My Villainess Is Definitely Not a Black Lotus - Chapter 31

The crowd erupted into murmurs.

Ji Xiaoyu immediately approached the table where the tall, thin man and his companions had been sitting, picked up the bowl of Mala Tang, and brought it to Doctor Zhang. Doctor, would you please examine this bowl for laxatives?

Doctor Zhang took the bowl, examined it carefully, and nodded in confirmation. Traces of laxatives are indeed present in this bowl.

The plump woman also picked up her bowl from her table. What about mine?

After a brief examination, Doctor Zhang shook his head. This bowl is perfectly clean.

Fu Jianxu’s eyes lit up. She quickly beckoned the crowd toward the kitchen. Doctor, would you please inspect the soup base on our stove for any irregularities?

The crowd followed Ji Xiaoyu into the cramped kitchen, filling the small space to capacity.

Everyone held their breath as Doctor Zhang examined the soup. Finally, he shook his head.

The tiny kitchen was now packed with people, all watching Doctor Zhang’s every move with bated breath. After a thorough examination, the elderly doctor shook his head again. There’s nothing unusual about the soup base.

The crowd exhaled in relief. Ji Xiaoyu took a deep breath, stepped to the center of the stall, and declared loudly, As everyone here has witnessed today, the ingredients at Fu Ji Food Stall are completely safe! Thank you all for speaking up for us. We’ll reopen tomorrow with all dishes half-price as a token of our gratitude!

Her sincere words resonated with the crowd. That’s the way it should be! they responded.

We’ll definitely come to support you tomorrow!

Those ruffians deserve a good lesson!

Ji Xiaoyu retrieved silver from the counter to pay Doctor Zhang’s consultation fee and thanked him profusely.

Then she approached the stout woman and bowed deeply. We owe you everything today, Elder Sister. Without your help, we would never have been able to clear our name.

The stout woman quickly helped her up, whispering, Don’t mention it, child. But you must be careful—those men will likely return for revenge.

Fu Jianxu stood nearby, her face still pale, but she said softly, It’s alright. We don’t seek trouble, but we certainly won’t back down from it.

Fu Zhixiao patted her shoulder. Don’t worry, we’ve already reported it to the authorities. These troublemakers will be locked up for at least ten days or half a month.

As they spoke, two yamen officers dragged the tall, thin man and his gang out the door, bound hand and foot. The onlookers gradually dispersed, and Fu Ji Food Stall fell silent, leaving only the chaotic mess behind.

Looking at the ravaged shop, Fu Jianxu’s eyes welled up. She took a deep breath, forcing down the surging emotions. Zhou Daya and Hao Hong exchanged a glance and wordlessly picked up brooms and rags, quietly beginning to clean up the wreckage.

At that moment, Chen Zhen emerged from the back room, carrying her child. Seeing the scene, she gasped, What happened here? Did you offend someone?

Ji Xiaoyu recounted the entire incident in detail. Chen Zhen’s brow furrowed. This isn’t just a simple grudge… I bet it’s those jealous competitors trying to sabotage your business!

Chen Zhen hit the nail on the head. Fu Jianxu’s heart jolted as she recalled the big man’s words to the young girl. She realized they were likely after the Mala Tang recipe.

Remembering the brute’s violent treatment of Ji Xiaoyu, Fu Jianxu frowned with concern. She moved to Ji Xiaoyu’s side, gently taking her arm to examine it closely. Does it hurt? That thug was so rough…

When Ji Xiaoyu met Fu Jianxu’s worried gaze, her earlier panic miraculously vanished. She shook her head, a faint smile curving her lips. It doesn’t hurt, Sister Jianxu.

Still unconvinced, Fu Jianxu turned Ji Xiaoyu this way and that, inspecting her thoroughly while fussing, Didn’t I tell you to stay back? Why did you rush into such danger? Don’t ever do that again!

Ji Xiaoyu’s heart warmed at the scolding, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. I’m really fine… but Brother Xiao seems to be hurt.

After confirming Ji Xiaoyu was unharmed, the two hurried to Fu Zhixiao’s side. Ji Xiaoyu asked softly, Brother Xiao, your hand…

Fu Zhixiao waved it off dismissively. Just a scratch. Nothing more than a scrape.

Fu Jianxu and Ji Xiaoyu insisted on applying medicine, but Fu Zhixiao repeatedly refused. Suddenly, Fu Jianxu seemed to remember something and stopped pressing the issue, turning to help clean up the mess outside.

Entering the shop, they found Zhou Daya and Hao Hong had already swiftly cleaned the floor and righted the overturned tables and chairs. Ji Xiaoyu knelt on the floor, carefully gathering the shards of broken porcelain, her brow furrowed with distress. We lost so many dishes today, she fretted. And we’re offering half-price specials tomorrow. I’m afraid we’ll lose money.

Fu Jianxu gently patted the girl’s head, comforting her softly, Money is just an external thing. What matters is that we’re all safe and sound. Besides, business has been so good lately, we’ll make it back in no time.

Zhou Daya, having finished arranging the last chair, chimed in to lighten the mood, Exactly! If our business wasn’t so booming, why would anyone be jealous?

Ji Xiaoyu finally cracked a small smile. She went to check the remaining ingredients and, finding the losses weren’t too severe, finally breathed a sigh of relief. All things considered, aside from the broken dishes and Doctor Zhang’s consultation fee, the damage wasn’t too bad.

Due to the incident, they closed the shop much earlier than usual. Fu Jianxu let Zhou Daya and Hao Hong leave early, while she carefully inspected every corner of the shop, ensuring all doors and windows were securely locked before leaving with Ji Xiaoyu.

