How To Deal With Being Transmigrated As The Scumbag Ex-Wife - Chapter 33

33: Blockbusters and Mythological Stories

Unaware of the conversation between her mother and Xiao Lizhi, Yu Qingjia overheard Xiao Lizhi call Old Yu “Grandpa” and quietly sighed in relief. Seeing the girl looking at her eagerly, her small hands nervously twisting together, no longer rushing to hug her as before, Yu Qingjia’s heart swirled with mixed emotions. She reached out and gently pinched Xiao Lizhi’s earlobe.

The affectionate gesture made Xiao Lizhi want to leap up and call “Xiao Yu,” but she held back.

Madam Yu, unable to watch, took Xiao Lizhi’s hand and led her inside. After a few steps, Xiao Lizhi glanced back at Yu Qingjia, who was talking to Assistant Lin.

“Here are Zhizhi’s clothes and toys she picked herself.” Assistant Lin said, pulling a large suitcase from the trunk. “Please take Zhizhi to kindergarten at 8 a.m. tomorrow and pick her up at 5 p.m.”

Listening carefully, Yu Qingjia took the suitcase—it was surprisingly heavy.

“Thank you for looking after her these few days.” Assistant Lin said seriously.

With files to prepare and a flight to Liguo, Assistant Lin said a few more words before hurrying off.

Dragging the suitcase, Yu Qingjia turned and spotted a yellow hat ducking behind the door, though the hiding was clumsy, with a bit of red skirt peeking out.

So adorably awkward.

Yu Qingjia smiled silently, sighing inwardly. She hadn’t expected Xiao Lizhi to be so sensitive. Should she control her emotions better around her?

As she approached the door, the red skirt didn’t budge, showing no intent to flee. Pretending not to notice, Yu Qingjia stepped inside, and Xiao Lizhi darted out, hugging her leg. Tilting her head, her hat slipping back, she asked softly, “Does Xiao Yu still like me?”

Yu Qingjia pinched her nose. “Of course I do.”

Xiao Lizhi’s face lit up, eyes blinking. “I won’t write it anymore, so don’t be mad, okay?”

“I’m not mad.” Yu Qingjia said, patting her back. “Go wash your hands, it’s time to eat.”

Her eyes sparkling, Xiao Lizhi wanted to ask more but pursed her lips and ran off. “I’m going to wash my hands!”

Dinner was likely the liveliest the Yu household had ever seen. Xiao Lizhi wasn’t picky and ate heartily, wiggling happily at tasty bites. Her lively, smiling charm instantly won Old Yu’s heart.

After dinner, Yu Qingjia played games with Xiao Lizhi to help her digest. A call from Chen Ruo pulled her away briefly. When she returned, Old Yu and Madam Yu had taken her spot, and the living room echoed with laughter.

Watching this, Yu Qingjia thought of her real-world parents—they’d probably adore Xiao Lizhi too.

Noticing her return, Xiao Lizhi called excitedly, “Xiao Yu! Come, there’s one spot left!”

Her childish voice snapped Yu Qingjia out of her thoughts. Glancing at Xiao Lizhi and her parents, she found her musings silly, shook off the odd thoughts, and joined the game.

…

After bathing Xiao Lizhi, Yu Qingjia realized how soft she was, especially her chubby tummy. If she weren’t so ticklish, Yu Qingjia might’ve poked it again.

Holding the freshly bathed, orange-scented Xiao Lizhi, Yu Qingjia went upstairs and saw Madam Yu emerge from a guest room, likely preparing it for Xiao Lizhi.

Seeing Xiao Lizhi in panda pajamas clutching a bear plushie, Madam Yu’s eyes lit up. “Zhizhi, are you scared to sleep alone?”

“Not scared!” Xiao Lizhi shouted confidently, then blinked and snuggled into Yu Qingjia, murmuring, “A little scared. Can I sleep with Xiao Yu?”

Yu Qingjia exchanged a look with Madam Yu, who said, “It’s settled then. Sister Li had to leave early, and I don’t know where everything is. Zhizhi can sleep in your room tonight, and we’ll set up a guest room tomorrow.”

Yu Qingjia: “…”

What a blatant lie to trick a child. The house had several guest rooms, cleaned daily by the housekeeper—how could there not be one ready?

Her skeptical look was too obvious. Madam Yu huffed, “Why would I lie? If it weren’t inconvenient, I’d sleep with Zhizhi myself. You think I’m thrilled to let her sleep in your room? You stay up too late, you’ll disturb her.”

