After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 34

[Jiang Zhaolie: Young people these days have no martial ethics. Just because I got close to your ex-girlfriend doesn’t mean you should retaliate by becoming my stepmother. As Buddha said, “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.” Why don’t you stop here and surrender?]

[Jiang Zhaolie: When rivals meet, their eyes blaze with fury. I was just worrying about finding a chance to deal with you, and here you come delivered to my doorstep.]

[Huh? Did I eat some fake gossip melon? Because in my memory, I heard Yu Sui’an and Jiang Zhaolie had already broken up and now they’re completely estranged.]

[Really? Kind stranger in front, please elaborate.]

Xu Chun felt she must be under some bad astrological influence. Before her first official day at work even began, she’d already suffered a spectacular crash-and-burn moment. She could practically perform a magic trick of digging out a three-bedroom apartment in one second from sheer embarrassment.

Forcing a brave smile, Xu Chun looked at the frozen figures of Jiang Zhaolie and Qin Yao, trying to maintain composure as she greeted them with exaggerated cheerfulness, hoping to move past this awkwardness: “Good morning, President Qin, President Jiang!”

The atmosphere remained delicate as other guests’ curious gazes lingered between Xu Chun and Jiang Zhaolie. Hearing Xu Chun’s polite greeting, several people followed suit with their own greetings, unintentionally helping Xu Chun escape the situation.

Jiang Zhaolie fixed Xu Chun with an intense stare, expressionless. Couldn’t she just behave? Chasing after a mother figure was one thing, but now she had to make it public knowledge? Was she trying to create more trouble?

Xu Chun subconsciously glanced at Qin Yao’s reaction, there was none.

The woman stood tall in a crisp black suit that accentuated her slender frame. Stiletto heels elongated her already long legs, enhancing her coldly elegant demeanor. Her hair was elegantly pinned up, with pearl earrings adding a touch of refined grace that softened some of the intimidating aloofness she’d developed from years in leadership.

Today’s Qin Yao was stunning. Her usually sharp features were accentuated by stronger makeup, deep-set eyes and striking bone structure that defied the current trend of cookie-cutter influencer looks. Hers was a classical beauty, the kind of dignified and glamorous appearance befitting a proper aristocratic heiress.

With such perfect bone structure, flawless features, and that icy aura, no one would doubt her capability to lead the Qin Corporation for so many years.

Every viewer who saw Qin Yao had the same thought: This CEO has real substance.

Beautiful as she was, she commanded respect that went far beyond her appearance.

Qin Yao gave a slight nod without showing any special closeness to Xu Chun. Her gaze passed over Xu Chun without lingering, devoid of any particular emotion. “Since everyone’s here, you may proceed to familiarize yourselves with your respective positions.”

Just as she finished speaking, a guest cautiously pointed out, “There’s still one person missing.”

At that moment, a luxury van pulled up smoothly at the company entrance. The door slid open to reveal first a pair of long, slender legs, followed by a face unfamiliar to most but one Xu Chun would recognize even if it were reduced to ashes.

Xu Chun couldn’t help exclaiming, “Jiang Banxia?!”

What was she doing here at this workplace reality show? Shouldn’t a proper young heiress like her be back home inheriting the family fortune instead?

Jiang Banxia stepped out of the car and discreetly scanned the area for Xu Chun’s figure. When her name was called, she instinctively turned toward the voice, only to see a mix of shock and hesitation on the other’s face far from a welcoming expression. Jiang Banxia shut the car door behind her with a flick of her wrist. “What, you didn’t want to see me?”

“Not at all!” Xu Chun shook her head vigorously, like a rattle-drum. “I’m just surprised. Why didn’t you tell me you were joining this show?”

Jiang Banxia maintained a neutral expression. “If I’d told you in advance, where would the surprise be?”

Surprise? Xu Chun thought bitterly. More like a jumpscare.

Just as the two were about to continue their conversation, Qin Yao smoothly interrupted, repeating her earlier words to Jiang Banxia before calling out to Xu Chun, who had been staring fixedly at the newcomer. “Let’s go, Assistant Xu.”

Xu Chun didn’t react at first until Fu Xin gently tugged her sleeve. “Xu Chun-jie, Director Qin is calling you.”

