Chapter 025: You’re Nothing But a Menial Worker

While cleaning herbs in the courtyard that morning, she happened to catch sight of the bookshelf inside through the window, and noticed that the door was not locked. So, during her midday break, she decided to come and have a look.

The lingering poison in her body was like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode and claim her life at any moment. She needed to act swiftly. She had finally found a place to settle for a while and did not want the others to discover her condition just yet. At the very least, she hoped to wait until everyone grew more familiar with her before seeking an opportunity to ask Doctor Chen for help. The poison could wait a few more days.

Moreover, she had an intuition—Doctor Chen might not be able to cure her at all.

Standing before the bookshelf, Jin’er pulled out a book at random and began reading with earnest concentration. As she read, time slipped away unnoticed.

“It seems you have quite an interest in medicine?” A sudden voice from behind startled Jin’er.

She turned quickly, stammering, “I—I’m sorry,” but stopped short when she saw it was Xiao Jiu.

“I really underestimated you yesterday. I didn’t expect someone so slender and small to work so efficiently, and to be so absorbed in these dry and tedious medical texts. You’re much better than my little junior apprentice,” Xiao Jiu said, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Little junior apprentice? She hadn’t noticed any other girls in the shop.

“Hey, senior brother, she’s only been here a day and you’re already showing favoritism?” Just as Jin’er was puzzling over this, a delicate voice rang out from the doorway, tinged with dissatisfaction.

Jin’er looked over to see a girl of about fourteen or fifteen, dressed in green, with a refined and youthful face. The girl’s gaze was fixed directly on Jin’er, full of curiosity and, faintly, a trace of displeasure.

“Qin’er, you’re back. We were just talking about you,” Xiao Jiu said with a smile, his eyes soft with affection.

“Yes, talking about me—saying I’m not as good as her.” Qin’er pouted, casting a dissatisfied look at Jin’er.

“Hahaha... You little thing, why are you so petty? I was only speaking the truth. When have you ever been so engrossed in a book?” Xiao Jiu replied, laughing with a hint of resignation.

“Alright, I can’t argue with you.” Qin’er turned away, then looked at Jin’er and said, “So you’re the new apprentice Master mentioned?”

“Yes, her name is Jin’er. Jin’er, this is the little junior apprentice I mentioned—Qin’er. She went to nearby villages to collect herbs, and just got back,” Xiao Jiu explained, introducing them.

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you. Please look after me in the days ahead,” Jin’er said politely, her lips curving in a small smile.

“Hmm. You’re here to help with chores, aren’t you? Then shouldn’t you be out assisting?” Qin’er nodded with a touch of arrogance, giving orders.

“Oh, yes, I’ll go now.” Jin’er lowered her head and hurried past them toward the front hall. It seemed this girl might be difficult to get along with. Still, as long as she did her part and didn’t provoke her, things should be fine.

“Qin’er, that was—”

“What? Did I say anything wrong? She’s just here to do chores, and yet she dares to wander into Master’s study without permission. She’s got quite the nerve,” Qin’er retorted.

“Jin’er is an orphan, all alone. Don’t bully her,” Xiao Jiu said with a slight frown.

“Alright, let’s not talk about her. It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other—let’s talk about something cheerful,” Qin’er said, playfully wrapping her arm around Xiao Jiu’s.

Xiao Jiu smiled helplessly. “Has it really been that long? It’s only been two days.”

“Two days is a long time! To me, it feels like ages,” Qin’er declared, standing tall and pouting.

“Alright, alright, it’s been ages—really quite a while…”

“That’s more like it! Let me tell you—” Qin’er pulled Xiao Jiu over to sit and excitedly began recounting her experiences from the past two days.