CHAPTER 107

It seemed like they were still saying something, but Qin Yinong couldn't hear it anymore.

Through the partially opened door, Qin Yinong's blurry teary eyes unexpectedly met another pair of eyes.

The other person seemed surprised as well.

Qin Yinong's vision was hazy, and she didn't have time to recognize who was looking towards her. Regardless of who it was, she couldn't let anyone see her in this state. Her pupils suddenly contracted, and she hurriedly tried to close the door.

But in the blink of an eye, that figure swiftly dashed towards her, and their hand firmly pressed against the door, preventing it from closing.

Qin Yinong leaned her shoulder against the door and wiped her tears with her hand, pushing against it outward.

The person outside had veins popping on their forehead, refusing to back down. As they rushed forward, they skillfully wedged one foot in the door crack in advance. They lowered their voice and gritted their teeth, calling out the woman's name, "Qin Yinong."

It was Tang Ruoyao.

Qin Yinong's mind was struck by a thunderbolt. How did she come here?

Tang Ruoyao absentmindedly had dinner with Lin Ruohan and returned in a distracted state. Only when she was going upstairs, closer to where Qin Yinong was, did she focus her attention and keenly catch the motion of Qin Yinong closing the door. But it happened in a flash, and she couldn't be sure.

Later, when Lin Ruohan came to borrow the bathroom, she agreed. In fact, after a day and night of venting her anger towards Qin Yinong, her anger had subsided. The reason she agreed was twofold: firstly, it was indeed difficult to refuse this matter. Lin Ruohan was a guest, and if she said the water heater was broken, Tang Ruoyao couldn't go to her room to check. She had already decided to confront Lin Ruohan later, telling her not to waste her feelings on her. Secondly, she wanted to test Qin Yinong one last time, to see if she had been silently observing her actions all along.

As soon as Lin Ruohan entered her room's bathroom, Tang Ruoyao came out to avoid suspicion. She had originally planned to take a chance and barge into Qin Yinong's room directly, assuming she wouldn't lock the door at home, and then take it from there. But she was surprised to find that Qin Yinong's door was slightly ajar, and through the small gap, she caught a glimpse of teary eyes.

Those eyes saw her and became even more panicked, desperately trying to avoid her gaze.

Without thinking, she took a quick step forward, resulting in the current stalemate.

After hearing Tang Ruoyao's voice, Qin Yinong's consciousness momentarily faltered. The force on her shoulder subconsciously eased, but before she could regain her senses, Tang Ruoyao took advantage of the opportunity and squeezed in, closing the door behind her with a click, and locking it.

Swift and decisive, all in one go.

Qin Yinong: "..."

Tang Ruoyao crossed her arms and looked at her with red-rimmed eyes and tear-streaked face, feeling both angry and amused.

Impressive, Qin Yinong. You say it's "worth it," but you're busy pushing me away, and now you're hiding in the room crying. If Tang Ruoyao hadn't witnessed this scene with her own eyes, she wouldn't have believed it.

Qin Yinong could cry too, and she cried so miserably.

Tang Ruoyao's heart softened for her.

A woman's tears are the most deadly weapon. Even the toughest steel can be softened, let alone Tang Ruoyao, who wasn't originally cold-hearted. Especially when someone who is usually indifferent and tough, lacking empathy, speaks the most hurtful words with unfazed eyes but secretly moistens their eyes with tears.

Qin Yinong, slow to realize, turned her back, tears streaming down her face. She didn't dare to raise her hand to wipe them away, too obvious. Although at this point, Tang Ruoyao had already seen everything clearly, she couldn't face anyone.

Qin Yinong forced herself to maintain a calm demeanor and sternly said, "Get out."

How could Tang Ruoyao easily leave after finally breaking in?

Instead of retreating, she took step by step closer, embraced Qin Yinong from behind, rested her chin on her shoulder, and affectionately rubbed her cheek against the other's face, gently sighing.

"Why are you crying?" The young woman's voice held no laughter, only unabashed tenderness.

Qin Yinong wanted to struggle, to resist, but Tang Ruoyao's embrace was just too warm. The slender and powerful hands clasping her waist made her feel an unprecedented sense of security.

