I'll Raise Pigs to Support You - Chapter 50
That day, when Song Yugui returned from selling meat in town and was halfway up the small earthen slope, Shen Xizhi, who had just seen off Aunt Li, spotted her. Her dark eyes instantly lit up, her lips curling into a smile as she trotted over.
“Sister Yugui, I missed you so much~”
Her voice was so sweet it could make one’s teeth ache.
Since the incident with the Shen family that day, her clingy nature had only intensified. She followed Song Yugui everywhere, constantly seeking hugs and hand-holding. Song Yugui wouldn’t let her go to town, so she waited eagerly at home every day, rushing to embrace her the moment she returned.
“Mmm, did you eat breakfast properly today?”
Sometimes, Song Yugui would leave breakfast for Xizhi, but if she overslept, she’d leave directly. On days she left food, Xizhi usually ate, but if she didn’t…
Well, sometimes Xizhi ate, sometimes she didn’t. Once, the little girl had accidentally let it slip, and only then did Song Yugui find out. Now, she made sure to ask every time she returned.
Shen Xizhi buried her face in her wife’s chest, rubbing against her vigorously. After forgetting to eat breakfast once and enduring Song Yugui’s deliberate silence for a full hour, how could she dare skip meals again?
She nodded quickly, her expression adorably earnest. “I ate, I ate. I’ll take care of my health.”
Though she didn’t understand what a “stomach illness” was, her wife had made it sound serious, so she took it to heart.
“Mmm, good girl.”
Song Yugui reached out and ruffled the back of her head.
Hand in hand, they walked inside. Song Yugui was pulled to sit by the bed, and Shen Xizhi said excitedly, “Did you know? My father and brothers from my maiden family got beaten up!”
“…”
Song Yugui silently lowered her eyes, trying not to reveal her guilt, even forcing a tone of surprise. “Oh, really? What happened? Who did it?”
Shen Xizhi shook her head. “No one knows who did it, but I’m so happy!”
Outside, the wind gradually softened, gently brushing against the wooden door. Song Yugui’s lips curled into a faint smile, her eyes crinkling. Totally worth it.
“They got what they deserved. They must’ve offended too many people outside to have someone come after them.”
“Mm-hmm, that’s what I said too! Some folks in the village even accused you of beating up the Shen family. As if! You don’t hit people anymore. I told Auntie not to spread rumors, and she promised to clear your name!”
Song Yugui: Sweating bullets, my dear wife.
Her face betrayed nothing as she tilted her head and smiled in agreement. “Exactly, how could I do such a thing? I don’t hit people anymore.”
If Xizhi found out she’d hired people to ambush the Shen family… she’d definitely be scared. Xizhi had a psychological aversion to such things. Others could do it, but she absolutely couldn’t.
“Mm!”
Hearing her affirmation, Shen Xizhi’s eyes curved into crescents, and she snuggled deeper into her embrace.
Song Yugui wrapped an arm around her to keep her from toppling over while simultaneously thinking, This is too intimate. At night, Xizhi no longer curled up obediently in her arms but instead threw a leg high over her waist, sometimes so high it felt awkward. The softest part of her pressed against Song Yugui’s waist, and through the thin sleeping robe, she could even feel the delicate, fragile core, dampness seeping slightly into the fabric. Yet the little girl seemed utterly oblivious—whether truly dull or just stupid.
Since many villagers had helped them that day, Song Yugui felt grateful. After all, as two women, they wouldn’t have been able to handle that group alone. So every day on her way back, she deliberately set aside some pork to distribute to the villagers as thanks.
This gesture further dissolved the lingering barriers between Song Yugui and the villagers.
Before, some still remembered her past misdeeds and kept their distance, rarely interacting. But now, it was different. If someone had extra fruit or pickles at home, they’d send some over to Song Yugui’s household.
That day, after thanking the uncle who had informed her about the Shen family’s visit, Song Yugui carried a small bundle and pushed her cart home.
On the way, she ran into Song Xinyu, who seemed to be either admiring the scenery or just standing in the middle of the road. Song Yugui glanced at her and silently moved the cart aside to make way.
