My Villainess Is Definitely Not a Black Lotus - Chapter 32

So expensive! Ji Xiaoyu exclaimed, shocked that the quilt cost more than their earnings for two or three days!

Fu Jianxu squeezed Ji Xiaoyu’s hand reassuringly. It’s getting colder. What if we catch a cold without a thick quilt? That would defeat the whole purpose, wouldn’t it?

They finally settled on fabric for four sets of clothes two sets of undergarments, one set of mid-layer clothing, and one set of padded winter clothes, plus the cotton quilt. The boss even threw in a set of baby clothes, and Fu Jianxu shamelessly asked for some scraps of fabric. Ji Xiaoyu’s heart ached at the extra expense, but she couldn’t argue with Fu Jianxu and channeled her distress into relentless bargaining.

She managed to haggle the original price of five taels of silver down to four. After arranging to pick up the clothes in half a month, the boss smiled as he saw them out.

On the way home, Fu Jianxu walked ahead, carrying the newly purchased quilt and shielding Ji Xiaoyu from the wind. Ji Xiaoyu followed behind, her hands empty. As the cold wind blew, she couldn’t help but grumble again, Sister Jianxu, we really didn’t need to buy such an expensive quilt…

This is expensive? Fu Jianxu suddenly stopped, turning to look at her with feigned seriousness. When we make a fortune, I’ll buy you silk brocades, gold hairpins, and jade bracelets!

Ji Xiaoyu immediately fell silent. After a moment, she murmured, But this silver is enough for us to…

Enough for what? Fu Jianxu paused, looking at her intently. Enough for a few months’ food?

She reached out to adjust Ji Xiaoyu’s collar. Food is food, but we can’t skimp on clothes either, Xiaoyu. We’re not who we used to be anymore. I may not be particularly talented…

At this, she blushed slightly, embarrassed. But I want you to eat well and stay warm…

Ji Xiaoyu stared blankly at the chattering woman before her. Suddenly, she felt something burning in her chest, a warmth that made her eyes sting.

She wants to give me a better life?

Yes, they were no longer the girls who worried over a few dozen coins. It was this woman before her who had taken her from nothing and shaped her into who she was today.

Mm, Ji Xiaoyu murmured softly, taking a half-step forward to completely merge her shadow with Fu Jianxu’s. She secretly reached out and clutched the corner of Fu Jianxu’s robe, as if grasping the warmth of the entire winter.

As they returned home in the twilight, a sliver of orange-red sunset lingered on the horizon, bathing the village in a warm glow.

Fu Jianxu eagerly unfolded the newly purchased cotton quilt as soon as she entered the house, carefully spreading it over the bed and neatly folding the old quilt to place on top. This would ensure they stayed warm through the night.

When the weather warmed up, they could each have their own quilt, sparing the girl from having to squeeze together.

Fu Jianxu patted the fluffy new quilt with satisfaction, a smile playing on her lips.

Turning to leave the room, she found Ji Xiaoyu already busy in the courtyard. The girl had first added a handful of grain to the chicken coop, then stood on tiptoe to gather the drying laundry, her slender figure moving busily in the twilight.

Fu Jianxu hurried over, took the clothes from her hands, and noticed the girl’s face had lost the worry she’d worn in the shop, now radiating a relaxed contentment. Fu Jianxu’s heart softened as she folded the clothes and asked gently, What would you like for dinner tonight?

Ji Xiaoyu was taken aback by the simple question, momentarily speechless. Back when she ate only when she could, she never dared to dream of asking herself, What do I want to eat? Later, after Fu Jianxu changed for the better, every meal she prepared was fragrant and mouthwatering. Ji Xiaoyu savored each bite, never once considering being picky.

I love everything Sister Jianxu makes, she replied truthfully.

Then let’s use up the leftover tofu from yesterday, Fu Jianxu said, putting the clothes in the wardrobe. There’s also quite a bit of rice left. We can make egg-fried rice too.

