Scumbag Woman, But Pampering My Wife - Chapter 33

The awkward atmosphere spread through the narrow hallway.

Jing Xin’s face flushed red and pale with anger. She never imagined Lin Yuebai would dare speak to her like this, but when she considered their current positions, a pang of guilt flickered through her.

She had no idea what was happening in the new district, only that Lin Yuebai now stood tall, meeting her gaze directly—completely different from before.

In the past, Jing Xin had held higher status in the industry, with more fans than Lin Yuebai. Being fawned over wherever she went was only natural. But now…

Her pupils trembled slightly as her fingers clenched into tight fists.

Did Lin Yuebai know something?

Instinctively, Jing Xin took a sharp step forward, her knuckles whitening from the force of her grip. The muscles in her face twitched as she forced a strained, half-smile.

“Why are you here? Did you come specifically to see me?” Her voice was tight. “Let me make this clear—even if my parents acknowledge you, don’t expect to get any compensation from me.”

Her expression shifted unpredictably, eyes darting before she lifted her chin in her usual haughty manner, as if looking down on everyone. Yet her body swayed unsteadily, and her throat suddenly felt blocked, as if something had lodged itself there.

“Lin Yuebai,” she said, voice strained, “I think you should cherish the life you have now.”

Lin Yuebai was utterly confused. She had already regretted her earlier words and wanted to smooth things over, but Jing Xin gave her no chance.

Zhuang Lan arrived quickly, stopping at the end of the hallway, frozen in uncertainty.

Zhuang Lan: “…?”

She felt like she had just stumbled onto some major gossip.

A sharp inhale escaped her as she covered her mouth.

Holy sh1t—was this what she thought it was?!

Frantically, Zhuang Lan pulled up photos of Zhang Wen and Jing Yuanjie on her phone. Comparing their features to Lin Yuebai’s, her pupils dilated in shock, fingers trembling against the screen.

Zhuang Lan had decent professional restraint, but when it came to Lin Yuebai, she often found herself cursing under her breath.

Jing Xin tugged at the corner of her lips, attempting a composed smile.

“Lin Yuebai, people should know their limits. You’ve already landed yourself a golden ticket with President Qin—plenty of people envy you for that. You won’t lack advertising or acting opportunities from now on. So why dig into things that don’t concern you?”

Her voice grew quieter, her own words making her increasingly uncomfortable.

In the prolonged silence, only the lonely thud of a heartbeat could be heard.

Jing Xin knew full well that everything she had now was given by her parents. She lacked real talent—what little artistic skill and acting ability she possessed had been bought with her family’s money.

Her parents doted on her, loved her, simply because she was their daughter.

But what if she wasn’t?

Would they regret it? Regret every resource they poured into her?

And then turn to Lin Yuebai with guilt instead?

Jing Xin couldn’t bear the thought. Deep down, she didn’t actually dislike Lin Yuebai.

She was just… terrified.

Lin Yuebai frowned slightly at her sudden silence. “What exactly are you trying to say?”

Jing Xin’s gaze lingered on the pigeon-bl00d ruby pendant hanging around her neck, drawing a slight intake of breath. This was the very necklace she had her eye on, but the brand had informed her earlier today that it had already been reserved for someone else.

She never wanted what others already possessed.

With a haughty curl of her lips, Jing Xin gave her a fleeting glance before silently walking away.

Lin Yuebai: ?

Is she insane?

Turning her head, Lin Yuebai spotted Zhuang Lan standing at the end of the corridor, having witnessed the entire scene. “?” Are you crazy too?

Zhuang Lan covered her mouth in silent excitement, “Darling, do you realize? You’ve just hit the jackpot!”

She hurried over to her “moon,” vigorously shaking Lin Yuebai’s shoulders with both hands,

“Sweetheart, you’re destined for stardom! Success is written in your stars!”

Lin Yuebai: ?

Zhuang Lan had successfully promoted actors before, but everyone had their limits. After working with them for years, she realized their ceilings weren’t particularly high, making it nearly impossible to push them to greater stages.

