The Villain Recognizes the Female Lead as His Master [Transmigration] - Chapter 31.2

Chi Jinxi continued, “As a man, it’s a bit inconvenient for you. I won’t leave today; I’ll stay and take care of her. Tomorrow, you can safely return to the Upper Cultivation Realm.”

Hearing this, Su Tingxi clasped his hands in a salute to Chi Jinxi. “I will remember your kindness. Thank you.”

Chi Jinxi returned to the bathroom with dry clothes, placing them on the screen. She had no intention of going further inside and was about to turn and leave.

But as soon as she turned around, she was blocked by Yuan Shao, who was still fully dressed.

Pinned against the screen by Yuan Shao, whose eyes were dazed but refused to let her go, Chi Jinxi heard her say, “Who were you talking to outside just now? I forbid you to get close to him.”

Despite being drunk, Yuan Shao’s strength was still something Chi Jinxi couldn’t resist. It became clear that Yuan Shao had never stepped into the bathtub and had likely been listening to her conversation with Su Tingxi from behind the door.

Chi Jinxi’s mind raced as she tried to recall if she had let anything slip.

“Answer me!” Yuan Shao grew impatient waiting for a response. “I forbid you to get close to him, forbid you to speak to him. Do you hear me?”

Chi Jinxi blinked innocently. The female lead’s jealousy was overwhelming she couldn’t even have a simple conversation with the male lead. It seemed the best course of action was to distance herself from the romantic entanglement between the male and female leads as soon as possible.

“I understand,” Chi Jinxi said. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to avoid him from now on.”

“Mm.” This answer seemed to satisfy Yuan Shao. She released Chi Jinxi but immediately leaned against her again, as if boneless, muttering repeatedly, “You’re not allowed to look at him. Stay away from him.”

Seeing the usually composed female lead acting like a willful child, Chi Jinxi raised her hand to comfort Yuan Shao, coaxing her gently, “Be good. If you take a nice hot bath, I won’t look at him anymore, alright?”

Yuan Shao seemed to agree with the suggestion. She straightened up but didn’t head into the inner room. Instead, she stretched out her arms and stood motionless in front of Chi Jinxi.

The gesture was unmistakable she was waiting for Chi Jinxi to undress her.

But Chi Jinnian deliberately pretended not to notice and turned to leave with an air of “see no evil.” However, before she could take two steps, Yuan Shao stopped her from behind.

“Master.” Chi Jinnian’s neck was very sensitive and couldn’t bear Yuan Shao’s breath lingering on it. In an instant, her cheeks flushed crimson. “Master, I won’t disturb you. Take a good hot bath to drive away the chill.”

Yuan Shao, however, feigned deafness, wrapping her arms tightly around Chi Jinnian’s waist and refusing to let go. “A’Nian, are you leaving again? Are you still angry?”

Unable to break free, Chi Jinnian slowly turned around and sighed as if resigning herself to fate. “Alright, I’ll help you undress. Let go of me.”

This time, Yuan Shao seemed to understand. Her tightly locked arms immediately loosened and stretched out flat again.

Chi Jinnian was speechless. Sometimes she suspected that Yuan Shao’s drunkenness was an act, but the dazed look in her eyes didn’t seem feigned.

“Fine, since you’re leaving tomorrow, I’ll serve you one last time,” Chi Jinnian comforted herself as she reached for the knot at Yuan Shao’s waist.

Yuan Shao only removed her outer robe before slipping into the wooden tub. By the time Chi Jinnian had put away the clothes, Yuan Shao was already curled up in the hot water, still wearing her inner garments.

Seeing this, Chi Jinnian said nothing more. If that’s how she wanted it, so be it. Perhaps she didn’t want others to see her body that was understandable.

Chi Jinnian approached the edge of the tub and tested the water temperature with her hand. It was no longer as warm as when it was first prepared. She turned to fetch more hot water, but Yuan Shao grabbed her hand.

“Are you leaving?” Yuan Shao asked.

Chi Jinnian tried to pull her arm back. “I’m not leaving. I’m just going to add some hot water.”

Hearing this, Yuan Shao released her grip. But when Chi Jinnian returned, the outer robe she had just taken off was now back in the tub, worn by Yuan Shao again.

Chi Jinnian pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. “Ah, dealing with a drunk is so troublesome. I mustn’t let her drink again in the future.”

After adding the hot water, Yuan Shao once again seized her hand and refused to let go. This time, Yuan Shao kept her head down, staring intently at the water’s surface. She said, “A’Nian, I’ve put away that floral dress. I promise I’ll never wear it like that again. Look, I’m dressed very properly now. Can you please not leave?”

