After Mistaking My Stepsister’s First Love - Chapter 24

Ye Wenjin took a deep breath and decided to postpone thinking about this issue until she actually obtained the evidence.

The immediate priority now was the upcoming selection for the lead dancer and supporting dancer roles.

Only one lead dancer would be chosen this time, making the competition fierce. Ye Wenjin quickly assessed the situation in her mind. If she were to compete for the lead role,

There were two people who would be her strongest competitors.

One was Yi Huan, who frequently picked fights with her, and the other, He Wenxi.

All three of them had demonstrated comparable skills since enrollment, engaging in intense rivalry over the past two years. It was essentially a neck-and-neck competition.

Barring any surprises, the lead dancer would likely be chosen from among these three.

Of course, nothing was certain until the final decision, and even Ye Wenjin couldn’t predict who would ultimately be selected.

There was also the possibility that someone else’s personal style might better suit this particular lead role.

As she pondered this, she suddenly noticed someone’s gaze resting on her. Following the sensation, Ye Wenjin saw that it was precisely Yi Huan and He Wenxi, the two people she had just been thinking about.

Both were looking at her simultaneously, their eyes filled with competitive fire, clearly determined to secure the lead role. But…

Since when had these two become so synchronized?

Ye Wenjin could only offer an awkward smile in response.

On the other side, Yi Huan snorted and was the first to look away, while He Wenxi returned the smile.

Ye Wenjin couldn’t tell if it was her imagination, but something felt off.

However, the other two soon averted their gazes, and after a brief pause, Ye Wenjin stopped paying attention.

Due to time constraints, the selection process would begin immediately. Every subsequent stage was crucial, and there was no room for complacency.

Moreover, there would be another body measurement test next week. Ye Wenjin instinctively considered dieting, but then she remembered that Butler Wu now delivered meals to her daily. If he found out, her sister would inevitably know as well.

For some reason, Ye Wenjin felt a pang of guilt and quickly dismissed the idea, deciding instead to discuss the matter with Butler Wu.

Dance classes made time pass much faster than academic ones. However, the afternoon session consisted of two consecutive classes, the first half for instruction and the second for preliminary selections.

Those wishing to participate in the selection would go to a separate classroom for auditions, while the others remained behind to continue practicing.

Only one lead dancer would be chosen, selected from the candidates based on who best suited the current production. The evaluation would primarily consider the dancer’s technique, expressiveness, and whether their personal style aligned with the role.

Failing to secure the lead role wasn’t the end, as there were still supporting dancer positions available.

To Ye Wenjin, there was no real difference between the lead and supporting roles, both were equally important.

As long as she was selected, she would be content with whichever role she was assigned.

As soon as the second half of the session began, someone stood up and left the classroom. Ye Wenjin glanced up just in time to see He Wenxi’s retreating figure.

Rong Yunshu clicked her tongue. “So eager.”

Ye Wenjin thought for a moment. “It’s understandable. He Wenxi seems very dedicated to every performance.”

Rong Yunshu chuckled. “Dedicated, yes, but also fiercely competitive. By the way, Wenjin, don’t tell me you haven’t noticed how much hostility He Wenxi harbors toward you?”

Ye Wenjin carefully reflected on this before responding, “She sees me as a competitor, just as I see her.”

Rong Yunshu shook her head helplessly. “You really do live in your own little bubble, don’t you? I’ve occasionally heard people spreading rumors about you in private about your ranking. Do you know who’s behind it?”

Ye Wenjin froze, then whispered, “You’re not saying it’s He Wenxi, are you? But she doesn’t seem like that kind of person.”

In reality, there was nothing shady about the art exam rankings. At the time, she had underperformed slightly due to her mental state, and Yi Huan’s first-place ranking was well-deserved. But later, rumors started circulating from somewhere, claiming the rankings were rigged that Yi Huan had pulled strings to secure the top spot.

Ye Wenjin found it strange. Whenever she encountered the rumors, she would try to explain, but they persisted anyway, making Yi Huan increasingly resentful toward her.

