How To Deal With Being Transmigrated As The Scumbag Ex-Wife - Chapter 30

30: “Yes, I Like You.”…

“OMG, I remember the last time the Second Princess was dining with that woman. The kid’s Little Red Riding Hood, right?”

“Her figure’s insane, what’s a willow waist? Now I get it. /jealous”

“Let me see her face! (super loud)”

“Wait, they’re all in Kyoto. Doesn’t that mean Pan Xing knows about this woman?”

“Whoa! The person above hit the nail on the head. Remember that exposé post claiming the Second Princess cheated, leading to the divorce?”

…

The news sent netizens digging up that exposé post. Crucially, it didn’t just mention Yu Qingjia’s alleged cheating but also scandals about other celebrities, most of which were later proven true.

Did that mean Yu Qingjia’s cheating… might be true too?

Netizens were still buzzing over Look Up’s victory when this cheating rumor hit, nearly blowing their minds.

Those envious of Yu Qingjia seized the chance to pile on, splashing dirt as if they’d witnessed her infidelity firsthand.

As public opinion threatened to spiral, Xinghui’s PR team sprang into action, not to explain but to join the digging.

Initially, people analyzed Yu Qingjia’s behavior: post-divorce, she still supported Pan Xing, a clear sign of guilt. Then “someone” checked Xinghui’s shareholder list, revealing Yu Qingjia had transferred all her shares to Pan Xing, not to mention other assets like properties.

The detailed posts, complete with clear comparisons, fueled beliefs that Yu Qingjia was atoning for her wrongs while marveling at her wealth.

“OMG, I’m jealous. That’s wealth I could never earn in a lifetime!”

“Pan Xing must have dirt on her. Why else would Yu Qingjia be so generous?”

“No wonder the Xiao Yu fans were quiet as chickens. Their idol cheated, how could they bash Pan Xing? /shiba inu”

“This is the road to riches, I get it. Where do I sign up for a sugar mommy?”

Under Xinghui’s maneuvering, the initial outrage over being “deceived” faded, replaced by awe at Yu Qingjia’s generosity and the impression of her and Pan Xing getting along harmoniously on camera.

“I never believed in their flash marriage. This isn’t surprising, and Yu Qingjia compensated Pan Xing so much—what’s there to say?”

“Pan Xing hasn’t complained. Why are some netizens so indignant? She’s got money and a career, how do you know she’s unhappy?”

“Most flash marriages don’t last. Divorce was the best choice. Now that Pan Xing and the Second Princess work well together, some people need to shut up.”

“Adults don’t need to cling to this. They’re like friends post-divorce, which is rare.”

Those hoping to tarnish Yu Qingjia’s reputation were livid. They wanted this stain to stick forever, but who’d have thought she’d be so lavish? Forget the other assets, those shares alone were enviable, especially with Xinghui’s growing market value. It was like gifting a golden goose!

When Yu Qingjia returned with Ming Yin, she learned her “cheating” was public knowledge.

“Huh? When did I cheat?”

Yu Qingjia was stunned.

Chen Ruo said, “It was President Yu’s idea. I asked, but she didn’t explain.”

Chen Ruo was confused too. If Yu Qingjia had cheated, with Pan Xing’s seemingly gentle but stubborn personality, how could she accept compensation and act like friends?

Did Pan Xing really bow to money?

Hearing it was Yu Qingyi, Yu Qingjia understood. Rather than explain something as far-fetched as split personality, cheating was simpler.

With her current reputation, people might believe the split personality excuse, but it wouldn’t serve her. Better to bear the cheating label.

Seeing Yu Qingjia silent, Chen Ruo added, “This might be for the best. The Sakura Award hype was too high—this pulls you down, which isn’t bad. It keeps future scrutiny in check.”

“I know.” Yu Qingjia replied.

It wasn’t just that. Shen Yiruo might still have those photos. “Cheating” was a ticking bomb—better to detonate it now, rendering Shen Yiruo’s leverage useless.