Being a domestic celebrity with a steady fanbase wasn’t bad—starring in low-skill-requirement dramas and movies could still earn substantial money.

But she sensed something extraordinary about Lin Yuebai.

This was someone without limits.

In every conceivable way.

Lin Yuebai shivered under Zhuang Lan’s intense gaze, which was so fervent it gave her goosebumps. “What did Jing Xin mean just now?”

Suddenly, Zhuang Lan clapped her hands together, cupping Lin Yuebai’s face.

Lin Yuebai: !

Looking left and right, the resemblance was uncanny!

…

In the conference room, Qin Jue leaned back in her plush chair, sipping red tea.

As the quarterly meeting neared its end, it was clear Qin Jue’s attendance—usually absent—was solely to introduce Lin Yuebai to the scene, a reluctant appearance at best.

She had no interest in building a high-end domestic luxury brand, believing the Western marketing strategies for such brands couldn’t be replicated in the local market.

Simply put, she refused to be labeled as peddling mediocre, overpriced products to exploit consumers.

System: “I just monitored the protagonist’s situation—she got publicly berated by a wealthy socialite. She must be devastated.”

Qin Jue set her bone china cup down on the saucer with a crisp clink.

“Excuse me?”

The system replayed the footage.

Qin Jue stepped out of her office, brows slightly furrowed. Did Lin Yuebai already know she wasn’t a Lin but a Jing?

Shouldn’t she be overjoyed?

The system’s emotional readings were unreliable, relying on algorithms to guess the protagonist’s mood—assuming insults equaled misery, and taunts from the villain bred resentment.

Adorably naive.

Emerging from her office, Qin Jue met Lin Yuebai’s dazed stare.

System: “Quick, quick! While she’s vulnerable, mock her! She’ll despise you for kicking her when she’s down.”

The system bounced around in Qin Jue’s mind, waving tiny flowers. “But don’t be too harsh—crushing her spirit might make her give up entirely!”

Qin Jue: “.”

The system peeked its glowing orb from between two flowers.

Qin Jue: “…”

Lin Yuebai’s lips trembled slightly as she stood by the glass wall, clutching a champagne flute in her hand. The sunlight streaming in illuminated her long hair, where her manager had pinned a fully bloomed lily-of-the-valley at its most vibrant.

Zhuang Lan had just been taking photos of her.

The snow-white lily-of-the-valley was considered an auspicious flower, each tiny bell-shaped bloom hanging in clusters, crowded together in an utterly adorable display.

Several executives who had exited the meeting room with Qin Jue paused when they noticed her stop in her tracks.

Qin Jue spoke fluently in the local language, and the people behind her turned their gazes toward Lin Yuebai.

Her foreign pronunciation was melodious. “She’s a very talented actress from our country. You might consider her for endorsements in the second half of the year—I guarantee she’ll bring you unexpectedly impressive results.”

As a shareholder making the recommendation, everyone naturally nodded in agreement, offering Lin Yuebai polite smiles.

Lin Yuebai didn’t understand what was being said, but when she saw Qin Jue approaching alone, she obediently lowered her head.

System: “You’re the villain! How can you give resources to the protagonist?”

Qin Jue: “The protagonist doesn’t understand anyway.”

The system thought about it and conceded, then continued hopping around in Qin Jue’s mind with two little flowers.

Qin Jue: “…” Not the brightest, it seemed.

Lin Yuebai stood meekly beside Qin Jue, her head bowed. The pigeon-bl00d ruby at her neck shimmered brilliantly, radiant and striking.

Qin Jue: “You already know?”

The woman’s light voice came from above her, and Lin Yuebai’s back immediately stiffened, her palms breaking out in a cold sweat.

Qin Jue casually took the half-finished champagne from her hand and took a sip.

The lipstick mark on the rim pressed against Qin Jue’s red lips. Lin Yuebai swallowed, her throat suddenly dry.

The imprint on the glass aligned perfectly with Qin Jue’s mouth—like an indirect kiss between them.

An intimacy only they could decipher.

Qin Jue crossed her arms, gazing down at the well-preserved old city beyond the window.

