After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 66

What grudge does this Potato News have against her? She couldn’t recall ever provoking this particular media outlet.

Xu Chun’s eyelid twitched as she turned to Zheng Yanran, who had been gloating the entire time. Narrowing her eyes, she threatened viciously, “Keep laughing and I’ll throw you out as bait.” With a sweet smile, she added, “I’m sure your mother would love to treat you to some ‘bamboo shoots fried with pork’.”

Zheng Yanran: “…” You’re so heartless, so cruel, so unreasonable.

She instantly fell silent, quiet as a mouse.

Jiang Banxia frowned slightly at the news and quickly picked up her phone to call the hotel manager: “Why are there paparazzi outside my room? Is this how your hotel handles security?”

The manager immediately apologized and repeatedly assured her that security would be dispatched right away to clear them out. Only then did Jiang Banxia relent.

Within minutes, the hotel manager called back, speaking with utmost politeness: “Miss Jiang, all unauthorized personnel have been removed by our security team. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Would you like the hotel to arrange a private car for you? Rest assured, our hotel vehicles offer excellent privacy and security.”

“No need, thank you,” Jiang Banxia declined coldly before hanging up. Turning to Xu Chun and Zheng Yanran, she said, “Let’s go. The coast is clear.”

Only then did Zheng Yanran dare to speak again. Scratching her cheek, she said to Xu Chun, “Looks like I’ll need to practice some paparazzi-dodging skills before going out with you in the future.”

Xu Chun merely furrowed her brows at this. She’d never encountered such situations before when going out. After some thought, she messaged her manager upon getting in the car: [Sister Yang, what’s the deal with this Potato News?]

Perhaps busy handling the online rumors, Manager Yang didn’t reply immediately.

Xu Chun had to put her phone down and spent the ride bantering with Zheng Yanran until they arrived at the restaurant Jiang Banxia had reserved. The private dining room offered excellent privacy. Zheng Yanran immediately plopped down without ceremony and began browsing the menu with practiced ease. Jiang Banxia handed another menu to Xu Chun, speaking unusually softly: “Order whatever you like.”

Though Xu Chun wanted to indulge, remembering she was currently filming, she only ordered a small steak.

Hearing Xu Chun’s modest order and comparing it to her own lengthy list, Zheng Yanran’s eyelid twitched violently. Wouldn’t this make her look like a gluttonous pig?

After much internal struggle, Zheng Yanran regretfully canceled half her order. Jiang Banxia looked at her strangely, “Order what you want. You’re not a celebrity, why eat so little like her?”

Zheng Yanran smiled demurely, “This is enough.”

One should maintain some dignity in front of one’s crush.

Seeing her insistence, Jiang Banxia let it go. After ordering, Jiang Banxia gazed at Xu Chun with a conflicted expression. She wanted to share something about Yu Sui’an, but wasn’t sure if this was the right time.

Xu Chun noticed her hesitation and was about to ask when her phone screen on the table suddenly lit up with a message from her agent. She had to set aside her questions about Jiang Banxia for now and picked up her phone to read: 【Potato News is a self-media company under Jiang Banxia’s father’s name, but recently he handed over full control of the company to her illegitimate half-brother.】

No wonder.

Xu Chun’s brows furrowed slightly, prompting Zheng Yanran to ask with concern, “What’s wrong? Haven’t you resolved the online issue yet?” She blinked, “Do you need my help?”

“Not for now.” Xu Chun shook her head before texting her agent: 【So how should we handle this situation?】

The agent replied quickly this time: 【Handle it? Just ignore it. You’ve done nothing wrong, so there’s nothing to fear from baseless accusations. Besides, anyone with half a brain knows this can’t possibly be true.】

Xu Chun swallowed her suggestions: “…”

She might be innocent, but: 【Sister Yang, I’m just worried about the negative impact.】

【And I can tell Potato News has marked me as their cash cow. Today’s incident is just the beginning, if we don’t address it now, they’ll only escalate.】 She sent a tearful emoji: 【Sister Yang, could you bear to see your darling constantly embroiled in these scandalous rumors?】

【If this unethical media affects my commercial value, the losses would far outweigh the gains!】

Most importantly, Xu Chun thought with a stern face: What if Qin Yao or someone else believes it? Her suffering would be endless.

She absolutely wouldn’t allow this to happen again.

