I Married My Heartless Ex-Wife’s Black Lotus Sister - Chapter 26

Song Qi’an grew even more restless.

The more agitated she became, the more it showed on her face, radiating unease. Yet Song Yanqing merely watched her with a cool gaze, offering no further words of comfort.

She knew that sooner or later, Song Qi’an would come to understand the stakes—especially now that Lin Xiaoxiao and the company clearly weighed more heavily in her heart than Zheng Yili.

If Song Qi’an stubbornly refused to let go, the brewing conflict between Ding Rui and Xing Yue, along with the feud between Meng Sulan and Lin Xiaoxiao, would eventually wear her down, leaving her exhausted and scarred.

So, Song Yanqing wasn’t the least bit worried that Song Qi’an would waver.

Clearly unable to make an immediate decision, Song Qi’an stood and straightened her clothes. “I should head back.”

“Won’t you stay the night?” Song Yanqing asked politely. Song Qi’an checked the time—it was already late, and she had an early flight the next morning. She nodded. “Alright, thank you.”

Song Yanqing, who had been about to pour tea, paused, a flicker of surprise crossing her eyes before she quickly masked it. With feigned concern, she said, “I’ll ask Aunt Wang to prepare your room. You can freshen up first.”

She gestured toward the bathroom.

Song Qi’an strode off, her expression cold, and soon disappeared around the corner.

Only after she was completely out of sight did Song Yanqing’s smile gradually fade. After a moment, she glanced down at the tea in her hand and slowly smiled again, perfectly concealing the calculation in her eyes.

Ji Wushuang hadn’t been too busy lately, so she decided to personally plan her daughter’s birthday celebration.

Since Zheng Huai’s passing, she had witnessed Zheng Yili’s struggles firsthand. But when it came to company matters, she was utterly clueless—and lacked the patience or focus to sit down and learn. There was little she could do to help.

She had never been particularly sharp. Back in school, she had often ranked last in her class. Aside from her martial arts skills, there wasn’t much else she could boast about.

That night, Zheng Yili clung to Ji Wushuang, acting spoiled. Mother and daughter shared a bed, whispering heartfelt words until they drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.

To Zheng Yili, Ji Wushuang would always be her pillar of support. After being comforted and reassured, she woke up the next morning brimming with energy, like a fully charged ray of sunshine.

She left early for the filming location—though “location” was just a villa under her name.

Standing behind the director, she quietly observed the shoot. Meng Sulan, a professionally trained actor, handled this short drama with effortless ease. The male lead, another university student Zheng Yili had invested heavily in discovering, was both handsome and well-mannered.

The pair made for a visually pleasing sight, and the natural chemistry between them lent the otherwise low-budget production an unexpected touch of quality.

After watching for a while, Zheng Yili waited until Meng Sulan’s break. The actress hurried over and plopped down beside her, complaining, “Boss Zheng, you really need to hire more bodyguards for me.”

Her tone dripped with jealousy and resentment toward Lin Xiaoxiao. “I don’t know if it was Lin Xiaoxiao’s doing, but yesterday her fans caused a ruckus outside the villa. They nearly disrupted the entire shoot.”

Meng Sulan was fuming. If she hadn’t swiftly called Song Lin for help, who knew how things would’ve ended?

Zheng Yili was long accustomed to Lin Xiaoxiao’s disgusting tactics. After nodding at Meng Suran, she quickly contacted the property management and security, receiving the expected apologies and promises—though she didn’t put much faith in them. “I’ll arrange bodyguards for you,” she said.

Zheng Yili’s doting indulgence toward Meng Suran touched her slightly, but the next moment, Meng Suran’s expression twisted into resentment. “If it weren’t for wanting her to climb high only to fall harder—to strike decisively when the time comes—I would’ve torn off all pretenses with her long ago.”

Then, inspiration struck Meng Suran, and she murmured, “Actually, stirring up some trouble first might not be bad… After all, any publicity is good publicity. Free exposure is free exposure.”

Zheng Yili watched her with a faint smile, unwilling to dampen her enthusiasm. Meng Suran wanted to make a move, but Lin Xiaoxiao had Song Qi’an’s protection—meaning whatever she did would likely be swiftly suppressed by him.

Xing Yue was still in its early stages, naturally no match for Ding Rui, a company already firmly established in the industry with ample capital and confidence.

This was Zheng Yili’s disadvantage.

She pondered silently for a while before realizing how crucial it was to properly integrate the operations of the companies under her name.

With that thought, she reassured Meng Suran before swiftly driving back to the executive office. She needed to thoroughly adjust the company’s development strategy, so for the next several days, she was constantly on the move—attending meetings and traveling on business.