Rong Yunshu scoffed. “She hides it well and knows how to act. Don’t be fooled by her facade. You might see her as just a competitor, but she might not think the same way. Watch out for her secretly tripping you up.”

If she had to choose who was more detestable between Yi Huan and He Wenxi, it would undoubtedly be He Wenxi. That woman was entirely fake, honeyed words but a dagger in her heart, skilled at scheming behind the scenes. So far, no one had uncovered her true nature.

In contrast, Yi Huan, who often wore her dissatisfaction and dislike on her sleeve, was simpler at least her thoughts were easy to read. In short, she was naive and foolish.

In any case, Rong Yunshu had a strong feeling that He Wenxi was definitely up to something.

But the selection process had only just begun. No matter what she thought, it was all just her subjective speculation for now.

Ye Wenjin knew Rong Yunshu meant well, so she nodded. “I understand. I’ll be careful.”

Quite a few people had signed up this time. After He Wenxi left, several others followed in small groups.

Ye Wenjin stretched her legs and asked softly, “Aren’t you going?”

Rong Yunshu thought for a moment. “You’re definitely going, right? Then I’ll go too, just for fun. Who knows, maybe I’ll get selected.”

Ye Wenjin smiled helplessly. “Have a little more confidence in yourself. I think your fundamentals and technique are actually really good. It’s just that you never seem willing to put serious thought into it.”

She genuinely believed Rong Yunshu’s dance skills were excellent, but for some reason, Rong Yunshu always treated her own major with indifference. Ye Wenjin found it a bit of a shame.

Rong Yunshu shrugged. “I only ended up studying dance because it was the path of least resistance. I competed a lot as a kid, so it was familiar, and I just kept at it.”

Ye Wenjin was curious. “So there’s nothing you’re particularly passionate about?”

Rong Yunshu paused, glanced at her, and shook her head. “No.”

Ye Wenjin sighed regretfully. “I’ve always thought that if you were willing to take things seriously, Yunshu, there’s nothing you couldn’t accomplish.”

Rong Yunshu was taken aback. “That’s how you see me?”

Ye Wenjin nodded. “Yeah.” She thought for a moment, then continued, “I’ve always felt like you have this unique aura like the type of person who seems indifferent to everything but becomes incredibly capable when they put their mind to it.”

After saying this, she mused, “With your personality, it feels like you’d succeed at anything you do.”

Rong Yunshu stared at her intently.

Ye Wenjin wondered if she had said something wrong and hesitantly asked, “Yunshu? Did I… say something I shouldn’t have?”

She said apologetically, “I was just speaking my mind. If I offended you, I’m sorry.”

Rong Yunshu shook her head. “No offense taken. In fact, I should thank you.”

Ye Wenjin was momentarily confused. “Thank me? For what?”

Rong Yunshu smiled but didn’t elaborate. “Let’s go. If we don’t hurry, we’ll still be in line by the time school’s out.”

Ye Wenjin glanced at the classroom nearly half the students had already gone to sign up. She quickly grabbed Rong Yunshu’s hand and pulled her toward the next room.

Rong Yunshu let herself be led, staring slightly dazed at the hand holding hers.

She was actually quite surprised. Ye Wenjin seemed to understand her well or perhaps it wasn’t understanding. She was sharp, more like someone who operated on intuition.

Rong Yunshu had forgotten herself. For her, if she wanted something, she would go after it, that was who she was.

And… even if Ye Wenjin really had some connection to that woman, it wasn’t as if she had no chance.

No one said AA relationships weren’t allowed.

Rong Yunshu made up her mind.

They were indeed late. They barely finished their interviews by the time the dismissal bell rang.

But after the initial screening, there were still auditions and dance performances. For the latter, they had to choose their own music preferably something that showcased their personal style.

Ye Wenjin already had some ideas and spent the walk back thinking about how to adapt her performance.

But she hadn’t expected to see a familiar figure not far from the school building.

Ye Wenjin abruptly stopped in her tracks, staring at the person with a slight frown.

Rong Yunshu was puzzled by her sudden halt but quickly understood when she followed her gaze.

