My Villainess Is Definitely Not a Black Lotus - Chapter 33

I was thinking about Xie Yinwan…

The words were barely out of her mouth before Fu Jianxu regretted them.

As expected, Ji Xiaoyu’s expression instantly darkened, her face turning terrifyingly grim. This woman was still hung up on Miss Xie…

I-I mean… Fu Jianxu stammered, scrambling to explain, I was just thinking about what kind of business I could do with Xie Yinwan…

Ji Xiaoyu lowered her gaze, her long lashes casting a shadow across her face. She murmured a soft Hmm and turned to walk into the room, her steps quicker than usual.

Seeing this, Fu Jianxu hurried after her. She found Ji Xiaoyu curled up under the newly purchased thick quilt, only her dark head visible. Fu Jianxu wanted to rush over and explain immediately, but realizing she hadn’t washed up or changed, she quickly grabbed a set of clean clothes and hurried to the kitchen to wash up.

The new cotton quilt was soft and warm, but Ji Xiaoyu’s heart felt like it had been plunged into an ice cellar. Silent tears soaked the pillow as she bit down on the corner of the quilt to stifle her sobs.

Even with amnesia, is Miss Xie still the only one in her heart? she wondered. What was all that tenderness and care these past few days? Does it mean nothing compared to that noble Miss Xie?

Hearing Fu Jianxu’s footsteps outside, Ji Xiaoyu’s tears flowed even more freely. Will she continue to cling to Miss Xie? she thought. Now that she has some skills, Miss Xie might even keep her at the restaurant as a cook.

Urgent footsteps approached the door. Ji Xiaoyu hastily wiped away her tears and pretended to be asleep.

Fu Jianxu quickly washed up, hurried into the room, blew out the oil lamp, and dove under the covers in one swift motion. She lay on the bed, still panting slightly. After calming her breathing, she turned to her side and gently poked Xiaoyu’s shoulder. Xiaoyu?

Ji Xiaoyu replied, forcing herself to sound calm, Sister Jianxu, I understand.

No, you don’t understand…

Fu Jianxu’s face crumpled with anxiety. She turned fully to face Xiaoyu and explained earnestly, I was just thinking… we have no power or influence. The only people we know with any real authority are the Xie Family. Even though today’s trouble at the shop has been temporarily resolved, we’ve made enemies. I was wondering… if I could use my skills to make a deal with the Xie Family, in exchange for their protection.

Really?

Ji Xiaoyu slowly turned her head.

Fu Jianxu’s voice grew softer. Seeing the girl turn, her eyes lit up, and she continued in a hushed tone, And all the things I want to buy for you… a proper washbasin, a bathtub, a new toothbrush…

I also want to move to a bigger, better house. I’ve been so focused on earning enough money quickly… that’s why I was so lost in thought. Halfway through her explanation, in the darkness, she noticed the glint of tears in Xiaoyu’s eyes. She carefully reached out and gently wiped away the damp streaks on the girl’s face. I’m sorry, Xiaoyu. I didn’t think this through properly. I’ve upset you.

When Fu Jianxu’s warm fingertips brushed her cheek, Ji Xiaoyu instinctively blinked. Just as Fu Jianxu was about to withdraw her hand, Ji Xiaoyu suddenly reached up and pressed it firmly against her damp cheek.

Sister Jianxu… she murmured softly.

Hmm? Fu Jianxu’s fingertips registered the girl’s delicate skin and the cool, lingering dampness of her tears. Her fingers involuntarily curled slightly.

In the darkness, Ji Xiaoyu huddled into herself. We’re family, right?

Yes, Fu Jianxu replied without hesitation, her voice firm. We’ll always be family.

This answer seemed to reassure the girl somewhat. Like a pampered kitten, she gently nuzzled her cheek against Fu Jianxu’s palm. She blinked her beautiful, fox-like eyes. Then… you’ll never abandon me, right?

Fu Jianxu’s palm tickled from the nuzzling. She cupped Ji Xiaoyu’s now-plumper cheeks in both hands and gently kneaded them like dough. Never. Have you forgotten? The immortal said I must always be good to you.

Hearing this, Ji Xiaoyu finally showed her first genuine smile of the night. Yet her long-isolated heart still hung suspended, unable to fully relax.

She secretly vowed in her heart Sister Jianxu, you said it yourself… I’ll keep you by my side forever, and never let you look at anyone else again…

Seeing the girl didn’t respond, Fu Jianxu ruffled her hair once more, withdrew her hand, and settled back down. Sleep now, she murmured softly.

The girl nodded quietly.

Beneath the new cotton quilt, their breathing gradually synchronized. The cold wind still howled outside, but the warmth within the covers was enough to dispel all chill.

Though the night was deep, Ji Xiaoyu felt no sleepiness. By the moonlight filtering through the window crack, she gazed at Fu Jianxu’s sleeping profile. The woman’s breathing was even and deep, her lashes casting shadows beneath her eyes. Ji Xiaoyu gently sat up, the rustling of clothes audible in the darkness.

She slipped off her plain white undergarment, carefully folded it, and placed it beside her pillow. After finishing, she lay back down, nestled into Fu Jianxu’s arms, and curled up in the most comfortable position she could find.

But moments later, as if remembering something, she propped herself up again, fumbled for something, and pressed it into Fu Jianxu’s hand before finally closing her eyes with a satisfied sigh.

The next morning, Fu Jianxu slowly woke up in her warm bed. The newly purchased cotton quilt was indeed wonderfully cozy, making her reluctant to move. The sensation in her arms was even softer and warmer, with a silky texture…

Wait, silky?

