CHAPTER 3

In Tang Ruoyao's eyes, there was the side profile of Qin Yinong slowly approaching, with slender eyebrows and eyes, shimmering under the warm yellow light, exuding elegance and tenderness.

Her eyelashes fell like cicada wings, and Tang Ruoyao gently closed her eyes, docilely.

Qin Yinong lowered her head, her thin lips lightly pressing against the young woman's upper lip, emitting a hint of coolness that was reminiscent of the fragrance emanating from her body. Her presence was so passionate, yet her lips felt slightly cold.

Their simple lip contact made Tang Ruoyao let out a satisfied sigh.

The last time they kissed was before Qin Yinong went overseas to shoot a film. In the past two years, Qin Yinong gradually shifted her focus to international projects, often staying abroad for several months without returning to the country. Tang Ruoyao missed her dearly but didn't dare to tell her. Revealing their relationship would only add to the difficulties they faced.

Qin Yinong lightly touched her lips and then slightly pulled back, like a dragonfly skimming the water's surface, and Tang Ruoyao slowly opened her eyes.

"What's wrong?" Her gaze was clear, her tone calm, expertly concealing the fleeting sense of disappointment.

"Nothing." Qin Yinong looked into her calm eyes, barely detecting the subtle flutter in her heart. Her acting skills were becoming more exquisite. Qin Yinong's eyes curved slightly, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

"I was supposed to arrive on yesterday's flight, but something came up last minute, so I couldn't make it to the awards ceremony." Qin Yinong gently placed her hands on Tang Ruoyao's shoulders, earnestly gazing into her eyes as she explained with tenderness.

But in the end, she was still too young, unable to hide her emotions. Being comforted by a few sweet words from a woman, her heart felt blocked, filled with resentment and grievances.

Tang Ruoyao fell silent for a moment, avoiding eye contact and calmly said, "You didn't promise to come in the first place."

In March of this year, the Golden Laurel Awards, one of the three major awards in Chinese film industry, announced its nominees. This was the second time Tang Ruoyao had been nominated for the Best Actress award, and this time she was confident that she would win. She wanted Qin Yinong to be there in the audience to witness it, and she even indulged in the unrealistic fantasy of Qin Yinong personally presenting the award to her, even though she had been less active in the domestic industry in recent years.

Driven by her hidden teenage thoughts, Tang Ruoyao had been tossing and turning all night. For the first time in three years, Tang Ruoyao mustered up the courage to proactively tell Qin Yinong about this matter, even though she was shooting a film in France at the time. She didn't explicitly ask Qin Yinong to come back, but Qin Yinong understood. She first congratulated Tang Ruoyao and wished her success in winning the award, and then apologetically explained that she had to be a presenter at the Cannes Film Festival and could only return after the closing ceremony.

The Cannes closing ceremony happened to be two days before the Golden Laurel Awards, giving Qin Yinong ample time.

However, Tang Ruoyao had waited all night last night, and Qin Yinong hadn't come back, not even a message. If she had informed her in advance about her situation, even if she felt uncomfortable, she would have understood that Qin Yinong had more important matters to attend to. What does her explanation now mean?

"Are you mad?" Qin Yinong asked her gently, as always.

Tang Ruoyao tensed her face, her eyes gradually turning red as she suppressed her vulnerable emotions.

"Sister will apologize to you, okay?" Her tone rose slightly, accompanied by a casual laughter. Although she spoke words of apology, there was no trace of remorse in her voice. It sounded more like she was indulging a coddled pet throwing a tantrum at home.

Tang Ruoyao pressed her lips together and looked into her eyes, stubbornly saying, "No."

"Apologies won't work either? Then what do you want?" Qin Yinong smiled, but the smile didn't reach her cold and distant eyes.

Even the patience and indulgence of a master had its limits.

A bucket of cold water was poured over her head, instantly sobering Tang Ruoyao's emotionally clouded mind. Her complexion changed multiple times within a few seconds, her eyes flickered with inner struggle, and finally, she put on a submissive face, the demeanor befitting a canary.

She was being foolish, overstepping her boundaries for a moment.

