I Married My Heartless Ex-Wife’s Black Lotus Sister - Chapter 38

The expected answer made Zheng Yili unconsciously heave a sigh of relief. The tension in her muscles eased, and a smile of post-crisis relief appeared on her face. “Of course.”

“But I’m not sure what Xing Yue currently has that would make Ding Rui value it so highly.”

“The overseas market,” Song Yanqing replied decisively. “Xing Yue grants Ding Rui the distribution rights for overseas markets, and Ding Rui will handle the groundwork and channel development.”

Song Yanqing fixed her gaze on Zheng Yili. “All you have to do is sit back and count the money.”

Zheng Yili looked back at her in surprise. She did have plans to expand overseas, but her current workload was overwhelming, leaving her no room to spare. If Song Yanqing could assist, her plans could indeed be executed ahead of schedule.

But could such a good opportunity really fall into her lap?

Zheng Yili remained skeptical.

Though Song Yanqing had always treated her exceptionally well, still… Zheng Yili’s brows furrowed slightly as she refused to dwell on the worst possibilities. In her understanding, Song Yanqing wasn’t the type to abandon principles for profit or curry favor with the powerful.

That left only one possibility. Zheng Yili pressed her lips together.

Even in the dim lighting, Song Yanqing could easily discern the doubt and conflict on the other woman’s delicate face. Unable to hold back a chuckle, she admitted candidly, “Your guess isn’t wrong.”

As Zheng Yili raised her eyes in confusion, Song Yanqing enunciated each word deliberately, “I proposed this plan because of you.”

“I want more time with you. I want our connection and bond to deepen. I want to see you day and night under the guise of work, to keep you in my sight at every moment.”

“The profit-sharing for the overseas venture is negotiable. Even if Ding Rui only takes twenty or thirty percent, I don’t particularly care about the final gains or losses.”

“But if Ding Rui can secure your approval and ride your momentum to establish a foothold overseas, that would be a favorable outcome for me as well.” Song Yanqing’s tone remained light and composed, yet carried an unmistakable sincerity. “The domestic market is still vast, and I have no intention of abandoning it.”

She continued, “But I personally believe that the cumulative potential of foreign markets might not be inferior to that of the domestic one.”

“Xing Yue will handle filming and production. If you trust me, you can also entrust domestic promotions to Ding Rui. I’ll ensure you a return rate of at least three hundred percent.”

The promise was so grand and enticing that, even knowing full well Song Yanqing’s ulterior motives, Zheng Yili couldn’t help but be swayed.

She believed in Song Yanqing’s capability and trusted that she could deliver on her promises and guarantees.

The question now was whether she should distance herself from Song Yanqing and draw a clear line because of Song Qi’an—it seemed unnecessary. With such a lucrative opportunity right before her, why should she sacrifice her own interests for someone insignificant?

A heavy feeling settled in Zheng Yili’s chest, accompanied by a faint, peculiar sensation.

Song Yanqing’s methods were too formidable. Even knowing it was bait, Zheng Yili found herself irresistibly tempted to bite the hook in the woman’s hand.

Her expression shifted before finally settling into resolve. “Alright.”

“Let’s work together.”

The displeasure in Song Yanqing’s eyes instantly dissipated. She smiled and extended her fair palm to Zheng Yili, “Pleasure working with you.”

Zheng Yili hesitated for a moment before quickly shaking her hand and letting go, “Pleasure working with you.”

Having agreed to collaborate with Song Yanqing, Zheng Yili was eager to discuss the details. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Song Yanqing, “Let’s go back now. I want to hear your specific ideas in detail.”

Song Yanqing gave a somewhat helpless smile, “Didn’t we agree to take a walk and relax first?”

Zheng Yili froze, then scratched her eyebrow in embarrassment, “Sorry, I forgot.” She glanced around, “Shall we go this way then?”

“Never mind,” Song Yanqing shook her head with a laugh. “It’s getting late, and the night air is chilly. Let’s head back first.”

“But didn’t you want to discuss work with me right away?”

For some reason, though it was a perfectly serious statement, when spoken by Song Yanqing, it carried an inexplicably intimate and lingering tone.

Zheng Yili felt her cheeks warm, her heartbeat quickening involuntarily. “Actually, it’s not that urgent.”

“But I’m in a hurry,” Song Yanqing tilted her head slightly, her expression earnest. “I want our collaboration to move forward quickly, so you won’t have a chance to change your mind.”

Zheng Yili widened her eyes in disbelief, staring at Song Yanqing for a long moment. “If I really wanted to back out, no contract could stop me.”

“Which is why I need to convince you even faster, so you can trust me completely.”

