CHAPTER 153

Qin Yinong: "!!!"

She couldn't care less if someone had no shame in front of her, but why would they say such nonsense in front of a child?!

She turned her head and glared at Tang Ruoyao, but Tang Ruoyao was busy on the phone and didn't notice. By the time she realized it, Qin Yinong's gaze had already shifted.

Tang Ruoyao: "???"

Qin Yinong attempted to salvage the situation and explained softly, "Girlfriend means a female friend. Mom has many female friends, like Auntie Guan Han and Grandma An Ling. They are all Mom's friends."

Qin Jianing wasn't foolish and retorted crisply, "You're lying. Auntie Guan Han is your assistant, and Grandma An Ling is so old."

Grandma An Ling, who was "so old," let out a thunderous sneeze amidst her busy schedule.

Qin Jianing lowered her voice and said, "Our teacher said that boyfriends and girlfriends are very close people, and they might even form a family in the future. Are you bringing her home because you want to marry her?"

Qin Yinong: "..."

She thought to herself, "Your teacher teaches you a lot."

In recent years, the official stance in China towards homosexuality had become neutrally supportive without explicit acknowledgment, but public opinion and awareness had become more open than before, with rainbows visible everywhere. There were even rumors that China might pass legislation on same-sex marriage within the next ten years.

Qin Jianing attended an elite bilingual kindergarten with progressive teaching methods. In her understanding, it made no difference whether her mom liked boys or girls. The only person who mattered in her heart was the person chosen by Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong glanced at Tang Ruoyao, who was still focused on her task, and lifted Qin Jianing onto her lap. She patiently waited for the little child's stiff body to gradually relax before gently asking, "Do you not like it when Mom and Auntie Tang are together?"

Qin Jianing shook her head, but tears stubbornly rolled down her cheeks.

Even though she was mature for her age, she couldn't hide her emotions for the time being.

She stood up in Qin Yinong's embrace, lowered her little head, and choked back her sobs as she said, "Mom, I want to go practice the piano."

Qin Yinong pulled her back into her embrace and encouraged her gently, "Is there something you want to tell Mom? Aren't we the closest people?"

"But Auntie Tang..."

"You don't have to worry about Auntie Tang. Auntie Tang is so clueless, let's talk about our own matters." Qin Yinong silently apologized to Tang Ruoyao in her heart.

Qin Jianing wiped away her tears and smiled.

"I don't dislike you being together." Ningning nestled in Qin Yinong's arms, her hands resting on Qin Yinong's shoulders. Finally, she whispered the truth in her ear, sounding a little aggrieved, "But ever since she came, you always look at her and never look at me."

Ningning stepped back, looking at Qin Yinong nervously.

Qin Yinong sincerely apologized, "Mom was wrong. I will learn from this lesson and spend more time with Ningning. But..." She lowered her head slightly, maintaining eye contact with Ningning, and explained softly, "Mom has some things going on, and Auntie Tang is helping me solve them. That's why Mom has time to be here with you. Shouldn't I care about Auntie Tang?"

Ningning glanced at Tang Ruoyao, who was genuinely busy working on her computer, and then looked at Qin Yinong, who seemed relaxed and idle. She nodded.

Qin Yinong said, "Auntie Tang likes Mom very much, and she also likes you. The reason she acts silly in front of you is that she doesn't know how to make you like her."

Ningning said in confusion, "Why should I like her? If you like her, isn't that enough? Our teacher said that everyone is an independent individual, and I won't interfere with your personal choices. If I cry and throw tantrums, will you not be with Auntie Tang anymore?"

Caught off guard by Ningning's counter-argument, Qin Yinong was at a loss for words.

Qin Yinong planned to change her approach, appealing to emotions and reasoning, but she caught a glimpse of Tang Ruoyao approaching.

Qin Yinong looked at Ningning's expression, which seemed much calmer and composed. She didn't know if Ningning truly thought that way or if she was momentarily deceiving herself with some newly learned logic from somewhere.

Being too mature at such a young age was really not a good thing. She couldn't even reason with her. Tang Ruoyao seemed better in comparison. At least Tang Ruoyao could follow her line of thinking. From another perspective, was Tang Ruoyao really not as intelligent as Qin Jianing had claimed?

Qin Yinong couldn't help but smile.

Tang Ruoyao, still a little frightened, dared not look at Qin Jianing. She kept her gaze fixed on Qin Yinong's face and spoke without sounding overly affectionate, saying, "An Ling asked me to ask you something."

Qin Yinong said to Ningning, "Mom has some important matters to discuss with Auntie Tang, so let Auntie Guan Han play with you for now."

