CHAPTER 122

Tang Ruoyao opened the window a little wider. This place was along the river, and the nighttime breeze carried a chill, making the young woman's voice colder than the river wind.

"What about Huiyue Entertainment?"

"It closed down. It's been a long time since then. Huiyue Entertainment was involved in money laundering and got caught. Each and every one of the higher-ups got what they deserved." Mu Qingwu sighed, finding some solace in Qin Yinong's misfortune.

"What about Du Ankai?"

"His whereabouts are unknown. I haven't heard that name in the industry, so he probably left a long time ago."

Tang Ruoyao smirked.

He left the industry so easily, enjoying the benefits he gained from Qin Yinong. I wonder if he feels guilty or troubled in the middle of the night, thinking about all the young people he harmed over the years. Probably not.

Tang Ruoyao crossed her arms and lightly tapped her index finger, asking, "Can you find out where he is?"

Mu Qingwu asked, "Do you want to seek revenge on him?"

Tang Ruoyao's tone was calm but cold as she replied, "If the heavens won't do justice, I'll do it myself." She wasn't like Qin Yinong, she would make sure those who hurt her paid the price. She only hated that most of them were hidden among the crowd, making it impossible to find them. Even she, before she got to know Qin Yinong, secretly despised her.

Mu Qingwu pondered and said, "We live in a society governed by the rule of law now."

Tang Ruoyao made a sound of agreement.

Of course, she wouldn't resort to murder or arson, not even hiring someone to do it and risk going to jail.

Mu Qingwu changed the direction of the conversation and suggested, "How about sending a threatening letter? Include a fake finger made of rubber, dripping with fake blood. Then hire a few big guys to follow him, pretending to extort money from him, scare him half to death. Hire someone to stage an accident and blame him! Hmm, let me think if there's anything else..."

Tang Ruoyao said, "..."

Tang Ruoyao raised a finger and pinched her nose bridge. "Let's find him first before we decide."

Mu Qingwu stopped her wild imagination. "Okay, but he's been out of the industry for a long time. It might be difficult to find a needle in the haystack. If we hire someone to investigate, it will not only take time but also..."

Tang Ruoyao understood her unspoken words. "I'll pay for it."

Mu Qingwu immediately said, "Deal!" She was afraid that if she spoke too late, she would have to pay for it out of her own pocket.

Tang Ruoyao: "Thank you, Sister Mu."

"It's nothing." Gossip is human nature, and Mu Qingwu herself had enjoyed the spectacle. She had gained something from it.

Tang Ruoyao: "Sister Mu..."

She hesitated for a moment, but Mu Qingwu couldn't wait for her to continue and urged softly, "What's wrong? Do you have something else to say?"

Tang Ruoyao asked, "Do you know that Qin Yinong risked her life to stop Han Yuping's car in order to get an audition opportunity?"

Mu Qingwu replied, "I don't know. Only the people who were present at that time would understand such details." Blocking a car must have been thrilling, right?!

Tang Ruoyao thought the same, but she didn't pursue the question further.

Mu Qingwu could only find the general information about the incident. There was no way to obtain more details. For example, the reason why Qin Yinong had a nightmare and hid in the cupboard, besides the person involved, there might have been a few others who knew, but outsiders had no clue.

Mu Qingwu: "You're on the set now, so focus on your work and don't think too much about these things."

"I know."

"Then I'll go to sleep."

"Goodnight."

Tang Ruoyao went to the bathroom and washed her face. Her face was covered in water droplets. She covered her face with a dry towel, tilted her head back, and remained motionless for a long time. Finally, she removed the towel, hung it up, and walked back to the bedside.

After much hesitation.

[Congratulations on the New Year, good luck and prosperity]

[System message: Q cutie received your red envelope]

Qin Yinong tapped her finger on the blank screen, looking pensive.

Tang Ruoyao didn't know when she learned this habit from her, sending her red envelopes every now and then. Thinking back to the unusual events the day after she sent the last red envelope, Qin Yinong typed: [Feeling unhappy?]

Tang Ruoyao suddenly looked up. Did Qin Yinong install a camera in her room?

