I Married My Heartless Ex-Wife’s Black Lotus Sister - Chapter 19

Song Qi’an’s entire being radiated an oppressive aura.

She pressed down on the accelerator, speeding aimlessly down the road, her mind in turmoil.

She hated this feeling—this sense of losing control. Even more, she couldn’t understand why Zheng Yili had chosen to escalate things to this point.

They had argued before, but after calming down, Zheng Yili would always take the initiative to apologize, coaxing their relationship back to normal.

Song Qi’an glanced at the date. This conflict had started with Zheng Huai’s death and had dragged on for nearly a month now. Throughout this time, Zheng Yili had completely ignored her, as if she had vanished from the world.

Not only that, but she had also blocked all of Song Qi’an’s contact information, seemingly determined to sever ties completely.

Was it really necessary?

Over someone as insignificant as Lin Xiaoxiao, was it worth tearing their relationship apart?

Their marriage had been arranged by their elders. For Lin Xiaoxiao’s sake, Zheng Yili was willing to disregard their families’ wishes and the relationship between them…

Song Qi’an slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to an abrupt halt in the middle of the road.

No, there had to be another reason. Given how deeply Zheng Yili adored her, she wouldn’t have made such a ruthless decision out of nowhere.

Frustrated, Song Qi’an tapped her fingers against the steering wheel. Had Song Yanqing been badmouthing her to Zheng Yili?

But she knew Song Yanqing’s character. No matter how much she disapproved of Song Qi’an’s treatment of Zheng Yili, she would never interfere or drive a wedge between them.

Then what was the reason? For once, Song Qi’an felt lost.

After a weary round of washing up, Zheng Yili lay down in bed, only to find sleep eluding her.

She stared wide-eyed at the ceiling, her mind replaying the scene of Song Yanqing’s sudden, heartfelt confession.

A wave of heat surged through her body, making her feel as if she were lying on burning coals. She kicked off the thin silk blanket in discomfort.

Was Song Yanqing lying? Zheng Yili rolled onto her side, locking eyes with her plush toy. She refused to believe Song Yanqing’s words, yet the image of the woman’s earnest expression kept resurfacing in her mind.

“It’s not out of pity or sympathy—it’s simply because I like you…”

That melodious, clear voice echoed like a curse, intertwining and looping in Zheng Yili’s mind like a broken record.

This was destined to be a sleepless night.

Tossing and turning, Zheng Yili found no rest during her rare half-day off.

After forcing herself out of bed and choking down breakfast, she received a frantic call from her secretary. Without delay, she tidied up and rushed to the filming set of the variety show to handle the emergency.

Meng Sulan and Lin Xiaoxiao had gotten into a conflict, and Lin Xiaoxiao had been pushed from a height by Meng Sulan, falling unconscious on the spot. The incident had already blown up on social media, with Lin Xiaoxiao’s fans flooding the show’s official account with angry demands for answers.

If it had been anyone else, they might have been fooled by Lin Xiaoxiao’s fragile, pitiable act.

But Zheng Yili had dealt with Lin Xiaoxiao for nearly a decade in her past life. She knew all of the woman’s tricks. No matter how damning the evidence seemed, she would never take Lin Xiaoxiao’s side.

Lin Xiaoxiao was just like An Xian, adept at manipulating others’ emotions to stir up trouble while keeping herself out of the fray, reaping all the benefits and maintaining a pristine reputation.

The moment the incident occurred, staff immediately called for an ambulance.

The filming location was quite remote, so by the time Zheng Yili arrived, the ambulance still hadn’t made it. Scanning the area, Zheng spotted Meng Sulan trembling in a corner.

She strode over. Meng Sulan’s face was still etched with fear.

Seeing Zheng Yili, she seemed to find a lifeline, quickly standing up to meet her. “Director Zheng, it wasn’t me—I didn’t push her! She fell on purpose…”

Now, the entire crew was pointing fingers at her, whispering behind her back. Lin Xiaoxiao’s assistant, in particular, was practically ready to brand her a murderer on the spot, pinning the blame for the push squarely on her.

But why would she suddenly target Lin Xiaoxiao when filming was nearly over? And with such lethal intent?

With Zheng Yili as her new boss backing her, her career was on a bright path—why would she throw it all away with such a reckless act? She wasn’t stupid.

Meng Sulan trembled uncontrollably. “Director Zheng, please believe me, I really didn’t—”

“I believe you.” Zheng Yili gently took her hands, her voice soothing. “I believe you, Sulan. I know you’re not that kind of cruel person. There must be more to this that we don’t know, right?”

Her steady tone and unwavering confidence slowly eased the tension in Meng Sulan’s heart.

Meng nodded, then hesitated. “During filming, Lin Xiaoxiao and I… didn’t get along.” She stole a glance at Zheng’s expression, relieved to see no major reaction before continuing, “We clashed often—the whole crew knew about it.”

“But no one stepped in to mediate, so our rivalry just kept escalating…”

That was why, after Lin Xiaoxiao’s fall, she became the prime suspect.

Looking back now, Lin had probably planned this all along, deliberately provoking her to make the motive seem airtight.

Meng Sulan bit her lip. “I’m sorry, Director Zheng. I didn’t think it through.”

“I just… I couldn’t stand how she interfered in your personal life, so I wanted to teach her a small lesson for you.” Her shoulders slumped, her whole demeanor deflated like a wilted eggplant.

