I Married My Heartless Ex-Wife’s Black Lotus Sister - Chapter 23

The air fell into silence, with no one making a sound.

Between the two of them, uneven breaths—long and erratic—could be heard. Zheng Yili could even feel the frantic, disbelieving pounding of her own heart in her chest, rapid and chaotic.

Her lips, which had been slightly upturned, pressed into a thin line. Her entire face was frozen in shock, tinged with a faint layer of bewilderment.

In her past life, she had never heard of such complicated entanglements and history between the three of them. All she knew was that, from the moment she could remember, she and Song Qi’an had been inseparable.

Back then, though Song Qi’an was cold and aloof, she had still shown Zheng Yili a gentler side—one reserved only for her. That special treatment had made Zheng Yili feel as though her heart had been soaked in honey, sweet and intoxicating.

She had been certain that Song Qi’an would be her future wife. Because of that, she had never doubted the sincerity of their relationship—nor the legitimacy of their engagement.

But now, the woman before her was claiming—that Song Qi’an had stolen her betrothal, that she was the one who should have married Zheng Yili.

In that instant, Zheng Yili’s hands and feet turned ice-cold. Her throat burned as if she had just swallowed bitter coptis water, and a sour, prickling sensation spread from her mouth all the way to her heart.

Her face slightly pale, Zheng Yili lifted her gaze to scrutinize Song Yanqing’s expression, searching for even the slightest hint of deceit in those soft features.

Yet Song Yanqing’s face was obscured in the dim light, shrouded in thick shadows. Even her usually bright, doting eyes now seemed ink-black, sharpened with an uncharacteristic edge.

Zheng Yili’s thoughts were a tangled mess. She stood rigidly, forgetting even to push Song Yanqing away.

Song Yanqing’s slender fingers continued to caress her, the movements tender but laced with an unwillingness to let go. It wasn’t until the pad of a thumb pressed lightly against her lips, and something warm drew near, that Zheng Yili snapped out of her daze and jerked back in alarm.

She stared at Song Yanqing with wide, fearful eyes, her heart hammering so violently it threatened to burst from her chest.

“I… I don’t know anything about this,” she said, her voice low, hoarse, and trembling just slightly.

Right now, only one thought filled Zheng Yili’s mind: Get out of here. Get away from Song Yanqing. She had a premonition—if she stayed entangled with Song Yanqing any longer, things would spiral out of control in an instant.

Even as the thought formed, her body had already obeyed, sidestepping Song Yanqing instinctively. She opened her mouth and spoke quickly, “There’s something I still need to take care of. Excuse me.”

Without waiting to see Song Yanqing’s reaction, she turned and nearly sprinted away.

The girl’s retreating figure was frantic, tinged with a faint trace of disarray.

In the shadows, Song Yanqing tilted her head slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips. She remained still, making no move to chase after her—after all, everyone needed time to process, didn’t they?

She had already restrained herself for so long. A little more patience wouldn’t hurt.

Zheng Yili’s emotions had been thoroughly overturned by Song Yanqing. By the time she slid into the car, she was so lost in thought that she didn’t even realize they had already arrived at the company, her gaze fixed blankly on the scenery speeding past outside.

It was the driver who noticed her unusually pale complexion and couldn’t help but ask with concern, “Miss, are you feeling unwell? Should I take you to the hospital?”

“…I’m fine.” Zheng Yili suddenly snapped out of her thoughts, shaking her head instinctively as if startled.

Seeing the driver’s growing concern, Zheng Yili forced a smile. “I was just lost in thought earlier. There’s no need to worry about me.”

“By the way, I’ll be staying at the company tonight. You can head back first.”

With Song Yanqing living next door, given their current awkward relationship, there was no way Zheng Yili would go home. Her emotions were still too turbulent and complicated—she wasn’t ready to face Song Yanqing just yet.

Getting out of the car, Zheng Yili rubbed her temples with slender fingers as she walked, feeling an intense headache coming on.

Fortunately, work kept her busy. Aside from routine tasks, the public relations crisis triggered by Lin Xiaoxiao had disrupted many of Zheng Yili’s plans. She spent most of the day holed up in the CEO’s office without even stepping outside.

By evening, Meng Sulan crept up to the door and peered through the slightly tilted blinds to observe the scene inside.

After taking a deep breath, she strode forward and knocked politely.

“Come in,” came Zheng Yili’s flat, emotionless voice.

When the door opened, she lifted her eyes to see the fidgeting Meng Sulan and raised an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you be resting in your room? What brings you here?”

“There’s something I’d like to discuss with you, President Zheng.” Meng Sulan put on an ingratiating smile before cautiously asking, “So… do you happen to have video evidence that could prove my innocence?”

A glint flashed in Zheng Yili’s eyes. “Did Song Lin tell you?”

