CHAPTER 111

 "In the 29th scene of 'True Colors,' second take, action!"

The initial progress went smoothly. In the quiet of the night, the sounds of summer insects could be heard, sometimes distant, sometimes close. The two locked eyes, and the small space in the hotel room was filled with a lingering intimacy.

Tang Ruoyao gently kissed Qin Yinong's cheek, and Qin Yinong closed her eyes, tenderly accepting her affection.

Their lips met, lightly brushing against each other before parting.

Tang Ruoyao softly caressed Qin Yinong's fair cheek with the pad of her thumb. In her amber-colored eyes, there was an indissoluble attachment and love. The innocence of youth was straightforward and unmasked.

Love was love—passionate, genuine, fearless, and brave. It was clearly written in their eyes, displayed through their actions. It built a soft crimson prison with countless threads of affection, leaving no escape, willingly sinking in.

"...If we can't remember it, let's not think about it. We'll recover it in the future."

"How can we recover it?"

"By eating well, drinking well, and getting enough sleep."

Qin Yinong took a gentle breath, feeling a momentary daze wash over her consciousness.

Tang Ruoyao was immersed in the scene, murmuring, "Shen Muqing..."

Qin Yinong's rationality regained its foothold, and her fingers by her side tightened.

Last night, the two of them had watched TV in the living room for a long time. They didn't go upstairs until late, and they both took showers before lying in bed. Qin Yinong was feeling a bit tired, and Tang Ruoyao simply held her, gently patting her back to lull her to sleep.

When Qin Yinong was about to fall asleep, she heard Tang Ruoyao softly singing a lullaby with a tender and melancholic voice. It wasn't a local Chinese song, the language sounded somewhat like French, but Qin Yinong couldn't be sure. Nevertheless, it was beautiful. She didn't want to fall asleep, so she pinched herself hard to ward off drowsiness and turned to gaze at Tang Ruoyao in the dark.

Tang Ruoyao smiled and said, "I won't sing anymore. How did it wake you up? That doesn't make sense."

Qin Yinong didn't respond to the illogical comment and instead tugged at her wrist.

Tang Ruoyao had long learned to understand her meaning. "Do you want to hear more?"

Another tug on her wrist.

Tang Ruoyao continued, "If I finish singing, you have to go to sleep, or you won't be able to wake up tomorrow."

Qin Yinong nestled closer to her, resting her forehead against Tang Ruoyao's chin, and softly murmured in agreement.

She fell into a deep sleep amidst the gentle melody, dreaming of a soft moonlight painted by nursery rhymes—illuminating the ground, the grasslands, the ocean, and every dark corner.

Tang Ruoyao not only gave her a passionate present but also depicted an ordinary future that felt within reach.

She closed her eyes, her eyelashes trembling, as her thoughts drifted further away. Emotions heavier and more profound than Shen Muqing filled her being, lifting her soul high up in the air, trembling slightly, with nothing to rely on.

Qin Yinong spread her five fingers, tightly gripping the bedsheet, allowing herself to sink slowly, along with her uncontrollable heart, attempting to regain control over her will.

Outside the camera frame, Han Yuping raised his hand, and the camera silently zoomed in on the pale joints of Qin Yinong's twisted hand caught in the bedsheets.

Another camera focused on the two of them, continuing to film.

Tang Ruoyao propped herself up on her elbow, leaning over Qin Yinong. Her black hair cascaded like flowing ink, covering the bright light above her head. Qin Yinong opened her hazy eyes out of professional habit. To avoid her long hair obstructing the camera, which caused a retake (NG), she gently lifted her fingertips and tucked Tang Ruoyao's falling hair behind her ear.

Tang Ruoyao was completely immersed in her role and, seizing the opportunity, held Qin Yinong's hand, pressing her lips against the back of her hand.

Qin Yinong's heart was in chaos, and she stared at her in a daze.

This was not part of the script but Tang Ruoyao's improvisation.

