CHAPTER 126

After Qin Yinong finished speaking, she lowered her head and avoided looking at her, discreetly taking a sip of the soy milk on the side.

The soy milk was freshly made by Guan Han at the shop, sealed and brought back quickly. It hadn't cooled down yet, and Qin Yinong drank it hastily. With that sip, she immediately clenched the tablecloth beside her, revealing a slight expression of pain.

Guan Han quickly stood up to pour cold water for her. Tang Ruoyao saw her getting up and restrained her own movement, naturally leaning over, half-encircling her shoulder, and gently asking, "Did you get burned?"

Qin Yinong nodded.

Tang Ruoyao said, "Open your mouth, let me see."

Qin Yinong hesitated.

Tang Ruoyao coaxed her, saying, "Let me see if it's red from the burn. It would be bad if blisters start forming."

Qin Yinong firmly closed her lips, showing her determination.

Tang Ruoyao glanced sideways at Guan Han, who was getting water from the refrigerator with her back turned to them. She quickly leaned down and pecked Qin Yinong's lips, leaving her in astonishment. With a mischievous smile, she said, "Will you let me see now?"

There was a clear intention to continue if she wasn't allowed.

Qin Yinong moved her lips but swallowed the words "Do you have any shame?" that were about to come out.

Guan Han acted quickly and already came back with a bottle of chilled mineral water. Seeing the sweet and affectionate couple, Guan Han inwardly despised herself as a third wheel, expressionless as she approached them and said in a formulaic tone, "Qin Jie, here's the water."

Tang Ruoyao stood up to receive it but found her arms empty as Qin Yinong took the opportunity to break free from her embrace.

Amidst the crowd, the pulling and tugging seemed out of order.

Tang Ruoyao twisted open the bottle cap for her, and Qin Yinong politely said thank you. Tang Ruoyao waited for her to finish drinking before showing a hint of displeasure and said, "Don't thank me."

"Hmm?" Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"I said, don't thank me." Tang Ruoyao looked into her eyes and solemnly repeated.

Qin Yinong closed the cap of the mineral water, calmly maintaining eye contact with her.

Tang Ruoyao was the first to back down and compromised, saying, "Then, say something else."

Tang Ruoyao understood Qin Yinong's point. She probably felt that things were progressing a bit too quickly. Just when she had opened her heart to her, the little snail had stepped one foot into her house. She couldn't rush things.

Tang Ruoyao discovered that Qin Yinong was really interesting. When they had agreed to have a contractual relationship before, she would say sweet words and do daring things. But now that they were actually dating, she seemed hesitant and slow, like a hesitant snail. It was not easy to coax her to take a step forward, and if one wasn't careful, she might even take three steps back, losing more than gaining.

On one hand, Tang Ruoyao was impatient and eager for Qin Yinong to immediately agree to be her girlfriend. On the other hand, she was full of determination in this conquest process. Although she appeared to be indifferent to the world, she was actually a strong-willed person. Whether it was her resolute decision to apply for the Beijing Drama Academy or her obedient and patient attitude towards Qin Yinong when she didn't understand her, she always showed complete compliance.

She was interested in things, whether it be people or objects, the more difficult they were, the more passionate she became.

Qin Yinong picked up a crystal steamed dumpling and placed it in Tang Ruoyao's bowl, accidentally meeting her bright eyes.

Tang Ruoyao's gaze was intense, while Qin Yinong lowered her eyelids, avoiding her gaze and whispered, "Eat up, we have to go to the set later."

"Should I go in your car?" Tang Ruoyao asked, "Won't it cause gossip?"

"I've called another car, we'll go separately."

"Okay." Tang Ruoyao answered naturally and quickly.

Qin Yinong couldn't help but glance at her. In the questioning gaze that Tang Ruoyao cast, she once again lowered her eyes. She paused with the chopsticks that were about to deliver food to her mouth, lost in thought.

After breakfast, Tang Ruoyao left first, followed by Qin Yinong. They left through different gates in the community, minimizing the already minimal risk of being photographed.

As the car drove smoothly, Qin Yinong sat in the back seat of the nanny car and answered a phone call—it was from Lin Ruohan.

"Weren't you attending a fashion show? Why are you so free?" Qin Yinong said coldly. Just after sending her a message saying that she returned the house to her, the other person called her with an overseas call.

Lin Ruohan cleared her throat and said in a coquettish voice, "You said you didn't care about this lady, how did you know I was watching the show?"

Qin Yinong indifferently said, "The whole internet is posting articles about you attending the show. It's hard not to know."

Lin Ruohan giggled on the other end, her laughter crisp like a silver bell.

