After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 49

The two of them instantly recoiled as if scalded, their expressions horrified as they simultaneously stepped back, avoiding the person standing right before them as if they were some venomous snake or poisonous insect.

Xu Chun clutched her chest in shock, her eyes wide and round. “You shameless jerk, how dare you take advantage of me!”

Zheng Yanran, who had just opened her mouth to stir up trouble, suddenly froze mid-breath: “???” How dare you steal my line? And say it with such righteous indignation?

Before her unreasonable tantrum could even begin, Xu Chun, who shared the same twisted logic had already strangled it in the cradle. The unfinished breath stuck in Zheng Yanran’s throat, nearly suffocating her.

Zheng Yanran’s expression was a sight to behold, once again outmaneuvered by Xu Chun. She pointed a trembling finger at Xu Chun, her chest heaving. “Y-you—” But after stammering for ages, she couldn’t get another word out.

Finally, she gave up in frustration and turned her gaze back to Jiang Banxia, who had dodged her the moment she approached. Her delicate features twisted into a pitiful pout, her clear, bright eyes instantly welling up with sorrowful tears. “Xiaxia, we haven’t seen each other in so long… Don’t you miss me at all?”

“Do you really hate me that much? You won’t even give me a hug?” She sniffled, her voice trembling with the hint of a sob. “You weren’t like this before…”

Suddenly, Zheng Yanran’s tone shifted as she pointed accusingly at Xu Chun. “Is it her? Is it because of this vixen that you’re avoiding me like the plague? That you can’t even stand breathing the same air as me?!”

Jiang Banxia responded with an utterly indifferent glance, not even bothering to acknowledge her. Instead, she turned on her heel and strode toward Zheng Jinchan and Qin Yao, her posture straight and unyielding despite her slender frame. “President Zheng, President Qin, there’s something I’d like to ask of you.”

Her dark eyes burned with startling intensity, her resolute expression radiating an unshakable determination.

Zheng Jinchan, who had just finished discussing business and was about to stretch her legs before dinner, instinctively glanced at Qin Yao. If Qin Yao agreed, she wouldn’t mind sitting back down for a while consider it overtime.

Qin Yao showed no surprise, as if she had anticipated this all along, and nodded leisurely. “Come in.”

Watching Jiang Banxia about to disappear from sight, Zheng Yanran immediately lunged forward. “Xiaxia!” Before she could even finish the drawn-out syllable, Zheng Jinchan turned and snapped at her viciously, “Get back here and stay with Xu Chun!”

Zheng Yanran’s jubilant expression and tone instantly deflated. “Okay!” she mumbled, her voice small and dejected.

Xu Chun watched helplessly as Zheng Yanran approached her again and immediately tried to dodge away. But Zheng Yanran was faster within a few strides, she had caught up and seized Xu Chun’s arm, forcefully linking them together with unreasonable dominance. Narrowing her eyes suspiciously, she taunted, “Oh? And where do you think you’re going?”

“What, you’re leaving the moment I arrive? If you pull this tomorrow, I won’t even bother coming.”

The sarcastic tone made Xu Chun’s eyelids twitch violently several times. But that wasn’t the end of it. Seeing Xu Chun’s utterly defeated expression, Zheng Yanran deliberately put on a hurt and sorrowful face, saying, “Sister, if this is your attitude, you might as well ignore me completely. That way, others won’t think I’m being unreasonable, throwing my warm face against someone’s cold. ”

“Shut up.” Xu Chun couldn’t take it anymore and snapped at her in a low voice.

The air fell silent for a moment, only for Zheng Yanran’s even more pitiful, tearful voice to chime in: “See? I’ve barely said a few words, and you’re already scolding me like this. Who knows how much worse it’ll get in a couple of days…”

“Try saying one more word.” Xu Chun turned her head, glaring at her with a dark expression. Zheng Yanran barely managed to stop herself, hesitating for a long moment before ultimately not daring to push Xu Chun’s limits.

She pouted. “I was just joking with you. Why so stingy?”

