The phone, which had been unceremoniously hung up, was still in Ye Linghua's hand. Lin Xin blinked her large eyes.
However, Ye Linghua's expression was so innocent, as if she herself couldn't believe she had just hung up someone else's call. She even followed up with an apologetic smile that somehow softened Lin Xin's heart.
Any reproach Lin Xin had prepared instantly lost its weight. "Don't make decisions on your own next time."
Ye Linghua didn't argue, instead nodding obediently with a warm, gentle smile. "Mhm, okay."
The setting sun outside cast its soft, golden glow through the window, illuminating Ye Linghua from behind like a radiant halo.
She shone as brightly as the moment Lin Xin had first seen her—walking out of the rain, holding a crimson umbrella, wearing that same warm smile. Slowly but surely, Ye Linghua had approached her.
Who wouldn't be drawn to warmth? Just like everyone is naturally drawn to the sun, Ye Linghua carried an irresistible warmth with her.
And Lin Xin was someone who needed that warmth. In her most vulnerable moment, on a day so bleak that she might've even hurt herself, having someone to lean on felt surprisingly good.
Good enough to momentarily forget the heart-wrenching pain.
Good enough that even when Ye Linghua made such a bold decision on her behalf, Lin Xin couldn't find it in herself to be angry.
Under Ye Linghua's pleading smile, the matter was let go.
Lin Xin retrieved her phone, glancing down at the now-ended call screen. The contact name was still set to[Lover].
It felt like a mocking reminder. With a slight frown, Lin Xin edited the name back to Zheng Lanwen's full name, also changing the personalized ringtone she had set for her.
After hesitating for a moment, Lin Xin looked up at Ye Linghua and softly said, "Thank you. Thank you for rejecting her for me."
A gentle breeze swept through, stirring Lin Xin's long hair. Her slightly flustered expression, coupled with her delicate, fair skin, made Ye Linghua narrow her eyes just a bit.
Lin Xin had both beauty and talent—why did she have to waste it all on Zheng Lanwen?
If this weren't a novel and Lin Xin hadn't repeatedly emphasized her feelings for Zheng Lanwen, Ye Linghua might have seriously considered a change of strategy. Separating Lin Xin and Zheng Lanwen would clearly be the better move.
But then again, after the breakup, Lin Xin had been so desperate to harm herself that even her parents had tried every method to break them apart, to no avail.
Obviously, if they had succeeded, Lin Xin wouldn't have met the tragic ending described in the novel.
Ye Linghua doubted she could do better than Lin Xin's parents, so she quickly dismissed her dangerous thoughts. For now, her focus remained on being there for Lin Xin and helping her through this difficult time.
Still, Ye Linghua couldn't help but add, "Since you thanked me, it means you also wanted to refuse her, right? So why not just say no yourself next time?"
Why not? It's better, isn't it?
Lin Xin looked at her, hesitating for a moment, then nodded.
So obedient!
Ye Linghua felt a flutter in her chest at Lin Xin's well-behaved response and couldn't resist reaching out to pat her on the head.
Lin Xin's gaze slowly shifted to Ye Linghua's hand, then back to her face.
Ye Linghua: "..."
Lin Xin: "What are you doing?"
Ye Linghua awkwardly retracted her hand. "Oh, I'm just a housekeeper. A very capable one."
Lin Xin: "...At least learn to cook first."
For someone to change their long-held habits, it wasn't going to happen overnight. But Ye Linghua was ready for the long haul. At the very least, she could make sure Lin Xin didn't skip meals and starve herself.
When they returned to the living room, Lin Xin noticed that Ye Linghua was still wearing the same outfit from yesterday. She asked curiously, "Didn't you bring any clothes?"
Ye Linghua hesitated. "…No." She couldn't exactly say that her arrival had been a last-minute decision and she hadn't packed anything.
"Why not?"
Caught off guard, Ye Linghua quickly made something up. "Uh… my clothes are… on the way, being shipped here."
