I Married My Heartless Ex-Wife’s Black Lotus Sister - Chapter 22

Chapter 22

“What about you?” Song Yanqing didn’t immediately agree but instead countered with a question.

Hearing this, Song Qi’an tugged uncomfortably at her collar, her voice hoarse. “I have other matters to deal with right now and can’t get away.”

Rarely did she lie to Song Yanqing, and her tone carried an unnatural edge.

Song Yanqing quickly picked up on her unease. After a brief silence, she asked, “Are you with Lin Xiaoxiao?”

Though phrased as a question, there was an undeniable certainty in her words. Song Qi’an pressed her lips together but didn’t deny it. “I’m at the hospital right now. She’s injured, and her emotional state is really unstable…”

“Lin Xiaoxiao’s emotions are unstable, but do you think Zheng Yili is any better at a time like this? Don’t forget, she’s the one who’s been by your side all these years.”

“I know.”

Song Qi’an suddenly felt exhausted. She cut off Song Yanqing’s words, unilaterally ending the discussion. “Sis, just do me this one last favor, okay?”

“I really can’t leave right now.”

This time, Song Yanqing didn’t refuse again, only replying coolly, “I hope you won’t regret this.”

Song Qi’an detected the threat and warning in her tone but paid it no mind. What was there to regret? She and Zheng Yili had fought and reconciled countless times before—surely things wouldn’t be different now just because of Lin Xiaoxiao?

After outsourcing the task of comforting Zheng Yili to Song Yanqing, Song Qi’an lowered her hand and turned to look into the hospital room.

Thanks to Liang Xin’s efforts, Lin Xiaoxiao’s emotions had stabilized considerably. She was now leaning against the bed, sipping water—small, slow sips, like a harmless little rabbit.

Paired with her pale complexion and fragile demeanor, she looked even more pitiable and endearing.

Guessing that Lin Xiaoxiao might not want to see her anytime soon, Song Qi’an refrained from barging in. Instead, she contacted her secretary to get a brief update on the online situation. To her surprise, she learned that Zheng Yili’s side had made no attempts at clarification or explanation since the incident began.

By now, Lin Xiaoxiao’s fans, along with bystanders eager for drama, had spread the news far and wide, to the point where it was nearly uncontrollable.

And it wasn’t just Meng Sulan, the instigator—even Zheng Yili had been dragged into the mess, subjected to baseless online attacks.

Meng Sulan’s past scandals were still fresh in the public’s memory, and now with this new incident, she was being torn apart, her reputation and image taking a severe hit.

What exactly was Zheng Yili trying to do? Song Qi’an was puzzled. The longer this dragged on, the worse it would get—she couldn’t believe Zheng Yili didn’t understand that.

But right now, she couldn’t reach Zheng Yili, nor could she persuade her.

The secretary was aware of the relationship between Zheng Yili and her boss, so she cautiously asked, “President Song, should we step in to clarify on Xing Yue’s behalf?”

If Ding Rui intervened, the pressure on Xing Yue would undoubtedly ease significantly.

Just as Song Qi’an was about to agree, Liang Xin suddenly appeared out of nowhere, staring straight at her. “President Song, Xiaoxiao wants to see you.”

Song Qi’an’s words were interrupted. Thinking of Lin Xiaoxiao’s current miserable state, she hesitated slightly before the words on the tip of her tongue took an unexpected turn: “No need, they have their own arrangements.”

With that, she put down her phone, brushed past Liang Xin, and hurried toward the hospital room.

Lin Xiaoxiao gazed listlessly out the window, the bright sunlight casting over her and accentuating her fragile, delicate demeanor. Her pale skin and slender frame only highlighted her vulnerability and helplessness.

Upon seeing Song Qi’an, Lin Xiaoxiao’s first question was: “President Song, will this affect my future work?”

“Don’t worry about work for now. I’ll handle everything for you,” Song Qi’an reassured her. “Your priority right now is to focus on recovering.”

“But…” Lin Xiaoxiao’s face showed anxiety and concern. “We’ve already signed contracts for several projects. If we breach them, the company will surely face huge penalties.”

Song Qi’an walked over and sat by Lin Xiaoxiao’s bed.