Yu Qingjia showed no anger or negativity, which relieved Chen Ruo but left her uneasy. She felt less needed. The current Yu Qingjia was more mature, independent, and confident than before, shifting Chen Ruo from a caretaker to a subordinate.

It left her with mixed feelings.

“Anything else?” Yu Qingjia asked, heading to Yu Qingyi’s office. Chen Ruo had called her to the lounge.

“Huh?” Chen Ruo met Yu Qingjia’s clear gaze and snapped back. “Oh, we got invites from shows and magazines. I wanted to discuss them.” Noticing Yu Qingjia’s frown, she asked, “What, are you busy?”

Yu Qingjia pondered. “For publicity…”

The Sakura Award and Best Actress were the best publicity. These invites weren’t necessary.

Seeing her expression, Chen Ruo knew she was thinking of declining. “You won the Sakura Award, think they won’t want interviews? This is cultural export; you need to show up.”

Yu Qingjia nodded casually. “Alright, arrange it.”

Chen Ruo smiled. “Good, I’ll make sure it highlights your big-director vibe.”

After a few laughs, Yu Qingjia headed to the president’s office, but Yu Qingyi was in a meeting.

A secretary brought her milk tea, and Yu Qingjia accepted it with a smile, thanking her.

Halfway through the drink, the office door opened, and Yu Qingyi’s voice carried out. “Handle this project. I want the proposal next week.”

Yu Qingjia stood slowly, calling, “Sister.”

Yu Qingyi paused, said something to the man beside her, who nodded, greeted Yu Qingjia with a smile, and left.

Yu Qingyi sat at her desk, asking casually, “What’s up?”

Yu Qingjia perched on the desk, legs dangling over a chair, earning a glare from Yu Qingyi. Unfazed, she said, “Chen Ruo says you pinned the cheating rumor on me?”

Yu Qingyi, calm as ever, flipped through documents. “Would you rather everyone know the real reason for your divorce?”

Yu Qingjia leaned forward, pressing a hand on the open file, smirking. “You had those photos taken, didn’t you?”

Yu Qingyi raised an eyebrow, about to speak, when her lashes flickered at the accusation—a reaction Yu Qingjia caught clearly.

Yu Qingjia’s lips curved into a smug smile. “No wonder it felt too convenient.”

Yu Qingyi wasn’t fazed, countering, “It happened, didn’t it? Want to deny it?”

“The photos are real, the news is fake.” Yu Qingjia said, exasperated. “If I were really dating her, I wouldn’t need to deny anything to you.”

Her sincere, helpless expression made Yu Qingyi squint suspiciously. “That’s not what she told me.”

She?

Ming Yin?

A strange emotion flickered in Yu Qingjia’s heart. She frowned. “What did she say?”

Yu Qingyi, intrigued by her reaction, teased, “Wanna know?”

The tone gave Yu Qingjia a bad feeling, but she wouldn’t play along.

Standing, she smoothed nonexistent wrinkles from her sleeves gracefully. “Tell me or don’t, I’ll just ask Ming Yin. Saves time.”

Yu Qingyi’s expression turned regretful. Since her sister’s second personality emerged, she hadn’t seen her lose ground.

Smart sisters were tricky.

“Hm?” Yu Qingyi asked, “How’d you know I arranged the photos?” With so many reporters, how did she pinpoint it?

Yu Qingjia, striding toward the door, paused and flashed a radiant smile. “Guess.” Ignoring Yu Qingyi’s reaction, she left lightly.

Yu Qingyi choked, stunned for a second before laughing ruefully.

She hadn’t noticed her sister was so petty.

Winning that round, Yu Qingjia hummed a tune, mood lifted, as she entered the elevator.

How’d she know?

A guess, Yu Qingyi’s weak poker face gave it away.

As the elevator doors closed, the silver panel reflected her face. In the quiet, with only the hum of the elevator, the solitude made her revisit their unfinished conversation, prompting deeper thought.

What had Ming Yin said to Yu Qingyi to spark the sneaky photos and scandalous news?

Even if Yu Qingjia didn’t want to think that way, she had to face it—

Ming Yin did it on purpose.