Lin Xin didn't think much of it, tilting her head as she waited for more details.
Ye Linghua avoided her gaze and added guiltily, "…But, um, the delivery truck… caught fire."
Lin Xin's eyes widened in shock. "…That's unbelievably unlucky."
Opposite her, Ye Linghua, though not an actress, managed to sell her fabricated story with a convincingly sorrowful expression. Lin Xin didn't doubt her for a second.
Moved by sympathy, Lin Xin's generosity kicked in. With a wave of her hand, she said, "I'll just buy you some new clothes!"
Ye Linghua hesitated. "…I can just have another set sent over." This time, she could actually have someone send clothes for real.
Lin Xin shook her head disagreeing. Clothes that could be sent over so casually were clearly ones Ye Linghua didn't like enough to pack herself. Otherwise, why would they have been left behind?
As someone who valued fashion, Lin Xin couldn't tolerate wearing clothes she didn't like, and she wouldn't subject anyone around her to that indignity either.
As a celebrity, Lin Xin was used to being dressed by a professional team and wearing cutting-edge fashion. Even her scarves were designer brands worth hundreds, if not thousands.
The idea of someone wearing clothes they didn't like was unthinkable to her.
Firm in her decision, Lin Xin dismissed Ye Linghua's suggestion. "Nope. Clothes should be ones you like. Come on, I'll take you shopping."
Lin Xin was a person of action. Whether it was her fashion choices or her relationships, once she decided on something, she followed through immediately.
At this point, Lin Xin didn't yet understand what it meant to suppress her emotions.
Although the sun was beginning to set, Lin Xin, who had already cooked two meals that day, waved her hand and declared, "Let's just eat dinner outside too!"
Ye Linghua watched her excitedly run upstairs to change, standing at the base of the staircase as she teasingly asked, "Given the current situation, is it really appropriate for you to go out?"
Lin Xin turned back, her face still lit up with a bright smile. "Why wouldn't it be appropriate?"
Ye Linghua, reluctant to burst her bubble, hesitated but eventually said, "Well… the online drama today…"
Lin Xin immediately frowned and looked at her disapprovingly. "We can't live our lives trying to fit other people's expectations. We should live for ourselves."
This sentiment resonated deeply with Ye Linghua, who nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! Life is short—why bother making yourself miserable?"
Lin Xin didn't catch the deeper meaning behind Ye Linghua's words. She simply smiled, her crescent-shaped eyes curving delightfully, thinking Ye Linghua was agreeing with her. Energized, she continued preparing to head out.
In that moment, at least, Lin Xin had truly forgotten Zheng Lanwen. She had forgotten the divorce, the heartbreak, and the 'requirement' to grieve.
If that smile could last, Ye Linghua wouldn't try to stop her from going out.
When Ye Linghua first arrived in this world, the story had already progressed beyond what she remembered from the novel. Fortunately, she had written down the key plot points when she first transmigrated.
Looking back at those notes before coming to Lin Xin's side, she had been reminded of one thing: Lin Xin's first act of self-harm had been starving herself for an entire month, leading to a chronic stomach condition.
If Lin Xin could smile like this now, even if they were swarmed by paparazzi outside or criticized online later, what would it matter?
Ye Linghua asked herself: Why am I here? What's my purpose?
The answer was clear. Ye Linghua couldn't help but smile.
Behind her, the sun dipped below the horizon, its remaining rays fading away completely.
The streetlights blinked on, signaling the start of the night.
Thanks to Ye Linghua's reminder, Lin Xin did take some precautions before heading out—wearing a hat and mask to disguise herself.
In reality, the average person on the street wasn't likely to recognize her unless they were a fan.
But Lin Xin wasn't an ordinary celebrity. Starting as a child actress, her name was known nationwide. Her fame wasn't fleeting like some overnight sensations—it was deeply ingrained in public memory.
As a result, Lin Xin still exercised caution when stepping out.
She had a go-to boutique near the mall, and she led Ye Linghua there directly. Once inside, Lin Xin removed her mask, and the store manager immediately recognized her, rushing over to greet her.
