CHAPTER 30

The school leaders temporarily stepped aside from their tasks, leaving the spotlight to the most anticipated focus of the entire event and the outstanding student of this year.

Qin Yinong took a step forward and stood in front of Tang Ruoyao, a faint smile playing on her dark-colored eyes.

The two stood face to face, maintaining a distance of half a step, close enough to count the number of eyelashes on each other. The soft white stage lights shone down, making their silhouettes appear even gentler.

Tang Ruoyao didn't know if she was breathing, and Qin Yinong subconsciously held her breath. In this vast world, there was only this one person left.

She even had the impulse to hold her tightly and bury herself in her embrace, an overwhelming feeling that defied reason. The slender fingers hanging at her side slightly curled but restrained themselves.

With the ceremony tray in hand, there was only one certificate left inside.

Qin Yinong solemnly took out the degree certificate and graduation certificate from the tray and handed them to Tang Ruoyao's outstretched hands. In a deep voice, she said, "Congratulations on your graduation. May you reach new heights." [To achieve success or a higher level of accomplishment.]

Her face showed a seriousness and solemnity that didn't match her usual appearance.

Tang Ruoyao paused for a moment, looking directly into Qin Yinong's eyes and nodded earnestly.

"Thank you, senior."

Her amber eyes were bright, reflecting the innocence and determination of a youth.

Qin Yinong held a special place in her heart. In addition to love, Tang Ruoyao had a deep admiration for Qin Yinong, treating her with the same respect as a teacher and elder.

When Qin Yinong first took her under her wing, she didn't know how to address her. Should she call her "Qin Jie" like Guan Han did? It sounded old-fashioned and not trendy. Calling her by her name was even more daunting. For a while, she didn't have a proper way to address her. She would just stare at her with her eyes, and Qin Yinong would notice and amusingly ask her what she wanted.

Once, when Qin Yinong came to her house and checked her homework as usual, she leaned back on the bed, feeling sleepy. Tang Ruoyao, who wasn't sleepy, was in a drowsy state. Spontaneously, she went over and massaged Qin Yinong's legs. Qin Yinong moved her legs slightly, not used to it, but at that moment, she happened to be tired. The cool touch of Tang Ruoyao's fingers gently relieved the soreness, and it felt strangely comfortable. Tang Ruoyao didn't let go, and Qin Yinong didn't resist and simply accepted it.

"Do you need something?" Qin Yinong asked lazily with half-closed eyelids.

"Well..." Tang Ruoyao gathered the courage to glance at her and then lowered her gaze, focusing on massaging her legs. After hesitating for a while, she murmured, "How should I address you?"

Qin Yinong still didn't lift her gaze, but her expression seemed contemplative.

After a moment passed,

Tang Ruoyao saw Qin Yinong's index finger, resting on her waist, move slightly. In a voice that sounded as melodious as a lark in the night, she said, "Call me Sister."

Tang Ruoyao's face instantly turned red.

She didn't have any sister, so both of these terms were unfamiliar to her. And after accepting Qin Yinong's sponsorship, the unexpected change occurred. Qin Yinong had a reputation outside, and she was certain that someone as charming as her must be experienced in various ways in bed. Tang Ruoyao had intentionally or unintentionally looked up some information to prepare herself, so was Qin Yinong interested in playing the role of sisters? She was a bit scared, and when it came to serious matters, she couldn't bring herself to speak up.

Making up her mind to accept the sponsorship was one thing, but surrendering herself to someone was another. The internal struggle of thoughts was not easily overcome.

"Don't you like it?" As Tang Ruoyao's mind was swirling with various thoughts, a playful voice sounded above her head.

"No, I do."

"Why are you trembling then?"

Was she trembling?

Tang Ruoyao lowered her head to look at her own hand.

Once again, a pleasant laughter echoed from above, and a casual voice said, "If you don't like it, you can change it."

Tang Ruoyao hurriedly said, "No, this one is fine." She opened her mouth and softly and obediently called, "Sister."

