My Villainess Is Definitely Not a Black Lotus - Chapter 34

Xiaoyu-meimei, how do you get along with Jianxu-meimei? Could you… teach me?

Ji Xiaoyu looked up, slightly surprised by Zhou Daya’s question. Her gaze drifted past Zhou Daya’s shoulder, catching sight of Hao Hong emerging from the kitchen with a tray of dishes. Understanding dawned in her eyes. She pursed her lips into a smile, leaned close to Zhou Daya’s ear, and whispered a few words.

Zhou Daya’s expression gradually twisted into something strange. Her mouth gaped open involuntarily, her face etched with disbelief.

Is this… is this really what sisters do for each other? She was about to press for more details when a sudden influx of customers flooded the shop, interrupting her thoughts.

The news of today’s half-price promotion had spread like wildfire. By the end of the mao hour around 700 AM, the small food shop was already packed to capacity. Customers, both regulars and newcomers, sat shoulder-to-shoulder on long benches, chatting and laughing as they waited to savor the shop’s renowned spicy hotpot.

By noon, a long queue had formed outside the shop.

Zhou Daya had no choice but to temporarily set aside her lingering doubts and throw herself into the bustling service. Yet Ji Xiaoyu’s earlier words had taken root in her heart like a seed. Whenever she passed Hao Hong, she couldn’t help but steal glances, Ji Xiaoyu’s lessons echoing in her mind, her ears burning involuntarily.

What’s wrong with you? Do you have a fever? After a long day’s work, Hao Hong finally caught a moment to reach out and touch Zhou Daya’s forehead. Her dear friend had been giving her such strange looks all day, as if… as if she were possessed by some evil spirit.

N-no… Zhou Daya flinched away from Hao Hong’s touch as if burned, her ears flushing crimson.

Damn it! Hao Hong’s heart skipped a beat. The usually carefree Zhou Daya couldn’t even meet her eyes today. This was definitely no minor matter.

Sister, Hao Hong said, grabbing Zhou Daya by the shoulders and forcing her to look her in the eye. After all these years of friendship, what illness can’t you tell me about? I’ve saved up some silver over the years. If you need treatment, we’ll get it together. Don’t do anything rash!

Just then, Fu Jianxu emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands. Her expression changed abruptly when she heard the conversation. Daya-jie, are you feeling unwell? Should we call a doctor to take a look?

Zhou Daya was so embarrassed she wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear. She waved her hands frantically, backing away. I’m fine! I’m perfectly healthy! I—I’ll go wipe the tables!

With that, she fled to a corner table as if escaping.

Heavenly Mother!

Zhou Daya scrubbed the already clean tabletop with all her might, inwardly wailing. Am I really going to follow Ji Xiaoyu’s advice?

What was it? Accidentally brush her fingers? Find a chance to lean on her shoulder?

Is this really what sisters do?

But isn’t this how Ji Xiaoyu and Fu Jianxu act with each other?

Zhou Daya gripped the cleaning cloth tightly, as if suddenly understanding something. Her eyes gradually hardened with resolve.

She took a deep breath, mentally steeling herself. Zhou Daya, Zhou Daya, since when did you become so timid? Da Hong is willing to spend her entire savings to treat your illness. Can’t you even dare to take this friendship to the next level?

On the other side, Fu Jianxu frowned, anxiously observing Zhou Daya’s uncharacteristic behavior. What’s wrong with everyone today? One after another, they’re all acting so strangely.

Ji Xiaoyu sat behind the counter, taking in the entire scene. She lowered her head, suppressing the amusement in her eyes. When she noticed Fu Jianxu still worrying about Zhou Daya, she couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. This woman has the nerve to worry about others?

She discreetly pinched her thigh, instantly reddening her eyes. Rising, she stopped a few steps away from Fu Jianxu and called out softly, Jian Xu-jie…

Fu Jianxu turned at the sound of her voice. Ji Xiaoyu stood beside her, her fox-like eyes glistening with tears as she gazed at her with a pitiful, abandoned-animal look.

D-did I… did I upset you? Ji Xiaoyu murmured, her voice barely audible.

