CHAPTER 45

Guan Han lowered her head, pretending to look at her watch, but in reality, she was keeping watch. Her eyes were fixed on the direction of the restroom, and as soon as she spotted Lin Guoan, she immediately signaled inside.

Inside the adjacent private room, the atmosphere was provocative.

At first, Tang Ruoyao felt trapped, unable to move. Qin Yinong's lips grazed against the corner of her own, teasing her playfully. Tang Ruoyao's heart was left hanging, her body craving for more, unable to resist leaning in.

Qin Yinong's lips curled slightly, evading her advance, refusing to let her succeed.

"Director Lin will be back soon." Tang Ruoyao's ears turned red, reluctantly mentioning Lin Guoan as a barrier.She was the one teasing, and she was also the one not willing to cooperate. There was a limit to teasing, and if it weren't for Qin Yinong's status as the "financial backer," Tang Ruoyao would have... She couldn't help but fantasize for a moment, a glint flashing in her eyes. She gently bit her lip, suppressing her desires.

Forget it, when under someone else's roof, it's best to lower your head when necessary.

Qin Yinong didn't notice her many little schemes. She was also pressed for time. She played with her a little, then gently straightened Tang Ruoyao's head, tilted her own, and met her lips once again.

The warm and sweet taste seeped in slowly through their parted red lips.

Like two thirsty fish, they eagerly absorbed each other's sweetness and tenderness.

...

Thud, thud, thud—

The muffled and heavy sound grew increasingly urgent.

The sudden knocking on the door jolted the two of them out of their immersion. Tang Ruoyao retreated too quickly, hitting the edge of the table with her back. She let out a muffled gasp, too preoccupied to check herself. She swiftly moved down from Qin Yinong's lap, returning to her original position, and lowered her head to tidy her cheongsam.

Not only was her side zipper pulled all the way down, but even two of the clasps were undone. Tang Ruoyao hurriedly fastened the clasps while blushing, recalling how all of this had happened just moments ago.

Lost in her thoughts, she completely failed to notice the darkened expression on Qin Yinong's face.

Qin Yinong naturally heard the knocking on the door too. She knew that this brief moment of sweetness was coming to an end. However, knowing it was one thing, but seeing Tang Ruoyao not even sparing her a glance and eagerly distancing herself with a series of actions left her feeling discontent in her heart.

Tang Ruoyao didn't realize that she had subconsciously pushed away Qin Yinong's hand when she was about to reach out to support her.

"Why the rush?" Qin Yinong propped her elbow on the tablecloth, supporting her chin with one hand, and casually said, "Director Lin will still take a while to come in."

There was a hint of displeasure in her gaze.

Tang Ruoyao breathed a sigh of relief after finishing adjusting herself and finally had a chance to glance at Qin Yinong. She said, "I know, I'm just afraid."

"Afraid of what?" Qin Yinong frowned, "Afraid that he'll discover the relationship between the two of us?" Lin Guoan is an old slickster, there's nothing he hasn't seen before, at most he'll make a few jokes or teasing remarks about herself.

Qin Yinong said it casually, but Tang Ruoyao interpreted it differently.

Qin Yinong had explicitly told her that she had more than one lover, so naturally, Tang Ruoyao thought that Lin Guoan might have already witnessed her being intimate with other men or women. That's why she took the opportunity while the director was away to have a "secret affair" with her, and she seemed so skilled at it.

To Qin Yinong, she was just one of her pets, not the most favored one. Just based on what she knew, there was Ji Yunyao, the princess of Huan Yu Entertainment.

Because of the intimacy they had just shared, Tang Ruoyao's heart, which had been filled with warmth, suddenly turned sour.

Tang Ruoyao opened her mouth, wanting to say something appropriate and understanding, but when the words reached her lips, she swallowed them back, her expression showing restraint.

Qin Yinong sensed a trace of grievance from Tang Ruoyao's expression.

Strange? What is she feeling aggrieved about?

Before she could come up with an answer, Guan Han's voice came from outside the door, "Director Lin, you're back."

"Why are you standing at the door?"

"I just came back from the front desk and happened to see you coming out, so I thought I'd wait for you."

"Oh, I see." Lin Guoan laughed, "Then let's go in together."

Inside the room, the two of them tacitly fell silent, sitting at the table without looking at each other, even more distant than before.

Lin Guoan entered and took a seat, smiling awkwardly. He picked up his chopsticks and said, "Let's start with the dishes, they've all cooled down now."

Qin Yinong responded indifferently.

Tang Ruoyao nodded, and once both of them started using their chopsticks, she stood up and considerately asked, "Director Lin and Senior Qin, would you like some soup?"

Lin Guoan didn't hesitate and handed his bowl over, saying, "Thank you."

As he looked up, he noticed the unevenly applied lipstick on Tang Ruoyao's lips. He was momentarily puzzled. No matter how much of a straight man Lin Guoan was, he worked in the artistic field and was engaged in the meticulous work of directing. His observational skills were undoubtedly sharp.

The character Tang Ruoyao was portraying had a natural and elegant makeup, almost appearing on screen without any makeup, with the lipstick only applied to brighten her complexion and make her look more vibrant. The chosen color was so light that it could be easily overlooked. However, now her fair cheeks were unusually rosy, not to mention her lip color, which was noticeably darker than before he went to the restroom. And the darkness... how should he put it? A little on the left, a little on the right. Lin Guoan couldn't find an excuse for her, even if he wanted to say that she had reapplied her lipstick.

If it wasn't self-applied, then someone else must have applied it, and it was done in a proper and skilled manner.

Lin Guoan glanced at Qin Yinong, whose attitude had become lukewarm, with a similar "bite lip" makeup. His pupils slightly dilated, and after a moment, he lowered his head, concealing his astonishment and disbelief.

Tang Ruoyao handed the soup to Lin Guoan and felt her heart skip a beat in response to his meaningful gaze.

She turned to Qin Yinong and asked, "Would Senior Qin like some?"

Qin Yinong deliberately remained silent.

When Tang Ruoyao showed that vulnerable look, Qin Yinong finally let out a cold snort in her mind. She lightly brushed past this page and the previous one, and generously opened her mouth lazily, saying "Thanks."

Tang Ruoyao really lacked insight. Not to mention that she was a guest in this situation, but even in terms of her current status in the industry, she easily surpassed Lin Guoan. And when it comes to personal relationships, compared to Lin Guoan, Tang Ruoyao was definitely closer to her.

Yet, Tang Ruoyao's first question was directed at Lin Guoan, not herself?

Tang Ruoyao leaned forward, scooping soup from the bowl, while Guan Han's eyebrows twitched in surprise, typing under the table.

Qin Yinong's phone on the table vibrated, and she unlocked the screen to read the message. Her eyebrows furrowed in the middle, followed by a trace of annoyance.

[Your lipsticks have been exposed.]

Guan Han turned her head and gave Qin Yinong a worried look.

Qin Yinong gently shook her head, indicating that everything was fine.

It was her oversight.

But it wasn't a big deal. Lin Guoan was discreet and wouldn't go around spreading rumors. It was better not to let Tang Ruoyao know that Lin Guoan was already aware.

"Senior Qin, here's your soup." Tang Ruoyao, oblivious to the situation, gently placed the bowl in front of her.

Perhaps hearing Qin Yinong's inner thoughts, Tang Ruoyao behaved exceptionally well afterward. She occasionally served dishes to Qin Yinong with gentle words and a soft tone. Hearing this, Qin Yinong particularly enjoyed it.

"You eat yours, don't fuss." Perhaps feeling a hint of guilt, Qin Yinong's complexion improved slightly, and she spoke with a pleasant expression.

She picked up the communal chopsticks and picked a piece of tender fish meat, placing it in Tang Ruoyao's bowl.

Tang Ruoyao pursed her lips and made a low sound of agreement, staring blankly at the piece of fish meat.

If she remembered correctly, this was the first time Qin Yinong had served her a dish.

They had eaten together at home many times with Qin Yinong, but they always ate separately. Tang Ruoyao occasionally served dishes to Qin Yinong, and she wouldn't refuse, but she would never do the same for Tang Ruoyao. The boundaries and dynamics between them had always been clear.

Even though it was an unintentional gesture of politeness from Qin Yinong at the dining table, it momentarily blurred the boundaries that existed between them.

Tang Ruoyao held onto the piece of fish meat and hesitated to pick up her chopsticks.

Qin Yinong and Lin Guoan were already engaged in conversation. Tang Ruoyao half-listened, catching the gist of it. Qin Yinong had recently started her own company and attached great importance to this film, personally taking on the role of a producer.

As the conversation grew lively, Qin Yinong raised her cup and, opting for tea instead of alcohol, clinked it with Lin Guoan.

Lin Guoan took a small sip of white wine, feeling refreshed throughout his body. His brows and eyes relaxed as he smiled and said, "If you haven't found the right actress, I can recommend someone for you."

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow, curiously asking, "Who?"

Lin Guoan tilted his chin and teased, "She's far away on the horizon, but also right in front of you."

Suddenly, Tang Ruoyao, who was mentioned by name, looked up and gazed at Qin Yinong. Humble words welled up in her mouth, unsure whether to say them or not.

To be fair, Tang Ruoyao naturally wanted to star in Qin Yinong's film, although it was regrettable that they couldn't collaborate.

Tang Ruoyao swallowed her original words and changed her statement, saying, "If Senior Qin thinks highly of me, I would be honored. I'm just afraid that I may not meet Senior Qin's standards."

Lin Guoan, thinking he had grasped the dynamic between the two, laughed heartily and said, "Ruoyao, there's no need to be modest. If you don't meet her standards, then no newcomer of this generation can. Isn't that right, Yinong?"

Qin Yinong's expression was complex as she dryly replied, "Yes."

She didn't want Tang Ruoyao to be in the same film as her, especially in a same-sex film like this. In the entertainment industry, there were countless examples of on-screen couples developing real-life relationships, and considering their mutual affection, it was even more precarious. Their relationship was already hanging by a thread, delicately maintaining a balance. If they were to proceed with this, it would be like walking on a tightrope over a cliff. Any slight misstep could result in a devastating fall.

Lin Guoan, as if he had already made up his mind about Tang Ruoyao, asked directly, "Do you have any availability in your schedule?"

Tang Ruoyao nodded and said, "Yes."

Lin Guoan exclaimed, "I guess you do have availability. When the time comes, you can join this production with me. It would be convenient for me to work with familiar actors, without the need for further adjustment." He smirked and asked Qin Yinong, "What do you think?"

Qin Yinong casually made a noncommittal sound, neither accepting nor declining.

Lin Guoan keenly sensed something amiss and wisely stopped pressing the matter.

Tang Ruoyao bit her lower lip and stole a glance at Qin Yinong. Qin Yinong's face didn't show much change, still sporting a smile, but her aura slowly diminished.

Qin Yinong didn't bring up the topic of the new film again. Lin Guoan's gaze wandered between the two, filled with suspicion.

What's going on? Isn't it the kind of relationship he had in mind?

Midway, Lin Guoan excused himself to the restroom. Qin Yinong lowered her eyelids, her smile fading away as she leaned back in her chair, looking tired and lazy as she absentmindedly scrolled through her phone.

Tang Ruoyao wanted to look at her, but she didn't dare. She knew that Qin Yinong's mood had turned sour ever since Lin Guoan mentioned her starring in the film.

Tang Ruoyao felt a pang of sadness and couldn't help but think, 'Does she look down on me?'

Qin Yinong ignored her, so Tang Ruoyao decided to immerse herself in her own emotions. She didn't notice the chair being gently pulled back as Guan Han quietly left. Lin Guoan had returned, but Guan Han was still absent.

As the dishes came and went, nearing the end of the meal, Guan Han knocked on the door and entered. There was a slight sheen of sweat on her forehead, and she was lightly panting as she took a seat.

Qin Yinong exchanged a glance with her, and Guan Han nodded.

Lin Guoan called the waiter to settle the bill. Tang Ruoyao scooped some fish soup into her bowl and, along with the small piece of fish that had been repeatedly divided and was too small to be picked up by chopsticks. swallowed it all.

