I Married My Heartless Ex-Wife’s Black Lotus Sister - Chapter 31

Ji Wushuang was already furious with Song Qi’an, and now hearing Shen Yun make snide remarks about her daughter right to her face, her temper flared uncontrollably.

She turned her head coldly, her voice icy: “Who said we’re in-laws? Don’t call me that—I can’t possibly measure up. You’re already badmouthing my Yili before she’s even married into the Song family. If she did marry in, who knows how you’d bully her into submission.”

“Since you’re so dissatisfied with this future daughter-in-law, I think it’s best we call off this engagement.”

“Times have changed. Arranged marriages and parental decrees are outdated. As a mother, all I want is for my child to be happy. Don’t you agree, Shen Yun?”

Ji Wushuang’s merciless words left Shen Yun stunned. She stared blankly for a long moment before grasping the implication. Realizing the other woman was serious about breaking off the engagement, panic set in, and she hurriedly apologized, “No, Wushuang, please don’t say that.”

“You know how I am—I speak without thinking and often say the wrong things, but I truly mean no harm.”

“It’s my fault for misspeaking. I’ll apologize to Yili right now.” Shen Yun stepped forward, reaching for Zheng Yili’s hand, but Yili subtly avoided her touch.

Now that Ji Wushuang had made her stance clear, there was no need for Yili to keep up pretenses either. “Aunt Shen, I believe I made myself very clear last time.”

“Song Qi’an no longer has feelings for me, and I’m not the type to cling shamelessly where I’m unwanted. In that case, it’s best if we both let each other go.”

Seeing Shen Yun still resisting and about to defend Song Qi’an, Zheng Yili smiled faintly. “Even if we set all that aside, this engagement is between me and Song Qi’an. It concerns only our own happiness. So, whether we part or stay together should be our decision alone.”

“Don’t you think?”

Both Ji Wushuang and Zheng Yili were unshakably firm in their stance. Shen Yun’s face darkened with displeasure at their stubbornness.

Clenching her teeth, she prepared to lecture Zheng Yili further, but Ji Wushuang cut her off. “Enough, Shen Yun. Instead of wasting time arguing over something so trivial, why don’t you go ask Song Qi’an what she thinks?”

Ji Wushuang flexed her wrists with a faintly mocking smile, the threat unmistakable. “She’s been quite active online lately, hasn’t she? That actress—what’s her name again? Lin Xiaoxiao, right?”

At the mention of Lin Xiaoxiao, Shen Yun finally understood.

Her expression stiffened, but she still refused to take Ji Wushuang seriously. She assumed Ji Wushuang was merely venting her frustration over Song Qi’an’s actions and that she had unwittingly given her an excuse to lash out.

Call off the engagement? Shen Yun couldn’t fathom Ji Wushuang giving up such a favorable match. After all, the Zheng family now consisted only of a widow and her daughter. Without the Song family’s support, how could they possibly maintain their standing in their social circle?

A household without a male heir was bound to be looked down upon by others.

After turning the matter over in her mind, Shen Yun finally grasped the crux of the issue, and her slightly anxious heart gradually settled. With a bright smile, she said, “Yes, it’s all Qi’an’s fault for acting so recklessly. Yili, Wushuang, don’t worry—tonight when I get back, I’ll give her a good talking-to and make her bring gifts to apologize to Yili properly.”

Shen Yun’s dismissive expression only fueled Ji Wushuang’s anger further. Her face darkened as she prepared to argue with Shen Yun, but a glance at Zheng Yili made her reconsider.

If she quarreled with Shen Yun in front of her daughter, the only one who would suffer in the end would be Yili. So, after a moment’s thought, she quickly called Feng Ying over. “Yingying, take Yili to play with the others.”

Feng Ying sensed the tension and didn’t refuse. She decisively took Zheng Yili’s arm and led her away.

Zheng Yili was still worried about Ji Wushuang, but Feng Ying reassured her, “Oh, come on, Lili, relax! Do you really think Auntie Ji would lose in a fight with Auntie Shen?”

