After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 101

Jiang Banxia had been extremely busy lately.

Ever since her philandering father and Yu Sui’an both fell to their deaths from the hospital rooftop, countless media outlets had been hounding her day and night. Reporters tailed her around the clock, desperate to dig up the latest scoop on the scandal involving the wealthy family.

But unfortunately for them, since returning from the hospital, she had remained at home, handling her father’s funeral arrangements. These days, without her permission, not even a fly could get into the house, let alone the media.

Her father had been a highly successful businessman in his lifetime, with an extensive network of connections. If not for the recent exposure of his misdeeds, he might still have been regarded as a respectable figure in the industry. What a shame approaching middle age, he had thrown away his reputation due to his lack of self-restraint, becoming nothing more than a laughingstock in the eyes of others.

As for the deaths of the two, it was almost an unexpected blessing.

Jiang Banxia had only wanted them to clash, to tear each other apart at most, to leave both wounded so she could seize control of the Jiang family’s power. But who could have guessed…

Once again, she had underestimated Yu Sui’an.

Still, this outcome wasn’t bad. Everything Yu Sui’an had done to Xu Chun in the past had now been settled in full. The only regret was that Yu Sui’an had vanished so cleanly, without even giving the hospital a chance to attempt resuscitation.

She got off far too easily.

How much suffering had Xu Chun endured? Betrayed, exploited, her sincere feelings callously trampled underfoot, while Yu Sui’an’s fans attacked her like rabid dogs, hurling vicious words that pierced straight to the heart.

Jiang Banxia didn’t know exactly how much pain Xu Chun had endured back then. She only knew that Yu Sui’an had died far too lightly.

She should have suffered just like Xu Chun no, even more than Xu Chun had. Only then would it have been a fitting repayment for all the agony Xu Chun had endured.

But now, the woman was gone. No matter how much Jiang Banxia regretted it, she could only suppress her thoughts and focus on managing the funeral arrangements.

At least, in the end, she had avenged Xu Chun.

Setting aside Yu Sui’an’s earlier misdeeds, her recent collusion with the Qiao family had nearly cost Xu Chun her life that alone was unforgivable. So, Jiang Banxia arranged their funerals in separate locations, merely stationing a few bodyguards at Yu Sui’an’s service. Beyond that, she paid the woman no further attention.

For an illegitimate daughter with no one to rely on, arranging her burial after death was already more than enough kindness.

After issuing all the necessary instructions, Jiang Banxia entered her mother’s room. Hearing the movement, her mother looked up, her expression unreadable. Jiang Banxia spoke first, “Mom, I’m sorry for your loss.”

“I know.” Her mother nodded, then said with mixed emotions, “After so many years of marriage to your father… did we have deep feelings? No. But was there no affection at all? Not exactly.”

“I knew he was unfaithful behind my back. But I never imagined he’d already fathered so many illegitimate children.” Suddenly, her mother’s voice turned bitter. “That’s what I can never forgive!”

Jiang Banxia didn’t interrupt her mother, letting her vent. After calming down for a while, Mother Jiang seemed to have cooled off. She snorted coldly, “But it doesn’t matter now. He’s already gone. Why should I argue with a dead man?”

She turned her head, her eyes filled with affection as she looked at Jiang Banxia. “Fortunately, you’ve always been my pride. No matter how many messes your father made outside, his life’s work will still fall into your hands.” Mother Jiang stood up. “Banxia, you must manage your father’s no, your company well. Don’t let outsiders laugh at us.”

“Now, all the companies in the family, big and small, are under your control. You’re no less capable than those other young masters and heiresses. So,” Mother Jiang abruptly changed the subject, “when you choose a marriage partner later, you mustn’t lose your head.”

At the mention of this topic, Jiang Banxia’s expression instantly turned cold. “Mom, we should go out now.”

Seeing her dismissive attitude, Mother Jiang grew anxious. “Again, it’s always like this. Every time I bring up marriage, you…” She had intended to launch into a long, hysterical tirade, but under Jiang Banxia’s dark, calm gaze, she unconsciously stopped.

After a moment, Mother Jiang thought of the prematurely deceased Yu Sui’an and couldn’t help but close her eyes. It was a long time before she opened them again. “Fine, I won’t push you.”

“But tell me honestly, are you still hung up on that Miss Xu?” Mother Jiang couldn’t resist advising her. “You must understand, she and President Qin have already made their relationship public. There’s no chance for you two…”

“Mom, loving someone doesn’t mean you have to possess them or be with them.” After a brief silence, Jiang Banxia spoke softly. “It’s enough for me to see her happy.”

