My Villainess Is Definitely Not a Black Lotus - Chapter 6

Fu Jianxu had no idea what the girl was thinking. Noticing that Ji Xiaoyu was still wearing the same clothes she’d worn during the day, she guessed the girl probably had no other clothes to change into. She rubbed the fabric between her fingers, finding it too thin, and pulled out a slightly smaller set of dark-colored clothes from the wardrobe, handing them to Ji Xiaoyu.

Ji Xiaoyu saw that Fu Jianxu had only removed her outer robe and lowered her head, feeling slightly relieved. A set of coarse, yellowish-brown cotton clothes came into view, and she looked up in confusion.

These are for you to wear, Fu Jianxu said, placing the clothes on Ji Xiaoyu’s lap.

Th-this is my mother’s keepsake! How could I possibly wear it? Ji Xiaoyu stared in astonishment, her jaw nearly dropping.

Fu Jianxu scratched her head awkwardly. Ah, right, these were the original owner’s mother’s belongings… That definitely wouldn’t be appropriate for the young girl. She rummaged through the wardrobe again and pulled out a smaller set of clothes, guessing they were from the original owner’s childhood. Then make do with these for now. I’ll buy you proper clothes once I earn some money.

Ji Xiaoyu clutched the clothes tightly in her hands. It was a set of indigo-blue coarse cotton clothes, slightly faded from washing, but still far better than anything she owned. At home, she had only been able to wear her deceased mother’s tattered clothes, which she had worn for over a decade until they were so worn that even patches couldn’t hold them together anymore…

Buy me proper clothes? Her eyes grew warm. She didn’t know if Fu Jianxu was lying, but even if it was a lie, she was overjoyed. Since childhood, her family had never offered her even a few empty words of concern.

Change into these clean clothes first, Fu Jianxu said, then closed the door and walked into the courtyard, leaving Ji Xiaoyu to change in private.

Ji Xiaoyu wiped her face, brushing away the tears from the corners of her eyes.

Damn it! Fu Jianxu thought. Such a sweet, well-behaved little girl, and she doesn’t even have decent clothes. How did she survive the winters before? Remembering Ji Xiaoyu’s original fate—suicide after Fu Jianxu’s death—Fu Jianxu pursed her lips, her eyes growing even redder.

In the original plot, after Fu Jianxu died, Ji Xiaoyu gradually blossomed into a charming young widow. Constantly harassed by village thugs, she had no choice but to seek protection from the female lead, Fu Zhixiao. The kind-hearted Fu Zhixiao took her under her wing, and Ji Xiaoyu believed she had finally found someone to rely on.

But she never anticipated the male lead, Dazhuang, who was obsessively in love with Fu Zhixiao. Jealous of the female lead’s kindness toward the girl, he not only revealed Fu Zhixiao’s true gender to the world but also used the village thugs to exact cruel revenge on Ji Xiaoyu. When Ji Xiaoyu realized she had been deceived and believed Fu Zhixiao was just another disgusting mirror-polisher, she endured inhuman treatment until, utterly heartbroken, she drowned herself in the lake.

Stay far away from Dazhuang! Fu Jianxu thought. Damn it, getting close to that man is just inviting misfortune.

Fu Jianxu gritted her teeth. Now that she was here, no one would dare bully her sister! Yes, she had unilaterally adopted Ji Xiaoyu as her younger sister. She had always felt a deep affection for the character while reading the novel, and having always longed for a sister, her heart melted when Ji Xiaoyu called her Sister Jianxu with those big, tearful eyes.

Estimating that enough time had passed, Fu Jianxu composed herself, knocked on the door to signal her entry, and waited a moment before pushing it open.

The little girl had already changed into her clothes and was sitting obediently on the edge of the bed. Fu Jianxu’s heart ached at her cuteness. Surprisingly, the original owner’s old clothes fit Ji Xiaoyu perfectly, though they were slightly loose around the waist.

She’s still too thin, Fu Jianxu thought.

Sister Jianxu, the little girl said, her cheeks flushing under Fu Jianxu’s silent gaze. Unable to bear the scrutiny any longer, she spoke up.

