How To Deal With Being Transmigrated As The Scumbag Ex-Wife - Chapter 22

22: Does This Count as Sharing Secrets…

Yu Qingjia drove Ming Yin’s car, as hers lacked a child safety seat. Assistant Lin had handed her the keys along with the card.

After expertly securing Zhizhi in the safety seat, Yu Qingjia got into the driver’s seat. She opened the navigation, about to start the car, when a tender voice piped up, “Xiao Yu, do you like Yinyin?”

Yu Qingjia’s hand jolted on the steering wheel. Glancing at the rearview mirror, she met a pair of big, clear black eyes. “Why do you ask?”

Zhizhi twisted shyly, clutching the seatbelt, her voice soft and milky. “I think Yinyin likes Xiao Yu!”

“…?”

How had she not noticed?

Yu Qingjia pictured Ming Yin’s slightly aloof, gentle face. Aside from a few times she’d embarrassed herself, she couldn’t think of any moment suggesting Ming Yin liked her. Those blunders not earning her dislike were already lucky.

Seeing her silence, Zhizhi eagerly raised her hand. “Yinyin got shy once!”

Shy?

Ming Yin, shy?

Yu Qingjia couldn’t recall a single instance. Deciding not to dwell, she shifted the topic. “Really? Xiao Lizhi’s so observant.”

Praised, Zhizhi squirmed with shy pride. “Thank you, Xiao Yu.”

Glancing at Zhizhi in the mirror, Yu Qingjia’s eyes softened with a smile. She continued, “Mommy’s busy today, so I’ll hang out with Xiao Lizhi, okay?”

Zhizhi’s face fell at the first part but lit up at the second, though she asked, “Don’t you have work, Xiao Yu?”

Her heart melting, Yu Qingjia mimicked her tone. “Today, my work is keeping you company.”

As expected, Zhizhi’s adorable face bloomed into a radiant smile. “Yay! I’ll introduce you to all my friends!”

…

Lanyuan Villa No. 7

Yu Qingjia hadn’t expected to enter Ming Yin’s private residence so soon. In the original host’s memories, Lanyuan Villa was an older, upscale district in City A, home to wealthy residents, including Ming Yin.

The villa’s decor was classic Chinese style—simple yet grand. Soft carpets covered the floors, table and chair edges were carefully padded, and thick rugs lined the stairs, their wool sinking past the ankles. The setup was cozy and warm.

Clearly, it was designed to keep an unsteady Zhizhi from hurting herself.

“Xiao Yu, wear these!”

Zhizhi eagerly pulled out a pair of bear-paw slippers from the shoe cabinet, matching her own parent-child pair.

Yu Qingjia obliged, slipping them on. She noticed another pair of adult bear-paw slippers in the cabinet.

Obviously, those were Ming Yin’s, while the pair Zhizhi gave her—likely meant for “Mommy”—had never been worn.

Rubbing Zhizhi’s head, Yu Qingjia smiled as Zhizhi hugged her leg happily. Before she could speak, her familiar ringtone sounded.

Zhizhi’s soft body stiffened beside her, her nervous eyes meeting Yu Qingjia’s. To her, a call meant work.

Smiling, Yu Qingjia kissed her forehead, crouched, and pulled out her phone. The caller was Ming Yin.

“It’s Mommy calling.” She showed Zhizhi, who recognized “Ming Yin” and beamed again.

Not work if it’s Yinyin!

Answering, before Yu Qingjia could speak, Ming Yin’s urgent voice came through. “Did you pick up Zhizhi?”

“I did.” Yu Qingjia glanced at Zhizhi, who blinked her grape-like eyes expectantly. She switched the speakerphone for Zhizhi to hear, rubbing Zhizhi’s head. “Xiao Lizhi, Mommy’s asking about you.”

“Mommy!” Zhizhi shouted energetically, giggling as she leaned into Yu Qingjia. “Mommy, Xiao Yu’s playing with me at home!”

Ming Yin audibly relaxed, her tone warm. “Good. Don’t be naughty, okay?”

“I’m not naughty!” Zhizhi huffed cutely, nuzzling Yu Qingjia’s neck. “I’m super good.”

