I could only turn and leave.
"William!" I heard Lina call my name again. When I turned back to look at her, her eyes were sorrowful. "Do you still hate me? Can't we even be friends anymore?"
I gave a bitter smile and shook my head. "Forget it. It's hard for people in a relationship to stay friends. Besides, we didn't even break up on good terms, so being friends would be awkward. Just take care of yourself."
"What's so awkward about it? Didn't we get along fine just now?" She was so persistent that I didn't want to say anything harsh. Especially after seeing her change, kindness, and love for the puppy, I felt reluctant to say anything bad.
I decided to self-deprecate instead. "A loser like me being friends with a beautiful woman like you would only make me feel inferior. People would mock me. You should find a rich heir to be friends with."
"William!" Her voice wavered, full of hurt.
"Are you mocking me? I know your family isn't rich, and you like to pretend that you are, but now I understand why you do it."
I was stunned and genuinely curious. "Why do you think I pretend?"
"In this world, wealthy heirs certainly have more advantages. Even with a bad character, many still chase after them because of their money. But someone like you, despite being good-hearted and kind, will still be looked down upon."
Lina lowered her head, her eyes filled with guilt.
"In the past, I was one of those who looked down on you, but I was wrong. I won't do that anymore. I've realized my mistake. Whether someone's a rich heir or not, it's all just appearances.
"Those people don't even treat ordinary people like us as humans. They'll treat me like a dog even if I force my way into their circle. So, I'd rather be myself, live an ordinary life, marry an ordinary man, and live a happy, normal life.
"I won't look down on you for being poor. I'm poor, too, but I'm willing to work hard and build my own future with my own hands. Give me a chance. Let's just be friends, okay?"
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