The Love-Hate Relationship Between the Female Lead and the Second Female Lead - Chapter 6

The following days were devoid of major plot developments, and Wen Shijun had hoped for some respite. However, an unexpected event caught him completely off guard.

Divine Physician Zhang resided in a small rural village called Peach Blossom Village. Though remote, the village was remarkably picturesque.

Surrounded by peach orchards, the trees were now laden with small, inedible peaches in early autumn. Wen Shijun merely admired the sight. Gazing at the orchard, he could easily imagine the breathtaking beauty of the peach blossoms in spring. It was no wonder the renowned physician had chosen to retire to this secluded mountain retreat.

The villagers were ordinary folk, and Chu Mohuan feared that bringing too many guards would frighten them and disrupt Divine Physician Zhang’s future life. He ordered the guards to set up camp by the small river five miles away.

The moment the group entered the village, they drew the villagers’ attention. Even aside from their striking appearances—a rare sight in this isolated community—their refined and noble demeanor was particularly remarkable.

Old Zhang, who are these people? A man, his trousers rolled up as he planted rice seedlings in the field, glanced up to see Old Zhang leading three noble young masters and ladies into the village.

They’re wealthy young masters seeking medical treatment from me, Divine Physician Zhang replied with a wave and a smile.

The man wasn’t surprised. Old Zhang’s medical skills were renowned throughout the village anyone with a strange ailment could find a cure by consulting him. It was no wonder wealthy families sought his expertise.

However, the two women behind Old Zhang drew the man’s attention more than the medical matter itself. He turned to his companion, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Look at those two women! They’re as beautiful as celestial maidens.

Hmm, the one in the pale yellow dress looks lively and adorable. She’s definitely prettier than the one in white.

The man vehemently disagreed. I think the woman in white is far more stunning—gentle, refined, like the moon in the sky.

Each man held firm to his opinion, neither willing to yield. They stood with hands on their hips, faces flushed and necks reddened, arguing fiercely.

The commotion drew the attention of nearby villagers, who turned to stare. Wen Shijun felt acutely embarrassed and quickened his pace, eager to leave the scene.

Suddenly, a veil was draped over Wen Shijun’s head, completely concealing his face. Through the blurry fabric, he saw Ji Zining also wearing a veil, her head bowed as she tied the ribbons.

Ji Zining’s gentle features and cool, clear gaze made her appear like an innocent, worldly-naive young woman.

Sister, you should wear a veiled hat from now on, Ji Zining said with a soft smile. A young lady must be careful when she’s out in public.

Thank you, Wen Shijun replied, turning away and awkwardly touching the tip of his nose.

Lately, Ji Zining had been clinging to him, as docile as a small animal baring its belly, utterly harmless. Wen Shijun repeatedly warned himself to be cautious, but whenever he met Ji Zining’s clear, guileless eyes, he couldn’t help feeling a pang of sympathy.

The two walked side by side along the muddy country path. Recent rains had turned the soil into a slippery mess, making it difficult to navigate. No matter how carefully Wen Shijun stepped, his skirt and shoes were soon coated in mud.

Careful— Wen Shijun turned to warn Ji Zining, but before he could speak, she lost her footing and stumbled forward.

Wen Shijun quickly stepped forward and caught her in his arms, preventing a disastrous fall.

Wen Shijun watched as the hem of Ji Zining’s pristine white dress brushed against the muddy ground. Glancing at the frail woman, he made up his mind. He placed his hand behind Ji Zining’s knees, effortlessly lifting her into his arms.

Ji Zining gasped, clearly caught off guard by Wen Shijun’s sudden action.

Don’t worry, you won’t fall. I’ll carry you across, Wen Shijun reassured her, striding forward.

Ji Zining didn’t struggle. She gazed up at Wen Shijun’s smooth jawline, her porcelain skin momentarily stunned. She found herself drawn to the scent emanating from him, a woman who never denied herself pleasure. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around Wen Shijun’s neck, burying her face in his chest, savoring the sunlit sense of security he radiated.

