CHAPTER 117

[I'll pick you up.]

After sending this message, the room remained dark, and Tang Ruoyao held her phone tightly in her hands, anxiously waiting for a response from the other person in the faint morning light.

The impact she received last night was too great. Although she fell asleep during the latter half of the night, her sleep was restless. In her dreams and waking moments, she kept thinking about the two completely different outcomes that were possible.

She stood on a suspension bridge in the middle of a cliff, with heaven on one side and hell on the other.

Before asking the question that weighed on her mind, Tang Ruoyao instinctively made a tentative attempt.

[No need, the production team has arranged a car.] Qin Yinong replied.

Tang Ruoyao immediately typed, [I'll go with them.]

[No need.] Qin Yinong replied firmly.

Excitement aside, Qin Yinong was not someone who would let joy cloud her judgment. If Tang Ruoyao personally came to pick her up, not to mention the possibility of being accidentally photographed, even if the production team found out, rumors would undoubtedly spread even more widely. They were already in the spotlight, and there was no need to attract unnecessary attention.

Moreover, picking someone up at the airport was an intimate act, and if she allowed it, it would undoubtedly be seen as a sign of giving the other party that they could push the boundaries. Honestly, Qin Yinong was a little afraid. She was like a snail hiding in its shell, and any slight movement, whether good or bad, would make her retract her eager legs. She had opened up a bit, but it didn't mean she would allow Tang Ruoyao to forcefully enter her life completely. That would trigger her defenses.

She always exercised restraint and prepared for the worst.

[Stay at the hotel.] this was the suggestion she gave to Tang Ruoyao.

Originally, she typed, "Wait for me at the hotel," but after thinking about it, she deleted the words "wait for me" and replaced them with "stay."

In the past, Tang Ruoyao might have obediently complied, but today she couldn't wait a single minute or second. She had already been tormented last night and she had to see Qin Yinong immediately, right away!

She jumped up and rushed into the bathroom to freshen up.

She immediately called the production manager and explained her request to accompany them to pick up Qin Yinong. The production manager had just woken up and was in their own room, leaning against the window sill, momentarily speechless.

One of the leads of the production calling early in the morning, saying they wanted to go pick up another lead. It was impossible for them not to think too much. Could it be that the rumors within the crew were true?

Tang Ruoyao waited for the response but didn't get it. The production manager, with courtesy, asked, "Is there any problem?"

"No, our driver will leave for the airport at half past eight. We'll inform you in advance." the production manager replied.

"Thank you." Tang Ruoyao hung up the phone.

There was another crew member in the standard room where the production manager was staying. Seeing them deep in thought, they couldn't help but smile and ask, "What are you up to?"

The production manager raised their phone and shrugged, saying, "Tang Ruoyao is going to pick up Qin Yinong." After a pause, they added, "She said she'll join us later."

The other person muttered and lowered their head to share the news in a private group chat.

[Breaking news! Tang Ruoyao is picking up Qin Yinong!]

Tang Ruoyao hadn't even left yet, but news of her plan to pick up Qin Yinong spread like wildfire within a small circle. Those in the know expressed their excitement and delight.

.....

The plane landed at 10 a.m. Qin Yinong discreetly walked through the VIP channel with Guan Han following behind, holding Qin Yinong's coat in her arms. Qin Yinong wore sunglasses that covered most of her face, revealing her delicate nose and jawline.

However, there was no sense of urgency or joy that Guan Han had anticipated from her. Qin Yinong walked at a leisurely pace.

She didn't excessively suppress her emotions in front of Guan Han, especially when it came to Tang Ruoyao. If she was happy, she would smile. If she was unhappy, she would have blank expression. If Tang Ruoyao annoyed her, she would even coldly snort.

Guan Han casually asked, "Qin Jie, is Miss Yao waiting for you outside the airport?"

Qin Yinong replied, "No, she's at the hotel."

"!!!" Guan Han stumbled over her words, nearly stuttering. She quickly swallowed her unfinished sentence and reorganized her words, "You... didn't you say she was going to pick you up?"

"Yes," Qin Yinong said casually, "but I refused."

Guan Han thought to herself: Then why were you so happy this morning? It's as if she didn't come at all.

But on second thought, considering Qin Yinong's personality, allowing someone to pick her up would be a fantasy. It wasn't like the previous life-or-death situation where Tang Ruoyao's family was in trouble, and Qin Yinong allowed them to meet outside the set. It's all because their chemistry is too perfect, it made her lose her judgment.

Guan Han contacted the production team using her phone and coordinated with them. The driver led the way.