As they walked home, Fu Jianxu noticed Ji Xiaoyu still seemed downcast. After a moment’s thought, she turned back, withdrew five taels of silver from the account book, and pulled Ji Xiaoyu toward the market.

Sister Jianxu, what are you going to do with all this money? Ji Xiaoyu asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

Fu Jianxu, counting the copper coins, smiled at Ji Xiaoyu. It’s getting cold. I want to get a new quilt.

She paused, then added, And a new set of clothes for you. You’ve grown so much lately. You should have new clothes for the New Year, and if we buy them now, they should be ready in time.

Ji Xiaoyu froze, warmth flooding her heart. In that moment, all her worries seemed to vanish like smoke.

Let’s go, Fu Jianxu said, having finished counting the money and recording the accounts. She held out her hand to Ji Xiaoyu.

Ji Xiaoyu took the warm hand, lowered her head, and followed Fu Jianxu out.

Oh, the two young ladies are here!

They returned to the same fabric shop as before, where the boss greeted them with the same enthusiasm.

Fu Jianxu smiled kindly at the boss. Boss, could you please recommend some winter clothes for my sister?

Of course, of course! The boss’s smile widened at the prospect of a sale. Her eyes swept over Ji Xiaoyu as she began showcasing the shop’s new arrivals. You’ve come at the perfect time! We just received a new shipment of fabrics a few days ago.

Fu Jianxu gently nudged Ji Xiaoyu, who was still staring blankly. Go ahead and pick something you like.

Ji Xiaoyu took a few steps forward and stood before the dazzling array of fabrics. Her fingers cautiously brushed against a bolt of indigo-colored coarse cotton.

The boss immediately chimed in, Sister, you have excellent taste! This cotton is sturdy, durable, and beautifully colored. Only three qian of silver per bolt!

Fu Jianxu shook her head and pointed to a bolt of pale blue fine cotton nearby. Xiaoyu, this one looks much softer.

Ji Xiaoyu touched it as instructed and agreed—it was indeed far more comfortable.

The boss’s eyes lit up. This young lady knows her fabrics! This is top-grade Songjiang Cotton, six qian of silver per bolt. Perfect for undergarments!

Hearing the price, Ji Xiaoyu hastily withdrew her hand. The once-comfortable fabric suddenly felt less appealing. Seeing Fu Jianxu’s intrigued expression, she tugged at her sleeve. Sister Jianxu, the coarse cotton is fine. I’m used to it…

But Fu Jianxu was already carefully examining bolts of fine cotton in various colors. She patted the girl’s head. Our undergarments should be comfortable, right?

Turning to the boss, she said, We’ll take this one—the yellow. And a matching bolt for undergarments.

The young girl had fair skin yellow would look lovely on her.

The boss cheerfully retrieved a bolt of soft, moon-white cotton. This is Huzhou cotton, he said. It’s eight qian of silver, but look at the fabric—so smooth and soft! Perfect for undergarments!

Too expensive! Ji Xiaoyu stamped her foot in frustration. Sister Jianxu just bought new cotton clothes a few days ago! My current clothes are still wearable…

What we bought a few days ago was for then, Fu Jianxu murmured quietly. What we’re buying today is for New Year’s—how can they be the same?

Ji Xiaoyu continued to protest, her words laced with concern for their finances.

Fu Jianxu ignored her, gently pushing the girl forward to have her measurements taken. Ji Xiaoyu’s eyes reddened with distress, but she had no choice.

Silly Xiaoyu, Fu Jianxu sighed softly, amused by the girl’s pout. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind Ji Xiaoyu’s ear. You work so hard every day, from dawn till dusk. Why shouldn’t you treat yourself to something nice at the end of the year?

Ji Xiaoyu understood this logic perfectly well, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that this money could buy something more worthwhile than spending it so carelessly on herself.

The boss measured the young girl’s figure and carefully recorded the measurements.

Fu Jianxu, standing beside them, instructed, Please make the garment a little loose, Boss. The girl is still growing.

The boss chuckled in agreement. Fu Jianxu then asked if they had any padded clothing. The boss promptly presented a bolt of lotus-purple brocade. This fabric would be perfect for the outer robe!

H-how much does that cost? Ji Xiaoyu’s voice trembled.

One tael and two qian of silver, the boss replied with a smile.

No, no! Ji Xiaoyu shook her head vigorously, her voice unusually firm. The outer robe doesn’t need to be so fancy! I still have work to do! Coarse cloth will do just fine!

Fu Jianxu nodded in agreement, not daring to contradict the girl’s wishes. Boss, do you have any more affordable fabrics? Preferably in cheerful colors.

The boss pointed to a set of crimson cotton fabrics. Fu Jianxu’s eyes landed on a cinnabar-red bolt. How much for this one?

This one’s quite affordable! Eight hundred wen per bolt, the boss said, eager to make a sale. This color is especially festive for young ladies, especially during the New Year. Many people order this one, so if you want it, you’d better decide quickly. Our stock is running low, and it’ll likely be gone in a few days.

Eight hundred wen was still expensive! Ji Xiaoyu tugged urgently at Fu Jianxu’s sleeve, whispering, Sister Jianxu, we still need to buy a quilt…

Seeing their hesitation, the boss quickly offered, Alright, I’ll throw in an embroidered sash for your sister and give you both a discount.

Could we exchange the sash for a child’s garment? Fu Jianxu asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

The boss feigned reluctance for a moment before finally agreeing.

Fu Jianxu then pointed to a thick cotton quilt on the counter and asked for the price.

This is a freshly fluffed cotton quilt, weighing a full eight jin. It’ll cost two liang of silver, the boss replied.