After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 17.2

“At first, I could understand you were deceived too. But after the truth came out, you still blindly defended her, completely disregarding your own cousin’s feelings.”

“Do you even see me as your sister?”

Jiang Zhaolie fell silent. Seizing the moment, Yu Sui’an spoke meekly, “Miss Qiao, I’m sorry. This is all my fault. Zhaolie isn’t to blame—”

“Did I ask you?” Qiao Wan cut in coldly, her expression icy. “I’m talking to my cousin. Who gave you the right to interrupt?”

“Qiao Wan.” Jiang Zhaolie’s tone hardened at her rudeness. “She’s the woman I love and will soon be your cousin-in-law. Apologize to her right now.”

Looking at Jiang Zhaolie’s serious expression, Qiao Wan’s last glimmer of hope was ruthlessly extinguished. She let out a cold laugh, “My future cousin-in-law?” As if hearing some joke, she continued, “The only cousin-in-law I recognize is Sister Xu Chun.”

“Is a woman surnamed Yu even worthy?”

Jiang Zhaolie’s expression instantly darkened. Unfazed, Qiao Wan lifted her chin and met her gaze coldly, “Do you want to hit me for her sake too?” Jiang Zhaolie’s face flickered between anger and hesitation. With a mocking curl of her lips, Qiao Wan sneered, “Go ahead and try. If you dare lay a finger on me today, you won’t have a peaceful day for at least half a month.”

“One last piece of advice today is Grandfather’s birthday banquet. Cousin, you’d better behave yourself and not let lust cloud your judgment into doing something disgraceful.” Qiao Wan smiled faintly, “Auntie isn’t like me, helpless against you.”

Watching Qiao Wan’s retreating figure, Jiang Zhaolie felt her temples throbbing. Yu Suian quickly comforted her in a soft voice, “Zhaolie, don’t be angry.” Her tone carried a hint of dejection, “Everyone still doesn’t know me well. It’s normal for them to misunderstand me.”

“And… Sister is so wonderful and has been with you all for so long. I understand how everyone must feel seeing me.” Yu Suian’s voice trailed off as she lowered her head, revealing the snow-white skin of her nape. Sensing her distress, Jiang Zhaolie hurriedly lifted her face, her eyes were slightly red and glistening with unshed tears, stubbornly refusing to fall despite the overwhelming grievance in her heart.

Jiang Zhaolie’s heart ached terribly, and she fumbled to console her for a long while.

After the two female leads disappeared from view, Xu Chun wandered aimlessly through the hotel like a loner. He Qingli had left early due to prior commitments. Unfamiliar with the other guests and with the only acquaintance, Xu Wei, nowhere to be found, Xu Chun quietly held her wine glass, waiting for the banquet to begin.

But this scene appeared entirely different to Qiao Wan, who had come specifically looking for her: Cousin-in-law, publicly humiliated by her cousin, drowning her sorrows alone. Usually devoted to her career and averse to socializing, she now had no confidante to share her grief with, forced to hide in a corner nursing her drink, swallowing all that negativity in solitude.

Seeing Xu Chun about to down the remaining half-glass of wine, Qiao Wan instinctively strode over and lightly caught her wrist with slender fingers, “Cousin-in-law, stop drinking.”

Xu Chun looked up in bewilderment, her dark eyes filled with confusion, “?”

“I know you’re upset, but hiding away to drink won’t solve anything.” Though Qiao Wan had initially resolved never to see Xu Chun again, witnessing her cousin’s foolish behavior had unconsciously stirred sympathy for this woman.

In her eyes, Xu Chun had it all beauty, acting skills, wealth, and popularity. Wasn’t she someone people would fight tooth and nail to win over outside? Such a flawless individual truly didn’t need to waste her life on that muddle-headed cousin of hers.

Lost in her own melodramatic thoughts, Qiao Wan spoke with a hint of sincerity, “If you feel wronged and pained, you might as well ask Auntie to stand up for you. She’s always been fair and impartial, and since you’re completely the victim in this matter, she’ll definitely take your side.”