However, the manager's eyes soon wandered to Ye Linghua, and they couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. Look, look! First it was Zheng Lanwen, and now, after the divorce, there's someone new already. Rich people never lack love.
Oh, and today's companion was even more stunning than Zheng Lanwen!
The manager still remembered the first time Lin Xin had brought Zheng Lanwen here. Zheng Lanwen's sour expression had made it seem like she was a loan shark and Lin Xin owed her money.
But today's woman, with her bright, cheerful demeanor, was much more likable!
Lin Xin had an impeccable sense of style. The store manager and staff didn't need to do much—just follow her around, carrying the outfits she picked.
By the time they reached the fitting rooms, Lin Xin had already selected over ten outfits for Ye Linghua to try.
Ye Linghua trailed behind, glancing at the price tags on some of the items. Even the simplest black-and-white striped shawl cost well into the triple digits.
She couldn't help but laugh and ask, "Boss, does this mean I've officially been hired?"
Lin Xin blinked in surprise. "Wait… haven't you been hired already?"
Since her mother had arranged for Ye Linghua to come, Lin Xin hadn't asked for details. But Ye Linghua's question suddenly made her nervous.
Ye Linghua nodded with a troubled expression. "During the interview, your mother said I'd have to work on a trial basis. Whether or not I get hired depends entirely on you."
Lin Xin was momentarily speechless. "…So I could've returned you yesterday?"
She had thought about 'returning' Ye Linghua when it became clear she wasn't skilled at housework. But since her mother had chosen her, and she was pleasant to look at, Lin Xin had decided to keep her.
Now that she knew she still had the option to send Ye Linghua back, Lin Xin's thoughts wavered.
Ye Linghua wasn't bad, per se. Sure, she couldn't cook—that could be learned. Her cleaning wasn't the most thorough, but that could be taught.
What else was there? Oh, her temper—she dared to hang up Lin Xin's call. But even that could be fixed, right?
If Ye Linghua truly couldn't handle certain tasks, Lin Xin could always bring back her previous housekeeper.
Yes, that seemed like a reasonable solution.
Lin Xin clenched her fist, feeling rather satisfied with her plan.
Then she realized: Wait, if I hire a housekeeper just to hire another one to fix their work… doesn't that make me too easygoing?
Caught in this realization, Lin Xin instinctively raised her hand, prepared to smack herself on the forehead.
Fortunately, Ye Linghua, who had been watching her closely, caught her wrist before she could.
Lin Xin's wrist was slender enough to fit easily in Ye Linghua's grip, and the faint warmth of her soft skin was hard to ignore. Ye Linghua unconsciously gave it a small squeeze.
Lin Xin turned sharply to glare at her. "???"
Ye Linghua coughed and said with a serious expression, "Preventing you from hurting yourself is part of my job."
Lin Xin: You definitely just squeezed my wrist.
* * * *
Lin Xin's taste in fashion didn't disappoint.
The first outfit Ye Linghua tried on was a blue blouse paired with a cream-colored vest, complemented by a gray over-the-knee skirt. The ensemble exuded a gentle and comfortable vibe, instantly transforming her into a sophisticated older-sister type.
The second outfit was a timeless black-and-white combination: a white blouse with a black skirt. The ribbon tied casually at the collar elevated the outfit's elegance to another level.
The third was a pink one-piece dress paired with a black blazer, blending softness with professionalism.
The fourth outfit featured a brown off-shoulder blouse, modestly designed to avoid being too revealing, paired with a pleated skirt that combined suit fabric with tulle, giving her an aura of cool detachment.
Though Lin Xin had chosen many long dresses, she also picked a black short dress for variety. It was a form-fitting ensemble with a tight top and a short leather skirt. Coupled with Ye Linghua's stunning figure, the result was jaw-dropping. Not only was Lin Xin momentarily stunned, but even the other onlookers in the boutique couldn't help but gasp in awe.
