I Married My Heartless Ex-Wife’s Black Lotus Sister - Chapter 43

Song Yanqing grew bolder and more suggestive with each word, making Zheng Yili blush so intensely she almost reached out to cover the other’s mouth.

The vivid flush on her fair cheeks caught Song Yanqing’s unwavering gaze. The woman seemed so close, almost within reach.

At this moment, certain long-suppressed thoughts, once indulged, began to grow wildly like spring grass after rain.

Song Yanqing swallowed, and Zheng Yili sensed it with alarm. “That’s enough. If you keep spouting nonsense, I might just hit you!”

“Someone as delicate as you? I could take two of you with one punch.”

Song Yanqing chuckled softly. “If it’s you hitting me, I wouldn’t mind.”

Zheng Yili froze, inexplicably recalling an online saying: I want to hit her, but I’m afraid she’d enjoy it. This version of Song Yanqing was nothing like the one she knew.

She really knows how to put on an act.

Zheng Yili was at a complete loss. How could she possibly lay a hand on someone as frail as Song Yanqing?

She turned her head away as the wind tousled her smooth, dark hair. “I’ll think carefully about your feelings. But you know me—I…”

“It’s alright,” Song Yanqing interrupted gently. “As long as you’re willing to acknowledge it and consider me first in the future, that’s enough.”

Her words were carefully chosen—neither pressuring Zheng Yili nor rushing her, yet subtly playing the victim to evoke guilt and sympathy.

Zheng Yili turned back, wide-eyed, and after a long pause, managed a single word: “Fine.”

Song Yanqing smiled, satisfied.

But perhaps because Zheng Yili had already glimpsed the cunning beneath her facade, even that harmless smile now seemed calculated—a deliberate illusion to ensnare its prey.

Silence settled between them as they admired the distant crimson clouds. The elegant music, the startled seagulls taking flight, and the pod of dolphins nearby all wove an atmosphere of quiet intimacy.

Until a commotion shattered the moment.

Zheng Yili turned toward the noise but didn’t see Meng Sulan where she expected. Her heart lurched, and she strode in the direction Meng Sulan had gone.

Noticing her distress, Song Yanqing followed closely. “What’s wrong?”

“Meng Sulan is missing,” Zheng Yili said, forcing calm into her voice. “She was right there in my sight just minutes ago. How could she disappear so quickly?”

“Don’t panic. I’ll have people search immediately.” Song Yanqing soothed her with a gentle tone before making the call.

Listening to Song Yanqing’s methodical instructions, Zheng Yili’s frantic heartbeat steadied.

This was a formal event, after all, and on Song Yanqing’s turf. No matter how absurd things got, surely nothing truly vile could happen here.

Besides, Meng Sulan had only vanished from view moments ago. She had to be fine.

Reassuring herself, Zheng Yili’s breathing evened out—though her expression remained stormy, as if she were ready to lash out at any moment.

“To prevent any accidents, I’ve arranged for extra security personnel on board as a precaution. Just give me a little more time, and I’ll find Miss Meng.”

Zheng Yili nodded. “Thank you.”

Song Yanqing shook his head. “She disappeared on my ship—I’ll take full responsibility.”

As they spoke, the two arrived at the last place Meng Sulan had been seen. Along with her, the female director had also vanished. Zheng Yili clenched her fists, scanning the surroundings as she followed the trail, eventually arriving at the guest cabin area.

It was still early, so few guests had checked in.

Zheng Yili stopped a staff member to inquire and soon learned that the two women had been together. Her nerves settled slightly. With Song Yanqing’s help, they searched for a few more minutes before finally locating Meng Sulan in one of the rooms, discussing film details with the director.

Seeing Meng Sulan safe and sound, Zheng Yili let out a sigh of relief.

She and Song Yanqing stood at the doorway, about to enter, when a familiar figure flashed past the corner of her eye. Zheng Yili paused mid-step, frowned, and without hesitation, took off in pursuit.

Song Yanqing watched An Chenglun’s retreating figure coldly, only moving to follow after a long moment.

Zheng Yili was fast—she caught and subdued An Chenglun with ease. Pressing him down forcefully, she hissed in a low voice, “What are you doing here?”

The grip was brutal. The moment An Chenglun’s arms were twisted behind his back, he yelped in pain, pleading, “Easy! Easy! That hurts!”

Zheng Yili didn’t relent, tightening her hold instead. “Talk!”

An Chenglun let out a sharp cry but stubbornly refused to answer. Zheng Yili had no affection for this half-brother, the product of her father’s affair. Without hesitation, she swung her fist at him.

Old grudges and new hatred, along with the loathing and murderous intent she had harbored toward him in her past life—tonight, she vented it all.

