Three Sentences That Made My Ex-Wife Spit Blood - Chapter 55

“Isn’t he the one? You don’t think he was born from Yan Mingzhu either, right? The family also thinks the timing doesn’t match. But no matter how many tests they run, he still comes out as a match. And he does look a bit like them, doesn’t he?”

Wen Huaxi grew more anxious as she spoke. She finally let everything out in one breath and collapsed into Yan Qinglan’s arms, breathing heavily.

It felt like something had suddenly struck Yan Qinglan’s mind.

She had never connected these two situations before.

To her, they had happened too far apart. The time periods were different, and the technology had changed. It didn’t seem logical to compare them using the same explanation.

But what if this wasn’t about science or technology at all? What if it had to do with something spiritual or supernatural?

What if her own identity incident was somehow connected to Gu Lian and Yan Qingqing?

Those people had captured her and drawn her blood. That action seemed much more suspicious in hindsight.

“Xiao Xi, you really are my lucky charm,” Yan Qinglan said, gently ruffling Wen Huaxi’s hair.

It was Wen Huaxi’s words that gave her that sudden moment of clarity.

“See? It makes sense, doesn’t it?” Wen Huaxi mumbled like a little child, holding onto Yan Qinglan’s hand.

“Yes. I never thought about it before.”

As the connection became clearer, both of them thought of the same possibility.

“Sister Qing, do you think they took your blood because of your ancient cultivation talent?”

Yan Qinglan nodded slowly. “Maybe. But can talent really be extracted just by drawing blood?”

“Let’s ask Meng Qingzhou. If she doesn’t want to explain, just tell her it might be a clue,” Wen Huaxi said, suggesting a small trick.

“That works. Gu Lian came looking for the sacred artifact and somehow managed to plant Yan Qingqing in our family. So if someone else used the same method, could they also be working for him?” Yan Qinglan typed while speaking, her thoughts forming a complete picture in her mind.

Gu Lian, or perhaps the entire Gu family, had targeted her in order to find the sacred artifact.

That might have been the reason behind the identity switch years ago.

When they failed to find the artifact, and to avoid arousing suspicion, they waited more than a decade before sending Gu Lian again.

Looking at it this way, the artifact being with Yan Mingzhu seemed more likely.

If they acted a second time, their plan would definitely have been more thorough. This time, Gu Lian chose to approach Yan Mingzhu, not her.

Sadly, her mother could no longer speak.

What they could assume now was that the artifact had not yet been taken.

After all, Gu Lian was still living within the Yan family.

Yan Qinglan frowned without realizing it.

If Gu Lian was the only one behind this, things would be much easier. She would only need to guard against him and find a way to get rid of him.

But what if she was up against the entire martial world?

Just then, Meng Qingzhou replied to her message.

“They drew your blood? Then your ancient cultivation talent might have been stronger before that.”

Yan Qinglan responded, “Can something like that really be taken through blood?”

Meng Qingzhou answered,
“Not entirely. But if they damaged the core of your body before you began cultivating, it could cause your talent to fade. Talent is essentially a type of energy. It doesn’t flow completely through blood. It’s more complicated. But if your body is weakened, the core talent will try to fill in that gap, which results in less remaining energy.”

“This theory was only confirmed recently. But if this happened twenty or thirty years ago, there really were people back then who believed that they could take someone’s core through blood. Our side has always been slow to develop scientifically.”

Yan Qinglan showed the messages to Wen Huaxi, still frowning.

She couldn’t figure out whether those people had been trying to weaken her talent or transfer it.

Meng Qingzhou continued:

“By the way, I’m curious. Was it your mother’s side or your father’s side that was connected to the martial world? Talent like that can only be passed down through bloodlines.”

Yan Qinglan and Wen Huaxi exchanged glances.

“But the Yan family has lived in the capital for generations. There’s no record of anyone ever joining the martial world,” said Yan Qinglan.

Even Yan Mingzhu didn’t seem like someone who could have had ancient cultivation talent.

“What about your other parent?” Wen Huaxi asked. This was something she hadn’t known before.

After digging deeper today, she suddenly felt that her death in the last life might not have been so unjust.

Her enemy was incredibly strong, and she had been completely unaware. Being helpless when targeted seemed almost natural now.

Wen Huaxi held her stomach with one hand and reached out with the other to pull Yan Qinglan’s hand to her head.

