How To Deal With Being Transmigrated As The Scumbag Ex-Wife - Chapter 45

45: Birthday Gift

After a casual lunch at the company cafeteria, Yu Qingjia went straight to find Manager Zhang from the production department.

“Here are the two scripts.” Manager Zhang, surprised by her promptness, handed her the scripts with a warm smile. “We can’t quite judge if they’re worth investing in, so we’d like Director Yu’s input.”

Typically, investors buy a script and hire a preferred director, but with too many recent film project failures, even Xinghui’s deep pockets couldn’t afford reckless spending. Since Yu Qingjia had written the scripts for her previous two films, with excellent pacing, plotting, and transitions, they hoped she could evaluate these.

The scripts were Sweetheart Kiss and One in a Million. After skimming both and grasping their main plots, Yu Qingjia said, “Both scripts are decent but need revisions. There are too many scenes, making the pacing sluggish and the structure loose. They should focus on plot coherence and cut unnecessary scenes to avoid redundancy.”

Hearing they were viable, Manager Zhang perked up. After two collaborations, he had an inexplicable trust in her. “Got it! I’ll have them revise the scripts. Thank you, Director Yu!”

“No problem,” Yu Qingjia smiled. “I suggest they study The Screenwriter’s Bible. It’s normal for directors to have some screenwriting skills.”

Surprised by her additional advice, Manager Zhang saw she was trying to nurture talent for Xinghui. He nodded eagerly. “Absolutely, I’ll pass that along.”

Yu Qingjia said, “You’re welcome.” After all, Tianyue had few directors, and even fewer were competent. She couldn’t just focus on her own work.

Plus… she recalled her sister’s words: “In your next life, don’t be a workaholic. Enjoy life.” Taking a break to learn wasn’t a bad idea.

Mingyue Building Headquarters, President’s Office

Learning Yu Qingjia’s purpose, Ming Yin’s eyes softened with a gentle smile. “Zhizhi is easily pleased. You don’t need to stress over this.”

“It’s not that simple. I missed her birthday last year, and this year I’m too busy to celebrate with her.” Yu Qingjia sighed, flopping onto the sofa. Her head hit a cushion, and she suddenly remembered she was in Ming Yin’s office. Sitting up, she coughed awkwardly to cover her embarrassment. “Uh, sorry. You don’t mind, do you?”

Ming Yin chuckled. “It’s meant for resting. I’m glad you feel relaxed here.”

Relieved, Yu Qingjia grabbed a cushion. The notebook that cut her finger last time was gone. “Did you replace that notebook?”

Ming Yin’s expression flickered. “Yes, it was too dangerous. It could’ve hurt Zhizhi.”

Yu Qingjia nodded, then remembered the birthday gift. To pick the perfect gift, she needed to know Zhizhi’s likes, and who better to ask than Ming Yin? Her visit was both for the gift and to thank Ming Yin for her help.

“What does Xiao Lizhi like?” Yu Qingjia kneaded the cushion. The more she interacted with Zhizhi, the more she adored her, wanting to give her a unique gift.

Ming Yin thought for a moment. “Well, anything related to Meow Sweet or Long-Ear Bunny—she loves those.”

Meow Sweet and Long-Ear Bunny were iconic animated IPs in this world. A mall survey showed their merchandise topped children’s toy sales, and an online poll revealed 87.2% of voting families owned Meow Sweet products, highlighting their popularity.

But with Ming Yin’s doting, Zhizhi likely already had every toy. Yu Qingjia wouldn’t need to buy more.

Seeing her dilemma, Ming Yin suggested, “Meow Sweet released a limited-edition doll recently. I haven’t reserved one for Zhizhi. Maybe you could get her that?”

Yu Qingjia considered it but shook her head. “That feels too impersonal. Any other ideas?”

Ming Yin listed more of Zhizhi’s interests, but none sparked inspiration. Yu Qingjia marveled at Ming Yin’s patience—her sister, Yu Qingyi, would’ve kicked her out by now.