Her strikes were calculated, deliberately avoiding his face and exposed skin. Each blow was ruthless, inflicting pain without leaving visible marks.

So when An Chenglun threatened to report her to the police, Zheng Yili slammed another punch into him, her lips curling into a cold smirk. “Go ahead.”

“Backing out would make you a coward.”

An Chenglun’s wails faltered. He stared at her in terror. “I’m still your brother by bl00d—how can you be this cruel?”

“You’re heartless—”

“I’ve never had a brother,” she said, her gaze razor-sharp. “And you’re certainly not worthy of the title.”

Yanking him up from the floor, Zheng Yili radiated an intimidating aura. “Tell me the truth. Why are you here tonight?”

“I…” An Chenglun couldn’t bring himself to meet her predator-like stare. His eyes darted around until they accidentally locked onto Song Yanqing’s.

His body trembled uncontrollably. His face paled instantly, and as if he had seen something horrifying, his pupils shrank before he quickly averted his gaze.

“I came to see you,” An Chenglun muttered. “We haven’t met in a while, so my mother told me to follow you secretly and… try to mend things.”

Building relationships was just a pretense—the real motive was fighting over the inheritance. Zheng Yili roughly shoved An Chenglun aside, wiping her hands with a disinfectant wipe in disgust. “Is that so?”

“Really!” An Chenglun nodded frantically, as if afraid of being beaten.

Zheng Yili narrowed her eyes, watching him for several seconds until he cowered in the corner like a quail, trembling and not daring to move. Only then did she finally say, “Get lost.”

Her tone was merciless.

An Chenglun hesitated. “But we—”

Under Zheng Yili’s sharpening glare, he lost the nerve to shamelessly cling to her any longer and scrambled away in a panic.

Before leaving, he stole a few cautious glances at Song Yanqing, his expression a mix of fear and wariness.

Since his back was turned, Zheng Yili didn’t notice his scheming thoughts. After cleaning her hands, she turned to Song Yanqing, her breathing now steady. “Let’s go.”

Song Yanqing said nothing, nodding quietly before following closely beside her.

Zheng Yili didn’t disturb Meng Sulan or the director. She simply stood at the doorway for a while, then asked Song Yanqing for two bodyguards to keep watch. Only after ensuring nothing could go wrong did she leave with peace of mind.

The entire way, she pondered the real reason An Xian had sent An Chenglun to follow her onto the ship.

An Xian was meticulous—she never acted without purpose. With the family company now stable and firmly under Zheng Yili’s control, An Xian had no opportunity to interfere. Given her nature, she wouldn’t give up so easily.

So why send An Chenglun to flaunt his presence tonight? Was it to stir up the last remnants of familial affection and soft-heartedness in Zheng Yili?

Zheng Yili scoffed mockingly. If that was the plan, An Xian had miscalculated.

Even in her past life—let alone now, after her rebirth—Zheng Yili had never felt any sisterly bond with An Chenglun. Their relationship was one of mutual loathing, a feud that would only end with one of them dead. They were practically enemies.

A faint ache pulsed in her knuckles. Zheng Yili glanced down—her hand was slightly red.

But remembering how she had seized the chance to beat An Chenglun black and blue, her mood instantly improved.

Song Yanqing noticed her subtle movement and immediately took her hand without waiting for permission. “Are you hurt? Let me see.” Her delicate, smooth fingers cradled Zheng Yili’s hand before she could refuse.

Zheng Yili meant to pull away, but Song Yanqing’s touch was too warm, so she relented.

She let Song Yanqing inspect her hand, smiling carelessly. “It’s nothing. I just used a bit too much force earlier.”

Song Yanqing knew Zheng Yili’s body well. After confirming there were no injuries on those fair, slender fingers, she relaxed and released her grip. But as she turned to leave, she caught sight of Song Qi’an standing silently in the backlight.

Song Yanqing’s foot froze mid-step. Zheng Yili followed her gaze and frowned in displeasure.

“Don’t mind her. Let’s go.” Zheng Yili had no intention of acknowledging Song Qi’an, much less enduring the inexplicable irritation of being seen receiving Song Yanqing’s concern.

Her expression remained indifferent. When Song Yanqing didn’t move, she even tugged her along.

Song Yanqing gave her an apologetic smile. “You go ahead first. I have something to discuss with Qi’an.”

Zheng Yili silently gazed at her before finally relenting and walking away alone.

After Zheng Yili had gone some distance, Song Qi’an slowly approached, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. “Sis, what were you two doing just now?”

“Her hand was injured,” Song Yanqing replied calmly, meeting Song Qi’an’s gaze without flinching. “It was done by someone claiming to be her younger brother.”

