The Love-Hate Relationship Between the Female Lead and the Second Female Lead - Chapter 5

Wen Shijun didn’t wake up until noon. He stared blankly at the bed curtains above him, his mind still foggy. It wasn’t until he felt a hand resting on his chest that he realized someone else was in the bed.

He turned his head to see Ji Zining curled up asleep beneath his arm, barely covered by the blanket, which was mostly draped over Wen Shijun. Feeling guilty, he carefully pulled the blanket up to cover her properly.

But as soon as he withdrew his hand, Ji Zining’s eyes snapped open, her gaze cold and wary.

Wen Shijun quickly retracted his hand. The icy chill in Ji Zining’s eyes vanished, replaced by a gentle calm.

Sister is awake, she murmured.

Mm, Wen Shijun replied.

I’m so sorry for taking up your bed last night, Ji Zining said, sitting up to meet Wen Shijun’s gaze.

It’s fine. You didn’t take up much space. As he spoke, he suddenly realized his robe had slipped open, revealing his red undergarment and snow-white skin beneath.

Wen Shijun gasped and hastily wrapped himself up, sinking back into the bed.

Damn it! How did my robe slip open? Oh my god! This is so embarrassing! I feel like my toes have already dug out a three-bedroom apartment.

Ji Zining remained remarkably calm. She sat up, draped her cloak around her shoulders, and said, Then I won’t disturb you any longer, Sister.

Wen Shijun waved her away, signaling her to leave quickly.

As soon as Ji Zining was gone, Wen Shijun hastily straightened his clothes. He loathed exposing his body to others, even refusing to let maids assist him with bathing.

Just as he finished tying his sash, Ling Ling rushed in, her eyes fixed on Wen Shijun. She seemed eager to speak but struggled to find the right words.

You want to know why she was here last night? Wen Shijun said.

Ling Ling nodded.

Wen Shijun continued, She came to thank me for saving her. Though, she did seem genuinely grateful. He stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Hearing this, Ling Ling panicked, fearing Su Huai might believe her. Miss, you mustn’t trust her! she blurted out. She’s a viper in human form, utterly ruthless.

Wen Shijun chuckled. Why do you say that?

Two years ago, she deliberately tricked you into making meat-filled dumplings for the Grand Madam, who was observing a vegetarian fast for blessings. Because of that, the Grand Madam severely punished you, making you kneel in the ancestral hall for an entire day and night. The Madam was frantic with worry, and only the General’s return and intercession spared you further punishment.

That was indeed quite wicked, Wen Shijun said with a smile.

Exactly! She’s just an orphaned girl, living in our General’s Manor as a guest. Giving her shelter is already an immense blessing. And what does she do? The Princess Consort merely admired her jade pendant, and instead of offering it with both hands, she dared to speak such vile words! Ling Ling declared haughtily, as if her earlier timidity had been Wen Shijun’s imagination.

Wen Shijun was stunned by this revelation, as if glimpsing a hidden truth from the past. He pressed Ling Ling for details, demanding to hear the full story.

Only then did he realize that the relationship between Su Huai and Ji Zining was nothing like what he’d read in the original novel. Ling Ling’s words revealed that while Su Huai treated Ji Zining like a younger sister on the surface, she inevitably acted condescendingly toward her due to her status as the eldest daughter of the General’s Manor. Though they were called cousins, Su Huai secretly regarded Ji Zining as little more than a servant. The most infuriating incident occurred last winter still resentful of being punished by their grandmother, Su Huai deliberately dropped a hairpin into icy water and forced Ji Zining to retrieve it barefoot.

No wonder the novel described Ji Zining’s feet as being unbearably painful every winter. Eventually, Ji Zining retaliated in kind. When Wen Shijun had first read that scene, he’d thought Ji Zining was cruel. Now, he realized she’d gotten exactly what she deserved! If it were me, I’d have gone even further.

Alright, you can leave now, Wen Shijun said, his tone turning cold.

Ling Ling blinked in surprise. Miss, I haven’t finished your makeup yet?

I’ll do it myself. You can go now, Wen Shijun said, waving her hand dismissively.

Yes, Miss, Ling Ling replied obediently, though she didn’t understand why Wen Shijun’s attitude had suddenly turned cold.

