyes, her gaze timid and somewhat aggrieved. She first looked at Zhou Jingyan, then quickly lowered them as if startled, glancing fearfully at Xiao Weilin, who always had a gloomy face, opposite her.

That look perfectly pointed the finger at Xiao Weilin as the "culprit".

Qin Fang's eyes lit up instantly, as he had been holding back his mischievous thoughts!

The opportunity is here.

He was just worried about not having a chance to badmouth Xiao Weilin in front of Zhou Jingyan.

Thinking back to the kick Xiao Weilin had given him in the elevator, and then looking at this perfect opportunity to "save the beauty," he felt that meeting a gentleman like Zhou Jingyan was truly "a stroke of luck."

Qin Fang immediately put on his dramatic act, slammed his hand on the table, and pointed at Xiao Weilin.

His face was filled with righteous indignation, and his voice rose as if he were a hero from Liangshan who had intervened to right a wrong.

"Xiao Er, look what you've done! You groped Miss Shen in the elevator and even injured her. Are you even a man? What kind of skill is it to bully a girl!"

His scathing rebuke firmly pinned the blame on Xiao Weilin, exonerating himself completely and incidentally creating the image of a "righteous messenger."

Xiao Weilin was so angry that his face turned ashen from the accusation that was so blatantly distorted and shameless.

His eyes were fixed on Qin Fang, a cold smile curving his lips, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked, as if he wanted to pounce on him and tear his mouth apart.

But he glanced at Zhou Jingyan, who stood calmly beside him, and forced himself to hold back.

Zhou Jingyan's brows furrowed even more.

He was an upright man who could not stand bullying the weak, especially women.

"Wei Lin, is this true? If you did it, apologize to Miss Shen."

Xiao Weilin's chest heaved violently, and under Zhou Jingyan's gaze, he forced out a few more words through gritted teeth, filled with extreme resentment:

"...Miss Shen Yao, I'm sorry."

Zhou Jingyan then nodded slightly and turned to look at Shen Yao:

"Ms. Shen, I'm so sorry. Please sit down and rest. If you feel unwell, I'll have the doctor come and take a look."

Shen Yao looked flattered yet somewhat uneasy, and quickly waved her hand:

"No, no need, sir. I just need to rest for a bit. Thank you."

She obediently sat down again, her head bowed and eyes lowered, as if she dared not look at Xiao Weilin's murderous gaze any longer.

Seeing Xiao Weilin's discomfiture, Qin Fang was secretly delighted. He hummed a tuneless little tune and leisurely picked up his teacup to take a sip.

Zhou Jingyan looked at Shen Yao sitting there, her hands neatly placed on her knees, her head slightly lowered, looking uneasy yet trying to appear calm, and couldn't help but feel worried.

He raised his hand and pressed the service bell, calling over a waiter, and said gently to Shen Yao:

"Miss Shen, please have something to eat first, don't be shy."

He ordered several delicate and delicious tea snacks that weren't too sweet, along with a cup of hot milk.

The tea and snacks were served quickly; they were small, exquisite, and had an enticing aroma.

Shen Yao raised her head, gave Zhou Jingyan a grateful, slightly shy smile, and said softly, "Thank you, Mr. Zhou."

Zhou Jingyan returned a gentle smile, a smile as soothing as a spring breeze across ice: "You're welcome."

He paused, his tone turning serious, "Ms. Shen, we may need to discuss some things. I hope it won't make you feel awkward or uncomfortable. Please feel free to do as you please, and if you feel uncomfortable, please let me know at any time."

His thoughtfulness and respect touched Shen Yao's heart slightly, and she quickly nodded, "No, Mr. Zhou, you should focus on your business. I'm fine."

Seeing that Shen Yao had indeed relaxed a bit, Zhou Jingyan turned his gaze to Qin Fang, his expression returning to its usual composure:

"So, how's that thing you've been busy with all day going?"

Qin Fang was diligently pouring tea for Shen Yao when he heard this, and his face immediately fell. He wilted like a frostbitten eggplant and began to pour out his grievances:

"Oh, Jingyan. Don't even mention it, it's so difficult, so incredibly difficult. You have no idea how difficult it is to talk to Fang Yunci."

He gestured exaggeratedly, shook his head regretfully, but Shen Yao noticed that there was no emotion in his eyes.

"I practically wore myself out trying to talk to them, but they were so gentle and kind, yet they just wouldn't budge. They shut me down in just a few words, not giving me any face at all."

Upon hearing the name Fang Yunci, Shen Yao tightened her grip on the milk cup and looked up at Qin Fang.

Are they also dealing with Fang Yunci? What's it about?

Her subtle reaction did not escape the eyes of Xiao Weilin, who had been observing coldly.

He snorted coldly, shoved the teacup in front of him forward with a loud "clang," and his tone, filled with his usual impatience and sarcasm, directly exposed Qin Fang's nonsense:

"Why waste time with all that nonsense? Isn't it just that Fang Yunci disagrees with your proposal to collaborate with the TV station?"

Zhou Jingyan listened to Xiao Weilin's blunt words without any surprise on his face, as if he had expected it.

"It's normal for Yunci to disagree. He's always been cautious and has high standards."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Qin Fang and Xiao Weilin, a hint of inquiry in his eyes: "So, what's the main reason you came to Shanghai this time...?"

Qin Fang immediately put on the mask of pain and wailed:

"What else could I be doing? My parents kicked me out of here. They said you were in Shanghai discussing an important company collaboration, and they wanted me to come and learn from you, and also... to show you my 'repentant' attitude."

Although Xiao Weilin's expression remained unpleasant, he softened his tone somewhat in front of Zhou Jingyan, who was usually gentle and considerate, and added:

"By the way, I've also come to talk to the station director about something else."

He didn't specify what it was about, but he was clearly there with a mission.