The Villainous Sister-in-law Mistakenly Marked as the Heroine (Transmigration) - Chapter 54.1

To attend Qi Song and Ji Qian’s wedding and enjoy the drama, Rong Jing decided to take Lin Qile and Lin Xinrou to get custom-made dresses.

Lin Xinrou tried on a strapless, wine-red gown with gold accents, the slit reaching up to her thigh, teasingly revealing just enough to spark imagination. “Lele, Jingjing, is this dress too revealing for Mom?”

“It’s gorgeous~”

Lin Qile’s eyes sparkled with admiration. It was her first time seeing Lin Xinrou in formal wear. Married for over twenty years, Lin Xinrou had spent her days eating, drinking, and enjoying life without a single worry. As a result, her face bore no wrinkles her skin was fair and smooth, her eyes bright and lively. She didn’t look a day over forty.

Rong Jing walked over and praised with a smile, “You look stunning. You’ll definitely steal the show.”

The two huddled together, and Lin Qile couldn’t help but mutter under her breath, “The only halfway decent thing Qi Song ever did was let my mom keep her youthful innocence.”

“That’s called spoiling someone rotten, idiot.”

Lin Qile rubbed her nose and turned to Rong Jing. “Why aren’t you trying on any dresses?”

At the mention of this, Rong Jing’s expression instantly darkened. Her delicate brows furrowed, and her red lips pressed together tightly, clearly in a foul mood.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t need one.”

Rong Jing turned and walked away.

Baffled, Lin Qile approached a staff member and asked, “What’s going on? Didn’t she like any of them?”

The staff member looked awkward and hesitated before explaining, “Miss Rong is pregnant now, so many of the dresses don’t fit her. She didn’t like the ones we prepared.”

Understanding dawned on Lin Qile.

“Do you have matching couple outfits? Her belly isn’t that big yet. Just pick something two sizes larger and adjust the design.”

Staff: “We can do that, but Miss Rong isn’t willing.”

“Got it. Go get the clothes.”

She walked over to Rong Jing, who was sitting on the sofa with her eyes closed, resting.

“Tired?”

Rong Jing’s eyelids twitched. “Let’s leave once you’re done picking.”

Lin Qile sat beside her and placed a hand on her slightly rounded belly. “Is the baby behaving today?”

“Mm.”

“Rong Jing.”

She leaned in closer. “Let’s wear matching outfits, okay?”

Rong Jing opened her eyes to glare at her and spat out two words irritably: “No.”

“Just try it. If it looks bad, I’ll pay you back.”

Rong Jing scoffed. “Do you even have money?”

“Uh… heh, I’ll get my paycheck next month. Come on, this is a prime opportunity to watch the show. We have to make a grand entrance.”

She dragged Rong Jing up and pulled her into the fitting room.

Once Rong Jing changed into the dress two sizes larger, her mood instantly soured. Just as she was about to take it off, she heard an awed voice behind her. “Wow, whose stunning beauty is this? Just the silhouette alone is mesmerizing.”

“Shut up!”

“Just take in the hem a bit and adjust the sleeves, and it’ll be perfect. I’ve been interning in obstetrics for a month, and I’ve never seen such a gorgeous pregnant woman.”

Rong Jing turned to glare at her, lifting her chin haughtily. “Save your flattery.”

“No way. Have them adjust the measurements. I’ll go change into mine.”

She changed in a flash, afraid that if she took too long, Rong Jing’s temper would flare up again. During the second trimester, a pregnant woman’s emotions had to be handled with care, Lin Qile was determined to follow this wisdom.

When she stepped out, Rong Jing looked her up and down and frowned. “What are you wearing? It’s hideous.”

“Hey, don’t be so discouraging. Not everyone is like you, five months pregnant and only your belly has grown while everything else stays the same. I sit at the hospital all day, and I feel like my figure is getting ruined.”

She continued with her flattery, finally coaxing a smile from Rong Jing, who glanced down at her belly. “Does it look okay?”

Got her! Got her!

It’s true what they say pregnancy brain is real.

She stepped closer, laying it on thicker. “It looks great! Some pregnant women’s bellies get all misshapen, but yours is just like a little watermelon so cute. When the baby’s born, they’ll be absolutely gorgeous.”

