After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 29

Jiang Zhaolie didn’t even think before rejecting Xu Chun. “No need,” she answered through gritted teeth. “I’m perfectly fine right now.”

Though her words said otherwise, Jiang Zhaolie’s face was pulled into such a bitter expression that anyone with eyes could see how terrible her mood was. Xu Chun wasn’t discouraged by her refusal. She quickly moved to Jiang Zhaolie’s side, her voice gentle and patient. “Zhaolie, don’t stand on ceremony with me.”

“We’re not strangers,” Xu Chun coaxed. “If something’s bothering you, just say it, let me have some fun too, I mean, maybe I can help somehow.”

Though Xu Chun quickly corrected herself, her slip of the tongue completely exposed her true thoughts. Jiang Zhaolie’s expression turned even colder, like a funeral mask. “What help could you possibly offer?”

Jiang Zhaolie stared at her icily. “Can you figure out what Suisui is thinking right now?”

“Of course!” Xu Chun immediately lifted her chin. “That’s child’s play!”

She knew the entire plot inside out! If even she couldn’t figure out what Yu Sui’an was thinking, then Jiang Zhaolie this work-obsessed, emotionally dense woman, would never understand.

She confidently patted her chest. “Don’t worry, leave it to me.”

Jiang Zhaolie’s gaze lingered for a moment where Xu Chun had patted herself before quickly looking away, her heartbeat inexplicably speeding up. Perhaps out of guilt, Jiang Zhaolie’s senses were suddenly heightened, and details she normally wouldn’t notice flooded her mind.

For instance, Xu Chun carried a sweet fragrance, like gardenias, yet with the crispness of pine cool and refreshing, like a clear breeze after rain.

Or how her skin was so fair it seemed to glow, making her stand out in any crowd as if born to be noticed. Or how, if Jiang Zhaolie momentarily set aside her resentment, she’d realize that beneath that infuriating demeanor lay a face of unparalleled beauty.

With light makeup, she was tender and affectionate; with bold makeup, passionate and striking. In a dress, she was alluring; in a suit, sharp and commanding, inspiring submission. She effortlessly embodied every style, a treasure of endless charm.

At this moment, even Jiang Zhaolie had to admit this woman was beautiful. Vibrantly, captivatingly beautiful, unlike other women who were merely pretty. From her very bones, she exuded a dangerous, intoxicating allure, like an irresistible pheromone.

Jiang Zhaolie remained silent for a long time, her eyes fixed unblinkingly on Xu Chun. Xu Chun frowned, her brows knitting together, and she smacked Jiang Zhaolie without hesitation. “You unfilial brat! What are you staring at?!”

Jiang Zhaolie snapped out of it, the guilt and shame she’d just felt vanishing the moment she registered Xu Chun’s choice of words. Not a trace remained. “…”

She looked up, exasperated. “Don’t go claiming relations with me.”

Trying to be her stepmother? Had her mother even agreed?

Jiang Zhaolie’s lips curled into a cold smirk. “My mother has no interest in women. You’ve got a long road ahead.” She hoped this was just a spur-of-the-moment act of revenge, otherwise, given her mother’s steadfast nature, the one who’d end up hurt would undoubtedly be Xu Chun.

Her intention was to warn the other girl, but instead, Xu Chun’s eyes lit up upon hearing this. “Sister isn’t into women?!”

Jiang Zhaolie nodded. “So you!” should stop daydreaming. But before she could finish, Xu Chun interrupted excitedly, “Really?”

“That just makes me like her even more!”

Jiang Zhaolie’s eyelid twitched violently, and an iconic line involuntarily popped into her mind,  You’re so shameless.

Utterly, outrageously shameless.

So shameless that Jiang Zhaolie was momentarily speechless, unable to come up with a retort. Eventually, she gave up and decided not to engage in this ethical debate with Xu Chun any longer. She turned to leave. “I’m going now.”

“Don’t rush off! Didn’t we agree I’d help you?” Xu Chun grabbed her arm but quickly let go before Jiang Zhaolie could react. “Are you sure you don’t want to consider my offer? I’ll help you pursue Yu Sui’an, and in return, you’ll be my eyes and assistant by your mother’s side, helping me make her happy.”

“If you agree, even if Yu Sui’an wants to chop off my head and kick it like a ball, I won’t even blink.”

