Chapter 106: From a Scumbag’s Ex-Girlfriend to His Stepmom (Part 5)

Everyone: “……”

Chi Yang turned to look at Liu Yan in shock, her brain completely frozen—Liu Yan, what the hell are you doing?! Didn’t Aunt Xu ask you to greet her and Aunt Song? Why on earth did you suddenly turn to Mu Wan and call her “Mom”?!

Xu Cen’s expression was slightly dazed. Clearly, even with all her worldly experience, she hadn’t expected her supposedly well-raised son to be this dumb. She was instantly hit with a wave of complicated disappointment.

Song Linxian raised an eyebrow slightly when her son ignored her and instead looked utterly humiliated as he called Yu Liuxue “Stepmom.” Could it be… that Mu Wan had made some dirty deal with her son?

The room was frighteningly quiet. No one dared to speak above a whisper.

Yu Liuxue: Subway Grandpa Looking at Phone.jpg

She blinked in confusion, then sat up straighter and asked, “System, is this male lead,” she pointed at her own head, “not quite right up here?”

Had Liu Yan actually not lied to her? Was he really sick and rushing off to get treatment at the hospital, which was why he hadn’t had time the past few days to talk with her and break up? Her eyes involuntarily softened with sympathy. Son, I didn’t know you were living such a brave and resilient life with cognitive disabilities. Respect.

Liu Yan finally realized he’d completely misunderstood what his stepmother meant. His eyes swept over Yu Liuxue’s face, full of sympathy and pity, and he flushed red from head to toe, so embarrassed it felt like he might bleed from shame. He wished he could dig a hole and bury himself alive. In all his years of life, he had never been this humiliated.

Trying to act calm, he quickly turned to Xu Cen and Song Linxian and called out “Mom” again, then tried to change the subject with shaky confidence. “Mom, I’m home.”

Xu Cen snapped out of her daze and instinctively glanced at Song Linxian. Seeing no particular reaction from her, she couldn’t help but look at Yu Liuxue again. The moment her gaze landed on her, she saw Yu Liuxue holding back laughter so hard her face was turning red.

Her cherry blossom lips were pressed tightly together, her cheeks puffed slightly, looking soft and adorable.

Xu Cen looked away. She’d seen enough in life to compose herself easily. She acted as if nothing had happened and gestured for Liu Yan and Chi Yang to sit on the couch opposite her. “No need to be nervous. I asked you both back today so our family could sit down and share a meal, talk a bit, and build some bonds.”

A family meal? Liu Yan couldn’t help but glance at Yu Liuxue again. He wondered, Mu Wan counts as family now too? If that’s the case, then calling her stepmom earlier wasn’t actually wrong. After all, Mu Wan had already become his mom’s girlfriend—calling her stepmom was only a matter of time, right?

Compared to Liu Yan, Chi Yang’s attention was clearly elsewhere. She was secretly happy—did Aunt Xu’s words mean she was acknowledging her status? Chi Yang’s nerves and anxiety instantly eased, and a trace of joy surfaced in her eyes. After all the careful planning, she was finally succeeding!

No one brought up the fact that Liu Yan and Chi Yang had slept together the night before. Xu Cen sat with Chi Yang, calmly and distantly asking a few questions she wanted answers to. Xu Cen was the type to press relentlessly, and even Chi Yang found herself sweating under the pressure. She weighed every answer carefully, terrified of saying something wrong and making Xu Cen displeased.

While the female lead was busy trying to win over her future mother-in-law, Yu Liuxue rested her chin in her hands, bored as she stared at them. She thought, Good thing I’m after Song Linxian, someone who could be the female lead’s future mother-in-law.

Just as she was enjoying the show, she suddenly noticed Song Linxian’s gaze fall on her waist. Reflexively, Yu Liuxue turned her head, face full of anticipation. “Sister?”

Song Linxian coolly looked away, her expression calm as she met Yu Liuxue’s eyes with casual disinterest. Clearly she had been staring first, but now that Yu Liuxue turned around and called out, she feigned confusion and replied in her sultry voice, “Hm?”

Yu Liuxue: “……”

The moment had been just right—she’d wanted to seize the chance to seduce Song Linxian. But with Xu Cen, Chi Yang, and Liu Yan all present like giant lightbulbs, she could only sigh in disappointment. Indeed, the path to wooing Auntie is long and arduous.

Xu Cen asked quite a few sharp questions. At first, Chi Yang answered patiently, but over time, she started to falter. She looked pitifully at Liu Yan, who had been sitting there like a block of wood, silently pleading for help. Liu Yan, reminded of the promise he’d made to her in bed that morning, turned to Xu Cen and said seriously, “Mom, I really love Yangyang.”

