How To Deal With Being Transmigrated As The Scumbag Ex-Wife - Chapter 21

21: Finding a Mommy for the Little Milk Bun

As soon as the words left her mouth, Shen Yiruo’s expression darkened. She instinctively glanced at Ming Yin, who didn’t refute, instead showing a gentle smile as if recalling something pleasant.

Shen Yiruo’s eyes deepened, and she forced a smile. “Seems there’s a misunderstanding between us. It’s getting late, and I have things to do.” Her gaze swept over Yu Qingjia and Ming Yin, lingering on Ming Yin with an unreadable look. “I hope you’ll consider my proposal carefully. I’ll wait for your reply.”

With that, Shen Yiruo gave Yu Qingjia a slight smile, elegantly picked up her white envelope clutch, and left the café with a graceful sway.

Yu Qingjia frowned, unsure if she should ask. Then she noticed a server placing her order at Xiao Shao’s table.

Xiao Shao, seated at their original spot, occasionally glanced her way. As Yu Qingjia considered fetching the food, Ming Yin spoke, “She’s Zhizhi’s other mother.”

Zhizhi’s mother, so Ming Yin was the birth mother?

Just as Yu Qingjia thought this, Ming Yin added, “She wants to marry me to take back Zhizhi’s custody.”

Yu Qingjia: ?!

Stunned, she turned to Ming Yin, about to speak but feeling awkward in her current seat. She moved to Shen Yiruo’s former spot and asked, “Why?”

Coming to Ming Yin only after Zhizhi started kindergarten clearly showed ulterior motives.

Who would have thought Ming Yin once loved such a scumbag?

Ming Yin glanced at her, chuckling. “She’s vying for inheritance rights. The old patriarch likes kids, so she wants to bring Zhizhi back to curry favor.”

Yu Qingjia’s eyebrows are knitted. How low—abandoning her child initially, now using Zhizhi for inheritance.

No wonder Zhizhi didn’t know her other mother. Yu Qingjia wouldn’t let them meet either.

But Ming Yin naming Zhizhi “Shenli” suggested lingering feelings for Shen Yiruo.

Worried Ming Yin might impulsively agree, despite her earlier composure, Yu Qingjia wondered if it was out of spite.

Wait—

In the original story, Ming Yin deeply loved Zhizhi’s birth mother, never remarried, and died in a car accident, with Zhizhi’s fate unknown.

Could Shen Yiruo be connected to that?

And Shen Ru and Shen Yiruo—both surnamed Shen. Were they from the same family?

After some thought, Yu Qingjia asked, “What’s your plan?”

Ming Yin saw her probing and said bluntly, “I won’t agree.”

“What if she targets Xiao Lizhi?” Yu Qingjia worried. She now understood why Ming Yin kept Zhizhi close at work. But with kindergarten, Ming Yin couldn’t always watch her.

Ming Yin’s eyes lowered, silent.

That was her concern too. She couldn’t always keep Zhizhi by her side, and Shen Yiruo could act when she wasn’t around.

Yu Qingjia sighed, thinking a stepmother might ease Ming Yin’s burden. After pondering, she advised sincerely, “I think you should find a mommy for Xiao Lizhi. You can’t always cover everything.”

Ming Yin’s sharp gaze shot over, assessing her. Guessing she still had feelings for Shen Yiruo, Yu Qingjia frowned. “I know you’re not inclined, but think of Xiao Lizhi.”

The original story was vague, but Shen Ru’s knowing smile at Ming Yin’s death suggested her involvement. With Shen Yiruo’s appearance, Yu Qingjia wasn’t sure anymore. She could only try to change things, unsure how far she’d get.

Hearing “find a mommy,” Ming Yin thought Yu Qingjia was hinting at herself. But her clear, earnest eyes held only sincerity, no flirtation or joy.

Was she suggesting herself or not?

Ming Yin, thoughtful, asked, “What kind of person do you think would be suitable?”

Yu Qingjia assumed she was listening. A marriage would diverge from the original story.

Excited, she said, “Most importantly, she must love Xiao Lizhi, and Xiao Lizhi must love her. She should be capable, preferably with some family background, and have time to spend with Xiao Lizhi.”

