My Villainess Is Definitely Not a Black Lotus - Chapter 19

The milky-white pudding revealed its true form in the morning light, its surface as smooth as a mirror, reflecting a warm glow under the oil lamp.

Ji Xiaoyu leaned closer, her curiosity piqued by the dessert’s pristine whiteness and unbelievably delicate texture.

Fu Jianxu set down the lid, retrieved a wooden spoon she had prepared earlier, and carefully poked the pudding’s surface. The soft, creamy mass trembled gently, then sprang back with a duang. She let out a long sigh, her tense shoulders finally relaxing.

It was a success.

With gentle movements, she inverted the bowl, and the pudding slid smoothly onto the plate, its bottom perfectly set as well. After confirming everything was correct, she completely relaxed. She eagerly scooped up a spoonful and brought it to her mouth. The delicate, velvety texture melted on her tongue, the rich aroma of rice blending perfectly with the balanced sweetness. She couldn’t help but close her eyes in delight.

You’re going to love this! she exclaimed excitedly, scooping up another spoonful and offering it to Ji Xiaoyu.

Ji Xiaoyu froze momentarily, her eyelashes fluttering slightly. After a hesitant pause, she parted her lips slightly. The pudding melted instantly in her mouth, its sweet, yet not cloying, flavor spreading across her palate, leaving a lingering, rich aroma.

It wasn’t until Ji Xiaoyu had put the spoon in her mouth that Fu Jianxu realized they had been sharing the same utensil. Her face flushed crimson, and she stammered, I… I already used this spoon. I’ll get you another one.

Ji Xiaoyu remained in place, savoring the lingering sweetness in her mouth.

Fu Jianxu handed Ji Xiaoyu a clean spoon and began digging into her own pudding with the spoon. Once the heat in her cheeks had subsided, she turned to Ji Xiaoyu beside her and asked, Xiaoyu, do you think this recipe will sell?

I don’t see why not, Ji Xiaoyu replied, taking small bites of her pudding.

I’ll take a portion to Brother Xiao and ask for his opinion too, Fu Jianxu said, finishing her last bite of pudding. She grabbed a fresh plate and headed next door.

As Fu Jianxu approached the courtyard gate, the wooden door creaked open from the inside. Fu Zhixiao stood there, holding a birdcage. He clearly hadn’t expected to see her so early, and a flicker of surprise crossed his face. So early? What’s up?

I made some snacks and brought them for you to try, Fu Jianxu said, extending the plate in her hand.

In the dim yellow light of the oil lamp, Fu Zhixiao finally noticed the plate of snacks she was holding. The sun hadn’t risen yet, and the sky was still dark, making it impossible to see what it was from outside the courtyard. He set the cage he was carrying by the door, turned, and went inside to light the oil lamp. As the light drew closer to the plate, a jade-white, creamy dessert appeared, its surface so smooth it reflected the lamp’s glow.

What is this…? he asked, frowning in confusion.

Fu Jianxu explained in detail, handing him a wooden spoon. Fu Zhixiao hadn’t eaten a single grain of rice since morning, his stomach already empty. The novel snack stirred his appetite. He took the spoon and carefully lifted the plate. The moment the first bite touched his tongue, his eyes widened, and before he could even savor it, he scooped up a second spoonful.

Then came the third bite, the fourth…

When he scraped the plate clean, he still lingered, gently scraping the bottom with the spoon, unwilling to leave even the last trace. Fu Jianxu couldn’t help but laugh at his expression. If no one else were present, she suspected he might have licked the plate clean.

Seeing her enjoying the food so much, Fu Jianxu’s eyes crinkled with a smile. Only when she was nearly finished did she speak up, Um… do you think this recipe could be sold?

You want to sell the recipe? Fu Zhixiao scraped the last spoonful from the bottom of the plate into his mouth, finally looking up.

Yes. The weather was getting colder, and they needed to buy winter supplies. Her half-month’s wages weren’t even enough to buy two winter coats for the little girl. She pressed her lips together, paused briefly, then blurted out, I’m not good at talking. Brother Xiao knows a lot of people. Could you take this dessert to town and see if you can sell the recipe? If it sells, I’ll give you ten percent of the money. If not, I’ll still give you thirty cash for your trouble.

There were only a few major restaurants in town, and she couldn’t avoid the female lead no matter what. If the original owner hadn’t been so obsessed with Xie Wanyin, she might have mustered the courage to sell it herself. But now, she doubted she could even get through the door of the Full Moon Pavilion.

Without hesitation, Fu Zhixiao agreed.

Fu Jianxu beamed, her dimples deepening. Perfect! With the female lead on the case, these puddings are guaranteed to sell!