At first, Qin Yinong didn't understand why the driver kept glancing at her, his eyes filled with words left unspoken, until she got in the car and saw Tang Ruoyao sitting in the back seat.

Their eyes met.

How... did she come? Didn't she say to stay at the hotel? This is ridiculous!

Qin Yinong froze in place for a moment, and a storm surged in her deep eyes, unusually cold. But in the blink of an eye, everything calmed down, and she calmly got into the car, sitting next to Tang Ruoyao without saying a word.

Guan Han politely greeted, "Miss Tang."

Ahhhhh, is this an unexpected surprise!

Tang Ruoyao had been mentally preparing herself throughout the journey, silently reminding herself not to be nervous. But the moment she saw Qin Yinong, she couldn't hold back anymore. She didn't know what expression she made—whether she smiled or looked particularly stiff—she couldn't even force a smile.

Did she make her angry?

Tang Ruoyao belatedly realized.

Qin Yinong caught a glimpse of Tang Ruoyao's trembling hands resting on her knees, and her anger gradually subsided, giving way to a sense of pity. She looked around and Guan Han understood her intentions, timely handing her a thin blanket. Qin Yinong unfolded the blanket and covered Tang Ruoyao's legs with it.

Through the thin blanket, Tang Ruoyao grabbed her hand, feeling a sense of urgency and strength.

Qin Yinong was slightly surprised.

Tang Ruoyao looked directly at her again, her eyes not showing fear but rather a hint of fierceness. Even the strength in her grip... Qin Yinong found a word to describe it.

—Majestic.

Yes, it was majestic, as if she was accusing Qin Yinong of being an ungrateful person who had made her suffer for eighteen years in a cold cell.

Qin Yinong's mind wandered off, slightly amused by the absurd analogy that suddenly came to her. She couldn't help but relax her brows.

Taking advantage of Qin Yinong's distraction, Tang Ruoyao pulled her hand under the blanket and effortlessly intertwined their fingers, fingertip against fingertip, locking their hands tightly together with unwavering strength.

Qin Yinong struggled a bit, but the little rabbit had a strong grip and wouldn't let go.

The driver glanced up and looked at the back seat through the rearview mirror. Guan Han was sitting in the second row, trying her best to move closer to the center, slightly obstructing their view, although it was futile.

The SUV smoothly drove on the road.

Not being a suitable place for conversation, the two people in the back seat remained silent. Tang Ruoyao held Qin Yinong's hand tightly, switching hands when they got sweaty, occasionally using her fingertips to caress the delicate skin of Qin Yinong's fingers and back of her hand, very naturally.

Tang Ruoyao's restless heart gradually calmed down. The numerous assumptions she made last night, uncontrollable thoughts vilifying Qin Yinong, quickly dissipated as she interacted with her. Even though Qin Yinong hadn't explained anything to her yet.

She believed in her, not relying on her rational analysis to piece together evidence point by point, but unconditionally listening to her heart.

Tang Ruoyao suddenly felt relieved, and she wasn't so anxious about the upcoming outcome anymore.

She believed in Qin Yinong, and she believed in herself.

Hotel accommodation, the two were still arranged on the same floor, door to door.

Guan Han took the room key and opened the door to Qin Yinong's room. She put the luggage inside, while Tang Ruoyao leaned against the doorway and spoke, "Senior Qin, I would like to treat you to a meal at noon. Do you have time to join me?"

Qin Yinong nodded, her expression calm.

Tang Ruoyao smiled and straightened up her tall figure. "Then I'll go back and change my clothes." She took a few steps forward, turned around, and asked playfully, "By the way, do you prefer white or blue?"

Qin Yinong: "..."

Tang Ruoyao glanced at the blue silk scarf she was wearing today, which complemented her slender and radiant neck, and her gaze lingered for a while. She nodded to herself and said, "Blue then, I like it."

Qin Yinong thought to herself, Did she just flirt with me?

Tang Ruoyao went back to her room, and Qin Yinong closed the door behind her. Guan Han hung the clothes from the luggage in the wardrobe, and as Qin Yinong watched her busy around, the clothes on the bed gradually diminished. After a moment of silence, Qin Yinong said, "Leave one outfit out."

Guan Han: "Huh?"

Qin Yinong spoke in a calm tone, "I want to take a shower and change clothes."

Guan Han: "Okay."

Tang Ruoyao stood in front of the dressing mirror, sprayed some perfume on her wrists and behind her ears. She adjusted her long hair again in the mirror, making sure that each strand was in place. She smiled, revealing her white teeth and a fresh breath. After taking a deep breath, she went to knock on the door of the neighboring room.

