How To Deal With Being Transmigrated As The Scumbag Ex-Wife - Chapter 46

46: “You Can’t Be Biased Against Me Because of Zhizhi.”

Holding Xiao Lizhi in her arms, Yu Qingjia turned to Ming Yin. Ming Yin’s hotel room was just across the corridor—not as close as their rooms in Kyoto, but given the room layouts, it was practically next door.

Noticing the curiosity in Yu Qingjia’s eyes, Ming Yin didn’t explain. Instead, she smiled faintly. “I was wondering if we could have dinner together tonight. Looks like I made it just in time.”

Her words were a clear admission, she was here for Yu Qingjia.

Yu Qingjia couldn’t quite describe her feelings, a mix of warmth and something odd. Glancing at Xiao Lizhi clinging affectionately to her, she smiled. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”

Before Ming Yin could respond, Xiao Lizhi piped up, “It’s a surprise! I want to spend my birthday with you!”

Yu Qingjia was taken aback, her face breaking into a smile. She hadn’t expected Xiao Lizhi to skip inviting friends and come all this way to celebrate with her. It was overwhelming.

Xiao Lizhi’s affection wasn’t just that of a close elder. Ming Yin’s comment about wanting a “mommy” was probably serious.

Recalling the time Xiao Lizhi wrote “Yu Qingjia Ming Yin” while practicing calligraphy, Yu Qingjia glanced at Ming Yin. Ming Yin’s beautiful dark eyes sparkled as if reflecting light, her smile warm.

Catching her gaze, Ming Yin said, “Zhizhi wanted to watch your gift with you, so I brought her along.”

“Alright,” Yu Qingjia said, kissing Xiao Lizhi’s soft, sweet cheek. “In that case, why don’t we celebrate Xiao Lizhi’s birthday tonight?”

The festival opened tomorrow, and they arrived late. With the red carpet and opening film taking up time, she wouldn’t have energy to celebrate with Xiao Lizhi tomorrow. Tonight was perfect.

Xiao Lizhi wrapped her arms around Yu Qingjia’s neck, nodding happily. “Yay, yay!”

As Ming Yin was about to speak, they heard a door open behind them—likely someone leaving their room. Yu Qingjia realized they were still in the hallway. Ming Yin, noticing too, glanced at their room. “Why don’t we talk inside?”

Yu Qingjia was about to consider if it was necessary when Ming Yin said to Xiao Lizhi, “Zhizhi, you’re a big girl now. Get down and hold Xiao Yu’s hand.”

Reluctant but obedient, Xiao Lizhi squirmed until Yu Qingjia set her down. She eagerly grabbed Yu Qingjia’s hand, pulling her toward the room. Ming Yin opened the door and went in first, leaving Yu Qingjia to follow.

The suite’s layout was similar to hers, just styled differently. Xiao Lizhi tugged her to the sofa, plopping into her lap and grinning sweetly.

Teasing her for a bit, Yu Qingjia was surprised when Xiao Lizhi rolled closer, hugging her arm and acting unusually clingy. It was her first time seeing such behavior, and she felt flattered.

Wondering what Xiao Lizhi was up to, she saw Ming Yin drape a small blanket over her. Looking down, Yu Qingjia realized Xiao Lizhi had fallen asleep, clutching the blanket.

Ming Yin chuckled softly. “She gets clingy when she’s sleepy.”

That explained it. Seeing Xiao Lizhi’s exposed arm, Yu Qingjia tucked the blanket around her.

Xiao Lizhi hummed softly, her rosy cheeks adorable.

Watching her nap, Yu Qingjia recalled her chaotic dreams, frowning. Ming Yin noticed and was about to ask when she glanced at Xiao Lizhi. Instead, she gently lifted her shoulders.

Yu Qingjia thought Ming Yin would carry her to bed, but she only raised her slightly, allowing Yu Qingjia to grab cushions to prop under her head, maintaining her cozy position.

The movement didn’t wake Xiao Lizhi. She frowned briefly, her hand groping until it found the cushion’s edge, her expression relaxing.

Ming Yin gestured for them to talk elsewhere. Yu Qingjia followed.

In the small adjacent lounge, Ming Yin closed the glass door to avoid disturbing Zhizhi while keeping an eye on her.

Seeing Ming Yin’s care, Yu Qingjia sighed inwardly. Though Zhizhi’s biological mothers were irresponsible, she was lucky to have Ming Yin as her adoptive mother. Never having experienced love’s sweetness, Ming Yin became a mother and raised Zhizhi so well—an extraordinary feat.

Lost in thought, she heard Ming Yin ask, “I noticed you looked off earlier. Are you feeling unwell?”

“Hm?” Yu Qingjia touched her face. “Do I look bad?”

Ming Yin nodded slightly, her gaze filled with unmistakable concern. “Like you had a nightmare.”

Shen Ru’s sinister face from the dream flashed in Yu Qingjia’s mind. Strangely, she’d never met Shen Ru or looked her up, yet she knew the knife-wielding woman was her.

Rubbing her forehead, Yu Qingjia exhaled. “Sort of a nightmare.”

Ming Yin’s brows furrowed. “Tell me about it?”

For most nightmares, Yu Qingjia wouldn’t bother sharing—dreams were often disjointed and illogical. But this one involved Shen Ru, and she couldn’t take it lightly.

Facing the story’s female lead, Yu Qingjia wouldn’t ignore any clue. She treated the dream as a premonition, what if Shen Ru really planned something?

“Well, I haven’t heard about Shen Ru lately. Her silence makes me uneasy.” Yu Qingjia said, forcing a smile. “Before coming out, I napped and had two dreams. In one, during the festival’s red carpet, she rushed out and stabbed me. While we were talking, she appeared and stabbed you.” Tiredly, she pinched her nose bridge. Shen Ru was too dangerous.

Ming Yin pondered, then said, “Big directors are different—sharp observation. That does sound like something she’d do.”

Relieved Ming Yin didn’t dismiss her as paranoid, Yu Qingjia relaxed. Ming Yin continued gently, “It’s my fault for not updating you. Shen Ru lost half her management rights to Shen Wende. She’s likely clashing with him now. If she uncovers the truth, she’d come for me, not you.”

Yu Qingjia shot her a look. “So it’s fine if you get hurt?”

It sounded like she was only worried about herself, but she’d be just as concerned if Ming Yin was attacked.

She hadn’t forgotten, Ming Yin was the story’s antagonist. Against Shen Ru, the former female lead, her odds were unclear.

Or perhaps an ex-female lead?

Her sister seemed to be rewriting the brainless story, leaving Shen Ru’s fate uncertain.

“You’re worried about me?” Ming Yin’s eyes brightened, as if delighted.

“Hm?” Caught off guard by her excited tone, Yu Qingjia looked up, meeting those starry dark eyes.

Those eyes once made her mistake Zhizhi for Ming Yin’s biological daughter, they were so alike.

Lost in thought, she said helplessly, “Of course I’m worried about you.”

Ming Yin’s eyes shone brighter, her gaze intense and breathtaking. “I’m glad you’re worried about me.”

Her words snapped Yu Qingjia back. “Aren’t we friends? Caring is normal, right?”

Ming Yin had picked her up from the bar. How could she think Yu Qingjia didn’t care? Did she seem heartless?

About to feign anger, Yu Qingjia saw Ming Yin lean closer, her stunning face nearing, a faint fragrance teasing her senses.

“You know that’s not what I mean.” Ming Yin’s expression turned serious, emotions swirling in her eyes.

Yu Qingjia’s heart raced, something stirring within. Her breath lightened as Ming Yin’s perfect lips moved, her usually calm voice hurried. “I like you. Be my girlfriend.”

Girlfriend.

Ming Yin’s girlfriend.

Unlike her previous subtle hints, this was a direct confession. “Girlfriend” wasn’t “mommy” for Zhizhi, though in their eyes, it could lead there.