Before she could finish typing "No," another message from Qin Yinong came through.

[A few days ago, you said to give you some time to think before telling me the truth. Have you made up your mind?]

Tang Ruoyao: "..." How does this woman have such a good memory?

Pretending to be ignorant definitely won't work. Tang Ruoyao continued to employ her delaying tactic: [No, I've been busy with filming these past few days and don't have time to think about unrelated matters. Director Han said that the next scene is a big challenge for me, so I need to stay focused.]

[Oh.]

Oh? What does "oh" mean? Tang Ruoyao felt uneasy.

Qin Yinong: [Then focus on your filming. If you have any questions, ask me anytime.]

Tang Ruoyao felt almost unreal. Did she really pass so easily? Wasn't it said that women especially dislike their lovers hiding things from them? Although they hadn't officially become a couple yet.

Tang Ruoyao anxiously typed: [Are you angry?]

Qin Yinong replied quickly: [No.]

Considering the previous "oh," Tang Ruoyao was convinced that she was indeed angry. She got up and went to knock on Qin Yinong's door across the hallway.

With a click, the door lock was opened, and warm yellow light poured out. Tang Ruoyao's eyes fell on the tall figure of Qin Yinong, wearing a snow-white robe, with long hair lazily draped over her shoulders, revealing a glimpse of fair and shapely calf below the robe.

"What's wrong?" Qin Yinong asked with a smile, her tone and expression gentle.

"It's... nothing." Tang Ruoyao looked her up and down, realizing that she didn't seem angry.

Suddenly, a hint of disappointment surged within her.

She suddenly wished that Qin Yinong would ask her a few more questions or even throw a little tantrum. In fact, after that day, Qin Yinong hadn't expressed any opinions about her abnormal behavior. If it weren't for tonight's mention, she would have thought that Qin Yinong had truly forgotten.

But Qin Yinong's mention seemed casual, and not answering her question wouldn't make a difference.

Humans are greedy creatures. In the past, Tang Ruoyao hoped that Qin Yinong would like her, and later, when she confirmed that Qin Yinong liked her, she hoped for a response from her. Now that Qin Yinong occasionally responded to her, she wanted her to show even more, to act spoiled towards her, to be unreasonable, and ideally, to be completely filled with her in her heart and eyes.

She looked into Qin Yinong's distinct black and white eyes.

Qin Yinong's pupils were extremely dark and deep, and her clear reflection appeared in the depths of her pupils like a deep pool.

The small reflection in her pupils slowly enlarged, about to fill her entire iris.

Qin Yinong reached out and pressed her hand against Tang Ruoyao's shoulder, stopping her approach.

She lowered her voice, with a hint of warning, and said, "What are you doing?"

Tang Ruoyao's eyes cleared from their haze, realizing that she and Qin Yinong were just a few centimeters apart. Their lips almost touched, if it weren't for Qin Yinong pushing her away in time.

I want to kiss you.

Tang Ruoyao stared into her eyes and mouthed the words one by one.

This person... Qin Yinong's heart raced, and her blood temperature rose by two degrees.

She turned her back to the camera, speaking without any concern. Qin Yinong used her body to block the camera for a moment, her expression softened, and with a voice only audible to the two of them, she said, "We can't do it here."

"Then where can we?" Tang Ruoyao immediately responded, "Your room? Or my room?"

... Qin Yinong briefly lost her ability to speak, her brain unable to process anything.

Was Tang Ruoyao possessed by something and lost her sanity?

The woman remained silent for a long time.

Tang Ruoyao calmed down her intense emotions and smiled, saying, "Just kidding."

Qin Yinong glared at her with annoyance.

Tang Ruoyao pursed her lips and continued, "How about the rest area on the set tomorrow? I really miss you." Holding hands secretly was already a challenge, let alone kissing. Tang Ruoyao was going crazy.

Qin Yinong generally couldn't respond to such straightforward words.

But her silence was an implicit agreement.

Tang Ruoyao's hand fell by her side, and she gently held Qin Yinong's hand, caressing the back of her hand with her fingertips, lingering for a while before reluctantly saying, "I'm going back now."

