After Accidentally Marking My Stepsister's White Moonlight (GL, ABO) - Chapter 24

Ye Wenjin took a deep breath, deciding to think about the issue only when she actually obtained it.

Right now, the pressing matter was the selection for the lead dancer and co-lead dancer.

Only one lead dancer would be chosen this time, and the competition was fierce. Ye Wenjin quickly calculated in her mind—if she were to compete for the lead role, then—

There were two people who would be her biggest rivals.

One was Yi Huan, who often came to pick fights, and the other—He Wenxi.

The three of them had been competing against each other since enrollment, and their skills were well-recognized. Over the past two years, they had been neck and neck.

As expected, the lead dancer would likely be chosen from among the three of them.

Of course, nothing was certain yet—even Ye Wenjin wasn’t sure who would ultimately be selected.

It was also possible that someone else’s personal style might be more suited for this particular lead role.

Lost in thought, she suddenly noticed someone’s gaze on her. Ye Wenjin instinctively looked up and saw the very two people she had just been thinking about—Yi Huan and He Wenxi.

Both were staring at her, their eyes filled with determination, as if they were already certain of securing the lead role. But…

Since when had these two been so in sync?

Ye Wenjin could only offer an awkward smile in response.

Across from her, Yi Huan snorted and was the first to look away, while He Wenxi returned the smile.

Ye Wenjin couldn’t tell if it was her imagination, but something felt off.

However, the other two soon averted their gazes, and after a brief pause, Ye Wenjin stopped paying attention.

Due to time constraints, the selection process would begin immediately. Every segment that followed was crucial, and she couldn’t afford to slack off even a little.

Moreover, there would be body measurements next week. Ye Wenjin instinctively considered dieting, but then she suddenly remembered that Butler Wu now delivered meals to her daily. If he found out, even Sister would inevitably know.

For some reason, Ye Wenjin felt a pang of guilt and quickly dismissed the idea, deciding instead to discuss the matter with Butler Wu.

Dance classes made time pass much faster than academic ones. However, the afternoon session consisted of two consecutive classes—the first half for instruction, and the second half for preliminary selections.

Those who wanted to participate in the selection would go to a separate classroom for auditions, while the others remained behind to continue practicing.

There was only one lead dancer, and the most suitable candidate would be chosen based on the requirements of the performance piece, primarily evaluating the dancer’s technique, expressiveness, and personal style.

Still, failing to secure the lead role wasn’t the end—there were still spots for co-lead dancers.

For Ye Wenjin, there was no real difference between the lead and co-lead roles—both were equally important positions.

As long as she was selected, she would be content with whichever role she ended up with.

As soon as the second half of the session began, someone stood up and left the classroom. Ye Wenjin glanced over just in time to see He Wenxi’s retreating figure.

Rong Yunshu clicked her tongue. “So eager.”

Ye Wenjin considered it. “It’s understandable. He Wenxi seems very dedicated to every performance.”

Rong Yunshu chuckled. “Dedicated, yes—but also fiercely competitive. By the way, Wenjin, don’t tell me you haven’t noticed how much hostility He Wenxi has toward you?”

Ye Wenjin thought carefully for a moment before replying, “She sees me as a rival, just as I see her.”

Rong Yunshu shook her head helplessly. “You really do live in your own little bubble, don’t you? I’ve occasionally heard people spreading rumors about you in private—about your ranking. Do you know who’s behind it?”

Ye Wenjin froze, then asked softly, “You don’t mean He Wenxi, do you? But she doesn’t seem like that kind of person.”

In truth, there was nothing shady about the art exam rankings. At the time, she had underperformed slightly due to her mental state, and Yi Huan’s first-place ranking was well-deserved. But later, rumors started circulating from somewhere.

They said the rankings had been rigged, that Yi Huan had used underhanded methods, and that she should have been first.

Ye Wenjin found it strange. She would explain whenever she encountered the rumors, but they persisted, making Yi Huan increasingly hostile toward her.

Rong Yunshu scoffed. “She hides it well and acts convincingly—don’t be fooled by appearances. You might see her as just a competitor, but she might not feel the same. Watch out for her sabotaging you behind your back.”

