After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 59

The parties involved were right here, so Xu Chun didn’t dare say she disliked them or only liked one of them otherwise, she might have met King Yama on the spot.

But Yu Sui’an suddenly calling to ask about this was rather baffling. Xu Chun frowned slightly, lost in thought for a moment before asking directly, “Why are you bringing this up all of a sudden?”

Though she had answered Yu Sui’an’s call immediately partly because Qin Yao and Zhao Ciying had both come looking for her, and she wanted an excuse to catch her breath and slip away, Yu Sui’an’s inexplicable question now weighed on her mind even more.

Unconsciously, she stepped aside, turning her back to Qin Yao and Zhao Ciying, her voice hushed. “What answer do you want to hear?”

All Yu Sui’an knew was that the moment she heard the response on the other end of the line, her heart felt as if it had been slashed open, leaving her almost breathless. Without realizing it, her eyes reddened, and it took immense effort to suppress her turmoil. “Then what about me, sister?” she asked desperately, like a drowning person clutching at straws. “Sister, do you still like me?”

Xu Chun couldn’t answer for the original host. “Yu Sui’an,” she said, unusually patient as she called the female lead by name, “the Xu Chun from before is already dead.”

“The moment you resolutely broke up with her, then incited your fans and uninformed bystanders to cyberbully her, slander her, tarnish her reputation, and even drove her to give up on the entertainment industry in despair that was when the Xu Chun of the past died.”

Xu Chun didn’t understand why she remained so deluded even now. “Don’t you already know this in your heart? Back then, when you did all this, weren’t you fully aware of what you wanted to gain? The direction you wanted the story to take? The benefits you hoped to reap by cyberbullying someone else, the plans to boost your own popularity weren’t you crystal clear about all of it?”

“Or have you lied so much that you’ve even deceived yourself into believing that you truly love Xu Chun?”

Xu Chun felt the original host had been wronged. She had done nothing, yet suffered such cruelty losing the career she had devoted her life to, being abandoned by friends and family because of a failed relationship, even losing her life in the end.

A flower that should have bloomed brilliantly in the entertainment industry had been trampled until it withered away in obscurity.

Xu Chun didn’t understand how Yu Sui’an, after all she had done, could still expect forgiveness. How could she think that if she just tried hard enough to make amends, others would easily forgive her and reconcile?

Moreover, in Xu Chun’s eyes, Yu Sui’an’s so-called love was worthless.

She spouted sweet words and constantly acted as if she were deeply devoted to “Xu Chun,” yet none of it compared to Qin Yao’s silent support when Xu Chun was humiliated and helpless, or the care Qin Yao showed during filming, or the warm hot water bottle quietly slipped to her when she was sick.

Some things, Qin Yao never spoke of but when Xu Chun was at her most vulnerable, she would quietly offer comfort through her actions, giving her strength.

Even Zheng Yanran knew how to generously give gifts on the show back then to build a closer relationship.

Forget that they’re adults now practical and realistic. Even children, when they genuinely like someone, would eagerly offer all their treasured possessions to the person they truly care about, even if it’s just a piece of candy.

But what has Yu Sui’an done since treating the original host that way?

At the very least, Xu Chun hasn’t seen any substantial actions or compensation from her.

Moreover, Yu Sui’an is someone who truly prioritizes her own interests. She could drop Xu Chun for Jiang Zhaolie just because Jiang had what she needed. So why can’t Xu Chun hold her to the same pragmatic standards?

Besides, any apologies or reparations she makes now, the real Xu Chun will never hear or see them.

Yu Sui’an was left speechless by Xu Chun’s relentless questioning. Her lips trembled slightly as tears silently streamed down her pale cheeks. Choking back sobs, she whispered, “Sister, so this is how you’ve always seen me.”

Her crying turned into uncontrollable sobs, the sound of her weeping carrying through the phone, yet Xu Chun felt nothing.

“It’s not about how I see you,” Xu Chun said coolly. “It’s just the truth.”

Feeling the weight of curious glances from behind her, Xu Chun grew increasingly irritated whether from Yu Sui’an’s crying or her antics, she wasn’t sure. “If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up.”

Yu Sui’an, still sobbing, didn’t respond. Xu Chun ended the call, her mood instantly plummeting.

Yu Sui’an’s existence was like a wound that never healed, aching faintly every time it was remembered or seen. The pain ebbed and flowed with Yu Sui’an’s actions, impossible to ignore.

Xu Chun felt no attachment to her, yet every time Yu Sui’an dragged her into these pointless conversations, it still affected her, as if constantly being reminded that even past events, even those she hadn’t personally experienced, clung to her like a stubborn parasite, impossible to shake off.

