OL CH54

With the most difficult sentence out of the way, the rest flowed much more smoothly.

In truth, this had long been part of Chen Tian’s plan. He had to solidify his relationship with Bai Su in the village before the provincial examination.

Using the incident from yesterday, he had already made Bai Su owe him a huge favor. Knowing his lover definitely harbored affection for him, Chen Tian had been planning to find an opportunity in the next couple of days to discuss filling this “position.” He would frame it as saving Bai Su from constant harassment, using this excuse to draw them closer.

But before he even found the chance to speak, someone else came knocking at the door, which provoked him into blurting it out early. However, given his appearance, this excuse was actually the most fitting.

Whether outsiders viewed him as a man or a woman posed no real hindrance to Chen Tian. His only slight concern was Bai Su’s reaction.

At this moment, Auntie Chunying was not the only one shocked; the young woman beside her jerked her head up and stared at him.

Though equally surprised, Bai Su managed to control his expression and simply stood calmly behind Chen Tian. Anyone who didn’t know better would think he had known all along.

Of course, Bai Su was perfectly aware of whether the beauty beside him was a man or a woman.

But since Zichen had publicly declared himself a woman, Bai Su wouldn’t intentionally tear down his stage. Furthermore, based solely on appearance, it was a believable claim.

Seeing the tips of Chen Tian’s ears turn bright red, Bai Su was full of intrigue, highly anticipating his motive for saying such a thing.

To outsiders, however, that gaze appeared deeply affectionate, instantly draining the color from the previously lovestruck young woman’s face.

The girl had seen Bai Su in town earlier and found him exceptionally dashing and captivating, lingering in her dreams. After asking around, she discovered he was actually a scholar from Li Family Village who happened to live right next door to her aunt.

After coordinating with her parents and hearing that Bai Su was a good catch, she had deliberately used this excuse to visit.

She thought she was guaranteed to secure an ideal husband, but now…

Biting her lower lip, the girl looked at Chen Tian, her eyes flashing with faint hostility and disbelief.

“How-how is that possible? Then how do you prove you are a woman!”

The girl was still unwilling to believe her marriage prospect was gone just like that. Although the person opposite her had a stunningly beautiful face, his bearing and attire clearly belonged to a man.

Hearing this, Chen Tian shot her a glance. He wouldn’t stoop to arguing with a little girl. However, the feeling of his lover being coveted was truly unpleasant.

Sensing a hint of danger, Bai Su smoothly took over the conversation. With a faint smile, he said, “Since Zichen… since Chenchen has already said it, I won’t hide it from you any longer.

Chenchen is my fiancée who has not yet married into my household. Her family met with disaster, and her relatives were scattered, so she had no choice but to seek refuge with me. Because her beauty is too striking, she usually dresses as a man to avoid trouble, which caused Auntie to misunderstand.”

“Are you truly a woman?”

Hearing Bai Su confirm it, Auntie Chunying naturally believed it. Especially after carefully observing Chen Tian’s gender-transcending beauty, she thought it made perfect sense—no wonder he was so beautiful; he was actually a girl!

It was just that… this girl was a bit too tall, seemingly even a fraction taller than Scholar Bai.

Her figure also lacked the fragility of an ordinary girl. Though not exactly burly, her frame genuinely looked slightly broader than the scholar standing next to her.

Her eyelid twitching, Auntie Chunying felt it was entirely forgivable that she hadn’t recognized this person as a woman before.

She had originally come to act as a matchmaker for her niece from town, never expecting to detonate such a massive revelation.

However, since he already had a sweetheart and fiancée, it would be inappropriate for her to continue pushing for a match.

Seeing her niece’s ugly expression, clearly wanting to say more, Auntie Chunying—knowing full well how willful this girl could be—hurriedly smiled and said, “Then that’s truly wonderful! This girl is so beautiful. It seems Auntie worried for nothing. When you hold the wedding banquet, don’t forget to invite Auntie!”

With that, she forcefully dragged the reluctant girl away.

Once Auntie Chunying left, Mother Bai finally processed the situation.

Initially, she had been confused, but since her son had corroborated the story, she hadn’t spoken up to contradict them.

Now that the outsiders were gone, she finally had the chance to grab Bai Su and ask urgently, “Suzhi, what does this mean? What marriage arrangement? Why didn’t I know about this?

And did you say that child Zichen is a woman?”

Hearing this, Chen Tian pursed his lips, finally feeling genuine embarrassment. Claiming to be a woman was a hot-headed impulse, but the fact that Bai Su was willing to accept this excuse and help him cover it up made it all worth it.

So right now, he could only look eagerly at Bai Su beside him, obviously hoping the other would speak on his behalf.

After all, this was Bai Su’s mother; a hundred words from Chen Tian wouldn’t match a few casual words from Bai Su.

Seeing the beauty beside him blinking innocently at him, the smile in Bai Su’s eyes deepened. Not wanting to put him in a difficult spot, he addressed his mother directly, “What I said earlier was just an expedient measure. As for Zichen’s gender, it is indeed as was just said.

Mother, when I rescued Zichen back then, I already knew she was a woman. I kept it a secret entirely out of consideration for her reputation.”

Since her own son said so, Mother Bai naturally had no doubts.

Over these past days, Chen Tian had been incredibly filial and attentive to her. Mother Bai had constantly thought that if this were her own child, they could keep each other company and make the house much livelier. If it were a girl to be matched with her son, that would be even better. She never expected it to actually be a girl!

