Scumbag Woman, But Pampering My Wife - Chapter 35

The process of applying medicine didn’t go smoothly. Lin Yuebai didn’t want Qin Jue to erase yesterday’s marks so quickly.

The seafood porridge sat to the side, its tantalizing aroma slowly filling the air. Lin Yuebai’s eyes were slightly red, her lips swollen from biting, and her body scattered with love bites.

Staring at the ceiling, she had to spread her legs apart—an awkward position that somewhat resembled a woman giving birth on a delivery bed.

The person applying the medicine was overly cautious, which only made things worse.

“That’s enough,” Lin Yuebai muttered, pulling a corner of the blanket over her head like a little rabbit burrowing into its hole.

Qin Jue had no intention of stopping. She squeezed a dollop of the transparent gel-like ointment onto her palm, warming it between her fingertips.

“Does it hurt?”

Only after examining the injuries did Qin Jue realize last night had been rougher than intended. Neither had much experience, and despite precautions, some tenderness was inevitable.

In response to Qin Jue’s careful inspection, a foot suddenly pressed against her shoulder, shoving her off the bed.

The slender leg and arched foot were elegant, but before Qin Jue could react, she was already tumbling to the floor.

The usually docile girl had developed a rare rebellious streak.

Staggering slightly, Qin Jue dropped the ointment and had to bend down to pick it up.

“I’m worried about you. There’s a brand dinner tonight—you can skip it if you want.”

She screwed the cap back on and tossed the tube onto the nearby table.

“If you’re aiming for international opportunities, I can introduce you to more endorsements. Those high-and-mighty businessmen won’t dare shortchange you with me backing you.”

Qin Jue rambled on about future work arrangements while Lin Yuebai remained buried under the blanket, occasionally kicking the sheets to show she was listening.

“Prioritizing one thing and neglecting another,” Qin Jue mused with amusement, giving Lin Yuebai’s leg a gentle squeeze. “Alright, get up and eat.”

Lin Yuebai lingered under the covers a moment longer before peeking out.

She longed to stay wrapped in Qin Jue’s warmth, but as soon as she emerged, a steaming bowl of porridge awaited her.

Unlike hotel fare, this was hearty—packed with shrimp, scallops, finely shredded ginger, and scallions. Each spoonful brimmed with protein.

Qin Jue sat on the nearby sofa, holding an e-ink tablet adorned with a moonstone pendant. Her gaze should have been fixed on the documents, but it kept drifting to Lin Yuebai’s lips, glistening with porridge.

Watching her eat was oddly satisfying, stirring Qin Jue’s own appetite.

Lin Yuebai knew how she ought to behave—after her first time, she should appear dazed, then bashful, finally blossoming into a mature, wifely allure.

As an actress navigating high society, she was adept at playing roles.

And indeed, she played this one perfectly.

The girl was only 20 years old, not yet at the age of graceful charm. Her face was flushed like peach blossoms, with shimmering light swirling in her eyes. Even while drinking porridge, those eyes sparkled brilliantly—

as if she weren’t sipping plain congee but swallowing a heart brimming with love.

Qin Jue felt her face grow warm, completely losing interest in the documents in her hands.

The system, through its mosaic detection, noticed bruises and swelling of varying degrees on the protagonist’s body.

The system: “…Even though we’re the villains, you’ve bullied the protagonist way too hard!”

Trembling slightly, it added, “What exactly did you do to her? You better not have actually hurt her—if this affects her growth later, it’ll be a disaster.”

Qin Jue rested her chin on one hand. She had only eaten a little for breakfast, leaving some seafood porridge in the pot, and was now leisurely sipping a hazelnut latte.

The latte had double the usual syrup.

Qin Jue: “As you can see, I really did leave her covered in injuries. She can barely get out of bed now—how tragic. But isn’t this exactly what villains like us are supposed to do?”

The system, completely unaware its host was teasing it, bristled in alarm, its halo practically standing on end.

“But… but QWQ,” it stammered, “this is just too cruel.”