Tang Ruoyao closed her eyes again, earnestly kissing her hand, curved her lips into a smile, and interlocked their fingers, pressing them against the white pillow on the side.

Then, a flurry of kisses rained down from above, starting from her cheeks and then moving to her lips, corners of her mouth, and earlobes.

Fantasy and reality intertwined, and Qin Yinong struggled to resist but gradually lost clarity.

She opened her eyes, her pupils slightly unfocused, unable to gauge the distance accurately. The world spun in confusion, the ceiling above her head circling round and round. The bright lights in the hotel room blurred into a dreamlike glow. The disordered breathing became strangely clear, amplified and stretched infinitely by the space.

An invisible glass wall rose around them. The sound went out, bounced off the glass, and returned.

"Shen Muqing..."

"Qin Yinong..."

Two voices simultaneously sounded in her ears, slightly panting, belonging to the same person, with the latter gradually overshadowing the former.

"Qin Yinong..." The young woman whispered softly in her ear on countless nights.

Qin Yinong bit her lower lip, fearing that she would reveal her true thoughts buried deep inside.

Tang Ruoyao was gradually entering a state of bliss.

Her performance today was indeed perfect, while Qin Yinong had concerns both on and off the stage, Tang Ruoyao had none. In the play, Han Zifei did not notice anything unusual about Shen Muqing, as she was still in the honeymoon phase, without any worries. As for Tang Ruoyao outside of the play, there was no need to mention it. She had been making great progress recently, blowing the horn of attack. When the two combined, she was able to give an extraordinary performance.

Outside the surveillance monitor, Han Yuping frowned, with the word "cut" brewing in his throat, undecided.

It was still that issue. Qin Yinong had too many emotions, and the changes were too complex. Her emotions were far beyond what this play required. It was shocking, but there was always a feeling of going overboard. However, based on his trust in Qin Yinong, he chose to continue watching.

In the script of this scene, Shen Muqing had no lines except for the stage directions in parentheses, while Tang Ruoyao had two lines, one being "Shen Muqing," and the other...

Tang Ruoyao said, "I love you."

The string in Qin Yinong's mind snapped completely.

She uncontrollably reached back and tightly clasped Tang Ruoyao's fingers, exerting so much force that she almost crushed her bones. The slender white neck arched elegantly backward, a layer of mist quickly spread in her eyes, and she subconsciously responded with a slightly sorrowful tone.

"Yao Yao..."

I'm sorry, I can't love you.

Tang Ruoyao's pupils suddenly contracted, staying stunned on the spot.

What did she just... call herself?

This scene was crucial, and Tang Ruoyao's line was of utmost importance. So her unintentional whisper was captured by the well-functioning microphone on set and echoed in the production center.

The guy holding the microphone and the older guy holding the reflector looked at each other in confusion.

What's going on? Did she say the wrong line? How did she coincidentally say the name of another lead actor?

Did she get too immersed in the role and start acting for real?

Han Yuping: "..."

Crackling sounds—

The noise from the loudspeaker brought Qin Yinong back to her senses. The bright light in front of her disappeared, gradually replaced by Tang Ruoyao's delicate face. There was an uncontrollable excitement and excitement in her eyes, her thin lips moving as if she wanted to speak but hesitated.

Only then did Qin Yinong realize what she had blurted out. The color drained from her face, leaving her lips pale.

Han Yuping's brows furrowed, and he sternly asked, "What did you just say?"

Qin Yinong refused Tang Ruoyao's support, sat up on her own, her face incredibly pale, and apologized, "I'm sorry." She didn't offer any explanation for herself.

Han Yuping's heart was pounding uncontrollably. "Come over here!"

She was someone Han Yuping had nurtured with his own hands. Watching her go from being completely clueless about acting to being unmatched in her performance, Han Yuping was prouder of her than anyone else. Seeing her make a mistake made him more furious than anyone else. There was no distinction between the person and the character, and calling out the wrong name on set shouldn't have been a mistake Qin Yinong made.