Unexpectedly, the other girl called out, “Song Yugui.”
She stopped. “Hmm? Miss Song?”
Because of her relationship with Chi Xiangyue, Song Xinyu often found herself in their company, and they could now exchange a few words without immediately quarreling. It was a far cry from their previous dynamic.
Song Yugui had gone all out to display affection in front of her, just to make it clear: Your dad’s old lady really doesn’t like you anymore, so stop saying I’m stalking you!!
After a few such encounters, the results were remarkable. She never heard another word about her having a crush on the village beauty.
Song Xinyu stopped her with a coy smile, skipping closer. “Hey, what did you buy for your wife this time?”
She’d heard from Chi Xiangyue that Song Yugui bought something for Shen Xizhi every day. Once, when she forgot, Shen Xizhi threw a tantrum and ignored her until Song Yugui spent ages coaxing her back.
She wasn’t sure if it was true.
Song Yugui smiled at the question. “Ah, these are clothes for Xizhi. It’s spring now, so she needs something lighter.”
Previously, she’d bought winter clothes for Shen Xizhi—thick and windproof, perfect for going out in the cold.
But now that the weather was warmer, winter clothes were too bulky, so she’d bought something thinner.
Song Xinyu’s gaze lingered on the bundle, her thoughts unreadable. After a moment, she continued smiling. “I’ve noticed you often buy her clothes.”
Song Yugui was surprised. “You noticed? Well, of course. She’s my wife. I didn’t treat her well before, so now I have to make it up to her.”
Though the so-called “mistreatment” was purely her taking the blame for the original host.
“Is that so? You treat her quite well.”
Hearing this, Song Yugui swelled with pride. Everyone can see it? Everyone can see how well I treat my little villain?
Good!
“Heh, of course I treat her the best. I’d better go now. If I’m late, Xizhi will get mad.”
“Alright, hurry back then.”
Song Yugui pulled the cart away, while Song Xinyu watched her retreating figure for a while before silently leaving.
Shen Xizhi was at home, cutting fabric while waiting. After learning she wanted to sew clothes, Song Yugui had bought her plenty of materials. She worked day and night, but Song Yugui told her to take her time, no need to rush.
How could she not rush? Song Yugui had already bought her several outfits, yet she hadn’t finished a single one…
Shen Xizhi’s face flushed.
Song Yugui called from the doorway, “Xizhi?”
Shen Xizhi’s eyes brightened, immediately standing up. “Sister Yugui, you’re back.”
“Mmm, I bought you a new dress. Come try it on.”
Hearing she’d bought yet another outfit, Shen Xizhi’s face turned crimson, and she shuffled over shyly. “Y-You shouldn’t keep buying me clothes. I have so many now, I can’t even wear them all.”
She’d never had so many clothes before. Even all her old ones combined couldn’t compare. She could wear a different outfit every day without repeating.
“How could that be? I don’t think it’s enough. Besides, this one’s for spring—lighter and more breathable, and the color is pretty. Don’t you want to try it?”
Shen Xizhi clung to her wife’s arm, her lake-blue earrings swaying as she cooed, “But I haven’t finished even one of the clothes I’m making for you. What if you run out? Let’s go to town tomorrow and buy a few outfits, okay~”
Song Yugui was utterly helpless against her wife’s clinginess. Xizhi’s coquettish pleas were all for her own good, so she agreed without hesitation. “Alright, but you’re not allowed to wake up early. Come find me after you’ve slept in. Once I’ve sold the meat, we’ll go shopping.”
She was also running out of clothes, patiently waiting for the outfit Xizhi was making. But who knew sewing was so time-consuming? Xizhi often worked late into the night by lamplight, yet she’d only finished most of it.
Fine, I’ll buy one set. But she added, “Even if I buy clothes, the ones I’m most looking forward to are the ones you’re making by hand. Once they’re done, I’ll wear them every day!”
Shen Xizhi was so delighted by this that she melted into her embrace, her voice soft and drawn out. “Wearing them every day will make them stinky.”
