Scumbag Woman, But Pampering My Wife - Chapter 40

Under the moonlight, Qin Jue’s tongue traced the contours of Lin Yuebai’s chest, lapping up every drop of spilled brandy.

The amber liquor meandered across her snow-white skin like rivers and lakes flowing across the earth.

Lin Yuebai let out a few muffled whimpers from her throat, attempting to push Qin Jue away as the camellia tree behind them rustled.

Large white camellia blossoms fell to the ground with dull thuds. Lin Yuebai’s high heel crushed one of the petals as Qin Jue pinned her firmly against the tree trunk.

Lin Yuebai’s eyelashes trembled violently. “Qin Jue, what do you mean by this?”

“You never believed me from the start, did you?”

Qin Jue’s fingers gripped Lin Yuebai’s chin, forcing the pitiful girl to look up at her.

At this moment, Lin Yuebai’s eyes reflected nothing but Qin Jue.

That intense, unwavering gaze ignited an inextinguishable flame within Qin Jue’s heart.

Being admired, being wholly cherished by the one she loved—it shattered any remaining self-control Qin Jue had left.

Lin Yuebai’s lips quivered uncontrollably. The corner of her mouth, bitten by Qin Jue, carried none of the brandy’s distinctive flavor—only the sharp burn of alcohol.

The night wind swept over them, chilling the trails of brandy on her skin, yet leaving her trembling with heat.

“I don’t understand what you’re saying, Qin Jue. Did someone say something bad about me?”

Qin Jue didn’t want to hear her speak, focusing instead on tracing a small patch of her shoulder with her tongue.

The poor young mistress of the Jing family was a mess, drenched in liquor. Even the stray droplets of brandy on her face were kissed away by Qin Jue.

When the alcohol first splashed onto her, Lin Yuebai was reminded of something terrible—the humiliation of her dance instructor throwing ice water on her face in front of everyone for failing to master a move.

That shame still haunted her, but now, an entirely different sensation overshadowed that old darkness.

Qin Jue was different.

Lin Yuebai knew better than anyone how peculiar Qin Jue’s temperament was.

“I just…”

Lin Yuebai’s voice was muffled, her back aching from the rough bark digging into her skin.

Qin Jue’s husky voice carried a rough, textured edge. “I know you just wanted to use my influence. You wanted greater opportunities, more room to grow. I know you’re ambitious. I know exactly what you’re thinking.”

Qin Jue deliberately lowered her voice, blending it with the intoxicating scent of alcohol. Every element combined to leave Lin Yuebai’s mind nearly blank.

Qin Jue wasn’t faring much better herself.

System: “Mission complete. Carry the protagonist back now—don’t let her catch a cold.”

System: “The protagonist is about to cry from frustration.”

Qin Jue thought bitterly that it was all the System’s doing. Otherwise, her little moon wouldn’t be this upset.

Lin Yuebai turned her head away. All her carefully hidden thoughts had been laid bare by Qin Jue, leaving her feeling exposed, as if stripped naked before her.

Her buried ambitions and desires were casually exposed by Qin Jue as if they were nothing significant.

Lin Yuebai clenched her fists. Now, she was starting to feel wronged again.

Qin Jue had spoiled her rotten—she couldn’t tolerate even the slightest grievance.

“That’s not true.”

“What’s not?” Qin Jue draped his suit jacket over her shoulders. “Not scheming against me? Not begging me to take you to Fashion Week? Not asking me to arrange reporters to cover you as the sole heir of the Jing family?”

Lin Yuebai’s eyes were red-rimmed. Suddenly feeling weightless, she instinctively wrapped both arms around Qin Jue’s neck.

No.

Of course not.

What did Qin Jue take her for? Was she some cheap thing anyone could touch?

The young woman sobbed pitifully in Qin Jue’s embrace.

“It’s not like that. I’m not what you think.”

Lin Yuebai didn’t even know why she felt so wronged.

Everything Qin Jue had pointed out was exactly what she’d secretly desired.

Yet the injustice burned in her chest.

Shouldn’t she always be cradled in Qin Jue’s palms, cherished at the very core of her heart?

With childish petulance, Lin Yuebai thought Qin Jue was being utterly unreasonable.

Always so good at bullying her.

