After Transmigrating, I Fell in Love with a Top-Tier Movie Queen - Chapter 5

Lin Xin stared at Ye Linghua, who still held her phone. Her big eyes questioned Ye Linghua’s brazen action, but Ye Linghua looked so innocent, as if she herself couldn’t believe she had just hung up on someone. When Ye Linghua gave an apologetic smile, Lin Xin’s heart melted.

Her scolding was weak. “Don’t make decisions on your own.”

Ye Linghua didn’t argue. With a gentle smile, she simply nodded. “Mhm, mhm.”

The setting sun cast a soft, golden glow behind Ye Linghua, making her look as radiant as the sun. She appeared in Lin Xin’s most vulnerable moments, walking out of the rain with a red umbrella. With a body full of warmth and a smile, she slowly came closer.

Who wouldn’t want to be near warmth? People naturally gravitate towards the sun. Ye Linghua was that kind of person. Lin Xin was the person who needed that warmth. During her most difficult time, on a day so sad she might have hurt herself, having such a warm presence was wonderful.

It was so wonderful that she could even forget the heart-wrenching pain. It was so wonderful that even when Ye Linghua recklessly made a decision for her, Lin Xin couldn’t bring herself to be angry.

With Ye Linghua’s charming smile, the matter was settled.

Lin Xin took her phone back and looked down at the call screen. It still displayed her pet name for Zheng Ranwen: “Lover.” It felt like a mockery, so Lin Xin changed the name back to Zheng Ranwen and changed the special ringtone. After a moment of hesitation, she looked up at Ye Linghua and said, “Thank you.” Thank you for refusing for me.

A light breeze blew, making Lin Xin’s hair flutter. Her slightly nervous expression and fair, rosy skin made Ye Linghua’s eyes narrow slightly.

Lin Xin was beautiful and talented, so why did she have to fall for Zheng Ranwen? If the novel hadn’t repeatedly stated Lin Xin’s love for Zheng Ranwen, Ye Linghua would have considered a different approach—that keeping them apart was the best strategy. But Lin Xin’s despair after the breakup was so strong that even her parents tried every possible way to separate them, but they failed. If they had succeeded, Lin Xin wouldn’t have ended up the way she did in the novel.

Ye Linghua didn’t think she could do better than Lin Xin’s parents, so she put that dangerous thought away and decided to simply be there for Lin Xin and help her through this difficult time.

But even so, Ye Linghua couldn’t help but say, “Since you said thank you, it means you wanted to refuse her. So next time, just refuse her, okay?”

Okay? Yes, it’s okay.

Lin Xin looked at her and nodded.

So obedient!

Lin Xin’s compliant behavior made Ye Linghua’s heart flutter. She couldn’t resist reaching out to gently touch her head.

Lin Xin’s gaze slowly moved to the brazen hand, then back to Ye Linghua.

Ye Linghua: “…”

Lin Xin: “What are you here for?”

Ye Linghua: “Oh, I’m a housekeeper, a versatile housekeeper.”

Lin Xin: “…Learn to cook first.”

It wasn’t easy for a person to change their long-established way of life. But Ye Linghua could handle a long-term battle. At the very least, she could keep Lin Xin from starving.

When they were back in the living room, Lin Xin noticed that Ye Linghua was still wearing the same clothes from yesterday. She couldn’t help but ask, “Didn’t you bring any clothes?”

Ye Linghua: “…Mhm.” She couldn’t say she came on a whim and didn’t prepare anything.

“Why not?”

Ye Linghua immediately made up a story. “…My clothes were on their way…”

Lin Xin was curious and waited for her to continue.

Ye Linghua avoided her gaze, feeling guilty. “…And the delivery truck… caught fire.”

Lin Xin’s eyes widened in shock. “…That’s too unlucky!”

Ye Linghua, not a professional actress, still played the part perfectly. Her face was full of sadness, and Lin Xin had no reason to doubt her. Immediately, as an employer, her kindness swelled. With a wave of her hand, she said, “I’ll go buy you some.”

Ye Linghua: “…I’ll just have them sent again.” This time, she would actually have them sent.

Lin Xin shook her head. She didn’t agree. The clothes a person took with them were the ones they liked. The clothes sent from home would be the ones they didn’t. Since they were clothes she didn’t like, why bother having them sent?

As a celebrity, Lin Xin had a team that managed her daily life. She wore the latest fashions, carried well-known luxury bags, and even her scarves cost hundreds of dollars. She would never wear something she didn’t like. She changed clothes every season, and though she didn’t wear an outfit only once, she changed frequently.