Qin Yinong lowered her gaze. "Mm."

Tang Ruoyao shook her hand and coquettishly said, "You don't even say you miss me."

Qin Yinong raised her eyes and glanced at her coolly.

Tang Ruoyao smiled, pulling the woman's arm and skillfully tucking her into her embrace. She lightly combed through the cool strands of hair behind her, her lips barely grazing her earlobe. In an angle she couldn't see, she silently uttered three words.

She closed her eyes, hugged Qin Yinong tightly, then let go. With both hands holding her shoulders, she stared at her intently and said, "I'm really going back now."

"Go then."

Tang Ruoyao stepped back and walked away, while Qin Yinong restrained herself, not letting her eyes show strong reluctance.

She missed her too.

The door closed in front of her, and the young woman's figure disappeared at the doorway. Qin Yinong looked up at the infrared camera in the corner, which intermittently flashed red light. For the first time, she felt the urge to remove it.

[Can you remove the cameras in the hotel?]

In the middle of the night, Guan Han received a message from her boss.

After careful consideration, Guan Han replied: [Technically, we're not allowed to, but I can help you destroy it. We can compensate later if necessary. Do you need my assistance? I can go now.]

[Forget it.]

Qin Yinong threw herself onto the soft bed, pulled the blanket over her, and let out a gentle sigh. After a while, she opened the drawer next to the bed and silently took out something.

.....

The next day, at noon.

Qin Yinong's resting room on the set.

Tang Ruoyao firmly held the back of Qin Yinong's head, her straight nose pressing against the side of her face. The scorching breath brushed against her face and lips, entangling them in a sweet and soft embrace, leaving not a single drop of air in her lungs.

Qin Yinong's ears turned red, struggling to catch her breath. She had to push the young woman in front of her.

Tang Ruoyao backed off for a moment, waiting for Qin Yinong to catch her breath before advancing again.

Qin Yinong was forced to lean back, her knuckles curling as she instinctively gripped the sofa cushion tightly.

When they separated, Qin Yinong's lungs felt like they were about to explode. She coughed heavily while leaning against Tang Ruoyao, grinding her teeth in secret as she resisted the impulse to pinch her.

This was too audacious! Could they continue like this?

Tang Ruoyao made a move to get up. "I'll go pour you a glass of water."

Qin Yinong grabbed her, her voice hoarse. "No rush."

She buried her cheek in the young woman's neck and didn't move. Tang Ruoyao understood and wrapped her arms around her tighter.

Qin Yinong said softly, "I just..."

"It's a little cold, I know," Tang Ruoyao interrupted with a smile.

Qin Yinong's lips curved slightly.

Tang Ruoyao lowered her head and found Qin Yinong's hand, her five fingers slipping into the gaps between Qin Yinong's fingers. Qin Yinong reciprocated by holding her hand back, their fingers interlocking.

The two of them quietly enjoyed this rare moment of tenderness.

Qin Yinong's free hand picked up a strand of long hair in front of Tang Ruoyao, twirling it around her clean and slender fingertips. Her thin lips slightly pursed as she said, "I... I'm taking a day off tomorrow and will be back the day after."

"Where are you going?"

"Back to Beijing. It's Qiao Yan, the Movie Emperor's birthday banquet, and I've been invited as a VIP." Qin Yinong pursed her lips again and asked, "Didn't you receive an invitation?"

"No."

"Oh." She sounded disappointed. She had hoped to go with Tang Ruoyao.

Tang Ruoyao coughed, her voice infused with a smile. "I'll be waiting for you on the set."

"Why are you smiling?"

"I'm not smiling." Tang Ruoyao said, her lips curved upward. She just remembered the last time Qin Yinong left home without a word. Now she was reporting in advance. She had made great progress.

"Okay, if you're not smiling." Qin Yinong played with her hair, not pressing for more information. She seemed very calm and content, with no desires or demands.

Tang Ruoyao called her name discontentedly. "Qin Yinong!"

"Huh?" Qin Yinong looked up in confusion.

Tang Ruoyao grabbed her chin and bit her cheek.

Without asking anything, she even wondered if Qin Yinong still considered her a potential girlfriend. It made her so angry!

