CHAPTER 37

"Move aside." Tang Ruoyao held Tang Fei's hand and forcefully bumped into Jiang Xuezhen's shoulder without waiting for her response.

The door was locked from the inside, leaving Jiang Xuezhen and her shouting trapped outside.

Jiang Xuezhen raised her hand to pound on the door while Tang Fei trembled in fear. Tang Ruoyao instructed him to cover his ears with both hands, holding him tightly in her embrace, and paid no attention to the insults from outside.

Jiang Xuezhen had a loud and disruptive voice, causing a disturbance. Tang Ruoyao planned to go out and stop her. She mouthed to Tang Fei to stay here, preparing to open the door. Just as she took a couple of steps, Tang Fei grabbed her hand, shaking his head with a pale face.

Tang Ruoyao thought he was worried about her and gave him a reassuring look.

During a brief pause in Jiang Xuezhen's tirade, Tang Fei whispered, "Don't go. You won't win against her in an argument, and the more you argue with her, the stubborn she becomes."

Tang Fei had witnessed countless scenes like this before.

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

It didn't feel good to be seen through by her own younger brother.

Jiang Xuezhen regained her strength and resumed her barrage of insults.

Tang Ruoyao led Tang Fei into his bedroom. She opened a drawer and pulled out a pair of headphones with the wires neatly wrapped, connected them to her phone, and started playing music. She inserted one earphone into his left ear and the other into his right ear.

"Listen to some children's songs for a while." Tang Ruoyao said, turning the volume up to the maximum.

Tang Fei was deafened by the music, but it was still better than the pollution outside. He took off one earphone and asked, "What about you, sister?"

Tang Ruoyao sat on the bed, assuming a meditative posture, and said with a serious expression, "I've been practicing cultivation lately. When I close my eyes, I can't hear anything."

Tang Fei burst into laughter. "Hahaha."

Tang Ruoyao patted his head affectionately and asked, "Can you do your homework while wearing headphones?"

Tang Fei replied, "..."

It was too cruel. He was in such a state, yet his sister was still asking him to do homework.

It's outrageous!

But Tang Fei's attention completely derailed because of Tang Ruoyao's words. He obediently sat on the chair, wearing headphones, and wrote his homework with his back straight. At this rate, he would be able to finish his summer homework in a few days.

Jiang Xuezhen sat on the floor with a glass of water beside her. When she got tired of shouting, she would take a sip of water to soothe her throat. She couldn't believe that Tang Ruoyao would continue to hide and not come out. Moreover, she had turned the tables. Regardless, she was still Tang Ruoyao's elder. She felt the pain from the push she received earlier, and she insisted on asking for medical expenses and compensation for mental distress.

Jiang Xuezhen cleared her throat and shouted at the top of her lungs, "This is outrageous! Bullying a widow!"

Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but laugh inside, feeling annoyed.

Her father hadn't even left yet, and Jiang Xuezhen was already claiming to be a widow. If it weren't for her father's inability to speak, Tang Ruoyao would have divorced them long ago. Now Jiang Xuezhen was clinging to her like a leech, and divorce was out of the question. Suddenly, an idea came to Tang Ruoyao's mind. After all these years, with her not being at home, would Jiang Xuezhen use her money to support another man?

At the thought of this, Tang Ruoyao's gaze turn deep.

Jiang Xuezhen's howls were earth-shattering, and banging on the door could be heard from the living room.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

It sounded like someone was using a heavy hammer to strike the door. Then, a rough male voice came through, "Have you had enough shouting? If you keep howling, I'll call the police!" After speaking, he kicked the door forcefully.

The sound was so loud that it seemed like the door would cave in.

Jiang Xuezhen, strong on the outside but weak on the inside, was immediately frightened into silence.

The man kicked the door again, and his footsteps gradually faded away in the hallway.

The sudden "reinforcement" brought an early end to this "battle." Tang Ruoyao snapped out of her state of cultivation, and Tang Fei took off his headphones. The siblings exchanged a smile.

Tang Ruoyao sat on the bed, lost in thought, while Tang Fei repeatedly wiped his palms with a tissue.

"What are you wiping?" Tang Ruoyao noticed his peculiar actions and asked.

Tang Fei smiled sheepishly and hid his hands behind his back. "It's nothing."

Tang Ruoyao insisted, "Let me see."

