CHAPTER 29

Qin Yinong walked along the red carpet, and the whispers among the students along the way abruptly disappeared. Everyone subconsciously held their breath.

The entire world seemed to have been muted, and the crowd went from restlessness to silence, but it only lasted for just a couple of seconds.

In Tang Ruoyao's eyes, Qin Yinong's movements played out in slow motion, frame by frame, stretching time infinitely. From her dazzling features to her slender neck, the cascading long curls down her waist, the slender waistline, and the glimpses of allure hidden within the deep V-neck red dress, everything was etched into Tang Ruoyao's heart.

Not long ago, Tang Ruoyao had intimately experienced every inch of her, every bit of her skin, every strand of her hair, which had intoxicated her and led her to sink into a state of bliss.

As Qin Yinong approached her, the air carried faint traces of the opium fragrance, gradually transitioning to the middle notes of jasmine mixed with orange blossom, intertwined with the scent of coffee, sweet and intense.

This unfamiliar and rich aroma slightly awakened Tang Ruoyao's senses. Unlike the other excited and nervous students who openly admired the scene, Tang Ruoyao swiftly adjusted her emotions. Her gaze remained calm and uneventful as she silently watched Qin Yinong's figure enter the auditorium.

Qin Yinong neither glanced sideways nor made eye contact with her..

The crowd became noisy again, with everyone walking and whispering to each other, discussing their impressions of seeing Qin Yinong in person. The other three members of Room 405 were also seeing Qin Yinong for the first time, and their enthusiasm for discussion was equally high.

"Just seeing her profile from a distance, I already thought she was a super beauty. But facing her face up close, I was literally breathless! What kind of exquisite beauty is this? No wonder so many people are infatuated with her. A beauty like her is meant to be admired by all! If I had the chance, I would even pay to be with her!" Wen Shuxian covered her chest and squealed softly.

"Her legs are so long, almost like Tang Tang's." Cui Jiaran bit her lip, her excitement still evident in her eyes.

"Online sources say Qin Yinong is 172 cm tall, not much taller than Tang Tang. It's probably that her legs are longer." said one of them.

"Online heights are usually exaggerated, and the actual height tends to be shorter. I estimate that she's about the same height as Tang Tang. She wears such high heels, which visually elongate her legs." another member chimed in.

"Her chest is so big." Wen Shuxian swallowed and glanced around, lowering her already soft voice even further. "Did you  guys notice? I couldn't help but sneak a few glances."

Cui Jiaran nodded vigorously. "I saw it too! It's huge!"

Wen Shuxian felt relieved. "Well, at least I'm not the only perverted one."

Cui Jiaran replied, "Who doesn't like beautiful girls with big chests, slim waists, and long legs?"

Wen Shuxian laughed. "Hahaha."

Fu Yujun glanced at Tang Ruoyao, who seemed absent-minded and probably hadn't heard what they were talking about. She decided to prevent her two roommates from going too far on the edge of madness and urged them, "Stop chatting outside. It's crowded here, focus on walking."

She grabbed Tang Ruoyao's arm, pulling her out of her daze, who looked at her blankly.

"Have you memorized your speech?" Fu Yujun reminded her of the important matter at hand.

Tang Ruoyao took a deep breath and nodded.

Fu Yujun said, "Great, let's go in then."

The school was still the same. What was initially announced as a graduation ceremony starting at 9 o'clock had trickled down to a must-arrive time of 8:30. Tang Ruoyao and her group of outstanding students had to arrive even earlier.

Qin Yinong was stuck in the parking lot for half an hour, so it was now only 8:30, leaving plenty of time for the media to interview her.

The media invited into the venue were not as crazy as the those outside. Qin Yinong had Guan Han tidy her up a bit before going to the designated interview area in the auditorium to be interviewed.

Although it was called an interview area, it was actually a relatively spacious section of the auditorium. Behind Qin Yinong was a banner put up by the school, displaying the words "2018 Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony."