“Of course. With my genes, how could they not be?”

“Exactly, exactly.”

Once Rong Jing was thoroughly appeased, she quickly signaled the staff to take measurements.

After finalizing the gown, the three of them left the boutique. Lin Xinrou said she had a dinner date and bid them goodbye first.

Watching her mother’s light steps, Lin Qile frowned. “Why do I feel like Mom’s been in such a good mood lately?”

“I heard her on the phone earlier,” Rong Jing said casually as she walked toward the car. “Someone asked her out to dinner, and she blushed.”

“Hah!”

Before getting into the car, Rong Jing arched a brow at her. “You might be getting a stepmom soon.”

“Wow!”

She hurried into the driver’s seat, beaming. “Really? That’s amazing!”

Rong Jing frowned. “You’re that eager for a stepmother?”

“Of course! If Lin, I mean, Mom can find someone who truly cares for her, I’d be genuinely happy for her.” Her eyes shone with sincerity.

Rong Jing studied her for a moment before closing her eyes. “Fine. I’ll look into the guy’s background later. Don’t want your mom getting scammed again.”

“Great!”

Weekend.

Qi Song and Ji Qian’s extravagant wedding was held on the rooftop of the city’s most luxurious five-star hotel, swarmed by media crews. An outsider might’ve mistaken it for a celebrity event.

Qi Song listened to Ji Zhao’s report on the situation outside and froze for three seconds before frowning. “Over thirty media outlets showed up?”

“Yep.”

Ji Zhao was practically glowing.

Though her mother had publicly acknowledged her, many still saw her as the illegitimate child. But with this much media attention on her mother and Ji Qian’s wedding, who would dare call her a bastard now?

“Why so many? It’s not because of you and Rong Wanning, is it?”

At the mention of Rong Wanning, Ji Zhao’s smile dimmed. “No, she’s not famous enough to pull this kind of crowd. She’s still stuck in the hospital.”

“Ji Zhao, put the Lin Huan matter on hold for now.”

“Understood, Mother.”

“Good. Now go mingle. I’ve pulled every connection I have for this wedding, you know what’s at stake. Don’t disappoint me.”

“Of course! I won’t waste your efforts like Lin Qile did.”

Ji Zhao turned and strode out of the bridal suite, chin high.

Standing at the entrance, she surveyed the sea of guests, ambition burning in her eyes. From now on, no one in this city would dare whisper “illegitimate child” behind her back. She would climb step by step up the ladder her mother had laid out, straight to the pinnacle of glory. Even the universally admired Rong Jing wouldn’t stand a chance against her.

She adjusted her dress and stepped forward toward the media, ready to face their interviews.

Just then, a sudden commotion erupted at the entrance.

She strode over, only to freeze in place.

Lin Xinrou, Lin Qile, and Rong Jing, three women appeared at the door, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.

All three were stunning, and each carried a wealth of gossip-worthy intrigue. The moment they arrived, they were swarmed.

“Ms. Lin, are you attending your ex-husband’s wedding because you still haven’t moved on?”

Lin Xinrou smiled faintly. “Of course not. I received an invitation from Ms. Ji Xi. I’m here to congratulate her. After all, she’s waited over twenty years for this day from the bloom of youth until her hair is nearly white.”

With that, she flashed the media a charming smile.

Click! Click!

“Rumors suggest your ex-wife, Qi Song, drained the Lin family’s assets. Is that true?”

“That matter!”

As reporters crowded around for interviews, Rong Jing pulled Lin Qile aside. “Today, your mother is the star. Don’t steal her spotlight.”

“Huh?”

Rong Jing gave her a meaningful look, and understanding dawned on Lin Qile. She leaned in and whispered, “Did you call these media people here?”

Rong Jing didn’t answer, only offering a mysterious smile.

“Who invited you here?!”

Ji Zhao stormed over, her face icy with anger. “You’re not welcome here!”

They clearly hadn’t invited these three. Her mother had said the Lin family was finished once this matter was buried, people would soon forget. For this wedding, both she and her mother had agreed never to invite the Lin mother and daughter.