Fu Jianxu snapped out of her reverie and cleared her throat. Tired? You sleep on the inside. By sleeping on the outside, she could prevent the little girl from sneaking out to work. She mentally praised herself for her cleverness!

Ji Xiaoyu obediently scooted to the inner side of the bed, making room for Fu Jianxu. She was happy to have a bed to sleep on which side didn’t matter.

Fu Jianxu blew out the oil lamp, lay down peacefully, closed her eyes, and prepared to meet Granny Zhou in her dreams.

Wait! Her eyes suddenly snapped open, and she poked Ji Xiaoyu with a finger. Xiaoyu, are you asleep?

Startled by the sudden touch, Ji Xiaoyu gathered her clothes around her and replied softly, Not yet, Sister Jianxu.

You know I’ve lost my memory and don’t understand many things. Could you tell me about them? The darkness concealed the warmth rising in Fu Jianxu’s cheeks. She called me Sister again! So obedient! Ahhh! Her heart felt like it had taken a critical hit. All her carefully planned conversation tactics vanished, and she blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

Ji Xiaoyu shared bits and pieces of information. Though she had only been in Fu Family Village for half a year, she had already learned quite a bit.

First, she explained Fu Jianxu’s basic situation Fu Jianxu had just turned eighteen. To ensure population growth, the imperial court had established a bachelor tax. Any unmarried man or woman over eighteen had to pay a tax or face forced marriage. This was why Madam Fu was so eager to find her a wife, and why Fu Jianxu had married into the family at the beginning of the year.

Fu Jianxu had a few close friends who often invited her to drink and play in town when her mother was alive. Madam Fu frequently complained that they were leading her astray.

So, dead original owner, is this why you only have six copper coins left?!

It was autumn in the fifteenth year of the Xuanhe era, already early October. The family owned ten acres of poor land, usually managed by Madam Fu. Half a year ago, Madam Fu passed away. After her mother’s death, Fu Jianxu lost all interest in farming, instead indulging in drinking and revelry even more recklessly, squandering away her mother’s entire savings.

Ji Xiaoyu paused briefly before continuing. Fu Family Village had about a hundred households, and their home stood at the village’s edge, nestled against a small mountain. The walk to town took about half an hour.

Next door lived Aunt Chunhao, whose real name was Fu Chunhao. A close friend of the original owner’s mother, she had taken care of them since Madam Fu’s passing. Aunt Chunhao had been widowed young when her husband was killed by a tiger while hunting in the mountains. She had raised her only son, Fu Zhixiao, alone since he was six years old.

Fu Zhixiao was a year older than Fu Jianxu. Though he disapproved of her dissolute lifestyle, he still acted like an elder brother, frequently scolding her while secretly bringing her game he had hunted.

When did Dazhuang from next door start visiting Aunt Chunhao’s house? Fu Jianxu asked, feeling somewhat relieved after gathering some information. However, she still didn’t know how far the plot had progressed.

…About a month ago, Ji Xiaoyu replied, her eyes filled with resentment. Taking advantage of the darkness, she secretly pursed her lips. So, even with amnesia, she still worries I’ll have an affair…

Phew… That’s good. The plot hasn’t advanced too far yet. By this timeline, the female lead and the female supporting character haven’t even met yet, right?

Fu Jianxu slapped her forehead. What was I thinking? The female lead met the female supporting character precisely because she went to Full Moon Pavilion to deliver game! If I go to town tomorrow to look for work, I might run into the female lead again!

Aaaah! No! This world is so unfriendly to i-people!

Fu Jianxu couldn’t resist squirming violently on the bed again, accidentally bumping her knee into Ji Xiaoyu. The younger girl’s face flushed crimson. How could I act so immature in front of my sister?! She silently returned to her original position, lying stiffly like a zombie.

Once the heat in her cheeks subsided, she brazenly asked, How old are you this year?

Sixteen, Ji Xiaoyu replied.

