I Married My Heartless Ex-Wife’s Black Lotus Sister - Chapter 35

“Didn’t she stop for you the first time you met because of your tears?”

“Really?” Lin Xiaoxiao blinked her damp lashes, asking uncertainly, “But… if she helps me, how will she explain it to Miss Zheng and Miss Zhou?”

“Xiaoxiao!” Liang Xin raised her voice in frustration, visibly angry as she questioned, “You can barely take care of yourself right now—why are you worrying about others?”

With utmost seriousness, Liang Xin said, “Our top priority now is to clear our names and prevent this from affecting your reputation and future work, isn’t it?”

Lin Xiaoxiao hesitated before nodding. “A-Xin, I understand.”

Relieved that she had finally come around, Liang Xin exhaled. “Good, we’ll proceed as planned. Xiaoxiao, try to get in touch with Song Qi’an first. I’ll get you a cup of hot water.”

“The floor is cold. Get up—you’re already on your period. If you catch a chill, the cramps will be worse.”

Liang Xin helped Lin Xiaoxiao to her feet. Sitting on the sofa, Xiaoxiao gazed weakly yet gratefully at her. “A-Xin, you’re so good to me. To have met such a wonderful friend like you in this lifetime, I’m really…”

She pressed her lips together, leaving the rest unsaid.

Liang Xin affectionately ruffled her hair, though a flicker of sadness passed through her eyes before she forced a smile. “Why so formal with me? We’ve known each other for years.”

“Don’t feel guilty. I’m doing this willingly.”

“Xiaoxiao, I don’t ask for much. As long as you let me stay by your side, that’s enough for me.” Liang Xin looked at her with deep affection, her feelings barely concealed.

Lin Xiaoxiao lowered her head, her long lashes hiding the annoyance in her eyes.

After a moment, she composed herself. “Thank you, A-Xin. Having you with me in the entertainment industry makes me feel secure.”

After this exchange of heartfelt words, Liang Xin urged her, “Hurry and contact Song Qi’an. If she steps in now, there’s still time. If we delay, this will be much harder to resolve.”

Lin Xiaoxiao nodded and immediately picked up her phone from where it had been thrown on the floor. Nervously, she opened her contacts.

As Liang Xin walked away, Xiaoxiao watched her retreating figure with a tinge of regret. Liang Xin was deeply devoted to her—loyal and unwavering. It was a shame her family background was just as lowly as her own…

If Liang Xin had a background like Song Qi’an—no, even just a slightly more influential wealthy family—she might have been willing to give it a try.

What a pity.

After Meng Sulan’s reputation had completely turned around, Zheng Yili swiftly released her short drama. Since Meng Sulan had been unjustly harassed by Lin Xiaoxiao’s fans for some time, she garnered a wave of sympathy.

Those who had mindlessly followed the hate and cursed at her now flooded the platform to watch her drama, trying to ease their guilt.

As a result, within just three days, the drama’s revenue surpassed 100 million and was still climbing.

Overjoyed, Meng Sulan threw herself into Zheng Yili’s arms, her eyes sparkling. “Director Zheng, we did it!”

No sooner had she finished speaking than tears of joy streamed down her face as she sobbed, “I never imagined I’d live to see such good days. No more harassment from company executives, no more hostility from their families—just like-minded partners working together toward success.”

Recalling the hellish days of torment, she endured two or three months prior, Meng Sulan felt as if she were dreaming now, unwilling to wake from this bliss.

Zheng Yili stiffened slightly when someone unexpectedly clung to her.

After a moment, she gradually relaxed and spoke softly to comfort her, “There, don’t cry. The achievements you have today are because of your own capability, diligence, and willingness to endure hardship.”

“And bravery,” Zheng Yili added with a blink. “Isn’t that, right?”

Meng Sulan broke into a smile. “Of course! I knew someone who’d stand up for a stranger couldn’t be bad.”

She began preening proudly. “From that moment, I was determined to cling tightly to you, Director Zheng. Someone as kind and capable as you were bound to rescue me from my misery.”

Zheng Yili chuckled. “The capable one isn’t me.”

“Then who is?”

“…Song Yanqing,” Zheng Yili hesitated briefly. “Song Lin’s cousin. When my company was just starting and short-staffed, she used her connections to persuade several influential figures to lend their names to my firm.”

“One of them was the person who negotiated with Tianyu Entertainment to terminate your contract.”

Meng Sulan’s eyes widened, and she immediately declared, “Then I must properly thank Officer Song’s cousin. Director Zheng, what gift do you think I should give her?”

Zheng Yili was momentarily at a loss—she truly didn’t know what Song Yanqing liked.

It had always been Song Yanqing who took the initiative to please her, while she knew almost nothing about Song Yanqing. The realization brought a pang of guilt.