“Huh? Oh.” Snapping back to reality, Xu Chun hurried after Qin Yao and Jiang Zhaolie, who had already turned toward the company building. Over her shoulder, she told Fu Xin, “If anyone gives you trouble later, just drop my name!”

Fu Xin watched her nearly trip over flat ground and nodded worriedly. “Xu Chun-jie, maybe worry about yourself first.”

Xu Chun, still wincing from the pain in her toes after barely catching herself, froze. “Fair point.”

Qin Yao and Jiang Zhaolie hadn’t even addressed her earlier blunder yet. Take Jiang Zhaolie after Xu Chun had shamelessly fantasized about her mother in front of everyone, there was no way she’d let that slide without retaliation.

Pursing her lips, Xu Chun clasped her hands obediently in front of her and followed Qin Yao and Jiang Zhaolie into the executive elevator, silently lamenting how such an outrageous situation had landed squarely on her shoulders.

She didn’t have time to dwell on it, though.

After a tense, drawn-out minute, Qin Yao strode toward her office while Jiang Zhaolie stopped Xu Chun. “Come with me first. We need to organize all the materials for this afternoon’s meeting.”

Xu Chun stumbled mid-step. “?”

When Jiang Zhaolie shoved a stack of documents into her arms, Xu Chun’s eyes widened in disbelief. “This much?”

Jiang Zhaolie smiled pleasantly. “Better hurry, or we’ll run out of time.” Her grin deepened. “Since it’s your first day, you should demonstrate the passion and energy of a newcomer, set an example for the live audience.”

Xu Chun: “…” Fine. Revenge is a dish best served cold. For a monthly salary of 100K, I’ll endure it.

Meanwhile, the live chat was in hysterics:

[I knew it! I knew Jiang Zhaolie wouldn’t let her off easy! Xu Chun turned her love life upside down, if Jiang Zhaolie just took that lying down, she wouldn’t be human.]

[Sigh, my poor Xu-jie offended both bosses on day one. How’s she gonna survive?]

[One step at a time, I guess. It’s just a variety show, it’s not like she’s stuck working under them forever.]

[I believe in my girl Xu! Even if she’s physically clumsy, her spirit’s unbreakable. She’ll carve a bloody path through this battlefield!]

Xu Chun was unaware of the commotion in the live chat, as she was currently dizzy from staring at a pile of documents filled with professional jargon. Just as she was about to lose patience, a fair-skinned, sweet-looking young woman in professional attire approached her. “Hello, I’m Bai Xianxian, President Qin’s assistant. You can call me Assistant Bai.”

“I used to handle the same tasks as you. Since you’re new and unfamiliar with Qin Corporation, I’ll help you sort through these,” she said.

Xu Chun was immensely grateful and immediately handed out a “good person card.” “Thank you, you’re such a kind soul.”

Bai Xianxian smiled and pulled up a chair beside Xu Chun. “You’re going through a rough patch this month, so make sure to be extra careful and meticulous with your work.”

“You can read fortunes too?” Xu Chun exclaimed in surprise, lifting her head. Bai Xianxian nodded. “Someone in my family works in this field, so I picked up a bit.”

Hearing this, Xu Chun immediately set down her pen and enthusiastically grabbed Bai Xianxian’s hands. “Master! Can you check my love life and financial luck? I’ll reward you handsomely!”

Bai Xianxian opened her mouth, but before she could speak, a sharp voice interrupted, “Xu Chun! You just got here, and you’re already holding hands with another girl?” The sudden shout startled Xu Chun. At first, she thought it was Bai Xianxian speaking, but soon Jiang Zhaolie’s figure came into view, her face stern. “What kind of behavior is this, pulling and tugging at a female colleague in front of so many viewers on camera?”

Jiang Zhaolie stormed in aggressively. Xu Chun frowned and fired back, “What’s wrong with me holding a female colleague’s hand? Does it bother you? Are you secretly in love with me, is that why you’re so controlling?”

She suddenly leaned in close, locking eyes with Jiang Zhaolie. “Confess honestly.”

The moment Xu Chun approached, Jiang Zhaolie quickly stepped back. “Stop spouting nonsense. Focus on work during work hours.” A flicker of discomfort flashed in Jiang Zhaolie’s eyes, gone so fast it was almost imperceptible.

Xu Chun had a rebellious streak, especially when Jiang Zhaolie was clearly picking a fight. After a heated standoff, she successfully drove Jiang Zhaolie away with the remark, “This person just can’t get over me and wants to rekindle things.”