After exhausting Zhizhi’s preferences, Ming Yin, seeing Yu Qingjia’s furrowed brow, said with a hint of amusement, “There’s one gift she’d love most.” One only Yu Qingjia could give.

Curious, Yu Qingjia looked up. Ming Yin smiled gently. “A mommy.”

Yu Qingjia: “…”

Her heart skipped, but seeing Ming Yin’s teasing eyes, she sighed. “Is it fun to mess with me?”

Noticing her less defensive reaction, Ming Yin felt a spark of suspicion but said, “How do you know I’m teasing?”

Yu Qingjia shot her a glance, then had a sudden idea. She could craft a custom fairy tale for Zhizhi, film her daily life, and edit it into a short film—a perfect, unique gift.

Seeing Yu Qingjia’s face light up, Ming Yin chuckled. “Ready to be Zhizhi’s mommy?”

Yu Qingjia nearly choked, her expression exasperated. “I’m planning to shoot some footage of Xiao Lizhi and edit it into a story for her.”

Ming Yin’s eyes showed surprise—a director’s move, indeed. She nodded approvingly. “Great idea.”

Encouraged, Yu Qingjia’s smile widened. Now she needed to brainstorm a story for Zhizhi.

…

For days, Yu Qingjia holed up in her study, working on Zhizhi’s gift, barely leaving. Mrs. Yu couldn’t stand it and dragged her out.

“Mom, I’m fine.” Yu Qingjia said, clinging to her draft notebook. “I’m preparing a gift for Xiao Lizhi.”

Hearing this, Mrs. Yu’s expression softened. Realizing Zhizhi’s birthday was near, she asked, “When’s Zhizhi’s birthday?”

“May 3,” Yu Qingjia said, not looking up, crossing out a section with a frown.

Ming Yin mentioned Zhizhi loved Meow Sweet and Long-Ear Bunny, so Yu Qingjia studied their stories. As an adult not versed in children’s content, she worried her story wouldn’t appeal to Zhizhi, so she analyzed the IPs.

Calculating the date, Mrs. Yu said, surprised, “That’s next month! What are you working on?”

Yu Qingjia sighed. “Writing a script for Zhizhi to star in, then editing it into a short film as her gift.” She thought it’d be easy, but it was tougher than expected, and she wasn’t sure Zhizhi would like it.

Mrs. Yu’s eyes lit up. “That’s creative. Zhizhi will love it.”

Dropping her work-life balance lecture, she urged, “Keep writing. Show me when it’s done.”

Yu Qingjia gave her mother a complex look. Seeing her stare, Mrs. Yu frowned. “What are you looking at? Write!”

Yu Qingjia: “…”

Fine, typical mom.

Watching Yu Qingjia revise repeatedly, Mrs. Yu’s head ached. She’d thought the story would be simple, not this complex.

About to speak, Mrs. Yu realized her daughter’s dedication, never considering an easier gift. This level of effort went beyond fondness, Yu Qingjia treated Zhizhi like her own.

This realization energized Mrs. Yu. Studying her daughter, she pictured Ming Yin’s stunning face, then Yu Qingjia’s. They looked good together, like a family.

Noticing Yu Qingjia’s pursed lips—a new habit, likely picked up from Ming Yin—Mrs. Yu’s gaze grew intrigued.

Yu Qingjia never pursed her lips before.

Saying it’s nothing, don’t overthink, to avoid Zhizhi’s misunderstanding, yet mimicking Ming Yin’s habits? Her daughter wasn’t honest. With Pan Xing, she’d announced her love the same day, but now she was secretive…

Thinking of Pan Xing, Mrs. Yu felt regret. Pan Xing was a good kid. Though she and Old Yu opposed the rushed marriage, they liked her.

She considered asking about Pan Xing but held back. With Yu Qingjia and Ming Yin seemingly together, asking about an ex-wife wasn’t appropriate.

