My Villainess Is Definitely Not a Black Lotus - Chapter 12

Fu Jianxu stood on tiptoe, peering around anxiously. When she saw Ji Xiaoyu approaching from Lao Hu’s direction, she rushed forward. How did it go? Did you manage it?

Brother Hu said as long as he gets his daily share, you can do whatever you want with the remaining fish for fifty people, Ji Xiaoyu replied with a smile.

Fu Jianxu’s eyes lit up as she gazed at Ji Xiaoyu. She’s amazing! If I’d tried to talk to that gruff Lao Hu, I doubt I could have convinced him!

Ji Xiaoyu shifted uncomfortably under Fu Jianxu’s intense gaze, cleared her throat, and looked away. After a moment’s thought, she suggested, Sister Jianxu, why not offer free cooking on the first day? Once they taste your skills, you’ll have no trouble attracting customers.

That’s exactly what I was thinking! Fu Jianxu nodded enthusiastically.

To start her business, she could no longer rely on borrowing Zhou Daya’s pot or Hao Hong’s oil. She had already informed them in advance, and both had immediately placed orders.

The next day, less than two hours after starting work, Ji Xiaoyu arrived at the docks with a wooden cart borrowed from Aunt Chunhao. After collecting the fish from Lao Hu and setting up the pot, she began calling out in a clear, lively voice

Everyone, remember to come try the fish at lunchtime! The cook is offering free samples today!

Her hands moved swiftly, scaling and gutting the fish in one fluid motion. By the time Fu Jianxu arrived after work, the pot was already hot and the fish were cleaned and ready.

The young girl learned quickly, worked efficiently, and showed no stage fright. Fu Jianxu watched her with a warm smile as she busied herself, looking remarkably competent.

She smiled at Ji Xiaoyu, inspected the fish—which were perfectly cleaned, even the tiny teeth meticulously removed—and rolled up her sleeves to get to work. Hot oil sizzled in the wok as she tossed in minced scallions, ginger, and garlic. The fragrant aroma exploded across the dock.

Workers gathered in small groups, and the blue-turbaned woman from yesterday pushed to the front, her voice impatient. When will it be ready?

Almost there! Ji Xiaoyu replied cheerfully, then raised her voice. Only fifty portions! First come, first served!

The wok was large enough to simmer broth for about ten servings of fish. She whispered a reminder to Ji Xiaoyu, who immediately announced, Ten servings per batch! Line up if you want some! It’s free today, but tomorrow we’ll charge one wen for processing—just to cover the cost of our seasonings!

The irresistible aroma soon drew workers from other sheds. The fish sold out remarkably fast—each batch took only three minutes. In less than half an hour, the wok was scraped clean, not even a drop of broth remaining. Fu Jianxu and Ji Xiaoyu were so busy they didn’t even have time for a sip of water, watching helplessly as the last portion was carried away.

Fu Jianxu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She had no choice but to cook another pot over the remaining embers. After hastily filling her stomach, she trudged back to work with a long face.

When she finished work, she found Ji Xiaoyu still there, squatting on the wooden cart with her eyes closed, pretending to nap. Fu Jianxu dusted off her clothes, washed her hands in the river, and hurried over. Why haven’t you left yet?

I was waiting for you, Sister Jianxu, Ji Xiaoyu said, opening her eyes, which still held a misty sheen of tears.

The young girl was at an age when she should be growing taller, but she was constantly burdened with endless chores. Fu Jianxu tugged at her dry, yellowish hair with a pang of sympathy. Go home and rest.

Rest was out of the question.

The moment Fu Jianxu’s bottom touched the stool at home, Ji Xiaoyu deftly tied her hemp rope, tucked her trouser legs into her cloth socks, and slung her bamboo basket over her shoulder, ready to rush out. Fu Jianxu quickly stopped her. Where are you going?

Sister Jianxu, we’re running low on firewood. I’m going to gather some—we’ll need plenty for cooking fish later, Ji Xiaoyu explained, blinking her eyes.

I’ll come with you…

Before they even reached the mountains, Fu Jianxu was already panting heavily. Ji Xiaoyu silently stopped, pointing to the bare tree stumps lining the road. All the dry branches near here have been picked clean. I usually have to go deeper into the mountains…

Do you often go into the mountains alone? Fu Jianxu’s heart tightened with worry. It was far too dangerous. She planted her axe firmly in the ground. You gather here today. I’ll go deeper to chop wood.

Fifteen minutes later.

Fu Jianxu mechanically swung her axe, her eyes glazed over.

She looked alive, but in truth, her mind had wandered long ago.

Ji Xiaoyu returned with a bundle of firewood to find her in this state.

By the end of the day, the two had managed to haul back over ten bundles of firewood. Fu Jianxu collapsed onto the neatly stacked pile, even her fingertips trembling.

Too exhausted to even shift her aching rear.

Heavenly Grandmother, if I’ve sinned, let a wicked woman toy with my emotions as punishment, not send me to this village for hard labor!

She screamed inwardly, her face expressionless.

And I still have to make dinner…

The thought plunged her into deeper despair.

Tonight, we’ll keep it simple. She rinsed the brown rice thoroughly, cracked three eggs into the pot, and set it to steam.

Ji Xiaoyu and her daughter only needed basic nutrition for the day. She simply couldn’t do any more…

It was ironic that she had worried about feeling awkward or losing sleep sharing a bed with the little girl. Sleep was the last thing she struggled with she collapsed into bed exhausted every night and couldn’t even get up in the morning.

The next day, while it was still dark, Ji Xiaoyu stood fully dressed at Fu Jianxu’s bedside.