She raised her hand, hesitated for a moment, then gently patted Lin Xiaoxiao’s head. “Alright, stop worrying. I told you I’ll handle it, and I will. Don’t you trust me?”

Having achieved her goal, Lin Xiaoxiao wisely didn’t press further. She nodded obediently and then casually asked, “How is Miss Meng doing? Has she been taken away by the police yet?”

After a pause, she hesitantly added, “President Song, will Miss Zheng protect her?”

Song Qi’an didn’t know the answer, but hearing these words from Lin Xiaoxiao made her frown slightly, a trace of coldness creeping into her expression.

After leaving the hospital, Zheng Yili went straight to the police station.

Meng Sulan had already finished giving her statement and was sitting quietly in a chair. When she saw Zheng Yili arrive, she quickly stood up and hurried over in her high heels, clinging to Zheng Yili’s arm coquettishly. “President Zheng, you’re here!”

Zheng Yili studied her suspiciously, sensing something off. “Did they give you any trouble?”

“No,” Meng Sulan shook her head, a shy expression on her face. “Officer Song was very kind. She noticed I was scared and kept comforting me patiently.”

Meng Sulan blinked, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. “She even reassured me that I shouldn’t worry about things I didn’t do—they’d make sure justice was served.”

Zheng Yili nodded. “Avoid going online for the next couple of days. No need to upset yourself.”

Meng Sulan guessed that many people were probably criticizing her online, so she obediently agreed. “I know. I won’t dwell on it.”

After a brief silence, Meng Sulan cautiously tugged at Zheng Yili’s sleeve. “President Zheng, do you know Officer Song?”

Zheng Yili’s puzzled look turned to understanding. “Yes, I do.”

“She’s…” Zheng Yili paused, searching for the right words. “The younger cousin of a friend. We used to hang out often.”

“Oh, I see.” Meng Sulan seemed enlightened, then murmured to herself, “If she’s a friend of President Zheng’s, then there shouldn’t be any issues.”

President Zheng’s seal of approval—definitely trustworthy.

After summarizing her thoughts, Meng Sulan looked up and unexpectedly met Zheng Yili’s half-smiling gaze. Flustered for a moment, she quickly composed herself and explained, “President Zheng, don’t misunderstand. I just think Officer Song is diligent, responsible, has good character, and is quite beautiful—so I wanted to befriend her slightly.”

“You know, with all my scandals and being a public figure, I’ll inevitably have to deal with the police frequently for various troublesome matters.”

“If I can get familiar with Officer Song beforehand, it would make things much more convenient.”

Despite Meng Sulan’s lengthy explanation, Zheng Yili zeroed in on the key point: Song Lin was indeed attractive—tall, dignified, radiant, and exuding an upright aura. Her often cheerful, easygoing smile made her instantly likable.

Today, the uniform accentuated her heroic and dashing charm, making her even more captivating.

Zheng Yili felt a headache coming on and subtly warned Meng Sulan, “Your career has just begun. I hope you won’t neglect or abandon it because of other distractions.”

Meng Sulan understood the implication perfectly and nodded vigorously. “President Zheng, don’t worry. I’ll definitely work hard to earn money and pay off my debts.”

Love and work weren’t mutually exclusive, and Meng Sulan had no intention of sacrificing one for the other. Moreover, she was confident she could balance both successfully.

Seeing Meng Sulan’s unwavering determination, Zheng Yili decided not to press further.

Just then, Song Lin noticed Zheng Yili. She smiled at her first, then briefly spoke to a colleague before approaching. “Lili, why did you come in person?”

“Miss Meng has finished her statement and is free to leave.”

Throughout Song Lin’s words, Meng Sulan gazed at her with sparkling, infatuated eyes. Noticing this, Song Lin subtly distanced herself. Meng Sulan caught the gesture, her expression dimming as she pressed her lips together.

“I came to pick her up,” Zheng Yili said, observing their interaction with amusement. “By the way, when you release the case briefing, please inform Xing Yue. We’ll cooperate by providing relevant evidence.”

“Of course,” Song Lin agreed readily before asking, “Why didn’t Qi’an come?”

She glanced behind Zheng Yili, and upon confirming Song Qi’an’s absence, her tone turned indignant. “Is she with that Lin Xiaoxiao again? She’s getting more and more outrageous!”

