After the Flash Marriage, My Ex Who is a Movie Queen Keeps Flirting with Me - Chapter 20

Inside the private room, Ming Jiyue maintained her composure, initially thinking the wine wasn’t as potent as her Senior Sister had claimed. Little did anyone know, she was merely putting on a brave face in public.

After calling her assistant and finally getting home, Ming Jiyue no longer needed to keep up appearances. She collapsed against her wife, her body limp as mud, trembling slightly. A thin layer of sweat glistened on her neck, and her face flushed crimson.

Jiang Wanyu had never encountered such a situation before. Flustered and unsure of what to do, she helped Ming Jiyue lie down on the sofa, feeling utterly helpless.

Jiang Wanyu didn’t know what to do, and Ming Jiyue was even more clueless.

Her entire body burned with heat, and she desperately sought a way to quell the unbearable feverishness.

Her hazy gaze drifted to Jiang Wanyu’s anxious face. Ming Jiyue’s thirst intensified, her lips becoming vividly red and glistening with moisture under her unconscious arousal.

The “solution” seemed to be right in front of her.

Ming Jiyue struggled to sit up, but Jiang Wanyu rushed forward to stop her. “Don’t move,” she urged.

When her fingertips brushed against Ming Jiyue’s feverishly hot skin, Jiang Wanyu flinched back in shock. Before she could withdraw her hand, Ming Jiyue, her eyes glazed with desire, yanked her into a tight embrace.

!!

Jiang Wanyu’s pupils dilated sharply. Caught off guard by the sudden force, she was pulled down onto Ming Jiyue’s body.

The alcohol she had consumed now acted as the perfect catalyst. The sweet, cloying scent filled her nostrils, and every accidental touch and graze sent electric shivers through her nerves.

In a daze, Jiang Wanyu thought she saw Ming Jiyue smile—a smile half-dazed, half-playful. But she no longer had the clarity to discern the difference.

Ming Jiyue’s arm hooked around her neck, the small mole at the corner of her eye gleaming with a bewitching, seductive light.

“Hurry…”

 

 

 

Time slipped by in a blur. When Ming Jiyue finally came to her senses, it was already dawn.

The substance in the wine was nothing more than a common aphrodisiac. As its effects wore off, her consciousness slowly returned. But some things, once started, don’t end easily.

She couldn’t help but regret having teased too much, leading to this situation.

I went too far.

Pinned to the bed, her mind swam in a haze. Her thick lashes, half-closed and wet with tears, clung together. The burning thirst in her chest had been quenched, but the “water” she’d been given was too much, nearly drowning her. Unable to bear it any longer, Ming Jiyue grabbed the edge of the bed, trying to escape. She managed to pull herself free a few inches before her ankle was seized and she was dragged back.

 

When Ming Jiyue opened her eyes again, the sun was already high in the sky. For a long while, she stared blankly at the ceiling, lost in thought. Last night had been a chaotic blur; her memories were hazy, and she couldn’t recall how they had moved from the sofa to the bathroom and finally to the bed, or when they had eventually fallen asleep.

Though her mind couldn’t remember the details, her body remembered all too clearly. Judging by her current state—where she didn’t even want to move a finger—it probably hadn’t been a pleasant experience.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Ming Jiyue barely lifted an eyelid, remaining silent.

The person outside paused briefly, likely assuming she was still asleep, and gently pushed the door open.

As Ming Jiyue had anticipated, Jiang Wanyu’s face appeared in the doorway.

Even her expression was exactly as Ming Jiyue had predicted: shy, flustered, and guilty.

Ming Jiyue had no desire to speak to this woman who acted innocent the moment she got out of bed.

If only she’d had this awareness while she was tormenting me last night.

Jiang Wanyu had drunk quite a bit the previous night, and her head still felt fuzzy that morning. While her memories of the night were hazy, she retained a vague impression of what had happened.

Looking at the person still sleeping soundly beside her, Jiang Wanyu felt an overwhelming sense of guilt. She quietly got out of bed and helped the housekeeper prepare breakfast for Ming Jiyue.