Her audacious declaration was almost too much for He Qingli, who was spectating on the sidelines. Not in the mood for drama, He Qingli feigned excitement with a deadpan expression and egged them on, “Come on, President Jiang, say yes! This opportunity won’t come again!”

“If you agree, sure, you might lose your mother’s undivided love, but you’ll gain a stepmother and a wife! That’s a deal where you can’t lose only lose more!”

The words “stepmother” and “wife” coming from He Qingli’s mouth made Jiang Zhaolie’s heart skip a beat until she realized “wife” referred to Yu Sui’an. A strange emotion surged in her chest, but she quickly suppressed it. Firm and unyielding, she coldly rejected their enthusiastic proposal. “No thanks.”

“Suian and I will handle our own affairs.”

Xu Chun was visibly disappointed by the failed persuasion. Seeing Jiang Zhaolie about to leave, she quickly turned to He Qingli. “Wanna go watch the drama from the front row?”

He Qingli had been brooding alone, and the suggestion snapped her out of it. Without hesitation, she nodded. “Let’s go.”

“Only a non-Chinese would say no.”

Jiang Zhaolie hadn’t taken two steps before she noticed the two shamelessly tagging along, pretending nothing was amiss. “…” Don’t you have anything better to do? If you’re so free, go screw bolts in a factory.

Unable to shake them off or drive them away, she could only fume silently, choosing to treat Xu Chun and He Qingli as nothing more than sentient cabbages.

From a distance, Yu Sui’an spotted Xu Chun trailing behind Jiang Zhaolie, approaching with eager steps. Her eyes brightened slightly as she immediately set aside her work. Lately, she had been swamped, her nerves constantly on edge to the point of suffocation. During her rare free moments, she had wanted to visit Xu Chun to unwind, but Xu Chun’s assistants and bodyguards had guarded her like a fortress, as if she were some kind of thief.

After several failed attempts, Yu Sui’an had no choice but to give up, temporarily shelving her plans to get close to Xu Chun. Who would have thought that today, Xu Chun would take the initiative to approach her and strike up a conversation?

Before the trio could fully arrive, Yu Sui’an quickly turned around to touch up her makeup with a cushion compact, then took a deep breath. She put on her brightest smile and looked at Xu Chun, her voice tinged with delight, “Sister.”

Jiang Zhaolie noticed her unusually enthusiastic attitude toward Xu Chun, and a sour taste rose in her mouth. So, she still deeply loved Xu Chun and couldn’t forget her, didn’t she?

Otherwise, why would she suddenly become so cold toward her, while in Xu Chun’s presence, she acted like an eager puppy, her every word and gesture dripping with flattery?

Jiang Zhaolie stared blankly at Yu Sui’an’s sweet, innocent face, suddenly feeling as though the person before her was a complete stranger.

She stopped in her tracks, waiting for Yu Sui’an to approach before interrupting her lovestruck, adoring gaze at Xu Chun with a bitter tone, “Suisui, we need to talk.” Though her voice was full of hurt, it was also resolute. “I want to have a proper talk with you alone. That’s why I came here today.”

Yu Sui’an immediately withdrew her lingering gaze from Xu Chun and fell silent for a moment. “Alright.”

After replying to Jiang Zhaolie, Yu Sui’an nervously tugged at the hem of her clothes, her bright eyes pleading as she stared at Xu Chun. “Sister, wait for me. I’ll be right back.”

“Of course.” Xu Chun had only come to witness the drama between the two female leads. She would have loved nothing more than to stick around and eavesdrop, so why would she leave? She had been trying to come up with an excuse to stay, but now that Yu Sui’an had so warmly asked her to wait, it saved her the trouble. Without hesitation, she nodded. “I’ll wait for you both to return.”

Yu Sui’an’s eyes sparkled with barely concealed joy, which only made Jiang Zhaolie’s heart ache.

She had thought that even if Yu Sui’an hadn’t fallen for her yet, she at least had some affection for her and cared about her feelings. But now… as she watched Xu Chun being the object of Yu Sui’an’s deep, unwavering attention, she suddenly wasn’t so sure.

Compared to her, it seemed Yu Sui’an still preferred Xu Chun just as she always had, even after being deeply hurt by her.

