After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother (GL) - Chapter 13

Could she miss such a great opportunity? Of course not.

Just the thought of it made Xu Chun so happy she couldn’t stop grinning. When He Qingli noticed Xu Chun’s excited state with a fraction of her attention, her mood lightened considerably. It must be good news from the manager, she thought, that’s why Sister Xu Chun was smiling so brightly.

“There’s one more thing I need to remind you about,” the manager said seriously. “If you decide to take on this script, you’ll be filming intimate scenes with Yu Sui’an every day.”

Xu Chun pondered for a moment, “Can’t we use a body double?”

The manager: “?” That’s something I hadn’t considered.

“Well, we could…” But once word got out, they’d probably be targeted by malicious people for heavy criticism. Still, if Xu Chun was determined to do it this way, she and the company could handle the fallout.

“Then it’s settled. By the way, Sister Yang, I’ll leave the compensation claims against Yu Sui’an and Jiang Zhaolie in your hands.” She smiled faintly, her raven-like eyelashes casting delicate shadows on her porcelain skin. With the most innocent expression, she uttered the most ruthless words, “Make sure they’re left with nothing less than a layer of skin peeled off, even if they don’t die.”

“Just don’t let them off easily, especially their wallets.” They had plenty of money, after all.

Not only were they wealthy, but they also intended to snatch every last penny from her in the future, leaving her with nothing. How utterly wicked.

Though puzzled by Xu Chun’s determination to drain the two dry, the manager was invigorated by the prospect of a substantial financial gain. “Don’t worry, leave it to me,” she said.

She had never planned to let Yu Sui’an off the hook in the first place.

With the manager’s affirmative response, Xu Chun was in excellent spirits. After hanging up, she blinked at her sweet and obedient little admirer, slinging an arm around He Qingli’s shoulders. “I’ll treat you to dinner after the show wraps up.”

He Qingli’s face lit up for a moment before freezing. She glanced at Xu Chun cautiously and then whispered, “Sister Xu Chun, I’m afraid I can’t.”

“Hmm?” Xu Chun blinked in confusion. “Do you have work? Recording an album or preparing for a concert?”

“Neither.” He Qingli grew even more guilty, forcing a dry smile before closing her eyes and blurting out in resignation, “I have a date.”

Xu Chun: “???” And so, the world where she was the only one suffering in this dating show was complete.

She immediately sank into self-pity. What was supposed to be a lovely dating show had turned into a disaster, her ex-girlfriend ran off with her fiancée on the show, her little admirer was leaving with another guest, and some participants had already paired off without any connection to her. While other celebrities were happily coupled up, she stood alone, solitary and forlorn. The thought alone nearly brought her to tears.

To make matters worse, her fans were gleefully teasing her in the comments: [Sister, stop obsessing over love and focus on your career! All your women will eventually run off with others. Only your career and the money in your pocket truly belong to you.]

After reading the comments, Xu Chun grumbled inwardly even her money wasn’t entirely hers. The only thing that truly belonged to her now… was probably that cheesy novel.

With the thought of “getting familiar with the script as soon as possible,” Xu Chun asked Yu Sui’an for the book that had been confiscated the night before. When handing it over, the other woman still spoke softly, “Sister, you should restrain yourself. Don’t get lost in it every time you read for a while.”

Xu Chun nodded perfunctorily and left with the book. Yu Sui’an stood rooted in place, her clear eyes dimmed with emotion. It took a long time before she seemed to regain her composure, her lonely figure tugging at the heartstrings.

Her manager had just arrived at the guesthouse. He Qingli’s aggressive demand for an apology during the show had completely disrupted the team’s plans, and the manager had come to discuss how to handle Xu Chun with Yu Sui’an. “Suisui, what do you think?”

Yu Sui’an’s manager was a well-known rich second-generation in the industry. Outwardly gentle and harmless, he was actually ruthless. Over the years, he hadn’t managed to make many people famous, and Yu Sui’an was his most successful protégé, naturally becoming his treasured darling. He was eager to snatch all the best things in the world for her, sparing no effort to secure resources and eliminate any obstacles in her path.

“If you ask me, we shouldn’t go easy on Xu Chun,” the manager sneered, playing with his freshly manicured nails as he shot Yu Sui’an a sidelong glance. “You’re still too soft-hearted.”