The woman’s playful words, delivered with a radiant smile, somehow carried a sincerity and warmth that was deeply moving.

Zheng Yili fidgeted with her nails, unsure how to react, and settled for a polite smile.

Song Yanqing didn’t press further. As they walked side by side, she asked, “Your place or mine?”

“My place,” Zheng Yili’s heart skipped a beat. After a brief pause, she replied with feigned composure, “It’ll be a good chance for you to see Xing Yue’s current situation.”

“Alright,” Song Yanqing agreed without objection.

The evening breeze swept past, tangling their hair together. The occasional chirping of unseen insects along the quiet path subtly eased the slightly awkward tension between them.

Tonight, Madam Ji wasn’t home, and the spacious house was quiet, the housekeeper already retired to his quarters.

Zheng Yili quickly led Song Yanqing to the study, her hurried steps inexplicably furtive, as if she were doing something illicit.

Song Yanqing’s eyes crinkled with amusement as she teased, “I can hardly keep up with you.”

Zheng Yili paused, momentarily confused, until she met Song Yanqing’s smiling gaze. Flustered, she forced a chuckle, “I’m just eager to finalize our initial plans with you.”

Clearing her throat with affected calm, she gestured for Song Yanqing to sit, “Would you like something to drink?”

“How about mineral water?” Before Song Yanqing could say anything more suggestive, Zheng Yili pressed a bottle of a certain brand into her hands. “This one’s quite good. Try it.”

Song Yanqing didn’t drink the water, setting it aside as she began eloquently elaborating on her ideas.

The woman’s topics jumped around so quickly that Zheng Yili momentarily lost track before snapping back to attention. She pulled up a chair to sit directly across from Song Yanqing and, as she listened, gradually became immersed in the future the other woman envisioned.

“That sounds promising,” Zheng Yili remarked once Song Yanqing finished. “But right now, Xing Yue only has a little over a dozen completed short dramas—far from the quantity you’re hoping for.”

“Not a problem,” Song Yanqing shook her head. “Establishing connections in foreign markets, securing partnerships with overseas platforms, or developing new video platform software will take considerable time anyway.”

“At best, two or three months; at worst, half a year. By the time everything is ready, the number of finished works you have should be passable.”

Zheng Yili thought it over and found the reasoning sound.

“Is Ding Rui planning to develop its own video platform?” she asked, picking up on the information Song Yanqing had revealed.

Song Yanqing didn’t hide it. “That’s the current intention.” She raised a brow slightly, and for a fleeting moment, her usually cool expression took on a roguish charm. “Does Xing Yue want to invest?”

Instead of answering directly, Zheng Yili countered, “Why do you always think of me when there’s something good?”

“Only natural.” The woman smiled faintly, bathed in milky-white light that cast a radiant glow around her, accentuating her jade-like complexion and ethereal beauty.

“You did save my life once, after all.”

Zheng Yili was baffled, her eyes blank with confusion. When had that ever happened? She had no memory of it whatsoever.

Hesitantly, she studied Song Yanqing, wondering if their childhoods had truly unfolded in the same timeline and space.

Song Yanqing didn’t elaborate, simply repeating, “So, will you invest?”

“I…” There didn’t seem to be any reason to refuse.

The other woman was willingly offering substantial benefits without any ulterior motives—just a pure desire to prove her sincerity to Zheng Yili, to demonstrate her love through action.

Having received so many favors from Song Yanqing, Zheng Yili felt a twinge of guilt. She sat in her chair, racking her brain for a way to repay her, but nothing came to mind.

Money? Song Yanqing didn’t lack it. Power? She already wielded more influence than Zheng Yili.

After much deliberation, Zheng Yili finally landed on a brilliant idea. “Starting tomorrow, you should exercise with me every morning.” Her eyes sparkled with earnestness. “I may not be as skilled as Ms. Ji, but I do have my own expertise when it comes to fitness.”

“Your health is too poor. With how busy work will get, I’m afraid you won’t be able to handle it.”

“If you agree, I promise you this: within six months, I’ll elevate your physical condition to the next level—strong enough to smash ten bricks with a single palm strike.”

Song Yanqing’s expression shifted subtly. She stared at Zheng Yili for two full seconds before politely declining, “I think I’ll stick to jogging…”

“Then starting tomorrow, we’ll run together at 5:30 every morning!” Zheng Yili gazed at her with bright, puppy-dog eyes, making it impossible to refuse.

Song Yanqing sighed in resignation and relented. “Fine.”

Having received Song Yanqing’s affirmative response, Zheng Yili’s mood brightened, pleased with herself for having done a good deed. With work matters mostly discussed, Song Yanqing tactfully bid farewell: “It’s getting late, I should head back now.”

