CHAPTER 143

The main creators' meeting during the movie roadshow usually has videos leaked, whether they are professionally filmed or captured by fans present at the event. Tang Ruoyao is a talented actor with a good reputation among the public. She usually keeps a low profile and has relatively low exposure. Therefore, every time she trends on social media, it attracts a lot of attention from netizens. This time is no exception, especially since the trending topic has sparked public outrage among many internet users.

In recent years, there have been frequent incidents of celebrities being threatened in person. They have been followed and stalked by sasaeng fans, and extreme cases involve trespassing into their private residences. Instances of female and even male celebrities being forcibly hugged or kissed at events are also common. Tang Ruoyao is not the first example, and she won't be the last.

As a result, the trending topic "Tang Ruoyao tackled by a fan" has skyrocketed and remains high on the charts.

Qin Yinong wiped her hands clean and clicked on the video that was filled with outraged comments.

The video was only a few seconds long.

Tang Ruoyao was giving a speech on stage when suddenly a dark figure rushed out from the crowd in front. Not only did the people on the screen need a moment to react, but even those outside the screen needed a moment as well, indicating the tension of the situation at that time.

Tang Ruoyao reacted quickly and took a step back, but it was in vain. The figure rushed forward and hugged her, causing her to fall backward, hitting the back of her head hard on the stage. Then, in the chaos, everyone rushed forward, pulling the man away. The entire incident took less than five seconds.

That crisp and solid thud made Qin Yinong's heart skip a beat for a second.

Fortunately, Tang Ruoyao was quickly helped up, and apart from her dress and disheveled hair, she didn't seem to be seriously injured.

[These people can't be called fans, thank you [smile].]

[I feel sorry for Tang Tang. She must go to the hospital and see a doctor. And that man, he must be dealt with strictly. Thank you.]

[What are the on-site security doing?]

[Tang Ruoyao tackled by a fan, previously Wen Shuxian was forcibly kissed, XXX was hit with eggs, and Huang Yingdi had his glasses stolen. When will these 'fans' start acting like decent human beings?]

Qin Yinong wiped the cold sweat from her palm, took a deep breath, handed back the iPad, and went to the living room to pick up her phone from the coffee table. She dialed Tang Ruoyao's number.

Tang Ruoyao wasn't particularly scared after the incident. She believed that every setback was a lesson learned. However, since this morning, her phone hadn't stopped ringing. Besides her three roommates from 405, other friends in the industry had also reached out to inquire about her well-being. Tang Ruoyao replied to each one of them, finally catching her breath, but then the phone rang again.

As she repeated the words she had been rehearsing in her mind, she lost her ability to think clearly when she saw the caller ID.

Tang Ruoyao answered the call and immediately said, "I'm fine."

Qin Yinong, filled with anger, asked in a stern tone, "Why didn't you tell me last night?" If you listened carefully, there was a tremor of fear in her voice.

Tang Ruoyao's heart softened. Instead of explaining, she sincerely said, "I'm sorry, I won't do it again next time."

Last night, they had their usual chat, and Tang Ruoyao intended to tell Qin Yinong about the incident. However, she didn't think it was a big deal at first, and the atmosphere was too pleasant. She didn't want to needlessly worry Qin Yinong. But she forgot that she was a public figure, and any accident involving her would be exposed on the internet, allowing Qin Yinong to hear about it from other sources, amplifying the fear she felt compared to hearing it directly from Tang Ruoyao.

They were supposed to share each other's futures, whether filled with sunshine or storms.

Qin Yinong sank into the couch, shedding all her cold exterior in an instant. Her tone softened, lacking its usual aggressiveness. She lowered her gaze and said softly, "How badly are you hurt?"

"I'm fine, really, no need to worry."

"Did you go to the hospital? Did you get a brain CT scan? Are you sure there are no hidden risks?"

"...It's too much trouble, isn't it?" Tang Ruoyao hesitated.

"Do you want to go or not?" Qin Yinong's tone was calm, clearly not forcing her, and there was no change in her intonation. But Tang Ruoyao's heart skipped a beat, and she smiled, a mix of distress and happiness, and pursed her lips. "I'll go to the hospital later."

"Are you still attending the promotional events?"

