After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 60

After being scolded by Jiang Zhaolie and having her call abruptly hung up, Yu Sui’an was absolutely furious. Gnashing her teeth, she immediately tried calling Jiang Zhaolie again, only to find that the other party had already anticipated this and blocked her number.

Unable to get through, she resorted to bombarding Jiang Zhaolie with angry text messages. But one of her words must have triggered the telecom operator’s spam and fraud monitoring system, because her SIM card was instantly frozen. Now she had to personally visit a store with her ID card to see if the number could be unblocked if not, the entire phone number would be rendered useless.

Yu Sui’an was beside herself with rage. Not only had she gained nothing from this, but she’d also lost a phone number in the process. In a fit of anger, she violently threw the water cup beside her onto the ground.

Clenching her jaw tightly, her eyes dark with fury, she thought: Jiang Zhaolie, just you wait!

After hanging up on Yu Sui’an and blocking her number, Jiang Zhaolie felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction. For so long, she had been constantly suppressed by Yu Sui’an never able to out-argue or out-insult her. But now, with just a simple tap of her finger to report the harassment, she could keep Yu Sui’an tossing and turning all night in frustration.

The thought of Yu Sui’an lying awake, seething with anger and overthinking everything, filled Jiang Zhaolie with immense pleasure.

A brilliant smile spread across her lips, but after a while, her expression suddenly froze wasn’t this exactly the kind of tactic Xu Chun always used? The effortless ability to infuriate someone without lifting a finger.

Jiang Zhaolie’s lips pressed into a thin line. How was she becoming more and more like Xu Chun?

Her previously elated mood instantly plummeted, and she couldn’t muster any joy anymore. However, when she returned to the private room and saw Xu Chun, she couldn’t resist the urge to share everything that had just happened especially how she had cleverly seen through Yu Sui’an’s scheme and skillfully retaliated, leaving the other woman to suffer a sleepless night.

Xu Chun had initially intended to ignore Jiang Zhaolie, but the latter’s burning gaze, like an eager puppy, and her hesitant demeanor eventually piqued her curiosity. After a moment’s thought, Xu Chun picked up her wine glass and moved to sit beside Jiang Zhaolie.

“Go on,” she said, glancing sideways at Jiang Zhaolie. The other woman’s expression had successfully ignited her gossipy instincts.

So despite the many important figures watching them, Xu Chun wanted to know what Jiang Zhaolie was so desperate to tell her.

Jiang Zhaolie had actually resolved to keep the matter to herself, but now that Xu Chun had taken the initiative to approach her so amiably, she couldn’t hold back. With rare seriousness and a solemn tone, she declared, “Just now, I saw through Yu Sui’an’s scheme.”

Xu Chun raised an eyebrow in surprise: “?” You, of all people?

Unaware of the disdain in Xu Chun’s eyes, Jiang Zhaolie continued with a hint of pride: “She called me earlier, trying to win me back and rekindle our relationship, but I turned her down.”

Xu Chun couldn’t help but make the same face as the confused old man on the subway meme.

Wasn’t that little black lotus’s target supposed to be me? Just an hour ago, she was sobbing over the phone about how much she liked, loved, and remained utterly devoted to me.

Yet before half a day had even passed, her beloved had already switched to Jiang Zhaolie? Was she just casting a wide net and fishing around here?

Xu Chun couldn’t help but tighten her grip on her wine glass. What a two-faced scumbag, changing her tune faster than the weather!

“Because I realized her real target wasn’t actually me,” Jiang Zhaolie said seriously. “Her target is our family you, me, my mother, even my adoptive mother.”

Xu Chun’s thoughts were still stuck on her disdain for Yu Sui’an when she was suddenly hit with such explosive news. Her face was full of question marks: “Huh?? What?”

What did this have to do with their family, herself, Qin Yao, and even Jiang’s mother?

“Actually, what she truly wants is the maternal love that originally belonged only to me,” Jiang Zhaolie sneered. “Her attempts to win me back, to date me, even her plans to marry me, it was all just to compete with me for that love.”

