CHAPTER 152

Tang Ruoyao sat restlessly at the dining table, her gaze fixed firmly on the closed bathroom door.

As soon as she heard a faint sound, she immediately turned her attention back and sat up straight.

The mother and daughter came out hand in hand, and Tang Ruoyao pretended as if she had just noticed them, naturally saying, "Let's have breakfast quickly, it's getting cold."

Qin Yinong sat down on a chair, holding Ningning in her arms, and gave her a signal with her eyes.

Ningning, smart and sensible, raised her delicate eyebrows slightly and gave Qin Yinong a knowing look.

The mother and daughter exchanged glances as if no one else was present, their smiles filled with warmth at the dining table. To Tang Ruoyao, it was both sweet and bittersweet. It was sweet to see her wife and daughter happy together, but it was bittersweet because she hadn't fully integrated into this little family yet.

Tang Ruoyao lowered her head, scooped up a spoonful of porridge, suppressed the slight bitterness at the back of her tongue, and suddenly saw a small, white hand in her line of sight. The child wasn't proficient in using chopsticks yet, so she struggled to pick up a piece of pumpkin cake, crossed the wide table, and put it into Tang Ruoyao's bowl. It was more difficult than she had imagined.

Tang Ruoyao looked up and saw the child's face turning red. She looked at the direction of the chopstick's tip and confirmed that she wasn't being presumptuous. Surprised and moved, she reached out and accepted the bowl.

"Th-thank you..." She almost lost her words. Clearing her throat, she managed to say a complete sentence, "Thank you, Ningning."

Ningning fluently replied, "You're welcome." Not only was she fluent, but she also spoke clearly, like a mature and hospitable host. She said, "Grandma Fang's pumpkin cake is delicious. Auntie Tang, you should try it."

"Okay, thank you."

Qin Yinong's eyes were subtle.

She seemed to have a clue about the root of Qin Jianing's remark that Tang Ruoyao wasn't smart. It didn't seem like a new mother talking to her daughter, it was more like a new daughter-in-law meeting her in-laws, and the new daughter-in-law's reaction was a bit slow.

Tang Ruoyao took a bite of the pumpkin cake, and her usually spirited phoenix eyes curved into crescents. She looked like a melting marshmallow, and with a smile in her eyes, she said, "It's delicious."

Ningning observed her, sounding mature, "As long as it's delicious, that's good. Eat more, if it's not enough, there's more in the kitchen."

The conversation was heading in a strange direction, and Qin Yinong had to intervene with a gentle smile, saying, "Baby, eat your meal."

Both Tangtang and Ningning obediently responded with an "Oh" and focused on their porridge.

Of course, Qin Yinong was calling Ningning, how could she publicly use such a cheesy term of endearment for Tang Ruoyao? Even in private, she had to coax and persuade Tang Ruoyao. They both responded at the same time and then paused simultaneously.

Tang Ruoyao quickly turned her thoughts around, pretending that the statement was also referring to her. She listened attentively.

A faint smile appeared on her lips.

Ningning, on the other hand, looked at Auntie Tang in front of her once again, pursing her lips slightly.

Was Auntie Tang trying to snatch her mom away?

After dinner, Aunt Fang took Ningning to the small garden for a walk. They hadn't walked for long when a car drove in. A middle-aged man carrying a medicine box got out of the car. Ningning saw him and politely greeted, "Uncle Doctor."

It was Qin Yinong's personal doctor.

Dr. Qiu had been a frequent visitor to their home recently. He walked over and placed a candy in the palm of the child's hand, saying, "Ningning, is your mom inside?"

"She's in the living room." Ningning replied.

"Okay, thank you, Ningning." Dr. Qiu adjusted the strap of his medicine box on his shoulder and headed inside. Ningning stood still for a moment, then followed him and said, "Wait for me, Uncle Doctor."

In the living room, only Tang Ruoyao and Qin Yinong remained, along with Guan Han, who knew the situation. With the child gone, Tang Ruoyao no longer needed to be discreet. She asked Qin Yinong, "Did you tell Ningning something?"