The media interviewing Qin Yinong had become accustomed to the situation. They couldn't swarm her like they would with other celebrities. Otherwise, the stern-faced black-suited  bodyguards would step in and enforce distance.

Overall, the interviews were conducted in an orderly manner, one by one, following a sequence of questions. Qin Yinong maintained a poised smile, answering what she could and deflecting the ones she couldn't.

A reporter raised their hand, and Qin Yinong nodded towards them, indicating they could ask their question.

The reporter had a pleased smile on their face and asked, "Is Qin Yinong going to personally present the diploma to the representative of the outstanding graduates this time?"

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow and replied, "Yes."

The reporter continued, "Do you know if the representative of this year's graduates is Tang Ruoyao?"

She truly had no idea about this. The reporter seemed to be more well-informed than her.

Qin Yinong's heart skipped a beat, but she remained composed, maintaining her graceful and charming smile. She lightly opened her red lips and said, "I don't know. I came here as a mascot, and the principal didn't mention it to me."

Principal Sun had anticipated that Qin Yinong wouldn't be interested in such matters. After inviting her, he didn't bring up this topic further and only informed her of the date and the time he expected her to arrive.

The reporter continued to ask, "A month ago, Tang Ruoyao won the Golden Laurel Award for Best Actress. There are rumors online that she will be your successor. What are your thoughts on this?"

Qin Yinong raised her lips and said, "I don't think much of it."

She evaded the question, and the reporter's expression subtly paused. They asked the final question, "What is your impression of Tang Ruoyao?"

Qin Yinong made an "oh" sound, her expression unchanged. She blinked and smiled like a fox, saying, "Not familiar."

She lifted her chin slightly and said, "Next question."

.....

Tang Ruoyao, who was "not familiar" to Qin Yinong, sat in a seat near the front of the auditorium. From her perspective, all she could see was a sea of reporters' heads, and she couldn't even spot a single strand of Qin Yinong's hair, as she was completely surrounded.

She composed herself and mentally reviewed the content of her upcoming speech.

Her three roommates had nothing to do. Wen Shuxian and Cui Jiaran were playing a mobile game together, while Fu Yujun held her bag with one arm and habitually looked around, turning her neck in all directions to observe people.

A tall middle-aged man caught her eye. The color of their principal's attire was eye-catching. Fu Yujun lightly tapped Tang Ruoyao's arm and whispered, "The principal is here."

Tang Ruoyao followed her gaze, and indeed, the principal and a group of faculty members dressed in academic gowns were making their way over with grandeur and magnificence.

If the jovial and playful students wearing their graduation gowns throughout the hall hadn't yet created a sense of graduation atmosphere, the solemn team of school leaders, dressed uniformly, brought a moment of silence to the entire auditorium, leaving the students hushed.

Qin Yinong's interview had also ended. She looked around and walked straight towards Tang Ruoyao, accompanied by her low-key assistant, Guan Han.

Tang Ruoyao: "!!!"

Wen Shuxian tightly grabbed Cui Jiaran's arm, unable to contain her excitement. "Ahh! Is she coming over to us? Does she recognize me? Oh, my goodness, I must be dreaming. Please don't wake me up."

Cui Jiaran winced in pain. "Could you please let go of me first?! Ahhh!"

Wen Shuxian replied, "No, I'm afraid of pain."

Cui Jiaran exclaimed indignantly, "Am I not supposed to be afraid of pain?!"

As Qin Yinong approached closer, the two of them dared not make a sound. Their hands remained still, like stone sculptures, firmly planted in their seats.

Tang Ruoyao's expression appeared calm.

Strangely enough, this was not an act she deliberately put on. The more tumultuous her heart felt, the calmer and more serene her outward demeanor became.

