CHAPTER 71

Tang Ruoyao sensed the movement and opened her eyes.

Qin Yinong calmly withdrew her hand and sat down in front of her.

"A rehearsal."

There was still a lingering touch on her hair. Tang Ruoyao blinked slowly. They didn't have any scenes together today, so what scene was she being asked to rehearse?

"To familiarize ourselves in advance." Qin Yinong saw through the confusion in her eyes and added, trying to cover up her intentions.

Tang Ruoyao glanced deeply at her, unsure whether to believe her or not, and opened the script.

Qin Yinong cleared her throat again.

Yi Yiyi didn't have many scenes, which was why she joined the production midway. The wrap-up time would be much earlier than that of the main characters, probably spending a couple of months on set. While flipping through the script, Tang Ruoyao glanced at Yi Yiyi's parts and pointed at a page, saying, "This scene will be filmed in two days, right?"

Han Zifei attended a local university, and she would always go home on weekends. Each time, she would visit Shen Muqing's house, either quietly reading with her or chatting. Unconsciously, every weekend became the day Shen Muqing looked forward to the most.

Although she was married and considerably older than Han Zifei, she was still naive when it came to matters of love. She didn't understand the peculiar feelings that arose every time she saw Han Zifei, or perhaps she had long understood but subconsciously refused to admit it. She not only betrayed her own marriage but also did so with someone much younger than her—her neighbor's daughter. This was destined to be a scandalous and taboo love affair that no one could bear the consequences of.

She indulged in Han Zifei's company but feared the uncontrollable palpitations within her own heart. Shen Muqing, due to her harmonious family situation, with a husband and children, made up her mind to bury her feelings deep within her heart and not take a single step beyond the boundaries. The two maintained a delicate balance, which was unexpectedly disrupted by the appearance of Yi Yiyi.

Yi Yiyi played Qiao Lingling, Han Zifei's university classmate, in the drama. Qiao Lingling had a special interest in Han Zifei, instinctively drawn to her and wanting to get to know her better, eventually becoming good friends with her.

On a Friday evening, Shen Muqing opened the gate of her yard and sat on a chair at the entrance, pretending to read while secretly waiting for Han Zifei to return.

As the time for Han Zifei's arrival approached, Shen Muqing couldn't calm her thoughts, and the pages of her book remained untouched.

She waited for Han Zifei, but she also unknowingly waited for Qiao Lingling, who came hand in hand with Han Zifei, their intimacy evident.

Shen Muqing's irregularly beating heart gradually sank, and she turned around, dragging the chair inside the house.

But just as Han Zifei was about to pleasantly call out to her from behind, "Teacher Shen!"

Shen Muqing adjusted her breathing gently and turned around with a graceful smile, casually saying, "Xiao Fei." Her gaze inadvertently fell on the person beside her and politely asked, "And who is this?"

"My classmate." Han Zifei felt inexplicably awkward, as if caught in an illicit act, and withdrew her arm from Qiao Lingling's embrace.

Shen Muqing nodded lightly, a rare hint of coldness in her expression. "Hello, Xiao Fei's classmate."

Qiao Lingling didn't understand the situation but nodded in a gesture of politeness, then greeted, "Hello, Teacher Shen." following Han Zifei's lead.

Shen Muqing looked at Han Zifei, who was beaming with a radiant smile, and felt a sharp pang in her heart.

She was Teacher Shen, while Han Zifei and Qiao Lingling were peers, people living in the same world.

Shen Muqing quickly forced a smile, concealing her disheveled emotions, and walked towards the door.

With her back turned to them, she overheard their casual conversation as they passed by the doorway.

Qiao Lingling curiously asked, "She's your teacher?"

Han Zifei replied calmly, "She was my high school teacher, but she never taught me."

One sentence explained their relationship clearly.