So she really was a little sister, eight years younger than her actual age. A wave of pity washed over her. The girl was so frail and petite, she looked nowhere near sixteen. At sixteen, Fu Jianxu had already reached 1.7 meters tall. She sighed, then worried about whether the child’s health had been permanently damaged. Could she ever fully recover?

Sister Jianxu… Ji Xiaoyu hesitated, speaking only when the woman stopped questioning her. Before my mother passed, she told me that life is hard for women, and it’s even harder for two women living together. She said if you treat me well, work hard to earn money, and we live a good life together, she could leave this world in peace.

Ji Xiaoyu had her own motives. With the woman’s memory completely gone, wouldn’t she believe anything she said? She dared not lie about widely known facts, but she carefully selected and even fabricated details about things no one else knew, tailoring them to her advantage.

I’ll treat you well, Fu Jianxu said, turning to face her with a solemn promise. After a moment’s hesitation, she added, Xiaoyu, do you have time to go to town with me tomorrow? I heard while fetching water today that the town’s restaurant is hiring. I want to try my luck.

If Sister Jianxu wants to go, of course I’ll make time, Ji Xiaoyu replied, straining to discern Fu Jianxu’s expression in the darkness, trying to gauge the sincerity of her words.

Is this woman really so easily deceived now?

Still, since Fu Jianxu had proposed working outside, Ji Xiaoyu naturally agreed. She even added a few of the usual flattering remarks Fu Jianxu loved to hear Sister Jianxu has become even more capable since recovering from her illness. Even fetching water leads to such good news… A talented woman like you will surely be snatched up by the restaurant owner.

I-it’s not that impressive, Fu Jianxu mumbled, burying herself shyly under the covers. R-remember to wake me up early tomorrow to go to town.

The room fell silent again, broken only by their soft breathing.

Ji Xiaoyu lay stiffly on the inner side of the bed, her eyes fixed on the ceiling beams. She dared not close her eyes, fearing the woman beside her might pull another stunt.

Fu Jianxu, on the other hand, simply couldn’t sleep. She guessed it was only around eight o’clock—as a modern night owl, who could possibly fall asleep this early?

Clutching the blanket, Fu Jianxu curled herself into a large, huddled ball. Waaah, I miss my phone so much.

The next morning, both women appeared at the doorway with matching dark circles under their eyes.

You’re heading to town this early? Fu Zhixiao asked, glancing up at the sky. It was still dark, indeed her usual time to leave for town. She then stared at Fu Jianxu with an expression as if she’d seen a ghost.

…I didn’t expect to run into you the moment I stepped out, Fu Jianxu replied, surprised to see Fu Zhixiao carrying several wild chickens in her left hand, rabbits in her right, and a large bamboo basket on her back.

Brother Xiao, Sister Jianxu is going to town today to look for work, Ji Xiaoyu chimed in, clearly pleased to see Fu Zhixiao.

Fu Zhixiao’s eyes widened further at this news. She gave Fu Jianxu a complicated look, wondering what the woman could possibly do besides drink and sleep. But seeing her rare determination to change, she swallowed the harsh words she wanted to say. The group then set off amicably down the village path toward town.

Brother Xiao, let me carry some of your things, Ji Xiaoyu offered, noticing Fu Zhixiao’s hands full of heavy items and sweat beading on her forehead. She reached for the cage in Fu Zhixiao’s left hand.

You’re a woman—I can’t let you carry this, Fu Zhixiao frowned, trying to snatch the cage back. Before her hand could touch it, another pair of hands darted in front of hers, seizing the cage and leaving only a retreating figure facing them.

What do you mean women can’t carry things? Aren’t you a woman yourself? Fu Jianxu grumbled inwardly, annoyed by the female lead’s feudal mindset. Refusing to engage further, she strode ahead, carrying several cages filled with plump rabbits.

Ji Xiaoyu and Fu Zhixiao exchanged bewildered glances. Fu Zhixiao recovered first, hurrying after Fu Jianxu and forcibly reclaiming the cage. I can’t let this walking disaster carry it—what if she secretly sells them for drinking money? I’d have nowhere to cry!

