I'll Raise Pigs to Support You - Chapter 32

That night, the two of them went to bed together. Song Yugui raised her hand, and Shen Xizhi, understanding her intention, obediently nestled into her arms, resting her small face on the woman’s not-so-broad shoulder, letting her hold her comfortably.

“Sister Yugui.”

“Hmm?”

Song Yugui closed her eyes, already feeling drowsy the moment she lay down. She responded with only a nasal hum, thick with sleepiness.

“It’s nothing… I just wanted to call you.”

Shen Xizhi was a little shy, burying her face in the other’s embrace and inhaling the faint, delicate fragrance unique to the woman—unlike the usual smell of alcohol, she liked it very much.

Song Yugui didn’t know why the person in her arms had suddenly called her, but since she said it was nothing, she believed her. She raised her hand and placed it on the woman’s slender, soft waist, giving it a casual rub.

“Mmm~”

The woman let out a soft moan, her body trembling slightly. Song Yugui hadn’t noticed yet, only feeling that the soft flesh under her palm was tender and smooth, with an incredibly pleasant texture.

Shen Xizhi’s eyes were tinged with a pretty pink, but the darkness of the night hid it completely, leaving no trace visible.

“Be good, sleep early.”

In ancient times, there wasn’t much entertainment—just eat, sleep, wake up, work, and repeat. Sleeping was one of the few ways to pass the time.

Her hand, initially resting on the other’s waist, unconsciously slid lower in her drowsiness, landing on an even softer, more plump and perky spot.

Unlike the slender waist with its curves, which required cupping from below to hold, this rounded curve was easily within reach, filling her palm completely.

The feel of it was extremely, extremely good.

Song Yugui fell asleep instantly, only vaguely aware that it was comfortable. Her fingers tightened slightly, and when she sensed no resistance from the other, she left her hand there.

Leaving Shen Xizhi alone in her arms, wide-eyed, her little face flushed.

Utterly embarrassed.

She… where was she touching? This scoundrel!

And here she thought she had changed…

Turns out, she’s still the same as before, fond of women and unable to let go of her lustful ways.

It’s just that the target has changed, that’s all.

Shen Xizhi didn’t find her wife’s attraction to women displeasing. As long as it was directed at her, she was willing.

The young girl quietly clenched the woman’s clothes in her hand.

Her originally cold feet were now sandwiched between the other’s legs, becoming wonderfully warm, with not a hint of chill left in her body.

Shen Xizhi’s eyes sparkled. Her wife had said the blanket was too thin and wanted to buy a new cotton quilt, but she felt… it wasn’t thin at all.

It was so warm.

The next morning,

Song Yugui woke up in a daze and flexed her fingers.

She only felt them sinking into something soft, extremely pleasant to touch.

Her fingertips couldn’t help but squeeze slightly, and the person in her arms let out a soft, sweet moan from her cherry lips.

Song Yugui suddenly realized where she was touching and stared wide-eyed for a long moment, completely awake now.

Holy crap, am I some kind of beast? I actually molested her!

How is this behavior any different from the original host’s?

Song Yugui was furious at herself for failing to live up to her own standards. She quickly withdrew her hand and silently prayed that Shen Xizhi had been asleep and hadn’t noticed. If she had…

She would be utterly ashamed.

Song Yugui’s eyes were calm but filled with despair, her lips trembling slightly.

Shen Xizhi had only slept a little longer than her. Feeling the warmth leave her backside, her long lashes fluttered, and her eyes slowly opened. Seeing her wife still there, she nestled contentedly into her embrace, pressing her head against her chest.

“Sister Yugui, won’t you sleep a little longer~”

Her drawn-out tone made her sound both delicate and soft.

Song Yugui’s face stiffened as she cautiously studied her wife’s expression. Seeing that the other’s demeanor was as calm as ever, her eyes clear and seemingly transparent, she relaxed internally. She didn’t notice. Good.

