Chapter 60

After Jiang Zhaolie finished scolding her and hung up, Yu Sui'an was absolutely furious. Gritting her teeth, she redialed Jiang Zhaolie's number—only to discover the other woman had apparently anticipated this and already blocked her.

When the calls wouldn't go through, she resorted to frantically texting her instead. But some word she used must have tripped the carrier's ad and fraud-monitoring filter, because her card was frozen on the spot. She'd have to go to a store in person with her ID to see if it could be unlocked—and if not, the card was as good as dead.

Yu Sui'an was beside herself. She'd gained nothing and lost a phone card on top of it. In a fit of temper, she hurled the cup beside her to the floor.

Jaw clenched, eyes dark, she thought: Jiang Zhaolie, just you wait!

After hanging up and blocking Yu Sui’an, Jiang Zhaolie felt an indescribable delight. Yu Sui’an had always had her thoroughly suppressed. She couldn’t out-argue her or out-scold her, but thankfully, now all it took was the lightest flick of her finger to report her and keep her awake all night.

Just thinking about Yu Sui'an lying awake, furious, letting her mind run wild and fretting over everything, put her in a wonderful mood.

The smile at the corner of her lips was dazzling. But after she’d smiled for a good while, it abruptly froze. Hadn’t what she’d just done been exactly Xu Chun’s usual tactic? She’d expended no extra effort yet driven someone half to death with rage.

Jiang Zhaolie's lips pressed into a thin line. How had she come to resemble Xu Chun more and more?

Her originally lovely mood plunged in an instant, and she couldn’t cheer up no matter what. Still, when she returned to the private room and looked at Xu Chun, she couldn’t help wanting to tell her everything that had just happened, especially how she’d cleverly seen through Yu Sui’an’s scheme and counterattacked so neatly that the woman would be tossing and turning all night.

Xu Chun hadn't intended to pay Jiang Zhaolie any mind, but the other woman's burning eyes were fixed on her like a dog's, pleading, and she looked like she was dying to say something but holding back. After thinking it over, Xu Chun finally rose, took her wine glass, scooted over, and sat down beside Jiang Zhaolie.

“Out with it.” She eyed Jiang Zhaolie sideways; that expression had successfully ignited her gossip-loving soul.

So despite being watched by so many big shots, she still wanted to know what on earth Jiang Zhaolie was trying to tell her.

Actually, Jiang Zhaolie had already resolved to bury this matter deep in her belly, but now that Xu Chun had suddenly come over so willingly and amiably, she immediately couldn't hold it in. Her expression was uncharacteristically serious, her tone uncharacteristically proper. “Just now, I saw through Yu Sui'an's scheme.”

Xu Chun's eyebrows rose in surprise. “?” You, with that naive little sweetheart look?

Jiang Zhaolie didn’t notice the disgust in Xu Chun’s eyes. With a touch of pride and self-satisfaction, she said, “She called me just now, wanting to win me back, to get back together and rekindle our old flame, but I rejected her.”

Xu Chun couldn't help making the same face as an old man on the subway squinting at his phone.

Wasn't that little black lotus aiming for her? Barely an hour ago, the woman had been sobbing into the phone about how much she liked her, loved her, how loyal and faithful she was.

And now, before even half a day had passed, her target had switched back to Jiang Zhaolie? So she was casting a wide net, was she?

Xu Chun tightened her grip on her wine glass. What a two-faced scumbag, changing faces faster than the weather!

“Because I realized her real target was never me,” Jiang Zhaolie said earnestly. “Her target is our family, you, my mom, even my adoptive mother.”

Xu Chun was still too busy despising Yu Sui'an to follow, and such explosive news out of nowhere left her face full of question marks. “?? What.”

What did this have to do with the family, with her, with Qin Yao, and with Madam Jiang?

“What she really wants is the maternal love that originally belonged to me alone.” Jiang Zhaolie sneered. “She wanted to win me back and date me, even marry me, all just to compete with me for maternal love.”

Jiang Zhaolie didn’t dare say the rest aloud, especially that the love she meant belonged to Xu Chun. She was afraid Qin Yao would beat her.