Someone like Lin Xin would never wear clothes she didn’t like, so she couldn’t tolerate the people around her doing the same. She quickly rejected Ye Linghua’s suggestion. “No. You should wear clothes you like. Let’s go, I’ll take you.”

Lin Xin was a person of action. When it came to clothes, makeup, or even her relationships, she did what she wanted. At this time, Lin Xin didn’t know what it felt like to suppress her own feelings.

Although it was already evening, Ye Linghua’s cooking skills were not exactly praiseworthy. After Lin Xin cooked two meals in a row, she decided with a flourish, “Let’s eat dinner out!” Ye Linghua watched her excitedly go upstairs to change. She stood at the top of the stairs, dampening her spirits. “Is it a good idea for you to go out now?”

Lin Xin looked back, a smile still on her face. “Why not?” she asked.

Ye Linghua was reluctant to remind her but did so anyway. “The online drama today…”

Lin Xin immediately disagreed. “Why should we live the way others want us to? People should live for themselves.”

Ye Linghua liked that. She nodded. “Exactly, that’s right.” She added with a hint of a double meaning, “Life is short, why should you make yourself unhappy?”

Lin Xin didn’t catch the hidden meaning. She just smiled brightly, believing Ye Linghua agreed with her, and became even more eager to go out.

In that moment, she truly forgot about Zheng Ranwen. She forgot about the divorce, the hurt, and the fact that she was “supposed” to be sad. If this smile could stay on her face, Ye Linghua wouldn’t stop her.

The novel she had read before she transmigrated, and the plot she hadn’t participated in for the past two or three years, were almost forgotten. Fortunately, she had taken notes when she first arrived, just in case. Before coming to see Lin Xin, she had looked through her notebook.

The first instance of Lin Xin hurting herself was starving herself for a month, which gave her a stomach illness. If she could smile like this now, even if she were surrounded and attacked online, what did it matter?

Ye Linghua asked herself what the point of her being here was. The answer was obvious, and Ye Linghua smiled knowingly.

Behind them, the sun sank below the mountain, and the last of its light faded. The streetlights flickered on, marking the beginning of the night.

Thanks to Ye Linghua’s reminder, Lin Xin still went out but wore a hat and mask. In reality, most people are normal. The chance of someone being a fan who is on the internet all the time is not very high. But as a former child star who had become a top celebrity, Lin Xin was different from those who became famous overnight. Her national popularity was extremely high. So, Lin Xin was very careful after leaving the house.

Lin Xin had a regular clothing store. She took Ye Linghua to the one near the mall. As soon as she entered, she took off her mask. The store manager recognized her and rushed over to greet her. He then carefully glanced at Ye Linghua behind her and felt a little envious. Look, look! First, she brought Zheng Ranwen. Now that she’s divorced, she’s already with someone new.

Rich people don’t lack love.

Oh, and this one is prettier than Zheng Ranwen!

The manager remembered the first time Lin Xin brought Zheng Ranwen. Zheng Ranwen’s face looked like Lin Xin had murdered her parents. But the woman today was so pleasant with her constant smile!

Even the manager felt a little fond of Ye Linghua, because people who smile a lot aren’t usually bad.

Lin Xin had a great sense of style. The manager and staff just followed behind her, collecting clothes. Lin Xin chose and put together outfits as she walked. By the time they reached the dressing room, she had already picked out at least 10 outfits for Ye Linghua.

Ye Linghua, following behind, held a few items herself. She looked at the price tags and saw that even the simplest black and white striped scarf was not less than three digits. She couldn’t help but laugh and asked Lin Xin, “Boss, does this mean I’m hired?”

Lin Xin was shocked. “…You weren’t hired yet?” Because her mother had hired her, Lin Xin hadn’t asked many questions. Now that Ye Linghua brought it up, she was a little flustered.

Ye Linghua nodded awkwardly. “During the interview, the lady said I should just come and try the job out. Whether I’m hired or not is up to you, the boss.”

Lin Xin was speechless. “… “Yesterday, when she saw that Ye Linghua wasn’t great at housework, she did consider “returning” her. But she thought, She’s so pleasing to the eye, and Mom personally chose her. So, she could actually return her?

Although she thought this, she also thought that Ye Linghua wasn’t so bad. She couldn’t cook, but she could learn. The cleaning wasn’t meticulous, but she could be taught. What else? She had a temper and dared to hang up on her, but that could also be changed.

If Ye Linghua was really not a good housekeeper, she could always hire the old housekeeper back. The old housekeeper was very meticulous. Lin Xin clenched her fists, thinking this was a great idea.

Then it dawned on her. I hired a housekeeper, but I might need to hire a second one to save the day? Thinking about it made her feel so easygoing that she couldn’t help but pat her head, wanting to slap herself.