Especially the love that belongs to you this part, Jiang Zhaolie didn’t dare say out loud. She was afraid of getting beaten up by Qin Yao.

After hearing this, Xu Chun could only say she was left with a whole mess of complicated emotions. She stared silently at Jiang Zhaolie, her face practically screaming: “Are you okay? Should we go to the hospital and get you checked out right now?”

Xu Chun had always known Jiang Zhaolie wasn’t quite right in the head, but she never expected her to be this absurdly delusional.

Only she could come up with something like this.

Xu Chun was utterly speechless. She had originally planned to give Jiang Zhaolie a proper scolding, but seeing the eager look on her face, practically begging for praise, she swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue and instead half-heartedly complimented her: “Well done, you’re so smart! Truly worthy of being raised by Sister Qin!”

“With this level of sharpness for danger and schemes, this vigilance against Yu Sui’an’s tricks if we ever entrusted the entire family to you in the future, you’d definitely handle it flawlessly!”

Jiang Zhaolie could detect the sarcasm in Xu Chun’s words, but that didn’t stop her from feeling pleased.

She looked at Xu Chun, overjoyed, her mind filled with thoughts like: “Xu Chun praised me, our relationship has grown closer. If I keep this up and expose more of Yu Sui’an’s schemes, we’ll definitely get even closer!”

The two of them had been whispering together for quite a while, drawing curious glances from the others at the table. Zheng Yanran, ever straightforward, outright asked, “What are you two talking about? Is there something we can’t hear? Keeping secrets behind my back means you don’t consider me a friend.”

Xu Chun immediately lifted her eyelids lazily. “We were just discussing postpartum care for sows. Still want to listen?”

“Of course!” Zheng Yanran was instantly intrigued, pulling her chair closer. “Go on, tell me more. I really want to hear it.”

Her eyes sparkled as she gazed at Xu Chun, full of admiration. “You know so much!”

Jiang Zhaolie: “?” She had been part of the conversation too, why was Zheng Yanran only praising Xu Chun and not her? Instantly, she grew wary. Was this yet another competitor appearing out of nowhere?

However, as her gaze shifted to Jiang Banxia, she wondered wasn’t Zheng Yanran always following her around? Why would she show such interest in Xu Chun now?

Could it be… Jiang Zhaolie suddenly felt a pang of heartache was she trying to bridge the relationship between her mother, Zheng Jinchan, and Xu Chun?!

Jiang Zhaolie instantly felt suffocated, a subtle yet profound despair creeping into her heart. How could she possibly compete in secret now? If she couldn’t even measure up to her own mother, how could she ever stand a chance against Zheng Jinchan? In front of these women, she’d probably be relegated to the sidelines as a mere spectator.

Was she doomed to just obediently and dutifully accept Xu Chun’s motherly affection?

Though it wasn’t bad… she still felt… a little unwilling.

In an instant, the joy of receiving Xu Chun’s praise faded, and her mood darkened once more.

Zheng Yanran looked at Xu Chun expectantly, waiting for her to explain postpartum care for sows, but Xu Chun simply shut her mouth and tossed the task to Jiang Zhaolie. However, Jiang Zhaolie was already drowning in sorrow and couldn’t be bothered to respond. Zheng Yanran, burning with curiosity, kept pestering Xu Chun until her antics annoyed everyone at the table. Finally, Zheng Jinchan couldn’t hold back any longer.

“Zheng Yanran.”

Her voice was lazy as she called her daughter’s name, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Are you just bored out of your mind?”

If she had questions for Xu Chun, she could’ve asked privately. Why make such a scene? With Qin Yao and Zhao Ciying also at the table, her behavior made it seem as if she was too busy with work to properly raise her daughter.

Zheng Jinchan narrowed her eyes slightly, resting her chin on her left hand, and couldn’t help but think, maybe she should just send her daughter to the countryside for some tough love.