Her elation was short-lived. The female lead glanced at the sky, then turned to Fu Jianxu, her voice tinged with confusion. Aren’t you… working today?

Fu Jianxu’s face paled. Ahhh! I forgot about work!

She dashed back inside, barely managing to instruct Ji Xiaoyu to deliver the last bowl of pudding to Fu Zhixiao later.

Ji Xiaoyu, who was carrying a wooden basin of dirty laundry, froze for a moment. By the time she processed Fu Jianxu’s words, the woman was already pushing her cart forward at breakneck speed.

Why’s she running so fast? Ji Xiaoyu muttered, setting down the basin. She picked up the pudding and headed next door.

By the end of the morning, Ji Xiaoyu arrived at the docks to collect her fish. Her gaze instinctively scanned the crowd for Fu Jianxu. It didn’t take long for her eyes to lock onto a figure. The person turned, angrily tossing a sack of rice to the ground, their fair face flushed with anger.

Ji Xiaoyu burst into laughter.

Fu Jianxu couldn’t bring herself to smile. This was too much! She had rushed frantically this morning, her legs practically sparking with effort, only to arrive after everyone else had already been working for a while. As expected, the foreman had given her a severe dressing-down and docked half a day’s wages.

When Lao Hu’s whistle signaled the end of the workday, her face was still drooping. She dragged her feet toward Ji Xiaoyu, who stood there radiantly in the new cotton-padded coat Fu Jianxu had bought for her. The girl’s eyes no longer held any lingering sadness she looked bright and lively.

The moment Fu Jianxu saw the girl, her brow smoothed out, and a small dimple appeared at the corner of her lips. Let’s go home, she said softly.

Mm, let’s go home, Ji Xiaoyu replied warmly, her heart swelling with affection.

Shortly after Fu Jianxu left, Fu Zhixiao arrived in town. Instead of bringing his usual game to sell, he carefully carried a food box filled with pudding.

The town had three major restaurants Yunhua Tower, established decades ago, was widely regarded as the best, but its traditional, conservative management meant its menu remained unchanged for years. They rarely even bought wild game from outsiders, so he immediately ruled out selling his recipe to them.

Fulimen had been his regular place to sell game, but since changing owners, it had tried too many gimmicks, and business had declined. That left the newly opened Full Moon Pavilion, run by Miss Xie, the woman with the beautiful hairpin.

After a moment’s thought, Fu Zhixiao stopped in front of Full Moon Pavilion.

Oh, what good stuff does the young hunter have today? Madam Wang, who had bought his game before, emerged from the kitchen and greeted him with a smile.

Madam, is the manager here? I have a new dessert I’d like him to try, Fu Zhixiao said, lifting the lid of the food box to reveal a corner of the pudding.

Madam Wang peered inside, her eyes widening at the sight of the smooth, delicate dessert—something she’d never seen before. Startled, she quickly ushered him into a private room. Please wait here, young man, she said earnestly. I’ll fetch the owner right away.

Though Fu Zhixiao often visited the town’s restaurants, he had never been inside a private room. He sat stiffly on the chair, his gaze darting around the room, wanting to admire the furnishings but afraid of revealing his discomfort.

What novel dessert has this young man brought? Xie Yinwan swept into the room, still wearing her crimson robes, the hairpin in her hair swaying gently with each step.

Fu Zhixiao’s attention was immediately drawn to Xie Wanyin’s jewelry—the hair ornament was exquisitely crafted, shimmering brilliantly under the lamplight.

Are all the hair ornaments of these wealthy young ladies this beautiful? she wondered, lost in a daze.

Young master? Noticing Fu Zhixiao’s lack of response, Xie Wanyin’s eyes flickered, and she called out softly again.

I… I brought a dessert called pudding, Fu Zhixiao finally snapped out of her reverie, hastily retrieving the pudding from the food box.

Pudding? Xie Yinwan repeated the unfamiliar name with interest, her voice rising slightly at the end as she lowered her gaze to examine the snow-white dessert.

Having grown up in pampered luxury, with her family’s business interests spanning the country, she had seen every imaginable luxury and novelty. Yet here, in this small town, she encountered a dessert she had never seen before.

She raised her hand in a gesture, and a maid immediately handed her a silver spoon. She picked up the spoon and gently tapped its tip against the pudding’s surface. The delicate texture trembled slightly but remained intact. Her eyebrows arched slightly as she scooped up a small spoonful and brought it to her mouth. The rich, milky aroma instantly filled her mouth, the sweetness perfectly balanced, and the texture as smooth as silk.

Fu Zhixiao held his breath, his eyes fixed on Xie Wanyin’s every move.

Intriguing, Xie Wanyin murmured, taking another spoonful. This time, she deliberately slowed her movements, savoring the velvety texture.

