After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 85

Xu Chun noticed that Qin Yao was particularly fond of this kind of intimacy.

Whenever she had a spare moment day or night, no matter what they were doing or what sweet topic they were discussing, Qin Yao would cling to her like an affectionate large dog, practically inseparable at all times.

Though Qin Yao’s behavior filled Xu Chun’s heart with sweetness and happiness, it wasn’t just simple cuddling. They were both adults, after all, so things inevitably escalated beyond what minors could handle.

As a result, despite enjoying good food and comfort every day for half a month, Xu Chun still lost several pounds. She grew even more slender, yet radiant her beauty and gentleness exuding an alluring charm that made hearts flutter.

Fans scrutinized various candid photos online, increasingly convinced that their idol was in love. However, Xu Chun had no shortage of rumored love interests, Qin Yao from before, Zhao Ciying who occasionally made bold public declarations of affection, or Jiang Banxia, her long-time “white moonlight,” who was now spending nearly every day with her promoting their new drama. With so many candidates, fans were left guessing who the real one might be.

Yet, Xu Chun’s current state was undeniably glowing. Her skin was flawless like fine jade, her cheeks rosy, and her shimmering eyes blinked with a mesmerizing allure, as if capable of stealing souls.

Lately, she had been meticulously dressing up at all times. When wearing elegant dresses, she resembled a pristine lotus, ethereal even without makeup. In bold, glamorous outfits, she commanded an overwhelming presence, powerful and striking, leaving fans swooning and calling her “husband.”

Just as Xu Chun’s beauty was dominating the entertainment industry, the TV drama finally premiered.

Fans eagerly gathered around their TVs, while those without one clutched their phones or laptops, watching the clock and refreshing the page the moment the show went live, unwilling to miss a single second.

Productions under Qin Yao’s film company were always top-tier. Whether in plot, editing, atmosphere, or cinematography, her dramas were flawless in every aspect.

The opening sequence alone captivated countless viewers.

Xu Chun’s stunning androgynous look her striking beauty laced with a sharp, domineering aura was breathtaking. A single glance from her carried an intense, almost aggressive magnetism. Yet, despite her dangerous allure, her captivating charm made it impossible to resist the urge to throw caution to the wind.

Within just a couple of minutes, the audience was utterly entranced, unable to look away.

Aside from Xu Chun, Jiang Banxia’s aristocratic elegance in the drama also drew significant attention. At first glance, she appeared haughty and unapproachable, but within minutes, her character took a complete 180-degree turn. Her superb acting brought to life a spoiled yet guileless heiress with vivid authenticity.

When she shared the screen with Xu Chun, their breathtaking visuals created nothing short of a visual feast for the audience.

Two equally tall figures with nearly identical heights, one exuding noble elegance with a cold, lethal beauty like a gleaming blade, the other radiant and haughty, every word laced with biting sarcasm and explosive tension. The moment they met, the electrifying atmosphere instantly had viewers screaming: “I’m shipping them so hard! This is everything!”

No one could resist beautiful women, especially when both were among the most stunning faces in the entertainment industry.

Xu Chun’s casually provocative glance met Jiang Banxia’s habitual indifference, yet somehow, their dynamic felt like a celestial pairing utterly unmatched in this world.

By the time the second episode ended, the audience was left craving more, wishing they could binge the entire series in one go.

The platform, seemingly attuned to viewers’ desires, promptly rolled out a VIP membership promotion offering four additional episodes. Fans immediately clicked “subscribe” without hesitation, while those without accounts frantically messaged friends: “Do you have a membership? Anyone got VIP?”

As people scrambled to borrow accounts, those who’d already devoured the first six episodes flooded social media with impassioned reactions.

Xu Chun had never been typecast on screen. Whether playing a delinquent youth, a scheming historical villain, or a complex grandmother role requiring aged makeup, each character posed unique challenges though her previous roles often carried negative undertones.

But this time was different. Her CEO Lin character blurred moral lines with an unpredictable temperament that defied expectations. Yet this impatient woman showed inexplicable tolerance toward the spoiled heiress, remaining unruffled by every barbed remark while gazing at her with unmistakable tenderness.

These fleeting moments instantly fleshed out CEO Lin’s multidimensional persona. But after the initial shipping frenzy, fans began noticing discrepancies.

[Wait,  wasn’t Yu Sui’an supposed to be Xu Chun’s love interest according to promotions?]