From the start of last night, her wandering heart, which had no place to rely on, suddenly found a home. Her tense body slowly softened, and she relaxed, leaning back in Tang Ruoyao's embrace.

Qin Yinong lowered her eyelashes and calmly said, "Some sand blew into my eyes through the window and irritated them—hiss."

She knew this woman would never speak a single truthful word. Tang Ruoyao angrily opened her mouth and lightly bit Qin Yinong's cheek, not exerting much force. After biting, she gently exhaled and kissed her twice.

They were loud kisses, causing Qin Yinong's heart to race and inexplicably fill with joy.

Her ears grew hot, and she uncomfortably tilted her head. However, Tang Ruoyao's lips followed her every movement.

Unable to avoid it any longer, Tang Ruoyao gently held her face and tenderly sealed the woman's soft and sweet lips. Qin Yinong responded by parting her lips.

As their lips separated, their foreheads touched, and their gazes intertwined.

Qin Yinong's black lashes trembled like raven feathers. She lowered her long lashes, not allowing Tang Ruoyao to catch a glimpse of her tender and affectionate eyes.

But it didn't matter, Tang Ruoyao had already obtained the answer she wanted.

She pulled Qin Yinong towards the sofa, sitting down herself. Qin Yinong tried to retract her hand and sit across from her, but Tang Ruoyao tugged and pulled, directly bringing her into her own embrace, encircling her with her arm.

A faint blush rose on Qin Yinong's cheeks, and she subtly squirmed for a moment before allowing herself to be held.

Tang Ruoyao softly explained, "I deliberately provoked you during the day. I don't like Lin Ruohan."

In theory, Qin Yinong had no right to be angry. After all, she had rejected Tang Ruoyao herself, and she willingly cooperated with Lin Ruohan to create opportunities for the two of them. She hadn't been angry during the day, only consumed by sadness.

However, when Tang Ruoyao uttered those words, she somehow felt a slight spark of anger, but it was only a tiny bit. She was accustomed to suppressing her emotions, so she didn't show it at all.

"Mm," she responded, indicating that she understood.

Tang Ruoyao saw that Qin Yinong, instead of being indifferent, furrowed her brows in displeasure and said, "Aren't you jealous?"

Qin Yinong pressed her thin lips together and remained silent.

Of course, she felt jealous. However, amidst the overwhelming sadness, the feeling of jealousy could be ignored.

"Hiss—"

A stinging pain spread across her cheek, once again subjected to Tang Ruoyao's "poisonous tongue."

Not to mention her recent success and fame, even in the past, no one dared to repeatedly bite her face like this. Qin Yinong raised her hand and covered Tang Ruoyao's mouth, scolding softly, "Are you a dog?"

Tang Ruoyao's mouth was muffled by her hand, and she gently kissed her palm, her eyes sparkling as she said, "I'm a rat."

The soft and warm sensation in her palm heated Qin Yinong's heart.

Tang Ruoyao's eyebrows also curved, and she kissed her again.

Only then did Qin Yinong withdraw her hand.

Tang Ruoyao squinted her eyes. Did Qin Yinong still want something?

She took hold of Qin Yinong's hand, pecked the back of it lightly, and carefully observed the other's expression, noticing a subtle upward curve at the corners of her eyebrows, indicating a hint of pleasure. Tang Ruoyao inwardly chuckled, thinking, 'So she likes it when I kiss her.'

Inappropriately, Tang Ruoyao drifted off for a moment, imagining that when she finally won Qin Yinong over, she would probably be an expert in reading subtle expressions.

Tang Ruoyao didn't question Qin Yinong about what she said yesterday, didn't settle scores after the fact, and didn't mock her for crying. She just held her quietly, brought her hand to her lips, and kissed it repeatedly, without end. Occasionally, she would raise her eyes and gaze at her, and her eyes would curve with overflowing love and tenderness.

Qin Yinong's gaze also became soft, and her slender fingers couldn't help but caress Tang Ruoyao's eyebrows and eyes, delicately outlining them.

Tang Ruoyao now had a clearer understanding of what Qin Yinong needed.

