My Villainess Is Definitely Not a Black Lotus - Chapter 25

Fu Jianxu hurried ahead, head down, mortified beyond words. How embarrassing! How utterly embarrassing!

Yesterday, she had actually sobbed like a baby in front of a girl eight years younger than her! And over just two petty thugs? What was she so afraid of?

She’s completely lost all her dignity! Aaaaaaaah!

Ji Xiaoyu watched the woman walking ahead, her pace quickening, and couldn’t suppress the smile on her face. She dared not laugh aloud, fearing it would embarrass the already thin-skinned woman even more.

Ever since her emotional outburst the previous day, the thin-skinned woman had refused to look Ji Xiaoyu in the eye, practically burying her face in her bowl during meals.

Fu Zhixiao, walking alongside them, glanced curiously at Fu Jianxu striding ahead alone, then at Ji Xiaoyu, who was suppressing a smile. Her expression was puzzled, unsure what the married couple was bickering about this time.

Scratching her head, she asked, A’Xu, Xiaoyu, do you think we should hire some help for the shop?

It had been barely ten days since they opened, yet the three of them were already running themselves ragged. Fu Zhixiao handled everything from purchasing supplies to serving customers and mopping floors. Fortunately, her mother, Fu Chunhao, helped harvest vegetables from the village, otherwise she’d never keep up. Ji Xiaoyu managed the accounts and washed dishes, while Fu Jianxu was equally busy, single-handedly preparing all the ingredients and cooking the meals.

Chen Zhen had it even worse, juggling ramen-making with childcare. Thankfully, her daughter Chen Siwen was sensible and would often help out during the busiest lunch hours.

The two nodded repeatedly, but the problem was they couldn’t even spare time to hire help.

Upon arriving at the shop, Fu Jianxu and Fu Zhixiao worked together to move the stove inside, ensuring they could stay hidden in the back. Only then did Fu Jianxu breathe a sigh of relief—hiding herself was the only way to feel truly safe.

Fu Jianxu quickly immersed herself in her work, mechanically repeating the motions of blanching and scooping ingredients, temporarily forgetting her earlier embarrassment.

Though her hands were busy, her mind remained on high alert, constantly wary of the two thugs returning to cause trouble. Instead of trouble, however, an old acquaintance arrived.

Sister! Zhou Daya strode into the shop with her usual fiery energy.

Sister Zhou! Fu Jianxu looked up in surprise and delight.

Aiyo, Sister! I finally found you! Zhou Daya laughed heartily as she plopped down on a stool. Give me a bowl of Mala Tang with both meat and vegetables!

The moment the Mala Tang was served, Zhou Daya eagerly dug in, mumbling between bites, I’ve been craving this so badly! I smelled that aroma from miles away and knew it had to be you! Since you left, no one at the docks has been able to make it taste this good!

Fu Jianxu smiled warmly. My shop isn’t going anywhere, Sister Zhou. Come whenever you’re hungry.

Zhou Daya devoured the meal, not even leaving a drop of broth. She wiped her mouth with satisfaction. So delicious!

Ji Xiaoyu chimed in, Sister Zhou, are you in town for business? If you’re not busy, why not stay a while? It’s been ages since we last saw you.

Zhou Daya’s face darkened at the mention of business. She waved her hand dismissively. What important work could I possibly have? Once the peak season at the docks ends, we female laborers are the first to be laid off. I’ve been running all over town these past few days, but I can’t find any work.

She sighed heavily.

Ji Xiaoyu and Fu Zhixiao exchanged glances—this was like a pillow sent just when they were feeling sleepy. They had been fretting about finding time to hire staff.

Fu Jianxu’s eyes lit up too. During their month working together at the docks, she had noticed Zhou Daya’s diligence, competence, and sharp social skills. She gave Ji Xiaoyu a subtle nod, and the latter immediately understood.

Sister Zhou, Ji Xiaoyu said with a smile, why don’t you come work at our shop? We’re short-handed right now.

Zhou Daya’s head snapped up, her eyes widening in disbelief. Really?

Of course! The three of us have been run off our feet. Sister Zhou, you’ve come at just the right time, Fu Jianxu replied, her eyes crinkling with a smile.

Zhou Daya slammed her hand on the table. Good! Sister, now that you’ve said it, I’m in!

Fu Jianxu couldn’t help but laugh. Sister Zhou’s straightforwardness was almost comical. She hadn’t even asked about wages or benefits before agreeing.

Fu Jianxu beckoned Ji Xiaoyu closer and whispered in her ear, Discuss the wages with Xiao-ge. I think one tael of silver per month would be fair.

The warm breath tickling her ear made Ji Xiaoyu’s ear tips flush crimson. She nodded hastily and turned to find Fu Zhixiao, who was clearing the table. After a brief, hushed conversation, they quickly reached an agreement.

Sister Zhou, Ji Xiaoyu said with a smile as she returned, we’ve discussed it. One tael of silver per month, plus two meals a day. What do you think?

Before she could finish speaking, Zhou Daya had already jumped to her feet, her voice trembling with excitement. O-one tael?!

She stammered, unable to articulate anything else. In those days, a female worker earning 800 cash was considered highly paid. Even the most grueling labor at the docks rarely yielded a tael of silver per month, let alone with meals included.

Zhou Daya seized Ji Xiaoyu’s hand, her eyes reddening. Good sister, from now on, you’re my own sisters!

Turning to Fu Jianxu, she declared, Sister, I’m entrusting my life to you!

Ji Xiaoyu chuckled at her dramatic reaction. Sister Zhou, you’re exaggerating. We’ll just look out for each other.

