CHAPTER 97

Qin Yinong met Tang Ruoyao's clear gaze, and a trace of uneasiness quickly flashed through her eyes.

"I..." She moved her lips and looked around, like a queen inspecting her territory. She said, "Just come and take a look."

A hint of joy surged in Tang Ruoyao's eyes.

She automatically interpreted this sentence as Qin Yinong coming specifically to see her.

Qin Yinong went to the faucet to adjust the water flow to medium speed, not looking at her face, and spoke casually, finding something to say, "Are you done washing?"

Tang Ruoyao was momentarily stunned, hastening her movements and said, "Almost done."

Her smile deepened.

Qin Yinong wanted her company, that's why she came to urge her, right?

Qin Yinong didn't even need to look at her, but she could feel the sudden pink atmosphere in the kitchen.

Qin Yinong: "..."

Most likely, Tang Ruoyao was thinking about something unrelated to her again. She shouldn't have come in this time.

Tang Ruoyao placed the pots and pans back in their respective places. When she turned around, Qin Yinong was already gone.

"Senior Qin?" She quickly wiped her hands and came out.

Before she saw Qin Yinong, Tang Fei's somewhat urgent voice could be heard, "I'll do it. It was originally my task. Sister Qin, you can just sit there."

Tang Ruoyao caught up in a few steps and saw Qin Yinong intending to compete with Tang Fei for control of the mop. Tang Fei firmly held onto it, not letting her touch it. He looked up and saw Tang Ruoyao, rushing towards her as if seeing a savior. He lowered his voice and spoke rapidly, "Sister Qin/Qin Jiejie insisted on taking over my task."

Tang Ruoyao patted his head, motioning for him to go busy elsewhere.

Qin Yinong was caught red-handed, yet she showed no embarrassment. Her expression was calm and composed, much more composed than Tang Ruoyao.

"Do you want to do the chores?" Tang Ruoyao asked her.

Qin Yinong hesitated for a moment before saying, "Um..."

Tang Ruoyao pursed her lips, appearing thoughtful. "Then, can you clean the coffee table? I'll get you a cloth."

Another pause, and Qin Yinong responded, "Okay."

Guan Han's eyes were about to pop out.

Tang Ruoyao actually dared to order Qin Yinong to do household chores, and she did it so naturally. When did she acquire the script of an old married couple? Did she lose her mind at such a young age?

Her boss was busy, so Guan Han found a broom and started sweeping the living room absentmindedly.

On their first afternoon back in Z City, the four of them inexplicably ended up doing a thorough cleaning of the Tang family's house. Due to their short stay and the number of people, they divided the tasks and finished cleaning in no time.

The afternoon was free.

Tang Ruoyao suggested, "Senior Qin, do you want to take a nap?"

Qin Yinong timely covered her mouth and yawned, not refusing. "Mmm."

Tang Ruoyao said, "Then you can sleep in my room."

Qin Yinong looked tired and nodded.

Tang Ruoyao's room was the most tidied up, with new bed sheets and covers. Tang Ruoyao opened the wardrobe and took out a white camisole, saying, "Wear this of mine, Senior Qin, do you mind?"

"I don't mind."

Tang Ruoyao's lips curved up.

"But..." Qin Yinong looked at her with a smirk. "Do you have anything else?"

"Yes." Tang Ruoyao also smiled, as if she had expected her reaction. She placed the camisole on the bed and took out a set of pajamas, short-sleeved and shorts, cool and modest. She held it in her hand and unfolded it, raising it towards Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong nodded, reluctantly satisfied. "This will do."

Tang Ruoyao closed the curtains in the room, instantly darkening it.

Without saying a word, she began undressing.

Qin Yinong inadvertently caught a glimpse of her glowing white skin and exclaimed, "What are you doing?"

Tang Ruoyao spoke in an assured tone, "Take a nap, of course."

"You?"

"Yes, me." Tang Ruoyao showed a hint of shyness and sheepishly said, "I need to change clothes. Can you turn around, Senior Qin?"

"..."

Is this the same person who was so bold just a moment ago?

Qin Yinong turned around politely, facing away from her.

There were slight sounds coming from behind, rustling and shifting. Without using her eyes, her hearing became even more acute.

Today, Tang Ruoyao was wearing a long-sleeved shirt, a classic button-up style. Qin Yinong could imagine Tang Ruoyao's slender, fair fingers in her mind, skillfully undoing the buttons one by one, without any expression on her cool and reserved face.

Tang Ruoyao then reached behind her and loosened the tightest layer of restraint, discarding it to the side. Her flawless pale skin was adorned with long, flowing black hair.

