How To Deal With Being Transmigrated As The Scumbag Ex-Wife - Chapter 44

44: A New Beginning and the Starlight Film Festival…

Cen Ge took a deep drag on her cigarette, exhaling a white cloud of smoke. With a half-smile, she glanced at the few restless guys nearby.

They caught her signal—don’t touch—and quickly flashed apologetic grins before scurrying off, laughing awkwardly.

“Tch.” Cen Ge wrinkled her nose in disdain. Her peripheral vision caught the woman beside her, completely passed out. She didn’t know whether to call her bold or reckless for getting this drunk in front of a stranger.

Two hours ago, an unusual guest entered the bar. It wasn’t her attire, high-end clientele were standard here due to the bar’s steep prices. What made her stand out was her fame: a former idol turned top young director, Yu Qingjia.

Without speaking to anyone, Yu Qingjia sat in a corner, ordered a bottle of hard liquor, and started drinking alone.

Out of curiosity, Cen Ge sat beside her. Not for her celebrity status, but because she was Ming Yin’s rumored partner.

Though they hadn’t publicly confirmed their relationship, Ming Yin’s actions implied it.

That’s why Cen Ge was intrigued. With Ming Yin’s high standards, what made Yu Qingjia so special?

“Mind if I sit here?” Cen Ge asked with a bright smile, ignoring Yu Qingjia’s cool gaze. She introduced herself, “I’m Ming Yin’s friend and the owner here. My name’s Cen Ge.”

Hearing she was Ming Yin’s friend with no ill intent, Yu Qingjia’s expression softened slightly. Still in a foul mood, she forced a smile. “Yu Qingjia.”

Her response was a tacit approval. Cen Ge’s smile deepened. She pulled out a cigarette, offering the pack to Yu Qingjia. In this industry, stress often led to smoking, she assumed Yu Qingjia did too.

Yu Qingjia shook her head. “No, thanks.”

“You don’t smoke?” Cen Ge was surprised. “No media or reporters here, don’t worry.” She thought it was about avoiding paparazzi.

“I used to, not anymore.” Yu Qingjia said, her gaze dimming as if recalling something.

Cen Ge’s curiosity grew. Quitting smoking showed strong willpower.

Hmm, a point in her favor. With Ming Yin having a daughter, smoking wouldn’t do.

“Mind if I smoke one?” Cen Ge waved the cigarette. Yu Qingjia gave a faint smile. “Go ahead.”

Her eyes fixed on the pale yellow liquid in her diamond-patterned glass, her expression vacant, lost in thought.

Cen Ge didn’t disturb her, watching the smoke curl as she sank into her own memories.

They reached a silent understanding, leaving each other be.

When Cen Ge snapped out of it, the woman beside her was blackout drunk, slumped on the table.

At least she wasn’t a rowdy drunk.

Cen Ge chuckled silently, pulling out her phone to find Ming Yin’s number.

When Ming Yin arrived at Nightshade Bar, she immediately scanned for Yu Qingjia. Spotting her in a corner booth, she saw a glamorous woman with a cigarette, waving at her with a sly smile.

Seeing Yu Qingjia slumped beside Cen Ge, Ming Yin’s anxious heart settled.

She hurried over. Cen Ge, noting her suppressed agitation, smirked. “Relax, no one touched her.”

Ming Yin shot her a look, gently nudging Yu Qingjia, who remained still, seemingly asleep.

“Thanks for the trouble,” Ming Yin said, lips pursed. She leaned down, pulling Yu Qingjia’s arm to help her up. Only then did she notice Yu Qingjia’s flushed face, damp eyelashes clinging together, and red-rimmed eyes.

Her sharp gaze snapped to Cen Ge, who raised her hands innocently. “I barely talked to her.”

Ming Yin felt a pang. She thought Yu Qingjia at least saw her as a friend, they’d shared secrets, hadn’t they?

Why would she rather get drunk alone than confide in her?

Now wasn’t the time for that. Half-supporting Yu Qingjia, Ming Yin helped her stand. In the dim light, Yu Qingjia stirred, mumbling, “You’re here?”

The reek of alcohol made Ming Yin frown. How much had this fool drunk?

Though frustrated, she softened her voice. “We’re going home. Can you walk?”

Cen Ge, getting goosebumps from the tone, saw Yu Qingjia draped over Ming Yin and offered, “Need help?”

Ming Yin tried supporting her. Yu Qingjia wasn’t rowdy, but her tall, slender frame was tricky for Ming Yin’s slight build. It wasn’t about strength, she worried about dropping her.

“Thanks,” Ming Yin replied politely. Cen Ge stubbed out her cigarette and helped lift Yu Qingjia.

