Chapter 231: Chapter 231: Must You Marry the One Who Saves You from Drowning? (Part 2)

Shi Wen’s pitiful expression suddenly cracked, and her face twisted in an instant.

Because she was previously rebuked by Shi’s mother, she couldn’t help but act even more pitiful and lowered her head, so no one saw the change on her face.

Is Lin Chen out of her mind?

Is she a pig?

How can she say such a thing in public?

Now that she’s said it, won’t their reputations be ruined? How will they face people in the future?

Before, she just thought Lin Chen wasn’t very bright, but she didn’t expect her to be this bad. She wished she could find a hole to crawl into.

It’s over. How will she get through today?

Shi Wen was extremely anxious in her heart; she couldn’t bear such a reputation.

After this, could Scholar Ying still be interested in her? Even if, due to matters of reputation, he would marry her, he would likely look down on her in his heart. The whole plan was for her to gain a kind-hearted reputation, while also helping her cousin.

Shi Wen’s face looked ugly, Lin Chen is really foolish like a pig, she truly harmed her.

No, she absolutely cannot bear this reputation.

It was quiet all around, countless gazes were on Ah Chen and Shi Wen, scrutinizing them.

Ah Chen’s voice was loud earlier, and Qin Cheng, who was nearby, heard it. His expression also changed slightly, but no one felt anything was amiss. After all, anyone who heard this matter would find it absurd.

Ying Bairong, who was a bit further away, was also taken aback. He looked towards Ah Chen, there was a trace of arrogance between her brows, doing something bad yet being this honest, left him with nothing to say. He then looked at Shi Wen standing aside, with her head buried.

Was this idea from Shi Wen to Lin Chen?

Previously, Shi Wen rushing to save Lin Chen without regard really earned her some respect. But upon learning the truth, the admiration he felt faded away. He had no particular thoughts about Shi Wen anyway; although people around were making a fuss, he didn’t say anything, he was quite troubled inside.

The reason is that he already has someone he likes, even though his family disapproves, their feelings are mutual. That’s why he rejected all marriage proposals and focused on studying diligently. He just wants to wait until he achieves success so that no one would dare oppose and he can openly marry his loved one.

He really can’t bear to ignore a girl falling into the water, but marrying the rescued girl would be a betrayal to his loved one, because if he marries, she can only be a concubine. As it is, she’s only following him as a maid, which is already a grievance, and he feels uneasy about it.

Is there a turnaround now?

Although he disliked Lin Chen’s calculation, her honesty didn’t leave him as troubled.

Honestly, he doesn’t think that just because he saved a girl from drowning, she must marry him, nor does he think it’s a matter of ruined reputation. Against the backdrop of human life, it’s not a grander ethical issue, it’s trivial and soon no one will care.

But because others take it seriously, he was troubled, and of course, he didn’t dare utter his previous thoughts aloud, if he did, someone would definitely denounce him as worthless.

Words can be frightening.

“Miss Lin, was today’s incident of falling into the water truly part of your scheme?” Ying Bairong walked over and asked seriously.

Seeing Ah Chen’s candid demeanor as she faced everything, he felt bold enough to ask.

If she were a shy girl, he wouldn’t have had the words to ask.

Ah Chen looked up and said, “Yes, I regretted it as soon as I jumped in, I can’t swim and almost drowned.”

Ying Bairong didn’t know what to say, the girl was so honest he couldn’t even blame her.

“Tiring the two Scholars to rescue me was my blunder,” Ah Chen apologized again, tugging at Lin Daming, “Father, I’m sorry, it was my fault today for being so willful, I didn’t think it through. After a brush with life and death, I’ve realized life is precious, the rest are minor issues, I won’t be reckless anymore.”

Lin Daming felt gratified, understanding that his daughter had realized her mistake, which was why she was being so honest. As her father, he didn’t intend to blame her.

A mistake is a mistake, it’s only right to be ridiculed by others.

Since they’ve troubled others today, they should apologize and compensate.

“You little girl, it’s good you realize your mistake,” Lin Daming harrumphed twice, feeling pleased inside, and then said to Qin Cheng and Ying Bairong, “Thanks to both of you today, and also apologies for the trouble we caused. My daughter and I both apologize to you two Scholars, and we’ll send a gift of thanks another day. Regardless, we’re very grateful for your chivalrous help.”

Qin Cheng wore a faint smile on his face, but inside he was fuming.

Everything was on track, wasn’t it Lin Chen who messed it up, not Ying Bairong, so she just came clean about it?

“It’s good Miss Lin has understood, life is indeed precious, I hope she cherishes it hereafter.” Ying Bairong said, genuinely less tense than before. It seemed that having faced life and death, Miss Lin really let him go. If nothing unexpected happens, he doesn’t wish to involve himself with other women before marrying his loved one, as his intended choice for a wife is Song Su.

He glanced at Shi Wen, who was silent over there. That Shi Family girl seemed timid, not someone to say too much, even though Lin Chen said it was her idea, he didn’t want to pursue it.

It’s best if today’s matter ends quickly.

Qin Cheng then said, “Miss Lin being so frank is quite commendable.”

“Recognizing and correcting one’s mistakes is invaluable, and if Miss Lin doesn’t mind me, I’m still willing to grow old together with her.”

Qin Cheng’s earnest demeanor brought everyone back to their senses, and the odd looks towards Ah Chen dissipated because her immediate awareness and correction of her error was not easy to resent. Coupled with Qin Cheng’s gesture, if the two of them ended up together, it wouldn’t be a bad story.

Even Ying Bairong thought it nice, as few who make mistakes are willing to admit them like Miss Lin did.

Brother Qin really seems to admire Miss Lin, if they end up together, it would likely be talked about positively.

Qin Cheng held this thought, hoping Lin Chen would be somewhat moved by his sincerity?

All eyes were on Ah Chen. She looked up, but still sincerely refused: “Thank you, Scholar Qin, for your admiration, but first, I have no romantic feelings for Scholar Qin. Secondly, I am willful and can’t stand hardship. I don’t do laundry, cooking, or any manual work, which is why my father hired a maid to serve me. I know Scholar Ying has maids at home; there are many people in his house, and chores are handled by others, so it wouldn’t fall to me. And the only reason I considered him is because Scholar Ying is handsome and talented. If his family were poor, and I had to work upon marrying, I certainly wouldn’t choose him.”

Ying Bairong’s eye twitched, this Miss Lin is truly too honest, surely she isn’t afraid of ruining her reputation to the point where suitors would avoid visiting? She’s unique, but most would likely steer clear.

Onlookers: Is she trying not to marry?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep