CHAPTER 62

Qin Yinong was surrounded by a group of people, seemingly oblivious to Tang Ruoyao's presence.

Just a few steps away, the delicate girl beside Qin Yinong, who had been feeding her strawberries, paused and whispered something to her. Qin Yinong's lips curved with interest as she responded, saying something back. Then, she lifted her eyelids, looked towards Tang Ruoyao with a smiling gaze, and gently placed her hand on the delicate girl's forearm. She slightly straightened her posture, deepening the smile at the corner of her lips.

It reminded Tang Ruoyao of an emperor in ancient times, with a lazy and graceful demeanor that exuded a compelling aura.

This modern-day emperor, Qin Yinong, not only possessed power and influence but also had looks that surpassed ordinary people by a thousandfold.

Even people from ancient times would likely envy her greatly.

Tang Ruoyao and her two companions approached Qin Yinong.

Xin Qian had long lowered her head, not daring to meet Qin Yinong's gaze. Mu Qingwu gave Tang Ruoyao a signal with her eyes, and Tang Ruoyao smoothly withdrew her gaze from the "beauty" without any change in expression. She politely said, "Hello, Senior Qin."

Qin Yinong gave a courteous smile and nodded slightly. "Hello to you too." Her attitude was neither warm nor distant, neither close nor distant.

After speaking, she turned her head and continued conversing with the delicate girl beside her. They were close enough that Tang Ruoyao's ears couldn't help but catch snippets of their conversation. She heard the affectionate address of "A'Xiao" from Qin Yinong to the other girl.

So, is she from the same generation with that "A" character? Is she older or younger than herself?

Tang Ruoyao felt as if a thousand needles were piercing through her heart, causing it to contract sharply. She struggled to restrain herself from reaching out to cover her chest.

Her lips turned pale, and she couldn't stay in this place any longer, witnessing Qin Yinong shamelessly displaying affection with others as if no one else existed.

Tang Ruoyao moved her lips, intending to say goodbye, but before she could speak up, a voice of apology sounded from beside her, respectful and apologetic. "I'm sorry, Senior Qin. Your dressing room is only just prepared now. Let me take you there."

Tang Ruoyao turned her head and saw one of the assistant directors from the production crew.

"It's okay, I'm quite comfortable sitting here, and it's cool." Qin Yinong replied with a smile, waving her hand in a friendly manner from the rattan chair.

"It's not about whether Senior Qin minds or not, it's about our sincerity. We can't be perfunctory." the assistant director bowed again with folded hands, then looked at the other "beautiful ladies" around Qin Yinong and said, "You've all been waiting for so long. I'll treat everyone to drinks in a while."

Tang Ruoyao was taken aback, and her mind quickly flashed with something, causing her eyes to widen slightly.

As soon as the assistant director spoke, the men and women beside Qin Yinong swiftly got up and started handling the makeup boxes, grabbing clothes, and carrying bags. They all followed Qin Yinong, resembling an emperor on a tour. The group marched grandly towards the dressing room.

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Anyone with eyes could see the true identities of these people.

The stylists and assistants, collectively known as the production team.

The delicate girl walked a bit slower, and someone in front turned back and called out, "A'Xiao, can you give me the basket in your hand?"

A'Xiao shook her head and replied with a smile, "No need, it's not heavy anyway."

So her name is A'Xiao.

Tang Ruoyao stood awkwardly in place, her face turning red from embarrassment caused by her series of assumptions.

No wonder this group of people didn't stand out in terms of appearance. The most attractive ones were Guan Han and the girl named A'Xiao. The others couldn't match Qin Yinong's standards of beauty. No wonder most of the men were exquisitely groomed, with two of them having long hair tied into small braids at the back, resembling Tony, the teacher.

Were those makeup boxes already there? How did I... suddenly go blind and not see them?

Tang Ruoyao raised her hand and lightly slapped her forehead in frustration.

Xin Qian was startled by the sound, "Tang Tang, what's wrong with you?"

Tang Ruoyao's expression was complicated, "Nothing, I just went blind for a moment."

Xin Qian's face turned pale with alarm, "Are you sick or something?"

Tang Ruoyao flicked her finger against Xin Qian's forehead and said, "Just kidding, you took it seriously."

Xin Qian groaned and covered her forehead.

Mu Qingwu watched Qin Yinong's figure enter the dressing room, then withdrew her gaze and sighed to Tang Ruoyao, "Look at her grandeur. That's what you call a superstar. Bringing over ten people into the crew at once, and that's not even counting the bodyguards."

Tang Ruoyao murmured, "Sister Mu, did you think that group of people were her male and female pets?"

Mu Qingwu laughed, "I didn't pay attention for a moment, got it wrong." She frowned and continued, "Even if there's something between her and Director Han, she shouldn't have the audacity to do something like this right under his nose."

Upon hearing Mu Qingwu taking the rumors between Qin Yinong and Han Yuping seriously, Tang Ruoyao suddenly felt uncomfortable. She parted her lips but resisted the urge to argue.

Mu Qingwu walked past her, saying, "I'll stay with you for a while on the set. Although everything seems decent here, you still need to be cautious." She glanced in the direction of the dressing room, narrowing her eyes slightly. After all, that person was the notorious big boss in the entertainment industry. Especially someone like Tang Ruoyao, who was inexperienced, she was susceptible to her influence.

Mu Qingwu remembered something and advised, "If she tries to seduce you, you must stay strong."

Tang Ruoyao nodded.

In her heart, she thought, 'If she has that intention, I definitely won't be able to resist.'

But Qin Yinong probably wouldn't do such things to her anymore.

Her attitude upon entering the set today was evident. They were just ordinary colleagues, neither too friendly nor distant. They maintained the same demeanor as before when they met in public. The only difference was that Qin Yinong extended this attitude from public to private, unifying the two.

......

"A'Xiao," Qin Yinong beckoned with her hand.

The assistant called A'Xiao stepped forward and asked, "Qin Jie, what's wrong?"

"Strawberries..." Qin Yinong's voice trailed off, and A'Xiao immediately stuffed a cream-covered strawberry into her mouth. The strawberry was particularly large, and Qin Yinong couldn't fit it all in her mouth. She took it out and held it in her hand, scolding A'Xiao in a soft voice, "Have some manners."

While reprimanding her, Qin Yinong's eyes and eyebrows carried a smile, and she kindly completed her sentence, "How many strawberries are left?"

A'Xiao checked and replied, "There are three boxes left."

Qin Yinong instructed, "Wash them and give some to Director Han and... the actors who have arrived."

A'Xiao said, "These are meant for you to eat."

Qin Yinong clicked her tongue, "Do I need this bite? Will I starve if I don't eat it?"

A'Xiao burst into laughter at her teasing and happily went to handle the task.

In the dressing room, Qin Yinong's team was busy organizing and arranging the items. Qin Yinong didn't have particularly high material demands, but people are often materialistic and tend to judge others by appearances. So she went with the flow, saving herself some trouble. On the outside, everything was made lively and awe-inspiring, causing people to feel intimidated.

Everyone was busy working, except for Guan Han. Guan Han sat beside Qin Yinong, leaning closer and murmuring discontentedly, "Qin Jie, you spoil them too much."

It's one thing to act without restraint on a regular basis, but to dare to stuff strawberries into Qin Yinong's mouth before she finished speaking was truly audacious! Surprisingly, Qin Yinong wasn't angry at all. Won't this make them even more unruly in the future?

Qin Yinong turned her head and smiled at Guan Han, her eyes and eyebrows curved. "They are all a bunch of kids, having fun and it's just a harmless little things. Let them be."

Guan Han held her breath and said, "Qin Jie, what if they end up causing trouble for you in the future?"

Her disagreement was quite apparent.

Guan Han valued herself highly, and Qin Yinong understood that. Her eyes flickered as she focused on Guan Han and whispered, "The truly important matters, aren't they all entrusted to you? They don't have access to those."

Guan Han's heart was enveloped in the gentle sweetness of Qin Yinong's words, and she immediately silenced her objections.

After hesitating for a while, she said, "Let's forget about it this time. But if it happens again..."

Qin Yinong continued, "Then you can educate them on my behalf, alright?" The tone of her voice had a slight hook, with a soft upward inflection reminiscent of a southern accent. One didn't even need to look at her face, just hearing her voice was enough to make people collapse.

Guan Han was completely speechless.

"I'll go get the script for you." Guan Han took a gentle breath and stood up, temporarily moving a few steps away from Qin Yinong.

Even as an assistant, it was difficult to resist the allure of their boss's beauty!

Qin Yinong chuckled softly behind her.

.....

"Is it for Senior Tang? This was sent over by our Qin Jie." A'Xiao appeared in front of Tang Ruoyao shortly after she returned to her seat. She held a tray in her hand, carrying several bright cream-covered strawberries that had just been washed, with glistening water droplets on them.

Xin Qian stepped forward and took them, saying, "Thank you."

A'Xiao replied, "You're welcome."

Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but wonder. Were these strawberries specifically given to her by Qin Yinong?

Before she could indulge in her own thoughts, A'Xiao nodded at her and said, "I'll go now. I still have to deliver them to others."

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

A'Xiao turned around to leave, but Tang Ruoyao called out to her, "A...Xiao?"

A'Xiao looked back and said, "Huh?"

Tang Ruoyao paused for a moment, knowing it was impulsive but still asked, "What's your full name?"

A'Xiao replied, "My surname is Xiao, Xiao Yue." Tang Ruoyao asked for her full name, but she only gave her surname and didn't say anything more, maintaining a confident and composed attitude. The people from Qin Yinong's studio, regardless of how they were inside the nest, were all calm and graceful when they were outside, capable of handling things on their own.

Tang Ruoyao thought to herself: So her name is A'Xiao.

Tang Ruoyao remained silent for two seconds, and A'Xiao timely spoke up, "Senior Tang, is there anything else you need?"

Tang Ruoyao replied in a gentle tone, "No, thank you for your help."

A'Xiao smiled, met her gaze, took two steps back, and left.

Tang Ruoyao sat on the rattan chair that Qin Yinong had previously occupied. Due to the limited manpower in the crew, the restrooms were assigned one by one based on the order of arrival. If multiple people arrived at the same time, they would be assigned according to their status. Qin Yinong was an exception; she had the largest room, more than twice the size of Tang Ruoyao's. Not only because of her status, but also because she had so many people accompanying her that they couldn't fit in a smaller room. When Qin Yinong entered the restroom, Tang Ruoyao took her place. The rattan chair was considered a common property of the crew, so it was only natural for her to sit there and not appear out of place.

After sitting down, she realized that this seat had an excellent view. There were no obstructions in front, behind, or on the sides, allowing her to see almost the entire set. It was commonly referred to as having eyes on all six paths and ears open in all eight directions.

Did Qin Yinong even want to enjoy the scenery during her break?

She wondered, but then her lips curved up, imagining herself as an ancient emperor, and everything made perfect sense.

.....

Han Yuping knocked on the door of the rest area and walked in.

Qin Yinong put down the script and raised an eyebrow, "Director Han."

Han Yuping was accustomed to being surrounded by men and women in her dressing room and acted as if he were transparent. Without hesitation, he sat opposite her and spoke with a friendly tone, "How does it feel to be back in the crew? Are you adjusting well? If you need anything, you can tell the assistant director directly or let me know."

Qin Yinong looked at him incredulously, finding it hard to believe. She said, "Are you... here just to exchange pleasantries with me? Are you out of your mind? And by the way, did you forget? I'm the producer, I have the highest authority."

Han Yuping: "..."

Damn it, that despicable person ruined the little tenderness I had for her!

Han Yuping unexpectedly began to reminisce about the girl from ten years ago who seemed so naive and would obediently nod along, easily brought to tears by his scolding. What kind of creature was she now? He didn't want to dwell on the past.

Han Yuping swallowed a pound of explosives in his throat and said with a stern face, "Of course not. I... The hotel arrangements have been made. When will you go?"

He really came to exchange pleasantries with Qin Yinong. Before her break, Qin Yinong was in poor spirits, almost forced to take a vacation. Now that they resumed work, both as a director and an uncle, Han Yuping, holding on to the most basic humanitarian concern, came to console her. It was reasonable and sensible, although it did seem quite strange.

However, Qin Yinong clearly didn't give him that face. After listening to his stiff and unimpressive shift in topic, she struggled to hold back, her facial features contorting.

Han Yuping, with an expressionless face, said, "If you want to laugh, go ahead and laugh. After you're done, come with me to the script discussion meeting!"

Qin Yinong: "..."

She felt something was off and asked, "Did Chai Ziqiu arrive? The on-set screenwriter hasn't come either, right?"

Han Yuping replied coldly, "Can't we start without Chai Ziqiu? Am I not a person? Tang Ruoyao isn't a person? Aren't the other actors people?"

Qin Yinong went from joy to sorrow as she provoked Han Yuping, and the consequence was that five minutes later, she and Tang Ruoyao sat face to face on the set, staring at each other. Luckily, there were a few other actors present, and they all sat together for the meeting.

Han Yuping's impromptu script discussion turned into a real one.

"The True Colors," also known as "Hong Qin" tells the story of a forbidden love between a pair of same-sex teacher and student.

In the movie, Qin Yinong plays the role of the teacher, Shen Muqing, and Tang Ruoyao plays the role of the student, Han Zifei.

During Han Zifei's sophomore year, a new family moved in next door. The woman of the family was Shen Muqing. On the day they moved in, Han Zifei's enthusiastic mother took her to meet the new neighbors. Shen Muqing opened the door when they arrived, marking their first encounter. Having had a close relationship with their neighbors before, Han Zifei often ran errands for her mother, delivering local specialties to Shen Muqing, who would then give her something to take back. Through these interactions, the two gradually became familiar with each other. Han Zifei couldn't help but develop a peculiar affection for Shen Muqing, who was knowledgeable, gentle, and poised.

However, Shen Muqing had a husband and child, and a harmonious family. The adolescent girl with newly awakened emotions had no choice but to bury her feelings deep in her heart, not daring to let them take root and grow. This period of unrequited love in her teenage years was both sweet and bitter.

However, just as she decided to completely extinguish this illicit seed, Shen Muqing's family faced a serious crisis. Han Zifei, who was in college, came back one weekend and discovered a terrifying bruise around her beautiful teacher's eye, seemingly caused by violence...

Apart from the two main actors, the actor who played the role of Shen Muqing's husband in the play was the most important supporting character. He, along with the older generation behind him represented marital and paternal authority, as well as the cruel oppression of women's freedom, especially married women, by society.

The male actor himself perfectly matched the character in the play: an intellectual wearing glasses, giving off an air of refinement.

The actor's surname is Dai, and his name is Dai Yongqing.

As soon as Dai Yongqing sat down, he sensed an unfriendly gaze directed towards him. He turned his head to look, but didn't notice anything unusual.

Tang Ruoyao withdrew her gaze, her lip line pressed tightly, and her cheek muscles faintly tensed.

Having read the script early on, she naturally knew what role Dai Yongqing was playing. Just the thought of Dai Yongqing's character subjecting Qin Yinong to domestic violence in the play made her seethe with anger, even if it was fake.

Not to mention what happened later...

It can be said that throughout the entire story, the character Xu Shiming, portrayed by Dai Yongqing, was always a shadow looming over her and Qin Yinong.

After Dai Yongqing sat down, he clasped his hands together and smiled at Qin Yinong, humorously apologizing in advance, "Ms. Qin, all the blame goes to Xu Shiming. It has nothing to do with me, Dai Yongqing."

Qin Yinong waved her hand generously and laughed, intentionally teasing him, "I insist on keeping you accountable."

The middle-aged actors playing Tang Ruoyao's parents next to them chuckled, jokingly saying, "Mr. Dai, is it enough to just apologize to Ms. Qin? How many times have we intervened as a couple? Don't you need to show some respect?"

Dai Yongqing readily replied, "Of course, I must. How about I treat everyone to dinner tonight? Ms. Qin, Ms. Tang..."

When he called out Tang Ruoyao's name, he hesitated for a moment, sensing her lack of enthusiasm. Immediately, he understood. It was a common problem among young actors - either they had difficulty getting into character or they became too deeply immersed in the role, making it challenging to break character. Dai Yongqing figured Tang Ruoyao must have developed a dislike for him, mistaking him for Xu Shiming from the film.

Dai Yongqing smiled indifferently, took off his glasses from the bridge of his nose, and put them in a glasses case he took out from his jacket pocket.

Interestingly enough, whether he wears glasses or not, it completely changes his demeanor. With glasses on, he appears refined and scholarly, but without them, he exudes a sense of righteousness. His clear and upright features make it difficult to associate him with the character in the play.

Tang Ruoyao was taken aback for a moment.

Dai Yongqing shook the glasses case in his hand, giving her a way out, not looking at her directly but speaking for her to hear, "I don't usually wear glasses. It's just that after receiving the role, I wanted to cultivate a sense of the character in advance. I'm actually not bad, not like the character in the play."

Tang Ruoyao learned her lesson and apologized immediately for her rudeness and shallow judgment.

Dai Yongqing didn't expect her to be so sincere, and it made him feel a bit awkward. He said, "It's alright, no problem."

The actors playing Tang Ruoyao's parents joined in to defuse the tension.

Qin Yinong cleared her throat lightly.

Everyone quickly fell silent. Although Qin Yinong didn't appear imposing, as a respected figure sitting nearby, everyone consciously or unconsciously paid attention to her every move. When she furrowed her brow slightly, their hearts raced nervously.

Under the gaze of the gathered individuals, Qin Yinong lazily supported her cheek with one hand, looking completely bored. She said, "Weren't we supposed to have dinner? Who was going to treat us just now?"

Dai Yongqing took the opportunity to bring up the matter with Tang Ruoyao and immediately said, "How about me? Would Ms. Qin honor me with her presence?"

Qin Yinong paused for two seconds, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she raised an eyebrow casually and said, "Sure, why not?"

Dai Yongqing breathed a sigh of relief.

Before she lowered her eyelids, her gaze pretended to casually glance over Tang Ruoyao's face, including her slightly pursed lips.

The little one still has a long way to go.

When it comes to things she care about, she behave like a child. When will she be able to hide her emotions and remain calm? Only then will others fail to detect her weaknesses and leverage them against her, fearing her inscrutable thoughts.

That's when she can stand more firmly.

Qin Yinong let out a gentle sigh in her heart.

Tang Ruoyao lifted her eyes, sensing something, and happened to capture that brief moment when Qin Yinong's eyelashes intertwined.

A woman's eyelashes were long, as black as raven feathers. When they fluttered, it was as if ten thousand butterflies delicately settled in Tang Ruoyao's heart, causing it to involuntarily stir.

Her fingertips twitched suddenly, longing to touch Qin Yinong's eyelashes.

Throughout the entire meeting and discussion, Qin Yinong spoke very little, but her presence couldn't be ignored. After everyone finished speaking, they instinctively turned to look at her. Taking advantage of the others' cover, Tang Ruoyao openly looked at her as well.

This happened several times.

Qin Yinong lowered her head, focusing on the script, refusing to meet anyone's gaze. Tang Ruoyao's little plan fell through.

Qin Yinong turned a page of the script, and the corners of her lips subtly lifted.

After discussing for two or three hours, everyone's throats were dry. They didn't know when a small basket of strawberries appeared in front of each person, juicy and refreshing. Thinking back to when Qin Yinong had asked her assistant to bring the strawberries, everyone assumed it was arranged by her.

Little did they know, the woman in her thirties standing next to Tang Ruoyao gently smiled and said, "I am Tang Ruoyao's manager..."

The others soon realized that it was prepared by Tang Ruoyao herself. People tend to favor those who provide food, so it was only natural to show some consideration. Not everyone in the crew was involved in scheming and plotting. Aside from a few who liked to take unscrupulous shortcuts, most people wanted to cooperate and put on a good performance together. They held goodwill towards each other, knowing that making another friend would expand their network.

Qin Yinong held a strawberry in her hand, skillfully turning it around between her fingertips without eating it.

Tang Ruoyao was reading the script, and Qin Yinong was watching Tang Ruoyao.

Today, Tang Ruoyao had applied a classic bright red lipstick, outlining her beautiful lips with precision.

She had a dignified and noble appearance, carrying an aura of aloofness and restraint. However, she actually suited vibrant lip colors very well. With fair skin and red lips, bright and clear eyes, it not only didn't undermine her temperament but also drew more attention due to the distinct contrast. She was a cold beauty, completely different from the enchanting and bewitching Qin Yinong.

The cold beauty was too focused and didn't notice her admirer secretly observing her.

Tang Ruoyao slightly opened her mouth, and the juicy flesh of the strawberry was contained within her thin lips. Her white teeth lightly bit into the sweet fruit, and her rosy tongue suddenly emerged, sweeping over the juice that stained her lips.

Is the strawberry red? Or is her lips even redder?

Qin Yinong couldn't help but swallow unconsciously, lost in thought.

When Tang Ruoyao raised her head, she turned her neck, feeling a bit sore, only to find an empty seat in front of her.

"Where is Qin Yinong?" she asked.

"She had something to attend to and went off first." one of the actors answered her.

"Okay." Tang Ruoyao looked around briefly, not spotting Qin Yinong's presence, and temporarily pushed this matter aside. Such a big person couldn't possibly be lost on set.

After Qin Yinong finished dealing with her matters and returned, it was almost time for dinner, and the discussion came to an end.

Dai Yongqing invited everyone to dinner at the most famous nearby hotel, which was actually the one arranged by the crew. They all went together to check-in. Those who had their own chauffeur rode in their own cars, while the crew arranged transportation for those who didn't bring their cars.

Qin Yinong's posture indicated that she would go by herself. The crew's car couldn't accommodate her entourage. Behind the car, there was a sleek black bodyguard vehicle leading the way.

Xin Qian whispered to Tang Ruoyao on the side, "When will we also receive such treatment?"

Tang Ruoyao's shadow—the female bodyguard she hired—raised her eyes gently, suddenly mischievously asserting her presence. She had been following Tang Ruoyao for several months and had become acquainted with her. Although they didn't speak much, she considered herself half of the group. As Xin Qian felt the chilling gaze behind her, she almost let out a scream, slapping her own chest, tears welling up in her eyes as she cried out, "You scared me!"

The female bodyguard retracted her aura, once again becoming a shadow.

Tang Ruoyao silently curved her lips.

Since she didn't bring her own chauffeur, she got on the crew's car. There were other actors in the car, and her luggage was in another vehicle. Tang Ruoyao sat separately from Xin Qian, keeping an eye on the luggage.

Upon arriving at the hotel and successfully checking in, Tang Ruoyao casually inquired about the floor where the executive producer Qin Yinong was staying, and unsurprisingly, it was the same floor.

She took the elevator upstairs, and as soon as she stepped into the corridor, she heard an unusual commotion.

It was the voice of Guan Han, colder than usual.

Tang Ruoyao took a few steps forward and noticed that Guan Han was on the phone, while Qin Yinong stood by the open doorway, an unusual absence of smile on her face. When Qin Yinong saw Tang Ruoyao, she seemed to attempt a smile but ultimately failed, choosing to purse her lips in silence.

"How did you arrange this?" Guan Han suppressed her anger as she spoke to the person on the phone. "Whether it's the hotel's responsibility or yours, someone must take responsibility for this. You'll bear the consequences."

"It must not be leaked. We need to ensure the hotel surveillance footage is destroyed."

Tang Ruoyao hesitated for a moment before deciding to approach and inquire. Guan Han didn't stop her. She smoothly walked up to Qin Yinong and mouthed very lightly, "Sister?"

Qin Yinong remained silent.

With courage, Tang Ruoyao glanced into the room. On the central bed, a woman with long hair huddled in a corner, seemingly without clothes.

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