Transmigrating to Woo the Villainous Young Lady - Chapter 25

Host, how could you argue with your target?

The System strongly disapproved of Shen Li’s stubbornness, but Shen Li, ever headstrong, ignored its warnings.

Mind your own business, she snapped, her expression darkening further.

Fu Guiyi had always been showered with praise in her life. Apart from her mother, no one had ever dared to give her the cold shoulder.

Yet today, this little maid, emboldened by a bit of favor, was acting as if she owned the place, leaving Fu Guiyi utterly exasperated.

Why aren’t you looking at me?

Fu Guiyi reached out. Even if she harbored feelings for Shen Li, the maid shouldn’t presume on that affection to sulk so openly.

Her fingers, like icy shards, gently brushed Shen Li’s chin, the chill seeping into her skin in delicate tendrils.

Fu Guiyi truly possessed the aura of a villainess, her words sending a chill down one’s spine.

You’re angry…

The Young Mistress whispered the last few words almost against Shen Li’s ear, the sensation of her lips brushing against it making Shen Li involuntarily curl her toes.

No, I can’t give in here.

Shen Li remained fiercely stubborn, now channeling her inner ninja to suppress the hollow desire surging within her. She still refused to meet Fu Guiyi’s gaze.

Crimson lips slid from her earlobe to her neck, then slowly traced upward, finally settling at the corner of her mouth.

Forgive me, Shen Li.

As expected of the Young Mistress, even her apology was hardcore. It sounded less like a plea for forgiveness and more like an order for Shen Li to grant it.

In this critical moment, Shen Li realized that if she didn’t forgive Fu Guiyi, she might face a brutal display of forced affection.

The thought made her throat tighten, and she finally caved.

Her eyelashes fluttered as she turned her head, meeting Fu Guiyi’s gaze.

Young Mistress, don’t be so fierce.

Seeing the trembling of the little maid’s body, Fu Guiyi realized she had momentarily revealed her true nature. In a daze, she released her grip.

Did I scare you?

Fu Guiyi, accustomed to issuing commands from her high position, instinctively adopted this authoritative tone with Shen Li.

Only now did she realize how foolish she had been.

She quickly apologized, her voice much gentler this time, unlike the earlier tone that had been practically demonic.

Not really, Shen Li replied. She would never admit she had been briefly frightened. It’s just that your tone was a bit intimidating, Young Mistress.

With that, Shen Li braced herself against the soft carriage seat, leaning closer and closer.

Her sash, still loosely tied, slipped down, revealing her rounded, rosy shoulder.

Don’t do that again, Shen Li gently admonished, lowering her head to press a soft, cherry blossom-like kiss against Fu Guiyi’s cheek.

As she pulled away, a faint sound lingered in the air.

Only the two of them heard it, but even so, it was enough to fill their hearts with bashful embarrassment.

Ahem, congratulations, Host! Conquest points increased by 3!

The System announced the good news with a hint of awkwardness.

The sound of horses’ hooves echoed as the carriage wheels rumbled.

The first thing Fu Guiyi did upon returning to her manor was catch up on sleep. She had been busy all night, even rushing through her bath.

She collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep instantly.

As a modern person, Shen Li was accustomed to staying up late and wasn’t particularly tired.

However, her duty was to warm the bed, so even if she wasn’t sleepy, she had to lie down with Fu Guiyi.

In the beginning, when they lay close together, Fu Guiyi’s icy skin felt like it had been drenched in a torrential downpour for hours.

Shen Li often found herself shivering and unable to sleep well into the night.

But now, she had learned to embrace the cold, like a fool trying to melt iron-hard ice with the warmth of her own body.

Good night, Young Mistress, Shen Li whispered.

Even though Fu Guiyi was already fast asleep, Shen Li still wanted to wish her sweet dreams.

In the aftermath of the fire, chaos reigned, and there were far more pressing matters than just this one.

Fu Guiyi plunged back into her relentless routine, leaving for the Black Armor Army’s camp before sunrise.

When she rose, Shen Li was still curled up in the blankets, sleeping soundly with a faint smile on her lips, clearly lost in a pleasant dream.

Perhaps reluctant to leave so abruptly, Fu Guiyi paused at the threshold, her foot hovering mid-step. She turned back.

The hem of Fu Guiyi’s deep violet skirt, embroidered with golden patterns, swayed with her movements.

Fu Guiyi reached out and brushed aside the little maid’s bangs, then lowered her head. In her sleep, Shen Li only felt a cool sensation on her forehead, like raindrops falling from the sky, yet carrying a hint of warmth.

This gentle gesture, however, was not enough to rouse her from her slumber. Shen Li’s eyelids fluttered slightly before she drifted back into a deep sleep.

Fu Guiyi left the room and began directing the post-disaster reconstruction efforts. Although she wasn’t the official magistrate of the city, Fu Guiyi held military authority, making her decisions paramount.

It was quite some time before Shen Li finally stirred awake. She reached out to touch the bedding beside her, only to find it ice-cold.

Huh? Why didn’t the Young Mistress wake me?

Shen Li was briefly puzzled, but a glance out the window revealed the late hour—the sun was already high in the sky. She hurriedly got out of bed and dressed.

Yet once she was ready, she found herself at a loss for what to do. She was no longer the lowly maid who spent her days sweeping floors, no longer needing to toil from dawn till dusk.

The feeling of having nothing to do and being completely at ease was simply blissful!

Shen Li inwardly rejoiced at her wise choice of backing the right person. She strolled through the garden, watching the brightly colored butterflies flutter among the flowers. Several of the estate’s cats stretched out their paws, attempting to catch the delicate creatures.

Shen Li strolled toward the pond, only to unexpectedly encounter Xu Wenqing. A retinue of maids trailed behind her, clearly indicating she was on official business.

Xu Wenqing’s displeasure at seeing Shen Li, an idle outsider, was palpable. Her gaze drifted downward, catching sight of faint red marks on Shen Li’s porcelain-white neck.

Given their strained relationship, Shen Li had hoped to ease the tension. She was about to greet Xu Wenqing with a smile when she noticed the woman’s deathly stare fixed on her neck.

Following Xu Wenqing’s gaze, Shen Li saw nothing. She reached up to touch her neck, a faint stinging sensation stirring dormant memories.

These marks must be from Fu Guiyi a few days ago. Usually, she would apply powder to conceal them before going out, but she had rushed out today and forgotten.

How embarrassing…

You may leave. I have a few words to say to Miss Shen.

Yes, ma’am.

Xu Wenqing waved her hand, and the maids dispersed.

Did you come here deliberately to flaunt this? Xu Wenqing demanded, her voice icy. She advanced on Shen Li, her aura more terrifying than a towering eight-foot-tall ghost.

No, Shen Li retreated a step or two. I merely wished to greet Steward Xu.