Melted by her antics, Yu Qingjia kissed her twice. A slightly hoarse voice came through. “I need to talk to Xiao Yu. Zhizhi, wash your hands when you get home.”

“Okay!” Zhizhi chirped, scampering off.

Yu Qingjia turned off the speakerphone, holding the phone to her ear. “It’s me. How are you feeling?”

Relieved, Ming Yin’s voice was tired and hoarse, carrying a cool texture through the receiver. “Not great. My head’s still pounding.”

Before Yu Qingjia could respond, Ming Yin added, “Thanks for today. Dr. Chen was a big help. I’ll explain everything when I’m back.”

Yu Qingjia was certain Ming Yin had been drugged again. She felt a surge of relief, if she hadn’t been there, Ming Yin could’ve been in serious trouble.

…

9:30 PM

After dinner, Yu Qingjia played games with Zhizhi in the living room. Zhizhi laughed so hard she fell back, toppling onto the carpet and knocking over their block tower.

Worried she’d hurt herself, Yu Qingjia reached to help, but Zhizhi rolled excitedly on the carpet.

“Does your head hurt?” Yu Qingjia tried to check her head, only for Zhizhi to barrel into her arms, shouting, “No pain!”

Her crisp laughter filled the room. Noticing the time, Yu Qingjia asked, “Sleepy? Ready for bed?”

“Nooo—” Zhizhi pouted, kissing her cheek, pleading, “Just a bit more, please? Just a little!”

Hesitating, Yu Qingjia softened under Zhizhi’s hopeful gaze. “Okay, a bit more, then bed. Got it?”

“Yay!” Zhizhi bounced happily.

Just then, rustling came from the door. Both turned to see Ming Yin enter, Yu Qingjia’s jacket draped over her arm.

“Yinyin!” Zhizhi cheered, running to her. Ming Yin scooped her up, kissing her soft cheek. “Were you good with Xiao Yu today?”

Zhizhi nodded, grinning. “Super good!” She turned to Yu Qingjia for confirmation. “Right?”

Yu Qingjia smiled, nodding. Her gaze shifted to Ming Yin, noticing the exhaustion in her eyes and the flush on her cheeks, making her face appear paler.

“Thanks for today.” Ming Yin said, setting Zhizhi down, her deep eyes fixed on Yu Qingjia.

“No need. Xiao Lizhi’s so cute, I’d love to hang out with her anytime.” Yu Qingjia winked at Zhizhi, making her giggle. As Zhizhi moved to pounce, Ming Yin said, “It’s late, Zhizhi. Bedtime.”

“Aww…” Zhizhi’s disappointment was clear. Unlike her playful pleading with Yu Qingjia, she didn’t argue with Ming Yin, instead looking at Yu Qingjia wistfully. “Can we play tomorrow?”

Before Yu Qingjia could answer, Ming Yin’s gentle but firm voice cut in. “Xiao Yu has work tomorrow, just like you have kindergarten.”

Zhizhi’s brows furrowed, her hope lingering. “Will Xiao Yu stay tonight?”

Unable to resist such cuteness, Yu Qingjia expected Ming Yin to intervene. But Ming Yin stayed silent, leaning against the door, watching calmly with a hint of amusement. Zhizhi’s pitiful gaze, lips quivering and eyes reddening, tugged at her heart.

Yu Qingjia rubbed Zhizhi’s head, glancing at Ming Yin, who remained quiet. Mentally noting Ming Yin’s nonchalance, she coaxed softly, “I—”

Zhizhi’s eyes brightened, her big eyes sparkling with hope.

The words “have to go home” stuck in her throat. Facing Zhizhi’s eager gaze, Yu Qingjia’s resolve melted. Who cared about the crew starting early tomorrow?

Worst case, she’d wake up early. How could she disappoint Xiao Lizhi?

Sighing inwardly, she said, “…can stay.”

“Yay!” Zhizhi cheered, kissing her cheek and bouncing, tugging her hand. “Come on, I’ll show you the room!”

Ming Yin, as if snapping awake, said casually, “Go to your room. I’ll make sure Xiao Yu doesn’t sneak off.”

Zhizhi glanced between them, flashing a sweet smile. “Okay!” She scampered upstairs.

