Chapter 232: Chapter 232: Must You Marry the One Who Saves You from Drowning? (Part 3)

From the commissioner’s perspective, naturally, they were unaware of Qin Cheng’s involvement, and Ah Chen couldn’t lash out at him for now.

There were no other things involved in the commissioner’s wishes, so she could act freely without worrying too much about doing more.

Qin Cheng was almost tearing apart inside, thinking she was too naive. Is there really a marriage that’s just for enjoyment? Once married, a woman should assist her husband and educate the children. If he didn’t have something to gain, he would have liked to scold her today, questioning how a woman could be so fond of ease and comfort.

If he said he didn’t mind, and in front of so many people, if she really did behave like that in the future, he wouldn’t be able to criticize her. Also, he wanted to marry Lin Chen, hoping for a wife from a well-off family to help his mother with household matters and gather funds for his studies. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to seek daughters from wealthier merchants, but those merchants weren’t fools. He was merely a low-tier scholar with two paralyzed family members at home, who wouldn’t see him as a good match.

Merchants are the most calculating about benefits and returns. They might be on good terms with him but wouldn’t view him favorably.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have conspired with his cousin about this matter.

At this point, Qin Cheng decided to say no more; today was not appropriate, he should find another opportunity.

“Chenchen, I was frightened earlier,” Shi Wen suddenly shouted. She raised her head, her face pale, “I didn’t intentionally jump in. I saw you struggling below, thinking you were going to drown, my mind went blank and I just jumped in.”

Her face was streaked with tears, “I was genuinely worried about you.”

The previous time had allowed Shi Wen to figure out what to do.

She sensed the attitudes of the people around her and understood that taking on the responsibility was better than shirking it, which might also improve her reputation.

“As for the idea of falling into the water, it was indeed my suggestion for Chenchen. She’s been gloomy lately, and as her friend, I couldn’t bear to see her upset. I thought and thought and came up with this solution. Actually, as Chenchen was diving, I regretted suggesting such a stupid idea. If there were a next time, I definitely wouldn’t do it. Fortunately, Scholar Ying and my cousin were passing by; otherwise, I wouldn’t know what to do.”

Seeing Shi Wen’s frightened demeanor, everyone’s previous displeasure dissipated. She was just a young girl who cared for her friend and got her priorities mixed up. Knowing her mistake was a good thing, although such mistakes shouldn’t be repeated.

“We were wrong; regardless of the outcome, we should take responsibility. Instead, we’ve implicated Scholar Ying and my cousin today. That’s our fault, and Shi Wen apologizes to both of you,” Shi Wen bowed to the two, wiping her tears, “Regardless of whether today’s events will ruin my reputation, it is something I should bear. Scholar Ying should feel no psychological burden.”

She removed her coat, held it in her hands, and returned it, “Originally, I should wash it clean before returning it, but doing so might not seem appropriate. For saving a life today, my father and brother will visit to offer apologies another day.”

Shi Wen tightly grasped Shi’s mother’s hand. Shi’s mother glanced around, seeing nothing amiss, and sighed in relief. She secretly glanced at Ah Chen’s location. Lin Chen, that fool, almost ruined her daughter’s plan; luckily, her daughter was clever, or else her reputation today would have been entirely ruined.

Wiping her tears, she patted Shi Wen’s head, “You silly girl, how could you be so careless? Since it’s your mistake, we must admit it today.”

Then, she bowed to Ying Bairong, “Sorry to trouble Scholar Ying.”

No longer mentioning the matter of Ying Bairong marrying Shi Wen, this somehow elevated people’s opinion of the situation.

With the scenario shifting in this way, no one felt anything was wrong, only that today’s matter wasn’t significant, everyone resolved their misunderstandings, and those who made mistakes showed a good attitude in admitting them, allowing for forgiveness.

“Chenchen, you won’t blame me, will you?” Shi Wen ran to Ah Chen, her eyes still red, “I’ll never suggest such an idea again in the future. Watching you thrash in the water scared me half to death.”

[Host, Shi Wen is quite something.]

Ah Chen: [She’s indeed something; otherwise, how could she climb so high step by step and still get face from Ying Bairong?]

Even if Ying Bairong had someone he liked, Shi Wen as a wife also helped him handle many matters.

As for what happened with Ying Bairong and Shi Wen later, the commissioner had no memory of it, whether they knew the truth about the water incident and what would happen if they did, it was hard to say.

The goal today was to reveal the truth about the water incident, fulfilling one of the commissioner’s wishes: not to marry Qin Cheng, and incidentally solving the issue of Ying Bairong having to marry Shi Wen because of rescuing her, thus addressing a bit of karma in the commissioner’s matter. Now this matter was resolved; whether Ying Bairong and Shi Wen would have any further entanglements, that’s their own affair and unrelated to her.

“This is not your fault,” Ah Chen smiled, “After all, if I hadn’t agreed, nothing would have happened. You couldn’t have possibly pushed me, could you?”

