The Scumbag Ex-Wife of the Heroine in the Old Abusive Article - Chapter 16

She had been deceived by those eyes…

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell again?” Qin Yang leaned closer, her peach-blossom eyes filled with concern.

Yesterday, the Female Lead had fainted during her Rainfall Period, leaving Qin Yang deeply worried. Wen Jin’an’s pale complexion and listless demeanor made it clear she was still unwell.

Frowning, Qin Yang gazed at Wen Jin’an for a moment before sitting on the edge of the bed. “You must tell me if you’re not feeling well, understand?” she urged softly.

After all the effort I’ve put into building goodwill with the Female Lead these past few days, how much of it is left after the Qin Family’s meddling? Qin Yang sighed inwardly.

Wen Jin’an snapped out of her daze, her tense body gradually relaxing.

“No, I’m fine. Have you eaten?” Wen Jin’an hesitated before accepting the steamed bun. Why would Qin Yang buy me food?

When Wen Jin’an looked up, she met Qin Yang’s clear, earnest gaze. She pressed her lips together, lowered her head, and stared at the bun in her hand, her thoughts in turmoil.

Qin Cheng’s words just now echoed what she said that day. Why is she denying it now? And last night, she even summoned a physician for me, risking a falling-out with her own family…

Wen Jin’an lowered her gaze, concealing the emotions in her eyes. The Kunze Rainfall Period lasted three days, and today was the final day. Qin Cheng’s words had served as a reminder: even if this person wasn’t selling her now, there were still the Qin Family to worry about…

Wen Jin’an’s eyes darkened as she mentally plotted her escape.

“This is the money I earned from hunting yesterday,” Qin Yang said, pulling out the remaining twenty copper coins from her pocket. “I bought some things. Keep the rest.”

Giving me money?

Isn’t she obsessed with wealth? Why would she hand it over to me?

It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing. I’ll need money after I escape. This saves me some trouble.

Wait!

Could she be testing me with this money? To find an excuse to beat me again?

Wen Jin’an bit the soft flesh inside her lip, hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. “Kunze don’t manage household finances. Wife-Husband should keep it.”

“Just take it,” Qin Yang insisted earnestly. “In our family, the Kunze is in charge. From now on, I’ll give you all the money I earn outside to manage.”

Handing over the household finances was a crucial step in winning the Female Lead’s favor. By demonstrating her obedience and understanding, Qin Yang aimed to clearly differentiate herself from the Original Host.

As for the Original Host’s reputation, she planned to shed that burden sooner or later.

Wen Jin’an looked at Qin Yang, hesitated for a moment, but the desire to survive ultimately prevailed. She accepted the money, saying softly, “If Wife-Husband needs money, Jin’an can provide it.”

Her voice was gentle and soothing, a pleasure to listen to.

“Mm, hurry and eat your steamed bun. It won’t taste as good when it gets cold,” Qin Yang replied, her heart softening and her voice becoming even gentler.

Wen Jin’an took small bites of the steamed bun, her demeanor remarkably demure.

Watching her eat, Qin Yang felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction. She curled her lips into a smile and pulled a warm mantou from her robe, devouring it in two or three bites. Her stomach barely registered the meal.

Wen Jin’an secretly glanced at Qin Yang.

She’s eating mantou? And she gave me a steamed bun? Mantou is so dry—how could it possibly taste better than a steamed bun?

She actually…

Wen Jin’an’s eyes darkened again.

What scheme is she plotting now?

One mantou wasn’t enough for Qin Yang, so she ate another. After all, she had bought fifty of them. It wasn’t until her fifth mantou that she finally felt full. No wonder this body had such remarkable strength.

“I’ll go boil some water later. You can wipe yourself down,” Qin Yang said, patting her full stomach as she spoke to Wen Jin’an.

The weather was hot, and it was the Kunze’s Rainfall Period. Wen Jin’an had been sweating profusely. Wiping herself down would make her sleep more comfortably.

Hearing this, Wen Jin’an’s breath hitched, and she looked at Qin Yang with alarm.

Qin Yang: “……”

Seeing her guarded expression, Qin Yang quickly clarified, “Don’t misunderstand. You wipe yourself down. I’ll stand guard outside and won’t peek.”

This person…

Wen Jin’an pressed her lips together.

Her body had felt sticky and uncomfortable for the past few days. Moreover, aside from the first night, she had behaved herself well during the last two times. This could be another opportunity to test her.

Besides, as a Kunze, even if Qin Yang forced herself on her, she wouldn’t be able to resist, right?

After a long silence, she softly replied, “Alright.”

“I’ll go heat some water now. Take your time eating. Let me know if you need more,” Qin Yang said with a smile.

Having been warned by Qin Yang earlier, the Qin Family members didn’t dare approach her again.

Qin Yang went to the kitchen, heated water, and brought it to Wen Jin’an’s room.