Then I’ll just keep this hidden. If Xizhi knew about such rogue behavior, she’d probably be so angry she’d never let me into bed again.

Song Yugui controlled her dark eyes, not letting them wander, and feigned composure. “Ah, no more sleep. I still need to go to town to buy a quilt. Are you coming?”

She asked casually, not really considering leaving her wife behind. Sure enough, Shen Xizhi agreed immediately. “I’ll go with you.”

“Mm.”

Song Yugui’s expression was extremely gentle, as if she had never done anything improper. But her ears were bright red—fortunately hidden by her dark hair, invisible to anyone.

Shen Xizhi climbed out of bed, her snow-white body completely exposed without any cover. Her slender, straight legs led up to…

Song Yugui’s gaze fixed on her, and she instinctively turned over, not daring to look further.

Why aren’t you more careful? Even though we’re both women, even though you like sleeping naked, you don’t have to be like this!

You should still be mindful—this is so embarrassing!

Song Yugui silently buried her face, hiding her flushed cheeks.

Shen Xizhi seemed completely unaware. After changing her clothes, she crouched on the bed and gently nudged Song Yugui. “Sister Yugui, I’ll go make breakfast. Remember to get up and eat later.”

Seeing the sleeves of the woman’s clothes, Song Yugui knew she was fully dressed and finally turned back with relief. “No need. Let’s eat in town this morning. I feel like having buns.”

“Okay, whatever you say.”

Her little wife’s voice was sweet. Ever since the two reconciled, she had been exceptionally clingy every day. Song Yugui asked her to go feed the chickens first, but she refused, insisting on staying to help her get dressed. What’s there to help with getting dressed? I can do it alone.

But she couldn’t shoo her away. The girl sat on the bed, her eyes watery and well-behaved as she watched her.

Fine. As long as she doesn’t go down the original storyline, let her do as she pleases.

After suffering so much in her first dozen years of life, what’s wrong with indulging her a little now?

Song Yugui successfully convinced herself and calmly began changing clothes in front of Shen Xizhi.

Unlike Shen Xizhi, who slept completely naked, Song Yugui didn’t strip entirely when sleeping, so changing wasn’t as embarrassing as before.

After changing, the two fed the chickens together and then headed out of the village. Passing by Aunt Li’s house, they saw her scattering grains at her doorstep.

“Auntie,” Song Yugui greeted politely.

“Ah, where are you two off to?”

“We’re going to town to buy some things.”

Aunt Li clicked her tongue at the mention of shopping. “Don’t go buying useless snacks and toys again. They’re expensive and pointless. It’s not easy for folks like us to earn money. You’re just young and don’t know how to manage a household yet. When you reach my age, you’ll understand.”

Song Yugui shrank her neck at the elder’s scolding. Before she could respond, her wife’s voice, clear and melodious like a mountain spring, rang in her ears—laced with a hint of displeasure. “Auntie, don’t scold Sister Yugui. She’s already doing so well.”

Compared to before, Sister Yugui had improved so much. Shen Xizhi didn’t want her to be criticized.

Song Yugui, unexpectedly defended, felt a surge of joy and couldn’t help but think, At least I haven’t been good to you for nothing.

Aunt Li, seeing one unrepentant and the other fiercely protective, knew there was no point in arguing.

She waved her hand dismissively. “Go on, hurry to town. Don’t annoy me here.”

Song Yugui quickly grabbed her wife and left, not daring to linger for more lectures. When elders scolded her, her strategy was always to flee.

Only after they were far away did the young girl gently shake her wife’s hand and whisper, “But I think Auntie’s right. Those expensive things aren’t that great. Let’s not buy them next time, okay?”

Song Yugui: “…”

So you’re not happy even after eating them?

Not that great? Then why did you eat them so happily?

She snorted lightly. “I like buying them. You can’t stop me.”

