Scumbag Woman, But Pampering My Wife - Chapter 55

Qin Jue’s wrist had improved slightly after several days of rest, though she still couldn’t lift anything.

It wasn’t until a few days after returning to the country that Qin Jue remembered she had forgotten something important.

Leaning back on the sofa, she watched Lin Yuebai attempt acupuncture on her, mimicking the technique from an instructional video. The golden needles were thin, and their pricks were barely noticeable.

Qin Jue wasn’t sure if the placements were correct—they seemed slightly off compared to the video.

Lin Yuebai: “Don’t move. You might mess up the alignment.”

Qin Jue: “…”

It was already off.

Lin Yuebai pressed several spots on her wrist, claiming they were acupoints, but Qin Jue couldn’t shake the feeling that this differed from the methods of the seasoned TCM doctor she’d seen before.

“Did you study this before?”

“No, I just watched the video last night.”

Qin Jue fell silent.

It wasn’t until her phone rang that she recalled her promise to Zhang Wen’s family—to bring Lin Yuebai home for a birthday celebration.

But Lin Yuebai had been busy filming abroad, and after their return, Qin Jue’s wrist injury had kept her preoccupied with worry, delaying the matter indefinitely.

Her phone vibrated again. Lin Yuebai glanced at it, her fingers still gripping the needle.

Qin Jue: “Answer it for me.”

Lin Yuebai hesitated, eyeing the caller ID with reluctance. “Sis…”

She often struggled with how to face her birth parents. While she never showed excessive warmth, completely ignoring them left her unsettled.

At the last second before the call disconnected, Lin Yuebai finally picked up.

Zhang Wen: “President Qin, I’m so sorry to bother you during your busy schedule. I recently heard Yuebai was injured overseas—how serious is it?”

Hearing her mother’s voice through the phone, Qin Jue’s wrist suddenly throbbed with pain.

It hadn’t hurt much before, but after Lin Yuebai’s moxibustion and acupuncture attempts, the discomfort had intensified.

Yet the pain felt… reassuring.

System: “Don’t move. Pain means your wrist is healing.”

Qin Jue: “She’s a quack.”

System: “I just analyzed it—her needle placement accuracy is over 80%.”

Qin Jue chuckled but didn’t pull the needles out. She lay quietly on the sofa, listening to Lin Yuebai’s conversation with her mother while watching a muted video, letting the needles stay.

Strangely enough, though the pricks sent sharp jolts through her nerves, warmth soon followed, flowing through her hand.

After a brief exchange, Lin Yuebai hung up.

“My mother wants to invite you to dinner.”

Qin Jue: “My right wrist is useless. You go alone.”

Lin Yuebai frowned. “You saved my life. If you don’t come, people will talk.”

Testing her wrist, Qin Jue found she could barely manage chopsticks. She nodded, signaling for someone to prepare gifts.

Zhuang Lan entered. “President Qin, the shoot for Our Friendship is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. Your hand—”

Qin Jue: “How kind of you to remember my injury. I thought your heart only had room for our little Yuebai.”

Her words had grown sharper. Zhuang Lan stood awkwardly, scratching her head. “Should I ask the crew for a postponement?”

Qin Jue shook her head. “No need.”

Lin Yuebai held Qin Jue’s wrist with increasing tenderness, pressing her cheek against the slightly feverish skin.

Like a panda clinging to bamboo, or a weary little bird nestling beside sweet fruit.

Zhuang Lan: “Yuebai, she…”

Noticing the acupuncture supplies on the sofa, Zhuang Lan asked, “Does she even have a medical license?”

…

“I’ll find you a seasoned TCM practitioner. I know an excellent one—great at therapeutic massage.”

Zhang Wen, seeing Qin Jue’s wrist injury, nearly treated her like royalty.

“If not for President Qin’s timely rescue, our Yuebai would’ve…”

Zhang Wen’s voice trembled as she leaned into her husband, tears welling uncontrollably. Large droplets soaked into her handkerchief, dissolving into muffled sobs.