The four of them walked out together, with Qin Yinong and Lin Guoan in the front as usual, and Tang Ruoyao and Guan Han in the back.

Lin Guoan asked, "Where are you staying? Is there a car coming to pick you up?"

Qin Yinong mentioned the name of her hotel.

Tang Ruoyao's footsteps faltered.

Lin Guoan clenched his fist and playfully said, "What a coincidence! Our crew is staying at the same hotel. Let's go back together."

Qin Yinong turned to look at Guan Han, who calmly met her gaze.

In this remote area, the best hotel happened to be the one booked by Tang Ruoyao's crew. It couldn't be blamed on her.

Qin Yinong shifted her gaze back and smiled, saying, "Sure."

The group got into the car they arrived in. Lin Guoan had a little drink and leaned back in the last row, closing his eyes to rest. Before long, he lightly started snoring.

The inside of the car was dim, with only a dim orange light on. Qin Yinong happened to be sitting in the darkest spot, making it difficult to see her expression. Tang Ruoyao and her were separated by two fists' distance, restraining themselves from getting closer.

A barely audible sigh reached Tang Ruoyao's ears. She was trying to determine if it was just her imagination when she felt the warmth of a woman approaching her. Their shoulders touched, their hands brushed against each other, intimately close.

Tang Ruoyao: "!!!"

Tang Ruoyao's heart raced, her body tensed up, but she gradually adjusted her breathing and relaxed. She glanced at Qin Yinong, mouthing the words, "Director Lin..." but he was still asleep.

Qin Yinong ignored her and lowered her head to find Tang Ruoyao's hand, holding it in her own.

She playfully pinched each of Tang Ruoyao's fingers, sensing her hesitation to escape but not daring to do so. Qin Yinong tilted her head and stared at Tang Ruoyao's blushing earlobe, finding it amusing. Director Lin was still here, and everyone in this car was astute. It was likely that Director Lin had already noticed.

She blamed herself as well for not noticing the flaw of the lipstick. Normally, she had never engaged in such secret affairs with anyone, so making this kind of mistake was within reason.

At this moment, Director Lin quietly opened his slightly squinted eyes, his mouth subtly curling upwards.

The driver parked the car at the hotel entrance. Lin Guoan deliberately waited for a moment. Qin Yinong licked her lips, reluctantly releasing her hand that was wrapped around Tang Ruoyao's slender waist. She cleared her throat and called out, "Director Lin."

Lin Guoan timely opened his eyes, stretched lazily, and with a somewhat dazed look, asked, "Have we arrived already?"

Qin Yinong lazily responded with a sound of agreement, "Just arrived."

Lin Guoan glanced towards Tang Ruoyao and mischievously teased her, "Oh, Ruoyao, why is your face so red?"

Tang Ruoyao's back started sweating, her heart pounding. There were mixed emotions within her, stirred up by Qin Yinong's audacious actions earlier, as well as being startled by Lin Guoan's remark. She pretended to remain calm and coolly replied, "It's a bit hot inside the car."

Lin Guoan dragged his words, "Oh, then cool down with the air conditioning when you get back."

Tang Ruoyao's face continued to blush uncontrollably. She lowered her gaze and softly responded, "Mm, alright."

Qin Yinong behaved very well under Lin Guoan's watchful eye. The group got off the car one by one, and Tang Ruoyao's assistant, Xin Qian, was waiting at the entrance. Seeing everyone, Xin Qian respectfully greeted each person and stood behind Tang Ruoyao.Xin Qian was unaware of the relationship between Tang Ruoyao and Qin Yinong. To be on the safe side, Tang Ruoyao had asked her to return to the hotel earlier.

The suite Tang Ruoyao had originally booked was on the top floor with excellent scenery. However, she had canceled the extended stay last week and rebooked a suite according to the crew's specifications. It took her some time after joining the crew to realize that she was the only one in the team with such privileges. Even Lin Guoan's accommodation was one level below hers. With many people in the crew and gossip spreading quickly, rumors of her arrogance started to circulate. Tang Ruoyao had mentioned it to Mu Qingwu, but she didn't insist on a change. Since the matter had already been exposed, there was little use in changing now. However, Tang Ruoyao thought it was better to change. At least it would bring some peace in the later stages, and she wasn't someone who focused on material comforts. She could live anywhere, so she decided to switch accommodations.

