How To Deal With Being Transmigrated As The Scumbag Ex-Wife - Chapter 24

24: Look Up Clashes with February 19th…

Learning that Zhizhi’s birthday was next Wednesday, Yu Qingjia realized she couldn’t attend the party due to her filming schedule. Still, she wanted to prepare a gift for Zhizhi. Busy with the crew, she couldn’t shop herself, so she decided on a gift and tasked her assistant with buying it. She chose a toy set, hoping to play with Zhizhi when she had time.

This came up during a dinner with Pan Xing.

“Isn’t that a parent-child game?” Pan Xing asked curiously. “Who’s it for?”

When they were married, the Yu family didn’t have kids that young, and the game was for ages three to six.

“It’s for President Ming’s daughter. She video-called me a few days ago, inviting me to her birthday party.” Yu Qingjia explained casually. Glancing at Pan Xing, who was eating a healthy meal, an idea struck her.

As the story’s heroine, Pan Xing’s blessing might carry some weight.

Yu Qingjia mused, “I remember your handwriting’s beautiful.”

Unsure why she brought it up, Pan Xing smiled, biting into a boiled egg. “It’s decent. I used to dream of fans begging for my autograph on the street, so I practiced.”

Yu Qingjia chuckled. “Write a blessing for me then. I’ll make a peace charm to go with it.”

“No problem.” Pan Xing agreed easily but added, surprised, “You’re really fond of that kid.”

Thinking of the soft, clingy Zhizhi, Yu Qingjia smiled. “Guess it’s fate.”

Seeing her warm expression, Pan Xing teased, “You love kids so much, why not have one yourself?”

Yu Qingjia set down her phone to start eating. “Nah, I’m not even planning to date, let alone have kids.”

Pan Xing paused. “Afraid you’ll end up like Xiao Yu?”

Mentioning the original host, Yu Qingjia’s hand stilled, her gaze apologetic.

Pan Xing laughed softly. “No need to feel sorry. You were just sick, it’s not your fault.”

It’s not about being sick, Yu Qingjia thought silently, her expression subdued.

“You don’t need to worry so much.” Pan Xing comforted. “No one can predict the future. Live in the moment, date someone suitable if you meet them.”

Yu Qingjia didn’t agree, eating quietly.

Most importantly, if she could, she wanted to return to her own world.

If she got the chance, the first thing she’d do was give her annoying sister a good whack, then demand she rewrite the story, giving the Ming family and Pan Xing happy endings. No more domineering CEO forced-love nonsense, why not write something positive and uplifting?

Afraid of getting too lost in thought, Yu Qingjia suppressed the ache in her chest and changed the topic. “Enough about me. Focus on yourself.”

If Pan Xing’s love life was uncertain, Yu Qingjia worried Shen Ru would pop up, forcing her into the original story’s ending with possessive schemes.

Pan Xing sighed, rolling her eyes. “I’m seriously advising you. If you like someone, don’t waste time—seize the moment.”

Yu Qingjia couldn’t resist asking, “Any regrets?”

Pan Xing glanced at her, half-joking. “A little.”

Yu Qingjia’s heart clenched, guilt resurfacing, but Pan Xing continued, “I should’ve pushed you harder back then to see if Xiao Yu would come back.”

Seeing her earnest expression, Yu Qingjia suggested sincerely, “Well, if you want, you could try now.”

Pan Xing rolled her eyes. “Kidding, and you took it seriously?”

Yu Qingjia: “…”

Fine.

After dinner, Pan Xing handed her a handwritten note: “Wishing Ming Shenli a happy, healthy life.” If it wouldn’t seem greedy, Yu Qingjia would’ve asked for more.

Over two nights, she finished the peace charm. She had Xiao Shao send it with the toy set to Ming Yin’s house, hoping it’d arrive by Wednesday.

Busy with the gift, Yu Qingjia barely slept, dark circles forming under her eyes. The crew assumed she was working late, admiring her dedication—

After all, with no partner, what else could she be doing?

