Transmigrated as the Husband of a Vicious Villainess - Chapter 33

Her voice was sweet and delicate, lacking even a hint of real bite.

Ji Baiqing bit her lip to stifle a laugh, waiting quite a while before turning serious. “Alright, today was exhausting. Go take a bath; we have to get up early tomorrow.”

 

Hearing this, Wen Miao’s gaze instinctively fell back onto Ji Baiqing’s ankle, her eyes filled with worry.

 

“Your foot is injured and can’t touch water. How are you going to wash?”

 

Seeing that the woman’s concern was genuine, a smile flickered in the depths of Ji Baiqing’s eyes.

 

She spoke slowly, “How about you help me wash? Otherwise, I’m afraid I’ll get it wet.”

 

She had originally intended to just tease Wen Miao; after all, she felt she knew this person inside and out. Before they were together, Wen Miao was a natural at flirting, kissing, and seeking touch. But after making it official, she had become much shyer; occasionally, when Ji Baiqing wanted to take things a step further, she would be rejected.

 

To her surprise, Wen Miao actually fell into deep thought after hearing this, eventually nodding seriously.

 

“Alright, I’ll help you.”

 

For a moment, Ji Baiqing thought she had misheard. But seeing the crimson blush spreading across Wen Miao’s fair cheeks, she couldn’t help but let out a low laugh.

 

She felt a brief pang of regret—had she known, she would have had someone make a bath bucket so she and the great beauty could have shared a “mandarin duck” bath. Still, she wasn’t a greedy person; being able to have Wen Miao help her bathe was enough to satisfy her.

 

Ankle injuries were truly inconvenient. Once the bathwater was heated, Wen Miao’s strength was too small to carry a full bucket directly to the washroom. Embarrassed to bother He Xiangyue and the others, she could only lug it over slowly, half a bucket at a time.

 

Ji Baiqing watched from the side, anxious and fearing she might drop the bucket and scald herself. After finally getting the hot water over, Wen Miao still had to bring the cold water. Ji Baiqing was momentarily thankful she had filled the water vat before leaving that morning; she would have been even more worried if Wen Miao had to go to the well herself.

 

As she watched Wen Miao prepare the clothes and soap, Ji Baiqing belatedly felt a spark of nervousness.

 

Supported by Wen Miao, she limped into the washroom. A flashlight was wedged at a high point, casting a dim, flickering light. In the shadowy environment, the rustling sound of clothes being removed felt exceptionally intimate.

 

Ji Baiqing took off her shirt, leaving her upper body bare. She had to sit on a stool for Wen Miao to help her pull off her trousers. The washroom was narrow, pulling the distance between them infinitely close—one was completely bare, while the other was fully dressed.

 

Groping around to rest her leg on another stool, Wen Miao added a layer of waterproof oil paper over the ankle. Ji Baiqing inadvertently met Wen Miao’s gaze; seeing that the other woman was blushing just as hard as she was, her eyes darting away, she felt instantly comforted.

 

She coughed. “Start then. I’m ready.”

 

Wen Miao remained silent, holding a cup and signaling Ji Baiqing to bow her head so she could rinse her hair. Opening the shampoo she had brought, Wen Miao wet the hair and applied the suds, her slender fingers carefully massaging the scalp in circular motions.

 

It felt wonderful, though Ji Baiqing found having her head bent down a bit uncomfortable. Fortunately, once the shampoo was rinsed, the hair was done. Wen Miao took the hair tie from her own wrist to tie up Ji Baiqing’s hair, preparing to wash her body.

 

Picking out a bar of soap in a scent she liked, Wen Miao blushed as she lathered it in her palms, then traced a path from the neck and shoulders all the way down. Wen Miao’s touch lacked any real strength, moving here and there in a way that felt like deliberate provocation.

 

At her touch, a flush deepened on Ji Baiqing’s face. Finally unable to endure it, she reached out to grab Wen Miao’s wrist, the corners of her eyes turning red.

 

“That, that’s enough. Wife, stop teasing me. Just wash properly.”

 

Wen Miao gave a soft “mm” in response and quickly rinsed off the bubbles. Ji Baiqing wiped herself dry and slipped into a nightgown, finally finishing the ordeal.

 

Back in the room, she opened the window to let her hair dry, reflecting on the scene just now. The more she thought about it, the more indignant she felt. Wasn’t Wen Miao only teasing her like that because she currently had limited mobility?