Qin Yinong found Tang Ruoyao's curiosity amusing. Lately, she was increasingly at a loss for how to deal with her. The child was acting stubbornly towards her—referring to the person in front of her.

So Qin Yinong got up and poured two glasses of water, knowingly asking, "Tell her what?"

"It's just..." Tang Ruoyao felt embarrassed as she spoke. She found it humiliating that she repeatedly faced setbacks with a toddler, and her face was now blushing in front of Qin Yinong.

Her voice became softer and softer, "How could she suddenly offer to pick up food for me?"

Qin Yinong replied, "I told her that you are our family's guest."

Tang Ruoyao felt annoyed by the obvious distinction Qin Yinong made with her choice of words, using "you" and "our family." She expressed her displeasure with a slight pout and said almost inaudibly, "I'm not your..." She shaped her mouth, barely making a sound, "girlfriend?"

Guan Han, silently reading their lips, was on the verge of going crazy.

Qin Yinong's eyes curved, and she retorted, "Since you consider yourself part of the family, why are you acting so... reserved when you see her?" Qin Yinong swallowed the word "timid" and chose a gentler phrase, "shy?"

Tang Ruoyao sighed.

Qin Yinong's eyes narrowed, and she asked in return, "Who was the one calling and messaging me earlier, referring to our daughter as 'our daughter'? Hm?"

Tang Ruoyao shamefully lowered her head, her entire body overflowing with the six words: "Let's not talk about the past."

Qin Yinong laughed.

This child.

She took Tang Ruoyao's hand, placed it in her palm, and gave it a squeeze, comforting her, "There's plenty of time ahead. It's okay. She will definitely like you."

Tang Ruoyao still felt a bit down, and she softly made a sound of agreement, leaning into the woman's embrace and rubbing her soft and curved chin.

Qin Yinong naturally placed a hand on her shoulder, lowered her head, and kissed the young woman's long hair, speaking softly, "Good girl."

Guan Han felt a mix of excitement and light-headedness, fireworks exploding in her mind. Her life was complete.

In her heart, she began singing the wedding march for the two of them. But halfway through, she suddenly sensed something and looked towards the entrance. With a serious tone, she reminded, "Qin Jie, Miss Tang."

Tang Ruoyao and Qin Yinong followed Guan Han's gaze and saw Dr. Qiu, Ningning, and Aunt Fang standing at the doorway.

Qin Yinong got up to welcome them, saying, "Dr. Qiu."

Dr. Qiu had a displeased expression and spoke in a harsh tone, "What's wrong again? You keep pretending to be sick and causing all sorts of trouble. Even if..."

Qin Yinong interrupted his scolding with a smile, saying, "It's not for me. I asked you to check on a friend of mine."

Dr. Qiu shifted his gaze to Tang Ruoyao's face and set down the medicine box.

He carefully examined Tang Ruoyao's face and furrowed his brows, asking, "How did this happen?"

Qin Yinong lowered her eyes and spoke in a very soft voice, "It was me... I was careless."

Tang Ruoyao had to tilt her face upward and struggled to find Qin Yinong's hand with her peripheral vision. She reached out and held it, gently caressing the back of her hand with her fingertips.

Dr. Qiu froze for two seconds, his throat involuntarily bobbing up and down, displaying an expression that said, "The entertainment industry is really chaotic."

Qin Yinong, her hand held by Tang Ruoyao's warm palm, suppressed her self-blame and raised her gaze, her expression back to normal. She asked, "Will her face be okay?"

Dr. Qiu opened the medicine box and applied medicine to Tang Ruoyao again, saying lightly, "It's not a big problem. It will heal quickly." He hinted with his words, "Although I don't oppose this... method, I suggest establishing a good... relationship. If I'm not mistaken, your friend is also a public figure. If this gets out, it won't have a good impact."

Qin Yinong: "..."

