Scumbag Woman, But Pampering My Wife - Chapter 43

The atmosphere was tense, like drawn bows and loaded crossbows.

Lin Yuebai stood behind Qin Jue, silently sizing up the man shaking her hand.

He did bear some resemblance to Qin Jue, though their facial features differed significantly—not quite alike.

In the man’s eyes as he shook Qin Jue’s hand, she saw resentment.

An unmistakable hatred lurked in his pupils, with a vertical crease between his brows, likely from years of habitual frowning.

“Let me introduce Lin Yuebai—she’s mine.”

Qin Jue turned slightly, attempting to take Lin Yuebai’s hand but failing, before finally hooking her pinky around Lin Yuebai’s and pulling her closer.

Lin Yuebai, momentarily distracted, quickly flashed a flawless social smile.

Everyone in the estate had heard of Lin Yuebai and greeted her respectfully.

“Miss Lin, your reputation precedes you. It’s an honor.”

Lin Yuebai merely nodded and shook hands, but the man’s earlier gaze lingered on her, prickling her skin like needles.

Qin Jue: “Qin Chenyi, my father’s illegitimate son. He does resemble my father—no wonder the old man dotes on him.”

With unmistakable possessiveness, Qin Jue wrapped an arm around Lin Yuebai’s waist, cutting short any further pleasantries.

Watching Lin Yuebai maintain that perfect smile while exchanging hollow niceties exhausted her.

Ever since transmigrating into this novel, Qin Jue had lost all interest in superficial handshakes and small talk. She saw no value in friendships forged in such settings—they were nothing but a waste of time. She’d much rather hold Lin Yuebai close for a while.

Qin Chenyi’s expression darkened completely before twisting into a forced, half-smile two seconds later. “Qin Jue, there are a few horses you bought in the stables. Father said we should get along better—how about a ride through the woods?”

The hostess of the gathering held a coconut, dressed in a strappy maxi dress that brushed her ankles, paired with flip-flops—as if she were on vacation.

Gong Man raised her coconut. “If Qin Jue doesn’t want to engage with you, stop making a nuisance of yourself.”

Qin Chenyi: “…”

Gong Man strolled over to Qin Jue, casually tossing her another coconut. “Heard you started a venture capital firm recently. Looks like it’s doing well—count me in?”

Qin Jue shook her head. “This isn’t your field. Do some research before investing—if only for the sake of your wallet.”

In the original plot, Gong Man was the antagonist’s partner-in-crime, often bullying the protagonist. She wasn’t inherently malicious—just blindly loyal to the antagonist. They’d grown up together, classmates since elementary school.

If the antagonist liked someone, so did she. If the antagonist despised someone, she did too—like a little shadow.

As cannon fodder, her fate was predictably grim: bankrupted by Lin Yuebai’s retaliation, and with no business acumen to salvage her family’s crumbling empire, she met a wretched end.

Gong Man let out a long whistle, winking at Lin Yuebai. “Saw the news—heard the fake heiress of the Jing family was so humiliated she fled abroad, swearing never to return. Impressive work. Fitting for Qin Jue’s protégée.”

Lin Yuebai’s ears warmed. “It was all thanks to Qin Jue’s guidance.”

Gong Man had originally intended to pull Qin Jue into the study to discuss work matters seriously. Having idled away her time for too long, her family was pressuring her to take over company affairs. Uninterested in this path, she wanted to mooch off Qin Jue instead.

“Not talking work today,” Qin Jue seemed to know what she was about to say and made a stop gesture. “I brought my little one here for a walk in the woods.”

With that, Qin Jue took Lin Yuebai’s hand. “I’m heading to the stables.”

Gong Man curled her lips as she watched Qin Jue pull a Phillips screwdriver from the coconut crate. A cold glint flashed as the stainless steel tool spun between her fingers before being swiftly and precisely stabbed into one of the coconut holes.

After inserting a pink heart-shaped straw, she handed the coconut to Lin Yuebai, careful not to dirty her hands by placing a napkin underneath.

“Tastes good?”

Gong Man cursed inwardly—what a show-off.

And it totally worked.