Tang Ruoyao's face showed concern.

Qin Yinong didn't make eye contact with her and got out of bed, leaving to face the criticism alone.

The door of the dressing room slammed shut, making a loud noise.

Tang Ruoyao didn't stay still but followed right after, waiting outside the dressing room door. There were many pairs of eyes watching them on set, but she didn't care.

She saw Guan Han at the entrance of the dressing room and nodded in acknowledgment.

Even though the dressing room had good soundproofing, they could still hear Han Yuping's angry shouts, but they couldn't make out what he was saying. After a short while, the shouting stopped, and not long after that, Han Yuping came out with a dark face, ignoring the two people at the door as he passed by.

Qin Yinong's tired voice came from inside, "Guan Han."

"Here," Guan Han responded promptly, quickly entering the room and glancing back at Tang Ruoyao. Tang Ruoyao instinctively took a step forward, but she forced herself to stop, giving Guan Han an encouraging look, slightly lifting her lips and mouthing the words, "Go on."

Guan Han suddenly felt an indescribable sadness in her heart and walked briskly into the room.

Qin Yinong sat on the sofa, clasping her hands tightly together. When she saw Guan Han enter, she lifted her gaze and said, "Get me a glass of water."

Guan Han handed her the water.

Qin Yinong took a sip and asked, "Is Tang Ruoyao outside?"

Guan Han was surprised that she brought it up proactively and said, "Yes."

Qin Yinong let one hand rest on the armrest of the sofa, rhythmically tapping her index finger lightly. She said, "Ask her to come in."

Guan Han almost doubted that she had misheard. She hesitated for a second before confirming with Qin Yinong, "Ask Miss Yao to come in?"

"Yes."

Tang Ruoyao was extremely anxious, and the joy of being called by a name she had never heard before disappeared, leaving only worry. What she feared the most now were variables. She would rather proceed slowly than have any complications that would prevent her from understanding Qin Yinong's thoughts.

The door to the rest area creaked open, and shortly after, Guan Han came out.

Tang Ruoyao looked surprised.

Guan Han still seemed a little confused and said, "Qin Jie wants you to come in."

Tang Ruoyao pointed at herself and asked, "Me?" Like Guan Han, she was bewildered.

Guan Han replied, "Yes, it's indeed you. Please come in."

Tang Ruoyao hesitantly followed inside, and the first thing she saw was Qin Yinong sitting on the sofa. Qin Yinong's complexion was much better than before, and she seemed more present. Although she didn't speak, her spirit appeared lively.

Qin Yinong gestured towards the seat across from her.

Tang Ruoyao sat down shyly, feeling tense inside.

Qin Yinong put down her water glass and casually mentioned her earlier mistake, speaking in a professional tone, "I wasn't feeling well, so I took the morning off with Director Han. We'll continue shooting in the afternoon. I apologize for inconveniencing you, Miss Tang, to reshoot with me."

Tang Ruoyao smiled gently and said, "No worries, it's not a problem."

Qin Yinong said, "Thank you."

Tang Ruoyao replied with a polite remark, and Qin Yinong didn't say much afterwards.

She didn't rush Tang Ruoyao to leave either. She kept her head lowered, flipping through the script and occasionally writing on her notebook. Sometimes, her pen would pause, and her lips moved as if she was murmuring something to herself.

Tang Ruoyao deliberately averted her gaze, not wanting to disturb her. Her anxious heart gradually settled down and found some leisure to savor the intimate address Qin Yinong had casually spoken.

Yao Yao.

A slight smile formed on Tang Ruoyao's lips. So this is how Qin Yinong privately calls me in her heart?

It's a bit cheesy, but she couldn't help but like it.

Yao Yao.

Tang Ruoyao softly pronounced it herself, the two words burst out from her tongue, gently striking the softest part of her heart, leaving two shallow indentations. An invisible electric current surged through her body, causing her to tingle all over, not missing a single strand of her hair.

Yao Yao.