Qin Jue carried Lin Yuebai to the guest room, where floor-to-ceiling windows revealed vast stretches of white camellia bushes outside.

A single camellia still clung to Lin Yuebai’s hair.

When placed on the bed, Lin Yuebai refused to let go, clinging to Qin Jue like a drunken child, hiccuping between sobs while clutching her clothes.

“My parents gave me family stocks—I can give them to you. The houses, the cars, I can give you everything. I know you like dining and drinking with friends, I know your expenses are high—take it all, okay?”

Qin Jue couldn’t help but laugh helplessly. What nonsense was this?

Since when did sugar mommies spend their canary’s money?

This kid was truly amusing.

Lin Yuebai cried silently, only tears streaming down—a terrifying sight.

So spoiled.

“I can give you everything. I just… I just care about face. You know I’ve always been shallow.”

The young one demanded hugs, and Qin Jue obliged, settling her comfortably on her lap while patting her back soothingly.

“Sweetheart, no more crying.”

Qin Jue wiped the tears from Lin Yuebai’s eyes with both hands, gave her a thorough bath, then tucked her securely under the blankets.

“Sleep well.”

“Will we…?”

“Not tonight. You’ve had a long day and too much to drink. Rest properly.”

Lin Yuebai didn’t respond, curling up like a kitten under the covers until only her head peeked out.

“I want to.”

“One shouldn’t indulge excessively.”

Despite her words, she yawned drowsily. Though she hadn’t drunk much, her mind was already foggy as she nestled against Qin Jue’s body and fell asleep, curled into a tiny ball that occupied little space.

Qin Jue sat propped against the headboard, holding an e-ink tablet to review the day’s accounts and investment reports.

She gently wiped the lingering tears from the child’s cheeks and pressed a kiss to her hair without disturbing her sleep.

Lin Yuebai slept deeply, breathing in the familiar scent as she unconsciously snuggled closer.

“Qin Jue jiejie…”

She wanted fame, wanted fortune, wanted an impeccable pedigree to stand openly by Qin Jue’s side.

Perhaps it was imprinting—Lin Yuebai clung to Qin Jue with unusual attachment.

When she woke the next morning, the other side of the bed was empty.

Qin Jue had driven away from the hotel at dawn, now sitting in the backseat of her sedan scrolling through Weibo.

Zhong Yi was driving in front. “President Qin, yesterday Miss Lin’s agent came to me and gave me two car keys and a property deed.”

Qin Jue was scrolling through Weibo, monitoring the online public opinion. “What’s the purpose of giving you these?”

Zhong Yi inwardly groaned. “They said it was Miss Lin’s instruction to hand these over to President Qin.”

In the car’s rear storage compartment lay the car keys and property documents.

Qin Jue smiled faintly without changing her expression. “Return everything. I don’t want her things.”

Zhong Yi thought to himself—Miss Lin was quite interesting. After finally being recognized by the Jing family, she was now bringing all the good things they gave her to President Qin, keeping nothing for herself.

The fan group chat was in an uproar:

“So Little Moon is actually a lost young mistress…?”

“No wonder her friend deliberately found Lin Yuebai’s certificates before. I was wondering why they were so tattered, with edges looking like they’d been gnawed by rats. Turns out her adoptive parents never took care of them properly.”

“I heard their son set off firecrackers during New Year and blew up someone’s car. The repairs alone cost several million.”

“Problem children always have problem parents.”

“…So it’s precisely because she wasn’t their biological daughter that they sent her to a training camp at such a young age to prepare for debut—basically for the free room and board.”

“I always thought Lin Yuebai lived quite frugally. Didn’t expect there was a ‘Yaozu’ (Glory to Ancestors) at home.”

“I just checked the court documents website. Their son isn’t named Yaozu—it’s Youzong (Bless Ancestors).”

“I’m laughing even harder now…hahahaha if you’re uneducated, don’t try naming people. Were they asking ancestors for blessings or blessing the ancestors?”

After finishing data tasks with her alt account, Qin Jue tossed her phone aside. She’d never had a habit of browsing Weibo—if not for Lin Yuebai, she probably wouldn’t even have downloaded the app.

Zhong Yi reported from the front, “The ads for the Cat Vocabulary Device have all been placed. We’ve also partnered with some universities to help with promotion.”

