After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 36

Jiang Zhaolie’s tone carried an indescribable danger, triggering Xu Chun’s prey instincts as she involuntarily hunched her shoulders. Feigning calmness, she narrowed her eyes slightly. “What do you mean by that?”

She crossed her arms leisurely and stared at Jiang Zhaolie. “Don’t tell me you actually want to reconcile with me?” She stepped closer, tilting her rounded head with a mocking air. “Could it be that after breaking off our engagement, seeing me get close to others has made you feel resentful?”

Xu Chun mercilessly exposed Jiang Zhaolie’s half-formed thoughts. “Jiang Zhaolie, you never truly loved me or had any feelings for me. Whatever strange emotions you’re experiencing now stem purely from jealousy and resentment.”

Wanting to lock Jiang Zhaolie and Yu Sui’an together, she continued, “The one who made you break your rules was Yu Sui’an. The one who occupies your thoughts day and night is Yu Sui’an. The one you prioritize above all others is still Yu Sui’an.”

Jiang Zhaolie’s face paled.

Xu Chun’s measured tone held no extra emotion as she delivered the final blow: “The person you truly love is Yu Sui’an, only Yu Sui’an.” She raised an eyebrow at Jiang Zhaolie. “If you apologize to her now, you might still have a chance.”

Adopting a mentor’s tone, Xu Chun advised, “But if you delay any longer, I can’t guarantee anything.”

Though the person standing before her half a head shorter had spoken at length, Jiang Zhaolie found the words slipping through her mind like water, leaving no trace behind.

Instead, her gaze lingered on Xu Chun. Dressed simply in a white shirt and jeans, her glossy black hair tied into a high ponytail, Xu Chun looked more striking than usual both spirited and adorably charming.

They stood so close that Jiang Zhaolie could see the fine down on Xu Chun’s cheeks. As a celebrity who took skincare seriously, Xu Chun’s complexion was flawless dewy, poreless, and radiant.

Jiang Zhaolie suddenly realized how breathtaking Xu Chun looked today, enough to quicken her pulse and steal her breath.

When no response came, Xu Chun grew impatient. “Are we done here? I’m leaving.” Her expression turned wary as she faced Jiang Zhaolie.

The guarded look struck Jiang Zhaolie like a physical blow when she finally snapped out of her daze. Her throat tightened before she managed to rasp, “You’ve misunderstood.” Her voice dropped low. “I have no ulterior motives.”

“I only pulled you aside to stop you from discussing our past on the show.” The words left her lips, starkly opposed to her true thoughts. “The more you talk about it, the more it will hurt you.”

“People won’t sympathize with you just because you’re a victim. They’ll only look down from their high horses, watching how pitiful you are, how resentful you appear, and how utterly defeated you’ll become. Only then can the subtle imbalance in their hearts be replaced by their innate arrogance.”

Xu Chun didn’t know what emotions Jiang Zhaolie was hiding beneath that calm exterior, but she had to admit his rhetoric was flawless. Pity it had no effect on her. “I mentioned it not because I’m resentful,” Xu Chun smiled faintly, “but because I wanted everyone to blame you.”

Jiang Zhaolie fell silent instantly. Xu Chun’s smile brightened, her eyes sparkling with delight. “If you have no feelings for me, then stop doing things that could be misunderstood.”

She took two steps back and offered sincere advice: “In relationships, you should know when to yield and show vulnerability. Since you truly love Yu Sui’an, don’t let petty matters cause you to miss each other.”

“After all, if you end up single, your mother would worry.”

“…”

Xu Chun had long disappeared, yet the frown between Jiang Zhaolie’s brows remained deeply etched.

Why did she think he and Yu Sui’an were a good match? His gaze darkened. Why did she keep pushing him toward Yu Sui’an? Was it because only by being with Yu Sui’an could she free herself from his entanglement and openly be with Qin Yao?

Jiang Zhaolie lowered his head, his tall figure standing motionless for a long time.

Xu Chun had been emotionally stable these days, treating everything with normalcy. She hadn’t dwelled on the broken engagement, not even when Jiang Zhaolie publicly humiliated her, she’d felt neither rage nor shame. But after their conversation, her calm heart was disturbed, an uncontrollable surge of irritation and hostility rising within her.

The frustration came without reason, not just from their talk, but like a mighty dam collapsing from a tiny crack, shattering her last line of defense.

Jiang Zhaolie’s self-righteous words, meant to show concern, became the final straw. They made her realize she would truly face someone in this world who treated the female lead like a jewel and her like dirt, a hypocrite radiating arrogance from his very bones.