That made her motives all the more puzzling. What if Yu Qingjia really left?

What would happen to Xiao Lizhi then?

The elevator stopped midway, doors sliding open. Yu Qingjia stepped back as a familiar figure entered, followed by a suited manager.

Si Lingyou glanced inside, her expression odd upon seeing Yu Qingjia, but she stepped in anyway.

Seeing her braced-for-battle look, Yu Qingjia inwardly rolled her eyes but kept her face neutral.

The manager greeted Yu Qingjia warmly, congratulating Look Up’s Sakura Award win and expressing regret that Si Lingyou couldn’t attend.

Yu Qingjia nodded politely. Si Lingyou stayed silent.

As the elevator reached the first floor and the doors opened, Si Lingyou suddenly turned and said, “Congrats. You deserve it.” Then she bolted out.

Her manager, stunned for a second, said a quick goodbye to Yu Qingjia and chased after her.

Yu Qingjia reacted quickly, thinking Si Lingyou was just a kid—eerily like her bratty sister.

The unease from Ming Yin’s issue eased, but not entirely.

She needed to talk to Ming Yin.

Inside a private room at Lvfei Restaurant

Knock knock—

The waiter opened the door. Ming Yin, adjusting a teacup, looked up to see Yu Qingjia enter, her expression tense.

Ming Yin slid a poured teacup across. Yu Qingjia sat, and before she settled, Ming Yin said with a hint of amusement, “What’s so urgent it couldn’t be said over the phone?”

This was likely the first time Yu Qingjia sought her out, not Xiao Lizhi.

As Ming Yin’s eyes warmed, Yu Qingjia hesitated, then said, “The online rumor about my new romance, it was my sister’s doing.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Ming Yin’s face, followed by a sinking feeling as she realized Yu Qingyi’s intent.

Before she could respond, Yu Qingjia continued, “She thinks we’re dating. Did you say something to her?”

Ming Yin pursed her lips, a touch annoyed.

Couldn’t Yu Qingyi be subtler? She got caught.

Her strong composure kept her calm. Staring into Yu Qingjia’s eyes, she decided to come clean. “She asked about our relationship and said if I wanted to be with you, I should cut ties with past relationships.”

Yu Qingjia’s mind reeled. What was Yu Qingyi thinking? She had said there was nothing between her and Ming Yin, yet it sounded like Ming Yin had feelings for her.

But the “past relationships” part, she’d gotten that wrong.

“Um… sorry. She saw a photo of me and Xiao Lizhi and assumed we had something.” Yu Qingjia apologized quickly. “To prove it, I said you had deep feelings for Xiao Lizhi’s birth mother.”

Later, Ming Yin clarified the novel’s original plot had misled her.

“So that’s it.” Ming Yin said, her eyes shifting. “It’s fine. I told her I don’t have anyone I like.”

Yu Qingjia started to nod but froze. Something was off.

If that meant denying liking her, Yu Qingyi wouldn’t have done this. So—

Was Ming Yin explaining her past relationships to Yu Qingyi?

Why clarify that unless—

“!”

Yu Qingjia looked at Ming Yin, her mind ablaze, dizzying her. “Wait,” she said, pressing a hand down, her expression odd. “I’m not suitable. What if I suddenly disappear?”

Catching the implication, Ming Yin’s smile faded, her demeanor calm but serious, like facing a stubborn boardroom.

The difference? Boardroom old-timers annoyed her.

“If you disappeared now, Zhizhi would be sad too.” Ming Yin said coolly.

“It’s not the same.” Yu Qingjia countered, staying focused. “I’m an unstable choice. Sudden changes can hurt more than disappearance.”

If Xiao Lizhi saw her as family, not just a favorite sister, the stakes would be higher.

Ming Yin remained composed. “No one’s constant forever. If that time comes, Zhizhi will be grown up.”

Yu Qingjia realized Ming Yin had thought this through, she couldn’t sway her through Zhizhi. Then, with conviction, she said, “You’re considering me because Xiao Lizhi likes me. But have you thought about yourself?”