Oblivious to her mother’s thoughts, Yu Qingjia finished the story’s ending, rereading it. It felt whimsical and fresh.

Proud but nervous about Zhizhi’s reaction, she sent it to Ming Yin to read to her, ready to revise if needed.

Reading it, Ming Yin saw it was crafted for Zhizhi, stirring complex emotions. The effort Yu Qingjia put into this gift for her daughter touched her.

Pursing her lips, Ming Yin was about to find Zhizhi when footsteps pattered behind her. A familiar childish voice asked, “Mommy, can I sleep with you tonight?”

Turning, she saw Zhizhi clutching a pillow, her big black eyes full of hope.

Ming Yin patted her head, lifting her onto her lap. “Xiao Yu wrote you a story.”

Zhizhi’s eyes widened, her cheeks pink. “Xiao Yu wrote a story for me?” She’d never gotten such a gift and loved it already.

Seeing her excitement, Ming Yin’s eyes flickered with complexity, but her smile remained gentle. “Want me to read it now?”

Zhizhi nodded eagerly, snuggling with her pillow. “Yes, yes!”

Tapping Zhizhi’s nose, Ming Yin began reading from the tablet.

After a paragraph, Zhizhi interrupted, “Why doesn’t she have a mommy? I want her to have one.”

The words struck Ming Yin. Kissing Zhizhi’s forehead, she said, “She will. After I finish, tell Xiao Yu yourself, okay?”

Zhizhi nodded. “Mm, a mommy means she won’t be lonely.”

Ming Yin’s heart ached, she’d let Zhizhi feel lonely. Maybe the gift shouldn’t be a Meow Sweet doll but something—or someone—to keep her company.

…

Awaiting Ming Yin’s reply, Yu Qingjia wasn’t surprised when a video call came through. Connecting, she saw Zhizhi’s face on the screen.

“Good evening, Xiao Yu!” Zhizhi bounced excitedly. “I love the story! Thank you!”

Seeing her genuine joy, Yu Qingjia exhaled in relief, feeling a bit proud.

The kids’ content wasn’t so hard after all, she could do it.

About to say, “Glad you like it,” Zhizhi added in her sweet voice, “But she doesn’t have a mommy. She’ll be lonely. Can you give her one?”

Yu Qingjia froze. The character was based on Zhizhi, who had no mommy, so the character didn’t either.

Recalling Ming Yin’s words—“She wants a mommy most”—her emotions stirred. Zhizhi’s request made her overthink.

Seeing her silence, Zhizhi’s face fell, her lips pouting, but she smiled. “If you can’t, it’s okay. Her bunny friend will keep her company, right?”

Yu Qingjia exhaled softly. “Yes, of course she can have a mommy. She won’t be lonely.”

Zhizhi’s eyes sparkled like stars, her joy infectious as she bounced. “Thank you, Xiao Yu! I love you most!”

A refined cough came from the background, as if reminding her. Zhizhi quickly corrected, “I love Yinyin most, then Xiao Yu!”

Even without seeing Ming Yin, Yu Qingjia could imagine her calm face, pleased with the correction.

The thought made her smile. A gentle voice said, “You’ve talked to Xiao Yu. Time for bed.”

Zhizhi looked reluctant but kissed the screen, waving. “Goodnight, Xiao Yu!”

After Zhizhi left, Ming Yin appeared, saying meaningfully, “See? She wants a mommy most.”

Yu Qingjia smiled. “I thought the story would be easy, but writing it was tough.”

Noting her exasperation, Ming Yin’s eyes darkened with a thought, but she said calmly, “The story’s enough. You don’t need to film it.”

Yu Qingjia might’ve agreed, but since Ming Yin and Zhizhi had read it, the story alone couldn’t be the gift.

“We’ll see,” she said, smiling without refusing outright.

