A Washed-up Movie Queen's Divorce Strategy [Rebirth] - Chapter 38

In the previous life, the marriage between Ji Chenli and Ming Lang began as a tragedy and ended as one. Having a second chance, at least this time they did not repeat the same mistakes. Their relationship was bound by nothing more than a marriage certificate, as clean as that between two strangers. Thus, when they parted, there was nothing but two copies of a divorce agreement—simple to the point that it didn’t feel like a marriage at all.

“Once I’m better, we’ll go to the Civil Affairs Bureau to finalize the divorce procedures. From then on, you go your way and I’ll go mine; we won’t owe each other a thing.” Ji Chenli handed the signed A4 paper to the lawyer. The gloom that had accumulated in her heart for months swept away instantly. She even found Ming Lang more pleasant to look at, giving her a brief smile. “Ming Lang, congratulations. You’re free.”

After saying it, she added silently in her heart: And I am free, too.

When Ji Chenli was young, her head had run hot and she took things to extremes. She had bickered with Ming Lang for so many years and only understood after dying once. She indeed had feelings for Ming Lang in the early years, even a hazy sort of love, but the entanglement of the following years was merely her being stubborn with herself. She didn’t want to admit her life was a failure; she kept trying to prove something, only to hurt both others and herself. In the end, she proved only that she had truly been wrong in her youth, and thus earned this retribution.

Finally, having used a death as the price for a rare moment of clarity, it was hard to say if this bargain was a profit or a loss.

In Ming Lang’s memory, Ji Chenli had not been this happy in decades. She didn’t know when it started, but Ji Chenli’s gaze had stopped following her. In the first few years of marriage, Ji Chenli would get jealous because Ming Lang visited Han Xinyuan on set, or gave Han Xinyuan special care, or because Ming Lang wore a limited-edition luxury watch gifted by Han Xinyuan.

When she was jealous, her eyes would bulge like a goldfish as she glared at Ming Lang, revealing a bit of silly, naive cuteness. Then, she would take advantage of Ming Lang’s lack of attention to throw a massive handful of salt into the dinner dishes. When Ming Lang sat at the table, Ji Chenli would rest her chin in her hands and watch her, her eyes overflowing with anticipation, her upper body leaning halfway across the table, practically writing “I’m doing something bad” in large letters on her face, terrified that others might not notice.

Ming Lang, of course, knew, but she pretended not to. Keeping her “iceberg” face still, she finished the entire meal that had been “processed” by Ji Chenli, wiped her mouth with satisfaction, and went upstairs to the study, leaving Ji Chenli alone at the dining table with her mouth wide enough to fit an egg.

Strange, I clearly added stuff to the food. Did I add the wrong thing? Refusing to believe it, Ji Chenli picked up her chopsticks and put a huge mouthful into her own mouth; before she could even chew, she spat it out. Her features scrunched together as she grabbed a cup and frantically poured water into her mouth.

Ptooey, ptooey! Bitterly salty! As she gulped water, Ji Chenli thought indignantly: That damn Ming Lang, not only is her heart made of ice, but her tongue is probably ice too. To eat such unpalatable food with such relish—she’s got problems!

Ming Lang would hide in her study, cracking the door a tiny bit to observe every move Ji Chenli made in the dining room. Seeing her drinking water with a miserable face, Ming Lang didn’t even notice that the corners of her own mouth had curved into a distinct smile.

Later, that vivid and interesting Ji Chenli appeared less and less. Her vibrant vitality withered rapidly over those seven years. Without Ming Lang noticing, her pupils—once bright—became dim in forgotten corners.

Ji Chenli stopped caring where Ming Lang went or who she was with. She stopped playing childish tricks or competing with Ming Lang in secret.

Ming Lang should have been happy.

She should have been happy.

But Ming Lang thought: If only the Ji Chenli from before could come back, I would probably treat her well. If it were the original Ji Chenli—who would laugh, cause trouble, and get jealous—Ming Lang would probably be very good to her, at least as good as she was to Han Xinyuan or Ming Yan.

Unfortunately, some changes are irreversible. That version of Ji Chenli would never return. Thus, the vow Ming Lang made to herself to “treat her well” was never fulfilled.

It wasn’t fulfilled until the day Ji Chenli died.

But now, Ming Lang stood by the bedside watching Ji Chenli, who found it difficult even to turn over. At a time when she should have been at her most lifeless, the vitality Ming Lang had longed for had returned. Her eyes were gradually becoming brilliant again—after knowing she was completely rid of Ming Lang.