Zheng Yili responded with a couple of “Mm-hmms” and casually added, “Good night.”

“Good night,” Song Yanqing replied with a smile.

Accompanying Song Yanqing out of the study and downstairs, Zheng Yili stopped at the doorway. “I won’t see you the rest of the way since you’re just next door.”

“Go rest,” Song Yanqing nodded, her gaze calm as she watched her.

Zheng Yili smiled, then turned to slowly close the door.

Song Yanqing remained standing in place, unmoving. Her gentle gaze lingered on the spot where Zheng Yili had been, but in an instant, the darkness in her eyes deepened to a startling intensity.

The next day, Zheng Yili slept in until eight in the morning.

Staring blankly at the white ceiling for a long while, she suddenly bolted upright. Oh no! She’d overslept and stood Song Yanqing up!

Recalling her confident tone from the night before, Zheng Yili’s face burned with embarrassment.

She quickly got out of bed, hurried through her morning routine, and headed next door. Under the warm morning light, Song Yanqing, dressed in a moon-white tracksuit, was intently practicing Ba Duan Jin.

Though the movements were simple, when performed by her, they became extraordinarily captivating, impossible to look away from.

Song Yanqing usually wore loose, long dresses that concealed her figure entirely, only occasionally revealing glimpses of her curves. But today, the casual sportswear clearly outlined her slender wrists, fair ankles, and swan-like graceful neck—a stark contrast to her usual cool and elegant demeanor.

Noticing Zheng Yili’s arrival, Song Yanqing paused. “Awake?”

“Yeah…” Zheng Yili blinked guiltily. “I’m really sorry. There was just so much to handle at the company yesterday, so…”

“It’s fine. Rest is important,” Song Yanqing said, appearing completely unbothered, with no trace of resentment or anger. “Have you eaten breakfast? If not, let’s have it together.”

Zheng Yili was about to decline, but the housekeeper had already set the table, leaving her no choice but to join Song Yanqing.

“When do you plan to announce the news?” Zheng Yili asked, breaking the silence with a casual question. Song Yanqing paused mid-sip of her milk. “When do you think would be best?”

The question was tricky, so Zheng Yili sidestepped it and changed the subject. “Where is Song Qi’an going after leaving Ding Rui?”

Song Yanqing gave her an inscrutable look. “I have a tech company I’m handing over to her for practice.”

Hearing it was an industry completely unrelated to Xing Yue’s development plans, Zheng Yili felt relieved and mumbled, “That’s good.”

Different industries are worlds apart—Song Qi’an would need to immerse herself in learning the ropes for a while.

That way, she wouldn’t have the time or energy to pester her anymore. A smile crept onto Zheng Yili’s face. Having finished eating, she set down her chopsticks. “Thanks for the meal. I need to head to the company now. See you later.”

The “later” she mentioned was naturally just a vague and perfunctory excuse.

With a faint smile, Song Yanqing watched her leave before immediately pulling out his phone to instruct his secretary: “Arrange for someone to contact Xing Yue. I want our collaboration finalized as soon as possible.”

“And for now, don’t touch the secretary and assistant that Song Qi’an left behind. Assign them work as usual. If the opportunity arises, transfer those two to Lin Xiaoxiao’s side.”

“Be discreet. Don’t alert the enemy.”

Lin Xiaoxiao had been living in utter misery lately.

Ever since attaching herself to Song Qi’an, she hadn’t experienced such suffocating hardship in a long time. The pressure of online backlash, the mass exodus of fans, the termination of endorsements—one after another, each incident left her restless and unable to eat or sleep.

Seated on the sofa, her eyes simmered with suppressed rage. Her delicate, pitiful face was taut with barely contained frustration and resentment.

Liang Xin watched her with deep concern. She stood before Lin Xiaoxiao for half a minute, holding a glass of water, carefully weighing her words before attempting to offer comfort—only to be interrupted by an ill-timed phone ring.

“Xiaoxiao, I need to take this call,” Liang Xin said apologetically.

Lin Xiaoxiao didn’t react. She remained motionless, like a lifeless statue.

Sighing helplessly, Liang Xin picked up her phone and hurried into the next room. Knowing how agitated Lin Xiaoxiao already was, she deliberately closed the bedroom door behind her to avoid disturbing her further.

Probably another brand clamoring to terminate their contract and demanding compensation, Lin Xiaoxiao thought coldly, her gaze icy as it fixed on the closed door.

Why was Liang Xin just an ordinary employee with no power or influence?