Lowering her voice, she added, “As long as you’re willing to speak to Auntie, my cousin will surely get a thorough scolding. No matter how unwilling she is afterward, she’ll have to get into the bridal sedan and marry you.”

Xu Chun suddenly felt complicated emotions, “…” You’re really quite the devoted cousin.

After expressing her gratitude, Xu Chun seriously considered Qiao Wan’s suggestion. There’s always a higher mountain, evil has its own nemesis. If she wanted to survive well in this world, clinging to a powerful ally was essential. According to Qiao Wan, the only person in the world who could suppress Jiang Zhaolie effortlessly, like crushing an ant, was none other than Qin Yao, Jiang Zhaolie’s own mother, whom Xu Chun had just met.

Yet Xu Chun still had her doubts.
Would a mother really side with an outsider over her own child?

But Qiao Wan seemed so certain that Xu Chun decided to suppress her skepticism for now and give it a try. Qin Yao had left a good impression her mature, calm, and rational demeanor made her seem utterly reliable.

Seeing Xu Chun finally nod, Qiao Wan sighed in relief. “Then I’ll go ahead and pave the way with Auntie for you. That way, you’ll achieve twice the result with half the effort.”

With a flick of her sleeve, she left without a trace. Watching Qiao Wan’s retreating figure, Xu Chun marveled inwardly this girl was truly a modern-day Lei Feng.

Having such a cousin was truly a stroke of luck for Jiang Zhaolie and for Xu Chun.

As time passed, servers ushered everyone into a spacious private room. The birthday boy, Old Master Jiang, made a cheerful appearance, instantly swarmed by countless well-wishers.

Xu Chun stayed out of the commotion, quietly observing from the sidelines. Before long, she caught a faint, delicate fragrance beside her. Turning instinctively, she met the familiar, petite face of Yu Sui’an.

Noticing Xu Chun’s gaze, Yu Sui’an offered a soft smile. “Sister.”

“I’m sorry about earlier,” she murmured, her voice so gentle and her expression so pitiful that even the coldest heart might melt. But Xu Chun, self-proclaimed unshakable romance novel heroine, felt nothing for this white lotus side character. “If you know it was wrong, then don’t do it again.”

Casually, she added, “The Xu Chun who loved you to the bone is already dead.” Leaning closer, she stared straight into Yu Sui’an’s bewildered, slightly panicked eyes. “You’ve lost her. Understand?”

For a moment, Yu Sui’an was at a loss. What did this mean? Was Xu Chun cutting all ties with the past with her? After a brief pause, she quickly composed herself, feigning confusion with wounded innocence. “I don’t understand what you mean, Sister.”

Xu Chun had no intention of explaining it to her. “You’ll understand someday.”

The surroundings grew quiet again.

Silence. Yu Sui’an stood frozen in place, the only sounds around her being the hollow birthday wishes from the privileged guests. The atmosphere was lively, yet she felt utterly out of place. At this moment, the person who had once been most familiar to her, the one she’d always felt completely in control of suddenly seemed to gain independent consciousness, calmly and rationally declaring, “I don’t belong to you anymore,” sending an inexplicable wave of panic through her heart.

She wanted to believe Xu Chun’s words were just retaliation for her recent excessive behavior. But when she turned her face upward, her gaze fixed unblinkingly on the other woman’s expression, disappointment washed over her.

Everything from the emotions in Xu Chun’s eyes to her impassive face conveyed a truth Yu Sui’an refused to accept: Xu Chun was serious.

She truly didn’t want her anymore.

This realization brought an involuntary redness to Yu Sui’an’s eyes. Clinging to one last shred of hope, she spoke words devoid of genuine remorse, the emotions swirling in her chest too complex to articulate: “Sister, Suisui knows she was wrong. If you don’t like me being close to Miss Jiang, I’ll cut all ties with her immediately never see her again in this lifetime.”