After hearing it all, Xu Chun could only describe her feelings as complicated. She stared at Jiang Zhaolie in silence, her face saying plainly: “Are you okay? Should we go to the hospital and get you registered right now?”

Xu Chun had always known Jiang Zhaolie's brain was a little off, but she hadn't expected it to be off to such an absurd degree.

Only she could come up with something like that.

Xu Chun was speechless. She’d wanted to give Jiang Zhaolie a proper talking-to, but seeing the eager-for-praise look on her face, she swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue and changed tack to a perfunctory compliment. “Beautifully done. You’re just too clever. No wonder you’re the child Sister Qin raised!”

“With instincts like that for danger and scheming, and that vigilance against Yu Sui'an's little tricks, even if the whole family were handed over to you someday, you'd surely do the best job possible!”

Jiang Zhaolie could hear the sarcasm in Xu Chun's words, but that didn't stop her from being happy.

She looked at Xu Chun, overjoyed, her mind filled with only one thought: Xu Chun praised me, our relationship has grown closer, and as long as I keep at it and continue seeing through more of Yu Sui'an's schemes, our relationship will surely grow even closer.

The two of them sat together whispering for quite a while, and the others at the table couldn’t help casting curious glances their way. Zheng Yanran was the most direct. She spoke up right there and then, “What are you two talking about? Is there something we can’t hear? You’re whispering behind my back like this. You’re not treating me as a friend.”

Xu Chun lifted her eyelids. “We're discussing postpartum care for sows. Still want to hear?”

“Of course I do.” Zheng Yanran was utterly intrigued and immediately scooted her chair over. “Tell me, go on, tell me in detail. I really want to hear.”

Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Xu Chun, full of admiration. “You know so much.”

Jiang Zhaolie couldn’t help thinking, “?” She was part of this too. Why was Zheng Yanran only praising Xu Chun and not her? She instantly grew wary. Could there be another rival now?

But then she glanced at Jiang Banxia. Wasn't Zheng Yanran chasing after her every single day? How could she still be so interested in Xu Chun?

Could it be? Jiang Zhaolie felt a sudden myocardial infarction. Was Zheng Yanran trying to build a closer relationship between her mother, Zheng Jinchan, and Xu Chun?

Jiang Zhaolie suffocated on the spot, a subtle yet profound despair welling up in her heart. How was she supposed to compete in secret now? She couldn’t even beat her own mother. How could she possibly contend with Zheng Jinchan? Beside people like them, she’d be lucky to just stand on the sidelines and watch.

Was she doomed to just quietly and obediently enjoy Xu Chun's motherly concern?

It wasn't bad, exactly, but... she was a little unwilling to accept it.

In an instant, the joy of being praised by Xu Chun was diluted, and her mood sank into depression again.

Zheng Yanran looked at Xu Chun expectantly, waiting for her to explain postpartum care for sows, but Xu Chun simply shut her mouth and dumped the task on Jiang Zhaolie. But Jiang Zhaolie was already mired in sorrow and pain and couldn't be bothered with her. Zheng Yanran was genuinely curious and kept pestering Xu Chun until she'd annoyed everyone around them. Only then did Zheng Jinchan finally speak up. “Zheng Yanran.”

She called her daughter's name lazily, a faint smile on her face. “You've eaten yourself full and have nothing better to do, is that it?”

If she had questions, she could ask Xu Chun privately. Why make such a scene? Qin Yao was sitting at this table, and Zhao Ciying too. Carrying on like this, anyone would think she was usually too busy with work to have raised her daughter properly.

Zheng Jinchan narrowed her eyes at Zheng Yanran, her left hand raised to prop up her chin, and couldn't help thinking: perhaps she should just send her daughter to the countryside for a proper reform.

Once she'd tasted enough hardship, once she'd savored all the sweetness and bitterness the world had to offer, surely she wouldn't be so unreasonable anymore.

