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

In just a few days, Shen Yao, an intern who came in with the title of "connected employee," won everyone's favor with her excellent professional skills and diligence.

Colleagues were full of praise.

Her background information was detailed and presented a fresh perspective; her interview outline was logically clear; and her creative idea for dynamic infographics was even praised by the director.

What's even more remarkable is that despite having the prestige of being an exchange student at Yenching University and possessing stunning beauty, she was completely unpretentious.

She was gentle and polite, with a friendly smile. Her thoughtful gesture of treating the whole team to coffee several times at her own expense when she joined the company quickly shortened the distance between them.

Despite being assigned a particularly easy job, Shen Yao took the initiative to find things to do.

This new financial program, heavily invested in by Qin Fang, is positioned as high-end yet approachable, aiming to present professional content in a vivid way, and is full of ambition.

Shen Yao paid particular attention to the core of the program—the host, Wang Luoning.

Wang Luoning is in her thirties, has a capable demeanor, is an experienced host with strong stage presence, and asks sharp and insightful questions. She is a recognized powerhouse in the industry.

Shen Yao often sits quietly in the corner of the control room or rehearsal venue, silently observing and learning her demeanor, speaking speed, and adaptability skills.

When Wang Luoning first saw Shen Yao, a hint of amazement flashed in her eyes. She had seen many beauties, but those who possessed both purity and radiance like Shen Yao were still rare.

However, given her experience, she no longer judges people by their appearance and simply considers her a newcomer that the station is preparing to cultivate.

However, after spending a few days together, Shen Yao's behavior completely changed her opinion of her.

This exceptionally beautiful intern is not only humble and composed, but also remarkably low-key, diligent, and has excellent judgment.

She would quietly prepare warm water, hand over highlighted drafts at the right time, and even when disagreements arose, she could cleverly offer compromise suggestions by asking for advice, taking into account both the overall situation and the progress of the work.

One day, Shen Yao handed over a bag of pineapple cakes, from the same shop that Wang Luoning had casually mentioned the day before.

This thoughtfulness and consideration, far beyond her years, made Wang Luoning develop a genuine appreciation and fondness for her.

She would occasionally chat with Shen Yao during breaks, offering tips on hosting or interviewing. Shen Yao always listened very attentively, her eyes filled with a thirst for knowledge.

"He's a promising talent."

Wang Luoning privately praised Shen Yao to the director and Qin Fang, revealing a deep appreciation for her talent:

"Yaoyao is quick to learn, hardworking, and has a calm mindset. What's even more remarkable is her keen observation skills and her ability to handle people and situations appropriately. She's a promising talent who deserves to be nurtured and has a bright future ahead of her."

What she didn't say was: If Shen Yao were a boy, with his top-notch looks, high EQ and IQ, and the meticulous care he had shown her during this time, even Wang Luoning would probably find it hard to escape the fatal attraction of this gentle trap.

In the evening, Shen Yao finished her internship at the TV station and had just stepped out of the building when her cell phone rang in her bag.

It is Xie Yuanzhu.

As soon as the call connected, Xie Yuanzhu's energetic and slightly smug voice came through:

"Sister Yao Yao, I'm learning to cook at home today. I'm getting ready to show off my skills! Are you free tonight? Would you like to come over and try my cooking?"

Hearing her excited voice, Shen Yao couldn't help but smile. She naturally wouldn't refuse Xie Yuanzhu's invitation.

"Great! I just got off work. Yuanzhu is so amazing, she can even cook?" Shen Yao's voice was filled with surprise and anticipation.

After hanging up the phone, Shen Yao didn't leave immediately, but went to the restroom first.

She looked in the mirror and carefully checked her makeup. Her light makeup was still perfect, only her lip color was a little faded after a busy day.

She added a touch of soft mauve lipstick and gently smoothed the stray hairs at her temples with her fingers, ensuring she looked fresh and lovely, with a touch of innocent naivety, yet subtly alluring charm in the details.

Following the address given by Xie Yuanzhu, Shen Yao arrived at a quiet area amidst the hustle and bustle.

Before me stood a well-organized courtyard house, with blue bricks and gray tiles, a vermilion gate, and two stone lions crouching at the entrance, exuding a solemnity and restraint that had been mellowed by the passage of time.

Shen Yao rang the doorbell, and soon the door opened from the inside, revealing Xie Yuanzhu's face, which was covered in flour and oil stains, making her look like a little kitten.

"Sister Yao Yao, you're here! Come in, come in!"

Xie Yuanzhu's eyes lit up as soon as she saw Shen Yao, and she excitedly invited her in.

But when her gaze fell on Shen Yao, she couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow! Sister Yao Yao, you look so beautiful today!"

Today, Shen Yao wore a bright red short-sleeved knit top, which made her skin look as white as snow and gave her a great complexion. She paired it with a classic blue slim-fit denim shorts, which accentuated her slender waist and long, straight legs.

This outfit exudes youthful vitality, while the red color adds a touch of glamour and captivating charm.

Shen Yao's gaze fell on the grime on Xie Yuanzhu's nose and the oiliness on her face, feeling both amused and distressed. She took out a tissue and handed it to her.

