After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 68

While everyone was eagerly indulging in the drama, Secret Crush successfully captured public attention as it was repeatedly mentioned.

The mere thought of this series how it had stirred up countless scandals before filming, during production, and even now, just before its official release, involving numerous people had netizens buzzing with excitement. They couldn’t wait to see the even more sensational, brilliantly twisted plot and performances that surpassed real-life drama.

It could be said that Secret Crush witnessed Xu Chun’s remarkable rise from adversity to becoming a rising star, while also documenting Yu Sui’an’s downfall from a sweet, innocent, and fairly popular actress to complete retirement.

With all these events intertwined, the audience was beyond eager for this series, packed with melodrama and shocking twists. They practically begged the production team to release the uncut, extended version immediately so they could feast their eyes on it.

Tonight, the director was grinning from ear to ear, and the executives were practically giddy. Someone, eyeing the overwhelming hype and discussions, couldn’t resist suggesting, “Why don’t we move up the release date? Look, we’ve got attention, we’ve got buzz, and all the main actors are already in the public eye. Doesn’t this perfectly align with the saying ‘right timing, right place, and right people’?”

“If we miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, by the time we actually air, netizens might have already forgotten about us.”

“In today’s world, nothing matters more than hype and traffic and right now, we’ve got both. If we let this chance slip, we won’t get another.”

His argument won over many, but others disagreed, pointing out that the release date had long been set and couldn’t be easily changed. Any adjustment here would trigger a domino effect, throwing all their plans into chaos and leaving everyone scrambling from top to bottom.

Besides, if they rushed the release now, wouldn’t people assume they were just shamelessly riding the wave of hype?

What would others think? That their series was so weak they had to cash in on the buzz while they still could? If that narrative took hold, public perception of them would plummet, even sparking backlash.

The two sides argued back and forth, neither willing to back down. After a long stalemate, someone stood up. “I’ll go ask President Qin.”

The rest turned to look at her. She smiled. “After all, President Qin is our real boss, isn’t she?”

The room fell silent. True, Qin Yao was the ultimate decision-maker behind the scenes. No matter how heated their debate, nothing could proceed without her approval. This was her first major investment in the film industry, a project she undoubtedly took seriously. So no matter how fiercely they argued now, without Qin Yao’s green light, it was all for nothing.

After the person seeking opinions left, the remaining individuals exchanged glances. After a brief silence, someone muttered quietly, “Could this be the compensation or emotional damages Xu Chun received when Jiang Zhaolie broke off their engagement?”

Xu Chun neither made a scene nor protested after the broken engagement, immediately diving into filming without missing a beat. Given her tarnished reputation at the time, no ordinary person would dare cast her in such a major IP production.

Back then, Xu Chun was embroiled in cheating and infidelity scandals, her name muddied like a sewer rat everyone wanted gone. Hiring her risked either mid-production recasting due to her negative publicity forcing reshoots or worse, complete project collapse where the entire crew’s efforts would be wasted, potentially sinking the whole production.

Yet Xu Chun not only transitioned seamlessly but also landed that coveted IP, joined an elite crew, and worked with a highly competent director, all of which seemed inexplicable.

Others dismissed any connection: “What does Jiang Zhaolie compensating Xu Chun have to do with President Qin? Wasn’t this production entirely her decision?”

“You still don’t know? Jiang Zhaolie and President Qin share an exceptionally close relationship. That’s why President Qin covered for her.”

“What kind of relationship would make President Qin willingly clean up Jiang Zhaolie’s messes, handle all the fallout, and even take such risks to promote Xu Chun alone?”

“Well.” They had no concrete answers, but that didn’t stop their wild speculation.

Who knew what their relationship truly was? Regardless, Qin Yao’s unwavering support for Xu Chun under those circumstances was undeniably bizarre and baffling.

