Triple update upon entering V, 14k+ words in total

“Zhaolie, you've misunderstood.” Yu Sui'an's delicate brows drew together slightly, her expression faintly aggrieved and a little lost, as though she'd been wronged by the misunderstanding. “Me defending jiejie—it doesn't mean what you think it does.”

Jiang Zhaolie's lips trembled. She badly wanted to ask, Then what do you mean?※

“Because of jiejie, the situation between the three of us is out in the open now, and the whole internet is buzzing about it. These days, one wrong move and everyone will brand me a homewrecker.” Her lashes swept down, the emotion in her eyes faint and hard to read. “If I acted too close to you and treated jiejie like an enemy…”

She bit her lip lightly. When she raised her round, clear eyes, they were full of hurt. “Then what would people say I am?”

Yu Sui'an looked faintly disappointed, her tone tinged with an indescribable sorrow. “Zhaolie, I hope you can try to understand me a little—and think more about me.”

Jiang Zhaolie felt wronged, yet she couldn't find the words to argue back. She was proud and arrogant by nature, never one to bow her head to anyone, but right now her attitude was humble. “Sorry, Suisui. I was out of line just now.”

It was the first time in her life she had bowed her head to someone else; Jiang Zhaolie's heart was a tangle of feelings, and with that lingering grievance on top of it, her mood sank to its lowest point. Yet Yu Sui'an was not moved in the slightest. After the apology, she even stood up in silence and only after a long while said, “Zhaolie, I can't have dinner with you today after all.”

“What's wrong?” Jiang Zhaolie stood up in a rush, her heart in turmoil. “Is it because I made you unhappy just now? Do you not want to see me anymore?”

Yu Sui'an turned back with a faint smile. “No.” She blinked lightly. “I just suddenly want some time alone to clear my head. It has nothing to do with you, Zhaolie. Don't overthink it.”

How could she not overthink it? They had been getting along so well, but because she'd been jealous and asked a couple of extra questions, Suisui was already tired of her. Regret welled up in Jiang Zhaolie's heart. Had she known this would happen, no matter how uncomfortable she felt inside, she wouldn't have pressed Suisui for answers.

Unfortunately, there was no medicine for regret in this world.

Jiang Zhaolie offered to drive Yu Sui'an home, but the other woman refused with a single sentence: “No need, Zhaolie. I'm worried that if you drive me, the paparazzi might photograph us, and someone with ill intent could make a big deal of it.” Jiang Zhaolie stood frozen in place, and suddenly felt that the distance between them was very, very far.

A faint crack seemed to have opened between them, quietly damaging their relationship and creating an irreparable, irretrievable rift.

Jiang Zhaolie couldn't help feeling agitated. She sat in the car letting her thoughts run wild for a long time, and finally blamed it all on Xu Chun. If they hadn't been engaged, Suisui wouldn't be so cautious and deliberately keeping her distance from her…

She gripped the steering wheel with one hand and silently resolved: she would absolutely announce the annulment of her engagement in public at her grandfather's birthday banquet and draw a clean line between herself and Xu Chun. No one would stop her.

In the days leading up to Jiang Zhaolie's grandfather's birthday banquet, Xu Chun stayed holed up at home reading scripts, only occasionally picking up her phone to browse the news when she took a break. Her reputation was much better than when she'd first arrived. The main reason was that, like a mad, clinging water ghost, she had dragged Jiang Zhaolie and Yu Sui'an—especially Yu Sui'an—down with her and tied them firmly to her own boat.

Jiang Zhaolie wasn't in the industry, so it didn't matter much for her, but if Yu Sui'an's fans wanted to accuse Xu Chun now based on fabricated cheating rumors, they'd have to think twice about whether it might backfire on Yu Sui'an.

When Yu Sui'an had posted on Weibo, she hadn't directly said anything against Xu Chun, but anyone with eyes could see what she was insinuating. Then the so-called “secret meeting with the homewrecker” photos had surfaced so conveniently that it was hard not to suspect someone had arranged it all behind the scenes.

And as for the mastermind behind it all, Yu Sui'an was the most likely suspect.

So now that Yu Sui'an's fans were no longer pestering her, Xu Chun's reputation had improved and her opportunities were gradually coming back. That was a good thing. Her agent was overjoyed and had been in high spirits lately, walking as if the wind were at her back.

But after learning of Xu Chun's upcoming schedule, the agent couldn't help worrying again. “Jiang Zhaolie is already so bewitched by that Yu Sui'an she's lost her head, and she's still engaged to you. Could she publicly annul the engagement at her grandfather's birthday banquet just to please Yu Sui'an?”

If Jiang Zhaolie drew a clean line between herself and Xu Chun in front of so many social elites at her grandfather's banquet, what would become of Xu Chun? She wouldn't just become a joke in high-society circles; busybodies might leak the news to the media and let the whole country laugh at her.

That would be a devastating blow to Xu Chun's hard-won career.

The agent was frantic, but Xu Chun was calm. “If she wants to annul it, let her.” She propped her chin on her hand, indifferent. “But she's the one breaching the contract first. Out of humanitarian concern, she should at least give me some compensation, right?”

Xu Chun muttered to herself, “I won't ask for fifty million. But if she gives me ten or twenty million, that would be just great.” The agent's face was full of question marks. Just as she was about to ask whether Xu Chun's family was having financial difficulties, she heard Xu Chun say with a hint of excitement, “Then I'll take that money and keep a bunch of pretty boys! How great would that be!”

“Hey, I'll swap one out every week—each handsomer and sweeter than the last, all of them revolving around me twenty-four seven. Isn't that way better than a proper marriage?”

The agent: “……”

Not long after ending the call with her agent, Xu Wei came back. Xu Chun lounged lazily on the sofa, and when she heard the noise, gave her a sidelong glance. “My dear little sister, when are you planning to pay me back?”