What if Qin Yinong came up with an even more embarrassing name? Wouldn't she regret it then?

Qin Yinong made a soft sound of agreement and didn't say anything more.

After confirming the address, Tang Ruoyao had dreams for several days, where Qin Yinong would arrange her in different positions and make her call her sister. In her dreams, she would resist calling her sister, but Qin Yinong would push the boundaries further and further until she had no choice but to call her sister. Every time she woke up, she would be stunned for a while.

As an actress, having such a vivid imagination was not good.

She felt uneasy for a while, but Qin Yinong always treated her with the utmost gentleness, as if she had truly become her sister in the conventional sense. She would teach her acting and how to judge people, hand in hand. Even though Tang Ruoyao later developed different feelings, that sense of admiration never disappeared.

So when Qin Yinong spoke those words, the identity of the Qin Yinong in front of her seamlessly transitioned from the lover she admired to the elder who guided her growth.

Tang Ruoyao's eyes were clear and bright, but Qin Yinong couldn't be as candid as her.

Her Tang Ruoyao had grown up, and every move she made tugged at Qin Yinong's heart. Since the accident two years ago that shattered the balance between them, she could no longer see Tang Ruoyao as a little girl.

Qin Yinong's gaze swept over Tang Ruoyao's beautiful pupils, delicate nose, thin lips, smooth jawline, and fair neck, finally landing on the knot of her tie.

This tie had a touch of ingenuity that no one else had, only she had it. Qin Yinong's eyes flickered, and almost involuntarily, her slender white finger slowly landed on the tie's strap.

Tang Ruoyao: "!!!"

Although she had no intention of letting Qin Yinong undress her on stage, her heart still raced because of this gesture.

All thoughts of teacher and elder were cast aside and faded into insignificance.

Tang Ruoyao pursed her lips and reminded in a voice that only the two of them could hear, "Senior?" She was afraid of someone reading her lips and didn't dare to call her sister.

Qin Yinong made a sound of agreement, raised an eyebrow, and continued to raise her hand as if it had been her original intention from the beginning.

"Lower your head." she said.

Tang Ruoyao obediently lowered her head.

Qin Yinong moved the black tassel on her graduation cap from the right side to the left side. This was called the "tassel flip," or "tassel ceremony," which symbolized the ripening of grain and represented that the graduate had achieved success in their studies and could now spread their wings and soar into a broader world.

Normally, the tassel flip was performed by the principal or the chairman of the degree evaluation committee after conferring the degree. Since Qin Yinong was responsible for presenting Tang Ruoyao's degree, she took the opportunity to handle this task as well.

The principal, Mr. Sun, was momentarily stunned. Why was there an additional tassel flip?

But upon careful consideration, this whole set of actions was perfectly seamless, and with Qin Yinong's inclusion, it didn't seem out of place.

When Qin Yinong's hand came down, the back of her finger lightly brushed against Tang Ruoyao's cool cheek. She then straightened the collar of Tang Ruoyao's graduation gown and delicately lingered her fingertips on her slightly moving throat, gently sliding down for a moment.

Qin Yinong had set her mind on seducing someone, and no one could escape her charm. She had invested all her attention in Tang Ruoyao, and the results were undoubtedly a hundred percent effective.

Tang Ruoyao's whole body tingled, her breathing became heavier, and she was in extreme torment. She felt like she was falling apart.

If they weren't on the stage of the school's award ceremony, she probably wouldn't have been able to resist leaning into Qin Yinong's embrace, and let a blazing fire consume them both.

Time seemed long, but that was only for the people involved. To the audience below and on the stage, this series of actions took no more than a dozen seconds. It was just an experienced senior in the performing arts industry presenting the graduation certificate and performing the tassel flip for the new graduate.

Even Fu Yujun, who was also on the stage as an outstanding graduate, and had always been sensitive, only noticed Tang Ruoyao's nervousness and anticipation. She couldn't perceive anything about Qin Yinong; Qin Yinong hadn't even changed the curvature of her smile.