Together, they got her into the car, where she collapsed in the backseat, quiet as if asleep.

Glancing at her, Ming Yin said to Cen Ge, “Thanks for today. Put it on my tab. I’ll take her now.”

“I’ll cover her,” Cen Ge said with a laugh, her gaze lingering on Yu Qingjia meaningfully. “Send me a wedding invite.”

Ming Yin glanced at her, tone cool. “Will do.”

Cen Ge chuckled, stepping back as Ming Yin got into the driver’s seat. As the car pulled away, her smile faded, and she returned to the bar.

…

Lanyuan Villa No. 7

Thankfully, Yu Qingjia just slept when drunk, not causing a fuss, or Ming Yin would’ve been at a loss.

Supporting her while opening the door, Ming Yin broke a sweat despite the early spring chill.

Yu Qingjia, slumped on her shoulder, seemed completely out.

A small figure darted over. Zhizhi, seeing Yu Qingjia, was about to ask, “What’s wrong with Xiao Yu?” when a foul smell hit her. She pinched her nose, stepping back.

“Xiao Yu stinks!” Zhizhi pouted, wanting to hug her but unable to stand the odor. Xiao Yu had become Stinky Fish.

The alcohol smell was unpleasant, and Ming Yin didn’t like it either. She said, “Xiao Yu is sad, so she ended up like this.”

“Oh!” Zhizhi looked worriedly at Yu Qingjia, who stayed silent. Frowning, she said, “I’ll give her my candy. She won’t be sad after eating it.”

If only it were that simple.

Smiling at Zhizhi’s chubby cheeks, Ming Yin said, “Mommy will take care of Xiao Yu. Go back to bed.”

Half-conscious, Yu Qingjia opened her eyes, spotting the small figure. She giggled. “Is that Little Milk Bun? You’ve grown taller!”

Zhizhi didn’t understand how she could laugh while so sad. She nodded glumly. “Okay, Mommy, rest early too.”

After saying goodnight, Ming Yin helped Yu Qingjia to the sofa. She sank into it, grabbing a cushion and curling up.

Ming Yin sat beside her, catching her breath. Her gaze lingered on Yu Qingjia’s profile, emotions swirling. She reached out, pinching Yu Qingjia’s delicate nose. Yu Qingjia’s brows furrowed, looking aggrieved, her eyes twitching as if about to open.

Realizing she might wake, Ming Yin didn’t let go. But Yu Qingjia just breathed through her mouth, sleeping soundly.

Amused by her own childishness, Ming Yin released her, poking Yu Qingjia’s slightly parted lips—soft and moist.

“Mmm…” Yu Qingjia turned away, annoyed, rubbing against the cushion until her brows relaxed.

After resting, Ming Yin went to the kitchen. Remembering Zhizhi saying Yu Qingjia disliked milk like her, she opted for honey water.

Yu Qingjia felt like she was floating in a gentle black ocean. A soft voice kept calling her name, irritating her. She wanted to sink deeper to escape, but the voice followed.

Grabbing driftwood, she surfaced, opening her eyes. A shadow hovered, and something sweet and wet brushed her lips.

“Open your mouth, drink this, then sleep,” the voice said.

She didn’t want water, but the voice wouldn’t relent. Reluctantly, she complied.

Seeing her pout, Ming Yin sighed. Not arguing with a drunk, she patiently fed her the honey water, then helped her lie back down.

Finally at peace, Yu Qingjia’s brows smoothed, and she sank back into the ocean, undisturbed.

Wind rustled the curtains, lifting and falling. Yu Qingjia stared at the familiar bedroom, unsure if it was reality or a dream.

Wasn’t this her parents’ home?

On the nightstand was a family photo: her parents smiling behind her and her sister. She’d forced her sister to face the camera, who sulked with closed eyes.

Her sister had wanted a luxury brand bag, approved by their dad, but Yu Qingjia vetoed it. The girl threw a tantrum, refusing to pose. Yu Qingjia held her in place, and her sister closed her eyes in protest. Their parents found the photo lively and chose it for display.

Thinking back, Yu Qingjia smiled. She couldn’t blame her sister for writing her into a novel as revenge, her parenting was a bit heavy-handed.

Returning the photo, she left the bedroom. The house felt familiar but empty—no parents, housekeeper, or maids. Just her.

Passing the study, she heard her sister muttering: “Suppressing my sister? Let’s see this Xiguo guy’s name, I’ll make their faces swell!”

An odd thought struck her. She quietly opened the study door, seeing her sister at the computer, typing furiously, oblivious to her.

