Chapter 5

Chapter 5

I became Jiang Xiubai’s bodyguard.

I did this because I discovered that bodyguards earn more than maidservants, and I had a debt to pay.

Jiang Xiubai didn’t believe I could fight at first.

In his words: “You’re no bigger than a Kitty. A gust of wind could blow you away. At most, you might be able to thump someone’s chest or kick a shin, but I doubt you’d even dare to kill a chicken.”

That lasted until I pinned Jiang Xiubai to the ground with a broadsword pressed against his throat, telling him with the utmost sincerity:

“I’m actually very good at fighting. You won’t lose out by hiring me.”

And so, Jiang Xiubai lay on the ground, questioning his entire existence.

In truth, after Shen Shiji took me in during my previous life, it was discovered that I was a natural talent for martial arts.

Shen Shiji had even said that I would make a very useful blade.

If I hadn’t been recognized and taken back to the Imperial Palace later on, I likely would have been trained as a Shadow Guard for the Marquis Manor.

I’m not very bright.

I struggle with literacy and I’m hopeless at needlework; martial arts was the only thing I truly put my heart and soul into learning.

Back then, I wanted to protect Shen Shiji.

But Shen Shiji wanted me to protect someone else.

I looked at the blade in my hand, feeling a momentary sense of daze.

Yet, I couldn’t help but think optimistically – things are quite good now.

At least I can choose the person I want to protect.

Jiang Xiubai was grumbling and cursing as he got up.

He couldn’t beat me in a fight, so he could only use his status to pressure me.

“Where did all that food this Young Master usually feeds you go? After all this time, you’re still as thin as a Kitty and haven’t put on any meat. People who don’t know better would think this Young Master mistreats-”

Before he could finish, Jiang Xiubai narrowed his eyes and suddenly jumped up.

Then, with an expression of profound grief and indignation, he cried, “Speak! Are you just trying to make people misunderstand that this Young Master mistreats you? Well, well! You look like a dull little girl, as stiff as a piece of Wooden, but inside you’re full of schemes and bad intentions!”

I blinked, taking a good while to catch up with Jiang Xiubai’s train of thought.

Then I explained to him very seriously, “No, it’s because I don’t gain weight no matter how much I eat.”

I spend a lot of my time explaining things, but no one ever believes me.

Still, I want to say it anyway – just in case.

Jiang Xiubai froze.

He was someone who was used to talking nonsense all the time.

He probably hadn’t expected that someone would actually take his obvious offhand remark seriously and explain themselves.

Jiang Xiubai paused, his expression turning complicated.

“You actually believed me?”

I nodded, then shook my head.

Perhaps because of the kindness he showed by burying me in my previous life, I subconsciously didn’t want Jiang Xiubai to misunderstand me.

Jiang Xiubai watched me and scratched his head, letting out a long series of sighs as if he were deeply troubled.

“It’s over. How did I pick up a fool?”

I corrected him: “I just don’t like lying.”

Jiang Xiubai nodded haphazardly, indicating that he understood.