“I’ll love them even if they’re stinky.”
When it came to coaxing, Song Yugui never used her brain, saying whatever sounded sweet, logic be damned.
Shen Xizhi laughed even harder, burying her face in her wife’s neck.
Their skin touched as she nuzzled against her, deliberately pouting as if disgusted. “That won’t do. If you wear stinky clothes, you can’t come to bed and hug me anymore.”
“Hey, now you’re disliking me? Well, I’m coming up anyway. What can you do about it?”
Song Yugui held Shen Xizhi’s slender waist, keeping her in place.
Shen Xizhi pouted, thinking carefully. She really couldn’t do anything about her wife. Fine. As long as it was Sister Yugui, she wouldn’t mind even if she was stinky.
…
Ever since the incident with the Shen family, she felt her heart growing even closer to Song Yugui.
Her gaze would unconsciously linger on her, whether she was sitting in a daze or feeding the chickens and pigs. She just wanted to watch her.
After playing around for a while, they started preparing dinner. Song Yugui took out the clothes and pastries from the bundle. “After eating, you have to try these on for me.”
Tonight’s menu included braised pork. Their household no longer lacked meat—now, they were saving up to renovate the house.
Shen Xizhi obediently agreed. “Okay.”
The braised pork sizzled as it rendered its fat, the sauce adding color and aroma. Soon, the rich fragrance filled the air.
Chi Xiangyue, who had just stepped out of her house, smelled it from afar and hurried over, hopping the fence to enter.
The broken fence had been repaired, but she couldn’t be bothered with the gate, vaulting over it effortlessly.
She eagerly fawned over Shen Xizhi. “Xizhi, dear Xizhi, let me stay for dinner, please? It smells so good. I need this. If I don’t eat this meal, I won’t sleep tonight QAQ.”
She had a clear understanding of the household dynamics. While Song Yugui seemed to be in charge, if Shen Xizhi disagreed, Song Yugui usually couldn’t override her. So for free meals, it was best to plead with Xizhi directly. As long as Xizhi agreed, the meal was hers.
Shen Xizhi was exasperated. That day, after Chi Xiangyue helped her, she’d been grateful and invited her to stay for dinner. Who knew she’d start showing up every day at mealtime, never missing a single meal?
Gradually, Shen Xizhi grew annoyed—not because of the food but because Chi Xiangyue always stared at her and her wife being affectionate!
And she never missed a chance to tease them!
Faced with her friend’s begging, Shen Xizhi couldn’t help but glare. “Then don’t sleep!”
Her tone was icy and merciless.
Chi Xiangyue’s heart shattered. She couldn’t accept this. “No—just let me eat! You know I grew up in the capital, always following rules, never daring to step out of line. I never even had friends. Now that I’ve finally met you two, how can you be so cruel?”
“We can.”
This time, it was Song Yugui who chimed in from behind, amused. Chi Xiangyue glared at her before turning back to Shen Xizhi, raising three fingers in swearing. “I promise I won’t tease you this time. No matter how affectionate you two are, I’ll pretend I’m blind!”
Shen Xizhi’s face burned even hotter at the mention of their affection.
“Shut up! I don’t want to hear another word from you!”
Chi Xiangyue fell silent—but not completely. After a pause, she couldn’t resist whispering, “So… can I stay for dinner?”
Though met with another glare, she wasn’t kicked out. That was answer enough. Overjoyed, she skipped off to find Song Yugui.
Song Yugui stayed out of it. If she agreed to let Chi Xiangyue stay and Xizhi got mad, she’d be the one coaxing.
She wouldn’t prioritize others over her wife or disregard her feelings.
Chi Xiangyue sat down, chin raised arrogantly, though it was unclear what she had to be proud of.
Spotting an oil-paper package on the table, she reached for it. “What’s this? Did you buy Xizhi more pastries from Baoyue Pavilion?”
Baoyue Pavilion’s pastries were delicate, not too sweet, and never cloying. She loved them too!