“This is my mother and my mom’s wedding. You don’t have invitations. Please leave.”

“Who says we don’t have invitations?”

Lin Qile pulled out an invitation and opened it.

Reporters immediately zoomed in to capture it.

The invitation clearly stated: Ms. Lin Xinrou is cordially invited to attend the wedding.

Ji Zhao’s expression twisted.

Lin Xinrou smiled. “Your mother sent me the invitation.”

Seeing the invitation, Ji Zhao’s face turned ashen.

“Everyone.”

Qi Song’s voice sounded behind Ji Zhao. Dressed in lavish attire, she strode forward in high heels, a faint smile on her lips. “Guests are guests. Besides, Xinrou and I divorced amicably. We’re not enemies. I’m pleasantly surprised you came to my wedding.”

With that, she walked straight toward Lin Xinrou.

“Right?”

Lin Xinrou’s face paled, her fists clenching.

Lin Qile seethed with anger, ready to step forward, but Rong Jing held her back. “Don’t. Your mother has to face this herself. Only then can she truly move on.”

“You!”

Lin Xinrou’s lips trembled. She told herself to stay strong, but standing face-to-face with Qi Song, she realized she wasn’t as resilient as she thought.

“You look beautiful today.”

Qi Song’s gaze darkened as she stared at her ex-wife, raising a hand as if to embrace her.

Lin Qile watched, itching to rush forward and punch Qi Song, but she couldn’t. As Rong Jing had said, this was a hurdle Lin Xinrou had to overcome herself.

Once she did, Qi Song would never hold power over her again.

“Qi Song, the wedding should begin.”

That voice,

Lin Xinrou’s head snapped up, and in the distance, she saw a figure standing there, Wei Lan!

Qi Song paused, then turned back. “Coming.”

She spared Lin Xinrou, smiling at the media. “Since you’re all here, I’d like to thank you for attending my wedding. Please, take your seats.”

Qi Song turned and walked away.

Lin Qile quickly stepped forward to support her mother. “Mom, are you okay?”

Lin Xinrou stared fixedly at the distant figure of Wei Lan, dressed in a bridesmaid’s gown. “She… why is she here?”

She was equally shocked. Wasn’t that aunt supposed to like her mom?

How could she become Qi Song and Ji Qian’s bridesmaid? Was Wei Lan a fraud, colluding with Qi Song and Ji Qian to take revenge on her mother?

The mere thought sent a chill down her spine.

“Let’s go sit down first,” Rong Jing suggested.

“Okay.”

The three of them found seats. Lin Xinrou lowered her head, lost in thought, while Lin Qile glared angrily at Wei Lan in the distance.

Rong Jing glanced at her in confusion. “What’s wrong?”

Lin Qile leaned in and whispered Wei Lan’s connection to her mother into her ear. After hearing it, Rong Jing frowned slightly. “Was she the one who called the other day?”

“Probably.”

Rong Jing turned to look at the people on stage, immediately pulling out her phone to snap a photo and sending it to someone with the message: I need her background info.

The reply came quickly: Got it. Wait a moment.

Putting her phone away, Rong Jing turned to the distracted Lin Xinrou. “There’s a big show today. Why don’t you watch it first and think about other things later?”

Lin Xinrou looked up at her in surprise.

“It’s quite the spectacle.”

Lin Qile chimed in, “Yeah, Mom, don’t worry about Wei Lan for now.”

“Alright.”

The wedding march began to play softly, drawing everyone’s attention to the stage.

Ji Qian, dressed in a pristine white wedding gown, walked slowly toward Qi Song. The guests eagerly snapped photos, and her smile widened as she scanned the crowd for Lin Xinrou.

Finally spotting her, Ji Qian shot her a triumphant smirk.

Lin Qile saw it and could only think how utterly foolish Ji Qian was. As the mistress who had schemed her way into this position, she should have kept a low profile and avoided the original wife. Instead, she had deliberately invited Lin Xinrou to the wedding. As long as Lin Xinrou sat in attendance, no matter how grand the ceremony, in the eyes of the guests, Ji Qian would always be the mistress who stole someone else’s husband.

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