How To Deal With Being Transmigrated As The Scumbag Ex-Wife - Chapter 37

37: Eternal Life and Eternal Love

#YuQingjiaNewFilmAdaptsMythology

The news broke from an entertainment gossip account, claiming a friend in the industry revealed that Yu Qingjia’s new project, Eternal Life, was a special effects blockbuster adapting mythology.

This caught netizens off guard. Recent years saw frequent adaptations and remakes, but original scripts like Star Making Plan and Look Up were rare. They assumed Eternal Life would follow suit, not expecting Yu Qingjia to tackle mythology:

“No matter how genius, constant creation dries up inspiration. Yu Qingjia doesn’t need to cling to this genius persona. It’s fine if she can’t keep it up.”

“Adapting mythology into a VFX blockbuster… emmm, maybe the Second Princess should take a break.”

“My relative at Xinghui says she’s cashing in. VFX blockbusters are the easiest money-makers.”

“She got cocky after two films, huh? Domestic box office queen, rushing to milk her fame. A VFX blockbuster will earn way more than something like Look Up. /Side-eye smirk”

Audiences were tired of adaptations and remakes. They needed novelty without losing the original’s core, but source material constraints often made adaptations gain hype yet lose critical acclaim. For someone like Yu Qingjia, who’d just built a reputation, this seemed an unwise move.

Still, netizens remembered how she defied odds to claim box office crowns and won a Sakura Award in tough times. Even skeptics hesitated—nobody wanted to be proven wrong by her a third time.

“Eh, I’ll support the Second Princess. What if the adaptation’s great? She wrote Star Making Plan and Look Up, I trust her skills. /Flowers”

“As long as it’s not a cheap five-cent VFX, I’m buying tickets! Mythological VFX sounds thrilling!”

“Which myth? Why’d they leave it half-said?”

With casting barely finalized, this leak screamed sabotage to Yu Qingjia. But the rumor was outdated. Before learning of this world’s lenient censorship, she did plan a straightforward myth adaptation. Now, Eternal Life was different—not the adaptation netizens assumed.

Eternal Life follows a frail scientist discovering a meteorite, actually a cultivator’s golden core, leading to a collision of science and mythology.

It used domestic myth systems to craft a unique mythological universe, not just adapting a single story.

Pan Xing, hearing about the project, eagerly asked Yu Qingjia for a role despite the male lead.

Yu Qingjia, obligingly, showed her the script, letting her pick any role.

After reading, Pan Xing was glum. Every character was a stunning beauty. She felt confident in her looks but not enough to match the script’s ideals, especially under harsh lenses, against cast actors with stellar acting and visuals.

Pushing the script away, she sulked. Yu Qingjia promised her the lead in her next film, and Pan Xing left satisfied.

As actor contracts rolled in, some were delayed by scheduling issues, but the production team began detailed shooting plans and budgets.

Location scouting was quick—most scenes used green screens with VFX, not practical sets. While Yu Qingjia scouted and set up the shooting base, Chen Ruo reported losing contact with Qiu Jing.

At first, Yu Qingjia thought Huayue blocked Qiu Jing from joining Eternal Life. But Chen Ruo said, “It’s weird. Her agent was thrilled when we confirmed her casting, saying the company had no issues. Now, when we ask her to sign, the agent’s dodging us.”

Dodging?

Yu Qingjia’s mind raced. “Are there any big directors prepping films lately?”

If Qiu Jing auditioned for another film after Eternal Life and passed both, her agent’s shift made sense. Not to boast, but with her current fame, few young directors’ projects rivaled hers—unless it was a top-tier name.

Chen Ruo, initially annoyed, caught her drift. Checking her phone, she nearly choked. “Han Yan and Qiu Jing just posted on Weibo. She’s playing the female lead in Eternal Love, and they’ve signed the contract.”

No surprise there. Qiu Jing’s delay made sense, she chose Han Yan’s Eternal Love.

A Shenji Entertainment project, Han Yan had invited Pan Xing, who declined, and delays stalled production. While Look Up won awards and hit theaters, Eternal Love hadn’t even been submitted for review. Yu Qingjia assumed it was done, but it hadn’t even started!

Han Yan, a near-A-list director with A-class festival awards and domestic triple-gold wins, was a step from top-tier status. Compared to Yu Qingjia, barely a B-lister, he was the better pick—especially since Eternal Life offered a minor role with risky reception, while Eternal Love gave her the female lead. The choice was obvious.

Yu Qingjia understood but was irked. Qiu Jing could’ve been upfront instead of stringing them along. With the crew ready and schedules set, her silent switch to another project wasted their time.

No wonder Chen Ruo was mad, even the usually even-tempered Yu Qingjia was annoyed. Confronting Qiu Jing now was pointless. She thought of the backup, Mo Lan.

