After the Divorce, I Ended Up with My Ex-Husband’s "White Moonlight" [Transmigration] - Chapter 13

Yun Shu’s eyes widened instantly. Her first instinct was to look at Lu Mingze. He remained expressionless, neither confirming nor denying the statement.

Yun Shu’s heart gradually sank; it seemed the claim was true. Before she could even process the shock, she heard Ning Qi add with a light chuckle, “Don’t be so nervous—it’s only a legal status, after all.”

“Shut up,” Lu Mingze said coldly.

He had no desire to reveal his marital status in front of Qin Shi, yet he knew full well that Qin Shi was already aware of his marriage.

However, he had always believed that the person he loved was Qin Shi. Why then did he suddenly lack the courage to meet Yun Shu’s eyes? He couldn’t even bring himself to look at her. In that moment, he realized with startling clarity that what he cared about most right now was Yun Shu’s reaction.

“Lu Mingze,” Ning Qi said. She had patience, but that didn’t mean she lacked a temper. In fact, if she could, she would have loved to give him a sound thrashing for everything he had done lately.

“Is this the attitude you show your wife while you’re out on the town with another woman?” She couldn’t get physical, but she could certainly stir up trouble for him. With the ‘White Moonlight’ in your heart and the female lead by your side, Lu Mingze, you’re certainly a busy man. But don’t worry—you’ll have plenty of headaches to deal with later.

“Miss Ning,” Yun Shu spoke up before Lu Mingze could respond, suppressing the turmoil in her heart to offer an explanation. “You’ve misunderstood. Senior Lu only helped me because he saw I was in a difficult position. He’s a very good person, please don’t misunderstand—”

“I haven’t misunderstood anything,” Ning Qi interrupted.

“I—” Yun Shu was frantic. Knowing Senior Lu was married was heartbreaking—she wanted to burst into tears—but the priority now was ensuring Miss Ning didn’t get the wrong idea. “Senior Lu and I…”

“That’s enough,” Lu Mingze cut in. “You don’t need to explain anything to her.” He had never taken Ning Qi seriously, so he felt no need for “transparency” or restraint now.

Yun Shu’s words died in her throat. She stood there, unsure whether to speak or remain silent.

“Indeed, there’s no need to tell me,” Ning Qi said indifferently, her eyes full of disdain. “After all, whatever President Lu chooses to do has nothing to do with me.”

“President Lu, Miss Yun,” Qin Shi suddenly spoke. Her voice immediately drew the attention of the other three, but her gaze was directed behind them. “Could the two of you please move aside?”

Behind Lu Mingze and Yun Shu stood a waitress holding a tray of food. She had clearly been there for a while, looking awkward and hesitant to interrupt the strange atmosphere.

Lu Mingze calmly stepped to the side. Yun Shu stood frozen in embarrassment. “I…”

“Miss Yun, could you please move?” Qin Shi’s voice was sharper the second time.

Finally, Lu Mingze took Yun Shu by the arm and pulled her away. The waitress seized the opportunity to place the dishes on the table in front of Qin Shi and Ning Qi, casting a grateful glance toward Qin Shi.

Standing in the aisle was no way to carry on a conversation; other diners were already beginning to take notice. Lu Mingze had no intention of becoming the subject of restaurant gossip, and more importantly, he had nothing left to say to Ning Qi.

“Qin Shi,” Lu Mingze said, effectively giving up for now. “We’ll talk another time.” With that, he pulled the dazed Yun Shu out the door.

Ning Qi rested her chin on her hand, watching them thoughtfully. The plot was moving much faster than in the book, yet Lu Mingze, true to the original story, had still chosen the female lead.

“Are you… alright?” Qin Shi had been watching Ning Qi closely. As soon as Lu Mingze was gone, she asked with concern.

Even if Ning Qi had decided to leave him, being ignored and watching him lead someone else away right in front of her couldn’t feel good, could it?

The look on Ning Qi’s face made Qin Shi feel uneasy. She simply felt that things shouldn’t have turned out this way.

“I’m fine!” Ning Qi calmly took a bite of food and looked up. “Why wouldn’t I be?” Whatever that scumbag did had nothing to do with her.

“If you’re feeling upset, you don’t have to hide it in front of me.”

“Do you really think I care about him that much?” Ning Qi asked, addressing the issue directly.

“Not necessarily,” Qin Shi said honestly. “But if you’ve truly made up your mind, why did you say those words just now?”

“Which words?” Ning Qi didn’t catch her meaning immediately.

In truth, they hadn’t said much. It figured—Lu Mingze was capable of domestic violence against his wife and being heartless to his “White Moonlight,” but he would always maintain a better attitude toward the female lead.

“You mean the part about being his wife?”

Qin Shi nodded.

Ning Qi laughed. “It was nothing! I just wanted to see how that girl would react.”

In the book, the female lead didn’t find out the male lead had an ex-wife until they were about to formalize their relationship. Even though the original Ning Qi was divorced by then, she had caused so much trouble that the female lead frequently fought with the male lead over it.

The moment she saw Lu Mingze and Yun Shu walk in, Ning Qi was simply curious: how would Yun Shu react to finding out her secret crush was married? Any reaction would have been entertaining.

“Qin Shi, don’t you think it’s interesting?” Ning Qi asked.

“As long as you’re happy,” Qin Shi said, shaking her head with helpless resignation.

“I forgot, the two of you were classmates. Strictly speaking, you’re still—”

“He and I have no relationship whatsoever,” Qin Shi interrupted, her tone crisp and final.

“What kind of life have you been living all this time?” Qin Shi knew she shouldn’t ask—not from any professional or social standpoint—but she asked anyway.

“Before?” Ning Qi thought about the few days since she’d arrived. Aside from the day the scumbag came home, every day had been quite pleasant. “It’s been pretty good!”

Qin Shi assumed she was simply saving face. If only they would divorce, she thought. Ning Qi wouldn’t have to live like this. If he was this bold in public, who knew how Lu Mingze acted behind closed doors?

The more she thought about it, the more Qin Shi felt Ning Qi shouldn’t spend another day with him. Without realizing it, she spoke her thoughts aloud.

Once the words were out, Qin Shi realized it might be inappropriate. “I… I didn’t mean to—”

“I know what you meant.” Ning Qi smiled dismissively. Most people in this country would urge a couple to stay together rather than split. For Qin Shi to be so blunt meant she truly saw her as a confidante.

“Besides, didn’t I say it? I was planning on divorcing him anyway.”

Lu Mingze had already proposed the divorce, just like in the book—he just didn’t want to pay. Since that was the case, she would simply have to “persuade” him to open his wallet.

Ning Qi picked up her phone and sent a text. Had Lu Mingze and Yun Shu not shown up, she might have forgotten about this little matter.

Outside, Yun Shu was drowning in sorrow. After a long silence, she finally managed to ask, “Senior Lu, are you… are you really married?”

“Yes.” There was no denying it. Seeing Yun Shu fighting back tears, Lu Mingze felt a pang of guilt. “It was a marriage my mother insisted on.” He rarely explained himself to anyone, yet he felt a sudden urge to tell her the truth. “Between her and me—”

“I understand, Senior Lu.” Yun Shu struggled to keep from crying. She wiped her face with her hand. “Thank you for visiting my mother with me today. I… I should head back now.”

“Yun Shu!” Lu Mingze called out, but the girl had already sprinted away. She was in such a hurry she even forgot her backpack, leaving it behind in his car.