“Oh? I’m stingy?” Xu Chun smiled faintly. “Miss Zheng is so generous do you still remember the diamond you promised me?” She tilted her head with feigned innocence. “I remember it crystal clear. You said that as long as you saw Jiang Banxia, you’d give me a diamond.”

Zheng Yanran: “?”

“When did I ever say that?! I clearly said that if Jiang Banxia showed up, you’d notify me, and then I’d buy you a diamond!”

Xu Chun remained unmoved. “Then tell me, have you seen Jiang Banxia in front of me or not?”

Zheng Yanran: “…” She had seen her, sure, but what did that have to do with Xu Chun?! That was purely because she and Jiang Banxia had some kind of telepathic connection, wasn’t it?!

Zheng Yanran stood frozen, her little face a picture of scheming thoughts, the gears in her head practically spinning loud enough for Xu Chun to hear. Seeing this, Xu Chun decisively pulled her arm back and concluded, “You can’t handle losing.”

“Who says?!” Zheng Yanran instantly bristled like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. “Who says I can’t handle it?! Fine, I’ll buy it! As if I can’t afford some measly little diamond!”

With that, she aggressively dragged Xu Chun toward the elevator, then down to the parking lot where she retrieved her beloved Cullinan. Driving Xu Chun to a high-end mall near the Qin Corporation, she waved her hand grandly. “Pick whatever you want. There’s nothing in this world I, Zheng Yanran, can’t afford.”

Arms crossed, she shot Xu Chun a sidelong glance. Hmph, it was just a measly diamond. She had money to spare.

But before that thought could fully form, she saw Xu Chun’s eyes light up, her little hands rubbing together eagerly as she headed straight for the most luxurious store, beaming with gratitude. “Thank you, Miss Zheng! How generous of you!”

Zheng Yanran: “…” She suddenly felt like she’d fallen into a den of wolves.

Jewelry worthy of a top-tier celebrity naturally wouldn’t come cheap. By the time Xu Chun had browsed over a dozen stores and finally selected a fully diamond-encrusted necklace, Zheng Yanran felt her vision darken, nearly collapsing on the spot.

She had expected Xu Chun to be ruthless, but she never imagined she could be this ruthless!

That necklace would cost several million!

Not that it was a big deal, but Zheng Yanran couldn’t shake the feeling of having been thoroughly swindled, and it left her deeply aggrieved.

Xu Chun had only meant to tease Zheng Yanran, hoping to provoke her into accompanying her for some shopping. She never actually expected the other woman to pay. Watching the kaleidoscope of expressions flit across Zheng Yanran’s face, Xu Chun felt thoroughly amused.

After instructing the clerk to wrap up the items, Xu Chun pulled out her own bank card. “Alright, stop looking like a widow mourning her husband. I was just teasing you.”

“I have an event coming up in a few days and happen to need a necklace to complete my outfit.”

“No way.” Zheng Yanran snapped out of her daze and firmly pressed down on Xu Chun’s outstretched hand holding the card, her expression deadly serious. “If I said I’d buy it for you, then I’ll buy it. Do I look like someone who goes back on her word?!”

“No,” Xu Chun shook her head, unable to bear it. “But you look like you’re about to cry.”

Zheng Yanran’s eyes widened instantly. “Who says?! I, Zheng Yanran, am absolutely unshakable!”

With that, she waved her hand dramatically and paid the eight-figure sum for the jewelry with visible anguish. Unable to stop her, Xu Chun gratefully accepted the gesture. “Miss Zheng, you’re truly a kind soul.”

“Kind people always get what they wish for and enjoy happy, fulfilling marriages.”

Even with Xu Chun’s blessing for her relationship with Jiang Banxia, Zheng Yanran’s mournful expression barely improved. When Xu Chun happily returned to the Qin Corporation with her purchases, she happened to run into Zheng Jingchan, Qin Yao, and Jiang Banxia, who had just finished their discussions and were heading out for dinner together.

Their gazes first landed on Zheng Yanran’s tearful face before noticing the prominently branded shopping bag in Xu Chun’s hand. After hearing the story, Zheng Jingchan was deeply moved. “I’ve never seen Yanran cry so bitterly before.”

Not even when Jiang Banxia harshly rejected her confession had she wept so miserably.