She was ruthless to Tang Ruoyao, but even more ruthless to herself. Even if she lost a tooth, she would swallow the blood and keep it inside. She would never take the initiative to fight for something. The stimulation from external forces wouldn't break her shell, it would only make her sink deeper into her own world, becoming more and more self-isolated, until one day she no longer had the courage to come out and take a look.

Tang Ruoyao was both angry and heartbroken.

The bond between them couldn't accommodate a third person, no matter the purpose for their appearance. What Qin Yinong wanted was unwavering and steadfast love. Only love and time could melt her heart.

Despite the tenderness between them, Tang Ruoyao didn't forget that Lin Ruohan was still next door, taking a shower in her room. She finally kissed Qin Yinong's lips and whispered, "Senior Lin will be finished with her shower soon. I have to go back."

Qin Yinong's expression immediately turned cold.

She quickly realized her mistake and forcibly regained a calm and unruffled demeanor, saying, "Hmm, go ahead."

Tang Ruoyao looked into her eyes and earnestly said, "I'm going to explain to her. I've already made up my mind. I don't want her to waste her time and energy on me."

No matter how patient Qin Yinong was, when she heard her beloved saying "made up my mind" in front of her, it was almost like a direct confession. She couldn't help but feel a surge of joy. But she quickly chose to restrain herself, and her facial expression changed rapidly. In just a few seconds, she went through four or five different expressions, reminiscent of a Sichuan opera performance.

Tang Ruoyao coughed, struggling to suppress her laughter, and said, "I'm really going back now."

"Go." came the short and indifferent response.

However, Tang Ruoyao didn't leave. She raised her hand and pointed to her own cheek, not implying but explicitly indicating that she wanted Qin Yinong to kiss her.

A hint of shyness flashed in Qin Yinong's eyes, but she ignored her.

This little brat was taking advantage of the situation. How many times had she taken advantage of her throughout the night?

But it didn't matter. If the mountain won't come to me, I'll go to the mountain. Tang Ruoyao chuckled, decisively pulled the woman into an embrace, and planted a loud kiss on her face before swiftly leaving.

Qin Yinong: "You—"

Tang Ruoyao already closed the door.

Qin Yinong raised her hand to touch her own cheek, bit her lower lip, glanced at the closed door, and chuckled to herself.

.....

Tang Ruoyao's timing was fortunate when she returned. She had just sat down on the edge of the bed when Lin Ruohan came out wearing a nightgown. The style of the nightgown was generally revealing, visually stimulating.

Tang Ruoyao gentlemanly focused her gaze on Lin Ruohan's face and took the bathrobe prepared on the side—she had never worn it—and wrapped Lin Ruohan in it, using the excuse of "not catching a cold" like a straight guy.

Lin Ruohan: "..."

Tang Ruoyao's expression became serious as she said, "Sister Ruohan, I have something to tell you."

Lin Ruohan adjusted the collar of the bathrobe and had a faint premonition in her heart. She sat on the lazy sofa by the window, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Go ahead, tell me."

Both of them were smart people, so Tang Ruoyao didn't beat around the bush. She spoke frankly, "Sister Ruohan, I already have feelings for someone else, so..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but they understood each other without saying it explicitly.

Lin Ruohan hadn't achieved victory in her pursuit, so it was impossible to say she wasn't disappointed. However, she wasn't overly heartbroken either. She had prepared herself mentally and curiously asked, "Can I know if it's a man or a woman?"

Tang Ruoyao shook her head.

She wasn't close enough to the other person to disclose her private feelings.

"Okay." Lin Ruohan smiled generously and humorously defused the awkwardness. "I've been wondering why someone as outstanding as me pursued you, and you didn't show any interest. It turns out you already had someone you liked. I admit defeat this time."

Tang Ruoyao also smiled. "I hope you find someone who loves you soon."

Lin Ruohan still felt a bit reluctant and said, "Can I be bold and ask if you succeeded in pursuing them?"

She used the term "pursuing" to emphasize Tang Ruoyao's role. Experienced people were sensitive in this way. From Tang Ruoyao's choice of words, she could tell that Tang Ruoyao was the active party, but it was highly likely that she hadn't succeeded.

Indeed, Tang Ruoyao shook her head again.

