My Villainess Is Definitely Not a Black Lotus - Chapter 44

Ji Xiaoyu released her embrace at the right moment, allowing Fu Jianxu to finally catch her breath.

The two then began preparing for the Little New Year’s Eve dinner. In the cold winter, hot pot was the perfect choice, and the leftover broth from their last hot pot meal came in handy.

Fu Jianxu stood at the cutting board, skillfully slicing the leftover pork belly scraps from yesterday into thin slices. As the knife rhythmically tapped against the cutting board, her thoughts drifted away.

In her memories, after her parents divorced in the modern world, her mother would always remind her repeatedly when they went to her maternal grandmother’s house Behave yourself at Grandma’s house. Don’t embarrass me.

But whenever she faced a room full of unfamiliar relatives, she would freeze up, unable to speak. Under the expectant gazes of the crowd, all the greetings she had prepared would vanish from her mind.

On the way home, her mother would always scold her in disappointment How could someone as strong-willed as me give birth to such a useless child?

Then she would shift the blame to her father, It’s all because of your father’s bad genes.

Fu Jianxu paused, took a deep breath, and let out a muffled sigh, her mind swirling with thoughts.

The water in the pot had begun to boil, the rising steam blurring her vision. She suddenly felt grateful that the original owner hadn’t left behind a complex web of relatives. Dealing with those social obligations alone would have been overwhelming.

And… and she even left her such a wonderful wife…

Her face flushed at the thought.

Sister, the dough is ready, Ji Xiaoyu’s voice pulled her back to reality.

Fu Jianxu took the bowl and began making noodles, her lips curving into a smile as she watched Ji Xiaoyu turn to add firewood.

Though she hadn’t chosen this family, the past few months of living together had brought her immense comfort and contentment.

This sense of happiness reached its peak when she tasted the steaming slices of meat.

Watching Ji Xiaoyu across the table, her cheeks puffed out as she ate without looking up, Fu Jianxu suddenly had an idea.

When the girl came of age, after she’d finished her studies, when she was fully grown in both body and mind, if she still wanted to be her wife, then they would continue living like this.

After all… living in this foreign world, her only sense of belonging came from the girl beside her.

But… what if Xiaoyu didn’t want that? Fu Jianxu’s hand, holding her chopsticks, paused slightly.

If she didn’t, then they could revert to being sisters. They would still be family. And then she would find a good match for her…

Just as this thought surfaced, a sharp, prickling pain flared in her chest, and even the meat in her mouth suddenly lost its flavor.

Fu Jianxu, who had slept soundly all day and returned to work refreshed, found her mood even more gloomy than before.

She walked down the street with a bitter expression.

Counting the days until the Lunar New Year, she imagined what delicious dishes she could make for the holiday. Then, she daydreamed about how she would renovate her house once she had enough money, and her spirits gradually lifted. Fu Jianxu strode briskly into the shop, tied on her apron, and began her busy day.

Around noon, several regular customers arrived. While waiting for their orders, they fell into casual conversation.

Hey, did you hear? Fortune Gate has changed shopkeepers again! The menu’s back to how it used to be, and they’ve even added hot pot!

Fu Zhixiao, who was wiping tables, paused slightly. Since her last visit to Moonlit Pavilion, everything at the shop had returned to normal, and she hadn’t bothered to inquire about outside news.

Miss Xie moved so quickly?

She unconsciously slowed her movements, discreetly pricking up her ears.

Good riddance! That place had become a smoky mess. I hadn’t been there in ages. Now that they’ve changed hands, I might try their new hot pot and see how it compares to this spicy hot pot.

Hmph! I doubt anything could taste better than spicy hot pot!

As the Eldest Princess’s secret message arrived, fine snow drifted outside the window, blanketing the world in silver and white.

Xie Yinwan unfurled the narrow strip of paper, her gaze lingering on the words During the New Year, the weather is dry and flammable. With so many firecrackers, fires are easily ignited. A faint, almost imperceptible curve tugged at the corner of her lips.

Her Highness has not disappointed me, she murmured. With a flick of her finger, the paper curled into ash above the candle flame.

Zhuye stood silently to the side, head bowed, not daring to speak. She watched as her mistress slowly strolled to the window, snowflakes swirling diagonally across the eaves in the wind.

A heart without ruthlessness cannot stand firm, Xie Yinwan murmured softly, as if speaking to her maidservant, yet also to herself. Even against a bl00d-related nephew… Since the Eldest Princess has taken this step, how could I betray her trust?

As she turned, her wide sleeves brushed against the low table, carrying with them a faint, lingering fragrance.

A’Man.

The moment the word left her lips, a black shadow silently dropped from the rafters, kneeling before her. The figure was entirely cloaked in night attire, only a pair of startlingly bright eyes visible.

Xie Yinwan’s voice rang with authority. New Year’s Eve, midnight. When the east wind rises. Understand?

The shadow nodded in acknowledgment. With a wave of her hand, Xie Yinwan dismissed him. The figure flickered and vanished into the shadows, as if he had never been there. Only the gently swaying beaded curtain remained, proof that it had not been a mere illusion.

Gazing at the thickening snowfall outside the window, Xie Yinwan suddenly chuckled softly.

This New Year’s Eve was destined to be anything but peaceful.

After finishing work, Ji Xiaoyu took Fu Jianxu’s hand and walked toward the cloth shop, bringing up the Fortune Gate’s change of shopkeeper again. Fu Jianxu couldn’t help but secretly sigh, impressed by the female supporting character’s shrewdness. With this move, her incompetent younger brother would be even more defenseless.