As he spoke, he manfully draped an arm around Chi Yang’s shoulders. “Yangyang is already my woman. I’m planning to get engaged to her soon.”

Xu Cen paused, and even Song Linxian looked up at him, unreadable. Being suddenly stared at by two moms made Liu Yan feel the pressure mount. He straightened up reflexively and, as if psyching himself up, added, “Mom, Yangyang and I are well-matched. I think we—”

Xu Cen cut him off with a gentle smile. “Dinner’s ready. Come eat first.”

Chi Yang couldn’t quite figure out Xu Cen’s reaction. As Liu Yan said, they were well-matched—there shouldn’t be any issues. So why did Aunt Xu seem reluctant now? Chi Yang started to panic. No matter how much she thought, she couldn’t figure out what had made Xu Cen unhappy with her.

Just then, Yu Liuxue cheerfully followed behind Song Linxian, skipping right past her.

Chi Yang suddenly had a revelation—Mu Wan! It must be her stirring up trouble, saying bad things about her to Aunt Xu through her connection with Aunt Song. Otherwise, why would Aunt Xu’s attitude toward her change so drastically in such a short time?

Chi Yang clenched her jaw. If Mu Wan dared to sabotage her marriage to Liu Yan, then she couldn’t blame her for fighting back.

Yu Liuxue was finally enjoying some peace and comfort, happily eating the five-star meal cooked by Xu Cen’s private chef. But just as she was about to pop a piece of braised pork into her mouth, Chi Yang deliberately poked the hornet’s nest: “Mu Wan, you don’t look too well today. Are you feeling sick?”

Instantly, both Song Linxian and Xu Cen narrowed their eyes and looked at her with interest.

Yu Liuxue: “?” I just want to eat my food in peace.

Reluctantly, she put the braised pork back into her bowl, touched her own face, and then smiled sweetly. “Really? Maybe I just missed Sister Linxian too much.” She turned and grinned at Song Linxian. “Even though it’s only been eight hours since we last saw each other, I missed you so much I couldn’t sleep or eat.”

Liu Yan’s head snapped up, eyes filled with disbelief. Was Mu Wan saying all this just to get revenge on him? Was she deliberately trying to seduce his biological mother in front of him to make him beg for her back?

No! He would never bow to a yandere!

He was a proud, upright man. He’d rather die standing than live kneeling!

Liu Yan gripped his chopsticks tightly, eyes full of resolve.

Chi Yang was speechless, her tongue pressing against her molars. She never imagined Mu Wan could be so shameless—thick-skinned enough to say something like that in front of Liu Yan. Absolutely no shame. Chi Yang’s expression darkened slightly, but she let out a light laugh and gently changed the subject: “Mu Wan, it’s wonderful if you’ve found your own happiness. Liu Yan and I will sincerely wish you well.”

Liu Yan turned his head instinctively. That’s not me, that didn’t happen, stop talking nonsense! Who the hell would wish their ex-girlfriend joy in becoming their stepmother?

Unfortunately, he and Chi Yang were clearly on completely different wavelengths. She couldn’t understand his thoughts, and he couldn’t guess hers. In the end, it was Xu Cen who stepped in to restore order. “No talking while eating. Finish your meal before speaking.”

From start to finish, Song Linxian had acted like none of this concerned her in the slightest.

It wasn’t until after dinner that Yu Liuxue saw her lazily raise her hand, half-covering a yawn behind her red lips. “……” So the boss was just tired and hadn’t had enough sleep.

Seeing Yu Liuxue staring at his mom without blinking, Liu Yan felt a stab of frustration. As soon as he saw a chance to catch her alone, he quickly stepped forward to block her path. “Mu Wan, we need to talk.”

Yu Liuxue first turned around and seriously checked behind her. Once she confirmed that Song Linxian was resting on the sofa and Xu Cen and Chi Yang were chatting quietly nearby, she withdrew her gaze and reluctantly agreed to Liu Yan’s suggestion. Led by Liu Yan, the two slipped out of sight and headed to the spacious balcony.

Yu Liuxue carefully closed the door behind them and turned to Liu Yan. “What do you want to tell me?”

Liu Yan stared at her intently for a while before finally speaking with an indignant look. “Mu Wan, if you have a problem with me, just come at me directly. Don’t go hurting my mom. Whether you want revenge or you’re trying to mess with Chi Yang, my mom is innocent!”

The more Liu Yan spoke, the angrier he got. He’d known Mu Wan for years and had never realized she was such a scheming woman. Most ex-girlfriends would at most become their ex’s sister-in-law. But Mu Wan? She went all out and tried to become his stepmother.

Everyone knew about his past with Mu Wan—how was he supposed to face people after this?