"Did you see my pictures? Do I look good?" After laughing, she asked.

"You look good." Qin Yinong said.

"There's something off about you!" Lin Ruohan shouted, "You used to compliment me more. Were you trying to keep me in your luxurious house last night?"

"..." Qin Yinong scoffed, "I can't be bothered with you."

"You're changing the subject, you're feeling guilty!"

Lin Ruohan guessed Qin Yinong's thoughts accurately, but even face-to-face, she might not be able to read her emotions, let alone over the phone. So all she could hear was Qin Yinong's indifferent voice saying, "Think whatever you want."

Lin Ruohan sighed in disappointment.

Heaven knows that when Qin Yinong asked Lin Ruohan to borrow the villa yesterday, Lin Ruohan almost immediately rushed back to the country from the fashion show, sensing that there was a big gossip. But her professional ethics kept her firmly in place, causing her inner turmoil. Today, when she finally had the chance to gossip, the person acted as if nothing could faze her.

Qin Yinong: "Is there anything else? If not, I'm hanging up."

Lin Ruohan: "Hey!"

Qin Yinong: "Goodbye."

As Lin Ruohan listened to the busy tone on the other end, she felt like she heard a hint of laughter in the rising tone of Qin Yinong's last words.

When did she laugh like that? Lin Ruohan became even more restless.

Her manager glanced at her coolly and advised her kindly, "Stop worrying. If you keep stressing, you'll go bald."

Lin Ruohan quickly let go and smoothed her soft, long hair. She looked at the ground around her and breathed a sigh of relief. It was fine, her hair wasn't falling out.

.....

Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao finished their makeup in the dressing room and came out as usual to meet Han Yuping. 

Han Yuping had a lollipop in his mouth, his brows furrowed. It was something Qin Yinong bought for him to temporarily curb his smoking addiction. He nodded at the two before turning his face and continuing with his work.

Qin and Tang stood by, rehearsing their scenes.

Han Yuping clapped his hands, signaling them to stop, and walked over.

"The scene we're shooting today..." Han Yuping pursed his lips and furrowed his brows. "Both of you need to be reserved. Tang Ruoyao, you'll grab Qin Yinong's wrist and hold it throughout, only letting go when she says the second line. Your eyes should be restrained, showing sadness behind a forced smile. You can have a slight shimmer of tears if it feels appropriate, but it's not necessary. It depends on your emotions at the time. Don't force it if you can't cry."

"Qin Yinong, your emotions need to be even deeper than hers. After she leaves, you'll reveal a glimpse of the iceberg, hearing the cries of your child and husband from inside. You don't even have time to be sad before you enter the house again."

Han Yuping asked, "Is that okay?"

Qin Yinong said, "Fine."

Tang Ruoyao also said, "No problem."

The problem arose when they officially started shooting.

"Scene 44 of 'True Colors,' one continuous shot, action!"

Han Zifei was sensitive and intelligent. The number of times she met Shen Muqing became fewer and fewer. She finally managed to avoid Xu Shiming and find her, but Xu Di was always with her, never giving her a chance to be alone with her. She began to feel that something was wrong.

The rumors in Yangxi Lane had quieted down quite a bit. Everyone said, "It was just a joke. A woman who divorces can never hold her head up high in her family again. Where else can she go after the divorce?" After the sharp and sarcastic comments, there were also "well-meaning" busybodies who would advise Shen Muqing whenever they saw her, saying, "Live well in the future. Life will gradually get better day by day." The Xu family always appeared together, showing filial piety and harmony. Shen Muqing, gentle and beautiful, once again became the envy of everyone as a happy family.

Even Han Zifei's parents spoke of the Xu family with contentment.

Han Zifei was restless, her emotions making her continue to believe in Shen Muqing, believing that she would divorce Xu Shiming and spend their lives together forever. However, her rationality forced her to face reality.

Recently, Han Zifei's mother had returned to her parent's home and brought back some local specialties. She instructed Han Zifei to deliver some to the neighbors, which naturally included Shen Muqing's household. Han Zifei intentionally saved Shen Muqing's house for last.

In the neighboring wall, the Xu family was having dinner. Dried chili peppers hung in the courtyard, and children's toys were placed on the stone tabletop. The setting sun cast a golden glow on the courtyard, making it look like a colorful oil painting. Upon hearing the greeting from outside, Shen Muqing walked out of the house into the light.

Step by step, she approached, calling her with the same tone as the neighbors, "Xiao Fei."

Han Zifei's eyes suddenly welled up with tears.It had been so long since she had looked at her so closely.

"Teacher Shen."

"What's the matter?" Shen Muqing asked.

