My Villainess Is Definitely Not a Black Lotus - Chapter 35
Upon hearing this, Fu Zhixiao’s expression changed abruptly, while Fu Jianxu’s eyes lit up. She recalled a plot point from the original novel where Xie Yinwan clashed with her half-brother. Wasn’t the Fortune Gate the restaurant managed by that good-for-nothing brother of hers?
Fu Jianxu retrieved a ceramic jar and gently placed it on the low table. This… this is my specially formulated dipping sauce recipe. It’s peanut butter-based, with fermented bean curd, chive blossoms, and twelve other seasonings.
She pushed the jar forward slightly, took a deep breath, and continued, The hotpot base and these dipping sauce recipes represent our sincerity and our capabilities.
Miss Xie’s willingness to sit down and talk with us proves that you recognize value in what we offer. It shows you disapprove of your brother’s bullying tactics. If you agree to collaborate, you’ll not only receive new recipes regularly, but more importantly—
She paused, lowered her head, and missed Xie Yinwan’s probing gaze. Gathering her courage, she finished in a rush, This would precisely demonstrate Miss Xie’s discerning judgment. By actively seeking collaboration rather than having the recipes forcibly taken by other members of the Xie Family, wouldn’t it further highlight your magnanimous spirit and skillful diplomacy?
Xie Yinwan’s fingers, which had been lightly tapping the table, paused momentarily as she reassessed Fu Jianxu. When had this woman, who once clung to her obsessively, become so perceptive?
Ji Xiaoyu stared in astonishment at the woman’s profile beside her, her hands twisting the hem of her robe tightly. This woman’s intimate knowledge of the Xie Family’s affairs suggested she was still secretly monitoring Miss Xie.
Xie Yinwan chuckled softly, her slender fingers tracing the rim of her celadon teacup. A hint of amusement flickered in her phoenix eyes. Since Madam Fu puts it that way—
She picked up the teapot and poured fresh tea for everyone. Refusing now would make me seem ungrateful.
She raised the cup and took a delicate sip, savoring the tea’s aroma. Very well. Let’s draw up a contract.
As she set down her teacup, the porcelain clinked softly against the wooden table. On the fifth of each month, I’ll send my manager to collect the new recipes. I won’t take advantage of you—twenty taels of silver per recipe. I’ll take as many as you have.
Her gaze shifted slightly, her tone gentle yet firm. However, any recipes you sell to me cannot be given to anyone else.
The group nodded in unison.
At this point, as if suddenly remembering something, a meaningful smile curved her lips. As for Fortune Gate…
My good-for-nothing younger brother will soon be too busy to bother you.
By the time they left Full Moon Pavilion, dusk was settling.
Having resolved their worries, Fu Jianxu and Fu Zhixiao both let out long sighs of relief. With twenty taels of silver tucked safely in their pockets, Fu Jianxu was particularly overjoyed by this unexpected windfall.
Ji Xiaoyu, however, walked ahead in gloomy silence.
Just as Fu Jianxu was about to ask what was wrong, Fu Zhixiao grabbed her arm. A Xu, when did you become so knowledgeable about the Xie Family?
Fu Jianxu stammered, unsure how to answer. Ahead, Ji Xiaoyu’s pace quickened. Oh no, she thought, she’s going to misunderstand again!
After offering a vague explanation, Fu Jianxu hurried to catch up with the girl ahead.
At the carved wooden window of a private room in Full Moon Pavilion, Xie Yinwan leaned against the window frame, her fingertips tapping lightly against the ceramic jar in her hand. She watched the two figures below grow smaller as they walked away, until they turned the corner and disappeared into the bustling crowd.
Instruct the chefs in the kitchen, she said suddenly, her voice carrying a hint of casual indifference, to develop a hot pot recipe based on this formula. Launch it after the spring festival, and it’s sure to become a sensation.
Yes, Miss, Zhuye replied, accepting the ceramic jar with a smile. This is perfect. The Second Young Master was already no match for you, and now he’ll have even less chance of competing.
Xie Yinwan scoffed softly. Her incompetent younger brother had only managed to secure control of Fortune Gate’s operations because their grandmother insisted she marry before relinquishing the family business—a stubborn adherence to outdated tradition. Otherwise, with her skills, why would she need to establish her own venture?
The aroma of cooking drifted in from outside, reminding her of Fu Jianxu’s sudden and complete transformation in demeanor earlier. Her fingers unconsciously traced the carved patterns on the window frame.
Zhuye, she asked thoughtfully, what does it take for someone to become… like a completely different person?
