My Villainess Is Definitely Not a Black Lotus - Chapter 21

Ji Xiaoyu froze at the touch, the warmth of Fu Jianxu’s palm against her lips leaving her stunned, as if she had lost the ability to think. She obediently spat the bite into Fu Jianxu’s hand.

Fu Zhixiao entered just in time to witness this scene. He stared at the two women with a strange look, sensing an odd atmosphere between them.

Hearing someone enter, Ji Xiaoyu frantically turned her back, revealing only the tip of her flushed ear.

Fu Jianxu awkwardly withdrew her hand, feeling inexplicably embarrassed. The girl’s grown up now. I can’t treat her like a child anymore. She’ll be embarrassed.

Fu Zhixiao’s gaze swept over the two women, but her simple mind couldn’t pinpoint what felt off. She shook off the snow, unconsciously shivered, and sighed, This winter is so cold!

She had gone to town alone before dawn to scout for shopfronts, refusing to let them accompany her, spouting nonsense about real men not fearing the cold.

Fu Jianxu couldn’t resist rolling her eyes. As if she’s so great and aloof! She’s not even taller than me, yet she claims to be immune to the cold!

But she couldn’t argue with Fu Zhixiao’s stubbornness. Knowing she was just worried about them freezing, she reluctantly agreed to let her go alone. The trip ended up taking three or four hours, and when Fu Zhixiao returned, she had transformed from a charcoal-stained figure into a walking snowman.

Fu Jianxu said nothing, but her hands betrayed her concern as she pulled out another sweet potato and pressed it into Fu Zhixiao’s hand.

Brother Xiao, how did the shop scouting go? Ji Xiaoyu asked, turning around and peeling the sweet potato after warming up a bit.

Once the chill had subsided, Fu Zhixiao replied, There’s a clothing shop for sale on the west side of town. The price is cheap, but we’d need to refurnish it.

East Street has more shops in a better location, but the prices are steep, she added. Still, there’s a decent teahouse on the corner of East Street, near the docks. They used to serve breakfast too, but the owner mismanaged it and couldn’t keep it afloat…

Fu Jianxu found herself intrigued. How much is the rent there?

Four taels a month. Fu Zhixiao paused, his voice tinged with uncertainty. But the owner intends to continue running the morning market. If we only serve lunch and dinner, we could share the rent.

We can do that? Fu Jianxu’s eyes lit up. After the morning market closed, they could immediately start preparing for lunch, saving both time and rent. She nodded eagerly. Xiaoyu, what do you think?

Ji Xiaoyu, cradling a fragrant roasted sweet potato, nibbled at it daintily, her fox-like eyes sparkling as she watched the two women talk. When suddenly asked for her opinion, she startled slightly before nodding enthusiastically in agreement.

Fu Jianxu smiled. Then let’s go to town tomorrow and see if we can secure it.

If all went well, they could open the shop by the new year. Fu Jianxu envisioned the promising days ahead, taking a blissful bite of her sweet potato. Now, not only was her mouth filled with sweetness, but her heart overflowed with joy.

The kitchen fell silent, save for the rustling of sweet potato peels and the occasional crackle of firewood. Fragments of conversation drifted through the air.

Despite the biting wind, the streets buzzed with activity, vendors’ calls rising and falling in a lively chorus.

Fu Zhixiao led them through the crowd and stopped before a teahouse. Though its facade was modest, its prime location at the street corner offered a clear view of all passersby.

It was still before noon, and only a few patrons occupied the tables. The furniture, though old, was sturdy and polished to a shine. The floor was swept clean, the walls were intact, and even the carved details on the window lattices were spotless, a testament to meticulous upkeep.

The owner clearly cherishes this place, Fu Jianxu thought, nodding inwardly with satisfaction.

The woman behind the counter, who was tallying accounts on an abacus, looked up. Around thirty years old, she had clear, open features and her hair was neatly tied back with a blue cloth.

Are you here to inquire about the shop? she asked, setting down the abacus and stepping forward.

Fu Jianxu and the others nodded.

You’ve seen the location for yourselves, the owner said, leading them toward the back courtyard at a measured pace. Four taels of silver a month—a fair price.

Fu Zhixiao stroked his chin, remaining silent.

Ji Xiaoyu, trailing behind, quietly counted the tables and chairs in the main hall, mentally calculating how many customers they could serve in a day.

Pushing open the door to the courtyard revealed a hidden oasis. Beyond the courtyard itself, complete with a well, lay several additional rooms.

If you rent this shop, it would be perfect for a food business, the landlady said, gesturing toward the kitchen. There’s already a stove here you’d just need to add some equipment. The backyard can be used for firewood storage, and there’s a well for water.

Fu Jianxu grew more and more pleased with the place, but the rent was simply beyond their current means.

As she mentally calculated their options and prepared to speak, Fu Zhixiao cut in directly, Landlady, could we negotiate the rent? We’re new here and not financially secure.

This price is already extremely low, the landlord replied, shaking his head with a troubled expression.

Seeing his hesitation, Ji Xiaoyu sensed there might be room for negotiation. Recalling what Fu Zhixiao had mentioned yesterday, she ventured, I heard you were considering starting a breakfast business here?

The landlord nodded. To be honest, selling only tea is barely enough to survive these days. Selling noodle soup and steamed buns in the mornings would at least help make ends meet.

Hearing this, Ji Xiaoyu’s spirits lifted, but she maintained a calm demeanor. That’s quite a coincidence. We were only planning to operate during lunch and dinner hours. She paused, meeting the landlord’s gaze directly. How about this you continue running the breakfast service, and we take over for lunch and dinner. We’ll split the rent in a one-to-two ratio. What do you think?

