CHAPTER 42

"Mom, do you have a boyfriend?"

"No." Qin Yinong lowered her head and looked at her. She smiled and asked, "Why are you suddenly asking this?"

"Just asking, no particular reason." Ningning paused for a long time before speaking. She leaned over and kissed Qin Yinong's cheek, closed her eyes, withdrew, and lay straight, saying, "I'm going to sleep, goodnight Mom."

"Goodnight."

Her eyelashes trembled vigorously, and it took a while for them to calm down. Falling asleep was a difficult task for her.

Qin Yinong stared at the child's sleeping face, lost in thought. When Ningning was completely asleep, Qin Yinong carefully reached out her finger and gently brushed it at the corner of her eye, faintly feeling a slight cold sensation.

Qin Yinong tucked the corner of the blanket for Ningning and sighed while looking at the ceiling.

After dinner, Ji Shulan had a conversation with her. Ningning was feeling down after school today and once again asked about her father in the car. Her eyes were red, perhaps because the topic was brought up by other children in kindergarten.

Qin Yinong could provide Ningning with everything except for one thing—a complete family.

Ningning is so sensible that she has even learned to be tactful when asking about her father, afraid of hurting her feelings. Previously, Qin Yinong and Ji Shulan both claimed that their father abandoned them, rather than revealing that he had passed away. They didn't want Ningning to develop any emotional attachment to her biological father. Besides, the truth is that her biological father had abandoned Qin Luning. Scum doesn't deserve to be remembered, even in a place he doesn't know.

Sometimes, this level of maturity makes Qin Yinong feel both heartbroken and at a loss. In her understanding, children should cry when they need to cry, laugh when they need to laugh, make a ruckus, and be carefree on the surface. They should even cause some insignificant mischief. But Ningning, at such an early age, has become prematurely mature, learning restraint and moderation.

Qin Yinong gently kissed the child's smooth cheek, carrying a heavy burden in her heart.

......

"Last year's investment project has already returned, with a post-tax share of 28 million."

Qin Yinong sat in her office, tapping her index finger lightly on the desk. Guan Han stood beside her, slightly leaning in, listening for her next instructions.

In the first few years before entering the industry, Qin Yinong lost all the money she earned due to legal disputes. She only started making real money after her first film was released and received awards. Following that, she collaborated with An Ling to establish a production studio. With income from film remunerations and commercial endorsements, her career flourished, and she earned a considerable amount. But the more she earned, the more she spent. She bought a villa in the wealthy district of the capital and brought Ji Shulan over. She signed new artists for her studio, supported her team, invested in projects—everything required money.

She spends very little on herself. She doesn't buy luxury cars or designer watches. In the early years, she had to spend on clothes and jewelry, but later on, those brands started sending them directly to her. Every season, she had access to the latest collections, and even for red carpet events, she received high-end couture dresses from the brands. Her team handled all the relationships and dealings with the brand partners. She saved every penny she could, and her available liquid funds were always limited. However, it was quite rare for her to be so financially strained that she had less than one million left, as was the case recently.

The reason for this was that she had just started a media company and had invested all the available funds into its normal operations. She thought that if she didn't need the money at the moment, her few hundred thousand wouldn't make much difference, and she could borrow from someone when the need arose. But she never imagined that this seemingly insignificant two million would become such a challenge for her.

She could ask An Ling for a loan, and she would gladly lend her money to pay the salaries of her employees. However, Qin Yinong couldn't bring herself to do it. She didn't want to borrow money from her to pay her  little lover's salary.

Fortunately, she didn't have to wait until the end of the month. Last year, Qin Yinong invested in a film and television project that was released successfully this year with a decent box office response. Suddenly, there was a substantial amount of money in her personal account, relieving the burden that had been weighing on her for several days.

"Allocate two million to Tang Ruoyao for salary arrears." Qin Yinong immediately resolved this matter, as she wouldn't be able to sleep well at night otherwise.

Guan Han jotted it down on the tablet.

"As for the rest, should we continue investing, or should I bring in a financial manager for you?" she asked.

Qin Yinong hesitated for a moment, raised her index finger, and gestured for Guan Han not to speak. After pondering for a while, she asked, "What about the other investors? Do you know how they handle it?"