If Liang Xin had more authority, this predicament would be easily resolved. Lin Xiaoxiao unconsciously clenched her fingers, a wave of irritation surging uncontrollably within her.

Now that Song Qi’an had completely abandoned her—ignoring every message and call she sent—Lin Xiaoxiao was left with no lifeline.

She had never considered the consequences if her deception were exposed. But now, it was clear: Song Qi’an was merciless.

A bitter smile twisted her lips. The man who had once treated her with such tenderness and care could also be this cold.

Had she not been important enough in Song Qi’an’s heart? Lin Xiaoxiao pondered. No—if Zheng Yili hadn’t suddenly decided to break up with him, Song Qi’an would never have realized her worth and started cherishing her.

And Zheng Yili? She was just a naive, sheltered girl. How could she have thought to secretly install surveillance in such a hidden location during filming?

It was too abnormal. Too out of character for Zheng Yili.

Lin Xiaoxiao bit her lip. Was Zheng Yili playing hard to get? If so, she had succeeded. After this fiasco, Song Qi’an had grown even more anxious and devoted to her—while Lin Xiaoxiao had become the scheming, ruthless third party who had meddled in their relationship.

What a masterfully calculated move.

Lin Xiaoxiao’s knuckles turned white as she stared resentfully at the snow-white wall, unwilling to admit she could be so easily checkmated.

She would surely make a comeback.

It was just one piece of scandal—who in this industry didn’t have some unsavory past? Once the storm blew over, wouldn’t everyone just go back to filming and making money as usual?

She should be no exception.

After forcibly giving herself this reassurance, the tightly shut door slowly opened.

Liang Xin’s expression was slightly troubled. Frowning, Lin Xiaoxiao softened her tone, thinking it must be related to her. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Liang Xin instinctively shook her head in denial.

Her evasiveness only made Lin Xiaoxiao more suspicious. She stood up, her tone tinged with irritation. “Ah Xin, don’t keep hiding things from me. We’re in the same boat now.”

“Only if I know what’s happening can I think of a better countermeasure.”

After a long silence, Liang Xin finally spoke. “It’s not about you, Xiaoxiao. It’s something with my family.”

Lin Xiaoxiao froze, then exhaled in relief. “That’s good, that’s good.” She patted her chest thankfully before casually asking, “What happened?”

“My younger brother—” Liang Xin forced a bitter smile. “He gambled and racked up over a million in debt. Now the creditors have come to our house…”

“How could he owe so much?” Lin Xiaoxiao was both displeased and angry. “Your parents really should have kept a better eye on him. Causing trouble for others when we’re already swamped with our own problems!”

The more she thought about it, the more frustrated she became. She fixed Liang Xin with a stare. “Ah Xin, you’re not thinking of using your savings to pay off his debt, are you?”

Liang Xin pressed her lips together without answering. Lin Xiaoxiao’s frown deepened. “We can barely take care of ourselves right now, and you’re still worrying about that good-for-nothing brother of yours?”

“It’s not just a few thousand—even if you emptied your savings, it wouldn’t cover a fraction of what he owes!”

Liang Xin’s expression grew even more pained. She lowered her eyes, wanting desperately to swallow her pride and ask Lin Xiaoxiao for help. After all, Lin Xiaoxiao had taken on so many endorsements, filmed so many commercials and dramas—she must be sitting on a comfortable fortune.

A mere million would probably be as insignificant as plucking a single strand of hair from her head.

But sensing Lin Xiaoxiao’s disapproval, the plea rolled around in her mouth again and again, never making it out.

She felt disappointed, disheartened.

All these years, she had gone out of her way to secure resources for Lin Xiaoxiao—dining and drinking with investors and partners, enduring workplace harassment and humiliation. She had given her all to lift Lin Xiaoxiao up, yet now that she was in trouble, the other woman showed no intention of helping at all.

Was Lin Xiaoxiao broke?

No, quite the opposite. Though not a top-tier star, Lin Xiaoxiao had at least eight figures in savings.

Yet despite her wealth, she didn’t even consider offering to help Liang Xin through this crisis.

The thought of her parents’ furious threats over the phone—that if she couldn’t come up with the money to pay off her brother’s debts, they would sell her off to some wealthy old man for a hefty bride price—made Liang Xin’s chest tighten with panic until she could barely breathe.

She was still young. She refused to be married off so casually.

Moreover, the person she truly loved… Liang Xin turned to Lin Xiaoxiao, who was right beside her.

But after what had just happened, Liang Xin suddenly wasn’t so sure about her feelings or the convictions she’d held onto all this time. Had her persistence really been right?

Was the person she loved truly worthy of her giving everything without reservation?