The vicious female supporting role is posted in the opposite direction by the cub

The wheels of the suitcase echoed dully on the polished marble floor of the Su family villa, strangely synchronized with Xu Mengjie's empty heartbeat.

This three-story European-style building, located in the affluent western part of the city, was once the castle where she wove her beautiful dreams of love. Now, it is like a magnificent yet cold cage, where every step she takes is heavy.

"Mengmeng!" Su Haoyang's voice carried a deliberately amplified surprise and tenderness, as if she had just returned from shopping, rather than having just personally severed the foundation of her career.

He strode forward, took the heavy suitcase from her hands without a word, and pulled her into his arms so tightly she felt almost suffocated. The familiar scent of his cologne mingled with a subtle sense of estrangement wafted over her.

"You must be exhausted. Mom specially asked the kitchen to stew some top-quality bird's nest, and it's been kept warm, just waiting for you to come back."

The crystal chandelier in the living room shone brightly, illuminating everything in perfect detail.

Mrs. Su—the wealthy woman who had once belittled her with harsh words and ordered her to leave her son—was now sitting on an expensive leather sofa, her face adorned with a "kind" smile that Xu Mengjie had never seen before.

"Xiao Meng is back?" She elegantly held a small celadon cup in her well-maintained hands. When she saw Xu Mengjie come in, she immediately stood up and handed over the bird's nest soup. Her actions were so intimate that Xu Mengjie felt uncomfortable all over.

"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back." Mrs. Su's voice was soft and gentle, as if afraid of disturbing something. "Look at your face, you've lost so much weight. Xingyue is such a place, full of backstabbing and infighting, it's no place for a human being. It's much more comfortable at home, isn't it?"

He glanced at her slightly pale face almost casually, a fleeting, almost imperceptible glint in his eyes. "Is everything taken care of?"

Xu Mengjie held the warm bird's nest cup, but her fingertips were icy cold.

She lowered her head, not daring to look directly into Mrs. Su's all-seeing eyes, her voice heavy with nasal congestion and exhaustion: "Yes... it's all taken care of. Mr. Zhou said... the legal department will handle the breach of contract penalty..."

"Oh dear, why bring up breach of contract fees!" Mrs. Su immediately interrupted her, her tone nonchalant, as if the five million was just an insignificant number. "This little bit of money, the family can afford to pay it. Haoyang feels sorry for you, but as your parents, how could we bear to see you suffer? Your safe return is more important than anything else!"

As she spoke, she patted Xu Mengjie's hand; the icy fingertips contrasted sharply with her seemingly warm words.

Something happened at home? Xu Mengjie's heart skipped a beat.

The Su family... really paid five million for her?! A huge shock and an indescribable feeling of gratitude instantly overwhelmed her.

She suddenly looked up at Su Haoyang, her eyes glistening with tears.

Su Haoyang returned a deep and firm look to her, and held her other hand tightly: "Mengmeng, I said I would protect you this time. Mom has truly accepted you this time. Look how much she loves you."

Mrs. Su's smile remained unchanged, the enormous diamond ring on her finger reflecting a cold and dazzling light under the lamp: "Yes, I was too stubborn before, and my prejudice against social status did me a lot of harm. Now that I think about it, what is more important than Haoyang's happiness? Mengjie, you are a good girl, willing to sacrifice so much for Haoyang, I have seen it all. From now on, you are a member of our Su family. Settle down and take good care of your health. Forget about all those troubles of the past."

These words, like the sweetest poison, dripped precisely into Xu Mengjie's parched heart, yearning for recognition.

The immense disappointment brought about by the contract termination, the uncertainty about the future, and the sharp yet cautionary words from Xi Hongxia and Zhou Jue all seemed to be diluted by the false scene of "warmth and harmony" before them at this moment.

She even began to doubt her previous feelings—was Sister Xia too extreme? Was President Zhou too professional and cold?

Perhaps... Mother-in-law has truly come to her senses? Has Haoyang truly fought for her happiness?

After all, the Su family paid the five million yuan penalty for breach of contract without batting an eye! This "sincerity" made her feel that her sacrifice seemed to have value, and made her mind, which was blinded by love and guilt, even more determined to believe that leaving Xingyue and returning to Haoyang's side was the right choice.

Over the next few days, Xu Mengjie was enveloped in a deliberately created sense of "comfort".

Su Haoyang turned down most of his social engagements and spent every day by her side, speaking gently and tenderly, showing her the utmost care.

