I Married My Heartless Ex-Wife’s Black Lotus Sister - Chapter 30

Song Qi’an’s sudden show of weakness left Zhou Jiaoyuan with no outlet for her pent-up resentment, no matter how much she seethed inside.

Reluctantly, she nodded and said, “I’ll put in a good word for you, but whether Lili forgives you or not—that I can’t guarantee.”

Picking up her bag, Zhou Jiaoyuan cast a disdainful glance at Lin Xiaoxiao. “And don’t forget to clear things up, Song Qi’an.”

“Until the official statement comes out, don’t expect me to say a single nice thing about you.” She smiled, her words laced with veiled threats. “You know what I mean.”

Song Qi’an gave a slight nod, as if agreeing.

With a disdainful hum, Zhou Jiaoyuan swayed her slender waist and strutted out like a victorious rooster, head held high.

The ward fell into dead silence. Lin Xiaoxiao bit her lip, never expecting things to turn out this way. She shot Liang Xin a covert glance, her eyes filled with resentment and dissatisfaction.

Liang Xin, aware of her own blunder, immediately groveled, throwing Lin Xiaoxiao a pleading look for forgiveness.

Knowing she might still need Liang Xin in the future—someone so simple-minded and easy to manipulate—Lin Xiaoxiao forced herself to put on a gentle, understanding smile and shook her head slightly.

Liang Xin was instantly overwhelmed with gratitude and rushed to defend Lin Xiaoxiao. “Mr. Song, today was clearly Zhou Jiaoyuan picking a fight out of nowhere! She barged in and beat Xiaoxiao up for no reason. How could you—”

Her words died in her throat under Song Qi’an’s icy glare.

Terrified, Liang Xin stumbled back two steps. Only when Song Qi’an shifted his gaze to Lin Xiaoxiao did she finally gasp for air, as if she’d narrowly escaped death.

That look had been terrifying—for a moment, she thought Song Qi’an might kill her on the spot.

Intimidated by his overwhelming presence, Liang Xin didn’t dare speak out of turn again.

Useless. Lin Xiaoxiao cursed inwardly before meeting Song Qi’an’s eyes. “It’s alright, Mr. Song. I understand. In fact, ever since I signed with the company, you’ve helped me so much.”

“Without you, someone like me—with my background—would never have climbed so high or come this far.” As she spoke, she bent deeply, as if to perform a grand bow of gratitude.

Song Qi’an didn’t stop her, only asking coldly, “Are your injuries alright?”

Lin Xiaoxiao shook her head gently. “I’m fine. Miss Zhou was kind enough to avoid my fractured limbs entirely.”

Her words, however, lacked any real conviction.

Song Qi’an’s gaze swept over Lin Xiaoxiao’s disheveled hair before he nodded. “You heard what was said earlier. From now on, your work will be handled by your agent. I’ll make sure you get a reliable one.”

Lin Xiaoxiao accepted without complaint, obediently replying, “Whatever you say, Mr. Song.”

Liang Xin stood to the side, hesitating, but under Song Qi’an’s intimidating presence, she opened her mouth—only to shut it again, not daring to utter another word.

Lin Xiaoxiao was being so understanding, and coupled with her current pitiful and disheveled appearance, Song Qi’an remained silent for a moment before finally softening. “Behave yourself during this period. Stay put and focus on resting and recovering. When the time is right, the company won’t withhold any resources meant for you.”

A faint smile appeared on Lin Xiaoxiao’s face, her starry eyes glimmering with anticipation. “Alright.”

Lin Xiaoxiao was always like this—as if she never got angry. Song Qi’an’s gaze swept over her doll-like, fragile appearance once more, and her expression unconsciously softened further. “Alright, I’ll call the doctor to check on you.”

With that, she left without waiting for Lin Xiaoxiao’s response.

Only after Song Qi’an had gone far enough did Liang Xin dare to speak up. “Xiaoxiao, how could you just let it go like this? Are all the humiliation and suffering you endured today just going to be for nothing?”

“Director Song is really something. You’re the one who got scolded and beaten, yet she’s siding with the instigator instead. Not only did she ignore you, but she also expects you to swallow your anger…”

“Enough.” With every word Liang Xin spoke, Lin Xiaoxiao’s brow twitched in irritation. Seeing that Liang Xin was about to continue, Lin Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but interrupt impatiently. “Director Song has her own considerations. How could people like us question decisions that have already been made?”

“We still have to keep working at the company, so I don’t want to hear such words from you again.”

Liang Xin was indignant. “But Xiaoxiao, it was clearly that Zhou woman’s fault today…”

Under Lin Xiaoxiao’s sharp, displeased gaze, Liang Xin opened her mouth but ultimately fell silent. Lin Xiaoxiao had originally intended to use Liang Xin as a weapon, but the latter was simply too foolish. If she didn’t properly guide and discipline her now, Lin Xiaoxiao had no doubt she’d be dragged down by her in the future.