Yu Liuxue was baffled. “System, does the male lead still think I’m with Sister Song just to get back at him?”

She couldn’t help but chuckle softly. Stepping forward gently, she explained, “Liu Yan, you misunderstood. I truly like your mom. I’m dead set on pursuing her. I’d walk through fire and blade for her.”

Liu Yan: “…?” That’s what she said, but why did it still sound like she was insulting someone?

His face flushed as he spiraled into his own world. “Mu Wan, I get it. You can’t let go of me, but my mom is already at a certain age. She doesn’t care about romance anymore. Even if you pursue her, you won’t succeed.”

Yu Liuxue frowned and asked sincerely, “Then how can I succeed?”

Liu Yan was stunned and, against his will, furrowed his brows in thought with her. In his memory, his mom lacked neither money nor love. Her parents were wealthy, and she’d always lived the best life. She was carefree and bold in love and hate. Even when her sham husband got involved with her best friend, she didn’t get angry and even stayed in touch with Xu Cen.

If there was one thing Song Linxian lacked…

Suddenly, an idea popped into Liu Yan’s head. “Even though she travels the world and has seen a lot, this world is full of strange things. Maybe she likes a little excitement.” Then, he abruptly came to his senses. “Wait, why am I giving you tips on how to pursue my mom?!”

Yu Liuxue had already gotten what she wanted. Hearing this, she smiled with narrowed eyes. “Thanks, Liu Yan. I may not be your stepmother yet, but I’ll do my best to become your real stepmom soon.”

Liu Yan: “……”

Yu Liuxue was about to head back, but seeing the male lead’s constipated expression, her playful mood was stirred. She let go of the metal handle and turned to size him up. “Liu Yan, you’re actually great. You inherited Sister Linxian’s good genes—good-looking, smart, and never short of money. You were the perfect partner in my eyes. But…”

Liu Yan’s heart tensed.

“You’re too stingy. Do you know? Sister Linxian gave me fifty million without blinking. She told me to spend as I pleased. No matter what I bought, she didn’t say a word against it.”

Liu Yan: “???”

The most his mom ever gave him was a hundred thousand! Why did this new girlfriend get fifty million?! Jealousy twisted Liu Yan’s face. He nearly had a meltdown. “How did you do it?”

How in the world did Mu Wan manage to trick fifty million out of his mom?

Yu Liuxue smiled sweetly. “It’s simple.”

Liu Yan perked up. Could this be his chance to finally get a bigger allowance?

“Because I like you.”

Liu Yan’s expression became complicated. He wanted to warn her, but some mysterious force shut his mouth. He even took a step back, distancing himself, almost swearing on the spot that he absolutely wasn’t trying to steal his mom’s girlfriend.

What Yu Liuxue meant was: Song Linxian thought she liked Liu Yan, so she gave her fifty million as a breakup fee to get her to leave Liu Yan and find a better daughter-in-law.

But seeing Liu Yan’s horrified reaction, that familiar and dangerous feeling began to rise in Yu Liuxue’s heart. She cautiously turned forty-five degrees, then another forty-five degrees. The first thing she saw was a pair of pale linen slippers, then a pair of long legs, and finally—Song Linxian’s face, wearing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

Yu Liuxue nearly dropped to her knees. “Sister, let me explain!”

It’s not what it looks like!

Song Linxian calmly looked at Liu Yan. He immediately scooted back into the corner, head down, not daring to meet her eyes. Mom, let me explain! I absolutely wasn’t trying to steal your girlfriend!

Not only was Song Linxian here, but Xu Cen and Chi Yang soon arrived as well. Seeing Yu Liuxue and Liu Yan looking so guilty, the two felt a wave of dread.

Chi Yang’s eyes reddened. “Liu Yan, you…?”

Was he still hung up on Mu Wan? But they’d already broken up, and Mu Wan was practically about to become Aunt Song’s partner! How could he covet a woman who now belonged to his own mother? That was beyond scandalous!

Chi Yang’s heart broke. She staggered back a step.

Xu Cen furrowed her brow sternly. She looked at Liu Yan, then at Yu Liuxue—who gazed at Song Linxian with pitiful puppy-dog eyes begging for forgiveness—and she scolded coldly, “Liu Yan, I’m deeply disappointed in you!”

Liu Yan and Yu Liuxue both figuratively dropped dead on the spot.

No! Please, listen to us explain…

Song Linxian was exhausted. Although things between Mu Wan and her son were still unresolved, she had no more energy. After a pause, she planned to find a guest room at Xu Cen’s place and get some sleep. But to Xu Cen, her demeanor looked like she was heartbroken and quietly withdrawing.

