The Love-Hate Relationship Between the Female Lead and the Second Female Lead - Chapter 8

A drop of water splashed onto Wen Shijun’s face, slowly bringing him back to consciousness. As he opened his eyes, he found himself hanging from a tree.

Wen Shijun glanced down at the height. It wasn’t too high a jump wouldn’t result in serious injury. He checked himself over and was relieved to find only minor scrapes and bruises.

Just as he was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Wen Shijun realized Ji Zining wasn’t beside him.

This was disastrous! Ji Zining was frail and completely untrained in martial arts. A fall from such a high cliff would likely be fatal.

There was no time to rest. Night was falling, and the forest teemed with venomous snakes and fierce beasts. The rain was relentless. Even if Ji Zining had survived the fall, she wouldn’t last long in this wilderness.

Without hesitation, Wen Shijun leaped down from the tree and began searching the surrounding area, using the tree he’d been hanging from as a central point.

Wen Shijun had expected to search for Ji Zining for a long time, but he found her just a hundred meters away.

Unlike Wen Shijun, Ji Zining hadn’t been so lucky. She had fallen straight down, and even though branches had slowed her descent, she was still injured. Her white gauze dress was torn by the branches, stained with dark red bloodstains.

Wen Shijun gently brushed her hair aside and placed his hand on her neck.

Thank goodness, she’s still alive.

Wen Shijun let out a sigh of relief.

After checking her condition, he carefully lifted Ji Zining up, avoiding her wounds.

Seeing the bl00d trickling from the corner of her mouth, Wen Shijun tenderly stroked her hair.

Ugh— Ji Zining groaned softly.

It’s okay, it’s okay, don’t be afraid, Wen Shijun murmured soothingly.

Looking around at the increasingly heavy rain, Wen Shijun knew they needed to find shelter.

He snapped off a thumb-thick branch and, with great effort, hoisted Ji Zining onto his back. Swaying slightly, he began to walk forward.

Wen Shijun’s luck held he found a small cave just before nightfall.

Wen Shijun carried Ji Zining to the innermost part of the cave, gently laid her down, and glanced at her still-bleeding wound. Tearing a strip from his sleeve, he hastily bandaged it.

He knew Ji Zining couldn’t hold out much longer. There were no medicinal herbs, no clean room, and no physician here—only the cold mountain cave. Her injuries needed immediate treatment.

After settling Ji Zining, Wen Shijun went outside to gather some branches. The rain was intensifying, soaking the wood. He knew they wouldn’t be able to start a fire.

Returning to Ji Zining’s side, Wen Shijun shivered as icy winds howled through the cave.

Sister, Ji Zining murmured.

What is it? Wen Shijun leaned closer to hear her.

Sister… sister… cold, Ji Zining mumbled unconsciously, her hand clutching a corner of Wen Shijun’s robe as he approached.

Wen Shijun removed his outer robe, pulled Ji Zining into his arms, and draped the garment over both of them.

As soon as Ji Zining felt the warmth, she clung tightly to Wen Shijun, refusing to let go.

Wen Shijun knew this was their only way to stay warm otherwise, Ji Zining might freeze to death. He draped his outer robe completely over her and held her even tighter.

Gazing at the torrential rain outside, he wondered if the person in his arms could endure.

Wen Shijun leaned close to Ji Zining’s ear and whispered, Hold on… you have to keep going.

The gentle voice echoed in Ji Zining’s ear, her eyelashes fluttering slightly, but she remained unconscious.

On that freezing night, the two slept embraced.

Wen Shijun’s sleep was fitful, his body shivering from the cold.

When he rested his chin on Ji Zining’s forehead, he realized her body was burning with an alarming fever.

As if doused with a bucket of ice water, Wen Shijun instantly snapped awake.

He touched Ji Zining’s forehead and confirmed she had a high fever.

Gently shaking her shoulder, he whispered in her ear, Ji Zining, wake up.