"No, Director Lin gave me time off. I'm taking advantage of the break to go back to N City to meet Tang Fei. I've already bought the high-speed train tickets."

"Not going to the hospital, then?"

Tang Ruoyao had a sudden idea and said, "I'll go to the hospital in N City. My dad is there too, so it's killing two birds with one stone."

"You're clever." Qin Yinong chuckled, amused by her.

"You taught me well." Tang Ruoyao said sweetly.

Lately, she had been able to incorporate Han Zifei's personality more and more. It was not so much Han Zifei influencing her, but rather that being in love itself brought about significant changes. Some reactions came naturally, as long as they were directed towards the person she liked, her words became sweet like honey.

Qin Yinong thought to herself: Sweet words, smooth talker.

Tang Ruoyao continued with her sugary tone, "Senior Qin~"

Senior Qin couldn't resist it. Her ears tickled, and so did her heart. She put on a serious face and said, "Do you need something?"

Tang Ruoyao smiled and said, "No, I just wanted to call you."

Qin Yinong cleared her throat and said seriously, "Then go ahead and call me."

Tang Ruoyao was caught off guard and had some inappropriate thoughts. Even though she was alone in the room, her voice still lowered as she asked, "Is the thing I asked Guan Han to prepare... ready?"

She felt embarrassed to say those two words, but Qin Yinong understood what she meant. She had used it last night and was thinking about Tang Ruoyao while... being very engaged. However, afterwards, she felt a special longing for her, feeling emotionally empty.

Qin Yinong's mind also wandered off, filled with various thoughts. Her ears gradually grew warm.

While writing her thesis, "A Detailed Study on the Details of Tang Ruoyao's Feelings for Qin Yinong," Tang Ruoyao had gone over the details of their time together countless times. She had conducted thorough analyses, including the conversation they had in Lin Ruohan's villa. When Tang Ruoyao recalled it, she almost burst out laughing, struggling to control herself while writing. She felt like she had been acting foolishly in front of Qin Yinong and yet, Qin Yinong didn't seem to mind. It was true love.

The hundred-thousand-word thesis was not written in vain. Not only did it help Tang Ruoyao determine her own feelings, but it also confirmed Qin Yinong's affection for her through repeated analysis. She loved her for a lifetime, from birth to death.

Tang Ruoyao blinked her eyes, having mischievous thoughts. She brought up an old topic with a serious tone, "Senior Qin, how often do you usually...?"

Qin Yinong snapped out of her fantasy and didn't understand, "What are you saying?"

Tang Ruoyao clarified, "How often do you use the thing Guan Han gave you?" She was genuinely curious. After all, she hadn't tried it even once since she brought it back last time. One night, when she was feeling particularly uncomfortable thinking about Qin Yinong, unable to sleep, she had thought of challenging herself, but couldn't overcome her embarrassment. In the end, she chose the old method - writing memos. Unexpectedly, the more she wrote, the more excited she became. Helpless, she got up and took a cold shower to cool down physically.

"..." Qin Yinong's face turned red, feeling uncomfortable. She cleared her throat and clumsily changed the topic, "What time is your high-speed train? Won't you miss it if you don't go to the station soon?"

Tang Ruoyao burst into silent laughter, understanding the shyness and restraint of women. She didn't continue teasing her and instead, considerately followed her lead, saying, "You're right. I almost forgot. I should be leaving soon."

"Be mindful of the time." Qin Yinong reminded her dryly.

"I know." Tang Ruoyao dragged out her tone, soft and languid, with a playful smile. It was like a little hook tugging at Qin Yinong's heart.

She missed her so much. Qin Yinong's heart felt a sour longing. After a few seconds, she tactfully asked, "Are you going to pick up Tang Fei today?"

"Yes."

Qin Yinong bit her lip and with lowered eyes, her eyebrows tinged with warmth.

When a woman stays silent, it means she agrees.

Tang Ruoyao glanced at the time. It was indeed almost time to leave. She had some miscellaneous matters to handle, and Qin Yinong had been busy lately. She didn't have much free time during the day, and now that she hung up the phone, they could only talk at night.

Her heart was filled with tenderness, and she blurted out a term of endearment in a soft and gentle tone, "Baby."

Qin Yinong's fingertips tingled, and her heartbeat suddenly became erratic.

After a while, she made a barely audible sound, "Mm."