Dr. Qiu had misunderstood, and Qin Yinong couldn't explain it easily. So she decided to put on a sincere and teachable look, saying, "I understand, Dr. Qiu."

Dr. Qiu snorted, "Haven't you said the same thing to me before?" His anger rose from within as he continued, "It's not like I want to scold you, but you just had stomach surgery not long ago. I repeatedly told you not to drink, but did you listen? Did you ignore the doctor's advice?"

Tang Ruoyao's eyes trembled slightly.

Surgery? What surgery?

Dr. Qiu added, "Why are you glaring at me? Trying to show off your big eyes?"

Qin Yinong massaged her forehead.

Dr. Qiu finished applying the medicine to Tang Ruoyao and left in a carefree manner.

"When did you have surgery on your stomach? What kind of surgery?" Tang Ruoyao turned her face to Qin Yinong, her eyes darkening.

"It was a long time ago." Qin Yinong looked embarrassed and chuckled.

"How long ago is 'a long time ago'? Specifically, when?" Tang Ruoyao pushed Qin Yinong onto the couch, propping her arms on either side of her, forcing her to meet her gaze.

This woman, she only shares good news but not worries. If she doesn't properly "educate" her, it will take forever to resolve the problem.

Just as Qin Yinong was about to surrender, Tang Ruoyao's dress was suddenly held by a small hand. She looked down and met the black, deep eyes of a little girl. Those eyes resembled Qin Yinong's, long eyelashes with an upward tilt at the corners. Because of her young age, her pupils were even darker and brighter than Qin Yinong's, like shining black grapes, as if she had walked out of a comic book.

Under the gaze of those eyes, Tang Ruoyao's anger disappeared. She withdrew her hand and gently bent down, saying, "Ningning, is there something wrong?"

Ningning stared straight at her and said, "Don't bully my mom."

Tang Ruoyao: "???"

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Ningning puffed up her cheeks and forcefully pushed Tang Ruoyao with her little arm. Caught off guard, Tang Ruoyao took a step back, and Ningning took the opportunity to grab Qin Yinong's hand, pulling her aside. She opened her arms and stood in front of Qin Yinong, on guard.

Tang Ruoyao: "!!!"

She realized things were going south, and hurriedly said, "Let me explain!"

Qin Yinong also spoke from behind Ningning, "It's not like that, Auntie Tang was just joking with mom, she didn't bully me."

Tang Ruoyao was sweating, "Yes, that's right, Auntie was just making a joke."

Ningning remained skeptical, "Really?"

Both parents spoke in unison, "Really."

Ningning turned her head to look at her mother, and Qin Yinong flashed her a gentle smile. Ningning pondered for a moment, then slowly let go. Tang Ruoyao dared not move, and Qin Yinong cautiously watched Ningning's expression before taking steps towards Tang Ruoyao.

Ningning kept her eyes on the two of them, her innocent face tense.

Tang Ruoyao had a sudden idea and gave Qin Yinong a signal with her eyes. She retreated to the couch, and Qin Yinong instinctively wrapped her in her arms, completely reversing the previous situation. Ningning's expression finally relaxed.

Guan Han timely approached and said, "Ningning, how about we play with building blocks?"

Ningning nodded.

Tang Ruoyao sat down on the couch, feeling weak all over, and said in relief, "That scared me."

Qin Yinong patted her hand, offering a small comfort.

She, too, was still shaken.

She realized that her initial expectations were somewhat naive. The world of children is very different from that of adults, and Tang Ruoyao was a stranger to Ningning. Furthermore, Tang Ruoyao's behavior of frequently making mistakes didn't earn her any goodwill in Ningning's eyes.

Their recent actions might have even caused misunderstandings and stirred negative feelings in the child.

Tang Ruoyao wondered what she could do to make Ningning accept her. It was a practical issue that needed to be resolved urgently.

Qin Yinong thought for a moment and said, "Until she likes and accepts you, let's not display overly intimate behavior in front of her. What do you think?"