As Ling Ling left, Wen Shijun ran a hand through her hair in frustration and stood up.

She pulled out the simplest, most plain outfit from the wardrobe and struggled for a long time to put it on.

Sitting at the vanity, Wen Shijun stared at the face in the mirror, still unable to accept that this was her own.

The reflection showed pale skin, gentle and delicate features—a stark contrast to her original, mature, and heroic face.

Gazing at the unfamiliar face, Wen Shijun murmured wistfully, I wonder how Mom is doing. I used to make her so angry, and now I can’t even see her.

A pang of sadness struck her. Though her mother had been strict throughout her childhood, making it feel dull and joyless, Wen Shijun knew it was all for her own good.

Wen Shijun listlessly combed her hair. Styling it proved another challenge—Ling Ling had always done it for her.

She tried to mimic Ling Ling’s technique, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t get it right. In Ling Ling’s hands, her hair could be effortlessly styled into a perfect, elegant bun, even the most intricate styles taking no longer than the time it took to brew two cups of tea. Yet Wen Shijun’s hands ached from the effort, and she still couldn’t manage a presentable hairstyle.

Wen Shijun struggled for a while, unable to get the hairpin to stay in place. He finally gave up, hastily tying his hair into a high ponytail with a simple hair tie.

The woman reflected in the mirror now possessed a more spirited air, perfectly complementing his casual attire. Wen Shijun gazed at his reflection with satisfaction.

This is how I should have looked all along. The elaborate jewelry and ornate robes he’d worn before felt stifling compared to this comfortable simplicity.

Wen Shijun descended the stairs cheerfully, ready for breakfast.

As soon as Ji Zining returned to her room, Zanyue rushed over, her face etched with concern. Miss, are you alright?

What could possibly be wrong? Ji Zining replied, settling into a chair and taking a sip of tea.

Miss Su has always enjoyed bullying you. Now that Your Highness harbors affection for you, Miss Su will undoubtedly harbor resentment. How can this servant not worry?

Relax, I’m fine. Tell Wu Jing to investigate Su Huai for any recent unusual behavior, Ji Zining instructed.

Why do you say that, Miss? Zanyue asked, picking up a comb and gently smoothing Ji Zining’s hair.

It feels like Su Huai isn’t Su Huai anymore, Ji Zining murmured.

Su Huai isn’t Su Huai? Miss, this servant doesn’t understand.

You don’t need to understand. Just do as I say. Ji Zining gazed at her reflection in the mirror, a smile playing on her lips. Things are getting interesting.

Zanyue watched Ji Zining’s radiant smile, goosebumps prickling her skin. When our young mistress looks like this, nothing good ever comes of it.

As Wen Shijun reached the staircase, he heard an angry shout and recognized Jiaolan’s voice. He quickly ducked aside to watch the drama unfold.

Chu Mohuan, are you insane?! What business is it of yours where I go? What right do you have to order me back, County Princess Jiaolan? she raged.

Chu Mohuan remained calm in the face of Jiaolan’s fury, even taking a sip of tea with composure. County Princess, this is for your own safety. The Empress Dowager is deeply concerned about your unauthorized trip to Yangzhou. Guards from the Capital will arrive soon. You should return as soon as possible.

I won’t! What can you do to me? Jiaolan retorted, hands on her hips, her arrogance palpable.

You will return, County Princess. These are the Empress Dowager’s orders, Chu Mohuan said flatly.

You… you! Jiaolan pointed at him, too furious to speak.

After that, no matter how Jiaolan threatened or cursed him, Chu Mohuan remained impassive, as if she were nothing more than air. Eventually, Jiaolan, exhausted from her tirade, stormed off in a rage.

Sister, what are you doing here?

Ji Zining’s voice suddenly startled Wen Shijun from behind.

Oh, I… I was just… Wen Shijun stammered, then spotted the window and quickly moved toward it. I was admiring the scenery! Look, isn’t it beautiful outside?

Ji Zining followed her gaze and smiled. Indeed.

Alright, you can keep looking at the view. I’m going downstairs for breakfast, Wen Shijun said, turning to leave.

Unexpectedly, Ji Zining called out to her, Sister, perfect timing! I was just about to have breakfast too. Let’s go together.