Tang Ruoyao received a response, and her eyes softened. She called out in a low voice, "Darling."

Qin Yinong curled her fingers, and the snowy skin on her ears and neck turned completely red, as if blush had melted into water. Her heart raced, her breathing grew heavy, and she had to move the phone slightly away, afraid that Tang Ruoyao would hear her disordered breath.

"It's getting late, go to the high-speed rail station." Qin Yinong hastily hung up the phone.

Guan Han stood there dumbfounded.

She couldn't understand how a simple phone call to inquire about her well-being had transformed Qin Yinong from a strict and powerful figure to someone who now blushed and buried her face in a pillow, displaying shyness like a charming young wife.

Guan Han's mind was blown away.

What on earth had happened? Had her ship sailed in the wrong direction?!

The young wife blushed for a while on her own and then raised her eyes to see Guan Han, who was trying to maintain a calm appearance. She felt uneasy and raised her finger to tuck her hair behind her ear, cleared her throat, and asked, "Do you have anything to do?"

Guan Han was too shocked by the situation to react properly. Luckily, she usually had a similar expression, so it didn't come across as too abrupt. She replied, "Yes, I'm going to help Aunt Fang weed the garden."

Qin Yinong waved her hand and said casually, "Go ahead."

Guan Han walked away in a daze.

Such incidents were not uncommon in the entertainment industry. So when Tang Ruoyao encountered a fan attack, Qin Yinong initially didn't think much of it, and Tang Ruoyao didn't reveal too many details to her. Qin Yinong advised Tang Ruoyao to go to the hospital for a check-up and to be careful about her safety. She also made a phone call to Lin Guoan, asking him to make stricter security demands for the upcoming roadshow organized by the host. The matter was swept under the rug. However, on that same day, Qin Yinong received another message from Tang Ruoyao.

It was noon, and Tang Ruoyao was sitting in her seat on the high-speed train, reminiscing about her journey and confirming with her bodyguard. She typed a message to Qin Yinong: [Senior Qin, I feel like someone is following me.]

Qin Yinong, under Ji Shulan's alarmed gaze, dropped her chopsticks and quickly typed: [Are you sure?]

Tang Ruoyao looked out the window at the platform, squinted her eyes, and said: [I'm sure, it might be a sasaeng fan.]

Qin Yinong's heart skipped a beat, her fingers flew across the keyboard as she instructed: [Don't get too close to strangers, don't sign autographs, don't take pictures with fans casually. No matter what happens, don't let the bodyguards leave your side.]

Tang Ruoyao replied: [I know, I'm being careful.]

She thought for a moment and asked, [Do you have time for a phone call now?]

[Yes.] Qin Yinong stood up, nodded at Ji Shulan, and walked to the balcony. "Go ahead."

Tang Ruoyao explained her suspicions about the person from yesterday.

She had only recently entered the industry and had been focused on studying. Apart from filming and occasional brand events and award ceremonies, she rarely appeared in public. In addition, Qin Yinong had been overly protective of her, so her understanding and experience in the industry were superficial. When something happened, she didn't blindly try to solve it herself. She knew her own limitations and sought Qin Yinong's help to analyze the situation.

She wasn't alone now. She and Qin Yinong were bound by fate, intimately connected. She was well aware of this fact. Protecting herself from harm was also an act of love towards Qin Yinong.

Tang Ruoyao: "Senior Qin, have I offended someone recently? Is someone trying to target me?"

Qin Yinong said, "Don't panic."

Tang Ruoyao remained calm. She could tell that it was Qin Yinong who was panicking, so she comforted her in turn, "It's okay, don't scare yourself."

"I'm not." Qin Yinong leaned against the balcony window, took slow breaths, tightened and relaxed her fingers, and calmly said, "I have a better understanding of the industry. I'll ask An Ling about it."

Tang Ruoyao said, "Okay."

Qin Yinong spoke quickly, "One bodyguard is not enough. I'll arrange two more for you. If you encounter any more stalkers, keep two bodyguards close to you and send one to track down the person."

"Okay." Tang Ruoyao accepted without any doubts, even though having three bodyguards with her seemed excessive.

Finally, Qin Yinong said, "Don't be afraid." She was comforting Tang Ruoyao, but it seemed more like she was trying to convince herself.

