The Jade-Stealing Steps

【Strong female lead + satisfying read + political intrigue + redemption + all-female ensemble + female-centered + 1v1】 A resourceful, career-driven heroine × a scheming, obsessive hero whose heart is set on love Shen Qiao had never known what it felt like to be cherished without reservation. “Don’t call me Mother!” “Daughter of a courtesan! You think you deserve that?” “I didn’t raise you for nothing. Be the blade I use to exact my revenge.” “I promise you, we’ll take it one step at a time.” She was like a willow leaf on the breeze, a drifting duckweed torn from its stem. That was until Pei Yan appeared. Born into a prominent family, blessed with extraordinary talent, and revered by all. She saw him as snow atop a sacred mountain, a moon among the clouds. He, however, was willing to fall from his pedestal for her. “Lord Shen, I, Pei, would give everything I have in exchange for your freedom.” Yet after a cup of turbid wine, their paths diverged. “I’m sorry, Pei Yan. I never wanted the truth to come out. What I wanted was… for us to perish together.” He fell to his knees, begging through his tears. “A Qiao, your heart belongs to all the people, but I’m one of them too. Could you care for me as well, even if it’s only… a little?”