“When she needs me, I can help. When she’s happy, I offer my blessings. Our relationship remains strong, intimate, and unchangeable. That’s all I ask for in this life.” As Mother Jiang opened her mouth to speak, Jiang Banxia quickened her pace. “Besides, my ambitions don’t lie in romance. The workplace is the stage where I’ll shine brightest.”

“I will become a more formidable, more dazzling businesswoman than my father. By then, the internet and financial magazines will be filled with praise for me. That’s the only way to honor the years of hard work I’ve put in.”

As she spoke, a fervent light ignited in her eyes. Confident, radiant, and spirited, she was breathtakingly beautiful. Mother Jiang was deeply moved, her lips parting and closing several times without uttering a word.

Perhaps this isn’t so bad, Mother Jiang thought. Her daughter was already outstanding among her peers. She had spent her entire life laboring for her daughter’s future, striving to elevate her to greater heights. Now that her daughter had such grand ambitions, she should be happy. But… Mother Jiang hesitated before asking, “What about Miss Zheng?”

Jiang Banxia lowered her gaze and remained silent for a long while. “We’re good friends, and we’ll continue to be excellent partners in the future.”

Mother Jiang sighed in disappointment. Zheng Yanran had been her favorite choice for a daughter-in-law. But while the fallen petals had feelings, the flowing water was indifferent. The current Jiang Banxia was independent and self-assured, having grown into a free spirit. No matter how much she regretted it, she could no longer force anything. “Alright then.”

Mother Jiang could only say this much.

But when she looked at Jiang Banxia, her eyes inevitably filled with a touch of heartache. “Take good care of yourself from now on. Don’t overwork yourself, and don’t let yourself suffer any more grievances. If there’s anything you can’t handle alone, we your family, will always be your strongest support.”

“Mm.” Jiang Banxia nodded, smiling faintly.

Ever since Mother Jiang and her late husband had pressured Jiang Banxia into an arranged marriage, she had rarely smiled so brightly in front of them. For a moment, Mother Jiang’s emotions surged, and her eyes reddened despite herself.

What mother wouldn’t want her daughter to be happy and carefree? Power, status none of it could compare to her daughter’s well-being. She had been foolish before, blindly following her late husband’s lead. But fortunately, her daughter had always remained clear-headed.

Mother Jiang smiled as well this was the child she had raised.

Clear-minded and rational, completely different from those other spoiled heiresses who only knew how to indulge in extravagance. In her eyes, Jiang Banxia would always be the most outstanding successor.

After stepping out together, they found that most of the social elite had already arrived. Jiang Banxia and Mother Jiang split up to greet guests separately. Jiang Banxia walked straight toward Xu Chun and Qin Yao, exchanging a few brief pleasantries.

Jiang Zhaolie watched from the side, her heart filled with bitterness.

By now, Jiang Banxia had practically become the biggest winner. She had status, wealth everything that Jiang Zhaolie, a hardworking employee, lacked.

Now, Jiang Banxia even had the strength to compete with Qin Yao. And as for herself?

Forget competing with Qin Yao, even getting close to Xu Chun had become an impossible struggle.

Jiang Zhaolie had regretted her past actions more than once, but what could she do? Things had already come to this. Xu Chun and Qin Yao had publicly announced their relationship, making Qin Yao her nominal stepmother. No matter how many thoughts swirled in her heart, she had no choice but to suppress them.

Jiang Banxia’s gaze gradually lost focus. If possible, in her next life, she would cherish everything properly and never make such foolish mistakes again. As for this lifetime… she would obediently play the role of a devoted stepdaughter, willing to do anything for Xu Chun.

At the very least, under her watch, no one would dare bully Xu Chun again. And if anyone dared she would chase them to the ends of the earth and make them pay.

Jiang Banxia glanced at the distracted Jiang Zhaolie, her expression unchanged, revealing nothing.

She was busy now, so after exchanging a few words with Xu Chun, she left. Meanwhile, Xu Chun, with nothing else to do, looked around idly, steering her wheelchair to pass the time. But before she had gone far, she caught sight of an unexpected figure. “Qingli?!”

Xu Chun couldn’t help but call out. When the other woman turned around, her face was pale and distraught. Xu Chun frowned and quickly wheeled over. “You’re back, and you didn’t even tell me? Do you still consider me your sister ?” Mid-sentence, she caught sight of two figures in her peripheral vision and instantly understood why He Qingli looked so despondent.

Fu Xin, for some reason, was also here and with a woman clinging to his arm. Their intimate posture made them look like a couple.

Xu Chun’s eyes widened. “What’s this about?”