“I’ll stand guard outside. Call me if you need anything,” Qin Yang said, her voice filled with concern.

Wen Jin’an hummed in acknowledgment.

Only then did Qin Yang thoughtfully turn and leave, gently closing the door behind her. She sat down on the steps outside the door.

The look in that person’s eyes just now…

Wen Jin’an’s expression instantly turned cold.

It was clear she didn’t want to leave, her eyes burning with naked desire, as if she wanted to devour Wen Jin’an whole.

Her words couldn’t be trusted after all. Thank goodness she finally left.

Wen Jin’an’s gaze lingered on the door before shifting to the wooden basin. She remained silent for a long time, lost in thought.

After a while, she propped herself up with her weak body and quickly undressed, wiping herself dry.

“I’m done,” Wen Jin’an said.

“Then I’ll come in,” Qin Yang replied immediately, hearing Wen Jin’an’s voice.

When Qin Yang pushed open the door, she found Wen Jin’an sitting upright on the bed, her cheeks flushed—whether from the heat or the Rainfall Period, Qin Yang couldn’t tell.

Seeing Qin Yang enter, Wen Jin’an clasped her hands together and said softly, “Thank you for your trouble.”

How could this be trouble?

It’s no trouble at all.

Qin Yang rubbed her nose, her smile innocent and sweet.

“Rest well. I’ll go pour out the water. Oh, are you sure you’re feeling okay now?” What Qin Yang really wanted to ask was, Do you still need comforting?

But her thin-skinned nature made her face flush as soon as the words reached her lips. She circled around the question and settled on what she thought was the most tactful way to phrase it.

“Mm,” Wen Jin’an murmured, glancing sideways to steal a look at Qin Yang.

Qin Yang picked up the water Wen Jin’an had used to wash herself, without a hint of complaint.

Could I really be overthinking this? Wen Jin’an wondered, pressing her lips together. She lay back on the bed, closed her eyes, but didn’t dare fall asleep.

A short while later, the sound of the door opening made her heart leap.

The person’s footsteps were light, followed by rustling noises. Wen Jin’an guessed Qin Yang was spreading straw, and her tense muscles finally relaxed.

Yet a faint sense of disappointment lingered.

Wen Jin’an knew this was a lingering effect of the marking. She pressed her lips together and turned her head toward Qin Yang.

After lying down, Qin Yang began to reflect on the events of the past two days. Every member of the Qin Family was selfish and self-serving. Staying with them would only deepen the Female Lead’s resentment and hinder her own efforts to earn money.

But how could she leave the Qin Family now?

Without them, she had nothing but the twenty copper coins Wen Jin’an held. How would they survive? Housing was also a major problem.

Qin Yang bit her lip, momentarily at a loss.

Yet leaving the Qin Family was urgent.

The mere thought of the goodwill she had painstakingly cultivated with the Female Lead over two days nearly being ruined by the Qin Family made the corner of Qin Yang’s eye twitch uncontrollably.

Qin Yang recalled Qin Zhao’s survival skills and couldn’t help but start scheming again. If she left the Qin Family, taking Qin Zhao with her would be ideal.

But how to take him? Did Qin Zhao truly have any affection for the Qin Family? These questions remained unanswered.

Qin Zhao worked tirelessly for the Qin Family without complaint, yet he also secretly hoarded food. When the family needed money, he would hand over some without hesitation, but never all of it.

The more she pondered, the more her head ached.

Qin Yang couldn’t help but yawn. Before long, she drifted off into a hazy sleep.

She stayed by the Female Lead’s bedside all day, until the next morning when a knock echoed at the door.

“Wen Jin’an, are you awake yet? Get up and make breakfast! You’ve been slacking off for three days already. How much longer do you plan to lie around?” Liu Yue’e’s shrill voice rang out.

Qin Yang rubbed her forehead.

Another early morning drama? It was peaceful for just one day, and now they’re back to their antics.

What exactly is the Qin Family’s true nature?

Qin Yang glanced at the Female Lead sleeping on the bed, sighed softly, and rose to open the door.

“Where’s Wen Jin’an?” Liu Yue’e demanded, peering into the room when Qin Yang opened the door.

Qin Yang swiftly blocked her path. “What’s so urgent this early?”

Making a scene outside is bad enough. Now she wants to barge in?

“You’re sleeping on the floor?” Liu Yue’e suddenly exclaimed in shock.

“Huh?” Qin Yang blinked, confused. How did the conversation shift to this?

“You’re sleeping on the floor while Wen Jin’an gets the bed? What kind of wife-husband makes his Kunze sleep on the floor while she takes the bed herself? This is outrageous! I’ll teach that woman a lesson she won’t forget!” Liu Yue’e shoved at Qin Yang, trying to force her way inside, muttering curses under her breath.

Qin Yang quickly blocked the door.