Han Zifei raised the bag in her hand and forced a smile, her eyes crinkling with the smile. "My mom asked me to bring you some local specialties from her hometown."

"Very thoughtful." Shen Muqing smiled gently and reached out to take them.

Suddenly, Han Zifei grabbed her wrist tightly, exerting a lot of force.

She gathered her courage and looked straight into Shen Muqing's eyes.

Shen Muqing's mouth remained tightly shut, not saying a word.

From inside, Xu Shiming's inquiry came, "Muqing, are you still outside?"

Shen Muqing looked into Han Zifei's eyes and casually replied, "Yes, I'll be back in a moment."

"The food is getting cold."

"You go ahead and eat."

A tinge of pain flashed in Han Zifei's eyes, and her fingers trembled slightly as she held onto Shen Muqing's wrist.

"Go home." Shen Muqing finally spoke, her gaze still warm.

Han Zifei's vermilion lips attempted to form a curve as she smiled and said, "Haven't I already been here?"

Shen Muqing almost couldn't control herself as her nails dug deep into her palm.

"Go home." she said again.

She looked at her, staring at her for a long time, until the young woman's smile slowly collapsed before her eyes. She watched as her eyes turned red, and a quick layer of moist mist welled up.

Han Zifei released her wrist, hanging the bag of local specialties on her hand.

"You... remember to eat. I'm going back." She still managed to force out a smile, more pitiful than tears.

Shen Muqing gazed at her retreating figure, her eyes dim.

Then, she swayed unsteadily and her straight spine slowly bowed down, as if enduring immense pain, bending her waist. Large beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, and she had difficulty breathing.

"Muqing?" Xu Shiming came out, leaving Shen Muqing alone in the courtyard. She straightened her back as if it had all been an illusion, composedly saying, "Let's go inside."

.....

Han Yuping: "Cut."

He lightly tapped the tabletop with his index finger and looked back at the playback.

Tang Ruoyao and Qin Yinong were both beside him. Han Yuping remained silent for a long time, and Tang Ruoyao nervously glanced at Qin Yinong, who gave her a reassuring look.

Han Yuping: "Hmm, I feel like the emotions are a bit too exaggerated."

Qin Yinong: "Is it because of me or Tang Laoshi?" [refers to the Chinese word for Teacher; used as an honorific title used for a highly venerated senior.]

"Tang La... Ruoyao," Han Yuping heard her being called Tang Laoshi every day, almost letting it slip away, "the part where Han Zifei cried so loudly when she left, how did you two act during the argument that followed?"

Given Han Zifei's personality, she wouldn't give up so easily, nor would she start crying so readily. So after this scene, there should be a scene of the two of them arguing, which is also the scene where Shen Muqing officially breaks up with her. Han Zifei cried almost to the point of losing her breath on her way home, and from then on, they truly went their separate ways.

She currently had the appearance of a broken-hearted person, repeating and being disconnected from what came after.

Tang Ruoyao immediately said, "It's my fault."

Han Yuping: "Don't rush to take the blame. Let's discuss it properly."

This discussion lasted for half an hour. Tang Ruoyao tried shooting another scene, but it didn't turn out as good as before. There were only a few scenes left, all of them crucial scenes, and there was still plenty of time before the scheduled wrap-up date. When Han Yuping and the two main actors rehearsed, they weren't as impatient, taking their time patiently.

Han Yuping became dissatisfied with the multiple takes and stopped to rub his head while looking at his storyboard script.

Tang Ruoyao sipped on a bottle of mineral water.

Qin Yinong comforted her, saying, "Don't panic."

Tang Ruoyao replied, "I'm not panicking."

"Really?"

"False." Tang Ruoyao couldn't find the state she was most satisfied with. She rubbed her cheeks with both hands and sighed.

"Mind telling me the reason?" Qin Yinong asked.

Tang Ruoyao lowered her eyes, looking at the ground.

"Not convenient?"

"It's not that it's not convenient," Tang Ruoyao plucked a piece of grass from the ground and said softly, "I'm afraid you'll say I'm being melodramatic and not dedicated enough."

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow. "Tell me then?"

Tang Ruoyao bargained with her, "Promise not to scold me."

Qin Yinong chuckled. "I'm not Han Yuping."

Tang Ruoyao insisted, "Doesn't matter, you have to promise."

What's with the tantrum? Qin Yinong smiled good-naturedly. "Alright, I won't scold you."

Tang Ruoyao sniffled and said, "When I hear your voice saying those things to me, and your eyes look at me so coldly, I can't control myself. I feel like it's not Han Zifei who's being broken up with, it's me, even though we haven't officially started dating."