Yu Qingjia: “…”

Fine, moms were like this everywhere.

Kissing Xiao Lizhi, Yu Qingjia said, “Say goodnight to Grandma—we’re going to bed.”

Xiao Lizhi smiled sweetly, waving at Madam Yu. “Goodnight, Grandma! Sweet dreams!”

“Goodnight, Zhizhi!” Madam Yu beamed, kissing her cheek. Yu Qingjia carried Xiao Lizhi down the left corridor to her room.

Nestled on her shoulder, Xiao Lizhi pouted at Madam Yu, blowing a kiss, making her laugh.

In the room, Yu Qingjia turned on the light. It was tidy, with a few reference books on the nightstand—nothing to tarnish her image in Xiao Lizhi’s eyes.

Sitting in the bed’s center, Xiao Lizhi spotted a pillow bigger than her, joyfully pouncing on it and rolling around. Exhausted, she stopped, lying beside Yu Qingjia, cupping her face. “Xiao Yu, tell me a story!”

Ready for bed?

Yu Qingjia brushed her bangs aside. “What kind?”

Xiao Lizhi shouted, “Fairy tales! Monkey King! Red Boy!”

Yu Qingjia’s hand trembled. She’d assumed Ming Yin told her classic fairy tales, not myths.

Pausing, she recalled an unfulfilled task.

Her films had broken into overseas markets with some fame, and she’d been invited by authorities to create a film promoting domestic culture—a cultural export. Her team had shortlisted myths as a theme, but before the script was finalized, she’d transmigrated. She wondered how that project was doing.

Back to the present, as a director with box office and awards under her belt, she should have personal ambitions.

Her eyes lit up, landing on Xiao Lizhi’s chubby face. Leaning down, she kissed her forehead. “You’re such a treasure!”

Startled by the kiss, Xiao Lizhi’s dark eyes widened, and she squirmed shyly. “Thank you, Xiao Yu.”

She didn’t know why Xiao Yu kissed her or called her a treasure, but she loved it!

“Wait a bit, Xiao Lizhi. I’ll grab a book to read you a story.” Yu Qingjia ruffled her hair, and the girl nodded obediently, her cheeks still faintly pink.

Yu Qingjia hurried to the study, resolved—

Tomorrow, she’ll find a good screenwriter!

After dropping Xiao Lizhi at kindergarten, Yu Qingjia headed to Xinghui to check for suitable special effects companies.

Coincidentally, Yu Qingyi was in her office, in a good mood. Seeing Yu Qingjia, she even smiled warmly. “Urgent business?”

Yu Qingjia shared her idea, and the more Yu Qingyi heard, the more animated her expression became.

She didn’t know whether to admire her sister’s ambition or call her overconfident. Two films in, and she was aiming for cultural export? She had some fame in Japan and Korea, but in North America, she was a nobody.

Yu Qingyi’s expression was complex. Hesitating, she said, “Maybe play it safer. It’s a good idea, but it’s tough to execute.”

Yu Qingjia shrugged helplessly. “The only challenge is finding the right special effects company.”

“Who’s talking about filming challenges?” Yu Qingyi glanced at her. “Do you know the highest-grossing Chinese film in North America?”

“Sixty-three million dollars.” Yu Qingyi said coolly, almost coldly. “That record still stands.”

Yu Qingjia knew the film—Fang Linyi’s Besieged on All Sides, the first foreign-language film to gross over 50 million in North America. It won the Golden Moon Cup, the industry’s top award, and made Fang Linyi the most famous Chinese director abroad, having previously won Best Director. His focus was North America.

He was arguably the top Chinese director. Yu Qingjia had studied Besieged on All Sides, analyzing its brilliance. Fang Linyi’s aesthetics and execution were awe-inspiring.

But that had little to do with her project. She raised an eyebrow, exasperated. “Can you let me finish? Cultural export is a bonus, our main goal is making a film for audiences.”

Yu Qingyi gave her a deep look, her tone meaningful. “A well-known myth turned into a special effects blockbuster, you think the company has too much money to burn?”

“Isn’t Besieged on All Sides a well-known historical tale?” Yu Qingjia countered calmly.

This girl was comparing herself to Fang Linyi?

Seeing Yu Qingyi take a deep breath, Yu Qingjia cut her off. “Fang Linyi’s just an example. As a director, I have my ambitions. If you’re not on board, I’ll go to Old Yu—Tianyue would—”

“Fine, fine, I owe you,” Yu Qingyi interrupted, waving her hand, rubbing her temples with a headache.

