After Mistaking My Stepsister’s First Love - Chapter 32

At first, Ye Wenjin was unaware of the rumors swirling around. After the selection process ended, everyone had thrown themselves into intense rehearsals, and no one dared to slack off.

As the lead dancer, Ye Wenjin had to dedicate even more time. Not only did she need to synchronize with all the other dancers, but the lead dancers also had to develop a deeper rapport and tacit understanding among themselves.

But honestly, this was proving to be quite challenging.

Apart from her, the other two lead dancers were Yi Huan and Rong Yunshu.

What a coincidence despite being the three leads, their relationship wasn’t exactly terrible, but it was far from harmonious, which left Ye Wenjin feeling somewhat troubled.

There was another issue. When the results were announced, most of their classmates were surprised and puzzled that Rong Yunshu had secured a lead role. Rong Yunshu had always been a mid-tier performer in class neither particularly outstanding nor attention-seeking so her sudden selection came as a shock to everyone.

Ye Wenjin knew Rong Yunshu had the skills, but the others didn’t, and Rong Yunshu wasn’t one to waste words explaining herself. As a result, the atmosphere during rehearsals these past few days had been far from pleasant.

Rong Yunshu didn’t care what others thought of her, but one thing puzzled her: why hadn’t Ye Wenjin been chosen as the principal dancer?

Though Yi Huan and He Wenxi were the strongest contenders for the principal role, Ye Wenjin’s performance had been exceptional this time, with significant breakthroughs in her choreography. Rong Yunshu couldn’t understand why Ye Wenjin hadn’t been selected.

The moment the list was announced, Rong Yunshu had suspected foul play among the judges. She even considered approaching the teachers to release the audition footage for everyone to review letting the group decide would prove the fairness of the selection.

But Ye Wenjin stopped her, saying it might reflect poorly on Rong Yunshu.

This was Rong Yunshu’s first time being chosen as a lead dancer, a significant opportunity. If she left a bad impression on the teachers, it could negatively impact the rest of the rehearsals.

Ye Wenjin didn’t want to assume the worst of the teachers, but she wasn’t oblivious to the potential consequences. She didn’t want Rong Yunshu to take the risk.

“Better to avoid unnecessary trouble. The lead and principal roles are equally important, there’s not much difference, Yunshu. Just let it go.”

Ye Wenjin pleaded with concern.

Rong Yunshu knew she meant well, but something about the situation felt off.

After a moment of silence, Rong Yunshu sighed. “I get what you’re saying, but it just doesn’t sit right with me. With the way you danced, you should’ve been chosen as the principal. Wenjin, you’re too honest that’s why people take advantage of you. If it were anyone else, they’d have kicked up a fuss over this result.”

Ye Wenjin smiled helplessly. She had a feeling the “anyone else” Rong Yunshu referred to was Yi Huan. After all, Yi Huan had openly protested the results as soon as they were announced and had already made a scene.

Later, for reasons unknown perhaps after some persuasion from the teachers, Yi Huan had calmed down. Still, these days, the look she gave He Wenxi was nothing short of disdain.

Whenever the two crossed paths, Yi Huan would walk past without so much as a glance, sometimes even rolling her eyes.

In contrast, He Wenxi always wore an expression of resignation, making Yi Huan seem petty and narrow-minded in comparison.

The stark contrast between the two naturally led to such thoughts, and Ye Wenjin had occasionally overheard people gossiping about Yi Huan in passing.

Rong Yunshu, her temper flaring, let out a cold snort at this point. “Yi Huan probably thinks the outcome is unfair too, but she’s just too foolish, dismissed with a few words and always picking fights with He Wenxi. From this alone, it’s clear she’s nowhere near He Wenxi’s level. Just look at who has the best reputation now?”

After saying this, she clicked her tongue. “Stupid. Utterly stupid.”

Ye Wenjin was about to say something when she looked up and froze in embarrassment.

Because the person in question had arrived at some point and was now glaring at Rong Yunshu with fiery eyes.

Ye Wenjin wanted to warn Rong Yunshu, but before she could, Yi Huan stormed over furiously.

“Rong! What do you mean by that?!”

Rong Yunshu turned to see her but showed no guilt, sneering instead. “Didn’t you hear me clearly? I said you’re stupid, being used as a foil by He Wenxi without even realizing it. Am I wrong?”