“Why must you insist on filming abroad? We could’ve built the sets domestically—money wasn’t an issue.”

At dinner, Zhang Wen piled food onto Lin Yuebai’s plate. Though wanting to assist Qin Jue, she hesitated, offering only apologetic smiles when their eyes met.

At home, Lin Yuebai would hand-feed Qin Jue—carefully balanced spoonfuls of meat, vegetables, and rice—like tending to a baby bird, determined to empty the bowl regardless of actual appetite. Now, watching Qin Jue struggle with chopsticks felt strangely unnatural.

Jing Yuanjie sighed across the table. “Yuebai, you owe President Qin more than gratitude. Our family is deeply indebted.”

Qin Jue remained impassive, as if the conversation held no relevance to her.

As the meal progressed, Jing Yuanjie set down his chopsticks, exchanging a weighted glance with his wife. “Yuebai, is acting truly your passion? You’ve been on leave from university—perhaps studying abroad would…”

Qin Jue ate sparingly, though none remarked on it. When she placed her chopsticks aside, Jing Yuanjie’s gaze flickered toward her before he awkwardly fell silent.

The Jings’ prosperity paled against Qin Jue’s current fortune—let alone the inheritance from her mother. Rumors swirled about her orchestrating the scandals crippling the Qin family factories. This was no ordinary businesswoman.

System: “Wow, even the protagonist’s parents see you as the ultimate villain.”

Qin Jue sipped her tea. “Are you done eating?”

The system stealthily devoured a whole fish—bones and all—without a sound. Zhang Wen, catching a glimpse, blinked in disbelief before dismissing it as imagination.

System: “Cue the villain lines.”

The Jings pressed on: “Yuebai, money isn’t everything. How many actors sustain lasting fame? We’ll invest in an elite arts education abroad—prestigious connections, guaranteed income later…”

Lin Yuebai’s smile dimmed.

She wasn’t Jing Xin. This path wasn’t hers.

A teacup clinked sharply against its saucer.

At the dining table, the gazes of all three people simultaneously fell upon Qin Jue.

The woman holding the blue-and-white porcelain teacup lowered her eyes slightly. Her inconvenient wrist didn’t add any awkwardness to her demeanor—instead, her slow movements carried a unique elegance and composure.

A strand of Qin Jue’s long hair fell beside her face as her crimson lips parted slightly: “Yuebai’s future isn’t for you two to decide. I have other arrangements.”

Jing Yuanjie opened his mouth, wanting to say more.

But Qin Jue had already stood up, placing her hand on Lin Yuebai’s shoulder.

“You’ve received birthday gifts from your parents—shouldn’t you quickly say thank you?”

Lin Yuebai hurriedly stood up and bowed slightly with words of gratitude.

Jing Yuanjie and Zhang Wen had prepared a grand piano for Lin Yuebai, which had already been delivered to Qin Jue’s current residence. The grand piano stood beneath a glass dome in the villa’s central courtyard, where light filtered through stained glass, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

Jing Yuanjie and his wife wanted to say more but could only manage stiff smiles in the end.

“I’ve found an excellent piano teacher for Yuebai who will visit your residence in a couple of days.”

Qin Jue’s hand remained firmly on Lin Yuebai’s shoulder—a gesture brimming with possessiveness that would normally be impolite in front of elders. But given that Qin Jue had recently saved Lin Yuebai’s life, neither dared to comment.

“As for piano, I know a thing or two. Teaching our Yuebai the basics is more than sufficient—no need for your concern.”

Though Qin Jue’s tone was polite, her actions remained unrestrained. Her thumb absently traced Lin Yuebai’s swan-like slender neck, unintentionally exuding an air of threat.

“Uncle and aunt can rest assured—Yuebai won’t suffer any grievances with me.”

Zhang Wen watched as Qin Jue departed first after speaking, leaving Lin Yuebai alone to accompany her for a post-meal stroll in the garden.