Standing beside her, Yu Qingjia expected to be noticed, but her sister kept typing. Waving her hand got no response. Giving up, she glanced at the screen, displaying a novel titled Transmigrated as a Great Director:

“Everyone was shocked to learn the blogger was Gaspard Roland’s student, the father of Xiguo cinema!

His last post didn’t mean Gaspard highly admired Yu Qingjia, seeing limitless potential in her?

Jinhua thought Yu Qingjia wasn’t even on Zhou Jin’s level, now their faces must be swollen…”

The cliched, third-rate plot made her eyes and head ache. She never imagined her sister wrote this. Laughter mixed with bitterness, her emotions tangled.

Reaching to touch her sister’s head, her sister flinched as if startled, looking up nervously but seeing nothing. Patting her chest, she muttered, “It’s fine, it’s fine. If there’s a ghost, my sister would protect me.”

Clasping her hands, she prayed to the screen. “Please keep our family safe. Sister, reincarnate soon, find a good home, and stop being a workaholic. Enjoy life next time.”

Yu Qingjia: “…”

As she reached again, dizziness hit, and the world spun and shattered—

“Xiao Yu?”

A childish voice called curiously.

Yu Qingjia’s eyes snapped open, light stinging them. Squinting, she saw Little Milk Bun watching her worriedly. Seeing her awake, the girl shouted, “You’re finally up!”

“Huh?” Slow to react, Yu Qingjia sat up, head pounding. A blanket slipped to her lap. Rubbing her forehead, she scanned her surroundings.

This… was Ming Yin’s living room? How’d she get here?

Recalling last night, she vaguely remembered entering a bar, the owner claiming to be Ming Yin’s friend.

So, she got drunk, and Ming Yin brought her here?

Annoyed, she smacked her forehead. A sweet, childish voice asked, “Are you okay?”

Looking up, Little Milk Bun gazed at her, wanting to approach but hesitating.

Wondering why, Yu Qingjia caught her own smell—nearly soul-destroying. No wonder the girl kept her distance. She couldn’t stand it herself.

Leaning back to avoid stinking up Little Milk Bun, she asked, “Is Mommy home?”

Footsteps came from the stairs. A refined voice, tinged with displeasure, said, “Awake?”

Sensing Ming Yin’s mood, Yu Qingjia looked away guiltily. “Sorry for the trouble yesterday.”

Ming Yin frowned, voice cold. “You think I’m upset about that?”

Yu Qingjia paused, then understood. Ming Yin wasn’t mad about the trouble but about her getting blackout drunk alone. If not for luck—meeting Ming Yin’s friend—she could’ve been in danger.

Yesterday…

Her gaze dropped to the blanket’s pattern, her smile forlorn. “Thanks. It won’t happen again.”

She couldn’t go back. Never again.

Eyes stinging, she took a deep breath to suppress tears. A warm, soft hand touched her cheek, and a sweet voice said, “Don’t be sad. I’ll give you candy!”

Startled, Yu Qingjia saw Little Milk Bun’s big, caring eyes. Words failed her as tears spilled.

Seeing her cry, Little Milk Bun panicked, running off. “Don’t cry! I’ll get candy!”

Warmth filled Yu Qingjia’s heart, easing the pain of never seeing her family again. At least here, she had parents, a sister, and an adorable angel like Little Milk Bun.

Wiping her tears roughly, a plain handkerchief appeared. A slender, elegant hand held it.

A gentle voice said, “Use this.”

“Thanks.”

Grabbing the handkerchief, Yu Qingjia wiped her face, steadying her emotions. Looking up at Ming Yin, she smiled. “You worked hard yesterday. I don’t know how to thank you.”

Ming Yin gazed at her red eyes, her look soft as water. “Really want to thank me?”

“Of course.” Yu Qingjia laughed. “Without you, I’d be lost.”

“Then promise me, no more drinking alone,” Ming Yin said seriously. “If something’s bothering you, tell me. We’ve shared secrets, haven’t we?”

Her dark eyes were deep and gentle. Yu Qingjia saw herself reflected, the air turning warm and sticky.

“Xiao Yu, eat candy!”

A childish voice and pattering footsteps shattered the moment.

Yu Qingjia quickly looked away, seeing Zhizhi run in with a candy jar bigger than her head, filled with all kinds of sweets—big, small, round, flat—looking irresistibly sweet.

Hugging the jar, she held it out, her chubby face full of sincerity, no trace of reluctance. “Here, eat candy. You won’t be sad!”

Heart melting, Yu Qingjia wanted to kiss the little angel but worried about her smell.

Before she could refuse, a slender hand took two candies from the jar, placing one on the blanket and feeding the other to Zhizhi.