Guilt welled up in Xu Cen’s heart. She had wronged Song Linxian before, and if she now let the son she raised try to steal her woman too, she’d be completely unworthy as a human being. She shot Liu Yan a frosty glare. Liu Yan was miserable, wanting to explain, but Xu Cen gave him no chance.

“Liu Yan, come with me to the study.”

Suddenly, only Yu Liuxue and Chi Yang were left on the balcony, staring awkwardly at each other. As everyone else left, Chi Yang wiped away his tears. “Mu Wan, I didn’t think you were capable of something like this.”

With that, Chi Yang stormed off too.

Yu Liuxue stood dazed on the balcony, blinking in confusion. “System, don’t you think the NPCs in this world are a bit too dramatic?”

She thought for a moment, then snuck off in the direction Song Linxian had gone. But since Song Linxian was already asleep, Yu Liuxue didn’t disturb her and instead sat on the couch outside, playing on her phone.

Meanwhile, Xu Cen brought Liu Yan into the study alone. Her expression was stern. “Liu Yan, since you’ve already broken up with Mu Wan, you need to let her go completely. She’s with your mom now. Do you really want to see your mom as a romantic rival and fight her over a woman?”

Liu Yan panicked and quickly explained, “Mom, it’s not like that, I—”

“If word gets out that a mother and son are competing for the same woman, how will you ever get married? How will your father hold his head up in public? What will your grandparents think? Do you want to drive all six of them to an early grave?!”

Liu Yan tried again, “No, Mom, I never meant that at all—”

“Liu Yan, you’re an adult now. You should learn to take responsibility for your actions. You didn’t treasure her when you had her, so now that you’re broken up, move on gracefully. Don’t interfere anymore, understand?”

Liu Yan finally had a chance to speak, and he hurriedly explained, “Mom, you misunderstood. Mu Wan and I really have nothing to do with each other anymore. Now the only person in my heart is Yangyang. I just want to get engaged to her and marry her.”

Xu Cen frowned. Chi Yang? She gave a nearly imperceptible shake of her head. “You’re still young. There’s no rush to get engaged.”

Liu Yan: “…?” Then who was the one secretly arranging blind dates for me before?

Something didn’t feel right. “Mom, do you not like Yangyang?”

Xu Cen looked up at him, giving a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. Maybe it was because she’d recently been repeatedly provoked by Song Linxian and her little girlfriend, but she blurted out, “How am I supposed to like her? Should I cheat on your dad, wear a green hat, and lower myself to fight with you over a woman?”

Liu Yan: “?!!!”

No way?!

His ex-girlfriend ending up with his mom was already crazy enough, and now even his stepmother was joining in to steal his girlfriend? Was he some kind of emotional dumping ground?

Fortunately, Xu Cen was just messing with him. She casually fiddled with the huge diamond ring on her ring finger. “Liu Yan, we’ll talk about your engagement with Chi Yang later.”

Liu Yan stumbled out of the study in a daze, his face pale, lips bloodless. It was all true. His stepmother really had feelings for his girlfriend! Otherwise, why would she stop him from getting engaged to Chi Yang?

He wasn’t young anymore. It was just an engagement, not marriage. Even if things didn’t work out in the end, as long as they didn’t register the marriage, they could break up anytime. But…

Chi Yang, looking puzzled, helped the dazed Liu Yan steady himself. “Liu Yan, what’s wrong? Did Aunt Xu…”

Before Chi Yang could finish, Liu Yan raised his hand to stop her. He looked at her quietly, carefully recalling all the details from the day before. After confirming that Chi Yang had indeed been a first-time experience, he breathed a small sigh of relief. “Yangyang, do you like me?”

“I do.” Chi Yang didn’t understand why he was asking this all of a sudden, but she nodded without hesitation.

Liu Yan steadied himself and took Chi Yang’s hand. “In that case, let’s go get our marriage certificate right now. Once we’re legally married, we can be together forever.”

He took two steps forward, only to find Chi Yang rooted to the spot. Chi Yang blinked and said hesitantly, “Liu Yan, isn’t this a bit too fast? We haven’t even gotten our parents’ approval yet…”

Liu Yan instantly fell into despair. Could it be that Chi Yang also had feelings for his stepmother? A wave of dizziness overwhelmed him.

Chi Yang saw the change in his expression and thought he was angry. She quickly explained, “I just think… Mu Wan…”

“Wait!” He suddenly interrupted her.

Chi Yang fell silent.

What does this have to do with Mu Wan?! He couldn’t help spiraling—did Chi Yang also have feelings for Mu Wan?

His mind was in complete chaos now—his biological mother was interested in his ex-girlfriend Mu Wan, his stepmother was interested in his current girlfriend Chi Yang, and now his current girlfriend Chi Yang might be hopelessly in love with his ex Mu Wan…

Then what about him?