After three knocks, Qin Yinong personally opened the door.

Tang Ruoyao's eyes brightened.

The asymmetrical silk blouse, with red and white colors, created a visually striking effect, immediately capturing attention. Especially for someone as stunning as Qin Yinong, she appeared even more radiant and captivating.

Tang Ruoyao's gaze moved downward, noticing the irregular and casual hemline, and her long and straight legs wrapped in black trousers. She was usually seen in long skirts or loose sweatpants, so few people had the chance to notice that her legs were actually very attractive—long and straight, adding a touch of sharp and elegant temperament to her.

Especially with her hair parted to the side today, the one-time long curls blown by the hairdryer swept to one side, revealing her fair and sparkling earlobe. There were also exaggerated silver earrings with geometric shapes that most people couldn't handle.

Tang Ruoyao stared for a while and suddenly felt weak in the legs.

She didn't feel like eating anymore, she wanted to sit on her lap instead.

Or maybe she could sit on her lap during the meal?

Qin Yinong raised her sheepskin handbag in front of Tang Ruoyao. Tang Ruoyao regained her senses and unconsciously licked her lips. "Um... I came to ask you if we can leave now?"

"Yes," Qin Yinong replied in a calm tone. "Let's go."

Qin Yinong passed by Tang Ruoyao and casually knocked on the door of the neighboring room. Guan Han, who lived next door, heard the sound and came out, pushing up her glasses on the bridge of her nose. She followed behind the two, momentarily stunned, a glint of brightness passing through her lenses.

This, this is couple attire, isn't it? Although there were only a few red elements on Qin Yinong's blouse, it was far from low-key. As for Tang Ruoyao, her entire silk blouse was blue.

Tsk tsk tsk, not saying it out loud, but she didn't hold back on showing off.

For safety reasons, Tang Ruoyao booked a private room in this hotel, just one elevator ride away. The two of them took their seats, along with a reliable third wheel, Guan Han. Tang Ruoyao's plan to sit on Qin Yinong's lap was temporarily shattered, and a hint of resentment flashed in her eyes.

Guan Han: "???"

They had occasionally eaten here while filming before, so they were familiar with the menu. Besides, they weren't here solely for the purpose of eating. They ordered a few dishes at random, and as the waiter took note of their order, Tang Ruoyao began to ask Qin Yinong various questions: "How's the weather in the capital?"

"It's fine, similar to before."

"Have you been staying at home?"

"Yes, I haven't gone out."

"Spending time with family?"

"Yes."

"I also want to go back and accompany Tang Fei, but one day off is too short, and I can't take leave frequently."

When Tang Fei was mentioned, Qin Yinong's usually indifferent face softened slightly, and she said, "You can video chat with him regularly."

Tang Ruoyao suddenly remembered a few doubts. When they were neighbors at the guesthouse, she often stayed over and treated Qin Yinong's room as her own. Sometimes she would hear Qin Yinong speaking in a very gentle tone on the phone. As soon as she sensed any movement, she would quickly end the call.

"Does Senior Qin often video chat with her family?"

"Quite often."

Guan Han listened to their question and answer session, feeling completely puzzled.

The waiter knocked on the door and brought the food. Tang Ruoyao paused her probing questions. She wanted to get straight to the point, but somehow, the words that rushed to her throat turned into insignificant questions. The sound of utensils clinking made a faint noise, and Tang Ruoyao picked out a piece of fish for Qin Yinong and put it in her bowl.

Qin Yinong whispered, "Thank you."

That was the only conversation between the two during their meal.

Qin Yinong took out a tissue, pressed her lips lightly, lowered her gaze, and avoided Tang Ruoyao's eyes as she softly said, "I'm done eating."

Tang Ruoyao stared at her.

Perhaps her gaze was too intense, full of presence, and Qin Yinong had to lift her head and meet her gaze.

Tang Ruoyao: "I have something to tell you."

Guan Han half-rose from her chair, saying, "Qin Jie, I..."Qin Yinong waved her hand, signaling her to back off.

Only Qin and Tang were left in the private room.

Tang Ruoyao dragged a chair and sat next to Qin Yinong. Pausing for a moment, she took one of Qin Yinong's hands and held it tightly, her expression serious. "I have a question, and you have to answer me seriously."

Qin Yinong remained silent for a moment and said, "Ask."

"Look at me."

Qin Yinong lifted her head.

Tang Ruoyao looked into her eyes and asked, word by word, "Are you married?"

Time seemed to stand still for an eternity. Tang Ruoyao's feet were firmly planted on the ground, but her heart soared high in the sky. She had seen the delicate eyebrows, the elegant nose, the enchanting eyes, the thin lips of a woman. If today was the end, she was willing to spend her entire life in that instant.