However, Qin Yinong had booked the luxurious suite on the top floor.

At the moment when Guan Han pressed the elevator button, a sense of regret quietly rose in Tang Ruoyao's heart. If she hadn't switched rooms, even if she had changed a few days later, she could have gone back with Qin Yinong now. Even if they didn't do anything, they could have spent some time together on the way.

Lin Guoan, who stayed on the lowest floor, was the first to leave.

There were four people left in the elevator, two artists with their respective assistants.

Tang Ruoyao sighed inwardly and regretted not refusing Xin Qian waiting for her downstairs. Now that Qin Yinong was right in front of her, she had to maintain a distant relationship and keep up the facade of being unfamiliar.

Qin Yinong also felt frustrated, suddenly burdened with an overly eager third wheel.

Compared to that, Guan Han was simply insignificant as a third wheel.

Guan Han reached into her bag with one hand, feeling the coolness at her fingertips. Judging by the situation, she had gone out for nothing?

Ding—

The elevator reached Tang Ruoyao's floor as well.

She slowly walked out, deliberately creating distance between herself and Xin Qian. Seizing the opportunity, Guan Han stepped forward and quickly slipped something into Tang Ruoyao's hand. Tang Ruoyao instinctively clenched her hand tightly.

"Goodnight, Senior Qin." Tang Ruoyao politely bid farewell as she stood at the doorway.

"Goodnight." Qin Yinong nodded, her eyes and brows curved.

The woman's delicate features disappeared behind the closing elevator doors. Tang Ruoyao suppressed the rising sense of gloom and lowered her gaze to her palm.

It was a tube of ointment.

Why did Guan Han give her ointment?

The phone on the side of her bag vibrated, and Tang Ruoyao took it out and unlocked the screen:

[Apply it on your legs.]

Tang Ruoyao was guessing whether this message was sent by Guan Han or Qin Yinong when another message popped up.

[The red marks look unsightly.]

A smile tugged at the corner of Tang Ruoyao's lips.

It was Qin Yinong.

Tang Ruoyao felt a sweet warmth in her heart and, after a moment, she lowered her head to look at her calves, wrinkling her brows.

Were they really that unsightly?

Xin Qian had walked several meters ahead and turned back to see Tang Ruoyao standing there in a daze. She walked back, noticing the ointment in Tang Ruoyao's hand, and exclaimed in surprise, "Don't we already have that? Why did you buy another tube?"

"Do we?" Tang Ruoyao absentmindedly echoed.

Xin Qian said, "Yes, I brought it with me. Sister Mu mentioned that there are more mosquitoes in the summer, and if you get bitten by those toxic ones, mosquito repellent won't work. You still need to apply some ointment. I asked you to apply it last night while you were reading the script, and you kept saying 'okay.' In the morning, I came over, and the ointment was still on the coffee table."

"Do we?" Tang Ruoyao repeated the same line. She probably hadn't heard clearly what Xin Qian specifically said. She meticulously read the instructions on the ointment packaging, and her lips couldn't help but curl up.

"Tang Tang."

"Hmm?" Tang Ruoyao didn't even lift her head.

"Does Qin Yinong, the leading actress, have a problem with me?" Xin Qian asked.

"What do you mean?" The mention of Qin Yinong's name made Tang Ruoyao snap back to reality, and she looked at Xin Qian.

"Just now, she...," Xin Qian tried to recall, hesitatingly said, "It seemed like she glared at me, more than once."

Tang Ruoyao was speechless for a moment. "Why would she randomly glare at you?"

Shrugging, Xin Qian said inexplicably, "I don't know."

Tang Ruoyao thought for a moment and said, "It must be your imagination."

Gradually, Xin Qian dismissed her doubts and nodded, "Maybe." After all, she couldn't think of any reason why Qin Yinong would dislike her. She was just a small fry in comparison.

"Let's go back. Don't stand around here. We don't want people to see us." Acting in accordance with her role as an assistant, Xin Qian reached out to take the ointment from Tang Ruoyao's hand, but Tang Ruoyao quickly retracted her hand. She raised her chin confidently and said, "Let's go."

