After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Became the Female Lead's Stepmother (GL) - Chapter 8

The word “fool” dripped with such indulgence that Jiang Zhaolie couldn’t help but shiver, goosebumps rising all over. Seemingly provoked yet restrained by the cameras, she could only grit her teeth and threaten Xu Chun, “Speak properly, will you?”

Xu Chun was perfect in every way except for her innate rebellious streak. The moment Jiang Zhaolie finished speaking, three words flashed seamlessly through Xu Chun’s mind. “Just watch me!”

In a lightning-fast motion, Xu Chun grabbed a tissue from the dining table nearby. Pinching its corner, she pressed it dramatically beneath her eyelid as if holding back tears and wailed in exaggerated grief, “Zhaolie, how could you treat me like this?”

“How dare you scold me?” She instantly transformed into a drama queen. “Have you forgotten all our past affection and tenderness so quickly? How heartless you are!”

“I loved you so deeply, for you, I was willing to abandon everything and silently bear all burdens alone. But why must you treat me this way? You’re so cruel, so cold, so utterly unreasonable!”

Jiang Zhaolie felt her temple twitch violently, itching to cover Xu Chun’s mouth. But Xu Chun was on a roll: “Zhaolie, I don’t understand, how can your 38-degree lips utter such icy words? You’ve wounded me to the core, left me battered and bruised!”

As she fake-sobbed into the tissue, Jiang Zhaolie stood flustered, rendered speechless by the accusations. Finally, with a stiff expression, she moved closer to apologize, only to realize there wasn’t a single tear in Xu Chun’s clear, dark eyes.

Instantly changing tack, Jiang Zhaolie said coldly, “Cry then. Keep crying. If you don’t shed real tears today, I have plenty of ways to make you cry for real.”

Xu Chun’s act faltered. “???”

“You’re so unfeeling! I’ve been so heartbroken over you that I can’t sleep or eat everything tastes like wax. Instead of comforting me, you complain my crying isn’t loud enough? Jiang Zhaolie, I see you for who you are now you heartless scoundrel!”

With that final accusation, she flounced away, leaving Jiang Zhaolie staring at her retreating figure. It took Jiang Zhaolie a long moment to process the absurd tirade. When clarity returned, she frowned in utter confusion, since when was she the villain here?

As Jiang Zhaolie considered chasing after Xu Chun for answers, Yu Sui’an approached. Without letting her speak, Yu Sui’an said softly, “This is all my fault, not yours.” She fluttered her lashes, masking her unease. “I’ll go explain everything to sister now.”

Just as Jiang Zhaolie had begun to calm down, Yu Sui’an’s words reignited her anger. “Why should you explain anything to her? She stole your endorsement, why must you apologize? She’s the one who’s wrong here!”

“Who appears in the advertisement was never our decision to make. Sister is just a victim in this too, and I believe she must feel very uneasy about taking my ad spot.” Yu Sui’an lifted her face, forcing a strained smile at the corners of her lips. “Besides, she’s already been having a hard time lately.”

The words Jiang Zhaolie wanted to say caught in her throat. She looked at Yu Sui’an, her deep-set brows filled with heartache. Suisui was always too considerate, too thoughtful of others, otherwise she wouldn’t have been hurt so deeply by Xu Chun. After struggling internally for a while, Jiang Zhaolie reluctantly agreed. “Alright then.”

“But I’m going with you.” Just in case Xu Chun tries to bully her again.

Yu Sui’an had always listened to Jiang Zhaolie, but this time she shook her head firmly. “No need, Zhaolie. I’ll go alone. If you come with me, I’m afraid Sister might misunderstand and throw another tantrum.”

That was true. Jiang Zhaolie had no choice but to relent. “If she gives you any trouble later, you must message me immediately. The moment I get your message, I’ll come right away.”

The smile on Yu Sui’an’s fair face deepened. “I know.” After a pause, her smile slowly faded. “In this world right now, you’re the only one who treats me the best, Zhaolie.”

“I really… really like you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Jiang Zhaolie was lost in this ambiguous confession for a long moment, an involuntary sweetness bubbling up in her heart. At this instant, she couldn’t help but feel a wild impulse, that even if she had to climb mountains of blades or cross seas of fire for Yu Sui’an, she would do so gladly.

Yu Sui’an found Xu Chun.

She watched as Xu Chun washed up, and even after Xu Chun finished, she remained nearby. When Xu Chun returned to her room to pack, Yu Sui’an followed her in, clinging to her like a shadow. Xu Chun could only stop, turn around, cross her arms, and raise an eyebrow with a roguish smile. “What, you want to watch me change too?”

“Or maybe you’d like to dress me yourself?”

Yu Sui’an froze, her lips turning slightly pale as if wounded by the words. “Sister, about the advertisement, I’m sorry.” She lowered her head, the soft strands of hair at her neck making her look utterly innocent. “Don’t let other people’s words influence or mislead you. I don’t mean any of what they say.”

“I’m not influenced at all.” Xu Chun gave Yu Sui’an a once-over. The girl was truly beautiful fresh and lovely in every way. What a pity that beneath such a pretty face lay such deep scheming and calculation. She wasn’t the original Xu Chun and wouldn’t be used as a stepping stone.

