Transmigrated as the Husband of a Vicious Villainess - Chapter 28

Before the sun set, Ji Baiqing and Wen Miao went to the mountain together to cut some thin bamboo strips, making it easier to build a trellis for the grapes.

They split the bamboo into strips; these were used to make climbing frames for cucumbers or beans. Carrying a bundle of bamboo to the house entrance, the temperature had gradually dropped. Ji Baiqing and Wen Miao took their hoes and began planting flowers.

Ji Baiqing was skilled at growing vegetables but truly didn’t know much about planting flowers. Fortunately, Wen Miao knew a little. She buried chicken manure from the coop into the ground as fertilizer, while Wen Miao inserted the rose cuttings and scattered other flower seeds, finally watering them thoroughly. The grapes were similarly planted into the tilled earth, watered, and left to sprout.

Before He Xiangyue returned, Ji Baiqing felt a bit guilty thinking about the eggs used up from the water jar. She hurriedly tossed a few handfuls of vegetable leaves into the chicken coop, muttering, “Hens, hens, hurry up and lay some eggs.”

The two hens scrambled for the leaves, emitting only a few clucks.

Wen Miao let out a soft laugh. “We can go to someone else’s house to exchange for some eggs.”

Ji Baiqing shook her head. “The eggs from our chickens are larger than others. My mother can recognize them.”

Wen Miao was speechless; she hadn’t known He Xiangyue possessed such a skill.

After dinner, He Xiangyue went to check the eggs. Finding only an empty basket, she instantly shouted, “Ji Baiqing, where did you squander my eggs this time!”

However, Ji Baiqing had already shown great foresight by taking Wen Miao out of the house.

The two of them strolled through the village with a flashlight. The village was exceptionally quiet at night, though a few cicadas were already chirping arrogantly from the branches. Ji Baiqing rubbed her ear, finding it noisy. “In a few days, I’ll fry some cicada pupae for you to eat.”

“No,” Wen Miao refused immediately, even though the offer came from Ji Baiqing. The thought of those insects was too much.

Ji Baiqing clicked her tongue. “That’s high protein and very nutritious.”

Wen Miao repeated, “No.”

Fine then. Ji Baiqing thought of the taste of fried cicada pupae and swallowed her saliva. Once she made them, Wen Miao would realize how delicious they were.

Recalling that they hadn’t given Manman and Xiaomi their rewards this morning, Wen Miao had Ji Baiqing go back with her to grab some food, intending to deliver the items to them now.

Li Dajiao’s entire family was enjoying the cool air in their courtyard. Seeing Ji Baiqing and Wen Miao arrive, they were all smiles. Wen Miao simply distributed a piece of candy to everyone. Despite the family’s attempts to make them stay, they proceeded to Hehua’s house.

While still some distance from Hehua’s home, Ji Baiqing and Wen Miao heard intermittent, whimpering cries. The sound was sharp and thin, sounding like a child crying. Exchanging a look, Ji Baiqing strode quickly to Hehua’s gate. She shone the flashlight, revealing Xiaomi curled up in a corner.

Wen Miao frowned and stepped forward, squatting down to ask gently, “Xiaomi, why are you out here? What happened?”

Seeing who it was, Xiaomi let out a “wah” and cried even louder. She choked out, “Mama! Mama!”

Ji Baiqing gave Wen Miao a look, signaling her to stay and watch Xiaomi. She then immediately walked to the main door, where she could hear a woman’s muffled, restrained groans of pain from inside. She reached out to push, but the door was bolted from within.

Her gaze turned cold and sharp. She kicked the fragile door panel. Hearing the commotion, the noise inside quieted down. A man’s low curse could be heard vaguely. She kicked several more times until the thin door panel became shaky, and with a final kick, the door flew open.

Ji Baiqing stepped into the room, shining her flashlight inside.

A shirtless man was instantly exposed. Hehua’s hands and feet were tied; she was slumped against the wall, her face bruised with purple and blue welts. Upon seeing the newcomer, her tears fell immediately.

Ji Baiqing’s breathing grew heavy, a chilling light glinting in her eyes as she looked at the man. “Wu Yanqing, I think you have a death wish.”

Seeing it was Ji Baiqing, Wu Yanqing shivered instantly and stepped back, his previous arrogance vanishing completely. He stuttered, “Ji Baiqing, I, I didn’t mess with you. Don’t come over here. I’m telling you.”