Qin Yinong took a seat in the row in front of them. She tilted her head back, slender white fingers slipping behind her ear, gently brushing the long strands of hair on her back. Just from her silhouette and the gesture of playing with her hair, one could imagine countless enchanting scenes.

Tang Ruoyao stared at the porcelain-white nape of her neck, partially hidden by her hair, her gaze deep and seemingly lost in thought, yet also seemingly devoid of any thoughts at all.

After a brief moment, she shifted her gaze away.

The graduation ceremony had not officially begun yet. Principal Sun instructed the person in charge to check the proceedings and approached Qin Yinong for a reunion. When he noticed Tang Ruoyao sitting behind her, he squinted his eyes and greeted, "Xiao Tang?"

Tang Ruoyao stood up and respectfully greeted, "Principal."

Principal Sun said, "It's good that both of you are here. Let me introduce you to each other."

Tang Ruoyao walked out from the second row and took the initiative to approach Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong also stood up politely in response.

Principal Sun looked at Qin Yinong, pointed at Tang Ruoyao, and smiled, "This is the student who will receive her degree from you later. If you have the time, say a few encouraging words."

Qin Yinong smiled and replied, "Of course."

Tang Ruoyao humbly assumed the posture of a junior, slightly bowed, straightened herself, and looked into Qin Yinong's bright eyes. With a composed and respectful tone, she said, "Hello, senior."

"Hello to you too." Qin Yinong placed her hand on Tang Ruoyao's shoulder and smiled. "Impressive younger generation."

The warmth of Qin Yinong's palm transmitted through the thin fabric of Tang Ruoyao's clothes, a sensation that felt both unfamiliar and familiar. It had been a long time since they last met, but the touch of her palm had already left an indelible impression in Tang Ruoyao's heart. Tang Ruoyao stiffened for a moment before forcing herself to relax.

As they locked eyes for the first time, neither of them could discern anything from the calm depths of each other's eyes.

Principal Sun inexplicably sensed a spark in the intersecting gazes.

After their brief encounter, Tang Ruoyao returned to her seat, lightly rubbing her palm against the fabric of her skirt, wiping away the slight perspiration. She took out her phone from her bag and sent a message to Guan Han.

[Is my sister still mad at me?]

Qin Yinong was just within arm's reach.

Tang Ruoyao saw Guan Han lower her head and slide open her phone, then hand the screen over to Qin Yinong. With Qin Yinong's back turned, Tang Ruoyao couldn't see her expression or hear what she said.

Tang Ruoyao anxiously waited.

After a while, a reply came.

Guan Han: [No.]

Tang Ruoyao was overjoyed, but she managed to control the upward curve of her lips. She gently bit her lower lip and replied, [After the graduation ceremony, will my sister have some free time?]

This was a straightforward invitation.

Qin Yinong closed her eyes in anguish.

Guan Han suppressed the urge to revel in schadenfreude. Qin Yinong had been struggling for a month, refraining from receiving any information about Tang Ruoyao. But today, upon seeing her in person, she felt her mental defenses crumbling inch by inch.

Dressed in a neatly pressed bachelor's gown and wearing the standardized bachelor's cap, the black tassel hanging down accentuated her fair and captivating cheeks.

Qin Yinong didn't want to admit that she had a slight uniform fetish, provided that the uniform was worn by Tang Ruoyao.

When Tang Ruoyao stood in front of her, raising those clear amber eyes and delicately parting her thin red lips to greet her with an emotionless voice, "Hello, senior." Qin Yinong's heart pounded heavily.

She wanted to see a hint of shy blush tainting Tang Ruoyao's usually composed face, to hear her icy voice gradually change, to witness her become overwhelmed with emotions, and tightly embracing her neck and calling out to her "Sister" with a trembling voice.

Qin Yinong took a deep breath and opened her eyes.

Guan Han was watching her, waiting for her instructions.

Qin Yinong whispered, "Do I have any upcoming engagements?"