If she had to choose who was more detestable between Yi Huan and He Wenxi, it would undoubtedly be He Wenxi.

That woman was entirely fake—honey-mouthed but dagger-hearted, skilled at scheming in the shadows. So far, no one had uncovered her true nature.

In contrast, Yi Huan, who often wore her displeasure and dislike openly, was simpler—at least her thoughts were easy to read. In short, she was naive and foolish.

In any case, Rong Yunshu had a strong feeling that He Wenxi was definitely up to something.

But the selection process had only just begun. No matter what she thought, it was all just her subjective speculation.

Ye Wenjin knew Rong Yunshu meant well, so she nodded. “I understand. I’ll be careful.”

Quite a few people had signed up. After He Wenxi left, several others followed in groups.

Ye Wenjin stretched her legs and asked quietly, “Aren’t you going?”

Rong Yunshu thought for a moment. “You’re definitely going, right? Then I’ll go too—just for fun. Who knows, maybe I’ll get selected.”

Ye Wenjin smiled helplessly. “Have a little more confidence in yourself. I think your fundamentals and technique are actually very good. It’s just that you never seem willing to put serious thought into it.”

She genuinely believed Rong Yunshu had excellent dance skills, but for some reason, Rong Yunshu always seemed indifferent to her own craft. Ye Wenjin found it a bit of a shame.

Rong Yunshu shrugged. “I only ended up studying dance because it was the path of least resistance. I competed a lot as a kid, so it was familiar, and I just kept going with it.”

Ye Wenjin asked curiously, “So there’s nothing you’re really passionate about?”

Rong Yunshu paused, glanced at her, and shook her head. “No.”

Ye Wenjin sighed regretfully. “I’ve always thought that if you were willing to take things seriously, Yunshu, there’s nothing you couldn’t accomplish.”

Rong Yunshu was taken aback. “Is that how you see me?”

Ye Wenjin nodded. “Yes.” After a moment’s thought, she added, “You always give off this unique vibe—like someone who seems indifferent to everything but becomes incredibly impressive when they put their mind to it.”

She sighed. “With your personality, it feels like you’d succeed at anything you tried.”

Rong Yunshu gazed at her deeply.

Ye Wenjin wondered if she had said something wrong and hesitantly asked, “Yunshu? Did I… say something I shouldn’t have?”

She said apologetically, “I was just speaking my mind. If I offended you, I’m sorry.”

Rong Yunshu shook her head. “No offense taken. In fact, I should thank you.”

Ye Wenjin was puzzled. “Thank me? For what?”

Rong Yunshu smiled but didn’t elaborate. “Let’s go. If we don’t hurry, we’ll still be in line when school ends.”

Ye Wenjin glanced at the classroom—nearly half the students had already gone to sign up. She quickly grabbed Rong Yunshu’s hand and headed for the next classroom.

Rong Yunshu let herself be pulled along, staring slightly dazed at the hand holding hers.

She was actually quite surprised. Ye Wenjin seemed to understand her well—or perhaps it wasn’t understanding. She was perceptive, more like someone who relied on intuition.

Rong Yunshu had forgotten herself. For her, if she wanted something, she would go after it. That was who she truly was.

And… even if Ye Wenjin really had some connection to that woman, it wasn’t like she didn’t have a chance.

No one said AA relationships weren’t allowed.

Rong Yunshu made up her mind.

They were indeed late. They barely finished their interviews by the time the dismissal bell rang.

But after the initial interview, there were still auditions and dance performances. For the latter, they needed to choose their own music—preferably something that showcased their personal style.

Ye Wenjin already had some ideas and spent the walk back thinking about how to adapt her performance.

Unexpectedly, shortly after leaving the building, she spotted a familiar figure.

Ye Wenjin abruptly stopped, staring at the person with a slight frown.

Rong Yunshu wondered why she had halted, then followed her gaze and understood.

There, a woman was scanning the crowd—the same woman they had briefly encountered the day before. Given her resemblance to Ye Wenjin, she was undoubtedly her mother.

No wonder Ye Wenjin didn’t want to go any farther.

Rong Yunshu found it hard to comprehend that woman’s mindset.

She was clearly Ye Wenjin’s mother, yet she had appeared under the pretense of being another student’s parent. Who wouldn’t find that ironic?

Now, she stood by the roadside, carefully scrutinizing the passing students. Her delicate brows were slightly furrowed, giving her a pitiable appearance.

Rong Yunshu knew she was looking for Ye Wenjin, but…

What did she plan to say by seeking her out in such a public setting? She seemed completely oblivious to the fact that during peak dismissal time, even the smallest incident would attract widespread attention.

Rong Yunshu couldn’t help but suspect—did she hate Ye Wenjin?

“Let’s go around. There are too many people right now. If we confront her, rumors will spread again.”

Ye Wenjin agreed, so the two quickly blended into the crowd and took a different path.

Only after putting Ye Shuyao far behind them did Ye Wenjin finally relax.

At this hour, Ye Shuyao showing up at her school could only mean she was looking for her. As for the reason—

She guessed it had something to do with Yin Feifei.

But one thing puzzled her. Yin Feifei had been reported by Jian Mo and taken to the police station. Why weren’t she and Yin Yu trying to get her out? Instead, why come looking for her?

Ye Wenjin frowned, unable to figure it out.

Still, the campus was large, and Ye Shuyao…

She didn’t even know which dormitory building Ye Wenjin lived in or its location.

She hadn’t accompanied her when school started and had never asked for such details.

After all, to Ye Shuyao, none of that mattered. So not knowing was perfectly fine.

Now that she had blocked the other party’s contact information and couldn’t reach her by phone, Ye Wenjin never expected Ye Shuyao to actually come looking for her at the school.

But how did she know which building her classes were in today?

Ye Wenjin pondered this thoughtfully.

“She should have shaken her off.”

Rong Yunshu glanced back and could no longer see Ye Shuyao’s figure.

Ye Wenjin nodded and sighed, feeling certain that the other party wouldn’t give up so easily and would definitely come looking for her again.

Hiding forever wasn’t a solution—it would make her seem guilty.

But for now, aside from avoiding her, there was no other option.

“Don’t worry. If it comes to it, just find a chance to talk to her.”

Rong Yunshu said this because she knew that while the other party might not find them immediately, she wouldn’t stay lost forever.

As long as she got hold of their advisor’s contact information, she could ask around. After all, in name, Ye Shuyao was still Ye Wenjin’s mother.

Their familial relationship couldn’t be severed, and if she really wanted to find someone, she could.

Waiting passively was worse than taking the initiative—at least then they could control the situation.

Ye Wenjin agreed with this reasoning. “I’ll find a chance to talk to her.”

Rong Yunshu smiled slightly. “Mm, call me when you do. Just in case anything happens, I can back you up.”

Ye Wenjin couldn’t help but laugh. After a moment’s thought, she nodded. “Alright, then I’ll trouble you.”

Still, the idea of Rong Yunshu “backing her up” gave her an inexplicable middle-school-delinquent-fight vibe.

And just as they had anticipated, over the next two days, Ye Shuyao could be seen anxiously scanning the crowds outside the school after classes, clearly desperate to find her.

Frowning, Ye Wenjin decided not to delay any longer and resolved to confront her. After school, she deliberately observed Ye Shuyao from a distance, watching as she left in disappointment after failing to find her, then quietly followed.

She trailed her all the way to the parking garage. Seeing no one else around, Ye Wenjin exchanged a glance with Rong Yunshu—this was their chance.

The two stepped forward.

Hearing footsteps behind her, Ye Shuyao initially thought she had encountered some troublemaker, only to turn and see Ye Wenjin.

“A-Jin? Why are you behind me? Were you following me?”

Ye Shuyao frowned, her gaze filled with displeasure.

Then, as if realizing something, she said incredulously, “So you knew I was looking for you? But you didn’t show yourself—why? A-Jin, is this how I raised you? You even blocked my number!”