Before he could finish, Ji Baiqing kicked him in the abdomen. The man, who stood over 1.7 meters tall, was sent flying. He crashed to the floor, clutching his stomach and howling in pain.

Ji Baiqing found tools to untie the hemp ropes from Hehua’s limbs. Looking at Hehua’s tearful face, she felt that her previous kick had been too light.

“Baiqing, thank you.”

Ji Baiqing looked at her without apology. “He bullied you. Do you want to hit him back?”

Hehua’s face showed a flash of panic. “Baiqing, he is an educated youth from the capital.”

Ji Baiqing interrupted her, “Will you hit him yourself, or shall I do it for you?”

While Hehua was still hesitating, Wu Yanqing clutched his stomach, gasping and shouting, “Hehua, you stinking woman! If you dare hit me, Brother Lu will definitely not let you off!”

As soon as he finished, Ji Baiqing grabbed his collar, pulled his face up, and slapped him so hard his head spun. To hell with supporting characters and male leads; they could all die.

With one slap, blood seeped from the corner of Wu Yanqing’s mouth. The words he mumbled were all pleas for mercy. Once her palm felt numb from hitting, Ji Baiqing turned a cold face to Hehua and asked one last time, “Do you want to hit him yourself?”

Hehua looked at the man lying like a dead dog beneath Ji Baiqing. At this moment, the oppression he exerted over her vanished instantly. Hehua thought: I should be able to hit back now, right?

She walked to Wu Yanqing’s side and nodded heavily. Then, under Wu Yanqing’s eyes which were bulging like a toad’s, she grabbed his hair, pulled it upward forcefully, and slapped his face. Once the first step was taken, the subsequent retaliation came even more naturally.

Wu Yanqing could still hurl insults at first, but eventually, subdued by Ji Baiqing and beaten by Hehua, his head tilted and he lost consciousness.

Glancing at the slumped man, Hehua seemed to snap back to reality. She took a few steps back, looking at Ji Baiqing with a helpless gaze.

Ji Baiqing praised her, “Sister Hehua, you did well. When you are bullied, you must fight back.”

Wen Miao stood at the door holding Xiaomi’s hand. Seeing this, Xiaomi also gained some courage. She broke free from Wen Miao’s grip, ran to Wu Yanqing, and kicked his shin.

Seeing that even a child could kick him, the faking Wu Yanqing gritted his teeth, thinking that a gentleman’s revenge is never too late. However, Ji Baiqing realized he was faking. She didn’t bother arguing with him; she tied him up with hemp rope and dragged him along the ground like a pig.

After just a few steps, Wu Yanqing felt like a layer of his skin was being ground away. He immediately grimaced and opened his eyes, pretending to have just woken up. He shouted, “Let me go! I’ll walk myself!”

Ji Baiqing didn’t even spare him a glance, saying flatly, “Beasts don’t have the right to speak.”

She took Wu Yanqing to the village chief’s house. At this hour, except for those who slept early, most people were still awake. Seeing Wu Yanqing being led behind Ji Baiqing like a dog, their eyes widened. Everyone in the village knew those arrogant educated youths; only Youth Wen rarely went out and was seldom seen.

An auntie clicked her tongue and laughed loudly, “Oh, what did Youth Wu do wrong this time?”

Wu Yanqing felt he had lost face; he was embarrassed and his whole body was in excruciating pain. He spat at her, “Stinking woman, mind your own business!”

Ji Baiqing’s expression darkened further. She turned and slapped his face sideways, then said pleasantly to the auntie, “Auntie, I’ve disciplined him for you. This person doesn’t learn well and isn’t honest at all.”

With that, she strode toward the village chief’s house, leading Wu Yanqing. The village chief, who had already found Ji Baiqing strange during the day, now saw her leading a person like a dog and wondered if the girl was possessed.

“Uncle, let’s talk inside.”

Many people followed to watch the excitement. Li Xiangdong knew the priorities; once Ji Baiqing led Wen Miao and the others into the house, he shut the door. His drooping eyes looked at Wu Yanqing. “Speak. What did you do this time?”

Ji Baiqing looked at Hehua. Hehua took a deep breath and removed the scarf covering her face, revealing a visage bruised with blue and purple. Her tears rolled down. “Uncle, you must seek justice for me!”