After a moment of silence, Zheng Jingchan suddenly seemed to have found a solution as she turned to Qin Yao. “How about I leave Yanran with you for a few days to reform her?”

Xu Chun: “?!” Please don’t!

But Zheng Yanran’s eyes lit up did this mean she could spend every day with Jiang Banxia from now on? Instantly forgetting the pain of losing millions, her excitement was palpable. “Yes, yes!”

Xu Chun: “…”

Qin Yao’s deep eyes held a knowing amusement as she gazed at Xu Chun, who immediately shrank back guiltily. Zheng Jingchan’s small request wasn’t refused. “Fine.”

But then Qin Yao added while looking at Xu Chun, “Let’s all go eat first. After dinner, come back to the company with me. I have a task for you.”

Xu Chun wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but Qin Yao’s words seemed heavily emphasized and full of emotion.

Xu Chun desperately wanted to refuse, but considering the potential consequences, she could only nod fearfully. Because of Qin Yao’s words, even the free necklace couldn’t lift Xu Chun’s spirits anymore.

Her despondent face instantly formed a stark contrast with Zheng Yanran’s, proving once again that human joys and sorrows are never truly shared.

The restaurant was conveniently located nearby, just a short walk away. Secretary Zhao had already reserved a private VIP room that was spacious, bright, and luxuriously decorated perfect for business discussions.

Zheng Jinchan and Qin Yao each casually chose their seats, while Zheng Yanran, like a shadow, followed Jiang Banxia and sat beside her. Xu Chun hesitated for a moment, initially planning to sit next to Secretary Zhao at a distance, but was politely “escorted” by Secretary Zhao to take the seat beside Qin Yao instead.

While chatting and laughing with Zheng Jinchan, Qin Yao spared Xu Chun a glance, her voice deliberately low. “Is sitting next to me such a hardship for you?”

She tilted her head slightly, her dark hair brushing against Xu Chun’s skin, sending a ticklish shiver down her spine. Qin Yao was close, too close her intoxicating fragrance and that husky voice making Xu Chun’s scalp tingle. She could barely hold herself together.

And that wasn’t even mentioning Qin Yao’s striking eye makeup today, those deep, ink-black eyes boring into her with an intensity that made Xu Chun feel like she was drowning in them.

Instinctively, Xu Chun shook her head. “No.” She steadied herself and whispered, “I just thought Secretary Zhao is more professional than me. Sitting beside you would allow her to assist you better.”

Qin Yao fell silent for a moment before curling her lips into a smirk. “Do you really think I need help with something so trivial?”

As if Qin Yao’s capabilities weren’t more than enough.

Xu Chun choked on her words, unsure how to respond. Fortunately, Qin Yao didn’t press further, her gaze shifting away. “Behave tonight.”

She studied Xu Chun leisurely, an unreadable glint in her eyes. “Don’t go throwing yourself into someone else’s arms again, acting all sisterly and affectionate.”

Xu Chun’s expression stiffened slightly. Of course Qin Yao wouldn’t let this go! But it wasn’t even her fault! Zheng Yanran was the reckless one, always stirring up trouble, and Xu Chun had just been an unfortunate bystander caught in the crossfire.

Her face turned serious. Strictly speaking, she was the victim here.

But Qin Yao clearly didn’t see it that way. Her red lips curled in a half-smile, her eyes lazily narrowing with a dangerous glint. “You know what the consequences will be if there’s a next time.”

That was an outright threat. Xu Chun met her gaze for a long moment before for some inexplicable reason finding the courage to retort stubbornly, “You and I aren’t even close. Why do you care so much?”

“Not even close.” Qin Yao drew out the words, rolling them over in her mind as if savoring their meaning.

Xu Chun’s heart immediately pounded in her chest, regret flooding her. Why did she have to open her big mouth? She could’ve just laughed it off, but now she’d gone and made Qin Yao take it seriously. And if Qin Yao got serious was there even any hope left for her?

“I see.” Qin Yao’s deep eyes flickered, her composed exterior hiding a scorching intensity that could burn someone alive. “Should I take that as some kind of hint from you?”