Once she’d tasted enough hardship and experienced the bitterness of life, she probably wouldn’t act so unreasonably anymore.

The moment Zheng Yanran heard her mother’s voice, she immediately fell silent. Reflexively, she straightened her posture, sitting like a model student. It wasn’t surprising she obeyed so readily her mother had been unusually strict with her lately, to the point where Zheng Yanran wondered if some mystic had swapped her soul while she was abroad.

Silently reminiscing about the warmth and affection Zheng Jinchan had once shown her, she racked her brain but still couldn’t fathom that behind that smiling face, her mother was already scheming ways for her to be brutally schooled by society.

With Zheng Yanran finally quiet, Xu Chun’s ears were granted some peace.

She carefully sampled every dish on the table and began discussing them with He Qingli. Which ones were perfectly balanced in flavor and presentation, which ones were all show but tasted awful just as they were engrossed in their lively debate, He Qingli glanced at her phone, and her expression abruptly changed.

Xu Chun instinctively asked, “What’s wrong?”

He Qingli’s mood soured instantly. Lowering her voice, her delicate brows furrowed. “Fu Xin’s parents returned to the country today.”

“What about her younger brother?”

“She didn’t come back with them.” He Qingli’s oppressive aura was barely contained. “Her younger brother is currently studying abroad, with their parents having hired a full-time nanny to take care of all his daily needs. Then the parents just… returned by themselves.”

Their timing was… highly suspicious.

When the family was drowning in debt, everyone except Fu Xin had emigrated abroad to avoid creditors. Now that Fu Xin had miraculously repaid most of the debts through various means, this shameless couple had returned to reap the benefits.

Though Fu Xin’s ability to repay so much debt in such a short time was largely due to family legacy, her parents’ actions were utterly heartless.

“Don’t panic.” Xu Chun tried to soothe her. “Fu Xin isn’t foolish, she won’t let them take advantage of her indefinitely.”

Before she could finish, He Qingli interrupted anxiously, “But she just graduated! She’s practically still a child herself. And you know how notoriously patriarchal her family is. If those so-called parents try to emotionally blackmail her with family obligations, she won’t know how to refuse!”

“Calm down,” Xu Chun said gently. “Have faith in her.”

“She’s an adult now, and she has you. Even if she doesn’t consider herself, she’ll consider you.” Xu Chun’s firm expression finally steadied He Qingli somewhat. Though still visibly upset, she’d cooled down significantly. “When you get back, call her to get the full picture.”

That seemed the only option. He Qingli nodded reluctantly.

She was terrified, terrified that Fu Xin would be bled dry by her misogynistic parents again, terrified that Fu Xin would be deeply hurt by her own flesh and blood. After barely sitting for a few minutes, He Qingli couldn’t take it anymore. Muttering apologies, she excused herself early.

Xu Chun saw her out, watching until He Qingli’s taxi departed for the hotel before turning back. But as her hand touched the private room’s door, realization struck with He Qingli gone, she’d be alone facing all those industry titans.

Just imagining the scenario made her breathless.

Xu Chun hesitated at the threshold, unable to summon the courage to enter. As she wavered, a shadow fell over her. “Why aren’t you going in?”

Qin Yao’s voice held mild curiosity. Xu Chun turned, unwilling to admit her fear though Qin Yao seemed to understand instantly. “Come with me,” she gestured.

Where to? Xu Chun didn’t ask. If Qin Yao wanted to speak privately, it must be important. Besides, she trusted Qin Yao implicitly there was no chance of being led astray.

So she followed without question.

They ascended to the hotel’s rooftop garden terrace, where a cool breeze carried floral scents. Qin Yao studied her profile. “Cold?”

“No.” Xu Chun shook her head. Qin Yao’s gaze lingered, examining her intently before murmuring, “You’ve lost weight again.”

Xu Chun didn’t argue. During this period of filming, the crew required intense daily running and countless fight scenes. Even an iron man would lose weight after ten days to half a month, let alone flesh-and-blood humans like them.

