After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 32

After the wrap party, Xu Chun didn’t stay at the hotel to rest but went straight home. It was already late at night when she arrived, finding Xu Wei lying on the sofa playing games.

Seeing Xu Chun, Xu Wei instinctively put down her phone and sat up abruptly, staring at her blankly. After a moment, as the assistant busily carried Xu Chun’s belongings from the car, Xu Wei hesitated before standing up and asking, “Do you need help?” Even as she spoke, her legs had already moved toward the assistant, gently taking the luggage from her hands and putting it away.

Xu Chun raised an eyebrow at this, crossing her arms. “What have you done behind my back this time?”

Xu Wei was taken aback. “???”

Xu Chun suddenly leaned in, tilting her ear toward her. “Did you team up with Yu Sui’an’s fans to badmouth me? Or did you join them in spreading rumors?” She had no affection for this stepsister of hers, and she knew Xu Wei felt the same. Xu Chun didn’t believe for a second that Xu Wei had suddenly turned over a new leaf to become some sweet, considerate sister.

She eyed Xu Wei up and down, frowning slightly. “Or maybe…” She thought for a moment. “Did you do something even more unforgivable behind my back?”

Xu Wei, who had been thoroughly burned and traumatized by her sister’s schemes, had actually been trying to mend their relationship so Xu Chun would stop plotting against her. Who would’ve thought that her rare moment of repentance would be met with such suspicion? Furious, she shoved the luggage bag into Xu Chun’s arms. “Fine, pack your own stuff then.”

Seeing her temper flare, Xu Chun quickly grabbed her arm. “Vivi, don’t blame me for being paranoid. It’s just that your past actions really hurt me.” She spoke half-jokingly, half-seriously. “If you hadn’t secretly gotten involved with Yu Sui’an before, I wouldn’t be so sensitive now, right?”

Knowing she was in the wrong, Xu Wei didn’t argue, only coldly replying, “Just don’t mention her in front of me again.”

Who? Yu Sui’an?

Xu Chun immediately perked up, following after Xu Wei. “Why? Weren’t you her die-hard fan who spent millions on her every year? Now you can’t even stand hearing her name? Did you two have a falling out? Or is there another fan who outspent you, and you’re jealous?”

She kept chattering away, and Xu Wei, already seething from being harassed by Yu Sui’an’s fans, finally snapped. She slammed Xu Chun’s suitcase onto the floor, raising her voice. “Are you done? If you are, go upstairs and sleep.” She wrinkled her nose, giving Xu Chun a disdainful once-over. “You reek of alcohol. Disgusting.”

Without another word, she brushed past Xu Chun.

Xu Chun propped her chin on her hand, watching Xu Wei’s retreating figure with keen, unreadable eyes, her excitement palpable. Something big must have happened recently between Xu Wei and Yu Sui’an, something she didn’t know about!

And indeed, a lot had happened.

First, Xu Wei had left the fan group, sparking rumors that she had unsubscribed, which led to Yu Sui’an’s fans bombarding her with private messages full of vile, abusive language for days.

Later, her identity as “Xu Chun’s biological sister” was somehow exposed, leading to even more vicious abuse from Yu Sui’an’s fans. A mob gathered to accuse her of being shameless and scheming, claiming she had infiltrated Yu Sui’an’s fan groups to sell insider information to Xu Chun which supposedly caused Yu Sui’an’s recent streak of bad luck and backstabbing.

Eventually, Yu Sui’an’s fans brazenly doxxed her, digging up her entire personal history and even photoshopping her image into a funeral portrait with curses wishing her a miserable death.

Her former fellow fans instantly turned against her with cruel words even her closest friend Huahua, who had initially introduced her to Yu Sui’an’s fandom. Back then, Xu Wei had shown gratitude by gifting Huahua luxury cosmetics and designer bags, even personally driving to pick her up for outings treatment she’d never given her own parents.

Yet now, simply because she’d left the fandom, Huahua and others were determined to trample her into the mud, ensuring she’d never recover. Xu Wei’s heart shattered completely.

