I Am the White Moonlight that the Former Movie Queen Secretly Loves - Chapter 6
Qi Sijia fell ill the next morning. After getting drenched in the winter rain and downing several ice-cold popsicles upon returning home, her already frail constitution couldn’t handle the abuse, and she came down with a cold.
The next day, she was jolted awake by a call from Wei Yunfang.
Her nose was clogged, her breathing labored, and her voice barely recognizable—hoarse and raspy.
She managed a weak, “Mom?”
“The development zone where you live is scheduled for demolition next month,” Wei Yunfang said. Surrounded by her team as she prepared for court, she took the case files handed to her by her assistant and wedged the phone between her ear and shoulder.
Her tone, still sharp from work, carried an unintentional sternness as she continued, “I bought you a place a few days ago—Orange Sea Villas in the Third Ring. It’s a bit more modest than what Qi Jun picked out, but you’ll need to come by sometime to finalize the transfer.”
Wei Yunfang’s idea of “modest” was only slightly less extravagant than Qi Jun’s financial reach. While not the most expensive property in Ningcheng, Orange Sea Villas were nearly impossible to acquire—boasting prime surroundings, top-tier amenities, and neighbors who, despite their unassuming appearances, were often highly accomplished intellectuals.
Qi Sijia was about to mention she had already bought a place when Wei Yunfang cut her off, decisively settling the matter: “Once you decide when to move, I’ll send Xiao Zhou to help you.”
Wei Yunfang had been thriving in Beicheng over the years, but with a case taking her to Paris this week, she couldn’t return to Ningcheng to assist.
Besides, Ningcheng was Qi Jun’s territory, and Wei Yunfang had little patience for dealing with him. As a result, her interactions with Qi Sijia had grown sparse.
Recalling that the last haute couture gown she’d brought Qi Sijia was half a year ago, she added, “Not sure if your measurements have changed, but the head designer from Paris Fashion Week is collaborating with me. I’ll have her personally tailor a few pieces for you when I’m back.”
Qi Sijia, who spent her days at home in loose pajamas and opted for casual wear even when going out, had last year’s haute couture still gathering dust in her closet.
Truthfully, Qi Sijia had little interest in the lavish gifts from her parents.
But over the past five years, whether out of guilt or a desire to make amends, both Wei Yunfang and Qi Jun had been showering her with expensive presents and money at every opportunity.
Compared to Qi Jun, Wei Yunfang at least put personal effort into selecting gifts—though most of them ended up unused, collecting dust in Qi Sijia’s home.
Knowing refusal was futile, Qi Sijia didn’t waste her breath.
Her nose stuffed and voice thick, she muttered a half-hearted, “Thanks.”
“No need for the transfer. I just bought a place at Century Court yesterday and plan to move soon.”
“Fine. If you don’t want to live there now, we’ll keep it under your name for the time being,” Wei Yunfang replied before belatedly noticing the strain in Qi Sijia’s voice. “You’re sick?”
“A little.”
But on closer listen, Qi Sijia’s voice was so rough it barely functioned—clearly more than just “a little.”
Wei Yunfang stopped flipping through the documents. Her hair was pulled back in a sleek bun, her professional attire immaculate. With a cold expression, she motioned for her assistant to go ahead while she stepped aside.
“Is this how Qi Jun takes care of you?” she demanded. “All these years, I thought he and I were on the same page—that we’d both make time, unspoken but understood…” Her voice trailed off abruptly.
They had turned their marriage into such a spectacle, a grand and tumultuous confrontation, without ever considering Qi Sijia’s feelings.
As a result, Qi Sijia now suffered from palpitations in crowded places—something they were undeniably responsible for.
Every mention of the past reopened old wounds.
Wei Yunfang and Qi Jun had never been good spouses, let alone good parents.
After the incident five years ago, the consequence was that Qi Sijia could no longer function normally in social settings. Both Wei Yunfang and Qi Jun had felt regret, but expecting them to change their personalities or halt their careers was impossible. There was no other way but to take things slowly.