The delicate-featured young girl paused mid-step, then turned back irritably. “What's the rush? I'm figuring out how to earn it!”

Xu Chun blinked. “As soon as possible, please.” She smiled faintly. “It wouldn't be good if such a tiny bit of money affected the bond between us dear sisters.” When the other didn't answer, Xu Chun spoke again. “By the way, why did you come back?”

Only now did she remember to care about her sister. Xu Wei glared at her through gritted teeth. “Getting something.”

The older sister—a big star—lay at ease on the expensive leather sofa, skin white as snow, a cascade of black hair spread out like silk, brows and eyes like a painting, features exquisite, her face smoothly contoured and faintly aggressive in a way that hooked the soul and stole the heart—stunningly beautiful. But beneath that peerless skin lurked a heart as venomous as a snake's.

Xu Wei sneered. Just wait until Grandpa Jiang's birthday banquet. Then we'll see if she can still smile.

……

It happened to be the rainy season. The towering buildings were soaked in rain, and the whole world felt damp. On the day of the birthday banquet, after days of continuous rain, the weather finally cleared, and the sunlight felt warm on the skin.

Jiang Zhaolie turned back and saw the woman bathed in golden light. She was ducking her head as she stepped out of the business car; a black fitted mermaid gown wrapped her sexy, shapely figure, making her skin seem even whiter. With the expensive necklace around her slender neck, she looked alluring and luxurious, unabashedly exuding an aura of arrogance and aloof distance.

When the other woman raised her head, her palm-sized face bore vivid red lips and bold makeup, and she naturally possessed a noble, cold, unapproachable presence.

Undeniably, even Jiang Zhaolie, who had seen all kinds of beauties, couldn't suppress a flutter of the heart at such a top-tier beauty.

Today Xu Chun was breathtakingly beautiful, as if the Creator had poured all its effort into her. Every gesture was astonishingly lovely, and even the ordinary business car behind her seemed to become upscale.

Jiang Zhaolie took a deep breath and forced herself to look away.

Xu Chun had noticed Jiang Zhaolie's entranced gaze from the start, and her brows furrowed in discomfort. Ignoring the other woman's presence, she declined the men who eagerly surged forward to show off their gallantry and win her favor, and lifted her skirt to ascend the steps toward the hotel lobby on her own.

The social elites who had come to offer birthday greetings had arrived in full force, each with extraordinary bearing, filling the hotel interior in groups of two and three. The moment Xu Chun appeared, the volume of conversation around her involuntarily lowered, and the gazes falling on the woman slowly emerging at the entrance were full of awe and wonder.

As Xu Chun moved forward, people on both sides consciously cleared a path wherever she passed, displaying an unguarded reverence for beauty in that moment.

Jiang Zhaolie's feet moved uncontrollably, following behind Xu Chun. She didn't know why she was following Xu Chun either. She had originally come out to welcome Yu Sui'an, but the moment Xu Chun left her sight, she vaguely felt as if a piece of her heart had emptied—as if only by watching the other woman without pause could she soothe her inner unease and loss.

She had only meant to pretend it was on the way, but after seeing certain men's ill-intentioned gazes on the other woman, she called out to Xu Chun as if possessed, her face tightly drawn. “Xu Chun, come with me.”

Xu Chun turned back, one eyebrow lightly raised. “You'd better have a reason for finding me.”

Jiang Zhaolie's brow twitched violently twice. All the strange emotions in her chest vanished in an instant, leaving only the usual feeling of being driven to stamping her feet by the other woman. Jiang Zhaolie stubbornly planted herself in place, looking very much as if she would force Xu Chun away if she didn't obediently comply. Xu Chun mused for a moment, then followed her anyway.

Once they reached an empty corridor, Xu Chun stopped and crossed her arms. “Jiang Zhaolie, hurry up and spit it out—whatever you have to say.” She was still in a hurry to meet up with He Qingli.

Jiang Zhaolie pressed her temples, suppressing the urge to snap at her, and said, “Today I'm going to annul our engagement in front of everyone. I hope you'll cooperate. It's better for both of us.”

Xu Chun wanted to curse her out, but her eyes darted, and she swallowed the swear words. “I can cooperate with you.” Jiang Zhaolie, who had expected her to refuse, immediately showed undisguised astonishment. Xu Chun smiled faintly. “First transfer me ten million.”

The other woman's face immediately turned black. Feeling regretful, Xu Chun settled for second best. “If ten million is too much, five million will do.” She held up one finger and wagged it. “No less than that.”

Jiang Zhaolie didn't speak, but she was clearly unwilling. Xu Chun shrugged. “It's still early. I think you can consider it. After all, a peaceful 'breakup' saves a lot of trouble. What do you think?”

“Impossible.” Jiang Zhaolie rejected her. “Don't even think about it.”

“Even if you don't cooperate today, I will definitely annul the engagement with you.” Even if it was for Suisui.

“Zhaolie.” Qin Yao had just arrived and heard Jiang Zhaolie's unreasonable words. Her sharp eyes shifted, her gaze falling on Jiang Zhaolie. “Is this how I taught you?”

Jiang Zhaolie instinctively tensed. Although Qin Yao was her mother, she both respected and feared her. Back then, after giving birth to her, the other woman had not only refused to raise her personally but had handed her over to relatives who couldn't have children. Later, once she was old enough to remember, the other had told her the truth but forbidden her from revealing their relationship in front of outsiders.

Now, under Qin Yao's direct stare, she felt the guilt of having been caught doing something wrong, and for a moment forgot Qin Yao's words, instinctively calling out, “Mom.”

Xu Chun's eyes froze. This was Jiang Zhaolie's mom?

Really? With looks like that, you could say she was her sister and no one would argue.

And so, before Xu Chun knew what had gotten into her, she said to Jiang Zhaolie as if possessed, “I couldn't tell.” She swallowed, her eyes shining. “Your mom is actually quite good-looking.”