Guan Han stepped forward.

Ningning watched their retreating figures, holding the building blocks without moving for a long time.

The two of them went upstairs to the bedroom, with Qin Yinong leading the way and Tang Ruoyao following behind, absentmindedly closing the door. Qin Yinong turned around and said, "What did An Ling say—mmph."

Before she could finish her sentence, Tang Ruoyao pushed her against the door and kissed her lips.

Qin Yinong didn't resist and wrapped her arms around Tang Ruoyao.

It was the first proper kiss they had shared in three months—urgent, deep, and a longing to be closely connected. At first, it was chaotic, but they gradually immersed themselves in the kiss, savoring the moment without any particular technique.

Qin Yinong leaned against the cold door panel, her fingertips gently combing through Tang Ruoyao's long hair from the roots to the ends. Tang Ruoyao's hair was being pulled slightly, causing a tingling sensation that spread throughout her body. She leaned against Qin Yinong's arms and began to feel weak.

"An Ling said," Tang Ruoyao interrupted the escalating situation and brought up the main issue. Her amber eyes were filled with a beautiful mist, and she breathed lightly, "She asked if you have figured out how to clarify Ningning's identity."

Qin Yinong lightly massaged her scalp with her fingertips, looking down at her fingers unconsciously tugging at Tang Ruoyao's collar. Tang Ruoyao, nestled in her embrace, enjoyed the feeling of being completely possessed by her.

Qin Yinong squinted contentedly, holding Tang Ruoyao even tighter, and casually said, "Why should we clarify? What can I clarify? Should I say that she's my sister's daughter? Do you know how she would react? She's still so young."

She had never taken it seriously. Initially, she was only angry about the exposure of Ningning's photos and information. When the media claimed that she had a illegitimate child, she had no objections. Compared to those baseless slanders, at least that was partially true.

Tang Ruoyao understood what she meant.

Qin Luning passed away early, and Qin Yinong had initially played the role of a mother in Ningning's life. Unless something unexpected happened, she would continue to play that role until Ningning grew up and had a complete personality and understanding, and then she would tell her the truth.

"What should I reply to An Ling, then?"

"You can tell her that we won't clarify or respond, and I will handle it personally at the right time."

"At the right time?" Tang Ruoyao asked.

"Mm." Qin Yinong blinked, teasingly withholding the answer and said, "You'll know when the time comes."

If Qin Yinong didn't say it, Tang Ruoyao wouldn't ask. Her inherent trust in Qin Yinong left her with no curiosity.

"Should we go downstairs now?" Tang Ruoyao looked up at her, her eyes clearly expressing reluctance.

"Not yet, later."

A kiss couldn't satisfy the longing that had accumulated over the past three months.

Qin Yinong gently caressed Tang Ruoyao's cheek. Tang Ruoyao and she locked eyes, and a certain intense emotion rose simultaneously from their hearts. Their blood rushed to their hearts, and Qin Yinong couldn't restrain herself any longer. Her breathing deepened, and she kissed her passionately...

......

Ji Family.

Ji Shulan sat in a chair in her room, her forehead wrapped in layers of white bandages. The doctor had tied a knot behind her head and silently nodded before leaving with the medicine box. A servant knocked on the door and reminded her, "Miss Shulan, the car is ready, you should go home."

Ji Shulan slowly raised her eyes and the servant raised her voice and repeated, "You should go home."

Ji Shulan stood up and followed the servant's footsteps into the car in the courtyard. With no one else around, a short smile finally appeared on her aged face. The dry wrinkles stretched out, faintly revealing her once youthful and beautiful appearance.

Her third brother had promised her.

She wasn't useless. At the very least, she could do something for Qin Yinong.

Ji Yunyao rarely checked Weibo, she didn't have the time or interest. So she had no idea about the exposure of Ningning's information. That night, she accompanied clients for dinner, had a few drinks, and went to sleep when she returned. The next day, she had to return to Beijing early.

As soon as she arrived at the company, she received a call from the Ji family patriarch.

Ji Yunyao had moved out of the ancestral home a long time ago and rarely came back except for family gatherings. She drove her sports car directly into the courtyard, and under the respectful greetings of the servants, she strode into the house.

"Grandfather." Ji Yunyao took off her sunglasses and casually handed them to the servant guarding the study, then pushed open the door and entered.

The Ji family patriarch's cold and numb attitude towards Ji Shulan changed immediately, and he kindly raised his eyebrows and beckoned to Ji Yunyao. Ji Yunyao embraced the old man, tidied his salt-and-pepper short hair gently, and softly asked, "Grandfather, is there something you want me to do?"