This girl was fiercer than a fish when riled up.

Yu Qingjia grinned. Seeing Yu Qingyi’s exasperated look, she soothed, “Don’t stress. Forget domestic box office, remake rights and Japan-Korea earnings already covered Look Up’s costs. It’s past 400 million now. Xinghui’s making bank. Have some faith in me.”

True enough. In terms of film results, this girl never disappointed.

Less annoyed, Yu Qingyi rubbed her temples. “Just rein it in a bit. Don’t trip too fast.”

She didn’t have high expectations for her sister, she just didn’t want others mocking her. In just a year, Yu Qingjia’s films grossed over 2 billion and won awards, a dazzling record. Many were waiting for her to fail so they could jeer.

Yu Qingjia reassured her, “Don’t worry, I know my limits.”

Yu Qingyi wanted to snap, “What limits?” but realized her sister did have a knack for backing up her bold claims.

That thought made her more frustrated. Holding back, she shooed her away like a fly. “Do whatever. Go talk to Manager Zhang.”

With Yu Qingyi’s approval, Yu Qingjia left cheerfully, then paused. “Oh, Sis, keep an eye on Shen Ru.”

Yu Qingyi’s mood soured, her expression serious. “What now? Another problem?”

Another?

Yu Qingjia ignored the phrasing. “You know Shenji Entertainment’s been after Pan Xing, right?”

Yu Qingyi’s face darkened. She did. There was that rumor about Pan Xing rejecting Han Yan’s Eternal Love, which was true. Eternal Love, backed by Shenji, faced production issues. Its casting overlapped with Look Up, yet while Look Up was released and awarded, Eternal Love hadn’t even been submitted for review.

Initially, Yu Qingyi thought Shen Ru was using Pan Xing to target her sister. But after Pan Xing rejected them thrice, Shenji kept pushing, even offering a lead role in a renowned director’s film. It didn’t add up.

Pan Xing was talented, but the industry had plenty of skilled, charismatic actresses—some prettier, with more potential. Why was Shenji fixated on her?

Yu Qingjia rubbed her chin, pretending to ponder. “Pan Xing mentioned feeling followed. I think it might tie to Shenji.”

Yu Qingyi stared, exasperated. “Your imagination’s wild. What’s Shenji got to do with it? They wouldn’t kidnap her, would they?”

In the original story, Shen Ru had done such things.

Not wanting to elaborate, Yu Qingjia said, “Why’s Shenji so persistent? There aren’t many better than Pan Xing, but they exist. Everyone knows she holds Xinghui shares, yet Shenji keeps trying. Something’s off. You should look into it.”

Yu Qingyi dismissed the stalking idea, but this point was undeniable—everyone saw it, just hadn’t thought it through.

Pan Xing believed Yu Qingjia, thinking Shen Ru had some fetish. That wouldn’t fool Yu Qingyi, but she was too busy to track Shenji’s every move.

Only when Yu Qingjia pointed it out did she realize something was wrong. She nodded seriously. “Got it. I’ll watch Shen Ru. Anything else?”

“Nope. I’m off to discuss the new film’s script with Manager Zhang.” Yu Qingjia winked, instantly making Yu Qingyi feel stifled again.

“Get out, go!”

Kicked out, Yu Qingjia cheerfully headed to meet Manager Zhang in the production department.

Having worked together twice, Manager Zhang admired Yu Qingjia. Hearing her plan for a mythological blockbuster, he didn’t flinch, thinking it was very “Director Yu.”

“A suitable screenwriter?” he said professionally. “Got it. I’ll contact you once I find someone.”

Yu Qingjia smiled. “Thanks, Manager Zhang.”

“No problem!”

At 5 p.m., Yu Qingjia arrived at the kindergarten, spotting Xiao Lizhi among the crowd of kids and taking her home.

With Xiao Lizhi staying at the Yu household, Old Yu came home earlier, and Madam Yu dusted off her cooking skills to feed the girl.

Luckily, Xiao Lizhi was active, running around joyfully after meals, or Yu Qingjia worried she’d return to Ming Yin noticeably rounder.

After bathing Xiao Lizhi, Yu Qingjia meant to take her to the guest room, but the girl leaned on her shoulder, saying softly, “Xiao Yu, I miss Mommy.” Her voice held a faint sob.