Meng Sulan didn’t deny it, but fearing Zheng Yili might misunderstand her as blaming her for not releasing the evidence immediately—subjecting her to a full day of online abuse—she quickly added, “I was thinking, since I’ve already been through the backlash, maybe we could wait until the final edited episode airs to clear my name.”

After all, she had thick skin and wasn’t afraid of the hate.

Her former agency’s treatment had inadvertently toughened her mentally. Besides, with Zheng Yili backing her, she wasn’t the least bit scared now.

Her mind was entirely focused on letting the situation develop further, allowing Lin Xiaoxiao to bask in her temporary triumph.

Only when everyone was absolutely convinced, she was the criminal mastermind would Meng Sulan reach out and yank Lin Xiaoxiao down from her high horse.

Since Lin Xiaoxiao had used public opinion against her, Meng Sulan was determined to make her experience the backlash firsthand.

Meng Sulan didn’t consider herself particularly virtuous—after witnessing so much underhandedness in the entertainment industry, she’d become someone who repaid every slight tenfold, always seeking to maximize gains from every situation.

She even fantasized smugly about the moment the evidence would be revealed. The more viciously people had attacked her, the guiltier they’d feel upon learning the truth. She might even gain sympathy points and poach some of Lin Xiaoxiao’s fans in the process.

Meng Sulan thought herself absolutely brilliant—this plan could very well be her most spectacular comeback yet.

However, when she met Zheng Yili’s half-smiling gaze, her cheeks inexplicably burned, and her words stumbled, “Z-Zheng, why are you looking at me like that?”

“Nothing.” Zheng Yili shook her head, claiming it was nothing, yet her eyes sparkled with unmistakable gossip, impossible to ignore. “If you can handle the overwhelming online backlash, then we can proceed as you wish.”

“I can handle it!” Meng Sulan hurriedly insisted. “And it hasn’t affected me at all, so you can assign me follow-up work right away!”

Zheng Yili had originally intended to give her a few days off to recover emotionally, but seeing how unbothered and composed she seemed, she thought it over and agreed.

Meng Sulan immediately grinned—only to freeze under Zheng Yili’s knowing expression.

Zheng Yili must have misunderstood something! She’d bet her life on it.

But what exactly had she misunderstood? It wasn’t until Meng Sulan returned to her room that it hit her. Oh no—did Zheng Yili think she was deliberately playing the victim to win Officer Song’s sympathy?!

Heavens, she was innocent!

The image of Song Lin—heroic yet tender—flashed through her mind, and Meng Sulan’s cheeks flushed uncontrollably, adding a lively charm to her beauty.

Zheng Yili reviewed the upcoming schedules for the company’s artists with quiet satisfaction. That night at the dinner, she had merely intervened on a whim, never expecting Meng Sulan to bring her such a pleasant surprise.

The variety show wouldn’t air until next month at the earliest, possibly even the month after. If Lin Xiaoxiao kept milking the incident for sympathy and signing new projects, the eventual backlash would be all the more devastating—her current triumph would turn into utter isolation.

Zheng Yili would love to see that.

After selecting the scripts, she had already earmarked for Meng Sulan, Zheng Yili immediately informed her secretary. Orders were swiftly relayed, and soon, Meng Sulan was immersed in filming a short drama.

The crew consisted entirely of company staff, and with the set being closed, Zheng Yili had no concerns about Meng Sulan’s safety.

She calculated the timing—by the time the variety show aired, Meng Sulan’s first short drama would also be ready for release. Meng Sulan could ride her own wave of publicity, bringing the drama into the public eye and undoubtedly attracting significant attention.

Strictly speaking, this was a triple-win situation.

After two days in the hospital, Lin Xiaoxiao was discharged once the doctors confirmed no further complications.

Song Qi’an personally came to pick her up. On one hand, Lin Xiaoxiao had a broken arm and leg, both in casts, along with various abrasions, making it impossible for her to move without assistance.

On the other hand, Zheng Yili’s indifference and inaction had left Song Qi’an resentful, prompting her to deliberately stay close to Lin Xiaoxiao as a form of retaliation.

Zheng Yili cared so much about her—if she knew what was happening, she’d surely rush over in a panic.

However, to Song Qi’an’s disappointment, from the moment she entered the hospital until she reluctantly left several hours later, she didn’t catch even a glimpse of the person she longed to see.

Was she not coming after all?

Song Qi’an leaned back in her chair, her expression dark as storm clouds.

Even if she didn’t like Lin Xiaoxiao, shouldn’t she have reacted at least a little after Song Qi’an deliberately leaked the news? Just like before, when those unscrupulous media outlets twisted the facts and spread rumors that Lin Xiaoxiao was her lover—hadn’t Zheng Yili stormed over in a fit of rage to confront her?

That flustered, red-eyed look had been unbearably adorable, allowing Song Qi’an to clearly sense her own importance in Zheng Yili’s heart.

“President Song, I’m ready.” Lin Xiaoxiao’s sudden voice interrupted Song Qi’an’s reminiscence. Song Qi’an glanced at her, stood up, and replied indifferently, “Let’s go.”

