Transmigrating to Woo the Villainous Young Lady - Chapter 33

For Fu Guiyi’s birthday, the pastries were naturally the finest available, and even the dishes served were exceptionally lavish.

This was far better than what Shen Li usually ate, but mindful that she would soon be sharing cake with Fu Guiyi, she restrained herself considerably.

Instead, she focused on identifying the guests at the banquet.

Since the first half of the novel’s story primarily unfolded in Cloudsea City, roughly eighty percent of the attendees were significant characters from the plot.

Shen Li painstakingly recognized them one by one. When she couldn’t place someone, she would tilt her head slightly, cling to Fu Guiyi’s arm, and ask coquettishly, Young Mistress, who’s that person?

Fu Guiyi followed her gaze and spotted a handsome young man with a refined air. The son of Commander Zhao.

After answering the maid’s question, Fu Guiyi reached out and picked up a tender piece of bamboo shoot. Why are you asking about these things?

Shen Li opened her mouth, her rosy tongue curling around the bamboo shoot. In this season, fresh, tender bamboo shoots were a rare delicacy.

Only the most honored guests were served such delicacies at the banquet.

Shen Li, if you dare set your sights on any young master, just wait…

Fu Guiyi leaned closer, her wine-tinged breath ghosting against Shen Li’s ear as she spoke.

To be… punished.

Each word was enunciated with chilling precision, the air thick with menace as the villainess’s aura fully unfurled.

This servant would never dare, Shen Li replied. Besides, no man in the world could ever compare to the Young Mistress.

Shen Li genuinely believed this. Following Fu Guiyi, she knew she would be well-protected, spared the horrors of those transmigration novels where female leads had their wombs removed or kidneys transplanted to benefit the white moonlight character.

Though Fu Guiyi recognized this as mere flattery from her maid, she couldn’t help but feel a flicker of warmth. Since birth, she had been showered with praise, but these words from strangers meant nothing to her. What use was the praise of strangers?

All Fu Guiyi had ever craved was her mother’s approval, but her mother had always withheld it, lavishing all her praise on Fu Guiyi’s elder brother instead.

But now…

Fu Guiyi had someone she cared for more deeply, someone who freed her from the need to fixate on her mother’s approval.

After several rounds of wine, everyone was drunk except Fu Guiyi, who remained perfectly sober.

First, Fu Guiyi had a high alcohol tolerance. Second, she had promised the little maid she wouldn’t drink too much.

Shen Li, on the other hand, hadn’t touched a drop of wine all night. She was afraid that drinking would make her careless. Although ancient wine wasn’t particularly strong, its brewing techniques lacked the precision of modern methods.

Drinking too much could easily lead to dizziness and blurred vision.

The aftereffects were particularly potent.

It was during this occasion that Shen Li noticed Mu Siyu and Li Huaifeng exchanging furtive glances.

Clearly, the two had succumbed to the allure of their destined romance from the novel, their feelings for each other already beginning to blossom in secret.

Stop staring. Didn’t you say you wanted to speak to me privately?

Fu Guiyi reached out, her cheeks flushed a delicate pink despite her high tolerance and restraint.

Her slender fingers, icy at the tips, brushed against Shen Li’s cheek, instantly snapping her back to reality.

Right, Young Mistress, please come with me.

Shen Li stood up and took Fu Guiyi’s hand. Though the young mistress’s palm felt as cold as ice, Shen Li didn’t mind.

Mm.

Fu Guiyi nodded, swaying slightly as she rose to her feet.

Just as they were about to leave, a voice called out from behind.

Young Mistress, the banquet is still in progress. As the hostess, you shouldn’t leave the table so casually.

Seeing the young mistress looking utterly bewitched, Xu Wenqing could no longer stand by. He stepped forward, his voice laced with concern.

Wen Qing, don’t bother me.

To her surprise, Fu Guiyi went even further, directly pulling Shen Li into her arms.

I promised her I’d spend the rest of my birthday banquet with her.

Young Mistress, would you disregard all your guests for a mere servant girl?

As the argument grew louder, drawing the attention of many in the hall, Fu Guiyi simply nodded.

This is my birthday, not theirs. I’ll decide what to do, and it’s none of your concern.

Her words were icy and deeply hurtful.

Shen Li, wanting to avoid further conflict, forced a smile at Xu Wenqing.

I need to speak with the Young Mistress urgently.

Though Xu Wenqing had once pushed her into the lake, Shen Li had chosen to forgive her, remembering her later acts of bravery in the novel.

You have no right to interfere here, Xu Wenqing snapped, her gaze cold.

She seethed with hatred for the servant who had saved Shen Li that day. If not for him, Shen Li would have drowned in the lake, and she wouldn’t be here now, still bewitching the Young Mistress.

Wen Qing, we discussed this in the study already. I won’t repeat myself.

Fu Guiyi stepped protectively in front of Shen Li.

Her icy glare silenced Xu Wenqing. Fu Guiyi turned and pulled Shen Li out of the hall.

As Shen Li left, she could still hear the whispers of the gossiping crowd behind her.

Stepping out of the stifling reception hall, the icy wind whipped across her face, instantly clearing her head. Shen Li felt a pang of regret, wondering if she could have handled the situation better.

She truly didn’t want Xu Wenqing and Fu Guiyi to harbor any resentment toward each other.

Why are you daydreaming?

Fu Guiyi reached out and firmly clasped Shen Li’s soft palm, the icy touch sending goosebumps prickling across her skin.

No, Young Mistress. Please come with me.

Shen Li led Fu Guiyi to a study she had prepared earlier. The room was filled with fresh flowers.

Though these flowers had been plucked from the Young Mistress’s own garden, when arranged in celadon jade vases, they exuded an elegant, understated beauty.

These are the pastries I prepared for you.

Happy birthday, Young Mistress.

Shen Li stood on tiptoe and pressed a bold kiss to Fu Guiyi’s lips, far more daring than the one in the corridor earlier.

Caught off guard by the maid’s sudden and aggressive advance, Fu Guiyi stumbled backward, her entire body leaning against a folding screen.

She raised her hand and gripped Shen Li’s waist.

Slowly, she returned the kiss.

You’re all the preparation I need. Nothing else matters.

Fu Guiyi lowered her head, gently nuzzling Shen Li’s nose with her own.

She felt a deep sense of joy.

During her childhood birthdays, her mother had never made much of a fuss, often forgetting to give her gifts altogether.

Fu Guiyi, being a stubborn child, refused to ask for anything her mother didn’t offer. Unlike her brother, who would throw tantrums and roll on the floor whenever he didn’t get his way.

Later, when she became the family head, Wen Qing began hosting lavish birthday banquets. But Fu Guiyi knew the truth:

Those people were only there for the Tiger Tally, which commanded the Black Armor Army.

Not for her as a person.

So, the only one who truly celebrated her birthday was Shen Li.

How could I not? I spent days preparing these desserts, even buying the recipes from a Persian merchant!

Young Mistress, please try them!

Shen Li, still wiping the corner of her mouth, took the Young Mistress’s cold hand and led her to the small cake.