The owner’s expression visibly softened. She hesitated, glancing at the backyard before her gaze lingered on Fu Zhixiao, the only man among them. Her brow furrowed slightly, and she seemed conflicted again.

Noticing the owner’s flickering gaze, Ji Xiaoyu followed her line of sight to Fu Zhixiao, then glanced at the clothesline and the two small rooms in the backyard. After a moment of contemplation, she whispered to the owner, Madam, may I speak with you privately?

The two women walked to a corner and spoke in hushed tones. Moments later, they returned with smiles on their faces.

Then it’s settled, the owner announced, her tone much lighter than before. Two taels and five qian per month. No more haggling!

Fu Jianxu and Fu Zhixiao exchanged surprised glances, both turning to Ji Xiaoyu. Ji Xiaoyu offered them a faint smile but remained silent as she quickly signed the rental agreement with the owner.

On the way home, Fu Jianxu couldn’t resist nudging Ji Xiaoyu and asking curiously, Xiaoyu, what did you say to the owner? How did you suddenly get her to lower the price?

Ji Xiaoyu lowered her head, a little embarrassed. I noticed women’s and children’s clothes hanging in the backyard, so I guessed she was a single mother living there with her child. At first, she was asking for a high price because she was prepared to move out. But she didn’t really want to leave she was just worried about Brother Xiao being a man and staying here might be inconvenient…

She paused, glancing at Fu Zhixiao’s expression. Seeing no displeasure, she continued, Guessing the landlady’s concerns, I spoke to her calmly and politely, suggesting that from now on, only Sister Jianxu and I would use the backyard. Brother Xiao would avoid it as much as possible, and he certainly wouldn’t stay overnight.

I also explained the pros and cons, pointing out that renting to strangers would make it even harder to ensure the tenants were women like us, which would be less safe for her and her daughter.

Fu Jianxu listened with wide, almond-shaped eyes, her gaze growing brighter with each word.

This girl is so thoughtful! She even noticed the details about the yard!

Besides, I… I also offered a little incentive. The landlady is in her thirties, and I guessed her child might need to learn a trade. So I mentioned that Sister Jianxu is an excellent cook and a rare female chef in this area. I assured her that her child could safely learn cooking from Sister Jianxu.

At this point, Ji Xiaoyu looked anxiously at Fu Jianxu. Sister Jianxu, you won’t mind me taking the liberty of making that promise, will you?

Fu Jianxu waved her hands dismissively. Of course not! You’ve thought of everything so thoroughly. I should be praising you, not scolding you!

Ji Xiaoyu carefully studied Fu Jianxu’s expression again, and when she was certain there was no resentment for her unauthorized promise, her face relaxed.

Fu Zhixiao didn’t mind the boss’s wariness. The tables and chairs are already here. If we hurry, we might be able to open before the end of the year.

Fu Jianxu’s eyes lit up at this, and a smile crept onto her face. She was eager to open as soon as possible. If they could earn some money before the new year, she could buy Xiaoyu a new outfit for the holiday.

Over the next few days, the three of them discussed their options repeatedly before finally settling on their signature dish the steaming pot of food Fu Jianxu had been selling at the docks earlier.

It’s called Mala Tang, Fu Jianxu explained. First, we make a flavorful broth. Then, customers can choose what they want to cook in it. It’s quick, easy, and affordable.

Ji Xiaoyu and Fu Zhixiao exchanged glances. Though the name sounded novel, they had both tasted Mala Tang’s savory, spicy flavor before. It was so numbing and fiery that it made them sweat all over, yet they couldn’t bring themselves to put down their chopsticks.

It’s settled then, Fu Zhixiao declared decisively.

After securing the shop, the three women divided their tasks clearly Fu Zhixiao took charge of external affairs and procurement, spending his days running errands Ji Xiaoyu and Fu Jianxu remained at the shop, reorganizing the equipment, acquiring essential kitchenware and utensils, and commissioning several large ladles from a local carpenter.

Even Aunt Chunhao, after finishing her farm work, hurried over to help, hobbling around on her lame leg to assist with the preparations.

In the winter chill, a steaming pot of mala tang was the perfect way to warm up. Setting up a pot of the spicy broth outside the shop, its rich aroma drew in passersby. Fu Jianxu was confident in her soup base recipe a rich broth simmered from pork bones, infused with her secret blend of spices. After selling it at the docks for over a month, the workers still hadn’t grown tired of it, so she was sure it would sell well.

For ingredients, they planned to source seasonal vegetables from nearby villages, ensuring both freshness and affordability. Fu Zhixiao would negotiate with pork vendors to purchase offal, bones, and other trimmings.

By placing daily bulk orders, they secured competitive prices.

Though these ingredients were inexpensive, Fu Jianxu’s skillful cooking transformed them into rare delicacies, completely eliminating any gamey odors.

Fu Jianxu had even pickled several jars of sauerkraut, though it wouldn’t be ready for the opening, it would be perfect for making sauerkraut fish next spring.

After days of intense preparation, the trio finally had their food stall running smoothly.

During this time, Chen Zhen, their landlord, had been actively promoting their soon-to-open stall while selling breakfast.

Having grown close over the past few days, they now affectionately called her Sister Zhenzhen. Chen Zhen had tasted Fu Jianxu’s cooking a few days prior and fallen in love with it at first bite, constantly urging them to open soon so she could enjoy it again.

So, while selling breakfast, she told everyone about the new food stall opening soon, boasting about a novel dish no one had ever seen before, describing it as unbelievably delicious—a culinary marvel beyond compare. This piqued the curiosity of many regular customers, who began asking about it.

Chen Zhen then added a touch of mystery, As for how delicious it is, you’ll have to come on the eighteenth day of the eleventh lunar month and taste it for yourselves!

This only heightened their curiosity. Several regulars pounded the table, declaring they would be the first to try it.