Shi Wen also smiled, “Of course not.”

She observed Lin Chen’s expression and, seeing her indeed having no other thoughts, felt relieved. To restore her reputation today, she couldn’t fall out with Lin Chen. Being on good terms with Lin Chen certainly had its benefits, not the least of which were the occasional meat bones she received from her.

Even though she lived in the county and was neighbors with Lin Chen.

The Lin Family next door owned an independent small courtyard, spacious and tidy.

Whereas her home only had three rooms, two of which were large rooms divided into two small ones, making it quite cramped.

Her father was a pedlar, likely to remain so for life.

Her mother made a living washing clothes and mending garments for others.

Lin Chen’s father, next door, owned a butcher shop. As mentioned, Lin Daming doted on his daughter and would have liked to buy a maid to serve her if Lin Chen hadn’t refused one. She’d heard Lin Chen talk about it before.

It made her quite envious.

If it weren’t for the fact that the family’s situation was still manageable, and she was already at the age to be discussed for marriage, her parents would have wanted her to sign a live-in maid contract with a wealthy family.

But she wasn’t willing. Once she became a maid, how could she ever become the wife of a scholar?

Unfortunately, if it weren’t for Ah Chen speaking recklessly today, and with her mother’s cooperation, Ying Bairong would definitely have married her. Even if the other party had no choice but to marry today, she was confident that she could make him satisfied with her in the future.

Ah Chen! Truly detestable, why must she always go against her?

However, now was not the time to expose everything, nor would she give up on Ying Bairong. The fact that he had no intention of marrying was bad, yet also good for her. Difficult to manage, but there was still an opportunity.

Once he showed any intention of marrying, it wouldn’t be her turn.

Ying Bairong was the most outstanding scholar in the county, sure to excel in the next exams, it was clear to everyone that he had a promising future, and countless people were trying to ingratiate themselves with him. That’s why she almost collapsed today, if he grew to dislike her, countless people would laugh at her.

Fortunately, she managed to salvage the situation in the end.

Looking at Ying Bairong’s gaze, it was no longer as hostile as before.

“Wenwen, let’s head back too,” Shi’s mother reminded.

Shi Wen snapped back to reality, realizing only then that Ah Chen had already left with Lin Daming, and she replied softly to Shi’s mother.

After cleaning up, Chenchen was wrapped in a quilt.

Actually, she wouldn’t get sick if she didn’t want to, but Lin Daming was worried and insisted on her being wrapped up, even having Granny Yun make ginger soup.

Just follow this cheap dad’s thoughts, after all, it’s not a big deal.

“Chenchen, is it alright for dad to come in?” Lin Daming’s voice sounded from outside.

Ah Chen said, “Dad, you can come in.”

Lin Daming brought the ginger soup to the bedside, “Drink this, then hug the hot water bottle and sleep, it will prevent catching a cold.”

Ah Chen drank the ginger soup in one go, relieving Lin Daming’s heart.

Taking the empty bowl, he hesitated.

“Dad, just say what you want to say.”

Even though Lin Daming was big and burly, he was actually very meticulous. Selling pork surely exposed him to all sorts of people, and he probably had noticed something.

Lin Daming scratched his head, “I’ve said it before, girl, don’t jump up and panic.”

“Alright.”

“In the future, if Shi Wen gives you any ideas, come and ask dad first, to avoid today’s incident. You don’t know, dad was scared to death today, didn’t even manage the butcher shop, it was a good thing the familiar neighbors helped out.” Lin Daming didn’t directly say what was on his mind. He felt that Shi Wen wasn’t pure-hearted, and he worried that being too direct might hurt his daughter and provoke her.

He had always thought the Shi Family had many thoughts, but they only took small advantages. As long as they were willing to accompany his daughter, it was fine. Everyone had small schemes, it was normal.

But today’s incident made him a bit angry.

Since there was no evidence, he couldn’t directly say it out loud, to avoid being accused of making trouble without reason.

Ah Chen smiled and replied, “Okay, dad.”

Before marrying Qin Cheng, Lin Daming had advised against it, thinking it unnecessary to marry because of this affair. Especially after learning about Qin Cheng’s family situation, he thought his daughter would suffer if she married into that family. Unfortunately, he didn’t know the truth of the matter. The commissioner was at a loss and could only be pushed along due to the constant mention by Shi Wen.

Huh? So easy?

Lin Daming was surprised but quickly understood. Perhaps after experiencing life and death, his daughter finally felt fear.

“Dad, stop taking advantage of the Shi Family.” Ah Chen reminded, “Don’t send them too much, just treat them as regular customers.”

Lin Daming was even more astonished, reaching out to touch Ah Chen’s forehead, “The sun rises in the west? Girl, what did you discover?”

“When I fell into the water before, I was further away, Shi Wen was closer, Scholar Qin jumped to her side but ignored her, coming directly for me.”

The commissioner naturally didn’t notice this, but Ah Chen discovered it from watching other people’s memories.

Lin Daming’s face darkened.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep