My Villainess Is Definitely Not a Black Lotus - Chapter 11

C-can you light the oil lamp again? Fu Jianxu asked, her voice trembling with nervousness.

Though puzzled, Ji Xiaoyu complied.

T-the thing on the table… it’s a g-gift for you. Before she could finish, Fu Jianxu ducked back under the covers.

The thing on the table? Ji Xiaoyu’s gaze shifted—

A… candied hawthorn skewer?

For… for her?

Why?

Don’t eat it tonight. It’ll hurt your teeth, a muffled voice rumbled from under the covers. After a pause, it added, But if you really want some, just have a little.

Have something sweet. It’ll cheer you up. Don’t cry anymore.

Did she buy this because Ji Xiaoyu had cried during dinner last night?

To comfort her?

Ji Xiaoyu stared at the candied hawthorn skewer, the crimson berries glistening under a translucent sugar coating, casting an amber glow in the lamplight. She stood frozen, her fingertips unconsciously curling inward.

Was this for her?

She could barely remember the last time someone had given her a gift.

As a child, after being beaten and scolded by her father, she would cower in the woodshed. The old woman next door would occasionally sneak her half a piece of malt candy. Later, when Fu Jianxu locked her in the woodshed to starve, only Aunt Chunhao pitied her enough to slip her a few bites of flatbread…

And now, this woman who used to lash out at her at the slightest provocation had actually bought her a candied hawthorn skewer because she had cried?

You… Ji Xiaoyu’s throat tightened. She reached for the skewer on the table, but her fingers recoiled as if burned when they touched the bamboo stick. Why?

The quilt rustled as Fu Jianxu’s muffled voice drifted out I… I just felt bad seeing you cry yesterday… After a pause, she added softly, And… I think I haven’t been very kind to you before.

Seems like?

Ji Xiaoyu’s fingertips trembled, and she suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to laugh.

Sister Jianxu, she began slowly, her voice barely a whisper, as if testing the waters. Do you remember how you used to treat me?

The blanket fell silent.

Damn you, original owner! What have you done to this child?! Fu Jianxu cursed inwardly, crawling around in the darkness beneath the covers.

And now I, an innocent bystander, have to bear the consequences!

After a long moment, Fu Jianxu cautiously poked half her head out, her hair disheveled but her eyes shining with startling intensity. She stared at Ji Xiaoyu, her lips moving as if she wanted to say something, but she swallowed the words back.

I… I don’t remember, she finally whispered, but don’t cry. It hurts me to see you like this. Trust me, I’ll never treat you that way again. If I break this promise, may lightning strike me dead, leaving my body torn to pieces!

Fu Jianxu raised three fingers in a solemn oath, her gaze fixed on Ji Xiaoyu with unwavering sincerity.

Ji Xiaoyu’s breath caught in her throat.

She gripped the candied hawthorn skewer so tightly that the sugary shell cracked, leaving sticky residue clinging to her fingertips. The discomfort barely registered.

How utterly absurd.

The person who had once beaten her so badly she couldn’t stand now claimed to feel pain at her tears?

She should have smashed the candied hawthorns on the ground, sneered coldly, and demanded if Fu Jianxu was playing another trick…

But in the end, she simply lowered her head, peeled off the sugary coating, and took a tiny, quick bite.

…So sweet.

A sweetness she had never tasted before…

A sweetness that made her eyes sting.

…Thank you, she murmured, her voice hoarse and barely audible.

Fu Jianxu didn’t miss the faint whisper of gratitude. Her eyes lit up instantly, as if she had received the greatest reward. She scrambled out of bed, her almond-shaped eyes wide and pleading as she gazed at Ji Xiaoyu. Is it good? I spent ages picking it out! The old man selling them said this one was the sweetest—

Before she could finish, Ji Xiaoyu abruptly turned and blew out the oil lamp.

In the darkness, Fu Jianxu heard Ji Xiaoyu flip over and climb back into bed, her movements rustling softly, as if deliberately keeping her distance.