Qin Yinong remained silent for a moment. "I still have a scene to film later."

"I know." Tang Ruoyao said, feeling annoyed.

Qin Yinong gazed at her for a while, then released her hair and raised her hand. Her slender white fingertips smoothed out the small bump between Tang Ruoyao's eyebrows. She softly said, "Don't be angry."

Tang Ruoyao's frustration disappeared in an instant, and she smiled.

Their eyes met, and a hidden tide surged in the air once again.

All thoughts were interrupted, unable to think, leaving only one idea. Tang Ruoyao leaned down to kiss, but Qin Yinong blocked her with her palm. Tang Ruoyao blinked in confusion.

Qin Yinong reminded her, "Be gentle, I still have a scene to shoot later. It won't be good if I have swollen lips and affects the makeup."

Tang Ruoyao narrowed her eyes and kissed the palm of her hand. "Okay."

......

The next afternoon, Qin Yinong did not come to the set. Since there weren't many scenes left for the two of them to film together, they proceeded to shoot Tang Ruoyao's parts first without delaying the progress.

Han Yuping, who couldn't help but worry about Qin Yinong's lifelong affair, came over before the shoot and asked Tang Ruoyao, "Do you know where Qin Yinong went?"

Tang Ruoyao replied, "She went to attend Qiao Yan, the Movie Emperor's birthday banquet." She didn't have enough qualifications to receive a personal invitation from Qiao the Movie Emperor; she would have to work harder in the future.

Han Yuping breathed a sigh of relief, knowing the situation was fine.

Tang Ruoyao was full of fighting spirit in the afternoon, and the shooting on set was intense.

On the flight that had just departed from the small town, Qin Yinong sat by the window, looking down at the clouds. Guan Han was by her side, quietly briefing her on the confirmed attendees for the birthday banquet, which consisted of friends, rivals, and strangers.

Qin Yinong listened absentmindedly, then suddenly asked, "Is Lin Ruohan attending?"

Guan Han replied, "No, Lin Ruohan won't be there."

Qin Yinong's eyes grew weary, and her interest waned even more. "I'm going to take a nap."

Guan Han tactfully stepped back.

Being in the industry, there were certain necessary social obligations that couldn't be avoided. Qiao Yan, the Movie Emperor, was one of the most successful male actors among the new generation in the industry. In recent years, he had also started directing and successfully transitioned his career. His birthday banquet specially invited Qin Yinong as the guest of honor, and Qin Yinong couldn't brush off his face.

If she had known that she and Tang Ruoyao would be like this now, Qin Yinong would have asked An Ling to get an extra invitation for her. Many influential figures from the industry would be attending this event, making it a good opportunity to expand her network.

While she could certainly protect Tang Ruoyao, it was essential for Tang Ruoyao to establish her own foundation. Her acting skills could gradually improve, but there was no rushing it. What she needed most now was connections within the industry.

Qin Yinong suddenly opened her eyes and turned back, asking, "Is Ji Yunyao coming tonight?"

Guan Han shook her head.

Qin Yinong immediately regretted it even more.

Regrets were useless now. After the plane landed, Qin Yinong went to her studio first. Her dedicated makeup artist team started working on her appearance, meticulously styling her from head to toe, perfecting every strand of hair.

Her original long black straight hair was transformed into enchanting large curls. The meticulously drawn eye makeup intensified the depth of her gaze. She wore a handcrafted. floor-length red gown that trailed behind her, exuding grace and elegance as she walked, leaving a lasting impression on everyone's hearts.

"Please welcome our mysterious guest tonight!" Qiao Yan, wearing a designer suit, stood on stage, holding a microphone in his hand. He exuded charisma and confidently said, "She is..."

Qiao Yan left the suspense hanging.

There was a man in the audience who raised his champagne glass from a distance and laughed, "Qiao Ge [brother], announce it already. You've been teasing us all night."

Another man chimed in, "Yeah, who is this mysterious person? Qiao Ge, you're so secretive, even hosting the event yourself."

Qiao Yan, the Movie Emperor smiled and announced loudly, "Qin Yinong!"