Thus, she deliberately hardened her expression. “Now, you should explain to me exactly how you came up with the idea to use Zhou Jiaoyuan—and how you managed to fail at it.”

At this, Liang Xin hesitated guiltily. “I found out that among Zheng Yili’s friends, Zhou Jiaoyuan was the only one with a short temper and explosive personality. So I thought we could use her to make Director Song pay more attention to you and feel more sympathy for you.”

“If she couldn’t resist the provocation and came to the hospital to harass you, even attacking you, then when Director Song accidentally witnessed it, she’d grow even more disgusted with Zheng Yili, creating a rift between them. That way, out of guilt, your standing in Director Song’s heart would become even more important…”

Liang Xin’s plan wasn’t bad. Lin Xiaoxiao fully acknowledged the thought behind it. The problem, however, was that Zhou Jiaoyuan was simply too unpredictable—not only did she cause a scene at the hospital, but she even used her connections to let the media in.

Now, Lin Xiaoxiao didn’t dare to look at the online comments. There were bound to be plenty of negative speculations and slander against her. Worse yet, the good reputation she had painstakingly built might be ruined by Zhou Jiaoyuan’s reckless actions.

No… Lin Xiaoxiao’s face paled slightly as she silently reassured herself. Song Qi’an had already invested too much effort in her. She wouldn’t just stand by and let Zhou Jiaoyuan drag her down.

Song Qi’an would definitely handle the online news for her.

After barely convincing herself, Lin Xiaoxiao wearily lay back on the bed. “Alright, I’ll rest for a bit. Keep an eye on the online reactions for me. If anything goes wrong, report it to my agent immediately.”

Liang Xin hesitated, “But Xiaoxiao, your agent hasn’t been decided yet…”

Lin Xiaoxiao shot her a cold glance, making Liang Xin’s heart skip a beat before she quickly nodded in understanding. “Then I’ll communicate with the agent once Mr. Song assigns one.”

“Mm.” Lin Xiaoxiao responded briefly before closing her eyes, unwilling to speak further.

Fortunately, she had reacted quickly earlier, playing the weak card to gain Song Qi’an’s sympathy. Otherwise, her fate today would have been far worse.

Thinking about how her long-planned scheme had fallen apart at the last moment, Lin Xiaoxiao gritted her teeth in frustration. Once Liang Xin left, she swiftly picked up her phone and contacted the name pinned at the top of her list.

Zheng Yili was initially surprised when she received Zhou Jiaoyuan’s call. But as soon as she heard the panic in the other woman’s voice and learned of Song Qi’an’s outrageous actions, her heart sank, and she immediately turned to leave.

“Yili?” A gentle voice called from behind, tinged with faint confusion. “What’s wrong?”

Song Yanqing’s tone carried certainty—likely because Zheng Yili’s expression was too grim to hide the situation.

But Zheng Yili didn’t want to drag Song Yanqing into this. As Song Qi’an’s sister, she would only be caught in the middle if a conflict arose between Zheng Yili and Song Qi’an over Zhou Jiaoyuan.

“It’s nothing. I just need to step out for a bit.” Zheng Yili forced a smile. “You go ahead and have fun with Song Lin and the others—sing some songs or something. I’ll join you once I’m done.”

Song Yanqing listened quietly, not interrupting. Only when Zheng Yili finished and turned to leave did she cut straight to the point. “Did Qi’an do something reckless again?”

Truth be told, no one understood Song Qi’an better than Song Yanqing.

Though Zheng Yili didn’t answer, her silence spoke volumes. She had no intention of covering for Song Qi’an in front of her sister—in fact, she wished Song Yanqing would step in and teach her a lesson.

Song Yanqing studied her expression and smiled faintly, though the warmth didn’t reach her eyes. “Let’s go. I’ll come with you.”

“After all, I’m her sister. She’ll at least listen to me a little.”

Her reasoning was flawless. Zheng Yili opened her mouth but couldn’t find a way to refuse, especially with Song Yanqing already striding past her toward the garage. Helpless, Zheng Yili hurried after her in her heels. “Sorry for the trouble.”

Song Yanqing responded with a brighter smile. “The bird’s nest you sent earlier was delicious.”

Then, out of nowhere, she added, “Of course, it wasn’t just the bird’s nest. The snow frog, saffron, cordyceps, and that three-hundred-year-old ginseng—I loved them all. I recovered very quickly.”

It took Zheng Yili a couple of seconds to realize Song Yanqing was expressing gratitude toward her. She nervously clenched her palm, “You’ve taken care of me many times before too.”