Jiang Wanyu knocked but received no answer. Assuming Ming Jiyue was still asleep, she prepared to check on her. But as she pushed the door open, she found Ming Jiyue staring calmly at the door.

Jiang Wanyu’s eyes widened in shock, barely suppressing the urge to flee. She forced a harmless smile. “Yueyue, you’re awake?”

Ming Jiyue withdrew her gaze without a word.

Jiang Wanyu continued, “How are you feeling? Let’s get up and have breakfast.”

It’s already so late. Breakfast? We should just have lunch.

After a moment of silence, Ming Jiyue finally spoke, her voice languid. “I feel terrible. I don’t want to move at all.”

“……” Jiang Wanyu hesitated, then ventured, “I’ll bring breakfast in. You can eat in the bedroom?”

Ming Jiyue finally looked up, raising an eyebrow. “What’s this? Isn’t Dr. Jiang the most principled person? Didn’t you say food was absolutely forbidden in the bedroom? Last time I was too lazy to get up and asked you to bring it in, you flatly refused and dragged me out of bed to eat in the dining room. Why abandon your principles now?”

Jiang Wanyu chuckled awkwardly, feeling utterly humiliated by Ming Jiyue’s pointed questions. “This time… it’s a special circumstance. I’ll go get your breakfast ready.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Wanyu fled as if afraid Ming Jiyue would grab her and start lecturing again.

Soon, Jiang Wanyu returned with a tray of food she had prepared for Ming Jiyue.

This morning, Jiang Wanyu was as obedient and attentive as could be. If Ming Jiyue said “east,” she wouldn’t dare go west. After serving Ming Jiyue breakfast, Ming Jiyue finally spoke slowly, “How rare! I never imagined Dr. Jiang would ever break his long-held principles for me. I’m truly humbled.”

She kept calling him “Dr. Jiang,” making him squirm, but he couldn’t say anything.

“Is Dr. Jiang feeling guilty?”

Jiang Wanyu blushed and lowered his head.

Ming Jiyue set down her chopsticks, picked up a damp towel to wipe her hands, and drawled, “Next time, Dr. Jiang, please use your guilt before you do something wrong.”

Jiang Wanyu stammered his agreement. In this situation, whatever Ming Jiyue said went—there was no room for argument.

Having finally appeased her, Jiang Wanyu let out a sigh of relief.

Thank goodness I don’t have work today, or I’d definitely be late.

After brunch, Ming Jiyue claimed she was feeling unwell and stayed in bed, idly scrolling through her phone and chatting with people.

Shi Miao: What are you up to? You haven’t replied to my messages since last night.

I Really Want Sweets: Busy.

Shi Miao: Busy with what? So busy you can’t check your phone for over ten hours?

I Really Want Sweets: You wouldn’t understand, you’re just a single dog.

Shi Miao: ???

Shi Miao: So what if you have a wife?

I Really Want Sweets: It’s not like it’s a big deal, but at least I’m better off than some people without one.

I Really Want Sweets: Shi Yinghou, please avoid me more in the future. I’m a married man now.

Shi Miao:  Eye roll. Figure it out yourself.jpg 

Shi Miao: I never would have guessed, Best Actress Ming. You used to be so career-driven. How long have you been married? Now you’re just living it up every night, drowning in pleasure.

I Really Want Sweets: Keep it down.

Shi Miao: What’s so great about having a partner? I don’t need one.

I Really Want Sweets: Then what do you need?

Shi Miao: A young, hot, flexible, and skilled “little wolf dog” type.

I Really Want Sweets: Found one yet?

Shi Miao: If I had, you wouldn’t be getting my messages at 11 PM.

I Really Want Sweets: Oh.

I Really Want Sweets: If you ever find someone like that, would you actually date them?

Shi Miao: Dating has a terrible return on investment.

I Really Want Sweets: What about marriage?

Shi Miao: Never in this lifetime.

I Really Want Sweets: Oh~ That’s perfect! I’ll have a single friend to witness my eternal display of affection.

Shi Miao: Get lost!

The two chatted idly until the other person, overwhelmed by the nauseatingly sweet scent of her romance, abandoned their friend in disgust and retreated.

