Shi Chun said rather helplessly, "Miss Mulan, you're in the bloom of youth, pure as snow and jade. This really isn't a good excuse. It'll tarnish your reputation."
It wasn't that he had such firm principles. Anything else was negotiable, but he genuinely couldn't accept this. He feared word that he had a fiancée would spread and reach the woman he loved.
Besides, he didn't want to ruin her reputation. He had asked around about how things worked outside. Ordinary fighting and killing were one thing, but certain things were best avoided. Especially with disciples of renowned, powerful sects, carelessly stirring up romantic scandals could get people killed.
He wanted no part in something that left him with the stink of meat without getting a bite.
Xiang Lan'er felt exhausted playing this gloomy, joyless role. She had pressed her lips together until they were almost invisible and turned to look into the darkness beside her. She really couldn't bear to watch Shi Chun's reactions any longer, afraid she would burst out laughing.
Mulan Qingqing said, "Since you care so much about my reputation, let's call the whole thing off. Release the people you ought to release, and I guarantee the Suyuan Sect won't settle scores afterward."
Shi Chun thought, I'd have to be possessed to believe you. You're ruthless enough to sacrifice yourself for your sect's reputation. Of course I have to be on guard.
He didn't take that bait, sticking to the matter at hand. "How about this? You don't have to say you're assigning them to me. Just split them off to one side, and I'll handle the rest myself."
Mulan Qingqing said, "If I don't explicitly assign them to you, there'll be a great deal of trouble. How are we supposed to publicly carry out our wager?