After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother (GL) - Chapter 2

Recalling her dramatic performance just moments ago, even someone as thick-skinned as Xu Chun found herself blushing for once. She awkwardly pursed her rosy lips, her toes curling so hard they could’ve dug out a luxurious Barbie dreamhouse right then and there.

Sitting frozen in place, her dark eyes darted around in utter bewilderment.

Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?

Fortunately, her confusion didn’t last long. Her manager, heels clacking sharply against the floor, stormed over with a grim expression and yanked her out of camera view. “Xu Chun, what the hell were you thinking?! You know how much attention your breakup with Yu Sui’an has been getting lately, why would you bring it up yourself during a live stream?”

“Do you want to ruin your career even faster?” The manager was on the verge of losing it. Her fox-like eyes, naturally intimidating even without anger, paired with her sharply tailored suit, exuded an air of no-nonsense authority.

Though Xu Chun hadn’t fully grasped the situation in this book, she knew she’d messed up. She lowered her head obediently, the picture of remorse. Seeing her silent submission, the manager gritted her teeth, frustration with no outlet. “Xu Chun, let me make this clear one last time, Yu Sui’an is not the right person for you.”

“She’s a thousand times smarter than you. You’ll never outplay her. You’d better snap out of this lovesick delusion, or not even the boss can save you!”

Yu Sui’an had skyrocketed to fame with her delicate, innocent “white lotus” persona. Clever and resourceful, she knew exactly how to leverage every advantage around her, aided by a PR team skilled at twisting narratives. If Yu Sui’an wanted to, Xu Chun would never recover her standing in the entertainment industry.

The manager didn’t know the truth behind their relationship, but Yu Sui’an had already seized the moral high ground in the court of public opinion. The so-called “evidence” of Xu Chun’s infidelity circulating online was ironclad there was no room for damage control, not even with hired spin doctors.

The internet was in an uproar, with everyone condemning Xu Chun. Yu Sui’an’s fans were especially vicious, demanding Xu Chun be banished from the industry. The manager had fought tooth and nail just to salvage some of Xu Chun’s remaining projects. So, seeing Xu Chun still stubbornly clinging to her feelings, how could she not be furious?

Xu Chun was a privileged heiress who had never known hardship her family had political connections, her parents were business elites. Normally, someone from her background would treat the entertainment industry as a playground, but Xu Chun was different. She took every role seriously, willing to sacrifice even her carefully maintained appearance for the sake of her craft.

Unlike Yu Sui’an, who stuck to typecast roles, Xu Chun was stunningly beautiful, her charm and allure unmatched in the industry. If she claimed second place in looks, no one would dare claim first. Perhaps because of this, she went out of her way to prove she wasn’t just a pretty face, taking on challenging, transformative roles that defied expectations.

The manager still remembered Xu Chun’s debut year, when she’d immediately chopped off her silky long hair to play a delinquent.

If not for that, the manager might not have devoted herself so wholly to Xu Chun’s career. But who could’ve predicted that such a brilliant actress would stumble over a woman?

The manager couldn’t help but sigh.

Xu Chun’s attention, however, was entirely focused on the three words “Yu Sui’an.” Disbelievingly, she pointed first in the direction where the little white flower had left, then at herself, “You’re saying she, my ex-girlfriend is called Yu Sui’an?!”

Her voice nearly cracked. Her manager stared at her bewildered, “Well, yeah.”

Xu Chun felt her mouth go dry. How could she coincidentally share the same name? Was she destined to clash with this name in this lifetime? Otherwise, why would she keep running into this person everywhere?

After standing there with a grim expression for a long while, Xu Chun suddenly jerked her head up, startling her manager, who immediately tensed and warned, “What are you planning? I’m warning you, Xu Chun, don’t do anything reckless.”

At that moment, Xu Chun’s mind was racing the male lead of this book… no, wait. She vaguely remembered that when she touched that black book, it had kindly informed her, “This is a yuri novel with a collapsed order,” before she impatiently cut it off. So, this was the world of a yuri novel?