…

On May 3rd, expecting Zhizhi’s video call, Yu Qingjia wrapped filming early. With recent efficiency, it doubled as a chance for the crew to rest.

Back at the hotel, she showered and had Xiao Shao buy a cake.

As the cake arrived, Ming Yin’s video call came through. Connecting, Yu Qingjia was about to say, “Happy fourth birthday, Xiao Lizhi,” when she saw Zhizhi in Ming Yin’s arms, head nodding, eyes barely open.

Nestled in Ming Yin’s lap, behind a familiar wall lamp from their last private call, likely Ming Yin’s study or bedroom, Zhizhi looked like a sleepy chick.

Yu Qingjia softened her voice. “Why not let her sleep?”

Before Ming Yin could reply, Zhizhi stirred, eyes fluttering open. “Xiao Yu’s talking,” she mumbled, voice soft and drowsy.

Before Yu Qingjia could wish her a happy birthday, Zhizhi’s eyelids drooped, her head slumping, chubby hand clutching Ming Yin’s wrist.

Ming Yin adjusted her hold, and Zhizhi instinctively snuggled into a comfier spot, arching slightly. Spotting Yu Qingjia on the tablet, she forced her eyes open, kissed the screen, and murmured, “Night, Xiao Yu.” Content, she nestled back into Ming Yin’s arms, falling asleep.

All that just to say goodnight?

Seeing Yu Qingjia’s stunned look, Ming Yin’s eyes twinkled. “She played all day, got sleepy by 8:30, but stayed up to see you.”

Yu Qingjia’s heart melted. Why hadn’t she met this adorable kid sooner?

Her gaze softened, lips curving. “I haven’t even wished her happy birthday.”

“I recorded this. I’ll show her tomorrow.” Ming Yin said softly, frowning slightly as she recalled the lively day. “She loved your gift. I played a few rounds with her.”

She disliked noisy settings, but if Zhizhi enjoyed it, that was enough.

“It’s not about liking my gift—she loves that you played with her.” Yu Qingjia said, not taking credit. Zhizhi was easy to please; just building blocks with her had sent her rolling with joy on the carpet.

Ming Yin fell silent, lips pursed, exhaustion in her eyes. “I know. Thanks for the gift.”

She tried balancing work and family, but there were always gaps.

“No need—it’s for Xiao Lizhi.” Yu Qingjia said, smiling. “I’ll play with her next time.”

Imagining Zhizhi’s playful antics, Ming Yin’s expression softened. She kissed Zhizhi’s forehead. “She said before bed she’d bring it to play with you if she saw you.”

Yu Qingjia’s eyes glowed with a gentle smile, lingering on Zhizhi’s pouty lips, pressed against Ming Yin’s arm. “I got a cake to eat with her, but she’s asleep.”

Ming Yin raised a brow, her dark eyes warm. “Eat it now, I’ll show her tomorrow.”

“No way, next time.” Yu Qingjia said, tilting her head helplessly. Recalling their last unfinished talk, her expression grew serious. Glancing at Zhizhi, she hinted, “About Shen… any plans?”

They couldn’t just wait for Shen Yiruo to give up on Zhizhi.

The topic cooled Ming Yin’s face, a shadow in her eyes, her tone mocking. “I gave her sister some help with a big project. She’ll be too busy to try anything.”

Using a child to curry favor with the patriarch was a low move, only good for a slightly bigger inheritance share. Real power came from strength.

Yu Qingjia caught on, lips curling coldly. “Tch, incompetent people love shortcuts. Whether it’s a shortcut or a dead end depends on if she’s smart enough to see it.”

Ming Yin didn’t reply, but her relaxed brow showed agreement. Not wanting to dwell on the sour topic, she shifted. “You sent Zhizhi a peace charm too?”

“Yeah.” Yu Qingjia said, mindful of Zhizhi, wishing Ming Yin could use earphones for convenience, but with Zhizhi in her arms, moving was tricky. She lowered her voice. “A little wish for good fortune.”