Zhang Wen was deeply worried about Lin Yuebai’s happiness with Qin Jue. “President Qin is far too domineering. Yuebai, you must plan for your own future.”

Merely recalling recent rumors made Zhang Wen shudder—Qin Jue showed no mercy to her own family members and was even rumored to have slapped a suitor her father arranged for her in a bar. It was clear she wasn’t an ideal match.

Standing before a cluster of gardenias, Zhang Wen patted Lin Yuebai’s hand with visible concern.

“It would be better for you to go abroad. You’d have freedom there—what’s so appealing about acting? So many people online are attacking you—it terrifies me to see.”

“You’re only twenty-one and still naive about how cruel people can be. Don’t let yourself be swayed by sweet words and superficial charms.”

Lin Yuebai’s wrist was grasped by her mother, yet she maintained a faint smile at the corners of her lips.

“Mom, I love this profession.”

…

“Now the protagonist’s parents think you enjoy bullying the protagonist.”

Qin Jue leaned against her red sports car by the entrance, hands in her pockets, watching the system hop around on the vehicle.

System: “You’re the most successful major antagonist I’ve ever seen.”

Qin Jue pulled out a small listening device from her pocket, followed by Lin Yuebai’s work phone.

The tiny bug could connect to Lin Yuebai’s phone. As the system peered over, Qin Jue explained, “The task you assigned me earlier wasn’t fully completed, was it?”

The system’s fur bristled as several light points appeared mid-air.

“N-no, of course not.”

The system was shedding fur incessantly, slightly concerned about its host’s health. That’s why it declared the mission complete right after the host watched the protagonist dance—though in truth, the mission wasn’t that simple. In the original plot, the protagonist had planted a tiny listening device on the antagonist to uncover some unsavory secrets.

The system had gone easy on its host.

It figured that since the host was already such a wicked antagonist, this minor detail wouldn’t affect the final outcome.

Originally a very meticulous system, it had gradually grown lax after binding with Qin Jue, realizing that everything could be handled effortlessly without its intervention.

Eventually, the system sprawled out like a pancake, watching Qin Jue deftly adjust the listening device before concealing it inside a pearl button.

Her movements were fluid, executed in one seamless motion.

Had her right hand not been injured, she could have done it even more smoothly.

The system stared in awe. “What exactly did you do before this?”

Qin Jue: “Long illness makes a good doctor. The business world is full of shady tactics—after being backstabbed enough times, I learned them too.”

The system gave her a thumbs-up.

When Lin Yuebai emerged from the villa, her expression was grim—but the moment she spotted Qin Jue leaning against the car door waiting for her, she broke into a jog.

Qin Jue smoothly handed her the phone. “You left this in the car.”

Lin Yuebai pocketed it, slightly breathless from her brief sprint.

“Don’t take my parents’ words to heart. I have no plans to study abroad—I want to focus on acting these next few years…”

Noticing a slightly crooked pearl button on Qin Jue’s chest, she reached out to adjust it. Qin Jue let her, entirely unbothered.

“Your parents aren’t wrong. You should still pursue your studies.”

Lin Yuebai had scored well on her college entrance exams—it’d be a shame not to continue her education.

Now on a leave of absence as a sophomore, returning after a few years would likely leave her knowledge rusty.

Lin Yuebai clearly wasn’t as anxious as Qin Jue. Lowering her gaze, lost in thought, she murmured,

“My parents don’t want me to act.”

“What do you think?”

Seated in the passenger seat, Lin Yuebai clutched Qin Jue’s jacket. She glanced over, only to find the other woman focused on driving—which left her oddly unsettled. Just moments ago, Qin Jue had displayed such possessive intensity in front of her parents, yet now she was asking for her opinion.

Lin Yuebai felt strange. She did have ambition, but voicing it might make her seem aimless. Truthfully, she’d be content just staying by Qin Jue’s side forever.

