After Mistaking My Stepsister’s First Love - Chapter 29

Running into an acquaintance during the performance was something Ye Wenjin hadn’t anticipated at all. It was such a coincidence so much so that she realized their seats were right next to Rong Yunshu’s.

Now, the three of them were seated in a row: Ye Wenjin in the middle, Jian Mo to her right, and Rong Yunshu to her left.

Truthfully, Ye Wenjin was happy to meet someone familiar outside, but after Rong Yunshu’s earlier remark, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the atmosphere had turned a bit strange.

Coupled with the sudden encounter, she felt somewhat unsettled and even a little… awkward.

Because the current scene gave her the distinct impression of being caught on a secret date by someone she knew.

Jian Mo’s expression remained indifferent, offering only a soft “Mm” in response, though it came after a noticeable pause.

As for Rong Yunshu, though she was smiling, there was something odd about it.

Ye Wenjin glanced left and right, and even she could sense the tension. With no other choice, she awkwardly sat down and forced conversation. “I didn’t expect to run into you here, Yunshu. You came to watch the performance too?”

Rong Yunshu also sat down with a smile. “Yes, my sister the one you met last time managed to snag a ticket for me as a gift. But I really didn’t think I’d bump into you here. What a coincidence.”

Ye Wenjin gave an awkward chuckle. “Yeah, it really is a coincidence. We just decided to come on a whim.”

Rong Yunshu glanced at Jian Mo, whose profile was barely visible on the other side, and feigned curiosity. “Is that so? But Wenjin, you never mentioned before, is she really your sister?”

Ye Wenjin tensed slightly and shook her head. “No, she’s not.”

She hesitated, unsure whether to explain further.

On one hand, though they were married, Ye Wenjin didn’t know how Jian Mo felt about their relationship or whether she was willing to disclose it, so she didn’t dare make the decision for her.

On the other hand, Ye Wenjin felt that her marriage wasn’t something she needed to announce to everyone. There was an underlying reluctance, so she wasn’t keen on bringing it up either.

Moreover, no matter how you looked at it, their marriage was a mismatch in terms of social standing. Ye Wenjin didn’t care about that herself, but she didn’t want to invite unnecessary gossip for Jian Mo.

Just as she was struggling with how to respond, Jian Mo suddenly spoke up. “Xiao Jin, the performance is about to start.”

Ye Wenjin exhaled in relief and quickly said to Rong Yunshu, “The show’s starting soon. Let’s talk later.”

Rong Yunshu’s gaze shifted to Jian Mo, meeting her eyes directly.

Both pairs of eyes were equally calm and composed, but there was a subtle difference, Jian Mo seemed far more at ease.

Rong Yunshu’s fingers tightened abruptly, but she managed a polite smile before looking away.

Ye Wenjin, completely oblivious to the silent exchange between the two, turned her attention to the stage as Jian Mo had mentioned. Sure enough, the lights dimmed, and the performance began shortly after.

Setting aside her scattered thoughts, she immersed herself fully in the show.

Mei Yan truly lived up to her reputation watching her perform was a visual feast. Every scene was breathtakingly beautiful, and the meaning conveyed through her dance was crystal clear, leaving no room for confusion.

Elegant yet accessible, she wasn’t showing off her skills deliberately, yet it was impossible to look away.

Ye Wenjin was lost in thought when a sudden realization dawned on her.

Dance requires technique, but all techniques exist to better express the emotions or meanings one wishes to convey.

And Teacher Mei Yan was undoubtedly the most exceptional of them all.

Her movements were crisp and precise, without a single superfluous gesture, and her control over dynamics was unparalleled. The entire dance flowed like clouds and water, so smooth that one couldn’t bear to miss even a single glance.

She was a dancer who truly reveled in the art.

Even in group performances, the audience couldn’t tear their eyes away, afraid to miss a single moment.

By the time the show ended, Ye Wenjin was still immersed in it. Only when thunderous applause erupted in the venue did she snap back to reality, as if waking from a dream.

Her eyes, fixed on the stage, sparkled brightly, as though filled with stars.

Yet, because she was so engrossed, she failed to notice that Jian Mo, beside her, had spent most of the time watching her instead just like now.

Ye Wenjin was looking at the stage, but Jian Mo was looking at her.

Only Rong Yunshu noticed.

The theater lights were dim, and Rong Yunshu’s face was hidden in the shadows, concealing all her emotions.