Meanwhile, Jiang Wanyu received a call from Tian Cheng, who subtly inquired about the events of the previous night.

Tian Cheng had missed the gathering due to other commitments, and Jiang Wanyu had only mentioned it briefly. The chaos of the evening had prevented her from explaining the details until now.

Tian Cheng’s proactive questioning, coupled with her apparent knowledge of the situation, suggested that others at the gathering had already filled her in.

Given the circumstances—two people who had been broken up for seven years, yet Ming Jiyue had personally picked Shi Miao up—something was clearly amiss. Unable to directly confront the parties involved, Tian Cheng had resorted to indirectly questioning Tian Cheng.

Jiang Wanyu reminded Tian Cheng again that their relationship needed to remain secret for now. Tian Cheng swore emphatically, “Trust me on this. If you don’t want me to tell anyone, even if they torture me or hang me right in front of you, I won’t breathe a word. Last night, several people asked me about it, but I managed to brush them off.”

“Oh, right, and Senior Sister,” Tian Cheng added, chuckling. “She was so eager to play matchmaker for you two. I told her you’re not the kind of couple she thought you were. She’s been regretting it ever since, too embarrassed to face you. She’s been racking her brain trying to figure out how to apologize properly.”

Remembering the glass of wine Ming Jiyue had snatched from her last night, Jiang Wanyu felt utterly helpless, unsure what to say.

Fortunately, nothing serious had come of it. Regardless of Jiang Wanyu’s true feelings—whether gratitude, relief, or resentment—she maintained a composed facade. “Just tell her not to do that again.”

“Understood, understood. She already knows she messed up,” Tian Cheng replied, then couldn’t resist adding a gossipy question: “So, what happened when you two got home last night?”

Jiang Wanyu’s face flushed crimson, but her voice remained perfectly composed. “Nothing happened.”

Tian Cheng clicked her tongue. “I don’t believe that for a second. Sure, what Senior Sister did wasn’t right, but isn’t it a case of bad intentions leading to a good outcome? You two just got married—it’s the perfect time to build your relationship. Back home, with just the two of you alone in the same room, it’s bound to be like dry wood meeting a raging fire…”

“I have work to do. I can’t chat right now,” Jiang Wanyu interrupted hastily, cutting Tian Cheng off mid-sentence. Before Tian Cheng could press further, she hung up in a rush.

The abrupt disconnection silenced Tian Cheng’s voice, and the room fell silent again. Jiang Wanyu exhaled deeply, rubbing her temples with a complicated mix of emotions.

Drinking leads to trouble. It really does.

The thought had barely formed when she froze. Hadn’t something similar happened just recently?

Jiang Wanyu sighed, pressing her forehead against her hand. Oh, this is really…

Unbidden, the image of Ming Jiyue’s sultry gaze from last night on the bed flashed through her mind.

She kept telling herself, “Drinking leads to trouble,” but after two unexpected incidents in a row, perhaps it wasn’t the alcohol.

Perhaps it was the person.

After Jiang Wanyu and Ming Jiyue signed their contracts, the remaining guest invitations for the variety show were finalized. The production team planned to begin filming at the start of next month, with the official announcement scheduled for next week.

This was both women’s first time participating in a variety show, meaning their practical experience was virtually zero. Beyond performing well on camera, it was crucial to conceal their true identities and avoid any exposure. Their managers had repeatedly emphasized this, and that afternoon, they were summoned to the company for a thorough discussion about the show.

It was essentially a private briefing before filming began.

On the way to the company, Ming Jiyue drove while Jiang Wanyu sat in the passenger seat. The car was occupied only by the two of them.

In this intimate setting, with soothing music playing softly, it was the perfect atmosphere for sharing personal thoughts and confidences.

After a moment of silence, Jiang Wanyu spoke up, “You once told me that if something was bothering me, I should talk to you about it instead of keeping it bottled up.”

Ming Jiyue immediately sensed something was amiss and nodded. “What is it? Is there something you want to tell me?”

Jiang Wanyu hesitated briefly before finally revealing what had been weighing on her mind since the day they first met—something she had witnessed and shared with Ming Jiyue.