Xu Chun was quite popular, with a face that was particularly distinctive. The moment she appeared, Fu Xin noticed her, along with He Qingli by her side. Fu Xin had some impression of He Qingli’s face, though she couldn’t tell whether the other girl was intentionally or unintentionally appearing around her so often.

At first, Fu Xin thought He Qingli might be a friend of hers. But after all this time, the other girl had only ever watched her from afar without ever approaching. This behavior left Fu Xin both puzzled and curious.

She had once tried to go over and say hello, only for He Qingli to immediately flee at the sight of her approach, leaving Fu Xin no opportunity. After several such failed attempts, Fu Xin had no choice but to give up, settling for exchanging distant glances before politely looking away.

Just when Fu Xin had resigned herself to maintaining this status quo, she unexpectedly encountered He Qingli again this time at the funeral of her parents’ friend.

Subconsciously, Fu Xin moved toward them, planning to use greeting Xu Chun as an opportunity to strike up a conversation with He Qingli. But before she could even open her mouth, Xu Chun pointed an accusing finger at her nose and demanded furiously, “Who is she?!”

Fu Xin froze, mouth opening to explain, only for Xu Chun to continue in outrage, “Well, well, Fu Xin! I used to think you were devoted and unwavering in love. Who would’ve guessed that after just a few days apart, you’d abandon your wife and child for a new lover?!”

“Do you even know who she is?” Xu Chun pulled He Qingli forward. “This is your fiancée! She defied her entire family to elope with you, only to be disowned and left homeless. While desperately searching for you, she even suffered a miscarriage and lost your five-month-old baby!”

Xu Chun’s voice was full of anguish. “Fu Xin, how could you be so heartless as to abandon such a fiancée and cozy up to another woman?!”

Her voice wasn’t quiet, quickly drawing many curious eyes. He Qingli’s cheeks burned under the scrutiny, while Xu Chun’s absurd accusations left her utterly bewildered: “???”

What nonsense was this?

When had she and Fu Xin ever been engaged? When had she ever been pregnant with Fu Xin’s child? They hadn’t even…

While He Qingli was confused, Fu Xin was completely stunned by Xu Chun’s wild fabrications. It took her a moment to snap out of it before she hurriedly explained, “No, no, it’s not what you think!” Flustered, she looked at He Qingli with nervous eyes. “She’s my cousin, my actual blood-related cousin.”

Then, with a hint of melancholy, she added, “I was sick and lost my memory before… Cousin was the one who took care of me…”

Before Fu Xin could finish, Xu Chun immediately grabbed He Qingli’s hand and extended it toward Fu Xin’s cousin, switching from hostility to overwhelming enthusiasm in an instant. “Ohhh, so you’re her cousin! Hello, hello! You’re so beautiful, cousin, no wonder people would misunderstand!”

“I totally thought you were Little Fu’s girlfriend just now. Honestly, you look even younger than her by a couple of years, haha!”

Cousin: “…” You shameless liar, I don’t believe a word you say.

However, this didn’t stop her from feeling pleased upon hearing such words. She cast a light glance at He Qingli and said, “I know you. I’ve brought the person here now, so you can take her away. Save her from sitting around blankly at my place every day.”

After speaking, she turned to Xu Chun. “Shall we chat over there?”

Chat? About what? Xu Chun blinked and looked up. “…Sure.” She was curious to find out what this cousin of hers was up to.

Unfortunately, before she could do anything, Qin Yao grabbed her and pulled her away. Qin Yao looked down at her quietly, a faint smile on her face. “You seem to have recovered quite well,” she said slowly, enunciating each word. “Right?”

“Not yet,” Xu Chun replied without hesitation. “My leg still hurts.”

“Is that so?” Qin Yao crouched down leisurely. “Even if your leg hurts, your mouth seems perfectly fine still capable of sweet-talking women.”

Her gentle smile sent a shiver down Xu Chun’s spine, who quickly added, “It’s absolutely terrifying!”

Qin Yao stared at her expressionlessly. Xu Chun blinked and cautiously met her gaze. “That was Cousin Fu Xin. I was just helping my fan pursue happiness…”

“Come tonight,” Qin Yao interrupted impatiently.

“Huh?” What?!

Xu Chun was so startled she nearly bolted, but Qin Yao swiftly restrained her. Watching the two awkward yet gradually approaching figures in the crowd, Xu Chun inwardly wailed, “Qingli, I’ve sacrificed so much for your happiness!”

By the time the funeral ended, Xu Chun found He Qingli and Fu Xin again they were already holding hands discreetly.

Xu Chun couldn’t help but smile. How wonderful.

Everyone was doing well.

Whether it was herself, Qin Yao, or Jiang Banxia, they were all doing fine. The future was bright, paved with blossoms and boundless possibilities.

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