Yu Qingjia’s heart softened. Stroking her head, she said gently, “Let’s call Mommy later.”

It was Xiao Lizhi’s first time away from Ming Yin. The first day’s excitement had faded, and she naturally missed her.

Sniffling, Xiao Lizhi nuzzled her shoulder, murmuring, “Thank you.”

Her sweet voice made Yu Qingjia kiss her forehead. “Little sweet bundle.”

Xiao Lizhi’s eyes lit up, her tone excited. “Yinyin calls me that too! Did she tell you?”

Yu Qingjia paused, then laughed lightly. “You’re just a little sweet bundle, no need for her to tell me.”

“Hehe…” Xiao Lizhi covered her face shyly, then kissed Yu Qingjia’s cheek, contentedly nestling in her arms.

…

To let Xiao Lizhi see better, Yu Qingjia messaged Ming Yin on her tablet. Soon, Ming Yin sent a video call request.

Connecting, Yu Qingjia placed the tablet before Xiao Lizhi, who saw Ming Yin and bounced happily. “Mommy!”

Yu Qingjia stepped aside, letting them talk, hearing Ming Yin’s elegant voice tinged with a metallic echo. “Zhizhi, were you good today?”

“Super good!” Xiao Lizhi counted on her fingers. “Teacher Xiaoqing praised me!”

Their playful exchange made Yu Qingjia smile. She grabbed a book and quietly left.

Back in her room, she browsed mythology books to prepare for screenwriter discussions, ensuring she wouldn’t miss details.

Knock knock—

Snapping out of her research, Yu Qingjia looked at the door. Xiao Lizhi pushed it open, hugging the tablet, and ran in with her short legs. “Yinyin wants to talk to you!”

Taking the tablet, Yu Qingjia ruffled her hair. Xiao Lizhi giggled happily but didn’t leave or sit beside her, instead diving onto the bed.

Looking at the tablet, Yu Qingjia saw sunlight bathing Ming Yin, haloing her features. A glimpse of a stylish painting suggested she was in a hotel.

“Thanks for these few days.” Ming Yin said warmly, then pursed her lips, her tone unsteady. “She really followed me.”

Realizing she meant Shen Yiruo, Yu Qingjia glanced at Xiao Lizhi, who was rolling with a pillow, and raised her voice. “Xiao Lizhi, are you not going to bed?”

Poking her head up, Xiao Lizhi whined, “I wanna sleep with Xiao Yu.”

Ming Yin, understanding, said, “Didn’t Zhizhi say she’d be good?”

Xiao Lizhi pouted, looking pitifully at Yu Qingjia. With Ming Yin not around, she wasn’t scared. Yu Qingjia, helpless, said, “Fine, you sleep first. I’ll talk to Mommy.”

Xiao Lizhi beamed, scurrying to the bed’s head, pulling the blanket over her tummy.

Yu Qingjia took the tablet to the closet, partially closing the door, and lowered her voice. “She got into your hotel room while you were away?”

Ming Yin’s expression darkened. “Not that capable, but she’s staying in the room next to mine.”

Wasn’t that clearly targeting Xiao Lizhi?

If Ming Yin had followed her usual habit of bringing Xiao Lizhi, Shen Yiruo might’ve found an opening.

Yu Qingjia rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “She’ll soon realize Xiao Lizhi isn’t with you and might come back looking for her.”

Unexpectedly, Ming Yin laughed—not out of anger, but genuinely.

Confused, Yu Qingjia heard her say, “Shen Ru’s gone crazy for some reason, causing Shen Yiruo plenty of trouble. Their partnership might end early.”

Shen Ru actually moved against Shen Yiruo?

Yu Qingjia nearly laughed. She’d wanted to rile Shen Ru, but hadn’t expected such a quick reaction.

True to the original story, Shen Ru was gloomy, cold, and possessive, tolerating no one near Pan Xing, let alone a CP buzz.

But this move pushed Si Lingyou into Shen Ru’s crosshairs. She’d need to watch out to protect Si Lingyou.

She didn’t care how Shen Ru dealt with Shen Yiruo—both hands up if they tore each other down, ideally losing their inheritance rights. But involving Si Lingyou wasn’t good.

“That’s great news.” Yu Qingjia said, smiling. “I hope they both crash and lose their inheritance.”

Her bluntness deepened Ming Yin’s smile.

Chatting with Yu Qingjia was far more relaxing than with others.

As for the inheritance, she wouldn’t let those two off easy.