…Let’s sleep, Ji Xiaoyu said, her voice calm as she faced away from Fu Jianxu. If the sugar melts tomorrow, it won’t taste as good.

Fu Jianxu murmured an okay and obediently lay down. Thinking Ji Xiaoyu was disgusted by her, she secretly scooted further away, giving Ji Xiaoyu more space.

As long as she enjoys it, it’s worth the six copper coins I spent to buy this candied hawthorn skewer.

Six copper coins… Fu Jianxu blinked in the darkness. That was the original owner’s entire savings, enough to buy two small fish. Sugar was ridiculously expensive in ancient times. She’d need to find a way to earn more money to buy Ji Xiaoyu more sweets in the future.

Thinking this, she mentally cursed the original owner again. What a useless wretch! After living this long, all you managed to save was enough for a single candied hawthorn skewer? Why didn’t you just starve yourself to death?

As she continued to berate the original owner, she suddenly calmed down. This is for the best. Let’s consider these six copper coins the first installment of atonement for that Fu Jianxu’s sins.

Though a single candied hawthorn skewer couldn’t possibly compensate for even a ten-thousandth part of the suffering Ji Xiaoyu had endured…

It doesn’t matter, Xiaoyu. The Fu Jianxu who hurt you is dead. From now on, your days will become sweeter and sweeter, just like this candied hawthorn skewer…

The day’s exhaustion gradually washed over her, blurring her thoughts. As the night deepened and the dew grew heavier, she unconsciously snuggled closer to the warmth, a faint smile flickering across her lips in her sleep.

The night grew darker.

Ji Xiaoyu lay awake, listening to the steady breathing behind her. She unconsciously tugged at the cotton quilt pressing down on her—just days ago, she could never have imagined sleeping in such a comfortable bed, yet here she was, actually doing so.

As a child, she had watched her mother grumble and curse while buying candied hawthorns for the children from the peddler who came to the village. She hadn’t even dared to imagine what they tasted like.

But tonight, she had tasted candied hawthorns. Like a dream, these past few days had felt like a half-awake, half-dreaming state.

How long could this kind of life last?

She didn’t know.

But she knew, tragically and uncontrollably…

She was already clinging to this single morsel of sweetness she had tasted in her life.

Damn it!

Time to get up for work again!

Fu Jianxu cursed inwardly, unable to contain her frustration.

She slowly put on her clothes, her movements stiff and mechanical, as if life had drained her soul. Her arms ached and felt heavy days of hauling rice sacks had left her muscles tense, even the slightest movement causing a dull ache.

It’ll be alright, Fu Jianxu. You’ll get used to it in a month or two.

Get used to it, my ass!

She couldn’t adapt to this kind of life, not in a month, not even in a year.

Finally, lunchtime arrived. She viciously tossed the last rice sack onto the cart, wiped the sweat from her brow, and, with a grim expression, pulled out her seasonings to prepare the fish.

At least good food could salvage this miserable day.

Today’s dish was garlic-flavored fish. She had specifically brought a head of garlic that morning, estimating it would be enough for four people.

Hey, why’s this fish so plump today? Hao Hong asked curiously, crowding around Zhou Daya, who had just collected her share.

Foreman Lao Hu wants Sister Jianxu’s fish today, Zhou Daya whispered, lowering her voice. Of course he’d pick the fattest one for himself.

Oil was a precious commodity, one that no household dared use sparingly. Fu Jianxu had brought her culinary skills and seasonings, and Zhou Daya carried her wok to work daily. Hao Hong, feeling the pinch, brought a small jar of oil from home, clicking her tongue in regret as she handed it over.

But when the garlic sizzled in the oil, releasing its fragrant aroma—

It’s just oil! Use it! We’re using oil!

Several female workers nearby, who were cooking fish in plain water, couldn’t help but crane their necks at the enticing smell. One of them teased, Da Hong, bringing oil to work? Fancy!

After a long day of labor, they usually opted for convenience, gathering in small groups of three to five around a single pot to boil whatever filled their bellies.