Xin Qian blinked her eyes, not thinking too much about it, and said, "Okay."

Soft, pale light filled the room. Tang Ruoyao glanced at the coffee table and saw an identical tube of ointment lying on it. She placed the one Qin Yinong had given her on the bedside table and swiftly picked up the one from the coffee table, stuffing it into Xin Qian's hand. She said concisely, "Take it." She didn't want to accidentally mix them up.

Xin Qian opened her mouth, "But this one is already unpacked..."

Tang Ruoyao interrupted impatiently, "I like the new one."

Xin Qian replied, "This one is new too. I just opened it last night."

Tang Ruoyao clicked her tongue impatiently.

"Uh... okay." Xin Qian obediently put it in her pocket, feeling a bit aggrieved for the ointment.

"Um, you should go back and rest first." Tang Ruoyao walked aimlessly around the room, then dismissed Xin Qian.

Xin Qian hesitated to say something but stopped herself. "But..."

Tang Ruoyao grabbed her assistant's shoulder and pushed her out.

"Goodnight!"

The door to the room slammed shut in front of Xin Qian.

She reflexively closed her eyes, feeling the cool breeze brushing against her nose. Slowly, she opened her eyes and walked towards her own room next door.

What happened to Tang Tang? She suddenly became so restless.

Turning off the light bulb, Tang Ruoyao threw herself onto the bed. At first, she lay flat on her back, but after a while, she changed to a curled-up position, grabbing a pillow and covering her face. Her shoulders trembled.

.....

As soon as Tang Ruoyao stepped out of the elevator, Qin Yinong dropped the pretense and coldly stared at the elevator floor numbers rising, her face resembling someone fixated on their sworn enemy.

Guan Han remained silent.

It was you who didn't want to stay in the same hotel, and now you're unhappy because we're not on the same floor. A woman's heart is truly elusive.

They were almost at the top floor.

Guan Han spoke up, "Qin Jie."

Qin Yinong replied indifferently, "What is it?"

"The ointment has been delivered." Guan Han swallowed nervously and whispered, "Shouldn't we explain to Miss Yao what it's for? She might not know."

Qin Yinong fell silent for a few seconds, then reached out her hand. "Give me your phone."

Guan Han unlocked her phone and handed it over.

The elevator doors opened at that moment, and Qin Yinong, with long strides, walked out. With one hand typing, she quickly sent a message. Her fingertip hovered over the lock button, hesitating to press it. After some thought, she added a sentence carefully: [The red marks looks unsightly.]

This should make it seem like she doesn't care too much about Tang Ruoyao herself, right?

Qin Yinong handed the phone back.

Guan Han lowered her head and glanced at the message on the screen, holding back her laughter.

Back in her suite, Qin Yinong unscrewed a bottle of mineral water on the table and took a sip. She asked, "Has she replied?"

Guan Han checked her phone and replied, "Not yet."

Qin Yinong nodded in response.

Qin Yinong didn't tell her to leave, so Guan Han continued to stand by. She watched as Qin Yinong pulled open the curtains, bent down to find a bottle of wine from the wine cabinet, sobered up, skillfully cleaned a glass, and with her hand on the bottle's neck, poured the wine. In a soft voice, Guan Han made a suggestion, "How about not drinking tonight?"

Qin Yinong paused for a moment in her actions. The purplish-red liquid slowly filled the glass as she lifted it to take a sip. Leaning against the windowsill, she smiled at Guan Han and said, "I'm used to it. You should go back and get some rest."

Guan Han could only nod.

Just as she reached the door, her phone, which had been silent all this time, suddenly received a message.

Guan Han stopped in her tracks and looked down at the message.

Tang Ruoyao sat on the edge of the bed, her cheeks flushed. Her hands were nervously sweating as she wiped them back and forth with a tissue. After deleting and revising several times, she finally sent a complete message.

[Sister, what's your room number? Should I come up and keep you company?]

Author's note:

Today is another day of passionate love!

Why haven't they gotten married yet?! [Dragon roaring]

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