It was strange. Previously, Qin Yinong rejected her so resolutely, but she could continue to fight and persist. Now that she received a simple confession, she couldn't even bear to listen to a serious word from her, couldn't even handle a cold gaze. She wished Qin Yinong would cling to her, be close to her, dote on her, and be doted on.

Qin Yinong clicked her tongue. "So it's my fault?"

Tang Ruoyao said, "I didn't say that. It's my fault, I..."

Qin Yinong flicked her forehead playfully and reprimanded with a smile, "Not dedicated enough."

"You said you wouldn't scold me."

"Is calling you not dedicated scolding?"

"...I guess not."

"If Han Yuping heard that, be prepared to get spit on in the face."

Tang Ruoyao sighed, feeling discouraged. "What can I do? If I can't act well, I deserve to be criticized." She secretly glanced at the other person, and Qin Yinong did indeed show some distress. She always hated being scolded.

Qin Yinong pondered and said, "I have an idea."

Tang Ruoyao suppressed her excitement and asked, "What is it?"

Qin Yinong asked, "You can't differentiate between me and Shen Muqing, right? So, if I make a deeper impression on you personally before filming, will you not break character?"

Tang Ruoyao blinked. "By stronger impression, you mean?"

Qin Yinong subtly paused for two seconds and said, "Lets go to the rest area."

......

In the rest area, Qin Yinong adjusted Tang Ruoyao's loose collar and said, "This is just a temporary solution. You can't always rely on this method. You still need to learn to distinguish between the role and reality on your own."

Tang Ruoyao hadn't recovered from her rapid heartbeat. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips unusually rosy, and she nodded absentmindedly.

Qin Yinong casually asked, "Did you act like this in previous roles too?"

"Like what?"

"Not being able to differentiate between the character and yourself."

"I..." Tang Ruoyao hesitated.

How should she explain to Qin Yinong that when she acted in a romance film, she actually fell in love with someone for real? She developed a different kind of special feeling for the actor outside of the film. If it weren't for Qin Yinong occupying her heart early on and her contractual obligations that prevented her from dating others, she would have had to forcibly restrain herself off-screen. There have probably been several real relationships rumored because of that.

The most memorable one was from three years ago when she filmed a romance movie. In the film, their love was intense, and off-screen, she saw the male lead actor looking absent-minded, deliberately avoiding her. The male lead even thought he had done something to offend her and became anxious. After some indirect inquiries, he found out the reason and couldn't help but laugh and cry. They both tacitly maintained a distance in their daily lives. In that movie, there was a crucial scene where they had a complete farewell. After it ended, Tang Ruoyao rushed down from the camera and threw herself into the male lead's arms, sobbing uncontrollably. The two of them embraced and wept, and that footage is still circulating online. As a result, Tang Ruoyao and that actor's fans still consider that clip their precious treasure.

There are so many actors in the industry who have entered the realm of marriage because of developing feelings on set, precisely because they have invested too much of their emotions. Tang Ruoyao has had this problem since she started her career, and she hasn't been able to overcome it for many years.

The difference is that in other movies, the on-screen performance affects the off-screen interactions, while in "True Colors," it's the off-screen interactions that affect the on-screen performance. Or perhaps it's a combination of both, mutually influencing each other.

Tang Ruoyao didn't want to bring this up as it might complicate things with Qin Yinong, who was so sensitive.

Guan Han knocked on the door, and Qin Yinong timely changed the topic, saying, "Come in."

With Qin Yinong's guidance, Tang Ruoyao re-shot the scene twice, and indeed, the issue of excessive emotional involvement in her own persona did not reoccur. Han Yuping waved his hand and shouted, "Passed!"

Tang Ruoyao purposely walked up to Qin Yinrong, clasping her hands together, and sincerely thanked her.

A subtle displeasure flashed through Qin Yinong's heart, but she didn't know where it came from. Her gaze turned faint as she said, "You're welcome."

Tang Ruoyao was puzzled by her sudden coldness. Before she could ask, Qin Yinong adjusted back to her usual demeanor and said, "It's already past half of the afternoon. We probably won't continue filming today. What do you want to eat tonight?"

Tang Ruoyao quickly caught on to her suggestion, "Will you cook for me?"

Qin Yinong was taken aback, "I didn't say that. Besides, we're staying in a hotel now. There's no place to cook."

Tang Ruoyao blinked her eyes, as if it was only natural, "The house behind the Studio, let's go there again."

Qin Yinong was once again shocked by her audacity, not knowing how to respond with all the messiness going on. Tang Ruoyao burst into laughter, "Just kidding. I want to go out and eat. How about a candlelight dinner?"

"You and me?"

"Why not?"