But today, the fish chunks floating in their plain water suddenly tasted bland—

The neighboring wok, filled with garlic-infused oil and the fresh scent of fish, exuded an almost domineering aroma. And the way Zhou Daya and Hao Hong devoured their meals with such blissful abandon only intensified the temptation.

Gulp— Someone swallowed hard.

Sister Daya, let me have a taste! A worker with a blue headscarf was the first to act. She squeezed next to Zhou Daya, her eyes fixed on the golden-brown fish slices in her bowl, a forced smile plastered on her face.

Zhou Daya had just popped a slice of fish into her mouth, savoring the flavor and reluctant to swallow. Hearing the woman’s words, she instinctively clutched her bowl closer to her chest. Glancing down at the few remaining slices of fish in her bowl, she winced at the thought of sharing. With a pained expression, she picked out the smallest piece, hesitated, then tore it in half, offering half to the female worker.

Oh, my dear mother! The blue-turbaned woman’s eyes widened the moment the fish touched her tongue. The taste—garlic-infused fishiness exploding on her palate, the savory aroma shooting straight to the crown of her head. She smacked her lips, utterly captivated by the flavor, and shamelessly pressed closer. Sister Daya, I didn’t get a proper taste earlier. Could I have just a little more?

This time, Zhou Daya simply turned her bowl away, refusing to share. No amount of flattery could sway her.

You’re going to starve yourself to death! Hao Hong couldn’t bear to watch. She picked out the smallest piece from her own bowl and tossed it over. Here, just this one piece!

Hehehe, Sister Da Hong is the best! The woman didn’t mind Hao Hong’s stinginess. She snatched the half-slice of fish and stuffed it into her mouth, her eyes widening again.

My goodness! This is so fragrant! The female worker cherished the fish, holding it in her mouth for what seemed like an eternity, until it nearly melted before she reluctantly swallowed.

Her eyes darted around before she leaned closer to Hao Hong. Can I join you for dinner tomorrow?

Before tasting it, she had merely craved the food. But now that she had experienced its flavor, being denied it was true agony.

I didn’t make this, Hao Hong said, swallowing her mouthful. She nodded toward Fu Jianxu. She did. Go ask the chef herself.

Only then did the female worker notice Fu Jianxu, who was quietly eating in the corner. She approached her with familiar ease. Hey, Sister, can you make me a portion tomorrow too?

Fu Jianxu, realizing the worker’s attention had shifted to her, lifted her head from her bowl.

After a long pause, the worker, fearing rejection and recalling the exquisite taste, gritted her teeth and quickly added, I’ll pay! One copper coin for the labor!

Slightly surprised, Fu Jianxu nodded in agreement.

Could she really earn money this way?

She lowered her head again, her almond-shaped eyes darting around as an idea formed in her mind.

Sister Jianxu, did you say you’re going to sell hot pot bases at the docks to earn processing fees? Ji Xiaoyu asked, her gaze complex as she studied the earnest woman before her.

That’s right! Fu Jianxu’s eyes sparkled as she counted on her fingers. The workers, especially the men, find it too much trouble. They just gather in groups, toss ingredients into a clay pot, and call it a meal. Today, one of them tasted my cooking and offered me a wen to process his ingredients.

Her excitement grew as she spoke. Preparing the hot pot bases required little effort, and the daily costs were minimal. With the autumn harvest in full swing, there must be at least a hundred workers at the docks. Earning fifty wen a day should be easy, right?

Ji Xiaoyu had no doubt Fu Jianxu’s skills could earn money. Her surprise stemmed from the fact that this fool had actually come up with a way to make money on her own. Though astonished, she wouldn’t dampen her enthusiasm. In fact, she hoped Fu Jianxu would earn even more. Not necessarily for her to spend, but at least so she wouldn’t have to keep asking for copper coins.

Suppressing her surprise, Ji Xiaoyu asked calmly, So, what’s your plan, Sister?

This is where I need your help, Xiaoyu, Fu Jianxu suddenly leaned closer, grinning mischievously and revealing a pair of small dimples.

