Oops, I’m the Scumbag Ex in Her Storyline - Chapter 21

At exactly 4:30 p.m., Xin Yan arrived at the university gate.

She was still driving that flashy sports car—only this time, the convertible top was down. One hand rested casually on the door, the other on the steering wheel. She didn’t even need to look—she just knew she looked cool as hell.

It had taken days, but finally, she was enjoying the perks of being a bossy CEO type.

Admittedly, the pose was a bit tiring. After thoroughly basking in her own awesomeness, she eventually retracted her arm, sitting properly again. Her eyes never left the school entrance. Student after student poured out the gate, and then—finally—her retina caught a flash of red.

Instantly, Xin Yan’s expression lit up. She lifted her right hand and tapped her fingers together in a quick motion—like a talking duck beak. It was meant to signal to Bei Lanlan to spot her faster.

Totally unnecessary. With this car, not seeing her would’ve taken effort.

Lanlan quickened her pace and soon reached the car. The entire way, she could feel people staring at her. Not just looking—but whispering to their friends afterward. Judging by their expressions, they probably weren’t saying anything nice.

Inside the car, Xin Yan frowned as she watched through the window. Her expression softened only when Lanlan got in.

She smiled and leaned over, helpfully fastening Lanlan’s seatbelt.

Lanlan blinked, momentarily stunned. She hadn’t expected that. Xin Yan’s body was just inches away, her breath brushing against Lanlan’s ear like silk. Then it vanished, and the seatbelt clicked into place. Xin Yan returned to her seat like nothing had happened.

Lanlan sat stiffly, and from the corner of her eye, she noticed a few classmates gaping at them. She recognized them—they had class together today.

Lanlan never brought up her marital status herself, but if anyone asked, she wouldn’t lie. She wasn’t afraid of people knowing about her relationship with Xin Yan. Still, this kind of exposure—the suggestive kind—made her uncomfortable.

Because… it wasn’t like that between them. Not as close as it looked.

Just then, Xin Yan’s voice broke through her thoughts:

“First day of class—how was it? Are you adjusting okay? Were the lectures hard? How are your classmates? Did you eat in the cafeteria? Was the food any good?”

That was… a lot of questions.

Lanlan thought, “You’re asking too much,” but what she said was:

“I’m adjusting fine. The content is mostly textbook stuff, not hard. I’m a transfer student, so no one knows me and I don’t know them. The cafeteria was packed at noon, so I didn’t go.”

Xin Yan paused. “Then what did you eat for lunch?”

“I got a sandwich from the convenience store,” Lanlan replied.

Xin Yan: “…”

Her expression twisted in frustration. Sandwiches were already barely passable for breakfast—lunch? That wasn’t remotely nutritious.

Sensing this, Lanlan had a sudden stroke of inspiration. Before Xin Yan could scold her, she quickly added, “And a yogurt. Plus a box of cut fruit.”

Still not good enough.

Even with those additions, Xin Yan felt it didn’t qualify as a proper meal.

“If the cafeteria’s too crowded, you could eat outside—or I could have someone deliver your lunch. Just don’t eat like that again. You’re already thin enough. Any thinner, and I could string two sticks together and use you as a shadow puppet.”

Lanlan: “…That’s way too dramatic.”

Xin Yan wasn’t having it. She stuck to her opinion firmly. As she backed out of the parking spot, she said, “Anyway, enough about that. I need to let you know—I’m not coming home again tonight. But we can have dinner together. I booked a restaurant. After dinner, I’ll drop you off and then head out.”

Lanlan asked, “Where are you going?”

Just hearing the question made Xin Yan sigh. “Back to the place where the party was last night. An Zhiyuan said I have to apologize to the host. I didn’t want to go today, but he insisted. Said if I wait any longer, it won’t mean anything.”

Lanlan relaxed a little upon hearing that. “I think Assistant An is right.”

Xin Yan blinked. “You think so too?”

Lanlan nodded. “Going today shows sincerity. Going later feels performative.”

Xin Yan: “…”

She let out a long, exaggerated sigh. “Fine, fine… I’ll go.”

At a red light, Xin Yan suddenly had a thought. She turned to Lanlan and said, “Why don’t you come with me?”

Lanlan blinked. “Me?”

“Yeah,” Xin Yan said, “you.”

Lanlan looked puzzled. “Didn’t you not want me to go?”

“I didn’t want you going yesterday,” Xin Yan explained. “The house was packed then. But today, those people won’t be there. And bringing my wife along to apologize? That’s definitely sincere, right?”

Lanlan: “…”

Part of her was mildly annoyed at being used to impress others. But another part felt a strange discomfort when Xin Yan called her wife.

When she heard that word, it was like an electric jolt shot through her chest—so fast, she didn’t even have time to feel it before it left her frozen and numb.

She didn’t respond. Just stared at Xin Yan in stunned silence.

The light turned green. Xin Yan started driving again. She glanced between the road and Lanlan, getting increasingly pleased with her idea. Lanlan wasn’t objecting—so she must be okay with it.

Smiling, Xin Yan added, “You really picked the perfect dress today. Adubo loves cheerful, youthful types like you. But… your hairstyle doesn’t quite match the outfit. Conveniently, there’s a salon near the restaurant. Since Adubo won’t be free until late, we’ve got time. Why don’t we get you a new hairstyle?”

Her tone was casual, but Xin Yan was not good at hiding her feelings. Every ounce of hope and cautious anticipation was written plainly in her eyes—just like when she’d asked Lanlan to go out shopping for new clothes.

Lanlan recalled what Xin Yan said the night before—about wanting her to make some changes. She bit her lip, looked straight ahead, and softly murmured, “Okay.”

That response made Xin Yan beam.

She wanted to erase everything about Lanlan that was connected to Jing Chu. Clothes were the first step. Hair was the second. The reason students were gossiping earlier probably had to do with Lanlan’s hairstyle—it strongly resembled Jing Chu’s iconic French waves from her early years.

Jing Chu no longer wore that look, but back when she did, it had earned her international awards and cemented her image as a renowned pianist. That style was etched deeply into people’s memories.

Looking similar was one thing—but looking like a copy? That was different.

Changing Lanlan’s hairstyle was a good move. No matter what she picked, Xin Yan was sure she will like it.

What Xin Yan did worry about was Lanlan choosing a new style based on her (Xin Yan’s) preferences—like she had when buying clothes.

Thankfully, Lanlan didn’t do that.

She flipped through the stylist’s sample book, pointed to one picture, and said, “I want this one.”

Xin Yan leaned over to look—and froze. It was tight, bouncy curls. Commonly known as: instant noodle hair.

Xin Yan: “…”

Well… it’s got that messy-chic aesthetic going on. And with Lanlan’s petite face, it might even look cute…

She was still trying to convince herself when Lanlan turned to the stylist and asked, “Can you dye it cream blonde?”

Xin Yan: “…”

No, you cannot! Then it’ll really look like ramen noodles!!!