Yan Qinglan began stroking her hair gently.

“I don’t know. Until you mentioned it, I always thought Yan Mingzhu had chosen a donor from a fertility clinic and had me on her own. She never brought anyone home. Not until Gu Lian appeared.”

She paused, clearly confused.

“But now it seems like I might have another parent. Either a mother or a father.”

If that were true, why didn’t Yan Mingzhu ever tell her?

And was that unknown parent connected to the martial world?

Yan Qinglan didn’t reply to Meng Qingzhou’s message. She put her phone down and hugged Wen Huaxi tightly.

There were too many unanswered questions, and the enemy was still hidden in the shadows, perfectly disguised.

It wasn’t just Wen Huaxi who felt powerless. Even Yan Qinglan, always calm and strong, felt helpless for once.

She wasn’t afraid of much. But she was terrified that someone she loved might get hurt.

“You’re not smiling anymore,” Wen Huaxi said softly, trying to cheer her up. She gently poked Yan Qinglan’s face and noticed that the smile she usually wore had disappeared.

That meant she truly felt relaxed around Wen Huaxi. Relaxed enough not to pretend anymore.

Wen Huaxi smiled instead. She leaned in and gave Sister Qing a quick kiss on the cheek.

“I didn’t even notice…” Yan Qinglan murmured, slightly embarrassed.

“It’s alright, Sister Qing,” Wen Huaxi said playfully, pretending to be the older one as she patted her head.

“When you’re with me, you don’t have to fake anything. You don’t have to force a smile. You don’t have to pretend to be close to anyone just to avoid gossip.”

Yan Qinglan brushed her fingers across her lips.

Her usually stiff face finally relaxed. She realized she couldn’t find that faint, practiced smile anymore.

That was another lingering effect from her childhood.

She never expected Wen Huaxi to notice. She especially didn’t expect her to say something so comforting.

“Don’t you think I look cold or distant?” Yan Qinglan cupped Wen Huaxi’s cheeks, trying to see herself in her round, almond-shaped eyes.

“Of course not. I like you. And I know how warm and passionate you really are.”

Wen Huaxi’s eyes were like a sea of stars.

Within them lived a version of Yan Qinglan who was beautiful even without a smile. Even when she looked sharp or distant, she still made people feel at ease.

“So, Sister Qing, smile when you really feel like it. You’ve already reached this point. No one has the right to judge whether you smile or not.”

She blinked, her eyes shimmering and reflecting Yan Qinglan’s image.

Finally, Yan Qinglan smiled again. This time, it was real and from the heart.

“Thank you. I’m really lucky to have you.” This was her most precious person. The one she would search for across lifetimes.

“Don’t thank me. That’s what I’m here for,” Wen Huaxi said happily, as if she had helped Sister Qing unlock something deep inside her heart.

She leaned into her again, then held out her hand.

“Want to squeeze it?”

She was still that spoiled little kitten who needed to be taken care of. Yan Qinglan patiently gave her a massage, without complaint, and her technique was surprisingly professional.

That afternoon, Yan Qinglan contacted her own people and made a plan. She intended to reconnect and strengthen ties with acquaintances from the martial arts world.

Wen Huaxi had nothing much to do. She had flipped through her script so many times it was worn out, and watching a drama would disturb Yan Qinglan. So she wandered into the study and aimlessly browsed some books.

Yan Qinglan suggested she go to the living room, but Wen Huaxi refused and insisted on staying in the study.

A wife should be pampered. Yan Qinglan could only multitask, dealing with her contacts while also soothing Wen Huaxi and chatting to keep her company.

As night fell, Wen Huaxi clung to Yan Qinglan and insisted on being held in a slightly awkward but very close position.

“Are you upset again?” Yan Qinglan glanced at Wen Huaxi’s hair and confirmed she was just being playful, not genuinely annoyed.

“Ugh, your tone is completely unconvincing. It’s like you already know I’m just acting spoiled,” Wen Huaxi pouted and gently bit Yan Qinglan’s finger.

“That only means your big sister understands you well,” Yan Qinglan replied. Her finger was still caught between Wen Huaxi’s teeth, and a rare spark of desire lit in her eyes. With her other hand, she gently traced Wen Huaxi’s lips, teasing her.

“Yan Qinglan, don’t be like this,” Wen Huaxi muttered as she pushed the finger out of her mouth.