The man who spoke first shook his champagne glass unsteadily and quickly set it aside. He stood straight, nervously assessing himself from head to toe, adjusting his suit sleeves, and tremblingly asked his friend who came with him, "Can you, can you check if my tie is done properly?"

The people nearby burst into laughter.

In less than two seconds, all the voices ceased.

All eyes in the room turned to the woman who walked out, fairer than moonlight and more beautiful than snow. The fitted long dress accentuated her curvaceous figure, flawlessly perfect, enough to make all the female stars present feel ashamed.

Apart from a pair of silver long earrings, Qin Yinong had no other accessories. The radiance of her appearance outshone any adornments. The back of her red dress had a semi-hollow design, with the large curls of her long hair lazily cascading behind her. Her smooth and jade-like beautiful back was partially revealed, extending down to her slender waist.

She approached under Qiao Yan's admiring gaze, and they politely embraced for a moment before letting go.

Qiao Yan, the Movie Emperor, blinked and humorously said, "Thank you, goddess, for taking the time to attend my birthday banquet. It's a splendid gathering."

Qin Yinong lightly curved her lips and replied, "It's my honor."

Qiao Yan said, "You look beautiful tonight, even more beautiful than the last time I saw you."

Qin Yinong reciprocated, "Thank you, you also look handsome, even more than the last time I saw you."

Qiao Yan burst into laughter.

Qin Yinong smiled as well.

The two of them had worked together in movies before, so they didn't need to be so formal. After exchanging pleasantries with Qiao Yan, the Movie Emperor, Qin Yinong took a glass of wine from a tray and went to chat with some big shots.

Along the way, people offered her drinks, and Qin Yinong didn't refuse. By the time she walked away, she had already exchanged her champagne four times, but her posture remained steady, her face still as white as fine snow, showing no signs of intoxication.

"Director Li, Manager Zhao."

"Miss Qin."

Qin Yinong clinked glasses with the two middle-aged men. "Long time no see."

Director Li laughed heartily, "Miss Qin is busy, how could you remember us two idle people?"

Qin Yinong's red lips curved slightly, her voice carrying a soft and womanly tone as she jokingly said, "Who's the busy one here? Director Li, a few months ago, you had quite a harvest at the Venice Film Festival, and I haven't had a chance to congratulate you yet."

Her rose-like vibrant red lips pressed against the rim of the glass as she took a shallow sip.

"Well, it's never too late to congratulate me!" Director Li raised his head and finished his drink in one gulp, smacked his lips, and said, "When will you have time to make a movie with me? I've been waiting for three years, waiting for you like wishing upon a star and a moon. Look, even my hair is turning white from waiting."

Qin Yinong blinked, and a hint of charm and elegance naturally appeared in her eyebrows and eyes. "Well, it depends on whether your script is sincere enough."

Director Li laughed heartily, "Alright, I must show you my sincerity. Manager Zhao!"

Manager Zhao's gaze was infatuated as he stared at Qin Yinong's face.

Qin Yinong casually rubbed the stem of her champagne glass with her fingertips, her demeanor composed.

Director Li nudged Manager Zhao's arm with his elbow and raised his voice, "Manager Zhao!"

Manager Zhao snapped out of his daze and raised his glass to Qin Yinong, taking a sip in one gulp.

Qin Yinong seemed completely unaware of the man's blatant offensive gaze throughout the entire interaction. She praised, "Manager Zhao, you can hold your liquor. Let me toast you another glass."

She took a sip, Manager Zhao took a drink. In a formal birthday banquet, Manager Zhao ended up a bit tipsy, but Qin Yinong bid her farewell.

After catching up with old acquaintances, Qin Yinong found a quiet and less crowded place. A smile calculated to perfection adorned her lips as she observed every person in the room.

Her gaze suddenly paused and she walked towards a person.

"Principal Sun?"

Principal Sun, the principal of Tang Ruoyao's alma mater, the Beijing Drama Academy, and also a veteran male actor, turned his face and was surprised to see her. "Why are you here?"

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you hear Qiao Yan introduce me?"