Lin Ruohan's eyes brightened slightly. "So, are you currently single?" As long as she was single, regardless of whether or not she had someone she liked, Lin Ruohan could still pursue her. What if Tang Ruoyao had misjudged and was pursuing a scumbag?

Qin Yinong from the next room suddenly sneezed.

Tang Ruoyao didn't give her a chance. With a serious expression, she said directly, "I have made up my mind about that person in this lifetime, Ruohan. If you continue, it will cause me serious trouble."

Lin Ruohan: "..."

Does she have to be so serious, little kiddo?

"I hope you achieve happiness with your loved one soon." Lin Ruohan couldn't say much else, so she could only smile and offer her blessings.

"Thank you." Tang Ruoyao showed a genuine smile, brighter than any smile Lin Ruohan had seen in the past two days.

She had completely given up.

Tang Ruoyao walked Lin Ruohan to the door.

"No need to accompany me. Goodnight." Lin Ruohan left, her figure graceful, without any hesitation. She turned around and knocked on Qin Yinong's door.

Qin Yinong opened the door, and a white figure pounced towards her.

Startled, Qin Yinong took a step back, but upon seeing that it was Lin Ruohan, she stood still.

The Lin Ruohan who had shown restraint in front of Tang Ruoyao suddenly transformed into an ordinary girl. She leaned on Qin Yinong's shoulder and cried, "I'm so miserable! I fell in love again, but I got heartbroken without even starting the relationship!"

Qin Yinong felt guilty. She helped Lin Ruohan to sit on the sofa and awkwardly opened her mouth, pretending not to know, "What happened?"

Lin Ruohan then recounted what Tang Ruoyao had told her.

Lin Ruohan: "She said she has made up her mind about that person in this lifetime, her tone was resolute. She even said that if I..." Her words suddenly halted, and she asked suspiciously, "Why are you laughing?"

Qin Yinong suppressed the smile at the corner of her lips and said seriously, "I wasn't laughing."

Maybe it's because I'm too heartbroken and my vision is blurred. Qin Yinong wasn't the kind of person who enjoyed others' misfortune. Lin Ruohan thought to herself and continued, "She said that if I continue, it will cause her trouble."

Qin Yinong pretended to ponder and asked, "So, what are you planning to do now?"

Lin Ruohan sighed in frustration, "What else can I do? She made it so clear. If I continue pursuing her, wouldn't it be ignorant of me? After being heartbroken for half a year, I finally started to develop feelings for someone again, and they turn out to be someone with an ironclad determination. I'm really in a difficult situation."

Qin Yinong agreed, "Indeed, it's difficult."

Lin Ruohan asked, "What about that bottle of wine you have?"

Qin Yinong asked, "Do you want to drink?"

Lin Ruohan sighed, "Won't you let me drown my sorrows in alcohol? Have a drink with me. There's still a little over half a bottle of whiskey from yesterday." She urged, "Hurry up and get it. If we don't drink it now, you'll go to sleep."

Qin Yinong got up from the sofa, fetched the wine for her, placed two glasses on the table, and poured some for each of them.

Lin Ruohan swirled the liquid at the bottom of her glass and downed it in one gulp.

Qin Yinong advised her, "Drink less."

Lin Ruohan replied, "I know. Besides, I don't have any filming to do."

Qin Yinong had more joy than sorrow, so took a small sip, and licked her lips. Her phone, placed beside her, suddenly vibrated, indicating a new message. Qin Yinong picked it up, unlocked it, and her hand trembled slightly, almost dropping the phone.

Tang Ruoyao: [Are you asleep?]

In her impression, this was the first time Tang Ruoyao had sent her such a message on WeChat.

Lin Ruohan casually asked, "Who is it?"

Qin Yinong stared at Tang Ruoyao's profile picture and typed in the message box: [No.]

She sent the message.

Qin Yinong raised her gaze and replied casually, "A public account sent an article."

Lin Ruohan said, "Oh, okay." without thinking much about it.

The phone vibrated again.

Tang Ruoyao: [Why aren't you sleeping yet?]

The tone had a cute and affectionate rising intonation, and even through the screen, one could feel the gentle and indulgent tone, accompanied by a smiling emoji.