Fu Jianxu drowsily reached out to touch it again. No, something was wrong—

Her eyes snapped open, meeting Ji Xiaoyu’s watery gaze. The young girl’s hands were pressed protectively against her chest, her cheeks flushed crimson as she shyly recoiled, her eyes fixed on the garment in Fu Jianxu’s hand with a complex expression.

Following Ji Xiaoyu’s gaze, Fu Jianxu looked down and her brain froze—she was clutching the plain white undergarment she had bought for the girl!

I must be dreaming… Fu Jianxu muttered to herself, closing her eyes in self-deception and lying back down stiffly. Yes, this has to be a ridiculous dream, a nightmare that will vanish when I wake up…

Sister Jianxu… Ji Xiaoyu’s eyes darkened at the sight, and her voice, as faint as a mosquito’s buzz, filled the room again. It’s alright… I’m already your wife…

Hearing this, Fu Jianxu sat up abruptly and turned to see the young girl’s eyes rimmed with red, her expression a mixture of suppressed words and wounded grievance.

Slap! Fu Jianxu struck herself hard across the face. The stinging pain confirmed this was no dream.

Her mind raced with questions. When did I develop a sleepwalking problem?

She mentally berated herself What’s wrong with you, Fu Jianxu?! You’ve been single for years, but have you really sunk so low as to prey on an underage girl in your dreams?!

I… I… Fu Jianxu stammered, unable to form a coherent sentence.

Ji Xiaoyu lowered her head, her voice choked with emotion. It’s really okay, Sister Jianxu. Xiaoyu has always belonged to you…

I-I’ll take responsibility! Fu Jianxu blurted out, her voice so loud it startled even herself. She frantically wrapped Ji Xiaoyu in the blanket, rambling incoherently, No, I-I mean… I-I…

Ji Xiaoyu quietly glanced up at Fu Jianxu’s flushed face and flustered demeanor. She snuggled closer, burying her head against Fu Jianxu’s shoulder, the corners of her lips curving into a barely perceptible smile. Yet her voice still trembled slightly as she murmured, Then Sister Jianxu must keep her word.

Fu Jianxu froze, her mind blank. At those words, she could only nod mechanically.

Even as she stepped through the threshold of the food stall, Fu Jianxu remained in a dazed state.

In the nearly month since they’d opened, this was the first time the two had been late. Zhou Daya and the others had already arrived and were well underway with preparing the ingredients.

We’re so sorry, everyone, Ji Xiaoyu apologized. We overslept this morning and made you all work harder.

Hao Hong waved dismissively. It’s nothing. It’s just part of the job.

Zhou Daya, however, noticed something amiss. Her gaze darted between the two women, and she grinned mischievously. Oho! Did you two go thieving last night? Why are you both looking so worn out?

Her words struck Fu Jianxu like a needle piercing her secret thoughts. Her face flushed crimson, and she fled into the kitchen in a flustered rush, her movements clumsy and awkward.

Fu Zhixiao gazed at the lingering slap mark on Fu Jianxu’s face and her disconsolate demeanor. After hesitating, she casually approached her and whispered, Don’t worry. If those thugs dare show their faces again, I’ll make them regret it.

Fu Jianxu finally snapped out of her daze, shaking her head with a bitter smile. It’s not them I’m afraid of… The words caught in her throat. She couldn’t possibly admit she was still agonizing over the absurd incident that morning.

Fu Zhixiao scrutinized Fu Jianxu’s expression, uncertain whether to believe her.

Brother Xiao, I’m really fine, Fu Jianxu insisted, forcing herself to sound cheerful as she tried to change the subject.

Seeing Fu Zhixiao’s lingering suspicion, she adopted a serious tone. Actually, I was strategizing last night. There are only a few restaurants in town that compete with us. Since someone’s already made a move, we should strike first.

As she spoke, she skillfully blended spices for the hotpot broth. Instead of waiting to be attacked, we should ally ourselves with our enemies’ enemies. If we tie our interests to a stronger power, those petty troublemakers won’t dare make a move.

Fu Zhixiao’s expression shifted abruptly. Are you saying…?

Exactly, Fu Jianxu nodded, her usual timid demeanor completely absent. I want to ask Xiao-ge to accompany me on another visit to Miss Xie. But this time…

She lowered her voice and began to explain her plan in detail.

In the front hall, Ji Xiaoyu was absentmindedly wiping tables and chairs. Her gaze kept drifting toward the kitchen, her eyes burning with an intensity that seemed capable of piercing the thin wooden wall.

Zhou Daya passed by with a tray of dishes and clicked her tongue in amazement. These sisters are so close! They’ve only been apart for a moment, and they’re already missing each other this much.

She sidled up to Ji Xiaoyu, teasing with a smile, Xiaoyu-meimei, your bond with A Xu-meimei is truly enviable!

A blush immediately rose to Ji Xiaoyu’s cheeks. She nodded shyly, looking every bit the demure young bride.

This sight stirred an odd feeling in Zhou Daya’s heart, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on what felt off.

Strange… Zhou Daya scratched her head, muttering to herself. My relationship with Da Hong isn’t bad either, so why don’t we ever…?

She suddenly froze. Could it be that, in Hao Hong’s heart, she wasn’t her closest sister? Otherwise, why had Hao Hong never shown such concern for her?

This realization drained the color from Zhou Daya’s face. As if possessed, she leaned closer to Ji Xiaoyu and whispered, Xiaoyu-meimei, how do you get along with Jianxu-meimei? Could you… teach me?