Seeing Chen Ruo about to call someone, Yu Qingjia stopped her. “Forget Qiu Jing. Find out why Mo Lan was banned.”

Since Qiu Jing chose another project, Mo Lan was the only option. Mo Lan’s look and aura fit better, but she wasn’t as safe. Now, she was the sole choice.

Surprised by the mention of Mo Lan, Chen Ruo’s anger paused, her expression complex. “I know why she was banned. Why ask?”

Yu Qingjia was surprised Chen Ruo knew. Seeing her odd look, she said, “Mo Lan’s perfect for the role, but I need to know about her ban.”

Chen Ruo paused, then said, “It wasn’t her fault. At her peak, a crazy fan sent her disgusting stuff and moved across from her to stalk her. Unable to take it, she threatened to call the police.”

Yu Qingjia nodded. Such fans weren’t uncommon in the industry—some got exposed, others didn’t.

Chen Ruo’s expression grew complicated. “The fan couldn’t handle it and jumped that night.”

The twist stunned Yu Qingjia.

“Later, they found the fan had mental issues, believing Mo Lan was his past-life lover, wanting to reunite this life,” Chen Ruo said, her face unreadable.

Yu Qingjia, silent, asked slowly, “Was this fan related to someone powerful?”

If so, it was an unfair disaster for Mo Lan.

Chen Ruo, impressed by her guess, nodded grimly. “Yes, an illegitimate son, but cherished as a late-born child.”

Even with Mo Lan’s ban lifted, the film’s review could face hurdles.

Pinching her chin thoughtfully, Yu Qingjia asked, “Who was it?”

Chen Ruo named a position, adding, “Died years ago, due to illness.”

Relieved, Yu Qingjia exhaled. No need to worry then. She told Chen Ruo, “Sign Mo Lan. Her schedule’s clear, right?”

Ideally, Mo Lan had no projects, so shooting plans wouldn’t need changes.

Chen Ruo’s face lit up, her frustration over Qiu Jing fading. “No issues! She just got past her ban—no work yet. I’ll contact her to sign today.”

…

Qiu Jing’s casting in Han Yan’s Eternal Love spread online—not because of her or Han Yan, but because days earlier, she announced joining Eternal Life, interacting with Yu Qingjia on Weibo, only to switch to Eternal Love.

Netizens wondered if she was double-booking, which seemed too bold. Then they noticed she deleted her Weibo post tagging Yu Qingjia.

It became clear: Qiu Jing was set for Eternal Life but, for some reason, didn’t finalize the deal and joined Han Yan instead.

What happened?

Qiu Jing stayed silent, but her fans were vocal:

“Go, Jiujiu! Can’t wait for Eternal Love! I’ll be in theaters!”

“Good thing Jiujiu didn’t join Yu Qingjia’s cash-grab film, or I’d be heartbroken.”

“Han Yan’s leagues above some half-baked transitioner. Eternal Love, let’s go!!! We’ll always support Jiujiu!”

Congratulating Qiu Jing was fine, but bashing Yu Qingjia to justify her choice irked netizens. Yu Qingjia’s successful transition, backed by awards and public goodwill, made fans’ attacks seem petty. Netizens clapped back, but the organized fans overwhelmed them, dominating comment sections.

The louder the fans, the more curious netizens grew. Soon, a major Qiu Jing fan claimed: Qiu Jing thought she was cast as Eternal Life’s female lead, as the crew implied, but it was a minor role, not even third-billed, so she backed out.

This could fool some, but most didn’t buy it. Yu Qingjia’s past leads were Pan Xing, now an award-winning international star. Why bypass Pan Xing to trick Qiu Jing with a lead role promise? Such an easily debunked lie wasn’t Yu Qingjia’s style.

The claim was for fans, not netizens. Qiu Jing’s fans raged, slamming Yu Qingjia’s “shameless” tactics, even accusing her of buying “big-hearted” PR. Netizens were floored.

“Qiu Jing’s fans are wild, bashing a top young director like Yu Qingjia. Not afraid she’ll get blacklisted?”

“Eye-opening. Everyone sees Yu Qingjia’s potential, publicly offending her is a bad move.”

“The more I see, the weirder it gets. Is Huayue’s vibe just this tacky?”

These comments stirred a hornet’s nest, with fans doubling down. Qiu Jing stayed silent.

After a day of online chaos, Yu Qingjia posted on Weibo, retweeting her earlier interaction with Qiu Jing, stating that due to Qiu Jing’s personal choice, the collaboration fell through, but she looked forward to future opportunities.