Song Yugui glanced down, about to answer, when a fierce voice rang out from the kitchen. “Don’t touch my pastries! My wife bought those for me. Buy your own if you want some!”
Shen Xizhi stood by the stove, brandishing a large spoon, glaring daggers. Chi Xiangyue immediately recoiled, muttering, “Fine, fine. No pastries, no pastries. I’ll buy my own.”
The braised pork was soon ready. Shen Xizhi brought over a heaping plate, each piece glistening with rich sauce, irresistibly tempting.
Song Yugui sat up straight. Chi Xiangyue couldn’t help but swallow.
So fragrant! It looks so good!
Totally worth the begging!
Shen Xizhi was speechless at their ravenous expressions. It’s not like it’s your first time here for dinner.
“I’ll go serve you the rice.”
“Ah, no need, I’ll go. Let me do it. How can I keep letting you work so hard?”
Song Yugui was getting better and better at sweet talk. The young girl’s cheeks flushed faintly pink. Lowering her head, she bit her lip lightly and said softly, “It’s no trouble at all. You’re the one working tirelessly outside every day—that’s what’s truly hard.”
She left so early every morning, always rising before she even woke. Shen Xizhi’s heart ached for her, and she constantly found ways to prepare delicious meals—plenty of fish and meat—to nourish her back to health.
Their mutual doting led to a tender moment, interrupted when Chi Xiangyue lazily returned with three bowls of rice.
Starving. Can’t wait.
She thrust a bowl at each of them, snapping Song Yugui out of her reverie.
Shen Xizhi shot her a displeased glare, regretting letting her stay. Always interrupting us!
Hmph.
She burrowed deeper into her wife’s arms, watching as Song Yugui hastily moved the steaming bowl aside to avoid burning her. A small smile tugged at her lips.
After nuzzling Song Yugui’s cheek, she sat down to eat.
Chi Xiangyue watched them eagerly. Raised with manners, she wouldn’t eat before her hosts—even friends.
Song Yugui sometimes wondered why such a refined girl bothered with them. Just curiosity?
“Eat up. Didn’t your father assign daily calligraphy practice? Finished yet?”
She served Shen Xizhi a piece of braised pork and mixed some into her own rice. Chi Xiangyue, seeing them eat, finally dug in, her eyes closing in bliss at the first bite.
So good!
“Xizhi, you could open a restaurant with your cooking. Even in the capital, I’ve rarely tasted anything this delicious.”
Shen Xizhi didn’t look up. “No. I want to stay with my wife.”
“Tch.” Chi Xiangyue fake-winced. “You two are glued together every day. Don’t you get sick of it?”
“Of course not. Wife, do you get sick of it?”
Shen Xizhi turned a sweet gaze on Song Yugui, who sensed imminent doom if she answered wrong.
“Sick of it? Never! Xizhi is my best friend. I could never tire of her. Don’t spout nonsense and ruin our bond!”
Her righteous declaration backfired spectacularly.
Shen Xizhi’s face darkened, her entire posture screaming I’m furious.
Even with Song Yugui’s words favoring her, she wasn’t appeased—if anything, her anger spiked. The glare she leveled at Song Yugui could’ve frozen hell over.
For a split second, Song Yugui saw the blackened villainess of the original novel.
This lifetime’s gentler Xizhi rarely showed such fury. The unspoken message was clear: I’m unhappy. Extremely unhappy.
Song Yugui’s heart stuttered. An answer loomed, but she dared not examine it.
This wasn’t part of the plan.
Chi Xiangyue, busy inhaling her food, missed the drama until she swallowed and quipped, “Friends? You’re married! Talk like that and Xizhi might ignore you.”
Clueless, yet hitting the bullseye.
Song Yugui squirmed, glaring at her. “Less talking, more eating!”
Chi Xiangyue: “???”
“Hmph! You two bully me just because you’re good cooks!”
But she’d endure anything for this food. Even insults couldn’t make her leave before finishing.
Song Yugui fell silent, too unsettled to engage.
“Don’t just eat veggies. Have some meat.”