All this time, Xu Chun had never fully immersed herself in this world. Even when humiliated by Jiang Zhaolie or treated as an enemy by Xu Wei, she’d never taken them seriously. In her subconscious, no matter how outrageous their actions, they were merely talking paper cutouts from a book.

So she ate, drank, and teased them like pets, observing their reactions for amusement playing through life with a detached, game-like attitude.

But now all her self-deception had been ruthlessly shattered by Jiang Zhaolie. His actions made her realize she couldn’t completely separate herself from this world, she was a living person in it, and naturally, she would be influenced by its people, developing all the emotions and desires inherent to humanity.

Like resentment. Like anger.

Now she had no choice but to face this world and confront her dire circumstances.

If she couldn’t change the original outcome, her fate in this world would remain just as bleak. She would still go bankrupt, still end up homeless, watching the original owner’s family fall apart and crumble, witnessing each of the original owner’s loved ones meet untimely deaths.

Xu Chun roughly ran a hand through her hair, her barely suppressed frustration showing on her face.

When she returned after leaving, her entire demeanor had changed. Bai Xianxian didn’t know what Jiang Zhaolie had said to her, but reason told her it was best not to mention Jiang Zhaolie in front of Xu Chun now.

The two ate their meal in silence. Xu Chun was the first to stand up with her plate. “I’m done. I’m going downstairs to buy a drink.”

Bai Xianxian nodded quietly, watching her back until she completely disappeared from view.

Agitated, Xu Chun tugged at her face mask absentmindedly. As she entered the elevator, she crossed her arms, radiating low pressure. She desperately wanted to find a quiet place to calm down before these negative emotions consumed her further.

Taking a deep breath, Xu Chun closed her eyes briefly, becoming more convinced that Jiang Zhaolie was nothing but trouble.

Though this troublemaker was lovestruck, he was indeed cunning, knowing exactly how to quickly and effectively break through someone’s psychological defenses. Pressing her forehead against the elevator wall, Xu Chun thought perhaps there was some truth to how Jiang Zhaolie had managed to bring down Qin Yao and have her imprisoned in the end.

Xu Chun couldn’t help but let out a low chuckle. The domineering CEO might be hopeless at love, but he excelled at his actual job.

The more she thought about it, the more frustrated she became, the depressive anger inside her nearly boiling over.

With a “ding,” the elevator arrived smoothly on the first floor. Xu Chun straightened up, ready to step out, when a tall, slender figure slowly walked in.

Their eyes met, and Xu Chun instinctively blurted, “Sister?”

Qin Yao’s gaze lingered on Xu Chun. Even with the mask, she could see the emotions Xu Chun was struggling to suppress her tightly furrowed brows, her slightly reddened eyes glistening with unshed tears, trying hard to appear composed, unwilling to let others see her like this.

Even upon seeing her, Xu Chun blinked rapidly, trying to hide those feelings away.

Qin Yao stood still, watching the dazed Xu Chun. “Come with me to my office.”

Xu Chun instinctively murmured a soft “okay.” By the time Qin Yao pressed the button and the elevator had smoothly ascended halfway, Xu Chun finally realized wasn’t she supposed to be escaping for some fresh air? How had she ended up back here?

She glanced at Qin Yao, whose relaxed expression remained cool and detached from every angle, one hand in her pocket, seemingly indifferent. The words on the tip of Xu Chun’s tongue were swallowed back down. Whatever. It didn’t matter where she went, it was all the same anyway.

The elevator arrived quickly. Qin Yao’s long legs, clad in sleek suit pants, stepped out first. Xu Chun hesitated for a moment before steeling herself and following along, resigned to whatever might come.

She had assumed Qin Yao had something important to discuss, but after entering the office and being told to “sit,” the woman simply worked quietly at her desk, as if Xu Chun didn’t exist in her space.

Xu Chun remained stiff and uneasy for a few minutes before realizing Qin Yao truly had no intention of acknowledging her. Only then did she gradually relax and begin studying the office in earnest.

It was enormous absurdly so and exquisitely decorated, every detail radiating understated luxury. Qin Yao’s office didn’t feel like an office at all. It was more like a meticulously designed residence, complete with a living area, a lounge, a small kitchen, and even a bathroom, everything one could need for the utmost comfort.

Xu Chun grew more at ease, idly glancing around with interest until she finally turned her attention to Qin Yao, whose posture was as straight and poised as a pine tree.

The woman was breathtakingly beautiful her deep-set eyes striking, her high nose elegant, the lines of her philtrum sharp, and the curve of her lips soft and alluring. Even the occasional flicker of her gaze carried a mesmerizing charm, silently ensnaring anyone who dared to look.