Tang Ruoyao wanted to lighten the mood and replied with a smile, "You're more afraid than I am."

Qin Yinong fell silent.

She looked at her slender fingers resting on the aluminum alloy frame. Since receiving Tang Ruoyao's call, the slight trembling of her fingertips had not ceased. She was truly afraid, afraid that one day Tang Ruoyao would no longer love her, afraid that any mishap might befall her.

She couldn't bear the thought of losing her, even if it was just imaginary. It scared her to the point of trembling all over, waking up crying from her dreams.

During this period, her nightmares had not improved. The protagonist had changed from Qin Yinong to Tang Ruoyao. Tang Ruoyao was her medicine, but also her poison. Every day she spent was like quenching her thirst, not knowing when she would reach her limit.

She even entertained an extreme idea, lurking in the depths of the night when no one was around. She wanted to keep Tang Ruoyao locked up at home, break her wings, and imprison her forever, so that she could only stay by her side.

But reason told her she couldn't, she knew this idea was wrong. It wasn't love, it was selfishness, it was blasphemy against her god, and it would only push the other person away. So she suppressed that thought time and time again. Now, that idea had resurfaced once more. She wanted to lock Tang Ruoyao away, restrict her movements, and only let her be active under her watchful eyes. Only then would she gain a tiny bit of pitiful peace and solace.

Tang Ruoyao grew uneasy as she didn't hear a response for a long time. She asked tentatively, "Qin Yinong?"

Qin Yinong's numb expression gradually became more lively, and she gently said, "I'm here, what's wrong?"

Tang Ruoyao felt slightly reassured and twirled a strand of hair around her fingers as she softly asked, "What are you doing?"

Qin Yinong turned to look at the dining table and replied, "I'm having a meal."

Tang Ruoyao smiled and said, "I'm on the high-speed train."

"I know."

"I know you know, I just wanted to let you know."

"Mm." Qin Yinong's heart miraculously calmed down, and she took the initiative to say, "I'm at home."

Having a meal and having a meal at home, the difference was just two words, but their meanings were profound.

After a pause, Qin Yinong added, "With my mom."

Tang Ruoyao avoided mentioning Xin Qian, inheriting her shamelessness from last night and whispered, "Can I call our mom?"

Qin Yinong asked her seriously, "What's the name of the daughter of Zhang Yinghao?"

"Xing Xing. [Wake up.]" Tang Ruoyao laughed and said, "How do you know about this joke?"

Qin Yinong calmly responded, "When her daughter was born, I gave her a longevity lock." But Qin Yinong knew about this joke from last year's graduation ceremony, from what Wen Shuxian and a few others had said.

Tang Ruoyao let out a sigh and gossiped with her, saying, "Did you know that Zhang Yinghao is expecting her second child?"

Qin Yinong replied, "I know, I've prepared the second longevity lock."

Tang Ruoyao burst into laughter once again.

Xin Qian looked around for her and fortunately, there was no one else in the business class, otherwise this person's image would be completely ruined.

Qin Yinong said, "I have to go back and have dinner. My mom has been watching me."

Tang Ruoyao said, "Go ahead, go ahead."

Qin Yinong didn't speak, nor did she hang up the phone. It seemed like she was waiting for something.

Tang Ruoyao listened to the calm and fluctuating breaths on the other end of the phone and understood without words, "I miss you."

Qin Yinong silently raised her eyebrows and waited for a while before hanging up the phone.

Tang Ruoyao, however, held her phone for a long time without coming back to her senses.

Her eyes and eyebrows gradually filled with surprise, mixed with a hint of hesitation and uncertainty.

Just before Qin Yinong hung up, she seemed to have said something in a barely audible voice, "Me too."

What did she mean by "me too"? Did she also miss her?

A big smile appeared on Tang Ruoyao's face.

Xin Qian once again leaned to the side to block the view, even though there was no one around, there were still attendants, and she had a duty as an assistant to maintain the artist's image.

......

Qin Yinong sat down at the table, picked up her chopsticks, and was about to pick up some food.

Ji Shulan stopped her and said, "It's cold, let me heat it up for you." Without waiting for Qin Yinong's response, she and Aunt Fang took the cold dishes to the kitchen, and the range hood started whirring.