Jiang Zhaolie frowned. “?”

A moment later, she reacted and lowered her voice through gritted teeth. “Xu Chun, stay away from my mom! You've already hurt Suisui; don't you dare toy with my mom.”

“What kind of talk is that?” Xu Chun snapped out of her admiration for Qin Yao's beauty and glanced guiltily at Jiang Zhaolie. “Am I that kind of person?”

Jiang Zhaolie nodded without hesitation, not a trace of doubt.

Xu Chun: “……” Swear words.

Her thoughts having been momentarily scattered by Xu Chun, Jiang Zhaolie belatedly remembered Qin Yao was still beside her. She pressed her lips tight, her expression tense. “Mom, I have no feelings for her.” She spoke stubbornly, as if presenting reasoned arguments. “If I had feelings for her, we would have developed them long ago, after knowing each other all these years.”

“Now I already have a girl I like. I don't want the girl I like to bear the label of homewrecker and suffer the world's judgmental gaze, and I don't want to hold Xu Chun back from finding her own happiness either.” Jiang Zhaolie spoke with utmost seriousness, desperately hoping for Qin Yao's support and approval.

But Qin Yao was unmoved. The woman's expression was faint; her sharp eyes showed no superfluous emotional change, yet they made Jiang Zhaolie not dare look her in the eye. “You think marriage is child's play?”

Jiang Zhaolie couldn't speak. Qin Yao regarded her coldly. “The engagement ceremony with Miss Xu was held after you came of age, when you already had independent thought. Since you were dissatisfied with this match, why didn't you refuse when you came with me to the Xu family to present the betrothal gifts? Why express your dissatisfaction and resistance only now?”

“Jiang Zhaolie, do you know what your behavior—'finding someone you fancy and then wanting to cast aside your wife of hardship'—is called? It's called killing the donkey once it's done its work: ingratitude and betrayal.”

Every word from Qin Yao stabbed at Jiang Zhaolie's heart. Jiang Zhaolie had no words to refute; she could only lower her head and let Qin Yao lecture her.

Xu Chun's eyes darted to Qin Yao. …Friendly forces?

With someone backing her up, her courage instantly grew. She swiftly shifted toward Qin Yao, then, like a fox borrowing the tiger's might, put her hands on her hips and ordered people about. “Did you hear that? Do you realize you were wrong after what Mom said?”

Jiang Zhaolie raised her head and stared at her with a subtle expression, and at the same time Qin Yao glanced at her distractedly. The smile on Xu Chun's face stiffened, and she hurriedly corrected herself. “What are you looking at? Have you been turning a deaf ear to your sister's words? Look at how you've angered your sister—hurry up and apologize!”

“If you make your sister angry, don't expect me to let you off today.”

Jiang Zhaolie: “…………” Never in her life had she been so speechless. Is she my mom or yours?

Just as the thought crossed her mind, Qin Yao thoroughly crushed her last shred of hope. “Don't bring up the annulment again.” Qin Yao's voice was faint, but her tone carried a warning. “In the future, I don't want anyone coming to me to complain that you've been tangled up with other women.”

Jiang Zhaolie opened her mouth to retort, but Qin Yao didn't give her the chance.

After Qin Yao left, Xu Chun and Jiang Zhaolie stared at each other for a long while. Finally, just as Jiang Zhaolie was about to settle scores with her, Xu Chun lifted her skirt and ran. Jiang Zhaolie hadn't really intended to chase her anyway; seeing her dash off like a rabbit made her even less inclined to bother.

She sank into deep distress. If Qin Yao didn't agree to the annulment, then no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't achieve her goal… No—unless the matter was blown up to an irreparable point, making the annulment inevitable—

For example, everyone knowing that the person she truly loved was not Xu Chun but someone else.

Xu Chun quickly met up with He Qingli. He Qingli was briefly stunned at the sight of her, and when she came to, her eyes shone. “Sister Xu Chun, are you planning to kick Jiang Zhaolie to the curb today and take some other woman home to sleep?”

Xu Chun's eyelid twitched, and she promptly changed the subject. “I just ran into Jiang Zhaolie's biological mother.”

“Oh?” He Qingli's attention was indeed diverted; she immediately perked up. “What did you talk about? Did Jiang Zhaolie bring up the annulment in front of her mom?”

“Of course she did.” Xu Chun's eyes darted. “I actually feel the same as Jiang Zhaolie, but unfortunately her mom doesn't agree.” She couldn't help sighing wistfully; this was going to be tricky.

“I never would have thought—Jiang Zhaolie looks decent on the outside, but behind the scenes she's such a piece of work.” He Qingli gave Jiang Zhaolie a thorough round of sarcasm. “Given how infatuated she is with Yu Sui'an right now, she definitely won't give up easily. Be careful of her. With so many people here today to celebrate Grandpa Jiang's birthday, she might pull some stunt.”

Xu Chun agreed wholeheartedly.

The two huddled together whispering for a long while. When Yu Sui'an arrived, she saw the woman—mysterious and coldly alluring as a black rose—practically leaning into He Qingli. Her gaze paused, and when she lifted her foot again, her pace unconsciously quickened, heading straight to Xu Chun and He Qingli. “Jiejie.”

Her gentle, harmless eyes drifted between the two, her face wearing a faint smile, but she asked He Qingli first, “Isn't Miss He a little too close to jiejie?”

He Qingli wanted to snap back with none of your business, but mindful that they were in public and worried about damaging Xu Chun's reputation, she finally straightened her back and gave Yu Sui'an a cold sidelong glance. “A white-faced wolf wearing a straw hat.”

Yu Sui'an didn't bother with He Qingli's sarcasm; her eyes fixed straight on Xu Chun.

This was a look she had never seen before. Her satin-like black hair was swept up cleanly, the snow-white skin exposed to the air dazzlingly bright, so fair one could almost see the pale blue veins beneath. Her brows and eyes were the same, as were her lips, yet today the woman inexplicably gave off a tantalizing allure that stirred the heart.

