I Married My Heartless Ex-Wife’s Black Lotus Sister - Chapter 36

Song Qi’an didn’t respond.

Her incredulous expression and faintly trembling pupils genuinely reflected the turmoil within her—shock, disbelief, and an uncontrollable surge of anger.

Was Song Yanqing really going to bring her down over something like this?

Song Yanqing met her gaze calmly, unwavering. In this silent confrontation between them, her stance was unmistakable.

Yes, exactly.

Over something this trivial, she intended to cut her out.

The dining table plunged into a deathly silence, the atmosphere thickening until it became suffocating. Song Lin glanced left at Zheng Yili’s darkened expression, right at Song Qi’an’s smoldering fury, then back at Song Yanqing, who remained composed and unruffled. She felt utterly overwhelmed.

“Why bring up such unpleasant topics again? Come on, let’s eat some crayfish.”

She painstakingly peeled one for each of them, but the tension in the air refused to ease.

Song Qi’an and Song Yanqing remained locked in a silent battle of wills, the former’s eyes blazing with resentment and indignation. Why? Song Qi’an couldn’t understand.

Why was Song Yanqing doing this?

Even if she had the authority, she shouldn’t dismiss her over something so minor, shouldn’t dismiss everything she’d done.

Song Yanqing’s expression was indifferent. “Either eat properly or go home.”

“Understanding priorities, knowing what to say and what not to say… You’ve been utterly unreasonable lately.” Her voice was low, laced with bone-chilling coldness.

Song Qi’an’s lips trembled. She stole a sidelong glance at Zheng Yili. “I just wanted to apologize on Lin Xiaoxiao’s behalf. That’s all.”

“You apologize for her? What right do you have?” Zheng Yili couldn’t hold back any longer, raising her voice sharply. “Who are you to her? And who is she to you?”

“Are you lovers? Or bound by some unbreakable bl00d tie?”

Zheng Yili was beyond furious. “If she really wants to apologize, she can come here herself! Stop playing the victim and dragging others into cleaning up her mess!”

The words left Song Qi’an pale, then flushed with humiliation. She opened her mouth. “I—”

“Shut up. I don’t want to hear it.” Zheng Yili was merciless. “Song Qi’an, this is my final warning. If you ever mention Lin Xiaoxiao in front of me again, I’ll beat you until your health insurance runs dry!”

“Pfft—” Song Lin let out an ill-timed laugh.

Realizing everyone was glaring at her, she quickly covered her mouth and whispered, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to. Yili, if you hit her, you can’t hit me too, okay?”

Song Qi’an: “…”

Heartless.

Zheng Yili was so agitated she’d lost her appetite. Song Yanqing seemed to notice and wordlessly pushed the plate of diced chicken Zheng Yili liked toward her.

Though she said nothing, the message was clear.

Meeting Song Yanqing’s warm, steady, and resolute amber eyes, Zheng Yili suppressed her anger and muttered stiffly, “Thanks.”

Seeing that Zheng Yili wasn’t about to storm off, Song Yanqing gave a slight nod before turning to Song Qi’an. “Come with me.”

Song Qi’an looked up, puzzled. “Why?”

“Just come. No more questions.”

Having been slighted once again, Song Qi’an clenched her jaw in displeasure but ultimately held back her temper, silently following Song Yanqing out to the balcony.

The sliding door shut tightly behind them, its premium material completely isolating the sounds between the two spaces.

Song Yanqing settled into the hanging chair, instantly creating a height disparity between them. Though she now sat several heads shorter than Song Qi’an, her presence suddenly became formidable and oppressive: “After we return, you should voluntarily step down from your position.”

Song Qi’an’s head snapped up, her face dark with anger.

“Ding Rui isn’t suitable for you,” Song Yanqing stated bluntly. “I’m not at all comfortable leaving Ding Rui in your hands. So after you leave, I’ll assign you another company to manage.”

“Your status won’t change.”

Song Qi’an remained silent, her eyes boring into the woman as if trying to drill holes through her.

Song Yanqing lifted her gaze to meet hers.

After a moment, she smiled faintly. “Unconvinced? Or confused? Are you wondering why I’d side with Yili over such a trivial matter, choosing her without hesitation instead of you?”

“But isn’t this exactly what you did to her?”

“Emotionally, Yili is your childhood friend, your playmate, your closest companion of over twenty years, and once your most intimate fiancée. Logically, in this entire matter, Meng Sulan is innocent, and Yili even more so. Yet you? From the start, you believed Yili to be the scheming mastermind, and even now, with the truth laid bare, you still inexplicably defend Lin Xiaoxiao and make excuses for her—”

Song Yanqing’s gaze turned sharp for an instant. “Qi’an, sometimes I truly wonder if there’s something unspeakable between you and Lin Xiaoxiao.”