Tang Ruoyao hesitantly extended her hand and saw the blurred handwriting on the cheat sheet in Tang Fei's palm. She was both touched and amused at the same time. "You're quite sneaky."

"I was afraid I'd forget due to nervousness."

"How long have you been preparing these cheat sheets?"

"For a while now. I copied them from TV and books."

Tang Ruoyao pulled her brother into an embrace, wanting to give him a peck on the forehead. However, he had grown up, and there was a distinction between males and females. It wouldn't be appropriate to be so intimate. In the end, she just pinched his tender cheeks.

The sensation of the pinch was quite pleasant—cool and smooth. She couldn't help but pinch a few more times.

When Tang Ruoyao finally remembered to let go, Tang Fei's cheeks were flushed. She cleared her throat discreetly and asked, "Is Jiang Xuezhen treating you like this when I'm not at home? Neglecting your studies and not cooking for you?"

Tang Fei nodded.

"What about the money I give her?" Tang Ruoyao felt it was a redundant question as she realized there was no point. What else could she do? Jiang Xuezhen had greedily taken it all. There's a saying that goes, "There are no parents who don't love their own children", but Tang Ruoyao never expected Jiang Xuezhen to neglect her own son. A few years ago, when Tang Hanzhang was still in this family, although Jiang Xuezhen was a bit lazy, she wasn't so negligent towards Tang Hanzhang and Tang Fei. She would prepare two meals a day. When Tang Hanzhang ended up in the hospital, Tang Ruoyao sent a considerable amount of money back, and Jiang Xuezhen seemed like a person released from a cage. There was no longer anyone suppressing her, and she did as she pleased.

"She has a bank account now. Didn't I tell you before that she has a lot of money?" Tang Fei was cunning. He never openly confronted his mother at home, and Jiang Xuezhen never guarded against her own son. She would often boast in front of him about how much money she had obtained from her wealthy sister and proudly show him the balance on her bank card. Tang Fei remembered it all.

"She can afford to support me. Don't send her so much money." Tang Fei said.

"Okay." Tang Ruoyao agreed. She had the same thought.

"Tang Fei." Tang Ruoyao placed her hands on her brother's shoulders, looked into his eyes, and whispered, "I'll give you the card separately. Can you hide it from your mother?"

Tang Fei was momentarily stunned, showing a contemplative expression. After a while, he nodded solemnly.

"Alright." Tang Ruoyao continued in a hushed voice, "before I leave, I'll give you a card with a fixed amount for your living expenses. Normally, you'll still take money from our mother, but don't touch this card casually. It's for emergencies."

Tang Fei's heartbeat quickened with nervousness, but he still nodded.

"What about the phone I bought for you?"

Tang Fei retrieved the phone from under his pillow. He had hidden it a long time ago, fearing that Jiang Xuezhen might suddenly barge in and discover it.

Tang Ruoyao set up speed dial and pointed to the only contact in his WeChat, saying, "For emergencies, call me. For non-urgent matters, you can message me, and I'll reply when I see it, but it might not be immediate."

"Can I send messages to Sister when there's nothing wrong?" Tang Fei asked.

"Yes, you can. But don't do it too frequently. Focus on your studies."

"What if I become rebellious during my teenage years?" Tang Fei flopped onto the bed, wearing a mischievous smile on hid face.

"Then I'll come back and give you a good beating."

"Hahaha."

After discussing their preliminary solutions, the solemn atmosphere lightened. Tang Ruoyao still had another thought in her mind, but it wasn't appropriate to discuss it with a young child.

The child, free from internet addiction, tossed the phone aside and squatted on the bed like a little puppy. His hands hung down, and his shiny eyes spun around on Tang Ruoyao's face, seemingly lost in thought.

Tang Ruoyao felt a shiver down her spine from his gaze. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Big sister," Tang 'Little Puppy' chuckled and took a few steps forward, almost brushing his eyelashes against hers, and curiously asked, "Do you have a boyfriend now?"

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

In her mind, Qin Yinong's face immediately surfaced, and Tang Ruoyao was momentarily lost in thought.

She quickly raised her hand and pressed it against her brother's forehead, pushing him away with a sudden burst of energy. Wide-eyed, she said, "Are you trying to start dating early?!"

Tang Fei tilted his face back, looking innocent. "No, I just thought it's normal for you to have a boyfriend at your age, and I can help you screen them."