Even though they had been divorced for years, their shared goal of compensating their daughter remained. Yet, neither of them was particularly attentive.
And now, Qi Jun had remarried.
Wei Yunfang said, “No, I’ll come over right after court.”
Qi Sijia cut her off: “Don’t!”
What she really wanted to say was that there was no need for mutual awkwardness.
But the words would have been too harsh. Besides, if Wei Yunfang came, it would inevitably lead to a lengthy mother-daughter heart-to-heart. Their bond had already faded years ago, and Qi Sijia had nothing to reminisce about with her.
Not wanting to be disturbed, Qi Sijia called out, “Mom,” hoping to dissuade Wei Yunfang.
“I’m fine on my own. I’m planning to start working soon.”
On the other end of the line, Wei Yunfang’s grip loosened, and her phone clattered to the ground.
She knelt, bending to pick it up, but didn’t straighten for a long moment.
Leaning against the wall, her limbs trembled slightly as she struggled to contain her emotions. “Good. It’s good that you’re willing to move forward.”
“I’ll respect your decision.”
Wei Yunfang fought back a sob. “I won’t come. Once you’re better, you can fly over to see me.”
Unsurprisingly, there was no response. Wei Yunfang patiently added, “Or I’ll come to you.”
–
After hanging up, Qi Sijia slept for another hour before finally sitting up in bed. She picked up the beige casual pants she had taken off the day before and turned them right side out.
Just as she was about to put them on, a business card fell out.
–
“Excuse me?” SA thought she had misheard. She double-checked the number, confirming it was indeed the wealthy client who had bought a property through her just yesterday.
Unable to believe it, she asked again, “You want me to find you a cleaning job?”
“Yes,” Qi Sijia replied. “Do I need to interview?”
“N-no, no, not at all,” SA stammered, utterly bewildered.
Countless questions raced through her mind. Why on earth would a multimillionaire suddenly decide to compete with middle-aged cleaners for a job?
But professionalism kept her from voicing such an indelicate question.
Instead, she tactfully said, “You can specify your salary expectations and preferred work location.”
“I don’t have any requirements,” Qi Sijia answered indifferently.
Her quick response only deepened SA’s unease. “The property you purchased yesterday happens to have an opening. But just so you know, cleaning is physically demanding—daily maintenance of two residential buildings and public recreational areas. Would that be acceptable?”
Having already committed to “stepping outside,” Qi Sijia wasn’t one to go back on her word.
“No problem.”
Still skeptical, SA reconfirmed several details before finally notifying her:
“You can start next week.”
Actually, SA didn’t know that being a cleaner was the most suitable job Qi Sijia could find after careful consideration. Firstly, even if she wore a mask and appeared fully armed, no one would find her strange.
Secondly, Qi Sijia went out to find a part-time job not entirely to change her state but because she had to go out and exercise.
Over the past five years since giving up her screenwriting career in the U.S., she had been working as a full-time writer in Huangjiang. During these years, she had actually earned quite a bit from copyrights. However, long-term full-time work, reversed sleep schedules, lack of exercise, and high-pressure output had taken a severe toll on her health.
Just like an overweight cat, prolonged inactivity would lead to weakened and degenerated bones.
Qi Sijia hadn’t given up on herself—she just couldn’t engage in social relationships.
Occasionally, she would spare some time to do volunteer cleaning work for a few days, which didn’t require interacting with people.
In terms of work experience, she was actually quite seasoned.
After hearing Qi Sijia’s impressively professional resume for a cleaning job, SA bit her fingers, momentarily feeling as if she were helping a state-owned enterprise recruit a Ph.D.
So professional.
So serious.
All that was missing was a VCR self-introduction to make it perfect.
As if possessed, she voiced her thoughts aloud, and her cheeks flushed crimson immediately after.
Hearing this, Qi Sijia didn’t get angry at all. Instead, she nodded quite seriously and said, “That’s easy. Just wait a moment.”
SA felt like crying: …
A wealthy woman who could even make a VCR—why on earth would she compete with cleaning aunties for jobs?
This was terrifying.