After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 17.1

“Zhaolie, you’ve misunderstood me.” Yu Sui’an slightly furrowed her delicate brows, her expression tinged with grievance and the sorrow of being misconstrued. “When I defended my sister, it wasn’t what you thought.”

Jiang Zhaolie’s lips trembled as she desperately wanted to ask, Then what did you mean?

“Because of my sister, the relationship between the three of us has become public knowledge. Now, rumors about us are spreading like wildfire online. The slightest misstep could label me as the other woman.” Her lashes fluttered downward, veiling the emotions in her eyes. “If I appear too close to you while treating my sister as an enemy…”

She bit her lip lightly, raising round, clear eyes brimming with hurt. “What would people say about me then?”

Disappointment colored Yu Sui’an’s face as she spoke with an indescribable sadness. “Zhaolie, I hope you can understand me and consider my position more.”

Jiang Zhaolie felt wronged but couldn’t find words to argue. Normally proud and unyielding, she found herself humbled now. “I’m sorry, Suisui. I was out of line earlier.”

This first-ever apology left a bitter taste in Jiang Zhaolie’s mouth. The lingering sense of injustice compounded her dejection. Yet Yu Sui’an remained unmoved, standing silently after the apology before finally saying, “Zhaolie, I can’t have dinner with you tonight.”

“What’s wrong?” Jiang Zhaolie rose anxiously, her heart in turmoil. “Are you upset with me? Don’t you want to see me anymore?”

Yu Sui’an turned with a faint smile. “No.” She blinked. “I just need some time alone. It’s not about you, Zhaolie. Don’t overthink it.”

How could she not overthink? Everything had been fine until her jealous questions drove Sui’an away. Regret washed over Jiang Zhaolie had she known this would happen, she would have swallowed her doubts no matter how painful.

But there were no second chances.

When Jiang Zhaolie offered to drive Yu Sui’an home, the refusal came: “No need, Zhaolie. I’m worried paparazzi might photograph us together and people would make something of it.” Standing frozen, Jiang Zhaolie suddenly felt an immense distance between them.

An invisible crack had formed between them, silently damaging their relationship and creating an irreparable rift.

Distraught, Jiang Zhaolie sat in her car lost in thought, ultimately blaming Xu Chun for everything. Without their engagement, Sui’an wouldn’t need to keep her distance so carefully…

Gripping the steering wheel, she resolved: At grandfather’s birthday banquet, she would publicly annul the engagement and sever all ties with Xu Chun. Nothing would stop her.

In the days leading up to Grandpa Jiang Zhaolie’s birthday banquet, Xu Chun had been holed up at home studying scripts, only occasionally taking breaks to scroll through news on her phone for entertainment. Her reputation had improved significantly compared to when she first arrived, mainly because she had dragged Jiang Zhaolie and Yu Sui’an especially Yu Sui’an into the mess like a deranged water ghost, firmly tying them to her own boat.

Jiang Zhaolie wasn’t part of the entertainment industry, so it didn’t matter much, but if Yu Sui’an’s fans now wanted to accuse her of fabricated cheating scandals, they would have to think twice whether doing so would negatively impact Yu Sui’an.

Back when Yu Sui’an posted on Weibo, though she didn’t explicitly call out Xu Chun, anyone with eyes could see the insinuation. Coupled with the suspiciously timed “secret rendezvous with the other woman” photos that followed, it was hard not to suspect someone had orchestrated everything behind the scenes.

And the mastermind, Yu Sui’an was the prime suspect.

Now, without the harassment from Yu Sui’an’s fans, Xu Chun’s reputation had rebounded, and her career opportunities were gradually improving. This was good news, and her manager was thrilled, practically walking on air these days.

However, upon learning Xu Chun’s next move, the manager couldn’t help but worry again. “Jiang Zhaolie is already head over heels for Yu Sui’an, but she’s still engaged to you. Would she publicly break off the engagement at her grandfather’s birthday banquet just to please Yu Sui’an?”