Ming Jiyue listened patiently until Jiang Wanyu finished speaking. “So, you mean that afternoon, you saw me arguing with a woman downstairs in the residential complex, and you got jealous… ah, no, that’s not right. It just made you a little suspicious, right?”

Jiang Wanyu nodded.

Ming Jiyue fell silent for a moment, saying nothing.

Jiang Wanyu’s grip tightened on the hem of her dress. “What? Can’t explain it?”

“No, no, no!” Ming Jiyue quickly interjected, her face earnest. “That’s not it at all. I have nothing to hide. The problem is, I can’t remember what you’re talking about.”

“……”

Ming Jiyue hurried to reassure her. “It’s nothing, just a minor thing. Don’t worry, let me think about it properly.”

Jiang Wanyu said coolly, “Best Actress Ming is so busy, it’s understandable you wouldn’t remember such a trivial matter. Only someone as idle as me would dwell on every little thing.”

Ming Jiyue’s expression turned serious. “I know that couples who live together for a long time start to influence each other, their words and actions mirroring their partner’s. But this sarcastic tone is a terrible habit of mine. With all my good qualities, why did you have to pick up this one?”

Jiang Wanyu: ……

“I remember now,” Ming Jiyue said, her thoughts clicking into place. “That day… it must have been one of my fans. Her family’s quite wealthy, and she lives in the same neighborhood. At first, she just asked for an autograph, which I gave her. Then she wanted a photo together, so we took one. But then she tried to hug me! Wouldn’t that make her a sasaeng? Besides, I’m getting married soon—I can’t just mess around with her. It was so hard to shake her off.”

Ming Jiyue shrugged. “And wouldn’t you know it, you happened to witness the whole thing.”

She concluded, “So, you were angry because you saw me struggling with that fan, and then you saw those rumors about me and Liu Fan online?”

Jiang Wanyu remained silent, tacitly confirming her suspicions.

“Now that everything’s cleared up, you can relax, right?” Ming Jiyue was relieved that Jiang Wanyu had brought it up herself. It was much better than letting her stew in her own thoughts.

Since they were already being so open, she decided to address everything at once. “Think hard—is there anything else you want to clear up? Let’s get it all out in the open.”

Jiang Wanyu fell silent, unsure whether she was too embarrassed to speak or genuinely trying to recall something.

It had to be said: someone like Ming Jiyue, whether in a relationship or marriage, would bring an unparalleled sense of security.

She was so open and honest, saying exactly what was on her mind and addressing any issues directly. Nothing was too big to discuss. Her ultimate goal was to ensure no misunderstandings lingered overnight.

This underscored the importance of communication in a relationship.

“Is there anything else? Don’t keep things bottled up.”

Ming Jiyue’s sincerity momentarily shook Jiang Wanyu’s resolve. If there’s a problem, we should talk it out. If there’s a difficulty, we’ll find a solution together.

For a fleeting moment, Jiang Wanyu wanted to tell her everything—why they had broken up, what she had endured over the years, every single detail.

Ming Jiyue gazed intently at her, her eyes filled with encouragement, hoping she would say more, preferably the words she longed to hear most.

But hope ultimately faded. In the end, Jiang Wanyu opened her mouth, but only smiled. “No, that’s all. I believe everything you’ve said.”

A fleeting sense of disappointment crossed Ming Jiyue’s face, but it quickly vanished as she smiled back. “That’s perfect. How could there be any misunderstandings between wives?”

By then, they had reached the company building. They took the elevator upstairs, where their manager was already waiting, seated with the assistant and Mother Ming.

Jiang Wanyu was surprised to see Mother Ming, who hadn’t mentioned she was coming. But after a moment’s thought, it made sense that she would want to check on her two daughters.

After explaining the basics of the variety show and outlining the rules, the manager emphasized the importance of keeping their relationship secret.

The manager was exhausted. Ming Jiyue had always been focused on her career, pouring all her energy into acting. That’s why she had so many acclaimed works and awards.

Yet in just one month, a series of rumors had erupted, though none were confirmed. The manager was now overly cautious about the upcoming variety show, urging them to be careful, careful, and careful again to avoid any more messy scandals.

Jiang Wanyu naturally had no problem. She was always composed and wouldn’t deliberately overstep boundaries.

As for Ming Jiyue, she no longer reacted strongly to the idea of “avoiding suspicion.” She obediently agreed to everything the manager said, “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. I understand this isn’t something to joke about or mess around with.”

“Looking back at all those years, I’ve always been honest and well-behaved. Nothing will go wrong.”

As she spoke, she glanced at her assistant, who hadn’t uttered a word.

The assistant reflexively sprang up from her seat and declared loudly, “That’s right! I believe in Sister Ming! She never causes trouble at events. This time will be no different!”

The manager’s expression remained stern. “Then I hope Teacher Ming will continue to be honest and well-behaved on the variety show, and avoid causing any trouble.”

Ming Jiyue nodded repeatedly. “No problem. I absolutely won’t have any inappropriate contact with anyone I shouldn’t be involved with.”

With a solemn look, she turned to Jiang Wanyu. “I’m afraid I’ll have to apologize in advance for what might happen on the show.”

Ming Jiyue’s compliance should have reassured the manager, but the more obedient she seemed, the more uneasy the manager felt.

Ming Jiyue, with her usual temperament, actually agreeing so readily?

It was like the brief, eerie calm before a storm—the last fleeting moment of peace before the tempestuous waves crashed down.

Still, since Ming Jiyue was being so cooperative, the manager couldn’t deliberately pick a fight or scold her. She could only repeat her warnings several more times.

After saying everything she needed to say, the manager looked at Ming Jiyue’s radiant smile before they parted, a nagging unease in her heart.

Why do I have this feeling that something’s definitely going to happen?

Mother Ming sat nearby, listening to the entire conversation. Though she repeatedly hesitated, wanting to interject, she ultimately remained silent.

Only as the manager was leaving did she speak up again: “So, you’re saying that even though we’re letting them participate in the variety show, they need to maintain distance from each other during filming?”

The manager explained, “Yes, you understand that Jiyue is at a critical point in her career. Plus, her recent marriage is still unstable, so we absolutely need to avoid any suspicion.”

Mother Ming nodded repeatedly, acknowledging the manager’s reasoning. “You’re right, Xiao Chen. You’ve considered everything so thoroughly. Jiyue has been so fortunate to have you by her side all these years, guiding her away from so many pitfalls.”

“It’s all part of my job,” the manager replied. “Ultimately, it’s Jiyue’s own talent that shines through. I merely provide support.”

After finishing her conversation with the manager and giving Ming Jiyue and her partner a few more words of encouragement, Mother Ming left the company. As she walked out, she dialed the phone number of the variety show’s liaison.

The Ming Family was the largest investor in the variety show, giving them significant influence over all aspects of its production, from set design to logistical arrangements.

The call was answered quickly, the voice on the other end respectful as they asked what Mother Ming needed.

Mother Ming inquired about the overall format of the show. Upon learning it was primarily a travel-based program, she expressed dissatisfaction. “Just travel?”

“No, no, no! Of course not just travel,” the coordinator quickly clarified, sensing Mother Ming’s concern about the show’s lack of variety. “Each episode will feature a different theme, with guests completing various tasks related to that theme. It’ll be very engaging and entertaining.”

Knowing she had the ultimate authority over the show, Mother Ming cut straight to the point, asking about her primary concern: “Will this show be conducive to romance?”

The coordinator paused, his years in the entertainment industry having honed his ability to read people’s intentions. He immediately grasped Mother Ming’s meaning, but his response was hesitant. “Well… our show will include some paired tasks, but the focus remains on travel and group interaction. As for romance… it might be…”

Mother Ming interrupted the manager before she could finish, “The variety show hasn’t been officially announced yet, so the format can still be changed. Make it a romance show.”

Hearing the manager’s hesitant tone, she added, “Do it my way. Money is no object.”

The contact person immediately perked up, grinning widely as they agreed, “No problem at all! You can rest assured, we’ll get it done!”

This must be about Ming Jiyue, they thought. Why else would Mother Ming call personally?

Ming Jiyue is dating?

Remembering the rumors swirling online, they realized some things really weren’t just smoke without fire.