Zhuye paused, following her mistress’s gaze. The two figures had long vanished from the street. After a moment’s consideration, she replied, Perhaps… a major life-altering event? Or…
Xie Yinwan waved her hand to cut her off, a knowing smile curving her lips. It doesn’t matter. After all… there’s plenty of time ahead.
She cast one last glance at the long street outside before turning away, her skirt swirling in a graceful arc as she moved.
Xiaoyu… Fu Jianxu nearly had to jog to catch up with the petite girl, who was walking with brisk, hurried steps. She quickly circled around to stand in front of Ji Xiaoyu, blocking her path, before finally stopping to catch her breath.
The sight that greeted her tightened her heart. The girl’s eyes were rimmed with red, and unshed tears clung to her lashes, yet she stubbornly pressed her lips together, refusing to let them fall.
Xiaoyu, what’s wrong? Fu Jianxu stood frozen, her mind racing to recall any misstep she might have made that day, anything that could have hurt the girl.
Jian Xu-jie, Ji Xiaoyu stopped, tilting her face upward. A single tear finally slipped down her cheek. Do you really not remember anything?
O-of course I do, Fu Jianxu stammered, caught off guard by the sudden question.
Sister, please don’t lie to me. Ji Xiaoyu’s voice trembled slightly. You even know that Fortune Gate is run by Miss Xie’s younger brother. How could someone with amnesia know that?
A bone-chilling gust of wind swept through, leaving Fu Jianxu’s back drenched in cold sweat. In her nervousness while facing Miss Xie at the shop, she had forgotten to conceal these crucial details!
I-I truly don’t know! If I had known, how would I have dared to approach Miss Xie…? she stammered, trying to explain.
Ji Xiaoyu’s gaze remained skeptical, her wet eyes seeming to pierce through Fu Jianxu’s defenses.
I… I was just guessing… Fu Jianxu said, scratching her head in frustration, unable to come up with a more plausible explanation.
Ji Xiaoyu stared at her quietly for a long moment before finally letting out a soft sigh. She didn’t believe Fu Jianxu’s story, but if her sister didn’t want to talk about it, she wouldn’t press the matter. Just like when Fu Jianxu claimed her sudden improvement in cooking skills came from divine instruction, Xiaoyu had accepted it as truth.
From now on, however, she would never allow her sister to have anything to do with Miss Xie again.
Alright, Ji Xiaoyu suddenly smiled, tears still glistening at the corners of her eyes. Whatever Jian Xu-jie says, I’ll believe.
Guilt washed over Fu Jianxu for deceiving the young girl. She nodded, turned, and continued walking home. After only a few steps, a small, icy hand suddenly slipped into her palm.
You… you don’t have to… Fu Jianxu recoiled as if electrocuted, but froze when she turned back to meet Ji Xiaoyu’s hopeful gaze. The girl’s hand was red with cold, her fingertips trembling slightly. With a soft sigh, Fu Jianxu finally wrapped her own hand around the icy one, warming it in her palm.
By the time they returned to their small courtyard, dusk had settled heavily. The overcast sky hid the stars and moon, creating a suffocating atmosphere.
Perhaps out of guilt, or perhaps because the lingering sensation in her palm was too vivid, Fu Jianxu hastily shook off Ji Xiaoyu’s hand as soon as they entered the courtyard. She rushed to the clothesline to collect the already dry laundry, then retreated to her room without looking back.
The dim yellow light of the oil lamp cast a hazy glow across the room as Fu Jianxu folded clothes in the faint light. Her fingertips suddenly brushed against a soft fabric—
It was Ji Xiaoyu’s intimate undergarment, the very one she had picked out at the cloth shop just days ago.
Fu Jianxu’s face flushed crimson, her ears burning hot. She hurriedly stuffed the garment at the bottom of the pile, but the lingering sensation on her fingertips refused to fade—soft, faintly scented with soapberry…
She closed her eyes briefly, quickening her movements haphazardly. In a few hurried motions, she shoved the clothes into the wardrobe with a thump, slamming the door shut to banish the sight.
But after only two steps away, she froze.
Wait, the little girl will need clean undergarments after washing up.
Gritting her teeth, she reopened the wardrobe, pulled out the undergarment along with a fresh set, and neatly folded them on the edge of the bed.
Jian Xu-jie, the hot water’s ready. You can wash up first, Ji Xiaoyu’s voice called from the doorway.
Fu Jianxu looked up and met the girl’s smiling eyes, her gaze lingering almost imperceptibly on the clothes on the bed.
She felt instantly caught red-handed, her hands flailing awkwardly. Clearing her throat, she stammered, O-okay, I’ll go right now.