Tang Ruoyao turned away, facing away from Qin Yinong, and covered her face with her hands, her shoulders trembling slightly as she lost control of her expression.

She smiled silently for a while, realizing that she couldn't stop herself in such a short time, fearing it would affect Qin Yinong's immersion in the scene. She forced herself to restrain her smile, stood up, and said, "Senior Qin, I have something to attend to. I'll step out for a moment."

Qin Yinong didn't raise her head. She simply responded with an "Mm."

Tang Ruoyao briskly walked out, and as she left the room, her pace quickened. She almost ran into her own rest area.

Xin Qian followed behind and closed the door.

Tang Ruoyao grabbed a pillow from the sofa and held it in her arms. She pressed her chin against the soft cushion and burst into laughter. She couldn't stop laughing, with her eyebrows and the corners of her eyes filled with childlike joy. She used the pillow to cover her entire face.

Xin Qian: "..."

Well, there's no one else here. Besides, if you're blocking me, how would I know you're laughing? Ah, women in love.

Suddenly, Tang Ruoyao removed the pillow, and her usually fair cheeks were flushed with an unusual rosy hue. She said, "Qian Qian."

Xin Qian stepped forward and asked, "Yes?"

Tang Ruoyao cleared her throat. Her eyes were brightened by a playful glimmer, and she earnestly asked, "Did you hear what Qin Yinong called me just now?"

Everyone in the vicinity heard it, and Xin Qian replied, "Yes, I heard it. She called you Yao Yao."

Fireworks exploded in Tang Ruoyao's mind, bursting into a myriad of colors, always blooming in spring.

Dizzy and enchanted, Tang Ruoyao took a deep breath and said, "You go out first. Let me calm down for a while."

Xin Qian replied, "Okay."

When she closed the door, she intentionally left a gap, not fully closing it. She pressed her ear against the crack and heard a scream from inside.

Xin Qian patted her startled heart, thinking, This is too crazy!

Tang Ruoyao and Qin Yinong had known each other for four years, and Tang Ruoyao had liked her for nearly four years. She had lived in speculation, hanging onto that faint glimmer of hope with unwavering determination. She had been confused, shaken, and even decided to give up before joining the crew. But fate played its tricks and bound them together, breaking the shackles of reason, and their emotions became uncontrollable.

She was a person who had walked through the darkness for a long time. She knew that there was light ahead but didn't know how long she had to walk or if she was going in the right direction. She could only keep walking, and suddenly, a voice told her, "This path is right. Keep going, and the dawn is near."

The accidental nickname that slipped from Qin Yinong's mouth was the most direct affirmation Tang Ruoyao had received during her persistent pursuit all this time.

She caught a glimpse of that ray of light.

Tang Ruoyao smiled and laughed, unable to control her emotions, tears streaming down her face.

She wiped her eyes with her hand like a madwoman, excitedly crying and laughing in the empty rest area.

.....

Qin Yinong pressed her thumb against the notebook in her hand, watching Tang Ruoyao's departing figure and sighing softly in her heart.

The spontaneous term of endearment caught her off guard, but she could predict that Tang Ruoyao would become more deeply involved in their relationship. Even without a response, Tang Ruoyao had remained stubborn. Now, with this unexpected boost, the effect on her was imaginable.

While Qin Yinong remained on edge, she also subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.

It felt as if she had been split into two people. One person was fiercely pushing Tang Ruoyao away, while the other couldn't control the desire to rely on her. They pulled at each other, struggling against one another, neither gaining a lasting advantage. The contradiction was intense.

When she called Tang Ruoyao in just now, it was only to prevent her from worrying about her. That was all.

Qin Yinong shook her head, casting aside the chaotic thoughts and focusing her attention on the notebook in front of her. Han Yuping hadn't only scolded her earlier, they had also discussed acting techniques. Qin Yinong was not limited to one method of performance. If necessary, she would consider changing her approach.