Fu Jianxu rubbed her eyes and sat up, surprised. Why are you up so early? You could have gone later.

Even arriving an hour and a half later would have been fine.

Ji Xiaoyu shook her head. She needed to fetch water, do laundry, and tend the vegetable garden—chores usually done during the day. Now that she had work to earn money during the day, she had to squeeze in these tasks during the early morning hours.

Fu Jianxu assumed the little girl was clinging to her, wanting to accompany her to work. Feeling both helpless, embarrassed, and secretly pleased, she fidgeted with the hem of her shirt for a moment before relenting. Alright then, I’ll push the cart.

Fu Jianxu walked down the road alone, pushing the cart with a stiff expression. The grating sound of the wheels rolling over the pebbles was particularly irritating. When she reached the dock, she gritted her teeth, wanting to slam the cart down, but remembering it was borrowed, she forced herself to restrain her strength.

How foolish of me to think she cared!

She muttered under her breath, gently setting the cart down.

Forget it. That little girl works hard too. She’s always busy at home. I’m the adult here I shouldn’t hold a grudge against a child.

Before long, she had talked herself out of her mood and dutifully began another day of her grueling, animal-like labor.

Fu Jianxu, the Rice-Carrying Ox, finished her morning’s work with aching back and sore limbs, only to face another shift of ladling food at noon.

The crowd in front of her stall was as dense as ever. It took her a long time to squeeze her way to the pot. Her face was blank, her eyes vacant as she mechanically repeated the motions of cooking and serving fish.

Do people in this era just not know how to cook? How else could a simple grass carp be so fiercely coveted?

Of course they coveted it!

Zhou Daya, who hadn’t gotten her share, stormed up to Fu Jianxu, her voice furious. Sister! You’re so unfair! You didn’t save any for me?!

Fu Jianxu hadn’t even eaten herself yet. Meekly accepting the fish Zhou Daya had already prepared, she quickly cooked it and portioned it out for her.

Zhou Daya finally looked satisfied, ignoring the scalding heat as she shoved the food into her mouth as if she would starve if she waited even a second longer.

Fu Jianxu filled Ji Xiaoyu’s bowl to the brim, then poured the remaining broth into her own bowl. She took a sip of the fish soup, letting out a contented sigh. Ah, that’s comforting.

But her moment of comfort was short-lived, as she soon had to return to her role as the old ox, hauling rice sacks…

After work, Fu Jianxu and Ji Xiaoyu huddled together, counting the copper coins they had earned that day. She counted, then Ji Xiaoyu counted again. Adding in Ji Xiaoyu’s wages, they had a total of eighty-one coins!

The extra coin had been insisted upon by Zhou Daya, who claimed it was only fair compensation for the time they had taken from her work. Fu Jianxu had reluctantly accepted it.

Seeing how well business was going, they discussed increasing their production volume with Lao Hu. After all, the broth was already simmering, and all they needed to do at noon was blanch the ingredients. Even doubling the quantity wouldn’t be too much to handle.

Though Fu Jianxu wasn’t good at socializing, she had spent years navigating the social world in her previous life. She counted out twenty copper coins and offered them to Lao Hu.

Lao Hu naturally refused, leaving Fu Jianxu flustered.

Sensing the awkwardness, Ji Xiaoyu ventured, Brother Hu, we’re just running a small business on your territory. We’ll be relying on your continued support in the future.

You always have a way! Fu Jianxu’s eyes sparkled as she watched Ji Xiaoyu. With just a few words, Ji Xiaoyu had convinced Lao Hu to accept their tribute.

When my Xiaoyu speaks, nothing is impossible!

Ji Xiaoyu smiled shyly. It’s just about knowing how to deal with people to make a living. There’s nothing impressive about it.

If Fu Jianxu had known what Ji Xiaoyu was thinking, she would have vehemently protested. Knowing how to handle people is an incredible skill! I’m utterly envious!

Back home, Fu Jianxu counted out thirty-one copper coins from their earnings and handed them to Ji Xiaoyu.

F-for me? Ji Xiaoyu’s eyes widened slightly. What’s this new trick? Is she testing whether I dare to take them?

You worked so hard today, of course you deserve them, Fu Jianxu said, grabbing the coins and pressing them into Ji Xiaoyu’s palm. From now on, we’ll split our daily earnings four-six, with me getting four and you getting six.

Ji Xiaoyu recoiled as if burned, flipping the copper coins back into Fu Jianxu’s palm. Sister Jianxu works much harder. What I do is only right…

You gathered the firewood, cleaned the fish, and washed the pot. All I did was stir the fish slices at the bottom. Of course you deserve a larger share, Fu Jianxu insisted, urgently prying open Ji Xiaoyu’s fingers when she refused to take the coins.

It’s safer with you, Sister Jianxu… I’m clumsy and might lose it. Ji Xiaoyu lowered her head, staring at the tips of her shoes, desperate to hide the impatience in her eyes.

How long will this woman keep up this charade?

I trust you to manage the money…

Hearing this, Fu Jianxu sighed helplessly and stopped trying to force the coins on her. Fine, if the girl trusts me, I’ll keep it. I’ll just keep careful track of what’s mine and what’s hers.

At noon, the sun beat down mercilessly, its glare reflecting off the river’s surface in blinding white flashes.

Several shirtless workers squatted in the shadow of cargo crates, bringing coarse porcelain bowls to their lips. Nearby, the rich aroma from Ji Xiaoyu’s makeshift stove wafted over, making their mouths water.

Fu Jianxu’s eyes were dry and glazed over from exhaustion.

Heavenly Grandmother! Even the production team’s donkey doesn’t work this hard!