Grudgingly, it warned, “You’d better know your limits. Even a rabbit will bite when cornered. Watch out, or the protagonist might pull a fruit knife from under her pillow and stab you in a fit of rage.”

Unwilling to back down, it muttered, “The protagonist has it hard enough as it is. We just need to be a stepping stone on her glorious path—there’s no need to…” humiliate her to the point of immobility.

Its voice trailed off as it realized it had strayed from the point.

The host was the villain.

Wasn’t bullying the protagonist the whole point?

Yet the system felt an inexplicable discomfort.

“You complain when I complete your tasks, and you electrocute me if I break character. Why are you so hard to please?”

Qin Jue had no intention of teasing the system further. “Relax, I applied medicine. As long as I’m still useful, she won’t stab me.”

Lin Yuebai remained oblivious to the absurd mental exchange between Qin Jue and the system.

After finishing her bowl of porridge, Qin Jue drank half her latte. “You should rest—”

Before she could finish, a rapid knocking sounded at the door.

Zhuang Lan barged in. “Good heavens, why didn’t you return to the hotel last night? Hiding in this remote corner—do you realize you’ve been photographed?”

She grumbled at the door. Normally, she wasn’t the type to panic—before meeting Qin Jue, she’d been the epitome of composure.

But ever since becoming the manager of this unpredictable boss, Zhuang Lan’s temper had grown increasingly fiery.

Qin Jue slid open the wooden door, nearly bumping noses with her manager. She shielded her coffee cup and quickly shut the door behind her.

Though she acted fast, Zhuang Lan had already caught a glimpse of the scattered red marks on Lin Yuebai’s body.

The sight was nothing short of brutal.

At least there were no obvious marks on her neck or face—otherwise, no amount of concealer could hide them, and that would be disastrous.

Zhuang Lan shot Qin Jue a reproachful yet resigned look.

“President Qin…”

Deflating like a punctured balloon, she sighed. “Yuebai is a public figure. Could you show a little mercy? She can bring the company far greater profits. If unsavory rumors spread now, it’ll damage her public image.”

Zhuang Lan knew she should discuss business matters with a business mindset, but she wasn’t sure if Qin Jue would be receptive.

This spoiled rich second-generation heir was accustomed to acting recklessly—what did she care about money when she herself was the biggest capital?

Seeing her agent’s serious expression, Qin Jue felt a twinge of guilt and took a sip of coffee to mask it.

“It’s my fault.”

Zhuang Lan: “…” She didn’t know how to respond.

Zhuang Lan pulled out her tablet. “Yesterday, someone spotted Yue Bai and Zhang Wen holding hands while leaving together. Rumors have started circulating out of nowhere, claiming the Jing family wants to adopt a goddaughter.”

Qin Jue glanced at the trending topics. “Don’t worry, I bought that.”

Zhuang Lan: !!!

She couldn’t understand why Qin Jue hadn’t informed her beforehand. Perhaps her gaze was too accusatory, because Qin Jue added, “Sorry, I was too busy last night and forgot to tell you.”

Zhuang Lan: “…”

That evening’s gala was something Qin Jue had initially wanted to keep Lin Yue Bai from attending. However, the dress sent by the brand suited Yue Bai perfectly, and though her waist was still a little sore, she could move freely without issue. So, she stubbornly clung to Qin Jue’s arm and joined the event.

Qin Jue didn’t like alcohol—the champagne in her glass had been quietly replaced with jasmine tea.

Lin Yue Bai: “Why isn’t your drink bubbling?”

Qin Jue: “…”

Yue Bai wore a mermaid-style gown, its skirt resembling layers of blooming lotus petals, hand-embroidered with crystals and diamonds. From afar, she looked like an innocent little mermaid princess emerging from the waves into the dazzling human world.

She gave her skirt a slight shake and, under the watchful lenses of nearby photographers, sidled up to Qin Jue.

“Sorry, I lost my balance.”