She couldn’t let Xu Chun know about this humiliation , her sister would surely mock her. After spending millions on Yu Sui’an and scraping together tens of millions more to repay Xu Chun, nearly 100 million yuan had passed through her hands. She’d squandered a fortune only to end up abandoned and despised, even tragic romance heroines suffered less.

Xu Wei wished she could bury this disgrace underground, letting it rot away forever.

After moving her belongings, she sat gloomily at her desk, consumed by regret. Had she known this would happen, she’d never have become Yu Sui’an’s fan or wasted so much money.

But regret was useless now. Alone and powerless, she endured the fans’ curses though she fought back fiercely, she was hopelessly outnumbered.

Xu Chun, convinced her sister was hiding something, grew determined to uncover the truth. After instructing her assistant to investigate, she freshened up. By the time she’d finished her skincare routine and changed into pajamas, the report arrived.

Reading it, Xu Chun burst out laughing.

History told of officials executed for overshadowing emperors, but here was Xu Wei spending 50 million only to be hounded by her idol’s fans. Absolutely hilarious.

Checking Weibo, she observed Xu Wei’s combative replies. The girl had spirit, if not for being outnumbered, she might’ve held her own against the fandom. Noticing Xu Wei was still trading insults online, Xu Chun suddenly hatched a mischievous plan.

She immediately reposted a particularly vicious comment from a fan of Yu Sui’an, adding her own remark: [“Xu Wei is my biological sister. Why would she side with Yu Sui’an instead of me? You’ve been viciously attacking her these past few days, forcing me to splurge on a sports car to comfort her wounded heart. Just wait for my lawyer’s letter!”]

The moment this was posted, Xu Chun’s fans came out in droves: [“??? Why don’t I have a sister like this? I’m so jealous I could split apart!”]

[“I’m a bit confused. Didn’t Xu Wei passionately spend a fortune boosting Yu Sui’an’s rankings and data? Why is she being attacked so harshly by certain fans now?”]

[“I know! Because Xu Wei and our Sister Xu are siblings, some fans suspect she was following Xu Chun’s orders to infiltrate the enemy camp for intel.”]

[“Even if she was infiltrating, she wouldn’t have needed to spend so much money so publicly. Reports say Xu Wei spent tens of millions for Yu Sui’an.”]

[“No no, you’ve got it wrong. Certain fans are attacking Xu Wei because she stopped being a fan, seeing it as betrayal.”]

[“What? If they can’t have her, they’ll destroy her? Typical behavior from certain fans.”]

[“But Xu Wei’s heated exchanges with those fans are absolutely glorious! Truly worthy of being Sister Xu’s biological sister, what combat skills! When’s she joining our fan group to share some tips?”]

Xu Wei was in the middle of a heated argument when suddenly, her opponent disappeared. Puzzled, she searched everywhere but couldn’t find them. Eventually, she returned to Weibo to browse entertainment news and relax. The moment she opened the trending topics, she froze at the sight of #XuChun’sSisterQuitsFandomAndGetsMobbedByYuFans.

After days of arguing with Yu Sui’an’s fans without making headlines, why had this suddenly blown up tonight?

And why was Xu Chun’s name attached to it?

Frowning, she wondered if this would affect Xu Chun. Despite their rocky relationship, she didn’t want to drag her sister into trouble otherwise, she’d be hit with another compensation claim for emotional distress. After some thought, Xu Wei posted: [“This is entirely my personal action and unrelated to anyone else.”]

She figured this would distance Xu Chun from the mess. But as she pondered, she suddenly saw Xu Chun’s reposted comment and warning on her homepage, explicitly defending her. Xu Wei froze.

An indescribable feeling surged in her chest complex, a mix of surprise, delight, faint guilt, and other bittersweet emotions she couldn’t name.

Even after all the awful things she’d done even after stanning Xu Chun’s ex and rival, Xu Chun had still stepped up to shield her from the mob, even promising her a sports car.