And sooner or later, she too would meet a bitter end.

Xu Chun wanted to live positively, to face the world head-on, to ignore all this chaos. But she couldn’t be sure was it true that man could conquer fate, or would the world inevitably correct its course, rendering all her efforts futile?

She couldn’t just let it go.

Ordinary people could brood over a bad tarot reading for hours, how much worse was it for her, trapped in a storyline already set in stone?

At this moment, Xu Chun’s mood couldn’t have been worse.

Her head lowered, expression grim, a shadow suddenly fell over her. She looked up instinctively, Qin Yao stood beside her, her gaze carrying a subtle warmth and concern. Just her presence alone was enough to bring comfort, dissolving half of Xu Chun’s negativity in an instant.

Xu Chun opened her mouth to call out to her, but was softly interrupted by Qin Yao, “Take half a day off today and rest. Ask the director for leave.”

Though phrased as a suggestion, her words carried an undeniable finality. After a moment’s thought, Xu Chun nodded slightly she really had no choice but to take leave. With so many important people coming specifically to visit her on set, it would be downright ungrateful not to show them proper respect.

Any one of today’s visitors was someone others would beg on their knees just to share a meal with.

Anticipating the nuclear-level social situation ahead, Xu Chun forced a smile that looked more painful than tears. What incredible fortune she had getting to clink glasses with so many big shots simultaneously.

Xu Chun quickly secured leave from the director and booked a private room at a nearby high-end hotel. Since Xu Chun was taking time off, He Qingli had no scenes to film either and was dragged along to the meal. When first invited, He Qingli had exhausted every excuse to refuse, but ultimately couldn’t escape Xu Chun’s clutches.

She immediately adopted the same woebegone expression as Xu Chun, maintaining it all the way until seated in the hotel, still unable to comprehend why someone so young had to endure this.

Xu Chun’s psychological burden lightened considerably with He Qingli as company. When Jiang Zhaolie finally entered, she relaxed even more, quickly ushering him to sit.

“Unusual occurrences signal trouble,” Jiang Zhaolie immediately went on high alert.

Every person at this table was someone rarely seen under normal circumstances, let alone sharing a meal. Xu Chun ordered the restaurant’s premium set menu, determined to ensure all the VIPs were well-fed and comfortable, though they seemed far more interested in the alcohol than the food.

Even someone as seemingly detached as Qin Yao picked up her glass, chatting softly with Zheng Jinchan beside her. Xu Chun eavesdropped briefly, just typical business talk.

This was good, Xu Chun secretly sighed in relief. As long as the attention wasn’t on her.

But soon, Jiang Banxia sought her out. After politely asking He Qingli to switch seats which the latter did with lightning speed, eager to escape the VIPs’ occasional glances Xu Chun’s eye twitched at such blatant friend-abandoning fangirl behavior.

Jiang Banxia appeared to simply want to catch up, avoiding sensitive topics. Still curious about her family situation, Xu Chun casually inquired. After a brief silence, Jiang Banxia took a sip of wine, her gaze calm. “Nothing worth hiding. Recently, my father and I have been battling for company control.”

“My mother argued and fought with him,” she continued evenly, “but ultimately compromised for my sake.”

Her voice dropped to a whisper, “Someone as proud and face-conscious as her who once wanted to tie me to Zheng Yanran’s bed just to outshine the other relatives’ children has now quieted down, staying silent without a fuss.” Jiang Banxia glanced away. “Because she’s afraid that if she pushes too hard and angers my father, I’ll end up with nothing.”

“She doesn’t want my father to divide everything among those illegitimate children.”

Jiang Banxia lowered her gaze, her lips curving into a faint smile. “Honestly, if that were the case, I’d rather she divorced him. At least then, she’d walk away with everything that rightfully belongs to her.”

But now? Her authority in the company had long been stripped away by her father, and most of her shares had been swindled from her. All she clung to were pitiful remnants, mocked by others. Jiang Banxia didn’t want her mother to imprison herself for life in the name of love, nor did she want her to endure humiliation and suffering because of her.

She wished her mother would simply cut ties with that man, take what was rightfully hers, and live freely and happily.

A person fights for dignity, just as a tree thrives for its bark. But, more than anything, her mother was unwilling to accept defeat.

After all, who could have imagined that the husband she had shared a bed with for so many years, who had seemed so devoted, had been raising illegitimate children in secret all for the sake of future alliances that would bring him greater benefits, even elevate the entire Jiang family?

From the very beginning, her father had never seen them as his children. She and the other illegitimate offspring were nothing more than pawns in his hands, bargaining chips.

