The Fierce Farm Girl Has A Secret Space Chapter 2397: Being Friends (1)

Guan Qingshu rose first, offering his congratulations to Xinxin. A complex mix of emotions washed over him as his gaze drifted to her belly.

"Thank you," Yang Ruxin replied with a nod, inviting him to take a seat. She then gestured towards the teapot on the table. "I prepared this medicinal tea myself. This particular blend is for cleansing the liver and enhancing vision. I noticed your eyes are somewhat red; your liver fire must be quite intense lately, wouldn't you say?"

Guan Qingshu offered a wry smile, taking a couple of sips of the tea. Wasn't his liver fire indeed ablaze? That sister of his had nearly driven him to his wit's end; he never could have imagined she would be so obstinate and unreasonable.

Gu Yao also stood up, announcing, "Sis, I’m going to the restroom."

Yang Ruxin acknowledged with a nod, allowing them the privacy for their conversation. However, she remained silent, instead taking a few sips of plain water. Ever since she had become pregnant, she had consistently been drinking warm boiled water, prepared using well water from her space.

"Xinxin," Guan Qingshu began, setting down his teacup and meeting Yang Ruxin's gaze. "I'll be heading to Prefectural City tomorrow, and then on to Beijing. I fear I won't be present for your baby's birth."

"Then I wish you a brilliant future," Yang Ruxin responded sincerely. While she didn't particularly care for this young man, he was Yang Dani's one true love. Thus, as long as he didn't act foolishly towards her, she was amenable to maintaining a friendship.

"Xinxin, you must know, the reason I strove so diligently at first was to distinguish myself. Later, it evolved into a desire to be worthy of you," Guan Qingshu confessed with a bitter smile. "Saying these words now might sound rather pretentious and distasteful, yet I feel if I don’t voice them, there might never be another opportunity."

Yang Ruxin simply nodded. "I understand."

"In the past..." Guan Qingshu's voice trailed off as he recalled bygone days, a palpable weight and ache settling in his heart. "In the past, I was utterly blind. I… I realize there’s no possibility between us anymore. I’m not pursuing any fanciful notions, but what I truly wish to convey is that I sincerely don’t want us to become strangers. Can we remain friends in the future?"

"If I didn't consider you a friend, would you even have the opportunity to be sitting here, conversing with me right now?" Yang Ruxin countered with a faint smile directed at Guan Qingshu. "To be perfectly honest, you are academically inclined. If you find the correct path, your future could be boundless. I simply hope you won't be blinded by prosperity at any point."

"I understand. Thank you," Guan Qingshu replied, a slight sniffle escaping him. "Thank you for your past kindness, and thank you for forgiving me now." He recognized, deep down, that her forgiveness stemmed precisely from his lack of significance in her heart.

"I accept your gratitude."

"Furthermore, I wish to apologize on my sister's behalf, hoping…"

"I do not accept it," Yang Ruxin interrupted Guan Qingshu directly, waving a dismissive hand. "You are you, and your sister is your sister. I can accept you as a friend, but I will not extend that courtesy to your sister." After a brief pause, she continued, "Let me be clear: if your sister refrains from provoking me in the future, I shall regard her as a stranger. However, should she insist on being difficult, harbor inexplicable resentment, or seek retribution against me or those I hold dear, then I regret to say I will show no mercy, regardless of our connection."

Guan Qingshu's face flushed instantly. "I am still selfish."

"It's human nature. However, you are an intelligent individual, and I believe you grasp the situation."

"Very well," Guan Qingshu conceded. He closed his eyes for a moment, then reopened them with newfound clarity, offering a smile of agreement.