Businesspeople are profit-driven, especially someone like Qin Yao who’d reached the pinnacle of her career. She wouldn’t lift a finger unless there were gains to be had, let alone shoulder unnecessary risks. Yet here she was, acting decisively without hesitation as if.

As if she knew Xu Chun would ultimately stage a spectacular comeback.

Yet according to prior information, Qin Yao and Xu Chun had never interacted before.

As they puzzled over this, the woman who’d left the conference room was already dialing Qin Yao’s number. After respectfully detailing the situation, she received the expected response: proceed as originally planned. Nodding, the woman ventured, “But they think.”

Qin Yao interrupted mid-sentence: “Do their opinions matter?”

The line went silent. Qin Yao’s measured voice continued, “So now they won’t even heed my directives?”

The implied accusation was severe. The woman immediately backpedaled: “I’ll clarify things with them right away.”

Qin Yao gave a slight nod and ended the call. Shifting her gaze from the phone screen, she examined the memo on her computer monitor. What she had set out to accomplish was now halfway achieved.

Her career and company were at their peak, with her personal wealth multiplying several times over. Not only did she firmly hold the leading position domestically, but she was also rapidly expanding and carving out a share of the international market. In just a short while, even if a deity descended from heaven, her position both at home and abroad would be unshakable.

A subtle gleam flickered in her eyes. By then, she would wield absolute authority.

With a light tap of her finger, Qin Yao closed the memo and summoned Secretary Zhao. “Call the company lawyer.”

Secretary Zhao instinctively nodded and casually asked, “What are your plans, President Qin?”

Qin Yao parted her red lips. “Transfer some shares.”

“Understood, wait, what?!” Secretary Zhao’s eyes widened in shock. Transfer shares? To whom? Given Qin Corporation’s current standing, even a one percent stake would be enough for someone to live lavishly and carefree for a lifetime! Her throat suddenly felt dry, and she swallowed hard before cautiously asking, “President Qin, who do you intend to transfer them to?”

Qin Yao lifted her gaze calmly, silently staring at her. Secretary Zhao’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly lowered her head. “Apologies, I spoke out of turn. I’ll fetch the lawyer immediately.”

With that, she hurried out but for a long, long time afterward, she couldn’t snap out of her daze. She kept wondering why Qin Yao would suddenly make such a decision. Had someone deceived her?

But after some thought, she dismissed the idea. Who could possibly deceive Qin Yao? It was more likely someone would fall for Qin Yao’s schemes instead.

Yet Qin Yao’s actions today were so unusual that Secretary Zhao couldn’t help but stay alert. Suddenly, she froze mid-step. Was Qin Yao planning to transfer her shares to Jiang Zhaolie? But Jiang Zhaolie already held three percent.

The entire way, Secretary Zhao racked her brain but couldn’t make sense of it. Distracted, she brought the lawyer to Qin Yao’s office. When she heard Qin Yao casually utter the name “Xu Chun,” her body trembled, a mix of surprise and inevitability washed over her.

Of course. No one else could make Qin Yao care so deeply.

In fact, Qin Yao had long registered various companies in preparation. During negotiations with other firms, she had subtly secured numerous resources for Xu Chun, delivering them through countless covert means.

Yet all of this had been so discreet that, apart from Qin Yao and herself the one handling the arrangements no one knew of Qin Yao’s silent efforts. Not even Xu Chun.

Secretary Zhao couldn’t help but recall when Xu Chun had been cornered, on the verge of being blacklisted and forced out of the entertainment industry. If Qin Yao hadn’t stepped in at the critical moment, Xu Chun would have long vanished from the scene.

She still couldn’t fathom why Qin Yao would go to such lengths for Xu Chun, even if Jiang Zhaolie had wronged her.

But these weren’t matters for an employee to dwell on, so Secretary Zhao composed herself, focusing intently on Qin Yao’s next words. Just as she pricked up her ears, Qin Yao said, “Fifteen percent.”

Secretary Zhao: “?!”

She stared at Qin Yao in disbelief. “President Qin.” Have you lost your mind today?!

Fifteen percent. That was five times Jiang Zhaolie’s stake!

Hearing her voice, Qin Yao gave Secretary Zhao a faint glance just one look, and Secretary Zhao instinctively shut her mouth. Director Qin must have her reasons and calculations for doing this.

Though she thought so, Secretary Zhao absolutely refused to believe it.

She stared at Qin Yao’s hand as she signed the document, her eyes dark with emotion, feeling as if her own heart was bleeding on Qin Yao’s behalf. With this signature, Xu Chun would instantly become one of the country’s top-tier wealthy women the kind whose every move would be fawned over by high-society ladies.

Secretary Zhao clenched her fists, and suddenly, a thought struck her like a bolt of inspiration.

Could this just be Director Qin’s unremarkable little trick to win a girl’s heart?!

The more she thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. Director Qin was ruthless with few words, pragmatic and profit-driven to the core. For her to give away so many benefits today she must truly adore Xu Chun to the bone.

Convinced she had uncovered the truth, Secretary Zhao’s expression relaxed, prompting Qin Yao to glance at her several times in puzzlement.

After receiving Qin Yao’s response, the woman on the phone temporarily suppressed the others’ desire to change plans. The arrangements for Secretly Falling for You remained unchanged, and on the surface, the online buzz had no impact on the production team. Everyone carried on as usual, with everything appearing calm.

The lack of any official response only fueled public anticipation. Some even joked about banding together to steal the show’s master tapes, sparking a wave of agreement. Of course, it was all in jest they knew full well that attempting such a thing would land them behind bars immediately. So despite their restless excitement, they could only wait patiently for the broadcast.

After browsing through the online chatter, Xu Chun was about to put her phone down when her left eyelid suddenly started twitching violently. Instinctively, she grabbed a tissue to press against it, a superstitious gesture to “cancel out” the omen but Zheng Yanran stopped her. “What are you doing?”

“Left eye twitching means fortune, right eye means disaster! Your left eye’s going crazy you’re about to hit the jackpot!”

Xu Chun slowly typed out a question mark in response: “?” Superstitious nonsense.

But Zheng Yanran was fired up, staring at her intently. “What have you secretly invested in behind our backs to make such a fortune?” She scrutinized Xu Chun before suddenly switching to a fawning tone. “Sis, remember your friends when you strike it rich!”

At a loss for words, Xu Chun deadpanned, “Maybe it’s a sign that I’ll become wildly famous from this drama, a household name.”

Zheng Yanran pondered this and found it plausible. Her eyes lit up, and she immediately made her escape. “I’m full heading home now.”

As she grabbed her bag and stood, she muttered under her breath, “Gotta ask Mom for some money quick, see if I can squeeze in another investment to cash in.”

Xu Chun and Jiang Banxia, who heard every word: “…”

“I’m about done too. Let’s go.” Jiang Banxia paid the bill, and after they went downstairs together, Xu Chun declined their offer to drive her back, waving her car keys. “I drove here.”

“Drive safe, then. Text us when you get to the hotel.”

Xu Chun nodded. “Will do.”

Xu Chun’s left eyelid kept twitching nonstop throughout the journey, and it continued intermittently for several days afterward. When her manager heard about it, there was a long silence before the reply came: [“Take some time off from filming and go see a doctor.”]

Xu Chun also fell silent for a long moment before responding: [“Alright.”]

Superstitious beliefs really shouldn’t be indulged.

Xu Chun ended up dragging He Qingli along for a thorough checkup, but the doctor concluded it was simply due to excessive fatigue and recommended she rest for a while. After staring at each other for what felt like ages, the doctor finally relented and reluctantly prescribed some medication, allowing Xu Chun to leave with He Qingli in tow.

