Gu’er didn’t pay it any mind. She was in an excellent mood: Liu Yuan wasn’t going to die, the factory casualties had been minimal, and she was about to open a private shopping center with Li Zhi and the others. It was ti to really show what they could do. Gu’er was so full of drive that she had no ti to sweat the small stuff.
Two days later, Gu’er and the others set out for the Soviet Union again. She knew securing the contract wouldn’t happen in a day or two. The city still had to review the application, and it might not even be approved by the ti she returned. So, she left without any worries.
After getting off the train, they first went to their lodgings to drop off their things. Then, they went to see Marina.
"Oh, Lin, what took you so long? I’ve been waiting for you! What wonderful things did you bring this ti?"
Marina was incredibly warm and welcoming the mont she saw Gu’er.
"Sothing ca up back ho that delayed . But look, I guarantee you’ll love what I brought you this ti."
Gu’er took out the gift she had brought.
Sure enough, Marina loved it and kept asking Gu’er how to use it.
Gu’er was now able to communicate with Marina, so she explained how to use it.
"Lin, China is simply incredible! You have so many wonderful things. I have to go visit for myself soday."
Marina was very drawn to the idea of visiting China.
"You’re always welco! Whenever you decide to go, I’ll be your guide. I’ll help you buy everything you like and take you to try all of our delicious food."
"That would be amazing! Oh, Lin, you’re the best!"
Marina gave Gu’er a hug.
"Sigh."
After talking with Marina for a little while, Gu’er let out a soft sigh.
"Oh, Lin, what is it? What’s wrong?"
Marina asked with concern. She felt that she and Gu’er were friends now. If a friend was sighing, sothing must be wrong, and she wanted to show she cared.
"I’m afraid I won’t be able to co to the Soviet Union much longer, maybe just a few more tis. We won’t be able to see each other as often. But it’s alright. Whenever you co to China, I’ll be your host."
Gu’er offered a forced smile.
"Oh, Lin, it makes so sad to see you like this. Why won’t you be able to co anymore? Are you getting married? Is he not letting you travel? Do you want to talk to him? I really don’t want to lose a friend like you."
Marina asked, holding Gu’er’s hand.
Gu’er looked into her eyes. Marina’s gaze was so pure, full of concern for a friend. In that instant, Gu’er’s heart ached. She could see that Marina genuinely considered her a friend, yet she had approached her with an ulterior motive, using her. ’When did I beco this kind of person?’
’But if I confess to Marina, she might get angry, and then I won’t achieve my goal. And it’s not just about . I’m also representing Sun Jiaming, Li Zhi, and Dingzi. Their interests are on the line, too.’
"It’s nothing... It’s not that he won’t let travel."
Gu’er shook her head. This ti, her strained smile was genuine, not an act.
"Lin, can you tell what’s wrong? I want to help you."
Marina didn’t let go of Gu’er’s hand, her voice full of sincerity.
Gu’er’s heart ached even more. ’Marina is being so sincere. Every ti I visit, she and her sister are so happy to see . I bring them a few small things, but they’ve given so much more. They treat to als and confide in . The two sisters don’t have many friends. Their mother passed away two years ago, and their father never remarried. He’s a busy man and rarely ho, so the two of them get very lonely sotis.’
’She’s treating with such sincerity; how can I be so cruel as to deceive her?’
’Even with Li Zhi and the others’ interests at stake... they would support my decision if they knew how I felt, right? Because they’re the sa kind of people I am. We shouldn’t build our success on a foundation of lies. Even if we got a good stall, no matter how much money we made, I would never be at peace when I rembered Marina’s trusting eyes.’
"Marina, I’m sorry."
Gu’er apologized to Marina. She truly couldn’t face Marina’s innocent gaze.
"Oh, Lin, what’s the matter? Why are you apologizing?"
Marina asked, confused.
"Marina, the truth is... the first ti we t, I hadn’t really lost my eyeshadow. I did it to get your attention. A new street is opening up here for rchants like us, but we don’t know anyone and couldn’t get a good stall. I felt I had no other choice. I found out your father is a Senior Inspector, so we sought you out, hoping to get an introduction to him through you to secure a better stall. Marina, I’m so sorry. My motives were wrong. You’re so pure and kind. Over these past few weeks, I’ve truly co to see you as a friend, which is why I can’t deceive you any longer. Marina, friends shouldn’t lie to or use each other. I don’t deserve to be your friend."
Gu’er’s eyes were slightly red, but she looked straight at Marina, her expression utterly serious. She couldn’t bring herself to deceive this girl. If they couldn’t get a good stall, they would just have to work harder. It wasn’t as if they couldn’t make any money at all. But to use Marina like this... her conscience wouldn’t allow it.
"Oh, Lin."
Marina listened intently. She wasn’t angry, nor did she let go of Gu’er’s hand.
"I’m so glad you told this, Lin. Really. I already think of you as a friend. The fact that you’re telling this proves that you think of as a friend, too. I’m so happy that you could be honest with . Lin, don’t you dare say you won’t be my friend anymore. When I go to China, you still have to be my guide, take to eat all that delicious food, and help buy things I like! If you’re not my friend, who else will I ask?"
As she finished, Marina even smiled at Gu’er. In truth, she wasn’t naive. She hadn’t been completely oblivious to Gu’er’s motives. She knew perfectly well how many people were trying to get to her father because of the new street. Gu’er showing up at this particular ti was telling. But she liked Gu’er. She could tell Gu’er wasn’t a bad person, which was why she’d wanted to be her friend. The fact that Gu’er was confessing everything today only proved that she was kind-hearted and a person of integrity—soone who valued their friendship more than a market stall. This made Marina truly happy.
"Marina, you don’t bla ? You’re still willing to be my friend?"
Gu’er was completely taken aback. She never expected Marina to react this way.
"Of course, Lin! We’re not just friends. I’ll even talk to my father for you and see if I can help you get a good stall. But, Lin, a lot of people are asking him for favors, so I don’t know if he’ll agree."
Marina couldn’t make any guarantees.
"Thank you, Marina. Whether it works out or not, I’m grateful."
Gu’er was deeply moved by Marina in that mont. ’What a wonderful person she is.’
"Lin, isn’t helping a friend what you’re supposed to do? When my friends are happy, I’m happy too."
Marina bead at Gu’er.
Gu’er squeezed Marina’s hand. Their eyes t, both filled with sincerity. In that instant, a true connection ford between them, forging a friendship that would last a lifeti.
——————————
Thank you to Tian Gongnan for the peace charm and monthly tickets, thank you to Storm Blackhole for the monthly tickets, and thank you all for your support. I’ll be returning to two Chapters a day, and will add more bonus Chapters in a few days.
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