Did she guess wrong?

Or was Qin Yinong's acting too skillful? Did she hide it so well?

On the tray, there was another "Graduation Star," which was determined through a collective vote by the entire school. Among the candidates, Tang Ruoyao emerged as the winner once again. This time, Qin Yinong stepped aside, and it was the school leaders who presented the award to her.

As the graduation ceremony approached its conclusion, the school leaders and students left the stage, leaving it to Qin Yinong to deliver her speech.

Qin Yinong hadn't written a prepared speech; she had only made some rough notes before coming. She hadn't attended college, and she couldn't recall any college memories, so her speech mostly consisted of her observations and experiences.

Tang Ruoyao sat in her seat and saw that all the media reporters raised their cameras, pointing them at Qin Yinong before she started speaking. Throughout the entire graduation ceremony, the most attention was not on the school or the students but on Qin Yinong, who served as the mascot.

That's just who she was—a person who always became the focus of the crowd, radiating brilliance and capturing everyone's gaze. Even if Tang Ruoyao, who also shone brightly, stood beside her, she would appear dim and insignificant.

At moments like this, Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but feel that Qin Yinong was exceptionally distant from her. It wasn't a distance in terms of their perception of each other's status or position; it was a sense of unfamiliarity and estrangement that arose from within her.

This feeling of unfamiliarity had always existed, but it became more apparent under objective scrutiny in such occasions.

Tang Ruoyao's roommates beside her would look at Qin Yinong with admiration, discussing her in private, and speculating on the truth behind the news. Even though she had a closer relationship with Qin Yinong than others, her understanding of Qin Yinong wasn't much different from that of others.

She didn't know her address, her preferences, her social relationships, or even the names of her other lovers besides herself. How many of her undisclosed private engagements were spent with other lovers? Did she just come from another bed before engaging in flirtation and banter with her?

She couldn't think about it. Thinking too much would only lead to a breakdown.

Tang Ruoyao shook her head, coincidentally meeting Qin Yinong's smiling gaze from top to bottom.

Tang Ruoyao reflexively smiled back at her, though the sadness in her eyes couldn't be perfectly concealed.

Her heart was held tightly in someone's hand, gently squeezing it.

In that instant, Qin Yinong's mind went blank. Her lips met but no sound came out. She paused briefly before smoothly continuing her speech.

Her roommates beside her whispered in a hushed voice.

Wen Shuxian: "She looked at me again! And she smiled! Does Empress Qin think I have the potential to act in movies? That's why she keeps looking at me! I'm wondering when I can make the transition to the big screen. Happiness comes so suddenly."

Cui Jiaran: "Stop being so narcissistic. With so many people here, if anyone is worth looking at, it's Tang Tang. They were just on stage together."

Wen Shuxian, full of confidence: "Then I'm on stage with her too. Tang Tang represents all of us in Room 405, so if you round it up, she also presented me with a certificate. She definitely has her eye on me!"

Cui Jiaran: "What's the name of Zhang Ying's daughter?" [Finding it impossible.]

"Hahaha." Wen Shuxian laughed so hard that her chair shook. "I think I need to ask her for a photo together! Who's coming with me?"

"Me."

"We agreed, so later—" Wen Shuxian suddenly hesitated, turning her head to look at the person who spoke. Tang Ruoyao's face appeared cold in the dim lights of the auditorium, making her seem even more unapproachable.

Wen Shuxian unconsciously softened her tone. "Tang Tang, are you coming too?"

Tang Ruoyao lowered her gaze and whispered, "Yes."

Wen Shuxian looked slightly surprised but replied, "Okay, we'll go together later."

She thought that Tang Ruoyao, being too aloof, would surely distain the fangirling behaviors like taking photos. But now she realized that Tang Ruoyao was down-to-earth even when it came to her idol. Wait, Qin Yinong is her idol?

"Do you like Qin Yinong?" Wen Shuxian leaned in and asked near her ear.

