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

In the ensuing conversation, Qin Fang and Xiao Weilin began to discuss specific company business, project cooperation, and financial operations with Zhou Jingyan.

Shen Yao couldn't understand most of the technical terms they used; they were like gibberish to her.

This reminded her that she still needed to learn more.

She continued to play the role of a quiet and obedient listener, munching on her tea and snacks with her head down, occasionally picking up her teacup to take a sip, trying to minimize her presence.

In front of Zhou Jingyan, Qin Fang and Xiao Weilin were noticeably more restrained.

Although Qin Fang still had that same playful and carefree demeanor, his words had become more serious.

Although Xiao Weilin still had a cold face, at least he didn't shout for war as easily as he did outside.

The atmosphere in the private room maintained a superficial peace due to Zhou Jingyan's presence.

Shen Yao was happy to have some peace and quiet. While silently processing the key information she had just heard about "Fang Yunci" and "TV station", she couldn't help but secretly observe Zhou Jingyan.

He spoke calmly and clearly, and even when faced with Qin Fang's occasional jokes and Xiao Weilin's cold remarks, he always maintained a gentle and patient attitude, answering or guiding them one by one.

The man's profile was sharply defined, with a high nose bridge. When he was focused on listening or thinking, his eyelashes would droop slightly, casting a faint shadow on his eyelids, making him appear exceptionally calm and reliable.

This man... is truly rare.

Shen Yao secretly admired him, thinking that it was truly remarkable that someone in such a circle could maintain such composure and refinement.

"Miss Shen Yao, have you taken a liking to Mr. Zhou?"

A cold, mocking voice suddenly rang out, instantly breaking Shen Yao's thoughts.

Shen Yao snapped back to reality and found Xiao Weilin staring at her with his beautiful eyes and an undisguised mockery on his lips.

When she was observing Zhou Jingyan just now, she seemed to be unconsciously lost in thought.

Shen Yao quickly lowered her head, her voice filled with panic and apology:

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Zhou. I was just a little bored and my mind wandered. Please don't mind."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jingyan turned to look at Shen Yao, showing no sign of offense or displeasure, but rather a reassuring expression:

"It's alright, Miss Shen, it's just that what we were talking about was too boring."

He seemed to sense Shen Yao's embarrassment and considerately changed the subject, saying to Qin Fang and Xiao Weilin:

"That's all for today. Go back and refine your project proposals, add the complete data, and then show them to me. It's getting late, you should go home and rest."

This is a way of telling them to leave.

Upon hearing this, Qin Fang immediately stood up with a grin, instinctively reaching out to put his arm around Shen Yao's shoulder.

"Yes, Jingyan. Miss Shen, I'll escort you back..."

"She stays." Zhou Jingyan's calm voice interrupted Qin Fang's actions.

Qin Fang's outstretched hand froze in mid-air. He paused for a moment, looked at Zhou Jingyan, then at Shen Yao, and a look of regret appeared on his face.

He hasn't even gotten this stunning beauty's contact information yet!

But Qin Fang didn't intend to go against Zhou Jingyan's wishes, since there would be plenty of opportunities in the future.

He winked at Shen Yao before walking away, glancing back every few steps.

When Zhou Jingyan said "she will stay," Xiao Weilin's gaze lingered on Shen Yao's face for a few seconds, his expression complex and unreadable.

He didn't say anything and left briskly.

After saying goodbye to Zhou Jingyan, Wang Cong followed Qin Fang and Xiao Weilin out of the private room.

In the blink of an eye, only Zhou Jingyan and Shen Yao remained in the lively private room.

Wang Cong gently closed the door to the private room, shutting out the noise from outside.

The air suddenly became quiet.

Zhou Jingyan slowly walked to the seat opposite Shen Yao and sat down, maintaining a polite and comfortable distance from her.

The girl remained seated somewhat reserved, her hands folded on her knees.

"Miss Shen," he began, his voice gentle and sincere, "Qin Fang and Wei Lin... sometimes act rashly, causing you trouble."

He paused, his tone carrying a sense of assurance, "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on them and won't let them bother you again."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yao immediately raised her head, her face showing gratitude and lingering fear, her voice trembling slightly:

"Thank you, Mr. Zhou."

She wore a simple white dress, which made her look particularly slender and fragile under the light. Zhou Jingyan felt even more guilty for his friend's inappropriate behavior.

He softened his voice and comforted her:

"It's alright, it's all over now. In the future, if you encounter a similar situation, learn to protect yourself and ask for help immediately. It's getting late, I'll have the driver take you back to school, you should get some rest."

As he spoke, he prepared to get up and make arrangements.

Shen Yao did not thank him and leave immediately as he had expected.

She remained seated quietly, her head slightly tilted back, her clear eyes gazing at him with hesitation, as if she had something to say.

Zhou Jingyan stopped what he was doing and looked at her with some confusion:

"Miss Shen? Is there anything else?"

Shen Yao gently bit her lower lip, as if gathering her courage, before softly asking, "Mr. Zhou, may I...can I ask you a question?"

"Of course, please ask." Zhou Jingyan sat down again and looked at her patiently.

Shen Yao's gaze was filled with pure curiosity:

"How do you know I didn't come up with them voluntarily?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jingyan was slightly taken aback, then couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head.

He was often teased by his friends as an "idealist," but when he heard the girl's straightforward and innocent question, he was touched by her naivety and smiled.

Should he tell her that it's because he knows Qin Fang and Xiao Weilin all too well that he can't just sit idly by?

Or rather, from the first moment he saw her, her seemingly calm yet unconcealed look and her clean-cut demeanor that stood out from the surrounding glitz and glamour aroused in him an inexplicable protective instinct.

These complex thoughts flashed through my mind, but I ultimately didn't voice them.

She had just been frightened.

Why disturb her with these dark rules of the adult world?

Let her live in this clean and peaceful place for now.

So he chose the gentlest and most ambiguous answer, a helpless yet tolerant smile playing on his lips, his eyes fixed on her:

"Just take it as... my gut feeling."

Shen Yao was slightly taken aback, her eyes seemed to suddenly light up, and tiny lights flowed in her eyes, like stars falling into a clear lake.

She tilted her exceptionally beautiful face up and gave him a genuine, unreserved smile.

That smile was filled with trust and gratitude, and the voice was clear and gentle:

"Mr. Zhou, you are such a good person."

She said this with utmost sincerity, as if it came from the bottom of her heart.

Zhou Jingyan was dazzled by her smile.

That smile was so pure and bright that it momentarily stunned him.

The slight unease I felt because of her abrupt question was quickly replaced by a more profound sense of emotion.

He smiled, said nothing more, but gestured even more gently:

"Let's go, I'll take you downstairs."

Shen Yao nodded obediently, stood up, and followed behind Zhou Jingyan.