I Married My Heartless Ex-Wife’s Black Lotus Sister - Chapter 58

Zheng Yili was in a daze.

She didn’t know how she had mustered the last of her strength to stagger out of the study. By the time she regained her senses, she was already home, standing before Madam Ji.

Ji Wushuang noticed her ghastly pale face and the look of someone who had seen a ghost, and couldn’t help but frown in concern. “What happened?”

Zheng Yili gazed at Ji Wushuang, her slightly reddened eyes shimmering with unshed tears, though she quickly suppressed them with sheer willpower. She bent down and slowly sat beside Ji Wushuang, leaning her head weakly against her. “It’s nothing.”

“Mom,” she called softly, “can you tell me about the things that happened between me and Sister Yanqing when we were little? I don’t remember any of it.”

Ji Wushuang had initially thought Zheng Yili was upset about not being Zheng Huai’s biological daughter, so hearing Song Yanqing’s name caught her off guard. It took her a moment before she hesitantly asked, “Did you two have a fight?”

Without waiting for an answer, Ji Wushuang immediately stood up. “Where is she now? I’ll go demand an explanation from her!”

“No.” Zheng Yili forced a smile and pulled Ji Wushuang back. “We didn’t fight.”

“I just feel… Sister has suffered so much all these years.” Her eyes involuntarily stung again as she looked pleadingly at Ji Wushuang. “My heart aches for her.”

She pressed her lips together, trying not to let her emotions show too clearly. “Before, she often told me that I once saved her life when we were little, but I have no memory of it at all. It’s as if it happened to a different Zheng Yili in another world.”

“I hate this feeling of not remembering anything. So, Mom, can you tell me exactly what happened back then?”

Of course she could. It wasn’t some big secret that needed to be kept.

But as Ji Wushuang stared at her daughter’s smile—one that looked more painful than tears—she couldn’t help but purse her lips. She wanted to say something comforting, but in the end, she swallowed it all back. “Alright.”

Zheng Yili was clearly hiding something, unwilling to share it with her. Though Ji Wushuang was worried, she could only wait patiently.

Her daughter was perfect in every way—except for her stubbornness.

She wouldn’t give up until she hit a wall, and once she made a decision, not even two oxen could drag her back.

If Zheng Yili refused to speak, Ji Wushuang could resort to the legendary ten tortures and still wouldn’t pry open her tightly sealed lips.

Ji Wushuang sighed silently and sat back down on the sofa. “I’ve told you before—after you threw a tantrum and ran away, you brought Yanqing home that same night.”

“Back then, Yanqing had been drenched in rain all day, her whole body burning with fever. On top of that, she was injured… By the time I got her to the hospital, the doctors immediately scheduled her for surgery.”

“She had been feverish for too long, and because she was so young and frail, she was given multiple critical condition notices during the surgery alone.”

“And that wasn’t the end of it. Just when the surgery was nearly over, she suddenly started bleeding uncontrollably, and nothing could stop it. In just over ten minutes, she was on the brink of death from bl00d loss.”

“At that time, the bl00d bank was running critically low, and we couldn’t find a matching bl00d source for her in such a short time.” Ji Wushuang paused, then looked at Zheng Yili with tender pride, “Until I suddenly remembered—your bl00d types matched.”

“After asking for your consent, little you didn’t hesitate at all. You immediately rolled up your sleeve and ran to the doctor, saying you were willing to save Yanqing.”

At that moment, Ji Wushuang couldn’t find words to describe her feelings.

She was comforted by her daughter’s maturity—willing to save a stranger’s sister without complaint—yet heartbroken that the bl00d draw would inevitably take a toll on such a young body.

But that night, they had no other choice.

Without Zheng Yili’s bl00d, Song Yanqing might not have survived the surgery.

Song Yanqing had already suffered too much. Ji Wushuang couldn’t stand by indifferently and watch her collapse on the operating table. If that happened, she wouldn’t dare face her dear departed friend in the afterlife.

So Ji Wushuang hardened her heart and carried Zheng Yili to the doctor.

Given her young age, Zheng Yili shouldn’t have donated bl00d at all. But with Song Yanqing barely clinging to life, they ended up taking twice the standard amount from her.

Zheng Yili fainted immediately after the transfusion.

Ji Wushuang’s heart ached with worry and guilt, yet she remained without alternatives.

Even given another chance, she would make the same choice. She couldn’t remain indifferent to Song Yanqing’s life, even if it meant Yili had to suffer too.

Emerging from her memories, Ji Wushuang’s eyes clouded with complex emotions. “You used to be so healthy, but after that night, you became frail—catching colds every few days, running fevers constantly.”

“You grew too weak, so I never dared force you to practice martial arts with me again.”