“Exactly,” Meng Sulan chimed in. “The moment she showed up, she left with Lin Xiaoxiao in the ambulance without considering President Zheng’s feelings at all.”

Meng Sulan’s provocation amplified Song Lin’s grievances toward Song Qi’an. But before she could vent further, a cool, composed figure caught her eye. Song Lin paused, then waved cheerfully. “Cousin!”

Zheng Yili and Meng Sulan turned simultaneously to see Song Yanqing walking toward them alone. Dressed in her usual understated elegance, her neatly pressed, low-saturation outfit complemented her porcelain-like skin, painting the picture of a refined and gentle elder sister.

Hearing Song Lin’s call, Song Yanqing nodded, “Finished with your work?”

“Pretty much.” Song Lin quickly approached her and lowered her voice to whisper, “Cousin, did Song Qi’an send you again to coax Yili?”

“You know everything.” Song Yanqing teased her with a smile. “Why aren’t you this attentive about other matters? Have you resolved your own personal issues yet? Grandpa’s already nagging you in the family group chat.”

At the mention of this, Song Lin’s face immediately fell.

She looked pitifully at Song Yanqing. “My dear cousin, please do me a favor and cover for me just this once. You know how busy I am with work—when would I even have time for blind dates?”

“Enough,” Song Yanqing cut her off. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take Yili and go now.”

Song Lin knew the matter was settled and immediately gestured to Song Yanqing, “After you.”

Zheng Yili’s first reaction upon seeing Song Yanqing was—why is she here again? Her second thought was—doesn’t she have work to do?

She practically wore her displeasure on her face, yet the woman seemed utterly oblivious, smiling faintly as she nodded at Zheng Yili and directly stated her purpose for coming: “Mother has invited you to play golf.”

“She wants to have a proper talk with you.”

Coincidentally, Zheng Yili also wanted to have a proper conversation with Madam Song, so she didn’t refuse. “But I need to personally oversee Su Lan’s shoot first and escort her back to the company.”

Given Meng Sulan’s current situation, Zheng Yili truly couldn’t rest easy letting her act alone.

The company had artist dormitories, and once Meng Sulan returned, she could temporarily pause her work until the truth came to light—this would be best for both the company and Meng Sulan herself.

“No rush.” Song Yanqing reassured her. “Take care of your matters first. I’ll accompany you.”

From Song Yanqing’s tone, it seemed she intended to stick with Zheng Yili the entire time. The corner of Zheng Yili’s eye twitched, and she felt utterly helpless. Knowing she couldn’t refuse, she simply didn’t bother, allowing Song Yanqing to board the car with her.

Grabbing Meng Sulan, who was reluctant to leave Song Lin, Zheng Yili chose the seat farthest from Song Yanqing.

Song Yanqing’s expression remained unchanged as she calmly settled by the window to work.

A breeze lifted the woman’s soft strands of hair, and a shimmering light fell upon her, casting a pearl-like glow over her. Song Yanqing’s face was small yet strikingly beautiful, bearing no resemblance to Song Qi’an.

Jet-black hair, rosy lips, delicate brows, and long eyes with slightly upturned lashes—every feature exuded an elusive, cool elegance.

Zheng Yili was momentarily entranced, only snapping out of it when the car jolted slightly. She discreetly averted her gaze. Song Yanqing really did have a certain charm and grace—how had she never noticed before?

The thought had barely crossed her mind when Zheng Yili let out a bitter smile. In the past, her heart and eyes had been wholly devoted to Song Qi’an—how could she have spared any attention for anyone else?

Now, with Song Qi’an no longer in her heart, she suddenly realized how beautiful the world truly was. She could accomplish so many difficult and complex tasks within a single day’s twenty-four hours.

Song Yanqing caught the faint bitterness at the corner of Zheng Yili’s lips. Her fingers twitched almost imperceptibly, and the light in her eyes dimmed.

The photography studio was now within sight. Meng Sulan mustered her courage and stepped out of the car, determined to ignore the unfriendly gazes. Yet within moments, those who caught sight of Song Yanqing immediately lowered their heads as if electrocuted, not daring to look again.