Unable to resist their gossipy instincts, the contact person pulled out the guest list. First, they eliminated the two non-celebrity guests, then pondered over the remaining three.

Which one is Ming Jiyue’s rumored boyfriend?

Just five minutes ago, Mother Ming had been discussing “avoiding suspicion” with the manager. Now, she was ordering the travel show to be transformed into a romance show.

Using her financial clout, she was determined to prove to everyone: With me in charge, this show will be nothing but sweet.

After settling the variety show matters, Jiang Wanyu returned home with Ming Jiyue.

Back in her room, Jiang Wanyu opened her laptop to tackle work matters when a message from Mother Ming arrived.

Mother Ming urged her to watch more dating shows and travel variety shows to gain experience, adding that she would definitely tune in to the show on time to cheer them on.

Jiang Wanyu thanked her while simultaneously researching the terms Mother Ming had used.

Terms like “dating shows” and “travel variety shows” were easy to guess, but “打call” was unfamiliar.

So she opened Baidu again, her mood conflicted. She was only half Mother Ming’s age, yet her internet speed wasn’t even half as fast. There was still so much to learn.

After figuring out what “打call” meant, another message from Mother Ming arrived. Expecting more talk about the variety show, Jiang Wanyu was surprised when the topic shifted.

Mother Ming: Wan Yu, there’s something I’ve wanted to say for a long time, but I couldn’t bring myself to face you. It’s easier to type this out.

Mother Ming: In the two years after you and Jiyue separated, I was confused and made some mistakes. I want to apologize for that.

Since their marriage, Mother Ming had treated her well, never mentioning the past. Jiang Wanyu had also chosen to “forget,” hoping to focus on the present.

Seeing the message now, her heart tightened. She couldn’t tell whether her feelings were more resentment or acceptance.

Mother Ming had barely started speaking when Jiang Wanyu interrupted her.

Jiang: Mom, it’s all in the past. I don’t blame you. Things are good now, aren’t they?

After Jiang Wanyu sent the message, there was no reply for several minutes.

Finally, Mother Ming didn’t continue the conversation.  Mother Ming: You see things more clearly than I do. Let’s not dwell on it. What matters is that we’re doing well now.

Perhaps triggered by the realization that she had to Google everything just to chat with her mother, and wanting to lighten the mood, Jiang Wanyu impulsively typed:

Jiang: Yueyue and I will get along just fine. I need to get back to work now. Mua!

As soon as she sent the message, Jiang Wanyu regretted it. After all, Ming Jiyue had said that “mua” was reserved for intimate lovers. Would using it with her mother be inappropriate?

After a moment’s hesitation, she reasoned that it was just another way of saying “goodbye,” and since Mother Ming was a close family member, the distinction probably wasn’t so strict.

Just then, a colleague called, and Jiang Wanyu quickly answered, missing the precious two-minute window to recall the message.

Mother Ming stared at the chat history, her expression a mix of confusion and suspicion. She took a screenshot and sent it to Ming Jiyue.

Mother Ming: Why did Wan Yu suddenly send me a kiss? It’s so out of character for her. Am I overthinking this?

She received a string of ellipses in response.

I Really Want Sweets: She sent you a “mua”?

 bMother Ming:/b  Right, what’s going on?

 bI Really Want Sweets:/b  This fish is so disobedient! I told her to only send it to her lover, so why did it end up with you?

 bMother Ming:/b  Huh?

 bI Really Want Sweets:/b  I mean, don’t overthink it. Xiao Yu is just a young woman in her twenties. Sending cute little emojis is perfectly normal, right? She’s just being friendly.

 bMother Ming:/b  That’s true. But Wan Yu usually speaks so formally. This is the first time she’s ever sent me such a playful emoji. It startled me!

After finally managing to placate Mother Ming, Ming Jiyue looked utterly defeated.

I’m doomed.

Someone was probably going to demand an explanation from her very soon.

After hanging up, Jiang Wanyu noticed Mother Ming hadn’t replied yet, making her uneasy.

She always spoke politely and respectfully to her elders. Could Mother Ming have misunderstood the emoji’s meaning and taken offense at her familiarity?