If Jiang Zhaolie publicly severed ties with Xu Chun in front of so many social elites at the banquet, what would that make Xu Chun? Not only would she become a laughingstock in high society, but busybodies might also leak the news to the media, turning her into a national joke.

This would be a devastating blow to Xu Chun’s hard-earned career resurgence.

The manager was frantic, but Xu Chun remained eerily calm. “If she wants to break it off, let her.” Propping her chin on her hand, she added nonchalantly, “But since she’s the one breaching the contract, out of basic decency, she should at least compensate me, right?”

Xu Chun muttered to herself, “I won’t ask for 50 million, but if she gives me 10 or 20 million, that’d be perfect.” The manager was baffled and about to ask if Xu Chun’s family was in financial trouble when she heard Xu Chun say excitedly, “With that money, I could pamper a bunch of pretty boys, how great would that be?”

“Imagine, a new one every week, all sweet-talking and doting on me 24/7. Wouldn’t that be better than a stuffy marriage?”

The manager: “…”

Not long after hanging up with the manager, Xu Wei came home briefly. Xu Chun lounged lazily on the sofa, slanting a glance at her when she heard the noise. “My dear sister, when are you planning to pay me back?”

The youthful-looking girl paused mid-step and turned back irritably. “Stop nagging! I’m working on it!”

Xu Chun blinked. “Hurry up.” She smiled faintly. “It’d be a shame if such a small amount ruined our sisterly bond.” When there was no response, she added, “By the way, why are you back?”

Only now did she show any concern for herself. Xu Wei glared at her through gritted teeth, “Hand it over.”

Her celebrity sister lounged carelessly on the expensive leather sofa skin like snow, raven-black hair cascading like silk, with captivating painted brows and delicate features. Her flawlessly sculpted face carried a subtly aggressive charm that was breathtakingly beautiful. Yet beneath such exquisite beauty lay the heart of a venomous serpent.

Xu Wei smirked coldly. Just wait until Grandpa Jiang’s birthday banquet let’s see if she could still smile then.

…

The recent rainy season had left towering buildings soaked, filling the world with a damp, misty atmosphere. On the day of the banquet, the skies finally cleared after days of rain, the warm sunlight soothing against the skin.

Jiang Zhaolie turned and saw a woman bathed in golden light. She was stepping out of a business car, her head slightly bowed. A sleek black mermaid dress hugged her curvaceous figure, accentuating her snow-white skin. Paired with the expensive necklace around her slender neck, she exuded a stunning, regal beauty, radiating an unapologetic air of arrogance and unapproachable distance.

When she lifted her head, her palm-sized face revealed bold red lips and striking makeup, exuding an aura of cold, untouchable nobility.

There was no denying it, even Jiang Zhaolie, accustomed to all kinds of beauties, couldn’t help but feel a flutter in her heart at the sight of such a peerlessly stunning woman.

Today, Xu Chun was devastatingly beautiful, as if the creator had poured all their effort into crafting her. Every movement was breathtakingly elegant, elevating even the ordinary business car behind her into something luxurious.

Jiang Zhaolie took a deep breath, forcing herself to look away.

Xu Chun had noticed Jiang Zhaolie’s infatuated gaze from the start, her brows furrowing slightly in discomfort. Ignoring her presence, she declined the eager advances of men vying to play the gentleman and win her favor. Instead, she lifted the hem of her dress and ascended the steps toward the hotel lobby on her own.

The banquet hall was already bustling with distinguished guests, their refined demeanors filling the space as they mingled in small groups. The moment Xu Chun appeared, the surrounding chatter involuntarily softened, and all eyes turned toward the woman at the entrance, filled with awe and admiration.

As Xu Chun moved forward, the crowd instinctively parted before her, an unconscious display of reverence for her beauty.