Lin Ruohan looked up and saw the increasingly wide curve of Qin Yinong's lips, which shocked her. "What kind of article is it that makes you laugh like this?"

"It's nothing." Qin Yinong coughed, tapped the phone screen, composed herself, and said seriously, "I just found something funny for a moment. Looking back now, it's quite silly."

Lin Ruohan weakly said, "Well, send me the article later. Let's see if it can make me laugh too."

"Sure." Qin Yinong agreed.

Perhaps noticing that Qin Yinong was taking a while to respond, Tang Ruoyao sent two more messages.

The phone kept vibrating, and Qin Yinong couldn't resist the itchiness in her heart. While Lin Ruohan was pouring her a drink, she quickly unlocked the screen and checked.

[I'm so bored.]

[I want to come and find you, can I?]

Qin Yinong: "!!!"

Her fingers practically left a trail on the touch screen keyboard.

[Lin Rouhan is in my room!] She even misspelled her friend's name, too rushed to retract and correct it.

[Let's talk later.] She glanced at Lin Ruohan's movements.

Tang Ruoyao replied: [Okay, I'll wait for you.]

Qin Yinong buried her face in the pillow and burst into laughter.

Today was also a day where Qin Yinong was charmed to death by Tang Ruoyao's cuteness.

It was just two hasty messages sent in a rush, but for some reason, it felt nerve-wracking and thrilling, like having an affair. Qin Yinong grabbed a tissue and wiped the sweat that had formed on her forehead.

Lin Ruohan saw the situation and asked, "Are you feeling hot?"

Qin Yinong hummed, "A little." She fetched the remote control and set it to 24 degrees, but her mind wandered unintentionally. Tang Ruoyao liked to sleep at 24 degrees. She shook her head, feeling a bit obsessed. Her mind and eyes were filled with Tang Ruoyao. Anything she saw reminded her of her.

Lin Ruohan finished her drink and discussed with Qin Yinong, "What kind of person do you think can make Tang Ruoyao like them?"

Qin Yinong thought to herself: Me.

She furrowed her brows slightly and pondered 'seriously.' Then she shook her head, "Honestly," and said, "I don't know. What do you think?"

Lin Ruohan replied, "Since she's so cold, she should like someone who complements her, someone more passionate."

Qin Yinong added, "Some people also like similarities." Besides, Tang Ruoyao wasn't cold at all. When she became passionate, Qin Yinong couldn't catch her breath. According to Lin Ruohan's theory, she and Tang Ruoyao did complement each other—one cold and one warm.

Lin Ruohan contemplated for a moment and said, "You make a good point."

Seizing the opportunity, Qin Yinong asked, "Which is better, complementary or similar personalities?"

Lin Ruohan answered, "Complementary personalities are more likely to attract each other, while similar personalities have more common topics. It depends on the individuals."

Qin Yinong bit her lip and felt too embarrassed to continue asking.

Fortunately, Lin Ruohan was a chatterbox and continued on her own, "Based on my personal experience, relationships with complementary partners tend to last longer. They have qualities that continue to attract each other, keeping the relationship fresh. As for similar personalities, if both individuals are introverted, they may run out of things to talk about easily. When it comes to passion and assertiveness, clashes are more likely to occur."

Qin Yinong's eyes sparkled with the thirst for knowledge, like a student just stepping into school. She eagerly said, "But isn't it better if both are passionate? Life would be more interesting. I'm quite dull, unlike you, Lin Ruohan, who understands how to live."

"That's not how it works." Lin Ruohan said. "What's most attractive in a relationship? It's change. Deepening emotions, mutual adjustment of daily habits, seeing each other day after day, year after year, and becoming the best version of themselves for each other. Just thinking about it makes me bubble with happiness."

A bitter smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Unfortunately, she had spent four or five years blending in with someone, believing they were a perfect match, only to be ruthlessly dumped in the end. What's the use of understanding so many principles and having so much experience?

Lin Ruohan shook off the jumbled thoughts in her mind, raised her eyelids, and saw Qin Yinong's contemplative expression in front of her. A strange thought arose in her mind, and it grew increasingly certain.