She picked up the camisole and put it on, sliding her fingers to the back of her neck, gathering the long hair from behind. She slightly bit her lower lip with a hint of impatience. Due to the lowered head, her side profile became even more captivating and profound. Tang Ruoyao was diligent in her workouts, with firm arms that revealed sleek and beautiful muscle definition when exerting force.

"Alright, Senior Qin, you can turn around now."

As if a voice came from beyond the heavens, Qin Yinong detached herself from her own imagination. She didn't dare to look back at Tang Ruoyao and calmly said, "You can leave first. I also need to change into my pajamas."

Tang Ruoyao seemed to intentionally pause for a moment before whispering, "Should I go out then?"

Qin Yinong clenched the joints of the pajamas in her hands tightly, causing her knuckles to turn white, and said, "Mmm."

A whiff of fragrance brushed past her nose as Tang Ruoyao walked around from behind Qin Yinong and stood in her line of sight. She walked towards the door with her long legs.

Qin Yinong was taken aback, nearly dazzled by her two fair legs, and blurted out, "Wait."

She was going out like this?!

Tang Ruoyao turned around, her expression pure and innocent. "What's wrong?"

Qin Yinong gritted her teeth in secret and spoke with a chilly tone, carrying a hint of coldness. "Stay in the room."

Tang Ruoyao felt secretly delighted and obediently responded, "Okay."

Without Qin Yinong needing to mention it, Tang Ruoyao voluntarily turned her back first. "Qin Teacher, go ahead and change. I won't look."

Qin Yinong admired Tang Ruoyao's figure while changing into her pajamas. She climbed into the bed, lying on her side, and calmly said with closed eyes, "Good afternoon, sleep well."

Tang Ruoyao also climbed onto the bed and hugged her from behind. She nuzzled her nose affectionately against Qin Yinong's ear, closing her eyes.

"Good afternoon." she softly whispered.

Qin Yinong slightly stiffened, allowing her to hold her. She slowly adjusted her breathing to relax.

She had been worried about having nightmares, so she hadn't been able to fall asleep for a long time. Tang Ruoyao, on the other hand, had entered dreamland early. Qin Yinong carefully turned over without disturbing Tang Ruoyao and slowly caught sight of her sleeping face.

Her sleeping posture was not graceful, and her expression wasn't that of a goddess either but rather had a hint of cuteness and innocence. Due to deep sleep and the small room, her cheeks had a peculiar flush, her lips were slightly parted, and her breath was even and long, revealing a glimpse of softness and warmth.

Qin Yinong stared at her red lips, her expression obscure and unclear.

Tang Ruoyao murmured and suddenly tightened her arm. Qin Yinong involuntarily rolled towards her, her forehead heating up as it met Tang Ruoyao's lips.

Qin Yinong squinted her eyes.

Was it unintentional? Pretending to sleep?

As an actress, pretending to sleep was one of the most basic skills, and even though Qin Yinong's acting skills were top-notch, she couldn't determine from Tang Ruoyao's actions whether she was truly asleep.

She could only patiently wait, making sure without a doubt that Tang Ruoyao was asleep before holding her breath and following her instincts. She tilted her head up and lightly pressed her lips against the half-opened red lips.

They felt a bit dry.

Qin Yinong carefully moistened her lips, observing Tang Ruoyao's subtle expressions. Tang Ruoyao showed no reaction at all. Qin Yinong cautiously extended the tip of her tongue, slowly pushing against Tang Ruoyao's teeth, encountering the same wetness and softness. Her breath involuntarily intensified, and her heartbeat spiraled out of control.

She restrained the urge to reach out and hug Tang Ruoyao from behind. She tightened her fingers, kissed her twice, and then pulled back, breathing lightly.

Once her breathing calmed down, she used the top of her head to nudge against Tang Ruoyao's chin, finding a comfortable position in her embrace and closing her eyes.

The gentle wind outside gently lifted a corner of the curtains as the two embraced and fell asleep.

The sounds of the city became distant.

When Qin Yinong woke up, there was no one beside her pillow. Not even a trace of Tang Ruoyao or her small camisole that belonged to her. Qin Yinong lowered her head and looked at her own pajamas, sat up, and supported herself.

She reached for the phone next to her and lit up the screen. It was already five in the afternoon.

She had slept through almost dinner time.

Qin Yinong: "..."

She raised a finger and pinched her brow, letting out a deep breath. She lifted the covers, preparing to get out of bed, and as soon as her foot touched the floor...

The door was pushed open slightly, making almost no sound. Qin Yinong turned her head and coincidentally met Tang Ruoyao's surprised gaze. "You're awake?"