 

Later… she would definitely have to teach her a lesson!

 

When Wen Miao returned from her own bath, Ji Baiqing’s hair was mostly dry. She hopped onto the bed on one leg and beckoned to Wen Miao.

 

Wen Miao set the flashlight on the table, instantly brightening the room a bit. She remarked casually, “We need to buy new batteries; it’s not as bright as it used to be.”

 

With that, she walked to the bedside. Ji Baiqing took the towel from her shoulder and meticulously dried her hair. Once the ends stopped dripping, she finally spoke.

 

“Zhenzhen, you saw everything just now. You have to take responsibility.”

 

“?” Wen Miao looked puzzled, her lips pursing involuntarily. “I didn’t look that closely.”

 

The woman felt a bit guilty as she said it. While she hadn’t stared at every single inch, she had seen the well-shaped softness, the lean, powerful waist, and the long legs. The only part she hadn’t looked at closely was that spot.

 

Hearing the lack of confidence in her voice, Ji Baiqing narrowed her eyes slightly, hummed a questioning note. “Hmm?”

 

Under her gaze, Wen Miao’s resolve crumbled further. Finally, she said dejectedly, “Fine, fine. How do I take responsibility?”

 

Ji Baiqing’s eyes sparkled with a smile, lingering meaningfully on Wen Miao’s chest for a few seconds. Her tone was suggestive: “Let me see yours too, and we’ll be even.”

 

Wen Miao planted a light slap on her cheek. The scent of roses on her wrist wafted to Ji Baiqing’s nose, and she inhaled it with a touch of infatuation.

 

So fragrant.

 

She spoke lazily, with a hint of roguishness, “There’s the other side you haven’t hit yet.”

 

This person was truly wicked to the core.

 

Wen Miao glared at her, turned to lock the door and pull the curtains, then knelt on the bed and began pulling her shirt over her head. Her usual nightgown was being washed, so today she was wearing a white tank top that reached her thighs—it was actually Ji Baiqing’s shirt.

 

As Wen Miao slowly lifted the hem, revealing a stretch of slender, snow-white waist before the scenery fully unfolded, Ji Baiqing’s breathing instinctively slowed. Then, in the blink of an eye, the tank top was tossed onto her face.

 

Wen Miao rolled across the bed in a thin blanket, her “peach blossom” eyes wide and round as she scolded, “You pervert.”

 

Outmaneuvered, Ji Baiqing hadn’t even seen what she wanted to see. She gnashed her teeth and lunged forward without hesitation, circling the fleeing woman beneath her. Her hand slid down through the gap at the shoulder, easily capturing the “snowy beauty.”

 

This time, her intent was completely different. Mimicking Wen Miao’s technique from the bath, she touched here and rubbed there, entirely without rhyme or reason.

 

Wen Miao grew breathless from the antics, her eyelashes trembling as if about to fly away. Finally, a weak moan escaped her full, red lips.

 

Her tone carried a hint of a sob. “Stop, stop it, A-Qing.”

 

Ji Baiqing didn’t listen. Instead, she used her free hand to tilt Wen Miao’s chin, prying open her lips and teeth to storm her mouth, kissing her with fierce intensity.

 

Wen Miao’s lips and teeth tangled with hers. This woman, three years her junior, had her completely under control, allowing no room for struggle—even her vulnerable places were firmly held. She was incredibly dominant.

 

Wen Miao felt a jolt like an electric current at the base of her spine; everything felt impossibly numb. Excitement rushed to her brain, turning it momentarily blank, making it hard to form any coherent thoughts. Her hands slowly climbed Ji Baiqing’s shoulders, her fingertips turning white against the skin. Finally unable to hold out, she weakly tugged at the ends of Ji Baiqing’s hair.

 

Feeling the slight sting on her scalp, Ji Baiqing pinned her down for another long kiss before finally letting go. Looking at the woman who was as limp as a puddle after just a few minutes of kissing, her pupils unfocused, she let out a light laugh.

 

She twirled a lock of Wen Miao’s long hair around her finger, her tone tender yet her words like a hoodlum’s. She asked, “Are you going to let me see now?”

 

Wen Miao’s mind was blank, unable to process the information. She could only sense Ji Baiqing saying something and nodded in a daze.

 

Next, a chill hit her body. Looking at the “snowy mountains and red pearls,” a flash of wonder crossed Ji Baiqing’s eyes. Wen Miao was so white, looking soft and smelling sweet.