Jiang Zhaolie found her feet moving of their own accord, trailing behind Xu Chun. She didn’t even know why she was following her, she had originally come out to greet Yu Sui’an. But the moment Xu Chun slipped from her sight, she felt an inexplicable emptiness, as if only by keeping her gaze fixed on the woman could she soothe the restless unease in her heart.

She had intended to pretend it was just a coincidence, but upon noticing the lecherous looks some men were casting Xu Chun’s way, she impulsively called out, her voice tight, “Xu Chun, come with me.”

Xu Chun turned, arching a delicate brow. “You’d better have a good reason.”

Jiang Zhaolie’s temples throbbed violently. All the strange emotions in her chest vanished in an instant, leaving only the familiar frustration that Xu Chun always managed to provoke.

Jiang Zhaolie stubbornly stood her ground, clearly implying she’d forcibly take Xu Chun away if she didn’t comply. After a moment’s consideration, Xu Chun ultimately followed her.

Led to a deserted corridor, Xu Chun stopped and crossed her arms. “Jiang Zhaolie, spit it out if you’ve got something to say.” She was in a hurry to meet He Qingli.

Jiang Zhaolie massaged her temples, suppressing the urge to scold her. “Today, I’ll publicly break off our engagement in front of everyone. I hope you’ll cooperate, it’ll be better for both of us.”

Xu Chun nearly cursed at her but swallowed the words at the last second. “I’ll cooperate,” she said, surprising Jiang Zhaolie, whose face showed undisguised astonishment. Xu Chun smiled. “First, transfer me ten million.”

The other woman’s face darkened instantly. Regretfully, Xu Chun compromised, “If ten million’s too much, five million will do.” She wagged a finger. “Not a penny less.”

Jiang Zhaolie remained silent, clearly unwilling. Xu Chun shrugged. “There’s still time to reconsider. A peaceful ‘breakup’ would save so much trouble. Don’t you think?”

“Impossible,” Jiang Zhaolie refused flatly. “Don’t even think about it.”

“Even if you don’t cooperate today, I will end this engagement.” Even if it’s for Suisui.

“Zhaolie.” Qin Yao’s sharp voice cut in as she arrived, her piercing gaze settling on Jiang Zhaolie. “Is this how I taught you to behave?”

Jiang Zhaolie tensed instinctively. Though Qin Yao was her mother, she both respected and feared her. After giving birth, Qin Yao had handed her to infertile relatives instead of raising her herself. Though the truth was revealed later, Jiang Zhaolie was forbidden from acknowledging their relationship publicly.

Under Qin Yao’s direct stare, guilt over being caught misbehaving overwhelmed her. Forgetting herself, she blurted, “Mom.”

Xu Chun’s eyes widened. This was Jiang Zhaolie’s mother? Seriously? She looked young enough to be her sister!

Before she could stop herself, Xu Chun blurted, “Who would’ve thought?” She swallowed hard, eyes sparkling. “Your mom’s really beautiful.”

Jiang Zhaolie frowned. “?”

After a pause, she hissed through gritted teeth, “Xu Chun, stay away from my mother! You’ve already hurt Suisui, don’t even think about toying with my mom.”

“What kind of nonsense is that?” Xu Chun snapped out of her daze, glancing guiltily at Jiang Zhaolie. “Do I seem like that kind of person?”

Jiang Zhaolie nodded without hesitation.

Xu Chun: “…” Damn it.

Her thoughts momentarily scattered by Xu Chun, Jiang Zhaolie belatedly remembered Qin Yao was still present. Pressing her lips tightly, her expression tense, she insisted stubbornly, “Mom, I have no feelings for her. If I did, we would have developed something over all these years we’ve known each other.”

“Now I’ve met someone I truly like. I don’t want the girl I love to be labeled as the other woman and subjected to society’s judgment. Nor do I want to hold Xu Chun back from finding her own happiness.” Jiang Zhaolie spoke with utmost sincerity, desperately hoping for Qin Yao’s support and approval.

But Qin Yao remained unmoved. Her sharp eyes, though devoid of any obvious emotion, made Jiang Zhaolie avert her gaze. “Do you think marriage is child’s play?”