As she asked this question, she didn't know whether she wanted to hear an affirmative or negative answer.

Guan Han replied in a flat tone, "No." In her mind, she elongated the "Oh~" with a rising inflection.

In order to clear her schedule for this day, Guan Han had thoroughly studied Qin Yinong's itinerary before and after, memorizing it inside out.

"In that case..." Qin Yinong tapped her index finger slowly on her knee. "...say that I'm available."

In the past, it had always been like this. Now, deliberately avoiding it made her feel as if she had something to hide. It was only a year, subtracting the time spent on filming, and there weren't many opportunities to meet. Qin Yinong convinced herself with these thoughts.

Guan Han replied: [I'm available.]

Tang Ruoyao: [Come to my place?]

This time, Guan Han didn't need to ask for permission. She instantly replied: [Yes.]

They had always met at this location.

Tang Ruoyao once again directed her gaze towards Qin Yinong's upright figure in front of her. The silhouette remained the same, but her state of mind had completely changed from before. Now she eagerly wished for the graduation ceremony to end quickly so that she could have some alone time with Qin Yinong.

Unlike Wen Shuxian, who lived on the internet, Tang Ruoyao didn't have an addiction to the online world and rarely played with her phone. The most frequent time Fu Yujun saw her using the phone was when she would briefly open it before going to sleep, probably to look at something. So when Tang Ruoyao took out her phone at this moment, Fu Yujun naturally shifted her gaze to observe others.

Tang Ruoyao was cautious, using one hand to shield the screen while typing, not allowing anyone to see the content—of course, Fu Yujun wouldn't try to peek.

Just as she sent the message, Qin Yinong's assistant in the front row took out her phone from her bag, and their exchange was perfectly timed.

Fu Yujun: "???"

Fu Yujun: "!!!"

Fu Yujun: "..."

She had a daring guess, even bolder than the one she had made outside.

There were so many people playing with their phones in the auditorium, but the coincidences between Tang Ruoyao and the assistant in the front row were too many. Fu Yujun couldn't help but let her mind wander.

"Just my luck—" Wen Shuxian, who had reached the final moments of her game and successfully won, shouted excitedly. But halfway through, she remembered that the super celebrity Qin Yinong was sitting in the front row and abruptly swallowed the rest of her words.

Qin Yinong turned her head, casually scanning all of the members of Room 405, revealing a faint smile. Her gaze lingered on Tang Ruoyao's face for an extra 0.1 second before turning away.

Wen Shuxian gasped for air, stunned on the spot. It took her a while to regain her senses.

"She, she, she, she just looked at me and even smiled at me." Wen Shuxian said dazedly, collapsing in her seat like a limp fish. Her whole being seemed to have entered a state of enlightenment, feeling as if her life had reached its peak.

Tang Ruoyao pursed her lips displeasedly but didn't say anything in the end.

She was clearly looking at me. 

Tang Ruoyao thought to herself.

Qin Yinong perked up her ears, listening to the sounds behind her. Tang Ruoyao was indeed quiet, rarely speaking even when the chatterbox girl would utter twenty sentences. Did Tang Ruoyao always speak so little to people her age? Who did she confide in when she had something on her mind?

"Guan Han."

Guan Han responded, leaning closer to catch her whisper.

"Could you help me investigate..." Qin Yinong's voice grew softer.

Guan Han took note.

After a moment, Qin Yinong called her again, saying, "Forget it, no need to investigate."

Guan Han simply nodded, without any objections.

Qin Yinong had originally wanted Guan Han to investigate the backgrounds of the other people in their dormitory, as well as Tang Ruoyao and their relationship. However, the incident with Ruan Qin had taught her a lesson. If she meddled too much, she would only push Tang Ruoyao away. Furthermore, the more she knew and understood, the harder it would be to restrain her desire to get closer. It was better to maintain the status quo.

Regardless of the circumstances, she would protect Tang Ruoyao thoroughly, not allowing anyone to harm her even a bit. That was enough for her.