Once the two had walked away, He Qingli rubbed her nose and eyed Xu Chun suspiciously. “I feel like that black lotus…” She tilted her head. “Has reignited her old feelings for you?”

Xu Chun was immediately horrified. “What kind of ghost story are you telling?!”

“Even though it’s broad daylight, telling ghost stories is still unethical.” The thought of Yu Sui’an being infatuated with her sent a shiver down Xu Chun’s spine, it was even scarier than a ghost story.

Being liked by Yu Sui’an was like being skinned alive.

He Qingli smirked mysteriously at Xu Chun but didn’t say another word.

Jiang Zhaolie looked at Yu Sui’an with mixed emotions, momentarily speechless. She had thought they shared a deep mutual affection, never imagining that the other still hadn’t completely let go of a past relationship. Though she loved Yu Sui’an, she didn’t want to be the villain who came between others.

After a moment’s thought, she suppressed the heart-wrenching pain and forced a faint smile. “I just wanted to see how you’ve been lately.”

Despite her business acumen, Jiang Zhaolie was still a novice in matters of the heart, her emotions were an open book to Yu Sui’an. Maintaining good relations with Jiang Zhaolie wasn’t disadvantageous, so after quick consideration, Yu Sui’an softly replied, “I’m doing well.”

With a light smile, she added, “These past few days haven’t been as busy as before, so I’ve had more time to breathe.”

Jiang Zhaolie was well aware of Yu Sui’an’s situation. She had long arranged for someone to keep tabs on her, ensuring any trouble was quietly resolved through her connections so Yu Sui’an wouldn’t be burdened while filming.

The past few months had been particularly tough for Yu Sui’an. With her manager becoming unreliable, she had to handle many matters herself. Without Jiang Zhaolie’s discreet financial and logistical support, her circumstances would have been far worse.

Yet Jiang Zhaolie never mentioned these efforts, not wanting Yu Sui’an to feel she was meddling uninvited. Silent protection was enough for her.

“That’s good,” Jiang Zhaolie finally murmured after a long silence, her eyes downcast, tone unreadable. “I’m relieved you’re doing well.”

Yu Sui’an’s gaze flickered as she ventured, “Zhaolie, lately…” She paused deliberately. “I’ve missed you.”

“Could you stay with me a little longer today?” Feigning hopefulness, she adopted a nervous demeanor. “I’d like to talk properly and spend more time with you.”

Jiang Zhaolie looked up in surprise, uncertainty written across her face.

Yu Sui’an pretended to wilt. “You don’t want to?”

“Of course I do.” The words escaped before she could think. Only after speaking did Jiang Zhaolie realize what she’d agreed to.

Truthfully, she no longer wished to stay, the knowledge of Yu Sui’an’s lingering attachment was a thorn she couldn’t ignore. But faced with Yu Sui’an’s vulnerable plea, the refusal died on her tongue.

Perhaps this was a chance to talk things through, Jiang Zhaolie thought silently.

Nearby, eavesdropper Xu Chun straightened up with a look of exasperation. “What a shame, such a capable person reduced to a PowerPoint presentation.”

He Qingli nodded in agreement. “Exactly.” She clicked her tongue. “Who’d have thought Jiang Zhaolie was such a romantic fool? Whether by fortune or misfortune, her first love had to be Yu Sui’an.”

Regardless of how things ended, Jiang Zhaolie was destined for heartache, about to be thoroughly schooled by Yu Sui’an in the ways of love.

Xu Chun shook her head and casually remarked, “Toxic love, the more torment, the deeper the bond. Who knows, after years of hurting each other, they might still end up together happily ever after, with everyone content.”

“That’s terrifying,” He Qingli said. Though she enjoyed stories of toxic love, she preferred direct confrontation. If two people had unresolved conflicts, they should just take it to bed, once if that worked, twice if necessary, until all grievances were thoroughly aired.

She couldn’t comprehend relationships like Jiang Zhaolie and Yu Sui’an.

As her thoughts wandered, she recalled someone who had stood her up and ghosted her. Grinding her teeth in frustration, He Qingli pitifully clung to Xu Chun’s arm. “Dearest sister, has President Qin replied to you yet?”

Xu Chun glanced at her phone. “…I haven’t asked yet.”