Xu Wei’s throat tightened. A thought crept in:

If getting cursed at by Yu Sui’an’s fans for a few days meant a free sports car, she could take it. If every insult meant another car from Xu Chun, she’d happily get bullied until Xu Chun went bankrupt.

Gripping her phone, she dove back into the fray, Bring it on, you bastards! Don’t you dare go easy on this delicate flower!

Xu Chun was still unaware that her wallet had already caught the attention of her dear younger sister. She casually scrolled through the comments section and accurately spotted one: [“As expected of you, Sister Xu! Even after the drama wrapped, you’re still serving us juicy follow-up gossip. Every day since you joined the cast, the off-screen drama has been more exciting than the actual show. I can’t imagine how it’ll turn out when filming finally ends, I’m already eagerly awaiting the premiere!”]

Metro Grandpa squinting at phone meme: “?” No, you’ve got it all wrong!

But as this comment appeared, everyone quickly jumped on the bandwagon. Outnumbered, Xu Chun couldn’t possibly argue back and had to let it slide. She scratched her brow in frustration next time on a variety show, she’d have to step up her game and reclaim her pure, unpretentious nice-girl image.

After two days of rest at home, Xu Chun took Xu Wei to purchase the sports car she’d promised on Weibo. The look Xu Wei gave her was so complex even scientists would struggle to decode it.

Xu Wei had thought it was just talk, but to her shock, her sister actually bought it without hesitation. It made her reflect: supporting Yu Sui’an not only cost money but also invited online harassment, whereas stanning her own sister came with VIP treatment from fans and even luxury cars. Anyone with half a brain would know which option to pick.

After wavering for a long time, Xu Wei decisively switched sides. “Sis, from now on, I’ll stan you.”

Xu Chun glanced over dismissively and bluntly refused, “No.”

Xu Wei: “? Why not?”

“You? Stan me?” Xu Chun looked her up and down. “What can you do for me? Dump tens of millions on me like Yu Sui’an’s fans? Or maintain my supertopic and keep the peace like they do?”

“Save it. If you’ve got money and time to waste on that nonsense, just transfer it to me directly.”

Xu Wei was speechless: “…”

Xu Chun brushed off her car-induced momentary lapse. “Just stop causing trouble for me outside, that’s all.”

Xu Wei stayed silent, head lowered, as Xu Chun walked away to change into workout clothes.

Three days flew by. Jiang Peiyuan booked the grandest private room in the city’s most upscale hotel. Though this was a meeting to call off the engagement, formalities were still meticulously observed luxurious decor, an enormous round table, and an extravagant spread of delicacies that dazzled the senses.

Yet Old Master Xu remained grim-faced. His granddaughter wasn’t some stray pet to be sweet-talked when convenient, then heartlessly discarded after they’d gotten what they wanted. He was determined: Jiang Zhaolie had to give them a satisfactory explanation today.

If Jiang Zhaolie wanted to chase her true love, fine but not a single cent less than what Xu Chun deserved in compensation.

Xu Chun arrived fashionably late amid the tense standoff. “Sorry, traffic held me up.” After scanning the room with her bag in hand, she decisively took the seat next to Qin Yao, flashing a radiant smile. “Long time no see, sister.”

Qin Yao nodded, signaling her to place the bag aside while asking what drink she’d like.

Once Xu Chun had decided, Qin Yao pressed the bell on the table to summon the waiter and began serving the dishes. The two chatted casually as if no one else were present, appearing quite familiar with each other.

Jiang Zhaolie stared fixedly at Xu Chun. After not seeing her for some time, she had changed grown more vibrant, more beautiful. Her face was petite, her delicate features perfectly arranged, with jet-black hair and crimson lips against fair skin. Her aura was now coquettish, perhaps due to budding affection, no longer as icy as before.

Today, Xu Chun’s long black hair had a slight wave, paired with a barely-there makeup look that didn’t appear plain but instead exuded an incredibly tender charm. Every inch of her radiated the heart-fluttering allure of a first love, stirring emotions and tempting the imagination.

Jiang Zhaolie had never seen Xu Chun like this somewhere between a girl and a mature woman, exuding an indescribably fatal charm that was utterly intoxicating.