Tang Ruoyao replied calmly, "Yes."

Her personal liking, her heart-stirring emotions, all kept to herself.

Wen Shuxian felt like she had discovered a big secret. She had never heard Tang Ruoyao mention it before. So, she also had an idol! Since the morning when Tang Ruoyao suddenly disappeared from the school grounds, Wen Shuxian had been curious. Now she had a reasonable explanation.

Chasing after the idol's car seemed perfectly reasonable. Thinking back to her own youth, her high school days, she had been so crazy about her favorite idol that she scrimped and saved to attend concerts. Now she was even more famous than her beloved idol. Last time they attended an event together, the idol had shown great respect towards her, despite being several years older and having debuted many years earlier. Wen Shuxian felt a mix of emotions and decided to unfollow her idol after returning home.

Feeling a sense of empathy, Wen Shuxian patted Tang Ruoyao's shoulder. "You're luckier than me." With Qin Yinong's current achievements, Tang Ruoyao would never surpass her in this lifetime. She could be a fan for a lifetime.

Tang Ruoyao: "???"

Wen Shuxian found herself immersed in memories of her youth, unable to extricate herself.

The stage lights came back on, and Qin Yinong returned to her seat without seeing Tang Ruoyao. Tang Ruoyao had gone on stage to "work hard" as instructed, presenting gratitude gifts to the deans, secretaries, department heads, class advisors, and various staff members of the university, including the medical office teachers, dormitory supervisors, cafeteria workers, janitors, security guards, and more.

Tang Ruoyao walked back and forth on the stage, while the other three members of 405 laughed mischievously behind her, especially the chatterbox, Wen Shuxian. Qin Yinong had initially felt sorry for her, but after hearing the chatterbox's laughter for a while, she found it quite amusing too.

Wen Shuxian said, "Don't Tang Tang and us look like a pair of grinding donkeys? Hahaha."

Cui Jiaran said, "Donkeys are the ones used for grinding, right? Not mules?"

Wen Shuxian replied, "Either works, but mules have really long faces, and Tang Tang's face isn't that long."

Fu Yujun chimed in, "You have the right to remain silent, but I've recorded everything you just said. I'll play it back for Tang Tang when she comes down."

Wen Shuxian exclaimed, "I never expected you, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, to turn against the revolution!"

[Note: The conversation about "grinding donkeys" refers to a Chinese idiom, "拉磨的騾子" (lā mó de luózi), which means "a donkey used for grinding," signifying someone who works tirelessly and diligently.]

Qin Yinong couldn't help but laugh.

These kids were really interesting.

Guan Han quietly turned her head and contemplated the possibility of organizing a performance for Room 405 where they would entertain Qin Yinong with their comedic dialogue.

As the clock struck eleven, the secretary delivered his closing speech, and the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2018 came to an end.

The lights in the entire venue were turned on.

To avoid suspicion from the previous commotion, media friends were the first to leave the venue, escorted by the security team. Normally, the school would not easily allow media personnel inside, or else the school would descend into chaos. But today was a special situation. In addition to the media who received invitations, there were also parents of students, and vehicles coming and going in droves. With the school gates wide open, it was impossible to thoroughly check each and every one of them. The entertainment media had many tricks up their sleeves. Even if they had to grow wings, they would find a way to fly in.

Upon hearing the instructions from the school leaders, the students sat obediently in their chairs.

After the media left, it was the students' turn. Qin Yinong and the students stood up around the same time. President Sun stood beside her, slightly bowing and displaying a gentlemanly invitation. He smiled and said, "Would you like to take a tour of the school? I can be your guide."

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow, appearing somewhat disinterested.

"Just take a look. You won't regret it. What if there's an actor you like? Only graduates are here, as well as freshmen, sophomores, and juniors." President Sun persistently persuaded, deeply concerned about the students' employment rate.

Qin Yinong was almost amused by his efforts and nodded.