The two exchanged polite compliments, and just as this artificial, plastic-like atmosphere threatened to linger, Song Yanqing abruptly shifted the conversation: “I hope I can continue to have such precious opportunities in the future.”

Song Yanqing had already leisurely made her way to the driver’s seat and settled in, but Zheng Yili froze in place, lost in thought for a long moment.

She lightly gritted her teeth, feeling her cheeks burn intensely.

Song Yanqing… On the surface, she appeared gentle, but beneath that facade lay an unsettling directness and aggression that left one flustered. Her outward demeanor was so deceptive that Zheng Yili often forgot about the dangerous aura surrounding her.

If Song Yanqing had managed to survive unscathed under her stepmother’s care for so many years after her biological mother’s early death, how could she truly be as unassuming and mild as she seemed?

Zheng Yili’s expression shifted several times as a voice in her head relentlessly warned her: Stay away from this person—she’s nothing like the pure-hearted Song Qi’an.

“Let’s go,” Song Yanqing said, turning her head slightly to glance at the dazed Zheng Yili. Without asking why she was distracted, she simply called out softly.

Snapping back to reality, Zheng Yili reflexively stepped into the car.

But before she could even fasten her seatbelt, the sound of the car doors locking sent her heart lurching, her entire body tensing with instinctive wariness.

Her eyes flickered as she used the slow motion of buckling up to mask her suspicion, all the while wrestling internally—if Song Yanqing really crossed the line, should she retaliate?

After all, in the past, the other woman had always treated her impeccably.

Just as she hesitated, her phone rang again. Zheng Yili glanced down and, as if seeing a savior, quickly answered, “What’s wrong, Jiaoyuan? I’m on my way now.”

“Oh, no need!” Zhou Jiaoyuan immediately protested loudly. “I’ve already left the hospital and am heading your way with a gift.”

She explained, “Song Qi’an’s just a paper tiger—a little scare was enough to keep her in line. Otherwise, my parents wouldn’t let her off easily.”

Relieved to hear Zhou Jiaoyuan was safe, Zheng Yili exhaled, “Be careful on the road.”

“Got it! Just stay put and wait for the surprise I’ve prepared for you!” Zhou Jiaoyuan chirped happily from the backseat. “I guarantee my gift will be the one you love the most out of everything.”

Zheng Yili couldn’t help but smile, her eyes curving. “Alright, I’ll wait for you then!”

After hanging up, she turned apologetically to Song Yanqing. “Jiaoyuan is fine now.”

Song Yanqing nodded with a quiet “Mm,” but made no further move.

Zheng Yili studied her for a moment, her smile gradually stiffening. The silence between them thickened the air in the car, making it almost suffocating.

Her heart pounded rapidly, one beat after another, as if trying to break free from her chest.

She shook her slightly dizzy and blank head, speaking again, “Let’s head back first.” It wasn’t until her second utterance that Zheng Yili realized her mouth had inexplicably gone dry, likely from nervousness.

As for what exactly she was nervous about… the reason was too embarrassing to voice, and along with it, those murky, shadowy thoughts were buried deep within her heart.

Song Yanqing finally reacted. The woman turned her face toward her, her beautiful eyes dark and unfathomable in the backlight, like a cunning fox.

Zheng Yili instinctively clenched her fingers, her breathing slowing imperceptibly.

She watched as Song Yanqing slowly parted her lips, as if about to say something, but ultimately remained silent, only unlocking the car door to give Zheng Yili a chance to escape.

Zheng Yili’s mind blanked for a moment before she hastily stepped out of the car in her high heels.

The other woman didn’t follow. Zheng Yili couldn’t help but glance back. Though Song Yanqing was simply sitting there, encased in the safety of the car’s metal frame, an air of desolate loneliness clung to her, as if the vast world had left her utterly alone.

Zheng Yili paused, hesitation flickering in her chest.

But soon, she laughed at herself. She could barely take care of herself—her own world was still a tangled mess. How could she possibly play the superhero and save someone else?

With a bitter turn, she walked away—only to stop again after five steps.

Closing her eyes in frustration, she took a deep breath before resolutely turning back and striding toward Song Yanqing, extending her fair palm. “Come with me.”

Zheng Yili forced herself to sound nonchalant. “You can’t miss my birthday.”

Song Yanqing was stunned by her gesture. She looked up at Zheng Yili, whose dark pupils held a bright, starlike brilliance.

A rapid, flustered heartbeat echoed in Song Yanqing’s ears as sunlight bathed the girl’s pink-tinged cheeks, the dazzling gold nearly blinding.

Song Yanqing blinked, her gaze dropping to the slender, delicate hand before her.

After two or three breaths, she smiled softly and placed her hand atop it, giving a gentle squeeze. “Alright, I won’t miss it.”