“You keep teasing me but don’t help me with anything. What do you expect me to do?” She turned her head and made a soft huffing sound, pretending to ignore Yan Qinglan.

Yet her body was still nestled warmly in Yan Qinglan’s arms, breathing in quiet contentment.

“I looked into it again,” Yan Qinglan said softly. She was only daring to tease Wen Huaxi now because she had done her research.

“Internal methods are out of the question. I’m honestly scared. But external… that’s not impossible. It won’t hurt you.”

Yan Qinglan rested her head on Wen Huaxi’s shoulder and whispered near her ear in a voice full of temptation. “So, Xiaoxi, do you want to?”

A small tuft of hair on Wen Huaxi’s head suddenly popped up. “Really? Is it okay?”

“Yes. I was only ever worried about hurting you.”

Yan Qinglan stood and gently laid her wife onto the bed.

Seeing Wen Huaxi feeling down today, she had been considering this way to cheer her up.

Even though they had resolved things through conversation, the thoughts never left her heart.

Every joyful memory lingered in her mind, constantly stirring up desire.

Just a small touch would spark fantasies and increase her yearning.

Especially recently, with Wen Huaxi being extra clingy, constantly finding ways to cuddle up to her and acting spoiled in different ways. Yan Qinglan felt that tonight, she had to properly deal with this little troublemaker.

As they kissed, Yan Qinglan slowly unbuttoned Wen Huaxi’s clothes.

She knew exactly where Wen Huaxi’s sensitive spots were. It was effortless to make her melt completely.

And this happened even before anything truly began.

Her sweet little girl turned soft in her arms, completely yielding. The sight made Yan Qinglan’s heart ache with emotion.

She leaned down to get closer.

Wen Huaxi reacted strongly. She had always been sensitive, and even the gentlest touch made her let out sounds that stirred the imagination.

Tonight, Yan Qinglan was serious.

She wanted to bring her pure happiness.

Wen Huaxi, unlike in their past life where they had argued and even divorced, showed no resistance now. She simply opened herself up and accepted everything.

“Sister Qing, turn off the light.”

She was even shyer than Yan Qinglan remembered. She dimmed the lights and moved more gently.

Wen Huaxi was still just about to turn twenty-one. She was inexperienced and still a little awkward, but also greedy for affection. That made her even more lovable.

Sticky and sweet like syrup coating a red bean, Yan Qinglan imagined brushing the syrup across her lips.

Like applying lip balm, she spread it carefully.

Gently teasing, she coaxed her lips open.

A single tear slipped down from Wen Huaxi’s eye and landed in Yan Qinglan’s hand.

Because she was holding Yan Qinglan’s finger in her mouth, she could not even cry out.

She clutched Yan Qinglan’s shoulder tightly and gave herself fully.

Yan Qinglan gently kissed away the tear from the corner of her eye.

It had only lasted a short while, but Wen Huaxi felt a kind of joy that seemed to shake her very soul.

Thinking back, even if their previous life had been more intense, it had lacked this feeling. Love was now the most essential ingredient, the true soul of their intimacy.

“Sister Qing, I still want more.” After a brief rest, Wen Huaxi wrapped her arms around Yan Qinglan’s neck and whispered softly near her ear.

“Drink some water and rest a bit.” Yan Qinglan supported her and helped her lie down.

She brushed a hand over Wen Huaxi’s round belly and felt a gentle kick from little Qingxun.

Even during such a tender moment, she could feel her daughter’s tiny kicks.

This doesn’t count as me bothering your mom, Yan Qinglan thought silently.

She asked for this.

To prove her point, Yan Qinglan leaned closer and asked, “Baby, are you upset with us? Are you unhappy about what we did?”

“She’s still just a fetus, not even five months old. What could she possibly understand?”

Wen Huaxi raised her foot and accidentally kicked Yan Qinglan off the bed.

Yan Qinglan simply laughed and got up to fetch some water.

She was very strict about time.

No matter how much Wen Huaxi begged after ten o’clock, she refused to continue.

She carried the girl to the bathroom, but didn’t join her in the shower. Instead, she let Wen Huaxi wash up on her own.

Even under the lights, Wen Huaxi didn’t resist.

Yan Qinglan felt reassured. She had worried that Wen Huaxi’s request to keep the lights off was not just about shyness, but about feeling insecure over her pregnant body.