A rush of heat flooded her brain. It took Yu Qingjia a moment to regain clarity, this was far more intense than last time.

She couldn’t return to her old world, so disappearing wasn’t a concern. But Ming Yin…

Seeing her hesitation, Ming Yin noted she wasn’t as resistant as before. Pressing her advantage, she said, “I thought about what you said. I still like you.”

Hearing “I like you” again, Yu Qingjia’s cheeks burned. Clearing her throat, she tried to meet Ming Yin’s gaze but faltered under its heat. “I’m… a bit surprised.”

No outright rejection, she was considering it.

This thrilled Ming Yin, who grew curious about Yu Qingjia’s drunken night. Since then, she hadn’t shied away from her advances.

Seeing her hesitate again, Ming Yin frowned, like facing a work challenge, but her tone held a hint of grievance. “You can’t be biased against me because of Zhizhi.”

Before Yu Qingjia could process, she blurted, “How am I biased?”

A fleeting smile crossed Ming Yin’s eyes, her face composed, voice tinged with mild frustration. “You think I’m confessing because Zhizhi likes you. Isn’t that biased?”

Yu Qingjia nearly laughed. Looking into those dark eyes, she realized Ming Yin was serious.

Last time Ming Yin hinted at a relationship, Yu Qingjia assumed it was for Zhizhi’s sake and declined, urging her to find someone she truly liked. Even during later probes, she thought Ming Yin was reluctant to give up on her as a candidate.

She had been unfair to Ming Yin.

Chuckling, Yu Qingjia said, “I hate to admit it, but I might’ve been biased.”

Ming Yin pursed her lips, her expression unchanged, but Yu Qingjia read a smug “See, you were biased.” It made her lips curve upward.

Reflecting, she realized she couldn’t imagine Ming Yin in love. Her rationality and restraint made Yu Qingjia assume every move was calculated, not driven by pure attraction.

Sincerely, she said, “Sorry, I apologize.”

“I don’t want an apology.” Ming Yin looked at her blankly, her tone familiar yet laced with an indefinable emotion. “Unless you agree to be my girlfriend.”

Yu Qingjia gazed at her silently. Ming Yin stared back stubbornly.

“Pfft…” Yu Qingjia couldn’t hold back a laugh, her eyes twinkling. “You know, you sound like you’re sulking.”

Ming Yin’s gaze deepened. “How do you know I’m not?”

Before Yu Qingjia could reply, Ming Yin pressed, frowning. “Don’t change the subject. Answer me.”

Yu Qingjia stifled her smile, pretending to think. As Ming Yin’s eyes grew anxious, she relented, nodding with a grin. “Okay.”

Ming Yin’s eyes lit up. She leaned in, brushing a quick kiss on Yu Qingjia’s lips before pulling back, her smile radiant. “I’m so happy you said yes.”

Caught off guard, Yu Qingjia froze, then smiled. Leaning forward, she kissed Ming Yin’s lips lightly. “I’m happy too. I have a girlfriend.”

It was her first time initiating closeness. Ming Yin’s heart settled, her earlier doubts confirmed—Yu Qingjia did have feelings for her.

Her eyes curved happily. Before she could speak, Yu Qingjia’s brows furrowed. Ming Yin’s heart sank, had she changed her mind?

After a moment, Yu Qingjia said, “Can we keep this from Xiao Lizhi for now?”

They were just dating. If Zhizhi saw her as a mommy and things didn’t work out, it’d be messy.

Ming Yin exhaled quietly. Glancing at the small lump on the sofa, she understood Yu Qingjia’s concern. Though she disliked the hesitation, it was reasonable.

She nodded. “Alright, I won’t tell her.”

Glancing at the lump again, her heart lightened.

Seeing Ming Yin agree, Yu Qingjia relaxed. Before she could speak, Ming Yin tapped her own lips with a finger, a clear hint.

Yu Qingjia laughed silently. Checking that Xiao Lizhi was still asleep, she leaned in, kissing Ming Yin’s pale pink lips, then teased, “You don’t seem like President Ming. Who are you?”