The roles in the new script were very simple in terms of relationships. One family was that of a teacher, and the other was that of a student. The remaining parts were limited, mostly categorized as extras. The only supporting role worth mentioning was a good friend of the students in the play. Qin Yinong planned to use someone from her own studio, someone like Yi Yi from the previous production.

Why let the outsiders benefit from the good opportunities? She invited those who had the suitable appearance and availability from her studio for auditions. If they didn't pass, then she would consider other options. As for the teacher role, she would play it herself. Once she found a director, she would discuss the student role with them. She wasn't inclined to use newcomers without significant experience on the big screen.

Therefore, she couldn't really help President Sun's persistent persuasion.

"Just to clarify, if I don't find anyone suitable, don't blame me." Qin Yinong preemptively warned him.

"Don't worry, I definitely won't blame you." President Sun replied cheerfully. He wasn't someone who engaged in forced transactions. If she could provide someone, great; if not, it didn't matter. One shouldn't force things that aren't meant to be.

Qin Yinong and President Sun walked side by side towards the exit when suddenly a voice came from behind, "Qin... the Queen of the Silver Screen!" It seemed like the person didn't know what to say after "Qin," so they just shouted that.

Qin Yinong turned around, squinting her eyes. The person calling her was familiar; it was Tang Ruoyao's talkative roommate. Her bodyguard had stopped her a few steps away, but she kept waving at Qin Yinong.

Quite bold.

A slight smile played at the corner of Qin Yinong's lips. She signaled to her bodyguard, who let her pass.

Fu Yujun held her forehead. She hadn't managed to stop Wen Shuxian, that fearless and reckless person, who had rushed over. Didn't she see the six burly bodyguards in black suits behind her? Their arms were thicker than her thighs; just looking at them was terrifying.

They had intended to take a group photo, but as soon as Qin Yinong finished, she walked away with the president. Cui Jiaran had given up early, thinking that Wen Shuxian would also understand, but...

What surprised them even more was Qin Yinong's attitude.

"Is there something you need?" Qin Yinong half-bowed, asking in a gentle tone. She glanced at Tang Ruoyao, who was standing further away.

Wen Shuxian was ecstatic. She turned around and made an "OK" gesture to everyone before asking, "Can I take a photo with you?"

"Sure." Qin Yinong kindly agreed and casually looked behind Wen Shuxian. She took the initiative to suggest, "Are those your roommates? Should we invite them to join us?"

Wen Shuxian nodded and ran back to them.

Cui Jiaran grabbed her arm and whispered, "Are you out of your mind? Aren't you afraid the bodyguards will snap your neck?"

"Murder is illegal, and we live in a society governed by the rule of law." Wen Shuxian burst into laughter, putting her arms around the other three. "Come on, let's go take a photo together."

Qin Yinong looked at the four people lined up in front of her and praised them in a senior-like tone, "You're all outstanding graduates of this year, right? I saw you on stage earlier."

Wen Shuxian replied, "Yes, that's right."

Qin Yinong nodded, "Very impressive. Guan Han."

Guan Han conjured a camera in her hand.

Don't ask, because when a person ask, it's the all-powerful assistant who can provide anything.

405 members: "!!!" What kind of magic is this?

Qin Yinong naturally placed her hand on the shoulders of the two students, a smile playing at the corner of her lips. "Let's take a photo."

Tang Ruoyao's shoulder was pressed by Qin Yinong's arm, causing her body to stiffen. Then, warm breath brushed against her neck and cheek. "This classmate, add my assistant on WeChat later, and I'll have her send you the photos."

She wasn't talking to Tang Ruoyao but rather to Fu Yujun, who was beside Tang Ruoyao. However, Tang Ruoyao was closer to her, so she slightly leaned and turned her head, inadvertently exposing her snow-white neck to Tang Ruoyao's view.

Tang Ruoyao stared at a faint mole near her shoulder, close to her ear.