C-can you light the oil lamp again? Fu Jianxu asked, her voice trembling with nervousness.

Though puzzled, Ji Xiaoyu complied.

T-the thing on the table… it’s a g-gift for you. Before she could finish, Fu Jianxu ducked back under the covers.

The thing on the table? Ji Xiaoyu’s gaze shifted—

A… candied hawthorn skewer?

For… for her?

Why?

Don’t eat it tonight. It’ll hurt your teeth, a muffled voice rumbled from under the covers. After a pause, it added, But if you really want some, just have a little.

Have something sweet. It’ll cheer you up. Don’t cry anymore.

Did she buy this because Ji Xiaoyu had cried during dinner last night?

To comfort her?

Ji Xiaoyu stared at the candied hawthorn skewer, the crimson berries glistening under a translucent sugar coating, casting an amber glow in the lamplight. She stood frozen, her fingertips unconsciously curling inward.

Was this for her?

She could barely remember the last time someone had given her a gift.

As a child, after being beaten and scolded by her father, she would cower in the woodshed. The old woman next door would occasionally sneak her half a piece of malt candy. Later, when Fu Jianxu locked her in the woodshed to starve, only Aunt Chunhao pitied her enough to slip her a few bites of flatbread…

And now, this woman who used to lash out at her at the slightest provocation had actually bought her a candied hawthorn skewer because she had cried?

You… Ji Xiaoyu’s throat tightened. She reached for the skewer on the table, but her fingers recoiled as if burned when they touched the bamboo stick. Why?

The quilt rustled as Fu Jianxu’s muffled voice drifted out I… I just felt bad seeing you cry yesterday… After a pause, she added softly, And… I think I haven’t been very kind to you before.

Seems like?

Ji Xiaoyu’s fingertips trembled, and she suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to laugh.

Sister Jianxu, she began slowly, her voice barely a whisper, as if testing the waters. Do you remember how you used to treat me?

The blanket fell silent.

Damn you, original owner! What have you done to this child?! Fu Jianxu cursed inwardly, crawling around in the darkness beneath the covers.

And now I, an innocent bystander, have to bear the consequences!

After a long moment, Fu Jianxu cautiously poked half her head out, her hair disheveled but her eyes shining with startling intensity. She stared at Ji Xiaoyu, her lips moving as if she wanted to say something, but she swallowed the words back.

I… I don’t remember, she finally whispered, but don’t cry. It hurts me to see you like this. Trust me, I’ll never treat you that way again. If I break this promise, may lightning strike me dead, leaving my body torn to pieces!

Fu Jianxu raised three fingers in a solemn oath, her gaze fixed on Ji Xiaoyu with unwavering sincerity.

Ji Xiaoyu’s breath caught in her throat.

She gripped the candied hawthorn skewer so tightly that the sugary shell cracked, leaving sticky residue clinging to her fingertips. The discomfort barely registered.

How utterly absurd.

The person who had once beaten her so badly she couldn’t stand now claimed to feel pain at her tears?

She should have smashed the candied hawthorns on the ground, sneered coldly, and demanded if Fu Jianxu was playing another trick…

But in the end, she simply lowered her head, peeled off the sugary coating, and took a tiny, quick bite.

…So sweet.

A sweetness she had never tasted before…

A sweetness that made her eyes sting.

…Thank you, she murmured, her voice hoarse and barely audible.

Fu Jianxu didn’t miss the faint whisper of gratitude. Her eyes lit up instantly, as if she had received the greatest reward. She scrambled out of bed, her almond-shaped eyes wide and pleading as she gazed at Ji Xiaoyu. Is it good? I spent ages picking it out! The old man selling them said this one was the sweetest—

Before she could finish, Ji Xiaoyu abruptly turned and blew out the oil lamp.

In the darkness, Fu Jianxu heard Ji Xiaoyu flip over and climb back into bed, her movements rustling softly, as if deliberately keeping her distance.

