Chapter 38.2

Han Qingqing’s engagement had a group of close classmates surrounding her. They observed how she was being somewhat neglected by her in-laws, and the engagement ceremony was a notch lower in scale compared to Jiang Ruan’s. They began to gossip about the recent rumors, saying Qin Yan had become psychologically disturbed after his disability. Even if he was accepted into a top university, so what? He confessed to Han Qingqing and got rejected, so now he was marrying the family maid out of spite, scheduling the wedding on the same day as Qingqing’s engagement just to make her uncomfortable and regretful.

Then a classmate chimed in, “Qingqing, you’re really unlucky to have been entangled with Qin Yan.”

Shen Tianming came over to intervene, “Don’t believe those rumors. I may not know Qin Yan well, but I do know Brother Han and Uncle Han. If Qin Yan weren’t sincere, Uncle Han wouldn’t have agreed to the engagement.”

Han Changfeng would rather adopt Jiang Ruan as his sister than let things go unresolved. If Qin Yan was doing this out of spite, the marriage wouldn’t happen.

Analyzing the situation rationally, Shen Tianming said, “Honestly, Qingqing and I owe Jiang Ruan an apology. It’s only right that today’s spotlight is on her.”

One of the classmates scolded, “Shen Tianming, instead of confronting Qin Yan, you’re defending Jiang Ruan. What are you doing? Today is your and Qingqing’s engagement day, and you’re siding with another woman?”

Shen Tianming thought the irrationality was overwhelming. The simple truth was evident, and he saw no point in explaining further. Turning away, he went to greet the guests.

Shen’s mother had overheard and was feeling even more regretful. She wouldn’t indulge Han Qingqing’s whims. Approaching with a polite smile, she said, “Qingqing, explain to your friends whether Qin Yan actually confessed to you. If he did, our Shen family will stand up for you. If not, clarify the rumors right away. There are many people here, and dispelling the rumor now will put an end to it and avoid confusion later.”

Han Qingqing felt aggrieved. The rumors weren’t spread by her, so why should she clarify them? But Shen’s mother intended to clear the air to appear magnanimous and repair relations with the Han family. There was no harm in doing so.

Han Qingqing didn’t understand Shen’s mother’s good intentions. Even as she walked up to Qin Yan, she couldn’t find the words.

She had a vague idea about who spread the rumors—likely her elder sister or brother-in-law. Shen’s mother had told her to keep them from attending the engagement, as her sister’s second-marriage husband, Liao Chunxing, was rather obsessive. It was probably him who spread the rumors.

Han Qingqing found herself unable to speak up, but the truth was that Qin Yan had never confessed to her. If he had, she would be the one engaged to him today, living in the newly renovated, spacious courtyard.

What did it matter if he was in a wheelchair? Qin Yan was capable of earning money, so she wouldn’t have to work and could take care of him just like the young maid.

But now, there was nothing she could say. Shen’s mother took her over to congratulate Uncle Han in the neighboring banquet hall, where many familiar faces from her past—her parents, brothers, and other Han family relatives—were present. Some looked at her with a hint of disdain.

Shen’s mother made polite small talk and gave explanations, and out of respect for Grandfather Shen, the Han family didn’t say much.

Seizing the opportunity, Shen’s mother nudged Han Qingqing forward with a smile, “We’ve heard some rumors recently about Qin Yan confessing to Qingqing and then turning to Jiang Ruan for engagement out of spite. With so many guests here today, I thought it best for Qingqing to explain the situation.”

The longstanding bond between the three families had been strained by Shen Tianming’s actions, but the Shen family hadn’t given up on mending things. Besides, it wasn’t appropriate for the Shen family’s future daughter-in-law to be the subject of others’ gossip.

If Han Qingqing explained and clarified the situation, it would significantly ease the tension between the Shen and Han families.

Han Qingqing looked at Qin Yan in his wheelchair. Even like that, he was still dazzling.

For some reason, seeing him made her feel a sense of injustice. She had indeed had a crush on Qin Yan before, but he had dismissed her back then. With her looks and status, wasn’t she good enough for a disabled person like him?

Han Qingqing thought to herself, the rumors weren’t spread by her, so why should she have to clear them up? Was that really wrong?

She smiled and said, “There’s no evidence to prove anything one way or the other. What does it matter if it’s true or not? Should I lie just to clear things up?”

The word “lie” indicated her unwillingness to deny the rumors.

However, the guests interpreted her words as confirmation that Qin Yan had indeed confessed to Han Qingqing. The once-dignified banquet had turned into a spectacle aimed at provoking Han Qingqing, and the pity now shifted toward Jiang Ruan, who seemed to be a victim in this scenario.

…

The Han family relatives weren’t about to let this go easily, jokingly saying to Shen’s mother, “Oh dear, it looks like your future daughter-in-law isn’t very bright. Even if it were true, she shouldn’t embarrass you like this. And today is supposed to be a joyous occasion for her too. Doesn’t this make Shen Tianming look bad?”

Shen’s mother was left speechless, her anger toward Han Qingqing growing.

When there are many people, there will be more gossip. Someone eager to stir the pot had already called Shen Tianming over. In fact, this troublemaker was arranged by Qin Yan himself—he didn’t mind causing a scene if things got out of hand.