Jiang Banxia’s lashes trembled slightly as she kept her gaze down. Xu Chun, inexplicably pained by her words, instinctively reached out to comfort her but hesitated at the last moment, changing her question instead: “Is there anything I can help you with lately?”

“Not for now.” Jiang Banxia snapped out of her thoughts, forcing a faint smile. “But it won’t be long.”

“Alright. Whenever you need me, just say the word. I’ll go through fire and water for you without hesitation.”

Jiang Banxia couldn’t help but laugh at that. Looking into Xu Chun’s sincere eyes, she realized that in her presence, she didn’t have to worry or overthink. She felt completely at ease, enveloped in a rare comfort. Though being with Xu Chun couldn’t change reality, these fleeting moments of lightness and joy were irresistibly intoxicating.

And this feeling was especially strong around Xu Chun now.

As if her subconscious was telling her that Xu Chun was utterly harmless, someone she could trust wholeheartedly and confide in.

It was almost like Jiang Banxia searched for the right term and suddenly found the perfect description, a woman’s best friend.

Her eyes swept over the distinguished figures seated around them, and she thought the title fit Xu Chun perfectly.

Though still young, Jiang Banxia knew how rare it was to earn the goodwill of so many influential people, people who actually remembered and sought her out in their free time. It was a feat as difficult as scaling the heavens.

So just how many people has Xu Chun been involved with over the years?

Xu Chun had just seen Jiang Banxia looking dejected, but in the next moment, the other woman’s demeanor completely changed, narrowing her eyes dangerously as she stared at her. Xu Chun immediately shivered and couldn’t help but let out a confused, “Huh?”

Seeing Xu Chun’s utterly bewildered expression, Jiang Banxia privately wallowed in gloom for a moment before quickly snapping out of it. If she already found such profound comfort simply being around Xu Chun despite having experienced relatively few hardships, then what about people like Qin Yao, Zhao Ciying, and Zheng Jinchan, those who schemed daily and matched wits with old foxes? They must feel it even more intensely.

It really wasn’t Xu Chun’s fault. After all, anyone would instinctively want to draw closer to a warm, radiant sunbeam that appeared beside them to grasp it tightly.

Yet this realization still made Jiang Banxia bitterly jealous.

She hated that she wasn’t strong enough yet.

A flicker passed through Jiang Banxia’s eyes. After a moment of silence, when she looked up again, her gaze had completely transformed as if she’d suddenly matured in an instant, having figured something crucial out.

Jiang Zhaolie, who had been closely observing the two, paused mid-sip of water, unconsciously furrowing her brow. Just as she was about to continue watching, she suddenly sensed someone’s gaze on her. Without needing to look, she knew it was Qin Yao’s. Jiang Zhaolie quietly averted her eyes, her emotions in turmoil.

Mom seems to be keeping increasingly closer tabs on Xu Chun these days her attention to Xu Chun has even surpassed what she gives me, as if her focus is perpetually fixed on her. For a moment, Jiang Zhaolie couldn’t decide whether to be jealous of her mother or of Xu Chun first.

Dazed and lightheaded, she struggled to untangle these complicated feelings.

With Qin Yao present, Jiang Zhaolie didn’t dare keep staring at Xu Chun, lest she attract another death glare from her mother.

Moodily, she picked up a glass of wine to down it in one go but just then, her phone vibrated in her coat pocket. Assuming it was a client, Jiang Zhaolie reflexively pulled it out, only to focus on the caller ID: Yu Sui’an.

Her instinct was to hang up immediately. Yet as her finger hovered over the screen, she abruptly changed her mind.

She wanted to see what new tricks her former crush had up her sleeve now.

Pushing her chair back quietly, Jiang Zhaolie stepped out of the private room with her phone, finding a secluded corner. Pressing answer, she demanded coldly, “What do you want?”

Yu Sui’an had just finished crying over Xu Chun’s icy attitude and cutting remarks, her voice still nasal as she softly called Jiang Zhaolie’s name using the same gentle, fragile tone from their past. “Zhaolie, Are you busy? I’m feeling awful. Could you talk with me?”

Jiang Zhaolie wasn’t falling for it this time. Having seen Yu Sui’an’s true colors clearly, she responded without hesitation, “Get to the point.”

Then added sharply, “I’m busy. Don’t waste my time with nonsense.”

The person on the other end of the line seemed infuriated by her, taking a full six or seven seconds before speaking again. “Zhaolie, it was my fault before. I let someone’s scheme cloud my judgment, which led me to treat you so poorly. Now, I want to apologize and hope you won’t hold it against me.”

“Will you forgive me?”

Jiang Zhaolie’s frown deepened with every word until her tightly knitted brows could practically crush a fly. Her patience wearing thin, she couldn’t help but coldly ask again, “Yu Sui’an, what exactly do you want?”