Guan Han remained silent.

So, you've been taking care of others for three years, and now you're learning how to be an investor?

Qin Yinong tapped her fingers on the table and sighed, "Just speak."

Guan Han adjusted her glasses up and calmly replied, "I haven't delved into this area before. Let me research and provide you with a summary. Would that be okay?"

Qin Yinong furrowed her brow and reluctantly agreed. After all, she couldn't meet Tang Ruoyao recently, so she had time to do some homework.

"And what about the remaining money?"

Qin Yinong pondered for a moment and said, "Is there enough funds for Maple Red recently?"

Maple Red is a charity organization established by Qin Yinong a few years ago to help victims of domestic violence. It provides legal assistance and emergency funds to women and children who have experienced domestic and gender-based violence, including but not limited to medical care, accommodation, legal advice, and psychological counseling. Due to the frequent occurrence of social welfare incidents, Qin Yinong was concerned that her money might not be used for those who truly needed it, so she decided to create her own organization. She only provides funding behind the scenes and does not publicly appear. She hired someone to handle all the affairs of the organization.

Qin Yinong cares deeply about Maple Red and often inquires about its progress. Guan Han has been paying attention and responded promptly, "It's enough."

In the past two years, the issue of domestic violence has gradually gained attention, and public opinion is also focused on it. With Qin Yinong, a prominent figure supporting Maple Red from behind the scenes, the organization led by its president, Shi Xiao, never lacked funding. They seized the opportunity and utilized online and offline media to vigorously promote Maple Red, allowing more people to become aware of this charity organization. No matter how well an organization operates, it cannot help the victims if they are unaware of its existence.

Every penny of Maple Red's funding is carefully accounted for, with clear records of where it comes from and how it is used, completely eliminating the risk of embezzlement. Qin Yinong would never allow such things to happen under her watchful eyes. Shi Xiao is a capable individual who not only attracted new funding but also recruited a large group of excellent volunteers to work together in the fight against domestic violence.

Since the beginning of this year, Maple Red has been able to operate smoothly and maintain a balanced budget without requiring additional funding from Qin Yinong. However, she still allocates a fixed amount of money each month to be prepared for any unforeseen needs. Sometimes she even disguises herself and goes there quietly to observe, and then leaves discreetly.

"Add another two million." Qin Yinong said.

Guan Han nodded without any surprise, as she had already anticipated this outcome.

"Keep the rest in the account, just in case we need it." Qin Yinong said, touching her nose. For example, if she wanted to buy a car for Tang Ruoyao.

Guan Han raised an eyebrow slightly this time.

Guan Han looked down at the tablet and said, "Two Hope Primary Schools in the Yi ethnic mountainous area have been completed. The principals there are asking if you have any time in the near future to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony."

"Check my schedule. If I don't have time, let Shi Xiao go." Qin Yinong replied. Shi Xiao was employed by Qin Yinong and shared the same goals of combating domestic violence and building schools. He had been running errands for her regularly and enjoyed doing it. Qin Yinong had no qualms about assigning tasks to him.

"Understood."

Qin Yinong then gave instructions on a few more matters, raised her hand to check her wristwatch, stood up gracefully, and said, "It's about time. Let's go."

She had arranged to meet a director to discuss the film she planned to invest in and see if they were interested. After being idle at home for a while, she couldn't sit still any longer and had put the new movie on her schedule.

The screenwriter, Chai Ziqiu, had sent the complete version of the script, but the name still hadn't been finalized. Several alternative names were suggested, and Qin Yinong planned to discuss it with the director and the screenwriter once the director was confirmed.

......

In mid-July, the day before Tang Ruoyao joined the production of "Under the Southern Mountain," she finished her last scene and walked out of the studio. Her assistant, Xin Qian, took her coat and handed her the phone.

Out of habit, Tang Ruoyao slid open her phone and glanced at the screen. There was an unread message.

[95588: Your savings account ending in 1335 has received a transfer of 2,000,000.00 RMB. The current balance is 3,927,292.60 RMB. Please check and verify the amount in a timely manner. [Industrial and Commercial Bank]]

Tang Ruoyao furrowed her brow. "???"