At exactly nine o'clock, the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2018 at the Beijing Drama Academy began. Before the formal opening, following the tradition of the drama academy, the school projected a graduation short film, including footage from enrollment, military training, and graduation.

Time flew by, and the students who were once naive and filled with boundless dreams for the future had spent an unforgettable four years in university. As the final moments approached, the tear-jerking school anthem played, and tears welled up in the eyes of every student.

However, Qin Yinong had a different state of mind. She struggled to find Tang Ruoyao's figure in those short films, but the play of light and shadow was too fast, and her eyes couldn't keep up with the rapid transitions.

Suddenly, Guan Han leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Miss Yao!"

Qin Yinong's shoulders line instantly tensed as she looked up. "Where is she?"

Guan Han hesitated for a moment and replied, "She passed by."

Qin Yinong leaned back, her interest waning. "Oh."

Guan Han sensed her mood and suggested, "Should I ask President Sun to make a copy for you later?"

Qin Yinong waved her hand. "No need."

If she really wanted Tang Ruoyao's information, she could have a stack of her experiences and all the audiovisual materials from her childhood to now placed on her desk tomorrow, including elementary school report cards. But she didn't want that.

Back then, when she intercepted Tang Ruoyao, she had Guan Han investigate her background cautiously to avoid falling into someone else's trap. The feedback Guan Han provided was clear and clean, so she felt at ease keeping Tang Ruoyao by her side.

Later, different feelings arose, unexpectedly but also within her expectations. She just didn't expect that Tang Ruoyao would develop feelings for her as well.

After all, she was only Tang Ruoyao's financial backer. How naive would someone have to be to genuinely fall in love with their benefactor?

Regardless of who fell in love with whom, she wouldn't sit idly by. It would be fine if it were just unrequited love, but they happened to be  mutually attracted to each other.

She needed to do something. Emotions entangled her, thoughts revolved around her, and there was a person named Tang Ruoyao who occupied her heart like a king, leaving her in a dilemma and making her feel conflicted.

Qin Yinong sighed.

The graduation ceremony slowly began.

Qin Yinong mechanically raised her hands and applauded along with the crowd, absentmindedly listening to the speeches of the school leaders. Sensing her impatience, Guan Han glanced down at the program and whispered, "There are three more people before Miss Yao gives her speech."

The principal, the secretary, the vice president, and finally, Professor Cha, the last speaker in the first part, was Tang Ruoyao.

The host announced, "Tang Ruoyao, please."

Qin Yinong's gaze turned towards the left side of the stage, where a tall and slender figure stood, exuding an aura of grace.

Tang Ruoyao wasn't in her seat; she had arrived early and prepared on the side. Upon hearing her name, she adjusted her attire, stepped onto the moving lights, and walked towards the stage with confident strides.

Applause erupted in the hall.

As the applause died down, a clear and melodious female voice resonated throughout the auditorium.

"Respected leaders, teachers, and fellow students, good day. I am Tang Ruoyao from the Performing Arts Department. It is a great honor for me to stand here, representing the graduating class of 2018 of the Beijing Drama Academy and deliver this speech on this momentous occasion, as we are about to bid farewell to our alma mater. 'To drink from the flowing stream is cherish its source, to learn from our accomplishments is to remember our teachers'..."

Qin Yinong lifted her gaze and quietly admired the radiant and youthful face on the stage, a genuine smile shining in her eyes.

Tang Ruoyao's gaze mostly fell on the back row of the auditorium, occasionally scanning left and right, and then landing on the seats of the school leaders, following the progress of her speech. However, she never dared to look directly at Qin Yinong. Every time, her gaze quickly skimmed past, not allowing herself to linger, avoiding any time spent fixated on Qin Yinong.

She was afraid that if she made eye contact with Qin Yinong, she would become too nervous to remember anything.