She was like a black datura blooming alone in the waters of the River Styx—pure, alluring, and dangerous.

They say three women make a drama, especially three women each with their own distinct temperament and beauty. The two actresses, Xu Chun and He Qingli, had already attracted a great deal of attention; now that Yu Sui'an had arrived, the attention in this corner nearly peaked.

Soon, someone somewhat familiar with the actresses recognized Yu Sui'an and said in surprise, “Isn't that the woman Jiang Zhaolie chased onto the show?”

At these words, the powerful and wealthy turned their heads one after another. Then the person spoke again. “And she's also the ex-girlfriend of Jiang Zhaolie's nominal fiancée—that is, Miss Xu Chun.”

The elites' gazes turned subtle in an instant. So messy? Jiang Zhaolie sure knows how to play.

For a time, those who had wanted to approach and win the beauty's favor abandoned the idea, waiting to see today's drama. It was rare to encounter such a dog-blood ethical melodrama involving both the entertainment industry and high society at the same time; it would be a shame to miss it.

Xu Chun pricked up her ears and caught the bystanders' discussion. Realizing she was being talked about like after-dinner entertainment, her gaze toward Yu Sui'an was no longer so friendly. “What are you doing here?”

Yu Sui'an's expression paused, then she revealed a hurt look. Xu Chun's face went blank. Here we go with the acting again?

“Does jiejie not like being around me?” she asked, eyes glistening with moisture, as if determined to get to the bottom of it. “Does jiejie hate me now?”

Xu Chun's head was spinning. She suddenly couldn't understand what this little white flower was playing at.

With such a perfect opportunity today, shouldn't the other woman hurry off to cultivate feelings with Jiang Zhaolie and seize the chance to firmly grasp her heart? Even if she dawdled with her for ages, Jiang Zhaolie still wouldn't be hers.

But at He Qingli's reminder, when Xu Chun saw Jiang Zhaolie hurrying over with an anxious, wary expression, she silently retracted her earlier thought. Who said it couldn't be done? Wasn't this proof that Jiang Zhaolie was thoroughly besotted and flustered?

Jiang Zhaolie had learned the news from a friend. The moment she heard Yu Sui'an and Xu Chun had already met, she was frantic, and without a second thought abandoned what she was doing and rushed over. Before she even got close, she saw Yu Sui'an facing Xu Chun and He Qingli alone from a distance, and immediately lost her composure. “Xu Chun!”

She hadn't deliberately lowered her voice, and everyone around heard her shout. Xu Chun turned her head in annoyance, then turned her gaze back to Yu Sui'an. Yu Sui'an's face showed some panic as she explained, “Jiejie, that's not what I meant.”

Unfortunately, no matter what she said now, the other woman seemed not to believe her. Seeing this, the light in Yu Sui'an's eyes dimmed slowly.

Jiang Zhaolie only saw Yu Sui'an's desolate, forlorn appearance, and without a thought blamed Xu Chun. She frowned and met Xu Chun's eyes. “What did you just do to Suisui?”

He Qingli wanted to explain for Xu Chun but was stopped by Xu Chun herself. “Nothing much.” Xu Chun glanced with a smile at the surrounding spectators. “I just asked her whether she'd be willing to get back together with me…”

Before she finished speaking, Jiang Zhaolie's brows furrowed so tightly an ant wouldn't fit between them. “Don't even think about getting back together. I won't agree. You've already hurt Suisui so many times; I absolutely won't allow you to continue tormenting her.” With that, she grabbed Yu Sui'an's hand. “Suisui, let's go.”

“But…” Yu Sui'an's slightly reddened eyes fixed tightly on Xu Chun. “Jiejie…”

“Why are you still thinking about her?” Jiang Zhaolie's voice faded into the distance—until she suddenly stopped, staring at Yu Sui'an with alarm and uncertainty, her tone incomparably serious. “Suisui, you're not actually considering getting back together, are you?”

Jiang Zhaolie couldn't help letting her thoughts run wild again. Could it be she still hadn't given up on Xu Chun? Or could she still have feelings for Xu Chun? Or perhaps Xu Chun had always held a place in her heart, and she herself was merely a substitute…

“No.” The girl's soft, low voice interrupted Jiang Zhaolie's thoughts. Yu Sui'an lifted her eyes and looked straight into Jiang Zhaolie's. “I just think, Zhaolie, that giving jiejie a hard time in public like that wasn't very nice. I'm worried others might form bad opinions of you behind your back.”

“You know I don't care about that.” Jiang Zhaolie's heart warmed; the gloom on her face dissipated entirely, leaving only happiness and emotion. “What I care about, from beginning to end, is only you.”

Yu Sui'an's expression stirred. “Zhaolie, you're like this… I really don't know what to do.”

But Jiang Zhaolie shook her head repeatedly, her expression moved. “You don't have to be so distant with me. As long as I have a place in your heart, as long as I'm the most important, that's enough.” She was somewhat worried Yu Sui'an might be bewitched by Xu Chun again and seriously consider reconciling, so her voice couldn't help carrying a hint of urgency. “Suisui, give me a little more time.”

“After today, I will definitely draw a clean line with Xu Chun, and give us all the justification we need to be together.”

Yu Sui'an didn't answer immediately; a trace of hesitation and a fleeting tangle of emotion rose in her heart. She didn't seem so urgently intent on capturing Jiang Zhaolie now. Although securing Jiang Zhaolie and successfully marrying into the Jiang family would greatly help her career and future, at this very moment, those prospects seemed to have lost more than half their appeal.