Fu Jianxu …… Fine, whatever makes the female lead happy.

Fu Jianxu had no idea what the girl was thinking. Noticing that Ji Xiaoyu was still wearing the same clothes she’d worn during the day, she guessed the girl probably had no other clothes to change into. She rubbed the fabric between her fingers, finding it too thin, and pulled out a slightly smaller set of dark-colored clothes from the wardrobe, handing them to Ji Xiaoyu.

Ji Xiaoyu saw that Fu Jianxu had only removed her outer robe and lowered her head, feeling slightly relieved. A set of coarse, yellowish-brown cotton clothes came into view, and she looked up in confusion.

These are for you to wear, Fu Jianxu said, placing the clothes on Ji Xiaoyu’s lap.

Th-this is my mother’s keepsake! How could I possibly wear it? Ji Xiaoyu stared in astonishment, her jaw nearly dropping.

Fu Jianxu scratched her head awkwardly. Ah, right, these were the original owner’s mother’s belongings… That definitely wouldn’t be appropriate for the young girl. She rummaged through the wardrobe again and pulled out a smaller set of clothes, guessing they were from the original owner’s childhood. Then make do with these for now. I’ll buy you proper clothes once I earn some money.

Ji Xiaoyu clutched the clothes tightly in her hands. It was a set of indigo-blue coarse cotton clothes, slightly faded from washing, but still far better than anything she owned. At home, she had only been able to wear her deceased mother’s tattered clothes, which she had worn for over a decade until they were so worn that even patches couldn’t hold them together anymore…

Buy me proper clothes? Her eyes grew warm. She didn’t know if Fu Jianxu was lying, but even if it was a lie, she was overjoyed. Since childhood, her family had never offered her even a few empty words of concern.

Change into these clean clothes first, Fu Jianxu said, then closed the door and walked into the courtyard, leaving Ji Xiaoyu to change in private.

Ji Xiaoyu wiped her face, brushing away the tears from the corners of her eyes.

Damn it! Fu Jianxu thought. Such a sweet, well-behaved little girl, and she doesn’t even have decent clothes. How did she survive the winters before? Remembering Ji Xiaoyu’s original fate—suicide after Fu Jianxu’s death—Fu Jianxu pursed her lips, her eyes growing even redder.

In the original plot, after Fu Jianxu died, Ji Xiaoyu gradually blossomed into a charming young widow. Constantly harassed by village thugs, she had no choice but to seek protection from the female lead, Fu Zhixiao. The kind-hearted Fu Zhixiao took her under her wing, and Ji Xiaoyu believed she had finally found someone to rely on.

But she never anticipated the male lead, Dazhuang, who was obsessively in love with Fu Zhixiao. Jealous of the female lead’s kindness toward the girl, he not only revealed Fu Zhixiao’s true gender to the world but also used the village thugs to exact cruel revenge on Ji Xiaoyu. When Ji Xiaoyu realized she had been deceived and believed Fu Zhixiao was just another disgusting mirror-polisher, she endured inhuman treatment until, utterly heartbroken, she drowned herself in the lake.

Stay far away from Dazhuang! Fu Jianxu thought. Damn it, getting close to that man is just inviting misfortune.

Fu Jianxu gritted her teeth. Now that she was here, no one would dare bully her sister! Yes, she had unilaterally adopted Ji Xiaoyu as her younger sister. She had always felt a deep affection for the character while reading the novel, and having always longed for a sister, her heart melted when Ji Xiaoyu called her Sister Jianxu with those big, tearful eyes.

Estimating that enough time had passed, Fu Jianxu composed herself, knocked on the door to signal her entry, and waited a moment before pushing it open.

The little girl had already changed into her clothes and was sitting obediently on the edge of the bed. Fu Jianxu’s heart ached at her cuteness. Surprisingly, the original owner’s old clothes fit Ji Xiaoyu perfectly, though they were slightly loose around the waist.

She’s still too thin, Fu Jianxu thought.

Sister Jianxu, the little girl said, her cheeks flushing under Fu Jianxu’s silent gaze. Unable to bear the scrutiny any longer, she spoke up.