That night made one thing clear: as long as Yili grew up happy and safe, nothing else mattered.

Fame, glory—they were meaningless compared to her daughter’s health.

Learning the full story left Zheng Yili with mixed emotions. Song Yanqing hadn’t lied—she really had saved her life once.

Resting her chin on her hand, Zheng Yili couldn’t fathom how young Song Yanqing must have felt, waiting alone in the rain for an entire day.

Heartbroken? Desperate? Or something else.

A pang of dense heartache spread through her chest, her eyes stinging again. Zheng Yili lowered her head hastily and stood up. “I understand, Mom.”

“I promised to meet with Sister Yanqing, so I should get going.”

Without waiting for a response, she nearly sprinted out the door.

Outside, cicadas chirped beneath a sky ablaze with stars. The cool evening breeze carried the soothing fragrance of flowers. The same lush flower wall from two years ago now filled Zheng Yili’s heart with sorrow.

Why did suffering always flow toward Song Yanqing alone?

She had already endured so much hardship, so much pain, so much sorrow.

She had tried so hard to grow up, to become someone gentle and perfect.

Tears welled up in Zheng Yili’s eyes until a warm embrace enveloped her from behind. “Why are you standing here?” Song Yanqing asked with concern, lowering her head only to immediately notice the other’s reddened eyes and nose.

Her body stiffened abruptly as Song Yanqing turned Zheng around anxiously. “What’s wrong?”

“Did I come back too late? Are you angry?”

“No,” Zheng Yili shook her head frantically, mumbling incoherently before finally falling silent and pressing tightly into Song Yanqing’s embrace.

That familiar warmth felt like it could heal all her sorrows.

“Jiejie, don’t leave me,” she sobbed softly, pleading. “I can’t bear to lose you.”

Though puzzled, Song Yanqing responded without hesitation, “Never.” Her patient voice accompanied gentle caresses. “It took me so long to win you—how could I ever leave?”

“I can’t get enough of being with you every day.”

Zheng should have smiled, but couldn’t muster one.

“Then go for a full medical checkup with me after you finish work in two days,” she insisted sternly. “A complete physical examination.”

“Okay,” Song Yanqing agreed instantly, without a moment’s thought. Zheng looked up sharply, studying her face.

Song Yanqing stroked the back of her head. “I’m sorry for making you worry.”

“Actually, I’m perfectly healthy…”

“I won’t believe anything until I see the test results,” Zheng retorted, eyes widening at Song Yanqing’s reassurances.

Defeated, Song Yanqing nodded again before changing the subject. “Weren’t we going to have a drink tonight?”

“I changed my mind,” Zheng declared, pulling her back inside. “From now on, only plain water—no alcohol. And you’re going to bed right now.”

“How can you neglect your health with such a busy job? Health is everything—without it, nothing else matters.”

Zheng nagged like an overbearing mother.

Yet Song Yanqing gazed at her with pure delight, floating on clouds from Zheng’s devoted care. Her greatest virtue was obedience—she’d agree to anything Zheng said, regardless of future feasibility.

This attitude eased much of Zheng’s anxiety.

But the unknown medication still weighed on her heart like a boulder, leaving no peace.

That night, Zheng slept fitfully.

Worries about Song Yanqing merged with dark memories from her past life, haunting her dreams with relentless torment.

By dawn, Zheng looked utterly exhausted—as if she’d run a marathon all night.

Song Yanqing teased gently, “Lili, you look far weaker than I do…”

Song Yanqing didn’t get to finish her sentence. Under Zheng Yili’s death glare, she awkwardly rubbed the tip of her nose. “I’ll go prepare breakfast for you.”

Zheng Yili grabbed her arm, unwilling. “Leave that to the housekeeper.”

Song Yanqing didn’t argue and nodded. “Then I’ll go handle some work first.”

“Alright.” Only then did Zheng Yili relent. “I’ll call you when breakfast is ready.”

Song Yanqing agreed with a smile.

After Song Yanqing left, Zheng Yili got out of bed with a throbbing headache and took the day off work. She wondered if she should get a medical checkup too.

The pain from her past life had left her with deeply ingrained trauma—she’d rather die than experience that again.

No sooner thought than done. Zheng Yili immediately made arrangements for comprehensive health screenings for both herself and Song Yanqing. Only then did her anxiety ease slightly.

Lin Xiaoxiao had been trending frequently these past two days.

As soon as Zheng Yili picked up her phone after finishing her tasks, she saw Zhou Jiaoyuan and Feng Ying discussing it in their group chat. After scrolling through the messages, she learned that Lin Xiaoxiao had actually been blackmailed by Liang Xin.

Along with this, their unspeakable relationship had also been exposed.