Qin Yinong's phone, which was placed aside, vibrated slightly. She unlocked the screen and indeed, it was a message from Tang "No Shame" Ruoyao.

[I miss you, I miss you, I miss you]

[I want to hug you, I want to kiss you, I want *you]

Qin Yinong blushed with embarrassment, almost throwing the phone back on the table.

Tang Ruoyao poured out her overflowing emotions and quickly retracted the second message.

Qin Yinong stared at the system message, pursed her lips, clicked on the saved messages, read them twice, confirmed that they were saved, and then returned to the message interface.

Ji Shulan looked out through the glass door of the kitchen and saw Qin Yinong staring at her phone, occasionally smiling and touching her forehead, exchanging a meaningful glance with Aunt Fang, who was inexplicably looking at her.

When Ji Shulan heard the sound of the kitchen door, she quickly restrained the obvious smile on her lips and smiled faintly, saying, "Mom."

Ji Shulan placed the heated dishes in front of Qin Yinong, while Aunt Fang refilled her bowl with rice. Qin Yinong ate slowly and calmly, while Ji Shulan sat across from her and casually asked, "Is it someone you like?"

Qin Yinong didn't look at her, burying her head in her meal and nodded lightly.

Ji Shulan was taken aback by her admission, stunned for a moment, and pleasantly surprised, she exclaimed, "Really?!"

Qin Yinong nodded again.

Ji Shulan excitedly asked, "When will you bring them home to meet us?"

Qin Yinong didn't specify the time, pressed down the food in her mouth after chewing slowly, and said, "Soon."

Ji Shulan thought of the person she had guessed and wanted to ask Qin Yinong, but she hesitated to speak. However, she had already mentally prepared herself to meet a young lady.

Ji Shulan said, "I want to buy a few new clothes, is that okay?" At home, she could dress casually, but when meeting someone new, she wanted to tidy up a bit.

Qin Yinong said, "In the afternoon, let Aunt Fang accompany you for shopping."

Ji Shulan said, "Can I buy a few things for her too?" She pointed at Aunt Fang.

Qin Yinong naturally had no objections, Aunt Fang tried to refuse, but she was suppressed by the two of them working together.

Qin Yinong added, "Buy a few things for Ningning as well, so she can dress up nicely."

Ji Shulan happily stood up and started preparing for the outing in the afternoon. As she was walking halfway, she suddenly turned back with a hint of nervousness in her expression and asked, "Have you told her about Ningning's existence?"

Regardless of whether it was a man or a woman, accepting a child who doesn't belong to them would inevitably have some concerns.

Ji Shulan knew that Qin Yinong loved Ningning, but she couldn't help but have some doubts. What if the person she liked didn't like Ningning? Or if they didn't get along well with Ningning, whom would she choose? Would she neglect Ningning because of it?

"I have told her." Qin Yinong sensitively caught the lack of trust from Ji Shulan's face. She smiled and concealed the self-derision and icy irony in her eyes, softly saying, "She really likes Ningning, and Ningning also likes her."

"Have they met?"

"No."

Ji Shulan anxiously asked, "Then how can you be sure..."

Qin Yinong suddenly lifted her gaze, interrupting her, saying, "Mom."

Ji Shulan fell silent.

Qin Yinong made a promise word by word, saying, "If they really don't get along well, I will reconsider my relationship with her. Are you satisfied?"

Ji Shulan's gaze evaded, her lips moved twice, and she stuttered, "That's not what I meant..."

"I'm full." Qin Yinong put down her chopsticks and stood up without looking back.

Ji Shulan watched her walking away and hurriedly took a few steps with her lame leg. "Where are you going?"

"To the company." Qin Yinong left without looking back.

Aunt Fang glanced at the mother and daughter who were parting ways and silently lowered her head to clean up the dishes.

Ji Shulan turned to look at Aunt Fang, who raised her eyebrows and couldn't help but scold her, "Dudu just got happy for once, why did you dampen her spirits? Now that you've driven her away, are you happy?"

Ji Shulan defended herself, "I didn't mean to..."

Aunt Fang sighed, "Although I also love Ningning, and everyone loves her, she is not Miss Yinong's biological daughter after all. If we have to put it in perspective, she is just a niece. You can't expect her to live her whole life for Ningning, can you? She is still young. She was always so serious and mature. Now that she has finally gained some popularity, you still bother her."