 

Before Wen Miao could fully recover, Ji Baiqing tentatively buried her face there. The familiar rose scent mixed with a warm fragrance was incredibly heady. Ji Baiqing felt as though she had suddenly fallen into a sea of tenderness; she felt impossibly comfortable, and even the pain in her ankle seemed to vanish instantly. She could only sense the fragrant, soft beauty.

 

Once Wen Miao snapped back to her senses and saw the person buried in her chest, she became impossibly shamed and annoyed. She tugged on Ji Baiqing’s ear. “Ji Baiqing, get off me!”

 

Fine. Ji Baiqing covered her other cheek and rolled over, lying spread-eagle on the bed like a salted fish. Her face still bore a feverish flush from being smothered. She licked her crimson lips, still savoring the moment.

 

Wen Miao got dressed, her chest feeling tight and aching. She could see the red finger marks left behind, which made her even angrier at Ji Baiqing. She tossed the blanket over Ji Baiqing’s face, her voice trembling with sweetness and frustration. “Ji Baiqing, you are so annoying!”

 

After speaking, she blew out the kerosene lamp, clicked off the flashlight, and climbed into bed in a huff.

 

Ji Baiqing clung to her like a koala. Her tone was gentle, but her words made one want to hit her: “Wife~ are you uncomfortable?”

 

Wen Miao’s ears grew hotter and hotter. Finally, under the relentless pursuit, she spat out two words: “Shut up.”

 

Reprimanded, Ji Baiqing rubbed the tip of her nose sheepishly. Fine, shut up it is. At least Wen Miao hadn’t been heartless enough to push her away. A young couple had to get used to these things, right? Otherwise, what would they do when things got even more serious?

 

Waking up the next morning, Ji Baiqing felt her ankle was much better—at least enough to handle a pig. Wen Miao had gotten up earlier than her; the person beside her was already gone.

 

Feeling a bit puzzled, she sat up, lazily changed her clothes, and limped out in her slippers. Before she even reached the courtyard, a delicious aroma hit her—it smelled like noodles.

 

Not long after, Wen Miao emerged with a bowl of noodles and set them on a long bench in the courtyard. Placing a low stool in front of the bench, Wen Miao blew on her fingers, which were red from the heat, and said, “Eat quickly. Go to work after you finish.”

 

Ji Baiqing looked at her reddened palms, her eyes full of heartache. She spoke tentatively, “Let me carry it? I’m much better today.”

 

Wen Miao shot her a look. “Just heal your injury before you start acting up again.”

 

Once they finished the noodles, Wen Miao braced the bike, signaling for Ji Baiqing to sit on the back. She usually loved looking pretty and mostly wore dresses, but today, for the sake of riding, she had specifically changed into a short-sleeved shirt and trousers.

 

Looking at Wen Miao’s slender arms, Ji Baiqing feared they would both go down together once she sat on. But since she couldn’t ride herself, she could only bite the bullet and climb on. She braced her uninjured leg against the ground and hugged Wen Miao’s waist tightly.

 

Once settled, she said, “I’m on. Let’s go.”

 

Wen Miao kept a stern face, staring straight ahead, her fingers turning white from gripping the handlebars. She was also afraid of accidentally dropping Ji Baiqing and making the injury worse.

 

The bicycle wobbled forward along the bumpy road, swerving left and right, narrowly avoiding tossing them both into the fields.

 

Ji Baiqing hugged Wen Miao’s waist and said tremulously, “Zhenzhen, don’t let your hands shake. Look ahead, be bold… ah!”

 

Before she could finish, Wen Miao pulled another drift, nearly flipping the bike.

 

Wen Miao held her breath, focusing with every ounce of concentration. As she rode, she replied, “Don’t talk. You’re messing with my mood.”

 

Ji Baiqing: “…”

 

What kind of “mood” did riding a bike require? She didn’t know. To prevent them from ending up in a ditch on the way to work, Ji Baiqing chose to shut up.

Fortunately, after riding for a while, Wen Miao made rapid progress. Halfway there, she was already able to carry her passenger steadily, and the heart Ji Baiqing had held in her throat finally settled back into her chest.

After parking the bicycle at the warehouse, Wen Miao pointedly handed Zhou Gang two cents, telling him that Ji Baiqing’s leg was injured and asking him to help her more today. Before entering the warehouse, she emphasized once again that Ji Baiqing should not push herself—if she couldn’t handle it, she should come out, as her health was the priority.