Originally, Ye Shuyao had sought out Ye Wenjin for a reason, but she was so accustomed to scolding her that the moment she saw her—and realized Ye Wenjin had been deliberately avoiding her—anger flared up.

The reprimands spilled out instinctively. It wasn’t until she noticed Ye Wenjin standing silently, watching her calmly, that Ye Shuyao finally registered what she had just said.

She froze visibly, discomfort flashing across her face as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, forcing a strained smile.

“A-Jin, don’t blame me. I just… realized you didn’t want to see me and spoke out of urgency. You understand, don’t you?”

Ye Wenjin found this utterly absurd. It was as if she was seeing Ye Shuyao for the first time, her gaze filled with unfamiliarity.

The image she had long held of Ye Shuyao was being overwritten, replaced by the woman standing before her now.

It made her feel not a shred of guilt, and she found her past compromises laughable.

“Enough with the meaningless talk. Why did you come looking for me, Ms. Ye? Just say it directly.”

Ye Shuyao was startled by the formality of her address, her first reaction being anger. But when she met Ye Wenjin’s gaze, her fury was doused like cold water. Her expression stiffened as she still attempted to ease the tension between them.

Seeing her still trying to waste words, Ye Wenjin cut straight to the point: “If you don’t want to say anything, then forget it. Don’t come looking for me again. I’m not part of the Yin family, and now… I have nothing to do with you either.”

Ye Shuyao’s heart ached sharply. She wanted to retort, but when she saw Ye Wenjin about to leave, she couldn’t afford to argue anymore.

“Wait! The reason I came to find you this time is… I wanted to ask about that woman who’s been by your side these past few days… You two seem very close. But A-Jin, do you know who she really is?”

Ye Shuyao nervously tightened her grip on her handbag. “You’ve heard of the Jian family, right? She’s the head of the Jian family.

You two had no prior connection, and your statuses are worlds apart. And A-Jin, you’re quite ordinary in every aspect. For someone like her to treat you so well—it doesn’t make sense. Doesn’t it strike you as strange?

I’m afraid she has ulterior motives, wanting to take advantage and swallow up the Yin family. Just look at how she called the police and had Feifei arrested—”

“Enough! Don’t say another word. Ms. Ye, please leave. I have nothing more to say to you.”

Ye Wenjin’s eyes turned completely cold. In her anger, her restless pheromones suddenly surged from her glands toward Ye Shuyao—only to be abruptly retracted when they were less than half a meter away.

Ye Wenjin told herself to stay calm.

She didn’t care about Ye Shuyao’s opinion of her—after all, she’d never been good enough in the other woman’s eyes. But to suggest Jian Mo had ulterior motives was something she couldn’t tolerate.

If anyone had ulterior motives here, it was her—she was the one who had used Jian Mo to escape that quagmire.

Ye Shuyao looked stunned, as if frightened by the unfamiliar pheromones. It took her a while to regain her composure, and when she looked at Ye Wenjin again, her eyes were full of hurt.

“A-Jin, how could you become like this? You weren’t like this before. And when did you present? Why didn’t you tell me?”

In the past, seeing her like this would have softened Ye Wenjin’s resolve, making her relent. But now, faced with the same expression, Ye Wenjin simply didn’t want to engage any longer. She turned and walked away.

Ye Shuyao immediately moved to follow, but Rong Yunshu, who had remained silent until now, stopped her.

“Auntie, I can’t help but wonder—is Wenjin really your daughter? All I see are calculations and belittlement. No wonder Wenjin has given up on you. Don’t you get it? She doesn’t want you anymore.”

Rong Yunshu’s voice was soft, meant only for Ye Shuyao’s ears.

It had been a long time since a stranger had spoken to her like this. Ye Shuyao trembled with rage, but Rong Yunshu didn’t give her a chance to react. With a faint smile, she turned and caught up to Ye Wenjin.

Left behind, Ye Shuyao bit her lip in resentment.

How could Ye Wenjin not be her daughter? Hadn’t everything she’d done been for her sake? And how had Ye Wenjin repaid her? Not only was she ungrateful, but now she was even denying their relationship!

No, it wasn’t her fault—it was Ye Wenjin’s!