"Yuanzhu, did you have a battle in the kitchen? Your face is covered in it."

Xie Yuanzhu stuck out her tongue sheepishly, wiping her face as she led Shen Yao inside:

"Hehe, I was a little flustered. Sister Yaoyao, here are your shoes, you can change into these slippers."

Stepping into the Xie family home, Shen Yao felt a subtle sense of oppression.

In the elegant Chinese-style hall, the porcelain on the rosewood display shelves has a warm and lustrous glaze, the calligraphy and paintings on the walls are bold and unrestrained, and the air is filled with the subtle fragrance of rosewood.

There's no need for ostentation here; every detail silently reveals the unfathomable depth of the family's heritage.

"Yuanzhu, do you need my help?" Shen Yao asked Xie Yuanzhu with a smile, her tone sincere.

"No need, no need, Sister Yaoyao, please sit for a while. Oh, I'll go check on the soup again!" Xie Yuanzhu said, then hurriedly ran back to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Xie Yuanzhu seemed a little flustered.

The sounds of the spatula clashing against the wok, the sizzling of oil splashing, and her occasional soft gasps of surprise intertwined to create a somewhat discordant kitchen symphony.

Shen Yao stood at the kitchen door for a while, then finally rolled up her sleeves and went inside.

"Yuanzhu, let me watch the soup for you. It seems to be overcooked."

With a gentle voice, she naturally took the soup ladle from Xie Yuanzhu's hand, stirred the bubbling mushroom soup in the casserole, and then turned down the heat as appropriate.

Xie Yuanzhu watched Shen Yao's skillful movements and exclaimed, "Sister Yao Yao, you can even cook? That's amazing!"

Shen Yao smiled, offering no further explanation, and simply asked casually:

"Why did you suddenly decide to learn to cook? I remember you didn't seem to go into the kitchen much before."

Xie Yuanzhu clumsily chopped the scallions while sighing, her tone slightly annoyed:

"Sigh, it's all because I didn't do so well on the college entrance exam this time... You know, my brother and cousin both went to Yenching University, which makes me seem especially stupid."

"Actually, I'm not that bad. I was thinking of cooking a meal to appease my parents when they get back from their business trip, hoping they'll be lenient with me!"

Shen Yao noticed the disappointment in her tone and gently comforted her, "Don't put too much pressure on yourself, Yuanzhu. You're already very good."

She paused, then subtly changed the subject, her tone carrying an air of casual admiration, "But your brother is indeed very outstanding; I imagine he'd be very popular with girls, right?"

The moment her brother's love life was mentioned, Xie Yuanzhu immediately launched into a long-winded explanation, slamming down the kitchen knife with a loud bang and waving her hand dramatically:

"Sister Yao Yao, you're kidding me! My brother? Huh? Him?"

She dragged out her words, her face clearly saying "Impossible."

"He's never even been in a relationship in his entire life! He always has a cold face, and all he does is read and work. He's so boring! There isn't a single girl he's close to. Who could stand someone like him?"

Never been in a relationship? Shen Yao paused slightly in her soup spoon.

With Xie Yunzhou's looks, family background, and abilities, how could his romantic experience be completely blank? This was indeed somewhat unexpected for her.

But what surprised her even more was yet to come.

Xie Yuanzhu seemed to suddenly remember something, and leaned closer, lowering her voice to say:

"It's not just my brother, it's my cousin too. The girls who pursued him could line up from the south of the city to the north, but in the end, they all inexplicably broke down and gave up in tears."

Xie Yuanzhu's eyes darted around, revealing an expression that said, "I'm about to drop a bombshell," and she lowered her voice mysteriously:

"I'm going to tell you a secret, but you absolutely can't tell anyone that I told you."

"My brother seems pretty mature now, right? But guess what he was like in high school and college?"

"I bet he's competing with his cousin to see who's better. If he doesn't do as well as his cousin, he just sits there with a stern face and ignores everyone else."

"And my cousin, he's always so gentle and mild-mannered, like he doesn't care about anything. So, he's practically perfect!"

Shen Yao lowered her eyes to hide her deep thoughts, her face still bearing a gentle smile. While chatting with Xie Yuanzhu, she deftly prepared several dishes that looked and smelled delicious.

From the conversation, she learned that Xie Yunzhou was a workaholic who often worked until late at night.

Just as the last soup was being served, a sound came from the gate of the courtyard house.

Xie Yunzhou pushed open the door and walked in, bringing with him the slightly cool air from outside.

He habitually took off his coat and was about to change his shoes when his gaze inadvertently swept towards the restaurant.

Then, he stopped in his tracks.

Under the warm yellow lights, the restaurant was filled with the aroma of food.

His younger sister, Xie Yuanzhu, was happily setting out the bowls and chopsticks.

Right next to the dining table, a slender figure wearing a plain apron carefully carried a steaming bowl of soup and turned around.

It's Shen Yao.

Her cheeks were flushed slightly from the heat of the kitchen, and a few stray hairs playfully fell across her forehead, which she casually tucked behind her ears.

The moment she saw him, a natural and warm smile bloomed on the girl's face, her clear eyes curving into beautiful crescents, and her voice as soft as if she were speaking to family:

"You're back."