C2 Discomfort

Her face was splashed with river water, mixing with her tears, giving her a look of delicate sorrow.

"I thought you looked familiar. Turns out you're that girl from the Zong family, Fulai."

"Hahaha, this is hilarious! That girl finally got her comeuppance. What a disgrace!"

Zong Fulai was shaking with anger, her mind still a bit muddled, but the pain from pinching herself to tears made one thing clear.

She, Zong Fulai, had been reborn into her past life. Her cousin, who always pretended to be sweet but was actually as venomous as a snake, had conspired with outsiders against her while enjoying her kindness.

To Qi Haipeng, her expression seemed like a small, angry rabbit with red eyes. Worried she might lash out, he spoke up first:

"Fulai, I'm sorry. When you fell into the field, I was just so worried about you that I forgot about the whole boy-girl thing."

Zong Hailan chimed in, adding fuel to the fire, "Brother Qi, thank you so much! It's a good thing you reacted quickly. I was so scared I couldn't think straight and didn't even consider helping right away."

Their words sparked the imaginations of the onlookers.

"Haipeng, since you like her, you've seen her, touched her, held her, and saved her. Why not just marry her already?"

"Exactly, Qi! Your heroics today would make a great story if you two got married. It'd be the talk of the village."

Zong Fulai couldn't hold back her anger, "Who pushed me into the field just now?" Her voice was hoarse and low.

Zong Hailan, feeling guilty, didn't notice Fulai's quiet voice, and those standing on the riverbank couldn't hear her.

Her face showed disbelief, then turned to a look of grievance as she said in a plaintive voice, "Cousin, don't blame me. It's all my fault, all my fault."

"I shouldn't have listened to you and asked Qi Haipeng to teach us how to plant rice. I shouldn't have come to the field with you, and I shouldn't have lost my balance and bumped into you..."

"Hailan, it's all my fault, I know it is, it's all my fault," Zong Hailan cried loudly, using her tears to her advantage.

Seeing this, the people around felt sympathetic, and Qi Haipeng seized the opportunity to speak up.

"Fulai, I don't know the details between you and your cousin, but I, Qi Haipeng, always act with a clear conscience. I didn't save you expecting anything in return. Everyone knows what kind of person I am."

He spoke with an air of righteousness, having a small reputation for winning people over with little favors. Many in the crowd were on friendly terms with him.

"Zong girl, you can't just throw away your conscience."

"Exactly, if you act like this, who would dare to help anyone in the future?"

"Wow, we've really seen it all today. Right and wrong can really be turned upside down."

Seeing his words having the desired effect, Qi Haipeng smirked slightly, then defended her, "Let's not speak ill of Fulai. She's a reasonable girl, just a bit shaken up from the fall."

"Oh, Qi boy, you're already defending her, not letting us speak the truth."

"Haipeng sees her through rose-colored glasses, thinking too highly of her, but she might not even appreciate it."

Zong Fulai was furious, really furious. Everyone around was just talking without understanding her situation.

She wanted to retort directly, but her voice failed her at the crucial moment, and she felt weak all over, her face flushed with frustration.

Qi Haipeng couldn't help but feel a bit smug. The more people, the better. With so many eyes watching, how could she explain herself while disheveled in his arms?

He put on a clumsy attempt to comfort her, "Fulai, I was too impulsive this time. Don't worry, if you're willing, I'll take responsibility for you!"

Shameless man, Zong Fulai gathered her strength, struggling to escape from Qi Haipeng's grasp.

Just then, an angry shout came from a distance, growing louder as it approached: "Which shameless hussy is trying to seduce my Haipeng?"

"Haha, the whole family could be actors," said Qi Haipeng's mother, her voice loud and grating. She was a tall woman, the kind of mother-in-law who seemed to take pleasure in making life difficult. She never listened to reason, just like now, jumping in without asking for any details and immediately pointing fingers.

Zong Hailan, who was barely supporting her cousin, quietly stepped back, leaving the "battlefield" open.

Qi Haipeng feigned innocence, "Mom, what are you talking about? Fulai fell in the field, and I just helped her out."

"Haipeng, you're so kind-hearted, always helping others without a second thought. I just worry about some people turning around and blaming you," his mother said with disdain.

"That won't happen, Mom. Please stop. Fulai is a good girl, and if she's willing, I'm ready to take responsibility," he said, earning applause from the onlookers, which made him feel a bit smug.

Zong Fulai steeled herself and, taking advantage of his momentary distraction, broke free from his grasp. "Stay away! Who wants to marry you? Shameless!"

"Fulai, I—" Qi Haipeng looked genuinely hurt.

His mother shot a sharp look at Zong Fulai. "Everyone, see what I mean? My Haipeng saves someone, and this is the thanks he gets. Didn't I say so?"