Fortunately, Ye Linghua was watching her and quickly grabbed her wrist to stop her.

Lin Xin’s wrist was so delicate that Ye Linghua could easily hold it. She could feel the gentle warmth of her soft skin on her fingertips, and she couldn’t help but give it a little squeeze.

Lin Xin turned to her abruptly. “???”

Ye Linghua: “…Preventing you from harming yourself is part of my job.”

Lin Xin: You were clearly touching me.

Lin Xin had a good eye. The first outfit for Ye Linghua was a blue shirt with a beige vest and a knee-length gray skirt. The whole outfit was elegant and comfortable, instantly giving her the look of a mature and sophisticated woman. The second outfit was a white shirt with a black skirt, a timeless classic. The tie at the collar of the shirt was casually knotted, which made her look even more graceful. The third was a pink jumpsuit with a black blazer, a look that was both gentle and capable. The fourth was a brown off-the-shoulder shirt that wasn’t too revealing. Paired with a skirt that combined a business suit style with a mesh hem, her aura was cool and dignified.

Lin Xin also picked a short black dress with a tight-fitting top and a leather miniskirt. With Ye Linghua’s figure, everyone around them gasped in admiration.

Ye Linghua stood at the dressing room door, her arms crossed, a knowing smile on her face. The store manager almost applauded. This is enough to beat Zheng Ranwen! Miss Lin’s taste has finally improved. That arrogant Zheng Ranwen should have been left behind long ago. The store manager also felt a fondness for Ye Linghua; she was so charming.

Lin Xin also thought the outfit looked great. But seeing Ye Linghua’s raised eyebrows, she thought she wasn’t happy and said, “It looks so good!”

Ye Linghua nodded, and with her slightly low and gentle voice, she asked, “The clothes you pick are beautiful, but are they practical?”

Lin Xin smiled. “I think you’re perfect for them. You’re tall enough.”

Ye Linghua laughed even more heartily. “But have you considered if these clothes are suitable for housework?”

Lin Xin was stunned. “Huh?”

Ye Linghua reminded her, “Housework.”

Lin Xin: “…I really want to hire a housekeeper for my housekeeper. I really do!”

After buying clothes, Lin Xin took Ye Linghua to her favorite restaurant. She booked a private room so she could take off her mask. The restaurant was not far from her neighborhood and had good privacy, so many celebrities, not just Lin Xin, frequented it.

As they passed a wall with celebrity photos and messages, Ye Linghua stopped. The wall had many pictures, including some of the current most popular stars. Ye Linghua looked closely and saw a photo of Lin Xin in the upper right corner. In the picture, there was not only Lin Xin but also Zheng Ranwen…

Ye Linghua glanced at Lin Xin, who was walking ahead. Then she turned back to the photo and took it down. She slowly crumpled it up and, as she passed a trash can, effortlessly tossed it in. She smiled to herself and caught up with Lin Xin.

Zheng Ranwen, when you come back, will you still pose for a photo with her? At least to Ye Linghua, this picture, with its sarcastic meaning, was no longer fit to be in front of Lin Xin.

After dinner, Lin Xin and Ye Linghua made it to the trending topics online. Paparazzi were everywhere, and as a celebrity, Lin Xin was used to it. She was embarrassed that Ye Linghua, a civilian, was in the news. In the news, Ye Linghua’s face was blurred out, but Lin Xin still felt bad.

The fans had mixed reactions to the news.

Star Sisters: [My sister just does what she wants. Who cares about being divorced? My sister is so great. It’s easy for her to find someone else.]

Star Sisters: [Right! Right! Even with her face blurred out, look at that height and that body! Panting.]

Huskies: [Hahaha, and they said our “Cub” was dating someone else? Look who’s actually dating now!]

Dumpling Fans: [Exactly! It’s only been… two days since the divorce.]

Star Sisters: [Oh, come on! Zheng Ranwen ran to find your “Dumpling” on the first day of the divorce. Isn’t that worse than our ‘Sweetheart’ cheating?]

Dumpling Fans: [Are we comparing who’s the cheater? The pot calling the kettle black!]

Dumpling Fans: [Exactly! I could maybe accept it if it was a month after the divorce.]

Star Sisters: [Wake up! Don’t try to make yourself look better. Our ‘Sweetheart’ can live her life however she wants. Why does she need your permission?]

Huskies: [As a celebrity, you need to understand that you live off your fans!]

Star Sisters: [That’s your idol! Our ‘Sweetheart’ doesn’t need to live off her fans, heh.]

Huskies: [Tsk.]