Jiang Zhaolie fell silent. Qin Yao regarded her coldly. “The engagement with Miss Xu took place after you came of age, when you were capable of independent thought. If you were dissatisfied with this arrangement, why didn’t you refuse when we went to the Xu family with the betrothal gifts? Why wait until now to voice your objections?”

“Jiang Zhaolie, do you know what your behavior is called? Abandoning your partner after finding someone better that’s called kicking away the ladder after crossing the river, sheer ingratitude.”

Each word struck Jiang Zhaolie’s heart like a knife. Unable to refute, she lowered her head submissively under Qin Yao’s reprimand.

Xu Chun’s gaze darted to Qin Yao… an ally?

Bolstered by this unexpected support, her courage surged. She quickly sidled up to Qin Yao and, borrowing authority, planted her hands on her hips imperiously. “Did you hear that? Do you realize all the mistakes Mom pointed out?”

Jiang Zhaolie looked up at her with a peculiar expression, while Qin Yao also shot her a distracted glance. Xu Chun’s smile froze, and she hastily corrected herself, “What are you staring at? Are you ignoring Sister’s words? Look how angry you’ve made her, apologize right now!”

“If you upset Sister any more, I won’t let you off easy today.”

Jiang Zhaolie: “……” Never in her life had she been so speechless. Is this my mother or yours?

No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than Qin Yao shattered her last shred of hope. “Don’t mention calling off the engagement again.” Qin Yao’s tone was mild but carried a warning. “I don’t want to hear any more complaints about you being entangled with other women.”

Jiang Zhaolie opened her mouth to protest, but Qin Yao gave her no chance.

After Qin Yao left, Xu Chun and Jiang Zhaolie stared at each other in silence until, just as Jiang Zhaolie seemed ready to settle accounts, Xu Chun gathered her skirt and bolted. Jiang Zhaolie hadn’t intended to chase her anyway, and seeing her disappear like a startled rabbit only reinforced her disinterest in further confrontation.

She sank into deep frustration. If Qin Yao refused to cancel the engagement, no amount of effort on her part would change anything… unless the situation escalated beyond repair, making the annulment inevitable.

For instance, if everyone knew her true affections lay not with Xu Chun, but with someone else entirely.

Xu Chun quickly reunited with He Qingli. The moment He Qingli saw her, she froze briefly before her eyes lit up with excitement. “Sister Xu Chun, are you planning to ditch Jiang Zhaolie and take another woman home to sleep with today?”

Xu Chun’s eyelid twitched as she swiftly changed the subject, “I just ran into Jiang Zhaolie’s birth mother.”

“Oh?” He Qingli’s attention was immediately diverted, her interest piqued. “What did you talk about? Did Jiang Zhaolie mention the broken engagement in front of her?”

“Of course she did.” Xu Chun’s eyes gleamed mischievously. “My thoughts align with Jiang Zhaolie’s, but unfortunately, her mother doesn’t agree.” She sighed wistfully—this was going to be tricky.

“Who would’ve thought? Jiang Zhaolie puts on such a refined front, but behind the scenes, she’s utterly shameless.” He Qingli sneered at Jiang Zhaolie’s expense. “Given her current obsession with Yu Sui’an, she definitely won’t give up easily. You should be careful with so many people here today for Old Master Jiang’s birthday, she might stir up some trouble.”

Xu Chun wholeheartedly agreed.

The two of them huddled together, whispering for a long while. When Yu Sui’an arrived, she saw the mysterious, coldly alluring woman like a black rose nearly pressed against He Qingli. Her gaze paused, and when she stepped forward again, her pace unconsciously quickened as she strode directly to Xu Chun and He Qingli.

“Sister.”

Her gentle, harmless eyes flickered between the two, her face wearing a faint smile, yet she addressed He Qingli first. “Miss He, aren’t you standing a little too close to my sister?”

