How To Deal With Being Transmigrated As The Scumbag Ex-Wife - Chapter 27

27: “Your Eyes Are Too Pretty, They Dazzled Me…”

The mention of a film festival entry immediately brings to mind competing for the seven major awards. So, when news broke that February 19th was shortlisted, netizens felt slapped in the face. But when Look Up’s shortlist announcement came out, they realized something was off.

What exactly was the “main competition”?

A knowledgeable netizen quickly clarified:

“The Kyoto International Film Festival has five sections: Main Competition, Directors’ Focus, Youth Breeze, Cultural Song, and Dual Vision Documentary. The top awards, like the Sakura Award and Best Director, are all from the Main Competition. Directors’ Focus encourages directors to create more outstanding works, Youth Breeze spotlights promising young directors, Cultural Song typically selects independent or art films, and Dual Vision Documentary is, as the name suggests, for documentaries. But Kyoto’s Main Competition is the real draw, other sections have lower entry barriers and inconsistent film quality, so they get less attention.”

Most netizens got it instantly. So, February 19th’s entry wasn’t what they thought?

A savvy netizen checked the festival’s shortlist and found February 19th was in the Directors’ Focus section, while Look Up was in the Main Competition, eligible for the seven major awards.

“Thanks for the clarification! I was shocked that a trash film like that made it into Kyoto, I almost lost faith in the festival. Turns out it’s just wordplay!”

“Look Up is awesome! The second princess is awesome! I’m definitely hitting the theaters!”

“How is Kyoto so low? Taking in all sorts of garbage? Oh, they’re just being vague to mislead us. Get lost!”

“If not for Look Up, I’d have thought I got owned. I’m a casual fan of Second Princess now, definitely supporting in theaters!”

“The Directors’ Focus section is full of junk. Even Love and Hate for a Century got in—nobody’s arguing that’s trash, right? Using this to prop up February 19th? Nope, not buying it. Pseudo-intellectuals, bring better evidence! /smirk”

Netizens who’d bashed February 19th felt backed by a powerhouse, rolling up their sleeves to slam it further while boosting Look Up.

Supporters of February 19th were furious, either raging at netizens and dissing Look Up or ignoring the Main Competition distinction—

“You’re praising Look Up without seeing it, just because the committee picked it? Then why not drop your bias and appreciate February 19th, which also got in?”

“Haters can be salty all they want. Too dumb to get February 19th? Call it trash, but it still made Kyoto, while you’ve got nothing. /disdain”

“Yu Qingjia doesn’t even know what a movie is. Who knows how she snuck in? If Look Up wins the Sakura Award, I’ll kowtow to her three times.”

“I’m done. How’s Love and Hate for a Century trash now? Haters are blind to bash February 19th. I bet it’s Look Up’s water army.”

“Water army +1. This is Tianyue’s usual trick. Star Making Plan was a garbage commercial flick hyped to the skies. This generation’s taste is trash.”

Some netizens, not even Look Up fans, got labeled as Yu Qingjia’s water army, leaving them baffled and amused. Who’s blind? Who’s the real water army?

Yu Qingjia’s fans, thrilled about Look Up’s Main Competition entry, barely had time to cheer before February 19th’s supporters trashed Look Up and Yu Qingjia, claiming she got in through shady means while February 19th was an underappreciated gem.

This twisted logic was infuriating yet funny. Questioning Yu Qingjia’s entry as rigged wasn’t that questioning the committee? So, wasn’t February 19th’s entry suspect too?

If Yu Qingjia hadn’t repeatedly told her fans not to waste time on these netizens, saying she wouldn’t be upset by their words, they’d have gone to war.

February 19th’s distributor hadn’t expected Look Up to also make the festival, let alone the Main Competition. They’d hoped to leverage public ignorance about the festival to boost February 19th’s reputation and box office, but Look Up slapped their plans into the dust, ruining their calculations.

The online feud dominated hot searches, overshadowing even a popular starlet’s birthday. Look Up’s buzz soared.