Even those unfamiliar with Song Yanqing’s identity quickly averted their eyes after being informed by others, focusing intently on their own tasks instead.

Seeing this, Meng Sulan’s confidence surged. She immediately straightened her back and strode forward with swagger.

Zheng Yili glanced back at Song Yanqing, her emotions complicated. “I’m borrowing your influence again.”

“It’s fine.” Song Yanqing chuckled softly. “I don’t mind at all.”

“If you don’t dislike it, I’d be happy to lend it to you indefinitely.”

Stop, just stop! Zheng Yili thought expressionlessly. Song Yanqing was supposed to be a composed, aloof person who rarely smiled at others—so how was she suddenly so smooth with her flirtations?

Feeling slightly awkward around Song Yanqing, Zheng Yili made up an excuse to follow Meng Sulan, trailing her wherever she went.

Meng Sulan had been perfectly at ease until Zheng Yili inadvertently drew Song Yanqing’s attention her way, making her equally uncomfortable. When Song Yanqing’s indifferent gaze swept over her again, she couldn’t take it anymore and hastily pulled Zheng Yili aside. “Boss Zheng, can I discuss something with you?”

“It’s just… I really can’t focus on shooting with you here. So, uh, maybe you and your… cousin could go sit somewhere else, have some tea, snack on seeds?”

Zheng Yili glared at her. “That’s not the attitude you had earlier. And who are you calling ‘cousin’?”

“My bad, totally my bad.” Meng Sulan clasped her hands together in apology. “I apologize, Boss Zheng. I shouldn’t have referred to your… person without permission—”

“Meng Sulan.” Zheng Yili raised her leg as if to kick her, prompting Meng Sulan to let out an exaggerated “Ow!” before scrambling away. “Boss Zheng, don’t get mad! Anger causes wrinkles!”

Zheng Yili was so irritated she almost laughed. That girl really had a death wish.

Song Yanqing watched their playful bickering with a smile, her eyes brimming with such tenderness it could melt into a pool of warmth.

When Zheng Yili turned back, she was instantly caught in those mesmerizing, star-like eyes. Her body stiffened. The woman’s gaze was like a deep, dark pool—serene on the surface but hiding a breathtaking allure and danger beneath.

She swiftly averted her eyes, unwilling to hold that gaze for too long.

Fortunately, Meng Sulan wouldn’t take much longer to finish shooting. Steeling herself, Zheng Yili walked over to Song Yanqing and struck up a casual conversation. “Did your mother mention what she wanted to talk to me about?”

As expected, Song Yanqing shook her head, but added, “If I had to guess, it’s probably related to Qi’an.”

Of course. What else could she and the Song family possibly have in common besides Song Qi’an?

In the past, every time Zheng Yili met Madam Song, the woman would inevitably bring up her precious daughter, as if that alone could make Zheng Yili obediently submit to her whims.

A faint smile touched Zheng Yili’s lips. Dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting fragmented light and shadow over her, yet her expression remained utterly cold.

After finishing her shoot, Meng Sulan turned her head to behold this breathtakingly beautiful scene and instantly drew a sharp breath.

Zheng Yili leaned casually against a tree trunk, dappled light playing across her figure as she lowered her lashes, her skin nearly translucent in the bright sunlight. Beside her stood that cool, composed woman, silent yet present, her faint smile as delicate and refined as an elegant orchid—radiant as a celestial being.

For a moment, Meng Sulan hesitated, unsure whether she should approach and disrupt such a perfect tableau. But Zheng Yili, sharp-eyed, quickly spotted her lingering uncertainty. “Let’s go,” she said.

At her words, the distant scene seemed to come alive. Meng Sulan opened her mouth to speak, but Zheng Yili had already turned away, forcing her to quicken her steps to keep up, afraid of being left behind.

The comfortable, luxurious van drove straight back to Xing Yue Entertainment. Inside, Zheng Yili fixed her gaze on Meng Sulan. “Stay at the company. Don’t go anywhere else.”

Only after Meng Sulan nodded in agreement did Zheng Yili raise the window and instruct the driver to speed toward the location Song Yanqing had provided.