To balance the richness, Shen Xizhi had stir-fried crisp greens. Now ignoring everyone, she picked at them with her rice.
Song Yugui couldn’t bear it, serving her a lean piece of pork and drizzling sauce over her rice.
Shen Xizhi’s braised pork sauce was thick but not greasy, perfect for mixing.
Yet she rebuffed the gesture, plopping the meat back into Song Yugui’s bowl with unmistakable petulance.
Chi Xiangyue cackled. “She is mad. Serves you right for nonsense.”
Song Yugui: “…”
Panicked, she coaxed, “Don’t be angry. I misspoke. I’m sorry, okay?”
Shen Xizhi’s usual softness vanished. Her lips trembled as she glared through misty eyes. “You’re never wrong. It’s my fault for marrying you!”
Marrying this blockhead who doesn’t understand my feelings! Treating me so well yet calling me a friend?!
Every inch of me has been touched by you—how dare you say that?!
Too furious to eat, she snatched Song Yugui’s bowl and snapped, “No more eating for you!”
Song Yugui: “…”
Chi Xiangyue: Scarfing food down before mine gets confiscated too.
After eating, she fled. Not getting caught in a marital spat.
Alone, Song Yugui sat dumbfounded until the clatter of dishes snapped her back. Forcing a smile, she shoved her turmoil aside. Damage control first.
She hurried over. “Let me wash those.”
Shen Xizhi shot her an icy look but didn’t protest, stomping off with a loud hmph!
Her nose scrunched adorably in rage.
Song Yugui’s panic warred with fondness.
After scrubbing the dishes, she found Shen Xizhi in the yard, methodically shredding cabbage leaves.
She crouched beside her. “What’s wrong?”
Shen Xizhi ignored her.
“I accidentally said the wrong thing. Can you forgive me?”
“Was it really an accident?”
Shen Xizhi stared at the vegetable leaves for a moment before suddenly asking.
Her voice was as cold as the river in the depths of winter, no less biting.
Song Yugui stiffened, but inwardly, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride—truly worthy of being the ultimate villain, truly worthy of being her wife, so sharp and perceptive. But after the pride came helplessness as she hugged her bewildered self. How should she respond?
The silence from the person beside her said it all. Shen Xizhi didn’t need any more words to understand.
“Hmph.”
She let out a cold laugh and stood up to leave.
Song Yugui hurriedly chased after her, only to realize—her wife was actually packing her clothes!
Running away from home? Going back to her family?
Song Yugui’s mind went completely blank. In that moment, she had completely forgotten that the other woman had nowhere to go. All she could think was the fear of her leaving. In three quick steps, she rushed over, snatched the clothes away, and hid them behind her back, staring in disbelief.
“I just said one wrong thing, and you’re already leaving home?”
Shen Xizhi: “…”
“I was packing your clothes!!! The ones that were just washed today, you idiot! Now I have to fold them all over again—you’re nothing but trouble!”
Her delicate frame trembled slightly beneath the bundle of clothes, seething with anger. Yet deep down, she knew she couldn’t truly lose her temper, couldn’t make too big of a scene. Doing so would only push the other further away.
In the end, she clenched her teeth and could only manage this half-hearted rebuke.
Song Yugui’s heart settled slightly, and the stiffness in her face melted back into a smile. As long as she wasn’t running away from home, everything was fine.
“That was reckless of me. Let me help you fold them, okay? Don’t be angry. Sit down for a bit and cool off. You know I’m not as clever as you—if I accidentally say or do the wrong thing, don’t hold it against me, alright? My dear Xizhi.”
This time, it was her turn to cling to Shen Xizhi’s arm, coaxing her in a soft, pleading voice.
Shen Xizhi bit down on her tender lips, her heart truly aching with frustration—yet she couldn’t even vent it properly.
Her eyes grew damp with unshed tears, long, curled lashes glistening wetly, clumping together in clusters. She fought hard to keep the tears from falling, unaware of just how heartbreakingly vulnerable she looked in that moment.
A stubborn, aggrieved, and pitiful ultimate villain.