"What's wrong?" Mu Qingwu, who was walking ahead, turned back and asked.

"Nothing." Tang Ruoyao calmly put away her phone and caught up with Mu Qingwu's pace.

A trace of confusion flickered in her eyes.

Qin Yinong suddenly gave Tang Ruoyao money, including a large sum, but Tang Ruoyao had never thought that this money was her three years' worth of "salary" for her "work." Back then, Tang Ruoyao was not even considered a C-list celebrity, with no exposure and treated as expendable.

There are many wealthy people in the industry, but wealthy people are not fools. On the contrary, the wealthier they are, the shrewder they become. They know the value of each person, and only those who are worth the price of an internet celebrity or a popular anchor can secure funding as a prominent artist. Most of the arrangements are clearly stated in contracts, specifying the monthly allowance with tips being separate. Whether to give or not is up to the patron, and some can be quite stingy, similar to owing wages to migrant workers, withholding payment. However, such cases are relatively rare and considered exceptional circumstances.

There are also those who are extravagant, like Liu Yayu, the patron of Huo Yuke, a big shot in the entertainment industry. As long as they can please him, he would give them whatever they wanted. But that was a level that Tang Ruoyao couldn't reach at the time. There are many types of patrons, and she could only come into contact with those who had a little money and wanted to have some fun with a small celebrity.

Three years ago, Tang Hanzhang had an accident, and Tang Ruoyao put herself on the chopping block. The original patron and the initial contract were only worth fifty thousand a month, excluding the initial three hundred thousand for the surgery.

Later, when Qin Yinong took over, Tang Ruoyao hesitantly asked if she could have an advance payment of three hundred thousand. Guan Han agreed and gave her five hundred thousand without mentioning the issue of advance payment. During the time when Tang Ruoyao had just signed the contract, she focused on dealing with Tang Hanzhang's matters at home and forgot about the clause in the contract regarding monthly salary. When she remembered, she received an audition opportunity from Qin Yinong, the renowned director. Prior to the audition, Qin Yinong provided her with intensive training, and in the end, she stood out among the competition and secured the leading role in the film. With a significant film remuneration of several million, she no longer cared about that small salary.

In the industry, for artists who sell their bodies to climb higher branches, what they lack is not money but resources. The resources Qin Yinong provided her were worth tens of times more than just giving her money. The leading role in a film by a renowned director is priceless, and not to mention the various audition opportunities and endorsement offers that came her way. With her increasing wealth, Tang Ruoyao naturally overlooked this matter.

Receiving a sudden transfer of two million, Tang Ruoyao was briefly puzzled but didn't connect the two million with the "salary" she had been owed for three years. She didn't ask Guan Han why the transfer suddenly occurred. Qin Yinong had her own considerations, and Tang Ruoyao only needed to comply and accept it. Two million was not a small amount for her at the moment, and who would complain about having too much money?

When Tang Ruoyao spoke to Tang Fei at home, she wasn't just trying to comfort him. She genuinely considered bringing Tang Fei to the capital. The most important thing was money because having money would give her the confidence to handle future matters.

After meeting with the director, Qin Yinong and Guan Han were on their way home in the car. Qin Yinong rested her fingers on her forehead, half-closing her eyes, and lazily asked Guan Han, "Did Yaoyao ask you why she suddenly received a sum of money?"

Guan Han shook her head.

Since their last separation, Guan Han had not received any messages from Tang Ruoyao.

Qin Yinong made a soft sound of agreement.

It's better if she doesn't ask.

Qin Yinong reached for her phone and opened the built-in memo app. She deleted a name from it. The conversation in the afternoon didn't go smoothly. Being a producer is different from being an actor. As an actor, she listens to the director, but as a producer, she chooses the director. The director is someone who works for her, so she must select someone whose vision aligns with hers. She didn't want to frequently clash with the director after making a decision. It would be detrimental to the production team and other actors, and they wouldn't be able to create outstanding works.

In her heart, the person she favored the most was Han Yuping. Han Yuping was her mentor, and frankly speaking, she considered herself Han Yuping's favorite actress. Although Han Yuping was a bit serious, not one to joke around, and seemed intimidating, he had mentioned in interviews multiple times that he admired Qin Yinong the most.