At some point, Song Qi’an’s attitude toward her had cooled considerably. Lin Xiaoxiao felt both panicked and puzzled.

There was no way Song Qi’an could know the truth about her fall—after all, there was no evidence to be found. So why had her demeanor changed so subtly?

But Lin Xiaoxiao had always been patient. She pretended not to notice, forcing a faint, sweet smile onto her face. “Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to personally pick me up from the hospital.”

She played the part of the considerate patient perfectly. “Actually, Liang Xin’s help would have been enough. I’m really fine.”

She lifted her pale face, her innocent smile utterly harmless. “See? Even in a wheelchair, I can move around freely. I can even manage stairs and elevators without any trouble.”

Following Lin Xiaoxiao’s gaze, Song Qi’an only then noticed they had reached the staircase.

No sooner had Lin Xiaoxiao spoken than the wheelchair suddenly lurched forward uncontrollably, threatening to careen down the steps. Without thinking, Song Qi’an swiftly grabbed Lin Xiaoxiao and yanked her back with all her strength.

“Careful!”

The girl wasn’t heavy, so it didn’t take much effort. But the scare left Song Qi’an looking stern. “How could you be so careless? You’re already injured—if you fell again…”

Then she noticed Lin Xiaoxiao’s increasingly pale face and reddened eyes. A flicker of guilt passed through her, and she fell silent.

“I’m sorry,” Lin Xiaoxiao whispered.

Her voice trembled, her eyes growing even redder, her face full of remorse. “I’ve caused you so much trouble.”

Song Qi’an had no idea how to handle crying women. Her expression stiffened. Fortunately, Liang Xin stepped in to console her, though it didn’t help much.

The more Liang Xin tried to soothe her, the harder Lin Xiaoxiao cried.

Hot tears streamed down her cheeks, making her appear even more pitiful.

Song Qi’an sighed inwardly. She was just a patient, and it wasn’t intentional—the accident had happened because she was talking to Song Qi’an. What was the point of holding it against her?

Forcing herself to soften, the icy frost in her expression eased slightly. “Enough.”

Song Qi’an spoke with forced patience. “Be more careful next time.”

Lin Xiaoxiao knew when to stop. Hearing this, she immediately complied obediently, forcing back the tears welling in her eyes and putting on a brave, docile expression.

She had always known her limits and how to manipulate people’s emotions. So when she caught Song Qi’an glancing at her with a hint of guilt in her peripheral vision, she perfectly concealed the triumph in her eyes.

Song Qi’an accompanied Lin Xiaoxiao back to her home.

The place wasn’t large, but it was cozy. However, it was somewhat unacceptable for Lin Xiaoxiao, now a public figure, to still be living in such a modest neighborhood. Moreover, with her injury, the constant coming and going of people in the area made it inconvenient.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Song Qi’an spoke up, “For now, you should stay at my place to recover.”

The offer came abruptly, and Lin Xiaoxiao naturally hurried to refuse. But Liang Xin chimed in, “Xiaoxiao, maybe you should just follow President Song’s suggestion and stay there temporarily.”

“This neighborhood is a mixed bag, and security is poor. Last time, you were followed home by a stalker who almost forced their way in…”

“When did that happen? Why wasn’t I told?” Song Qi’an’s expression turned icy, her aura instantly becoming terrifying.

Liang Xin stammered, “I wanted to report it, but Xiaoxiao said it wasn’t a big deal and stopped me from bothering you with trivial matters.”

Song Qi’an’s eyes flashed with disapproval. “It’s only because nothing happened then. If it had, you wouldn’t even know where you’d be scattered in pieces by now.”

“Enough. Go pack her things immediately and take her to this address.”

Song Qi’an’s tone brooked no argument. Liang Xin quickly nodded, “I’ll go right away—” But Lin Xiaoxiao grabbed her arm. “I’ll do it myself.”

“You’ll go together,” Song Qi’an said, looking at her.

Lin Xiaoxiao hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn’t defy Song Qi’an.

After arranging for the housekeeper to tidy up the place, Song Qi’an had the driver take them there directly while she headed elsewhere—she still had a meeting to attend.

Seated in her wheelchair, Lin Xiaoxiao gazed at the brand-new luxury home, a deep smile playing on her lips.

She took out her phone and snapped a few pictures. Once Liang Xin finished preparing dinner, she posted them to her social media.

When Zheng Yili received the screenshot from her childhood friend, she froze for a second. On the other end, her friend was furiously accusing Lin Xiaoxiao, “She’s definitely provoking you!”

“She’s doing this on purpose!”

“And Song Qi’an—why did she have to take her to that house of all places? I refuse to believe she doesn’t remember what that place means to you two…”

Her friend’s messages bombarded her like artillery fire, but Zheng Yili was too busy staring blankly at Song Yanqing’s text.

“Auntie Ji is home. When are you coming back?”