Tang Ruoyao retorted, "Wait until you grow taller than me, then we'll consider this issue."

Tang Fei grumbled, "I'll have a growth spurt when I enter middle school!"

"Then let's talk about it when you enter middle school!" Tang Ruoyao grabbed the nearby pillow and pressed it against his face. "Go do your homework!"

Before Tang Fei could continue with his nonsense, she decisively opened the door and left.

Jiang Xuezhen was no longer outside, and the master bedroom was locked. Light seeped out from under the door, and the sound of the TV blared loudly. Tang Ruoyao stared at the door for a moment, squinting her eyes. Then she returned to her room to get her pajamas and took a shower.

As Tang Ruoyao lay on the bed, enjoying the cool breeze from the air conditioner, she finally had the mood to think about something other than the mess of feathers.

Like Qin Yinong.

She had already planned out the path she needed to take, but Qin Yinong was the unpredictable and elusive factor.

The freshly sun-dried bedding carried the scent of sunlight. Tang Ruoyao turned to the side, bringing her nose closer to the fragrance. The photos of Qin Yinong in her phone slowed down even more, her grip on the phone gradually loosened, and eventually, a steady breathing sound could be heard.

Tang Ruoyao slept peacefully until she naturally woke up. Seeing that it was not yet 7 o'clock, she sat up on the bed and listened carefully to the sounds outside.

It was very quiet.

Jiang Xuezhen must have stayed up late watching TV last night and probably hadn't woken up yet. Tang Fei was on summer vacation and didn't have to go to school. Children tend to sleep in when they don't have to go to school.

Tang Ruoyao planned to get up in a while and cook porridge. She had checked the refrigerator before going to bed last night, so making a couple of side dishes for the porridge wouldn't be a problem.

Just as she squinted her eyes, someone knocked on the door.

The gentle sound didn't seem like Jiang Xuezhen. 

Tang Ruoyao adjusted her pajama collar and opened the door, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

Tang Fei said, "Are you ready for breakfast? I've already bought it."

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

After washing her face and brushing her teeth, Tang Ruoyao sat at the dining table. In front of her were packed porridge, youtiao (fried dough sticks), xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings), a small plate of appetizing pickled vegetables, and peanuts. Tang Fei uncovered the lid of the porridge container and naturally pushed it toward her. Then he used his chopsticks to pick up some pickled vegetables and put them in the porridge.

Seeing Tang Ruoyao in a daze, Tang Fei urged her, "Go ahead, eat."

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Today was another day where her sensible little brother rendered her useless as an older sister.

Tang Ruoyao scooped a spoonful of porridge. Surprisingly, it tasted good. The homemade pickled vegetables had a delicious salty flavor. Tang Ruoyao's appetite opened up, and before she knew it, she had finished a bowl of porridge and a basket of ten xiaolongbao. She patted her slightly bloated stomach and slouched in the chair. Tang Fei showed a hint of a smile and asked, "Was it delicious?"

Tang Ruoyao, burdened by her identity as a female artist, nodded silently, feeling a deep sense of guilt.

Tang Fei proudly said, "I've tried all the breakfast shops near our house, and this one is the best."

Tang Ruoyao turned to look at the silent door of the master bedroom.

Tang Fei anticipated her question and preemptively said, "My mom usually sleeps until noon and doesn't eat breakfast."

Tang Ruoyao asked, "Does she cook lunch?"

Tang Fei hesitated and said, "It depends." He propped his hands on the chair and swayed his body forward and backward. "There's a restaurant downstairs in the neighborhood that makes delicious rice noodles. If she doesn't cook today, I'll take you there."

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Half an hour later.

Tang Ruoyao stood with Tang Fei at the nearest market from their home.

This time, Tang Ruoyao didn't wear a hat, only a mask. The market was bustling with people, mostly housewives who were busy selecting produce at the stalls. They bargained in the local dialect with the vendors, paying no attention to who was passing by.

Tang Ruoyao successfully purchased the groceries and placed them in the kitchen. Then she and Tang Fei sat in the living room to watch TV. They were watching a superhero movie, "Iron Man," which Tang Fei particularly liked because of Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of the character. As the movie showed Iron Man upgrading his armor, Tang Fei mimicked the actions outside, filled with excitement.

Tang Ruoyao went online and ordered an Iron Man action figure.