Yi Huan, hearing this, was practically seething with rage, her mind consumed by anger. Perhaps she was so furious that her eyes even reddened slightly.

Rong Yunshu frowned slightly. “Going to cry just because you can’t argue back? How fragile, Miss Yi.”

Ye Wenjin helplessly tugged at her sleeve, signaling her to tone down the harshness.

Rong Yunshu relented a little, averting her gaze from Yi Huan.

This only made Yi Huan explode further. With reddened eyes, she shouted, “Rong Yunshu, you’re such a jerk!” before running off in a huff.

As she ran away, her lips seemed to keep moving nonstop.

Ye Wenjin guessed she was probably cursing Rong Yunshu the entire time.

And Rong Yunshu, upon hearing Yi Huan’s childish retort, didn’t hold back her mocking laugh.

Ye Wenjin felt a headache coming on.

Putting everything else aside, their dance team had no shortage of conflicts.

“Let’s not make things worse. We’re a team now and still have to work together for a while,” Ye Wenjin advised earnestly, worried their relationship would deteriorate further.

Though she wanted to mediate, neither Yi Huan nor Rong Yunshu seemed particularly interested. After nearly a week of rehearsals, the group barely spoke unless absolutely necessary their chat count was practically zero.

The tension between them was so palpable that everyone noticed. Sometimes, Ye Wenjin even overheard others discussing the trio’s dynamics.

It was all rather awkward.

With a sigh, Ye Wenjin could only hope no further mishaps would occur. But she hadn’t expected trouble to arrive so soon.

On an ordinary afternoon during rehearsal, Ye Wenjin suddenly heard a classmate say the teacher wanted to see her. Bewildered, she headed to the office, only to be met with the stern expression of their instructor, which instantly made her heart sink.

After a brief hesitation, Ye Wenjin spoke up. “Ms. Guan, you wanted to see me?”

Ms. Guan was their choreographer for the group dance, a strict and no-nonsense woman who oversaw their rehearsals.

Being summoned to the office out of the blue left Ye Wenjin uneasy. She racked her brain, wondering if she’d done something wrong. But when Ms. Guan spoke, she was stunned.

“I’ve heard a rumor, Ye Wenjin. Be honest with me have you been associating with older, wealthy women outside of school?”

Teacher Guan’s words were somewhat tactful, but Ye Wenjin immediately grasped her meaning and was stunned, unable to react for quite some time.

As Teacher Guan spoke, she observed Ye Wenjin’s expression. Seeing no response, her tone grew even more severe, tinged with disappointment. “Ye Wenjin, do you know how rare this opportunity is? We didn’t tell you earlier because we didn’t want to pressure you too much. This performance won’t just have ordinary spectators, I’ve received word that several top dancers will be in attendance. It’s very likely they’re scouting fresh talent for their troupes. This will be your best chance to shine.”

Before Ye Wenjin could process this news, Teacher Guan’s tone hardened further. “So, I don’t want any slip-ups from any of you. You’re still a student. Don’t you understand how damaging these negative rumors can be to your future?”

Ye Wenjin finally regained some semblance of composure. “Teacher Guan, wait, I don’t understand what you’re talking about?”

Seeing her bewildered expression, Teacher Guan frowned, softening her tone slightly. “Ye Wenjin, first tell me honestly have you been involved in any inappropriate relationships with people outside the school?”

Ye Wenjin’s eyes widened, and she quickly shook her head. “I haven’t!”

But Teacher Guan’s frown didn’t ease. Noticing her genuine confusion, she cut straight to the point. “Then do you know about the recent rumors that you’re being kept by someone?”

Her sharp gaze bore into Ye Wenjin, searching for any flicker of guilt.

Yet Ye Wenjin only looked utterly lost, as if she’d suddenly stopped comprehending language. After a long pause, she let out a baffled, “Huh?”

Seeing her reaction completely devoid of guilt, only confusion, Teacher Guan also began to doubt.

At this moment, Ye Wenjin was even more perplexed than her teacher. This was the first she’d heard of such rumors, and she was momentarily at a loss for words.

Silence fell over the office.

The two stared at each other for a long moment, neither speaking.