She leaned half her weight against Qin Jue, putting on a flawless performance of delicate fragility.

Qin Jue’s black evening gown was understated in design, deliberately avoiding upstaging her companion while accentuating Yue Bai’s elegance. Together, they made a perfect pair.

Under the gaze of the crowd, Yue Bai’s fingers pressed lightly against Qin Jue’s wrist—she had “stumbled,” leaving Qin Jue to support most of her weight.

“Be careful.”

Suppressing her hidden agenda, Yue Bai murmured, “I’m fine. Sorry, I’m always so clumsy.”

Qin Jue: “I walked too fast. My apologies.”

A faint smile tugged at Yue Bai’s lips. “This dress is too beautiful—someone of my status doesn’t deserve it.”

The gala was also attended by some of the country’s top-tier celebrities, men and women alike, dazzling in their glamour.

Qin Jue swept a glance over them before focusing entirely on Yue Bai. “Why wouldn’t you deserve it?”

In the original novel, Lin Yue Bai wasn’t the type to wallow in self-pity or insecurity.

Qin Jue felt a pang of frustration—how could someone with such a timid personality survive in this cutthroat industry?

The only solution was for Qin Jue to work even harder, securing better resources so Yue Bai could thrive without worries.

Growth was always painful. Qin Jue watched as Yue Bai picked up a glass of wine and approached the circle of A-list stars, bowing slightly to toast them.

System: “What are you standing around for? Go assert your dominance.”

Qin Jue: “…”

The System: “Hurry up, hurry up! Let the influential star who’s the center of attention know that the protagonist is already yours.”

Qin Jue: “…” Do you even realize what you’re saying?

Qin Jue took a sip of jasmine tea from her champagne flute as faint chatter reached her ears from a distance.

“Lin Yuebai… that name sounds familiar? Didn’t a drama air recently with her? It was actually quite good.”

“You must be someone’s plus-one too. They’re strict about identities at these events—not just anyone can get in. How strange that security didn’t stop you at the door.”

“You’re out of the loop. Seems she’s caught Qin’s attention.”

A male celebrity with slicked-back hair smirked suggestively, “Some people from modest backgrounds will stop at nothing to climb up, regardless of their actual qualifications. That kind of determination is almost admirable. Personally, I’d never become some temperamental rich second-generation’s secret lover just for resources.”

His rambling words lacked any real logic.

Before Qin Jue could approach, she heard this seemingly cultured man in silver-rimmed glasses spouting sour remarks with thinly veiled malice.

Lin Yuebai stood nearby holding a champagne flute, her face adorned with a flawless smile that revealed nothing of her true thoughts.

The click of high heels grew closer. The male celebrity who’d been making snide remarks immediately looked up, his expression instantly shifting to one of fawning deference.

“President Qin.”

Qin Jue took another sip of jasmine tea. “I caught the tail end of your conversation. That ‘temperamental rich second-generation’ wouldn’t happen to be me, would it?”

The group of male and female celebrities’ expressions shifted repeatedly. These were people of status who could stir up storms across the internet with just a few words, yet now they huddled together like chicks facing a hawk.

“You misunderstand—that’s not what we meant,” said the man with silver-rimmed glasses, his smile turning more earnest. “It’s an honor to meet you here, President Qin. I’ve long admired you, and finally seeing you in person—”

Qin Jue: “Ah, so you can speak properly after all.”

Her blunt words left the group speechless.

A female celebrity nearby chimed in with equally earnest flattery: “I heard you recently invested in OEM factories to establish your own brand. Such foresight—truly remarkable. I’ve always admired your pragmatic approach.”

It had been a while since Qin Jue had heard such officious praise since transmigrating here.

With an ambiguous half-smile, Qin Jue’s gaze finally settled on Lin Yuebai’s face.

Lin Yuebai tightened her grip on the champagne flute and obediently walked over in her gown.

“I only meant to greet them briefly before returning. My delay has inconvenienced you—that’s my fault.” Lin Yuebai’s expression carried a hint of grievance, though her eyes held something more complex. In full view of everyone, she took Qin Jue’s hand and drank from her glass.