Perhaps to cement her victim image, Lin Xiaoxiao recklessly disclosed the whole truth, tearfully pouring out her grievances on social media.

In the entertainment industry, the worst fate is obscurity. After this calculated move, Lin Xiaoxiao’s popularity instantly surpassed even her previous peak.

Infamy is still fame. Lin Xiaoxiao had thrown caution to the wind, abandoning the carefully cultivated wholesome image she’d maintained for years.

Zheng Yili could only have people monitor Lin Xiaoxiao’s movements but couldn’t know the specifics of her disputes and entanglements with Liang Xin. After reading the news, Zheng Yili was overwhelmed with emotion.

From an innocent, unambitious rising star to a disgraced has-been willing to expose intimate bedroom matters—the contrast was like night and day.

Ever since Liang Xin convinced Zhang Fen that day, Zhang Fen had been itching to extort a hefty sum from Lin Xiaoxiao to secure her son’s happy future.

With money, she could find a wife for her son, continue the Liang family line, and even buy an apartment in the city—living a life envied by everyone back home.

The more Zhang Fen thought about it, the more excited she became, and she immediately took action.

After getting Lin Xiaoxiao’s number from Liang Xin, she secretly went to Lin Xiaoxiao’s residence alone, cornered her, and threatened to expose her relationship with Liang Xin if she didn’t pay up.

Lin Xiaoxiao was both shocked and furious, nearly grinding her teeth to dust.

She had released Zhang Fen to keep Liang Xin in check, not to create more trouble for herself.

A rural woman like Zhang Fen would never have concocted such a scheme on her own—the conclusion was obvious. Liang Xin had egged Zhang Fen on behind the scenes, using her as a weapon against Lin Xiaoxiao.

If Liang Xin hadn’t told Zhang Fen about their affair, how would Zhang Fen have known?

Lin Xiaoxiao pressed her lips tightly together, seething with hatred. Fine, Liang Xin. Since you’re heartless, don’t blame me for being merciless.

Lin Xiaoxiao had always despised being coerced, so she immediately recorded Zhang Fen’s every word and action, then promptly sent the woman to the police station.

To prevent Liang Xin from using the matter as leverage, she logged into her own account and laid out the entire story without holding back.

All the dirty laundry between her and Liang Xin—both good and bad—was abruptly exposed to the sunlight for everyone to see.

Lin Xiaoxiao had considered leaving herself an escape route, but she refused to let Liang Xin threaten her over and over.

She would rather drag Liang Xin down with her—neither of them would come out unscathed.

She was sick of living in constant fear. If possible, she’d love to send Liang Xin and her entire family away, cutting all ties for good.

Lin Xiaoxiao was ruthless. After filing the report, she immediately contacted a lawyer to discuss the case.

Upon receiving the promising news that success was highly likely, she paid the fee without hesitation, preparing to deliver the final blow and sever all connections with Liang Xin.

The lawyer reached out to Liang Xin first, attempting to negotiate.

If Liang Xin was willing to back down, Lin Xiaoxiao would gladly save herself the trouble. After all, lawsuits were draining—both mentally and financially—and she was already exhausted, with no energy left to keep battling Liang Xin.

But Liang Xin was already seething with resentment. She hung up on the lawyer and called Lin Xiaoxiao directly.

“Xiaoxiao, do you really have to do this to me?”

Liang Xin’s tone was calm, almost as if she wasn’t even questioning her.

Lin Xiaoxiao shot back, “Liang Xin, you were the one who schemed against me first.”

“You forced me to submit to you, then egged your mother on to blackmail me. Frankly, I’ve been more than lenient with you. Haven’t I? Back then, I treated you so well—your salary and benefits were better than any other assistant in the industry. So I don’t understand why you’re still unsatisfied.”

“Yes, you started working for me right after graduation. But ask yourself—if you’d gone to any other company, would you have gotten such a high salary or such an easygoing boss?”

“Liang Xin, people should learn to be content.”

Every word was ice-cold and merciless.

Liang Xin suddenly laughed, the last shred of hope and delusion she had for Lin Xiaoxiao shattering in an instant.

She should’ve seen it sooner—Lin Xiaoxiao was heartless and cold, no different from Song Qi’an. Only she and Zheng Yili had been foolish enough to pour their hearts out for the sake of some pitiful affection, desperate to give everything they had.

Little did they know, what they considered precious meant nothing to those two.

Their eyes were fixed only on higher positions and greater gains—why would they ever cherish something as effortless as feelings?

“I see,” Liang Xin said softly, smiling faintly. “I see.”

“Lin Xiaoxiao, I hope you won’t regret this in the end.”

After delivering that final threat, she turned off her phone.

