CHAPTER 142: CHAPTER 142: FLUSTERED, FLUSTERED, HE’S FLUSTERED

Qian Zhenzhen hadn’t noticed that Li Chang’an was ’normal’ now, as she was lost in Meng Zhu’s praise.

After all, she had never heard such compliments from her mother.

She felt like a fairy listening to them.

Li Chang’an wanted to explain, but he couldn’t get a word in.

After Meng Zhu felt satisfied with her expressions, she stood up, looked at Li Chang’an with disdain, "Hurry up and change your clothes, what you’re wearing is too casual."

Li Chang’an didn’t understand, why change clothes when everything was fine?

The matter hadn’t been explained yet.

Seeing Li Chang’an not moving, Meng Zhu was unhappy, "What are you standing there like a block of wood for? If you don’t hurry up, you won’t make it to Zhenzhen’s house before noon. Proposing marriage in the afternoon is not auspicious."

Qian Shi came in just in time to hear the last part and was stunned. Did she hear it wrong? Was someone really going to propose at her house? She glanced at the little maid beside her, who nodded knowingly, indicating that she had heard it too.

Goodness, Zhenzhen just came to Meng’s sister’s house yesterday, and now the romance stars are aligning?

Qian Shi quickly entered the room, beaming with joy, "Ah Yao, did I hear someone is proposing to my family? Which family’s young master?"

The phrase ’truth is stranger than fiction’ perfectly describes situations like these.

Meng Yao hadn’t expected Qian Shi to visit today.

Meng Zhu paused, noticing the lady in front of her had a striking resemblance to Qian Zhenzhen, and coupled with what she said—

No doubt about it, the prospective mother-in-law had arrived.

Without needing an introduction from Meng Yao, Meng Zhu enthusiastically greeted Qian Shi.

In just a few words, she made her family’s stance clear. They were taken with Qian Zhenzhen and wanted to marry her into the family. She further said that without an official proposal, the two families meeting like this was fate, making it seem like the match was destined.

Overlooked Li Chang’an: Can I have a chance to speak?

Qian Zhenzhen: Why did Mom suddenly come? Is she here to take me back?

Qian Shi was very pleased. She had come today to discuss something with Meng Yao, not expecting to be greeted with such a wonderful surprise. Looking at the tall and handsome Li Chang’an beside her, she couldn’t be more satisfied.

Great, this is wonderful.

However, she did not let her happiness get the best of her, remembering that as the girl’s side, she needed to maintain some modesty.

So she restrained her excitement and didn’t directly bring up the engagement.

However, this matter needed to be sped along; all the necessary formalities should be completed by the end of this year.

Seeing that his mother and Qian Zhenzhen’s mother were eager for them to get married right there, he knew it would soon be too late to explain.

Of course, the explanation involved Qian Zhenzhen.

"Miss Qian, what I said yesterday was a joke. If I caused you trouble, I apologize sincerely. Whatever compensation you want, I’m willing to offer," Li Chang’an said in a lowered voice.

The two were so engrossed in their conversation that they couldn’t spare the attention to listen to Li Chang’an and Qian Zhenzhen talk.

Qian Zhenzhen finally realized that the person who, with childish antics, had called her ’wife’ the day before had returned to normal.

"A joke?" Qian Zhenzhen asked.

"Yes, a joke. Being hit by Miss Qian was quite unpleasant, so I thought to tease you," Li Chang’an admitted honestly.

Qian Zhenzhen looked at Li Chang’an with an inscrutable expression.

Li Chang’an thought she was hurt by his nonsense, and upon reflection, he admitted that his actions the previous day were very unbecoming. For a young lady, reputation matters, and what he did was indeed inappropriate...

"I sincerely apologize to Miss Qian. Whatever request you have, I’m willing to fulfill it," Li Chang’an grew more earnest.

"You really are something. There are countless ways to tease someone, yet you pretended to be a fool. My master once said, the longer you pretend, the more it’ll become real," Qian Zhenzhen said seriously.

Li Chang’an: I suspect you’re mocking me, but I have no evidence.

Meng Yao almost couldn’t hold back her laughter. This girl, Qian Zhenzhen, certainly had a different disposition than most girls. In a similar situation, any other girl would surely be flustered with anger.

Yet she acted as if nothing had happened.

And she could even banter with Li Chang’an.

"In any case, this was my fault, and I ask for Miss Qian’s magnanimity in forgiving me," Li Chang’an said, cupping his hand and bowing.

"Oh, it’s not that big of a deal." Qian Zhenzhen said cheerfully. Compared to having to care for a fool, it’s much better if he’s fine.

Meng Zhu and Qian Shi were already discussing when the matchmaker should come.

"So, should we explain to the elders now?" Li Chang’an looked toward Meng Zhu and Qian Shi.

Though Qian Zhenzhen was a bit carefree, she wasn’t dumb.

Since Li Chang’an was eager to explain, it proved he didn’t want to get married.

Although she also wasn’t interested in getting married right now, it didn’t stop her from making a small retaliation.

Despite being the instigator of this mix-up, if it weren’t for Li Chang’an fanning the flames, she wouldn’t have rushed to his house before dawn, right?

Qian Zhenzhen nodded with a smile, "I’ll follow your lead."

With an ally on board, Li Chang’an felt slightly more at ease.

Although he could foresee the fury he’d face once everything was clarified, it was better than getting married in a muddle-headed state.

Besides, despite his aunt’s continuous treatment over these days, which had achieved some effect, he still wasn’t sure whether he was fully recovered.

He decided that he would not agree to get married until he confirmed he was completely well.

Li Chang’an cleared his throat, took two steps forward, cupped his hands, and started, "Mother..."

"Child, can’t you see your Qian Aunt and I are talking? Younger generations should listen to adult conversations," Meng Zhu said irritably, "Look at Zhenzhen, how well-behaved she is!"

Li Chang’an felt quite rebuffed.

The saying "A mother-in-law loves her son-in-law more as she sees him" holds more than a kernel of truth.

Qian Shi thought Li Chang’an’s slightly bewildered look was charming.

This son-in-law really grew more appealing, even in surprise he was handsome.

Then looking at her daughter, who despite inheriting her looks, wasn’t lacking, but thinking of her usual unladylike conduct, she felt a bit apprehensive.

When they say a flower on a pile of manure, it’s often meant the man is unworthy of the woman.

Yet in her family, it seems the roles were reversed.

Her daughter was the pile of manure.

"Sister Meng, if the child wants to speak, let him," Qian Shi lovingly gazed at Li Chang’an as she spoke.

Meng Zhu, worried Qian Shi would misunderstand her future treatment of Qian Zhenzhen, quickly explained, "Sister Qian, rest assured, I’m only tough on my son, but I’d never treat a daughter-in-law like that. I’ll love Zhenzhen just like my own daughter. Ask my sister, I treat my daughters very well."

With her name called, Meng Yao had no choice but to agree, "Yes, Sister Qian, my elder sister loves her daughters dearly."

"Mother, could you please let me finish what I have to say?" Li Chang’an said urgently.