Han Yuping saved Qin Yinong from a difficult situation. Her debut film was directed by Han Yuping, and it was during the lowest point of her career and reputation. Because of this, there were rumors of a romantic relationship between Han Yuping and Qin Yinong. For several years, Han Yuping maintained a low profile, focused on his own affairs, and maintaining his integrity as a loving husband. However, whether it was in front of the media or in front of Qin Yinong, he never deliberately avoided the topic, firmly believing that the innocent will be cleared. He also had a good wife who not only didn't feel jealous, but also called Qin Yinong to comfort her, telling her not to take the gossip to heart, and even personally cooked and invited her to dinner at their home.

Not only did they align in terms of film concepts, but to some extent, their ways of handling life were similar. Han Yuping had been in the industry for many years and had experienced many ups and downs. He didn't pay much attention to these small tricks. Qin Yinong, on the other hand, had endured too much malice and had grown accustomed to it. She didn't even want to give a glance to those who looked at her with ill intentions. But throughout it all, Qin Yinong never considered Han Yuping in her list of concerns. Two months ago, Han Yuping ordered her to take a break. If he were to find out that Qin Yinong was secretly preparing for a new film, not only acting in it but also producing it, he would probably nag her endlessly.

Moreover, as far as Qin Yinong knew, Han Yuping was currently secluded in the northwest, filming and enduring harsh conditions. He had no time to pay attention to the news from the capital. By the time he found out about this matter, it would be too late, and Han Yuping couldn't be bothered to call and scold her.

The corners of Qin Yinong's lips involuntarily curled upwards. The calculations in her heart were playing out just as she had planned.

Guan Han didn't know what made her happy. She silently withdrew her gaze and focused her mind on Qin Yinong's upcoming schedule.

"Is 'Under the Southern Mountain' about to start shooting?" Qin Yinong glanced down at her phone, casually tapping her fingers on the memo app, and asked in a casual tone.

Guan Han lowered her eyelids and replied smoothly, "It starts next Monday, and Miss Yao will join the crew tomorrow." She knew what Qin Yinong truly wanted to know.

"Is the director Lin Guoan?"

"Yes."

Qin Yinong made a sound of acknowledgment and fell silent.

Lin Guoan was an established director of the same generation as Han Yuping. He had made several successful films twenty or thirty years ago and gained both fame and fortune, becoming well-known in the industry. However, he had a brief moment of success and hadn't produced any outstanding works since then. Consequently, his status in the industry plummeted, and many people had forgotten about him. Later, due to financial reasons, Lin Guoan reluctantly accepted an offer from a media company and became a contracted director. With the company's support and his own abilities, he gradually made a comeback in recent years. While both Han Yuping and Lin Guoan were veteran directors, Han Yuping had accumulated his own resources. Even when working for others, he always had the final say in casting. Capital couldn't interfere too much, and if push came to shove, he could walk away from the project, leaving the capital to deal with the consequences. Lin Guoan, on the other hand, lacked such confidence. This was also the main reason why Tang Ruoyao, who had passed the audition smoothly, was intercepted by Huo Yuke midway.

Qin Yinong had collaborated with Lin Guoan once before, and they had some rapport. Lin Guoan was an extremely meticulous and serious director who had high expectations for actors on set. However, his personality was relatively gentle, unlike Han Yuping who would start scolding as soon as he got angry.

"After this film, does Lin Guoan have any availability?" Qin Yinong suddenly changed the topic, asking a question that caught Guan Han off guard.

Guan Han paused for a moment and replied, "I'll go and ask."

Qin Yinong lazily narrowed her eyes and said, "Hmm... no rush."

Guan Han furrowed her brows.

What did she mean by "no rush"?

Qin Yinong coughed, seemingly realizing her slip of the tongue, and turned her gaze towards the window, naturally avoiding the topic.

A flicker of frustration flashed across Guan Han's face.

Just now, when she thought about discussing the collaboration with Lin Guoan, the first thought that came to her mind was that if Lin Guoan was on set, she could openly visit the set of "Under the Southern Mountain" and observe Tang Ruoyao's performance. That's why she blurted out the words "no rush."