Teacher Guan’s brow furrowed slightly as she seemed to deliberate. After a while, she spoke gravely. “Ye Wenjin, I’m going to ask you some questions now. Answer truthfully, this concerns whether you can keep your position as lead dancer. Understood?”

Hearing how serious the consequences were, Ye Wenjin’s heart clenched with panic, and her own brow creased.

Forcing herself to stay calm, she nodded firmly. “I don’t believe I’ve done anything to tarnish my reputation. Please ask, Teacher Guan.”

Still doubtful, Teacher Guan chose her words carefully. “I’ve heard rumors that you’re allegedly being kept by someone. Is this true?”

Ye Wenjin found the idea absurd and shook her head without hesitation. “No, absolutely not.”

Teacher Guan neither confirmed nor denied her belief but pressed on. “Then who is this person you’ve been meeting outside school so often lately?”

Ye Wenjin was taken aback, her brow knitting slightly, but she answered honestly. “It’s an elder of mine. They’re concerned about my health, so they bring me meals every day.”

Teacher Guan frowned. “An elder? But as far as I know, you don’t have any such relatives.”

Before summoning Ye Wenjin, Teacher Guan had reviewed her file. The only name listed under family was her mother, Ye Shuyao, there were no other contacts.

Yet Ye Wenjin claimed the person who delivered the meal was an elder, which made Teacher Guan look at her with suspicion.

Ye Wenjin hesitated slightly.

Aunt Wu wasn’t actually her elder but rather her sister’s housekeeper. However, explaining this would inevitably require revealing her sister’s existence, and their marital relationship would no longer remain a secret.

So, for a moment, she didn’t know how to respond.

Seeing her hesitation, Teacher Guan’s tone grew more severe. “Ye Wenjin, tell me the truth. Don’t lie to me. You must understand that the performance cannot afford any mistakes. If your conduct is questionable, the lead dancer role will have to be given to someone else. Do you understand?”

Ye Wenjin suddenly felt suffocated. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down and quickly think through the situation.

Before long, her gaze sharpened.

If this were just a rumor, Teacher Guan wouldn’t be acting this way. So…

“Teacher Guan, may I ask a question? Did someone report me for misconduct? Otherwise, summoning me here based on mere rumors doesn’t seem reasonable.”

Teacher Guan frowned, her tone firm. “You don’t need to worry about that. Just answer truthfully. If you’re innocent, I’ll naturally clear your name.”

Hearing this, Ye Wenjin’s expression settled into calm. “Teacher Guan, I believe the burden of proof lies with the accuser. Since you’ve called me here, someone must have reported me with so-called evidence.

I trust your fairness and your integrity. So, if I prove my innocence, it wouldn’t be excessive to demand consequences for the malicious reporter, would it?”

She was almost certain this wasn’t just idle gossip. If there hadn’t been an actual report with alleged evidence, Teacher Guan wouldn’t have summoned her with such certainty earlier.

But what was the other party’s goal? She couldn’t quite figure it out. Even if they succeeded, what benefit would they gain beyond stripping her of the lead dancer role?

Ye Wenjin refused to let herself be slandered without a fight. She decided to counterattack.

Teacher Guan didn’t respond immediately, lost in thought.

Time passed silently.

Finally, after careful consideration, Teacher Guan nodded. “Fine, I agree to your proposal. If you’re innocent, the malicious reporter will face appropriate consequences.”

Ye Wenjin exhaled deeply. “Good. Please allow me to make a call. Once they arrive, you’ll understand everything. It might take a little time, though.”

Teacher Guan nodded skeptically. This matter needed to be clarified, she didn’t want to wrong anyone, so waiting a while was no issue.

At this moment, Ye Wenjin was simply grateful that Teacher Guan, though strict, was fair-minded and wouldn’t condemn her outright.

Taking another deep breath, Ye Wenjin pulled out her phone, found Jian Mo’s number, and tapped to call.

“Hello? Xiao Jin, what’s wrong?”

The moment Jian Mo’s voice came through the receiver, Ye Wenjin’s eyes reddened slightly. She replied softly, “Sister, I’m sorry to trouble you again, but could you come to the school? And… could Aunt Wu come too?”

On the other end of the line, Jian Mo’s expression turned icy the instant she heard Ye Wenjin’s voice.

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