Seeing the woman’s satisfied expression, Fu Zhixiao secretly let out a sigh of relief.

Xie Wanyin set down the silver spoon and lightly licked her lower lip. When she looked up, a hint of admiration flickered in her eyes. She hadn’t expected a hunter to possess such a delicacy. Her fingertips tapped lightly on the table, producing crisp, clear sounds. Suddenly, she leaned forward, her crimson sleeves brushing against the table’s edge, releasing a faint, lingering fragrance.

Young master, she drawled with a smile, her voice lingering on the last syllable, this pudding recipe—

Name your price.

Fu Zhixiao walked out of the Full Moon Pavilion, clutching the heavy silver coins, her expression still dazed. She hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly. Not only had she successfully sold the recipe, but she’d also fetched the astonishing price of twenty taels of silver. Even more surprising, Miss Xie had readily paid a five-tael deposit before Fu Zhixiao and Fu Jianxu had even prepared the recipe, simply telling her to deliver it when she had time.

Miss, is this pudding truly worth such a price? Zhuye, the maid, couldn’t help but ask once Fu Zhixiao was out of earshot. Besides, isn’t that young hunter… involved with that…

Careful with your words, Xie Yinwan said, casting her a cool glance. This pudding is undoubtedly worth it. As for ‘that one’… A faint smile curved her lips. The more we interact, the more advantageous it will be for us.

Zhuye nodded in understanding. Your foresight is impeccable, Miss. Forgive my indiscretion.

How much?

Fu Jianxu couldn’t suppress the upward twitch of her lips. How much did she say it sold for?

Twenty taels?!

Fu Jianxu felt like someone who had been poor her entire life and suddenly won the lottery—it seemed too good to be true. She pinched herself.

Ouch! That hurts!

This wasn’t a dream. She grinned foolishly, shaking Ji Xiaoyu’s arm. Xiaoyu, did you hear? It sold! It sold for twenty taels!

Ji Xiaoyu’s eyes widened in astonishment as she stared at the irregular silver nuggets Fu Zhixiao handed over. The small pieces gleamed softly in the sunlight, radiating a faint luster. So this is what real silver looks like, she thought.

Fu Jianxu took the silver without even glancing at it and immediately pressed a piece into Fu Zhixiao’s hand. You’re amazing! This is for you. We couldn’t have sold it without your help.

Fu Zhixiao quickly dodged the gesture. He had only helped his neighbor’s younger sister as a favor he couldn’t possibly accept her silver. Seeing Fu Jianxu trying to force the silver on him, his face darkened further, and he said helplessly, If you really want to thank me, why not cook me a meal? The game I hunted today didn’t sell, and it won’t stay fresh until tomorrow. We might as well eat it ourselves.

Fu Jianxu was momentarily speechless, unsure how to respond to such a refusal. She felt as awkward as when elders pressed red envelopes into her hands during New Year’s—only now, she was the one doing the pressing.

Seeing Fu Zhixiao’s conflicted expression, Ji Xiaoyu gently tugged at his sleeve. Brother Xiao couldn’t sell his game today because of us. Why don’t we just buy it all? Come over for dinner tonight, okay?

Fu Jianxu’s eyes lit up at this suggestion, her gaze toward Ji Xiaoyu brimming with approval. See? Our little girl knows exactly what to say.

Though Fu Zhixiao still felt uneasy, he understood that further refusal would only create distance. Sensing his hesitation, Ji Xiaoyu pressed her advantage. Brother Xiao, please agree this time. We’ll need your help with many things in the future, as wives.

Just as Fu Zhixiao finally nodded in agreement, Fu Jianxu’s smile froze mid-bloom. Wait, what did Xiaoyu just say? Wives? How could she just blurt that out?! Her face flushed crimson, her ears burning.

Fu Zhixiao handed the day’s game to Fu Jianxu. Suddenly remembering something, he said, A’Xu, give me the recipe. I’ll drop it off at Full Moon Pavilion tomorrow.

But as soon as the words left his mouth, Fu Jianxu’s hand froze mid-reach for the game, her face twisting with embarrassment. She hesitated before asking, Brother Xiao… can you write?

As a model student of the new era, Fu Jianxu certainly knew how to write—in English, and she had impeccable penmanship. But she couldn’t write traditional Chinese characters!

The next day, Fu Zhixiao reappeared at the entrance of Full Moon Pavilion, his face etched with dark lines of frustration.

The waiter, as if already instructed, greeted him warmly and ushered him into the same private room as the previous day. Young master, please wait a moment. The proprietor will be here shortly.

Fu Zhixiao nodded stiffly, his face tense and his gaze fixed blankly ahead. He mentally recited the recipe Fu Jianxu had taught him the night before, over and over.