Tang Ruoyao didn't say a word. She tilted her face slightly, leaned over, and kissed Qin Yinong's cheek.

Her lips were soft, carrying a unique sweet fragrance of youth.

Qin Yinong's eyes darkened, and she swiftly reached out, capturing Tang Ruoyao's chin before she could pull away. Tang Ruoyao didn't dodge or avoid it. A charming smile slowly blossomed on her lips within Qin Yinong's grasp, exuding a seductive allure.

"Sister..." she murmured, parting her red lips, issuing a silent invitation.

She was an actress, a highly talented one at that.

To perform the role of a captivating vixen, she could effortlessly slip into character.

The more dignified one appeared, adopting such a coquettish posture, the more astonishing the effect. Without even looking in the mirror, Tang Ruoyao knew exactly what she looked like at this moment.

A hint of astonishment flickered in Qin Yinong's eyes.

Had she underestimated her?

She held onto Tang Ruoyao's chin, following her own desires, and sealed her thin lips. She was an expert at seduction, lightly pecking and teasing, enticing Tang Ruoyao to involuntarily draw closer to her.

Then, she used her tongue to moisten Tang Ruoyao's lips, gradually delving deeper, gently stealing her breath, savoring her sweetness, until their breaths merged and it became impossible to distinguish between them.

Tang Ruoyao felt herself split into two distinct entities with startling clarity: one following her emotions, surrendering to the kiss that made even her soul tremble, while the other stood aloof, observing them with rationality.

Slowly regaining a shred of consciousness from the chaotic haze of emotions, Tang Ruoyao opened her eyes and gazed into the dressing mirror beside them. Two women entangled in a passionate kiss, reluctant to part, reflected a cold indifference in her eyes.

She was well aware that Qin Yinong didn't love her.

But it wasn't entirely accurate to say that there was no love at all.

Qin Yinong loved her like one loves a beautiful flower, like one loves a precious painting, like one loves a nightingale with a melodious voice... like many things, except for loving her as a lover.

Qin Yinong lightly nibbled on her lip, punishing her lack of focus. Tang Ruoyao furrowed her brows lightly, releasing a soft hum, and reining in her scattered thoughts.

The temperature in the dressing room continued to rise.

Since they were destined to step into the abyss, why not take the initiative to leap?

Tang Ruoyao breathed shallowly and rapidly, dissatisfaction evident as she grabbed Qin Yinong's wrist but didn't pull away. She opened her eyes in confusion, emitting a muffled, coquettish nasal sound.

Qin Yinong released her lips and gently pressed her forehead against Tang Ruoyao's. Her fair cheeks flushed with a hint of crimson due to the surge of emotions, her breath unsteady, her voice hoarse. "Ah Li..." [A fox character from a game called 'Animal Crossing']

Tang Ruoyao softly hummed in response.

In her heart, she added another sentence: Qin Yinong loved her, just like one loves a cat, treating her with utmost care and tenderness like a beloved pet.

"Go take a shower." Qin Yinong embraced her, affectionately staying close for a while, speaking in a low voice.

Despite her words, her hazy eyes half-closed, intermittently giving Tang Ruoyao light kisses on the corner of her lips, occasionally calling her by her nickname - the one she personally chose, a name exclusively for her.

This probably greatly satisfied her possessiveness.

Tang Ruoyao thought, patiently waiting for her to completely calm down. She gently removed Qin Yinong's hand that was cradling her cheek, then gracefully took a step back, neither humble nor arrogant, and said, "Then I'll go take a shower first."

Qin Yinong couldn't help but smile. "Alright."

Tang Ruoyao nodded slightly, turned around, and walked away. The cool breeze lifted her hair up, brushing against Qin Yinong's cheek before falling back down. She wore the new necklace that Qin Yinong had given her on her slender swan-like neck. It shimmered with a cold glow, perfectly complementing her indifferent expression.

On one hand, she was like a canary kept in a cage, able to enchant and please with her graceful demeanor and utmost charm. On the other hand, she was proud and aloof, like a noble black swan. These two contrasting qualities coexisted strangely within her, conflicting yet harmonious, always giving Qin Yinong a refreshing feeling.