When Jiang Xuezhen woke up and saw the siblings sitting side by side on the couch watching a movie, she was reminded of the events from the previous night. Instantly, she became furious and was about to rush over. Tang Ruoyao lifted her eyelids, and her piercing gaze froze Jiang Xuezhen in her tracks.

The two stood in silent confrontation.

Tang Ruoyao pushed Tang Fei's turned head back to its original position and calmly said, "The groceries are bought. Go and cook lunch."

Jiang Xuezhen exclaimed, "Who do you think you are?"

Tang Ruoyao tapped the table with her fingertip, her voice turning cold. "I am the one supporting you now."

Jiang Xuezhen stuttered, "You—"

Tang Ruoyao put on her Bluetooth earphones, no longer bothering to pay her any attention.

Jiang Xuezhen stomped her slippers on the floor, making a loud thud as she entered the kitchen. Soon, the sound of the range hood could be heard from inside.

Tang Fei enjoyed a hearty lunch, and Jiang Xuezhen had to eat as well. After all, she had her son to take care of. She held her nose and endured Tang Ruoyao eating beside her.

Tang Ruoyao picked up a shrimp with her chopsticks, took a bite, and commented, "It's salty. Auntie Jiang, your cooking skills have declined quite a bit recently. Have you not been practicing much?"

The argument from last night left a deep impression, and Jiang Xuezhen glanced at her son. Sensing the situation, she decided to yield first and didn't confront Tang Ruoyao. She said, "Tang Fei's school provides lunch."

"What about dinner?" Tang Ruoyao asked leisurely.

"That was an exception the other night. Usually, I cook dinner." Jiang Xuezhen explained. "Isn't that right, son?"

Tang Fei kept his head down and remained silent.

Jiang Xuezhen forcefully placed her chopsticks on the table.

Tang Fei buried his face in his bowl and quietly said, "Yes."

Jiang Xuezhen sighed. "Don't just listen to everything Tang Fei says. He's still a child. He exaggerated things when we had a disagreement. I am his mother, and no one cares for him more than I do. Look at his excellent grades. Could he have achieved that without someone looking after him?"

Tang Fei was shocked and was about to speak up.

He wasn't lying!

Jiang Xuezhen quickly interjected, "He even argued with me last night. Boys become more difficult to manage as they grow older."

"Yes." Tang Ruoyao said with a half-smile. "Auntie Jiang, you've worked hard."

Jiang Xuezhen waved her hand. "It's not about whether it's hard or not. As a mother, how could I complain my own child?" She glanced at Tang Fei again.

After finishing his meal, Tang Fei locked himself in his room. Tang Ruoyao knocked on the door several times before he finally opened it. Tang Fei was sitting at the desk, working on his homework. Tang Ruoyao walked over, and he lowered his head.

Tang Ruoyao approached him from the side, and Tang Fei turned his face away. But Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but notice his moist eyelashes and reddened eyes.

The young boy felt wronged as his mother slandered him, and even his sister seemed to doubt him. He felt incredibly upset.

After comforting Tang Fei, Tang Ruoyao left the house alone.

In the morning, she had scheduled a meeting with a private detective agency. After a phone conversation, they agreed on a location for the meeting.

Tang Ruoyao discussed her request with the detective agency. She wanted to know Jiang Xuezhen's specific whereabouts and the people she interacted with. Jiang Xuezhen's behavior towards Tang Fei was too abnormal. Even though Tang Ruoyao never considered her a good mother, it was too much to slander him in front of their son. He was her only child, and even for a modern woman like Tang Ruoyao, she couldn't turn a blind eye to such behavior.

Tang Ruoyao suspected that Jiang Xuezhen's thoughts were focused elsewhere, which is why she didn't have the leisure to worry about her son anymore.

Once she finished dealing with this matter, Tang Ruoyao returned home.

During the following days at home, Tang Ruoyao and Jiang Xuezhen coexisted peacefully. Tang Ruoyao took Tang Fei out to play, bought him a bunch of new clothes and shoes. With new attire, he became the center of attention wherever they went. Girls of all ages turned their heads, and some even took out their phones to take pictures of him. Tang Ruoyao lowered her head silently, trying to avoid accidentally being captured in the background and recognized by someone.