At the golf course, Zheng Yili, now changed into appropriate attire, was swiftly led by the staff to where Madam Song was engrossed in her swing. Collecting herself, Zheng Yili approached. “Aunt Shen.”

Madam Song’s shot missed, but her expression remained calm and composed as she turned. “You’re here.”

With a subtle glance at Song Yanqing, she silently signaled for him to leave. Understanding immediately, he obliged. “You two talk. I’ll go make a call.”

Madam Song smiled approvingly as she watched him walk away, waiting until he was out of sight before adopting a kindly, maternal tone. “You’ve suffered quite a bit lately, haven’t you?”

“Qi’an really went too far, causing such a fuss over nothing. But don’t worry—I’ve already given her a proper scolding. She won’t dare repeat this mistake, or I won’t let her off so easily.”

Zheng Yili let the woman’s words go in one ear and out the other, paying them no mind.

In her past life, she had been foolish—desperate to win back Song Qi’an’s affection, she had exhausted herself trying to please this honey-tongued, dagger-hearted mother-in-law.

The result? Not only had she failed to mend her relationship with Song Qi’an, but she had also ended up under Madam Song’s thumb day after day.

Zheng Yili’s lowered eyes were as cold as a winter gale, yet her lips curved into a gentle, understanding smile. “Auntie, you jest. Isn’t it your duty to discipline Qi’an?”

She tilted her head with feigned innocence. “How could you say you’re doing it for me?”

Madam Song’s expression darkened momentarily before she smoothed it over, resuming her kindly elder act. “Yili, I know you’ve been wronged. But Qi’an is busy with work—sometimes false rumors spread, twisted by those seeking attention.”

“You and Qi’an have known each other for so many years. Surely you have enough trust between you to overlook such trivial matters?”

In the past, Zheng Yili might have swallowed her words and let it go. But now, Madam Song’s defense of her daughter only stoked her anger. “I trusted her, but she never considered my feelings or cared about how I might be hurt.”

“Auntie, by allowing Lin Xiaoxiao to escalate things to this extent, isn’t she trampling all over the dignity of me, my grandfather, and my parents?”

Zheng Yili stared at her intently. “If she had given even the slightest consideration for me, she wouldn’t have gone this far.”

Seeing Zheng Yili remain unmoved, Madam Song’s expression darkened completely. “Yili, is this truly how you feel? How can I possibly feel at ease watching Qiran marry you with such thoughts in your heart?”

“As Qi’an’s wife, your duty should be to share her burdens and take care of all household affairs, not spend your days consumed by jealousy, constantly competing and squabbling with irrelevant women.”

“You know the Song family has vast business interests, and Qi’an is always busy with work…”

Madam Song’s heartfelt words were all aimed at brainwashing Zheng Yili, who had no interest in listening. “In that case, it seems our two families are simply not fated to be joined by marriage.”

“Song Qi’an is busy with work—and coincidentally, so am I.”

She tilted her chin slightly, a cold smirk playing at the corners of her lips. “What a dilemma, Auntie. I’m no longer willing to abandon my own career and family business for the sake of someone as insignificant as Song Qi’an.”

Madam Song was stunned for a long moment before grasping Zheng Yili’s meaning. Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Are you breaking up with Qi’an?”

“Auntie, you guessed wrong.” Noticing the faint sigh of relief in Madam Song’s expression, Zheng Yili’s eyes flashed with mockery before she shattered the woman’s hopes with even harsher words. “Song Qi’an and I have already broken up.”

“As my fiancée, she was unfaithful, dishonest, and entangled in scandalous rumors with other women. It was only natural for me to cut her loose.”

Madam Song had always doted on her daughter, and now, seeing Zheng Yili speak of Qi’an with such merciless disdain, her face flushed red with anger. “You—!”

She pointed a trembling finger at Zheng Yili, but after stammering “you” several times, no further words came out.

Zheng Yili smiled and swung her golf club—a perfect hole-in-one.

“Auntie, the only reason I still call you that is out of respect for the past ties between our families.” Her tone carried a clear warning. “But if you don’t even care to preserve that last bit of goodwill…”

“Then I’ll respect your choice.”

Her smile was radiant, her face the picture of innocent beauty, yet the words that left her crimson lips were icy. “But since Qi’an and I are already over, it’s best to call off the engagement as soon as possible.”

