I Married My Heartless Ex-Wife’s Black Lotus Sister - Chapter 13

Zheng Yili raised an eyebrow, her gaze fixed intently on Meng Sulan without saying a word, though her puzzled expression was evident.

Meng Sulan’s cheeks flushed even redder. Under the table, her fingers twisted nervously. “Please don’t misunderstand—I don’t mean anything inappropriate,” she said, hesitating as if struggling to find the right words. “What I really want to say is… if you’re willing to sign me, I’d dedicate the rest of my life to repaying you.”

The more she spoke, the stranger it sounded, but Meng Sulan couldn’t hold back now.

Her bright, star-like eyes locked onto Zheng Yili, brimming with tension and hope.

Currently, she had already been framed by her agent, earning the wrath of Tianyu Entertainment’s boss and his wife. The boss’s wife was notoriously jealous, especially toward women she suspected of seducing her husband. Despite Meng Sulan’s desperate denials, the wife refused to believe her, choosing instead to shield her beloved husband and pin all the blame on Meng Sulan alone.

With her protests falling on deaf ears and the scandal leaked to the public, Meng Sulan’s reputation was now in ruins—she was like a rat scurrying through the streets, despised by everyone. She could already foresee her bleak future: blacklisted by Tianyu, banned from the entertainment industry, her career destroyed before it even began, forcing her to fade away in disgrace.

She had only just entered the industry, yet just because she refused to comply with her agent’s demands for under-the-table favors, she had been ruthlessly set up… Meng Sulan refused to accept this fate.

If Zheng Yili hadn’t appeared today, she might have resigned herself to it.

But Zheng Yili had not only shown up—she had even rescued her from Wang Zhiming’s clutches. Though Meng Sulan didn’t know much about Zheng Yili’s background, the way Wang Zhiming had been visibly angered yet still didn’t dare lash out in front of her told Meng Sulan that this woman was no ordinary figure.

She couldn’t bear to give up now, so she took the initiative to speak up. “If you can help me pay the penalty fee and get me out of Tianyu, I’ll do anything you ask afterward,” she said.

“You can deduct what I owe directly from my salary—just give me a small living allowance each month…” Her voice lacked confidence as she spoke.

After all, she wasn’t particularly famous, nor did she have any outstanding works to her name.

Zheng Yili might be kind-hearted, but she wasn’t a fool who would antagonize Tianyu for someone insignificant. Though Zheng Yili didn’t carry the shrewd aura of a businesswoman—instead seeming young and inexperienced, like a wealthy young lady who had just entered the industry for fun.

Holding her breath, Meng Sulan waited anxiously for Zheng Yili’s response, her mind racing with wild thoughts.

After listening, Zheng Yili finally understood Meng Sulan’s plea. Instead of rejecting her outright, she said softly, “I’ll need to think this over carefully before giving you an answer.”

The fact that she wasn’t immediately turned down meant there was still hope. Meng Sulan’s tense body relaxed slightly, and she flashed Zheng Yili a radiant smile. “I’ll wait for your decision.”

Zheng Yili nodded, took Meng Sulan’s contact information, and then turned her attention back to the dining table.

As for the variety show they were discussing, most people weren’t optimistic about it. While others hesitated, Zheng Yili had already invested a significant portion of her personal fortune into it.

The others maintained polite smiles, though they said nothing, inwardly criticizing Zheng Yili for her youthful lack of judgment. With her reckless approach, she’d likely lose everything by the time the variety show ended.

Having obtained what she wanted, Zheng Yili fell silent, sipping her wine with a faint smile and occasionally offering a word or two in agreement.

Meng Sulan didn’t understand the conversation, but that didn’t stop her from gazing at Zheng Yili with starry-eyed admiration.

Zheng Yili naturally sensed Meng Sulan’s undisguised reverence. Tilting her head slightly, she met the younger woman’s gaze and suddenly understood why Song Qi’an had behaved the way he did toward Lin Xiaoxiao.

Who could truly resist the allure of a beautiful young woman who idolized them and depended on them for survival and success?

Even if one initially had no intention of deepening the relationship, who could predict how feelings might develop over time?

Zheng Yili momentarily lost herself in thought before instructing her secretary to investigate Meng Sulan.

Meng Sulan’s connections in the industry were simple, and Zheng Yili received the report before the dinner ended. As a newcomer signed by Tianyu Entertainment just six months prior, Meng Sulan’s contract termination fee was relatively low—just two million yuan would secure her freedom.

On the way back to the company, Zheng Yili carefully considered the matter and decided to give Meng Sulan a chance.

Meng Sulan’s delicate, flower-like appearance perfectly suited the naive female lead archetype in those melodramatic CEO short dramas. With her delicate oval face and striking figure… Zheng Yili quickly made up her mind.

After briefing her secretary, as soon as the variety show contract was signed, Zheng Yili sent lawyers to Tianyu to pay Meng Sulan’s termination fee.

The process went smoothly. The heavyweight recommended by Song Yanqing was exceptionally capable—just showing up was enough to intimidate Tianyu into compliance.

After signing Meng Sulan to her company, Zheng Yili immediately used her investor status to slot the girl into the variety show.

As the financial backer, neither the director nor production team could refuse. Moreover, given Meng Sulan’s current scandals and following, the showrunners were more than happy to have her.

