After Accidentally Marking My Stepsister's White Moonlight (GL, ABO) - Chapter 29

Running into an acquaintance at the performance was something Ye Wenjin hadn’t anticipated at all. It was such a coincidence—so much so that she realized their seats were right next to Rong Yunshu’s.

Now the three of them were seated in a row, with Ye Wenjin in the middle, Jian Mo to her right, and Rong Yunshu to her left.

Truthfully, Ye Wenjin was happy to meet someone familiar outside, but after Rong Yunshu had spoken earlier, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the atmosphere had turned a little strange.

On top of that, bumping into an acquaintance so unexpectedly left her feeling somewhat unsettled and even a little… awkward.

Because the current scene gave her the distinct impression of being caught on a secret date.

Jian Mo’s expression remained indifferent, offering only a soft “Mm” in response, though with a noticeable delay.

As for Rong Yunshu, though she was smiling, there was something odd about it.

Ye Wenjin glanced left and right, and even she could sense the tension. With no other choice, she awkwardly sat down and forced conversation. “I didn’t expect to run into you here. Yunshu, you came to see the performance too?”

Rong Yunshu smiled as she took her seat. “Yes, my sister—the one you met last time—managed to snag a ticket for me as a gift. But I really didn’t think I’d bump into you here. What a coincidence.”

Ye Wenjin chuckled awkwardly. “Yeah, it really is. We… just decided to come on a whim.”

Rong Yunshu glanced at Jian Mo, whose profile was barely visible from her angle, and feigned curiosity. “I see. But Wenjin, you never mentioned before—is this really your sister?”

Ye Wenjin tensed slightly and shook her head. “No, she’s not.”

She hesitated, unsure whether she should explain further.

On one hand, though they were married, Ye Wenjin didn’t know how Jian Mo felt about their relationship or whether she was willing to disclose it, so she didn’t dare make the decision for her.

On the other hand, Ye Wenjin didn’t think it was necessary to announce her marriage to everyone. A vague sense of reservation made her reluctant to bring it up.

Moreover, no matter how you looked at it, their marriage was a mismatch in every way. Ye Wenjin didn’t care for herself, but she didn’t want to invite criticism for Jian Mo.

Just as she was struggling, Jian Mo suddenly spoke up. “Xiao Jin, the performance is about to start.”

Ye Wenjin exhaled in relief and quickly said to Rong Yunshu, “The show’s starting soon. Let’s talk later.”

Rong Yunshu’s gaze shifted to Jian Mo, just in time to meet her eyes.

Both pairs of eyes were equally calm and composed, but there was a subtle difference—Jian Mo seemed far more at ease.

Rong Yunshu abruptly clenched her hand, offered a polite smile, and looked away.

Ye Wenjin remained completely unaware of the silent exchange between the two. Since Jian Mo had mentioned the performance was starting, her attention turned to the stage. Sure enough, the lights dimmed, and the show began shortly after.

She quickly pushed aside her distracting thoughts and immersed herself in the experience.

As expected of the renowned Mei Yan—watching her perform was a visual feast. Every scene was breathtakingly beautiful, and the meaning conveyed through her dance was crystal clear, leaving no room for confusion.

Elegant yet accessible, she wasn’t deliberately showing off her skill, yet it was impossible to look away.

Lost in thought, Ye Wenjin suddenly felt a spark of inspiration.

Dance requires technique, but all techniques serve to better express the emotions or meanings one wishes to convey.

And Teacher Mei Yan is undoubtedly the most exceptional of them all.

Her movements are crisp and precise, without a single superfluous gesture, and her control of strength is unparalleled. The entire dance flows like clouds and water, so smooth that one can’t bear to miss a single moment.

She is a dancer who truly enjoys the art.

Even in group performances, the audience is captivated, afraid to blink for fear of missing a single frame.

By the time the entire performance ended, Ye Wenjin was still immersed in it. Only when thunderous applause erupted in the venue did she snap back to reality, as if waking from a dream.

Her eyes, fixed on the stage, sparkled brightly, as if filled with stars.

Yet, because she was so engrossed, she failed to notice that Jian Mo beside her had spent most of the time watching her—just like now.

Ye Wenjin was looking at the stage, but Jian Mo was looking at her.

Only Rong Yunshu noticed.

The theater lights were dim, and Rong Yunshu’s face was hidden in the shadows, concealing all her emotions.