Chu Mohuan watched the pair ahead, his emotions a tangled mess. He felt like an outsider, a mere bystander to their intimacy.

Wen Shijun carried Ji Zining all the way to Divine Physician Zhang’s residence before finally setting her down.

Thank you, Elder Sister, Ji Zining said, pulling a handkerchief from her sleeve to wipe the sweat from Wen Shijun’s brow.

Unaccustomed to such familiarity, Wen Shijun accepted the handkerchief and casually dabbed at his forehead twice.

Ji Zining was frail, and her condition required a medicinal bath. However, since this was her first time, they needed to monitor for any side effects. Thus, the three had no choice but to stay temporarily at Divine Physician Zhang’s humble thatched cottage.

The cottage consisted of a single bedroom, a kitchen, and an outhouse. Even Wen Shijun’s room was Divine Physician Zhang’s own, which he had vacated for the two young women. He had changed the bedding, tidied up, and only then welcomed them inside.

Divine Physician Zhang had initially offered to let the women have his room while he and Chu Mohuan sought lodging with the villagers.

But Chu Mohuan worried about leaving Ji Zining and Wen Shijun alone, and as a robust man, he could easily make do with a night on the bench outside.

Chu Mohuan found a village girl and gave her a heavy pouch of silver, entrusting her with the care of Ji Zining and Wen Shijun for the next few days.

What’s your name? Wen Shijun asked casually, watching the girl draw bathwater.

I’m Huilan, the girl replied with a gentle smile, her fair face radiant.

That’s a lovely name, Wen Shijun remarked. Compared to the common village names like Cuihong or Liulv, Huilan’s name was refreshingly elegant.

My father studied for a few years, Huilan said, picking up a handkerchief to wipe her hands.

Watching Huilan’s practiced movements, Wen Shijun couldn’t help but ask, Have you worked as a servant before? Realizing the question might sound abrupt, he quickly added, I didn’t mean anything by it, just curious.

Yes, my mother used to work for a wealthy family, and I served there with her for a while. Later, my father bought our freedom, and we came to Peach Blossom Village, Huilan explained, stepping forward to wrap her arms around Wen Shijun’s waist, intending to help her undress.

At that moment, Wen Shijun was removing her earrings. Her waist was a sensitive area, and she startled at the touch, immediately standing up. Unexpectedly, she bumped into the washbasin on the table, sending its contents splashing all over Huilan, who was crouching beside her.

Huilan was wearing only a thin, light-colored linen garment, which became completely transparent when soaked, revealing the girl’s delicate figure.

Wen Shijun didn’t react much. After all, they were both women what she had, I had too. She murmured an apology, turned to pick up a piece of clothing, and handed it to Huilan.

It’s cold outside. Take off your wet clothes.

Thank you, Madam, Huilan said, stripping off her wet garment to change.

Though they were both women, staring so intently felt inappropriate. Just as Wen Shijun was about to turn away, the door swung open, and Ji Zining stood in the doorway, her gaze fixed on them with an unreadable expression.

Wen Shijun met Ji Zining’s eyes and, for some reason, felt a pang of guilt, like a husband caught cheating by his wife.

His gaze shifted nervously, unsure what to say. Huilan, startled by the sudden intrusion, clutched the clothes to her chest, only making the situation look even more suspicious.

Wen Shijun wanted to explain, but couldn’t find the words. Fortunately, Ji Zining smiled faintly and asked, What’s going on here?

Oh, she accidentally got her clothes wet, Wen Shijun replied. I was just helping her change.

Ji Zining stepped closer to Wen Shijun. So clumsy, she remarked, then turned to Huilan, her tone sharp and authoritative. Change quickly and leave.

Huilan, intimidated by the coldness in Ji Zining’s eyes, glanced at Wen Shijun for help. But Wen Shijun, oblivious to her silent plea, simply said with concern, Yes, hurry back after changing. It’s getting dark, and the road home will be difficult.