Hehua’s husband had also been raised under Li Xiangdong’s watch. Although the husband had passed away, seeing Hehua beaten like this made him feel a sense of pity. He puffed on his cigarette, exhaled a cloud of smoke, and said, “Hehua, tell me your grievances. Uncle will definitely seek justice for you.”

Hehua looked at Wu Yanqing with hatred and explained the situation clearly. “Youth Wu came to my house wanting me to sew clothes for him for free. After I finished, he unexpectedly took a fancy to the red fabric Baiqing left with me, saying he wanted to make a dress for Youth Shen. I refused, so he tied me up. He not only beat me, but he also wanted to, wanted to…” As she spoke, Hehua’s tears wouldn’t stop.

Hearing this, Wu Yanqing burst into a rage. “You ugly village girl, who could possibly want you? Don’t slander me!”

Ji Baiqing had endured this duck-like man for a long time. She scanned her surroundings, and finally, Wen Miao handed her a pitch-black rag. Without hesitation, Ji Baiqing stuffed the rag into Wu Yanqing’s mouth. The world became quiet instantly.

The people of Yunshui Village were united. When trouble arose, they stood together against outsiders. Between the words of Hehua and Wu Yanqing, Li Xiangdong naturally chose to believe Hehua. He looked at Wu Yanqing gloomily and finally spoke.

“Call the other educated youths over.”

Xiaomi ran to the youth center and brought several youths to the chief’s house. Seeing Wu Yanqing beaten like a pig’s head, Shen Niannian took a step back in disgust. Lu Yan was also somewhat impatient. His gaze swept over him and he asked, “Chief, why did you call us here?”

Wen Miao spoke first, “Shen Niannian, Wu Yanqing wanted to steal someone else’s fabric to make a dress for you. Did you suggest this?”

Shen Niannian shook her head in confusion. “Don’t slander me. I never said such a thing.”

Hehua looked at Lu Yan with a resentful gaze. “Youth Lu, Youth Wu beat and scolded me, saying you were backing him. He said if I didn’t give him the fabric, you wouldn’t let me live in peace. Is any of this true?”

Lu Yan stared at Wu Yanqing’s hopeful eyes for a moment before finally shaking his head. “I never said that. What means would I have to make your life difficult?”

After he said this, Li Xiangdong glanced at him. The messages from above specifically instructed him to look after Lu Yan; Li Xiangdong would never believe he had no background. Since Lu Yan had no intention of protecting Wu Yanqing, Li Xiangdong certainly wouldn’t let him off.

He looked at Wu Yanqing. “Youth Wu, I hid your background as a ‘black five category’ member for you, but I didn’t expect you would dare bully the people of our village. I will report your actions to the commune. Just wait to be sent to a farm for labor reform.”

Upon hearing this, Wu Yanqing’s entire body went limp, and he slumped powerlessly onto the ground. He knew that after today, everything was over. When the others from the youth center learned of Wu Yanqing’s background, their looks turned entirely to disgust. Especially Lu Yan; previously, because Wu Yanqing was the best at fawning over him, their relationship had been closer. He hadn’t expected his true identity to be so disgraceful.

“Chief, handle it however you must.” After saying that, Lu Yan glanced at Wen Miao and turned to leave.

Realizing Lu Yan had been looking at Wen Miao, Ji Baiqing felt a surge of anxiety and gripped her hand tighter. Wen Miao winced in pain, but sensing Ji Baiqing’s emotions, she endured it silently. It was only when Ji Baiqing snapped back to her senses that her grip loosened.

With the matter resolved, Ji Baiqing escorted Hehua and Xiaomi home. Once there, Hehua took out the two pieces of cut fabric to show Ji Baiqing. “Baiqing, I didn’t give him your fabric.”

Looking at the fabric that was beginning to take shape, Ji Baiqing’s heart softened. Glancing at the bench by the sewing machine, she noticed several pieces of clothing were missing. She said, “Sister Hehua, your personality is just too soft. You must learn to refuse; you can’t just be free labor for others.” She added tactfully, “Whether for yourself or for Xiaomi, you should be tougher so you won’t be bullied.”

Looking at the door panel she had kicked in, she rubbed her head. “Tomorrow I’ll have my father fix the door for you.”

Hehua hurriedly declined. “No, no need. You did it all to help me.”

Wen Miao interjected from the side, “It’s fine, Sister Hehua. Ji Baiqing kicked it in; it’s only right she pays for it.”

Finally, Hehua saw them out with reddened eyes. Reaching the gate, Wen Miao suddenly remembered something and beckoned to the timid Xiaomi: “Xiaomi, come here.”