Song Qi’an’s attention was instantly diverted, her expression turning blank. “What brother? Who?” Her eyes filled with confusion. “Since when did she have a brother?”

Faced with these three rapid-fire questions, Song Yanqing couldn’t help but laugh. She smiled meaningfully at the completely bewildered Song Qi’an and slowly explained, “During the days when Yili’s father passed away, his mistress showed up at their doorstep with their illegitimate son, causing a huge scene—” She deliberately paused for effect. “You mean you still don’t know about this?”

Though her tone was mild, the words struck Song Qi’an like a slap to the face, leaving a stinging pain.

Song Qi’an’s lips trembled as she lowered her head in guilt and shame.

She truly hadn’t known—still didn’t know. But she tried to salvage her dignity. “Sis, why didn’t you tell me about something this important?”

“How could I have told you?” The amusement in Song Yanqing’s eyes faded. “Back then, you were inseparable from Lin Xiaoxiao. I could barely even see you—would you have had the patience to listen to me talk about Yili’s affairs?”

“Qi’an, you should have some conscience.”

Song Yanqing’s voice had turned cold, carrying a clear note of displeasure.

Song Qi’an silently raised her head before finally apologizing. “I’m sorry. I was just too worried about her, so I spoke out of turn earlier.”

Knowing her sister’s temperament, Song Yanqing didn’t press further. Seizing the opportunity, Song Qi’an asked, “Sis, can you tell me more about Yili’s so-called brother and her father’s mistress? Please?”

She adopted a pleading tone, but Song Yanqing simply watched her quietly. “Can’t you investigate it yourself? You managed to dig up everything about Lin Xiaoxiao—why are you unwilling to do the same for this?”

“Isn’t it faster if you just tell me?” Song Qi’an attempted to wheedle, but Song Yanqing cut her off. “I don’t know the details either.”

“All I know is that the illegitimate son is the same age as Yili. That’s it.”

Even this single piece of information was enough to shock Song Qi’an. Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Doesn’t that mean… Uncle Zheng was cheating on Aunt Ji while she was pregnant with Yili?”

Song Yanqing didn’t confirm, merely replying, “Perhaps.”

Then she turned the focus back on Song Qi’an. “And during those most difficult days for her, you were busy being inseparable from another actress, your sweet romance making headlines everywhere.”

Song Yanqing smiled, her sharp gaze making Song Qi’an almost shrink under its weight.

One revelation after another came to light, and at this moment, Song Qi’an finally understood why Zheng Yili had left so decisively, without the slightest hesitation. It turned out that long, long ago, she had already lost the other’s trust and was no longer someone Zheng could rely on or find comfort in.

This belated realization weighed heavily on her. Song Qi’an felt as if something was stuck in her throat—unable to be swallowed or spat out.

Regret flickered in her eyes, and at this moment, she even had the impulse to slap her past self from months ago.

In a dazed and helpless state, she grabbed hold of Song Yanqing, pleading, “Sis, you have to help me. I know I was wrong. Help me win Yili back—aren’t you close with her?”

Song Yanqing glanced at the hand gripping her sleeve. After a long pause, the corner of her lips lifted slightly. “I’ve already helped you many times.”

“Qi’an, there’s no such thing as a pill for regret in this world.”

“You weren’t fortunate enough, and your love wasn’t steadfast enough. What more do you expect others to do for you? To Yili, you’ve become an unbearable pain she can never let go of, a memory too bitter to forget.”

“Every time she sees you, she’s reminded of those countless nights of despair—nights when she desperately needed you, only to learn time and again that you were with Lin Xiaoxiao instead.”

“Those nights were cold, or drenched in pouring rain… they had everything except warmth.”

Song Yanqing’s words were too sharp, too blunt. Under this barrage of questions, Song Qi’an finally broke down. She couldn’t even control the tremor in her voice as she looked at Song Yanqing with despair and helplessness. “So, should I just give up then?”

“But… I still love her.”

“So much.”

“Every time I close my eyes, all I see are the happy, sweet memories we shared…” Song Qi’an rambled on until Song Yanqing’s expression darkened, cutting her off impatiently. “Yet you took Lin Xiaoxiao to live in what was supposed to be your marital home.”

Those words successfully halted Song Qi’an’s self-reflection. Her face paled as if she’d been abruptly thrown into icy water, freezing her to the bone.

Seeing this, Song Yanqing lost all interest in wasting more time on her. With an ambiguous tone, she tossed out, “Qi’an, you’d better take care of yourself,” before turning away coldly and leaving.

Song Qi’an stared blankly at her retreating figure, her mind in complete disarray.