Xu Chun: “…?!”

No! That’s not what I meant! I was just talking nonsense!

Don’t misunderstand, sister!!!

Just as she opened her mouth to explain, Zheng Jinchan spoke up, diverting Qin Yao’s attention. Qin Yao’s gaze remained fixed on Zheng Jinchan as she spoke, leaving Xu Chun with no opening to interject.

Xu Chun stared at Qin Yao’s exquisitely sharp profile, her mouth tasting bitter.

Her hands trembled slightly as she picked up a few strands of appetizer with her chopsticks, her appetite for dinner nearly gone. Her mind was consumed by the illusion that Qin Yao might actually kill her tonight.

She was clearly distracted, her state so obviously off that Zheng Yanran finally managed to tear her gaze away from Jiang Banxia long enough to glance at her. Leaning in with a mix of curiosity and gossip, she asked, “What’s wrong with you? Did you see a ghost?”

Xu Chun shot her a look that spoke volumes. “Try being human for once.”

Zheng Yanran paused, then rephrased with exaggerated politeness: “Oh my heavens! Whatever could have befallen this fair maiden to leave her so visibly shaken and absent-minded? As a kind-hearted and ever-helpful soul, I shall reluctantly offer my assistance.”

It wasn’t even that big of a deal, but thanks to Zheng Yanran’s theatrics, everyone at the table turned to look, their faces brimming with nosy intrigue.

Xu Chun’s eyelid twitched violently. “It’s nothing,” she muttered, shoving a handful of random sunflower seeds into Zheng Yanran’s grasp. “Have some seeds.”

If one handful couldn’t shut her up, two would. There was always a way to keep Zheng Yanran from running her mouth.

Zheng Yanran had zero interest in the seeds. The more Xu Chun refused to talk, the more intrigued she became. After a brief internal struggle, she scooted her chair a whole centimeter away from Jiang Banxia. “We’re sisters, aren’t we? If you won’t even tell me this much, that’s just cold.” She sighed dramatically. “And here I even gave you a necklace today.”

When Xu Chun still didn’t respond, she continued, “I get it now. To you, I’m just a dispensable, gullible ATM. I treat you like a sister, but you.”

“Enough,” Xu Chun snapped, cutting her off with the first lie that came to mind. “Tonight, I plan to randomly pick someone at this table for a date.”

Zheng Yanran: “?!” Since when did you play so boldly?!

Without hesitation, she blurted, “You can’t pick Jiang Banxia.” After a pause, she added, “Or me. I’m catching up with Jiang Banxia tonight.” Another thought struck her. “And not my mom either she’s too old to handle your nonsense.”

Xu Chun stared at her blankly. “You’ve eliminated everyone. Who’s left?”

“Auntie Qin, of course,” Zheng Yanran grinned. “Is she not a person?”

Qin Yao’s sidelong glance had already landed on them. Xu Chun swallowed. “She is…” She could swear that if she dared say otherwise, Qin Yao might very well stop pretending to be human tonight.

The dinner left Xu Chun utterly drained. By the end, Zheng Jingchan had her driver pick her up for work, Jiang Banxia had to return to the Jiang family to deal with her half-siblings, and Zheng Yanran, rarely this clingy shamelessly tagged along. Secretary Zhao had long been dismissed by Qin Yao and was nowhere to be found.

Now, the vast private room held only Xu Chun and Qin Yao.

Xu Chun carefully slowed her breathing, afraid of provoking Qin Yao and upsetting her. In this extremely quiet environment, even her heartbeat seemed to grow faint.

She wished she could hide her presence entirely better yet, vanish from Qin Yao’s sight altogether.

For someone as rational and composed as Qin Yao to suddenly become talkative and subtly possessive since their last encounter, Xu Chun had a vague premonition. Qin Yao was gradually shifting her perception of Xu Chun no longer just Jiang Zhaolie’s fiancée, but now a viable romantic interest.

Qin Yao’s demeanor wasn’t much different from Zheng Jinchan’s equally decisive, equally swift. Women of their caliber, successful and formidable, never let go of what they set their sights on until it was firmly in their grasp.

