I Married My Heartless Ex-Wife’s Black Lotus Sister - Chapter 28

Song Qi’an’s probing gaze lingered on Song Yanqing, deep and inscrutable.

Song Yanqing let out a light laugh at her words, her lips curling into a faint, indifferent smile. “This isn’t about being petty.” She raised her head, her eyes burning with intensity. “You’re disturbing me.”

Song Qi’an opened her mouth to say more, but Song Yanqing cut her off with a single sentence: “Today is my mother’s death anniversary.”

“I don’t want to see you.”

The smile on Song Qi’an’s face froze, a flicker of embarrassment flashing through her eyes. After a moment of silence, her voice softened. “I’m sorry.”

But what good was an apology? A faint sense of mockery rose in Song Yanqing’s heart.

Still, she held back her temper when facing Song Qi’an. “Go home today. I still have to copy scriptures for my mother later. I know you didn’t mean any harm, but I hope you can understand.”

Song Qi’an’s lips parted as if to speak, but in the end, she only lowered her head in defeat.

“Tomorrow, I’ll have someone burn more joss paper and gold ingots for Auntie. It’s just a small gesture—please don’t refuse.” Song Qi’an stared at Song Yanqing, but no response came.

Left with no choice, she quietly took her leave.

Once past the flower-covered wall, Song Qi’an turned back for one last look. The woman had already risen from the couch and entered another room. Through the clear window, she saw her light incense sticks and bow in solemn prayer.

With a slow sigh, Song Qi’an felt an indescribable weight in her chest.

In the end, she returned home. Madam Song, who had been preparing to retire for the night, was startled to see her daughter return so soon, looking utterly dejected. Concerned, she quickly stood and hurried over. “What’s wrong, Qi’an? Who upset you?”

After a pause, Shen Yun’s eyes flickered uncertainly. “Is it Yi Li? Did she argue with you again?”

“No.” Irritation flashed across Song Qi’an’s face at how quickly her mother blamed Zheng Yi Li. “This has nothing to do with Yi Li. Stop dragging her into everything.”

“What kind of attitude is that? I’m only looking out for you!” Shen Yun’s voice rose sharply. “I say one thing about her, and you snap back at me twice—and she’s not even part of this family yet! If she marries in, will you gang up with her to bully me?!”

“What nonsense are you spouting?” Song Qi’an finally lost her patience. “I told you, it’s not about her.”

“Fine, fine!” Shen Yun’s chest heaved with anger. “It’s all my fault, is that what you want to hear?” She began to rant incoherently, her eyes suddenly welling with tears as she wiped at them dramatically. “After raising you all these years, not only do you fail to appreciate my efforts, but you even side with an outsider over your own mother!”

Her voice turned venomous. “Do I even matter to you anymore?”

Exhausted by the theatrics, Song Qi’an’s expression darkened. “Today is Auntie Daxi’s death anniversary. Did you forget, Mother?”

Shen Yun’s performance came to an abrupt halt, her face blank with shock.

“So, you really did forget.” Song Qi’an let out a cold laugh. “How unlike the devoted mother you claim to be.”

Shen Yun instantly recognized the sarcasm and flared up. “Everything I do is for your sake!”

“If it weren’t for you, why would I have needed to swallow my pride and go to the Song family with a swollen belly to demand an explanation? If it weren’t for you, why would I have needed to scheme relentlessly to marry into the Song family and snatch away the marriage that should have gone to Song Yanqing?!”

“Song Qi’an, you must remember—everything you have today was fought for by me!”

Shen Yun, likely provoked by Qi’an’s harshness tonight, began speaking recklessly: “If I hadn’t planned for you early on, how could you have had the chance to inherit all of Zheng Huai’s assets?”

At this point, Shen Yun finally regained her senses and remembered her main purpose. She quickly grabbed Qi’an’s hand and pleaded, “Be good, Qi’an. Just endure Zheng Yili a little longer.”

“Once you’re married and take over the Zheng family’s company, I won’t stop you from divorcing her.”

“But until then, you must listen to me—”

“Enough!” Qi’an could no longer tolerate it. She harshly shook off Shen Yun’s hand, looking at her as if she were a stranger. “You’re utterly unreasonable!”

Shen Yun opened her mouth to speak, but Qi’an gave her no chance to explain or justify herself. With a frosty expression, she turned away.

“Qi’an!” Shen Yun called out desperately, but all she received was Qi’an’s resolute and unfeeling back.