The actors on stage took their bows, while the three of them below wore different expressions.

Only when everything was over did Ye Wenjin sigh wistfully, “Teacher Mei Yan is truly amazing. I hope one day I can become a dancer as incredible as her.”

Jian Mo chuckled softly, “Of course you can, Xiao Jin. You have to believe in yourself.”

Ye Wenjin felt a little embarrassed but still whispered her thanks, “Thank you, Sister.”

Jian Mo’s eyes curved slightly as she glanced past Ye Wenjin at Rong Yunshu, who was about to speak, then said nonchalantly, “Want to visit the backstage? Since we’re already here, Xiao Jin, wouldn’t you like an autograph from Teacher Mei?”

Ye Wenjin’s eyes instantly brightened even more. “Can we really go?!”

Of course she wanted one, but…

A thought crossed her mind, and her excitement dimmed slightly as she regained her composure. “Maybe we shouldn’t. Backstage probably isn’t open to just anyone.”

Jian Mo smiled. “Ordinary people can’t, naturally. Let’s go.”

Hearing this, Ye Wenjin knew Jian Mo must have a way. Her heart fluttered with nervous excitement as she stood up, but just as she was about to leave, she suddenly remembered Rong Yunshu beside her.

She quickly turned, her expression apologetic. “Ah, sorry, Yunshu. I almost forgot you were here too.”

Rong Yunshu flashed a smile. “It’s fine. You two go ahead. Wenjin, see you at school. The audition is coming up, so try to come back early to prepare.”

Ye Wenjin nodded, thinking for a moment before replying, “Right, I know. I’ll head back soon, and we can review things together then.”

She already had plenty of ideas on how to adapt the dance—all that remained was refining it once she returned.

Rong Yunshu smiled and nodded. “Alright, see you later.”

Ye Wenjin waved at her before hurrying to catch up with Jian Mo.

The VIP seating area wasn’t as crowded as the back rows, and since they had lingered a while, there were hardly any people left now.

Still, Ye Wenjin felt a little nervous. Was it really okay for them to just waltz in like this?

Then Jian Mo proved to her—yes, it really was.

Actually, she had already made arrangements before coming to the performance. Not only that, but as soon as they reached the backstage, a young woman wearing a staff badge hurried over, her eyes lighting up when she saw Jian Mo.

“Hello, President Jian. Teacher Mei asked me to escort you inside.”

Jian Mo nodded slightly.

Ye Wenjin, however, was startled and edged a little closer to Jian Mo, feeling somewhat uneasy.

Mainly because in such an environment, staying close to Jian Mo seemed to give her a sense of security.

A faint smile flickered in Jian Mo’s eyes as she allowed Ye Wenjin to move nearer.

The three of them weaved through the bustling crowd backstage and soon arrived at a room.

The door was labeled “Dressing Room,” with Teacher Mei Yan’s name beside it.

The staff member knocked and only opened the door after receiving a response.

“President Jian, please come in. Teacher Mei is inside.”

As they reached the doorway, Ye Wenjin grew increasingly nervous.

Who would have thought that the notebook she casually carried would actually come in handy?

And now she was about to meet Teacher Mei Yan up close—it felt like a dream.

She swallowed nervously and instinctively looked at Jian Mo.

Jian Mo smiled. “Xiao Jin, there’s no need to be so nervous. Teacher Mei doesn’t bite.”

Ye Wenjin gave an awkward laugh, took a deep breath, and quickly composed herself.

Seeing this, Jian Mo pushed the door open and walked in.

Ye Wenjin followed closely behind.

The room’s setup was no different from any ordinary backstage dressing area, except that it was exclusively for Teacher Mei Yan.

At the moment, she was having her makeup removed with the help of an assistant. Hearing the noise, she didn’t turn around but spoke in a familiar tone, “Well, look who’s here! What a rare guest. You’ve never been interested in coming to watch my performances before, but suddenly you had Wu Mingyu contact me for two tickets. I was wondering what changed your mind—oh, so it’s—”

Her teasing gaze landed on Ye Wenjin, instantly turning the latter’s nervousness into shyness, her fair cheeks tinged with a faint blush.

Jian Mo sighed helplessly and patted Ye Wenjin’s hand reassuringly before saying, “Auntie Mei, stop teasing me.”

Mei Yan’s eyes still sparkled with amusement. “Momo, you’re so cruel. Your auntie is heartbroken.”