There, a woman was scanning the crowd, the same woman they had encountered the day before. Given how much she resembled Ye Wenjin, she had to be her mother.

No wonder Ye Wenjin didn’t want to go any further.

Rong Yunshu found it hard to comprehend that woman’s way of thinking.

She was clearly Wenjin’s mother, yet she had appeared as someone else’s parent. Who wouldn’t find that ironic?

And now, there she stood by the roadside, scrutinizing the passing students with a delicate frown, looking pitiful.

Rong Yunshu knew she was searching for Ye Wenjin, but…

What did she plan to say to her in front of all these people? It seemed she hadn’t considered that during peak dismissal time, even the smallest incident would attract a flood of attention.

Rong Yunshu couldn’t help but wonder, did she hate Ye Wenjin?

“Let’s go around. There are too many people here. If we confront her now, rumors will spread again.”

Ye Wenjin agreed. The two quickly blended into the crowd and took a different path.

Only after putting a considerable distance between themselves and Ye Shuyao did Ye Wenjin finally relax.

At this hour, Ye Shuyao showing up at her school could only mean one thing, she was looking for her. As for the reason…

She guessed it had something to do with Yin Feifei.

But one thing puzzled her. Yin Feifei had been reported by Jian Mo and taken to the police station. Why weren’t Ye Shuyao and Yin Yu trying to get her out? Why come looking for her instead?

Ye Wenjin frowned, unable to figure it out.

But the campus was large and Ye Shuyao.

She didn’t even know which dormitory Ye Wenjin lived in or where it was located.

She hadn’t accompanied her when school started, nor had she ever asked for these details.

After all, to Ye Shuyao, none of this mattered. So not knowing was just fine.

Now that she had blocked the other party’s contact information and her calls wouldn’t go through, Ye Shuyao had actually come to the school looking for her, something Ye Wenjin hadn’t anticipated.

But how did she know which building she was having class in today?

Ye Wenjin pondered thoughtfully.

“She should have shaken her off.”

Rong Yunshu looked back and could no longer see Ye Shuyao’s figure.

Ye Wenjin nodded and sighed, feeling that the other party wouldn’t give up so easily and would definitely come knocking again.

Hiding forever wasn’t a solution, it made her seem guilty.

But for now, aside from avoiding her, there was no other way.

“Don’t worry. If it really comes to it, just find a chance to talk to her.”

Rong Yunshu said this because she also realized that while Ye Shuyao might not find them immediately, she wouldn’t be unable to locate them forever.

All she had to do was get their advisor’s contact information to ask. After all, in name, Ye Shuyao was still Ye Wenjin’s mother.

Their familial relationship couldn’t be severed, and if she really wanted to find someone, she could.

Waiting passively was worse than taking the initiative, at least then they could control the situation.

Ye Wenjin agreed with this reasoning. “I’ll find a chance to talk to her.”

Rong Yunshu smiled faintly. “Mm, call me when you do. Just in case anything happens, I can back you up.”

Ye Wenjin couldn’t help but laugh. After a moment’s thought, she nodded. “Alright, then I’ll trouble you with it.”

Still, the idea of Rong Yunshu “backing her up” gave her an inexplicable middle-school brawl vibe.

And as expected, things unfolded just as they had predicted. For two days in a row, Ye Shuyao could be seen anxiously scanning the crowd outside after class, her expression urgent.

Frowning, Ye Wenjin decided not to delay any longer and resolved to confront her. So after school, she deliberately observed Ye Shuyao from a distance, quietly following her when she left in disappointment after failing to find her.

They trailed her all the way to the parking garage. Seeing no one around, Ye Wenjin and Rong Yunshu exchanged a glance, this was their chance.

The two stepped forward.

Hearing footsteps behind her, Ye Shuyao initially thought she had encountered some troublemaker, only to turn and see Ye Wenjin.

“Ah-Jin? Why are you behind me? Were you following me?”

Ye Shuyao frowned, her gaze filled with displeasure.

Then, as if realizing something, she said incredulously, “So you knew I was looking for you? But you didn’t show yourself, why? Ah Jin, is this how I raised you? You even blocked my number!”