She had been staring for too long when Xu Chun suddenly noticed her gaze and turned her head abruptly, raising an eyebrow in question. Following her movement, Qin Yao also glanced over, her expression unreadable.

Jiang Zhaolie snapped back to reality and gave a cool nod in greeting.

Xu Chun, recalling that Jiang Zhaolie was currently breaking up with Yu Sui’an, kindly asked, “Are you and Yu Sui’an doing alright lately?”

As soon as the words left Xu Chun’s lips, Jiang Zhaolie immediately sensed Qin Yao’s previously indifferent gaze sharpen, pressing down on her like an unbearable weight. Jiang Zhaolie stared at Xu Chun, almost gritting her teeth as she said, “We have no relationship anymore. Don’t spout nonsense.”

Huh? Really?

Xu Chun was itching to lean in and hear the gossip, but with Qin Yao between them, she had to hold back for now. “It’s fine, no need to explain. I understand,” she said with the air of a wise stepmother, consoling sagely, “Fights between couples are normal. Who knows, you might make up tonight.”

Jiang Zhaolie noticed that with Xu Chun’s words, everyone in the private room turned to look at her. Old Master Xu, in particular, snorted heavily. “Seems I’ve lost my appetite for this meal today…”

“Don’t say that,” Jiang Peiyuan interjected, his eye twitching. “I specifically asked about your preferences. The dishes today will definitely satisfy you.”

Old Master Xu remained unmoved. “My satisfaction isn’t important. What matters is whether my granddaughter enjoys herself today. If she doesn’t, then it’s all pointless.”

Jiang Peiyuan sighed inwardly before shooting a meaningful glance at Jiang Zhaolie. Tight-lipped, Jiang Zhaolie stood after a moment, filled her glass to the brim, and raised it toward Xu Chun. “I was wrong before. I apologize to you here.”

With that, she downed the liquor in one go.

The strong alcohol burned her throat, unbearably harsh but compared to the turmoil in her heart, it was nothing.

She hadn’t contacted Yu Sui’an for a long time. Although she had already blocked him, even after all this time, he never tried to add her back or call to demand an explanation. It seemed she had completely become an insignificant stranger in Yu Sui’an’s eyes, not even worth a moment of his attention.

These days, the gloom of heartbreak had been weighing heavily on her. She had barely managed to suppress those emotions, but the moment Xu Chun brought it up, all those feelings surged uncontrollably, leaving her heart in turmoil.

Jiang Zhaolie downed a glass in one go and poured herself another. “Whether it was when I publicly called off the engagement at Grandpa’s birthday or when I betrayed you by falling for someone else, it was all my fault. I wronged you.”

With that, she emptied the freshly poured glass again.

Seeing Jiang Zhaolie about to pour another, Xu Chun instinctively glanced at Qin Yao, who then turned her gaze to Jiang Zhaolie and said coolly, “That’s enough.”

Jiang Zhaolie paused but stubbornly filled her glass anyway. Facing Xu Chun, she drank the third apology toast before finally sitting down.

Qin Yao’s sharp eyes bore into Jiang Zhaolie, who lowered her face slightly, her long, thick lashes veiling all emotion in her eyes.

Jiang Zhaolie sat quietly, her aura heavy with a faint air of despondency. Old Master Xu couldn’t help but glance at Xu Chun. Seeing her remain silent, he refrained from scolding the younger generation and instead pulled Jiang Peiyuan into discussing the dowry list the Jiang family had sent when the engagement was first arranged.

Jiang Peiyuan felt a headache coming on as the old man settled in for a lengthy negotiation. Without hesitation, he said, “Forget about the dowry. Let Xu Chun keep it as pocket money consider it our family’s compensation to her.”

How could he dare ask for the dowry back? He’d be lucky if Old Man Xu didn’t squeeze him for more.

Old Master Xu hadn’t expected him to back down so quickly. His planned extortion stuck on his tongue, leaving him frustrated. As the elders sat in silence, a server’s knock at the door finally broke the awkward atmosphere. Seizing the opportunity, Jiang Peiyuan said, “Let’s discuss other matters later. For now, let’s eat.”