…Let’s sleep, Ji Xiaoyu said, her voice calm as she faced away from Fu Jianxu. If the sugar melts tomorrow, it won’t taste as good.

Fu Jianxu murmured an okay and obediently lay down. Thinking Ji Xiaoyu was disgusted by her, she secretly scooted further away, giving Ji Xiaoyu more space.

As long as she enjoys it, it’s worth the six copper coins I spent to buy this candied hawthorn skewer.

Six copper coins… Fu Jianxu blinked in the darkness. That was the original owner’s entire savings, enough to buy two small fish. Sugar was ridiculously expensive in ancient times. She’d need to find a way to earn more money to buy Ji Xiaoyu more sweets in the future.

Thinking this, she mentally cursed the original owner again. What a useless wretch! After living this long, all you managed to save was enough for a single candied hawthorn skewer? Why didn’t you just starve yourself to death?

As she continued to berate the original owner, she suddenly calmed down. This is for the best. Let’s consider these six copper coins the first installment of atonement for that Fu Jianxu’s sins.

Though a single candied hawthorn skewer couldn’t possibly compensate for even a ten-thousandth part of the suffering Ji Xiaoyu had endured…

It doesn’t matter, Xiaoyu. The Fu Jianxu who hurt you is dead. From now on, your days will become sweeter and sweeter, just like this candied hawthorn skewer…

The day’s exhaustion gradually washed over her, blurring her thoughts. As the night deepened and the dew grew heavier, she unconsciously snuggled closer to the warmth, a faint smile flickering across her lips in her sleep.

The night grew darker.

Ji Xiaoyu lay awake, listening to the steady breathing behind her. She unconsciously tugged at the cotton quilt pressing down on her—just days ago, she could never have imagined sleeping in such a comfortable bed, yet here she was, actually doing so.

As a child, she had watched her mother grumble and curse while buying candied hawthorns for the children from the peddler who came to the village. She hadn’t even dared to imagine what they tasted like.

But tonight, she had tasted candied hawthorns. Like a dream, these past few days had felt like a half-awake, half-dreaming state.

How long could this kind of life last?

She didn’t know.

But she knew, tragically and uncontrollably…

She was already clinging to this single morsel of sweetness she had tasted in her life.

Damn it!

Time to get up for work again!

Fu Jianxu cursed inwardly, unable to contain her frustration.

She slowly put on her clothes, her movements stiff and mechanical, as if life had drained her soul. Her arms ached and felt heavy days of hauling rice sacks had left her muscles tense, even the slightest movement causing a dull ache.

It’ll be alright, Fu Jianxu. You’ll get used to it in a month or two.

Get used to it, my ass!

She couldn’t adapt to this kind of life, not in a month, not even in a year.

Finally, lunchtime arrived. She viciously tossed the last rice sack onto the cart, wiped the sweat from her brow, and, with a grim expression, pulled out her seasonings to prepare the fish.

At least good food could salvage this miserable day.

Today’s dish was garlic-flavored fish. She had specifically brought a head of garlic that morning, estimating it would be enough for four people.

Hey, why’s this fish so plump today? Hao Hong asked curiously, crowding around Zhou Daya, who had just collected her share.

Foreman Lao Hu wants Sister Jianxu’s fish today, Zhou Daya whispered, lowering her voice. Of course he’d pick the fattest one for himself.

Oil was a precious commodity, one that no household dared use sparingly. Fu Jianxu had brought her culinary skills and seasonings, and Zhou Daya carried her wok to work daily. Hao Hong, feeling the pinch, brought a small jar of oil from home, clicking her tongue in regret as she handed it over.

But when the garlic sizzled in the oil, releasing its fragrant aroma—

It’s just oil! Use it! We’re using oil!

Several female workers nearby, who were cooking fish in plain water, couldn’t help but crane their necks at the enticing smell. One of them teased, Da Hong, bringing oil to work? Fancy!

After a long day of labor, they usually opted for convenience, gathering in small groups of three to five around a single pot to boil whatever filled their bellies.