When Xie Yinwan entered, she found the young hunter in this dazed, goose-like state and couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

Fu Zhixiao’s head snapped up at the sound, and Xie Yinwan’s radiant smile suddenly filled his vision. The recipe he had memorized so thoroughly vanished from his mind in an instant, leaving only his lips moving unconsciously, mechanically repeating the last few words.

Young master, you’ve come to deliver the recipe so quickly? Xie Yinwan gracefully took her seat, her delicate hand pouring clear tea into cups for both of them.

Fu Zhixiao jolted back to his senses, his dark face flushing crimson. He even forgot to disguise his voice. I-I’ve memorized it all! I’ll recite it for you right now!

Xie Yinwan froze at his words. Having handled countless transactions, this was the first time she’d heard of someone reciting a recipe instead of writing it down. Her gaze swept over the young hunter’s rough cloth attire, and understanding dawned in her eyes.

She turned to Zhuye and instructed her to prepare paper and ink, then rolled up her sleeves and gestured for him to begin.

Fu Zhixiao cleared his throat and began dictating, This dessert requires a rice milk base…

Xie Yinwan’s brush danced across the paper, leaving a trail of elegant strokes. When the final character was complete, she gently set down the brush and handed the recipe to Zhuye. Take this to the kitchen and have the chefs prepare it once.

Turning back to Fu Zhixiao, she said, Please forgive me, young master. By protocol, all new recipes must be tested. If the finished product is satisfactory, the remaining payment will be delivered immediately.

Fu Zhixiao nodded in understanding.

The pudding wasn’t difficult to make, but it required time. He excused himself to return home and wait, promising to return the next day to collect the final payment.

After returning home, he explained the situation to Fu Jianxu. She remained anxious, not about the payment itself, but about the possibility that the chefs might fail to make the pudding properly, requiring her to go to the shop and provide on-site guidance.

That would mean encountering Xie Yinwan, the female supporting character!

What she feared most came to pass.

The next day, before Fu Jianxu finished work, she saw Fu Zhixiao waiting for her at the docks. Her heart skipped a beat, and her hands slowed their pace. No way… they really didn’t manage to do it?

They really hadn’t.

With a face flushed crimson and her head hanging low, she trailed behind Fu Zhixiao, wishing she could disappear altogether.

Heavenly Mother, I can’t face Miss Xie in this body!

To make matters worse, Ji Xiaoyu walked beside her, her expression utterly blank.

What kind of situation is this? Bringing my wife to meet my crush?!

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That Cripple Died for Me Rebirth

Bright and sunny young lady vs. Self-loathing, gloomy little dog

The story is set in the early 2000s, during the era of flip phones and online relationships.

Lin Shubai’s life at twenty seemed like the perfect template

Fair-skinned and beautiful, from a wealthy family, the campus belle of S University, and academically accomplished.

Until two consecutive events shattered her world

First, her online girlfriend of six months vanished into thin air on the day they were supposed to meet in person. When she went to the neighboring university to confront her, she was told no such person existed.

Second, she became infatuated with a straight senior, willingly playing the role of a backup for three years. She not only shared her academic achievements with the senior but also poured her heart and soul into financially supporting the senior’s startup. In the end, the senior married into a wealthy family and, at her engagement banquet, smiled sweetly at Lin Shubai and said, Thank you, Xiaobai. You’re my best friend.

That night, during a torrential downpour, Lin Shubai drove drunk into the river. Her body wasn’t recovered until three days later.

After death, Lin Shubai’s soul drifted through the cemetery for seven years, discovering that on the first day of each month, a limping woman came to pay her respects.

The limping woman always brought a bouquet of bellflower and sat quietly before the tombstone all day.

One day, the limping woman burned a stack of documents at Lin Shubai’s grave, one sheet at a time. The person who wronged you is bankrupt, she said. Now I can finally rest in peace and join you.

The next day, news broke that a newly wealthy entrepreneur had jumped into the river and died.

When Lin Shubai opened her eyes again, she had been reborn into the early autumn of her sophomore year.

Her phone still had the QQ account of the online scammer pinned at the top. But when she turned her head, she saw the limping woman who had avenged her and died for her in her previous life, kneading dough at a roadside noodle stall.

When He Yi dragged her crippled leg away from her hometown, she never imagined she would survive the winter.

Then she met Xiao Bai in the game, a girl who pierced through her rotting life like a ray of light.

When Xiao Bai asked about her school, He Yi, as if possessed, typed T University next door.

On the day they met in person, she discovered that her online girlfriend was none other than the renowned campus beauty of the university town.

How could a filthy cripple dare to touch the bright moon? She fled in a panic.