After a long silence, Zheng Yili finally stammered, “You’d better ask Officer Song about that. She’d know better than I do.”

Meng Sulan gave her a knowing look and said meaningfully, “Women… don’t they all like the same things?”

“Though, of course, no material gift could compare to the love in one’s heart.”

Zheng Yili glared at her. Meng Sulan giggled and hastily made her escape. “I’m going back to check the reviews of my work! Goodbye, Director Zheng, see you soon!”

The clever girl had irresponsibly tossed a pebble into the calm waters of Zheng Yili’s heart, sending ripples across the surface before vanishing. Zheng Yili stared blankly ahead, racking her brains but failing to recall a single preference of Song Yanqing’s.

In Zheng Yili’s mind, Song Yanqing had always been cool and composed, yet exceptionally gentle when facing her.

She once thought it was because Song Yanqing knew her wretched sister had wronged her, hence the extra patience and tolerance.

But now that Song Yanqing had unhesitatingly torn down that veil, she realized none of it had ever been because of Song Qi’an.

A warm flush crept up Zheng Yili’s cheeks as she scratched her face, the familiar feelings of awkwardness and shyness surging violently, painting her cheeks a delicate pink more beautiful than the most vibrant spring blossoms.

Song Yanqing had helped Zheng Yili tremendously, especially with matters concerning Meng Sulan. After some thought, she finally approached Song Lin: “What does your cousin usually do in her free time?”

She casually inquired, “Does she have any particular hobbies?”

Song Lin first responded with a question mark, then typed back with visible caution: “What do you want with my cousin? Lili, my cousin is delicate and fragile—don’t you dare try anything shady with her.”

Zheng Yili: “…”

What nonsense was this child spouting?

Zheng Yili widened her eyes, realizing she wouldn’t get any useful information from Song Lin, and was about to give up. But just then, Song Lin added: “I’m off tomorrow. Come over for dinner in the evening, and I’ll tell you in person.”

“Really?” Zheng Yili was skeptical.

Song Lin: “Of course! Would I lie to you?”

“Oh, and my cousin got injured again recently. If you’re really worried, maybe prepare some ointments or something for her.”

“What happened?” Zheng Yili immediately straightened up. Hadn’t Song Yanqing’s leg injury just healed? How could she have hurt herself again so soon?

Song Lin chuckled mysteriously: “Now you see just how delicate my cousin is.”

“It’s nothing serious—just a couple days of rest at home will do.”

Frowning at Song Lin’s nonchalant attitude, Zheng Yili slowly uncrossed her arms and began thinking about who could help her gather nourishing remedies to strengthen Song Yanqing’s constitution and aid her recovery.

Song Yanqing was far too fragile.

Getting injured every other day was beyond Zheng Yili’s comprehension. She even wondered if Song Yanqing was secretly involved in some shady business behind everyone’s backs. But considering her frail physique, Zheng Yili ultimately dismissed the absurd thought.

With company matters mostly settled, Zheng Yili finally accepted Song Lin’s invitation. Song Lin mentioned she might invite a few other friends, to which Zheng Yili indifferently replied with an “Mmm.”

Her only purpose in going was to learn more about Song Yanqing—nothing else mattered.

The dating show had concluded, and Meng Sulan’s projects along with other company productions were gradually being released, giving Zheng Yili a temporary break from work.

After arranging her schedule, Zheng Yili returned home early.

Song Yanqing wasn’t there. Aunt Wang greeted her warmly: “Miss Yili! Come on in!” She added regretfully, “But Yanqing was called back by Madam and hasn’t been staying here these days.”

Shen Yun had summoned Song Yanqing?

Zheng Yili paused mid-step, suspecting Shen Yun might be behind Song Yanqing’s latest injury. However, given their recent falling out, she had no pretext to visit and investigate Song Yanqing’s condition… Cutting off that train of thought, she asked Aunt Wang: “Did she say when she’d be back?”

“Not yet,” Mrs. Wang smiled. “But I’ll be sure to pass along your concern to her.”

Before Mrs. Wang could finish, Zheng Yili quickly waved her hands in refusal. “No, no need!” Afraid that Mrs. Wang might mention her initiative to Song Yanqing, she hastily explained, “I was just out for a walk and happened to come this way.”

“Since she’s busy and can’t spare the time, it’s best not to disturb her.”

Mrs. Wang smiled knowingly and nodded in agreement.

For a brief moment, Zheng Yili’s gaze met Mrs. Wang’s before she quickly looked away. Though the older woman appeared warm and kind, Zheng Yili couldn’t shake the feeling that she had seen right through all her little schemes.

She hurried back home and later asked the housekeeper to dig up some fine items from their household to send next door.