Tang Ruoyao seemed at a loss and quickly agreed, "Okay."

"Now what do I do now?" She looked at Qin Yinong with hopeful eyes, wishing she could provide some guidance. Her usually agile mind had temporarily shut down.

Qin Yinong racked her brain and suggested, "How about writing a paper? It might help clarify your thoughts." After all, she was good at that, right?

Tang Ruoyao absentmindedly inserted her fingers into her hair, grabbing onto her long strands, and murmured to herself, "You're right." She repeated it once more, "You're right."

A warm feeling surged in Qin Yinong's heart. She gently took Tang Ruoyao's hand and held it, speaking softly with both pity and affection, "I believe in you."

Tang Ruoyao gradually regained her confidence as she looked into Qin Yinong's tender and watery eyes. She held her hand and was about to kiss the back of it.

Qin Yinong coughed.

Had she already forgotten what was said earlier?

Tang Ruoyao glanced at Qin Jianing sitting on the carpet, playing with building blocks, seemingly ready to look over at any moment. Her heart skipped a beat.

Qin Yinong reached out to touch Tang Ruoyao's fair forehead, wiping away the cold sweat, pursed her lips, and looked at her with tender eyes, saying, "You don't need to be so afraid of her."

"I'm not afraid of her..." Tang Ruoyao smiled and didn't continue, just holding the woman's hand tightly.

Qin Yinong's expression slightly changed, and she squeezed her hand back even harder.

She understood.

Tang Ruoyao suppressed the urge to passionately kiss the woman in front of her and said, "I have something to talk to An Ling about. Why don't you play with Ningning for a while? If you're always with me, she might think I'm taking her mother away."

Qin Yinong teasingly smiled and praised, "Why is your intelligence suddenly back online?"

Tang Ruoyao laughed and replied, "It's all thanks to your training."

Qin Yinong glanced at her, seemingly annoyed but not really, and got up, walking towards Qin Jianing's direction.

......

After enduring the crowded morning rush hour, the office workers finally settled into their seats. Surprisingly, the Weibo hot search that had caused a stir all day yesterday was trending again, with the same protagonist, Qin Yinong.

The hot search title corresponded to yesterday's events: Qin Yinong clarifies rumors of her diva behavior.

Clicking on it revealed surveillance footage, with the time and location marked in the upper left corner. The video quality was not the best, but it was clear enough for netizens to see the chaotic scene at the time.

A black extended Bentley entered the surveillance range, and suddenly a group of journalists carrying cameras and equipment flooded the previously empty street. Within seconds, the Bentley was completely surrounded, with no space to move.

The video was edited, and based on the time displayed in the upper left corner, the standoff seemed to last for about ten minutes. At one point, the Bentley attempted to leave the scene and break through the encirclement, but without exception, it failed. One journalist even sat on the car hood, with others following suit. After being surrounded for almost twenty minutes, the car door was finally opened, and the bodyguards struggled to protect Qin Yinong as she left. However, it was futile, as several times she was pushed back by the pushing journalists.

[Real-life zombie siege???]

[This is like a real-life zombie siege. Seriously, I think these journalists have gone too far. Isn't a celebrity a human being? They're acting like crazy people. What if there's a stampede accident?]

[It's really terrifying. Even watching through the screen, I almost wet myself. At first, I thought those little black dots were dirt on the screen, but they turned out to be people rushing out. I kind of understand why Qin Yinong smashed the microphone. If I were pushed to that extent, I would do the same. Who wouldn't get angry?]

[Are the whitewashing internet trolls here???]

[Contemporary toxic netizens, even sharing the same platform with you makes me nauseous. I've long found these unscrupulous media displeasing. They'll do anything for popularity, even exposing children.]

[On a side note, yesterday was the XX charity banquet, and Qin Yinong was attending the charity auction. She was blocked by these paparazzi on the way, and she couldn't even make it to the auction. There's information available to confirm that Qin Yinong makes substantial donations at various charity events every year.]