He Qingli’s eye twitched. “Then hurry up and ask for me now…”

Feeling slightly awkward, Xu Chun sent Qin Yao a message. Qin Yao, who had just set her phone down, picked it up again upon seeing the screen light up, signaling her secretary to leave for now. After unlocking it and reading Xu Chun’s cautiously worded inquiry, she called out to the secretary, who was halfway out the door. “One more thing to investigate.”

The secretary, suppressing her surprise, nodded slightly. “I’ll get right on it.”

Lately, the secretary had been swamped. Because Qin Yao was set to appear on a variety show, the entire company, people and facilities alike had undergone a thorough cleanup to ensure the best possible impression for the national audience.

Qin Corporation had grown into a powerhouse at its peak. However, for research-focused fields like theirs, breakthroughs could take years, even decades. While funding wasn’t an issue, fewer and fewer people were willing to dedicate themselves to research, and the company’s intake of new researchers had dwindled.

With only so many researchers in the market and veterans retiring one after another, the future would grow uncertain without fresh talent to replenish the ranks.

Though Qin Yao and Qiao Wan’s father’s company now dominated most of the domestic market, competition in business came from all directions especially from foreign threats. Even if things seemed calm on the surface, they couldn’t afford complacency.

Only through relentless challenges and breakthroughs could they develop better, more competitive products.

Wanting to keep Xu Chun under her watchful eye, Qin Yao had also decided to use this opportunity to recruit talent those already accomplished or with lofty aspirations. For students willing to join Qin Corporation after graduation, the company could offer subsidies, such as full tuition coverage or living allowances.

This was something Qin Yao had been doing for years.

Previously, she had kept the company’s specialized subsidy program low-key, without widespread publicity. But now, because of Xu Chun, Qin Yao decided to expand the initiative nationwide, cultivating and selecting the best talent for the company.

Since the company’s reputation was at stake, even the bathroom tiles at Qin Corporation now gleamed spotlessly.

Qin Yao gave a positive response on her end. Xu Chun immediately handed her phone to He Qingli, reassuring her, “Don’t worry, with my sister taking action, we’ll have news soon.”

He Qingli wasn’t sure what expression to wear at this moment. “Thank you,” she said.

She was torn between fear and anticipation hoping for good news about that certain someone, yet terrified that even Qin Yao might fail to track them down. What scared her most was the possibility that they might part ways forever, never to meet again.

Her heart was in turmoil. After a moment, she gritted her teeth. “She’d better not let me catch her.” Like a cat unsheathing its claws, she added, “Otherwise, I’ll make sure she regrets it!”

Xu Chun couldn’t help but shudder at the sight, silently picking up her script. It was clear, you don’t mess with a woman who’s just been wronged and is still fuming.

Jiang Zhaolie and Yu Sui’an walked side by side, chatting about this and that. Soothed by Yu Sui’an’s gentle voice, Jiang Zhaolie gradually calmed down, her rationality returning.

Yet Yu Sui’an never brought up their future. Even when Jiang Zhaolie asked directly, after a brief silence, Yu Sui’an skillfully changed the subject without giving a straight answer. Restlessness rose uncontrollably in Jiang Zhaolie’s heart, she couldn’t understand why Yu Sui’an was treating her this way.

Wasn’t her affection obvious enough? Or was she not virtuous enough? Aside from the childhood engagement with Xu Chun, she had never been involved with any other woman. And even that marriage was now null and void, just waiting for their families to arrange a meal to formally sever ties. After that, she and Xu Chun would have no connection whatsoever.

Jiang Zhaolie truly didn’t understand, but she desperately wanted to know what Yu Sui’an was thinking.

She stopped in her tracks. Yu Sui’an took two more steps before noticing and turned back in confusion. “Zhaolie, why aren’t you coming?”

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Zhaolie decided to lay it all out. “Suisui, we’ve known each other for so long now. Do you…” She swallowed nervously. “Do you like me?”

Yu Sui’an gazed at her quietly, a faint frown creasing her brow. Undeterred, Jiang Zhaolie pressed on, “Or have you ever had any feelings for me?”

“Zhaolie, don’t overthink things,” Yu Sui’an said softly. “If I didn’t like you, why would I have stayed friends with you for so long?”