Though Yu Sui’an appeared frequently in these six episodes, her chemistry with Xu Chun paled compared to Jiang Banxia’s scenes. Despite playing an adorably clumsy assistant, Yu’s character somehow felt grating.

The questioning fan wondered if she’d subconsciously projected Yu’s controversial real-life persona onto the role. Tentatively raising this in the fandom forum, she was bombarded with replies:

[Promotions said they’d have scenes together, and they delivered! Yu’s troublemaker character is clearly setting up future conflicts, I can’t wait for their explosive feud later!]

The confused fan: ?

“Scenes together” meant this? But wasn’t Yu originally promoted as Xu’s romantic pairing?

However, with only six episodes aired so far, fans were hesitant and questioning whether they should wait to watch more episodes before making a judgment, as it seemed too early to draw conclusions at this stage.

But she wasn’t the only one with such doubts. Comments had already started appearing in the discussion section:
[“Compared to Yu Sui’an, the chemistry between the ‘White Moonlight’ and Sister Xu is way stronger. How about we just let them end up together? I’d totally ship that!”]

[“Seconded! Honestly, someone really didn’t need to show up just to ruin the vibe.”]

[“I get the feeling the production team anticipated this outcome and changed the script early on, even replacing the second female lead? The ‘White Moonlight’ has been appearing way too frequently lately. At this rate, I might just switch sides.”]

[“But isn’t the current plot direction a complete deviation from the original novel?”]

[“Deviation? The original author was involved in adapting the screenplay. Are you saying their creative input doesn’t count?”]

The discussion quickly escalated into heated debates over sensitive topics like script alterations, the original novel, and the author’s involvement, turning the fan community into a battlefield. Ordinary fans stayed silent, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire.

Amid the online uproar, Yu Sui’an sat frozen, gripping her phone tightly. This wasn’t the script she had seen at all!

The version she had received back then had a completely different storyline.

The production team had deceived her! Furious, she wanted to expose their malicious intentions, but when she opened Weibo, a chilling realization hit her: she had fallen so far that no one would believe her even if she spoke up now.

And with Qin Yao closely monitoring her, there was no guarantee her posts would even make it online.

But should she just admit defeat? She couldn’t accept it.

She had hoped this drama would salvage her reputation and secure her standing in the Jiang family. Yet, against all expectations, Qin Yao had ruined everything. If her influence kept declining, her position in the Jiang household might soon become worse than a dog’s.

Yu Sui’an bit her lip hard, overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness for the first time in her life.

Perhaps the online chaos had grown too disruptive, affecting general viewers’ experience, as both the production team and the studio soon released official statements:

[“To prevent spoilers from the cast, each actor received a different version of the script, and none were complete. On behalf of the team, we sincerely thank all the hardworking actors for their dedication!”]

[“So, let’s all focus on enjoying the drama itself~”]

This explanation convinced many, who found it reasonable.

Of course, some troublemakers remained, sarcastically commenting:
[“This isn’t some palace intrigue drama, why the fake scripts? You’re just playing with the actors’ emotions.”]

In response, fans of Xu Chun and Jiang Banxia swiftly reported such remarks.

“Keeping the online space clean starts with us.”

The fans’ unyielding attitude gradually quieted the controversy. With the release of various edited videos, everyone became immersed in admiring the actors’ beauty, no longer paying attention to the sarcastic voices online.

“Let them say what they want. I love this drama regardless.”

“As long as I can enjoy my favorite CP, I don’t mind being used as a pawn. I’m willing.”

When Yu Sui’an saw the rapidly shifting public opinion online, the last shred of hope and wishful thinking in her heart was shattered. Now, she truly had to rely solely on herself to turn things around.

She had originally wanted to chase after Xu Chun, but who would have thought that at this moment, she was barely capable of even protecting herself?

She couldn’t help but wonder: when Xu Chun was embroiled in the cheating scandal because of her, had she been just as downcast and helpless? A bitter smile involuntarily tugged at her lips. Had she known it would come to this, she would never have acted so ruthlessly back then.

Otherwise, she could have ridden Xu Chun’s current wave of popularity to new heights, why would she be worrying about this and that now?

But alas, there were no “what ifs” in this world, nor any medicine for regret. No matter how remorseful or regretful she felt, it was all futile now.

Xu Chun was also following the drama with everyone else. As the actor with the most screen time, she had felt something was off when watching the opening credits. Half an episode in, she was struck with shock: this wasn’t the script she had received at all!