Jiang Zhaolie herself didn’t understand why her legs had carried her toward Xu Chun without her control. By the time she realized it, she was already standing at the entrance of the assistant’s office. Before she could decide whether to leave, she caught sight of Xu Chun excitedly grasping Assistant Bai’s hand their posture so intimate it was downright irritating.

They were still live on air! How dare she act so brazenly in front of the camera?

And after all her talk about marrying Qin Yao to become Jiang Zhaolie’s stepmother! How could she shamelessly flirt with another woman in public? Did she have no respect for herself or for Jiang Zhaolie’s mother?

Without hesitation, Jiang Zhaolie pushed open the door and reprimanded Xu Chun harshly. But Xu Chun’s combat skills were formidable, and Jiang Zhaolie soon found herself retreating in defeat.

Clenching her lips in frustration, Jiang Zhaolie thought bitterly, She really is something, no wonder she’s got Mom so infatuated.

Her expression cold, she cast another glance toward the assistant’s office, suppressing the faint anger in her chest before turning away with forced composure and returning to her own office.

After Jiang Zhaolie left, Xu Chun hesitated for a moment but didn’t dare to grab Bai Xianxian’s hand again. Bai Xianxian didn’t seem to mind and smiled, saying, “President Jiang is usually the strictest when it comes to work. Now all your tasks will need her review before being submitted to President Qin. You’re going to be very busy from now on.”

“By the way, do you usually like getting off work?” Bai Xianxian suddenly asked out of the blue.

Xu Chun instinctively nodded, “Of course, who doesn’t like getting off work?”

Bai Xianxian’s smile deepened, “Then you’re in luck. From now on, you’ll get to leave work seven times a week.”

Xu Chun’s heart skipped a beat at those words: “…???”

Xu Chun was so busy all morning that she felt dizzy. Forget about taking the opportunity to build a relationship with Qin Yao, she didn’t even catch a glimpse of her. What was worse, from 10 a.m. until now at 12:30 p.m., she hadn’t even had time to go to the bathroom. For two and a half hours straight, she hadn’t moved an inch from her chair.

Just as she was finally finishing up the documents Jiang Zhaolie had given her, Bai Xianxian handed her a sheet of paper and said, “There’s a problem with this part, but only President Jiang knows the details. So, you know what to do, right?”

Xu Chun was so exhausted from work that her vision was blurring. She really didn’t want to understand.

But since only Jiang Zhaolie could help her now, she had no choice but to gather the documents and follow Bai Xianxian’s instructions to Jiang Zhaolie’s office. She knocked lightly on the door. A voice quickly responded, “Come in.”

Xu Chun pushed open the slightly ajar door, forcing an exaggerated and painfully fake smile onto her face. With utmost sincerity and guilt, she said, “I’m sorry, President Jiang. Earlier, I accidentally raised my voice at you.”

Jiang Zhaolie stared at her in confusion, wondering what little trick she was trying to pull now.

Just as the thought crossed her mind, she heard Xu Chun say, “Assistant Bai said there’s an issue with this document, so I was hoping you could take a look.” As she spoke, she gently placed the paper on Jiang Zhaolie’s desk and fixed her with an intense stare. “Would you mind?”

Jiang Zhaolie: “…”

She had intended to send Xu Chun away and tell her to look it up in the company library herself. But just as she was about to speak, a faint, almost imperceptible scent of perfume drifted into her nose. It was only now, with the two of them standing so close, that she could barely catch a whiff of it.

For some reason, the words on the tip of her tongue died in her throat. Still, Jiang Zhaolie couldn’t resist a jab: “Before the program started, didn’t you read the professional books I specifically sent you?”

“I did, but the content was too basic. It didn’t cover this part at all.” Xu Chun was gradually losing patience. She was starving, exhausted, and on the verge of a mental shutdown, so her attitude toward Jiang Zhaolie naturally soured. “Just take a quick look, will you? Out of everyone in the company, you’re the only one I’m asking for help. Don’t make me regret it.”

Her tone was sharp far from pleading. It sounded more like a threat.

Jiang Zhaolie initially wanted to retort, but considering Xu Chun’s sharp tongue and her ability to twist the truth, he ultimately swallowed his anger silently. Fine, he thought, better just finish helping her quickly and send her on her way out of sight, out of mind.