As netizens gleefully clashed, Zhou Jin posted on Weibo:

“@ZhouJin-ZhiYuChengV: They say they wish you well but secretly step on you, using you as a stepping stone. I believe the world is still just, we’ll let strength speak.”

Last time, netizens mocked those who jumped to Huayue, and Tianyue responded graciously, wishing them success. People praised Tianyue’s class. But after February 19th announced its festival entry, Look Up revealed its Main Competition spot.

It was clear who Zhou Jin’s post targeted.

With one of the key figures speaking, netizens got more excited, especially those bashing February 19th. His post nearly made them laugh with rage.

They’d misled the public with vague claims, exploiting ignorance about the festival, only to be exposed by Look Up. Now they had the gall to bite back?

Netizens felt Tianyue had suffered for signing Zhou Jin. Thank goodness he’d have jumped to Huayue, or Tianyue’s future would’ve been bleaker.

Before they could start keyboard warfare, the famously chill Yu Qingjia posted:

“@YuQingJiaV: We will see.”

Just three words, but her confident, calm attitude shone through.

“AaaaAaa, I’m in love with the Second Princess!”

“OMG, why was I ever indifferent to the Second Princess? She’s gorgeous, with a personality that hits all my buttons. Love her! I’m a princess fan!”

“Look Up, charge! Second Princess, charge! Box office, charge!”

…

“This guy’s got some thick skin.” Pan Xing, usually good-natured, fumed. “How can he be so shameless? Everything’s his way, is he the chosen one? The world revolves around him?”

Yu Qingjia poured her tea. “Don’t get mad. Barking loud doesn’t make you strong. The weaker they are, the louder they yap.” Sitting across from Pan Xing, she added, “Of the three directors who jumped ship, he’s the loudest. The other two stay quiet.”

Pan Xing pressed her chest, breathing deeply to calm down. “I don’t get it. How does a jerk like him still have defenders?”

“They’re not defending Zhou Jin—they’re clinging to their sense of superiority.” Yu Qingjia said, sipping her milk tea, unlike Pan Xing’s tea.

“By the way, why’d you come find me?”

At this, Pan Xing’s face lit up, eyes sparkling. “I signed a new ad deal today. Sister Fang said we’re heading to Kyoto for the festival soon. I feel like I’m dreaming, an international A-list festival! I might walk the red carpet!”

An international A-list festival, even if not one of the big three!

Seeing Pan Xing’s excited anticipation, Yu Qingjia paused, then smiled.

In the original story, Pan Xing, a faded actress, had no film opportunities until becoming a TV queen. But Yu Qingjia brought her into films, from a 1.7-billion box office lead to a Main Competition entry at Kyoto. Pan Xing’s reaction was only natural.

“Get used to it. More chances will come.” Yu Qingjia said, seeing Pan Xing’s eager gaze. “If we win an award, I might slow down my filming pace.”

Pan Xing’s eyes gleamed, cheeks flushing. “Can I still act in them?”

After two collaborations, she saw Yu Qingjia’s talent matched top directors. Despite losing Xiaoyu, Yu Qingjia supported her out of guilt. Pan Xing didn’t know her luck, but it wasn’t bad.

“Why not?” Yu Qingjia smiled. “Your acting’s great, natural, and versatile. Why wouldn’t we work together?”

Pan Xing, suppressing her excitement, grabbed her tea to calm down.

Yu Qingjia tried to stop her but it was too late.

“Pfft…” Pan Xing’s eyes teared up from the scalding tea. “Why’s it so hot?”

Yu Qingjia pursed her lips, helpless. “Freshly brewed tea, how could it not be?”

News of Look Up’s Main Competition entry spread fast. Yu Qingjia got a congratulatory call from Ming Yin. Both busy lately, their contact had lessened, so they planned lunch together.

Why not dinner? Ming Yin didn’t eat after 6 p.m., and she often worked past then. Yu Qingjia wasn’t making that mistake again.

The summer sun glared off buildings, casting harsh light. Tree shadows offered scant relief as heat waves shimmered, hot and stifling.

Arriving at the restaurant, Yu Qingjia’s forehead glistened with sweat, her hair damp. The cool air inside soothed her, calming her restlessness.