The girl had eaten so much tofu last night she must really like it. Fu Jianxu went to the garden to pick some chives, then headed to the kitchen, where the clatter of pots and pans soon filled the air.

Ji Xiaoyu stood at the doorway, watching Fu Jianxu’s back as she skillfully sliced the tofu.

Why are you just standing there like a dummy? Aren’t you cold? Fu Jianxu turned to see Ji Xiaoyu rooted to the spot and smiled, beckoning her over. Come help me pick the chives.

Ji Xiaoyu quickly responded and scurried inside.

Soon, the kitchen filled with enticing aromas. Fu Jianxu emerged carrying steaming dishes golden-brown, crispy pan-fried tofu fragrant chive and egg soup and a bowl of egg-fried rice, each grain coated in golden-yellow egg.

Xiaoyu, time to eat! Fu Jianxu remembered how the little girl had devoured her food yesterday and deliberately packed the rice in her bowl extra tightly with the rice spoon.

Ji Xiaoyu came running over, chopsticks in hand, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at the dishes on the table. She placed the chopsticks across their bowls and sat down, carefully picking up a piece of tofu. She took a cautious bite, and the crispy exterior giving way to a tender interior made her eyes narrow in satisfaction.

Watching her chew with her cheeks puffed out, Fu Jianxu unconsciously ate half a bowl more rice than usual. The two of them, taking turns with chopsticks and spoons, quickly cleared the table.

Fu Jianxu leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes in contentment as she gently rubbed her round, full belly. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ji Xiaoyu about to get up to clear the dishes and quickly reached out to stop her. Don’t rush to move around right after eating. You might get a stomachache.

Ji Xiaoyu obediently sat back down, hesitated for a moment, and then, mimicking Fu Jianxu, leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes, and awkwardly rubbed circles on her belly. Her clumsy movements made her look like a kitten clumsily imitating human actions.

Fu Jianxu opened her eyes just in time to witness this scene and couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Ji Xiaoyu suddenly realized her little gesture had been noticed. Her face flushed crimson, the blush spreading from her ears to her neck, so embarrassed she nearly buried her face in her bowl.

I-I’ll go wash the dishes… she stammered, trying to stand up, but Fu Jianxu gently pulled her back down.

What’s the rush? Fu Jianxu asked, her eyes filled with a tender smile. I won’t laugh anymore. Stay and keep me company a little longer.

Feeling the warmth of Fu Jianxu’s fingertips on her wrist, Ji Xiaoyu’s face burned even hotter, yet she didn’t pull away.

Outside, the winter night wind howled relentlessly. Inside, the oil lamp cast their intertwined shadows on the wall, as if time itself had slowed to a gentle, languid pace.

Fu Jianxu leaned back in her chair, so comfortable she was nearly dozing off. Ji Xiaoyu gently nudged her shoulder. Sister Jianxu, it’s time to wash the dishes. If we wait any longer, the warm water on the stove will cool down, and we still need to wash up.

Fu Jianxu finally snapped out of her reverie, rubbed her eyes, and stretched languidly. She efficiently gathered the dishes and utensils, saying as she headed to the kitchen, You go wash up first. I’ll join you after I finish the dishes.

In the kitchen, Fu Jianxu immersed the dishes in warm water and began washing them with practiced efficiency. She had deliberately set aside a basin of clean, hot water on the wooden rack beside the stove.

Ji Xiaoyu followed her in and reached for the dishcloth. Let me do the dishes.

Fu Jianxu sidestepped her and gestured toward the basin of hot water with a nod. The water’s ready for you. Go wash up quickly—it’ll cool down fast in this cold.

Realizing she couldn’t argue, Ji Xiaoyu reluctantly approached the basin. As the warm water enveloped her fingertips, she sighed softly in contentment. Cupping a handful of the water, she splashed it over her face, feeling the day’s exhaustion and fear melt away with the warmth. She meticulously washed her face, even behind her ears.