The faint warmth of skin against skin sent a tingling shiver through Zheng Yili, who reflexively wanted to pull away. But Song Yanqing held on tightly, as if trying to meld her into her very bones, every movement radiating a startling possessiveness.

Regret surged in Zheng Yili—she shouldn’t have given in to pity.

She struggled slightly, but thankfully, Song Yanqing soon released her. Stealing a glance, Zheng Yili saw the woman’s expression remained unchanged, save for a faint trace of disappointment in her eyes.

Zheng Yili’s expression softened momentarily before she forcibly tore her gaze away.

She knew all too well that the distance and relationship between her and Song Yanqing couldn’t afford to grow any closer. Crossing that line… might lead them to a point of no return.

So rather than that, it was better to clarify things now.

Zheng Yili lifted her eyes. “I think—”

“Yili!” Ji Wushuang suddenly called out loudly. After scanning the area and successfully spotting Zheng Yili, she quickly waved her over. “Come here quickly!”

Zheng Yili ultimately couldn’t bring herself to say what was on her mind. After hurriedly apologizing to Song Yanqing, she rushed over to Ji Wushuang. “Mom, what’s wrong?”

“Come, I’m taking you to meet Zhao Auntie’s daughter. Let me tell you, that girl is incredibly handsome, gentle, and considerate—she clearly has the makings of someone who’d treat their partner well.”

Zheng Yili had thought her mother’s urgent summons meant something serious. Upon hearing this, she stopped in her tracks with exasperation. “Mom, why am I being dragged into blind dates even on my birthday?!”

“Oh, it’s just that you look especially beautiful today! With such perfect timing and opportunity, how could we waste your effort in dressing up without introducing you to more potential matches?”

“Alright, alright, it’s just for today. Once today’s over, I won’t force you anymore, okay?”

Zheng Yili hesitated, but Ji Wushuang gave her no chance to refuse, immediately pulling her toward her old classmates. With a pained expression, Zheng Yili complained, “Mom, do you really think your daughter can’t find someone on her own?”

“Of course not!” Ji Wushuang denied, then half-jokingly added, “Fine, I’ll be honest—I just want to show off my precious daughter in front of my old friends.”

“Out of all my classmates, only I, Ji Wushuang, have a daughter who’s both stunning and accomplished. When they see you, they’ll be green with envy!”

Zheng Yili didn’t buy a word of it, but with Ji Wushuang gripping her tightly, escape was impossible. She had no choice but to resign herself to the situation.

Ji Wushuang had an extensive social circle. Despite it being just a small birthday gathering, she had invited nearly her entire network.

Facing the overwhelming crowd, Zheng Yili forced a polite smile while inwardly wishing she could flee. But it remained only a fantasy. After making rounds of greetings—though she received many red envelopes and gifts—her face ached from smiling.

Seizing a moment when others were distracted, she quietly sidled up to Ji Wushuang and whispered, “Mom, I’ve met everyone as you asked. Can I leave now?”

Ji Wushuang looked up, studying Zheng Yili carefully. Convinced her daughter truly had no interest in the girl, she sighed regretfully. “Go find your friends.”

Just as Zheng Yili turned to leave, Ji Wushuang called out again, “Wait—didn’t I see Song Qi’an earlier? Where is she now?”

Though she harbored grievances over Song Qi’an’s past behavior, Shen Yun was also present today. As family friends, she had to maintain at least superficial courtesy.

Of course, she wouldn’t force her daughter to endure discomfort either.

With Song Qi’an here, this was the perfect chance for both families to sit down and settle matters—whether ending the engagement or pursuing true love—so as not to hinder the children’s futures and happiness.

Zheng Yili paused. “She’s already left.”

“Left already?” Ji Wushuang couldn’t help raising her voice, frowning with deep dissatisfaction. “How long has she even been here?! Leaving after such a short visit—is she looking down on us?”

“Does she even have any respect for me as Aunt Ji?”

Seeing Ji Wushuang working herself into a rage, Zheng Yili quickly tried to calm her: “Mom, it’s already good that she came at all. You know how busy she usually is…”

Zheng Yili’s words only served to push Ji Wushuang’s anger to its peak. To make matters worse, Shen Yun chose that exact moment to approach with ill-timed familiarity, calling out, “Mother-in-law.”

As Shen Yun drew closer, she finally noticed Ji Wushuang’s stormy expression. Hesitating briefly, she first shot Zheng Yili a discreet glance before asking with forced cheerfulness, “Mother-in-law, why are you suddenly so angry?”

“Yili, you really should be more considerate. You ought to humor your mother more often instead of constantly upsetting her. You’re not a child anymore—it’s time to grow up. Otherwise, you’ll be looked down upon by your in-laws after marriage.”