After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 33

Jiang Zhaolie dodged with lightning speed, practically screaming “I barely know her” with her entire being. Xu Chun’s eye twitched at the sight was her little brainwashing attempt really worth such an extreme overreaction?

Narrowing her eyes, Xu Chun closed the distance between them again. “Don’t tell me you actually have some improper thoughts about me?” She laughed while scanning Jiang Zhaolie’s tense posture. “You didn’t cherish me when you had me, and now that you’ve lost me, you can’t forget our past? Are you out of your mind?”

“And why are you so scared of me? It’s not like I’ll eat you.” Though confused by the reaction, Xu Chun kept up her rapid-fire chatter, even slipping into an impromptu dramatic performance: “Zhaolie, you avoid me like the plague, won’t even look me in the eye… you’re breaking my heart, my—” Her voice suddenly hitched, then transformed into a startled cry: “Sister?!”

When had Qin Yao arrived without her noticing?!

Pressed against Jiang Zhaolie, Xu Chun froze before finally realizing why the other woman had suddenly put so much distance between them, standing stiffly like some chaste gentleman this whole situation had been waiting to ambush her.

But when exactly had Qin Yao shown up? Just now, or earlier? How much of their conversation had she heard? Bits and pieces, or everything?

Xu Chun desperately tried recalling the exact moment Jiang Zhaolie had pulled away, then her eyes widened in horror. “!!!”

Damn it all! Every single time she’d been spouting nonsense!

She shot Jiang Zhaolie two venomous glares before meekly clasping her hands together and standing quietly beside her, matching the other woman’s silent treatment.

The mismatched pair stood rigidly by the restroom entrance like uniformed doormen, neither meeting Qin Yao’s gaze. The older woman arched an eyebrow. “What are you two doing here?” Her indifferent gaze traveled between them as she added in that characteristically low, measured tone, “Catching up?”

“Not at all!” Xu Chun blurted out reflexively. “Absolutely not.”

She’d prepared countless excuses, yet when she lifted her chin to meet those authoritative dark eyes, her words inexplicably failed her.

Qin Yao tilted her head slightly. “No? That’s not what I just heard.”

“You must be hearing things, right Zhaolie?” Xu Chun subtly elbowed Jiang Zhaolie, who gave her a sidelong glance before silently looking away with a noncommittal, “Mm.”

Without concrete evidence, Qin Yao simply studied Xu Chun with meaningful intensity. “Head back early if you’re done. Your grandfather is waiting.”

Seizing this pardon, Xu Chun bolted like a shot, vanishing in an instant. Suddenly left alone with Qin Yao, Jiang Zhaolie clenched her jaw before settling into the resigned demeanor of someone with nothing left to lose.

After all, she’d lost everything those she loved, those who loved her, all gone overnight. A few scolding words from Qin Yao meant nothing now.

All of this was her fault, so if others wanted to vent their anger by scolding her, she was willing to bear it.

Yet the anticipated reprimand never came. Qin Yao’s voice was noticeably gentler than usual as she said, “Since there are no other distractions now, set aside unnecessary emotions and focus on your work.”

Qin Yao gazed at Jiang Zhaolie. “Everything that happened before is in the past.”

Qin Yao had always been strict with her, so from childhood, Jiang Zhaolie had pushed herself to be the best, only then would Qin Yao occasionally offer a word of praise. For that fleeting approval, Jiang Zhaolie had studied relentlessly, sacrificing rest and playtime from a very young age, never experiencing the carefree childhood most children enjoyed.

She had skipped several grades, becoming the “model child” praised by parents and teachers, yet the least popular among her peers. But she didn’t care, she only wanted what she desired.

Unfortunately, Qin Yao’s praise and acknowledgment were rare. No matter how well she performed, the woman seldom spoke a word of approval. But the moment she made even the slightest mistake, Qin Yao’s demeanor would shift entirely, turning cold and stern, making every misstep sear into her memory, ensuring she never repeated it.

Today, Qin Yao’s calm, almost comforting tone left Jiang Zhaolie stunned. She lifted her face in disbelief. “Aren’t you disappointed in me?”