The rest of her body was completely clean, except for this mole, which added an extra sensitive spot compared to others. Tang Ruoyao looked around, and Wen Shuxian and Cui Jiaran were adjusting their poses for the camera, while Fu Yujun was fully focused on listening to Qin Yinong's words, paying no attention to anything else.

Tang Ruoyao parted her lips and gently blew a breath of warmth towards that mole. The movement was minimal, and only someone specifically paying attention would notice.

Qin Yinong's body stiffened, and her speech slowed down, mimicking a slot, "Then... th...at's... it."

Tang Ruoyao coughed to suppress the laughter rising in her throat.

After she finished talking with Fu Yujun, Tang Ruoyao received retaliation from Qin Yinong. Her shoulder was suddenly pressed down with force, but it was quickly released. Unable to hold back, she raised the corner of her lips and smiled.

Guan Han stood at the forefront with the camera, her perennially unchanging icy expression, and asked, "Is watermelon sweet?"

All five of them burst into smiles simultaneously.

After taking the photo, Wen Shuxian took advantage of the situation and asked, "Can we take a separate photo?" Fu Yujun wanted to strangle her!

Qin Yinong's patience reached its limit, but she smiled gently and said, "Sure, we can."

Principal Sun, who had been observing from the side for a long time, began to suspect that Qin Yinong had been possessed by someone else's soul. She was approachable and down-to-earth, but she had never been this approachable before, not even for a group photo.

Before anyone could react, Wen Shuxian forcefully pushed Tang Ruoyao into Qin Yinong's embrace.

Reacting faster than her brain, Qin Yinong held Tang Ruoyao tightly around the waist, while her other hand supported her back, keeping her steady.

Tang Ruoyao, caught off guard, was speechless.

Qin Yinong, suddenly feeling the warmth and softness in her arms, exclaimed, "!!!"

Seizing the opportunity, Guan Han quickly pressed the shutter, capturing ten consecutive shots.

Cui Jiaran was stunned.

Fu Yujun looked somewhat envious.

Wen Shuxian was on the verge of tears, her voice trembling as she said, "I-I-I didn't mean to. Tang Tang is your idol, no, I mean, you are her idol. I just wanted her to take a separate photo with you, but I accidentally used too much force. I'm sorry."

Trembling, Wen Shuxian reached out with shaky hands, attempting to separate the two people who were inexplicably hugging tightly.

Guan Han continued to take photos without stopping.

"It's okay." Qin Yinong calmed her flickering heart and waved her hand, gesturing for Wen Shuxian to step back. She casually released her hold on Tang Ruoyao's delicate waist and instead encircled her shoulders, composedly saying, "Let's take the photo."

Tang Ruoyao glanced at the barely noticeable blush at Qin Yinong's ear, pursed her lips, and took the initiative to raise her hand, gently placing her palm against Qin Yinong's back.

Through the strands of hair, a continuous stream of heat passed through her palm, like a branding iron, seeping into every part of her body.

It tickled, it tingled, and it climbed up along the spine.

Qin Yinong's fingertips trembled slightly.

After taking the photo, Qin Yinong bid farewell to the members of 405 in a friendly manner. Accompanied by Principal Sun, they strolled around half of the campus before making an excuse to leave. As she got into the car, her chest surged uncontrollably, rendering her speechless.

Observing her for a while, Guan Han, relying on her years of understanding, concluded that it wasn't only anger but rather a a mix of embarrassment and anger.

It's quite rare indeed to see "a mix of embarrassment and anger" applied to Qin Yinong.

Guan Han was startled but didn't show it on her face.

"Guan Han."

"Here."

"Have you used up the thing....with Yaoyao yet?"

Qin Yinong didn't explicitly say it, but Guan Han already understood. "I don't think so." They hadn't used it since the last time they came back.

"Go buy another box." Qin Yinong said, her lingering anger still evident.

"Okay."

"And where is my nail clipper?"

Guan Han handed it over.

Qin Yinong leaned back in her seat, the anger gradually subsiding. She chuckled and calmly began to trim her nails.

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