But even if it was a yuri novel, just like romance novels, there had to be a female lead, right? So, who was the female lead of this yuri novel?

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and carefully recalled, finally piecing together the character relationships, Female Lead #1 Jiang Zhaolie was her fiancée, Female Lead #2 Yu Sui’an was her ex-girlfriend, Supporting Female Character He Qingli was her devoted fan, and there was also the antagonist Qin Yao, an insignificant backup in her harem.

None of this was the problem. The problem was she was a genuine romance novel heroine!

Her mood was complicated.

Her mentality was shattered.

Xu Chun forced a smile that looked worse than crying. Her manager couldn’t help but soften, sighing in resignation, “It’s okay, Chun. It’s not a big deal. You’ll get through this.”

Not a big deal? This was a huge deal!

She gave her manager another pitiful look. The manager’s eye twitched, unable to bear the sight, and said, “Just rest here for now. I’ll handle the livestream situation.” She turned to leave but paused after two steps, adding, “Oh, and starting now, you are not to approach Yu Sui’an or speak to her again. Understood?”

Only after receiving Xu Chun’s affirmative response did the manager leave, though not without lingering concern.

The incident Xu Chun caused during the livestream had far-reaching consequences. Back when Yu Sui’an suddenly announced their breakup on Weibo, her post was filled with accusations against Xu Chun. Naturally, Yu Sui’an’s fans assumed Xu Chun was the one at fault.

Just as speculation was rampant, a well-known media outlet released a set of photos during peak traffic hours, showing Xu Chun in intimate poses with another woman, sparking public outrage. Overnight, Xu Chun became the internet’s favorite punching bag.

But the truth was Xu Chun had been framed.

Yu Sui’an was the one who initiated the breakup. Yu Sui’an was also the one who leaked the photos of Xu Chun’s supposed affair, all because she had fallen for someone else Xu Chun’s own fiancée, Jiang Zhaolie. To rid herself of Xu Chun’s persistence, Yu Sui’an didn’t hesitate to ruin her reputation and career, ensuring she’d never recover.

Yet, despite Yu Sui’an’s cruelty, Xu Chun remained hopelessly devoted, refusing to leave no matter how badly she was treated.

Yu Sui’an was truly fed up with Xu Chun’s persistent pestering, so she deliberately set a trap for her during the live broadcast, aiming to utterly ruin her reputation and leave her with no way out.

In the original story, Xu Chun had her fiancée stolen by Yu Sui’an, along with numerous scripts destined for massive success. Yu Sui’an and Jiang Zhaolie even joined forces to bankrupt Xu’s family business, driving her parents to suicide. In the end, Xu Chun, devastated by the family tragedy, went mad and ended up homeless, her body only discovered three days after her death.

After learning about her future fate, Xu Chun: “…”

Couldn’t she just have a happy ending?

Fortunately, Xu Chun had always believed in “man can conquer nature.” Not only was it impossible for her to harbor lingering feelings for Yu Sui’an, but she also had no interest in her so-called fiancée, Jiang Zhaolie. The farther those two stayed from her, the better.

But reality had other plans. Thanks to Xu Chun’s recent remarks about Yu Sui’an, the internet had exploded.

[“How dare Xu Chun show her face in front of Suisui and even say such things? Late-coming affection is cheaper than grass. Since the show hasn’t fully started yet, Xu Chun should just quit!”]

[“If Xu Chun doesn’t leave, I’m not watching this show!”] Comments like these were endless, nearly overwhelming the show’s official Weibo page. Ever since the guest list was announced, the show’s popularity had skyrocketed due to Xu Chun and Yu Sui’an’s breakup, leaving the director grinning from ear to ear.

Free publicity and hype were too good to pass up. Any director with half a brain wouldn’t kick Xu Chun off the show now. Not only would she stay, but she’d also be carefully appeased to prevent her from quitting under the barrage of online hate.