“Ahh!” Zhizhi ate it, eyes squinting happily. “Candy makes you happy like me!”

Her adorable smile made Yu Qingjia grin. Before she could speak, Ming Yin said calmly, “Xiao Yu just woke up and hasn’t brushed her teeth. She can’t eat candy.”

“Oh?” Zhizhi lowered the jar, disappointed. “Then brush your teeth quickly! And take a bath, Xiao Yu smells bad!”

…

After cleaning up at Ming Yin’s, Yu Qingjia retrieved her car from the bar and headed to Xinghui Media. Chen Ruo had called multiple times last night, which she only saw this morning, likely with urgent news.

Xinghui Media Company

Entering Chen Ruo’s office, Yu Qingjia saw her on the phone. Spotting her, Chen Ruo’s eyes lit up, quickly ending the call and glaring. “Why didn’t you answer last night? I thought you went missing! If President Yu hadn’t said you were with President Ming, I’d have called the police!”

“Something came up.” Yu Qingjia said, relieved no paparazzi caught her. Changing the subject, she asked, “What’s up?”

“Look Up is the opening film for the Starlight Film Festival and is nominated for the Asian New Wave unit!” Chen Ruo’s excitement was palpable, the first good news in a while. With Jinhua’s fallout, Yu Qingjia’s commercial invites had dried up, so any media exposure thrilled Chen Ruo.

Opening film?

The Starlight Film Festival, China’s only internationally accredited Class A festival, focused on cultural exchange. Held in S City, it ran from May 3 to late May, attracting global filmmakers.

As China’s global influence grew, Starlight’s reputation soared, with submissions skyrocketing. Look Up being chosen as the opening film was a nod to both the movie and Yu Qingjia.

The Asian New Wave unit, a festival highlight, supported emerging Asian filmmakers. Unlike the Jinyu Award, it had no premiere requirements. Main competition films couldn’t have competed in similar festivals or premiered, but Look Up, having been in Kyoto’s main competition, was ineligible for Jinyu but qualified for Asian New Wave, as it was Yu Qingjia’s second film, fitting the unit’s rule of first three works by Asian filmmakers.

“Good news.” Yu Qingjia said, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. Xiao Lizhi birthday was May 3, coinciding with the festival’s opening. As the opening film’s director, she had to attend, missing the girl’s birthday again.

Chen Ruo expected excitement—Asian New Wave offered four major awards, and a nomination meant a shot at them. But Yu Qingjia seemed less thrilled. “What’re you thinking?”

Yu Qingjia sighed. “A kid’s birthday is May 3. I might miss her party again.”

Chen Ruo: ???

Was a kid’s birthday more important than Starlight?

Her expression complex, Chen Ruo realized Yu Qingjia likely meant Ming Yin’s daughter. It clicked.

If so, it was worth worrying about. With Yu Qingjia and Ming Yin’s relationship… missing the girl’s birthday could cause issues.

Patting Yu Qingjia’s shoulder sympathetically, Chen Ruo said, “No way around it. Talk to President Ming. Don’t let the kid feel distant from you.”

Yu Qingjia wasn’t surprised Chen Ruo guessed the girl’s identity but was confused by the “distant” comment. “Why would she feel distant?”

Xiao Lizhi adored her. Missing her birthday might sadden her, but distance?

Recalling Yu Qingjia’s denial of a relationship with Ming Yin, Chen Ruo clarified, “Nothing, nothing. She’d love for you to be at her party. If you can’t, maybe President Ming can bring her to S City. After the opening, you can celebrate together.”

Asking Ming Yin to bring Xiao Lizhi to S City for her birthday? That was absurd.

Yu Qingjia shook her head. “No need. I’ll figure out a gift she’ll love.”

Last time, unprepared, her gift was rushed. This time, she’d pick something special, though the thought gave her a headache.

She wasn’t great with kids, but Xiao Lizhi loved her, and she wanted to live up to that.

Thinking of the girl frantically offering candy that morning, Yu Qingjia smiled.

Seeing her sweet expression, Chen Ruo got goosebumps. “I just wanted to tell you this. President Yu’s looking for you. Go see her.”

“Alright, I’m off. Call if anything comes up.”

Leaving Chen Ruo’s office, Yu Qingjia headed for the 34th floor. As the elevator doors opened, a stunning, slender woman with a bag stood inside.

Their eyes met, both pausing:

“Director Yu, hello.”

“Teacher Mo?”

Mo Lan was dressed up, wearing an ink-green dress, a subtle yet elegant necklace accentuating her beautiful collarbone and fair skin. Her eyes shimmered, lips red, teeth white—more captivating than ever.