Qin Yinong pursed her lips and made a sound of agreement.

A rare sense of awkwardness flashed in her eyes.

After all, she was a guest at someone else's house, but ended up sleeping through the entire afternoon, and now the host was already awake.

Tang Ruoyao: "Are you hungry?"

Qin Yinong shook her head.

Then she quickly realized something. Were they having a conversation where Tang Ruoyao treated her like a pig? Wake up, eat, eat, and then sleep.

"Are you still sleepy?" Tang Ruoyao asked again.

Qin Yinong shook her head once more.

Tang Ruoyao walked to the window and pulled the curtains open, allowing the golden sunset to flood into the room. Tang Ruoyao stood in the light, emitting a radiance, with golden specks of light dancing in her eyes and brows.

She emerged from the light and approached Qin Yinong, as if bringing all the light to her.

Qin Yinong sat still in her place.

Tang Ruoyao reached out and touched her forehead.

Qin Yinong tilted her face, her eyes hazy, and asked slowly, "Am I running a fever?"

"No." Tang Ruoyao chuckled. She just wanted to touch Qin Yinong, hesitated to touch her face, and settled for her forehead instead.

Since she wasn't running a fever, Qin Yinong turned her head, avoiding Tang Ruoyao's hand. "What time did you wake up?"

"Around three o'clock." Tang Ruoyao recalled.

"What have you been doing?"

"Took a shower."

Tang Ruoyao's gaze drifted, unnoticed by Qin Yinong.

According to common sense, since they finally had the chance to sleep together, Tang Ruoyao would definitely want to stay in bed until Qin Yinong woke up, or even better, if she didn't wake up at all. But plans don't always go as expected, and she had a reason she couldn't stay in bed.

She had a rather embarrassing dream and woke up feeling uncomfortable, with a thin layer of sweat all over her body.

It was still broad daylight, and she had been well-behaved before falling asleep, not thinking about anything inappropriate. So why did she have such a dream? Tang Ruoyao shifted her legs uncomfortably under the covers and eventually attributed the reason to Qin Yinong's overwhelming charm.

She got up, took a shower, changed her clothes, washed the dirty ones and hung them on the balcony. Then she went to find Tang Fei and chatted with her younger brother in a low voice. Unknowingly, it was already this time.

But it surprised Tang Ruoyao that Qin Yinong could sleep until five o'clock, considering they both went to sleep at one in the afternoon. But thinking about how Qin Yinong probably didn't sleep much last night, Tang Ruoyao understood and even hoped that she could sleep a little longer.

Qin Yinong said, "I'll go take a shower too."

She wasn't feeling hot, but she had sweated a bit when Tang Ruoyao held her tightly before she fell asleep.

Tang Ruoyao said, "Then I'll get you a new set of pajamas."

Qin Yinong blinked and stared at her actions.

Tang Ruoyao chuckled and handed her a set of relatively conservative style pajamas.

Qin Yinong took it and held it in her hands for a while. Then, in a tone neither light nor heavy, she reminded Tang Ruoyao, "There's a difference between men and women, like that kind of..." She trailed off vaguely, "It's not appropriate to wear it in front of your younger brother. Don't wear it in the future."

Tang Ruoyao blinked her eyes, "I only wear it for you to see."

Qin Yinong choked.

Before Qin Yinong could come up with a response, Tang Ruoyao quickly interrupted and smiled, "Okay, go take a shower. I'll wait for you."

Qin Yinong thought, 'You'll wait for me? What do you want to do?'

Tang Ruoyao playfully added the second half of the sentence, with a playful expression, "and have dinner together."

Qin Yinong glanced at her with a deep gaze.

Tang Ruoyao almost couldn't help but burst into laughter. She quickly cleared her throat and urged, "Hurry up and go."

In the morning, Tang Ruoyao bought some handmade dumplings from the market, filled with chives and pork. They would have dumplings for dinner, without the hassle of preparing five or six dishes.

Qin Yinong took a shower and conveniently washed her pajamas. She hung them on the balcony using a clothesline. Next to them were Tang Ruoyao's suspenders and...a pair of underwear.

Qin Yinong tilted her head and stared at the underwear for a while, lost in thought.

Guan Han had been in the living room all along.

Qin Yinong glanced at the busy figure in the kitchen, touched her hair that had gotten slightly wet from the shower, and asked Guan Han, "Is there anything important that needs my attention?"

Guan Han replied, "No."

Qin Yinong persisted, "Then is there anything unimportant?"

If she had nothing to do, she wanted to go find Tang Ruoyao again.