Having spent a long time in the entertainment industry, one would come to understand that there are many types of people, many faces, and many personalities, all capable of deception. Just like some male stars who come from humble backgrounds but possess the face of a prince, playing noble characters in films and TV dramas effortlessly, Tang Ruoyao was the female version of a prince—a naturally suited to be a lofty flower admired by others.

Naturally...

Qin Yinong turned her gaze towards the dressing mirror next to her, reflecting the woman's deep and enchanting features. With a slight upward curve at the corner of her eyes, she exuded a charm capable of captivating all beings.

Qin Yinong smirked mockingly. She disliked this term.

The house where Tang Ruoyao resided was purchased by Qin Yinong. Three years ago, after she took Tang Ruoyao under her wing, it became her second residence. Due to the hardships she endured in her early life, she didn't have the habit of spending money recklessly, nor did she fill the garage with luxury cars or wear expensive watches apart from the ones given to her as endorsements.

The media casually fabricated stories about her, attaching her name to numerous luxurious mansions and hidden treasures. In reality, besides buying a house for her mother, she only owned two additional properties that had been left vacant, kept for future needs and for potential increase in value.

As Qin Yinong stepped into the master bedroom, Tang Ruoyao had just entered the bathroom. The bathroom was completely transparent, designed for a reason she had forgotten. The consequence was that one could directly see into the bathroom from the room, leaving nothing to the imagination.

For the sake of fun? Qin Yinong leaned against the edge of the table, rhythmically tapping the desk with her slender white fingertips, smiling with a pleasant mood as she watched Tang Ruoyao's figure.

Sensing something, Tang Ruoyao turned her head, her gaze meeting Qin Yinong's teasing eyes through the glass. Her expression visibly froze, as if she had been struck at an acupuncture point, and even the hand resting on her waist stiffened.

With a playful thought, Qin Yinong deliberately winked at her, her eyebrows and the corners of her eyes filled with playfulness, exuding a seductive smile.

Tang Ruoyao quickly averted her gaze, her heart pounding.

Qin Yinong couldn't help but laugh, turning to look outside at the night sky, like a mischievous little girl who had successfully pulled off a prank.

Tang Ruoyao tidied herself up, turned on the shower-head in the bathroom, and waited for the steam to rise. The billowing steam filled the air, forming peculiar shapes on the glass. Finally, she pursed her lips and stepped into the shower area.

Qin Yinong focused her gaze on the misty glass, where Tang Ruoyao's alluring figure was partially obscured and revealed. She could deduce exactly what Tang Ruoyao was doing from the changing light and shadows.

Qin Yinong's eyes grew deeper, a slight heat rising in her throat. She licked her dry lips and took a step forward, heading towards the bathroom.

Inside the misty glass enclosure, Tang Ruoyao had just finished washing her hair. Her fair neck arched as she wiped the water droplets off her face. She raised her arm, instinctively reaching for the shower-head above her, but then paused when she remembered that there was someone in the bedroom. She took two steps aside, allowing the hot water from the shower-head to cascade onto the floor. With her palm supporting the pump of the body wash bottle, she pressed down with one hand, squeezing the body wash into her cupped palm.

The water splashed onto the tiled floor, creating a noisy patter that filled the room, yet it was strangely quiet.

In the solitude of the space where she was alone, Tang Ruoyao's inner desires timidly began to emerge.

She really wanted... to catch a glimpse of Qin Yinong.

Tang Ruoyao's eyebrows furrowed lightly as she bit her lower lip, unable to suppress her impulse any longer. Slowly, she shifted her gaze to the glass wall directly facing the bathroom and carefully wiped away a small patch of mist with her fingertips.

Afraid of being discovered by Qin Yinong, this gap could probably only accommodate one eye to peep through.

She held her breath and focused, gently pressing her face against the glass.

Tang Ruoyao's eyes widened.

—There was no one in the bedroom.

Her eyebrows immediately knitted together.

Where was Qin Yinong?

Tang Ruoyao's eyelids inexplicably twitched as she moved her hand to turn off the shower-head, creating a silence in the surroundings. She listened intently and heard footsteps coming from the entrance.

Getting closer and closer.

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