She is the Side Character! — Watch Her Change her fate!-Chapter 275: Must You Marry the One Who Saved You from Drowning? (46)
The day after visiting the Imperial Palace, Ah Chen followed Shen Xuan to the Gu Family. It turned out the Gu Family was indeed very easy-going, and she received many gifts.
That cousin, Gu Zheng, was truly straightforward. Upon meeting Ah Chen, she pulled her aside for a chat and even took her to play at the Gu Family’s Treasure Pavilion. Shen Xuan felt a bit displeased with this cousin for the first time.
Clearly, it was agreed that he would take Chenchen out to have fun!
He used to worry about men eyeing Chenchen, but now he realized it wasn’t good for women to do the same.
They went to play without even taking him along.
If his cousin didn’t take him, Shen Xuan would find his own way there.
As soon as he approached, he overheard his cousin Gu Zheng asking, "How long are you planning to stay in the Capital City? Why not just stay here? If you’re not busy, come and help me, I promise you won’t be treated unfairly."
Gu Zheng was genuinely lamenting; it was rare to meet someone she could talk to so well, and she wanted to keep her around.
As for her cousin? She just wanted her cousin’s wife to help her, not that she had any other thoughts about her, so it wouldn’t affect her cousin and his wife’s relationship.
Shen Xuan rolled his eyes. What a cousin, just when he helped her out, she turned around to dig at his wife!
He was just about to step in when he heard Ah Chen say, "We won’t stay long, but thank you for your kindness, dear cousin."
Gu Zheng also realized she probably couldn’t keep her, but she felt a bit regretful not bringing it up.
"Alright then, let’s have some fun while you’re here," Gu Zheng suddenly said, "Although many people look down on my little cousin, he actually has a great personality. It’s just that many people misunderstand him because they don’t know him. Aside from not liking to study, having no ambition, and being a bit lazy, everything else about him is good."
Shen Xuan was speechless. Was she complimenting him or criticizing him?
Ah Chen smiled, "Of course, I know that."
The person she chose had to be good, even if he was a bit fragmented, with a big difference in personality. He had a few flaws, but they were harmless.
"Seeing you two getting along well, I’m relieved. Before this, our grandparents were always worried about him. When they heard he got married, they were truly happy." In fact, Gu Zheng felt that whether someone gets married or not doesn’t matter. Look at her; she’s not married now either. But that’s an age-old belief, and she wouldn’t say this to her family.
As for recruiting a husband, she currently had no such thoughts.
When the subject was brought up back then, she said it would be better to directly adopt a child, as it would be more reliable than recruiting a husband.
Recruiting a husband might involve preserving the family lineage, which is disgusting, and it has happened so many times throughout history. Adopting a child would be much more straightforward; she didn’t see the need to pick an average husband just to have an heir.
After all, during these times, what outstanding man would agree to become part of the wife’s family?
Her grandparents and parents agreed, thanks in part to her little cousin’s help.
Shen Xuan snorted, at least his cousin had some conscience.
So, he decided not to disturb them and sat to the side, waiting.
Ah Chen had long noticed Shen Xuan and, after chatting with Gu Zheng for a bit, went over to find him.
"Hey, why is such a handsome young man sighing here? Did something troubling happen?" she asked with a smile.
Shen Xuan immediately looked up and saw Ah Chen enter the pavilion. He replied pitifully, "It’s someone who was forgotten at home by their wife. They waited and waited at home, but the wife never returned, so their heart grew frantic, and they came out to find her."
"Otherwise, I might turn into a longing-for-wife stone."
He quickly grabbed Ah Chen’s hand, lowering his head to look at her, "The one abandoned at home has become psychologically twisted. Seeing such a beautiful lady in front of him, he’s planning to take her home, lock her up, and do this and that."
The young servant nearby remained silent: Probably only the young mistress could put up with their master, right?
"In broad daylight, this playboy dares to snatch an innocent woman. I won’t go with you," Ah Chen cooperated verbally, but she didn’t pull her hand away, and he also didn’t grip tightly, only holding her as usual.
Hearing this, Shen Xuan recalled the dream that had previously infuriated him. He pulled Ah Chen into the carriage and said, "My father is a government official. Whether you like it or not, you’re coming with me! If this young master catches you, don’t think about escaping."
Inside the carriage, Shen Xuan held Ah Chen and poured her a cup of tea, saying resentfully, "I thought you’d forgotten about me talking with my cousin."
"How could that be?" Ah Chen laughed as she took the teacup.
Occasionally, Shen Xuan felt that he wasn’t mentally healthy, as he would have the urge to hide Chenchen away and not let her go anywhere.
[Is it because he’s been a lone king for too long and is afraid of losing the one he likes?] Shen Xuan self-analyzed.
[Even if I want to lock up Chenchen, I couldn’t beat her anyway; it’s just wishful thinking!]
System: [As long as you know.]
Shen Xuan: [Just listen; no need to reply.]
System: Previously, the host referred to him as Brother Tong, but people’s hearts change so quickly.
"Did my brother go to the Yun Family? How did they react?" Ah Chen asked.
Shen Xuan replied, "The Yun Family didn’t react much. This matter doesn’t really concern our family, but Yun Tong did disappear in Lanru County, so we should at least go and apologize and try to find her. As for Yun Tong’s situation, it’s hard to say. With her abilities, she might soon be exploited by the person behind it all for her secrets."
"There’s a chance she might survive, especially since she’s reborn. The person behind would be interested in her, and maybe Yun Tong would even defect directly to them," Ah Chen chimed in.
If Yun Tong really collaborated with the person behind the scenes, she would inevitably reveal things about Shen Xuan. Upon learning of Shen Xuan’s future achievements, the intention to kill him would be stronger.
Shen Xuan agreed, which is why Chenchen wanted her father to stay at the County Government, probably to prevent Yun Tong from joining the ones behind it and causing harm to the Shen Family. Anybody targeting him is manageable, considering he has a system and Chenchen by his side, and his parents have many skilled individuals, but the adversaries likely have more skilled people on their side.
Given that Chenchen feels comfortable with her father at the County Government, it indicates her father is formidable; plus, the system has confirmed that her father is very capable.
At that moment, the carriage suddenly jolted, and Ah Chen casually threw the teacup she was holding out the window.
The coach driver had some skills, but without Ah Chen’s quick action, he might not have dodged the incoming arrow.
Ah Chen leaped out, followed by Shen Xuan, who was holding a potted plant with glossy green leaves.
He handed it to Ah Chen, "Chenchen, the weapon is ready!"
Ah Chen: ...
She now understood why he insisted on having a potted plant in the carriage; it was meant to be her weapon.
Now that it was here, she’d use it. The surrounding men in black had already closed in, and arrows were flying around.
She picked a leaf, flicked it out, and knocked the arrows out of the air.
Seeing the now-bare plant, Shen Xuan fell silent.
He pulled out a purse and handed it to Ah Chen, "Make do with this for now."
Ah Chen, not particularly picky, took the purse and began flinging out the silver coins inside.
The coach driver and the young servants hurriedly offered up their purses, one of which contained a large string of copper coins, leaving Shen Xuan amazed.
Why was the boy walking around with so many copper coins?
The men in black never got close; they were struck down by the silver and copper coins Ah Chen tossed out.
Passersby were stunned but seeing the arrows on the ground and the black-clad men lying there with weapons spread a chill through their hearts.
Had it not been for the lady’s impressive skills, she would have been shot full of arrows long ago.