After a chaotic whirl of thoughts, she vaguely remembered that her initial intention had been to ask Song Yanqing why she had been holding Zheng Yili’s hand and fussing over her earlier. Yet somehow, in the midst of it all, the other had effortlessly sidestepped the question…

Meanwhile, Zheng Yili, holding a wine glass, had met with several industry leaders. After brief discussions, both sides tentatively agreed on a potential collaboration.

She didn’t rush things. After exchanging contact details and setting a time for further talks, she idly tapped the railing, waiting for Meng Sulan to appear.

She wondered how things were going on that end.

If Meng Sulan could secure even one of those roles, her future in the industry would be set. At this point, it seemed Meng had the potential not just to replace Lin Xiaoxiao but to surpass her entirely.

Speak of the devil—the next second, Meng Sulan’s excited voice rang out behind Zheng Yili. “President Zheng, I did it!”

Meng Sulan’s eyes sparkled, “Director Lan has already decided to give me the role of the female lead number two.”

Though the second female lead doesn’t have much screen time, the scenes are all highlights, which is already quite good for Meng Sulan. Zheng Yili smiled faintly, “You’ve worked hard. Do your best in this drama and try to win an award.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll give it my all—even if it costs me my life—to make sure you, President Zheng, shine brilliantly in the spotlight.” She planted her hands on her hips, brimming with fighting spirit. “By then, who wouldn’t know that you’re the most discerning and talented talent-spotter?”

This kid—she was clearly praising herself too.

Zheng Yili couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, alright. Once you get the script, study it carefully. I’ll pause the short film shoots for you for now.”

“Mm!” Meng Sulan agreed, then hesitated before adding, “President Zheng, I have some bad news…”

“Go ahead.”

Watching Zheng Yili’s expression, Meng Sulan spoke slowly, “From what I gathered from Director Lan, it seems she’s planning to give the lead role to Lin Xiaoxiao. But this is just my speculation—nothing’s confirmed yet.”

Zheng Yili’s gaze darkened. After all this back and forth, was Lin Xiaoxiao’s luck still as good as in her past life?

She refused to believe it.

Zheng Yili smiled dismissively. “Since it’s not confirmed yet, who can say what the final outcome will be?”

Her deep, penetrating stare made Meng Sulan’s heart pound violently, almost as if she thought Zheng Yili had figured something out.

But Zheng Yili soon looked away, and Meng Sulan subtly exhaled in relief, chiming in, “Yeah, without Song Qi’an to protect Lin Xiaoxiao now, I wonder how she’ll manage to beat out all the others competing for the role.”

Meng Sulan’s words reminded Zheng Yili.

Though Song Qi’an had left Ding Rui, he had gone on to manage other companies, and his influence and clout were not to be underestimated. To truly alter the course of her past life, Zheng Yili would have to deal with Song Qi’an.

Previously, she had been preoccupied with family matters, and Xing Yue was still in its early stages, leaving her with little energy to spare. But now, Xing Yue had achieved some success and had even partnered with Ding Rui—she finally had enough power to counterbalance, if not disrupt, Song Qi’an.

The only question was whether Song Yanqing would intervene.

Or rather, when it came down to it, who would Song Yanqing ultimately choose between her and Song Qi’an?

Zheng Yili’s expression remained unreadable as she pondered this. Meng Sulan cautiously studied her face, a trace of conflict flickering in her eyes. But soon, it vanished beneath lowered lashes.

In the end, Zheng Yili couldn’t come to a conclusion.

Perhaps because one possible answer was too painful and disappointing, she instinctively resisted and rejected it. Rubbing her temples wearily, she deluded herself into thinking—why invite unnecessary trouble?

Even if Song Yanqing still chose to side with Song Qi’an, she wouldn’t lose anything.

She might feel a brief pang of regret, but that would be all.

Meng Sulan found an excuse to leave. Watching her eager, excited demeanor, Zheng Yili reminded her to be careful before letting her go.

Perhaps because it was her first time at such an event, Meng Sulan seemed especially thrilled.

Zheng Yili gazed at her and couldn’t help but smile. The gloom in his heart was momentarily dispelled, as if a ray of sunlight had broken through thick clouds to bathe him in rare warmth.

Yet that warmth vanished completely the moment he spotted Song Qi’an in the distance.

Zheng Yili resolutely turned her face away, refusing to make any eye contact or exchange with Song Qi’an. Song Qi’an’s eyes darkened, the air around him growing so despondent and icy it seemed about to freeze over.

Zheng Yili found the other’s behavior laughable. In her past life, she had shown such favoritism toward Lin Xiaoxiao, even going so far as to break ties with her for Lin’s sake. So, what was this pretense before her now?