“There isn’t,” Song Qi’an denied flatly, her brows furrowing deeply in irritation and frustration at such baseless speculation.

She hated being misunderstood.

Song Yanqing smiled. “Yet your actions suggest otherwise.”

“During your relationship with Yili, you went out of your way to help Lin Xiaoxiao, keeping her by your side… Don’t feed me that nonsense about her being Ding Rui’s future and needing to personally secure resources for her.” Song Yanqing scoffed. “My vast Ding Rui empire is hardly so desperate as to require salvation from some green-tea white lotus.”

Song Qi’an’s eyes widened in disbelief, as if she’d never imagined such crude words could come from Song Yanqing’s mouth.

“How dare she? Do you all think I don’t exist?”

The corners of Song Yanqing’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Song Qi’an, whether you’ve overestimated Lin Xiaoxiao or underestimated me—you know the answer best.”

“Of course, Yili knows it too. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have broken up with you so decisively, without hesitation.”

Song Yanqing knew exactly where to strike to hurt the most.

Song Qi’an’s face instantly paled. Her lips parted as if to retort, but after racking her brain, she couldn’t summon a single reasonable justification.

A faint shadow of defeat flickered in her eyes, casting her usually deep and roguishly handsome face into sudden disheveled dejection.

Even though Song Qi’an’s pitiable appearance might move others, Song Yanqing remained unmoved. “There’s no time like the present. After you return tonight, start preparing your resignation.”

“Qi’an, don’t isolate yourself from everyone for the sake of an insignificant woman.”

The sliding door reopened, letting out faint murmurs. Song Qi’an stood blankly in the draft, as if someone had punched her hard.

Bloodied and battered, her senses numbed momentarily before the excruciating pain tore through her again.

Dazed, Song Qi’an didn’t even realize when she had returned to her seat.

Zheng Yili couldn’t help but scrutinize her for a long moment. Yet Song Qi’an merely mechanically picked at the plate of shredded potatoes, swallowing them expressionlessly, making no other movements.

Her once affectionate eyes—the kind that could gaze lovingly even at a dog—now stared vacantly, unfocused, like a soulless walking corpse.

Zheng Yili couldn’t help but wonder what Song Yanqing had said to reduce Song Qi’an to such a broken, subdued state.

Noticing her gaze, Song Yanqing simply smiled and placed a freshly peeled crayfish into Zheng Yili’s bowl. “Ignore her. She’s reflecting.”

“How rare,” Zheng Yili couldn’t resist remarking.

In all their past encounters, when had she ever seen Song Qi’an like this? Every time they met, Song Qi’an had been cold and aloof, looking down on everyone.

Especially when Lin Xiaoxiao was by her side—Zheng Yili had found the pair utterly unbearable.

So later, when she learned that Mrs. Ji had died because of Lin Xiaoxiao, she had stormed over and beaten Lin Xiaoxiao until her face was a bloody mess, their clothes-stained red.

Song Qi’an, desperate to protect her little lover, had tried to intervene, only for Zheng Yili to seize the chance to pummel her too.

She had used the punches Mrs. Ji had taught her to thrash the despicable pair—but what did it matter? Even if she had killed them then, Mrs. Ji would never have returned.

The painful memories surged abruptly, moistening Zheng Yili’s eyes.

She blinked hard, but the sorrow at the corners of her eyes remained.

Song Yanqing glanced coolly at Song Qi’an, who stiffened, her movements halting. After a long pause, she forced out a single word: “Sorry.”

Zheng Yili frowned at the apology, then ignored it—and Song Qi’an—altogether.

She had no intention of repeating the tangled mess of her past life with Song Qi’an and Lin Xiaoxiao. She only wanted to sever ties cleanly, to never cross paths again.

Thus, the atmosphere at the table grew awkward once more.

Song Lin felt miserable. Even on her rare day off, she had to stay alert and mediate as if she were still on duty—except these weren’t suspects she could reprimand.

Scratching her cheek, Song Lin firmly drew a mental line between herself and Song Qi’an.

As Song Yanqing’s cousin, I naturally had to follow my dear cousin’s lead. Since she supported Zheng Yili and Zheng Yili disliked Song Qi’an, I should dislike Song Qi’an too.

Besides, that heartless, faithless scoundrel wasn’t worthy of Lili in the first place.