Left with no other choice, Huilan quickly changed and hurried out.

Wen Shijun was about to undress for a bath when he noticed Ji Zining and paused.

Ji Zining glanced at the bath barrel and casually asked, Sister, are you going to take a bath?

Mm-hmm, Wen Shijun replied, hoping she would take the hint and leave.

But to his surprise, Ji Zining suddenly offered, Let me help you bathe, Sister.

Ah? Wen Shijun stammered, about to refuse.

Before he could react, Ji Zining stepped forward and began untying his robe.

Wait, wait, wait! Wen Shijun frantically grabbed Ji Zining’s hands. I can bathe myself. You should go now.

Wen Shijun simply wasn’t used to having someone help him bathe, but Ji Zining’s mind conjured up a whole drama.

Sister still hasn’t forgiven me? Ji Zining said sadly.

Wen Shijun couldn’t understand what his refusal to let her help had to do with forgiveness. Before he could protest, Ji Zining continued

I know Sister still resents me deep down. No matter what I do, you’ll never forgive me.

As Ji Zining spoke, tears began to stream down her face. Her forced composure, as she tried to hold back her sobs, tugged at Wen Shijun’s heart. She was the very picture of a delicate white lotus, and Wen Shijun, despite himself, fell for it. He gently wiped away Ji Zining’s tears and murmured, No, really, there’s nothing to forgive. I cherish you too much to ever resent you.

Really?! Ji Zining looked up, her tear-filled eyes wide with childlike innocence.

Wen Shijun wasn’t lying. If not for their social standing, how could anyone resist a girl as gentle, fragile, yet resilient and understanding as Ji Zining?

Really, Wen Shijun said with a sigh.

Hearing this, Ji Zining smiled contentedly and began to undress Wen Shijun.

Wen Shijun, fearing another tearful outburst if he refused, had no choice but to comply.

Ji Zining rose and, taking hold of Wen Shijun’s robe at the shoulder, slowly slipped it off.

This was the first time Wen Shijun had ever disrobed in front of someone else. A nervous tension gripped him, his heart pounding wildly.

Having just finished her medicinal bath, Ji Zining carried the refreshing scent of herbs. Her hair was loosely pinned up, damp strands clinging to her snow-white neck. Her cheeks flushed crimson from the steam, giving her an alluring vitality.

Wen Shijun turned his head away as if casually, but a thought suddenly struck him

A woman is at her most beautiful right after a bath.

He wholeheartedly agreed with this sentiment.

Just as he was pondering this, a chill ran through him. Looking down, he realized he had been stripped down to only his underpants and bodice. Wen Shijun still couldn’t bear the thought of being naked in front of someone.

He grabbed Ji Zining’s hand as she reached for his bodice. I can do it myself, he said quickly, turning away and, with a forced calm, stripped off his remaining clothes before hurrying back into the water.

Amusement flickered in Ji Zining’s eyes, her lips curving into a secret smile as she stepped forward. Let me help you bathe, Sister.

No, no, no! Just stay in bed. I’ll be done soon, Wen Shijun replied, curling up with his knees drawn to his chest, terrified she might actually try to help.

Ji Zining teased Wen Shijun a few more times until his cheeks flushed crimson before finally settling back onto the bed.

Wen Shijun breathed a sigh of relief as Ji Zining retreated. Even though she was still in the room, he could convince himself she wasn’t there as long as he didn’t turn around. He grabbed a towel and began drying himself, determined to finish quickly.

Ji Zining returned to the bed, removed her cloak, and lay down, her gaze fixed on Wen Shijun’s pale shoulders, a glint of interest in her eyes.

She was now certain that the person before her wasn’t Su Huai, yet the body was undeniably Su Huai’s, identical in every way.

Ji Zining felt no surprise at this earth-shattering revelation—the idea of a different soul inhabiting Su Huai’s body, with unknown motives, even excited her. She watched Wen Shijun bathe with keen amusement.