 

Ji Baiqing, the “wife-slave,” nodded obediently.

 

However, Wen Miao’s concern wasn’t unfounded. While slaughtering the pig, Ji Baiqing kept her focus tight; with a swift movement of her blade, she brought the fat pig down in no time. But the moment she relaxed, she felt a sharp throb in her ankle. Fearing Wen Miao would get angry, she had Zhou Gang bring over a stool so she could sit while portioning the pork.

 

She also had to trouble Zhou Gang with the heavy lifting of the cart.

 

Wen Miao had her sit to one side, picking up the knife herself to try and figure out how to cut the meat. Seeing the cold glint of the blade, Ji Baiqing sat there trembling with fear until she finally couldn’t take it anymore and snatched the knife back.

 

“I can sell the meat sitting down. You just help me collect the money and don’t cause trouble. If you cut your hand, you’ll be the one crying.”

 

Wen Miao pouted but reluctantly agreed.

 

Selling pork today was much the same as usual, though a few regular customers noticed Ji Baiqing sitting down to cut meat and asked about it. Once they learned she had a leg injury, they were quite understanding and told her to get some rest.

 

However, she encountered someone she hadn’t expected.

 

Seeing Shen Niannian standing in front of the meat stall, Ji Baiqing was a bit surprised, while Wen Miao simply rolled her eyes without giving her any face at all. Shen Niannian’s expression turned awkward, and she bit her lip in silence until the people waiting in line behind her began to complain. Only then did she speak up:

 

“Um, I want two taels of pork.”

 

Ji Baiqing lowered her head and cut exactly that weight of pork with crisp efficiency. “Twenty-four cents. Give me the money and the ticket.”

 

Looking at the portion—which was not a grain more than requested—Shen Niannian grew anxious. She had heard Ji Baiqing was selling meat here and had gone to the trouble of buying some to “support” her business. How could Ji Baiqing be so ungrateful? She should have given her a little extra weight!

 

She lowered her voice. “Ji Baiqing, why didn’t you cut a bit more?”

 

Ji Baiqing gave her a puzzled look. “Didn’t you only ask for two taels?”

 

The people behind them, seeing them whispering, grew impatient. “Why are you just standing there? Are you going to let the rest of us buy or not?”

 

Shen Niannian stood there with her face flushed bright red. Finally, she paid the money, took her meat, and retreated to the side in embarrassment.

 

Once all the pork was sold and they were packing up the stall, Wen Miao complained softly, “What is Shen Niannian trying to do?”

 

She realized then that Shen Niannian hadn’t left the whole time. Frowning, Wen Miao sped up her movements, wanting only to leave quickly before Shen Niannian could approach them.

 

However, a person with a twisted ankle couldn’t possibly move faster than Shen Niannian. Shen Niannian intercepted them at the warehouse door, turning to look at Ji Baiqing with deep affection. Wen Miao instinctively pulled Ji Baiqing back a step, while Ji Baiqing herself couldn’t quite figure out what the “female lead” was thinking.

 

What is she doing now?

 

Shen Niannian glanced at the wary and disgusted Wen Miao and whispered, “Wen Miao, I need to talk to Ji Baiqing. Can you step away for a moment to avoid suspicion?”

 

Wen Miao replied coldly, “No.”

 

Shen Niannian choked on her words and looked toward Ji Baiqing for help. Ji Baiqing rubbed her brow, feeling increasingly speechless.

 

“What exactly do you want to say? If you’re not going to say it, we’re leaving.”

 

She didn’t have much patience for others, especially this group of “Educated Youth.” The only reason she wasn’t lashing out was that she had been through nine years of compulsory education and her standards hadn’t dropped that low yet.

 

Seeing Ji Baiqing actually turn to leave, Shen Niannian grew anxious. “Wait, I’ll say it.”

 

“Ji Baiqing, I want to make a deal with you. I’ll buy your pork for one yuan fifty per catty, no tickets required. Just set aside five catties for me every day. In such a big pig, no one will ever notice.”

 

Ji Baiqing looked at her strangely and suddenly asked, “Are you sick?”

 

Shen Niannian was bewildered. “What? No.”

 

“Then why do you sound like someone with a brain problem?” Ji Baiqing retorted. “Shen Niannian, who do you think you are? Why should I risk losing my job to agree to this? You’ve got a lot of nerve.”