Compared to their first meeting, her ethereal aura was gone, replaced by a breathtaking beauty.

Thankfully, Yu Qingjia was used to Ming Yin’s stunning looks, giving her some immunity to beauties, avoiding past slip-ups.

Composing herself, she stepped into the elevator, noticing the 34th-floor button lit. Mo Lan was likely visiting Yu Qingyi.

Before she could speak, Mo Lan said, “Director Yu, also going to see President Yu?”

The word “also” was clever.

Admiring Mo Lan’s tact, Yu Qingjia said graciously, “Yeah. You’re meeting my sister for something?”

Sensing the subtext, Mo Lan’s grip on her bag tightened, but her expression stayed calm, her voice gentle with a smile. “President Yu helped me a lot recently. We made plans for lunch today.”

Yu Qingjia glanced at her, saying, “Oh.”

Her tone held no scorn or hostility, easing Mo Lan slightly.

Noticing her relief, Yu Qingjia, seeing their reflections in the elevator doors, said, “You can tell my sister likes you a lot. I don’t care what you want from her, that’s between you two. But one thing: don’t toy with her feelings.”

Mo Lan’s eyes flickered. Looking at her bag—a new H-brand gift from Yu Qingyi—she smiled bitterly. “You’re joking, Director Yu. I can barely take care of myself. How could I dare aspire to President Yu?”

“Love isn’t about aspiring,” Yu Qingjia said meaningfully. “I’m just looking out for my sister. You get that, right, Teacher Mo?”

“Of course. Your bond with President Yu is enviable,” Mo Lan said, smiling. “As an only child, I can’t relate.”

Yu Qingjia just smiled, not responding.

The elevator reached the 34th floor. Mo Lan stepped back politely, letting Yu Qingjia exit first. She didn’t argue, striding toward the president’s office.

Yu Qingyi, just finishing work, frowned at Yu Qingjia’s entrance. About to scold her, she saw Mo Lan behind, her eyes lighting up—her affection obvious even to a fool.

Noticing the shift, Yu Qingjia rolled her eyes inwardly, not foolish enough to call out her sister’s bias. She cut to the chase. “Chen Ruo said you needed me. What’s up?”

Greeting Mo Lan first, Yu Qingyi turned to Yu Qingjia. “Yesterday—” She stopped, remembering Mo Lan’s presence, and said to her, “Sit for a bit. I’ll be done soon.”

Mo Lan nodded, settling gracefully on the lounge sofa.

Yu Qingyi grabbed Yu Qingjia’s wrist, lowering her voice, hissing, “You little brat, getting drunk now?”
Yu Qingjia’s heart sank. “It was an accident. Won’t happen again!”

Yu Qingyi glared. “Don’t think a bit of success means you can act reckless. Careful, or I’ll get Mom and Dad to set a curfew!”

Yu Qingjia: …

A thirty-year-old getting threatened with a curfew? Where’s her dignity?

“…No next time,” she said, rubbing her face in frustration. Yesterday, overwhelmed by her death and inability to return, she hadn’t considered the risks.

But now, with a new life here, she’d live it well.
Seeing her sincerity, Yu Qingyi softened. “Chen Ruo told you about Starlight?”

“Yeah, I know.” Yu Qingjia replied.

Yu Qingyi nodded, switching topics. “Eternal Life is still in VFX, so you’re free, right?”

“Sort of.” Yu Qingjia said.

“The company’s planning to invest in two film projects for Xinghui’s new directors. Manager Zhang wants your input.”

New directors? Like Zhuang Peng’s batch?

“Still in prep?” Yu Qingjia asked.

Yu Qingyi frowned slightly. “Not yet. We want your take before greenlighting.”

Xinghui valued her this much?

Her eyes sparkled. Guessing her thoughts, Yu Qingyi said dismissively, “Just small million-yuan projects. Xinghui can afford it. Mainly, you’re free, so we’re giving you something to do.”

Yu Qingjia stared blankly. “Oh.”

Glancing at Mo Lan with a warm smile, Yu Qingyi’s expression turned impatient with her
sister. “Oh, what? Are you going or not?”

Yu Qingjia sighed. “I’ll go. I’ll check them out this afternoon to see if they’re worth investing in.”

“Good.” Yu Qingyi released her wrist, tone flat. “That’s it. You can go.”

It was lunchtime, and she was just dismissed? Didn’t Yu Qingyi plan to eat with Mo Lan?

Glancing at Mo Lan’s elegant posture, who returned a gentle smile, Yu Qingjia nodded. “I won’t disturb you two. Call if you need me.”

She couldn’t rely on Yu Qingyi—such a sister, prioritizing romance over family!