"...," Guan Han observed her expression and came up with something trivial, "Next month, you have a banquet to attend, hosted by the famous actor Qiao. Many people in the industry will be there."

"Has Yao Yao received the invitation?"

"I'm not sure at the moment."

"Is there anything else?"

Guan Han racked her brain and said, "You haven't replied to Lin, the Movie Empress yet. Whenever you're free, invite her to the set for a visit and have dinner together."

Qin Yinong squinted her eyes and lightly tapped her knuckles on her knee.

"It's time to eat." Tang Ruoyao shouted from the kitchen doorway.

The two conversing individuals simultaneously stopped and got up. Qin Yinong led the way, followed by Guan Han, and they all sat down at the dining table.

Tang Ruoyao remembered that Guan Han was a native of the capital city, so she had asked her in advance. She specifically served her a portion in a separate dish and provided a small plate for vinegar.

The other three had soup dumplings, with the soup noodles garnished with finely chopped green onions.

Guan Han picked up a dumpling and dipped it in the vinegar.

Qin Yinong frowned.

Tang Ruoyao leaned back slightly.

Tang Fei sneezed, "Ah-choo!"

Guan Han tactfully picked up her plate and quietly left, saying, "I'll eat over at the coffee table."

In this family of three, and perhaps in the future with Ning Ning, there was no place for Guan Han.

Tang Ruoyao and Tang Fei's taste had been heavily influenced by Tang Hanzhang. She had encountered many jealous people from Z City since childhood. Qin Yinong also felt the same way, which made Tang Ruoyao find it quite interesting. She casually asked, "Does your family not like vinegar, Senior Qin?"

Qin Yinong scooped some soup with a spoon, blew on it, lowered his eyelids, and said, "Hmm."

"You're from City A?"

"Yes."

"Have you visited this place before?"

"No."

"I haven't been to City A either, but I have classmates from there. Which district do you live in? Maybe I know it," Tang Ruoyao was simply trying to make conversation and learn a little more about Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong paused for about two seconds, took a sip of soup, and said, "Qingping District."

Tang Ruoyao smiled, "I haven't heard of it."

Qin Yin Nong replied calmly, "It's an old district. It's normal not to have heard of it. Maybe it has even been renamed by now."

Tang Ruoyao pondered for a moment and said, "If I finish handling the matters at my home and if there's some time off, would you like to take a trip back to City A? It's convenient to drive there, less than two hours away."

"No." Qin Yinong decisively threw out a single word.

The atmosphere momentarily froze.

Tang Fei buried his face in his bowl, his eyes darting around, observing everyone.

"I'm full," Qin Yinong stood up, picked up his empty bowl, and placed it on the kitchen counter.

Tang Ruoyao and Tang Fei exchanged a glance, displaying a helpless smile.

Tang Fei whispered, "Are you guys fighting?"

Tang Ruoyao flicked his forehead with her finger, saying, "Children shouldn't ask about adult matters."

Tang Fei muttered, "I'm almost as tall as you."

Tang Ruoyao said, "Eat." She scooped the remaining two dumplings from her bowl into Tang Fei's bowl, unable to finish them herself.

Tang Fei ate enthusiastically.

Tang Ruoyao propped her cheek with her hand, gazing at Tang Fei's face, a heavy burden weighing on her heart.

.....

Late at night, in the quiet darkness.

Qin Yinong absentmindedly leaned against the headboard, reading a book, while Tang Ruoyao sat on a chair, hands supporting her cheeks, her gaze empty and motionless. They both tacitly agreed to sleep in the same room, on the same bed, with no doubts or questions.

Qin Yinong glanced at the time on her phone. Tang Ruoyao had maintained this position for half an hour already.

Qin Yinong cleared her throat, "Ahem."

Tang Ruoyao turned to look at her, a hint of concern in her eyes.

Qin Yinong's heart trembled under her pure gaze. She pursed her lips and unconsciously softened her voice, saying, "It's nothing, my throat suddenly feels uncomfortable."

Tang Ruoyao glanced at the empty glass on the bedside table, silently got up, went out, and returned with a refilled glass.

She resumed her absentminded state.

Qin Yinong glanced at the words in the book, then forgot the previous line. She closed the book and called Tang Ruoyao's name.

Tang Ruoyao turned herself and the chair towards Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong got straight to the point, "Do you have something on your mind?"

Tang Ruoyao hesitated for a moment, shook her head, and said, "No."

Qin Yinong completely set aside the book "Wittgenstein's Biography," took a deep breath, and looked at Tang Ruoyao with slightly piercing eyes, as if determined to get to the bottom of things.

"Speak."