But she still had to soothe the other woman first. Yu Sui'an pressed her lips together and lowered her head slightly, speaking considerately, “I'm not in a hurry.” She raised her head a little. “Today is your grandfather's birthday; it's not very appropriate to tell everyone this now. How about waiting until everything is over before…”

“No.” Jiang Zhaolie immediately refuted her. “It's precisely because everyone is here today that I want to take this chance to make things clear. Otherwise, the longer it drags on, the worse it'll be for your reputation.”

Those who were at odds with Yu Sui'an might make a big deal of this to slander her, and that was something Jiang Zhaolie was very unwilling to see.

Jiang Zhaolie's attitude was firm. Yu Sui'an lowered her lashes lightly, the corner of her mouth curving into a barely-there smile. She nodded, her voice as soft as a mosquito. “I'll listen to you.”

The other woman cared about her so much and was in such a hurry; it seemed the matter was as good as settled.

The two were openly lovey-dovey and tangled up in public. Qiao Wan found it extremely displeasing. Then she heard them chatting without any regard for others, every word essentially about how to get rid of Xu Chun, the “official wife,” and elevate Yu Sui'an, the white lotus mistress. She couldn't stand that sort of thing. She charged over on the spot and pointed at Jiang Zhaolie. “Cousin, is this how Aunt usually teaches you?”

“You cast aside a perfectly good fiancée and treat this mistress like a treasure—are you worthy of Aunt's earnest hopes for you?”

Jiang Zhaolie turned at that, frowning as she met Qiao Wan's gaze levelly. “Don't meddle in adults' affairs, child.” Then she turned back to explain to Yu Sui'an, “Suisui, don't be angry; she's young and speaks without thinking…”

The other woman's words were entirely the tone of someone doting on and favoring a mistress. Qiao Wan's face gradually lost all expression, and her questioning turned aggressive. “Cousin, when you were being ambiguous with her, did you ever think about me—an innocent bystander dragged into this? How much questioning and cursing have I suffered these past days? Did you ever care? Now you're together with her—someone who hurt me—doesn't your conscience bother you?”

“At first I could understand that you were also kept in the dark, but what about after the truth came out? You still protected her without distinguishing right from wrong, not caring at all about your own cousin's feelings.”

“Do you really treat me as your sister?”

Jiang Zhaolie fell silent. Seeing this, Yu Sui'an put on a submissive air and spoke. “Miss Qiao, I'm sorry. This is all my fault; it has nothing to do with Zhaolie…”

“Did I speak to you?” Qiao Wan turned her eyes without expression. “I'm talking to my cousin; is it your place to interrupt?”

“Qiao Wan.” Jiang Zhaolie couldn't help sharpening her tone to discipline her for being so rude to Yu Sui'an. “She's the person I like, and she'll be your cousin-in-law in the future. Apologize to your cousin-in-law right now.”

Looking at Jiang Zhaolie's serious expression, the last shred of hope in Qiao Wan's heart was ruthlessly extinguished. She laughed coldly. “My future cousin-in-law?” As if hearing a joke. “The only cousin-in-law I acknowledge is Sister Xu Chun.”

“Does she, a Yu, deserve it?”

Jiang Zhaolie's expression changed in an instant. Qiao Wan was unafraid, lifting her chin and meeting her coldly. “Are you going to hit me for her too?” Jiang Zhaolie's expression was dark and uncertain. Qiao Wan curved her lips mockingly. “Go ahead and try. If you dare touch a single hair on my head today, you won't have an easy time for at least half a month.”

“Finally, I'll give you a word of advice: today is Grandpa's birthday banquet, so you'd better behave, cousin, and not do anything shameful in a fit of lust.” Qiao Wan smiled faintly. “Aunt isn't like me—she won't be at a loss with you.”

Jiang Zhaolie stared at Qiao Wan's retreating back, her temple throbbing. Yu Sui'an hurried to comfort her, her voice very soft. “Zhaolie, don't be angry.” Her tone was somewhat disappointed. “Everyone doesn't understand me yet; it's normal for them to have misunderstandings.”

“Besides… jiejie is so wonderful, and she's been with you all for so long. I can understand how everyone feels when they see me.” Yu Sui'an's voice trailed off; she lowered her head, revealing only a large expanse of snow-white skin on the back of her neck. Jiang Zhaolie noticed her mood was off and hurriedly lifted her face. The other woman's eyes were slightly red, glistening with moisture—clearly already terribly aggrieved inside, yet stubbornly refusing to let the tears fall.

Jiang Zhaolie's heart ached terribly; she fussed and coaxed for a long while.

After the two female leads left her sight, Xu Chun wandered around the hotel like a loafer for quite a while. He Qingli had left early for something, Xu Chun didn't know anyone else, and the only person she was somewhat familiar with, Xu Wei, had disappeared. So she had no choice but to quietly hold her wine glass and wait for the banquet to begin.

But in the eyes of Qiao Wan, who had come specifically to find her, the scene became something else: her cousin-in-law had been publicly humiliated by her cousin and was deeply depressed. Since she usually focused on her career and disliked socializing, she didn't even have a friend to confide in; she could only hide in a corner pitying herself, drinking bitter wine, and digesting all her negative emotions alone.

Seeing the other woman about to raise her hand and down the remaining half glass of wine, Qiao Wan reflexively strode over and lightly caught the lifting wrist with slender fingers. “Cousin-in-law, don't drink anymore.”

Xu Chun looked up blankly, her dark eyes full of confusion. “?”

“I know you're in a bad mood, but hiding alone and secretly drowning your sorrows won't solve anything.” Although Qiao Wan had earlier resolved not to see Xu Chun again, seeing her cousin so foolish, she had unconsciously begun to sympathize with this woman.

In her view, Xu Chun had looks and acting skills, acting skills and wealth, wealth and popularity. Out there, wouldn't people fight tooth and nail to have her? Such a nearly flawless person really had no need to hang herself on her muddle-headed cousin.

Having mentally scripted a whole dog-blood drama, Qiao Wan's tone carried some sincerity. “If you feel wronged and miserable, you might as well ask Aunt to stand up for you. Aunt has always been fair and principled, and you're completely the innocent victim in this matter, so Aunt will definitely side with you.”