Qin Yinong was taken aback.

She seemed surprised, yet she also seemed to understand. People have their own misconceptions, and the responsibility Qin Yinong mentioned never included an imaginary "husband." But what troubled Tang Ruoyao was the possibility of that "husband" existing in her family. No wonder she had such a big reaction yesterday and looked completely lost during the phone call.

Upon reflection, Tang Ruoyao found it amusing, and at the same time, there was a barely perceptible pang of heartache.

After a long silence, Qin Yinong's red lips slightly parted, and she softly uttered two words.

"No, I'm not."

She paused and added, "I've never been married."

The air began to flow again. Because of this answer, Tang Ruoyao's heart pounded back to its original place, almost feeling a physical pain. She couldn't help but raise her hand and press it against her chest, her face showing a pained expression.

Qin Yinong asked, "What's wrong with you?"

A hint of annoyance flashed in Tang Ruoyao's eyes as her gaze shifted. "You scared me to death."

Qin Yinong blushed and resisted the urge to touch the tip of her nose, apologizing, "I'm sorry."

Tang Ruoyao quickly said, "It's okay, you don't have to apologize." The fact that she was honest with her was already good enough. The first step of a long journey had finally started on a positive note.

Qin Yinong pressed her thin lips together.

Tang Ruoyao asked, "Do you have a daughter?"

At this point, Tang Ruoyao had heard it with her own ears, so denying it seemed even stranger. Qin Yinong nodded.

Tang Ruoyao tasted the sweetness of being straightforward and continued, "Is she your biological daughter?"

Unexpectedly, Qin Yinong's face turned cold.

She hit a landmine! Tang Ruoyao's mind warned her to retreat, so she quickly apologized, "I'm sorry if I offended you."

Qin Yinong stayed silent for a second before softly saying, "It's okay."

Tang Ruoyao asked again, "Can you show me a photo?"

Qin Yinong remained silent.

Tang Ruoyao smiled and said, "I just thought she must be very cute, so I wanted to see a beautiful child. I really like children." She tried to get closer to the mother in front of her.

Qin Yinong didn't fall for her act and calmly said, "Did you only have one question?"

Tang Ruoyao temporarily put her curiosity aside, knowing that there's still time in the future. She smiled and said, "Yes, I've asked my question, but I have one more request. Can you grant it for me?"

Qin Yinong replied, "Tell me what it is."

Tang Ruoyao bit her lower lip, waves of emotions visible in her eyes, "I want to sit on your lap, is that okay?"

Qin Yinong froze, almost thinking she was hearing things. "What did you say?"

Tang Ruoyao repeated it, speaking softly, "I think you look really handsome today, with those pants, those legs... I just kind of want to... want to..." She hesitated to find the right words.

Tang Ruoyao felt that she should be strong in the face of strength and weak in the face of weakness. When she saw Qin Yinong looking pitiful and vulnerable, she wanted to hold her in her arms and comfort her, kiss away all her tears, and when she saw her strong aura, she couldn't help but want to be gentle and tender, to please her.

Since realizing her own sexual orientation, she had read some related information and novels. It seemed that flexible individuals like herself were relatively rare. But she didn't think it was a big deal. They were all women, relying on each other, as long as they were happy.

In the end, her plan to sit on Qin Yinong's lap was shattered because Qin Yinong stood up and said seriously, "Since we're done eating, let's go back and rest for the afternoon shoot."

She picked up her bag from the side and started walking out.

"Senior Qin!" Tang Ruoyao opened her seat and hurriedly followed.

Qin Yinong walked quickly, her fair cheeks showing a suspicious blush, gradually spreading to her ears as well.

When Tang Ruoyao said that sentence for the first time earlier, Qin Yinong automatically filled in the visuals in her mind. In the past, Tang Ruoyao had often sat on her lap, and according to her memory, the outcome was always the same: intimate moments.

The impression was too deep, and perhaps even her body had formed memories. Qin Yinong couldn't take the risk.

She felt a sense of relief. Fortunately, they were in a hotel suite. If they were in a room, given Tang Ruoyao's current level, she would probably kneel beneath her feet.

This little brat even tried to seduce her during a meal.

Tang Ruoyao was completely innocent. She really didn't have any other intentions today, she just wanted to get closer to Qin Yinong.

Tang Ruoyao caught up with Qin Yinong in the elevator. Qin Yinong's face turned red and then pale, her eyes filled with anger and annoyance. Tang Ruoyao was completely puzzled, not knowing where she had offended her.