Qin Jue would pave the way for her—she wouldn’t need to worry about a thing.

What did it matter if she remained a caged canary?

But Lin Yuebai didn’t say that. Instead, she met Qin Jue’s questioning gaze with a soft smile.

“If you want me to study, then I’ll study.”

The kid was so obedient that Qin Jue couldn’t even muster her usual academic persuasion.

“After finishing this film, you can take a break. After that, we won’t need constant screen presence—just one high-profile movie a year. Other projects can be scheduled around your studies.”

“Everything is up to CEO Qin.”

“Lin Yuebai…” Qin Jue stopped at a red light. “I have a name. Never mind—want milk tea? My treat.”

…

“Please don’t drink that, I’m worried you’ll get diabetes.”

Qin Jue was sipping milk tea backstage at the variety show when Gong Man approached with the script, outlining the day’s schedule.

“I don’t drink coffee, just milk tea. I thought that was already being healthy.”

“Stop making excuses—the sugar content in these is terrifying. Just looking at it scares me.”

Gong Man unfolded the schedule. One segment involved hide-and-seek, where three randomly paired teams would test their tacit understanding as friends.

Knowing Qin Jue and Lin Yuebai’s relationship went beyond ordinary friendship, Gong Man warned, “No going easy on purpose. This is being livestreamed—if viewers catch on, it’ll damage your little darling’s reputation.”

Qin Jue set down her half-finished milk tea, massaging her temples as her heartbeat quickened.

The caffeine content in this brand was stronger than expected, leaving her slightly unsettled. She enjoyed the sugar boost but not the racing pulse.

After briefing Lin Yuebai on the filming process, Qin Jue prepared for shooting.

The pink-haired celebrity clung to Lin Yuebai. “I heard you were in danger overseas? There wasn’t any coverage here—are you okay?” She inspected Lin’s arms anxiously. “I know an excellent scar specialist. Let me introduce you—no marks guaranteed. It’s chaotic abroad these days; we should film domestically when possible.”

Lin Yuebai smiled shyly at the pink-haired woman. “I’m fine, but Qin Jue was badly hurt.”

Releasing Lin’s hand, the celebrity noticed Qin Jue by the doorway, phone in hand. When their eyes met, Qin’s stern expression softened visibly—a blatant display of affection reserved for Lin alone.

The unmistakable gaze of someone deeply in love.

Spotting the bandage on Qin’s right wrist, the celebrity muttered, “I thought that was just part of her look.”

Lin Yuebai defended, “President Qin isn’t the theatrical type.”

The celebrity gave a knowing look. Right—not theatrical at all, just owning a closet full of flamboyant tailored suits.

Wonder who she dresses up for every day.

Watching Lin playfully hook pinkies with Qin and tug at her embroidered blazer, the celebrity finally understood.

So she’s seducing Little Moon.

In the livestream chat:

“OMG what happened to our BFF’s wrist??”

“My heart stopped when I heard Little Moon was in a car crash abroad! Thank goodness she’s safe.”

“Her studio mentioned a kind stranger rescued her—who was it? Can’t find any footage.”

“Rumor says the stranger lost a watch worth a downtown apartment.”

“Maybe the answer’s obvious…?”

“HOLY—kind stranger = BFF?? Qin’s bandaged wrist looks serious.”

“Gossip says it wasn’t bad initially but worsened suddenly—unverified claims say she insisted on carrying Little Moon and reinjured it.”

“The version I heard was that Little Moon insisted on giving acupuncture to her good friend, but ended up practicing medicine improperly…”

“Good friend, you… Never mind, considering you’re injured, I won’t call you a lovesick fool.”

“Good friend: Today the peacock spread its tail feathers and caught Little Moon’s attention. So happy.”

“What kind of person would wear a custom-tailored suit to play hide-and-seek?!”

“Anyone would think you just ran back from a fashion week runway. Sis, you’re being ridiculous.”

Lin Yuebai drew the lot to hide while Qin Jue was to seek. The three of them were locked in a dark room, waiting for five minutes.