Without realizing it, Xu Chun propped her chin on her hand, staring unabashedly.

Qin Yao’s hands, pale and slender, moved gracefully over the keyboard, every keystroke a study in elegance.

She’s just so beautiful, Xu Chun mused, her thoughts drifting.

Qin Yao was flawless fair-skinned, refined, with a pristine aura, not a single flaw in her appearance. Young, accomplished, and already a billionaire before turning forty, she had reached heights most could only dream of. Someone so extraordinary, practically a goddess among mortals could she ever step down from her pedestal?

Xu Chun sighed inwardly. If Qin Yao had remained single all these years, she probably had no interest in settling down. If she had, she could have had an entire harem by now.

Fair enough, Xu Chun thought, clicking her tongue. If she were in Qin Yao’s shoes wealthy, gorgeous, and successful, why would she bother with the pains of love? Why waste precious time on something so trivial?

Pulling out her phone, she tapped out a message to He Qingli: “Recommend me some angsty novels. The more heartbreaking, the better, the kind that makes people sob uncontrollably.”

He Qingli replied instantly: “?? Why the sudden self-destructive urge?”

Xu Chun: “No reason.” Her fingers hovered before adding, “Just want to see if there are other female leads as unlucky as me.”

He Qingli sent a long string of ellipses: “Unlucky? I literally just saw Qin Yao take you into her office. Instead of making your move and sealing the deal, you’re texting me??”

Xu Chun opened her mouth to retort, but her message bounced back.”Recipient has blocked you.”

Well, damn.

What a devoted fan willing to endure heartbreak and block her own idol, all to create a chance for Xu Chun’s love life.

Xu Chun glared at her phone with resentment, mentally adding another black mark against the other person.

“Feeling better?” A voice suddenly spoke beside her ear. Xu Chun looked around blankly before finally locating Qin Yao. After a moment’s pause, she replied, “Much better.”

Qin Yao didn’t press about what Jiang Zhaolie had discussed with Xu Chun. Setting aside her work, she stood up and opened the built-in wall shelf. “Would you like something to drink or eat?”

Following Qin Yao’s direction, Xu Chun saw the shelf packed with all kinds of snacks. Though she’d just eaten and wasn’t hungry, perhaps influenced by her mood, she suddenly craved something sweet. After a brief silence, she tentatively asked, “Do you have any candy?”

Qin Yao surveyed the selection before pulling out several small bags of both soft and hard candies in different flavors. She also took a dessert from the fridge and personally brewed her a cup of coffee. “If you’re ever feeling down again, you can come straight to me.”

Xu Chun tore open a wrapper and popped a hard candy into her mouth, looking up at her in confusion.

“I’ve got plenty of snacks here,” Qin Yao said with a faint smile, as if explaining, “Before the show started, your grandfather entrusted me with looking after you.”

No wonder, Xu Chun suddenly understood. “Thank you.”

The candy here was indeed delicious. After consuming enough sugar, Xu Chun felt reenergized, secretly clenching her fists with determination to work hard, earn money, get rich, and successfully change her damn fate!

After bidding Qin Yao farewell, Xu Chun returned to her workstation with renewed vigor, drawing a questioning look from Bai Xianxian.

However, after just a few minutes of work, Xu Chun looked as drained as if a demon had sucked out her life force. Work was so damn exhausting. She didn’t want to work anymore. Just let the world end already.

Yu Sui’an had been keeping close tabs on Xu Chun’s every move. After finishing a day of commercial shoots, she immediately tuned into the show’s livestream, watching Xu Chun on screen while catching up on everything that had happened during the day, especially any news about Xu Chun, not missing a single detail.

When she saw Jiang Banxia publicly giving Xu Chun flowers, the smile on her face instantly darkened.

Though she’d long known Jiang Banxia had designs on Xu Chun, she hadn’t expected her to be so brazen, making her pursuit so widely known. Now some shippers had gotten carried away, even quickly creating a super topic for the two, which was gaining significant popularity. Yu Sui’an burned with jealousy, her hands involuntarily clenching. Sister should belong to her alone.

She should be the only one paired with Sister.

Not to be outdone, Yu Sui’an immediately spent money to hire ghostwriters to publish posts about her own pairing with Xu Chun, strictly mandating that they must disparage the so-called “Ban-Chun CP” to outdo Jiang Banxia and assert her dominance.

The ghostwriters worked hard, and posts about the “An-Chun CP” quickly flooded the internet, attempting to rival the “Ban-Chun CP.”