Once Zhizhi disappeared, Ming Yin hung the jacket by the door, lowering her voice. “Thank you for today.”

Yu Qingjia glanced upstairs, ensuring Zhizhi was gone, and whispered, “When I picked up Xiao Lizhi, Shen Yiruo was there, trying to take her. Thankfully, the teacher didn’t allow it.”

Ming Yin wasn’t surprised, her face tightening with suppressed anger. “That kindergarten’s strict. Only guardians or those with guardian approval can pick up kids.”

Like last time, the teacher had confirmed with Ming Yin before letting Yu Qingjia take Zhizhi.

Yu Qingjia wanted to say that wasn’t the point. Seeing Ming Yin sink wearily into the sofa, hand on her forehead, she continued, “She plans to take Zhizhi for a maternity test.”

“?!”

What a twist.

Shouldn’t they discuss what happened today?

Ming Yin rubbed her temples, exhausted. “If it proves that Zhizhi’s her daughter, even without marriage, she could regularly take her.”

Yu Qingjia’s voice lowered, a mix of frustration and anger. “So she’s really Xiao Lizhi’s mother? She’s never raised her, how can she just take her like that?”

Unfamiliar with custody laws, she was stunned when Ming Yin’s heavy gaze met hers, as if weighing something.

Before she could say more, Ming Yin said flatly, “But Zhizhi isn’t my child.”

“!”

Yu Qingjia’s eyes widened, shocked. Should she be glad Ming Yin trusted her? Calming down, she asked, “So Xiao Lizhi’s birth mother…”

“Died.” Ming Yin exhaled softly, the weight of a life behind her light words.

Her gaze fell on the toys scattered on the carpet, lost in memory. “Zhizhi’s my cousin’s daughter. In college, Shen Yiruo pursued me. I didn’t like her, but my cousin did. On graduation day, Shen Yiruo called me, but my cousin answered and went to meet her. Later, she got pregnant.”

Yu Qingjia pieced together a messy love triangle but quickly spotted the issue. “But Shen Yiruo thinks you’re Xiao Lizhi’s mother.”

Ming Yin’s eyes stirred, as if waking from a memory. She looked at Yu Qingjia slowly. “Yes. She was drunk and thought it was me that night.”

Yu Qingjia hadn’t expected such a dramatic twist. Ming Yin’s hoarse, tired voice continued, “My cousin wanted the baby but hid it from her parents, staying with me during pregnancy. After giving birth, she got postpartum depression, sent the nanny away while I was at work, and slit her wrists.”

No wonder. Yu Qingjia understood, sensing something off. “Shen Yiruo liked you, so why—” Why not claim Zhizhi?

A cold laugh cut her off. Ming Yin’s lips curled mockingly. “Like? She just wanted something new.”

What a scumbag. Yu Qingjia was glad she’d intervened before Shen Yiruo could reach Zhizhi.

After speaking, Ming Yin seemed drained, leaning back, her silky black hair falling messily over her neck, making her look fragile, like she’d break with a touch.

Yu Qingjia fell silent, her heart aching. Ming Yin likely never planned to share this. She was the most innocent in this mess, yet she took on the mistake, raising Zhizhi as her own. Now, Zhizhi’s mother wanted to exploit her—how could Ming Yin bear it?

Rubbing her forehead, Ming Yin’s tone held regret and faint relief. “Sorry, please keep this confidential.”

“I will.” Yu Qingjia replied softly, then grinned. “Does this count as sharing secrets?”

Ming Yin paused, her eyes softening at Yu Qingjia’s bright smile. “Yes, it does.”

They shared a smile, easing the heavy atmosphere.

“What about Shen Wende?” Yu Qingjia asked.

Ming Yin’s face darkened. “It wasn’t him. If you hadn’t been there, someone would’ve moved us, and the evidence would’ve been destroyed.”

Then, with no proof, Ming Yin would’ve suspected Shen Wende. Even if she suspected Shen Ru’s involvement, their alliance against Shen Ru would collapse.

Yu Qingjia had never despised someone so much. She wanted to ask how Ming Yin could be so careless again, but seeing her exhaustion, and knowing it wouldn’t happen a third time, she swallowed her words, frowning. “You have evidence now. What’s your plan?”