He Qingli’s eyelid twitched as she glanced at the prescription in Xu Chun’s hand. Thankfully, they would wrap up filming in at most another month and a half. Otherwise, she wasn’t sure how much longer either of them could endure under such grueling conditions.

After all, they were delicate young women, and working in this remote, unfamiliar mountainous region was already a tremendous challenge, not to mention the sheer volume of daily filming.

On top of that, Xu Chun still managed to squeeze in an hour of self-defense training every day, leaving He Qingli utterly in awe of her resilience.

Though He Qingli saw it as unnecessary suffering, Xu Chun had stubbornly persisted for over half a month, no less.

During that time, Xu Chun might as well have been living in hell, enduring immense physical and mental strain. However, there was some good news from home: her parents had fully boarded the “Tianyu” ship and had even established favorable relationships with Qin Yao, Zheng Jinchan, and Zhao Ciying.

Occasional exchanges of courtesy gifts between them had also deterred others who had been eyeing the Xu family, keeping potential threats at bay for the time being.

Seizing this opportunity to quietly strengthen their position, Tang Shiyu worked tirelessly with Xu’s father, and through the collective efforts of the entire company, they quickly solidified their foundation and firmly established themselves in the industry.

Ongoing projects progressed smoothly, while new opportunities, many stemming from their connections with Qin Yao and others poured in like snowflakes, leaving Tang Shiyu almost overwhelmed with choices.

Among them were investors and advertisers who had previously collaborated with Xu Chun, all hoping to build closer ties for potential future partnerships.

Only now did the two truly feel as though they were being divinely aided. It seemed they no longer had to exhaust themselves to reap rewards that once required immense effort. This realization further cemented Tang Shiyu’s determination to expand the company’s scale.

However, it was still too early for such ambitions. Their immediate priority was to execute their current projects flawlessly and build a strong reputation.

Only then could they fully capitalize on future opportunities from other channels.

Tang Shiyu had always harbored grand ambitions, and the current circumstances provided the perfect stage for her to shine. After carefully evaluating her options, she ultimately set her sights on Qin Yao.

After all, in every aspect, Qin Yao was beyond reproach.

She possessed ample ability herself and had adjusted her strategy within just over a year, striving for even greater heights, something few ordinary people could achieve. Some, upon reaching a certain level, either indulged in complacency or let their ambitions lead them astray, seemingly destined for ruin sooner or later.

But Qin Yao was different. She remained laser-focused on her goals, fighting tirelessly without a moment’s respite.

For a strong, career-driven woman like her, Tang Shiyu felt a mix of admiration and concern.

She was pleased that someone so disciplined and self-restrained would undoubtedly be highly responsible. Yet, she worried could someone so single-minded ever spare a thought for anything else?

She still remembered every word her daughter had said that day.

In truth, even Xu Chun herself wasn’t entirely certain anymore.

When someone is merely impressive, one might feel intrigued and eager to win them over. But when they become so outstanding, so far beyond reach, hesitation inevitably creeps in.

Two people too far apart can never last. Only those on equal footing make the best partners.

And clearly, as Qin Yao deviated from the novel’s plot and grew increasingly formidable, the distance between her and Xu Chun widened.

During the variety show filming, Xu Chun hadn’t felt it much. But now, a quick glance online revealed endless media praise lauding the might of the Qin business empire, Qin Yao’s relentless focus, her success, her adoration. The more she read, the more her lingering hopes quietly faded.

Especially when she saw Qin Yao in news clips, surrounded by sharp-suited elites, her striking yet inscrutable face growing ever more distant and unapproachable that feeling peaked.

In just a few months, Qin Yao had seemingly leapt from an ordinary A-tier card to an S-tier supreme overlord card, her aura radiating an untouchable nobility alongside her success.

It was like having a close friend who was a millionaire, only to watch her ascend step by step until she became a billionaire revered even by kings. The subtle shift in emotions was something only those involved could truly grasp.