Once she made up her mind, Song Lin narrowed her eyes, her gaze toward Song Qi’an instantly turning sharp and dangerous.

Song Qi’an was unwelcome everywhere—except at Lin Xiaoxiao’s place.

Realizing this, the color drained from Song Qi’an’s face, casting a thick shadow over her features. The truth struck her soul with merciless clarity, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. She couldn’t understand how things had suddenly come to this.

Had she really been in the wrong?

Song Qi’an lowered her head, lost in thought.

The meal ended quickly. Though Zheng Yili had wanted to stay and chat with Song Lin, she lost the mood with Song Qi’an present. After briefly apologizing, she didn’t linger and went straight home.

The cozy, modestly sized house was now left with only the three Songs.

Song Lin glared at Song Qi’an, her words cutting. “It’s all your fault. If you hadn’t driven Lili away, we’d all be watching a movie together right now.”

Song Qi’an parted her lips, about to defend herself, but seeing Song Lin’s unwavering stare, she shut her mouth awkwardly and fell silent.

“Honestly, I just don’t get it,” Song Lin said, hands on her hips, adopting a stern, lecturing tone. “What’s so special about that Lin Xiaoxiao that you keep making exceptions for her?”

“Lili never got that kind of special treatment from you in all the time you were together, did she?”

Song Qi’an remained silent. Song Yanqing glanced at her briefly before speaking gently to Song Lin, “Linlin, I’ll leave you two to talk. I’ll head out first.”

Song Lin nodded, then scratched her head. “Cousin, since you live close to Lili, keep an eye on her mood these next few days. If anything seems off, call me right away.”

“Of course,” Song Yanqing agreed readily, her expression calm and unreadable.

The door opened and closed again.

Song Lin was still fuming, her face full of exasperation. “What, you’ve gone mute now? Weren’t you bolding enough back then? Why can’t you even say a word now?”

“Song Qi’an, search your conscience—have you treated Lili right?”

“She gave you her whole heart, and how did you repay her? Do you even have a conscience? Even if you were just friends, you should’ve at least considered her feelings!”

Song Qi’an seemed stunned by the scolding, her face cycling through shades of pale and green before finally going blank.

Song Lin grew even more irritated at the sight. “And that Lin Xiaoxiao—I don’t even want to talk about her. Anyone with eyes can see she’s only cozying up to you because of your status. But you? You had to go and fall for it, take it seriously…”

“I didn’t,” Song Qi’an finally retorted. “I only see her as an artist under the company.”

Her gaze burned with conviction. “Nothing more. Nothing beyond that.”

“You didn’t reject their advances and ambiguous gestures, did you?” Song Lin mercilessly pierced through her facade. “You were enjoying it too, weren’t you?”

“Song Qi’an, we’re not fools. Did you really think such petty tricks could fool us?”

After a moment of silence, Song Lin suddenly exclaimed in surprise, “Oh! You actually believed this could deceive us, didn’t you? That’s why you felt justified appearing everywhere with Lin Xiaoxiao, letting her use you for gossip and publicity?”

The woman’s face momentarily turned ashen. Seeing this, Song Lin understood everything.

She scoffed contemptuously, “I truly look down on you.”

“Song Qi’an, what difference is there between you and those disgusting playboys out there? Wanting to have your cake and eat it too—have you been dreaming of keeping a stable home while playing around outside?”

“Let me make this clear: as long as I’m around, don’t even think about getting back with Lili.”

“Our Lili is leagues above you, remember that. She’s the one who walked away. Now go back and continue your sweet little romance with Lin Xiaoxiao!”

With that, she gave Song Qi’an no chance to argue further, directly pushing her out of the house.

Alone in the dark corridor, surrounded by complete silence, Song Qi’an stood isolated in the darkness, engulfed by a sense of being abandoned by the entire world.

Her heart began pounding violently, its powerful rhythm threatening to burst from her chest at any moment.

An indescribable fear and peculiar emotion instantly overwhelmed her entire being, leaving her desolate and unbearably agitated.

Blinking blankly, Song Qi’an remained motionless in the shadowy darkness. Did Lin Xiaoxiao really have those intentions toward her, as they claimed?

The circumstances of their meeting were rather melodramatic.

Back then, Song Qi’an had gone to a hotel for a business meeting when she happened upon Lin Xiaoxiao being harassed. Seeing the man making inappropriate advances, Song Qi’an had simply instructed her assistant to handle the situation.

She hadn’t paid much attention to the girl afterward, but later, as she was leaving after her work, she saw Lin Xiaoxiao being harshly reprimanded by the hotel manager.