It wasn’t just different, it was completely unrelated.

She and Jiang Banxia had never had so many scenes together, let alone the numerous moments on screen where their gazes seemed to linger with unspoken tension.

Xu Chun instinctively turned to Qin Yao, who was handling work nearby. Sensing her accusatory gaze, Qin Yao raised a delicate eyebrow. “What’s wrong?” she asked, then immediately noticed the intimate, flirtatious exchange between Xu Chun and Jiang Banxia playing out on the TV.

Understanding Xu Chun’s silent question, Qin Yao remained composed. “A statement will be released online soon,” she said simply.

She admitted that from the beginning, she had harbored ill intentions toward Yu Sui’an. But back then, she hadn’t considered tampering with the drama that so many had poured their hearts into. It was only after her argument with Jiang Zhaolie that she stumbled upon an intriguing idea while browsing online. After careful consideration, Qin Yao swiftly adopted the suggestion.

After all, the thought of watching Xu Chun and Yu Sui’an share tender, affectionate moments on screen was unbearable to her.

So, without anyone’s knowledge, Qin Yao approached the editing team and hired a high-paid film consultant. She also summoned the director and the original author to the company to completely rework the drama’s concept.

No one had anticipated such an unexpected move from her.

Historically, no one had gone to such lengths expending effort without guaranteed returns.

But Qin Yao had no regrets. Watching Xu Chun and Jiang Banxia’s romantic scenes was far more enjoyable than witnessing Xu Chun entangled with Yu Sui’an.

Moreover, promoting Jiang Banxia now would capitalize on the drama’s popularity, boosting her fame and helping her establish a foothold in the business world. This would make dealing with the Jiang family much easier in the future.

After careful consideration, Qin Yao even reflected on herself: her perceptiveness still wasn’t sharp enough she hadn’t initially thought of using a TV drama to utterly ruin Yu Sui’an’s reputation and drag her name through the mud.

Xu Chun’s mind raced through various speculations, but in the end, she chose to trust Qin Yao. There must be some very special reason behind her actions. So after patiently watching the first six episodes, she had to admit that the current pacing and atmosphere were much more relaxed and enjoyable compared to when they were filming.

Faced with a character like Jiang Banxia sharp, beautiful, from an elite family, and formidable enough to be a strong ally, no one could resist being drawn to her.

In contrast, Yu Sui’an, with her outdated, clichéd trope of an ordinary girl from a modest background, made Xu Chun frown at her reckless behavior.

While most novels featured such naive and unaffected female leads, Xu Chun believed that these domineering CEOs, having experienced countless relationships and being particularly self-interested, would always prioritize their own benefits. So when it came to something as significant as marriage, how could they possibly choose someone from such a vastly different social standing?

Anyone with a bit of intelligence would know to choose a partner on equal footing even if there were differences, they wouldn’t be too extreme.

Xu Chun didn’t deny that wealthy heirs and heiresses could fall in love with ordinary girls who had nothing, but those cases were rare, maybe one in a hundred.

Moreover, Xu Chun refused to believe that the audience was foolish or blind.

How could anyone abandon such an outstanding, flawless heiress and instead pursue a useless, troublemaking girl from a poor background?

At the very least, Xu Chun wouldn’t.

Even if given a hundred chances, she would choose Jiang Banxia every single time.

After finishing the first six episodes, Xu Chun was completely hooked. The director’s clever touches and the editor’s masterful cuts almost made her believe that this was the script she had been given during filming.

Eagerly, she went online to see the audience’s reactions. When she saw the flood of praise, her slightly anxious heart finally settled. Just as she was about to check out other platforms for fan edits, she stumbled upon the official statement.

Xu Chun couldn’t help but glance at Qin Yao and mutter under her breath, “If I’d known this would happen, I would’ve put in more effort during filming with Jiang Banxia.”

What exactly she meant by “more effort” was obvious to Qin Yao.

Setting her laptop aside unhurriedly, Qin Yao noticed Xu Chun trying to slip away and immediately pulled her into her arms. “Are you regretting it now?”

“N-no!” Xu Chun shook her head vigorously, not daring to admit it.

But Qin Yao wasn’t about to let her off so easily. She stood up, scooped Xu Chun into her arms, and headed straight for the bedroom. “Since you filmed those scenes with them, why don’t you demonstrate for me now?”