Qin Jue picked up a white cat-printed vocabulary device and began studying Russian.

The heavy industry there was decent, but light industry had room for improvement, leaving some market gaps. Li Shilai’s factory previously had some connections there. Now they could shift focus northward, and establishing a new brand could be put on the agenda.

Massaging her throbbing temples, Qin Jue remembered drinking some alcohol yesterday—her head still ached slightly. She hadn’t had coffee this morning, disliking excessive caffeine as it accelerated her heartbeat and affected work efficiency.

Popping a fruit candy into her mouth, Qin Jue crushed it between her teeth.

“Yuebai has a sensitive stomach. Have someone send easily digestible meals to the film set. Clear her schedule two days from now—I’ve arranged an ad shoot for her.”

“Yes, boss.”

……

Hotel room.

Lin Yuebai lay on the vast empty bed, the sheets long gone cold beside her—her companion had left hours ago.

Peeking just her head out, Lin Yuebai rolled over longingly, wrapping herself into a sushi roll and burying her face completely in Qin Jue’s pillow.

She inhaled the faint scent of sandalwood and roses that lingered.

Though they used the same essential oils, temperature affected fragrance dispersion—

Making Qin Jue’s scent uniquely her own.

Qin Jue had seen through all her little schemes.

Yet still chose to keep Lin Yuebai by her side.

Lin Yuebai let out a muffled laugh. Her fingers brushed against a pristine, blooming camellia flower on the bedside, reminding her of the moment beneath the camellia tree when Qin Jue had kissed the brandy off her skin.

Her bones had melted then, certain she’d be devoured whole.

Yet Qin Jue had warned her, “Don’t become addicted to this.”

Qin Jue was no saint either—what kind of proper person would pour liquor down her collar?

And now here she was pretending to be virtuous, preaching about not getting addicted.

Burying her face in the pillow, Lin Yuebai laughed even harder.

A knock came at the suite door. Zhuang Lan entered with her keycard to find Lin Yuebai cocooned in blankets, pretending to be a silkworm.

“There’s a coffee machine livestream today. The venue’s ready—I’ll take you to makeup.”

Zhuang Lan scanned the room, relieved to find nothing out of place except faint friction marks on Lin Yuebai’s back.

At least she’s unharmed.

Zhuang Lan exhaled, having guarded against Qin Jue like a thief.

That woman truly was shameless.

Never one to laze in bed, Lin Yuebai changed and soon found herself face-to-face with Jing Yuanjie in the hotel lobby.

Noticing his daughter’s tired eyes, Jing Yuanjie asked, “Didn’t sleep well last night?”

“A little wine,” Lin Yuebai replied with a faint smile as Zhuang Lan greeted Jing Yuanjie politely, silently urging her toward the waiting car.

Jing Yuanjie studied this unfamiliar child with complicated emotions, thoughts drifting to Jing Xin—still missing abroad without a word.

The old chairman’s heart ached for Lin Yuebai’s twenty years of wandering, wanting to compensate her lavishly, yet still concerned for the girl he’d raised.

Sugar cane never tastes sweet at both ends—a truth he understood better than anyone.

“About you and President Qin…”

Rumors said Qin Jue publicly called herself Lin Yuebai’s close friend.

What nonsense! The woman might as well wear “girlfriend” on her forehead—her behavior was neither proper nor discreet.

While having Qin Jue’s backing benefited the vulnerable Lin Yuebai in their circles, that woman made for difficult company despite her business acumen.

Yet Jing Yuanjie now held the 20% stake she’d gifted yesterday…

All his conflicted feelings condensed into a sigh as he patted Lin Yuebai’s shoulder.

“Your Weibo mentioned an afternoon livestream. Would buying more endorsed products help your earnings?”

“Thank you for caring, Father, but inventory likely can’t meet demand. No need for special purchases.”

Without elaboration, Lin Yuebai entered the idling van, leaving Jing Yuanjie alone beneath the hotel awning.

A perfect daughter… if only she felt like his own.

Loneliness flickered in his eyes. He’d occasionally noticed Jing Xin’s dissimilar features and temperament, but who could’ve guessed she wasn’t his flesh and bl00d?

“Chairman, the wind’s picking up—please come inside.”

“Notify staff to support Yuebai’s livestream this afternoon.”