Frustrated, Shen Yun shook her hand in anger, deeply dissatisfied with Qi’an’s defiance.

But after all, Qi’an was her own flesh and bl00d, and she still needed to rely on her to elevate her own status. No matter how displeased she was, she could only swallow her anger.

After slamming the door shut with a loud “bang,” Qi’an locked it immediately.

She slumped into the chair at her desk, her gaze heavy and cold, like stagnant lead.

Before, Qi’an had simply thought Shen Yun disliked Zheng Yili’s lively and carefree personality, never suspecting anything more. But tonight’s words had made her intentions crystal clear.

Qi’an’s expression darkened, and an uncontrollable wave of irritation rose within her.

She didn’t want anyone interfering in her relationship with Zheng Yili—especially not Shen Yun. Qi’an laughed bitterly to herself. How could someone like Shen Yun, who had even driven her father’s legitimate girlfriend to death, ever treat Zheng Yili with sincerity?

Qi’an sank deeper into her chair, silent, her unfocused eyes fixed on the ceiling.

Would Zheng Yili abandon her?

She couldn’t guess the answer, but a vague sense of foreboding weighed heavily on her heart, worsening her mood with each passing moment.

Just then, her phone rang. Qi’an’s gaze sharpened as she glanced coldly at the screen—it was Liang Xin, Lin Xiaoxiao’s assistant. But how did Liang Xin get her number?

Frowning in displeasure, Qi’an answered, “What is it?”

Her tone was icy, carrying an unmistakable aloofness. Liang Xin hesitated before replying cautiously, “President Song, Xiaoxiao is scheduled to have her cast removed at the hospital tomorrow.”

“Take her there,” Qi’an commanded without room for argument.

But Liang Xin remained silent for a long while, making Qi’an increasingly impatient. “Is there anything else?”

“It’s just… someone leaked Xiaoxiao’s whereabouts. When I went out to buy groceries today, I noticed several disguised paparazzi lurking around, waiting for her.”

Liang Xin explained, “Xiaoxiao hasn’t fully recovered yet. If she goes out tomorrow and accidentally gets into another conflict with the paparazzi…”

The situation could indeed become very serious. Liang Xin understood the consequences, and so did Song Qi’an. Clutching her phone, Song unconsciously tapped her knuckles against the desk before finally speaking after a long pause, “I’ll arrange some bodyguards for you.”

“Alright, that’s settled. Contact me if anything comes up.”

Without giving Liang Xin a chance to respond further, she abruptly ended the call.

In the past, if Song Qi’an had heard about such potential dangers for Lin Xiaoxiao, she would have been the first to rush over and personally stay by her side. But these days, her relationship with Zheng Yili had become so strained, compounded by Zheng’s cold, sarcastic remarks about the situation, that despite having the same impulse, she forcibly restrained herself.

Her relationship with Lin Xiaoxiao… was indeed somewhat overly intimate.

A fleeting look of confusion passed through Song Qi’an’s eyes, as if she didn’t understand why she had become like this.

But that didn’t matter now. Compared to Lin Xiaoxiao, Zheng Yili—currently furious and in need of careful coaxing—was clearly more important.

After so many years of friendship, she couldn’t just let it fall apart so easily.

Unbidden, memories surfaced of Song Yanqing and her friends criticizing and expressing dissatisfaction with her actions. For once, Song Qi’an felt a twinge of guilt. She really needed to make it up to Zheng Yili, but this time, she didn’t want to rely on Song Yanqing’s help. Instead, she decided to personally prepare a birthday surprise for Zheng.

No sooner thought than done. Song Qi’an immediately sprang up, eagerly opening websites to pick out gifts for Zheng Yili.

Meanwhile, back at the villa, Liang Xin and Lin Xiaoxiao—having failed to achieve their goal—sat on the sofa with grim expressions, enveloped in silence. After a long while, Lin Xiaoxiao forced a smile and said, “Well, we should trust President Song.”

“If she says she’ll arrange bodyguards for me, she won’t forget,” Lin Xiaoxiao comforted her. “Honestly, bodyguards are much more reassuring than President Song anyway.”

“But—” Liang Xin protested, “Xiaoxiao, you ended up like this because of Zheng Yili! Since it’s Zheng Yili’s fault, shouldn’t President Song be the one personally accompanying you?” Displeased, she withdrew her hands. “Xiaoxiao, you’re too kind-hearted. You’ve been tolerating and indulging Zheng Yili all this time without taking any real action against them.”