She hurried out, her movements stiff and clumsy, nearly tripping over the threshold.
Behind her, Ji Xiaoyu let out a soft pfft of laughter.
Fu Jianxu’s steps faltered. Her face burned even hotter, the heat spreading to the back of her neck, making her feel like a boiled shrimp.
That little girl is definitely doing this on purpose!
The kitchen was filled with steamy warmth. As Fu Jianxu loosened her sash, she mentally replayed the steps that had led to her gradual downfall.
She dampened a cloth and draped it over herself, warm droplets trickling down her neck. She shook her head sharply. This isn’t right. This is all wrong. How could Fu Jianxu, the peerless top, have been so completely dominated by a teenage girl?
No! I must reclaim my dominant aura!
It’s all the fault of these useless hands! Fu Jianxu concluded after a moment. Gritting her teeth, she vigorously rubbed her right arm until the skin turned red.
Tonight, these unruly hands will learn who truly controls this body!
Late that night, Ji Xiaoyu returned from the kitchen, wrapped in a cotton-padded coat. As she pushed open the door, she saw Fu Jianxu lying stiffly on the bed, her eyes tightly closed.
In the dim yellow light of the oil lamp, Ji Xiaoyu noticed a peculiar bulge beneath Fu Jianxu’s blanket. Suppressing a smile, she quietly blew out the lamp and carefully stepped over the woman on the bed.
As Ji Xiaoyu passed Fu Jianxu’s abdomen, her knee suddenly bumped against something hard. Ji Xiaoyu raised an eyebrow, patiently waiting until she heard even breathing from beside her before quietly lifting a corner of the quilt.
Moonlight streamed through the paper window, clearly illuminating Fu Jianxu’s hands, bound tightly with her inner robe.
Ji Xiaoyu ……
She chuckled softly, shook her head, and began undressing herself, removing the fresh undergarments she had just put on that day. Then, she patiently untied the restraints around Fu Jianxu’s wrists.
In her sleep, Fu Jianxu unconsciously twitched her fingers. Seizing the opportunity, Ji Xiaoyu tucked her undergarments into the woman’s palm and meticulously wrapped the ties around her fingers.
Having completed this task, she burrowed into Fu Jianxu’s embrace like a contented cat, finding the most comfortable position with her smooth back pressed firmly against the woman’s warm chest.
She had to admit, being naked and pressed so close was indeed much warmer. In her sleep, Ji Xiaoyu unconsciously snuggled closer, a sweet smile curving her lips.
Meanwhile, a certain fierce top who had sworn to reassert her dominance unconsciously tightened her arms, pulling the warmth in her embrace even closer.
As the morning light streamed through the paper window, Fu Jianxu was awakened by a delicate, tickling sensation. Something soft and furry was gently brushing against the tip of her nose, carrying a faint scent of soapberry. She drowsily reached up to scratch, her fingertips brushing against a patch of soft hair.
She hummed contentedly, about to drift back to sleep, when her entire body suddenly stiffened.
Wait—her hand?
Her eyes snapped open. Ji Xiaoyu’s fluffy head was pressed against her chin. The girl was curled naked in her arms, her breathing even and deep.
Fu Jianxu slowly lowered her gaze. Her hands, which should have been restrained by her inner robe, were now resting freely on Ji Xiaoyu’s waist.
But what truly made her pupils dilate in shock was the object clutched in her hand—something that shouldn’t have been there at all the small undergarment she had personally folded the day before…
Fu Jianxu ……
Fu Jianxu’s mind snapped awake.
She closed her eyes in despair.
Just then, Ji Xiaoyu stirred in her arms. The little girl seemed to have been startled awake by Fu Jianxu’s sudden tension. Still drowsy, she turned over, looked up, and fixed her gaze on Fu Jianxu’s rigid expression.
The air froze for three seconds.
Good morning, Jian Xu-jie, Ji Xiaoyu said, her voice soft and sleepy.
The tips of Fu Jianxu’s ears flushed visibly. She opened her mouth, but found herself utterly speechless. She quickly released Ji Xiaoyu, sat up, and began dressing. Remembering the little girl’s nakedness, she hastily covered her with the blanket. G-get up now, she stammered. We can’t be late again today.
Ji Xiaoyu burrowed deeper into the blanket, her watery eyes fixed on Fu Jianxu. Jian Xu-jie, my… my undergarments are still in your hand…
The back of Fu Jianxu’s neck burned. She tossed the undergarments behind her, fled without even fastening her outer robe, and didn’t look back as she escaped.