Shen Xizhi tugged at her arm, pouting and stomping her foot slightly. But she didn’t say anything more. Fine, if she wants to buy them, let her. If I keep arguing, I’ll seem ungrateful.

Sister Yugui bought them for me, and it was me who couldn’t bear to eat them, leaving them on the table to admire, which caught Auntie’s attention.

Auntie had asked about the price and then nagged endlessly about how such expensive things shouldn’t be bought—so tiny, gone in one bite.

Actually… she was very happy when her wife bought things for her. She just sometimes felt guilty about the money.

Shen Xizhi quieted down and followed Song Yugui closely. The two often traveled between town and the village and were used to the journey. Even though they weren’t as poor as before and could afford an ox cart, they never used it.

It took less than half an hour to walk to town.

The town in the morning was the most fragrant, filled with the aroma of breakfast and the steam rising from every stall.

Song Yugui spotted a stall and turned to ask, “How about this one?”

Shen Xizhi, eating breakfast out for the first time, felt inexplicably nervous. When asked, she nodded reflexively. But as they approached, her small hands twitched hesitantly. “Isn’t this expensive? Maybe we shouldn’t eat out. I can make noodles for you at home.”

Since they were already out, Song Yugui had no intention of going back for noodles.

She shook her head, looking at her seriously. “But I want to eat this.”

She loved buns for breakfast, but since transmigrating, she’d barely had any. It was truly a tragedy.

Hearing her say she wanted it, Shen Xizhi didn’t argue further and obediently agreed. “Then let’s eat here. I can make buns too. I’ll make them for you in the future.”

“Wow, you can make so many things? Our little Xizhi is amazing.”

Song Yugui smiled and praised. Shen Xizhi’s fair cheeks instantly turned pink. It’s fine to call me that at home, but we’re on the street now!

How can she be so shameless?

The young girl squirmed shyly, letting herself be led along.

“Do you like meat buns or vegetable ones?”

Shen Xizhi, still blushing, whispered, “V-Vegetable is fine.”

“What? You want meat buns? How many?”

Shen Xizhi raised her watery eyes, glaring at her with a mix of shyness and annoyance, puffing her cheeks. “Vegetable buns. Just one is enough.”

“Oh. Boss, five meat buns, one savory tofu pudding and one sweet tofu pudding.”

“I didn’t say I wanted tofu pudding.”

Shen Xizhi muttered softly. Song Yugui pretended not to hear. Since I’m the one trying to fatten up my wife, I’ll decide.

The stall owner responded cheerfully, “Coming right up! Take a seat first.”

Soon, five plump, white meat buns were served, along with two bowls of steaming tofu pudding—one savory with chili oil, looking enticingly red, and the other sweet.

“You eat two.”

Shen Xizhi had just picked up a bun and taken a small bite, her eyes lighting up at the meaty flavor, when she heard this and froze.

“Didn’t… didn’t you want four?”

“You have two, I’ll have three. Don’t eat too much for breakfast, or you’ll ruin your appetite for lunch.”

Shen Xizhi: “…”

She pouted and grumbled under her breath, “I said I only wanted one, but you pretended not to hear.”

When I asked for vegetable buns earlier, you definitely ignored me on purpose and got me meat ones. Sister Yugui is really… I can make meat buns at home that are much more filling. Why waste money like this? Hmph.

Though she complained internally, the smile on her lips couldn’t be suppressed, curling upward.

The two visited several shops to look at quilts and finally settled on an eight-pound one—thick enough to keep them warm when cuddling but not so heavy it would be suffocating.

They also bought a cover for the quilt. The seller, seeing how decisive they were, threw in two cotton pillows as a bonus. After haggling, the total came to 130 coins.

Another hundred-plus coins gone. Song Yugui began to worry.

I’ve never felt life was so hard before. After spending this hundred-plus, we’re down to just over two hundred coins. I can only hope the pigs at home sell for a good price.