She gently touched the small bump and kissed it.

That was a symbol of her beloved’s hard work. How could she judge it?

Wen Huaxi stepped into the shower alone. Looking at her stomach, she let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Yan Qinglan didn’t dislike it.

She had been worried and a little self-conscious.

Just now, she hadn’t had the strength to walk herself to the bathroom or to ask Yan Qinglan to turn on the water in the dark.

Her belly was round and slightly bulging, far from what most would call beautiful.

But if Yan Qinglan didn’t mind, then maybe it really wasn’t a big deal.

The next day, back at the film set, Wen Huaxi sent Yan Qinglan away and went to comfort her close friend.

“Mu Chengcheng has already been taken away. The production team hasn’t decided how to recast his role. For now, you don’t have to worry about anything.”

Wen Huaxi stayed close by Lu Tong’s side.

Lu Tong still didn’t look well-rested. The dark circles under her eyes were still heavy.

She shook her head and leaned closer to Wen Huaxi. “Thank you for yesterday. If he hadn’t been removed… I honestly don’t know if I could’ve kept acting.”

“He threatened you with the role?”

“No, I just… I was scared. I didn’t want to be in the same production as him.” Lu Tong shuddered as she thought of that man.

“I never expected him to come at me like that. He even wanted me to sign that kind of agreement. I refused, and then…”

Her words were jumbled and shaken.

Wen Huaxi felt a pang in her heart. “Don’t be scared. Let’s hire a bodyguard and ask the production to give you your pay early, alright? You didn’t do anything wrong. Why should you be the one to back down? Why not kick him out instead?”

“But… he’s a top-tier actor with so many fans. I’m just someone who hasn’t even debuted yet. I got this role by luck. Wen Huaxi, you must understand what I’m afraid of, right?”

Wen Huaxi placed her hands on Lu Tong’s shoulders. “I do. But I don’t agree with you running away. If you walk away now, then what? What about the money? Your mother needs that money, but I know for sure she wouldn’t want you to earn it by sacrificing your dignity. Right now, you have a chance to earn it through your own effort and skill. Why should one disgusting man take that away from you?”

Lu Tong opened her mouth but had no words. “You’re right… thank you, Huaxi. I feel so much calmer when I’m with you.”

Even though they were the same age, both still in university, Wen Huaxi always carried herself with such steadiness.

Wen Huaxi really was incredible.

At the same time, Wen Huaxi was thinking that the Lu Tong in front of her hadn’t been through all that pain yet. Before her mother’s illness, she had been a pure and innocent girl raised with love and care.

It was completely normal for her to feel afraid.

Wen Huaxi reminded herself not to treat this Lu Tong the same way she viewed the more mature version from her previous life.

“My scenes are almost finished, but I’ll stay with you as much as I can. Do you want to hire a bodyguard?”

Lu Tong struggled with the idea for a moment, then nodded. “I’ll go ask the production team for my payment later.”

Wen Huaxi breathed a sigh of relief and picked up her phone.

She wanted to tell Yan Qinglan how she was feeling but caught herself just in time, stopping short of blurting out that she had been reborn.

Rebirth was too unreal. Even if Yan Qinglan didn’t know, they could still get along well. There was no need to tell her everything.

Wen Huaxi also didn’t want Yan Qinglan to know what had happened in their past life—not just the four years of neglect, the divorce, but also her own death.

That would only make Sister Qing sad.

Later, they found the director’s team. After listening to Lu Tong, the team looked uncomfortable.

“To be honest, Miss Lu,” said the assistant director, “we were hoping you two could reconcile. President Mu’s side said that if you apologize, he won’t pursue the matter.”

The assistant director glanced at Wen Huaxi beside Lu Tong, trying to speak as gently as he could.

If Lu Tong had come alone, he likely would’ve dismissed her right away.

She had assaulted Mu Chengcheng, now she wanted early payment, and she expected the team to fire their biggest box office draw? Ridiculous.

But Wen Huaxi was a different matter. She had been specifically requested for protection by the investors.

The entire crew had noticed by now. A powerful, elegantly dressed woman would often arrive in a luxury car just to pick up Wen Huaxi.

Apparently, that woman was Wen Huaxi’s wife—one of the top investors, a figure no one dared to offend.

“Director Li, I think you’ve misunderstood something,” Wen Huaxi said with a frown. “It was Mu Chengcheng who attacked my friend first.”