Qin Yinong thought, Is this a date?

To go or not to go? Let's go.

Qin Yinong glanced at Guan Han, who understood her intentions and said, "I'll call and make a reservation at the restaurant."

Qin Yinong said, "Let's go separately."

Tang Ruoyao wanted to go with her, but for the time being, she couldn't dispel Qin Yinong's concerns. So she smiled and replied, "Okay, I'll take a taxi there."

"Stay safe." Qin Yinong reminded her.

Tang Ruoyao showed Qin Yinong the shadow by her side, the female bodyguard she hired after Qin Yinong instructed her. The inconspicuous female bodyguard nodded towards Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong felt a bit relieved.

Tang Ruoyao recalled the origins of this female bodyguard, which also stirred up many memories, including the conversation between Qin Yinong and Ji Yunyao, which she had deliberately tried to forget. Qin Yinong treated her as a worthless object and belittled her at will.

The situation had been improving day by day, and Tang Ruoyao didn't want to bring up past grievances, but this incident was indeed a thorn in her heart. She pursed her lips and temporarily suppressed the questions swirling in her mind.

However, the changes in the present situation made it impossible for her to remain as silent as before. Tang Ruoyao had previously managed to keep her emotions in check because she had to, facing the person she loved. She longed to pour out her thoughts without reservation.

During the meal, Tang Ruoyao neatly cut the French lamb chops on her plate into small pieces, mirroring the portion in front of Qin Yinong. Unable to hold back any longer, she pretended to casually ask, "Are you close with Ji Yunyao?"

Qin Yinong lowered her head, forked a piece of lamb chop, chewed it slowly, and calmly responded, "Why are you asking this?"

"Just curious."

"You're curious about her?"

"I'm curious about your relationship with her."

"What kind of relationship do you think I have with her?"

Although Qin Yinong's speed and tone of speech remained unchanged, Tang Ruoyao sensed a dangerous atmosphere. She took the initiative to show weakness, and a genuine sense of panic appeared on her face as she softly said, "Don't... don't get angry."

Qin Yinong couldn't bear to see her being wronged, couldn't bear to see her being so cautious, so it usually worked.

A hint of regret appeared in Qin Yinong's eyes as she retracted her thorn and said, "I'm sorry."

"It's okay. Did I touch a topic you don't like?"

Qin Yinong gave a low "mm" in response.

"Then I won't ask anymore."

Qin Yinong remained silent for a while, pursed her lips, and said, "If there is a chance in the future, I'll tell you."

Tang Ruoyao smiled and nodded firmly, "Okay." Having a future, having a chance—this wasn't the first time Qin Yinong had said such words. It would be even better if they could remove the five words "if there is a chance."

Qin Yinong asked, "Has Ji Yunyao ever approached you privately?"

Tang Ruoyao shook her head, thought for a moment, and asked, "Why would she want to find me?"

Qin Yinrong's eyes were tinged with a faint weariness as she said, "I don't know. If she approaches you, keep your distance."

"Okay, got it." Tang Ruoyao nodded vigorously, not just agreeing but adding, "I'll keep my distance from anyone who approaches me privately, regardless of whether they're male or female."

Qin Yinong arched an eyebrow, seemingly annoyed yet not really annoyed, and glanced at her.

Tang Ruoyao smiled brightly, her eyes and brows curved, taking the opportunity to express herself, "I only like—"

Her sweet words were in abundance, but Qin Yinong couldn't bear to listen anymore. Her ears were burning, and her cheeks were warming up. Without thinking, she reached forward and stuffed a piece of lamb chop into Tang Ruoyao's mouth.

Tang Ruoyao made a sound of surprise, blinked, and opened her mouth to swallow the lamb chop that was fed to her. Her eyes almost formed crescents as she smiled.

They had reserved a private room, away from Guan Han's prying eyes. Tang Ruoyao added another layer of gloss to her face and boldly sat beside Qin Yinong, staring at the meat on her plate, and said, "Why do I feel like yours tastes better than mine?"

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yes." Tang Ruoyao tilted her chin and playfully said, "Can you give me another piece to taste?"

Despite her words, both of her hands remained under the table, showing no intention of raising them.

Author's Note:

This story is also known as "How did Tang Ruoyao's shamelessness come to be?"

Since I can't write a small theater scene, let me bring the blackboard over. It feels a bit like a nursery rhyme: Elder sister long, elder sister short, elder sister wants but doesn't care. Yao Yao suffers, Yao Yao tires, elder sister just won't let her sleep. Teasing each other, flirting to the point of exhaustion, the night of passion is short, and people want to get drunk. Whose water will be drunk tonight?

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