Wen Shijun paused, then replied, Sure, let’s go.

As she watched Ji Zining’s retreating figure, Wen Shijun couldn’t help but mutter to herself, Girl, why do you walk like a ghost? Not a sound!

When they descended, Chu Mohuan was still sitting there. The moment he saw Ji Zining, he hurried over.

Ning’er, how are you feeling?

Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I’m feeling much better now, Ji Zining replied, subtly avoiding Chu Mohuan’s outstretched hand.

That’s good, that’s good. Eh, what are you doing here? Chu Mohuan finally noticed Wen Shijun standing nearby.

Heh—are you blind?! I’ve been standing here for ages, and you only notice me now?!

Wen Shijun sneered inwardly, unwilling to engage in further conversation. Since there was no need to keep up the act, she turned and walked away.

Chu Mohuan, angered by her disregard, was about to call after her when Ji Zining stepped in front of him and hurried after Wen Shijun, apologizing.

Why are you apologizing? Wen Shijun asked, puzzled.

Because Your Highness showed concern but didn’t greet you, Sister. It’s my fault for making you feel hurt, Ji Zining said, her expression pitiful, like a delicate white lotus flower.

No wonder some men like this kind of woman. If I were a man, I’d like her too.

Wen Shijun chuckled, not refuting her words. He sat down at a table and beckoned the waiter over.

Coming, sir! What would you like to order? the waiter boomed, his voice carrying across the entire ground floor.

I’ll have a steamer of steamed dumplings, a steamer of soup dumplings, a steamer of jade-colored shaomai, and a bowl of beef noodles, Wen Shijun said without consulting the menu, clearly familiar with the place.

He turned to Ji Zining. What would you like to eat?

Do you have any recommendations, Sister?

Everything I just ordered is a specialty here. You should try some, Wen Shijun suggested.

Then I’ll have a bowl of beef noodles, Ji Zining told the waiter.

Right away! The waiter noted the order and was about to leave when someone called him back.

Chu Mohuan strode over and sat down uninvited. Bring me one of everything on your breakfast menu, he ordered the waiter.

The waiter, surprisingly unimpressed by this large order, cautioned, Young master, we have quite a variety of breakfast items. Are you sure you can finish it all?

I never said I would eat it all, Chu Mohuan retorted, quickly correcting himself after almost using the imperial I.

If you don’t finish all that you ordered, won’t it be a waste? the waiter asked, his tone tinged with annoyance.

Chu Mohuan was about to turn around and scold him when Wen Shijun stopped him.

Wen Shijun casually rattled off a few more dishes and dismissed the waiter.

You dare stop me? Chu Shihuan asked, his face incredulous.

Wen Shijun was speechless. Your Highness, he said irritably, this isn’t the Capital. Do you realize how many starving refugees could be fed with all this food you ordered? He despised people who wasted food.

Chu Mohuan knew Wen Shijun was right, but a knot of resentment still tightened in his chest.

The breakfast arrived quickly, but Wen Shijun was the only one enjoying it.

Chu Mohuan, still angry, couldn’t bring himself to eat. He took a few bites and left abruptly.

Hey, why aren’t you eating all this good stuff? Wen Shijun asked.

I can’t eat that much, Ji Zining replied, shaking her head. This bowl of noodles is already too much.

Wen Shijun glanced at Ji Zining’s nearly untouched noodles and sighed. People just can’t be compared, he thought.

He had almost finished his own meal while Ji Zining had barely touched hers. After a three-second moment of self-reflection, Wen Shijun picked up a dumpling and popped it into his mouth.

Wen Shijun spent his days lazing around, reading novels. Before long, a group of guards arrived from the Capital. Chu Mohuan, amidst Jiaolan’s furious protests, sent him away.

Wen Shijun watched from the windowsill, thoroughly enjoying Jiaolan’s tantrum before finally closing the window.

That evening, Feiying informed him that they would depart the next morning and instructed him to pack his belongings.

Wen Shijun knew they were heading to Divine Physician Zhang’s residence. After obtaining the necessary medicinal ingredients there, they would return to the Capital.

Staring at the flickering candlelight, Wen Shijun realized that the few paragraphs of plot from the novel had stretched into such a long time. The thought exhausted him. At this rate, how many more years will it take to get home?