“I’ve failed at everything, I couldn’t protect the marriage you and Grandfather arranged for me, and I couldn’t even win over the girl I liked. I’m a complete failure, a total loser.” Her voice was low, struggling to keep her emotions in check.

“Some things are simply fate,” Qin Yao said cryptically.

“Focus on your work from now on, and stay away from women.” Her gaze hardened as she added with emphasis, “Otherwise, you’ll keep losing miserably.”

Jiang Zhaolie didn’t understand, but she had no chance to ask, Qin Yao had already turned and walked away.

Instinctively, she followed, her mind in turmoil. Why was her mother forbidding her from seeing women? Piecing together recent events, she suddenly froze. Had her mother misunderstood did she think Jiang Zhaolie still had feelings for Xu Chun?

And worse… did her mother have feelings for Xu Chun too?

Of course. When Qin Yao had arrived, Jiang Zhaolie and Xu Chun’s conversation had been ambiguous. Naturally, her mother had misinterpreted it. But how had Xu Chun managed to win her over so quickly?

Jiang Zhaolie had been busy filming every day, with no time to interact with her mother. How had Xu Chun, in the midst of her own packed schedule, managed to charm Qin Yao?

And her mother, she was always working, constantly traveling between cities like a spinning top. How had she found time for romance with Xu Chun?

Jiang Zhaolie was utterly shaken. Had she been the only one diligently, single-mindedly focused on work this whole time?

A complicated feeling settled in her chest.

Xu Chun sprinted back to the private room so fast her shoes nearly sparked. Plopping down into her seat, she grabbed the nearest cup and gulped down two large mouthfuls of water under Grandfather Xu’s puzzled gaze. The old man frowned subtly, his eyes scanning her carefully, had she just quarreled with Jiang Zhaolie outside?

His expression shifted abruptly as he turned leisurely to Jiang Peiyuan. “I believe we need to have a proper discussion about this matter.”

Jiang Peiyuan: “?”

Grandfather Xu couldn’t care less about formalities. He’d come today solely to reclaim what rightfully belonged to his granddaughter. The Jiang family’s actions had crossed the line, and he wouldn’t spare any thought for their past friendship.

As the two patriarchs engaged in another round of verbal combat, Xu Chun listened quietly before secretly giving her grandfather a thumbs-up. The older the ginger, the spicier it gets, she’d need to learn more of his shameless tactics. With enough audacity, even the heavens would rain down blessings.

Thus, through her grandfather’s relentless arguments, several luxury mansions and high-end cars were added to Xu Chun’s name. She calculated silently with these assets as backup, even if the female protagonist bankrupted the Xu family later, she’d be safe. Her parents’ capabilities meant rebuilding would be no issue.

Returning triumphantly with her grandfather, Xu Chun noticed Jiang Peiyuan staring at their beaming faces with newfound understanding of 21st-century banditry.

Regret filled him as he vowed to avoid provoking this grandfather-granddaughter duo in the future. He’d even warn the younger Jiangs to stay low-profile lest they catch Xu Chun’s attention.

Meanwhile, Jiang Zhaolie had just returned when her grandfather pulled her aside with a sigh. “Stay away from that Xu Chun from now on.”

Puzzled, she asked, “Why?”

“Just do as I say!” The old man glared before reluctantly explaining, “She’s like her grandfather, a hyena that never lets go once it bites. Keep your distance unless you want to lose everything down to your underwear.”

Jiang Zhaolie: “…”

Her gaze drifted to Xu Chun, who currently glowed with vitality while cheerfully inventorying their spoils with Xu Jixian. Their radiant smiles perfectly embodied bandit leaders her grandfather’s analogy was spot-on.

Noticing the persistent stare, Xu Chun looked up and glared at Jiang Zhaolie, who averted her eyes and told Jiang Peiyuan, “I’ll work hard to earn back these losses.”

Jiang Peiyuan waved it off. “Just focus on your mother’s business and supporting the family. These things aren’t your responsibility, we made this arrangement without consulting you.”