“Let me punish myself with a sip, alright?”

Instead of bubbly champagne, it was rich jasmine tea.

Lin Yuebai’s throat paused momentarily before she gulped down two mouthfuls.

As expected of her.

Qin Jue’s fingers never loosened their grip on the champagne flute. She watched the spot where her lips had just touched, now taken between Lin Yuebai’s.

So subtle, so discreet— only the two of them would ever know.

Qin Jue spoke with practiced courtesy, though her eyes held no warmth: “Yuebai came here with me. If she’s offended anyone, you may address your grievances directly to me.”

“Our Yuebai is still young and new to these circles. Please forgive any shortcomings.” Her arm possessively encircled Lin Yuebai’s waist as she emphasized each syllable of “our Yuebai” with saccharine sweetness that set teeth on edge—more intimate than even bl00d sisters might sound.

“Does your back still hurt?” Qin Jue murmured, her embrace tightening around Lin Yuebai’s slender waist.

Before the gala ended, Zhuang Lan posted several photos from the event to Lin Yuebai’s Weibo account.

@LinYuebai: [photo][photo][photo]
The first two were standard publicity shots. The third showed Qin Jue standing beside Lin Yuebai during social engagements, featuring a recently popular young actor grinning obsequiously in the foreground.

Netizens erupted:
“LMAO isn’t this guy supposed to be the aloof young master type? His smile lines could store rice!”
“Gives me eunuch vibes from period dramas.”
“Moonlight looks divine in that mermaid dress—every step like lotus blossoms!”
“Am I the only one who noticed Moonlight tripping and leaning on someone in the second photo?”
“Checked the guest list—Moonlight wasn’t invited as talent. She entered as an investor’s plus-one.”
“Let’s not pretend ‘plus-ones’ get called ‘good friends,’ sweetheart.”
“Ugh the way she shields Moonlight from toasts? I’m deceased.”

Lin Yuebai’s striking beauty, combined with morning headlines about the Jing family considering her as an adopted daughter, dominated online discussions. Careful media management ensured overwhelmingly positive reception.

——
Their first act upon returning home was a DNA test. Jing Yuanjie and Zhang Wen deliberately chose a private clinic when Jing Xin was absent.

When the results confirmed biological relation, the room fell into heavy silence. Zhang Wen wept uncontrollably as she clutched Lin Yuebai, her trembling body telegraphing unspoken suspicions about Qin Jue’s knowing smile.

She remembered Qin Jue’s words during their private drive: “Yuebai wants neither power nor your fortune. But fate delights in withholding perfection.”

“I’ll speak to Xinxin,” Zhang Wen had offered. “The girls should bond properly.” Qin Jue’s silence left her uncertain.

Now Lin Yuebai stared blankly at the report until Zhang Wen gripped her shoulders.

“Don’t call me ‘aunt,'” the older woman implored. “I’m your mother.”

Zhang Wen tearfully pulled Lin Yuebai into her embrace again. Lin Yuebai felt somewhat bony in her arms—who knew how much hardship she’d endured over the years.

Jing Yuanjie wanted to step forward and say something, but his wife shooed him aside.

“She didn’t come from your flesh and bl00d. What would you know? Step back.”

Jing Yuanjie: “…”

Qin Jue stood with one hand in her pocket, observing everything with detached interest. She’d never been particularly drawn to familial bonds—perhaps because she’d never experienced the warmth of family herself—nor did she consider them something difficult to relinquish. Her gaze met Jing Yuanjie’s briefly, and she gave him a slight nod.

The middle-aged man’s eyes were brimming with tears, which he was wiping away rather awkwardly. Taking the hint, he followed Qin Jue outside.

“President Qin.”

Jing Yuanjie bowed deeply. “If not for you, we might never have been reunited with our daughter in this lifetime.”