Fortunately, though she had lost weight, her physical condition was much better than before.

At least incidents like last time, when she and He Qingli both fell ill and ended up in the hospital probably wouldn’t happen again.

Xu Chun flashed Qin Yao a smile. “It’s normal. Once filming wraps and I go home to rest for a while, I’ll gain the weight back.”

Qin Yao silently studied her.

Compared to before especially during the variety show at Qin Entertainment, she had grown alarmingly thin. While this figure might look perfect on screen, in reality, it was heartbreaking.

Yet Xu Chun herself didn’t seem to mind. Her dark, bright eyes sparkled with laughter like stars in the night sky, making it impossible not to be moved.

Those stubborn, hopeful eyes were still as disarming as ever, tempting one to break past moral restraints and agree to any request she made.

“Eat properly,” Qin Yao said, averting her gaze. Her pale lips were beautifully shaped. Matching Xu Chun’s pace, she walked slowly. “Don’t secretly spit out the meals the nutritionist specially prepares for you these days.”

Xu Chun abruptly stopped, shooting her a startled look. The words “How did you know I spit out the food I don’t like?” nearly slipped out. Thankfully, she caught herself in time and didn’t expose her habit in front of Qin Yao. Instead, she nodded obediently. “I know.” Then she flexed her well-toned biceps. “Look how strong I am now.”

Qin Yao gave her a glance but didn’t dampen her confidence. “Not bad.”

Xu Chun beamed. Suddenly, she realized that being with Qin Yao, even in silence, was comfortable and relaxing. It was just a shame that they were both so busy, rarely finding time to meet, let alone spend extended periods together.

“By the way,” Xu Chun said, her eyes darting around, “are you leaving right after this meeting?”

Qin Yao nodded but reassured her, “But the conference will last at least half a month, so we won’t be going anywhere for a while.”

For some reason, Xu Chun detected an inexplicable undertone in her voice as if,  the other woman was eagerly anticipating her to stir up some trouble.

It must be her imagination, Xu Chun silently consoled herself. Qin Yao wasn’t that kind of person.

Still, she had initially thought Qin Yao and Zhao Ciying would only stay for about a week. Who knew it would be at least half a month? With them here that long, wouldn’t she be living in constant torment every day?

Xu Chun felt dizzy just thinking about it. Lost in worries about her bleak future, she failed to watch her step and promptly treated Qin Yao to a spectacular faceplant on flat ground.

She lost her balance and was about to fall face-first onto the ground. Xu Chun’s face paled in alarm, falling backward would have been better! If her face got ruined… Before her thoughts could fully spiral, she found herself caught in a warm, fragrant embrace that radiated safety.

For a solid five seconds, she remained frozen in that held position before slowly, tentatively opening the eyes she’d instinctively shut during the fall. In that instant, her gaze locked with Qin Yao’s profound eyes.

This secluded spot was nearly deserted and dimly lit, making Qin Yao’s face almost indistinguishable. Only a vague silhouette was visible, yet those eyes held an undeniable presence. Even without clear sight, Xu Chun could instantly picture that breathtakingly beautiful face in her mind.

Silence stretched between them as the air grew warmer, the atmosphere thickening with unspoken tension. Belatedly realizing their proximity, Xu Chun straightened up to distance herself, but Qin Yao’s arms remained steadfast like steel, refusing to yield.

Now upright, Xu Chun caught the faint scent of alcohol on Qin Yao and froze. The lingering wine aroma suggested heavy drinking tonight. “Jiejie,” she couldn’t help murmuring, “have you had too much to drink.”

Before she could finish, Qin Yao’s warm lips descended upon hers, swallowing all remaining words into a soundless void.

Whether fueled by long-suppressed emotions from their separation or the alcohol’s influence, Qin Yao’s kiss held an unprecedented dominance that left Xu Chun utterly defenseless. The intensity even sparked an impulsive desire to immediately retreat to a private room with her.

