Zhong Qing knew very well that after learning those horrifying secrets and the future technology Su Mei possessed, she could no longer leave the Zhu Family.
She had lost her so-called freedom to choose a career and freedom in life, but she would gain much more in return... Her seniority was still lacking for now, but sooner or later, she would become part of the core. That was also the direction in which Su Mei intended to train her.
From that perspective, Zhang Xinhan was not someone Zhong Qing needed to be wary of either. The only person who might possibly compete with Zhong Qing was Jin Xiaomei, but that was probably something for many years later—after Zhu Juntang took over.
Of course, judging by how sensible Jin Xiaomei was now, she might well become Zhong Qing's friend. But people changed. Once Zhu Juntang became deeply involved in matters great and small, Jin Xiaomei's status would naturally rise with hers. It would be perfectly normal for her mindset to change then.
But really, if Zhong Qing could just win over Liu Chang'an... that was, if he had not slapped her that night and something else had happened instead, her position would have been utterly secure.
Sometimes, Zhong Qing truly envied Bai Hui. That naive little cousin could simply flirt ambiguously with Liu Chang'an, while Zhong Qing's identity and age meant that even if she merely admired a man like Liu Chang'an, she still had to consider many complicated, practical issues.
"Liu Yuewang really is a woman who draws a great deal of attention," Liu Chang'an said, having not forgotten the question Zhong Qing had raised.
He chatted with her not to change the subject, but because Zhong Qing was sharp and intelligent, with sound logic and clear thoughts. Talking with