At the end, she lowered her voice and added, “As long as you're willing to speak to Aunt, my cousin will definitely get a fierce dressing-down from her. By then, even if cousin is unwilling, she'll have to sit in the bridal sedan and be carried into your house to marry you.”

Xu Chun's mood abruptly turned complicated. “……” You really are your cousin's good sister.

After expressing her thanks, Xu Chun seriously considered Qiao Wan's suggestion. One mountain is higher than another; every villain has their nemesis. If she wanted to live well in this world, hugging a golden thigh was essential. And according to Qiao Wan, the person most capable of suppressing Jiang Zhaolie—of crushing her like an ant with no power to fight back—was clearly none other than Qin Yao, the one she'd just met—

Jiang Zhaolie's biological mother.

Still, Xu Chun felt a bit uncertain.

Would a mother really side with outsiders and help them instead of favoring her own child?

But Qiao Wan was so certain that Xu Chun could only temporarily suppress her doubts and decide to give it a try. Qin Yao had given her a good impression; the mature, calm, rational aura about the other woman made her feel very reliable.

Seeing Xu Chun finally nod, Qiao Wan couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. “Then I'll go to Aunt first and lay some groundwork for you, cousin-in-law, so you'll get twice the result with half the effort.”

She waved her sleeve and left without taking a single cloud with her. Xu Chun watched Qiao Wan's back and secretly sighed in admiration. What a living Lei Feng.

For Jiang Zhaolie to have such a cousin was truly Xu Chun's blessing.

As time passed, waiters filed in and led everyone into a spacious private room. Old Master Jiang, the birthday celebrant, appeared beaming, and for a time the number of people surging forward to offer birthday greetings was countless.

Xu Chun didn't join the crowd, just quietly watched from the side. Before long, she caught a faint, subtle fragrance beside her. She instinctively turned her head, and Yu Sui'an's familiar palm-sized face came into view. Noticing Xu Chun's gaze, Yu Sui'an's face lifted in a faint smile. “Jiejie.”

“About what happened earlier, I'm sorry.” Her voice was very soft, and paired with that pitiful appearance, even a heart cold as stone could be melted by her. But Xu Chun, who prided herself on being a romance-novel heroine immune to seduction, felt nothing for Yu Sui'an, who was merely a white lotus supporting character in a romance novel. “If you know it was wrong to treat me like that, then don't do it again.”

She said casually, “The Xu Chun who loved you down to her bones is dead.” She leaned close to Yu Sui'an, her eyes fixed straight on Yu Sui'an's bewildered, slightly panicked eyes. “You've already lost her, understand?”

Yu Sui'an was momentarily at a loss. What did the other woman mean? Was she going to completely sever ties with the past—with her? After a moment of shock, she quickly adjusted her emotions, feigning ignorance while knowing full well, her voice deeply wounded. “I don't understand what jiejie means.”

Xu Chun had no intention of explaining. “You'll understand someday.”

The surroundings fell quiet again. Yu Sui'an stood silent in place, hearing only the elites' hypocritical birthday greetings. The atmosphere was lively, yet she seemed out of place. At this moment, the person who had once been most familiar to her, the one she had felt a hundred percent sure she could handle, suddenly seemed to have a will of her own, calmly and rationally telling her, “I don't belong to you anymore,” making her feel an inexplicable panic from within.

She wanted to confirm that Xu Chun's words were merely retaliation for her excessive behavior these past days. But when she lifted her face and turned sideways, her gaze fixed unblinkingly on the other woman's face, she was disappointed.

Whether it was the emotion in the other woman's eyes or her expressionless face, both told her a fact she didn't want to believe. Xu Chun was serious.

She really didn't want her anymore.

This realization made Yu Sui'an's eyes redden without her realizing it. Clinging to a last shred of hope, the emotion that surged in her heart at that moment was so subtle she couldn't put it into words. “Jiejie, Suisui knows she was wrong.” With hardly a flicker of conscience, she said, “If jiejie doesn't like me being too close to Miss Jiang, I'll draw a clean line with her immediately and never see her again for the rest of my life.”

“Oh?” Xu Chun felt nothing inside. She even wanted to record it. After a long stalemate, she suddenly leaned close to Yu Sui'an, her brows and eyes carrying an indescribable pressure. “Prove it to me, Yu Sui'an.”

“If you can do it, I'll believe you just this once.”

But Yu Sui'an only fell silent. She hesitated for just a few seconds, and the other woman withdrew her attention, no longer paying her any mind—even though she was now standing truly close, the other treated her as merely a stranger attending the same banquet: ignoring her, not conversing, only politely maintaining surface-level peace.

Yu Sui'an couldn't help lowering her head, her white teeth lightly catching her lip. Why had jiejie suddenly changed so much? Could it be she already had someone else she liked?

Her expression couldn't help but darken, and a sense of crisis swept over her without warning.

Xu Chun paid no more attention to the little white flower female lead beside her, even after the other woman made repeated assurances after a brief moment of thought. But fate can't be defied, and moreover, given Yu Sui'an's ambition, her words were about as credible as the sun rising in the west; Xu Chun held no hope for them at all.

Rather than trust the glib Yu Sui'an and her eight hundred schemes, Qin Yao made her feel more grounded.

Xu Chun resolved to find Qin Yao after the banquet and thoroughly complain about Jiang Zhaolie. But before she could even start, Jiang Zhaolie, blinded by lust, had already lost patience and taken the microphone from the host, her expression serious. “Today is my grandfather's birthday, but before the banquet officially begins, I have something I want to clarify first.”

He Qingli immediately looked over at Xu Chun from afar, her face full of anxiety.

Those who had heard about the dog-blood love triangle between Jiang Zhaolie, Xu Chun, and Yu Sui'an also turned to look at Xu Chun, their gazes ill-intentioned and full of scrutiny.