She flashed a perfect row of pearly white teeth. “Wouldn’t want to hinder her from pursuing her one true love.”

“Of course, if you think I lack the authority to decide this, we can arrange a meeting another day—I’ll bring Madam Ji, and our two families can sit down for a proper discussion.”

Madam Song had no desire to face Ji Wushuang. If the woman found out about Qi’an’s recent behavior, she would undoubtedly flip the table on the spot and curse them all to hell.

In the worst-case scenario, it wouldn’t just be Qi’an—even Madam Song herself might end up with a few bruises.

Her face turned ashen, as if she had swallowed something vile. With all pretenses stripped away, she could no longer maintain her facade. “Fine! You’d better remember every word you said today. Don’t come crawling back to me in tears later!”

Zheng Yili responded with a smile, firm and resolute. “That will never happen.”

Madam Song’s expression darkened further. Furious, she flung her hand dismissively. “Let’s see how you’ll revive your family’s declining fortunes without Qi’an’s support!”

“That’s none of your concern, Auntie.”

“If Song Qi’an can become the head of a company, then so can I.” Her voice was calm. “After all, for so many years, she relied on my protection.”

These words truly struck a nerve, leaving Song Qi’an no face at all.

Madam Song stared at her coldly before turning away without a word.

Watching the other woman’s furious retreat, Zheng Yili felt quite pleased and generously tipped the caddies. After receiving their eager praises, she narrowed her eyes and glanced up at the sky.

All that talk of love and affection was nothing but lies—only money and power never deceived.

She swung her club sideways, sending the golf ball straight into the hole once again, immediately drawing another round of enthusiastic cheers and applause from the caddies.

Zheng Yili found it all rather dull. After scattering another round of tips and dismissing the caddies, she remained alone in quiet solitude.

Though Song Yanqing hadn’t been present earlier, she could easily imagine her stepmother’s expression. But Zheng Yili was no pushover either, so she wasn’t worried the woman would lose face in front of Madam Song.

Now, catching sight of Madam Song storming off in a rage, she allowed a faint smile to curl her lips, her expression one of certainty and pride.

Her Yili had always been formidable. Even back in their childhood, when most memories were still hazy, that little girl had already been the gentle yet unshakable moonlight in someone’s heart.

And she still was.

Adjusting her expression, Song Yanqing stepped out. Due to Song Qi’an and Madam Song, Zheng Yili wasn’t in the mood to be polite. “Your mother has left. Aren’t you going after her?”

“She is her, and I am me.” A subtle, amused curve tugged at Song Yanqing’s lips, her gaze soft as water. “We’re not the same.”

Zheng Yili perked up, her eyes sharp with curiosity.

Was this some kind of hint? Her thoughts darkened as she recalled Song Qi’an’s oddly ambiguous attitude toward Song Yanqing and Madam Song’s indifference. Countless speculations swirled in her mind.

But this was someone else’s private matter, and her relationship with Song Yanqing wasn’t close enough to pry. So she reined in her curiosity just as quickly as it had risen.

Perhaps sensing her thoughts, Song Yanqing didn’t broach the topic further. Instead, she asked, “Does Mother know about your breakup with Qi’an?”

“Yes.” Zheng Yili took a distracted sip of water. “I already told her.”

Song Yanqing’s smile deepened, perfectly masking the flicker of delight at the corner of her lips. “Then… may I start pursuing you?”

Zheng Yili had been doing everything to forget what happened that night, precisely to avoid this very situation when alone with Song Yanqing. Yet here the woman was, not only refusing to pretend nothing had happened but persistently pushing the issue.

Lowering her snow-white neck, Zheng Yili refused bluntly, “No.”

“I don’t have any interest in that right now.”

She thought she had made herself clear, but the moment she met Song Yanqing’s fathomless gaze, alarm bells rang in her mind. She hastily took half a step back.

Song Yanqing closed the distance effortlessly, hooking an arm around her slender waist and pulling her close. “Lili, give me a chance.”

“Alright?”

The woman’s voice was a magnetic rasp, her usually clear tone rolling low in her throat before emerging in an indescribably intimate murmur.

Zheng Yili’s scalp prickled.