The more Liang Xin spoke, the angrier she became. “If it were me, I would’ve exposed their malicious intentions on Weibo long ago and forced them to apologize publicly.”

Lin Xiaoxiao wore a timid expression. “But I do share some blame. If I’d been more careful, I wouldn’t have fallen so easily…”

“That’s victim-blaming! Xiaoxiao, you didn’t do anything wrong. Why lower yourself like that?”

“And those media outlets—spineless, letting themselves be intimidated by Xing Yue’s PR team. Only your fans still care enough to fight for you and demand justice.”

With that, Liang Xin abruptly stood up. “No, I can’t take this anymore.”

“Xiaoxiao, just wait. I’ll make sure they apologize to you!”

Hearing this, Lin Xiaoxiao suddenly grabbed Liang Xin tightly and pleaded, “Liang Xin, you mustn’t act recklessly. Xing Yue isn’t someone small-time like us can afford to provoke.”

“Leave this matter to me,” Liang Xin bent down and gently patted Lin Xiaoxiao’s shoulder. “Xiaoxiao, you go rest easy. I’ll handle the rest. I won’t let you down.”

“Liang Xin…” Lin Xiaoxiao hesitated, but was eventually firmly pushed back into her room by Liang Xin. “Goodnight, Xiaoxiao.”

As the door closed, Lin Xiaoxiao stared at the entrance. The timid, uneasy expression on her face faded, gradually replaced by the smug satisfaction of a successful scheme.

Of course, she wouldn’t let Zheng Yili off so easily. If she gave up now, how could she ever seize the opportunity to climb higher?

Lin Xiaoxiao’s eyes curved into a bright, radiant smile.

Zheng Yili’s birthday banquet was to be held at a mountain villa owned by the Zheng family. For this, Ji Wushuang had been so busy she barely slept for days. Zheng Yili couldn’t help but advise her, “Mom, it’s just a small birthday celebration. There’s no need for such a grand fuss…”

“It’s different,” Ji Wushuang continued her preparations without pause. “This is your first birthday since your father passed away. Of course it should be special.”

After a moment, as if realizing her words might have sounded abrupt, Ji Wushuang plastered on a smile. “Alright, go get ready. Make sure you dress up beautifully and look your best.”

Lowering her voice, Ji Wushuang added, “No matter who that Lin Xiaoxiao or Mu Yaoyao is, they’ll pale in comparison beside you.”

Zheng Yili had no choice, especially with Feng Ying egging her on, and could only let Madam Ji continue her preparations. Once Ji Wushuang left, Zheng Yili turned to Feng Ying. “You too, why are you joining in on Mom’s antics?”

Feng Ying stuck out her tongue. “We’re just doing this for your own good.”

She huffed, “Let’s see if Song Qi’an regrets her choices when she sees how stunning you look. She’s blind—already having a girlfriend as lovely as you, yet still couldn’t resist fooling around with someone like Lin Xiaoxiao.”

“Don’t worry,” Feng Ying said earnestly, patting Zheng Yili’s hand. “I’ll make sure the security keeps Lin Xiaoxiao out, so she won’t ruin your mood.”

Zheng Yili nodded, though inwardly she was calculating when Lin Xiaoxiao’s cast would come off—it should be around these days.

If Lin Xiaoxiao, barely recovered from her injuries, still insisted on causing trouble, Zheng Yili would admire her determination—though that was all. After all, if anything went wrong, the blame would ultimately fall on Zheng Yili.

A cold glint flashed briefly in her eyes as she squeezed Feng Ying’s hand. “Make sure Song Qi’an isn’t allowed in either.”

Feng Ying wasn’t too surprised. “I was thinking the same. Auntie Ji already told me not to let Song Qi’an interfere with your blind date.”

“Blind date?” Zheng Yili’s eyes widened. Realizing she’d slipped up, Feng Ying gave an awkward laugh and quickly made an excuse to leave. “My dog’s about to have puppies, so I’ll head home now. See you the day after tomorrow.”

“…”

The eighth day arrived quickly. With the efforts of Madam Ji and Feng Ying, the villa was exquisitely decorated, resembling a dreamlike castle. Standing at the center of the lawn in her little formal dress, Zheng Yili felt a wave of relief and warmth wash over her.

Thanks to Madam Ji’s forceful intervention, there were quite a few guests today. Zheng Yili barely had time to savor her small moment of emotion before Madam Ji whisked her away to meet various friends.