Things, as expected, were not going to go smoothly.

Director Li pushed his glasses up and shifted his gaze between the two girls. “There’s no evidence of that. Please don’t make such claims without proof, Miss Wen.”

“You want evidence?” Wen Huaxi gave a short laugh, equal parts angry and amused.

Yan Qinglan had sent her the surveillance footage as soon as it happened.

Wen Huaxi had hoped the production wouldn’t be this blind, so she had held onto the footage and not released it yet.

But if push came to shove, she knew how to make it public. She had the contact information of one of the most famous paparazzi in the industry.

In her previous life, that woman had relentlessly tried to dig gossip out of her marriage, which had turned into a useful connection.

At this point in time, that same paparazzi already had over ten million followers and was known for explosive, accurate reporting.

When it came to public trust, Wen Huaxi far outshined Mu Chengcheng.

If he tried to take her on, this so-called top-tier actor with no real skill wouldn’t stand a chance.

“How much did Mu Chengcheng pay you, Director Li? Since this is your attitude, then there’s no point in talking further. We’ll see how this plays out.” Wen Huaxi pulled out her phone.

It had been a long time since she contacted that old nemesis of hers.

She was only planning to leak the information. She believed the paparazzi woman would definitely answer her call.

Lu Tong still looked worried.

Wen Huaxi pulled her out of the director’s lounge, not giving her any time to hesitate.

“Huaxi, do you really have evidence?” After witnessing the production team’s predictable reaction, Lu Tong didn’t feel entirely disappointed, just heavy-hearted.

“I do. But there’s no need to release it right away. Let’s wait and see how they respond. First, I’ll connect you with someone. A top paparazzi contact. Here’s her number. It’s worth getting on her good side.” Wen Huaxi handed Lu Tong a phone number she had written down.

In her previous life, she and Lu Tong had met this paparazzi together. Giving Lu Tong the contact early this time around did no harm.

“A paparazzi? Is that even trustworthy?” Lu Tong was surprised. She thought celebrities were supposed to hate people like that.

“It’s a working relationship. Of course it’s trustworthy. You give her a big scoop, she polishes it and posts it. Later, if she digs up something on you, she’ll ask before publishing. And if you want to influence public opinion, you’ll need people like her to help spread your message.” Wen Huaxi spoke like someone with years of experience in the entertainment industry.

Lu Tong was stunned by how knowledgeable she sounded.

Still, she obediently took out her phone and added the paparazzi contact.

Back in the director’s lounge, Lu Zhi, the chief cinematographer and main director, had lost her temper. She was twisting Assistant Director Li’s ear and scolding him loudly.

“If you ask me, Mu Chengcheng should have been replaced a long time ago. His scenes are awful. He can’t act to save his life. If you hadn’t insisted on casting him, I never would have kept him.”

“But come on, sis. You said box office performance matters too. Mu Chengcheng has powerful people backing him. Is it really worth offending him just to protect Lu Tong?”

Li still believed removing Mu Chengcheng was a bad idea.

In his opinion, Wen Huaxi was just Lu Tong’s friend. That big investor backing Wen Huaxi had nothing to do with Lu Tong, and might not even step in for her.

“Are you here to make real films or just chase money? If you care so much about capital and popularity, don’t work with me. Go shoot your garbage projects elsewhere. This whole thing was Mu Chengcheng’s fault from the start.”

“Fine. You act all noble now. But let’s see how you make this film without money. I’m telling you, if Mu Chengcheng leaves, half the investors will pull out. No, actually, ninety percent. I want to see how you plan to finish it then.”

Li’s tone turned aggressive. “You want to keep filming? Then pay for it yourself. Let’s see how far you get.”

“Ninety percent? What did you sign behind my back? Why are there so many investors tied to him?” Lu Zhi’s face changed.

“Come on, sis. Times have changed. We live in the popularity era now. Mu Chengcheng’s market value is higher than Xiao Yinghua’s.”

Xiao Yinghua was a seasoned veteran who had agreed to guest star in the series. He had won countless awards but was semi-retired due to his age.

Lu Zhi was briefly speechless.

Just then, the door swung open again.

“That woman still hasn’t come to apologize? Tell her if she doesn’t come soon, I’m leaving right now.”

Mu Chengcheng’s face was still wrapped in bandages. His voice was muffled, but he had no problem making threats.