After understanding the full picture, Zheng Yili didn’t scold her further. “Don’t do this again.”

“I know you meant well, but I can handle my own personal matters.” Zheng released her hands, adjusting Meng’s jacket gently. “Don’t worry anymore. Leave the rest to me.”

Meng Sulan nodded eagerly, her eyes glimmering. “Director Zheng, I’ll go with you.”

This mess was her doing—how could she let Zheng face Lin Xiaoxiao’s vicious, unreasonable assistant alone?

Lin Xiaoxiao remained unconscious, with the show’s medical staff currently treating her and tending to her wounds.

When Meng Sulan arrived, Lin Xiaoxiao’s assistant, Liang Xin, immediately stood up in agitation. “What are you doing here?” she snapped, pointing an accusing finger at Meng Sulan. “Do you think Xiaoxiao isn’t dying fast enough?”

“Meng Sulan, stop pretending to be the good person here. If you hadn’t pushed Xiaoxiao, she wouldn’t still be unconscious!”

“Proof?” Zheng Yili turned her gaze to the familiar face, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Liang Xin was caught off guard by Zheng Yili’s response. “What?”

“You’re claiming Sulan pushed Lin Xiaoxiao. So, where’s your evidence? If you don’t have any, then my company’s legal team will be in touch with you on Sulan’s behalf.”

“Do I even need proof? Out of everyone on the show, she’s the one who had the worst relationship with Xiaoxiao. If it wasn’t her, who else could’ve pushed Xiaoxiao?!” Liang Xin fumed. “Unless you’re saying Xiaoxiao jumped from that height on her own!”

Zheng Yili smirked. “Who knows?”

“Since you don’t have any solid evidence, I suggest you watch your words. I won’t tolerate baseless slander against my artist.”

Perhaps too furious or emboldened, Liang Xin lashed out at Zheng Yili without thinking. “Meng Sulan is no saint, and if you’re defending her like this, you must be just as rotten—”

Before she could finish, Zheng Yili’s sharp glare made her instinctively step back, silencing her mid-sentence.

Realizing what had happened, Liang Xin’s face darkened with rage as she glared at Zheng Yili. “Were you just threatening me, Director Zheng?”

“Everyone, come and see! Director Zheng is using her authority to shield a murderer and intimidate a powerless civilian like me!” Liang Xin shouted at the top of her lungs. Meng Sulan instinctively moved to confront her, but Zheng Yili swiftly extended an arm to stop her.

“In that case, let’s call the police. I’m sure they’ll ensure justice is served.”

With that, she signaled to her secretary beside her.

The secretary immediately took out her phone and dialed emergency services.

Liang Xin’s expression twisted in fury as she glared at Zheng Yili, tempted to snatch the phone but held back by the many eyes watching from the crew.

The atmosphere grew tense—until Lin Xiaoxiao suddenly stirred with a soft groan. “It hurts…”

Liang Xin gasped in relief and crouched beside her. “Xiaoxiao, you’re finally awake!” Her eyes reddened. “If you hadn’t woken up, your attacker would’ve gotten away with it!”

Lin Xiaoxiao’s gaze flickered briefly toward Meng Sulan and Zheng Yili, her lips curling almost imperceptibly before she put on a weak smile. “Liang Xin, I’m fine.”

Then, feigning surprise, she looked around. “Why is everyone here? Is filming over already?”

“At a time like this, forget about work—getting to the hospital is what matters.” Just then, the ambulance arrived, and with it came Song Qi’an.

Today, Song Qi’an was dressed in a crisp and neat suit, her long hair tied up meticulously. Her deep-set eyes were accentuated with delicate makeup, exuding an intense aura of authority and intimidation when she wasn’t smiling.

On her way, Song Qi’an had briefly familiarized herself with the situation. Seeing Lin Xiaoxiao already awake, she let out a sigh of relief.

“President Song…” Lin Xiaoxiao called out softly, her voice trembling with both grievance and gratitude as her eyes welled up with tears. “President Song, it hurts so much.” She bit her lip in restraint, tears clinging to her lashes, looking utterly pitiful.

After a moment’s hesitation, Song Qi’an strode over decisively. “We’re going to the hospital right now. The pain will stop once we get there.”

Lin Xiaoxiao nodded obediently. “Okay. With you by my side, President Song, it doesn’t hurt at all.”

“Pfft—” Meng Sulan couldn’t help but laugh rudely, reflexively mocking, “Is your President Song some kind of painkiller? You’re instantly better the moment she shows up? That’s just ridiculous…”

Under Song Qi’an’s piercing gaze, Meng Sulan’s voice gradually faded until she fearfully clamped her mouth shut.

Zheng Yili took a step to the right, directly blocking Song Qi’an’s line of sight.

Only then did Song Qi’an notice Zheng Yili’s presence. Her eyes flickered with unreadable emotion as she lowered her lids, lost in thought for about five or six seconds. When she looked up again, she asked coolly, “Was she the one who pushed Xiaoxiao?”

“No,” Zheng Yili retorted coldly.

Zheng Yili had braced herself for a heated argument with Song Qi’an, even prepared for a public scene. To her surprise, Song Qi’an merely gave a slight nod at her response and said calmly, “Alright, I believe you.”