Old Master Xu snorted but said no more. His goal today was to secure the best possible outcome for his granddaughter, and he needed energy to continue negotiations with Jiang Peiyuan. There was no point fighting on an empty stomach.

The meal passed uneasily. Xu Chun spent the entire time chatting with Qin Yao, “Sis, you won’t ignore me after the engagement’s off, right?” followed by “Sis, I’ll be all alone after this. Can I still come play and talk with you?” and then “Sis, will Zhaolie mind if I visit you later?” Each word twisted Jiang Zhaolie’s heart.

Once the engagement was canceled today, Xu Chun would undoubtedly reveal her true colors and pursue her mother aggressively.

The mere thought stirred a strange emotion in Jiang Zhaolie.

This inexplicable emotion nearly reached its peak when she saw Xu Chun showering Qin Yao with attention. She forced herself not to look at the pair beside her, yet her gaze kept involuntarily drifting toward them, as if glued there by some invisible force.

Her eyes uncontrollably lingered on Xu Chun, though reason told her this was inappropriate behavior she shouldn’t indulge. These conflicting thoughts pulled at her until Jiang Zhaolie was nearly torn apart then her phone suddenly vibrated with a news link from a friend: [What happened between you and Yu Sui’an? She actually denied your relationship.]

Jiang Zhaolie’s heart tightened as her fingers instinctively clicked open that interview video of Yu Sui’an.

The girl on screen remained as pure and sweet as ever, radiantly beautiful, yet the words that spilled from those moist pink lips cut like a knife: “Me and Miss Jiang?” Yu Sui’an smiled at the camera, open and unashamed. “We’re very good friends. It’s not the kind of relationship everyone imagines.”

Her smile faded slightly as she added, “I don’t have any plans to start a new romance right now.”

The comments below the news speculated whether Yu Sui’an still held feelings for Xu Chun, with opinions divided on her behavior.

Jiang Zhaolie abruptly clenched her phone, closed the news page, and returned to WeChat to reply coolly: “We were just friends to begin with. There was never anything else between us.”

A string of question marks came from her friend, but Jiang Zhaolie wasn’t in the mood to respond.

She hadn’t drunk much tonight, yet now she felt oddly intoxicated, her mind hazy and unwilling to think. After sitting for a while, the suffocating frustration in her chest had nowhere to go, so she stood and stepped out of the private room for some air.

She hadn’t noticed who was missing from the table, so when she accidentally bumped into Xu Chun at the restroom corner, she instinctively blocked her path. “Why did you come out?”

A moment later, the earlier scene flashed in her mind, and she stared expressionlessly at Xu Chun. “Did you enjoy talking with my mom?”

As she spoke, she firmly blocked Xu Chun’s way. Seeing no chance to push past, Xu Chun stopped and smiled brightly. “Of course I enjoyed it. Why wouldn’t I?” Her eyes sparkled. “I’m so happy I could laugh myself awake in my dreams.”

Perhaps it was the night’s accumulated shocks, or maybe the alcohol’s fierce effect, Jiang Zhaolie suddenly leaned in, pressing Xu Chun into the corner, her expression unreadable.

Xu Chun’s back hit the wall before she could react. When she lifted her gaze and met Jiang Zhaolie’s slightly drunken eyes, her spirits lifted, and she couldn’t resist leaning closer to whisper, “Hey, are you trying to cuckold your mom today?”

Her sudden proximity brought a faint, lingering fragrance that wrapped around Jiang Zhaolie’s senses, refusing to fade. For a moment, Jiang Zhaolie was dazed, unable to respond.

Then, a thunderous voice roared in her ear: “You unfilial brat! How dare you lust after your stepmom? You’re shameless!”

Even more suffocating was the sight in the mirror ahead, Qin Yao’s imposing figure approaching steadily. Instantly sober, Jiang Zhaolie straightened and put distance between herself and Xu Chun at lightning speed. “I didn’t!”

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