“What you should be worried about isn’t Auntie Ji, but what happens if she loses her temper completely. How will things end then? And how will you explain it to Song Qi’an?”

Zheng Yili paused, then laughed in realization. “…You’re right.”

She knew full well how formidable Ji Wushuang was. Even ten Shen Yuns wouldn’t stand a chance against her. In the face of Ji Wushuang’s explosive temper, Shen Yun was utterly outmatched.

Still, Ji Wushuang’s temper was an unpredictable factor, and Zheng Yili couldn’t shake off her concern.

Noticing her hesitation, Feng Ying thought for a moment. “How about we get Song Yanqing to keep an eye on things? Maybe even mediate?” Without waiting for Zheng Yili’s response, she continued, “Actually, I think Yanqing is the most capable one here.”

“Every time you and Qi’an argue, she manages to smooth things over perfectly. So, handling this should be a breeze for her.”

“What do you think, Lili?”

Call Song Yanqing over? At the thought of the woman’s inscrutable intentions, Zheng Yili felt a chill run down her spine. If anything, she’d probably pour oil on the fire.

Lately, Song Yanqing had already been acting a little out of line. If she found out they were considering calling off the engagement, she’d surely seize the opportunity to stir things up until it was set in stone.

While that aligned with Zheng Yili’s own wishes, still…

“Yanqing-jie!”

Before Zheng Yili could finish thinking, Feng Ying had already called out loudly to Song Yanqing. She tugged Zheng Yili along, rushing over with an urgent expression. “Yanqing-jie, you’d better go check on Auntie Ji and Auntie Shen—they’re about to come to blows!”

Song Yanqing looked puzzled. “What’s going on?”

“Ah, it’s a long story,” Feng Ying brushed off the question, then quickly reached out as if to pull Song Yanqing along. “It’s all because Auntie Shen suddenly went off on Lili right in front of Auntie Ji. Otherwise, why would Auntie Ji be so harsh with her?”

“Auntie Ji is furious—she even threatened to cut ties with the Song family!”

Feng Ying had always been quick with her words, and within just a couple of breaths, she had already exaggerated the situation to be at least twice as serious as it actually was.

Zheng Yili wanted to explain a thing or two beside her but simply couldn’t find the opportunity. As a result, Song Yanqing was easily swayed by Feng Ying and quickly rushed toward the two of them.

Before leaving, however, Song Yanqing still thoughtfully comforted Zheng Yili with a gentle, “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”

Looking at the other woman’s sincere expression, Zheng Yili nodded guiltily and mumbled, “I’m counting on you, sis.”

Hearing this soft, somewhat ambiguous and unfamiliar form of address, Song Yanqing smiled, her eyes curving like beautiful, pristine crescent moons in the sky.

The woman’s gaze was as dazzling as stars—impossible to look at directly. It was like thunder suddenly erupting from the ground, and Zheng Yili’s heart exploded along with it, her breath nearly stopping.

Her face burned uncontrollably, as if all the bl00d in her body had rushed to the surface of her thin skin.

Flustered, Zheng Yili averted her gaze and lowered her head slightly, trying to hide her strange reaction. She sensed Song Yanqing’s eyes lingering on her face for half a second, as if reluctant to look away, before finally shifting as if nothing had happened.

The scent of roses had long since dissipated with the breeze, and only then did Zheng Yili belatedly realize that Song Yanqing had already left.

“Lili,” Feng Ying called out hesitantly, her eyes filled with confusion.

Zheng Yili took a deep breath to steady herself and shook her head. “I’m fine,” she said, as if trying to convince herself. “With Yanqing-jie here, nothing bad should happen.”

Feng Ying nodded in agreement. “Yanqing-jie really is reliable.”

“But speaking of which, Song Qi’an and Song Yanqing share the same parents—how can two people with the same genes be so different?” Feng Ying muttered. “Honestly, you should’ve never gotten engaged to Song Qi’an in the first place. You should’ve been engaged to Yanqing-jie instead.”