The filming location was in a garden with limited hiding spots. In the first three minutes, Lin Yuebai couldn’t find a suitable place to hide. The small shed for gardening tools nearby had already been taken by the pink-haired celebrity’s manager, leaving Lin Yuebai no choice but to hide by the lake.

The lakeside was lined with low shrubs. Looking up, Lin Yuebai spotted a fairly sturdy tree nearby. Wearing jeans and sneakers today, climbing wasn’t difficult for her.

Lightweight and regularly exercising, she effortlessly hoisted herself onto a tree branch.

The cameraman below holding the camera: …

The cameraman genuinely couldn’t climb up.

Like a little monkey, Lin Yuebai climbed to a higher position where her body was perfectly concealed by layers of leaves.

As the five-minute countdown ended, Lin Yuebai’s heartbeat quickened. Peeking through the foliage, she secretly watched the seekers preparing to come out.

The waiting period was dull, so Lin Yuebai pulled out her work phone from her pocket.

She rarely used this phone; her manager usually contacted her through her private number.

Casually scrolling through recent messages, she accidentally noticed an unfamiliar English character string connected via Bluetooth.

Frowning, Lin Yuebai checked her phone but couldn’t identify what the Bluetooth was connected to.

Just as her guard went up, she noticed a file persistently running in the background—as if deliberately made obvious.

About to open the interface, she suddenly received a signal from the cameraman.

It was time to resume filming, so she had to slip the phone back into her pocket.

There was nothing special on this phone of hers. Even if someone tried to hack into it remotely, it wouldn’t be easy. Besides, Lin Yuebai figured hacking her manager’s phone would probably yield more valuable information.

She set the matter aside, deciding to mention it to Qin Jue later and ask her to find an expert to investigate.

……

“Do you even know how to play hide-and-seek?!”

The pink-haired celebrity quickly found her manager hiding in the small shed.

Glancing around, the conspicuous gardening tools shed stood alone by the garden—it would be absurd if no one was inside.

Compared to the pink-haired celebrity’s smooth search, Qin Jue faced much more difficulty.

The live chat erupted with laughter.

“What was the good friend thinking? Our Little Moon is so pristine—she’d never hide under an AC unit.”

“Just peeked at the other stream. Let’s keep this between us.”

“LOL, the good friend is checking the lake for suspicious bubbles.”

Qin Jue stood by the lakeside, gazing at the calm water surface. She had been approaching the search for Lin Yuebai with a playful mindset, assuming the girl wouldn’t be too competitive about the game. Since it was Qin Jue who was searching, she figured the younger girl wouldn’t hide in some obscure corner.

After circling the entire artificial lake, Qin Jue still hadn’t spotted any trace of her.

Until a leaf fluttered down, Qin Jue caught it mid-air and looked up to see the swaying shadows of trees.

Her brow arched slightly as she turned and walked toward one particular tree.

Lin Yuebai hid among the branches, curling herself into a small ball, but couldn’t resist peeking down at Qin Jue’s direction.

She had been visible just moments ago—now, she was gone.

Beneath the tree, the notorious villain picked up a fallen red fruit and tossed it upward with precision.

The fruit struck Lin Yuebai’s light-colored jeans, leaving a bright red stain.

Lin Yuebai: !

Her eyes widened comically as she stealthily glanced downward—unsurprisingly, she met Qin Jue’s faintly amused gaze.

Lin Yuebai pointed in another direction, mouthing silently: I’ll tell you where someone else is hiding—just don’t come for me first.

Her plan was simple—once Qin Jue caught the other person, she’d be too busy to return for her. Victory would be hers!

Qin Jue remained unmoved, waiting for her to climb down.

Lin Yuebai clung to the trunk like a kitten: Your hands aren’t strong enough to catch me—go after someone else!

The girl in the tree blinked brightly, coaxing: I’ll massage your hands when we get home, okay? Please?