From the study on the second floor, Shen Muqing looked out into the neighboring yard and saw Han Zifei taking a long pole, skillfully climbing up the tree. With the pole, she knocked the ripe jujubes off the tree, and they fell down with a soft thud. Qiao Lingling stood below, picking them up and giving commands:

"To the left, a bit to the left, the red ones on the left."

"Go a little more to the right, right."

"Zifei, you're amazing!"

The ground was covered with jujubes. Han Zifei climbed down from the tree, her cheeks flushed. Qiao Lingling took out a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped the sweat off Han Zifei's forehead. The two exchanged smiles.

Everything was filled with youthful vitality and romance.

Shen Muqing watched for a long time, her gaze gradually dimming.

After seeing Qiao Lingling off, Han Zifei carefully selected the biggest and reddest jujubes from the basket, cleaned them, and eagerly brought them to Shen Muqing's house that evening.

Lately, Shen Muqing's husband had been busy at work and was on the night shift. Their children were taken care of by their grandparents on weekends, leaving Shen Muqing alone at home.

That night, the two shared their first kiss, just like in the drama.

Tang Ruoyao had initially intended to indirectly ask about Yi Yiyi's situation, to see if she would explain it to her. But unexpectedly, as the script unfolded, it went all the way to a kissing scene.

The two found themselves in a strange and awkward atmosphere.

Although the dream from last night couldn't be remembered clearly, the sensation of limbs being weak and sore was vividly recalled. Tang Ruoyao felt as if a fire was burning beneath her chest, making her heart hot, and even the palms of her hands were slightly sweaty.

Qin Yinong's feelings were even more subtle.

She wasn't just dreaming lightly, that moment of floating in the clouds was still vivid in her mind.

The kissing scene was initiated by Tang Ruoyao herself. Given her current condition, she might not be able to resist taking advantage of the situation.

"Right." Qin Yinong dryly echoed.

"Do... do you want to rehearse in advance?" Tang Ruoyao raised her gaze and glanced at her, inexplicably making this audacious suggestion.

She was going crazy with the desire to kiss.

No, kissing would only temporarily satisfy her desire.

Qin Yinong: "..."

She used up all her rationality to resist, fiercely pinching her palm to prevent herself from immediately blurting out a "yes."

"I... I just remembered that Director Han wanted to talk to me about something. I'll talk to you later." Qin Yinong quickly found an excuse and slipped away, almost like fleeing in panic.

Tang Ruoyao watched her retreating figure, and a faint smile formed at the corner of her lips.

It's just a kissing scene, what is she afraid of? Is she afraid of getting carried away and crossing the line?

Or...

Tang Ruoyao smiled to herself, lowered her head, and continued to read that kissing scene. But after a couple of lines, she abruptly closed the script.

Hmm, she decided not to torture herself anymore. She would think seriously about the script when she was calmer.

In the lounge, Qin Yinong drank almost half a bottle of water in succession. Guan Han silently put an extra bottle of mineral water in her handbag, just in case.

The current situation was worrying.

Clearly, Tang Ruoyao had completely taken the initiative.

If they were merely collaborating on the same film, it wouldn't be like this. But in the first half, or even the majority, of this movie, Tang Ruoyao had been the one taking the lead in their relationship. She adapted well to her role, both on and off-screen, being smart, proactive, and even employing some seductive tactics. Qin Yinong was the same. On one hand, she wasn't good at dealing with emotions, and on the other hand, her character's portrayal had subtly influenced her. A talented actor couldn't completely detach themselves from the role.

Shen Muqing lost to Han Zifei, both as a person and in matters of the heart, suffering a complete defeat.

Qin Yinong was likely to have a difficult time winning as well.

But Guan Han couldn't say anything. If she did, she would be fired.

Qin Yinong sat on the sofa, her hands anxiously fidgeting in her long hair. What was the situation lately? If she backed out of this film and ditched Han Yuping, would it still be possible?

The answer, of course, was no.

Even if she was teased until she felt weak everyday, she had to grit her teeth and finish this film.

On set.

A sudden realization flashed through Tang Ruoyao's mind as she remembered who Yi Yiyi was. She looked up Yi Yiyi's agency online and found out that it belonged to Qin Yinong's studio, making Yi Yiyi one of Qin Yinong's artists. They were truly on the same team.

Tang Ruoyao suddenly understood. No wonder Qin Yinong treated her so well. Judging by her affection for the group of assistants, it was evident.

There was a rumor in the industry that the artists in Qin Yinong's studio were signed for her personal enjoyment, and one of their important tasks was to accompany the boss in bed.

Tang Ruoyao took the opportunity to search for news about Yi Yiyi joining the set of "True Colors" on Weibo. Like Wen Shuxian, Yi Yiyi was a popular leading actress with a massive online following. As soon as she joined the set, the sharp-eyed marketing accounts and fan clubs immediately propelled her to the top trending searches.

[Qin Yinong really can't stand being lonely on set. First, she didn't find the little model satisfying enough, and now she's personally recruiting people to sleep with her. [Eating popcorn]]

[What's this called? Sending artillery from a thousand miles away?]

[Sending artillery from a thousand miles away [laughing out loud]]

[May Tang Ruoyao escape unscathed.]

In the trending search for Yi Yiyi, comments mentioned both Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao, and the water army, haters, and fans instantly engaged in a chaotic battle. The fans of Tang Ruoyao and Yi Yiyi were initially concerned, but when someone commented, "Tang Ruoyao and Qin Yinong act as rivals, who knows who will be truly ruined [covering mouth while laughing]. Please don't cue us one by one." it immediately ignited the anger of Tang Ruoyao's fans.

When Tang Ruoyao accepted this film, and the two female leads were officially announced, the spectators were shocked. From the time of the Sugar Beans and the Empress's feud until now, the war had escalated to its peak. With the addition of Yi Yi's fans, the three sides engaged in a fierce online battle, causing chaos and darkness with no light.

Tang Ruoyao learned from experience and wouldn't blindly believe rumors about Qin Yinong online without solid evidence. But being rational was one thing, while emotions were another. It was absolutely impossible for her to develop any favorable feelings towards Yi Yiyi.

Especially when Yi Yiyi identified herself as the junior and affectionately called everyone on set as seniors, and Qin Yinong annoyingly responded to her. It made Tang Ruoyao's ears feel like they were being pricked with needles, making her completely uncomfortable.

And to make matters worse, Yi Yiyi had a loud voice that could be heard throughout half of the set. How could someone be like that?

"Senior..." Yi Yiyi's lingering voice echoed in her ears, refusing to fade away.

Here we go again!

Tang Ruoyao took a deep breath and stood up abruptly.

Xin Qian blinked her eyes.

"Where are you going?"

"To rehearse!" Tang Ruoyao almost squeezed these words out from between her teeth.

Qin Yinong was being bothered by Yi Yiyi's clinginess, and now she felt a touch of annoyance to her. She wished someone would quickly get rid of this talkative person. However, she was skilled at concealing her emotions, so nothing could be seen on her face. She remained patient and gentle.

"Senior Qin." Tang Ruoyao stood in front of Qin Yinong, speaking with a stern tone, "I need to borrow someone from you."

Qin Yinong: "Hmm?" Borrow someone?

Tang Ruoyao pointed to the round-headed girl in front of her.

"Me?" Yi Yiyi asked.

A hint of displeasure flashed through Qin Yinong's eyes.

She came all the way here just for Yi Yiyi?

What qualifications did Yi Yiyi have?

Yi Yiyi inexplicably felt a chilling gaze on the back of her neck, like a cold blade, as if it would descend in the next moment.

Tang Ruoyao regained her composure and explained gently, "I want to rehearse with Miss Yi."

Can't call Qin Yinong away, and can't get rid of Yi Yiyi either?

Qin Yinong's expression darkened.

Although Tang Ruoyao was speaking to Qin Yinong, her eyes were fixed on Yi Yiyi, so she didn't notice Qin Yinong's sudden change in demeanor. "Is it okay?" she asked.