"See you on set." Qin Yinong said, gripping the door handle and leaving a remark outside her own room.

"See you later." Tang Ruoyao replied with a smile.

"... " Qin Yinong closed the door.

Tang Ruoyao looked at the door for a moment, smiling to herself, then turned around and closed her own door. She poured herself a glass of water, drank half of it, and lay down on the bed. She set an alarm on her phone for half an hour later and quickly fell asleep.

She had hardly slept last night, and her mind had been tense all morning. Now, suddenly relaxed, she fell asleep quickly, as soon as her head touched the pillow.

Qin Yinong, separated by two doors, wasn't as lucky.

I want to sit on your lap, is that okay?"

The young woman's eyes were soft, and her tone was gentle, like a spoiled child. Originally, her southerner accent had a sweet and slightly cloying quality, but under her cold voice, it not only didn't lose its tenderness but also had a seductive charm.

Qin Yinong closed her eyes and sent a message to Guan Han: [Buy me a box of finger c*ts.]

Guan Han replied instantly: [Okay.]

Qin Yinong sighed.

She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep. Not wanting to waste time, she poured a glass of water and placed it next to her. She sat in a chair, lost in thought, her gaze wandering far beyond the window.

......

"Good afternoon, Senior Qin." Tang Ruoyao took off her sunglasses and stood up from the sofa in the first-floor lobby. She noticed that Qin Yinong had changed into a thin and casual outfit with no trace of red elements, which disappointed her slightly.

"Afternoon," Qin Yinong walked over from the direction of the elevator and nodded slightly.

Tang Ruoyao was straightforward in her attitude. "The crew didn't arrange a car for me. Can I continue hitching a ride with you?" After all, she had gotten used to it.

"..." Qin Yinong underestimated the other person, especially her thick-skinned nature.

Qin Yinong tried to remove Tang Ruoyao's hand that was holding onto her arm and said, "I think it would be more convenient for Miss Tang to take the crew's car."

"Why?" Tang Ruoyao blinked. "Just let me know in advance when you're leaving, wouldn't that be fine?"

Among the group of assistants that had just gathered around them, there were a few with shallow minds. They couldn't help but laugh at the banter between the two. Guan Han shot a cold glare at the assistant, who immediately lowered their head.

Qin Yinong couldn't break free from Tang Ruoyao's grip and lowered her voice. "There are people coming and going here. Be more discreet."

Tang Ruoyao bit her lip and smiled softly, replying in a low voice, "Can we do whatever we want when there are fewer people around?"

Qin Yinong: "!!!"

What kind of words are these?!

You little brat!

Qin Yinong said, "Will you let go?"

Tang Ruoyao responded, "Will you give me a ride?"

Qin Yinong: "...Fine. Let go."

Tang Ruoyao released her grip and obediently stood to the side.

Qin Yinong realized that no matter how well she had planned beforehand, Tang Ruoyao's endless tricks would always disrupt her plans. In the end, she would find herself allowing Tang Ruoyao to ride in her car, holding her hand, and even... occupying her dressing room.

"Aren't you going to do your makeup?" Qin Yinong glanced at her watch, feeling helpless as she spoke to the person who stubbornly refused to leave.

Rumors were spreading outside, getting more and more intense. However, the person involved didn't seem to care at all and behaved without any restraint. No matter how well the crew kept things confidential, once the filming of the movie was completed, there was bound to be some leakage of information.

"I haven't reached the scheduled time with the makeup artist yet."

"Arrive early so you can familiarize yourself with the script during the waiting time. In case you delay, people might say you're being difficult. It's better to be considerate in all matters and avoid gossip." Qin Yinong sincerely advised.

"Okay." Qin Yinong's words were too earnest. Tang Ruoyao calculated the remaining time and reluctantly stood up to bid farewell. "Then I'll go back."

Qin Yinong made a sound of agreement.

Tang Ruoyao looked at her and said seriously, word by word, "Miss me."

Qin Yinong remained expressionless, even wanting to touch the goosebumps on her arm.

They were going to meet in at most half an hour.

"Then I'll think of you," Tang Ruoyao said with a smile. If the mountain doesn't come to her, she'll go to the mountain. She had plenty of experience dealing with Qin Yinong.

Guan Han steadied herself by holding onto the back of the sofa chair, almost losing her balance.

Tang Ruoyao flew out like a cheerful little bird.

Qin Yinong sat in her chair without moving, with her eyelids drooping.

After a long while, a hint of blush gradually spread on her fair ears. Her thin lips trembled, and she softly, almost awkwardly, muttered two words to herself, "Miss you."

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