Having lived a carefree life for most of her years and always eager to make new acquaintances, Madam Ji managed to overwhelm Zheng Yili within just half an hour. Her meticulously made-up face was nearly stiff from smiling.

Yet Ji Wushuang remained oblivious, enthusiastically leaning in to whisper to Zheng Yili, “Auntie Xie’s daughter is incredible. After returning from studying abroad two years ago, she took over their nearly bankrupt company and turned it around completely, propelling it to the top of the daily chemical industry.”

“And then there’s Auntie Zhao’s daughter. Though she doesn’t have grand ambitions, she makes up for it with her high education, stunning looks, and domestic skills. She’s loyal to her girlfriend and fully supports her in everything.”

“Oh, and that one over there.” Ji Wushuang pointed at another young and beautiful woman, unable to hide her excitement. “She started from nothing but is sharp and hardworking. In just five years, she’s become a rising star in the business world—extremely sought after…”

Zheng Yili’s eyelids twitched. It seemed Madam Ji was dead set on setting her up with someone new.

Her gaze wandered, searching for an escape. Soon, she spotted Song Yanqing’s figure and immediately prepared to approach—only to catch sight of Song Qi’an standing behind him.

Her steps halted unconsciously. Zheng Yili’s calm, unreadable eyes fixed on Song Qi’an, a faint irritation stirring at her presence.

Didn’t I say she wasn’t allowed in?

Her expression darkened briefly before she realized it was likely due to Song Yanqing’s influence that she had gotten in so easily. With that thought, the unconscious delight on Zheng Yili’s face when she looked at Song Yanqing faded considerably.

Song Qi’an had noticed Zheng Yili’s distant and indifferent demeanor the moment she lifted her head, though she wasn’t particularly surprised—this was how Zheng Yili had treated her all along recently.

Holding a gift in hand, the instant their eyes met, Song Qi’an abandoned Song Yanqing and strode swiftly toward Zheng Yili.

Madam Ji’s face darkened at the sight of Song Qi’an, but Zheng Yili gently dismissed her. “Mom, I need to talk to her.”

Glancing between her daughter and Song Qi’an, Ji Wushuang eventually nodded and stepped aside.

Zheng Yili stood motionless, waiting for Song Qi’an to approach. Her gaze lingered over Song Qi’an’s figure—today, she was dressed casually, yet her aura was cool and restrained, the very image Zheng Yili had once adored.

But it had been a long time since she had seen this version of Song Qi’an. Now she’s finally putting in the effort, Zheng Yili mused with faint mockery.

Noticing Zheng Yili’s unwavering attention, Song Qi’an exhaled slightly in relief.

However, as she approached, she noticed the mocking glint in his gaze, and her expression instantly stiffened. Song Qi’an stopped before Zheng Yili, hesitating for a long moment before extending the gift. “Lili, happy birthday.”

Zheng Yili didn’t accept it. “I’ll take the wishes, but keep the gift.”

Taking gifts would make her indebted—who knew if Song Qi’an would use this as an excuse to keep pestering her and ruin her peace?

Song Qi’an’s gaze froze momentarily before his face twisted with hurt and helplessness. “Must you be like this?”

“Lili, I know I was wrong.” Rarely one to lower his head, he softened his tone to coax her. “I’ll never do it again, so please forgive me this once, alright? I promise—”

Before he could finish, a phone rang. Song Qi’an’s words cut off abruptly. Glancing at the caller ID, he ultimately answered in front of Zheng Yili.

The next second, Liang Xin’s panicked voice came through clearly: “President Song, it’s bad—Xiaoxiao’s in trouble! Come to the hospital, quick!”

Song Qi’an couldn’t help but tense, his voice unconsciously darkening. “What happened?”

The line was noisy, and Liang Xin’s voice kept cutting in and out, making it hard to hear. Song Qi’an frowned, then turned an uneasy look toward Zheng Yili.

Zheng Yili could easily see through Lin Xiaoxiao’s little scheme. She sneered, “Why look at me? It’s not like I did it.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Song Qi’an’s expression turned slightly awkward, but before he could explain, Zheng Yili cut him off. “What, is it so hard to choose between me and her?”

When met with the expected silence, Zheng Yili curled her lips in a mocking smile and kindly reminded him, “If you don’t hurry, Lin Xiaoxiao might really be in trouble.”

“Sorry.”