The performers on stage took their bows, while the three of them below wore different expressions.

When everything finally came to an end, Ye Wenjin sighed wistfully, “Teacher Mei Yan is truly incredible. I hope one day I can become a dancer as amazing as her.”

Jian Mo chuckled softly. “Of course you can, Xiao Jin. You have to believe in yourself.”

Ye Wenjin flushed slightly but still murmured her thanks, “Thank you, Sister.”

Jian Mo’s eyes curved into crescents as she glanced past Ye Wenjin at Rong Yunshu, who seemed about to speak. Then, with practiced nonchalance, she suggested, “Want to visit the backstage? Since we’re already here, Xiao Jin, wouldn’t you like an autograph from Teacher Mei?”

Ye Wenjin’s eyes instantly brightened even more. “Can we really go?!”

Of course she wanted one, but…

A thought crossed her mind, and her excitement dimmed slightly as she regained her composure. “Maybe we shouldn’t. Backstage probably isn’t open to just anyone.”

Jian Mo smiled. “For ordinary people, no. But come on.”

Hearing this, Ye Wenjin realized Jian Mo must have a way. Her heart fluttered with nervous excitement as she stood up, but just as she was about to leave, she suddenly remembered Rong Yunshu beside her.

She quickly turned, her expression apologetic. “Ah, sorry, Yunshu. I almost forgot you were here too.”

Rong Yunshu put on a bright smile. “It’s fine, you two go ahead. Wenjin, I’ll see you at school. The audition is coming up, so try to come back early to prepare.”

Ye Wenjin nodded, thinking for a moment before replying, “Right, I know. I’ll head back soon, and we can review things together then.”

She already had plenty of ideas about how to adapt the dance, all that remained was refining it when she got back.

Rong Yunshu smiled and nodded. “Alright, see you later.”

Ye Wenjin waved at her before hurrying after Jian Mo.

The VIP seating area wasn’t as crowded as the back rows, and since they had lingered a while longer, there were hardly any people left now.

Still, Ye Wenjin felt a little nervous. Would they really be allowed to just waltz in like this?

But Jian Mo swiftly proved to her yes, they absolutely could.

Actually, she had already made arrangements before coming to the performance. Not only that, but as soon as they stepped backstage, a young woman wearing a staff badge hurried over, her eyes lighting up when she saw Jian Mo.

“Hello, Director Jian. Teacher Mei asked me to escort you in.”

Jian Mo nodded.

Ye Wenjin, however, was startled and instinctively moved closer to Jian Mo, feeling slightly uneasy.

In this kind of environment, staying close to Jian Mo seemed to give her a sense of security.

A faint smile flickered in Jian Mo’s eyes as she allowed her to stay near.

The three of them weaved through the bustling crowd backstage and soon arrived at a door.

It was labeled “Dressing Room,” with Teacher Mei Yan’s name beside it.

The staff member knocked and only opened the door after receiving a response.

“Director Jian, please come in. Teacher Mei is inside.”

Standing at the doorway, Ye Wenjin grew increasingly nervous.

Who would have thought that the notebook she had casually picked up would actually come in handy?

And now she was about to meet Teacher Mei Yan up close, it felt like a dream.

She swallowed hard, her tension mounting, and unconsciously looked at Jian Mo.

Jian Mo chuckled. “Xiao Jin, don’t be so nervous. Teacher Mei doesn’t bite.”

Ye Wenjin gave an awkward smile, took a deep breath, and quickly steadied herself.

Seeing this, Jian Mo pushed the door open and walked in, with Ye Wenjin following closely behind.

The room’s setup was no different from any other backstage dressing area, except that it was exclusively for Teacher Mei Yan.

At the moment, she was having her makeup removed with the help of an assistant. Hearing the door open, she didn’t turn around but spoke in a familiar tone, “Well, look who’s here! What a rare guest. You’ve never been interested in coming to see your aunt’s performances before, yet suddenly you had Wu Mingyu contact me for two tickets. I was wondering what changed oh, so it’s because—”

Her teasing gaze landed on Ye Wenjin, instantly turning the girl’s nervousness into shyness, her fair cheeks flushing slightly.

Jian Mo sighed helplessly and patted Ye Wenjin’s hand reassuringly before saying, “Aunt Mei, stop teasing.”