Fu Jianxu panicked. The morning’s rush had temporarily pushed aside the awkwardness of the previous night, but now those memories flooded back. She rushed forward, stumbling over her words as she tried to explain, Of course not! I’m just… I’m still a bit flustered.

Ji Xiaoyu’s shoulders trembled slightly, her frail frame seeming as if it might collapse in the slightest breeze.

Fu Jianxu couldn’t bear to see the little girl crying. Her heart ached, and she quickly patted Ji Xiaoyu’s back. Don’t cry, don’t cry. I promise I’ll pay much more attention to you from now on, okay?

Really? Ji Xiaoyu asked timidly, her tear-streaked face lifting slightly.

Absolutely! Fu Jianxu nearly swore on her life.

Ji Xiaoyu finally stopped sobbing, biting her lip in hesitation. After a moment, she whispered, Then… can my sister give me a hug?

Fu Jianxu’s face flushed crimson. She glanced around nervously. This… this might not be appropriate. We’re in the shop, and everyone’s watching…

Seeing Ji Xiaoyu’s lips begin to tremble again, Fu Jianxu gritted her teeth, steeled her resolve, and opened her arms, pulling the little girl into a tight embrace.

Thump-thump… thump-thump…

When Ji Xiaoyu’s soft body pressed against her, Fu Jianxu froze completely. The faint scent of soapberry from the girl’s hair lingered in her nostrils, inexplicably making her heart pound like a drum.

The hug stretched on as if it were an eternity. Fu Jianxu could clearly feel Ji Xiaoyu’s heartbeat, each pulse gradually syncing with her own. Until—

Thud. The sound of a dishcloth hitting the floor shattered the delicate atmosphere between them.

Fu Jianxu snapped out of her daze, realizing the entire food shop had fallen silent. Zhou Daya stood frozen, the dishcloth slipping from her hand unnoticed. Hao Hong’s mouth hung open wide enough to swallow an egg, oblivious to the soup dripping from the tilted plate.

Their eyes stared blankly, their faces screaming, Are young women’s friendships this intimate these days?

Chen Zhen, who had just entered with his daughter, frantically covered the girl’s eyes while stealing glances himself. Even the usually composed Fu Zhixiao stood frozen in place.

Are lesbian relationships this open these days? Fu Zhixiao thought, clicking his tongue inwardly.

Fu Jianxu’s face flushed crimson. She frantically pushed Ji Xiaoyu away, squeezing her eyes shut and thinking, If I can’t see them, they can’t see me…

Ji Xiaoyu, however, acted as if nothing had happened, even tugging at Fu Jianxu’s sleeve with lingering reluctance.

The movement snapped Fu Jianxu back to reality.

Great, she thought. Now the whole shop knows I’m a beast who preys on young girls.

I-I’ll go check the pots in the back… Fu Jianxu fled in disarray, nearly tripping over the threshold.

A chorus of coughs rippled through the shop, clearly everyone was struggling to suppress their laughter. Ji Xiaoyu stood her ground, watching Fu Jianxu’s panicked retreat with a triumphant smile playing on her lips. She leisurely smoothed out the wrinkles in her rumpled collar, thinking Jian Xu-jie, this is just the beginning…

On the way to Full Moon Pavilion, Fu Jianxu’s face remained flushed crimson. Afraid of letting her embarrassment derail their mission, she frantically recited novel recipes she had memorized, managing to cool her burning cheeks.

Ji Xiaoyu walked beside her, half a step behind, a smile lingering at the corners of her mouth. She knew when to stop today’s progress had far exceeded her expectations. Catching a glimpse of Fu Jianxu’s reddened ear tips, she subtly closed the distance between them, maintaining just the right balance of closeness and detachment.

Fu Zhixiao followed behind, shaking his head helplessly as he watched the strangely behaving couple. Ever since this morning, especially after that peculiar embrace, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted between them.

In the blink of an eye, the signboard of Full Moon Pavilion loomed before them. Fu Zhixiao stepped forward, cupping his hands in a respectful greeting to A’Qing, the waiter at the entrance. Please inform Miss Xie that Madam Fu of Fu Ji Food Shop requests an audience.