At the sound of Zheng Jinchan’s voice, Zheng Yanran immediately fell silent. By reflex she sat up straight, spine rigid, the very picture of a model student. It was no wonder she obeyed Zheng Jinchan so readily. Her mother had been excessively strict with her lately, so much so that Zheng Yanran suspected her mother had gone abroad and had her soul swapped out by some master sorcerer.

She silently recalled Zheng Jinchan's former gentleness and affection, so even racking her brains, she never would have guessed that while her mother smiled at her face, behind her back she was already darkly plotting to let society give her a sound thrashing.

Once Zheng Yanran quieted down, Xu Chun's ears were much more at peace.

She earnestly tasted every dish on the table, then discussed them with He Qingli, pointing out which were perfect in color, aroma, and taste and which were all show and tasted awful. Just as the two were chatting with relish, He Qingli glanced at her phone and her expression changed abruptly. Xu Chun asked instinctively, “What’s wrong?”

He Qingli's mood soured instantly. Lowering her voice, her delicate brows knitting together, she said, “Fu Xin's parents came back to the country today.”

“And her younger brother?”

“He didn't come back with them.” He Qingli's low pressure was almost impossible to contain. “Her brother is still studying abroad. Her parents hired a nanny to look after his daily needs, and then the two of them came back by themselves.”

Coming back at a time like this... it was hard not to read into it.

When the family was drowning in debt, everyone except Fu Xin had emigrated abroad to dodge it. And now that Fu Xin had finally, through every channel available, paid off most of the debt, this couple had the nerve to come back and reap the rewards.

Although Fu Xin's ability to repay such a large portion of the debt in such a short time was largely thanks to her ancestors, the couple's behavior was still chilling.

“Don't panic.” Xu Chun tried to soothe her. “Little Fu isn't stupid; she won't just let people take and take...”

Before she could finish, He Qingli cut her off, angry and anxious. “But she only just graduated. She hasn’t even grown up herself, and her family is notorious for favoring sons over daughters. Those two are her parents in name. If they use family ties and guilt to manipulate her, she definitely won’t know how to argue back.”

“Calm down.” Xu Chun said softly. “You have to trust Little Fu.”

“She's an adult now, and she has you. Even if she didn't consider herself, she'd consider you.” Xu Chun's firm expression finally calmed He Qingli a little. Her face was still grim, but much better than before. “When we get back, just give her a call and you'll know the details.”

That was all she could do. He Qingli nodded.

She was terrified Fu Xin would be bled dry by her son-favoring parents again, terrified Fu Xin would be deeply hurt by her own biological parents once more. After sitting a little while longer, He Qingli simply couldn't stand it anymore. With a few apologetic words, she left early.

Xu Chun got up to see her out, personally watching her get into the car back to the hotel before turning to head back to the private room with peace of mind. But just as she was about to push the door open, she stopped dead, struck by a moment of clarity. Wait. Now that He Qingli was gone, wouldn’t she be left facing those big shots all by herself?

Just briefly picturing it was enough to suffocate her.

For a moment Xu Chun hovered indecisively at the door, never able to summon the courage to push it open and step inside. Just as she was dithering, a dark shadow fell over her from behind. “Why aren't you going in?”

Qin Yao's gaze held faint puzzlement. Xu Chun turned back, but couldn't very well tell her she was scared.

Qin Yao seemed to figure it out quickly enough, though, and gestured to her. “Come with me.”

Xu Chun didn’t ask. If Qin Yao was calling her away alone, there must be something important she wanted to say. Besides, she trusted Qin Yao almost completely. The other woman would never harm her.

So she followed without a second thought.

The two made their way up to the hotel's rooftop terrace garden. A gentle breeze drifted toward them, carrying a faint chill. Qin Yao turned her head to look at her. “Cold?”

“Not cold.” Xu Chun shook her head. Qin Yao didn't look away; she studied Xu Chun seriously for a long while before saying softly, “You've gotten thinner again.”

Xu Chun didn't argue. Lately, filming meant constant intense running around and countless action scenes every day. Even an iron man would be worn down to a nub after ten days to two weeks of that, let alone flesh-and-blood people like them.

