[She meddled because her son’s previous girlfriends had various issues. She’d use her connections to investigate them thoroughly, fearing they’d be a bad influence on her son, and would pressure him to break up. Under her strict control, he didn’t dare defy her.]

The Qin family: A mother’s protectiveness is understandable. Perhaps her “evil mother-in-law” label was a bit much, considering she wasn’t just kicking women out based on personal preferences but for legitimate reasons.

[But… her son doesn’t need a bad influence to turn rotten. He’s already a “bad seed” on his own. Thankfully, Sun Man didn’t get swept up in the romance. If she had, I might’ve had to step in and mess things up even more.]

The Qin family: Bad seed? That mama’s boy?

Qin Rong, feeling disillusioned, shook her head, especially since she once “shipped” that couple. 

Lu Fei’s son, Lang Zhe, was a rapper. He didn’t have many notable songs but had gained popularity thanks to his mother and ex-girlfriend. On top of that, he’d inherited his mother’s good looks and had a swarm of adoring, if misguided, fans.

During his relationship with Sun Man, paparazzi frequently captured their sweet interactions, and their cuteness once set the internet abuzz. One memorable instance was after a performance when Lang Zhe rushed offstage to hug Sun Man, spinning her around. She had managed to arrive last minute, and his joy was so overwhelming that he ignored the setting and hugged her, even calling her “big sis” affectionately.

At the time, netizens joked that Lang Zhe had it made, pampered at home by his mom and doted on by his girlfriend. Sun Man seemed fully committed to the relationship, and Lang Zhe, despite his musical indulgences, had no scandalous baggage.

Even Qin Zhao, an industry insider, hadn’t heard anything bad about him, only that Lang Zhe’s music was more of a hobby, with his lifestyle funded by his family—and maybe even his girlfriends. It was embarrassing but didn’t make him a “bad seed.” When Sun Man broke up with him, she had only cited “incompatible personalities,” so the public was never privy to the actual reasons.

Naturally, the Qin family was intrigued. What had Lang Zhe done to earn such a title?

But Ji Fei had lost interest in him, as Sun Man had already left him in the dust. 

Just then, Qin Mom’s phone rang. When she saw the caller ID, her expression turned a bit peculiar.

Qin Dad glanced over and immediately scowled.

Answering the call, Qin Mom exchanged brief pleasantries before frowning. “What? You’re coming over right now?”

Everyone froze. It was late—who would just show up unannounced like that?

Then Qin Mom glanced at Qin Zhao and Ji Fei, visibly puzzled. “You want to meet with Qin Zhao and Ji Fei to discuss the next episode?”

Covering the phone, she shot a questioning look at them, ready to make an excuse to decline.

At that moment, Qin Dad spoke up, “Your childhood friend? Let her come over!”

The family’s atmosphere shifted instantly, as if preparing for a battle. As soon as the call ended, everyone sprang into action except for Ji Fei, who watched in curiosity.

Qin Yan and Qin Rong whisked Qin Mom off to the dressing room, skipping the usual makeup crew and relying on Qin Rong’s keen eye for aesthetics.

Meanwhile, Qin Dad and Qin Zhao started digging through their collection of jewelry and artifacts.

Even Qin Xian joined in, instructing the butler and housekeeper to prepare for their guest.

Only then did Ji Fei remember a detail from her own memories.

Because of a family connection, Qin Mom had a childhood friend she’d known for years. Qin Mom’s beauty and success had always incited jealousy in her, and every time they met, this “friend” would find ways to compete, seizing any chance to criticize Qin Mom. Being the gracious person she was, Qin Mom usually brushed it off, not one to engage in petty fights, even though it often left her fuming.

Due to the Qin family’s understated lifestyle, their clothes and accessories didn’t scream “super-rich,” which meant her friend frequently latched onto things like handbags or jewelry as ammunition for mockery.

Several family members had run into this woman before, holding back their irritation each time.

With the Qin family’s status rising over the years, the “friend” had mostly stayed away. But now she was coming directly to them, and naturally, the family was eager to stand by Qin Mom.

Since Qin Mom had always treated her well, Ji Fei wanted to help, but it seemed she couldn’t find anything to contribute, so she quietly stayed by her side.

Qin Mom felt a bit uncomfortable with all the fuss. “There’s no need for this. I never took her seriously. Her shallow, petty comparisons are meaningless. I know how good my life is.”

Seeing her family so determined to support her, she felt deeply grateful.

But the others weren’t having it—they wanted to make a point.

They finally persuaded her to settle on a luxurious yet understated imperial jade necklace and arranged her elegantly in the living room.

Noticing the family’s barely-contained anticipation, Qin Mom remarked, “You should all be thinking about why she’s coming, and why she’s bringing up Ji Fei and Qin Zhao’s show.”

It wasn’t until then that everyone paused, realizing the real question—what was her purpose?

Before long, a car arrived, and the butler led in a finely dressed woman.

She entered adorned with a massive triple-layered pearl necklace that screamed opulence.

She was clearly ready for a showdown, as even Ji Fei, not particularly interested in jewelry, recognized that this extravagant necklace had recently sold for an astronomical price at auction.

Even though Qin Mom’s jade necklace was elegant, it was less showy in comparison.

The Qin family regretted not attending those luxury auctions, but they genuinely preferred a simple lifestyle focused on their passions.

“It’s been so long,” the woman greeted, her eyes lingering on Qin Mom’s necklace, her lips curling in satisfaction.

Qin Mom stood up gracefully, sensing her family’s frustration, and replied, “Yes, it’s been a while. I suppose it’s the first time we’ve seen each other since your divorce. Wow, your pearl necklace is gorgeous. Was it part of the divorce settlement?”

The woman’s face twisted in anger.

The Qin family stared at Qin Mom in awe.

Ji Fei’s inner thoughts rang out: [Whoever said my mother-in-law couldn’t stand up for herself? That was a one-hit knockout!]

Despite the woman’s obvious rage, she sat down anyway.

Ji Fei finally placed her, recalling her name and face, and the puzzle pieces began to click into place.

[What the—Lang Zhe’s luck really runs deep. This is his godmother?! Relying on women his whole life, I see.]

The family exchanged shocked glances. This new connection was unexpected.

Their guest, regaining her composure, began idly stroking her necklace, her usual flaunting behavior back in full swing. “I’m here because of my godson, Lang Zhe. I want you to ensure that in the next episode, Sun Man is driven out of the entertainment industry!” 

[...The last person who made a similar request...]

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TL NOTE: Please don't skimp on the stars and likes of the translation - it inspires me and gives me the strength to write more. Thank you~!