Transmigrating to Woo the Villainous Young Lady - Chapter 7

She didn’t have time to dwell on these thoughts. The Eldest Miss’s temper was notoriously volatile, and Shen Li couldn’t keep her waiting.

Having worked as a servant at Fu Manor for three years, Shen Li knew the way to the bathhouse well. She hurried along the path, her skirt billowing slightly like small, fluttering waves.

Soon, she reached the bathhouse.

Before she could push the door open, she noticed steam seeping through the crack.

Eldest Miss? Shen Li knocked tentatively.

A cold, curt Enter was her only reply.

Shen Li stepped inside.

She found Fu Guiyi reclining in the bath, her dark hair cascading down like thick, swaying seaweed, drifting across the water.

Did you call for me? Shen Li felt her heart pounding wildly, and she could practically feel a nosebleed coming on.

Fu Guiyi’s usual loose-fitting robes concealed her figure completely, but now, submerged in the bathwater…

Her exquisite curves shimmered faintly beneath the water’s surface.

Come here.

Fu Guiyi opened her eyes, their pale gold hue resembling those of a ferocious dragon. Once she locked her gaze on someone, they would be ensnared for life, unable to escape her grasp.

Shen Li mustered her courage and approached step by step.

As she reached the edge of the bath, the Eldest Miss extended her hand. Scars crisscrossed her arm—Shen Li had only glimpsed a few during the day, but even that had been shocking.

Now, seeing them all, she was utterly stunned.

What immense hatred? What profound vengeance?

Apart from her face and hands, Fu Guiyi’s skin was almost entirely covered in scars.

Surprised?

Fu Guiyi wasn’t surprised nearly everyone reacted with shock upon seeing her scars, including Xu Wenqing.

No, Shen Li replied, lowering her head, afraid to look any longer.

Speak plainly. I despise lying maids.

Fu Guiyi remained unconcerned, cupping a handful of hot water and splashing it across her cheeks. Droplets rolled down her face, tracing the sharp curve of her collarbone.

In that moment, Fu Guiyi resembled the most alluring mermaid in the depths.

I’m just curious about what the Eldest Miss endured to bear so many scars.

Shen Li mustered her courage and asked the question, relying entirely on her observations of Fu Guiyi’s temperament over the past few days. She knew asking such a question wouldn’t be too presumptuous.

Nothing much, Fu Guiyi replied casually, patting the warm water in the pool. Just being hunted by enemies. The new wounds combined with the old ones… that’s all.

What are you still doing at the edge of the pool? she continued. Hurry and get in.

Startled, Shen Li didn’t hesitate. She immediately entered the pool, instantly enveloped by the hot water.

Still wearing her long dress, she looked utterly disheveled, like someone who had accidentally fallen into the water.

Fu Guiyi hadn’t expected the little maid to enter without any preparation. Shen Li choked on the water and coughed miserably.

Fu Guiyi raised her hand and patted Shen Li’s back to help her feel more comfortable.

How can you be a personal maid if you’re so careless? Fu Guiyi chuckled, playfully poking Shen Li’s nose. The little maid’s cheeks flushed pink—whether from the steam or from coughing up water, Fu Guiyi couldn’t tell.

This servant was just being careless… Shen Li replied weakly.

Then be more careful in the future.

Fu Guiyi gave a careful instruction, extending her arm. Rub my arm. I strained my muscles practicing swordsmanship yesterday.

The Fu Family had produced military generals for generations. Fu Guiyi’s father died on the battlefield, refusing to surrender. After his death, her mother took command of General Fu’s Black Armor Army, defending the city for over a decade.

Fu Guiyi grew up by her mother’s side. People called her Madam Fu, having largely forgotten her given name.

Unfortunately…

Her mother had groomed Fu Guiyi’s elder brother to inherit the Black Armor Army, but he, fearing death and craving life, married the princess. In this dynasty, to prevent imperial in-laws from wielding power, the princess’s consort held no authority whatsoever.

Naturally, he couldn’t claim the Black Armor Army’s Tiger Tally.

Thus, Fu Guiyi temporarily assumed command, wielding the Tiger Tally in her mother’s stead.

This explained why Shen Li could only afford steamed buns and thin porridge for every meal—resources were simply scarce.

The Northern Barbarians were fiercely aggressive, mounted on swift horses and wielding curved sabers that could claim lives in an instant.

No wonder Fu Guiyi never dared to relax her vigilance for a single day.

Shen Li quietly approached, placing her hands on the Eldest Miss’s arm and patiently massaging her muscles.

Mmm…

A soft, muffled groan escaped Fu Guiyi’s lips, tinged with delicate vulnerability. Shen Li’s heart skipped a beat, and her hands unconsciously pressed a little harder.

Be careful, Fu Guiyi said, not angry, merely reminding Shen Li.

Yes, Shen Li replied, exhaling in relief. She had feared punishment.

After massaging one hand, she switched to the other.

Though Fu Guiyi’s arms were scarred, the unblemished skin was remarkably smooth, like a piece of fine jade. Despite its cracks and imperfections, its beauty and delicacy remained undiminished.

A tingling sensation spread from the muscles to the acupoints. Fu Guiyi was pleasantly surprised by Shen Li’s skill and felt deeply satisfied.

About fifteen minutes passed.

Shen Li’s wrists began to ache when the Eldest Miss finally told her to stop.

Just as she relaxed slightly, Fu Guiyi suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace.

Eldest Miss? Shen Li gasped, startled. In the real world, she would have slapped her immediately, but now she had the desire but lacked the courage.

Don’t move… Fu Guiyi murmured, resting her chin on Shen Li’s shoulder. Let me hold you.

Only then did Shen Li realize, to her astonishment, that despite the hot bath, Fu Guiyi’s body remained ice-cold.

How strange? she thought. No ordinary illness could cause such extreme cold.

A soft warmth pressed against her back, Shen Li’s ears and cheeks flushed crimson. She dared not move a muscle.

Nothing else is warm. Only you are warm, Fu Guiyi murmured with a soft sigh.

She found herself increasingly reluctant to part with this maid.

Just as Shen Li’s body stiffened completely, she received a system notification.

Congratulations, Host! Strategy Value increased by 3!

By the way, why haven’t you used the Cupid’s Arrow I gave you?

The System wasn’t always online. Though it often scolded Shen Li for laziness, its poor performance was partly its own fault—it spent most of its time slacking off.

You’re asking me? That scent was too strong. Fu Guiyi noticed it immediately, Shen Li retorted, rolling her eyes.

What a waste of my 12 Points.

My apologies. That was my oversight. To make amends, I’ll replace the scent immediately.

The Cupid’s Arrow in Shen Li’s inventory changed color, shifting to a warm yellow hue.

This scent is faint—even the most sensitive noses will barely detect it. It’s guaranteed to make Fu Guiyi lose herself in you, utterly obsessed!

For you, she’ll go mad! For you, she’ll crash headfirst into a wall!

Shen Li ……

Why does my System feel more and more like a fake medicine peddler?