After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 81

Tonight’s Qin Yao was not domineering at all, but rather exceptionally gentle so gentle that Xu Chun unwittingly fell under her spell, becoming utterly compliant and obedient to her every word.

The soft glow of the living room lights spilled over Xu Chun, casting a faint flush on her cheeks. The delicate pink blooming on her fair skin was like a flower in full bloom, fragrant and utterly captivating.

In Qin Yao’s eyes, Xu Chun had always been beautiful. Whether it was during her past fiery, unapproachable days when she exuded an intimidating aura, or now, when she seemed clever yet somehow not all that bright, she was radiant, vivid, and full of life.

Ever since witnessing the series of tragedies that befell Jiang Zhaolie’s birth mother due to love in her youth, Qin Yao had completely severed any thoughts of romance. In this world, love was both the most precious and the most painful thing. Yet, what most people called love was, in the end, nothing more than self-indulgent sentimentality.

That deep obsession not only failed to bring happiness but instead led to unbearable suffering, until one unconsciously lost themselves in it, becoming worthless slaves empty shells of their former selves.

Was she really that familiar with Wen Xiangyang? Qin Yao didn’t think so. Perhaps precisely because they weren’t close, when she saw how Wen Xiangyang became humbled and hysterical over a man utterly unworthy of her, Qin Yao began to fear love from the bottom of her heart.

How old had Wen Xiangyang been back then? Not even at the age of first love. Yet this girl, who should have been focused solely on her studies, carefree and unburdened, had broken free from all restraints, unable to resist temptation, and recklessly thrown herself toward what she alone believed was salvation. It was shocking. Unbelievable.

Qin Yao had always disliked things slipping beyond her control this had been true since childhood.

So when she had fully expected to spend a peaceful year or two abroad as exchange students with Wen Xiangyang, returning home accomplished and successful, Wen Xiangyang’s death struck her perception and heart like a brutal blow.

She couldn’t understand why anyone would abandon their parents, their bright future, even their life, for such a man. To Qin Yao, the weight of life, the richness of its meaning, no matter what, even if not for family, one should at least take responsibility for themselves.

After Wen Xiangyang’s death, Qin Yao had once visited her parents. The two lived in a dilapidated thatched hut, freezing in winter and sweltering in summer, with everything inside broken and worn not even an electric light. She was so stunned she couldn’t speak, unable to fathom that such suffering still existed in the world.

At the time, Wen Xiangyang’s mother had been numb, showing no reaction to her daughter’s death, while her father wept bitterly, pounding the wall in regret, wishing he could follow his daughter to the grave.

This ill-fated man had pinned all his hopes on his daughter, dreaming that once she succeeded in her studies, she would lift them out of hardship. But reality had doused him in cold water.

Back then, Qin Yao had only been fourteen or fifteen, untouched by life’s harsher storms. But after witnessing the suffering of Wen Xiangyang’s parents, she silently distanced herself from anything to do with love.

She never believed anyone could compel her to make such drastic changes and sacrifices. She feared ending up like Wen Xiangyang utterly defeated in the end.

She couldn’t afford to gamble, nor did she want to.

Until Xu Chun appeared.

That unyielding vitality, that fiercely imposing demeanor like a kitten with claws always at the ready, indiscriminately warning everyone around her.

She was always domineering, her expression icy. Even when facing her superior, she refused to yield, let alone when dealing with Yu Sui’an and Jiang Zhaolie, whom she particularly disliked.

If those two so much as displeased her, she would mock them mercilessly, regardless of the setting, leaving them flushed with embarrassment, wishing they could dig a hole and bury themselves.

In Xu Chun’s presence, Jiang Zhaolie and Yu Sui’an always seemed a step behind, crushed under her dominance with no chance of recovery.

Later, Qin Yao often wondered if she had supported Xu Chun earlier, given her something to rely on, would all the tragedies that followed have been avoided? Would Xu Chun have remained forever innocent, lively, and radiant?

Free from the constant scheming, the caution, the meticulous planning, the perpetual fear of slipping up and vanishing without a trace in this world.

For Xu Chun, perhaps the most unbearable thing wasn’t disappearing unremembered, but the fact that despite giving her all, despite fighting back with everything she had, she still lost everything to forces beyond her control.

Her pride refused to accept such an outcome.

Like when Qin Yao later met her at the company though it wasn’t their first encounter, Xu Chun stood tall, her unyielding spirit as striking as plum blossoms in the depths of winter, breathtaking and deeply moving.

Qin Yao’s warm hands traced slowly over Xu Chun’s sensitive skin, sending involuntary shivers down her spine as Qin Yao’s magnetic voice whispered by her ear, “I missed you.”

Countless nights and days, she had longed to pull her close, to promise that this time, she would never let her suffer even the slightest harm or injustice again.

But she hesitated, wavered until tonight, when Xu Chun took that step toward her.

Only now did Qin Yao finally feel the reality of truly possessing her, merging with her life, entwining with her future. Qin Yao’s deep, mesmerizing eyes softened with tenderness, making Xu Chun’s heart tremble but before she could even react, Qin Yao’s relentless assault overwhelmed her.

Xu Chun couldn’t help but think: “?”

Where’s the gentle older sister I was promised?

Gentle or not, Xu Chun no longer had the energy to care. All she knew was that her body was about to fall apart.

All night, Qin Yao was insatiable, exhilarated like a starved wolf, fervent and wild, impossible to resist.

Xu Chun’s vision blurred, her breaths coming in soft, enticing gasps that only deepened the intoxicating haze between them.