“Since you know your true identity, you should understand what path lies ahead,” Qin Jue said, her fox-like eyes tilting down to study Lin Yuebai’s obedient face.

“I can lift you to the heavens just as easily as I can send you back to that obscure little village in the north.”

She could raise her to the clouds—or grind her into the mud.

Lin Yuebai immediately clenched her fingers, a complicated but fearless expression flickering across her face.

She was always like this.

Always threatening her, belittling her—yet never following through.

She could have forced her to do anything, but Qin Jue had never once truly harmed her.

Not even once.

Unaware of Lin Yuebai’s thoughts, Qin Jue continued delivering harsh words as the system demanded. “Don’t think that just because you’ve flown up the social ladder, you’re something special. The Jing family means nothing to me.”

She pressed her thumb and forefinger under Lin Yuebai’s chin, forcing her to look up and meet her eyes.

Lin Yuebai lifted her head willingly, showing no sign of resistance.

Like a kitten tilting its head.

Her amorous peach-blossom eyes blinked innocently, the dark tea-colored irises reflecting nothing but Qin Jue’s image.

The corners of Lin Yuebai’s lips curled up slightly, forming a perfect arc, her white teeth faintly visible as she smiled with a playful cuteness. Her eyes crinkled slightly, those amorous peach blossom eyes turning into little crescents.

No one could resist her deliberately charming smile.

She knew Qin Jue was weak for this.

A wave of tenderness rose in Qin Jue’s heart. The girl’s smile was like an invisible hand gently tickling her heart.

The system’s silence was deafening. “Protagonist, something’s not right.”

Qin Jue: “The protagonist should be enduring humiliation to carry out an important mission.”

The system was skeptical: “Really?”

Qin Jue bluffed, “Didn’t you just detect the protagonist being bullied? If she’s not enduring humiliation now, then what is she doing?”

The system: “…” Though something felt off, it must be true, right?

Qin Jue’s ears grew warm from Lin Yuebai’s smile. Her fingers, which had been lightly holding Lin Yuebai’s chin, trembled slightly before she turned away completely.

Lin Yuebai tilted her head in confusion. Unable to see Qin Jue’s expression, she didn’t realize the latter had long lost her stern villainous demeanor.

Qin Jue walked ahead while Lin Yuebai followed closely behind, her little finger hooking onto Qin Jue’s.

“The necklace is so beautiful,” Lin Yuebai’s voice was soft and sweet. “Without Sister Qin Jue, I could only admire others wearing pretty necklaces from afar.”

Her fingers traced the crescent moon engraved in elegant English script on the inner side of the necklace, making her smile even more genuine.

Without Qin Jue, she would never have known who her biological parents were.

Lin Yuebai had long passed the age where she yearned for familial love and didn’t consider it something reliable. Having never experienced it, she felt no particular longing. Yet as a child, she couldn’t help but wonder how nice it would be if her parents loved her as much as others’ parents loved them.

Little Lin Yuebai used to dream: if only her parents hadn’t sent her to Mengzhen Entertainment’s training camp, or if they’d suddenly struck it rich and could rescue her from the endless grueling training like saviors, firing the teachers who denied her meals under everyone’s envious gazes.

But it was all just a wistful dream.

Now, when she no longer needed it, traces of the familial love she lacked were beginning to appear. To Lin Yuebai, this was nothing more than gilding the lily—though it left a soft, melancholic sigh in her heart.

“What did you call me?”

“Qin Jue… sister.”

Lin Yuebai noticed Qin Jue was wearing sheer black stockings under her suit pants today, the dark fabric disappearing into red-soled high heels. The subtle pattern on her tie depicted colorful clouds chasing the moon.

Qin Jue: “…” Sister.

A rare tingling itch spread through Qin Jue’s heart.

“Say it again.”

“Qin Jue sister.”

Qin Jue: “Hmm.”

…

Two days later, at the fashion show they’d planned to attend the previous week, Qin Jue and Lin Yuebai sat in the front row closest to the runway.