Ji Zining remained unconscious, just as she had the day before. Wen Shijun knew that if she didn’t find a doctor soon, Zining would surely die.

No matter how hard Wen Shijun shook and patted Ji Zining, she remained unresponsive, lost in her slumber. Wen Shijun picked up a wooden stick and, as she had the previous night, carried Ji Zining out of the cave on her back.

The sun gradually peeked over the horizon, painting the sky with a pale, fish-belly white. Wen Shijun struggled to carry Ji Zining forward.

After enduring a night of relentless cold wind, even Wen Shijun, with her exceptional physical stamina, felt a feverish heat on her forehead, her lips parched, and her face pale. Only her unwavering determination to keep going allowed her to escape the forest.

Fortunately, Wen Shijun’s luck held. Shortly after emerging from the trees, she spotted a woman carrying a basket.

Having had nothing to eat or drink since the previous night, Wen Shijun’s desperate shout sounded no louder than a mosquito’s buzz. She raised the wooden stick and, with all her remaining strength, struck the ground, hoping the sound would attract the woman’s attention.

Help— Wen Shijun managed to cry out before collapsing. The shout and the sound of the stick striking the ground made the woman turn around and approach.

Before Wen Shijun could say another word, she lost consciousness.

Your Highness, we’ve been delayed long enough! We must return to the capital as soon as possible! The man stood anxiously beside the high-seated figure, urging him urgently.

What’s the rush? Chu Mohuan casually flicked sunflower seeds on the table. My Princess Consort and Ning’er haven’t been found yet. How can I abandon them and return to the capital?

Your Highness, the Princess Consort and Miss Ji can be found later. The most urgent matter is returning to the capital. The Second Prince has recently gained significant favor with the Emperor, even causing the Noble Consort to lose some of her influence. You must return quickly and make preparations!

Despite the man’s growing urgency, Chu Mohuan remained calm and unconcerned.

Your Highness! the man exclaimed. This assassination attempt may have been orchestrated by the Second Prince himself! You must take this seriously and investigate thoroughly!

Seeing the man’s temper flaring, Chu Mohuan finally spoke, his voice calm and unhurried, Uncle, I know what I’m doing.

Lin Yunshu froze for a moment, taken aback by Chu Mohuan’s use of the term Uncle. It was the first time in years he had addressed him so warmly. Though it was just Uncle, he couldn’t ask for more.

Alright, Lin Yunshu’s voice softened. You’ve always had your own ideas since you were little. I was just getting anxious. As long as you know what you’re doing. With that, he strode away.

Chu Mohuan remained leisurely counting the sunflower seeds on the table.

Two hundred fifty-three, two hundred fifty-four, two hundred fifty-five. After meticulously counting the last few seeds to ensure none were missing, he gathered them all carefully into a worn pouch, afraid of losing even a single one. He then tucked the pouch protectively into his sleeve.

After finishing these tasks, Chu Mohuan summoned Feiying and ordered him to organize a search party for the missing Wen Shijun and Ji Zining.

Dark clouds blanketed the small village of Peach Blossom Village. Soon, lightning flashed across the sky like a giant dragon, followed by heavy raindrops that sent pedestrians scurrying home.

Huilan wrung out a damp towel and began wiping the faces, hands, and other exposed areas of the two figures lying on the bed.

When she reached Ji Zining’s neck, she paused, her gaze drawn to the object resting there. A jade pendant, its snow-white surface adorned with intricate carvings, hung from the slender, pale neck. Huilan stopped wiping and unconsciously stroked the pendant.

During her time as a maid in wealthy households, she had seen countless precious jade ornaments. Even a small piece could sustain an ordinary family for decades, let alone this one. Warm to the touch and flawless in color, this pendant could change her life forever. She could escape her stepfather, that scoundrel, and never have to endure such hardship again.

The temptation before her was too strong. Huilan’s eyes were blinded by the promise of a better life. She picked up the scissors and cut the rope, easily taking the jade pendant into her hand.