The agent considered it and found some merit in her argument, but: 【That illegitimate brother is quite capable. His articles are fact-based without twisting the truth, he just subtly hints at the audience. So tell me, how should I intervene in this case?】

Xu Chun’s face twitched as she read the message: “…”

Frustrated but unable to vent, she finally put down her phone and stared earnestly at Jiang Banxia. “I’ll invest another 100 million,” she declared before Jiang could respond, blinking sincerely. “As long as you can take down Potato News within a month.”

Jiang Banxia immediately understood Xu Chun’s earlier anger and chuckled lightly. “Deal.”

She added, “To be honest, I was already planning to deal with him.”

Reassured, Xu Chun said solemnly, “If you encounter any problems, just ask. I have all the resources and funds you’ll need to help you succeed.”

Even as she spoke, Xu Chun pondered: Maybe I should ask Grandpa to wipe out Potato News in one go.

The more she thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. After all, the mastermind behind Potato was Jiang Banxia’s illegitimate half-brother. Destroying Potato News would practically count as a good deed.

Having made up her mind, Xu Chun turned to Jiang Banxia and asked, “By the way, what did you want to tell me earlier?”

“Nothing important.” Jiang Banxia pressed her lips into a thin line, then seemed to think this response was too dismissive and added, “I just wanted to talk about the people behind the Potato News.” She gave a slight tug at the corner of her mouth. “But now you already know.”

Xu Chun didn’t press further. Just then, their food arrived, so she set aside her thoughts and focused on eating. After all, from this point onward, she wouldn’t have much time for such carefree enjoyment. Not only did she have filming to attend to, but she also needed to train in self-defense in her spare time to avoid being defenseless if someone came seeking revenge.

After the meal, Xu Chun returned to the hotel while Zheng Yanran stayed behind, apparently having something to discuss with Jiang Banxia. Back in her room, Xu Chun first drew lots to decide which self-defense techniques to practice during her break, then called Xu Jixian to complain: “Grandpa, there’s a media outlet that’s been spreading rumors and scandals about me every day!”

“They’re ruining my reputation like this, how am I supposed to get married in the future?!” she lamented dramatically.

Xu Jixian’s eyebrows immediately furrowed in anger. “Which media outlet dares to be so bold?” He was so furious he could have torn the outlet and its backers to pieces.

“Who else could it be? Other than those illegitimate children of President Jiang who are vying for the heir position, who would be so ruthless as to dare challenge you, Grandpa?” Xu Chun scoffed. “Every proper family knows I’m under your protection.”

That was true. Xu Jixian’s frown deepened as he realized it. He had heard about the disgraceful actions of that man from the Jiang family recently and despised his behavior. However, since it was another family’s internal affair, he hadn’t interfered. But now things were different those illegitimate children had the audacity to target his granddaughter! This was absolutely intolerable!

If he didn’t act now, wouldn’t everyone think the Xu family was easy to bully?

After a brief moment of thought, Xu Jixian immediately picked up the phone and dialed a number from his contacts, determined to teach them a lesson they wouldn’t forget to stop emulating Jiang Zhaolie’s despicable ways.

Even Jiang Zhaolie himself had been forced to pay such hefty compensations back then that he nearly lost everything, all thanks to Qin Yao’s mediation.

The next day, Xu Chun went about her usual routine filming when scheduled and training when required. With her rest time increasingly squeezed, she barely had any time to check her phone. But being away from her phone didn’t affect her much, as the TV series she was working on was already halfway through filming and would wrap up in less than three months.

She had already decided that once filming ended, she would take a good, long rest at home to recharge.

Around that time, Secret Heartbeats, the drama she filmed with Yu Sui’an, would also premiere. If the ratings were good, she could use the momentum to pick even better scripts for her next projects.

While Xu Chun remained untroubled on set, someone else was growing increasingly frantic and losing their composure.

After Jiang Zhigang took over Potato News from his father, he was determined to develop it into the largest news media outlet in the country, one powerful enough to manipulate public opinion and influence every aspect of ordinary people’s lives. He knew very well that only by excelling could he defeat the other illegitimate children in the family, as well as the most legitimate heir, his dear younger sister, Jiang Banxia.

The other illegitimate siblings didn’t concern him much, but Jiang Banxia demanded his full attention.

At first, he had dismissed her as a pampered woman who had lived a sheltered life, incapable of understanding real competition. But their very first encounter ended with him suffering a loss at her hands, forcing him to reevaluate the woman he had once underestimated.