“The timing isn’t right,” Yu Sui’an replied lightly, then swiftly changed the subject. “First, coordinate with her manager about the compensation.”

The manager jumped up from his chair in shock. “You’re really going through with this? Think carefully, once I contact Xu Chun’s side, we might be labeled as ‘guilty.’ Then every lowlife out there will take the chance to step on us…”

“With your personality, you wouldn’t let anyone bully me, would you?” Yu Sui’an said calmly. The manager paused, then broke into a bright smile. “Well, that’s true. Fine, if you insist, I’ll follow your lead.”

“Remember to secure Jiang Zhaolie as soon as possible.”

The manager came and went quickly. Yu Sui’an listened quietly, showing no reaction. Only when Jiang Zhaolie saw that she was alone did she dare approach. “Suisui.” Her tender voice and affectionate gaze were hard to resist. “Don’t be afraid. No matter what happens, I’ll be here for you.”

She gently stroked Yu Sui’an’s soft, long hair. “Even if the sky falls, I’ll hold it up for you.”

In the past, such fervent promises from Jiang Zhaolie would have lifted Yu Sui’an’s spirits. But now, even as Jiang Zhaolie’s sweet words reached her ears, her mind involuntarily flashed to Xu Chun’s delicate and radiant face.

Frowning imperceptibly, a trace of confusion flickered through Yu Sui’an’s clear eyes, but she quickly composed herself. “Thank you, Zhaolie,” she said, tilting her delicate face upward with gratitude. “It’s so nice to have you by my side.”

In this moment, Jiang Zhaolie desperately wanted to say, “Can I stay with you forever?”

But in the end, she couldn’t bring herself to voice it. She feared that being too eager might backfire and make Yu Sui’an dislike her. What if she was mistaken for one of those insincere, playboy rich kids who toyed with women’s feelings? So she’d rather take things slow, ensuring she left a flawless impression in Suisui’s heart.

After all, they still had plenty of time as long as Xu Chun didn’t interfere and obstruct them.

Qiao Wan drove to her destination and parked the car. Following the waiter’s guidance, she arrived at the private room. Signaling for the waiter to leave, she raised her hand mid-air, took a deep breath, and knocked on the slightly ajar door. “Auntie, I’m here.”

Her heart was uneasy. Although she was also a victim in this scandal, would her aunt misunderstand that she secretly had some kind of feelings for Xu Chun?

Even though she knew her aunt wasn’t the type to nitpick, this situation was clearly different. She and her cousin’s fiancée had been embroiled in such a huge scandal, which even made it to the trending searches and was known nationwide. Even if her aunt didn’t care personally, it had still caused quite a stir in society.

The more Qiao Wan thought about it, the more wronged she felt. At this moment, she couldn’t help but feel a trace of resentment toward her own cousin, Jiang Zhaolie. When her fiancée was being slandered, instead of helping to clear her name, she went off to fawn over another woman. If she didn’t like Xu Chun, she should have just cut ties cleanly and completely.

Yet here she was, entangled with Xu Chun while also flirting with Yu Sui’an as if she wanted to have her cake and eat it too.

As Qiao Wan pursed her lips, lost in thought, a cool, languid voice came from inside. “Come in. The door’s open.”

Hearing this, Qiao Wan quickly suppressed her chaotic thoughts and forced a smile onto her face. “Auntie, I want to explain this matter clearly to you.” She felt it necessary to elaborate. “What happened between me and my cousin’s fiancée was a misunderstanding. That night, we just happened to walk side by side for a few steps. Who knew someone would take a photo and spread it online, twisting the story?”

As she spoke, she carefully observed Qin Yao’s expression. Though already in her thirties, Qin Yao had aged gracefully, her true age indiscernible. In Qiao Wan’s eyes, Qin Yao was the most beautiful person in their family, tall and slender, yet exuding strength and authority. Whenever she wore a tailored high-end suit with one hand in her pocket and cast a casual glance, it inexplicably stirred an urge to submit in others.

Her presence was always formidable. Even during warm, relaxed family gatherings, she carried an undeniable aura that commanded respect. Children naturally gravitated toward beauty, and every child in their family was captivated by Qin Yao’s stunning looks.

