Transmigrating to Woo the Villainous Young Lady - Chapter 31

Mu Siyu had squeezed in this visit to Fu Manor, so she couldn’t stay long. She tried to persuade Shen Li several times, but seeing her stubbornness, she knew further attempts would be futile.

Reluctantly, she prepared to leave.

I’ll keep this chest of gold. If you ever change your mind and want to redeem your indenture, come find me anytime.

As the female lead, Mu Siyu’s character was naturally virtuous. She reached out and tightly gripped Shen Li’s wrist.

That day, when she had foolishly set a massive fire, Mu Siyu would have perished in the flames if not for Shen Li’s intervention.

After seeing her guest off, Shen Li strolled around outside for a while before leisurely returning to Fu Guiyi’s chambers. By then, the stone lanterns outside had been lit.

As dusk deepened, a maid stood guard outside the door, signaling Fu Guiyi’s return.

Shen Li entered with a nervous flutter in her chest. She knew Fu Guiyi’s petty nature meant she would resent Shen Li spending so much time with the female lead.

Her fears were immediately confirmed.

The moment she stepped inside, a low, accusatory voice greeted her.

Having such a pleasant chat? You only just returned at this late hour.

Miss Mu went back long ago. I was just wandering around outside.

Shen Li could truthfully answer this question. As expected, she saw the Young Mistress close her eyes, seemingly believing her words.

After all, Fu Guiyi knew every detail about Lei Er, even where he bought his clothes. Lying to her would be futile.

Satisfied with the maid’s honest answer, Fu Guiyi beckoned Shen Li over.

Come here. I got some medicinal ointment from the doctor.

Ointment?

What kind of ointment?

Though puzzled, Shen Li had no choice but to obey the Young Mistress’s command. She obediently approached.

Fu Guiyi held a black lacquered box adorned with painted flowers. Lacquerware was an extremely expensive commodity in ancient times due to its intricate production process.

Naturally, anything stored in such a container would be even more valuable.

This ointment is based on a formula passed down from the palace. My father used to give it to his concubines.

Shen Li: !

Well, with that explanation, she knew exactly what it was for.

Young Mistress, can I skip applying it?

Shen Li’s cheeks and earlobes flushed crimson, like sunset-tinged clouds, a fiery red tinged with pink.

Sure, if you want to keep walking like that every day.

To her surprise, the Young Mistress wasn’t as difficult to persuade as usual. Instead, she smiled with narrowed eyes, but her words only made Shen Li feel even more embarrassed.

Shen Li had been walking strangely all day, and several people had already asked about it. She’d brushed them off with the excuse of a sprained ankle, but Fu Guiyi knew she hadn’t actually sprained anything.

Of course I don’t want to, Shen Li finally replied, intimidated by the villainess’s imposing aura. She approached step by step and placed her hand on her waistband.

She untied it very slowly.

Compared to the impatient man, Fu Guiyi simply rested her cheek on her hand, watching without moving. This only heightened the tension.

The thin undergarment slid down, revealing a glimpse of a pale pink bodice.

Knowing the little maid was embarrassed, Fu Guiyi lowered the bed curtains.

I won’t do this again, she whispered close to Shen Li’s ear, picking up a pale white ointment. It had a strong floral fragrance mixed with a faint medicinal herbal scent.

If you feel uncomfortable, you must tell me, Fu Guiyi said earnestly.

Having no experience serving others, she seemed somewhat clumsy.

Shen Li’s toes curled slightly.

By the time they finished, the candlelight had dimmed considerably. Fu Guiyi extinguished all but one candle.

Only then did she carefully wipe her fingers with a handkerchief.

Fu Guiyi lay back on the bed.

Extinguishing the candle was a simple task that Shen Li should have handled, but she remained curled up under the covers, only a sliver of her delicate, lotus-root-like arm peeking out.

Thank you, Miss, Shen Li murmured.

Shen Li dared to show only half her face, still mortified by the earlier application of medicine.

There’s no need to thank me. I’ve told you before, you’re not just a servant.

Fu Guiyi pulled Shen Li into her arms, instantly dispelling the chill that had lingered on her skin. Shen Li’s soft, warm body felt more comforting than ten charcoal braziers.

Unlike Shen Li, who had little to do, Fu Guiyi spent her days immersed in official duties and soon drifted off to sleep.

Beside her, Shen Li listened to Fu Guiyi’s even breathing. The Young Mistress’s body, initially icy, gradually warmed.

Shen Li tightened her embrace, but she wasn’t idle. She opened her System Shop and gazed at the lone little cake sitting in her inventory.

If Lei Er had been dismissed by Fu Guiyi, she needed to find someone else to bring in supplies.

The Young Mistress’s birthday was approaching, and the manor was already undergoing renovations, with Xu Wenqing working tirelessly. Yet even when the housekeeper was at her busiest, she always made time for Fu Guiyi.

Why haven’t I seen her all day? Shen Li wondered. But then she remembered Xu Wenqing had tried to push her into the pond. It’s only natural she wouldn’t want to see me.

Lost in thoughts about who could help her buy cake ingredients, Shen Li drifted off to sleep.

Late at night, a light rain began to fall, its gentle patter audible in the stillness.

Fu Guiyi, a notoriously light sleeper, wasn’t disturbed by the rain but by a knock at the door.

What is it? she asked, glancing worriedly at Shen Li, hoping not to wake her little maid.

However, Shen Li slept soundly, a testament to her past life as a sweeping maid who had shared a communal bed with four or five others.

On such crowded beds, a single fart could ruin the night for everyone.

The nights were filled with endless muttering, teeth grinding, and snoring. Sleeping with Fu Guiyi was practically a luxury.

Young Mistress, the Old Madam’s condition has worsened again.

Hearing it was her mother, Fu Guiyi’s brow twitched. She had no desire to go; her mother favored her brother, and Fu Guiyi, never one to tolerate such favoritism, harbored a simmering resentment.

Yet the thought of her mother’s long illness tugged at her heart.

Reluctantly, she left her room.

Fu Guiyi walked swiftly, her maids struggling to keep up. She wore only a thin outer robe, her hair unbound.

Mother, she called out as she entered her mother’s room, heading straight behind the screen.

Madam Fu’s face was sallow and gaunt. Beside her lay a sputum basin, its contents stained with bloody phlegm—a sight that sent a chill down one’s spine.

Guiyi, Guiyi… Where’s your brother?

Unfortunately, Madam Fu’s first words pierced Fu Guiyi’s heart like ice.

Brother is in the capital, enjoying the princess’s favor. Mother needn’t worry.

Fu Guiyi clasped Madam Fu’s dry, bark-like hand, offering only a factual update on her brother’s situation.

I want to see your brother, Guiyi… I don’t have much time left. Make him come.

This was a troublesome request, but even the ruthless Fu Guiyi couldn’t refuse. She could only nod in assent.

And… I heard Li Huaifeng came to see you. What’s he like?

Acceptable.

Good. Your father’s choices are never poor.

Guiyi… if only I could see you married before I die.