Mrs. Wang didn’t refuse, cheerfully accepting them on Song Yanqing’s behalf.

The next day, Zheng Yili arrived punctually at Song Lin’s home.

Song Lin had mentioned inviting a few friends, but when Zheng Yili arrived, no one else was there. She stood in the living room for a moment, glancing around. “Am I the only one here right now?”

“Uh-huh,” Song Lin mumbled. “The others haven’t arrived yet.”

Seeing Zheng Yili about to press further, Song Lin quickly cut her off. “Lili, don’t just stand there—come help me prep the ingredients!”

Zheng Yili couldn’t help but laugh. “I thought you were treating me to dinner? Now I have to cook for myself?” She rolled up her sleeves and glared. “Officer Song, this is fraud.”

Song Lin, feeling guilty, scrambled to justify herself. “Well, it’s just that everyone else is late, and you’re the only one who showed up on time!”

When tough tactics didn’t work, she switched to sweet-talking, clinging to Zheng Yili and whining, “Lili, please, just help me out!”

Unable to resist, Zheng Yili resigned herself and walked into the kitchen. In a corner where Zheng Yili couldn’t see, Song Lin quickly snapped a photo and sent it to Song Yanqing: “Lili’s cooking in person. Coming?”

The reply came almost instantly: “On my way.”

A triumphant grin spread across Song Lin’s face. “Waiting for you.”

After sending the message, she put her phone down and hurried into the kitchen, afraid Zheng Yili might grow suspicious if she lingered too long. Zheng Yili scanned the kitchen—Song Lin had already prepped most of the ingredients, leaving only the actual cooking.

She eyed the utensils, then Song Lin. “Are you sure you want my help?”

Zheng Yili wasn’t asking without reason. A sense of foreboding crept into Song Lin’s heart. “Lili… don’t tell me you’re a kitchen destroyer?!”

Song Lin’s exaggerated reaction made Zheng Yili flush with embarrassment. She nodded sheepishly. “A little.”

“A little, or a lot?” Song Lin asked, horrified.

Zheng Yili tilted her head innocently. “Both?”

Song Lin nearly fainted on the spot. Trembling, she nudged Zheng Yili aside. “Then just assist me. I’ll handle the actual cooking.”

More than happy to oblige, Zheng Yili obediently stepped aside, following Song Lin’s instructions to the letter without overstepping even a little.

Song Lin: “My cousin is truly amazing.” She sighed while stirring the wok, “When it comes to culinary skills, no one can surpass her. You must try her dishes someday—they’re absolutely divine.”

Zheng Yili, intrigued, tossed a plate of shredded ginger into the wok and asked, “Isn’t she the eldest daughter of the Song family? She actually cooks herself?”

Song Lin hesitated this time, fidgeting before finally giving a vague reply, “Servants can’t always be perfect, and… she enjoys cooking.”

“Plus, she’s been frail since childhood—’long illness makes the patient a doctor,’ as they say.” Song Lin watched helplessly as Zheng Yili dumped another plate of shredded potatoes into the wok. “Over time, she became exceptionally skilled in medicinal cuisine.”

“Thanks to that, her health is much better now than when she was younger—wait.” Song Lin paused mid-stir, suddenly realizing something was wrong.

Normally composed, her voice cracked in alarm, “Lili, what did you just put in the wok?!”

Zheng Yili blinked. “Shredded potatoes?”

“And before that?!” Song Lin’s eyes widened.

Zheng Yili hesitated. “Seasonings…”

“Ginger! That was shredded ginger!” Song Lin nearly collapsed. “Stir-fried potatoes with ginger? Are you trying to play culinary minefield here?!”

Zheng Yili belatedly grasped the issue. “Should we… throw it out?”

Song Lin grimaced. “What a waste. It’s… edible.” She forced a smile, muttering to herself, “Ginger’s good for health. More is better, more is better…”

Then, her eyes lit up with mischief. “Lili, let’s not tell anyone there’s ginger in this dish, okay?”

“?” Zheng Yili raised a brow. Their gazes met—two scheming minds clinking like coins. “Deal.”

Satisfied, Song Lin nodded. “It’s settled then.”

The two stared at the freshly cooked dish, their mouths already tingling with the phantom burn of ginger. Song Lin gulped, quickly packing it into an insulated container before instructing Zheng Yili, “Watch the stove. I’ll check when they’re arriving.”

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Song Lin rushed over, calling out “Cousin!”—only to freeze at the sight of Song Qi’an standing quietly behind her.

Her expression instantly soured. “Why are you here?”

Song Qi’an, well aware of her unwelcome status, didn’t bother explaining. “I was in her car when you texted.”

So, you just shamelessly tagged along? Song Lin’s glare accused.

Ignoring her, Song Qi’an stepped past her to slip off her shoes. Her gaze swept the room before landing on the slender figure in the kitchen.