“Get to the point, or I’m hanging up.”

Yu Sui’an choked up once more, pausing for a long moment before whispering, “Can we go back to how things were, Zhaolie?” Her voice trembled with tears. “Can we still do the things we loved together, be each other’s confidantes like before?”

“Or, if you’re willing, maybe we could take our relationship even further.”

As she spoke these words, Yu Sui’an felt nothing but disgust for herself. Yet, thinking of the resources behind Jiang Zhaolie and her agent’s persuasion, she suppressed her true feelings and humbled herself before Jiang Zhaolie. As long as Jiang Zhaolie still had feelings for her, as long as she hadn’t completely forgotten her, Yu Sui’an could use her to make a comeback and stand toe-to-toe with Zhao Ciying.

By then, no matter how deep the grudge between Zhao Ciying and herself, Zhao Ciying wouldn’t be able to touch her.

After all, wasn’t Jiang Zhaolie backed by Qin Yao?

Recently, the Qin Corporation had made quite a splash with their variety shows. Even her agent had said that as long as she could latch onto Jiang Zhaolie and Qin Yao, she’d never have to worry about money again. How could she doubt that?

In Yu Sui’an’s eyes, her agent’s family background was already top-tier.

If Qin Yao’s family was even more powerful than her agent’s. Yu Sui’an’s heart raced with excitement.

So, even though she didn’t actually like Jiang Zhaolie, Yu Sui’an would follow her agent’s advice and win her back. After all, Jiang Zhaolie, that simpleton, was far easier to manipulate than that old fox Zhao Ciying.

With Jiang Zhaolie, Yu Sui’an was at least ninety percent confident.

Some people always stumbled over the same stone. Since she had managed to control Jiang Zhaolie once, she could surely do it again because Jiang Zhaolie was the type to lose all reason when it came to love.

Jiang Zhaolie was utterly baffled, completely unable to grasp what Yu Sui’an was trying to achieve.

Was she after the benefits of her status and position? That made sense. After provoking Zhao Ciying recently, who else could she turn to besides her?

Not that she couldn’t help her, but there was simply no need.

Most importantly, after all the harsh words Yu Sui’an had thrown at her, how dare she come crawling back for reconciliation? If anything, Jiang Zhaolie was being generous by not tearing into her right then and there. Without hesitation, she flatly refused, “Impossible.”

“There’s no way we’re getting back together.”

Yu Sui’an was surprised but could still accept it she hadn’t expected to succeed on the first try anyway. However, she needed to know Jiang Zhaolie’s reason for rejecting her. “Why?”

“Don’t you like me anymore?” she asked, her voice tinged with sorrow.

“Isn’t that obvious?” Jiang Zhaolie was practically rendered speechless by her question. After a long pause, he finally spoke, “Do you want to follow my example and recognize Xu Chun as your stepmother?”

Now it was Yu Sui’an’s turn to be baffled: “?” Recognizing an older sister as a stepmother? What kind of development was this?

She remained silent. Jiang Zhaolie, for some inexplicable sense of schadenfreude, found rare patience to explain to Yu Sui’an: “Don’t you know Xu Chun is currently getting cozy with my mom? Judging by their progress, they’ll probably be official within days.”

Yu Sui’an finally understood Jiang Zhaolie’s meaning, but couldn’t comprehend: “Then why aren’t you stopping them? Are you really willing to watch her fall into another woman’s arms?”

She gritted her teeth, wishing she could swap souls with Jiang Zhaolie just to stop Xu Chun from getting together with Jiang’s mother.

Dating her ex-future mother-in-law? What kind of international joke was this?!

Yet Jiang Zhaolie appeared completely indifferent. “Why should I stop them? Having an extra stepmother means extra maternal love, isn’t that great?”

Yu Sui’an fell into eerie silence before finally being angered to the point of chest pains. “You’re saying this to provoke me. I don’t believe you.”

“Jiang Zhaolie,” she called her name softly, “if you insist on angering me like this, then I’ll stop at nothing to marry into your family.”

Jiang Zhaolie: “?”

“You’re so twisted! How are your tastes even weirder than mine? At least I’m my mother’s daughter recognizing Xu Chun as stepmother is my last resort. But you, an outsider, want to force your way into our family for no reason? Willingly serving three complete strangers as mothers? Are you out of your mind?”

“Yu Sui’an, don’t you have your own mother?”

Jiang Zhaolie couldn’t help but scold her before suddenly realizing something and immediately hanging up.

This wasn’t about Yu Sui’an trying to reconcile and get help with her problems, she was trying to steal Jiang’s three sources of maternal love!

Trying to compete for mothers? Over my dead body!

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