Lin Yuebai took a sip while walking ahead, then offered the pink straw to Qin Jue. “Want to try?”

Qin Jue brushed aside the loose strands of hair on her forehead and took a sip. The coconut water was sweet and refreshing—it really was delicious.

Lin Yuebai bit down on the straw.

The stables weren’t far. Uninterested in socializing, Qin Jue ignored the greetings from others and picked out two warmblood horses on her own.

“I didn’t expect your family to…”

Qin Jue changed into riding boots and took down a bow from the wall. Testing the recurve bow’s draw, she found it less expensive than the one she’d given Lin Yuebai but still comfortable to handle.

Seated high on her horse, Qin Jue asked, “What about my family?”

“I didn’t expect your family to have such a big illegitimate child. Seems like your position at home is pretty awkward…”

Lin Yuebai’s voice trailed off. Struggling to mount, she only set down the oversized coconut after being reminded.

Finally managing to climb onto the horse, she was relieved that Qin Jue had chosen two gentle steeds. Though her posture was unskilled and she accidentally nudged the horse’s belly, it merely snorted and adjusted to make it easier for her.

Lin Yuebai carried the compound bow Qin Jue had gifted her. Her agent had enrolled her in riding lessons, so she knew the basics, riding side by side with Qin Jue.

Holding the reins with one hand, Qin Jue pondered the task the system had assigned her—to abandon the protagonist in the woods.

How could she exploit a loophole?

A fragile kid like this, left in the woods until nightfall—wouldn’t they be scared to death?

With the drastic temperature swings these days, warm afternoons gave way to freezing nights, a difference of over ten degrees. How could they possibly endure it?

Lost in thought, Qin Jue guided the reins, leading them deeper into the forest.

The sunlight today was perfect, its fragmented rays filtering through dense leaves to cast dappled patterns on the ground.

Qin Jue’s legs pressed against the horse’s flanks as the brown steed trod rhythmically over the leaf-strewn, pebble-laden path.

The sound of hooves echoed through the silent woods, Lin Yuebai’s horse keeping pace beside hers as they rode in tandem.

“Wealthy families are all like this. If the mother is rich, the child will be rich. If the father is rich, the child will have plenty of siblings.”

Qin Jue’s voice was calm, as if she had long grown accustomed to it.

Lin Yuebai’s heart skipped a beat. She had assumed that with Qin Jue’s personality, she must have grown up in an extremely happy family—with loving parents who might have indulged her, or perhaps one strict parent balanced by another who spoiled her doubly, resulting in Qin Jue’s willful nature.

But it seemed she was wrong. Lin Yuebai recalled others’ evaluations of Qin Jue—not a single good word in ten.

Yet Lin Yuebai felt no one in the world could compare to Qin Jue.

Her personality was excellent, her abilities outstanding—like the blazing sun forever hanging in the sky, visible to all but possessed by none.

She was the first who could claim ownership of that sun.

“Daydreaming again?”

The clatter of hooves startled the chattering sparrows on the ground. The little gray creatures flapped their wings and darted to the treetops, chirping protests from the branches.

Beneath the tree, two gray ears perked up from behind a rock.

A wild gray rabbit peeked out cautiously, its long ears twitching as it vigilantly scanned its surroundings. Its ruby-red eyes glimmered in the sunlight.

Qin Jue narrowed her eyes, quietly drawing her bow. Nocking the arrow, pulling the string—her movements flowed seamlessly.

Noticing Lin Yuebai’s gaze, she unconsciously straightened her posture, sitting tall on her horse, her back forming a graceful arc.

The kid was watching her.

Qin Jue held her breath, muscles tensed, her focus locked onto the rabbit.

Amid the noisy birdsong from the treetops, the rabbit seemed to sense impending danger. Just as it was about to bolt—

Twang!

With a sharp whistle, the arrow shot forth like a meteor—!

The steel tip struck the rabbit’s hind leg.

Rabbits don’t usually make noise, but when in danger, they let out a shrill cry!

It tried to flee, but its leg was pinned firmly to the ground, leaving it thrashing helplessly, tufts of fur floating into the air.