The old family patriarch patted his granddaughter's hand back amiably and said, "It's nothing major, but it's most suitable for you to handle."

......

Ji Yunyao walked out of the study with a playful look in her eyes.

She glanced sideways at the waiting servant, who bowed deeply with his head lowered. The servant respectfully presented her with the sunglasses, and Ji Yunyao put them back on before casually strolling out.

After all, her grandfather had only asked for her help. It was up to her to decide how far she would help and when. She was busy, and she didn't have time to fit such trivial matters into her busy schedule. Whenever she remembered, she would play a game with her dear sister.

She actually felt that this matter was not worth worrying about at all. Qin Yinong was much more capable than Ji Shulan and her grandfather had imagined. Those few insignificant nuisances were nothing. If they could affect Qin Yinong, that would be strange. Qin Yinong wouldn't come to the Ji family for help. If they really came knocking on the Ji family's door, Ji Yunyao would generously help them. She could bully Qin Yinong, but who were these outsiders?

However, her planned trip to Disneyland with Ningning was probably going to be canceled. A coldness flickered in Ji Yunyao's eyes as she made a call to her secretary, her tone icy, "Help me check something..."

If anyone dared to touch her precious little darling, she would skin them alive!

.......

Guan Han's talent in building blocks was slightly better than Qin Yinong's, but she was still being dominated by the child. The children had divided attention, bullying Guan Han while keeping an eye on the motionless upstairs.

"How long have they been up there?" Ningning asked.

Guan Han, who had a good sense of time, looked at her wrist and said, "Twenty-nine minutes."

"Oh," Ningning responded. She asked, "Do you still want to play?"

"I'm fine with it, what about you?" Guan Han asked.

"I don't want to play anymore, let's put it away. Thank you, Auntie Guan Han." Ningning said.

Guan Han agreed.

The two of them together put the building blocks back into the box.

Ningning pursed her lips, stood up, and said, "I want to go to the small garden and swing on the swing."

Guan Han took her to the swing in the small garden.

The small garden had a wide view, and when they looked up, they could see Qin Yinong's bedroom. Guan Han followed Ningning's gaze and looked over. The bedroom curtains were tightly closed, with no light coming in, let alone seeing anyone inside.

Guan Han felt dizzy from knocking her head.

Ningning tapped her hand back and said, "Auntie Guan Han, I want to come down."

Guan Han carried her down.

Ningning suddenly squatted down on the ground, arms wrapped around her knees.

Guān Hán: "???"

Then she stood up on her own and said, "I want to practice the piano."

This time, they really went into the piano room. After practicing for the first half hour, the two parents finally came downstairs, belatedly. The sound of the piano couldn't be heard in the bedroom on the second floor, but it became apparent as soon as they came downstairs.

Qin Yinong paused for a moment and asked Guan Han, "Why did she go back to practice the piano again?"

Guan Han shook her head and explained Ningning's unusual behavior.

Qin Yinong furrowed her brow and entered the piano room, not coming out for a while.

Guan Han glanced at Tang Ruoyao's obviously swollen lips and casually looked away.

Tang Ruoyao went to call An Líng back.

After finishing the call, she anxiously glanced in the direction of the piano room, opened her laptop, started a blank document, and contemplated as she typed — "On the Dilemma and Solution of Complex Parental Relationships Development."

Afterwards, the two of them never had another chance to be alone. Qin Yinong held Qin Jianing, who had already been pacified, and came out. Tang Ruoyao and her exchanged a meaningful glance. Watching Qin Yinong take a storybook and tell Qin Jianing a story, eat lunch together, and put her to sleep for a nap.

Qin Yinong, exhausted, slumped into Tang Ruoyao's arms and jokingly complained, "It's better if you're not here. I'm even more tired when you're here."

Tang Ruoyao helped her up, massaging her shoulders, and smiled, "How is it related to me?"

Qin Yinong, afraid of waking up the little devil during her nap, spoke softly in the living room, "She wasn't so clingy to me before. My mom, Fang Yí, Guan Han, anyone could take care of her. I used to occasionally accompany her, and she would be all smiles. But now, she only wants me!"

"Well, it's my fault." Tang Ruoyao good-naturedly took the blame.

She bore all the hardships without complaint, but Qin Yinong felt guilty. She objectively said, "I have a responsibility too. I didn't plan the strategy in advance." Originally, Qin Yinong planned to gradually let Ningning understand Tang Ruoyao, starting as friends and then transitioning to a different relationship. Who knew...