With a clear mind, she immersed herself in her research, staying in the rest area until noon. Once again, there was a knock on the door, and Qin Yinong had a vague premonition. She lifted the curtain with her eyes and watched Guan Han go to open the door. She saw Guan Han turn back and report, "It's Miss Tang."

Qin Yinong nodded.

Guan Han stepped aside to make way.

Tang Ruoyao came in, carefully holding a bowl of soup, her focus solely on the path in front of her.

"Senior Qin, would you like some chicken soup? My manager came to see me and brought it specially. It has been stewing for a long time."

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow.

Her manager, Mu Qingwu?

The outdoor scenes for Tang Ruoyao's part had just finished, marking an important milestone in the filming process. Mu Qingwu came to visit and take care of her health. Little did she know that just as she brought the soup, Tang Ruoyao disappeared.

Mu Qingwu asked, "Hmm? Where is she?"

Xin Qian stuttered in her response.

Even if Mu Qingwu hadn't realized Tang Ruoyao's feelings towards Qin Yinong, her intuition told her that something might go wrong. On her previous visits, Mu Qingwu had specifically instructed Xin Qian to keep an eye on Tang Ruoyao, especially to ensure that she didn't get too close to Qin Yinong.

Xin Qian readily agreed, "Yes, it seems like everyone is talking about love these days." Although Xin Qian, as a mere assistant, couldn't intervene much, she couldn't help but feel guilty under Mu Qingwu's questioning gaze. She lowered her head and dared not look at her.

"Is it too hot? Why didn't you let your assistant carry it?" Qin Yinong gave Guan Han a meaningful glance.

Understanding Qin Yinong's intention, Guan Han stepped forward to take the soup bowl from Tang Ruoyao's hand, but Tang Ruoyao shifted her arm and dodged, saying, "I can handle it myself."

She couldn't wait to do something for Qin Yinong now. No one else should do it for her.

Guan Han: "..."

Why did Miss Ruoyao suddenly seem a bit fierce? Was it her imagination?

Tang Ruoyao placed the soup bowl on the coffee table, touched her earlobe with her fingers to cool down, and carefully opened the paper towel-wrapped lid. The aroma of the chicken soup filled the air. She looked up and asked, "Do you have a bowl here?"

Naturally, there was one. Guan Han fetched a bowl and spoon, rinsed them with water, and handed them to her.

Tang Ruoyao accepted them, blew on the surface of the soup bowl to cool it down, and used the long-handled spoon to scoop some out. The soup had a good color, presenting a faint golden hue. The oil had been skimmed off in advance, making it fragrant but not greasy.

She sat down next to Qin Yinong, holding the soup bowl, while Qin Yinong closed her notebook and asked, "Have you had some yourself?"

"Not yet." Tang Ruoyao shook her head, grinned, and her smile widened uncontrollably. She couldn't control the curvature of her lips, and a foolish expression covered her face. With delicious food in her mind, she could only think of Qin Yinong and couldn't remember herself.

Qin Yinong's gaze became slightly complicated, with a hint of suppressed laughter hidden in her eyes.

Tang Ruoyao quickly adjusted her expression, naturally lifting the corners of her lips, and smiled softly, "Let me offer it to you first."

Qin Yinong hummed, intentionally teasing her with a playful tone, "Am I your guinea pig?"

"No, no, it's not like that!" Tang Ruoyao hurriedly shook her head. Her usually sharp tongue seemed to have been sealed at this moment, just like Han Zifei's line in the drama, "When I see you, I forget how to speak."

Actions speak louder than words. Tang Ruoyao, in a daze, spooned a spoonful of soup and held it with the bowl, bringing it to Qin Yinong's lips. Her gaze was expectant, her eyes shining brightly.

Qin Yinong didn't hesitate and opened her mouth to drink.

Unconsciously, Tang Ruoyao's lips also parted, and Qin Yinong's gaze swept over the rosy and radiant interior of her mouth. She swallowed silently, not showing any reaction, and took a sip of water.