“I’ll check it out!”

Lin Yuebai was momentarily spellbound, greedily drinking in the sight of Qin Jue drawing her bow.

Qin Jue’s lips curled unconsciously. “The prey in these woods are all farm-raised—pheasants, ducks, rabbits, and some uncommon mammals. If we’re lucky, we might bag a wild boar.”

“Your aim is good. You should try.”

Lin Yuebai dismounted and grabbed the rabbit by its ears, lifting it up.

Only then did Qin Jue realize how cute the creature was.

“If you’re not used to hunting, forget it…” How could anyone hurt such an adorable bunny?

Lin Yuebai’s eyes sparkled—the kid seemed so easily pleased.

“We can have roasted rabbit tonight! The fur will be useful too. By next winter, I’ll work hard to make you a scarf?”

Qin Jue: “…”

System: “Host, your heart rate is spiking. Should I check for cardiac issues?”

Qin Jue: “…No need.”

System: “Host, you’re blushing.”

Qin Jue coughed awkwardly, though her smile remained tender. “Hang it on the saddle. I’ll roast it for you tonight.”

The system urged Qin Jue to complete her mission, but she muted its voice and guided her horse along the stream, deeper into the woods.

On the road, they spotted several pheasants and wild ducks. Lin Yuebai shot an arrow but only grazed the feathers on one’s wing. The pheasant flapped its wings and flew to a branch, only for Lin Yuebai to shoot again, hitting its wing and sending it plummeting from the sky.

In the original storyline, Lin Yuebai wasn’t written as skilled in archery. Qin Jue felt she had discovered an interesting treasure—her little companion was quite impressive.

Qin Jue only managed to hit a single rabbit before slinging her bow over her shoulder and trailing behind, taking photos of Lin Yuebai.

Then, by the stream, they encountered a wild boar weighing over a hundred pounds. Qin Jue tugged the reins, bringing her horse to a halt.

The boar was highly aggressive, its yellowed tusks long and menacing—clearly dangerous.

The horse shifted uneasily, stamping its hooves. Qin Jue signaled with her fingers for Lin Yuebai to stop.

Still assessing the prey, Qin Jue knew that with such a large target, a single lethal shot was necessary. Otherwise, if enraged, the boar could endanger everyone.

But just then, a sharp whistle cut through the forest—an arrow. It struck the boar’s hind leg, and a bl00d-curdling screech echoed through the trees.

Birds scattered.

The horse startled.

A man emerged from the woods, wearing a helmet and a full hunting outfit. He looked surprised. “Sister, what a coincidence—we meet again.”

When she had first stepped out of the car, Qin Jue hadn’t paid much attention to Qin Chenyi’s features. Now, under the dappled forest light, she could see his face seemed unnaturally elongated, with high, prominent cheekbones that made him appear unapproachable. His sunken features and small, ill-fitting eyes gave him an unbalanced look.

Not exactly ugly, but far from handsome.

Only from certain angles could one see a faint resemblance to Qin Jue.

Her thoughts drifted briefly before snapping back to the system’s task. Just then, the boar charged straight at her. She swiftly adjusted the reins, urging her horse to retreat—

The wounded boar roared, its sharp tusks slashing wildly, reflecting a grimy gleam.

“Qin Jue, watch out!” Lin Yuebai shouted sharply.

Seeing the danger, Qin Chenyi frowned deeply before turning and darting back into the woods, as if afraid of getting hurt. He mounted a motorcycle, ready to flee.

“Stay out of my way.”

As Qin Jue passed Lin Yuebai, she gave her shoulder a firm pat and whispered, “Follow the stream east.”

The entire path Qin Jue had taken followed a small creek deeper into the forest. As long as Lin Yuebai retraced it, she wouldn’t get lost.

Qin Jue knew the system’s judgment had some flexibility. Behind her, the boar rampaged, the sound of snapping branches filling the air. Focused on completing the task, she wasted no time, digging her heels into the horse’s sides to spur it into a gallop.

The boar was fast, but the dense forest also limited the horse’s speed. Lin Yuebai’s face was pale, her fingers trembling slightly on the reins.