So, Yuan Shao thought that Chi Jinnian disliked her “immodesty” and was putting her clothes back on one by one? For a moment, Chi Jinnian found Yuan Shao’s cautious expression rather endearing. Who would have thought the lofty female lead would ever tug at someone’s sleeve and act coquettish? She simply pulled over a stool and sat beside the tub.

Seeing this, Yuan Shao obediently rested her chin on the edge of the tub, quietly watching Chi Jinnian without saying a word.

“What are you looking at?” Chi Jinnian used a cloth to wipe the water droplets from Yuan Shao’s face. “You’re leaving tomorrow. When you return, focus on your cultivation, understand? Strive to ascend as soon as possible. I’m waiting to acknowledge a celestial as my master.”

As she spoke, Chi Jinnian removed Yuan Shao’s hairpins and set them aside. Then, she took out some soap and gently worked it into a lather in Yuan Shao’s hair.

Yuan Shao lifted her eyelids to look at Chi Jinnian: “What about you? Will you come with me?” Her eyes were fixed intently on her, not blinking even as soapy water trickled into them.

This made Chi Jinnian laugh. Earlier, in front of Chi Lin, Yuan Shao had repeatedly insisted she wouldn’t take her along, and now she was asking.

“You didn’t want me to follow,” Chi Jinnian said, reaching out to wipe the foam from Yuan Shao’s eyes.

Hearing this, Yuan Shao fell silent, allowing Chi Jinnian to tend to her.

Once Yuan Shao became cooperative, the bathing process sped up considerably. Soon, Chi Jinnian brought Yuan Shao, now dressed in clean clothes, back to the room. As soon as they entered, Yuan Shao obediently lay down on the bed. Today, she slept on the inner side, curling up tightly against the bed railing, just as Chi Jinnian had done the day before.

Chi Jinnian assumed she was simply tired, so she extinguished the candle and quietly settled on the other side of the bed. It was the first time the two lay peacefully without disturbing each other.

After a long while, Yuan Shao stubbornly turned her head to look at her little disciple’s back. Her crimson lips parted and closed, but in the end, she didn’t say a word.

Forget it, she thought. She had asked many times, and Chi Jinnian never answered. She must be unwilling. With that thought, Yuan Shao curled back into the corner of the bed.

No wonder A’nian liked hiding here when afraid, this was indeed a good refuge.

The rain outside fell all night, only stopping at daybreak.

When Chi Jinnian opened her eyes, Yuan Shao was already fully dressed, sitting in the chair opposite her, sipping tea alone.

Seeing Chi Jinnian awake, she set down her teacup. “Awake?”

Chi Jinnian nodded.

“Today, I must leave,” Yuan Shao said. “I’m returning to Changqing Sect.”

“Alright,” Chi Jinnian replied.

After a long silence, Yuan Shao couldn’t help but press further, “Don’t you have anything else to say to me?”

Chi Jinnian looked up, thought for a moment, and finally said, “Have a safe journey.”

The fist Yuan Shao had hidden in her sleeve finally relaxed. So be it. Let her stay here it’s for the best, Yuan Shao thought.

Before her thoughts could settle, Chi Jinnian suddenly asked, “Shizun, will you always remember me?” Especially at the story’s end, will you spare me because of the efforts I’ve made these days?

Yuan Shao didn’t answer. Instead, she turned and walked out the door. Outside, Su Tingxi was waiting. Seeing Yuan Shao emerge, he stepped forward and called out, “Shizun.”

They were leaving. Realizing this, Chi Jinnian suddenly stood up and rushed after them.

For some reason, with Yuan Shao about to depart, she felt an urge to see her one more time.

“Shizun!” Chi Jinnian caught up at the entrance, stopping Yuan Shao just as her hand touched the door. She hurried over, clasping Yuan Shao’s hand in hers. “Shizun, I want to tell you these days with you have made me very happy. What about you?”

“I’ve been very happy too,” Yuan Shao replied.

“Then Shizun, could you please not forget me?” Chi Jinnian’s gaze burned into the other, as if pleading, as if waiting for a response. But Yuan Shao remained silent.

Su Tingxi, standing nearby, couldn’t bear to watch. Seeing Yuan Shao rooted in place, he quietly urged, “Shizun, it’s time for us to go.”

Finally, Chi Jinnian released Yuan Shao’s hand, lowered her gaze, and said, “Well, Master, take care on your journey.”

Yuan Shao turned around and pushed open the gate to the Peach Blossom Spring. Yet, the sight that greeted them once again stunned the people inside.