Shen Tianming stared at Han Qingqing in disbelief. This engagement had been snatched away from Jiang Ruan by her.

So what if Qin Yan held his banquet on the same day at the same hotel? The Shen family had to endure it since they were in the wrong.

Shen Tianming urged, “Qingqing, the banquet is about to start. Aren’t you going to explain?”

Seeing the lack of sympathy and the mocking expressions of those around her, Han Qingqing regretted her actions. Before she could speak, a classmate who had failed the exams like her interrupted.

Her classmate, looking like they couldn’t tolerate the situation any longer, said, “Qingqing, I didn’t expect you still haven’t moved on. You confessed to Qin Yan and got rejected, and now you’re twisting the story?”

Han Qingqing had never confessed to Qin Yan, but with her classmate’s words, there was no way to clear things up.

The classmate’s remark inadvertently dispelled the rumors, revealing that it was Han Qingqing who had made the confession. The guests now viewed the Shen family with pity.

Shen’s mother was embarrassed and humiliated, apologizing profusely.

One of her close friends asked, “You have such high standards, so how did you choose a daughter-in-law who doesn’t know what’s appropriate?”

Shen’s mother was furious, almost grinding her teeth.

Even Mu Xuehui, who was watching from the side, thought Han Qingqing was too immature. But then again, Han Qingqing hadn’t been reborn and was prone to doing foolish things.

At that moment, the emcee at Qin Yan’s engagement banquet announced that the groom had a huge surprise for the bride’s family and invited both parties to the stage.

Han Qingqing, caught off guard, instinctively paused. Mu Xuehui was also curious and stayed to see what surprise Qin Yan had prepared for Jiang Ruan.

Money, a house, or bonds? How mundane. Jiang Ruan’s new parents wouldn’t be impressed by such things.

Jiang Ruan herself was unsure of what Qin Yan had planned. There were three steps leading up to the stage, and though she could lift his wheelchair up, she worried about how he might feel under the watchful eyes of hundreds of guests.

She bent down and asked, “Brother Qin Yan, should I help you up?”

With a trembling heart, Qin Yan replied, “You go up first. Wait for me on the stage.”

She would go up first? Who was Qin Yan planning to rely on?

Jiang Ruan never doubted Qin Yan’s decisions. She ascended the stage calmly and waited for him.

The audience whispered among themselves, “What is Qin Yan up to? Did he suddenly stop feeling self-conscious?”

Miao Shufang, filled with worry, whispered to Qin Zhengqing, “Our son is acting very strangely today. Could something be wrong?”

Qin Zhengqing shook his head, “He didn’t ask for any help. How is he planning to get on stage? This child, he never shares his plans with anyone.”

Mu Xuehui patted Han Qingqing’s hand and consoled her in a low voice, “Qingqing, don’t be so competitive. Even if the Qin family gives Jiang Ruan all the attention, he’s still a paralyzed man. There’s no need to compare yourself to a disabled person.”

Han Qingqing nodded and glanced at her former classmate sitting nearby. Her gaze grew darker. Why had her friend suddenly betrayed her? Was Qin Yan behind it? She would definitely get some answers later.

The bright lights of the banquet hall illuminated the room, and Qin Yan felt a bit nervous. If he stood up now, it would cause a huge commotion, especially for Mu Xuehui. A person who had lived through another life could be quite frightening when they lose control, as he had experienced in his past life.

But today, he had to stand up. He was ready.

He gripped the arms of his wheelchair, determined to leave it behind forever.

Qin Yan slowly stood up, taking one step at a time toward Jiang Ruan, who was waiting for him on stage. This was his surprise for her.

It was also a surprise for his parents and everyone who cared about him. Of course, some people who saw him stand up might feel envious or disappointed.

Jiang Ruan was initially stunned, but she quickly understood—her treatments had worked. After the last session, Qin Yan had already been able to walk, but he hadn’t said anything, saving the reveal for today.

Her heart burst with joy, like a pink flower blooming, followed by countless colorful blossoms. She broke into a radiant smile.

The most excited of all was Miao Shufang, who nearly fainted from happiness. She exclaimed to her husband, “Zhengqing, pinch me! Make sure this isn’t a dream.”

Qin Zhengqing, equally moved, realized that Qin Yan’s legs hadn’t just healed that day; he must have been able to walk for some time but had kept it a secret. His own parents didn’t know, and judging by Jiang Ruan’s innocent expression, she was only now finding out as well.

Friends and relatives offered congratulations, asking how Qin Yan’s legs had recovered.

The Han family was also pleasantly surprised. With Qin Yan able to walk, he could now start university as planned. The rumors that he had only gotten engaged to Jiang Ruan to secure a lifelong nanny were proven false.

Han Qingqing stared blankly at the dazzling couple on stage, filled with regret, disappointment, and resentment, without even considering Shen Tianming. Today was also her and Shen Tianming’s engagement celebration, one she had snatched away from Jiang Ruan.

Mu Xuehui swiftly pulled the disheartened Han Qingqing away. “Stop looking. Don’t forget, today is also your engagement. Your future in-laws are already unhappy with you, don’t embarrass yourself any further.”