Mrs. Su went to great lengths to instruct the kitchen to prepare various expensive tonics, showering her with concern and care, as if she were truly a long-lost daughter finally returning home. The servants in the villa were also exceptionally respectful to her, addressing her as "Miss Xu" with particular pleasingness. Although Mr. Su was not a man of many words, he would occasionally show her a kind smile during meals at home, asking a few questions such as, "Are you getting used to it?"

All of this gradually put Xu Mengjie's mind at ease.

She began to try to forget the studio lights, the microphones in the recording studio, and the applause from the audience, striving to convince herself to adapt to this canary-like, refined yet aimless life.

She even started to fantasize that maybe, just as Haoyang had promised, after the wedding, her mother-in-law would agree to let her continue to do some easy and respectable artistic work that wouldn't require her to "show her face in public"? Like playing the piano in their own clubhouse? Or participating in some elegant charity events?

Just as she was about to succumb to this false tranquility, Mrs. Su, at the breakfast table, seemingly casually cut open an even sweeter "bait" with a silver knife smeared with delicate jam.

"Mengjie," Mrs. Su put down her knife and fork, elegantly wiped her mouth with a napkin, and smiled warmly, "You see, you and Haoyang have been through quite a few ups and downs, but now the storm has finally passed. Your uncle and I have been discussing whether it's time to officially settle things between you two? It can't keep dragging this on. Haoyang's grandparents are coming back next month, along with some close relatives and friends. Why don't we take this opportunity to hold the engagement ceremony? We won't have a big celebration, just a small family affair, so everyone knows that the Su family has accepted you as our daughter-in-law."

"Engaged?!" Xu Mengjie's hand holding the milk glass trembled violently, almost spilling the warm liquid. A tremendous surprise exploded in her heart like fireworks, instantly illuminating all the gloom. She looked at Su Haoyang in disbelief, then at Mrs. Su, her voice trembling, "Auntie...is...is this true?"

Su Haoyang's eyes were also full of "surprise." He immediately grasped Xu Mengjie's hand and said affectionately, "Of course it's true! Mom mentioned it to me a long time ago, saying she wanted to settle things down as soon as possible to avoid any unforeseen problems. Mengmeng, are you willing?"

Yes! How could she possibly refuse!
This is the recognition she has longed for, the "fruit" she has earned at a great cost!
All the previous grievances, struggles, and reluctance seemed to be compensated doubly at this moment.

She nodded vigorously, tears instantly welling up in her eyes—tears of joy: "I do! Haoyang, Auntie, thank you!" Mrs. Su smiled contentedly, a glint of light flashing in her eyes: "Silly child, no need to thank me. We're family now. By the way, Mrs. Liu invited me to have tea at her newly managed rose garden the day after tomorrow. Why don't you come with me? It'll help you relax, meet some new friends, and eventually integrate into our circle."

Immersed in immense happiness, Xu Mengjie agreed without hesitation.

She was even a little excited. This was the first time her mother-in-law had taken the initiative to bring her into her social circle. This was a sign that her mother-in-law had truly accepted her!
She dressed up carefully and changed into an elegant suit.

To my shame, this was a dress that Yue had designed to be made in their style when Yue was still at Xingyue.

It was originally supposed to appear on a show next month.

When she terminated the contract, Mr. Zhou treated her with great respect, allowing her to take these things with her...

Touching the delicate dark pattern on the dress, Xu Mengjie felt a pang of sadness...

If only I hadn't left Xingyue.

but……

Life is about making choices!
Her future mother-in-law didn't like her being in the entertainment industry, and after making so many sacrifices, she finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel.

She secretly encouraged herself as she looked in the mirror.

On the third day, she accompanied Mrs. Su to Mrs. Liu's private garden.

The "Rose Garden" truly lived up to its name. Wisteria trellises cascaded down like waterfalls, and various rare roses vied for attention under the sunlight. The air was filled with the rich fragrance of flowers and the mellow aroma of premium black tea.

Several elegantly dressed and impeccably made-up ladies sat around a finely crafted rattan table and chairs, chatting and laughing in hushed tones. Their conversation revolved around the latest auction, the maintenance of private jets, and a niche European haute couture brand.

Mrs. Su walked in arm-in-arm with Xu Mengjie, beaming as she introduced her: "Everyone, this is my Haoyang's girlfriend, Xu Mengjie. This girl used to work in the entertainment industry; she's incredibly talented, but she's just too stubborn. For my Haoyang, she even gave up her promising future and just came back from... oh, Xingyue Entertainment. Don't you think she's incredibly devoted?"