He Qingli nearly snapped back with a “none of your damn business,” but considering the public setting and not wanting to tarnish Xu Chun’s reputation, she straightened her posture and shot Yu Sui’an a cold sidelong glance. “A wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

Yu Sui’an ignored He Qingli’s sarcasm, her gaze fixed intently on Xu Chun.

This was a side of her she had never seen before. Her satin-black hair was elegantly pinned up, exposing skin so pale it was almost translucent, the faint blue veins beneath visible. Though her features remained the same, today, the woman exuded an inexplicable allure seductive and intoxicating.

She resembled a lone black datura blooming in the waters of the Styx, enchanting yet perilous.

They say three women make a drama, let alone three women each with their own striking charm. Xu Chun and He Qingli, both celebrities, had already drawn considerable attention. Now, with Yu Sui’an’s arrival, the spotlight on them reached its peak.

Soon, someone familiar with the entertainment industry recognized Yu Sui’an and exclaimed in surprise, “Isn’t that the woman Jiang Zhaolie chased onto a reality show?”

At the remark, the gathered elites turned their heads. Then the same person added, “And she’s Jiang Zhaolie’s nominal fiancée, also Xu Chun’s ex-girlfriend.”

The gazes of the elite instantly turned knowing. This messy? Jiang Zhaolie sure knows how to play.

In an instant, those who had hoped to approach and win over the beauties abandoned their plans, settling in to watch the unfolding spectacle. A scandalous drama intertwining both the entertainment industry and high society was a rare treat missing it would be a shame.

Xu Chun pricked up her ears at the surrounding chatter. Realizing she had become the subject of gossip, her gaze toward Yu Sui’an turned noticeably colder. “What are you doing here?” she asked.

Yu Sui’an’s expression faltered, immediately putting on a wounded look. Xu Chun remained impassive, here we go again with the act.

“Does sister not like being around me?” Yu Sui’an asked with teary eyes, pressing for an answer as if digging to the root of the matter. “Does sister hate me now?”

Xu Chun felt utterly exasperated, suddenly unable to comprehend what this little white lotus was playing at.

With such a perfect opportunity today, shouldn’t she be rushing to Jiang Zhaolie’s side to deepen their bond and firmly capture his heart? No matter how long she wasted time with Xu Chun here, Jiang Zhaolie would never be hers.

However, at He Qingli’s reminder, when Xu Chun saw Jiang Zhaolie approaching with a wary and anxious expression, she silently retracted her previous thought. Who said it couldn’t be done? Here was someone already utterly captivated and emotionally distraught.

Jiang Zhaolie had learned the news from a friend. The moment she heard Yu Sui’an and Xu Chun had met, she was beside herself with worry. Without a second thought, she dropped everything and rushed over at breakneck speed. Before she even got close, she could see Yu Sui’an alone facing Xu Chun and He Qingli from a distance, immediately losing her composure. “Xu Chun!”

Her voice wasn’t deliberately lowered, and people nearby heard her shout. Xu Chun turned her head in annoyance, then looked back at Yu Sui’an. Yu Sui’an’s face showed a trace of panic as she explained, “Sister, that’s not what I meant.”

Unfortunately, no matter what she said now, it seemed the other party wouldn’t believe her. Seeing this, the light in Yu Sui’an’s eyes gradually dimmed.

Jiang Zhaolie only saw Yu Sui’an’s despondent state and immediately blamed Xu Chun without hesitation. Frowning, she locked eyes with Xu Chun. “What did you just do to Sui’an?”

He Qingli wanted to explain on Xu Chun’s behalf, but Xu Chun stopped her. “Nothing much,” Xu Chun said with a smile, glancing at the onlookers around them. “I just asked if she’d consider getting back together with me…”

Before she could finish, Jiang Zhaolie’s frown deepened so much it could have crushed a fly. “Don’t even think about reconciliation. I won’t allow it. You’ve hurt Sui’an too many times already, and I absolutely won’t let you torment her any further.” With that, she grabbed Yu Sui’an’s hand. “Sui’an, let’s go.”