Qin Yinong replied indifferently, "Do as you wish."

Only then did Tang Ruoyao turn to look at her, her pupils slightly dilated, surprised by Qin Yinong's sudden cold attitude.

Was it because she called Yi Yiyi away?

Tang Ruoyao suddenly felt uncomfortable, a sour and bitter taste rising in her mouth. Her gaze towards Yi Yiyi became unfriendly.

Yi Yiyi was at a loss, on the verge of crawling away in panic.

Did she... do something wrong?

Why were both of the big shots glaring at her?

"I'll go to the rest area. You two can chat." Qin Yinong brushed her sleeves and left.

Tang Ruoyao coldly glanced at Yi Yiyi, maintaining a polite yet distant tone, "Follow me."

Yi Yiyi: "Uh, okay."

Yi Yiyi had a hard time expressing her grievances. She wanted to seek advice from Tang Ruoyao, but Tang Ruoyao seemed icy and kept her at a distance. Qin Yinong, on the other hand, was much more approachable and easy to talk to as a boss. Naturally, she chose Qin Yinong. She didn't know how she had managed to provoke Tang Ruoyao.

Yes, although she was straightforward and outspoken, with little scheming, it didn't mean she was foolish. She could sense the hostility from Tang Ruoyao.

Yi Yiyi deeply reflected on herself but couldn't figure out any crucial plot points. She could only nervously follow Tang Ruoyao.

The official filming began.

For the scene where Han Zifei and Qiao Lingling return home together on Friday, Tang Ruoyao and Yi Yiyi acted as rivals, while Qin Yinong waited for the scene to pass before joining. She leaned against the door, her brows subtly furrowing. She anticipated that this scene wouldn't go smoothly.

"Scene X, take one, for 'True Colors,' Action!"

Yi Yiyi intimately linked her arm with Tang Ruoyao's in the alley, complaining about their last class professor. In the drama, Yi Yiyi's character was lively and cheerful, while Han Zifei, who was usually energetic, became more composed and introverted when alone with Shen Muqing. When the two of them were together, there was a noticeable difference in their temperament.

Qin Yinong narrowed her eyes.

Tang Ruoyao was often described by the media as an unattainable beauty, but in her presence, whether in the past or now, there was no connection whatsoever with the phrase "unattainable beauty."

Is this the difference between liking and disliking?

Qin Yinong's clenched fist relaxed and tightened at her side.

"Cut."

Han Yuping interrupted Yi Yi's performance, furrowing his brows and saying, "Yi Yiyi, don't stick out your tongue, it's too exaggerated. Also, don't lean your whole body on Tang Ruoyao. You don't have bone disease."

Yi Yiyi quickly clasped her hands together and apologized, "I'm sorry, Director."

Yi Yiyi was part of Qin Yinong's studio, and it was her first time messing up a scene. Han Yuping gave Qin Yinong a small favor by saying, "Make some adjustments, we'll reshoot in two minutes."

"Scene X, one continuous shot, take two, for 'True Colors,' Action!"

Yi Yiyi adjusted her body movements and stopped sticking out her tongue. However, Han Yuping still called for a "cut" and mercilessly said, "Be more natural. Your body is stiff like an eighty-year-old lady. Did you wrap yourself in bandages and metal plates? You're so young, why are you so rigid?"

Yi Yiyi blushed in embarrassment.

Qin Yinong, leaning against the door frame, couldn't help but let out a laugh.

Han Yuping glared at her fiercely and said, "Actors who have nothing better to do shouldn't disturb the atmosphere on set!"

Qin Yinong, who had nothing better to do, went along with it, smiling and mimicking a zipper motion on her lips.

Tang Ruoyao caught a glimpse of it and her lips curled slightly, thinking, "So cute."

Han Yuping continued, "In this scene, just show that you are familiar with each other. No need to be too intimate, don't make it overly sticky. And your expressions, be more natural. Talk to her as you would with a friend in your daily life. Relax a bit, don't be nervous."