When the storm finally subsided, Qin Yao held her tightly, realizing she had never been so shameless using sweet, deceitful words to coax and tempt, making Xu Chun willingly surrender, melting into her grasp.

Qin Yao’s gaze lightly swept over Xu Chun’s exhausted eyes glistening with sweat. After resting briefly, she took the initiative to pick Xu Chun up, intending to help her freshen up. But Xu Chun shuddered involuntarily and quickly turned to look at her, eyes full of accusation.

Qin Yao couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction. “I’m just going to help you wash up, that’s all.”

Xu Chun believed her and then came to deeply understand that a woman’s words in bed were utterly unreliable.

By the time the first light of dawn appeared, Xu Chun was too exhausted to keep her eyes open and drifted off to sleep. Qin Yao lay beside her, holding her for a while before quietly getting up to open her laptop. After finishing yesterday’s backlog of work, she dove straight into a video conference that lasted the entire morning.

Jiang Zhaolie stared at Qin Yao’s face on the screen, sensing something different about her.

Yet Qin Yao was dressed neatly, her expression natural, leaving no obvious clues. Jiang Zhaolie scrutinized her silently for a long time until Qin Yao turned to grab something and in that fleeting moment, a mark on her neck flashed across the screen, so quickly that Jiang Zhaolie almost thought she had imagined it.

Her chest tightened violently, and a suspicion she didn’t want to believe surged in her heart. She desperately tried to convince herself maybe Mom had an itch and scratched too hard, leaving behind a mark that could easily be mistaken for something else.

But deep down, she knew she was just lying to herself.

Unwilling to accept it, Jiang Zhaolie kept her gaze fixed on Qin Yao. After what felt like an eternity, when Qin Yao lowered her head again, she finally got a clear enough look. Though partially obscured by Qin Yao’s hair, it was unmistakable,

A hickey.

And one that had been left recently most likely just last night.

Because it definitely hadn’t been there during the day yesterday.

Recalling Qin Yao’s schedule from the day before, Jiang Zhaolie’s heart sank like a stone.

She had clung to hope, convincing herself that the two of them wouldn’t actually end up together. Mom was always so busy, swamped with endless responsibilities, and at her age, who had time for romance? But reality had slapped her hard not only had Qin Yao made time for love amidst her hectic life, but she had also swiftly solidified her relationship with Xu Chun in such a short span.

From today onward, Xu Chun was officially Mom’s her stepmother.

Pretending she wasn’t upset would be a lie. Dazed, Jiang Zhaolie didn’t react even when Qin Yao called her name multiple times. Eventually, Qin Yao ended the meeting early and called her privately. “What were you distracted about just now?”

“N-Nothing,” Jiang Zhaolie forced out, trying to mask her disappointment. “Just thinking about some issues with the project you mentioned earlier.”

Qin Yao studied her for a long moment. “Finish your current tasks as soon as possible and come back.”

Jiang Zhaolie didn’t ask nor did she want to, why Qin Yao was suddenly in such a hurry. It was undoubtedly related to Xu Chun. After ending the call, restless and agitated, she drove to a bar for the first time in ages.

She ordered a pile of drinks and sat alone in a corner, wanting nothing more than to drown her sorrows in alcohol until she was thoroughly drunk.

Yu Sui’an was unwinding at a bar with a few young clients when, after several rounds of drinks, one suddenly pointed at Jiang Zhaolie and said, “Hey, isn’t that President Jiang?” The client’s flickering gaze carried a hint of mischief as they added, “Ms. Yu, aren’t you going to say hello?”

Of course, Yu Sui’an wanted nothing to do with Jiang Zhaolie, but the leering men before her were even more repulsive. Seizing the opportunity, she stood up, her heavily made-up face wearing an apologetic smile. “Excuse me, Mr. Zhang, I’ll have to step away for a moment.”

Without waiting for his response, she strode straight toward Jiang Zhaolie, her brow furrowed and tone sharp. “What are you doing here alone?”

Jiang Zhaolie lifted her eyes at the sound and, recognizing her, retorted mockingly, “What’s it to you?”

After a pause, she took in Yu Sui’an’s haughty demeanor and couldn’t help but laugh, deliberately provoking her. “You don’t know yet, do you?” She drew out her words, stretching Yu Sui’an’s patience to its limit until the latter’s face was etched with irritation. Only then did Jiang Zhaolie slowly continue, “Xu Chun spent last night with my mother.”

“They’ve already confirmed their relationship. It probably won’t be long before they go public.”

“Impossible!” Yu Sui’an couldn’t stop herself from exclaiming. “How could she possibly be with Qin Yao?! Sister Xu is so young, so beautiful, so ambitious and principled, how could she debase herself for resources?!”

“Stop projecting your filthy thoughts onto others. What’s wrong with my mother? She’s young and accomplished, a self-made success with wealth beyond measure. Why shouldn’t she be with Xu Chun?” Jiang Zhaolie sneered. “They’re deeply in love, perfectly matched, who are you to judge?”

Jiang Zhaolie stood, looking down at Yu Sui’an as she vented all her pent-up frustration. “Don’t tell me you still think you have a chance?”

Yu Sui’an stared back coldly, silent.

Jiang Zhaolie met her gaze unflinchingly. “I won’t let you ruin their relationship.”

Her slightly intoxicated eyes narrowed. “At first, I was upset when I heard the news. But seeing you even more miserable than me now somehow, that makes me feel better.”

I have feelings, so it’s understandable. Your unhappiness is my celebration. After all, you only lost a little love, while I gained a stepmother younger than me!

Yu Sui’an was speechless after hearing this: “…” Are you out of your mind?

Why are you always fixated on me? Am I your enemy? Clearly, your mother is!

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