Helping My Ex-Wife Find Love Every Day - Chapter 5

On the way home, the atmosphere was strange. Qiu Qing Shi and Yao Xiangyi sat side-by-side in the back seat of the Maybach, rigid and silent.

They were like two armies facing off, where the enemy’s stillness was met with stillness.

Outside the car window, the streetlights rapidly sped backward. Inside the cabin, the light was dim, their faces hidden in semi-darkness.

The driver stole glances in the rearview mirror, constantly monitoring the volatile situation.

Unfortunately, by the time the car drove into the underground parking lot of the Riverside Mansion, there was still no substantial progress.

Qiu Qing Shi got out first, her high heels clicking on the glossy floor like the drumbeats before a war.

Yao Xiangyi seemed completely unbothered, her pace slightly slower than Qiu Qing Shi’s. She pushed open the car door and leisurely walked into the hallway, where she found Qiu Qing Shi standing in the elevator car with an arrogant look, her hand pressed on the “door open” button.

Is she… waiting for her?

Yao Xiangyi accepted the gesture, stepped inside, and said in a gentle, low voice: “Thank you.”

Qiu Qing Shi withdrew her hand, and the elevator doors closed.

Aunt Mi was waiting for them in the living room. She excitedly called out to them, complaining, “If you hadn’t come back, dinner would be cold.”

The two exchanged shoes at the entryway.

Yao Xiangyi said, “I already ate at Grandpa’s house.”

Aunt Mi gave her a mild scolding: “You child, you didn’t even call to tell me.”

Yao Xiangyi had been close to her since childhood. To cheer her up, she winked and said, “I forgot. Qing Shi hasn’t eaten yet; she can join you for a meal.”

With that, she turned and walked towards the bedroom.

Qiu Qing Shi wasn’t in the mood to eat. She only asked Aunt Mi to reheat the white fungus and lotus seed soup before hurriedly trailing after Yao Xiangyi.

Aunt Mi found the pair stranger and stranger.

The bedroom door opened and then closed, the bolt clicking shut.

Yao Xiangyi turned back at the sound, her eyes meeting Qiu Qing Shi’s directly.

Qiu Qing Shi looked at Yao Xiangyi with an “you cheated” gaze.

Yao Xiangyi looked at Qiu Qing Shi with an “you are about to cheat” gaze, also conveying “and I know the mistress is named Bai Meng Zhao.”

Neither would admit defeat, but both were struggling to suppress their emotions.

The atmosphere’s tension abruptly spiked.

It was an explosive situation, ready to detonate at any moment.

Su Ti La’s phone call came in at an inappropriate time.

The soothing ringtone was like cool water, extinguishing the small flames leaping in their hearts.

Qiu Qing Shi secretly rolled her eyes, swiped the screen, and answered the call.

Su Ti La asked anxiously, “Are things… okay with CEO Yao?”

Qiu Qing Shi glanced at Yao Xiangyi, sat on the bed, and muttered, “En, fine.” You had to interrupt just as I was about to start the main event.

Su Ti La felt marginally relieved. She wanted to continue gossiping about whether Yao Xiangyi really had a mistress, but she worried about crossing Qiu Qing Shi’s line. After all, it was a private family matter, and prying too much was truly offensive.

Qiu Qing Shi sensed her hesitation and, after a slight pause, asked, “Is something the matter?”

“Yes, it’s about the new drama’s publicity,” Su Ti La straightened her tone. “Your appearance today went viral, and it’s still ranked 15th on the hot search. The crew wants to use this opportunity to ride the wave. I didn’t tell you during the day because you were busy with family matters, but check Weibo. Just forward one or two posts.”

Over the years, Qiu Qing Shi’s focus had always been on the big screen. However, with the film and television industry in a cold spell, many veteran actors had no roles. Under the collapse of the nest, no egg remains intact. Her career was also affected to a greater or lesser extent.

Although her resources had decreased slightly, they were still top-notch, the kind others envied. Last year, Su Ti La had chosen an ancient-costume political drama for her. The original novel had delicate writing, a full plot, and was incredibly engaging.

The character was also very likable—smart and capable, tearing down two adversaries per episode.

Furthermore, Qiu Qing Shi’s image was highly consistent with the original female lead. Earlier, book fans had launched a poll on a forum: “If Phoenix Chronicle is adapted for TV, who is the female lead in your mind?”

The poll lasted 24 hours, and Qiu Qing Shi received the highest number of votes. Some skilled artists even drew a picture of her in white flowing ancient attire right away.

In the painting, the sky was dark and it was raining.

She held a long sword, standing on the imperial steps in front of a majestic palace. The sword’s blade was bloody, and the wind lifted her long hair and robe’s hem, her gaze clear and sharp.

The fans were captivated by the image and reposted it enthusiastically. Weibo was generous and immediately gave her a trending tag: “#WhiteRobeSurpassingSnowQiuQingShi#.”

Most importantly, the production team for this drama was top-tier: a famous director, a big budget, and even the costume designer was a renowned figure.

Qiu Qing Shi had read the original work and was captivated by the female lead’s personal charm. Coupled with the sincere invitation from the producer and director, she accepted the role. Since the news of her starring was released, the popularity hasn’t faded, and the crew seized every opportunity to ride her fame.

Well, besides her looks and acting, they chose her for her popularity. It not only saved on advertising costs but also generated buzz.

She opened Weibo. The director, producer, official blog, and lead actors were all mentioning her, especially the official blog, which posted a video of the wrap-up party where a crew member presented her with flowers and everyone cheered and applauded.

In the video, she happened to be wearing white, with a silver-white cape draped over her shoulders, her face flushed by the furry collar.

The post had over 300,000 shares and 1,000,000 likes, already making it to the hot search due to piggybacking on her popularity.