Principal Sun sighed. "I just arrived not long ago, got delayed on the way, and as soon as I came in, I started drinking. Who can handle that? I was just planning to leave. Since you're here, I'll stay a bit longer."

Qin Yinong: "..."

Principal Sun, openly shirking off a group of people who were toasting him, squeezed into a corner with Qin Yinong. He picked up a plate of desserts, took a small fork, and said, "Are you free in June?"

Qin Yinong asked warily, "Why?"

Principal Sun rubbed his hands together. "It's nothing, it's just our school, you know, it's the annual graduation ceremony..."

Qin Yinong interrupted him, "I'm not going. Last year, there was Tang Ruoyao. What's there this year? I'm not going to subject myself to trouble."

"Why? Didn't you promise last year?"

"Talent fee. Give me ten million, and I'll go."

"Why don't you go and fight for it?" Principal Sun stepped back in surprise, "It's been a year, and your ability to make outrageous demands has improved."

"It's been a year, and your thick skin has also increased compared to last year. Last year, you were begging and pleading, almost kneeling before me. This year, you think it's a given. But I don't owe your school anything."

"You really won't go?" Principal Sun stared at her, his eyes wide open.

"I really won't go."

They faced each other in a standoff.

"Forget it, don't go." Principal Sun picked up a small piece of cake and placed it in his mouth, muttering, "I didn't expect you to agree in the first place." He mentioned it every year, and only last year did Qin Yinong reluctantly agree.

"Oh," Principal Sun remembered the outstanding graduate representative from last year and asked, "Were you shooting a movie with Tang Ruoyao?"

Qin Yinong cleared her throat, not knowing why she did it, and replied, "Hmm, we're currently on the same set."

Principal Sun sighed, "This kid is really remarkable. Just a year after graduation, she's already acting with you, and as the lead role. It's something many people can only dream of. How is she doing?"

"She's... not bad." Qin Yinong's lips curled up slightly.

"She truly is an excellent student I've taught." Principal Sun shamelessly took credit for her success. He took a sip of juice through a straw and suddenly burst into laughter, choking on the juice and coughing.

"Take it slow." Qin Yinong handed him a tissue.

"Thank you." Principal Sun wiped his mouth and said, "This Tang Ruoyao, not only is she talented in acting, but she's also very smart."

"Hmm?"

"Last year, when we selected the outstanding graduate representative, weren't you the one personally awarding the degree certificate?"

The more Qin Yinong listened, the more uneasy she felt, "Is there a problem with that?"

"No problem, it's just a little incident that happened in between."

Principal Sun coughed and said, "To put it bluntly, it's an ugly incident. I didn't oversee the selection of the representative. Originally, that slot belonged to Tang Ruoyao, but a student used connections to take her spot."

"What happened afterward?"

"Afterward, Tang Ruoyao and their roommate joined forces and posted extensively on forums, spreading the news of the predetermined selection within the school. The student who took her spot faced widespread criticism. Everyone was against that student, and even the teachers got involved. The public sentiment was intense, causing a significant controversy. In the end, it reached me, and I returned the spot to her."

Principal Sun didn't notice the sudden darkened expression in Qin Yinong's eyes and sighed, "She's too clever. To think of such a method... Even if it hadn't reached me, when it came time to award the decree certificates, as long as the person who replaced her dared to come on stage, the crowd would have drowned her in their spit. Public opinion is a frightening thing."

Qin Yinong absentmindedly acknowledged with a sound.

Her fingers hanging by her side clenched silently. She detested this kind of lowly manipulation of public opinion the most.

Author's Note:

Continued tomorrow, don't worry~

The chapter about the battle for the outstanding graduate representative spot is chapters 23 to 26.

PS: If you feel that something is missing, you can go back and read the previous section. Public opinion is uncontrollable. By the end, it's no longer just about the spot. It includes personal attacks on Huo Yuke, belittling her acting career, questioning her awards, and even humiliating her as a "whore." 

The concept of justice, perhaps the first person who initiated it was acting justly, but later it became corrupted. Yao Yao has reflected on it herself.

In any case, don't worry~

Principal Sun wanted to mention this matter last year but was interrupted unexpectedly (by the author).

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