Something was up.

There was definitely something going on with her, or else why would she suddenly bring up a topic she usually disregarded?

Qin Yinong pondered for a while, unable to understand what she had been thinking about. She jotted it down nonetheless. When she looked up, she was startled by the gleam in Lin Ruohan's eyes.

"What... What's wrong?" Qin Yinong felt uneasy all over and conspicuously picked up the glass next to her, taking a sip of her drink.

A faint smile played on the corners of Lin Ruohan's mouth. "That glass you're holding is mine."

Qin Yinong lowered her head to check, and in an instant, Lin Ruohan snatched the glass from her hand, pounced on her, forcefully trapping her between her arms and the sofa. From a higher position, she demanded, "Come clean, are you in love?!"

"No!" Qin Yinong denied firmly.

"Why are you so worked up then?"

"I'm not worked up."

"Your face is blushing."

"I'm not blushing!"

"If you're not blushing, why are you raising your voice?"

"I... did I raise my voice?" Qin Yinong said uncertainly.

"You raised your voice!"

"Then your voice is even louder than mine!"

"Yes, I'm loud because I'm heartbroken. But why are you raising your voice if you're not in love?"

Qin Yinong was speechless.

Lin Ruohan burst into laughter.

After a while, Qin Yinong picked up the remains of her dwindling rationality. Her gaze drifted, and she stubbornly argued, "Don't trick me. These two questions don't have any necessary logical connection."

Then she shut her mouth and remained silent.

Lin Ruohan poked her arm and made playful gestures, "Are you, good sister, in love and not telling me?"

Qin Yinong closed her eyes.

Lin Ruohan poked her again, "Come on, spill the beans."

Qin Yinong hid her arm under a pillow.

Lin Ruohan, seeing that Qin Yinong was not opening up, rolled her eyes, sighed deeply, and said, "The person I just started to like is in love with someone else, and my good sister hides her love life from me. I'm truly a failure at life."

As a top-notch actress, tears came at will. Lin Ruohan burst into tears right there, weeping as she spoke.

"I don't even know what mistakes I have made. Love and friendship are all going wrong. I..."

Qin Yinong pursed her lips.

Lin Ruohan caught a glimpse of it, and her tears flowed even more fiercely.

Qin Yinong took a deep breath, opened her eyes, grabbed a tissue to wipe Lin Ruohan's tears, and interrupted her, saying, "Stop acting. I'm not in love, I just have someone I like."

"Who is it?"

"It's a secret."

Lin Ruohan, seeing the unprecedented seriousness in Qin Yinong's expression, knew that no matter how much she acted, she wouldn't be able to find out. So she settled for an alternative and asked, "Can you at least tell me if it's a man or a woman?" S*xual orientation shouldn't be a big secret, right?

Qin Yinong shook her head.

Lin Ruohan: "..."

She suddenly furrowed her eyebrows. This identical tight-lipped attitude, how similar it was to Tang Ruoyao next door!

A vague thought flashed through Lin Ruohan's mind, slipping away too quickly to grasp.

Qin Yinong was afraid that if Lin Ruohan kept asking, she would reveal too much, so she issued the order to dismiss her, saying, "I have an early shoot tomorrow. You should go back to your room and rest."

Lin Ruohan looked dazed, "Okay."

"Do you still want the drink?"

"No, thank you." Lin Ruohan waved her hand. Compared to Qin Yinong having someone she likes, her failed yet-to-start romance was insignificant.

Qin Yinong personally escorted Lin Ruohan back to her room before returning. As her gaze fell on Tang Ruoyao's door in the hallway, she unintentionally became lost in thought. By the time she snapped out of it, the corners of her lips had silently curled up.

Qin Yinong shook her head and chuckled, then entered her own room.

[Okay, I'll wait for you.] the message from Tang Ruoyao still lay silently on her phone screen.

Qin Yinong realized her face was smiling a bit stiffly. She rubbed her hands together before replying, [We're done talking.]

Tang Ruoyao replied instantly, [Then I'll come over.]

Qin Yinong: "!!!"

Wait, why is she coming over at this time?

Another message popped up almost immediately: [I'm at the door, open it.]

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