Although the Xu family's assets weren't small, compared to the Jiang family, they were ultimately just an undistinguished tail-ender among the wealthy. And although Xu Chun was now a top-tier star, when it came to being worthy of Jiang Zhaolie, that wasn't quite enough either.

Thinking that today's events might spread in the blink of an eye and become known to all, everyone was eager to see Xu Chun's reaction on the spot. Would she be heartbroken and desperately cling to this unequal wealthy marriage? Or would she use moral kidnapping and threaten suicide, using ruthless tactics to quickly marry into the wealthy family and secure her position?

Suddenly the focus of the entire room, with all sorts of gazes falling on her, Xu Chun vaguely felt like a monkey in a zoo—the kind you can watch for free without a ticket.

The moment Jiang Zhaolie stepped onto the stage, she sensed Qin Yao's cold, emotionless gaze. She reflexively flinched and felt the urge to retreat, but thinking of Yu Sui'an waiting for her promise, she steeled herself and spoke. “Recently everyone has been very concerned about the engagement between me and Xu Chun. Now I'll tell you frankly: this matter was once real.”

“The reason I use 'once' is that it did exist in the past. Unfortunately, Miss Xu and I were fated to meet but not to stay together; ultimately we're not on the same path and can't go to the end. So today I solemnly declare here: from now on, I have no further relationship with Miss Xu.”

Her voice rang out forcefully, overpowering the sudden burst of noisy discussion. “In the future, if Miss Xu finds a new love, I won't be jealous, I won't cling, I'll offer my most beautiful blessings, wishing her and her new partner a loving marriage and deep devotion.”

“Beyond that, I have another happy matter I'd like to take this opportunity to share with everyone—” As she spoke, Jiang Zhaolie's gaze fixed on Yu Sui'an, her eyes full of tenderness. “I have someone I like. Her name is Yu Sui'an. She is the most beautiful, purest, and kindest girl I've ever met in the world…”

She pulled off her passionate confession on stage with flair, while the Jiang family members were nearly sick with rage. It was one thing for you to fool around normally, but as a granddaughter, today, in front of so many guests, you'd turned your own grandfather's birthday banquet into a chaotic, restless mess—if you had any conscience at all, you couldn't have done such an unfilial thing.

Xu Chun nearly died laughing. You really are your grandfather's good, filial grandchild.

Those whose attention was on Xu Chun, ready to enjoy the show, couldn't help but be full of question marks when they saw the smile on her face. Was this person crazy? She could still smile after being publicly jilted? They preferred to believe Xu Chun was forcing a smile to avoid losing all face, desperately holding on to her last shred of dignity.

After all, with Jiang Zhaolie kicking up such a fuss today, once the news of Xu Chun being jilted spread, the possibility of her marrying into a respectable wealthy family again would be slim.

Any family with any standing wouldn't allow a “wealthy family castoff” like Xu Chun through their doors. It wasn't about anything else. It was just that today's affair was truly too ugly. If Jiang Zhaolie had politely annulled the engagement with Xu Chun in private, Xu Chun wouldn't have fallen into such an awkward, dilemma-ridden position.

Many looked at Xu Chun with secret regret, pitying that gorgeous face of hers.

Otherwise, with her beauty and her fame in the entertainment industry, at the very least she could have been the official wife of a mid-tier wealthy family.

After her passionate confession, Jiang Zhaolie was quickly pulled down. Although everyone consciously refrained from openly discussing the matter, their exchanged glances were full of gossipy glee, and the frequent glances cast at the glamorous woman in the black gown with the fair skin confirmed it all.

Yu Sui'an turned her gaze to Xu Chun at the first opportunity, staring at her unblinkingly, afraid of missing any subtle expression. But to her disappointment, Xu Chun was calm throughout, even indifferent and composed, as if none of this mattered to her, no different from any other spectator.

This shouldn't be, Yu Sui'an thought quietly.

From what she knew of Xu Chun, the other woman had such a strong sense of pride; as soon as Jiang Zhaolie had voiced her intent to annul the engagement, she should have left the venue with a cold face.

Yet she hadn't.

Not only had she not, she even seemed somewhat… eager for it.

Yu Sui'an suddenly thought of a reason, and her whole heart plunged into an ice cellar. Could jiejie be thinking of annulling the engagement with Jiang Zhaolie as soon as possible, then taking the opportunity to completely sever ties with Jiang Zhaolie and herself, never to interact again for the rest of their lives?

She pressed her lips lightly together, her face paling involuntarily.

A tremendous panic rose spontaneously. This feeling of things slipping beyond her control left her flustered and frantic. She couldn't describe the complex emotions in her heart at that moment, but the intense feeling of “about to lose Xu Chun” enveloped her deeply.

The intention to merely use the other woman, which she had harbored from the beginning, had at some point quietly changed, taking on a strange emotion that, had it not been accidentally triggered today, Yu Sui'an would only have realized a very, very long time later.

Yu Sui'an unconsciously shifted her feet, wanting to get closer to Xu Chun. But just when the other woman was within arm's reach, a tall figure suddenly blocked Xu Chun's side, cutting off all of Yu Sui'an's line of sight. She could only watch helplessly as the other left with that woman of fierce aura, disappearing from sight.

Qin Yao's appearance happened to resolve Xu Chun's current awkward situation, so when the other woman politely invited her to leave with her, Xu Chun nodded without a second thought.

Xu Chun followed behind Qin Yao. The other woman—whether in height or appearance, or in that elegant, powerful, mature aura—was one in ten thousand, absolutely peerless.

They say dragons beget dragons, phoenixes beget phoenixes, and the children of rats can dig holes. Xu Chun truly couldn't figure out how someone like Qin Yao could have given birth to a blockhead like Jiang Zhaolie.