In just a few breaths, everyone around her had vanished.

Was that so-called brother of Qin Jue’s trying to harm her?

Lin Yuebai pressed her lips together, a surge of dark thoughts rising in her chest.

How could someone be so stupid?

If you can’t shoot, why come out here to play?

She couldn’t tell if that bastard had done it on purpose or by accident. They had entered the forest in the afternoon, and now the sky was painted with twilight, darkness descending quickly.

The forest at night was perilous. A cold sweat crept down Lin Yuebai’s back.

How is Qin Jue doing now?

Has she been hurt?

Lin Yuebai wanted to grab her phone but found nothing in her pockets. She recalled that Qin Jue had taken her phone when she changed clothes but never returned it.

Lin Yuebai guided her horse along the stream, emerging from the dense forest two hours later, her body swaying slightly, leaves tangled in her hair.

Inside the estate, bonfires burned as people gathered in small groups, drinking and grilling meat.

Nearby, a few were roasting fish by the pond, oblivious to Lin Yuebai’s arrival on horseback.

Only one person noticed.

Qin Chenyi frowned when he saw Lin Yuebai, his already unpleasant expression darkening further.

Qin Jue didn’t come herself—instead, she sent her little lover? Was this some kind of joke?

Lin Yuebai sat atop her horse, looking down at the man who bore some resemblance to Qin Jue.

How could someone with Qin Jue’s features—similar in certain angles—wear such an ugly expression?

She tightened her grip on the riding crop. The rabbit hanging from the saddle had stopped bleeding, its body emitting a faint metallic scent.

“Was this intentional?”

……

After leaving Lin Yuebai, Qin Jue turned and fired an arrow straight into the wild boar’s throat. Within seconds, the beast collapsed with a mournful cry, bl00d gurgling from its wound.

System: “That was seriously badass!”

Qin Jue: “Is the mission complete?”

System: “It will be after sunset.”

Qin Jue said nothing and doubled back, relieved to see Lin Yuebai following the stream home.

To ensure the system’s task was fulfilled, Qin Jue had taken Lin Yuebai’s phone, leaving her with no means of communication.

She shadowed Lin Yuebai until nightfall, watching as the girl finally emerged from the woods before letting out a breath.

System: “Technically, the protagonist didn’t get lost in the forest.”

Qin Jue: “Her sense of direction is excellent—walking over two hours through the woods without losing her way. Is that my fault?”

System: “Well… fair point.”

Sure enough, the system chimed with the mission’s completion.

Qin Jue called for someone to retrieve the boar from the forest. Without proper inspection, its meat wasn’t safe to eat.

Some people hunted wild game for novelty, but Qin Jue had no such inclinations.

By the time she left the forest, over three hours had passed. Without the sun, the cold seeped into her bones. She zipped up her leather jacket and shoved her hands into her pockets.

Gong Man rushed over to take the reins, wailing, “Sis, you’re finally here! I couldn’t reach you at all!!”

She pressed her forehead against Qin Jue’s shoulder, sobbing like a husky.

“You have no idea how terrifying your kid looked coming out of those woods—even I got scared!”

Spotting the hunted boar, Gong Man’s lips twitched before she burst into fresh tears.

“With how pale she was, I thought something had happened to you in there! I was about to call the police!”

“At your speed, I’d be long dead before help arrived.”

Qin Jue chuckled and gently pushed her away. “Did you bully Lin Yuebai?”

Gong Man’s face paled momentarily, puzzled by Qin Jue’s words.

Who would dare bully Lin Yuebai? With that temper of hers…

Recalling the earlier scene, Gong Man shuddered.

Thankfully, Qin Jue had called someone to drag the wild boar away—otherwise, Gong Man would have really called the police to organize a mountain search.

The system announced: “Mission complete.”

“What mission?”

“The ‘bullying the female lead’ mission is complete.”

Qin Jue frowned imperceptibly, her expression unchanged, but Gong Man vaguely sensed that her friend had changed somehow, becoming someone she no longer understood—though she remained as kind to her as ever.