Ji Wushuang, heartbroken for her daughter, tried gentle persuasion first, but when that failed, she resorted to force, dragging Zheng Yili home. “I don’t care—your birthday is coming up, and you will stay home to rest and recover.”

“I’ve already had someone look into Song Qi’an’s mess. Truly, you can’t judge a book by its cover. I used to think that despite her cold demeanor, she was at least a principled, caring girl.” Ji Wushuang let out a cold laugh, her face frosty with disdain.

“Lin Xiaoxiao, is it? If she dares show up, I’ll make sure she’s carried out horizontally!”

Ji Wushuang was fiercely protective to begin with, and upon learning that Song Qi’an and Lin Xiaoxiao’s scandal had been going on for far longer than she’d realized, how could she swallow her anger?

To make matters worse, her daughter was kind-hearted and guileless, never one for confrontation—which was why she had endured everything silently until now.

Countless thoughts flashed through Ji Wushuang’s mind, but when she turned back to Zheng Yili, her expression softened helplessly. “Just listen to your mother this once, alright?”

Zheng Yili knew it was out of concern, so she nodded. “Alright.”

Delight visibly flickered across Ji Wushuang’s face. “Then no time like the present—let’s go shopping right now for some beautiful clothes, jewelry, and bags to dress you up. I’ll post gorgeous photos on my feed to matchmake you with some lovely new girls.”

As Zheng Yili let herself be pulled along, she listened quietly to her mother’s chatter.

At the mention of beauty, her thoughts drifted, and Song Yanqing’s face suddenly surfaced in her mind—aloof, noble, yet inexplicably tinged with fragility. Her features were exquisite, her figure tall and graceful, her bearing refined.

In terms of beauty, few could surpass her.

Zheng Yili compared carefully—even the cold, seemingly unapproachable Song Qi’an paled in comparison.

However, Zheng Yili currently had no intention of romantic pursuits. Yet she couldn’t resist Ji Wushuang’s persistence, so she sighed and pretended not to hear anything.

Ji Wushuang laughed and scolded her, “I’m not trying to harm you, dear. As the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. If we lose Song Qi’an, there’ll be other prospects.”

“Actually,” she paused hesitantly, “Song Yanqing seems quite suitable.”

Zheng Yili’s pupils contracted, her heart pounding violently. “Mom, what kind of joke is this?” After several seconds of silence, she tried to dismiss this absurd idea: “Given my relationship with Song Qi’an…”

“That is indeed a problem.”

Ji Wushuang frowned. “If you were really with Yanqing, you’d have to see Qi’an constantly. It might cause misunderstandings and damage your reputation.”

“Not good.”

“Most importantly…” Ji Wushuang concluded, “Yanqing’s health is too fragile.”

She suddenly turned to Zheng Yili with an unspoken thought. Zheng Yili’s brow twitched as she sighed, “Mom, there’s nothing between Yanqing and me. Why are you imagining things?”

Ji Wushuang smiled guiltily. “I might as well tell you—the company shares and assets Yanqing inherited from his mother far exceed what Qi’an currently holds.”

Zheng Yili was puzzled. “Was Aunt Shen Yun so biased?”

“Who said Shen Yun was Yanqing’s mother?” Ji Wushuang’s eyes flashed with disdain. “She’s just another homewrecker like An Xian, using children to climb up.”

“Yanqing’s mother was far more remarkable than Shen Yun.” Ji Wushuang’s voice filled with nostalgia. “That girl shone brilliantly, untouchable. If she hadn’t wasted her life on that scoundrel—your Uncle Song—and been provoked by Shen Yun into premature labor, she wouldn’t have passed away right after giving birth to Yanqing.”

Her expression turned solemn. “That’s why Yanqing has been frail since childhood.”

Zheng Yili was stunned, unable to process this sudden revelation. She’d never doubted the relationship between Song Yanqing and Song Qi’an before.

Even after witnessing Qi’an’s disrespectful attitude toward Yanqing in this life, she hadn’t questioned it. So, this was the truth?

No wonder.

She lowered her head slowly, her lashes veiling complex emotions.

“You know, it’s been years since I visited her.” Memories stirred, Ji Wushuang changed direction abruptly. “Now that you know the truth, come with me to pay respects to your Aunt Daxi.”

“We were dorm sisters back then.” A trace of awe surfaced on her face. “I was constantly overshadowed by your Aunt Daxi’s brilliance—it was utterly crushing.”

Still shaken by the memory, Zheng Yili raised an eyebrow. “So that’s why you refused to inherit the family company?”