Led by a waiter to a private room, she saw Ming Yin on a call. Seeing her, Ming Yin’s elegant face broke into a gentle smile. She lowered her voice, said a few words, and hung up.

Sitting across from her, Yu Qingjia smiled. “Isn’t Xiao Lizhi on break? Why didn’t you bring her?”

She’d expected Zhizhi to be there, but Ming Yin was alone.

As she spoke, she caught a flicker of emotion in Ming Yin’s deep, dark eyes. Before she could decipher it, Ming Yin lowered her gaze, smiling. “She’s at a classmate’s birthday party.”

A toddler’s birthday party?

Yu Qingjia felt a twinge of regret. Looking at Ming Yin, a strange feeling stirred—this was their first time dining alone, wasn’t it?

“I saw Look Up made it to Kyoto’s Main Competition. Congrats!” Ming Yin poured her tea, her slender, jade-like hand holding the green cup, nails neatly trimmed, glowing softly pink. Above, faint blue veins traced like rivers in snow. Rising mist made her hand look even more delicate.

Clink.

The cup’s crisp sound on the table snapped Yu Qingjia from her daze. She glanced at Ming Yin, who hadn’t noticed her staring, and grabbed her cup to cover, missing Ming Yin’s subtle smile.

“Um, thanks.” Yu Qingjia said, clearing her throat. “If you’re free for the premiere, come.”

Ming Yin leaned back, relaxed yet graceful, idly turning her cup. “I’ll await Director Yu’s invitation,” she said, her tone laced with playful nonchalance.

Feeling oddly guilty, Yu Qingjia rubbed her ear, feigning casualness. “It’s been a while. Is everything going smoothly?”

“Same as usual.” Ming Yin said, her fingers tracing the cup’s rim, dampened by mist, her pink nails gleaming. Seemingly unconscious, she added, “Pretty busy, though. Can’t get away. I’ve got an overseas business trip soon.”

Forcing her gaze from Ming Yin’s fingers, Yu Qingjia processed her words belatedly. “Oh? Is Xiao Lizhi going with you?”

Ming Yin’s lips tightened, her cool gaze unreadable. “She’s never been apart from me for long, and now…” She trailed off. “I’m not comfortable leaving her.”

Yu Qingjia caught the implication, Shen Yiruo’s schemes to get close to Zhizhi. Even with obstacles in Shen Yiruo’s way, Ming Yin couldn’t relax.

“That makes sense.” Yu Qingjia sighed, sincere. “If you need help, I’m here.”

Meeting Yu Qingjia’s clear, unguarded gaze, Ming Yin chuckled. “I will. Zhizhi loves you so much, I’d trust her with you.”

Hearing her trust, Yu Qingjia brightened. “I’ll make sure she’s chubby and happy.”

As they spoke, the waiter brought the dishes.

It was Yu Qingjia’s first time seeing Ming Yin eat a proper meal. As expected, she ate lightly, favoring mild, vegetarian dishes. If not for accommodating Yu Qingjia’s tastes, she suspected Ming Yin would prefer a fully vegetarian spread.

Watching Ming Yin eat slowly, her every move elegant, Yu Qingjia wondered who Zhizhi’s eating habits mimicked. Even Ming Yin, less food-driven, ate more watching Zhizhi.

Noticing her stare, Ming Yin asked, “What’s up?”

Yu Qingjia snapped back, smiling. “Nothing, just wondering who Xiao Lizhi learned her eating style from.”

Catching her meaning, Ming Yin’s lips curved, her face glowing softly. “She has always loved food. As a baby, she was calmest at mealtime. Once she could hold a spoon, she fed herself—easy to handle.”

Yu Qingjia pictured a bibbed toddler in a highchair, eagerly awaiting food, and melted.

Seeing her beaming, Ming Yin switched topics. “Are you confident this time?”

“Hm?” Realizing she meant the festival, Yu Qingjia grinned. “If it’s reporters, I’d play humble. But since it’s you, I’ll be honest.”

Ming Yin laughed, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Spill it. No third ears here.”