 

Even Wen Miao’s gaze toward her was filled with disbelief at her stupidity.

 

Shen Niannian’s face turned scarlet, and she upped the ante. “Fine, two yuan then! Ji Baiqing, I’m doing business. If you’re willing, I can even bring you into the trade.”

 

She thought these terms were enticing enough. After all, she had gone to the black market five or six times this month and made over thirty or forty yuan—far more than she could earn working in the fields. She wouldn’t have to deal with the stench of raw pork every day like Ji Baiqing.

 

Ji Baiqing almost laughed. She wanted to earn money for her “wife fund,” true, but that didn’t mean she wanted to risk a sentence in a labor camp. The male and female leads had their “protagonist halos,” but she was just a minor character. Moreover, she didn’t know if Shen Niannian was truly stupid or just thought she was incredibly trustworthy to blurt out her illegal business dealings so openly.

 

You didn’t even need a brain to know what kind of “business” she was doing.

 

Hearing this, Wen Miao’s expression was unreadable. “Shen Niannian, Ji Baiqing won’t agree. If you want to be a fool, don’t drag others down with you.”

 

Shen Niannian glared at her. “What right do you have to speak for her? Besides, I won’t get caught. You better shut your jinx of a mouth!”

 

When Shen Niannian first went to the black market, she had been terrified of being caught. But seeing so many people buying and selling so casually, she had gradually let her guard down. A voice deep inside told her she was lucky and couldn’t possibly be caught. Since then, she had become increasingly reckless.

 

Ji Baiqing took Wen Miao’s hand, unwilling to say more to Shen Niannian. She simply dropped a lazy parting line: “Wen Miao’s words really do represent mine. Find someone else.”

 

With that, Wen Miao sped past Shen Niannian on the bicycle with Ji Baiqing.

 

Watching the two women fade into the distance, Shen Niannian’s face twisted for a moment in pure resentment. Suddenly, the sound of a knife being sharpened came from behind the warehouse. She listened closely for a moment, then familiarizing herself with her usual sweet smile, she walked toward the sound.

 

Sure enough, there was a man behind the warehouse, as thin as a bamboo pole. A flash of disgust crossed her eyes, but she crouched down in front of him with a sweet smile. “Comrade, are you one of the pork sellers at the food station? I haven’t seen you before.”

 

The man’s face flushed red, and his eyes darted away, clearly unaccustomed to speaking with the opposite sex. He stammered, “I’m just an odd-job worker.”

 

Shen Niannian rested her face in her hands, looking innocent. “Really? That’s still very impressive. You look much more capable than that female pork seller. I didn’t expect you to be just an odd-job worker.”

 

“By the way, Comrade, my grandmother is leaving in a month and really wants to eat pork, but I just can’t scrape together a meat ticket. Could I trouble you to sell me five catties for one yuan fifty a catty? I heard the people at the food station are the most capable.”

 

Zhou Gang hesitated. “But… but our pork is all recorded.”

 

Shen Niannian’s eyes instantly welled with tears. “But Grandma really wants to eat it. She’s always been so good to me. Please, Big Brother, help me think of a way.”

 

Seeing her tears, Zhou Gang panicked immediately. He stammered his agreement, “Al… alright, I’ll try…”

 

Shen Niannian instantly broke into a bright smile, her tears vanishing. “Thank you, Big Brother! You’re so kind! I’m sure it won’t be long before you become a real slaughterer!”

 

“Big Brother, I’ll come find you next time.” With that, Shen Niannian skipped away.

 

Zhou Gang watched her lively, cute figure, his face turning redder by the second.

 

Once out of the food station, the smile on Shen Niannian’s face faded. Lu Yan stepped out from the side. “Got the meat?”

 

Shen Niannian nodded with a smile. “Brother Lu Yan, thank you! If it weren’t for your meat ticket, we wouldn’t have been able to eat meat this month!”

 

Lu Yan spoke indifferently, “The two of us should just eat the meat ourselves. We provided the money and the ticket; there’s no need to share it with the others.”

 

Shen Niannian looked at him with doe-like eyes. “But last time Fang Haiyang gave us some cured meat to eat. Wouldn’t this be bad?”

 

Lu Yan let out a light huff. “It’s not like I asked him to share. It was just a trick he used to try and flatter me.”

 

Shen Niannian nodded vigorously. “Brother Lu Yan is so amazing, I’ll listen to whatever you say!”