Hearing the teasing tone in Zheng Yili’s voice, Ji Wushuang gave a light hum. “What’s so interesting about inheriting a company and constantly having to socialize over drinks? Boxing is where the real fun is. When I’m unhappy, I can just knock someone out with one hand, and no one dares to give me attitude.”

Zheng Yili’s lips twitched as she reluctantly averted her gaze from the combative Ms. Ji, afraid of becoming collateral damage.

The car left the city center, traversed several mountains, and finally arrived at a cemetery in the suburbs. The scenery was quite pleasant, with rows of evergreen and cypress trees casting a serene green hue, creating an atmosphere of peaceful solitude.

Ji Wushuang walked briskly, forcing Zheng Yili to quicken her pace to keep up.

She seemed familiar with the place, heading straight in one direction without glancing around. Zheng Yili, however, looked left and right before her eyes settled on a familiar black figure.

“Yanqing?” Ji Wushuang’s voice rang out at just the right moment, laced with mild surprise. “You’re here too.”

“Aunt Ji.” Hearing her name, Song Yanqing turned around. Her gaze lingered briefly on Zheng Yili before shifting to Ji Wushuang. A forced smile tugged at her otherwise expressionless face. “Yes, I’ve met someone special, so I came to tell my mother today.”

Ji Wushuang didn’t catch the deeper meaning in Song Yanqing’s words, but Zheng Yili’s heart nearly leaped out of her chest at the bold statement, her expression betraying a hint of panic.

Noticing Zheng Yili’s reaction, Song Yanqing’s pale face finally brightened with a more genuine smile, her eyes glinting mischievously.

Zheng Yili, once again teased by Song Yanqing, couldn’t help but glare back fiercely.

Her reaction only amused Song Yanqing further, prompting a soft, joyful curve to her lips, her entire demeanor radiating quiet delight.

Ji Wushuang gave Song Yanqing a puzzled look, unsure why she had suddenly become so cheerful. But she didn’t suspect anything, assuming it was simply the happiness of talking about a loved one. “That’s wonderful!” she exclaimed sincerely. “When did this happen? Has the girl agreed yet? If it works out, you must bring her to my house. I’ll help you judge her properly.”

“Of course, thank you, Aunt Ji,” Song Yanqing replied smoothly. “Actually, you’ve met her before.”

Zheng Yili stiffened in alarm.

“Then…?”

Song Yanqing didn’t hide it. “Though right now, I’m still in the process of pursuing her.”

Relieved that Song Yanqing hadn’t immediately exposed her, Zheng Yili let out a quiet breath—only for her heart to nearly stop again when Song Yanqing suddenly turned the question on her. “By the way, Yili, what kind of gift do you think she’d like from me?”

Zheng Yili never expected Song Yanqing to be so brazen as to ask her directly in front of Ji Wushuang.

Her heart pounded violently, her throat dry, her mind in turmoil.

When no answer came, Ji Wushuang turned back. “Yili?” Her confusion was evident. “Why ask her? How would she know?”

Under Ji Wushuang’s intense gaze, Zheng Yili’s scalp prickled. Swallowing hard, she managed to reply, “I… know her fairly well.”

“So that’s how it is.” Ji Wushuang suddenly understood, showing no doubt whatsoever. She even enthusiastically took Zheng Yili’s hand and said to Song Yanqing, “Then from now on, you must properly help Yanqing pursue the person she likes.”

“Yanqing has been alone and lonely for so many years—it’s about time she settled down.”

With genuine concern for Song Yanqing, Ji Wushuang patted her chest and volunteered Zheng Yili to help Song Yanqing pursue herself. Zheng Yili felt awkward but couldn’t find the right moment to refuse.

Most importantly, she detected another layer of meaning in Madam Ji’s words, and so, almost inexplicably, she didn’t outright reject the idea to avoid embarrassing her.

Song Yanqing smiled, her eyes curving like crescents, finally free from the faint melancholy that had always lingered between her brows.

At this moment, her laughter was joyful, like the sky clearing after rain—gently radiant without being overly bright, fresh and natural.

Ji Wushuang’s attention was successfully diverted by Song Yanqing. After paying respects to their old friend, she eagerly pulled Song Yanqing aside to ask all sorts of questions. With each inquiry, Zheng Yili’s heart pounded violently, terrified that Song Yanqing might let something slip carelessly.

Fortunately, Song Yanqing merely wanted to keep her on edge. Though she occasionally skirted close to the truth, she never actually revealed anything important.

Gradually, Zheng Yili began to relax.

Song Yanqing seemed to notice this, so while Ji Wushuang was taking a phone call, she drifted closer and whispered, her voice so soft only the two of them could hear, “Do you think she’ll like me?”