As she spoke, Zhizhi let out a soft whimper, squirming in Ming Yin’s arms, possibly disturbed.

Yu Qingjia chuckled. “That’s it for tonight. Let her sleep.”

Though she meant Zhizhi, the kid wasn’t light, holding her so long must’ve strained Ming Yin’s arms.

Ming Yin didn’t insist, glancing at Zhizhi with a faint smile. “You rest early too.”

…

“Time to get up. Four years old and still sleeping in?”

In the light blue children’s room, Zhizhi hugged her fluffy blanket, sleeping soundly, her milky face flushed adorably. Ming Yin gently pinched her nose.

Reluctant to leave her sweet dreams, Zhizhi pouted, trying to burrow into the covers, but was gently lifted.

Catching a familiar scent, she slowly opened her eyes. Seeing Ming Yin’s familiar jawline, she giggled softly. “Mommy!”

Her bright eyes sparkled as she shared her dream. “Mommy, I dreamed of Xiao Yu last night! She said happy birthday!”

Ming Yin, fetching her slippers, paused, her expression calm but her tone warm. “It’s true. Last night, Mommy video-called Xiao Yu while you were asleep.”

“What?!” Zhizhi’s face fell, annoyed. “Why didn’t you wake me?”

Ming Yin rubbed her head, feigning innocence. “Xiao Yu said not to disturb you.”

Zhizhi pouted, upset. She was so close to seeing Xiao Yu, why did she have to fall asleep?

Seeing her expression, Ming Yin’s lips twitched, her eyes brimming with amusement.

After over two months of filming, Look Up wrapped in late May.

“Thanks for everyone’s hard work! I’m thrilled to announce Look Up has officially wrapped!”

Yu Qingjia rarely smiled so broadly. With temperatures rising and sunny days leaving everyone sweaty and dizzy, finishing before summer was a relief.

The crew beamed, snapping photos. Pan Xing, the lead, was in the most group shots.

Si Lingyou seized the chance to take selfies with Pan Xing, who didn’t refuse and even posed for extras.

Since Yu Qingjia’s tough love, Si Lingyou’s acting had soared, sometimes nailing scenes in one take. With such a cooperative co-star, Pan Xing’s fondness grew.

After photos with Pan Xing and plans to hang out, Si Lingyou felt like a giddy fawn, everything sparkling—until she saw Yu Qingjia editing footage, and her joy crashed.

Si Lingyou: …

She had to admit Yu Qingjia had skill. She wasn’t targeting her, Si Lingyou’s performances had improved, even earning Pan Xing’s occasional praise.

Looking at her photos with the crew, Si Lingyou decided to take one with Yu Qingjia for keeps.

She wasn’t some childish rebel clinging to grudges.

Standing three meters away, she opened selfie mode, turning her back to Yu Qingjia, angling her phone so only her cap and a sliver of her fair jaw showed in the corner.

Catching a flash, Yu Qingjia looked up to see a tall woman snapping a selfie, her image faintly visible in the phone’s corner.

Si Lingyou: “!”

She casually lowered her phone, walking toward her manager, her steps quickening until she bolted.

Yu Qingjia: …

Was she that scary? The girl was so awkward, making a fuss just for a photo.

Giving Si Lingyou a blank look, Yu Qingjia resumed editing.

…

After the launch press conference, Look Up stayed quiet, but fans’ anticipation didn’t wane. Learning it wasn’t a Star Making Plan sequel, they were curious if Yu Qingjia could replicate its quality and box office miracle. The buzz lasted until news of its wrap broke.

“OK, but why does Yu Qingjia shoot so fast? I bet Look Up hits summer. /munching popcorn”

“I wanna say rushing like this can’t make a good film, but Star Making Plan already slapped my face, so I’ll shut up.”

“Your focus is weird. The Star Making Plan was this fast too. Am I the only one curious about what this film’s like?”

“WTF, didn’t you notice? Zhou Jin’s February 19th is set for summer. With Second Princess’ speed, Look Up might clash with it!”