Though anxious, she kept a calm expression to avoid making her wife worry and start washing clothes again, freezing her little hands red.

Shen Xizhi never handled finances, only receiving pocket money from her wife, so she had no idea how much was left and was in a good mood. Halfway home, she was rewarded with a candied hawthorn stick and became even happier.

Sister Yugui said I’ve been obedient lately, so she gave me this.

Since Sister Yugui is so good to me, of course I’ll be obedient.

Shen Xizhi held the candied hawthorn stick, lowering her head to hide the radiant smile in her eyes.

She didn’t need the kind of love from operas. As long as her wife treated her well, that was enough.

On their way back from town, they passed many people—some greeting Song Yugui, others avoiding her like the plague.

Most who avoided her were women. Not that she could blame them. With the original host’s reputation for chasing after women, who wouldn’t run? If it were me, I’d run too.

Back home, they spread out the new thick quilt. Song Yugui sat on it, feeling its softness.

But something still felt missing. She looked down and laughed dryly—oh, the straw mat underneath was just a layer of hay.

Right, we still need a thinner mattress to lay underneath for real comfort.

Her eyes scanned the room, taking stock of what else was missing. Once she had a mental list, she picked up a basket and headed out. “Xizhi, I’m going to cut some pigweed. You rest at home, okay?”

Shen Xizhi was frail, and after running around town all day, her legs were probably sore.

“Mm, go ahead. I’ll wait for you at home.”

The chickens still needed feeding, the yard hadn’t been swept, and there were clothes to wash. She had plenty to keep busy.

Song Yugui carried two newly woven bamboo baskets and returned with them full of pigweed. When she got back, the yard was silent. She called for Xizhi but got no response. Just as she was wondering, Aunt Li came out with a basin of clothes.

“Xizhi went to do laundry. I told her to go first.”

“Oh, where is she washing? I’ll go check.”

The laundry included not just Shen Xizhi’s clothes but hers too. She couldn’t let her wash them alone.

“Just down the path. You’ve never done housework, have you? Never even washed clothes before?”

Since Song Yugui moved in, Aunt Li had never seen her at the washing spot. No wonder she didn’t know where it was.

Song Yugui awkwardly admitted, “I… I don’t know how to wash clothes.”

Aunt Li gave her a disdainful look.

Song Yugui didn’t argue and silently followed her. “The water in winter is the coldest. Xizhi braves this chill to wash your clothes. You better treat her well in the future. Since we’re both from other villages, I’m the only one who ever speaks up for her.”

Aunt Li seized the chance to lecture Song Yugui.

Song Yugui just nodded and said softly, “I know.”

She wasn’t good at handling such situations.

Finally, they reached a babbling stream, its waters flowing steadily with a gentle murmur.

Song Yugui instinctively scanned the bank and quickly spotted the slim, graceful figure.

Shen Xizhi, as the villainess who nearly overshadowed the female lead, was not only stunningly beautiful but also carried an exceptional aura.

When she wasn’t smiling, she exuded an icy, pristine elegance, standing out effortlessly in any crowd.

She was a girl as dazzling as the female lead—and utterly unworthy of the male lead.

Honestly, the male lead isn’t good enough for the female lead either. If he could be swayed by the villainess, how pure is his love? A man who farms for a lifetime is worthy of the resilient, once-wealthy female lead?

How conceited. Probably written by a male author. Ugh.

Song Yugui cursed internally until Aunt Li called out cheerfully, “Xizhi, your wife’s here to see you! Can’t bear to be apart for even a moment. She just got back and started looking for you when she didn’t find you home.”

Shen Xizhi didn’t immediately turn around in delight. Instead, her posture stiffened slightly, her slender back straightening as if bracing for something.

Song Yugui didn’t notice anything amiss and walked over to speak to her. But the woman beside her suddenly stood up.

Her pretty face was full of anger as she pointed accusingly. “Song Yugui, how many times have I told you to stop following me!”