Young and emotionally vulnerable, the girl couldn’t hold back her tears and ran out sobbing.

Song Qi’an frowned slightly but felt she’d already done enough and didn’t intervene further. Unexpectedly, Lin Xiaoxiao had fled to the parking lot and ended up hiding beside Song Qi’an’s car.

Seeing the red-eyed, soft-looking girl who resembled a little white rabbit, both Song Qi’an and her assistant felt a pang of sympathy.

She remembered her assistant murmuring thoughtfully, “With looks like this, she could easily be considered a top-tier innocent beauty. None of those so-called pure jade maidens in the entertainment industry today can compare to her.”

“They’re all past their prime, while she—just over twenty—is at that perfect age where any style suits her…”

Though spoken casually, the words struck a chord with Song Qi’an.

Prompted by her assistant’s remark, Song Qi’an took a closer look at Lin Xiaoxiao’s features. While none of her facial features were exceptionally refined on their own, together they created a uniquely harmonious and appealing impression.

Combined with her unparalleled youth, delicate snow-white complexion, and long, slightly curly black hair, the aura of innocent vulnerability was now at its peak.

It was precisely because of that night’s encounter that Song Qi’an felt compassion for Lin Xiaoxiao.

After having her assistant investigate the girl’s background, Song Qi’an looked at the returned information with shock—the first time she’d ever felt such emotion. How could anyone be so destitute?

The entire family’s burdens rested on this female college student’s shoulders.

Not only did Lin Xiaoxiao have to attend classes, but she also worked part-time to earn her living expenses and her parents’ medical bills. It seemed all the world’s suffering had flowed to her alone. Yet when realizing she might have accidentally blocked someone’s path, she would flash an apologetic, radiant smile.

So sweet, so pure, with a peculiar magic that made Song Qi’an incapable of uttering any harsh words.

Perhaps out of pity, perhaps out of sympathy, Song Qi’an soon signed Lin Xiaoxiao. Grateful and determined, Lin always completed every task Song assigned with excellence.

She was exceptionally hard on herself, never using stunt doubles for commercials or TV dramas.

Whenever Song Qi’an visited the set, she’d witness Lin Xiaoxiao fearlessly leaping into icy lakes, standing resolutely under scorching summer sun, or rolling down steep hills without hesitation, her body covered in mud and grass seeds…

Wait—

Song Qi’an suddenly lifted her eyelids, realizing something.

If Lin could be so ruthless with herself during filming, then intentionally falling from that height to frame Meng Sulan and Zheng Yili would be entirely consistent with her character.

A cold sweat broke out on Song Qi’an’s back. As the evening breeze brushed past, she shivered violently, goosebumps rising all over.

Had Zheng Yili and Meng Sulan failed to produce conclusive surveillance evidence, wouldn’t they have been helpless against these false accusations?

The condemnation from netizens, her own suspicions, the pressure of public opinion—each alone could be fatal.

Song Qi’an’s face turned ashen as she finally understood how terribly wrong she’d been.

She’d made a colossal mistake!

The only thing Song Qi’an couldn’t comprehend now was why Lin Xiaoxiao had been so certain she’d believe her without question and stand firmly by her side?

Recalling Lin’s recent actions and how her assistant had always subtly praised Lin while regularly reporting her injuries and grievances, Song Qi’an’s expression darkened.

Had Lin Xiaoxiao and her assistant known each other all along?

Was even their initial encounter part of some long-planned scheme?

Song Qi’an’s thoughts spiraled uncontrollably. Had Lin’s supposedly impoverished background these years been genuine?

After all, she’d delegated all investigations to her assistant.

If they’d conspired together, deceiving her would have been child’s play.

Song Qi’an inexplicably felt a pang of panic. Unable to resist, she quickly dialed Song Yanqing’s number: “Sis, did you already know Lin Xiaoxiao was acting strange?”

Song Yanqing chuckled lightly, replying only: “I warned you long ago.”

It was true.

Though their relationship was awkward and complicated, Song Yanqing had always been an exemplary elder sister. No matter what problems Song Qi’an faced or what help she needed, Song Yanqing would do her utmost to assist.

A bitter taste rose on Song Qi’an’s tongue as her mood instantly plummeted, leaving her silent for a long while.

Just as Song Yanqing was losing patience and about to hang up, she finally spoke slowly: “If Lin Xiaoxiao truly deceived me, I’ll deal with her to give Yili an explanation.”

“No need.” Song Yanqing flatly refused and reminded her: “Have you forgotten? Qi An. You’re no longer the CEO of Ding Rui now.”

“You’ve been eliminated, and the one who took your place… is me.”