Yet the moment this thought surfaced, Qin Yao released her. The rapid breathing, the moist warmth of exhales, the scorching body heat palpable even through fabric each sensation left Xu Chun aching and fantasizing.

Struggling against her longing, she softened her voice to call Qin Yao’s name. Just as Qin Yao embraced her lightly and seemed about to speak, Zheng Yanran’s voice suddenly rang out: “Xu Chun?” The approaching call sounded like a deliberate search.

Xu Chun’s body stiffened instinctively before she responded, “I must have been gone too long.” Qin Yao leaned closer, gaze intense. “Stay here. I’ll go first.”

Xu Chun reflexively wanted to stop her, but Qin Yao’s gentle caress silenced any protest. She realized Qin Yao was protecting her reputation by avoiding a direct encounter with Zheng Yanran. After all, if Zheng Yanran witnessed this, her loose lips would likely spread their secret before nightfall.

Helpless, Xu Chun could only gaze after Qin Yao with longing. “See you later.”

The unquenched fire within left Xu Chun restless and unsettled. Just then, Zheng Yanran spotted her and hurried over. “Why’d you hide here alone?” After scanning the shadowy surroundings, she shivered. “It’s pitch black, you can barely see your hand in front of your face. Weren’t you scared?”

“I’m contemplating life here. Is there a problem?” Xu Chun stared at her expressionlessly.

Unfortunately, Zheng Yanran failed to pick up on the dangerous undertone in Xu Chun’s voice and honestly shook her head. “No problem, of course not.”

“But now isn’t the time for contemplating life!” She hastily pulled Xu Chun back. “Your ex-girlfriend just came looking for you, did you know that?”

Xu Chun’s footsteps halted abruptly: “???”

“What do you mean? Explain yourself clearly.”

“Judging by your ex-girlfriend’s demeanor, she was probably here to find Zhao Ciying. But somehow, the moment she saw Jiang Zhaolie, they started arguing. Then Jiang Zhaolie refused to back down and dragged my Xiaxia into it too. Now my mom’s the only one left in the room trying to mediate and keep order.”

“You know how Zhao Ciying is, she loves stirring the pot and would be thrilled to see things escalate. My mom was worried the situation would spiral out of control, so she quickly sent me to find you and Aunt Qin.” As she spoke, Zheng Yanran couldn’t help but turn back to ask Xu Chun, “Have you seen her?”

“No,” Xu Chun replied firmly, then added, “She probably went to the restroom. Maybe by the time we get back, she’ll already be in the room.”

Zheng Yanran thought about it and agreed. “Then let’s hurry so we don’t miss the fresh drama.”

Even as they reached the private room door, Xu Chun’s mind was still struggling to process it all. Wasn’t Yu Suian here to apologize to Zhao Ciying and beg her to show mercy and let her off? How did she end up arguing with Jiang Zhaolie? Surely it couldn’t be because Jiang Zhaolie had just rejected her?

At a time like this, she was still putting Zhao Ciying and her own future on the back burner just to fight with Jiang Zhaolie. Just how deep did her hatred for Jiang Zhaolie her official love interest run?

As Zheng Yanran reached for the doorknob, twisted it, and pushed the door open, the voices inside immediately spilled out.

Jiang Zhaolie’s indignant roar rang out: “Don’t think I don’t see through your little tricks! You just want to catch my mom’s attention so you can marry into our family, and once you’re officially part of it, you’ll heartlessly kick me aside and hog all the maternal love that should be mine alone!”

“Let me tell you, don’t even dream about it.”

“If you have what it takes, go home and find your own mom. Go home and get your own mom to marry you a stepmother. Don’t come here trying to steal mine.”

Hearing this, Xu Chun immediately turned to look at Yu Suian, only to see her face practically screaming profanities every pore seemed to be straining to curse: “Are you out of your damn mind?!”

Xu Chun: “…”

This plot development was just absurd.

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