As the gate swung open, a string of firecrackers descended from above, followed by a dragon and lion dance troupe leaping and twirling to the beat of gongs and drums. A banner was unfurled among the crowd, clearly displaying the words: “Congratulations to Chi Jinnian on Joining the Evergreen Sect.”

Wei Hong, with a red silk flower tied around his waist, was handing out red envelopes to passersby, chanting as he did so, “This is a reward from our young lady! She’s heading to the Upper Cultivation Realm to study under a master! Later, there will be a grand feast at home everyone, remember to come and join the celebration!”

The commoners who received the red envelopes all greeted with beaming smiles, “Oh my, congratulations, congratulations!”

For a moment, Chi Jinnian felt her vision darken, what was this all about now? Before she could even react, Chi Lin appeared first.

He looked at the surrounding crowd, his expression seemingly angry, and shouted, “Everyone, stop what you’re doing!”

Wei Hong, who had been distributing the red envelopes, quickly put them away upon seeing Chi Lin’s arrival. He approached Chi Lin, bowing deeply, “Master, please don’t be angry! This was all my idea it has nothing to do with the young lady! She didn’t know anything!”

Faced with Wei Hong’s self-sacrificing explanation, Chi Lin struck him with a palm, “Fool! She acts recklessly, and you follow along? Now everyone knows she was abandoned, where does that leave the Chi family’s dignity?”

The blow didn’t seem light; Wei Hong was pushed back and rolled twice on the ground.

Yuan Shao quietly moved closer to Chi Jinnian and pointed at Wei Hong, asking, “Who is he?”

“Uh, it seems… he’s my family’s steward.” Chi Jinnian wiped the cold sweat from her forehead. She truly couldn’t understand what script Chi Lin had arranged this time!

Just then, Chi Lin stormed over angrily. Chi Jinnian quickly stepped forward, pulling him aside and lowering her voice as much as possible, “What are you trying to do? She already said she doesn’t want to don’t force her!”

But Chi Lin paid no heed. He leaned in close to Chi Jinnian’s ear, speaking in a voice only the two of them could hear, “Nian Nian, your father isn’t forcing her right now. Take a good look around do you think if you don’t go with her today, she can leave the demon realm alive?”

Chi Jinnian saw that many archers were lying in ambush, ready to strike. Wei Yang, their leader, had a long sword at his waist, and it seemed that at his command, countless arrows would rain down upon them.

So Chi Lin wasn’t forcing Yuan Shao he was forcing Chi Jinnian.

As Chi Jinnian was lost in thought, Yuan Shao called out to her, “A’Nian, come here for a moment.”

Hearing this, Chi Jinnian walked over.

Yuan Shao looked at Chi Jinnian, her eyes brimming with irrepressible joy. “A’Nian, I’ve asked you many times, but you’ve never given me a direct answer.”

Yuan Shao bent down, placing Chi Jinnian’s delicate hands over her own heart, her gaze as gentle as water, and slowly asked, “Don’t worry about what others think. I only ask you, A’Nian, are you willing to come with me?”

Chi Jinnian had originally thought that once she sent Yuan Shao away, she could live the carefree life of the demon realm’s top official’s daughter, lazing around from then on.

But who could have guessed that the surrounding archers were poised to strike, and Wei Yang in the shadows already had his hand on his sword hilt? It seemed that the moment he drew his sword, thousands of arrows would fly toward them.

Chi Jinnian knew that Yuan Shao, at this point, was not strong enough to face so many opponents.

Seeing Chi Jinnian remain silent for so long, Yuan Shao thought perhaps her little disciple was still unwilling.

“It’s alright,” Yuan Shao comforted her. “Then go back obediently with your father. Your master will take her leave.”

Finally, the hands holding hers were released. Though Yuan Shao wore a smile on her face, a trace of bitterness flickered in her eyes.

She turned and signaled to Su Tingxi, who had been waiting nearby, “Let’s go.”

The moment she turned away, Chi Jinnian saw Wei Yang in the shadows, his sword half-drawn. She seemed to hear the sound of the archers drawing their bows to the fullest.

From beginning to end, Yuanshao never forced her, but patiently inquired about her thoughts. And the only person who came to ask for her opinion was now having his life threatened because of her decision.

Chijinnian felt this was unfair.

Just as Yuanshao was about to step down the stairs, she was suddenly pulled back by a force tugging at her sleeve.

Yuanshao turned around and saw her little disciple with tears hanging on her eyelashes, her soft voice tinged with sobs as she murmured, “Master, take me with you.”