Their rivalry was destined to be a fight to the death. With Potato News urgently needing to establish its reputation, Jiang Zhigang scoured the entertainment industry and eventually set his sights on Xu Chun, who had a close relationship with Jiang Banxia.

Xu Chun was currently the most popular and high-profile female celebrity. If he could exploit her influence effectively, Potato News would quickly gain a foothold, surpassing all other media outlets and rising to the top of the industry.

Tempted by this prospect, Jiang Zhigang didn’t hesitate before targeting Xu Chun.

Initially, he was cautious, fearing that Xu Chun’s agency might intervene on her behalf. But after some time passed with no reaction from either Xu Chun or her team, he grew bolder. After all, his tactics also boosted her fame to some extent, why wouldn’t she welcome a win-win situation?

Gradually, he let his guard down. But little did he expect that when Xu Chun finally acted, she would bring in the authorities, ordering him to suspend operations for rectification until all issues were resolved.

For Jiang Zhigang, this was nothing short of a bolt from the blue.

He knew his father held high expectations for him and had invested most of the family’s resources in his success. But if he failed now, would his father still support him as before?

Perhaps not.

Worse still, the other illegitimate children would pounce like wolves smelling blood, tearing into him without mercy, eager to finish him off.

If he fell this time, climbing back up would be nearly impossible.

Those half-siblings wouldn’t give him a chance. His father wouldn’t give him a chance. And Jiang Banxia least of all.

Outwardly, Jiang Banxia appeared gentle and harmless, but in reality, she was more ruthless than even him. Jiang Zhigang could already envision the overwhelming retaliation she would unleash if he failed now.

Yet faced with the officials before him, Jiang Zhigang had no choice but to comply.

Their stance was unyielding. No matter how he pleaded or bribed, they remained an impenetrable wall, leaving him no room to maneuver. In desperation, he cautiously asked, “I wonder have I offended someone recently?”

That was the only possibility he could think of. Beyond that, he couldn’t fathom who else would have nothing better to do than target him.

Jiang Banxia was still tangled up in her own mess and certainly didn’t have time to retaliate against him. But if it wasn’t her, then who?

His illegitimate half-siblings? Unlikely, they didn’t wield that kind of power. Jiang Zhigang pondered silently.

The person being questioned glanced at him but didn’t deny it. “Next time you spread baseless rumors, I suggest you thoroughly investigate the other party’s background first,” he said with a faint smile. “Some people may seem easy to bully, but that doesn’t mean you can push them around.”

Meeting the man’s insincere smile, Jiang Zhigang suddenly had an epiphany could it be,  Xu Chun?

But that didn’t make sense. The Xu family was just an ordinary business household. When Xu Chun had been publicly humiliated by the Jiang family’s daughter over the broken engagement, she had meekly swallowed the insult. What kind of backing could she possibly have?

Jiang Zhigang racked his brain until it ached but still couldn’t figure it out. Not that he had time to dwell on it now his immediate concern was how to fend off his opportunistic siblings, who were undoubtedly ready to kick him while he was down.

One thing was certain: he would fight tooth and nail for his father’s company and inheritance.

Because it rightfully belonged to him.

After finally getting this chance, he refused to let what he had always believed was his slip through his fingers.

Xu Chun had no idea what Jiang Zhigang would soon face. All she knew was that her manager had brought her some delightful news today: [Potato News has been shut down for rectification.]

[Was it President Qin’s doing?]

Xu Chun blinked. [No, it was my grandfather.] After a pause, she found the question odd and asked, [Why did you assume it was President Qin?]

Her manager replied, [No reason. Just thought you two were close.]

Xu Chun frowned. Something felt off, but she couldn’t pinpoint what.

Then her manager added, [Anyway, focus on filming. With Potato News as an example, other media outlets will think twice before spreading rumors about you in the future.]

Xu Chun perked up that certainly made things easier.

Speaking of Qin Yao, Xu Chun hadn’t seen her in days, nor Zheng Jinchan or Zhao Ciying. Counting the days, she realized their conference would soon wrap up. Did that mean they’d be leaving shortly?

Though she wanted to meet them once more before their departure, Xu Chun knew they were swamped with the “Tianyu” project and likely had no spare time. Still, she wasn’t disheartened there’d be plenty of chances to see them later.

After confirming the schedule with the director, she learned the crew would relocate to a new filming location in about a week. The new site, though still remote, was far more scenic than the first. Judging by the photos and videos the director shared, Xu Chun was quite pleased.

Day by day, time passed. As expected, Qin Yao and the others left immediately after the meeting concluded. Before departing, Xu Chun was too busy filming to spare any time, so they agreed to meet again once the production wrapped up. Qin Yao didn’t say much, offering only a few words of advice before falling silent.

Meanwhile, Jiang Banxia stayed behind along with Zheng Yanran.

Jiang Banxia had been extremely busy lately, juggling responsibilities at her own company while also dealing with the sudden emergence of several half-siblings. She was spinning like a top, and whenever she got caught up in work, she had no time for Zheng Yanran. Left to her own devices, Zheng Yanran ended up visiting Xu Chun every day, and before long, she had also become close with He Qingli.

Just as Xu Chun walked over to take a break, she saw the two lounging on chairs like they were on vacation, each holding a cup of milk tea. Her eyelid twitched. “Zheng Yanran, if you really have nothing to do, why don’t you go find a job?”

Zheng Yanran instinctively wanted to retort, but then she paused, her eyes suddenly lighting up. “You know what? That’s actually a great idea.”

With a sudden burst of energy, she sprang up and looked at Xu Chun thoughtfully. “What if I apply for an assistant position at Xiaxia’s company? That way, I could stay by her side all day and watch her work!”

The more she thought about it, the more excited she became. Realizing this plan was feasible, she rushed forward and tightly grasped Xu Chun’s hands. “Sis, you’re absolutely brilliant!”

“If this works out, I’ll give you double no, ten times the wedding sweets!”

Xu Chun’s eyelid twitched again. “…”

Zheng Yanran wasted no time. After a quick goodbye to the two, she dashed to her sports car and sped off toward Jiang Banxia’s company. He Qingli watched her leave, a hint of envy in her gaze.

Xu Chun sat down in the now-vacant chair and casually asked, “How’s Xiao Fu doing lately?”

“Pretty well,” He Qingli replied with a smile, clearly in good spirits. “Thanks to the lawyers you recommended, her parents have been much more subdued since they stepped in.”

“Fu Xin and her parents are already going through the legal process. Once it’s finalized, they’ll have no ties left.”

Her tone was relaxed, indicating the proceedings were going smoothly. Xu Chun thought of that frail figure and nodded with a sigh. “That’s good to hear.”

But then, curiosity got the better of her. “So, when are you two planning to go public?”

He Qingli’s expression stiffened. Xu Chun raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me, you two still haven’t made it official?” She pressed further, “Has either of you confessed your feelings?”

Silence was her answer.

Xu Chun’s eyes widened. “So you’re both just silently looking out for each other without saying anything?”

Perhaps her tone was too incredulous, because He Qingli shot back, “And what about you and President Qin? Have you two made up?”

Xu Chun: “…”

Fine. They were sisters, no need to tear each other down.

Still, she couldn’t resist defending herself. “I’ve just been too busy lately, running all over the country for filming.” Xu Chun said seriously, “Once this project wraps up, I’ll have a lot more free time.”

“Oh?” He Qingli responded perfunctorily, clearly not buying her nonsense.

Xu Chun choked back her words and decided not to continue the discussion. The two of them checked the calendar, planning to go out together before leaving after all, they were already here.

But when the day finally arrived, He Qingli ended up standing Xu Chun up due to unforeseen circumstances. Meanwhile, Zheng Yanran happened to invite Xu Chun for a meal. With nowhere else to go, Xu Chun thought it over briefly and agreed.

She drove to Jiang Banxia’s office, only to unexpectedly spot a figure she hadn’t anticipated.

Yu Sui’an’s fair face immediately lit up with a smile upon seeing Xu Chun. “Long time no see, sister.”

Xu Chun looked at her in confusion, about to ask why she was here, when Zheng Yanran indignantly rushed over, pulling Xu Chun to Jiang Banxia’s side. Then, pointing furiously at Yu Sui’an, she scolded, “Don’t think that just because that man surnamed Jiang acknowledged you, you’re the Jiang family’s young miss!”

“The Jiang family has only ever had one young miss, and that’s my Xiaxia!”

It took Xu Chun a long moment to process Zheng Yanran’s words. She stared at Yu Sui’an in disbelief, what the hell? This person’s true identity was Jiang Banxia’s half-sister?!

Support