Originally, Ye Shuyao had sought out Ye Wenjin for a reason, but she was so accustomed to scolding her that the moment she saw her and realized Ye Wenjin had been deliberately avoiding her, she flew into a rage.

The reprimands spilled out instinctively. It wasn’t until she noticed Ye Wenjin standing silently, watching her calmly, that Ye Shuyao finally realized what she had just said.

She froze visibly, a flicker of discomfort crossing her face. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she forced a strained smile.

“Ah Jin, don’t blame me. I just,  realized you didn’t want to see me and spoke out of panic. You understand, don’t you?”

Ye Wenjin found it absurd. It was as if she was seeing Ye Shuyao for the first time, her gaze unfamiliar.

The image she had long held of Ye Shuyao was being overwritten, replaced by the woman standing before her now.

It made her feel not a shred of guilt, and she found her past compromises laughable.

“Enough with the meaningless talk. Why did you come looking for me, Ms. Ye? Just say it outright.”

Ye Shuyao was startled by the way she was addressed, her first reaction being anger. But when she met Ye Wenjin’s gaze, her fury was instantly doused like cold water. Her expression stiffened as she tried to ease the tension between them.

Seeing her still beating around the bush, Ye Wenjin cut straight to the point: “If you don’t want to say anything, then forget it. Don’t come looking for me again. I’m not part of the Yin family, and now. I have nothing to do with you either.”

Ye Shuyao’s heart ached sharply. She wanted to retort, but when she saw Ye Wenjin about to leave, she couldn’t afford to argue.

“Wait! The reason I came to find you is… I wanted to ask about that woman who was with you the other day. You two seemed very close. But A-Jin, do you know who she really is?”

Ye Shuyao nervously clutched her handbag. “You’ve heard of the Jian family, right? She’s the head of the Jian Group. You two had no prior connection, and your statuses are worlds apart. A-Jin, you’re quite ordinary in every way. For someone like her to treat you so well, it doesn’t make sense. Doesn’t it strike you as odd? I’m afraid she has ulterior motives, trying to take advantage of you to swallow up the Yin family. Look at how she even called the police and had Feifei arrested.”

“Enough! Stop right there. Ms. Ye, please leave. I have nothing more to say to you.”

Ye Wenjin’s eyes turned completely cold. In her anger, her restless pheromones surged from her glands toward Ye Shuyao. But just half a meter away, she abruptly reeled them back.

Ye Wenjin told herself to stay calm.

She didn’t care about Ye Shuyao’s opinion of her after all, she had never been good enough in the other woman’s eyes. But to insinuate that Jian Mo had ulterior motives? That was intolerable.

If anyone had ulterior motives here, it was her. She was the one who had used Jian Mo to escape this quagmire.

Ye Shuyao stood frozen, as if shocked by the unfamiliar pheromones. It took her a while to snap out of it, and when she looked at Ye Wenjin again, her eyes were full of hurt.

“A-Jin, how did you become like this? You weren’t like this before. And when did you present? Why didn’t you tell me?”

In the past, seeing her like this would have softened Ye Wenjin’s heart, making her relent. But now, she had no desire to engage any longer. She turned and walked away without another word.

Ye Shuyao immediately moved to follow, but Rong Yunshu, who had been silent until now, stopped her.

“Auntie, I’m curious is Wenjin really your daughter? All I see is calculation and belittlement. No wonder she’s given up on you. Don’t you get it? Wenjin doesn’t want you anymore.”

Rong Yunshu’s voice was soft, meant only for Ye Shuyao’s ears.

It had been a long time since a stranger had spoken to her like this. Ye Shuyao trembled with rage, but Rong Yunshu didn’t give her a chance to react. With a faint smile, she turned and hurried after Ye Wenjin.

Left standing alone, Ye Shuyao bit her lip in resentment.

How could Ye Wenjin not be her daughter? Hadn’t she done everything for her sake? And how had Ye Wenjin repaid her? Not only was she ungrateful, but now she even refused to acknowledge her!

No, this wasn’t her fault. It was Ye Wenjin’s!

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