With her questions answered, Xu Chun finally had time to grab a meal, lifting her spirits considerably. Smiling faintly, she grasped the office door handle and said, “Thank you, President Jiang. Have a good afternoon.”

Still seated at his desk, Jiang Zhaolie suddenly felt a pang of irritation.

Before the door could fully close, Xu Chun abruptly pushed it back open, peeking halfway in. “Oh, President Jiang,” she added, grinning with an innocent expression, “by the way, where does President Qin usually have lunch? Don’t get me wrong, I just want to get familiar with her in advance to avoid any mistakes in our future work.”

Her excuse was flawless, leaving Jiang Zhaolie no reason to refuse. “Her own office,” he replied tersely.

Satisfied, Xu Chun finally shut the door behind her. “Thank you, my great benefactor.”

Whether those words were sincere or deliberately sarcastic to needle him, Jiang Zhaolie couldn’t tell. Staring at his unopened lunch, he suddenly lost his appetite.

After organizing and locking away the documents in her drawer, Xu Chun headed to the company cafeteria and picked up a diet meal. As she lifted her tray, Fu Xin’s voice called out beside her, “Sister Xu Chun.” Turning, she found Fu Xin eyeing her food curiously. “Are you just finishing up now?”

“Yeah,” Xu Chun replied casually, about to walk over and chat with Fu Xin until she noticed not just Fu Xin, but all the other guests, including Jiang Banxia, staring unblinkingly at her. Instantly pivoting, she abandoned the idea of catching up. “You guys go ahead. I still need to visit President Qin’s office.”

She delivered the line with such conviction that it might have been believable had the group not already compared notes on the morning’s live broadcast.

Jiang Banxia’s eyes darkened as she suddenly spoke up. “Why are you going to President Qin’s office?”

“There’s a company meeting this afternoon,” Xu Chun replied without missing a beat, unfazed. “I need to clarify my responsibilities.” She glanced at Jiang Banxia briefly, then darted off before any further questions could follow.

Fu Xin quickly defended her. “Her workload seems much heavier than ours.” And by a significant margin.

Jiang Banxia could guess the reason, who else but Jiang Zhaolie would deliberately overload Xu Chun with tasks? Yet what puzzled her was this: Jiang Zhaolie and Yu Sui’an were already over, no longer rivals. Why was Jiang Zhaolie still targeting Xu Chun?

Surely she wasn’t so petty as to hold a grudge over Yu Sui’an and make things difficult for Xu Chun on the show. What good would that do her?

Jiang Banxia rubbed her thumb against her phone, eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

Xu Chun moved swiftly, finishing her meal before hurrying to Qin Yao’s office with the neatly compiled documents. She knocked lightly. “President Qin.”

Inside, Qin Yao looked up. “Come in.”

After receiving permission, Xu Chun cautiously pushed open the door and peeked in with half her head. “President Qin, I’ve prepared the materials needed for this afternoon’s meeting and brought them over.”

Besides Qin Yao, there was another person in the office her personal secretary whom Xu Chun had met before, someone surnamed Zhao. Secretary Zhao noticed her and came forward to take the documents from her hands, intending to pass them to Qin Yao. But just as she grasped Xu Chun’s materials and began to pull, an equally determined tug came from the other end.

Secretary Zhao looked up, “?”

Xu Chun’s stubborn face came into view. Secretary Zhao glanced at her, then at Qin Yao behind her, her lips twitching uncontrollably before she slowly released her grip. Turning to Qin Yao, she said, “President Qin, I still have some unfinished work to attend to. I’ll take my leave first.”

Qin Yao gave her a slight nod.

Xu Chun watched as Secretary Zhao quickly took the hint and swiftly exited, leaving the private space to her and Qin Yao. Her admiration for Secretary Zhao skyrocketed, no wonder she earned such a high salary, her perceptiveness was truly top-notch. Well deserved!

Only when Secretary Zhao’s figure completely disappeared from sight did Xu Chun stealthily approach Qin Yao with the documents, her eyes sparkling. Lowering her voice, she said, “Sister, it’s been so long since I last saw you. I’ve been so listless that food has lost its taste, and I can barely muster the energy to do anything.”

Her smooth-talking made Qin Yao pause her work. “Is that so?”