Until the end of her speech, her heart pounding, she anxiously searched for Qin Yinong's figure as she turned and walked off the stage.

Did Qin Yinong see her? Was she satisfied with her performance?

As she approached her seat, the host who came on stage to announce the next agenda passed by her, blocking Qin Yinong's gentle gaze that was directed at her.

As a result, they never had any eye contact throughout the entire ceremony.

Tang Ruoyao's spirits dropped as she sat back down in her seat, comforting herself that there would be another opportunity to interact with Qin Yinong later on the same stage.

Qin Yinong turned slightly, seemingly wanting to look back one more time. She pursed her lips and ultimately resisted the urge.

The second round of speeches by the leaders began, dull and boring. Qin Yinong divided her attention, running through scenes of a new script in her mind, contemplating the characters. She only snapped back to attention when she heard the announcement of the outstanding graduates' list. She stood up confidently, adjusted her dress, and walked towards President Sun's group. Later, she would follow the school leaders onto the stage from the left side.

On the other hand, Tang Ruoyao, along with the other outstanding graduates, would enter the stage from the right side.

Tang Ruoyao thought that Qin Yinong would personally present her with the graduation certificate and confer the degree certificate, but when she arrived on stage, she realized that it was a group of school leaders presenting to a group of graduates, and Qin Yinong was just one among them, presenting hers to Tang Ruoyao.

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

She pouted unhappily, a childish gesture that flashed by too quickly to capture, but Qin Yinong, who had been discreetly keeping an eye on her, noticed it.

Qin Yinong coughed and covered up the fleeting bright smile.

President Sun asked curiously, "What's the matter with you?"

Qin Yinong chuckled lightly. "It's nothing."

President Sun, still concerned about her request to find cheap labor for her film production, asked with worry, "Did you find any suitable actors from my recommendation?"

Finding employment for students was difficult, so if she could help with even one aspect, it would be a great help.

Qin Yinong had only used it as a pretext, so she immediately shook her head.

"Not a single one?"

"No."

"What about Tang Ruoyao?"

"She's not available." Qin Yinong responded without much thought.

"How do you know she's not available? Did you ask her?" President Sun was puzzled.

"I..." Qin Yinong's words faltered, vaguely saying, "I asked just now." Well, the president wouldn't know that they hadn't spoken while they were still in their seats.

"Well, it seems like you quite like her. You started talking as soon as you met." President Sun mumbled to himself. Qin Yinong didn't have any airs and would kindly give guidance to newcomers she liked, so President Sun didn't doubt her words.

Qin Yinong turned her gaze away, feeling guilty.

"Oh, speaking of Tang Ruoyao..." President Sun smiled, preparing to tell Qin Yinong about the recent incident where Tang Ruoyao stirred up a storm in the school forum due to her role as the representative of the graduating class. But before he could finish his sentence, the host called them to the stage to present the certificates.

"Hmm?" Qin Yinong tilted her head. "What were you saying just now?"

President Sun chuckled. "I'll tell you next time. Let's focus on the task at hand for now."

Qin Yinong nodded and followed the group of school leaders onto the stage. The other graduates had already lined up, and Tang Ruoyao stood in the middle, in the prime position, looking outstanding and showing her importance.

However, the school leaders started presenting certificates to the other graduates first, walking back and forth. It wouldn't be appropriate for Qin Yinong to stand in the middle and block the way, so she had to temporarily step aside and wait for others to finish before presenting the degree certificate to this outstanding representative.

They both felt a faint helplessness in their hearts.

Qin Yinong concealed her emotions well, with a calm exterior and a gentle smile. Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but feel a slight restlessness, her entire being filled with unease. Every few seconds, she would glance towards Qin Yinong, as if longing to rush to her side.

Qin Yinong found it amusing, and her lips curved upwards slightly.

Tang Ruoyao gazed deeply, finally bringing Qin Yinong's attention to herself.

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