Clearing her throat, Xu Chun couldn’t resist taking Yu Sui’an’s delicate, soft hand in hers, speaking with heartfelt sincerity. “I believe you don’t have bad intentions toward me. But no matter how kind you are, some netizens and fans are determined to stir up trouble and drive a wedge between us, ruining our relationship.”

“So why don’t you post a Weibo explanation for me right now?” Xu Chun stared intently into Yu Sui’an’s eyes. “Otherwise, our relationship might really be sabotaged by those irrelevant people.”

Yu Sui’an paused, not responding immediately.

Seeing this, Xu Chun immediately let go of Yu Sui’an’s hand. “Seriously, Suisui? You won’t even do such a small thing for me? Were all those apologies and regrets you’ve been saying these past few days just lies?” She covered her chest in disbelief, looking deeply hurt. “I get it now. Words spoken in love only hold meaning when love exists. Go ahead and leave, Suisui. Let’s part ways here and now, sever all ties.”

A faint crack appeared in Yu Sui’an’s expression as she silently watched Xu Chun’s dramatic performance. Her gaze drifted before she finally spoke slowly, “Fine.”

“I’ll go get my phone right now and post a Weibo to clear your name, sis.”

Xu Chun, who had held no hope for Yu Sui’an’s humanity, was caught completely off guard. “Huh?”

She agreed just like that?

Narrowing her eyes suspiciously, Xu Chun studied Yu Sui’an. Was this woman secretly plotting something again?

As if oblivious to Xu Chun’s probing and doubtful expression, Yu Sui’an smiled faintly. “Of course I’ll do what you ask, sis.” The emotions in her eyes were inscrutable. “After all, you’re someone I truly loved.”

Too much, too much. Xu Chun quickly ignored that last sentence and shooed Yu Sui’an out of the room. “I need to change clothes.”

Yu Sui’an took the hint and left, keeping her promise by posting an explanatory Weibo for Xu Chun. When Yu Sui’an’s team saw her acting on her own, they immediately called to question her. “Do you realize what you’re doing right now?”

“I know.” Yu Sui’an’s lips curved into a smile. “I just don’t want to see sis suffering because of me.”

Team: “???” What kind of nonsense are you spouting? Weren’t your tactics against her the most vicious and ruthless before?

Yu Sui’an had always been strong-willed, and her team knew she wasn’t the type to act recklessly. After a few admonishments, they let it go. Regarding Xu Chun, they figured Yu Sui’an knew what she was doing. As long as things didn’t get out of hand, the team wouldn’t restrain her and would give her enough freedom.

After the Weibo post, Yu Sui’an’s fans were the first to express their confusion. [I don’t understand why Suisui keeps defending that trash woman. If it weren’t for Suisui acting normal during her livestreams, I’d suspect she’s been brainwashed by Xu Chun.]

[I always thought Suisui was the strong, independent female lead type. But can someone explain why someone as rational as her would stumble in love? Xu Chun, you have no heart! You betrayed Suisui’s sincerity, and now she has to personally clear your name. Can’t you stand on your own two feet like a functional adult?]

[“Who’s betraying whose sincerity here? Before even figuring out the messy relationship between Xu Chun, Yu Sui’an, and Jiang Zhaolie, don’t act like you’re the victim, okay? If you ask me, my girl Chun is the one who got wronged dumped out of nowhere, falsely accused of cheating, and now even her fiancée ran off with someone else. Who’s had it worse than her?”]

Xu Chun only learned about the online uproar after meeting He Qingli. He Qingli had been quite worried about her idol’s mental state, but seeing how utterly unbothered Xu Chun appeared, she belatedly realized, she’d still underestimated her idol’s thick skin.

Collecting herself, He Qingli brought up the day’s task. “There’s no food left in the fridge. We need to split into teams to go grocery shopping. Any thoughts, Xu Chun?”

“Thoughts?” Xu Chun shook her head. “Not really.”

He Qingli’s eye twitched. “Then how about assigning you, your fiancée, and your ex to handle the shopping?” She patted Xu Chun’s shoulder. “I’m sure everyone would love to see you three together.”

Xu Chun opened her mouth to protest, but He Qingli cut in first: “The other four of us still need to seriously focus on dating, so please be merciful and let us have this sponsored date. If we succeed in finding love, we’ll immediately give you a big red envelope and treat you to a lavish meal.”

Xu Chun: “…” How heartless and cold. To abandon your own idol for love? Is love really more important than your idol?

Judging by He Qingli’s expression apparently, yes.

After an intense back-and-forth, Xu Chun finally gave in. When Jiang Zhaolie learned she’d have to go shopping with Xu Chun, she immediately frowned in objection. “I disagree.”

“It’s just groceries for seven people. Sui’an and I can handle it alone, no need to bring her along.” Jiang Zhaolie refused to spend time with Xu Chun, especially after seeing Yu Sui’an personally post about her on Weibo. Her resentment toward Xu Chun peaked. “So I absolutely refuse.”

Oh, you think your refusal matters?

Xu Chun was genuinely annoyed. Crossing her arms, she sneered, “Fine, keep objecting then. The louder you protest, the more excited I get.” Grinning like a villain crushing flowers underfoot, she added, “Just wait. Even if you scream yourself hoarse today, no one will care.”

Jiang Zhaolie: “…”