[It's all for show. Spending a little money to whitewash oneself, so what?]

[Heh, even if it's a show, the money donated is real, and the contributions to society are real. Isn't that much better than you, a filthy rat hiding in the gutter and only capable of typing on a keyboard?]

......

Tang Ruoyao glanced at the screen and found that there were more rational netizens among the comments. Of course, there were definitely some fans and trolls hired by An Ling who contributed to the situation. Overall, public opinion was relatively positive.

Two hours later, during the peak lunchtime traffic, another new video appeared online, which An Ling had bought at a high price from an entertainment reporter. It was a high-definition version.

The questions from the reporters, Qin Yinong's responses, everything was clear in both picture and sound.

Qin Yinong pursed her lips and lowered her head, remaining silent. She only wanted to urgently leave this place of controversy. However, the reporters persisted with their relentless follow-up questions, like shadows that couldn't be shaken off. It was as if they were an ulcer attached to her bones, impossible to get rid of. Especially when the voices became chaotic, it made people's ears and hearts uncomfortable.

"Qin Yinong, can you confirm if you have a secret child?"

"Who is the father of the child?"

"When did you give birth to this child? Are you already married in secret?"

"Please answer our questions!"

"As a public figure, shouldn't you face public's scrutiny? Shouldn't you give us an explanation!"

Struggling in the midst of the black terror, Qin Yinong walked on with difficulty. Suddenly, she paused, lifting her slender white fingertips, brushing her disheveled long hair from her temples and tucking it behind her ears. Her captivating peach blossom eyes flicked upwards with a hint of a smile, cool and thin on her lips. She calmly said, "An explanation, you say?"

Unexpectedly, the microphone closest to her was snatched away in one swift motion and slammed onto the ground, emitting a piercing, prolonged sound.

There was a commotion in the surroundings.

"This is my explanation."

Qin Yinong surveyed the entire scene with cold eyes, her gaze icy. She slammed the ground with a resounding voice, "Leave."

The comments under this Weibo post were a bit perplexing.

[Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah, Sister is so awesome!]

[Sister is so cool, pick me!! I'm ready!! Ah ah ah!!]

Tang Ruoyao: "???"

She might have seen comments like these on her own Weibo, but here? It seemed a bit inappropriate. However, netizens always flooded the comments section without considering the context.

Tang Ruoyao scrolled down a few more comments before finally finding some normal ones.

[These reporters make me sick. What does it have to do with them if she has a child? They're so persistently asking as if their spouse cheated on them. What do they mean by demanding an explanation? Who the hell do they think they are? Why should Qin Yinong give them an explanation? Well said by Qin Yinong! They're a bunch of bloodsucking parasites!]

[She has gained a lot of fans! Well done! The aura is explosive. Qin Huang [Phoenix] is truly deserving of her title! She even enjoys the treatment of clearing the red carpet at international film festivals!]

[I think the reporters have a point, don't they? She is a public figure and does owe everyone an explanation, right?]

[Just because someone asks doesn't mean she has to provide an explanation. I have no interest in a celebrity's private life. If she didn't cheat or interfere in someone else's marriage, even if she had a secret marriage and a love child, so what? It's none of your business, none of my business. As long as she acts well in movies, she can be a shining star for our country. Those keyboard warriors only focus on gossip and have nothing better to do.]

[Everyone is focused on the video, but am I the only one thinking that this seems like the first time Qin Yinong's studio has sincerely clarified things for their boss?]

The number of reposts on this Weibo exceeded several times that of the previous one, and the content of the reposts clearly showed that there were more real people involved. The majority of them fell into two categories: objective comments criticizing the reporters and those who were "excited" about being chosen. The latter group was increasing in numbers.

After that, this video spread and ended up in the popular parody section of a well-known bullet screen website. Countless netizens had fun with it, and Qin Yinong's image unexpectedly took on some unexpected developments. But that's another story that doesn't need to be elaborated on.

Tang Ruoyao closed the Weibo interface with mixed feelings.