Fortunately, though she was thinner, her physical fitness was considerably better than before.

At least she shouldn't end up collapsing into the hospital alongside He Qingli like last time.

Xu Chun flashed Qin Yao a smile. “It’s normal. Once filming wraps and I go home to rest for a while, I’ll put it all back on.”

Qin Yao watched her in silence.

Compared with before, especially when she’d been filming the variety show at Qin Group, she was far too thin now. Though this figure was just right on camera, in real life it was enough to make one’s heart ache.

Yet Xu Chun herself didn’t think anything of it. Those dark, bright eyes held a smile, glittering like stars in the night sky. It was truly hard not to be moved.

Those stubborn, hopeful eyes were still so irresistible, enough to make a person break through the restraints of their own inner morality and agree to whatever she asked.

“Eat properly.” Qin Yao withdrew her gaze. Her pale lips were beautifully shaped. Matching Xu Chun’s pace, she walked slowly. “These days the nutritionist has specially prepared those meals for you. Don’t secretly spit them out.”

Xu Chun's steps halted on the spot, and she shot a startled glance over, the sentence “How do you know I spit out the things I don't like” nearly escaping her lips right there. Fortunately she caught herself in time and didn't expose herself in front of Qin Yao. She put on a well-behaved, obedient look and nodded. “I know.” Then she flexed her just-right biceps. “See how strong I am now?”

Qin Yao glanced at it and didn't puncture her confidence. “Not bad.”

Xu Chun beamed. She suddenly felt that being with Qin Yao, even in silence, was comfortable and relaxing. It was just a pity that she and Qin Yao were often busy with their own things and rarely had time to meet, let alone spend a good stretch of time in each other’s company.

“By the way.” Xu Chun's eyes darted about. “Sister, are you all going back after this meeting?”

Qin Yao nodded, but consoled her. “This meeting will last at least half a month, though, so we won't be leaving anytime soon.”

When she said it, Xu Chun somehow read an indescribable something in her tone—as if... the other woman was rather looking forward to her kicking up some kind of fuss.

That had to be her imagination. Xu Chun silently reassured herself: Qin Yao wasn't that kind of person.

She’d originally assumed Qin Yao, Zhao Ciying, and the others would stay about a week at most. She had no idea they’d stay for at least half a month. During that time, wouldn’t she be living in dire straits every single day?

Xu Chun felt a little dizzy. Preoccupied with worrying about her miserable future, she didn't watch her step and promptly face-planted right in front of Qin Yao.

She lost her balance and was about to fall face-first to the ground. Xu Chun paled in horror—falling backward would've been fine! If her face got ruined... Before the thought could fully unfurl, she had already landed in an embrace that was fragrant, warm, and incredibly safe.

She stayed held like that for a full five seconds before slowly, tentatively opening the eyes she'd squeezed shut the moment she fell. In an instant, she met Qin Yao's deep, dark eyes.

There was almost no one around, and the light was very dim. She could barely make out Qin Yao’s face. Only a blurry outline of her features was visible, yet the other woman’s eyes had an unmistakable presence.

Even unable to see clearly, her mind instantly conjured how exquisitely beautiful Qin Yao must look right now.

Neither spoke. The air around them gradually warmed, and the atmosphere slowly turned ambiguous. Belatedly, Xu Chun straightened up, wanting to pull away from Qin Yao, but the other woman's body remained like steel, holding her without moving an inch.

Standing upright now, Xu Chun caught the faint scent of alcohol on Qin Yao and couldn’t help but flinch. Qin Yao already smelled of wine, so Xu Chun wondered how much she’d drunk tonight. She couldn’t help speaking up. “Sister, have you had too much to drink tonight...”

Before she could even finish the sentence, Qin Yao's warm lips descended.

All of Xu Chun's words were blocked back, and she couldn't make a single sound.

Whether it was the long-pent-up feelings from their time apart or the impulse brought on by the alcohol, tonight’s Qin Yao was exceptionally domineering, and Xu Chun was exceptionally unable to withstand her.