This version of Song Yanqing was too unfamiliar, too overwhelming—Zheng Yili instinctively wanted to retreat and flee.

Her intuition warned her that Song Yanqing in this state was dangerous, far more so than ever before. In her past life, though she had only been casual acquaintances with Song Yanqing, she had later heard plenty about her from others.

Tales of her strategic brilliance, her ruthlessness, her ability to kill without leaving a trace, her cunning and calculation…

All these words piled upon this seemingly gentle woman. Even someone as oblivious as Zheng Yili knew that everything about her now was merely a facade for self-preservation.

What the real Song Yanqing was like, Zheng Yili still didn’t know, nor did she have the time or interest to find out.

So, she tightened her grip on Song Yanqing’s slender, fragile wrist—so delicate it seemed it could snap with the slightest pressure—her voice unconsciously laced with frost:

“I respect that you’re older than me and that you’ve shown me kindness before, so I don’t want to make this ugly. But if you insist—”

“You gave Qi’an so many chances. Why can’t you spare just one for me?”

Song Yanqing cut her off, her voice thick with resentment and sorrow, soft and trembling like a wounded kitten. Zheng Yili froze, a faint ripple of pity stirring in her chest.

The woman before her had always been all smiles, her eyes curved like crescent moons, her expression tender and doting, like jewels shimmering with brilliance.

That version of Song Yanqing had been so deeply ingrained in her mind that now, faced with this sudden glimpse of another side, Zheng Yili couldn’t react for a long moment.

“Just once.”

The words, dragged from her throat, landed heavily and slowly against Zheng Yili’s heart, carrying a raw, scorching intensity that struck straight to her core.

Zheng Yili’s lashes fluttered. After a long pause, all she could manage was a quiet, “I’m sorry.”

Right now, she truly had no desire to entangle herself in matters of the heart. No matter how remarkable Song Yanqing was, the thought still left her wary.

And given Song Yanqing’s relationship with Song Qi’an—what would it mean for the three of them if she gave her a chance? What would others think?

Zheng Yili forced herself to stay clear-headed, refusing to be swayed by Song Yanqing’s pitiful act.

Song Yanqing let out a long, quiet sigh, and in it, Zheng Yili detected a tangle of emotions—regret, unwillingness… and something else she didn’t care to decipher.

At the moment, she was still being held by the other woman, the slight firmness of Song Yanqing’s bony wrist making her shift uncomfortably.

“You should let go,” she said. “It wouldn’t look good if someone saw.”

Song Yanqing lowered her head, her gaze darkening for a moment before she finally released Zheng Yili. Yet, just as Zheng Yili turned to leave, the woman raised her hand again, brushing it lightly over her soft, delicate cheek.

“Lili, do you remember when you came to the Song family as a child?”

Her touch was feather-light, her faint fragrance and the warmth of her skin enveloping Zheng Yili completely.

Zheng Yili’s lifted foot froze mid-step as if compelled by some unseen force. She shook her head. “I don’t remember anymore.”

Song Yanqing wasn’t surprised, but the smile at the corners of her eyes dimmed, tinged with a sorrowful vulnerability.

“I was the one who met you first.”

“I was the one who got to know you, who spoke to you first, who became your friend.”

“But later, I fell ill and became weak from prolonged sickness. I was hospitalized every day, even spending long periods in the intensive care unit, so I couldn’t come find you or keep you company anymore.”

Zheng Yili was surprised. She truly had no memory of that past incident, though she later came to know about Song Yanqing’s poor health.

The woman was frail—tall in stature yet unnaturally thin, her complexion pale, her entire body radiating a sickly aura as if she might collapse and pass away at any moment.

Zheng Yili had even felt a twinge of sympathy for her, because every time she looked at Song Yanqing afterward, it was like looking in a mirror.

By then, her own body had long been at its limit, sustained only by daily injections and medications to keep her exhausted body going. The pain was unbearable, making life worse than death.

So, whenever she saw Song Yanqing, she sometimes felt a sense of shared suffering.

“If not for that, the one who should have been engaged to you, the one who should have married you…” In Song Yanqing’s softly spoken words, the truth deliberately hidden for over twenty years was finally revealed: “It should have been me.”