“But….” Yu Sui’an’s slightly reddened eyes remained fixed on Xu Chun. “Sister…”

“Why are you still thinking about her?” Jiang Zhaolie’s voice grew distant until suddenly, she stopped in her tracks, staring at Yu Sui’an with suspicion. Her tone turned grave and serious. “Sui’an… you’re not actually considering reconciliation, are you?”

Jiang Zhaolie couldn’t help but spiral into wild thoughts—was Yu Sui’an still holding onto hope for Xu Chun? Or did she still have feelings for her? Or worse, had Xu Chun always held a place in her heart, while she herself was merely a substitute…

“No.” The girl’s soft, dejected voice interrupted Jiang Zhaolie’s thoughts. Yu Sui’an lifted her gaze, meeting Jiang Zhaolie’s eyes directly. “I just think,  it wasn’t right for you to embarrass Sister in public like that. I’m worried people might form a bad impression of you because of it.”

“You know I don’t care about that.” Warmth blossomed in Jiang Zhaolie’s chest, and the stormy expression on her face melted away, leaving only happiness and gratitude. “The only thing I’ve ever cared about is you.”

Yu Sui’an’s expression wavered. “Zhaolie, when you say things like that I really don’t know what to do.”

Jiang Zhaolie shook her head repeatedly, visibly moved. “You don’t have to be so formal with me. As long as I’m the most important person in your heart, that’s enough for me.” Worried Yu Sui’an might fall under Xu Chun’s influence again and seriously consider reconciliation, her voice unconsciously took on a note of urgency. “Sui’an, just give me a little more time.”

“After today, I will definitely draw a clear line with Xu Chun and give us a legitimate reason to be together.”

Yu Sui’an didn’t respond immediately, feeling a flicker of hesitation and fleeting conflict in her heart. She didn’t seem as desperate to cling to Jiang Zhaolie anymore. While securing Jiang Zhaolie and marrying into the Jiang family would greatly benefit her career and future, at this moment, those prospects had lost much of their appeal.

Still, she needed to placate him first. Yu Sui’an pursed her lips and lowered her head slightly, speaking considerately, “I’m in no hurry.” She raised her gaze slightly. “Today is your grandfather’s birthday. It might not be the best time to bring this up in front of everyone. Maybe we should wait until after—”

“No,” Jiang Zhaolie immediately countered. “Precisely because everyone is here today, I must seize this opportunity to clarify things. The longer we delay, the worse it will be for your reputation.”

Those who disliked Yu Sui’an might use this situation to slander her, something Jiang Zhaolie absolutely wanted to avoid.

Seeing his resolute stance, Yu Sui’an lowered her lashes lightly, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. She nodded softly, her voice barely audible, “I’ll follow your lead.”

His intense concern for her and his urgency suggested the matter was practically settled.

As the two openly displayed their affection, their intimate gestures and whispered conversations about how to oust Xu Chun, the “legitimate fiancée,” and elevate Yu Sui’an, the white lotus homewrecker, Qiao Wan couldn’t stand it any longer. She stormed over and pointed at Jiang Zhaolie, demanding, “Cousin, is this how Auntie raised you?”

“You’re throwing away a perfectly good fiancée to treasure this homewrecker. Do you have no regard for Auntie’s expectations of you?”

Jiang Zhaolie turned, frowning as he met Qiao Wan’s gaze. “This is none of your business, child.” He then turned back to Yu Sui’an, explaining, “Sui’er, don’t take it to heart. She’s young and speaks without thinking…”

His words dripped with indulgence for the other woman. Qiao Wan’s expression gradually hardened, her questions growing sharper. “Cousin, when you were getting cozy with her, did you ever think about me, an innocent bystander dragged into this mess? Did you ever care about the accusations and insults I endured these past few days? Now you’re with her, someone who hurt me. Does your conscience not trouble you?”

Support After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead’s Stepmother