She even entertained the thought of going to a room with Qin Yao right that very instant.

But just as the thought arose, Qin Yao released her. Her slightly quickened breaths came warm and damp against Xu Chun’s skin. The intense heat of her body, palpable through their clothes, left Xu Chun helpless with desire and her imagination running wild.

She was holding it in so hard it was unbearable, and couldn't help softening her voice to call Qin Yao's name.

Qin Yao held her gently, about to say something, when Zheng Yanran's voice suddenly rang out: “Xu Chun?” The voice drew nearer, as if deliberately searching for her.

Xu Chun instinctively stiffened. Then, coming to her senses: “I must have been gone too long.”

Qin Yao leaned in and gazed at her. “You stay here. I'll go first.”

Xu Chun reflexively wanted to call her back, but a single gentle stroke from Qin Yao left her unable to say the words. She reasoned that Qin Yao was thinking of her reputation, which was why she didn’t want to run into Zheng Yanran face to face right now. That made sense. If Zheng Yanran caught them, with that big mouth of hers, before tonight was even over, the whole world would know about her and Qin Yao.

She could only watch Qin Yao with longing eyes. “See you in a bit.”

The fire inside her had found no release, and no matter how Xu Chun moved, she felt uncomfortable. Just then Zheng Yanran spotted her and came jogging over. “What are you doing hiding up here all by yourself?” She looked around, then couldn’t help shivering. “It’s pitch black. You can’t even see your hand in front of your face. Aren’t you scared alone?”

“I'm here contemplating life. Is there a problem?” Xu Chun regarded her expressionlessly.

Unfortunately Zheng Yanran didn't catch the dangerous undertone in Xu Chun's voice and shook her head in all seriousness. “No problem, of course no problem.”

“But now's not the time to contemplate life!” She hurriedly grabbed Xu Chun and started pulling her back. “Did you know your ex-girlfriend came looking for you just now?”

Xu Chun's steps halted. “???”

“What do you mean? Explain clearly.”

“From the look of your ex, she probably came for Zhao Ciying, but for some reason, the moment she saw Jiang Zhaolie, she started arguing with her. Then Jiang Zhaolie wouldn't back down, and dragged my Xiaxia into it too. Right now it's just my mom in the room trying to keep the peace.”

“You know Zhao Ciying loves watching a good show and wishes they’d argue even harder. My mom was afraid it’d blow up, so she hurriedly sent me to find you and Auntie Qin.” With that, Zheng Yanran couldn’t help turning back to ask Xu Chun, “Did you see her?”

“No.” Xu Chun answered without hesitation, then added, “She probably went to the restroom. By the time we get back, she may already be in the room.”

Zheng Yanran thought about it and agreed. “Then let’s hurry. We don’t want to get back late and miss the fresh fight.”

By the time they reached the private room door, Xu Chun's mind still hadn't quite caught up. Hadn't Yu Sui'an come to apologize to Zhao Ciying and beg her to go easy on her? How had she ended up arguing with Jiang Zhaolie again? Surely it couldn't be because Jiang Zhaolie had just rejected her?

At a time like this, she’d still set aside Zhao Ciying and her own prospects for Jiang Zhaolie’s sake. How much did she have to hate Jiang Zhaolie, her canonical love interest?

As Zheng Yanran grasped the handle, twisted it hard, and pushed the door open, the voices inside spilled out at once.

Jiang Zhaolie was shouting at Yu Sui'an, full of righteous indignation: “Don't think I don't know all your little tricks! You just want to attract my mom's attention, marry me and marry into my family, and then once you're officially one of us, you'll kick me aside without mercy and monopolize the maternal love that belongs to me alone!”

“I'm telling you, don't even think about it!”

“If you've got the ability, go home and find your own mom! Go home and have your own mom marry you a stepmother! Don't come stealing mine!”

At that, Xu Chun turned to look at Yu Sui’an. The other woman’s face was written all over with profanity. Every pore seemed to be silently shouting, “Are you f***ing insane?!”

Xu Chun: “...”

This plot development was simply absurd.