Lately, her mind had been filled with nothing but personal affairs involving her child and lover. She would easily associate things with them.

Qin Yinong rubbed her forehead, trying to push Tang Ruoyao out of her mind. But perhaps she was truly idle, as she couldn't divert her attention to more important matters at the moment.

Qin Jianing? Qin Jianing had recently asked her if she had a boyfriend. She didn't have a boyfriend, but she did have a female lover.

Qin Yinong took a deep breath and suddenly turned her head, glancing at Guan Han, who was sitting quietly beside her.

Guan Han felt a chill run down her spine.

Qin Yinong stared at her intently without blinking, and Guan Han met her sharp gaze, mustering up the courage to speak, "Do you need me to do something?"

"It's not a big deal." Qin Yinong sighed and said, "I wanted to ask you something."

Qin Yinong actually had something to ask her?

Guan Han was taken aback but maintained her composure, showing no signs of surprise on her face. "Go ahead and ask."

"Do you think I should visit Yao Yao on set?" Qin Yinong placed one hand on the armrest and slightly tilted her head back. The tension in her pursed lips revealed her current dilemma.

"Visit her?" Guan Han pondered for a moment and quickly understood. "Are you suggesting going to Director Lin Guoan's place?"

Qin Yinong nodded.

The best way to meet with Lin Guo'an would be to arrange a separate meeting to discuss matters. Actually going to the set might invite criticism. Qin Yinong had such a reputation that rumors of her visiting the set for romantic purposes could easily spread. However, Qin Yinong was used to being criticized and didn't care much about such trivial matters. But the idea of visiting Tang Ruoyao on set, once it emerged in her mind, grew like a wildfire and couldn't be extinguished.

She hadn't been like this before. When Tang Ruoyao was filming on set, she focused on her own affairs and occasionally thought of meeting her, but those thoughts were easily dismissed as passing whims.

It seemed like she was deliberately indulging herself now. Was it because their contract was coming to an end? Or was she becoming more and more addicted to the feeling of being around Tang Ruoyao?

Realizing this, a sense of crisis immediately spread in Qin Yinong's heart, making her scalp tingle.

Guan Han hesitated for a moment, about to speak, but Qin Yinong coldly said, "Forget it."

Guan Han: "..."

She should have known better than to offer any opinion regarding Tang Ruoyao. Qin Yinong had her own ideas.

Qin Yinong clenched her phone tightly in her hand, her fingers turning white from the pressure. She closed her eyes and struggled to suppress the restless emotions, gradually calming her face back to serenity.

......

"Tomorrow we'll be going to the set. I'll raise my tea cup as a toast to you, in advance, wishing for a smooth shoot." Mu Qingwu lifted her tea cup and clinked it against Tang Ruoyao's.

Mu Qingwu had another artist under her management who had an important event to attend. Logically, she should be with them throughout, but what Tang Ruoyao was about to do was also crucial. Although Mu Qingwu had warned Tang Ruoyao in advance about some mischievous young actors on the set of "Under the Southern Mountain," she couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy during their first meeting.

Mu Qingwu had heard about Tang Ruoyao's behavior in the industry before she took her under her wing, and she made a point to understand it even more after becoming her manager. To put it nicely, Tang Ruoyao was someone who stayed out of trouble, but to put it bluntly, she was a spineless pushover who anyone could step on. Mu Qingwu was almost driven to baldness from her worries.

As for why Tang Ruoyao hadn't been easily taken advantage of over the years, it could only be attributed to the powerful people backing her, who protected her exceptionally well. After working in the company for so many years, Mu Qingwu had some internal information. The company regarded Tang Ruoyao as a money-making machine that everyone could look at but not touch. However, when she suddenly changed her agent and truly started earning money for the company, others might not have known the reason, but Mu Qingwu did.

Her "family" had decided to let Tang Ruoyao venture out on her own. Judging from the frequent waves of negative publicity that had appeared online in the past two weeks and the lack of immediate action to resolve them, her "family" was no longer meticulously managing public opinion, only leaving positive news behind.

In Mu Qingwu's view, Tang Ruoyao was currently like a luxurious flower that had grown up and been pampered in a greenhouse. Suddenly, she was being thrown into the harsh wilderness, exposed to the cold and battered by wind and rain. How could she not feel anxious?