The shop owner spotted them from afar and hurried out to greet them, his face beaming. I was just thinking you two would be here soon.

The winter clothes they had ordered a few days earlier were neatly folded on the counter.

When Ji Xiaoyu tried on the vermilion cotton-padded jacket, Fu Jianxu’s eyes lit up. The garment was slightly oversized, with the sleeves just covering the base of her palms—perfect for wearing throughout the winter.

The red fabric made Xiaoyu’s fair skin appear even more radiant.

The material could be better, Fu Jianxu murmured softly. Though the fine cotton was soft, it didn’t quite match the girl’s lively spirit.

The urge to earn more money surged within her. She wanted to make enough to buy Xiaoyu the finest fabrics and beautiful clothes in every color. She dared not imagine how stunning the girl would look in such exquisite attire!

Ji Xiaoyu felt uneasy under Fu Jianxu’s intense gaze. She lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the corner of her robe. Sister, will wearing red… be too flashy?

Absolutely not! Fu Jianxu immediately stepped forward to adjust Xiaoyu’s collar. Red suits you perfectly. Once you gain a little more weight, wearing this will make you look like the lucky baby in a New Year’s painting.

Leaning closer, she whispered, Next spring, we’ll buy even finer fabrics to make new spring clothes.

As they tried on the inner and undergarments, Ji Xiaoyu visibly relaxed. Only a few minor alterations were needed, which the shopkeeper carefully marked with pins.

Watching Ji Xiaoyu in her new clothes, Fu Jianxu felt every penny had been well spent. She immediately asked the shopkeeper to make the necessary adjustments, and the shopkeeper warmly brought over two small stools for them to wait.

Sitting side by side in a corner of the fabric shop, Fu Jianxu suddenly pulled a small paper packet from her sleeve and quietly pressed it into Ji Xiaoyu’s hand. When Ji Xiaoyu unfolded it, she discovered it was the malt candy they had bought the day before, its golden, translucent surface still speckled with snow-white sesame seeds.

I thought we’d be getting back late, and eating sweets at night isn’t good for your teeth, Fu Jianxu said, pressing her lips together awkwardly. So I brought some along to satisfy your cravings on the way.

Ji Xiaoyu picked up a piece of candied melon and popped it into her mouth. The sweet, crisp malt flavor melted between her teeth.

Her mouth was sweet, and so was her heart.

Once the alterations were finished, Fu Jianxu picked up the neatly packaged clothes and naturally took Ji Xiaoyu’s hand as they walked out.

The setting sun stretched their shadows long across the street, which was filled with the savory aromas of families preparing dinner.

As they passed another fabric shop, Ji Xiaoyu suddenly stopped. A familiar, tall figure was emerging from the store.

It was Dazhuang, the male lead!

Fu Jianxu’s heart tightened. She’d been so busy these past few days that she’d completely forgotten about this ominous man.

What’s he doing here?

This ominous man’s continued presence in Caojin Town was a disaster waiting to happen. She needed to find a way to protect herself and those around her. But as an ordinary citizen, she had no access to the influential figures who could change the situation. Even if she did meet them, how could she explain where she got her information?

She racked her brain, but couldn’t think of any way to break this deadlock.

She flew into a rage, her face flushed with humiliation.

Why didn’t I read the original novel properly back then? Now I can’t even leverage my knowledge of the plot! she cursed inwardly, Damn the author! Trying to cash in on the strong female lead trend, but couldn’t keep the male gaze hidden in the end, huh? I told you, men shouldn’t write female-oriented stories! Now I have to deal with this mess…

Ji Xiaoyu followed her gaze and her expression shifted. That was… Dazhuang?

Why is this woman staring at men again?

Could it be that this wandering ghost isn’t a lesbian after all?

At this thought, she bit her lower lip tightly.

But moments later, Ji Xiaoyu’s eyes hardened. What could this woman possibly do? Wasn’t she the same before? Yet now she can’t live without me, can she?

She refused to believe that she couldn’t make Fu Jianxu a lesbian if she pulled out all the stops!

Meanwhile, Fu Jianxu, the not a lesbian in question, was secretly growing anxious when she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her hand. Turning her head, she saw Ji Xiaoyu staring intently in Dazhuang’s direction, her lips pressed into a pale line. Noticing the girl’s distressed expression, Fu Jianxu quickly turned around. Xiaoyu, what’s wrong? Are you cold?

Sister, I’m a little cold, Ji Xiaoyu said, lowering her head and adopting a pitiful expression, carefully concealing her turbulent emotions.

Fu Jianxu immediately grew concerned. It wasn’t particularly cold today, and the girl was wearing her usual layers. Why was she suddenly feeling cold?

Could she have gotten chilled during her bath last night?

A look of frustration flashed across Fu Jianxu’s face.

Seeing that the woman was clearly overthinking things, Ji Xiaoyu carefully buried her dark thoughts. She shook Fu Jianxu’s hand and looked up with a sweet smile. If you warm my hands, I won’t be cold anymore.

Fu Jianxu’s expression softened slightly, but she remained worried about the girl’s health. She took Ji Xiaoyu’s hands in hers, rubbing them vigorously to warm them. She resolved to make the girl a bowl of ginger tea to dispel the chill as soon as they got home.

Once Ji Xiaoyu’s hands were warm, Fu Jianxu tucked them into her own padded coat. Let’s go home, she murmured gently.

Ji Xiaoyu curled her fingers in the warmth and nodded softly.

As twilight deepened, the two figures, pressed close together, slowly walked away, their long shadows stretching across the ground and gradually fading into the distance.