Liu Yue’e disliked her daughter Qin Yang, but the thought of having to do all the housework herself these past two days fueled her desire to punish Wen Jin’an and vent her anger.

Remembering how Qin Yang had dared to defy her for that woman just days ago, Liu Yue’e’s anger flared anew. She refused to believe Qin Yang would sleep on the floor for no reason. Wen Jin’an must have used some trickery again.

It has to be that way.

If Qin Yang could come to her senses in time, she would undoubtedly side with Liu Yue’e as she always had. Then Wen Jin’an would be at her mercy, obediently following orders and doing all the work.

“Jin’an isn’t feeling well, so I let her sleep in the bed,” Qin Yang said, mimicking the Original Host’s tone, her voice dripping with impatience. She wasn’t worried about being exposed; the Original Host had always been reckless and fearless, making the Qin Family fear her.

The worse her attitude, the less likely anyone would suspect her.

“Since when does a Kunze sleep in the bed while her Wife-Husband sleeps on the floor? Fourth Elder, you’re spoiling her too much. A Kunze who won’t obey after marriage is unacceptable. I can help you…” Liu Yue’e planted her hands on her hips, craning her neck as she tried to barge in.

Qin Yang’s heart leaped into her throat.

There’s no saving her. She truly lives up to her role as a villainous cannon fodder, desperately courting death.

If she wants to die, she can do it herself. Why drag me down with her?

“Stop worrying about Jin’an and me,” Qin Yang interrupted Liu Yue’e. “Don’t bother knocking on my door and disturbing my sleep. From now on, do your own chores. And if you ever try to harm Jin’an again, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“You… Fourth Elder, I’m doing this for your own good,” Liu Yue’e insisted.

“My affairs are none of your concern. If you have time to spare, why not worry about your precious darlings instead? I heard yesterday that Father plans to marry Qin Cheng to that butcher. Instead of meddling here, you should have them curry favor with Father. Maybe if he’s in a good mood, he’ll call off the marriage.” Qin Yang sighed. “I’ve heard that butcher beats his wives—he’s already beaten three to death. You wouldn’t want Qin Cheng to end up like that, would you?”

Though Liu Yue’e was brash and unreasonable, she wasn’t particularly bright.

“That damned old man! How could he marry Third Elder to a butcher? Aiya, may he be struck by lightning!” Liu Yue’e immediately panicked, slapping her thigh and bursting into tears.

She actually believed it!

Qin Yang continued to stoke the flames. “What’s the use of crying now? Father already resents Third and Fifth Elders for their laziness. And you’re still indulging them at a time like this?”

Liu Yue’e froze, forgetting to cry.

She had always been reluctant to make Third and Fifth Elders work, and Qin Youcai had complained about it to her countless times. Now that she thought about it, Qin Yang’s words made perfect sense.

“Is there really no other way?” Liu Yue’e asked, refusing to give up.

“Do you think there is?” Qin Yang continued her deception. “Third Elder and Fifth Elder are my brothers too, and I naturally want what’s best for them. But Father has made up his mind this time. You’d better think carefully.” Fortunately, Liu Yue’e was easily fooled; anyone else would have seen through her act.

“It’s getting late. Father should be back from work soon,” Qin Yang said, turning to go inside. Even Liu Yue’e, as dense as she was, couldn’t miss the message now.

Liu Yue’e immediately lost her appetite for Wen Jin’an’s cooking and hurried to knock on Qin Cheng and Qin Luo’s doors.

Inside the room, Wen Jin’an had already gotten up and was sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Why are you up? Did the noise wake you?” Qin Yang asked softly, closing the door behind her.

The commotion outside had indeed roused Wen Jin’an. She had been about to get up and answer the door when Qin Yang intervened.

Wen Jin’an had initially prepared to get up and start cooking, but then she overheard Qin Yang’s elaborate deception.

She was helping her again.

Wen Jin’an frowned, but it was for the best. Regardless of Qin Yang’s motives, it would be good for her to rest longer.

“No, it’s time to get up anyway,” Wen Jin’an murmured to Qin Yang, secretly glancing at her eyes.

A person’s mouth might lie, but their eyes rarely deceive—unless their acting skills were exceptional.

This woman’s eyes were clear, bright, and sincere, with a slight upward curve at the corners, as if she were gloating over some mischief. Her features were delicate and pleasing, especially when she smiled, radiating an innocent charm.

Wait.

Wen Jin’an’s expression froze. She had been deceived by those very eyes.

In an instant, her gaze turned icy.

How could she have forgotten? This woman was an actress. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have believed her lies and married her.

“Your body hasn’t fully recovered yet. There’s no rush to get up. As long as I’m here, I won’t let them bother you,” Qin Yang assured her.

Wen Jin’an lowered her eyes, concealing the hatred in their depths, nodded, and said nothing more.