And Qin Yao was clearly in that phase now.

Yet, despite having every reason to act more assertively, she still indulged Xu Chun’s antics perhaps out of consideration for her feelings. Hunting and indulging at the same time, she slowly, methodically lured Xu Chun into her territory, until there was no escape.

In some ways, Qin Yao had always been gentle and considerate.

For instance, when Qin Yao lazily lifted her eyelids, her deep gaze settling on Xu Chun, she simply said, “Go lock the door.”

Xu Chun froze, momentarily unsure what she meant until Qin Yao smirked and added, “Unless you want an audience?”

Xu Chun’s entire body stiffened. Reflexively, she shuffled toward the door, each step agonizingly slow. Dragging her feet like a snail, she finally reached the entrance only to hesitate.

What if she just, ran away? What would happen then?

But the woman behind her seemed to read her mind instantly. Qin Yao’s voice was unhurried, laced with amusement. “You know exactly what’ll happen if you run now.” A soft chuckle. “If you’re absolutely certain you can avoid me for the rest of your life.”

“Then by all means, give it a try.”

Try and die. Xu Chun’s lips twitched, immediately burying that reckless thought deep, deep down.

After locking the door clumsily, she racked her brain for how to handle Qin Yao next. But the moment she turned around, a tall, dark figure filled her vision, startling her so badly she nearly screamed.

Qin Yao had somehow slipped behind her without a sound. Just as Xu Chun opened her mouth to shriek, a kiss gentle yet domineering descended without warning.

The rapidly rising heat, the scorching breaths, the relentless pressure against her lips, it was all too much for Xu Chun to withstand.

Qin Yao was intoxicating. Every movement, every gesture, sent ripples through her heart, pulling her deeper without resistance.

Xu Chun’s mind began to blank out until, abruptly, Qin Yao stopped. Arms still tight around her, Qin Yao asked in a rough whisper, “Are you afraid of me?”

The question was too direct to ignore. “No.”

She didn’t know how to explain it. She wanted to be close to Qin Yao. But their usual distance, coupled with Qin Yao’s unapproachable aura, left her perpetually uneasy.

Moreover, perhaps because the description of Qin Yao in the original text differed too drastically from the Qin Yao she knew in reality, Xu Chun often felt disoriented, uncertain which version was the real one.

She wanted to get closer to her, yet feared it might end in an unpleasant parting, just like what happened with Jiang Zhaolie.

On the surface, Jiang Zhaolie hadn’t caused her any harm or lasting damage, but deep down, his influence had unknowingly cast a shadow over her heart. And to make matters worse, Qin Yao was someone so intimately connected to Jiang Zhaolie.

Sometimes when she looked at Qin Yao, love and fear would intertwine, making her hesitate to approach.

Having endured a life of both physical and emotional torment in her own story, and now facing the situations with Yu Sui’an and Jiang Zhaolie, Xu Chun had developed a wariness akin to “once bitten, twice shy.”

Her reply lacked conviction, prompting Qin Yao to gently lift her chin. Those deep eyes gazed straight into hers, as if peering into her very soul. “Xu Chun,” she called softly, “You can trust me.”

“Anytime.”

The woman’s overwhelming tenderness left Xu Chun breathless, and the moment she reacted, Qin Yao’s throat tightened in response. Before Xu Chun could utter a word, she was captured once more, her lips claimed in a fierce kiss.

Only when Xu Chun could barely stand did Qin Yao finally release her, reverting to her usual composed and restrained demeanor. “It’s getting late. Let’s go.”

Xu Chun wasn’t sure if this was simply a suggestion to return to the office or if Qin Yao found the current location too restrictive and intended to relocate.

But just as Xu Chun opened the door, before she could figure it out, she unexpectedly came face-to-face with Yu Sui’an. The girl froze for a moment before her eyes lit up with delight. “Sister!” she exclaimed joyfully.

Xu Chun recoiled in shock, stumbling backward straight into Qin Yao’s embrace,  retreat! Retreat! Retreat!

Your sister just got disciplined by Qin Yao because of Zheng Yanran, so don’t come stirring up more trouble now!

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