Fu Jianxu suddenly remembered something. Oh, right, Sister Zhou, what about Sister Dahong, who used to work with us at the docks? Is she looking for work too?

Zhou Daya’s face lit up even more. This girl truly remembers old friends! she exclaimed. She was looking for work with me just a few days ago, but she got discouraged and didn’t come out today.

That’s a shame, Fu Jianxu said regretfully. We’ll probably need to hire another person soon, and I think Sister Dahong would be a perfect fit.

Zhou Daya perked up immediately. Dahong lives in the village next to mine! If you really need someone, I’ll go find her tonight, and we can both start working tomorrow! She pounded her chest emphatically to emphasize her promise.

Fu Jianxu nodded with a smile. That would be wonderful.

The women exchanged knowing smiles, finally resolving a major challenge.

In the back kitchen, Chen Zhen, who was pulling noodles, overheard the conversation and felt a surge of quiet satisfaction. These tenants had hired only female workers—it seemed renting the shop to them had been the right decision after all.

Fortune Gate.

A sharp-featured clerk squatted by the entrance, slurping down a mouthful of hot and sour vermicelli. He glanced smugly at his long-faced colleague, who was devouring his meal with gusto. That little brat, he thought. I kindly recommended this delicious dish, and he doubted me. Now that he’s tasted it himself, he finally knows what’s good.

Lowering his voice, he asked, Well? Didn’t I tell you? This Mala Tang is fragrant, right?

Fragrant indeed! The long-faced clerk replied, still squatting and eating without looking up, squeezing the words out between bites.

Unbeknownst to them, the aroma drifted upstairs to Xie Guilin, the shopkeeper, who was tallying accounts on the second floor. Xie Guilin followed the scent downstairs and saw his clerks eating food from outside. His face darkened. What are you doing during work hours?!

The two clerks flinched, scrambling to their feet, nearly dropping their bowls.

What are you eating? Xie Guilin frowned, his nose twitching involuntarily as the unfamiliar fragrance burrowed into his nostrils.

The clerks exchanged nervous glances. The sharp-featured clerk answered timidly, Reporting to the shopkeeper, this is Mala Tang from the newly opened Fu Ji Food Stall at the east street corner…

Xie Guilin narrowed his eyes and suddenly pointed. You! Go buy me a bowl right now. I want to see what all the fuss is about this Mala Tang.

The sharp-featured clerk didn’t dare hesitate. Abandoning his unfinished bowl, he turned and sprinted toward the east street.

The three workers at Fu Ji Food Stall returned earlier than usual today. It wasn’t because they finished their work quickly, but because the enthusiastic Zhou Daya refused to leave. She insisted that since she was being paid so well, she should start working immediately. For the entire afternoon, she mopped floors and washed dishes, ignoring all their attempts to persuade her to stop. In the end, they had no choice but to let her continue.

Fu Zhixiao was quite pleased to be able to go home and rest early. She had been exhausted these past few days, working tirelessly from dawn till dusk without a moment’s break.

Meanwhile, next door, Fu Jianxu was still bristling with embarrassment. She genuinely considered Ji Xiaoyu family, but who would cry so dramatically to their younger sister, collapsing weakly into her arms while sobbing, You’re my only family! Aaaaargh!

As the scene replayed in her mind, her toes began another round of imaginary villa construction.

I can’t face anyone!

Ji Xiaoyu pretended not to notice her awkwardness and immediately set about drawing water when she got home. The water tank had been empty for days, and she figured Fu Jianxu must be desperate for a bath.

Seeing the petite girl carrying the water buckets outside, Fu Jianxu forgot her embarrassment and hurried after her to take the burden. Go back and feed the chickens and collect the eggs, she said. I’ll handle the heavy work.

Ji Xiaoyu smiled demurely and obediently returned inside.

Despite the bitter cold of the fourth and ninth days of winter, Fu Jianxu was drenched in sweat after several trips to fetch water. Wrinkling her nose at her own scent, she wondered if she hadn’t bathed in days.

Recalling her last bath, she realized it had been on the opening day of the shop. Her face darkened.

Had she been sleeping next to the little girl, smelling like this, all these days?!

She slammed down the water buckets, her expression sour. Just as she thought of Ji Xiaoyu, the girl’s voice rang out.

Sister Jianxu, Ji Xiaoyu called from the kitchen doorway, the setting sun casting a warm glow on her face. Wiping her hands dry, she smiled at Fu Jianxu. The water’s hot. You should bathe first.

Fu Jianxu froze for a moment, her lips curving into an involuntary smile. She nodded vigorously.

Bursting into the kitchen, Fu Jianxu sighed contentedly at the rush of warm air. She quickly stripped off her clothes, shivering slightly from the cold, but the thought of Ji Xiaoyu’s thoughtfulness—remembering even how long it had been since her last bath—warmed her heart.

Compared to her modern-day mother, who cared only about her grades and didn’t even notice when she was sick, and her father, who spouted empty platitudes without ever taking action, Ji Xiaoyu, whom she had only known for two months, felt more like her real family.

Humming a tune, she vigorously scrubbed away the grime on her body, feeling as if the pent-up frustration in her heart was being washed away along with the dirt by the hot water.

With family like this, what more could I ask for? she murmured to herself, scrubbing until she was spotless and feeling refreshed.

After washing and drying herself, she reached for her clean clothes—

Huh?

Her hand grasped at empty air. Fu Jianxu suddenly remembered that in her excitement, she had forgotten to bring clean clothes into the bathroom!