Standing at the fitting room doorway, Ye Linghua crossed her arms and leaned slightly, her lips curling into a knowing smile. Her amused expression seemed to challenge anyone to deny her allure.
The store manager nearly broke into applause. Yes, yes! This one is perfect. With someone like her, Lin Xin can finally crush Zheng Lanwen in every way! Good riddance to that high-and-mighty Zheng Lanwen—she should've been discarded ages ago!
Lin Xin also thought the outfit looked great, but seeing the slight arch of Ye Linghua's eyebrow, she mistakenly assumed Ye Linghua was dissatisfied. She couldn't help but chime in, "What do you mean? You look amazing!"
Ye Linghua nodded, her slightly low-pitched voice soft and warm as she replied, "Everything you pick looks great, of course, but is it practical?"
Lin Xin blinked. "Practical?"
Ye Linghua elaborated with a hint of a smile: "Can I do chores in this?"
Lin Xin: "…" I really, really want to hire a different housekeeper right now.
After picking out the clothes, Lin Xin led Ye Linghua to one of her favorite restaurants nearby. She booked a private room so she could take off her mask and eat in peace.
The restaurant Lin Xin frequented was close to her neighborhood, offering excellent privacy. It was popular among celebrities, and it wasn't uncommon to spot a famous face or two.
As they walked past a wall covered in photos and messages from customers, Ye Linghua suddenly stopped. She carefully examined the photos displayed, many of which featured well-known stars.
In the top-right corner of the wall, she spotted a photo of Lin Xin—standing next to Zheng Lanwen.
Ye Linghua glanced at Lin Xin, who was walking ahead, and then turned back to the photo. Without hesitation, she reached out, plucked the photo off the wall, and calmly crumpled it in her hand.
Passing by a trash can, she casually tossed the wadded-up photo inside with perfect aim. A small smile of satisfaction appeared on her lips as she caught up to Lin Xin.
Zheng Lanwen, huh? Will you ever come back here to take pictures with her again?
In Ye Linghua's eyes, a photo so laden with irony had no place in Lin Xin's life anymore.
* * * *
After dinner, that very night, Lin Xin and Ye Linghua found themselves on the trending page.
Paparazzi were everywhere, and Lin Xin, being a top-tier celebrity, was no stranger to such scrutiny. She had long grown accustomed to it.
The news articles about the outing blurred out Ye Linghua's face, respecting her status as a private citizen. Even so, Lin Xin felt a twinge of guilt.
Reactions from fans varied.
[Our goddess can do whatever she wants! Who cares about the divorce? She's stunning and successful—dating anyone she likes is easy!]
[Exactly! Look at that height and figure, even blurred out, you can tell they're gorgeous. Sksksk!]
[Hahaha, and y'all accused our Wolfie of moving on too fast? Look who's already out here dating!]
[Right, just two days post-divorce? Talk about rebounding.]
[Two days after the divorce and she's already dating someone else. That's wild.]
[If this were a month later, I might accept it. But two days? Come on.]
[Oh, please. Zheng Lanwen ran straight to your precious "princess" the day of the divorce. Isn't that worse?]
[Exactly! This isn't about who's worse—it's about moving on and being happy. Leave our goddess alone!]
[Why should Lin Xin live according to your timelines? She can live however she wants.]
[Celebrities should remember they rely on fans to survive.]
[That's something your idol should worry about. Lin Xin doesn't need to rely on fans. She's untouchable.]
As expected, Lin Xin received a call from her agent, Meng Kelin, on the way home.
"Xin Xin, I know you've grown up and have your own life now. Honestly, I'm thrilled that you've managed to rocket through the post divorce grieving process so quickly. That's great, truly. But…"
Her tone shifted into one of barely restrained hysteria. "Why did you have to go out? Why?? Don't you know how many paparazzi camp outside your neighborhood? Do you think they won't follow your car?"
Lin Xin, unbothered, replied, "It's not like they can follow me inside the restaurant. If they want to stand outside in the cold, that's their choice."