She recalled Zhizhi asking if she was busy, showing her need for companionship. Ming Yin alone couldn’t do it all.

Ming Yin’s gaze deepened. Someone meeting those criteria… Wasn’t that Yu Qingjia?

Despite transitioning to directing, she could spend time with Zhizhi outside of filming.

Seeing Ming Yin’s intense look, Yu Qingjia thought she was considering candidates. “It’s not urgent, but I hope you’ll think it over. Your work keeps you busy.”

Ming Yin stared deeply, making Yu Qingjia wonder if something was on her face. Then Ming Yin said, “That person keeps looking at you. Need to handle it?”

Yu Qingjia remembered Xiao Shao waiting. “That’s my assistant. Hold on.” She walked over to grab her order, telling Xiao Shao, “Go home for now. I’ll head back later. If Mom asks, say I’m discussing business with President Ming.”

Location scouting would pause until tomorrow.

Watching her tall, graceful figure, Ming Yin felt a pang. Yu Qingjia hadn’t considered herself at all, despite meeting all the criteria.

She’d thought Yu Qingjia might be interested, but apparently not.

Ming Yin narrowed her eyes. As Yu Qingjia turned with her order, she masked her expression.

Oblivious, Yu Qingjia sat back, sipped her milk tea, found it tasty, and took another sip. “It’s been a while. You’ve been busy?”

Changing the subject?

Ming Yin pursed her lips, her gaze seemingly casual but closely watching Yu Qingjia’s expression. Suddenly, she said, “I actually have a candidate.”

“Huh? That fast?”

Yu Qingjia hadn’t expected such a quick choice, feeling a twinge of discomfort. She knew why—she had no chance, yet the thought of losing Zhizhi’s sweet “Xiao Yu, I missed you” stung. But she was helpless.

Catching her subtle shift, Ming Yin realized Yu Qingjia wasn’t indifferent. The thought lightened her mood.

Pretending nonchalance, she said, “Based on your criteria, there is someone.”

Yu Qingjia, biting her straw, looked puzzled. Ming Yin’s lips parted, her tone light. “You.”

“…Cough—”

Choking on her tea, Yu Qingjia released the straw. “No way. You forgot? I have a personality disorder.”

If she suddenly left, an unfinished film was manageable, but a wife and child? She couldn’t hurt them.

Without that condition, she’d be perfect.

Ming Yin thought so.

“Have you had an episode recently?” she asked seriously.

Yu Qingjia flushed, embarrassed, but quickly recovered. “It only started this year. Even my parents don’t know much about Xiao Yu’s condition.” Pointedly, she added, “The first thing I did after taking control was divorce Pan Xing.”

Ming Yin’s brows furrowed slightly.

That was her biggest fear—a new personality could emerge, potentially harming Zhizhi.

Stirring her coffee, Ming Yin’s eyes lowered, hiding her emotions. “Let’s talk about it later.”

Yu Qingjia exhaled, relieved yet regretful.

In her old world, she’d have pursued Ming Yin without hesitation. But now… she doesn’t know her future.

They tacitly dropped the topic, chatting about recent events.

“…Shen Ru’s brother?” Yu Qingjia perked up. “You mean Old Lady Shen wants to back her brother as heir?”

The original story mentioned Shen Ru’s half-brother, an illegitimate son who played the long game, growing up to win Old Lady Shen’s favor and landing a top role at Shenji Group.

Threatening Shen Ru’s interests, he and his supporter, Old Lady Shen, met grim fates, the latter literally infuriated to death by Shen Ru.

Ming Yin’s full lips curved into a rare, mocking smile, her dark eyes fathomless. “Boss Shen’s too idle. I’ll give her something to do.”

Wait—Shen Yiruo wanted Zhizhi for inheritance, so she and Shen Ru weren’t from the same Shen family?

Yu Qingjia voiced her confusion. Ming Yin explained, “Their grandfathers were brothers, but Shen Yiruo’s grandfather fled abroad to escape trouble, establishing himself there. That’s when the Shen family split.”

Yu Qingjia nodded, then grinned mischievously. “President Ming’s clever. Seeing Shen Ru stressed makes me happy.”

Her bluntness amused Ming Yin, though her smile soon faded. “I’ll observe for now. If it’s suitable, I don’t mind working with Shen.”

