The transport team left, days continued to slide forward, and the weather turned increasingly cold.
By the latter part of the month, someone from the Fang Family arrived—it was Liuyun, bringing news. After returning, Yuan Mengzhu had selected an auspicious date, declaring that the 26th of the month was a good day. Thus, it was settled that this would be the day for acknowledging god relatives. In addition, four sets of brand-new dresses and two sets of headdresses, one embedded with rubies and the other with pearls, both quite expensive, were sent over.
Yang Ruxin wasn’t pretentious; she returned two large packs of medicinal tea and then declined the offer to be picked up, stating that she would head there early herself.
Liuyun didn’t dwell on it; receiving the message, she immediately returned.
No sooner had Liuyun left than Guan Qingyue arrived.
"Sister Xinxin." Guan Qingyue’s complexion was still somewhat pale from the previous injury, though she had recovered, but her eyes seemed much purer now, no longer carrying that haughty air of before.
"Qingyue, come in and sit down," Yang Ruxin smiled, "Are you feeling better?"
"It’s nothing serious now." Guan Qingyue touched the scar on her wrist, gave a faint smile, and then entered the room.
Although Gu Yao wasn’t there, with the wealthy patriarch and Liang Zi helping out, Erni and Sanni managed just fine. Xun Hui would sometimes visit, but since the new house was ready and there were some needlework to be done, she recently stayed at home more often. Seeing Guan Qingyue come over, she was a bit surprised, but she didn’t say much and after greeting her, she went next door with her basket.
"Take a seat," Yang Ruxin gestured and poured her a cup of hot tea.
"Sister Xinxin, I’ve been thinking about what you said these past few days." Guan Qingyue looked a bit embarrassed, "I think you’re right..."
Yang Ruxin didn’t speak, just listening quietly.
"You are capable, I..." Guan Qingyue bit her lip, "I want to work with you."
A glint flashed in Yang Ruxin’s eyes: "I do need people, but do your family members agree?"
"They..." Guan Qingyue let out a slight sigh, "I will persuade them."
"Alright then." Yang Ruxin nodded, "Come look for me again once you’ve convinced them. The thing I dread most is trouble."
"I understand." Guan Qingyue exhaled, "Thank you for giving me this opportunity, but I have to ask, after how I treated you in the past, why are you still willing to save and help me?"
"Because you were just a little prideful, not inherently bad. Back then, I kept bothering your brother, and he was so annoyed. If I were in his place, I wouldn’t have been happy either." Yang Ruxin smiled, "You never really hurt me. So, unlike Tong Lingling, I am willing to give you a chance. Whether you can seize it is up to you."
"My cousin..."
"She once wanted to destroy me." Yang Ruxin’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Guan Qingyue opened her mouth but ultimately let out a sigh. After a moment of silence, she looked at Yang Ruxin again, "Sister Xinxin, may I ask you a question?"
Yang Ruxin nodded.
"Is there really no chance between you and my brother?" Guan Qingyue asked tentatively.
Yang Ruxin shook her head: "No, there isn’t."
"But..."
"No buts," Yang Ruxin interrupted what the other was about to say with a wave of her hand, "What’s missed is missed. Not everyone waits in the same place forever... do you understand?"