“Just look at her—aside from being a bit frail and delicate, isn’t she better than Song Qi’an in every other way?”

“Her personality is great, she’s gorgeous, ethereal even—she doesn’t seem like some ordinary person at all. More like a celestial being descending to endure mortal trials.” The more Feng Ying thought about it, the more she felt Song Yanqing was a far better match for Zheng Yili than Song Qi’an. Every time Zheng Yili had been hurt by Song Qi’an in the past, hadn’t it always been Song Yanqing who stepped in to apologize and comfort her in his place?

What Song Qi’an failed to do, Song Yanqing handled effortlessly.

If not for Song Yanqing all these years, Zheng Yili and Song Qi’an would’ve likely broken up long ago.

Feng Ying suddenly grabbed Zheng Yili’s arm and said seriously, “Maybe you should consider Yanqing-jie… No, no.” She abruptly changed her mind. “Given your history with Song Qi’an, if the two of you got together, people would definitely gossip behind your back. That wouldn’t be good for you.”

“It’s so unfair!” Feng Ying fumed. “It was all Song Qi’an’s fault, so why should you be the one to suffer the consequences?”

A warm feeling spread through Zheng Yili’s chest, and she couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, what nonsense are you spouting now?”

“It’s my birthday today—let’s not bring up unhappy things.”

“Right.” Feng Ying nodded solemnly before suddenly perking up. “Jiaoyuan’s here! Let’s go see what gift she prepared for you!”

Without giving Zheng Yili a chance to respond, she immediately grabbed her hand and hurriedly pulled her toward the room.

Zheng Yili looked at Feng Ying and sighed helplessly, “Slow down. We’re both wearing high heels—be careful not to sprain your ankle…” Before she could even finish her sentence, Feng Ying let out a pained “Ah!”

Feng Ying crouched on the ground, looking up at Zheng Yili with a resentful gaze. “Lili, are you some kind of jinx or what?”

Zheng Yili was both amused and exasperated. “Stop talking nonsense. Get up—I’ll carry you to see a doctor.”

“How embarrassing,” Feng Ying said, but her body was already obediently standing up before she lightly leaped into Zheng Yili’s arms. “Today’s supposed to be your birthday, yet here you are, giving me a princess carry?”

“You’ve never carried anyone else like this before, right? Especially not Song Qi’an. If this isn’t something special just for me, then I don’t want it.”

Feng Ying chattered incessantly, her words coming nonstop until Zheng Yili’s ears ached from the noise. Unable to take it anymore, she threatened fiercely, “If you keep talking, I’ll drop you right here!”

“Eep, you’re so mean—but I love it.”

Finally, Feng Ying quieted down, and Zheng Yili unconsciously let out a sigh of relief. In her haste, she failed to notice Song Yanqing watching her from a distance, his gaze deep and unreadable.

Ji Wushuang and Shen Yun were arguing fiercely, and by the time Song Yanqing arrived, others were already trying to mediate.

Her expression was calm, and her composed demeanor effortlessly made way for her as she approached. “Mother,” Song Yanqing called out evenly to Shen Yun, “Father is looking for you.”

Shen Yun had been fully immersed in the argument, but the mention of “Father” instantly snapped her back to reality.

Her expression stiffened for a moment as she glared at Ji Wushuang, her eyes filled with resentment and unwillingness.

Song Yanqing stood beside her, her tone still unchanged. “Mother, you should go find Father first. I’ll handle things here.”

With an out being offered, Shen Yun naturally took it—otherwise, she would have completely lost face today.

Ji Wushuang was crude, not only quick to resort to physical aggression but also foul-mouthed. Shen Yun, a self-proclaimed refined noblewoman, could never match Ji Wushuang’s shamelessness, so she had been at a disadvantage from the start.

Song Yanqing’s timely appearance was a blessing; otherwise, Shen Yun might have been provoked into an undignified brawl.