Unlike the lavishly dressed domestic and international celebrities on the other side, Qin Jue remained in her business-like suit. Different from men’s suits that exaggerated shoulder width to create an artificial inverted triangle, women’s suits followed the body’s contours more closely, with finer tailoring at the waist and collar.

Qin Jue’s suit incorporated Chinese elements, with a subtle golden fish pattern visible only under certain lighting at the collar. The tie was the same cloud-and-moon design Lin Yuebai had seen before.

Lin Yuebai noticed that Qin Jue reused certain motifs across many outfits—despite owning numerous sets, the patterns remained limited.

She didn’t seem like someone who prioritized fashion in her daily life.

The show hadn’t started yet, and Qin Jue was scrolling through her phone, completely unaware that a staff member across from her had begun live-streaming.

“Ahhh, my girl is really making it big now!”

“Sometimes, you just gotta appreciate the experience—the lighting, the set design… pure money burning right before our eyes.”

“Those two over on the other side look familiar?”

“Shouldn’t the invited celebrities be seated elsewhere?”

“The view from that side looks better, and the people around them seem like management?”

“I think I see Lin Yuebai.”

“Wuwu, it is Little Moon! That moon-white silk gown is stunning—like a Greek goddess descended to earth!”

“Who’s sitting next to Lin Yuebai? They look so close.”

“Wild guess: besties?”

“Did you just crawl out from under a rock?”

“Pffft, since when do besties interlock pinkies during a fashion show? I’m deceased.”

“…Qin Jue, you’re down bad. Who brings bubble tea to a runway show?”

“It’s Moonlight Jasmine—from that new overseas branch last month. Qin Jue, I beg you, stop being so obvious.”

The live chat exploded. Zhuang Lan, seated behind them, watched with wide-eyed disbelief.

Leaning in, Zhuang Lan whispered to Qin Jue, “Boss, you’re trending.”

Qin Jue, mid-data analysis on her phone: “?”

Zhuang Lan glimpsed the fandom check-in page on Qin Jue’s screen: “…”

Qin Jue finally looked up, spotting the camera trained on them. She raised her half-finished drink and flashed a smile at the lens.

Live-stream viewers: !!!!!

Beauty overload.

Lin Yuebai, catching on too late, immediately retracted the pinkie she’d been loosely hooked around Qin Jue’s—

Only for Qin Jue, like some domineering villain, to boldly reclaim it in full view of the audience.

Ever since Qin Jue first wore sheer black stockings under her suit pants, she’d noticed Lin Yuebai’s gaze lingering on her ankles. Testing the theory, she found Lin Yuebai’s attention consistently drawn to the dark sheen.

This time was no exception.

Qin Jue’s mood lifted further. With a smirk, she murmured, “Why pull away? Am I some dirty secret?”

Lin Yuebai: “.”

“No.”

She ducked her head, voice softening into a plea. “No, Sister Qin Jue, I just got startled. I was worried about… backlash affecting you.”

The girl’s eyes shone with sincerity, her thoughts unreadable—but her tone curled like a velvet hook, teasing at the heart.

As the show began, a gaze from the shadows trailed them relentlessly.

Jing Xin stood obscured, watching her parents in the front row fixated on Lin Yuebai.

No one cared for the runway. All eyes were on Lin Yuebai.

Again, she steals the spotlight.

Qin Jue remained oblivious—or perhaps aware, yet indifferent.

“Which gown do you want?”

“They’re all too expensive. If I ever walk a red carpet, my agent will rent one for me.”

Lin Yuebai whispered, “High-end couture is too expensive. It feels wasteful to wear it just once.”

Though her words said she didn’t want it, her eyes brimmed with undisguised desire.

Young girls are all like this—they may speak modestly, but every thought is written plainly in their eyes.

Qin Jue clearly saw Lin Yuebai’s unspoken longing and knew exactly that she wanted her to foot the bill.

The protagonist had needs from her.

Barefaced needs.

Just like all monetary transactions—one party provides physical and emotional value, while the other pays in cash.

Qin Jue was inwardly delighted. Taking advantage of the camera filming someone else, she subtly kissed Lin Yuebai’s cheek, her fingers lightly tracing the curve of her waist before gliding up to her spine, then gently resting on her shoulder blades.