Time apart had only made her more striking.

A radiant energy seemed to spill from her, impossible to contain—irresistible, magnetic.

The weight of that stare prickled Zheng Yili’s neck. She turned reflexively, her warmth freezing solid at the sight of Song Qi’an.

“You.” Her voice was ice. “What are you doing here?”

Zheng Yili glanced at Song Lin, who quickly raised her hands in defense: “She came with her cousin.”

I didn’t want to invite her either!

Seeing that no one seemed to welcome her, Song Qi’an’s face darkened slightly.

Zheng Yili studied Song Lin’s expression and, finding no deceit, reluctantly let it go. The atmosphere grew awkward, prompting Song Lin to hurriedly shoo Song Qi’an away: “Go take a seat, dinner’s about to start.”

“Cousin, make yourself at home.”

Once Song Qi’an was gone, Song Lin sidled up to Zheng Yili and whispered conspiratorially, “Yili, since Song Qi’an has done so much to wrong you, why not let her have this plate of shredded potatoes?”

Zheng Yili glanced sideways, considered for a moment, then agreed with a smile. “Sounds good to me.”

Song Lin grinned. “Let her taste your ‘specialty’!”

Thus, as soon as the four of them sat down, Song Lin enthusiastically promoted Zheng Yili’s disastrous cooking: “This shredded potato dish was made by Yili herself. Qi’an, you should try it!”

Song Qi’an was surprised and couldn’t help but glance at Zheng Yili.

Zheng Yili sat primly, a faint smile on her lips, looking gentle and demure—almost reminiscent of her former self.

Unaware of the trap, Song Qi’an quickly took a bite. Song Lin watched as her expression twisted in an instant, barely suppressing her laughter as she feigned innocence. “Well? How is it?”

Song Qi’an nodded. “Delicious. You should try it too, cousin.”

Song Lin tried to stop her, but Song Yanqing had already taken a bite.

Six eyes stared unblinkingly at her, breaths unconsciously held. Song Yanqing remained composed, even nodding in approval. “Excellent craftsmanship.”

“…”

Song Lin was convinced the world had gone mad.

But since the two were playing along, she awkwardly muttered, “Glad you like it. Since you do, make sure to finish it—wouldn’t want to waste Yili’s effort.”

“Of course,” they chorused.

Zheng Yili’s eyebrow twitched as she scrutinized Song Qi’an and Song Yanqing in turn.

What’s wrong with these two? Lost their minds?

That dish was an outright culinary disaster, yet they could lie straight-faced about it being good? Skeptical, Zheng Yili took a small bite herself—only to grimace and spit it out immediately.

Song Lin handed her a glass of honey water to rinse her mouth, barely holding back laughter.

Zheng Yili suspected the Songs had set her up. But just as the thought crossed her mind, Song Yanqing reached for the shredded potatoes again, eating with perfect calm, not a trace of distaste on her face.

Zheng Yili blinked, hesitation flickering in her gaze.

Not to be outdone, Song Qi’an followed suit. Song Lin watched in stunned silence, too hesitant to attempt the dish herself.

She turned to the crayfish instead, quickly peeling one for Zheng Yili. “Try my cooking.”

Zheng Yili nodded, and Song Lin added, “Oh, and congratulations on your huge career achievement!” Removing her gloves, she raised her glass sincerely. “Cheers!”

“Thank you,” Zheng Yili smiled, her eyes curving into crescents, the faint sharpness hidden beneath her glamorous makeup melting away like snow in warm sunlight.

Song Qi’an hesitated for a moment before raising his glass as well. “Congratulations.”

Zheng Yili barely acknowledged him out of courtesy, but then Song Qi’an continued, “Regarding what happened between Meng Sulan and Lin Xiaoxiao, Lin Xiaoxiao was in the wrong.”

“However, at the time, she was likely too panicked and misjudged the situation…” Song Qi’an relayed Lin Xiaoxiao’s explanation.

The moment Song Qi’an spoke, Zheng Yili’s expression turned icy. She slammed her wine glass heavily onto the table.

Her face was impassive, eyes filled with coldness. The faint smile that had lingered at the corners of her lips vanished instantly, pressed into a tight, straight line.

Faced with Zheng Yili’s overwhelming fury, Song Qi’an dared not continue speaking.

Head bowed, her fingers clenched the stem of the glass so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Song Yanqing cast a calm glance at Song Qi’an, who clearly realized her mistake, and spoke in a gentle tone: “Qi’an, if you can handle the position at Ding Rui, keep it. If not, step down.” Under Song Qi’an’s disbelieving gaze, the woman smiled and continued, “To avoid making a disgraceful spectacle of yourself with your reckless behavior.”

“What do you think?”