After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 70

Hata Yao unexpectedly brought out such a large number of items. Wait, what? A betrothal gift?!

Tang Shiyu and Xu’s father were both momentarily stunned, only regaining their senses after a long pause. She exchanged a glance with her husband, forcing down the shock that surged within her to maintain the calm and poise of a refined lady. “Mr. Qin, I don’t understand your intentions.”

Taking a deep breath, she let her gaze fall on the thick stack of documents, refusing to take them.

Qin Yao had been gentlemanly enough to give them time to digest the news without excessive words, but as soon as Tang Shiyu spoke, a smile appeared at the corner of Qin Yao’s lips as she placed the documents directly beside Tang Shiyu’s hand, countering with a question, “Mrs. Xu, wouldn’t you like to take a look first?”

“Or perhaps we could discuss it while we read?”

At this moment, although Qin Yao spoke softly, her tone carried an undeniable insistence that left no room for refusal. Tang Shiyu’s fingertips trembled slightly, and after a moment of hesitation, she nodded, “…Alright.”

After saying this, she picked up the pristine document that looked freshly prepared. As she opened the first page, her attention was immediately captured by the few lines of text at the top: fifteen percent of Qin’s shares?!

Tang Shiyu was instantly startled, nearly jumping out of her seat. Fortunately, Xu’s father reacted quickly and pressed her down, preventing her from losing composure in front of everyone. Dry-mouthed and heart racing, she struggled to pull her gaze away from those two lines, feeling as if her heart might burst from her chest. “Mr. Qin, this…”

“It is my own choice.” Unlike her previous aloofness on screen, Qin Yao’s demeanor was now gentle, even patient and approachable. Yet, Tang Shiyu dared not think of her as an easy target just because of this momentary kindness.

The light tapping of Qin Yao’s fingertips on the table felt like heavy punches landing on Tang Shiyu’s chest.

“This is my most basic respect and material assurance for her.”

Tang Shiyu was at a loss for words to describe the shock she felt inside. It was one thing for her daughter to have feelings for someone, but to realize that the other party felt the same way was another matter entirely. Not only that, but it seemed the other party had already planned this in advance, preparing everything ahead of time. Her gaze shifted to the pile of priceless betrothal gifts.

Although she hadn’t finished reading, just those few lines at the front were enough to prove Qin Yao’s seriousness and the importance she placed on this.

But, “Why?”

Tang Shiyu genuinely couldn’t understand. She knew her daughter was a top star, very popular, and even Zhao Ciying and Zheng Jinchang had intentions of befriending her. However, building relationships and exchanging gifts for marriage were two entirely different matters.

Their Xu family was at best a minor noble family, completely different from a tycoon like Qin Yao, whose business empire spanned the globe. The disparity in status and wealth between them was like night and day, and how could they possibly catch up to Qin Yao’s family background in such a short time? It was as if two vast oceans separated them.

In such a situation, how could Qin Yao proactively and sincerely seek to marry her daughter?

Although their daughter was not lacking and could even be considered excellent, Tang Shiyu still felt something was off.

She couldn’t quite articulate it, but she unconsciously furrowed her brow, gazing in confusion at the subtle changes in Qin Yao’s expression.

“Because…” Qin Yao’s unhurried tone successfully drew Tang Shiyu and Xu’s father’s hearts to a high tension, “I want to accompany her through the second half of her life. To participate in everything she does, to exist in every moment she experiences.”

The unexpected answer was almost romantic, but…

Tang Shiyu gently set down the document in her hands, a hint of difficulty crossing her face. “Marriage is a significant matter; we always prioritize our daughter’s opinion.” She smiled apologetically, “I’m sorry, but we probably can’t give you a definitive answer right now.”

“I understand.” The smile on Qin Yao’s face faded slightly, like early spring snow silently melting away to reveal a brilliant spring light. “My main purpose today is to let you know my attitude and sincerity.”

They could see Qin Yao’s sincerity, and it must be said that their feelings were exceptionally complex at this moment.

Before coming, Tang Shiyu had considered so much, feeling anxious and urging her husband not to bring it up. Yet, who would have thought that as soon as they gathered, Qin Yao would drop such a heavy bombshell, leaving Tang Shiyu’s mind in a daze, still feeling somewhat unreal, as if she were dreaming.

“Mrs. Xu and Mr. Xu might as well take a look at the list.” Qin Yao said with a subtle hint of urgency, “If there’s anything unsatisfactory, please bring it up now, and I will change it immediately.”

Unsatisfactory? No, no, no, how could they dare to be unsatisfied?

Qin Yao didn’t mind that the Xu family was of humble means; they couldn’t possibly have any other opinions.

However, despite this, Tang Shiyu and Xu’s father couldn’t suppress their curiosity and began to examine the list seriously. The more they looked, the more shocked they became; Qin Yao’s sincerity was overwhelming, as if she were willing to hand over all her wealth and salary to Xu Chun.

After the initial shock, Tang Shiyu couldn’t help but feel a mix of amusement and disbelief.

Their daughter had been unceremoniously dumped by Jiang Zhaolie, only to be eyed by Jiang Zhaolie’s mother. What was this? A destined stepmother’s fate and a life of luxury?

To be sure, compared to Jiang Zhaolie, Qin Yao was simply incomparable, far superior in every way.

But, Tang Shiyu paused, wondering if Qin Yao’s complete willingness to put everything into the betrothal gifts meant she wasn’t afraid of losing? But soon, she thought: even if she lost, she could quickly make a comeback, and she had enough power to retaliate, making the other party suffer.

In an instant, Tang Shiyu’s heart was filled with a myriad of complex emotions. After she and her husband quietly browsed through the list, they had gone from shock to a state of numbness.

This could be said to be the most extravagant betrothal gift in history; she never imagined she would one day see something so remarkable.

Under Qin Yao’s slightly expectant gaze, Tang Shiyu’s face broke into a smile. “It’s quite good; there’s no problem.”

She added deliberately, “As long as our daughter likes it, everything is fine.”

Qin Yao set down her cup of water, saying meaningfully, “She will like it.”

Secretary Zhao and Tang Shiyu both felt a jolt in their eyelids, sensing an inexplicable premonition that Xu Chun was about to face a great misfortune. However, neither of them intended to remind Xu Chun, as this was not something they could interfere with.

If two people are meant to be together, they will find a way to be.

The atmosphere at the dinner table became much more relaxed and enjoyable. Tang Shiyu and Xu’s father gradually let go of their reservations and took the opportunity to discuss ongoing projects with Qin Yao, benefiting greatly and gaining confidence. Stimulated by Qin Yao’s priceless betrothal gifts, Xu’s father had already imagined countless possibilities for quickly making a fortune before the meal was even finished.

As dinner approached its end, Xu’s father finally settled on his thoughts, deciding to develop the company as much as possible before their daughter got married, to avoid being looked down upon and facing rumors.

After dinner, Qin Yao personally saw off Mr. Xu and Mrs. Xu to their car. The two felt somewhat awkward and flattered. Once they finally parted ways, Tang Shiyu sat in the back seat, unable to suppress a sigh of relief. Xu’s father blinked and asked, “Dear, I wasn’t dreaming just now, was I?”

The answer came in the form of a sharp pain in his waist, and he hurriedly covered the painful spot, grinning through the discomfort. “Got it, got it.”

No, it was definitely not a dream.

What merit did Xu Mingye have? In his lifetime, he actually had such a powerful and influential son-in-law.

Looking at her husband, whose face was about to split from smiling, Tang Shiyu furrowed her brow slightly and couldn’t help but remind him, “Don’t forget the gap between us and Mr. Qin…”

“Not a big deal.” Xu’s father rubbed his hands together. “Just wait, dear. Within three years, I may not be able to develop the company to Qin’s level, but breaking into the mid-tier of the nobility will definitely be no problem.”

That would be wonderful, Tang Shiyu thought with some anticipation.

If Qin Yao had similar thoughts for their daughter, that would be even better; otherwise their daughter would have to endure too much suffering in love. She looked out the window, unexpectedly recalling when Xu Chun was little, and she had gone to have her fortune told. The fortune teller had said, “This child is destined for a short life!”

“Wait,  it seems there’s still a glimmer of hope for renewal, a chance for reversal.” The fortune teller had carefully speculated for a long time, and after an hour, he finally relaxed his tightly furrowed brows. “She is destined to face a calamity; if she survives it, all will be well. If not…”

Tang Shiyu understood the unspoken implications without needing the fortune teller to finish.

Just as she was worrying, the fortune teller had added, “She is destined to have a benefactor. If that benefactor is willing to help, she can live without worry for the rest of her life.”

At that time, Tang Shiyu had been anxious and couldn’t help but ask, “Will that benefactor really step in?”

The fortune teller had looked at her for a long time, ambiguously saying, “No, but yes.”

Such words had left Tang Shiyu flustered and confused. Now, she suddenly recalled, and she couldn’t help but bite her lip, wondering if the calamity he spoke of referred to Jiang Zhaolie’s reckless decision to break off the engagement with her daughter?

If Qin Yao was sincere, then Tang Shiyu couldn’t deny that her daughter had indeed found a way out of despair.

After thinking for a moment, Tang Shiyu couldn’t help but remind her daughter, “In the future, be a bit more reserved and dignified in front of Mr. Qin, don’t scare him away.”

Xu Chun immediately responded with a confused, “Huh?”

“Mom, what do you mean? I didn’t run naked to his bed; how could I scare him away?”

Tang Shiyu’s eyelids twitched violently, “…”

She should have known it would be like this.

Tang Shiyu decided not to engage in banter with Xu Chun anymore and intended to focus on her own matters. However, Xu Chun insisted on asking her about what happened during their meal with Qin Yao, even pretending to be disheartened and speaking of her own insecurities in front of Qin Yao.

Tang Shiyu’s head was buzzing from her incessant chatter, and after Xu Chun continued her monologue, she finally couldn’t help but raise her voice, “Stop obsessing over how strong and impressive Qin Yao is. If you like her, go pursue her; if you can’t catch her, then steal her. I believe that in this world, where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Xu Chun hesitated for a moment, suddenly doubting her ears: “…???”

Mom, you clearly didn’t say that just now.

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