The Villain Recognizes the Female Lead as His Master [Transmigration] - Chapter 11

When Chi Jinnian and Yuan Shao left, the once bustling night market had already quieted down, with even the vendors on either side moving their stalls toward the direction of Yi Hui Hall.

For a moment, the street was left with only scattered lanterns emitting a hazy glow, giving it a somewhat desolate feeling.

Chi Jinnian bought a rabbit lantern from a vendor and carried it in her hand, lighting the way ahead for Yuan Shao.

“Master, I noticed you really liked the pastries at that teahouse, especially the taro puff. Let’s go there again next time,” Chi Jinnian said with a smile as she held the lantern.

The advertising effect had been so good that Yi Hui Hall must now be swarmed with customers, its threshold practically worn out. That meant she hadn’t taken advantage of the old shopkeeper for nothing her methods had worked.

Thinking of this, Chi Jinnian’s steps grew lighter. It must be the relief of paying off a debt!

Yuan Shao followed behind Chi Jinnian, about a step away.

The young girl in front of her had a ponytail that swayed with each step. Lively and energetic, she practically bounced along, much like a spirited little rabbit. Paired with the rabbit lantern in her hand, she seemed even more vibrant.

The corners of Yuan Shao’s lips curled slightly in a faint smile, but she didn’t respond.

Under the moonlight, a woman in white robes and a red skirt carried a lantern, walking ahead, while a graceful “young master” followed closely behind, her gaze fixed unwaveringly on the lantern-bearing figure in front. Though her expression remained neutral, her eyes were soft with amusement.

Chi Jinnian escorted Yuan Shao back to Peach Blossom Haven but didn’t linger.

“It’s late today, so I won’t disturb you any further, Master. Rest early.” Chi Jinnian placed the rabbit lantern on the table and turned to leave.

“Take the lantern with you,” Yuan Shao said. “It’s dark you’ll need the light.”

“No need. Let this lantern stay here in my place to keep you company.” Chi Jinnian leaned against the doorframe, turning back with a smile. “Goodnight, Master! I’ll come see you again tomorrow!”

Without waiting for Yuan Shao’s reply, she darted out in a flash.

“This child, always in such a hurry.” Yuan Shao watched as Chi Jinnian ran off without a backward glance and could only shake her head. The room was dim, illuminated only by the rabbit lantern sitting steadily in the center of the table.

Yuan Shao picked up the lantern, examining the white rabbit depicted on it, long ears standing upright, red eyes reflecting the flickering flame.

Was it keeping her company? But Yuan Shao thought rabbits looked best when they were hopping about. Sitting still like this just made it seem lifeless, lacking that lively charm.

Once outside, Chi Jinnian hummed a little tune as she walked, her mind filled with satisfaction. She had settled her debt with the Yi Hui Hall shopkeeper and hadn’t taken advantage of him. The thought of no longer owing anyone lifted her spirits even more. Indeed, as someone from the “three-dimensional” world, solving these “two-dimensional” problems was still a breeze.

With no debts left, Chi Jinnian’s top priority now was to urge Yuan Shao to cultivate. But Yuan Shao’s mood hadn’t been great today, ever since she brought her food, it seemed like Yuan Shao had been pushing her away. Even when she mentioned visiting the teahouse again later, Yuan Shao hadn’t responde, That wouldn’t do. Even if they didn’t maintain the closest friendship, staying on good terms with the protagonist of a power fantasy novel was always a safe bet.

The problem was, Chi Jinnian didn’t know what was bothering Yuan Shao.

Yuanshao’s daily necessities were all of the finest quality, meticulously arranged to perfection. Could it really be because the snacks she brought didn’t suit her taste?

Chi Jinnian was lost in thought when she accidentally walked past her destination. To her left was the city wall, and ahead lay complete darkness. She hadn’t even noticed when she’d missed the entrance to the Demon Palace.

Well, at least she was close to the Demon Palace. She could just circle around and eventually find the entrance.

But the moment she turned around, she saw a shadowy figure. The person was holding a lantern, their silhouette obscured behind the light. Chi Jinnian couldn’t see clearly, but from the outline, she could vaguely make out that it was a tall, upright man.

By the time she got closer, it was too late to turn back.

“Has the Young Mistress lost her way again today?” Wei Yang narrowed his eyes, his gaze filled with mockery and disdain. “It’s so late, and you’re all alone, no one even to carry your rabbit lantern for you.”

“You’ve been following me!” Chi Jinnian’s alarm bells rang loudly. But upon reflection, at this point, Wei Yang hadn’t even met Yuanshao yet, let alone developed any feelings for her. Besides, Yuanshao was dressed as a man today, so it was unlikely her identity would be exposed so quickly.

But when had he started tailing her?

Wei Yang seemed to read her thoughts and said, “The Young Mistress has been quite busy today, taking someone to the night market, giving gifts… Tsk, tsk, who would’ve thought the Young Mistress was such a devoted lover! That spirit hairpin must’ve cost you quite a few spirit stones. Then again, when has the Young Mistress ever used spirit stones to buy anything?”

“So, what exactly are you trying to say?” Chi Jinnian lost her patience. What was he doing, following her all night? Surely, he wasn’t here just to ask about the price.

“The Young Mistress is direct. Then I’ll be blunt. I’ve found out that the day before yesterday, you spent a fortune on a Heart-Losing Pill. I wonder who was so lucky to earn your favor… Young Mistress, that pill wasn’t for that pretty boy you’ve been hiding, was it?”