With the trending topics, the internet was again in a huge war. Of course, on her way home, Lin Xin got a call from her manager.

The manager was shocked, and her tone even carried a hint of sadness. “Xin Xin, I know you’ve grown up and have your own life. I’m very happy that you got over the sadness of the divorce in rocket speed. That’s great, it really is. But…”

Meng Ke Lin’s tone became frantic. “Why did you have to go out? Why??? Don’t you know how many paparazzi are lurking around your neighborhood? They can’t get into the store, but they can wait outside, can’t they?”

Lin Xin: “They can’t get into the store. Let them wait outside. It’s not my problem.”

Meng Ke Lin: “…Is that what I meant? Fine, let’s not talk about that. I just want to know who that woman with you is.”

Lin Xin secretly glanced at Ye Linghua. “You wouldn’t know her anyway,” she whispered to Meng Ke Lin.

Meng Ke Lin snapped. “Tell me anyway! You don’t want to deal with reporters. My life isn’t as good as yours. I have to deal with them!”

Lin Xin suddenly felt a little sorry for her. She stopped hiding it. “She’s actually my housekeeper.”

Meng Ke Lin laughed coldly and hung up. Before she did, she accused Lin Xin of being heartless and cried, “I can’t believe you would lie to me like this! I’ve been with you for so many years!” Does a housekeeper look like that?

Lin Xin stared at the hung-up phone, the sound of Meng Ke Lin’s cries still echoing in her ears. She slowly looked at Ye Linghua beside her.

Ye Linghua sat in the back seat of the car. Her aura was effortless. It was as if she was a boss on a business trip, not a housekeeper. The way she rested her head on her hand was so natural. Even with her eyes half-closed, she looked noble and elegant.

A housekeeper?

Lin Xin tilted her head slightly. …She really doesn’t look like one.

Lin Xin: “By the way, what did you do before you came to my house?”

Ye Linghua, half-asleep, answered casually, “With a friend…” Her eyes turned to Lin Xin. In the light of the streetlights, she saw Lin Xin’s confused but attentive face.

Ye Linghua’s body jolted. Her voice stopped for a moment before she continued, “We were housekeepers together.” As if to convince herself, she added in a more assertive tone, “Yes, we are all housekeepers. I have many housekeeper friends.”

Lin Xin: “…Do you need me to recommend some employers for them?”

Ye Linghua: “…No, they’re very busy.”

The online gossip, which had already erupted during the day, was fanned into a higher frenzy by Lin Xin and Ye Linghua’s appearance. Of course, the focus was still on the three of them: Lin Xin, Zheng Ranwen, and Lin Wan, and who was the third party.

In the world of celebrities, even people in the industry don’t know the truth. For those outside of it, it’s just a fun show to watch. But that didn’t stop the fan wars. The fan bases fought fiercely, each wanting to take a bite out of the other.

Lin Xin’s social media post had given her a small victory in the court of public opinion. The “Star Sisters” were overjoyed, celebrating Lin Xin’s successful divorce from her cheating partner, Zheng Ranwen. After all, who wouldn’t think it was strange for her to run to her ex’s house right after the divorce? So, it was easy for them to accept Lin Xin and Ye Linghua going shopping that night. Some netizens felt that divorce meant freedom and that since her ex-wife was so unfaithful, she had every right to be with someone else. Others thought that Lin Xin still had feelings for Zheng Ranwen and that she had gone out with someone new just to make Zheng Ranwen jealous.

Netizens had all sorts of opinions, but overall, Lin Xin had the upper hand in the public eye. Lin Xin and Lin Wan seemed to be in a constant state of flux. When Lin Xin’s public image improved, Lin Wan’s name was brought up more often as a homewrecker.

After Ye Linghua hung up on Zheng Ranwen, she was shocked by who was with Lin Xin. She thought about it so much that she couldn’t figure out if she cared more about the person who hung up on her or Lin Wan’s current situation.

The online war continued into the next day. Lin Wan’s manager had to go to Zheng Ranwen and explain the seriousness of the situation. For Lin Wan, who had just returned to the country, this was a huge blow to her career. Zheng Ranwen knew this too. As an industry insider, she knew that being labeled a homewrecker was a ticking time bomb for Lin Wan. Even famous people had disappeared from the industry because of it. What about Lin Wan, who was only famous during her reality show days and whose career was just starting?

For Lin Wan, Zheng Ranwen put her pride aside and returned to her old home, feeling exhausted. When she stood at the entrance of the neighborhood, she had only been gone for two days, but it felt like everything had changed. The metal gate she used to pass through, the shrubs that lined the road, and the familiar villas all felt so strange now. It was as if she would never have the chance to come back again.