MCSCPM -Chapter 219 Falling Into the Water

Following Yin Qingyue’s suggestion, Leng Feng—this pigheaded fellow—could only think of going boating on the lake.

Inside the carriage, neither spoke. Ding Ying perhaps didn’t want to talk, but Leng Feng, unusually shy, was acting out of character. Normally, he would joke and tease constantly, but today he seemed awkward and restrained.

Ding Ying turned her head away, avoiding him. After a while, she quietly said, “Since I agreed to spend these three days with you, let’s not dwell on the past.”

Unexpectedly, it was Ding Ying, a young lady, who brought this up first. Leng Feng felt even more embarrassed, giving a sheepish laugh and quickly replying, “Yes, Miss Ding, you’re right.”

“Don’t keep calling me ‘Miss Ding’—just call me Ding Ying. Otherwise, after three days, I’ll still feel awkward.”

“All right… Ding Ying.” His tone was clumsy, even a bit stiff, yet somehow it suited his character perfectly.

Fortunately, Ding Ying didn’t say anything further, quietly sitting by his side.

Today, Leng Feng was unusually calm.

They arrived at a suburban lake near the capital. The water appeared calm, but a gentle wind stirred in the air. Sitting across from each other, Ding Ying averted her gaze. Leng Feng rowed with effort, laughing heartily with his mouth wide open.

“By the way, Ding Ying, are you close to Miss Shangguan?”

Somehow, their conversation always circled back to Shangguan Jiaoran, and Ding Ying actually responded.

“I’ve known Jiaoran for many years. She tells me things, and I tell her things. Naturally, we became close.”

“But Jiaoran is so sharp and tricky, and you’re so quiet… how did you two get along?”

“Get along? We’ve never fought!” Ding Ying’s face immediately turned sour, shaking her head innocently.

Leng Feng couldn’t help bursting out laughing, his carefree, unrestrained nature shining through.

Ding Ying watched him laugh until he was almost gasping for air, confused. “Did I say something wrong? But we really haven’t fought!”

“I… I didn’t mean you two fought!”

“But you just said—”

Leng Feng laughed so hard he nearly cried. He didn’t know whether to marvel at her innocence or her slight cluelessness.

“I meant ‘get along’ in the sense of playing or joking together. People like us who know martial arts say ‘fight together’ to mean play-fighting. Ding Ying, do you know… you’re the most astonishing, sweetest, and most gentle girl I’ve ever met among all the girls I know.”

Though he spoke casually, Ding Ying suddenly lowered her head, her face flushing crimson, heart tightening with shyness.

Leng Feng noticed and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“You know… you’re the first person, and so far the only person, who’s ever said that to me.”

“Ah? Don’t mind my clumsiness. I’m rough and speak without thinking, often offending people. Just pretend I’m blunt—I shouldn’t have said that. Hit me if you want, I’m thick-skinned.” He reached his hand out to her.

Ding Ying pushed it away, pouting. “I never said I blame you. I meant… that was the first time anyone ever said something so sweet and surprising to me.”

Leng Feng realized he’d just rambled uselessly again and muttered that he should probably give himself a good scolding.

“Oh, I see. I thought I’d offended you again—scared me half to death.”

“Offend me, and you’re that scared?”

“Well… if you were angry, I’d be doomed. You know how heavy my burdens are—pressed by your father, pressed by my Prince… how could I not be nervous?” Leng Feng’s voice carried much complaint.

“I didn’t realize I caused you so much trouble. But, Leng Feng, actually—” Ding Ying hesitated. Was she about to tell him that Yin Qingyue had promised to cancel the marriage if she disliked it? But the words “everyone happy” still lingered in her mind.

“Actually…?”

“Nothing. In short, Leng Feng, don’t feel pressured. Even though I have no romantic feelings for you now, I promised three days, and I won’t go back on it.” Ding Ying said firmly.