Xu Chun had always been self-aware. She had to admit by now, she no longer dared to harbor grand illusions about Qin Yao.

After all, a prince falling for Cinderella was just a fairy tale.

And she was merely a side character in this world.

Brimming with this inexplicable melancholy, Xu Chun barely paid attention to Yu Sui’an’s affairs. Sitting under the sunlight, her expression tinged with quiet sorrow, her cascading hair glowed brilliantly like seaweed.

The moment He Qingli wrapped up filming, she spotted Xu Chun’s despondent figure. Unable to resist, she strode over only to notice Xu Chun’s fingers tapping incessantly on her phone screen before she even got close.

Only when she got closer did she realize Xu Chun was mechanically and numbly tapping the wooden fish on the screen in repetition. With each tap, the words “Merit +1” “Merit +1” “Merit +1” “Merit +1.” would float above the screen.

He Qingli couldn’t help but ask, “What are you doing?”

Xu Chun snapped out of it and reflexively replied, “Accumulating virtue through good deeds.”

He Qingli slowly typed out a line of question marks before saying, “You seem quite superstitious lately.”

She sensed something was off about Xu Chun’s mood but couldn’t pinpoint the reason. Sitting down beside her casually, she mentioned, “President Qin has been making waves recently. Not only has he been attending many domestic events, but he was even featured prominently in foreign media a couple of days ago.”

Given the nature of foreign media outlets, it’s already remarkable that they managed to report Qin Yao’s success objectively.

This was partly because during her recent trip abroad, Qin Yao had been rubbing shoulders with renowned industry leaders from various fields, both domestically and internationally.

When He Qingli said this, Xu Chun felt even more disheartened.

Qin Yao’s path of self-improvement seemed to have no ceiling. She adhered to strict discipline, possessed extraordinary self-control, and was intensely goal-oriented. Xu Chun genuinely admired people like her.

After all, ordinary people like herself might earn some money, achieve a short-term goal, and immediately think about rewarding themselves with some well-deserved laziness. Life is short indulging in pleasure is the way to go.

But Qin Yao wasn’t like that.

She seemed tireless, never stopping, constantly striving for her dreams and ambitions.

Xu Chun had once wondered if Qin Yao was a reincarnator, but now, regardless of whether she was or not, Xu Chun respected her deeply. If Qin Yao wasn’t reborn, Xu Chun admired her perseverance. If she was, Xu Chun admired her even more for remaining unshaken by external temptations.

After all, very few people could resist such allure.

As she pondered, Xu Chun realized the gap between her and Qin Yao was growing even wider.

Lost in her thoughts, He Qingli suddenly asked, “Sister Xu Chun, what’s your life goal?”

Xu Chun turned to look at her. He Qingli met her gaze seriously. After a long pause and careful consideration, Xu Chun replied, “To become the best version of myself that I can be.”

She didn’t know how far she could go or when her life might end, so she didn’t dare make any grand promises.

He Qingli’s eyes gleamed. “Then what do you think of President Qin now?”

Xu Chun didn’t understand the question but answered honestly and succinctly, “Untouchable, like a deity.”

“So, don’t you want to see someone you admire someone like that lower herself just for you? To step down from her pedestal and offer all her passion and sincerity to you alone?”

“In this world, you would be her one and only exception.”

Xu Chun’s heart skipped a beat, an uncontrollable tremor running through her chest.

She couldn’t deny it at that moment, she was utterly captivated.

After a long silence, Xu Chun’s gaze gradually hardened with resolve. She slowly lifted her eyes and said softly, “I understand.” She took a deep breath. “Since someone this extraordinary has appeared in my life, I have no reason to let her slip away.”

“If I can’t have her easily, then I’ll just take her by force.”

“Right?”

He Qingli: “?”

I was trying to encourage you, to keep you from underestimating yourself not to make you overconfident or turn you into some unreasonable, domineering bandit!

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