Then, she flipped Wen Shijun and Ji Zining over, collecting all the jewelry from their bodies.

Just as she tucked the jewelry into her pockets, still holding one of Wen Shijun’s bracelets, Wen Shijun awoke and called out to the fleeing girl.

Miss… Wen Shijun said weakly.

Huilan’s heart pounded like thunder, her hands trembling slightly. Composing herself, she turned with a smile. Madam, you’re awake.

Wen Shijun gazed at the familiar face, slightly surprised. You saved me?

Yes, I was gathering herbs when I stumbled upon you and this young lady, both unconscious. Despite her best efforts to remain calm, the guilt in her eyes couldn’t be concealed. She lowered her head as she spoke.

Still groggy from waking, Wen Shijun’s mind was entirely focused on Ji Zining. She failed to notice Huilan’s unease.

Wen Shijun turned her head. Ji Zining lay quietly asleep, her deathly pale face still drained of color.

Huilan, could you do me a favor? Wen Shijun asked urgently.

Huilan, who had been thinking about the bracelet hidden behind her back, startled at the request and quickly replied, Madam, please tell me what you need.

I need you to go to Divine Physician Zhang’s residence immediately and ask him to come here. Also, please bring the young master who came with us.

Seeing Wen Shijun’s anxious expression, Huilan nodded repeatedly. While Wen Shijun was tending to Ji Zining, Huilan slipped the jade bracelet onto her wrist, covered it with her sleeve, and hurried out.

Huilan ran swiftly until she reached a spot near Divine Physician Zhang’s house. She stopped, noticing the brightly lit interior. Peach Blossom Village was a small, rural community not just anyone would light kerosene lamps during the day simply because dark clouds had obscured the sun.

From her vantage point, she spotted a burly man in black martial attire standing guard outside the door. Huilan recognized him as one of the guards who had accompanied the group.

If she went to fetch the young master, her actions would surely be exposed, and everything would be ruined. The rain quickly soaked through her clothes. Huilan wiped the water from her face, touched the jade bracelet on her wrist, and recalled the man’s icy gaze. Gritting her teeth, she turned and fled toward the village entrance without looking back.

Wen Shijun continued to apply cold compresses to Ji Zining’s forehead with a damp towel. Her wounds had already been bandaged.

Judging by the neat bandaging technique, the young woman who had treated her must have some medical knowledge.

Wen Shijun glanced at the path outside, anxiously awaiting Huilan’s return.

Just as he looked toward the door for the fourth time, Ji Zining stirred awake. She gripped his hand tightly, her lips parting as if to speak, but her throat was too dry from prolonged thirst to utter a word.

Yet Wen Shijun understood she was calling for her sister.

He gently patted her hand, reassuring her, It’s alright now. Chu Mohuan will be here soon.

Ji Zining blinked, her eyes fixed intently on him. She tightened her grip slightly, as if trying to convey something.

Before she could speak, Wen Shijun replied, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.

Hearing this, Ji Zining finally relaxed, allowing Wen Shijun to hold her hand.

It was strange how he could instinctively understand her thoughts, even without her speaking.

After a long moment of silence, Wen Shijun noticed Ji Zining’s parched lips and asked, Do you want some water?

Ji Zining nodded. Neither of them had eaten or drunk anything since morning, and Wen Shijun’s throat was also dry and sore. He was about to get up to find water when Ji Zining tightened her grip on his hand, refusing to let go.

Ji Zining’s grip was so light that Wen Shijun could have easily broken free with a single tug. But she didn’t. Gazing into Ji Zining’s tear-filled eyes, she said gently, I’ll get you some water. Will you let go?

Hearing this, Ji Zining finally released her hand, though her eyes remained fixed on Wen Shijun.

Wen Shijun’s heart softened at the sight. She turned to check the water kettle on the table, pouring some into the nearby cup.