Mei Yan’s eyes remained mischievous. “Momo, you’re so cold. Your aunt is heartbroken.”

Jian Mo’s expression grew even more resigned.

Ye Wenjin, as if discovering something new, kept glancing between Jian Mo and Mei Yan.

She could sense that their relationship wasn’t ordinary, which surprised her. Unable to hold back, she whispered, “Sister, you and Teacher Mei know each other?”

Jian Mo nodded. “Yes, Teacher Mei and my… mom are good friends.”

It had been a long time since she had uttered the word “mom,” and it sounded a bit stiff.

Ye Wenjin noticed and paused slightly.

Mei Yan laughed. “Momo is still as aloof as ever. So, what brings you here?”

Jian Mo looked at Ye Wenjin and smiled. “It’s Xiao Jin. She admires you very much, so I brought her to meet you and ask for your autograph.”

Mei Yan sighed in amusement. “That’s all? Alright then, where’s the paper and pen? Hand it over.”

Ye Wenjin quickly passed them to her, watching as Mei Yan signed effortlessly before casually asking, “So, young lady, are you interested in dance too?”

Ye Wenjin replied shyly, “I… I study dance as well.”

Mei Yan glanced at Jian Mo beside her and smiled, “So that’s why you suddenly came looking for me. Mo Mo, you’re not being very sincere.”

Jian Mo smiled faintly, though there was a rare hint of slyness in her expression.

“Teacher Mei, what do you mean? I’m very sincere. Didn’t I come to see you right after the performance ended?”

Mei Yan shook her head with a laugh. “Alright, don’t leave later. Let’s have dinner together.”

Jian Mo nodded calmly. “Since Teacher Mei says so, I wouldn’t dare refuse.”

Mei Yan gave her a slightly surprised look. “You’ve become more sociable than before.”

Jian Mo paused, then curled her lips slightly. “I’ve never changed.”

Mei Yan neither agreed nor disagreed.

Seeing that Mei Yan was still removing her makeup, Jian Mo took Ye Wenjin’s hand and prepared to step out first. “Auntie Mei, we’ll wait for you outside.”

Mei Yan waved her hand. “Go ahead. Have Xiao Tang show you out, or you can wait in the theater if you prefer.”

So the two of them left the dressing room, but Ye Wenjin couldn’t help stealing glances at Jian Mo.

She was still curious, and even now, it felt like she was dreaming.

Jian Mo noticed her gaze and raised the corner of her lips. “Xiao Jin, do you know your stares are actually very obvious?”

Ye Wenjin froze, awkwardly turning her head away, but after a second, she whispered, “Sister, is it really been a long time since you last saw Teacher Mei?”

Jian Mo nodded lightly. “Yes, Auntie Mei is very busy, and I… well, let’s just say we haven’t had many chances to meet.”

Ye Wenjin caught the unfinished sentence and instinctively thought of Jian Mo’s mother. But since it involved the lady who only existed in spoken words, she dismissed the thought of asking further.

Some things weren’t meant to be pursued for the truth, especially since she could tell Jian Mo didn’t want to talk about it.

So Ye Wenjin nodded obediently and didn’t ask again.

Jian Mo glanced at her, a thoughtful look on her face.

They didn’t have to wait long before Mei Yan joined them. Without her stage makeup, she looked like an elegant lady. Perhaps due to years of dancing, she carried a grace most people didn’t possess. Surprisingly, she appeared very youthful.

Every movement she made was effortlessly graceful.

However, during dinner, Ye Wenjin was extremely reserved, quietly listening to their conversation and occasionally serving Jian Mo some dishes.

But it was through their chat that Ye Wenjin realized Jian Mo’s mother had also been a dancer.

Unfortunately, after giving birth to Jian Mo, her body suffered damage, and some occupational ailments worsened, making it impossible for her to return to the stage.

Ye Wenjin found it strange. In this day and age, people didn’t actually have to carry children themselves anymore. After all, pregnancy took a heavy toll on the body, so why had the lady chosen to do so?

From their fragmented remarks, she could sense that the lady had also loved dancing deeply. What kind of reason could have made her willing to take such a risk?

Soon, she found out why.

When Teacher Mei Yan mentioned the name Jian Li, Jian Mo’s expression instantly turned icy.

“Auntie Mei, I’d prefer if you never brought up that name again. It’s disgusting.”

Her tone was laced with a chilling coldness, freezing the atmosphere in an instant.

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