One time when Tang Ruoyao was shopping at a mall, despite being covered herself up tightly, she was still recognized by a female fan. Fortunately, the fan had some discretion and didn't shout or cause a scene. She just suppressed her excitement and asked for an autograph.

When Tang Ruoyao came out of the store, she saw her endorsement photo for a jewelry brand on the exterior wall of the R&D counter across the street.

Taking advantage of the sparse crowd, Tang Fei pulled his sister to stand in front of the advertisement and took a photo together. After the picture was taken, Tang Ruoyao quickly ran off, feeling the inquisitive gazes of a few people behind her.

The one-week holiday flew by, and it was time to return.

Tang Fei sat on his bed, feeling down.

Tang Ruoyao stuffed a card into his hand. "I will regularly deposit money into this card. Don't let your mother find out."

Tang Fei nodded.

After a moment, he pursed his lips and mustered up the courage to look at Tang Ruoyao. "Sister, can you take me away?" He didn't want to stay in this home anymore.

Tang Ruoyao touched his hair, opened her mouth, but no words came out.

Tang Ruoyao also wanted to take Tang Fei away, but she couldn't ensure her own safety, let alone be the legal guardian of Tang Fei. Jiang Xuezhen was the one with custody, and as Tang Fei's older sister, she had no authority. Furthermore, if she took Tang Fei to the capital, he didn't have a household registration, so how would they solve the issue of his education? Tang Ruoyao only had some savings and had no power or influence. She simply couldn't accomplish that.

The light in Tang Fei's eyes slowly dimmed.

Tang Ruoyao couldn't bear it and spoke up, "When sister has the ability, I will bring you to the capital."

At most... in two or three years, she would definitely be able to do it.

Tang Fei nodded vigorously.

"I'll wait for you."

Jiang Xuezhen had no idea that her source of income was about to be cut off. She openly expressed her joy at Tang Ruoyao's departure. The previous evening, she even prepared a lavish dinner, claiming it was a farewell for Tang Ruoyao. Tang Ruoyao sneered inwardly, thinking, just wait and see how long your smiles will last.

.....

[I'll be returning home today, should arrive around 4 PM.]

Qin Yinong returned Guan Han's phone, putting on a surprised expression. "Has it been a week already?"

Guan Han replied in a flat tone, "Yes."

She pretended to forget that Qin Yinong had confirmed their itinerary multiple times over the past few days.

"When should we prepare the car and leave?"

"After dinner." Qin Yinong said. "Ningning wants to have the soup I make."

"Should I tell her to come around seven or eight?"

"That works."

After replying to Tang Ruoyao's text, Guan Han stood by, feeling somewhat helpless.

Qin Yinong suddenly let out a soft sigh. Why did she have to go there herself as soon as Guan Han arrived? Did it make her seem too eager? Who was the one with the financial backing after all? But since she had agreed to go, it wouldn't be good to back out now.

Qin Yinong started a restless day.

She hadn't felt this way when she saw Tang Ruoyao before. It was probably because of the phone call she had with her recently. Tang Ruoyao had taken a different approach and successfully changed her manager, which made Qin Yinong happy.

To be honest, Qin Yinong didn't know how to face Tang Ruoyao.

Tang Ruoyao seemed much calmer. After receiving Guan Han's message of "Come around seven or eight." her heart skipped a beat, but then she sat in her seat, contemplating her script.

The flight attendant served her a cup of coffee, and Tang Ruoyao nodded in thanks, smiling faintly.The plane landed in the capital at 2 PM, with the summer heat stifling. Tang Ruoyao walked through the VIP channel, looking out at the airport runway through the glass walls. Flights took off and landed, the airport bustling as usual, just a bit more spacious. Yet, she suddenly felt a sense of belonging here.

She wasn't sure if it was because her career was here or because the people she cared about were here.

Tang Ruoyao didn't specifically wait for Qin Yinong.

After returning home, she took out the items from her suitcase and rearranged them, giving the room and living room a quick clean. She threw the old bed sheets and covers into the washing machine, pressed the automatic button, and laid out new ones that carried the fresh scent of sunshine and laundry balls.

She stood by the bedside, staring at the new bed sheets for a while, feeling a slight warmth in her ears. She shifted her gaze away and went into the bathroom to take a shower.

The bathroom still had that glass wall, allowing an unobstructed view from the outside. Tang Ruoyao cleaned her dusty body, and a feeling of anticipation grew within her, albeit belatedly.

She emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a large towel and entered the dressing room.

In the dressing room, there was a cabinet that she usually didn't open. It was only when Qin Yinong came that the things inside would come in handy.

Tang Ruoyao stood in front of the cabinet door and took a deep breath before raising her hand to open it.

She carefully selected a thin and almost transparent piece, sheer enough to see through. Tang Ruoyao closed the cabinet door again, feeling a flush in her ears as she put it on. She then put on a robe and fanned her cheeks with her hand.

For dinner, Tang Ruoyao made herself a vegetable salad without dressing, accompanied by a small box of pre-cut fruits. She turned on the television. It was a 30-minute documentary episode, but Tang Ruoyao was absent-minded, frequently rewinding whenever she realized she hadn't been paying attention for ten minutes.

The sky outside the floor-to-ceiling windows gradually darkened.

"Mom, where are you going?" Ningning sat on a small chair, doing her homework. She looked at Qin Yinong, who came down the stairs dressed up and clearly ready to go out, and asked.

"Just going out to handle some things." Qin Yinong replied.

"Oh, are you not coming back tonight?"

"No, I won't be coming back." Qin Yinong walked over, squatting down to kiss Ningning's face. "Listen to your grandma and don't sleep with snowy feet at night."

"I know." Ningning kissed her back. "Goodnight, Mom."

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Aunt Guan Han." Ningning didn't forget Guan Han, who was standing beside them.

"Goodnight to you too." Guan Han replied, casually putting her hand in her pocket, which caught Ningning's attention.

Qin Yinong quickly pressed Guan Han's hand back and clicked her tongue. "Don't give her candy."

Ningning pouted.

Qin Yinong walked to the doorway, then turned around and said again, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Mom!" Ningning waved at her vigorously, her smile pure and angelic.

Suddenly, Qin Yinong felt a surge of guilt, feeling like a parent sneaking out for an affair while leaving the child behind. She shook her head, feeling overwhelmed by the chaotic thoughts in her mind.

Qin Yinong bent down and got into the car. Guan Han sat next to her and placed a pink box into her bag right in front of her.

Qin Yinong: "..."

Guan Han seemed oblivious to her embarrassment and casually said, "It's what you asked me to buy last time."

Qin Yinong lowered her head and looked at her neatly trimmed nails, silently placing the bag on her side.

The car fell silent.

The air conditioning temperature was set just right, but Qin Yinong felt suffocated. Each breath seemed to require more effort than before.

Guan Han listened to her gradually intensifying breaths and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. They were still in the car, was she that thirsty?! But then she thought about it, Qin Yinong would be turning thirty next year, so having a stronger desire was normal.

Maybe she should buy a few more boxes?

"I'll go up by myself, you don't need to come along." Qin Yinong instructed Guan Han when they arrived downstairs at Tang Ruoyao's house.

Guan Han went along with it and said, "So, I'll go home then?" She had no interest in being a third wheel.

Qin Yinong looked up at the tall building in front of her and nodded, "Hmm, go ahead."

Tonight would probably be a long night.

Qin Yinong had a keycard, so she easily entered the building without any obstacles. She took the elevator straight up to the desired floor and stepped out as the doors opened.

At the same time, Tang Ruoyao, sitting on the sofa, suddenly turned her head, staring at the door in their house. Did she just hear the sound of the elevator? Tang Ruoyao got up and slowly walked toward the door.

Qin Yinong's fingers hovered above the keypad lock, hesitating for a moment. She decided to press the doorbell.

The door quickly swung open from the inside, pouring out bright light. Her raised hand fell empty, and with a slightly bewildered expression, she raised her gaze. All she could see was Tang Ruoyao's exquisite and stunning face.

They were too close, their breaths softly entangled.

Her heartbeat skipped a beat.

Tang Ruoyao's long eyelashes trembled slightly, and she composedly addressed her, "Sister." As she spoke, she took a step back, trying to create a safe distance, afraid that Qin Yinong would hear her erratic heartbeat at this moment.

However, Qin Yinong didn't give her a chance to escape. She reached out and wrapped her hand around Tang Ruoyao's waist, pushing her against the door, gently biting her lips.

Author's Note:

As it is widely known, a person should drink eight glasses of water a day.

BACK | TABLE OF CONTENTS | NEXT