Not a drop came out.

Wen Shijun gave Ji Zining a reassuring look, then shook the kettle, gesturing that she would go outside to find water.

The thatched hut was small and drafty, with rain leaking through the roof. Wen Shijun carefully stepped around buckets catching rainwater on the floor and hurried to the kitchen. There, she found clean water in a water tank, filled the kettle, and turned to see a bowl of millet—the owner had clearly been preparing to cook.

Wen Shijun quickly left the kitchen, returned to the room, poured the water into the bowl she’d just taken from the kitchen, and held it to Ji Zining’s lips.

Parched with thirst, Ji Zining gulped down two bowls of water. After she finished, Wen Shijun eagerly drank several cups from the same bowl.

Setting down the kettle, Wen Shijun tucked the blanket around Ji Zining and whispered, I’ll go make some porridge for you. Rest well here.

Wen Shijun thought he would use the rice as a temporary measure and repay Huilan a hundredfold later.

Wen Shijun had been living alone since he was eighteen. He disliked having others in his space, so he never hired a housekeeper or ordered takeout. Instead, he was an excellent cook, and making porridge was no trouble at all for him.

By then, the downpour outside had eased to a drizzle. Rain pattered on the eaves, dripping rhythmically from the roof tiles like musical notes.

A man rushed over, soaked to the bone. He stood under the eaves, cursing under his breath, Damn it! It’s all that jinx in the house, crying all day long. She’s cried away all my good luck! How long has it been? I’ve lost every penny I owed!

Furious, the man stormed inside, eager to vent his frustration over his losing streak.

As he burst into the room, he saw a kerosene lamp lit, a brazier on the floor crackling with burning wood, and a figure huddled under the covers on the bed.

The sight instantly ignited his rage. He kicked the brazier aside and strode toward the bed.

I’m suffering out here while you, you little b1tch, are enjoying yourself at home!

The man yanked back the covers in a rage, only to freeze in shock at the sight before him.

A fair-skinned young woman lay on the bed, her eyes tightly closed and her lips parted slightly as she breathed softly. Her cheeks were flushed crimson, like ripe apples on a tree. Even with her eyes closed, her breathtaking beauty remained undeniable.

The man stared, mesmerized. He slowly reached out and touched the sleeve of her robe, confirming she was real and not a dream. A predatory glint flashed in his eyes as his demonic hand reached for Ji Zining, heedless of how a stunningly beautiful young woman had appeared in his bed.

Ji Zining had awakened the moment the covers were pulled back, but she kept her eyes closed, assuming it was Wen Shijun. When no movement followed, she opened her eyes just as a hand lunged toward her.

Her gaze turned icy. She nimbly dodged the hand and swiftly retreated.

A small dagger slid from her sleeve. Though no larger than a finger, the blade was razor-sharp, capable of slicing through paper with no effort.

Beauty, you… you’re awake. The man rubbed his hands together, his eyes gleaming with lust as he stared at Ji Zining. Your appearance in my bed must be divine providence. I’ll make sure to cherish you properly. With that, he lunged at her like a ravenous wolf pouncing on its prey.

Ji Zining moved with the lightness of a feather caught in the wind, landing effortlessly on the other side of the bed. The man’s hand brushed only the corner of her robe.

Even this slight contact made Ji Zining frown. Her eyes flashed with a sharp glare as she considered ending the man with a single strike of her hidden dagger. But just then, she heard footsteps approaching outside. She quickly concealed the dagger, her face reverting to its fragile, wind-blown appearance, tears welling in her eyes as she collapsed weakly to the floor, allowing the man to ravage her.

The man grinned triumphantly as he threw Ji Zining to the ground, eagerly unbuckling his belt and spewing vulgarities Beauty, let this young master show you a good time.

As he pounced, his hand still clutching the edge of her gauze skirt, a sudden shout erupted from behind him, laced with anger Who are you? What do you think you’re doing?!