As for Xiao Cheng, he was darker than before and more robust in build. A T-shirt subtly outlined his muscular lines, his chest muscles were firm, and he appeared increasingly handsome and resolute, exuding a strong sense of masculinity.
Meng Jingwei, holding Qing Muyue's hand, walked forward slowly.
The four stood facing each other.
Before Meng Jingwei could speak, Antina stepped forward, extending her hand in a friendly gesture, "Meng Jingwei, it's good to see you again."
The sudden warmth made Meng Jingwei a little uncomfortable.
Out of politeness, she reached out and shook Antina's hand.
"In the past, I was arrogant and willful, and I did many things that hurt you. Here, I apologize to you. I'm sorry, and I hope you can forgive me."
Her bright blue eyes sparkled as she spoke, bowing ninety degrees. Her movements were a bit slow due to her gradually protruding pregnancy.
An apology?
Meng Jingwei felt as if the sun had risen in the west. Flustered, she instinctively glanced at Xiao Cheng.
Xiao Cheng shrugged helplessly, saying nothing.
"I know you're surprised, but to be honest..." Antina looked back at Xiao Cheng beside her and grasped her hand.
When Antina's hand touched Xiao Cheng's, Xiao Cheng's gaze immediately fell on Meng Jingwei, his eyes filled with undisguised panic, helplessness, and resistance.
Antina tightly held his hand, giving him no chance to retreat.
She said again, "I really like Xiao Cheng. It was because Xiao Cheng had you in his heart that I developed hatred from love. But after experiencing so much, I realized that I shouldn't be at odds with you, because you were never involved in our relationship. Only if I get along peacefully and friendly with you will Xiao Cheng and I have a future."
Her words were sincere and heartfelt, bringing all her hidden emotions into the open, so direct that she seemed to feel no awkwardness.
The people of Country C were naturally straightforward, unlike the people in our country who spoke circuitously.
Antina's frankness at this moment made Xiao Cheng, standing beside her, inexplicably awkward and uncomfortable.
Especially when Qing Muyue looked at him, he clearly felt the sensation of being under a spotlight and sitting on pins and needles.
The directness of foreigners was truly toe-curlingly embarrassing.
At least at this moment, Xiao Cheng really wanted to find a hole to drill into and hide.
"Uh..." Meng Jingwei was so stunned by Antina's move that her mind went blank for a good while. It took her several seconds to snap back to reality, "It's good to bury the hatchet. I sincerely wish you both well."
Xiao Cheng said in a timely manner, "My telling you about the situation in advance was also Antina's idea."
"Wouldn't that be going against her father?" Qing Muyue's words seemed to be a reminder.
Antina clasped Xiao Cheng's right hand, her attitude more sincere and friendly than ever, "Since you and Meng Jingwei dare to come to Antina Castle today, you must have a solution. Isn't that right?"
Qing Muyue glanced at Antina, then his gaze settled on Xiao Cheng, teasing, "Indeed, your charm hasn't diminished over the years."
He couldn't help but recall the saying, "Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it." The current situation was, "Water can capsize a boat, but it can also carry it."
"Meng Jingwei, don't worry. As long as I, Antina, am here today, I will ensure you leave the castle safely. This can also be considered..." She smiled, her smile tinged with guilt, "My atonement to you."
Accustomed to the hypocrisy and malice of wolves, the sudden closeness made Meng Jingwei unable to adapt.
After so many confrontations and life-and-death struggles, Antina was surprisingly starting to protect her, leaving Meng Jingwei unsure how to respond.
"Oh, right. Old Mrs. Qing and Qiao Ziqian are with me, and they are being taken care of well. Don't worry," Antina added.