After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother - Chapter 86

“What brings you here?” Xu Chun steeled herself under Qin Yao’s gaze and asked Jiang Zhaolie, attempting to divert Qin Yao’s attention.

Jiang Zhaolie glanced at her before walking over to Qin Yao, answering in a businesslike manner, “Reporting work.”

The current Jiang Zhaolie carried herself with a mature and composed demeanor, a far cry from the impulsive, seemingly brainless female lead Xu Chun had first encountered. Before this, Xu Chun had never paid much attention to Jiang Zhaolie or noticed her transformation. Only now did she suddenly realize that the once reckless protagonist had gradually grown serious and dignified.

For a moment, Xu Chun’s emotions were indescribably complex.

After dropping that single line, Jiang Zhaolie approached Qin Yao, and the two soon retreated to the study, closing the door behind them for a private conversation. Only after they had disappeared from sight did Xu Chun turn to Zhou Yuying. “And you?”

“What are you here for?”

Zhou Yuying instinctively wanted to snap back at Xu Chun, but at the very moment the words were about to leave her lips, reason flashed through her mind, reminding her of Xu Chun’s slightly higher seniority. Immediately, she forced herself to adopt an ingratiating smile. “I happened to run into Zhaolie on the way, and then it suddenly occurred to me that it’s been a long time since I last saw you, Mother. So I thought I’d drop by to visit.”

As she spoke, Zhou Yuying pulled out a delicate little jewelry box from her handbag. “Mother, look—this is a gift I carefully picked out just for you. Do you like it?”

“Honestly, I think this bracelet suits your temperament perfectly—graceful, beautiful, and kind-hearted. Mother, why don’t I help you put it on right now?”

She reached out, but Xu Chun deftly dodged, her lips twitching several times. “…That won’t be necessary.”

Jiang Zhaolie was one thing, but what was up with Zhou Yuying? The way she kept calling her “Mother” made Xu Chun feel like she had aged at least twenty years in an instant. Still, when Xu Chun compared Zhou Yuying’s current obedient, well-behaved demeanor to her former domineering, arrogant, and spoiled self, she couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of emotions.

…Being higher in seniority did seem to have its perks.

Unfazed by the rejection, Zhou Yuying half-persuaded, half-forced the jewelry box into Xu Chun’s hands. Despite Xu Chun’s repeated refusals, Zhou Yuying stealthily tucked it under a sofa cushion when she wasn’t looking.

This bracelet was a perpetually sold-out, globally limited-edition item, and even Zhou Yuying had gone through great lengths to acquire it today. Yet before she could even savor her purchase, she had already given it away.

Though her heart ached at the moment, pleasing her future mother-in-law was undoubtedly more important than a bracelet.

Thus, in the time that followed, Xu Chun was subjected to witnessing Zhou Yuying’s one hundred and eight different ways of laying on the flattery. Her sweet-talking was so excessive that even Xu Chun—who had grown up pampered in luxury—found it overwhelmingly gratifying.

“I never realized before that you could be so…” Xu Chun paused, carefully weighing her words before continuing, “…charming.”

“Really?” Zhou Yuying’s eyes lit up at the praise. “So… Mom, does that mean you approve of my marriage to Zhaolie?!”

Xu Chun: “?”

The confusion meme of Hong Shixian.jpg

What kind of nonsense is this?

“I can’t make that decision,” she coldly shattered Zhou Yuying’s unrealistic fantasy. “This ultimately depends on President Qin and Jiang Zhaolie’s opinions…” Before she could finish, Zhou Yuying immediately grabbed her hand pitifully, pleading in a humble tone, “Dearest Mom, please put in a good word for me with President Qin from now on.”

“And Zhaolie too. She’s always held a torch for you, so she’ll definitely listen to what you say.”

“Wait what?” Xu Chun raised her hand to stop her. “What did you just say? Jiang Zhaolie still has feelings for me?”

How dare she!

Even her stepmother isn’t off-limits?!

Zhou Yuying realized her slip of the tongue and hurriedly explained, “I was just talking nonsense, please don’t take it seriously.”

“But Mom, don’t you think my Zhou family background is quite good? And since I’m my parents’ only child—unlike the Jiang family with their secretly born illegitimate children—there’s absolutely no chance of that happening in our family. So when I get married, my parents will surely prepare a generous dowry, right? If I were to marry into the Qin… or Jiang family with that dowry, wouldn’t that benefit you too?”

“You’re already so outstanding, but with a powerful, wealthy daughter-in-law by your side, wouldn’t you be able to walk sideways through this world in the future?”

“Who would dare bully you then? If anyone dares to disrespect you, I, Zhou Yuying, will be the first to stand against them, fighting to the bitter end, sparing no effort until they bow their heads in apology to you!”

Xu Chun: “…” If she didn’t know Zhou Yuying’s delinquent nature so well, she might have actually believed this.

Seeing that Zhou Yuying would keep talking unless she agreed, Xu Chun had no choice but to nod and casually brush her off: “I can put in a good word for you, but I can’t guarantee it’ll work out.”

“No problem! Just having you speak up for me makes me so happy already,” Zhou Yuying beamed with joy. “Thank you! From now on, you’re my second mother!”