Jing Yuanjie was watching his daughter’s live stream for the first time, having deliberately timed it to wait in front of his computer.

…

System: “New mission incoming. Excited? Happy?”

Qin Jue was in the middle of a meeting, idly twirling a gold-nibbed fountain pen between her fingers.

“Why would you think I’d be happy?”

The system naturally assumed that a villain like Qin Jue, who had no qualms about bullying the protagonist, would jump at any legitimate opportunity to do so. How could a villain not be happy about this?

Qin Jue seemed to read the little glowing orb’s thoughts. In her mind, she pinched the tiny orb, making it squeal in protest.

“As the malicious villain, your task is to disrupt the protagonist’s live stream and humiliate them publicly. This includes but is not limited to: intentionally damaging endorsed products, deliberately putting the protagonist in an awkward position, causing disruptions, and interfering with the live stream process.”

Sitting across from Qin Jue was a Russian woman—blonde, blue-eyed, and with the naturally lean physique characteristic of her ethnicity that required no extra effort to look striking. Her presence at the conference table was imposing.

Qin Jue, who was quite tall herself, leaned back in her chair and leisurely took a sip of cola.

While everyone else at the table had a proper cup of tea in front of them, Qin Jue was the only one drinking cola—a display of both her rebelliousness and her distinct personality.

Originally, Qin Jue had intended to drink black tea, but the system had thrown a tantrum, demanding cola instead. After just a few sips, the rest was devoured by the little glowing orb.

“Ms. Qin, your boldness is admirable. I’d love to buy you a drink tonight,” the blonde woman said as she stood up, removing her gloves to shake Qin Jue’s hand. Her fingers lingered just a little too long, brushing against Qin Jue’s palm.

Qin Jue met her gaze, her smile polite and restrained as always. “I’m afraid I have plans this afternoon. Perhaps my secretary could show you around Nan City instead?”

Her Russian was flawless, as if she had spoken it all her life.

Li Shilai couldn’t help but look at Qin Jue with newfound admiration. Despite the rumors about this rich second-generation heir, working with her revealed her undeniable competence.

Just as the Russian woman was about to leave, Qin Jue’s phone lit up with a notification. The woman paused, her eyes catching a glimpse of the beautiful girl on Qin Jue’s lock screen.

The girl stood beneath a white camellia tree in the darkness, her gaze hazy as if she were sobering up. A sliver of moonlight bathed her, making her appear ethereal and otherworldly—like a spirit hidden among the flowers on a moonlit night.

Restrained, yet impossible to ignore.

Noticing the lingering gaze, Qin Jue smiled. “Pardon me. That’s my girlfriend. Beautiful, isn’t she?”

She openly displayed her lock screen. “She’s mine.”

Everyone: “…”

No one asked.

“She’s hardworking and talented. Perhaps all she needs is the right opportunity to soar. And I’m willing to give it to her—just like how we’re turning things around for Director Li’s factory. Bad luck before, but now fortune favors us. Everything is moving in the best direction.”

The Russian woman wasn’t much for small talk. While she was articulate in business discussions, she struggled with lengthy pleasantries and could only nod repeatedly, impressed by Qin Jue’s eloquence.

System: “…You actually managed to spin that.”

Qin Jue was a person with remarkable charisma. The Russian woman’s sapphire-blue eyes lingered on her. “You look great in a suit—even better than in a dress.”

Before leaving, the Russian woman brushed past Qin Jue and whispered in her ear, “You speak our language beautifully. Your tongue must be very nimble.”

Qin Jue’s smile remained unchanged, exuding effortless elegance. “Thank you for the compliment. My girlfriend often says the same.”

The Russian woman: “…”

Her flirtations had fallen on deaf ears.

Qin Jue needed to hurry to complete her system-assigned task. As she reversed the car into the parking space, rain began to patter outside again—a seasonal downpour was always necessary during transitional weather.

Bean-sized raindrops hammered against the car windows, creating an intimidating sight.

Qin Jue wasn’t annoyed. She rather liked the damp scent of rainy days.

However, what she was carrying couldn’t get wet, so she left it in the backseat—a long, tightly wrapped box adorned with an elaborate satin bow.

Umbrella in hand, Qin Jue headed upstairs where the livestream had already begun.