Xiaomi glanced at Hehua, and with her mother’s encouragement, she stepped forward to stand in front of Wen Miao.

Wen Miao took out two White Rabbit milk candies and placed them in the girl’s palm, saying gently, “Can you go with Manman tomorrow to cut pig grass for me again?”

Looking at the candies in her hand, Xiaomi broke into a smile, the dimples on her cheeks looking exceptionally sweet. She nodded vigorously. “Thank you, Fairy Sister!”

This title put her a generation apart from Ji Baiqing.

She had learned the address from Manman. Manman wasn’t like the other children who ran away at the sight of her; although Manman still looked quite disdainful of her, she would lead Xiaomi to dig up sweet couch grass roots to eat and remind her to watch her step.

Seeing Xiaomi finally showing the demeanor a child of her age should have, Wen Miao felt a weight lift from her heart.

When they returned home, she muddledly hugged Ji Baiqing, burying her face in her chest. Hearing the sound of Wen Miao’s soft sniffing, Ji Baiqing’s fingers threaded through her hair, smoothing it down like stroking a cat.

Ji Baiqing’s voice was gentle. “Our Zhenzhen is wonderful. No one helped you when you were little, but you are helping the younger version of yourself.”

Wen Miao looked up, showing a pair of red eyes like a rabbit’s. “Really?”

Ji Baiqing affirmed, “Of course.” She kissed the tip of Wen Miao’s nose. “Zhenzhen is kind and soft-hearted; more and more people will come to like you.”

Wen Miao broke into a laugh through her tears, finally shaking her head haphazardly in Ji Baiqing’s embrace. “I don’t need that. It’s enough as long as you like me.”

No one else mattered.

Ji Baiqing rubbed her hair, her grip slightly heavy; she didn’t agree with Wen Miao’s words. In her view, Wen Miao was so good; how could it be right for her to be inexplicably written as a villain? She felt aggrieved on Wen Miao’s behalf.

Wen Miao knew nothing of the “script.”

Making Wen Miao’s life better and better was her goal—not just in terms of material life. She also hoped Wen Miao’s inner world would be enriched; happiness should come from everywhere, not just from her alone.

The next morning, Xiaomi arrived at the Ji house with Manman. The two little girls walked one after the other. Although they still seemed a bit awkward, Xiaomi was clearly no longer as timid as she had been yesterday.

Wen Miao noticed Gou Dan hadn’t come and was a bit confused. After asking Manman, she learned that Gou Dan simply didn’t want to have contact with Xiaomi.

Manman curled her lip. “Gou Dan is too stupid. I was with Xiaomi all day yesterday and nothing happened, and I didn’t have bad luck. The adults are all liars!”

Hearing this, Xiaomi’s eyes, which had dimmed slightly, instantly brightened like stars pinned to the edge of the sky. Seeing this, Wen Miao smiled and patted both Manman and Xiaomi on the head, reminding them to be careful while cutting grass before letting them get to work.

Once the two little ones left, Wen Miao returned to the kitchen to continue tending the fire for Ji Baiqing.

After breakfast, He Xiangyue and the others went to work. Ji Baiqing saw Wen Miao rummaging through her books and found it strange, so she asked, “What are you looking for?”

Wen Miao didn’t even look up. “I remember there was a picture book before. I don’t know where it went.”

Ji Baiqing coughed lightly, feeling a bit embarrassed. “That… I thought it was quite interesting, so I took it to have a look.” Saying this, she pulled open a drawer and took out the picture book.

Wen Miao glanced at it and stuffed it back into her hand. “You read it then. Just put it away properly.”

Ji Baiqing nodded obediently. This thing would be a classic in the future, but at this time, it was a banned book; if discovered and reported, it would be a guaranteed disaster.

Previously, Wen Miao had made a fuss about going to work at the food station with her, but when the time actually came for Ji Baiqing to leave, she saw Wen Miao sleeping so soundly that she couldn’t bear to wake her. She quietly rode her bike to town alone.

Having worked at the food station for over a month, Ji Baiqing was very familiar with the daily routine. Aside from having to wake up early to slaughter pigs, which took some strength, she felt the job was relatively easy. After all, pork sold well these days, and it was gone in no time.

After selling the pork, Ji Baiqing didn’t linger in town and rushed back to Yunshui Village without stopping. When she arrived home and locked her bike, the house was silent. She thought Wen Miao might be throwing a tantrum, but she didn’t see her when she opened the bedroom door.