As for Xinxin… Jing Yuanjie wanted to have a proper talk with her. The family had watched Xinxin grow up and had long developed affection for her. If the two girls could get along well—being in the same social circles—they could support each other.

Qin Jue didn’t refuse his bow. “I’ll coordinate with the media to make an announcement at the appropriate time.”

Rather than directly buying a trending hashtag to spell out the whole story, it would be better to drop some bait for netizens to dig into.

People always preferred conclusions they’d uncovered themselves.

Jing Yuanjie hesitated before sighing. “Earlier, Yuebai mentioned her younger brother blew up someone’s luxury car. The compensation is at least over two million, and the insurance company is pressing hard.” Those people would resort to any means.

“Although this matter has nothing to do with Yuebai, if it might affect her reputation, we can handle it on her behalf. The car is extremely valuable, so the owner must be in business. With proper communication, we can surely reach a mutually satisfactory resolution.”

Qin Jue stood in the shadows, her smile faint. “No need. The owner doesn’t want Yuebai involved.”

Jing Yuanjie was taken aback. “You mean…?” You’ve met the owner?

Qin Jue: “I am the owner.”

Jing Yuanjie: “…”

He bowed again.

Qin Jue: “It’s fine. The child is a minor. I believe society has many educational methods to ensure he remembers not to destroy others’ property. I’m sure this child won’t stuff firecrackers into car chassis again.”

Jing Yuanjie was furious. “How did that family raise such a… child!”

Were it not for Qin Jue’s presence, he would have loudly condemned their parenting for producing a little beast.

Outside the private medical center, a woman in sunglasses clenched her limited-edition handbag, her freshly manicured nails digging deep into her palms.

Jing Xin vaguely saw through the glass her mother embracing Lin Yuebai while her father bowed to Qin Jue.

Her face pale, she stood there for a long time until her father noticed her at the entrance.

“Xinxin… what are you doing here?”

Qin Jue remained in the shadows, silently observing everything. She had no goodwill toward the woman who had stolen twenty-plus years of privileged life from Lin Yuebai. The Jing family had given her an exceptionally high starting point and the best education.

She possessed the family atmosphere and financial support that countless people could only dream of.

Some people are never satisfied—they think they deserve all the favor in the world.

“Xinxin, please listen to my explanation. What happened back then was very complicated, and we still haven’t fully figured out the details…”

Jing Yuanjie struggled to explain Lin Yuebai’s identity to his daughter. “You and Yuebai were born in the same hospital. It’s possible the nurses mixed you two up at birth…”

“Let’s have a meal together and talk this through properly.”

“You and Yuebai move in the same circles. You could help each other out. I’ve arranged her room next to yours—this way you two can spend time together and build your relationship.”

Qin Jue’s lips twitched speechlessly: “…”

This man who was so adept at navigating business circles had no idea how to handle the more delicate relationships within a family.

The more he spoke, the more mistakes he made.

Even the system listening in was rendered speechless.

Jing Xin forced a bitter smile: “If Lin Yuebai is your daughter, then what am I? An extra piece that doesn’t belong?”

She was the cuckoo occupying the magpie’s nest, someone who shouldn’t have been enjoying this privileged life in the first place. And now her parents were being so magnanimous as to let her continue living in the Jing household, continuing to acknowledge her as their daughter?

Such benevolence, such sincere affection.

Jing Yuanjie panicked completely: “That’s not what we meant…” Their daughter had always been stubborn since childhood – she wouldn’t even look at things others had touched, just threw them away immediately.

Lin Yuebai, noticing the commotion outside, came out supporting Zhang Wen’s arm. Gently wiping away her biological mother’s tears, she said softly,

“Mom, Jing Xin seems upset. Should I not have appeared right now?”

Jing Xin: “…”

Too furious to respond, she turned and left.

Meanwhile, Qin Jue was checking in on a fan forum, leaving a comment on Lin Yuebai’s Weibo from his alternate account.

@MoonlightShinesOnMe: Little Moon’s dress is so beautiful, I just want to bury myself in its folds.