Receiving only silence, Jiang Peiyuan tactfully withdrew, recognizing her somber mood.

The matter of the broken engagement was finally resolved. Xu Chun, beaming with joy, took her bag and linked arms with her grandfather, feeling utterly delighted. Just as she was floating on cloud nine, Qin Yao suddenly pushed open the private room door and walked in, a faint smile playing on her lips as she gazed at Xu Chun. “See you next week,” she said.

Xu Chun’s smile instantly froze on her face.

Qin Yao hadn’t shown up earlier, so Xu Chun had assumed she’d left due to prior commitments. Who would have thought she’d not only return but also deliberately say they’d meet again soon? This was more terrifying than any horror story!

After a long silence, Qin Yao raised an eyebrow at her. Xu Chun immediately snapped to attention and nodded hastily. “Yes, yes,” she forced out a strained smile and mustered the courage to speak. “I’m looking forward to working with you, sister.”

Qin Yao’s smile deepened. When she smiled, it was like the first thaw of winter’s ice, bringing a spring-like warmth and radiance that seemed to revive all living things and make flowers bloom. Xu Chun was utterly mesmerized.

Though she knew Qin Yao was beautiful, every time she looked directly at her, it felt like her soul was being struck from the inside out. That electrifying, tingling sensation started at her scalp and spread through her entire body in an instant, leaving no room for resistance. Before she even realized it, she was already deeply entranced.

Xu Chun was momentarily lost in thought before snapping back to reality. Her dark eyes fixed intently on Qin Yao, now carrying an indescribable depth.

With that, the meal came to an end. After getting into the car with her grandfather, Xu Chun showered him with effusive praise, which he thoroughly enjoyed. However, he sighed regretfully. “What a shame. The Jiang family still has some heritage.” He turned to Xu Chun and said, “It would have been wonderful if you could have married into the Jiang family.”

Xu Chun’s mind stirred. “What about the Qin family?”

“The Qin family?” Old Master Xu hadn’t expected this question. “Don’t even think about the Qin family. Their threshold is higher than the Jiangs’. Besides, Qin Yao’s branch currently consists of only her no siblings. As for the Qin family’s collateral branches…” He frowned. “Let’s not even mention them.”

“You’d be better off considering families like the Jiangs or the Zhous. After all, their younger generation is familiar with you.” People like Jiang Banxia and Zhou Yuying had grown up with Xu Chun and could be considered childhood friends to some extent. Rather than marrying into an unfamiliar family or “marrying down” to a lesser family, Old Master Xu preferred Xu Chun’s future in-laws to be on equal footing with the Xus.

He wasn’t aiming to climb the social ladder by marrying into a powerful family, he just didn’t want his granddaughter to suffer as she had during her engagement to Jiang Zhaolie.

Feigning sudden realization, Xu Chun seized the opportunity to ask, “If Qin Yao is Jiang Zhaolie’s mother, why has he always lived with the Jiang family and recognized the Jiang couple as his parents?”

She propped her chin on her hand. “Could it be because Qin Yao’s husband was someone from the Jiang family who died young?”

“Stop talking nonsense,” Old Master Xu scolded, his expression turning stern. “Qin Yao has never been married. There’s no such thing as a husband.”

“Back when Qin Yao was very young, she went abroad to study. One year when she returned, she was holding a baby in her arms that was Jiang Zhaolie. If I recall correctly, she was still quite young at the time, maybe middle school or high school age in China? I can’t remember exactly. The entire Qin family was shocked and immediately sealed off the news.”

“Later, no one knew how the Qin and Jiang families negotiated it, but in the end, the baby in her arms was adopted by that childless couple from the Jiang family, who became its parents.”

“Very few people know that Qin Yao is Jiang Zhaolie’s birth mother.” Old Master Xu glared at Xu Chun. “Don’t go blabbing about these things everywhere with your big mouth.”

Xu Chun pouted indignantly, “When have I ever blabbed about these things all the time?”

“Wasn’t it you who announced on the show that Jiang Zhaolie was your fiancée? Wasn’t it you who revealed on the show that Jiang Zhaolie was pursuing that Yu-what’s-her-name? And wasn’t it you who exposed on the show that Qiao Wan and Jiang Zhaolie are cousins?”