Just as she was thinking this, Mother Ming’s reply arrived:  Haha, I love you too! Mwah!

kèm theo một biểu tượng cảm xúc.

She loves me too? What does that mean?

A terrible premonition surged through Jiang Wanyu. She immediately searched online: Is the use of “mwah” strict? Can it only be used between lovers?

Even at this moment, she didn’t suspect Ming Jiyue had tricked her.

Such was the earth-shattering power of love.

Until she saw the search results.

After being deceived for a month, the erudite Dr. Jiang finally learned the truth.

As for the consequences, that very night, no matter how much Ming Jiyue begged, she was forbidden from sharing Jiang Wanyu’s bed.

“Why are you being so heartless? Besides that word, I taught you so many others! Doesn’t that even things out?”

“Don’t be so petty! You didn’t even lose out. Sure, I tricked… coaxed you into kissing me a bunch of times, but I kissed you back just as much! You didn’t lose anything, so why are you so angry?”

At first, Ming Jiyue struggled fiercely, trying every trick in the book to win forgiveness. But Jiang Wanyu remained resolute, her heart as hard as stone.

Seeing that playing the pitiful card wasn’t working, Ming Jiyue immediately switched tactics. One moment she was speaking calmly, the next she was clutching her lower back, wincing in pain.

Reason told Jiang Wanyu this was likely another of Ming Jiyue’s schemes, but she still rushed forward to support her. “What’s wrong? Where does it hurt?”

With Jiang Wanyu’s help, Ming Jiyue sank onto the edge of the bed, hissing softly. “My lower back hurts so much.”

“Your back? How could your back suddenly hurt?” Jiang Wanyu asked, puzzled. She gently placed a warm hand on Ming Jiyue’s lower back, massaging it lightly.

“I don’t know what happened,” Ming Jiyue groaned softly. “Probably from all the roughhousing last night. It hasn’t fully recovered yet.”

“……” The moment those words left Ming Jiyue’s lips, Jiang Wanyu understood everything and withdrew her massaging hand.

“Just go back to sleep,” Jiang Wanyu said. “Sleep cures everything.”

Exposed, Ming Jiyue remained unfazed. She bit her lip, lowered her head, and adopted a tearful, vulnerable expression.

“Fine, you heartless woman! You turn your back on me the moment we’re out of bed? You weren’t acting like this last night!”

“……” Those words struck Jiang Wanyu’s weak spot. The woman who had been so resolute moments ago suddenly softened, stammering in defense, “I… that was an accident.”

“I didn’t complain when you wore me out all night. But you? I make one little joke and you try to kick me out?”

Ming Jiyue tilted her head back slightly, as if struggling to hold back tears. She sighed heavily. “This marriage was a mistake. Who can I even complain to? Even if I wanted a divorce, I’d have to wait through the cooling-off period.”

Jiang Wanyu tried to maintain a stern expression, but Ming Jiyue’s cunning far surpassed her own. Her feeble attempts at intimidation were no match for Ming Jiyue’s wiles, and she eventually lowered her head in defeat.

Ming Jiyue emerged victorious and went to shower. Jiang Wanyu sat on the edge of the bed, deep in thought. Why does it feel like I’m the one in the wrong, even though Ming Jiyue lied and made me angry?

As she pondered this, the very person who could shed light on her confusion appeared at her door—or rather, on her phone.

Tian Cheng had sent her a message.

The moment Tian Cheng’s name flashed across the screen, Jiang Wanyu immediately recalled her visit to their home that day. She remembered Tian Cheng’s hesitant expression when she learned the meaning of “mua,” as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t bring herself to.

Though it was nearly 10:30 PM, approaching Jiang Wanyu’s strict bedtime, the urge to confront Tian Cheng overwhelmed her rationality. If she didn’t clear things up tonight, she feared she wouldn’t be able to sleep.

Words alone couldn’t convey her emotions, so Jiang Wanyu dialed Tian Cheng’s number directly.

The call was answered instantly, and Tian Cheng’s voice erupted in exaggerated surprise: “Oh my god! Let me check the time—it’s 10:30 PM!”