However, with this gender switch, there were certain things that could no longer be ignored.

“But, but you two have been living in the same room all these days!” Mother Bai suddenly realized and cried out. This truly ruined a girl’s reputation!

This time, before Bai Su could explain, Chen Tian quickly chimed in, “Auntie, Suzhi and I have always slept separately. One of us sleeps on the bed, and the other sleeps on the floor.”

Banking on the fact that Mother Bai couldn’t possibly know what went on in their room, Chen Tian spun the lie without a shred of guilt.

“I was gravely injured before, and it was all thanks to Suzhi’s care that I can stand here today. As the old saying goes, the grace of saving a life…”

At this point, Chen Tian hesitated slightly and glanced at Bai Su. Seeing the young man’s smiling eyes, he felt a deeper sense of reassurance. Deciding to throw all shame out the window, he stated directly, “Although it is said one should pledge their life in return for being saved, I also know that with my current status, I am wronging Suzhi.

What Suzhi said just now was merely an expedient measure. As for the matter between the two of us, we can set it aside for now. I chose to reveal myself because the provincial examination is approaching, and I didn’t want him to constantly be distracted by such trivial matters.”

“How can we just drop it like that? You are the one who has been wronged!”

Mother Bai had initially been shocked by the revelation and harbored some doubts about Chen Tian’s motives. But hearing him willingly let go of the claim, she instead felt that this child was a good person who knew gratitude. She insisted, “A daughter’s reputation is of the utmost importance, and you two have stayed in the same room for so many days. Don’t worry, Auntie will definitely make this boy take responsibility!”

Chen Tian’s voice didn’t actually sound like a woman’s, but he could lower and soften it slightly, making it pleasant and melodic to the ear.

Furthermore, even though Mother Bai couldn’t see Chen Tian’s face clearly due to her eye condition, she had heard that the person’s appearance was outstanding. The fact that she had to wear a bamboo hat to hide her face when going out suggested she must be an exceptionally beautiful woman.

Dressing as a man to protect herself and avoid the covetous eyes of outsiders was perfectly understandable.

Knowing Mother Bai needed time to digest this information, Bai Su said a few simple words to let her rest, then took Chen Tian to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Once they reached the stove and were alone, Chen Tian hurriedly explained, “Suzhi, please don’t be angry. I did this for your own good. Otherwise, people will constantly come to bother you every few days, and it will distract you.

The provincial exam is coming up soon. Since you don’t want to be annoyed by these matters, why not just use my name for now? That way, people won’t always be scheming to get you!”

Hearing this, Bai Su looked quietly at Chen Tian for a long time. Just as Chen Tian was breaking into a cold sweat, thinking his sweetheart had seen through something, the young man smiled, nodded, and said, “Zichen’s words make sense. This is naturally an excellent method.

Actually, my mother has long wanted me to settle down early. I am ashamed to say that I have been focused entirely on my studies and neglected my personal life. Remaining unmarried at this point is not a solution either; I should put my mother’s mind at ease first.

I just wonder, Zichen, could I ask you for one more favor?”

“Whatever you need, Suzhi, just say the word!” Chen Tian declared heroically.

“This matter is both simple and difficult,” Bai Su smiled and continued, “I wonder if Zichen would be willing to marry me.”

Seeing the shocked expression on Chen Tian’s face, Bai Su quickly explained, “Of course, not a real marriage. I know Zichen is a man, but as you can see, given the current situation, I need to provide an explanation to my family and to outsiders.

You also know my mother’s eyes are bad, and I am unwilling to casually marry someone else; that would only harm both of us.

I was thinking, since Zichen has already publicly declared yourself a woman, the entire village will likely know very soon.

Why not just play along, disguise yourself as a woman, and go through with the wedding ceremony with me? With a real marriage arrangement, not only will it put my mother’s mind at ease, but it will also save us a lot of trouble at home.”

As if worried Chen Tian would refuse, Bai Su deliberately lowered his eyelashes, putting on a dejected look. “I know Zichen is a man, and asking you to do this is truly putting you in a difficult position. I really have no other choice.

If Zichen feels it is truly too inconvenient, then let’s just for—”

“I accept!”

Before Bai Su could even finish, Chen Tian immediately agreed. He had claimed to be a woman in men’s clothing purely to tie himself to Bai Su. He thought he would only be able to claim a temporary title, never expecting his lover to give him an even bigger surprise. He naturally accepted with overwhelming joy.

As for outsiders viewing him as a woman getting married—being able to be with the person he loved made this tiny sacrifice nothing at all.

Not expecting the other party to agree so easily, Bai Su was momentarily stunned, but then a brilliant smile blossomed on his face.

During dinner, they discussed the wedding arrangements with Mother Bai.

As for the news of Chen Tian being a woman in men’s clothing, it truly spread from one person to ten, and ten to a hundred. Within just two or three days, everyone in Li Family Village knew.

Many unmarried men who had seen Chen Tian’s face deeply regretted it. Had they known this person was a woman, they would have shown their goodwill early on and not delayed until now!

But upon realizing that her marriage partner was Scholar Bai, they could only bury their thoughts. After all, in this entire Li Family Village, who besides Scholar Bai could possibly be worthy of that peerless beauty!

_

Author’s Note:

Xiao Bai & Chen Tian: Getting a wife, so happy!