Ecstatic to escape Tianyu and her predatory manager, Meng Sulan bounced into Xingyue Entertainment beaming. “Thank you, President Zheng! You’re like my second parent now. From now on, if you tell me to go east, I won’t dare go west. If you tell me to kneel, I won’t dare stand—”

“Alright, enough,” Zheng Yili laughed, thoroughly amused. “Just perform well on the show.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Meng Sulan immediately saluted with exaggerated seriousness. “I’ll definitely complete the mission you’ve assigned!”

After the playful antics, Meng Sulan hesitated. “President Zheng, there’s something I’m not sure I should mention.” She watched Zheng Yili’s expression carefully. “It’s just… Lin Xiaoxiao is also participating in this variety show.”

The rumors about Song Qi’an and Lin Xiaoxiao had spread so widely that Meng Sulan had heard bits and pieces.

Meng Sulan looked down on Lin Xiaoxiao’s behavior. Getting so close to a boss who had a fiancée… it was obvious what she was after.

Previously, Meng Sulan would have just treated it as gossip. But now that the victim was her benefactor, she couldn’t remain indifferent.

Rubbing her hands together eagerly, Meng Sulan asked, “President Zheng, should I teach her a proper lesson when the time comes?”

Although Zheng Yili disliked Lin Xiaoxiao, she still shook her head and refused Meng Sulan’s request: “Don’t act recklessly in front of the cameras. Your scandals haven’t been cleared yet—if you cause more trouble, I won’t be able to save you.”

Meng Sulan blinked. “I’ll follow your lead.”

The variety show soon began filming.

Among countless dating shows in the country, this love-centered program didn’t stand out amidst the sea of variety shows. Almost no one had high expectations for it, and it garnered little attention.

Apart from the minor stir caused by Meng Sulan—a C-list celebrity entangled in scandals—even Lin Xiaoxiao failed to spark much discussion.

Lin Xiaoxiao’s fans were especially baffled. Why would she ruin her career by joining a dating show? Was the company trying to follow other celebrities’ footsteps by forcing a CP narrative for publicity?

Displeased, the fans spontaneously flooded the company’s official account with comments, attempting to pressure them into retracting the decision.

But how would the massive Dingrui Media ever listen to the insignificant opinions of Lin Xiaoxiao’s fans? Moreover, given her current status, she wouldn’t even have secured a spot if not for Song Qi’an personally insisting on her participation.

While Lin Xiaoxiao’s fans were battling the company’s official account, Zheng Yili had already personally escorted Meng Sulan to the filming location.

Glancing around, they were among the early arrivals. Zheng Yili gave Meng Sulan a nod, and the latter followed the staff to the makeup room.

Zheng Yili’s personal visit wasn’t just to see Meng Sulan off or back her up—her main goal was to oversee the show’s pacing and rectify certain shortcomings from her past life.

After all, she had invested most of her assets into this project, so perfection was non-negotiable.

As the show’s largest investor, Zheng Yili held significant authority. While discussing the program with the director, she suddenly sensed a subtle gaze fixed on her.

Reflexively turning, she first noticed Song Qi’an, followed by Lin Xiaoxiao beside her.

Lin Xiaoxiao flashed a friendly, innocent smile at her, radiating goodwill.

Zheng Yili had no intention of exchanging pleasantries. Pretending not to see them, she turned back to continue her discussion with the director. Standing among the crowd in her moon-white suit, Zheng Yili exuded quiet elegance, effortlessly drawing attention.

Song Qi’an, who had been about to escort Lin Xiaoxiao to the makeup room, paused. “Go ahead first.”

Lin Xiaoxiao understood her intention and felt a pang of hurt but dared not show it. She nodded understandingly. “President Song, please make sure to explain things clearly to Miss Zheng. I don’t want you two to keep arguing because of me.”

Song Qi’an glanced at her. Lin Xiaoxiao smiled weakly, her face full of sincerity and concern.

“Go,” Song Qi’an said without responding. Only after urging Lin Xiaoxiao to leave did she stride toward Zheng Yili on her long, straight legs. Zheng Yili was speaking to the director while holding an iPad when the director suddenly took half a step back. “President Song.”

Song Qi’an nodded. “I’ll just take a moment.”

The director quickly dispersed the staff around Zheng Yili, leaving ample space for Song Qi’an.

Zheng Yili scowled at her. “What do you want?”

Her expression was unwelcoming. Song Qi’an looked down at her and countered with a hint of confusion, “Why are you here?”

“Don’t worry, I’m not here to cause trouble for your Xiaoxiao,” Zheng Yili replied with a smile. “So, could you please leave now? You’re interfering with my work.”

“Do you have to be like this?” Song Qi’an’s eyelids drooped slightly, revealing a somewhat despondent expression as she detected the strong hostility in Zheng Yili’s tone.

Zheng Yili found it ridiculous. “Like what?”

“Who said I have to be all sweet and welcoming to you? Song Qi’an, if you’re looking for flattery and admiration, I suggest you turn around right now and go find Lin Xiaoxiao. She can give you what you want.”

Song Qi’an didn’t understand why Zheng Yili always had to bring Lin Xiaoxiao into it. A flash of displeasure crossed her eyes.

“You weren’t like this before,” Song Qi’an said with unreadable emotions. “You used to be the gentlest, most considerate, kind, and generous person… You’ve changed.”

Before Zheng Yili could respond, Song Qi’an suddenly softened her stance and changed her tone. “Yili, what do I need to do for you to calm down and forgive me?”