“Oh?” Xu Chun remained utterly unmoved, even tempted to record this performance. After a prolonged standoff, she suddenly leaned in close, her gaze carrying an indescribable intensity. “Prove it to me, Yu Sui’an.”

“If you can do that, I might consider believing you, just this once.”

But Yu Sui’an remained silent. Her mere seconds of hesitation caused Xu Chun to withdraw all attention, no longer caring about her presence. Though they stood physically close, Xu Chun now treated her like any other banquet attendee ignoring her, avoiding conversation, maintaining only superficial courtesy.

Yu Sui’an instinctively lowered her head, white teeth lightly biting her lip. Why had her sister changed so drastically? Had someone else captured her heart?

Her expression darkened as a sense of crisis overwhelmed her without warning.

Xu Chun paid no further attention to the white lotus protagonist beside her, even after repeated assurances following brief consideration. Destiny couldn’t be defied, and given Yu Sui’an’s ambitions, such promises held as much credibility as the sun rising in the west. Xu Chun placed no faith in them whatsoever.

Compared to the untrustworthy, scheming Yu Sui’an, Qin Yao seemed far more reliable.

Xu Chun resolved to properly report Jiang Zhaolie’s behavior to Qin Yao after the banquet. But before she could act, the infatuated Jiang Zhaolie couldn’t resist seizing the host’s microphone, his expression grave. “Today is my grandfather’s birthday, but before the festivities begin, there’s something I need to clarify.”

He Qingli immediately shot Xu Chun a frantic look from across the room. Those familiar with the dramatic love triangle between Jiang Zhaolie, Xu Chun, and Yu Sui’an also turned their gazes toward Xu Chun, their looks brimming with malicious curiosity.

Though the Xu family’s assets were considerable, compared to the Jiang family, they were merely an insignificant tail-end of the elite circle. And while Xu Chun was currently a top-tier celebrity, she still fell short of being a worthy match for Jiang Zhaolie.

Considering how today’s events could spread like wildfire in the blink of an eye, becoming common knowledge, everyone was eagerly anticipating Xu Chun’s reaction. Would she be heartbroken, desperately clinging to this unequal elite marriage? Or would she resort to emotional blackmail, threatening to force her way into the wealthy family with thunderous tactics to secure her status?

Suddenly becoming the center of attention, with all sorts of messy gazes fixed on her, Xu Chun felt as if she were a monkey in a zoo, one that could be watched for free, no admission fee required.

The moment Jiang Zhaolie stepped onto the stage, she sensed Qin Yao’s icy, emotionless stare. Reflexively, she wavered, her courage faltering. But thinking of Yu Sui’an waiting for her promise, she steeled herself and spoke up, “Recently, there has been much speculation about my engagement with Xu Chun. Now, I won’t shy away from telling you all, it was once true.”

“I say ‘once’ because it did happen in the past. Unfortunately, Miss Xu and I were fated to meet but not to stay together. We are simply not meant to be. So today, I solemnly declare: from this moment onward, I have no further relationship with Miss Xu.”

Her voice rang out decisively, drowning out the sudden surge of murmurs. “If Miss Xu finds someone new in the future, I won’t be jealous. I won’t interfere. Instead, I will offer my sincerest blessings, wishing her and her new partner a loving and harmonious marriage.”

“Beyond that, I have another joyful announcement to share with everyone” As Jiang Zhaolie spoke, her gaze locked onto Yu Sui’an, her eyes brimming with tenderness. “I have someone I love. Her name is Yu Sui’an, the most beautiful, pure-hearted, and kindest girl I’ve ever met in this world…”

While she was pouring her heart out on stage, the Jiang family members were nearly fuming with rage. Normally, they might tolerate her antics, but as a granddaughter, to disrupt her own grandfather’s birthday banquet in front of so many guests such an outrageous act was beyond comprehension for anyone with a shred of decency.

Xu Chun almost laughed herself to death. What a dutiful granddaughter you are.