Yu Qingjia understood, Ming Yin wouldn’t partner with Shen Ru. The collaborator was likely the half-brother. The enemy of an enemy is a friend. If played right, he could deal Shen Ru a blow. Stripping her power would be ideal.

“I’m looking forward to it.” Yu Qingjia’s lips curved, raising her tea. “Here’s to President Ming’s success.”

Ming Yin clinked her coffee lightly. “To Director Yu’s new film smashing the box office.”

News of Look Up’s imminent filming spread online, with the cast list drawing attention. Pan Xing’s return as Yu Qingjia’s lead fueled speculation about their murky relationship.

Fish fans, forewarned by Yu Qingjia, ignored the noise, quietly awaiting her film while occasionally updating Weibo and vlogs.

Netizens buzzed:

“I can’t wrap my head around it—flash marriage, flash divorce, now two films together? My friend said Pan Xing turned down Han Yan’s Eternal Love for the second princess’ film.”

“Heard from zh’s studio that yqj cheated, caught by px. The more I see, the more likely it seems. Tianyue’s boosting yqj, and yqj’s boosting px—pretty obvious.”

“Who’s zh? Can someone explain—I’m lost eating this gossip.”

“Paparazzi king Zhu Huai, duh. Google it yourself, stop bothering the pros.”

“Where did you hear px rejected Eternal Love? I’m online all day and missed this?”

“zh dug up dirt this big and didn’t leak it?”

“Wake up, that kind of scoop sells for a fortune. Didn’t you see zh took his team on vacation?”

The rumors lingered. Chen Ruo noticed someone was smearing Yu Qingjia and had PR release news of a Huayue star cheating with a young actor.

With solid evidence, the fresh scandal diverted attention from Yu Qingjia’s alleged infidelity and divorce.

…

During a crew dinner, Yu Qingjia got Chen Ruo’s call.

“Someone’s smearing me?” Spotting Pan Xing, she immediately thought of Shen Ru. Who else would cling to her like a ghost? With Pan Xing’s lead role announced, Shen Ru might be jealous, splashing dirt.

Noticing Yu Qingjia’s glance, Si Lingyou, beside Pan Xing, grew wary. She spoke up, “Sister Xing, I watched Star Making Plan. You were amazing.”

Distracted, Pan Xing chatted happily, missing Yu Qingjia’s look.

Seeing Si Lingyou’s move, Yu Qingjia rolled her eyes inwardly. Childish girl.

The lively chatter made the private room noisy. Struggling to hear, Yu Qingjia stepped out to a quiet corner. “Tell my sister to ignore them.”

Recalling Ming Yin’s plan to work with Shen Ru’s brother, she asked, “Are they still smearing me?”

Chen Ruo’s voice came through. “Some, but few are paying attention. Without solid proof, not many believe it.”

With no follow-up moves, Shen Ru likely lacked the energy to target her now.

Yu Qingjia smirked. “Got it. That’s all for now. Keep an eye out and call if anything changes.”

Hanging up, she headed back when a nearby room’s door swung open. A figure stumbled toward her, reeking of alcohol mixed with a familiar fragrance.

“Miss, need help?”

The person, silent, clutched her jacket tightly.

Yu Qingjia frowned, glancing warily into the room. It wasn’t as she expected—only a suited man slumped over the table, seemingly out cold.

Something felt off. Checking the empty corridor, she called Xiao Shao.

Xiao Shao hurried out, eyes narrowing at the person in Yu Qingjia’s arms, and quickly approached.

“Help me out here.”

Struggling alone, Yu Qingjia had Xiao Shao assist. As they propped the woman up, Yu Qingjia froze.

It was Ming Yin!

Her cheeks flushed from alcohol, pale lips now vivid, adding a sultry charm. But her brows were furrowed, phone in hand, displaying “Assistant Lin” on the call screen.

Glancing at the man, Yu Qingjia told Xiao Shao, “I’m calling Dr. Chen. Watch him.”

Good thing Xiao Shao doubled as a bodyguard, or she’d worry he’d lash out.

Xiao Shao nodded, entering the room to check the man. “He’s drunk too,” she said sternly.

The table’s food was barely touched, likely both were drugged.