The moment their eyes met, Qin Yao saw the young woman’s brows and eyes brimming with laughter, her delicate features softened by joy, making her appear utterly innocent, a stark contrast to the troublemaker who often drove Jiang Zhaolie up the wall.

“Of course,” Xu Chun inched closer, catching a whiff of Qin Yao’s faint perfume. Seated upright at her desk, Qin Yao’s black suit complemented the deep ebony of the mahogany desk perfectly every angle was a sight to behold.

Xu Chun’s heart raced, but before she could act, the office door was knocked again, and in strode Jiang Zhaolie, impeccably dressed. The moment her gaze landed on Xu Chun, Jiang Zhaolie’s brows furrowed. “Xu Chun, why are you standing so close to Moth, President Qin?”

“Reporting,” Xu Chun turned, glaring at Jiang Zhaolie through gritted teeth. Why was she haunting her like a ghost? Just when she finally had some alone time with Qin Yao, Jiang Zhaolie had to barge in uninvited.

She shot Jiang Zhaolie a resentful look, only to be mercilessly dismissed. “Even though you’re President Qin’s assistant, you can report these things to me from now on. There’s no need to bother President Qin with such trivial matters.”

Bother? She dared to say Xu Chun was bothering Qin Yao? Trembling with anger, Xu Chun raised a finger, mindful of the cameras. After a long pause, she managed to choke out, “Heartless!”

“Once you’re done, wait for me in my office,” Jiang Zhaolie smiled faintly. “I’ll listen to your report after I finish my work.”

Since you love reporting so much, I’ll make sure you report to your heart’s content this entire month.

Xu Chun’s lips twisted in fury. She refused to give up, turning to Qin Yao. “President Qin!” Jiang Zhaolie cut her off ruthlessly. “Don’t tell me you’re planning to stir up trouble on the very first day of the show? President Qin is swamped with work and has no time for your nonsense. Get out.”

She shooed Xu Chun out of the office like swatting a fly. Unwilling to give up, Xu Chun tossed back, “President Qin, I’ll come see you again tonight,” before sauntering away, leaving Jiang Zhaolie fuming with veins visibly pulsing at his temples.

Qin Yao observed Jiang Zhaolie calmly and said, “Every word and action of yours is under the camera’s scrutiny now. Mind your boundaries.”

“Don’t you realize what she’s scheming against you?” Jiang Zhaolie clenched his fists tightly. After a brief silence, Qin Yao asked indifferently, “What scheme?”

Jiang Zhaolie was visibly agitated. “She clearly has her sights set on you, trying to…” Under Qin Yao’s gaze, Jiang Zhaolie slowly closed her mouth. A wave of inexplicable resentment rose in her heart as she stubbornly pressed, “So what do you think of her?”

“You should return to work.” Unfortunately, Qin Yao didn’t answer her. Though unwilling, Jiang Zhaolie had no choice but to drop the matter.

Xu Chun encountered Secretary Bai outside Jiang Zhaolie’s office. With nothing better to do, she immediately pulled Bai into conversation, pretending ignorance while fishing for information: “Assistant Bai, is President Qin married? Does she have a partner? What’s her sexual orientation? Any close relationships or unrequited loves in her life?”

Assistant Bai looked at her puzzled. “Why are you asking this?”

“Just making conversation,” Xu Chun said without batting an eye. “President Qin is so attractive, I couldn’t help but be curious.”

Assistant Bai suddenly understood. “President Qin’s private life… isn’t something I know much about.” She then handed Xu Chun a proposal. “These are our company’s live-stream hosts for tonight. What do you think?”

Xu Chun took it, her eyes expertly skipping over the jumble of text to immediately land on the host’s photo, lighting up slightly. “What do I think? I love what I see!”

Assistant Bai was baffled: “???” That wasn’t what she meant!

“How much do you love it?” Jiang Zhaolie’s voice suddenly rang out as she approached ominously from behind Xu Chun. “If you like watching so much, you can watch to your heart’s content in the live stream tonight.”

Tonight? She had plans to see Qin Yao tonight. Xu Chun immediately refused, “No need, I’m not interested in these female hosts.”

“Oh really?” Jiang Zhaolie sneered before abruptly turning toward the door. “They’re here.”

Xu Chun reflexively looked back. “Where, Banxia?!”

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