She first left comments for those who had mentioned her, then reposted the official blog’s wrap-up video.

—@QiuQingShiV: Thank you all for coming along this journey. I hope you will continue to join hands with me in the days ahead, as we embark on the Phoenix Chronicle together.

She clicked “Send,” locked the screen cleanly, and intended to resume the previous confrontation with Yao Xiangyi.

However, Yao Xiangyi was nowhere to be seen.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom, suggesting she was taking a shower.

Yao Xiangyi was a neat freak, a typical Virgo, who had to shower every morning and evening.

Qiu Qing Shi had no choice. She reluctantly went to the walk-in closet to change into a comfortable, honey-colored silk slip dress that looked both sweet and sexy.

When she came out, Yao Xiangyi was blow-drying her hair. The hairdryer buzzed, and the room was filled with damp, pleasant fragrance.

Qiu Qing Shi subconsciously looked over. Her gaze landed on the slightly loosened collar of Yao Xiangyi’s bathrobe, the clear curve of her collarbone, and the beautiful lines that made her imagination run wild.

The spring night suddenly became inexplicably hot.

Her throat moved, and she licked her dry lips.

Yao Xiangyi seemed to notice her audacious gaze and instinctively turned her head to look at her.

Qiu Qing Shi was like a child caught doing something wrong. To avoid being busted, she nervously turned her face away, her eyes darting around wildly in their sockets, unable to find a focal point for a long time.

She grumbled internally that they hadn’t shared any intimacy in the four months they had been apart…

Yao Xiangyi loved her childishness. A woman who was dominant outside always indulged and occasionally showed a hint of compliance in front of her, which was the most perfect way to tug at her heartstrings.

She turned off the hairdryer and suddenly spoke, interrupting Qiu Qing Shi’s romantic thoughts: “What did you mean by ‘mistress’ at the old house tonight?”

Here it comes.

The topic was starting.

Qiu Qing Shi composed herself, crossed her arms over her chest, leaned against the walk-in closet door, puffed out her cheeks, and asked stubbornly, “Do you have someone outside?”

Yao Xiangyi’s eyes were calm, a faint smile on her face: “Isn’t it you who has someone outside?”

Qiu Qing Shi sighed at her ability to turn the tables: “I don’t!”

“You will soon.”

Qiu Qing Shi applauded her.

Truly worthy of being a cunning businesswoman in the commercial world. Her excuses and justifications are a whole routine, even going so far as to forcefully put a green hat on herself.

“Then you tell me, who am I about to have outside?”

Yao Xiangyi shrugged, not answering. She picked up the hairdryer and put it back in the corner of the washbasin.

When she came back, she didn’t look at Qiu Qing Shi. She lifted the thin duvet and climbed into bed, leaning against the headboard, continuing to watch the love story between Chu Yu Xun and the four handsome men on her tablet.

Their bedroom was semi-circular. Outside the window was the bustling night view of Hai Shi, bright with glittering lights. Qiu Qing Shi’s faintly angry face was reflected on the window.

We’re talking about a mistress. Can you be serious?

A fire was building up in her heart. She managed to maintain the dignity of Hai Shi’s number one socialite, sat beside Yao Xiangyi, and reached out to snatch the tablet: “Tell me, who is the mistress?”

Yao Xiangyi truly didn’t know where she heard the nonsense: “There is no such thing.”

With that, she took the tablet back.

Unexpectedly, Qiu Qing Shi snatched it away again the next second.

This is never going to end!

Yao Xiangyi sat up and said sternly, “Give it to me.”

“I won’t.”

“Hurry up.”

“I just won’t.”

Yao Xiangyi had no choice but to resort to violence—she grabbed Qiu Qing Shi’s wrist and squeezed hard.

Qiu Qing Shi was not to be outdone. She pounced and bit her ear, making Yao Xiangyi gasp in pain. After four years of marriage, this was the first time she realized Qiu Qing Shi was a Tibetan Mastiff.

“Ow! Let go! Let go!”

Qiu Qing Shi wouldn’t give up. Since they had already broken the polite facade, she was determined to find out the mistress’s name: “Confess honestly, who is the mistress!”

“No one—”

Before the word was out, Qiu Qing Shi bit her again. Yao Xiangyi was truly defeated. She struggled to escape, but Qiu Qing Shi had taken two solid months of martial arts training for the fight scenes in Phoenix Chronicle and had sparred frequently with the stunt coordinators on set. In no time, she pinned Yao Xiangyi down into the pillow, straddled her waist, and asked breathlessly, “Last chance, who is the mistress!”

Yao Xiangyi gave up: “Even if you bite me to death, there is no mistress!”

“Then why are you divorcing me!”

Yao Xiangyi covered her bitten ear. To avoid another attack from Qiu Qing Shi’s venomous mouth, she stabilized her breath and said earnestly, “I’m doing this for your own good, to make it easier for you and Bai Meng Zhao to live happily ever after.”

She was only halfway through her sentence when Qiu Qing Shi’s flurry of small fists rained down on her, hitting flesh solidly and without hesitation.

“I’ll beat you to death, you faithless person!”

Yao Xiangyi: “I told you the truth and you still hit me!”

Outside the door, Aunt Mi, holding a bowl of steaming hot white fungus and lotus seed soup, was about to raise her hand to knock. After hearing the fierce commotion inside, she silently lowered her hand…

A small separation is truly better than a honeymoon, she thought happily.

An hour later, Su Ti La, who was painting her nails on the living room sofa at home, received a WeChat message.

CEO Yao: [From now on, you are forbidden to accept any martial arts roles for Qiu Qing Shi!!]

CEO Yao: [[How could I be so proud, so vulnerable.jpg]]

Su Ti La: ???

Su Ti La: !!!