…

With less than a month, Yu Qingjia juggled Eternal Life’s VFX revisions and filming Zhizhi’s footage at Ming Yin’s house.

Zhizhi was thrilled and cooperative, eagerly participating in whatever Yu Qingjia asked.

Thankfully, kids her age didn’t feel embarrassed. An inexperienced adult might’ve been shy, but Zhizhi, knowing the footage was for her story, was delighted to help.

As Yu Qingjia finished Zhizhi’s gift, the Starlight Film Festival’s opening neared. The committee announced the opening film—Look Up—and the Jinyu Award and Asian New Wave nominees.

Netizens were shocked that Look Up was the opening film and nominated for Asian New Wave:

“The second princess was in Kyoto’s festival, how can she compete in Starlight? That’s amazing!”

“Don’t be silly. Asian New Wave only limits release dates and the director’s film count, not Jinyu Award competition.”

“After Jinhua’s scandal, now Starlight? Some Jinhua judges are on Starlight’s panel. Is this their way of backing down?”

“Don’t spout nonsense. It’s an international festival. Excluding Look Up would show our industry’s infighting. Even if they dislike her, the Second Princess won the Sakura Award. They wouldn’t be dumb enough to let foreigners mock us.”

“You’re overthinking. The second princess is awesome. I hope she wins Best Director to make up for Jinhua’s regret!”

…

Amid online buzz, Yu Qingjia and the Look Up crew reunited, heading to S City for the festival’s opening.

Pan Xing hadn’t expected another festival opportunity. Her agent explained that Asian New Wave didn’t conflict with the Sakura Award.

“You look exhausted.” Pan Xing said, noticing Yu Qingjia’s fatigue after sleeping on the plane.

Yu Qingjia shook her head, planning to rest at the hotel before the opening. “Edited a film half the night. Couldn’t keep up.”

Mainly Zhizhi’s short film gift, rushed with basic VFX, finished just before her birthday.

Pan Xing’s eyes lit up. “What film?”

“A kids’ project. Wanna try?” Yu Qingjia teased.

She was joking, but Pan Xing considered it seriously, nodding. “Could work. I’d reach every age group.”

Yu Qingjia’s expression turned indescribable. “You’re too free. Tell your agent to book more work, you won’t think this way then.”

Kids’ film actors often faced awkward positioning. Fans were children, so pay didn’t match popularity, but raising fees felt unjustified, creating a dilemma.

Pan Xing’s face fell. Her recent schedule was packed, more than all her past gigs combined. She disliked such events, preferring acting, but good scripts were scarce.

Seeing Pan Xing, Yu Qingjia thought of Shen Ru and Shen Yiruo. Since the [redacted] incident, she hadn’t heard of Shen Ru, nor had Ming Yin mentioned her.

Next time she saw Ming Yin, she’d ask. Shen Ru’s silence gave her a sense of a lurking threat, especially since Ming Yin exposed Shen Ru and Shen Yiruo. With Shen Ru’s temperament, a desperate move wasn’t impossible.

At the hotel, Yu Qingjia napped. Whether due to Shen Ru’s impression or overthinking, her dreams were fragmented—Shen Ru with a knife, rushing from reporters on the red carpet, or stabbing Ming Yin as they laughed together.

Waking up, she felt more exhausted than rested.

Unable to sleep more, she got up to explore.

During Starlight, global filmmakers gathered, and Yu Qingjia wanted to see other outstanding films. As she opened her door, she heard a familiar woman’s voice and a childish one talking.

Surprised Ming Yin and Zhizhi were here, she turned and met Zhizhi’s curious gaze:

“Ah, it’s Xiao Yu!”

Zhizhi, thrilled, let go of Ming Yin’s hand and rushed to Yu Qingjia.

Catching the sweet little cannonball, Yu Qingjia hugged and kissed her, then looked at Ming Yin.

If meeting at Kyoto was a coincidence, this time surely wasn’t, right?