“President Qin, our Yuebai is still broadcasting. Please wait here for now.”

Zhuang Lan blocked Qin Jue’s path. “The stream has another hour and a half left. Let me get you some tea.”

The sight of Qin Jue immediately put Zhuang Lan on edge.

Qin Jue smiled agreeably. “Thank you, though I don’t usually drink tea in the afternoon. Perhaps you could fetch me a caffeine-free drink from downstairs instead?”

Accustomed to the CEO’s health-conscious habits, Zhuang Lan nodded warily. “Of course, right away.”

The moment Zhuang Lan stepped out, her sense of foreboding intensified.

She rushed back to the studio only to find Qin Jue adjusting her slightly rain-dampened blazer—a relaxed fit that should have been formal but looked effortlessly casual on her. The Cuban collar fell just right, revealing a glimpse of décolletage and the upper curve of her collarbones.

The bold maroon blazer was actually brocade, woven with cloud and moon patterns upon closer inspection.

Zhuang Lan’s mouth twitched. Her worst fears had materialized.

President Qin was here to cause trouble again.

On the white table between host Lin Yuebai and the interviewer sat a coffee machine. Lin Yuebai cradled a freshly made oat milk latte, its distinctive aroma blending with the foam into an exceptionally sweet fragrance.

System: “Viewership just broke 200,000. Host, don’t go too far—I’ll go easy on your penalty, okay?”

The system was nervous. This stream could impact Lin Yuebai’s future commercial opportunities.

If Qin Jue did something outrageous enough to jeopardize future endorsements, the system was already panicking at the mere thought.

Noticing movement behind her, Lin Yuebai turned to meet smiling eyes framed by rimless glasses. Through the thin lenses, she saw her own reflection mirrored in those eyes.

The chat exploded with frenzied spamming—”AAAAAAAHHHH IT’S HER BESTIE!!!!”

Qin Jue rested a hand on Lin Yuebai’s shoulder, her neatly trimmed nails showing natural pink hues without polish.

Lin Yuebai’s ears flushed pink to match.

Qin Jue: “As an investor in this brand, I’m honored to have Yue Bai as our spokesperson. Since I happen to have time today, why don’t I demonstrate how to use this home coffee machine for everyone?”

The host was momentarily stunned, but with professional composure, immediately yielded the floor to this President Qin.

Her oversized red blazer was strikingly eye-catching, with sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Her distinctively bony yet powerful fingers operated the machine as she placed a bone china coffee cup inside. “Personally, I prefer sweet drinks. How about a mocha?”

Qin Jue’s voice sent Lin Yuebai’s thoughts adrift. She watched as Qin Jue pulled a shot of espresso, added milk, chocolate, and cream, then skillfully drew a tiny heart in the foam.

“Blah blah blah I don’t understand, but sister’s hands and voice are so white—no wait, so beautiful, so pleasant to hear… (language system malfunction)”

“How is it already sold out? Don’t you know to prepare more stock when going live??”

“Some rich fan just dropped 100 depth charges at once—must be a shipping fan, right?”

“Ever since her good friend arrived, Little Moon’s gaze has been glued to her, those eyes practically spinning heart-shaped sparkles lol”

Qin Jue’s hands trembled slightly as she held the coffee cup, making the latte art heart quiver like a wispy cloud drifting into this confined space.

“Yuebai, taste this for me?”

“Okay.”

As Lin Yuebai took the coffee, their fingers brushed—and then the accident happened.

The sound of shattering porcelain followed.

The hot latte spilled entirely onto the maroon suit, not a single drop staining Lin Yuebai’s pale dress.

The rich aroma of mocha rampaged through the spacious room, one droplet splashing onto the tip of Lin Yuebai’s eyebrow.

System: “Mission complete! The protagonist looks shocked—she must think you deliberately sabotaged the livestream!”

Off-camera, Qin Jue mouthed silently, “Can’t even catch properly? Clumsy. Hurry up and clean this.”

Lin Yuebai swallowed hard. “President Qin, the coffee you made smells wonderful.”

Producing a handkerchief, Lin Yuebai pressed it against Qin Jue’s abdomen, feeling the toned muscles beneath the fabric. Her face burned crimson.

“My apologies, I wasn’t holding it steady.”

Qin Jue smiled faintly. “My fault.”