“Shall I stay with you tonight?”

Lin Yuebai mouthed, “Only if you really want to buy me that dress.”

Qin Jue: “I know a wonderful hot spring. Some peach blossoms are already in bloom this season—they look beautiful floating on the water.”

An invitation that couldn’t be more blatant.

Lin Yuebai happily agreed.

She had been waiting for this day for a long time.

She had even prepared wine.

But the post-show activities turned out more complicated than she imagined. Right outside the venue, she bumped into a couple.

Lin Yuebai tightened her grip on Qin Jue’s hand. Staring at the man and woman who bore some resemblance to her, her heart pounded nervously. Like a bewildered kitten, she wanted to hide behind her owner.

Though she had waited so long for this day, she still wasn’t psychologically prepared.

Zhang Wen, arm-in-arm with her husband, smiled warmly. “Hello, President Qin. And this must be Miss Lin? I’ve seen your dramas—you act very well.”

Jing Xin trailed behind her parents with a sullen expression.

“Xinxin, greet President Qin. Goodness, why have you been so quiet lately?”

Jing Xin: “President Qin.”

Her gaze slid past Qin Jue to rest on Lin Yuebai behind her.

Whatever had happened after their encounter in the hallway that day, Jing Xin didn’t look well. These past few days, she seemed sleep-deprived, her face haggard. With makeup on, she exuded the aloof air of an artist.

“Miss Lin, long time no see.”

Jing Yuanjie had serious matters to discuss with Qin Jue. He had long wanted to meet this young president, who was reportedly working closely with domestic appliance brands and had recently invested in CEO Li’s independent venture—now thriving. She herself was planning to establish an investment firm, her career flourishing.

With money and resources, entrepreneurship was easy. Jing Yuanjie had initially dismissed Qin Jue as a spoiled young heiress, inexperienced in business ruthlessness. But her shrewdness and sharp vision left this seasoned businessman impressed.

Qin Jue smiled humbly. “Chairman Jing, since we’ve met by chance, why not join me for dinner? I’ve reserved a restaurant.”

Lin Yuebai had been visibly uneasy since encountering the family. Fortunately, a warm hand never left hers—Qin Jue’s steady presence soothing her restless heart.

Finding authentic southern cuisine abroad wasn’t easy, but Qin Jue had secured a quiet manor. When several hometown dishes were served, Jing Yuanjie’s smile instantly became more amiable.

Lin Yuebai sat beside Qin Jue, her wine glass filled not with alcohol but with orange juice—a distinctly hometown-style choice.

“Yuebai doesn’t drink alcohol. Would you prefer orange juice or coconut milk?”

Under the table’s collective gaze, Lin Yuebai replied softly that either would do, her eyes looking at Qin Jue with utter dependence.

Qin Jue had a small glass of fragrant liquor, though she clearly didn’t enjoy drinking—just barely touching it with her lips, making one wonder if the alcohol even reached her tongue.

As the meal progressed, Jing Yuanjie and Qin Jue discussed work matters, while Zhang Wen naturally steered the conversation toward Lin Yuebai.

Zhang Wen found Lin Yuebai increasingly amiable and kind as she looked at her. “Miss Lin, where are you from? You have such a refined demeanor—does your family run a business? You must be from the south as well?”

Lin Yuebai set down her orange juice, her eyes brimming with warmth.

“You’re too kind. I was born in a rural village up north. My parents have a house there, and I have a younger brother. We own a few acres of poor farmland, though we’re planning to sell it soon.”

Zhang Wen’s smile stiffened slightly, realizing she might have misspoken. “Oh? Why would you consider selling the house and land?”

Lin Yuebai’s smile remained composed, tinged with just the right hint of melancholy. “My brother is a bit reckless. During the New Year, he set off firecrackers and damaged someone’s car. The insurance company is pressing us to pay for the repairs, and now he’s planning to get married. As his older sister, it’s been quite a headache.”

She offered an apologetic smile—one that tugged at the heartstrings.