Xu Chun had no retort. “…”

“Alright, just keep your mouth shut from now on.” Old Master Xu didn’t actually blame her in fact, he somewhat approved of Xu Chun’s earlier actions. Without external pressure, who knows how far Jiang Zhaolie might have gone.

“Did Jiang Zhaolie break up with that Yu An or whatever her name is?” Old Master Xu suddenly asked.

Xu Chun’s eyes widened in shock. “Grandpa, you even know about that?”

“Of course. I’ve been keeping tabs on your affairs. That Yu-what’s-her-name isn’t on the same path as you or Jiang Zhaolie. Both of you should avoid contact with her in the future, she has big ambitions.” A thoughtful expression crossed Old Master Xu’s face. “Whether it’s you or Jiang Zhaolie, you’re just stepping stones for her. I have a feeling she’ll climb even higher later.”

“People like her, who come from humble backgrounds and have suffered greatly, often act ruthlessly. Even though your relationship is in the past now, it’s best not to make an enemy of her if possible.” Who knows if she might rise to power someday.

Xu Chun didn’t take Yu Sui’an seriously. Sure, the girl had some protagonist aura, but now that her relationship with Jiang Zhaolie was in crisis, Xu Chun wondered who she could rely on next. But no matter who her final backer turned out to be, Xu Chun wasn’t worried, she still had Qin Yao.

Thinking of this, Xu Chun couldn’t help but lightly bite her fingernail. She had to seize this opportunity!

But… her grand ambitions faded like a receding tide after just a second. Qin Yao had heard all her shameless talk earlier, would she think Xu Chun was some kind of perverted weirdo now?

Xu Chun sighed deeply. The first step in her pursuit of love had been ruined by her own loose lips.

No matter how much Xu Chun regretted it, what was done was done. He Qingli sent her congratulations: [Heard you and Jiang Zhaolie finally called off the engagement? Congrats on being single again!]

Xu Chun was stunned: [How do you know?!]

After a brief pause, the other side shared a link: [Here, it’s all over the internet now, how could I not know? But from the sound of it… you didn’t want people to know? So who leaked it? Jiang Zhaolie or Yu Sui’an?]

Xu Chun thought for a moment and replied: 【No idea.】

He Qingli immediately sent back a string of ellipses, then explained her purpose: 【Aren’t you going on that show in a couple days? I wanted to ask you to look after Fu Xin for me. Her family’s hit some hard times, leaving her alone in the country, so I pulled some strings to get her on the show. At least she can earn some living expenses this way and won’t have to struggle so much.】

Fu Xin was He Qingli’s dating partner from the romance show tall, with skin so pale it looked untouched by sunlight, a slender yet overly thin frame that gave off a perpetually sickly vibe. Whenever Xu Chun saw her, she half-expected the girl to collapse and be rushed to the hospital.

It wasn’t a big deal, so Xu Chun readily agreed, then asked curiously: 【If you’re so worried about her, why don’t you go on the show with her yourself?】

He Qingli: 【I’m tied up with my new album prep right now, plus we had a fight recently.】

Xu Chun was instantly eager for gossip, but the other girl had to head to the recording studio, so she had to shelve her curiosity for another time.

Before leaving, He Qingli forwarded Xu Chun’s WeChat to Fu Xin, and soon enough, a friend request popped up. After accepting, the other party politely sent: 【Hello, Sister Xu Chun.】

Xu Chun immediately straightened up and waved off the formality with shameless bravado: 【Lizi told me everything. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back on the show. No need to be scared.】

Fu Xin seemed both amused and exasperated. 【Thank you.】

Of course, Xu Chun was determined to fulfill He Qingli’s request flawlessly. When the show’s schedule arrived, she spent an entire night memorizing every detail.

The show’s premise was straightforward: centered around the Qin Corporation, six celebrity guests would experience the life of corporate drones. Randomly assigned roles, they’d spend a month completing their designated tasks.