Acting on this thought, the director immediately headed to Xu Chun’s dressing room. The door was slightly ajar, and just as he raised his hand to knock, he heard a slow, deliberate voice inside say, “This damn face of mine is just too damn gorgeous!”

The director froze: “?”

…Was that the voice of the mature, composed Xu Chun?

Xu Chun had already set her phone aside and was studying her reflection. This body bore a striking resemblance to her original appearance, but perhaps because she was the villainess who meddled in the female leads’ relationships in this novel, the author had cranked her beauty up to unprecedented levels. Standing next to others, she looked like she had a permanent beauty filter aloof, elegant, and utterly unattainable.

With her alluring eyes, peach-blossom cheeks, slender waist, long legs, and an ethereal grace that even Xu Chun herself found breathtaking, she couldn’t help but admire her own reflection.

After a long moment of self-appreciation, Xu Chun finally noticed the hesitant figure lingering at the door. After a brief pause, she recognized him. “Director?”

Snapping out of his daze, the director flashed an ingratiating smile. “The live broadcast is about to start. You and Suisui—”

Anticipating his next words, Xu Chun’s brows furrowed slightly. “Director, I won’t let my personal issues affect the show’s recording, but at the same time, I don’t want to hear anyone discussing my private relationships.”

Understanding her meaning, the director’s smile widened. “Of course, of course. I get it, I totally get it.”

This is a brand-new variety show touted as “the most authentic dating reality program in history.” The production team invited six single celebrity guests to track their romantic pursuits through 24/7 live streaming. With this near-surveillance level of broadcasting, the show couldn’t possibly be anything but real.

The novelty of the format, combined with the gossip surrounding Xu Chun and Yu Sui’an’s breakup, had already generated massive buzz before the show even officially began. And Xu Chun’s unprepared remarks during the preliminary livestream single-handedly catapulted the show to trending status.

Ex-lovers, both A-list celebrities, appearing on the same dating show could there be a more sensational, drama-filled story?

No.

The entertainment industry had been dull as dishwater lately, so netizens, like wolves catching the scent of bl00d, were watching the show’s every move with rapt attention.

Xu Chun followed the director into the studio, where the other guests had already gathered including Yu Sui’an. When Xu Chun entered, Yu Sui’an lifted her gaze, silently meeting her eyes for a brief moment before quickly looking away, her slightly lowered face perfectly displaying a hint of discomfort.

Xu Chun saw right through the act but ignored it, casually taking a seat nearby. Next to her, a young woman with an innocent, model-student face looked positively thrilled. If not for the live broadcast already rolling, Xu Chun suspected she might have lunged at her. A glance at her name tag revealed her identity, He Qingli.

Ah, so she was a fan. No wonder.

Aside from Yu Sui’an and Xu Chun, the other guests weren’t very familiar with each other, so the director steered the proceedings, signaling everyone to introduce themselves starting with Xu Chun. Knowing exactly what the audience wanted, the director added, “Your introductions must include your past romantic experiences.”

Xu Chun glanced at the director, then at the camera, cleared her throat, and spoke under everyone’s expectant gaze: “I’m Xu Chun. No exes online, no dating history.”

Director: “?”

Yu Sui’an: “??”

He Qingli: “???”

He Qingli couldn’t help but widen her eyes in disbelief. Damn, you really have the guts to spout nonsense in front of millions of viewers! Your ex is literally right here, and you still dare claim you have no exes?

After a deathly silence, the others gradually snapped out of their shock, casting subtle, questioning looks at Yu Sui’an. Wait, is this for real?

Yu Sui’an paled, fingers tightening unconsciously, feeling the weight of their stares like needles on her back.

Ignoring the incredulous scrutiny, Xu Chun thought with unshakable confidence: The relationships Xu Chun, the yuri novel side character, had have nothing to do with me, Xu Chun, the romance novel protagonist. I’m not taking the blame for this.