After much hesitation, Mu Qingwu finally made up her mind to accompany Tang Ruoyao to the set and take some extra measures there, ensuring that the staff would take care of her. The other artist she managed was already capable of handling things on their own, so she was relatively more concerned about Tang Ruoyao. However, she didn't have a chance to discuss it with Tang Ruoyao before Tang Ruoyao "casually" asked about Mu Qingwu's plans for the next day.

"I'll go to the set with you tomorrow, you don't have to be afraid." Mu Qingwu said without hesitation. She thought Tang Ruoyao was worried that she couldn't handle it alone, so she wanted to reassure her. 

"Mm," Tang Ruoyao tilted her head and made a thoughtful expression. "Does Han Yan have a schedule tomorrow?"

Mu Qingwu nodded.

"Then you go with Han Yan, I'll be fine on my own."

"Huh?" Mu Qingwu was taken aback.

Tang Ruoyao pressed her lips together and smiled. "I'm just going to a set like any ordinary person. I just need an assistant. It would be a waste if you really accompany me. I wouldn't feel right about it."

Mu Qingwu was stunned for a moment, trying to come up with a reason in her mind. Either this kid was playing hard to get as a way to make progress or she was trying to create some distance between them.

"You shouldn't say that." Mu Qingwu waved her hand and said, "It's your first time going to the set under my management, and it's a meaningful beginning. According to protocol, I should accompany you."

"What about Han Yan then?"

"She's clever, she can handle herself." Mu Qingwu said, a hint of hesitation flashing in her eyes, but she remained firm in her statement.

Tang Ruoyao felt a mix of emotions upon hearing this. The underlying meaning in Mu Qingwu's words was that she was foolish, unable to handle even the small matters of going to the set.

"I can handle it on my own too." Tang Ruoyao, no longer her usual gentle self, erased the smile on her face and looked at Mu Qingwu with a determined gaze. There was a rare sharpness in her eyes as she spoke each word.

Mu Qingwu had to admit that she was convinced by Tang Ruoyao's gaze in that moment. However, her rationality prompted her to confirm with her once again, "Are you really capable?"

Tang Ruoyao nodded solemnly.

Mu Qingwu said, "Don't try to be strong."

Tang Ruoyao replied seriously, "I'm not trying to be strong."

Mu Qingwu continued, "When you arrive on the set and meet anyone, you need to report to me one by one. Otherwise, I won't feel at ease."

"..." Tang Ruoyao said, "Alright, I will."

With lingering doubts, Mu Qingwu allowed Tang Ruoyao to go to the set with her assistant.

The next morning, before the alarm clock could even sound, Tang Ruoyao's internal clock woke her up early. After getting ready and having breakfast, it was only 7 o'clock. She sat on the sofa, fully focused on reading the script. Through the transparent floor-to-ceiling windows, she could see a clear, sunny sky with light blue clouds resembling lotus leaves.

At exactly 8 o'clock, her phone vibrated on time.

Her assistant and car were already downstairs.

Tang Ruoyao tucked the script into her bag, grabbed the neatly packed suitcase by the door, and took one last deep look at this residence, the only place where she and Qin Yinong had any overlap.

This trip to the set meant they wouldn't be able to see each other for at least three to four months.

The end of their contract was approaching, and for them, going on set to shoot a movie meant several months passing by in the blink of an eye. Their ten months, seemingly long, had actually dwindled down to very few remaining days. The number of times they would see each other could be counted on one hand.

Soon, Tang Ruoyao would also move out of this house that didn't belong to her. She slowly ran her fingers over the cold doorknob, then withdrew her gaze after a long while. She sighed almost imperceptibly, lowered her trembling eyelashes, and gently closed the door.

Little did Tang Ruoyao expect that the day they would see each other again would come much sooner than she had anticipated, and in a completely unexpected and new way.

Author's Note:

Sister Qin: There's no such thing as visiting the set. Would I be the kind of person who visits the set?

Afterwards, it's going to be exciting.

Yao Yao: It seems like I didn't have enough bubble tea last time. [Thoughtful.jpg]

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