She speculated the whole way, until Qin Yao came to a stop in front of her. The other woman stopped so suddenly that Xu Chun, lost in thought, nearly bumped into her; fortunately, she snapped back in time and barely braked, desperately steadying herself.

Although she managed to keep her distance in time, at such close quarters Xu Chun couldn't avoid catching the cool, crisp fragrance on Qin Yao's expensive suit fabric. It wasn't strong, very faint—so faint it almost made her think it was her imagination.

Xu Chun instinctively looked up, her eyes dazedly stuck on Qin Yao. The other woman was very tall; for a woman, Qin Yao's height was a bit absurd, but it didn't feel strange. Instead it made Xu Chun feel that she was meant to be this high and mighty, like a noble, unreachable deity that ordinary people couldn't touch.

She seemed born to be looked up to.

As Xu Chun's mind wandered, Qin Yao turned back. Her seaweed-like, curly, soft long hair draped over her straight shoulders, and within her unapproachable aura, there was a faint, subtle hint of kindness. “Have some water.”

Qin Yao poured a cup of hot water from the dispenser and handed it to Xu Chun. Xu Chun stared straight at her face, taking it instinctively with both hands. “Thank you.”

The other woman seemed to be a person of few words, taciturn. At first Xu Chun felt a bit on pins and needles, afraid Qin Yao might side with Jiang Zhaolie and turn on her. But in the quiet space, Qin Yao sat in a chair, her long legs crossed, showing no intention of making things difficult for her.

Xu Chun had been guessing at the other woman's purpose, but after a moment, she found that although Qin Yao didn't say a single word of comfort to her, in both words and actions, she made her feel a full sense of security and comfort.

Qin Yao called Jiang Zhaolie over with a single phone call, apparently intending to have Jiang Zhaolie apologize to her.

Holding the hot water cup, Xu Chun carefully recalled the description of Qin Yao in the original text. The passages were short, the words even fewer, but in those few strokes, between the lines, was the image of a woman ruthless, cold, and merciless. As the greatest villain in the whole novel, when Qin Yao separated the lovebirds Jiang Zhaolie and Yu Sui'an, she used every means at her disposal, giving the two female leads a real taste of the world's bitterness, and nearly even a life-or-death parting.

Perhaps because she was too cold-blooded, in the later period when Jiang Zhaolie grew up, she showed no regard for their former mother-daughter bond and turned around to send the woman who had given birth to and raised her, Qin Yao, to prison.

Qin Yao's final ending was much the same as her own; the only thing she had better than Xu Chun was probably that after she died of illness in prison, someone immediately collected her body, and Jiang Zhaolie, persuaded by Yu Sui'an, had Qin Yao's body cremated and buried in a suburban public cemetery so she could rest in peace.

Unlike her, who lay dead for three days before anyone found her.

Xu Chun suddenly felt a bit sorry for herself. So when Qin Yao noticed her mood shift and turned to look at her, her lips pursed, and as if possessed, she moved her chair over beside Qin Yao, raising her thin, pointed chin pitifully to look up at Qin Yao. “Jiejie.” She paused, her words tentative. “Will you stand up for me?”

Qin Yao tilted her head, seemingly puzzled as to why the other woman wouldn't believe her. After a moment, she gave a slight nod, her voice still faint, seeming so unapproachable. “I will.”

With that word from her, Xu Chun was reassured. The enemy of my enemy is my friend; Qin Yao's similarly tragic ending gave Xu Chun a sense of shared misfortune, instantly drawing the other woman closer in her heart. It was rare for her to meet someone so trustworthy who could also put Jiang Zhaolie in her place. In her joy, she couldn't help but lean forward and throw herself at Qin Yao. “Then if Jiang Zhaolie bullies me later, jiejie, you absolutely must stand up for me!”

A soft weight suddenly filled Qin Yao's arms, and her whole body reflexively stiffened. After a moment, she nodded helplessly. “Alright.”

Strictly speaking, Xu Chun's current situation was still due to her own failure to discipline Jiang Zhaolie properly. It was only natural for a wronged young person to urgently seek someone to lean on, so Qin Yao didn't push Xu Chun away.

Meanwhile, Jiang Zhaolie, who had reluctantly come to the private room with her hands hanging down at Qin Yao's command, saw Xu Chun affectionately “nestled” against Qin Yao's shoulder. Her heart gave a violent lurch, and she unconsciously raised her voice to demand loudly, “Xu Chun! What are you doing, getting all tangled up in my mom's arms?!”

Xu Chun was so startled by Jiang Zhaolie's shout that she sat up straight and squared her back, instinctively saying, “You've misunderstood—that's not how it is, let me explain!”

She took a moment to mentally wander off: clearly there was nothing between her and Qin Yao, so why did Jiang Zhaolie's question make her feel guilty instead?

Jiang Zhaolie suppressed the anger in her heart and replied in a low, gritted voice, “Go on.” Let's see how you talk your way out of this!

Xu Chun was instantly speechless. She looked left at Qin Yao, right at Jiang Zhaolie, and finally, her red lips parted, and she turned the tables. “Just now, jiejie kindly comforted me and cleaned up your mess, and yet you suspect her of ulterior motives? Is that really how you see jiejie—as someone who disrespects her elders and paws at young people?!”

“Jiang Zhaolie, you really disappoint me!”

Jiang Zhaolie instantly felt Qin Yao's sharp, scrutinizing gaze fall on her. “……”

TL Note:

mad, clinging water ghost (疯批水鬼) refers to a drowned ghost said to drag others into water as substitutes; here it means someone clingy who drags others down with her.

white-faced wolf wearing a straw hat (白脸狼戴草帽) is a xiehouyu for a wolf pretending to be harmless—i.e., a fake good person.

living Lei Feng (活雷锋) refers to Lei Feng, China's model of selfless service, so it means a selfless do-gooder.

hugging a golden thigh (抱金大腿) is slang for securing a powerful backer or protector.