Gong Man pursed her lips. “Your little troublemaker is at it again.”

She waved, and someone brought Qin Jue a plate of roasted rabbit. Glancing at the steaming meat, Qin Jue didn’t take a bite, instead following Gong Man to check on Lin Yuebai.

She watched as Lin Yuebai emerged from the woods—she shouldn’t have encountered any danger.

But the system reported that Lin Yuebai was overwhelmed with negative emotions.

So she had been bullied after all.

Lost in thought, Qin Jue appeared distracted in Gong Man’s eyes.

As Qin Jue moved forward, Gong Man suddenly grabbed her, pressing a finger to her lips in a gesture for silence before yanking her aside.

Qin Jue: ?

Gong Man peeked around the corner, and Qin Jue leaned over to look.

A black horsewhip lashed across someone’s face, and Qin Chenyi let out a piercing scream!

“You crazy b1tch! Do you even know who I am?!”

Qin Chenyi sprawled on the ground, staring at Lin Yuebai with sheer terror, as if facing a deranged madwoman.

“How was I supposed to know Qin Jue was nearby? Even if I wanted to hurt her, I wouldn’t use a damn boar!”

The whip mark on Qin Chenyi’s face burned fiercely. No one dared approach, and the few who tried to mediate were instantly cowed by Lin Yuebai’s glare.

Everyone knew Lin Yuebai was President Qin’s girlfriend.

To promote her, Qin Jue had personally joined the production team as a producer, overseeing every step from auditions to filming.

Rumors said she had invested millions just to endorse Lin Yuebai’s coffee machine. To film Lin Yuebai in a schoolgirl outfit for an ad, she’d even funded a vocabulary-learning device, now distributed to students in partnered schools.

Who could tell whether Lin Yuebai whipping this illegitimate child was her own idea or Qin Jue’s doing?

Lin Yuebai’s grip on the whip trembled slightly. She had told Gong Man that Qin Jue was still in the woods, but there was still no word on the search or police.

Qin Chenyi might look tall and lean, but his body was already hollowed out. Lin Yuebai had seen many like him—young, frequenting shady venues, ruined by drink and debauchery.

“My sister and I are close. If she finds out a kept b1tch like you treated me like this, she’ll make you pay.”

Qin Chenyi had spotted Qin Jue before seeing the boar. Normally, he wouldn’t have risked shooting an arrow—but Qin Jue had been watching…

Qin Jue had only managed to hunt a few wild ducks and a rabbit.

Qin Chenyi had always known this sister of his was incompetent, with a perverse temperament. Relying on their mother’s inheritance in her hands, she looked down on everyone, and those around her actually respected her status, afraid to offend her.

Why?

Qin Chenyi was the only rightful heir of the Qin family.

What right did a woman have to inherit the family business?

Qin Chenyi’s cheek burned with the sting of the slap, cursing inwardly at this madwoman as he watched the black horsewhip rise high again.

Terror gripped Qin Chenyi’s heart as he scrambled backward on the ground.

Lin Yuebai grew angrier the longer she looked at that face, the repeated cries of “sister” ringing in her ears.

She was worried about Qin Jue’s safety.

Never before had Lin Yuebai realized so clearly that her feelings for Qin Jue weren’t entirely driven by pursuit of wealth and fame.

Loving her, wishing her happiness, wishing her freedom, wishing her safety.

She envied Qin Jue for living the life she had always dreamed of, so she couldn’t bear to see any stain tarnish Qin Jue’s world.

Lin Yuebai’s eyes were reddened, and a choked sob escaped her throat—one only she could hear.

The raised whip was caught mid-air by a hand.

Lin Yuebai froze, and the next moment, she was pulled into a warm embrace.

The scent of sandalwood and roses filled her senses as a hand gently stroked her hair.

“Sweetheart, did it scare you?”

Thankfully, her treasure hadn’t been bullied by anyone else. The system’s judgment had flaws—it couldn’t discern the exact cause and effect, only that bullying had occurred and negative emotions had been triggered.

Qin Jue tightened her arms around the trembling figure in her embrace. “The big star is so fierce—I’m a little scared now.”