Yi Yiyi nodded humbly, "Got it, I'll think it over."

Han Yuping waved his hand, his expression stern, "Five minutes."

Transitioning from a TV drama actor to a film actor is not an easy task. TV dramas allow for larger facial expressions and movements, which may not be excessive on the small screen. However, on the big screen, it can appear too deliberate. Film shooting tests an actor's attention to detail and requires more nuanced performance methods. It's a completely different system.

In the previous family scenes where Tang Ruoyao frequently messed up, there were already enough added movements and gestures, but in reality, they were all very subtle details.

Five minutes later, as expected, Yi Yiyi failed again. After three more attempts, Han Yuping's patience ran out, and he finally started shouting angrily.

Yi Yiyi stood awkwardly on the spot, her face turning red, and her head hanging lower and lower.

Tang Ruoyao pursed her lips, hesitating whether she should give some individual guidance to Yi Yiyi.

Just as she was thinking about it, a voice as melodious as a heavenly sound rang out.

"That's enough, Director Han."

As someone from her own studio, Qin Yinong couldn't bear to listen any longer. She had been trained by Han Yuping for this scene, and if she didn't teach him a lesson, she would feel restless. She uncrossed her slender legs lazily and elegantly walked down the steps of the door frame.

Han Yuping glared at her angrily.

Before Han Yuping could launch an indiscriminate attack, Qin Yinong smiled lightly and said, "I'll teach her."

Han Yuping snorted coldly, turned around in a huff, and left.

Tang Ruoyao: "!!!"

She couldn't believe that Qin Yinong would personally teach someone how to act. Can't she even keep this special treatment to herself?

Qin Yinong walked up to Yi Yiyi, parted her lips, but before she could say the first word, Tang Ruoyao suddenly stepped to the side, subtly blocking Qin Yinong from getting between her and Yi Yiyi.

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow.

Tang Ruoyao calmly said, "I've acted with Yi Yiyi several times, so I know her flaws very well. I just came up with some suggestions, and if they prove effective, there's no need to trouble Senior Qin."

Qin Yinong was slightly stunned, carefully pondering the underlying meaning of Tang Ruoyao's words.

Tang Ruoyao tilted her head and said, "Yi Yiyi, isn't that right?"

Yi Yiyi was still dazed from Han Yuping's scolding and could only answer "yes" when Tang Ruoyao asked her.

Tang Ruoyao stood firm like a mountain, firmly separating Qin Yinong from Yi Yiyi. She looked up and said, "Senior Qin, please take a rest for now."

Qin Yinong fell silent for a moment and said, "...Alright."

With her hands behind her back, she obediently left.

Tang Ruoyao was not as good as Qin Yinong, but she was more than capable of teaching an actor who transitioned from TV dramas.

Although Han Yuping didn't pass her on the first try when he returned, he also didn't scold her again. After addressing a small issue and two more attempts, she finally passed.

Yi Yiyi felt grateful to Tang Ruoyao.

Tang Ruoyao's expression was cold as she said, "It's just a small favor. No need to thank me."

Those words sounded familiar.

She glanced in Qin Yinong's direction. Qin Yinong's eyes were calm, and her expression revealed neither joy nor anger.

After that scene, they proceeded to shoot a scene where Shen Muqing encounters Han Zifei and Qiao Lingling in an intimate moment. Qin Yinong's lonely figure disappeared behind the door, and when Han Yuping shouted "Cut," he excitedly slammed the table.

"Perfect!" he exclaimed repeatedly. "This shot is amazing!"

Qin Yinong sneered inwardly: I acted naturally, how could it not be perfect?

Lacking interest, she glanced at the dates scattered on the ground being picked up by the crew. Tang Ruoyao and Yi Yiyi were helping out. Yi Yiyi looked up and met Tang Ruoyao's gaze, giving her a shy smile.

