Chapter 200 - 200: Thick-skinned
Qian Shanmin wore a bitter smile as he began to recount the conversation. “Lan suggested that we should consider things carefully before making a decision, especially since you and your wife were away at the time.” “But shortly afterward, she told me that we weren’t compatible and that I deserved someone better.”
“I inquired if she was worried about my treatment of Jinglan, but she assured me that she trusted me.”
“I asked her if she saw me as disabled, but she shook her head, saying she saw me as a healthy person.”
“When I questioned her about remarrying, she stated she had no intention of doing so.”
“Later, I discovered that your aunt went to speak with Alan, and she must have said something hurtful to him.”
“Apparently, your aunt wanted to introduce her niece to me.”
“I declined the offer, yet Alan still insists that she doesn’t want to remarry.”
Qin Zhenzhen couldn’t help but inquire, “So, by helping with the yam digging every day, you’re trying to win our sister’s heart through your actions?”
Qian Shanmin responded, “Not entirely. If Lan genuinely doesn’t wish to remarry, I will respect her decision and never bring up the topic again.”
“But if there are any misunderstandings between us, I hope to do my best to dispel them.”
“I don’t want to miss another chance, so I’m seeking your assistance.”
Su Bin and Qin Zhenzhen fell into silence, uncertain if they should offer their help.
After all, their noble identities would soon be revealed, and they wondered how this revelation would impact their sister’s choices.
Qian Shanmin felt compelled to explain further.
“I came here to help with yam digging because I have some free time, and I don’t have any strenuous activities I can engage in due to my limp. Plus, I thought it would be a chance for Alan to see me in action. Despite my limp, it doesn’t hinder my ability to work on the farm.”
“Alan was concerned about people gossiping, so I made sure to head into the mountains early, and I came down when there were more people around.” “The other reason is that I wanted to lend a hand to your family. You know, when I was young, your father took care of me, and without his support, I might have starved to death.”
He was a straightforward man who believed in repaying favors, and above all, he had always harbored feelings for Su Lan.
Qin Zhenzhen couldn’t help but offer encouragement. “You’re very brave. If there were any misunderstandings, you could have explained the truth to them directly. There was no need to fabricate stories.”
Upon hearing her words, Qian Shanmin seemed to regain his confidence.
“I know what to do,” Qian Shanmin asserted.
Ms. Lin arrived with a girl who had pockmarks on her face. She warmly greeted Su Bin and Qin Zhenzhen before turning to Qian Shanmin.
“Mountain dweller, just as I thought! You’re a good young man who knows how to repay kindness! The Su Family took care of you when you were young, and you’ve always wanted to repay their kindness.”
“Feng and I are here to help too.”
“You’re strong, so you’ll be in charge of digging. Feng will assist you with the yams.”
“What’s that saying? ‘Working together, men and women can accomplish anything’! ”
“Hahaha, Feng, come and help your brother!”
Ms. Lin’s loud voice caught the attention of the villagers, and they all understood what she was trying to do.
She knew that Qian Shanmin had 300 liang in his possession, and she was also aware that his limp didn’t hinder his farm work. So, she intended to introduce her unmarried niece to Qian Shanmin.
It was rumored that Ms. Lin was persistently trying to set them up as a couple, even after Qian Shanmin had turned down the idea.
However, many villagers knew that Qian Shanmin only had eyes for Su Lan, and they were curious to see how he would handle the situation.
Qin Zhenzhen was at a loss for words. She found Ms. Lin’s actions shameless and inappropriate..