Fu Jianxu snapped out of her reverie and cleared her throat. Tired? You sleep on the inside. By sleeping on the outside, she could prevent the little girl from sneaking out to work. She mentally praised herself for her cleverness!

Ji Xiaoyu obediently scooted to the inner side of the bed, making room for Fu Jianxu. She was happy to have a bed to sleep on which side didn’t matter.

Fu Jianxu blew out the oil lamp, lay down peacefully, closed her eyes, and prepared to meet Granny Zhou in her dreams.

Wait! Her eyes suddenly snapped open, and she poked Ji Xiaoyu with a finger. Xiaoyu, are you asleep?

Startled by the sudden touch, Ji Xiaoyu gathered her clothes around her and replied softly, Not yet, Sister Jianxu.

You know I’ve lost my memory and don’t understand many things. Could you tell me about them? The darkness concealed the warmth rising in Fu Jianxu’s cheeks. She called me Sister again! So obedient! Ahhh! Her heart felt like it had taken a critical hit. All her carefully planned conversation tactics vanished, and she blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

Ji Xiaoyu shared bits and pieces of information. Though she had only been in Fu Family Village for half a year, she had already learned quite a bit.

First, she explained Fu Jianxu’s basic situation Fu Jianxu had just turned eighteen. To ensure population growth, the imperial court had established a bachelor tax. Any unmarried man or woman over eighteen had to pay a tax or face forced marriage. This was why Madam Fu was so eager to find her a wife, and why Fu Jianxu had married into the family at the beginning of the year.

Fu Jianxu had a few close friends who often invited her to drink and play in town when her mother was alive. Madam Fu frequently complained that they were leading her astray.

So, dead original owner, is this why you only have six copper coins left?!

It was autumn in the fifteenth year of the Xuanhe era, already early October. The family owned ten acres of poor land, usually managed by Madam Fu. Half a year ago, Madam Fu passed away. After her mother’s death, Fu Jianxu lost all interest in farming, instead indulging in drinking and revelry even more recklessly, squandering away her mother’s entire savings.

Ji Xiaoyu paused briefly before continuing. Fu Family Village had about a hundred households, and their home stood at the village’s edge, nestled against a small mountain. The walk to town took about half an hour.

Next door lived Aunt Chunhao, whose real name was Fu Chunhao. A close friend of the original owner’s mother, she had taken care of them since Madam Fu’s passing. Aunt Chunhao had been widowed young when her husband was killed by a tiger while hunting in the mountains. She had raised her only son, Fu Zhixiao, alone since he was six years old.

Fu Zhixiao was a year older than Fu Jianxu. Though he disapproved of her dissolute lifestyle, he still acted like an elder brother, frequently scolding her while secretly bringing her game he had hunted.

When did Dazhuang from next door start visiting Aunt Chunhao’s house? Fu Jianxu asked, feeling somewhat relieved after gathering some information. However, she still didn’t know how far the plot had progressed.

…About a month ago, Ji Xiaoyu replied, her eyes filled with resentment. Taking advantage of the darkness, she secretly pursed her lips. So, even with amnesia, she still worries I’ll have an affair…

Phew… That’s good. The plot hasn’t advanced too far yet. By this timeline, the female lead and the female supporting character haven’t even met yet, right?

Fu Jianxu slapped her forehead. What was I thinking? The female lead met the female supporting character precisely because she went to Full Moon Pavilion to deliver game! If I go to town tomorrow to look for work, I might run into the female lead again!

Aaaah! No! This world is so unfriendly to i-people!

Fu Jianxu couldn’t resist squirming violently on the bed again, accidentally bumping her knee into Ji Xiaoyu. The younger girl’s face flushed crimson. How could I act so immature in front of my sister?! She silently returned to her original position, lying stiffly like a zombie.

Once the heat in her cheeks subsided, she brazenly asked, How old are you this year?

Sixteen, Ji Xiaoyu replied.

So she really was a little sister, eight years younger than her actual age. A wave of pity washed over her. The girl was so frail and petite, she looked nowhere near sixteen. At sixteen, Fu Jianxu had already reached 1.7 meters tall. She sighed, then worried about whether the child’s health had been permanently damaged. Could she ever fully recover?

Sister Jianxu… Ji Xiaoyu hesitated, speaking only when the woman stopped questioning her. Before my mother passed, she told me that life is hard for women, and it’s even harder for two women living together. She said if you treat me well, work hard to earn money, and we live a good life together, she could leave this world in peace.

Ji Xiaoyu had her own motives. With the woman’s memory completely gone, wouldn’t she believe anything she said? She dared not lie about widely known facts, but she carefully selected and even fabricated details about things no one else knew, tailoring them to her advantage.

I’ll treat you well, Fu Jianxu said, turning to face her with a solemn promise. After a moment’s hesitation, she added, Xiaoyu, do you have time to go to town with me tomorrow? I heard while fetching water today that the town’s restaurant is hiring. I want to try my luck.

If Sister Jianxu wants to go, of course I’ll make time, Ji Xiaoyu replied, straining to discern Fu Jianxu’s expression in the darkness, trying to gauge the sincerity of her words.

Is this woman really so easily deceived now?

Still, since Fu Jianxu had proposed working outside, Ji Xiaoyu naturally agreed. She even added a few of the usual flattering remarks Fu Jianxu loved to hear Sister Jianxu has become even more capable since recovering from her illness. Even fetching water leads to such good news… A talented woman like you will surely be snatched up by the restaurant owner.

I-it’s not that impressive, Fu Jianxu mumbled, burying herself shyly under the covers. R-remember to wake me up early tomorrow to go to town.

The room fell silent again, broken only by their soft breathing.

Ji Xiaoyu lay stiffly on the inner side of the bed, her eyes fixed on the ceiling beams. She dared not close her eyes, fearing the woman beside her might pull another stunt.

Fu Jianxu, on the other hand, simply couldn’t sleep. She guessed it was only around eight o’clock—as a modern night owl, who could possibly fall asleep this early?

Clutching the blanket, Fu Jianxu curled herself into a large, huddled ball. Waaah, I miss my phone so much.

The next morning, both women appeared at the doorway with matching dark circles under their eyes.

You’re heading to town this early? Fu Zhixiao asked, glancing up at the sky. It was still dark, indeed her usual time to leave for town. She then stared at Fu Jianxu with an expression as if she’d seen a ghost.

…I didn’t expect to run into you the moment I stepped out, Fu Jianxu replied, surprised to see Fu Zhixiao carrying several wild chickens in her left hand, rabbits in her right, and a large bamboo basket on her back.

Brother Xiao, Sister Jianxu is going to town today to look for work, Ji Xiaoyu chimed in, clearly pleased to see Fu Zhixiao.

Fu Zhixiao’s eyes widened further at this news. She gave Fu Jianxu a complicated look, wondering what the woman could possibly do besides drink and sleep. But seeing her rare determination to change, she swallowed the harsh words she wanted to say. The group then set off amicably down the village path toward town.

Brother Xiao, let me carry some of your things, Ji Xiaoyu offered, noticing Fu Zhixiao’s hands full of heavy items and sweat beading on her forehead. She reached for the cage in Fu Zhixiao’s left hand.

You’re a woman—I can’t let you carry this, Fu Zhixiao frowned, trying to snatch the cage back. Before her hand could touch it, another pair of hands darted in front of hers, seizing the cage and leaving only a retreating figure facing them.

What do you mean women can’t carry things? Aren’t you a woman yourself? Fu Jianxu grumbled inwardly, annoyed by the female lead’s feudal mindset. Refusing to engage further, she strode ahead, carrying several cages filled with plump rabbits.

Ji Xiaoyu and Fu Zhixiao exchanged bewildered glances. Fu Zhixiao recovered first, hurrying after Fu Jianxu and forcibly reclaiming the cage. I can’t let this walking disaster carry it—what if she secretly sells them for drinking money? I’d have nowhere to cry!

Fu Jianxu …… Fine, whatever makes the female lead happy.