My Villainess Is Definitely Not a Black Lotus - Chapter 29

The woman instinctively smiled, but then, as if remembering something, her brow furrowed slightly. After a moment, she forced another smile. Ji Xiaoyu, seeing this expression for the first time, was nearly scared out of her wits.

She tentatively called out a few more times, but Fu Jianxu continued to react the same way. Even Ji Xiaoyu, who was usually adept at reading people, couldn’t decipher the reason behind the woman’s strange behavior.

This peculiar pattern persisted for several days.

One morning, Ji Xiuhe arrived at the shop alone, carrying a bamboo basket. It was still early, and no customers had yet arrived. Ji Xiaoyu was overjoyed to see her again and immediately bought a meat bun from Chen Zhen to give her.

I always end up eating for free here. I’ll be too embarrassed to come next time, Ji Xiuhe said, waving her hands in protest.

Fu Jianxu, who was sitting in a corner picking vegetables, finally got to see the true face of this neighborly sister. She kept her head lowered, occasionally glancing at Ji Xiaoyu and the woman.

Sister Xiuhe, what’s a little food from our own shop? Ji Xiaoyu teased, feigning annoyance.

Ji Xiuhe lifted the cloth covering her basket, revealing bean dregs steamed buns and soft tofu inside. You’re giving me big meat buns, and I’m too embarrassed to offer you these humble things.

Seeing the familiar bean curd buns, Ji Xiaoyu’s eyes welled up slightly. She grabbed one and stuffed it into her mouth, chewing a few times as the familiar sweetness filled her mouth. They still taste as good as when we were little, she murmured.

Ji Xiuhe gently patted the top of her head, just like she used to do when they were children. After I got married, I always brought bean curd buns to find you whenever I visited home. But I never managed to catch you.

Later, Father forbade me from going out, Ji Xiaoyu’s voice dropped. He was afraid I’d learn bad habits and wouldn’t fetch a good price.

Then how are you running a shop now? Has your father stopped interfering? Ji Xiuhe asked, puzzled.

Ji Xiaoyu glanced sideways, a blush rising on her cheeks. Lowering her voice, she explained, I’m married now. He can’t control me anymore.

You’re married? Ji Xiuhe’s voice rose in surprise. When did that happen?

Earlier this year, Ji Xiaoyu explained softly. We didn’t have a big celebration, or I would have definitely invited you, Sister Xiuhe.

You’re married?! Hao Hong, who had been listening nearby, widened her eyes. Xiaoyu, you’re so young to be married!

Ji Xiaoyu’s face flushed even deeper. She stole another glance at the woman behind her before murmuring, I’m sixteen now. Why can’t I be married?

Sixteen? Hao Hong exclaimed, even more astonished. You’re only this small at sixteen? Xiaoyu, your sister’s cooking is so delicious! You need to eat more!

Zhou Daya chimed in with agreement.

Hiding behind them, Fu Jianxu felt her ears burning. She buried her head lower and lower, wishing she could disappear into the vegetables. What’s wrong with this girl? Why is she telling everyone she’s married?!

Ji Xiuhe’s sadness was softened by Hao Hong’s cheerful nature, and Ji Xiaoyu couldn’t help but smile through her tears. I understand, Sister Dahong, Sister Daya. I’ll eat properly.

Seeing Ji Xiaoyu’s current state, Ji Xiuhe smiled with relief. That puts my mind at ease. It seems Xiaoyu has found a good man. Live well, and never return to your maiden home.

Ji Xiaoyu nodded tearfully.

After Ji Xiuhe left, Fu Jianxu’s expression remained strained. Ji Xiaoyu, having composed herself, noticed the woman’s peculiar demeanor—the same odd look she’d had at home the past few days—and unconsciously stared at her.

Zhou Daya wiped the table, her gaze darting between the two women before she leaned in to whisper in Ji Xiaoyu’s ear, Xiaoyu, A’Xu is definitely jealous!

Jealous… jealous?

Ji Xiaoyu’s jaw dropped in astonishment, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Exactly! The other day, when I mentioned your neighbor’s sister had come, her face changed immediately, just like it did today! Zhou Daya analyzed with unwavering conviction.

Normally, Xiaoyu only called A’Xu Sister. Now, with the addition of Sister Xiuhe and their close relationship, wouldn’t she be burning with jealousy? If Hao Hong suddenly partnered with someone else, Daya herself would be furious!

The more she thought about it, the more certain Zhou Daya became of her judgment.

Ji Xiaoyu suddenly understood. No wonder the woman had been acting so strangely these past few days…

But could she really be jealous of her? Did she… like her now?

Yet if she didn’t, why treat her so kindly? Why treat her like family?

The more Ji Xiaoyu pondered, the redder her face grew.

Zhou Daya stared at her flushed cheeks, utterly bewildered. Is sisterly affection these days really enough to make someone blush like this?

At the same time, in an alley two streets away

Are you serious? The tall, gaunt man exchanged a malevolent glance with his short, stout companion.

Of course! Go ahead and do it. Once the job’s done, you’ll be well compensated! The sharp-featured clerk thrust a pre-prepared money pouch from his sleeve into their hands.

The tall man snatched the pouch, weighed it in his palm, and smirked. Don’t worry. We were planning to teach that yellow-haired brat a lesson anyway!

The biting wind howled relentlessly as Fu Jianxu walked home. An inexplicable unease lingered in her heart, yet she couldn’t quite grasp the source of this unsettling emotion.

Her mind raced with chaotic thoughts. She was adrift in this unfamiliar world, her entire emotional anchor tethered to this little girl.

