Transmigrated into a Historical GL Novel as the Scumbag Heroine - Chapter 29

The Shen Residence

When Father Shen received the servant’s report, he couldn’t hold back and smashed his teacup.

“That Lu—he’s just a lowly county magistrate! How dare he treat my son like this? We were generous to him in the past, and now he thinks he’s someone important?”

Old Master Shen, seated nearby, spoke in a deep, cold tone:

“Our family ended up in this situation because you and your brother failed to live up to expectations. If either of you had entered officialdom, that Lu fellow wouldn’t dare treat my grandson Yanding this way.”

The Shen family had a long history of scholarly prestige and government service. Old Master Shen himself had once served as Vice Minister of Rites. But sadly, his two sons had failed to pass the imperial exams

year after year. By their generation, the Shen family’s path to power had ended.

The old man had once believed he would never again see the Shen family regain its former glory—until his eldest grandson, Shen Yanding, gave him hope.

This grandson was not only intelligent from a young age but also deeply devoted to his studies. At just eighteen years old, he was already a famed jieyuan—the top scorer in the provincial exams. Next spring, he was expected to pass the juren exams with ease.

So, no matter the cost, Shen Yanding’s official status must be protected.

Old Master Shen had even considered writing letters to his former colleagues in the bureaucracy. But most of them had either retired or passed away, and expecting favors from their descendants was wishful thinking.

Unexpectedly, a new possibility had emerged—according to his grandson’s hint, the key to resolving this crisis might lie with Lu Jiaojiao?

The Shen family swiftly sent someone to the provincial capital to find her.

________________________________________

The Cheng Residence

Qiu Luo hadn’t returned to Qiu Family Village. Instead, she was temporarily staying at the Cheng residence.

One reason was to continue researching how to creatively market the seedless watermelons.

The other, of course, was to enjoy the unfolding drama.

After all, the villainous female side character’s father had just thrown the male lead into jail. The setup alone was thrilling—she wasn’t going to miss the aftermath.

It was a bitter, wintry day. The wind howled outside, and snow blew fiercely.

Inside, the room was warmed by a brazier. Though not quite spring-like, the temperature was comfortable enough to forget the chill.

With no reliable information channels in the county and curiosity gnawing at her, Qiu Luo couldn’t resist seeking gossip. She headed straight to the study to find Cheng Yu.

“Hey, Cheng Yu—any news about, you know… that thing?”

“What thing?”

“The watermelon thieves, of course!”

Cheng Yu glanced outside and replied gently, “It’s the third day now. I’ve heard that Lu Jiaojiao has returned to the Lu household today. Most likely, this will all be resolved as a misunderstanding. Shen Yanding should be released by tonight at the latest.”

Shen Yanding had been locked up for three days. During this time, Cheng Yu had someone monitor the Shen household’s movements. After they dispatched someone to the provincial capital, they stopped making other moves and appeared to be calmly waiting.

That’s when Cheng Yu guessed who the key player might be. Back when Shen Yanding used to orbit her constantly, there was always another gaze trailing after him—that of Lu Jiaojiao.

Magistrate Lu had only one daughter, and he doted on her excessively. If she said a single word, he would never continue making things difficult for Shen Yanding.

Qiu Luo understood this as well, and couldn’t help sighing in disappointment.

“Well, that’s boring.”

All thunder, no rain. The drama wasn’t as juicy as she had hoped.

Cheng Yu lowered her gaze. Her long lashes fluttered slightly as she spoke quietly:

“In the future, be more cautious. Shen Yanding is not a man of integrity.”

Time reveals all. She had already sensed that Shen Yanding was vengeful and ruthless, not one to forgive or forget. While he wasn’t exactly despicable, he certainly wasn’t virtuous.

As the saying goes, Better to offend a nobleman than a petty one. Offending Shen Yanding was a necessary move—but from now on, they’d have to be vigilant.

Qiu Luo raised an eyebrow. The heroine just said the male lead isn’t a gentleman…

She thought back to the original novel. The male lead had always been described as ruthless and calculating, repaying grudges with interest. But come to think of it—there was never any mention of him being kind or honorable.

Strangely, there was also no mention of him repaying kindness…

Seeing Qiu Luo fall silent, lost in thought, Cheng Yu lightly pressed her lips together and added gently,

“But there’s no need to be afraid. As long as we walk the right path, we have nothing to fear from him.”

It was meant to be comforting—but the words stirred something in Qiu Luo’s heart.

In that moment, the distance that had once opened between them seemed to draw ever so slightly closer again.

She gazed at Cheng Yu, silently.

If you could find someone in ancient times to walk with for a lifetime in genuine understanding and affection… wouldn’t that be beautiful?

But would the heroine be that person? Should she keep her distance after all?

Qiu Luo didn’t know the answer.

—

Cheng Yu continued calmly recording accounts, her fingers deftly moving the abacus beads. The soft clacking of wood echoed through the study.

Qiu Luo simply watched her in silence, not wanting to interrupt her concentration.

Eventually, Cheng Yu closed the account book and put away the abacus.

Sensing the time was right, Qiu Luo finally spoke.

“Cheng Yu… about what I said the other day, I think you misunderstood.”

Cheng Yu looked at her coolly, waiting for her to continue.

Qiu Luo steadied herself and explained,“I didn’t mean that I didn’t want to start something with you. I just didn’t want to start in confusion. Even if our first time was muddled and unplanned… now, I want our relationship to be clear. Basically… I hope

we’re together because we truly like each other—not because of curiosity or a moment of impulse.”

She looked at Cheng Yu with hopeful eyes. This time, I said it clearly, right?

And only now did she realize—she did have feelings for Cheng Yu. She did want to be with her.

That kind of honest, sincere relationship—not a transaction, not driven by plot or identity.

Just… love.

Cheng Yu didn’t speak for a long time. Her eyes flickered with unreadable emotion.

That night, she had believed it to be a mutual moment of passion, and that perhaps Qiu Luo had feelings for her too. For the first time in her life, she had taken the initiative emotionally—only to be rejected.

Qiu Luo had said: It’s too soon.

And now she was saying: She didn’t want to be impulsive… or unclear…

Cheng Yu understood the intention behind Qiu Luo’s words, but she still felt a wave of shame and frustration rise in her chest.

She had always been composed, principled—when had she ever acted on impulse?

Maybe… just once. When she had let her heart lead the way.

She thought of the Mid-Autumn night, of the moments that followed. Finally, she replied, her tone complex:

“Sorry.”

Qiu Luo was stunned. Sorry? What kind of response is that?

Why apologize? What’s happening here?

Unsure what to make of it, Qiu Luo coughed lightly and said,

“Um… there’s no need to apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong. I was just overthinking it.”

Cheng Yu lowered her eyes and said quietly,

“No, I was the one who overthought it. It won’t happen again.”

Qiu Luo: ?!!

?!??!?

What the hell? Why did it feel like things had gone completely the wrong way?

She felt as if she’d accidentally pushed Cheng Yu even further away.

In a moment of panic, Qiu Luo rushed to patch things up.

“Wait! Cheng Yu, that’s not what I meant—please, just listen to me!”

Cheng Yu looked at her silently, saying nothing.