Ming Yin glanced at her lightly, deadpan. “I’m your girlfriend, not President Ming.”

After their playful banter, Yu Qingjia’s smile faded as she remembered Shen Ru. “Be careful with Shen Ru and Shen Yiruo. They’re not aboveboard. Stay vigilant.”

The topic didn’t dampen Ming Yin’s mood. Instead, sweetness stirred within her. Holding Yu Qingjia’s hand, she smiled gently. “Don’t worry, I’ve got people watching them.”

Pausing, she asked curiously, “Why are you so focused on them?”

It made sense to worry about Shen Ru, given her past actions, but Shen Yiruo hadn’t directly clashed with Yu Qingjia. Was she overthinking?

“Maybe the dream,” Yu Qingjia said, picturing the knife-wielding woman. “Last time, we tied them together. I’m worried they’ll team up again.”

Ming Yin’s smile vanished, replaced by cold sarcasm. “If they manage to join forces after that scandal and punishment, I’d admire their audacity.”

Both had suffered consequences and likely despised each other. Teaming up would be a feat of shamelessness.

Yu Qingjia was about to reply when Ming Yin released her hand, her expression softening. Turning, Yu Qingjia saw Xiao Lizhi sitting up, the blanket pooled on her lap, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

As Ming Yin passed, her fingers brushed Yu Qingjia’s cheek. When Yu Qingjia tried to return the gesture, Ming Yin had already opened the glass door, back in the living room.

Watching her gently hug Xiao Lizhi, Yu Qingjia huffed with amusement.

Next time, she’d get her back.

Ming Yin had brought Zhizhi to S City early, booking a hotel near the Starlight Film Festival venue, hoping Yu Qingjia could join them for Zhizhi’s birthday. The unexpected confession was a bonus. Her assistant reserved a restaurant, and they took Zhizhi to dinner.

Before leaving, Yu Qingjia disguised herself. Her fame in China made recognition likely, though not guaranteed.

The restaurant was close, a ten-minute drive. Ming Yin led Zhizhi inside, with Yu Qingjia following. The lobby manager recognized Ming Yin and personally escorted them to their reserved private room.

For Zhizhi’s birthday, the menu featured her favorite foods. Ming Yin also ordered a birthday cake with candles, and they sang “Happy Birthday.”

While Zhizhi made her wish with closed eyes, Yu Qingjia swiped some frosting and dabbed it on Ming Yin’s lips.

Opening her eyes, Zhizhi gasped, “Mommy ate the cake!”

Ming Yin, slow to react, saw Yu Qingjia stifling a laugh. Helplessly, she licked the frosting off, pursing her lips. “I was hungry, so I snuck a bit.”

Zhizhi didn’t mind, giggling. “Mommy’s hungry too! Let’s eat cake!”

As Zhizhi cut the cake, Yu Qingjia raised a challenging eyebrow. Ming Yin lowered her eyes calmly, saying nothing.

Yu Qingjia found her sudden coolness odd when she felt a light brush against her leg.

“!”

Shocked, she looked at Ming Yin, who gazed at Zhizhi with composed warmth. If not for Zhizhi being in a high chair, leaving only their legs under the table, Yu Qingjia wouldn’t believe Ming Yin had such a playful side.

It was… kind of thrilling.

…

With the red carpet tomorrow, Zhizhi’s birthday dinner ended early. Back at the hotel, Ming Yin didn’t sneak over for romance after Zhizhi slept. Yu Qingjia rested well, perhaps because she’d shared her worries or gained a girlfriend, sleeping soundly until morning.

For the Starlight Film Festival’s opening, Yu Qingjia was up early for styling. Meanwhile, online discussions about the festival buzzed:

“Look Up Nominated for Asian New Wave, Yu Qingjia Competes for Best Director Again”

“What Does Starlight’s Opening Film Really Mean?”

“Yu Qingjia Spotted with Ming Yin, Romance Rumors Heat Up”

Netizens: Huh? Something weird slipped in there.