Ming Yin’s eyes clouded with menace, her voice cold. “The more she doesn’t want something, the more I’ll make it happen.”

Look Up Film Set

“Director Yu!”

“Hm?” Snapped out of her thoughts, Yu Qingjia looked blankly at the caller, realizing she was on set.

The crew watched her with concern, chattering:

“Is Director Yu feeling unwell? Need a break?”

“You came in late today, had trouble to handle?”

“What’s wrong? We called you forever with no response. Still hungover?”

“Pfft, she barely drank yesterday. Think she’s like you?”

Yu Qingjia smiled, burying her thoughts. “I’m fine. How’s everything going?”

“Ready, waiting for your check,” said assistant director Ren Zhong, who’d worked with her before, knowing she inspected every department before shooting.

Checking the camera position, she frowned. “Move it one spot right. It’s off.”

Adjusting the camera pulled her into work mode. She checked props and lighting next.

Si Lingyou, studying her script, was surprised by Yu Qingjia’s busyness, expecting her to be less hands-on. Spotting Pan Xing ready to shoot, her eyes lit up. She sidled up, feigning curiosity. “Is Director Yu always like this at work?”

At the launch banquet, Pan Xing had liked this supposed niece of Yu Qingjia’s uncle. Smiling, she said, “Yup. Don’t let rumors fool you—she’s legit, talented and patient, unlike some directors who snap when scenes drag.”

Si Lingyou scoffed inwardly, still praising Yu Qingjia post-divorce? Pan Xing’s too kind. But she wouldn’t badmouth her to Pan Xing, instead playing along. “Really? I thought she’d be strict.” She sighed dramatically.

Pan Xing laughed, recalling Yu Qingjia’s sternness at Si Lingyou’s audition. “She had to be tough, nobody believed in her. Don’t worry.”

Scared of her? Please.

Si Lingyou rolled her eyes inwardly but nodded obediently. “Got it.”

After inspections, Yu Qingjia returned to the monitor. “Everyone, positions!”

“Camera team?”

“Ready.”

“Sound team?”

“Ready!”

“Lighting team?”

“All set.”

…

“Clapboard!”

The clapperboard operator stepped in. “Look Up, Scene 17, Take 1, Action!”

Snap!

The cast’s acting was stronger than Star Making Plan’s, and Pan Xing’s stellar performance elevated her co-stars, making shooting smooth. Newcomers to Yu Qingjia realized her directing matched seasoned pros.

Propping her chin, Yu Qingjia watched the monitor, then lit up. “Hold on, I’m tweaking the script.”

Crew: ???

Editing the script mid-shoot? Talented people sure were whimsical.

Yu Qingjia grinned. “No big changes, just renaming Li Fang to Shen Yiruo.”

The crew relaxed, just a name change. Li Fang wasn’t significant, so fine.

Si Lingyou: ?

Isn’t that… the Shen family’s third-generation eldest daughter’s name?

Having lived abroad, Si Lingyou returned to enter entertainment for Pan Xing. She’d heard of Shen Yiruo.

Suspicious, she eyed Yu Qingjia, certain it was intentional. Li Fang was a spiteful, jealous character who sabotaged Pan Xing’s character, Lin Rui. If the film hit big or won awards, audiences would loathe the role.

Though doubting Yu Qingjia could win awards, Si Lingyou decided to play nice. She didn’t want a future film villain named “Si Lingyou” or “Yue Lingyou” cursed by viewers.

Never mess with creative entertainment folks.

Noticing Si Lingyou shiver, Pan Xing asked, “Cold? Wear a jacket, it’s chilly.”

Touched, Si Lingyou thought Yu Qingjia, despite her pettiness, treated Pan Xing well, boosting her post-divorce.

Pan Xing’s beauty and kindness even won over someone so petty.

Unaware of Si Lingyou’s musings, Yu Qingjia liked her idea. Changing “Li Fang” to “Shen Yiruo” might not catch Shen Yiruo’s attention, but what if someone close to her saw it?

She’d pour her heart into this film, aiming for international A-list festivals. If it screened there…

Yu Qingjia smiled. “Alright, nail this shot, and we’re done for the day. Let’s do this!”