Ming Lang gazed greedily at Ji Chenli’s eyes. Those eyes attracted her every moment, making her almost unable to resist hiding Ji Chenli away in a place no one else knew, hiding her for a lifetime.

Ming Lang thought: In all my years of life, facing Ji Chenli, I finally did one thing right.

Seeing the Ji Chenli she had missed for twenty years finally return, Ming Lang felt joy in her heart and a sliver of a smile on her face. Remembering something, she said to Ji Chenli, “Chenli, you said that on the day of our divorce, you would ask me a question.”

Ji Chenli’s right hand, which had just finished signing, was still shaking slightly. She was so happy right now she wanted to run two laps downstairs; her mouth couldn’t stop curving upward, nearly showing her front teeth. “I’ve already asked it,” she said.

The only question Ji Chenli wanted to ask was whether Ming Lang had also been reborn. This thought had been circling in the back of her mind since the day they married, but it was simply too incredible to say out loud. If Ji Chenli weren’t a living example herself, she wouldn’t have dared believe it even if she were beaten to death.

The atmosphere between the two was so relaxed and harmonious that it gave Ming Lang a delusion that they could start over. Getting ahead of herself, Ming Lang raised a corner of her mouth in a half-smile. “Chenli, I thought you would ask whether there was ever any love between us.”

Ji Chenli’s face went cold instantly. She shot a strange look at Ming Lang and said flatly, “You’re overthinking it.”

The slight air of ease they had just cultivated vanished in an instant, and the air became heavy. Ming Lang clenched her fists in regret, and the curve of her smile disappeared.

The ward turned icy; nothing had changed.

“I’m tired.” Ji Chenli turned her head away, no longer looking at Ming Lang. Though she couldn’t move much, turning her back to Ming Lang with the back of her head made one feel that every part of her was written with resistance.

“Then get some rest. I’ll come see you tomorrow.”

“No need.” Ji Chenli sneered in rejection. “Ming Lang, if you want me to be well, then do me a kindness and don’t come. Facing you every day, I’m afraid my injuries will never heal.”

These words were so hurtful that Ming Lang felt a sharp, unbearable pain in her heart. In the end, she practically fled in a panic.

Ji Chenli figured Ming Lang probably had some self-awareness, as she truly did not come for a long time afterward.

The day after their divorce agreement was signed, Ji Chenli applied to be moved from the VIP suite to a regular double room. She expected resistance from Ming Lang, but it went unexpectedly smoothly. Ming Lang didn’t appear again, as if this person had never existed in Ji Chenli’s life. Even when Tao Yuan came to see her, she couldn’t help but remark, “That one surnamed Ming hasn’t been here for a month.”

At that time, Ji Chenli was eating dumplings Tao Yuan had made. They were just the right size to be eaten in one bite, dipped in vinegar. Ji Chenli was eating a bit fast; hearing Tao Yuan’s sudden remark, a dumpling got stuck in her throat and her face turned red. Tao Yuan hurriedly patted her chest to help her breathe. “Slow down, no one is fighting you for it.”

Ji Chenli forced the dumpling down. Her spine, which was mostly recovered, started to hurt from the coughing. She said, “Sister, out of everyone you could mention, why bring her up?”

Tao Yuan rolled her eyes. “You said you’re getting a divorce, but until you go to the Civil Affairs Bureau to finalize the paperwork, I won’t feel at ease. People like that Ming have a lot of schemes; you’re no match for her.”

“I have no intention of playing games with her,” Ji Chenli laughed. “Sister, in another month when I can walk, I’ll go finalize the procedures with her. Then I’ll find a beautiful place with you and never return to this place of drama.”

Tao Yuan fed Ji Chenli another dumpling and laughed along. “Fine, it’s best if we build a little farmhouse. Dig a vegetable patch on the east side for greens and a chicken coop on the west for some local hens. I’ve heard people say home-grown vegetables and chickens taste the best.” But as Tao Yuan finished speaking, she lowered her head and let out a silent sigh where Ji Chenli couldn’t see.

There were several children Tao Yuan had picked up years ago; she had been running around for years trying to get them household registration (hukou) with no luck. Seeing as they would all be starting school next year but the registration wasn’t solved, she truly didn’t know what to do.

