Transmigrated Into an Ancient Filial Piety Novel as a Scumbag Alpha (GL) - Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Jisen thought this and acted accordingly. He smiled at Ji Huan and said, “Sis, it’s too cold outside, and both water tanks at home are empty. How about after noon, you let Jiang Yubai go fetch water?”

Ji Huan’s expression turned cold. She stared hard at Jisen, making him step back instinctively. He looked at Ji Huan guiltily. “Sis, why’re you looking at me like that? Didn’t Jiang Yubai always fetch water before?”

Ji Huan coughed a few times, withdrew her gaze, and said weakly, “Before was before. I’m feeling awful now and need someone by my side. Jiang Yubai has to stay and care for me. Or do you want to watch me die without help?”

“No, I didn’t mean that! If it’s no good, forget it. I’ll fetch the water. Second Sis, I’m not hoping you get worse. Don’t pin that on me.”

Jisen glanced at Ji Huan’s eyes, seeing them return to normal, as if her earlier piercing look was an illusion. It was just for today, so Jisen figured he could grit his teeth and bear it. Unhappily, he shoved the food into Ji Huan’s hands and left.

Ji Huan watched Jisen’s retreating figure and gave a cold smile. In winter, when farm work was idle, everyone lazed around, yet they expected her and Jiang Yubai to work. Why? Because the original Ji Huan was a pushover?

Ji Huan carried the food inside and closed the door.

Jiang Yubai saw their exchange, hesitated, and asked, “Is it okay if I don’t go?”

“Of course it’s okay. Ignore them. The whole family’s idle—why should you always work? Come eat.” Ji Huan beckoned Jiang Yubai to eat.

“Okay.” Jiang Yubai nodded, her gaze toward Ji Huan hesitant. Ji Huan had spoken up for her several times today, or she’d surely be out doing chores now.

Lunch was vegetable noodles with little oil, but it filled the stomach.

Ji Huan didn’t enjoy it—she preferred meat. Given their current conditions, though, filling up came first.

Compared to Ji Huan’s slow eating, Jiang Yubai finished her large bowl of noodles quickly, leaving Ji Huan stunned.

Jiang Yubai’s figure was slender, her waist so thin Ji Huan could wrap an arm around it. How did she have such an appetite?

Seeing Ji Huan look at her, Jiang Yubai pursed her lips and explained softly, “I usually eat fast.”

“Good, as long as you’re not unwell.” Ji Huan didn’t press, respecting everyone’s habits. If Jiang Yubai ate quickly, she wouldn’t comment.

While eating her noodles, Ji Huan’s gaze occasionally drifted to Jiang Yubai. The little rabbit’s face was striking. The more Ji Huan looked, the harder it was to look away, and even her appetite improved, eating faster.

Jiang Yubai’s cheeks flushed under her gaze. Thinking of how Ji Huan protected her today, her heart warmed.

“What do we do this afternoon?” Jiang Yubai looked up and asked. Unconsciously, she was starting to trust Ji Huan.

“Let’s walk around the village to get some air. Staying cooped up in the room isn’t good, and it’s so cold here.” Ji Huan set her bowl aside and smiled.

“Okay.” Jiang Yubai didn’t understand why Ji Huan suddenly wanted to explore the village but nodded. After sleeping all morning, staying in bed with Ji Huan all afternoon felt embarrassing. She didn’t want to be a vixen luring a Qianyuan.

After lunch, Ji Huan felt energized. The midday weather was warm, so she opened the door, saw no one outside, and led Jiang Yubai out of the courtyard.

They walked along the village path toward the back hill, meeting several villagers.

“Ji Huan, going to chop wood on the hill?” a man asked.

“Yeah, just strolling.” Ji Huan glanced at the man nearby and replied casually. Lacking the original owner’s memories, she didn’t know who he was.

When the man’s gaze landed on Jiang Yubai, his expression changed, and he hurried away.

Ji Huan’s smile faded. Superstition harmed people. What had Jiang Yubai done wrong? Those deaths were coincidences, yet the villagers treated her like a plague.

Ji Huan turned to check Jiang Yubai’s expression. Seeing her calm face, Ji Huan felt worse. How many such scenes had Jiang Yubai endured to stay so composed?

Fearing Jiang Yubai would overthink, Ji Huan took her wrist and said softly, “Those people are narrow-minded. Don’t mind them. Let’s walk to the hill.”

Jiang Yubai didn’t expect Ji Huan to hold her. Normally, outside, Ji Huan acted like she didn’t know her, keeping distance like others, avoiding any association.

Jiang Yubai felt her wrist burn. Wasn’t Ji Huan afraid of village gossip?

Seeing Jiang Yubai silent, Ji Huan gently rubbed her wrist and smiled. “What’re you zoning out for? Let’s go.”

Dazed, Jiang Yubai let Ji Huan lead her by the wrist. She couldn’t think of anything else—her mind and eyes were fixed on Ji Huan’s hand.

Her ears red, Jiang Yubai stole a glance at Ji Huan’s expression. Seeing her smile, a faint smile curved Jiang Yubai’s lips. Even if Ji Huan was only kind for today, Jiang Yubai felt happy. Since her mother’s death, she hadn’t felt so at ease.

Ji Huan noticed the little rabbit sneaking glances but didn’t call it out. She led Jiang Yubai up the hill, carefully observing the stones and soil, never letting go of her wrist.

At the hillside, Ji Huan released Jiang Yubai’s hand and crouched to examine the soil. Her years of work made her familiar with the clay needed for Jian ware. This soil surprisingly met those requirements.

To be sure, Ji Huan grabbed several handfuls of nearby soil to compare. The crumbled earth indeed suited Jian ware clay.

She stood and checked the surrounding stones. As expected, they contained high iron content. If Ji Huan built a kiln for firing Jian ware, she could try making it.