Lin Xiaoxiao frowned, fury burning inside her. Even now, Liang Xin refused to admit she was wrong, still clinging to this pointless fight. Did their years of friendship have to end in mutual destruction?

Suddenly, she felt utterly exhausted.

Throughout this journey, Liang Xin had indeed helped her a great deal, to the point where after their falling out, Lin Xiaoxiao found herself struggling at every turn in her work.

Liang Xin’s professional competence was remarkable, making things much easier for Lin Xiaoxiao. Otherwise, Lin Xiaoxiao wouldn’t have kept the rather plain-looking Liang Xin by her side for so many years.

But Liang Xin’s appetite had grown too big.

An unsatisfied person by your side is nothing but a ticking time bomb, a hazard waiting to explode.

Lin Xiaoxiao disliked people she couldn’t control. So no matter how painful or difficult it was, she had to remove Liang Xin from her life—otherwise, the consequences would be endless.

After silently weighing her options, Lin Xiaoxiao decided to head out to meet a client.

The recent scandal had actually brought her a surge of attention, leading many brands to reach out to her. Grabbing temporary fame was better than nothing—as long as it boosted the brand’s visibility, nothing else mattered.

The offer was generous, and Lin Xiaoxiao had no reason to refuse.

Given her current situation, landing any endorsement at all was a stroke of luck. She could no longer afford to be picky like before.

Grabbing her car keys, Lin Xiaoxiao stepped out of the building.

Her car was parked in the open lot within the residential area, so she didn’t need to go down to the garage.

Just as she walked out of the main gate, startled gasps erupted around her. Confused, Lin Xiaoxiao looked around and saw people staring upward. Instinctively, she followed their gaze.

Within her line of sight, a dark speck was rapidly descending and growing larger.

In just two or three seconds, before Lin Xiaoxiao could even react, the figure landed with a sickening “thud” right in front of her.

Bl00d splattered everywhere, staining the white hem of Lin Xiaoxiao’s dress crimson.

Her eyes widened in horror as she stared at Liang Xin’s familiar, now grotesquely twisted face, from which bright red bl00d slowly seeped. A scream tore from her throat uncontrollably.

How could she? How dare she?!

Even in death, Liang Xin refused to let her go—forcing her to panic, to fear, to be haunted by nightmares.

Lin Xiaoxiao trembled violently until, at last, her eyes rolled back, and she fainted from sheer terror.

Zheng Yili stared at the censored news image on her phone screen, feeling nothing. Liang Xin had been just as resolute as her—jumping without hesitation, without a second thought.

In fact, Liang Xin had been even more ruthless, choosing to leap right in front of Lin Xiaoxiao, forcing her to witness the gruesome death firsthand.

If Zheng Yili were Lin Xiaoxiao, she’d probably wake up screaming from nightmares every night.

Her fingers absently scrolled through the comments, where discussions about the incident were raging. But before Zheng Yili could read further, a pair of hands gently covered her eyes. “Don’t look.”

Song Yanqing’s soft voice accompanied the swift snatching of the phone from Zheng Yili’s grasp. “She brought this upon herself.”

There was a hint of tension in Song Yanqing’s eyes as she quickly exited the news page and closed the app before handing the phone back.

“Lin Xiaoxiao showed her no mercy, and she had no future left. Maybe death was a release for her.”

Song Yanqing held Zheng Yili gently and spoke in a soft voice.

Her words weren’t wrong. Given Liang Xin’s feelings for Lin Xiaoxiao, seeing her cold-hearted indifference now would surely leave him utterly disheartened and disappointed.

Beyond Lin Xiaoxiao’s attitude, even the Liang family, which should have offered her warmth, was suffocating her.

A good-for-nothing younger brother who idled away his days gambling and racking up debts, parents who favored sons over daughters and sought to marry her off to an older man for a dowry to fund their son’s wedding—if even her closest kin treated her this way, how much worse could an outsider like Lin Xiaoxiao be?

Liang Xin had never received genuine sincerity in his entire life.

But that was merely an observation. Zheng Yili wouldn’t pity him, nor would she easily forgive him just because he had died.

The Liang Xin of the past had also put himself in such a position for Lin Xiaoxiao. Even until the day Liang Xin left this world, Zheng Yili never received a single apology from him.

Zheng Yili closed her eyes briefly, suppressing the emotions in them. “Mm,” she responded.

Her voice was soft, carrying an inexplicable hint of melancholy. Song Yanqing’s body stiffened slightly before he suddenly pulled her closer. “Lili, no matter what, you still have me,” he murmured.

“Even if the sky were to fall, I would hold it up for you.”

“So… don’t leave me easily…” Not like Liang Xin, who had been resolute and heartless, never giving anyone a chance to make amends or regret.