Qin Yinong couldn't make out Tang Ruoyao's expression, but she must have been smiling too.

Both on and off the stage, it was the same.

Qin Yinong leaned back in her wicker chair, covering her face with the script.

During the night shoot for the kissing scene.

The two female leads were both awkward, ignoring each other.

Han Yuping, who came over to discuss the scene, was puzzled.

Qin Yinong understood why she was acting awkwardly. Tonight, she was playing the role of a jealous and awkward character, so she had immersed herself in the role. But what was going on with Tang Ruoyao?

Han Yuping briefly explained a few sentences to Qin Yinong and called Tang Ruoyao over.

"In this scene, you have to test her, with caution and anticipation for the imagined outcome, as well as the ecstatic joy when confirming the other person's feelings. And if she rejects you, you need to show sadness, sorrow, understanding, tolerance, and patience. These emotions should progress in a logical order, the sequence must be correct."

It was just one scene, but Tang Ruoyao had to portray a wide range of emotions. If the transition wasn't smooth, the entire scene would fall apart. Han Yuping had to explain the details to her.

"You like her, you've liked her for a long time." Han Yuping pointed at Qin Yinong and patiently explained the development of the character's feelings to Tang Ruoyao.

Tang Ruoyao took a deep breath as if it took a great effort, and nodded, "Okay."

Yes, she liked Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong pursed her lips and glanced sideways.

Han Yuping continued, "But because of societal reasons, you've never told her. Today, you noticed that she was acting unusual. She used to treat you tenderly, but now she speaks coldly and even mentions the girl who came back with you. This sparks a daring thought in your mind, and you can't believe it, but you speculate that she actually likes you too. It's not unrequited love, you both have mutual feelings."

Tang Ruoyao instinctively glanced to the side, locking eyes with Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong avoided her gaze.

Han Yuping unconsciously lowered his voice and slowly said, word by word, "You suppress your speculation, cautiously and step by step testing her. You call her by her full name, staring into her eyes. You realize that you may have found the answer, that she does like you, just like you like her. Unable to control your emotions, you kiss her."

Tang Ruoyao softly murmured in agreement once again.

Han Yuping's voice suddenly sank, becoming loud and clear, "But she can't be with you. She has a husband and a child, a seemingly happy family in the eyes of society. She carries the responsibility of being a wife and mother. On the scale of love and duty, your love, in her name, is not worth mentioning."

Tang Ruoyao's lips slightly paled, and her breathing became shallow.

Han Yuping softened his tone and gently said, "You've understood this from the beginning. You and her can't have a future together. She pushes you away, and you let her push you away. You decide to stop here. This choice is good for both of you. In this world, not all lovers can end up together."

Tang Ruoyao revealed a bittersweet smile, a mixture of joy and sorrow. She tilted her face up, closing her eyes, warmth beneath her eyelids.

Han Yuping knew she had immersed herself in the role and quietly retreated.

Before leaving, he suddenly looked in Qin Yinong's direction, sensing something. Qin Yinong's expression mirrored Tang Ruoyao's unpleasantness, her pale face even more so.

It seems like each person is getting immersed in the scene faster than the last.

Han Yuping nodded approvingly.

"Scene X, Take One of 'True Colors'! Action!"

First, a long shot.

The moonlight was cool and serene, reflecting silver light on the green stone tiles in the courtyard. A nimble figure dashed out from their own courtyard and swiftly slipped into the neighboring one, like a graceful fish.

"Teacher Shen!" An excited voice of an uninvited guest echoed, making the light in the second-floor room brighter than before.

No response was received.

The camera zoomed in, focusing on Tang Ruoyao's back.

She, in the bloom of her youth, wore a cool summer short-sleeved shirt. Her figure was curvaceous and graceful, with a slender waist and long limbs. Her flawless skin was as white and pure as a moistened jade.

Tang Ruoyao stood downstairs, holding a basket of large, red fresh jujubes, and continued to call out towards the brightly lit window, "Teacher Shen!"

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