Aunt Fang became more and more dissatisfied as she spoke, forcefully wiping the table, and speaking up for Qin Yinong, "In the past, you showed favoritism, and now you still show favoritism. Miss Luning has left, and you've shifted your favoritism onto her daughter. Have you ever had Second Miss in your eyes?"

"I really didn't mean to... sigh!" Ji Shulan raised her hand and lightly slapped her own face, feeling remorseful.

Aunt Fang remained unmoved, picked up the two plates, and walked towards the refrigerator, with her back facing Ji Shulan, casually saying, "What's the use of hitting yourself in front of me? She can't see it. What do you want to eat tonight? I'll go choose some dishes in advance."

.....

"Offend someone?" An Ling sat in her office chair, twirling a ballpoint pen between her fingers, lazily spinning it around, and with a nasal voice, she said, "Who can she possibly offend?"

How many people have you offended yourself?

An Ling was least patient with her urgent attitude towards Tang Ruoyao's trivial matters. It wasn't even lunchtime yet, and she barged in knocking on the door. Fortunately, An Ling hadn't taken a nap during overtime, otherwise, she might have scared her into a heart attack.

She asked, and it turned out to be about Tang Ruoyao being tackled by a fan and being followed on the way. She suspected that Tang Ruoyao offended someone, so she rushed over from home to ask her.

Previously, there were inexplicably many men and women in her own room, and she remained calm as if nothing had happened. Why didn't she think about her personal safety? What if someone had a knife on them...

Qin Yinong stated firmly, "It's precisely because I have learned from past experiences that I can't let history repeat itself. You're right, what if someone brings a knife on stage next time? Have you forgotten about the recent stabbing incident in the Hong Kong entertainment industry?"

An Ling dropped her pen and raised her hands in surrender. "You're right, Miss Qin. Please continue."

Qin Yinong asked seriously, "Has she been competing with anyone for resources lately?"

An Ling immediately replied, "Yes, you asked me to get her an endorsement deal. I planned to promote her to a higher status. Her competitor is a well-established young actress, but..." An Ling paused and said, "We're not in the same era as you anymore, where we tear each other apart for resources. At most, we engage in online public opinion battles. Not many people would go offline and cause trouble. It's something that shouldn't see the light of day. What if it gets exposed? Then what's the point?"

Qin Yinong continued, "Has she offended any big shots before? For example..." She let out a sigh before continuing, "Refusing to comply with their unwritten rules and becoming enemies?"

An Ling burst into laughter and said, "Miss Qin, do you have any misunderstandings about yourself? In the industry, Tang Ruoyao is only a few steps away from having 'I have connections' written on her forehead. Who would dare touch her with unwritten rules? People are busy flattering her."

"Someone who is even more influential than me," Qin Yinong pondered for a moment and corrected herself, "Someone similar to me. What if they took an interest in her?"

An Ling calmly asked, "If she really had such an enemy, wouldn't she tell you?"

Qin Yinong murmured, "You're right." She suddenly felt a bit exhausted and leaned back on the sofa, breathing lightly.

Tang Ruoyao wasn't completely helpless. She had her own abilities.

A hint of doubt flashed in An Ling's eyes. She walked out from behind the desk and said, "You seem different today."

"Do I?" Qin Yinong picked up the coffee on the coffee table, took a sip, and smiled lightly.

An Ling approached her and observed, "Your complexion seems a bit off." She lowered her gaze and squinted slightly, even her fingers trembled.

"Maybe I didn't sleep well last night." Qin Yinong switched hands, holding the coffee cup and pinching her fingertip hard.

An Ling wanted to say something but was interrupted by Qin Yinong, "Are you suggesting that Tang Ruoyao couldn't possibly have enemies targeting her offline?"

An Ling replied cautiously, "I'm saying it's unlikely, not completely impossible."

Qin Yinong lowered her head, her expression hidden. "Then do you think our relationship has been exposed?"

An Ling froze for a moment.

Qin Yinong lowered her gaze, her fingertip rubbing against the cup of coffee, and after a long while, she softly said, "What if... it's my enemies who have found her?"

BACK | TABLE OF CONTENTS | NEXT