Meng Kelin: "...That's not the point! Fine, forget that. Just tell me—who was the woman with you?"
Lin Xin stole a glance at Ye Linghua sitting beside her and whispered, "…You wouldn't know her even if I told you."
Meng Kelin practically exploded. "That doesn't matter! You still need to tell me! You may not care about dealing with the media, but I'm the one who has to handle this mess!"
Feeling a rare pang of sympathy, Lin Xin relented. "Fine. She's… my housekeeper."
There was a moment of silence, followed by a sharp, disbelieving laugh. Then the line went dead.
Before hanging up, Meng Kelin had managed to throw in one final complaint: "I can't believe you're lying to me now, Xin Xin. After all these years! That woman doesn't look anything like a housekeeper!"
Lin Xin stared at her phone, the faint echoes of Meng Kelin's emotional outburst still ringing in her ears. Slowly, she turned to look at Ye Linghua, who was seated in the cramped car with an air of effortless poise.
Even in the backseat, her posture radiated elegance, as if she were conducting a business meeting rather than simply riding in a car.
Her casual pose—one hand propped against the window, eyes half-closed—was so practiced it bordered on theatrical.
Lin Xin tilted her head slightly. ...Yeah, she really doesn't look like a housekeeper.
"By the way," Lin Xin suddenly asked, "what did you do before coming to my house?"
Half-asleep, Ye Linghua lazily answered, "I worked with friends…"
Her gaze shifted to meet Lin Xin's, whose face was illuminated by the flickering streetlights. Lin Xin's expression was earnest, genuinely waiting for her to finish.
Ye Linghua blinked, jolted awake by the sight, and quickly added, "...doing housekeeping jobs together."
To make her story more convincing, she doubled down with even more conviction. "Yes, we're all housekeepers. I have lots of housekeeping friends."
Lin Xin stared at her, skeptical. "Do you need me to recommend some clients?"
"...No need. They're quite busy already."
* * * *
That night, public opinion, which had already surged during the day, reached new heights thanks to Lin Xin and Ye Linghua's outing.
Of course, the focus remained on Lin Xin, Zheng Lanwen, and Lin Wan. The question of who was the real third party consumed the discussions.
Though the truth remained murky even within the entertainment industry, that didn't stop outsiders from gleefully speculating.
Fans continued their bitter battles, each side trying to tear the other apart.
Lin Xin's earlier Weibo post had given her the upper hand in public perception. Her fans celebrated the divorce as a win over Zheng Lanwen, whose actions seemed increasingly suspicious.
After all, who runs to their ex the day of their divorce?
As for Lin Xin's mall outing with Ye Linghua, most people shrugged it off. Divorce granted freedom, and Lin Xin deserved to move on, especially given Zheng Lanwen's behavior.
However, some cynics speculated that Lin Xin's actions were deliberate—that bringing someone along was a calculated move to provoke Zheng Lanwen.
No matter what, Lin Xin held the upper hand in public opinion, while Lin Wan's reputation continued to decline.
Meanwhile, after being hung up on by Ye Linghua earlier, Zheng Lanwen had spent the night restless, torn between curiosity about the mysterious woman in Lin Xin's life and worry over Lin Wan's deteriorating image.
By the next day, the internet war showed no signs of slowing, forcing Lin Wan's agent to seek out Zheng Lanwen.
As a newly returned artist, Lin Wan's career was still in its infancy. A scandal like this could easily ruin her prospects.
Knowing this, Zheng Lanwen couldn't avoid the truth. A homewrecker label was like a time bomb in the entertainment industry—one that could easily end a budding career.
For Lin Wan's sake, Zheng Lanwen set aside her pride. Exhausted and anxious, she returned to the place she had called home just two days ago.
Standing at the entrance to the familiar neighborhood, she felt an inexplicable sense of alienation.
The iron gates she used to pass through every day, the neatly trimmed hedges lining the road, the rows of villas—all of it felt strange now, as though she would never belong there again.