Question about how you handle these and also things to keep in mind for future scenarios.

So this solid 10 I was talking to for a while acted super high interest for a few days after we moved from hinge to the number and asked me for a picture after I told her I got a haircut and then was debating shaving my beard. She didn’t answer and 4 days later just texted back: “Hiii I feel terrible im just now seeing this but I hope you kept the facial hair. I also hope you don’t hate me for the absence.” What do you guys think of this? She seems genuine and I know she works but what would you guys respond. The “redpill” in me wants to not answer or leave her on read but I don’t want to be close minded and miss out on the chance for the potential hangout and lay. I have several other girls atm wanting to make plans which is why I don’t care as much about not answering and dealing with a girl that took so long to get back to me. so what would you experienced guys do in this position? Am I just being too “redpill” by thinking of not replying? Or should i text back with somethin more serious by basically seeing if she actually wants to hangout? What would you guys text back and also some advice for a younger guy with less experience with women acting low interest/busy. Im less concerned about this situation and more wondering about this for future reference because I normally don’t have issues but my friends say it happens a lot with more attractive women. Thanks guys.