Xu Chun was assigned as Qin Yao’s assistant. Her job description came with the briefing packet, and the moment she opened it, she nearly fainted. Aside from a 10 AM meet-up on the first day, she’d have to wake up at 6 AM daily. Not only were the daytime tasks grueling, but she’d also have to keep her phone on standby after hours to handle any emergencies.

After skimming through the exhaustive list of responsibilities, Xu Chun felt her vision darken. Maybe this whole dating thing… wasn’t entirely necessary.

For a second, she wondered if Jiang Zhaolie had pulled strings to make her life harder, but then dismissed the thought, surely he wasn’t that petty.

Then she kept reading until she reached the employment contract at the end. The monthly salary of 100,000 yuan instantly made her discomfort fade.

A 100k monthly salary was astronomical for the average person, but the real kicker was, she was getting paid to date!

Not only would she earn from the show, but also from Qin Corporation. Double the income, plus publicly funded wife-chasing? Xu Chun’s mood improved considerably.

In order to present her most beautiful side to Qin Yao later, Xu Chun began diligently exercising before the variety show started recording. She trained until her waist was slender, her legs long, her chest perky, and her hips lifted her figure was curvaceous, both sexy and healthy. Even wearing just a simple white T-shirt and jeans, she effortlessly caught everyone’s attention.

As the show’s start date drew closer, the Qin family’s team also began busy preparations. Director Guo didn’t forget to promote the show online, doing everything possible to boost its visibility. Thanks to the combined efforts of all parties, the variety show finally officially began.

Early in the morning, the production crew arrived at Xu Chun’s home, setting up the live-streaming phones and various filming equipment. Fans who received the broadcast notification flooded into the live stream:

【Welcome back, our romance show tyrant!】

【Can’t wait to see our queen stir up trouble and slack off in this new workplace variety show!】

[When I saw Xu Chun was a guest, I knew this variety show was doomed. Xu Chun would single-handedly turn the entire program into a complete mess. Lighting candles in advance for Qin Corporation.]

Xu Chun, who had casually glanced at the screen, suddenly paused. “??? Is this really how you see me?”

The barrage of comments answered her bluntly: [Of course! Sis, be more confident. As the saying goes, confidence shines brightest. When first entering the workplace, what we need most is confidence that way you can survive longer among Qin Corporation’s big shots.]

Xu Chun’s eye twitched violently. Rolling up her sleeves indignantly, she declared, “Since you’re putting it like that, I’ll just have to show you what I’m made of today.”

After a quick outfit check, she followed the production team’s car to the company.

The morning rush at Qin Corporation had already passed, leaving the entrance relatively empty with only three or four people and crew members scattered about. Aside from Fu Xin, three other guests had already arrived. Though not particularly familiar with them, Xu Chun politely greeted them as seniors before standing beside Fu Xin.

The moment they reunited, Xu Chun enthusiastically said, “Go wild in the company this month, no matter what happens, I’ve got your back.” She tilted her chin up proudly. “I have connections higher up.”

Fu Xin, with her scholarly demeanor, smiled shyly and asked curiously, “Is that person even more powerful than CEO Jiang?”

“Obviously.” Xu Chun lifted her head arrogantly. “Jiang Zhaolie? Pfft, what kind of small fry is she? In front of my backer, she wouldn’t even dare breathe.”

Lowering her voice further, Xu Chun added, “Let me tell you, sooner or later, I’m going to become her stepmom. Then she’ll have to obey me and show me the utmost respect.”

Halfway through her sentence, Fu Xin suddenly tugged lightly at her sleeve. Xu Chun looked up in confusion. “What?” As she raised her head, her vision was abruptly filled with the figures of Jiang Zhaolie and Qin Yao.

Meanwhile, the livestream on the crew’s phone, overwhelmed by viewers, kept lagging and looping: “I’m going to become her stepmom, become her stepmom, stepmom!” on endless repeat.

Xu Chun died on the spot.

The barrage erupted in schadenfreude: [Well, well. I predict Xu Chun will be fired by Jiang Zhaolie tomorrow for stepping into the company with her left foot first.]

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