The Fierce Farm Girl Has A Secret Space

"Xinxin, do we really have to be so distant from each other?" Guan Qingshu sighed, his face somewhat embarrassed. Thinking of that extraordinary man, he felt ashamed. If the man were to participate in the examinations, this title of Jieyuan would never have been his.

Of course, Guan Qingshu still wasn't fully aware of Gu Qingheng's true identity. He certainly didn't know that the man had already won the title of Jieyuan at the age of twelve. If he did know, he would undoubtedly feel even more humiliated.

"Then do you think we have any reason to be close?" Yang Ruxin merely smiled. "Don't forget, I am a married woman. Words like these from Lord Jieyuan can easily bring trouble upon me..." With that, she turned and walked away.

"Xinxin..." Guan Qingshu hurriedly stepped forward, blocking her path.

In truth, he had figured it all out a long time ago. Ever since he pushed her into the riverbank and caused her to fall unconscious, he had already lost this girl in his eyes, even if what happened back then was unintentional.

But in all the time that had passed since then, through witnessing the cold realities of life, he had gradually come to realize that his unwillingness regarding this girl was nothing more than his pride at work. The harm he had inflicted upon her couldn't simply be mended with a single "I'm sorry."

Thus, he knew he wasn't worthy of her.

Yet, even after coming to terms with it, what could be done? He still couldn't let her go, and he found himself increasingly drawn to her.

These past days, he had been occupied visiting and expressing gratitude to his mentors, and calling on friends. It was only now that he finally had some free time. But once he was idle, he discovered that the person he thought about most was this girl.

Next spring, he would be heading to Beijing. Thanks to his mentor's recommendation, he would be studying at the Imperial College. By then, seeing her would likely become difficult. He truly had so much he wanted to say to her.

But she didn't seem to want to speak to him at all, which made him feel deeply unsettled.

"Guan Qingshu, don't think that just because you're now a Juren, I wouldn't dare beat you up!" Yang Ruxin's eyes narrowed slightly. "Can you act like a man? If you gave up back then, then be a bit more decisive now. Stop dragging things out every day—aren't you annoying?"

Guan Qingshu was taken aback, staring at her in a dazed manner.

Yang Ruxin rolled her eyes, then turned and walked away.

However, Guan Qingshu quickly regained himself and hurried to follow her.

Yang Ruxin sighed and stopped, turning around. "What exactly do you want?"

"I just... want to talk to you." Guan Qingshu let out a bitter smile. "Xinxin, next year I'll be heading to Beijing. Who knows how long it will be before we meet again. So..."

"Yang Ruxin, you shameless woman..." At this moment, a sharp voice rang out. Someone rushed over and hurled themselves at Yang Ruxin. "Let me tell you, my son is a Juren now. Let me tell you—he didn't want you before, and now he'll certainly never want you..."

Yang Ruxin cast a mocking glance at Guan Qingshu, then turned to leave, deftly avoiding Guan Tongshi's headlong charge.

Guan Qingshu could feel his cheeks burning with shame.

Guan Tongshi missed her mark, nearly losing her balance and taking a tumble herself. Her fury only grew. But just as she was about to continue shouting, her son's hand suddenly gripped her arm firmly.

"Qingshu, you..."

"If you still see me as your son, then go back home." Guan Qingshu's expression was grim. "But if you no longer want me as your son, then go ahead and make a scene." With that, he let go of her arm and turned to walk away.