Under her gaze, Tang Ruoyao couldn't resist and softly said, "My younger brother is in the sixth grade, and he'll soon be transitioning to junior high school."

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow, indicating for her to continue.

Tang Ruoyao hesitated for a while, then continued, "I want to take him to the capital to attend junior high school, but I don't know anything about his school records and the process of choosing a school. I'm completely clueless, and... there's no one I can ask, no connections." Her voice grew quieter, almost barely audible.

Qin Yinong felt relieved and chuckled softly, "Is that all?"

Tang Ruoyao had been keeping silent about her own worries, causing Qin Yinong to worry so much, and her heart was in a state of unease.

Tang Ruoyao lowered her head.

She knew that the "big issue" she was concerned about was nothing more than a small matter to Qin Yinong. Qin Yinong knew many people and had a wide network. Arranging for Tang Fei to transfer schools would be a piece of cake for her. But Tang Ruoyao had her own worries, and she couldn't just divert her attention just because Qin Yinong was there for her.

As expected, Qin Yinong said, "I'll find someone to take care of this for you. Don't worry about it."

Tang Ruoyao nodded.

Qin Yinong took the initiative to offer help, and she wouldn't reject her assistance out of pride. However, deep down, she felt a trace of powerlessness and frustration.

For so long, although it was a transaction, Qin Yinong had shown her meticulous care in her career, always providing shelter like a towering tree in the face of storms. Tang Ruoyao saw the scars behind that tree and always wanted to protect her in return, thinking she had the ability to do so.

But the truth was, during the day, Qin Yinong had helped her intimidate Zhou Yi and Jiang Xuezhen, and at night, she had resolved Tang Fei's academic issues.

What could she really do for Qin Yinong? What gave her the confidence and determination to believe that she could definitely win her over? What right did she have?

"Miss Tang."

"Tang Ruoyao?"

Tang Ruoyao snapped out of her daze, her absent-minded amber eyes meeting Qin Yinong's gaze. Slowly focusing, she spoke slowly, "What's wrong?"

Qin Yinong asked suspiciously, "What are you daydreaming about?"

"Nothing." Tang Ruoyao stood up, the chair scraping against the floor with an ear-piercing sound. "I'm going to wash my face."

Qin Yinong said, "Tang..."

Tang Ruoyao opened the door and left, heading to the bathroom. She turned on the faucet, cupped her hands, and splashed a handful of cold water onto her face, over and over again. Water droplets clung to her cheeks, and she leaned against the edge of the sink, watching as the droplets dripped down her chin along the delicate curve. The person in the mirror had an unprecedented look of confusion in her eyes.

Tang Ruoyao didn't return for a long time, and Qin Yinong couldn't sit still in the room. She couldn't help but put on her shoes and go out to find her.

The bathroom was dark, and so was the living room.

Qin Yinong didn't bring her phone, but she borrowed the faint light coming from the bedroom and bypassed the living room, heading towards the balcony.

There were no stars or moon tonight, and the light from the bedroom couldn't reach here. It was pitch dark all around, and a tall and slender figure stood vaguely in the darkness.

"Miss Tang?" Qin Yinong tentatively called out.

The person turned around, their voice filled with surprise. "Qin Yinong?"

Qin Yinong raised her hand, searching in the darkness for the switch on the wall, while asking, "What are you doing here alone?"

She was unfamiliar with this place and couldn't find the switch for a long time. Tang Ruoyao reached it before her, but Qin Yinong was only slightly slower, so her ice-cold fingertips brushed against Tang Ruoyao's hand.

Tang Ruoyao's hand had already reached the switch, but right before pressing it, she withdrew her hand and directly grabbed Qin Yinong's finger that was about to retract, tightly enclosing it in her palm.

"Qin Yinong." Her voice was very low, tinged with a different hoarseness.

Qin Yinong, seemingly compelled, allowed her to hold onto her hand and softly responded.

In the darkness, neither could see the other's expression.

Tang Ruoyao asked, "Did you deliberately come out to find me?"

Qin Yinong didn't answer.

Tang Ruoyao suddenly felt an inexplicable sadness in her heart.

A conversation that seemed to never receive any response, continuing to blindly chase based on conjecture. How long could she persist?

Qin Yinong felt the grip of the hand holding her own gradually loosening, and it felt as if something was slowly drifting away, leaving an echoing emptiness in her heart.

Tang Ruoyao's palm was completely open now, but Qin Yinong's fingers didn't slip away as expected. Instead, they traced the lines on her palm, reversed their grip, and held onto her hand.

"Yes."

She heard Qin Yinong say so.

Author's Note:

Can Yao Yao drink her sister's water tonight?

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