“Holy crap, upstairs nailed it. This is like Star Making Plan vs. Beacon Beauty all over again! Is the Second Princess out to slap faces one by one? Third-rate novels wouldn’t dare write this!”

“TBH, I think she’s in trouble this time. Star Making Plan was a fluke. Even Han Yan only has Wind and Femme Fatale as hits, his others are garbage.”

Star Making Plan showed Yu Qingjia’s speed and efficiency. Now, with Look Up wrapped, a summer release could pit it against Zhou Jin’s February 19th, promising a stormy showdown.

Netizens couldn’t help but wonder—

Was Second Princess doing this on purpose?

Many shared this thought, and soon “Look Up Might Clash with February 19th” trended, quickly hitting the hot search queue.

Zhou Jin’s Weibo post pushed it higher:

“@ZhouJin-ZhiYuChengV: I hope everyone supports February 19th in theaters, but I know it’s unlikely—few will understand it.”

The post sparked a flurry of reactions.

“I’m done. You’re proud of making a film audiences can’t follow?”

“Isn’t this just preemptive surrender? Fair, though—Star Making Plan’s 1.7 billion box office looms large. Until Look Up drops, who’d dare call it trash?”

“I don’t know if Look Up’s trash, but a film audiences can’t understand is trash. /smile”

“Yo, who was it saying ‘trust the audience’s taste’? Now you’re all high and mighty? If audiences can’t get your film, you’re so great.”

These netizens mocking Zhou Jin weren’t necessarily Team Yu Qingjia, they just wanted a reason to dunk on him. His post felt off, infuriating readers.

To audiences, films tell stories. Zhou Jin saying “few will understand” implied viewers were dumb or lacked taste.

Wasn’t that begging for backlash?

Whether intentional or not, his post tilted support toward Look Up, boosting its official Weibo with new fans.

Chen Ruo shared this with Yu Qingjia, hoping to cheer her up, but she stayed calm.

“Online chatter doesn’t mean much. Forgot the Star Making Plan polls?”

Before its release, many swore off Star Making Plan, and it polled dead last on Weibo, yet it topped the New Year box office. Meanwhile, Beacon Beauty, the poll leader, barely hit 700 million.

Online loudmouths weren’t the audience, those buying tickets were.

“But his comment’s interesting,” Yu Qingjia said, eyes glinting. “February 19th is probably aiming for awards. Wonder which festival he’s submitting to.”

The release date of February 19th is June 17. The Kyoto International Film Festival and the Eurasia International Film Festival are held in mid-July and late October, respectively. However, the Kyoto International Film Festival focuses on discovering new filmmakers, with slightly relaxed evaluation criteria, making its prestige somewhat less than that of the latter.

If she were Zhou Jin, she would choose to submit to the Kyoto International Film Festival. Although Zhou Jin has some recognition, he is still considered a young director, and his skills are somewhat lacking.

She has watched all of Zhou Jin’s films, initially with the intention of “knowing her enemy,” especially since Zhou Jin not only jumped ship to Huayue but also repeatedly disparaged Tianyue online, which she found intolerable. As a result, Yu Qingjia watched films by all three directors.

Among the three, Zhou Jin’s skills are undoubtedly the weakest. However, he isn’t entirely without merits; he has some talent but often succumbs to pretentious “literary” tendencies, resulting in films with slow, dragging pacing that make viewers drowsy. If Yu Qingjia hadn’t been patient, she would have only watched his representative work, Aspiration and Sincerity, and skipped the others.

Fortunately, she didn’t do that, because the cinematography style of Aspiration and Sincerity was completely different from his other films. When she watched it, Yu Qingjia was genuinely surprised, as its quality was noticeably higher than Zhou Jin’s other works. Upon further investigation, she discovered that Aspiration and Sincerity wasn’t truly Zhou Jin’s work—it was actually the work of the cinematographer at the time, Zeng Zhi.

Back to the point: if February 19th went to Kyoto, that’d be a coincidence—Yu Qingjia planned to submit Look Up there too.

After all, she was a film newcomer here.