An Ling called her, and concisely said, "The marketing accounts and personal accounts have already started collecting evidence and are preparing to sue."

Tang Ruoyao responded with an "okay."

Unlike some talent agencies, An Ling didn't send a preliminary warning statement but went straight to legal procedures. Invasion of privacy, spreading rumors, malicious insults—the severity of the offenses varied. The internet wasn't a lawless place, and after suppressing her anger for several years, An Ling was waiting for the opportunity to show her strength. She had money and time, and she wouldn't let any of them off the hook, especially the first studio that exposed her, Xi Si Studio. If the evidence was insufficient, she would dig up old accounts. These entertainment news studios all had some skeletons in the closet and a history of offending people. If she didn't make an example out of them, An Ling's name would be spelled backward.

As for those malicious and rumor-spreading netizens who did it for temporary satisfaction, An Ling had her lawyers collecting evidence. Although the court summons would take some time, they would definitely be served.

An Ling picked up the iced coffee in front of her and took a sip, a cool sensation rushing to her head. She shrugged her shoulders and trembled lightly, restraining her overly excited emotions. She asked, "Regarding Ningning's matter, what does Qin Yinong think? If we delay the clarification too much, it won't have a good effect."

"I'll ask and give you a call later." Tang Ruoyao tilted her head and glanced at the mother and daughter sitting by the floor-to-ceiling window in the living room, her eyes filled with tenderness. The resemblance between the two was striking—they were like two peas in a pod.

......

Qin Yinong once again showed her complete incompetence in building blocks, while Qin Jianing patiently taught her mother. However, Qin Yinong seemed a bit absent-minded, occasionally glancing towards Tang Ruoyao sitting in a corner of the sofa.

In front of her was an open laptop, her fingers moving on the touchpad. The screen's light faintly reflected on her fair face, her expression focused.

Perhaps she hadn't realized it herself, but there was a slight seriousness in her expression. Her originally cold facial features appeared more distant and indifferent, yet they had an astonishing allure to Qin Yinong. Because she had witnessed the scorching fire hidden beneath that icy mountain.

She also knew how radiant her icy and snow-like appearance could be, but most importantly, it would only bloom for herself.

The sound of building blocks suddenly became quiet, and the spinning of the balcony's washing machine also became silent. The world became still. The flow of blood in her veins suddenly became clear, and Qin Yinong felt her heartbeat quicken.

A certain passionate emotion surged and filled her heart, restless, desiring, wanting to be close and dependent. However, strangely enough, just by looking at the other person, she felt her soul unusually calm and peaceful.

Together forever, never to be separated.

This wasn't just a sweet sentiment, but a promise taking root in Qin Yinong's heart.

Qin Jia Ning lifted her head and followed Qin Yinong's gaze, her grip on the building blocks tightening. She tugged at Qin Yinong's sleeve, softly calling her attention, "Mom."

Qin Yinong responded gently, "What's wrong?"

Qin Jianing looked at her, and after a few seconds, her eyes became slightly red. She quickly lowered her head, pretending to play with the building blocks, and remained silent.

Qin Yinong had spent so much time acting alongside Tang Ruoyao that she wouldn't be fooled even by a little baby. Qin Yinong held the little girl's shoulders with both hands and encouraged her in a soft voice to slowly lift her head.

Qin Jianing, with teary eyes, sounded a bit aggrieved, "Mom, are you going to be together with Auntie Tang?"

Qin Yinong was taken aback and asked, "Who told you that?"

How could a little child understand what it meant to "be together"?

Qin Jianing, with a hint of a sob in her voice, said intermittently, "I... this morning... heard... Auntie Tang saying... she's your girlfriend."

Qin Yinong: "!!!"

Author's Note:

Qin Jianing, who sees through everything secretly: I'm having a hard time.jpg

Qin Jianing's intelligence level is rising.

PS: It's been a few days of peaceful time. Everyone, leave a comment quickly, or else the pomegranate is getting ready to sharpen its knife. [Not really]

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