Yet, from the moment they could remember, the younger generation had both adored and feared her, adored her for her exquisitely deep, breathtaking beauty, and feared her for the way a single glance could make them tread carefully, never daring to act out.

Even now, in Qin Yao’s presence, Qiao Wan instinctively straightened her posture and put on her most spirited demeanor.

Qin Yao’s expression remained unchanged as she pushed a teacup toward Qiao Wan. Her sharp, narrow eyes lifted slowly. “You’ve met?”

Qiao Wan nodded slightly, then hesitated before speaking, “Auntie, about Cousin Zhaolie recently…” She paused, unsure if it was because she had suffered grievances herself that she now felt a sense of camaraderie with Xu Chun. Pressing her lips together, she began to complain about Jiang Zhaolie, “She’s been openly flirting with another woman in front of her wife on the dating show, which has caused quite a scandal.”

“I suspect she’s trying to abandon her responsibilities and have an affair.”

Qin Yao’s faintly amused gaze fell on Qiao Wan, making her feel a little guilty. Speaking ill of her cousin in front of her aunt… didn’t seem quite right, but then again, her cousin was clearly in the wrong here.

Qin Yao didn’t respond to her remarks and instead changed the subject, “How much longer until they arrive?”

“I’ll call and ask right away.”

Jiang Zhaolie suddenly received a call from her company assistant. She was puzzled, hadn’t she already arranged all company matters? Unless it was something extremely urgent and important, her assistant should have handled it.

After running through a few possibilities in her mind, Jiang Zhaolie answered the call. The assistant got straight to the point, “President Jiang, the company would like you to withdraw from the show immediately.”

“Why?” Jiang Zhaolie frowned in displeasure, then scoffed. “Are they now meddling in my personal affairs? Do I need to report everything I do and get their approval before taking any action?”

The assistant, unfairly scolded, felt bitter but pressed on, “President Jiang, given that you’re engaged, your open interactions with Miss Yu on the show could damage your personal image and reputation, as well as affect the company’s stock…”

Jiang Zhaolie grew increasingly frustrated. If Xu Chun hadn’t loudly exposed their complicated relationship that day, things wouldn’t have gotten so messy. Gritting her teeth, she stood firm, “Leaving the show is out of the question. Go tell them I’ll return only after the show ends.”

Xu Chun, who had been sneaking around, paused in her tracks. Was Jiang Zhaolie’s company pressuring her to quit the show?

Jiang Zhaolie was already in a foul mood, and when she turned to see Xu Chun, the instigator of all this, her expression darkened further. She lashed out, “Do you also want me gone, as far away from Suisui as possible?”

Xu Chun immediately shot her a look that said, “Are you out of your mind?” Seeing that Jiang Zhaolie seemed determined to pester her until she answered, Xu Chun cleared her throat, retracting the half-step she had taken. “You’ve misunderstood. Why would I think that?”

“I’d love for you to stay on the show so the three of us can show the whole nation how much we adore each other,” Xu Chun said with a sweet smile. “If possible, I’d even love for us to have a grand wedding on the show, letting everyone witness our spectacular union. Doesn’t that sound exciting?”

Jiang Zhaolie’s eyelid twitched violently at her words. Xu Chun then added, “But if your company really needs you, I can take care of Suisui for you in the meantime.”

“As a token of gratitude, you could introduce me to some of your wealthy second-generation rich friends. I don’t have any ulterior motives just want to make more friends.” Xu Chun blinked sincerely and asked, “What do you think?”

Jiang Zhaolie: “…” Your scheming is so loud even my great-uncle abroad can hear it.

Under Xu Chun’s expectant gaze, Jiang Zhaolie smiled gently and said kindly, “Xu Chun.” Xu Chun’s eyes sparkled with anticipation, only to hear Jiang Zhaolie continue, “Don’t even think about it.”

Xu Chun’s smile froze. Out of the corner of her eye, she suddenly noticed Yu Sui’an approaching. Her eyes darted mischievously, and Jiang Zhaolie immediately sensed impending disaster. She tried to cover Xu Chun’s mouth, but it was too late. Xu Chun took half a step back dramatically and exclaimed in a booming voice, “What? You say you still can’t forget our past romance?!”

Yu Sui’an halted mid-step, his gaze blankly shifting toward them before settling on Jiang Zhaolie.