The formal tone hinted at something amiss, but before netizens could dig, Yu Qingjia posted again:

“@YuQingjiaV: Thrilled to invite @m-Molan to join Eternal Life. Looking forward to a great collaboration! [Image]”

Curiosity about Qiu Jing and Eternal Life vanished when netizens saw Mo Lan’s name—

Was it that Mo Lan?

The attached photo confirmed it: the goddess who vanished at her peak, untraceable in the industry, as if she’d evaporated. Seeing her onscreen again was a dream come true!

In the photo, Mo Lan, bare-faced, was breathtakingly ethereal, her otherworldly aura captivating. Yu Qingjia, with her chic, wavy bob, held her own, exuding poise and unique charm.

Despite being a decade away, Mo Lan looked unchanged. Netizens flooded her Weibo, a new account with no verification, just two posts: the default signup post and one thanking Yu Qingjia for the Eternal Life role. Within five minutes, her followers surged by 200,000, with comments full of fan adoration.

Who cares about Qiu Jing and Eternal Love now? Netizens were hooked on Eternal Life and Mo Lan’s return!

Qiu Jing’s trending topics were buried by Mo Lan’s, with the top three trends tied to her, one including Eternal Life. In contrast, Qiu Jing and Eternal Love seemed lackluster.

Skimming the online buzz, Yu Qingjia tossed her tablet aside, uninterested. Turning to speak to Yu Qingyi, she froze. Behind the desk, Yu Qingyi, usually sharp and rational, was giggling at her tablet, her eyes sparkling like a lovesick girl, giving Yu Qingjia chills.

Staring for a while, Yu Qingyi didn’t notice. Yu Qingjia sneaked behind her, peeking at the screen—a zoomed-in photo of Mo Lan from their selfie!

“You like her?”

Yu Qingyi jumped, nearly dropping the tablet. Yu Qingjia caught it swiftly.

Frowning, Yu Qingyi reached for it, but Yu Qingjia saw Mo Lan’s Weibo homepage, with “Followed” in the corner. Raising an eyebrow, she handed it back, only for Yu Qingyi to snatch it, glaring sharply.

Yu Qingjia grinned, unfazed. “No wonder you never date. You’ve got a crush.”

Annoyed by her teasing, Yu Qingyi shot her a cold look. “Since when did you meddle in my life?” Her lingering blush dulled her edge, more embarrassed than angry.

Yu Qingjia spread her hands innocently. “Just worried about you. Getting so mad makes you look guilty.”

Yu Qingyi, truly flustered, glared. “If you’ve got nothing to do, leave. I’m busy, I’ve got no time for you.”

Unfazed, Yu Qingjia leaned on the desk, grinning. “No time for me, but has time for Mo Lan?”

Yu Qingyi choked, looking away awkwardly, her tone stiff. “What do you want? I’ve got a meeting soon.”

Noting her evasive eyes, Yu Qingjia tsked inwardly, shrugging. “Mom said come home for dinner. Leave early, I’m hitching a ride.”

Yu Qingyi glared. “No rides. Get out!”

Kicked out, Yu Qingjia smirked. If that’s how you play, don’t blame me.

…

That night, Yu Qingyi, rarely home, barely ate dinner as her parents grilled her about her crush. She shot icy glares at Yu Qingjia, who played innocent. “I didn’t lie. Mom and Dad just care about you.”

The words left Yu Qingyi speechless.

Seeing her scramble to deflect their parents, Yu Qingjia smiled.

That’s what you get for telling Mom and Dad I’m dating Ming Yin. Tit for tat.

After work, Ming Yin checked her phone, seeing a Weibo notification.

She’d set Yu Qingjia as a special follower to never miss her updates. Spotting the post about Mo Lan, with an attached photo, she scrolled down. Though the two kept a professional distance, the ethereal beauty beside Yu Qingjia sparked a twinge of displeasure.

Glancing at a small mirror on her desk—left by Zhizhi—she studied her reflection, her unease easing.

After their many private interactions, Yu Qingjia stayed level-headed around her. If she could handle Ming Yin’s presence, this actress shouldn’t sway her either.

Comforted, Ming Yin pocketed the mirror and liked Yu Qingjia’s post.

But the thought nagged her as illogical. She left the study to find Zhizhi.

Zhizhi was prancing around with her giant rabbit plushie. Seeing Ming Yin, she rushed over. “Mommy done with work?”

Instead of answering, Ming Yin crouched, showing her the phone. “Is this auntie pretty?”

Seeing Mo Lan, Zhizhi blinked, nodded, and said in her milky voice, “But not as pretty as Mommy.”

Ming Yin’s eyes softened, kissing Zhizhi’s cheek. “Thank you, Zhizhi.”

Zhizhi beamed, returning a cute kiss, thinking:

So many pretty aunties, but there’s only one Yinyin. Of course, Yinyin’s the most important!

Oh, and Xiao Yu too.