Now, upon learning that Ji Xiaoyu had such a close neighborly sister, a sudden wave of inexplicable dread washed over her. It felt as if her only family, her only friend, might be snatched away at any moment, leaving her behind.

Another icy gust of wind slammed into her face. Instinctively, Fu Jianxu quickened her pace, stepping half a step ahead of Ji Xiaoyu. She tightened her coat collar and subtly angled her body to shield the little girl behind her from the biting wind.

This must be it… she told herself, exhaling deeply to calm the tightness in her chest.

It’s fine. It’s good that the little girl has other friends. As long as I treat her well, she’ll always be my family.

With this realization, Fu Jianxu’s expression softened.

Back home, she immediately lit a fire and boiled water. Once the steaming water was ready, she hurried Ji Xiaoyu to wash up and warm herself.

The young girl obediently wrung out the steaming hot towel and pressed it against her ice-cold face. Glancing sideways, she saw the woman’s expression was as calm as ever, and her anxiety finally eased.

But a pang of disappointment immediately followed. Wasn’t she supposed to be jealous?

Why isn’t she jealous anymore? Does she… not care about me anymore?

An inexplicable anger flared within Ji Xiaoyu. After wiping her face, she brazenly stripped off her clothes right in front of Fu Jianxu, showing no modesty whatsoever.

Fu Jianxu, caught off guard, blushed crimson. This girl… does she trust me that much? Not even bothering to cover up in front of me? She hastily averted her gaze. Xiaoyu, be careful while washing up. I haven’t left yet.

Ji Xiaoyu’s anger intensified at these words. Isn’t this woman supposed to be grinding mirrors? Why won’t she even look at me?

Does she think I’m… ugly?

Suddenly, she remembered Hao Hong’s careless remark at the shop Only this tall at sixteen?

Instinctively, she lowered her head to look at her chest, at the two small, budding mounds that resembled lotus buds just beginning to bloom.

She bit down hard on her lower lip.

The image of Miss Xie, the woman she had once been infatuated with, resurfaced in Ji Xiaoyu’s mind. Miss Xie was tall and slender, her figure commanding attention, always towering over her.

A mix of shame, anger, and resentment churned within Ji Xiaoyu, nearly grinding her teeth to dust. She grabbed a washcloth and scrubbed her body fiercely, as if trying to wash away her inferiority complex along with the dirt.

Eat! she resolved. I’ll eat until I grow as tall and beautiful as Miss Xie!

And so…

That evening at the dinner table, Fu Jianxu watched as the young girl devoured her food with ferocious determination, eating a whole extra bowl of rice. While pleased by her hearty appetite, he worried she might choke or upset her stomach by eating so quickly.

Xiaoyu, slow down, Fu Jianxu said gently, swallowing his own mouthful. Don’t choke.

The girl obediently slowed her pace, but her chopsticks continued to move relentlessly, shoveling food into her mouth.

Seeing this, Fu Jianxu instinctively ladled a bowl of crispy rice soup for her.

His gaze swept over the dishes on the table Mapo tofu and stir-fried chives with eggs. He had often made the stir-fry before, but never seen her eat it with such gusto. The Mapo tofu, however, was a new dish, and it seemed to have captivated her completely.

He made a mental note the girl must love tofu. He would make more tofu dishes for her in the future.

The weather grew colder each day, and today the temperature plummeted. The dilapidated earthen walls offered no protection against the biting wind, and the warmth inside the room had long since dissipated.

Under the covers, the two women huddled together, pressed so close there wasn’t a sliver of space between them. Fu Jianxu woke up shivering. Her eyes fluttered open, her mind still hazy. After a moment of disorientation, she realized her hands and feet were icy cold and instinctively snuggled closer to the warmth beside her.

Mmm… so warm, so comfortable.

Wait a minute!

She suddenly realized the warmth wasn’t coming from the blankets, but from Ji Xiaoyu beside her. She snapped awake, her face flushing crimson.

Forgetting the cold, she scrambled out of bed, fumbling with her clothes. I-I’ll go boil some water and make you a bowl of hot noodle soup, she stammered to Ji Xiaoyu, who had been startled awake by her movements. You can eat it when you get up.

After breakfast, the most grueling part of their day began the hour-and-a-half walk to work.

The wind cut like a knife. Even with her face wrapped tightly in a cloth, Fu Jianxu’s delicate skin cracked and bled at the corners of her mouth. Ji Xiaoyu fared no better, her cheeks covered in frostbite.

Fu Jianxu watched, her heart aching. She secretly vowed once she earned enough money after the New Year, she would move to town with the girl next year, sparing her from this hardship.

When they finally reached the shop, they rubbed their hands and stamped their feet for a long time before warming up.

After enduring such bitter cold, the shop’s bustling atmosphere felt almost comforting. The large pot on the stove bubbled with steaming broth, its rising mist swirling around the beams and pillars, creating a warm barrier against the chill outside.

Diners, their faces flushed with the festive spirit of the approaching New Year, gathered in small groups around square tables. Their frostbitten hands cradled bowls of hot soup, their breath mingling with the steam rising from the food.

Boss, another bowl of pork offal Mala Tang! a plump woman by the window called out, her cheeks rosy from the heat despite her thick padded jacket. It’s so cold today—nothing beats a hot bowl of soup!

Exactly! a young wife at the next table chimed in, feeding a piece of pork offal to the child in her arms. The spice chases away the chill right down to your bones.

The plump woman was a regular at the shop, indulging in this meal every few days. Ji Xiaoyu recognized her instantly, responding with a smile and calling out to the kitchen, One bowl of pork offal Mala Tang!

Suddenly, a commotion erupted at the entrance. Several rough-looking men in coarse cloth clothing pushed open the door, bringing with them a gust of bone-chilling wind.