Tao Yuan didn’t want to worry the injured Ji Chenli with these troubles. Hiding her anxiety, she continued chatting and laughing with Ji Chenli. After a while of talking about domestic trifles, Ji Chenli’s phone rang. It was Han Xinyuan calling from the Northwest where she was still filming.

It was inconvenient for Ji Chenli to hold the phone, and since Tao Yuan knew Han Xinyuan and the other patient in the room had gone for a walk, Ji Chenli simply had Tao Yuan put it on speaker.

“Ji Chenli, how is your recovery going?” As soon as the call connected, Han Xinyuan’s voice filled the room. Perhaps the vastness of the Great Northwest was infectious; after a month apart, Han Xinyuan’s voice sounded much broader compared to her previous “elegant” intentional tone. Though it sounded a bit rugged, it was much more comfortable to listen to than her former stilted manner.

“Much better,” Ji Chenli said.

“Then how are things between you and Ming Lang? Surely she hasn’t treated you so well that you’ve regretted it and don’t want to divorce anymore?”

“No.” Ji Chenli knew Han Xinyuan’s feelings for Ming Lang and assumed she was uneasy, fearing Ji Chenli might pull some shady business against Ming Lang while she was away. So, she gave her a bit of reassurance: “Han Xinyuan, Ming Lang and I have already signed for divorce.”

There was silence on Han Xinyuan’s end for a long time. It was several minutes later, just as Ji Chenli thought the line had dropped, that she heard a startled cry: “What did you say?!”

Seeing her so jubilant, Ji Chenli laughed. “I’ve divorced Ming Lang. From now on, Miss Han can fly together with President Ming; there won’t be an annoying person butting in anymore. Also, thanks for the advice, even though I didn’t use it.”

“No, she actually divorced you?” Han Xinyuan didn’t believe it. “Is that for real?”

“The agreement is signed. How could it be more real?” Ji Chenli laughed. “Go back to your filming; I won’t disturb you.”

After Ji Chenli hung up, Tao Yuan—who had been silent—said, “What did Han Xinyuan mean by that? Is it possible the divorce isn’t reliable?”

“She wouldn’t dare!” Ji Chenli snorted. “Ming Lang and I have already torn our faces apart; do you think I’m afraid of doing it again?”

“Anyway, get the divorce done and get out of here quickly. Stay far away from this place. I’ll visit you whenever I have time.” Tao Yuan packed up the dishes. “Whether it’s Ming Lang or that Han Xinyuan, neither looks like a good person to me. I don’t care if you like women, but at least find someone reliable. How can I feel at ease with those two?”

Ji Chenli didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “How did Han Xinyuan get dragged into this? Sister, what on earth are you talking about?”

“President Ming, these are Miss Ji’s recent diagnostic results.” In the Ming family study, Xu Luyang placed a stack of reports on Ming Lang’s desk. “The doctor says Miss Ji is recovering well and can be discharged in another month.”

“Regarding Miss Ji’s room change, the hospital has been instructed. That ward is now Miss Ji’s private room.”

Ming Lang was focused only on flipping through the reports. It was unclear if she had even listened to what was said.

“President Ming…” Xu Luyang hesitated.

Ming Lang raised her eyes slightly, then returned to the documents. “Something else?”

“It’s… regarding Miss Ji…” Xu Luyang spoke with difficulty. “President Ming, do you truly intend to give up?”

Ming Lang did not speak. Xu Luyang added, “To be honest, it’s not easy to meet someone who touches your heart these days, especially someone like Miss Ji. If she meets someone else… then that would be…”

“She has made up her mind that she doesn’t want me. Aside from letting go, what else can I do?” Ming Lang gave a small smile, her tongue feeling a bit bitter. she tossed the papers onto the desk. “It’s late. You should head back.”

After Xu Luyang left, Ming Lang shifted her gaze to her computer. It was a video monitor, the camera pointed directly at Ji Chenli’s bed.

A pinhole camera with low resolution. Ji Chenli’s face in the monitor was blurred and hard to distinguish. Yet Ming Lang leaned her head against the screen, her lips gently pressing against the spot where Ji Chenli’s face was.

She hadn’t seen Ji Chenli for a month and was almost going mad with longing.

In the twenty-plus years after Ji Chenli’s death, Ming Lang had never missed her this urgently. But once a person has stood before you—once you have kissed and held them—longing eats at your heart like ants.

“Chenli, I miss you.” Ming Lang sighed as she kissed the blurred image on the screen.