Like finding a flaw in a debate, her eyes lit up, rational yet restrained, her refined face exuding confidence.

Just as Yu Qingjia thought she’d win, Ming Yin laughed, her stunning features vivid, even alluring, leaving Yu Qingjia both mesmerized and confused.

Why was she laughing?

“I suspect you’re a third personality.” Ming Yin teased, her dark eyes brimming with emotion. “The Director Yu is confident in topping box offices, why so unsure now?”

Her words were almost explicit, yet said so openly, without a hint of flirtation.

Yu Qingjia’s breath caught, then she laughed, teasing back, “So, President Ming, you’re saying you like me?”

Ming Yin’s smile faded, returning to her gentle, calm demeanor, making Yu Qingjia’s heart race.

“Yes, I like you.”

Her warm, elegant voice said it so simply.

Those four words echoed in Yu Qingjia’s mind, like fireworks waiting to burst if she allowed it—

“But I—”

Before she finished, she felt her pinky lightly hooked.

Shocked, she looked at Ming Yin, forgetting her words.

Ming Yin’s expression didn’t change, as if she hadn’t just sneakily touched her finger. She said seriously, “I don’t want you to reject me. Take time to think. We can keep things as they are.”

Yu Qingjia realized her mistake, she’d let Xiao Lizhi get close, giving Ming Yin a signal.

She really seemed like a scumbag.

But she couldn’t indulge this. She couldn’t reject Ming Yin while staying close to Xiao Lizhi. The best move was to distance herself from both starting today.

Seeing Yu Qingjia’s resolve, Ming Yin’s hand trembled slightly on her teacup. Before Yu Qingjia could speak, she asked, “Do you feel nothing for me?”

Caught off guard, Yu Qingjia blinked.

Of course she felt something, why else would she feel regret? But she regretted not meeting Ming Yin and Xiao Lizhi in her original world.

Seeing her hesitation, Ming Yin pressed, “If you have feelings, why not consider it?”

It wasn’t about consideration, she wasn’t suited for a family.

Yu Qingjia felt tongue-tied. To others, it might seem trivial, but a partner and family meant responsibility and attachment. She wasn’t sure how long she’d stay in this world. She’d already let Pan Xing down; she couldn’t do that to others.

“Don’t apologize. I don’t want to hear it.” Ming Yin said, reading her expression, her brows furrowing, her tone firm. “If you only want to reject or apologize, this meeting ends here.”

Ming Yin’s feelings kept Yu Qingjia home for three days. If Madam Yu hadn’t visited, she’d have thought Yu Qingjia was buried in her study again.

In those three days, even Xiao Lizhi didn’t contact her—likely Ming Yin’s doing, giving her space to think without interference.

On the fourth day, she had to leave for an exclusive Film magazine interview for Look Up, featuring her, Pan Xing, and Ke Shi, with her as the cover star.

…

Inside Jinmeng Building’s studio

“Director Yu, look at the camera, chin down a bit—yes, perfect!”

The photographer snapped furiously to capture her best moment.

Both her body and Yu Qingjia herself were camera-savvy. With her cooperation, the shoot wrapped quickly, followed by the interview.

Besides the post-festival film channel interview, this was her first formal interview since transitioning to directing. The most curious topic—her marriage to Pan Xing—was off-limits, as Chen Ruo had made clear. The magazine, a serious film industry outlet, not a tabloid, wouldn’t risk it.

There were plenty of other questions aligned with their core focus.

By the time the interview ended, the sun was setting.

Yu Qingjia and Pan Xing chatted as they headed to the parking lot when her phone rang. She glanced at Pan Xing, who said, “I’ll head out. Drive safe.”

Pan Xing left quickly. Yu Qingjia checked her phone, surprised to see Ming Yin’s name.

Recalling their abruptly ended meeting, she pursed her lips, hesitated for two seconds, and answered—

A soft, teary voice cried, “Xiao Yu!”

Yu Qingjia’s heart clenched. What happened?