Those watching Xu Chun closely, expecting drama, were baffled by the smile on her face. Had she lost her mind? How could she smile after being publicly rejected? They preferred to believe she was forcing a brave face to avoid total humiliation, clinging to the last shred of her dignity.

After Jiang Zhaolie’s spectacle today, news of Xu Chun’s broken engagement would spread, making it nearly impossible for her to marry into another respectable elite family. No self-respecting prominent family would accept a “discarded elite bride” like Xu Chun. It wasn’t about anything else today’s events were simply too disgraceful. Had Jiang Zhaolie broken off the engagement privately and politely, Xu Chun wouldn’t have been left in such an awkward, no-win situation.

Many looked at Xu Chun with silent pity, lamenting the waste of her stunning beauty.

Otherwise, with her beauty and fame in the entertainment industry, she could at least have become the legitimate wife of a moderately wealthy family.

After Jiang Zhaolie’s passionate confession, he was quickly pulled away. Although everyone consciously avoided openly discussing the matter, their exchanged glances were full of gossip, and the frequent looks cast at the stunning woman in the black dress with fair skin confirmed everything.

Yu Sui’an immediately turned her gaze to Xu Chun, staring unblinkingly at her, afraid of missing even the slightest change in her expression. But to her disappointment, Xu Chun remained calm throughout, even indifferent, composed as if none of this mattered to her no different from the other spectators.

This shouldn’t be the case, Yu Sui’an thought quietly.

Given her understanding of Xu Chun, someone with such strong self-respect should have left coldly the moment Jiang Zhaolie hinted at breaking off the engagement.

Yet she didn’t.

Not only did she stay, but she even seemed eager for it.

A sudden realization struck Yu Sui’an, and her heart plummeted into an icy abyss. Was her sister planning to sever ties with Jiang Zhaolie and with her completely, cutting off all contact for the rest of their lives?

She pressed her lips together, her face paling slightly.

A wave of overwhelming panic surged within her. The feeling of losing control left her flustered and distraught. She couldn’t articulate the complex emotions in her heart at that moment, but the intense dread of “losing Xu Chun” enveloped her completely.

The intention to merely use the other had, at some point, quietly shifted, tainted with a strange sentiment that, if not for today’s events, might have taken Yu Sui’an years to recognize.

Instinctively, Yu Sui’an moved closer to Xu Chun. But just as she was within reach, a tall figure suddenly stepped between them, blocking her view entirely. She could only watch helplessly as Xu Chun walked away with that imposing woman, disappearing without a trace.

Qin Yao’s timely appearance conveniently resolved Xu Chun’s awkward predicament, so when the woman politely invited her to leave together, Xu Chun agreed without hesitation.

Following behind Qin Yao, Xu Chun couldn’t help but notice how the woman’s height, appearance, and the elegant, powerful, and mature aura around her were unparalleled, truly one in a million.

They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, but Xu Chun couldn’t fathom how someone like Qin Yao had given birth to an idiot like Jiang Zhaolie.

She pondered this the entire way until Qin Yao abruptly stopped in front of her. Caught off guard and lost in thought, Xu Chun nearly collided with her but managed to steady herself just in time.

Though she quickly maintained a proper distance, the close proximity made it impossible to avoid the faint, cool scent of Qin Yao’s expensive suit so subtle it almost seemed like an illusion.

Xu Chun instinctively looked up, her gaze unconsciously glued to Qin Yao. The woman was tall, unusually so for a female, yet it didn’t seem unnatural. Instead, Xu Chun felt this was exactly how Qin Yao should be lofty and unattainable, like a noble deity beyond mortal reach.

She seemed born to be admired.

While Xu Chun’s mind wandered, Qin Yao turned around. Her seaweed-like curly hair cascaded over her straight shoulders. Amidst her unapproachable aura, there were subtle traces of unexpected kindness. “Have some water.”

Qin Yao filled a cup from the dispenser and handed it to Xu Chun, who stared fixedly at her face before instinctively accepting it. “Thank you.”