Observant netizens quickly noticed the commotion and started placing bets. Some, never ones to shy away from drama, chimed in: [Actually, I’m more into the Zhao-Sui CP.]

[What a mess. Why don’t they all just live together? I wouldn’t mind.]

“You must be out of your mind! Do you really think that’s possible? But speaking of which, any ladies want to take a stroll with me under the crabapple trees?”

The online world was in an uproar over the CP pairing debates. While most people were fine with their favorite celebrities being paired with others, the fans of Xu Chun and Yu Sui’an were at each other’s throats, each side desperate to distance their idol from the other. The heated arguments created quite a spectacle.

Having fully recovered her energy at Qin Yao’s place, Xu Chun worked with exceptional efficiency. After finally finishing work and returning home, she unusually set her phone aside without touching it. Yet despite lying in bed for hours, sleep eluded her.

It was already 3 a.m. when Xu Chun suddenly sat up, her hair a disheveled mess. “?” This shouldn’t be happening, she was never one to suffer from insomnia.

This was downright bizarre.

Unable to sleep no matter what, she got up, poured herself a cup of hot water, and picked up a book to skim through. But before she could even open the book resting on her lap, Yu Sui’an’s call came through.

After a moment’s hesitation, Xu Chun answered without speaking.

Yu Sui’an sounded nervous, her tone cautious. “Sister, I noticed you were awake, so…” She swallowed slightly. “It’s been a while since we last met. I… I miss you.”

“Miss me?” Xu Chun thought to herself. Why miss me? You should be missing Jiang Zhaolie right now. Lowering her eyes, she calmly flipped to her previous reading page while holding the phone. “How are things with Jiang Zhaolie?”

The two female leads should hurry up and reconcile so they’d stop focusing their attention on her.

Yu Sui’an was taken aback by the question but quickly distanced herself from Jiang Zhaolie. “We haven’t been in contact for a long time.” Her voice softened. “She blocked me, so I guess she’s lost interest in me.”

“Just like how she treated you before, sister.” Yu Sui’an did her best to paint herself as the victim.

Xu Chun propped her chin on her hand, finding this utterly perplexing. “I think there might be some misunderstanding between you two. Find time to sit down over coffee and talk it out,” she said dispassionately. “After all, she was willing to defy the whole world for you and break off our engagement.”

“I’m sorry,” Yu Sui’an cut in decisively. “It was my fault for getting too close to her, making her misunderstand my intentions and hurting you in the process.”

“The truth is, from beginning to end, you’re the only one in my heart.”

Though Yu Sui’an spoke with sincerity, Xu Chun nearly laughed out loud. Did she think she was a three-year-old? Suppressing a smirk, Xu Chun asked, “What did you call me for so late at night?”

She had no intention of getting entangled with Yu Sui’an again. Ever since Yu Sui’an left her life, her world had been blissfully peaceful.

Hearing the dismissal in her tone, Yu Sui’an’s clear eyes darkened, her voice tinged with sorrow. “Nothing particularly important. I just wanted to hear your voice, and…” She paused. “About you and Miss Jiang…”

She couldn’t shake off her unease about Jiang Banxia giving Xu Chun flowers during the day.

Xu Chun turned her head, her delicate eyelashes fluttering slightly as she was about to speak when her phone vibrated again. Glancing down, she saw it was Jiang Zhaolie calling. Seizing the opportunity, Xu Chun said, “Jiang Zhaolie is calling me. Wait here, and I’ll get back to you after I’m done.”

Yu Sui’an instinctively opened her mouth to stop her, but Xu Chun moved too quickly, hanging up her call in the blink of an eye. Yu Sui’an quietly gripped her phone, what Xu Chun meant by “after I’m done” most likely meant there would be no “after” at all.

Xu Chun was exasperated that the two female leads were competing to harass her with late-night calls instead of sleeping. She answered the phone, her tone suddenly turning sharp, “This better be important.”

“She’s lying,” Jiang Zhaolie’s deep voice came through.

Xu Chun’s ears perked up: “?”

“It’s not that I lost interest and abandoned her clearly, she was two-timing and unfaithful in the relationship!” Jiang Zhaolie’s tone was deadly serious, almost like he was tattling. “Back then, she not only wanted to win me over but also tried to reconcile with you and rekindle your past. When I found out, she heartlessly kicked me to the curb. She’s the one who abandoned me!”

Xu Chun was instantly baffled: “???”

Wait a minute, why are you two airing your marital grievances to me instead of talking it out privately? Am I suddenly your relationship counselor or what?

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