A’Qing’s face lit up at the sight of them. Esteemed guests, please follow me! The owner instructed us to escort you directly to the private room upon your arrival.

Bowing respectfully, he led the trio to an elegant private room on the second floor, overlooking the courtyard through a carved window.

Inside the room, wisps of agarwood incense curled upward, drifting through the ornate latticework. A’Qing swiftly seated the guests and served freshly brewed Biluochun tea.

Moments later, the pearl curtain rustled softly as Xie Yin glided into the room. She wore a moon-white, gold-embroidered ruqun, her hair ornaments jingling softly as they caught the morning light with a warm, lustrous glow. She settled gracefully into the head seat, picking up her teacup.

Madam Fu’s visit today, she said, taking a delicate sip of tea, a faint smile playing on her lips, has she brought something worthy of my attention?

Fu Jianxu steadied herself and exchanged a meaningful glance with Fu Zhixiao. Understanding the signal, Fu Zhixiao retrieved an oiled paper packet from his robes. Miss Xie, please take a look. This is our specially crafted hot pot base.

Hot pot base? Xie Yinwan examined the solidified red paste within the oiled paper with keen interest. A light touch of her fingertip revealed the characteristic smoothness of beef tallow. Leaning closer to inhale, she was met with the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns, the fiery pungency of prickly ash, and the complex aroma of dozens of blended spices, a combination that sparked a flicker of surprise in her eyes.

Seeing Xie Yinwan remain silent, merely dabbing her fingertip with an embroidered handkerchief, Fu Zhixiao continued his explanation. This base requires a specially designed copper pot. The pot has a central chimney for charcoal heating, with the base placed in the surrounding circular trough. Once water is added and brought to a boil, it’s ready for dipping.

He gestured. Ingredients like lamb and beef should be sliced paper-thin—as delicate as cicada wings—and swished through the boiling broth just three or four times before eating.

However, Fu Zhixiao added with a hint of regret, our custom-made new pots won’t be ready until after the New Year.

Xie Yinwan nodded slightly and turned to A’Qing, who stood waiting nearby. Fetch a copper pot and a plate of premium lamb hind leg meat.

Soon, the copper pot was set up, and the base ingredients gradually dissolved in the boiling water. Bright red oil shimmered on the surface, filling the elegant private room with a rich, savory aroma. Xie Yinwan picked up a paper-thin slice of mutton with her chopsticks, swished it gently in the crimson broth, and gracefully brought it to her lips.

The moment the numbing spice, fiery heat, and savory freshness exploded on her tongue, the mellow richness of the beef tallow perfectly harmonized the flavors of the various spices. Her pupils constricted slightly. After a moment, she sighed softly, Truly numbing without being drying, spicy without being choking.

Fu Jianxu and the others exchanged knowing smiles, their confidence bolstered.

Gentlemen, name your price, Xie Yinwan said, setting down her silver chopsticks.

Fu Zhixiao replied solemnly, We’re not selling this recipe.

Xie Yinwan raised an eyebrow. Second Young Master, are you joking? If you’re not selling, why come to my Full Moon Pavilion?

Not only are we not selling, Fu Zhixiao said calmly, we can also provide a new recipe each month. The condition is—

The condition is for me to protect your little shop? Xie Yinwan chuckled, her crimson-nailed fingers tapping lightly on the table.

Ji Xiaoyu’s heart skipped a beat, realizing Miss Xie truly had connections reaching to the heavens. She carefully chose her words. To be honest, our small shop has somehow offended someone powerful. We only wish to live peacefully and earn enough to survive. That’s why we’ve dared to ask for Miss Xie’s protection.

The smile on Xie Yinwan’s face deepened. This hotpot base is indeed exceptional, but… Her tone suddenly shifted. Do you know who’s been causing you trouble?

When the three shook their heads, Xie Yinwan’s crimson lips parted slightly. The Fortune Gate is behind your troubles. And the Fortune Gate… is also a Xie Family enterprise.