Jian Mo’s expression grew even more resigned.

Ye Wenjin, as if discovering something new, kept glancing between Jian Mo and Mei Yan.

She could sense that their relationship seemed unusual.

This surprised her, and she couldn’t help but whisper, “Sister, did you know Teacher Mei before?”

Jian Mo nodded. “Yes. Teacher Mei and my… mom were good friends.”

She hadn’t uttered the word “mom” in a long time, and it sounded a little stiff.

Ye Wenjin noticed and paused slightly.

Mei Yan chuckled. “Momo is as aloof as ever. So, what brings you here?”

Jian Mo looked at Ye Wenjin and smiled. “It’s Xiao Jin. She admires you a lot, so I brought her to meet you and ask for your autograph.”

Mei Yan sighed in realization. “Oh, so it’s just that? Alright then, where’s the paper and pen? Hand it over.”

Ye Wenjin quickly passed the items, watching as Mei Yan calmly signed her name with a few quick strokes before casually asking, “So, young lady, are you interested in dance too?”

Ye Wenjin replied sheepishly, “I… I also study dance.”

Mei Yan glanced at Jian Mo beside her and smiled, “No wonder you suddenly sought me out. Mo Mo, you’re not being entirely sincere.”

Jian Mo smiled faintly, though there was a rare hint of slyness in her expression.

“Teacher Mei, what do you mean? I’m very sincere. Didn’t I come to see you right after the performance ended?”

Mei Yan shook her head with a chuckle, “Alright, don’t leave later. Let’s have dinner together.”

Jian Mo nodded calmly, “If Teacher Mei says so, I wouldn’t dare refuse.”

Mei Yan gave her a slightly surprised look, “You’ve certainly become more sociable than before.”

Jian Mo paused, then curved her lips slightly, “I’ve never changed.”

Mei Yan neither agreed nor disagreed.

Seeing that Mei Yan was still removing her makeup, Jian Mo took Ye Wenjin’s hand to step outside first. “Aunt Mei, we’ll wait for you outside.”

Mei Yan waved them off, “Go ahead. Have Xiao Tang show you out, or you can wait in the theater.”

So the two left the dressing room, but Ye Wenjin couldn’t help stealing glances at Jian Mo.

She was still curious, and even now, it all felt like a dream.

Jian Mo noticed her gaze and smiled slightly, “Xiao Jin, do you know your stares are actually very obvious?”

Ye Wenjin froze, embarrassed, and turned her head away. But after barely a second, she whispered, “Sister, is it true that you and Teacher Mei haven’t seen each other in a long time?”

Jian Mo nodded lightly, “Mm. Aunt Mei is very busy, and I… Well, let’s just say we rarely meet.”

Ye Wenjin caught the unspoken words and immediately thought of Jian Mo’s mother. But since it involved the lady who only existed in stories, she dismissed the thought of probing further.

Some things weren’t meant to be pursued for the truth, especially since she could tell Jian Mo didn’t want to talk about it.

So Ye Wenjin nodded obediently and didn’t ask again.

Jian Mo glanced at her, a thoughtful look crossing her face.

They didn’t have to wait long before Mei Yan joined them. Without her stage makeup, she looked like an elegant lady, exuding a grace uncommon among ordinary people—likely a result of years of dancing. Surprisingly, she appeared quite young.

Every movement of hers was effortlessly poised.

During the meal, however, Ye Wenjin was extremely reserved, quietly listening to their conversation and occasionally serving Jian Mo some dishes.

But it was through their talk that Ye Wenjin realized with a start—Jian Mo’s mother had also been a dancer.

Unfortunately, after giving birth to Jian Mo, her body suffered damage, and some occupational ailments worsened, leaving her unable to return to the stage.

Ye Wenjin found it strange. In this day and age, people didn’t have to carry pregnancies themselves anymore. After all, natural childbirth took a heavy toll on the body. So why had the lady chosen to do so?

From the fragments of their conversation, she could sense that the lady had also loved dancing deeply. What could have compelled her to take such a risk?

Soon, she learned the reason.

When Teacher Mei Yan mentioned the name Jian Li, Jian Mo’s expression instantly turned icy.

“Aunt Mei, I’d prefer if you never brought up that name again. It’s disgusting.”

Her tone was laced with a chilling coldness, freezing the atmosphere instantly.