Taking a deep breath to suppress her anger, Shen Yun elegantly smoothed her meticulously maintained long hair. “Fine, Wushuang. I’ll pretend today never happened.”

“As for the matter of Yili and Qi’an’s engagement, I hope you’ll reconsider. My Qi’an is outstanding—if you miss this opportunity, there won’t be another.”

Ji Wushuang: “Get lost.”

“Who cares about your precious Song Qi’an? A fickle, two-timing scumbag who isn’t even worth one of my Yili’s toes.”

Shen Yun fumed. “You—!”

“Mother,” Song Yanqing interjected firmly, “Father is waiting. You should go.”

“Fine.” Shen Yun shot Ji Wushuang a venomous glare before storming off in a huff. Before leaving, she couldn’t resist throwing out a final threat: “Ji Wushuang, you’ll regret what you did today.”

Ji Wushuang scoffed at this, “If I ever regret this, I’ll write my name backwards from now on.”

Shen Yun paused mid-step but ultimately held back her anger, merely quickening her pace to leave.

Only after Shen Yun had disappeared from view did Ji Wushuang turn to Song Yanqing with mixed emotions—her gaze filled with both guilt and concern. “You’ve been caught in the middle of this mess.”

Song Yanqing wore a faint smile as she shook her head in denial. “This was our mistake after all…”

“You’re not part of her family—why take the blame?” Ji Wushuang sighed deeply before adding impulsively, “If only your mother were still here.”

“Never mind, I won’t poke at your wounds anymore. Shen Yun took her anger out on me today, and who knows how she’ll vent it on you later. Stay next door for the next couple of days so I can keep an eye on you.”

“If anyone dares to cause trouble for you, they’ll have to answer to my fists first.”

Ji Wushuang had always been fiercely loyal, and over the years, Song Yanqing had received no small amount of her care. In fact, her relationship with Ji Wushuang was even closer than with Shen Yun, so she didn’t refuse. “Aunt Ji, you’re so kind.”

“Pfft, kind my foot! If you really think so, just agree to be my goddaughter already—then I can protect you openly.”

Song Yanqing smiled without responding, her lashes lowering to veil the emotions in her eyes.

Though Ji Wushuang was eager, she couldn’t force the matter. Seeing this, she sighed regretfully. “Fine. Whenever you change your mind, it’s never too late to accept me.”

Song Yanqing lifted her head and nodded. “I want to be your daughter—just not your goddaughter.”

“Aunt Ji, something’s come up with Yili. I’ll go check on her first.”

With that, Song Yanqing gracefully took her leave. Ji Wushuang stood frozen, utterly baffled. Wait—what did the kid mean by that?

What’s the difference between a daughter and a goddaughter?

She’d love to officially adopt her, but… she’d have to discuss it with Yili first. Otherwise, her daughter might resent suddenly gaining an older sister out of nowhere.

Hesitating, Ji Wushuang wondered—maybe she could broach the topic when Yili was in a good mood?

Zheng Yili had taken Feng Ying to see a doctor. Fortunately, it was just minor swelling with no serious issues. After applying a medicated patch, Zheng Yili sat her firmly on the sofa. “Stay put today—no running around.”

“Wow!” Zhou Jiaoyuan teased as soon as she arrived, hearing such a domineering remark. “Are you two into forced romance now?”

Zheng Yili and Feng Ying both groaned. “Ugh, please don’t say that!” Feng Ying shuddered instantly. “We’ve known each other too long—doing something like that would give me nightmares.”

Zhou Jiaoyuan’s eyes glinted mischievously as she covered her mouth with a laugh. “And you dare look down on our Lili?”

“Wouldn’t dream of it!” Feng Ying pleaded dramatically. “Miss Zhou, spare me your jokes today—have mercy on this poor invalid.”

“You’re hurt?” Zhou Jiaoyuan gasped, instinctively rushing over to inspect Feng Ying from head to toe. “Who did this to you?”

Zheng Yili deadpanned, “High heels.”