Leng Feng felt touched. He didn’t want to marry so soon, but Ding Ying understood the situation and respected his concerns. At that moment, he felt genuine fondness for her.

The wind picked up over the lake. Ding Ying coughed softly. Instinctively, Leng Feng took off his coat and draped it over her.

“Here, wear this. Don’t catch a cold. The wind will get stronger. We should head back to shore soon.”

“Mm,” Ding Ying accepted the coat. In the past, she would have avoided him, but not now.

A sudden gust rocked the boat. Ding Ying shrieked in fear. Leng Feng quickly held her in his arms, soothing her:

“Don’t worry, it’s fine… it’s nothing.”

“Will the boat capsize?”

“Not with me here.”

After a few more jolts, the boat stabilized, but Leng Feng forgot to let go of her. Ding Ying realized she was in his embrace and blushed fiercely, pushing him away. The boat tilted again, and she turned pale with fright.

Fortunately, Leng Feng pulled her back immediately, holding her tightly. “Ding Ying, don’t move!”

“Y-you… let me go first!”

The impulsive Leng Feng realized that hugging her like this might scare her again, just as their previous kiss had caused so much trouble. He quickly let go and returned to his seat.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean it. Let’s head back to shore.” He avoided looking at her, cheeks burning.

He went to row the boat, only to find both oars had fallen into the water during the rocking—they were lost.

“Heaven doesn’t favor me today. What bad luck,” he muttered.

The wind picked up. Ding Ying’s eyes filled with tears as she fretted. “What do we do now?”

“I guess… we have no choice,” Leng Feng said.

“Do what?”

Next, Leng Feng stripped off his wet clothes and jumped into the lake with a splash.

“My goodness, Leng Feng! What are you doing? Get out of there!”

Poking his head above water, he held the boat and swam toward shore, grinning. “It’s fine. A real man doesn’t mind this. Sit tight, I’ll push the boat back.”

“But you—”

He ignored her protests, already soaked. Climbing out first to put on dry clothes would be ridiculous.

On Shore

Behind a tree, Yin Qingyue had been watching from a carriage. Pulling back the curtain, she saw the scene unfold and couldn’t help laughing while scolding him in her heart—what a “peculiar fellow.”

“Leng Feng, if you really win Ding Ying over, I’ll truly admire you forever.”

Mei’er, watching too, laughed helplessly. “Miss, Leng Feng is really so foolish. How could a Ding family girl like him?”

“Man plans, heaven decides. Leng Feng is indeed a strange man!” Yin Qingyue sighed. If he were in front of her now, she would probably punch him on the forehead.

“Miss, what now? Ding Ying must be regretting this. She probably wouldn’t have come if she knew.”

Yin Qingyue peeked again. The boat had reached shore. Watching Ding Ying’s expression, she saw no regret—only concern and fear for Leng Feng.

Perhaps this wasn’t a bad thing. She smiled. “Even with all this drama, Ding Ying doesn’t seem uncomfortable. With Leng Feng’s personality, maybe this is perfect.”

Mei’er didn’t understand everything but remained quiet.

The boat reached shore. Leng Feng emerged, soaked through, looking thoroughly disheveled.

Ding Ying quickly took off his coat and returned it to him. “Put this on and change clothes. You’ve been in the water too long—don’t let anything happen!”

Leng Feng patted his chest casually. “I’m fine. If this little thing bothers me, I’d have died long ago serving the Prince all these years.”

“No matter what, change your clothes now.”

“All right. I’ll find a place.”

Ding Ying, worried, was close to tears. Leng Feng, clueless as ever, didn’t realize she was crying out of concern for him.

Soon, they found a place. Leng Feng changed into dry clothes. Fortunately, his health was strong—no harm done.

Seeing him out, Ding Ying asked anxiously, “Are you really okay? Do you need a doctor? What if you got hurt?”

“I’m fine. See? All good.”

Ding Ying quietly cried again. The slow-witted Leng Feng finally began to understand and cautiously asked, “You… care about me?”