Xu Chun’s expression stiffened, and she protested weakly, “Even if I were to demonstrate, I never filmed that kind of scene with them. ”

“You still want to film this kind of thing with them?” Qin Yao suddenly narrowed her eyes, her footsteps unconsciously quickening.

Xu Chun immediately responded with a “?”

How heartless, how cruel, how utterly unreasonable! When had she ever said she wanted to film something like that?!

Qin Yao was clearly making baseless accusations just to find an excuse to keep her in bed. By the time Xu Chun realized it, it was already too late.

After a passionate session with Qin Yao, Xu Chun was completely drained. Once Qin Yao had tenderly cleaned her up, she snuggled against her, scrolling through Weibo with great interest on her phone. As she browsed, she couldn’t help but glance at Qin Yao, her heart swelling with warmth.

She was fully aware crystal clear, in fact that the reason she had effortlessly reached her current position was entirely due to Qin Yao’s silent support and protection behind the scenes.

Without Qin Yao, her fate would most likely have mirrored the original storyline.

After all, back then, Yu Sui’an and Jiang Zhaolie had dominated public opinion, and Yu Sui’an’s fans were downright vicious. No matter what those two said, people would believe them. Meanwhile, she a disgraced, scandal-ridden actress accused of cheating, despite it being completely out of character, would only be met with sighs of, “You never truly know a person.”

But now, because Qin Yao had been keeping Jiang Zhaolie in check behind the scenes, she never dared to go too far with Xu Chun.

And because Qin Yao was there to counterbalance Yu Sui’an, no matter how strong the protagonist’s halo was, Yu Sui’an still had to kneel when facing the antagonist.

After all, the villain’s halo was invincible in the early stages.

The only thing she was grateful for was that neither she nor Qin Yao had ever given up on their own destinies. Both of them had struggled desperately, defying all odds to break free from fate’s shackles and become their true selves.

Xu Chun nestled her head obediently against Qin Yao. After some hesitation, she softly asked, “Sister, you once said our past life’s bond was left unfinished. What do you think our past life was like?”

“Did we…” She paused, her eyes filled with deep longing. “Did we succeed in the end?”

Qin Yao’s fingers stilled for a moment before she answered vaguely, “No matter how things ended before, this time, you have me.”

Hearing this, Xu Chun immediately understood.

So, they hadn’t succeeded.

A vague sense of disappointment settled in her chest, but before it could linger, the sound of the electronic lock disengaging came from the entrance. Xu Chun turned her head toward the door and soon spotted Jiang Zhaolie, along with someone who looked strangely familiar.

It took her a while to place the face, Zhou Yuying, Jiang Zhaolie’s admirer and her own childhood friend.

They had crossed paths once before, back when Xu Chun was picking out a dress for Jiang Zhaolie’s grandfather’s birthday after filming a variety show. At the time, Zhou Yuying had looked at her with unmistakable hostility, as if she were a rival in love.

And now, it was no different.

The moment Zhou Yuying saw Xu Chun, she pointed at her indignantly and demanded, “Xu Chun?! What are you doing in Zhaolie’s house?!”

Jiang Zhaolie couldn’t help but glance at her approvingly. Only after Zhou Yuying showed an aggrieved expression of suppressed anger did Jiang finally look away. Turning her head, she called out with great respect, “Mom.”

Mom? Zhou Yuying froze, instinctively looking over. She thought Jiang Zhaolie was addressing Qin Yao, but the only person on the sofa was Xu Chun. So, was she calling Xu Chun “Mom”?

In the blink of an eye, before Zhou Yuying’s brain could even process what was happening, her body had already jumped the gun. Instantly, she put on an ingratiating smile and sweetly called out after Jiang Zhaolie, “Mom! Good afternoon!”

Her demeanor was as if nothing had happened, completely unlike the ferocious person she’d been moments ago.

And because her greeting was so overly affectionate, not only was Xu Chun stunned even Zhou Yuying herself froze. “…?” How did I just call my love rival “Mom”?

Wait, how did Xu Chun move so fast? When she couldn’t win over the younger one, she immediately switched to the older one and succeeded.

For a moment, Zhou Yuying felt complicated emotions and couldn’t help but say, “Mom, you’re really dedicated to the Jiang family.” She paused. “Dedicated to milking the same family dry.”

As she spoke, Qin Yao happened to walk out, casting an eerie gaze toward Xu Chun.

Xu Chun instantly shuddered and shut her mouth.

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