The Villainess's Uncle 03

"Huh? Host, does that mean we won’t get to see those juicy plotlines anymore?"

"What plotlines?"

"You know, the whole 'you love me but she doesn’t love me, I love her but she loves him' kind of drama."

"You’ve got issues."

At the break of dawn the next day, Fang Zhiyi was jolted awake by the noise outside—his sister-in-law’s voice ringing through the courtyard.

"Xiaoxiao, wipe down these vases, then take your uncle’s books out to sun them. Your aunt’s shoulder just can’t handle the strain."

Hearing the exaggerated tone, Fang Zhiyi rolled his eyes. This sister-in-law of his was a master of backhanded remarks and loved gaslighting Fang Xiaoxiao, all while playing the saint.

He threw on his clothes and stepped outside to see Fang Xiaoxiao carefully polishing the decorative vases lining the porch with a cloth.

"Xiaoxiao, come here!"

Fang Xiaoxiao scurried over, head bowed.

"Who told you to do this? Got nothing better to do? Come on, we’re going out!"

Fang Xiaoxiao took a nervous step back.

Fang Zhiyi glared. "I’m not selling you off! We’re going shopping—I can’t carry everything alone!"

"Hey, Second Brother, at least let her cook before she goes," Gong Hui interjected anxiously.

Fang Zhiyi turned. "So you’ve been starving all these days she wasn’t here? Get your maid to do it!"

That was the truth—in this household, Fang Xiaoxiao’s status was lower than a servant’s.

As the two walked out, Gong Hui stomped her foot in frustration, then spotted her sister-in-law Lanhua idly munching on sunflower seeds nearby. She forced a smile. "Oh, Second Sister-in-law, up early with nothing to do?"

Lanhua smirked dismissively.

"Xiaocui, go check if the hen in the backyard laid any eggs today. If not, slaughter it for soup," she said pointedly.

Lanhua’s face darkened. A hen that didn’t lay eggs—wasn’t that a dig at her?

But she had to save face. Muttering curses under her breath, she stormed back inside.

The sound of objects being thrown brought a satisfied smile to Gong Hui’s lips as she walked away. Meanwhile, in the study nearby, Fang Wenrui observed the scene before burying himself back in his treasured books.

"Four fried cakes, four youtiao, and two bowls of soy milk."

Fang Zhiyi plopped down at the breakfast stall and waved at Fang Xiaoxiao, who was still standing. "Sit!"

Fang Xiaoxiao perched gingerly on the edge of the stool.

"You want an egg?" Fang Zhiyi asked.

Fang Xiaoxiao wasn’t sure if he was talking to her and stayed silent.

Fang Zhiyi sighed inwardly. "I’m asking you!"

"N-no, I’m fine," she stammered, waving her hands.

"Great, then you’re having one."

Fang Xiaoxiao blinked. Was her uncle’s hearing failing?

When the food arrived, she still hesitated.

"Eat!" Fang Zhiyi urged, and she finally took small, cautious bites.

"Hurry up. After this, we’re buying you new clothes. What kind of rags are you wearing?"

"Uncle, are you... taking me to meet a suitor?" Fang Xiaoxiao’s voice shrank to a whisper. If he was treating her and buying clothes, surely he meant to marry her off.

Fang Zhiyi paused, then waved impatiently. "Suitors? Bullshit! Don’t believe me? Fine—I, Fang Zhiyi, swear: if I force you to marry against your will, may I die a wretched death!"

His voice carried, drawing stares from nearby diners. But one look from Fang Zhiyi sent them all ducking their heads. Everyone knew the Fang family’s second son was a troublemaker best left alone.

Fang Xiaoxiao relaxed slightly but still asked, "Then... why buy me clothes?"

"To wear!" Fang Zhiyi grumbled through a mouthful of fried cake, unimpressed by the taste.

Soon, they were strolling through the market. He bought Fang Xiaoxiao two new outfits, a bolt of fabric, and some sewing supplies.

On their way back, he even picked up rouge and powder for her. "Here. You’re grown now—if you want to dress up, go ahead."

Fang Xiaoxiao was stunned. What was her uncle planning?

In truth, Fang Zhiyi had used the shopping trip as cover to inspect the family’s shops. Business was poor across the board. After their grandmother’s death, two shops went to his eldest brother Fang Wenrui, two to him, one to the fourth brother, and one supposedly reserved for Fang Xiaoxiao—though Gong Hui controlled it in practice.

By the time they returned home, Fang Zhiyi had a clear picture.

This world wasn’t like his last two lives—one where he commanded armies, the other where he was a sect leader. Here, he’d have to build his fortune from scratch.

As they entered the courtyard, the maid Xiaocui, sweeping the ground, greeted him sweetly: "Second Master."

Fang Zhiyi nodded. Xiaocui glanced at Fang Xiaoxiao—dressed worse than a servant—and sneered before resuming her work.

Fang Xiaoxiao, used to such treatment, moved to leave when Fang Zhiyi suddenly turned back.

"Xiaocui, having eye trouble?"

Xiaocui blinked. "Second Master, my eyes are fine."

"Doesn’t look like it to me."

Xiaocui froze, unsure what the volatile second master was getting at.

Fang Zhiyi’s voice boomed: "Are you blind or mute, not greeting the young lady when she walks in?!"

Xiaocui jumped. "Y-young lady."

Fang Xiaoxiao stood dumbfounded before nodding belatedly. "Xiaocui."

"Don’t mind her." Fang Zhiyi didn’t even look back as he led Fang Xiaoxiao to his quarters.

Spotting the new clothes, the previously languid Lanhua sprang up. "You devil! Finally buying me something!" She reached for them, shoving Fang Xiaoxiao aside.

Fang Zhiyi’s eyes flashed. "Get your hands off!"

Lanhua recoiled. "What’s your problem?"

"Those are Fang Xiaoxiao’s clothes. Want some? Go buy your own!"

Lanhua gaped at him, then at Fang Xiaoxiao, before exploding. "You bought clothes for this little bitch? Was she naked? I’ll show you naked!" She lunged at Fang Xiaoxiao, who instinctively covered her head.

But Fang Zhiyi caught Lanhua’s wrist mid-swing.

"Touch her, and I’ll break your arm. Try me."

Lanhua paled at his ferocity, yanking her hand back. "Fang! What the hell is this?!"

Fang Zhiyi helped Fang Xiaoxiao up. "I’ve no children of my own. From now on, Xiaoxiao is my daughter." He paused. "I discussed it with Third Sister in a dream." The mention of the supernatural lent weight to his words.

Lanhua’s eyes darted around before her face twisted with rage. "So you’re blaming me for not giving you a son? Fine! I never wanted this marriage anyway! Your whole family’s against me! I’m leaving!" She began haphazardly bundling her belongings into a bedsheet.

"Auntie..." Fang Xiaoxiao, still reeling from Fang Zhiyi’s declaration, tried to stop her.

"Let her go!" Fang Zhiyi barked.