Song Yugui: Huh?

She scrutinized the woman and finally recognized her as the beautiful but somewhat narcissistic girl she’d encountered right after transmigrating.

Before she could respond, Aunt Li shrilled, “Oh my, the village chief’s daughter is doing her own laundry? How hardworking! Our Xiaogui is here to fetch her wife, not you. You must have misunderstood.”

Aunt Li had heard of Song Yugui’s infatuation with the village beauty, but since no new gossip had surfaced lately, she assumed… it was over?

She glanced at Song Yugui suspiciously. Surely she isn’t trying to have both?

So this is the village chief’s daughter, the girl the original host liked?

She’s indeed beautiful enough to be the village belle, but I still prefer the villainess.

“Miss, I’m here to take my wife home, not… uh, follow you.”

Regardless of the original host’s feelings, she was determined to clear her name. She couldn’t stand the pointing and whispering anymore—just thinking about it made her fists clench.

“Take your wife home?”

The village belle looked skeptical. After a moment, she lifted her chin. “Hmph, I heard you’ve been telling everyone you’ve turned over a new leaf and will treat your wife well?”

Song Yugui: “…”

I barely know anyone in the village. Who would I tell?

But there was no need to explain. “Miss Village Belle, Xizhi is my wife. Of course I should treat her well.”

Aunt Li, seeing no signs of Song Yugui harassing the village belle, relaxed and began washing clothes by the bank.

The village belle’s pretty face darkened. What kind of address is ‘Miss Village Belle’?

What nonsense is she spouting?

Song Yugui couldn’t remember the village belle’s name. She’d asked before and had some impression, but now, faced with her abruptly, it slipped her mind.

The village belle was also there to do laundry. She crossed her arms, her hands slightly red from the cold, and sneered. “Hmph, don’t think playing hard to get will work on me. I’ve told you before—I don’t swing that way, and I don’t like you!”

Calling me ‘Miss Village Belle’? She’s definitely doing it on purpose. I wasn’t sure at first, but now I’m certain—Song Yugui followed me here and is using her wife as an excuse.

Tsk, poor Shen Xizhi. I wonder if she heard what I just said.

Song Yugui was stunned by the village belle’s confidence. What on earth did the original host say to make her so sure I could never move on?

This is insane. She left no room for future me!

She instinctively glanced at her wife, who still hadn’t turned around. Even though I’m right beside her, she hasn’t rushed over or looked at me. It feels like… she’s upset.

“I know. I’m not playing hard to get, and I don’t like you.”

The village belle kept accusing her of stalking, making her sound like some creepy obsessive. She’d explained multiple times and rarely appeared before her lately, yet the accusations persisted. Even a saint would lose patience.

Song Yugui’s expression cooled slightly.

“Hmph, you’ve said that many times before!”

…

She really blocked all escape routes for future me. I want to dig up the original host’s soul and whip it. What kind of lunatic was she?

Song Yugui’s lips twitched, and she finally forced out, “This time, I mean it. Whether you believe me or not.”

“Yeah, right. I wish it were true.”

Song Xinyu lifted her chin haughtily, then glared at Song Yugui again.

Whether she’d finished washing or just didn’t want to stay around Song Yugui, she picked up her basin and left.

Song Yugui frowned at her retreating figure, still feeling frustrated by the situation.

She crouched down to take the washing paddle from Shen Xizhi, but the other subtly shifted it away, avoiding her hand.

Song Yugui froze and looked up. The woman’s stunning face was cold, her lips pressed into a tight line as she refused to meet her eyes, continuing to pound the clothes.

Thud.

THUD.

THUD!!

Each strike grew heavier, and Song Yugui flinched with every hit, as if the paddle wasn’t beating the clothes but her instead.

Finally, she and Aunt Li both turned to stare at Shen Xizhi.

They had to—the splashing water had flown right into Aunt Li’s mouth.