“What’s it to you?” Chi Jinnian crossed her arms. “Since when do you care about what I do?”

“You bought it for Yuanshao.” Seeing Chi Jinnian evade the question, Wei Yang cut straight to the chase. “My informant saw a weasel named Huang Er loitering around the barrier of the Demon Realm, constantly muttering your name. I heard Huang Er was supposed to get married a few days ago, but his bride was taken away by you. So…”

Wei Yang suddenly leaned in. “Young Mistress, where have you hidden Yuanshao? Bring her out. I’ll handle the Heart-Losing Pill. Once a new core forms, we’ll present it to the Demon Lord together. We’ll let bygones be bygones, and I’ll even split the credit with you. How does that sound?”

Split the credit? Based on Chi Jinnian’s understanding of Wei Yang’s character, there was no way he’d ever share glory with his “rival.” After all, he was the type of brainless side character who’d fall head over heels for someone just because they could defeat him.

He was definitely hiding some trick up his sleeve to screw her over!

Chi Jinnian softened her tone and placed a hand on Wei Yang’s shoulder, speaking gently, “As a fellow disciple, let me give you some friendly advice. Stop obsessing over ripping out cores it’s so bloody. Can’t we solve things peacefully?”

Wei Yang was baffled by her words, completely thrown off. “Peacefully? What do you mean, Young Mistress?”

“My point is.” Chi Jinnian crooked a finger at Wei Yang, who leaned in closer. As her vermilion lips parted to speak, she swiftly snatched the lantern from his hand and dashed away with remarkable speed.

Only after running several yards did she turn back, waving the lantern in her hand. “Thank you for the lantern, General Wei! And remember my words today, chasing love blindly only leads to heartbreak!”

Wei Yang, now lantern-less, was in no mood to listen. He slammed a fist against the city wall, covering himself in a cloud of dust.

Chi Jinnian, how dare you play me for a fool? If you refuse the easy way, then we’ll do this the hard way.

Back in her room, Chi Jinnian first praised and soothed the six people who had helped with her little performance earlier before happily heading off to bathe.

Soaking in the hot water, she watched her chestnut hair float on the surface and sighed, thinking of Yuan Shao’s lustrous black tresses from earlier.

Her sigh happened to coincide with Caiyue entering to add more hot water.

“What’s wrong? Weren’t you just in high spirits? Why the sudden sigh?”

“Caiyue,” Chi Jinnian gazed at her reflection in the mirror. “Do you think I’m pretty?”

“Of course!” Caiyue answered without hesitation.

“Do people dislike me?” Chi Jinnian pressed.

“You’re quite adorable when you’re not obsessing over Young Master Su,” Caiyue mused, tapping her chin. “But whenever the young mistress thinks of him, her whole demeanor changes. That lively girl suddenly gets this… look in her eyes.” The word morbid circled in Caiyue’s mind but was swallowed back. “A… different look!” she amended.

“Speaking of which, young mistress, you haven’t mentioned Young Master Su in a while. Did you two argue?”

“Don’t bring him up. I’ve moved on, why waste time on a heartless dog of a man?”

At this, Caiyue’s eyes lit up with pleasant surprise. Her young mistress had finally seen the light!

“Caiyue, when you see me, do you ever feel like kicking me out?” Chi Jinnian rested her chin on the edge of the tub, blinking innocently.

“Of course not! How could I bear to drive away such an adorable young mistress? Though, if your rewards were a bit more generous, that’d be even better!”

Chi Jinnian:

“I’m being serious here!” She withdrew her chin and stood up from the bath.

“Who’s trying to drive you away, young mistress? That gentleman you had tea with today?” Caiyue handed her a dry towel. “That young man in white was quite handsome, his features were even more delicate than a lady’s.”

Chi Jinnian’s expression grew even more forlorn at this, and she nodded slowly.

Seeing her reaction, Caiyue laughed. “No wonder the young mistress has stopped pining over Young Master Su, you’ve found someone even more attractive! What’s his name? Is he from the demon realm?”

Chi Jinnian waved her hand, avoiding any discussion of Yuan Shao’s identity, and quickly changed the subject. “Never mind that. Tell me, under what circumstances would you keep pushing someone away? Refusing meals they bring, telling them not to visit the next day?”

“Hmm… I don’t really understand men’s thoughts. Should I call over Dong, Xi, Nan, and Bei to ask them?”

“No need, just say it’s you!” Chi Jinnian quickly grabbed Caiyue, who was about to walk out. “Just you imagine someone comes to see you every day, but you find them annoying. What could they do to make you” Chi Jinnian hesitated for a moment, carefully weighing her words before continuing, “less annoyed with them?”

“Well, I.” Caiyue was about to go on when Caiwei, who had come in to refill the incense burner, interrupted: “This glutton here? Just bring her some pastries, and she’ll throw the doors wide open for you!”

A glutton, pastries?

Chi Jinnian quickly pressed further, “What about you?”

Caiwei replied, “Me? I’m simpler less work, more silver, and I’m happy! When it comes to gifts, you’ve got to tailor them to the person. Give them what they like!”

Chi Jinnian murmured in repetition, “Give them what they like… So generally, what do girls like?”

Caiwei set down the incense box in her hands and chuckled. “For girls, there’s nothing a jar of rouge or a box of incense can’t fix. And if there is.”

She shoved the incense box into Chi Jinnian’s arms. “Then give them two boxes!”