student asking question

What does "no" mean here? Why did she say that even she's agreeing with the question?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

First, it is important to note that she isn't agreeing with the question. The question is "Can a girl/boy friendship work?" This does not offer an opinion for her to agree or disagree with, rather the question is asking for her own opinion independent of any other thoughts. "No" here instead seems to be in reaction to her costar, who is joking saying "no" in answer to the question. She is disagreeing with him because she thinks differently. Even though he says that he's joking. Ex: A: Is the weather nice today? B: No, it's horrible. C: No, I think the weather is lovely today.

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