"It happened suddenly, so you can't be blamed." Tang Ruoyao said.

"And you can't be blamed either."

The two smiled at each other.

Since the situation had already developed, Tang Ruoyao had moved in and couldn't be rushed out. Qin Yinong couldn't leave with her either, to have their own time together, as Qin Jianing would probably think Auntie Tang had taken her mom away.

"I have a solution," Tang Ruoyao said, "but it would inconvenience you."

"Tell me."

"Don't stay at home, go to the company or go back to our previous home, anywhere but here."

Qin Yinong quickly grasped the idea, but she didn't immediately agree.

From a rational standpoint, this method would eliminate Qin Yinong's influence in the shortest possible time, improve the bond between Tang Ruoyao and Ningning. However, emotionally, it not only inconvenienced Qin Yinong but also Tang Ruoyao.

They hadn't seen each other for a long time and wanted to stick together at all times, but now they had to make concessions repeatedly for Ningning's subjective feelings. Tang Ruoyao was her lover, and she couldn't keep asking her to give in.

Qin Yinong looked at her for a few seconds and shook her head.

Tang Ruoyao met her gaze and simply said, "We are adults."

Qin Yinong bit her lip, refusing to make a clear statement.

Tang Ruoyao didn't push her and had a gentle look in her eyes.

Sooner or later, she would come to understand.

Tang Ruoyao didn't believe Qin Yinong couldn't think of this solution; she just couldn't bear it. But Tang Ruoyao was willing to take the initiative and be the "bad guy."

The phone on the table vibrated.

Tang Ruoyao picked it up and saw the caller ID, her expression becoming somewhat complicated.

Qin Yinong noticed and asked, "Who is it?"

Tang Ruoyao said, "Director Han."

Qin Yinong: "..." She unconsciously swallowed and with a hint of fear, said, "Will you answer it?"

Tang Ruoyao said, "Yes."

A true warrior, daring to face Director Han's raging spittle.

Tang Ruoyao took a deep breath and moved her finger to the answer button.

Qin Yinong gritted her teeth and said, "Wait, let me do it."

But Tang Ruoyao had already answered, signaling her to be quiet. She walked to the side and humbly said, "Director Han."

Han Yuping's voice was at least eight decibels higher than usual, almost roaring, "Where is Qin Yinong?! Let that old dog answer the phone!"

Tang Ruoyao remained calm, "She's not here."

"What is she doing?!" Han Yuping said, "Her phone is still off, how many times have I called her? It's high noon, and she still hasn't turned it on?! Tell her, if she doesn't call me back soon, I'll cut off all ties with her!"

Han Yuping paced back and forth in the room.

Who knows what his thought process was like yesterday: Qin Yinong's illegitimate daughter exposed? What kind of international joke is this? She doesn't have any damn time to get married and have a child—photos? Let me see what the child looks like—thunderstruck! If it weren't for the fact that she's my daughter, Han Yuping, spelled backward, is still Han Yuping! Damn! That old dog, not a human being, hiding this from me for so many years! I treated her like my own daughter!

He had already had a round of arguments with Lin Guoan last night, or else he would have been even more explosive today.

Han Yuping fired off a series of questions, "Is that child really her biological daughter? When was she born? Who is the child's father?" He suddenly realized who the protagonist of his call was, "Then you..." Didn't you get played?

Han Yuping cautiously asked, "Are you two still together? You haven't broken up, right?"

"No," Tang Ruoyao chuckled, "We're doing well together."

Han Yuping immediately restrained himself and impatiently asked, "What exactly is going on?"

Tang Ruoyao felt a pat on her shoulder, and Qin Yinong took her phone and held it to her ear, preparing a smile as gentle as a spring breeze, and said, "Uncle."

Han Yuping: "You old dog! I don't feel like scolding you. Just tell me the truth!"

Tang Ruoyao nervously stared at Qin Yinong, who gave her a reassuring look and asked, "Is there anyone around you?"

"No."

Qin Yinong explained everything in detail, revealing the true identity of Ningning.

Han Yuping was angry, but he wasn't unreasonable. He just expressed his dissatisfaction, saying, "Why did you keep this from me? Do you think I would spread it around?"

Qin Yinong maintained a very humble attitude and said, "I'm sorry, Uncle."

Han Yuping sighed, showing a hint of softness. He said, "Forget it."

Then he changed the subject and asked, "When can I meet her? If you don't bring her to my house for a meal, I'll really be mad. Or I can come to your place. Is the little girl afraid of strangers? What does she like? Does she like Barbie dolls?" His tone was completely different from before, containing a hint of anticipation.