“The person with the military-grade sleep schedule, the one who’s always asleep by the dot—the one with the bedtime of an old lady—is actually awake? And calling me? This is a cosmic-level miracle!”

“……” Jiang Wanyu ignored the pointless chatter, glancing toward the bathroom. Ming Jiyue showed no signs of emerging.

Time to get this over with quickly.

Jiang Wanyu cut straight to the chase. “Since you knew what that word meant, why didn’t you tell me back then?”

“Huh? What word?” Tian Cheng asked, completely bewildered.

Jiang Wanyu opened her mouth, then remembered how she had earnestly explained the meaning of “mua” to Tian Cheng back then. She pressed her lips together tightly and spelled it out, letter by letter: “M-U-A.”

“Ah? What’s that?” Tian Cheng paused for two seconds before her reaction caught up.

The next moment, the microphone erupted with laughter.

“You finally figured it out! You actually figured it out! It’s a miracle! I never thought your internet speed would allow you to find out!”

“I even teased Ming Jiyue back then, telling her to wait—that in ten years, Jiang Wanyu would definitely come after her for revenge!”

Jiang Wanyu: ……

“How did you find out? Did you send it to someone else? Who did you send it to? Don’t tell me it was some colleague you barely talk to! Hahahaha! How embarrassing!”

Jiang Wanyu gritted her teeth and remained silent, unable to understand why Tian Cheng was acting like she’d just taken an energy drink, even though Jiang Wanyu was the one confronting her.

In Jiang Wanyu’s silence, Tian Cheng finally sensed something was wrong. She forced herself to stop laughing, cleared her throat, and said, “Don’t blame me! Blame Ming Jiyue—she’s the one who tricked you. I was stuck in the middle, unable to please either side.”

“So you sided with her and helped her cover it up?”

Tian Cheng readily admitted her mistake. “I was wrong. I won’t do it again.”

Jiang Wanyu pressed, “Then who will you help from now on?”

Tian Cheng’s stance was firm. “Of course, I’ll help you!”

“How did you resolve things in the end? We finally caught her red-handed this time! We can’t just let her off the hook!”

Jiang Wanyu immediately recalled the events of the evening. Since she couldn’t make sense of it, she asked Tian Cheng for an explanation.

After hearing the full story, Tian Cheng sighed deeply. “You’re completely being led by the nose, utterly defenseless!”

Jiang Wanyu looked helpless. “What am I supposed to do?”

Tian Cheng pondered for a moment before offering serious advice. “I think… since you can’t win with words, you should just take direct action!”

Jiang Wanyu was stunned. “Direct action? What kind of action?”

Tian Cheng rolled her eyes. “Duh, like what you did last night!”

“L-l-last night?” Jiang Wanyu faltered, backing down. “Maybe we should just forget about it…”

Tian Cheng refused to let it go so easily. “I’m serious! Listen to me! Jiang Wanyu, unleash your charm! Seduce her, bewitch her! Make her fall at your feet, utterly obsessed with you! No more hesitation—just do it!”

“You’re usually so pure and detached, and Ming Jiyue already adores you. If you just used a little strategy, wouldn’t she fall for you instantly? Settle things in the bedroom! You said you can’t win arguments with her, right? Then sleep with her until she’s convinced! Isn’t that a piece of cake for you?”

Jiang Wanyu couldn’t bear to hear such words. Her face flushed crimson as she stammered, “Okay, stop talking about this…”

“Why are you so thin-skinned? This won’t do…”

Just as Jiang Wanyu was about to retort, a voice drifted from behind her, soft and teasing: “Sleeping with whom? How exactly? Teach me too?”

Jiang Wanyu: ……!

“Oh my god, Jiang Wanyu, you’re such a pain in the ass! Ming Jiyue’s right next to you and you didn’t tell me? You two chat first—my grandma’s about to give birth to my mom, so I gotta run!”

The call ended with a click.

Jiang Wanyu froze, rooted to the spot. A cool hand circled her neck from behind, drawing her into a warm embrace. Warm breath brushed her ear as a voice whispered, “Now it’s just us. Teacher Jiang, tell me—how exactly are you going to sleep with me until I’m convinced?”