Recalling her own arrival in this world, Yu Qingjia’s anger flared. If she hadn’t passed by, would Ming Yin—

Swallowing her rage, she used Ming Yin’s phone to call Assistant Lin.

Lin, frantic, said she’d come immediately. Yu Qingjia then called Dr. Chen to Anrui Restaurant.

Trying to lay Ming Yin on a sofa, Yu Qingjia found her gripping her jacket. Awkwardly, she draped it over her instead.

Within five minutes, Assistant Lin arrived with bodyguards. Seeing Ming Yin on the sofa, her face fell. “Shen Wende ran off?”

So that was Shen Wende, Shen Ru’s half-brother?

“There.” Yu Qingjia nodded toward the table.

Lin, spotting the slumped man, nearly lunged, barely restrained by Xiao Shao.

“Let go! That scum, President Ming considered working with him!” Lin seethed, glaring daggers.

She hadn’t expected him to be so vile!

Yu Qingjia clarified, “You’re mistaken. When Ming Yin opened the door, he was already out. We don’t know the details yet, wait for answers.”

“We didn’t touch anything. I called a doctor. Let Ming Yin wake up before deciding what happened.”

Lin, nearly blinded by rage, calmed at Yu Qingjia’s words.

Seeing her settle, Xiao Shao released her wrist, silently watching Shen Wende.

Lin glanced at her, finding her odd but saying nothing. Checking the time, she said, “I need to pick up Zhizhi.” She glanced worriedly at Ming Yin.

Sensing her concern, Yu Qingjia offered, “I’ll get Xiao Lizhi. You stay here.”

Lin agreed after a moment. She had to watch Ming Yin and the evidence. Handing Yu Qingjia a card, she said, “Please take Zhizhi to Lanyuan Villa No. 7. This card will get you in.”

“Got it.” Yu Qingjia took the key, glanced at Ming Yin’s jacket, left it with her, and hurried out.

…

5:00 PM, Shuangqing Kindergarten

Yu Qingjia parked hastily and headed to the gate, noticing a tall woman in a light trench coat talking to a teacher.

Assuming she was a parent, Yu Qingjia didn’t dwell on it. Scanning the kids in uniform, she spotted the cutest, fairest milk bun, happily gesturing to another girl. Sensing her gaze, Zhizhi looked over, eyes widening with joy. She waved goodbye to her friend and ran to the gate.

As Yu Qingjia prepared to tell the teacher she was picking up Zhizhi, a familiar voice laughed, “See, I’m her mom. She recognized me.”

Yu Qingjia glanced over, her pupils constricting at the face.

Narrowing her eyes, she said deliberately, “What a coincidence. Your child’s at this kindergarten too, Miss Shen?”

The woman, entangled with the teacher, was Shen Yiruo—Zhizhi’s irresponsible mother.

Shen Yiruo stiffened, turning to Yu Qingjia, who removed her sunglasses, saying smoothly, “I’m here for Zhizhi.”

The same teacher from last time, seeing the tension, sensed a birth mother versus stepmother drama. Unable to reach Ming Yin, she favored Yu Qingjia, a public figure who’d picked up Zhizhi before, over the unfamiliar woman.

In a flash, the teacher decided, smiling at Yu Qingjia. “Zhizhi was great today. Don’t forget to reward her, Miss Yu.”

Yu Qingjia mentally praised the teacher’s quick thinking, her smile radiant. “Really? Thank you, teacher.”

As she spoke, Zhizhi dashed out, hugging Yu Qingjia’s legs, cheering, “Xiao Yu, you’re here!” She bounced, arms up, clearly wanting a hug.

Yu Qingjia scooped her up, and Zhizhi kissed her cheek. Returning a kiss to her soft face, Yu Qingjia said, “Time to go. What do you say to the teacher?”

Used to this, Zhizhi, clinging to her neck, waved happily. “Bye, teacher! I’m going home!”

“Bye, Zhizhi!”

After farewells, Yu Qingjia carried Zhizhi to the car. Zhizhi didn’t glance at the other woman, chattering excitedly with Yu Qingjia.

Watching their mother-daughter-like bond, Shen Yiruo’s eyes flashed coldly, her nails digging into her palm as she sneered.

There’ll be a next time…