“…” Zhou Jiaoyuan was momentarily speechless. After a long pause, she scolded in frustration, “Look at how useless you are—can’t even walk properly in high heels.”

“You know I’ve never worn high heels before. If it weren’t for Lili’s birthday today and wanting to make a good impression for her, why would I torture myself like this?”

Feng Ying’s voice trembled as she spoke, her eyes welling up with tears. Zhou Jiaoyuan’s expression stiffened, and she awkwardly tried to console her: “Alright, alright, I get it. Always crying at the drop of a hat—just like Lin Xiaoxiao—”

Mid-sentence, she suddenly turned to Zheng Yili. “Lili, I didn’t mean to bring her up.”

“It’s fine.” Zheng Yili smiled faintly. Lin Xiaoxiao could no longer hurt her now. But mentioning her prompted a question: “What exactly happened at the hospital?”

“And why did you suddenly go there in the first place?”

“Because that Lin Xiaoxiao is just asking for trouble!” Zhou Jiaoyuan plopped down onto the couch, pulling out her phone to show a screenshot of someone else’s social media post. “Look at this—isn’t she deliberately flaunting this to provoke you?”

Zhou Jiaoyuan was furious. “I didn’t even know about this until someone suddenly added me and sent it…”

But then, she abruptly fell silent.

Zheng Yili looked up from the phone screen. “You’ve realized it too, haven’t you?”

Zhou Jiaoyuan’s face darkened. “So, she set me up!”

This was clearly Lin Xiaoxiao’s scheme.

First, she had baited Zhou Jiaoyuan into losing her temper, provoking her to storm into the hospital and make a scene. Then, she deliberately called Song Qi’an over to witness Zhou Jiaoyuan’s unreasonable outburst. Not only would this make Song Qi’an resent Zheng Yili even more because of Zhou Jiaoyuan’s behavior, but it also reinforced Lin Xiaoxiao’s innocent, victimized image.

What a calculated move.

Zhou Jiaoyuan gritted her teeth, seething with hatred. “But in the end, all her plans backfired.”

She exhaled triumphantly. “After all that scheming today, not only did she fail to win Song Qi’an’s sympathy, but she ended up pushing him to cut ties with her.”

“Lili, you don’t know this yet, but Song Qi’an promised me right then and there that he wouldn’t interfere with Lin Xiaoxiao’s matters anymore. From now on, he’s handing all her work over to her agent.”

Zhou Jiaoyuan winked at Zheng Yili. “Not bad for my efforts, huh?”

Zheng Yili gave her due credit but then countered, “And you believe Song Qi’an’s words?”

“…”

She didn’t. And likely, no one present did.

Zhou Jiaoyuan, impulsive as ever, slammed the table and stood up. “That’s it! She dared to trick me! I’m going to settle this with her right now!”

Zheng Yili held her back with a sigh. “Jiaoyuan, sit down. Don’t worry about what’s between me and Song Qi’an—I can handle it. Trust me.”

“I do trust you. I just don’t understand—if Song Qi’an loved you so much, why is she hurting you like this now? Were all those tender feelings from before just a lie?”

“Back then, anyone could see how special you were to her.”

Zheng Yili had pondered this question countless times before, yet never found an answer until her previous life reached its end. She smiled indifferently, “Perhaps people just change.”

Zhou Jiaoyuan fell silent for a long moment before speaking again, “Forget it, let’s not talk about her anymore. We’re better off without such a trashy woman. Tomorrow I’ll compile a list of Shanghai’s finest young socialites for you to choose from.”

“I refuse to believe that in a city as vast as Shanghai, there isn’t a single woman better than Song Qi’an.”

As she spoke, her voice suddenly trailed off, her gaze fixed intently in one direction. Zheng Yili followed her line of sight and discovered Zhou Jiaoyuan staring fervently at Song Yanqing. “Lili, don’t you think…”

“Song Qi’an’s older sister is also…” Zhou Jiaoyuan paused, “…still quite charming.”