But today, the fish chunks floating in their plain water suddenly tasted bland—

The neighboring wok, filled with garlic-infused oil and the fresh scent of fish, exuded an almost domineering aroma. And the way Zhou Daya and Hao Hong devoured their meals with such blissful abandon only intensified the temptation.

Gulp— Someone swallowed hard.

Sister Daya, let me have a taste! A worker with a blue headscarf was the first to act. She squeezed next to Zhou Daya, her eyes fixed on the golden-brown fish slices in her bowl, a forced smile plastered on her face.

Zhou Daya had just popped a slice of fish into her mouth, savoring the flavor and reluctant to swallow. Hearing the woman’s words, she instinctively clutched her bowl closer to her chest. Glancing down at the few remaining slices of fish in her bowl, she winced at the thought of sharing. With a pained expression, she picked out the smallest piece, hesitated, then tore it in half, offering half to the female worker.

Oh, my dear mother! The blue-turbaned woman’s eyes widened the moment the fish touched her tongue. The taste—garlic-infused fishiness exploding on her palate, the savory aroma shooting straight to the crown of her head. She smacked her lips, utterly captivated by the flavor, and shamelessly pressed closer. Sister Daya, I didn’t get a proper taste earlier. Could I have just a little more?

This time, Zhou Daya simply turned her bowl away, refusing to share. No amount of flattery could sway her.

You’re going to starve yourself to death! Hao Hong couldn’t bear to watch. She picked out the smallest piece from her own bowl and tossed it over. Here, just this one piece!

Hehehe, Sister Da Hong is the best! The woman didn’t mind Hao Hong’s stinginess. She snatched the half-slice of fish and stuffed it into her mouth, her eyes widening again.

My goodness! This is so fragrant! The female worker cherished the fish, holding it in her mouth for what seemed like an eternity, until it nearly melted before she reluctantly swallowed.

Her eyes darted around before she leaned closer to Hao Hong. Can I join you for dinner tomorrow?

Before tasting it, she had merely craved the food. But now that she had experienced its flavor, being denied it was true agony.

I didn’t make this, Hao Hong said, swallowing her mouthful. She nodded toward Fu Jianxu. She did. Go ask the chef herself.

Only then did the female worker notice Fu Jianxu, who was quietly eating in the corner. She approached her with familiar ease. Hey, Sister, can you make me a portion tomorrow too?

Fu Jianxu, realizing the worker’s attention had shifted to her, lifted her head from her bowl.

After a long pause, the worker, fearing rejection and recalling the exquisite taste, gritted her teeth and quickly added, I’ll pay! One copper coin for the labor!

Slightly surprised, Fu Jianxu nodded in agreement.

Could she really earn money this way?

She lowered her head again, her almond-shaped eyes darting around as an idea formed in her mind.

Sister Jianxu, did you say you’re going to sell hot pot bases at the docks to earn processing fees? Ji Xiaoyu asked, her gaze complex as she studied the earnest woman before her.

That’s right! Fu Jianxu’s eyes sparkled as she counted on her fingers. The workers, especially the men, find it too much trouble. They just gather in groups, toss ingredients into a clay pot, and call it a meal. Today, one of them tasted my cooking and offered me a wen to process his ingredients.

Her excitement grew as she spoke. Preparing the hot pot bases required little effort, and the daily costs were minimal. With the autumn harvest in full swing, there must be at least a hundred workers at the docks. Earning fifty wen a day should be easy, right?

Ji Xiaoyu had no doubt Fu Jianxu’s skills could earn money. Her surprise stemmed from the fact that this fool had actually come up with a way to make money on her own. Though astonished, she wouldn’t dampen her enthusiasm. In fact, she hoped Fu Jianxu would earn even more. Not necessarily for her to spend, but at least so she wouldn’t have to keep asking for copper coins.

Suppressing her surprise, Ji Xiaoyu asked calmly, So, what’s your plan, Sister?

This is where I need your help, Xiaoyu, Fu Jianxu suddenly leaned closer, grinning mischievously and revealing a pair of small dimples.