Qin Yinong took three or four sips, but the more Qin Yinong drank, the thirstier she became. She shook her head slightly and said, "You should drink too."

Tang Ruoyao's heart and eyes were filled with Qin Yinong. She was overflowing with emotions. Whatever Qin Yinong said, it became an order for her, and she executed it without hesitation. Her gaze never left Qin Yinong as she took a sip herself, not even tasting the flavor before swallowing it directly.

Before Qin Yinong could finish her sentence, "You..." she said, "Drink slowly."

Tang Ruoyao put down the bowl, grabbed a tissue to cover her nose and mouth, and coughed, tears welling up in her eyes. "Cough, cough, cough... I... cough, cough..."

Qin Yinong couldn't hold back and chuckled.

Tang Ruoyao looked at her bright smile and became dumbfounded again.

Guan Han: "..."

Why was Miss Ruoyao acting so foolish today? Wasn't she a wolf-dog? Look at her wagging her tail like crazy and acting silly. Could she be a Siberian Husky?

Tang Ruoyao regained her composure, wiped away the tears that were caused by coughing at the corner of her eyes, and blushed deeply, almost burying her face in the ground. She completed the previous sentence, feeling reserved, "I'm sorry for the rudeness."

She still had to maintain her image! Qin Yinong must not misunderstand! She had finally escaped the image of a flirtatious girl, and she didn't want to become a Siberian Husky in Qin Yinong's eyes.

"Cough." Qin Yinong cleared her throat and said, "It's okay."

Tang Ruoyao reluctantly salvaged some dignity and didn't do anything foolish again. The amount of soup in one bowl was enough for two servings, so she and Qin Yinong had one bowl each, and the remaining portion was given to Guan Han.

Being a personal assistant had its perks. Not only could she have a close relationship with her CP (couple pairing), but she could also drink from the same bowl of soup as her CP. If it weren't for the fact that the soup would spoil, Guan Han would have kept it as a memento.

Tang Ruoyao held a clean tissue in her hand and moved it toward Qin Yinong's lips, but Qin Yinong reached out and took it. "I can do it myself, thank you."

Tang Ruoyao agreed, but then she didn't know what to do next. She struggled to control her expression, not wanting to show a silly smile and not wanting to turn into a Siberian Husky.

Qin Yinong was much calmer than her. She asked in a calm tone, "Didn't you say your manager came to see you?"

"Uh," Tang Ruoyao replied seriously.

"When you came to see me, did you greet her?"

Tang Ruoyao: "..." 

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow slightly. "No?"

Tang Ruoyao froze. "...I forgot."

Qin Yinong made an "oh" sound and lowered her head to flip through the notes.

If Mu Qingwu couldn't find her during lunchtime, she would definitely get angry. Tang Ruoyao twisted her clothes nervously and couldn't sit still. "Senior Qin, I... I'll go find my manager first and come back later."

"No need to come back later." Qin Yinong said.

Tang Ruoyao immediately pursed her lips and pouted, looking at her with a pitiful and aggrieved expression, flowing smoothly and seamlessly.

Qin Yinong: "..."

She had become more and more skilled at pretending to be pitiful.

Unfortunately, Qin Yinong fell for it. Soft-hearted as ever, she explained in a gentle tone, "We'll start shooting later. Just meet at the filming center."

Tang Ruoyao smiled, lowered her head, and lightly kissed Qin Yinong's smooth cheek.

"Then I'll go first." She whispered this sentence in the woman's ear, softly and gently, tickling it with a warm sensation.

Qin Yinong's fingers suddenly curled.

As the warmth left her ear, Tang Ruoyao walked backward, retreating all the way to the door. She deeply looked at Qin Yinong for a moment, twisted the doorknob, and turned around to leave.

Just as she stepped out, she bumped into Mu Qingwu.

Mu Qingwu was dressed in navy blue professional attire, arms crossed, and her gaze seemed both smiling and unreadable. She didn't know how long she had been waiting for her at the door.

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