The remaining water still held some warmth, too good to waste. Ji Xiaoyu poured it into a wooden bucket nearby, sat on a small stool, and slipped off her shoes and socks, revealing slender ankles as she plunged her feet into the hot water.

Fu Jianxu, having just finished the last dish, turned around and saw this. She quickly dried her hands and hurried over. Scooping another ladle of hot water, she added it to Ji Xiaoyu’s footbath. Soak them for a while, she said. Warming your feet will warm your whole body.

Ji Xiaoyu hadn’t expected the sudden addition of hot water, let alone the woman’s abrupt turn. She instinctively curled her toes, the tips of her ears burning crimson.

Fu Jianxu, oblivious to Ji Xiaoyu’s discomfort, finished adding the water and turned back to tidying the stove. Through the rising steam, Ji Xiaoyu stole glances at Fu Jianxu’s busy back. The woman’s loosely tied hair had come undone, a few strands dangling behind her neck, swaying gently with each movement.

Why won’t she look at me again? She clearly likes me—why else would she spend so much money on clothes for me?

Is this woman just pretending?

Ji Xiaoyu lowered her gaze, unconsciously wiggling her toes. Her mind raced with conflicting thoughts. Once I grow up a bit, I refuse to believe she can keep this up…

The kitchen fell silent save for the clinking of dishes and the occasional splash of water from Ji Xiaoyu’s foot washing.

After finishing the kitchen chores, Fu Jianxu prepared a basin of hot water to wash up. Suddenly remembering something, she hurried back to her room. From her bundle, she retrieved several pieces of soft cotton cloth she had specifically requested from the cloth shop owner earlier that day. She repeatedly scrubbed the cloths in the hot water until they were thoroughly softened, then wrung them dry.

Xiaoyu, this is for you, Fu Jianxu said, handing the freshly washed cloth to Ji Xiaoyu, who was soaking her feet.

Ji Xiaoyu was about to lift her foot to make room for Fu Jianxu to wash her own feet when she tilted her head in confusion. What’s this…?

The tips of Fu Jianxu’s ears flushed slightly, and her voice unconsciously lowered. It’s… it’s just for you. A cloth for… wiping your bottom. I specifically asked the boss for fine cotton… Her voice trailed off to a near-whisper.

Ji Xiaoyu froze for a moment, then her entire face burned crimson. She finally understood why Fu Jianxu had been rummaging through the scrap fabrics at the cloth shop earlier that day.

Their household had only one basin and one bucket, used interchangeably for everything. The concept of separate, dedicated items had never occurred to her. Flustered, she accepted the cloth.

I-I’ll go heat some fresh water… Seeing the girl take the cloth, Fu Jianxu hastily added more water to the basin, relit the stove, and awkwardly turned to leave the kitchen to Ji Xiaoyu.

The night breeze swept through the courtyard, gradually cooling the heat in Fu Jianxu’s cheeks. Leaning against the doorframe, she gazed at their humble dwelling, already planning when she could add more necessities to their home.

For instance, this basin—forget about a bathtub, but having to use the same basin for washing her face, bottom, and clothes? This was truly unbearable! She needed at least a dedicated basin for personal hygiene, and that nearly bald willow twig needed replacing too. And…

By the end of her train of thought, she almost wished she could replace the entire house.

All these expenses would add up to a considerable sum, and she certainly didn’t have that much money right now…

Fu Jianxu sighed. The moment she thought about money, her mind inevitably drifted to scheming how to fleece Xie Yinwan, the wealthiest female supporting character in the entire novel.

Ji Xiaoyu emerged from the house and found Fu Jianxu lost in thought. Curious, she asked, Sister Jianxu, what are you thinking about? It’s windy outside—why aren’t you inside?

Still lost in her thoughts, Fu Jianxu blurted out without thinking, I was thinking about Xie Yinwan…