“Mom, when are you free? Let’s go shopping together. It’s been so long since we last went shopping—many luxury brands have released new collections recently. If you see anything you like, just say the word. I may not have much else, but when it comes to money in my wallet, few heiresses can compare to me.”

Xu Chun felt her eyelid twitch at this. “…We’ll see.”

Jiang Zhaolie and Qin Yao stayed in the study for so long that Xu Chun was running out of responses to Zhou Yuying’s chatter. Finally, Jiang Zhaolie emerged from Qin Yao’s study. Xu Chun immediately sprang up from the sofa and strode toward the study.

Seeing that radiant, enchanting woman walking straight toward her with such determination, Jiang Zhaolie’s heart uncontrollably skipped a beat, stirring subtle anticipation within her.

She stared fixedly at the person striding toward her, only suppressing her inner excitement when they finally stood before her. Just as she was about to speak, Xu Chun walked straight past her without so much as a glance, heading purposefully toward the study to find Qin Yao.

Jiang Zhaolie’s expression stiffened slightly. After a long pause, she sighed quietly and turned to Zhou Yuying. “Let’s go.”

She knew Xu Chun was thoroughly annoyed by Zhou Yuying, and she was also aware that Qin Yao wanted nothing to do with her at the moment. So, she wisely led Zhou Yuying back the way they had come.

Zhou Yuying keenly noticed the subtle shift in Jiang Zhaolie’s mood but chose not to pry.

After all, some words, if spoken again, would only reopen old wounds.

Karma had a way of coming full circle. Who could have predicted that after Jiang Zhaolie dumped Xu Chun, Xu Chun would turn around and get involved with her own mother? If this were posted online, the comments and reposts would easily surpass a hundred thousand.

Given the circumstances, Jiang Zhaolie’s complicated feelings toward Xu Chun were understandable.

Zhou Yuying walked quietly beside Jiang Zhaolie, lost in thought. Then, as if struck by sudden clarity, she realized—if no one wanted Jiang Zhaolie anymore, why was she still chasing after her like some prized possession?

Xu Chun didn’t want her. Yu Suian didn’t want her. If she stubbornly clung to Jiang Zhaolie now, wouldn’t that be the same as… picking up someone else’s leftovers?

If word got out, how would she ever save face?

Her so-called friends in their social circle would surely gossip behind her back.

In that instant, Zhou Yuying felt as though she had evolved from a primitive mind to enlightenment. Her thoughts sharpened. She glanced at Jiang Zhaolie—still attractive, still presentable—but that wasn’t the point. The real value lay in the fact that Jiang Zhaolie stood to inherit the vast fortunes of both the Qin and Jiang families.

Once she secured that inheritance, she would become the wealthiest person in the country, and her spouse would then be… untouchably prestigious.

Remembering her family’s expectations, Zhou Yuying suppressed her disdain and stopped Jiang Zhaolie. “We should talk seriously about the marriage alliance.”

“Don’t rush to refuse me,” Zhou Yuying said with a confident smile. “You’ll have to marry and have children eventually. So why not choose the most qualified wife for yourself?”

Zhou Yuying was certain of her own superiority. Among all the socialites around Jiang Zhaolie, she was the most accomplished and the most beneficial to Jiang Zhaolie’s future.

There was no way Jiang Zhaolie would refuse.

Yet Jiang Zhaolie remained silent for a long time, scrutinizing Zhou Yuying’s expression as if searching for deception.

Zhou Yuying, with nothing to hide, met her gaze openly.

After what felt like an eternity, Jiang Zhaolie finally spoke, her voice laced with frustration. “Are you after my mom too? Tell me—are you trying to steal my mother’s partner, or Xu Chun’s?”

Zhou Yuying couldn’t help but think: “???” Are you out of your damn mind?

Jiang Zhaolie instantly received a slap across the face. Zhou Yuying was so furious her chest heaved, nearly speechless: “Jiang Zhaolie, if you don’t like me, just say it! There’s no need to humiliate me like this!”

Watching Zhou Yuying storm off in anger, Jiang Zhaolie slightly furrowed her brows—wasn’t that the case?

Did Zhou Yuying actually have feelings for her?

That couldn’t be. With her current reputation, any sensible socialite would avoid her like the plague. How could anyone still be interested at this point?

She shook her head and touched the spot where Zhou Yuying had struck her—it stung a little.

Truth be told, the business marriage Zhou Yuying proposed wasn’t entirely out of the question. But Jiang Zhaolie had no interest in romance or marriage now. Her sole focus was flawlessly completing the tasks Qin Yao had assigned her.

The better she performed at work, the more profit the company would make—which in turn meant more funds in Qin Yao’s hands. By extension, Xu Chun’s net worth would rise accordingly.

If this could compensate Xu Chun in some small way, she was willing to remain unmarried for life.

After all, if she were to marry, she would inevitably have children. And that would inevitably lead to future conflicts over inheritance.

She couldn’t bear to see that happen.

So, for the rest of her life, she would work hard to earn money for Xu Chun, striving to become Qin Yao’s most effective weapon.

Consider it… her meager conscience finally awakening.

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