The old fox finally showed its tail.

Qin Yinong suddenly realized and couldn't help but laugh.

It turned out that Han Yuping's imposing inquiry was ultimately just for this sentence.

Han Yuping had a distant relationship with his own relatives. After learning that Qin Yinong had a daughter, he was initially annoyed, but then he was overjoyed. He and his wife were so excited that they didn't sleep all night—they could consider themselves having a granddaughter!

They say that the relationship between generations is distant, but Han Yuping had already imagined a series of scenes of grandfather and granddaughter interacting, smiling with happiness all over his face.

Qin Yinong said, "She's taking a nap right now. I'll have her call you back when she wakes up."

Han Yuping was overjoyed but tried to maintain a stern face. He said, "Okay." After a pause, he added, "As soon as possible."

Qin Yinong replied, "Alright."

Han Yuping asked, "Is there anything I can help with?"

Qin Yinong said, "If there is, I'll let you know. When have I ever been polite to you?"

Han Yuping laughed, "True. Oh, by the way... What's her name?"

Qin Yinong said, "Her name is Qin Jianing. The 'Jian' in her name means virtuous and righteous, and the 'Ning' means peaceful and tranquil. Her nickname is Ningning."

Han Yuping praised it as a good name and hung up the phone, using the excuse of not wanting to disturb Qin Yinong. However, before ending the call, he reminded Qin Yinong to make sure the child called him.

Han Yuping found it much easier to handle than he had imagined. Qin Yinong shrugged at Tang Ruoyao, his expression filled with joy, and said, "Ningning will have another set of grandparents."

"Isn't that great?" Tang Ruoyao held her hand and naturally slipped her fingers in between, asking, "Are you feeling more relaxed now?"

Qin Yinong made a sound of agreement.

Han Yuping had been open and honest with her, but she had always had some reservations and felt guilty. Now, with the reason of media exposure, she explained everything in detail, as if a huge burden had been lifted from her heart.

Tang Ruoyao suddenly said in a surprised tone, "Hey, have you noticed?"

Qin Yinong, immersed in a relaxed mood, still had a smile in her eyes. "Notice what?"

Tang Ruoyao's lips curved into a smile as she said, "Everything has two sides. Bad things can also turn into good things. We should always remain hopeful, endure the long night, and the next step will be a new daybreak."

Qin Yinong tilted her head and said, "By that logic, good things can also turn into bad things. The clear sky can suddenly change into a storm with pouring rain."

Tang Ruoyao raised the hand that was interlocked with Qin Yinong's fingers in front of her and said, "As long as I'm holding your hand, what do you have to fear?"

Qin Yinong smiled gently.

Tang Ruoyao smiled too.

Both of them had tears of warmth in their eyes.

With such a good atmosphere, Tang Ruoyao suddenly knelt down on one knee, startling Qin Yinong, thinking that she was about to produce an engagement ring from her hand the next second. Tang Ruoyao knelt in front of her with one knee, not holding anything, and looked up at her, saying, "Last night, I teased you, and now I'm seriously asking you again."

Qin Yinong looked at the sincere face of the young woman and felt a sudden skip in her heartbeat.

Tang Ruoyao said, "Whether in prosperity or adversity, wealth or poverty, health or sickness, happiness or sorrow, I will always love and cherish you, be loyal to you, and stand by you through thick and thin, in life and death."

Tang Ruoyao let out a gentle sigh and nervously pinched her fingertip behind her back, restraining her trembling voice, and asked, "So, would you like to be my girlfriend?"

Qin Yinong didn't hesitate at all and said, "I would."

Tang Ruoyao took her hand and placed a kiss on the smooth back of her hand. With the support of Qin Yinong's strength, she stood up, smiling from ear to ear.

Qin Yinong gently touched her long hair.

Guan Han, who had been observing everything, had a blank mind for a full ten minutes. Then, for another ten minutes, she continued to imagine scenarios, including a wedding and a house full of children and grandchildren. After regaining her composure, she worried and thought, "Miss Yao said the marriage vows in advance, what will we do at the wedding? And what about the proposal?"

Heavens! Have I just supported the wrong CP?

Author's Note:

There's not much to bet on when it comes to the role preferences, so let's try something new. How about guessing who will propose first?

I'll check the number of supporters for each side in the comments to decide who proposes first. This is a detail that you all can influence, so leave a comment and cast your valuable vote, hahaha.

PS: Maybe some of you haven't noticed, this story is set in an alternate universe where the country is called Huaxia, so there are some differences from reality, such as the progress of legalizing same-sex marriage.

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