Qin Yao seemed a woman of few words, her silence making Xu Chun fidget at first, afraid she might side with Jiang Zhaolie and blame her instead. But in the quiet room, Qin Yao simply sat in her chair, long legs crossed, showing no intention of making things difficult for her.

Xu Chun had initially wondered about Qin Yao’s motives, but soon realized that though the woman never uttered a single word of comfort, her actions exuded an undeniable sense of security and ease.

Qin Yao then called Jiang Zhaolie over, apparently intending to make her apologize.

Clutching the warm cup, Xu Chun tried recalling the novel’s description of Qin Yao. It was brief, sparse in words, yet every line painted her as ruthless and cold-blooded. As the story’s ultimate antagonist, Qin Yao had pulled every trick to tear Jiang Zhaolie and Yu Sui’an apart, subjecting the heroines to immense suffering, even nearly separating them forever.

Perhaps due to her cruelty, when Jiang Zhaolie matured later, she showed no regard for their once mother-daughter bond and promptly had Qin Yao imprisoned.

Qin Yao’s ending wasn’t much better than Xu Chun’s own. The only difference was that after Qin Yao died of illness in prison, someone immediately claimed her body. Persuaded by Yu Sui’an, Jiang Zhaolie even had her cremated and buried in a suburban cemetery.

Unlike Xu Chun, who lay dead for three days before anyone noticed.

A pang of self-pity struck her. So when Qin Yao noticed her shift in mood and glanced over, Xu Chun’s lips quivered. Almost as if possessed, she scooted her chair closer and lifted her delicate chin pitifully. “Sister,” she ventured cautiously, “will you stand up for me?”

Qin Yao tilted her head slightly, as if puzzled by the doubt. After a moment, she gave a slight nod, her voice still cool and detached. “I will.”

That was all the reassurance Xu Chun needed. The enemy of her enemy was a friend, Qin Yao’s similarly tragic fate made Xu Chun feel a kinship with her, instantly closing the distance between them in her heart. Rarely had she met someone so trustworthy who could also put Jiang Zhaolie in her place. Overjoyed, she couldn’t resist leaning in for a quick hug. “Then if Jiang Zhaolie bullies me later, you have to take my side!”

Qin Yao was caught off guard when something soft suddenly landed in her arms, causing her entire body to stiffen reflexively. After a moment, she nodded helplessly, “Alright.”

If one were to trace the root of it, the predicament Xu Chun found herself in today was ultimately due to Qin Yao’s failure to properly discipline Jiang Zhaolie. It was only natural for a young person who had been wronged to seek comfort urgently, so Qin Yao didn’t push Xu Chun away.

When Jiang Zhaolie, who had reluctantly come to the private room under Qin Yao’s orders with her hands hanging by her sides, saw Xu Chun intimately “nestling” against Qin Yao’s shoulder, her heart skipped a beat. Without realizing it, she raised her voice sharply, “Xu Chun! What are you doing clinging to my mom like that?!”

Xu Chun immediately sat up straight, startled by Jiang Zhaolie’s outburst, and instinctively replied, “You’ve got it all wrong! It’s not what you think, let me explain!”

Her mind wandered briefly, there was nothing between her and Qin Yao, so why did she suddenly feel guilty when questioned like this by Jiang Zhaolie?

Suppressing her anger, Jiang Zhaolie gritted her teeth and said darkly, “Go ahead.” Let’s see how you try to talk your way out of this!

Xu Chun was momentarily speechless. She glanced at Qin Yao, then at Jiang Zhaolie, before finally opening her rosy lips to turn the tables, “Sister was just kindly comforting me and cleaning up your mess, and yet you still suspect her of having ulterior motives? Do you really think so little of her that she’d be the type of shameless older woman who takes advantage of the young?!”

“Jiang Zhaolie, you’ve truly disappointed me!”

In an instant, Jiang Zhaolie felt Qin Yao’s sharp, scrutinizing gaze land on her. “…”

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