Yu Qingjia leaned closer, lowering her voice seriously. “We should snag one award.”

—Best Actress.

With Look Up in the Main Competition, Pan Xing was in the running for Best Actress. For others, it might be a long shot, but with Pan Xing’s heroine aura, given a chance, she’d seize it and shine.

“Oh?” Ming Yin feigned curiosity, her eyes glinting. Yu Qingjia, dazzled, instinctively leaned back.

Realizing her blunder, the air turned awkward. Her mind raced, and she blurted, “Your eyes are too pretty, they dazzled me.”

Ming Yin, initially irked, softened, glancing at her with a smile. “Dazzled? Do they glow or something?”

Her casual tone, free of anger, eased Yu Qingjia’s nerves. She doubled down, deadpan. “Don’t you know? Your eyes have stars, twinkling.”

As she rambled, Ming Yin let it slide, moving past the earlier topic.

Lunch ended when Ming Yin got an assistant’s call, rushing off for work. Yu Qingjia left, quietly relieved.

It wasn’t that she disliked being alone with Ming Yin, it was just challenging. A refined beauty like Ming Yin, elegant from head to toe, was hard not to fall for. Her subtle warmth and smiles hit Yu Qingjia hard.

Glancing at the clear blue sky, she pulled her cap low, hurrying to the parking lot.

Some things were better left unexamined, thinking too much led to trouble.

“Huff—huff—”

Hearing exaggerated breathing, Yu Qingjia sighed. “Pan Xing, relax. We’re just heading to Kyoto. The red carpet’s days away.”

They were on a flight to Kyoto with Look Up’s core crew and producer.

Pan Xing, face flushed, looked sheepish. “I’m just nervous.”

“You’ve been to Kyoto before. Treat it like a trip,” Yu Qingjia said. A cheerful voice chimed in, “Only Director Yu could be this chill. We’re all nervous!”

It was Li Xuesi, Look Up’s second female lead, bubbly and friendly, who got along well with Pan Xing during filming.

Her comment made the crew chuckle.

Yu Qingjia, unfazed by the teasing, said, “Aren’t you all here to sightsee?”

Typically, only directors and leads attended festivals and walked the red carpet. Accommodation wasn’t cheap, but as Xinghui’s first film in an A-list festival’s Main Competition, they splurged to bring key crew, including Li Xuesi.

Si Lingyou wanted to come but had auditions and no direct stake in the awards, so Xinghui didn’t approve. Yu Qingjia expected her to protest or pay her way, but Si Lingyou stayed put, only expressing envy and focusing on her new role, surprising Yu Qingjia.

Back to the point, Li Xuesi and the crew were there for the experience, so Yu Qingjia’s comment wasn’t off.

Li Xuesi grinned. “Not just that, we’ll be cheering you on!”

Her light tone made Pan Xing smile, easing her nerves.

…

After landing, they headed to the hotel, only to run into Zhou Jin and February 19th’s two leads at the entrance.

Unlike Xinghui’s robust entourage, February 19th had just the director and leads, looking awkward and sparse.

Under Zhou Jin’s scrutiny, Yu Qingjia stayed calm, giving a polite nod before handling check-in.

Expecting sharp words, Zhou Jin seemed choked, his prepared retort unsaid. He stormed to the elevator, almost fleeing. His leads, however, greeted them before catching up.

Pan Xing tsked, eyes flashing with disdain. “So rude.”

“Why bother with him?” Yu Qingjia said lightly. “The box office and awards will teach him a lesson.”

Pan Xing laughed, dropping the matter.

The hotel was near the festival’s main venue, visible from Yu Qingjia’s room’s balcony. Tired from the flight, she stretched, only to hear an excited, familiar voice:

“Xiao Yu!”

Xiao Lizhi?

Thinking she was imagining it, Yu Qingjia followed the sound. Turning, she saw a window slightly open on the right balcony, a familiar little face peeking out, her chubby chin pressed against the sill, making it even rounder.

If Zhizhi was here, didn’t that mean Ming Yin was too?

She… wouldn’t have come just to cheer her on, would she?