My Villainess Is Definitely Not a Black Lotus - Chapter 46
The next morning, Fu Jianxu’s eyes felt gritty, her fingertips trembled, and she nearly spilled a bowl of clear congee.
The thought of spending another full day at the shop, scooping vegetables, left her utterly despondent. She longed to crawl back into bed, pull the covers over her head, and shut out the world.
No sooner had she stepped through the courtyard gate than she ran into Zhou Daya, who was chatting with Ji Xiaoyu. Zhou Daya’s voice boomed across the yard as she called out with a hearty laugh, Aiyo, Xiaoyu-meimei! You look radiant today! Your cheeks are so rosy, like you’ve put on rouge!
Ji Xiaoyu blushed crimson, unable to lift her head. Her voice was barely a whisper, I-it’s all thanks to Elder Sister’s care…
What am I saying?!
The moment those words left her lips, Fu Jianxu’s entire face flushed scarlet. She nearly fled in panic, rushing toward the back kitchen without a backward glance. Yet the intimate, tender scenes from the previous day replayed uncontrollably in her mind…
Didn’t Elder Sister want to know what I’ve been up to these past few days?
I went to buy this…
Ji Xiaoyu stepped back slightly, her fingertips gently tugging open her collar to reveal a corner of a more intimate garment made of the same material. The vibrant, delicate red fabric instantly captured Fu Jianxu’s gaze.
And this too, Ji Xiaoyu added, her voice carrying a hint of timid sweetness. The shopkeeper said it’s perfect for wearing for one’s wife.
Fu Jianxu was momentarily stunned. Her eyes remained fixed on that patch of red—it barely qualified as a garment, covering only the most intimate parts.
For some reason, this scene felt strangely familiar…
A few days ago, after ruthlessly taking her revenge on the younger girl in a dream, she had dressed Xiaoyu in such crimson silk…
The realization rooted her to the spot, dumbfounded. So this is what I truly desire from her…
No! I can’t! At least not for the next two years…
Swallowing hard, she forced her gaze away with difficulty. Her trembling hand reached out to grasp Ji Xiaoyu’s collar, pulling it closed and fastening the sash tightly.
Y-you… Her voice came out strangely hoarse. Who taught you these things?!
Who corrupted this innocent girl in my family?!
Tears welled up in Ji Xiaoyu’s eyes, her cheeks flushed crimson, as if hurt by Fu Jianxu’s reaction. Her voice trembled with wounded innocence. No one taught me… Xiaoyu learned it herself. I’m sorry, Elder Sister. Xiaoyu just loves you too much…
She… she loves me?
This girl says she loves me!
Fu Jianxu’s lips instinctively curled into a smile, but her reason screamed in protest. You can’t do this… You’re still so young…
Heaven knows the impact this vivid, sensual scene had on a pure-blooded lesbian like her! But her moral compass was screaming, reminding her that the girl was still so young.
Elder Sister, I’ve been of age for two years now… A tear slid down Ji Xiaoyu’s cheek. Does Elder Sister not like me? Does she not want to be my true wife, preferring someone else instead…?
Of course not! Fu Jianxu’s voice rose sharply.
Hearing this, Ji Xiaoyu pressed closer, her arms softly encircling Fu Jianxu’s neck. Her body molded tightly against Fu Jianxu’s, and she tilted her head, bringing her lips close to Fu Jianxu’s earlobe. In a breathy whisper, she murmured, Then it must be love…
Elder Sister, take me, please? Ji Xiaoyu murmured softly, her voice laced with longing. Xiaoyu feels so uncomfortable… Xiaoyu wants to give herself completely to Elder Sister…
Fu Jianxu’s swallow echoed clearly in the silent night. She reached out and tucked another blanket around the girl, her mind racing even as she tried to reason with her. No, it’s not like that… Your body belongs to you. You can’t just ‘give’ it to someone else. Even if… even if we were to… do something… it would be for your own pleasure.
Ji Xiaoyu seemed to understand and yet not, her flushed earlobes twitching as she nuzzled against them. Elder Sister, I’m uncomfortable… I want…
It was then that Fu Jianxu realized something was wrong. The girl’s feverish flush was too intense, beads of sweat already forming on her forehead.
She hurriedly pressed her hand to Ji Xiaoyu’s forehead. Xiaoyu, what’s wrong? Do you have a fever?
Ji Xiaoyu squirmed restlessly against Fu Jianxu’s leg, leaving a damp, sticky trail. N-no… I want Elder Sister. If Elder Sister helps me, I won’t feel uncomfortable anymore…
Fu Jianxu’s ears burned from the friction, her whole body stiff with unease.
Suddenly, Ji Xiaoyu collapsed onto the bed as if her strength had given out. Her legs unconsciously crossed and rubbed together, while her bound hands clumsily roamed over her body, unable to even untie her sash. Tears welled in her eyes, and fine beads of sweat dampened the hair at her temples.
Witnessing this lewd and chaotic scene, Fu Jianxu finally grasped the gravity of the situation. She firmly pressed down on the squirming girl. Did you take something?
I-I was afraid Elder Sister wouldn’t like me… Ji Xiaoyu sobbed. I went to the clinic and bought some enhancement medicine…
Fu Jianxu took a deep breath, her face flushed with anger. You can’t just take medicine like that!
Come on, I’ll take you to a doctor.
N-no, don’t go… Ji Xiaoyu shook her head frantically. I want Elder Sister, only Elder Sister…
Fu Jianxu’s mind warred with itself. Taking her to the clinic was out of the question—not only would the girl’s state draw unwanted attention on the road, but the heavy night dew made catching a chill inevitable.
Just as she hesitated, the troublesome girl clung to her again, wrapping around her like an octopus and murmuring incoherently, Elder Sister, Jianxu-jie, Wife Master…
Fu Jianxu, furious and anxious, pried the girl off her and pinned her to the bed. She slapped the girl’s bottom, Stop taking medicine without permission!
Unexpectedly, the slap sent the girl into convulsions. Her eyes glazed over as she gazed up, her voice thick with desperate longing, Elder Sister, more…
Fu Jianxu’s lips twitched. This drug is too potent! A single tap and she’s already…
When the woman didn’t move, the girl on the bed grew restless, whimpering, Elder Sister
Hearing the sounds, Fu Jianxu’s face flushed crimson. Y-you… can you do it yourself?
Ji Xiaoyu’s sobs intensified. I-I don’t know how. Elder Sister, help me…
Fu Jianxu sighed, took off her shoes, and climbed onto the bed. She pulled the girl into her arms from behind. I’ll show you once. Then you do it yourself, okay?
Ji Xiaoyu didn’t care about the words, nodding eagerly.
Fu Jianxu closed her eyes and reached out with trembling hands.
After a long moment, the girl’s face flushed crimson.
Fu Jianxu exhaled deeply. She casually wiped her hand on the girl’s clothes. Got it? Now you try.
Ji Xiaoyu grabbed her hand and urgently pulled it back to its original position. I-I want Elder Sister. I don’t have the strength…
Fu Jianxu’s face flushed even deeper. They had been up late the night before, and she had nearly missed her shift this morning. Fortunately, today was the last day of business for the year. If she had to keep scooping vegetables for a few more days, her wrist might have given out completely.
Another concern lingered in her mind she still wasn’t sure if the effects of the medicine on Xiaoyu had completely worn off. Unable to shake her worry, she resolved to take Xiaoyu to the clinic at the first opportunity to see if she needed a prescription for recovery.
Meanwhile, Ji Xiaoyu was beaming with joy. She hadn’t expected everything to go so smoothly.
Yet occasionally, a sliver of doubt would surface how could that wandering spirit be so adept at such intimate matters? Could it be… that he had been entangled with other women in the past?
The thought made her clench her teeth, a bitter jealousy rising within her.
But she quickly suppressed her emotions. Whatever had happened before was irrelevant. Now, Fu Jianxu belonged to her alone. No one would ever take her away.
The day’s work finally came to an end. After seeing off the last customer and closing the shop door, Fu Ji Food Shop fell silent, save for the faint clamor of the street market drifting in through the windows.
No one rushed to leave. Instead, they tacitly began sweeping and tidying up, giving the shop a thorough cleaning for its final day of business this year.
Zhou Daya rolled up her sleeves. Being the strongest among them, she took the lead in moving tables and chairs and wiping down doors and windows.
Hao Hong swept the floor meticulously, leaving no corner untouched.
Chen Zhen, with his meticulous nature, was in charge of inventorying the dishes, bowls, and remaining ingredients behind the counter, carefully counting and recording each item. Though young, Chen Siwen was diligent, carrying a bucket of water and diligently mopping the floor behind Hao Hong.
Fu Jianxu and Ji Xiaoyu were no exception. One organized the kitchen equipment and restocked ingredients, while the other tallied the day’s accounts at the counter.
As the cleaning neared completion, Ji Xiaoyu clapped her hands and smiled as she retrieved several red envelopes she had prepared earlier from beneath the counter.
Thank you all for your hard work these past few weeks, she said, her voice clear and sincere. This is just a small token of appreciation, meant to bring good luck. May next year be even better for us all!
She first handed a thick red envelope to Zhou Daya. Daya-jie, you’ve worked the hardest. Here, use this to buy some New Year’s treats.
Zhou Daya, surprised to receive a red envelope after working for less than a month, immediately waved her hands in protest. Oh, no, I couldn’t possibly accept this!
Why not? Sister Daya, please accept it. It’s not much, just a token of good luck, Ji Xiaoyu insisted, pressing the red envelope into Zhou Daya’s hand.
Zhou Daya took it, her rough fingers pinching the thickness. A delighted smile bloomed on her face, her eyes crinkling into slits. She scratched her head sheepishly. Aiyo, thank you, Xiaoyu! This… this is truly! I’ll work even harder next year!
Next was Hao Hong. Ji Xiaoyu said softly, Sister Hong, you’ve worked so hard too. Happy New Year! She handed over a red envelope.
Hao Hong blushed as she accepted it. It’s all part of the job. Thank you, Boss.
When it was Chen Zhen’s turn, Ji Xiaoyu smiled and presented him with a red envelope. Brother Zhen, we couldn’t have managed without your help with everything in the shop.
Chen Zhen’s surprise was evident. He hadn’t expected to receive one and quickly declined. I can’t accept a red envelope from you young ones! It’s against tradition…
Ji Xiaoyu firmly pushed the envelope back. Don’t think it’s too little, Brother Zhen! It’s just a small token of our appreciation.
Chen Zhen finally accepted with a smile, playfully tapping Ji Xiaoyu’s forehead. You little rascal!
Lastly was Chen Siwen, the youngest of the group. Her eyes lit up as she received her red envelope. She promptly declared, Thank you, Aunt Xiaoyu and Aunt Fu! May Fu Ji Food Shop prosper and bring in abundant wealth!
The auspicious words were delivered with such grace that Zhou Daya and Hao Hong immediately burst into laughter, showering her with praise. Ji Xiaoyu smiled and patted her head.
Fu Jianxu watched quietly from the side, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
The amount in the red envelopes had been carefully discussed and agreed upon by her, Xiaoyu, and Fu Zhixiao days earlier—enough to show genuine appreciation for everyone’s hard work without being excessive.