Did she go to the river to wash clothes? But Ji Baiqing didn’t see her at the river either. Finally, after thinking it over, she went to Hehua’s house.

She knocked on the door, and seeing the person who opened it, Ji Baiqing breathed a sigh of relief. She was indeed here.

Wen Miao was still a bit angry upon seeing Ji Baiqing and gave a light huff. They had agreed she would go out with Ji Baiqing, yet the person had gone to town without calling her. When she woke up and didn’t see her, Wen Miao had been dejected for a long while.

Seeing the beauty was angry, Ji Baiqing gave her a coaxing smile. She couldn’t help but think to herself: Truly, even when the great beauty is angry, she is exceptionally gorgeous.

Hehe, want to kiss her.

But mindful that they were outside, Ji Baiqing suppressed that impulse. After entering, she asked, “Why did you come to Sister Hehua’s house?”

Wen Miao sat back down at the table. The things on the table had been moved aside; a book lay before her, and Xiaomi was sitting by her side.

Hehua looked up after hearing the voice, greeted Ji Baiqing, and answered for Wen Miao, “Youth Wen came to see how the clothes were coming along.” Saying this, she finished the last seam, cut the thread, shook out the fabric to inspect it, and broke into a smile. “Baiqing, your dress is finished. Want to try it on now?”

Ji Baiqing stepped forward to treasurely touch the soft fabric and replied with curving eyes, “No, Sister. I’ll try it at home. If it doesn’t fit, I’ll come back for alterations.”

Mid-conversation with Hehua, Ji Baiqing also caught Wen Miao’s secret glances toward her. The smile in her eyes deepened, and she slowly withdrew her gaze, pretending she hadn’t seen Wen Miao’s looks.

She continued talking to Hehua. “Sister Hehua, have any more shameless people asked you to mend clothes for free lately?”

At this, Hehua laughed and shook her head quite openly. “Baiqing, I’ve kept what you said the other day in my heart. I have to be tough so Xiaomi won’t get hurt in the village. Now Xiaomi even has friends in the village! I’ve refused everyone who asked me to mend clothes for free.”

On the contrary, quite a few brides-to-be heard that Hehua’s sewing was excellent and brought fabric, wanting her to help make dresses for their wedding banquets. These girls were willing to pay with labor fees and grain.

She glanced at Xiaomi and said with a smile, “In another year, once I’ve saved some money, I’ll send Xiaomi to school. A little girl should know more words so she won’t be easily bullied in the future.”

Ji Baiqing nodded in deep agreement.

She glanced at Wen Miao again, who was teaching Xiaomi how to write, though the displeasure on her face was clearly growing more intense. Knowing when to stop, Ji Baiqing took the dress and stood behind them, listening as Wen Miao taught Xiaomi in a gentle, sweet voice.

For a moment, she was immersed in listening. She had to admit, Wen Miao taught very well, explaining every stroke, pinyin, and meaning clearly. Her focused appearance was exceptionally attractive.

Ji Baiqing rubbed her chin, thinking: Wen Miao is actually quite suited to be a teacher. If she had been her teacher, Ji Baiqing would have scored 20 points higher on the college entrance exam. She had been a science student; her other subjects were near perfect, but Chinese was her weakest.

After teaching Xiaomi the last word, Wen Miao told her to practice at home and stood up to go back with Ji Baiqing.

Before their afternoon nap, Ji Baiqing sat cross-legged on the bed and asked, “Still angry?”

Wen Miao turned her head away, pouting slightly, refusing to look at her. Ji Baiqing leaned in and kissed her lips with a smile. After a light press, she immediately backed away and asked again, “Still angry?”

Not calling her in the morning was one thing, but now she wasn’t even kissing her properly. Wen Miao glared at her and reached out to pinch her cheeks. “You’re so annoying! It’s very boring being at home alone.”

Her intent was to get Ji Baiqing to take her along next time and not sneak off alone again.

Instead, the person suddenly blurted out a sentence: “How about I ask the village chief if the village school needs a teacher? You can just be a teacher at the school; you won’t be bored if you have something to do every day.”

Wen Miao: “…”

She opened her mouth and bit Ji Baiqing’s cheek, leaving a noticeable tooth mark, and said in an annoyed tone: “Ji Baiqing, you’re so annoying!”

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