“Is that all we are? Just friends?” Jiang Zhaolie’s eyes clouded with confusion. “You know how I feel about you. I want more than just friendship…”

Before she could finish, Yu Sui’an cut her off. “Zhaolie.” Her voice carried a hint of irritation. “What are you imagining? I’m right here with you now.”

But for some reason, Jiang Zhaolie was determined to get to the bottom of it. After a tense silence, she pressed her lips together and said, “I want you to be my girlfriend, Suisui.” She stepped closer, her tone tinged with vulnerability and pleading. “I need you to say yes now. Please, just say yes.”

Her words were met with Yu Sui’an’s evasive gaze. “Zhaolie, I think we both need some time to cool off right now.”

Though Jiang Zhaolie had never been in a relationship before, Yu Sui’an’s avoidance was so blatant that she couldn’t possibly misunderstand. Her eyelids lowered slowly as she took two steps back, creating distance between them. “I understand.”

After a brief silence, when Jiang Zhaolie raised her head again, her expression had become so unfamiliar that Yu Sui’an felt as if she’d never known this person. “Let me walk you home.”

A flicker of panic crossed Yu Sui’an’s face as she instinctively explained, “Zhaolie, that’s not what I meant…”

“I’ll take you back first,” Jiang Zhaolie interrupted her politely. “You still have filming to do, and I’ve already taken up so much of your time.” She forced a faint smile. “Work comes first.”

Yu Sui’an’s heart was in turmoil. She tried several times to speak, but each time Jiang Zhaolie cut her off. Just as she had avoided answering questions earlier, Jiang Zhaolie now coldly and ruthlessly avoided her in return.

The two female leads walked over with such oppressive auras that the surrounding air seemed to freeze solid. Xu Chun, who had been cracking melon seeds, paused mid-action and raised an eyebrow at He Qingli. “Looks like their talk went south.” Tossing the shells into a nearby trash bin, she held up a finger. “I bet they’ll make up within a month.”

She knew this novel’s pattern all too well, Jiang Zhaolie and Yu Sui’an would repeatedly fight, reconcile, separate, and reunite, deepening their feelings step by step until finally entering the marriage hall and happily raising two adorable children.

She just wasn’t sure which stage they were at now.

But… Xu Chun blinked. The two seemed to still be in the first phase of their romantic arc, judging by Jiang Zhaolie’s inscrutable poker face that showed no trace of lingering affection for Yu Sui’an.

They haven’t caught feelings yet, Xu Chun thought silently.

After this minor conflict, Jiang Zhaolie would gradually grow attached to Yu Sui’an until she couldn’t bear to be apart. In the original plot, around this time Jiang Zhaolie first considered cutting ties completely with Yu Sui’an and actually acted on it, only to find herself restless and uncomfortable when they were truly disconnected, as if only seeing Yu Sui’an could soothe her inner turmoil.

After suffering severe mental and physical torment, Jiang Zhaolie would swallow her pride, seek out Yu Sui’an, and take the first step in her “chasing wife through crematorium” redemption arc.

Xu Chun was so engrossed in recalling the original plot that she failed to notice the steps ahead and missed her footing. He Qingli behind her reached out to catch her, but two others moved faster.

Just as Xu Chun felt the weightless sensation of falling and braced for impact, hands suddenly grasped her left and right arms simultaneously, pulling her back to stability. “Thanks,” she blurted instinctively then gasped when she saw her rescuers. “Why you two?!”

Jiang Zhaolie held her left arm while Yu Sui’an supported her right. The two women, who had been quarreling and giving each other the cold shoulder, now both looked at Xu Chun with traces of concern.

At Xu Chun’s exclamation, they realized the other had also instinctively moved to help. Their eyes met, and invisible sparks crackled between them.

“Your reflexes are sharp,” Yu Sui’an said flatly.

“Yours aren’t bad either,” Jiang Zhaolie replied with equal indifference.

Xu Chun tried to free herself but found both women gripping her arms tightly. A flurry of question marks filled her mind: “???” If you’re fighting, why drag me into it?

It’s not like I caused your conflict and cold war.

He Qingli still held onto Xu Chun’s clothes, forming a three-way standoff with Jiang Zhaolie and Yu Sui’an. Hearing this, she stood behind Xu Chun, looking down at the two of them with a superior air. “Did you two break up and now want to come back together to graze on old pastures?”

“What? Are you trying to turn from lovers into rivals?”

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