Her tone was reproachful, yet full of boasting, as if Xu Mengjie's "sacrifice" was proof of the Su family's charm and a medal of her son's ability.

“Xingyue Entertainment?” Mrs. Liu, sitting in the main seat and wearing a classic Chanel tweed suit, raised an eyebrow, her well-maintained face showing just the right amount of surprise and interest. “That company under Yan Yueqing? It’s been making waves lately, I heard they’ve made several newcomers famous. Miss Xu terminated her contract with Xingyue?”

Her sharp gaze fell on Xu Mengjie like a searchlight, carrying a sense of scrutiny and assessment.

Xu Mengjie felt a little uncomfortable under that gaze, and subconsciously lowered her head, replying softly, "Yes...yes, Mrs. Liu."

"Oh dear, that's such a pity!" a lady next to her chimed in. "Xingyue's resources are hard to come by these days; so many people are scrambling to get them."

“That’s right!” Mrs. Su immediately chimed in, as if she had been waiting for this comment.

She released Xu Mengjie's arm, took out her phone from her handbag, quickly swiped her fingers across the screen, and then deliberately turned the screen towards Mrs. Liu. The screen prominently displayed the key pages of Xu Mengjie's Starry Sky A-level artist contract, highlighting the high signing bonus, generous profit-sharing ratio, and the project resources tailored for her.

“Mrs. Liu, look, Mengjie is getting A-level treatment at Xingyue! High commission, good resources, and a bright future! To be honest, if it weren’t for our Haoyang and this relationship, she really wouldn’t have needed to give it up.”

As she spoke, she glanced at Mrs. Liu's reaction out of the corner of her eye, her tone carrying a shrewd "I know the ropes" vibe. "This girl, she's so loyal! If Brilliant Culture really wants to sign her, they'll have to show some sincerity. At least a contract of equal caliber would be reasonable, right? After all, Mengjie gave up a five million yuan penalty for breach of contract and such a great platform to gain her freedom!"

These words struck Xu Mengjie like a thunderclap! She looked up abruptly, staring incredulously at Mrs. Su's calculating smile, then glanced at Mrs. Liu beside her, whose expression had subtly changed.

A five million yuan penalty for breach of contract? Or should I abandon the platform?
What is my mother-in-law doing?! Didn't she bring me here to relax and meet friends? Why is she showing other people the details of her contract? Why is she making the termination of the contract sound like a transaction for sale?
She had just been immersed in the joy of her engagement, but now she felt a chill run from the soles of her feet to the top of her head, and a wave of nausea washed over her.

A knowing and amused glint flashed in Mrs. Liu's eyes. She picked up the exquisite bone china teacup, took a small sip, and put it down. Her face had regained its elegant and composed smile, and her gaze toward Xu Mengjie held a deeper interest, as if she were examining a work of art for sale.

"Oh? You've given up so much... Miss Xu is indeed a young woman with great courage. An A-level contract... Boss Yan of Xingyue has always had a sharp eye. For an artist to be designated as an A-level by her, their strength is beyond doubt."

She leaned forward slightly, signaling her interest as a talent scout. "While our Brilliant Culture may not have a boss like Xingyue, with Mr. Yan overseeing things, we have a deep foundation and extensive resources, especially in film and television OSTs and large-scale galas. Ms. Xu, with her combined talent and ability to generate buzz, is exactly the kind of person we need. If Ms. Xu is interested, we can certainly consider... or even offer her a better treatment than Xingyue's A-level."

Xu Mengjie's face turned deathly pale instantly.

She wasn't stupid! She finally understood! Her mother-in-law's so-called "relaxation" and "meeting new friends" was nothing but a carefully orchestrated sales pitch!

The five million yuan the Su family paid for her wasn't out of pity or sincerity, but rather an investment! They were treating her like a commodity to be exchanged for greater profits! Her mother-in-law was using her "sacrifice" as a bargaining chip to inflate the price for Brilliant Culture, a potential "buyer"!
She looked at Su Haoyang for help, only to find that he had already moved to a seat a little further away and was talking quietly with another younger woman, as if he had not noticed anything happening here, or rather... he was deliberately avoiding it.

"I...I..." Xu Mengjie opened her mouth, her throat dry and tight, the words of refusal on the tip of her tongue. (End of this chapter)